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Bukayo Saka has returned to full England training after concerns over the Achilles issue that affected the closing stages of his season with Arsenal. Thomas Tuchel remains cautious over the winger's workload, with England focused on keeping one of their key attacking players fit and ready for the latter stages of the World Cup.

The “biggest issue” facing Bukayo Saka has been highlighted by England legend John Barnes, during an exclusive interview with GOAL, as the Arsenal winger is told that “goal output” is not important at the 2026 World Cup. Fresh from a memorable Premier League title triumph at club level, a star turn at Emirates Stadium is facing plenty of challenges on the grandest of international stages.

England made a winning start to their World Cup campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia, but the performance was a bit mixed, even if the dominant start of the second half will have sent fear through some of the Three Lions' main rivals for global glory. For the most part, Thomas Tuchel seemed to get his selection mostly right. Jude Bellingham more than justified his place in the team, while having Anthony Gordon start so that Marcus Rashford could provide an X-factor off the bench paid off.

Former Amakhosi centre-back Aden McCarthy has completed a significant move to Azerbaijan, joining reigning champions Sabah FK. While some have questioned the destination, former Bafana Bafana international Dino Ndlovu has come out in support of the youngster’s decision to test himself in Europe.

Lionel Scaloni has emphasized the unity of his Argentina squad as they rally around captain Lionel Messi following a wave of misinformation regarding his family. The Inter Miami superstar has been the subject of shocking false reports during the 2026 World Cup, forcing both the manager and the Messi family to take a public stand.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has shown his ruthless side at the World Cup after a video emerged of him screaming at Djed Spence during a training session. Tuchel was heard telling the Tottenham full-back to "wake up" as intensity builds ahead of the Three Lions' second group-stage game against Ghana.

Danny Mills has told GOAL that “some kind of personality clash” has taken place between Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel, but the former is expected to learn from that as the latter makes it clear who is “the boss”. Real Madrid’s midfield ‘Galactico’ has been handed England’s No.10 shirt at the 2026 World Cup and started in that role for a tournament opener against Croatia.

Buccaneers fans face the daunting prospect of losing their crown jewel after the 21-year-old's mother made it clear that a move abroad is the ultimate priority and his family believes now the time is right for him to test himself in Europe.

Kylian Mbappe has brushed aside comparisons with football's biggest stars, insisting Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain the game's standout players. The France captain also played down talk of individual milestones, including his pursuit of the World Cup's all-time scoring record, as he focused on helping Les Bleus progress in the tournament.

Mohamed Salah starred as Egypt came from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver and secure the nation's first-ever World Cup victory. The Liverpool forward scored once and provided an assist as the Pharaohs overturned an early deficit, moving to the top of Group G and boosting their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.

Marcelo Bielsa did not hold back after seeing his Uruguay side held to a frustrating 2-2 draw by Cape Verde, leaving their World Cup dreams hanging by a thread. The veteran coach watched on as his team failed to bounce back from their opening matchday draw against Saudi Arabia, with Uruguay left needing a win in their final group game against Euro 2024 winners Spain.

Marcus Rashford needs to avoid giving too much thought to a summer transfer and catching the eye in a World Cup shop window, John Barnes has told GOAL, with the Manchester United-owned forward being made aware of what England need from him. Barcelona appear to have passed on a permanent deal, while the 28-year-old is reluctant to be absorbed back into the fold at Old Trafford.

France and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has opened the door to a future move to Major League Soccer, admitting he has long admired American culture and its sense of limitless ambition. The 27-year-old also joked that Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has already started trying to recruit him to the U.S.

France star Kylian Mbappe has fiercely defended his international team-mate Ousmane Dembele following criticism of the winger's performance against Senegal. Speaking ahead of France's second 2026 World Cup fixture against Iraq, the Real Madrid forward reminded everyone of Dembele's tactical value and Ballon d'Or status, while also opening up on the pressures of captaincy and Michael Olise's impact.

Nicolas Jackson has reportedly decided to stay at Chelsea in a bid to prove his worth to new head coach Xabi Alonso. The Senegalese forward is set to return to Stamford Bridge following a productive loan spell in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich.

