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GOAL rates the performance of Carlos Queiroz's men following their hard-fought win over Cameroon via penalties after a goalless draw at the end of ex…

Backpagepix.Mohamed Abou Gabal – 9/10

Abou Gabal was on top of his game for the entire match despite suffering some pain. He made excellent saves to keep Egypt in the game and his efforts helped them win the penalty shoot-out.

AdvertisementBackpagePix.Omar Kamal – 7/10

Although he received the first yellow card of the game in the 37th minute, the 28-year-old made crucial tackles and blocks in his 85 minutes of action.

Backpagepix.Mohamed Abdelmonem – 7/10

He was up to the task to limit Vincent Aboubakar's attacking threat as he closely followed the Cameroon captain in and out of the box.

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BackpagepixMahmoud Hamdi El Wensh – 7/10

The centre-back was solid in the heart of defence, in the absence of Ahmed Hegazi. He made the most clearances (6) as the Pharaohs held Antonio Conceicao's side to win on penalties.

A win at Molineux will send the Gunners into the World Cup break sitting top of the Premier League

Arsenal play their final game before the World Cup break on Saturday night when they visit Wolves in the Premier League.

It’s another huge game for Mikel Arteta’s table-toppers, who were knocked out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night following a 3-1 defeat by Brighton.

So how are things shaping up at Arsenal ahead of the clash at Wolves? GOAL takes a look.

Getty ImagesArsenal team news

The Gunners go into Saturday’s trip to Molineux in good shape, with Takehiro Tomiyasu the only major doubt.

The right-back limped off during the recent Europa League win over FC Zurich due to a ‘muscular problem’ and hasn’t featured since.

He is being assessed ahead of the clash with Wolves, but with the World Cup looming large, it’s unlikely Arsenal will take any risk with the Japan international.

Mikel Arteta made 10 changes in midweek for the Carabao Cup defeat against Brighton, with all the rested players expected to come back into the starting XI at Molineux.

Long-term absentee Emile Smith Rowe (groin) remains sidelined.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTalking point

If Arsenal win on Saturday night it will send them into the World Cup break sitting top of the Premier League.

Victory will guarantee them at least a two-point lead over Manchester City after the opening 14 games of the campaign.

This is already the best start to a league season in the club’s history and another three points will only add to the optimism that is sweeping through north London.

Whether they can continue to set the pace with Manchester City when the Premier League returns after the World Cup remains to be seen.

But whatever happens, Arteta’s side have given themselves a huge opportunity to go on and finally secure a route back into the Champions League over the second half of the season.

GettyKey man

Gabriel Jesus: It’s been 10 games in all competitions since Jesus last scored a goal for Arsenal.

He was close to ending that run last weekend at Chelsea on more than one occasion, but was left frustrated as the chances passed him by.

But his superb performance was still vital in Arsenal securing the victory at Stamford Bridge and Arteta will not be bothered if the Brazilian fails to find the target again, providing he produces a similar display to the one in west London.

Even without the goals, Jesus is crucial to Arsenal’s success. He was at Chelsea and he will be again at Wolves.

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Getty Images What has Saliba said?

Speaking ahead of the game, Arsenal defender William Saliba was asked about the importance of going into the World Cup break at the top of the Premier League.

“[It’s important] Because we have just one game left,” he said. “Some players can go on holidays well and we [players selected for their national teams] can go to the World Cup with a good mentality.

“I have to be focused on the last game with Arsenal. To push to win and then after this game I will focus 100 per cent with the national team.”

As the 2022 World Cup looms, GOAL takes a look at the top 50 players currently in the USMNT player pool

What once felt like it was a lifetime away is now suddenly just around the corner. The 2022 World Cup will kick off in Qatar before we know it, ending an eight-year wait that has felt like a lifetime to those that follow the U.S. men's national team.

The USMNT arguably has more young, talented stars than ever before, with players featuring for Barcelona, Chelsea, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.

Players like Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie and Sergino Dest are playing for Champions League contenders, while several up-and-comers have taken their own steps to join them in Europe's major leagues. Meanwhile, the quality of MLS continues to rise with several North American-based stars emerging as potential starters.

Yet, the past still hangs over the current crop of players. Having missed out on the 2018 World Cup thanks to that haunting night in Trinidad & Tobago, the current U.S. generation carries added pressure on its shoulders.

