Author: Rowan Clarke

Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has opened up on the differences between his roles for club and country following a brace for the Netherlands against Sweden. “A good question. Obviously it’s a little bit different,” Gakpo said when asked to compare his deployment at Liverpool with how he operates internationally. “It’s different where the coach wants me to be, the freedom that I have,” he added, before choosing to say nothing further on the matter. The 27-year-old’s comments came in a week that saw Liverpool sign left winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5m, adding further competition for his preferred position.…

Scotland’s hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout rounds are now entirely out of their own hands following a 3-0 defeat to Brazil. The result in their final group-stage game means Steve Clarke’s men must rely on other results to progress as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Of the 12 sides that finish third across all groups, eight will advance to the last 32, giving Scotland a route through despite the defeat. Scotland currently sit on three points with a goal difference of -3, a figure that took a significant hit from the Brazil loss. According to Opta,…

Scotland’s World Cup campaign hangs by a thread after a 4-0 defeat to Brazil left Steve Clarke’s side sweating on their place in the last 32. The Tartan Army had charmed their way across the United States, even earning a full-page feature in O Globo, Brazil’s best-selling newspaper, in the days before kick-off. But that warmth and colour counted for nothing in the stifling Miami humidity as Vinicius Jr tore Scotland apart with a ruthless and commanding display. The headline in O Globo said it all: “Lacking competitiveness on the pitch, Scotland put on a show with their fans.” Vini…

Scotland’s final Group C fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is under way, with the team fighting for their tournament lives against one of football’s greatest nations. The match represents a historic occasion for Scotland, who face the formidable Brazilians in what promises to be an intense and demanding test at this level. Goalkeeper Angus Gunn starts between the posts for Scotland, offering experienced presence behind a backline featuring the influential Andrew Robertson at left back. Scott McKenna and Jack Hendry partner in central defence, with Nathan Patterson completing the back four on the right-hand side of the Scottish…

Tottenham have accelerated their pursuit of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes following a failed attempt to sign Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali. The 21-year-old Portugal international has emerged as a primary transfer target for Spurs, with talks between the clubs understood to be progressing positively. Sources indicate that Tottenham are optimistic a deal can be reached for Fernandes, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United and Paris St-Germain. West Ham are believed to be holding out for around £80m for the young midfielder, setting up what could be a significant summer outlay for Spurs. Tottenham had a bid for Tonali…

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal to bring in experienced goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on a free transfer when his Burnley contract expires on 1 July. The 37-year-old Slovakian made 35 Premier League appearances for the Clarets last season and arrives at Spurs with considerable top-flight experience behind him. Dubravka becomes Roberto de Zerbi’s fourth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of defenders Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson on free transfers. Netherlands defender Jan Paul van Hecke also joined the club from Brighton for a fee of £52 million, underlining the scale of Spurs’ defensive rebuild this summer. The signings…

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…