Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 7:35 PM ET
Premier League & Managerial Moves
Tottenham's crisis deepened as interim boss Igor Tudor told players they can either "cry or fight espn.com" ahead of Sunday's trip to Liverpool, where Spurs haven't won in their last 11 visits. Tudor's warning came after a humiliating 3-0 loss espn.com to Atlético Madrid exposed defensive frailties, with goalkeeper Kinsky's errors becoming a focal point for criticism. Meanwhile, Chelsea's Liam Rosenior insisted there are "no issues espn.com" with his goalkeepers despite recent blunders, while hinting at a potential transfer strategy shift skysports.com this summer. The Blues face Manchester United in Sunday's League Cup final, with both sides needing victory for different reasons—United to salvage a disastrous season and Chelsea to prove their rebuilding project is on track.
Managerial Speculation Heats Up
Michael Carrick played down reports of a rift with Paul Scholes espn.com following contentious social media posts after United's 2-1 defeat to Newcastle. Former teammate Michael Owen backed Carrick for the permanent role, saying "everyone at Man Utd loves him bbc.com," while Jamie Carragher argued Unai Emery would be the "perfect coach skysports.com" to revive United's fortunes. Arsenal began contract talks with Declan Rice as they continue their four-front challenge bbc.com, though their style of play faces renewed criticism. The Gunners' pursuit of consistency contrasts sharply with Tottenham's turmoil, where Tudor's warning about new coaches skysports.com suggests structural issues run deeper than personnel.
European Competitions & Tactical Battles
Pep Guardiola admitted getting his team selection wrong skysports.com against Real Madrid, standing by the decision to field the same XI that lost 3-0 in the first leg. Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed Kylian Mbappé will travel for the second leg espn.com, offering Real hope of overturning the deficit. In the Bundesliga, Diego Simeone hit back at speculation over Julián Álvarez's future espn.com, insisting the Argentine remains crucial to Atlético's plans. The tactical chess match between Guardiola and Arbeloa highlights the fine margins at elite level, where one selection decision can define a tie.
Women's Football & Contract Extensions
Lauren James followed her brother Reece by signing a new Chelsea deal skysports.com until 2030, cementing her status as one of the game's brightest talents. The contract extension comes as Manchester United prepare for Sunday's Women's League Cup final against Chelsea, with questions about whether they can finally overcome their nemesis bbc.com. Meanwhile, NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga was ruled out espn.com of Kansas City Current's season opener, dealing a blow to the defending champions' title defense.
Scottish Premiership & Domestic Battles
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill warned that more dropped points skysports.com could end their title bid as they host Motherwell, with captain Callum McGregor set to miss the match but potentially returning next week bbc.com. Rangers head coach Danny Röhl described the remaining fixtures as "nine cup finals skysports.com" in their title race, with Sunday's trip to St Mirren live on Sky Sports carrying huge significance. The Dundee derby, Hearts forward Claudio Braga, and new Aberdeen boss Stephen Robinson all feature in a weekend of Scottish drama bbc.com.
Welsh Football & Celebrity Ownership
Wrexham's celebrity co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney made their TV booth debut for the all-Welsh derby espn.com against Swansea, which the Dragons won 2-0 through a Nathan Broadhead strike and a Liam Cullen own goal. The victory keeps Wrexham's playoff hopes alive espn.com as they push for promotion. Midfielder Lewis O'Brien said he's always felt "at home bbc.com" since joining Wrexham, looking forward to the reunion with his former club Swansea.
International Football & Off-Field Issues
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to deny two new allegations espn.com of rape, with the court hearing his first appearance in the dock. Argentina FA president Claudio Tapia wants the Finalissima moved to Buenos Aires espn.com if it's taken away from Qatar. England's Harry Wilson confirmed his fitness for World Cup play-offs bbc.com, providing a major boost to Wales' qualification hopes.
Golf, Tennis & Other Sports
Rory McIlroy made a sluggish start skysports.com in defending his Players Championship title, while pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis set his 15th world record skysports.com by clearing 6.31 meters in Sweden. British No. 1 Jack Draper's Indian Wells defense ended skysports.com in controversial fashion against Daniil Medvedev. In boxing, Chris Billam-Smith returns rejuvenated and looking to "make a statement skysports.com" against top names, while three-division champion Mikaela Mayer signed with Jake Paul's promotion company skysports.com. Moses Itauma is set to challenge for a world heavyweight title skysports.com this year.
Horse Racing & Cheltenham Tragedy
Gaelic Warrior stormed to Gold Cup glory skysports.com at Cheltenham, but the race was overshadowed by the death of Envoi Allen, who collapsed and died skysports.com after crossing the finish line. The tragedy prompted renewed debate about safety in National Hunt racing, with the festival's celebratory atmosphere dampened by the loss of one of the sport's most popular horses.
Cricket, Rugby & Miscellaneous
Former England women's youth player Amy Carr died at age 35 bbc.com, with the national team paying tribute to her contributions to the game. In rugby, Maro Itoje insisted there is "no crack skysports.com" in England's leadership group following an on-field dispute against Italy. The Hundred auction highlighted the value of all-rounders, with uncapped Englishman Ajay Tavares' rise from Norfolk to Barcelona's La Masia described as making him "England's one to watch bbc.com."