Arsenal

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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Thomas Tuchel started the World Cup with Ezri Konsa and John Stones as his favoured central defensive pairing against Croatia, but has switched to Konsa and Marc Guehi in the past two games.

Stones only started five Premier League games last season before leaving Manchester City. Is he now out in the cold? Or is Tuchel saving this outstanding and classy operator for the knockout stages?

Whatever Tuchel's reasoning, England's defence was vulnerable in Saturday's 2-0 win over Panama and too often exposed as their opponents were allowed 13 attempts on goal. Panama also had a late consolation for Jose Fajardo narrowly ruled out for offside.

Tuchel is now preparing for what he regards as "chapter three" of England's quest to win their first major men's trophy since the 1966 World Cup.

"We wanted to win the group," he said. "There is no substitute for wins and we have that feeling again. Three days to prepare the match in Atlanta. The tournament starts new again. We had the first chapter in prep camp, the second chapter in the group, and the third chapter is coming."

For all Tuchel's upbeat words, it was impossible to escape the ominous feeling – indeed inevitability – that if England defend with such uncertainty, and are pierced so regularly, by superior opposition and the world-class forwards they will hope to face by going deeper into the competition, punishment will be heavier and their World Cup hopes could disappear.

The big plus for Tuchel, and the world-class shield that will act as protection against the sort of openings Panama created, will be the expected return of Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice for the last-32 tie against DR Congo on Wednesday (17:00 BST).

Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers was the positive selection against Panama, ahead of the more conservative choice of Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo, but it sometimes left England too open.

Rice's presence alone will give Tuchel, as well as his England team-mates, reassurance. This is, perhaps, why Tuchel spoke with such confidence despite Saturday's mixed performance.

Read more on Rice's importance and England's need to improve

If you're looking for some music to add to your summer playlist, BBC Radio 2's new programme 21st Century Folk has you covered.

The new series, which will air on Monday as part of The Folk Show with Mark Radcliffe, sees five renowned folk artists write and compose songs inspired by five people whose lives have been touched or transformed by sport.

Arsenal fan Victor Macauley, who was born in Sierra Leone before seeking a better life in England, has his story told through an original song written by artist Passenger.

Songwriter Mike Rosenberg, who also supports the Gunners, is best known for his 2012 hit Let Her Go, which reached number one in 16 different countries.

Victor's Song explores personal experiences that have shaped his life, from being abducted, drugged and forced to fight against the government in his homeland at the age of six to experiencing homelessness in London as a teenager.

He continues to battle with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, but help from various charities, including Arsenal In The Community, has changed his life.

The charity gave him the opportunity to play weekly football and take part in a photography course, and now he works for a running charity and assists Arsenal's official photographers when he isn't being a fan in the stands.

Listen to 21st Century Folk on BBC Sounds

Arsenal are looking to add five more players during the summer transfer window with Leicester City's 16-year-old English winger Jeremy Monga among players targeted by the Premier League champions. (Star), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

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Arsenal's lead performance coach Sam Wilson is set to leave the club and join a European team.

Wilson, who has been at the Gunners since 2014 and with the first team for the past seven years, has been strongly linked to Juventus as former Arsenal head of performance Darren Burgess is director of performance in Turin.

Sources say that the move is Wilson's decision, and he could have stayed with the Gunners but is leaving for a more senior role elsewhere.

His departure comes after a number of backroom changes at Arsenal who last season won the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years.

Despite lifting silverware, Arsenal suffered a number of injuries and head of sports medicine Dr Zafar Iqbal has left the club with the process of replacing the medic, who also worked at Crystal Palace and Liverpool, under way.

Iqbal was informed of the change in the aftermath of Arsenal's Champions League final loss to Paris St-Germain.

Arsenal have been conducting a review into their medical department with Mikel Arteta's long-term friend Joaquin Acedo consulting for the Gunners last season.

The physio has known Arteta since his days as a player at Everton.

Reports say that rehabilitation specialist Eneko Angulo is leaving Real Betis after 12 years at the end of this month following an approach from Arsenal.

Angulo posted an emotional goodbye letter on social media with his anticipated appointment part of Arsenal's move to revamp their medical department.

