Arsenal has identified Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers as a primary target for the summer transfer window, with an approach from the North London club anticipated. While discussions between the clubs have not yet commenced, interest in Rogers is expected to intensify, particularly following England‘s recent World Cup exit and the agreement of a deal for Christos Tzolis.

Aston Villa, however, has indicated a strong desire to retain Rogers and is reportedly in a robust negotiating position. The club is expected to demand a transfer fee exceeding £100m for the player. This valuation is influenced by other significant transfer deals completed in the current window for midfielders such as Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali. Rogers signed a new contract with Aston Villa last November, which extends until 2031, further strengthening Villa’s stance against selling him.

Interest from Top Clubs and Player Performance

Beyond Arsenal, other prominent clubs including Manchester United, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain have also shown interest in the 23-year-old forward. Rogers had a productive season with Aston Villa, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists in 55 appearances. His journey to becoming a full England international has been swift since joining Aston Villa from Middlesbrough in 2024 for a reported fee of £16m.

Rogers has already earned 21 caps for England, with five of those appearances coming during the 2026 World Cup. Notably, he provided an assist to Anthony Gordon during England‘s semi-final defeat to Argentina. His versatility on the field has been a key aspect of his game, having played various attacking roles throughout his career.

Arsenal‘s interest in Rogers aligns with their strategy to bolster their forward line, particularly on the left-hand side of the attack. With Christos Tzolis‘s arrival imminent and Leandro Trossard having departed for Besiktas in a deal worth £17m including add-ons, Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen the squad. Reports suggest that Arteta has conveyed to sporting director Andrea Berta that Rogers is a top transfer priority this summer.

The player’s representatives are reportedly in advanced talks with Arsenal, indicating a strong push from the Gunners to secure his services. Despite the high valuation, Rogers has maintained a focused approach regarding his future. When asked about the reported £130m valuation, he commented that he doesn’t let external discussions influence him and remains focused on improving his game.

Tactical Role and Squad Reinforcement

Arsenal views Rogers as a wide option, especially considering the presence of players like Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze in the squad. Analysis suggests that Rogers is capable of playing as a left winger, a role where he spent approximately 45 per cent of his Premier League minutes for Aston Villa last season. His experience in Unai Emery‘s fluid system, which involved other attacking midfielders like Emiliano Buendia and John McGinn, provided him with significant exposure to wide play.

Rogers has demonstrated considerable flexibility throughout his career, having played as a winger at Lincoln City, and occasionally as a false nine or centre-forward at Middlesbrough. He also featured as a right winger in England‘s World Cup semi-final against Argentina, where he assisted Anthony Gordon‘s goal. At his current age, Rogers is still considered to be in a developmental stage where he can be coached into new skills and attributes, making him a valuable prospect for the left-wing position.

While Rogers remains a key target, Arsenal also retains interest in other forwards. Julian Alvarez is another player on their radar, though a deal appears challenging due to his family’s preference to remain in Spain and his reported desire to join Barcelona. Additionally, Bradley Barcola of PSG is a player of interest to Arsenal, as well as Liverpool. However, there has been no direct contact between Arsenal and PSG regarding Barcola, whose future may depend on PSG‘s own transfer activities, such as their attempts to sign winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig.

The departure of Leandro Trossard, who joined Besiktas, has created a vacancy in Arsenal‘s attacking options. Trossard, a 31-year-old, scored important goals during his tenure at Emirates Stadium, including a winner against West Ham United that was significant in the Premier League title race. His permanent transfer was confirmed by a club statement.

Arsenal is looking to strengthen its squad before the upcoming season, where they will begin the defence of their Premier League title. The club’s focus on securing Rogers underscores their commitment to reinforcing their attacking capabilities, particularly after their defeat to PSG in the Champions League final.

The agreement to sign Christos Tzolis for £34m from Club Brugge is a step towards this goal, with further progress on a move for Rogers expected to follow.

Source: skysports.com

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Fluminense are set to host Red Bull Bragantino in a Serie A fixture that carries significance for both ends of the table. The match is scheduled for July 17, 2026, with kick-off at 7:00 PM. Both clubs are currently managing continental commitments alongside their domestic campaigns, making points crucial at this stage of the season.

Fluminense, under coach Luis Zubeldia, currently sit third in the Serie A standings. Their position reflects a squad that has been consistently managing the demands of the Copa Libertadores. While their recent league form has been described as uneven, victories against São Paulo and a Copa Libertadores win against Bolivar demonstrate their ability to perform when it matters most. Their most recent league result was a 1-1 draw with Cruzeiro.

