World Cup stars In Transfer Window

Every player will be out to make an impact at the World Cup in Russia but several, whose club futures remain unclear, will be especially desperate to shine.

Whether it is a contract wrangle or a potential transfer in the pipeline, these players are sure to want to catch the eye on the biggest stage...

Xherdan Shaqiri

In a world of media-trained footballers, Stoke and Switzerland forward Xherdan Shaqiri is a player not afraid to let the world know what he really thinks


"It is no secret that I will leave the club," the man who suffered relegation with the Potters told Swiss newspaper Aargauer Zeitung this week. "I would love to stay in England, I think the league is perfect for me. It's the best league with the best players, but I do not want to exclude anything."



Switzerland won nine of their 10 qualifiers for Russia but though they were pipped to automatic qualification by Portugal, they negotiated their way past Northern Ireland in a play-off to book another summer at a major tournament.

Vladimir Petkovic's side will fancy their chances of reaching the last 16 with Serbia and Costa Rica in their group and leading light Shaqiri will be out to impress watching scouts. A repeat of the stunning bicycle-kick he scored against Poland at Euro 2016 would be just the job.

Marouane Fellaini

While Marouane Fellaini is unlikely to be a starter for Belgium, he is very much Plan B from the bench, with his aerial prowess offering a different option, as it has at Manchester United this season.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for the 30-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the month having failed so far to agree a new deal at Old Trafford.

It did appear that Fellaini was on his way to AC Milan, but Arsenal - whose manager Unai Emery is reportedly a fan - are now keen to pounce, according to reports in the British press.

"We know he is not going to renew with United, but it's difficult to say that we have closed the deal," AC Milan sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli said two weeks ago.

Should nothing be finalised soon, Fellaini's focus will be on excelling in Russia, where an impact against England in Belgium's final group game could go a long way to earning him another big summer move.

   Toby Alderweireld


One Belgian who is almost certain of a starting berth, though, is Toby Alderweireld, despite falling out of favour at Tottenham as talks over a new deal have failed to result in an agreement.

Jose Mourinho has reportedly handed Manchester United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward a list of transfer targets that includes Alderweireld. The Belgium international has just over a year left on his current contract, which includes a one-year extension option, but he appears no closer to signing a new contract.

Toby Alderweireld has fallen out of favour as his contract saga has dragged on

Alderweireld told Belgian newspaper De Zondag: "I have another two years contract. Tottenham decides about my future. Of course I have my own idea. But that is not the case now."

Belgium's back three of Vincent Kompany, Alderweireld and Alderweireld's Spurs team-mate Jan Vertonghen is very much a tried and trusted rearguard. Should Belgium go all the way, or close, with Alderweireld reminding the watching suitors of his prowess after playing a bit-part role for Spurs this past season, Mauricio Pochettino could expect some offers for the 29-year-old in the coming months.



Goncalo Guedes

It seemed the permanent transfer of Goncalo Guedes from Paris Saint-Germain to Valencia was a done deal, but as talks have stalled, Premier League newcomers Wolves have been linked with a late swoop, according to reports in France.

Goncalo Guedes's agent Jorge Mendes could have a say on his future

Guedes is expected to be sold by PSG this summer due to their need to fulfil their Financial Fair Play obligations, and with Guedes a client of Jorge Mendes, who has strong connections at Wolves, Valencia, who have had Guedes impressing on loan this season, could miss out.

"We know that [Valencia owner] Peter Lim is trying to sign Goncalo but it depends on many factors," Guedes' father Rogerio Guedes told Tribuna Deportiva.

Guedes is yet to score for Portugal, but could form a new-look forward line alongside AC Milan's Andre Silva and Cristiano Ronaldo for the European champions. Impressing in Russia will certainly go a long way to enhance this burgeoning forward's stock.

Alisson

It's  reported Liverpool's interest in Roma goalkeeper Alisson at the start of the year but transfer talk over a potential new No 1 at Anfield has gathered pace since Loris Karius' mistakes in the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.

Despite having coveted the Brazilian for some time, it seems Liverpool have some competition for his signature.
"I understand he is very happy at Roma but there is interest not only from Liverpool but from Real Madrid too," South American football expert Tim Vickery told Sky Sports. "The asking price could increase or decrease depending on what happens during the World Cup. He's an excellent goalkeeper."

Keeping Manchester City stopper Ederson out of the side, Roma's Allison certainly has made the jersey his own with some fine displays for the Selecao. With Brazil so heavily fancied to go all the way in Russia, those unaware of Allison's athletic ability could well have their heads turned this summer.


Mateo Kovacic

Mateo Kovacic joined fellow countryman Luka Modric at Real Madrid in 2015 hoping to elevate his career to the next level but, like many others before him, has found himself on the periphery, unable to break into the first team on a regular basis. Now, the 24-year-old knows his playing time has to increase - and appears open to suitors.

"I believe I'll play more, whether in Real or somewhere else," he told reporters ahead of the tournament. "Now is the time for me to play."

Mateo Kovacic will be keen to takes his chance in Russia

Kovacic made 36 appearances for Madrid in 2017-18, starting just 10 of his 21 La Liga games.

While he is also not a guaranteed starter, the fact many see Croatia as dark horses could allow Kovacic the chance to showcase his talents. Several reports in the British media claim Jose Mourinho is a fan.

Ki Sung-yueng

Ki Sung-yeung is heading to the World Cup with South Korea but he will soon be looking for a new club employer.

The 29-year-old announced he would be leaving Swansea in the wake of their relegation to the Championship and will be out of contract at the Liberty Stadium come the end of the month.

Ki Sung-yueng announced he would be leaving Swansea after their relegation

Sky Sports reported in April that Everton were one of five Premier League clubs keen on signing him, along with Italian side AC Milan. Making an impression in Group F - against Germany, Mexico, Sweden - could reignite interest.

John Sheridan has been appointed as manager of Carlisle United.

John Sheridan has been appointed as manager of Carlisle United.

The 53-year-old former Republic of Ireland international has joined the League Two club after helping League One Fleetwood avoid relegation at the end of last season.

He has succeeded Keith Curle who left the club after three-and-a-half seasons in charge.


"I'm really proud to be Carlisle's new manager," he told the club's website.

"Carlisle is a club that I have watched and admired from afar. It has some of the most passionate and dedicated fans in the whole of the EFL.

"I admire the club's history and heritage, and it's my job to deliver results and make the fans feel proud of what they see on the pitch week in and week out

Chief executive Nigel Clibbens added: "John has a record of success, and he is respected by managers, players and fans in equal measure.

"He is known for getting the absolute best out of players, and has a commitment to bringing young players through. I know that he will bring his characteristic determination, motivation and ambition to the club.

"Time and time, he has shown that he has been able to deliver results in the face of stiff competition.

"The process has been comprehensive, and we have no doubt that John Sheridan is absolutely the right man for the job."

The length of Sheridan's contract has not yet been revealed.

Carlisle finished 10th in League Two last season, eight points off the play-off places.

Aston Villa Suspend Wyness

Aston Villa have suspended chief executive Keith Wyness with immediate effect.

Villa have confirmed owner, Dr Tony Xia, will assume the role until further notice.

Wyness was appointed as Villa chief executive in June 2016 following the club's relegation from the Premier League and has since overseen a spend of over £80m.


A club statement read: "Aston Villa Football Club can confirm that chief executive, Keith Wyness, has been suspended by the club with immediate effect.

"Owner and chairman, Dr Tony Xia will assume the role until further notice.


"There will be no further comment from the club at this time."

Sky Sports News understands Villa have been threatened with a winding up order by HMRC after failing to pay an overdue tax bill.

Villa are in discussions with the tax authorities to try to reach a solution, whereby the outstanding amount is re-paid in stages.

Villa are currently preparing for their third season in the Sky Bet Championship after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Fulham at Wembley in the play-off final last month.

England :West Ham signs Rayn Fredericks

West Ham have confirmed the signing of right-back Ryan Fredericks from Fulham.

The 25-year-old has signed a four-year contract to become new manager Manuel Pellegrini's first signing when his present terms with Fulham expire from July 1.

"It's amazing for this deal to finally happen," Fredericks told his new club's official website. "I know we've been speaking about it for a while and trying to get things in place and finally, we've got it over the line. I'm just buzzing to be here.


"West Ham United is one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League. Everyone knows the history of West Ham and there's a lot of factors that brought me to the club.

"Obviously, it's an exciting time for West Ham. The club have just brought in a new manager in Manuel Pellegrini and everyone knows his CV and what he has done in England before and in other leagues as well. I'm sure I can learn a lot from him."

Fredericks missed just four of Fulham's 52 matches in all competitions last season as he helped them win promotion to the Premier League and was named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year.

Pellegrini feels Fredericks is still improving and is looking forward to working with him.

The Chilean said: "I am very pleased to welcome Ryan to West Ham United as our first signing this summer. He joins having had a successful season with Fulham and is a player who will bring great qualities to our squad.

"He has good experience, with more than 150 senior appearances already but, at 25, he is still a young player with his best years ahead of him.

"Ryan has good character, is hungry to succeed, and has shown me that he has great desire to be a West Ham United player. I look forward to working with him."

Reading agree meyler deal

Reading have agreed a deal to sign Hull City and Republic of Ireland midfielder David Meyler.

Meyler has agreed to sign for the Royals on an initial two-year contract, with the option of a third year, and the move will be completed when his current deal at Hull ends at the end of June.

The 29-year-old follows Barnsley skipper Andy Yiadom through the doors at the Madejski Stadium and could be soon joined by former Irish team-mate John O'Shea, who Sky Sports News understands has also agreed to join the Championship club.


Former Sunderland player Meyler, who started his career at Cork City, has won 20 caps for Ireland and played 181 times for Hull City.

Reading boss Paul Clement said: "I am very happy to welcome David to the club as our second signing of the summer. He comes here with a lot of experience at this level but also the level above and with his ability and his leadership qualities, David is going to add a lot to our squad.

