^ ^ Patrick Vieira names his World Cup dark horses: ‘They can cause a surprise’

Former World Cup winner Patrick Vieira (Picture: Getty)

Patrick Vieira believes that Morocco can once again ’cause a surprise’ and reach the latter stages of this World Cup.

Morocco became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final four years ago in Qatar before losing to eventual runners-up France.

Mohamed Ouahbi’s side were highly fancied once again heading into this summer’s tournament and impressed in their opener with a 1-1 draw against five-time winners Brazil.

Subsequent wins against Scotland and Haiti saw Morocco finish second in Group C and punch their ticket into the knockout rounds for only the third time in their history.

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A tricky clash with Group F winners, the Netherlands, now awaits Morocco in the round of 32, but they could face either South Africa or Canada in a winnable round-of-16 clash if they can get past Ronald Koeman’s Dutch side.

And former World Cup winner Vieira reckons Morocco have the quality to cause another big upset, but doubts whether they will be able to reach the semi-finals like they did four years ago.

‘I think the big nations at the end will get to the quarter-finals and semi-finals,’ Vieira told The Rest Is Football podcast.

Morocco will face the Netherlands in the round of 32 (Picture: Getty)

‘I think Morocco can be the team that can cause a surprise and I think they have enough individual quality to be in the last eight.

‘But outside of Morocco I think it will be difficult for all the other (smaller) nations to go through and get to the last four.’

Elsewhere, former England striker Gary Lineker tipped Ecuador as a potential banana skin in the knockouts after their impressive 2-1 win over Germany on Thursday.

‘Ecuador have gone into this tournament 19 games unbeaten,’ Lineker said.

Patrick Vieira tipped Morocco to cause an upset (Picture: Getty)

‘I know they lost to Ivory Coast earlier in this round but they don’t concede many goals so they could be a dangerous opponent, and it’s not inconceivable that they might face England on that way.’

Speaking earlier in the tournament, Ian Wright namechecked the United States as his dark horses and said the tournament co-hosts could go all the way to the final four.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side lost to Turkey in their final group game, but will be favourites against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their round-of-32 match-up.

‘I think America will get to the semi-finals,’ Wright told FourFourTwo.

‘The reason I say that is because I think they have got a back four that is solid, they have midfielders who play at a good level and we saw with Flo Balogun that he can score goals.

‘They have a fan base that is now starting to get it. Once the Knicks game finished, everyone started to say ‘right, let’s focus on the World Cup.’

‘I think that if they can continue with that momentum and play like that with that energy with a striker up front taking chances like that then they can get to the semi-final to meet England.’

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^ ^ World Cup: Ecuador Through & Rick's Playing Backgammon

Ecuador are through to the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in 20 years after a 2-1 win over Germany.

With Rick Edwards away at a backgammon competition, Betty Glover steps into to co-host alongside Lloyd Griffith to wrap up another dramatic day at the World Cup where calculators are out as Scotland's knockout hopes go down to the wire.

Mario Melchiot joins to reflect on Ecuador's historic victory, explain what makes the Azteca Stadium such a special place to play and looks ahead to the Netherlands' tasty last-32 tie with Morocco.

Plus, Betty shares her first impressions of World Cup life in Los Angeles.

^ ^ Mikel Arteta told to sign £60m Manchester United target for Arsenal after Elliot Anderson agreement with Man City

Arsenal and Manchester United have Alex Scott on their shortlist (Getty)

Darren Bent has backed Arsenal to sign Alex Scott after Manchester City agreed a £116 million deal to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.

City had seen two offers for Anderson rejected by Forest before their £116m bid was accepted on Thursday night and the England international will now undergo a medical ahead of his move to the Etihad Stadium.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have expressed an interest in signing Scott this summer and Bournemouth are demanding a £60m fee for the 22-year-old, who is also on Manchester United’s shortlist.

Former Premier League striker Bent believes Scott represents better value for money than Anderson and suggests City are overpaying for the Forest midfielder.

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‘Elliot Anderson for £120m or Alex Scott for £60m, I’m taking Alex Scott all day, every day. There’s no way on the planet that Elliot Anderson is £60m better than Alex Scott, he’s just not,’ Bent told talkSPORT.

‘I like Elliot Anderson, I think he’s a top player but for that money, £120 million is crazy. He’s been decent [at the World Cup] but not £120m. Alex Scott for £60m, I promise you now if I had the choice.’

Man City have agreed to sign Elliot Anderson in a £116m deal from Nottingham Forest (Shutterstock)

In a separate show, Bent added: ‘This is where transfer fees are crazy. Elliot Anderson is brilliant but I’m saying he’s not £40m better than Alex Scott.

‘If he comes to Arsenal, I’m just not sure where he plays because you’ve got [Martin] Zubimendi who is the holder, or [Myles] Lewis-Skelly, then you have [Declan] Rice as the No.8.

‘You know what though, I’d take him at Arsenal because he’ll get so many minutes. He’s a top player and, you never know, he can force his way in.

‘He has had a wonderful season but I always think it’s that next level. Going to play for Arsenal or Manchester United, when you’re in the Champions League and all these different various competitions, the expectation goes through the roof.’

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^ ^ 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

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.

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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.’

"Djed… Djed… DJED!" 😳

Thomas Tuchel was not happy with Spence during England's 0-0 draw with Ghana pic.twitter.com/mgnZR0sADj

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 23, 2026

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)

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.’

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

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.

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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.

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.

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^ ^ 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.