Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz scored twice and provided two assists as Germany began their World Cup preparations with a dramatic 4-3 victory over Switzerland in Basel.

The 22-year-old has endured a challenging debut campaign at Anfield since his £116m transfer from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.

However, the playmaker cut a revitalised figure on international duty for Julian Nagelsmann’s side.

He was instrumental in all four German goals during an entertaining encounter against the Swiss.

Stunning strikes mask defensive flaws

After setting up two first-half goals before the break, the former Leverkusen star took complete control of the match.

He curled a stunning strike from the edge of the penalty area into the top corner to give his nation the lead in the 61st minute.

Following a swift equaliser from the hosts, the versatile attacker delivered the decisive blow with a superb finish just five minutes from time.

His match-winning performance successfully papered over a mistake-riddled defensive showing from the visitors.

Media praise for ‘magical’ playmaker

The German press were quick to laud the young talent for his dominant display.

National newspaper Bild awarded him a perfect rating of one and labelled him their “linchpin in attack”.

Die Welt noted the stark contrast between his international form and his recent domestic struggles in the Premier League.

“At least Wirtz, who had long seemed out of sorts in Liverpool, displayed a joy for the game, setting up the first two goals and crowning his performance with two stunning goals.”

Sky Sports Germany described the forward as an “outstanding magician” who has raised hopes for future tournament success.

Ghana test awaits

Nagelsmann will be hoping his key man can replicate this spectacular form as preparations intensify.

The national team resume their schedule on Monday when they host Ghana in Stuttgart.

A similarly dominant showing will be expected from the Premier League midfielder to cement his status as the squad’s most pivotal player.

Liverpool have held internal discussions over a summer move for 19-year-old Tottenham Hotspur defender Luka Vuskovic.

The highly-rated Croatian is currently spending the season on loan at German side Hamburg.

Several elite European clubs are monitoring his impressive debut campaign in the Bundesliga.

The teenager is reportedly reluctant to return to north London next season amid the looming threat of Premier League relegation for Spurs.

Real Madrid and Barcelona join the race

European heavyweights Barcelona and Real Madrid are also seriously considering a move for the young centre-back.

Former Croatian international Ivan Rakitic has personally recommended the imposing defender to the Catalan giants.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid view the 1.93m ball-playing talent as a potential alternative to current Anfield favourite Ibrahima Konate.

If the French international departs Merseyside upon the expiry of his contract, the Reds have identified the Spurs youngster as his ideal replacement.

Anfield prepares for major summer overhaul

A potential defensive reshuffle comes during a period of significant transition for the six-time European champions.

Mohamed Salah recently confirmed his departure at the end of the current campaign via an emotional farewell video.

The club’s hierarchy are already exploring attacking successors, with RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise on their radar.

This upcoming rebuild follows an unprecedented £415m spending spree in 2025, which included a club-record £125m acquisition of striker Alexander Isak.

Further changes are expected in the dugout, with a 44-year-old manager reportedly ready to replace departing head coach Arne Slot.

Why is the teenager in high demand?

Modern top-flight clubs prioritise several elite traits that make the former Hajduk Split prospect an outstanding target.

Three Tottenham Hotspur fan groups have urged the club to abandon any potential appointment of Roberto De Zerbi due to his previous public support for forward Mason Greenwood.

Spurs are currently navigating a severe slump, suffering five defeats in their last seven matches to leave them threatened by Premier League relegation.

Interim head coach Igor Tudor remains under mounting pressure, though no final decision has been made on his future as he deals with the recent passing of his father.

Speculation has increasingly linked the permanent managerial vacancy to the 45-year-old Italian tactician, who departed Marseille in February.

Fan backlash over Greenwood comments

The strong opposition from supporter groups Proud Lilywhites, Women of the Lane, and Spurs Reach centres entirely on the former Brighton manager’s time working with Greenwood in France.

The English attacker was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in October 2022.

Those charges were subsequently dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February 2023 after key witnesses withdrew their involvement.

During their time together at the Ligue 1 club last November, the coach controversially described the player as a “good guy” who had paid a “heavy price” for his situation.

Values and identity in question

LGBTQI+ supporters network Proud Lilywhites issued a strong statement declaring that appointing the out-of-work manager would fundamentally contradict the core values of the North London institution.

“When someone in that position publicly defends a player like Mason Greenwood, and frames it in a way that downplays the seriousness of what happened, it matters.”

The group emphasised that off-pitch integrity and inclusivity cannot be compromised or treated as secondary to footballing results.

“We are asking for accountability, transparency and leadership that reflects the values this club claims to stand for.”

