Football news LIVE: Alexander-Arnold agrees to join Real Madrid, Liverpool in Salah boost, Brazil make unwanted history

Grounds for concern

There may be a sky full of stars at Wembley in September, but there will be a pitch full of stars two hours north.

England are set to host Andorra on September 6 for a World Cup qualifier as the road to the United States, Mexico and Canada heats up.

Traditionally, the Three Lions play their international matches at the Wembley.

However, The Sun reports England's World Cup qualifier against Andorra will be played at Villa Park.

It would be the first time since a 2005 friendly against the Netherlands England's senior men's have played at the home of Premier League club Aston Villa.

The reason why England will have to play at what Villa fans would describe as their paradise is because British band Coldplay are due to play a whopping ten dates at Wembley from August 22 to September 8.

It means England are likely to require an alternative venue, with Villa Park reported to be the first in line.

The last time England played a home match outside of Wembley was on June 3 in 2024 as they beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-0 at St James' Park in Newcastle.

Ode to joy

Martin Odegaard delivered a captain's performance for Norway in their 4-2 win away at Israel in Tuesday night's World Cup qualifier.

The 26-year-old chipped in with hat-trick of assists as he deservedly scooped the man of the match award.

Odegaard's through ball for left-back David Moller Wolfe in the 39th minute saw the visitors break the deadlock at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Hungary.

After Israel equalised through Mohammad Abu Fani in the second half, Alexander Sorloth headed Norway back in front after getting on the end of Odegaard's whipped in corner.

Kristoffer Ajer then made it 3-1 to the Scandinavian outfit, before Erling Haaland grabbed his customary goal - his 40th for Norway on his 41st cap.

The Manchester City striker was found by Odegaard's delicate pass, with the towering centre-forward making no mistake with a close-range finish.

And Arsenal fans will be hoping their skipper continues his fine form into the final part of the season with matches against Fulham, Everton and Real Madrid on the horizon.

Wale I never!

David Brooks rescued a dramatic point for Wales in their 1-1 World Cup qualifier away at North Macedonia.

The Bournemouth star equalised in the sixth minute of stoppage time to maintain Crag Bellamy's unbeaten start in charge of The Dragons.

Wales looked to be heading for defeat after Bojan Miovski capitalised on a loose pass from Joe Allen to fire the hosts ahead a minute into second half injury time.

But they failed to hold on for all three points as Brooks earned Wales a share of the spoils following his last-gasp volley.

The result leaves Wales on four points from their opening two World Cup qualifiers.

For boss Bellamy, it's a record-extending eighth game without defeat in charge of Wales having now won and drawn four matches apiece.

Cris Cross

Cristian Romero is claimed to be ready to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer as Atletico Madrid eye up a potential move.

The 26-year-old has become a firm fan favourite at Spurs since joining on an initial loan deal in 2021.

But according to the Daily Mail, the defender is open to leaving north London should Ange Postecoglou's men fail to secure Champions League football.

Spurs look unlikely to secure a European Cup spot through Premier League qualification, as they sit in 14th spot with nine games remaining - 15 points off the top four.

Their only chance of competing in Europe's premier competition next season lies in winning the Europa League.

But should they fail to do so, it has been said that Romero could be interested in exploring a move away.

And Atletico are reportedly monitoring his situation ahead of a possible swoop.

Hammer time

West Ham are reportedly eyeing up a summer move for Sunderland starlet Chris Rigg.

The 17-year-old has been one of the standout players in the Championship this season having chipped in with four goals and one assist in 34 games.

And according to The Telegraph, the Hammers are lining up a move for the teenager as Graham Potter looks to bolster his midfield.

It has been reported that West Ham's rivals Tottenham are also keeping tabs on the youngster.

But it is the east London outfit that have put themselves in a strong position should they wish to formalise their interest.

talkSPORT revealed in February how Manchester United has sent scouts to watch Rigg, with INEOS viewing him as an affordable young player with future sell-on potential.

No impact

Trent Alexander-Arnold's switch to Real Madrid will have no impact on Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk's future.

That's the view of ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy, who has had his say on the current contract dilemma at Anfield.

Alexander-Arnold is understood to have agreed a pre-contract agreement to join Los Blancos this summer, and Liverpool fans now fear for the futures of Van Dijk and Salah, who are also a few months away from becoming free agents.

Speaking on Drive, Murphy was asked whether Alexander-Arnold's impending exit will enter Van Dijk and Salah's thinking about whether to sign new deals.

To which he said: "I don't see that, because they are both senior players who have probably already chosen what they are going to be doing.

