- 40m ago Newcastle seals a £24.2m deal for goalkeeper Jaouen from Reims
- 3h ago PFA award nominees have been revealed
- 4h ago World Cup 2026: comprehensive guide on all 1,248 players
- 4h ago Overview
Fresh off their Premier League triumph, Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard is determined to leave his mark for Belgium in the forthcoming World Cup.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to get started,” he stated on Friday, just a day after reuniting with teammates following the Champions League final last Saturday.
“Everyone is entering the World Cup preparations with immense enthusiasm, which is very encouraging. I’ve only been part of one training session so far, so not much has caught my eye yet, but I can tell that everyone is focused and ready to begin the tournament.”
When questioned about his current fitness level, Trossard commented, “That’s always a tricky question. However, I genuinely feel in great shape and hope to maintain that form throughout the World Cup.”
He also noted that having won the Premier League enhances Belgium’s chances, saying, “It’s an advantage when players arrive with titles, but it doesn’t elevate anyone’s status, including mine. I aim to leverage that experience for the national team.”
Reflecting on Arsenal’s season, he remarked, “We’ve had an impressive journey with Arsenal. Naturally, it’s disheartening how the Champions League ended. Penalty shootouts can feel like a gamble, and it was nerve-wracking to watch from the sidelines. Nevertheless, we take pride in claiming the English title and had a remarkable season.”
Regarding his future at the club, Trossard kept his options open, saying, “For the moment, I’m still an Arsenal player. We’ll see how things develop this summer.”
Belgium is scheduled to face Tunisia in a friendly match in Brussels on Saturday before heading to the World Cup across Canada, Mexico, and the US, where they will initiate their Group G journey against Egypt in Seattle on June 15.
Curious about Sergiño Dest’s situation with the USMNT? I know you are.
Jeff Rueter has all the relevant details here:
Scottish football’s pinnacle offers a unique ambiance for those who appreciate stability. Neil Doncaster, the chief executive of the Scottish Professional Football League, has been with the Scottish Premier League since 2009. Interestingly, Ian Maxwell, who was brought in from the struggling Partick Thistle, has held the position of chief executive at the Scottish Football Association since 2018. Scot Gemmill has managed the under-21 team for ten years, despite mixed results.
Whether viewed optimistically or pessimistically, this scenario either represents commendable continuity or a domain where advancement fails to attract attention from larger leagues.
In this light, Steve Clarke’s four-year contract extension as Scotland’s manager is unsurprising. “It’s quite remarkable for anyone to suggest that renewing his contract is a risk,” Maxwell expressed. The Scottish FA’s president, Mike Mulraney, shared similar sentiments of confidence regarding the agreement, stating, “I don’t need others to affirm my choices.”
Next in Friday’s football schedule: a feature by Ewan Murray on Scotland’s head coach, Steve Clarke. They will face Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil, with their opening match against Haiti set for Sunday, June 14, at 2 am UK time.
For more context, watch for Alexis Saelemaekers of Belgium, who has demonstrated impressive talent during his loan at Roma.
Sweden finds itself in Group F for the World Cup alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia, making for an exciting lineup.
Don’t overlook our indispensable guide featuring every player who will participate in the tournament:
“I have acquired enough life experience to put everything into perspective,” Potter remarked. “I’m grateful for all my experiences, both positive and negative. Ultimately, you must confront whatever life presents. After West Ham, I had two choices: remain idle and engage in media or dive back into work.”
Next, an intriguing interview with Sweden’s head coach, Graham Potter, conducted by Jacob Steinberg …
“It was sweltering in ‘94,” exclaimed Alexi Lalas, the former USA defender and now Fox Sports analyst, who made a significant impact during his country’s hosting of the World Cup that year. “And guess what? It’s going to be hot again this time.”
Lalas’s powerful assertion came last December during the draw in Washington, D.C., for this summer’s tournament. His commanding presence was hard to ignore. Lalas is known for being vociferous, self-assured, and candid, even sharing his thoughts on England’s chances in the finals, despite their failure to qualify 32 years ago.
To sum up, Lalas made it clear that England plans to arrive on his turf with aspirations of taking home the trophy, and he is decidedly not in favor of that. His reasons against England remained unclear. Anyway …
Next, a report from David Hytner, who is covering England’s World Cup hopefuls in Tampa.
Newcastle has completed a £24.2m, four-year deal with Reims for goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen. The 20-year-old, standing at 6 feet 6 inches, garnered significant attention across Europe after achieving 15 clean sheets last season in Ligue 2. He is regarded as a potential future starting keeper for France.
At present, Jaouen will join Newcastle as Eddie Howe’s second-choice goalkeeper. Following Aaron Ramsdale’s recent return to Southampton after a season-long loan at St James’ Park, Nick Pope remains the primary option for Newcastle.
