The Football Association has already settled on whether Thomas Tuchel will keep his job if England fail to beat Mexico in their World Cup last-16 tie.

England head into the game knowing they will have to conquer Mexico’s remarkable home record at the Azteca stadium — and the demands of playing at altitude give the co-hosts the edge, despite England’s status as one of the tournament favourites.

Tuchel’s side haven’t quite hit top form this summer either, needing a late Harry Kane rescue act to avoid a shock exit to DR Congo in the last 32, as well as struggling past Ghana and Panama.

Tuchel was appointed as Gareth Southgate‘s successor to take England to the next level. However, he signed a contract extension through Euro 2028 shortly before the tournament began, as he now eyes an extended stay.

Although the deal reportedly includes performance clauses letting the FA part ways with him without paying out major compensation if targets aren’t hit.

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Tuchel Would Have Been Sacked for DR Congo Exit

REUTERS/Peter Cziborra

Despite the clauses written into the contract, sources close to the situation say the FA’s stance has shifted since the DR Congo scare.

According to The Telegraph, Tuchel would almost certainly have been sacked had England lost that game — but he’s expected to survive regardless of what happens against Mexico.

The FA are said to be considering the toughness of England’s route rather than any single scoreline when they assess Tuchel at the end of the tournament.

Short of a genuinely shocking result, the plan is reportedly to keep him in charge — even if that means defeat to Mexico, or later to Brazil, Argentina or France, should England progress that far.

With the previous four tournament finishes, including one quarter-final, one semi-final and two final defeats, Tuchel will be hoping to match and succeed those efforts as they eye the winner of Norway and Brazil and a likely date with either Colombia or Argentina in the semi-finals.

Camp Mood Remains Positive Despite Criticism

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Dropping Trent Alexander-Arnold amid a right-back crisis has drawn outside criticism, as well as not adding either Luke Shaw or Lewis Hall, but those inside the camp reportedly see that as bad luck with fitness rather than a selection failure, and the mood in the squad is said to remain positive.

Tuchel had been linked with a return to club football after the World Cup, but with most of Europe’s top jobs already filled, he’s expected to stay fully focused on England’s campaign.

All the top sides in the Premier League, including former club Chelsea, have all nailed down new coaches for the foreseeable future. Plus, the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona are also set with José Mourinho and Hansi Flick.

Manchester United have already missed out on a number of midfield transfer targets this summer and they could be about to lose out on another.

The Red Devils’ number one priority before the summer transfer window opened was Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, but the 23-year-old has made the move to the Etihad Stadium instead, signing for Manchester City.

United balked at the price tag for the England international, with City having to splash out £116million, with add-ons taking the deal to the £130million mark – a British transfer record.

Tottenham beat Man Utd to Fernandes signing

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Manchester United turned their attentions to other targets and were heavily linked with a move for Mateus Fernandes from West Ham, following the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship.

They looked well set to complete a deal for the 21-year-old, but again questioned the £85million price tag with Tottenham swooping to get him.

Sandro Tonali was linked, but he is also joining Spurs in a £100million deal, leading United to turn to other targets.

Ederson will complete a move to Old Trafford after the World Cup is over, a £38million deal having been agreed with Atalanta for his signature.

But United were always clear they wanted two new central midfield signings, and they were even potentially looking at three were Manuel Ugarte to be sold this summer. His injury on World Cup duty with Uruguay will put paid to any chance of him leaving this summer, but it could also mean United do still make a third move, given his unavailability.

GIVEMESPORT understands United still have an agreement in place with Carlos Baleba from a year ago, but would need to go back to Brighton & Hove Albion to negotiate a fee.

The “dream” signing, after the Anderson opportunity fell through, was seen to be Aurelien Tchouameni at Real Madrid.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano said: “Tchouameni is a dream signing for Man United. They love the player, but at the moment, the financials of the deal are considered still too high, because also the salary – it is not just about Real Madrid, it’s also about the salary. The salary of Aurelien Tchouameni is considered too high. So, the only way to open doors to Aurelien Tchouameni to Manchester United after missing out on Fernandes is to discuss a completely different salary, and at the moment, it is still not something happening.”

Former United defender Rio Ferdinand described Tchouameni as a “top-tier” talent suggesting United should be the first team knocking at the door to sign the “absolute powerhouse”.

No deal for Tchouameni

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But any knocks at the door appear like they will be unanswered.

According to Teamtalk, Tchouameni is now expected to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, with new boss Jose Mourinho offering him the chance to establish himself as one of his key midfielders. real had been linked with moves for Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez and Manchester City’s Rodri, but neither are seen as viable targets in this transfer window, leading to Tchouameni playing an important role under Mourinho.

Arsenal have opened talks to sign a new striker in the summer transfer window as they look to bolster Mikel Arteta’s squad.

The Gunners get to make a new signing this summer as they look to build on a phenomenal season that saw them lift the Premier League title.

It’s been a slow start to the window for Arsenal, with Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers and PSG star Bradley Barcola their priority targets at the moment.

They are yet to get a deal over the line, but they do appear to be working on multiple transfers.

The Gunners shouldn’t need too many additions in the summer transfer window after winning the Premier League title and reaching the Champions League final last season.

Arsenal Hold Talks to Sign Striker

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According to a report from German outlet Bild, Arsenal have held talks with the representatives of Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane in the summer transfer window.

Arsenal’s interest in the forward, labelled ‘one of Europe’s most exciting strikers’, is described as serious, and he’s been on their radar since impressing against them back in March during a Champions League clash.

One of Kofane’s representatives, Eric Depolo, has already confirmed Arsenal’s interest, suggesting they’d have a top striker for the next ten years.

“Arsenal’s interest is serious. With Kofane, Arsenal would have a top striker for the next 10 years. He’s a €100m player.”

Arsenal do face competition for his signature, but Arsenal will be leading in the race due to having Champions League football.

Arsenal might not have faith in Gyokeres

Arsenal brought Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres to the club last summer, but they might not have full faith in him, considering they are interested in signing another forward.

The former Sporting man scored a reasonable number of goals last season, but if Arsenal want to go to the next level, they might be looking to bring in an upgrade.

Kofane might not be that man right now, considering he is just 19 years old and he’s likely to be a striker for the future.

Despite his age, he did play 29 times for Leverkusen in the Bundesliga last season, providing nine goal contributions.

Signing a long-term option up front could be smart, as they don’t have a high-potential striker on the books.