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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.
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      “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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      Kevin De Bruyne is Dream Team World Cup’s most-expensive midfielder… and for good reason

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      IT’S very early days but Kevin De Bruyne is currently the most-popular player in Dream Team World Cup.40.6% of gaffers with provisional team have selected the brilliant Belgian despite the fact he’s the most-expensive asset in his position.
      The 31-year-old has been assigned a price bracket of £6.5m – £7m and even if he ends up at the lower end of that range he’ll still be the most-costly midfielder in the game.

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      Worth every pennyCredit: getty/DREAM TEAM
      No football fan needs to be convinced of De Bruyne’s talent.
      He is one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history and among the very best of his generation on a global scale.
      And while some supporters in Belgium have been frustrated by their national team’s inability to convert a golden generation of players into tournament glory, it can’t be said that De Bruyne hasn’t pulled his weight.
      A veteran of 93 senior caps, he’s scored 25 goals and provided 46 assists on the international stage.
      That breaks down further to a goal involvement every 104 minutes, an astonishing record for a career spanning 12 years.
      It’s De Bruyne’s combination of style and substance that makes him such a formidable Dream Team asset – he passes the eye test every time and his stats are incredible too.
      Belgium’s hopes rest of De Bruyne’s shouldersCredit: getty
      He’s currently the outright best midfielder in Dream Team’s classic Season game, by a comfortable distance too.
      With 95 points to his name he’s got a 17-point cushion over his closest midfield rival, team-mate Phil Foden (£5.5m).
      No doubt his current domestic and continental form for City has contributed to his sizeable Dream Team World Cup ownership.
      He’s already running away with the Playmaker of the Year award having provided nine assists in the Premier League – nobody else has more than five.
      Add in three Champions League assists and he boasts a tally of 12 in all competitions – an incredible tally for early November.
      De Bruyne has also scored three goals, his most recent being the inch-perfect free-kick at Leicester that ensured Pep Guardiola’s side left with all three points.
      And of course, he’s never far away from a Star Man award.
      De Bruyne’s individual quality is not in question but Dream Team World Cup gaffers should also consider Belgium’s prospects as a collective when selecting their provisional teams.
      Roberto Martinez’s men are set to face Canada, Morocco and Croatia in Group E – the bookies’ have them as favourites to the top the group ahead of Luka Modric’s mob.
      De Bruyne’s 2022/23 numbers are indicative of a world-class playerCredit: getty
      However, it has to be said that Belgium are not as strong on paper as they were at the least two major tournaments.
      Eden Hazard’s dramatic decline (caused by injury setbacks) has rendered the winger a shadow the player he was in 2018, when he was among the brightest stars on display in Russia.
      Romelu Lukaku’s return to Chelsea resulted in a significant drop-off in form among injury frustrations – although the hulking striker’s record of 68 goals in 102 international caps speaks for itself.
      And perhaps most notably, their defence still relies on Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, two centre-backs whose best days are behind them.
      Still, they have De Bruyne and that counts for plenty.
      Acquiring the strawberry-blonde playmaker will take up a significant chunk of budget but Dream Team World Cup managers should ask themselves whether they can afford not to have in midfield?

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      Chelsea flop Timo Werner OUT of the World Cup with ankle injury in blow to Germany

