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      BBC announce World Cup pundits including Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand alongside Arsenal and Tottenham legends

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      THE BBC have confirmed their star-studded line up of pundits for the 2022 World Cup.Gary Lineker will lead the TV team broadcasting the action from Qatar, alongside fellow presenter Gabby Logan.
      Gary Lineker will front the BBC’s coverage of the World CupCredit: Getty
      Premier League legends Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand will join Lineker in the studioCredit: PA:Press Association
      Gabby Logan will also be on presenting duties, with a star-studded line up of presenters set to take to the studio
      And they have drafted in some Premier League legends to make up their squad.
      Regular Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer will offer his expertise in the studio, alongside Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand.
      The former England pair will be joined by Ex-Three Lions Micah Richards, Jermaine Jenas, and Alex Scott.
      Meanwhile Danny Gabbidon, Ashley Williams and Liverpool icon Ian Rush will represent Wales.
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      The BBC have also signed up a number of internationals stars to their World Cup team.
      Fans will be able to catch Manchester City heroes Vincent Kompany and Pablo Zabaleta, plus Chelsea legend Didier Drogba on their TV screens.
      Meanwhile former French women’s star Laura Georges, and ex-Tottenham man Jurgen Klinsmann take to the studio to incite debate.
      The studio team is rounded off by ex-Prem stalwart Mark Schwarzer and former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva.
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      England begin their World Cup campaign in under two weeks

      The BBC will show 33 games live on TV over the course of the tournament.
      The commentary team consists of Guy Mowbray, Steve Wilson, Jonathan Pearce, Steve Bower and a number of others.
      Gabbidon and Jenas will juggle studio roles with co-commentary duties, with the commentary team also including a range of stars.
      Co-comms will come from ex-United stars Dion Dublin, Peter Schmeichel and Robbie Savage.
      Also on co-commentary duties are Martin Keown, Karen Bardsley, James Collins, Maz Farookhi, Jayne Ludlow, Clinton Morrison, Danny Murphy, and Stephen Warnock.
      Meanwhile Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates will front the BBC’s radio coverage on 5 Live, which will include all 64 World Cup.
      England kick off their campaign against Iran on November 21, with Wales in action against the USA on the same day.
      The two home nations are due to lock horns in the final game of the group stages. More

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      England fans ‘being paid shady backhanders to be SPIES in Qatar – with free tickets and orders to sing for TV cameras’

