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      Gareth Bale calls Wales’ first World Cup in 64 years a ‘Hollywood script’ as he lifts lid on emotional 16-year career

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      GARETH BALE reckons Wales’ first World Cup appearance in 64 years is a “Hollywood script”.The Dragons captain is already back in Cardiff preparing for Qatar after scoring a crucial goal in Saturday’s Los Angeles FC’s MLS Cup final triumph against Philadelphia Union on penalties.
      Bale will be hoping to lead Wales to more fairytale stories in QatarCredit: Getty
      Bale was snapped with Welsh legends Cliff Jones and Terry Medwin — survivors from their last global appearance in 1958 — at their Vale of Glamorgan HQ yesterday.
      But Bale says his journey from his debut in 2006 and the shock death of Gary Speed five years later to Wales’ World Cup opener against USA on November 21 reads like something out of LA.
      The 33-year-old 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. 
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      “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.
      “If Gary was here with us now he would be proud of what we’ve achieved, not just on the pitch but off it. 
      “Qualifying for three of four major tournaments, it’s what dreams are made of and I’m sure he’s looking down on us with a big smile and happy that Welsh football is in a great place.” 
      Tottenham legend Jones, 87, quipped: “Gareth now is known as the Welsh Wizard but I am the original Welsh Wizard.
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      “We did ourselves proud in 1958. For me, putting on that red shirt was my biggest honour.” 
      Former Real Madrid and Spurs star Bale will lead his team-mates to the Middle East where they also play Iran and England.
      Bale added: “It still doesn’t feel real that we are going. When we step foot on the plane to board for Qatar is when it will sink in. 
      “It’s so surreal. It’s been so long since we were last at a World Cup. 
      “Everybody dreams of qualifying in Wales and to have finally done it was an incredible achievement. Now we can look forward to doing ourselves, the fans and the country proud. It’s going to be a blast.” 
      Bale handed Wales a fitness scare with a recent leg injury. But the forward believes his 128th-minute leveller against Philadelphia last weekend has given him a shot of confidence.
      He added: “I had a slight problem a couple of weeks ago but I’m over that now. 
      “I was able to come up with a big goal when we really needed it. 
      “It was good to get some confidence going into the World Cup. It sets myself up nicely.”
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      USA manager Gregg Berhalter warned his side: “One of the things that makes Gareth Bale scary is he’s got that explosiveness. 
      “You have to be aware of him at all times. He’s a dangerous player.” More

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      England’s World Cup 2022 squad incredibly has more players from Coventry’s academy than Man Utd’s famous production line

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      ENGLAND’s 2022 World Cup squad incredibly has more players from Coventry City’s academy than Manchester United’s. The Red Devils’ famous production line has provided players for the national team for generations.
      James Maddison said he was living his dream by going to the World CupCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Callum Wilson has come a long way since his youth days at Coventry CityCredit: PA:Press Association
      But after Gareth Southgate’s squad announcement today, it appeared the club’s youth power is receding.
      Marcus Rashford is the only United product who has landed himself a place in Qatar out of the 26 chosen.
      Rashford successfully came through the club’s academy and then memorably burst onto the scene in 2016.
      He has since gone on to become a regular first-teamer and even a social campaigner in his spare time.
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      But he is the only United success story who has made this year’s squad with some of his former youth team-mates, such as Jesse Lingard and Danny Welbeck, failing to impress in the later years of their careers.
      And it means that Coventry can take more credit for the Qatar-bound team than Manchester United, with the Sky Blues developing two players.
      James Maddison and Callum Wilson both made the squad after laying their football roots with the Midlands club.
      The pair – whose inclusion in the 26 was on a knife-edge right until Southgate made the announcement – have both had to fight their way to the summit of English football.
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      After leaving the Ricoh Arena in 2016, Maddison arrived at Norwich where he began to make a name for himself.
      His attacking guile and quick feet saw Leicester City swoop for him in 2016 and Maddison goes into the tournament as arguably England’s most in-form player.
      Meanwhile Wilson spent time on loan at non-league minnows such as Kettering Town before permanently moving to Bournemouth in 2014.
      He made himself a deadly striker for the club before leaving for Newcastle in 2020.
      His hot form this season despite some injury issues saw him leapfrog the likes of Tammy Abraham and Ivan Toney to play the role of Harry Kane’s deputy. More

