Jonathan Veal

Wayne Rooney says Marcus Rashford is the only player capable of breaking his Manchester United record of 253 goals, but believes Rashford must show greater hunger, improve his body language and work harder. Rooney urges him to rebuild his relationship with United supporters, carefully choose his close advisers and commit fully to succeeding at Old Trafford after loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona.

England manager Thomas Tuchel blamed a lack of possession and an ingrained football mentality for England’s 2–1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. England took the lead through Anthony Gordon but became increasingly passive, allowing Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez to score late goals. Tuchel accepted criticism for replacing Gordon with Ezri Konsa and for contributing to the defensive approach, while the Football Association backed him and he reaffirmed his commitment to lead England through the 2028 European Championship.

Harry Kane says he does not want to place a limit on his international career and may seek to play at another World Cup, despite being 33 and four years away from the next tournament. He points to Lionel Messi’s continued high-level performances as evidence that age need not end his ambitions. Kane also describes England’s squad and staff as devastated after conceding twice in the final 15 minutes of a 2–1 semi-final defeat to Argentina. England will finish the tournament against France in a third-place play-off before beginning their Nations League campaign against Spain.

England’s World Cup record spans an iconic 1966 victory, semi-final appearances in 1990 and 2018, and repeated quarter-final exits. The retrospective covers early group-stage failures, historic defeats by Argentina, Germany, Brazil and Portugal, and more recent disappointments including the 2010 and 2014 campaigns. England reached the 2022 quarter-finals but were eliminated by France after Harry Kane missed a late penalty in a 2–1 defeat.

Harry Kane has rejected suggestions of a split in England's squad after Jude Bellingham appeared to challenge Thomas Tuchel's criticism of the team's performance against Norway. Kane said the exchange reflected the intensity of the match rather than a genuine dispute, emphasizing complete togetherness among the players, coaching staff and manager. He also praised Tuchel's direct communication style and said the squad understands and believes in his approach ahead of the World Cup semi-final against Argentina.

Reece James has recovered from a hamstring injury in time to feature for England ahead of their World Cup semi-final against holders Argentina. The Chelsea captain returned as a substitute in England’s extra-time quarter-final win over Norway, in which Jude Bellingham scored twice. James says England’s experience and strong domestic football have helped them handle tournament pressure as they pursue a place in the final.

Jude Bellingham challenged Thomas Tuchel’s criticism of England’s performance in their 2–1 extra-time World Cup quarter-final win over Norway. Bellingham defended the team’s resilience in extreme Miami heat and against a strong Norwegian attack, urging a positive atmosphere before the semi-finals. Tuchel maintained that England deserved full credit for their effort and team spirit but argued they could play better, insisting there was no disconnect between him and the players. Bellingham scored both goals and moved level with Harry Kane on six goals in the tournament.

England captain Harry Kane described playing golf with Donald Trump in Florida 18 months earlier as a surreal experience and praised the US president’s golfing ability. Ahead of England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway, Kane also said David Beckham visited the team’s training session at Inter Miami’s facilities, offered his support and encouraged the players to reach the semi-finals.

Marc Guehi, Declan Rice and Reece James trained with the England squad in Miami ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against Norway, easing concerns over recent injuries and illness. Jordan Henderson remained absent as he recovers from wrist surgery, while Jarell Quansah is unavailable due to a two‑match suspension for serious foul play in the win over Mexico. Thomas Tuchel confirmed full squad availability apart from the suspended defender and expressed uncertainty over the reasoning behind the length of Quansah’s ban.

Bukayo Saka says he is fully ready for England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway after managing an Achilles issue throughout the tournament. Despite limited minutes earlier on, he reports feeling great and is focused on contributing however needed. He reflects on England’s dramatic win over Mexico but stresses the importance of shifting attention to the upcoming challenge. Saka is expected to retain his place in the lineup, with Thomas Tuchel forced into at least one change due to Jarell Quansah’s suspension.

Erling Haaland urges the media to increase pressure on England ahead of Norway’s World Cup quarter-final, framing the match as personally significant due to his English ties. Norway’s unexpected run included victories over the Ivory Coast and Brazil, with Haaland scoring seven goals in five matches. The winner of the England–Norway clash will face Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals.

