Scott Trotter

Manchester City have accepted a package worth £65.4 million from Barcelona for Rodri, whose contract is entering its final year and who is set to end a seven-year spell at the club. The Ballon d’Or winner previously joined City from Atlético Madrid for £62.8 million and helped deliver major trophies after recovering from a serious knee injury. City are seeking replacements, including Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, while continuing their pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández. Rodri’s absence from the Community Shield squad intensified expectations that the transfer will be completed.

Police intervened after a violent brawl broke out in the stands during Wolverhampton Wanderers' 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Port Vale at Molineux. The incident reportedly involved punches, additional spectators joining the scuffle and children nearby. Port Vale said it was investigating the episode with Wolves and relevant authorities. On the pitch, Wolves scored three first-half goals through Adam Armstrong, Andre and Fer Lopez, while Port Vale manager Jon Brady praised his side's bravery despite the defeat.

Casemiro endured a difficult Inter Miami home debut, scoring an own goal after losing possession in a 2-2 draw with Columbus Crew. Luis Suarez and Noah Allen scored for Miami, while Brais Mendez's 84th-minute equaliser secured Columbus a point. The former Manchester United midfielder joined Inter Miami as a free agent on a one-year contract with an option to extend, and came off the bench alongside Lionel Messi. Major League Soccer is investigating the transfer after Inter Miami and LA Galaxy reached a settlement over the right to sign him.

Chelsea have opened negotiations with Brighton over a potential move for 35-year-old striker Danny Welbeck. The transfer is reportedly supported by new manager Xabi Alonso, who wants to add experience to a forward line featuring Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and the returning Nicolas Jackson. Welbeck scored 14 goals and recorded two assists for Brighton last season. Chelsea have also completed several other signings, including a reported £117 million deal for Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.

Amit Bhatia is leading a consortium in early talks with Fenway Sports Group about acquiring a significant minority stake in Liverpool FC, with Jeff Bezos reportedly approached to join the investment group. The consortium is also backed by Lakshmi Mittal, while discussions value the club at roughly $6 billion. FSG continues to seek minority partners rather than ceding control, following a previous deal with Dynasty Equity. Bhatia’s background with Queens Park Rangers and Mittal’s recent investment in the Rajasthan Royals provide context for their involvement.

The final weekend of the World Cup features Argentina facing Spain and England meeting France for third place amid off‑field drama involving political commentary and administrative disputes. Donald Trump criticised England’s tactics, claimed he intervened to prevent controversy over Folarin Balogun’s red card, and received praise from Gianni Infantino for the tournament. Spain’s Joan Capdevila appealed for Trump’s help after being denied entry to the United States. Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal drew attention ahead of the final, while France face the likely absence of William Saliba due to injury. The US government plans to oppose sanctions against Argentina over a Falklands‑related banner displayed during the tournament.

England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina prompted criticism of Thomas Tuchel’s conservative tactics, with Wayne Rooney and Chris Sutton arguing his substitutions caused the team to lose control after taking the lead. Jude Bellingham was involved in a post-match confrontation with Valentin Barco and was later seen in tears. Argentina risk sanctions after players displayed a Falklands-related political banner following the match. Lionel Messi escaped punishment for what England fans viewed as a stamp on Djed Spence, while Jordan Pickford drew attention for an obscene celebration before Argentina’s late winner ended England’s campaign.

Footage from England’s World Cup defeat to Argentina shows Jude Bellingham confronting and striking Valentin Barco after the final whistle, escalating into a brief scuffle involving several players. Barco had earlier provoked England’s squad during Argentina’s equaliser, an incident that appeared to linger with Bellingham. England manager Thomas Tuchel defended his tactical decisions and praised his team’s effort despite the elimination.

England prepares for a World Cup semi-final against Argentina amid concerns over Declan Rice’s illness and controversy surrounding appointed referee Ismail Elfath, who has faced criticism for permitting overly aggressive play. American pundit Alexi Lalas taunts England while conceding the team’s strengths. A racism row erupts after former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy claims France lacks French players, prompting responses from Warren Zaire-Emery and Adrien Rabiot. FIFA confirms England will wear white and Argentina navy blue, and the UK government is considering a conditional bank holiday if England wins the tournament.

Norway face a World Cup quarter-final against England while dealing with widespread illness and travel fatigue affecting players and staff. The team has struggled with sickness throughout the tournament, with several players missing matches, and manager Ståle Solbakken acknowledging concerns tied to constant travel and physical strain. Despite setbacks, Norway remain optimistic after strong performances led by Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, while England have also faced their own demanding travel challenges ahead of the Miami clash.