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      Kieran Trippier still struggling to let go of World Cup 2018 heartbreak but is sure England can challenge for 2022 crown

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      KIERAN TRIPPIER still bears the mental scars from Russia four years ago.The defender was the last England player to score at the World Cup — but has struggled to let that crushing 2-1 semi-final defeat to Croatia go.
      Kieran Trippier scored a brilliant free-kick in England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Croatia in 2018.Credit: The Mega Agency
      And further heartbreak came last summer when the Three Lions lost the Euros final to Italy on penalties.
      But Newcastle star Trippier now reckons: “We’ve got the squad to go one step further in Qatar.”
      England had one foot in the 2018 final when Trippier’s stunning free-kick put Gareth Southgate’s boys ahead five minutes in.
      Yet the nation was left devastated as they failed to kill the game off and were knocked out in extra-time.
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      And the right-back, 32, admitted: “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.
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      “We know we’re up against fantastic nations but we feel we’ve got a very, very good squad to go and win.”
      It feels like a long time ago now since ‘Southgate You’re the One’ was the summer soundtrack and the waistcoat-wearing England boss was a national treasure in 2018.
      Nobody expected much at the last World Cup but the tide seems to have turned since shootout despair against the Italians at Wembley.
      England head to Qatar without a win in six but Trippier said: “Gareth is a fantastic manager, the record of semi-final and final speaks for itself.
      “He’s brought everyone — the fans, the nation — together with the players. He’s brought that unity back and he deserves more respect. When we were in Russia and saw everyone back home celebrating, it’s just a good feeling knowing you are putting smiles on people’s faces.
      “Russia was crazy, and the Euros as well, coming out of St George’s Park on the bus and there were thousands of people there.
      “It was goosebumps… the first final since 1966.
      “It means a lot to us but ultimately we need to perform to keep bringing those special moments to supporters.”
      Trippier grew up pretending to be David Beckham in his back garden with his three older brothers.
      This will be the ex-Spurs star’s third major tournament and he looks set to start the opener against Iran.
      He goes into it in flying form having led Toon up to third after a January move from Atletico Madrid.
      He said: “I’m playing the best football of my career.
      “I’ve come back to the Premier League a more complete player.
      “I know I’m 32 but I’m not slowing down. I’m more confident, hungrier — and, going into a tournament, you need to be at a good level, individually and as a collective.”
      Trippier buried a penalty for Toon in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup shootout win against Crystal Palace.
      Read More on The Sun
      And if Southgate is looking for spot-kick heroes over the next five weeks, the defender insisted: “I’m confident, I don’t feel any pressure.
      “The manager knows me, he doesn’t need to ask. If the team needs me, I’ll be ready whenever called upon.” More

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      Warning for football fans as they could be sacked for calling in sick to watch World Cup games

