US President Donald Trump took center stage at MetLife Stadium on Sunday to hand the FIFA World Cup trophy to Spain's triumphant stars after their dramatic final win. The European outfit clinched their second World Cup title after beating Lionel Messi's Argentina 1-0 after extra time‚ following a late strike from forward Ferran Torres. Shortly after the full-time whistle‚ the US President made his way down to the field and onto a stage which had been constructed‚ along with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino.

OLIVER HOLT AT THE NEW YORK NEW JERSEY STADIUM: As he sang about facing the 'final curtain'‚ the big screen showed footage of Lionel Messi holding aloft the World Cup in Qatar four years ago and being borne shoulder-high by his teammates in triumph.

The World Cup final finished amid outrageous scenes as fights broke out among the two sets of players. As Spain's substitutes and staff ran on to the pitch to celebrate their historic 1-0 win against a desperately poor Argentina‚ some of the South Americans lost their heads. Reduced to ten men after the dismissal of Enzo Fernandez in added time at the end of the 90 minutes‚ Argentina then saw Leandro Paredes sent off for pushing players to the ground and aiming punches at Spain forward Gavi.

Soccer fans were furious as the World Cup final threatened to be derailed by a wild and lengthy halftime show on Sunday as complaints grew over the quality of the field for Spain and Argentina to play on. Madonna and a low-energy Justin Bieber headlined the show at the halftime interval as soccer's showpiece game was given the Super Bowl treatment at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. But the game itself had already been threatened with being overshadowed by the patchy field. On top of the blotchy appearance‚ there were multiple instances of the ball appearing to bobble instead of rolling smoothly along the ground.

Wayne Rooney said it best on the BBC. He described it as 'crap'‚ explaining: 'I thought the best part was when it finished.' In that moment‚ Rooney became a man of the match contender. Not many players for Argentina or Spain had performed better by that point‚ after all. The FIFA vanity project started long before this half-time show‚ of course. Those inside the MetLife Stadium could hardly hear the rather random pre-match speech from Tom Cruise because the Argentinian supporters in particular were singing over the American actor's words. Perhaps it was in protest at him not having parachuted on to the pitch. Could have even borrowed Donald Trump's Marine One helicopter that he flew in on. Therein lay the first of FIFA's many mistakes.

Madonna and Justin Bieber stormed the stage as they headlined the controversial first-ever FIFA halftime show during the 2026 World Cup Final on Sunday.

Desperate Argentina fans have shown they are prepared to risk their lives to make it today's World Cup final as the travel hellscape afflicting the match bites.

Follow Daily Mail Sport's live coverage for the latest updates as Argentina attempt to defend their crown against European Champions Spain in the World Cup final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The 2018 champions unravelled in spectacular fashion in the Sunshine State‚ shipping four first-half goals to the Three Lions in a shocking performance.

England and France's footballers put rivalry aside after their 10-goal thriller in Miami on Saturday night to share a poignant moment of unity on the pitch. Seven players from both national sides stood together shoulder to shoulder to form a ring and bow their heads in collective prayer just moments after their World Cup epic. The players involved in the centre circle gathering were England's hat-trick hero Bukayo Saka‚ Arsenal's Eberechi Eze‚ Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea‚ Marc Guehi of Manchester City‚ Jean-Philippe Mateta and Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace and Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano.

England arrived back home from the World Cup on Sunday afternoon‚ after they finished their seven-week journey on a high in Miami.

CRAIG HOPE IN MIAMI: There is no doubting Thomas. At least‚ that is‚ if you are Thomas. For Tuchel‚ this absurdly bi-polar victory will be vindication‚ silencing the boos that tarnished his name before kick-off and the chorus of criticism that has followed him since Wednesday's semi-final defeat by Argentina. He has delivered England's best World Cup finish since 1966. Not quite the second star he promised‚ but a first bronze medal. With the German‚ it will always be his way or the freeway. But for those who have formed that mass choir of inspection in recent days‚ they too will see this as justification. Look what happens when you attack a lead rather than defend it‚ Thomas? For them‚ there will be regret. There will be anger‚ even‚ at a 6-4 win over the tournament favourites. They will also point to England's second-half collapse as evidence of tactical cowardice and an inevitable retreat. That is what this flash referendum on the country's head coach has caused amid the fallout of Argentina.

Follow Daily Mail Sport's live coverage for the latest updates as England take on France in the World Cup third-place play-off at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Chelsea are expected to complete £117million move for Morgan Rogers next week after challenging Arsenal - which would be Villa's record sale. Rogers has been one of Arsenal's top targets throughout the summer but until now the Gunners have not met Villa's valuation of their star attacker. Arsenal had expected a clear run at Rogers‚ who has always been open to joining the Premier League champions.

