Edin Dzeko will lead Bosnia and Herzegovina at the upcoming World Cup in the United States at the age of 40, following a dramatic play-off victory over Italy.

The former Manchester City striker has accumulated more than 450 career goals and earned nearly 150 international caps.

He admits his incredible longevity in the professional game has come as a surprise even to himself.

Sometimes there is an end for all of us. Maybe mine is coming soon.

Joining an elite veteran club

The prolific forward will captain a national squad featuring several teammates who are young enough to be his sons.

By competing in the upcoming tournament, the veteran marksman joins Roger Milla in an exclusive group of outfield players to appear at a World Cup in their forties.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric are also expected to achieve this rare international milestone.

Reaching this stage required a monumental upset, as the 71st-ranked Balkan nation eliminated the four-time world champions on penalties to secure qualification.

There was a lot of talk that Italy might not go to a third consecutive World Cup. Almost no one talked about us as a team, that we truly are an excellent team with many young players.

The secret to lasting success

The seasoned attacker played in a Champions League final at 37 and attributes his prolonged career to meticulous physical preparation.

I didn’t think I would be playing at 40. If you asked me 10 years ago, I would say no, but I’m listening to my body as well and doing a lot of work before and after training to help my body.

He highlighted the crucial importance of dedicating extra hours to gym work and injury prevention routines that younger professionals often overlook.

This disciplined approach has allowed the target man to outlast almost all of his contemporaries from the famous 2012 Premier League title-winning squad.

Following James Milner’s recent retirement, only Stefan Savic and Mario Balotelli remain active alongside the man who scored the crucial injury-time equaliser against Queens Park Rangers.

Premier League champions Arsenal have made preliminary contact with Newcastle United regarding a potential £100m transfer for Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali.

Mikel Arteta’s side are looking to strengthen their squad after ending a 22-year title drought during a historic 2025-26 campaign.

The Gunners also reached the Champions League final and are now targeting midfield reinforcements to maintain their newly established domestic dominance.

According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, the north London club have initiated discussions over the 26-year-old in recent days.

Magpies demand record fee

Newcastle have reportedly placed a massive valuation on the Italian following a profoundly disappointing season on Tyneside.

Eddie Howe’s team missed out on European qualification entirely after finishing 12th in the top flight, prompting an expected summer exodus.

The St James’ Park outfit have already sanctioned the high-profile sale of winger Anthony Gordon to Barcelona.

Arsenal previously explored a move for the midfield anchor during the January window after Mikel Merino suffered an injury.

Rival interest in the Italian

Securing the signature of the highly-rated playmaker will not be a straightforward process for the recently crowned champions.

Both Manchester City and Manchester United are actively monitoring the situation as they consider their own midfield options.

“Arsenal made some calls over the recent days for Tonali, so Arsenal are also in the mix,” Romano confirmed.
“There could be more clubs joining the race for Tonali, so the situation could become interesting.”

Should a deal be agreed, the acquisition would join a formidable Emirates Stadium engine room featuring Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.

Brothers Harry and John Souttar will represent Australia and Scotland respectively at the upcoming World Cup, honouring the profound legacy of their late older brother Aaron.

Aaron Souttar died aged 42 in July 2022 following a courageous battle with motor neurone disease.

The tragedy struck a devastating blow to the family, but the older sibling’s influence continues to guide the two international defenders.

Being 18 years older than Harry, Aaron served as both a steadfast role model and a paternal figure during their formative years.

Shaping professional careers

The talented golfer and passionate football fan played a pivotal role in charting the sporting paths of the two centre-backs.

Harry qualifies for the Socceroos through his Australian-born mother, Heather, while John features at the heart of the Scottish defence.

The family will now split their time across the United States and Canada to watch the pair compete on the global stage.

The Leicester City defender admits that performing in front of his older sibling always provided a unique motivation.

“Playing and looking at the side and seeing him there, I was always trying to impress him.”

Overcoming adversity and grief

Both players will carry permanent reminders of Aaron into the tournament, with each sporting tattoos dedicated to his memory.

John has endured significant injury setbacks throughout a domestic career spanning Dundee United, Hearts, and Rangers.

When the 29-year-old scored his first international goal in a crucial qualifying victory over Denmark, he immediately dedicated the milestone to his then-ill brother.