Anthony Gordon says England’s squad has exceptional chemistry and describes the team environment as the best he has experienced. He credits the group’s accountability and togetherness with helping England reach the World Cup quarter-finals after overcoming Mexico while playing much of the match with 10 men. Gordon has contributed with assists for Harry Kane against the Democratic Republic of the Congo and by winning the decisive penalty against Mexico. He is also working to improve his finishing, seeking advice from Kane and emphasizing daily practice as England prepare to face Norway.

Jude Bellingham says England’s 3–2 last-16 victory over Mexico at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca will not fully erase the memory of Diego Maradona’s 1986 ‘Hand of God’ goal unless England go on to win the World Cup. Bellingham scored twice in 98 seconds, made a goal-saving block and helped England defend with 10 men after Jarell Quansah was sent off. He believes the result should strengthen the squad’s confidence ahead of their quarter-final against Norway in Miami.

Ezri Konsa attributed England’s dramatic 3–2 last-16 World Cup victory over Mexico to the squad’s strong sense of brotherhood and defensive togetherness. England overcame high altitude, a hostile crowd, a delayed kick-off and Jarell Quansah’s dismissal, with Konsa adapting to right-back and substitutes Dan Burn and John Stones making important contributions. Jordan Pickford was also praised after producing a standout performance and equalling Peter Shilton’s record of 17 World Cup appearances.

Kick-off for England’s World Cup match against Mexico was delayed by an hour due to lightning near the Mexico City stadium, raising concerns for UK fans watching in pubs with licensing extensions only running to 5am. FIFA cited safety protocols requiring delays when lightning is detected within eight miles. Pub managers and fans in London said they would wait despite work commitments, with some relying on working from home to cope with the late finish.

Anthony Gordon praises Harry Kane’s decisive two-goal performance that rescued England from elimination against the Democratic Republic of Congo and secured a World Cup last‑16 match with Mexico. He highlights Kane’s consistency and work ethic, comparing his season to Lionel Messi’s. Gordon expresses optimism about England’s upcoming challenge at Mexico’s Azteca Stadium, emphasising the team’s momentum, preparation and resilience.

England enter the World Cup last-32 with key selection issues, including uncertainty at right-back and unresolved winger performances. Declan Rice is expected to return, allowing Jude Bellingham to shift forward, while the team prepares for the heightened pressure of knockout football. DR Congo, ranked 41st, are expected to provide a tough challenge after holding Portugal in the group stage, with several notable players posing threats.

Jordan Henderson became the first England player to appear at four World Cups after coming on as a substitute in England's 2-0 win over Panama. England won its group and secured a knockout-stage meeting with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Henderson reflected on his milestone, his evolving role in the squad and England's hopes of ending a 60-year wait for major tournament success, while warning that the knockout rounds would be more difficult.

England’s final World Cup group-stage match against Panama could determine whether they finish top of the group and secure a more favourable knockout path. Thomas Tuchel must manage fitness concerns involving Reece James and Declan Rice, while Elliot Anderson faces unusual distractions amid a proposed transfer. England are expected to confront Panama’s deep defensive block and physical approach, with selection questions also affecting the wing positions, including whether Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford or other alternatives should start.

Eberechi Eze has praised Bukayo Saka’s talent, decision-making and effectiveness ahead of England’s World Cup match against Panama. Saka, who has been managing an Achilles injury, has appeared only as a substitute in England’s first two games but could start after Noni Madueke’s ineffective performance. A victory, or matching Ghana’s result against Croatia, would secure England top spot in Group L and a last-32 tie against a third-placed team.

Eberechi Eze says England’s goalless draw with Ghana has not changed the team’s approach or qualification outlook. He rejected claims that England rely too heavily on Harry Kane and emphasized the squad’s attacking talent. Eze urged teammates to ignore outside criticism, remain united within their team environment and focus on beating Panama to strengthen their position in Group L.

Jude Bellingham said England played with a small amount of fear in their 0-0 World Cup draw with Ghana, whose defence and counterattacking threat made them difficult to break down. He described Ghana as an exceptional opponent and viewed the match as a valuable test against a different style of play. Bellingham acknowledged England had not matched their earlier performance against Croatia and accepted that criticism would follow, while stressing that the team remained confident in its beliefs and would focus on recovery and analysis.

