Author: James Brooks

England manager Thomas Tuchel is hopeful that Reece James will be available for the World Cup quarter-final against Norway on Saturday at 22:00 BST. The Chelsea captain has been sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during England’s second group stage match against Ghana, missing three consecutive fixtures. James has not featured in the games against Panama, DR Congo or Mexico as he continues his recovery and has yet to return to full training. However, there is growing optimism within the England camp that the 26-year-old could return to full training this week, easing concerns at right-back. England’s defensive situation became…

Rangers Academy have confirmed that Luca Rankin has signed his first professional contract with the club, tying him to Ibrox until the summer of 2029. The highly-rated midfielder celebrated his 16th birthday last month and was attracting interest from several rival clubs before choosing to stay with Rangers. Rankin is the son of Airdrieonians manager John Rankin, who himself enjoyed a prominent career in Scottish football with clubs including Hibs and Dundee United. The young midfielder is now looking to forge his own path in the game, following the example set by his father at Premiership level across a distinguished…

Tottenham have completed the signing of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United in a deal that could reach £100m, making him a club-record signing. The 26-year-old Italian international joins Spurs after three seasons with the Magpies, representing a significant statement of intent from the north London club. Spurs had an initial bid of around £80m rejected by Newcastle before eventually agreeing a package worth £92.5m upfront, with a further £7.5m available in add-ons. Tonali was quick to express his excitement at joining, dismissing suggestions that multiple clubs were competing for his signature. “I’m very happy to be here,” said Tonali. “People…

England midfielder Jordan Henderson has been hospitalised after injuring his wrist while celebrating his side’s dramatic 3-2 World Cup victory over Mexico on Monday. Manager Thomas Tuchel revealed the injury occurred when Henderson fell awkwardly from the advertising hoardings at Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium. Henderson was pictured leaving the pitch on a stretcher following the last-16 victory, casting a shadow over an otherwise jubilant evening for the Three Lions. Tuchel addressed the incident live on BBC One, confirming the situation was more serious than initially feared by those inside the stadium. “Jordan [Henderson] just fell over and injured his…

England’s stunning 3-2 win over Mexico at the Azteca has sparked fierce debate about where it ranks among the Three Lions’ finest ever results. The victory was all the more remarkable given that Jarell Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute, leaving England to see out the game with 10 men. Jude Bellingham’s first-half double and Harry Kane’s penalty proved enough, as England secured their place in the World Cup quarter-finals in extraordinary fashion. Mexico had played 89 competitive games at the Azteca before this match, losing only twice, to Costa Rica in 2001 and Honduras in 2013, both…

England have kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 last-16 tie against co-hosts Mexico in what promises to be a tense knockout encounter. The match represents a significant test for England as they aim to progress deeper into the tournament on Mexican soil. Declan Rice anchors the England midfield, with Jude Bellingham given freedom to influence proceedings in an advanced position behind Harry Kane. Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon provide width for England, with the pair expected to stretch Mexico’s defensive shape throughout the game. Jordan Pickford starts in goal for England, with a back four of Jarrad Branthwaite, Marc…

England take on Mexico in the World Cup knockouts, and for fans planning to stay up for the match, there is plenty to keep them occupied beforehand. BBC Sport has launched a quiz challenging supporters to name every side England have faced in World Cup knockout matches throughout their history. The Three Lions have a rich history in the tournament, and recalling every knockout opponent across decades of World Cup football is no simple task. The quiz is part of a wider collection of World Cup challenges that BBC Sport has made available for fans during the tournament. Supporters can…

Jarell Quansah is set to start at right-back for England in their World Cup last-16 clash against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. The Bayer Leverkusen defender gets the nod ahead of Djed Spence, who reported a muscle niggle on Sunday morning and misses out on selection. Quansah, 23, has returned to full training after rolling his ankle during England’s group-stage victory over Panama, clearing him for Monday’s fixture. Wingers Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon are also expected to come into the starting XI, replacing Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford in attack. BBC Sport expects the England lineup to read: Jordan…

Folarin Balogun is free to face Belgium in the World Cup last-16 after Fifa suspended his one-match ban for a probationary period of one year. The 25-year-old striker received a straight red card during the United States’ 2-0 last-32 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, co-hosts of the 2026 tournament. The dismissal came in the 64th minute after Balogun’s boot landed on the back of Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle during a tussle for a looping ball. Brazilian referee Raphael Claus initially played on but was directed to the pitchside monitor by the video assistant referee before producing the red card. Fifa confirmed…

The San Francisco Bay Area has been rocked by a series of violent incidents connected to World Cup watch parties, forcing major event cancellations and relocations. Organisers across San Jose and the wider Bay Area pulled or dramatically restructured public viewing events following a troubling pattern of fan disorder tied to Mexico’s national team victories. The violence first came to widespread attention around July 1, when a shooting outside Spark Social SF in Mission Bay left two people injured during post-match celebrations. That same evening, serious disorder erupted in downtown San Jose following a watch party held at San Pedro…