Manchester City

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Since 2006, every World Cup winner has dropped points in their first or second group game - but what they have also done each time is go on to win their group.

I am confident England will do that too, by beating Panama on Saturday, but I would not be surprised if Thomas Tuchel makes three or even four changes to his team after such a disappointing result and performance.

One change I can see happening is at left-back, with Nico O'Reilly coming back in for Djed Spence.

We just seemed to lose a bit of creativity and quality going forward down the left-hand side without O'Reilly and we posed more of a threat in a 15-minute spell after he came on than we did in the rest of the game.

O'Reilly got in some great positions, offered more on the ball and was also very unlucky when his header hit the bar.

I could also understand if Tuchel brought John Stones back in for Ezri Konsa. Although our main issue against Ghana was being unable to break them down, there were still some concerns defensively.

In the two real attacks that Ghana had when they managed to get forward, one could have seen them win a penalty and the other one could have ended with Jordan Pickford getting a red card.

We got away with it both times, but Tuchel has changed things in his defence and there is no doubt that there is some uncertainty back there.

I don't know if that has affected Pickford too, but he has not looked assured so far as he normally does.

In the first game, his distribution was pretty poor and then he got caught out against Ghana when he came rushing out, so maybe those changes did not help his situation either.

Read Shearer's full column here

Matt Jones
BBC Sport journalist

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Two of the greatest forwards in world football will go head-to-head at Boston Stadium on Friday, as Norway and Erling Haaland take on France and Kylian Mbappe.

Both nations have won their opening two group-stage matches at the World Cup, helped by devastating displays from their star strikers. Both have each scored twice in their two opening games, leaving them on four goals for the tournament.

With top spot in Group I still up for grabs, both players are expected to start despite their teams having already secured qualification for the knockout stages.

The match effectively serves as a playoff to determine who finishes first and, in theory, earns a more favourable path in the bracket.

Although both are key players for their domestic clubs, the importance of Haaland and Mbappe is further elevated on the international stage.

Given Norway's limited depth, it is no surprise that Haaland is even more crucial to his nation than Mbappe. Since August 2022, Norway have won 64.5% of matches with Haaland in the team, compared to just 33.3% without him.

The Norwegian has taken to his first World Cup like a Viking rower to water.

He is the sixth player in World Cup history to score multiple goals in each of his first two appearances at the tournament, and only the second player to do so in the past 50 years after Harry Kane for England in 2018.

He has also scored in 12 consecutive competitive internationals, including 16 goals in his past six matches.

France, of course, have loftier ambitions this summer and are among the favourites to win the World Cup, but Norway are capable of giving them a bloody nose.

With Haaland, it would be foolish to put a lid on the country's ambitions.

Read the full article here

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We asked for your views on Manchester City agreeing a club-record £116m deal to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, and where you see him fitting into the starting XI for the upcoming season.

Here are some of your thoughts:

Josh: He is definitely overpriced, the English player tax is at it again! A good player with bags of potential, but a big risk for that price. We did need to replace Bernardo Silva though, so I guess it is that. £115m would have been funnier.

David: No, no, no! When will we learn? It is just a repeat of the Jack Grealish fiasco.

Julia: With Bernardo Silva leaving and maybe Rodri, we need some top quality midfielders to replace them. He is English, which is a bonus, especially as it helps our Champions League quotas. It is a lot of money, but he is very young and we need him.

Mike: Watching him play at the World Cup, I don't even think he is worth £30m, nevermind £130m. Overrated.

Nige: It is a lot of money, I agree, however, he has the potential to be as influential for us as Declan Rice is for Arsenal, if not more. Given the fact we were allegedly offered £70m to £80m for Savinho, this price is about right for Anderson.

Warren: If it is actually £130m then I'm disappointed in City paying that. No player is worth that sort of money. I know he is young, but it is getting ridiculous the amount of money the club is playing for any player. It needs sorting out.

Sean: A fantastic young player who has got a lot of things going for him, although I think we have been over-charged because of who we are. With Rodri probably seeing out the last 12 months of his contract, we had to act now before somebody else came in for him.

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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Elliot Anderson was the schoolboy footballer so good his teachers discussed placing a bet on him playing for England.

The bet was never made - but Thomas Tuchel is backing him to be a winner at the World Cup and Manchester City are doing the same after agreeing a club record £116m to sign him from Nottingham Forest.