We asked for your views on Arsenal's hunt to add a new central midfielder to their squad this summer, with the club showing interest in Newcastle United pair Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Here are some of your thoughts:

Matthew: Guimaraes would be my first choice. He is tenacious, resilient and skilful. I would also like to see Bournemouth's Scott in the squad though.

Nigel: With the greatest of respect, I don't want Guimaraes or Tonali. They are liabilities and live to be shown a card. We need more stability, which is what we have with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi. The midfield isn't really an area of concern for development, in my opinion, the left wing is. That's where we need Vinicius Jr.

Arjun: We need someone reliable so Rice can push forward. Bouaddi is my dream signing - he is strong, composed and like Sergio Busquets!

Joseph: We already have Myles Lewis-Skelly, Rice and Martin Odegaard. We should be looking to go all out on a left-winger and a striker. The inflation on midfielders in this transfer window is crazy.

Alexander: With Ethan Nwaneri and Odegaard looking to be on their way out this summer, the Gunners need to invest in the central attacking midfield position. Eli Junior Kroupi is a generational talent. The teenager scored 12 goals in his debut season at Bournemouth and he would really add an attacking edge.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Arsenal have held exploratory talks over potential moves for Newcastle United pair Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali - and we want your thoughts on the latest developments.

The Gunners want to add a new central midfielder to their squad this summer and are assessing numerous options, with Guimaraes and Tonali among the players the club have actively explored.

As things stand, it is understood Arsenal only want one leading central midfielder, and Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi are other options being considered.

With Guimaraes turning 29 in November and Tonali having turned 26 in May, the age of both players is likely to emerge as a key factor in how much Arsenal would be willing to pay.

Sources have indicated the Gunners have also expressed a firm interest in 22-year-old Scott, who currently has interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.

The merits of swoops for Morocco international Bouaddi and West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, who is also a key target for Tottenham, have also been assessed internally.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is renowned for working on numerous deals simultaneously before making a final decision on which one to execute.

The arrival of another central midfielder will lead to the sale of a current player in the same position, with Christian Norgaard someone the club will listen to offers for.

It could also bring into question Martin Zubimendi's role as a regular starter in Mikel Arteta's starting XI next season.

What do you think about the Arsenal's midfield targets? Who do you want to see at Emirates Stadium next season?

Get in touch with your views here

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

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Bournemouth have joined Arsenal in exploring a move for Paris St-Germain defender Emmanuel Mbemba on a free transfer.

The Cherries have held initial talks over a development pathway for the 18-year-old left-back, who can also play at centre-back and will be available for a nominal training compensation fee when his contract at PSG expires.

The plan would see Mbemba move on loan to Lorient - part of the Black Knight multi-club ownership group - to continue his development before potentially returning to play in the Premier League.

It would not affect Marco Rose's first-team plans this summer, with Bournemouth primarily targeting a centre-back, working on a contract renewal for key midfielder Alex Scott and potentially looking to sign a striker should Enes Unal leave.

Although Arsenal have offered a similar pathway, they are unable to provide it within the same ownership structure, which could give Bournemouth greater control over his playing time while on loan.

Arsenal's proposal is still understood to have impressed, with Mikel Arteta's side pointing to their stable leadership and their track record of developing players, including France international William Saliba during a loan spell at Marseille.

Mbemba is a France youth international and recently captained PSG's under-19 side to French Youth Cup success at the Stade de France.

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Since 2006, every World Cup winner has dropped points in their first or second group game - but what they have also done each time is go on to win their group.

I am confident England will do that too, by beating Panama on Saturday, but I would not be surprised if Thomas Tuchel makes three or even four changes to his team after such a disappointing result and performance.

Probably the biggest call for Tuchel is what he does with his wingers.

I didn't think Anthony Gordon or Noni Madueke were positive enough against Ghana. By that I mean they didn't attack their defender enough when we got the ball out to them out wide.

Their crossing was really poor as well, and often it didn't beat the first man. Our delivery from set-pieces was not great either, but in open play the service from the wingers was pretty much non-existent.