"They'll have spoken to their family, they'll have different ideas on what they want for the last couple of years of their career.

"Mo Salah is a very different person to Virgil, I don't see them thinking, 'Ooh Trent is going, now I'm going to change my mind.'

"They're stronger characters than that, I think if you're maybe 26/27 and you're looking at the direction that the club is going and all of a sudden, let's say Virgil saw Salah and Trent go four years ago.

"Maybe then you start thinking a bit differently, but not at the age they are."

Gunning for glory

Darren Bent has had his say on the 'club vs country' argument - and it's not even a debate for him.

talkSPORT fans recently had their say on the age-old question, with 82 per cent from over 500 respondents backing club glory over national team success.

And it's the same view shared by Arsenal fan Bent, who scored four goals in 13 Three Lions appearances, who would rather the Gunners would any form of silverware over England.

Drive co-host Andy Goldstein insisted country success would mean more to him than his beloved Manchester United lifting trophies.

Labelling Goldstein as 'nuts', Bent then stated: "I want to feel euphoria for north London - and the red part of it."

Goldstein replied by asking Bent would he would take Arsenal winning the Champions League if it meant England would never win another game, to which he said: "Yeah, that's fine with me."

He then questioned Bent as to whether he would rather Arsenal win the League Cup or Europa Conference League over England ending their 59-year wait for a major tournament.

Immediately responding, Bent simply stated: "Anything. Anything. I promise you, League Cup, Conference League, anything."

Bent later clarified that his view is coming from a fan's perspective, saying: "But as a player, I'd take England over anything, I'd win the World Cup over any competition.

"To win the treble as a player or win the World Cup, I'm taking the World Cup, as a player. The World Cup is the pinnacle, but as a fan (club over country)..."

Bent-er than them all!

Darren Bent has declared he is better than ten current Premier League strikers - but conceded defeat to Newcastle star Alexander Isak.

Bent is a member of the exclusive 100 club - having scored 106 top-flight goals across six different clubs.

He hit double digits in four Premier League seasons, with his most in a single campaign being 24 for Sunderland.

His Drive co-host Andy Goldstein was keen to ask him who he believes he is better than over the current crop of Premier League strikers.

First up was Nottingham Forest's Chris Wood, who has 18 league goals this term, but Bent was quick to back himself over the New Zealand international.

Bent then rated himself higher than Tottenham duo Dominic Solanke and Richarlison, followed by Brentford's Yoane Wissa and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins.

Arsenal duo Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were then brushed aside by Bent, with Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta and Brighton's Joao Pedro being disregarded.

But it was Isak who Bent finally conceded to, accepting that the Sweden international is a better centre-forward than he was.

Six of the best

Kevin De Bruyne and Vinicius Jr are among SIX marquee signings being plotted by the Saudi Pro League this summer, talkSPORT understands.

According to sources, the up-and-coming league are intent on making some statement signings to continue their rise in recent years.

De Bruyne is out of contract in the summer and is yet to hold talks with Manchester City over an extended stay, while Vini Jr is tied down at the Bernabeu until 2027.

The Saudi Pro League are also plotting moves for Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes and West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus.

Nunez has been linked with a move away from Anfield after a frustrating campaign in which he's scored just seven times for Arne Slot's side.

Gunners star Gabriel has two years remaining on his deal in north London, leading to admiring glances from Real Madrid and clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile Kudus has endured a frustrating year with the Hammers, scoring three and contributing just two assists all season.

Mohamed Salah is also a target, however it's understood that he's now more likely to stay in European football with Liverpool, rather than move to Saudi.

Worth the big bucks

Trent Alexander-Arnold is worth at least £100million - but there will always be question marks over his future.

That's the view of Darren Bent, who has insisted that his impending summer exit to Real Madrid will be a huge blow to Liverpool.

Commenting on his expected free transfer switch to Real, Bent said on Drive: "When it comes to contracts nowadays and the lengths of contracts, the players now have got all the power, it's as simple as that.

"Because if Liverpool knew they were going to lose him, they would probably prefer to sell him, because Trent, for a right-back the way that he plays, he's [worth] £100m, easy.

"So they would have liked to have got that, but unfortunately, it hasn't worked out that way, maybe they felt they could have convinced him to stay, but it doesn't look like they've managed to do that."

He added: "He's been absolutely outstanding, absolutely fantastic for Liverpool, but there will always be question marks about his defending."

Bent continued: "But you're never going to get someone who can give you that output going forward and then defensively be top level.

"It's very rare you get someone who can produce the goods like he does, dead ball specialist, his range of passing, his crossing, everything he does with a football is wonderful.