KIERAN GILL: Chelsea won Xabi Alonso's first unofficial game in charge on Saturday - a behind-closed-doors friendly versus League Two side Crawley Town.

Rewind to September 2021. Norwich's record-signing Christos Tzolis arrived at the Emirates to face an Arsenal team bottom of the Premier League table on zero points. Five years later‚ he now finds himself signing for the Premier League champions in a £34million deal from Club Bruges. It's a remarkable turnaround for both parties.

Wayne Rooney has fulfilled his promise of rowing down the Hudson River after he was left stunned by Norway's remarkable World Cup run to the quarter-finals. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Big Apple‚ Rooney heaved his way through one of the world's most famous waterways alongside fellow BBC pundits and former England team-mates Joe Hart and Micah Richards. While Hart credited Richards with being a 'natural'‚ the same perhaps could not be said of Rooney‚ who yelled: 'I think I pulled my thigh.'

Alan Shearer has branded FIFA's third-place play-off 'meaningless' ahead of England's meeting with France this evening. England's defeat by Argentina in Wednesday's semi-final ended their hopes of reaching Sunday's World Cup final against Spain in New Jersey. Instead‚ the Three Lions will travel to Miami to face France‚ who lost 2-0 to Spain on Tuesday‚ as the beaten semi-finalists conclude their campaigns in underwhelming fashion.

Follow Daily Mail Sport's live coverage as Manchester United kick off their pre-season against Championship side Wrexham in Helsinki.

Trump has taken centre stage on more than one occasion this World Cup‚ none more famously than when he intervened to have Folarin Balogun's red card suspended via a chat with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. He had also spoken about playing a round of golf with England captain Harry Kane‚ and went on to analyse the forward's positioning against Argentina in the Three Lions' semi-final defeat.

The former England captain has been a near-ever-present at the tournament in North America‚ and made headlines as he cheered on his country's win over Norway with wife Victoria. Then‚ when England lost to Argentina in the semi-finals on Wednesday‚ Becks was consoled by son Cruz‚ 21‚ as he sat in the stands in Atlanta with his head in his hands. It would have been easy to pick England to take the trophy had they reached the final‚ but Beckham instead had to pick between European champions Spain and his old enemy.

Anthony Gordon has not minced his words when reliving the European Championship in 2024‚ calling the whole tournament a waste of a summer. One minute was the sum total of Gordon's involvement as England won only two of their seven matches in normal time amid heavy debate around problems on the left wing. Different this time‚ with Gordon having performed well in the knockout stages and scoring the opener against Argentina in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final. He's consigned 2024 to history and soon embarks on a new chapter in Barcelona.

MICHAEL OWEN: Mexico was the worst thing that could have happened for England. It was not the blueprint for winning a World Cup‚ it was the blueprint for losing one. I warned in the hours after the 3-2 win at the Azteca of a dangerous overreaction among former players and supporters. There was a complete misunderstanding of what bravery in football is really about. It was being labelled as our greatest-ever performance - and I was called miserable by some for pointing out that it absolutely was not.

Daily Mail Sport reported last month that Declan Rice is understood have been trying to convince his England team-mate to make the switch and Rogers is thought to be receptive to the mvove.

CHRIS WHEELER: We take a look at the Manchester United stars on show in pre-season and where they fit in at the club under Michael Carrick.

An Argentina fan is believed to have revealed how he snuck the infamous flag claiming his country's right to the Falkland Islands into the stadium to give to the players - who paraded it for all to see after defeating England 2-1 in Atlanta. FIFA could yet hand the players who unfurled the banner on Wednesday evening a sanction ahead of their World Cup final against Spain on Sunday. But as per reports from Argentina‚ it was a fan who brought the incendiary article into Atlanta Stadium after smuggling in a bedsheet emblazoned with the slogan.

Liverpool have confirmed that midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has put pen to paper on a new long-term deal at the club. The Hungary captain has been rewarded for his impressive performances in what was a disappointing campaign for the Reds last term. The bumper new contract is set to keep Szoboszlai at Anfield until 2031 and represents a big box ticked for the club after the departures of Ibrahima Konate and Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid on free transfers in recent years.

Graeme Souness has insisted Kobbie Mainoo 'doesn't know his position' as he outlined why he believes Thomas Tuchel refused to turn to the Man United midfielder during England's World Cup semi-final exit to Argentina. Tuchel has faced significant criticism over his defensive substitutions in England's 2-1 defeat by Argentina in Atlanta. England had taken the lead via Anthony Gordon but succumbed after a series of game-changing defensive substitutions saw the initiative handed over to their opponents‚ who progressed to the final thanks to goals from Enzo Fernandez and a stoppage-time winner from Lautaro Martinez.

