Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has rediscovered his best form for Argentina at the World Cup in the United States, presenting new head coach Andoni Iraola with a welcome boost.
The 27-year-old endured a frustrating domestic campaign last year, struggling with early injuries as his club failed to match the heights of their 2025 Premier League title triumph.
However, the former Brighton playmaker is currently thriving on the international stage.
Crucial role in Argentina’s midfield
The South American has been an ever-present force throughout the tournament, missing only a dead-rubber group fixture after qualification was already secured.
He has amassed 539 minutes of action, registering 31 won duels, 10 tackles, and 208 high-pressure applications.
I feel like maybe the number eight position, also double number six, is my best position, but I can play anywhere.
This tactical versatility will undoubtedly appeal to Iraola as he begins implementing a direct, high-pressing system at Anfield.
The Argentine’s impressive underlying statistics align perfectly with the intense physical demands expected by the new manager.
Delayed return to Premier League action
Despite his stellar international form, club supporters must wait patiently to see their £35m signing back in action.
Argentina will remain in the United States until the tournament concludes this weekend, regardless of Wednesday’s semi-final result against England.
Fifa regulations mandate a minimum three-week rest period for players participating in the latter stages of major summer tournaments.
Consequently, the midfielder will not return to Merseyside until early August and is highly likely to miss the start of the Premier League season.
It’s always about winning.
Iraola will surely appreciate that elite mentality as he prepares to rebuild his squad for the upcoming domestic campaign.
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is yet to play a single minute for England at the 2026 World Cup under Thomas Tuchel, raising questions about his international future ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final against Argentina.
The 21-year-old has cut a forlorn figure throughout the tournament in the United States and Mexico.
He remains one of only three outfield players yet to feature for the Three Lions this summer.
While Ivan Toney and Trevoh Chalobah understand their roles as squad deputies, the situation appears distinctly different for the former Euro 2024 finalist.
Early departures and midfield hierarchy
The Old Trafford academy graduate has routinely been the first player to leave the dressing room following England’s six matches.
Observers note he has regularly walked to the team bus alone, separating himself from his victorious colleagues.
Let us be clear, he has not been sulking. But he has looked a little lost.
His continued omission is particularly striking given the unexpected midfield vacancies that have opened up during the campaign.
Veteran Jordan Henderson saw his tournament end abruptly after suffering a broken wrist during post-match celebrations against Mexico.
Tuchel looks elsewhere amid Rice illness
Declan Rice and new Manchester City signing Elliot Anderson have established themselves as the favoured midfield pairing.
However, Rice was severely hampered by a stomach bug ahead of the quarter-final victory over Norway, forcing his withdrawal after just 45 minutes in the Miami heat.
Instead of turning to the talented playmaker, manager Thomas Tuchel opted for alternative solutions.
Eberechi Eze, Reece James, and Morgan Rogers were all introduced from the bench to fill midfield roles during the tense extra-time win.
From Euro 2024 starter to squad outcast
The current situation represents a dramatic shift in fortunes for a player who started the European Championship final against Spain just two years ago.
At just 18 years old in Berlin, he was widely tipped to anchor the national team’s midfield for a generation.
Now, as England prepare to face Argentina for a place in the World Cup final, that glorious international future suddenly feels frustratingly distant.
Erling Haaland and the Norway national team have been welcomed home by tens of thousands of supporters in Oslo following their historic run to the World Cup quarterfinals.
The Scandinavian nation reached the last eight of the tournament for the first time in their history.
They secured a famous victory over five-time champions Brazil in the round of 16 before suffering extra-time elimination against England.
The squad was escorted back to the Norwegian capital by military jets ahead of a royal reception.
Royal reception and Viking Row
Leading members of the country’s royal household joined ecstatic fans for the team’s now-customary ‘Viking Row’ celebration.
Crown Prince Haakon led the festivities by banging on a drum to replicate the post-match rituals of captain Martin Odegaard.
An open-top bus parade allowed the players and public to share a moment of mutual appreciation for a memorable summer.
The prolific striker drew laughter upon disembarking the plane by carrying what appeared to be a taxidermied raccoon holding an empty bottle.
Superstar status secured in North America
The formidable forward saw his global profile rise even further during his nation’s first appearance at the finals in 28 years.
He registered an impressive seven goals across the campaign to cement his status as a superstar on the international stage.
Norway were ultimately denied a semi-final clash with Argentina after Jude Bellingham scored a decisive goal for the Three Lions in Miami.
The narrow defeat left some feeling aggrieved regarding the officiating during the tense knockout tie.
