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      Reece James injury update with Chelsea star set to hand Southgate huge World Cup selection dilemma

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      REECE JAMES has been told he could be fit in three weeks – leaving England boss Gareth Southgate with a massive selection dilemma.Chelsea defender James is recovering from a knee injury and Southgate names a 26-man squad for the World Cup in just 48 hours.
      Reece James is a major doubt for the World CupCredit: REX
      The Chelsea defender is still recovering from a knee injuryCredit: AP
      James, however, is doing everything in his power to make it on the plane to Qatar 2022Credit: SIMON JONES
      James is refusing to give up on his dream of joining them in Qatar and has spoken to specialists who believe he could be ready to play by the end of the month.
      England face Wales in their third and final Group B game on November 29 and are hopeful of progressing to the first knockout round and beyond.
      Fullback James, 22, was in blistering form for Chelsea prior to getting hurt and was Southgate’s first-choice right-back for the tournament.
      The England head coach must now decide whether to take a huge gamble and include James in the tour party heading to the desert.
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      England first play Iran and the USA before the home nations clash against the Welsh.
      James would miss those two opening games and still have to work flat out to be ready after that.
      The absence of James has caused a massive headache for Southgate and England.
      Fellow right-back Kyle Walker of Manchester City has not played since undergoing groin surgery on October 6.
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      He has been declared fit to go to the tournament but is woefully short of match sharpness.
      Liverpool’s out-of-sorts Trent Alexander Arnold and even Arsenal’s converted centre-back Ben White are being considered for the right-back slot.
      Taking James would be a big gamble on a player who only recently was on crutches after damaging ligaments playing for Chelsea in a Champions League match at Milan.
      But it has happened before. Former England boss Sven Goran Eriksson took crock striker Wayne Rooney to the World Cup in Germany even though he was still on his way back after breaking bones in his foot.
      Southgate named Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson in his Euro 2020 squad last summer despite the pair carrying injuries into the tournament.
      Reece James hasn’t given up hope of turning out for the Three Lions later this monthCredit: SIMON JONES
      Southgate submits a final squad list to governing body FIFA on Monday, 24 hours before flying out to Qatar.
      Despite being forecast to be out until mid-December, James has remained optimistic about his chances of playing in his second major tournament for The Three Lions.
      He told SunSport: “I need to keep working hard over the next few weeks and see where I am on call-up day.
      “I will try and not rule myself out. It is still slow and in the early stages.
      “I have been in rehab for two weeks, so I am still taking it day by day.
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      “The Chelsea medical staff have not given me a percentage of my chance of being back for the World Cup.
      “It is down to how I feel closer to the time and how stable it is.” More

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      World Cup 2022 – England vs Iran: Date, TV channel, live stream and kick-off time for Three Lions’ first Qatar match

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      ENGLAND’S World Cup campaign begins in under two weeks as they take on Iran in their first clash in Qatar. The Three Lions’ last World Cup campaign ended in agony as they lost 2-1 to Croatia in the semi-finals of the 2018 edition in Russia.
      England play Iran in their opening World Cup game in QatarCredit: Getty
      But four years on from then, and with a Euro 2020 final appearance in the bag too, Gareth Southgate’s men are looking to finally overcome the very last hurdle.
      It’s been 56 years since England won their first and only World Cup, and expectations of the team continue to grow every four years.
      Iran will be their first test, before further group stage clashes with rivals Wales and 2010 World Cup group rivals USA.
      This tournament could be make or break for Southgate, who may view the Qatar showpiece as his last opportunity to finally win major silverware as England boss.
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      When is England vs Iran?

      England’s 2022 World Cup opener with Iran will get underway from 1pm UK time on Monday, November 21.
      The game will be held at the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar’s capital Doha.
      The stadium was opened in 1976 and can hold up to 45,000 fans.

      What TV channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      England vs Iran will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      The game is FREE to watch on the BBC, so long as you have a TV licence.

