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.

Manchester United star Senne Lammens experienced a World Cup cameo to forget after replacing injured Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois during their World Cup clash against Spain. The Real Madrid goalkeeper had been a sturdy presence between the sticks for Belgium‚ keeping the score level at 1-1 despite a flurry of Spanish chances in the second-half. But in the 67th minute‚ Courtois appeared to suffer an injury in his left thigh‚ going down to the turf and prompting referee Michael Oliver to bring up the second-half hydration break.

Real Madrid are reportedly considering the sale of Vinicius Jr‚ with the star Brazil attacker engaged in a contract stand-off at Santiago Bernabeu. Vinicius Jr‚ who has just bowed out of the World Cup following defeat to Norway‚ is back front and centre of the Real Madrid agenda‚ with fans concerned about the lack of a new contract. The 25-year-old was widely expected to extend his deal but weeks have passed and with no agreement in sight‚ reports are emerging in Spain that Real Madrid may need to deal with the prospect of selling.

Follow Daily Mail Sport's live coverage of the latest updates as Spain take on Belgium in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Los Angeles.

England star Djed Spence's sister's nightmare World Cup has continued after she and her daughter were forced to check out of their hotel after they discovered their room covered with mould and rust. Bria Spence has been travelling across America blogging on their trip and it is the second time she has been hit with disaster‚ after she was forced to sleep at an airport when bad weather delayed her flight to Mexico and they missed a connection. In the latest mishap the influencer told her 30‚000 followers: 'I've not even been in Miami for 24 hours and we are already moving hotel.

Michael Edwards is leaving his role as CEO of Football Operations for Fenway Sports Group. The 47-year-old has overseen enormous success at the Reds across two spells - first as the club's sporting director between 2016 and 2022.

He returned to team training in late June and there was hope that he would be fit enough to feature for Rudi Garcia's side in the knockout stages.

The 25-year-old‚ who joked yesterday about all the media attention he's received this week‚ is the face of Budweiser's World Cup promotion campaign. Having starred in a hilarious pre-tournament video alongside ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp ‚ this time it's the turn of Haaland's retired footballer father to test out his acting skills.

Although he will be England's biggest obstacle in Miami on Saturday night‚ few opponents have a closer connection to the country than Erling Haaland. The giant Norway star will be leading the line against his country of birth‚ at a World Cup where he has scored seven goals and dragged Norway to the quarter-finals. Born in Leeds‚ west Yorkshire‚ inspired by his father's playing career and now starring for Manchester City‚ England has played a defining role in Haaland's story.

England fans have joked Three Lions' stars appeared less than enthusiastic about Ed Sheeran's private gig at their World Cup base after highlighting lukewarm reactions. Sheeran had visited the England camp earlier in the tournament‚ with the singer performing for the squad and staff after their final group game against Panama. Footage of the secret gig was released as part of the latest episode of England's Extra Time series on YouTube.

IAN LADYMAN IN MIAMI: If the thrill of watching England win in Mexico will form an abiding memory of this World Cup‚ so will the leaving the following day. The grace with which the co-hosts accepted their defeat was profoundly moving and maybe a little unexpected. 'Thank you for coming and I hope England win the World Cup‚' was the message at Mexico City airport check-in.

MIKE KEEGAN: The influential Arsenal midfielder is already suffering with a hamstring and lower back issue‚ with the problem now exacerbated by sickness. FA officials have taken steps to isolate Rice from the main group in an attempt to contain what could be a potentially damaging outbreak. Camp insiders say they are confident the illness has been contained.

This World Cup has already delivered its fair share of thrills‚ spills and strained relationships‚ with the latest flashpoint arriving during Spain's victory over Portugal as former Manchester City team-mates Rodri and Bernardo Silva became embroiled in a heated exchange. After Silva missed a late opportunity to level the scores‚ Rodri celebrated over his former City colleague as he lay stricken on the turf‚ prompting an angry reaction from the Portuguese midfielder. And that may not be the last friendship tested by World Cup football.

