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      France World Cup squad named as Deschamps gambles on crocked Man Utd star Raphael Varane and big-name forwards axed

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      FRANCE have named their 25-man squad for the Qatar World Cup – and there is room for crocked Man United star Raphael Varane.Didier Deschamps’ side are looking to defend their 2018 crown in the Middle East this month.
      Raphael Varane will have the chance to defend his World Cup after making France’s squad for QatarCredit: Getty
      And the France boss has named a strong group with plenty of quality firepower.
      But he has also opted to include injured United defender Varane.
      The centre-back has been missing for weeks with a hamstring problem.
      And there were serious doubts over whether he would make it in time for the competition.
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      But Varane will be heading to Qatar to defend his World Cup crown after convincing Deschamps he is fit enough to feature.
      Meanwhile, Eduardo Camavinga got a call-up despite reports in France suggesting he would be left out.
      However, there was no room for AC Milan goalie Mike Maignan or Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy.
      Other big names to miss out include Man Utd’s Anthony Martial, Sevilla’s Wissam Ben Yedder, Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby and Aston Villa’s Lucas Digne.
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      France’s confirmed World Cup squadGOALIES

      Hugo Lloris – Tottenham

      Steven Mandanda – Stade Rennais

      Alphonse Areola – West Ham

      DEFENDERS

      Benjamin Pavard – Bayern Munich

      Ibrahima Konate – Liverpool

      Dayot Upamecano – Bayern Munich

      William Saliba – Arsenal

      Jules Kounde – Barcelona

      Raphael Varane – Man Utd

      Lucas Hernandez – Bayern Munich

      Theo Hernandez – AC Milan

      Presnel Kimpembe –PSG

      MIDFIELDERS

      Aurelien Tchouameni – Real Madrid

      Jordan Veretout – Marseille

      Matteo Guendouzi – Marseille

      Eduardo Camavinga – Real Madrid

      Adrien Rabiot – Juventus

      Youssouf Fofana – Monaco

      FORWARDS

      Kylian Mbappe – PSG

      Kingsley Coman – Bayern Munich

      Ousmane Dembele – Barcelona

      Christopher Nkunku – RB Leipzig

      Antoine Griezmann – Atletico Madrid

      Karim Benzema – Real Madrid

      Olivier Giroud – AC Milan

      Otherwise it is business as usual for France.
      Deschamps has named three goalkeepers in his side, with captain and Tottenham star Hugo Lloris joined by West Ham’s Alphonse Areola and Stade Rennais’ Steve Mandanda.
      As for right-backs, France have opted for Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard and Barcelona’s Jules Kounde.
      And on the left, Milan’s Theo Hernandez and PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe are the preferred choice.
      There’s plenty of options at centre-back too, with Arsenal’s William Saliba, Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate and Man Utd’s Varane in alongside Bayern Munich duo Lucas Hernandez and Dayot Upamecano.
      Midfield was the main area of concern for Deschamps, with N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba both missing through injury.
      And joining Veretout are Juventus’ Adrien Rabiot, Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana and Marseille teammate Matteo Guendouzi, plus Real Madrid’s Aurelian Tchouameni and Camavinga.
      But it’s in attack where France will shine, with Deschamps giving himself plenty of options.
      The wide players consist of PSG’s Kylian Mbappe, Bayern’s Kingsley Coman and Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele.
      Read More on The Sun
      There are two link-up forwards in RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku and Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann.
      Finally, there are two further No9s consisting of Real’s Karim Benzema and Milan’s Olivier Giroud. More

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      Rashford and White ‘set to be named in England’s 26-man World Cup squad but Southgate to snub Sancho and Maddison’

