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    England No1 Jordan Pickford has NIGHTMARE for Everton after clanger gifts goal against Bournemouth days before World Cup

    ENGLAND No1 Jordan Pickford had a HOWLER on the eve of the World Cup after gifting Bournemouth two goals.The Everton goalkeeper spilled the ball allowing Marcus Tavernier to tap home for the first goal.

    Pickford gifted Bournemouth their first goal and flapped at the secondCredit: PA
    The first clanger garnered chants of “you’re just a s**t Aaron Ramsdale” on the eve of the winter tournament.
    Pickford then made a mess of Bournemouth’s second.
    He wanted play stopped for James Tarkowski, who was down with a head injury.
    However, Bournemouth played on and he was caught out by Kieffer Moore.

    The 28-year-old is expected to be England’s No1 in Qatar but his form will be a new cause for concern for Gareth Southgate.
    One fan said on Twitter: “Pickford has had an absolute shocker. It’s such an easy catch. We’re a complete mess.”
    Another said: “Jordan Pickford getting his customary mistake before the World Cup out of the way there is he?”
    A third tweeted: “That’s shocking from Pickford. Absolutely shocking.”
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    Three Lions boss Southgate will also be sweating over any new injury concerns.
    One could be James Maddison, who limped off for Leicester against West Ham shortly after scoring the opener.
    Maddison went down holding what appeared to be his right hamstring.
    He was consoled by Hammers captain Declan Rice, who he will train and play alongside later this month if the injury doesn’t rule him out. More

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    Man City defender Aymeric Laporte sparks World Cup injury fears after Spain star suffers horror head gash vs Brentford

    AYMERIC LAPORTE suffered a World Cup scare after picking up a horror head injury in his last game before the tournament.The Manchester City defender was left with blood pouring down his face following a clash with Brentford ace Ethan Pinnock.
    Aymeric Laporte was left bloodied after taking a whack to the faceCredit: Reuters
    Play was halted for around 10 minutes so medics could tend to LaporteCredit: Getty
    Laporte played on after being heavily bandaged upCredit: EPA
    A stray elbow from Pinnock at a corner caught Laporte flush in the forehead.
    The 28-year-old was sent sprawling to the ground where he lay motionless, immediately sparking concern among the players.
    Play was quickly stopped to allow City medics to rush on.
    The game was halted for around 10 minutes as they tended to the stricken defender.
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    And the way Laporte stayed down on the floor inevitably led to concerns about his World Cup involvement.
    The defender has been called up to Spain’s squad for the tournament, which gets underway a week tomorrow.
    Fortunately for him, and Spain gaffer Luis Enrique, Laporte managed to continue.
    The 2010 champions kick off their campaign against Costa Rica, before a mouthwatering game against Germany.
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    Enrique and Co then finish the group stages with a clash against Japan.
    And Laporte is likely to be one of Spain’s starting centre-backs, after Sergio Ramos was a shock omission from the squad.
    That’s provided he didn’t pick up any lasting damage in the clash with Pinnock.
    At the Etihad Bees striker Ivan Toney opened the scoring after being snubbed by Gareth Southgate for England’s squad.
    Phil Foden then levelled on the stroke of half-time with a stunning half volley.
    But Brentford talisman Toney netted a 98th minute winner on the break to give the visitors an incredible victory at the Etihad.
    Ivan Toney scored twice to give Brentford a stunning 2-1 victoryCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Ain’t cool’ – Man Utd cult hero Ravel Morrison slams Ryanair after ‘heartless’ tweet to Jadon Sancho over World Cup axe