Jurgen Klopp has revealed just how close Liverpool came to signing Kylian Mbappe while he was in charge at Anfield. In a stunning admission‚ Klopp‚ who was covering the World Cup quarter-final between France and Morocco for German television station Magenta TV‚ detailed live on air how Mbappe was almost a Liverpool player in 2016. Mbappe‚ then a rising star teenager at Monaco‚ had Europe's elite scrambling to win his signature and Liverpool were no different.

The Manchester United captain‚ 31‚ turned off the replies to his first post since their exit from the tournament in the wake of intense criticism from fans of Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo‚ 41.

MIKE KEEGAN IN KANSAS CITY: FIFA have slapped Jarell Quansah with a two-match ban - despite strong representations from the FA. Daily Mail Sport previously reported that the FA were considering appealing Quansah's red card against Mexico after President Donald Trump controversially called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to overturn Folarin Balogun's one-match suspension. Bayer Leverkusen defender Quansah was sent off following a VAR review for a sliding tackle in England's last-16 victory over Mexico that initially went unpunished on the field.

Follow Daily Mail Sport's live coverage of the latest updates as France take on Morocco in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Boston.

Eriksen provided an update the following day after receiving treatment in hospital‚ insisting the situation was 'different to 2021' and that he was 'feeling good'.

The former England star‚ 34‚ has released a slew of videos promoting his all-natural diet including the steak‚ sardines‚ and boiled eggs on a plane. Townsend's aim is to stay healthy while staying in hotels throughout the tournament‚ while he is denied access to cooking facilities and faces the constant temptation of fast food. 'Never let your circumstances dictate your health‚' he says.

KIERAN GILL: Everything seems so effortless‚ cool‚ and carefree. Yet Olise could so easily have been in Kansas City instead‚ with England ‚ training alongside his Bayern Munich team-mate Harry Kane ‚ preparing to play Norway in Miami this Saturday‚ Thomas Tuchel 's maverick and not Didier Deschamps'.

FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina has hit out at those questioning the integrity of the World Cup officials‚ insisting that they cannot be influenced by anyone. The standard of officiating has come under focus at times during this World Cup and that was intensified following Tuesday's gripping last-16 tie between Argentina and Egypt. Reigning champions Argentina battled back from 2-0 after 78 minutes to win 3-2 in Atlanta‚ with Egypt manager Hossam Hassan later accusing FIFA of rigging the World Cup in favour of Argentina's talisman Lionel Messi.

Erling Haaland and his prima donna team-mates were reportedly unhappy with nearby construction work‚ the lack of a meeting room‚ and a four-kilometre walk to the beach. They spat their dummies out despite the hotel having a luxurious swimming pool with a city skyline view‚ spacious premium suites with expansive Florida vistas‚ and rooms complete to a high specification.

Manchester United have moved another step closer to building their 'Wembley of the North' by announcing the proposed location of the £2billion stadium to replace Old Trafford. It follows last month's acquisition of a 25-acre site close to the existing stadium after United walked away from talks with Freightliner over building on the freight terminal behind the Stretford End. United's new 100‚000-seater home will be at the heart of a new Stadium District‚ located 350 metres north-west of Old Trafford and become what is described as the 'flagship landmark' of a wider Trafford Wharfside development.

The curtain has closed on the round of 16 following Switzerland's penalty shootout win over Colombia on Tuesday night. We have our first day off of the tournament before the quarter finals commence. Daily Mail Sport explores how each nation's chances are looking ahead of the last-eight.

Manchester United 's players will begin reporting back for pre-season at Carrington on Thursday‚ just 46 days after the last campaign finished at Brighton in May. While many United stars are still playing at the World Cup - and others are resting after their countries were knocked out of the tournament in North America - a number of big names will be among the first group back at the training ground as Michael Carrick 's squad start work ahead of their first friendly against Wrexham in Helsinki a week on Saturday.

