God Save the King! Thomas Tuchel reveals if he will sing the England national anthem at the World Cup as he bids to 'earn right'

England boss Thomas Tuchel says he would consider singing God Save the King at next year's World Cup but joked he is not sure he has earned that right yet. The German was announced as Gareth Southgate's successor just over a year ago, sparking much consternation in certain quarters. But after an upturn in form, Tuchel believes that if the positive results keep coming, he may be singing the English anthem soon.

  • Push back over Tuchel appointment

    When Tuchel was sworn in as England's new manager, following a successful and long spell with Southgate at the helm, not everyone was thrilled. Some media outlets wanted a British manager, as did ex-Premier League manager Harry Redknapp. But the former Bayern Munich boss said he was "proud" to take up the challenge of guiding England to their first World Cup triumph since 1966.

    "I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team," he said in October 2024. "I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already. To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this special and talented group of players is very exciting. Working closely with Anthony [Barry] as my assistant coach, we will do everything we can to make England successful and the supporters proud. I want to thank The FA, in particular Mark and John, for their trust and I am looking forward to starting our journey together."

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    Tuchel feels the love from England

    The German guided Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021 before being sacked in 2022. He has spent more of his managerial career in Germany but Tuchel admitted he has a certain fondness for England, something that he doesn't always feel in his homeland. 

    He said, "I feel that we are very critical of each other in Germany, especially with players and coaches, not only me. It's very hard to escape it once you're in it… so there is a picture, and this is the picture for years and years. I felt more appreciation in England, yes. This is just a fact."

  • Tuchel teases English national anthem singing

    Tuchel is the third non-English manager to take charge of the Three Lions after Sven Goran-Eriksson and Fabio Capello. So, will he sing the English anthem?

    He told reporters on Friday: "I will earn it with results, with building a group, with doing my job properly and by creating a feeling where maybe even you guys say at some point, 'Now it's time that you sing it, it feels like you properly earned it and you're a proper English guy now'. Maybe I have to dive more into the culture and earn my right from you, from the players, from the supporters, so everyone feels like, 'He should sing it now, he's one of our own, he's the English manager, he should sing it'."

    Asked if he believed he had earned the right to sing the national anthem now, he said with a grin: "You think it is already there? I will think about it."

    Asked if he might sing the national anthem at the World Cup, he again smiled and said, "Yeah, maybe. Let's see."

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    What comes next for Tuchel's England?

    England are eyeing a 100 per cent winning record for their World Cup qualifying campaign after beating Serbia 2-0 on Thursday to make it seven wins from seven games. Next up is second-placed Albania on Sunday. The Three Lions are also trying to go the entire campaign without conceding a goal, with Tuchel's side having a goal difference of +20.

    After the Serbia win, Tuchel said: "It was a difficult match. It was complicated because they knew everything about us and we knew nothing about them. Go through the list of players, they are at top clubs, they play in top leagues. They have individual quality, they came with new energy and they made it a final for them. I liked the first half a lot. I think we deserved to go up, I think we deserved to have maybe a second goal with Harry's header. Second-half, we didn't get the pressing right all the time, they escaped sometimes from the deep build-up into fast attacks so the back four had to work hard to keep the clean sheet. We had to overcome some difficult moments but I like it, not everything is easy. Not every win is 2-0, 3-0, 5-0. It is good. We kept a clean sheet and it was decisive in the end."

Tigers President Addresses Team Missing Out on Alex Bregman in Free Agency

After missing out on the Alex Bregman sweepstakes, the Detroit Tigers and Scott Harris, their president of baseball operations, are ready to move forward. Bregman decided to sign with the Boston Red Sox on a three-year, $120 million contract that includes an opt-out clause after each season. The Tigers offered six years and just above $170 million with an opt-out after the 2026 season.

