Chris Burton

Arsenal forward Olivia Smith was stretchered from the field and taken to hospital when suffering a worrying head injury during the Gunners’ Women’s FA Cup clash with Bristol City. The Canadian star was rushed away for medical checks, having received lengthy treatment on the field. A full diagnosis is yet to be delivered, but Arsenal are “hopeful” that the knock is not too serious.

Raheem Sterling has made his first competitive appearance in nine months, having left Chelsea and completed a shock move to Eredivisie outfit Feyenoord. The 31-year-old forward is pleased to be back on the pitch and will take things slowly for the remainder of the season. That means no thought has been given to a potential England recall in this World Cup year.

Jesse Lingard has been warned that life in Brazilian football is a “hard slog”, with the former Manchester United playmaker seeing a shock switch to South America speculated on. The ex-England international has been a free agent since severing ties with K-League outfit FC Seoul in December 2025. Lingard is waiting on enticing offers, with it being suggested that one has been tabled by Remo.

England are blessed with right-back options heading towards the 2026 World Cup, with a history-making former Three Lions star that once filled that position telling GOAL who he would favour in a bid for global glory. Viv Anderson has also explained who he would “discard”, with Thomas Tuchel facing some tough selection decisions ahead of major tournament action.

Ex-Arsenal star Jack Wilshere had to be dragged away from a confrontation with agitated Luton fans by his own players following a disappointing 1-1 draw with Burton Albion at Kenilworth Road. The Hatters allowed two points to slip through their grasp late on in that contest, leading to some supporters venting their frustration in Wilshere’s direction as he made his way down the tunnel.

Harry Kane has reacted to a surprising transfer claim from Barcelona presidential candidate Xavi Vilajoana, with the prolific Bayern Munich striker seeing a shock move to Camp Nou speculated on. The England international is maintaining remarkable individual standards in German football, with contract extension talks being lined up at the Allianz Arena.

Cristiano Ronaldo has addressed the speculation surrounding his future in the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese GOAT recently went on strike, amid frustration at how transfer funds are distributed in the Middle East, but has returned to action and is back among the goals. He claims to be happy with Al-Nassr and offered no indication that he will be breaking the most lucrative contract in world football.

Pep Guardiola has showered Manchester City starlet Nico O’Reilly with praise, claiming that the versatile 20-year-old is so complete. The youngster, who had just nine senior career goals to his name prior to facing Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium, bagged a brace in his latest Premier League experience to fire City to within two points of table-topping Arsenal.

Vinicius Junior is said to have found Jose Mourinho’s response to the racism allegations that he levelled against Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni “repulsive”. Former Real Madrid manager Mourinho spoke with Brazil international Vinicius during an unscheduled break in play at Estadio da Luz. The Portuguese refused to condemn his player afterwards, leading to widespread criticism of the so-called ‘Special One’.

Gary Lineker has advised Arsenal to “grow a pair” as a title-chasing squad, with the Gunners in danger of throwing away another glorious opportunity to bring their long wait for domestic dominance in the Premier League to a close. Mikel Arteta’s side have seen their lead at the top of the table cut to just five points, with Manchester City breathing down their neck.

Mauricio Pochettino is being tipped to leave his role with the USMNT and return to Europe regardless of what happens at the 2026 World Cup. Tab Ramos has told GOAL that the Argentine tactician is destined to move on, while also sounding a warning to Christian Pulisic and Co when it comes to justifying a ‘Golden Generation’ tag in the United States.

Tottenham have been brutally mocked by a Swedish politician, with the Scandinavian nation being urged to ensure that their economy does not become “Spursy”. That word has been used to condemn Premier League heavyweights on a regular basis down the years, as they struggle to deliver on expectations, with the north London giants in danger of being dragged into a relegation battle this season.

Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany has criticised Benfica manager Jose Mourinho for bringing Eusebio’s name into the Vinicius Junior racism row that has been sparked on the back of an eventful Champions League clash at Estadio da Luz. Ex-Real Madrid coach Mourinho has sought to defend his player, Gianluca Prestianni, and Portuguese supporters.

Dele Alli is heading back to Tottenham, with the ex-England international set to make a special appearance at his former club. The 29-year-old midfielder is currently a free agent, with enticing offers being waited on after severing ties with Serie A side Como. Dele will be a guest of Spurs when they face arch-rivals Arsenal in the north London derby on Sunday.

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has revealed that he was the brains behind Blues stars such as Cole Palmer being freed to jet off for some mid-season sunshine. With a break in Premier League and Champions League action being enjoyed, England international Palmer is among those to have left the UK - with a Dubai vacation being enjoyed with girlfriend Olivia Holder.

Neymar has admitted that he could retire from professional football at the end of 2026, with the experienced Brazil international having endured more struggles on the injury front. He is desperate to represent his country at this summer’s World Cup, but is unable to speculate on what the long-term future will look like - with it possible that he will be forced to hang up his boots.

Michael Carrick has revealed how he found out that Manchester United’s managerial post was his to fill, on an initial interim basis, with the ex-Red Devils midfielder returning to familiar surroundings. A positive start to his reign at Old Trafford has been enjoyed, with the 44-year-old also discussing whether he would like to stay on beyond the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

Oliver Glasner’s reign as Crystal Palace is threatening to turn ugly, as he prepares to leave Selhurst Park in the summer, with Eagles fans taunting their own boss during a disappointing Conference League clash with Zrinjski Mostar. Disgruntled supporters chanted “you’re getting sacked in the morning” in Glasner’s direction as a 1-1 draw was played out in Bosnia.