England winger Anthony Gordon believes his tough Liverpool upbringing has provided the mental strength needed to pursue World Cup glory following his recent transfer to Barcelona.
The 23-year-old recently sealed a high-profile summer move to the Spanish giants and is now focused on securing international silverware.
Despite a slow start to the tournament, the dynamic forward has emerged as a key figure for his national team.
He provided two crucial assists as a substitute against DR Congo before delivering a standout performance in a challenging victory over Mexico.
Overcoming early tournament frustrations
The Merseyside-born attacker admitted his initial disappointment at missing out on the number 11 shirt to Marcus Rashford before the campaign began.
However, he chose to use his allocation of the number 18 jersey as motivation to improve upon his limited involvement at Euro 2024.
Looking back at his solitary substitute appearance during the European Championship, the player felt he had wasted a vital summer of his career.
“The reason I’ll always do well is because my mentality towards disappointment is very good. I always react to disappointments well.”
Gordon explained that his resolute mindset has been directly shaped by his humble beginnings.
“I am from a very poor area, a very poor background, just a normal family and I have obviously made the journey to this level.”
A defining victory in Mexico City
England’s recent victory against Mexico served as a significant turning point for both the squad and the lightning-fast attacker.
The team successfully overcame severe altitude, hostile home support, weather delays, and a red card for defender Jarell Quansah.
They must now prepare to face Norway with renewed confidence heading into the crucial latter stages of the competition.
“There was so much talk about the altitude and how it would affect us and I got to put that to bed and show it’s not physical, it’s mental.”
Pele’s daughter, Kely Nascimento, has declared that Brazilian football is fundamentally broken following the national team’s earliest World Cup exit in 36 years.
The Selecao suffered a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the last-16 on Sunday, marking their first failure to reach the tournament’s quarter-finals since 1990.
Filmmaker and activist Nascimento believes the country’s sporting system is plagued by a profound lack of transparency and accountability.
“Brazilian football is broken,” Nascimento told Reuters.
“Whether it is corruption… it’s like a closed, very incestuous ecosystem where no one can see inside, and everybody knows why it is not working, but nobody can fix it.”
Systemic issues overshadow individual talent
Despite continuing to produce world-class players, the South American nation’s recent struggles on the international stage reflect deeper administrative failures.
The five-time champions last lifted the prestigious trophy in 2002, and legendary forward Pele had reportedly expressed similar concerns about this systemic decline before his passing.
Carlo Ancelotti’s squad failed to find a cohesive rhythm throughout the North American tournament despite progressing through their group.
Following an initial draw with Morocco, the highly-fancied side secured comfortable victories over Haiti and Scotland before requiring a stoppage-time winner to eliminate Japan in the last-32.
Haaland strikes to end Ancelotti’s hopes
Their disjointed campaign ultimately unravelled against the Norwegians, who were spearheaded by a lethal performance from Erling Haaland.
The Manchester City striker scored twice to ruthlessly expose defensive frailties and dump the pre-tournament favourites out of the competition.
However, amidst the despair, Nascimento highlighted the growing trend of foreign investment in domestic clubs as a potential catalyst for positive change.
She specifically referenced the revitalisation of Rio de Janeiro side Botafogo under American businessman John Textor since his 2022 takeover.
“What he’s also bringing is transparency… he has accountability to a foreign body,” Nascimento added.
“To me, that’s a positive, regardless of everything he’s being blamed for.”
Fifa has suspended England defender Jarell Quansah for two matches following his red card against Mexico, ruling him out of the World Cup quarter-final and a potential semi-final.
The 23-year-old was dismissed during the second half of Monday’s 3-2 victory over the tournament hosts at the Estadio Azteca.
Supporters had initially expected the player to serve a standard one-match suspension for the foul.
High challenge proves costly
The Bayer Leverkusen centre-back was shown a straight red card in the 54th minute by referee Alireza Faghani.
He was penalised for catching Jesus Gallardo with a high right leg, despite appearing to win the ball first.
Faghani made the decision to dismiss the player after being advised to consult the pitchside monitor by the video assistant referee.
