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The two attackers proved instrumental in their clubs' big wins, while Everton's backline starred in the Toffees' win over Arsenal

Getty1Eden Hazard | ChelseaHazard scored both goals in Chelsea's 2-0 win over West Ham, also creating a match-high five chances.AdvertisementGetty Images2Chris Wood | BurnleyChris Wood scored Burnley's equaliser at Bournemouth, while no Clarets player created more chances than him (two).3Mohamed Salah | LiverpoolSalah netted Liverpool's second goal at Southampton, while only Firmino (two) created as many chances than the Egyptian (two).ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty Images4James Maddison | Leicester CityAs well as scoring Leicester's third goal against Huddersfield, Maddison completed 96% of his attempted passes.

These continental sides left an indelible mark in the world’s biggest tournament

David Cannon/AllsportCameroon 1982

Eight years before Cameroon’s finest hour at the World Cup, they impressed on their first appearance at the tournament—in 1982.

The Indomitable Lions may have fallen at the first hurdle, but they were eliminated without losing a single match—having lost all three fixtures—including a draw with eventual champions Italy in Vigo.

Gregoire M’Bida’s goal against the Italians was the first goal scored by a sub-Saharan African nation at the World Cup, and Cameroon’s draw against Peru was the first time a team from SSA had taken a point at the tournament.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesAlgeria 1982

Algeria may have been eliminated in the first round in 1982, but only following collusion between Austria and Germany—The Nichtangriffspakt von Gijon—as the European sides conspired to ensure a German victory with a scoreline that would see both teams through to the knockout stages.

It remains one of the ugliest moments in World Cup history—prompting a change in the rules—and ultimately ended a remarkable Algeria journey in which they had stunned West Germany 2-1 in their opener, before also dispatching Chile 3-2 in their final group game.

That Rabah Madjer and Lakhdar Belloumi-inspired victory over a Germany side who ultimately reached the final is one of Africa’s great undervalued triumphs on the world stage.

Nigeria 1994

Nigeria’s greatest team won continental gold in the mid-90s, bringing the Afcon title back to Lagos for the first time since their maiden success in 1980.

Triumph over Zambia in the ’94 final—with Emmanuel Amuneke putting on a masterclass to net twice—was followed up by a run to the knockout stages of the World Cup later that year, and then Olympic gold in 1996.

They caught the eye in their first appearance on the global stage—memorably thumping Bulgaria 3-0 at the Cotton Bowl, Dallas in their tournament debut—before being defeated by Italy in extra time in the Round of 16.

The team should have achieved more, although withdrawing from the ’96 Afcon and then being banned for the next edition certainly slowed their momentum.

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Ghana 2010

So much focus is put on Ghana’s exploits at the 2010 World Cup, that it’s become easy to overlook their Nations Cup campaign earlier that year, when they held a magnificent Egypt team for 85 minutes in the final before Gedo broke Black Stars hearts.

Up to that point, the West Africans had dispatched Togo, Angola and Nigeria en route to the final, with Asamoah Gyan and Andre Ayew in particularly exceptional form.

Those two would again be central to Ghana’s campaign at the World Cup in South Africa, as Milovan Rajevac’s talented side became only the third African team to reach the quarter-finals at the grandest stage of all.

Amidst the notoriety of the latter stages of the Stars’ campaign, their opening 1-0 victory over an excellent Serbia team and subsequent 1-1 draw with Australia in Rusenburg have largely been overlooked, with Gyan the goalscorer on both of those occasions.

In the Last 16, again, Baby Jet stole the show, netting a 93rd-miute extra-time winner against the United States to set up that infamous quarter-final against Uruguay.

This Ghana side, even without injured Michael Essien, were more than plucky upstarts, building on the form they’d shown in 2006, marrying athleticism and power with a technical quality and vibrancy in attack.

It was only the Hand of Suarez—and that missed Gyan penalty—that denied them a spot in the final four as Africa’s first ever semi-final representatives.

Roberto Firmino inspired a 7-1 annihilation of Rangers that might just have turned the Reds' season around.

It’s fair to say that Mohamed Salah has found his touch again. And maybe, just maybe, so have Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have been battered from pillar to post of late, but they gave their supporters a night to remember in Glasgow, coming from behind to smash Rangers 7-1 at Ibrox. 

A significant win, in more ways than one. One more point will see the Reds safely into the Champions League knockout stages for the sixth successive season, for starters, but what this victory may do for their confidence is equally important. This was as convincing a performance as they have delivered in some time.

Salah grabbed the headlines, coming off the bench to score the fastest hat-trick in Champions League history. It took the Egyptian only six minutes and 12 seconds to write his name into the record books, proving rumours of his demise are premature, to say the least.

Earlier, Roberto Firmino had continued his own fine form, scoring twice to give the Reds the lead after Scott Arfield had fired Rangers in front.

