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      The England XI which should start World Cup based on form this season including shock defence with Ben Mee at back

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE is set to name his 26-man England squad for the World Cup on Thursday.The Three Lions boss has trimmed his options down to a provisional 55-player roster ahead of the final selection later this week.
      England captain Kane has been in fine form since the start of the 2022/23 campaignCredit: AFP
      But there are a couple of Premier League stars who are expected to be overlooked ahead of the final squad.
      That is if Southgate was to select it purely based on players’ form so far this season.
      And SunSport has taken a look at England’s most in-form XI, according to WhoScored.com.
      Here is the team…
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      England’s starting line-up based on form so far this season
      GK: JORDAN PICKFORD
      England’s No1 Jordan Pickford has been in fine form for Everton so far this season and would keep his place in between the sticks even if it came down to current form.
      The 28-year-old has been Southgate’s first choice for five years now and is showing no signs of letting it slip.
      Pickford is continuing to produce stunning performances in between the sticksCredit: Getty
      RWB: KIERAN TRIPPIER
      Newcastle full-back Kieran Trippier is another of Southgate’s favourites and has built on the manager’s belief with some impressive club form.
      The former Spurs and Atletico Madrid man has been an instrumental part of Eddie Howe’s side’s success and is surely a starter against Iran later this month.
      CB: REECE JAMES
      Chelsea defender Reece James may be facing a race to be fit for the World Cup, but he has already shown he deserves a place on the plane.
      The 22-year-old has played as a left and right wing-back, while also filling in at the heart of a back three.
      His versatility and form make him a certainty in Southgate’s squad… if he can recover from his injury setback.
      CB: JAMES TARKOWSKI
      Frank Lampard’s Everton were struggling to keep things tight before the start of this season.
      But the arrival of Conor Coady and James Tarkowski have stabilised their back line. And Tarkowski has been the standout man – even if Coady is closer to the England team.
      He is not even in the conversation for a place on the plane, but the ex-Burnley man can feel aggrieved about that.
      CB: BEN MEE
      Perhaps the most surprising player in this team is Tarkowski’s former Burnley team-mate Ben Mee.
      The Brentford centre-back has been thriving since arriving in west London, but has not been considered for an England cap.
      Mee has impressed at the heart of the Brentford defence so far this seasonCredit: Getty
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      LWB: SOLLY MARCH
      A very underrated part of Roberto De Zerbi’s superb Brighton team, Solly March can count himself unlucky for not being considered for England.
      The 28-year-old can play as a wingback on either side of the pitch and has been brilliant for the Seagulls of late.
      March is a surprise inclusion in the in-form England XICredit: Reuters
      CM: DECLAN RICE
      It’s no surprise that West Ham captain Declan Rice is in this England XI.
      The Hammers talisman, 23, is the second name on Southgate’s team sheet after skipper Harry Kane.
      And he has continued to perform this season despite being surrounded by an underperforming side.
      CM: JUDE BELLINGHAM
      Teenager Jude Bellingham already has 17 caps to his name. But now most England fans see him as a non-negotiable starter for the World Cup.
      The Borussia Dortmund star has nine goals and two assists already this season.
      RW: JAMES MADDISON
      One of England’s best-performing players going into the World Cup is Leicester playmaker James Maddison.
      Yet despite his six goals and four assists in 12 games this season, the 25-year-old faces the very real possibility of missing out on the squad altogether, with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden all seemingly ahead of him.
      Maddison has been outstanding for Leicester for more than 12 monthsCredit: Getty
      LW: PHIL FODEN
      Manchester City star Foden is fighting for a place in Southgate’s starting XI for the first game against Iran. But he could not have done much more to prove he is deserving of a spot.
      The 22-year-old has seven goals and three assists so far this season and would be City’s standout player if it wasn’t for Haaland.
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      ST: HARRY KANE
      England captain Kane is in some of his best form coming into the World Cup.
      The Tottenham striker has already netted 11 Premier League goals so far this season – with only Erling Haaland eclipsing him. More

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      Who are the favourites to win the World Cup Golden Boot this winter?

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      DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP managers are spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting their forward line.Goals remain the game’s primary currency and so every self-respecting XI will need plenty of firepower up front.
      With that in mind, let’s run through the bookies’ favourites to win the the Golden Boot in Qatar this winter.

