After flattering to deceive in the group stage Lamine Yamal boldly predicted that Spain would be ‘almost unstoppable’ once they finally shifted out of first gear at the World Cup. While they’re yet to justify such a statement Luis de la Fuente’s side are slowly getting there.

On Thursday in Los Angeles, the European champions brushed aside Austria to claim a 3-0 victory and stroll into the last 16, marking their first knockout win at this tournament since 2010. 

And just like 16 years ago, when they captured their first and only World Cup while giving up just two goals along the way, they are keeping things tight down the other end. La Roja are still yet to concede one this summer, while they have also allowed only three shots on target in four games. None came here.

Two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and a second-half header from Pedro Porro sealed the three-goal win at SoFi Stadium, with either Portugal or Croatia to come in the next round. Even the magic of Lamine Yamal, who enjoyed some bright flashes but failed to get on the scoresheet, was not required in LA.

Almost 10 miles south of Hollywood, Spanish movie icon Penelope Cruz was shown celebrating as her country cruised into the last 16. It may not have been a blockbuster but Spain are setting the scene for a potential second star. 

Hydration break works wonders 

Despite Spain’s typical desire for slow, steady control it was a lively start in LA as Austria pushed forward and found some gaps out wide, with Marcel Sabitzer an early threat over on the left. Inside the opening 60 seconds, Yamal also delivered his first edge-of-your seat moment when he reclaimed possession and sparked a rapid Spanish counter, which ended with the teenager rolling a tame effort straight at Alexander Schlager.

Up until the first hydration break chances for either side were few and far between. Spain, who have faced some criticism for a lack of fluidity despite topping Group H without conceding a goal, were just not clicking early on as they tried to take the sting out of the game and dominate the ball.

Pedri and Rodri were often too close together as Ralf Rangnick’s Austria looked to congest the midfield. Yamal, other than another moment in the 11th minute when he should have won Spain a penalty after burning past Austria’s Konrad Laimer and getting bundled over in the area, was not involved as much as De la Fuente would have liked either.

Then, once both teams had their controversial break to replenish fluids, a hydrated La Roja suddenly sparked into life.

Marc Cucurella thought he’d fired them ahead when he smashed home a rebound from a corner in the 29th minute, only for the linesman to flag for the softest of fouls on Schlager. While three Spanish players did leap up to challenge for the ball in and around the Austria keeper, it was difficult to spot any real infringement.

Tottenham defender Pedro Porro scored with a header as they ran out 3-0 victors over Austria

Yet they didn’t have to wait too much longer for the opener. Spain, moving the ball with much more speed and purpose now from flank to flank, were beginning to outplay a fading Austrian unit, and the inevitable goal came eight minutes before halftime.

Pedri first glided towards the box and threaded a neat pass through to Cucurella in space on the left. The new Real Madrid signing glanced up and then sent the ball straight to the feet of Mikel Oyarzabal, who cleverly stroked it to the right of an oncoming David Alaba and past Schlager to open the scoring.

Alex Baena came close to doubling their lead at the end of the half when his looping free-kick cannoned off the bar. By the interval, Spain were into their groove while failing to concede as much as a shot on target down the other end

Before they mounted a dramatic comeback, England also seemed to up the ante after their first hydration break against DR Congo on Wednesday. 

Perhaps FIFA’s contentious new format has its perks.

Wreck it Ralf 

In a drastic bid to turn the tide Austria boss Ralf Rangnick made four changes by the hour mark, including two at halftime, as the 37-year-old former West Ham striker Marko Arnautovic entered the fray.

That did little to revive his wilting side here, nonetheless, as Spain continued to exert their authority. And just before the second hydration break of the day, Porro was the unlikely scorer of Spain’s second.

Former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick cut a frustrated figure in Austria’s defeat

Following some scrappy play on the edge of the area, Cucurella eventually worked the ball to Baena in acres of space. The Atletico Madrid star took a few touches out of his feet and unleashed a sharp cross with his left to Porro, who headed home from close range to double their lead.

Then, in the final minute of normal time, Oyarzabal made it three when he got on the end of Cucurella’s ball into the box and headed past a helpless Schlager.

While he deserves credit for guiding Austria back to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, Rangnick will surely be bitterly disappointed with his team’s tame showing here. 

To not even register a shot on target, especially after throwing on two strikers in Arnautovic and Sasa Kalajdzic, is a miserable way to end the nation’s long-awaited return to the big stage.