Darwin Nunez got his first Champions League goal for the Reds to make it 3-1, and Harvey Elliott did likewise, after a lengthy VAR check, to round off the scoring after Salah’s whirlwind cameo.

All in all, a hugely positive night for Klopp and his side, who may just have rediscovered some form at the right time, with Manchester City visiting Anfield this weekend in the Premier League.

GettyThe Winners

Roberto Firmino:

If this is to be Roberto Firmino's last year at Liverpool, he looks determined to make sure it's a memorable one.

The Brazilian has been the Reds' most decisive player in recent weeks, and he made another huge contribution here, putting on a masterclass to drag his side back into the game after the shock of conceding early.

Firmino rose highest to head Liverpool level, seven minutes after Scott Arfield had shook them to their boots with the opener, and he was in the right place again, 10 minutes after half time, to convert Joe Gomez's delicious cross at the far post.

Then came the party piece, a sumptuous backheeled assist for Darwin Nunez to make it 3-1. He departed soon after to a standing ovation from the travelling Reds, and no wonder. Without their No.9 right now, who knows where Liverpool would be?

Mohamed Salah:

No starting place? No problem! Mo Salah could have been the headline-grabber for all the wrong reasons here, left out of Klopp's XI having been substituted in the defeat to Arsenal on Sunday. Signs of decline, perhaps, in the relentless Egyptian?

Erm, no. On he came, 68 minutes on the clock and Liverpool leading 3-1. Within seven minutes he'd scored, and just over six minutes later he had bagged a historic hat-trick.

They were great finishes, too. Rangers may have given up the ghost – their final half hour was little short of disgraceful – but this was exactly what Salah, and Klopp, wanted. What they needed. The Egyptian King is back on his throne. City be warned.

Harvey Elliott:

Elliott rounded off the scoring three minutes from time, after a long wait for VAR to check a possible offside against Diogo Jota. It was no more than the 19-year-old deserved.

This was a mature, classy performance from Elliott, who caused havoc on the right flank, playing with maturity, conviction and desire at a time when his team needed him to.

He was the one, when Liverpool struggled initially, who took the fight to Rangers, seeking out the ball and driving at defenders. He had a big part to play in Liverpool's second goal, finding Joe Gomez with a super touch before the full-back crossed for Firmino, and his link-up play was sharp all night long.

When he plays like this, he brings out the best in others, and he connected relentlessly with Nunez, with Firmino, with Fabio Carvalho and, eventually, with Salah. A night to remember, for a very special young talent.

AdvertisementGettyThe Losers

Giovanni Van Bronckhorst:

Oh dear, Rangers. Where do you go from here?

European football gave them everything last season, but the step up to the Champions League has been little short of a catastrophe for the Europa League finalists. They have lost four out of four, scoring only once and conceding 16.

They looked, for a short spell, like they might spring a surprise here. Ibrox was rocking when Arfield fired them ahead on 17 minutes, their first goal in this competition since Kenny Miller scored against Bursaspor in 2010, but Firmino's equaliser arrived too quickly, and Liverpool simply blew them away after the break.

Clearly, there is a gulf between the sides, but there are ways to lose football matches, and this was embarrassing for Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who saw his side capitulate once Firmino had made it 2-1. He also saw his fans head for the exits long before the final whistle.

A damning indictment, at a place famed for its home support. How much longer will he last, one wonders?

Ajax:

It looks like Napoli and Liverpool will be the two sides progressing from Group A, then?

Napoli are already through, in fact. The Serie A leaders might be the most exciting side in Europe right now, demonstrating their prowess with a 4-2 win over Ajax in the early kick off.

The Eredivisie side know they need to beat Liverpool in Amsterdam later this month to keep their hopes alive. Klopp's side know a draw would see them safely into the knockout stages, and that even a defeat would be fine, if they were to get a result against Napoli on the final matchday.

A group which looked tight to begin with, may well be done and dusted with a game to spare.

GettyLiverpool Ratings: Defence

Alisson Becker (6/10):

Exposed again for Arfield's opener, otherwise not required to do much else. A couple of hesitant moments coming off his line, but nothing serious.

Joe Gomez (7/10):

Looked a bag of nerves in the first half, getting away with one poor backpass at 1-0. But showed real character to come through that and make a big impact in the second half. Great ball for Firmino's second goal.

Kostas Tsimikas (5/10):

Delivered the corner from which Firmino levelled, but struggled badly against Sakala. Still too rash at times and doesn't inspire confidence.

Ibrahima Konate (7/10):

Strong and decisive, this was a good return to the starting XI for the Frenchman.

Virgil van Dijk (7/10):

Dominant aerially as ever. A bit of an edgy first half, but fully in control thereafter.

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GettyMidfield

Fabinho (7/10):

Slow start but grew into it, although seemed to play further forward than usual in the first half. Dominant after the break.

