All posts by h716a5.icu

Wrexham midfielder Elliott Lee perfectly summed up the club's emphatic 6-0 win over Morecambe on Saturday.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Lee assesses Wrexham's win over MorecambeCongratulated Paul MullinMullin netted a hat-trick against former clubWHAT HAPPENED?

Wrexham star Paul Mullin netted a hat-trick against his former club Morecambe as the Welsh club registered a thumping 6-0 win on Saturday in a League Two clash.

After the emphatic win, midfielder Lee took to Instagram where he shared the club's full-time post and congratulated his colleague Mullin for scoring a hat-trick and also breathed a sigh of relief for successfully crossing the 19-match mark with four yellow cards to his name.

AdvertisementWHAT ELLIOT LEE SAID

In his story, Lee wrote, "Three points. Hat-trick for my mate Paul Mullin and yellow card threshold completed!

Elliot Lee InstagramGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

After missing the start of the season due to a punctured lung – which he suffered during a pre-season match against Manchester United in the US – Mullin is slowly regaining his form from the last season. In the ongoing campaign, the striker has scored nine goals and provided two assists in 14 matches across all competitions.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

After a setback against Accrington Stanley last week, the Red Dragons are back to winning ways and have climbed up to the second position on the league table. They will next face Harrogate Town on Tuesday.

The Cityzens are out to match the Red Devils' historic achievement from 1999 over the next fortnight, but which side has the better players?

Manchester United became the first English team to win the treble of the Premier League title, FA Cup and Champions League in 1999, writing their names forever into football history. But their noisy neighbours, Manchester City, are out to steal their thunder and are now just two matches away from matching that achievement.

City chased down Arsenal to win a third consecutive Premier League title with three games to spare and are odds-on to win the Champions League final against Inter after destroying Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in the knockout stages.

So United's best hope of stopping City's treble will likely be in their own hands when they face their arch rivals in the FA Cup final. Just as United stopped Liverpool from doing the treble in 1977 by beating the Merseysiders at Wembley, they can become treble-busters once more by beating Pep Guardiola's side on Saturday.

But which was the better team, Sir Alex Ferguson's thrilling Class of '99 or Guardiola's all-conquering team of 2023? GOAL picks our combined XI ahead of Saturday's showdown…

GettyGK: Peter Schmeichel

Schmeichel was a gigantic presence and made the goal feel smaller to opponents. He was instrumental to the treble win, making two big saves in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich, turning away a Dennis Bergkamp penalty in the FA Cup semi-final replay against Arsenal and repeatedly getting United out of jail in their run to the title.

The Dane did not have the ball playing ability of Ederson – although he did score a couple of goals himself over the course of his career – but he gets the nod for his knack for making jaw-dropping saves and being a more intimidating presence than the Brazilian.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesRB: Kyle Walker

Walker is one of the best full-backs in the world at running back to sweep away the danger, making him a valuable asset to any attacking-minded team. He faced a period out of the starting XI earlier this year and had to endure some fierce criticism from Pep Guardiola about his abilities, but he has fought his way back into the team at the crucial stage of the season, and in both legs against Real Madrid he had Vinicius Junior in his pocket, while also producing a defensive masterclass in the title showdown with Arsenal.

Walker also remains England's first-choice despite fierce competition. That is the key difference between him and Gary Neville, who had few rivals for his place at right-back for club and country.

Getty ImagesCB: John Stones

Stones has always stood out for his ability on the ball and his skill at playing out from the back is what compelled Guardiola to sign him as soon as he landed in Manchester. The defender has faced difficult spells at City, but he is once more a crucial part of the team and enjoying a new lease of life in his seventh year with the club in the hybrid role of holding midfielder and defender.

He can also play at right-back if needs be while he makes City even better in possession when he steps up into midfield. And he has scored his fair share of stunning goals to boot.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyCB: Jaap Stam

The Dutchman was one of three crucial signings in the summer of 1998 and gave United's defence a much-needed physical boost. He was a towering presence, excellent at defending one-v-one and also talented on the ball.

Stam was pivotal to the team's success in 1998-99 and the two subsequent title wins. It is no coincidence that when he was forced out by Ferguson in 2001 and sold to Lazio, United surrendered their crown to Arsenal. Ferguson later admitted that selling Stam was one of the biggest mistakes he made in his 27 years in charge.

