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      Piers Morgan selects Cristiano Ronaldo in his Dream Team World Cup XI – take him on this winter!

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      PIERS MORGAN has selected his Dream Team World Cup XI as excitement for the tournament in Qatar builds by the day.The TalkTV presenter, who has eight million followers on Twitter, invites you to put your football knowledge to the test and take him on in his Celebrity League this winter.
      All you have to do is pick your own team via Dream Team’s website or app and join Piers’ league using the PIN: WCMORGAN – it will also be easily visible under the Leagues tab.

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      Player prices will be finalised in the coming days once the official deadline for squad submissions has passed – until then you’re invited to pick a provisional team.
      You can make as many changes as you like until the tournament gets underway so there’s no need to delay.
      Let’s take a closer look at Piers’ provisional team so you know what you’re up against…
      Think you can do better? Prove it!Credit: DREAM TEAM
      Piers is a long-time admirer of Cristiano Ronaldo so it’s no surprise to see the five-time Ballon d’Or winner leading the line.
      Portugal start their tournament against Ghana, who the 37-year-old has scored against at the 2014 World Cup, if omens are your thing.
      Man United’s No7 is joined by Thomas Muller, who will have to shoulder a lot of the attacking responsibility for Germany with Timo Werner ruled out through injury.
      The Bayern Munich star was once known as a major tournament specialist, could he roll back the years in Qatar?
      As an Arsenal fan, Piers know what Gabriel Jesus offers better than most but it remains to be seen whether Tite has as much faith in the Gunners’ striker.
      In midfield, Piers has offset the experience of Luka Modric with the youthful exuberance of Pedri and Bukayo Saka.
      The latter, another Emirates favourite, is likely to get the nod at right wing for England after making a massive difference off the bench against Germany in the Three Lions’ last outing.
      Piers is backing Saka to excel for England in QatarCredit: getty
      Barcelona’s 19-year-old midfielder is already one of the best players in his position on a global scale and casual onlookers should expect him to carry on in Spain colours where he left off at Euro 2020.
      Pedri may be a joy to watch but he doesn’t specialise in plentiful goals and assists so you may be able to get the edge on Piers by selecting a more attack-minded asset in his place.
      In defence, Piers recognises that injuries to Ben Chilwell and Reece James mean Kieran Trippier and Luke Shaw are likely to start as full-backs/wing-backs for the Three Lions.
      England defenders were hugely successful in Dream Team Euros and Trippier is raking in points for fun in the classic Season game this term so this combination should be a profitable one.
      A class act between the sticks
      Dream Team World Cup bosses will have a £50million limit once player prices are finalised so it’s likely you’ll have to identify some value-for-money options to accommodate your top-of-the-range superstars.
      Piers has picked out Arsenal’s William Saliba and Man City’s Manuel Akanji, who represent France and Switzerland respectively, the latter may be worthy of the dark horses tag.
      Finally, Piers has opted for proven quality between the sticks in the form of Manuel Neuer.
      The 36-year-old returned from injury last week and will once again be Germany’s last line of defence on the big stage.
      Think you can pick a better XI than Piers? Prove it!

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      Why isn’t Timo Werner in the Germany squad for the World Cup?

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      Germany will meet Japan in their opening match of the 2022 World Cup but there is no space in the side for Timo Werner.The RB Leipzig forward missed out on a place in the side for Hansi Flick’s first major tournament with the Germans.
      Timo Werner in action for GermanyCredit: Reuters
      The 26-year-old had amassed 55 caps for his national side as far, as well as re-finding his form on his return to Leipzig after two seasons of struggle at Chelsea.
      Despite the improvement in performances, there is no space for him in the 26 man squad list.
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      Why isn’t Timo Werner in the Germany squad for the World Cup?
      It’s likely Germany will miss the goals of Werner, who has netted 24 times for his national side.
      The forward tore his ankle ligament during RB Leipzig’s 4-0 Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk which has left him unable to compete in Qatar.
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      Werner’s fine scoring form for Germany could’ve been integral in righting their wrongs of the previous world cup which saw them knocked out during the group stages.
      Although their is currently no return date for the Leipzig striker, it is expected that he will be out for the rest of the year. More

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      Dream Team World Cup: Belgium’s star players, potential flops and bargain options

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      PEOPLE have been saying “this is the Belgium Golden Generation’s last chance” for about three tournaments now but the 2022 World Cup really does feel like the last-chance saloon for this particular crop.The Red Devils finished third in Russia and Dream Team World Cup bosses will definitely be backing them to progress from Group F, where they’ll meet Morocco, Canada and Croatia.
      With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the star players, potential flops and bargain options among Roberto Martinez’s squad.

