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      World Cup 2022 squads: England squad CONFIRMED while France, Brazil, Belgium, 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
      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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      Fans split on England’s World Cup 2022 squad after Gareth Southgate makes big calls on Maddison and Tomori

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      ENGLAND fans are split after Gareth Southgate announced his 26-man squad for the World Cup in Qatar.Some feel the Three Lions boss has got it bang on, picking the players that can secure glory this winter.
      Gareth Southgate named his England squad this afternoonCredit: Reuters

      But others have been left angrily scratching their heads.
      One wrote: “LOVE that squad! Southgate has clearly listened. It’s coming home.”
      Although another Twitter user punched into his keyboard: “See Southgate picked his favourites again.”
      While a third joked: “Burnley of international football. Can’t wait to play 5ATB vs Iran and hope for a 1-0 from a corner.”
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Among the 52-year-old’s big decisions was the call to select James Maddison… three years after the Leicester star earned his one and only cap to date.
      Fans have generally been pleased with the call, with one writing: “Well deserved. Playing some great football.”
      A second added: “Southgate at least has half a clue then! Well deserved based on his form.”
      On his decision to pick Maddison, Southgate said: “He’s playing very well. He’s earned the right. We think he can give us something slightly different to the other attacking players that we’ve got.”

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      Defenders Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guehi have been omitted from the squad, to the irritation of many.
      Responding to their snubs, one fan wrote: “Coady over Guehi Tomori Gomez Mings is a crime.”
      A second tweeted: “Sorry but how the f*** has Southgate NOT picked Tomori nor Guehi for the @England World Cup squad????
      “Utterly ridiculous!!!”
      Another frustratedly asked: “What message does this send to players who want to test themselves abroad?
      “Tomori has arguably been the top performing English CB over the past 12 months but misses out because Southgate has picked players based off of previous squads.”
      Other fans took issue with Kalvin Phillips’ selection, with the midfielder having played just 53 minutes of action this season due to a shoulder injury.
      ‘ABSOLUTE EMBARRASSMENT’
      One wrote: “How the hell has Phillips got in this squad???? Absolute embarrassment and so disrespectful to other players who actually play and fit.”
      A second added: “Don’t think he’s played a single minute has he? Joke of decision.”
      Conor Gallagher has been included – having earned four England caps to date despite missing out on September’s squad.
      Read More on The Sun
      Fans seem to be split on the Chelsea midfielder, with one writing: “Well deserved Conor.”
      While another harshly disagreed: “Least talented. This proves that Southgate prefers headless players who run a lot.” More

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      England squad for World Cup 2022 CONFIRMED as Gareth Southgate picks his 26 stars gunning for glory in Qatar

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has named his 26-man squad for England’s World Cup campaign with Conor Gallagher and Callum Wilson the shock picks.The Three Lions gaffer has whittled down his 55-man provisional list to the special 26.
      England’s 26-man squad for the World Cup
      Gareth Southgate has named his 26-man for England’s World Cup campaignCredit: Reuters
      James Maddison has not played for England since his one and only cap in 2019Credit: PA
      And there will be the traditional mix of euphoria and despair around the nation today.
      After announcing his chosen group, Southgate said: “We’re excited by the group. We think there’s a lot of talent within it.
      “But the group has to come together. We’ve got to adapt better than anybody else in the coming period.”
      Harry Kane will once again spearhead Southgate’s troops looking to win his first ever competition trophy.
      Read More Football
      The Spurs man was the top scorer at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
      Jordan Pickford has never let anyone down for England, and he will be given the gloves in Qatar.
      The much-maligned Harry Maguire might not have found much form for Manchester United this season, but he is one of Southgate’s favourites in the squad.
      James Maddison’s inclusion is arguably the biggest talking point. He appears to have finally won over Southgate after his stunning form for Leicester dragged them off the bottom of the Premier League.
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      How England could line up in Qatar