Harris addressed Bregman's decision to head to Boston over Detroit while both ball clubs get ready for next season as pitchers and catchers start to report for spring training. Here's everything Harris had to say, via Cody Stavenhagen of :

"Was I disappointed? I don't think I would characterize my emotions that way," Harris said of Bregman's choice to sign with the Red Sox. "I would say we want players who want to be here. I say it a lot because I mean it. We want players who want to be Tigers. We made a very compelling offer to Alex Bregman, but he chose to sign somewhere else. That's fine. We knew that was a possibility throughout this process and we planned for that outcome. We're fortunate to be in this spot where we have an owner in Chris [Ilitch] who gives us the flexibility to chase the lead free agents. We're going to land those guys sometimes, like we did with Jack Flaherty. Sometimes we're not, and that's fine.

"But heading into this entire process we knew that given all the work we had done on the development and acquisition front, we were going to be able to run out a really good team with or without Alex Bregman."

The Tigers made an improbable postseason run last season. They were 55-63 on Aug. 10 and then went on a tear to finish the regular season 86-76. They swept the Houston Astros in the wild-card before their playoff run was ended by the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Division Series.

Detroit traded Flaherty to the Los Angeles Dodgers at last season's trade deadline. He decided to return to the Tigers this offseason on a two-year deal to strengthen their rotation alongside Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal. Even though they missed out on Bregman, Harris is confident in his group to build off last year's momentum.

Mason Greenwood told he’s ‘becoming a complete player’ by Robert De Zerbi after firing brace against Nice to send Marseille back to top of Ligue 1

Former Manchester United star Mason Greenwood has been told he is 'becoming a complete player' after starring with a brace in Marseille's 5-1 demolition of Nice in Ligue 1 on Friday. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Timothy Weah and Igor Paixao were also on target as Robert De Zerbi's side registered a thumping victory and climbed up to the top of the table, overtaking Paris Saint-Germain.

  • Greenwood's purple patch continues

    Greenwood has been in prolific form for Marseille since joining the club from Manchester United. After ending his maiden campaign in France with 22 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions, the former Red Devils star picked up where he left off last season. The 24-year-old has already scored 10 goals in Ligue 1 this season and 11 in all competitions. He also recently won the Ligue 1 Player of the Month award for October, marking the second time he has received the accolade since his move to the French league. 

    On Friday, Greenwood hit the target twice as Marseille leapfrogged PSG in the Ligue 1 table to clinch the top position after a magnificent 5-1 win over Nice away from home. 

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    De Zerbi praises Greenwood after Marseille win

    Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi was understandably elated after the brilliant result as he hailed Greenwood's performance by saying: "We played well against a tough team, Nice. For them, it's a derby. It was a very tense match; we needed to play better in the second half. Everything's fine, we scored 5 goals and we're provisionally top of Ligue 1. We need to get some injured players back (Aguerd, Medina). That shouldn't be an excuse. We have to see what we can do in these circumstances. Greenwood? He's doing a good job. He's scoring goals, providing assists. He's more involved in the game. He's becoming a complete player."

    The former Brighton manager added: "I was hoping for this result. It was a tough match, a derby. Both teams wanted to do well. We can still play better. I'm not satisfied with the quality of our play. Even though we won 5-1, we can do better. I'm certain this team can and must play better because it has more quality than it showed tonight. Despite the 5-1 scoreline, I expect even more. I'm thinking about the number of people we made happy. We have strong players; the only thing that worries me is the injury list. It's a real morale booster, we're top of the league tonight. We need to put that aside, there's Newcastle on Tuesday, Toulouse this weekend. We need to remember how we can improve. We need to maintain this momentum. We can't always play at the same level with the succession of matches. It's up to me and the physical staff to manage it. Weah? We missed him against Atalanta; he's a unique player, with a different profile than Murillo. We have a lot of respect for him; he needs to play with more courage and personality."

  • Greenwood's goal sparked mass brawl

    Greenwood doubled his team's lead just past the half-hour mark after Aubameyang opened the scoring in derby. Following his first goal, the entire Marseille team celebrated in front of Nice Ultras, which triggered an extreme action. According to , Marseille defender Emerson Palmieri was struck with a lighter that was thrown by a Nice supporter.

    The violence at the stand soon entered the pitch as a melee broke out involving Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli and Nice defender Ali Al-Abdi. The two substitutes were then cautioned. 

