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      Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek included in Gareth Southgate’s 55-man England squad for World Cup in Qatar

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      CHELSEA star Ruben Loftus-Cheek has made it into Gareth Southgate’s provisional 55-man England squad for the World Cup.The Blues midfielder, 26, was included in the Three Lions’ squad for the Russia World Cup four years ago.
      Loftus-Cheek has shown his versatility so far this seasonCredit: PA
      Southgate previously took Loftus-Cheek to the 2018 World CupCredit: PA
      But he has not been capped by Southgate since November 2018, falling out of favour after a number of injury problems.
      However, according to The Athletic, he has been included in the England manager’s huge 55-player list which he will need to trim down to 26 later this month.
      Loftus-Cheek has started 10 of Chelsea’s 12 Premier League games so far this season.
      Speaking last week about the possibility of making the World Cup squad, he said: “It would be amazing. It would mean a lot.
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      “Going into the 2018 World Cup you see your trajectory go upwards and to be at the next World Cup if everything goes well.
      “A lot has happened in that time and I am just happy and grateful that I am fit and healthy and playing football now consistently.

      “If I go to the World Cup it would mean the world — but that is not at the forefront of my mind now.
      “It would be selfish to think about my personal aspirations rather than the club at the moment.”
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      Loftus-Cheek earned most of his 10 England caps during the 2017/18 season while out on loan at Crystal Palace.
      He then returned to Chelsea but faced several fitness issues which plagued his career.
      Now, though, he seems to be thriving under Graham Potter – who has used him as both a central midfielder and right wingback.
      And that could be useful for England following injuries to full-backs Reece James and Kyle Walker.
      In midfield, Three Lions fans are also waiting to hear whether Kalvin Phillips will recover in time for the tournament – which begins for England on November 21 when they take on Iran.
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      Southgate has to trim his squad to 26 players by November 14, although England are set to name theirs four days earlier.
      Earlier this week, it was revealed that Brighton duo Lewis Dunk and Danny Welbeck were included as surprise selections in the provisional 55-man roster. More

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      Man Utd starlet Facundo Pellistri set for ‘imminent’ loan transfer exit after shock call up to Uruguay’s World Cup squad

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      MANCHESTER UNITED youngster Facundo Pellistri is set for an “imminent” loan move away from the club, according to his agent.The Uruguayan winger, 20, is yet to make a first team appearance for the club since joining from Penarol in 2020.
      Pellistri is eyeing a spot at the World Cup with UruguayCredit: AFP
      He has had two separate loan spells with Spanish outfit Deportivo Alaves, but returned to Old Trafford on both occasions due to a lack of opportunities.
      And now, with the expectation of making Uruguay’s World Cup squad, his agent Edgardo Lasalvia has claimed he will soon be loaned out once more.
      Speaking to ESPN Uruguay, he said: “I think with a good World Cup, as we think he is going to have, his departure [from United] is imminent.”
      Pellistri has made inroads into the Uruguay national team despite no senior appearances for Man Utd.
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      He has already been capped seven times by his country in 2022, a run which looks set to seal his spot in Qatar.
      Pellistri was linked with a loan move away from Old Trafford in the summer, but an injury prevented any deal from being completed.
      He is now fully fit once more, but is yet to feature in any of the club’s Premier League or Europa League matches.
      And a permanent move away from United could also be an option for the South American.
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      However, with three years left on his existing deal, the club hold the cards to his future and will only sell if they are happy to cash in.
      Erik ten Hag has a great deal of competition in his squad when it comes to the wide areas.
      The likes of Antony, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Anthony Elanga and Alejandro Garnacho are all currently ahead of Pellistri in the Dutchman’s plans. More

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      I wear the poppy to salute my World War II hero grandad – it makes me proud, says Gareth Southgate

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      ENGLAND footie boss Gareth Southgate says he is proud to wear a poppy — to salute his World War Two hero grandad.He explained Arthur Toll, who served with the Royal Marines, instilled in him the importance of remembering those who serve.
      Gareth Southgate’s war hero grandad Arthur, instilled in him the importance of remembering those who serve or have servedCredit: Rex
      Gareth, who will lead the Three Lions in this month’s World Cup, said: “The poppy is a symbol that leads people to remember.
      “It keeps humility in the group because it means you’re not just thinking about yourselves.
      “The freedoms that we have are because of the commitment and sacrifice the people that came before us made.
      “My grandad was in the Royal Marines so since I was a kid there’s been that connection and appreciation of what people went through.”
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      Gareth, 52, was launching this year’s football shirt auction in which fans can bid for stars’ kit embroidered with the poppy to raise money for the annual British Legion appeal.
      His grandad Arthur was a meat wholesaler in 1939 when war broke out.
      He died in Watford, Herts, in 1994, age 87.
      To bid in the auction go to matchwornshirt.co.uk/poppy
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      England star Terry Butcher poses with Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ ball which could fetch more than £3million at auction

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      EX-England star Terry Butcher poses with Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” ball — as speculation grows it will fetch more than its £3million estimate at auction.The defender played in the 1986 World Cup defeat to Argentina in which Maradona scored twice — the first with a punch.
      Ex-England star Terry Butcher poses with the ball used in the 1986 World CupCredit: AFP
      It is expected to fetch more than £3million at auctionCredit: Popperfoto
      The ball will be sold in two weeks, with auctioneer Graham Budd saying: “All the best prices I’ve ever had at auction have made multiples of the estimate.
      “When you have an exceptional item, you get multiple bidding.
      “Sometimes it takes a long while for the last person to pull out.
      “Almost anything’s possible at auction which is why it’s so exciting.
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      “It’s an absolutely exceptional piece.”
      We told earlier how Tunisian ref Ali Bin Nasser was selling the ball.
      Maradona died aged 60 in 2020.
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      England fans heading to Qatar World Cup warned not to HOLD HANDS in public – even with a partner of the opposite sex

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      FANS travelling to this month’s World Cup MUST be mindful of Qatari culture, police have warned.The latest Foreign Office advice for the 3,000-plus England supporters planning a trip to the Gulf state is that NONE of them should hold hands in public, even with a partner of the OPPOSITE sex.
      Fans have been told to avoid holding hands in QatarCredit: Alamy
      Supporters have been urged not to provoke Qatari authoritiesCredit: AFP
      But while 15 special UK police “engagement officers” will act as a buffer between fans and potentially over-zealous local forces to try to “de-escalate” issues, supporters have been urged to avoid provoking the Qatari authorities.
      Qatar has pulled in extra police from Turkey and Pakistan to help control the World Cup.
      And Cheshire Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the UK’s top football cop, said: “Our officers will be there to try to engage and calm things down if needed.
      “We’re not morality police and we are not going to tell people not to protest.
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      “That’s a local enforcement issue. We just want to look after the supporters.
      “The last thing we want is someone inadvertently causing offence, so if we see there’s something that may cause a problem we can go and try to de-escalate the situation.
      “We know that England fans have often gone to a square and drunk but that’s not really an option because you don’t have the off-sales in Qatar in the same way.
      “If you have 2,000 fans in one place, even in the UK, you’d get the police come in and sometimes when England have played abroad our fans have played up to it a bit.
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      “We just want to avoid that.
      “I’m not going to tell the fans what to do but Qatar is a calm place.
      “You just don’t hear shouting. You don’t see confrontation, they tend to be a very polite people.
      “The potential for a misunderstanding is probably greater.
      “But while there are very low levels of crime in Qatar, there are very high levels of CCTV compared to here so that chances of committing something and getting away with it are negligible.
      “The Qataris want this to be a success and for people to come away having had a good time and not saying negative things.
      England and Wales have both vowed to wear the “One Love” armband in Qatar although Fifa have still to give permission.
      But FA of Wales head of international development Mark Evans said: “Even if Fifa say “no”, we will wear the armband. The players have spoken about it and agreed what we will do, even if that means us being fined.”
      England fans have been advised by Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to be respectful in their visit to Qatar, but his statement prompted a backlash from LGBT fan groups who highlighted the fact homosexuality is outlawed in the country.
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      English activist Peter Thatchell was arrested in Qatar last week after staging a one-man protest to highlight the country’s treatment of LGBT people.
      England’s WAGs have also been given a list of do’s and dont’s and told they must not drink alcohol or swear in public, play loud music, sing, shout or act “inappropriately” during the call to prayer. More

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      Keep politics and virtue-signalling out of the Qatar World Cup so we can enjoy it – if players don’t like it, don’t go