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      Harry Kane will be an immensely popular selection among Dream Team World Cup gaffers.
      The England skipper needs three goals to break Wayne Rooney’s all-time Three Lions record — what better stage to achieve the feat than a World Cup?
      Chances are, that is exactly what will happen, with Kane leading the betting to finish the tournament as the top scorer at 7/1.
      Let’s not forget the 29-year-old already has a World Cup Golden Boot on his mantelpiece.
      Harry Kane is the pre-tournament favourite to win Golden BootCredit: PA
      Gareth Southgate’s men have a relatively favourable group with Iran and USA up in the first before a mouthwatering clash with Wales on November 29th.
      With provisional pricing currently in place, Kane is among the most-expensive strikers in Dream Team World Cup but given his impressive form for Spurs this season, he could well be worth the investment.
      He’s joined at the top of the favourites list by Kylian Mbappe (8/1), Karim Benzema (12/1) and Lionel Messi (12/1).
      The former has 18 goals and five assists in 19 appearances for PSG this term and will be determined to perform on the international stage after an underwhelming showing at Euro 2020.
      Benzema, fresh from his Ballon D’Or win, has been quieter in front of goal recently but his record of ten goals in 16 caps for Les Bleus since his return to international football speaks for itself.
      Those keen to back a France forward from the get-go have a difficult decision to make – some may even feel compelled to double up.
      Kylian Mbappe is set for a huge tournamentCredit: Getty
      With this likely to Messi’s final World Cup, many are backing the little Argentine to finish with a flourish.
      Not only is he 12/1 to win the Golden Boot, Argentina are second favourites to lift the trophy having not lost a game in over three years.
      With Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland in their group, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner could rack up plentiful points from the off and transfer his impressive club form to the World stage.
      The 35-year-old has scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists in just 17 appearances across Ligue 1 and the Champions League in 2022/23.
      It may feel strange to some to see Robert Lewandowski (33/1) at such long odds but this is merely a reflection of Poland’s fortunes rather than the prolific No9’s individual quality.
      He has 18 goals in 17 Barcelona games at this stage but it will be a challenge for him to reach the knockout stages in Qatar.
      Golden Boot bettingBetfair odds

      Harry Kane 7/1
      Kylian Mbappe 8/1
      Neymar 12/1
      Karim Benzema 12/1
      Lionel Messi 12/1
      Cristiano Ronaldo 14/1
      Romelu Lukaku 18/1
      Vinicius Junior 25/1
      Lautaro Martinez 25/1
      Memphis Depay 25/1
      Richarlison 30/1
      Robert Lewandowski 33/1
      Alvaro Morata 33/1
      Kai Havertz 33/1
      Ferran Torres 33/1
      Raheem Sterling 33/1

      Neymar will play a huge role for pre-tournament favourites Brazil and is likely to be a fraction cheaper than the absolute most-expensive forwards in Dream Team World Cup once prices are finalised.
      At 12/1 he’s on par with Benzema and Messi yet may be a marginally more affordable pick-up – a tempting prospect.
      Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon lie in wait for Brazil, who are confident of adding to their trophy haul in this prestigious tournament.
      Neymar and Brazil are primed for a big tournament as favouritesCredit: Getty
      Neymar has 14 goals and 11 assists in 18 games for PSG this season and will be at the heart of a formidable Seleção front line.
      We simply have to mention Cristiano Ronaldo (14/1) when discussing Golden Boot candidates – he claimed the equivalent award at Euro 2020.
      Portugal have Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea in their group, representing a great opportunity for progression as group winners.
      The experienced No7 hasn’t played all that much under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United and while he would have liked more game time, perhaps fresher legs will be a benefit in Qatar?
      Among the dark horses, Memphis Depay (25/1) and Netherlands have a very winnable group with Senegal, Ecuador and hosts Qatar involved.
      Though he hasn’t seen much game time, the Barcelona forward comes into the tournament fresh and could rack up plenty of early points for Dream Team World Cup managers who take the punt.
      Depay has scored 21 international goals since the start of 2021!

