Lasso is on board

FULHAM defender Tim Ream is among the USA’s World Cup-bound squad members to receive well wishes from fictional TV football coach Ted Lasso.

Giant yellow banners have appeared in the home towns of the players in Gregg Berhalter’s 26-man squad this week, each with a personalised message from Jason Sudeikis’ popular character as they set off for Qatar.

Lasso, a former American Football coach, takes over as coach of English football club AFC Richmond, despite having no experience in the game.

Ream’s message, placed on a billboard in St Louis, Missouri, reads: “There should be a warning before the tournament to load up on SPF and sunglasses to protect everyone from the Tim Ream beam, I know I’ll be doubling up on my visors.”