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    Greenwood still dreams of playing for England

    Earlier this month, the reported that Greenwood still dreams of making a comeback for the England national team despite being blacklisted by the FA and head coach Thomas Tuchel from selection. The winger's last and only appearance for the Three Lions came in 2020 in a Nations League clash against Iceland.

    However, with only months left before the 2026 World Cup, Greenwood's comeback into the national team looks improbable currently, with Tuchel having said back in September he is not being considered for selection.

Crystal Palace join race for "extraordinary" forward likened to Kvaratskhelia

Crystal Palace have joined the race to sign Real Betis forward Abde Ezzalzouli in the January transfer window, and their chances of getting a deal over the line have now been revealed.

Palace have predominantly been linked with new defenders in recent weeks, amid Marc Guehi’s uncertain future, but they are also looking to upgrade their options in attacking areas, having recently failed to craft many decent opportunities against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Indeed, the Eagles recorded an xG of just 0.75 against their rivals, with Jean-Philippe Mateta receiving little service, although that has been a rarity, with the Frenchman currently joint-third in the Premier League’s goalscoring charts.

Premier League top goalscorers

Club

Goals

Erling Haaland

Manchester City

14

Igor Thiago

Brentford

8

Antoine Semenyo

AFC Bournemouth

6

Danny Welbeck

Brighton

6

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Crystal Palace

6

Yeremy Pino was one of Oliver Glasner’s statement signings during the summer, but the Spaniard’s Premier League career is yet to truly take off, having been unable to register a goal or assist in his opening nine matches.

In fairness, it often takes foreign players some time to adapt to life in England, and it is still very early days for Pino, but Glasner has now set out to sign another new forward.

Crystal Palace join race to sign Abde Ezzalzouli

According to a report from Spain, Crystal Palace have now joined the race to sign Real Betis star Ezzalzouli, who is being closely monitored ahead of the January transfer window, but there may be competition from fellow Premier League side Aston Villa.

Real Betis are reluctant to sanction a departure, but may be forced to listen to an ‘irresistible’ offer, with the Spanish side’s board clear that any deal must amount to significantly more than the Moroccan’s €12m (£11m) valuation.

As such, a deal could be there to be done for Palace, with Glasner looking to bring in another winger to form a top-level forward line, alongside Mateta, Pino and Ismaila Sarr.

Once lauded as “extraordinary” by Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez, the 23-year-old has made an impressive start to the season for Betis, amassing eight goals and assists in his opening 13 matches across all competitions.

Not only has the Morocco international impressed Xavi in the past, but scout Ben Mattinson has also compared him to Paris Saint-Germain star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, in light of the winger’s “explosive” dribbling ability.

The Betis forward’s ability to drive at opposition defences has been on display regularly over the past year, placing in the 84th percentile for progressive carries per 90, when compared to his positional peers, having averaged 4.82.

As such, Ezzalzouli could be a brilliant acquisition for Crystal Palace, and they should try and get a deal done in the January transfer window to bolster their chances of winning the UEFA Conference League.

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By
Dominic Lund

Oct 29, 2025

Marco Verratti in line for surprise Ander Herrera and Edinson Cavani reunion as new club consider offer for ex-PSG star

Marco Verratti could be set for a stunning reunion with former Paris Saint-Germain teammates Edinson Cavani, Ander Herrera and Leandro Paredes, with Boca Juniors exploring an ambitious move for the Italian midfielder. With the 33-year-old looking to leave Al Duhail and Boca preparing for a high-profile Libertadores return in 2026, president Juan Roman Riquelme has quietly opened the door to a sensational transfer.

  • Boca open talks as Verratti considers next move

    Boca Juniors have begun planning their 2026 Copa Libertadores return, and head honcho Riquelme is already targeting elite reinforcements. According to , one name at the top of the list is Verratti, who left PSG in 2023 for a new chapter in Qatar but is now looking for a fresh challenge after a difficult campaign marked by injury and limited minutes.

    The Italian midfielder joined Al Duhail this summer after two seasons at Al Arabi, yet spent much of November recovering from a muscle injury. Despite signing a contract through June 2026, the Italian has privately explored the possibility of leaving early, speaking with clubs in Italy including Inter, AC Milan and Juventus as he weighs his next step.