They were simply too passive and predictable in possession on Thursday afternoon. Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon can’t have had a more comfortable day at the office than this. 

A soft precedent

After Germany were controversially denied an extra-time winner against Paraguay due to an apparent foul on their goalkeeper, before they eventually crashed out on penalties, FIFA referees appear to be following the same soft blueprint.

Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal looks to take the ball past Konrad Laimer

Oyarzabal was at the double to take his tally at this World Cup so far to four goals

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Cucurella’s disallowed goal should have stood in the first half. Schlager was not ‘fouled’ by any Spain player in close proximity, who have every right to jump and challenge for the ball.

Fortunately, De la Fuente’s men don’t have to worry about that baffling decision after getting the job done in style. 

Though if the officials continue to penalize players for merely contesting goalkeepers, there will be more controversy and outrage to come as these knockout games continue to grow in importance. 

Solid as a Roja 

Everyone remembers the great Spanish side of 2010 as a free-flowing, tika-taka machine fueled by some of the most gifted midfielders of all time in Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets. 

Yet in the knockout stage of La Roja’s first and only World Cup win, they won all four games 1-0 under the legendary Vicente del Bosque.

De la Fuente’s 2026 version are just as dominant in possession and just as watertight at the back. They didn’t even concede a shot on target here today, let alone a goal, making it four clean sheets out of four.

While France’s electric attack makes them the favorites, and Argentina will always be amongst the leading contenders when Lionel Messi is firing on all cylinders, Spain are the most defensively sound and controlled unit at this summer’s competition.

With Rodri mopping up just in front of them, Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi have developed a formidable partnership at the heart of the defense, meaning Simon has had very little to worry about so far.   

Even though it still feels like they can shift into another gear or two, and the tests will  become more challenging the deeper they go in the tournament, the European champions have made it to the last 16 without being breached. 

A Ukrainian woman described as ‘armed and dangerous’ has emerged as the prime suspect behind a bomb explosion in Monaco that critically wounded an oligarch from her own countr and his mistress. 

Monaco’s Prosecutor General, Stéphane Thibault, confirmed on Thursday that the suspect behind the attack is a Ukrainian woman in her 30s, currently registered as living in Germany. 

He said: ‘An arrest warrant has been issued for the suspect, who will be the subject of an Interpol Red Notice starting this evening.’

A senior investigating source suggested the woman had ‘attempted to look like a man’ during the attack, but a witness identified her.

He said she was likely to be on the run with accomplices in Italy, but might have made her way as far as the Balkans. 

The prime suspect is said to have targeted billionaire Vadym Yermolaiev, 58, his mistress, Anna Nasobina, 46, and their young son on Monday night. 

The woman – who has not yet been named publicly – was filmed outside the ‘Sun’s Palace’ – a lavish apartment block owned by Mr Yermolaiev. 

It was in the foyer, just before 9pm, that a dumped rucksack exploded after the woman triggered it using a mobile phone. 

Anna Nasobina (above) is in a ‘serious condition’ fighting for her life, and her millionaire lover, Vadym Yermolaiev, and their son were also wounded after an explosion in Monaco on Monday 

Ukrainian oligarch Vadym Yermolaiev, 58, was reportedly with his London-based lover, not his wife, when he was wounded

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Ms Nasobina had both her legs amputated following the blast, while both she and Mr Yermolaiev suffered severe shrapnel wounds and burns. 

‘The prime suspect was identified by a witness,’ said an investigating source. ‘She is a Ukrainian woman in her 30s.’ 

Footage from nearby surveillance cameras showed the woman wearing a black bucket hat fleeing on foot across the border to France, where there are no checkpoints. 

She headed into the French town of Beausoleil, and then made her way to Italy, investigators believe.

‘She is armed and dangerous, and thought to be in the company of accomplices,’ said the source. ‘She should be approached with extreme caution.’

Judicial authorities in both France and Monaco have opened a criminal enquiry for ‘attempted murder’, ‘the planting of an explosive device on a public road with criminal intent’ and ‘criminal conspiracy.’

Cameras first picked up the suspect in the area on Monday morning, before she returned to place the bomb, according to the same security sources.

She is thought to have been ‘around 12 meters away’ when she triggered the device, said one.

A suspect captured fleeing the scene on CCTV

Pictured: Monaco’s emergency services near the area of the explosion on Monday

The wounded boy has made a rapid recovery, and is currently providing evidence to police and prosecutors.

