Senne Lammens has been thrust into the role of Belgium No. 1 and the Man Utd goalkeeper is passing his audition in style at the moment.

The fear for Senne Lammens was that his third cap for his country would be the one that came to define him, at least in the short term.

Coming on for the injured Thibaut Courtois in Belgium’s World Cup quarter-final against Spain, Lammens dropped a Pau Cubarsi shot at the feet of Mikel Merino two minutes from the end and saw his country exit the tournament in agony.

Lammens looked distraught at his mistake in California. Courtois is a Belgian legend, and replacing him comes with its own pressure, never mind doing so in the heat of a World Cup knockout tie, with the scores level, when your only previous international experience is friendlies against Liechtenstein and the USA.

At that point, it didn’t look like Lammens would be ousting Real Madrid goalkeeper Courtois any time soon, despite an outstanding first season at Manchester United after an £18.2million move from Royal Antwerp.

But just over two months on from that World Cup howler, the picture is looking very different for Lammens now. Courtois’ decision to skip Nations League duty this year has opened the door and the 24-year-old is walking through it.

Lammens has started Belgium’s Nations League games against Italy and France and although it’s a record of one win and one defeat, he has saved 11 of the 12 shots he has faced in those games, preventing goals with an xG value of 1.32 across the 180 minutes.

The United stopper will add to his five caps when Belgium play Turkey on Friday night, then France next Monday. Then, in November, come games against Turkey and Italy, and the chance for Lammens to really make a claim to be Mark van Bommel’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Courtois told Belgian newspaper HLN earlier this month that Van Bommel had told him he wouldn’t be guaranteed a place in his starting line-up, and that the 34-year-old then decided to step away from the national team for the rest of this year.

“I have decided not to play the entire Nations League campaign with the Red Devils,” he said. “Unless the national team manager faces problems with injuries, in that case, I may be called up on an exceptional basis. That also means I won’t be playing in a potential [Nations League] Final Four.

“I’m making myself available again for the Euro qualifiers. If the goalkeeper playing in the Nations League performs well, Van Bommel might stick with him. However, I want to fight for my place. I want to prove that I’m the first-choice goalkeeper again.”

The Euro 2028 qualifiers begin in March and although Courtois has stated his intention to return, he knew skipping these six Nations League games was a risk, handing Lammens the opportunity to establish himself as the man in possession of the gloves and Van Bommel’s man for the future.

Lammens was particularly impressive in Belgium’s win in Italy and spoke after the game after the mistake he made against Spain.

“It was difficult to get over that,” he said. “It was a very emotional moment. I wanted to help my team and my country, but that didn’t really work out that day. It was unfortunate, but that is football. I tried to turn the page as quickly as possible.”

He also addressed Courtois’ absence and, as you would expect from a young Belgian goalkeeper, was respectful of his place in the established order.

“Thibaut has proven a lot, he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world,” Lammens said. “There will always be a place for him. I’m not focused on whether he plays when he comes back. I will always do my best, whether I am in goal or not.”

A changing of the guard was inevitable at some point, however, and Lammens might be accelerating that process. A year ago, he settled quickly into life at Old Trafford, immediately establishing himself as the club’s No. 1 goalkeeper. It showed United were right to back his mentality as a key strength in what was a significant step up in class.

Now he might be taking the same opportunity with his country.

Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley are set to run it back after a Fight of the Year contender in May, but Tony Bellew and Eddie Hearn have differing opinions on their assessment of the upcoming rematch.

After being elevated to WBO heavyweight world champion late last year, Wardley made a first defence against former IBF ruler Dubois, and scored two early knockdowns.

However, Dubois was able to bounce back and grind out an inspiring win as he turned the fight on its head and halted the Ipswich fan-favourite in round 11 to become a two-time heavyweight champion.

Speaking with DAZN Boxing, Hearn admitted that he sees Wardley as a ‘massive underdog’ ahead of his second counter with ‘Triple D’, despite backing him to come out on top in their initial meeting.

“I backed Fabio to win that [first] fight, right? It was the first time I ever backed him to win in the last five fights that he has been in – and he lost, but he was incredible. 

“I think that he is a massive underdog in the second fight.”

Bellew disagreed with his former promoter, believing the upcoming match-up to be a lot closer given the beginning of the first affair.