As the 2022 World Cup edges closer, here's a look at the top 50 Americans in the U.S. men's national team player pool looking to make supporters proud:

GOALKEEPER

Perhaps one of the more interesting races on the road to Qatar is the one for the No. 1 shirt.

There are two main contenders for that role: Zack Steffen and Matt Turner. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and both have made impressions on head coach Gregg Berhalter.

But there's also the battle for third-choice goalkeeper at the World Cup, and that one is just as compelling, with an MLS Cup MVP and goalkeeping prodigy among the candidates.

AdvertisementGettyZack Steffen – Middlesbrough (on loan from Manchester City)

Since Berhalter's arrival, Steffen has almost always been the USMNT' No. 1 when healthy. He's worked with Berhalter at club level, played at Manchester City and is an incredible athlete with decent ball skills for his position.

But Steffen's lack of games came back to bite him at times as his form has dipped during his time as a backup at Manchester City.

In the battle with Turner, he'll need game time at Boro to prove that he does, in fact, remain the USMNT's best goalkeeper.

World Cup status: Locked in

GettyMatt Turner – Arsenal

Turner got his dream move this summer, joining Arsenal after becoming the best goalkeeper in MLS with the New England Revolution. However, it remains to be seen how that move affects his chances to start at the World Cup.

A backup behind Aaron Ramsdale, Turner may find himself in the same position Steffen did as Ederson's understudy. Turner is likely a better pure shot-stopper than Steffen and is improving with his feet, but, if he doesn't get minutes at Arsenal, the job will likely belong to Steffen.

World Cup status: Locked in

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GettySean Johnson – NYCFC

Last season's MLS Cup MVP, Johnson has built momentum for the third goalkeeper spot. He's continued to shine in MLS for one of the league's best teams in NYCFC and was fantastic against Uruguay in his last USMNT appearance.

He's a distant third behind Steffen and Turner, but if Berhalter is simply picking the best possible goalkeeper right now for that third reserve position, Johnson is the guy.

World Cup status: Has a chance

The Gunners scored two crucial late goals to beat Aston Villa 4-2 and move three points clear of Manchester City in the Premier League title race.

Arsenal twice fought back from a goal behind to seal a stunning 4-2 win at Aston Villa to move three points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta's side looked set to drop more points in the title race until an incredible stoppage-time strike from Jorginho crashed against the underside of the bar and deflected in off the back of Emiliano Martinez to put them 3-2 in front.

Then, just minutes later, with Martinez up for a corner, Arsenal broke quickly and Fabio Vieira released Gabriel Martinelli who scored into an empty net.

It was an incredible ending to a remarkable contest that twice saw Arsenal fall behind, but goals from Bukayo Saka and Oleksandr Zinchenko cancelled out strikes from Ollie Watkins and Philippe Coutinho and set the visitors on their way to a crucial victory in the title race.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Villa Park…

Getty/GOALGoalkeeper & Defence

Aaron Ramsdale (7/10):

Could do little with either goal. Made a wonderful save to deny Leon Bailey late on.

Ben White (7/10):

Back in the side but still not his usual self. Got caught out for Villa's second goal. Did play a part in Arsenal's first equaliser, though, and improved after the break.

William Saliba (6/10):

Should have engaged Watkins far earlier for the opening goal. Backed off and was punished.

Gabriel Magalhaes (6/10):

Looked nervy at times, especially in possession.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10):

Really struggled in the first half. Gave away the ball for the early goal and that set the tone. Much better after half-time. Great goal to make it 2-2.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Jorginho (8/10):

Moved the ball well when in possession. Impressive performance and his wonderful effort led to the third goal.

Granit Xhaka (6/10):

Not the player he was during the first half of the season.

Martin Odegaard (6/10):

Couldn't get into the game at all in the first half, was much more of a threat after the interval. Had some lovely touches, but missed an absolute sitter to make it 3-2.

Getty ImagesAttack

Bukayo Saka (7/10):

Arsenal's main threat as always. Took his goal so well. Was clearly hampered by injury for much of the game.

Eddie Nketiah (4/10):

Confidence has clearly taken a hit. Touch was poor and missed a great chance to make it 3-2.

Leandro Trossard (4/10):

First league start, but made no impact. Villa dealt with him comfortably.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Gabriel Martinelli (7/10):

Made a huge difference. Was direct and caused Villa real problems. Deserved his goal.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (5/10):

Gave some fresh legs down the right.

Fabio Vieira (6/10):

Lovely assist for Martinelli's goal

Kieran Tierney (N/A):

Only on for the last minute.

