Nathan Ridley

Ken Bates, former owner and chairman of Chelsea and later Leeds United, died at age 94 in Monaco. Chelsea announced his passing and issued condolences, highlighting his role in stabilising the club after taking over in 1982 and selling to Roman Abramovich in 2003. The Chelsea Supporters' Trust praised his pivotal influence on the club’s modern success and legacy. Bates' career also included senior roles at Queens Park Rangers, Oldham Athletic and Wigan Athletic.

England defender Jarell Quansah received a two-match World Cup ban for a serious foul against Mexico, depriving manager Thomas Tuchel of his services for the quarter-final with Norway and a potential semi-final. The decision, harsher than the usual one-game suspension, drew frustration as FIFA had recently suspended Folarin Balogun’s ban following intervention from Donald Trump. The contrasting rulings fuelled accusations of double standards. With Quansah unavailable and Reece James still injured, Tuchel must consider defensive alternatives including Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Djed Spence and Trevoh Chalobah.