“He is not [a] massive [underdog]. 60/40 I edge it towards Daniel. Did you not see the amount of damage that he [Wardley] put on Daniel, are you forgetting that he had Daniel down twice?”

Hearn then said that Wardley ‘took a pasting’ in the first fight, but applauded his decision to activate his rematch clause and initiate a world title challenge, believing that the 31-year-old will have ‘hit the jackpot’ if he can reclaim his heavyweight crown.

“I disagree … They were flash knockdowns, he took a pasting! I would be saying [to Wardley], ‘What do you want from your career?’, and I actually think that Fabio Wardley is not a guy that wants to be around for years and years and years.

“He has made a lot of money, very quickly, but he has got an opportunity to probably make another couple of million in this fight. Roll the dice. If he wins, he has hit the absolute jackpot.” 

The rematch between Dubois and Wardley takes place on Saturday, October 17, at The O2 Arena in London.

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Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson has revealed his side remain uncertain about how they will approach Sunday’s ‘home’ behind-closed-doors Nations League fixture with Israel in Serbia.

A majority of players, described as “significant” by the Football Association of Ireland, ultimately elected to fulfil their ‘away’ clash in Debrecen, Hungary, a contest that was swirling in a debate that shows little sign of abating before Thursday’s meeting with Austria at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

On Saturday, FAI president Paul Cooke reaffirmed their intention was to play Israel again in Backa Topola, but said his organisation was taking things “one game at a time”.

Hallgrimsson, also speaking after the 3-0 triumph in Hungary, said of the situation: “We haven’t decided what we will do 100 per cent. When we get home tonight, we’ll give them a day off tomorrow to go home, and share a day with their families and friends and loved ones, and then we’ll come back and prepare for the Austria game.

“Hopefully we can finish that one and take a discussion.”

Gavin Bazunu was the only member of the Republic squad to officially make himself unavailable for selection for the Israel matches, but, as of Saturday, the plan was for the Bolton goalkeeper to remain with the team and be with them for the Austria match.

Asked if it was fair to say there were vastly differing opinions among his men over the Israel tie, Hallgrimsson said: “All I can say is I think we are all uncomfortable, number one.

“Number two, we have different opinions, and we should allow people to have different opinions. It’s not one opinion that’s right and all the others are wrong.

“We have different players in the squad that come from different backgrounds, so we need to be careful that everybody has a say in our decisions. But it’s tough when there are different decisions.

“Just like politics, some parties just can’t work together, but it’s been amazing and I hope you will see the tough times the players have been through and come out as winners, because they want to represent their country.

“That’s their desire. I hope everybody sees that.”

Bazunu came forward on Saturday morning to outline his stance, which he later confirmed in a statement on Instagram. That triggered a lengthy team meeting that resulted in the vote to proceed with the first Israel clash.

Hallgrimsson has repeatedly insisted he and his team have found themselves in a no-win situation. Even after Sunday’s contest – in which players wore black armbands, refused handshakes and bowed their heads during the Israeli anthem – sentiment remains deeply divided over their actions and decisions.

The Ireland boss nevertheless does not fear Bazunu will be perceived as “good” or the rest of the players “bad” in Dublin.

“I think both can come out as winners,” he added. “It was obviously a brave decision for Gav to do it. It was tough for us and a lot of players, and we needed to react, but obviously everyone supports Gav and don’t want him to feel bad about what he did.

“It would have been better for me as a coach that the decision came earlier, but when he told me, he explained that overnight he’d changed his mind and didn’t want to play.

“That’s understandable. Nobody forces a player to play for us.”

Italy crushed Turkey 4-1 in the Bursa rain to drag themselves into contention in Nations League Group A1, as leaders France struck late to win 1-0 in Belgium on Monday.

In Brussels, both teams had wasted chances before Michael Olise scampered through the home defence after 88 minutes and drilled a shot inside the post.

It gave Zinedine Zidane a second victory to start his long-awaited debut as France coach.

Read moreNations League: With France’s Mbappé away, Dembélé steps into new role

Roberto Mancini’s return to run Italy had ended in Roman jeers on Friday as Italy lost their opener at home to Belgium.

His team dazzled in the downpour in the first half in Turkey.

