Tom Allnutt

Spurs have already made four new signings and believe they have agreed personal terms with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes in bid to steal march on rivals

Egypt 1 Iran 1: Iran denied 93rd-minute winner but well-placed for spot in round of 32 as much-anticipated contest goes off without a hitch despite awkward backdrop of Seattle Pride weekend

Netherlands 1 Morocco 1 (aet, Morocco win 3-2 on pens): Issa Diop levels in 91st minute to take tie into extra time before Dutch crumble in penalty shoot-out

A street football scene unique among major nations, embrace of immigrants and opportunities for young players in the top flight is helping propel French towards a fifth final in eight World Cups

Surprise trip to Wembley in 2017 to see old room-mate Mauricio Pochettino meant Argentina legend could also give advice to star striker — with help from Ossie Ardiles

Developing intelligence, blurred lines between players and coaches and ‘younger sibling theory’ make Spain’s midfield talent pool envy of the world

In the new ‘Wild West’ of youth recruitment, eight raw talents have been transferred for £150m in England’s top flight this summer. What has changed?

Technical director ready to step aside days into role after federation refuses to appoint his No1 pick to lead national side after missing third World Cup in a row

From Arsenal’s pursuit of Vinicius Jr to Tottenham’s De Zerbi revamp, our writers give their verdict on the state of play at each Premier League club

Max Dowman of Arsenal and Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha broke through last season, setting the stage for another crop of academy prodigies to explode onto the scene