    FORMER Manchester United starlet Ravel Morrison has joined fans in defending Jadon Sancho after he was teased by Ryanair for missing out on a place in England’s World Cup squad.Sancho, 22, has endured a difficult start to the 2022-23 campaign.
    Sancho has been left out of the England squadCredit: Getty
    He has scored just three goals in 14 appearances across all competitions so far this season.
    So it came as little surprise to fans when it was announced that he had been left out of Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England squad for the upcoming Qatar World Cup.
    Once the full squad had been unveiled on Thursday afternoon, Ryanair were quick to respond to Sancho’s absence with a cheeky tweet.
    It read: “@Sanchooo10 we’ll still fly you somewhere” with a kiss emoji at the end.
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    Many fans immediately jumped to the defence of Sancho and slammed Ryanair for the “heartless” comment.
    One person said: “So we’re setting a precedent that it’s ok for major global businesses to mock young athletes? Embarrassing tweet.”
    Another added: “How a global brand like this gets away with blatant bullying on a global stage, during a month dedicated to mental health for men, is completely disgusting.”
    While a third said: “I don’t really like this tweet, I know it’s meant light heartedly, but he’s a player clearly low on confidence already and missing out on a World Cup isn’t a nice moment.
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    “Feel like these kind of jokes are better for smaller circumstances.”
    Former United star Morrison, who now plays for Wayne Rooney’s DC United, also took aim at the company, tweeting: “This ain’t cool!!”
    Ten Hag has played down Sancho’s omission from the England squad and blamed it on his recent illness.
    He said: “It’s been up and down.
    “He had some really good performances and I think he was heading in a good direction.
    “But the last weeks he struggled with illness and then it’s normal that you don’t get selected because every manager will only take fit players to the World Cup.”
    Sancho could return to United’s starting line-up on Sunday when the Red Devils take on Fulham. More

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    Watch Ivan Toney appear to send Gareth Southgate message as he celebrates Brentford goal v Man City after World Cup snub

    BRENTFORD striker Ivan Toney responded to his World Cup heartbreak by scoring a BRACE against Manchester City.Toney was snubbed by England manager Gareth Southgate for the 26-man squad.

    Toney celebrated by pointing to his earsCredit: Getty
    Southgate snubbed Toney despite his fine formCredit: Reuters
    Southgate instead opted for Newcastle striker Callum Wilson to deputise star man Harry Kane in Qatar.
    And Toney appears to have sent a message to the Three Lions gaffer by scoring a brace against the Premier League champions and sticking his fingers in his ears as a celebration.
    Toney’s goals at the Etihad was his eleventh across all competitions.
    That’s five more than Wilson, who pipped him to a World Cup spot.
    READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
    One fan said on Twitter: “England have made a mistake not selecting Ivan Toney for the World Cup.”
    Another said: “Some unflattering chants and time-honoured gestures of disapproval for England manager Gareth Southgate from Brentford’s fans, very obviously because of his decision to leave Ivan Toney out of England’s World Cup squad.”
    A third tweeted: “No World Cup, no problem for Ivan Toney.”
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    Southgate cited form as to why Tammy Abraham, in particular, was snubbed.
    But that wouldn’t apply to Toney – whose celebration may simply have been to Man City fans – who has nine Prem strikes in 14 games.
    Southgate said on the day of his Three Lions World Cup squad announcement: “Tammy has had a poor run of scoring form at the wrong time.
    “It is not a case where we are three or four weeks away from the first match, we are now 10 days, so form could be more important.
    “We are watching their club form but we don’t know where they are until we see them face to face.
    “You still don’t get the full picture until you work with them and see how they train with each other.” More

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    Inside Qatar’s brutal laws that could see England World Cup fans flogged & jailed just for drinking, photos or swearing