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      Wilson’s inclusion in the forward line could also raise some eyebrows, but when fit the 30-year-old has a proven goal threat.
      Speaking about Maddison, Southgate said: “He is a really good player, he is playing well and he can offer something different.
      “For the Euros he wasn’t in contention, he had a bit of a problem with his hip.
      “But he is a little bit different to the others.”
      Asked about Maddison’s reaction: “He was delighted. As I said, I had some very difficult calls that were emotionally at the other end of the spectrum so it was nice to give myself that.
      “All of those calls, the difficult calls and the positive ones, shows how much it means.
      “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.
      “I didn’t speak with Callum. We have prioritised the difficult conversations and that’s really tough.
      “Not many things in football harder than that. The nature of them remind you how much it means to go to a World Cup. I am very conscious of that. A great day for some but for some disappointing.”
      The 25-year-old has only a single cap for the Three Lions, coming in 2019 in a 7-0 win against Montenegro.
      TONEY MISSES OUT
      Southampton star James Ward-Prowse might feel particularly hard done by after just missing out on England’s Euro 2020 squad.
      Brentford’s Ivan Toney was a long-shot after earning a recent call-up, but his eight goals in 13 Premier League appearances have not proved enough.
      Defenders Marc Guehi and Fikayo Tomori have also missed the cut but the inclusion of Ben White might surprise some.
      Tammy Abraham and Jarrod Bowen of Roma and West Ham respectively have not replicated last season’s stunning form this time around and won’t be on the plane.
      On Abraham, Southgate added: “Tammy has had a poor run of scoring form at the wrong time basically.
      “Form could be more important. We’re watching their club form but we don’t really know where they are until we see them on the training pitch.”
      Read More on The Sun
      England start their World Cup campaign against Iran on Monday, November 21 in Group B.
      Next up is a clash against Gregg Berhalter’s US, with the mouth-watering clash against near-neighbours Wales the final game on November 29. More

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      Mario Gotze is Germany World Cup hero who fought back from rare health problem with model wife by his side

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      MARIO GOTZE has been called up to the Germany squad for the World Cup.The Eintracht Frankfurt star has had a turbulent few years but is on the rise once again more than eight years after scoring the winner in the 2014 World Cup final.
      Mario Gotze has been called up to the Germany squad for the World CupCredit: Getty
      Gotze alongside wife Ann-Kathrin BrömmelCredit: Getty – Pool
      The Germany star went viral for this pic with Ann in 2012Credit: Fame Flynet
      The pair started dating in 2012 and married in 2018Credit: Instagram @annkathrinvida
      The couple have one child togetherCredit: @annkathrinvida : Instagram
      Ann is a former lingerie modelCredit: Instagram @annkathrinvida
      Gotze’s strike gave Germany a 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina and the then-Bayern Munich star looked set for an illustrious career.
      But he failed to replicate the form he showed for Borussia Dortmund at Bayern, scoring 36 goals in 114 games for the perennial German champions.
      Gotze returned to Dortmund in 2016 but spent six months on the sidelines in his first year after suffering from myopathy, a disorder which affects the fibres in the muscles.
      The condition made it difficult for Gotze to lose weight after he picked up injuries and he was nicknamed ‘chubby fairy’ by his Dortmund team-mates.
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      His last Germany cap came the following year in 2017 as his health problems caused him to become a bit-part player at Dortmund.
      But the 30-year-old has always had an abundance of talent with Marco Reus claiming Gotze is the best player he has ever played with – ahead of Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland.
      Gotze rediscovered his form following a move to PSV Eindhoven in 2020, where he spent two years before joining Frankfurt for £2.5million in the summer.
      He has been a regular starter for the German side and played in five Champions League games to help Frankfurt qualify for the knock-out stages.
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      And now his form has been rewarded with a recall to the national team by Hansi Flick, with Gotze likely benefitting from Reus being ruled out through injury.
      Gotze missed out on the 2018 World Cup but will have a chance to put things right in Qatar later this month.
      The 63-cap star featured in six games in 2014 and came off the bench to score in the final.
      He also went viral not long after the final after being photographed getting a little too excited alongside his stunning wife Ann-Kathrin Brommel. More

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      England legend Gazza reveals he was caught by Sir Bobby Robson drinking pina colada on the beach during World Cup

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      PAUL GASCOIGNE recalls being caught by Sir Bobby Robson as he sipped a pina colada on the beach during the World Cup.England legend Gazza captured the nation’s imaginations during Italia 90, with a string of breathtaking performances on the Three Lions’ incredible run to the semi-finals.
      Paul Gascoigne reminisced about World Cup memories
      Sir Bobby Robson caught Gazza out as he enjoyed a drink on the beachCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      And while he was there, Gascoigne loved every minute of his World Cup experience.
      Chatting to Sky Sports ahead of Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad announcement for Qatar, the 55-year-old looked back at some of his fondest memories.
      He said: “So for me, to be playing football every single day, I loved it, even though I got up to trouble now and again, got caught by Sir Bobby Robson!
      “Even got caught having a pina colada on the beach, which he went mad on.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      “I said ‘it’s a milkshake gaffer’. He went ‘no it’s not, it’s got an umbrella on’.
      “I went ‘oh yeah, it’s a pina colada’. He went ‘give it us here’.”
      On how much fun he had being part of the tournament environment, Gascoigne added: “I wish it was me going out there, given the opportunity to play again.
      “It’s important that the players make the most of every day – even in training.
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      “I loved training more than I did the matches to be fair. I just loved it, being amongst the lads.
      “You think about it, it could be six weeks that you’re playing football.
      “I loved playing football anyway.” More