"And then defensively be like [Paolo] Maldini, it just doesn't happen, you're going to have to suffer somewhere."

Don't look back in anger

Former Tottenham striker Darren Bent has implored Liverpool fans not to boo Trent Alexander-Arnold following news that he has agreed to join Real Madrid.

Many Reds fans have taken to social media to express their anger over his decision to run his contract down and leave on a free transfer.

And Bent is hoping they don't vent their fury towards the right-back in the closing stages of the season.

He said on Drive: "These things happen, you could say that Liverpool were a little bit responsible letting him get down to that situation."

Bent added: "He's played over 340 games for Liverpool, he is a special talent and he's going to a special football club.

"Yes, he's leaving one of the big boys in European football and going to Real Madrid, I understand that, and I get Liverpool fans are like, 'Look what we've done for him.'

"That's always the argument, and I always go, 'What sort of argument is that when they do look what we've done for him,' well he's done a lot for you lot as well.

"He's scored big goals, helped you be part of a really successful period in your history, I get it, he doesn't go with your blessing.

"But don't boo him. You can't boo him in the next game."

Klopp clash

Former referee Mark Clattenburg has revealed a story of a tense confrontation with ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

Clattenburg recalled a moment he clashed with Klopp following a game between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.

"I had a big run in with Jürgen," he said on The Overlap.

"He was Dortmund manager and they'd just been beaten 3-0. I thought I'd had a good game, the assesor of the game from UEFA said 'You've had a good game'.

"It was Marcelo, the left back, he said if he could have a picture and I was like: 'What with me?' and he went 'Yeah, yeah'.

"I'm standing outside my dressing room and his wife was there and some of his family.

"We took the picture and Jurgen came past...

"He went: '******* hell, is that why we got beat ******* 3-0'.

"I turned round and said: 'You're ******* lucky you ******* got beat 3-0, now **** off'.

"Everybody laughed, but I was pleased I was in Real Madrid and not Dortmund as I'd have had to get out of Dortmund alive."

Liverpool boost

It's been a tough day for Liverpool fans with Trent Alexander-Arnold set to join Real Madrid, but this should boost spirits...

talkSPORT understands Mohamed Salah is NOT currently in active talks over a move to Saudi Arabia.

Bosses of the Saudi Pro League believe the Egyptian wants to stay in Europe.

That is despite being willing to hand the former Basel man a three-year deal worth in excess of £160m-per-year.

It would make Salah one of the richest footballers in the Gulf nation alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, who pockets around £177m-a-year.

Liverpool remain hopeful of keeping both Salah and Virgil van Dijk who are out of contract this summer.

Saudi chiefs have been able to speak to Salah regarding a free transfer since January, but the winger has prioritised contract talks with Liverpool.

New job pending

Dan Ashworth is set to make a surprise return to the FA after leaving Manchester United.

The former Red Devils sporting director departed Old Trafford in December after just five months at the club.

Ashworth had previously held the same role at Newcastle before agreeing to join Man United.

However, he could now land a new role with the FA just three months on from his United exit.

As first reported by The Telegraph, Ashworth is in discussions for a major role at St. George's Park.

The 54-year-old has been holding talks for some time regarding a return to the England set-up and negotiations are said to predate Thomas Tuchel's first two matches as Three Lions manager.

As part of the role, Ashworth would oversee the FA's 'St. George's Park 2.0' project.

You can read more below...

Verton-gone

Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen is to call time on his football career at the end of the season.

The 37-year-old will end his playing days at Anderlecht after making over 300 appearances for Spurs over the years.

This news follows his ex-teammate in the Premier League, Toby Alderweireld, also announcing that he will retire this summer.

Vertonghen has posted a video on Instagram, saying: "During the past weeks, months, I have been thinking a lot about how I want to continue or end my career.

"This past time has made it clear that it will be my last games not only at Anderlecht but in my career.

"I've realised that it's becoming harder and harder not only in games, but also in training to get ready physically to show what I want, to be the player I want to be. Not only towards the fans, to my team-mates, but mostly to myself as well.

"I've had the chance when I was sitting in the stands to reflect a lot and I'm so proud of what I have achieved with everyone."

"For the next 11 games, these eight to 10 weeks, I'll try to give it my all and hopefully experience some beautiful moments together," Vertonghen added.

"But then the journey ends and that hasn't been an easy decision, but it's a decision I have to take and I feel it's the right time.

"We'll do everything we can to make it a fantastic ending."

'Deluded'

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock has hit back at some of the criticism aimed at Trent Alexander-Arnold.

talkSPORT brought you the news earlier today that the England international had agreed a deal with Real Madrid.

