World Cup

ENGLAND’s opening World Cup group opponents Iran scraped a 1-0 win at home over world No142 Nicaragua.Iran, ranked 20th in the Fifa rankings, will be hoping to cause an upset later this month and qualify for the World Cup knockouts by edging out two of England, Wales and the USA.
Iran scraped a narrow victory over a team outside Fifa’s top 100Credit: EPA
England boss Southgate will be pleased to see Iran falteringCredit: AFP
However, their preparations for the Qatar winter tournament haven’t gone to plan as they played out a tough 90 minutes against Nicaragua.
Attacker Mehdi Torabi scored the only goal of the game to see off their No142-ranked visitors.
And the next game Iran play will be against Tunisia on November 16 before facing Euro 2020 runners-up England on November 21 inside the Khalifa International Stadium.
The result will be music to Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate’s ears.
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Southgate named his 26-man World Cup squad on Thursday with a wealth of attacking talent.
England have struggled for goals since the summer’s Nations League fixtures.
And so Southgate has called upon England’s most in-form playmaker James Maddison.
The one-cap star will feed the likes of Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford in attack.
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He will also provide a good rotational option for mainstay Mason Mount.
Southgate said on Maddison: “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.”
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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.”
England’s 26-man squad for the World Cup More

GARETH SOUTHGATE announced his World Cup squad earlier today as England gear up for another huge tournament. Some stars were left out of the 26-men squad but others, like James Maddison and Conor Gallagher, were surprisingly included.
Harry Kane will be England’s biggest attacking threat as the Spurs star chases more tournament goalsCredit: Getty
Some fans were caught by surprise at Conor Gallagher’s inclusion in the 26-man squadCredit: Getty
The boys will be led by captain Harry Kane in the opening game against Iran in just 11 days amid high expectations.
While some in the squad are about to compete in their fifth major appearances, others have not played a single competitive game for England.
SunSport has the lowdown on every single squad player from caps, goals and international experience.
Goalkeepers
Jordan Pickford
Club: Everton Age: 28 Caps: 45 Previous tournament experience: Two tournaments (2018, 2020), 14 appearances
Goodison gloveman has had his critics but travels as unquestioned No 1. Has shown a growing maturity and distribution is so useful for Southgate’s side.
Aaron Ramsdale
Club: ArsenalAge: 24 Caps: 3Previous tournament experience: One tournament (2020), no appearances
Emergency call-up in 2021 but in this squad by right and might have edged ahead of Nick Pope as Pickford’s understudy. No shortage of self-belief, either.
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Nick Pope
NewcastleAge: 30 Caps: 10 Previous tournament experience: One tournament (2018), no appearances
Part of that new-look Toon rearguard and perhaps the best English shot-stopper but not so clever on the deck and blotted his copybook in Germany game in September.
Defence
Trent Alexander-Arnold
LiverpoolAge: 24 Caps: 17 Goals: 1 Previous tournament experience: Two tournaments (2018, 2020), one appearance
Reece James’ misfortune is the Liverpool man’s opportunity but Southgate’s doubts over his defensive acumen are justified. That passing ability, though. 
Kyle Walker
Manchester CityAge: 32 Caps: 20 Previous tournament experience: Three tournaments (2016, 2018, 2020), 14 appearances
Walker’s recovery from injury is still uncertain but Southgate values his ability to play at full-back or on the right of a three and has taken a gamble.
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Ben White
ArsenalAge: 25 Caps: 4Previous tournament experience: One tournament (2020), no appearances
Unused in the summer of 2021 but outstanding at full-back in Gunners’ unexpected title push and gets his chance. Ability to play in a three could help, too.
John Stones
Manchester CityAge: 28 Caps: 59 Goals: 3 Previous tournament experience: Three tournaments (2016, 2018, 2020), 14 appearances, two goals
Star has fallen and risen over the past few years but Southgate needs the Yorkshireman to be a tough as teak Tyke if England are to be contenders.
Harry Maguire
Manchester UnitedAge: 29 Caps: 48 Goals: 7 Previous tournament experience: Two tournaments (2018, 2020), 12 appearances, two goals
Nobody could claim Maguire has enjoyed the past two years but he has never let Southgate down when the heat was on. That may still be enough for him to start against Iran
Eric Dier
TottenhamAge: 28 Caps: 47 Goals: 3 Previous tournament experience: Two tournaments (2016, 2018), 10 appearances, one goal
Spurs man was in England wilderness for two years until September recall but his form has since dipped and must have been a touch and go selection.