"At the end of last season, I felt it was important to bring in a player of David's profile. And when I met with him,
I got a real sense of his ambition to play at the highest level again. And, together, we'll be fighting to push this club forward."

World Cup Fixtures

Dates, kick-off times and stadiums - get the full schedule for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The tournament takes place from June 14 to July 15 - here are the fixtures in full.

               Group stage

Thu June 14: Russia v Saudi Arabia (Group A) - Moscow (Luzhniki), 4pm


Fri June 15: Egypt v Uruguay (Group A) - Ekaterinburg, 1pm

Fri June 15: Morocco v Iran (Group B) - St Petersburg, 4pm

Fri June 15: Portugal v Spain (Group B) - Sochi, 7pm

Sat June 16: France v Australia (Group C) - Kazan, 11am

Sat June 16: Argentina v Iceland (Group D) - Moscow (Spartak), 2pm

Sat June 16: Peru v Denmark (Group C) - Saransk, 5pm

Sat June 16: Croatia v Nigeria (Group D) - Kaliningrad, 8pm  



 Sun June 17: Costa Rica v Serbia (Group E) - Samara, 1pm

Sun June 17: Germany v Mexico (Group F) - Moscow (Luzhniki), 4pm

Sun June 17: Brazil v Switzerland (Group E) - Rostov-on-Don, 7pm

Mon June 18: Sweden v South Korea (Group F) - Nizhny Novgorod, 1pm

Mon June 18: Belgium v Panama (Group G) - Sochi, 4pm

Mon June 18: Tunisia v England (Group G) - Volgograd, 7pm

England rejected me, says Zaha

Wilfried Zaha has no regrets about choosing to play for the Ivory Coast after being "rejected from the England side".

The 24-year-old Crystal Palace winger was an England Under-21 team regular before stepping up to the senior side and earning caps against Sweden, in November 2012, and Scotland, in August 2013.

However, because neither match was a competitive fixture, Zaha, who was born in Abidjan, committed to the Ivory Coast in 2016.



   "It was just like I was rejected from the England side," Zaha told CNN Sport. "I didn't get picked or even get a look in for four years.

"Four years in football is a long time so it's like there's no regret at all. No one even thought about me at all. And Ivory Coast, even though I told them no, they still had the belief in me and still wanted me because they knew what I could do for the team.

"Obviously we may not be in the World Cup but it's just a learning curve. From there, what we need to do is just get better and hopefully try and get into the next one.

"As for me not playing for England, I've got no regret at all. I'm happy with the decision I made."
 

Diogo Dalota to undergo medical In Manchester United

Diogo Dalot will have his Manchester United medical this week ahead of a proposed move from FC Porto, according to Sky sources.

Jose Mourinho has been in the market for a right-back and looks set to land Dalot after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee for the 19-year-old.

Dalot, who is understood to have a €20m (£17.4m) release clause in his contract, made his first-team Porto debut in February, and is now set to leave the Estadio Dragao to link up with compatriot and former Porto boss Mourinho.
The defender played out of position for Porto at left-back in the Champions League knockout stages against Liverpool earlier this season.



He is a product of Porto's academy and won the U17 Euros with Portugal in 2016.

Manchester United are also closing in on the signing of Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred who had his medical in Manchester on Monday, ahead of the completion of a £50m transfer.

   

Swansea agrees terms for Graham Potter

Swansea have agreed terms with Ostersund for Graham Potter to become their new manager.

Swansea confirmed on their website that a compensation package had been settled for Potter, who has agreed
personal terms and will arrive in Wales early next week to complete the move.

Potter will replace Carlos Carvalhal, who left following the club's relegation from the Premier League, and will be joined by former Hamilton manager Billy Reid as his assistant, and performance analyst Kyle Macaulay.

The 42-year-old Englishman led Ostersund to the Swedish Cup last season after successive promotions in 2012 and 2013 put them in the Swedish top flight - Allsvenskan - for the first time in their history.

Miguel Britos signs new deal

Watford have taken up the option of a one-year contract extension for defender Miguel Britos.

The Uruguayan, who has played 68 times for the Hornets since signing from Napoli three seasons ago, will see his deal run until June 2019.

Britos, 32, made 10 Premier League appearances last season after missing three months with injury.




         Watford confirmed the club's retained list on Thursday, with U23 defenders Brandon Mason and Charlie Rowan both to leave following the end of their contracts.

Two players from the U18 squad, Yazid Kaikay and Reece Stray, also depart at the conclusion of their scholarships.

The Hornets had already made a summer addition to the squad with the signing of England U19 defender Ben Wilmot from Stevenage.

Paolo Guerrero has been cleared to play for peru

Peru captain Paolo Guerrero has been cleared to play at the World Cup by a Swiss supreme court judge.

Guerrero tested positive for a metabolite of cocaine at a World Cup qualifier against Argentina in October and was initially banned for 12 months by FIFA's disciplinary committee.

This ban was cut to six months on appeal after Guerrero argued the stimulant had not been performance enhancing, and was accidentally consumed in contaminated tea.



However, an appeal by the World Anti-Doping Committee (WADA) to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) increased the ban to 14 months.

But Switzerland's supreme court has now granted an interim order to freeze Guerrero's ban - meaning he is free to play in Russia next month.

The judge took into account that, at 34, Guerrero should not miss the first opportunity of his career to play at the World Cup.

His case was also helped by the fact that neither FIFA nor the World Anti-Doping Agency opposed the appeal.

"Neither one nor the other was categorically opposed (to him playing)," the court said.

The interim ruling puts the ban imposed by CAS on hold until full consideration of the case at a later date.

The former Bayern Munich player is now set to captain of Peru in its first World Cup appearance since 1982. Peru are in a group with France, Denmark and Australia.

Burnely Unveils pre-season plan

Burnley have announced a pre-season tour to Ireland as they prepare for the start of Europa League campaign at end of July.

Sean Dyche's side will base themselves near Cork for a five-day training camp before playing a friendly against Airtricity Premier Division champions Cork City at their Turner's Cross ground on July 13.

The Clarets' pre-season plans, which take into account the start of the club's Europa League campaign at the end of July, also include a trip to neighbours Preston North End for a second successive season and two games at Turf Moor against European opposition.

Dyche's side will face Montpellier, who last season finished 10th in Ligue 1, and is then expected to meet opposition from the Spanish top flight a week before the Premier League campaign kicks off on August 11.


The Clarets will send a side to Macclesfield Town, who have just clinched promotion back to the Football League, and to National League North side Curzon Ashton, where Burnley's U23s will play again next season.

Manchester City Women signs Lauren Hemp

Manchester City Women have signed PFA Young Player of the Year Lauren Hemp from Bristol City.

The promising 17-year-old scored nine goals during an impressive 2017-18 campaign in the Women's Super League.

Her Bristol City side finished eighth and she moves to the team that finished runners-up behind Chelsea and qualified for next season's Champions League.


"I'm very excited to be here," Hemp told ManCity.com. "It's a massive opportunity for me and I can't wait to get started.




"From a very young age, it's always been City and to have the opportunity to play here is a dream come true, especially so early in my career.

"The facilities are amazing and the atmosphere seems so nice with the environment and the people. Playing against City for Bristol, I always looked up to the City players and now we're going to be team-mates. I can't wait."

Marco Silva Assigned as Everton Manager.

Everton have appointed former Watford boss Marco Silva as their new manager.

The Toffees have been without a manager since parting ways with Sam Allardyce, who was sacked by the club earlier this month after less than six months in charge at Goodison Park.



I'm really proud to be the new Everton manager," said Silva, who will hold his first press conference on Monday. "I'm excited and I'm really happy to take this big challenge for us as a club and for me as a manager.
   

"I want to express my thanks to Farhad [Moshiri], to the Chairman, to the Board of Directors and to Marcel [Brands] as well for the confidence in my work.

"I know the huge history of Everton as a club and what the fans expect. I'm sure with everybody working together I will be ready for this challenge."

Silva was originally a candidate for the Everton job after Ronald Koeman was sacked in October. However the club were forced to back off after Watford accused them of tapping up their manager.




following spells at Hull City and Watford
The Hornets have since made an official complaint to the Premier League over the approach and a mediation meeting held between the two clubs in April failed to resolve the issue.

The Premier League may be forced to convene a commission to find a suitable conclusion to the row, which could end with Everton paying a suitable compensation figure to Watford.

Silva becomes the second high-profile arrival at Goodison Park this month, following the recent appointment of new director of football Marcel Brands.


"Marco is a young coach but also an experienced coach and he's worked already at the top, while also gaining experience of the Premier League which is also an important factor," Brands added.

"One of the most important things is that he's a guy who wants to play attractive, attacking football and also wants to work in the structure we have at Everton.

"He's a guy who has proved already that he wants to work with young players, make them better and he has performed very well with the teams he's worked with. He will be a very good manager for Everton."

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright believes Silva, Brands and Moshiri can collectively guide the club to silverware.

"It is a pleasure to welcome Marco Silva as our new manager," said Kenwright. "As the posters outside Goodison have proclaimed for many years, DNA is important to Everton and Evertonians.

"It's what they instinctively search out. In Marco and Marcel we welcome a pair of sportsmen whose statements of intent have already shown that they embrace that special quality that Evertonians look for.

"And with Farhad's vigorous patronage we are looking forward to the three M's, Marco Marcel and Moshiri, help take the Blues back to their rightful position among football's elite."

Breaking:chelsea To sell Courtios

Chelsea are likely to sell Thibaut Courtois and are considering entering the race for Roma goalkeeper Alisson, according to Sky in Italy.

The Belgium international has just a year left on his current contract and the Blues have decided to stop negotiations over a renewal.

Courtois made 46 appearances for the Blues last season but they missed out on Champions League qualification and manager Antonio Conte's future remains in doubt heading into the summer, with Maurizio Sarri linked to the job.


The 26-year-old 'keeper has seemingly joined a number of first-team players whose futures are also shrouded in doubt, including Willian, who is understood to want to leave the club if Conte stays, with Manchester United interested.

