Mexico were posed very few problems by Iraq in their first World Cup warm-up game, winning 4-0 in Girona on Wednesday.

Although many countries have been unable line up pre-tournament friendlies due to the awkward timing of Qatar 2022, El Tri will travel to the Middle East with two games under their belts.

Their first may not have been particularly competitive, but it did the job in providing an opportunity to build sharpness and confidence ahead of the tournament, with Mexico dominant throughout.

The first half was especially one-sided, but Tata Martino's men could only find the Iraq net once via Alexis Vega's simple finish following fine work by Jesus Gallardo at the end of a rapid counter.

Mexico's fortunes improved after the break, with Rogelio Funes Mori smashing into the roof of the net early in the second half, and it was 3-0 just past the hour – Gallardo unleashing an emphatic half-volley that gave the goalkeeper no chance.

The scoring was completed late on when a handball offence in the box led to a penalty, and Uriel Antuna coolly converted.

Mexico's second and final pre-World Cup game is against Sweden on Wednesday, with El Tri then set to face Poland, Argentina and Saudi Arabia in Group C.

Kalvin Phillips is optimistic of earning a place in England's World Cup squad after making his return to action, but accepts "anything can happen" due to his lack of playing time.

The midfielder has endured an injury-plagued time of things since joining Manchester City from Leeds United in the close season, featuring in just four of his side's 21 matches.

However, after a two-month spell on the sidelines with a shoulder injury, Phillips made his comeback as a substitute in Wednesday's 2-0 EFL Cup third-round win over Chelsea.

That 40-minute cameo came on the eve of Gareth Southgate naming his 26-man squad for Qatar 2022, and Phillips is hoping he has done enough to have earned a place.

"Anything can happen. I'm optimistic but I know with the amount of game time I've had there's always a doubt," he told Sky Sports when asked if he believes he will be included.

"I think with my injuries I've not been playing 100 per cent because of my shoulder. Now it's sorted I can get back to what I was before. Hopefully it'll put me in good stead."

Phillips has yet to start a game since arriving in a £45million deal, with his appearance against Chelsea his first of any sort since facing Borussia Dortmund on September 14.

The 26-year-old, who has 23 caps for England, admits he felt nervous when replacing Rodrigo early in the second period at the Etihad Stadium.

"It's an amazing feeling. It's been a long time. I'm glad to get back out there and play with the lads," he said.

"But without playing for a while, it's nerve-racking stepping onto the pitch for one of my first appearances for the club. It felt good.

"[It's been] difficult. When I first found out I needed the operation everything went out the window. I didn't feel great about the situation. 

"But after a couple of days I always made sure I worked hard. I was always positive. I'm back fit now so hopefully have a chance.

"A couple of days after the operation my thought was to get back and do as much as I could to get fit. I did more sessions than I would have done to get my fitness back."

Man City host Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday in their final match ahead of the World Cup, which begins for England on November 21 with a clash against Iran.

Asked if he believes Phillips is ready to play a part in the tournament, City boss Pep Guardiola said: "There's a lot of days to go until the first game. He's ready."

Karim Benzema will do everything he can to be 100 per cent fit for the World Cup after making France's squad for the tournament amid an injury-hit season, says Didier Deschamps.

Benzema won his first Ballon d'Or after leading Real Madrid to glory in LaLiga and the Champions League by scoring 44 goals last term, but has endured a frustrating 2022-23 campaign to date.

The striker has started just 11 games in all competitions this season, hitting the net six times, and Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti said the 34-year-old was "struggling" on Sunday after he suffered from muscular fatigue in his left quadriceps. 

However, Benzema will join the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud among France's attacking options in Qatar, and Deschamps hopes he will be in peak condition.

"Benzema has had a few minor injuries, but he knows that the World Cup is a very important moment," Deschamps said after revealing his 25-man squad on Wednesday. 

"He will do everything, like the whole group, to be 100 per cent."

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has also been included despite sustaining a leg injury in the Red Devils' Premier League draw at Chelsea last month, and Deschamps is optimistic regarding his chances of facing Australia in the team's Group D opener on November 22. 

"Presnel [Kimpembe] had a little problem but he will be available for the last league game on Sunday," Deschamps said.