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      Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes set to NOT make Brazil’s World Cup squad in blow after stunning season so far

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      ARSENAL star Gabriel Magalhaes is reportedly set to suffer World Cup heartbreak for Brazil.The defender, 24, has been ever-present for Mikel Arteta’s table-topping Gunners in the Premier League this season.
      Arsenal star Gabriel is set for World Cup disappointment with BrazilCredit: Rex
      And he was the hero yesterday as he scored the only goal to secure Arsenal victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
      Gabriel has produced a number of impressive displays this term and was hoping that would be enough to seal him a place in his country’s squad for the showpiece in Qatar this month.
      However, a number of reports in his homeland claim that the uncapped ace will be left disappointed.
      Samba Boys boss Tite is due to name his selection for the tournament later today.
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      But Gabriel is “practically out of the equation” and will not be part of Brazil’s 26-man World Cup squad, according to journalist @brunoandrd.
      The news will come as a bitter blow for Gabriel, who has been capped at U20 and U23 level for his nation.
      He recently revealed his dream to line-up for Brazil alongside his idol Neymar on the international stage.
      He said: “Since a young age, I’ve always enjoyed watching Neymar play.
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      “We don’t play in the same position, but he’s certainly my idol. I’m still a big fan of his today.
      “We haven’t played together yet, but I’ve been able to be together with him in training, and I spent some time with him when I was in the national team squad.
      “I’m a big Neymar fan. I hope to get to play with him soon and he can set me up to score a header!”
      Gabriel added: “When you’re called up for the national team, it’s a big step in your life.
      “I certainly want to experience that again. I’m just trying to work hard here at Arsenal and I know the opportunities will follow.
      “When you play for the national team, there’s a feeling that you’re representing your country and all the people that you see when you’re in your country.
      “I think there’s no better feeling. It’s certainly every Brazilian player’s dream to wear the national team shirt.” More

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      Three Lions ace Ivan Toney hands mobile to FA investigators looking into match-betting claims

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      THREE Lions striker Ivan Toney has handed his phone to FA investigators looking into match-betting claims, The Sun can reveal.The £50million star was also understood to have allowed officials into his apartment to look at personal records.
      He has been questioned over claims that wagers were placed on games, in strict breach of FA rules on gamblingCredit: Shutterstock
      Despite being caught up in the seven-month investigation, Brentford ace Toney was surprisingly still picked by Gareth SouthgateCredit: Getty
      After handing over his mobile to the investigators, a string of the 26-year-old’s contacts on the handset have been approached.
      It raises the prospect that other top-flight footballers have been questioned over claims that wagers were placed on games — in breach of strict FA rules on gambling.
      Brentford ace Toney, 26, was surprisingly still picked by Gareth Southgate despite being caught up in the seven-month investigation.
      He is widely expected to be named in his England squad for the World Cup in Qatar on Thursday.
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      But football’s integrity will be questioned if he is picked and later charged.
      Sources say the ace has become “incredibly worried” the investigation could cost him his place.
      One said: “Ivan isn’t stupid, he knows it doesn’t look good — even though he insists he has done nothing wrong.
      “The best thing for everyone would be if the FA could clear him in time — so his place in Gareth Southgate’s squad comes down to his football.
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      “He has done everything that is asked of him — he has handed over his phone and records and even spoken to investigators at his apartment.
      “Some of his closest friends have already been contacted — so it is clear the FA are taking this seriously.
      “Ivan just doesn’t want anything to get in the way of his dream of playing for his country at a World Cup.”
      There is no suggestion of any criminal activity by Toney or that he attempted to fix the outcome of any match.
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      No charges have been brought by FA chiefs against the player.
      Toney’s agent and the FA were approached for comment. More

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      Brazil star Philippe Coutinho in World Cup heartache after suffering injury just weeks before Qatar 2022

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      PHILIPPE COUTINHO has been ruled out until after the World Cup, Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has confirmed.The 30-year-old playmaker was not in the matchday squad for today’s 3-1 win over Manchester United.
      Philippe Coutinho has been ruled out injured until after the World CupCredit: Alamy
      The Athletic report Coutinho picked up a quad injury in training.
      A dire start to the season meant Coutinho was already an outsider to be on Brazil’s plane to Qatar.
      He was left out of Brazil boss Tite’s most recent international squad, and last played for his country in June.
      Now slim chances of going to the World Cup have now been wiped out altogether.
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      New Villa boss Emery revealed after the game that Coutinho will not play again until after the tournament.
      He said: “Coutinho is injured.
      “I don’t know how long it will be but, today, he couldn’t play and he’s not going to play until after the break. It’s a muscular injury.”
      The Brazilian joins a growing list of stars who are crocked for Qatar.
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      International team-mate Arthur Melo is out of the tournament after picking up a long-term muscular injury.
      Elsewhere an ankle injury means Timo Werner will not be able to represent Germany in Qatar.
      Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell has confirmed he will miss the World Cup too after injuring his hamstring in midweek against Dinamo Zagreb.
      But, in good news for England, Reece James is ahead of schedule in his recovery from knee ligament damage.
      The Blues defender is hopeful of representing the Three Lions in Qatar. More