    THOUSANDS of football fans face being thrown behind bars or flogged over minor offences as they jet out to Qatar for the World Cup.Boozing, swearing, taking photos and even having sex could all land Brits jail sentences thanks to “vague” and “confusing” laws in the Muslim Gulf State.
    Qatari police will be on hand to keep order and enforce the nation’s lawsCredit: AFP
    Laws are ruthlessly strict – with strict limits on booze and sexCredit: AFP
    Qatari mounted police take part in a paradeCredit: AFP
    Qatar still has capital punishment – and legal medieval punishments include flogging and stoning, although the latter has never been used.
    About 1.2million people are expected to travel to Qatar ahead of the tournament kicking off on November 20.
    Radha Stirling, founder and director of the Detained in Dubai legal aid group, which has launched an app to help World Cup fans facing problems, has warned Brits could end up in trouble for trivial issues.
    She told The Sun Online: “Qatar has not experienced mass tourism before this year and it is highly likely visitors will get into trouble, similar to the cases we have seen in Dubai over the past decade.  
    More on the World Cup
    “It is difficult to advise people to ‘obey the law’ when the laws are so strict that Qatar is telling police to ‘go easy on tourists’ during the cup.
    “Arbitrary enforcement of the law creates confusion and risk to visitors.  
    “Like in Dubai, people are often singled out when a complaint is made to police by a local Qatari who has been ‘offended’ by a visitor.  
    “The police are then obliged to act on the complaint.” 
    Most read in The Sun
    Visitors could find themselves nicked for public drunkenness even if they have only had a tiny tipple because of the unclear nature of alcohol laws.
    For example, if a drinker is reported to cops for “offending” someone, they would likely be charged with public drunkenness.
    Guzzling booze in public spaces is also banned and could result in a six-month prison sentence or a hefty fine.
    Lashes have also been dished out for people found drinking alcohol.
    Meanwhile, taking photos without permission, flirting, swearing and arguing could also land footie fans in jail.
    According to Detained in Dubai, the first person to report behaviour to the police will be taken the most seriously, even if it is completely unfair.
    In Qatar, same-sex conduct is punishable by up to seven years in jail as it remains an offence under the Penal Code.
    Qatar’s abysmal human rights record means that abiding by the law does not protect visitors from prosecution or wrongful detentionRadha StirlingDetained in Dubai
    According to Article 296, “leading, instigating or seducing a male in any way to commit sodomy or dissipation” and “inducing or seducing a male or a female in any way to commit illegal or immoral actions” are crimes.
    Radha said: “Sex outside marriage is illegal in Qatar so couples who book hotel rooms together are already in violation of the law, simply ‘hoping’ the law won’t be enforced.  
    “Homosexuality is unlawful and those who share a hotel room could be equally at risk.  
    “Visiting a destination and ‘hoping’ that illegal acts are not prosecuted puts visitors in a dangerous situation.  
    “Qatar’s abysmal human rights record means that abiding by the law does not protect visitors from prosecution or wrongful detention.
    “Qatar should have been required to update laws to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of visitors expected this year.”
    Qatar has also been accused of curtailing freedom of expression by using harsh laws to stifle voices.
    Football fans could find themselves unwittingly on the wrong side of the lawCredit: AFP
    Protestors at the upcoming World Cup could be slapped with a five-year prison sentence and fines of up to £23,000 for “stirring up public opinion”.
    The punishments can be dished out thanks to a vague law passed in 2020, which Amnesty blasted as “an attack on freedom of expression… (that) could silence peaceful protest.”
    It reads: “Anyone who broadcasts, publishes, or republishes false or biased rumours, statements, or news, or inflammatory propaganda, domestically or abroad, with the intent to harm national interests, stir up public opinion, or infringe on the social system or the public system of the state.”
    Meanwhile, female football fans risk jail or flogging if they report being the victim of a sex attack, lawyers have warned.
    Figures show soccer stadiums become sex assault hotspots when booze-fuelled crowds flock to big games during tournaments.
    But thousands of women fans expected to travel to the Muslim Gulf State in November have been warned they face prosecution if they report offences.
    Qatar’s strict Islamic code outlaws all sexual contact between unmarried couples – making it an offence even if the woman has not consented.
    Around 100 prosecutions a year have been recorded under the strict “zina” laws banning sex and pregnancy outside of marriage.
    And even rape victims have been prosecuted after suspects claimed sex was consensual – and handed sentences ranging from seven years jail to flogging with a whip or stick.
    In 2016 a 22-year-old Dutch woman, named only as Laura, was convicted of extra-marital sex, fined £580 and given a one-year suspended sentence after reporting a brutal rape.
    She was drugged in a nightclub in Qatar before being sexually assaulted – but was arrested immediately when she reported the incident.
    Detained in Dubai has launched a new emergency help app for those travelling out for the World Cup.
    Radha said: “We have seen how Qatar overreacted when a British man was arrested for carrying an unused herb grinder or when they violated female passengers onboard a flight to Australia.  
    “Female rape victims have been jailed for sex outside marriage and local prisons are notorious for human rights violations.  
    “We have launched an app where people can use the chat function to request urgent help or to receive warning alerts and notifications to keep people out of trouble as much as possible.”
    In 2019, Conor Howard, from Scotland, was detained in Doha during a stopover flight between Australia and the UK over a brand new £10 herb grinder that authorities wrongly perceived as a “cannabis grinder”.
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    He was allowed to return home, but months later while trying to visit his mum in Corfu was arrested by Greek authorities after they were notified of an outstanding warrant issued by Qatar over drug possession allegations.
    Conor spent around a month in a Greek prison before being released on bail, when a court dropped a case over lack of evidence.
    Conor Howard was detained after authorities mistook a herb grinder for a ‘cannabis grinder’Credit: Conor Howard More