Rob Holding (N/A):

Only on for the last minute.

Mikel Arteta (7/10):

His half-time team talk clearly had a big impact, as did his decision to replace Trossard with Martinelli.

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Sometimes all you want are classic, no nonsense black soccer cleats

Are you looking for a brand-new pair of soccer cleats? Whether you're going to grace the soccer field for the first time or are a regular player in your local team – having a good pair of soccer cleats makes all the difference. But style has also become increasingly important.

With players like Messi and Mbappe donning the latest colorway from big brands like adidas and Nike, it can be a feast for the eyes when trying to search for your next pair of cleats. From luminous color options to the simplicity of a pastel offering – there are so many options out there.

But, arguably, you just can't go wrong with a pair of black soccer cleats. It's classic and has been the go-to for so many soccer legends in the past. So, we've rounded up the best black cleats you can get on the market today, depending on what you want out of your game.

Click here to skip ahead to our round-up of the best black soccer cleats.Our top three:

Best overall black soccer cleat: Nike Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 Elite

Best budget black soccer cleats: adidas Goletto VIII

Best Firm Ground soccer cleats: adidas Copa Pure.1

FAQs:What are the best soccer cleats?

There is no "best" type of soccer cleats – with so many ways to play the game these days, the best kind of footwear is all down to the player's individual needs.

That said, several brands have emerged over the past half-century as leaders in the industry – Nike, adidas, Umbro, and more. While there are many manufacturers to choose from, these headline names have built their brands into global success stories because they know how to deliver the goods.

What type of soccer cleats do I need?

The individual type of cleats will depend on what you hope to achieve with your game and where you will play. Soccer pitches can be split into roughly half-a-dozen different categories. Depending on which one you play on, you'll want to purchase a cleat that best enhances your performance on those particular surfaces.

What kind of surfaces are there for soccer cleats?

You can buy soccer cleats for five different surfaces – firm ground, soft ground, artificial grass, astroturf, and indoor courts – while in addition, you can purchase a sixth type, multi-ground, which covers varied combinations of the above. On tougher grass that's frozen in the winter? You'll want firm ground. On grass that's soaked in the rain overnight? Soft ground is your best bet. Five-a-side at the local sports hall? Indoor courts are the way to go.

Shop: Best black soccer cleats

Best overall black soccer cleatsNike Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 EliteNike$275.00 at Nike

Want to deliver at the top of your game, with all-around control and command on and off the ball? Look no further than the Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 Elite, a superior shoe that delivers on all facets of the game with intelligent construction and breathtaking mastery.

To help you dominate on the pitch, Nike has included a Zoom Air unit that adds a gripping texture for a special touch. You can feel the explosive speed with Nike's speed cage inside the design. It's a light but durable material that locks the foot to the outsole for excellent lockdown without adding extra weight.

Best budget black soccer cleats adidas Goletto VIIIadidas$44.99 at Soccer.com

You don't have to break the bank to buy yourself a pair of black soccer cleats, as these sleek, modern adidas Goletto cleats demonstrate. They include a complete lace closure for a snug fit, and the cushioned insole and padded ankle collar offer constant support and comfort.

The cleats are finished off with stitched detailing, adidas' iconic three stripes in a glossy finish, and molded studs to provide excellent grip on firmer pitches.

Best firm ground black soccer cleats adidas Copa Pure.1adidas$229.99 at Soccer.com

The adidas Copa range is perfect for players who take more touches on the ball and are more creative. Think strikers and midfielders. The brand new Copa Pure.1 takes it back to the basics so that there's less fussing around with the cleats and more time enjoying soccer.

They feature an elevated FUSIONSKIN upper, which is enhanced for a soft touch and a unique leather experience. The U-Throat collar constructions allow for ease of entry for all foot types and sizes, so you can rest assured that these are an option for everyone.

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Best multi-ground black soccer cleats Nike Tiempo Legend 9 AcademyNike$74.99 at Soccer.com

Channel your inner Rooney with the classic Nike Tiempo, a football boot that is straight to the point and worn by many iconic names in the sport. An all-black design with blue accented studs is completed with Tiempo text and an emblem on the back of the boot.

The Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Academy is great for players who like playing the beautiful game, whatever the pitch surface. It's one of Nike's lightest Tiempo's to date and features a soft leather upper to give you the classic soccer look. A cushioned insole guarantees maximum comfort so you can concentrate on refining those essential skills.

