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    Gary Neville reveals why Gareth Southgate can’t trust Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold for England World Cup squad

    GARY NEVILLE has insisted that England manager Gareth Southgate cannot trust Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.The Three Lions boss is set to name his final squad for the World Cup in Qatar and the right-back position has been one for debate.
    Trent Alexander-Arnold could miss out on the plane to Qatar for the World CupCredit: Alamy
    Defenders Reece James, Kieran Trippier, and Kyle Walker have all had injury issues which have led to calls for Alexander-Arnold to be given a chance in the national team.
    However, the 24-year-old has struggled defensively this season and has been labelled as untrustworthy by the former Manchester United defender.
    Neville told Sky Sports: “It’s a really tough one because his brilliance going forward is out of this world.
    “How are England going to win or lose in the World Cup? It is going to come down to one moment, and at this moment in time, I can’t see how Gareth can go into a knockout game at the World Cup with Trent.
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    “I want this player to be the greatest right back of all time, but at times today, he looked like he could have cost Liverpool.
    “I think at the World Cup, he is giving away a penalty. I don’t think Gareth will trust him in a knockout game and that may influence his decision as to whether he goes or not.”
    Despite helping the Reds to their first away win in the Premier League this season over Tottenham, he was lucky not to be penalised for a penalty that could have cost his side.
    The Reds star has been backed by former club stars Jamie Redknapp and Graeme Souness, who has both said that they would like to see him go to Qatar due to his ability going forward.
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    Redknapp said: “The flip side of it is if you’re struggling, and he is not starting you can bring him on to create a bit of brilliance going forward.
    “I just don’t see how we can afford to not take a player of that capacity that can produce something so vital in important moments.
    “We have got obsessed with right-backs over the years, and Walker and James are under pressure because of their injuries and you have to take a risk.
    “At times today Trent looked like he was in a tumble dryer he was getting thrown around everywhere, but the flip side of it is someone that can do something incredible with the football.”
    Souness added: “100 per cent. I understand why there is a nervousness, but you must take him.
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    “You have got Iran, USA and Wales – surely England going in there should fear no one. There is not another right-back out there that possesses his qualities.
    “Yes, defensively he is not the best, but you have to take him.” More

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    Brazil announce World Cup squad with Arsenal star Gabriel and Liverpool’s Firmino OUT but Fred, Jesus and Martinelli in

    BRAZIL have released their 26-man squad for the World Cup – and Premier League stars Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Magalhaes have FAILED to make made the cut.Nations across the globe are slowly but surely announcing their squads for Qatar 2022 – which gets underway a week on Sunday.
    Liverpool ace Roberto Firmino has been omitted from Brazil’s squad for the 2022 World CupCredit: AFP
    Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has also not made the cutCredit: Getty
    Magalhaes’ Arsenal team-mates Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli have made the squadCredit: Getty
    Five-time Jules Rimet Trophy winners Brazil announced their squad on Monday evening.
    And footy fans were left stunned by the omissions of Arsenal defender Gabriel and Liverpool ace Firmino.
    Firmino’s Kop team-mates Alisson and Fabinho, however, have been selected.
    The omission of Firmino has come as a major surprise to Liverpool and Brazil fans.