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      Belgium take on Canada in their opening fixture at the World Cup
      STAR PLAYERS
      With an ownership of 39.2%, Kevin De Bruyne is currently the most-popular midfielder among Dream Team World Cup gaffers and it’s hardly a surprise.
      The Man City playmaker is arguably the best player in his position in the world right now – he’s registered 12 assists in all competitions at club level already this season.
      De Bruyne averages a goal involvement every 104 minutes for Belgium – he’ll be Dream Team World Cup’s most-expensive midfelder when prices are finalised but immense quality comes at a price.
      The last 18 months have been the best of Thibaut Courtois’ career from an individual perspective – he was a key contributor to Real Madrid’s latest Champions League triumph.
      If you back Belgium to keep clean sheets in Qatar then you’re probably best off going straight to the source as the ageing defenders in front of him may be shuffled.
      Up top, Romelu Lukaku remains the main man, despite limited involvement for Inter this term.
      The hulking No9 has scored 68 goals in 102 appearances for Belgium – at 29 years old he’s already one of the most prolific goalscorers in international football history.
      His preparation for the tournament may not be ideal but by the time the action is under in Qatar, Lukaku will be the focal point for a team stacked with creative talent – it’s always tempting to back the striker on the end of De Bruyne’s crosses.
      Hazard warningCredit: getty
      POTENTIAL FLOPS
      Eden Hazard was one of the best players on display at the last World Cup but the last three years have been miserable for the ex-Chelsea star.
      Constantly dogged with injuries, he’s looked a shadow of his former self in a Real Madrid shirt – he’s mustered just four goals in 51 La Liga outings since 2019.
      As Belgium captain, Hazard will surely start in Qatar but, realistically, how many Dream Team World Cup points is he going to earn given his current form?
      The truth is that Leandro Trossard is more deserving of a spot in the starting line-up – Martinez may be able to fit both in.
      Axel Witsel is unlikely to flop as he’s a reliable anchor in the middle of the park but his profile simply isn’t conducive to Dream Team World Cup success – stay clear of defensive-minded midfielders.
      Incredibly, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen are both still knocking about for the national team.
      Both excellent centre-backs in their prime, they have 264 caps’ worth experience between but Father Time comes for all players eventually and the pair will not be relishing the prospect of taking on the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vincius Junior and company if they progress to the latter stages of the tournament.
      A familiar faceCredit: getty
      BARGAIN OPTIONS
      True bargains are hard to come by when shopping around the top teams but there some assets capable of providing value for money in Belgium’s ranks.
      Youri Tielemans’ provisional price range of £3m – £3.5m feels generous given the Leicester man’s quality.
      If he’s finalised at the lower end then he could well be worth a whirl as there have been plenty of goals and assists to share around among Martinez’s side in recent times.
      It’s a similar story for Thomas Meunier, who has a sharper eye for goal than almost anyone else in his position.
      If the Borussia Dortmund man continues as Belgium’s right wing-back then £3.5m – £4m could be reasonable – he’s been a notable performer at the last two major tournaments.

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      Argentina announce World Cup 2022 squad with Man Utd star Lisandro Martinez IN but Alejandro Garnacho missing out