Norway were ‘robbed’ vs England at World Cup. Well done referee.
Alf-Inge Haaland
Former striker Troy Deeney has urged England manager Thomas Tuchel to drop left-back Nico O’Reilly for Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta.
The Three Lions secured a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Norway to set up the mouth-watering tie.
However, Deeney believes tactical changes are essential if the team is to successfully halt Lionel Messi’s title defence.
Spence backed to stop Messi
The talkSPORT pundit feels the Manchester City defender has underperformed and should be replaced by Djed Spence.
Deeney compared the youngster’s underwhelming tournament displays to those of Arsenal winger Noni Madueke.
“By the way, he’s [Nico O’Reilly] been getting away with murder,” Deeney said.
“I would probably have to go Djed Spence just to match him. And say to Djed Spence, ‘Just follow him. If he goes inside, go inside.'”
O’Reilly has featured in all six of the national team’s fixtures during this tournament.
In contrast, Spence has also made six appearances but has only been trusted from the start on two occasions.
Predictions of a comfortable victory
Despite his concerns over the left flank, the former Watford captain remains highly optimistic about the overall result.
England have historically struggled against elite opposition, never having defeated a top-four ranked nation at a major tournament.
Yet the outspoken pundit has completely reversed his earlier prediction that the European side would come unstuck against the South Americans.
“I actually think we batter them. Like 2-0, comfortable,” he declared.
“I’ve watched Argentina all the way through – they are older, they’re all over the place at the back, their centre midfielders are absolutely not controlling the game.”
Jude Bellingham will likely be crucial to exploiting those perceived weaknesses on Wednesday night.
The dynamic midfielder currently ranks among the tournament’s top statistical performers and proved vital in the recent quarter-final victory.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is set to remain in north London to defend their Premier League title, dismissing recent reports of an impending transfer to Turkish side Galatasaray.
Media outlets in Turkey had claimed the Norwegian international reached an agreement with the Super Lig club after his agent was reportedly spotted in Istanbul.
However, representatives clarified that his agent, Bjorn Kvarme, was actually in the United States supporting Norway during their recent World Cup campaign.
Contract talks expected
Sources close to the midfielder insist he remains completely settled at the Emirates Stadium and is eager to extend his stay.
The club hierarchy are expected to open discussions over a new contract with their influential playmaker in the near future.
Arsenal executives are reportedly delighted with his impact both on and off the pitch during their recent title-winning campaign.
Overcoming injury setbacks
The former Real Madrid prospect endured a difficult season physically, battling two separate shoulder issues alongside a recurring knee problem.
These setbacks restricted him to 36 appearances across all competitions last year, forcing him to miss 21 matches.
Despite facing fierce internal competition from Eberechi Eze, the Scandinavian star remained a pivotal figure whenever fit to play.
Arteta retains full faith
Manager Mikel Arteta has continually dismissed any speculation regarding a change in leadership at the club.
“Our captain is unbelievable, I love him,” Arteta previously stated.
“He’s so good and he’ll continue to be the captain and continue to be so good.”
That sentiment is echoed throughout the dressing room, where teammates unanimously voted for the 25-year-old to retain the armband.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are reportedly preparing a formal offer for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes as they build for their 2026/27 title defence.
Liverpool have completed the signing of England goalkeeper Khiara Keating on a free transfer following the expiration of her Manchester City contract.
The 22-year-old reunites with manager Gareth Taylor, under whom she previously played during her time in Manchester.
This move follows reports in June that the highly-rated shot-stopper had rejected a contract extension at her former club.
Striving for greatness on Merseyside
A graduate of the City academy, the young talent helped her previous employers secure a second Women’s Super League title last season.
“[Liverpool is] such a big club and I think the women’s team is striving for greatness,” said Keating.
“I think the style of football that they play suits me and my position. They’re just going in the right direction and [it is] a project that I want to be part of.”
The international star becomes the Reds’ fourth major acquisition of the summer transfer window.
Competition and international ambitions
She faced stiff competition for the number one shirt from Japan’s Ayaka Yamashita last season, making just four WSL starts during a campaign that also yielded the Women’s FA Cup.
Despite limited domestic minutes, the standout prospect remains one of the country’s most promising goalkeepers.
England manager Sarina Wiegman called her up for June’s crucial Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Ukraine, although a concussion ultimately ruled her out.
Having been part of the triumphant Euro 2025 squad, the 22-year-old is determined to secure regular first-team football ahead of next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Reuniting with a familiar face
Liverpool boss Taylor was responsible for handing the promising star her WSL debut during a phenomenal 2023-24 breakout campaign.