    The former Hoffenheim ace has been in rare form this season, scoring eight goals and setting up a further four in 19 appearances.
    But his exploits weren’t enough to impress Tite, who has gone for youth over experience with his attackers.
    Gabriel Magahales’ soaring Arsenal team-mates Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli have also made the cut.
    Selecao chief Tite has also selected Manchester United stars Casemiro, Fred and Antony.
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    The trio have featured regularly for Erik ten Hag’s side this season, with £85million ace Antony scoring chipping in with five goals and two assists in 14 appearances.
    Casemiro has also impressed since his £70million transfer from Real Madrid, scoring one goal and notching one assist in 17 appearances.
    Chelsea’s Thiago Silva has also been selected and will be one of the oldest outfield players in the tournament at the age of 38.
    Newcastle, West Ham and ex-Leeds stars Bruno Guimaraes, Lucas Paqueta and Raphinha have also made the final squad for the tournament.
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    Brazil 2022 World Cup Squad
    Goalkeepers
    Alisson
    Ederson
    Weverton
    Firmino’s Liverpool team-mates Alisson and Fabinho will be on the plane to QatarCredit: TIMES NEWSPAPERS LTD
    Defenders
    Bremer
    Eder Militao
    Marquinhos
    Thiago Silva
    Alex Sandro
    Alex Telles
    Danilo
    Daniel Alves
    Chelsea’s Thiago Silva will be one of the oldest outfield players at the tournamentCredit: Getty
    Midfielders
    Bruno Guimaraes
    Casemiro
    Everton Ribeiro
    Fabinho
    Fred
    Lucas Paqueta
    Manchester United duo Antony and Fred have also made the cutCredit: GETTY
    Forwards
    Antony
    Gabriel Jesus
    Gabriel Martinelli
    Neymar
    Pedro
    Raphinha
    Richarlison
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    Rodrygo
    Vincius Jr More

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    France in huge World Cup boost with Raphael Varane set to be fit for Qatar after Man Utd star suffered thigh injury

    RAPHAEL VARANE is set to boost France ahead of the World Cup in Qatar as he is close to full fitness.The Manchester United defender had been a doubt for the tournament after picking up a thigh injury in the draw against Chelsea on October 22.
    Raphael Varane is set to be fit for France at the World Cup in QatarCredit: Getty
    This injury led to major concerns as injured just one month before France’s opening game of the tournament against Australia.
    However, the team’s vice-captain is now reportedly on track with his recovery and is already doing running exercises, according to GFFN.
    The report also says that the former Real Madrid defender underwent treatment at the French national base at Clairefontaine.
    Didier Deschamps will be happy to have one of his stars back as France are set to go into the competition without Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante.
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    There also concerns over the form of Atletico Madrid attacker Antoine Griezmann, who has not hit the level of his previous highs.
    Varane is likely to be used in the back line as part of a defensive three alongside Arsenal star William Saliba and AS Monaco rising star Benoit Badiashile.
    Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag will be keen to get the 29-year-old back in his team, especially after the 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday.
    However, it is unlikely that he will be risked in the club’s two matches before the break for the World Cup.
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    United will welcome weekend’s opponents Villa to Old Trafford in the week for their Carabao Cup game before the Premier League clash against Fulham. More

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    World Cup 2022 fixtures: What dates do England play? Kick-off times for group stages, knockouts and final

    THE World Cup isn’t too far away now with Gareth Southgate set to name his England squad in a matter of days.The Three Lions face Iran, Wales and USA in the group stages and are favourites to finish top of their class.

    This will be the first time in the tournament’s history that it will be contested for during winter, with the big event starting on November 20.
    It is set to be a condensed schedule with Qatar kicking things off on the opening day.
    Whilst there will be three matches played on the second day of the showpiece event.
    However, fans of the competition will not have to miss a single minute of the action with all the details of the encounters detailed below.
    What are the most important dates for the World Cup?

    The group stages will get going on Sunday, November 20.
    Round of 16 will be on December 3 – December 6.
    Quarter-final stages begin on December 9 – December 10.
    Semi-finals are taking place on December 13 – December 14.
    The World Cup final will be participated on Sunday, December 18.