Red Bull Bragantino arrives in strong form, having won four of their last five matches across all competitions. Vagner Mancini’s side recently secured a 3-1 victory over Internacional in their latest Serie A outing. They are currently fifth in the table and are actively pushing for a top-four finish. The team also carries momentum from the Copa Sudamericana, where they defeated Carabobo FC before drawing with River Plate, indicating a confident attacking squad.

Team news and recent form

However, Samuel Xavier is suspended for Fluminense, with Alisson and Matheus Reis sidelined. For Red Bull Bragantino, Juninho Capixaba is banned, and Gabriel, Guzmán Rodríguez, Fabinho, Vanderlan, Davi Gomes, and Ryan Augusto are listed as injured.

In terms of recent performance, Fluminense has recorded two wins, one draw, and one defeat in their last five matches across all competitions. Their recent results include a 1-1 draw with Cruzeiro, a 3-1 win over Deportivo La Guaira in the Copa Libertadores, and a 2-1 league victory against São Paulo. Their only defeat in this run was a 1-0 loss to Mirassol in Serie A. Across these five matches, they have scored nine goals and conceded five.

Red Bull Bragantino has been in strong form, winning four of their last five matches across all competitions and drawing the other. Their recent results include an impressive 3-1 win over Internacional in Serie A, a 3-0 away victory against Vasco da Gama, and a 2-0 league win over Vitória. Their only dropped points came from a 1-1 draw with River Plate in the Copa Sudamericana. Over these five matches, Bragantino has scored nine goals and conceded two.

The last meeting between these two sides was in August 2025, where Red Bull Bragantino defeated Fluminense 4-2 in a high-scoring Serie A encounter at Bragantino’s home ground. Prior to that, Fluminense secured a 2-1 home victory in April 2025. Over the last five Serie A meetings, Bragantino has three wins compared to Fluminense’s one, with one draw, and these matches have collectively produced 16 goals.

Implications for the standings

This fixture is a significant top-four duel, with Fluminense currently third in the Serie A table with 31 points, and Red Bull Bragantino in fifth place. Both teams are firmly in the qualification mix for continental competitions, and a positive result in this match could significantly shape their push through the second half of the campaign.

A home victory for Fluminense would increase their points total to 34, potentially strengthening their hold on a top-three position. Conversely, a win for Red Bull Bragantino would take them to 32 points, moving them closer to the top four and the more favourable Copa Libertadores berths. The attacking capabilities of both teams suggest a match with potential for goals, particularly given Bragantino’s recent offensive displays.

Source: goal.com

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World Cup 2026 betting landscape

As the World Cup 2026 approaches, various UK betting sites are presenting a range of offers designed to attract new customers and engage existing users. These promotions include sign-up bonuses, enhanced odds, and specific tournament-related deals. The focus for many of these offers is on providing value, flexibility across different markets, and clear terms and conditions for users.

Only bookmakers licensed by the UK Gambling Commission are included in these recommendations, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards. These offers typically involve free bets, which are activated by depositing and placing a qualifying wager of a minimum amount. Once this initial bet settles, free bet tokens are credited, which can then be used on World Cup markets or other sports within the sportsbook. It is standard practice in the industry for free bet stakes not to be returned if the bet wins, meaning only the profit from the free bet is paid out.

Types of World Cup betting promotions

Several types of promotions are being offered for the tournament. The most common is the “Bet & Get” offer, where customers deposit and bet a minimum amount to receive free bet tokens. Many standard welcome offers fall into this category. Another popular option involves enhanced World Cup odds, where bookmakers significantly inflate prices on popular markets before major matches. Winnings from these enhanced odds are often paid as free bets.

Prediction games are also available, with some bookmakers running free-to-play World Cup prediction contests that offer cash prizes without requiring a stake. Additionally, acca boosts are being provided, which increase profits on World Cup accumulators, benefiting those who place multi-match combination bets throughout the group stage and knockout rounds. Money-back specials are also featured, where stakes are refunded as a free bet if a specific event occurs, such as a match ending 0-0 or a team losing solely on penalties.