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      Ivan Toney available for World Cup selection despite England star being under FA investigation over betting probe

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      IVAN Toney remains available for World Cup selection – despite being under FA investigation over a betting probe.Uncapped Brentford striker Toney is hoping to gatecrash Gareth Southgate’s Qatar 26 when it is unveiled on Thursday.
      Ivan Toney will be available for England World Cup selectionCredit: Getty
      Toney broke into the team during the last international break but failed to make his debutCredit: Getty
      But The Sun on Sunday revealed Toney, 26, is the subject of a seven-month probe over allegations of gambling during his lower league spells.
      Toney played for Northampton, Peterborough and on loan at four other EFL clubs before joining the Bees in 2020.
      FA rules ban any active participants from gambling on any football-related issues, with Kieran Trippier receiving a 10-week ban in December 2020 for passing on information ahead of his move from Spurs to Atletico Madrid.
      But while Toney may face charges if FA investigators believe he has broken the regulations he is currently innocent of any misconduct and will be available if Southgate wishes to select him for the tournament.
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      Toney has been in terrific form for Brentford so far this season.
      He has scored eight goals in just 13 Premier League games.
      His strikes include a hat trick against Leeds and a brace against Brighton, while forward exploits also came to the fore against Manchester United.
      Toney ran the United defence ragged throughout the 4-0 drubbing, chipping in with two assists in the early season thrashing.
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      It is very likely the 26-year-old was named in Southgate’s 55-man provisional England squad.
      But he will face competition from a number of his in-form compatriots, including Callum Wilson and Danny Welbeck. More

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      World Cup 2022 – injured players to miss tournament: Chilwell, Pogba, Kante all OUT of Qatar competition, Messi a DOUBT

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      QATAR’s World Cup will see the most famous names in world football face off against each other over November and December.
      England will be hoping to bring home the trophy after reaching the semi-final stages in 2018 before suffering defeat to Croatia.
      France’s Paul Pogba will be sadly absent in QatarCredit: AFP
      The likes of Brazil, France, Spain and Germany will be standing in the way of Gareth Southgate’s men as the top-performing stars in football battle it out for international glory.
      However, there are set to be many noticeable absences as the tournament approaches.
      Here is a full list of absentees from Qatar, which SunSport will keep updated between now and November 20.
      Argentina
      AS Roma star Paulo Dybala could be set to miss the World Cup after suffering a freak injury against Lecce in October, with his boss Jose Mourinho, admitting: “The injury looks very bad. I’d say bad, but honestly after speaking with Paulo… I think very bad”.
      Things have gone from bad to worse for Argentina, with Lionel Messi now a doubt after suffering an achilles injury just weeks before the tournament.
      However, there is hope that he will return to action for PSG before the tournament and be fit for Qatar.
      Paulo Dybala will miss the World Cup with injury