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    World Cup full fixture dates
    The fixture list has been revealed for the World Cup 2022, following the big draw.
    Group stage
    Sunday, November 20

    Group A: Qatar vs Ecuador (7pm)

    Monday, November 21

    Group A: Senegal vs Netherlands (10am)
    Group B: England vs Iran (1pm)
    Group B: United States vs Wales (7pm)

    Tuesday, November 22

    Group C: Argentina vs Saudi Arabia (10am)
    Group D: Denmark vs Tunisia (1pm)
    Group C: Mexico vs Poland (4pm)
    Group D: France vs Australia (7pm)

    Wednesday, November 23

    Group F: Morocco vs Croatia (10am)
    Group E: Germany vs Japan (1pm)
    Group E: Spain vs Costa Rica (4pm)
    Group F: Belgium vs Canada (7pm)

    Thursday, November 24

    Group G: Switzerland vs Cameroon (10am)
    Group H: Uruguay vs South Korea (1pm)
    Group H: Portugal vs Ghana (4pm)
    Group G: Brazil vs Serbia (7pm)

    Friday, November 25

    Group B: Wales vs Iran (10am)
    Group A: Qatar vs Senegal (1pm)
    Group A: Netherlands vs Ecuador (4pm)
    Group B: England vs United States (7pm)

    Saturday, November 26

    Group D: Tunisia vs Australia (10am)
    Group C: Poland vs Saudi Arabia (1pm)
    Group D: France vs Denmark (4pm)
    Group C: Argentina vs Mexico (7pm)

    Sunday, November 27

    Group E: Japan vs Costa Rica (10am)
    Group F: Belgium vs Morocco (1pm)
    Group F: Croatia vs Canada (4pm)
    Group E: Spain vs Germany (7pm)

    Monday, November 28

    Group G: Cameroon vs Serbia (10am)
    Group H: South Korea vs Ghana (1pm)
    Group G: Brazil vs Switzerland (4pm)
    Group H: Portugal vs Uruguay (7pm)

    Tuesday, November 29

    Group A: Netherlands vs Qatar (3pm)
    Group A: Ecuador vs Senegal (3pm)
    Group B: Wales vs England (7pm)
    Group B: Iran vs United States (7pm)

    Wednesday, November 30

    Group D: Tunisia vs France (3pm)
    Group D: Australia vs Denmark (3pm)
    Group C: Poland vs Argentina (7pm)
    Group C: Saudi Arabia vs Mexico (7pm)

    Thursday, December 1

    Group F: Croatia vs Belgium (3pm)
    Group F: Canada vs Morocco (3pm)
    Group E: Japan vs Spain (7pm)
    Group E: Costa Rica vs Germany (7pm)

    Friday, December 2

    Group H: South Korea vs Portugal (3pm)
    Group H: Ghana vs Uruguay (3pm)
    Group G: Cameroon vs Brazil (7pm)
    Group G: Serbia vs Switzerland (7pm)

    Last 16
    Saturday, December 3

    Match 49: Winners Group A vs Runners-up Group B (3pm)
    Match 50: Winners Group C vs Runners-up Group D (7pm)

    Sunday, December 4

    Match 52: Winners Group D vs Runners-up Group C (3pm)
    Match 51: Winners Group A vs Runners-up Group B (7pm)

    Monday, December 5

    Match 53: Winners Group E vs Runners-up Group F (3pm)
    Match 54: Winners Group G vs Runners-up Group H (7pm)

    Tuesday, December 6

    Match 55: Winners Group F vs Runners-up Group F (3pm)
    Match 56: Winners Group H vs Runners-up Group G (7pm)

    Quarter-finals
    Friday, December 9

    Match 58: Winners of Match 53 vs Winners of Match 54 (3pm)
    Match 57: Winners of Match 49 vs Winners of Match 50 (7pm)

    Saturday, December 10

    Match 60: Winners of Match 55 vs Winners of Match 56 (3pm)
    Match 59: Winners of Match 51 vs Winners of Match 52 (7pm)

    Semi-finals
    Tuesday, December 13

    Match 61: Winners of Match 57 vs Winners of Match 58 (7pm)

    Wednesday, December 14

    Match 62: Winners of Match 59 vs Winners of Match 60 (7pm)
    Third/Fourth place play-off