‘He is telling them exactly what he saw, although clearly his memory is very blurred,’ said a security source.

‘It appears that his mother took the full force of the blast, while he suffered relatively minor burns and shrapnel injuries.’

Ms Nasobina has been described in the past as Yermolaiev’s ‘common law wife’. 

She is a Ukrainian national who comes from Yermolaiev’s home city of Dnipro, while spending a lot of time in England. 

Nasobina describes herself as ‘London-based’ and is listed as a director of Wycombe Square Investments LLP in London since 2023, but frequently resides in Monaco, particularly during the summer. 

She is also the daughter of the former first deputy state prosecutor of Dnipropetrovsk region. 

Nasobina studied law at Dnipropetrovsk National University, followed by an International Institute of Management, before relocating to London.

Shards of glass on a damaged window of a residential building, following the explosion on Monday

Monaco police officers patrol near the site of the explosion

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She is a co-founder of Club Eclectique, a private members’ and literary-arts society registered in Oxford Street with a linked Monaco office. It was established in 2016.

The club’s events feature Russian entertainers with pro-Kremlin ties, and attendees include members of the Moscow diaspora in London.

One 2017 event she hosted, in honour of ballet legend Rudolf Nureyev, saw guests including Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Yasmin Mills, designer Julien Macdonald, party queen Jo Wood, singer Camilla Kerslake and actress Camilla Rutherford attend. 

In turn, Yermolaiev’s wife, Anna Yermolaiev, uses a high-security family villa in St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the nearby French Riviera resort town which is the second most expensive residential location in the world, after Monaco.

It is likely that the suspect was using a so-called burner phone – one that can be bought relatively cheaply, without providing any kind of identification.

Such phones are frequently used by lawbreakers, and then disposed of once a crime has been committed.

Stéphane Thibault, the Monaco prosecutor who is leading the investigation in Monte Carlo, said: ‘We are attempting to arrest the suspect.’

Police and French Army helicopters with searchlights and numerous drones have all been seen in the search zone over the days and nights since the attack.

Nasobina describes herself as ‘London-based’ and has been the director of UK company Wycombe Square Investments LLP since 2023

While there are theories that Ukraine’s SBU security service may have been behind the bombing, ‘a settling of scores’ by gangsters is currently the favoured line of investigation.

The blast signalled the first attack of its kind ever to take place on the so-called Rock tax haven, which is less than two miles square and considered neutral territory.

Mr Yermolaiev had made multiple enemies over the years, and one of the reasons he moved to Monaco was because of the security it was meant to provide.

Seyar Kurshutov, a Ukrainian businessman from Crimea, who now spends a lot of time in Monaco, said his friend was ‘obsessed with security’. 

Kurshutov told Le Monde: ‘Vadym was living on a razor’s edge.’ 

Reports in France on Wednesday suggested that investigators are examining the possible involvement of the Security Service of Ukraine [SBU] in the suspected assassination bid, which left Yermolaiev, Nasobina and their son wounded. 

The blast may have been a ‘warning’ rather than a deliberate attempt at murder.  

Ukrainian police said previously that the oligarch may have been blown up over his alleged links to a suspected €100million call centre fraud scheme. 

Police sources claimed that the violent attack is thought to be linked to a network of fraudulent call centres in Dnipro, Ukraine, allegedly used to carry out large-scale financial scams across Europe. The Yermolaiev family is alleged to have played a significant role in the scheme. 

In late 2025, Artur Yermolaiev — 35, and Vadym Yermolaiev’s eldest son—was arrested in Cyprus for his role in the estimated £100million scheme. 

Extradited to Estonia, where approximately 500 clients lost around £5million each, he was sentenced to five years in prison, with four months to be served behind bars. 

‘He now lives in Israel,’ said Seyar Kurshutov. 

Igor Komarov—a 28-year-old businessman involved in the call centres racket—was kidnapped, tortured, killed, and dismembered while on holiday in Bali, Indonesia, in March 2026. 

Another security source said: ‘The killers have never been found. This gives an idea of the kind of enemies Yermolaiev is up against.’  

Meanwhile, Ukrainian outlet Ukrainska Pravda reported that the attempted assassination was thought to have stemmed from a suspected failed agreement to divide territory and unpaid debts allegedly owed to organised crime bosses in Dnipro.  