Djed Spence appeared to refuse a pre-match handshake with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey before England’s game against Ghana in Boston. England supporters booed Partey, who faces charges of seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to alleged incidents in London between 2020 and 2022. Partey denies the charges and is expected to stand trial next summer. He returned to Ghana’s starting lineup after missing the previous match and spoke positively about facing former Arsenal teammates Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice.

Declan Rice has dismissed concerns about his fitness after experiencing discomfort and being substituted during England’s opening World Cup match. The Arsenal midfielder said his body is conditioned for the demands of a long tournament after years of European football and that he currently feels mentally and physically strong. Rice also believes Arsenal’s recent Premier League success has given him confidence and renewed energy to perform for England against Ghana and throughout the competition.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has criticised compulsory three-minute hydration breaks at the World Cup, arguing that they interrupt the flow, momentum and identity of football matches by dividing each half into two sections. Although he acknowledges that the breaks provide coaches with useful opportunities to communicate with players and ensure fairness between teams, he prefers matches to be played continuously. England’s upcoming group game against Ghana in Boston is expected to include the breaks despite forecast heavy rain, and Tuchel says he will use them flexibly according to events on the pitch.

Djed Spence played down a viral training clip showing Thomas Tuchel shouting at him, saying the manager’s high demands are normal and necessary during the World Cup. Spence praised Tuchel’s attention to detail, motivational ability and the strong team environment he has built. After an impressive debut off the bench against Croatia, Spence said he is comfortable playing on either side of defence and prioritises contributing wherever needed as England aim for a strong tournament performance.

England aim to secure early qualification for the World Cup knockout stage after their 4-2 win over Croatia, with Ollie Watkins stressing the goal of topping Group L. Despite Ghana being lower-ranked, Antoine Semenyo is identified as a major threat, though Watkins highlights Thomas Tuchel’s emphasis on England’s own tactical strengths. A win over Ghana would confirm progression, with group leadership possible depending on other results.

Bukayo Saka completed full training with England ahead of their World Cup match against Ghana as he continues to manage an Achilles issue. Thomas Tuchel does not expect him to start until the final group game but stressed his importance and consistent fitness. England will advance to the knockout stage with a win, while Ghana sit second in the group after defeating Panama.

Curacao secured their first-ever World Cup point with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador, driven by goalkeeper Eloy Room’s record 15 saves, the most in a World Cup match since 1966. The result keeps Curacao’s hopes of advancing from Group E alive ahead of their match against Ivory Coast. Ecuador created numerous chances but were repeatedly denied, while Curacao produced several opportunities of their own in a resilient performance.

Harry Kane celebrated England’s 4-2 World Cup win over Croatia by highlighting the emotional connection with supporters as the team sang Wonderwall with fans in Dallas. He described the moment as one of his favourite in an England shirt and noted the renewed energy within a largely fresh squad. Kane and manager Thomas Tuchel emphasised the importance of unity, depth and competition, with several substitutes making strong contributions in the opening match.

Harry Kane said early goals from Golden Boot rivals Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland motivated him to match their fast starts as he scored twice in England’s 4‑2 World Cup win over Croatia. His brace equalled Gary Lineker’s England World Cup scoring record and followed a prolific season for Bayern Munich, leaving him confident he is performing at his peak with challenging matches still ahead.

Bukayo Saka says he is willing to continue taking a fitness risk as he manages an Achilles injury ahead of England’s World Cup opener against Croatia. He credits Arsenal and England medical staff for helping him recover and says he now feels stronger than in recent months. If he is not fit to start, Noni Madueke is expected to play, with Saka saying their close friendship helps them handle competition for the same position while supporting each other for the team’s success.

Noni Madueke says England’s squad depth will be vital for World Cup success, particularly in hot conditions where substitutes could decide matches. Competing with Bukayo Saka for a starting role, he highlights strong performances from bench players in previous games. Selected for his versatility, he aims to become one of the world’s top wingers by increasing his goal and assist output while continuing to contribute broadly to the team.

Gareth Southgate declined television work for the 2026 World Cup to avoid distracting the England squad, expressing confidence that the team is prepared to win the tournament. He cited his long involvement in past World Cups and said removing himself from commentary would prevent misinterpretations affecting players. Southgate offered full support to the squad as they begin their campaign in North America.