    Saturday, December 17

    Losers of Match 61 vs Losers of Match 62 (3pm)

    Final
    Sunday, December 18

    Winners of Match 61 vs Winners of Match 62 (3pm)

    Based on UK time zone
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    What are the kick-off times for the World Cup?
    The Qatar time zone is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time which means that games will be played earlier in the UK than locally.
    FIFA have stated that the first two rounds of games will kick-off at 1pm, 4pm, 7pm and 10pm local time – 10am, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm UK time.
    However, the kick-off timings in the final round of group fixtures and knock-out ties will be at 6pm and 10pm local time – 3pm and 7pm UK time.
    Leaving the final to be scheduled at 6pm local time – 3pm UK time. More

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    Fifa team of tournament for World Cup 2018 revealed… and you’ll NEVER guess starting XI that includes Liverpool flop

    WITH the 2022 World Cup less than two weeks away, fans will find themselves casting their memories back to the previous tournament.The 2018 edition in Russia threw up a number of surprise performers that made for an incredible team of the tournament.
    France had four stars in the 2018 World Cup team of the tournament – more than any other nationCredit: AFP or licensors
    Kieran Trippier and Ashley Young were both named in the 2018 World Cup team of the tournamentCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    England reached the semi-finals before crashing out in heartbreaking fashion to Croatia in extra-time.
    But the Three Lions still had two representatives in Fifa’s World Cup team of the tournament.
    Kieran Tripper, then at Tottenham, was an unsurprising inclusion at right-back after a superb campaign which included a stunning free-kick in the semi-final defeat to Croatia.
    Ashley Young was also named in the team of the tournament after being a regular in the team that reached the semi-finals.
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    The ex-Manchester United man even provided an assist for Harry Maguire in the 2-0 quarter-final win over Sweden.
    There was no place for Harry Kane in the team of the tournament, despite the Three Lions talisman scooping the golden boot.
    Instead Kylian Mbappe nabbed the striker spot in the team of the tournament after scoring four goals on his way to lifting the trophy with France.
    Antoine Griezmann was also included for his four goals and two assists in just seven games.
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    Russia 2018 World Cup team of the tournament
    But one of the more surprising names from the XI is Dejan Lovren.
    While the unpredictable defender never really proved his worth at Liverpool, the Croatian was superb in helping his nation to the final.
    And Lovren was rewarded for his performances with a place in the team of the tournament.
    Spurs flop Paulinho is another name not many would have guessed as one of the best 11 stars from Russia 2018.
    Then on loan at Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande from Barcelona, Paulinho started all, five of Brazil’s games before they were beaten in the quarters by Belgium.
    He even chipped in with a goal in the 2-0 group stage win over Serbia.
    World Cup winners Hugo Lloris and Raphael Varane joined France team-mates Griezmann and Mbappe in the XI.
    Luka Modric was named in the team after starring for Croatia in their incredible run to the final, with the midfielder also scooping the Ballon d’Or later that year.
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    Belgium star Eden Hazard is the final name on the list after scoring three goals and providing two assists in six games at the tournament.
    There was no place for Cristiano Ronaldo – despite his stunning hat-trick against Spain in the group stages. More

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

    FRANCE are the reigning World Cup champions and so it’s natural they are among the favourites to triumph in Qatar this winter.However, for all their talented players and historical success, Les Bleus have wobbled this year, winning just one of their last six games.
    They’ve also had their famous squad depth tested with some disruptive injuries – hardly ideal preparation for a major tournament.
    And yet there’s no doubt almost every Dream Team World Cup gaffer will be keen on more than one of Didier Deschamps’ troops as they build their provisional teams this week.
    France face Denmark, Australia and Tunisia in Group D and are expected to earn a favourable round of 16 draw in the form of either Mexico or Poland (assuming Argentina top Group C).