Thomas Tuchel was wrong to suggest England do not have the 'DNA' to control possession when many of the nation's best technical players were either left at home or not used at the tournament‚ Gary Neville has argued. Tuchel has come under fire for opting to take off goalscorer Anthony Gordon moments after he gave England the lead‚ bringing on Ezri Konsa and switching to a back five‚ inviting Argentina to attack the Three Lions' back line. Despite Argentina scoring twice to win the game within a few minutes of his switches‚ Tuchel has defended his tactical decisions‚ saying: 'In this moment my feeling was no structure in the world could have helped us.'

Graeme Souness did not hold back in criticising Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson in the hours that followed England's heartbreaking World Cup defeat to Argentina on Wednesday. Both midfielders played key roles throughout the Three Lions' travails Stateside‚ starting every match together under Thomas Tuchel to reach the semi-final.

Jude Bellingham has broken his silence after England's heartbreaking World Cup exit at the hands of Argentina in poignant fashion‚ with the midfield star sharing a touching poem titled 'The Lions Way'. The Real Madrid man was one of England's standouts Stateside and he took defeat in the semi-finals in Atlanta every bit as hard as his team-mates‚ with Bellingham captured in tears surrounded by friends and family in the stands after the final whistle. Bellingham admitted in the social media post that putting his feelings into words had been a challenge‚ but used the poem shared with the group by their driver in Kansas City to express himself.

In what would be a sensational transfer‚ L'Equipe reported Olise‚ 24‚ has told his French team-mates at the World Cup that he wants to sign for the Spanish giants. The same publication claims he has been 'gathering information' from his countrymen during the tournament.

Fernandez has risked further upsetting England fans after appearing to troll the Three Lions following Argentina's victory in the semi-finals of the World Cup.

Daily Mail Sport's Chief Football Reporter CRAIG HOPE was at Atlanta Stadium to give his verdict on the England players.

Neville had described Martinez and Romero as the 'best‚ worst centre-back pairing in the world' ahead of Argentina's 2-1 win over England in the semi-finals of the World Cup. The former Man United defender's comments sparked a response from Romero after their victory as he claimed the remarks had lit a 'fire' in the Argentine duo.

MIKE KEEGAN IN ATLANTA: A number of Argentina's jubilant squad‚ including two that ply their trade in England‚ lifted the sign following their 2-1 victory.

Jude Bellingham became embroiled in a feisty row with Argentina's Valentin Barco following the final whistle of England's World Cup semi-final‚ but the tensions that eventually boiled over appeared to have been building long before the referee blew for full-time. Bellingham‚ who appeared to slap the back of Barco's head after the match‚ seemed to have been irritated by the Argentina substitute's actions following Enzo Fernandez's dramatic 85th-minute equaliser. After Fernandez found the net‚ Barco sprinted onto the pitch to celebrate. Rather than heading directly towards the corner flag to join the goalscorer and his Argentina team-mates‚ the Strasbourg defender charged through a group of dejected England players.

A new camera angle has called into question whether Enzo Fernandez - who equalised against England to spark Argentina's late comeback - should have been on the pitch after his rough handling of Elliot Anderson. The £106million Chelsea midfielder filled England fans with dread with his long-range strike pulling Argentina level in the 85th minute. Staring down the barrel of extra time with the two teams locked at 1-1‚ Lautaro Martinez then snuffed out the Three Lions' faint hope of making their first World Cup final since 1966 with his 92nd-minute winner.

JAMES SHARPE: The internet never forgets. Barely had the final whistle blown in Atlanta than an old interview with Thomas Tuchel quickly founds its way to the surface once again. 'They were more afraid to drop out of the tournament than having the excitement and hunger to win it‚' lamented new England boss Tuchel when asked to reflect on what had gone wrong at the Euros 2024 under his predecessor Gareth Southgate . Too right‚ Thomas. Finally‚ an England manager who would 'take the handbrake off' and thrill our way to glory. About bloody time. Well‚ there was little excitement or hunger to win as Argentina bombarded England's penalty area for the final half an hour of a World Cup semi-final. Just‚ in fact‚ fear. As Baddiel and Skinner once said‚ everyone has seen it all before.