Women of the Lane echoed these sentiments, highlighting the severe distress the managerial speculation is causing among female supporters and allies within the fanbase.

Summer assessment remains likely

Despite the growing ‘No to De Zerbi’ campaign, an immediate arrival in the capital appears highly improbable for logistical reasons.

It is understood the former Shakhtar Donetsk boss is unwilling to accept a mid-season rescue mission and intends to evaluate his options during the summer transfer window.

Manchester City face the daunting prospect of replacing influential captain Bernardo Silva this summer, as speculation mounts over the long-term futures of both the 31-year-old and manager Pep Guardiola.

The Catalan manager has orchestrated an unprecedented era of dominance at the Etihad Stadium, with his most trusted lieutenant remaining a constant presence throughout.

When the skipper lifted the Carabao Cup following a brilliant victory over Arsenal at Wembley on Sunday, it marked his 18th piece of silverware since arriving from Monaco in 2017.

While he may lack the traditional spotlight of club icons like Sergio Aguero or Vincent Kompany, his remarkable achievements will undoubtedly cement his status as a legendary figure upon his eventual departure.

An unbreakable managerial bond

A profound mutual respect exists between Guardiola and his captain, which proved instrumental in the Portuguese midfielder being handed the armband following Kevin de Bruyne’s exit.

Guardiola openly expressed his admiration for the 31-year-old earlier this campaign, admitting he holds a distinct weakness for a player who remained dependable even during a difficult previous season.

That challenging period saw the Premier League champions finish third in the table, failing to secure a major trophy for the first time in nearly a decade.

“He has had a massive influence on my career, and he has a special affection for me.” – Bernardo Silva

Unmatched reliability and elite work rate

The former Monaco playmaker is just one game shy of reaching 450 appearances across all competitions for the club.

Remarkably, every single one of those matches has come under Guardiola, making him the most selected player by the ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss.

Although his attacking output stands at a modest three goals and five assists this term, his relentless work ethic and elite leadership qualities remain invaluable to the team.

The tireless midfielder has covered a staggering 304.9km in the top flight this season, alongside an unmatched squad-high carrying distance of 5,094m with the ball at his feet.

Earning praise from peers and pundits

Of all top-flight players to register over 1,200 minutes this campaign, only four can better his relentless average of 12.17km covered per 90 minutes.

Even a recent dismissal for a deliberate foul against Real Madrid in the Champions League failed to draw criticism from his manager, who simply defended the red-card offense as a purely instinctive reaction.

Former City midfielder Michael Brown highlighted the veteran’s crucial impact following the recent cup triumph over Arsenal.

“He is a brilliant player; infectious, clever and cute.” – Michael Brown

Newcastle United plan to sign a new striker in the upcoming summer transfer window despite spending £125m on forwards Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade last year.

Manager Eddie Howe was forced to overhaul his attacking options after the £130m departure of star striker Alexander Isak.

The Magpies subsequently recruited Wissa and Woltemade, but both players have experienced mixed fortunes during their debut campaign on Tyneside.

According to recent reports, the North East outfit will now re-enter the market for a traditional centre-forward at the end of the season.

Mixed fortunes for recent arrivals

The club’s hierarchy anticipates that both current forwards will remain at St James’ Park for the next campaign.

Wissa’s progress was severely hampered by a knee problem that kept the DR Congo international sidelined for the first half of the season.

Meanwhile, Woltemade initially impressed in front of goal before frequently being redeployed into a midfield role in recent weeks.

Coaching staff reportedly intend to restore the versatile forward to a central attacking position next season.

Howe backs attacking duo

The club are also understood to be evaluating the market for a new goalkeeper to further reinforce their defensive ranks.

Despite the impending search for reinforcements, the Newcastle boss remains publicly supportive of his current attacking contingent.

Speaking prior to a recent Tyne-Wear derby defeat to Sunderland, Howe explained why he expects both players to prove crucial in the closing stages of the season.

“Every player wants to play the biggest games.”
“Nick has had a lot of football this year. I thought he played really well against Chelsea.”
“They’re in different circumstances. I wouldn’t put them together. Yoane has had a big injury and I’ve said many times here I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet.”

Manchester City will look to extend their eight-point lead at the top of the Women’s Super League as they travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United during a pivotal weekend of derby fixtures.

The league leaders are relentlessly pursuing their first domestic title in a decade.

The pacesetters will hope to carry momentum from last weekend’s dominant 5-2 thrashing of Tottenham.

United seek derby bragging rights

Manchester United face a tight turnaround after hosting Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.

The Red Devils will be determined to delay their city rivals’ title charge and secure vital local bragging rights.

