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      Man Utd icon Roy Keane tips Jude Bellingham to be England’s World Cup star but reckons Three Lions will fall short again

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      ROY KEANE has told Gareth Southgate that Jude Bellingham will be England’s World Cup saviour.The Three Lions will announce their 26-man squad for Qatar on Thursday November 10 – while the Fifa deadline for all 32 nations is three days later.
      Bellingham can boast four goals in five Champions League games this seasonCredit: Getty
      Keane has given his take on next month’s highly-anticipated tournament in QatarCredit: Getty
      Bellingham has won 17 caps under Southgate and produced his best performance in an England shirt in last month’s 3-3 draw against Germany.
      The 19-year-old is one of Europe’s finest young players following his consistent displays for Borussia Dortmund and he is being coveted by the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid.
      And Keane reckons the ex-Birmingham City playmaker could make a global impact this winter.
      Former Manchester United captain Keane, 51, said: “I would love to see Jude Bellingham have a good tournament.
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      “For such a young kid, he plays way beyond his years, looks a good athlete and is mature.
      “He’s getting a good run of games now for Borussia Dortmund and recently started for England against Germany – so I hope he takes that momentum into the World Cup.”
      Keane – who will work on the tournament as an ITV football pundit – feels Euro 2020 finalists England “will come up just short” in their attempt to become world champions for the first time since 1966.
      The Middle East event kick-off on Sunday November 20 and England will face Iran, the United States and Wales in Group B.
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      The Irishman said: “England will have no problem getting out of the group – they’ll be far too strong.
      “Huge pressure on Harry Kane to produce and I still worry about England defensively and the goalkeeper.”
      With Southgate set to name his squad early next month, his biggest concerns at the moment are injuries.
      An injury against AC Milan earlier this month has left fans sweating over Reece James’ fitness.
      While major question marks also hover over Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips who are fighting to get back from lengthy lay-offs. More

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      Meet Jordan Reece, the completely made-up player who FIVE THOUSAND fans bet on to make England’s World Cup squad at 10/1

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      JORDAN HENDERSON and Reece James may miss out on the England World Cup squad – but 5,000 fans have tried to bet on a certain Jordan Reece to be on the plane to Qatar.That is despite the ‘player’ being completely made up.
      A safer gambling campaign tricked 5,000 people into trying to bet on Jordan Reece to make the England World Cup squadCredit: AceOdds
      Gareth Southgate will not be picking the striker unless things get very desperateCredit: Getty
      As part of last week’s Safer Gambling Week, AceOdds launched a campaign to try and educate fans who like a gamble.
      And so they created a new star striker to see who would fall for the advert by clicking through to place the bet – but were told of the scheme before stumping up any cash.
      The ploy tried to see who could be tricked into slapping money on Reece to make the England squad at 10-1.
      AceOdds even roped in a few of the biggest football fan Twitter accounts to promote “the best striker your mates have never heard of”.
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      In fact, Jordan Reece is a fake name taken from a regenerated player in Football Manager.
      And the pictures used are of a model from Chesterfield.
      And it would take far more injuries to Three Lions players before Gareth Southgate is forced to call him up for the World Cup.
      The England boss has until November 13 to finalise his 26-man squad for Qatar 2022.
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      Harry Kane will lead the line for the Three Lions as they face Iran, United States and Wales in Group B.
      But the back-up striker positions are up for grabs with Tammy Abraham, Callum Wilson, Ivan Toney and Marcus Rashford all in contention – but Jordan Reece is unlikely to make the cut, despite the tasty odds on offer. More

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      Rishi Sunak has NO plans to go to World Cup in Qatar after shock revelation Prince William ‘won’t travel to tournament’