“The players all put in an excellent performance today. It was a tough match and we approached it in the right way, staying high up the pitch and playing aggressively throughout the game,” Mancini told Italian television at the final whistle.

The hosts quickly slid three goals behind with errors in their muddy goalmouth.

Twice Altay Bayindir struggled to reach low cross-shots from the right.

After nine minutes, the Celta Vigo goalkeeper scooped a drive from Pio Esposito round the post.

From the corner, Bursa-born fullback Zeki Celik, who plays for Juventus in Italy, swung wildly at a low near-post cross deflecting the ball to Alessandro Bastoni. The Inter Milan centre back lunged to fire into the roof of the net.

After 23 minutes, Bayindir flapped at an identical cross-shot from Michael Kayode into the path of Lazio’s Davide Frattesi, who tucked the ball home.

Intricate Italian passing around the penalty area repeatedly found a player free on the right of box.

When Brentford’s Kayode again found himself in that space, his shot for the near post eluded the plunging Bayindir.

Turkey gave the restless crowd hope in the 47th minute when Gianluigi Donnarumma was drawn to Oguz Aydin beyond the far post. He found Baris Yilmaz who gleefully drilled into an empty net.

The comeback lasted five minutes. Tottenham’s Sandro Tonali, in space, hit the post but Pio Esposito dived to nod home the rebound.

After the game the Inter Milan striker’s thoughts turned to family.

“I dedicate today’s goal to my grandmother, who is going through a difficult time,” said Pio Esposito who was playing alongside older brother Sebastiano of Sassuolo who was making his Italy debut.

“Sharing the pitch with him was incredibly moving; I tried to support him before the match without putting too much pressure on him. Let’s hope we get to wear these colours together many more times.”

Galatasaray attacker Yilmaz then curled a shot home but Aydin of Besiktas, bouncing up and down in front of Man City’s Donnarumma, was offside.

Monday’s slick display may ease the pressure on Mancini, while piling it on his former Sampdoria club-mate and fellow ex-Italian international Vincenzo Montella.

Montella led Turkey to the quarter finals at Euro 2024 but his side finished bottom of their group at the summer’s World Cup.

‘Fresh and ready’

For their next match Italy visit the Stade de France on Friday.

“We’ll try to recover our strength and be ready for the match in Paris,” Mancini told Italian media. “I’m confident. We’ve got plenty of young players who are fresh and ready.”

In League B, Sweden won for the second time in Group 4, beating Poland 3-1 in Solna. Benjamin Nygren of Celtic pounced at the far post after eight minutes to give the hosts the lead.

Sebastian Szymanski of Rennes levelled for Poland with a shot that hit both posts before going in. Brigton’s Yasin Ayari restored the home lead when he finished neatly even as he was losing his footing. Arsenal’s Victor Gyokeres added the coup de grace.

Bosnia and Herzegovina are second after winning 4-2 against Romania in Bucharest.

In Group 2, Northern Ireland remained top after they drew 0-0 at home against Hungary while Georgia and Ukraine also ended goalless in Tbilisi.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

Khaldoon Al Mubarak addressed reporting around Manchester City’s Premier League charges verdict and Joe Hart has now joined the club chairman in speaking out

Joe Hart trusts Khaldoon Al Mubarak’s assertion that Manchester City will not be found guilty of their Premier League charges.

Hart, 39, “loved” the City’s chairman’s letter and how he spoke in it. The player-turned-pundit described Al Mubarak as “someone who cared about the club” and who he has “no reason not to trust” because “what he said is enough”.

‘A letter from the chairman’, responding to Friday’s reporting, reads in part: “The Premier League process still has a long way to run, and our confidence and intent in proving the Club’s innocence is just as strong as when this began.”

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live during The Monday Night Club, Hart said: “I’ve heard everyone else go down every single rabbit hole, every single wormhole, every single discussion. My honest opinion is I’ve got no reason not to trust Khaldoon [Al Mubarak]; what he said is enough for me.

“I loved how he spoke. I loved the letter because that was from someone who cared about the club.”

Al Mubarak also said: “There are so many things that I would like to be able to share with you to help you understand why we feel so confident in our position.”

“But the strict confidentiality of the legal process and our determination to respect it mean I cannot do that at the moment.

