Luke Shaw has admitted to having the "most frustrating season" with Manchester United as the injured left-back's Euro 2024 hopes hang in the balance.
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Shaw has been out of action since February
A major doubt for England at the Euros
Penned an emotional note on Instagram
WHAT HAPPENED?
With injuries plaguing his campaign, Shaw's prospects of representing England in the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament remain uncertain. The left-back has been sidelined since suffering a significant injury setback in February during a match against Luton Town. This incident marked the second major disruption of his season, following an earlier muscle injury that had already limited his appearances.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Over the course of the 2023-24 season, Shaw managed to feature in just 12 Premier League matches under manager Erik ten Hag. Despite these challenges, he was included in England’s preliminary squad for Euro 2024 with the hope that he will win the race against time to recover from the injury before June 7.
WHAT SHAW SAID
In the wake of United's 2-1 FA Cup final triumph against Manchester City, Shaw took to Instagram and expressed his feelings while also updating about his injury status. He wrote: "Happy for the boys to lift the trophy at the weekend and finish this season on a positive. As much as it was the result I wanted it was hard to watch from the stands. This has definitely been the most frustrating season for me, I have had set back after set back and have worked so hard to get back to fitness but things just haven’t gone my way. I pushed so hard to get back before the end of the season and the final but some things just aren’t meant to be.
"There’s nothing I want to do more than play and win with @manchesterunited I don’t normally react to things I see on social media but there’s a lot of people questioning my loyalty to this club and asking how I am fit for England but not United. The reality is I am not 100% fit for either right now but I am doing everything I can and constantly working to be. I have been at this club for 10 years through highs and lows and for anyone to question my loyalty is obviously frustrating. I appreciate I haven’t updated you all with my injuries and where I’m at with my recovery but equally the most important thing to me is that we’re supporting the team playing. My biggest focus right now is being fit and then whatever happens this summer I will be ready. Thank you for your patience ❤️"
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WHAT NEXT FOR SHAW?
England manager Gareth Southgate has acknowledged the uphill battle Shaw faces to make the Euro 2024 squad. When selecting the full-back in provisional squad, Southgate described Shaw’s chances of playing in Germany as a "long shot," citing the defender's extensive absence from competitive play.
"He's up against it," he said. "He's missed a lot of football. The fact he's been our first choice in that position means we're giving him a bit longer than we might have done and I'm not sure what's realistic at this moment in time."
For Shaw, the immediate focus remains on regaining full fitness, with the hope that his efforts will be rewarded with a spot in the final England squad for the summer tournament.
Manchester United are in the market to try and improve their fortunes in the Premier League and have been at the centre of an intense scouting mission involving one of Europe's rising stars.
Manchester United ins and outs
The Red Devils find themselves in a tricky spot as they look to manage their Financial Fair Play concerns despite the recent arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and supporters were issued with a worrying update by football director John Murtough last month, where he indicated that incomings may be few and far between at an official Fans Forum.
Cited via The Manchester Evening News, he stated: "Looking ahead to the January transfer window, we are not expecting it to be particularly busy. There will always be the possibility of deals around the edges of the squad, particularly in terms of finding opportunities for players who are not playing as much football as they would like."
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Murtough has remained true to his word regarding outgoings, with Jadon Sancho's inevitable exit to Borussia Dortmund on a loan deal until the end of the season finally going through.
Arrivals will be the main concern for everyone concerned with the club and tentative talks are believed to have taken place between the Red Devils and representatives of Stuttgart's Serhou Guirassy, Bayern Munich striker Eric Choupo-Mopting and Borussia Dortmund attacker Donyell Malen.
Fresh reports now claim that Manchester United have been undertaking an intensive scouting mission over the last few months involving a rising star Erik ten Hag is now desperate to bring to Old Trafford.
United scouts obsessed with Roony Bardghji
According to Football Insider, Manchester United have shown an obsessive level of attention towards Copenhagen sensation Roony Bardghji, who they have sent scouts to watch in "every Copenhagen game".