For instance, William Hill is noted for its acca boosts, offering up to a 200 per cent winnings boost on successful accumulators, including both teams to score and over/under goal selections. This promotion is available on doubles and trebles specifically for the World Cup. Midnite offers a free bet club where users can qualify for free bets through various weekly betting activities, such as placing a minimum of five £5 win singles or two £10 accumulators. New Midnite customers can use the promo code BETGET30 to receive £30 in free bet vouchers after a qualifying £10 stake.

Spreadex provides free spread bets for the World Cup, allowing new customers to claim up to £60 in free bets when they wager £10, which includes three £5 free Total Goals football spread bets. This platform combines fixed odds and sports spread betting. Paddy Power is highlighted for its novelty offers, such as ‘Justice Payouts’ that refund bets affected by controversial decisions, and a Multi-Match Bet Builder that allows combining selections from different World Cup fixtures. Their welcome offer enables users to receive World Cup free bets with an initial stake.

Coral stands out for its low qualifying stake, allowing new users to place a qualifying bet to unlock £30 in free bets. This offer requires a £5 deposit and no promo code, with free bets credited as six £5 tokens, five for football and one for horse racing. Betfred offers a valuable World Cup sign-up deal where new customers can bet £10 to unlock £50 in free bets, split across general sportsbook and accumulator-only bets. Betfred also provides ongoing promotions for existing customers, such as Double Delight and Hat-Trick Heaven, which double or treble winnings if a first goalscorer nets multiple times in a match.

BetVictor is recognized for its World Cup price boosts, offering ‘super’ boosts on every match, often focusing on individual player performance rather than just match results. New customers can receive £30 in free bets after signing up and betting £10. BetMGM offers a bonus code MLIVEMGM, providing $150 in bonuses when a $10 qualifying wager wins. This offer is available to new players in specific states, while other legal sports betting states offer a $1,500 first-bet bonus. The Argentina versus England match, a significant World Cup rivalry, is an example of an event where such offers can be utilized.

The BetMGM bonus code MLIVEMGM requires users to confirm their age and state, make an opening deposit of $10 or more, and use the referral code. If the initial bet of $10 or more with an odds limit of -10000 is a winner, $150 in bonus bets are distributed as three $50 bet credits. For the $1,500 first-bet bonus offer, a wager between $10 and $1,500 can be placed, and if it fails, five matching bet credits equal to the original stake amount are received. Bonus bets must be used within seven days to avoid expiration. BetMGM also offers ongoing promotions for existing users, such as five bonus spins for every goal scored in the World Cup Match of the Day.

New customers must be 21 years or older in a state where BetMGM operates legally. They have 30 days to place an opening wager of at least $10. Wagers of $50 or more for the $1,500 first-bet bonus generate five bonus bets of matching value. The bonus bets only pay out the profit, not the original stake. BetMGM Rewards allows users to earn points by placing wagers, which can be redeemed for stays at MGM properties or VIP experiences. The platform also offers live streaming of select events on its app for users who place a wager.

Source: independent.co.uk

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Arsenal is set to evaluate William Saliba’s back injury upon his return to the club following his World Cup duties. The France centre-back has been dealing with a persistent back issue for several weeks, which he carried into the tournament. This problem appeared to worsen during France’s semi-final match against Spain, where he was substituted after only 30 minutes.

Surgery is among the potential options that Arsenal will consider once Saliba is back in London. An operation of this nature would likely necessitate a prolonged recovery period. The player, who is 25 years old, featured in matches across all competitions for Arsenal last season, a period during which the club secured the Premier League title, ending a 22-year wait, and reached the Champions League final.

Earlier in the World Cup, Saliba had commented on his condition, stating he had experienced minor discomfort for several months. He mentioned pushing through the pain due to the importance of the Champions League and Premier League, and the infrequent nature of the World Cup, which occurs only once every four years. He missed France’s final group stage game against Norway before rejoining Didier Deschamps’ squad for the knockout phase. France is scheduled to play England in the third-place play-off on Saturday at 22:00 BST.

Saliba’s Condition and Potential Absence

Reports indicate that Saliba’s back issue, specifically a debilitating lower back and sciatic nerve problem, has been managed with pain-relief injections in recent months. During the match against Spain, he reportedly could no longer continue, suggesting that surgery is now a strong possibility. If he undergoes surgery for his lower discs, he could be sidelined for up to 4 months, potentially missing the start of the season and possibly not returning until around Christmas.

The club’s medical staff had been closely monitoring Saliba’s back condition. There were suggestions that he was not training at all during the tournament, only participating in games. His departure from the semi-final match against Spain, where he reportedly expressed being unable to bear the pain, highlights the severity of the issue.

