Alex Richards

FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to create FIFA Forward Enterprise, involving private investors in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions, has triggered a major backlash. UEFA and all 55 of its member associations unanimously rejected the plan, accusing FIFA of coercion, irresponsible governance and abandoning its duty to protect football’s heritage. European nations have threatened to boycott FIFA competitions unless the proposal is withdrawn, prompting questions over whether Infantino should resign.

Debate focuses on whether Thomas Tuchel’s tactical decisions or the players’ actions were chiefly responsible for England’s World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina. Critics highlighted Tuchel’s defensive substitutions, while others noted that players began retreating and ceding possession before changes were made. Comments from Harry Kane and touchline footage showing conflicting instructions added to scrutiny. Readers are invited to give their view on where the blame lies.

France enter their World Cup semi-final against Spain with Didier Deschamps aiming to cap his tenure by matching Vittorio Pozzo’s record of two titles as head coach. Deschamps has transformed the national team since 2012, guiding them to consistent deep tournament runs and fostering a more expressive style this summer led by Kylian Mbappe and a dynamic attacking unit. France have combined defensive solidity with greater fluidity in possession, highlighted by a dominant quarter-final win over Morocco. Mbappe has grown into the captaincy and is determined to help deliver a triumphant send-off for Deschamps as France seek a third straight World Cup final appearance.

Jude Bellingham and England manager Thomas Tuchel offered sharply contrasting reactions after England’s 2-1 extra‑time World Cup quarter-final win over Norway. Tuchel criticised the team’s performance as sloppy and fortunate, while praising Bellingham individually. Bellingham emphasised the team’s resilience and dismissed Tuchel’s concerns, creating tension between player and manager. Pundits highlighted the clash as a reflection of strong personalities and reliance on individual talent rather than cohesive play. Wayne Rooney supported Tuchel’s critique, warning that England must improve against stronger opponents in the semi-finals. Harry Kane said the team should take Tuchel’s comments positively as motivation to raise their level.

England secured a 3-2 win over Mexico in a tense World Cup knockout match marked by delays, a red card for Jarell Quansah and a challenging atmosphere. Jude Bellingham led with two goals and a dominant performance, while Harry Kane added a decisive penalty. Jordan Pickford delivered key saves, and Declan Rice played through injury to anchor the midfield. Concerns remain over Bukayo Saka’s ongoing achilles issue and England’s right-back options. Thomas Tuchel’s defensive adjustments, including bringing on Dan Burn, helped secure the result and set up a quarter-final meeting with Norway.

England advanced to the World Cup last 16 after Harry Kane scored twice late to overturn an early deficit against DR Congo, following a sluggish and disjointed performance. Defensive lapses and inconsistent wide play contributed to England’s struggles, while Lionel Mpasi repeatedly denied them before Kane equalised from Anthony Gordon’s cross and then fired a clinical winner. The match also featured debate over a non-awarded penalty and highlighted ongoing concerns with England’s wide options. The victory marked England’s first-ever World Cup win when trailing at half-time.

Manchester City have completed the signing of former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca after agreeing a compensation package reportedly worth £17 million. Chelsea's 326-word statement did not name Maresca, criticized his decision to resign mid-season to pursue Guardiola's successor role, and emphasized the disruption caused to the club. Maresca said the decision was his alone, apologized for the disruption, and expressed gratitude to Chelsea. The club also contrasted his departure with its confidence in new manager Xabi Alonso.

Manchester United drew 2–2 at Burnley in Darren Fletcher's first match as caretaker manager following Ruben Amorim's dismissal. Benjamin Sesko scored twice and threatened a hat-trick, but Ayden Heaven's early own goal and Jaidon Anthony's fine equalizer denied United victory. The match highlighted United's continuing defensive and tactical weaknesses, particularly their dependence on Bruno Fernandes: after the partially fit captain was substituted on the hour, United lost control and Burnley quickly equalized. Sesko's finishing was a major positive, while the club's ability to function without Fernandes and his long-term future remain significant concerns.