The Bianconeri have won a minor battle in their war against allegations of financial irregularities, but the fighting could continue into next season

Just like the rest of us, Jose Mourinho knew what was coming.

The week before Juventus' appeal against a 15-point penalty deduction, the Portuguese manager was asked about Roma's strong position in Serie A.

"Are we third in the standings?" Mourinho asked on DAZN. "Are we sure that Juve don't have 59 points? We are in Italy…"

And so it unsurprisingly came to pass on Thursday afternoon that Juve's penalty was revoked, for the time being at least, and the table changed dramatically.

Juve jumped from eighth to third, pushing Mourinho's Roma down into the fourth and final Champions League spot, with AC Milan dropping to fifth, and Inter to sixth.

After leading the Old Lady past Sporting CP and into the semi-finals of the Europa League late in the evening, coach Massimiliano Allegri called it "a beautiful day" – and it was certainly positive from Juve's perspective.

However, Mourinho's colleague at Roma, sporting director Tiago Pinto, was less impressed and admitted to Sky Sport Italia: "I have to laugh, so I don't cry…"

Getty ImagesThe original ruling

The Bianconeri had initially been sanctioned in January for "financial irregularities" and "false accounting" in relation to past transfer dealings, such as the infamous swap deal involving Miralem Pjanic and Arthur Melo.

The severity of the sentence surprised many in the media, not least because the chief prosecutor had only requested a nine-point penalty.

Juve predictably appealed to CONI's (the Italian Olympic Committee) Collegio di Garanzia, the country's highest sporting court, with their lawyers claiming that the deduction and bans issued to 11 past or current club directors constituted "a clear disparity of treatment against Juventus and its managers compared any other company or member".

Remember, 11 clubs and 59 executives had been implicated during the original investigation into breaches of rules relating to 'plusvalenza' (capital gains) – essentially, allegations that clubs were inflating transfer fees in order to balance the books.

They were all initially cleared of any wrongdoing, partly because of the difficulty involved in objectively establishing the value of a footballer.

It was even revealed that prosecutors had relied too heavily on values derived by the website transfermakt.com, which hardly inspires confidence in the sporting justice system in Italy.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesNew evidence comes to light

The case was reopened, though, because of new evidence brought to light by the separate criminal investigation overseen by the Turin Public Prosecutor, called 'Prisma', which focuses on alleged breaches of "the integrity of sporting competition" and, far more significantly, false accounting related to salaries.

According to widespread reports, prosecutors came into possession of a 'black book' owned by former Juve sporting director Fabio Paratici, which allegedly contains all of the true numbers involved in the transfer deals at the centre of the affair.

It was also claimed that the investigators have unearthed admissions of guilt via wiretaps involving several Juventus directors, including former president Agnelli and CEO Maurizio Arrivabene.

Consequently, the FIGC prosecutor, Giuseppe Chine, appealed the previous ruling and the case was reopened in December.

This time around, only nine of the original 11 clubs were implicated, but Juve remained the focus of the investigation because of the apparent weight of evidence against them, and their allegedly repeated attempts to circumvent the plusvalenza regulations.

GettyA lack of clarity

However, during a three-hour hearing on Wednesday, CONI prosecutor Ugo Taucer admitted that the original ruling lacked a level of "clarity that must be appreciated and evaluated by a new judgement."

Essentially, the case will go back to the Italian Football Federation's (FIGC) Federal Court of Appeal.

The hope is that the matter will be resolved once and for all within a month – before the end of the Serie A season on June 4.

But there is no guarantee of that actually happening, not least because Juve could, in theory, take the case back to CONI if the FIGC appeal goes against them.

In such a nightmare scenario, the case would not only drag on into the summer but potentially into next season, evoking memories of the Calciopoli scandal of 2006.

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GettyJuve have won the battle but not the war…

The net result is uncertainty, because every outcome is possible: the deduction could be quashed, reduced, upheld or even increased.

There's also the prospect of finishing in the top four of Serie A and yet being blocked by UEFA from competing in next season's Champions League if the club is subsequently found to have falsified its accounts.

So, while Juventus have effectively won a minor battle this week, the war is far from over, and not just because of the ongoing threat posed by the far more serious Prisma investigation.

As many financial experts have pointed out, the plusvalenza affair still might end badly for the Bianconeri, particularly as the FIGC has essentially been told through the CONI hearing where it needs to firm up its case.