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      THE World Cup is nearly upon us, and the wall of negative noise around this year’s tournament is increasingly deafening.
      Many are appalled it’s being held in Qatar at all given the alleged corruption that is believed to have won them the rights to hold international sport’s richest and most prestigious event, and the country’s mistreatment of migrant workers and non-existent LGBT rights.
      England skipper Harry Kane will wear a OneLove rainbow armband during the World CupCredit: PA
      It all kicks off in Qatar on November 20 – but criticism of the event has become ‘increasingly deafening’Credit: Reuters
      Piers reckons if footballers are really offended by Qatar’s human rights failings, then they shouldn’t go
      Last week, Australia’s Socceroos team released an earnest video expressing concern about the “suffering” of migrant workers and the inability for gay people in Qatar “to love the person that they choose”.
      Separately, England captain Harry Kane declared he’s going to wear a OneLove anti-discrimination armband during the games to register his own protest.
      And now, Ukraine’s Association of Football has demanded that Iran be banned from taking part due to its reported kamikaze drone support for Vladimir Putin in his illegal war on their people, and also cited Iran’s “systematic human rights violations” including a brutal crackdown on domestic protests.
      So, there’s a lot of high moral outrage flying around, and there will be a lot of on-field halos glinting in the ferocious Qatar heat come November 20 when the World Cup starts.
      READ MORE FROM PIERS MORGAN
      But I can’t be the only one wishing we could just keep all the politics and virtue-signalling out of it so we can just enjoy the football?
      The time for proper serious debate about Qatar’s suitability to host the tournament was surely during the bidding process twelve years ago, not three weeks before it starts?
      And if the argument against them running it is that they have a poor human rights record, which is an undeniable fact, then what about the other 31 countries taking part?
      Specifically, if persecution of gay people is deemed a disqualifying barrier to being involved in the World Cup, then shouldn’t we be similarly outraged by the participation of Senegal, Morocco and Tunisia where it’s also illegal to be homosexual?
      Or by Ghana, whose parliament is pushing through a new bill demanding prison sentences for anyone even expressing support or “sympathy” towards gay people?
      Or by Cameroon which according to a recent report “currently prosecutes consensual same sex conduct more aggressively than almost any country in the world”?
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      And don’t get me started on Saudi Arabia, where if you’re caught in a gay act, you can be chemically castrated, given life imprisonment or even executed.
      A closer look at other World Cup nations reveals further distinctly ‘problematic’ human rights issues.
      Costa Rica has serious human trafficking problems, Brazil has shocking levels of unlawful police killings and torture, Argentina is bedevilled by government and judiciary corruption, and Serbia continues to oppress Roma gypsies.
      Many of the countries already mentioned operate ongoing wars on free speech, jailing dissident citizens and journalists who criticise the government – or, in Saudi Arabia’s case, chopping them up with bone saws – and also have terrible records of mistreating migrant workers.

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      And if modern morality failings are truly our new World Cup qualification byword, then why should either England or America be allowed to play given our invasion of Iraq in 2003 and all the subsequent global terrorism hell that illegal war unleashed on the world?
      You get my point…
      Once you play the morality card in sport, I’m not sure where you can ever end up playing it without appearing to endorse human rights abuses.
      To single out Qatar for such exaggerated horror when so many other competing countries are just as morally bad, if not a lot worse, is hypocritical.
      We’ve witnessed similar double standards in golf where leaders of the PGA Tour have berated the new Saudi-backed breakaway LIV Tour for putting money before morals – despite they themselves hosting events in places like China which has a horrendous human rights record.
       And frankly, as a sports fan, I’m sick of all the disingenuousness.
      ‘Pointless virtue-signalling ‘
      If footballers are really that offended by Qatar’s human rights failings, then they shouldn’t go and play in the World Cup.
      It’s all very well wearing armbands or issuing critical videos, but if you still go then you’re just dabbling in pointless virtue-signalling that will have zero impact on effecting any change.
      I feel the same way about all the sports journalists suddenly jumping on the anti-Qatar bandwagon and saying it shouldn’t be happening.
      You can bet your life most of them will be holding their indignant noses long enough to get on a plane to Doha for six weeks as they cover the event they are pretending to want cancelled.
      I’ll be there too for some of it, as a pundit for Fox in America during the group stage which has pitted England against the US.
      And I feel no moral dilemma about going because I understand that many of the countries playing in this World Cup make Qatar look almost benign by comparison when it comes to human rights.
      That doesn’t excuse Qatar’s problems, but it puts them into perspective.
      I also think it’s crazy that this is the first time the World Cup has ever been staged in the Middle East given the huge popularity of football in the region, and we should celebrate that fact, not ruin the party with very selective judgement.
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      So, my message to the morality moaners is this: put your cracked halos away and just let me watch the bloody World Cup without trying to make me feel shameful or guilty about it.
      Oh, and come on England!
      The Socceroos last week became the first World Cup team to criticise Qatar’s human rights recordCredit: Getty
      Piers wants the ‘morality moaners’ to stop making fans feel guiltyCredit: PA
      This is the first time the World Cup has been staged in the Middle East – a fact we should celebrateCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      World’s sexiest football fans, from Gisele Bundchen following Brazil to Aussie celeb Margot Robbie cheering on Socceroos