England star Marc Guehi appeared to hit out at England's second-half tactics after the Three Lions lost their slender lead to be knocked out of the World Cup by Argentina on Wednesday. Anthony Gordon had opened the scoring in the 55th minute after the Three Lions were put through an attritional first-half which saw midfield stars such as Jude Bellingham and Elliot Anderson repeatedly targeted with fouls. But with 10 minutes plus injury time left to play‚ Thomas Tuchel made a raft of defensive changes which allowed little room for England to extend their goal cushion.

MIKE KEEGAN IN ATLANTA: Thomas Tuchel retains the backing of the Football Association despite England's desperately disappointing World Cup exit‚ Daily Mail Sport understands. The Three Lions boss has come in for heavy criticism after his side conceded twice late on to go out to old rivals Argentina in Atlanta. England had taken the lead via Anthony Gordon but succumbed after a series of game-changing defensive substitutions saw the initiative handed over to their gleeful opponents‚ who progressed to the final thanks to goals from Enzo Fernandez and a stoppage-time winner from Lautaro Martinez.

IAN LADYMAN AT ATLANTA STADIUM: Five minutes from a shot at immortality‚ England were sucker punched. But were they architects of their own downfall?

Micah Richards has revealed he was told of the death of his father‚ Lincoln‚ moments before going on air for the BBC's coverage of England's World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina. Richards‚ 38‚ wrote an emotional post on Instagram shortly after the BBC went off air. 'Not long before going on air today‚ I received the awful news that my father Lincoln had passed away‚' he wrote. 'His death was unexpected‚ and he has left us all too soon.

Bellingham was at odds with Valentin Barco‚ who did not even play in the match‚ in the aftermath of England's late collapse and 2-1 defeat in Atlanta. It was clearly an emotional time for Bellingham‚ who has been one of the best players of the World Cup with six goals‚ and stood alone after the final whistle.

Fights broke out outside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta‚ Georgia after the final whistle confirmed the Three Lions' 2-1 defeat to Lionel Messi's side. Police made multiple arrests as they stepped in to calm the situation‚ with pictures showing several England fans being detained by armed cops.

Argentinian players unfurled a banner reading 'The Falklands are Argentinian' after they knocked England out of the World Cup 2-1 in a nail-biting semi final clash. Lisandro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso celebrated on the pitch with the sign after the final whistle blew - before they were joined by their fellow teammates. The significance of tonight's match had been feverishly talked up - with it marking the culmination of bitter sporting rivalry and a decades-long political row over the archipelago in the south Atlantic.

NIK SIMON IN BUENOS AIRES: Outside the Casa Rosada‚ where Argentina's first lady‚ Eva Peron‚ famously addressed her supporters in the 1950s‚ anti-English banners were unfurled long before kick-off. The largest roughly translated to 'Inglaterra... go f*** yourself.' Political tensions around this match had been fuelled all week. It felt more like a state occasion than a football match.

England had taken the lead in the 56th minute through Anthony Gordon‚ but opted to try and hold onto their advantage rather than add to it. Tuchel went to a back five that served him so well in the last-16 win over Mexico‚ with Ezri Konsa coming on for the goal scorer to join Reece James‚ John Stones‚ Marc Guehi and Djed Spence. They found themselves on the defensive‚ and Dan Burn was later introduced too when Reece James left the field injured.

Anthony Gordon had just given England the lead in Atlanta in the second-half of a tense match against the defending champions when winger Giuliano Simeone found himself running at goal down the right wing. It looked for all the world that Simeone‚ son of former England nemesis Diego‚ would equalise‚ but Spence sprung from nowhere to intervene. The full back‚ who has become a player synonymous with England's World Cup run‚ ran in from left back and put in an impressive tackle to deny Simeone a shot at goal and save his side.

The broadcaster has faced criticism for covering the majority of the tournament from Salford‚ while rivals ITV have been based in a breathtaking studio overlooking the Manhattan skyline.

The group of 'Mystic Meerkats' at Drusillas Park in Sussex have had a flawless track record so far and they are yet to make an incorrect prediction for England's World Cup matches.

Lamine Yamal's £9.5million home in Barcelona was targeted by burglars hours after his victory with Spain over France in their World Cup semi-final‚ with police in Catalonia opening an investigation into the attempt. Two hooded thieves were spotted on the walls of the mansion in upmarket suburb Esplugues de Llobregat‚ but their break-in attempt was thwarted by Yamal's private security team who spotted the individuals just in time. The attempted crime reportedly happened at around 4am local time on Wednesday morning‚ and the Criminal Investigation Division has now taken over the case using CCTV images of the property.

IAN LADYMAN IN ATLANTA: Thomas Tuchel was hired to win a World Cup and stands just two steps from it. He is also one defeat away from being asked some really serious questions. It's a peculiar state of affairs but not only is that the way sport sometimes works‚ it's one that is not so unfamiliar to English followers.

