Saturday Star

WORLD CUP HOTTEST 11 LINE-UP

FROM SOUTH AMERICAN STUDS, THE ENGLISH LADS AND THE SUPERSTARS, THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE’S TASTE

- KARISHMA DIPA karishma.dipa@inl.co.za

BRAZIL and Argentina might be among the favourites to win the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 trophy next month.

But if you are looking for more than just fancy footwork, we have compiled a starting 11 as well as a full substitute­s bench, which serve as special mentions of some of the hottest footballer­s at this year’s tournament. From South American studs, the English lads and superstars, there is something for everyone’s taste.

Working with a 4-3-3 formation, which includes a goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielder­s and three forwards, the handsome football squad is drawn from all 32 competing teams.

The list also includes a full bench of 15 substitute­s, as per updated Fifa guidelines. The number has increased from 12 for this year’s competitio­n and will come into effect in Qatar as officials look to accommodat­e the unusual nature of the tournament.

This tournament will, for the very first time, be played in November and December instead of June and July to accommodat­e the Middle Eastern heat. Teams’ use of a bigger bench also comes as football’s decisionma­kers try to tackle fixture congestion and if illness breaks out in the squad.

Here is our Hottest Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 starting line-up and full substitute­s bench:

Goalkeeper

Alisson Becker

The Brazil goalkeeper and Liverpool’s Number 1 is not just a stunner between the sticks. His smoulderin­g allure and calm and confident nature have earned him a starting spot in our first 11.

Right Back

Kieran Trippier (England) The English footballer, who has also been a sensation at his club Newcastle, is a sight to behold. His dashing eyes, dark features, and undisputed talent makes him one to watch during this World Cup.

Central Defenders

Fabian Schar (Switzerlan­d) The Swiss stud is sure to have heads turning during the World Cup, and not just for his skills. The tall, handsome defender, with his luxuriant hair and alluring gaze, is yet another one to watch during the tournament.

Virgil van Dijk (Netherland­s) The world-class Dutch and Liverpool defender is one of the most famous footballer­s and has millions of female fans across the world. He’s tall, he’s strong, and he looks great in the Netherland­s’ orange kit.

Left Back

Alphonso Davies (Canada) The Canada and Bayern Munich left back is acclaimed on social media for his playful personalit­y, and his charm makes him a natural in front of the cameras.

Midfielder­s

Joshua Kimmich (Germany) Not only is the Germany and Bayern Munich midfielder a beauty on the pitch, his dashing smile and effortless appeal make him one of the best eye candies at the World Cup.

Jude Bellingham (England) The youngster will have all eyes on him during the global sporting event. But it won’t just be for his incredible talent and form. His confidence, maturity and striking jawline will certainly earn him even more fans.

Marcos Llorente (Spain)

His jawline, dishevelle­d hair and chiselled abs makes it no surprise for the Spain and Atlético Madrid midfielder to feature on our list as one of the hottest footballer­s at the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022.

Forwards

Jack Grealish (England)

The England and Manchester City forward is widely and quite controvers­ially regarded as the modern-day David Beckham. And his slick haircut, minuscule shin pads, massive calves

and mysterious enigma will certainly have hearts racing across the globe. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) CR7 needs no introducti­on. The Portuguese captain might be 37 years old, but he continues to be a sight to behold, as well as being arguably one of the best footballer­s to play the game.

Marcus Rashford (England) Mr Marcus Rashford, MBE, is the definition of beauty inside and out. The England and Manchester United forward has obvious good looks, but his devotion to feeding the UK’S underprivi­leged children and co-writing a book to inspire youngsters to read is only more evidence of his inner beauty.

Substitute­s bench

Rui Patricio (Portugal) Amir Abedzadeh (Iran), Tarek Salman (Qatar), Sergino Dest (US), Fabian Schar (Switzerlan­d), Jules Kounde (France), Mason Mount (England), Frenkie de Jong (Netherland­s), Yannick Carrasco (Belgium), Neymar (Brazil), Paulo Dybala (Argentina), Antony (Brazil), Eden Hazard (Belgium), Antoine Griezmann (France), Lautaro Martinez (Argentina).

 ?? ??
 ?? | INSTAGRAM ?? CRISTIANO RONALDO
| INSTAGRAM CRISTIANO RONALDO
 ?? MARCUS RASHFORD
| INSTAGRAM ??
MARCUS RASHFORD | INSTAGRAM
 ?? | INSTAGRAM ?? MARCOS LLORENTE
| INSTAGRAM MARCOS LLORENTE
 ?? | INSTAGRAM ?? JUDE BELLINGHAM
| INSTAGRAM JUDE BELLINGHAM
 ?? | INSTAGRAM ?? ALPHONSO DAVIES
| INSTAGRAM ALPHONSO DAVIES
 ?? | INSTAGRAM ?? JOSHUA KIMMICH
| INSTAGRAM JOSHUA KIMMICH
 ?? | INSTAGRAM ?? ALISSON BECKER
| INSTAGRAM ALISSON BECKER
 ?? | INSTAGRAM ?? KIERAN TRIPPIER
| INSTAGRAM KIERAN TRIPPIER
 ?? | INSTAGRAM ?? VIRGIL VAN DIJK
| INSTAGRAM VIRGIL VAN DIJK
 ?? | INSTAGRAM ?? JACK GREALISH
| INSTAGRAM JACK GREALISH
 ?? | INSTAGRAM ?? FABIAN SCHAR
| INSTAGRAM FABIAN SCHAR

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