“He couldn’t make it tonight, but that was for him because he helped me a lot during my rehab.”

The unimaginable loss has fundamentally shifted the dynamic between the two surviving siblings.

Harry spent last season on loan at Sheffield United and acknowledges that geographical distance previously limited their communication.

However, the shared trauma of losing their childhood hero has ultimately forged an unbreakable bond between the two World Cup-bound stars.

Australian tennis player Ajla Tomljanovic says she is unfazed about losing her place in history ahead of Serena Williams’ surprise doubles comeback at Queen’s Club this week.

The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion originally bowed out of professional tennis in September 2022 following a thrilling third-round defeat by Tomljanovic at the US Open.

However, the American icon is set to rewrite her final chapter by taking to the grass courts in West Kensington.

That impending return means Tomljanovic will no longer hold the distinction of being the last person to face or defeat the former world number one.

A cherished New York memory

Despite the impending shift in the record books, the Australian holds no bitterness regarding her updated status.

“I remember feeling very conflicted when I played that match, and even after, because it was over for someone that I have looked up to for a very long time.”
“I experienced that match and got the win – but that was more amazing for me. I’ll always remember and cherish that.”
“In a way, I don’t really care for these history books where I might not be the last one. That’s totally OK with me.”

An unforgettable US Open farewell

The legendary American saved five match points before eventually succumbing 7-5 6-7 (4-7) 6-1 on a raucous Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Her highly anticipated farewell tour attracted a star-studded audience to Flushing Meadows, with figures like Tiger Woods and Bill Clinton witnessing her earlier victories.

A capacity crowd of nearly 24,000 spectators watched an intense battle that lasted over three hours.

“It was a crazy match,” Tomljanovic recalled.
“I just remember being so mentally stable in that match and battling so many things that you couldn’t really prepare for.”

Speaking directly to the partisan crowd after the victory, the Australian showed immense respect for her celebrated opponent.

“I’m feeling really sorry because I love Serena just as much as you guys do,” she said on court.
“What she’s done for me, for tennis, is incredible. She is the greatest of all time.”

The Queen’s Club comeback

The veteran superstar had originally stated she was evolving away from the sport in a first-person essay prior to the New York tournament.

When pressed on a potential return immediately after the loss to Tomljanovic, the fierce competitor admitted the door was never entirely closed.

“I don’t think so, but you never know,” she said at the time.

Now, the sporting world eagerly awaits her reappearance on the prestigious grass courts of West Kensington.

Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson has become the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 6,000 career points during Monday’s 101-91 victory over the Seattle Storm.

The 29-year-old achieved the historic milestone in just her 278th career game to firmly eclipse the previous benchmark held by Diana Taurasi.

Taurasi, who recently retired as the league’s all-time leading scorer, originally required 291 games to reach the landmark.

New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart remains the third-fastest to the total after achieving the feat in 293 appearances.

All-round dominance fuels Las Vegas

The milestone arrived during a spectacular individual performance where the former first overall pick recorded 34 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists and three blocks.

Her remarkable statistical output helped Las Vegas comfortably secure a fourth consecutive win and improve their regular season record to 8-3.

The ninth-year veteran expressed profound gratitude for her teammates following the historic individual accomplishment.

“I’ve seen so many different defenses, different schemes. Yet we still show up every single day, ready to work and ready to be great.”

A’ja Wilson

An evolving offensive threat

Aces head coach Becky Hammon praised her standout center for developing a remarkably versatile and unpredictable scoring repertoire.

Hammon noted that the physically imposing post presence has successfully expanded her game to the perimeter since their partnership began in 2022.

“The game is really slowed down for her. There’s just really not any offensive area that she can’t do.”

Becky Hammon

The manager added that her franchise cornerstone has become virtually unguardable for opposing defences.

WNBA rivals now face a truly complete player who can seamlessly operate with her back to the basket, shoot confidently from three-point range, and attack aggressively off the dribble.

Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has agreed to join Inter Milan after the Italian champions submitted a formal bid for the 25-year-old.

The England international is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield next month.

With renewal talks having stalled, the academy graduate has committed his future to the Serie A giants.

Inter recently returned with an offer worth approximately £21m after seeing a previous approach rejected in January.