TOM COLLOMOSSE: Coventry have to build a team capable of staying in the top flight. Yet transfers cannot be the only focus for the Sky Blues‚ who have a challenging job making their infrastructure Premier League-ready.

The England star‚ 36‚ suffered a chilling arm injury as he vaulted an advertising hoarding while celebrating the 3-2 victory over Mexico in the World Cup last 16. But sharing a photograph with his three surgeons on Instagram‚ Henderson was in an upbeat mood - despite being ruled out for the rest of the World Cup.

Santos joined Chelsea from Brazilians Vasco da Gama in 2023 and made 43 appearances for the club last season‚ scoring three times.

Oliver‚ 41‚ is one of seven Premier League officials in North America for the tournament and is seen as one of the favourites to take charge of the final. Fellow English referee Anthony Taylor - who is also at this World Cup - missed his chance to officiate the final in 2022 because of the same reason.

Argentina players were heard singing a chant referencing the Falkland Islands in their dressing room after their stunning comeback win over Egypt‚ with their supporters already embracing the prospect of facing England in a World Cup semi-final. The reigning world champions had trailed Egypt 2-0 heading into the closing stages of their last-16 tie in Atlanta. A 79th minute goal from Cristian Romero sparked an Argentina fightback‚ with captain Lionel Messi scoring the equaliser just four minutes later.

Hundreds of mourners were in attendance as the funeral of Mark Hughes' son Alex took place in Prestbury following his sudden death last month. Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was among those in attendance‚ as well as Mike Phelan‚ Martin Edwards‚ Bryan Robson and Ryan Giggs. Hughes carried the coffin of his son into St Peter's Church with other members of the family‚ including Alex's brother Curtis and father-in-law David Pollock.

Hello and welcome to Daily Mail Sport's World Cup Breakfast from day 28 at the tournament - your one-stop shop for everything you've missed overnight in North America. For all the latest news‚ viral moments and what to look out for‚ stay right here. Switzerland 0-0 Colombia (4-3 on pens)

Jordan Henderson's father has revealed he feared the worst after watching his son being taken off the pitch on oxygen on a stretcher following England's dramatic World Cup victory over Mexico. Henderson‚ 36‚ has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament after suffering a freak injury during celebrations that followed the Three Lions' 3-2 win at the Azteca Stadium. The Brentford midfielder slipped as he attempted to jump over an advertising board and landed awkwardly on his arm‚ sparking immediate concern from team-mates.

Portugal star Ruben Dias was involved in an awkward live television interview just moments after his nation was eliminated from the FIFA World Cup. The Portugal and Manchester City defender fronted up for a chat in the minutes that followed the 1-0 last-16 exit at the hands of Spain and it became a far more tense chat than anticipated. Dias was in conversation with former Portugal international Ricardo Quaresma who‚ to put it bluntly‚ was in no mood for excuses served up by Dias.

Lionel Messi broke down with tears of joy after Argentina survived a major World Cup scare to advance to the quarter-finals. The reigning champions looked set to be dumped out at the last 16 stage when they were trailing Egypt 2-0 with 12 minutes left in the second half. However‚ in one of the great comebacks in World Cup history‚ they scored three goals in 13 minutes to stun Egypt and set up a quarter-final showdown with either Switzerland or Colombia on Sunday‚ 2am (BST).

Egypt manager Hossam Hassan has furiously accused FIFA of rigging the World Cup after a string of controversial refereeing decisions went against his side during Argentina's dramatic late comeback in Atlanta on Tuesday. Argentina‚ who were 2-0 down with 12 minutes to play plus stoppage time‚ looked destined to exit the tournament before late goals from Cristian Romero‚ Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez resulted in a remarkable 3-2 comeback victory. As Fernandez's game-winning header rippled the net in the 93rd minute‚ chaos broke out on the touchline as Egypt's furious staff remonstrated with referee Francois Letexier‚ leading to goalkeeper coach Saafan El-Sagheer being shown a red card and manager Hassan being dragged away from a confrontation with the official.

