Scotland defender Jack Hendry is relishing the prospect of facing a returning Neymar when his side take on Brazil in a crucial World Cup group stage match in Miami.
The national team currently sit third in their group after recording a victory over Haiti and suffering a defeat against Morocco.
Securing any points against Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded squad on Wednesday would provide a significant boost to their hopes of progression.
Familiar foes prepare for battle
The South American heavyweights are set to be strengthened by the recovery of their talismanic forward.
The former Paris Saint-Germain winger initially arrived at the training camp carrying an injury but has now been declared fit for the tie.
Al Ettifaq centre-back Hendry has previously encountered the prolific attacker during his time at Club Brugge in the Champions League.
I’m quite comfortable coming up against Neymar and I look forward to it. It should be a really good battle.
Tactical shifts and injury updates
Ancelotti has hinted that the returning star may be deployed in a central role rather than operating on his traditional flank.
His likelihood of featuring prominently has increased following a hamstring injury sustained by Barcelona wide man Raphinha.
Hendry acknowledged the severe anterior cruciate ligament injury that sidelined the Brazilian while playing for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
Played against him once in the Champions League when he was at Paris Saint-Germain, so that was a good test. Learnt a lot from these moments playing these top-calibre players, so I look forward to it and we’ll see if he plays.
Brazilian camp lifted by return
The mood within the Selecao squad has been noticeably elevated by the presence of their veteran attacking focal point.
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta expressed his delight at seeing his compatriot back in full training.
Neymar is a very important player for the Brazilian national team. He has an extraordinary history with this shirt and he can still help us a lot.
The pivotal encounter in Miami is scheduled to kick off at 23:00 BST on Wednesday.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford remains a target for Barcelona, while Paris St-Germain have joined the race for West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville.
A lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia for Raphinha could pave the way for the Catalan giants to secure the 28-year-old England international.
The potential departure of the Brazilian winger would provide crucial transfer funds for Barcelona to approach Old Trafford decision-makers.
Paris St-Germain challenge Manchester United for Summerville
Meanwhile, the Red Devils face stiff competition in their pursuit of Crysencio Summerville following his stellar World Cup campaign with the Netherlands.
The 24-year-old’s impressive international displays have alerted the French champions to his immediate availability.
West Ham are now bracing themselves for a fierce bidding war between the two European heavyweights over their highly-rated attacker.
Red Devils stand firm on Sesko as domestic rivals plot moves
Manchester United are resolute in their stance regarding Benjamin Sesko and have absolutely no intention of sanctioning a summer departure.
The 23-year-old Slovenia striker had previously attracted serious admiration from Spanish giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Arsenal are hoping Declan Rice can convince his international team-mate Morgan Rogers to leave Aston Villa for Emirates Stadium.
European giants monitor Premier League talent
Juventus have drawn up an ambitious summer shortlist featuring Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and former Manchester City defender John Stones.
At Stamford Bridge, Nicolas Jackson is determined to impress newly appointed Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso during pre-season rather than seeking a transfer.
Newcastle United are actively monitoring Yasin Ayari’s contract situation at Brighton, while Leeds United have tabled an initial £20m bid for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles.
West Ham are also exploring a move for veteran English defender Adam Webster following his recent release from Brighton at the end of the season.
Ollie Watkins says he is ready to embrace a crucial role as an impact substitute for England under manager Thomas Tuchel during their World Cup campaign.
The Aston Villa forward acknowledges he remains behind national team captain Harry Kane in the starting pecking order.
However, the 28-year-old is prepared to replicate the heroics that saw him score a dramatic late winner against the Netherlands at Euro 2024.
Tuchel has openly stated his desire to utilise dedicated “finishers” to alter the momentum of tight international matches.
Praising a unique captain
Watkins paid tribute to his Bayern Munich counterpart but insists he offers a completely different tactical threat when introduced from the bench.
“I think with H, his performances speak for themselves, his goal record speaks for itself and he’s very unique in the way that he plays.”
The former Brentford striker admits he cannot replicate the deeper playmaking qualities of his country’s record goalscorer.
“He’s very intelligent and I can’t play like him,” Watkins admitted. “I stick to what I can do, so I don’t try to copy him or do anything like that.”