"For Varane, it's a longer injury, but he will be available for the first game against Australia on the 22nd, if all goes well."

The World Cup holders will head to Qatar with a depleted set of midfield options after Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante were ruled out, while left-backs Ferland Mendy and Lucas Digne, as well as Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan – who suffered a calf injury in September – are among the other notable absentees.

France will be captained by Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in Qatar, whose inclusion in a fourth World Cup squad sees him equal the national record set by Thierry Henry (in the 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010 tournaments).

France World Cup squad: Alphonse Areola (West Ham), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Steve Mandanda (Rennes); Lucas Hernandez (Bayern Munich), Theo Hernandez (Milan), Presnel Kimpembe (Paris Saint-Germain), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Raphael Varane (Manchester United); Youssouf Fofana (Monaco), Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Matteo Guendouzi (Marseille), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Jordan Veretout (Marseille); Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Olivier Giroud (Milan), Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain), Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig).

Gareth Bale's lack of playing time is of no concern for Rob Page, who has backed the Los Angeles FC forward to leave his mark for Wales at the World Cup.

Former Real Madrid star Bale was named as part of Page's 26-man squad on Wednesday that will travel to Qatar for just Wales' second ever participation in the tournament.

The 33-year-old has managed only two starts for LAFC since joining from Madrid in July and has accumulated just 370 minutes on the field.

Bale has made his impact felt, though, having scored an extra-time equaliser from the substitutes' bench in Saturday's 3-3 draw with Philadelphia Union in the MLS Cup final.

Speaking after that match, which LAFC won on penalties for their first title, Bale said he is "not 100-per-cent fit" heading into Qatar 2022.

But having played an integral role in Wales' qualifying campaign, with winning strikes in the play-off wins over Austria and Ukraine, Page is confident he will play a big part again.

"Ideally would we want him to play more minutes? Of course. Am I worried? No," Page told reporters. 

"He's shown time and time again that irrespective of how many minutes he's played at club level he always comes in and has important moments in the game.

"Big players step up for big occasions. We've said it with Aaron [Ramsey] in the past – Hungary at home when he got two goals for us – and it's no different with Gareth.

"Opposing managers will look at the team sheet and if they see his name they know at any moment he can win a game for you."

Bale captains a squad that has no surprising inclusions or omissions, with Ramsey and Joe Allen also included, despite the latter being considered a major fitness doubt.

Rhys Norrington-Davies misses out with a hamstring issues, meaning a recall for Tom Lockyer, while forward Tyler Roberts also misses the cut due to a calf issue.

Wales face the United States in their opening Group B match on November 21, before taking on Iran and England.

Wales squad: Adam Davies (Sheffield United), Wayne Hennessey (Nottingham Forest), Danny Ward (Leicester City); Ethan Ampadu (Spezia, on loan from Chelsea), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Gunter (Wimbledon), Tom Lockyer (Luton Town), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth), Connor Roberts (Burnley), Joe Rodon (Rennes, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest); Joe Allen (Swansea City), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City), Dylan Levitt (Dundee United), Joe Morrell (Portsmouth), Aaron Ramsey (Nice), Matthew Smith (Milton Keynes Dons), Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield Town), Jonny Williams (Swindon Town), Harry Wilson (Fulham); Gareth Bale (Los Angeles FC), Mark Harris (Cardiff City), Dan James (Fulham, on loan from Leeds United), Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest), Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth).

Lionel Messi may have declared Qatar 2022 will be his last World Cup, but Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni is hopeful that will not be the case.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Messi will take part in the global showpiece for a fifth time when the tournament gets under way later this month.

Messi, who will turn 39 during the 2026 edition, stated in an interview last month this would be "my last World Cup, surely, yes".

However, Scaloni is optimistic the former Barcelona star will still have a part to play for Argentina should they qualify for the next finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

"It may be his last World Cup, but hopefully not," Scaloni told CNN. "He is happy on the field and makes a lot of people happy.

"If we take care of him and carry him as we have to, there is the possibility of more games, because the world of football asks for it."

Messi has a combined 26 goals and assists for PSG this season – a tally only Erling Haaland and team-mate Neymar can match among players from Europe's top five leagues.