Courtois recently hinted that his future was uncertain when he said "we'll see what is going to happen after the World Cup", following Chelsea's FA Cup triumph at Wembley.



The ex-Atletico Madrid star has been a long-term target for their rivals Real, while Paris Saint-Germain have also been keen, according to Guillem Balague.

Alisson, meanwhile, has had an outstanding season at Roma and has been a target for Real Madrid and Liverpool.
     
   

Scottish football :Morton assigns Mckinnon

Greenock Morton have appointed Ray McKinnon as their new manager.

Morton parted company with Jim Duffy at the end of the season, which saw them finish a disappointing seventh in the Scottish Championship.

McKinnon has been out of work since leaving Tannadice in October.


The 47-year-old has also managed Raith Rovers and Brechin City.

He helped Raith and Dundee United reach the second-tier play-offs during his time in charge, but was unable able to secure a place in the Premiership for either.

One of United's victims in the 2016-17 play-offs was a Duffy-managed Morton, but they could not get past Hamilton in the play-off final.

Manchester City :Phil Foden Likely to Extends his contract in Manchester City

Manchester City are likely to give youngster Phil Foden an improved contract in the coming weeks, Sky Sports News understands.

According to sources, Foden, who celebrated his 18th birthday on Monday, will not be loaned out next season after picking up a Premier League winner's medal last term.

It is thought Pep Guardiola is keen to extend Foden's contact as part of his plans to defend City's title.


                        Foden made 10 appearances for City last season, including five in the Premier League.




He made his debut in November 2017 in the Champions League against Feyenoord, when he came off the bench to replace Yaya Toure.

Foden scored twice as England beat Spain 5-2 in the final of the U17 World Cup in October and was also named player of the tournament following his impressive displays.


   

Breaking News:sergio Ramos escapes charge for kairus clash

Sergio Ramos has won three successive Champions League titles since being appointed Real Madrid captain.






Sergio Ramos has avoided disciplinary action from UEFA for his off-the-ball clash with Loris Karius in Saturday's Champions League final.




The Real Madrid captain struck Liverpool's goalkeeper in the head with his right elbow during a Real Madrid attack.

Replays also appeared to show Ramos being pushed in Karius' direction by Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.

UEFA has a rule which allows cases to be opened for cases of serious misconduct that were not seen by match officials, but they said the rule "is not applied in this case."

UEFA added that "no other protest has been lodged."

Ramos angered Liverpool - and Egypt - fans earlier in the game when he challenged Mohamed Salah, forcing him to leave the pitch in tears during the first half.


         

Chelsea:what Will Be, Will Be' With Conte says chill

Gary Cahill has refused to say if he wants Antonio Conte to remain as Chelsea head coach.

The 32-year-old lost his place in Chelsea's team between February and March but recovered in time to be selected in England's World Cup squad.

Conte's future remains uncertain, with Sky Italy reporting Chelsea want Maurizio Sarri to replace him, and Cahill said "what will be, will be", when asked in his England press conference about Conte's situation.



He said: "It's been a strange season. There's been a lot of speculation for many months now, but the season finished on a high for us. We won a major trophy. That was a great end for the players, fans and staff.



 "What will be, will be this summer. As players we have no say over that.

"He's been good for me. I've taken things from him like I have the rest of the managers. I've enjoyed the success we've had together. He's been great.

"It's difficult because you've seen the speculation for so many months now, but the only aim for us was to finish the season very well and win the cup, and we did that. Two major trophies with the manager up to now, it's been good.
   

Puyol furious Real Madrid champion league win

Former Barcelona captain Carles Puyol is "furious" after Real Madrid won the Champions League for a record 13th time and says the Catalans must change priorities next season.

Madrid beat Liverpool 3-1 in Kiev to win the trophy for the third successive year, taking the focus away from Barcelona's La Liga and Copa del Rey double.

"I am convinced that we have a better team than Madrid, but they have won four of the last five Champions Leagues," Puyol told Barcelona based newspaper La Vanguardia.



I think the solution comes from getting our priorities straight. We're losing an opportunity and I'm furious about that as a Barca fan.

"Winning the treble is extremely hard as statistics shows, so I think the most sensible thing would be to relegate the Copa del Rey.

"Don't get me wrong, I loved playing in the final, but the path there should be for the reserves and the young players to show if they are good enough or not."

"I think the solution comes from getting our priorities straight. We're losing an opportunity and I'm furious about that as a Barca fan

   
         

Messi :my only club is Barcelona in Europe

Lionel Messi says he is "increasingly sure" Barcelona will be the only club he ever represents in Europe.

Messi is preparing for another World Cup bid with Argentina and says only a chance to play in his homeland for Newell's Old Boys really appeals to him when his club career begins to wind down.

The 30-year-old spent time with the Rosario-based club before moving to Barcelona as a teenager and coming through the club's 'C' and 'B' teams on his road to stardom.



Lionel Messi says he is "increasingly sure" Barcelona will be the only club he ever represents in Europe.

Messi is preparing for another World Cup bid with Argentina and says only a chance to play in his homeland for Newell's Old Boys really appeals to him when his club career begins to wind down.

The 30-year-old spent time with the Rosario-based club before moving to Barcelona as a teenager and coming through the club's 'C' and 'B' teams on his road to stardom.


 
"I'm increasingly sure that in Europe, Barcelona will be my only club," Messi said in an interview with Argentine television station El Trece.

"I always said I wanted to play in Argentine football one day, I don't know if it will happen but I have it in my mind.

"It would be at Newell's, nowhere else. I would like to do that for at least six months, but you never know what will happen.

"My dream was to play for Newell's as a kid, going to the matches with my dad, my brothers, my friends... after that; circumstances in life took me elsewhere but I still have that in mind."


Messi is also glad he decided to play for Argentina, rather than Spain, in his international career even though he would almost certainly be a World Cup and dual European Championship winner if he had chosen differently.

"The other day I was talking to a friend and he told me 'if you had chosen Spain, you'd be a World Cup winner already', but it wouldn't have been the same," he added.

"Obviously in no moment did I think about doing that. To win it with Argentina would be something unique.

"We have players to be able to dream. It's important to start off with a win to build confidence. We don't have an easy group."
 

Richard Wood takes Rotterham to next level

Richard Wood scored twice to steer Rotherham back into the Sky Bet Championship as they beat Shrewsbury 2-1 after extra-time at Wembley.

The Millers captain struck the winner in the 103rd minute to hand his side the victory in the League One play-off final, after his initial goal in the first half had been cancelled out by Alex Rodman.

For Rotherham, it's an immediate return to the second tier following their dismal relegation last season, while Shrewsbury have now lost all five of their games at Wembley, and also a second for Paul Hurst's side this season having been beaten by Lincoln in the Checkatrade Trophy final last month.
Rotherham had a glorious opportunity to take the lead from the penalty spot inside the opening 10 minutes when Omar Beckles hauled down Wood in the box following a corner. David Ball was the man who stepped up to take out, but his effort was beaten away by Manchester United loanee Dean Henderson.

The Millers found the opener after 33 minutes, however. Another corner was swung in from Joe Newell, and this time Wood got way from his marker Beckles to power a header past Henderson in the Shrewsbury goal


Shrewsbury improved dramatically after half-time and equalised after 58 minutes thanks to a fantastic free-kick routine right off the training ground. Shaun Whalley was stood over the ball on the edge of the area, but rather than shoot he played the ball into Mat Sadler, whose wonderful first-time flick found Rodman in the six-yard box to poke home, leaving Rotherham dumbstruck.

Rotherham continued to dominate a visibly tiring Shrews side and they had a glorious chance to steal the win with virtually the last kick of normal time. Ryan Williams, on as a substitute with his fresh legs, tricked down the right before unleashing a fierce drive that seemed destined for the top corner, but Henderson was there with another fine save to tip the ball wide.

Player ratings
Rotherham: Rodak (7), Emmanuel (7), Ajayi (7), Wood (9), Mattock (7), Ball (5), Taylor (6), Vaulks (6), Newell (8), Towell (6), Smith (6)

Subs: Forde (6), Williams (6), Lavery (5)

Shrewsbury: Henderson (9), Bolton (6), Nsiala (6), Sadler (6), Beckles (5), Whalley (6), B Morris (5), Godfrey (6), Rodman (7), Nolan (6), C Morris (6)

Subs: Riley (6), John-Lewis (6), Payne (6)

Man of the match: Richard Wood
Another set-piece did the damage again for Rotherham after 103 minutes as they restored their lead. Joe Newell's fine free-kick travelled all the way to Wood at the far post, who slid in to steer the ball off the post and in. It was a first-career double for him in 467 senior appearances.

It was a well-deserved win for Rotherham on the day, but Shrewsbury will be devastated having spent so much of the season in the race for automatic promotion. They've been without second-tier football since 1989 and that wait will go on for at least another year
   

           Post-match stats



This is the first time since 2006-07 that three relegated teams from one league have been promoted the next season in the Football League - Hartlepool, Swindon and Walsall were relegated from League One in 2005-06 and promoted from League Two in 2006-07.
Shrewsbury have played five matches at Wembley and lost all five (including the Football League Trophy final this season); the joint-most among teams to have lost 100% of their games there, along with Brentford (5/5).
This game was the first League One play-off final to go to extra-time since 2014, when today's winners Rotherham beat Leyton Orient 4-3 on penalties.
The Shrews won 87 points in the 2017-18 league campaign; the most by a third-tier side who failed to win promotion since Sheffield United in 2011/12 (90).
Richard Wood's header was his seventh league goal of the season for Rotherham (inc. playoffs) - the only current Miller players to net more this term were Joe Newell and David Ball (eight each).
Man of the match - Richard Wood


Paul Warne: "I'm blessed to work with my best friends. It's been a good day at the office, but I'll have more sleepless nights thinking about playing teams like Aston Villa and others like that.

"I thought the lads were excellent, fairly play to Hursty and Shrewsbury today, it was a right good game and we were toe-to-toe. I'm really proud of the lads and the backroom staff and everyone at the club. It was a horrendous 12 months last year for everyone so for all the fans that made the effort to come down today, it has been worth it."