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      THEY don’t call it the beautiful game for nothing.Football brings the most glam women together, especially during a World Cup when many will be cheering on their favourite teams in the stadiums of Qatar or from their armchair.
      Gisele Bundchen shows off her love for BrazilCredit: Rex
      Victoria’s Secret model Gisele is one of the world’s sexiest football fansCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      From a Brazilian supermodel, who has just split from her famous NFL legend husband, to a Hollywood A-lister – these are SunSport’s sexiest football fans.
      Gisele Bundchen
      The world’s most famous and successful supermodel, Gisele has never hidden her love for Brazil.
      During the 2018 World Cup, she was spotted cheering on the Seleciao while wearing their famous jersey.
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      She is also pals with Brazil hotshot Neymar, after the pair appeared in Vogue together in 2014.
      The 42-year-old is now said to be divorcing NFL star Tom Brady, after 13 years of marriage.
      Margot Robbie
      Aussie beauty Robbie, 32, is used to turning heads on the screen – after sizzling in films such as Wolf of Wall Street and Birds of Prey.
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      But she must have had a few funny looks when she turned up at Craven Cottage for a Fulham match with husband and producer Tom Ackerley, who is a fan of the Cottagers.
      And Robbie is no stranger to the world of Aussie soccer – revealing she knew who Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan was.
      During a BBC Sport segment, when she was asked to predict his former side Brighton’s score in an upcoming match, she declared a Seagulls win because she needed to show “Aussie love” for the shotstopper.
      Margot Robbie is a football fan, who follows the SocceroosCredit: Rex
      Glam Robbie visited Craven Cottage to see Fulham playCredit: Rex
      Gigi Hadid
      Supermodels and football seemingly go hand-in-hand nowadays.
      Gigi, 27, was pictured sporting a PSG shirt on a visit to the Parc des Princes with pal Kendall Jenner back in 2015.
      A year later, she was spotted wearing a Bradford City shirt – the team supported by her ex Zayn Malik.
      But her loyalties will always be with Team USA, and she is keen follower of the women’s team.
      Gigi Hadid is a football fan, and was once seen at a PSG gameCredit: Getty
      Hadid was once seen wearing a Bradford City top