Liverpool hold out for higher valuation

The Merseyside club are reportedly holding out for a fee closer to £25m for the central midfielder.

Discussions remain ongoing between the two clubs, with an agreement expected before the start of the new campaign.

The former youth prospect has rejected rival interest from Premier League side Aston Villa in favour of a fresh challenge abroad.

His impending departure adds to a summer of significant transition under new manager Andoni Iraola.

Exodus continues at Anfield

The Reds are eager to avoid losing another senior player on a free transfer next year.

Key figures including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson have all departed at the end of their deals over the last 12 months.

Uncertainty also surrounds the futures of several other squad members, including goalkeeper Alisson, forward Cody Gakpo and winger Federico Chiesa.

Iraola is now prioritising midfield reinforcements to compensate for the expected loss of the dynamic playmaker.

Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott has emerged as a primary target to rebuild the centre of the pitch.

Mohamed Salah will not reverse his decision to leave Liverpool this summer despite the dismissal of head coach Arne Slot, according to former team-mate Dejan Lovren.

The Egyptian international announced his departure at the tail end of last season after nine highly successful years on Merseyside.

Liverpool are now undergoing a period of major transition under new Basque manager Andoni Iraola.

Many supporters had hoped the prolific forward might reconsider his future following Slot’s exit.

‘He would have stayed 100 per cent’

The veteran goalscorer was known to have endured a complicated relationship with his former Dutch manager.

However, former Reds defender Lovren has firmly dismissed the possibility of a dramatic U-turn.

Speaking to WinWin, the Croatian stated that the formalities of the attacker’s farewell make a return impossible.

“No, it’s over,” Lovren said.

‘Timing was bad’ for Anfield future

“Mo has a big personality too. I don’t know, if they hadn’t announced all of that, all the details of leaving, saying thank you and goodbye, maybe yes, but now it’s difficult.”

Lovren insists the iconic winger would have committed his future to the club had he known a managerial change was imminent.

“Yes, he would have stayed 100 per cent. Believe me, he would have stayed 100 per cent, I know that. But the timing was bad,” he added.

“To say you don’t need Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, when he can still perform at the highest level for another two or three years, then we have a problem understanding football.”

Nunez eyeing Merseyside comeback

Meanwhile, former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is reportedly seeking a return to Anfield.

The Uruguayan forward joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal for £46.3m in the summer of 2025, but his stint in the Middle East has proven challenging.

The South American attacker was surprisingly dropped from the squad in February following the arrival of Karim Benzema.

According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Nunez is now eager to secure a route back to the Premier League.

However, Liverpool could face potential competition for his signature from domestic rivals Chelsea.

The Blues, now managed by former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso, are also showing strong interest in the unsettled striker.

Caitlin Clark hit a dramatic three-pointer with 1.2 seconds remaining to give the Indiana Fever a 78-76 victory over the Washington Mystics in the US capital on Monday night.

The 24-year-old star found herself completely unmarked following an inbound pass from Sophie Cunningham to drain the decisive shot from beyond the logo.

It provided a signature moment for the guard after a turbulent start to her third WNBA campaign.

Navigating early season struggles

Indiana travelled to Washington’s CareFirst Arena holding a perfectly balanced 5-5 record.

The talismanic playmaker has faced intense online scrutiny recently, exacerbated by a feisty sideline exchange with head coach Stephanie White.

She was also enduring a challenging shooting spell despite consistently filling the broader statistical categories.

“I think sometimes we take great players, and certainly generational talent, for granted,” White said following the triumph.

“What she did was incredible for us. She’s going to have many more moments like that.”

Redemption in a chaotic final minute

The Indiana guard initially looked to have cost her team the game during a frantic finish to the fourth quarter.

The late drama included several rapid momentum swings:

‘My hands got a little clammy’

“You better make this, because I missed my free throws,” the match-winner admitted thinking as the final inbound pass approached.

“Cotie almost got a fingertip on it. Honestly probably the most wide-open shot I had all night.”

Teammate Lexie Hull watched from the opposite corner as the dramatic winner found the net to silence the home crowd.

“I have complete confidence that it’s going to go in, but to see it go in and put us in the lead, that was one of the biggest moments we’ve had this season.”

Lexie Hull, Indiana Fever guard