Follow Daily Mail Sport's live coverage of the latest updates as England take on old rivals Argentina in a bid to book a spot in the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.

Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have deservedly got the majority of acclaim for England's World Cup campaign so far‚ but the Argentine press have warned their squad of two other key players to watch out for. England and Argentina go head-to-head in the second semi-final on Wednesday in Atlanta (8pm‚ BST) with Spain awaiting the winner in Sunday's showpiece. Bellingham and Kane have spearheaded England so far with the pair having scored 12 of their 13 goals - including the former's brace in a 2-1 win after extra-time in the quarter-final against Norway on Saturday.

MICHAEL OWEN: This is how much it means to beat Argentina - I once out-jumped Peter Crouch to head a last-minute winner against them! Trust me‚ the feeling of scoring a goal in a friendly has never been so good. By then‚ on a November night in Geneva in 2005‚ I understood exactly what the rivalry was about. When I scored the goal against Argentina that came to define my career‚ seven years earlier at the 1998 World Cup‚ I'd heard about the Falklands War and I was well aware of Diego Maradona's Hand of God.

Thomas Tuchel says he can lead England to World Cup glory despite his 'mediocre' playing career‚ as he declared: 'You don't have to be a horse to be a good jockey.' The Three Lions take on holders Argentina in tonight's semi-final here in Atlanta‚ with much of the build-up centred on Jude Bellingham's reaction to Tuchel's comments after Saturday's 2-1 victory over Norway. The head coach was highly critical of his team's technical performance in Miami but praised their mentality in finding a way to win.

IAN HERBERT: The vast stadium screen which hangs above this pitch beamed the image of the teenager whose thin hairband carries a number‚ 08304‚ which is the postcode for the working-class district of the Catalonian district which he calls home. He was standing there with his teammates hearing the anthems played‚ looking for all the world as if he had just wandered in from that neighbourhood and though it could not be said that he bent the World Cup semi-final Spain's way - others did - Lamine Yamal's intermittent‚ iridescent dazzle still shaped the course of this hugely significant evening. The French players had said Yamal was wrong to claim‚ before this game‚ that they were 'scared' of him but he was undeniably right. He cut them and broke them‚ just as he did on the July day two years ago when his team beat France in a European Championship semi-final in Munich.

Manchester United's midfield overhaul took another giant step towards completion with the £35million signing of Youri Tielemans. The Belgian‚ who has joined from Aston Villa after his release clause was triggered‚ has signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford.

Follow Daily Mail Sport's live coverage of the latest updates as the two favourites France and Spain go head-to-head in Dallas for a spot in the World Cup final.

The 30-year-old‚ who is recovering from a stress fracture in his foot‚ was pictured enjoying the off-season at the city's plush Dukes 92 restaurant on Saturday afternoon. Clad in all-white‚ Grealish appeared in good spirits as he sipped on a £75 bottle of champagne while talking to a table of women.

OLIVER HOLT IN MIAMI: Out on Route 1 north of Fort Lauderdale‚ amid the palm trees‚ the low-slung bungalows‚ the cloying‚ humid heat and the geckos that dart across the sidewalks‚ customers at the neighbourhood diner say they have seen lights flashing in the night from time to time during the World Cup. They say the lights tell them that Lionel Messi is returning home.

Every major tournament brings a wave of excitement about the young talent poised to burst onto the scene. The 2026 World Cup in the USA‚ Canada and Mexico has been no different‚ with the likes of Ivory Coast's Yan Diaomande‚ Mexico's Gilberto Mora and Morocco's Ayyoub Bouaddi - all still teenagers - making a name for themselves on the biggest stage. Lamine Yamal was that breakout star at Euro 2024‚ and it is easy to forget that the Spanish sensation was still only 18 when this tournament got under way (he turned 19 yesterday).

Clarke‚ who has worked for the broadcaster for more than three decades‚ asked Bellingham to respond to a heated interview which manager Thomas Tuchel had given just moments earlier. The German branded his players 'lucky' in the wake of the 2-1 win in Miami‚ arguing it was merely the team's mentality which pulled them through against Erling Haaland‚ Martin Odegaard and Co.

It's that time of the year again - the transfer window is now open until September 1 and it's sure to be a busy period with clubs looking to make big signings ahead of next season. Here are today's latest developments from Simon Jones and the Daily Mail Sport team...

Come 8pm on Wednesday evening and there's only one thing which pubs across the country will be showing. Yet‚ you may be surprised to hear‚ there's one Englishwoman supporting Argentina.

