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Among England’s outstanding Black footballers, none has been the quintessential national icon—until Jude Bellingham | Calum Jacobs

July 14, 2026grace

In the lead-up to the World Cup, the entrenched hostility that had accompanied Jude Bellingham virtually from his breakthrough at senior level grew more vociferous. Numerous scribes, commentators and one-time professionals doubted whether one of the country’s most gifted footballers could become a divisive presence within the team. The starkest articulation of this position appeared […]

Leandro Trossard on verge of Besiktas transfer following Arsenal’s agreement with Turkish outfit | Arsenal

July 14, 2026grace

Arsenal have finalised an agreement to transfer Leandro Trossard to Besiktas, clearing the path for the 31-year-old’s exit after three and a half seasons in north London. Trossard arrived from Brighton in January 2023 and was an instrumental figure as Mikel Arteta’s squad ended a 22-year drought for the Premier League trophy last term, netting […]

World Cup 2026: What is the ideal age to lift the trophy?

July 14, 2026grace

Within the England squad currently taking part in the North American tournament, only two players are aged 27. Trevoh Chalobah, the Chelsea defender, comes nearest to the median age of a starter in a side that lifts the World Cup. Should England advance, he will be 27 years and 14 days old on the day […]

The thrill and heartbreak of World Cup penalty shootouts – a photo essay | World Cup 2026

July 14, 2026grace

Since French midfielder Alain Giresre launched the World Cup’s first penalty shootout in 1982, a total of 342 players have endured football’s most high-pressure moment from the spot. Here, we spotlight some of those who chased glory from 12 yards.

Manchester City plot £85m swoop for Morocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi | Manchester City

July 14, 2026grace

Manchester City are determined to acquire Lille’s 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi in a deal worth €100m (£85m). The teenager has drawn widespread attention after his displays for Morocco at the World Cup, and although the price tag appears steep for a player of his age, City regard him as a prospect for the years ahead. […]

2026 World Cup: The Transformation of Argentina’s Lionel Messi

July 14, 2026grace

It was 2 May 2009, at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, during a La Liga fixture. Guardiola made a tactical choice. He shifted Messi away from the right flank and positioned him at the spearhead of the attack — but without the duties of a conventional centre-forward. Samuel Eto’o moved to the right, Thierry […]

Norway convert World Cup heartbreak into a celebration as massive crowds swarm Oslo | Norway

July 14, 2026grace

Over 100,000 supporters poured into the streets of the Norwegian capital, Oslo, to offer their side a heartfelt homecoming, transforming the disappointment of a World Cup elimination into an immense nationwide celebration. A 2-1 extra-time loss against England on Saturday ended Norway’s trailblazing campaign at the quarter-final stage, dashing their hopes of reaching the last […]

Everton near permanent transfer for full-back Hannah Blundell

July 14, 2026grace

Everton are progressing in negotiations with defender Hannah Blundell regarding a permanent transfer, after her fruitful loan period last season. The 32-year-old featured in 12 matches for the club during her temporary switch from Manchester United last campaign. The defender became a free agent after her contract with United expired in June. The seasoned full-back, […]

Kosovare Asllani, sidelined by injury, poised to pen new deal with London City Lionesses

July 14, 2026grace

Kosovare Asllani, the captain of London City Lionesses, is expected to agree to a one-year renewal of her contract even though she sustained a severe injury. In March, the club announced that the Swedish national team player had incurred a “complex multi-ligament injury” which involved a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The 36-year-old is set to […]

2026 World Cup: Which nation will emerge victorious? Perspectives from the last four

July 14, 2026grace

Guillem Balague, a journalist from Spain: Spain – the strongest side. France – boasts the finest individual and the most terrifying offensive line. Argentina – the smartest approach: achieving more with fewer resources than the rest. England – two elite performers hitting their stride. Each of the four remaining teams possesses the qualities required to […]