Key events

1h ago Preamble

Trent Alexander-Arnold described it as a pleasure to collaborate with reappointed Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho. He noted his long-standing admiration for the Portuguese coach and his view that Mourinho can guide the club to silverware.

Mourinho returned to Real Madrid in June for a second stint after a challenging previous campaign in which the team fell short of the LaLiga crown and exited the Champions League at the quarter-final stage.

"I have always admired the coach (Mourinho). I have faced him a couple of times, and it is a pleasure to work with him and his staff," Alexander-Arnold said.

"It is intense. The standards and expectations are very high, so I am eager to see how we develop together, learn more and benefit from his guidance. We are all keen to improve. I am confident he will impart valuable lessons and help us claim trophies this season."

Alexander-Arnold, who moved to Real Madrid from Liverpool last year, faced an injury-disrupted debut season in Spain and struggled for consistent starts, often rotating in the lineup.

However, the exit of defender Dani Carvajal in May has created a chance for Alexander-Arnold to claim the primary right-back role at Madrid.

"I have been sidelined for an extended period, so it feels good to return and build a strong base for a strong campaign," the 27-year-old Englishman added. Reuters

James Moriarty writes: "What troubles me most in this ongoing review of England's shortcomings is this - Tuchel earned widespread acclaim for his impactful substitutions until the semi-final. Yet that pattern suggests a deeper problem: none of his initial selections truly succeeded, and victories often hinged on changes from the bench. England were fortunate to reach that stage and ranked as the weakest semi-finalist by some distance, so perhaps we should appreciate that Tommy T spared us a heavy defeat to Spain in the final. Anyway, I am excited for France Reserves against Jordan Henderson XI tomorrow."

I would suggest that with five substitutions permitted there is always scope to introduce impact players. The changes against Norway seemed unusual as well.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will be present at the World Cup final to watch his nation face defending champions Argentina, his government confirmed on Friday.

Sanchez, a frequent critic of US President Donald Trump - who also intends to attend Sunday's final in New Jersey - will proceed to Algeria afterward for an official engagement. AFP

Club football returns to focus but Pitbull shows no sign of slowing down.

Krishnamoorthy asks: "Who handles it better, Carlo Ancelotti or Leo Scaloni? Their calm reactions when a goal arrives in the 96th minute are remarkable."

I am an Ancelotti supporter.

What strategy should Tuchel adopt for the third-place match? Aim to win or rotate the squad for game time. It seems reasonable to split the goalkeeper duties, allow Watkins and Toney to feature and give Mainoo valuable minutes on the pitch.

Donald Trump will be at Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Thursday.

"We look forward to the final match on Sunday, and I know the president looks forward to attending," Leavitt said. "This provides a fitting end to a tournament that highlighted America's capacity to host the world on the biggest stage."

Keir Starmer backs the notion of Fifa probing Argentina players who displayed a banner asserting their nation's claim to the Falkland Islands following their World Cup semi-final victory over England, Downing Street confirmed.

Jeff Rueter

As holds true for most of La Albiceleste, wearing the white-and-blue transforms Romero into one of eleven dedicated players who cover every blade of grass and leave nothing unchecked for the team's benefit. Alongside Lisandro Martinez, he serves as the tougher presence, frequently the last line before an attacker reaches Emiliano Martinez. Apart from Lionel Messi and the Aston Villa goalkeeper, Romero has arguably proved Argentina's steadiest performer on their path to a third World Cup final in four editions.

Aaron Timms

Across in America, Fox's World Cup broadcasts face scrutiny during their final outing.

Farewell to Geoff Shreeves, Fox's middle-aged Oliver Twist seeking approval from his American bosses on the touchline. Farewell to Tom Rinaldi, his pocket squares and his poetic reflections on balls, planets and stars. Farewell to Chef Nick, now compelled to temper his earlier flair with items such as kangaroo corndogs or fufu chicken tikka masala amid the tournament's more restrained final four. And farewell to Jameis Winston, the Fox fan correspondent, whose lively and perspiring reports from the stands left him looking like a man caught in an electric shock during a baptism.

We open with the newest developments from the England setup.

Thomas Tuchel remains in position. Perhaps he will study Football Manager and resist the urge to adopt an overly cautious approach.

The players appeared somewhat puzzled by the tactics that led to their exit.

Barney Ronay highlights the larger challenges confronting England beyond questionable substitutions.

Why matters unfolded as they did, examined through statistics.

Preamble

We can expect the England review to persist for some time, even with the largely inconsequential bronze medal fixture on Saturday ahead. Thomas Tuchel's unusual substitutions have apparently not endangered his role, so that discussion cannot extend much further.

Hopefully the more engaging elements this Friday involve anticipation for the final itself. Lionel Messi against Lamine Yamal and similar highlights. It promises an intriguing contest between a strong side and an outstanding one; viewers can judge which is which.

We will deliver all the latest developments and perhaps add a few surprises along the way.