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      James Maddison, Ben White and Callum Wilson INCLUDED in England’s World Cup 2022 squad… but six stars face heartbreak

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      SIX England stars have been dealt World Cup heartbreak after missing out on Gareth Southgate’s squad.Defenders Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guehi, midfielder James Ward-Prowse and strikers Tammy Abraham, Jarrod Bowen and Ivan Toney have failed to make the cut.
      James Maddison looks to be heading to Qatar this winterCredit: PA
      Ben White will be smiling after being picked by Gareth SouthgateCredit: Getty
      Newcastle’s Callum Wilson will be heading out to QatarCredit: Getty
      But there is delight for Leicester’s James Maddison, Arsenal’s Ben White and Newcastle frontman Callum Wilson who will be heading out to Qatar.
      Southgate’s 26-man squad will provide equal measures of euphoria and heartbreak just ten days before the World Cup starts.
      Maddison’s inclusion comes amid some fine performances for Leicester as he has helped drag the Foxes off the bottom of the Premier League.
      White has featured regularly for top-of-the-table Arsenal and provides options for Southgate at central defence, full-back and even midfield.
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      Wilson is hoping to put his injury problems behind him, and has pipped Brentford ace Ivan Toney and Roma frontman Tammy Abraham to bag a striker spot.
      Former Chelsea kids Guehi and Tomori have enjoyed decent seasons at Crystal Palace and AC Milan respectively, but will not be heading on the plane.

      It is yet more despair for Ward-Prowse – he came within a whisker of making Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad but just missed out.
      Bowen enjoyed a stunning 2021-22 season, but this current campaign has seen him struggle in an inconsistent West Ham side.
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      Toney earned a surprise call-up to Southgate’s Three Lions squad for the Nations League games against England and Germany.
      But the Brentford star failed to get any minutes on the pitch.
      Abraham has scored just four goals in 19 games for Roma in Serie A and will be disappointed not to get chance to show his skills in Qatar. More

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      Culture war spotlight shifts from Erling Haaland to Kylian Mbappe as World Cup approaches

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      THERE’S a reason the Lionel Messi/Cristiano Ronaldo debate has been flogged to death.Football fans will always be intensely invested in the world’s absolute best players and there can be doubt that the Argentine No10 and the Portuguese No7 will be remembered as two of the greatest to ever grace a pitch.
      With both icons on the brink of their last World Cup, there has been a lot of talk in recent times about which players will rise to power in the next decade?
      The names put forward most frequently are Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, with good reason.