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE is reportedly set to include Marcus Rashford and Ben White in his 26-man England squad for Qatar.But it’s claimed both James Maddison and Jadon Sancho are both set for World Cup heartbreak.
      Ben White and Marcus Rashford will both reportedly be in England’s World Cup squadCredit: Getty
      James Maddison is set for World Cup heartbreakCredit: Getty
      Jadon Sancho will also be left out, according to reportsCredit: Getty
      Three Lions gaffer Southgate will announce his squad for Qatar on Thursday, with England’s first game less than two weeks away.
      And Manchester United star Rashford will be IN, according to the Guardian.
      The 25-year-old has not featured for Southgate since the Euros, but a stunning start to life under Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford has seen the forward force himself back into international contention.
      Elsewhere the Guardian say Arsenal defender White is set to replace the devastated Reece James, who has confirmed he will be missing the tournament, in the squad.
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      White has excelled at right-back for the Gunners this season, helping Mikel Arteta’s side to the top of the Premier League.
      Maddison, on the other hand, is set for heartbreak.
      The Leicester playmaker has scored six goals and provided four assists in 12 Prem games this season, but is not reportedly deemed worthy of a seat on the plane.
      The same can be said for Sancho, although the United man has not reached the same heights as Maddison this term.
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      While James is set to miss out through injury, it is claimed Kyle Walker will be included.
      The Manchester City defender is expected to be on the plane, despite not playing since undergoing groin surgery last month.
      His City team-mate, Kalvin Phillips, had shoulder surgery in September but is also likely to be in the squad. He was on the bench for Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea.
      Up front, the understudy to Harry Kane has been a hot topic of debate.
      Brentford striker Ivan Toney and Roma ace Tammy Abraham – who scored on Wednesday night – are waiting nervously on their inclusion, according to the Telegraph.
      Newcastle striker Callum Wilson, who has netted six goals in 10 Prem games this season, could be called up instead.
      Read More on The Sun
      At the back, White’s inclusion could make it a shootout between Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guehi for the final defender spot.
      While in the middle, Chelsea pair Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Conor Gallagher are both reportedly set to miss out.
      Kyle Walker has not played since the start of OctoberCredit: Getty
      Kalvin Phillips had shoulder surgery in September, but is reportedly expected to be in the squadCredit: PA More

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      Top 10 biggest World Cup wins ever and Germany’s 7-1 demolition over Brazil doesn’t even make the cut

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      THE World Cup never fails to produce some shocking results and the list of the top ten biggest wins proves that.Germany’s demolition of Brazil in 2014 is one that immediately pops into people’s minds, while the 2018 tournament included some high-scoring affairs.
      Brazil were heavily beaten by Germany 7-1 in the 2014 World Cup finals.Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      England thrashed Panama 6-1, Belgium hit five past Tunisia in their 5-2 win and Russia started the tournament with a thrilling 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
      However, none of these games have made the top ten in terms of the biggest wins in World Cup history.
      Here are the ten thrashings that fans will be hoping their sides can emulate at the World Cup in Qatar this month.
      = 7. Portugal 7-0 DPR Korea – 2010
      Raul Meireles scored the first goal for Portugal in their 7-0 win over DPR Korea in 2010.Credit: EPA
      Cristiano Ronaldo netted his first international goal for over a year, although it turned out to be the only one of the tournament for the current Manchester United forward.
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      Raul Meireles, Simao, Hugo Almeida, Liedson and Tiago (two) also scored in the match for Portugal, although the side would exit the tournament in the round of 16 atthe hands of Spain.
      =7. Poland 7-0 Haiti – 1974
      Poland showed their power against Haiti as they won 7-0.Credit: AFP
      A perfect game for Poland in which Andrzej Szarmach netted a hat-trick.
      Grzegorz Lato (two), Jerzy Gorgon, and Kazimierz Deyna also got on the scoresheet as the side went on to finish third in the tournament.
      =7. Turkey 7-0 Korea Republic – 1954
      Turkey’s Suat Mamat netted a brace against Korea Republic in their 7-0 win.Credit: Getty
      The 1954 World Cup in Switzerland threw up some spectacular scorelines and Turkey’s thrashing of Korea Republic was just one of them.
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      Burhan Sargun bagged a hat trick and was joined on the scoresheet by Suat Mamat, Erol Keskin and Lefter Kucukandonyadis
      =7. Uruguay 7-0 Scotland – 1954
      Scottish goalkeeper Fred Martin was unable to stop the flow of goals from Uruguay.Credit: Getty
      Scotland’s first World Cup did not go well as they lost both of their games.
      Against Uruguay Carlos Borges got himself a hat-trick, while Oscar Miguez and Julio Abbadie both scored twice.
      =4. Germany 8-0 Saudi Arabia – 2002
      Miroslav Klose was on fire in Germany’s win over Saudi Arabia in 2002.Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Germany opened the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea in electric fashion as they hammered Saudi Arabia.
      Miroslav Klose scored three and was joined by Michael Ballack, Carsten Jancker, Thomas Linke, Oliver Bierhoff and Bernd Schneider on the scoresheet.
      =4. Uruguay 8-0 Bolivia – 1950
      Uruguay went on to win the tournament after beating BoliviaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      After France withdrew from the tournament in Brazil, eventual winners Uruguay only played one group game, but certainly proved their credentials against Bolivia.
      A hat-trick for Oscar Míguez helped them on their way to their brilliant victory, and he would finish as the second-highest scorer in the tournament only behind Brazil’s Ademir.
      =4. Sweden 8-0 Cuba – 1938
      Swedish fans saw two of their players score hat-tricks in their impressive win over Cuba.Credit: Getty
      Going way back now, but Sweden’s destruction of Cuba in the quarter-finals remains one of the greatest wins.
      Both Harry Andersson and Gustav Wetterstrom scored hat-tricks, while Tore Keller and Arne Nyberg also found the net.
      =2. Yugoslavia 9-0 Zaire – 1974
      Zaire goalkeeper Tubilandu Ndimbi was not able to stop Yugoslavia’s powerful attackers.
      Zaire, now known as DR Congo, did not enjoy their World Cup campaign as they lost to Scotland 2-0 before their hammering by Yugoslavia.
      Dusan Bajevic starred in the game as he scored a hat-trick while six other players also grabbed a goal.
      =2. Hungary 9-0 South Korea – 1954
      Hungary has made the list of biggest wins in World Cup history twice.Credit: Getty
      Ferenc Puskas scored the first and last goal of the game as Hungary made clear their aim of winning the tournament.
      They would go on to the final but missed out on the trophy as they were beaten 3-2 by West Germany.
      1. Hungary 10-1 El Salvador – 1982
      Hungary’s 10-1 win over El Salvador is the biggest win in World Cup history.Credit: Getty
      Laszlo Kiss scored a hat-trick in the match after coming on as a substitute.Credit: Getty
      After qualifying for the World Cup amidst an ongoing civil war in their own country, El Salvador were not able to compete.
      They were thrashed by Hungary as substitute Laszlo Kiss scored a seven-minute hat-trick.
      However, neither team made it out of the group as they both fell behind Belgium and Argentina. More