We've also learned that if Juve are found guilty, any sanctions imposed will have to be consequential, making it highly unlikely that they'd be stripped of a top-four finish no matter what.

The 14-time European champions were thrashed by Pep Guardiola's side in this season's semi-finals, and they could now be set for a summer of change

After Manchester City scored the first of their four goals at a raucous Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, Real Madrid were very clearly rattled. Vinicius Jr complained and gesticulated to manager Carlo Ancelotti, while Karim Benzema gathered the team in a huddle.

It was all ragged. Los Blancos, supposedly the semblance of calm in the Champions League, were showing the same signs of panic that a litany of Premier League teams that show up to City's home ground do every week. And it only got worse from there. City would hit the Madrid net three more times before it was all done, the experienced Spanish side looking increasingly disparate with every goal.

For City, this was a proper arrival. The Cityzens, this nation-state-assisted unit, have flirted with Champions League glory for nearly 10 years now. They have come close on many occasions, of course, notably losing in the 2021 final after one of the great Pep Guardiola acts of psyching oneself out. With Inter set as their opponents in the decider, though, this looks more likely than any other to finally be their year.

For Madrid, though, this looked an awful lot like an end. Los Blancos will still be a major player in European football – clubs of this magnitude do not simply drop out of contention. But in Manchester, in this fashion, it looked like the last chapter of one of Europe's great sides.

This mix of old and young was a near-identical XI to the one that beat Liverpool in the Champions League final in 2022. On Wednesday, the older members looked their age, while the juvenile group looked as inexperienced as their ages suggest. For players wearing any other shirt, being outclassed by Europe's most terrifying team away from home is perhaps forgivable. But this is Real Madrid, a team that has won five of the last nine Champions Leagues. Semi-final appearances alone are disappointments.

This might be the last realistic chance of European glory for Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Karim Benzema and Dani Carvajal. All four are still excellent footballers, but showed on Wednesday that they cannot be counted on to win the biggest of games anymore. Poor showings are allowed in most cases, but you are not allowed to have those if you play for Real Madrid. And if you happen to do so, it better not be against Man City in the Champions League semi-final.

So, the changes will come. A manager might be sacked, and players will be moved on and brought in. Positions may be readjusted, tactics could even be tweaked. But how does this all come together, what moves can actually be made to revamp — not necessarily rebuild — a still-promising side?

GOAL takes a look at how Madrid can get back to their usual level and attempt to close the widening gap between them and City…

Getty ImagesSay a fond farewell to Ancelotti

Thanks for the memories, Carlo. Word is, there might be an opportunity in Rio…

Ancelotti insisted after Wednesday's game that he is not going anywhere, and that he plans to see out his Madrid contract until it expires in 2024. He has earned the right to leave Santiago Bernabeu — or any job, for that matter — on his own terms. After all, this is a manager who has won every one of Europe's top five leagues and four Champions Leagues over a glittering coaching career.

He has survived and adapted to different eras of coaching, taken on parts of different styles while proving that others can be remarkably easy to beat. In a sense, this Madrid side is his masterpiece. At their best, this is a perfectly harmonious group of 11 players who are patient out of possession and devastating in it. Ancelotti has made them tick by helping instil a mentality, and then letting them play.

But as Wednesday showed, that isn't as reliable as it used to be. The signs that Ancelotti should perhaps move on have been there for a good chunk of this season. Madrid have stagnated in La Liga, and could end the season in third, 20 points behind Barcelona. This tie, then, was supposed to be the signature win he could point to from this strange campaign to keep himself in the job.

Instead, his team were battered. This isn't necessarily Ancelotti's fault — no one can stop City at the moment. Still, a change of coach might have to be the answer here. Identifying the right man for the job is difficult, and two top-tier managers have been snatched off the market in the last three months in Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino.

But Ancelotti's time in Madrid might be up. He could at least save face by taking the Brazil job, with the Selecao publicly pining for his hiring.

AdvertisementMove the old guard on

Madrid have relied on experience in the Champions League for a number of years now. And with every season that passes, a veteran gets moved on. Cristiano Ronaldo, Casemiro, Sergio Ramos and Marcelo have all seen Champions League glory and departed with various levels of dignity.

The last four of those serial winners are just about clinging on here. Kroos, Modric and Benzema have all signed or about to sign new one-year contracts, while Carvajal's deal expires in 2024, too. And while they will undoubtedly be in the running again next year, it's hard to see this group improving on this result — especially with a likely new slate of Champions League contenders potentially making runs in the competition next year.