Jordan Henderson (6/10):

Didn't start the game at all well amid the frenzied atmosphere. Rushed in possession and lacked quality. Looked devoid of confidence, though he like others got better after the interval.

Harvey Elliott (8/10):

A difference-maker. The youngster showed courage and willingness to take the ball and carry it throughout. Mature and composed, he deserved his goal.

Exactly how much money have Aston Villa spent on new players in this millennium?

Aston Villa have traditionally been a force to be reckoned with in the English top flight, while they are also one of only five English clubs to have won the European Cup.

They have not quite been able to scale those heights in recent years, however, and they even found themselves back in the Championship at some point.

They are now looking to re-establish themselves as a Premier League household name and they have not hesitated to spend big in order to get there.

Villa have spent well over £400 million in the last four seasons alone and even managed to bring in former Liverpool and Barcelona ace Philippe Coutinho to further highlight their ambitions.

But who are their most expensive transfers since the turn of the millennium and how much have they spent each campaign?

Aston Villa most expensive transfers by season

SEASON

MOST EXPENSIVE SIGNING

FEE

TOTAL SPENDING

2022-23

Diego Carlos

£27.90M

£63M

2021-22

Emiliano Buendia

£34.56M

£116.84M

2020-21

Ollie Watkins

£30.60

£91.22M

2019-20

Wesley Moraes

£22.50M

£143.55M

2018-19

Lovre Kalinic

£5.40M

£17.19M

2017-18

Glenn Whelan

£1.53M

£2.52M

2016-17

Ross McCormack

£12.87M

£76.95M

2015-16

Jordan Ayew

£10.80M

£59.90M

2014-15

Carlos Sanchez

£5.40M

£12.11M

2013-14

Libor Kozak

£5.85M

£17.86M

2012-13

Christian Benteke

£7.92M

£25.05M

2011-12

Charles N'Zogbia

£9.72M

£18.30M

2010-11

Darren Bent

£19.35M

£33.66M

2009-10

Stewart Downing

£11.70M

£42.21M

2008-09

James Milner

£13.50M

£50.31M

2007-08

Nigel Reo-Coker

£11.25M

£22.41M

2006-07

Ashley Young

£11.88M

£22.23M

2005-06

Milan Baros

£7.96M

£14.89M

2004-05

Martin Laursen

£4.77M

£9.13M

2003-04

Gavin McCann

£3.04M

£7.54M

2002-03

Marcus Allback

£2.70M

£8.17M

2001-02

Bosko Balaban

£7.02M

£24.49M

2000-01

Juan Pablo Angel

£12.96M

£19.01M

Total

£898.54M

Aston Villa's top 10 most expensive player signingsGetty Images10Philippe Coutinho | £18m | Barcelona | 2022

After an underwhelming spell at Barcelona, Coutinho joined Aston Villa on loan in January 2022 in an attempt to revive his career, reuniting with former Liverpool team-mate and then manager Steven Gerrard.

Coutinho made his debut on January 15, scoring an equaliser against Manchester United in a 2-2 draw in the Premier League.

His impressive performances throughout the second half of the 2021-22 season saw him signed permanently for just £18 million from Barcelona in the summer window of 2022 in probably one of the greatest bargains of the transfer window.

AdvertisementGetty Images9Darren Bent | £19.35m | Sunderland | 2010

Bent played for Aston Villa between 2011 to 2015 after joining from Sunderland in controversial fashion.

The attacker submitted a transfer request to Sunderland in January 2011 when Villa made a club-record £18 million bid for him, which was rejected.

The Birmingham giants then improved their offer to £19.35m, potentially rising to £24 million, which was accepted before Bent signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Villa.

Bent made 61 appearances for the club, scoring 21 goals.

Getty8Tyrone Mings | £20m | Bournemouth | 2019

Mings arrived at Aston Villa on loan from Bournemouth in January 2019, before signing permanently for them at the end of the season for £20m.

The defender scored his first goal for Villa in only his second game for the club against Sheffield United, where they were losing 3-0 but went on to complete a comeback and draw 3-3.

Slowly, Mings became a fan favourite at the club, signing a new four-year deal in September 2020.

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Aston Villa FC7Wesley Moraes | £22.5m | Club Brugge | 2019

Wesley signed for Aston Villa in the summer of 2019 for £22.5m and scored his first Villa goal in his third appearance – a 2-0 win against Everton.

In January 2020, he suffered a severe cruciate knee ligament injury after a horror tackle from Burnley's Ben Mee.

His injury was initially predicted to take around nine months to recover from, but it was later found that the damage was more severe and he spent even longer on the sidelines.

He returned to football in March 2021, playing his first few games after a long layoff before returning to Club Brugge in the summer on a season-long loan.

In January 2022, he was recalled and loaned to Brazilian club Internacional for a year, only to be recalled from his temporary spell prematurely once again, before he was eventually sent on loan to Levante ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.