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      When will England’s 26-man squad be announced?
      After a rule change by FIFA, World Cup squads will now be allowed to name 26-man squads rather than the previously permitted 23.
      Each manager has to select their 26-man squad by November 13, a week before the tournament starts. More

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      Watch Neymar’s shock reaction to Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli making Brazil World Cup squad ahead of Rberto Firmino

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      NEYMAR was seemingly left stunned by Gabriel Martinelli’s inclusion in Brazil’s World Cup squad.The Arsenal hitman – who has been a shining light in Mikel Arteta’s side over the last two seasons – was selected in Tite’s 26-man squad for Qatar 2022 on Monday.
      Gabriel Martinelli’s form for Arsenal has earned him a spot in Brazil’s World Cup squadCredit: GETTY
      Neymar looked surprised to hear of Gabriel Martinelli’s inclusion in the squad
      Neymar watched the squad announcement with his two childrenCredit: @neymarjr
      And although his inclusion in the squad didn’t come as a surprise to fans of the Premier League, it appeared to be a massive shock to Neymar.
      The Paris Saint-Germain ace hitman seemingly raised his eyebrows in disbelief after hearing Martinelli’s inclusion – at the expense of Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino – in the squad before his own name was announced on Brazilian TV.
      Footage of his reaction quickly went viral and became the talk of social media, with one footy fan saying: “The reaction to Martinelli.
      “I would love to see Gabi finding out he made it.”
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      Another said: “Nelli’s coming for his spot soon, that’s why.”
      And another said: “Neymar hearing Martinelli’s before his name made him shook.”
      One remarked: “He knows he needs to up his game or else Martinelli is gonna bench him.”
      Another chimed in: “Neymar thought his spot was in danger for a moment.”
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      Gunners star Martinelli is part of the 11-man Premier League contingent of Brazil’s squad for Qatar 2022.
      Manchester United trio Antony, Casemiro and Fred have all made the cut – despite the Red Devils’ inconsistent season.
      Chelsea centre-back Thiago Silva will be one of the oldest outfield players in the tournament at the age of 38 following his selection.
      Liverpool duo Fabinho and Alisson have also been called up to the squad – as well as Arsenal and Tottenham stars Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison.
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      Newcastle and West Ham stars Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta have also made the final squad for the tournament – as well as former Leeds ace Rafinha.
      But there was no room in Tite’s squad for Firmino or Gabriel Magalhaes, both of whom have enjoyed strong seasons with Liverpool and Arsenal respectively. More

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      Prince William makes awkward comment to Harry Kane ahead of World Cup

