Matty Hewitt

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to receive about £3.4 million from Troy Parrott's transfer from AZ Alkmaar to Real Betis, due to a reported 20% sell-on clause in his 2024 move. Betis are nearing an agreement after West Ham failed to meet Alkmaar's valuation, while FC Porto and RB Leipzig are also reported to have shown interest. Parrott's impending departure was inadvertently revealed by teammate Mexx Meerdink. The payment would add to Tottenham's transfer funds as Roberto De Zerbi's squad undergoes significant recruitment and player sales.

Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder Jamal Musiala says he has been diagnosed with brief, treatable absence seizures caused by a neurological dysfunction after collapsing during two recent preseason matches. He says he is receiving specialist medical care, faces no further health risks and has been cleared by neurologists to continue daily life and football while keeping the matter private. The episodes follow his return from a lengthy absence caused by a fractured ankle.

Audrey Werro fell heavily while leading her 800-metre semi-final at the European Athletics Championships and initially failed to finish. After an investigation and successful appeal, she was advanced to the final. Keely Hodgkinson won the semi-final and expressed sympathy for Werro, while Paula Radcliffe explained that Werro’s ability to recover and reach the finish helped support the appeal.

Newcastle United have reportedly told Manchester United that Lewis Hall is not for sale this summer, despite United's interest in signing a left-back to provide cover for Luke Shaw. Hall left Newcastle's training camp in La Manga early with a minor injury and will miss Matthias Jaissle's first match as head coach, but the club has maintained that he will remain. Manchester United have also been linked with Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas, who is reportedly available only if his £13.7 million release clause is activated.

Vinicius Junior is reportedly delaying his return to Real Madrid preseason training while uncertainty continues over his future. Arsenal are said to view the Brazilian winger as a top summer target and could offer a club-record contract, but any transfer depends largely on whether Vinicius and Real Madrid can agree a contract extension. Negotiations previously stalled over salary demands, with Vinicius reportedly seeking around £17 million net annually, although reports suggest both sides still want to reach a new deal.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin boycotted the World Cup final amid heightened tensions with FIFA following its decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s automatic red‑card ban after an intervention reportedly involving Donald Trump. UEFA condemned the ruling as unprecedented and harmful to the tournament’s integrity. The dispute adds to broader frustrations over recent FIFA actions, including tournament expansion plans and organisational issues, while speculation grows that UEFA may back a challenger to Gianni Infantino in the next FIFA presidential election.

Tom Cruise’s pre-match speech before the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina drew widespread criticism, with many fans calling it awkward and questioning its purpose. The speech, part of the closing ceremony featuring multiple performers, delayed kick-off and was met with confusion both in the stadium and online, where supporters expressed bemusement at his appearance.

Alejandro Garnacho has rejected Aston Villa as part of Chelsea’s negotiations for Morgan Rogers, preferring a move to AS Roma. His refusal prevents a swap deal that could have reduced Manchester United’s sell‑on income, preserving their chance of a financial boost if Chelsea sell him for around £42.5m. United previously earned £40m from his transfer and hold a 10 percent sell‑on clause. Roma are considering a loan with an option to buy, while United remain active in strengthening their squad for next season.

Argentine golfer Mateo Pulcini imitated Enzo Fernandez’s goal celebration from Argentina’s recent match against England after sinking a long birdie putt at The Open, drawing light‑hearted reactions from the crowd. Pulcini said the gesture came spontaneously and praised the supportive atmosphere despite playful boos. England players struggled on the course, with Justin Rose and Matthew Jordan posting high scores, while Tommy Fleetwood admitted pre‑round nerves following England’s World Cup defeat. Jon Rahm expressed hope he would be busy contending for The Open during Spain’s upcoming World Cup final against Argentina.

England’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina sparked internal frustration as several players were reportedly shocked by Thomas Tuchel’s defensive substitutions after taking the lead. Instead of using attacking options such as Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford or Noni Madueke, Tuchel switched to a 5-4-1 setup, a strategy that had previously worked against Mexico but faltered against stronger opposition. Players believed Argentina were vulnerable following Anthony Gordon’s opener and that England should have continued pressing. Marc Guehi voiced regret over the team’s retreating mentality, while Tuchel defended his choices, insisting he had no regrets and felt the team performed well under the circumstances.

Thunderstorms forecast in Atlanta may force delays to England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina due to U.S. lightning safety laws requiring a 30‑minute stoppage after each strike. Despite the stadium’s retractable roof, risks to fans could postpone kick‑off by several hours. Previous England matches in the tournament have already been affected by severe weather, and concerns continue amid high temperatures and earlier storm‑related delays. Thomas Tuchel criticised the team’s recent performance, while Jude Bellingham defended the squad’s efforts in challenging conditions.

Belgium overturned a 2-0 deficit against Senegal after a heated on‑field exchange between Leandro Trossard and Youri Tielemans sparked a late resurgence. Romelu Lukaku scored to begin the comeback before Trossard and Tielemans combined for the equaliser, later embracing as tensions eased. Tielemans secured the 3-2 victory in extra time with a VAR-awarded penalty, sending Belgium into the World Cup last 16 against the United States.

Brazil’s late comeback over Japan clarifies England’s potential World Cup path, setting up possible knockout-stage encounters with DR Congo, Mexico or Ecuador, and ultimately Brazil or Argentina. Key goals from Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli secured Brazil’s progress, shaping the tournament bracket. England players, including Jordan Pickford, stress readiness for the pressures of the knockout phase as fixtures move toward the July 19 final in New Jersey.

More than 160 riot officers and specialist security personnel were deployed in South Korea to manage potential disturbances after national football team manager Hong Myung-bo reportedly received death threats following the team’s early exit from the 2026 World Cup. Hong resigned from his position amid public outrage, petitions for his dismissal, and criticism from President Lee Jae-myung, who called for an investigation into the team’s performance and the hiring process. The team's disappointing group-stage results intensified scrutiny and backlash toward Hong and the broader national team structure.

Alan Sugar questioned Roy Keane’s hair during ITV’s World Cup coverage, prompting mixed reactions online. Keane had been analysing England’s match against Panama, which they won with second‑half goals from Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham to top their group. Other group results set up a favourable knockout path for England, avoiding major European teams and positioning them to face DR Congo next.