GOAL counts down the top 10 performers at an incredible competition in Qatar…

Diego Maradona, Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane – some of the biggest names in football history have illuminated the game’s grandest stage. But who was the best player at this year's tournament?

Obviously, Lionel Messi led by example for Argentina, but he was ably supported by breakout stars such as Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez, as well as veteran centre-back Nicolas Otamendi.

But what about France's outstanding attackers? Olivier Giroud became the country's all-time leading scorer, Kylian Mbappe was just phenomenal, while Antoine Griezmann was the brains behind the operation.

Then again, maybe the award should go to one of the men starred for Morocco during their historic run to the last four?

Below, GOAL runs through the tournament's 10 best players…

10Nicolas Otamendi

Few expected Otamendi to play such a pivotal part in Argentina's campaign. Indeed, there were those that thought the 34-year-old was the weak link in Lionel Scaloni's side and he did give away a penalty in the final. However, Otamendi was immense for the Albiceleste, turning in a succession of inspirational performances at the back, characterised by aerial dominance (no player has won more headers) and crunching tackles. The huge roar he received as he stepped up to collect his winner's medal showed just how much the fans have appreciated this remarkable swansong.

AdvertisementGetty9Josko Gvardiol

The Croatia defender may have been given the run-around by Messi in the semi-finals but Gvardiol showed in Qatar why he's being chased by a host of top European clubs. The 20-year-old centre-back ranked second for interceptions and third for possession won. Gvardiol also popped up with a goal in the third-placed play-off win over Morocco, thus becoming his nation's youngest ever scorer at the tournament.

Getty8Julian Alvarez

We knew Julian Alvarez was good, of course. Manchester City don't usually sign duds. But nobody expected Alvarez to make such a big impact in Qatar. Remember, he started the tournament on the bench but started the final having scored four goals, including two in the last-four win over Croatia. On top of that, he ran himself into the ground, compensating for Messi's lack of defensive work by covering every blade of grass with his pressing and clever movement.

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Getty7Achraf Hakimi

The Paris Saint-Germain ace has cemented his status as the most complete full-back in world football with his performances in Qatar. With his marauding runs down the right flank and tournament-high 14 tackles won, Hakimi played a pivotal role in Morocco's sensational run to the semi-finals. Indeed, it was the Paris Saint-Germain ace who coolly converted the decisive spot-kick in the last-16 shootout success over Spain.

The Blues are huge underdogs heading into their Champions League quarter-final against the Blancos – but they do have the talent to upset the odds

There was no new manager bounce for Chelsea at Wolves on Saturday, as Frank Lampard watched his new team suffer a dismal 1-0 loss that leaves them closer to the Premier League's relegation zone than it does the top four.

"I was relying on the players on Saturday a little bit and giving some messaging, which we did as much as we could," the Blues caretaker boss admitted after the game.

Lampard inherited an extremely bloated squad from Graham Potter on the back of the club's unprecedented January transfer splurge, and he's ready to experiment with the line up in order to deliver a turnaround in fortunes.

"It’s a clean slate for everyone and that’s the challenge to all the players over the next few weeks," he added.

A lack of goals is the biggest concern for Lampard, with Chelsea having failed to find the net in eight of their last 13 games across all competitions.

It's fair to say, then, that Real Madrid won't be quaking in their boots when the Blues arrive at Santiago Bernabeu for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday. The reigning European champions saw off a much better Chelsea side at the same stage of last season's competition, and are many people's favourites to win the European Cup again come June 10.

However, Lampard will be out to turn the script on its head, and he has unfinished business in the Champions League, having been sacked by Chelsea in January 2021 before their unlikely run to glory under Thomas Tuchel.

A perfect game plan will be needed for the Blues to edge the heavyweight tie, and GOAL has assessed how they can really hurt Real across the two legs…

GettyUnleash James & Chilwell

Chelsea only recorded one shot on target against Wolves as they offered little to no attacking threat after setting up in a 4-3-3 formation.

Lampard ditched Potter's preferred 3-4-2-1 system in an attempt to freshen things up, but in doing so, he restricted the two most dangerous players in his squad.

Former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp, who just so happens to be Lampard's uncle, pointed out the issue after the game, telling : "I think they’re perfect to set-up with three at the back. They've got [great] wing-backs in [Ben] Chillwell and [Reece] James, you’ve got centre halves galore."

James and Chilwell are both finally back to full fitness after a nightmare time with respective injuries, and they carry a huge threat in the final third when deployed in their favoured wing-back positions, which is where Lampard must use them against Real.

The two England internationals can provide the width that Chelsea sorely need, and create space for the likes of Joao Felix and Kai Havertz to really make an impact.

AdvertisementGettyLet Sterling lead the line

Chelsea only have one natural centre-forward on their books right now in the form of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but he was exiled by Potter before his sacking.