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    World Cup 2022 LIVE: Conte BEGS for Kane protection, Carragher urges Southgate to QUIT England job – latest

    LIVERPOOL legend Jamie Carragher has advised Gareth Southgate to quit as England boss after the World Cup.Carragher said: “If I was Gareth Southgate, I would make the Qatar World Cup my swansong as England manager.
    “Hopefully England will produce to a strong enough level to ensure that it is Southgate’s call.
    “He is intelligent enough to have sensed a mood shift over the last few months, even if some of the negativity surrounding him during the build-up to the tournament is a joke.”
    Antonio Conte has begged Gareth Southgate for Harry Kane to be protected at the World Cup.
    And stay tuned to our blog as SunSport will reveal the rest of the squad announcements.
    How to get free bets on football – the 17 best bookies to claim rewards and bonuses
    Stay tuned with all the latest ahead of the tournament…
    BREAKING – Maddison hobbles off through injury
    James Maddison has suffered an injury scare moments after scoring for Leicester at West Ham.
    Maddison, 25, fresh from being named in Gareth Southgate’s squad, opened the scoring at the London Stadium.
    But the midfielder as replaced before the half hour mark following a hamstring injury.
    Trossard on Blues link
    He said: “Chelsea have in any case not yet reported.
    “I want to finish strong at Brighton and leave for Qatar with that good feeling.”
    “Not with Brighton and not with me. I have to wait and see.”
    Despite denying an approach from the Blues, Trossard didn’t rule out a reunion with Potter at Stamford Bridge.
    He added: “It’s very difficult to answer that. That will have to wait until [after the World Cup].
    “I’m not on it at all right now. Brighton and the World Cup are the next goals. Afterwards, we’ll see where it ends.”
    Trossard denies Chelsea link
    Brighton star Leandro Trossard has denied claims that he’s been approached by Chelsea.
    The Blues have reportedly been sniffing around since Graham Potter replaced Thomas Tuchel in the Stamford Bridge dugout last month.
    The Belgium international is out of contract at the end of the season, although Brighton do have the option to extend his deal by a year.
    Trossard has caught the eye with a string of outstanding recent displays.
    He’s already scored seven Prem goals this term, just one fewer than his tally from the whole of 2021-2022.
    Only Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ivan Toney and Miguel Almiron have found the net more.

    Ronaldo ‘major doubt’ for Fulham clash ahead of World Cup
    Cristiano Ronaldo is a major doubt for Manchester United’s away day at Fulham on Sunday with the wantaway star missing training amid illness worries.
    The 37-year-old was absent for Man Utd’s 4-2 Carabao Cup win over Aston Villa during the week.
    Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag confirmed Ronaldo‘s absence was due to illness.
    And as a result, he missed training meaning he could be ruled out for United’s final Premier League game before the World Cup.
    Ten Hag’s men will travel to Craven Cottage to play league high flyers Fulham and Anthony Martial could be the man to lead the line.
    Brentford defeat City
    Huge Premier League news from the Etihad as Brentford have BEATEN Manchester City.
    A 2-1 away win means that Arsenal are still two points above their title rivals with the chance to go five clear with a win later tonight.
    Fan reaction to Toney strike against City
    One fan said on Twitter: “England have made a mistake not selecting Ivan Toney for the World Cup.”
    Another said: “Some unflattering chants and time-honoured gestures of disapproval for England manager Gareth Southgate from Brentford’s fans, very obviously because of his decision to leave Ivan Toney out of England’s World Cup squad.”
    A third tweeted: “No World Cup, no problem for Ivan Toney.”
    Ivan sets the Toney
    Brentford striker Ivan Toney responded to his World Cup heartbreak by scoring against Manchester City.
    Toney was snubbed by England manager Gareth Southgate for the 26-man squad.
    Southgate instead opted for Newcastle striker Callum Wilson to deputise star man Harry Kane in Qatar.
    And Toney appears to have sent a message to the Three Lions gaffer by scoring against the Premier League champions and sticking his fingers in his ears as a celebration.
    Toney’s goal at the Etihad was his tenth across all competitions.
    That’s four more than Wilson, who pipped him to a World Cup spot.