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      A WARNING is being issued to football fans – if you call in sick to watch World Cup games you could be sacked. The Three Lions stars will jog onto the pitch for their first match in Qatar on November 21 – with kick-off in the middle of the work day.
      Football fans have been issued a warning by employment lawyers – do not pull a sickie to watch a World Cup matchCredit: Getty
      One in three Brits plan to “pull a sickie” for the game, according to a recent poll of 2,000 people.
      But lawyers have urged workers not to fake an illness and say football lovers who fail to show up face the sack.
      The first World Cup match is against Iran – who are 500/1 to win the trophy, compared to England’s odds of 8/1 – and it starts at 1pm.
      It means millions of the UK’s 33 million-strong workforce will miss it.
      Read more on the World Cup
      And if a third of workers really do call in sick that means 11 million fans could be dodging their jobs to watch the Three Lions.
      But, employment law experts at Richard Nelson LLP have said rather than fibbing about being sick, people should approach their bosses to work out a deal instead.
      The lawyers wanted to remind those considering a day off what happened to Nina Farooqi – who was given the boot after bosses saw her celebrating on TV as England beat Denmark at Euro 2020.
      Nina had called in sick and travelled from her home in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, to Wembley to watch the Three Lions triumph in the semi-final, before being beaten by Italy in the final.
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      Andrew Knorpel, consultant solicitor at Richard Nelson LLP, said: “With England having come agonisingly close to winning the European Championships, the anticipation around the World Cup will only grow in the coming week.
      “Due to the time difference many of the games are being played during working hours.
      “While many England fans may be worried about missing the team’s first group stage match, we’d encourage them to have an open discussion with their employers about their working arrangements for that day.”
      Andrew said companies may be able to offer an extended lunch break or remote working for the afternoon, adding: “This is something we’d encourage.
      “If this cannot be granted, employees should consider taking annual leave rather than resorting to pulling a sickie.
      “If an employer thinks their employee has called in sick and it is not genuine, they can investigate the case and take disciplinary action over unauthorised absence.”
      He added: “Last year at Euro 2020 an England fan was sacked after she called in sick to attend the Three Lions’ semi-final against Denmark at Wembley.
      “If a worker does lie or exaggerate an illness or injury for the purpose of getting time off work when in reality they are fine, this would amount to gross misconduct and a fair reason in some circumstances for being let go by their employer.”
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      He also warned that fans allowed an extended lunch hour should not return to work tipsy.
      Andrew said: “Fans who are under the influence of alcohol upon their return to work later that day or otherwise do anything which might bring their employer into disrepute could leave themselves at risk of being fired also.” More

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      Troy Deeney: England have World Cup 2022 squad capable of going all the way… but Southgate’s lack of Plan B a concern

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has picked a squad capable of going all the way at the World Cup this winter.But my main concern is what to do if Plan A isn’t working?
      Southgate’s squad is capable of winning the tournamentCredit: EPA
      All but James (standing far left) will be going to Qatar to play for EnglandCredit: Reuters
      SunSport’s Deeney has picked the team he thinks Southgate will select to face Iran
      Southgate’s system has taken England to a level we’ve not seen for a long time at the last two tournaments.
      But what if that comes unstuck late on in a game?
      In England squads of old there would always be a Peter Crouch figure — or even Rickie Lambert —  who could come on and be the focal point for a late bombardment.
      We’ve got some incredible crossers of the ball in Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold, but there isn’t really anyone for them to hit when England need to mix things up.
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      I for one certainly don’t want to see Harry Kane battling for headers, he needs to be the one having the ball knocked down to him so he can finish.
      I fear they’ll just keep playing passes slowly forward and get the midfielders and wing-backs into attacking positions, even if it’s not quite working.
      James Maddison
      There was always going to be a lot of noise around James, whether he was in Southgate’s squad or not.
      It might have been three years since his one and only cap for England, but he HAD to be part of this group.
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      England’s 26-man squad for the World Cup
      I can’t see him starting many games, if any, but he could be the maverick that England need when things get tough.
      He’s got bags of self-belief — and he and Jack Grealish are two players who you just need to give the ball to and let them do what they do.
      Some teams will back off and ask England to try and break them down.
      That is where he will make a difference and get into those little pockets of space as he does for Leicester.
      He is the sort to try a difficult pass or a 30-yard shot, he might even bend a crucial free-kick into a top corner.
      He’s a wonderful option to have off the bench, a great asset if we’re chasing the game or struggling to break through.
      Maddison has been drafted in for the World Cup after his unstoppable formCredit: PA
      Ivan Toney
      I thought Southgate would only take two out-and-out strikers.
      If things go to plan then only one of them, Kane, is really going to be playing, but I would still have liked to see Toney get in there.
      He offers some thing different, he could have been that physical presence needed for a different approach.
      Ivan isn’t a physical presence in the old sense — he’s not a big lump like me — he can still run, still play and do all required from a modern-day No 9.
      But he’s also got the know-how from playing in the lower leagues and could rough people up a bit.
      He’s also arguably the best penalty taker in the Prem. I thought we may have learned our lesson a bit from the Euros last year.
      If we’re going to end up with penalties, instead of throwing Marcus Rashford on at right-back late on, why not Ivan?
      He is used to taking high-pressure penalties. I wanted him there for a shootout.
      Toney has missed out with Kane being the only out-and-out striker in the squadCredit: Getty
      Conor Coady
      One person I am pleased to see going to Qatar is Coady.
      Just like at the last Euros, he might not even get on the pitch at all in the Middle East, but he is such a good character to have around the squad.
      Similar to Jordan Henderson, he is a fantastic leader.
      I dealt with both of them a lot during the captains’ meetings during the pandemic. Whenever you’re around Conor he is a calming influence.
      Everton loan defender Conor and Jordan know what is required of the fringe players.
      There’s the first 11 and ultimately you need 10 or 11 cheerleaders, to push them daily and make sure they’re at the peak of their powers.
      On-loan Everton ace Coady is on the plane, being picked over Fikayo Tomori and Marc GuehiCredit: Getty
      Midfield is key
      Most of the starting XI is decided. I would say eight or nine starters, barring injury, are nailed on.
      I’d build my team around Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham. Those two could be the midfield pairing for ten years.
      Read More on The Sun
      The back five is straightforward, Trippier and Luke Shaw are my wing-backs  with Kyle Walker (who was England’s best player at Euro 2020 last summer), John Stones and Harry Maguire making the three.
      Either side of Kane is where you can move things around, with great options in Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling or Mason Mount.
      Rice and Bellingham could be England’s midfield for the next decadeCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail More