The midfielder made his United debut aged 17 and will be one of the players to watch during the Red Devils' pre-season campaign

The FA Youth Cup has been the launching pad for many successful Manchester United careers, and everyone who followed the team's run to the 2022 trophy talked about two players in particular. It was difficult to ignore Alejandro Garnacho, who finished as United's top scorer, firing the Under-18s to glory with two goals in the final against Nottingham Forest. But behind him was the more unassuming yet equally influential Kobbie Mainoo, who orchestrated United's play from deep and held everything together.

Garnacho galvanised big crowds at Old Trafford with his talismanic displays in the Youth Cup and has catapulted himself into the hearts of the wider United support with a stunning breakthrough season in 2022-23. The Argentine is a star in the making and loves the limelight.

Mainoo is a very different character, but albeit at a steadier pace, he is following in Garnacho's footsteps into Erik ten Hag's side. After getting his first taste of first-team football last season with a smattering of appearances, the 18-year-old will be one of the players to watch in United's pre-season campaign, which begins on Wednesday against Leeds in Norway and will take the team across the United States.

Getty'He's a cracker'

Mentioning Mainoo's name to anyone around United generally provokes a huge grin. There is tangible excitement about the 18-year-old's progress and what he could achieve with the club. "He’s a cracker, he really is," a club source tells GOAL. "Balance, movement, doesn't panic under pressure. Out of the lot who won the Youth Cup, him and Alejandro were always going to be the ones [to make it].

"He'll definitely be around the first-team squad next season or he'll be playing first-team football somewhere on loan. And he'll knock it out the park. He’s such a big lad. He's got balance, movement, he doesn't panic under pressure. He’s superb."

It might sound strange for Mainoo to be described as big. He stands at just 5'9 (175cm), making him the same height as Lisandro Martinez. But he compensates with remarkable physical strength honed in the gym after being encouraged to bulk up by coaches.

AdvertisementThriving in older age groups

Mainoo was born in Stockport to Ghanaian parents. He often returns to Ghana to visit family, but he is an England Under-19 international and wants to represent the Three Lions at senior level.

He was discovered by United while playing for Cheadle and Gatley Junior Club, and became part of the club's academy aged nine, though he continued to represent his local club until he was 12. United encourage their youngsters to keep up their normal football activities as they want to promote a healthy childhood. The club believes United can be a great addition to a player's childhood, but should not define it.

Mainoo was encouraged to train with older age groups to test himself and get more experience, and he was one of the youngest players in the Youth Cup team, beginning the campaign when he was 16. He still started all six games in the cup run and was one of the most important players forU18s coach Travis Binnion.

GettyTesting himself all across midfield

Mainoo played as a No.6 under Binnion, but last season for the U21s he was tasked with playing all over midfield, as a No.8 and as a No.10. He has even played on the wing. The idea was to give him as much experience and confidence in different roles, as that will make him more equipped to come off the bench for Ten Hag's side.

"His talent is so high they'll push him around, try him in different positions play him on wings to give him that technical challenge," explains another club source. "In the first-team central midfield is such a competitive position, if you’re going to come off the bench often it might be on the wing for 10 minutes, so if he’s used to doing it in the U21s then it’s easier to do it at Old Trafford as and when he needs to.

"He would define himself as a No.6 but he may end up being a No.8 or a No.10. It's not fully defined what his best position is, but if you asked him he’d say No.6 or No.8."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyEnhancing his reputation in Spain

While Garnacho joined United's first team on their pre-season tour of Australia last year, Mainoo stayed in Manchester. But he remained in Ten Hag's thoughts, and was named on the substitutes' bench for the Premier League game against Newcastle in October.

He didn't get on the pitch, but the fact he was called into the squad for such an important game was an indication of how highly Ten Hag thought of him. Mainoo then joined the first team on their training camp in southern Spain in December during the World Cup, along with a number of his FA Youth Cup-winning team-mates.

The trip might not have seemed like a success on some levels. It was supposed to be a warm weather training camp but it rained throughout, while United lost both their friendly matches, against Cadiz and Real Betis. But for Mainoo it was a big success, and he scored in the 4-2 defeat against Cadiz, returning to Manchester with his reputation enhanced.