Unfortunately for Lampard, he can't even bring the Gabon striker back into the starting line up against Madrid because he was left out of Chelsea's final squad for the Champions League knockout phase.

Felix and Havertz have been favoured to lead the Blues' attack as a result, but Raheem Sterling should get the nod when they travel to Spain in midweek.

“Raheem has been there and done it and there’s history of producing,” Lampard has said ahead of the first leg. “I think he’s a fantastic player."

That history includes a trophy-laden six-year spell at Manchester City that saw him score 131 goals in 339 games. Sterling often operated as a false nine under Pep Guardiola, showing off an impressive knack of getting in behind defences and finishing with aplomb.

With Havertz's confidence low, Sterling is the best option Chelsea have through the middle right now, and he could have plenty of joy against a Real backline that was torn apart by Villarreal in their latest La Liga outing.

GettyKeep Vinicius Junior quiet

If Chelsea are to have any hope of progressing to the semi-finals, then they have to stop Madrid's new main man: Vinicius Junior.

Karim Benzema is still the Blancos' top goalscorer and has been in fine form since the March international break, but Vinicius is the one who puts the chances on a plate for the veteran French forward.

He is also the player that sparks Real into life at the top end of the pitch, whether by skipping past defenders or playing one-twos in and around the box to open up space.

The Brazilian is almost unstoppable in full flow, and has a useful habit of delivering in the biggest matches – as evidenced by his match-winning display in last season's Champions League final.

James even named Vinicius as one of his toughest-ever opponents in a Q&A session on social media in December, but the full-back did a stellar job of restricting his impact in the second leg of Chelsea's clash with Real last term.

Lampard will need a repeat performance from James this time around if the Blues are to pick up a positive result at the Bernabeu to take back to Stamford Bridge on April 18.

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Getty ImagesTarget Real's weak left-side

Madrid were already out of the Spanish title race prior to Saturday's home encounter against Villarreal, but the manner of their defeat should be a cause for concern for Carlo Ancelotti.

Samuel Chukwueze scored a double for the visitors, including a sublime winner that saw him ghost past Nacho before rifling the ball into the far corner of Thibaut Courtois' net.

The Nigeria international was a menace throughout the contest as he exposed Real's glaring deficiencies on the left.

Nacho, Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba have all filled in at left-back in the absence of the injured Ferland Mendy since the turn of the year, with underwhelming results.

Camavinga is set to get the nod again against Chelsea, and although he is improving gradually, he is not a natural fit for the role.

Chelsea would be wise to target that side, with James likely to get a lot of joy if he's given the freedom to bomb forward.

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A collab to celebrate the duo's 7 year long partnership

Dsquared2 – the brand behind the Manchester City pre-match uniforms – celebrates its seven-year partnership with the club, launching a capsule collection of ready-to-wear and accessories decked in the club crest and Dsquared2 logo.

Keeping true to the Dsquared2 DNA, the collection features key brand signatures, including denim, outerwear, baseball caps and trainers with two different logo designs.

Dsquared2

Capitalised, the words “Dsquared2 for Manchester City Limited Edit” are printed in white on the back of a black tailored jacket with a split vent, the front of a blue denim shirt and jeans, on a black crewneck knit and on a baseball cap and the tongue of black lace-up boots.

Detailed with a ship and diagonal stripes, the Manchester City circular crest is printed in white on the reverse of a black bomber jacket, a back pocket of black straight-fit denim jeans, on the front of a black jumper knit and on a beanie, baseball cap and backpack. Low-top black leather trainers are printed with white Manchester City on the reverse.

Dsquared2

The limited capsule seamlessly blends the Man City identity with the brand DNA of Dsquared2 across a range of clothing, making for quite the collection of luxury everyday essentials.

The collection is available to buy right now exclusively from Dsquared2, here’s a closer look at some of the best items available:

Shop: Dsquared2 x Man City Capsule

Manchester City SweaterDsquared2£465.00 at Dsquared2

Available in XS, S, M, L, XL and 2XL.

Advertisement

Manchester City Bomber JacketDsquared2£1,415.00 at Dsquared2

Available in 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52 and 54.

Manchester City Knit BeanieDsquared2£245.00 at Dsquared2

Available in one size.

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Manchester City Dark Sky Wash Classic Kenny JeansDsquared2£525.00 at Dsquared2

Available in 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54 and 56.

GOAL tells you everything you need to know about competitions, leagues and tournaments that you can watch in the summer!

The 2022-23 regular football season is in its last lap. While some of the domestic leagues in Europe, including the Premier League and the Bundesliga have played their last matchday, there are a few that still rumbles on, like La Liga, Serie A, and Ligue 1.

With the Champions League final on June 10 between Manchester City and Inter, the 2022-23 European top-tier club football season will draw close.