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      First look inside tiny £200 a night World Cup 2022 accommodation with fans in Qatar squeezing into ‘shipping containers’

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      FOOTBALL FANS have had a sneak peek into the tiny £200-a-night shipping container-style rooms that await them in Qatar.The World Cup is less than two weeks away with footie supporters set to descend on the small Gulf nation in their thousands.
      The portable rooms stretch as far as the eye can see with accommodation set up for 60,000 travelling fansCredit: AFP
      The fan villages will also see big screens set up so supporters can watch the gamesCredit: Reuters
      Tiny rooms will provide shelter for fans for the duration of the tournamentCredit: AFP
      Qatar have been frantically setting up infrastructure to handle the influx of supporters from across the world.
      New images from the Al-Emadi fan village show just what travellers will be in for with shipping container-style rooms set up across the desert.
      Pictures show the inside to be made up of either two single beds or a double bed inside cramped rooms.
      Toilets, mini-fridge and tea and coffee-making facilities are also visible in the images.
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      Staff have been hard at work in recent weeks preparing the portable rooms, which are preparing to host up to 60,000 fans.
      The rooms are all side-by-side and stretch across large fields as Qatar looks to make space for the mass of visitors.
      Pictures also show large portable gazebos set up as dining halls for hungry fans.
      Computer-generated images had previously given fans a insight into what they could expect.
      Qatar has a population of just over 2.9million peopleCredit: Reuters
      Fans are set for a unique experience at the 2022 Qatar World CupCredit: AFP
      Alcohol is not as freely-available in Qatar and could represent a different experience for fansCredit: Reuters
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      Along with the unusual accommodation, the World Cup promises to be an unusual one for other reasons.
      Due to Qatar’s strict alcohol laws, the regular tournament sight of drunk, shirtless fans will be less common.
      Alcohol can only be sold and drank in hotel restaurants and bars that have licences and fan zones at particular times.
      It is not known if the fan villages where the portable rooms are will be included as areas where fans are allowed to drink.
      The legal drinking age in the country is also 21 and bouncers are expected to ask for photo ID or passports before entry.
      Qatar is also very strict when it comes it comes to drugs and anyone caught in possession could face severe penalties such as a long-term prison sentence or deportation.
      The World Cup has been shrouded in controversy ever since it was awarded over the country’s view of homosexuality and human rights.
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      There’s also been anger over the amount of migrant workers who have died while building stadiums for the tournament.
      Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter admitted earlier this week that awarding the World Cup rights to Qatar was a “mistake”.
      Controversy has greeted the awarding of the World Cup to Qatar since the announcement was madeCredit: Reuters
      Qatar has been scrambling for months to ensure the country is ready for thousands of football fansCredit: AFP
      The World Cup begins in just 11 daysCredit: Reuters More