    Those conversations led to a new idea, sparked by discussions with former PSG teammates Cavani, Herrera and Paredes. The trio encouraged him to consider Argentina and the possibility of joining Boca, prompting Riquelme to step in. The club chief has already made direct contact with Verratti and even started wooing his wife, Jessica Aidi, by introducing opportunities in Buenos Aires – a clear signal of Boca’s intent.

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    A reunion years in the making and a Libertadores vision

    This potential move reflects Boca’s broader strategy ahead of the 2026 Libertadores campaign. Riquelme is determined to assemble a veteran core with international pedigree, and Verratti fits the blueprint perfectly: a Champions League-proven midfielder, a former Italy international, and a player who has spent a decade competing at the top of European football. It also underlines Boca’s ongoing effort to build a squad capable of dominating South America, much like their “Euro Boca” phase in past years. 

    Cavani, signed in 2023, was the first major piece, followed by Herrera and Paredes, who helped advocate for Verratti. The possibility of a PSG-style midfield reunion in Buenos Aires signals just how far Boca are willing to go to regain continental supremacy. Meanwhile, Verratti’s desire to return to high-level competition works in Boca’s favour. After exploring Serie A interest and considering a return to Italy, a Libertadores challenge offers both prestige and a new kind of sporting motivation, one he appears increasingly open to.

  • Contract status, departure dynamics & a Dybala twist

    Despite the excitement surrounding the move, the deal is complicated. As Verratti is still under contract with Al Duhail, Boca must either negotiate an early exit or hope the midfielder presses for a release. For now, the player’s camp has begun sounding out exit options, and the Qatari club are aware of his desire to leave.

    Beyond Verratti, Boca fans have also been buzzing over a separate rumour involving Paulo Dybala. The Roma star has been loosely linked with the club due to his contract situation in Italy and past comments about Argentine football. While the Dybala talk remains speculative, his name adds even more intrigue to Boca’s 2026 project. If both moves somehow materialised, Boca would suddenly boast a squad filled with some of the biggest names to ever play in South America.

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    Negotiations underway as Boca push for a blockbuster signing

    Verratti is Boca’s clearest target, and Riquelme has already activated the early steps of his recruitment strategy. The midfielder’s openness to leaving Qatar combined with encouragement from Cavani, Herrera and Paredes makes this more than just a dream. Progress now depends on whether Boca can strike an agreement with Al Duhail or find a creative exit route before mid-2026. With the Libertadores return looming, the Argentine giants want the deal done well before the continental campaign begins.

    One thing is certain, if Verratti completes the move, Boca’s ambition for 2026 becomes unmistakable. And with Cavani, Herrera and Paredes already in the dressing room, the stage is set for one of the most surprising South American reunions in recent memory.

Aston Villa make contact to sign "incredible" Real Madrid ace on loan in January

Aston Villa have now made contact to sign Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Garcia on loan in the January transfer window, but there could be competition from a plethora of rival Premier League clubs.

Villa’s interest in signing Garcia is nothing new, with claims they had even submitted an offer and wanted to get a deal over the line as quickly as possible, amid a lack of game time for the forward at Real Madrid.

The 21-year-old has appeared for just 96 minutes in La Liga this season, which will be a concern, given that he is now at an age where receiving consistent game time is important, otherwise his development could be hampered.

The Villans’ interest in signing a new forward also comes amid Evann Guessand making a slow start to life in the Premier League, having failed to register a goal or an assist, meaning Unai Emery may need a fresh injection of quality this winter if his side are going to push for the European places.

Aston Villa make contact to sign Gonzalo Garcia on loan

According to a report from Football Insider, Aston Villa have now made contact to sign Real Madrid forward Garcia on loan in the January transfer window, having registered their interest, but the Spanish heavyweights are yet to come to a final decision on his future.

Xabi Alonso’s side have concerns about a lack of depth in attack, meaning it could be worth keeping the Madrid-born starlet as a back-up option, especially considering Endrick is also set to go out on loan this winter.