Alexander-Arnold will leave Anfield this summer for nothing and head to Spain, where he will pen a five-year deal worth £220,000 per week.

Since the news was revealed, the Scouser has been the subject of intense criticism online from Liverpool supporters.

But Warnock has staunchly defended Alexander-Arnold's decision to leave his boyhood club for Los Blancos, where he will join Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe.

Writing on X, he said: "Can’t believe the negativity directed towards Trent Alexander-Arnold and his potential move away from LFC. I’ve seen comments like “he should be ashamed” and he’s “not loyal to the club” are deluded.

"He’s entitled to make his own choices and challenge himself in a different league and different country.

"He’s won everything with LFC, been an incredible servant to the club and should be given a great send off by the fans."

Rogers X Rooney

Former England manager and Spurs legend Glenn Hoddle has compared Morgan Rogers to Wayne Rooney.

Rogers made his first senior Three Lions start last night and impressed, after being rewarded for his incredible season with a call-up.

The Aston Villa forward has had a breakout year and Hoddle sees a similarity to English football icon Rooney.

Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: "I think he's one when you want to find out about somebody on the pitch, all the hype, you've had a look at him in training, can he reproduce it?

"He went out there and his first bit of skill that he made when he went out towards the corner flag and he did what I call a Rivellino.

"It was back in the day, he used to hit the top of the ball and he spun round the guy and I don't think anyone saw actually what he did, but he got on the back of him on the byline and cut it back.

"I think it went for a corner and I thought, my word, if that's your first thing you're gonna do as a as a player coming on...he was wonderful."

Hoddle continued: "I thought he was excellent, he's just got that little bit of guile about him, that little bit of turn of pace.

"And my word for his age, he's got that body strength that possibly like a Rooney when he was really young.

"He won't get knocked off the ball and he's a confident lad and he believes in his own ability.

"I mean, when you think about that type of player coming through who's only gonna get better, he's got talent coming out of his ears."

Spence's struggles

Tottenham defender Djed Spence has opened up on the negative impact Antonio Conte had on his career.

Spence joined Spurs in 2022 when Conte was in charge, but the Italian refused to play him, labelling him as an 'investment of the club'.

He's now in fine form back at the club this season after multiple loan spells, and he's looked back on that tough time.

"It wasn’t a nice feeling," Spence told the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast. "Especially as I was coming to the club on a high, I was confident, I was buzzing, had just won promotion.

"Then it was like running into a brick wall. It shattered my confidence a bit, obviously I’m young. It’s not nice to hear.

"I knew it was rubbish at the time. It wasn’t a nice feeling. I was even going into the club like ‘What am I doing?’”

He continued: “I feel like whatever I did, that man [Conte] wasn’t happy about anything.

"Even if you did the right things, you were like, ‘Did I do the right thing?’ Cos he’s not really a complimenting guy.

"It gets to a point where you don’t really need validation from a coach. You just go, ‘Oh’.

"I probably had one conversation with him."

Anger or respect?

There will be plenty of Liverpool fans this morning who will be frustrated that Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving.

The defender has been at the club for his whole career and he's Liverpool born-and-bred.

However, some will be content with Alexander-Arnold moving on to join one of the greatest clubs in the world, Real Madrid.

Former Crystal Palace owner and talkSPORT host Simon Jordan has been speaking about the fan reaction.

He said: "I'm never one that aligns with players, in fact, I'm the polar opposite. So the fact I'm aligning with Trent Alexander-Arnold isn't me being a contrarian.

"Everyone that criticises a choice, they very rarely have that choice themselves.

"In this instance, Trent Alexander-Arnold has made a choice, has he performed admirably for Liverpool during the time he's been there? Has he ever let this club down?

"Is he entitled to live his life? Or does he have to do precisely what a Liverpool fan thinks he should - until Liverpool want him no more and discard him when they're finished with him?

"He's performed admirably for Liverpool and the only challenge is, should he have gone for a fee?

"Well, okay, how much did Liverpool pay for him?"

After Sam Matterface stated that Reds fans could be hurt by the departure, Jordan continued: "Well, they should grow up.

"He gave them significant performances. I don't think he's hoodwinked Liverpool.

"I don't think he's done the Sol Campbell trick of indicating to the club that he's going to sign and then run across town to join the biggest rivals."

'I think he's quite fortunate'

Simon Jordan believes that Trent Alexander-Arnold is 'fortunate' to have got the move to Real Madrid.

However, he doesn't believe that the defender has lacked loyalty to Liverpool where he has spent his entire career.