USMNT captain Tyler Adams has announced that he and his partner, Sarah Schmidt, are having their first child together – a baby boy!

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Adams announces he and partner having a baby boyUSMNT midfielder currently sidelined with injuryPotential return to pitch in FebruaryWHAT HAPPENED?

"Baby boy coming in January, beyond grateful👶🏼🩵," Adams posted on Instagram, with USMNT teammates and players from around the world flooding the comment section following the brilliant news. One user even pointed out that 18 years on from his child's birth, the U.S. could find themselves playing in the 2042 FIFA World Cup, with a prodigy in the making potentially forming part of that line up.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The USMNT midfielder made a big summer move from relegated Leeds United to Bournemouth, but only managed one appearance for the Cherries before returning to the injury table. Last spring, Adams suffered a season-ending injury for the now-Championship side, and returned in September before finding himself sidelined once again. He seemingly cannot catch a break, but the hope is that this latest surgery has permanently fixed the issue that has been bothering him.

DID YOU KNOW

Adams nearly made a move to Premier League giants Chelsea over the summer, even undergoing a medical with the Blues, before talks collapsed. He then agreed a deal with Bournemouth instead.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR TYLER ADAMS

The USMNT midfielder is going to be out for at least three more months, with Cherries boss Andoni Iraola saying that he won't take to the pitch until at least February. Until then, he'll be getting ready to welcome his new arrival.

According to a recent report from the BBC, Crystal Palace are interested in a January move for striker Cenk Tosun. The Turkey international currently plays his football at fellow Premier League outfit Everton and has done so since January last year, although struggles for regular game time under new Toffees manager Marco Silva has plunged his future at Goodison Park into huge doubt.

And a recent report from the BBC suggests that Roy Hodgson’s Eagles are eyeing up a loan move for the 27-year-old this month as they seek to bolster their striking ranks, with a move to Selhurst Park potentially what’s needed to reignite Tosun’s flailing Premier League career.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, the £18 million-rated star (as per Transfermarkt) made the move to Goodison Park 12 months ago as former Everton boss Sam Allardyce sought the answer to his side’s striking woes, and Tosun certainly started well on Merseyside with five goals in 14 Premier League appearances in the second half of last season.

And with two goals and two assists in his first nine games of this term under new Toffees chief Silva, the 27-year-old looked set to play a part in the 41-year-old’s revolution of things at Goodison Park, although those numbers certainly mask the problems Tosun had in converting plenty of chances into goals.

And once the goals dried up around November, the Turkish star has found regular football hard to come by since with just one Premier League start since the middle of the September – and in a team which doesn’t play with a natural number nine in Richarlison, that is a damning indictment of just how unconvinced Silva is in the 27-year-old’s ability.

However, his start to life in English football, alongside his excellent goal-scoring record at Besiktas, simply cannot and should not be ignored, with a fresh start at Hodgson’s Palace perhaps what’s needed to get Tosun’s Premier League career going.

Ultimately, the Eagles are in dire need of striking reinforcements heading into the second half of the season given they have netted just 23 times in their 23 Premier League games this term, with their top goal-scorers being Luka Milivojevic and Andros Townsend with six in all competitions, neither of whom are strikers.

In fact, their top-scoring striker this term is Jordan Ayew with a paltry three to highlight just how much of a struggle things have been in the final third, but with Townsend and star man Wilfried Zaha in the side, it surely only requires someone in the right place at the right time to put the ball in the back of the net – Tosun is that man.

Not only did he start well in England last year, but the 27-year-old earned a move to Everton as a result of his brilliant goal-scoring exploits at Besiktas, for whom he bagged 64 goals in just 142 appearances to help them to back-to-back Super Lig titles during his time at the club.

And with that predatory instinct in the 18-yard box, Tosun could be exactly what Palace need to turn their territory into goals – and a fresh start at Selhurst Park could be exactly what Tosun himself needs to finally get his Premier League career going.

Palace fans… what do you think? Let us know!

Luis Rubiales refuted claims he 'inappropriately' touched England's players before his non-consensual kiss on Jenni Hermoso after the World Cup final.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Rubiales accused of touching England playersEx-RFEF president hit back at the claimsOfficial has been banned for three yearsWHAT HAPPENED?