The midfielder is the one that painfully got away from Newcastle United, but he is still revered and respected in his home city as the "quiet and self-effacing" local boy made good.

After making his international debut against Andorra in September 2025, the 23-year-old emerged as a central component in England's World Cup plans, with head coach Tuchel calling him "the full package", and he is on course to assume the same role at City once the transfer formalities are completed.

Anderson's first steps in football came playing with his two elder brothers, Louie and Wil - the latter gaining prominence as a contestant on reality TV show Love Island.

His parents, Iain and Helen, ensured studying was never sidelined, with lessons organised around time at Newcastle United's academy, his beloved club that he was always destined to join.

Jonathan Roys, Anderson's former English and PE teacher, told BBC Sport he was not surprised by his progress: "Elliot was a very hard-working and determined lad. He was very good at athletics, cross country, indoor events - and he represented the school in cricket.

"It was football for him, though. We put him in midfield as he was our best player, although he actually also even played in goal for us once when we played Wallsend Boys Club.

"He is a real inspiration to the new generation. Everyone is proud of him."

Read the full article here

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Manchester City have agreed a deal with Nottingham Forest to sign Elliot Anderson for a club record £116m.

The England midfielder is set to have a medical before completing his move to Etihad Stadium.

City sources insist the fee for Anderson is £116m, which would be a club record, with no bonuses attached. Other sources claim the deal is worth up to £130m, which would represent a British record fee, eclipsing the £125m Liverpool paid Newcastle for striker Alexander Isak last summer.

What do you think about the deal? Is the 23-year-old worth the money? And where will he fit in City's XI?

Get in touch with your views here

Manchester City and Arsenal could consider a move for 26-year-old Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand, who scored for Denmark against England at Euro 2024. (A Bola - in Portuguese), external

Sheffield United are in advanced talks with Manchester City over a deal to sign Kalvin Phillips after having the midfielder on loan last season. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Manchester City.

Here are some of your comments:

Steve: The player I think would be a great fit for City is France's Michael Olise. It's looking like Savinho will be moved on this summer, so who better to replace him? With Olise and Jeremy Doku attacking from the flanks, and Erling Haaland centre, what a potent strike force that would be. Also, like Antoine Semenyo he can attack from the midfield, so no reason why they could not play together and interchange during a game, and the onus would not always be on Haaland to score.

Youssef: Ayyoub Bouaddi from Morocco to fill in if Rodri and (if we sign him) Elliot Anderson get injured. Looked solid against Brazil!

Fredrik: CyleLarin is absolutely brilliant, he has scored in all two of Canada's games.

Steve: I would love it if we could get Julian Alvarez back and a much-needed right-back.

Roger: Bouaddi from Morocco. 18-years-old, raw but lots of energy, strength and reads the game well for a youngster.

Tell us who you have scouted here

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

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Chelsea defender Malo Gusto is exploring options to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, with the club placing a £75m price tag on the full-back.

The 23-year-old right-back's future has come under renewed doubt after Chelsea agreed a deal in principle to sign Atalanta's Marco Palestra, who plays in the same position, for a fee in excess of £43m.

Sources at Manchester City have distanced themselves from a move for Gusto, possibly because of the £75m figure that has been quoted by Chelsea, but there is no doubt the club view a new right-back as a possibility this summer.

Reports in Italy recently suggested City had agreed personal terms with Palestra, though that did not materialise, and instead Chelsea have swooped to sign the highly-rated right-back.

City have been without a natural right-back since Kyle Walker left the club in January 2025 - and 28-year-old Matheus Nunes has excelled in the position after being converted from midfield.

The Portugal international scored one goal and provided seven assists in the Premier League last season and, such were his performances, then manager Pep Guardiola said Nunes was becoming "one of the best right-backs in the world".

But, having deployed a makeshift right-back all of last season, City are now eyeing the profile of a young player in that position, one who is a natural fit and can grow into the role in the future.

A move for Newcastle United and England right-back Tino Livramento has been ruled out, while there were also links with Tottenham's Pedro Porro but the Spaniard has signed a new deal at the club.

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Despite still feeling "massively optimistic" about Thomas Tuchel's chances of being successful as England manager, former Three Lions defender Stephen Warnock has been left "surprised" with some of his selection decisions.