Kansas City is hosting England, Argentina, the Netherlands and Algeria during the World Cup, positioning itself as the “Soccer Capital of America” after major investment in football facilities. England will be based at the Inn at Meadowbrook with training at Swope Soccer Village, while Argentina secured the Compass Minerals National Performance Center. The city expects strong engagement through its Fifa Fan Festival and highlights its growing football culture and infrastructure as key to attracting top national teams.

Ollie Watkins argues that England’s success at the 2026 World Cup may depend on the impact of substitutes, stressing the advantage of fresh legs in demanding conditions. After scoring off the bench in a 3–0 win over Costa Rica, he and several other substitutes were praised for raising the team’s intensity. With challenging weather and altitude expected, manager Thomas Tuchel is likely to rely heavily on rotation. England will complete their camp with a friendly against Miami FC before moving to Kansas City ahead of group matches against Croatia, Ghana and Panama.

Declan Rice downplays a sunburn incident highlighted in his World Cup photoshoot, explaining it resulted from adjusting to Florida’s heat. After scoring in England’s 3-0 win over Costa Rica during warm‑up matches, he says the confidence gained from winning the Premier League with Arsenal offsets the emotional challenges of the season. He arrives at the World Cup feeling fit, mentally refreshed, and optimistic about England’s chances.

Joe Cole argues that England’s success at the 2026 World Cup may depend on mastering set-pieces amid expected tighter Fifa enforcement on physicality in the penalty area. He urges referees to regain control to avoid reliance on VAR and believes clearer officiating will reward disciplined teams. Cole supports Thomas Tuchel’s squad choices, emphasizing focus on selected players and confidence in the manager’s tactical approach. He views England as one of several contenders, contingent on execution and key players hitting form.

A sleep expert warns England’s World Cup squad against using sleeping pills, citing addiction risks and poor recovery quality. With the team facing long flights, time zone changes and hot conditions across North America, players have been supplied with customised bedding and guidance on replicating home environments to support better rest.

Ollie Watkins credits his omission from England’s March camp with motivating a scoring surge that helped Aston Villa win the Europa League and secure a top‑four Premier League finish. He reflects on improved form, confidence, and readiness for World Cup 2026, emphasizing the importance of contributing alongside fellow striker Ivan Toney.

England begin their World Cup preparations with a training camp in Florida under manager Thomas Tuchel, who has framed the tournament as a Mount Everest challenge and aims to end the nation’s 60‑year wait for a title. Key players will join the squad later, with warm‑up matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica scheduled before relocating to Kansas City. Appointed with a mandate to win, Tuchel has delivered motivational guidance to the team ahead of their opening match against Croatia, targeting a campaign that culminates in New Jersey in July.

Harry Kane expresses confidence that England can win the upcoming World Cup, emphasising the squad’s depth, recent strong performances under Thomas Tuchel, and his own peak form. He highlights the significance of a potential victory for the nation and discusses his evolution as a player, while also approaching a personal milestone of surpassing Gary Lineker’s World Cup goal record. Kane promotes the England Challenge at TOCA Social, an interactive fan competition tied to the tournament.

Luke Humphries expresses readiness to face Luke Littler in the Premier League darts semi-finals, noting their strong rivalry but stating he is comfortable meeting him at any stage. With Humphries and Gerwyn Price securing top‑four spots and Littler and Jonny Clayton already leading the standings, only third and fourth places remain undecided. Littler, recently awarded an MBE, aims for a seventh nightly win as the final round of matches is set in Sheffield.

Steve McClaren has been appointed Rotherham United’s head of football after leaving his position as Jamaica manager in November. He will provide strategic oversight of the club’s football operations and lead the search for a new manager following Lee Clark’s departure, as Rotherham rebuilds after relegation to League Two. The appointment reflects chairman Tony Stewart’s longstanding relationship with McClaren and his extensive experience with England, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, FC Twente and other clubs.

Michael Salisbury was left off the final round of Premier League referee appointments after criticism for allowing Manchester United’s second goal against Nottingham Forest to stand despite a handball by Bryan Mbeumo. PGMO acknowledged the decision should have been overturned after VAR intervention. Additional scrutiny fell on VAR official James Bell for failing to recommend a review of Kai Havertz’s high challenge on Lesley Ugochukwu during Arsenal’s win over Burnley. High‑profile referees including Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor were assigned to key end‑of‑season fixtures.