At just 19 years old, she became the youngest goalkeeper in history to win the WSL Golden Glove award after keeping nine clean sheets.
The experienced shot-stopper also boasts Women’s Champions League pedigree, alongside previous short loan spells at AFC Fylde and Coventry United.
“The start of my career has been nothing but amazing. I’ve gained platforms and done brilliantly so far. But I needed that missing [piece of the] puzzle,” she added.
“I think Liverpool can be that – somewhere I’m playing week-in, week-out and I’m getting good game time, to play with a good team and win trophies.”
The Merseyside club actively sought a new primary goalkeeper after Jennifer Falk departed in May following a successful loan stint.
White House World Cup task force director Andrew Giuliani has backed England to win the 2026 tournament in the United States ahead of their semi-final against Argentina.
With the host nation eliminated, the American political figure has thrown his official support behind Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Giuliani believes an English triumph would provide a fitting narrative during the United States’ 250th-anniversary celebrations.
The Three Lions are currently preparing for a crucial clash with the reigning South American champions, knowing a victory will secure a final against either France or Spain.
Ending 60 years of hurt
The 40-year-old task force leader is fully aware of the historical weight carried by the European heavyweights.
“It’s been 60 years of hurt, I gather, for England, so that would be a beautiful victory for them if they won the tournament.”
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Giuliani stated that the squad remains one of the strongest contenders left in the competition.
“You know, if the United States can’t win on our 250th birthday, then a great storyline would be the English coming to America and winning during our anniversary celebrations.”
Praise for Kane and Bellingham
Giuliani singled out captain Harry Kane and midfielder Jude Bellingham as the key driving forces behind the pursuit of global glory.
The Real Madrid midfielder recently guided his country into the last four following a tense knockout victory over Norway.
However, the US adviser stressed that Bayern Munich’s prolific striker will be the primary reason for any ultimate success.
“Harry Kane is the number one goal scorer for the England team, and if they are going to win the tournament, he will be the main reason.”
He also urged former Chelsea manager Tuchel to continue instilling supreme confidence into his well-balanced squad.
Presidential golfing connection
The English captain is already a firm favourite of US President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to participate in Sunday’s trophy presentation.
Trump recently took to social media to praise the record-breaking forward, describing him as both a great player and an excellent person.
The pair share a personal connection, having played a round of golf together in Florida during 2024.
Kane previously described the unexpected invitation to join the President on the greens in Palm Beach as a highly surreal experience.
“His golf is pretty good to be honest with you.”
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Alejandro Garnacho is free to leave the club this summer, while holding private talks to ensure Enzo Fernandez remains at Stamford Bridge.
The young forward has been heavily linked with a departure just a year after arriving in west London for £40m from Manchester United.
Speaking at his introductory press conference, the newly appointed head coach clarified the club’s position on the attacker.
“Well the situation is that we have spoken with the sporting directors,” Alonso stated.
“There is an interest for him from other clubs. So let’s see how this develops. But hopefully, it finishes in the best possible way for other clubs.”
Fernandez strictly not for sale
While one Argentinian prepares for an exit, the new Blues boss is determined to retain his compatriot in midfield.
The 25-year-old has established himself as a vital asset since joining from Benfica in 2023, scoring 31 goals in 169 appearances.
Recent reports suggested Real Madrid were circling, although the Spanish giants have since distanced themselves from a potential move.
Alonso revealed he has already held one-on-one discussions with the £106m signing to outline his crucial role ahead of the new campaign.
“We have spoken, but that remains private,” the former Liverpool midfielder explained.
When pressed directly on whether he wanted the central midfielder to stay, the manager offered a definitive one-word answer: “Yes.”
World Cup commitments delay return
The highly rated playmaker is yet to join up with his new club manager due to ongoing international duty.
He is currently part of an Argentina squad preparing to face England in the World Cup semi-finals.
Alonso insisted the delayed return of his key personnel was fully expected and factored into their pre-season schedule.
“It’s not a big surprise we have some players still there. I’m happy for them, because they are having an unforgettable experience,” he noted.
“At the end, hopefully we will have one champion and we will celebrate. We have to be flexible and we’ll have to speed up the preparation with some players.”
Praise for ‘special talent’ Palmer
Alongside Fernandez, another player firmly in the manager’s immediate plans is Cole Palmer.
The England international has been a standout performer for the London club in recent seasons and has already made a strong impression on the training pitch.
“From the first day you can see he is a special talent,” Alonso added.
“It’s not easy to have one of those, you notice his quality and how he wants to play, his decisions. I’m happy that he comes in a good mood, with a good mindset to have a great season.”