The visiting side have stuttered on the road recently, failing to score in their last two away league matches.

However, City have never failed to find the net in three consecutive away matches in the competition’s history.

Merseyside rivals meet at Goodison Park

Elsewhere, Everton host Liverpool on Saturday afternoon with both sides chasing crucial points.

The Reds have established a five-point cushion above the relegation zone with just five games remaining.

A victory on the blue half of Merseyside would surely guarantee top-flight survival for the Anfield outfit.

Phelan impact revitalises Toffees

Everton have found renewed form under interim boss Scott Phelan, who has secured three victories in his first four league fixtures.

The English coach could become the first manager in the club’s history to win four of his opening five league matches in charge.

The hosts won the reverse fixture 4-1 on the opening day, but suffered a 2-1 defeat to their local rivals in the FA Cup fifth round.

The weekend’s action also sees Arsenal host Tottenham in a crucial North London derby, while Chelsea desperately need a victory against Aston Villa.

Ben White scored and then conceded a stoppage-time penalty on his international return as a heavily rotated England drew with Uruguay in a subdued Wembley friendly.

Thomas Tuchel made wholesale changes to his starting lineup, leaving eleven senior players in the stands to assess his fringe options ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

The sell-out home crowd was treated to a largely disjointed affair that severely lacked attacking rhythm in the final third.

A bizarre sequence of late events surrounding the returning Arsenal defender ultimately defined the experimental match.

White experiences mixed return

The versatile centre-back was greeted by a chorus of boos when he was introduced as a 69th-minute substitute.

Supporters clearly remembered his controversial departure from the national camp during the 2022 World Cup and his subsequent lengthy exile.

Those jeers momentarily turned to cheers when he tapped home from close range following a dangerous Cole Palmer free-kick to give the hosts a late lead.

However, the former Brighton man tripped Federico Vinas inside the penalty area deep into stoppage time to ruin the script.

Following a Video Assistant Referee review, Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde stepped up to ruthlessly dispatch the spot-kick and ensure the spoils were shared.

Debutants impress amid VAR confusion

The officiating also raised eyebrows after Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte was inexplicably allowed to stay on the pitch despite receiving two separate yellow cards.

Despite the confusing team performance, there were quiet positives for the German manager to take from his inexperienced lineup.

Everton midfielder James Garner and Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford both looked composed while making their senior international debuts.

The young shot-stopper, fresh from a recent Carabao Cup triumph, showcased excellent distribution despite being unable to keep out the late penalty.

Elsewhere, an array of hopefuls including Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo and Dominic Solanke failed to seize their fleeting opportunity to stand out from the pack.

Palmer stakes his claim

One player who did successfully manage to leave a lasting impression was the influential Chelsea playmaker.

Having struggled with poorly-timed injuries during the early days of Tuchel’s reign, the former Manchester City academy graduate looked sharp operating in the coveted number 10 role.

His precise set-piece delivery proved crucial in breaking the deadlock and he consistently looked the most likely source of domestic creativity.

With the final 26-man tournament squad yet to be finalized, the talented forward appears perfectly positioned to secure a prominent role in the team.

Barcelona forward Raphinha faces five weeks out with a hamstring injury sustained on international duty, ruling him out of crucial upcoming fixtures against Atletico Madrid.

The 29-year-old suffered the knock during the first half of Brazil’s 2-1 friendly defeat to France in Massachusetts on Thursday.

Tests conducted by the national team’s medical staff on Friday confirmed damage to his right hamstring.

He will now return to Catalonia for treatment and is not expected to feature again until May.

Crucial Champions League absence

The recovery timeline means the prolific attacker will miss a demanding run of domestic and European fixtures.

Hansi Flick’s side face domestic rivals Atletico Madrid three times over the coming weeks.

They travel to the Metropolitano next Saturday looking to protect their four-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.

The Spanish giants will then clash again over two legs in the Champions League quarter-finals on 8 and 14 April.

Recurring fitness issues

Should the Blaugrana progress, their key forward would likely also miss the semi-final first leg against either Arsenal or Sporting CP.

This latest setback represents the third time this season the South American has injured his right hamstring.

He previously missed 13 matches between September and November, followed by a further three-game absence across January and February.

His injury deals a significant blow to Barcelona, having contributed an impressive 19 goals in 31 appearances this term.

Flick’s attacking alternatives

Marcus Rashford is the most likely candidate to benefit from the vacancy on the left side of the attack.

However, the German manager possesses several other versatile options to fill the void.

Dani Olmo, Fermín López, and Ferran Torres all boast experience operating in wide areas.

João Cancelo and Roony Bardghji could also be deployed in advanced roles if required.