    Forget about 2018, says Trippier
    Kieran Trippier is determined to banish the ghosts of 2018 at the Qatar World Cup.
    The Newcastle star said: “We’ve got the squad to go one step further in Qatar.
    “It’s difficult to let go, I’m not going to lie, getting beat in a semi-final when you know you were so close. There is no point to prove but we could have been 3-0 up in the first 45 minutes.
    “You just need to forget about it, have your rest with your families after the tournament and try and move on as quickly as possible.
    “That’s long gone. We’ve all achieved things since then and now we want to put that right. We’ve made a final and now we want to go one step further.”
    Southgate right to snub Sancho, says Schmeichel
    Peter Schmeichel reckons Gareth Southgate was absolutely correct to leave Jadon Sancho out of his World Cup squad.
    Schemeichel said: “I don’t think he’s done enough.
    “I’m a little bit disappointed with the talent that he has, and yes it’s difficult to come to Old Trafford with that price-tag, I understand that.
    “But he’s shown that he can do whatever he did at Borussia Dortmund, he just hasn’t done it enough.”
    More on Son selection
    Son will be heading to Qatar to contest the World Cup, where South Korea will play Uruguay, Ghana and Portugal in Group H.
    Their first game will be against South Americans Uruguay on November 24.
    However, manager Bento is not sure when Son will return to training.
    He said: “We don’t have that information yet.
    “We are in contact with him, with the Tottenham medical department.
    “We need to wait, we need to analyse day by day his situation.
    “We have time to decide and the most important is he recovers as well as possible, he feels comfortable and then we will take the final decision.”
    Son named in South Korea squad despite surgery
    Tottenham ace Son Heung-min has been named in South Korea’s World Cup squad despite manager Paulo Bento not being sure when the 30-year-old can train.
    Son picked up an injury in Spurs’ Champions League clash with Marseille.
    A collision with ex-Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba left the South Korean idol with a broken orbital bone.
    As a result, Son had to have eye surgery, which was successful.
    Spiranac rates new USA shirt
    Paige Spiranac showed off the USA’s kit ahead of their World Cup showdown with England in Qatar.
    The golf beauty, 29, has traded clubs and putting greens for football.
    In a Twitter video, the social media sensation said: “Hi everyone it’s Paige and I have here the World Cup USA kit.
    “A lot of people are very disappointed because they think it’s quite boring.

    “Honestly, I have to agree.
    “They were just like ‘you know what, we are just going to mail it in’.
    “‘We’re just going to make it all white and put USA on the front’. Like, what is this?”
    USA will kick off their World Cup Group B campaign against Wales on November 21.
    Redknapp’s red hot England

