As is always the case at a World Cup, some players in the England team are earning more plaudits than others. Harry Kane, for example, has led the way with five goals, including two in the Last 32 victory over DR Congo.

The captain’s efforts have been so impressive, Jamie Carragher has even suggested that ‘based on the past 12 months, Kane should win the Ballon d’Or’ – although the former defender thinks the award will actually go to someone else from a different nation.

Not everyone has been as impressive for the Three Lions this summer, however, and TV personality Piers Morgan and former England star John Terry have agreed upon one player they aren’t particularly big fans of.

Piers Morgan Questions England Ace’s Attitude

During an episode of Piers Morgan Uncensored, the show host and Terry both spoke negatively about Djed Spence. The defender has struggled against DR Congo, with the opening goal coming down his flank before later being hooked, as midfielder Declan Rice finished the game at right-back instead.

During the match, England boss Thomas Tuchel had been caught on camera appearing to lose his temper with Spence. Terry brought this up, saying he’s ‘a little bit worried’ about the Tottenham defender, wondering if Tuchel would have shown a bit more respect if he was dealing with a more senior figure like Trent Alexander-Arnold.

He added, “I really like Tuchel, and I think he’s a top and elite manager, but when I see this, I’m like, if that’s Trent, I’m not sure he’s behaving like that. I’m not sure he’s talking to Trent like that. And maybe that’s a decision of why he’s picked a couple of these players, because he can go like that to these younger players or these new players in the squad, for me. That’s interesting.”

At this point, Morgan spoke disparagingly about Spence, bringing up some past incidents, which have left him unsure about the defender’s character. He said:

John Terry Not Impressed Djed Spence

In response to Morgan’s criticism of Spence, Terry admitted that he also is not really a ‘big fan’ of the player, and doesn’t rate him very highly at all. The Chelsea legend said:

However, Terry did stick up for Spence, as he suggested that Tuchel should perhaps be careful not to single out the right-back for too much public criticism. He explained: “I will say I’ve not seen Tuchel do that to anyone else. It just seems to be on two or three occasions he’s dug Spence out. But also, for me, he’s then relied on him and played him again. I agree it’s kind of mixed messaging.”

With Tino Livramento injured before the tournament began, and Reece James missing the last two outings with his own fitness issues, it seems as though Tuchel will need to rely on Spence as the tournament continues.

FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has been accused of corruption after eye-opening footage emerged of some “shameless” comments he made following one of the World Cup’s Round of 32 ties. Football’s top dog has found it difficult to stay away from the limelight for too long this summer, and his latest act could be his most controversial yet.

Indeed, some of the other things he has done that have kicked up a storm include the sycophantic gesture of gifting US President Donald Trump an inaugural “FIFA Peace Prize” last December. Meanwhile, he introduced hydration breaks even in stadiums that are air-conditioned or experiencing heavy rainfall, while his organisation also threatened to change the kick-off times for a number of fixtures, including England’s trip to Mexico, before backtracking just two days before the match.

Even with all of the above, it has still been a great spectacle, with Argentina, France and Spain emerging as the favourites for glory up to this point. However, all of that could be in vain if suggestions on social media that Infantino has already made up his mind about who he wants to win turn out to be true.

Gianni Infantino’s Tongue Slip Sees Him Accused of ‘Corruption’

While being interviewed by an Argentine journalist after Lionel Messi and co. required extra-time to beat Cape Verde 3-2 on Friday night, Infantino appeared to let slip his secret support of the 2022 winners. He said (watch the full segment below):

The 56-year-old’s realisation that what he said was probably not going to do his already-tarnished reputation any favours, and so prompting him to backtrack on his ‘shameless’ comments, has caused a huge stir on social media.

With many already suspicious over the fact the world champions have been given the easiest route to the final, one X user wrote: “But seriously what can be done to curb this corruption scandal going on?” as a second added: “Incompetent. It’s a disgrace that the FIFA president is this biased. He needs to resign ASAP.”

Another continued: “How do you even convince people that this organization isn’t favoring Messi when the president openly declared his support for Argentina?” Meanwhile, a fourth remarked: “Imagine the outrage if he said this about Portugal”, while a fifth concluded: “Absolutely embarrassing, we should protest and boycott until he resigns.”

Argentina Look Good Value For Back-to-Back World Cup Success

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The supercomputer currently predicts that France have the best chance of winning the World Cup, with Argentina following just behind them.

Given both nations’ route to the final, scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, it wouldn’t be a shock to see a repeat of the 2022 Qatar showdown, which saw Messi reach football immortality via a penalty shootout despite Kylian Mbappe scoring a hat-trick in normal time.

After other fans noticed the Inter Miami star, considered the greatest footballer of all time, trying to cheat from a free-kick in a last-gasp win over Cape Verde, there’s growing belief FIFA want Argentina to win again. But when you have Messi in your side, anything’s possible.

Tottenham could be one step closer to landing a pay day as they look to balance their huge summer spending. Spurs have already put together a club-record window, spending more than they every have to land Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, while they have also snapped up others on cheap or free deals.

Roberto De Zerbi is being backed like no other Spurs boss ever has, but his squad overhaul will not be done by recruitment alone. Players are going to have to leave the club, and there are some strong candidates.

One of the main candidates is goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who is being linked with a return to Italy this summer, and that eventuality may be one step closer.

Leeds United lead Suzuki race

According to MOT Leeds News, Leeds are currently winning the race to sign Parma and Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who impressed at this summer’s World Cup. It’s reported the keeper is happy to join Leeds, and that a £25million deal is in the offing, as long as the Yorkshire club decide to pay the lofty sum.

According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, Juventus are interested in signing Suzuki this summer after missing out on Alisson Becker, who is staying at Anfield for another year. Juve, however, are said to clearly understand that Leeds have ‘built up an advantage’ in the race to Suzuki, and it may see them miss out.

Juve could finally pull Vicario trigger

via Reuters

Juventus are said to have Tottenham keeper Vicario and Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez under serious consideration this summer, and they are much more likely to get hold of the former. Spurs are said to be open to a Vicario sale, given the player prefers to return to Italy, while they have thrown their weight behind Antonin Kinsky by handing the young stopper a new contract.

With Martinez still busy at the World Cup, and with Suzuki potentially out of reach, Juventus may finally now pull the trigger on Vicario, who is said to carry an asking price of €15million, which works out at £12.85million.

That could be a boost for Tottenham as they look to, at least somewhat, balance their huge spending this summer. Vicario is one of two major exits Tottenham are expecting this summer, along with Cristian Romero, who will move on to pastures new, and a replacement is already in the building in Van Hecke.