Follow Daily Mail Sport's live coverage of the latest updates as Argentina take on Egypt in the round of 16 in the World Cup in Atlanta.

By the last-32‚ we had already said farewell to the likes of Luka Modric and Manuel Neuer‚ two legends of the game who have continued to defy Father Time. Neymar brought the curtain down on his World Cup career following Brazil's 2-1 defeat against Norway in the last-16‚ before Monday night saw the last dance for Cristiano Ronaldo ‚ who has ended his illustrious career without capturing football's greatest prize.

MICHAEL OWEN: I think we mistake what bravery in football actually is. We are celebrating players throwing themselves in front of shots as if they've gone to war. Come on‚ a football is a bag of air. If I walked into my local pub and asked 11 blokes if they'd throw their body in front of a ball for England‚ they'd all do it. It felt like all we needed at the Azteca was for one of our players to have a ball smashed in their face and a bit of claret on the white jersey and they'd be worshipped forever. That's a typical English attitude and it goes back generations. It's nonsense and we're fooling ourselves.

They now face being flooded with appeals about disciplinary matters from other World Cup teams - and the complaints have already started rolling in. France are appealing to FIFA over a yellow card Michael Olise was handed in their last-16 victory over Paraguay‚ according to The Athletic.

The Iberians were dumped out cruelly as Arsenal's Mikel Merino came off the bench to score a stoppage-time winner - but many felt Portugal had only themselves to blame. Cristiano Ronaldo's sixth World Cup ended in tears and intense criticism‚ manager Roberto Martinez has resigned‚ and Ruben Dias stormed out of a post-match interview.

IAN HERBERT: As one of the foundation stones of a fully functioning and successful Manchester United team‚ there was a time when Rio Ferdinand could call himself an analyst.

The United States have been dumped out of the World Cup‚ humiliated 4-1 by Belgium - and the gleeful reaction of the rest of the world. After FIFA reversed the red-card suspension of USA star Folarin Balogun following pressure from Donald Trump‚ critics had warned that the integrity of the beautiful game was at stake. And‚ led by the Trump-dancing Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku‚ the reaction has been one of mockery. And Iran FA spokesperson this morning said: 'Now the whole world is dancing to celebrate politics' humiliating defeat by football.' While Belgium‚ who were furious with Trump's Balogun intervention‚ wrote on their official social media accounts: 'Overturn this.'

Belgium couldn't resist piling on the misery for the United States following their dominant World Cup victory on Monday. The Belgians thrashed Mauricio Pochettino's side 4-1 in the Round of 16 in Seattle following days of controversy. The USA's World Cup heartbreak came after their tournament was marred at the weekend when it emerged that Donald Trump had called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review the one-match ban handed to American star Florian Balogun.

DANIEL MATTHEWS IN SEATTLE: It turns out Donald Trump was worried about the wrong striker. In an extraordinary intervention that cast a long shadow over the biggest game in US soccer history‚ the president had lobbied FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to allow the suspended Folarin Balogun to face Belgium. How much influence that call had‚ we may never know. In the end‚ though‚ it made little difference. Because‚ even though Balogun was controversially cleared to play‚ it was Belgian striker Charles De Ketelaere who decided this World Cup showdown. The 25-year-old scored two goals and helped create another as Belgium broke American hearts and shattered the co-hosts' World Cup dreams in the round of 16. De Ketelaere was given a huge helping hand by Mauricio Pochettino's players who‚ after weeks of promise and brilliance‚ put in a calamitous display. Balogun drew a blank before Romelu Lukaku profited from a final defensive lapse to seal a 4-1 win. What a dismal end to a magical few weeks. Good luck overturning this one‚ Mr President.