Defensive headache for knockout stages
The extended ban guarantees the promising defender will be sidelined for Saturday’s quarter-final tie against Norway in Miami.
Should the Three Lions progress past their Scandinavian opponents, he will also be unavailable for a semi-final showdown with either Argentina or Switzerland.
His unexpected absence presents a significant selection dilemma for the national team as they navigate the crucial latter stages of the tournament.
Wolfsburg midfielder Christian Eriksen will begin a rehabilitation programme in his native Denmark following a second on-pitch medical incident during a friendly against Ukraine in June.
The 34-year-old briefly lost consciousness during the international fixture, an event that led to the match being abandoned.
This latest scare marked a concerning recurrence for the Danish playmaker, who famously suffered a cardiac arrest at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament.
ICD device functioned exactly as designed
In the aftermath of his recent collapse, the former Manchester United midfielder took to social media to reassure his supporters.
He clarified that receiving a shock from his implantable cardioverter-defibrillator had a major impact on his family but was a distinctly different situation to the events of 2021.
Thanks to their expertise, my ICD did exactly what it was designed to do: protect me when I needed it.
The veteran midfielder expressed profound gratitude to the medical personnel who intervened swiftly on the pitch.
His current focus is on resting, spending time with family and playing football with his children.
Wolfsburg confirm tailored recovery plan
The Bundesliga club released a formal statement detailing the tailored rehabilitation arrangements for their player.
Following discussions with managing director Dieter Hecking, officials agreed the midfielder should complete his physical recovery in his homeland.
VfL remains in regular contact with Christian and the doctors overseeing his treatment.
The former Inter Milan star’s initial cardiac arrest occurred during a match against Finland at Parken Stadium.
Strict Serie A medical regulations forced his departure from Italy, leading to a Premier League return with Brentford.
He subsequently enjoyed a three-year spell at Old Trafford before joining his current German employers last summer on a two-year contract.
Former United States defender Steve Cherundolo has been appointed as head coach of the American men’s under-23 team for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The announcement was made on Thursday by the US Soccer Federation, placing a highly experienced domestic figure in charge for a major tournament on home soil.
The 47-year-old’s arrival also fuels speculation that he could emerge as a candidate for an interim role with the senior national team.
Pochettino uncertainty and national team future
A vacancy at the top level may arise if the federation fails to agree a new contract with current manager Mauricio Pochettino this summer.
The Argentine’s position is under immense scrutiny following a heavy 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the World Cup round of 16.
That elimination meant the American squad failed to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since the 2002 tournament.
The senior side will next return to action with four friendly matches scheduled during the international window between 21 September and 3 October.
A decorated domestic and international career
The San Diego native brings extensive pedigree to his new role, having earned 87 senior caps and featured in three World Cup squads during his playing days.
He also spent 15 seasons with German club Hannover before retiring in 2014, making a record 415 Bundesliga appearances for an American player.
Transitioning into management, the Hall of Fame inductee enjoyed immense success during a distinguished tenure with Los Angeles FC.
He guided the Californian franchise to an MLS Cup title in his debut season, before adding the US Open Cup to his trophy cabinet in 2024.
Preparation for the Los Angeles Games
Fifa regulations dictate that the men’s Olympic football tournament is restricted to under-23 players, specifically those born on or after 1 January 2005.
However, the new manager will be permitted to select up to three overage wild-card players to bolster his youthful squad.
As the host nation, the United States are granted an automatic berth for the competition, which runs from 14 July to 30 July 2028.
Matches will be staged across several major American cities, including New York, St. Louis, and Pasadena in California.
United States and AC Milan forward Christian Pulisic will be sidelined for up to six weeks after sustaining a microfracture and bone bruise in his lower leg during a 4-1 defeat by Belgium.
The American attacker picked up the injury early in the second half of the round-of-16 tie when his attempted shot struck the leg of Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans.
He attempted to play through the pain before eventually being replaced by Sebastian Berhalter in the 59th minute.
By the time the former Chelsea winger departed the pitch, an error from goalkeeper Matt Freese had already allowed Hans Vanaken to score Belgium’s third goal.
Tournament plagued by fitness issues
“I just totally twisted my ankle and my knee in one play,” the 25-year-old explained following the elimination.