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      Dream Team World Cup’s most-popular playerCredit: getty/DREAM TEAM
      Between them, the pair have scored 62 goals in 73 Champions League appearances and have quickly risen to become the primary goal threats for PSG and Manchester City respectively.
      It already feels as if the two will forever be linked in the same manner as Messi and Ronaldo – it’s likely we’ll see them battle it out for the Ballon d’Or several times over in the coming years.
      How conscious Mbappe and Haaland are of their rivalry is unclear but it would surprising if they hadn’t given it at least some thought – elite sportspeople tend to be ultra competitive.
      So far this season, the Norwegian poacher has gained considerable ground in the culture war – which is not to say PSG’s No7 has underwhelmed, far from it.
      Mbappe has 18 goals and five assists from 19 games this term but Haaland has dominated the spotlight having plundered 23 goals (and three assists) from just 16 outings.
      2022 has been a huge year for Haaland so far
      It’s generally accepted that the Premier League is the most competitive domestic league in the world which is why Man City’s new No9 has garnered such praise for making a mockery of its Golden Boot race – he’s seven goals clear of Harry Kane at this stage.
      Haaland’s ruthless efficiency displayed on a new stage has been the overriding theme of the 2022/23 season for many – pretty much every supporter in Europe has guessed at how many goals he’ll score by the end of the campaign.
      Couple this with Mbappe having to share the limelight with Neymar and Lionel Messi in the French capital, both in great form currently, and it’s no wonder the dynamic of the emerging duopoly has shifted.
      But the Frenchman has the perfect opportunity to readdress the balance this winter.
      Norway failed to qualify for the World Cup so Haaland will not have the chance to enhance his reputation at the planet’s most-watched sporting event.
      In contrast, Mbappe represents the holders and, by extension, one of the favourites.
      For the 23-year-old, it’s also a return to the stage on which his reputation ballooned in 2018.
      Mbappe’s first World Cup couldn’t have gone any betterCredit: getty
      He scored four goals as Les Bleus conquered all in Russia, including one in the final, and was named Best Young Player at the tournament.
      An impressive and (most importantly) ultimately successful World Cup campaign goes a huge way to defining a player’s career- Diego Maradona and Pele’s legacies as all-time greats are shaped by their performances on the biggest international stage.
      Mbappe ticking the achievement off his checklist in his teenage years formed the foundation of his reputation as heir to the throne – especially considering World Cup glory has evaded Messi and Ronaldo.
      Another magnificent campaign in Qatar would cement his claim to the crown and may cause a few Haaland admirers to reconsider their allegiance.
      The PSG forward may also feel he has some demons to exorcise after a disappointing showing personally, and from Didier Deschamps’ side collectively, at Euro 2020.
      Mbappe has scored 28 goals in 59 France caps
      As expected, Mbappe is proving to be a popular man among Dream Team World Cup gaffers.
      He currently features in 39.7% of provisional teams created so far, making him the most-selected player in the game, narrowly ahead of Kevin De Bruyne.
      France start the defence of their crown against Australia and will also face Tunisia and Denmark in Group D – the latter beat them home and away earlier this year so keep an eye on that match-up.
      Needless to say, Mbappe will fancy his chances of cashing in against Australia and Tunisia – Dream Team World Cup bosses that proceed without him for those fixtures will be taking a risk.

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      Belgium announce World Cup 2022 squad with Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen in but Liverpool icon Divock Origi OUT

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      BELGIUM have announced their 26-man World Cup squad.Former Tottenham duo Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen have both been included as they prepare for a third World Cup with the national team.
      Alderweireld, left, and Vertonghen, centre, have both been included in the squadCredit: AFP
      Divock Origi has been left out of Belgium’s World Cup squadCredit: Alamy
      But they will NOT be joined by former Liverpool striker Divock Origi after manager Roberto Martinez decided against taking him to Qatar.
      The 27-year-old’s eight-year stint at Anfield came to an end in the summer and he signed for AC Milan.
      And he has struggled to find his shooting boots in Italy, scoring just once in 13 appearances for the Serie A giants.
      That poor form has ultimately cost him as he has failed to be selected for a second World Cup following his participation in the 2014 tournament.
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      But fellow former Liverpool man Simon Mignolet has made the squad behind No1 Thibaut Courtois.
      In defence, Leicester’s Wout Faes and Timothy Castagne are included.
      Manchester City superstar Kevin de Bruyne leads a superb pool of midfielders – which also features another Leicester man in Youri Tielemans, along with Atletico Madrid’s Yannick Carrasco and Borussia Dortmund’s Thorgan Hazard.
      And then up front Martinez is blessed with a host of options.
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      Real Madrid’s Eden Hazard will captain his country in Qatar.
      He will be joined in attack by the likes of Inter Milan loanee Romelu Lukaku, Brighton’s Leandro Trossard, Rennes’ Jeremy Doku, Galatasaray’s Dries Mertens and Fenerbahce’s Michy Batshuayi.
      Belgium reached the semi-finals of the last World Cup in Russia, before being knocked out by eventual winners France.
      They beat England in the third place play-off to secure their best ever finish in the competition’s history.
      Martinez’s men then exited the Euros in the quarter-finals last year, also losing to the subsequent champions, Italy.
      Belgium squad in full:
      Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Simon Mignolet (Club Brugge), Koen Casteels (VfL Wolfsburg).
      Defenders: Jan Vertonghen (Anderlecht), Toby Alderweireld (Royal Antwerp), Wout Faes (Leicester), Arthur Theate (Rennes), Zeno Debast (Anderlecht), Thomas Meunier (Borussia Dortmund), Timothy Castagne (Leicester).
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      Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne (Man City), Youri Tielemans (Leicester), Amadou Onana (Everton), Axel Witsel (Atletico Madrid), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge), Leander Dendoncker (Aston Villa), Yannick Carrasco (Atletico Madrid), Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Dortmund).
      Forwards: Eden Hazard (Real Madrid), Charles De Ketelaere (AC Milan), Leandro Trossard (Brighton), Dries Mertens (Galatasaray), Jeremy Doku (Rennes), Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan), Michy Batshuayi (Fenerbahce), Lois Openda (Lens). More