Author: Rowan Clarke

Bellamy is in serious discussions with Burnley over taking charge as head coach ahead of the 2026-27 Championship season. The Clarets approached the Football Association of Wales with a view to appointing the 46-year-old as Scott Parker’s permanent successor at Turf Moor. Talks have accelerated significantly in the last 48 hours, with substantial progress made towards reaching a final agreement. BBC Sport had revealed on 30 April that Bellamy was considered a leading contender to step in following Parker’s sacking from the Championship club. Early signs suggested that Bellamy was minded to remain in his Wales post and guide the…

Based on current standings, England and Scotland are on course to meet in the World Cup last 16 in Mexico City on 6 July at 01:00 BST. England currently sit top of Group L, while Scotland occupy third place in Group C as the final round of group stage fixtures approaches. The final group matches get under way on 24 June, with the World Cup final itself scheduled for 19 July. However, plenty could still change before either side secures their place in the knockout rounds and a potential meeting is confirmed. England face Panama in their final group game,…

The BBC has introduced a daily football quiz challenge inviting fans to identify a mystery World Cup player using as few clues as possible. The game, titled Who Am I, tasks players with correctly guessing a footballer’s identity before running out of available hints. Each incorrect guess unlocks a new clue, meaning the fewer attempts needed, the higher the score a player can achieve. According to the format, three points is considered a good score, while four or five points is described as exceptional. Today’s edition is the 17th instalment of the series, with the player and clues set by…

England were unable to build on the momentum of their opening World Cup victory as Ghana held them to a goalless draw at Boston Stadium. The Three Lions had impressed in their first group stage fixture, producing a dominant display to overpower Croatia with relative ease. However, Ghana proved a far sterner test, frustrating England throughout and refusing to allow them any of the same freedom they had previously enjoyed. England created little of note as Ghana’s defensive organisation proved difficult to break down across the full ninety minutes. The result will come as a disappointment to England supporters who…

England manager Thomas Tuchel has defended Jude Bellingham following a heated touchline row with Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz at the 2026 World Cup. The incident unfolded at half-time of England’s goalless draw with Ghana, which kept the Three Lions top of Group L. Bellingham had to be pulled away by team-mate Morgan Rogers as he engaged with Queiroz and his backroom staff near the tunnel at Boston Stadium. The confrontation was sparked shortly after Bellingham shoved Jerome Opoku in a foul, with tensions boiling over as the referee blew for half-time. The fall-out continued as players and coaches made their…

England full-back Djed Spence appears to have refused to shake hands with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey before their World Cup group stage match in Boston. Footage circulating on social media shows the apparent snub taking place during the pre-match handshake routine ahead of the Group L fixture. Partey was booed loudly by England supporters as he made his first appearance at this year’s World Cup, having missed Ghana’s opening tournament game. The 33-year-old was denied entry into Canada after telling officials he had never been arrested nor charged with a crime, causing him to miss Ghana’s 1-0 win against Panama…

Chelsea are closing in on a deal to sign Atalanta defender Marco Palestra for a fee in excess of £43m, making him Xabi Alonso’s first signing as manager. The 21-year-old had been widely expected to join Italian champions Inter Milan after a highly impressive loan spell at Cagliari last season. Palestra was named Serie A’s best defender during that stint, cementing his reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting young defensive talents. However, after 24 hours of intensive talks, Chelsea have emerged as the player’s preferred destination, with sources in Italy claiming Inter could not match the Premier League club’s…

The 2026 World Cup group stage always carried the risk of lacking genuine tension, given the generous qualification structure in place. With 32 of 48 teams advancing to the knockout rounds, it is statistically harder to be eliminated than to qualify from the group stage. Two key rule changes have now sharpened that concern as the second round of matches draws to a close across all twelve groups. This is the first World Cup to use head-to-head records instead of goal difference as the primary tiebreaker for teams level on points. The tournament also reintroduces a third-placed table for the…

England supporters are descending on Boston as the city bids farewell to the Tartan Army, whose presence made an extraordinary impression on locals throughout the World Cup. Between 10,000 and 15,000 England fans have arrived ahead of their Group stage match against Ghana on Tuesday, replacing the Scottish supporters who have moved on to Miami. The Tartan Army left behind a legacy that will be difficult to follow, having captured the hearts of Bostonians during Scotland’s first two World Cup appearances since 1998. Brandon Finnan, manager of the Cask ‘n Flagon pub near Fenway Park, recalled the Scottish fans’ visit…

Ten years ago, Lionel Messi announced he was done with international football, unable to bear the pain of another major final defeat. Following Argentina’s Copa America final loss to Chile in 2016, in which he missed a penalty during the shootout, Messi declared enough was enough after four final defeats in nine years. “For me, the national team is over,” he said at the time. “I’ve done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion.” That retirement lasted only months, and the decision to reverse it has since produced one of the most remarkable second acts in sporting…