Lineker recalls FIFA, Putin meeting request

Gary Lineker has said FIFA's request for him to meet Russian president Vladimir Putin made him "slightly uncomfortable" and said he made a conscious decision not to be associated with football's governing body.

Elite soccer has changed dramatically in recent years, and the most valued player skill sets have evolved as a result.

Representatives of JJ Gabriel demanded that the teenager played at least 20 minutes in games against Sabah FK, Brighton and Bournemouth before beginning talks about signing a scholarship with Manchester United, sources have told ESPN.

Three South Korea players have apologised after appearing to gloat at being exempt from military service after their Asian Games victory.

Thomas Tuchel says there is no more fitting "role model" than Harry Kane to equal Peter Shilton's England appearance record - and revealed he would dive around pretending to be the goalkeeper growing up.

Thomas Tuchel has insisted clubs "have to trust" England to handle players with sufficient care after Alex Scott and Ezri Konsa became the latest injury victims of the current international break.

Micky van de Ven picked up an injury on Sunday but the Netherlands manager has played down fears over a potential absence.

Ledley King has urged Roberto De Zerbi's team to draw on the experiences of last season to end the club's winless start to the new Premier League campaign.

Thomas Tuchel has insisted clubs "have to trust" England to handle players with sufficient care after Alex Scott and Ezri Konsa became the latest injury victims of the current international break.

United States striker Folarin Balogun has said that he would still be keen to play in the Premier League, even though his transfer deadline day move to Everton collapsed in dramatic fashion.

If Manchester City are punished by being relegated from the Premier League, then more than £1 billion worth of players would suddenly become available for transfer.

Kylian Mbappé has shared a video of himself riding a bicycle on social media, just days after his Real Madrid manager, José Mourinho, said players couldn't go cycling because of the injury risks involved.

Portugal boss Jorge Jesus has opened the door for Cristiano Ronaldo to resume his international career.

Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí says she is adjusting to a new reality as she continues to make her way back to full fitness after breaking her leg last year.

Alex Scott and Ezri Konsa have pulled out of England's squad to face Czechia.

Alex Scott has pulled out of England's squad to face Czechia with a thigh injury, sources told ESPN.

Some soccer kits are just too remarkable to not be seen. Here are some of the season's wildest ones from around the world that demand to be shared.

Portugal boss Jorge Jesus has opened the door for Cristiano Ronaldo to resume his international career.

Erling Haaland has an injury question looming over him after asking to be substituted for Norway on Sunday night.

Heimir Hallgrimsson said the Republic of Ireland will look back at their international break as a "defining moment" in their history, after another evening of controversy in their 1-1 draw against Israel.

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Troy Parrott's first-half penalty was cancelled out after the break as the Republic of Ireland played out a 1-1 Nations League draw with Israel behind closed doors in Serbia.

Real Madrid hope to close the gap with Barcelona, but even without the likes of Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati, Barca are unstoppable.

Arsenal's start to the WSL campaign goes from bad to worse with a big loss at Manchester City.

Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers has said she is "full of energy" to continue leading the club despite their 4-2 defeat to Manchester City in the Women's Super League (WSL).

England boss Thomas Tuchel believes star duo Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham's partnership is hitting new heights.

Portugal face Norway for the second time in the Nations League as they look to secure a fourth win on the bounce, and you can follow the action live with ESPN.

Italy head coach Roberto Mancini said "there's too much anxiety around at the moment" before Monday's home Nations League game against Türkiye

Manchester City came from behind twice to continue their 100% record to the WSL season with a 4-2 victory over struggling Arsenal.