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    Can Kylian Mbappe lead France to another World Cup win?Credit: Getty
    So who should Dream Team World Cup bosses be considering, who should they avoid, and who (if any) are the potential bargains?
    The temptation with France is to work from front to back, such is the star power in their forward line.
    Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema are two talismanic forwards with both set to be among the most-expensive and most-popular assets in the game.
    The former lit up Russia in 2018 but underwhelmed at Euro 2020 while the latter is coming off the back of a campaign that saw him lift the Ballon d’Or.
    Both are top-tier options having plundered bucket-loads of goals for club and country in the last two years.
    It should noted, however, that Antoine Griezmann has arguably been France’s main man at major tournaments under Deschamps.
    The 31-year-old is having his minutes managed at Atletico Madrid this season but it’s worth remembering he won the Golden Boot at Euro 2016 and was second only to Harry Kane for goals scored at the last World Cup.
    Whether he has another major tournament glory in him at this stage of his career remains to be seen and Dream Team World Cup gaffers should expect him to play deeper than Benzema and Mbappe.
    Griezmann was his country’s joint-top scorer in qualifying – perhaps one to have a look at first.
    Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni could have big parts to playCredit: Getty
    In midfield, Kingsley Coman feels like a player to avoid despite his undoubted talent.
    Competition for places is fierce and Dream Team World Cup gaffers should be eyeing up certain starters only.
    France will be without the injured Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante, two stalwarts of their 2018 victory.
    Real Madrid youngsters Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga may be tasked with stepping up, though Deschamps generally values experience.
    The former is a more likely starter though he does not fit the profile of a midfielder capable of producing plentiful points – you should focus on players who specialise in goals and assists.
    Incredibly, Adrien Rabiot may have an important role to play, he’s been a regular in the last two years after a somewhat turbulent start to his international career.
    Will Raphael Varane win his race against time to be fit?Credit: Reuters
    In defence, it’s unclear what combinations Deschamps prefers.
    Raphael Varane’s latest injury scare left him as a doubt to make Qatar as he faces a race against time – the Manchester United centre-back is a veteran of 87 international caps and was a class act in Russia four years ago.
    Presnel Kimpembe, Jules Kounde and William Saliba are all pushing for a place in the starting line-up though Benoit Badiashile is one to keep an eye on given he played 90 minutes in both of France’s last two Nations League games.
    The Monaco man has battled with injury issues of late but looks to have returned to fitness in time to be in contention.
    Benjamin Pavard starred for France in 2018 but faces a battle with Jonathan Clauss for the right-back spot, with the latter a potential bargain if given the nod.
    Hugo Lloris is likely to overtake Lilian Thuram to become France’s most-capped player of all time during the tournament – if you think Les Bleus will keep it tight at the back then he’s your man between the sticks.
    However, the 35-year-old is equally capable of the sublime as he is the ridiculous these days, as we’ve seen in a Tottenham shirt recently.

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    Alphonso Davies injury update as Bayern Munich release statement over fears Canada star will miss World Cup

    ALPHONSO DAVIES still has a chance to appear at the World Cup in Qatar despite picking up an injury on Saturday.The Bayern Munich star is set to appear for Canada in the tournament, but worries grew after he suffered a hamstring strain against Hertha Berlin.
    Alphonso Davies should be fit to play for Canada at the World Cup in QatarCredit: Getty
    Bayern have calmed fears over his injury and confirmed that his spot at the World Cup is “not at risk”.
    The Bavarian club has also said that the defender will not be playing in their remaining league fixtures against Werder Breman and Schalke before the start of the World Cup.
    A club statement said: “FC Bayern will be without Alphonso Davies for the two remaining Bundesliga games prior to the winter break.
    “The 22-year-old full-back suffered a hamstring strain in the 3-2 win at Hertha BSC on Saturday.
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    “The diagnosis was confirmed by the German record champions’ medical unit.
    “The Canada international’s participation in the World Cup in Qatar is not at risk.”
    Davies is one of the stars of the Canadian football team alongside Lille striker Jonathan David and Club Brugge forward Cyle Larin.
    Canada is in Group F and faces a tough set of matches in their attempts to make it to the knockout rounds which will kick off on November 23.
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    With Belgium, Croatia, and Morocco in their group, Davies’ fitness could be the difference between making it through or not.
    Davies has been a regular for the Bundesliga side this season having played 19 times in all competitions. More

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    Seven England stars who were tipped to shine at World Cup including Dele Alli and Barkley… but where did it go wrong?