Cristiano Ronaldo has vowed he will wake up tomorrow with no regrets after crashing out of his final World Cup following Portugal's late 1-0 defeat against Spain in the round of 16. The Portuguese superstar‚ 41‚ broke down in tears on the pitch after Mikel Merino's stoppage-time winner snatched victory for Spain in Dallas‚ calling an end to Ronaldo's historic World Cup career. Ronaldo‚ who is the only player in history to score at six World Cups‚ will now finish his glittering career without international football's greatest prize after confirming prior to Portugal's last-16 clash with Spain that this summer's tournament in the United States‚ Canada and Mexico would be his last.

OLIVER SALT IN ARLINGTON‚ TEXAS: The World Cup's A-list attackers have been dominating the headlines this summer but it is the Spanish backline which is proving most extraordinary.

AC Milan's new era under Ruben Amorim is underway but their new head coach has come with a stark warning. Amorim was appointed as AC Milan's new boss last month‚ signing a three-year contract. The Portuguese jetted into Linate Airport in Milan on Monday and was a picture of delight as he prepares to begin work at the Italian giants.

Follow Daily Mail Sport's live coverage of the latest updates as Portugal take on Spain in the last 16 of the World Cup in Dallas.

Gordon made the mistake of treading near the potty-mouthed veteran shortly after the game's first hydration break. Aguirre‚ 67‚ looked the winger up and down and in a bid to get his attention‚ barked: 'Gordon!'

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY LUKE AUGUSTUS: The World Cup knockout stages are firmly underway in what is the biggest edition in the tournament's history‚ having been expanded to 48 teams. However‚ there has been a rather large elephant in rooms across Canada‚ Mexico and the United States... the absence of Italy. In March‚ the four-time winners failed to qualify for a third-straight World Cup - a travesty which is alarmingly becoming the norm for a country with such a rich footballing pedigree. This summer marks 20 years since Italy were last triumphant - prevailing 5-3 on penalties against France‚ following a 1-1 draw after extra-time.

Video footage showed the Brentford captain‚ who was an unused substitute on the night‚ tumbling over an advertising hoarding after the Three Lions weathered a late Mexico onslaught to book their place in the quarter-finals. He appeared to land on his wrist and was later stretchered off and taken to hospital with what Thomas Tuchel described as a 'really bad' injury.

MATT BARLOW: Sandro Tonali has revealed how a magical two-hour conversation with Roberto de Zerbi convinced him Tottenham was the only club he wanted to join upon leaving Newcastle.

England boss Thomas Tuchel ranted on the sidelines as the Three Lions desperately clung on in stoppage time to earn a 3-2 victory over Mexico in the World Cup last-16. Tuchel was seen feeling the pressure as his England side‚ who were reduced to ten men after Jarell Quansah's red card‚ battled in the closing stages to fight back waves of attacks from the hosts at the Azteca Stadium. The German was infuriated in the 94th minute with television cameras picking out an outburst from the England boss.

Oliver Glasner has been named the new manager of Nottingham Forest - the one club Crystal Palace did not want him to join. The Austrian left Selhurst Park at the end of last season after leading Palace to the Conference League - his third trophy in a little more than two years at the club.

Jordan Henderson has suffered a 'really bad' wrist injury‚ Thomas Tuchel has revealed‚ after the non-playing England substitute fell in their post-match celebrations in Mexico at the World Cup. Henderson‚ who was shown a yellow card during the game despite not playing‚ was arm-in-arm with his team-mates behind the goal in front of England fans‚ before falling as he vaulted back over the advertising hoardings. Boss Tuchel said of the 36-year-old: 'Not good. Not good. Jordan just fell over and injured his wrist. It looks really bad.'