    Harry Redknapp’s starting XI
    Harry Redknapp has picked his England starting line up for the World Cup.
    Redknapp told BetVictor: “I’m sure Gareth will play a completely different system and probably a very different team, but this would be my team.”
    Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Dier, Maguire, Stones, Shaw; Bellingham, Rice; Grealish, Kane, Saka
    Redknapp highlights England squad surprises
    Harry Redknapp reveals what he thinks of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the Qatar World Cup.
    Redknapp told BetVictor: “Gareth’s named his squad now, so exciting couple of weeks ahead for the build-up. We’re all looking forward to this World Cup.
    “One or two not massive surprises, one or two of the lads will be disappointed not to go.
    “I think Ivan Toney will be disappointed. Ward-Prowse, I thought he might have gone.
    “But in the main, I think it pretty much picked itself, so this is the squad.”
    Ryan Air slammed for mocking Sancho
    Well-known airline Ryan Air have been slammed by Manchester United fans for mocking Jadon Sancho.
    The England winger was left out of Gareth Southgate’s 26-man side for the upcoming tournament in Qatar.
    And Ryan Air tweeted Sancho shortly after saying: “We’ll still fly you somewhere” with a kiss emoji.
    Fans thought that this was not right including Ravel Morrison who tweeted: “this ain’t cool”.
    Gallagher’s surprise call-up
    Popular journalist David Ornstein has revealed that some people at Chelsea were surprised by Conor Gallagher’s World Cup inclusion.
    Gallagher the all-important call up on Thursday afternoon to say that he’d be heading off to Qatar this winter.
    But people at Stamford Bridge were reportedly shocked as he has featured less than Ruben Loftus-Cheek for Chelsea.
    Ornstein said:
    “Conor Gallagher, no doubt he’ll be absolutely made up. You do sense some surprise across the industry, maybe even a few people I’ve spoken to at Chelsea,” said Ornstein.  
    “They are obviously delighted for him, but I’m not sure they thought he’d been in. Especially as someone like Ruben Loftus-Cheek has actually been more heavily involved for Chelsea this season than Conor Gallagher has.”
    Morrell outrage over human rights at World Cup
    Joe Morrell says Wales’ players will still speak out about human rights issues in Qatar, writes Phil Cadden.
    Fifa have told teams to focus on the World Cup rather than the host country’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws or treatment of migrant workers.
    But Pompey midfielder Morrell said: “We have a very switched-on squad who are more than happy to talk about these subjects. It’s important that we do raise the issues Qatar has had.
    “There are a lot of issues that we feel Qatar need to do a bit better with.
    “As players we have got to try to find the balance between being professional and maybe try and inspire a bit of change.”
    Karren Brady: Fifa has sunk so low
    The mistake was, said ex-Fifa president Sepp Blatter with the air of the man who had just found the Mary Celeste, that Qatar was too small for a World Cup, writes Karren Brady.
    The handsome merchant brigantine — that’s the ship, not Blatter — was found drifting minus the whole crew and later sold off only to be deliberately wrecked in an insurance scam.
    Rather like the supreme committee who elected Qatar. They have also disappeared, one or two of them to prison, most others in hiding — tarnished by accusations of bribery, fraud and money-laundering.
    They left us all with the biggest sporting event after the Olympics to be held in a desert. Old man Blatter’s confession understates the country’s unsuitability with a schoolboy excuse.
    Too small? It’s also too hot, too prejudiced, too sober, too restricted, too male-orientated, too undemocratic. Readers might wish to add to this list.
    Now some chap who was once a local footballer — and incredibly said that homosexuality is ‘damage to the mind’ — asks us all to be kind to Qatar and leave it in peace to get on with hosting.
    So has Fifa chief Gianni Infantino, who by the way moved to Doha a year ago. They are entitled to their opinion, as are we all.
    Conte: Don’t Cane Harry
    Antonio Conte told England boss Gareth Southgate: Look after Harry Kane, writes Rob Maul.
    The Tottenham striker has played more minutes than any other Premier League star this term.
    England face Iran in their World Cup opener in nine days and Conte warned: “There’s a big risk. All the players have played a lot.
    “Coaches of national teams have to be very good to manage the situation.
    “When you are a player like Harry that gives everything in every game, it’s very difficult to give him rest, to put him on the bench.
    “After our game against Leeds there are eight days to prepare for the World Cup.
    “Until now, we have managed the situation and, believe me, it was really, really difficult.
    “To play 13 club games in 43 days, mentally you could be a bit tired.”
    Good morning World Cup fans
    Jamie Carragher has sensationally told Gareth Southgate to stand down as England boss after the World Cup.
    He said: “If I was Gareth Southgate, I would make the Qatar World Cup my swan song as England manager.
    “Hopefully England will produce to a strong enough level to ensure that it is Southgate’s call.
    “After his excellence in the job to this point, the least he deserves is to leave on his own terms when he feels the time is right.
    “He is intelligent enough to have sensed a mood shift over the last few months, even if some of the negativity surrounding him during the build-up to the tournament is a joke.”
    Meanwhile, Spain have left legendary defender Sergio Ramos and goalkeeper David De Gea out of their World Cup squad.
    Liverpool midfielder Thiago also misses out having last appeared for his country at the Euros in 2021.
    But Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta plus Manchester City duo Aymeric Laporte and Rodri made the cut.
    Brentford and Brighton goalies David Raya and Robert Sanchez also got picked.
    Finally, Wayne Rooney has backed Jude Bellingham to shine at the World Cup after getting a Championship bruising from him.
    Bellingham went toe-to-toe with England’s all-time top scorer back in 2020 as Rooney’s Derby beat Birmingham 3-1.
    Rooney, 37, said: “I played against Bellingham when he was at Birmingham and I was playing for Derby.
    “He marked me and was only about 16. What I really liked about him is when I passed the ball off he would leave a stud on me and I remember thinking he had something about him.”
    Van Gaal reveals ‘naked’ WC snubs
    Former Man Utd boss Louis van Gaal has hilariously revealed how some Holland players were “naked” while being told they had NOT made his World Cup squad.
    Van Gaal said: “It’s not easy dropping someone.
    “I spent 1 hour and 45 minutes Facetiming the 11 players this morning. It wasn’t easy.
    “I also took into account the time difference with the English players. I saw some naked players because they were still in bed.”
    Gallagher can be England’s new Lampard
    Conor Gallagher has already been compared to Frank Lampard at club level – but the Chelsea ace is now being tipped to replicate the legendary midfielder for England.
    Jermaine Jenas explained: “He reminds me a lot of Lampard and also he [Gareth Southgate] likes to promote from within.
    “I think he is a game-changer as well Conor Gallagher. He’s the type of player that you bring on and he has an impact on the game.
    “He presses, gets himself in the box and creates chances.”
    Schmeichel backs Southgate’s Sancho snub
    Peter Schmeichel reckons Gareth Southgate was absolutely correct to leave Jadon Sancho out of his World Cup squad.
    Schemeichel said: “I don’t think he’s done enough.
    “I’m a little bit disappointed with the talent that he has, and yes it’s difficult to come to Old Trafford with that price-tag, I understand that.
    “But he’s shown that he can do whatever he did at Borussia Dortmund, he just hasn’t done it enough.”
    Bale in Welsh dream land
    Gareth Bale admits his path to the World Cup with Wales is straight from a Hollywood script.
    The LAFC star said: “There have been a lot of missed opportunities where we could have qualified and never did.
    “To play with your mates as I do, having grown up with them in the youth system in Wales has been a fun time. No matter how life was at our clubs we really enjoy playing together.
    “It’s a Hollywood script that you wouldn’t believe. From where we are now to when we started out, if you’d offered me half of that I’d have bitten your hand off.”
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    Son named in South Korea World Cup squad despite coach not knowing when Tottenham star can train again after eye surgery