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      Ashley Young, 37, ‘was named on Gareth Southgate’s 55-man provisional England squad for World Cup 2022’

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      VETERAN Premier League star Ashley Young was a surprise name in Gareth Southgate’s provisional 55-man World Cup squad, reports claim.The 37-year-old Aston Villa ace has not played for England since the last World Cup in Russia.
      Ashley Young has impressed this season for Aston VillaCredit: Getty
      The 37-year-old has not played for England since the 2018 World CupCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He was even named in the team of the tournament four years ago after a string of impressive performances in the Three Lions’ run to the semi-finals.
      And his resurgent form this season saw him included in Southgate’s provisional squad, according to the Telegraph.
      Young has started eight out of Villa’s last nine Premier League games.
      The experienced former Manchester United man started just 10 Prem games in the entirety of last season.
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      However, the Telegraph report there was never the expectation for Young to make Southgate’s final squad.
      The 55-man provisional squad will be whittled down to the final 26 on Thursday.
      England’s first game against Iran is now just 12 days away.
      While there was never thought to be any real prospect of him making the plane to Qatar, being included in the provisional squad is an impressive achievement for the Prem stalwart.
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      Young has been capped 39 times by England in total, scoring seven goals.
      Elsewhere, Chelsea defender Reece James has admitted he is “devastated” to be missing the tournament through injury.
      After injuring his knee last month, a positive scan on Monday increased the James’ belief he return in time for the knockouts.
      But Three Lions boss Southgate rang the Blues ace this week to tell him he could not afford to take a risk on his fitness.
      James’ Chelsea pal Ben Chilwell will also miss the tournament due to a hamstring problem. More

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

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      DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP gaffers will mostly be selecting players who represent countries with a realistic chance of lifting the trophy in Qatar.So in the build-up to the opening game – which is now just 11 days away – we’re analysing the top eight favourites according to the bookmakers.
      We’ve already dug deep into France and today it’s Spain’s turn under the spotlight.

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      Spain are among the favourites to taste World Cup glory in QatarCredit: getty/DREAM TEAM
      BEST PLAYERS
      Alvaro Morata has his detractors but while it’s true the 30-year-old is not the most clinical finisher around, Luis Enrique appreciates what the striker offers in other aspects of the game.
      Excellent in the air and well-suited to La Roja’s possession-based approach, Morata has the benefit of being the focal point for a team full of creative talent.
      If you back Spain to thrive in Group E (Costa Rica, Japan, Germany) then Morata, who scored the winner for Portugal in his last last international outing, should be a good selection from a Dream Team World Cup perspective even if you don’t see him as one of the team’s most-important players – remember, points are everything.
      At 19 years old, Pedri is already one of the best midfielders in the world and his exemplary technique will be crucial in determining how slickly Spain go about their business.
      However, Dream Team World Cup bosses should note that the Barcelona starlet is not one of those midfielders who deals in regular goal involvements.
      His career is still in its infancy but he’s yet to score more than five goals in a season and he’s also still awaiting his first goal in international football.
      Pedri is a generational talent but his style is not suited to Dream Team World Cup where goal involvements reign supreme – see also: Gavi.
      Spain’s first-choice keeper
      Unai Simon should be first-choice goalkeeper and with a provisional price range of £3.5m – £4m he may end up a fraction cheaper than his peers from the other favoured nations – helpful.
      POTENTIAL FLOPS
      These players are only potential ‘flops’ in the realm of Dream Team World Cup.
      For example, Ansu Fati is an exciting talent and as an ambitious winger he fits the profile Dream Team World Cup managers should be seeking out.
      However, the 20-year-old is likely to be used as second-half substitute – he can be effective against tiring legs – and will therefore be restricted in terms of point-scoring opportunities.
      Rodri and Sergio Busquets are both pushing to start as the deepest of Spain’s three midfielders but, again, neither are attack-minded enough to rack up plentiful points.
      An underrated gem?Credit: getty
      BARGAIN OPTIONS
      It’s rare to find a true bargain among the top teams as quality usually comes at a price but there is one relatively affordable option in Enrique’s ranks.
      If Pablo Sarabia is priced at the lower end of his provisional range (£3.5m – £4m) then he could offer good value for money.
      The PSG midfielder has scored nine goals and provided three assists in 24 caps since his senior debut in 2019.
      That breaks down further to a goal involvement every 105.3 minutes for Spain!
      The 30-year-old is one of the unsung heroes of his national side in recent years and he’s likely to be overlooked the vast majority of Dream Team World Cup managers in favour of more recognisable names.