England were held to a goalless draw by Ghana at Boston Stadium on Tuesday night, knowing that victory would have confirmed a place in the World Cup's last 32.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily, Warnock said: "More than anything, I was surprised Nico O'Reilly didn't start in the left-back position because when you have a right-footed left-back, you lose that little bit of balance on the pitch.

"You can see the difference when O'Reilly comes on, England get more bodies into the box and it causes chaos.

"I've seen a clip of Declan Rice getting onto the team bus with a heavily strapped calf, so it might be that Thomas Tuchel rests one of his two central midfielders and goes for more attacking-minded players next time out.

"I wouldn't mind seeing Harry Kane through the middle with Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers either side of him, as either two number eights or two number 10s.

"It also wouldn't surprise me if he starts Marcus Rashford on the left-hand side as his cameos so far have been hugely impressive. When you're looking for a player to get in behind or get in 1-v-1 situations, he has been key.

"Noni Madueke did very well in the first half, but I was surprised Tuchel didn't bring Rashford on a little bit earlier. Giving a player 10 minutes in a game like that just isn't enough.

"Djed Spence, who is playing with the wrong foot constantly, was also playing very predictable balls to Anthony Gordon, which was making it very difficult for him to find the space or get in behind.

"I understood why Tuchel picked Spence initially, but I thought he was taking him as a right-back not a left-back. Right now, I can't understand how Lewis Hall isn't in this squad. It is nothing against Spence, I just don't think left-back suits him.

"That being said, I am still massively optimistic with this manager."

Listen to Football Daily on BBC Sounds here

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

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Nottingham Forest are thought to want a record fee for a British player if they are to sell Elliot Anderson, and you can see why after the midfielder's eye-catching performance in England's opening World Cup victory over Croatia.

Anderson played the full 90 minutes and made the great Luka Modric look all of his 40 years of age, providing a superb assist for Jude Bellingham's all-important second-half goal.

The 23-year-old's job and importance to England's midfield is clear - since Thomas Tuchel took charge in January 2025, Anderson has won possession 78 times, that's 51 more than Declan Rice who is next on that list.

Manchester City's second offer worth £120m has already been rejected by Forest and Anderson may have added another £10m to his value following his highly impressive first appearance at a major international tournament.

Read more on the World Cup players who could be on the move here

Ciaran Kelly
Football reporter

It's the ultimate shop window: a World Cup with 48 teams - all packed with players eager to show what they can do on the biggest stage.

With the transfer window now open, BBC Sport journalists have been taking a look at some of the key names being discussed.

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The prospect of Newcastle making a third attempt to sign England goalkeeper James Trafford in just three years has not been ruled out.

Although he did not feature in England's opener against Croatia, it was significant that on the eve of the game the Manchester City goalkeeper accepted he will need to be first choice at club level to fulfil his dream of being his country's number one.

That could yet work in Newcastle's favour if they are to return to the table for Manchester City's cup keeper.

Real Madrid are interested in Manchester City and Norway striker Erling Haaland, 25, should 25-year-old Brazil winger Vinicius Jr leave the Bernabeu. (Sport - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Jess Anderson
BBC Sport journalist

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When Antoine Semenyo signed for Bournemouth, he sent former Leeds United manager David Hockaday a bottle of champagne.

Hockaday was at Bisham Abbey when a 16-year-old Semenyo attended a trial to test his fitness against other hopefuls. He helped with some drills before observing a series of matches and was "surprised" when the teenager's name did not come up after.

Hocakday recalled: "He didn't rip it up, didn't look anything particular, but he had moments and I believe that's what these trials are all about. I just saw a young lad who could deal with the football with both feet - inside, outside - without even thinking about it."

The itch needed to be scratched. Hockaday doesn't recall how, but in the weeks following he tracked down Semenyo's parents, explained to them who he was and said he'd like to help their son.

Hockaday brought Semenyo into his team at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, who competed in the South West Counties League.

To ensure he could get to games, Hockaday would pick Semenyo up from Swindon - where he was living in digs with other professional football hopefuls - on a Saturday morning at 5am and drive him to matches.

Semenyo's £65m move to Manchester City in January marked the peak of his journey up the football leagues. A move that even Hockaday did not see coming.

Semenyo scored 11 goals and recorded three assists for City before heading to the World Cup with Ghana. He ended the domestic season as an FA Cup hero, scoring the winning goal against Chelsea in the final at Wembley.

