That's all we've got for today. Thanks for joining our coverage ahead of another busy weekend of football.

Be sure to join us for build-up to the World Cup third-place playoff between England and France. Until then, rest well!

Liverpool icon Graeme Souness has questioned whether England's midfield duo Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are truly world-class.

An exhausted Rice struggled to make an impact in the tournament while Manchester City's £116 million signing Anderson was overrun against Argentina.

Souness said on Sports Uncensored: "One is very young, 22 [sic 23], so he's (Anderson) got a chance of getting better. Declan won't get any better; he's looking as good as he will get at 27.

"I don't see enough football in the two of them. I see them as players who will recycle the ball, but I don't see them hurting people... I think these two young lads are limited. Declan Rice for me, limited.

"You hear people talk about Declan Rice as a world-class footballer, I think he might be a center-half. There's nothing to dislike about him in terms of his attitude to the game, nothing to dislike about him, his athleticism, commitment from the first minute to the last minute.

"My criticism of his, is, he doesn't have enough football in him. They talk about how, 'Well, look how he runs with the ball.' A center midfield player, you shouldn't do."

Declan Rice is set to be fit to play against Argentina(Image: Getty Images)

Ibrahima Konate has insisted France are motivated to beat England in tomorrow's World Cup third-place playoff.

Tuchel claimed that his exhausted players shouldn't have to take part in the Bronze final. But Konate, who recently signed for Real Madrid, thinks differently.

“I believe as French players, for this team, many players would have loved to compete and played this game. I’m not saying it’s easy, far from it," he said.

“I’ve read in the press that Thomas Tuchel said that no-one wants to play this game. Well, it’s true that, given the aim and objective we had, we wanted to play the final.

“But we are still representing France and it is the dream of many people to wear the shirt, the jersey, and sing the national anthem."

Ibrahima Konate(Image: Carmen Mandato - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp has rubbished reports that he spoke about Thomas Tuchel and England after the World Cup semi-final.

Taking to social media, the former Liverpool boss said comments attributed to him were 'not true'.

"Hi guys. Just a short message from my sofa, actually," he said on Instagram.

"Today I got a lot of messages about things which I found on social media that I said something about the England game and Thomas Tuchel and tactics - and stuff like that. It's not true."

READ THE FULL STORY

(Image: Alexander Hassenstein, Getty Images)

The White House has claimed the Argentina players were free to express themselves under the First Amendment after displaying a banner about the Falkland Islands following their World Cup victory over England.

After beating England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final, several players celebrated with a custom flag that read: "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" which translates to "The Falklands are Argentine" in Spanish.

With some calls for Argentina to face punishment or even be thrown out of the World Cup, the White House responded with support for Lionel Scaloni's side.

According to Sky News, the White House would not support any Argentina players being banned from Sunday's final at the MetLife Stadium.

It claims officials from President Donald Trump's team have rejected calls from the UK government, chiefly Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey, to punish the players who paraded the banner.

You can read the full story here.

Argentina players held up a banner in the aftermath of Wednesday's match(Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)

Spain continued to train outside ahead of the World Cup, ignoring calls to head inside as smoke from wildfires in Canada filled the air in New Jersey.

The Euro 2024 winners trained in difficult conditions 48 hours before their clash with Argentina despite concerns over air quality in the region.

Luis de la Fuente’s side trained as normal in East Hanover, New Jersey after beating France, even with the smoke being visible to the players.

Arsenal's Mikel Merino admitted he could see and smell smoke from the wildfires but insisted his team needed to focus on the matter at hand.

“For a game that is as important as a World Cup final, you have to be able to shut out external factors as much as possible,” Merino said Friday.

“Luckily, we are being careful with every detail thanks to the federation and the organizers of the World Cup.”

(Image: Getty Images)

Jude Bellingham has expressed his pride at England's World Cup campaign and insisted his team-mates should not face criticism for their exit at the hands of Argentina.

The 23-year-old, who scored six goals in the tournament, heaped praise on his England colleagues for their efforts in North America.

“I think the one thing that’s overriding for me is pride,” he told England's official website. “Proud to represent my nation, proud to have given them a few good moments along the way. I’ll be back, we’ll be back and we’ll give everything we have to try and bring it home for us.

“I think all the lads did everything we could. Over the course of the tournament, you can’t fault the effort and the fight and all those things. That’s the life of a footballer at this level, the more kind of beautiful the journey the more kind of heartbreaking the hurt is.