Paul Hurst: "We had a good spell after we'd equalised but the game became a farce because of the heat and people were cramping for both teams. I'm not just saying it because we've lost, but you play 48 games and also cup games in a season. I know what the rules are but it wasn't a good ending to the game, you should get more subs.

"Maybe it adds to the drama for the neutral watching but you can't really play how'd you'd like. Congratulations to Warney, though, and everyone at Rotherham United for returning at the first attempt."
   
 

MO Salah 'Confident 'to play world cup

Mohamed Salah says he is "confident" he will be fit for this summer’s World Cup with Egypt after suffering injury in Liverpool's Champions League final defeat




The 25-year-old was forced off with a suspected dislocated shoulder in the first half of Real Madrid's 3-1 victory in Kiev on Saturday night, with initial fears he may miss the tournament in Russia next month.

Salah, who left the stadium with his arm in a sling, is now with the Egyptian national team and he appeared upbeat about his chances in a tweet less that 24 hours after the incident.


"It was a very tough night, but I'm a fighter," he said. "Despite the odds, I'm confident that I'll be in Russia to make you all proud. Your love and support will give me the strength I need."

Salah was in tears as he was forced off after half an hour, with the score at 0-0, following a challenge from Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp felt Salah's departure had an impact on the game, with a couple of crucial mistakes from Reds goalkeeper Loris Karius and a wonder goal from Real substitute Gareth Bale ensuring a 3-1 victory for the Spanish side.

Klopp said: "It's a really serious injury, which is even worse. And the shock of the boys was obvious," a beleaguered Klopp said at full-time.


"Of course it was a big moment in the game. I know if you say something like that after a game and you lost, it sounds like you are a bit of a bad loser.

"But, for me, it was a harsh challenge - the arm was there. It was like wrestling a bit. And then Mo was a little bit unlucky falling on his shoulder.

"I think he is in the hospital for an X-ray. It's either the collarbone or the shoulder itself. But it's really not good."

 

Neymar not 100 percent fit

Neymar admits he is "not yet at 100 percent" following surgery on his fractured right foot but has declared himself fit enough to play for Brazil at the World Cup.


The Brazil forward has not played since injuring himself playing for PSG in a league game against Marseille in February, but has been training for the past 10 days and took part in a national team preparation camp this week.

Neymar said: "I'm not yet at 100 per cent. That will come with time. I'm still a bit scared of going all out, but there are still several days before our start.


It's going to take a bit more time for this fear to go away, but I'm ready to play. Nothing can stop me from doing  so",


      Speaking before boarding a flight to London, where the Brazil team will continue their World Cup preparations, he added:
"I feel good physically. My foot is fine. Of course I have to adjust to certain things. I'm feeling a bit of discomfort but it's not going to stop me from playing."



        The 26-year-old also reflected on what was a frustrating 2014 World Cup experience on home soil, as a back injury ruled him out of Brazil's humiliating 7-1 loss to Germany in the semi-finals.

"It's a dream to play in another World Cup, a dream which I hope won't be interrupted again," he said.

Brazil will play two warm-up matches before travelling to Russia, with a friendly against Croatia at Anfield on June 3 before a trip to Vienna to face Austria on June 10.

The five-time world champions play their opening World Cup match in Group E against Switzerland on June 17 in Rostov-on-Donand then face Costa Rica on June 22 in Saint Petersburg and Serbia in Moscow on June 27.







     

           

Hughes signs another three years contract

Mark Hughes has signed a three-year deal to stay on as the manager at Southampton.

The former Stoke and Manchester City boss guided the Saints to Premier League safety, which included beating relegation rivals Swansea 1-0, after taking over from Mauricio Pellegrino in March.

       His assistant manager Mark Bowen and first-team coach Eddie Niedzwiecki have also signed long-term contracts.
         "Mark, Eddie and I are thrilled to have signed long-term contracts with the club," Hughes told the club website. "It was the only option we considered, having spent the last eight weeks with the club.

"Now it is vital that we take the unbelievable support we received from the fans during the last few games into next season.

"The staff and the players will work hard every day to deliver the success this club deserves, and with everyone pulling together we will achieve our goals."

Sky Sports News reported earlier this week the 54-year-old was close to a new deal after helping Southampton gain 11 points from their final 10 Premier League games.

Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger admitted to Sky Sports News last week that Hughes had dragged the club out of an "abyss" by saving them from relegation.

Brighton agreed a 5years contract for Andone

Brighton have agreed a deal to sign Deportivo La Coruna striker Florin Andone for an undisclosed fee.

The Romanian will join the club on a five-year contract once the transfer window opens for international transfers on June 8.

Andone, 25, has made 69 appearances for Deportivo - scoring 18 goals in two seasons at the La Liga club - who have just been relegated to Spain's second tier following an 18th-placed finish.

Manager Chris Hughton told the club's website: "We are delighted that Florin has agreed to join us. He is a player that we have tracked for some time, and he will add a new dimension to our attacking options.

"He is a very hard-working player, and has proven his quality at the highest level in Spain, as well as at international level. I am looking forward to working with him next season."


Chris Hughton is delighted to have signed Florin Andone
Andone, who has won 21 caps for Romania, started his career with Spanish Segunda Division B side CD Castellon, before signing for Villarreal in 2013.

After a loan to Atletico Baleares in the 2013/14 season, the striker earned a move to Cordoba in July 2014 where he found the net 27 times in 58 games, before joining Deportivo in July 2016.

Stark to coach Scotland youth team

Scottish Football Association have announced the appointment of Billy Stark as a national youth team coach.

Stark takes over in the role from Donald Park on July 1, and will be in charge of the Under-19s in addition to his involvement in the Performance department's various coach education programmes.

Stark was recently in charge of Lowland League side East Kilbride, but spent six years as Scottish U21 coach, and took charge of the senior squad for one game following the departure of Craig Levein in 2012.
       The 61-year-old will be part of a team that includes Scottish FA Performance Director Malky Mackay and fellow national youth team coaches Brian McLaughlin and Scot Gemmill.

He said: "I'm delighted to be back. It was a bit out of the blue but I am really appreciative of the opportunity and grateful to Malky Mackay.

"I'm looking forward to taking the Under-19s and involving myself with the other work carried out by the Performance department.

"Donald did a great job and it's my hope to pick up where he left off

Jack Ross now new Sunderland manager

Sunderland have appointed former St Mirren boss Jack Ross as their new manager on a two-year deal.

The 41-year-old, who received Scottish Championship Manager of the Year after guiding St Mirren to promotion to the Scottish Premiership, will be joined by assistant manager James Fowler at the Stadium of Light.

Speaking about his appointment, Ross said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to take charge of an incredible football club. If you look the history, the facilities and most important of all, the fan base, you can see what this club can be.
     To be part of the team to help realise that potential is something that fills me with excitement."
   
      Ross had been in the frame to succeed Mick McCarthy as manager at Ipswich, and admitted last week there had been "communication" between St Mirren and the Championship side.

New Sunderland owner Stewart Donald - who completed a £40m takeover of the club on Monday - stated earlier this week that Chris Coleman could be in line for a shock return to the club.

He was sacked by previous owner Ellis Short last month, but Donald said: "I wouldn't rule out potentially talking to Chris."

Donald said of Ross' appointment: "We are absolutely delighted to have secured Jack as our new manager.

"Jack is excited to be a part of the future we are building here, and the fact he turned down lucrative offers from elsewhere, including clubs currently in a higher division than ourselves, is testament to his commitment and desire to succeed at this club and his belief in our vision for the future."

Mauricio Pochettino Extends his contract till 2023

The Argentine has guided Spurs to three successive top-three finishes in the Premier League, winning 121 of his 218 games since taking charge in May 2014.

Pochettino had three years remaining on his current contract but agreed to a two-year extension, as did first-team coaches Jesús Pérez, Miguel D'Agostino and Toni Jimenez.
    "I am honoured to have signed a new long-term contract as we approach one of the most significant periods in the club's history and be the manager that will lead this team into our new world-class stadium," said the 46-year-old.



  This is just one of the factors that makes this one of the most exciting jobs in world football and we are already making plans to ensure we continue to build on the great work that everyone has contributed to over the past four years.

"[Chairman] Daniel [Levy] and I have spoken at length about our aspirations for this football club. We both share the same philosophies to achieve long-term, sustainable success.

"This is a special club - we always strive to be creative in the way we work both on and off the pitch and will continue to stick to our principles in order to achieve the success this club deserves."

Levy added: "We have been on an extraordinary journey and the times ahead look even more exciting as the club enters the next phase in its history.

"Mauricio has fostered an incredible spirit in the team and has embraced a style of play our fans have loved watching. I know they will welcome this commitment by Mauricio."
         

Emery now Arsenal Head coach

I'm very excited to be given the responsibility to start this important new chapter in Arsenal's history."

       
The 46-year-old Spaniard arrives at the club following a two-year spell at PSG. He led the club to a domestic treble this season, but his contract was not extended and was replaced by Thomas Tuchel.

Emery told Arsenal's official website: "I am thrilled to be joining one of the great clubs in the game.


             Unai Emery won 87 of his 113

matches in charge at PSG
"Arsenal is known and loved throughout the world for its style of play, its commitment to young players, the fantastic stadium, the way the club is run. I'm very excited to be given the responsibility to start this important new chapter in Arsenal's history.


"I have met Stan and Josh Kroenke and it's clear they have great ambitions for the club and are committed to bringing future success. I'm excited about what we can do together and I look forward to giving everyone who loves Arsenal some special moments and memories."



Former Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta was believed to be a front-runner for the job, but Sky Sports News understands he withdrew from the running due to concerns over the extent of the role he would have in the club's transfer policy.

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said the club conducted a "rigorous" recruitment process, with Emery emerging as the unanimous choice.


           "Unai has an outstanding track record of success throughout his career, has developed some of the best young talent in Europe and plays an exciting, progressive style of football that fits Arsenal perfectly", said Gazidis.

