Germany were stunned by an incisive Slovakia as their World Cup qualification campaign got off to the worst possible start in Bratislava. David Strelec stole the show with a superb goal as he put a sluggish Antonio Rudiger to shame.
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni expressed his views on the eternal rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of their potential last dance at the World Cup. The two icons have defined modern football for nearly two decades, and even now, as they edge towards the twilight of their glittering careers, their rivalry remains compelling as ever.
Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Manchester United remains uncertain, with the 20-year-old midfielder determined to secure a loan move away from Old Trafford, despite the club's insistence that he stay and fight for his place. The England youth international has reiterated his desire to leave the club, particularly after his exclusion from the England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, a decision made by manager Thomas Tuchel due to his lack of playing time.
Thomas Tuchel had a "difficult" phone call with Trent Alexander-Arnold to inform the defender of the England axe with the Three Lions boss keen to make squad "more spicy". The German manager confirmed that the Real Madrid right-back, once considered an automatic pick, was dropped after falling behind Reece James and rising star Tino Livramento in the pecking order.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been dropped by England boss Thomas Tuchel for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers but the likes of Adam Wharton and Djed Spence have earned a call-up. The Three Lions face Andorra at Villa Park on September 6 before travelling to Serbia on September 9, and Tuchel has taken a brave call by omitting the star right-back.
Wales boss Craig Bellamy took a playful jibe at Wrexham after including three of their stars in the national team squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers next month. The Red Dragons have spent heavily in the summer transfer window following their third consecutive promotion to the Championship this season. The Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhennery-owned club have added 10 new players to their roster.
Jon Dahl Tomasson has drafted Alexander Isak into his squad for Sweden's first set of 2026 World Cup qualifiers despite his continued Newcastle exile. Isak has yet to feature this season for the Magpies as he pushes for a transfer to Liverpool, raising questions over his fitness and readiness. But Tomasson believes the striker’s quality is too good to ignore.
Arsenal star Kai Havertz has been ruled out of the latest Germany squad due to a knee injury. The 26-year-old will not feature in September’s World Cup qualifiers against Slovakia and Northern Ireland, with fears raised that he could face surgery.