The 35-year-old is nursing an Achilles injury that kept him out of PSG's 2-1 win at Lorient last weekend, but Scaloni has no concerns over his fitness.

"No player is going to reach 100 per cent ahead of the World Cup," he said. "We will do our best in the final week before the tournament to help every player.

"There are some who will not play the last games [for their clubs] as a precaution, but we know they are fine."

Messi has scored six goals at the World Cup, but he has yet to find the net in 756 minutes of action in the knockout stages of the competition.

The closest Messi has come to lifting the famous trophy was in 2014 when playing a big part in Argentina's run to the final in Brazil, where they were beaten by Germany.

He scored (four) or assisted (one) five of his side's eight goals in that edition en route to winning the Golden Ball award.

Argentina did not fare as well at Russia 2018, where they lost to France in the last 16, but they head to Qatar as one of the favourites on the back of winning the Copa America.

"The most important thing is the players enjoy playing in this jersey," Scaloni added. "You cannot think about the title because it generated an anxiety that doesn't let you perform.

"The prelude to the first match of a World Cup generates a different attitude in you, and we have to work a lot on the emotional side of things."

Argentina begin their World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia on November 22, before facing Mexico and Poland in their other Group C matches.

"Wales, golf, Madrid, in that order," read the flag – and that order of priority means Gareth Bale will miss out on his favourite pastime while at the Qatar World Cup.

Bale is a keen golf fan – his love of the sport celebrated by fans of Wales and irritating supporters at former club Real Madrid – but Wales come first.

That is the explanation Rob Page had for his captain after revealing there will be no time for golf during the finals.

Wales boss Page had sought to arrange a round for his team in Doha, but the limited daylight put paid to those plans.

"Yeah, there's no golf," Page said of his conversation with Bale. "We're out there to do a job.

"In the past, I may get Gareth, Kieffer Moore or Aaron Ramsey come up to me and say, 'What's the plan for tomorrow afternoon? Are there meetings?'

"I'd say, 'No, there are no meetings, so if you want nine holes then go and play'. But that is when you have a week building up to a double-header.

"Out there, we won't have enough time. Every four days, there is a game. It's relentless."

Wales open their World Cup campaign against the United States on November 21, before then facing Iran and England in their other Group B matches.

Kaka is keen to see compatriot Neymar establish himself as the "heir" to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as he backed Brazil as favourites for the World Cup.

The South American giants head to Qatar in search of their first crown since victory in 2002, when Kaka was part of the squad, following 20 years of European dominance on the world stage.

Brazil are seen as leading contenders at Qatar 2022, alongside arch-rivals Argentina, with Kaka highlighting the fact that it is likely to be Messi and Ronaldo's last tournament.

Neymar, now 30, could have at least one more World Cup appearance in his locker before he hangs up his boots, and Kaka is keen for the Paris Saint-Germain forward to follow Messi and Ronaldo's lead at the pinnacle of the game.

"The different time in the calendar, the temperature, the lack of travel and the possibility to start recovering right away are all factors that will play a role. The champions will be in top shape in my mind," he told Gazzetta Dello Sport.

"In theory, it will be the last one for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. I'm curious to see their impact. They will try to prove that they are still leaders.

"I'd like for Neymar to be anointed as their heir in this occasion considering his talent, and the person and player he has become."

Kaka also explained why he feels Brazil are confident of victory, while adding that he fancies Serbia to cause a stir.

"Brazil is the favourite because they have been working in on it for a long time. It was right to appoint Tite, and the group has the correct mix of youth and experience," he added.

"The other top contenders are Argentina and France, while Serbia might be a surprise."

Brazil begin their campaign against Serbia on November 24, before then tackling Switzerland and Cameroon in their other Group G contests.

Yann Sommer's return from injury provided a boost for Switzerland as they announced their 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup.

The Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper, who suffered an ankle injury in a DFB-Pokal defeat to Darmstadt three weeks ago, is one of four goalkeepers named in Murat Yakin’s squad, with concerns over the fitness of Sommer and Jonas Omlin.

Switzerland have named an experienced squad and will be hoping to build on their impressive performance at Euro 2020, which saw them defeat then-reigning champions France before losing on penalties to Spain in the quarter-finals.