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      PRINCE William risked an awkward clash with Harry Kane — by saying England defeats have helped him deal with life’s disappointments.The royal sat down for a chat with the England skipper and fellow Three Lions’ ace Declan Rice, a fortnight from their opening World Cup match in Qatar.
      Prince William sat down with Harry Kane a fortnight before England’s World Cup opening matchCredit: YouTube/COPA90 Football
      William photographed with footie royalty – World Cup hopefuls Harry Kane and Declan Rice
      Discussing football’s effect on mental health, William told them that England crashing out of previous tournaments had taught him valuable life lessons.
      He also revealed he loved the “carnage” of school football matches, and how he modelled his own game on former England defender Rio Ferdinand, though far less successfully.
      Meanwhile, Rice spoke about the current England squad’s positive mindset — and revealed the Euro final loss to Italy at Wembley last year had brought them closer together.
      William, 40, told the pair: “You learn by playing a number of times, and many other things in life, that disappointment is part of life and how you handle it is crucial.
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      “Handling some of those really disappointing England results in the past, that was hard.
      “I found that really difficult, because again the same euphoria that we had comes crashing down.
      “You feel high and all together, and then normal life just gets on again.”
      William told how at school he would sometimes join in four games with 60 pupils playing at the same time.
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      He said: “Some of the greatest friendships are born from playing games and being pushed together in slight adversity.
      “The sheer size and scale and just the fun of everyone running around chasing each other, I loved it.
      “I was a defender, I was stuck at the back and told to just tackle.”
      The prince said he looked to former Man United defender Rio for “inspiration” but joked: “He was ahead of me just a little bit as time went on.”
      He added it was a “big moment for me” when then-boy wonder Wayne Rooney made his first England appearance at the age of 17.
      West Ham captain Rice, 23, told how the heartache of losing to Italy on penalties in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley last summer was eased by manager Gareth Southgate.
      The prince said it was a ‘big moment’ for him when Wayne Rooney made his first England appearanceCredit: PA
      He said: “There was a special moment after that game, the togetherness when we all came into a huddle after we’d lost that, and Gareth said some really important words.
      “As a group, I think that brought us forward together because then we had to qualify for a World Cup in the next round of games.
      “We really overcame that setback of losing that final, showed our togetherness and our strength and I feel that we are in a really good place as a national team.”
      In the 25-minute video chat – released a fortnight before England play Iran – William praised the work of Shout, a free and confidential 24-hour text messaging service for people struggling with their mental health.
      Kane, 29, revealed his love of football began when his dad gave him a fiver after he scored his first goal aged five.
      And he was now trying to help youngsters himself, as Shout has worked with his charitable Harry Kane Foundation.
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      The Spurs forward said: “My aim is to, especially to the younger generation, talk to them and try and provide ways of talking about mental health and wellbeing.
      “The more we talk about it and open up, it will definitely help solve and hopefully encourage people not to be afraid to ask for help, especially when you are feeling a little bit lower.”                    More

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      Watch Brazil stars including Man Utd new boy Antony’s incredible reactions as they find out they are in World Cup squad

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      PREMIER LEAGUE trio Antony, Richarlison and Bruno Guimaraes’ emotional reactions to being selected for Brazil’s World Cup squad have gone viral.The Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle stars were confirmed as part of Tite’s 26-man team for Qatar 2022 later this month.
      Antony waited patiently for selection to be announcedCredit: INSTAGRAM@ANTHONY00
      The Manchester United man was overcome with emotion after being selectedCredit: INSTAGRAM@ANTHONY00
      Toon star Bruno Guimaraes was mobbed by his family after his selection was announcedCredit: @Marcelo_Hazan
      Richarlison wore his own Brazil shirt as he celebrated hearing his name read out in a room full of familyCredit: Instragram: Richarlison
      All three had their respective families with them as they watched the squad announcement live on Brazilian television.
      Antony’s loved ones wore Manchester United tops and sat on the sofa as the squad was being announced.
      And they leapt for joy as the 22-year-old name was announced.
      The former Ajax winger shared the heartwarming clip on his Twitter and Instagram accounts.
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      His accompanying caption read: “For you!!! Thank you, God!!
      “Thank you everyone… friends, family, mom, dad, brothers!! Love you!!! Too much emotion!!”
      Spurs star Richarlison – who was surrounded by his family – couldn’t look at the TV as the announcement was made.
      But he was the picture of happiness after his name was read out, leaping to his feet and embracing his loved ones.
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      Guimaraes and his loved ones – including his newborn son – also sat on the sofa as they waited for the Toon star’s name to be read out.
      And they jumped to their feet as the midfielder’s selection for the tournament was confirmed.
      Guimaraes’ celebration, however, was somewhat mooted as he was holding his little bundle of joy.

      Newcastle fans were quick to comment, with one saying: “Well deserved Bruno.”
      Another said: “Haway, Bruno.”
      And another said: “Well deserved, Bruno.”
      Antony, Richarlison and Guimaraes are three of 12 Premier League stars who will be on Brazil’s plane to Qatar.
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      Alisson, Ederson, Thiago Silva, Casemiro, Fabinho, Fred, Lucas Paqueta, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli have all made the cut.
      But Selecao chief Tite has opted not to pick Arsenal and Liverpool stars Garbriel Magalhaes and Roberto Firmino – the latter of whom has scored nine goals so far this season. More

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

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      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

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      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

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      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