Speaking on White and Jordan, he said: “There are some people that believe that you should actually tie yourself to one football club for the rest of your natural-born life if you happen to have come through their development and through their youth.

“In an ideal world, in a sentimental world, where those sorts of people live, that's a very interesting dynamic.

“In the real world, what players' responsibility is to be as loyal as their contract dictates and to do their jobs all the way through their contract.

“Trent Alexander-Arnold has done that. Do I think he's as good as people make him out to be? I don't think so. I think he's quite fortunate to be getting a move to Real Madrid.

“I think he's a very good player, but I don't think he features regularly in the England side.

"I don't think he's an international player that the England set-up felt was the most reliable player to have in their set-up at times. And I think he's got a great move to Real Madrid.

“In terms of loyalty, people lose their minds over this nonsense. They lose their minds over what loyalty looks like.

“Your loyalty in football is to do your job under the auspices of your contract, not engineer outcomes that disadvantage your football club and not go on strike when you don't like something. Other than that, that's the length and breadth of it.”

'He's earned the right'

Troy Deeney believes Trent Alexander-Arnold has earned the right to move on from his boyhood club Liverpool.

Alexander-Arnold has won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup while playing for the Reds.

And now he's going to make the jump to Real Madrid.

Former Watford striker Deeney said on talkSPORT Breakfast: “I feel that he is in a position where he’s done everything at Liverpool. He’s won everything. He’s given them a lot.

“I would have liked for them to get some money for him, personally. For PSR and things like that but it’s been a wonderful exchange.

“It’s somebody who’s come through the youth system. He’s been captain of his boyhood club, he’s won everything with his boyhood club.

“Now, he’s not leaving to go to any other team, he’s going to Real Madrid, the biggest team in world football.

“So, I think it’s perfect for him and fair play to him, he’s earned that right in my opinion.”

Blockbuster move

Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed to join Real Madrid from Liverpool, talkSPORT understands.

Alexander-Arnold will move to the Bernabeu on a long-term deal when his Reds contract expires at the end of the season.

He will sign a five-year contract worth in excess of £220k a week.

The England international, who has been on Liverpool’s books since 2004, has been in discussions with Real since January.

Alexander-Arnold has made more than 250 Premier League appearances for his hometown club, winning every major domestic honour.

But now he's going to be joining up with Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior overseas.

Surprising stunner

Reece James has admitted that his muted celebration last night was due to his surprise that his free-kick resulted in a goal.

The Chelsea star found the back of the net in England's 3-0 win over Latvia with a glorious set-piece late in the first half.

Stepping up from all of 30 yards, James curled his effort around the Latvia goal and into the top corner of the Wembley net.

While his teammates swarmed him to celebrate his effort, James kept a straight face - a reaction that was unusual given the quality of his strike and the fact it was his first goal for his country.

But reflecting on his celebration in his first Three Lions appearance since 2022, James insisted there was nothing to worry about.

Asked about his relaxed celebration on ITV, he smiled: "I was surprised it hit the back of the net.

"I thought the keeper could have maybe got there but looking at the replay, it was probably tough."

He added: "I saw the wall and I thought I could bend it round and thankfully I managed to hit the back of the net."

'Unbelievable'

Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri has made a great first impression in the England U21 camp after making his debut.

Nwaneri came off the bench for his first Young Lions appearance on Friday night before starting on Sunday.

And on his first start, the teenager scored.

Manager Lee Carsley piled praise onto the Gunners forward and said post-match: "It's definitely a finish he's got.

"Everyone knows exactly what's going to happen but you cannot stop it. He took his goal so well.

"But we have to keep remembering he's 18, unbelievable isn't it?

"But what an impression he has made, it's important we look after him."

Winning start

England manager Thomas Tuchel has been left pleased with his winning start in his new role.

Tuchel's Three Lions beat Latvia last night to follow up a win over Albania on Friday evening.

Speaking on his time in the camp after his second win in charge, he said: "[I'm] Very happy because of the players mainly.

"The staff were amazing, the organisation of the camp was absolute top but the players made the difference.

"Of course, like always, they reminded me instantly why I was excited about the job - because of these players, top characters, very good group.

"I think we had some excellent days on the pitch, but also off the pitch. Good energy and a very positive atmosphere from the start.

"Everyone wants to give his best. Everyone is proud to play for England, to be in the starting 11, wants to come on. It was a good atmosphere, good start.

"There is still room to improve but overall we have two wins, two clean sheets. We did not allow any big chances in two matches.

"So there's a lot of positives to take away and still room to improve. It's good stuff."