The former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president responded to accusations by Football Association (FA) chair Debbie Hewitt that he "cupped and stroked" England star Laura Coombs' face and "seemingly forcefully kissed" Lucy Bronze. Hewitt then said that when the Spain players came up to accept their medals, Rubiales was "tactile" as he kissed their cheeks and "rubbed some on their back, tapped one on her bottom, grabbed some by their arm, lifted several off their feet, and one was hoisted twice".

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Hewitt's comments were submitted to FIFA as they investigated Rubiales because he kissed Spain star Hermoso, sparking outrage across the football world. The president refused to apologise or resign from his post at the RFEF, but was initially temporarily suspended by FIFA before the governing body handed down a three-year ban from football in October.

WHAT RUBIALES SAID

Rubiales was given the opportunity to respond to Hewitt's comments as part of FIFA's investigation and his representative labelled her account "astonishing" as he accused the FA chair of doing the same as he had been accused of.

The response, which was published by FIFA on Wednesday, states that Rubiales felt "the need to point out that Ms. Hewitt, hugged several players even after clearly noticing that they were extending their hands to receive a handshake, which applying the same logic she used, could be understood as a forceful nonconsensual physical contact, or even when greeting the referees, it can be seen Ms. Hewitt touching all of them in their arms, while [Rubiales] limited his interaction to a plain handshake. The hypocrisy is blatant."

It adds: "The way she presents a gentle gesture of comfort to all the rivals in the final of the [Women's World Cup], suggesting that [Rubiales] is some sort of creep is absolutely disgusting. Also, she either purposely or negligently decides to obviate some of crucial facts, first Ms. Coombs was injured during the final, had to receive stitches and was wearing a bandage in her head, reason why [Rubiales] tried to comfort her.

"And second, Ms. Bronze not only plays in Spain, but she was also super cup champion in Spain just few months before in which celebration Mr. Rubiales obviously participated. This conduct was not denounced when on June 18, 2023, he hugged Mr. Luka Modric after the final, precisely for the same reasons he hugged Ms. Bronze."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR RUBIALES?

The 46-year-old has vowed to appeal the suspension he was hit with, though FIFA said in its ruling that the disgraced official could have been given an even more severe sanction. He could also face criminal prosecution as the incident is being investigated by a Spanish judge.

The teenager stole the show with two goals and an assist to headline a busy weekend across MLS

It's very rare that you know who your player of the week is before 1 pm ET on a Saturday. There's a whole weekend left to play, a whole world of MLS left to explore, before making such a decision.

But this weekend, we knew. Who else could it be but Caleb Wiley?

Atlanta United's 18-year-old teenage starlet stole the show in the first game of the weekend, putting forth a performance that puts his name right there next to some of the league's elite. He contributed to all three of Atlanta's goals in a 3-0 win over Charlotte FC, showing poise, maturity and confidence well beyond his years.

This was the Weekend of Wiley, even if he wasn't the only big story of it all. From big injuries to massive wins, there were some league-changing moments throughout this third weekend of game action.

Here's a look at the winners and losers of MLS Week 3…

WINNER: Caleb Wiley

Whenever you do things that put your name next to Alphonso Davies and Miguel Almiron, you're probably doing something right.

Wiley is a long way from reaching the levels of those two, but he certainly showed what he can do over the weekend with an absolutely dazzling performance against Charlotte FC. At 18, Wiley was far and away the best player on the field, even if he was surrounded by a World Cup winner and several players signed for multi-million-dollar transfer fees.

He ultimately finished with two goals and an assist in what was clearly a Man of the Match-winning performance. With it, he joined Almiron and Yamil Asad as the three Atlanta players to have two goals and an assist in the same game. Additionally, only Davies and former USMNT star Bobby Convey have provided three goal contributions in a single half at an age younger than Wiley.

That's all to say that what Wiley did was very, very special. It was a hell of a breakout performance from a player that looks primed to, well… break out.

Atlanta United manager Gonzalo Pineda pumped the brakes a bit postgame, pointing to his wealth of attacking options, but even he had to admit that Wiley is doing crazy things at a young age.

"I have to be conscious that he's 18, right? But, at the same time, it doesn't matter," Pineda said. "The ball doesn't know the age of the player that's kicking it. In that sense, I only see the performance."