"When I see this young lad and I see what he's created, where he's got to and where he's going to now it's a bit mind-blowing for me," said Hockaday, who describes Semenyo as still "humble" and "one of the good guys" despite his meteoric rise.

"After rejections I would say to Antoine 'don't prove them wrong, prove you right, prove me right'. All he was doing was proving himself right.

"I kept in touch with him and usually at the end of every season we'll meet up for a few hours and have a chat and discuss things on and off the field. If there's anything he's not sure about he knows he can call me and he does.

"I just feel pride being able to say that I've been part of his journey."

Read more about Semenyo's story from non-league to the World Cup here.

Watch BBC Sport trace the origin story of Semenyo, and hear from former coach David Hockaday about the trial which saved his career below.

Manchester City are expected to unveil Enzo Maresca as their new head coach in the coming days.

City fan Dave Wilson told BBC Radio Manchester he was looking forward to the new boss "finally" arriving at the Etihad: "I think we all expected it the week after Pep [Guardiola] left, after they got out all of the Pep stuff. All the montages, farewell interviews and that type of stuff. So, it has been a little bit of a wait but yeah, I'm looking forward to him coming in."

BBC Sport reported on 8 June that City and Maresca's former side Chelsea had been in negotiations about a compensation package now understood to be well in excess of £10m.

Chelsea feel they are due compensation under the terms of Maresca's deal as the Italian was contracted to the club until 2029 before he left in January and the Blues had been exploring their legal options.

"£17m is a lot of money for a manager," Dave added.

"I can't remember somebody paying that much for a manager ever in football. I must admit though, it does surprise me that we spend millions and millions on players when managers are arguably just as important sometimes to a football club, so that is what it is and I'm looking forward to him coming in to get the season started."

Listen by pressing play above or on BBC Sounds here

Andy Cryer
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

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It is fast becoming a Golden Boot race for the ages.

Lionel Messi leads the way with five goals from two games. Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are second in the standings with four goals each.

This is only the second time in World Cup history where three players have scored four or more times after two matches - and the first since since 1954.

Anything one can do, the others can do better. It has that feel about it at the moment - and this is before England's Harry Kane has the chance to add to his opening-day double against Ghana on Tuesday.

Records have been falling from day one for the game's most feared forwards.

Messi now leading the all-time World Cup list has taken a lot of the headlines, and rightly so.

But he isn't the only one who has been setting records this tournament.

Mbappe now tops France's goalscoring charts, Haaland is Norway's leading World Cup scorer - after just two games - while Kane has equalled Gary Lineker's World Cup record for England.

And all of them will have their sights set on France's Just Fontaine's 1958 record of 13 goals scored in one tournament.

Only three players - Fontaine, Gerd Muller for Germany in 1970 and Hungary's Sandor Kocsis in 1954 - have ever hit double figures at a single World Cup.

It would not be a surprise if that select list has grown by the end of this tournament.

Read more on the Golden Boot race here

Shamoon Hafez
Football reporter

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Manchester City are closing in on the appointment of former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca as manager on a three-year deal after reaching an agreement on compensation with their Premier League rivals.

City players who are not involved in World Cup action are expected to return for pre-season in mid-July.

But without Maresca being in place, any player potentially considering their future at the club has remained in limbo as they are yet to meet the new boss for talks.

Transfer business has continued in the background though and City have already had two bids rejected for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. They are expected to make another offer.

The chase for the England international will seemingly be done with Maresca's blessing as the club look to replace departing captain Bernardo Silva.

City Xtra, external's Freddie Pye told BBC Sport: "Given the absence of any pre-season training until next month, and even those activities being restricted to non-World Cup players, perhaps Maresca and City have not lost out on anything via a delayed announcement, with the Italian likely to be in close contact over planning for the new season.

"City have a compelling and desirable sales pitch to offer players these days, irrespective of the head coach - though not overlooking the allure of Guardiola. This is a winning project for players, a clear opportunity to win immediate silverware, unrivalled facilities and perhaps joining the start of an exciting new era.

"The futures of players may be a different story, as some may view the departure of Guardiola as the end of a career segment themselves, giving them little reason to remain if being part of the more successful seasons of late at the club."

Read more about Maresca being close to joining City here

Sam Drury
BBC Sport journalist

Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway booked their place in the last 32 of the World Cup with victory over Senegal in New Jersey.

