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Argentina taking fewer forward than Brazil to World Cup

BUENOS AIRES: Argentina are taking nine defenders, seven midfielders and seven forward to the World Cup in Qatar as coach Lionel Scaloni’s team aim to build on their Copa America success. Scaloni announced his 26-player squad — which contains two fewer forward than the roster for traditional rival Brazil — in a video on Friday. He is scheduled to speak about his choices on Monday.

Gary Lineker: England could go all the way at World Cup

Gary Lineker believes England can be a contender for glory at the Qatar World Cup and can win a major tournament in the next decade.

Liverpool boss Klopp given one-game touchline ban

LONDON: Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been handed a one-match ban after the Football Association appealed against the decision to only fine the German for his touchline tirade. Klopp was initially fined £30,000 ($35,000) by an independent regulatory commission following his rant at referee Anthony Taylor during Liverpool’s 1-0 win against Manchester City in the Premier League on October 16. The FA felt that was too lenient and an independent appeal board has now suspended the German from the touchline with immediate effect.

World Cup-bound Callum Wilson faces race to be fit for Newcastle-Chelsea clash

NEWCASTLE: Eddie Howe has revealed Callum Wilson faces a late fitness test ahead of the visit of Chelsea to Tyneside. The Newcastle United frontman — called up to Gareth Southgate’s England World Cup squad this week — was withdrawn halfway through the 4-1 win at Southampton last weekend due to illness, and was absent altogether from the Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace in midweek. “We’ll wait and see,” said head coach Howe when asked whether the No.9 will be fit to face Champions League rivals, the Blues.