Should the La Liga side sanction a departure, there may be stiff competition for the youngster’s signature, with Brighton & Hove Albion, Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers also being named as potential suitors by journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Although the young Spaniard has been unable to force his way into Alonso’s plans in La Liga, he certainly made a name for himself at the Club World Cup in the summer, receiving high praise from scout Jacek Kulig.

Not only that, but the centre-forward has also impressed at international level for Spain U21s, scoring in each of his last three matches, while also captaining his side during two of his five international caps.

With Ollie Watkins arguably not the player he once was, having scored just one Premier League goal this term, Aston Villa could do with bringing in a young striker with high potential, and Garcia has proven he could be a future star.

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By
Dominic Lund

Nov 19, 2025

Red Sox Once Again Kneecap Roster With Rafael Devers Trade

As the San Francisco Giants took the field in Los Angeles this afternoon, still reeling from the news that they had executed a blockbuster trade to bring Boston Red Sox DH Rafael Devers aboard, the man at the center of the deal stood at shortstop. 

The biggest transaction of the 2025 season was not really about the four players headed to the Red Sox—converted starting pitcher Jordan Hicks; swingman Kyle Harrison, who was pulled from the bullpen just minutes before his scheduled start against the Dodgers; outfield prospect James Tibbs; or pitching prospect José Bello—or even Devers himself, the top-10 hitter who has twice squabbled with team officials over his position. No, this deal was five years in the making, dating back to the last time the Red Sox made a major trade: the 2020 Mookie Betts trade. 

Back then, just a year removed from the best season in franchise history and the organization’s ninth World Series title, the Boston ownership group considered the most talented player its farm system had produced since Carl Yastrzemski and shrugged. Management, led by principal owner John Henry, decided not to offer Betts an extension; rather than let him walk in free agency for nothing but a draft pick, they ordered then–head of baseball operations Chaim Bloom to trade him.

Bloom scrounged around among an industry that knew he had to move Betts, tacked on the three years and $96 million remaining on lefty David Price’s deal, and ended up with a forgettable package from the Dodgers: outfielder Alex Verdugo and two prospects, shortstop Jeter Downs and catcher Connor Wong. (The Red Sox traded Verdugo to the Yankees before last season after he publicly feuded with manager Alex Cora, waived Downs after he played in 41 games and have received zero RBIs from Wong in 41 games this season.) 

Betts immediately signed a 12-year, $365 million extension with the Dodgers that will look like a bargain no matter how the last six years go: He has been an All-Star every season and finished No. 2 in MVP voting twice while slotting in easily in right field, at second base and at shortstop, and leading the team to two titles. (He reportedly told friends he would have signed the same deal in Boston.)

Betts has thrived in his six seasons since being traded from the Red Sox to the Dodgers. / Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

So naturally, two years later, Henry’s ownership group lowballed its next homegrown star, shortstop Xander Bogaerts, in extension talks, then watched him decamp to the San Diego Padres in free agency for 11 years and $280 million—some five years and $140 million more than Boston had offered. Amid a roar of fan fury so loud it all but drowned out the team’s Winter Weekend the next spring, Henry and Bloom tried to make amends by signing the final remaining young star, Devers, to a 10-year, $313.5 million deal. (Henry fired Bloom following the 2023 season.) Devers had always been a talented hitter, but even then, when he was 26, it was clear that he was the least fit of the three for that sort of commitment. He did not profile to spend the rest of his career at third base, and he had yet to show the kind of leadership you might ask of the face of your franchise. The whole deal felt a bit like when an umpire misses a pitch down the middle, then calls the next pitch a strike no matter where it ends up. 

This spring, the cracks began to show. The Red Sox upgraded at third base by signing Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million deal with two opt-outs, but apparently failed to inform Devers that he’d been unseated. At spring training, Devers told reporters, “Third base is my position.” Eventually, Cora convinced him that designated hitter was his new position, although Devers never seemed especially thrilled about it. 

Then, a month ago, first baseman Triston Casas suffered a season-ending knee injury, and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow turned to Devers. “They can’t expect me to play every single position,” Devers lamented to reporters. He added, “They put me in this situation, and they told me that they didn’t want to allow me to play any other position. Now, I think they should do their jobs, essentially, and hit the market and look for another player. I’m not sure why they want me to be in-between the way they have been.” His frustration was so evident that Henry flew to Kansas City to meet the team and address the issue with Devers. 