Roony Bardghji's cameo vs Manchester United in the Champions League (Sofascore)
Minuted played
27
Successful take-ons
3/3
Successful ground duels
3/3
Accurate passes
8/9 (89%)
Goals
1
Statistics from Copenhagen 4-3 Manchester United on 8th November 2023
Recruitment officials are believed to be "crazy" about his talents and both Manchester clubs are said to be among many teams who are firmly in the race to sign the Sweden international.
Labelled "superb" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Kuwait City-born wideman has featured 30 times in all competitions this campaign, registering 11 goals (Bardghji statistics – Transfermarkt).
Undoubtedly, the 18-year-old is among the cream of the crop as far as European talents go and Manchester United look to be doing more than their due diligence concerning his abilities.
The Premier League has been urged to "expel" Manchester City following their launch of legal action that "brings the game into complete disrepute".
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Simon Jordan slammed City
Wants them to be thrown out of the top-flight
City claim to be innocent and victims of discrimination
WHAT HAPPENED?
The current titleholders filed a 165-page legal document against the Premier League over their Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules. These rules prevent clubs from setting the price of deals with companies linked to their owners, which City argues are unlawful.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
City’s legal team has claimed that the club is a victim of discrimination and argue that the regulations, which are supported by rival teams, are specifically designed to curb their success – which they assert, constitutes a "tyranny of the majority." However, former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan expressed his astonishment at the latest development and urged the top-flight authorities to throw out the reigning champions from the competition.
WHAT JORDAN SAID
In an interview with, Jordan stated: "I am gobsmacked with what Manchester City are doing. I think it's absolutely outrageous. They're trying to bully the headmaster when the headmaster is trying to expel them. It's an absolute disgrace and it brings the game into complete disrepute. If I was an owner in the Premier League now, I would be campaigning to expel them. I think fans should be very scared of the behaviour they’re showing."
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DID YOU KNOW?
Jordan’s sentiments were echoed by his co-host Graeme Souness, who added that the situation reflects poorly on English football. "Manchester City are challenging the entire fabric of our game," Souness said. "They’re going as far as they possibly can to say, 'you’re all wrong and we’re going to sue you and prove you’re wrong'. How are the rest of the Premier League going to view Manchester City right now? Someone who will be laughing right now is the President of the Spanish FA, because he’s been going on about the power in the Premier League for a long time now and the wrongs of our game. It’s a sad time for English football."
Last Friday, Tottenham Hotspur's most likely route toward silverware was severed after Manchester City struck late in north London to knock Ange Postecoglou's side out of the competition.
It would be unjust to claim that this was a detrimental blow for Spurs, who failed to qualify for European football last term and underwent a big transformation in the summer upon Postecoglou's appointment, multiple new signings integrated and club record scorer Harry Kane sold to Bayern Munich.
An early Carabao Cup exit against Fulham highlighted the lack of depth and defeat against the Citizens at the weekend leaves a bitter taste but, candidly, an acceptable one to swallow.
Tottenham will now place full focus on the Premier League and have much to fight for in the division, currently in fifth place and just three points behind Arsenal and Aston Villa above – though table-toppers Liverpool are eight points ahead of the London side.
Nonetheless, Tottenham have strengthened this month and look stronger with Radu Dragusin replacing Eric Dier in defence and Timo Werner adding some depth and dynamism to the frontline.
A centre-midfielder is still coveted and Conor Gallagher has been on the radar this month, but Chelsea look unlikely to let him leave Stamford Bridge.
Spurs eyeing stunning late swoop
Spurs supporters need not worry regarding Gallagher; late-window news has filtered in concerning one of the most prominent midfield stars in Europe.
Latest Tottenham transfer news: Striker search latest; defender nears exit
Ange Postecoglou is looking to strengthen his side in the summer market once again.
