The days are counting down to the start of the World Cup in Qatar, with the host nation kicking it all off on Nov. 20 when they take on Ecuador.
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All 32 finalists are making their closing plans for the tournament, hoping that star players don’t get struck down by injury and head into the World Cup in top form. Away from that, there are plenty of players who are desperately hoping to break into their countries’ 26-man squads, which have to be named by Nov. 13.
Each week, we’ll take a look at the favourites to see how they are shaping up and also check in with other nations as their players either shine or struggle.
– World Cup bracket and fixtures schedule
JUMP TO: United States | France | Germany | Spain | Belgium | Portugal | Netherlands | Argentina | Brazil | Mexico | Australia | Senegal | Morocco | Cameroon | Ghana | IR Iran | Japan
ENGLAND
Fixtures: IR Iran (Nov. 21), United States (Nov. 25), Wales (Nov. 29)
STOCK CLIMBING
Phil Foden & Bukayo Saka: All things being equal, England will play 3-4-3 in their World Cup opener against Iran with Harry Kane starting at centre-forward and Raheem Sterling occupying one of the advanced positions next to him. Foden and Saka are the frontrunners competing for the other attacking spot, and after Foden’s super hat trick for Manchester City against Manchester United last weekend, Saka delivered a similarly influential performance as Arsenal beat Liverpool 3-2 at Emirates Stadium. Saka scored twice, the second of which came in the form of a match-winning penalty — the biggest spot kick he has taken since missing for England in the Euro 2020 final shootout against Italy.
STOCK FALLING
Trent Alexander-Arnold: This isn’t the first time Alexander-Arnold has appeared here, but another chastening experience in a big game will do little to win over coach Gareth Southgate, who…
Source : espn
