Ben McAleer

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe has launched a passionate defence of Barcelona and Spain winger Lamine Yamal. There has been increased media attention on the teenage winger, who only turned 18 in July, and Mbappe has urged critics to leave the Barca star alone as he continues his establish himself as one of the best footballers in the world.

Germany made it back-to-back World Cup qualifying wins in routine fashion as they battered minnows Luxembourg in Sinsheim on Friday night. Goals from David Raum, Serge Gnabry and a Joshua Kimmich brace capped a dominant performance from Julian Nagelsmann's side as they eased past their visitors, who were reduced to 10 men midway through the first half to compound a miserable evening.

Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell believes that Arne Slot is 'lucky' to have inherited this title-winning Liverpool squad. Slot succeeded Jurgen Klopp as Reds boss last year and won the Premier League title in his debut season at Anfield. By comparison, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has had to build his squad as the north London side look to pip the Reds to first this season.

Manchester United title winner Michael Owen has taken aim at club legends Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville. The duo have criticised United boss Ruben Amorim for his stubbornness not to ditch the 3-4-2-1 setup, which has caused division among the fanbase. Owen though feels it is embarrassing to place the blame for United's poor season on the formation which Amorim used during his Sporting days.

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has admitted he hasn't spoken to former boss Eddie Howe following his Newcastle exit. Isak left the Magpies for the Premier League champions as a long-running summer saga drew to a close on deadline day. The Swede, though, doesn't want to dwell on the past as he looks to move on from the controversy surrounding his big money move to Anfield.

Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham has opened up about feeling vulnerable to mark World Mental Health day. Bellingham has revealed that he used to search for his name on social media during his time at Birmingham but has hope that one day football fans can overcome an old fashioned outlook about mental health as the England international admits he has learned to brush off criticism.

Thomas Tuchel took aim at the 'silent' England fans following their 3-0 win over Wales on Thursday night. Early goals from Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Bukayo Saka were enough for the Three Lions to cruise to a routine win against the Dragons, even as England failed to really kick on after easing into the lead. However, Tuchel criticised the supporters at Wembley after the full time whistle.

Manchester United have opened talks with Harry Maguire over a new contract, reports transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. Maguire's current United deal expires at the end of the season yet the Premier League side are eager for the former Hull and Leicester centre-back to extend his stay at Old Trafford. The 32-year-old moved to United back in 2019 for a reported £80 million ($106m).

Ollie Watkins was taken off at the break during England's 3-0 win over Wales on Thursday night. The Aston Villa striker was deputising for Harry Kane on the frontline in the friendly at Wembley but had to be replaced at the break following a nasty collision with the post. It now remains to be seen whether Watkins will be fit to face Latvia on Tuesday night.

England raced into a 3-0 lead against Wales in their friendly on Thursday night. Bukayo Saka bagged the Three Lions' third with a stunning finish from 20 yards out, leaving Dragons shotstopper Karl Darlow clutching at thin air. Morgan Rogers had fired England ahead in the third minute before Aston Villa teammate Ollie Watkins doubled their advantage eight minutes later.

Rayan has emerged as one of the most promising talents in Brazilian football and his performances haven't gone unnoticed by some of the Premier League's heavy hitters. Tottenham have now emerged as the favourites to sign the teenage forward, who has also attracted interest from Chelsea, Liverpool and Aston Villa. However, it's Spurs who are the frontrunners for the 19-year-old.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino believes that the international calendar should be changed in order to accommodate winter World Cups in the future. With the 2034 edition currently scheduled to take place in the height of summer in Saudi Arabia, football's showpiece could follow Qatar's lead in 2022 and move to the winter, which saw domestic seasons start earlier and finish later.

Former Bolton striker Ivan Klasnic has confessed that he could die at any time as he opens up on his hellish kidney condition. The Croat has undergone three kidney transplants after painkillers worsened his undiagnosed renal disease during his time at Werder Bremen. And Klasnic, who retired in 2013, has revealed he could die any minute owing to the medicine prescribed during his spell in Germany.

Alexander Isak has revealed his first impression of Liverpool following his deadline-day move. The Sweden international departed Newcastle for the Premier League champions as a long-running summer saga finally came to an end on deadline day. And while he has struggled for form since his move to Anfield, the club and city have already made a positive impact on the former Magpies hitman.

Chelsea are prepared to reignite their interest in Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz as they look to bolster their attack. The Old Lady forward is widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in Europe. Chelsea have reportedly already seen one €70 million (£61m/$81m) offer rejected by the Serie A giants, who are understandably keen to retain the Turkey's international's services.

A fire erupted at the home of Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Junior on Thursday morning. The Los Blancos forward is currently away on international duty with Brazil, who take on South Korea and Japan during the break, meaning the property was thankfully vacant as the blaze ripped through his home. An electrical malfunction is believed to have been the cause of the fire.

JJ Watt has added La Liga side Espanyol to his European football club portfolio after Velocity Sport Limited's takeover was completed on Thursday. Barcelona's rivals become the second club under VSL's ownership after Premier League side Burnley, where Watt is a minority investor. The former NFL star is also involved in the acquisition and quickly posted his first message on X after the deal was finalised.

An assistant to the agent of striker Viktor Gyokeres has revealed that Manchester United agreed a higher fee than what Arsenal paid for the Swedish hitman. The Gunners won the race to sign Gyokeres earlier this year having been linked with the former Sporting striker and now-United star Benjamin Sesko. However, Sporting would have preferred to sell to United, who offered more for the player than Arsenal.