What a performance it was and, if he can provide more like it, Atlanta will have another star on their hands.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesLOSER: Andre Blake

The Philadelphia Union are as deep as any team in MLS. That's what makes them title favorites, after all.

But Andre Blake, he's irreplaceable.

The Union are now facing a reality where they do have to live without the reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year for at least a little while, as Blake suffered a groin injury in the team's win over the Chicago Fire.

"He'll get an MRI but with a groin injury, I always fear the worst," Union boss Jim Curtin said. "Again, Andre has been a quick healer in the past.

"Don’t want to speculate too much until we get pictures, but sometimes these things take a week, sometimes they take four weeks, sometimes they take eight weeks."

Making matters a bit worse? the fact that Jamaica are set to face Mexico in two weeks in a do-or-die CONCACAF Nations League match. With a win over Mexico, Jamaica would advance to the final round in June, while with a defeat, they'll finish second behind El Tri. With Blake, beating Mexico would be tough. Without him, it's going to be almost impossible.

As for the Union, they'll likely be fine in MLS. Matt Freese is gone, traded in the offseason, but the Union have veteran Joe Bendik to steady the ship.

The Champions League, though, is another discussion. They settled for a 0-0 draw with Alianza in their opener and, should they advance, the quarterfinals begin in the first week of April. Will Blake be ready by then? Will he even be ready for the semis in late April?

We'll see, but the Union will hope so as they would love to see a quick return from their goalkeeping star.

GettyWINNER: St. Louis City SC

We'll stop putting them in here when they stop winning!

Three weeks, three times in the 'Winners' column for the league's newest team, who simply can't stop winning to start life in MLS.

This week, the team on the other end of the St. Louis machine was Portland, who, unlike their first two opponents, didn't literally hand them a goal in their loss. The Timbers scored early, but once again, St. Louis came from behind, winning 2-1 at Providence Park for another statement win.

"Did I know it was going to unfold this way? That we're going to be challenged many moments and to come out again on top? These are some things you cannot foresee," said head coach Bradley Carnell, "but all I could foresee is we played very competitive opponents in preseason.

"We've been committing to a style of play for over a year now. So, we got guys in early June, July, August, September last year, so we've had a very committed group of guys.

"And listen, this style of play is not easy. This style of play demands a lot of commitment, not just to the philosophy but to each other as a teammate and we felt every minute that the lights were not on us in MLS, these were moments for us to grow and get ready so again we just take in everything in our stride with feeling we've achieved nothing and, yeah, we have to keep it calm and excited for next time."

Is what St. Louis is doing sustainable? Almost certainly not. There are still holes, on paper, when it comes to their roster build and, eventually, expansion teams usually hit a wall.

But, at this point, who cares if it's sustainable? It certainly has been fun to watch St. Louis take down two Western Conference powerhouses… and Charlotte (who are most certainly not a powerhouse).

Only the 2009 Seattle Sounders put together a 3-0 start in MLS, and we all know where the Sounders are now. Can St. Louis build a similar culture? We'll see.

They're off to a pretty good start, though. Let's check in next week and see if they're here once again!

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

LOSER: LA Galaxy

Are we worried about the Galaxy yet?

To be fair, they'll be thrilled with the result, a 0-0 draw at Sporting KC that gives them their first point of the young season. A point on the road is always good in this league. Winning your home games and drawing on the road is a good recipe for success.

What isn't a recipe for success is whatever the Galaxy did on Saturday night, when they were outshot 30-8 and completely dominated by Sporting KC. If not for Sporting KC's complete inability to put the ball anywhere near the net, the Galaxy would be looking at two straight losses in two weeks.

The Galaxy have problems all over the pitch, and none of them will be fixed by the return of Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez. They're lacking chance-creators, they don't fit their formation and their defense always looks one mistake away from doing something bonkers.

And that's just on the field. Off the field, they can't sign anyone this summer due to a transfer ban, meaning they need to fix things ASAP. And, to make matters worse, their fans are set to protest their own home opener next weekend. Not good.

What is good is the emergence of Jalen Neal, who did well in his first MLS start after making his USMNT debut earlier this year. That's a building block, but the Galaxy need a whole lot of help right now.