    TOTTENHAM ace Son Heung-min has been named in South Korea’s World Cup squad despite manager Paulo Bento not being sure when he can train again.Son picked up an injury in Spurs’ Champions League clash with Marseille.
    Son has been named in South Korea’s 26-man World Cup squadCredit: AFP
    A collision with ex-Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba left the South Korean idol with a broken orbital bone.
    As a result, Son, 30, had to have eye surgery, which was successful.
    Son will be heading to Qatar to contest the World Cup, where South Korea will play Uruguay, Ghana and Portugal in Group H.
    Their first game will be against Uruguay on November 24.
    READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
    However, manager Bento is not sure when Son will return to training.
    He said: “We don’t have that information yet.
    “We are in contact with him, with the Tottenham medical department.
    “We need to wait, we need to analyse day by day his situation.
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    “We have time to decide and the most important is he recovers as well as possible, he feels comfortable and then we will take the final decision.”
    Fellow Premier League star Hwang Hee-chan has also been selected.
    The Wolves striker is another one of South Korea’s star players. More

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    Paige Spiranac strips down to bra to show off USA’s kit ahead of World Cup clash with England before scathing review

    PAIGE SPIRANAC showed off the USA’s kit ahead of their World Cup showdown with England in Qatar – by stripping down to her bra.The golf beauty, 29, has traded clubs and putting greens for football.
    Spiranac has slammed the USA World Cup shirtCredit: Twitter
    Instead of wearing the jersey, Spiranac wore a tight sports braCredit: Twitter
    Spiranac will be supporting the USA regardless of her thoughts on the jerseyCredit: Instagram / @_paige.renee
    USA kick off their World Cup campaign against Wales on November 21Credit: Instagram / @_paige.renee
    And despite Spiranac undoubtedly supporting the USA on their World Cup journey, she’s not a big fan of the kit.
    Sports bra-wearing Spiranac slammed the mostly white jersey as “quite boring”.
    In a Twitter video, the social media sensation said: “Hi everyone it’s Paige and I have here the World Cup USA kit.
    “A lot of people are very disappointed because they think it’s quite boring.
    READ MORE ON PAIGE SPIRANAC
    “Honestly, I have to agree.
    “They were just like ‘you know what, we are just going to mail it in’.
    “‘We’re just going to make it all white and put USA on the front’. Like, what is this?”
    USA will kick off their World Cup Group B campaign against Wales on November 21.
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    A date with England, who they faced at the South Africa World Cup in 2010, will take place four days later.
    They will then close the group against Iran on November 29, hoping to secure a knockout place.
    A date with England follows Wales, which Spiranac will be keeping an eye onCredit: Instagram / @_paige.renee
    Spiranac has traded golf clubs for football this monthCredit: Instagram / @_paige.renee More