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      RISHI Sunak currently has no plans to go to Qatar for the World Cup next month, Downing Street confirmed today. The PM – who is a massive fan of Southampton FC – is likely to cheer on the Three Lions from home instead.
      Rishi Sunak so far has no plans to go to Qatar for the World CupCredit: The Mega Agency
      The news comes as The Sun today revealed that Prince William also won’t be travelling to watch England play, amid a growing row over Qatar’s human rights record.
      Sources close to the Prince William blamed a busy diary during the World Cup, with England’s first game on November 21 against Iran.
      The hosts have been dogged by protests over poor conditions for stadium workers and criminalisation of same-sex relationships.
      Friends of the Prince say a trip to the final if Gareth Southgate’s team get there on December 18 is unlikely and would likely only be part of a government delegation.
       LGBT rights activists hailed his decision to stay away from Qatar.
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      This week Foreign Secretary James Cleverly sparked uproar after he refused to condemn the gulf state’s anti-gay laws.
      Mr Cleverly was slammed for being “tone deaf” and “shameful” in his defence of the host nation’s dodgy rights record.
      After saying he had spoken to the Qatari authorities in the past about gay football fans, he told LBC: “One of the things I would say for football fans is, you know, please do be respectful of the host nation.
      “They are trying to ensure that people can be themselves and enjoy the football, and I think with a little bit of flex and compromise at both ends, it can be a safe, secure and exciting World Cup.”
      It comes after veteran campaigner Peter Tatchell was stopped by officials after staging the first LGBT protest in the country, to highlight its human rights abuses in the run-up to World Cup.
      The veteran campaigner slammed Mr Cleverley, saying: “I think it’s absolutely shameful that the Foreign Secretary wants us to respect that regime and he’s focusing on getting the fans to respect the regime, not on the regime protecting human rights abuses against LGBT plus people, particularly against women and migrant workers.”
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      Yesterday Australia became the first World Cup team to criticise Qatar’s human rights record.
      A group of 16 Socceroos stars, including former Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Ryan, came together to release a moving statement.
      In a video posted to the Australia national team’s social media pages, stars gave their support to migrant workers, as well as those in the LGBTQI+ community.
      Ex-Celtic and Hull midfielder Jackson Irvine said: “We have learned that the decision to host the World Cup in Qatar has resulted in the suffering and harm of countless of our fellow workers.” More

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      David de Gea ‘OUT of World Cup as Man Utd star fails to make Spain’s 55-man preliminary squad with Kepa only a reserve’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star David De Gea is set to miss the World Cup after reportedly failing to make Spain’s 55-man preliminary squad.Spain boss Luis Enrique has sent off the list to Fifa, from which his final 26-man squad will be selected.
      David De Gea has not been included in Spain’s preliminary World Cup squadCredit: Getty
      But De Gea is believed to have been omitted from the squad despite being a regular for United this season.
      According to AS, Enrique has selected five players for each position yet there is still no place for 45-cap De Gea.
      Chelsea star Kepa Arrizabalaga has been named in the squad but is believed to be a back-up option.
      The shot-stopper has returned to form in recent weeks for the Blues but Enrique still prefers Brentford keeper David Raya.
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      The Bees star is expected to be included in the final Spain squad along with Brighton’s Robert Sanchez and United transfer target Unai Simon, who plays for Atletic Bilbao.
      Getafe goalkeeper David Soria is also ahead of De Gea in the pecking order despite never being capped before.
      De Gea is clearly out of favour with the national team and could face a similar situation at Old Trafford in the near future.
      The 31-year-old is out of contract next summer and although Erik ten Hag gets on well with De Gea, he is also searching for a new goalkeeper.
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      The Dutchman wants a young keeper who fits his style of play and is capable of playing out from the back.
      Simon is one name being considered along with Porto star Diogo Costa, who has impressed in the Champions League this season. More

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      Bees must be buzzing for the World Cup — as research shows they can play football

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      BEES must be buzzing for the World Cup — as research shows they can play football.The insects were observed enjoying a kickabout in their stripey yellow and black kits — just like the Hornets at Watford.
      Research shows bees enjoy playing footballCredit: Getty
      Bumblebees were seen repeatedly rolling a little wooden ball
      In a series of experiments, bumblebees were seen repeatedly rolling a little wooden ball, despite having no incentive to do so.
      Much like their human footballing counterparts, younger bees were seen to be busier on the ball than their elders, with some swarming over it 117 times.
      Further tests showed they went for the ball instead of opting for a treat, reinforcing the idea that they are playing the bee-tiful game for pure pleasure.
      Researcher Samadi Galpayage, a PhD student from Queen Mary University of London, said: “It is certainly mind-blowing, at times amusing, to watch bumblebees show something like play.
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      “They approach and manipulate these ‘toys’ again and again.
      It goes to show, once more, that despite their little size and tiny brains, they are more than small robotic beings.”
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      Prince William ‘has no plans’ to travel to Qatar to watch England play in World Cup next month amid human rights row

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      PRINCE William will not travel to watch England play in the World Cup next month amid a growing row over Qatar’s human rights record.The FA President, 40, had been expected to attend games in the Middle East in November.
      Prince William, the FA president and new Prince of Wales, has ‘no plans’ to travel to QatarCredit: Getty
      The news comes amid a human rights row in the Islamic stateCredit: Reuters
      Sources close to the future king blamed a busy diary during the World Cup, with England’s first game on November 21 against Iran.
      The hosts have been dogged by protests over poor conditions for stadium workers and criminalisation of same-sex relationships.
      Friends say a trip to the final if Gareth Southgate’s team get there on December 18 is unlikely and would likely only be part of a government delegation.
      Last night LGBT rights activists hailed his decision to stay away from Qatar.
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      In 2016, William became the first royal to appear on the cover of gay magazine Attitude, where he praised the bravery of gay, lesbian and transgender youngsters who have suffered bullying. He told the mag: “No one should be bullied for their sexuality.”
      Same-sex relationships are illegal in Qatar due to its strict Islamic rulers.
      Foreign Secretary James Cleverly was accused of being “shockingly tone-deaf” this week after warning gay fans to be “respectful” in the Middle Eastern country.
      England skipper Harry Kane is among several captains planning to wear a rainbow “OneLove” armband during the tournament.
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      Amnesty International has also urged Fifa to pay compensation of at least £350million to stadium workers for “human rights abuses”.
      William and wife Kate’s diaries are laid out six months in advance but no space was found for Qatar.
      The couple are in Boston, US, for William’s televised £50million environmental Earthshot Prize on December 2.
      They also have a string of unannounced engagements during the tournament.
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      Footie-mad William visited England’s training HQ in Staffs this month, and chatted with Southgate.
      A spokesman declined to comment.
      Activists have slammed Qatar for poor treatment of stadium workers and criminalisation of same-sex relationshipsCredit: Getty
      Prince William’s diaries means he is to be in Boston in early December for environmental Earthshot PrizeCredit: Getty More

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      Sergio Ramos, 36, given hope of dream World Cup return as he ‘appears on 55-man Spain list’ after 20-month exile

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      SERGIO RAMOS’ dreams of playing at another World Cup were given a boost after he was reportedly named in Spain’s initial 55-man list.The Paris Saint-Germain defender, 36, has been in exile from the national team for the last 20 months.
      Sergio Ramos could make a return to the Spain squad for the World Cup after 20 months awayCredit: Reuters
      But according to Sport in Spain, his name will be on the long set of names submitted by Luis Enrique to Fifa on Friday.
      However, AS suggest it is still unlikely the 180-cap centre-back will make the cut into the final 26 players on the plane to Qatar 2022.
      Out-of-favour attackers Ansu Fati, Sergio Ramos, Iago Aspas and Gerard Moreno are also said to be in the 55.
      Managers must make their decisions on the final squad by November 13.
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      Ramos has a record 180 caps for Spain, making his debut way back in 2005.
      However, he was not selected for Euro 2020 after an injury-plagued season, ending a run of ten consecutive major tournament appearances which included winning Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
      And now the fiery defender finds himself behind the likes of Eric Garcia, Pau Torres and Aymeric Laporte in the pecking order.
      Ramos’ last international match was a 3-1 win over Kosovo in World Cup qualifying in March 2021.
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      Last year, he left Real Madrid after 16 years and joined PSG, but made just 12 appearances in his debut season in France.
      It has been a mixed campaign this time around – he scored a stunning backheel goal against Nantes but then picked up the 28th red card of his career, getting booked twice inside ten crazy seconds.
      Spain start their Group E campaign against Costa Rica on November 23 – then face Germany and Japan.
      The 180-cap centre-back won the World Cup in 2010 in between two Euros successesCredit: AFP More

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      France boss Didier Deschamps says he won’t take a single injured player to the World Cup in warning to Pogba and Varane

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      FRANCE manager Didier Deschamps has warned he will not take injured players to the World Cup.The holders face Denmark, Australia and Tunisia in Group D in Qatar.
      Didier Deschamps will not take any injured players to QatarCredit: AP
      Paul Pogba and Raphael Varane are both injury doubts ahead of the World CupCredit: Getty
      But they could be without two star players in Paul Pogba and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane.
      Varane left the pitch in tears against Chelsea on Saturday and is expected to miss the rest of United’s games before the World Cup.
      It is touch and go whether he will feature in Qatar with Deschamps firmly against including injured players in his squad.
      The France boss said: “It’s clear and clean. That I said. I’ve never embarked with an injured player for a big competition
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      “The only thing that is certain is that I will not take a player who is not able to play at the start of the competition. Then it’s on a case-by-case basis.
      “But leaving on a big competition with players who are not suitable, already it occupies too much attention, and for those who have to play, it also monopolizes the medical staff.
      “Me, I consider that we must leave with valid and capable players.”
      Deschamps also spoke specifically about Pogba and Varane and outlined what they have to do to prove their fitness.
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      He added: “For Paul (Pogba), that he has playing time before the competition, as much as possible, I say yes, because he is in deficit compared to the others.
      “For Raphaël (Varane), it is less problematic in this aspect, because it is a muscle injury.”
      France are not the only team with injury concerns – Gareth Southgate could be missing right-backs Kyle Walker and Reece James with the duo both major injury doubts.
      Les Blues will also be without N’Golo Kante who was pivotal to their 2018 success in Russia.
      Argentina’s Paulo Dybala and Liverpool’s Portuguese forward Diogo Jota are also set to miss out along with a host of other stars. More