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      QATAR is paying England fans to “spy” on their friends and be positive about the country during this month’s World Cup, in return for free flights and tickets.The group of Three Lions supporters have reportedly been handed instructions to sing certain songs when required and report any critical social media posts.
      England fans have been offered money to be ‘spies’ for Qatar during the World CupCredit: Getty
      John Hemmingham, the trumpeter for the England ban, is believed to have signed upCredit: Getty
      All 40 will receive free flights and accommodation in the desert country, £60 a day in spending money loaded onto a Visa card, and complimentary tickets to World Cup matches.
      Qatar made the supporters sign a “code of conduct” in order to become spies, The Times reported.
      The group of fans is understood to include four members of the England band, including leader John Hemmingham.
      All are booked onto flights leaving for the Qatari capital Doha on November 17.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Another 40 supporters from Wales have also signed up to the so-called “Fan Leader Programme”, along with groups from the 30 other competing countries.
      But supporters’ groups have branded the move a “sinister, distasteful” marketing exercise that looks to whitewash the tiny kingdom’s appalling human rights record.
      Everyone who has signed up for the scheme in Qatar is guaranteed a ticket to the opening ceremony but must stay in the country for at least two weeks.
      They will be sat in groups and told to sing at appropriate times for the television cameras.
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      One document sent to fan leaders reads: “In celebration of the fans around the world, over the period of five minutes, fan chants from each nation will be played and you will be expected to stand up, sing the song/chant, wave your flags and represent your country.
      “The camera will focus on each national fan group in turn. We will share with you the chant/song selected from your country to ensure you are familiar with it.”
      In bold letters, the document adds: “Be ready in your shirt, flags, and scarves to cheer and shout.”
      Another document explains that fans must accept the terms and conditions.
      Sources claim the code of conduct that supporters must sign in order to get their free tickets includes a request not to criticise Qatar, and to “report any offensive, degrading or abusive comments” from other fans.
      The “spies” are also asked to supply screenshots of any unacceptable messages that might be sent.
      At best they’re volunteers for the World Cup and at worst they’re a mouthpiece for the Supreme CommitteeRonan EvainExecutive director, Football Supporters Europe
      Hemmingham, 59, appeared on Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy panel at a recent fans’ forum hosted by the England Supporters Travel Club at Wembley Stadium.
      There, he told the audience about his positive experience during a recent trip to Doha.
      “Qatar is very safe, there are lots of rules and no crime,” he said.
      Last year, it was reported by The Guardian that more than 6,500 migrant labourers died during the construction of the World Cup facilities.
      Meanwhile, homosexuality is illegal in Qatar, and under the country’s Sharia law, a woman’s testimony is worth half of a man’s.
      The Sun Online has approached Hemmingham and the England Band as well as The FA for comment.
      An FA spokesperson said: “The Qatar Supreme Committee approached the England Supporters Travel Club to run a registration process for fans to join the World Cup ‘Fan Leaders’ Forum.
      “We were told this was an opportunity to engage with fans from all competing nations to ensure that the voice of supporters was clearly heard in the planning for the World Cup and that many international football associations were being approached.
      “Following the initial registration process, the project has been managed by the Qatar Supreme Committee, and we have had no more involvement with the scheme, and no sight of the ‘code of conduct’ or any of the terms and conditions of involvement.”
      Qatar is desperate to present a positive image of itself during the flagship tournament and has paid David Beckham millions to act as an ambassador for the hosts.
      6,500 migrant workers reportedly died in the construction of World Cup facilitiesCredit: Alamy
      Ahsan Mansoor is the fan engagement director for the Qatar World CupCredit: Twitter/roadto2022
      In March last year, Qatar’s Supreme Committee, which is organising the World Cup, approached the FA asking for members of the official supporters’ club to join a fan engagement forum.
      Originally, it was believed that the scheme was simply a chance for a free trip to Qatar as well as complimentary flights, tickets, and accommodation for the tournament itself, in return for spreading information to other fans.
      But it is understood that in September, those approached were asked to sign up to a “code of conduct” to guarantee their all-expenses-paid trip to the tournament.
      “It all sounds a bit sinister and distasteful,” said one leading member of a fan group – who asked not to be named.
      The scheme has not been endorsed by either the Football Supporters’ Association or the FA.
      Qatar has defended the scheme.
      Ahsan Mansoor, the fan engagement director for the World Cup, who also attended the recent forum at Wembley, insisted that “there is no obligation to promote or do anything”.
      The country claims it has enlisted some 20,000 volunteers from around the world to help, working at hotels, hospitals, and airports, as well as in the stadiums themselves.
      But Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe, slammed the move, as well as any fans groups who signed up for it.
      “At best they’re volunteers for the World Cup and at worst they’re a mouthpiece for the Supreme Committee,” he said.
      The Sun Online has approached the World Cup’s Supreme Committee in Qatar for comment.
      And football’s international governing body FIFA – which was roundly criticised by human rights groups for awarding the tournament to Qatar – has also begged supporters to concentrate on football.
      FIFA sent a letter to all nations competing, stressing that “everyone will be welcome” in Qatar.
      Read More on The Sun
      Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, and his general secretary Fatma Samoura, said in the letter: “Please do not allow football to be dragged into every ideological or political battle that exists.”
      The letter, seen by Sky News, comes after eight competing European nations, including England and Wales, announced their captains would wear multicoloured “One Love” armbands at the tournament, in response to Qatar’s abysmal record on LGBTQ+ rights. More

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      Zinedine Zidane ‘set to be named France manager after World Cup’ to replace Didier Deschamps