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Brogan Clasper
Aug 1, 2024
Indeed, according to recent news from Football Insider, Spurs are lining up a stunning late swoop for Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich, with the German Bundesliga champions willing to let the midfielder leave this month.
The German international is out of contract in 2025 and Thomas Tuchel's side would want somewhere in the region of £40-60m to grant his departure.
How Joshua Kimmich would fit in at Tottenham
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been on the periphery under Postecoglou's management and could complete a move away in the coming days, rejecting an offer from French strugglers Lyon but still likely to transfer away.
The Dane's sale is crucial to facilitate the incoming of a high-profile, large-outlay phenom such as Kimmich, who has been one of the gold standards in deep-lying midfield over much of his time at the Allianz Arena, moving from right-back to the midfield anchor some years ago.
Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich.
Once dubbed an "absolutely phenomenal" player by former Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho, the 82-cap international has completed 370 fixtures for Bayern and won the complete gamut of silverware domestically, also gleaning the Champions League in 2020.
In the Bundesliga this season, as per Sofascore, Kimmich has sustained some sublime showings, completing 91% of his passes, averaging 2.7 key passes, 1.7 tackles and 6.1 ball recoveries per game and winning 58% of his ground duels.
Situated at the base of the midfield, Kimmich drifts forward and orchestrates openings with supreme ability and would be a sensational addition to the Spurs team.
Given that he is probably more comfortable in sticking to a deep-lying role than Gallagher, the 28-year-old might actually be the best option for transfer at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, allowing the likes of Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur and James Maddison to operate further upfield.
Of course, Yves Bissouma is one of the meanest tough-tackling players on English shores but he has proved himself unreliable on the disciplinary front this season and a "world-class" – as hailed by former Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge – in-team rival in Kimmich would only improve the overall quality of Postecoglou's team.
Joshua Kimmich: Similar PL Players
#
Player
Club
1.
Casemiro
Manchester United
2.
Declan Rice
Arsenal
3.
Moises Caicedo
Chelsea
Source: Football Transfers
Of course, the added bonus that he offers a skill set similar to that of Arsenal star Declan Rice hardly hampers his chances of a transfer to Tottenham, with Postecoglou sure to relish capturing his own version of the England international.
How Joshua Kimmich compares to Declan Rice
Arsenal completed the £105m transfer of Rice from West Ham United in the summer to replace Granit Xhaka and continue the remarkable growth under the tutelage of Mikel Arteta.
Declan Rice
A sense of malaise might have crept into the Emirates Stadium following a blip after Christmas – failing to win three straight matches – but there's no disputing the fact that Arsenal have come on leaps and bounds over recent years and have signed one of Europe's best midfielders in Rice, who has been lauded for his "sensational" performances since his cross-London switch by journalist Matt Scott.
Sure, Postecoglou thinks that's cool and everything but he would only find true felicity in securing the services of a midfield machine to springboard his side into ascendancy in the Premier League – and, down the line, on the continent.
Joshua Kimmich vs Declan Rice (Stat Comparison 23/24)
Stat (per 90)
Kimmich
Rice
Matches played
14
21
Goals
0.08
0.15
Assists
0.25
0.10
Pass completion (%)
91%
91%
Progressive passes
10.9
9.21
Progressive carries
1.48
1.93
Successful take-ons
0.00
0.64
Shot-creating actions
5.82
2.03
Tackles
1.97
2.13
Tackles won
1.39
1.24
Interceptions
0.82
1.53
Blocks
1.23
1.14
Source: FBref
Now, the player comparison presented above displays variegated strengths when assessing Kimmich and Rice's skill set, and how the former would enhance Tottenham's squad, with similarities to Rice but advantages across key areas that make him the perfect fit down N17. Let's elucidate this matter.
First, Rice is superior in his ball-carrying ability, surpassing Kimmich in progressive carries (1.93 vs 1.48) and trumping the German in successful take-ons, though given that the Munich player has not actually completed a single take-on, this speaks of positional choice, rather than deficiency.