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      ALEJANDRO GARNACHO’S stunning recent form is not enough for a surprise call up to Argentina’s 26-man World Cup squad.But the teenager’s Manchester United pal, Lisandro Martinez, is jetting off to Qatar with the two-time champions.
      Lisandro Martinez (right) is in Argentina’s World Cup squad, but Alejandro Garnacho (left) misses outCredit: Getty
      Lionel Messi and Paulo Dybala are in Argentina’s World Cup squadCredit: EPA
      Aston Villa ace Emi Martinez is set to start between the sticks for the South AmericansCredit: AFP
      Old Trafford defender Martinez, 24, joins fellow Premier League stars Emi Martinez (Aston Villa), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton) and Julian Alvarez (Manchester City) in Argentina’s squad.
      Garnacho’s recent surge into United’s line up is not enough to earn him a maiden Argentina call up.
      The 18-year-old has scored once and provided two assists in his last three games.
      Although a surprise name in Lionel Scaloni’s squad is Roma playmaker Paulo Dybala.
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      The 28-year-old was originally expected to miss the World Cup after injuring his hamstring at the start of October.
      He appears to have recovered quicker than expected, and, despite not playing for Roma since picking up the injury, is in the squad.
      Lionel Messi will captain the side in what will be his final World Cup.
      The 35-year-old announced last month that the upcoming finals in Qatar will be his last chance to capture football’s biggest prize.
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      The Paris Saint-Germain superstar confirmed: “This will be my last World Cup — for sure. The decision has been made.”
      Elsewhere United transfer target Enzo Ferndandez is included in the squad, and the Benfica midfielder could see his stock rise further with an impressive tournament.
      Former Red Devil Angel Di Maria and ex-Spurs defender Juan Foyth have also booked their tickets to Qatar.
      Argentina kick off their campaign against Saudi Arabia in 12 days time before further group games against Mexico and Poland.
      Messi and Co are well fancied by many to go all the way in this year’s tournament.
      Argentina’s World Cup squadCredit: https://twitter.com/Argentina More

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      Meet England’s gorgeous Wags, who are staying on a £1bn cruise liner in Qatar, from a South African model to mum of two

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      ENGLAND’S Wags are doing the World Cup in style.Although are not allowed to see their famous partners, they are living it up on board a stunning £1billion cruise liner in Qatar.
      Anna Modler is one of England’s Wags cheering on our boys this summer
      Anna Modler is a model and partner to Eric Dier
      England ace Eric Dier is Modler’s reported boyfriendCredit: Rex
      The MSC World Europa boasts six swimming pools, a 643ft promenade, 14 ocean-view whirlpools, 13 dining venues and more than 30 bars and cafes.
      And although they have been warned by the FA with a strict ‘do’s and don’ts’ list, the extra security detail they have been provided should keep them out of bother.
      But who are the Wags supporting our lads?
      SunSport gives you a brief introduction to some of them.
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      Anna Modler
      Back in September, it was revealed Modler was dating Spurs ace Eric Dier.
      The South African beauty, 24, previously dated former Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez in 2020.
      According to reports, the model is said to be smitten with Dier.
      She also believes he could be “the one”.
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      Sasha Attwood
      As the girlfriend of Jack Grealish, Sasha’s profile rocketed when he signed for Man City for £100million and became an England hero.
      The 26-year-old is a model and influencer, who has starred in huge ad campaigns,
      Most recently, she scored a massive deal with online fashion retailer boohoo.
      And she was dropping a massive hint to Jack about her future – modelling a range of maternity wear.
      Sasha Attwood, 26, is a model and influencerCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebecca
      Attwood is the longterm girlfriend of Jack GrealishCredit: https://www.instagram.com/sasha__rebecca/?hl=en
      Georgina Irwin
      Stunning Georgina is more used to travelling by air than sea.
      The fiancee of Arsenal’s No1 Aaron Ramsdale works for British Airways as a flight attendant.
      Aaron and Georgina, 26, started dating just three years ago – when he was on loan at AFC Wimbledon.
      As her job suggests, she loves to travel – enjoying breaks away in go-to destinations like Miami Beach and Tulum in Mexico.
      Stunning Georgina Irwin is the partner of Aaron RamsdaleCredit: Instagram
      Irwin’s day job is to work as cabin crew for British AirwaysCredit: Instagram @georginamay_
      Fern Hawkins
      Seasoned pro of a Wag Fern knows what it’s like to go to a big tournament.
      She was there, by husband Harry Maguire’s side, as the Three Lions reached the semi-finals in Russia in 2018.
      And mother-of-two Fern, 28, also suffered heartbreak with her beloved as England fell at the final hurdle at the last Euros.
      Maybe, it’ll be third time lucky.
      Fern Hawkins is a seasoned pro of a Wag when it comes to big tournamentsCredit: Instagram / @_fernmaguire
      Hawkins is the wife of Harry MaguireCredit: _fernhawkins/Instagram
      Megan Pickford
      Summer just gone and Megan, 26, got her dream wedding.
      She was whisked off to the Maldives by England’s No1 to the Maldives, where they said their I do’s for a second time.
      They had to postpone their big day because of the pandemic, and opted for a registry office first time round.
      Away from the pitch, they live a glam lifestyle – shopping in high-end fashion boutiques, hiring private jets, and staying in £2,500-per-night hotel suites.
      Megan Pickford has become a staple among England’s WagsCredit: The Sun
      The Pickfords enjoy a lavish lifestyle
      Paige Milian
      The fiancee of Chelsea star Raheem Sterling, Paige met the winger when they were teenagers.
      She followed his football journey from QPR to Liverpool, when she quit her job at JD Sports to live with him in the north.
      Now back in London with the Blues, after living it up Cheshire when he starred for Man City, Paige, 27, helps run his Milian Property Group company.
      Glam Paige Milian used to work at JD Sports before she hooked up with a footballerCredit: Instagram
      Milian’s other half is England winger Raheem Sterling
      Annie Kilner
      Kilner, 30, met England defender Kyle Walker when they were in their teens, but they briefly split up in 2019 after nine years together when he was accused of cheating on her with reality TV star Laura Brown.
      Since then, the England ace has been embroiled in a number of steamy encounters – culminating in a coronavirus lockdown sex party with two hookers in April 2020.
      Walker bedded Lauryn Goodman and became a dad for the fourth time in 2020 – but Annie branded him “gutless” after he broke the news over the phone.
      However, after Kyle agreed to put a ring on it – Kilner forgave him.
      Annie Kilner’s romance with Kyle WalkerCredit: Instagram
      After alleged affairs, Walker agreed to marry Kilner, who is mother to three of his children
      Anouska Santos
      Sitting next to Fern for club and country is Anouska Santos, 30, the missus of United left-back Luke Shaw.
      Rumours swirled that they were an item back in 2017, when the pair were spotted at Wireless Festival together.
      They too caught the baby bug this summer- with the birth of their daughter Storie, who they shared images of in an Instagram story. She was their second child after son, Reign.
      Anouska Santos has been a football’s Wag since 2017Credit: Instagram @anouskasantos
      Santos is Luke Shaw’s longterm girlfriend and mother of his two childrenCredit: Instagram / @anouskasantos More