Potential Replacements and Transfer Speculation

Given the potential for a lengthy absence, Arsenal has been exploring options to cover for Saliba. Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa has been linked as a potential target, capable of playing both right-back and centre-half, and could provide cover for both Saliba and Jurrien Timber, potentially replacing Ben White.

Another name being considered is John Stones, a defender who has played for Manchester City. Stones has made appearances for Manchester City, winning league titles. He has also featured for England during the current World Cup. Despite concerns about his fitness, having played more than 30 league games for City only once in the last five years and making league appearances in the last three years, he is seen as a potential short-term replacement for Saliba.

Stones, who is 32 years old, is reportedly available on a free transfer. While he would likely command substantial wages, the financial aspect of the deal is considered feasible. Offering him a two-year contract to play for a title-challenging team could make Arsenal an attractive option. This move could also allow for the continued development of Cristhian Mosquera, a 22-year-old talent, without the pressure of playing twice a week. The idea is that Stones could play in roughly half of the games before Christmas, with Mosquera playing the other half, until Saliba’s return.

Source: bbc.com

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Manchester United has officially welcomed its latest signing, Cristian Orozco, an 18-year-old midfielder from Colombia. The transfer of Orozco has been anticipated for several months, with an agreement initially reached with his former club, Fortaleza CEIF, approximately nine months ago. International transfer regulations for minors required the young prospect to remain in his home country until he reached the age of 18.

With the legal requirements now met, Orozco is set to begin his journey in English football at Carrington. Reports indicate that the transfer has been completed, and the club’s leadership is now determining the best path for his development. This includes evaluating whether he will start within the youth academy or if his technical skills warrant immediate training opportunities with the first-team squad under the guidance of Michael Carrick and the coaching staff.

Orozco’s Ambitions and Adaptation

Speaking about his move, Orozco expressed confidence in his ability to adapt to European football. He highlighted his physical attributes and technique as key strengths. The young midfielder acknowledged the importance of adaptation, particularly given his age.

A significant focus for Orozco is improving his English language skills. He noted the importance of communication during a previous visit to the club and aims to learn as quickly as possible to effectively demonstrate his abilities. His goal is to adapt swiftly to all aspects of his new environment.

Orozco’s signing reflects a broader transfer strategy being implemented by Ineos, who now oversee football operations at Old Trafford. This strategy involves actively pursuing promising young talents from emerging markets before their value significantly increases. This approach aligns with recent acquisitions of players like Sekou Kone from Mali and Diego Leon from Paraguay.

Academy Integration and Pre-season

Orozco’s transfer was finalised on Monday, coinciding with his 18th birthday. He has joined the academy group, and there is a possibility he could make his debut soon. The PDP group, which includes players from Under-17 to Under-21, is scheduled to play two friendly matches in Germany against TSV 1860 Munich and FC Nurnberg. Both matches will take place at the Adi-Dassler Stadium.

Manchester United plans to be patient with Orozco, allowing him time to settle into his new surroundings. He will receive English lessons to aid his integration. Orozco is already somewhat familiar with his academy peers, having spent time at Carrington in December, and the upcoming trip is expected to help him further bond with the group.

The academy teams and the first team are preparing for their pre-season schedule with upcoming friendlies. Michael Carrick is set to oversee a trip to Finland for a match against Wrexham this weekend. Players reported back for pre-season a week ago, building anticipation for the new campaign.

Other academy updates include news on JJ Gabriel, who has been maintaining his sharpness through individual coaching sessions. He continues to work with individual coach Jack Hunter, who also coaches Aston Villa defender Ian Maatsen.

Coaching Changes and Future Talent

There have also been changes within the academy’s coaching structure. Tom Curtis, a Manchester United academy coach, has completed a move to Everton. He will join Everton’s Under-21 coaching staff alongside former United academy coach Dave Hughes, reconnecting with former United academy boss Nick Cox.

Curtis previously served as the Under-21 caretaker during a coaching reshuffle in January, managing four Under-21 matches before Adam Lawrence was appointed interim for the remainder of the season. His move to Everton sees him link up with familiar faces.

Manchester United is also looking to fill three academy roles in the coming weeks: a new academy coach, an individual development coach, and a lead phase coach. These roles are intended to support the development of young players and foster an environment where talent can flourish both on and off the pitch.