However, there is plenty of footballing action across the world that will continue to rumble to keep you hooked to the screens before the 2023-24 season starts in August.

The MLS will be going on in full swing in the United States while the Premier League Summer Series, a pre-season tournament, will also be played across the Atlantic.

Manchester United are also heading to the United States for the first time in five years as part of their preparations for the 2023-24 season where they are set to lock horns against Lyon, Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid & Borussia Dortmund.

Moreover, we have the FIFA Women's World Cup as well later in July where we will see the top teams battle for the ultimate prize in women's international football.

GOAL lists the major footballing tournaments that you can follow in the summer!

GettyPremier League Summer Series

The Premier League Summer Series is a brand-new tournament that will be held in the USA between July 22 to July 30.

Six Premier League clubs – Chelsea, Newcastle, Brighton, Fulham, Brentford and Aston Villa – will take part in the inaugural edition of the pre-season competition.

How to watch & stream Premier League Summer Series 2023?

All the Premier League Summer Series 2023 matches will be broadcast onNBC Sports Networkand can be streamed viaPeacock.

Premier League Summer Series 2023 tickets

Tickets for the Premier League Summer Series 2023 in the United States are available to buy now. You can purchase through the links below, subject to availability.

Get tickets for Premier League Summer Series 2023Get tickets for Premier League Summer Series 2023Useful Links

Liverpool pre-season 2023: Tour, fixtures, results, tickets & how to watch

Man City pre-season 2023: Tour, fixtures, results, tickets & how to watch

AdvertisementGetty ImagesSoccer Champions Tour

The biggest teams in Europe including Manchester United, Arsenal, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus and AC Milan will participate in the Soccer Champions Tour in the United States.

Eight matches will be played across eight locations in the United States from July 22 to August 2.

Soccer Champions Tour2023 tickets

Tickets are available on theSoccer Champions Tour website.

How to watch & stream Soccer Champions Tour 2023

The broadcasters are yet to be confirmed but each of the club's in-house networks could live stream the friendlies.

Live soccer on U.S. TV

Live football on UK TV

GETTY IMAGES FIFA Women's World Cup

The FIFA Women's World Cup will kick off on July 20, 2023, with co-hosts New Zealand featuring in the opening match in Auckland. Later the same day, Australia will play the first game of the tournament in Sydney.

The United States start as strong favourites and will look to become the first team to win the tournament three times in a row after becoming just the second nation to win back-to-back Women's World Cup titles in 2019.

How to watch the Women's World Cup 2023?

Fans in the United States can watch the Women's World Cup via Fox Sports and Telemundo.

However, FIFA is yet to hand over the broadcasting rights in Britain, Spain, France, Germany and Italy.

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GettyUEFA European Championship Qualifiers

The UEFA European Championship Qualifiers have already started and it is set to resume in the next international window on June 16.

Matchdays three and four will be played in June before it makes a comeback in September.

How to watch & stream England Euro 2024 games on TV & online

All England matches in the Euro 2024 qualifying round will be broadcast onChannel 4and can be streamed onAll4in theUK.

In theU.S., England's matches can be watched onFox Sportsand can be streamed onFuboTV, Foxsports.comandFox Sports App.

Pep Guardiola's side have had an almost perfect season, but there is still room to improve, so who should they buy to build on their success?

How do Manchester City top a season like this? They have just wrapped up a third Premier League title and are on a quest to complete the treble. But Pep Guardiola has never stood still and is already planning the squad for next season.

It seems crazy to say it after an utterly dominant campaign domestically and in Europe, but there are several areas of the squad City need to address. They are keen to sign a new centre-back, with Aymeric Laporte expected to part ways with the club, and are looking to add a wide forward and a midfielder, too.

GOAL assesses who City are most likely to sign to continue their era of hegemony…

GettyMateo Kovacic (Chelsea)

City could be braced to lose one or both of Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan this summer, so signing a midfielder is one of their top priorities. Kovacic is a player City have shown a lot of interest in as the Croatian's contract with Chelsea runs into its final year and they have already opened talks with Mauricio Pochettino's side.

The 29-year-old has stalled a bit at Chelsea and is on the club's for-sale list as they need to trim their squad. It might seem strange to see the champions go after a player who has underwhelmed in one of Chelsea's worst ever seasons, but Guardiola has long had a love affair with midfielders, once stating that his dream would be to field 10 midfielders in a starting 11.

Kovacic is a tireless player who always puts in the work and has excellent ability for maintaining possession. He also has a superb attitude and will not kick up a fuss if he is left out for the odd game, something which is bound to happen when Guardiola is your coach.

AdvertisementGettyJosko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig)

Gvardiol is just the type of player Guardiola loves, and not just because their names sound similar! The Croatian has all the makings of a perfect utility player and could be the solution to several areas the coach needs to address, such as centre-back, full-back and midfield.