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      James Maddison celebrates ‘dream’ World Cup 2022 squad call-up with amazing throwback pic in full England face paint

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      JAMES MADDISON has celebrated his call-up to Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad by posting a throwback picture in full Three Lions face paint.The Leicester midfielder, 25, forced his way back into the England set-up nearly three years on from his one and only senior cap, which came in the 7-0 win over Montenegro in 2019.
      Maddison has shared a throwback photo of his younger self wearing Three Lions face paintCredit: Twitter / Madders10
      Maddison only has one England cap to his name coming back in 2019Credit: PA
      England boss Southgate selected Maddison after an undeniably brilliant 2022 which saw him play a role in 27 goalsCredit: AFP
      27 goal contributions in 2022, with ten of those coming in the 22-23 season, forced Southgate’s hand.
      Maddison was selected for the 26-man World Cup squad ahead of attackers such as Jarrod Bowen, Ivan Toney, Jadon Sancho and Tammy Abraham.
      And to celebrate the good news, Foxes ace Maddison has shared a throwback picture of his younger self donning Three Lions face paint.
      Maddison tweeted: “It hasn’t sunk in… I’m going to The World Cup. Dreams really do come true.”
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      Fans were thrilled to see Maddison’s inclusion.
      Fans were sharpening their knives in the days before the announcement just in case Southgate snubbed the midfielder.
      One responded to Maddison’s post saying: “Much love James, absolutely deserved.”
      Another said: “Deserved more than any other player on that teamsheet.”
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      Maddison is England’s best playmaker heading to Qatar
      A third tweeted: “Bro, this is what football is all about. You deserve this moment and more.
      “I will be cheering you on because you are my man! MADDERS!!!”
      Three Lions boss Southgate admitted Maddison was in his thinking weeks before Thursday’s squad announcement.
      Southgate said: “A lot of people were suggesting he wouldn’t be with us but we decided a couple of weeks ago that he would, but we wouldn’t tell him that then.
      “He is playing really well and he is a good player, we have always said that.
      “He has earned the right and we think he can give us something slightly different than others we have.
      “At various stages there have been considerations and debates about James.
      “Ahead of the Euros I don’t think he was in contention and then probably a fair debate about including him in September.
      “But he is playing well as any attacking player in the country.
      “He has always been up against good players, he is playing exceptionally well.
      “Not enough players play forward these days. He can score goals from distance.”
      Southgate was asked how the Leicester star reacted to the call and he said: “He was delighted.
      “I had some very difficult calls emotionally at the other end of the spectrum, so it was nice to give myself a bit of an enjoyable end to that.”

