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As players and coaches are finding out, there are pros and cons to the mandated breaks that will halt every World Cup game this summer

It's been a combined 72 years since these teams have appeared in a World Cup, but the drought will end for one of them

Liverpool Handed Timely Boost in Konate Contract Situation Liverpool’s delicate contract situation surrounding Ibrahima Konate has taken a significant turn, with fresh developments across Europe subtly tilting the balance back towards Merseyside. As first reported by CaughtOffside, the French centre-back is approaching the end of his current deal, raising the prospect of a high-profile free […] The post Liverpool receive boost in Ibrahima Konate contract saga appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Manuel Locatellis most disappointing career moment to date came less than two years after UEFA Euro 2024. Italy were off to Germany to defend their crown, having won a continental tournament three years prior, with Locatelli playing a starring, breakout role. Yet Azzurri boss Luciano Spalletti did not select the midfielder for his squad, much […] The post Manuel Locatelli Scout Report At Juventus 2025/2026: Italy’s Progressive Midfield Conductor – Player Analysis appeared first on Total Football Analysis.

Liverpool injury update: Eight players could miss FA Cup clash with Manchester City Injury update ahead of Etihad showdown Liverpool’s return from the international break should have brought clarity. Instead, it has delivered a familiar fog of uncertainty. As the FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City looms, Arne Slot is grappling with a mounting injury […] The post Liverpool injury latest: Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah and more appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

A fresh theory on why Ben White quit England's camp at the 2022 World Cup has emerged after the Arsenal defender returned to the international fold over the past week.

JAMES SHARPE: A football match was starting in half an hour, but it was already clear who was the main event and what was the sideshow.

Liverpool Transfer News: Yan Diomande Emerges as Key Target Liverpool’s forward planning ahead of a post Mohamed Salah era has taken a significant turn, with fresh developments emerging around Yan Diomande. Credit must go to Sky Germany for reporting the latest contract update, which could shape the Reds’ summer strategy. Rising Star at RB Leipzig […] The post Liverpool must pay €100m to sign potential Mohamed Salah replacement appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly trying to persuade Casemiro to team up with him in Saudi Arabia rather than his old rival Lionel Messi at Inter Miami when he leaves Manchester United.

Cucurella has become a key player for both Chelsea and Spain. He speaks frankly to The Athletic about what's going wrong for his club side

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The cost of a deal for Tonali may put off Premier League suitors, with Man United looking elsewhere, and rule out a return to Italy

England's rivals have sacked their manager after falling into crisis just weeks before the start of the World Cup.

The decision followed five straight losses, including friendly defeats to Austria (5-1 on Friday) and Germany (2-1 on Monday).

For a country that is still grappling with its post-communist legacy, this summer could change the way it is seen by the world

Arne Slot has highlighted his side's profligacy as a key reason for their slump as Premier League champions, and the stats back him up

The 48-year-old Austrian has worked wonders since taking charge at Hoffenheim with a breathless style

The Athletic sits down with Juventus and Portugal winger Francisco and his illustrious father, Sergio, a serial winner as player and manager

A country that was not recognised by FIFA 10 years ago is 90 minutes from sport's biggest stage and the symbolism goes far beyond the pitch

Seven members of the Japan squad to face England this week are either past or present Sint-Truiden players

The Athletic spoke to Senegal fans who will have to pay a bond of up to $15,000 to get a visa to attend games in the U.S. this summer

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IAN LADYMAN: Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka left camp over the weekend, taking the number of Arsenal players to have left national team meet-ups around the world to eleven.

The U.S. manager bemoaned his side's 90-minute effort against Belgium. Will the players' response meet the challenge?

With Spain's friendly taking place at Barcelona's Camp Nou, Cucurella was asked whether it would be hard to say no to the club if the La Liga giants made an approach over a possible transfer.

Spurs have been searching for their fourth head coach in 295 days after Igor Tudor's exit and De Zerbi is the top candidate amid a series of talks between the two parties.

Relegation battle has exposed Spurs’ institutional flaws with the stupidity of the interim hire still startling Probably Tim Sherwood put it best, speaking on Sky Sports about the through-the-looking-glass world of Tottenham Hotspur and magic bean relegation remedies. “They need an arm round the shoulder,” Sherwood said. “I’d tell Xavi Simons he’s the new Luka Modric. Obviously he’s not but I’d tell him he was. I’d tell him: ‘Save us from relegation and you can go to Real Madrid next season.’ Obviously he won’t but I’d tell him that.” Sherwood has had a good Tottenham crisis period. “The Premier League has smacked him in the mouth,” was his verdict on Igor Tudor, pre-sacking. While every proper football man will like the sound of this, of the Premier League being large and unassailable, Tudor deserves a little sympathy.

There was even a senior call-up in August 2023 for games against Cyprus and ironically England, before Anderson withdrew through injury.

Bosnia will host the four-time world champions at the Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica on Tuesday night, following their dramatic penalty shootout win over Wales in the play-off semi-final last week.