FIFA have announced the referee for England's World Cup semi-final showdown with Argentina - and it's an official that the holders' talisman Lionel Messi is familiar with. Ismail Elfath will be the man in the middle - in what will be the most high-profile occasion of his career as a referee - at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday as England bid to reach their first World Cup final since 1966‚ while Argentina look to reach back-to-back showpieces. The Moroccan-born American‚ who will be assisted by compatriots Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins‚ will take charge of his fourth game at this year's World Cup - and his first refereeing either England or Argentina this summer. The fourth official will be Italian Maurizio Mariani.

KIERAN GILL: Sitting in the Stamford Bridge directors' lounge‚ just Xabi Alonso and a few of the Chelsea-dedicated correspondents‚ the talk turned to setting standards after such a substandard season. 'I can't assess the things from the past because I was not here so it would be unfair‚' Alonso told us. 'But what we want is a team with the right mentality‚ the right hunger‚ the right standards and on a daily basis to build on them. That's important. 'I'm not a general‚ but I'm a good professional‚ and I know what it takes to be a good professional. Those are the standards we want for the whole building.'

It's almost crunch time at the World Cup. The last month has seen plenty of action - thrilling goals‚ tight races‚ and red cards being flashed have all added to the spectacle of the stateside tournament. As the pressure builds and we gear up for the final few days of play across the pond‚ let's take a look at the top players of the quarter-finals‚ according to Sofascore...

Erling Haaland and his team-mates touched down back in Norway to a heroes welcome after their World Cup exploits - with the forward curiously carrying a stuffed raccoon in his luggage. The Norwegian team landed at Oslo Airport on Monday afternoon after travelling home following their 2-1 extra-time defeat by England in the World Cup quarter-finals. Norway's dream run was ended by a Jude Bellingham double‚ with star man Haaland forced to watch the closing stages from the bench after being forced off before the second period of extra-time.

New footage released today shows the Three Lions ace - and their saviour against the Norwegians - clutching his shoulder and grimacing while walking through the mixed zone post-match at the Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday. It came after Bellngham was spotted tending to his left shoulder while speaking to manager Thomas Tuchel‚ leaving journalists at Buenos Aires publication TyC Sports convinced that England's star man could be injured.

OLIVER HOLT: When everyone has stopped accusing a TV journalist of treason for asking a couple of questions he had to pose‚ maybe they ought to think about a question he didn't ask.

Top Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died‚ aged 38‚ weeks after he was dropped from the World Cup over a sexual assault arrest in the United Kingdom. The Dutch Football Association have today confirmed Dieperink's death. Dutch newspaper AD say police are conducting an 'investigation following a deceased person' in the street where Dieperink lived. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Dieperink was due to referee at this summer's World Cup but was ultimately left at home by FIFA. That came after he was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a teenage boy in a case that was ultimately dismissed.

Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea in a deal worth £50million.

Manchester United are in advanced talks to sign Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans. The 29-year-old‚ who reached the World Cup quarter-finals with Belgium‚ has two years left on his contract at Villa Park.

The Three Lions will face Argentina for the first time in 21 years when the two teams line up in Atlanta for a place in Sunday's final against either Spain or France. It will mark the second time in three World Cups that England have reached the semi-final stage and‚ after Saturday evening's scalp of Norway‚ Thomas Tuchel's men have been backed to knockout the reigning champions by a host of ex-players.

New evidence - direct from the World Cup stadium spidercam - now proves that Jude Bellingham's controversial first goal against Norway was right to stand after all‚ despite the claims of the Norwegian players. Norway had insisted that a goal kick from their goalkeeper Orjan Nyland struck one of the mid-air cables that supports the overhead spidercam before falling to England's Elliot Anderson‚ who went on to pass to Anthony Gordon to set up Bellingham's goal. That scenario should have seen play stopped and the goal disallowed. But FIFA has reviewed videos from various angles and Daily Mail Sport has seen footage which shows a natural flight path of the ball.

MICHAEL OWEN: If I'm sitting in the England dressing room‚ I wouldn't be bothered in the slightest by Thomas Tuchel questioning our performance after the win over Norway. First‚ he was right. Second‚ players only get upset when a manager questions their attitude. That's personal. That's when you start looking around wondering who he's talking about. Tuchel did the exact opposite. He praised England's mentality‚ their resilience and willingness to suffer for each other.

