ENGLAND players are awaiting their World Cup call-up fates with Gareth Southgate days away from naming his squad.
Gabriel Magalhaes did not make the cut for Brazil, with the likes of Bremer, Thiago Silva and Dani Alves in the squad.
Gabriel’s Arsenal teammate Gabriel Martinelli, however, did make the cut and will feature for the Brazilians in Qatar.
Elsewhere, Chelsea's Reece James is targeting a call-up for the Three Lions squad despite currently being out of action with an injury.
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Stay tuned with all the latest ahead of the tournament…
- Joshua Mbu
Gabriel shares heart-warming message from pal
Gabriel Magalhaes has shared a heart-warming message after missing out on selection for Brazil's World Cup squad.
Following his World Cup heartbreak Gabriel was sent a touching message from a pal on Instagram.
The message, which the Arsenal star shared to his Instagram story, read: "I saw you grow up in football, brother.
"You are the pride of our neighbourhood."
Gabriel has been in very strong form at club level, even poking home the winner during a dominant 1-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
However, he was snubbed by Brazil boss Tite – with the 61-year-old instead opting for a host of other options.
- Joshua Mbu
Alexander-Arnold hasn't been 'taught' properly
Trent Alexander-Arnold hasn't been "taught" properly in the art of defending, according to ex-England and Premier League manager Sam Allardyce.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast on Alexander-Arnold heading to the World Cup with the Three Lions, Allardyce said: "If they’re all fit I have to go with how they’re playing now.
"Trent isn’t playing great. I love him, he’s an unbelievable footballer, but nobody has taught him how to defend, I’ve said that before.
"It’s not as important as it was in our day, in our day it was the most important thing, but now it’s secondary."
- Joshua Mbu
Blatter blames Platini for Qatar World Cup
Former Fifa president Sepp Blatter has blamed Michel Platini for Qatar winning the bid to host the World Cup.
Qatar was awarded the tournament in 2010, hosting the next World Cup after Russia 2018.
But in recent years, Qatar has come under intense pressure in recent years for its treatment of foreign workers and restrictive social laws.
Blatter, 86, told Swiss newspaper Tages Anzeiger: "It is too small of a country. Football and the World Cup are too big for it."
He continued: "It was a bad choice and I was responsible for that as president at the time.
"Thanks to the four votes of Platini and his [Uefa] team, the World Cup went to Qatar rather than the United States. It's the truth."
- Joshua Mbu
Cunha’s to Brazil World Cup omission
Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha found out on Monday the devastating news that he had not been included in Brazil's World Cup squad.
The 23-year-old was included in Tite's most recent selection back in September – and even featured in the 3-0 win over Ghana.
But he still missed out on the final cut for the Qatar tournament later this month as a host of world class talent got in there ahead of him.
Brazil's forward selection is made up of Antony, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Neymar, Pedro, Raphinha, Richarlison, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Jr.
And Cunha's poor form for Atletico Madrid has ultimately cost him a place in the squad.
The clip taken shortly after finding out the bad news was accompanied by a message from Cunha on social media.
- Joshua Mbu
Shearer's England team
England and Premier League legend Alan Shearer has named his Three Lions team for the upcoming World Cup.
Shearer is also coy on Manchester United captain Harry Maguire starting.
Shearer in The Athletic: "It’s not just about questionable fitness – it’s about form, too… with Harry Maguire it’s form and a lack of game time – one start in the league for Manchester United since August.
"Maguire has barely been playing, while his performance in England’s 3-3 draw with Germany in the Nations League draw back in September hardly inspired confidence.
"Picking him in your starting XI would represent a huge gamble, but the problem is that Maguire is not an isolated example.
"There is a wider feeling of rustiness and insecurity. I suspect Gareth will go with three at the back. I wouldn’t; I’d go with four."
Alan Shearer's World Cup squad: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale; Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Luke Shaw, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben White, Harry Maguire, Conor Coady, Eric Dier, John Stones; Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Mason Mount, James Maddison, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, James Ward-Prowse; Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Callum Wilson, Tammy Abraham, Marcus Rashford.
- Joshua Mbu
Southgate heaps praise on USA poster boy
England manager Gareth Southgate has heaped praise on World Cup group rivals USA's poster boy Christian Pulisic.
The 24-year-old is struggling to stamp down a regular spot in the Chelsea team, however, Southgate won't take him lightly.
Southgate told ESPN: "Of course, he’s had two or three coaches to deal with so I think there’s been moments where he’s looked like he’s on his way, he’s flowing and he’s got a coach that believes in him and he’s had to deal then with setbacks with injury.
“He would probably feel he hasn’t got quite to where he wants to get to yet, I’d imagine, but he’s a very good player and is a player when you’re looking at the opposition teamsheet, he’s someone you’ve got to be aware of and got to be ready for.”