The aforementioned quartet aren't necessarily holding Real Madrid back, but perhaps they should be gracefully edged out of the door. Kroos' defensive frailties were badly exposed at the Etihad, while Modric was uncharacteristically leggy and looked scared on the ball. Carvajal, meanwhile, was run ragged by a swaggering Jack Grealish. Benzema, for his part, hardly got a kick.

It is too impulsive to simply sell all four, or faze all of them out within the next 12 months, even. But Madrid should look towards the future, and start to work some young players, such as Aurelien Tchouameni or Eduardo Camavinga, into the starting line up more regularly.

Getty ImagesHey, Jude

It's a good thing, then, that one of the presumptive reinforcements is all-but committed to the Madrid project already. If reports are to be believed, Madrid have a personal agreement with Jude Bellingham. The finances will be tricky, especially given the gaudy price tag Dortmund have slapped on the England midfielder. But Los Blancos will pay up. For the right fit, they always do.

Exactly where he plays remains to be seen. Bellingham should slot anywhere into this midfield, and long-term could be the perfect third point of a component of a Tchouameni-Valverde trio. There is also an argument to be made that he could be a perfect No.10 in a reworked system.

Regardless, this is an instant-impact plauer. Bellingham might not lift Madrid to the stratospheric heights of prime Modric and Kroos. In fact, the team might not ever reach them again. But he is a major component of setting them on that track, starting immediately.

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Getty ImagesSign a striker

There should also be additions elsewhere. Benzema is a brilliant striker and a Ballon d'Or winner. He can still score at a frightening rate, and has a mastery of space and off-ball movement like few other strikers. But the Frenchman didn't look fit across these two legs and was held scoreless.

The reality is, Benzema is entering his late 30s, and has endured persistent muscle injuries this year. Here is a player that needs to be shielded, bubble-wrapped for the big games. Madrid, then, need someone who can handle the games in between — or at least chip in.

There are going to be plenty of big names on the market this summer, and there is always the lurking possibility of Madrid going in for their the player they covet more than any other, Kylian Mbappe. That doesn't need to happen, though – not now.

Still, goals need to come from elsewhere, and there are one or two affordable No.9s on the market. Los Blancos would be wise to take advantage. It could well pay off soon.

As European champions, the Lionesses are one of the favourites for the trophy. But who is in their World Cup squad?

England will be one of the favourites to win this summer's Women's World Cup after triumphing at the Euros in 2022, beating Germany to lift their first major international title in front of a home crowd at Wembley.

It was a second successive triumph for head coach Sarina Wiegman, who lifted the same trophy with her native Netherlands in 2017. Two years after that, she led the country to a World Cup final.

Can she repeat the trick? The Lionesses will certainly believe they can help her to do as much – and even go one further – such is the confidence that Euros victory has given them.

With Ellen White and Jill Scott (now Queen of the Jungle as well as a champion of Europe) retiring after that success, there will be a few changes to the team Wiegman calls upon for this tournament.

But who has made her 23-player World Cup squad? GOAL takes a look…

GettyGOALKEEPERS

Mary Earps is England's No.1 goalkeeper and it is unlikely that will change before this summer's World Cup.

Ellie Roebuck will be Earps' back up while Aston Villa's Hannah Hampton has beaten out competition from Emily Ramsey to claim the third spot.

Despite being part of the Euros squad last summer, Hampton missed out on several squads during the 2022-23 season, with Wiegman citing "personal issues" as the reason. However, she returned in April and kept her place when the final World Cup squad was announced in late May.

Name Club

Mary EarpsManchester UnitedHannah HamptonAston VillaEllie RoebuckManchester CityAdvertisementGetty ImagesDEFENDERS

England were dealt an absolutely massive blow heading into the World Cup when captain Leah Williamson was ruled out with an ACL injury in April.

It is likely to mean that Alex Greenwood slots in at centre-back alongside Millie Bright, who takes the armband. Lucy Bronze will start on the right, while the versatile trio of Jess Carter, Esme Morgan and Niamh Charles compete for the left-back role.

Lotte Wubben-Moy will provide cover in the centre-back positions, with Carter and Morgan also capable of playing in the heart of defence.