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE will “lead” France after the World Cup, replacing boss Didier Deschamps, according to reports.The iconic Frenchman, 50, has been out of a job since his departure from Real Madrid last year.
      Zidane will take charge of France after the World CupCredit: The Mega Agency
      He has been linked with a number of top jobs but the three-time Champions League-winning manager has turned those offers down.
      The likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have been linked in the past.
      However, Zidane has waited “for whatever the French team” needed and according to esRadio’s Sergio Valentin, he will manage his country after November-December’s winter World Cup in Qatar.
      The ex-Real boss will replace Deschamps after the tournament.
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      In June this year, Zidane claimed he was “not finished with Les Bleus”, publicly stating his intention to manage France.
      He told French newspaper L’Equipe: “I’m not finished with Les Bleus.
      “I want to do it, of course. I will be [France coach], I hope, one day. When? That’s not up to me. 
      “But I want to come full circle with the French national team.
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      “I met this French team as a player. And it’s the best thing that ever happened to me! 
      “But really! It is the peak. So, since I went through that and now I am a coach, the French team is firmly anchored in my head. 
      “Succeed Deschamps? I don’t know. If it has to be done, it will be done, at that time or not. 
      “When I say I want to take charge of the French national team one day, I’m assuming. 
      “Currently, a team has been created. With their goals. But if the opportunity comes later, I will be there. Again, it’s not up to me.
      “My deepest desire is there. The French national team is the most beautiful thing there is.”
      France kick off their World Cup campaign on November 22 against Australia.
      A tough fixture against dark horses Denmark will follow before closing the group against Tunisia.
      Should they then make the knockouts, France will hope to defend their World Cup 2018 crown. More

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      Luxury liner dubbed HMS Wag carrying England stars’ partners heading to World Cup but players aren’t allowed on board

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      A LUXURY liner to be used as England’s Wags’ World Cup base was tonight steaming towards Qatar — but no players will be allowed on board.Ace Jack Grealish, 27, and girlfriend Sasha Att­wood, 25, and others will be kept apart as the Three Lions live in a strict hotel Covid bubble away from MSC World Europa.
      MSC World Europa, which will be used as England’s Wags’ World Cup base, is on its way to QatarCredit: 2013
      Sasha Att­wood will be kept away from boyfriend Jack Grealish as the Three Lions live in a strict Covid bubbleCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebecca
      Anna Modler is the partner of England ace Eric Dier
      MSC World Europa’s maiden voyage saw it inching through the Suez Canal yesterday.
      The £1billion 205,700-tonne floating palace boasts six swimming pools, a 643ft promenade, 14 ocean-view whirlpools, 13 dining venues and more than 30 bars and cafes.
      There is also an 11-deck high helter skelter called The Venom Drop — the tallest slide on any ship in the world.
      The liner left a French shipyard nine days ago, where 2,000 workers put finishing touches to its posh interior.
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      Footballers’ wives and girlfriends are expected to be among 6,762 guests in 2,633 cabins. Five-star packages to stay on board while the vessel is docked off the coast of Doha cost up to £6,000.
      But no players will be allowed on board. On arrival the England squad will be immediately placed in a strict Covid bubble at Doha’s Souq Al Wakra hotel.
      Boss Gareth Southgate is determined to stop the virus from wrecking his side’s hopes.
      Football Association sources confirm that the restrictions will be in place for the three opening group games — and almost certainly as long as England are in the tournament.
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      Qatar axed the requirement for visitors to provide a negative Covid test before flying in for matches — sparking fears the virus could be rife across the Gulf State.
      Organisers have said any player testing positive will have to isolate for five days and wear a mask for a further five. They will also be barred from training sessions.
      Southgate is set to name his provisional squad next week.
      But Wags who seem certain to be heading to Qatar include model Anna Modler, 24, who is dating defender Eric Dier, Jack Grealish’s girlfriend Sasha Attwood, 25, and Harry Maguire’s wife Fern, 27.
      Players, including Jack Grealish, will not be allowed on board the luxury linerCredit: Getty
      Harry Maguire’s wife Fern is excepted to stay on MSC World Europa
      Players who test positive for Covid have to isolate for five days and wear a mask for a further five (pictured Harry Maguire)Credit: Getty
      The women will have plenty to keep them busy on board, with a spa and wellness centre, thermal baths, beauty salon and a gym.
      And if they are feeling homesick they can pop into British pub Masters of the Sea for a glass of bubbly.
      A source said: “Due to the fact the boat is off-shore, guests can have a drink and enjoy themselves without having to worry about falling foul of Qatar’s strict laws.
      “The boat’s an amazing place to stay, which is why many of the players’ wives and families snapped up packages that the FA arranged.
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      “If England do go all the way, it’s likely to become like a carnival on board.”
      The FA declined to comment. More