Like many oligarchs who became rich following the fall of the Soviet Union, Yermolaiev has faced accusations of criminality, including money laundering, which he denies. 

Responding to reports linking him to ‘boiler room’ fraud, Theo Koshlyakov, the businessman’s legal assistant in Monaco, said: ‘To date, no legal proceedings have been initiated against Mr Yermolaiev in any jurisdiction’. 

Yermolaiev has been living in the principality since 2021, according to reports. 

In 2019, he renounced his Ukrainian citizenship and obtained a Cypriot passport, and in December 2023, he was subjected to personal sanctions by Kyiv. 

France is assisting in a search for the suspect. An aide to France’s Interior Minister, Laurent Nuñez, said yesterday that police were working ‘to find the perpetrator, who has fled’. 

There was a claim in the Nice-Matin news outlet that Yermolaiev planned to deliver a speech to the European Parliament alleging corruption in Ukraine. 

The British skin care and make-up range will launch alongside other leading luxury brands already available in the store.

It’s the only Greater Manchester Boots store to stock the premium products

Charlotte Tilbury, who was a renowned make-up artist to the stars and worked with top designers founded the brand in 2013, quickly building up a following.

Charlotte Tilbury (Image: Agency)

Products including Magic Cream, Pillow Talk lipsticks and Hollywood Flawless Filter have become firm favourites among make-up artists and beauty enthusiasts alike.

The beauty range is typically only available at high-end retailers, making its arrival in Bolton a major coup for local shoppers and beauty fans.

Ms Tilbury CBE, President, Chairman, Chief Creative Officer & Sole Founder of Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, said: “Darlings, my mission has always been to empower everyone, everywhere to feel and look like the most beautiful, confident versions of themselves. I am so thrilled that we are now bringing Charlotte Tilbury into select Boots stores across the UK this summer – joining forces with another great British beauty icon that customers know, love and trust.  

“For years, I have received countless messages from people asking, ‘When is Charlotte Tilbury coming to Boots?’ Well, darlings, the wait is over – we are finally making your beauty dreams come true! Bringing Charlotte Tilbury to people that may not be near an existing Charlotte Tilbury location! Now, more people than ever will be able to experience my award-winning beauty secrets within their local communities. I cannot wait for Boots customers to experience the magic of Charlotte Tilbury for themselves!” 

Alice Rafferty, Director of Luxury Beauty and Cosmetics at Boots, said: “We are delighted to welcome Charlotte Tilbury Beauty into 31 Boots stores nationwide. Our customers have long been asking for Charlotte Tilbury, and we are incredibly proud to bring one of the world’s most influential beauty brands to even more communities across the UK.  

“Our stores are designed to be immersive spaces where beauty discovery meets expert advice, and this launch further strengthens our premium offering. It reflects our commitment to giving customers access to the most exciting and sought-after brands, combined with the trusted expertise they expect from Boots.” 
Middlebrook Retail and Leisure Park’s Boots recently underwent a relaunch recently, when it moved to a new store in complex.

Previously located next to M&S on the retail park, Boots has now moved to the other side of the complex, near Vue Cinema.

The relocation was to allow Marks and Spencer to expand and become a flagship store.

Another luxury brand being launched at Middlebrook is Rituals, which opens its store on the retail park on Saturday.

It has a healthcare, pharmacy, opticians, hearing care and premium beauty.

Products like foundation, powder and setting spray have taken the premium market by storm and the popular “Unreal” range has captured consumers looking for an Instagram filter-worthy complexion.

Ms Tilbury is thought to be one of the country’s richest beauty entrepreneurs with an estimated £350 million fortune, according to last year’s Sunday Times Beauty Rich List.

The 53-year-old founded the brand after working as a celebrity make-up artist for more than 20 years, and has worked with supermodels including Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Gisele Bundchen and Kendall Jenner.

Need to know

Police received repeated reports of disorder at the address in Newport

A house in Newport has been boarded up following concerns raised by nearby residents of anti-social behaviour (ASB) and persistent disorder.