Ella Toone has returned to England's squad after recovering from a hip injury and could feature in the Women's World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Ukraine. Manager Sarina Wiegman welcomed Toone's availability while remaining cautious about her match fitness and potential playing time. Lucy Bronze has also been selected despite a recent foot injury. England, who have won all four qualifiers so far, need at least a draw against world champions Spain in Majorca on 5 June to secure qualification, before facing Ukraine four days later.

PGMO apologised to Nottingham Forest after admitting that referee Michael Salisbury should have disallowed Manchester United’s second goal in their 3-2 Premier League win. VAR advised Salisbury to review Bryan Mbeumo’s apparent handball in the build-up to Matheus Cunha’s goal, but he upheld his original decision. The error ended Forest’s eight-match unbeaten league run and prompted fierce criticism from Gary Neville and renewed calls from manager Vitor Pereira for greater clarity over the handball rules.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot expects Alexander Isak to resume training this week and hopes the striker can return for the season finale against Brentford, although he cannot guarantee his availability. Isak’s first season at Anfield has been disrupted by a broken leg, a missed pre-season and a recent minor injury, while Hugo Ekitike’s absence has increased the need for him. Liverpool’s 4–2 defeat at Aston Villa also exposed recurring problems defending set pieces, and Slot acknowledged responsibility for fixing an issue that has contributed to poor results against Villa, Manchester United and Chelsea. The defeat leaves Liverpool’s Champions League qualification hopes uncertain.

Liverpool suffered a damaging 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa, leaving their Champions League qualification hopes unresolved and increasing pressure on manager Arne Slot. Slot acknowledged supporters’ concerns but argued that player returns, recruitment and greater Premier League experience could make Liverpool significantly stronger next season. Aston Villa secured a top-five finish and a Champions League place, allowing Unai Emery’s side to focus fully on their upcoming Europa League final.

Luke Humphries secured a place in the Premier League Darts play-offs by defeating Luke Littler in the Birmingham semi-final and Gerwyn Price 6–4 in the final. Humphries overcame a possible 4–0 deficit against Littler to end the teenager’s 10-match winning streak and claim his first weekly victory of the campaign. The top four is now confirmed as Littler, Humphries, Jonny Clayton and Price, while Michael van Gerwen, Gian van Veen, Stephen Bunting and Josh Rock miss out.

Luke Humphries secured a place in the Premier League Darts play-offs after ending Luke Littler’s 10-match winning streak in Birmingham and defeating Gerwyn Price in the final. His win finalizes the top four lineup, joining Littler, Clayton and Price in the upcoming O2 event, while Van Gerwen, Van Veen, Bunting and Rock miss out after mixed campaigns.

Luke Littler moved closer to a record seventh nightly Premier League win after a 6-0 victory over Jonny Clayton, securing top seeding for the O2 play-offs. He will face Luke Humphries, who also won 6-0, while Gerwyn Price boosted his qualification chances with a win over Michael van Gerwen. Gian van Veen stayed in contention by beating Josh Rock.

Luke Littler aims to secure a record seventh Premier League Darts nightly win and potentially clinch a third consecutive top-place finish as he faces Jonny Clayton in Birmingham. Gerwyn Price and Luke Humphries remain in contention for playoff spots, with Price set to face an in-form Michael van Gerwen. Humphries meets Stephen Bunting, whose qualification hopes are fading, while Gian van Veen plays already-eliminated Josh Rock.

Mark Webster, the 2008 BDO world darts champion, will return to Sky Sports commentary after improving during treatment for hairy cell leukaemia. Absent since February, he has been cleared to work Thursday’s Premier League event in Birmingham. The final two weeks of the competition will determine the remaining qualifiers alongside Luke Littler and Jonny Clayton, with Gerwyn Price, Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, Gian van Veen and Stephen Bunting still in contention.

Elliot Anderson earned Nottingham Forest a crucial point with a late goal against Newcastle despite recently losing his mother, drawing praise from manager Vitor Pereira for his character and talent as uncertainty remains over his future at the club. Eddie Howe expressed regret over Newcastle’s reluctant decision to sell Anderson due to financial rules, acknowledging his quality and predicting a strong career ahead.

