Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 11, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

England Advances, Haaland Departs World Cup

England reached World after a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway. Jude Bellingham was the hero for the Three Lions, scoring both goals, including the decisive strike in extra time amid sweltering Florida heat. Norway's World Cup journey ended in the quarterfinals, with Erling Haaland substituted late in the match. Norway left by a controversial equalizer from Bellingham, questioning if the ball hit the spidercam, though "Snicko" suggested otherwise. Despite the loss, Norway's development of a "golden generation" of players has been noted, attributed to factors like artificial turf and a collaborative coaching revolution. England player ratings, calling it his "sensational summer" and noting Harry Kane had an "off day." England faces Spain in the semifinals, with discussions already underway about the optimal starting XI.

International Football News and Transfers

In international football news, Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have been hired by the Italian football federation as part of a national team rebuild as reported by ESPN Soccer. The legendary Argentine footballer Antonio Rattín, whose sending-off at the 1966 World Cup influenced the introduction of yellow and red cards, has died at the age of 89 cited by both ESPN Soccer and BBC Sport Football. Spain has claimed the Uefa Men's Under-19 Championship for the 10th time, defeating Germany 2-0 in the final. Spain is also preparing for a "heavyweight" World Cup semifinal against France, with winger Lamine Yamal stating France "should fear us". Mikel Merino scored the winning goal for Spain in their World Cup quarterfinal win against Belgium.

In the transfer market, Manchester City has secured the signing of winger Jeremy Monga from Leicester City. There are also reports linking Manchester United and Liverpool with a move for Joao Gomes, while Chelsea is reportedly in talks for Jonathan Rowe and considering a €50 million permanent sale for Alejandro Garnacho according to BBC Sport Football and Sky Sports Champions League. Former Manchester United player Mason Greenwood is reportedly considering offers from Fenerbahce and Atlético Madrid. Bournemouth defender Alex Jimenez is set for a loan move to Fiorentina amid an investigation by his club. Coventry City has signed winger Loum Tchaouna from Burnley, and Wolves have signed Rafiki Said from Standard Liege on a three-year deal.

Other Sports Briefings

In other sports news, defending NWSL champions Gotham FC are finalizing a deal to sign veteran midfielder Denise O'Sullivan on loan from Liverpool FC. Jurgen Klopp has agreed in principle to become the new head coach of Germany's men's national team, succeeding Julian Nagelsmann. South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams, who played in all three of his country's group matches at this summer's World Cup, has died at the age of 25. Britain's Henry Patten and Finland's Harri Heliovaara won their second Wimbledon men's doubles title, while Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid secured their seventh Wimbledon wheelchair doubles title. Haeran Ryu shot the lowest round in major championship history at the Amundi Evian Championship, carding a 60. Nathan Aspinall made an impressive start to his European Darts Open title defense.

In rugby, Steve Borthwick's England snapped a five-match losing run with a 73-8 thrashing of 14-player Fiji in the Nations Championship. Wales failed to build on a strong start, falling to a 35-21 defeat against Argentina in their Nations Championship encounter. Leeds Rhinos extended their lead at the top of the table with a 28-6 win over Catalans Dragons, propelled by Brodie Croft's hat-trick. Leigh Leopards kept their Super League play-off hopes alive with a 24-18 victory over Castleford Tigers.