• A court order has been issued to shut a property on Alma Street, in the Pillgwenlly area of Newport.
• The people living in the property have been ordered to leave and find alternative accommodation.
• Gwent Magistrates’ Court granted the closure order, for a period of three months, on Thursday.
• PC Claire Drayton, a crime and disorder reduction officer (CADRO) in the Newport neighbourhood policing team, said: “We had calls about anti-social behaviour (ASB) linked to this address and people living in the area felt they were not able to live in peace and comfort.”
• She added: “This closure order, secured during Anti-social Behaviour Awareness Week, is a direct result of our officers responding to concerns from residents. I would like to thank residents who spoke to me about the issues at this house and provided the evidence needed to secure this closure order.”
• Police say that during the period of this order, which expires on October 2, anyone who attempts to enter this property will be committing a criminal offence and could be arrested.
• A spokesperson for Gwent Police added: “We would urge anyone with concerns about ASB or other criminality in their community, to contact us so that we can act. Call 101.

Forecasters have warned of ‘elevated’ pollen levels over the coming days

The Met Office has warned of ‘elevated’ pollen levels for many across England and Wales over the next five days, with it issuing ‘very high’ alerts across three regions of the UK. A further eight regions of the country have also been hit with a ‘high’ pollen alert.

During the spring and summer months, the Met Office publishes a five-day pollen forecast which ranks pollen levels from low to very high.

With more than 10 million Brits suffering from hay fever, these alerts indicate when allergies to pollen may be more pronounced. There are different types of pollen, such as grass, weed and tree, and people can be allergic to specific types.

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According to the Met Office, pollen levels will ‘remain elevated’ across much of England and Wales for the next five days. The weather agency warns that grass pollen will continue to be the dominant allergen, but adds that some weed pollen will still be around.

For Thursday (July 2), the Met Office issued a ‘very high’ alert for grass and weed pollen across London and South East England. It also issued ‘high’ pollen alerts across eight regions of the UK, including North West England.

Experts have warned that Friday (July 3) will bring the highest pollen levels of the period, with forecasters having issued ‘very high’ pollen alerts across the East of England, East Midlands, London and South East England.

Across the East of England and East Midlands, the Met Office warns of high grass pollen and moderate weed pollen levels, while across London and South East England it warns of very high grass pollen and high weed pollen levels.

Pollen levels are forecast to ‘ease slightly’ across some areas of the UK on Saturday, with the Met Office reducing its ‘very high’ pollen alerts to a ‘high’ warning level throughout the country

However the Met Office does warn that pollen levels will remain consistent throughout the weekend across a number of western and southern regions, including Wales, the Midlands, the southwest and the southeast as well as Yorkshire and the Humber, where a ‘high’ pollen level alert will remain in place on Sunday (July 5).

Northern areas of the country will generally experience lower pollen levels, particularly towards the start of next week.

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Full list of Met Office red and amber alerts

Friday, July 3

‘Very high’ red alerts

• East Midlands
• East of England
• London and South East England

‘High’ amber alerts

• Grampian
• North East England
• Yorkshire and Humber
• North West England
• West Midlands
• Wales
• South West England

Saturday, July 4

‘High’ amber alerts

• Yorkshire and Humber
• East Midlands
• West Midlands
• East of England
• South West England
• London and South East England

Sunday, July 5

‘High’ amber alerts

• Yorkshire and Humber
• East Midlands
• West Midlands
• Wales
• East of England
• South West England
• London and South East England

‘High’ amber alerts

• East Midlands
• West Midlands
• East of England
• South West England
• London and South East England

By KYLIE STEVENS, SENIOR BREAKING NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA

Published: 23:31 BST, 2 July 2026 | Updated: 00:51 BST, 3 July 2026

A coroner will investigate the death of a Brisbane law student who plunged to his death in London, as his grieving family seeks answers about what happened. 

Fletcher Beasley, 21, could not be revived after he fell from the Victoria Embankment in central London in the early hours of June 25. 

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He had been with his girlfriend and friends at the popular riverside promenade, a scenic 2km stretch along the northern bank of the River Thames lined with some of London’s most famous landmarks. 

London Ambulance Service reported a man in his 20s died after he fell from a height. 

‘Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the man died at the scene,’ police said. 

According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr Beasley was a fourth-year business and law student at the Queensland University of Technology while working as a research assistant at tax specialist law firm West Garbutt.

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In an emotional statement, Fletcher’s parents, Katrina and Matt Beasley, remembered their son as a kind and generous young man who touched countless lives. 

‘Our adored son Fletcher was our much-loved brother, grandson, partner, friend and colleague, who is deeply loved and cherished by all who knew him,’ they said.