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      Injured XI: Stars who look set to miss the World Cup including N’Golo Kante, Reece James, Paul Pogba and Sadio Mane

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      A NUMBER of major stars are set to miss out on the World Cup due to injuries. The unprecedented mid-season tournament has left players in the perilous position of knowing an early season strain could stop them going to Qatar.
      Sadio Mane’s injury is a huge blow for SenegalCredit: Getty
      Reece James has been told by Gareth Southgate that he won’t be pickedCredit: Getty
      Paul Pogba’s is out of the World CupCredit: AFP
      Several have suffered that fate, with the likes of Portuguese stars Diogo Jota and Pedro Neto and French defender Boubacar Kamara certain to miss football’s biggest competition.
      Others, such as Chelsea duo Reece James and N’Golo Kante, and Juventus’ Paul Pogba, retained vague hopes of making miracle recoveries – only to end up missing out too.
      There are now so many players with injuries threatening their World Cup place an entire starting XI can be put together.
      In goal would be the Argentine stopper Juan Musso, who has been crocked with a face injury.
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      The keeper, whose club is Italian side Atalanta, had facial surgery to mend the issue but could miss out on Qatar.
      Doubts also surround AC Milan stopper Mike Maignan, who could start over Hugo Lloris for France if fit.
      While Kepa Arrizabalaga is also a doubt for Spain.
      In defence would be Kamara, who tore his knee ligaments only eight games into his Villa career.
      A first XI of stars currently injured and who could miss out on the World Cup
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      He would be joined by Barcelona and Uruguay star Ronald Araujo who suffered a thigh injury in September and is likely to miss out.
      England’s left-back Ben Chilwell will be absent through injury, while SunSport revealed that Gareth Southgate told Reece James he won’t be picked despite his efforts to recover from a knee injury.
      In midfield French pair N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba will both miss out – having hardly featured at all for their clubs this term.
      The pair are joined in the injury XI by ex-Liverpool ace Georginio Wijnaldum. The Dutch midfielder played just one game on loan at Roma before suffering a fractured tibia in his right leg.
      Doubts have persisted about Kalvin Phillips’ fitness due to his shoulder injury – although he now appears likely to be available.
      Mexico’s Raul Jimenez has been dealing with a groin issue, but looks likely to give it a go despite having been absent for Wolves.
      His club team-mate Pedro Neto will definitely be absent from the World Cup, however, after sustaining an ankle injury against West Ham last month.
      Diogo Jota will miss out after he was stretchered off in Liverpool’s win over Manchester City last month.
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      While his former Reds team-mate Sadio Mane also misses out with a tendon injury.
      Former Chelsea ace Timo Werner will NOT be available for Germany after suffering an ankle injury. More

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      ‘I won’t miss this’ – Son Heung-min says he WILL play in World Cup 2022 despite Tottenham star’s eye injury

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      HEUNG MIN-SON has confirmed he’s fit to play at the World Cup in Qatar.The Tottenham forward was in race against time following an eye injury suffered against Marseille last week.
      Heung-Min Son suffered an injury against Marseille last weekCredit: Getty
      Son looked in serious pain but confirmed he’ll recover in time to play in QatarCredit: Reuters
      Son was withdrawn in the first half at the Orange Velodrome and then underwent surgery to ‘stabilise a fracture’ around his left eye.
      As a result, he missed Tottenham’s defeat to Liverpool on Sunday and is also set to miss their two remaining pre-World Cup games.
      But the South Korea star confirmed on his Instagram that he’ll be present in Qatar.
      He said: “Hi everyone. I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you all for the messages of support I have received over the last week.

      “I have read so many of them and truly, truly appreciate you all. In a tough time I received a lot of strength from you!
      “Playing for your country at the World Cup is the dream of so many children growing up, just as it was one of mine too.
      “I won’t miss this for the world. I can’t wait to represent our beautiful country, see you soon. Sonny.”
      South Korea face Iceland on Friday in a friendly before getting their campaign underway against Uruguay on 24 November.
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      Son could also come up against Portugal and Ghana in South Korea’s final two group games.
      The Tottenham ace has played at the last two World Cups and memorably scored in his side’s shock win over Germany in 2018.
      Son will be part of the South Korea squadCredit: Getty More