The lead phase coach will be responsible for delivering a high-quality player development program that identifies, recruits, develops, and retains high-potential players. The individual development coach will design and implement position-specific and individualized development programs to maximize the potential of academy players. These roles are expected to take on responsibilities previously held by Travis Binnion, who has moved to Michael Carrick’s first-team coaching staff in January.

Orozco’s arrival also brings to mind Radamel Falcao, the only other Colombian to have played for Manchester United, who featured for the club during the 2014-15 season.

Source: goal.com

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Fifa is currently assessing match reports following an incident where Argentina players displayed a banner supporting their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands. This occurred after their World Cup semi-final victory against England, which saw Argentina secure a 2-1 win in Atlanta to advance to the final against Spain.

After the match, Argentina players held up a banner that read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” which translates to “The Falklands are Argentine.” The Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory in the south-west Atlantic Ocean, are the subject of an ongoing sovereignty dispute between the UK and Argentina. The banner was displayed by several players, including Giovani Lo Celso, Lisandro Martínez, and Nicolas Otamendi, before being laid face up on the pitch.

A Fifa spokesperson confirmed that its independent disciplinary committee is reviewing the match reports and relevant circumstances to determine potential next steps, based on the Fifa disciplinary code. The code prohibits banners, flags, flyers, apparel, and other paraphernalia that are political, offensive, or discriminatory in nature within stadiums. Additionally, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) rules state that players’ equipment must not contain political, religious, or personal slogans, statements, or images.

Previous Incidents and Reactions

This is not the first time Argentina’s football association has faced sanctions for similar actions. In 2014, Fifa fined the Argentine football association £20,000 for displaying a banner with the same message before a friendly match against Slovenia. At that time, Fifa stated that the gesture violated rules concerning political action and team misconduct.

The incident has drawn reactions from various officials. Argentina’s President Javier Milei described the players’ actions as “understandable” and “valid” but also noted that “the things that happen on the pitch are not part of diplomacy.” He reiterated that the Malvinas are Argentine and that their recovery would be pursued through diplomatic means.

Conversely, Downing Street has supported calls for Fifa to investigate, with the prime minister’s official spokesperson stating, “The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are. Our commitment to the Falklands will never waver.” Peter Kyle, the business and trade secretary, emphasised the importance of keeping politics out of the World Cup and urged Fifa to conduct a thorough investigation.

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, echoed these sentiments, asserting that Fifa “absolutely should investigate.” The government of the Falkland Islands expressed disappointment over the banner and hoped Fifa would “sanction all behaviour of this nature in line with its own rules,” adding that they do not wish to see politics introduced into sport.

Historical Context and Potential Consequences

The dispute over the Falkland Islands dates back to the 19th century, with Argentina claiming inheritance from Spain, while the UK has administered the islands since 1833. The conflict escalated in 1982 when Argentina invaded the islands, leading to a 74-day war that resulted in the deaths of 649 Argentine and 255 British servicemen, along with three island residents. The UK ultimately regained control of the territory.

In 2013, a referendum in the Falkland Islands saw 99.8 percent of islanders vote to remain a British overseas territory. Despite this, Argentina continues to maintain its claims, amending its constitution in 1994 to reflect this position. Argentinian Vice President Victoria Villarruel, whose father was a Falklands War veteran, posted on social media that “The Falklands are Argentine! They banned bringing them to the stadium and forgot that we carry them in our blood and our hearts.”

Fifa typically takes disciplinary action for breaches of regulations by players or supporters in the weeks following a tournament. While there is no prospect of Argentina losing their place in the final, there is precedent for Fifa banning players for similar political messages. For instance, South Korea midfielder Park Jong-woo received a two-match suspension after the 2012 Olympic Games for displaying a sign related to a territorial dispute.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has called for the Argentina players involved to be suspended for Sunday’s final against Spain, referencing Uefa’s ban of Spain players Alvaro Morata and Rodri for one game after a similar political chant during Euro 2024 celebrations. The Falkland Islands are situated 483km (300 miles) off the east coast of Argentina.

Source: bbc.com

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Golden Boot Race Intensifies Ahead of Final Matches

Goals scored in the World Cup third-place play-off will contribute to a player’s overall tally for the Golden Boot award. This rule means that players whose national teams exited in the semi-finals, such as Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham, still have an opportunity to secure the prestigious individual honour at the 2026 tournament being held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

As the tournament approaches its conclusion, with only two matches remaining, these four players are among seven who have accumulated five or more goals. England and France are set to compete in the third-place play-off on Saturday, while Spain will face Argentina in the final the following day.