However, Howe is still looking to add another senior goalkeeper to the roster, with Manchester City’s James Trafford high on his list. Pope may depart this summer, with Hull and Leeds reportedly interested in acquiring the former England international.
As Newcastle’s goalkeeping landscape undergoes significant changes this summer, Howe is also searching for a third-choice keeper following John Ruddy’s exit.
The manager aims for two top-notch goalkeepers on his squad and is optimistic that Jaouen will be prepared to compete for the starting role against whoever occupies the number one position next season.
Thank you, David. Why not treat yourself and aim for 200? Hello everyone.
As I take a moment for a snack and sift through another 173 of our 1,248 player guides, I’ll hand the blog over to Luke McLaughlin.
I’ve received some emails. Here are a couple:
Louise writes: “I want to commend you on the Bracketology. I’m having an absolute blast with it with friends! I hope it remains active in the coming weeks for adjustments.”
Krish writes: “What are the chances of a USA – Iran knockout match? Could you please ask David Squires to illustrate Trump’s reaction should they lose that game?”
Using our online tools, I’ve found that if the USA wins Group D and Iran secures second in Group G, they wouldn’t meet until the final. If Iran finishes third, they would clash in the semifinals.
Manchester United is reportedly preparing to sign Atletico Madrid defender Andrea Medina on a free transfer this summer, according to sources. The 22-year-old is expected to join the English club once her contract concludes at the end of June.
A versatile left-back who can also play as a center-back and wing-back, Medina has been on Manchester United’s radar for quite some time, and her addition should enhance tactical options for the Women’s Super League squad.
The former Real Betis player has enjoyed considerable success with Spain’s youth teams, playing a pivotal role in their Under-20 World Cup triumph in 2022.
She was included in Spain’s 25-player senior squad for this month’s Women’s World Cup qualifiers, facing England on Friday, although she is unlikely to feature against the Lionesses as she hasn’t received a squad number for their final matchday roster.
Spain needs a win in Mallorca to keep their hopes of automatic qualification for next summer’s World Cup alive, while England would finish at the top of the group if they manage to avoid defeat.
What’s the latest buzz, Johnny? Here’s an intriguing read as some of our correspondents share their initial thoughts.
World-class footballers are not merely manufactured in a lab or granted every benefit to reach the pinnacle. Germany’s Antonio Rüdiger was raised in Neukölln, Berlin, amidst a community largely composed of refugees, where his parents sought asylum after escaping civil war in Sierra Leone.
The Real Madrid defender has opened up about his journey after joining the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) “Gamechanging Team” – a collective of footballers with backgrounds of displacement who stand in solidarity with refugees and challenge stereotypes. He shares his story with Sam Cunningham.
Thomas Tuchel will not be able to field his first-choice XI against New Zealand on Saturday, due to his Arsenal contingent, including Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, joining the squad next week following their Champions League commitments.
As for the likely starting lineup for their World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17 in Dallas, the recent release of England’s squad numbers has surely provided some hints.
1/ Jordan Pickford 2/ Ezri Konsa 3/ Nico O’Reilly 4/ Declan Rice 5/ John Stones 6/ Marc Guehi 7/ Bukayo Saka 8/ Elliot Anderson 9/ Harry Kane 10/ Jude Bellingham 11/ Marcus Rashford
Rest of the squad: 12 Tino Livramento, 13 Dean Henderson, 14 Jordan Henderson, 15 Dan Burn, 16 Kobbie Mainoo, 17 Morgan Rogers, 18 Anthony Gordon, 19 Ollie Watkins, 20 Noni Madueke, 21 Eberechi Eze, 22 Ivan Toney, 23 James Trafford, 24 Reece James, 25 Djed Spence, 26 Jarell Quansah
England is set to face New Zealand in both cricket and football on Saturday, assuming the Lord’s Test lasts until then. Stay tuned!
In Tampa on Saturday (4 pm local time, 9 pm UK), Thomas Tuchel’s team will aim to handle the heat and overcome a New Zealand side that recently suffered a 4-0 defeat to Haiti. However, the All Whites are better than that result suggests. Discover more about them here.
Here are the results from last night’s pre-World Cup friendlies, including a surprising loss for France.
Spain 1-1 Iraq France 1-2 Ivory Coast Sweden 2-2 Greece Panama 4-2 Dominican Republic South Korea 1-0 El Salvador Iran 2-0 Mali
A few notes: France took the lead through Rayan Cherki just before halftime, but a late goal from Manchester United’s Amed Diallo handed the French their first defeat in 364 days.
Sweden conceded an injury-time equalizer against Greece, but noteworthy is that the often-criticized Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres has now netted 20 goals in 33 international appearances after leveling the score for Sweden.