“I’m really proud of all my team-mates for putting a magnificent shift in the last couple of weeks.”

England will hope to beat Argentina to book a place in the World Cup final(Image: (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images))

Former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate is set to attend Sunday’s World Cup final, according to reports.

The 55-year-old had planned to make the trip to New Jersey for a long time and had still planned on attending even if England won their semi-final.

According to The Telegraph, Southgate had made an agreement some time ago to speak at a private gathering before the final just outside New York City.

It has been one of the roles he has taken on since leaving England two years ago and has been in great demand from corporate clients.

The England manager wished the players and the Football Association the best of luck in a video he published before the tournament and promised to “stay out the way”.

However, that is no longer a factor in his attendance with Spain facing Argentina and Sir Gareth will take his spot in the stands.

Gareth Southgate is set to fron a new BBC documentary.(Image: Bloomberg, Bloomberg via Getty Images)

U.S White House officials are set to hold a meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final to discuss the potential health dangers posed by wildfire smoke.

Wildfires have broken out in the New York-New Jersey area just 48 hours before Sunday's final, with health and safety concerns arising if they continue to spread.

There are estimated to be around 800 active wildfires north of the border in Canada.

MetLife Stadium was engulfed in thick smoke on Friday, raising concerns about poor air quality and the threat to life. There is also a lack of visibility within the stadium.

Sky News report Infantino will discuss the matter at hand with World Cup chiefs and the U.S government, with growing concerns that FIFA do not already have a contingency plan in place.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been reported the International Olympic Committee.(Image: (Photo by GSI/Icon Sport via Getty Images))

Thomas Tuchel's comments about DNA have stoked controversy among fans and pundits after England's World Cup semi-final exit.

Tuchel suffered his first competitive loss as England head coach in his 15th game, having won 13 of the previous 14.

But having previously hinted towards a lack of belief in the team under predecessor Gareth Southgate, the 52-year-old had ample time to change the mentality within the camp.

So, did he fail in his ultimate goal to turn England into winners? Patrick Austen-Hardy has his say in his opinion piece, which can you can read HERE.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 15: Thomas Tuchel, Head coach of England looks on before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, United States. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

England’s final game at the World Cup could be delayed as they prepare to face France in Miami.

The third-place playoff, also known as the Bronze Final, takes place at Miami Stadium on Saturday at 10pm BST in the UK.

According to Accuweather, temperatures are forecasted to reach 33 degrees celsius an hour ahead of kick-off, with a 'feels like' temperature of 39C.

However, the chance of rain is at around 40 per cent and Thunderstorms are predicted to arrive in the area. This is not expected until 4am, although forecasts have been incorrect throughout the tournament.

US policy on extreme weather at outside sporting events dictates that a match must be delayed or suspended if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium.

Players, coaches and officials must all return inside, while fans are told to evacuate the stands and shelter in a safe spot. Only until the area is clear of lightning for 30 minutes can the game safely resume.

England's World Cup ended with a familiar feeling. And there is a narrative building around Thomas Tuchel that it is never his fault when things go wrong.

Having led Argentina until the closing minutes of the semi-final, Tuchel's side lost control of the match entirely before conceding twice late on to crash out.

England completed just 311 passes to Argentina's 588 - only three of them coming between the hydration break and Enzo Fernandez's equaliser - failed to complete a single link-up play, and touched the ball inside the opposition penalty area only four times to Argentina's 17.

Afterwards, Tuchel offered his explanation of "passive players" and added in for good measure: "Ball possession plays a crucial role. It's maybe not in our DNA like it is in our Spanish DNA or in our Argentinian-Brazilian DNA."

But is the German right? Machine Football put his claim underneath the microscope...

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 15: Thomas Tuchel, Manager of England, reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Manchester United hero Nicky Butt has told Kobbie Mainoo to boycott England's World Cup 2026 third-place match because of the treatment he's endured at the hands of Thomas Tuchel, reports Fasika Zelealem.

The 21-year-old is one of just two outfield players who've yet to play at the summer tournament, alongside latecomer Trevoh Chalobah.

The Man Utd midfielder has been left on the bench for all seven of the Three Lions' matches so far but could make his World Cup debut against France on Saturday with Tuchel expected to make numerous changes.

However, the opportunity to grace the pitch should be swiftly rejected, according to Butt.

