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MLS Power Rankings: Columbus Crew No. 1, Messi’s Miami rising

Major League Soccer is back, and Lionel Messi is king. He probably has to play at least one league match before he is given the crown, but who’s going to deny him after what he did in the Leagues Cup? Although it looks marvelous and inevitable throughout Inter Miami’s run to their first trophy in club history, it’s unbelievable when you consider just how bad the team looked for the…

Ten Hag still cleaning up Man United’s transfer policy mess

David de Gea still can’t find a new club, only West Ham United have shown an interest in Harry Maguire, and Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek, Eric Bailly and Brandon Williams are edging toward the Sept. 1 transfer deadline with limited options for life away from Manchester United. Fred has left Old Trafford since the end of last season, joining Fenerbahce, while Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest) and Alex Telles…

In terms of rebuilds, Tottenham look further along than Man United

Phew: another great weekend of European soccer is more or less complete, as we said “Wilkommen” to the German Bundesliga and “Ciao!” to Italy’s Serie A in opening their seasons this weekend. As if that wasn’t enough, the Premier League — Spurs over Man United, Chelsea losing to West Ham — and LaLiga also gave us plenty to talk about. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga & more (U.S.) It’s…

Spain’s players deserve credit for World Cup glory. What about Vilda?

SYDNEY — Jorge Vilda will never forget the night he guided Spain to a first-ever Women’s World Cup title. The La Roja coach was booed by the crowd when he held the trophy aloft and celebrated victory with barely a pat on the back from his players, but despite it all, he was a world champion, and that distinction will mean vindication. Maybe not in the hearts and minds of…

Spain’s hero learns of dad’s death after WWC final

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has announced the death of Olga Carmona’s father just hours after she scored the winning goal in the Women’s World Cup final. Real Madrid left-back Carmona, 23, scored the only goal of the game as Spain beat England 1-0 in Sydney on Sunday to win their first-ever major trophy in the women’s game. Carmona learned of her father’s death after the final. An RFEF…

Old frailties surface as England suffer heartbreak in Women’s World Cup final

SYDNEY — This time the tactical tweaks, replacements and sheer grit weren’t enough to get England across the line. With Spain holding on to their 1-0 lead they so expertly crafted in the 29th minute, the final throw of the dice saw England crowd the opposition’s penalty area for one last corner in the 103rd minute of the match. But unlike last summer, this time there was no Chloe Kelly…

England to play ‘game of our lives’ in WWC final

SYDNEY — England manager Sarina Wiegman and captain Millie Bright have said that the Lionesses are aiming to play the game of their lives when they face Spain in the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday. England have a fully fit squad for the match, with Lauren James back in the picture after she served her two-match suspension. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) Wiegman is well experienced…

Aus coach focused on funding, not USWNT links

BRISBANE, Australia — Still reeling from his side’s loss to Sweden in their Women’s World Cup third-place playoff, Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson has demanded greater investment from Football Australia amidst links to the vacant United States job. Australia’s fairytale World Cup came to a disappointing end on Saturday evening, outmuscled and outplayed by Sweden at Brisbane Stadium in their third-place playoff just days after falling 3-1 to England in…

Bellingham: I’m 10x better than at Dortmund

Jude Bellingham said he was already “10-times better” than he was last season at Borussia Dortmund after he continued his fine start to life at Real Madrid with two goals and an assist in their 3-1 LaLiga win at Almeria on Saturday. Bellingham has adapted quickly to life at Madrid since his €103 million ($112.2m) move from the Bundesliga club, scoring in their 2-0 win at Athletic Club last weekend…

Sources: Henry set to become France U21 coach

Thierry Henry is set to become the new France under-21 head coach after he was chosen by the French Football Federation (FFF), sources have told ESPN. Henry, who left his role as Belgium assistant after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, will take over Sylvain Rippoll following France’s disappointing display in the Euros this summer where they were eliminated by Ukraine at the quarterfinal stage. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga,…