      Southgate’s recollection of Maddison’s reaction has been echoed by Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers.
      Rodgers sent his player into his office to take in the news and shortly after Maddison returned to the pitch beaming.
      The Foxes boss said: “He had a missed call from Gareth just before training.
      “I said to him to pop into my office and make the call. He spoke to him and then came out full of joy of the world. It was a great moment.”
      Rodgers added: “It’s wonderful news for James and his family. I’m delighted for Gareth to have that talent available.
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      “His level and consistency and his work ethic, and what he has proven over this last year, he’s shown he’s one of the best players in the Premier League.
      “Credit to him and his team-mates, he wouldn’t be able to get there without them.”
      England’s 26-man squad for the World Cup More

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      World Cup 2022 squads: England squad CONFIRMED while Portugal, France, Brazil, Germany and Wales also announced

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      SOME of football’s most talented superstars are set to go up against each other THIS MONTH at the Qatar World Cup – but that’s if they are selected.Winter’s blockbuster event is edging closer with the opener scheduled to get underway on Sunday, November 20.
      Japan were the first side to announce their World Cup squadCredit: Getty
      But all eyes will be on the managers beforehand as they rack their brains to select their squads for the huge tournament in Qatar.
      Japanese head coach Hajime Moriyasu wasted no time by becoming the first manager to name his full team.
      And Gareth Southgate can finally focus on England’s opening match against Iran now that he has officially named his squad for Qatar.
      Find out more info on the World Cup squads below…
      When is the deadline for the World Cup squads?
      Managers had until Friday, October 21 to submit their 55-player release list to FIFA.
      Read more on World Cup
      However, FIFA have given managers up until Monday, November 14 to decide on their final 26-player squad.
      And once confirmed, each final listing will be made public before the World Cup begins.
      Given the possibility of Covid-19 or injuries, each team is able to replace affected players up to 24 hours before their first encounter but they have to be selected from the initial 55-man list.
      What are the confirmed World Cup squads?
      Australia
      Experienced central defender Trent Sainsbury was a surprise omission while wonderkid Garang Kuol and former Scotland international Jason Cummings have been called up.
      Australia have a tough opener scheduled against World champions FranceCredit: Reuters
      Goalkeepers: Mat Ryan, Danny Vukovic, Andrew Redmayne
      Defenders: Harry Souttar, Milos Degenek, Bailey Wright, Thomas Deng, Fran Karacic, Nathaniel Atkinson, Aziz Behich, Kye Rowles, Joel King
      Midfielders: Aaron Mooy, Jackson Irvine, Ajdin Hrustic, Cameron Devlin, Riley McGree, Keanu Baccus
      Forwards: Jamie Maclaren, Mitchell Duke, Jason Cummings, Garang Kuol, Awer Mabil, Mathew Leckie, Craig Goodwin, Martin Boyle
      Belgium
      Romelu Lukaku, Kevin de Bruyne and Leandro Trossard make it on the plane to Qatar for the Red Devils.
      Former Chelsea attacker Eden Hazard takes up his spot too but no place ex-Liverpool star Divock Origi.
      Belgium start their World Cup campaign against Canada in Group FCredit: Reuters
      Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet, Koen Casteels
      Defenders: Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Leander Dendoncker, Zeno Debast, Arthur Theate, Wout Faes
      Midfielders: Hans Vanaken, Axel Witsel, Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana, Kevin De Bruyne, Yannick Carrasco, Thorgan Hazard, Timothy Castagne, Thomas Meunier
      Forwards: Romelu Lukaku, Michy Batshuayi, Loïs Openda, Charles De Ketelaere, Eden Hazard, Jeremy Doku, Dries Mertens, Leandro Trossard
      Brazil
      Arsenal’s attacking duo Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli were both selected for the Brazilian squad.
      However, their defensive teammate Gabriel Magalhaes has been left out and so has Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino.
      Brazil come up against Serbia in their World Cup openerCredit: AFP
      Goalkeepers: Alisson, Ederson, Weverton
      Defenders: Bremer, Eder Militao, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Alex Sandro, Alex Telles, Danilo, Dani Alves
      Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Everton Ribeiro, Fabinho, Fred, Lucas Paqueta
      Forwards: Antony, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Neymar, Raphinha, Richarlison, Pedro, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr
      Cameroon
      Experienced captain Vincent Aboubakar will feature in yet another World Cup for the African giants.
      And he’ll be supported up top by Bayern Munich’s Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.
      Cameroon open their World Cup account against PanamaCredit: Reuters
      Goalkeepers: Devis Epassy, Simon Ngapandouetnbu, Andre Onana
      Defenders: Jean-Charles Castelletto, Enzo Ebosse, Collins Fai, Olivier Mbaizo, Nicolas Nkoulou, Tolo Nouhou, Christopher Wooh