In this way, metrics can appear to favour one player on surface value, but deeper analysis illuminates the reasoning behind certain segments of a player's skill set.
Further on this point, Rice surpasses Kimmich in rate of tackles (2.13 vs 1.97) but is actually far less accurate in reclaiming possession from a carrier.
Kimmich's tactical role requires him to remain deeper and cling to the anchor rather than pivot between the thirds – though that's certainly not to say that he isn't active and ubiquitous in his movement and command in the midfield.
And though Kimmich tends not to drift into the box, he eclipses Rice in shot-creating actions (5.28 vs 2.03), denoting his celestial range of delivery – indeed, the £322k-per-week star has been dubbed a "passing master" by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
In summation, Kimmich and Rice might share many similar skills – notably in their defensive attributes – but the German would actually be the perfect addition for Tottenham with a tactical style that suits Postecoglou's system and the player required to complete the transformation in the centre of the park.
It's a big, bold approach, but then Postecoglou is hardly proving himself to be circumspect at Tottenham and Kimmich would be a stunning acquisition for an outfit on the rise.
Declan Rice says England have "no excuses" not to win Euro 2024 and that lifting the trophy is the only way to get over their Euro 2020 final loss.
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England look to go one better than Euro 2020
Rice says they have 'no excuses' at Euro 2024
Winning tournament will help him get over Italy defeat
WHAT HAPPENED?
Arsenal star Rice believes England can go all the way in Germany this summer and is determined to right the wrongs of their Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy at Wembley. With the squad the Three Lions have at their disposal, the 25-year-old thinks they simply have to lift that trophy in a few weeks' time.
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WHAT DECLAN RICE SAID
He told the : “We know what we’ve got to do to win. We’ve got no excuses. The Euros are the last thing now that can really help me get over the hurt. Seeing Italy lift that cup in front of us last time: that feeling’s still in our belly. We want to get that now.
“Putting on that shirt before a major tournament again: that is such a good feeling. I feel like we’re ready… I’m ready.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
This may be England's most promising opportunity to win an international tournament for the first time since their 1966 World Cup triumph. And with players such as Rice at their disposal, they certainly have a good a chance as anyone this summer.
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WHAT NEXT?
Rice and his England team-mates begin their Euros campaign on Sunday night against Serbia in their first group stage clash, followed by fixtures against Denmark and Slovenia on June 20 and 25 respectively.
Aston Villa reportedly hold an interest in signing a new midfielder as NSWE look to back Unai Emery at the end of the January transfer window.
Aston Villa transfer rumours
Emery is currently on course to take the club into the Champions League next season after an outstanding first season in charge at Villa Park. The club have made Villa Park a fortress and made history with a club-record 15th consecutive home Premier League victory back in December.
Something that has helped Villa this season were their additions over the summer, however, they have been relatively quiet in the winter window.
Aston Villa summer signings
Fee
Pau Torres (Villarreal)
£33m
Moussa Diaby (Bayer Leverkusen)
Undisclosed
Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)
Free
Rico Richards (West Bromwich Albion)
Free
Nicolo Zaniolo (Galatasaray)
Loan
All fees according to Sky Sports
Teenage right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic has been the club’s only addition so far in 2024, joining for an undisclosed fee from Red Star Belgrade before heading back to the Serb Superliga club on loan.
Middlesbrough attacker Morgan Rogers has emerged as the top target for the remainder of the window, as per reports, with Villa already having two bids turned down for the Championship star. Should Villa get their man, they would have bolstered their defence and attack, and to cap things off, they also appear to be looking at a new midfielder.
Aston Villa eyeing Florian Neuhaus move
According to German outlet Bild in the last 48 hours, Villa are keen on beating rivals West Ham in the race to sign Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Florian Neuhaus, with clubs across Europe also keen on the Germany international.