It's still early. You can't write teams off after two weeks but, right now, the Galaxy don't look like a team that have MLS Cup aspirations.

We independently choose all products featured on our site. When you purchase something through the links provided, we may earn a commission.

An essential to get rid of any post-training muscle pain

Whether it's after training in the gym or a post-match strain, there's nothing worse than aches and pains stopping you from doing what you love. This is where massage guns become an essential piece of kit to keep you moving.

Massage guns have evolved to become the must-have gadget for sports recovery and there’s a wide selection of options to choose from. From ones with advanced LCD screens to travel-size minis – perfect for away games – there's an option out there to suit everyone.

What is a massage gun and why should use one?

If you’ve never used a massage gun before, fear not because they couldn't be simpler to operate. They are handheld machines that help relieve muscle pain and tension and are an excellent tool for giving you an effective muscle massage, and pain relief using vibration therapy. 

Most devices come with multiple attachments, specifically designed to be used on different parts of the body. There will usually be more than the one-speed setting, so you can truly personalise your experience.

So, whether it’s an overstretched leg from a tackle you didn’t quite make, or a shoulder barge you were on the receiving end for, GOAL has you covered. Here are all the best massage guns you can buy right now. 

Shop: Best massage guns for 2023

If you don’t mind investing in the best quality massage gun the market can offer, you won't go wrong with the Therabody Theragun PRO.

Voted best Kitbag accessory in the GOAL 2022 Product Awards, the newest member of the Theragun family comes with an impressive bounty of new features like built-in guided routines and app connectivity, plus, a stronger motor quieter than ever before.

A kitbag essential – loved by the likes of Trent Alerxander-Arnold and Granit Xhaka – for muscle recovery, the Theragun PRO is the ultimate tool to help you find relief after those tough games. 

The Hypervolt 2 is on the pricier end of the scale, but you’ll get the best of every feature for the money. It’s lightweight, so you can operate it with ease, and quiet enough for you to watch your favourite boxset whilst recovering post-match.

You don’t have to break the bank to get some much-needed relief from sore muscles. The MKHS massage gun packs a punch for a reasonably priced device. Plus, you get all the benefits of a much higher-priced item for a fraction of the price.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Nothing is worse than when you’re using a massage gun, and the battery goes dead halfway through.

You won't have to worry about cutting your recovery session short with the Mebak 3 model. Featuring a three-hour run time after being fully charged, plus an LCD screen that displays the battery life in real-time.

Here are the top footballers who are without clubs and are available for free after the window shut around Europe

With the likes of Eden Hazard, Sergio Ramos, David de Gea and several other high-profile footballers out of contract, GOAL takes a look at the players who are available to sign for free following the closure of the summer transfer window.

(C)Getty imagesEden Hazard

Real Madrid announced that Eden Hazard will leave the club at the end of the 2022-23 season after agreeing to terminate his contract a year early The Belgium international had a miserable time in Madrid after joining the club from Chelsea in 2019, and has spent the summer weighing up new challenges.

However, while he remains available to clubs, reports suggest the 32-year-old is seriously considering retirement after a series of fitness issues have plagued him.

Advertisement(C)Getty imagesSergio Ramos

Former Real Madrid captain and multiple Champions League winner, Sergio Ramos did not reach an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain club over an extension after an injury-ridden spell at the club.

Ramos is one of the most decorated centre-backs in the history of the game. He captained Real Madrid during their historic European three-peat, has won the Euros twice and was an important part of Spain's 2010 World Cup winning squad. The 37-year-old was voted in UEFA's Team of the Year nine times.

GettyDavid de Gea

David de Gea left Manchester United in the summer of 2023 after the club decided against extending his contract. The Spaniard is currently without a club after spending more than a decade at the Theatre of Dreams. He was one of the few members remaining from the Sir Alex Ferguson-era.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesRoberto Pereyra

Roberto Pereyra is without a club this summer after three years at Udinese. The 32-year-old Argentine won the Serie A title twice during his time at Juventus and was crowned Coppa Italia winner two times as well.

He spent four years at Watford before moving back to Udinese and played a pivotal part at both the clubs. He scored 15 times in his 96 appearances at Udinese in all competitions during his second spell.

