Justin fears Qatar heartbreak

JAMES JUSTIN will learn today whether his hopes of making England’s World Cup squad remain alive after he was carried off during Leicester’s win over Newport.

The full back, who was named in Gareth Southgate’s 55-man long list for the tournament was due to have a scan just hours before the final squad is named. Justin contested a bouncing ball with Newport’s Adam Lewis and immediately signalled to the bench. Moments later he was taken off on a stretcher. ‘He felt something and he will need a scan,’ said assistant manager Chris Davies. ‘We will see what the diagnosis is.’

Justin had put his team ahead on the cusp of half-time before suffering the injury on the hour mark. Jamie Vardy then scored twice to seal Leicester’s spot in the last 16.

Justin had hoped his ability to play in either full-back position, as well as in a back three, might book him a spot in the final squad. But the sudden end to his night brought back uncomfortable memories of his injury against Brighton in 2021 after which he did not return for another 11 months.