Sports
England Thrash Opponents in Behind-Closed-Doors Friendly Before World Cup
England thrashed American side Miami FC in a behind-closed-doors friendly as they continued their preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel’s side played their final official warm-up match ahead of this summer’s tournament on Wednesday as they took on Costa Rica.
Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon and Ollie Watkins were all on the scoresheet as England, looking to end their 60-year major trophy drought, won 3-0 in Orlando.
A day later, England took on Miami FC, who compete in the USL Championship, the second tier of the American soccer league system. Details of the match have now emerged.
England Thrash Miami FC
Speaking ahead of England’s behind-closed-doors friendly against Miami FC at their training base, Tuchel said: It will be a match according to our rules. It will not be 90 minutes, maybe 60 minutes, maybe 2 x 30 or 2 x 25. It is to get some minutes into the legs of players who didn’t get minutes against Costa Rica.”
The Daily Mail have now revealed exactly how the match played out.
Tuchel decided to rest many England stars that played the majority of the game against Costa Rica, with the likes of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham not involved.
But, despite not being at full strength, the Three Lions cruised to a 6-0 victory. The match was split into two sections, with England winning the first half 1-0 and the second 5-0.
Ivan Toney, who was an unused substitute against Costa Rica, was the star man. The Al-Ahli striker scored three times, including one ‘worldie’ from long range.
Liverpool wonderkid Rio Ngumoha, considered one of the best young players in world football, is also said to have scored ‘a breathtaking strike from distance.’ The 17-year-old was not included in England’s 26-man squad for the World Cup and will leave camp this weekend, as will Ethan Nwaneri, Alex Scott and Josh King, who also featured in the game.
Jordan Henderson and Nwaneri also got on the scoresheet, while Marc Guehi and Kobbie Mainoo are both said to have impressed.
There were no injuries reported, with the Daily Mail concluding by saying ‘observers were impressed with the fitness, touch and intensity of England.’
Among the players that turned out for Miami FC was Englishman, Mason Tunbridge. The 25-year-old, who has been in the US since 2019, took a picture with Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice.
Thomas Tuchel Happy With England’s Performance vs Costa Rica
Tuchel shared his happiness at England’s win against Costa Rica on Wednesday. Speaking after the match, he said, per the Guardian:
“I wished for that, I demanded that; I said before the match we want to push it to the next level, from intensity, commitment, cohesion, and we did that. We could see the impact of the Arsenal players coming into camp and we could see the impact of training.
“We see the adaptation to the heat and we see things clicking, but we demanded it today from the players to take the next step and they did. The result takes care of itself, but we did it on a high level.
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England World Cup Quiz
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“I think we set the tone today in the meeting and the players were ready to follow, to have the next step in intensity and the way we play, to push ourselves and get a good feeling out of it. The energy in the stadium was amazing. I thought: ‘OK, if we can really play like this and grow into the tournament and have this kind of cohesion and brotherhood and team spirit that we showed today, then we will have an amazing connection with the fans.”
England fly to Kansas City on Saturday morning. They begin their World Cup campaign on Wednesday, June 17, when they take on Croatia at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Sports
Disturbing Reason He’s Been Banned From Golf Club
Golf legend Phil Mickelson has reportedly been kicked out of a San Diego golf club following allegations that he made unwanted physical contact with a female employee.
The initial report from Golf Digest came in the spring, when Mickelson had his membership at The Farms terminated due to an alleged incident.
The employee accused the 55-year-old of “nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact” towards her before a game of golf, with Mickelson said to have left the property after being challenged.
While an investigation into the allegation was launched by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, no evidence to show that an assault occurred was found. However, they do insist that they “would absolutely investigate further if provided additional evidence or information.”
Golf Club’s Statement Regarding Phil Mickelson
The Farms confirmed the expulsion without naming Mickelson in their new statement sent to Golf Digest.
“Following a staff member’s report of member misconduct, the club provided immediate and ongoing support to the staff member, conducted a thorough independent investigation of the incident, and took decisive action. This individual is no longer a member of The Farms Golf Club.”
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In addition to this, they further added: “To protect the safety and privacy of our staff and member, we are unable to speak further on the matter.”
The Farms is a private club located in Rancho Santa Fe. It is known for its exclusivity, boasting several well-known attendees such as Annika Sorenstam and Xander Schauffele.
Spokesperson For Mikelson Releases Statement
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Mickelson addressed the allegations with his side of the story.
“Any misunderstanding has been cleared up. Phil continues to attend to a family health matter and is uncertain when he will be able to return to professional golf,” they told Golf Digest.
This isn’t the first controversy that the six-time Major winner has been embroiled in. Back in 2022, he lost major sponsorships and faced backlash after using expletives to describe the Saudi Arabian investment fund. Furthermore, he was involved in an insider training scheme before that, having to repay the almost $1 million sum that he earned from it.