    FOUR years ago, Dele Alli scored in a World Cup quarter-final and was one of the stars for England in Russia.The ex-Tottenham man was performing at the peak of his powers for both club and country.
    Dele Alli signed for Tottenham from MK Dons for £5m in 2015Credit: Reuters
    Alli starred for England at the 2018 World Cup and scored in the quarters against SwedenCredit: Reuters
    Alli is now playing in Turkey with Besiktas following a disastrous few yearsCredit: Getty
    But as we know, things haven’t worked out for Alli, and another England cap looks a mile off right now.
    He isn’t the only player to go down that route, though, and here we look at seven players who were set to shine for England in Qatar and will miss out.
    DELE ALLI
    Dele Alli shone at the 2018 World Cup, starting four games and scored a memorable header in the quarter-finals against Sweden.
    Back then, he was one of Tottenham’s main men and a regular in Southgate’s squad.
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    But the midfielder’s career has gone from bad to worse and after a failed spell at Everton, he’s plying his trade in Turkey with Besiktas and hasn’t been capped since 2019.
    ROSS BARKLEY
    Ross Barkley was a regular for England in 2019Credit: PA:Press Association
    Ross Barkley hasn’t played in a major tournament since the 2014 World Cup, but was a regular starter some three years ago.
    Despite England’s array of talent in midfield, the ex-Chelsea man featured in nine consecutive internationals during an 11 month spell between 2018 and 2019.
    But like Alli, Barkley has gone off the boil since then and hasn’t been involved for more than three years.
    CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI
    Callum Hudson-Odoi has not been capped since 2019Credit: Reuters
    Winger Hudsoi-Odoi burst on the scene and made his international debut as an 18-year-old.
    But the Chelsea forward hasn’t been able to kick on and injuries and a loss of form means he’s completely out the question to be on the plane to Qatar and has instead been loaned out to Bayer Leverkusen.
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    JACK WILSHERE
    Jack Wilshere won 34 caps for England and played at the 2014 World CupCredit: Getty – Contributor
    If successful careers were built simply on ability alone, Jack Wilshere would be right up there with the best.
    When fit, Wilshere walked into the England team and would go on to win 34 caps despite his injuries.
    But he never recovered from leaving Arsenal, and at 30 years old he should be in the peak of his career instead of already hanging up his boots.
    ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN
    Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had his World Cup dream in 2018 ended by an ACL injury
    Like so many others in the list, Oxlade-Chamberlain had bags of talent, but injuries have ultimately hindered his progress.
    He looked a certainty to go to the Russia World Cup, only for an ACL injury months before the tournament ending his dream.
    In recent years, he’s hardly kicked a ball for Liverpool and is completely out of the conversation for England.
    PHIL JONES
    Phil Jones’ last England cap came against Belgium at the 2018 World Cup
    The last four seasons have ending up being a no-show for Jones, but there were times in the last decade when he was a regular for both Manchester United and England.
    Jones might not turn 31 until February, but his best days for club and country already seem to be behind him.
    AARON WAN-BISSAKA
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka has never won a senior cap for EnglandCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    When Aaron Wan-Bissaka made the £50m switch to Manchester United back in 2019, he immediately earned his first call-up.
    But an injury forced the right-back to withdraw and following intense competition from Reece James, Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the United man hasn’t been named in a squad since and is therefore still looking for his maiden cap. More