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      Chelsea players at World Cup 2022: Who has been CONFIRMED for Qatar and who is staying at home?

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      WITH the World Cup just around the corner, managers have started to announce their squads travelling to Qatar.Gareth Southgate confirmed a squad which included a trio of Chelsea stars.
      Raheem Sterling is Chelsea’s top scorer so far this seasonCredit: Conor Molloy/News Images
      It was likely to have been more if Reece James and Ben Chilwell had been fit. But the pair’s injuries have ruled them out of Southgate’s plans.
      N’golo Kante would almost definitely have played for France too, but he will remain in London as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
      SunSport have taken a look at all the Chelsea players who will feature in Qatar.
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      England
      Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling became stalwarts of England’s starting eleven during the Euro’s, and have been called up again this year.
      They will be joined by the less experienced Conor Gallagher who has just four international appearances under his belt.
      Brazil
      Veteran defender Thiago Silva is expected to not only play, but may captain his nation in Qatar, with over 100 caps to his name.
      Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling are going to the World Cup with EnglandCredit: Getty
      Croatia
      Blues midfielder Matteo Kovacic is predicted to slip in alongside Luka Modric in his country’s bid to go one step further than 2018’s final.
      Morocco
      Hakim Ziyech has been called up for his country after retiring from international duty last year, following a row with former manager Vahid Halilhodzic.
      The winger has fallen out of favour under Graham Potter, and will look to use the tournament as a springboard to rejuvenate his career.
      Germany
      Chelsea star Kai Havertz has become one of the first names on Germany’s team sheet, competing in the last seven consecutive tournaments for his country.
      Kai Havertz scored two goals for Germany against England in a 3-3 draw during the Nations leagueCredit: PA
      Switzerland
      Having only made one appearance since moving to West London on transfer deadline day, Denis Zakaria will be hoping to make his mark in Qatar, with many Chelsea fans watching on.
      USA
      Christian Pulisic has become his country’s main man under Gregg Berhalter. And England fans can expect to come across him when the sides meet in Group B.
      Wales
      England will also face Ethan Ampadu, who is currently on loan in Italy, and has been selected for Rob Page’s side.