Even this letter underwent several legal checks to make sure it complies. … While some people have been quick to reach their own conclusions, and there is so much noise swirling around us, nothing has changed.”

Hart continued on the BBC’s weekly radio programme: “If Man City are found guilty, which I don’t think they are because of what Khaldoon [Al Mubarak] said, then there are conversations to be had, but right now I’m very confident and very, very calm.

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“I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved and what I did with Manchester City and what we achieved as a team. And that doesn’t change, that doesn’t change until you tell me.”

The former England international concluded with characteristic frankness: “I did what I did. I lined up 11 v 11 and had it out on the pitch. I won some games, lost some games, drew some games, and I shook hands, and I walked off.

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“I know what I did, I know what we did, and I know how it happened. It didn’t feel like we were scheming or plotting.”

Dylan Larkin #71 of the Detroit Red Wings follows the play in front of Jason Robertson #21 of the Dallas Stars during the second period at Little Caesars Arena on December 23, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)

NHL club Boston Bruins have reportedly rejected the trade offer for Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin amid their top-line center search. According to recent reports, the Bruins were among the teams that submitted an offer for Larkin.In fact, the Minnesota Wild also reportedly made an offer, with both proposals failing to result in a trade. The report did not specify whether Detroit rejected the offers or whether Larkin did, or who has trade protection, or whether that was involved in turning them down.It is important to note that the Detroit Red Wings have remained on the playoff bubble but have repeatedly fallen short with their performance, ending their postseason drought. In this season, they finished 41-31-10 in the Eastern Conference. Reports are indicating that the club’s inability to return to the postseason and its direction under Steve Yzerman contributed to Larkin’s decision for a fresh start.

Boston Bruins have Dylan Larkin trade offer rejected as the club continues its search for a center

As Dylan Larkin has been one of the most influential faces of the Red Wings for several seasons, the Boston Bruins have reportedly made an offer for Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, but the proposal was rejected. It has been clear that whether Detroit rejected the offers or Larkin.But, as per earlier reports, speculations suggest that the Michigan native has reportedly decided to move out of the Detroit Red Wings due to their inability to return to the postseason. This has fueled league-wide speculation regarding the captain’s long-term future with the team.Dylan Larkin wants to leave the Detroit Red Wings, but he apparently does not want to go to the Boston Bruins. He gave Detroit a list of three teams that he would be willing to join and those were Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, and Vegas Golden Knights. Later, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that Larkin had expanded his preferred list to around eight teams. But, Bruins are not on that list.Despite the significant hurdle in a trade for Larkin, the Boston Bruins are clearly trying their best to be contenders in the competitive Atlantic Division. The center position is particularly a potential weak spot for the club but for now the Boston club has Elias Lindholm, Pavel Zacha, Fraser Minten, and Sean Kuraly in their key role. The first two players mentioned are perhaps solid centers rather than top-line stars.Meanwhile, Dylan has recorded 34 goals and 67 points in 74 games last season while continuing to serve as Detroit’s most important forward. However, any potential deal would be complicated by Larkin’s full no-trade clause, which gives him significant control over his future, and the center remains under contract with the Red Wings for five more seasons at an average annual value of $8.7 million.

Roberto Mancini has rarely spoken about the Premier League charges levelled at Manchester City but was asked about them over the weekend following the guilty verdict

Roberto Mancini has rarely spoken about the Premier League charges that Manchester City face since they were brought against his former club in February 2023.

A section of them are for a “failure to provide accurate financial reports for player and manager compensation between 2009 and 2018”. Those allegedly relate to dual contracts for individuals such as Mancini to facilitate paying them more than was officially reported.

The former Inter head coach joined City in December 2009. Mancini was then dismissed in May 2013, two days after his team were beaten 1-0 in the FA Cup final by Wigan Athletic.

He was alleged to have dual contracts, one as a consultant with City Football Group partner club Al Jazira, who Sheikh Mansour owns. Mancini was in his first stint as the Italy national team head coach when City’s charges were first brought.

He was asked about them during a press conference in March 2023 before England played Italy in a European Championship qualifier. Mancini said: “I haven’t been contacted or called up by anyone.

“I don’t think anyone will contact me. I have paid my taxes, and it’s all above board, so I don’t think anyone will be in touch.”