Roy Keane has firmly dismissed the glowing praise directed at Thomas Tuchel following England's dramatic 4-2 World Cup victory over Croatia in Group L. While several players lauded the manager for an inspiring half-time team talk that seemed to change the game, Keane insists Tuchel was merely fulfilling the basic requirements of his role and believes the reaction has been entirely blown out of proportion.

Belgium's wait for a first win at the 2026 World Cup will go on as the Red Devils were only able to draw 0-0 with Iran on Sunday. Nathan Ngoy's red card ruined any hopes Rudi Garcia's side had of finding a late winner as they struggled to create opportunities without the deadly Jeremy Doku, who missed out due to illness.

Alexis Mac Allister has opened up on the unique challenge of playing alongside Lionel Messi, admitting that the legendary forward’s talent is so natural it is almost impossible for others to replicate. Fresh from a dominant victory in Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria, which saw Messi bag a hat-trick, the Liverpool midfielder shed light on the standards set by his captain.

Former England striker Michael Owen has passionately defended Cristiano Ronaldo following Portugal's disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo. Despite facing heavy scrutiny for his subdued performance, which came in stark contrast to Lionel Messi's hat-trick heroics for Argentina against Algeria, Owen insists the Al-Nassr striker remains a big-game player and has backed him to "shut up" his critics.

Lamine Yamal heralded the official "arrival" of Spain at the 2026 World Cup after netting his first-ever goal in the tournament during a 4-0 thumping of Saudi Arabia. The Barcelona sensation admitted that the squad were motivated to bounce back from their opening draw against Cape Verde and prove they remain genuine contenders for the global crown.

Wayne Rooney has heaped massive praise on Lamine Yamal after the Barcelona youngster inspired Spain to a dominant 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia at the 2026 World Cup. The teenage sensation scored his first tournament goal within 10 minutes, and Manchester United legend Rooney was left completely amazed by his overall impact before he was taken off at half-time.

Cristiano Ronaldo has found a staunch ally in former international team-mate Bruno Alves as the legendary forward faces intense scrutiny at the 2026 World Cup. The Portuguese captain has come under fire following a frustrating start to the tournament, but those who have shared the pitch with him are refusing to join the chorus of disapproval.

Barcelona have reportedly identified Manchester United's Benjamin Sesko as a potential summer transfer target if they fail to land Julian Alvarez. The Liga champions are desperately seeking a prolific striker to replace the departing Robert Lewandowski, but negotiations with Atletico Madrid over a blockbuster move for Alvarez are proving extremely difficult.

Jose Mourinho has wasted no time asserting his authority at Real Madrid, reportedly commanding a level of transfer control rarely seen at the Santiago Bernabeu. The legendary coach is spearheading a dramatic shift in strategy, prioritising immediate success over long-term projects as the club targets elite, established stars like Enzo Fernandez and Ruben Dias.

Liverpool have turned down a second formal approach from Inter for midfielder Curtis Jones as the Italian giants continue their pursuit of the Anfield academy graduate. The Reds are reportedly holding out for a significantly higher fee despite the player entering the final twelve months of his current contract.

Manchester United are reportedly exploring a five-man striker shortlist to support Benjamin Sesko next season. While the club view prolific Nigerian star Victor Osimhen as their absolute dream target, they face a massive financial hurdle. The sheer cost required to lure him away from Galatasaray is forcing the Red Devils to seriously consider cheaper alternatives.

Spain earned their first victory of the 2026 World Cup as they ran out 4-0 winners of Saudi Arabia on Sunday. Lamine Yamal returned to the line up and grabbed the opening goal before a brace from Mikel Oyarzabal and an own goal all- but ensured the European champions' place in the knockout rounds with a game to spare.

GOAL breaks down the tactical difference and similarities between the USMNT's first two World Cup games

Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong has opened up about his deep admiration for Lionel Messi, describing the Argentine legend as the "perfect footballer". The Barcelona star reflected on his childhood days watching Messi shine under Pep Guardiola, revealing how incredibly special it felt to eventually share the pitch with his idol during their time together at Camp Nou.