SEATTLE — Australia captain Maty Ryan has said he is hurting to be sat behind Patrick Beach in the Socceroos goal after a “gut feeling” informed coach Tony Popovic’s move to go with the youngster. However, the centurion has emphasised that the collective comes first in the Socceroos, with no place for subversives. Alongside his vice-captain Jackson Irvine, Ryan was one of the shock omissions from the Australian XI that…
Gary Lineker appeared on ITV’s World Cup coverage on Saturday, having left their rival broadcaster, the BBC. The former England striker was brought in by ITV as a studio guest for the Germany vs. Ivory Coast game alongside regulars Laura Woods, Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Duncan Ferguson. Since leaving the BBC, Lineker has focused on his company Goalhanger Podcasts’ production of their “The Rest Is Football” podcast. With Alan…
Bukayo Saka is facing a race to be fit for England’s second Group L clash against Ghana after training away from the first-team group on Saturday. The Arsenal winger was the only member of Thomas Tuchel’s squad not to take part in the session in Kansas City. Sources told ESPN that he is following a load management plan related to an Achilles problem to ensure he can play a more…
Martín Zubimendi has said he’s surprised by the criticism of Spain‘s midfield — and captain Rodri — after their World Cup got off to an underwhelming start by drawing with underdogs Cape Verde. Spain now go into Sunday’s game with Saudi Arabia in Atlanta under pressure to justify their status among the favourites to win the tournament. The European champions’ all-star midfield of Rodri, Fabián Ruiz and Pedri was unable…
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has joined in with the World Cup spirit — despite being left out of England manager Thomas Tuchel’s squad — by attending fan events and giving out sticker albums to adoring fans in New York City. Maguire had previously admitted he was “shocked and gutted” to have been overlooked by the England boss but remained positive and headed stateside to support the team, engage with…
Manchester City begin life after Pep Guardiola at home to Bournemouth as they look to regain the Premier League title. They will then face Crystal Palace away the following week before welcoming newcomers Coventry to the Etihad Stadium in a favourable start for the 10-time champions. City have their first Manchester derby a week later on the weekend of Sep. 12 and take on champions Arsenal for the first time…
Aston Villa will begin their first Premier League season as Europa League champions away at Brighton. They then welcome Premier League champions Arsenal to Villa Park, before a trip to newly promoted Hull. Villa’s festive period sees them face Everton (home), Crystal Palace (home), Coventry (away), Chelsea (away), Leeds (home) and Liverpool (home). Villa ended the season in style last time round with wins over Liverpool and Manchester City in…
John McGinn has said that he believes Scotland need to show more of their “personality” in their crucial World Cup clash with Brazil in Miami on Wednesday. A 1-0 defeat by Morocco in their second Group C fixture at Boston Stadium Friday night, thanks to an Ismael Saibari goal after 70 seconds, means Steve Clarke’s side remain on three points. A point in their final fixture against the Brazilians would…
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Matías Galarza scored 65 seconds into the game for the fastest goal at this year’s World Cup and Paraguay held on for a 1-0 win over Türkiye on Friday night after playing a man down for more than half the match. The win assured the United States would win Group D and eliminated Türkiye from any chance of advancing to the knockout round with its second…
Neymar is expected to return from a right calf injury and play for Brazil in its final World Cup group match, coach Carlo Ancelotti said Friday night. Neymar missed Brazil’s first two games of the tournament, including Friday’s 3-0 win over Haiti. Ancelotti said Neymar “will be available” for Brazil when it closes Group C play against Scotland on Wednesday in Miami Gardens, Florida. “Neymar will train individually tomorrow [Saturday].…