SERRAVALLE, San Marino — “Highway to Hell” rings out around San Marino Stadium as the world’s worst football team prepares to face Slovenia in a Euro 2024 qualifier. The stadium DJ clearly has a sense of humour, unless the playlist is part of some cunning plan to strike fear into the hearts and minds of Slovenia’s players. San Marino sits 207th out of 207 in the FIFA men’s rankings —…
Eden Hazard announced his retirement from professional football on Tuesday at the age of 32, bringing an end to his 16-year career. The forward enjoyed successful periods at Lille and Chelsea before ending his club career with a disappointing spell at Real Madrid. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) “You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time,” Hazard wrote in an Instagram post. “After…
As unlikely as it may seem, a girls’ youth team from Wales have become the latest football club to receive the backing of a high-profile U.S. celebrity. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) AFC Rumney, a community side from the Cardiff area, are now following in the footsteps of nearby(ish) Wrexham, who have flourished since Hollywood pair Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over in 2020. In much…
The summer transfer window has closed throughout most of Europe, but there are still moves in the works and plenty of gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals! Manchester United have added Sporting CP centre-back Gonçalo Inacio to their shortlist as the Premier League club continue their search for a January signing, according to Fabrizio Romano. It…
Saudi Arabia announced it took the second step to bid for 2034 World Cup by submitting a letter of intent to host the event to world football governing body FIFA on Monday. “Last week we announced our ambitions to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and this official submission continues our journey to make the dreams of our people a reality,” Yasser Al Misehal, president of the Saudi Arabian Football…
France manager Didier Deschamps has criticised FIFA’s plans for the 2030 World Cup, questioning the “sporting and ethical” coherence of the tournament. FIFA announced last week that the men’s competition in 2030 would be hosted across six countries and three continents as part of the plans to commemorate the World Cup’s 100th anniversary. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) “Beyond the fact that it’s a trend, organising [tournaments]…
Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from the England squad due to a hamstring injury, it was announced on Monday. The 22-year-old reported to England’s St George’s Park base on Monday for medical assessments despite Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta insisting Saka was unavailable. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) It is not uncommon for England’s doctors to perform their own checks and following a series of examinations, Saka…
Mikel Arteta said Bukayo Saka will not join up with England after missing Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday through injury. The 22-year-old suffered a slight hamstring strain in the Gunners’ midweek Champions League defeat to Lens and was unable to make the matchday squad as Arteta’s side secured their first victory over City since January 2015. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) England boss Gareth…
BRIGHTON & HOVE, England — Few of the top Premier League teams take all three points from their visits to Brighton & Hove Albion, especially after falling behind. But Jurgen Klopp’s new-look Liverpool team came close to avenging their 3-0 loss at the Amex Stadium last season, initially lifting themselves off the canvas after going a goal down, only to be pegged back to a 2-2 draw. Liverpool — who…
MANCHESTER, England — Scott McTominay found an answer for Manchester United against Brentford on Saturday, but the questions are mounting for manager Erik ten Hag. McTominay came on after 87 minutes with United 1-0 down and scored in the 93rd and 97th minutes to secure a 2-1 win and blow the roof off Old Trafford. Ten Hag punched the air and McTominay sank to his knees as United gave fans…