Throughout the tournament, we’ll keep you posted on what our players have achieved with their World Cup results.
In our fourth edition, we see rivals briefly put their friendships aside and some good and bad selection news for our stars in Qatar.
The Academy reunited
Two former Hale End teammates faced off in the England v USA match on Friday night, with Bukayo Saka and Yunus Musah swapping shirts and posing for pictures in the dressing room after the game.
Musah uploaded the photo to Instagram: “It’s been years since my days at the Hale End, but I’m so grateful to have crossed paths again on football’s biggest stage.”
White misses practice
Ben White is a doubt ahead of England’s clash with Wales tonight after missing yesterday’s training due to illness.
The news was confirmed by the Three Lions’ social media team, although it means Saka and Aaron Ramsdale should be available for selection for the first meeting between the two British sides in the World Cup final.
Joy and despair
Brazil booked their place in the last 16 of the tournament on Monday night after beating Switzerland 1-0 thanks to a goal from Casemiro.
That meant it was celebration time for Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, with the former taking to Twitter to celebrate the achievement.
Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka joked to the media before the game that he would “destroy” the pair if they were one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but showed it was all love again after sharing a handshake with Jesus after the match.
Thomas and friends
Thomas Partey revealed that messages continue to flow between our players representing their countries at the tournament and there is one point in particular that he was impressed with.
“I have contacted several of them [teammates] “Everyone is busy with their country and we know you can’t always talk because you have a schedule and time to train,” he told London World.
“Everyone needs their peace of mind. I wish them the best, they know I have their full support and they support me – and so do we.
“We know Bukayo is doing very well, that’s the best thing – we all know what he can do, so I’m not surprised.”
Tomiyasu hopes to make a comeback
After Japan’s 1-0 loss to Costa Rica, Takehiro Tomiyasu is set to return ahead of Thursday’s clash with Spain.
“During the Germany game, I felt uncomfortable as soon as I walked in,” according to Gekisak. “I took care of it after the game [the hamstring] and was examined in the hospital.
“It wasn’t that bad. The rest is feelings, I don’t think it’s a problem. Realistically, I’ll aim to get back to the last game of the group.”
World Cup William?
According to L’Equipe, William Saliba could be ready for his first appearance of the tournament in France’s final group game against Tunisia on Wednesday.
Les Bleus have progressed to the knockout stages and look almost certain to finish top, meaning Didier Deschamps is in contention to rotate his side past the last 16, which could see our defender bow out at the World Cup.
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