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

DANIEL MATTHEWS IN SEATTLE: For a few minutes‚ Mauricio Pochettino 's players had no idea what to believe. It was Sunday morning and they were sitting on the team bus as it chuntered through Seattle toward the University of Washington‚ where they have been training ahead of Monday's mammoth World Cup clash with Belgium. The team was running slightly late. The bus was headed into the eye of a storm. Not that anyone knew it

Harry Kane delighted England fans with a squeaky post-match interview after the epic 3-2 win over Mexico at the World Cup - before revealing a bizarre injury to Jordan Henderson in the celebrations. Kane had clearly lost his voice‚ signing Wonderwall in front of the England fans at one end of the Azteca stadium‚ and struggled to get his words out in a pitchside interview immediately after. But more worryingly‚ Henderson - a non-playing substitute - collapsed on the Azteca pitch and required medical attention for an injury to his arm. One report claimed he had fallen over an advertising hoarding.

Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card as England coaches scrapped with their Mexican counterparts in a frantic last-16 match in Mexico City. The England right back flew in to a challenge early into the second half and when no foul was given‚ both sets of coaches soon found themselves embroiled in a touchline scrap. England assistant Anthony Barry was among those who got stuck in to the Mexico bench on the touchline‚ moments before a VAR review saw Quansah's foul reviewed as tempers escalated.

A beaming - and topless - Erling Haaland was embraced by Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway after he fired his nation into the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup. Haaland's inspired brace in New Jersey downed Brazil and continued Norway's fairytale run to the last eight. As players celebrated in the dressing room after the match they were shocked to receive a royal visit with Princess Alexandra‚ eldest daughter of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Mariet of Norway‚ keen to pass on her congratulations.

Follow Daily Mail Sport's live blog for the latest score‚ team news and updates as Brazil take on Norway in a World Cup last-16 clash at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

Follow Daily Mail Sport's live coverage of the latest updates as Mexico take on England in the last 16 of the World Cup in Mexico City.

In a shock decision that has stunned the tournament‚ United States star striker Folarin Balogun will be available to face Belgium in their World Cup Round of 16 clash. On Sunday‚ FIFA unexpectedly suspended the mandatory one-match ban stemming from Balogun's recent red card‚ providing a massive boost to the USMNT. The 25-year-old forward was issued a straight red card during the Americans' recent victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina following a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic.

Manchester United are exploring a move for Chelsea's Andrey Santos as they continue to weigh up a number of potential midfield targets. It's understood that United's interest is in its early stages‚ but they are aware that Santos might be available after falling behind Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge. The 22-year-old Brazilian has had loan spells at Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg since signing from Vasco da Gama for £18million three years ago. Chelsea are believed to value him at around £50million‚ although it's unlikely United would be willing to pay that much.

French newspaper L'Equipe gave World Cup referee Ilgiz Tantashev just their third 1/10 rating for an official in a decade after failing to clamp down on Paraguay's 'dark arts' in their World Cup last-16 tie. France secured a 1-0 win over Paraguay on Saturday with Kylian Mbappe's penalty enough to send Didier Deschamps team through to a quarter-final against Morocco. Paraguay had earned praise for their defensive resilience against France‚ who had scored three or more goals in their four previous matches at the tournament.

CHARLOTTE DALY IN MEXICO CITY: England's security team have insisted Mexican fans' attempts to disturb the Three Lions' sleep ahead of their World Cup last-16 showdown have had little to no impact on the squad. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside England's team hotel on the eve of Monday's clash at the Azteca Stadium in a bid to create a hostile atmosphere‚ chanting‚ singing and revving engines in scenes designed to unsettle Thomas Tuchel's players. But an England security official dismissed suggestions the squad's preparations had been disrupted when speaking to Daily Mail Sport outside the hotel at midnight.

Canada head coach Jesse Marsch is being ruthlessly mocked by soccer fans after making a bizarre comment following his team's World Cup elimination. The Canadian men's national team was sent packing from the 2026 tournament on Saturday afternoon after suffering a brutal 3-0 defeat at the hands of Morocco. Despite being eliminated from the competition‚ Marsch delivered a post-match interview where he claimed he would still rather be in his position than Morocco's.