Lamine Yamal has caused a huge stir because of comments he made about France ahead of their 3-0 victory over Sweden on Tuesday night. Kylian Mbappe and co. showed why they are among the favourites for glory this summer with yet another barnstorming attacking performance, as the Real Madrid star combined with Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise to coast to victory.

The result means Les Bleus will take on Paraguay in the World Cup Round of 16. However, with the way this year’s knockout bracket has fallen, it may not be long before they come up against Yamal’s Spain. A mouthwatering semi-final clash could be on the cards if both sides continue their winning form. It would appear the teenage sensation is already eyeing up that potential showdown with a strong sense of confidence.

Yamal, who remains just 18 until July 13, has never been afraid to talk a big game. That was evident when he put Real Madrid on blast for “robbing” ahead of the El Clasico in October. Sometimes his confidence is vindicated, and he performs exactly as he promises; other times, he’s been left to eat his words.

His comments about France have now added extra fuel to the fire ahead of what could be a blockbuster encounter deeper into the tournament.

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During a recent interview, Yamal was asked whether France is better than Spain. His answer was short, sweet, and guaranteed to get people talking. He said (watch the full segment in Spanish below):

He goes on to explain that “previous matches don’t matter”, and that there are no “clear favourites” at the World Cup because of the nature of knockout football. But Yamal has come under fire for his comments, with one X user remarking: “He’s lost it,” as another added: “He never learns. Always yaps before match and ends up getting spanked every time.”

A third wrote – in part, reference to the fact Yamal snubbed all French players when naming the three players that have impressed him this summer: “If it ends up France vs Spain, Mbappe’s gonna punish ’em.” Meanwhile, a fourth concluded: “Talks too much for someone who hasn’t won anything yet.”

France Look the Real Deal Again Under Didier Deschamps

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It’s one thing having squad depth so impressive that it allows you to leave the likes of Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki on the bench, but it’s an entirely different ball game getting the best out of the talent at your disposal. Right now, Didier Deschamps appears to have struck that balance perfectly, with France navigating a 100% start to the 2026 World Cup while firing on all cylinders.

The slick passages of play in the final third have understandably grabbed the headlines, but not enough is being said about how complete this French side looks in every phase of their game. Their counter-attacking displays are a sight to behold, yet it is every player’s willingness to track back and contribute defensively that has laid the foundations for what are arguably the standout performances of the tournament so far. In many ways, they have the look of a team with every box ticked.

Yamal has often shown in the past that he can walk the walk after talking the talk, but France currently look like the team to beat. As things stand, only Argentina appear capable of giving the 2018 winners a run for their money. But of course, football has a habit of making fools of predictions, and only time will tell how it all pans out.

Manchester United have been forced back into the transfer market looking for midfield options, after being rejected by West Ham ace Mateus Fernandes.

The Red Devils were interested in a deal for the Portuguese star, but in the end, it was Tottenham who won the race for his signature, agreeing a transfer worth up to £85 million.

Those were figures that Man United weren’t willing to match, and the player quickly opted to join Spurs, with some final touches needed before the deal gets sealed.

It means Michael Carrick and his team will go back to the drawing board to look at other midfielders who could join the club instead.

So, with that said, here’s a look at five options Man United could consider for the midfield moving forward.

Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United)

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With Tottenham spending a lot on Fernandes, the path may now be clear for Man United to go and sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United.

The Italian international appears open to an exit, and has shown plenty of quality during his time in the Premier League so far, and may offer exactly what the club need in an all-round midfielder.

There may be some concerns over a fee, considering it could reach £100 million, but the 26-year-old could bring some quality that has been missing in the middle of the park.

Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United)

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Another Newcastle star who should be considered is Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian has arguably been more important to the Magpies than Tonali, providing plenty of quality as a box-to-box presence.

With just two years remaining on his contract, there could be an opportunity for Man United to seal a deal for a player entering the peak years of his career.

Guimaraes would add plenty of off-the-ball quality, while bringing some threat to the opposition box with the final-third chaos he is capable of causing.

Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)

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If Man United want a different profile and look towards adding a number six to their midfield, then look no further than Adam Wharton.

The England international is the king of progressive passes, always looking to receive the ball from the backline before punching through balls to those in front of him.

Considering Man United’s verticality in their attacking play, Wharton would be an ideal addition for covering the deeper role, potentially freeing up a box-to-box presence next to him as well as Bruno Fernandes in a more advanced role.

Carlos Baleba

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Man United have historical interest in Carlos Baleba, and could revisit that once again this summer. The Brighton star was a target last summer, but Brighton ultimately turned down a late approach for the Cameroon international.

While he struggled in the campaign that followed, there is still plenty of quality and potential there for Baleba that United could tap into.

He could prove to be a much cheaper acquisition than some of the others, and could grow into the player that the club needs in the midfield for years to come.

Lucas Bergvall

With Tottenham bolstering their midfield, there is a potential exit on the cards for Lucas Bergvall this summer. The Swedish star has asked to leave the club in search of a new challenge, with the competition intensifying in his position.

While Spurs haven’t got the most out of him, the youngster has shown some quality and the potential to grow further, which clubs will be looking to tap into this summer.

Man United could be the beneficiaries of that, if they push for a deal. Bergvall may need some work and more experience to get to the top, but much like Baleba, he could grow into a star for the future.

FIFA have released a statement after Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann described a controversial VAR call as a ‘scandal’ during his side’s penalty shootout loss to Paraguay on Monday evening. Die Mannschaft are still struggling to get back on track in recent years, and a World Cup Round of 32 exit once again shocked the nation as Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah failed to convert from the spot.

The latter, however, is still wondering how his late goal during extra time didn’t help the Germans progress. Tah rose highest to glance a headed winner into the back of the net in the 12th minute, but after the referee was sent to the pitchside monitor to review the goal, defender Waldemar Anton was deemed to have impeded Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

After the four-time winners were knocked out on penalties for the first time in their history, Nagelsmann looked back at the controversial call and labelled the decision to overturn it as a “scandal”. In response, FIFA referees chief Pierluigi Collina issued an explanation for the call.

FIFA Release Statement Explaining Germany’s Disallowed Winner vs Paraguay

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Via a FIFA statement, Collina said (watch the incident below): “Although keeping a position is not a foul per se, when an attacking player is not interested in the ball and deliberately moves, even marginally, with the clear intention of obstructing opponents’ movement and prevents him from defending, then referees, and VAR when needed, should carefully analyse the incident and intervene.”

Jurgen Klopp came out after the match and made a dig about how Arsenal would have gotten away with a goal like Germany’s, proving there’s a grey area between the rules for countries and clubs. While the ‘obstruction’ seems soft, though, the rules were followed appropriately by the referees.

Germany Only Have Themselves to Blame

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Nagelsmann can cry wolf all he wants, but the fact is that Germany can only blame themselves for another wretched tournament this summer. Monday was their first knockout game since the final in Brazil in 2014, when the Germans beat Argentina 1-0 to capture their fourth World Cup title.

The Germans were eliminated from the group stage at the past two World Cup tournaments, while Euro 2024 saw them knocked out at the quarter-final stage by Spain – the first time they had come up against one of the favourites of the tournament. It’s a sombre reality that they just aren’t as good as they used to be.

While this current squad has all the attacking ability, the togetherness of the dressing room seems worlds apart from the well-oiled machines of yesteryear. Nobody can quite be sure why that’s the case, but Nagelsmann’s constant fury on the touchline might be a good indicator.