Name Club

Millie BrightChelseaLucy BronzeBarcelonaJess CarterChelseaNiamh CharlesChelseaAlex GreenwoodManchester CityEsme MorganManchester CityLotte Wubben-MoyArsenalGettyMIDFIELDERS

Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone will make up Wiegman's first choice midfield this summer, with Fran Kirby unfortunately ruled out of the tournament through injury.

The midfield group is then completed by three players who did not go to the Euros last summer. Jordan Nobbs is in, a January switch to Aston Villa paying dividends, while Manchester United captain Katie Zelem and Manchester City star Laura Coombs both get ready for their first major tournaments.

Coombs won her first call-up since late 2020, and her first cap in eight years, back in February.

Name Club

Laura CoombsManchester CityJordan NobbsAston VillaGeorgia StanwayBayern MunichElla TooneManchester UnitedKeira WalshBarcelonaKatie ZelemManchester UnitedENJOYED THIS STORY?

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GettyFORWARDS

There's a lot of competition for the starting centre forward role in this squad, with Alessia Russo, Rachel Daly and Beth England all set to battle for the position.

Russo has been the Lionesses' first choice since last summer but both Daly and England have shown incredible form this past season. Daly netted 22 goals in 22 Women's Super League games to equal Vivianne Miedema's record and win the Golden Boot. England, meanwhile, scored 12 in 12 after a January switch to Tottenham, giving her a surprising but well-deserved call-up for the World Cup.

There are plenty of options out wide, too. Chloe Kelly and Lauren Hemp are likely to be the wingers in Wiegman's starting XI, but Lauren James and Katie Robinson will both work hard to give the coach a real selection headache.

Name Club

Rachel DalyAston VillaBeth EnglandTottenham HotspurLauren HempManchester CityLauren JamesChelseaChloe KellyManchester CityKatie RobinsonBrightonAlessia RussoManchester United

Lionel Messi is the most decorated player in history, with Tata Martino saying that record is in “very good hands” with the Inter Miami superstar.

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Legendary forward keeps on winningEnjoyed success at Barcelona & PSGAlso won international honours with ArgentinaWHAT HAPPENED?

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has made an immediate impact since completing a move to the United States, with the 36-year-old helping his new employers to Leagues Cup glory. Success in that competition has landed the mercurial Argentine the 44th trophy of his remarkable career.

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Messi scored 10 goals in seven games for Inter Miami as they secured the first piece of silverware in their short history, with Martino – who has previously worked with the all-time great with Argentina and Barcelona – saying when asked about another piece of sporting history: “These individual achievements, as he says, he puts that aside and he values much more the collective achievements. But being the player with the most titles won in history … this record is in very good hands.”

AND WHAT'S MORE

Messi is not the only notable new arrival in Florida, with former Barcelona team-mates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba back by his side. It is, however, still a team effort, with goalkeeper Drake Callender eager to point out as much after saving two penalties and scoring one himself in a thrilling Leagues Cup final clash with Nashville that went all the way to a shootout. He has said: “Any time we play in a non-league competition, in a cup game, it puts us in a position to lift a trophy. Yes, the attributions we've had from Leo and all the new players have been amazing, but it's a team effort. It's the collective strive for greatness that led us to where we are right now.”

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Inter Miami are about to turn their attention back towards MLS competition, with there plenty of work for Messi to do there if he is to end the 2023 season with a 45th trophy to his name – with the David Beckham co-owned outfit currently sat at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

AC Milan are reportedly discussing a sensational return to San Siro for retired Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

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Former frontman retired at the end of last seasonEnjoyed two memorable stints at San SiroCould fill post alongside coach PioliWHAT HAPPENED?

The enigmatic 41-year-old hung up his boots at the end of last season as injuries finally caught up with him. The curtain came down on his remarkable career while in Italy, with a second Serie A title-winning spell being enjoyed with the Rossoneri.

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Ibrahimovic was recently spotted back in Milan ahead of a Champions League clash with Newcastle, and reports that talks have been held between the former Sweden international and club owner Gerry Cardinale regarding a possible role for him.

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Milan are eager to bring Ibrahimovic’s experience and character on board – as someone that knows all about the pressures of performing under the brightest of spotlights and a figure capable of bridging the divide between the dressing room and dugout.

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There have been suggestions that – following the departure of club legend Paolo Maldini over the summer – Ibrahimovic could be handed a role as team manager, allowing him to work alongside head coach Stefano Pioli. Ibrahimovic will not be rushing into a decision, as he seeks greater clarity over the structure of the club and what his new role would entail, but further meetings are planned for either November or December.