One of the breakout stars of the 2022 World Cup, Gvardiol is physically imposing yet technically brilliant, making him a perfect fit for the Premier League. And City have made his signing a priority for the summer.

Guardiola would relish turning him into a full-back that can effectively operate as a midfielder, just as he has done with Phillip Lahm, Joshua Kimmich, Dani Alves and Joao Cancelo in the past, and most recently with John Stones.

Gvardiol will not come cheap and City would expect to play between £70-80 million for him. But given he is only 21 and could stay at the club for a decade or more if things go well, it would be a price worth paying.

GettyJeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)

City's long-term future at right-back is far from certain as Kyle Walker is 32, and although he has finished the season strongly, he has experienced spells out of the team and Guardiola brutally aired his own doubts about his ability as an inverted full-back.

Signing Frimpong would be a divergence from the inside full-back model Guardiola has favoured in the latter half of the season, but attacking full-backs are always in high demand and Frimpong is one of the best around right now.

The Dutchman has been one of the outstanding full-backs in the Bundesliga since joining Leverkusen from Celtic in 2021, scoring nine goals and 10 assists in the league and Europa League. He has been playing as a wing back in Xabi Alonso's 3-4-3 system, but has the ability to play in a back four or even further forward on the right wing.

Signing Frimpong would mean City would have to swallow their pride, as he spent nine years in their academy before leaving for Celtic in 2019 without having played for the first team. However, that could work to City's advantage as he already knows the club and the city of Manchester, so would have few troubles reintegrating.

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Getty ImagesMoussa Diaby (Bayer Leverkusen)

Another area City are looking to strengthen is on the right of their attack to provide competition for Riyad Mahrez. And Diaby is one of the most exciting wide forwards in the world right now.

In the last two seasons, he has scored 31 goals and provided 25 assists, numbers to make any coach or sporting director sit up and take notice. The 23-year-old plays on the right but is naturally left-footed, loving to cut inside from the wing.

Diaby would cost City around £70m, but after making a profit on transfers last season and earning increased prize money for reaching the Champions League final, it is a fee they could comfortably afford.

The Portuguese has done his best to ruin his relationship with Diego Simeone and Rojiblancos fans by publicly pushing for a move to Camp Nou

"Some people are born with an innate talent that they show from a young age. Writers, painters, sculptors, sportsmen… The word that best describes Joao [Felix] is ‘talent’. At 19, he has a great career ahead of him and we’re proud that he chose the Red & White colours."

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo thought he'd completed one of the coups of the century when Felix's €126 million (£111m/$143m) transfer from Benfica was confirmed in July 2019. Every top club in Europe had been tracking Felix's progress at Estadio Da Luz, but he decided that Atleti offered him "the best conditions to progress".

A series of muscle injuries prevented Felix from making a significant impact and living up to comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo at the Metropolitano in 2019-20, but he didn't regret his decision. “I just play to have fun," he added in an interview with . "You don’t have to think you’re going to be the next Ronaldo or that you’re going to win this or that. You just have to have fun and enjoy the moment to the fullest.”

Simeone has always made sure that Atletico punch above their weight, instilling a sense of discipline and resilience in his squad along with a will to win by any means necessary. But 'fun' is not a word that has generally been associated with the Los Rojiblancos over the past decade.

Felix and Atletico never seemed like the right match, and so it has proved, despite his respectable haul of 34 goals and 16 assists across the last four seasons. The 23-year-old has played 131 games for Atletico to date, but he's failed to establish himself as a vital cog in Simeone's line up.

Indeed, he fell out of favour almost entirely in the first half of the 2022-23 campaign, completing a full 90 minutes in La Liga just once, and Atletico jumped at the chance to send him out on loan when Chelsea came calling.

Felix also failed to convince at Stamford Bridge, and it was no surprise when the Blues decided against trying to make his switch permanent. Speculation over his future has been raging since his return to Atleti, where he is still under contract until 2027.

But instead of working to get his career back on track in the Spanish capital, Felix has turned traitor by issuing a come-and-get-me plea to Atleti's arch-rivals, Barcelona…

(C)Getty images'Barcelona has always been my first choice'

Felix has made it crystal clear that he does not want to spend another year on Atletico's books. After being forced to train with the academy squad on the first day of pre-season, the Portugal international decided to take matters into his own hands.

"I’d love to play for Barca," Felix revealed to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. “Barcelona has always been my first choice and I’d love to join Barca. It was always my dream since I was a kid. If it happens, it will be a dream come true for me."

According to , Atletico officials had no idea Felix was planning to speak publicly, and they're furious with the timing of his comments. Simeone has a huge task on his hands to make his team La Liga title contenders again, with Barca and Real Madrid threatening to pull away after strengthening their respective squads in the summer market.

The last thing Simeone needs is to be worrying about the club's mutinous, spoiled and downright ungrateful record signing. And it appears he is ready to cut Felix loose to avoid any further distractions.

