LiveScore Daily: Today’s football news in bite-sized chunks

Gavin Glicksman
LiveScore
Sven-Goran Eriksson insists England cannot afford for Harry Kane to be off his game in Qatar
Sven-Goran Eriksson insists England cannot afford for Harry Kane to be off his game in Qatar

LiveScore Daily is here to deliver all the big talking points from the world of football throughout the day. Keep refreshing this page for the latest stories in bite-sized chunks.

Top man

Sven-Goran Eriksson believes skipper Harry Kane remains the key to England's World Cup hopes. 

Much is expected of Gareth Southgate’s young, dynamic attacking options such as Phil Foden, James Maddison, Bukayo Saka and Jack Grealish in Qatar. 

But Eriksson is adamant that Three Lions stalwart Kane is the one player Southgate needs to be on top of his game if they are to lift the trophy next month. 

The Swede, 74, said: "It’s Kane, for sure. He is the one who will score the goals and if he is in good shape England can do it. 

"They are all important players but he is the most important. If he is fit and at his best I think England can do it. 

"The only problem Southgate has is to pick the XI. He has a lot of options. Good options."

Eriksson, who guided England to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2002 and 2006, as well as at Euro 2004, believes Southgate’s side are among the favourites along with Brazil, Argentina, France and Germany. 

He added: "I think this is one of those World Cups where you can’t say who is going to win it. If you asked 100 experts they will come up with different answers. 

"I think there are five favourites and England are one of them. If they have a little bit of luck, no bad injuries to important players, then everything is possible."

Bring it on

Ethan Ampadu is not letting the sweltering conditions take his focus off the challenge that lies ahead
Ethan Ampadu is not letting the sweltering conditions take his focus off the challenge that lies ahead

Ethan Ampadu is confident Wales will stand the heat in Qatar. 

The Dragons have pushed back the start of their daily training sessions from 1.30pm to 4pm local time after being shocked by the excessive winter temperatures on their arrival in the Gulf state. 

Even though it is mid-November, early afternoon temperatures have been well above average at more than 30ºC. 

But Chelsea defender Ampadu, who is on loan at Serie A side Spezia, is taking it all in his stride as he prepares for his first World Cup. 

The versatile 22-year-old said: "Of course it’s hot but it’s going to be hot for everyone. It’s something we’ll have to deal with. For us it’s about trying to manage that."

Cardiff forward Mark Harris, 23, added: "We went out for a walk about 11am and it was very warm. We were sweating just walking around the hotel. 

"Obviously, we are not too used to heat like this. But I wouldn’t say it’s daunting or anything. I am not sure if there will be drinks breaks or not. That would help."

Wales begin their Group B campaign against the USA on Monday. 

Haller reveals next step in cancer battle

Sebastien Haller is determined to overcome testicular cancer
Sebastien Haller is determined to overcome testicular cancer

Former West Ham striker Sebastien Haller needs surgery to remove a testicular tumour. 

Borussia Dortmund ace Haller, 28, has been undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with testicular cancer in July. 

And he took to Twitter last night to reveal the next step in his battle. He said: "As planned from the beginning, different possibilities were considered following the chemo. 

"I tell you that the fight is not over for me. I will have to undergo an operation to permanently end this tumour which keeps me away from the pitch."

Haller spent 18 months with the Hammers after joining in 2019 for a then club record £45million from Eintracht Frankfurt. 

He moved to Ajax in January 2021 and signed for Dortmund in July. Haller has scored four goals in 15 appearances for Ivory Coast.

Madd for it

James Maddison is determined to prove his worth in an England shirt
James Maddison is determined to prove his worth in an England shirt

James Maddison cannot wait to get going at the World Cup after using repeated snubs to fuel his return to Gareth Southgate's England squad. 

Despite his fine form for Leicester, one-cap Maddison was widely expected to be left out when Southgate announced his 26-man party for Qatar. 

But the Three Lions boss answered repeated calls for the Foxes playmaker to be included, admitting his most recent purple patch was too good to ignore. 

And Maddison, 25, is keen to prove he fully deserves the call-up. He said: "I’ve only had 30 minutes of international football. But I’m a player who has a lot of self-belief. 

"If called upon, I believe I am a player who can make something happen. And I’ll continue with that confidence because I think all the top players have that sense of confidence that borders on arrogance. 

"There’s a line and you hear a lot of ex-players talking about it but you’ve got to have that confidence. I wouldn’t be here without it.

"So if called upon, I will do my best to produce that moment of magic and have that self-belief that I do belong at this stage."

Social media users target Camavinga

Eduardo Camavinga has received racist social media messages since Christopher Nkunku was ruled out of the World Cup. 

Real Madrid midfielder Camavinga, 20, was involved in a heavy challenge with Nkunku during a training session earlier this week.

The RB Leipzig ace suffered a knee injury and has been replaced in France's squad by Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani. 

In a post condemning the abuse Camavinga has received since the incident, the French Football Federation tweeted: "Following Christopher Nkunku's injury, Eduardo Camavinga was the victim of racist messages on social media. 

"The FFF condemns these attacks in the strongest possible terms and is in full support of Eduardo."

Hatters swoop for Edwards

Rob Edwards has been appointed as Luton's new manager. 

Having succeeded Nathan Jones, who left Kenilworth Road for Southampton earlier this month, he is relishing the opportunity to show why he is regarded as one of the Football League's most coveted young coaches. 

Edwards, 39, said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be here. It’s a really exciting opportunity to manage this great football club and I can’t wait to get started.

"From the outside, looking in at Luton, you see such a well-run football club, a club that’s growing, moving forward and competing at the right end of the Championship. 

"It’s a club that did fantastically well last season and is doing so well now. When the opportunity opened up, straight away, you see there is a terrific group of players there and a club that’s only looking in one direction.

"You can see it’s a club that puts its people and supporters first. I feel a lot of positivity around the place and I’m really thankful to be given the chance to be part of it."

Edwards took charge of Luton's Championship rivals Watford in May but was sacked on September 26 after the Hornets won just three of 11 games under his leadership.  

Tags

World CupEnglandHarry KaneBorussia DortmundSebastien HallerFranceLuton TownChampionshipWales