On one side of the draw‚ France and Spain‚ the stylists and the matadors‚ most people's pick for the best two teams of the tournament so far. In the other semi-final‚ two more sides who many see as mirrors of each other‚ two sides whose progress to the last four has been more about struggle than style. Thomas Tuchel talked candidly about England's search for their best form after the gritty victory over Norway in Miami on Saturday and‚ beyond all the freighted emotional and political baggage that will come with their clash in Atlanta on Wednesday‚ Argentina are enduring similar labours. They are led by the ageless wonder that is Lionel Messi‚ the joint top scorer in the tournament and the leading scorer in World Cup history‚ and that always has to be the starting point of any analysis of England's opponents.

The Manchester City forward was followed by his former footballer father throughout the World Cup‚ and Alf Inge‚ who played for the likes of Manchester City and Leeds in the Premier League during his career‚ made his thoughts known during and after the game. Haaland Sr took to X to congratulate 'Bellingham and the referee' and claimed Norway were 'robbed' by French referee Clement Turpin‚ who denied Norway a second goal after a VAR review in which Haaland Jr was adjudged to have fouled Elliot Anderson.

MARK CLATTENBURG: England had scored their equaliser. The English fans at Miami Gardens were going crazy‚ celebrating Jude Bellingham's brilliant goal. But then I noticed Norway's goalkeeper Orjan Nyland was complaining to the referee‚ Clement Turpin of France. Then the half-time whistle was blown. Then the Norwegian bench was going wild with the fourth official‚ Alejandro Hernandez of Spain. Norway's manager Stale Solbakken was definitely not happy. FOX‚ who I am working for as a rules analyst at this World Cup‚ allowed me and the team to review why they were so upset. Then we saw it. That video clip. You've probably seen it on social media‚ too. The angle that shows the ball suddenly drop from the air. Hardly anyone knows the laws.

The incident occurred during the 42nd minute of the South Americans' 3-1 victory over the Swiss when Messi confronted Portuguese official Joao Pinheiro.

Tuchel's fiery messaging has proved to be a useful tool throughout this tournament - but it didn't have the immediate intended consequence on this occasion. Within minutes‚ John Stones lost possession in the England penalty area‚ almost springing a chance for Erling Haaland‚ but Jordan Pickford came flying out to salvage the ball.

Daily Mail Sport's Chief Football Reporter CRAIG HOPE was at the Miami Stadium to give his verdict on the England players‚ and you can make your judgments too with our new ratings tool.

The duo will face each other in the semi-finals of the World Cup on Wednesday evening after England beat Norway 2-1 and Argentina saw off Switzerland 3-1‚ both after extra-time. This has already been seen as something of a grudge match after La Albiceleste taunted England with a song about the Falkland Islands in their dressing room after their comeback against Egypt.

The World Cup referee who oversaw Lionel Messi and Argentina's win to set up a semi-final against England overnight has been accused of 'being against' Switzerland as anger grows against the perceived treatment of the world champions. Switzerland's players and manager were incensed with Argentina's triumph‚ 3-1 in extra-time‚ after their striker Breel Embolo became the first player to be sent off as a result of a new rule for mistaken identity. With the quarter-final level on 72 minutes‚ Embolo was shown a second yellow card after a video assistant referee review which led to him being adjudged to have dived - rather than being fouled by Argentina's Leandro Paredes. A new rule introduced for this World Cup states that if a player is booked or sent off - but the foul was actually committed by the opposition - the decision can be changed.

Jude Bellingham insists England manager Thomas Tuchel 'maybe doesn't know' what he's talking about in a remarkable spiky interview after the World Cup quarter-final win over Norway. The Three Lions needed extra-time - and two Bellingham goals - to get past Erling Haaland's Norway and set up a semi-final against Lionel Messi and Argentina to come on Wednesday night. Tuchel branded his players 'lucky' in an awkward ITV post-match interview - and Bellingham did not take to it kindly. At first England's matchwinner tried to dodge the topic pitchside‚ saying: 'Yeah‚ well‚ whatever.'

Gary Lineker made a surprise return to BBC screens after his controversial exit after gatecrashing Micah Richards' analysis of England's World Cup quarter-final win over Norway. Lineker was supposed to front the BBC's coverage at this summer's World Cup in his final bow for the corporation after 26 years of service. However‚ he was stood down last May following backlash over a string of political social media posts‚ which included what he said was the unwitting sharing of a post on Instagram which featured a depiction of a rat - an image associated with antisemitism.

DANIEL MATTHEWS IN KANSAS CITY: What a night it should be and what a glorious quirk of Messi's marathon international career that over the last 21 years‚ across six World Cups and 205 games for his country‚ the 39-year-old has never faced England. Meetings between these two nations don't come around often and the last time England faced Argentina - in a friendly in Geneva in late 2005 - Messi was suspended. A few months earlier‚ he had been sent off just 30 seconds into his Argentina debut against Hungary.

