Goalkeeper Vozinha was Cape Verde’s hero in Monday’s 0-0 draw against Spain, which marked his country’s first-ever World Cup match. At age 40, he was playing in his first World Cup match and was named man of the match.

At just 19 years old, a fresh-faced Ryan Garner outlined his dream to fight at St Mary’s Stadium, the home of Southampton Football Club.

Back then, it must have sounded like little more than a fantasy, the type of thing a young prospect might say to generate media attention.

For Garner, though, it was a dream he had visualised a thousand times over, knowing that one day he would be presented with an opportunity of such magnitude.

No one could convince him or his trainer, Wayne Batten, that this dream would not become a reality, and while there has been no shortage of bumps in the road, the pair are now gearing up for the occasion they have long been working towards.

Speaking with Boxing News, Garner made no attempt to hide his delight ahead of a WBC ‘interim’ super-featherweight title fight against Michael Magnesi, which takes place at St Mary’s on June 20.

“In 2017, I did my first interview here [at St Mary’s] with Trans World Sport. And here we are now.

“We’ve manifested it for years, so for it to actually happen is just a dream come true.

“I’m looking forward to hopefully making history and becoming Southampton’s first ever world champion. I know it’s an interim title, but it’s still a world title at the end of the day.”

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While promoting his fight with Magnesi, Garner has revealed several glimpses of his footballing prowess.

Clearly a gifted athlete, it was only his aptitude for boxing, it seems, that stopped him from becoming a stylish winger at St Mary’s.

“I wasn’t too bad at football when I was younger – I’ll give myself that – but obviously I was better at fighting.

“I started off as a striker, then went into central midfield and ended up on the right wing.”

While he played for Southampton’s academy from U7s to U10s, it soon became apparent that Garner was most effective with his fists.

Now, the 28-year-old has arguably reached his athletic prime, looking to become the leading contender for O’Shaquie Foster’s WBC strap.

But while Magnesi represents a solid opponent, many felt WBA champion Anthony Cacace was the most likely dance partner, especially after Garner featured on his undercard in March.

There was, however, a clear lack of desire from Cacace, who would rather enhance his legacy with a potential unification showdown later this year.

“I don’t blame him. He’s getting older and is coming towards the end of his career, so he wants to unify and win more titles.

“I spoke to him in Ireland and he seems like a nice guy. At the end of the day, we’re just fighting for our families.

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“It didn’t matter who the opponent was – the dream has always been to fight here [at St Mary’s].”

Magnesi is perhaps best known for giving a strong account of himself against Cacace, resulting in him losing a split decision in 2022.

From Garner’s perspective, though, there is no reason to adjust the approach that has seen him craft an impressive record of 19-0 (10 KOs).

“I’ve always been strong, mentally. Nothing really bothers me; nothing really fazes me. I don’t study my opponents; I just get in there and do my best work.”

Whether this will be enough to defeat Magnesi, it remains to be seen, but, either way, Garner expects to have between 15 and 20 thousand fans screaming his name.

Tottenham encouraged to bid for Sandro Tonali, Real Madrid plot Ruben Dias move and Manchester United make Marcus Rashford valuation.

Tottenham have been encouraged to compete with Arsenal and Manchester City for Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali, with Newcastle‘s asking price for the 26-year-old expected to be about £100m. (Telegraph – subscription required), external

Real Madrid are plotting an £80m swoop for Manchester City‘s Portugal centre-back Ruben Dias, 29. (Mirror), external

Manchester United have valued Marcus Rashford at £40m but ruled out the possibility of the England forward, 28, joining Liverpool or Manchester City. (ESPN), external

Manchester United are interested in West Ham pair Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville but the relegated Hammers want a combined £140m for Portugal midfielder Fernandes, 21, and Netherlands winger Summerville, 24. (Mail), external

Arsenal have agreed personal terms with France midfielder Manu Kone but are yet to agree a fee with Roma, whose asking price for the 25-year-old is 50m euros (£43.2m). (Gazzetta dello Sport – in Italian), external

Liverpool are continuing their efforts to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, with the Reds’ new manager Andoni Iraola having sanctioned a move for the Ivory Coast winger, 19. (Teamtalk), external

Manchester City and Chelsea have made contact with Italy right-back Marco Palestra’s entourage but have not yet begun negotiations with the 21-year-old’s club Atalanta. (Sky Sport Italia – in Italian), external

Al-Hilal have renewed contact over a potential move for Barcelona’s Raphinha but the Brazil forward, 29, does not want to discuss his future until after the World Cup. (Globo – in Portuguese), external

Everton are exploring the possibility of signing 26-year-old Belgium striker Lois Openda on a loan-to-buy deal from Juventus. (Football Insider), external

Leeds and Nottingham Forest are also in the race for Openda. (Teamtalk), external

Marseille are open to offers for England midfielder Angel Gomes, with newly-promoted Premier League pair Coventry and Hull among the clubs interested in the 25-year-old, who ended last season on loan at Wolves. (Teamtalk), external

Inter Milan have become the latest team to express an interest in signing France midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, 23, from Real Madrid this summer. (Mundo Deportivo – in Spanish), external

Brighton are not willing to pay Tottenham‘s £60m asking price for 19-year-old Croatia centre-back Luka Vuskovic, who spent last season on loan at Hamburg. (Football Insider), external

Tottenham have rejected several approaches for English striker Will Lankshear, with Spurs wanting £20m for the 21-year-old, who impressed on loan at Oxford last season and is being monitored by Sporting. (Hayters), external

Paris FC have spoken to former Chelsea and Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior about the possibility of replacing Antoine Kombouare, if their current boss leaves this summer. (L’Equipe – in French), external

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From the show

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Spain were held to an unexpected draw as Cape Verde held on to secure a point in their first-ever World Cup game. The goalless result means the newcomers have a chance to reach the first knockout round while Spain will seek to bounce back from the shock in their next game against Saudi Arabia. Elsewhere, France prepare to face Senegal, but will coach Didier Deschamps unlease his attacking power?

