Thursday, June 25, 2026

^ ^ World Cup: Kasper Schmeichel On Scotland's Chances

Scotland's World Cup hopes are looking more unlikely after defeat to Brazil, but is there still a way through?

Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith are joined by Kasper Schmeichel to assess Scotland's position and discuss the mindset needed when a tournament doesn't go according to plan.

The former Denmark goalkeeper explains how players recover from mistakes on the biggest stage, why the World Cup ball has become such a talking point among goalkeepers and what makes every goalkeeper different.

Lloyd also reveals to Kasper that he collects goalkeeper gloves, including several worn by Kasper's father, Peter Schmeichel.

Plus, Rick and Lloyd answer your questions on everything from Lloyd's singing and their gym sessions to their favourite game of the World Cup so far.



^ ^ Thomas Tuchel explains the reason let rip at England World Cup star for the second time

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 23: Thomas Tuchel, Manager of England, reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Ghana at Boston Stadium on June 23, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel was animated on the touchline throughout England’s goalless draw against Ghana (Picture: Getty)

Thomas Tuchel denied he is picking on Djed Spence after he was seen screaming at the England defender during Tuesday’s goalless draw against Ghana.

After making a positive impact off the bench against Croatia last week the Tottenham full-back was rewarded with his first start at a major tournament against the Black Stars.

Spence delivered a satisfactory display before making way for Nico O’Reillymidway through the second half, but not before he appeared to have attracted the ire of his manager.

Tuchel had been spotted urging Spence to ‘wake up’ during an open training session days before the match and was apparently unhappy with the 25-year-old again shortly before his substitution.

Don't miss a World Cup moment

In The Mixer factbox 23/06 (Picture: Getty) ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 22: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Austria at Dallas Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
(Picture: Getty)

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Explaining his exasperation, the Three Lions boss said: ‘I wanted him to be more engaged in the attacking phase. To start our attacks a bit wider and to have more runs through the last line.

‘Overall, it was his first start for England in a major tournament and I always put it into perspective. I have to scream because nobody hears me otherwise. It’s all good with Djed.

‘We brought on O’Reilly and it almost paid off with a header and a big chance for Harry.’

Two high-profile examples of Tuchel barking instructions at Spence has led to the suggestion the defender is being picked on by his manager, but former England and Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere dismissed the notion there is an issue between the pair.

The Luton Town boss told talkSPORT: ‘I think it’s quite normal. When we were growing up, we used to get screamed at, and we just took it.

‘It’s kind of now gone through that period of coaching where there’s a little bit more of an arm round [a player]…

Tuchel went ballistic at the England star during the goalless draw (Picture: ITV Sport)
England v Ghana: Group L - FIFA World Cup 2026
Spence was given the nod at left-back (Picture: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

‘I think it’s very individual. You know the players that you can do that to; I think you know the players that don’t need it and know when they’re probably not doing what they should be doing.

‘I saw the clip from training as well when Tuchel was shouting, ‘Wake up!’ to Djed. I also saw Djed’s comments and he’s like, ‘Yeah, it’s normal; he’s a top coach; he demands a lot’.

‘I think he’ll know the ones [he needs to remind]. You probably won’t see him doing that to Harry Kane, because Harry Kane knows, and it’s probably the same with Dec [Declan Rice].

‘But there are certain players that can switch off; they can lose focus a little bit. That’s him trying to help Djed, so I don’t see a problem with it.’


^ ^ Xabi Alonso set to secure second Chelsea signing as £35m star approves transfer

RB Leipzig v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Bundesliga
Incoming Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso (Picture: Getty)

Xabi Alonso is closing in on his second Chelsea signing after sanctioning a move for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix.

Former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Alonso officially takes over at Stamford Bridge next month after his appointment on a four-year deal.

Alonso, one of the best players of his generation and a highly-rated coach, agreed a deal with Chelsea after the sacking of Liam Rosenior.

While the Spanish football legend is still waiting to officially take charge of Chelsea, he has been busy helping the Blues work on their summer recruitment.

Don't miss a World Cup moment

In The Mixer factbox 23/06 (Picture: Getty) ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 22: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Austria at Dallas Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
(Picture: Getty)

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Alonso is believed to have played an integral role in Chelsea’s first summer signing, a £51m deal for Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra.

