From around the league
Tuesday, 14 July 2026
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From Liverpool disappointment to World Cup essential: Mac Allister's redemption
Mac Allister faces England in the World Cup semi-final after a disappointing Liverpool season. How the midfielder became Argentina's tournament essential.
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Bellingham has already won the England captaincy race, experts say
Bellingham's World Cup dominance — 9.2 knockout rating, six goals — has convinced experts he, not Rice, will succeed Kane as England captain.
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Messi's long-awaited test: England, finally, after 205 caps
England vs Argentina World Cup semi-final: Messi faces England for the first time in 205 international appearances, with England chasing their first final
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Diego Forlan named as Uruguay interim coach after World Cup failure
Diego Forlan becomes Uruguay interim coach after World Cup failure. Like Scaloni in Argentina, he has until March 2027 to earn a permanent role.
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France v Spain: the semi-final that feels like the final
Chris Sutton says France v Spain should be the final, backing France on firepower despite Spain's control and one-goal defensive record.
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Lionel Messi's new Argentina role is England's biggest semi-final problem
Lionel Messi has 8 goals and 2 assists for Argentina, but his lower-running, high-impact role is the real problem for England.
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England vs Argentina has pundits split over the World Cup semi-final
Roy Keane and Gary Neville disagree on England's chances against Argentina, while Alan Shearer warns of refereeing drama and Jay Bothroyd backs Djed
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Jude Bellingham as Mourinho's No. 10 behind Mbappe
Jose Mourinho is reportedly planning to use Jude Bellingham as Real Madrid’s attacking midfielder behind Kylian Mbappe, with England’s World Cup form and
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Erling Haaland says the World Cup changed his life after Norway's run
Erling Haaland says Norway's World Cup run changed his life, after seven goals in five games and a raccoon souvenir made his return to Oslo go viral.
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England vs Argentina preview: Old Enemies | World Cup Brief #11
Messi faces England for the first time in his career, in a rivalry sharpened by Maradona and Beckham. Form, stars, stats and storylines before the 2026 World Cup semi-final.
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Thibaut Courtois injury update eases after Real Madrid scan
Thibaut Courtois has returned to Real Madrid after Belgium’s World Cup exit, with scans ruling out serious damage but no firm return date yet.
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Jude Bellingham leads England into Argentina semi-final
Jude Bellingham’s 9.2-rated double against Mexico and his six-goal season make him England’s standout heading into the World Cup semi-final against Argentina.
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England vs Argentina and Alexei Lalas's hard line
Alexei Lalas says England are very good and likeable, but wants their World Cup pain to go all the way. England and Argentina also have kits and referee
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Pedro Porro on Yamal, trust and Spain's biggest test against France
Pedro Porro says his link with Lamine Yamal is built on trust and communication as Spain take a 36-match unbeaten run into France.
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Jordan Pickford backs England to keep their cool against Argentina
Jordan Pickford says England are calm, disciplined and ready for anything against Argentina, with Messi looming and penalties possible.
Monday, 13 July 2026
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Declan Rice late fitness call before England's semi-final against Argentina
Thomas Tuchel says Declan Rice was in bed for three days and England will make a late fitness call before the semi-final against Argentina.
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Lionel Messi test defines England's semi-final build-up
Nico O'Reilly calls Lionel Messi a once-in-a-lifetime challenge as Messi reaches 21 World Cup goals and England prepare for Argentina.
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England vs Argentina: Tuchel faces Rice and Mainoo call
England vs Argentina puts Thomas Tuchel's call on Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo in focus after Rice's illness and a bench already shaping the World Cup.
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Bukayo Saka closes in on England's right-wing call
Bukayo Saka's sharp cameo has strengthened his case to start for England in the World Cup semi-final, as Thomas Tuchel weighs Noni Madueke.
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France vs Spain preview: Force vs Fortress | World Cup Brief #10
France's 16 goals against Spain's one-goal-conceded defence: the irresistible force meets the immovable object. Form, stars, stats and storylines before the 2026 World Cup semi-final.