Evidently he was not satisfied with how that conversation went. 

The Red Sox may yet win this trade—the Giants will pay the entire $250 million remaining on Devers’s contract, and Tibbs was their first-round draft pick last year—but this was certainly not the situation they envisioned when they sat at a dais in Boston two and a half years ago and anointed Devers the face of the franchise. In the end, though, perhaps this franchise got the face it deserved: a talented but mercurial player who didn’t always have his priorities straight and never quite lived up to his potential. 

Berta could sign Arsenal's own Palmer in 'one of the world's best players'

To say Arsenal are in form at the moment would be an understatement.

Mikel Arteta’s side are flying and, following their 3-1 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League, are starting to get the recognition they deserve.

Moreover, while there is still a long way to go before anything is settled, the Gunners could go a long way in cementing their grip on the Premier League title race by beating Chelsea on Sunday.

However, it will be a tough game, and on top of Estevao, Arsenal may have to be on their toes regarding a certain Cole Palmer, who’s previously been compared to another international star the Gunners have been linked with.

Arsenal team news

Arsenal’s recent run of results and performances have been hugely impressive, and are made only more so by the fact that the team have been plagued by injuries.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

For example, the team tore Tottenham Hotspur to pieces without a recognised number nine on the pitch, or bench for that matter, and without Gabriel Mageheles, who has arguably been their player of the season so far.

Fortunately, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard are all back in contention again, with all three coming off the bench against Bayern.

Moreover, during his pre-match press conference, Arteta revealed that there is “a potential chance” that Leandro Trossard could be available for the game this weekend.

He was a little less clear when it came to Gabriel Jesus, as he confirmed that the striker took part in a behind-closed-doors friendly, but said “We have to see” when it comes to his availability for Sunday.

Finally, while it seems unlikely, the boss didn’t rule out the possibility of Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz making it into the squad, saying, “We have another day tomorrow, so let’s see how everybody is tomorrow.”

So, it’s mostly good news on the injury front for the Gunners, but the Blues have also received a big boost, with Enzo Maresca confirming that Palmer is now available to start the game.

The Englishman is a world-class player, and based on reports from earlier this month, Arsenal could potentially sign someone who has been compared to him in the past.

The Palmer-like star Arsenal could sign

Arsenal have already been linked with a host of seriously exciting players over the last month or so, but arguably the most exciting and the one who has been compared to Palmer is Michael Olise.

Now, it should be said that the two internationals, of course, have their differences, but according to FBref, the Englishman was the third-most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Frenchman in the 23/24 Premier League season.

To gain a better understanding of how this conclusion was reached, you can take a look at the underlying numbers in which the pair ranked so closely.

Olise & Palmer

Statistics per 90

Olise

Palmer

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.74

0.76

Key Passes

2.54

2.47

Passes into the Penalty Area

2.39

2.37

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.21

0.17

Live Passes

42.6

44.6

Shot-Creating Actions

5.79

5.57

Goal-Creating Actions

0.99

0.89

All Stats via FBref for the 23/24 PL Season

These metrics included things like non-penalty expected goals plus assists, key and live passes, shot and goal-creating actions, passes into the penalty area and more, all per 90.

In other words, both players were attacking monsters, both from a goalscoring perspective and a creative one.

Now, on top of the undeniable statistical similarities between them, they can also both be described as entertainers; they are players who’ll produce the output, but will also get the fans on their feet with a piece of skill and trickery.

Moreover, the pair of them are quite nonchalant in the way they go about their business on and off the pitch, making the former Crystal Palace star someone who’d probably fit in quite well at the Emirates.

Ultimately, while the comparisons to the Chelsea star are great, the Gunners should be looking to sign the Bayern Munich star regardless, as in just 74 appearances for the German giants, he has already produced 62 goal involvements, which more than justifies Serge Gnabry’s claim that the 23-year-old is “one of the best players in the world.”