                Emery experienced considerable success in Europe during his time at Sevilla, winning three successive Europa Leagues between 2014 and 2016

           
"His hard-working and passionate approach and his sense of values on and off the pitch make him the ideal person to take us forward.

"We conducted a confidential, wide-ranging and rigorous search involving extensive background references, data and video analysis, and personal meetings with all the candidates we shortlisted.

"All were interested in the position and we were unanimous in our choice of Unai to drive the next chapter of our history.

        Gazidis said every candidate they interviewed to replace Arsene Wenger was 'interested in the position'


                        Arsenal's majority shareholder Stan Kroenke described Emery as a "proven winner", adding: "Several things stood out during his interview and the entire process; his football knowledge, energy, determination and love of the game.

"His familiarity with our club and our players, the Premier League and the game in Europe were all very impressive.

"He shares our vision to move forward, to build on the platform created by Arsene Wenger and help this club enjoy greater success. He's a proven winner."

Emery held talks with Arsenal executives in London on Monday, and his personal website appeared to confirm the news on Tuesday night when it posted a graphic with the caption: "Proud to be part of the Arsenal family."

   
           Arsene Wenger departed Arsenal at the end of this season following 22 years at the club.


Despite his domestic success in France, Emery failed to progress beyond the last 16 in the Champions League with PSG, and oversaw their infamous second-round exit to Barcelona in the 2016/17 season.

They won the first leg 4-0 at home, but went on to lose the return leg 6-1 in the Nou Camp after conceding three late goals.

However, Emery does have an outstanding record in the Europa League - a tournament Arsenal will be competing in next season. He won the competition three times in a row during his time at Sevilla.

                   
   
         

     

World Cup 2018:Kane says they can win in Russia

New England captain Harry Kane says the team can win the World Cup in Russia and "anything else is not good enough".

Striker Kane, 24, was informed about being made skipper by manager Gareth Southgate a few weeks ago and it was officially confirmed on Tuesday.

Kane scored 41 goals in all competitions last season as Tottenham finished third in the Premier League.

"It's impossible not to dream about lifting the World Cup. It's the biggest competition in the world," said Kane.

"I believe we can win it - anyone can. I cannot sit here and say we are not going to win it because we could do.

"It is my mindset and I want to win at everything I do. The players in the team want to as well. It is worth fighting for. I am sure we have all had dreams of lifting it and it is an opportunity for us.

"We are not favourites but you look at this season, no-one would have thought Liverpool getting to the Champions League final. You look at Manchester United back in the Sir Alex Ferguson days, they had a young team and dominated the Premier League for years to come.

"Being young is not an excuse - it could be a good thing. I believe we can and that is what we want to try and do. Anything else is not good enough."

England head to Russia on 12 June and face Tunisia in their opening game on 18 June, followed by matches against Panama and Belgium.

       
Kane first captained England in last summer's 2-2 World Cup qualifier in Scotland, where he scored a late equaliser, before going on to wear the armband on a further three occasions.

Spurs team-mate Eric Dier and Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson have also skippered England recently.

Kane, who has scored 12 goals in 23 appearances for his country, was described as a "meticulous professional" by Southgate.

"It is a massive day and a very proud day," he said. "It is a dream come true. I found out a few weeks ago when I met Gareth Southgate. We were talking for an hour and he said he wanted me to be the captain.

"I have had to keep it quiet for a while now but it is fantastic. I filled up with pride and went home and told my family.

"Not much changes, I am someone who wants to lead by example on and off the pitch. That is what I will try to do.

"There are some young players in the squad who look up to players like that. There are some older players who I can learn from too."

Southgate, who told the England squad during a meeting at St George's Park on Monday night, added:

"Harry has some outstanding personal qualities. One of the most important things for a captain is that they set the standard every day.

"He has belief and high standards and it is a great message for the team to have a captain who has shown that it is possible to be one of the best in the world over a consistent period of time and that has been his drive.

"My feeling is that over the last 18 months in the camps that he's been with us he has shown that he has got the desire to take that into a team environment and he recognises the importance of bringing others with him."

England's key World Cup dates
2 June v Nigeria (friendly at Wembley)
7 June v Costa Rica (friendly at Elland Road)
12 June Squad leaves for Russia
18 June v Tunisia (opening group game)
24 June v Panama (second group game)
28 June v Belgium (final group

WestHam finally Appoints Pellegrini as The New Head coach

West Ham have appointed one of the world's "most respected" football coaches in Manuel Pellegrini, according to joint chairman David Sullivan.

Pellegrini, 64, has signed a three-year deal at the London Stadium.

The former Manchester City and Real Madrid manager left his job with Hebei China Fortune over the weekend and succeeds David Moyes.

"I am excited about this project. My mentality is always to have a winning mentality," said Pellegrini.

"I think that West Ham had a difficult season last season and I hope that next season we are going to play football that will delight the fans. I always play attacking football and we must try to reach important targets in the season.

"I am sure that, with the players we have in this moment in the squad, and bringing maybe another four or five in, we are going to have a strong team."

Chilean Pellegrini, who had been a priority target from the start of West Ham's search for a new manager, will be joined at London Stadium by assistant Ruben Cousillas.

He replaces former Everton and Manchester United manager Moyes, who was appointed West Ham boss in November 2017 but released at the end of his contract after guiding West Ham to 13th place.

"Manuel brings a reputation for attacking football and getting the best out of his players," said Sullivan.

"We believe he will attract new talent to the London Stadium as well as improving the current squad.

"Manuel is the first West Ham United manager to have a Premier League title on his CV, and we believe his experience, quality and proven record of taking teams forward quickly will ensure that he is successful here."

West Ham had explored the possibility of hiring Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez, however they quickly concluded it would be hugely difficult for the Spaniard to leave St James' Park.

Pellegrini, who was on a huge contract in China, has agreed to take a pay cut but it is anticipated he will become the highest paid manager in West Ham's history.

Sullivan had previously said he intended to hire someone who had experience at the highest level.

Pellegrini won the 2013-14 Premier League title and two EFL Cups during his three years at Manchester City, in addition to taking the club to the Champions League semi-finals.

West Ham have experienced huge problems during their first two seasons after leaving Upton Park.

They won just seven home Premier League games this season, a campaign which was marred by crowd trouble at London Stadium.

Five fans were banned for life by the club for running on to the pitch during their home fixture with Burnley on 10 March.

Other fans were also banned for life for throwing coins or objects "with intent to injure or harm".

Manuel Pellegrini's Premier League record
Club Season Win % Points per game
Man City 2013-14 71.1% 2.26
Man City 2014-15 63.2% 2.08
Man City 2015-16 50.0% 1.74

Everton Ready to Appoint Marco Silva as Long Term Head Coach

While several candidates remain under consideration, Silva is understood to remain their first choice to replace Sam Allardyce and owner Farhad Moshiri hopes he will still be in charge in at least five years' time.

Moshiri hopes Silva will take the club into its new £500m, 55,500-seater stadium at Bramley Moore Dock in the 2022-23 season, and the Portuguese is set to sign a long-term contract with that in mind.

Silva has consensus across the Everton boardroom, with newly appointed director of football Marcel Brands a known admirer of his work.

He impressed while narrowly failing to keep Hull City in the Premier League last season, and was rewarded with an immediate return to the top flight with the manager's job at Watford.

Having made a strong start to the season with the Hornets, Silva emerged as a candidate for Everton after Ronald Koeman was sacked, but after Watford accused Everton of 'tapping him up', the Toffees backed off and eventually settled for Allardyce.

With manager and squad seemingly distracted by the saga, Watford's form dipped and Silva was sacked in January.

Meanwhile, Allardyce managed to guide Everton to eighth in the Premier League, but with supporters and the boardroom unhappy about the team's style of play, the former England manager was let go at the end of the season.

The two clubs remain at loggerheads with Watford still chasing compensation, but Everton are confident they will win any case against them and that the appointment will not be delayed by the dispute.

Spain:Julen Lopetegui extends his contract till 2020

The Spanish soccer federation has extended the contract of national team coach Julen Lopetegui until 2020.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, less than a week before Spain begins their preparations for next month's World Cup in Russia.

The 51-year-old took over as coach after Spain were knocked out of Euro 2016 by Italy in the round of 16.
  He led Spain on an 18-match unbeaten run as they comfortably qualified for the World Cup ahead of Italy in Group G, with nine wins and a draw from their 10 games.  

    "I want to thank the Federation and the president for the confidence they've shown in me and the coaching team," said Lopetegui.

"We arrived with the mentality of working hard, and we'll continue with the mentality of working hard.

"We're pleased with what we've done and we're excited about what's to come."

Lopetegui was picked as Vicente Del Bosque's replacement mostly because of his success with Spain's youth squads. He won European championships with the under-19 and under-21 teams in the early 2010s.

        We were clear on this, we couldn't allow Julen and his team to get away," said Luis Rubiales, the new president of the Spanish Football Federation.

"The professional admiration and respect for him is huge. The work Lopetegui has done in these two years is brilliant.

"It took us five minutes to finalise things. It was very easy. It's the best for the national team."

At club level, Lopetegui had an unsuccessful stint at Porto, his only job with a top European team.

All World Cup squad list you need to know

Neymar has been included in Brazil's squad, even though he is injured

Who will be going to Russia this summer? All nations have to submit their final 23-man World Cup squad by June 4. Here are all the squad lists that we know so far...

Argentina

Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Manchester United), Wilfredo Caballero (Chelsea), Franco Armani (River Plate).

Defenders: Gabriel Mercado (Sevilla), Cristian Ansaldi (Torino), Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City), Federico Fazio (Roma), Marcos Rojo (Manchester United), Nicolas Tagliafico (Ajax), Marcos Acuna (Sporting Lisbon).

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Hebei China Fortune), Eduardo Salvio (Benfica), Lucas Biglia (AC Milan), Giovani Lo Celso (Paris Saint-Germain), Ever Banega (Sevilla), Manuel Lanzini (West Ham), Maximiliano Meza (Independiente), Angel di Maria (Paris Saint-Germain), Cristian Pavon (Boca Juniors).