Kobbie Mainoo at Miami Stadium ahead of the game

Pep Guardiola had agreed to take the England job in 2024 only to perform a dramatic U-turn, with the Spanish coach linked with the role once more reports Daniel Orme

Current Three Lions’ boss Thomas Tuchel remains under huge pressure following the nation’s World Cup exit at the hands of Argentina.

The German’s tactics in the second-half in Atlanta have been widely criticised, with many claiming that the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss should be moved on just months after putting pen to paper on a new contract with the FA.

One of the names touted as Tuchel’s potential replacement is former Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. And it has now been revealed just how close he was to the job previously.

Pep Guardiola was close to the England job in 2024(Image: Getty Images)

Argentina's president insists his players will happily cover any fine imposed by FIFA after several squad members displayed a flag referencing the Falklands War during their post‑match celebrations,reports Bruna Reis.

As the celebrations kicked off at full time, a group of Argentina players were seen holding a banner that read: "Las Malvinas son Argentina," which translates to: " The Falklands are Argentine."

The UK government has since called upon FIFA to launch an investigation, insisting it represents a blatant breach of their regulations surrounding political symbols and gestures.

(Image: Getty Images)

Former Premier League referee Graham Scott has criticised the ‘irritating’ behaviour from England star Harry Kane during their World Cup defeat to Argentina.

Referee Ismael Elfath handed out four yellow cards across the 90 minutes, with just one going to an England player. Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero and Rodrigo De Paul were all booked for Argentina, while Elliot Anderson was cautioned for England.

Scott, who spent 10 years refereeing in the Premier League, explained why he did not like what he saw from the England players during the defeat to Argentina.

Harry Kane of England(Image: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Gary Neville believes that Thomas Tuchel will have regrets about the manner of England’s exit at the World Cup. The Manchester United legend also disagrees with some of the comments made by the Three Lions boss after the defeat to Argentina.

Tuchel spoke after the game about English football’s ‘DNA’, responding to criticism about the response after Gordon found the back of the net.

In response, Neville has argued why he disagrees with Tuchel’s comments and questioned some of the substitutions made by the England boss.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/Shutterstock (16993007da) coach Thomas Tuchel (England) Looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, United States. England v Argentina: Semi Final - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, United States - 15 Jul 2026

World Cup referee Slavko Vincic broke down in tears after he was appointed as the man in the middle for Sunday's showpiece final between Spain and Argentina, reports Kieran King.

Vincic, 46, is considered as one of Europe's most experienced officials and has taken charge of three matches at this summer's World Cup, including Brazil's 1-1 draw against Morocco.

Alongside that, the Slovenian refereed some huge Champions League games last season, with Bayern Munich's Champions League quarter-final home tie against Real Madrid the most high-profile. But none come close to the World Cup final and Vincic is going to get the honour to lead out Spain and Argentina in New Jersey as the referee on Sunday.

Slavko Vincic got emotional after he was announced as the referee for the World Cup final(Image: FIFA)

The Falkland Islands have issued a statement after members of the Argentina squad held up a banner after their win over England.

The statement read:

Jude Bellingham has also sent a message to England fans, posting a photo of a poem written by team driver, Michael Chandler.

Posting on Friday morning, Bellingham said:

Jude Bellingham of England(Image: 2026 Getty Images)

England captain Harry Kane has issued a message after the Three Lions' defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.

Kane posted on social media:

Thomas Tuchel is reported to have rejected the idea that he instructed the England players to be more defensive after taking the lead against Argentina.

The Telegraph have reported that Tuchel rejects the suggestion that he asked the England players to try and hold onto their lead after Gordon’s goal.

Instead, the report claims that Tuchel wanted his players to “play higher”, with the Football Association (FA) still believed to back the Three Lions boss.

Thomas Tuchel led England to the World Cup semi-finals(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

FIFA have issued a statement after members of the Argentina squad held up a banner that had a message related to the Falkland Islands.

During the post-match celebrations, Argentina stars Lisandro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso held up a banner which read "Las Malvinas son Argentinas", which translates to English as "The Falklands are Argentinian".

The Falkland Islands have condemned the banner, while British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called for FIFA to launch an investigation.

In response, FIFA have issued a statement which read:

Good morning and welcome to the latest edition of Mirror Football's World Cuo LIVE blog.

We'll be on hand throughout the day to provide the latest news from the tournament in North America with the final set to take place this weekend.

Make sure you stay tuned!