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      If an opponent injures Harry Kane before World Cup they’ll be a national hate figure on par with Ronaldo after 2006

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      PICTURE the scene at  Stamford Bridge on Sunday.The ball drops between Mateo Kovacic and Thomas Partey in the middle of the pitch and they come steaming in for the tackle.
      Harry Kane is vital to England’s hopes in QatarCredit: Getty
      But just before they collide a thought flashes into the brain of both players — the World Cup is only two weeks away, so don’t get injured now.
      And that is a scenario which will be repeated throughout every major league in Europe and South America over the coming days.
      Because staging a World Cup in the middle of the domestic season almost guarantees non-contact football in the build-up to Qatar.
      Now I am not for one moment suggesting that either Kovacic or Partey will be deliberately jumping out of tackles when Chelsea and Arsenal square up in this huge London derby.
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      Nor am I singling those two out for a lack of courage, because it could just as easily be Tyrone Mings versus Marcus Rashford or Harry Kane versus Virgil van Dijk this weekend.
      In fact, there are dozens of potential accidents waiting to happen and it will be almost impossible for players not to subconsciously take it easy in spite of all the promises of giving 100 per cent commitment to their teams.
      How can they think otherwise when the Argentine FA asks clubs to rest all of their players ahead of their World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia on November 22?
      England boss Gareth Southgate hasn’t had the brass neck to make a similar request but deep down inside will be praying for his top stars to be “rotated” this weekend.
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      Only the other day Chelsea defender Reece James appeared on the back page of The Sun talking about his World Cup hopes despite being on crutches and with his knee in a brace.
      Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips could be available for Qatar despite not having played for the best part of two months.
      And now Ben Chilwell is a major doubt after pulling a hamstring during a Champions League dead rubber on Wednesday night.
      The way things are going, Southgate won’t have too much work to do to whittle his 55-man shortlist down to 26 next week.
      Exactly how many players can he afford to gamble on if England are to stand a chance of being contenders?
      England begin their World Cup campaign in under two weeks

      Captain Kane insists he won’t ease up to stay in shape for Qatar, and of course he has to say that.
      But he will have seen Spurs pal Son Heung-min suffering a fractured eye socket the other night and know he is only an accidental clash of heads away from having his own World Cup hopes wrecked against   Liverpool on Sunday.
      Imagine being the opponent who crocks the England skipper days before he is due to board the plane for Doha.
      He will become a  national hate figure on a par with winker Cristiano Ronaldo when he got Wayne Rooney sent off at the 2006 World Cup.
      When Manchester United defender Raphael Varane broke down in tears after suffering a hamstring injury  at Chelsea two weeks ago it was not about the fact he would miss the Europa League game against Sheriff Tiraspol.
      He was crying as his World Cup hopes were in the balance.
      There are 832 players off to Qatar the week after next. And all of them  will  be sweating like Homer Simpson in a sauna between now and then.
      Give me a break
      NOT sure how this one has passed me by but I have only just noticed that breakdancing is to be included at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
      This will see rival B-Boys and B-Girls  competing in 60-second ‘throw down’ battles to decide the medals.
      Not being  funny, but is breakdancing even still a thing?
      Didn’t it go out of  fashion in the 1980s along with stone-washed denim, shoulder pads and the Rubik’s Cube?
      Maybe they could invite Snoop Dogg to adjudicate, throwing up the possibility of the first Olympic judge to fail a drug test.
      Max hits a Ted end
      FORMULA ONE world champ Max Verstappen is boycotting Sky because he doesn’t like pit-lane pundit Ted Kravitz.
      The thin-skinned Dutchman has been backed by his Red Bull bosses, even though they are happy to take the broadcasting  millions which allowed them to break their annual budget last season.
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      Good job that Roy Keane doesn’t do motor racing.
      Then Verstappen really would have something to cry about. More

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      Fifa send letter out telling nations playing in Qatar World Cup to concentrate on football and not focus on human rights

