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Gary Lineker made a sensational return to free-to-air television on Saturday night, appearing on ITV's World Cup coverage just weeks after his high-profile departure from the BBC. The former England captain joined the rival broadcaster as a studio guest for the Group E showdown between Germany and Ivory Coast, appearing alongside host Laura Woods and even cheekily hijacking the broadcast.

The USMNT are into the knockouts, but Seattle’s “Country Roads” singalong after the Australia win may be remembered as the moment belief truly took hold.

Deniz Undav scored twice off the bench as Germany came from behind to beat Ivory Coast to an absorbing World Cup Group E encounter in Toronto on Saturday evening. The four-time champions began brightly, with Kai Havertz looking likely up front, but The Elephants were a constant threat on the break and took the lead after half an hour when a dangerous cross from the impressive Yan Diomande led to Franck Kessie slotting home from close range.

Thomas Tuchel’s England preparations have been handed a significant lift ahead of their second World Cup Group L fixture against Ghana. Both Marcus Rashford and Declan Rice have returned to full training in Kansas City, easing fears over potential injury absences following their opening victory over Croatia.

Tottenham have officially opened negotiations with Newcastle over a blockbuster move for Sandro Tonali, though their opening gambit has fallen short of the Magpies' valuation. The north London club are looking to secure a marquee signing for manager Roberto De Zerbi, who has long been an admirer of the Italian international.

Netherlands secured a spectacular 5-1 victory over Sweden in their second World Cup group-stage match on Saturday night, but the triumph was clouded by significant fitness scares for Virgil van Dijk. Liverpool's captain revealed a frightening moment during the clash where he temporarily lost feeling in his upper leg following a heavy blow to the hip.

Brighton are closing in on their latest smart recruitment move as they prepare to activate the release clause for Venezia captain Michael Svoboda. The Austrian centre-back is set for a move to the Premier League following a stellar campaign in Italy where he led his side back to the top flight.

Ronald Koeman has offered a mixed review of his Netherlands side following their dominant 5-1 victory over Sweden at the World Cup. While the Oranje boss was delighted with the impact of Brian Brobbey, he insisted there are still significant areas for improvement within the team.

Jurgen Klopp has launched a fierce defence of Virgil van Dijk after the Netherlands captain was subjected to a bizarre critique from Rafael van der Vaart. The former Liverpool manager wasted no time in dismissing the pundit's assessment following the Oranje's opening Group Stage draw against Japan.

Belgium’s World Cup preparations have been hit by a significant setback as star winger Jeremy Doku has been ruled out of the upcoming group stage fixture against Iran. The Manchester City attacker is struggling with a recurring respiratory infection that has forced him out of training in Los Angeles.

Netherlands belatedly announced themselves as serious World Cup contenders by hammering Sweden 5-1 in Houston on Saturday evening. The Dutch had performed only in patches in their opening-round draw with Japan and coach Ronald Koeman was criticised for his perceived conservatism. However, his team produced a devastating attack display to dismantle a Sweden side that had kicked off their campaign with a 5-1 win of their own, over Tunisia.

Inter are reportedly eyeing a move for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, but the deal hinges on a complex series of transfer dominoes involving Manchester City and Nottingham Forest. The Nerazzurri see the English midfielder as a key building block for their future engine room if the financial pieces align.

Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand has reportedly said his goodbyes to the squad ahead of a high-profile summer exit. While a reunion with Ruben Amorim looms, AC Milan are pushing hard to secure the midfielder amidst fierce competition from English and Spanish suitors.

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has reportedly agreed to join Inter Miami, following a months-long saga to secure the former Man United man's signature. Miami and LA Galaxy were both rumored to be in for the Brazilian, who left Man United as a free agent in June, but it seems to be the reigning MLS Cup champions who have secured the deal.

France star Michael Olise has responded to glowing praise from captain Kylian Mbappe as Les Bleus are currently competing in the World Cup. The Bayern Munich winger has quickly become one of the most exciting talents in European football, earning a lofty reputation among his senior teammates.

Lamine Yamal has weighed in on the eternal debate surrounding Lionel Messi, hailing the Argentine as the greatest of all time. However, the 18-year-old winger surprised fans by revealing that former Blaugrana maestro Neymar is actually his primary footballing idol.

Real Madrid have taken the unusual step of issuing an official statement to address mounting speculation regarding a move for Bayern Munich star Michael Olise. Reports had suggested the Spanish giants were preparing a lucrative package to lure the French international to the Santiago Bernabeu, but the club has now moved to definitively shut down the rumours.

Brazil have been handed a significant fitness boost following concerns over the availability of star winger Raphinha. The Barcelona forward underwent medical examinations on Saturday morning after being forced off during the Selecao's victory over Haiti.

Denzel Dumfries has called for a significant shift in the Netherlands' team culture, urging his international team-mates to adopt a more confrontational approach. The wing-back believes the squad must learn from the high-pressure environment of the Inter dressing room to ensure success on the world stage.

Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has jumped to the defence of Jude Bellingham, hailing the Englishman as one of the most complete players in world football. The former Germany international spoke out following a wave of criticism directed at the midfielder during a challenging period at the Bernabeu.

Tottenham Hotspur are intensifying their summer recruitment drive as they look to reach an agreement for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes. The north London side are reportedly positioning themselves to hijack Manchester United’s pursuit of the Portugal international following the Hammers' relegation.

Luis de la Fuente has named Julian Alvarez as the Argentina international he would jump at the chance to recruit for Spain, a decision that comes years after the manager raised eyebrows by voting for the forward in the 2022 FIFA The Best awards ahead of Lionel Messi. The La Roja boss has long been an admirer of the South American talent currently leading the line for Atletico Madrid, viewing him as the missing piece of the puzzle for the European champions.

Liverpool are ready to make a massive statement in the transfer market by readying an £86 million (€100m) package for RB Leipzig starlet Yan Diomande. The Reds have identified the Ivory Coast international as a priority target following the departure of Mohamed Salah.

Bayern Munich are moving aggressively to secure the long-term futures of their biggest stars as they navigate a high-stakes summer transfer window. The German giants have prepared a massive new contract proposal for Michael Olise to ward off Premier League and La Liga interest, while Harry Kane has provided an update on his own situation in Bavaria.

An Argentine television presenter has resigned from her position after falsely reporting that Lionel Messi's father, Jorge, had passed away during a live broadcast. The shocking claim was made during the World Cup, leading to widespread condemnation and an immediate apology from the broadcaster and production staff involved.

South Africa finds itself at a crossroads ahead of their decisive FIFA World Cup showdown against South Korea, with suspensions threatening to derail their campaign. As Hugo Broos searches for a solution to fill the void left by Mamelodi Sundowns star, an unexpected tactical suggestion has emerged from a former Amakhosi star.

With a tough task ahead, Bafana Bafana sit at the bottom of Group A but face a bruised Asian side knowing only victory will do. Hugo Broos’ charges must go all out for maximum points, while also needing a favour elsewhere, hoping Czechia slips up against Mexico, to keep their World Cup knockout dreams alive.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has indicated that winger Bukayo Saka is unlikely to start the upcoming World Cup encounter against Ghana. Despite making a goal-scoring impact from the bench during the opening victory over Croatia, the Arsenal attacker continues to have his minutes carefully managed due to an ongoing Achilles issue.

Leeds United are reportedly exploring a move for former Germany international Julian Brandt after his departure from Borussia Dortmund. The experienced playmaker is available on a free transfer and would bring significant top-level pedigree to Elland Road, although the Whites face competition from other clubs for his signature.