2018 Fifa Wolrd Cup Russia

Rashford nursing ill-timed knock, Southgate confirms

England have been hit with an injury concern, with Marcus Rashford nursing a niggle, less than a week out from their World Cup opener.

Belgium star Kevin De Bruyne backed Manchester City team-mate and England attacker Raheem Sterling to ‘light up the World Cup’.

Real Madrid have confirmed that Spain coach Julen Lopetegui will replace Zinedine Zidane at the club.

Roberto Martinez declared Belgium ‘ready for the World Cup’ after they wrapped up their preparations for Russia with a 4-1 victory over Costa Rica.

Lionel Messi is the best regardless of whether he leads Argentina to World Cup glory, according to Barcelona team-mate Ivan Rakitic.

Goncalo Guedes impressed with an eye-catching brace as Portugal brushed aside Algeria 3-0 in a routine World Cup warm-up.

England claimed a 2-0 win over Costa Rica in their final World Cup warm-up match, courtesy of goals from Marcus Rashford and Danny Welbeck.

Bafana Bafana have fallen two places to 74th in the latest Fifa rankings, making them the 15th-highest ranked African side.

Roberto Martinez has backed Gareth Southgate’s youthful England side to perform strongly at the World Cup in Russia.

Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard were on target as Belgium continued their World Cup preparations with a dominant 3-0 win over Egypt.