Sports
Lionel Messi Drops Damning Comment About Thomas Tuchel’s England
England’s hopes of ending 60 years of hurt were dashed on Wednesday night as they lost out in the World Cup semi-final to reigning champions Argentina, losing 2-1.
Much like in 2018 when they also reached the final four, the Three Lions went a goal up through an Anthony Gordon strike, but fell to defeat thanks to two late Argentina goals.
There was a sense of inevitability about the defeat, with England dropping deeper and deeper after going 1-0 up and Thomas Tuchel going to a back five soon after opening the scoring and then having six defenders on the pitch before Argentina equalised through Enzo Fernandez.
Tuchel comes in for heavy criticism
Thomas Tuchel’s tactics, to ride out the storm, did not work on this occasion and neither Harry Kane nor Jude Bellingham – England’s saviours to that point – could rescue the situation.
The England manager was widely criticised after the final whistle, with some even calling for him to be sacked, with Wayne Rooney saying on the BBC’s coverage: “We sat back, allowed them to come on to us. They put us under pressure and we cracked. As soon as they got the first goal, it was inevitable they’d get the second.
“When you go on top, you have to stay on top. We go 1-0 up, then sit back, make changes, go five or six at the back. If you allow (Lionel) Messi and Argentina to come onto you, you’re asking for trouble.”
It means Argentina will head to New Jersey for the final on Sunday to take on Spain, with Lionel Messi hoping to guide his team to a second successive triumph and end a glittering international career on the highest of highs.
Messi did not get on the scoresheet against England, in what was his first ever meeting with the Three Lions, but he did grab the assists for both goals, placing him first for goals in the tournament and second, only behind Michael Olise, for assists.
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Messi admits England were there for the taking
Speaking after the historic win, Messi dropped a damning verdict on England after Lautaro Martinez’s injury-time winner sent them through.
He said: “We felt that while drawing we needed the support of the fans because we saw that we could win it in 90 minutes because we already had the goal, because we entered through the inside, the outside, because we created opportunities with crosses, through line passes, through the inside…
“…and we felt they didn’t want it anymore and we just kept coming.”
“That’s why after 1-1 the crowd helped us a lot once more and as I said we are happy because it was a close match. We always want to win and also because it takes us to play another World Cup final.”
Everyone watching on inside the stadium in Atlanta and at home could see England dropping into a more defensive formation after taking the lead and it’s clear, from what Messi said afterwards, that Argentina saw it and took advantage too.
Sports
Leeds Confident of Completing Deal For Shea Charles
Leeds United are reportedly closing in on a third summer signing following the arrivals of Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic.
Wilson joined the Peacocks as a free agent after leaving Fulham following the expiration of his contract. The Welsh attacker had been in high demand after a season which saw him post 10 goals and seven assists in the Premier League.
Leeds have made Muharemovic the second-most expensive Bosnia-Herzegovina player in history after spending £34 million on him. The young defender arrives from Serie A club Sassuolo after representing his country at the World Cup.
Leeds Close in on Shea Charles
Next up for Leeds appears to be Southampton’s Shea Charles and TEAMtalk claim that a deal for the Northern Irish midfielder is nearing completion. There are reportedly “hopes growing that an agreement is close” and that the 22-year-old will be headed to Elland Road.
Charles caught the eye throughout last season, particularly in the FA Cup after the Saints shocked Arsenal with a 2-1 win. He is a versatile midfielder who operates mostly as a defensive midfielder.
The former Manchester City academy star appeared 38 times across competitions last season, registering six goals and two assists. The Whites’ latest proposal is believed to be a £23 million down payment, with a further £2 million in add-ons.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Leeds Spending Could Reach £99M
With Charles likely to be the next arrival at Elland Road, attention is likely to turn to a new goalkeeper. Ilan Meslier and Karl Darlow have both left, joining Arsenal and Manchester United as free agents.
The report claims that James Trafford is one of the serious options for Farke between the sticks, but Leeds are one of several clubs set to make a firm approach. Currently away at the World Cup with England, the 23-year-old has been deputising for Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Etihad.
A lack of football is likely to lead to a departure and Manchester City are “anticipating some concrete offers” for the former Burnley shot-stopper. The Peacocks are showing strong interest and if they were to sign the Englishman, that could take their spending to £99 million.
Sports
Liverpool Sources ‘Confirm’ Interest in ‘One of the Best Wingers in the World’
David Lynch has provided an update on Liverpool‘s transfer plans and confirmed that they are keen to sign a UEFA Champions League winner.
It’s been a summer full of twists and turns thus far for Andoni Iraola since he replaced Arne Slot at the helm. Mohamed Salah has left following the expiration of his contract, and the Reds were targeting Yan Diomande.
That was until Diomande made Paris Saint-Germain his preferred destination and the Merseyside outfit opted to look elsewhere. Several alternatives have been touted, and Lynch has made a huge claim over one of them.
Lynch: Liverpool Want to Sign Barcola
Once Diomande indicated that he wants to join PSG, speculation grew over Bradley Barcola’s future. The French winger isn’t a guaranteed starter under Luis Enrique and his chances of game time decrease should they sign the RB Leipzig attacker.