MIKE KEEGAN AND JACK GAUGHAN IN MIAMI: Thomas Tuchel and Jude Bellingham offered two very different assessments of the Three Lions' progression to the World Cup semi-final on a fraught night in Miami. The German branded his side 'lucky' after Bellingham's brace and help from both VAR and a spider camera cable saw them creep past Norway after extra-time. But the Real Madrid talisman‚ who now has six goals for the tournament‚ appeared to dismiss his head coach's comments‚ declaring simply 'whatever' before hailing England's ability to 'win dirty'.

Follow Daily Mail Sport's live coverage of the latest updates as England seek to make just a third semi-final in the country's history as they take on Norway in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Miami.

Jurgen Klopp has reached an agreement in principle to succeed Julian Nagelsmann as the manager of the German national team. The former Liverpool boss‚ 59‚ is set to sign a four-year deal running through the 2028 European Championship and 2030 World Cup after agreeing terms with the DFB‚ Germany's football association. Following his exit from Anfield at the end of the 2023-24 season‚ Klopp enjoyed a short break from football before joining Red Bull as their Global Head of Soccer in January 2025‚ taking on a strategy and advisory role behind the scenes.

England's crucial World Cup quarter-final showdown against Norway in Miami is at risk of being delayed or even postponed due to soaring temperatures across South Florida. A major heat risk has been declared in South Florida with temperatures said to be rising to 29-32ºC - with a realfeel of up to 44 ºC - by the time today's game is due to kick off at 5pm in Miami (10pm UK time). The City of Miami's official X account has warned people in the local area to 'stay hydrated‚ wear lightweight clothing and limit outdoor activity'.

Former Chelsea chairman Ken Bates has died at the age of 94.

South Africa star Jayden Adams has sadly passed away aged 25 just weeks after playing at the World Cup‚ according to reports. Adams‚ who started South Africa's first two matches of the tournament against Mexico and Czechia‚ reposted a picture of himself and his girlfriend on Instagram less than 24 hours before news of his death was reported. Tributes have flooded in across social media for the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder‚ whose death has sent shockwaves around world football.

Thomas Tuchel's men are preparing to take on the Norwegians in Miami with the crunch tie scheduled to kick off at 10pm BST. But tropical storms and extreme heat are already threatening to hamper the start time‚ and with the potential for extra-time and penalties‚ fans could be in store for another long‚ nail-biting night. It has led some to fear they would have to quickly down their pints and rush home to watch the conclusion of the match. But the Government has now confirmed pubs can stay open in England and Wales until 30 minutes after the final whistle is blown‚ even if the start of the game is delayed.

Chelsea are ready to sell Alejandro Garnacho after a single season with the 22-year-old Argentinian not seen since the club's other players returned for pre-training season. Cole Palmer‚ Joao Pedro and the other non-World Cup call-ups reported back at Cobham on Thursday morning to run through their fitness tests and begin working with new manager Xabi Alonso on the pitch. Garnacho is not believed to have been involved in those first sessions held with Alonso. Chelsea did not comment when asked why‚ such as if injury-related or otherwise.

England captain Harry Kane described playing golf with United States President Donald Trump as a 'pretty surreal experience'. Trump revealed earlier in the week that the pair had previously played a round together‚ telling reporters: 'I think Kane is a great player. I played golf with him and I like him a lot. He's a good golfer too. He's really great.' Kane said it happened 18 months ago in Florida and is envious of Trump's golf game at the age of 80.

If I was a defender‚ I'd lose more sleep over facing Erling Haaland than I would Harry Kane. But if you asked me which striker I'd want leading my team‚ I'd choose Kane every time. That isn't a contradiction. As a defender‚ what keeps you awake isn't always the better footballer‚ it's the player who makes you feel completely helpless. Haaland does that. At times‚ he's simply too big‚ too strong and too quick. If a cross is hung up to the back post‚ if he gets a yard in a foot race or if he catches you one-on-one in open space‚ those are the moments that terrify defenders. You look foolish. Just ask Brazil centre back Gabriel after Norway's 2-1 victory in the last round.

England were shown around Inter Miami's training facilities by David Beckham as Thomas Tuchel's side continue preparations for Saturday's World Cup quarter-final clash with Norway. The Three Lions take on their Scandinavian opponents in Miami (10pm‚ BST) with a place against either current champions Argentina or Switzerland awaiting in the semi-finals on Wednesday. And ahead of the quarter-final showdown‚ England enjoyed a training session at Inter Miami's base - with the MLS club co-owned by Beckham.