… Trent Alexander-Arnold, left out of England’s World Cup squad, recorded the assist, with his cross from the right superbly volleyed in by Kylian Mbappe. …
… But the Spanish giants brought on talent from the bench to change the outcome, including summer signings Espi, Marc Cucurella, Yan Diomande – Real’s record signing from RB Leipzig in a deal worth up to £120m – and England full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. …
… Diomande formed a strong partnership with right-back Ridle Baku at Leipzig, and his attacking threat could be enhanced further by linking up with creative and experienced full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cucurella at Real.
… Diomande connected very well with right-back Ridle Baku at Leipzig and may look even stronger with the support of the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Marc Cucurella. …
… That’s a bit strange.” Leaving the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White and Adam Wharton out of the 26-man England squad was always going to be a cause for debate. …
… The right-sided player is Real’s fourth summer signing after Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate, and is set to provide competition to England international Trent Alexander-Arnold. …
… He’s a player who can produce on the big stage and, for me, you want those players on the plane.” Another player Terry believes could have made a major impact is Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose recent move to Spanish giants Real Madrid has once again placed him among the most talke …
… The Portuguese icon has also requested a ‘reliable right-back’ as Trent Alexander-Arnold has had a tricky debut campaign in the Spanish capital, while club legend Dani Carvajal is leaving. …
… Konate is set to become the second player to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid for nothing in successive summers following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real last year.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham scored in the 19th minute to help Real Madrid defeat Malaga 4-0 in La Liga, extending Jose Mourinho's winning streak to three consecutive victories. Bellingham's goal came after he dribbled past three defenders from 35 yards out, and he was involved in Real's second goal as well.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham scored in the 19th minute to help Real Madrid defeat Malaga 4-0 in La Liga, extending Jose Mourinho's winning streak to three consecutive victories. Bellingham's goal came after he dribbled past three defenders from 35 yards out, and he was involved in Real's second goal as well.
Jose Mourinho's first competitive match of his second spell as Real Madrid manager ended with a thrilling 90th-minute winner from debutant Carlos Espi against Espanyol, after Jude Bellingham had given Real an early lead but Espanyol equalized in the 30th minute.
Real Madrid have signed 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig for a fee worth up to £120m on a seven-year contract. If the full amount is paid, Diomande would become the most expensive African player and the fourth most expensive player in history.
The 19-year-old African winger Yan Diomande is signing with Real Madrid for more than £100m, making him a record sale for RB Leipzig, a record signing for Real Madrid, and the most expensive African player in history. His rise has been rapid — less than 18 months ago he was largely unknown before playing for Leganes and then Leipzig.
Wayne Rooney says the FA should retain Thomas Tuchel as England head coach unless Pep Guardiola becomes available, arguing there are few alternatives of comparable quality despite Tuchel's World Cup inexperience.
Real Madrid have signed Netherlands full-back Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan on a four-year deal, reportedly activating his 20m-euro release clause. The 30-year-old is Real's fourth summer signing and will provide competition to Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Former England captain John Terry, now a SuperSport FIFA World Cup analyst, believes England have a genuine opportunity to win the 2026 World Cup, citing a strong squad and the importance of keeping Harry Kane fit. England begin their campaign against Croatia on Wednesday, 17 June.
Jose Mourinho has agreed to return to Real Madrid on an initial two-year contract with an option for an additional 12 months. According to Spanish press reports, Mourinho has asked Madrid for six signings to rebuild the squad, with a focus on overhauling the defence and signing two new midfielders.
France defender Ibrahima Konate is in advanced talks with Real Madrid about joining on a free transfer after his Liverpool contract expires in June. The 27-year-old's contract extension with Liverpool fell apart over disagreements on wages and value.
Dani Carvajal, 34, will depart Real Madrid at the end of the season when his contract expires in June, ending a 23-year association with the club spanning two spells. The Madrid-born right-back, who has made 450 appearances and won 27 titles including six Champions League titles, is departing after recent serious knee injuries.
Dani Carvajal, 34, will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season when his contract expires in June after two spells at the club covering 23 years. The right-back made 450 appearances, won 27 titles including six Champions League titles, and is among only five players to win the Champions League six times.
Mohamed Salah has called for Liverpool to return to a "heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear" following a 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa that has left their Champions League hopes uncertain. Salah, who will leave Liverpool at the end of the season after nine years and six major trophies, appeared to criticise head coach Arne Slot, saying their identity under former manager Jurgen Klopp must be "recovered and kept for good."
Thomas Tuchel has submitted England's 55-player provisional squad for the World Cup, which begins on 11 June in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Luke Shaw, Danny Welbeck, Alex Scott and Trent Alexander-Arnold are believed to be included, though the final squad of 26 players will be announced on 22 May.
Marcus Rashford scored a free-kick as Barcelona beat Real Madrid to clinch their 29th La Liga title with three games remaining. Barcelona have won back-to-back La Liga titles and lead Real Madrid by 14 points after an 11-game winning run.