Fletcher Beasley  fell to his death from the Victoria Embankment in central London last week

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The Brisbane law student (right) had been with his girlfriend and friends in the popular riverside area along the River Thames

‘He was at the centre of our close and loving family with siblings Sam and Holly. He was our perfect boy. Fletcher shared a beautiful relationship with his long-term partner Angelina and made the most of life with the people that he loved.

‘Funny, loyal, curious about the world, and always full of warmth, he lived a balanced life, playing sport, running, travelling and having fun.

‘Fletcher was deeply generous, selfless and community minded. His family knows he would have wanted to help others in any way he could.’

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Mr Beasley’s father has flown to the UK to bring his body home. 

The family added that they had been overwhelmed by the support received for a fundraiser established in Fletcher’s memory.

‘The fund will support the ongoing investigation into Fletcher’s death and support the Beasley family and close friends to help rebuild their lives and to bring Fletcher home,’ the statement read.

‘Just as Fletcher would have wanted to help and support others, this fund has been established to support Fletcher’s friends who were with him in London at the time.

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The riverside walkway where the young Aussie died runs along the River Thames and passes some of London’s most famous landmarks 

The popular riverside promenade is a scenic 2km stretch along the northern bank of the River Thames lined with some of London’s most famous landmarks.

‘It is impossibly unfair that he has been taken after only 21 years, however he lived a beautiful, but far too short life.

‘His loss leaves an immeasurable absence, but his warmth, kindness and love will continue to shape the lives of all who were lucky enough to know him.’

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The outpouring of support has prompted the family to establish the Fletcher Beasley Fund, which will help others affected by similar circumstances. 

 

Arsenal had been in talks to sign Leicester City’s Jeremy Monga, but Manchester City are now reportedly advancing on a deal for the forward

Manchester City are reportedly poised to beat Arsenal to the signing of Leicester City’s teenage forward Jeremy Monga. The Gunners had been leading the chase to secure the 16-year-old, who has already featured in both the Premier League and Championship.

Colleagues at football.london suggest that a fee of between £10million and £15m has been discussed between the Gunners and Leicester. It is also understood that thought was given to whether a season in League One might benefit the teenager’s development more than another year in academy football.

However, that prospect now appears to have faded, with BBC Sport reporting that City have entered the running to sign him. Approaches have been made in recent days regarding a potential transfer, with the Athletic reporting that Arsenal have withdrawn from the race due to the asking price being too high.

Monga made his Premier League debut during the 2024/25 season as a 15-year-old for Leicester, making seven league appearances between April and the end of the campaign.

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Leicester managed to fend off interest from rival clubs last summer, despite their relegation to the Championship, and Monga put pen to paper on an academy scholarship when he turned 16.

That agreement is due to become a professional contract this summer, on his 17th birthday on July 10. While a fee with Leicester could be negotiated, there remains the possibility of a tribunal to determine whether whichever club signs him has paid a fair price for the youngster.

The forward joined an elite group of young talents when he became the second-youngest player ever to feature in a Premier League match, though he has since been pushed into third place by Arsenal’s Max Dowman.

Monga was just 15 years, eight months and 28 days old when he came off the bench in a 3-0 defeat against Newcastle United on April 7, 2025.

The young starlet made 30 appearances across all competitions during the 2025/26 season, and etched his name in the record books as the Championship’s youngest-ever goalscorer when he found the net against Preston North End in August.

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The teenager has recently been representing England at Under-18 level, netting the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Greece Under-19s and also getting on the scoresheet in a dominant 6-1 triumph over Cyprus.

City have already been busy this summer after confirming on Thursday that they have struck an agreement with Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson. The Blues finalised the deal with the East Midlands outfit last month, with the midfielder receiving FA clearance to complete a medical in New York last week.

The England international will become a record-breaking signing for City, with the club paying a straight fee of £116million to secure the 23-year-old. Anderson will put pen to paper on a five-year deal at the Etihad, bolstering the midfield options following Bernardo Silva’s exit.

Cristiano Ronaldo will bring to an end his storied career with Portugal after the World Cup, according to his sister.

Katia Aveiro claimed Portugal fans can ‘say goodbye’ to the 41-year-old star and that the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico would be his ‘last dance’ with the national team.

The news comes just hours before Ronaldo’s side take on Croatia in Toronto for a place in the last 16 of the World Cup.

‘From the information I have, they can say goodbye,’ she told Sport TV outside the Toronto Stadium.

