England

The secret to Arsenal's success? Martin Zubimendi compared to Ballon d'Or winner Rodri as Gunners finally look strong enough to end 22-year title drought

Former Spain star Gaizka Mendieta believes that Martin Zubimendi is becoming just as important to Arsenal as Rodri has been for years at Manchester City. The Gunners completed a £52 million move for the Real Sociedad midfielder over the summer, despite stiff competition from Real Madrid. Now, only being at the club for a few months, he is already being hailed as a vital component to their success.

Keira Walsh reveals how her leadership style differs from Leah Williamson as Chelsea midfielder prepares to captain Lionesses at sold-out Wembley Stadium

Keira Walsh has explains that her leadership will be a change from England team-mate Leah Williamson as she prepares to captain her country against China. The Lionesses will entertain the Steel Roses on Saturday at a sold-out Wembley Stadium, with Walsh set to skipper the side. Ahead of this encounter, the Chelsea ace admits she has had to adjust to this new role in Williamson's absence.

Man City player ratings vs Leeds: Phil Foden raises the roof! England star comes up clutch to spare calamitous Josko Gvardiol & Matheus Nunes as anonymous Erling Haaland hardly has a sniff

Phil Foden spared Manchester City's blushes as he struck late to snatch a 3-2 win after his side had chucked away a two-goal advantage at half-time. Foden scored in the very first and last minutes of the game, rescuing all three points for Pep Guardiola's side which could prove vital at the end of the season. Josko Gvardiol bundled in a second goal in a dominant first half from the hosts.

Xabi Alonso sends out strong message on Jude Bellingham amid talk Real Madrid superstar is not happy with new manager

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso insists he has a “very good relationship” with midfielder Jude Bellingham amid speculation suggesting there is growing tension between the pair. The Spaniard is adamant he has no issues with the England international, who has been in fine form since returning from the shoulder injury which disrupted his 2025-26 campaign.

England women's player ratings vs China: Lethal Lionesses rack up the goals to set Wembley record as Georgia Stanway & Beth Mead shine in international friendly obliteration

Georgia Stanway went home with the match ball on Saturday after bagging a hat-trick in England's record-breaking 8-0 win over China, one just short of a record defeat for the 1999 Women's World Cup finalists. A dominant display, which had the European champions 3-0 up inside just 16 minutes, returned the Lionesses' biggest ever win at Wembley Stadium, surpassing the 6-0 thumping dealt out to Portugal back in May.

'Harry knows exactly what he wants' – Bayern Munich chief offers update on Kane's future amid talk of interest from Barcelona

Bayern Munich director of sport Max Eberl issued a cryptic update on Harry Kane’s future, saying the striker “knows exactly what he wants” amid speculation linking him with a big-money move to Spanish giants Barcelona. The England captain has been in remarkable goalscoring form for the Bundesliga heavyweights, who are hoping to keep him beyond 2027.

'Suits me!' – Como star Alisha Lehmann cracks joke after scoring for Switzerland in friendly defeat to Belgium

Como star Alisha Lehmann could not resist cracking a joke after she scored for Switzerland during an international friendly defeat to Belgium. The Swiss' first outing under new head coach Rafel Navarro ended in a 2-1 defeat but Lehmann was still in good spirits afterwards. The former Juventus star stepped off the bench to score Switzerland’s only goal, and followed it up with a wry grin.

Cole Palmer to miss World Cup 2026?! England drop selection hint in 'worrying sign' for Chelsea talisman

Cole Palmer has missed recent national team call-ups due to a persistent groin injury and a fractured toe, hampering his involvement in England's 2026 World Cup planning. And there's more bad news for the Chelsea star as his absence from the official 2026 England calendar has caused some media speculation, with some fans worrying it is a "major hint" he could miss the World Cup.