Manchester City's Manuel Akanji and Newcastle United stalwart Fabian Schar make up an experienced centre-back combination, with Fulham’s right-back Kevin Mbabu a surprise absentee in defence.

Granit Xhaka will be looking to carry his fine early-season form with Arsenal into Qatar 2022, with the experienced midfielder selected alongside Chelsea's on-loan Denis Zakaria and new Nottingham Forest-signing Remo Freuler in the middle of the park.
 
Former Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri, who now plays for Chicago Fire, will feature in his fourth FIFA World Cup and will be looking to add to his 108 caps for the national side. 

Galatasaray forward Haris Seferovic, who has 25 goals for Switzerland, provides experience to a forward line that also boasts the talents of Breel Embolo and Salzburg youngster Noah Okafor.

In a statement, coach Yakin said: "We were spoilt for choice in some positions.

"Many players have delivered convincing performances in recent weeks and months. But in the end, I had to limit myself to 26 names. I'm convinced that these 26 players can always help us to achieve our goals."

Switzerland begin their difficult Group G campaign on November 24 against Cameroon before facing familiar opposition in Brazil and Serbia, who were both part of the Swiss' 2018 World Cup group.

Switzerland Squad: Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund), Philipp Kohn (Salzburg), Jonas Omlin (Montpellier), Yann Sommer (Borussia Monchengladbach); Manuel Akanji (Manchester City), Eray Comert (Valencia), Nico Elvedi (Borussia Monchengladbach), Edimilson Fernandes (Mainz), Ricardo Rodriguez (Torino), Fabian Schar (Newcastle), Silvan Widmer (Mainz); Michel Aebischer (Bologna), Christian Fassnacht (Young Boys), Fabian Frei (Basel), Remo Freuler (Nottingham Forest), Ardon Jashari (Lucerne), Fabian Rieder (Young Boys), Xherdan Shaqiri (Chicago Fire), Djibril Sow (Eintracht Frankfurt), Renato Steffen (Lugano), Granit Xhaka (Arsenal), Denis Zakaria (Chelsea); Breel Embolo (Monaco), Noah Okafor (Salzburg), Haris Seferovic (Benfica, loan to Galatasaray), Ruben Vargas (Augsburg).

Bayern Munich have confirmed Sadio Mane sustained an injury to his right fibula head, though did not rule the Senegal star out of the FIFA World Cup.

Mane went off injured during Bayern's rout of Werder Bremen on Tuesday.

Julian Nagelsmann subsequently revealed Mane had suffered a suspected shin issue and would be assessed further on Wednesday, though reports in France and Germany claimed the 30-year-old former Liverpool attacker would not return to fitness in time to feature for Senegal in Qatar.

On Wednesday, Bayern confirmed the nature of Mane's injury, with the problem sustained at the top of his right fibula, with the Bundesliga champions ruling him out of their clash with Schalke on Saturday.

Bayern stated: "Mane suffered an injury to his right fibula head. He is out for the game against Schalke.

"Further examinations will follow in the next few days, FC Bayern will be in contact with the medical side of the Senegalese Football Association."

The Africa Cup of Nations winners name their squad on Friday, and it remains to be seen whether Mane will be risked, given his importance to Senegal's chances of progressing from Group A, which includes the Netherlands, Ecuador and hosts Qatar.

South Korea forward Son Heung-min says he would not miss the Qatar 2022 World Cup "for the world", confirming he will be available for the tournament.

The Tottenham attacker's participation had been in doubt after suffering a fracture near his left eye during a Champions League clash with Marseille at the start of this month.

Club boss Antonio Conte had previously stated it would be "impossible" for the player to feature for Spurs before the mid-season break, sparking fears he could miss out on the World Cup entirely.

Now however, Son - who has 35 goals in 104 senior appearances for South Korea - has revealed he will be fit to feature, and that he is expected to join his country in Qatar.

"I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you all for the messages of support I have received over the last week," the forward wrote on Instagram. 

"I have read so many of them and truly, truly appreciate you all.

"In a tough time I received a lot of strength from you. Playing for your country at the World Cup is the dream of so many children growing up, just as it was one of mine too.

"I won’t miss this for the world. I can’t wait to represent our beautiful country. See you soon."

News of Son's availability for the South Korea team will come as a major boost, with the 30-year-old - a member of their Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018 squads - now set for his third World Cup.

The Spurs forward needs to make just one more appearance to sit 10th on the country's all-time capped list in men's international football, jointly with Kim Tae-young and Lee Dong-gook on 105.

South Korea kick off their campaign against Uruguay on November 24.

Reece James has confirmed his hopes of competing for England at the World Cup are over.

The Chelsea defender suffered a knee injury in October and always looked unlikely to recover in time to make the cut for Qatar, with Gareth Southgate set to name his Three Lions squad on Thursday.

James refused to give up hope, insisting he would do everything in his power to feature, but on Wednesday the 22-year-old conceded he will not return to fitness in time.

"Devastated," James posted on social media.

"The minute I injured my knee, I knew the turnaround to make the World Cup would be tight, but I always felt it was possible. 

"I've worked harder than I ever thought I could to give myself the best chance of going and truly believed I could help the team.

"I appreciate there was risk on both sides but it was one I was willing to take.

"Good luck to the boys. I'll be back soon. Stay safe and sending love."

James has been joined on the absentee list by his Chelsea club-mate and fellow full-back Ben Chilwell, who has suffered a serious hamstring injury.

Kyle Walker is also a doubt due to an abdominal problem.

England are not the only team to be hit by injuries to potentially crucial players just before the tournament.

France, whose squad will be confirmed on Wednesday, are without Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante, while Timo Werner will be absent for Germany.

Sadio Mane, meanwhile, is reportedly a major doubt after sustaining a fibula injury while playing for Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has quelled suggestions that Karim Benzema is unavailable for club action in order to keep him fit for the World Cup.

The France international is set to represent the defending champions in Qatar but enters the tournament with a lack of minutes, having last appeared domestically against Elche on October 19.

Those fitness issues will once again keep Benzema absent from Thursday's trip to Cadiz, the final game before Qatar 2022, where Madrid are looking to bounce back after a surprise defeat to Rayo Vallecano on Monday.

Benzema's recent absence has not resulted in any concerns that he could be missing for France, leading to suggestions that he may just be being rested to ensure he does not get injured ahead of the tournament.

But Ancelotti denied that was the case.

"It has bothered me that he has not been able to help us with his quality - he has tried but he has not been able to come back from this small thing, so he is not available," Ancelotti said in Wednesday's press conference.

"I don't have to say anything to anyone. The first disappointed person is Karim, who arrives at the World Cup without the necessary minutes to be in good condition.

"To think that he has been rested, I do not believe it, it is silly. He has not stopped; he has trained alone, but the feelings he had were not good.

"It means he arrives at the World Cup with few minutes in his legs."

Asked whether Benzema ever felt his World Cup involvement was in doubt, Ancelotti added: "No, apart from that big injury against Celtic, it's been two small things."

Madrid's defeat last time out leaves the defending LaLiga champions five points adrift of leaders Barcelona, albeit with a game in hand, and Ancelotti highlighted a drop in intensity as the reason for his side's decline.

He added: "If you lower intensity against teams that do not play in Europe, such as Rayo, they can be at a higher level than the rest.

"It's less noticeable when you're playing against teams that do play in Europe."

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric is set to compete in his fourth World Cup finals, having been named in Croatia's squad for the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Zlatko Dalic's side – beaten by France in the final of the 2018 edition in Russia – begin their campaign on November 23 against Morocco, then tackling Canada and Belgium in Group F, standing as favourites to advance as group winners.

Croatia boast an experienced squad, with captain Modric included alongside Chelsea's Mateo Kovacic, Inter's Marcelo Brozovic and Tottenham's Ivan Perisic, though key players from the 2018 campaign such as Ivan Rakitic and Danijel Subasic have bowed out of international football, while Mario Mandzukic has retired altogether and will instead be on Dalic's bench as an assistant coach.

Bayern Munich defender Josip Stanisic and RB Leipzig's highly rated Josko Gvardiol have been selected alongside experienced duo Domagoj Vida and Dejan Lovren, but there is no place for Southampton's Duje Caleta-Car, who has been capped 23 times by Croatia and was named in Dalic's preliminary selection.

Wolfsburg forward Josip Brekalo, who has represented his country 33 times, is another high-profile name to miss out. Mislav Orsic, the Dinamo Zagreb forward who has impressed in the Champions League and Europa League in recent seasons, has made the cut.

Speaking about his selection, Dalic said: "These are the players that my staff and I believe in. There will be no pressure, we will take it one game at a time.

"The first match for us is the most important and all our focus is on Morocco. We are optimistic but need to be realistic. It is a big deal for Croatia to be at the World Cup, we will take it step by step and do the best we can."

Croatia will also face Canada and Belgium in Group F in Qatar.

Croatia squad: Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Ivica Ivusic (Osijek), Ivo Grbic (Atletico Madrid); Domagoj Vida (AEK Athens), Dejan Lovren (Zenit), Borna Barisic (Rangers), Josip Juranovic (Celtic), Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig), Borna Sosa (Stuttgart), Josip Stanisic (Bayern Munich), Martin Erlic (Sassuolo), Josip Sutalo (Dinamo Zagreb); Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea), Marcelo Brozovic (Inter), Mario Pasalic (Atalanta), Nikola Vlasic (Torino), Lovro Majer (Rennes), Kristijan Jakic (Eintracht Frankfurt), Luka Sucic (Salzburg), Ivan Perisic (Tottenham); Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim), Bruno Petkovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Mislav Orsic (Dinamo Zagreb), Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Marko Livaja (Hajduk Split).

EA Sports has used FIFA 23 to predict the outcome of the 2022 World Cup, with Argentina backed to beat Brazil in an all-South American final.

The tournament gets underway on November 20 and Brazil and reigning Copa America champions Argentina will have high hopes, as they look to end a 20-year dominant streak by European nations.

Argentina, defeated by Germany in the 2014 final, are predicted by FIFA 23 to end that streak.

Lionel Messi is also forecasted to win the Golden Boot with a return of seven goals in eight matches.

Interestingly, EA Sports has correctly picked the winners from each of the last three World Cup finals and are looking to make it four on the spin – while they also predicted the outcome for the team of the tournament.

Victors Argentina unsurprisingly dominate, with Emiliano Martinez, Marcos Acuna, Leandro Paredes, and Rodrigo de Paul joining Messi in the side for this year's competition, according to the video game.

Defeated finalists Brazil have Marquinhos, Vinicius Junior and Richarlison in the XI, with the team completed by France duo Kylian Mbappe and Raphael Varane, as well as Portugal's Joao Cancelo.

Cristian Volpato's decision on his international allegiance is a personal one that "should not be sped up", Roma head coach Jose Mourinho has said.

With the 18-year-old scoring two goals and contributing one assist in just 106 minutes of Serie A football for Roma, a fierce battle for Volpato's services at international level has emerged.

Born in New South Wales, Volpato is also eligible to represent Italy and has featured at youth level for the European side.

Australia had hoped the lure of World Cup football, with the Socceroos tackling France, Tunisia and Denmark in Group D in Qatar, would persuade Volpato to select his country of birth – with European champions Italy not qualifying for the tournament.

However, Volpato rejected the call-up, not wishing to rush into a decision, and Mourinho believes it was the right call.

"I think it is a personal decision and the club has not been involved. As a coach, for example, I would refuse to call up a player, even a young one, in a situation like that," he said in a press conference.

"What I understand is that he is at the beginning of his career and that he's growing with Roma by getting more minutes in consecutive matches.

"It's not like last year where he played just one game against Verona and then he didn't play again, I think he has now played four games in a row.

"He is in a development phase where I think he has to focus on building his future and not on certain decisions where maybe someone else wants to accelerate a process that should not be sped up."

Volpato used social media on Wednesday to issue a comment on the matter.

"I've seen lots of speculation about decisions I have supposedly taken at international level: the truth is I am just at the start of my professional career and I am totally focused on continuing that process at Roma," he posted on Instagram.

"Making any sort of rushed decision about my international future at this early stage risks being extremely premature.

"There will be plenty of time for me to make the decision that feels right for me, but right now I know my focus needs to be continuing to work hard each and every day in order to continue improving as a player."