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

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      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?

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      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

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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