Thomas Tuchel already made his feelings clear about England supporters’ chants directed at Keir Starmer, after expletive-ridden songs rang out in the Three Lions’ win over Andorra in September 2025. Politics, once more, found their way onto the terraces.

Ahead of the World Cup qualifier, some fans were even spotted selling “stop the boats” flags, while the UK Prime Minister became the subject of further abuse from sections of the Holte End amid debates over the current immigration policies. To the tune of The White Stripes’ 2003 hit Seven Nation Army, large sections of the crowd could be heard chanting: “Keir Starmer is a w*****.”

The chants were heard again during England’s World Cup win against Croatia, despite FIFA warning there could be punishments for doing so. That didn’t stop those who seemed more intent on shifting the focus away from football altogether – and onto the government.

Thomas Tuchel on Anti-Keir Starmer Chants

Similar foul-mouthed chants could be heard as England defeated Andorra in the reverse fixture back in June last year. To the tune of KC & The Sunshine Band’s hit Give It Up, they could be heard singing: “Na-na, na-na, na-na, na-na-na-na now, Starmer is a ****, is a ****, Starmer is a ****.”

Supporters at RCDE Stadium, Espanyol’s stadium that became Andorra’s temporary home venue due to its more modern facilities, also chanted: “Keir Starmer is a w****r, is a w****r.” Listen to some England supporters’ chants in a previous game below:

After the game back in June, Tuchel said he did not hear any of the songs in question, but made it very clear what he thought about the matter. As per the Daily Mail, he told reporters:

The Three Lions have made a strong start to their World Cup campaign after an opening-day victory against old foes Croatia. They head into games against Ghana and Panama needing just three points to ensure their passage into the knockout rounds.

Starmer, a keen football fan, might have some more time on his hands to cheer on his country. The Prime Minister is expected to resign from his post.

Fabio Capello has seen some of the greatest players to ever play football up close and personal across his years in the game. Whether he was lacing up his boots to play against the game’s greats or managing them from the dugout, the Italian veteran has seen it all.

The former England manager didn’t hesitate at all when asked to name the greatest players in football history, as he gave four names instantly. He even brushed off Cristiano Ronaldo – who is considered the GOAT by some – as not being on the same level as his favourites.

Selecting two players who had already hung up their boots well before the 21st century came around and another pair who will be more familiar to the younger generation of fans, it’s hard to argue with the selections Capello made.

Pele

The first name out of his mouth was that of Brazil’s greatest-ever player, Pele. The man who won three World Cups can’t really be argued with. Capello even played against the wonderfully talented goalscorer. Whenever the conversation surrounding the best players to pull on a pair of boots comes up, the third-highest scorer in history (762 goals) is never far away.

Diego Maradona

Where Pele goes, Diego Maradona follows. Before the early 2000s, no one could claim to compare to the two superstars who revolutionised the sport and transcended football in many ways. The Argentine wasn’t only capable of doing magical things with a ball at his feet, but he was a larger-than-life personality who will never be forgotten.

Capello named Maradona as part of the most talented trio he’s ever witnessed take to a football pitch. He was a coach in the Italian top-flight when Maradona was at the top of his game at Napoli, so he will have seen his brilliance up close.

Lionel Messi

The other player Capello considers in the top category of footballers is, of course, Lionel Messi. The number of people denying that the former Barcelona superstar is the most talented player of all time is dwindling and there are very few left. Capello was full of praise for the trio he named as the best he’d witnessed: “These three players, they have extra imagination. They make something that you cannot understand.”

It’s not the first time he’s waxed lyrical about the immensely talented triumvirate, either, as he previously put them in a category of their own in a 2019 interview. Capello labelled them all ‘geniuses’, while hammering home his point that Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t on the same level:

Ronaldo Nazario

A player Capello managed during his long and storied career in the dugout, Ronaldo Nazario, is the man he claimed is just a level below Pele, Maradona and Messi. Admitting there’s not much in it, the 80-year-old put R9 in his own bracket, while again playing down his namesake’s status alongside the true greats:

Liverpool are preparing a second bid for Yan Diomande after seeing their first offer knocked back by RB Leipzig.

That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who has revealed that the Reds are putting in a huge amount of effort behind the scenes with the player to ensure a deal is completed this summer.

Liverpool are in the market for wide forwards in the transfer window, with Mohamed Salah already having said goodbye to the club where he made himself a legend after nine seasons and question marks over the futures of Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa.

Diomande is showing his quality at the 2026 World Cup

Thomas Mukoya via Reuters

Diomande is set to be one of the hottest properties in the summer transfer window, particularly after playing a starring role for the Ivory Coast at the World Cup.

The 19-year-old won the man of the match award against Ecuador in the opening round of group fixtures and then impressed in defeat to Germany on Saturday night.

ITV pundits Gary Neville and Ian Wright were raving about his performance against the Germans. Neville said: “Diomande on this left-hand side has been absolutely brilliant. Even when they double or triple up it’s not enough to contain him, he’s too good.”

Wright agreed. He said: “He’s lived up to the hype. His pressing is brilliant, his taking on is brilliant, his pace is scary.”

Leipzig have maintained that they are not willing to sell for anything less than €100million (£87million) this summer and are reluctant to sell at all, with attempts continuing to tie the teen sensation down to a new contract.

Having qualified for next season’s Champions League, the German outfit believe they can convince the teenager to stay for another season, by improving the terms of his current contract and then selling him for an even bigger fee next summer.

As such they have already rejected a bid from the Reds for his signature this summer.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “Liverpool had a bid rejected, €100million which was €90million plus €10million but Liverpool will bid again, I can confirm that they will bid again.

Liverpool are being “very aggressive” in their attempts to sign Diomande

REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

“They are pushing on the player’s side, they are trying their best in terms of financial proposal and project to get the player on their side 100% because RB Leipzig keep insisting they want to keep Yan Diomande.

“Game after game, day after day it’s more difficult to keep Yan Diomande, now there are several clubs interested, Liverpool are very aggressive, Liverpool will bid more than €100million, it’s going to be a big proposal coming to try and change the situation.”

Diomande has previously stated his desire to play at Anfield, revealing that his father was a Liverpool fan and dreamt of playing for the Reds.

Liverpool are going all out to sign him, with PSG are also interested in signing him this summer.