Attacking impact from the bench
The attacking depth of the current squad was evident during a recent victory over Croatia, where a wave of reinforcements secured the win.
Tuchel introduced Marcus Rashford, Morgan Rogers, and Bukayo Saka during the second half to overwhelm the opposition defence.
“Bringing on pacey players that just want to run forward, score more goals and it’s exciting. Everyone’s got a big part to play.”
Saka fitness boost
The Villa talisman also provided a positive update on the fitness of Arsenal winger Saka ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Ghana in Boston.
Saka had undertaken an individual training programme over the weekend, raising initial concerns regarding his availability.
However, his international team-mate dismissed any lingering injury fears by confirming the wide man is fully integrated into squad preparations.
“He hasn’t missed a day of training so that’s a good thing. He’s a top quality player and he brings quality to the pitch for Arsenal and England as everyone can see.”
Belgium are heavy favourites to win World Cup 2026 Group G, but the draw is overshadowed by Iran competing while at war with co-hosts the United States.
The European powerhouse are expected to comfortably overcome a pool containing Egypt, New Zealand and the Asian nation.
However, the unprecedented geopolitical situation surrounding the tournament has drawn intense global focus to the early fixtures.
In a first for the 96-year history of the competition, a participating country is actively engaged in a military conflict with one of the host nations.
Strict travel limits for Iranian squad
The war between Tehran and Washington began in late February and has continued despite numerous international peace proposals.
Consequently, the Iranian delegation has been forced to establish their tournament base camp in neighbouring Mexico.
Players and staff are only receiving strict matchday visas to enter the United States for their two fixtures in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
Potential knockout clash looms
The complex logistics dictate that the squad will fly into American territory, play their scheduled fixture, and immediately depart.
A secondary storyline could see an astonishing round-of-32 showdown in Dallas on 3 July if both conflicting nations finish second in their respective groups.
Meanwhile, the final group stage match between Egypt and Team Melli is scheduled to coincide with Seattle Pride weekend.
Golden Generation seeks final glory
On the pitch, the Red Devils are attempting to navigate a transitional phase after failing to reach the final of a major tournament during their peak years.
Veterans from their 2018 semi-final run remain, including elite Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and midfield maestro Kevin de Bruyne.
Manager Domenico Tedesco has also selected Romelu Lukaku, even though the striker endured an injury-ravaged campaign at Napoli and barely featured all season.
They will rely heavily on the dynamic Premier League wing pairing of Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard to dismantle New Zealand, who enter the competition as the lowest-ranked team.
Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah has cut short his holiday in New York to join England’s 2026 World Cup squad following an injury to Tino Livramento.
A delayed message in Times Square
The versatile centre-back was exploring Times Square when national team manager Thomas Tuchel attempted to make contact.
It was not until returning to his hotel room that the former Ipswich loanee discovered the missed correspondence.
“When I saw the message, he asked if I was free to call, and I said yes. We spoke on FaceTime and he broke the news to me. I was just over the moon.”
Trevoh Chalobah
Replacing the injured Livramento
Chalobah officially becomes the 27th man in the Three Lions’ travelling party, stepping in for the sidelined Newcastle United full-back.
The initial squad announcement had ended in disappointment, with Tuchel originally leaving him off the roster but instructing him to remain prepared.
The surprise call-up triggered a frantic early morning wake-up call to his agent, who initially feared his client was in serious trouble.
Padel, new boots, and a cancelled trip
Staying fit during the off-season was a priority, with the Chelsea academy graduate employing a personal trainer during his American getaway.
However, having given away his football boots at the end of the domestic campaign, a rush request was sent to his sponsors for new equipment.
His holiday itinerary, which included trips to the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes, was supposed to conclude in Los Angeles.
“I am still trying to get my money back,” he smiled, noting his Californian hotel reservation might not be refundable.
Manifesting a childhood dream
The unexpected promotion fulfills an ambition the player publicly manifested eight years ago during a loan spell in League One.
In 2018, the teenager posted a picture of himself alongside the famous golden trophy with the caption “one day”.
Now, he is utilizing rigorous two-hour padel sessions alongside teammates Ivan Toney and Ezri Konsa to ensure peak physical condition.