Currently, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are tied with eight goals each. However, Messi holds the lead in the Golden Boot race due to having one more assist than Mbappe. Erling Haaland of Norway is next with seven goals, but he will not be able to add to his count as Norway was eliminated in the quarter-finals.

England’s Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane both have six goals. France’s Ousmane Dembele and Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal have each scored five goals, keeping them in contention for the award.

Impact of the Third-Place Play-off

The outcome of the Golden Boot race could depend on the strength of the squads that England and France field for their third-place play-off match. In the 2018 World Cup, when England played Belgium in the same fixture, the then-manager made five changes to the team that had lost to Croatia in the semi-finals. Despite starting the match, the eventual Golden Boot winner, Harry Kane, did not score in that game.

Historically, seven previous World Cup Golden Boot winners have scored goals in the third-place play-off. Notably, four of these seven players required those specific goals to ultimately win the award. These include Thomas Muller of Germany in 2010, Davor Suker of Croatia in 1998, Salvatore Schillaci of Italy in 1990, and Leonidas of Brazil in 1938, all of whom benefited from their performances in this match.

Other Golden Boot winners who scored in the third-place play-off but would have won the award regardless of those goals include Grzegorz Lato of Poland in 1974, Eusebio of Portugal in 1966, and Just Fontaine of France in 1958. Fontaine notably scored four goals against West Germany in the 1958 third-place play-off.

Current Standings and Deciding Factors

Lionel Messi’s recent performance against England, where he provided two assists, allowed him to take the lead in the Golden Boot standings despite not scoring himself. With both Messi and Mbappe tied on eight goals, the first tiebreaker, according to FIFA rules, is the number of assists. Messi’s assist tally now stands at four, one more than Mbappe, giving him a slight advantage.

Mbappe had previously led the race, partly due to assists against Norway and Morocco. However, after failing to contribute to the score sheet in France’s semi-final defeat against Spain, Messi capitalised on the opportunity. Messi had previously recorded assists against Egypt and Switzerland in earlier knockout rounds.

The race remains open, with Mbappe having a chance to add to his goal tally in the third-place play-off against England, assuming he is selected to play. Messi will have his own opportunity to score when Argentina faces Spain in the final. Beyond the leading contenders, players like Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Ousmane Dembele, and Mikel Oyarzabal still have a realistic chance to win the award in their final matches.

Messi, at 39 years old, leading the Golden Boot race ahead of many top players, highlights his enduring skill. He is also on the verge of potentially becoming a two-time World Cup winner, preparing for what will be his record-equalling third World Cup final appearance. His upcoming match against Spain holds particular significance, given his long history with Spanish club football.

Messi commented on the final, describing Spain as an “enormous national team” with great players and a distinct playing style he knows well. He anticipates a very even match in the final.

Source: bbc.com

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England head coach Thomas Tuchel has confirmed his intention to remain in his role until Euro 2028, despite the team’s recent World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. The decision comes after England lost 2-1 to the reigning champions in Atlanta, missing out on a spot in the final.

Tuchel, who was appointed in January 2025, had his initial contract extended earlier this year to run through Euro 2028. The upcoming European Championship will be co-hosted by England, Wales, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland. Despite the disappointment of the semi-final exit, Tuchel stated, “We keep on going with the contract until the home Euros. I’m looking forward to that even though right now it’s difficult to look that far ahead.”

The semi-final match saw England take a 1-0 lead in the second half through Anthony Gordon’s goal. However, a tactical shift by Tuchel at the 71-minute mark, moving to a back five, was widely criticised. This change led to Argentina scoring twice in the subsequent 21 minutes, turning the game in their favour. After the tactical adjustment, England reportedly conceded 93 per cent possession.

Pundits and former players offered strong opinions on Tuchel’s tactical decisions. Sky Sports’ Gary Neville suggested England would “never have a better chance to reach a final than that,” noting the team was “five minutes plus stoppage time away from the final.” He added that England became “too narrow and too deep,” drawing parallels to the Euros final against Italy.

Former Premier League midfielder Jamie O’Hara, speaking on Sky Sports News, called for Tuchel’s dismissal, describing the decision to switch to a back five as “one of the worst I’ve ever seen.” He argued that the move “killed the team,” especially given that England had only 12 per cent possession after scoring their goal. O’Hara highlighted that the reason Tuchel was hired was to “get the job done” in crucial moments.

Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett, reporting from Atlanta, felt that Tuchel “got that wrong.” He noted that the FA hired Tuchel for his “brilliant tactical nous in knockout games,” but that the coach chose to “hold what they had” after England scored, shifting momentum to Argentina. Dorsett concluded that “the better side won, but there’s an awful feeling that this was to a large degree self-inflicted.”

Sky Sports’ Ron Walker echoed these sentiments, questioning if England needed to go so deep so early. He observed that the outcome of Tuchel’s decision was “painful to watch” and that England not only surrendered territory but also gave up almost 93 per cent of the ball in the 21 minutes after the switch. Walker pointed out that the Three Lions did not manage a single touch in the opposition box after scoring.

Former England striker Chris Sutton labelled it a “coaching catastrophe from Thomas Tuchel,” stating that England effectively “hand[ed] Argentina the initiative.” Gary Lineker, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, described Tuchel’s tactics as “unfathomable,” particularly against a player of Lionel Messi’s calibre. Lineker questioned why, with a back five, no one was assigned to mark Messi, who had ample space to deliver balls into the box.

England captain Harry Kane admitted that trying to hold onto the 1-0 lead backfired. “Once we went 1-0 up we seemed to just try and hold on which at this level is just not enough, so I’m gutted,” Kane said. He added that the team struggled to apply pressure on the ball after the goal, inviting continuous waves of attack from Argentina.

Despite the criticism, Tuchel retains the backing of the Football Association. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham expressed his heartbreak at being so close to the final, but praised the team’s effort. “The players and Thomas gave it everything today and the squad, coaches and staff could not have worked harder during the tournament,” Bullingham stated.

England will now remain in the US to prepare for a third-place play-off match against France in Miami on Saturday. Tuchel acknowledged that while no team wants to play in this match, reaching their second semi-final in eight years was an achievement. He emphasised the need for the team to “bounce back and react” at the highest level of sport.

In other news from the semi-final, Argentina’s players faced criticism for waving a banner supporting their country’s claims to the Falkland Islands after their victory. Senior minister Peter Kyle described the behaviour as “entirely inappropriate,” stating that “politics needs to be separate from football.” The incident could lead to disciplinary action from Fifa for violating rules against political messaging on the pitch.

Fans in Manchester, while disappointed, also expressed pride in the team’s performance. Lucas Clapham, 25, said he was “just happy we’ve made it this far,” while Rachel George, 30, believed the players “deserve a hero’s welcome.” She added that despite the sadness of the loss, “we go again in four years’ time.”

The FA views England’s progress to the semi-final as a relative success internally, despite the defeat. England’s upcoming match against France on Saturday, scheduled for 22:00 BST, could mark their best performance in a men’s World Cup since 1966 if they secure a victory.

Source: skysports.com

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England’s World Cup semi-final exit

England‘s aspirations of reaching their first men’s World Cup final since 1966 concluded following a match against Argentina. The team held a 1-0 lead with Anthony Gordon scoring in the 55th minute at Atlanta Stadium. However, Argentina equalised in the 85th minute through Enzo Fernandez and secured a winner in the 92nd minute from Lautaro Martinez, with both goals assisted by Lionel Messi. This outcome meant Argentina advanced to face Spain in the final.

The match saw England‘s lead evaporate in the final minutes, leading to questions about the tactical approach. From the moment England took the lead until Argentina‘s second goal, England maintained only 12% of possession. Former England captain Wayne Rooney commented on the team’s performance, stating, “We have crumbled.” He attributed this to decisions made by the manager, describing the approach as “too passive” against the reigning world champions.

Thomas Tuchel, England‘s manager, introduced defenders Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, and Nico O’Reilly after England took the lead. Forwards Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney were brought on deep into stoppage time. This defensive shift after scoring drew criticism, with some suggesting it allowed Argentina to gain momentum.

Tactical decisions under scrutiny

The decision to adopt a defensive posture after taking the lead has been a central point of discussion. Chris Sutton, a Premier League winner, described Tuchel‘s strategy as a “coaching catastrophe.” He argued that defending for an extended period against a team of Argentina‘s quality was not a viable approach. Sutton questioned Tuchel‘s future leadership, citing the negative changes made during the game.