‘Not today, but I believe this is the farewell. I’m talking about the national team. From a reliable source, it’s the “last dance”, the World Cup.’ 

Ronaldo has earned his 232nd international cap after being named in the starting XI to face Croatia. He is the all-time men’s international goalscorer with 145 for his country. 

The claim was made by his sister Katia Aveiro, who was speaking before Portugal vs Croatia

His impending exit from the Portuguese national team will not come as a surprise. Ronaldo will be 43 by the time of the Euros in 2028 and 45 when his nation co-hosts the next World Cup with Spain and Morocco.

The Al-Nassr star has endured a mixed tournament in north America, scoring twice against Uzbekistan after a disappointing performance in a 1-1 draw with DR Congo in Portugal’s opening match.

The laboured display against the African side sparked claims of a ‘civil war’ in the Portugal dressing room.

It followed accusations aimed at Ronaldo’s team-mates from his zealous fanbase – including from Aveiro – alleging a plot to edge the ageing forward out of the game.  

Aveiro liked an Instagram post attacking Bruno Fernandes after the DR Congo draw, which sparked claims of tension within the Portugal camp.

But Ronaldo responded with two goals against Uzbekistan to become the first player to score at six World Cups. He then declared ‘I’m back’ before abruptly leaving a post-match interview after being asked a question about Lionel Messi. 

‘Just so you don’t forget, just so you don’t forget,’ he said of his message to the cameras. 

‘I knew it. God helps those who work hard. It was a difficult, dark week, it felt like I was already retired from football, but I held on as I always do because I believe more in hard work than in football. It was difficult, I have to confess, but we’re back.

Ronaldo opened his account by scoring twice against Uzbekistan, making him the first man to score in six World Cups

‘Very happy, but for me the most important thing is the work the team did, the confidence we had,’ he said about his historic moment. 

‘We took a lot of hits during the week, we knew that would happen. The team worked very well, we improved a lot. There are evils that come for good, as they say. 

‘Speaking for myself, it’s always nice to break records, but my goal is to help the national team achieve its objectives. In this part, it was to get through the qualifying round, with four points I think we’ve already done it.’ 

Aveiro again addressed the criticism her brother has faced during the tournament, suggesting his detractors lack intelligence.

‘For intelligent people, those who like football have to like Ronaldo,’ she said. ‘They’re the ones who lose out. 

‘He’s been tearing it up for 20-odd years.’

Ronaldo’s first goal for his country came 20 years ago in Germany, when he scored against Iran in Frankfurt.

Aveiro’s comments come after she also sparked claims of tension within the Portugal camp

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He added another in 2010 against North Korea, and a third against Ghana in Brazil four years later. Four more followed in Russia in 2018 – a hat-trick against Spain in the opening game and one more against Morocco.

He then became the first player to score in five editions of the tournament when he scored the only goal of the game against Ghana at Qatar 2022 – a record since matched by his great rival Lionel Messi at this tournament.

But Ronaldo is now out on his own again with goals in six tournaments – the perfect riposte to those who felt he was a negative influence on the team after failing to register a shot on target in the opener against DR Congo.

The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward is also making history against Croatia as the first player aged 41 to feature in a World Cup knockout match. 

How much is David Beckham set to pocket from his World Cup brand deals? Take on our quiz in our newsletter HERE. 

Now, weeks after Iran allowed the partial reopening of the strait – under a ceasefire agreement with the US that is mostly holding – the sea is calm once more and fishermen are returning.

One of them, Abdol Rahman, took the BBC through the strait for a close-up view of how the war has affected life in and around Bandar Abbas.

As we sailed through the strait, two container ships seized by the IRGC in April, at the height of the conflict, came into view.

At the time, the IRGC said the vessels had endangered maritime security “by operating without the necessary permits and tampering with navigation systems”.

Despite the ceasefire, the MSC Francesca and the Epaminondas, which were flagged to Panama and Liberia respectively, have not been released.

Dozens of other cargo ships could be seen offshore, waiting for permission from the Iranian authorities to pass through the strait.

As we approached Hormuz Island, 8km (five miles) off the coast of Bandar Abbas, our guide Rahman pointed out an old fortress overlooking the sea.

Its weathered red walls are a reminder that control of the strait has been fought over for centuries. Built in the early 16th Century, it was central to the Portuguese Empire’s control of this vital waterway – until 1622 when Portugal was driven out by Shah Abbas I of Persia, after whom Bandar Abbas is named.