“Selling Neuhaus is not an issue with Gladbach because his contract has just been extended by four years without an exit clause. But probably a loan. So far there have been loose inquiries from Lazio Rome and Sevilla FC, but the lead to England is more concrete: West Ham United and Aston Villa want to play with Neuhaus for the Champions League places.”
Neuhaus is 26 years of age and is primarily a central midfielder but can also turn out in holding and advanced midfield roles when required. He has spent the entirety of his career so far in Germany and has been on the books of Borussia Monchengladbach since 2017. During that time, Neuhaus spent a season on loan with Fortuna Dusseldorf but has become a regular for his current employers and is now approaching 200 appearances.
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig once labelled Neuhaus as the most underrated Bundesliga midfielder under the age of 23, and he was once valued at €38m by Transfermarkt.
He could well be viewed as a replacement for Leander Dendoncker, who is reportedly in talks to join Napoli on loan, and by the looks of things, Villa may have to act fast if they want to win the race for Neuhaus’ services.
Alisha Lehmann has expressed her delight at visiting the beach in Los Angeles ahead of boyfriend Douglas Luiz's Copa America campaign with Brazil.
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Lehmann visits Los Angeles beach
Will support Luiz at Copa America
Visit LA for the first time in her life
WHAT HAPPENED?
Lehmann made her way to Los Angeles for the first time in her life as she looks to support her Brazilian boyfriend at the Copa America. The Aston Villa star shared photos and videos of her on the famous LA beaches as she exclaimed her happiness at finally visiting the landmark.
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WHAT LEHMANN SAID
The Aston Villa star said on her Instagram story: "So guys, just arrived in Los Angeles. It's a little colder than Orlando but I think I like it because it was too hot. Yeah, no complaints about anything. So you know, LA, the first time in my life. Don't disappoint me please"
On her second story at the beach, she said: "Guys, Lish (herself) is in LA. I'm so happy. It's so nice here."
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Luiz and Lehmann are slowly but surely becoming a very well-recognised couple in world football, the duo are close to making a double switch to Juventus this summer with the Old Lady having negotiated a deal with Aston Villa to bring both players to Italy with Samuel Illing Jr. making the reverse move to join Unai Emery's team.
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WHAT NEXT FOR LEHMANN AND LUIZ?
While Lehmann will have the whole summer off, Luiz will look to help Brazil win the Copa America with bitter rivals Argentina being touted as the favourites to win the tournament in the United States.
Manchester United picked up a dominant 3-0 win over West Ham United at the weekend.
This was their second Premier League win in a row and a much-needed three points for Erik ten Hag.
Over these games, it has been the youngsters who have stepped up, but there is still one player who is yet to be given a real chance under the Dutch boss.
Antony's time at Man United
It has now come to a point where even United fans are finding it extremely difficult to provide support for Antony, who has not been able to perform anywhere near his £86m price tag. Even Ten Hag has started to realise that the Brazilian's lack of effectiveness is holding the side back, which is why Alejandro Garnacho has started as the right-winger as of late.
The problem now for Antony is that Garnacho is thriving in his new role, as he scored twice against the Hammers, whereas the 23-year-old hasn't even contributed to a goal in 19 Premier League appearances.
Furthermore, the lack of directness and the ability to beat a man, as shown by his rank in the bottom 88% in the league for successful take-on percentage, as per FBref, often forces the former Ajax ace to pass it backwards, which has prevented him from forming a relationship with Rasmus Hojlund.
Amad Diallo deserves a chance to shine
It is often forgotten by many that Amad Diallo was once signed from Atalanta for a huge £37m fee including add-ons, but he is still yet to be handed a chance to showcase his ability in a Man United shirt.
Amad Diallo
The 21-year-old picked up an injury in the Red Devils's pre-season tour, which kept him out until December, and since coming off the bench in place of Antony against Nottingham Forest, he hasn't played a minute. However, during that short cameo, he was arguably United's best player on the pitch, creating a chance, winning 100% of his duels, and registering a shot on target.