Inter Milan were leading the race to sign the 21-year-old Italy international but Chelsea hijacked the deal and Alonso helped convince Palestra to move to west London.

Alonso, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, has also sanctioned Chelsea’s move for Palace star Lacroix.

Crystal Palace FC v Rayo Vallecano de Madrid - UEFA Conference League Final 2026
Maxence Lacroix has impressed for Crystal Palace (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea are keen to bring some proven Premier League players to Stamford Bridge following a desperately disappointing season and Lacroix fits the bill.

The France international has made 70 Premier League appearances over the past two seasons, helping Crystal Palace win the FA Cup and Conference League.

Romano says Chelsea have opened talks with Palace over a deal for the 26-year-old, who has indicated he is ‘keen’ to join the Premier League giants.

Marco Palestra is set to become Chelsea’s first summer signing (Picture: Getty)

Personal terms are not expected to be an issue as Lacroix is hoping to move to Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea would still need to agree a deal with London rivals Palace.

It was reported by French outlet RMC Sport earlier this month that Crystal Palace would want at least £35m to sell Lacroix and are under no pressure to offload him.

But Chelsea are confident of securing his signature given his desire to join the club and be part of Alonso’s project.

Alonso’s priority is bolstering his defensive options as Marc Cucurella has joined Real Madrid and both Malo Gusto and Trevoh Chalobah have been linked with summer exits.

Gusto is believed to be of interest to new Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca, who left Chelsea in January, while former Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas – now in charge of Como – wants to sign Chalobah.

After strengthening in defence, Alonso could seek a couple of midfield and attacker signings, with Chelsea one of a number of teams interested in England’s Morgan Rogers.

Alonso takes over a Chelsea side that finished just 10th in the Premier League last season, far closer to the relegation zone in terms of points than champions Arsenal.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

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Wednesday, June 24, 2026

^ ^ World Cup: England, Ronaldo & Humble Pie

England were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Ghana, but is there any reason to panic?

Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith are joined by Stephen Warnock to react to England's latest World Cup outing. Why did Thomas Tuchel's side struggle to break Ghana down, and what can they learn from facing a stubborn low block? The team also discuss a difficult night for Harry Kane and what the result means for England's hopes of topping the group.

Scotland have a huge clash coming up with Brazil and Eilidh Barbour joined to give the latest from Scotland camp and asks... can Scotland make history?

Plus, Rick and Lloyd are forced to eat their humble pie after Cristiano Ronaldo finally found his World Cup scoring touch with two goals for Portugal. And an innocent trip to the toilets takes an awkward turn when Lloyd's attempt at a prank goes badly wrong.



^ ^ Cristiano Ronaldo speaks out on World Cup struggles after Portugal win: ‘It’s been dark’

Portugal v Uzbekistan: Group K - FIFA World Cup 2026
Ronaldo ended his goal drought against Uzbekistan (Picture: Getty)

Cristiano Ronaldo hopes his two-goal haul against Uzbekistan will silence his critics after finally getting off the mark in the World Cup.  

The Portugal legend had not scored a goal from open play in his last 12 World Cup and European Championship matches leading into Tuesday’s match having drawn a blank against DR Congo last week.

The 41-year-old’s performance in that opening game was widely criticised with many questioning whether the veteran should still be starting for a side hoping to challenge for the trophy.

But the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus superstar ended his drought after just six minutes, sweeping home a half volley after a cross from Joao Cancelo.

Don't miss a World Cup moment

In The Mixer factbox 23/06 (Picture: Getty) ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 22: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Austria at Dallas Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
(Picture: Getty)

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It was a history-making goal, becoming the first man to score in six World Cups and he doubled his tally five minutes before the break, freed by Bruno Fernandes before coolly slotting home.

Portugal ran out 5-0 winners in Houston.

Speaking after the game, Ronaldo admitted there were moments since the DR Congo game where he felt like he was ‘already retired’.

‘I knew it. God helps those who work hard,’ Ronaldo said post-match.