Jose Mourinho is reportedly keen to strengthen Real Madrid’s defence this summer with a Manchester City star said to be of interest

Jose Mourinho is plotting a surprise £80m move for Manchester City defender Ruben Dias.

Real Madrid are growing increasingly confident of enticing Dias to the Bernabeu, with Mourinho – now back at the Spanish club for his second stint in charge – having identified the Portuguese centre-back as one of his primary summer targets.

Real president Florentino Perez is prepared to back Mourinho financially and is reportedly drawing up an initial offer for the defender. City, however, are determined to fend off any approach from the La Liga giants.

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Incoming City manager Enzo Maresca considers the Portuguese defender integral to his plans at the Etihad. The exit of John Stones has only heightened Dias’s importance to the squad.

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City brought Dias to the club from Benfica for £60m back in 2020, and he has since helped them clinch 11 major trophies – including the historic Treble in 2023.

However, Pep Guardiola’s departure has thrown the futures of several City players into doubt. Dias, who is contracted until 2028, may be tempted by a fresh challenge having achieved everything there is to win in Manchester.

The centre-back is currently part of Portugal’s World Cup squad and is focused on the tournament.

Yet the prospect of a move to Real will be hard to resist for Dias, whom Mourinho has pinpointed as a potential defensive partner for Antonio Rudiger. Real’s hierarchy are also keeping a watchful eye on Dias’s City teammate Rodri.

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The Ballon d’Or winner has long been coveted by Real, yet even Perez acknowledges that pulling off a double swoop on City would be virtually unachievable.

City are powerless to prevent Bernardo Silva from making the switch, however, with the Portuguese midfielder set to join the Spanish giants on a free transfer once the tournament concludes.

Having brought down the curtain on his illustrious City career at the end of the season, he is now at liberty to embark on a fresh chapter.

The starting XIs

France: Mike Maignan – Jules Koundé, ​Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Théo ​Hernandez – Aurélien Tchouameni, Adrien ​Rabiot – Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappé (captain), Désiré Doué, ​Ousmane Dembélé.

Senegal: Edouard Mendy – Krepin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly (captain), Moussa Niakhate, El Hadji Malick Diouf – Idrissa Gana ⁠Gueye, Lamine Camara, Pape Gueye – Ismaila ⁠Sarr, Sadio ​Mane, Nicolas Jackson. 

France come into this year’s World Cup as one of the leading contenders for the trophy having reached the final in the last two editions. But their opponents Senegal serve as a warning of the dangers of over-confidence, having famously stunned Les Bleus at this stage in 2002.

Read moreWorld Cup 2026: All the fixtures

Jacob Fatu shocked everyone when he launched a vicious attack on Eric Andre on this week’s episode of RAW. The comedian, who was in the crowd, interacted with The Bloodline as they were leaving after the opening segment.

Andre playfully greeted Fatu and touched his new Ula Fala, which didn’t sit well with The Samoan Werewolf. Fatu dragged the 43-year-old into the ring and attacked him.

Officials ran out to stop Fatu as he climbed up the top rope. Reigns initially tried to calm The Samoan Werewolf, but eventually gave him the green light, leading to Fatu hitting a massive splash on Andre. As they were leaving, the OTC ordered Fatu to hit another splash on the comedian, and he obliged immediately.

Speaking on RAW Recap, Sam Roberts explained the possible reason Roman Reigns ordered Jacob Fatu to attack Eric Andre. The analyst believed that the OTC wanted to showcase The Samoan Werewolf’s dominance and how much control he has over Fatu.

“What’s the psychology behind this? Why would Roman do that? And I believe that the reason this was done is because Roman doesn’t want anyone to mistake what’s happening. Like you said, he’s leading a little bit differently. Maybe he has a little bit more patience, more empathy, more whatever. But in this moment, I think he’s realized, like, Jacob’s locked into this. Of course. I need to show everybody what a weapon I have. I need to show everybody the degree of control that I have, right? Because sometimes, sometimes when you’re in a position like Roman Reigns, the authority figures will say, hey, can you please make sure this happens? And you do. Because you have the ability to make sure that it happens. No problem. But then these authority figures think that they’re the ones in charge. That’s how I took it,” Roberts said.

Later in the night, Jacob Fatu attacked LA Knight as well after the latter’s heated confrontation with The Usos. It will be interesting to see how this story develops.

Jacob Fatu was officially welcomed into The Bloodline by Roman Reigns

The Bloodline opened this week’s episode of RAW, with Roman Reigns asking the crowd to acknowledge each member of the group.

The OTC addressed the recent tensions between Jacob Fatu and The Usos. The Samoan Werewolf made it clear that he was not going to listen to the twins and that the only person he acknowledged was Reigns.

The World Heavyweight Champion then officially welcomed Fatu into The Bloodline by presenting him with an Ula Fala.