      Belgium
      Romelu Lukaku struggled for form in a Chelsea shirt last season. However, the 29-year-old, currently on loan at Inter, has been called up by Roberto Martinez after scoring four goals during the 2018 World Cup.
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      Senegal
      Chelsea duo Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly will be on the plane to Qatar after being named in the Senegal squad, alongside the shock inclusion of Bayern Munich forward Sadio Mane.
      Spain
      Blues captain Cesar Azpilicueta will be looking to add to his impressive trophy haul in Qatar, having been named in Spain’s squad.
      STAYING AT HOME
      Injured Reece James, Ben Chilwell, N’Golo Kante and Wesley Fofana will all remain at home as they recover from injuries.
      James was optimistic of making the squad despite being unavailable for Chelsea in recent weeks, but Southgate opted against taking the wing-back.
      Kepa Arrizabalaga also failed to make the cut for Spain despite impressive form, with the goalkeeper also facing a spell on the sidelines. More

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      Guardiola jokes he and Klopp will have to play themselves in Carabao Cup with fixture just days after World Cup final

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      PEP GUARDIOLA joked he and old rival Jurgen Klopp might have to play themselves in next month’s Carabao Cup clash.The old foes have been drawn together in the fourth round – with the fixture set to take place only three or four days after the World Cup final.
      Man City will face Liverpool in the cup just three or four days after the World Cup finalCredit: Reuters
      Guardiola admits he has no idea what his team will look like as most of his squad are heading for Qatar this weekend.
      He explained that those who go out early will be back in contention but others whose nations go deep in the tournament will need a break.
      So his squad could be so threadbare that the 51-year-old might have to pull on his boots himself.
      He said: “Yes I am going to play holding midfield and Jurgen is going to play left back – this is the strategy.”
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      Guardiola will have just a handful of players staying behind and a training camp in Abu Dhabi has been pencilled in for early December.
      He added: “I don’t know how many we will have. Riyad doesn’t go to the World Cup, Erling Haaland, Sergio Gomez, Rico Lewis too but the rest are going.
      “If they go through the group stage to the last 16 then they need to have some days off.
      “If players don’t get through the group stage they will be able to play against Liverpool. If not, we will see.
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      “After the World Cup we are here to train, see how many we have for Liverpool.
      “When we take breakfast we will see who we have. Players will come back day by day and I don’t know in what condition.”
      Even so, Pep says he feels sorry for the players who are not involved – particularly Haaland and Mahrez.
      He added: “I’d love for them all to be going.
      “I would prefer Erling to go with Norway, that they’d qualified. I think he will be in Marbella and Norway and then come back to training.” More

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      Why isn’t Liverpool’s Diogo Jota in the Portugal squad for the World Cup?

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      PORTUGAL kick off their World Cup campaign against Ghana as Diogo Jota won’t be featuring in the side.Fernando Santos wasn’t short of attacking options when it came to picking his 26-man-squad to head to Qatar, however one man missing for the team in red and green is Diogo Jota.
      Diogo Jota misses out on making his first appearance at the World CupCredit: Getty
      The 25-year-old forward has being doing a great job of proving his £45million price tag from Wolves, scoring 24 goals in 58 games for Liverpool.
      Although Jota will be unable to increase his 29 caps for Portugal with Santos making the decision to keep him out of the side.
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      Why isn’t Diogo Jota in the Portugal squad for the World Cup?
      The absence of Jota has proven difficult for the Merseyside outfit in recent times, especially since the departure of Senegalese sensation Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich in the summer.
      Liverpool’s number 20 suffered a calf injury during their 1-0 victory against Manchester City in October which saw him stretchered off during stoppage time.
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      The injury to Jota means that he will miss the chance to represent his nation at the World Cup for the first time.
      Despite not needing surgery, it looks like the forward will have a sizeable lay-off before looking to return to action by the end of the season. More