The Manchester United star shook off her critics to set Sarina Wiegman's side on their way to a 3-1 win on Sydney that sets up a finale against Spain

England will face Spain in their first ever Women's World Cup final on Sunday after breaking the hearts of co-hosts Australia in Sydney on Wednesday with a 3-1 win. More than 75,000 fans packed into Stadium Australia, with the majority holding the hopes of seeing the Matildas achieve that feat, but goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo meant it was Sarina Wiegman's side that booked a return to the venue this weekend.

England started well and could've been ahead within minutes, but Georgia Stanway's half-volley was blocked by Mackenzie Arnold in the Australia goal. They did go in at the break with the lead, though, thanks to a bullet of an effort from Toone that flew into the top corner after good work down the right from Russo.

The Matildas were not going to go away, however, and after a couple of decent chances in the second half for England – Hemp seeing an effort well-saved by Arnold before Millie Bright headed wide from a corner – it was captain Sam Kerr that sent Stadium Australia into raptures. Driving at Bright, and realising that her Chelsea team-mate wasn't going to close her down, Kerr unleashed a strike from 25 yards out that flew past Mary Earps and produced an incredible roar inside the ground.

But England did well to wrestle back momentum and shortly after Russo saw a header drop just wide of the far post, Hemp fired the Lionesses back into the lead, pouncing on some hesitant defending from Ellie Carpenter.

Australia had two huge chances to get back on level terms and both fell to Kerr, the exact player they'd want them to. But the Matildas' star couldn't flick Mary Fowler's cross beyond Earps, instead nodding it well over, and then missed an even bigger opportunity when she failed to hit the target from six yards out. Only moments later, she watched Hemp race down the other end and slip in Russo to finish the game off and send England into the final instead.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Stadium Australia…

Getty ImagesWINNER: Ella Toone

This was an incredible redemption story for Toone, whose place in the England team has been questioned time and time again both before and during this tournament, with her form having dropped a little.

The Manchester United star was an excellent super sub during the Euros last year, and while there were many pondering whether returning to that role would help her and benefit the team, Sarina Wiegman stuck by her No.10 and that faith paid off on Wednesday.

With the game extremely tight in the first half, it was Toone who broke the deadlock with a fierce strike inside the box that flew into the top corner. It'll do her confidence the world of good and, in turn, surely benefit her all-round game.

It also gives Wiegman a big decision to make this weekend as Lauren James, who had excelled in that No.10 role before her red card against Nigeria, will be available again after suspension.

AdvertisementGettyWINNER: Lauren Hemp

Hemp was in flying form when last year's Euros came around, but it felt like we never really saw her hit top gear in the tournament on an individual level, even as England went on to lift the trophy.

This World Cup, however, has been a different story. Moving into a role as one of two strikers, she has thrived alongside Russo and this was her best performance yet in Australia – and probably even her best yet in an England shirt.

Her directness caused plenty of problems, her energy was a nuisance that allowed her to score her goal and her desire to run at players was what allowed her to set up Russo for the third. What a brilliant display.

Getty ImagesLOSER: Sam Kerr

When Kerr smashed the ball into the top corner of the England goal to level the scores on Wednesday, it looked like this was going to be her fairy-tale night. After missing all three group-stage games with injury, she was slowly reintroduced in the knockout rounds and marked her first start of the World Cup with an incredible strike.

However, the two huge misses that followed when the Lionesses were still only 2-1 up will haunt her. A little glance on Fowler's cross would've levelled the scores, but she made too much contact and sent it over the bar. A more composed finish when the ball fell to her six yards out, moments before Russo made it 3-1, would have, too. But it wasn't meant to be and it will hurt her.

"Knowing Sam, she probably thinks that goal was worth nothing," Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson said afterwards. "She's a winner. I know she's upset she missed the two chances. That's how she's wired."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWINNER: Jess Carter

There have been some tricky moments for Jess Carter in this tournament, with her targeted by Australia's pressing in this game and hitting some poor passes as a result.

But the Chelsea star is a really, really good at defending, even if she's not the most comfortable on the ball of England's back three, and she showed that in this game generally, but particularly at the end.

When Earps saved Cortnee Vine's shot late in the game, Emily van Egmond was ready for a tap-in at the back post until Carter intervened. It was a crucial intervention and the defender deserves huge credit for it as well as for her performances in this tournament.