      Midfielders: Martin Hongla, Pierre Kunde, Olivier Ntcham, Gael Ondoua, Samuel Oum Gouet, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa
      Forwards: Vincent Aboubakar, Christian Bassogog, Eric-Maxime Choupo Moting, Souaibou Marou, Bryan Mbeumo, Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu, Jerome Ngom, Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, Jean-Pierre Nsame, Karl Toko Ekambi
      Costa Rica
      Paris Saint-Germain veteran Keylor Navas makes the cut and so has former Arsenal forward Joel Campbell.
      Costa Rica are scheduled to face Spain in their first World Cup match this monthCredit: AFP
      Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas, Esteban Alvarado, Patrick Sequeira
      Defenders: Francisco Calvo, Juan Pablo Vargas, Kendall Waston, Oscar Duarte, Daniel Chacon, Keysher Fuller, Carlos Martinez, Bryan Oviedo, Ronald Matarrita
      Midfielders: Yeltsin Tejeda, Celso Borges, Youstin Salas, Roan Wilson, Gerson Torres, Douglas Lopez, Jewisson Bennette, Alvaro Zamora, Anthony Hernandez, Brandon Aguilera, Bryan Ruiz
      Forwards: Joel Campbell, Anthony Contreras, Johan Venegas
      Croatia
      Midfield veteran Luka Modric, Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovcic and Tottenham winger Ivan Perisic will all be on the plane to Qatar.
      But Rangers’ Antonio Mirko Olak was cut from the preliminary squad.
      Croatia got the semi-final in the 2018 World CupCredit: EPA
      Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic, Ivica Ivusic, Ivo Grbic
      Defenders: Domagoj Vida, Dejan Lovren, Borna Barisic, Josip Juranovic, Josko Gvardiol, Borna Sosa, Josip Stanisic, Martin Erlic, Josip Sutalo
      Midfielders: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic, Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Lovro Majer, Kristijan Jakic, Luka Sucic
      Forwards: Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric, Bruno Petkovic, Mislav Orsic, Ante Budimir, Marko Livaja
      Denmark
      Christian Eriksen has been named in Denmark’s squad 17 months after he suffered a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.
      Denmark kick off their World Cup campaign against TunisiaCredit: Reuters
      Goalkeepers: Kasper Schmeichel, Oliver Christensen
      Defenders: Simon Kjaer, Joachim Andersen, Joakim Maehle, Andreas Christensen, Rasmus Kristensen, Jens Stryger Larsen, Victor Nelsson, Daniel Wass
      Midfielders: Thomas Delaney, Mathias Jensen, Christian Eriksen, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
      Forwards: Andreas Skov Olsen, Jesper Lindstrom, Andreas Cornelius, Martin Braithwaite, Kasper Dolberg, Mikkel Damsgaard, Jonas Wind
      England
      Kyle Walker and Kalvin Philips have both battled through their injuries to make it on the plane to Qatar.
      Arsenal duo Ben White and Bukayo Saka get the call up following their sensational starts to the season.
      But the two major talking points is James Maddison who gets hasn’t made an England appearance since 2019.
      And Callum Wilson, who was picked over the likes of Jadon Sancho and Ivan Toney.
      England start their World Cup journey against Iran on November 21Credit: Getty
      Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale
      Defenders: Luke Shaw, John Stones, Eric Dier, Harry Maguire, Ben White, Conor Coady, Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold
      Midfielders: Mason Mount, James Maddison, Conor Gallagher, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Kalvin Phillips
      Forwards: Harry Kane, Callum Wilson, Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka
      France
      Manager Didier Deschamps has found room for Raphael Varane in his squad, despite the Manchester United star’s injury.
      France are the current World Cup holdersCredit: AFP
      Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola, Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda
      Defenders: Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Koundé, Benjamin Pavard, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Raphael Varane
      Midfielders: Youssouf Fofana, Eduardo Camavinga, Matteo Guendouzi, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jordan Veretout
      Forwards: Karim Benzema, Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappe, Christopher Nkunku
      Germany
      There’s no place for injured Marco Reus but Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan and Chelsea’s Kai Havertz make the cut.
      However, the big surprise is that Moukoko, 17, will be on the plane to Qatar.
      Germany will take on Japan in their World Cup openerCredit: Reuters
      Goalkeepers:Manuel Neuer, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Kevin Trapp
      Defenders: Armel Bella Kotchap, Mathias Gintar, Christian Gunter, Thilo Kehrer, Lukas Klostermann, David Raum, Antonio Rudiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, Niklas Sule
      Midfielders: Julian Brandt, Niclas Fullkrug, Leon Goretzka, Mario Gotze, Ilkay Gundogan, Jonas Hofmann, Joshua Kimmich
      Forwards: Karim Adeyemi, Serge Gnabry, Kai Havertz, Youssoufa Moukoko, Thomas Muller, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane
      Japan
      Arsenal ace Takehiro Tomiyasu has been selected while Celtic stars Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate failed to make the cut.