"The most important thing is that none of us in the team is more important than Atletico Madrid," the Argentine tactician said from the club's training camp in South Korea. "Atleti is much more important than all of us. When we arrived at this club, the values and their way of working such as commitment, humility, respect must be given by each person, but make it clear that there is no one, but nobody above Atletico Madrid."

AdvertisementGetty/TwitterNo turning back

Felix's transfer bombshell came just days after Cerezo had insisted he is still "very much loved by everyone" in the Atletico fold. "We are happy to have a player of the quality of Joao Felix," the club president added. "Fortunately for us, he plays for Atletico. To this day and until the contrary is proven, he is an Atletico player for many seasons."

Cerezo will have every right to feel betrayed after seeing Felix throw his show of faith right back in his face. And he doesn't deserve the chance to redeem himself.

According to , Atletico have already given Felix the green light to pursue his "dream" transfer to Camp Nou, which is the right call. Simeone is stubborn enough to let the attacker rot on the bench if he stays put, and such a sideshow could affect morale in the dressing room.

There is also the issue of Felix's broken relationship with Atletico fans to consider. A group of supporters desecrated a plaque marking the Portugal star's 100 appearances milestone outside the Metropolitano last week. They struck a cross through Felix's name and etched the words “go to Barca” and “wh*re” around the plate in an act of vandalism that has become a standard practice in recent years. Antoine Griezmann's plaque was also targeted after his 2019 move to Barca, and former Atleti goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was subjected to similar treatment after claiming Real Madrid are a bigger team.

Felix will be jeered relentlessly if he is still an Atletico player come the start of the new season. Griezmann, who was recently given Felix's No.7 shirt, received a hostile reception after re-joining the club on loan in 2021 and is still working to rebuild burnt bridges.

"I as a fan would also have been very angry. It’s what I deserved," the Frenchman told in March. Felix doesn't appear to have the same capacity for self-reflection, and Atletico fans will never forgive his shameless act of treachery.

Getty ImagesLaporta loves Felix

If Atletico are to successfully offload Felix, Barca looks to be their best option, despite the club's ongoing financial troubles. As per the Liga champions ran some numbers after Felix's interview with Romano and concluded that a loan deal with an option to buy would be feasible.

It wouldn't be the first time that Barca have made a play for the former Benfica wonderkid. Club president Joan Laporta told in March 2022: "I love Joao Felix. In the summer a swap with [Antoine] Griezmann was attempted, but Atlético said 'no'."

Giving up on Felix just two seasons on from their initial club-record investment in his talents would have been a bad look for Atleti, but the situation is different now. Felix is damaged goods, and his stock will only continue to plummet.

Atleti need not hold any fears about Felix potentially improving Barca. They may be a better fit for him in terms of playing style, but Felix has never proven he can consistently deliver at the highest level.

He's quite obviously flattered to deceive for the Los Rojiblancos, but has also been unable to make his mark on the international stage, recording just five goals in 31 games for Portugal. Manchester United legend Roy Keane famously branded Felix an "imposter" after the Seleccao's 1-0 loss to Belgium in the last 16 at Euro 2020 – and it's certainly true that when the going gets tough, Felix tends to sink rather than swim.

Barca could find out the hard way, as Atleti have, that Felix is more trouble than he is worth. He might still be one of the most talented players of his generation, but he lacks the mental toughness and humility to unlock his full potential.

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Getty ImagesWhat went wrong at Chelsea?

"These four or five months, I've loved it. It's a top club. Everyone in the club was very good to me. My team-mates, unbelievable. I really like to be here."

Felix talked up the possibility of a permanent move to Chelsea in a video on social media in May, but there was no reason for them to retain his services. He only showed flashes of his best form in west London, and went missing in the biggest matches – most notably against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Felix played 20 games in all competitions for the Blues, scoring just four goals and failing to register a single assist. He couldn't be blamed for Chelsea slumping to their worst-ever Premier League finish, but he certainly did not do enough to justify his hefty £10m loan fee.

The first glimpse of Felix that English audiences were treated to was a tantalising one, as he showed off his impressive dribbling skills, incisive passing range and intelligent movement on his debut against Fulham at Craven Cottage. But all of that was undone when he was sent off in the 58th minute for a reckless challenge on Kenny Tete.

Felix missed Chelsea's next three league games through suspension, while continuing to pocket a reported £250,000 in weekly wages. And he looked far less interested in making a good impression when he finally got back on the pitch.

The Blues are now beginning a new era under Mauricio Pochettino, whose first order of business was to shut down the prospect of Felix sticking around. "The news that we received yesterday is that the new manager doesn't count on him at Chelsea," Atletico president Cerezo confirmed shortly before Pochettino's arrival at Stamford Bridge.

Felix might have enjoyed his time with Chelsea, but he won't be missed, as Pochettino's stance firmly underlines.