The likes of Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer, who saw fitness concerns rule them out of the latest England squad, have been handed a World Cup warning by Thomas Tuchel. The Three Lions boss claims he is prepared to leave the most talented players at his disposal out of a bid for global glory in 2026 as “the team” is more important than any individual.
Piers Morgan, who has always been a loyal Cristiano Ronaldo supporter, has revealed the identity of the one sportsperson that he ranks higher than CR7. That honour goes to Australian cricket legend Shane Warne, with Morgan of the opinion that Ronaldo “would understand” having to play second fiddle to an iconic bowler that liked to make headlines on and off the field.
Viktor Gyokeres has been defended from critics that “don’t have a clue about football”, with Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson of the opinion that his star striker remains in decent form. That is despite the prolific forward enduring a barren run at Arsenal on the back of his big-money move from Sporting over the summer. Gyokeres has failed to find the target through his last six appearances for the Gunners.
Christian Pulisic has earned high praise from AC Milan legend Alessandro Nesta, with the USMNT star being told that there is no other player like him in Serie A. The United States international has starred across two seasons at San Siro, becoming a talismanic presence for the Rossoneri, and is now considered to be one of the leading lights in Italian top-flight football.
A video posted online by Gary Neville in the wake of a synagogue attack in Manchester has courted controversy and attracted criticism, but it is reported that the former United and England defender will not face any punishment from Sky Sports. Neville remains a prominent public face for the broadcasting giants, with a role being filled as a co-commentator and pundit.
Jose Mourinho claims that five of his Benfica players were suffering a “self-esteem crisis” ahead of a crunch clash with Porto, leading to the ‘Special One’ adopting a pragmatic mindset against his former employers. Mourinho makes no apologies for setting his side up to frustrate table-topping opposition, with an important point being taken from an uneventful goalless draw.
Wayne Rooney has continued his back and forth with under-fire Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, pointing out that the Portuguese should “expect to be criticised” given how desperate the situation has become at Old Trafford. Amorim continues to see his future called into question after just 50 games in charge of the Red Devils, with positive results proving hard to come by.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri is reportedly on Real Madrid’s radar once more, with the Spanish giants prepared to part with €150 million (£130m/$175m) in order to bring the midfielder onto their books. The Ballon d'Or winner is, however, considered to be a priceless commodity at the Etihad Stadium and the Premier League heavyweights have no intention of parting with a prized asset.
Rasmus Hojlund continues to make Manchester United question their decision to let him leave Old Trafford during the summer transfer window, with the Red Devils outcast netting another crucial goal for Napoli in what is quickly becoming a productive loan spell. The Denmark international grabbed a match-winning effort for the reigning Serie A champions in their clash with Genoa.
Christian Pulisic remains a hero to AC Milan supporters, but he briefly became a zero after skying a potentially match-winning penalty for the Rossoneri in their Serie A clash with old adversaries Juventus. The United States international was given a golden opportunity to break the deadlock in that contest early in the second half, but proceeded to fluff his lines from 12 yards.