Panama scored four goals last night. They also netted twice against Brazil last weekend, although they conceded six. Expect plenty of goals, primarily from England, when they clash with Tuchel’s team in their final Group L match on June 27. Remember, England triumphed 6-1 in the previous World Cup encounter, with Harry Kane netting a hat-trick of penalties. A mythical prize awaits anyone who can recall the other goal-scorers for the Three Lions; one of them scored an unlikely brace.
Spain will open against Cape Verde. Join us as we delve into their Group H adversaries, the Blue Sharks.
Spain is currently the slight favorite to win the World Cup, ahead of France. Thus, drawing 1-1 with Iraq last night in their final friendly before departing for the finals was somewhat unexpected. Sid Lowe was present at Estadio Riazor and explains that there’s no cause for alarm, as the Spanish fielded a squad that will bear no resemblance to the one that takes the field for their World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15.
Bruno Fernandes certainly deserves his spot on the PFA shortlist. The lingering question remains: will he still be at Old Trafford next season?
The nominees for this year’s Men’s and Women’s PFA Players’ Awards have been announced. Arsenal’s Premier League-winning trio of Declan Rice, Gabriel, and David Raya have all been recognized, while Bunny Shaw and Yui Hasegawa have both been nominated for the Women’s Player of the Year award following their contributions to Manchester City’s title win.
Men’s Players’ Player of the Year nominations:
Rayan Cherki (Man City) Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd) Erling Haaland (Man City) Gabriel (Arsenal) David Raya (Arsenal) Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa) Yui Hasegawa (Man City) Lauren James (Chelsea) Jess Park (Man Utd) Alessia Russo (Arsenal) Bunny Shaw (Man City)
England has the opportunity to secure qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil tonight. The good news: they only need to avoid a loss. The bad news: they’ll be up against the reigning champions, Spain. Tom Garry is in Mallorca to cover the event.
Time for a quick niche update, courtesy of my colleague, Will Unwin.
“For those who enjoy a throwback, one individual Leicester considered for their managerial position was former Everton and Sunderland goalkeeper Thomas Myhre, and preliminary discussions took place. The Norwegian is currently managing the top-tier HamKam in his home country.”
Here’s Jonathan Wilson providing tactical analysis on whether Liverpool and Andoni are a good match. The conclusions are generally optimistic.
“Iraola’s style of play appears to align well with Liverpool. Bournemouth tends to be an exciting team to watch, their play progressive and dynamic, avoiding the passivity that characterized Slot’s Liverpool at their worst. The 4-2-3-1 formation that Iraola often employs seems to resonate with some of Liverpool’s recent strategies. Florian Wirtz should excel in the central creative role, which Eli Junior Kroupi has mainly occupied this past season. The full-backs are also attacking, reflective of Bournemouth’s approach; for Milos Kerkez, who rebounded towards the end of the season after a challenging start at Liverpool, this will be a reunion with Iraola, a coach he held in high regard at Bournemouth, celebrated by acknowledging his role in a goal with a run to the technical area.”
Will Andoni Iraola prove to be a success at Liverpool? His appointment seems to have resonated positively with Reds fans, particularly with this line from the new coach: “For me, football is about emotions. It’s about passion.”
First up, here’s Andy Hunter’s report on the 43-year-old Spaniard signing at Anfield.
Who will England need to overcome to secure their first World Cup victory on foreign soil? The Opta supercomputer has run the numbers. Caution: the road ahead is not straightforward.
Bracketology! In previous World Cups, the only option for determining England’s likely elimination stage was a pencil and eraser on a wallchart. But humanity evolves. We now have this remarkable technology: a clickable online bracket. If they top their groups, can Spain and France, the two favorites, meet in the final? Drag and drop to discover!
Next is the wallchart. Yes, borrow some blu-tack from one of your children’s crookedly hung posters of a K-pop band and put this front and center on the kitchen wall. Probably one in the restroom too. Elegantly designed and beautifully illustrated.
We have to start somewhere. The World Cup 2026: a guide to all 1,248 players is an extraordinary accomplishment. Hats off to my colleagues who invested so much effort to prepare this. It’ll take some time to navigate through, so let’s dive in immediately. For some reason, my initial clicks were to check Luka Modric’s age and then to gather more information about Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal, whom I believe will win the Golden Boot.
Good morning! We are now less than a week away! To be precise, six days and 11 hours before the World Cup kicks off with the Group A clash between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa. We have a massive amount of analysis to share as the build-up continues, including news from last night’s friendlies. Oh, and if you love wallcharts and an online bracket to figure out when England might meet Spain, we have that covered too.
Beyond that, Andoni Iraola is stepping in at Liverpool, while one of the major face-offs in women’s international football is happening this evening as England takes on Spain. The Lionesses will qualify for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil if they avoid defeat. Meanwhile, England’s men will have all the latest updates ahead of their friendly against Chris Woods’ New Zealand on Saturday night.
“You have to say that’s magnificent!”