      Natalya Nemchinova
      Dubbed ‘Russia’s hottest World Cup fan’, Nemchinova was a favourite for TV cameras at the 2018 competition.
      Often, when there was a break in play, she’d be spotted in the stands – waving a flag in a revealing outfit.
      And the 33-year-old porn star was deemed to be her country’s lucky charm – as they marched on to the quarter-finals.
      However, she didn’t go to the Croatia match – and, just like that, the hosts lost and were out.
      Russian super fan Natalya Nemchinova was a hit at the 2018 World CupCredit: Darren Fletcher – The Sun
      Nemchinova was a porn star in her homelandCredit: Darren Fletcher – The Sun
      Anna Lewandowska
      The wife of Robert Lewandowski rarely misses a game when her husband is playing for Poland.
      Anna, 34, is a former karate champ in her homeland, personal trainer and nutritionist.
      She has been credited with helping the Barcelona ace improve on his fitness by crafting a strict diet for the hotshot striker.
      Expect to see her wearing Poland’s famous white shirt in Qatar.
      Polish beauty Anna Lewandowska is sure to be in the stands when Poland play in Qatar
      Lewandowska is married to Robert Lewandowski and has been credited with helping his careerCredit: Getty
      Emma Louise Jones
      Leeds fans know all about gorgeous Emma, having seen her work as a presenter for LUTV since 2017.
      But most recently she graduated to MOTDx – alongside former footballer Jermaine Jenas.
      Jones has built up a rapport with England stars, interviewing several on international duty through the years.
      She most certainly will be in Qatar on hosting duties.
      TV presenter Emma Louise Jones is a huge football fanCredit: Instagram @eljonesuk
      Jones is a regular at Elland Road and has interviewed a variety of England’s starsCredit: instagram
      Agustina Gandolfo
      Model Gandolfo is the girlfriend of Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez.
      The blonde bombshell was introduced to the Inter Milan star by none-other-than Wanda Nara, the ex-wife of Mauro Icardi.
      She has since grown her own brand as a fitness and healthy lifestyle expert.
      And she now runs her own restaurant in Milan called Coraje.
      Lautaro Martinez’s stunning Wag is stunning Agustina GandolfoCredit: Instagram / @agus.gandolfo
      Argentina fan Gandolfo has amassed almost 800,000 Instagram followers.
      Claudia Guarjardo
      Mexico’s finest TV presenter, Guarjardo once caused a stir when she revealed a new tattoo live on air while filming popular football show, Las Noches del Futbol.
      The inking was in an incredibly intimate place, in which she had to peel down her shorts for cameras to get a glimpse – leaving her co-hosts hot under the collar in the studio.
      Today, the stunning brunette is huge on social media – where she has almost 800,000 followers.
      Better still, she’s a huge supporter of the Mexico football team – sharing her love to her fans online.
      TV presenter Claudia Guarjardo is a Mexico fanCredit: Instagram
      Guarjardo showed off a revealing tattoo on air
      Sara Gundogan
      As Wags go, none are more supportive than Sara, 27.
      She is married to Man City and Germany ace Ilkay Gundogan, with the pair tying the knot back in May.
      And she is always at the Etihad cheering the midfielder on, as well at games watching Die Mannschaft.
      Sara isn’t afraid to wear her stripes either – often supporting her team by donning their jersey.
      Sara Gundogan is one of the world’s most beautiful women, as well as a football fanCredit: Instagram
      Sara shows her love for GermanyCredit: Instagram
      Ivana Knoll
      The 5ft10in Croatian beauty came to prominence at the last World Cup in Russia.
      And a quick glance through her Instagram page shows how patriotic she is – seen in a barely-there bikini decked out in the checkered pattern of the flag of Croatia.
      A former 2016 Miss Croatia World finalist, she is a favourite on TikTok – once causing a stir by sharing a racy twerking clip.
      Should she go to Qatar, she will certainly drive fans wild again.
      Ivana Knoll shows her love for Croatia with her bikini choiceCredit: Instagram / @wearknolldoll
      Knoll was spotted cheering on Croatia from the stands at the 2018 World CupCredit: https://www.instagram.com/knolldoll/?hl=en More

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      Man Utd in boost with Anthony Martial returning to full training in hope striker will make France’s World Cup squad

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been given a huge boost after Anthony Martial returned to full training.And there are even hopes the striker could make France’s World Cup squad this month.
      Anthony Martial is back in full training at Man United to keep his World Cup dream aliveCredit: Getty
      Martial, 26, returned to United over the summer after a flop loan spell at Sevilla.
      He hit the ground running in pre-season under new boss Erik ten Hag.
      But a number of injuries have limited Martial to just four appearances this term.
      Despite spending most of his time on the sideline, the hitman has still managed to score three goals.
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      And some United fans reckon Martial is the final missing piece in Ten Hag’s already-impressive jigsaw.
      However, supporters could soon see what life will be like with the ace in their side.
      That’s because Martial finally returned to full first-team training at Carrington on Monday.
      It’s reckoned he’s put his hamstring, achilles and back injuries behind him.
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      And with four games left until Qatar 2022, Martial could get a run in United’s starting XI.
      That could even open the door for a stunning World Cup call-up from France boss Didier Deschamps.
      The defending champs need solid support for Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe.
      And reports claim Martial is still in with a shout if he puts a run of games together.
      United first travel to Real Sociedad on Thursday in a bid to seal top spot in their Europa League group.
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      That game could come too soon for Martial.
      But back-to-back matches against Aston Villa, with one in the Carabao Cup, and a trip to Fulham represent some good opportunities. More