Conor Coady
Everton (on loan from Wolves)
Age: 29 Caps: 10 Goals: 1 Previous tournament experience: One tournament (2020)Did not get off the bench in 2021 but a good tourist who has prospered since his return to Merseyside. Would love to get on the pitch for a single minute. 
Luke Shaw
Manchester UnitedAge: 27 Caps: 23 Goals 3Previous tournament experience: Two tournaments (2014, 2020), seven appearances, one goal
Recent England displays, and Ben Chilwell’s absence, have secured the Old Trafford man’s likely starting slot on the left against Iran. 
Kieran Trippier
NewcastleAge: 32 Caps: 37  Goals: 1 Previous tournament experience:  Two tournaments (2018, 2020), 11 appearances, one goal
Experience in Spain has made Trippier an even more rounded player and ability to play both sides made him an even bigger certainty to be selected. Nobody will forget that Croatia free-kick.
Midfield
Jordan Henderson
LiverpoolAge: 32 Caps: 7 Goals: 2 Previous tournament experience: Five tournaments (2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020) 15 appearances, one goal
Liverpool skipper remains a key member of Southgate’s squad even if he may not make the initial starting line-up. Character is hugely important.
Already established as a star at club level, Jude Bellingham has a chance to cement his growing reputation further in QatarCredit: PA
Jude Bellingham
Borussia DortmundAge: 19 Caps: 17 Previous tournament experience: One tournament (2020), three appearances
Teenager is mature beyond his years and surely a mainstay for a decade or more. No wonder most of Europe’s elite clubs want him and this is his opportunity to shine.
Declan Rice
West Ham Age: 23 Caps: 34 Goals: 2 Previous tournament experience: One tournament (2020), seven appearances
Ever-present in 2021 and will be again if he stays fit. The perfect platform for the midfielder to show why he is one of England’s brightest jewels.
Conor Gallagher
ChelseaAge: 22 Caps:Previous tournament experience: None
The wild-card selection must have been fearing he had blown his chances with his most recent cap in the Hungary home humbling in June but is Southgate’s hunch call.