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      WORLD CUP countries have been told by FIFA to concentrate on football and not focus on human rights issues.The world’s governing body has sent a letter to all the nations competing at the World Cup — including England and Wales — to stress that everyone will be welcome in Qatar.
      Fifa chairman Gianni Infantino wants World Cup countries to stop criticising QatarCredit: AFP
      FIFA bosses, led by chairman Gianni Infantino and general secretary Fatma Samoura, are hoping severe criticism of the tiny nation will stop ahead of the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador on November 20.
      There have been claims that 6500 migrant workers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have died in Qatar since it won the right to host the World Cup in 2010.
      Qatar has also been repeatedly slammed over its anti-LGBTQ laws, with same-sex sexual activity punishable by up to seven years in prison.
      There is a strong argument that the criticism of Qatar is deserved and should be expected throughout the tournament as this will be a good window of opportunity to discuss the issues.
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      But Fifa are aware of the steady increase in negative stories in the build-up so have decided to act with the letter from Infantino and Samoura.
      It will say that Fifa is not a political organisation and is not here to moralise and judge.
      But it includes the line: “Everyone is welcome regardless of origin, background, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or nationality.”
      Infantino, 52, took over as president in 2016, six years after Qatar were controversially handed the World Cup ahead of both the United States and Australia.
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      England’s Harry Kane and Wales’ Gareth Bale will join six other European captains in wearing a OneLove armband at the World Cup.
      The armband — supporting a season-long campaign for inclusion and against discrimination — has yet to be approved by FIFA.
      But the FA, along with other countries, will allow Kane to wear the armband even if they are fined by Fifa for doing so.
      The English FA have been criticised for not being vocal enough over the issues in Qatar.
      The Australian national team won plaudits after speaking collectively over human rights in Qatar.
      Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp claims it is not fair that the current players should be expected to speak out over Qatar, stressing the decision to award the nation the World Cup was made over 10 years ago. More

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      Wales making sure star duo Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey fully fit for World Cup by sending medical staff to LA and Nice

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      WALES have sent medical staff to Los Angeles and Nice to ensure Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey are in top shape for the World Cup.The Dragons’ star duo have had injury-hit seasons at their respective new clubs in the countdown to Qatar.
      Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, pictured here in Wales trainingCredit: Getty
      But the Football Association of Wales have done everything in their powers to get the best out of captain Bale and midfield ace Ramsey ahead of their first finals since 1958.
      SunSport understands medical services manager and lead physiotherapist Sean Connelly has been out to America to work with Bale and see LAFC’s facilities following his switch Stateside.
      Five-time Champions League winner Bale, 33, left Real Madrid on a free transfer when his contract expired at the end of June for a new life in California.
      The same tactic has applied to Ramsey, who moved to Nice from Juventus last summer with FAW staff – such as the use of a masseur or physio over a short period – visiting him in the south of France.
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      It is believed the connection and trust between staff and players has been vital in building relationships with both clubs excellent in their co-operation.
      Former Arsenal star Ramsey, 31, also uses his own fitness staff from a number of countries, including Holland, to keep in top condition.
      Dietitians have also been used by the players in recent times in a bid to make sure they are looked after.
      The FAW have backed manager Robert Page with the resources to ensure his senior players are in peak condition with the World Cup opener against the USA in Doha on November 21 fast approaching.
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      England begin their World Cup campaign in under two weeks

      Bale was an unused substitute in LAFC’s Western Conference final triumph last Sunday and hopes to be involved in Saturday’s MLS Cup showpiece against Philadelphia Union.
      Wales’ talisman handed his country a scare when he missed the semi-final with a leg injury and has only played five minutes for his club since completing 90 minutes in the Nations League defeat by Poland in September.
      Ramsey sat out the last international break with a hamstring injury but returned to action for Nice against Paris Saint-Germain last month.
      Page hailed Bale and Ramsey last week during a Q&A session at Cardiff’s Senedd building.
      Page said: “I spoke to both players on the phone recently. They are both okay. They are both experienced enough now to understand what their body needs to get them in the right place.
      Read More on The Sun
      “They are the ultimate professionals. They go to the nth degree to recover after games and the preparation starts when the final whistle goes.
      “I trust in what they are doing to make sure they are in the best place possible to get on the plane.” More

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      Gen Z’s world-class midfielders set to take World Cup by storm this winter

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      In case you haven’t noticed, Dream Team World Cup is now live across all platforms!Gaffers are invited to select a provisional team now before player prices are finalised on November 14th.