What has happened to Manchester City?

Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty on 114 of the 115 Premier League charges over alleged breaches of financial regulations. They relate to a period between 2009 to 2018 and include allegations around financial reporting, disclosure of player and manager payments, compliance with UEFA and Premier League financial rules, and cooperation with the investigation. The Premier League has yet to comment, with the news having first been reported by The Athletic.

The process started when the charges were brought in February 2023. The review was started in 2024 before the reported verdict of guilty on almost all charges arrived on September 25, 2026.

The English champions, owned in practice by the United Arab Emirates’ ruling family, deny all charges and insist their case is supported by a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence.”

Has this happened before?

The Premier League has long had a reputation for rampant capitalism, but it has started to enforce financial regulations that control spending in recent years.

In 2026, Chelsea were fined €11.6 million ($13.8 million) and given a suspended ban from registering new players for two transfer windows for breaching rules relating to payments to agents between 2009 and 2022. The club did avoid a six-point deduction though. In the recent years before, Everton and Nottingham Forest were docked Premier League points for breaking profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

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City previously won, for the most part, a similar battle with UEFA. The 2023 UEFA Champions League winners were hit with a huge fine by UEFA in 2014 over a breach of the organization’s FFP (Financial Fair Play) rules. Then, in February 2020, UEFA handed City a €30-million fine and banned the club from competing in the Champions League for two years for falsely inflating sponsorship revenues between 2012 and 2016. But in July of the same year, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned the ban and reduced the fine to €10 million. City denied all charges and did not miss a game in Europe’s premier club competition.

The key difference in City’s current case to Chelsea’s earlier in the year is that Chelsea self-reported and admitted guilt, which allowed them to negotiate with the Premier League over the sanction. City have stressed that they are innocent throughout.

Has something like this happened in Germany before?

German football is by no means immune to scandals or corruption. The most prominent examples are the 1971 match-fixing scandal in which players took bribes to throw matches, and the 2005 match-fixing scandal involving referee Robert Hoyzer, who confessed to fixing and betting on matches in the second division and German Cup.

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The majority of financial breaches have come from clubs not being able to prove they were financially viable. Both 1860 Munich and Uerdingen are examples of this, but major systematic abuses or breaches have not happened because the structure of German football is designed to prevent it.

The 50+1 rule: What is it?

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Why is something like this not possible in Germany?

Mainly because of the 50+1 rule. In place since 1999, the rule stipulates that the parent club, for example Bayern Munich, must hold at least 50% plus one vote in its spun-off professional football company – in this case, FC Bayern München Fußball AG. This ensures that the majority of voting rights always lie with the club and its members.

The rule prevents external investors from taking complete control of a club and managing it solely according to financial criteria. It is also meant to ensure a certain level of equality, as it is not possible for a club to invest disproportionately more money than other clubs thanks to its powerful investor with a controlling stake.

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The vast majority of organized fans in Germany oppose the commercialization of football. The 50+1 rule makes many fans in Germany not just paying spectators but active club members who can, for example, have a say inimportant club decisions.

Critics argue that the rule puts German football clubs at a financial disadvantage. Spending in the Premier League proves that to be true, but City’s reported offenses are also proof of why the league’s sustainable structure matters. The Bundesliga has been approached by DW for comment.

Do these charges have an impact in Germany?

Not until the ruling and punishment are final. However, one of the main talking points is what City’s success prevented other teams from claiming, whether it be prize money, Champions League places or transfer opportunities. These are compensatory claims that might be explored should the charges remain after appeals.

Reforming English football

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What happens next?

Manchester City face possible points deductions, expulsion, financial penalties or the stripping of their titles. It is unclear when the decision on what the punishment will be will come, especially given that City are expected to appeal.

The outcome also has significant impacts for the Premier League. In taking on one of its biggest clubs, having successfully punished two smaller ones, they risk appearing toothless. Certainly the eyes of European football will be on them as the impact of the decision will put the integrity of the competition into focus.

It may also see more English fans call for a model like the 50+1 rule to be integrated. Some voices were raised in England after the Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF took over Premier League club Newcastle United in 2021, and others continued during the attempted establishment of a European Super League in 2021.

Edited by: Chuck Penfold

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