Last season, the winger starred in the Championship for Sunderland, where he netted 13 goals and provided three assists in 27 starts, and the table below shows statistics from his time in the second division compared to his positional peers, and how he could boost Hojlund
Amad's Sunderland Stats
Stats (per 90)
Amad
League percentile
Goals
0.45
Top 6%
Passes completed
40.51
Top 4%
Shot-creating actions
4.14
Top 8%
Progressive passes
5.12
Top 6%
Passes into final third
3.90
Top 4%
Touches (Att pen)
4.45
Top 14%
Stats via FBref
The Dane struggled to adapt to the Premier League, but he has now scored four goals and made two assists in his last four league games. In recent weeks, he has shown his ability to play with his back to goal, which is where Amad could help Hojlund thrive.
The winger has a "magical left foot," as per Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, with his ball-striking ability allowing him to score goals from anywhere. However, it is his ability to combine with those around him that makes him so deadly, as he is unstoppable when playing quick one-twos and moving into central areas where he can get in the box to work his magic.
Amad's high passes into the final third and progressive passes also prove that he likes to make things happen and find the striker's feet, which in this case would be Hojlund. Therefore, making the 21-year-old striker far less isolated.
Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho.
Overall, Amad deserves minutes on the field, even if it is just coming off the bench for the last half an hour of a game, but nonetheless, he would certainly bring more to the United team than Antony currently does.
Kai Havertz may have aimed a cheeky dig at English cuisine after "finally" settling down for a good breakfast in Germany during Euro 2024.
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Havertz starring for Germany at Euros
Forward enjoys German breakfast
Aims cheeky dig at English cuisine
WHAT HAPPENED?
Havertz has been playing in the Premier League since swapping Bayer Leverkusen for Chelsea in 2020, and then joining Arsenal last summer. In that time, he has, seemingly, been starved of his native German cuisine – but now that he is back in his homeland for the Euros, the 25-year-old doesn't have that problem. And it seems he is quite happy to being eating some more familiar grub to the food he has in England.
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WHAT KAI HAVERTZ SAID
When asked by German publication if he was well looked after in the food department at present, the former Bayer Leverkusen man replied: "Yes, luckily. Finally, a good breakfast for a month. I can count myself lucky."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Havertz is hoping to lead Germany to Euro 2024 glory in front of their own adoring fans. They topped their group and the ex-Chelsea ace says his team-mates are in a confident mood at present.
He added: "Yes, the mood is very good. I think we were very convincing in the group stage and scored a lot of goals. That gives us confidence for the knockout games – even though we know that the tournament is only just getting started. The performances were very good – we all get on well off the pitch too."
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WHAT NEXT?
Havertz's side are in last 16 action on Saturday night when they take on Denmark in Dortmund. The versatile German, who has started in all of his side's games so far and scored against Scotland, will hope to feature in the knockout clash.
David Beckham appreciated Stormzy as the grime sensation donned an Inter Miami shirt alongside girlfriend Maya Jama at the British Grand Prix.
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Stormzy lit up the British F1 Grand Prix
Appeared in a Lionel Messi shirt
Beckham showered love on the rap star on Instagram
WHAT HAPPENED?
The rapper turned up in a Lionel Messi shirt at Silverstone and Inter Miami co-owner, Beckham, was delighted to see Stormzy in the the famed black and pink kit. The former England captain shared pink and black heart emojis and tagged the music sensation on his Instagram story to show his love.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Stormzy delivered an unforgettable performance that spanned his impressive catalogue of hits. He played songs from his three number one albums, including crowd favorites like "Vossi Bop," "Shut Up," and "Crown." Each song was met with rapturous applause and sing-alongs, demonstrating Stormzy’s profound impact on his fans and his ability to connect with a diverse audience.
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WHAT NEXT?
Beckham's Inter Miami are at the top of the pack in the Eastern Conference with 47 points from 22 matches and will return to action against Cincinnati on Saturday.