Manchester United drew 4-4 with Bournemouth at Old Trafford in a chaotic Premier League match before Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui depart for the Africa Cup of Nations. Amad scored and was United's most dangerous attacker, although his attempted challenge contributed to Bournemouth's late equaliser. Ruben Amorim's switch to a back four and more attacking shape improved United's threat but appeared to depart from the coach's previously rigid 3-4-3 philosophy. Matheus Cunha also impressed, while Mbeumo struggled, leaving United facing a significant attacking loss during the tournament.

Joshua Zirkzee returned to Manchester United’s starting lineup against Crystal Palace because Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha were unavailable. He scored his first Premier League goal since the previous December as United came from behind to win, earning praise from manager Ruben Amorim and captain Bruno Fernandes for his hold-up play and overall contribution. Despite the strong performance, Zirkzee remains interested in leaving in January to secure regular football and improve his chances of making the Netherlands’ 2026 World Cup squad, with Italian clubs including Roma reportedly interested.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot dismissed speculation that the club will sign a centre-back in January, saying his focus is on the matches before the winter break. He confirmed Alisson Becker is set to return against Nottingham Forest but ruled Florian Wirtz and Conor Bradley out, while Andy Robertson is expected to be available. Slot said Liverpool are concentrating only on winning the next match rather than the title race, addressed the team’s tendency to concede first, and discussed the continuing loss of Diogo Jota. He also backed Dominik Szoboszlai to recover from Hungary’s failure to qualify for the World Cup without it affecting his Liverpool form.

England won the toss and chose to bat first in the opening Ashes Test in Perth, but Australia quickly seized control. Mitchell Starc tore through England's top order, dismissing Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root and Ben Stokes before finishing with seven wickets for 58 runs and reaching 100 Ashes wickets. Ollie Pope made 46 and Harry Brook top-scored with 52, but England were bowled out for 172 in the second session. Australia were without regular captain Pat Cummins and fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott because of injury, with Steve Smith leading the side.

Manchester United are considering a January move for Wolves midfielder João Gomes as Ruben Amorim seeks to strengthen the team’s midfield and improve its chances of returning to the Champions League. Gomes has reportedly been extensively scouted and could cost around £44 million, significantly less than alternative targets Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba. Wolves’ new manager Rob Edwards is understood to have an informal agreement with the club not to sell key players in January while they fight relegation, meaning a transfer may be more likely in the summer unless United make a substantially higher offer. Gomes must also weigh regular playing time at Wolves against the opportunity to join United ahead of Brazil’s 2026 World Cup campaign.

Rio Ferdinand has identified Bryan Mbeumo as a key reason for Manchester United's improved form, praising the forward's goals, chance creation and ability to relieve pressure. Mbeumo has scored six goals and provided one assist in his first 12 games, helping United go five matches unbeaten and earning the Premier League Player of the Month award for October. Ferdinand also highlighted goalkeeper Senne Lammens and defender Matthijs de Ligt as major contributors to the team's revival under Ruben Amorim.

Chelsea beat bottom-of-the-table Wolves 3-0 before the international break after being booed at half-time. Malo Gusto broke the deadlock with his first senior goal in 165 appearances, prompting his one-word reaction, “Finally.” Enzo Maresca praised the full-back's attacking contribution, while Gusto said Chelsea's focus was on continuing to improve and competing for more trophies.