England play USA on November 25.
- Joshua Mbu
Spurs title contenders under Conte
Antonio Conte is "definitely the man" to end Tottenham's 14-year trophy drought and turn them into Premier League title contenders.
That is according to ex-Spurs ace Pascal Chimbonda who insists Conte can lead the club to its first piece of silverware since 2008, when the Frenchman was still playing and won the League Cup.
Speaking to Lord PIng, Chimbonda said: "Conte is definitely the man to help the club end its trophy drought, and I think he will want to win something within the next couple of seasons.
"He has had a massive impact on the squad since joining Tottenham and has improved the performances of so many players, who believe in what he is doing.
"I think he can absolutely win a trophy with the club. Spurs can challenge for the title in the next couple of seasons. Look at what Arsenal are doing this season, there is no reason why Spurs can't challenge."
- James Colasanti
Messi is the GOAT – Neville
Inter Miami boss Phil Neville has been drawn on which footballer he thinks is the greatest of all time – and named Lionel Messi.
Neville’s MLS club are reportedly ‘confident’ of sealing a deal for the Paris Saint-Germain superstar when his contract expires next year.
Neville was coy on that prospect, but said: “I think that’s hypothetical really.
“The best player in the world… I’m looking forward to seeing him play at the World Cup, alongside other great players.”
- James Colasanti
Garner on joining Everton motivation
James Garner has opened up on why he left Manchester United to join Everton this summer.
The England Under-21 central midfielder, 21, told The Times: “In the moment it is very disappointing.
“That was the club that I trained with five times a week for years and years and years, that I made my debut with.
“But I didn’t want to stagnate. I didn’t want to stay there really and when they said I could leave also, I was in agreement with that. I just think it all made sense.
“I had two good seasons on loan and returned to United in the summer. I know in myself I wouldn’t have played if I had stayed.”
- James Colasanti
Supercomputer predicts a Spursy outcome
They are currently fourth in the Prem and many feel they will be in the title hunt in the spring – but a supercomputer predicts Spurs will just miss out on the Champions League places this season.
According to MyBettingSites, Harry Kane-inspired Tottenham will end up fifth, just behind streaky Manchester United and just ahead of in-form Newcastle.
- James Colasanti
Arsenal ‘don’t need January signings’
Arsenal do not need any new recruits to prop up their Prem title bid, according to ex-Gunner Lauren.
The retired right-back, 45, who played 159 games for the club, is among the many who have been impressed by Mikel Arteta’s league-leaders’ start to the season.
He told 888sport: “Arsenal have to keep believing in what they’re doing, because so far they’ve been brilliant.
“And they have to keep believing in their squad because rather than bringing in other players.
“I would prefer the club kept their confidence in the team – not thinking about who to sign in January.”
- James Colasanti
Keane visits Solskjaer in Norway
Roy Keane popped over to see fellow Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in Norway.
Solskjaer was sacked as United manager 12 months ago and is enjoying football again as gaffer of his son’s Under-14s team back in his hometown of Kristiansund.
Sky Sports pundit Keane went to watch one of their recent training sessions, according to Nettavisen Sport.
Apparently the Irishman was even happy to pose for photos and sign autographs for fans.
- James Colasanti
Pique behind the curtain
There was an update on the soap opera that is the end of Gerard Pique’s relationship with Shakira this week.
Apparently the beautiful Colombian pop star is set to move to Miami next year with their two sons as part of an agreement thrashed out between her and the ex-Manchester Unit star’s lawyers.
Pique, who has just retired from football with Barcelona, is said to have ceded to Shakira’s wishes to avoid an ugly court divorce battle.
- James Colasanti
Solskjaer managing youths in Norway
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is back in his native Norway and managing a youth football team.
The Manchester United legend was sacked as their manager 12 months ago.
Apparently he has turned down offers of a return to management in the pro game and does not want to rush back, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Instead he is enjoying football again as gaffer of his son’s Under-14s team back home in Kristiansund.
- James Colasanti
Chelsea get Leao chase boost
Chelsea's hopes of signing AC Milan star Rafael Leao have had a shot in the arm after he reportedly demanded club-record wages to stay with the Italian giants.
The striker, whose deal runs out in 2024, is being tracked by most of Europe's top clubs, including Graham Potter's Blues.
Milan are said to want to tie him down on a new long-term contract but Sky Italia report he wants a wage increase from about £7.8million to £8.7m a year – which they have never paid a player before.
That could pave the way for an exit, which will put his many suitors on alert.
- James Colasanti
Sporting chance for Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo has made it clear to Manchester United chiefs he wants to leave in the summer, according to The Athletic.
And they understand the Portugal superstar’s agent Jorge Mendes has already help talks with Sporting Lisbon, the club where the 37-year-old started his glorious career two decades ago.