      He could be joined on the sidelines by teammates Joaquin Correa, who is doubtful for the tournament due to a knee injury and veteran Angel Di Maria, who sustained a thigh problem.
      Australia
      The Socceroos will be likely be without Kye Rowles after he broke his foot, while Harry Southar was doubtful but is in line for a return for Stoke City before the tournament so could be called up.
      Belgium
      Alexis Saelemaekers is set to miss the tournament as the AC Milan star was ruled out for the remainder of 2022 after picking up a serious knee injury, seeing him out of action between six and eight weeks.
      Brazil
      Liverpool loanee Arthur Melo has been ruled out of the tournament also, suffering a long-term muscular injury after failing to nail down a starting spot during the beginning of his spell in England.
      Liverpool midfielder Arthur Melo, on loan from Juventus, will miss the World Cup
      Cameroon
      As it stands, Cameroon have a fully fit squad going into the World Cup as they look to impress at the tournament.
      Canada
      The Canadians are without any injury concerns.
      Alphonso Davies received a bump to the head against Plzen in the Champions League, but recovered and returned to action for Bayern Munich with no long-term injury.
      Alphonso Davies will be going to the World Cup with CanadaCredit: AP
      Costa Rica
      The Central Americans go into the tournament also with a fully fit squad.
      Croatia
      Marcelo Brozovic has faced a spell out with injury but if thought to be fit enough for selection despite his hamstring issues.
      Denmark
      Andreas Christensen has faced three weeks on the sidelines for Barcelona with an ankle injury but should be back in time to travel to Qatar.
      Ecuador
      Joao Rojas has been ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury, while teammates Gonzalo Plata and Robert Arbeloda are also doubtful.
      England
      Ben Chilwell will officially not be heading to Qatar due to sustaining a hamstring injury in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Dinamo Zagreb.
      Kalvin Phillips and Emile Smith Rowe will be unavailable for selection after surgeries on shoulder and groin injuries respectively.
      Man City pair Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker are likely to be out of the England squad after requiring surgery
      Reece James is expected to miss the tournament also, with Chelsea ruling their defender out for eight weeks.
      However, after being sent to Dubai for rehabilitation, the defender has admitted that he is refusing to give up on his dream of making the World Cup squad.
      England are also sweating over the fitness and availability of several other players.
      Firstly, Kyle Walker could miss the World Cup to Southgate’s blow but will hope to return in time while teammate John Stones has been absent for Man City with a hamstring injury.
      Ben Chilwell was helped off by medical staff against Dinamo ZagrebCredit: Rex
      The defender had struggled with an ACL injury in the past and was substituted in the dying minutes, appearing in some discomfort before leaving the stadium on crutches.
      England begin their World Cup campaign in under two weeks

      France
      Paul Pogba will miss out for France, it has been confirmed.
      The Juventus talisman suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury, and will play no part in Qatar.
      While fellow midfield sensation N’Golo Kante will also not take to the biggest stage of them all.
      Kante has undergone an operation on a hamstring injury.
      Boubacar Kamara will not be seen in Qatar after suffering a knee injury and there are a host of doubts for the reigning champions.
      N’Golo Kante has suffered another injury setback for Chelsea
      Lucas Digne, Lucas Hernandez and Presnel Kimpembe are all doubtful to make the tournament as France may have to dive into their depth if they are to make it to the latter stages of the tournament.
      And Manchester United star Raphael Varane is the latest Frenchman who could miss the World Cup after going off in tears against Chelsea.
      But the latest news is that Varane is expected to be out of action until at least the World Cup, with there being a chance that he is back in time to travel with France, Erik ten Hag has confirmed.
      Germany
      Marco Reus was close to World Cup heartbreak after an ankle injury at Borussia Dortmund but could still make the tournament as Florian Wirtz faces a race against time to recover from an ACL issue.
      However, his German compatriot Timo Werner has been RULED OUT of the tournament after sustaining an ankle injury.
      Ghana
      Ghana have no injury concerns heading into the World Cup.
      Iran
      Allahyar Sayyadmanesh faces a race against time to return for England’s Group B rivals.
      Iran’s hopes will be lying on the fitness of ‘the Iranian Messi’ Sardar Azmoun, who has suffered with calf injuries this season but looks good to go.
      Sardar Azmoun will be hoping to fire Iran to gloryCredit: AFP
      Japan
      Former Arsenal winger Ryo Miyaichi has been ruled out with an ACL injury while another former Gunner Takuma Asano remains a doubt alongside Ko Itakura, both with knee problems.
      Mexico
      Jesus Corona will be out of the tournament after breaking his leg while Wolves striker Raul Jimenez faces a race against time to return.
      As things stand, it would take a huge stroke of fortune for Jimenez to return, he is currently in Mexico with a reported chronic fatigue problem, having missed most of Wolves’ recent Premier League games.
      The striker has not been his usual self since fracturing his skull in 2020, but has been a regular starter for Wolves since coming back.
      Jesus Corona is another big name absentee for the World Cup
      Netherlands
      Former Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum will miss the World Cup with a broken leg while Matthijs de Ligt remains a doubt with a groin injury.
      Poland
      Brighton’s Jakub Moder will miss the tournament with an ACL injury while Pawel Dawidowicz remains doubtful.
      Portugal
      Portugal have been hit hard as Diogo Jota is the latest confirmed absentee for the tournament.
      Diogo Jota will miss the World Cup after being stretchered off for LiverpoolCredit: PA
      Pedro Neto and Ricardo Periera are also unavailable through injury. Nuno Mendes and Pepe are also doubts going into the tournament.
      Qatar
      Host nation Qatar will be without Abdullah Al-Ahrak due to a cruciate ligament injury, ruling him out of the home tournament.
      Saudi Arabia
      Saudi Arabia have a fully fit team heading into the competition.
      Senegal
      There is a double blow for the African side as Bouna Sarr is out with a knee injury and Keita Balde is banned due to an anti-doping violation.
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      Serbia
      Ivan Ilicic and Darko Lazovic are both doubts for the World Cup due to muscular problems.
      South Korea
      South Korea will be hoping that Son Heung-min can make a full recovery after suffering a fracture around his eye, which requires surgery just weeks ahead of the tournament.
      Spain
      Luis Enrique’s side could be without duo Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal as they remain doubts heading into the World Cup.
      Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal will hope to return in time for Spain
      Switzerland
      The Swiss go into the competition with a fresh squad and no injury concerns.
      Tunisia
      Tunisia are optimistic, with no absentees as of now.
      United States
      Miles Robinson’s Achilles injury has put him as a doubt ahead of November but the rest of the squad are fit as they hope to fire the USMNT to glory this winter.
      Uruguay
      Ronald Araujo is one of the latest Barcelona players to be struck by injury, with his groin issue thought to have ruled him out of action.
      However, Director of National Teams of the Uruguayan Football Association, Jorge Giordano, has provided a positive update, stating that they expect Araujo to be fit for Uruguay.
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      Wales
      England’s final group stage opponents, Wales, have a fully fit side as they look to cause an upset in Qatar.
      Gareth Bale has had a few injury issues to deal with along the way, as has Aaron Ramsey, who is notoriously injury-prone.
      Who else will miss the 2022 World Cup in Qatar?
      The likes of Erling Haaland and Mo Salah will not be making the trip to the Middle East, having failed to qualify with their countries, while Italy also will not feature at the tournament.
      Alongside these noticeable absentees, other big names will miss out due to no fault of their own.
      We have you covered with all the latest injury news ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, missing through injury. More

