Still no stopping Haaland as Man City star tees up England showdown
Erling Haaland’s explosive first FIFA World Cup continued as he bagged his third brace of the tournament to fire Norway to a memorable 2-1 win over Brazil in the last 16, setting up a mouthwatering quarter-final clash against England.
The Manchester City striker is firmly in contention to win the World Cup Golden Boot at the first time of asking, leading that race with seven goals alongside Kylian Mbappe (of France) and Lionel Messi (Argentina) as things stand.
Sunday’s game was Haaland in a nutshell – four shots, three on target, two goals – as he became the first European player since Italy great Christian Vieri in 1998 to score in their first four World Cup appearances.
He’s already racked up more goals in the competition than numerous greats – among them Premier League icons Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie.
Man City’s goal machine will be playing against familiar opposition in the quarter-finals as Norway take on England – who used nine Premier League-based players during Sunday night’s epic 3-2 victory over Mexico.
Haaland could also come up against current and former club team-mates in Marc Guehi, the recently signed Elliot Anderson, Nico O’Reilly and John Stones – the latter of whom has just left Man City after the expiry of his contract.
Worryingly for the Three Lions, Haaland has scored in each of his last 14 international outings – and not only that, but he’s averaged just shy of two goals a game during that run.
De Zerbi hails ‘special’ Tonali after midfielder completes Spurs move
Sandro Tonali’s move from Newcastle United to Tottenham Hotspur represents a reunion of sorts, as the Italy midfielder links up with compatriot Roberto De Zerbi.
But the connection is much more concrete than just their nationality: Tonali came through the youth system at his new head coach’s hometown club, Brescia, making almost 100 appearances before joining AC Milan.
Watch: Sandro Tonali's STANDOUT Premier League moments
De Zerbi told the Spurs website: “I have followed him for a long time, as he came through the youth system at my hometown club, Brescia, and I'm so happy to be working with him now.
“Given his qualities, there was a lot of interest in Sandro this summer. However, he was very clear in his desire to join Tottenham, and I know our fans will love what he brings to the team.”
Tonali added: “I spoke to the head coach for close to two hours about the club, the fans, the stadium and our football. It was like magic because I knew immediately that I had to sign for Tottenham.”
The 26-year-old arrives at Spurs after making 110 Premier League appearances in three seasons with Newcastle, where he established himself as one of the top flight’s most well-rounded midfielders – something which won’t have come as a surprise to De Zerbi.
Tonali could link up alongside Mateus Fernandes in De Zerbi's engine room after Spurs signed the Portuguese midfielder from West Ham United last Thursday.
Premier League legend wins World Cup epic for England – but loses voice
England recorded one of their most famous World Cup triumphs by overcoming Mexico’s formidable record at the iconic Estadio Azteca to inflict just the co-hosts’ third competitive defeat there in 90 games – and it was a Premier League legend who notched what proved to be the winner.
Three Lions captain and three-time Premier League Golden Boot winner Harry Kane dispatched his second penalty of the tournament as England ground out a momentous victory despite playing most of the second half with 10 men after former Liverpool defender Jarrell Quansah saw red.
And England’s understandable ecstasy was epitomised by Spurs great Kane, who embraced another ex-Spurs striker Peter Crouch, and celebrated almost to the point of speechlessness after the game.
“It was a crazy game,” Kane reflected. “We had to fight. I’ve just been singing there – can’t really talk.”
Newcastle’s Dan Burn, making his World Cup debut, echoed Kane’s sentiments, commending England for how they “rose to the challenge” – ironically while initially stooping to reach a microphone considerably lower than his towering 6ft 7in frame.
Having described the night as “probably the best away day I’ve had in an England shirt”, Declan Rice – who ended up with the captain’s armband after Kane was substituted late on – played down the impact of playing at over 7,000 feet above sea level.
“I was surprised,” said the Arsenal midfielder. “The altitude wasn’t as…there’s been so much talk about that and, to be fair, training yesterday was a little bit [difficult], but today I didn’t really feel it as much.”
England will have no such worries in Saturday’s quarter-final against Norway which takes place in Miami – around 13 feet (or roughly two Dan Burns) above sea level.
Henderson’s World Cup over in freak fashion
It wasn't all positive for England, though. Brentford’s Jordan Henderson was taken back to the dressing room on a stretcher and later taken to hospital after injuring his wrist following a freak tumble over an advertising hoarding.
As the rest of the England squad flew back to their base in Kansas City, the Premier League-winning Liverpool captain stayed behind in Mexico City with a member of England's medical staff for treatment.
“Not good, not good,” head coach Thomas Tuchel said of the injury to Henderson. “Jordan fell over and injured his wrist; it looks really bad.”
The Athletic have reported that Henderson requires surgery and is set to miss the rest of the tournament.
New Forest boss Glasner part of Premier League record
Eight Premier League clubs will begin the 2026/27 campaign with new managers – a joint record with the 2016/17 season.
Oliver Glasner is the latest confirmed appointment: the FA Cup and Conference League-winning Crystal Palace boss succeeds Vitor Pereira as Nottingham Forest head coach having left Selhurst Park at the end of last season.
Pierre Sage has replaced Glasner at Palace, with AFC Bournemouth seeing Andoni Iraola leave for Liverpool.