Chelsea defeated Wolves 3-0 at Stamford Bridge after a goalless first half that prompted boos from the home crowd. Malo Gusto scored his first senior goal shortly after the break, followed by goals from Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto, with Chelsea moving into second place and reducing the gap to Arsenal to six points. Wolves offered little attacking threat and remain in serious relegation trouble, leaving incoming manager Rob Edwards with a major rebuilding challenge. Their supporters also directed anger at owners Fosun and chairman Jeff Shi, while Liam Delap was judged rusty on his return from injury.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson will miss Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Manchester United at Anfield because he is still recovering from an injury suffered against Galatasaray. He is also expected to miss Liverpool’s Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt and the following trip to Brentford, with Giorgi Mamardashvili deputising. Ryan Gravenberch has recovered from a hamstring issue and is fully fit, while Ibrahima Konate is expected to return to training after being sent home from France duty with a muscle problem.

The Mirror’s football writers compare Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney as teenage talents after Owen argued that his early goalscoring record was superior. Owen scored 18 Premier League goals at both 17 and 18, won Golden Boots and became the second-youngest Ballon d’Or winner, while Rooney later enjoyed the stronger overall career. The writers broadly agree that Owen was the more prolific young striker, but most favor Rooney as the better all-round player because of his physicality, creativity, technique and ability to influence matches. One writer narrowly chooses Owen, while the overall verdict leans toward Rooney, with the comparison ultimately framed as a contrast between two very different kinds of attacking talent.

Peter Crouch was made to serve as Farnham Town’s mascot after finishing bottom of the fantasy football league shared with his That Peter Crouch Podcast co-hosts Chris Stark and Steve Sidwell. The former England striker took part in the full matchday experience, including player meet-and-greets, a half-time show, dinner with other mascots and leading the team onto the pitch against Sholing. Wearing Farnham’s full kit, Crouch signed shirts, posed for selfies and entertained supporters, who praised him for embracing the stunt.

Alexander Isak has completed a six-year move from Newcastle United to Liverpool for a Premier League-record deal. Liverpool sources value the fixed fee at £125 million, while Newcastle describes the arrangement as worth £130 million because Isak waived £5 million in loyalty payments and bonuses owed by the club. The transfer followed a summer dispute in which Isak went on strike and insisted he would not play for Newcastle again; the clubs ultimately agreed to sell him on deadline day, with both sides presenting the fee in a way favorable to their own position.

Crystal Palace cancelled Marc Guehi’s proposed £35 million transfer to Liverpool after manager Oliver Glasner threatened to resign if the captain was sold. Glasner opposed the move because of Guehi’s importance as a defender and dressing-room leader, while CEO Steve Parish had viewed the sale as financially necessary. Palace’s failure to secure adequate defensive replacements, combined with concerns that Glasner could join Bayer Leverkusen, strengthened the manager’s position. Guehi remains at Palace, with a potential move to Liverpool still possible in January or next summer.

Crystal Palace pulled out of a proposed £35 million deadline-day transfer of captain Marc Guehi to Liverpool after failing to secure a replacement that manager Oliver Glasner considered adequate. Although Guehi completed a medical and a deal sheet was submitted, the collapse of a loan move for Brighton’s Igor Julio and the limited readiness of replacement Jaydee Canvot intensified Glasner’s opposition to the sale. Palace chief executive Steve Parish backed the manager despite believing the transfer fee was financially important. The situation also raised concerns that Glasner could leave for Bayer Leverkusen following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, potentially adding further instability at Palace.

Aston Villa have agreed a loan deal in principle for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, who is expected to spend the rest of the 2025–26 season at Villa Park. Villa will reportedly cover about 80% of his wages plus a loan fee after resolving financial concerns with Sancho's representatives. The move would end Sancho's exile at United following his loan spell at Chelsea. Manchester United also abandoned a possible deadline-day move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez and instead agreed an £18.2 million deal for Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

Manchester United are reportedly preparing a £40 million bid for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez before the transfer deadline, despite previously rejecting a move because of his fee and wages. Ruben Amorim is said to have lost faith in Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, prompting United to consider Martinez as an expensive short-term solution after already spending more than £200 million this summer. Selling Martinez could ease Aston Villa's PSR pressures and help finance a possible move for West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta, while Villa may rely on Marco Bizot until January if they cannot secure a replacement.