For many, there’s a sense of disappointment regarding Mickelson, especially as these scandals continue to tarnish his legacy. At 50 years old, he became the oldest Major champion in golf history, when he won the 2021 PGA Championship. Once a fan-favourite, now cast away due to more problems.
Sports
Rangers Eye Move For Wantaway Everton Star Nathan Patterson
Rangers need to resolve their lack of depth at right-back ahead of the 2026/27 Scottish Premiership season – and a former player is reportedly on their radar.
James Tavernier has ended his 11-year spell with the club while Max Aarons has returned to Bournemouth after limited minutes during his season-long loan at Ibrox.
Belgium-based defender Bryan Reynolds has emerged as a target with an offer of £2.2million from Rangers already rejected. Reynolds has just one year left on his deal with Pro League side K.V.C. Westerlo, who are willing to sell for the right price.
However, if Rangers have difficulty getting a deal done, there are other options being eyed by the Scottish Premiership giants.
Rangers eye Nathan Patterson move
According to TEAMtalk, Everton are ready to listen to offers for Nathan Patterson. The Toffees value the player at around £12million, with the Scotland international joining the Merseyside club for a fee of £16m back in 2022.
Rangers are described as ‘keeping tabs on the situation’ with Patterson ready to leave Everton after failing to nail down a regular place in the starting XI during his time on Merseyside.
Championship side Sheffield United have emerged as contenders to sign the right-back, who could attract further interest if he performs well for Scotland at the World Cup.
Patterson only started three Premier League games for Everton last term, and played in just seven league games in total. He is set to turn 25 in October and needs to begin playing regularly.
Nathan Patterson return makes sense for Rangers
Signing Patterson would carry less risk for Rangers. Both he and Reynolds are a similar age and while Patterson has struggled with injury and a lack of minutes, he has already proven he can handle the rigours of the Scottish Premiership.
The biggest issue is the steep difference in the duo’s respective valuations. Patterson could cost four times the price of Reynolds if Rangers opted to make the Everton man their priority signing.
While Patterson is keen to leave, the Toffees are only willing to sell him if they sign another right-back this window.
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Several targets have been identified as David Moyes looks to other options.
Patterson has seen moves to Sevilla and Genoa collapse within the last 12 months after Everton were unable to sign a replacement. He has just one year left on his contract the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Rangers might be able to secure him for a lower fee – but only if other clubs are unwilling to do business for less than £12million.
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Sports
Reason Barcelona Have Not Completed Marcus Rashford Signing Yet
Manchester United may yet get the pay day they are hoping for when it comes to Marcus Rashford. The England forward does not appear to have any return route to Old Trafford having spent the last 18 months out on loan, including spells with Aston Villa and Barcelona.
Rashford particularly impressed during his time with the latter, registering 14 goals and as many assists to help the Blaugrana to their second successive LaLiga title.
Barcelona held an option to buy Rashford in the loan deal, which was worth €30million, but while the deadline to activate that option is not until June 15, Barca have already communicated that they will not be doing so. The story may not end there, though.
Barcelona may yet pull the trigger
According to Diario AS, Barcelona may yet move to sign Rashford despite deciding not to execute the option to buy. Reports in England have speculated that Barca’s motive is to further reduce the fee, but that is not the case.
The LaLiga champions decided to sign Anthony Gordon on a deal worth up to €80million, upgrading their wing positions.
But the main reason is that they are fully focusing on landing a new striker to replace Robert Lewandowski, and they are well aware that a new centre-forward could cost them big money. Once that situation is resolved, Barca will revisit the Rashford situation to see whether they feel it is a deal worth doing.
United could theoretically charge more should Barca circle back around, but the Spanish club know the Red Devils want to sell, and they are likely to get a very similar, if not slightly reduced, deal should they decide to go ahead.
As far as Rashford himself is concerned, he may be disappointed that Barca haven’t rewarded him with a permanent deal, but he is not alone in being the subject of the Catalan club’s singular focus.
Reports emerged this week claiming soon-to-be former Manchester City star Bernardo Silva has been offered to Barca, but while they see him as a good option, they are not willing to do any business until they land their priority, which is a striker. Silva will also have to wait if he wants to join Barca this summer.
Cole backs Rashford to Chelsea
In the meantime, former Chelsea winger Joe Cole is backing Rashford for a move to Chelsea as Xabi Alonso looks to upgrade his wing spots this summer. “It’s just a matter of the wages and the valuation,” Cole told the Sun Sport.
“Rashford ticks a lot of boxes, but you don’t want to spend a fortune on him – he’d do a good job for Chelsea. He needs to keep going, Marcus, he needs to keep his confidence up because he rebuilt himself at Barcelona, and there’s still another level for him to jump to. He’s someone Chelsea should inquire about, but it’ll depend on the deal.”
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As things stand, Marcus Rashford is set to return to Manchester United when his loan with Barcelona expires
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