The best since Henry & Vieira: Arsenal star is "the best in the world"

The incredible Arteta signing will rank alongside Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira at Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 28, 2025

'Unbelievable honor' – FIFA reveal star-studded lineup for 2026 World Cup draw as Tom Brady, Shaq, Wayne Gretzky and Aaron Judge join Rio Ferdinand

A star-studded cast of sporting icons – including Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Wayne Gretzky and Aaron Judge – will join former England captain Rio Ferdinand and broadcaster Samantha Johnson for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw on Dec. 5. The event will pair football heavyweights with stars from other sports as the 48-team groups are revealed, with Eli Manning set to host the red-carpet arrivals the night before the ceremony.

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    'An unbelievable honor'

    Former England captain Rio Ferdinand will headline the on-stage proceedings, conducting the draw alongside award-winning broadcaster Samantha Johnson. The duo will guide the expanded 48-team format through its official reveal, marking a historic moment for the first World Cup jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Ferdinand called the opportunity “an unbelievable honor,” saying that while his greatest memories came from performing on the pitch, taking on this role for the world’s biggest sporting showpiece is “a special responsibility.”

    “To conduct this historic draw is an unbelievable honor,” Ferdinand said in the press release. “As a player, I lived for these global stages – now I’m humbled to play a different, special role together with an incredible line-up to reveal the 12 groups of four teams that the whole world is waiting for.”

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    Cross-sport legends join as draw assistants

    In an unprecedented multi-sport crossover, FIFA has assembled a lineup of sporting icons to assist with the draw, including seven-time Super Bowl champion Brady, NHL all-time leading scorer Gretzky, NBA Hall of Famer O’Neal, and New York Yankees slugger Judge. Manning will serve as the official red-carpet host for pre-draw programming, adding even more star power to the buildup.

    Gretzky emphasized the unifying power of the World Cup as it arrives in North America.

    “Soccer has a unique power to unite people from all over the world and create a positive impact, and I cannot wait to see this happening in North America next year and beyond, when we host the biggest-ever FIFA World Cup,” Gretzky said in the release. “I’m thrilled to be part of the draw that will decide the fate of the participating teams – and stir emotions across the world. This will be an unforgettable moment for me personally.”

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    Hart and Klum also involved

    The event will be co-hosted by supermodel and Emmy-winning television personality Heidi Klum, comedian and actor Kevin Hart, and actor-producer Danny Ramirez, who will bring warmth and Hollywood flair to the ceremony. Fans will be treated to live performances by classical maestro Andrea Bocelli, global superstar Robbie Williams, and American singer Nicole Scherzinger. After the draw concludes, the iconic Village People will perform their global anthem, Y.M.C.A., adding a celebratory close to the show.

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  • AFP

    All eyes on draw…

    The Dec. 5 ceremony marks the final major milestone before the World Cup kicks off in 2026. With a record 48 nations participating and North America hosting the biggest edition in history, FIFA aims to deliver a draw befitting the scale of the event – one that blends football tradition with global entertainment culture.

Corbin Burnes Seemed to Have Brutal Two-Word Message After Injuring Elbow

Corbin Burnes might have just suffered a devastating injury.

During the top of the fifth inning of the Arizona Diamondbacks' matchup with the Washington Nationals on Sunday, Burnes appeared to have felt something in his arm. After surrendering a single to Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams, Burns called for Arizona's trainers to come to the mound and let out an angry yell. He could be seen saying, "My elbow."

After the trainer came out, Burnes appears to have said something along the lines of "My elbow's done. It's dead." That may not be the exact quote, but the message was pretty clear.

The Diamondbacks signed Burnes to a six-year, $210 million deal this past offseason, so if he has an injured elbow that would be a huge blow to the team. Entering Sunday's game he was 3-2 with a 2.72 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP and 57 strikeouts in 59 2/3 innings across 10 starts.

Burnes has been pretty healthy throughout his career. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2021, he has made 28 or more starts for four consecutive seasons. While the 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner has avoided injury, the 30-year-old has claimed MLB's pitch clock is causing more pitchers to get hurt.

Here's hoping this injury isn't as bad as it looked.

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