England‘s captain, Harry Kane, reflected on the team’s approach, noting that after going ahead, they seemed to try and hold on, which he felt was insufficient at this level. He acknowledged the team’s effort but highlighted that it ultimately “wasn’t enough.”

Former England defender Micah Richards suggested that England should have pursued a second goal after scoring the first. He explained that dropping deep allowed Argentina to establish their rhythm. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson echoed these sentiments, stating that Tuchel‘s decision to defend a lead against Argentina was a “wrong choice.”

Even Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez observed a shift in momentum after England‘s goal, noting that England opted to defend and introduced extra defenders. He suggested that sometimes, when leading, a team needs to continue attacking rather than altering their game plan.

Messi’s influence on the match

Lionel Messi‘s performance was highlighted as a significant factor in Argentina‘s victory. Despite England taking the lead, Messi‘s presence on the field was described as a force that could bend the game in Argentina‘s favour. His assists for both of Argentina‘s goals underscored his critical role in the comeback.

The match report noted that England‘s performance declined after their goal, with the team appearing to lose its attacking impetus. Messi‘s ability to create space and deliver crucial passes was instrumental in turning the tide of the game. His cross for Lautaro Martinez‘s winning goal was described as perfectly placed, leading to the decisive moment.

Tuchel, in his post-match comments, defended his decisions, attributing the criticism to the nature of losing. He stated that he had no regrets and believed the team gave their all, playing one of their better matches under the circumstances. Despite reaching the semi-finals, Tuchel‘s tactics are expected to be a subject of ongoing discussion after the team’s failure to reach the final.

Source: bbc.com

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Argentina could face disciplinary action from FIFA after players displayed a banner referencing the Falkland Islands following their World Cup semi-final victory against England. The defending world champions secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback win in Atlanta, scoring two late goals to defeat Thomas Tuchel‘s side and advance to the final against Spain.

After the final whistle, Argentine players celebrated while holding a banner that read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” which translates to “The Falklands are Argentine.” This gesture comes amidst a long-standing sovereignty dispute between Britain and Argentina over the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory located in the south-west Atlantic Ocean.

The two nations engaged in a 74-day conflict over the islands, situated 300 miles off Argentina’s east coast, from April to June 1982. This conflict resulted in the deaths of 655 Argentine and 255 British servicemen, along with three individuals from the islands.

Previous Incidents and Political Statements

This is not the first time the Argentine Football Association has faced repercussions for such displays. In 2014, FIFA fined the association £20,000 after its players held up a similar banner before a friendly match against Slovenia. World football’s governing body had stated that the gesture violated rules concerning political action and team misconduct.

Leading up to the semi-final, Argentina‘s vice-president, Victoria Villarruel, made strong statements regarding the match. She referred to the English as “usurping pirates” and emphasized that the game was “not just another match.” Villarruel, whose father participated in the 1982 Falklands War, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the semi-final was “about putting the invaders in their place.”

Following Argentina‘s victory, Villarruel again posted on X, stating, “The Falklands are Argentine. They banned bringing them to the stadium and forgot that we carry them in our blood and our hearts.” She also shared a video that appeared to show Argentine soldiers, reinforcing her sentiment that the match carried significant political weight beyond just football.

Villarruel’s comments also referenced the late football legend Diego Maradona and current star striker Lionel Messi, stating, “It’s the Malvinas, it’s Diego, it’s Leo’s last run, and it’s about stopping the invaders in their tracks.” She concluded her post with a popular anthem echoed by Argentine fans during the tournament: “Go Argentina! Because until our very last breath, we will keep claiming what is ours!”

Manager’s Stance and Security Measures

Despite the political rhetoric from the vice-president, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni had expressed a desire to separate football from politics before the semi-final. He stated that he was “not going to mix” the two, emphasizing that it was a football match and that mixing things up would be “madness.”

Scaloni acknowledged the sadness of the historical period but maintained that it was a football match and the two should not be confused. He highlighted that the team remembered those involved in the conflict but focused on the sporting aspect of the game.

The semi-final, where England conceded late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, was held under increased security measures due to the historical tensions between the two nations. Argentine Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva had previously indicated that fans would be prohibited from bringing flags or other items referencing the Falkland Islands into the stadium as part of the security plan for the match in Atlanta.

This incident follows other instances during the tournament where Argentina players sang chants referencing the Falklands, as well as Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, after their 3-2 win against Egypt in the last 16.

Source: bbc.com

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