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Paulo Dybala (Juventus), Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City).

Lionel Messi will captain Argentina at the World Cup

Australia (26-man provisional squad)

Goalkeepers: Brad Jones (Feyenoord), Mat Ryan (Brighton), Danny Vukovic (Genk).

Defenders: Aziz Behich (Bursaspor), Milos Degenek (Yokohama F. Marinos), Matthew Jurman (Suwon Samsung Bluewings), Fran Karacic (Lokomotiva), James Meredith (Millwall), Josh Risdon (Western Sydney Wanderers), Trent Sainsbury (Grasshoppers).

Midfielders: Josh Brillante (Sydney FC), Jackson Irvine (Hull), Mile Jedinak (Aston Villa), Robbie Kruse (Bochum), Massimo Luongo (Queens Park Rangers), Mark Milligan (Al Ahli), Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield), Tom Rogic (Celtic), James Troisi (Melbourne Victory).

Forwards: Daniel Arzani (Melbourne City), Tim Cahill (Millwall), Tomi Juric (FC Luzern), Mathew Leckie (Hertha Berlin), Andrew Nabbout (Urawa Red Diamonds), Dimitri Petratos (Newcastle Jets), Nikita Rukavytsya (Maccabi Haifa).

Belgium (28-man provisional squad)

Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool), Matz Sels (Anderlecht), Koen Casteels (VfL Wolfsburg).

Defenders: Toby Alderweireld Tottenham), Dedryck Boyata (Celtic), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City), Thomas Vermaelen (Barcelona), Thomas Meunier (PSG), Jordan Lukaku (Lazio), Christian Kabasele (Watford), Laurent Ciman (Los Angeles FC).

Midfielders: Youri Tielemans (AS Monaco), Axel Witsel (Tianjin Quanjian), Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City), Mousa Dembele (Tottenham), Leander Dendoncker (Anderlecht), Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United), Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Monchengladbach), Dries Mertens (Napoli), Nacer Chadli (West Brom).

Forwards: Michy Batshuayi (Chelsea), Christian Benteke (Crystal Palace), Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Adnan Januzaj (Real Sociedad), Yannick Carrasco (Atletico Madrid).

Brazil

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Roma), Ederson (Manchester City), Cassio (Corinthians).

Defenders: Miranda (Inter Milan), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain), Geromel (Gremio), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Fagner (Corinthians), Danilo (Manchester City), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid).

Midfielders: Casemiro (Real Madrid), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Paulinho (Barcelona), Renato Augusto (Beijing Guoan), Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona), Willian (Chelsea), Fred (Shakhtar Donetsk).

Forwards: Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City), Firmino (Liverpool), Taison (Shakhtar Donetsk), Douglas Costa (Juventus).

Colombia (35-man provisional squad)

Goalkeepers: David Ospina (Arsenal), Camilo Vargas (Deportivo Cali), Ivan Arboleda (Banfield), Jose Fernando Cuadrado (Once Caldas).

Defenders: Cristian Zapata (Milan), Davinson Sanchez (Tottenham), Santiago Arias (PSV Eindhoven), Oscar Murillo (Pachuca), Frank Fabra (Boca Juniors), Johan Mojica (Girona), Yerry Mina (Barcelona), William Tesillo (Santa Fe), Bernardo Espinosa (Girona), Stefan Medina (Monterrey), Farid Díaz (Olimpia).

Midfielders: Wilmar Barrios (Boca Juniors), Carlos Sanchez (Espanyol), Jefferson Lerma (Levante), Jose Izquierdo (Brighton Hove & Albion), James Rodriguez (Bayern Munich), Giovanni Moreno (Shanghai Shenhua), Abel Aguilar (Deportivo Cali), Mateus Uribe (America), Yimmi Chara (Junior), Juan Fernando Quintero (River Plate), Edwin Cardona (Boca Juniors), Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (Juventus), Gustavo Cuellar (Flamengo), Sebastian Perez (Boca Juniors).

Forwards: Radamel Falcao Garcia (Monaco), Duvan Zapata (Sampdoria), Miguel Borja (Palmeiras), Carlos Bacca (Villarreal), Luis Fernando Muriel (Sevilla), Teofilo Gutierrez (Junior).

Costa Rica

Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas (Real Madrid), Patrick Pemberton (LDA), Leonel Moreira (Herediano).

Defenders: Cristian Gamboa (Celtic), Ian Smith (Norrkoping), Ronald Matarrita (NYCFC), Bryan Oviedo (Sunderland), Oscar Duarte (Espanyol), Giancarlo Gonzalez (Bologna), Francisco Calvo (Minnesota United), Kendall Waston (Vancouver Whitecaps), Johnny Acosta (Aguilas Dorados).

Midfielders: David Guzman (Portland Timbers), Yeltsin Tejeda (Lausanne), Celso Borges (Deportivo La Coruna), Randall Azofeifa (Herediano), Rodney Wallace (NYCFC), Bryan Ruiz (Sporting Lisbon), Daniel Colindres (Saprissa), Christian Bolanos (Saprissa).

Forwards: Johan Venegas (Saprissa), Joel Campbell (Real Betis), Marco Urena (LAFC).

Croatia (24-man provisional squad)

Goalkeepers: Danijel Subasic (Monaco), Lovre Kalinic (Gent), Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo).

Defenders: Vedran Corluka (Lokomotiv Moscow), Domagoj Vida (Besiktas), Ivan Strinic (Sampdoria), Dejan Lovren (Liverpool), Sime Vrsaljko (Atletico Madrid), Josip Pivaric (Dynamo Kiev), Tin Jedvaj (Bayer Leverkusen), Matej Mitrovic (Club Brugge), Duje Caleta-Car (Red Bull Salzburg).

Midfielders: Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona), Mateo Kovacic (Real Madrid), Milan Badelj (Fiorentina), Marcelo Brozovic (Inter), Filip Bradaric (Rijeka).

Forwards: Mario Mandzukic (Juventus), Ivan Perisic (Inter), Nikola Kalinic (Milan), Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim), Marko Pjaca (Schalke), Ante Rebic (Eintracht).

Denmark (35-man provisional squad)

Goalkeepers: Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester), Jonas Lossl (Huddersfield), Frederik Ronow (Brondby), Jesper Hansen (FC Midtjylland).

Defenders: Simon Kjaer (Sevilla), Andreas Christensen (Chelsea), Mathias Jorgensen (Huddersfield), Jannik Vestergaard (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Andreas Bjelland (Brentford), Henrik Dalsgaard (Brentford), Peter Ankersen (FC Copenhagen), Jens Stryger (Udinese), Riza Durmisi (Real Betis), Jonas Knudsen (Ipswich), Nicolai Boilesen (FC Copenhagen).

Midfielders: William Kvist (FC Copenhagen), Thomas Delaney (Werder Bremen), Lukas Lerager (Bordeaux), Lasse Schone (Ajax), Mike Jensen (Rosenborg), Christian Eriksen (Tottenham), Daniel Wass (Celta Vigo), Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Southampton), Mathias Jensen (FC Nordsjaelland), Michael Krohn-Dehli (Deportivo La Coruna), Robert Skov (FC Copenhagen).

Forwards: Pione Sisto (Celta Vigo), Martin Braithwaite (Bordeaux), Andreas Cornelius (Atalanta), Viktor Fischer (FC Copenhagen), Yussuf Poulsen (RB Leipzig), Nicolai Jorgensen (Feyenoord), Nicklas Bendtner (Rosenborg), Kasper Dolberg (Ajax), Kenneth Zohore (Cardiff).

Tottenham's Christian Eriksen is in the Denmark squad

England

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jack Butland (Stoke City), Nick Pope (Burnley).

Defenders: Kyle Walker (Manchester City), John Stones (Manchester City), Harry Maguire (Leicester City), Danny Rose (Tottenham), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Ashley Young (Manchester United), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Kieran Trippier (Tottenham).

Midfielders: Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Dele Alli (Tottenham), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Crystal Palace), Fabian Delph (Manchester City).

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal).

Egypt (29-man provisional squad)

Goalkeepers: Essam El-Hadary (Al Taawoun), Mohamed El-Shennawy (Al Ahly), Sherif Ekramy (Al Ahly), Mohamed Awad (Ismaily).

Defenders: Ahmed Fathi (Al Ahly), Saad Samir (Al Ahly), Ayman Ashraf (Al Ahly), Mahmoud Hamdy (Zamalek), Mohamed Abdel-Shafy (Al Fath) Ahmed Hegazi (West Brom), Ali Gabr (West Brom), Ahmed Elmohamady (Aston Villa), Karim Hafez (RC Lens), Omar Gaber (LAFC), Amro Tarek (Orlando City).

Midfielders: Tarek Hamed (Zamalek), Mahmoud Abdel Aziz (Zamalek), Shikabala (Al Raed), Abdallah Said (KuPS), Sam Morsy (Wigan), Mohamed Elneny (Arsenal), Kahraba (Ittihad), Ramadan Sobhi (Stoke City), Mahmoud "Trezeguet" Hassan (Kasimpasa), Amr Warda (Atromitos).

Forwards: Marwan Mohsen (Al Ahly), Ahmed Gomaa (Al Masry) Ahmed "Koka" Mahgoub (SC Braga), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool).

Mohamed Salah will be a key figure for Egypt

France

Goalkeepers: Alphone Areola (Paris St Germain), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Steve Mandanda (Olympique de Marseille).

Defenders: Lucas Hernandez (Atletico Madrid), Presnel Kimpembe (Paris St Germain), Benjamin Pavard (VfB Stuttgart), Benjamin Mendy (Manchester City), Djibril Sidibe (Monaco), Adil Rami (Olympique de Marseille), Samuel Umtiti (Barcelona), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid).

Midfielders: Blaise Matuidi (Juventus), N'Golo Kante (Chelsea), Steven N'Zonzi (Sevilla), Paul Pogba (Manchester United), Corentin Tolisso (Bayern Munich).