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      Gareth Southgate FINALLY gets good injury news as Pep Guardiola confirms Kalvin Phillips WILL be fit for World Cup

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      PEP GUARDIOLA believes England midfielder Kalvin Phillips is on course to make the World Cup.Phillips will make his comeback for Manchester City after a shoulder injury this week.
      Kalvin Phillips has returned to Man City trainingCredit: PA
      And City boss Guardiola also gave a positive Qatar update on the fitness of Kyle Walker, with the defender making fast progress from groin surgery.
      Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate announces his 26-man squad on Thursday and was at the Etihad to watch City’s win over Fulham.
      And Guardiola said: “Kalvin is feeling really better. He trained with us yesterday for the second day, full session, full contact and will be involved for the Chelsea game in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.
      “Maybe on the bench, but he will be there.
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      “Kyle, too, is feeling much better. He had his surgery after Kalvin so maybe not so far ahead as Kalvin, but he is feeling fine.”
      The morale-boosting news for Southgate came just hours after Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell was ruled out with a hamstring injury, while Blues team-mate Reece James is also sidelined with a knee injury.
      Scans confirmed Chilwell tore his left hamstring against Dinamo Zagreb last Wednesday.
      The left-back tweeted: “Following my ACL injury I worked so hard to make sure I was ready for the World Cup.
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      “It has always been a dream of mine.
      “Unfortunately, this won’t be possible following my scan results.
      “I’ll do all I can to get back playing for Chelsea ASAP.”
      That means Arsenal’s versatile Ben White is poised for a World Cup comeback to ease England’s defensive crisis.
      The Gunners defender was part of the Euro 2020 squad but was not selected for September’s Nations League games.
      Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold is also tipped for inclusion on Thursday.
      White has been a revelation on the right side of the Gunners’ defence this season and could also play in defensive midfield.
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “He is really enjoying it. He finds himself with a bit of freedom and you can see, when he has space, how he likes to attack. He is happy there.
      “He is very gifted. If you tell him to play in midfield, he will.”
      Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin limped off with a hamstring injury in the 2-0 home defeat to Leicester in yesterday’s late kick-off.
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      Toffees boss Frank Lampard said: “It was a sensation in the hamstring. We don’t feel like it is a bad injury but we just have to wait for the scan.”
      In theory, Southgate could name a number of injured players in his squad on Thursday and then wait for the latest updates on their condition before finalising the list four days later on Fifa’s deadline day.
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin limped out of Everton’s clash with LeicesterCredit: Reuters More