Ferran Torres has left the Spain squad due to a muscle complaint, ruling him out of the Bulgaria qualifier and severely deepening Barcelona's injury crisis ahead of the season's first El Clasico. The forward's setback, which follows an injury to Dani Olmo, leaves coach Hansi Flick with a major attacking headache before facing Real Madrid on October 26.
England have been dealt a fresh blow to their attacking plans, with Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins forced to withdraw from Thomas Tuchel’s squad after suffering a freak injury. The Three Lions were without all-time leading goal-scorer Harry Kane for a friendly date with Wales, as he nurses a knock of his own, with a selection headache being posed ahead of a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Latvia.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has been forced to clarify comments made about Northern Ireland's style of play. While apologising for any offence caused, Nagelsmann has issued a stark warning to his team about the dangers of their "tough" opponents heading into a crucial World Cup qualifier, with both teams level on points at the top of their group.
Nick Woltemade got the job done for Germany with a set-piece winner in the first half as the four-time world champions edged out Northern Ireland 1-0 to retain their position at the top of Group A in Europe's World Cup qualifying. The Germans lacked overall quality, as they had only four shots on target in the game and needed more creativity in the midfield.
Marcus Rashford has been warned by England manager Thomas Tuchel that, despite all that he has achieved, his undoubted talent could still go to waste. Manchester United academy graduate Rashford is, at 27 years of age, in the process of rebuilding his career. Having been deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and overlooked by the Three Lions on a regular basis, the jet-heeled forward is now enjoying a loan spell at Barcelona.
Julian Nagelsmann has grown frustrated by ongoing talk of a potential return to the Germany team for Manuel Neuer, insisting the national team's goalkeeping situation remains strong despite Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s uncertain future. As injuries and form concerns continue to test Germany’s depth, the coach has called for stability ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
France were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw against Iceland in what turned out to be a trickier World Cup qualifying away trip than many expected it to be. Following the game, head coach Didier Deschamps explained his unhappiness with the officiating, claiming that midfielder Manu Kone was fouled in the build up to the hosts' opening goal in the first half.
Luis de la Fuente has hit back at Barcelona’s criticism over Spain’s handling of Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres after all three players suffered setbacks on international duty. The Spain boss insisted his staff always prioritise players’ health and urged critics not to “make a big deal” out of routine injuries.
Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres have come in for scrutiny after Sweden slumped to an embarrassing World Cup qualifying defeat. In a night that will haunt them for years, the once-proud Scandinavian giants crashed to a shocking 1-0 defeat to Kosovo in Gothenburg, leaving their qualifying hopes in tatters. It’s a defeat that leaves them bottom of their qualifying group with a single miserable point from four games. Two goals scored. Seven conceded. And a nation furious.
Graham Potter is ready to swap club chaos for international rescue duty, declaring his interest in becoming Sweden’s next manager just hours after Jon Dahl Tomasson was ruthlessly axed following a humiliating World Cup qualifying collapse. An embarrassing 1-0 defeat to Kosovo sent the nation spiralling into turmoil. The shock loss, their fourth match without a win, left the Scandinavian side at rock bottom of their qualifying group and on the brink of missing the 2026 World Cup.
Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo has sent out a strong message after scoring twice for his country in a 2-2 draw with Hungary in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday night. His brace means that the 40-year-old superstar has now scored 41 times in World Cup qualifying history, moving past the record of 39 previously held by Guatemala striker Carlos Ruiz, but Portugal still have work to do to qualify.
Nick Woltemade returned to Newcastle on a £75 flight after scoring on international duty with Germany. The striker went from national hero to EasyJet passenger in a matter of hours after scoring the decisive goal for Germany in their 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Northern Ireland. Talk about a humbling journey home.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed how captain Harry Kane delivered a rousing speech to his team-mates after Tuesday's emphatic 5-0 win over Latvia in World Cup qualifying. Kane scored twice in the win as the Three Lions booked their place at World Cup 2026 with two games to spare. Tuchel's side also have a perfect record in qualifying so far, winning all six games and are yet to concede a single goal.
Harry Kane backed the England faithful after Thomas Tuchel's criticism and pointed chants during the 5-0 win over Latvia. The travelling army of fans made their voices heard loud and clear in Riga, and this time, their songs were aimed squarely at their own manager after Tuchel’s dig at “silent" supporters following England’s 3-0 friendly win over Wales.
England defender Dan Burn revealed a hilarious dressing room question from Newcastle United team-mate Anthony Gordon after the Three Lions sealed their berth in the 2026 World Cup. England maintained their 100 per cent record in the qualifiers as they thrashed Latvia 5-0 in Riga on Tuesday, courtesy of a brace from captain and star striker Harry Kane.
Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has been urged to make a bold call by dropping Manchester City’s £60 million ($81m) midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from his national team setup. The 26-year-old has been one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted lieutenants since arriving from AC Milan in the summer, shining as a deep-lying creative force in City’s engine room. But despite his fine start to life in England, not everyone back home believes he should keep his place in the Oranje midfield.
Cristiano Ronaldo shared a bold new haircut as he showed off his shaved head as he returned to Al-Nassr training in Riyadh this week. The 40-year-old superstar looked every inch the warrior he is with his new look while going through the hard yards on the training pitch. Known for making regular tweaks to his hairstyle down the years, CR7 will hope this latest iteration helps him to deliver yet more success.
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