Jules Koundé said Monday that Spain winger Lamine Yamal‘s comments that France should fear the defending Euro champions ahead of their World Cup semifinal weren’t a sign of disrespect. Spain play Koundé’s France side in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday, and after La Roja beat Belgium in the quarterfinals last Friday, Yamal said that France should fear them in their semifinal showdown. “No, in no moment have we felt a lack…
Erling Haaland and his Norway teammates were welcomed home by tens of thousands of ecstatic supporters in Oslo following their historic World Cup achievements in North America. Norway reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in the country’s history this summer, beating five-time winners Brazil in the round of 16 before being knocked out by England. Star striker Haaland saw his global fame reach new heights as he…
Jordan Pickford has said he’s confident England will be streetwise enough to keep their cool in Wednesday’s intense World Cup semifinal clash with Argentina and their captain Lionel Messi. Thomas Tuchel’s side have the chance to become the nation’s first men’s team to reach the final since Sir Alf Ramsey’s heroes lifted the trophy in 1966. World champions Argentina stand in their way and the eyes of the nation will…
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has said he wants to keep Enzo Fernández at the club amid a potential exit of the midfielder this summer. Speaking in his first news conference since being appointed as Chelsea manager in May, the 44-year-old shared his excitement and ambitions for the club. ESPN previously reported that Fernández’s agent confirmed the midfielder is exploring options to leave the club this summer, despite Real Madrid denying…
Manchester United have signed midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea, the club have announced. Sources told ESPN the fee was in the region of £48 million ($64m), with a further £2m in potential add-ons, to bring the 22-year-old Brazilian to Old Trafford. Santos joined Chelsea in 2023 and went on to make 28 Premier League appearances for the Blues before sealing his move to United. United turned their attention to Santos…
Police said Monday they are investigating the death of South Africa World Cup football player Jayden Adams, after his body was discovered this weekend at a property in the city of Cape Town. The 25-year-old Adams died two weeks after helping South Africa reach the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time. Authorities have not released a cause of death. “Cape Town central police registered an inquest…
Slaven Bilić has been appointed as the new head coach of Croatia. The 57-year-old previously led the team between 2006 and 2012 and his appointment comes following the departure of Zlatko Dalić in the aftermath of the team’s World Cup exit. Croatia finished second in Group L, one point behind England, but were knocked out of the tournament with a 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the round of 32. “I…
Football’s chief police officer has praised the behaviour of England fans at the World Cup — and hopes those watching the matches from the UK start to follow their example. Chief Constable Mark Roberts of Cheshire Police, the UK’s football policing lead, said the conduct of England fans attending Saturday’s quarterfinal victory over Norway in Miami was once again “exemplary.” “The atmosphere during the game was passionate but friendly, with…
Barcelona‘s “substantial offer” to sign Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez still stands but only for a limited time, Barça president Joan Laporta has warned. The Spanish champions are keen to sign the Argentina international but so far have been unsuccessful in their pursuit. Speaking to reporters after landing in Dallas, Texas, where Spain will take on France in Tuesday’s World Cup semifinal, Laporta did not reveal the offer amount but…
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has admitted the club “need more” players but are “working hard” behind the scenes to bolster his squad in this transfer window. Speaking at his first news conference since being appointed as Liverpool boss last month, the 44-year-old acknowledged there will be an element of transition this summer as the club seek to replace the experience of departing players Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima…