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Football London
Football London
Sport
Tom Coley

Tottenham at the World Cup today amid Cristiano Romero injury decision, £35m Antonio Conte scout

The World Cup is truly underway and England fans are that bit more excited now after dispatching Iran for six in their tournament opener to dispell early pessimism...for now at least.

The wait for the big hitters at Qatar will shortly be over though, as South American stars Argentina get us started against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, before Wednesday sees some of Europe's own hopefuls playing for the first time.

The carnival of football has begun and there's plenty for Tottenham fans to keep an eye on. Not only did Harry Kane play and captain the Three Lions in the 6-2 win, Eric Dier came on as a substitute. Meanwhile, Pape Matar Sarr sat out Senegal's 2-0 defeat to Netherlands, while Joe Rodon battled to a 1-1 draw for Wales against USA in an important group opener.

READ MORE: Gareth Southgate's Eric Dier England stance clear after Harry Maguire World Cup injury scare

That's enough looking back though, here's what's on the agenda for Tuesday, and where Spurs fans can set their interests.

Cristian Romero

Having played through pain and a hamstring injury for much of the final two months before the domestic break, Spurs' Argentine star returns to the fold once more.

The 24-year-old missed the last four games of the league season - in which his side scored nine goals and won two - but also returned most midweeks to feature in the Champions League, despite his knocks. Antonio Conte's warrior in defence is also a favourite of Lionel Scaloni with Argentina, having handed him his debut in 2021, and he has opted to start him against Saudi Arabia.

Lionel Messi is always the star when the Albicelestes are in town and his side are one of the tournament favourites. Former Spurs defender Juan Foyth will also be in action. Argentina kick off at 10am UK time.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

One of Spurs' best players this season, Hojbjerg is part of a Denmark team that many are expecting big things from in Qatar. They reached the semi-finals at Euro 2020 and the 27-year-old is a pillar in the midfield.

With three goals and two assists in the league already, Hojbjerg has added a new dimension to his game this season for Conte and will be looking to do the same for his nation after only scoring five times in 60 matches.

Hobjerg has never scored more than four in a season before but is relishing the new responsibility on his shoulders in North London. He'll be in action in the second game of the day against Tunisia, kicking off at 1pm UK time.

Piotr Zielinski

There's no immediate link for Tottenham in the final game of the day between Mexico and Poland but there is a transfer target they can look out for.

Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinksi fits the mould of attacking star that Conte has been looking for in the past year. With the Italian boss desperate to add some impetus to his attack, looking at James Maddison and Nicolo Zaniolo throughout the summer, Zielinski is one to keep an eye on during the World Cup.

The 28-year-old has three goals and five assists from midfield and is capable of playing further forward or deeper to suit the needs of a formation. He has also played in Italy for over 10 years which may convince Conte of his suitability for a move.

He is out of contract in 2024 and is currently valued at £35m by Transfermarkt.

Although there is nothing to suggest the Polish man is on the radar for Fabio Paratici, with no clear links between Mexico and Poland, Zielinski might be a worthwhile scouting mission in the 4pm kick off.

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