Lynch has been told that the Reds are long-term admirers of Barcola and that they are one of the clubs keen on signing the Frenchman. He said on his YouTube channel:
“Quick update on Bradley Barcola and where we’re up to with that one. I’ve had Liverpool sources effectively confirm to me this week they absolutely love him as a player. There’s no doubt about that. They are one of many clubs who really, really like him. Their admiration has been long-standing, and they really do continue to admire him coming into this window.”
Barcola enjoyed a superb season with PSG despite the competition for a starting berth in Enrique’s attack. He registered 13 goals and seven assists in 49 games across competitions, winning the Champions League for a second consecutive season.
The 23-year-old has also been a key man for France at the World Cup, managing two goals and one assist. His displays have garnered interest from Anfield although there are several obstacles:
“It’s more about now in terms of him potentially signing for Liverpool down to kind of the numbers around that deal, what’s being demanded and the feasibility of it. Of course, then whether he chooses Liverpool versus other suitors that he might have, what kind of contract offers he’s getting as well. It’s not about whether they like the player or not. I think you can pretty much nail that down now that Liverpool really do admire Bradley Barcola and would like to sign him if the opportunity presents itself.”
Barcola, hailed as “one of the best wingers in the world”, has two years left on his contract at PSG, having joined the Parisians from Lyon in 2023. The Ligue 1 giants have yet to make a move for Diomande and perhaps Liverpool’s hopes of signing the Frenchman firmly rest on the Ivorian arriving at the Parc des Princes.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Barcola a Dream Signing For Liverpool
If Liverpool are to sign any winger this summer, Barcola is the dream given his profile and obvious star power. He can play on either wing and even up top if required.
The sticking point is the potential financial implications of a deal, as reports suggest PSG value him at over £100m. The Reds then have to factor in his salary demands as he currently earns £119,224 at the Parc des Princes and will probably be demanding a high wage increase.
Arsenal have also been linked with Barcola, but the Gunners are prioritising Morgan Rogers. They have also swooped for Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, paving the way for Iraola’s transfer chiefs to take control of the Barcola race.
Sports
Liverpool Sources ‘Confirm’ Interest in ‘One of the Best Wingers in the World’
David Lynch has provided an update on Liverpool‘s transfer plans and confirmed that they are keen to sign a UEFA Champions League winner.
It’s been a summer full of twists and turns thus far for Andoni Iraola since he replaced Arne Slot at the helm. Mohamed Salah has left following the expiration of his contract, and the Reds were targeting Yan Diomande.
That was until Diomande made Paris Saint-Germain his preferred destination and the Merseyside outfit opted to look elsewhere. Several alternatives have been touted, and Lynch has made a huge claim over one of them.
Lynch: Liverpool Want to Sign Barcola
Once Diomande indicated that he wants to join PSG, speculation grew over Bradley Barcola’s future. The French winger isn’t a guaranteed starter under Luis Enrique and his chances of game time decrease should they sign the RB Leipzig attacker.
Lynch has been told that the Reds are long-term admirers of Barcola and that they are one of the clubs keen on signing the Frenchman. He said on his YouTube channel:
“Quick update on Bradley Barcola and where we’re up to with that one. I’ve had Liverpool sources effectively confirm to me this week they absolutely love him as a player. There’s no doubt about that. They are one of many clubs who really, really like him. Their admiration has been long-standing, and they really do continue to admire him coming into this window.”
Barcola enjoyed a superb season with PSG despite the competition for a starting berth in Enrique’s attack. He registered 13 goals and seven assists in 49 games across competitions, winning the Champions League for a second consecutive season.
The 23-year-old has also been a key man for France at the World Cup, managing two goals and one assist. His displays have garnered interest from Anfield although there are several obstacles:
“It’s more about now in terms of him potentially signing for Liverpool down to kind of the numbers around that deal, what’s being demanded and the feasibility of it. Of course, then whether he chooses Liverpool versus other suitors that he might have, what kind of contract offers he’s getting as well. It’s not about whether they like the player or not. I think you can pretty much nail that down now that Liverpool really do admire Bradley Barcola and would like to sign him if the opportunity presents itself.”
Barcola, hailed as “one of the best wingers in the world”, has two years left on his contract at PSG, having joined the Parisians from Lyon in 2023. The Ligue 1 giants have yet to make a move for Diomande and perhaps Liverpool’s hopes of signing the Frenchman firmly rest on the Ivorian arriving at the Parc des Princes.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Barcola a Dream Signing For Liverpool
If Liverpool are to sign any winger this summer, Barcola is the dream given his profile and obvious star power. He can play on either wing and even up top if required.
The sticking point is the potential financial implications of a deal, as reports suggest PSG value him at over £100m. The Reds then have to factor in his salary demands as he currently earns £119,224 at the Parc des Princes and will probably be demanding a high wage increase.
Arsenal have also been linked with Barcola, but the Gunners are prioritising Morgan Rogers. They have also swooped for Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, paving the way for Iraola’s transfer chiefs to take control of the Barcola race.
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