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      The next generation of midfielders are set to flourish in Qatar
      One aspect to consider when selecting your XI is the array of young midfield talent that will be on display in Qatar.
      As the most-watched sporting event in the world, the World Cup has long been the platform from which youngsters can launch themselves to superstardom.
      This year’s tournament will be no different with several notable young midfielders seemingly on the cusp of greatness already.
      We make no apologies for the England-centric view by highlighting Jude Bellingham first of all.
      Still just 19 years old, Borussia Dortmund’s No22 is earning huge plaudits in Germany for his all-round performances and a sense of maturity beyond beyond his years.
      A diligent worker in defence, Bellingham is also blessed with a deftness of touch and natural technique that makes him effective in tight areas.
      And this season the former Birmingham midfielder has shown a sharper eye goal – he’s scored nine goals for Dortmund in all competitions already.
      Such has been the impressive nature of his development in recent months, it now seems likely that Bellingham will be a starter for England at the World Cup.
      Kalvin Phillips has struggled with injury setbacks recently and Bellingham’s added edge going forward makes him a superb candidate for a spot alongside Declan Rice whether Gareth Southgate opts for a 3-4-3 or 4-3-3 formation.
      Barcelona and Spain’s futureCredit: getty
      Never to be outdone where technically gifted midfielders are concerned, Spain boast two teenage talents likely to win swathes of admirers in Qatar.
      Pedri is arguably among the world’s best players in his position already and previously flaunted his ability on the international stage to considerable degree at Euro 2020.
      Recently he’s been joined at club and country level by Gavi, a La Masia graduate who shares many of the same attributes.
      Naturally there are whispered hopes from fans of Barcelona and La Roja that Pedri, 19, and Gavi, 18, can emulate Xavi and Andres Iniesta’s partnership that formed the foundation of some of the greatest triumphs of the modern era.
      It’s a similar situation in France where Didier Deschamps may call upon Real Madrid pair Eduardo Camavinga, 19, and Aurelien Tchouameni, 22, as Les Bleus seek to defend their crown this winter.
      The latter is virtually guaranteed a spot in the squad and he may be joined by his younger team-mate because of N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba’s absences through injury.
      France have injuries in midfield and so Deschamps may turn to youth
      Both starlets blend athleticism and physicality with a certain poise in possession, making them very modern midfielders.
      More casual fans will remember Camavinga’s match-shaping performances off the bench during Real Madrid’s latest Champions League glory.
      Germany have Jamal Musiala, the most attack-minded of the lot.
      Once a England youth representative and Chelsea academy player, the 19-year-old has become hugely important to Bayern Munich – he’s scored nine goals and provided six assists for the Bundesliga champions already this term.
      Die Mannschaft are hardly lacking in midfield options but there is an increasingly loud clamour for the national team to be built around Musiala’s blooming talent.
      If Hansi Flick concurs then Musiala may be the pick of the lot in terms of Dream Team World Cup viability, purely because he’s the most likely of the players mentioned to contribute goals and assists.
      More broadly, all the youngsters listed have shown enough in the early stages of their careers to suggest they could become world-class midfielders – some may have already reached that level – and there’s no better stage than the World Cup for a player to stamp their authority on the game.
      Musiala has rapidly become a key player for club and countryCredit: getty
      And the tournament comes at a fitting time too with several leading midfield lights at the back end of their careers.
      Qatar will surely be Luka Modric’s last World Cup at 37 years old, Toni Kroos is 32 and already retired from international football, Angel Di Maria is 34 and currently sweating on an injury ahead of the World Cup.
      Casemiro, Ilkay Gundogan and Sergio Busquets are all in the 30s, as is Kevin De Bruyne.
      These experienced names still have plenty to offer of course, many are still at the top of their game, but every player succumbs to the passing of time eventually.
      The 2022 World Cup could act as a passing of the torch from one crop of decorated midfielders to an exciting host of youngsters hoping to emulate their heroes.

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