After just two games in the competition, the Manchester City striker has now scored twice as many goals (four) as any other Norway player in World Cup history.

Haaland is clearly enjoying his first World Cup.

Rather than being weighed down by the pressure of spearheading his country's attack, he is thriving.

His exploits for Manchester City in recent years mean he is already a superstar of the sport, but the World Cup remains the grandest stage of all and Haaland is doing all he can to make his mark.

The 25-year-old was quiet for much of the first half but showed his quality with a superb cushioned pass to tee up Odegaard, who should have scored.

Haaland then had the chance to show his captain how it is done in front of goal when he dispossessed Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy - but the striker hit the post with the goal at his mercy.

That was soon forgotten as he rifled in his first goal early in the second half, the inevitable conclusion of a swift Norway counter-attack.

Normal service had been resumed and another clinical finish, on the volley with his weaker foot, looked to have put the result beyond doubt and ultimately proved decisive.

By the end, the only surprise was that Haaland had not completed a first World Cup hat-trick. But with at least two more games to play, there is still plenty of time for that.

Read more on Haaland's display here

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

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Jeremy Doku has made it clear - family comes first.

The Manchester City winger is due to become a father next month and says he wants to leave the Belgium camp to be at the birth, even if they are still at the World Cup.

L'Equipe channel presenter France Pierron criticised him, saying a father is "completely useless" at the time of their child's birth, which she said was a "disgusting moment".

In a statement, L'Equipe apologised and said Pierron's comments were "very far removed" from its values. The presenter also apologised, and reports in France said she would not present her show on Monday.

The reaction in football - and elsewhere - was united.

Doku played 86 minutes of Belgium's opening 1-1 draw with Egypt in Group G but missed their 0-0 draw against Iran because of illness.

His wife Shireen is due to give birth during the second week of July, which could mean her husband missing a quarter-final if Belgium have progressed that far.

"If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child," Doku, 24, told Reuters.

"But I also ​know that football ​involves many ⁠other considerations. I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations. We'll see what we ​can do."

England striker Ollie Watkins, who has two children, backed Doku.

"I think someone labelled it disgusting and I think for a start that's not a way to label a birth," he said. "I've seen what my wife had to go through and that was quite smooth sailing but I know family members and friends that haven't had it that way.

"It only happens once - welcoming your first child to the world - and it is a blessing. There's a lot of times where you're away from family and friends during the season and it's very difficult, so to miss that would be tough and I see where he's coming from."

The Professional Footballers' Association said demands placed on players should not be at the expense of "fundamental family moments".

"While every situation is different, we believe players should be supported in balancing their professional responsibilities with important life events," a PFA spokesperson said.

"Supporting players as people, not just athletes, is an important part of creating a healthy professional working environment."

The Fatherhood Institute, which supports men as hands-on fathers and caregivers, also backed Doku.

"It makes me think of gladiators in the Colosseum," deputy chief executive Jeremy Davies told BBC Sport.

"We want these men to be these heroic figures who exist for our entertainment. They get paid lots of money but there are some things that are worth a lot more."

Read more here

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It is time to get your scouting caps on!

We're well into the group stage of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention so far - especially as the summer transfer window has now been officially open for a week.

What player has raised your eyebrows? Which name has exceeded your expectations?

Ultimately, who would you like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?

This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...

Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here

Enjoy the World Cup across BBC Sport

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From live TV coverage to highlights, analysis and reaction, our dedicated team will ensure you don't miss a kick of the biggest World Cup yet.

And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.

This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.

This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.

• Simple steps to set up live lock screen match updates from the World Cup

• How to get Premier League score updates

A new predictor game has been introduced to cover this year's World Cup, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from every match.

The game also features streaks, so make sure to check in each day and make your predictions.

• Play World Cup Predictor here (UK users only)

Ever wanted to see a World Cup match from every angle? How about a full-pitch tactical view? Or even see the match through the eyes of a player?

Well, now you can with Fifa World Cup 3D Experience, which is a UK-first that is only available on BBC Sport.

The interactive game experience gives viewers more choice to explore the match both in real time, highlights and full-match replays.

• Head here to get started

Finally, here are some more handy links:

• How to follow the World Cup across the BBC

• Beat the time difference and catch up on everything without any spoilers

• Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

• Play our World Cup quizzes