- James Colasanti
United and Liverpool after Bellingham
Manchester United and Liverpool are two of the European giants who will scrap it out for the signature of Jude Bellingham in the summer, according to Sky Sports Germany.
Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be keen on the £130million-rated Borussia Dortmund midfielder, 19.
Reporter Florian Plettenberg tweeted: “He’s the transfer target No 1 for #MUFC confirmed! They expect him to cost around €150m [£130m], they have scouted him a lot.”
He added: “On the other hand #LFC is very optimistic to get him in 2023!
“He’s is also the main target, Klopp is pushing for him & Liverpool wants to invest in summer.”
- James Colasanti
Ndicka ‘keen on Gunners move’
Arsenal target Evan Ndicka is interested in a move to the Emirates, according to GiveMeSport.
The 6ft 4in Eintracht Frankfurt centre-half is in the final ten months of his contract.
And journalist Robin Bairner revealed: “I think the position that Arsenal are in at the moment, everybody would be interested in going there because Mikel Arteta has them flying at the moment, and it looks like they’re going to be title contenders.
“So, if you’re moving from the Bundesliga, and you’re not at one of the very top Bundesliga clubs like Bayern or Borussia Dortmund, then the likes of Arsenal has to be an interesting prospect.”
- James Colasanti
United eye up Choupo-Moting
Manchester United are tracking prolific Bayern Munich striker Eric Choupo-Moting as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Sky Sports.
The Cameroon star, 33, has started the season in red-hot form with ten goals in 14 games.
Reporter Florian Plettenberg tweeted: “News Choupo-Moting: #MUFC is seriously interested in a transfer in winter, they have inquired about him.
“He’s a candidate to replace #Ronaldo. Manchester bosses expect him to leave in winter.”
- James Colasanti
City's Phillips fit for England
Gareth Southgate has been handed a boost with news all-action Manchester City midfielder is fit and raring to go at the World Cup.
The Three Lions boss has put the former Leeds star at the heart of his national team and was sweating on his availability for Qatar.
Phillips, 26, has been sidelined for nearly two months after having surgery for a shoulder injury but he has given a positive update.
The 23-cap ace said: “The shoulder’s perfectly fine now.
“I have gone through a seven-week process of recovering as fast as I possibly can for the World Cup. Everything is going great."
- Kealan Hughes
Good morning footy news fans
Premier League sides discovered their fate in the Champions League after yesterday’s draw for the last 16.
Liverpool were handed a stunning clash against Real Madrid in a repeat of last season’s final.
Chelsea will get a closer look at target Jude Bellingham after drawing Borussia Dortmund.
Antonio Conte returns to Italy with Spurs facing AC Milan.
And Man City will be smiling after landing RB Leipzig.
But it was a different story for rivals Man Utd in their Europa League knockout draw.
The Red Devils will taken on Barcelona after missing out on top spot in their group by one goal.
Meanwhile, Southampton have sacked manager Ralph Hasenhuttl after their 4-1 defeat to Newcastle.
And Saints are expected to appoint Luton’s Nathan Jones as his successor.
Finally, Liverpool are up for sale.
Their American owners, Fenway Sports Group, are on the hunt for investors after 12 years in charge.
And experts reckon Liverpool could sell for an incredible £4.4billion.
- Anthony Chapman
Chelsea fear early Mount exit
Chelsea face losing Mason Mount on a free transfer in 18 months.
That's because contract talks have stalled.
And Blues chiefs fear a similar situation to the one that saw Antonio Rudiger depart last summer.
READ MORE ON MOUNT'S DEAL HERE
- Anthony Chapman
Exclusive by SunSport’s Andy Dillon
Reece James has been told he could be fit in three weeks – leaving England boss Gareth Southgate with a massive selection dilemma.
Chelsea defender James is recovering from a knee injury and Southgate names a 26-man squad for the World Cup in just 48 hours.
James is refusing to give up on his dream of joining them in Qatar and has spoken to specialists who believe he could be ready to play by the end of the month.
The England head coach must now decide whether to take a huge gamble and include James in the tour party heading to the desert.
- Anthony Chapman
Eden headin' back to Prem?
Eden Hazard could be on his way back to England.
That's because Newcastle and Aston Villa are reportedly chasing the ex-Chelsea star.
Hazard cost Real Madrid £89m in 2019 but has looked a shadow of his former self.
The Spaniards are now ready to sell and want just £17m, with Toon and Villa keen.
- Anthony Chapman
Ron set to stay put
Man Utd have hinted that Cristiano Ronaldo WON’T be sold this winter.
A January departure has been mooted, although the latest mural adorning the Theatre of Dreams suggests he won't be sold.
The Portugal international was included in the club's iconic No.7 poster – which included players of yesteryear who had worn the legendary shirt.
The poster also included images of David Beckham, Eric Cantona and Ella Toone.
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