The resilient defender could make his tournament debut when the national side face Ghana in Boston.
Liverpool have halted transfer talks with Inter Milan after rejecting a £21m offer for midfielder Curtis Jones.
The Premier League club immediately dismissed the second proposal from the Serie A champions, deeming the valuation significantly below their £40m asking price.
Inter’s pursuit of the England international initially began at the end of the January transfer window.
Teammate Federico Chiesa recently revealed that the 25-year-old had been asking him specific questions about the Italian giants.
Contract stand-off at Anfield
Jones will be out of contract next summer, meaning he could depart the club on a free transfer in exactly 12 months.
Despite this looming expiration date, the Merseyside outfit have not abandoned hope that their academy graduate will sign a new long-term deal.
Anfield officials remain resolute in their valuation, pointing to heavily inflated transfer fees within the current midfield market.
Market comparisons justify asking price
Manchester City recently tabled an offer exceeding £100m for Elliot Anderson, highlighting the immense premium currently placed on domestic talent.
The Reds also took note of Tottenham Hotspur’s recent £52m acquisition of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton.
The central defender was in an identical contractual situation, reinforcing Liverpool’s belief that their financial demands are entirely reasonable.
Recent positional shifts under Slot
The versatile playmaker made 49 appearances across all competitions last season, although he secured only 18 Premier League starts.
Under head coach Arne Slot, the Merseysider finished the campaign effectively deployed in an unfamiliar right-back role.
Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall has informed Tottenham Hotspur of his desire to leave the club this summer in search of regular first-team football.
The 20-year-old has struggled to secure a consistent starting role since arriving in North London, prompting him to actively seek a new challenge.
Despite signing a lengthy contract intended to keep him at the club until 2031, the highly-rated prospect has failed to cement his place in the midfield.
Sandro Tonali talks accelerate departure
Competition for places is expected to intensify further with the Premier League side reportedly in active negotiations to sign Sandro Tonali.
The potential arrival of the Italian international would severely limit match opportunities for the young Swede during the upcoming campaign.
Originally acquired from Djurgardens as a cornerstone for the future, the £57m-rated talent now appears destined for a premature departure.
Search for a new challenge
According to journalist David Ornstein, rival clubs are already monitoring the situation closely as they sense an opportunity to secure a transfer bargain.
A summer exit would mark an abrupt end to an association that was initially viewed as a massive recruitment coup for the North London outfit.
Chelsea have firmly dismissed speculation linking the club with a summer move for Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz, ruling out a reunion with new head coach Xabi Alonso.
Rumours had suggested the west London side were monitoring the 23-year-old depending on the future of midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
However, club sources have entirely rubbished reports of an impending bid for the Germany international.
No Stamford Bridge reunion
Alonso previously managed the attacking midfielder during a highly successful spell together at Bayer Leverkusen.
The gifted playmaker enjoyed the most prolific period of his burgeoning career under the Spaniard, registering 38 goals and 43 assists in 119 appearances.
That scintillating form prompted Liverpool to secure his services in a blockbuster £116m deal last year.
“I feel the trust. That’s really important, especially as a young player. He gives me a lot of freedom on the pitch and always has a tip on what I can do better.”
Florian Wirtz on playing under Xabi Alonso
Focus shifts to Iraola’s tenure
Despite those strong historical ties, the newly appointed Blues boss is not planning to bring his former prodigy to the capital.
Chelsea remain actively in the market for at least two first-team additions, though they have recently denied interest in John Stones, Ethan Nwaneri and Lucas Bergvall.
Meanwhile, the creative midfielder will instead look to find his rhythm at Anfield under new Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola.
The ex-Bournemouth tactician replaced Arne Slot following a fifth-placed Premier League finish and will be tasked with extracting the player’s true potential.
World Cup ambitions
During his maiden campaign in English football, the highly-rated forward managed a modest seven goals and 10 assists across 49 outings.
He is currently starring for Julian Nagelsmann’s national team at the World Cup, recently providing an assist for Felix Nmecha while playing the full 90 minutes.
The Anfield faithful will hope their expensive recruit returns from international duty brimming with confidence ahead of the new domestic season.