“I mean, whatever. I have time to rest. It’s just an unfortunate way to finish.”
This latest setback concludes a frustrating international campaign for the talismanic player, who was severely hampered by a calf issue prior to the tournament opener.
After aggravating that initial injury against Paraguay, he was forced to sit out the subsequent group match against Australia.
Race against time for Italian return
Following a 32-minute cameo against Türkiye and an 88-minute appearance against Bosnia-Herzegovina, this new lower leg issue will now require a significant period of rehabilitation.
Medical assessments indicate an expected absence of four to six weeks, targeting a return to training in Italy at some stage in August.
The timeline presents an immediate challenge for the Rossoneri as they prepare for the upcoming domestic campaign.
The forward will miss valuable pre-season preparations under newly appointed Milan manager Ruben Amorim.
The Italian giants are scheduled to commence their season against Torino on 23 August.
Mauricio Pochettino’s United States have seen their World Cup campaign end in disappointment following a 4-1 round-of-16 defeat by Belgium.
The American side started the tournament strongly with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Paraguay.
Solid group-stage wins against Australia and a knockout triumph over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32 followed.
However, the tournament hosts crashed out in devastating fashion against the Red Devils.
Physical demands and pressing tactics
The Stars and Stripes were among the fittest teams at the tournament during the early stages.
Favourable weather conditions and climate-controlled stadiums in Los Angeles and Seattle aided their high-energy approach.
Fifa data revealed the hosts ranked fourth out of 48 teams in average speed, clocking 6.23 km/h.
They also placed eighth overall for average distance covered and number of sprints per match.
Belgium provide a harsh reality check
Despite their impressive athletic metrics, the squad found themselves outmatched by a superior European opponent.
Belgium surpassed Pochettino’s men in every major physical category during their knockout encounter.
The midfield battle proved particularly bruising against physical talents such as Dodi Lukebakio and Amadou Onana.
“When better teams match or better your work rate, you’re dead.”
An unnamed source highlighted the stark difference in quality when competing against top-tier international opposition.
Pochettino’s tactical blueprint
The Argentine manager successfully implemented his trademark high-pressing system throughout the competition.
Drawing inspiration from Marcelo Bielsa, the players eventually bought into the demanding tactical requirements.
While the group stages suggested significant progress, the final outcome will ultimately be viewed as a missed opportunity.
Morocco have been officially crowned 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions months after the final, following a decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to overturn Senegal’s on-pitch victory due to a team walk-off.
The dramatic ruling alters the history books, awarding a 3-0 forfeit victory to the Atlas Lions despite them initially losing 1-0 after extra time in the original fixture.
Chaos originally erupted during stoppage time of a tense goalless draw when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala was advised to consult the pitchside monitor.
The official controversially awarded a penalty for El Hadji Malick Diouf’s challenge on Brahim Diaz, prompting immediate fury from the West African nation.
Unprecedented pitch walk-off
Incensed by the late VAR intervention, the Senegalese players refused to continue and marched off the field in extraordinary scenes of protest.
Play was suspended for approximately 17 minutes before the squad eventually agreed to return to the pitch to face the penalty.
Justice appeared to be served for the Teranga Lions when goalkeeper Edouard Mendy spectacularly saved the resulting spot-kick from the Real Madrid playmaker.
Buoyed by the dramatic reprieve, Pape Gueye struck the decisive goal in extra time to seemingly reclaim the continental crown for his country.
CAF appeal board reverses result
However, the story took an unprecedented twist months later when African football’s governing body intervened following a formal review.
An official tribunal ruled that the lengthy protest constituted a match abandonment under tournament regulations.
“The CAF Appeal Board decided that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the final match.”
The governing body confirmed the result would be permanently recorded as a 3-0 victory in favour of the Moroccan football federation.
Senegal left furious by ruling
The Senegalese Football Federation immediately condemned the verdict, fiercely defending their players’ actions during the highly charged final.
“It is an unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable decision which brings discredit to African football.”
The administrative outcome means the North African side claim their second-ever AFCON title, adding to their historic 1976 triumph, without having lifted the trophy on the night.