Forwards: Olivier Giroud (Chelsea), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Kylian Mbappe (Paris St Germain), Thomas Lemar (Monaco), Nabil Fekir (Olympique Lyonnais), Florian Thauvin (Olympique de Marseille), Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona).

Anthony Martial has been left out by France

Iceland

Goalkeepers: Hannes Halldorsson (Randers), Runar Runarsson (Nordsjaelland), Frederik Schram (Roskilde).

Defenders: Kari Arnason (Aberdeen), Holmar Eyjolfsson (Levski Sofia), Rurik Gislason (Sandhausen), Sverrir Ingason (Rostov), Hordur Magnusson (Bristol City), Birkir Saevarsson (Valur), Ragnar Sigurdsson (Rostov), Ari Skulason (Lokeren).

Midfielders: Birkir Bjarnason (Aston Villa), Samuel Fridjonsson (Valerenga), Johann Gudmundsson (Burnley), Aron Gunnarsson (Cardiff City), Emil Hallfredsson (Udinese), Gylfi Sigurdsson (Everton), Olafur Skulason (Karabukspor), Arnor Traustason (Malmo).

Forwards: Jon Bodvarsson (Reading), Alfred Finnbogason (Augsburg), Albert Gudmundsson (PSV), Bjorn Sigurdarson (Rostov).

Gylfi Sigurdsson is likely to be crucial to Iceland's chances

Iran (35-man provisional squad)

Goalkeepers: Alireza Beiranvand (Persepolis), Seyed Hossein Hosseini (Esteghlal), Rashid Mazaheri (Zob Ahan), Amir Abedzadeh (Maritimo, Portugal);

Defenders: Ramin Rezaeian (Ostende, Belgium), Voria Ghafouri (Esteghlal), Steven Beitashour (Los Angeles FC, USA), Seyed Jalal Hosseini (Persepolis), Mohammad Reza Khanzadeh (Padideh), Morteza Pouraliganji (Alsaad, Qatar), Mohammad Ansari (Persepolis), Pejman Montazeri (Esteghlal), Seyed Majid Hosseini (Esteghlal), Milad Mohammadi (Akhmat Grozny, Russia), Omid Norafkan (Esteghlal), Saeid AGhaei (Sepahan), Roozbeh Cheshmi (Esteghlal);

Midfielders: Saeid Ezatolahi (Amkar Perm, Russia), Masoud Shojaei (AEK Athens, Greece), Ahmad Abdolahzadeh (Foolad), Saman Ghoddos (Ostersunds, Sweden), Mahdi Torabi (Saipa), Ashkan Dejagah (Notthingham Forest, England), Omid Ebrahimi (Esteghlal), Ehsan Hajsafi (Olympiacos, Greece), Ali Karimi (Sepahan), Soroush Rafiei (Al Khor, Qatar), Ali Gholizadeh (Saipa), Vahid Amiri (Persepolis);

Forwards: Alireza Jahanbakhsh (AZ Alkmaar, Netherlands), Karim Ansarifard (Olympiacos, Greece), Mahdi Taremi (Al Gharafa, Qatar), Sardar Azmoun (Rubin Kazan, Russia), Reza Ghoochannejhad (Heerenveen, Netherlands), Kaveh Rezaei (Charleroi, Belgium).

Germany (27-man provisional squad)

Goalkeepers: Bernd Leno (Bayer Leverkusen), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona), Kevin Trapp (Paris Saint-Germain).

Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Matthias Ginter (Borussia Monchengladbach), Jonas Hector (FC Cologne), Mats Hummels (Bayern Munich), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Marvin Plattenhardt (Hertha Berlin), Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea), Niklas Sule (Bayern Munich), Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen).

Midfielders: Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian Draxler (Paris Saint-Germain), Leon Goretzka (Schalke 04), Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City), Sami Khedira (Juventus), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Sebastian Rudy (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Manchester City).

Forwards: Mario Gomez (VfB Stuttgart), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Nils Petersen (SC Freiburg), Timo Werner (RB Leipzig).

Liverpool's Emre Can is not in the Germany squad

Japan

TBC

Mexico (28-man provisional squad)

Goalkeepers: Guillermo Ochoa (Standard Liege), Alfredo Talavera (Toluca), Jesus Corona (Cruz Azul).

Defenders: Diego Reyes (Porto), Carlos Salcedo (Eintracht Frankfurt), Hector Moreno (Real Sociedad), Oswaldo Alanis (Getafe), Nestor Araujo (Santos Laguna), Miguel Layun (Sevilla), Jesus Gallardo (Pumas), Hugo Ayala (Tigres UANL), Edson Alvarez (Club America);

Midfielders: Hector Herrera (Porto), Andres Guardado (Real Betis), Rafa Marquez (Atlas), Jonathan dos Santos (LA Galaxy), Marco Fabian (Eintracht Frankfurt), Jesus Molina (Monterrey), Erick Gutierrez (Pachuca), Giovani dos Santos (LA Galaxy).

Forwards: Javier Aquino (Tigres UANL), Jesus Corona (Porto), Raul Jimenez (Benfica), Oribe Peralta (Club America), Javier Hernandez (West Ham United), Carlos Vela (LAFC), Hirving Lozano (PSV Eindhoven), Jurgen Damm (Tigres UANL).

Morocco

Goalkeepers: Mounir El Kajoui (Numancia), Yassine Bounou (Girona), Ahmad Reda Tagnaouti (Ittihad Tanger).

Defenders: Mehdi Benatia (Juventus), Romain Saiss (Wolves), Manuel Da Costa (Basaksehir), Badr Benoun (Raja Casablanca), Nabil Dirar (Fenerbahce), Achraf Hakimi (Real Madrid), Hamza Mendyl (LOSC).

Midfielders: M'barek Boussoufa (Al Jazira), Karim El Ahmadi (Feyenoord), Youssef Ait Bennasser (Caen), Sofyan Amrabat (Feyenoord), Younes Belhanda (Galatasaray), Faycal Fajr (Getafe), Amine Harit (Schalke 04).

Forwards: Khalid Boutaib (Malatyaspor), Aziz Bouhaddouz (Saint Pauli), Ayoub El Kaabi (Renaissance Berkane), Nordin Amrabat (Leganes), Mehdi Carcela (Standard de Liege), Hakim Ziyech (Ajax).

Nigeria (30-man provisional squad)

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Deportivo La Coruna, Spain), Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba), Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa), Dele Ajiboye (Plateau United).

Defenders: Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor, Turkey), Tyronne Ebuehi (ADO Den Haag, the Netherlands), Olaoluwa Aina (Hull City, England), Elderson Echiejile (Cercle Brugge, Belgium), Bryan Idowu (Amkar Perm, Russia), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France), William Ekong (Bursaspor, Turkey), Leon Balogun (Mainz, Germany), Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa, Turkey), Stephen Eze (Lokomotiv Plovdiv, Bulgaria).

Midfielders: Mikel John Obi (Tianjin Teda, China PR), Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor, Turkey), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England), Oghenekaro Etebo (Las Palmas, Spain), John Ogu (Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Israel), Uche Agbo (Standard Liege), Joel Obi (Torino, Italy), Mikel Agu (Bursaspor, Turkey).

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England), Moses Simon (Gent, Belgium), Victor Moses (Chelsea, England); Odion Ighalo (Changchun Yatai, China PR), Alex Iwobi (Arsenal, England), Junior Lokosa (Kano Pillars); Simeon Nwankwo (Crotone, Italy).

Arsenal's Alex Iwobi is in the Nigeria squad

Panama (35-man provisional squad)

Goalkeepers: Jose Calderon (Chorrillo), Jaime Penedo (Dinamo Bucharest), Alex Rodríguez (San Francisco FC).

Defenders: Azmahar Ariano (Patriotas FC), Felipe Baloy (CSD Municipal), Harold Cummings (San Jose Earthquakes), Eric Davis (Dunajska Streda), Fidel Escobar (New York Red Bulls), Adolfo Machado (Houston Dynamo), Michael Murillo (New York Red Bulls), Luis Ovalle (CD Olimpia), Francisco Palacios (San Francisco FC), Richard Peralta (Alianza), Roman Torres (Seattle Sounders).

Midfielders: Ricardo Avila (KAA Gent), Edgar Barcenas (Cafetaleros de Tapachula), Ricardo Buitrago (Municipal), Miguel Camargo (Universidad San Martín de Porres), Adalberto Carrasquilla (Tauro FC), Armando Cooper (Club Universidad de Chile), Anibal Godoy (San Jose Earthquakes), Gabriel Gomez (Bucaramanga), Jose Gonzalez (Union Comercio), Cristian Martínez (Columbus Crew), Valentin Pimentel (Plaza Amador), Alberto Quintero (Universitario de Lima), Jose Luis Rodríguez (KAA Gent).

Forwards: Abdiel Arroyo (LD Alajuelense), Rolando Blackburn (Chorrillo), Ismael Diaz (Deportivo La Coruna), Jose Fajardo (CA Independiente), Roberto Nurse (Mineros Zacatecas), Blas Perez (Municipal), Luis Tejada (Sports Boys), Gabriel Torres (CD Huachipato).

Peru

Goalkeepers: Gallese (Veracruz-MEX), Carlos Caceda (Veracruz-MEX) and Jose Carvallo (UTC).

Defenders: Aldo Corzo (Universitario), Luis Advincula (Lobos BUAP-Mexico), Miguel Araujo (Alianza Lima), Alberto Rodriguez (Junior-Colombia), Christian Ramos (Veracruz-Mexico), Anderson Santamaria (Puebla-Mexico), Luis Abram (Velez Sarsfield-Argentina) and Miguel Trauco (Flamengo-Brazil).

Midfielders: Renato Tapia (Feyenoord), Pedro Aquino (Lobos BUAP), Yoshimar Yotun (Orlando City), Sergio Pena (Granadan), Edison Flores (Aalborgk), Paolo Hurtado (Vitoria de Guimaraes), Wilder Cartagena (Veracruz), Nilson Loyola (Melgar), Christian Cueva (Sao Paulo), Andre Carrillo (Watford).

