FOOTBALL

Saliba Pulls Out of France Squad as Lacroix Earns First Senior Call-Up

William Saliba
March 2026

William Saliba has withdrawn from the France squad because of recurring pain in his left ankle, forcing him out of the upcoming friendlies in the United States. Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix has been called up as his replacement for a first senior international selection. Saliba played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup final defeat before the French federation decided the issue required treatment and at least 10 days of rest. Lacroix’s call-up rewards a strong club season and gives France a fresh defensive option before the World Cup.

Watkins Admits England Omission Did Not Surprise Him

Ollie Watkins
March 2026

Ollie Watkins said he expected to be left out of England’s squad for the March friendlies after an inconsistent season. The Aston Villa striker has fallen behind Harry Kane, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke in Thomas Tuchel’s current centre-forward pecking order. Watkins has not featured for England since October 2025 and missed the latest camp after a dip in form and previous knee issues. Tuchel’s expanded squad left him out, with recent reporting indicating the England manager wanted different backup options behind Kane for the Uruguay and Japan matches.

Tudor Misses Media Duties After Tottenham Loss Because of Family Bereavement

Igor Tudor
March 2026

Igor Tudor did not take Tottenham’s post-match media duties after the Nottingham Forest defeat because of a family bereavement. Croatian media reports identified the loss as the death of his father, though the club itself publicly confirmed only an immediate family bereavement. Tottenham were beaten 3-0 at home, deepening the pressure around the club’s league position and form. In Tudor’s absence, assistant Bruno Saltor faced the media and said the squad’s focus was on supporting the manager while trying to help the players through a difficult stretch.

O’Reilly Double Fires Manchester City Past Arsenal in Carabao Cup Final

Nico O’Reilly
March 2026

Nico O’Reilly scored twice in four second-half minutes as Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-0 to win the League Cup. The academy product’s breakout display delivered City’s ninth title in the competition and gave Pep Guardiola another major domestic trophy. Reuters reported that O’Reilly’s first goal followed a Kepa Arrizabalaga error, then Matheus Nunes supplied the cross for his second soon after. Arsenal had entered as strong contenders but failed to respond once City seized control after the break.

Beye Rages Over Greenwood Injury and Refereeing in Marseille Loss to Lille

Habib Beye
March 2026

Habib Beye strongly criticised the officiating after Mason Greenwood was forced off injured early in Marseille’s loss to Lille. The coach argued that the physical treatment of his forward crossed the line and said the refereeing decisions changed the entire game. Beye singled out the sequence involving Calvin Verdonk and Hakon Haraldsson, describing the contact as uncontrolled and violent after Greenwood was hurt during a counterattack. He said a harsher punishment was warranted and that Marseille paid the price once their attacker had to leave the pitch.

Molina Strikes Another Screamer but Atletico Fall Short in Madrid Derby

Nahuel Molina
March 2026

Nahuel Molina scored a spectacular long-range equaliser for Atletico Madrid, continuing his recent run of eye-catching goals from distance. The strike briefly pulled Atletico level, but Real Madrid still went on to win a dramatic 3-2 derby at the Bernabeu. Reuters reported that Molina thundered in a 30-metre effort to make it 2-2 before Vinicius Junior restored Real Madrid’s lead soon after. The goal reinforced Molina’s growing value as an attacking outlet from full-back, even in a losing cause.

Zidane Reportedly in Line to Succeed Deschamps as France Plan Post-World Cup Transition

Zinedine Zidane
March 2026

Zinedine Zidane is being widely reported as the leading choice to take over France after the 2026 World Cup, though there is still no official federation confirmation of a signed appointment. Didier Deschamps is set to leave after the tournament, making the succession plan a major national talking point. Reports say Zidane has a verbal agreement in place, while federation president Philippe Diallo has indicated that the next coach is effectively decided. Until an official announcement is made, the situation remains advanced but not formally completed.

Inter Revive Andrey Santos Interest as Tactical Shift Takes Shape

Andrey Santos
March 2026

Inter are again being linked with Andrey Santos as part of a wider summer rebuild that could reshape their midfield and slightly alter their long-used tactical structure. The Chelsea midfielder remains highly appreciated in Milan even after previous talks failed to produce a deal. Reports say Inter have held multiple meetings in the past with intermediaries close to Santos, but Chelsea previously blocked an exit because they viewed him as part of the first-team picture. The renewed interest fits Inter’s plan to add more physicality in midfield and greater unpredictability further forward.

Watzke Calls Bayern the Best Team in Europe After New Statement Win

Hans-Joachim Watzke
March 2026

Hans-Joachim Watzke has praised Bayern Munich’s current level, calling Vincent Kompany’s side the best team in Europe. The Borussia Dortmund chief pointed especially to Bayern’s recent Champions League displays against Atalanta as evidence that they are operating above every other side right now. Watzke said he was unusually pleased by Bayern’s European success because of how clear and dominant their performances were. His comments came with Bayern still chasing multiple trophies, including the Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB-Pokal.

Ronaldo Returns to Madeira for Family Break During International Window

Cristiano Ronaldo
March 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to Madeira with Georgina Rodriguez and his family for a break away from club football, revisiting the island that remains central to his identity. The trip has drawn attention online after videos showed him enjoying time with his children in relaxed surroundings. The visit reflects Ronaldo’s long-standing connection to Madeira and Funchal, where he spent his childhood before leaving for mainland Portugal. The trip has been framed as both a family holiday and a return to the place he still publicly treats as home.