      Japan will take on Germany in their opening World Cup matchCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Goalkeepers: Eiji Kawashima, Shuichi Gonda, Daniel Schmidt
      Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo, Maya Yoshida, Hiroki Sakai, Shogo Taniguchi, Miki Yamane, Ko Itakura, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Hiroki Ito
      Midfielders: Gaku Shibasaki, Wataru Endo, Junya Ito, Takumi Minamino, Hidemasa Morita, Daichi Kamada, Yuki Soma, Kaoru Mitoma, Ritsu Doan, Ao Tanaka, Takefusa Kubo
      Forwards: Takuma Asano, Daizen Maeda, Ayase Ueda, Shuto Machino
      Morocco
      Achraf Hakimi has got the call up and Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech makes his return to the fold.
      Morocco face Croatia in their first World Cup matchCredit: Reuters
      Goalkeepers: Yassine Bono, Munir, Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti
      Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Romain Saiss, Achraf Dari, Jawad El-Yamiq, Yahia Attiat-Allal, Badr Benoun
      Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat, Selim Amallah, Abdelhamid Sabiri, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilel El Khanouss, Yahya Jabrane
      Forwards: Hakim Ziyech, Youssef En-Nesyri, Sofiane Boufal, Zakaria Aboukhlal, Ez Abde, Amine Harit, Ilias Chair, Abderrazak Hamdallah, Walid Cheddira
      Portugal
      Both Manchester United stars Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo have been picked for Portugal.
      epa10298495 Portugal national soccer team head coach Fernando Santos thumbs up as he attends a press conference to announce his final squad for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in Oeiras, Portugal, 10 November 2022. EPA/ANTONIO COTRIMCredit: EPA
      Goalkeepers: Jose Sa, Rui Patricio, Diogo Costa.
      Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Pepe, Ruben Dias, Danilo Pereira, Antonio Silva, Nuno Mendes, Raphael Guerreiro.
      Midfielders: William, Ruben Neves, Joao Palhinha, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Otavio, Matheus Nunes, Bernardo Silva, Joao Mario.
      Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, Ricardo Horta, Andre Silva, Goncalo Ramos.
      Senegal
      Chelsea duo Eduoard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly have both made the cut for Senegal.
      But the AFCON champions are reportedly set to be without talisman Sadio Mane who sustained a tendon injury against Werder Bremen.
      However, Mane is still named in the squad with the Senegal boss prepared to take a gamble.
      Senegal will be looking for more international glory after winning AFCON in FebruaryCredit: AP
      Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy, Alfred Gomis, Seny Diang
      Defenders: Bouna Sarr, Saliou Ciss, Kalidou Koulibaly, Pape Abou Cisse, Abdou Diallo, Ibrahima Mbaye, Abdoulaye Seck, Fode Ballo Toure, Cheikhou Kouyate
      Midfielders: Pape Matar Sarr, Pape Gueye, Nampalys Mendy, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Moustapha Name, M. Loum Ndiaye, Joseph Lopy
      Forwards: Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr, Bamba Dieng, Keita Balde, Habib Diallo, Boulaye Dia, Famara Diedhiou, Mame Babe Thiam
      Switzerland
      Granit Xhaka will captain the Swiss team as they go for glory in Qatar and he’ll be joined by former Liverpool attacker Xherdan Shaqiri.
      Switzerland open their World Cup campaign with a fixture against CameroonCredit: EPA
      Goalkeepers: Gregor Kobel, Philipp Kohn, Jonas Omlin, Yann Sommer
      Defenders: Manuel Akanji, Eray Comert, Nico Elvedi, Ricardo Rodriguez, Fabian Schar, Silvan Widmer
      Midfielders: Granit Xhaka, Edimilson Fernandes, Fabian Frei, Remo Freuler, Ardon Jashari, Fabian Rieder, Xherdan Shaqiri, Djibril Sow, Renato Steffen, Denis Zakaria, Michel Aebischer
      Forwards: Breel Embolo, Christian Fassnacht, Noah Okafor, Haris Seferovic, Ruben Vargas
      United States
      Arsenal’s second choice goal keeper Matt Turner has been included in the squad despite some recent injury issues.
      He’ll be joined by Leeds duo Brenden Aaaronson and Tyler Adams as well as Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic.
      United States open their World Cup account against WalesCredit: AFP
      Goalkeepers: Ethan Horvath, Sean Johnson, Matt Turner
      Defenders: Cameron Carter-Vickers, Sergino Dest, Aaron Long, Shaq Moore, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson, Joe Scally, DeAndre Yedlin, Walker Zimmerman
      Midfielders: Brenden Aaronson, Kellyn Acosta, Tyler Adams, Luca de la Torre, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Cristian Roldan
      Forwards: Jesus Ferreira, Jordan Morris, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Josh Sargent, Tim Weah, Haji Wright.
      Wales
      Wales players huddle together on the pitch ahead of Euro 2020 gameCredit: PA
      Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey, Danny Ward, Adam Davies.
      Defenders: Ben Davies, Ben Cabango, Tom Lockyer, Joe Rodon, Chris Mepham, Ethan Ampadu, Chris Gunter, Neco Williams, Connor Roberts.
      Midfielders: Sorba Thomas, Joe Allen, Matthew Smith, Dylan Levitt, Harry Wilson, Joe Morrell, Jonny Williams, Aaron Ramsey, Rubin Colwill.
      Forwards: Gareth Bale, Kieffer Moore, Mark Harris, Brennan Johnson, Dan James. More