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      TIMO WERNER has been ruled out of the World Cup with an ankle injury, RB Leipzig have confirmed.The ex-Chelsea ace limped off injured in Wednesday night’s 4-0 win against Shakhtar Donetsk.
      Timo Werner has been ruled out of the World CupCredit: Reuters
      Werner came off injured in RB Leipzig’s game against Shakhtar Donetsk on WednesdayCredit: Getty
      In a huge blow for Germany first-choice striker Werner, 26, has been diagnosed with torn ligaments after a scan on his left ankle.
      The former Stamford Bridge flop has been ruled out for the rest of 2022.
      An RB Leipzig statement said: “Timo Werner suffered an ankle injury last night in the win over Shakhtar Donetsk.
      “Scans today in Leipzig showed that he has unfortunately torn the syndesmosis ligament in his left ankle and will therefore be out for the rest of 2022.”
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      Werner lasted just 17 minutes of Leipzig’s win over Shakhtar before limping off injured.
      He fell to the ground after an innocuous pass but managed to walk off the pitch unaided.
      Scans have now confirmed four-time world champions Germany will be without the striker in Qatar.
      Hansi Flick’s side kick off their campaign in just 20 days against Japan.
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      And Werner was well-placed to lead the line for his country after an impressive nine goals in 15 games since ending his Chelsea hell and rejoining Leipzig.
      The forward has started Germany’s last eight games.
      In total Werner has been capped 55 times by the national team, scoring 24 goals.
      His old Chelsea pal Ben Chilwell is also out of the World Cup, as exclusively revealed today by SunSport.
      Blues left-back Chilwell will not play for England in Qatar after leaving Stamford Bridge on crutches last night.
      The Three Lions star is being sent for scans on his left leg but there is a suspicion he may have torn his hamstring.
      Chilwell is out of the World Cup after injuring his left leg on Wednesday nightCredit: Getty More

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      FIFA introduces new concussion protocol ahead of 2022 World Cup to avoid repeat of horror of 2014

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      FIFA have introduced a new concussion protocol ahead of the 2022 World Cup – to avoid a repeat of the horror in 2014. Should a concussion occur, protocol now allows for a single additional permanent concussion substitution (APCS).
      Christoph Kramer receives a medical treatment during the 2014 World CupCredit: Getty – Contributor
      This sub allows a team to withdraw a player who has suffered a head injury but does not impact the five permitted substitutions.
      The opposing team is granted an additional substitution with each APCS to avoid any advantage.
      Two additional permanent concussion substitutions (APCS) have been allowed in the Premier League since February 2021, after a trial period.
      The Premier League, FA and EFL have since adopted the rule permanently.
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      But it will be the first time featuring at a World Cup.
      In 2014, Christoph Kramer suffered a horror clash with Argentina’s Ezequiel Garay.
      It was later revealed Kramer suffered a concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury that affects the brain’s function.
      Recently, Aston Villa keeper Emi Martinez suffered a head injury against Newcastle.
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      But the Argentine stopper remained on the pitch, causing Villa to come under scrutiny.
      Villa’s caretaker boss Aaron Danks said after Saturday’s 4-0 defeat: “We’ve got a very professional medical staff who assessed him and he was OK to continue.
      “Obviously things changed and there was a delayed onset of something that meant he had to come off.”
      Emi Martinez of Aston Villa goes down with an injuryCredit: Getty More

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      Harry Kane to be awarded FREEDOM OF LONDON as he prepares to lead England at the World Cup

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      TOTTENHAM striker and England captain Harry Kane will be awarded  freedom of the City of London.The 29-year-old will be awarded with the honour at a special ceremony in January in recognition of his “outstanding sporting achievements”.
      Kane will be awarded  freedom of the City of LondonCredit: Reuters
      Kane is two goals shy of Wayne Rooney’s record Three Lions haul of 53 and will skipper his country at the World Cup in Qatar this month.
      The Tottenham striker, born in Walthamstow, north London, said: “I am extremely proud and grateful to be awarded the Freedom of the City of London award. 
      “This is a proud moment for myself and my family.
      “It is a real honour to be recognised by the city I grew up in and love, and I am looking forward to meeting those who nominated me at the award ceremony.”
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      England kick-off their group stage campaign against Iran on November 21.
      A date with the USA follows four days later, and they will close the group against Wales on the 29th.
      The Freedom is one of the City of London’s ancient traditions, believed to have begun in 1237 and enabling recipients to carry out their trade.
      It is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.
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      The entire England women’s team were announced in August as being given the honour after their Euros triumph.
      While other recent high-profile recipients include former England cricketer Sajid Mahmood, Nobel Prize-winning mathematical physicist professor Sir Roger Penrose and singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.
      City of London Corporation Policy chairman Chris Hayward said: “We are delighted that Harry will be awarded the Freedom of the City. It is richly deserved.
      “Harry is a superstar for so many football fans. He has made a massive contribution to sport and London.” More