Global Football Innovation Academy Overview

Thierry Henry has admitted that Spain are vastly superior to France following their dominant 2-0 victory in the World Cup semi-final on Tuesday. The former striker praised La Roja's possession-based system and long-term football identity, explaining exactly why Kylian Mbappe and his teammates struggled against their bitter rivals on the biggest stage.

FIFA's refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina has issued a firm rebuttal to Didier Deschamps after the France manager questioned the quality of officiating in their World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain. The Les Bleus boss was visibly frustrated following the 2-0 loss, suggesting that the standards in the crucial clash were not what he expected.

Crystal Palace have moved to secure the long-term future of Jean-Philippe Mateta by offering the striker a new contract extension. The south London club are determined to tie down their star forward to prevent any risk of a cut-price departure or a future free transfer.

Zidane has a verbal agreement to succeed Deschamps after the World Cup. We assess why the change boosts France's Nations League prospects.