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      England’s World Cup 2022 squad the second-most experienced EVER with Southgate’s 26-man group boasting massive 820 caps

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      ENGLAND’S World Cup squad for Qatar boasts the second-most experienced squad the country has taken to a tournament.Gareth Southgate named his squad of 26 players who have earned a combined total of 820 caps, one shy of the record of 821.
      England’s team for the World Cup in Qatar has the second-highest amount of caps in the country’s history.Credit: Alamy
      The previous record was set in 2010, when former Three Lions boss Fabio Capello took his squad comprising of experienced players such as Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard to South Africa.
      Other highly capped players in that squad included Ashley Cole, David James, John Terry, Jermaine Defoe, and Joe Cole.
      However, the amount of caps between the players didn’t count for much as the team crashed out of the tournament in the round of 16 after losing to Germany 4-1.
      Amongst Southgate’s squad are some players who are well-versed on the international stage.
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      Stars such as Raheem Sterling (79), Harry Kane (75), Kyle Walker (70), and Jordan Henderson (70) are the most capped players in the squad.
      Despite some newcomers to the squad such as James Maddison (1), Aaron Ramsdale (3), Callum Wilson (4), and Ben White (4) not bringing a lot of play time for England with them.
      The squad as a whole has plenty of experience to help the team in their ambitions to win the World Cup.
      It also shows how much the team has developed since the 2020 Euros when the squad had a combined 641 caps and 449 caps in the 2018 World Cup.
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      In 2018, the less experienced squad made it to the semi-finals of the competitions before being knocked out by Croatia.
      However, there is one reason behind the high amount of caps. This tournament has squads of 26 men compared to that of 23 in the past.
      England start their World Cup campaign against Iran in eleven days’ time on November 21. More