Forwards: Jefferson Farfan (Lokomotiv), Andy Polo (Portland Timbers), Raul Ruidiaz (Morelia).

Poland (32-man provisional squad)

Goalkeepers: Bartosz Bialkowski (Ipswich), Lukasz Fabianski (Swansea City), Lukasz Skorupski (Roma), Wojciech Szczesny (Juventus).

Defenders: Jan Bednarek (Southampton), Bartosz Bereszynski (Sampdoria), Thiago Cionek (SPAL), Kamil Glik (Monaco), Artur Jedrzejczyk (Legia Warsaw), Marcin Kaminski (Stuttgart), Tomasz Kedziora (Dynamo Kyiv), Michal Pazdan (Legia Warsaw), Lukasz Piszczek (Borussia Dortmund).

Midfielders: Jakub Blaszczykowski (Wolfsburg), Pawel Dawidowicz (Palermo), Przemyslaw Frankowski (Jagiellonia Bialystok), Jacek Goralski (Ludogorets Razgrad), Kamil Grosicki (Hull), Grzegorz Krychowiak (West Brom), Rafal Kurzawa (Gornik Zabrze), Karol Linetty (Sampdoria), Krzysztof Maczynski (Legia Warsaw), Slawomir Peszko (Lechnia Gdansk), Maciej Rybus (Lokomotiv Moscow), Sebastian Szymanski (Legia Warsaw), Piotr Zielinski (Napoli), Szymon Zurkowski (Gornik Zabrze).

Forwards: Dawid Kownacki (Sampdoria), Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich), Arkadiusz Milik (Napoli), Lukasz Teodorczyk (Anderlecht), Kamil Wilczek (Brondby).

Portugal

Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Beto (Goztepe), Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon).

Defenders: Bruno Alves (Rangers), Cedric Soares (Southampton), Jose Fonte (Dalian Yifang), Mario Rui (Napoli), Pepe (Besiktas), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund), Ricardo Pereira (Porto), Ruben Dias (Benfica).

Midfielders: Adrien Silva (Leicester), Bruno Fernandes (Sporting Lisbon), Joao Mario (West Ham), Joao Moutinho (AS Monaco), Manuel Fernandes (Lokomotiv Moscow), William Carvalho (Sporting).

Forwards: Andre Silva (AC Milan), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Gelson Martins (Sporting Lisbon), Goncalo Guedes (Valencia), Ricardo Quaresma (Besiktas).

Will Cristiano Ronaldo lead Portugal to glory?

Russia (29-man provisional squad)

Goalkeepers: Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow), Vladimir Gabulov (Club Brugge), Soslan Dzhanaev (Rubin Kazan), Andrey Lunev (Zenit St Petersburg).

Defenders: Vladimir Granat, Ruslan Kambolov, Fedor Kudryashov (all Rubin Kazan), Ilya Kutepov (Spartak Moscow), Roman Neustadter (Fenerbahce), Konstantin Rausch (Dynamo Moscow), Andrey Semenov (Akhmat Grozny), Igor Smolnikov (Zenit St Petersburg), Mario Fernandes (CSKA Moscow).

Midfielders: Yuri Gazinskiy (Krasnodar), Alexsandr Golovin, Alan Dzagoev (both CSKA Moscow), Aleksandr Erokhin, Yuri Zhirkov, Daler Kuzyaev (all Zenit St Petersburg), Roman Zobnin, Alexsandr Samedov (both Spartak Moscow), Anton Miranchuk (Lokomotiv Moscow), Aleksandr Tashaev (Dynamo Moscow), Denis Cheryshev (Villarreal).

Forwards: Artem Dzyuba (Arsenal Tula), Aleksey Miranchuk (Lokomotiv Moscow), Fedor Smolov (Krasnodar), Fedor Chalov (CSKA Moscow).

Saudi Arabia

TBC

Senegal

Goalkeepers: Khadim Ndiaye (Horoya AC), Abdoulaye Diallo (Rennes), Alfred Gomis (Torino)

Defenders: Kara Mbodji (Anderlecht), Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli), Moussa Wague (Eupen), Saliou Ciss (Angers), Youssouf Sabaly (Bordeaux), Lamine Gassama (Alanyaspor), Armand Traore (Nottingham Forest), Salif Sane (Hannover 96)

Midfielders: Pape Alioune Ndiaye (Stoke), Idrissa Gueye (Everton), Cheikhou Kouyate (West Ham), Cheikh N'Doye (Birmingham)

Forwards: Sadio Mane (Liverpool), Diao Balde Keita (Monaco), Ismaila Sarr (Rennes), Diafra Sakho (Rennes), Moussa Konate (Amiens), Mame Biram Diouf (Stoke), Mbaye Niang (AC Milan).

Liverpool's Sadio Mane has been included in Senegal's squad

Serbia

TBC

Spain

Goalkeepers: David de Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoli), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao)

Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Alvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Nacho (Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal).

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Alcantara (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City).

Forwards: Isco (Real Madrid), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Rodrigo (Valencia), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid).

Andres Iniesta is in the Spain squad

South Korea (28-man provisional squad)

Goalkeepers: Kim Seung-gyu (Vissel Kobe), Kim Jin-hyeon (Cerezo Osaka), Cho Hyun-woo (Daegu FC).

Defenders: Kim young-gwon (Guangzhou Evergrande), Jang Hyun-soo (FC Tokyo), Jung Seung-hyun (Sagan Tosu), Yun Yong-sun (Seongnam FC), Kwon Kyung-won (Tianjin Quanjian), Oh Ban-suk (Jeju United), Kim Jin-su (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), Kim Min-woo (Sangju Sangmu), Park Joo-ho (Ulsan Hyundai), Hong Chul (Sangju Sangmu), Go Yo-han (FC Seoul), Lee Yong (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors)

Midfielders: Ki Sung-yueng (Swansea City), Jung Woo-young (Vissel Kobe), Kwon Chang-hoon (Dijon FCO), Ju Se-jong (Asan Mugunghwa FC), Koo Ja-cheol (FC Augsburg), Lee Jae-sung (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), Lee Seung-woo (Hellas Verona), Moon Seon-min (Incheon United), Lee Chung-yong (Crystal Palace)

Forwards: Kim Shin-wook (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur), Hwang Hee-chan (FC Red Bull Salzburg), Lee Keun-ho (Gangwon FC)

Sweden

Goalkeepers: Robin Olsen (Copenhagen), Karl-Johan Johnsson (Guingamp), Kristoffer Nordfeldt (Swansea).

Defenders: Mikael Lustig (Celtic), Victor Lindelof (Manchester United), Andreas Granqvist (Krasnador), Martin Olsson (Swansea), Ludwig Augustinsson (Werder Bremen), Filip Helander, Emil Krafth (both Bologna), Pontus Jansson (Leeds United).

Midfielders: Sebastian Larsson (Hull), Albin Ekdal (Hamburg), Emil Forsberg (RB Leipzig), Gustav Svensson (Seattle Sounders), Oscar Hiljemark (Genoa), Viktor Claesson (Krasnador), Marcus Rohden (Crotone), Jimmy Durmaz (Toulouse).

Forwards: Marcus Berg (Al Ain), John Guidetti (Alaves), Ola Toivonen (Toulouse), Isaac Kiese Thelin (Waasland-Beveren).

There will be no World Cup for Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Switzerland

TBC

Tunisia (29-man provisional squad)

Goalkeepers: Moez Ben Cherifia (Esperance), Farouk Ben Mustapha (Al Shabab, Saudi Arabia), Moez Hassen (Chateauroux, France), Aymen Mathlouthi (Al Baten, Saudi Arabia)

Defenders: Rami Bedoui (Etoile du Sahel), Yohan Benalouane (Leicester City, England), Syam Ben Youssef (Kasimpasa, Turkey), Dylan Bronn (Ghent, Belgium), Khalil Chammam (Esperance), Oussama Haddadi (Dijon, France), Ali Maaloul (Al Ahly, Egypt), Yassine Meriah (CS Sfaxien), Bilel Mohsni (Dundee United, Scotland), Hamdi Nagguez (Zamalek, Egypt)

Midfielders: Anice Badri (Esperance), Mohamed Amine Ben Amor (Al Ahli Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), Ghaylene Chaalali (Esperance), Ahmed Khalil (Club Africain), Saifeddine Khaoui (Troyes, France), Mohamed Wael Larbi (Tours, France), Karim Laribi (Cesena, Italy), Ferjani Sassi (Al Nasr, Saudi Arabia), Ellyes Skhiri (Montpellier, France), Naim Sliti (Dijon, France), Bassem Srarfi (Nice, France)

Forwards: Ahmed Akaichi (Al-Ittihad, Saudi Arabia), Fakhreddine Ben Youssef (Al Ittifaq, Saudi Arabia), Saber Khalifa (Club Africain), Wahbi Khazri (Rennes, France)

Uruguay (26-man provisional squad)

Goalkeepers: Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray), Martin Silva (Vasco da Gama), Martin Campana (Independiente).

Defenders: Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid), Sebastian Coates (Sporting CP), Jose Maria Gimenez (Atletico Madrid), Maximiliano Pereira (FC Porto), Gaston Silva (Independiente), Martin Caceres (Lazio), Guillermo Varela (Penarol).

Midfielders: Nahitan Nandez (Boca Juniors), Lucas Torreira (Sampdoria), Matias Vecino (Inter Milan), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Rodrigo Bentancur (Juventus), Carlos Sanchez (Monterrey), Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Cruzeiro), Diego Laxalt (Genoa), Cristian Rodriguez (Penarol), Jonathan Urretaviscaya (Monterrey), Nicolas Lodeiro (Seattle Sounders), Gaston Ramirez (Sampdoria).

Forwards: Cristhian Stuani (Girona), Maximiliano Gomez (Celta Vigo), Edinson Cavani (PSG), Luis Suarez (Barcelona).