Elliot Anderson’s late equaliser secured a crucial draw for Nottingham Forest, widening their buffer from the relegation zone and extending their Premier League unbeaten run. Newcastle initially led through Harvey Barnes but were repeatedly troubled by Forest’s attacking pressure, with Dilane Bakwa central to their threat. Despite injuries and a quick turnaround from a heavy Europa League defeat, Forest outperformed a Newcastle side struggling to maintain European ambitions. Anderson’s 88th‑minute finish capped Forest’s resilience and moved them closer to securing safety.

Aston Villa overturned a first‑leg deficit to beat Nottingham Forest 4‑0 and reach their first European final in 44 years, advancing to face Freiburg in the Europa League final in Istanbul. Goals from Ollie Watkins, Emiliano Buendia and a quick double by John McGinn secured the dominant win, reflecting Unai Emery’s successful transformation of the team. Nottingham Forest, missing key players and unable to match Villa’s intensity, saw their unbeaten run end as Villa moved within one match of their first major trophy in three decades.

Unai Emery downplays the notion that Aston Villa’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest will define the season, stressing the team’s progress and the difficulty of winning trophies. Despite trailing 1–0 from the first leg and losing recent matches, he emphasises continued improvement and insists failure to win the competition would not be a setback. Nottingham Forest enter the match unbeaten in 10 games and are considered slight favourites due to their advantage. Villa expect John McGinn to return, while Amadou Onana remains doubtful and Ross Barkley and Alysson are ineligible.

Nottingham Forest are assessing Morgan Gibbs-White’s fitness after he sustained a deep forehead cut in a 3-1 win over Chelsea, with protective headgear prepared should he be able to play in the Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa. Manager Vitor Pereira said a final decision will involve the player and medical staff, noting multiple injury concerns across the squad. Forest hold a 1-0 aggregate lead as they seek their first European final since 1980, facing a Villa side struggling for form.

Noa-Lynn van Leuven describes the Darts Regulation Authority’s ban on transgender women in women’s events as deeply distressing and reminiscent of earlier experiences of rejection. She disputes claims of male competitive advantage, citing successful shorter male players and recent achievements by women such as Beau Greaves. Restricted now to lower-tier events, she remains determined to continue competing despite losing her goals for the year. She links the ruling to broader setbacks for transgender rights in the UK and US, while the DRA maintains its decision followed legal advice.

Roberto De Zerbi praised Conor Gallagher’s standout performance in Tottenham’s crucial 2-1 win over Aston Villa, saying his energy made it feel like playing with 12 men. Gallagher, on loan from Atletico Madrid, scored his first goal for Spurs and delivered a high‑intensity display he described as his best for the club. Aston Villa, heavily rotated ahead of a Europa League tie, produced a poor performance that drew boos, but Unai Emery defended his approach and emphasised trust in the team’s long‑term process.

Tottenham strengthened their Premier League survival prospects with a 2-1 away win over Aston Villa, highlighted by first-half goals from Conor Gallagher and Richarlison. Roberto De Zerbi urged his squad to stay balanced despite back-to-back victories lifting them above West Ham. Aston Villa’s heavily rotated side struggled, only scoring late through Emiliano Buendia, as Unai Emery defended his selection choices and expressed pride in his players despite recent losses.

Tottenham boosted their Premier League survival chances with a 2-1 win over a heavily rotated and underperforming Aston Villa side. First‑half goals from Conor Gallagher and Richarlison secured a dominant performance that lifted Spurs out of the relegation zone and above West Ham. Villa, distracted by their upcoming Europa League semi-final, offered little threat until Emiliano Buendia’s stoppage‑time header. The victory marked Tottenham’s second straight league win under Roberto De Zerbi and strengthened their prospects of avoiding relegation.

Unai Emery criticised VAR for failing to review Elliot Anderson’s high challenge on Ollie Watkins during Aston Villa’s 1–0 Europa League semi-final defeat to Nottingham Forest. Chris Wood scored the decisive penalty after VAR confirmed the ball stayed in play before Lucas Digne’s handball. Emery argued Anderson should have been sent off, calling the non-intervention a huge mistake. Forest manager Vitor Pereira praised his team’s resilience despite injuries and said they will approach the second leg with an attacking mindset as they aim for their first European final since the Brian Clough era.