Mason Mount
ChelseaAge: 23 Caps: 32 Goals: 5 Previous tournament experience: One tournament (2020), five appearances
Covid impacted on him in 2021 and gets some grief but Southgate is a big fan of his movement, energy, guile and goal threat.
Kalvin Phillips
Manchester City
Age: 26 Caps: 23 
Previous tournament experience: One tournament (2020), seven appearances
Other than Sterling, Phillips was the surprise star of Euro 2020 when he started every game and gave Southgate’s side some midfield muscle. Barely played since his summer move so this is a risk.
Forwards
Raheem Sterling was first named in an England World Cup squad in 2014 aged 19 and is set to star in his fifth major international tournamentCredit: PA
Jack Grealish
Manchester CityAge: 27 Caps: 24 Goals: 1 Previous tournament experience: One tournament (2020), five appearances
Significant impact off the bench in 2021 and still struggling to make himself a starter. Some feel he has sublimated his natural game to fit the Pep pattern. Does Southgate trust him?
Phil Foden
Manchester CityAge: 22 Caps: 18 Goals: 2 Previous tournament experience: One tournament (2020)
Injury curtailed his involvement 18 months ago yet nobody would quibble if he starts against Iran. Still little more than a pup but with real bite and bark.
Bukayo Saka
ArsenalAge: 21 Caps: 20 Goals: 4 Previous tournament experience: One tournament (2020), four appearances
Has recovered from the scars of that missed Final penalty against Italy and an integral part of the Arsenal renaissance. Can play anywhere from left-back to right wing.
Raheem Sterling
ChelseaAge: 27 Caps: 79 Goals: 19 Previous tournament experience: Four tournaments (2014, 2016, 2018, 2020), 18 appearances, three goals
Wideman has struggled at Chelsea this term but Southgate will not forget how he blossomed at Euro 2020. Will be under pressure for a starting slot.
James Maddison
LeicesterAge: 26 Caps: 1 Previous tournament experience: None
Brilliant Leicester form for two years did not seem to have been noticed by Southgate until recently but he has the playmaking and dead ball ability to make an impact.
Callum Wilson
NewcastleAge: 30 Caps: 4 Goals: 1 Previous tournament experience: None
Toon hitman got a last minute invitation to the party and earned his place as Kane’s understudy with his form for the Geordies. Better late than never.
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Marcus Rashford
Manchester UnitedAge: 25 Caps: 46 Goals: 12 Previous tournament experience: Three tournaments (2016, 2018, 2020) 13 appearances
Boy wonder of 2016 has become a social campaigner as well as a player. Pace is his key attribute. Still looking for the elusive first tournament goal.
Harry Kane
TottenhamAge: 29 Caps: 75 Goals: 51 Previous tournament experience: Three tournaments (2016, 2018, 2020), 17 appearances, 10 goals
Can break two more England records – leading scorer and highest tournament marksman – over the next few weeks. Skipper is the first and most vital name on Southgate’s teamsheet. More

EYE-WATERING World Cup drinks prices have been revealed with football fans paying up to £80 a pint.Between 3,000 and 4,000 England fans are expected to travel to Qatar for the World Cup group stages.
Between 3,000 and 4,000 England fans are expected to travel to Qatar for the group stagesCredit: Louis Wood
Football fans face paying £80 a pint in QatarCredit: instagram/@hitmfe
The World Cup starts on November 20 and alcohol can only be sold and consumed in set locationsCredit: instagram/@mrapp2018
And more are set to follow if Gareth Southgate’s side reach the knockout stages.
Unlike relatively-relaxed Dubai some 200 miles away, Qatar has tougher restrictions on who can buy alcohol and where – limiting most purchases to restaurants and high-end hotels.
But some sports bars have been accused of exploiting visitors by charging fans up to £240 each to watch the World Cup semi-finals and finals.
The stunning price includes a three-drink voucher for bottles of Budweiser or Corona or a glass of house wine – working out at £80 a drink.
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Drinks giant Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide – which owns many of the world’s most popular beer brands including Becks, Budweiser, Corona and Stella Artois – are even training up to 6,000 workers in Qatar to be able to pour a pint properly.
Public drunkenness is technically illegal and those found guilty face up to six months’ jail time and a fine of 3,000 riyals, or around £700.
However, in reality, Qatari officials often turn a blind eye to expats getting drunk, as long as they stay within the restaurants and hotels.
And spaces will be created to “sober up” drunk supporters.
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Qatar’s World Cup chief executive, Nasser Al Khater said: “There are plans in place for people to sober up if they’ve been drinking excessively.
“It’s a place to make sure that they keep themselves safe, they’re not harmful to anybody else.”
Fans also can’t bring any booze into the country, and authorities will confiscate any alcohol in travellers’ luggage and there are also strict laws on drugs.
Any fans caught smuggling cocaine into the country could face the death penalty.
Cheaper alternative locations for drinking have been identified by SunSport.
Public House, Mulberry Tavern, The Irish Harp and Champions Sports bar are all good options.
The tournament kicks off on November 20 as host nation Qatar take on Ecuador.
Cheap locations for pints in Qatar More