‘It was a difficult, dark week, it felt like I was already retired from football, but I held on as I always do because I believe more in hard work than in football. It was difficult, I have to confess, but we’re back.’

More to follow


Tuesday, June 23, 2026

^ ^ World Cup star Bradley Barcola makes Liverpool transfer decision after Arsenal talks

France Portraits - FIFA World Cup 2026
Bradley Barcola is at the World Cup with France (Picture: Getty)

PSG star Bradley Barcola is keen to join Liverpool this summer despite also emerging as a target for Arsenal, according to reports in France.

Barcola, currently at the World Cup with France, is weighing up his future after three successful seasons in Paris.

The 23-year-old winger has won two Champions League trophies and three Ligue 1 titles since joining PSG from Lyon in 2023.

Barcola remained a key member of Luis Enrique’s squad last season – making 49 appearances in all competitions, but was named on the bench for PSG’s Champions League final win over Arsenal.

Don't miss a World Cup moment

In The Mixer factbox 23/06 (Picture: Getty) ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 22: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Austria at Dallas Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
(Picture: Getty)

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That disappointing outcome reportedly convinced Barcola to at least consider moves away from the French champions this summer, with Arsenal initially leading the race to secure his signature.

Mikel Arteta is a known admirer of Barcola and expressed interest in bringing him to north London before Arsenal faced PSG in the Champions League final.

It was reported last week that Arsenal were set to make a bid for Barcola, who scored in France’s World Cup opener against Senegal before helping Didier Deschamps’ side thump Iraq in their second group game.

Liverpool Unveil New Manager Andoni Iraola
New Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola (Picture: Getty)

But Arsenal face competition from Premier League rivals Liverpool, who have also identified Barcola as a summer target as they look to bolster attacking options for new boss Andoni Iraola.

Mohamed Salah has finally left Anfield after a long and hugely successful spell and Liverpool view Barcola as an ideal replacement for the Egyptian legend.

Liverpool considered a move for Barcola 12 months ago and French outlet Le10Sport say Anfield bosses have revived their interest this summer.

France v Senegal: Group I - FIFA World Cup 2026
Barcola has already impressed at the World Cup (Picture: Getty)

The report adds that Barcola is ‘thrilled’ at the prospect of a move to Merseyside and is ‘excited’ by the project at Liverpool and the chance to play in the Premier League.

PSG, meanwhile, have not ruled out a summer sale and are already looking at a number of players to potentially replace Barcola.

The Ligue 1 giants are one of several clubs looking at RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande while they have also been linked with Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi and West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Arsenal have been strongly linked with the PSG star (Picture: Getty)

Discussing Barcola’s possible summer moves, countryman William Gallas told talkSPORT: ‘With his ability, I think he could go to Liverpool, Arsenal or somewhere else in the Premier League. That won’t be a problem.

‘But he needs to find the right club that suits his style and gives him the opportunity to show his quality. It depends on how Liverpool is going to play and what their style will be. 

‘We know Arsenal’s style already, but for Liverpool, it might be different under a new manager. But Bradley Barcola would have a huge impact at both.’

Whether Liverpool make an official bid for Barcola remains to be seen as they have already signed Victor Munoz from Spanish side Osasuna.

The Reds, who endured a miserable title defence last season, are also one of the leading contenders to sign Diomande, who is currently at the World Cup with Ivory Coast.

Barcola’s France have secured their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup ahead of their final group game against Norway on Friday night.

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^ ^ World Cup: The Superstars Take Over

Messi, Mbappé and Haaland all scored twice on a day dominated by the World Cup’s biggest stars.

Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith react to another record-breaking night for Lionel Messi, who became the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer, and discuss what it means for his place in football history.

Julien Laurens joins to assess a huge day for the superstars, reflect on France’s dramatic win over Iraq and a 130-minute weather delay.

Kelly Somers brings the latest from England camp ahead of their meeting with Ghana in Boston.

Plus, Rick and Lloyd take on table tennis and Lloyd does a questionable Jamie Foxx impression.



^ ^ World Cup: Kasper Schmeichel On Scotland's Chances

Scotland's World Cup hopes are looking more unlikely after defeat to Brazil, but is there still a way through? Rick Edwards and Lloyd Gr...