Here's how the U.S. could line up when they face Portugal on Tuesday

Mohamed Salah Exit Signals Financial Reset at Liverpool When a player of Mohamed Salah’s stature edges towards the exit, sentiment often leads the conversation. Yet, as highlighted in the original reporting by The Athletic, the real story unfolding at Anfield is rooted in cold arithmetic rather than nostalgia. Liverpool are preparing to lose more than […] The post Report: How Liverpool’s finances will be impacted by Mohamed Salah’s exit appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Scotland midfielder John McGinn insists the booing at the end of Saturday's defeat to Japan at Hampden has been blown out of proportion.

Scotland boss Steve Clarke has revealed that he will name a bumper 55-man squad initially for the World Cup.

On the banks of the River Mersey at Bramley-Moore Dock, Steve Clarke is less than three months out from a World Cup yet finds himself having to steer Scotland's ship through choppy waters.

Liverpool prepare for life after Mohamed Salah For Liverpool supporters, the journey of Mohamed Salah has been defined by consistency, elite output and historic contribution. From his early days at El Mokawloon to his breakthrough in Europe with FC Basel, the forward’s rise has followed a clear upward trajectory. A move to Chelsea in 2014 […] The post Journalist: European club ‘dreaming’ of signing Mohamed Salah after Liverpool exit appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

The England international has reportedly grown disillusioned at Stamford Bridge, with tactical changes and Nicolas Jackson’s absence fuelling his discontent. United, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich are all circling — but it will cost an extraordinary fee to prise… The post Cole Palmer Ready to Consider Manchester United Move as Chelsea Frustration Grows first appeared on FootballTalk.org.

Liverpool Transfer News: Nico Schlotterbeck Update Sparks Summer Debate Liverpool’s defensive plans have come sharply into focus following a significant overnight update from Fabrizio Romano, with Nico Schlotterbeck’s future at Borussia Dortmund edging closer to clarity. While nothing is signed yet, the direction of travel appears increasingly defined, and it may not suit those at […] The post Fabrizio Romano drops update on Liverpool transfer target with agreement ‘almost done’ appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

COMMENT BY IAN HERBERT: It's nearly four months since I pointed out that the League One club's case in the latest chapter of their interminable attempt to recoup cash was 'delusional.'

IAN LADYMAN: England manager Tuchel says he is considering starting White against Japan at Wembley tomorrow night.

The Attacking Third crew picked their best XI from the past week's NWSL action

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Liverpool Centre-Back Plans: Joe Gomez Set for Summer Decision Liverpool’s centre-back situation continues to evolve, with growing attention now placed on the future of Joe Gomez. On the latest Anfield Index podcast, Dave Davis outlined how the defender’s next move could have a major impact on the club’s defensive planning. End of season talks expected […] The post Liverpool star set to decide his future at the end of the season appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

The Blue Tigers are lying at the bottom of Group C with just two points; Australian-born Williams may make his India debut, though the head coach was non-committal about the winger’s inclusion

The expansion of this summer’s 48-team tournament mean Tuesday’s games will be the best we see until the round of 16 Sign up for Soccer with Jonathan Wilson here Live in a World Cup host city? Tell us your stories There is always a slightly odd rhythm to the World Cup. The final round of qualifying games is almost invariably more exciting than the early games at the tournament itself, and now with 32 teams making it through the group stage and into the knockout rounds, that is likely to be even more true for the 2026 edition. Those final qualifiers in November were thrilling and meaningful – Troy Parrott’s hat-trick! Scotland scoring two absurdly good goals in the same game! DR Congo beating Nigeria on penalties as bottles rained down from the stands! Honduras failing to score against Costa Rica! – and Tuesday will be too as 12 teams battle for the six remaining slots. But for those not involved in World Cup playoffs, there is an unsatisfying phoniness to the friendlies they must play instead, with experimental line-ups and weary players going through glorified training exercises. While it’s never good to be letting in five goals, neither the USA nor Ghana should be too concerned about the defeats to Belgium or Austria.

Liverpool Centre-Back Plans: Leoni Recovery and Vuskovic Consideration Liverpool’s defensive planning continues to evolve, with fresh focus placed on the recovery of Giovanni Leoni and the potential pursuit of emerging talent such as Luka Vuskovic. Speaking on Anfield Index, Dave Davis highlighted how internal uncertainty is shaping recruitment decisions ahead of the summer window. Leoni […] The post Liverpool considering move for ‘physical beast’ defender this summer appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Liverpool Transfer News: Premier League Duo Under Consideration Liverpool’s evolving centre-back situation has become one of the most pressing issues ahead of the summer window, with uncertainty spanning short, medium and long term planning. On the latest Anfield Index podcast, host Dave Davis outlined a complex and fluid picture, stating plainly, “Liverpool, in modern terms, […] The post Liverpool have two Premier League defenders on their radar ahead of summer window appeared first on anfieldindex.com.