That's why I think Tuchel will change it up, and Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford have definitely done enough when they have come on in both games to get a chance to start.

Saka's fitness is surely the only reason he hasn't started either game so far, but if he's ready this time then he would come in on the right, with Rashford on the left.

What I want to see from both of them is more energy and to be more direct in one-against-one situations by trying to go past players.

There also needs to be more forward passing rather than taking the easy option by going sideways or backwards.

Read Shearer's full column here

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Chelsea's Reece James missed training with England on Thursday which has thrown his fitness into doubt for the Three Lions' final World Cup Group L game against Panama.

The 26-year-old right-back suffered a hamstring issue in the goalless draw with Ghana on Tuesday and did not train with his team-mates in England's penultimate session before Saturday's game (22:00 BST).

It now remains to be seen if James is fit enough to start or be an option from the bench in the final group game at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Meanwhile, Arsenal's Declan Rice, who left Boston Stadium after the Ghana draw with strapping on his left calf, was also absent from Thursday's session at England's training base in Kansas City.

Sources indicate the 27-year-old midfielder's fitness is less of a concern. However, it remains to be seen if Thomas Tuchel is willing to start Rice - particularly given he is at risk of suspension for the last 32 after being booked against Ghana.

Arsenal are interested in signing Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, 28, from Newcastle this summer. (Mail), external

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Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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England will assess the fitness of Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and Chelsea defender Reece James before their final World Cup group game against Panama.

Rice limped out of the Boston Stadium after England's goalless draw against Ghana on Tuesday with heavy strapping on his left calf.

Sources have indicated there is no major concern the injury could impact his involvement on a longer-term basis in the United States.

But it is understood the issue requires assessment and rest before a decision can be made on the 27-year-old's availability for Panama on Saturday, with England manager Thomas Tuchel and his staff needing to weigh up the risks of playing him.

Rice was also taken off in the game against Croatia with nerve pain in a sore hamstring he has been managing.

James will also require assessment as England approach Saturday's match in New Jersey.

The 26-year-old completed the full game against Ghana but will be checked by medics over the next 24 hours.

The Chelsea captain has a history of injury and his load will be monitored closely.

Arsenal have lowered their asking price to between £20m and £25m for Gabriel Jesus, with Everton having had a long-standing interest in the forward. (Caughtoffside), external

Arsenal and Manchester City could consider a move for 26-year-old Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand, who scored for Denmark against England at Euro 2024. (A Bola - in Portuguese), external

Meanwhile, the Gunners will continue to pursue a deal for Morgan Rogers despite Aston Villa being unwilling to sell the England midfielder, 23. (Sun), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit for Arsenal.

Here are some of your comments:

Julian: Kylian Mbappe[France] is an obvious choice for everyone, but I'd say Ayyoub Bouaddi [Morocco] would be great for Arsenal. I also think that Folarin Balogun [US] would be a great backup for Kai Havertz or Viktor Gyokeres as he's been great at the World Cup.

Trev: I would want Morgan Rogers [England] as he is a good attacking player who would give the team something a bit different.

Mitchell: Bradley Barcola [France] is the future and a very good player.

Felix: The players that stand out for me are Felix Nmecha [Germany], Crysencio Summerville [Netherlands]and Ayyoub Bouaddi [Morocco] because they play in a natural way breaking lines. As a fan I would love to see both Kenan Yildiz [Turkey] and Arda Guler [Turkey] in our team.

Ababacar: Arsenal should get Ibrahima Mbaye [Senegal]. The Paris St-Germain forward is young, fast and direct. He's also a goal scorer.

Tell us the players you have scouted and would welcome from the World Cup

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Despite still feeling "massively optimistic" about Thomas Tuchel's chances of being successful as England manager, former Three Lions defender Stephen Warnock has been left "surprised" with some of his selection decisions.

England were held to a goalless draw by Ghana at Boston Stadium on Tuesday night, knowing that victory would have confirmed a place in the World Cup's last 32.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily, Warnock said: "More than anything, I was surprised Nico O'Reilly didn't start in the left-back position because when you have a right-footed left-back, you lose that little bit of balance on the pitch.

"You can see the difference when O'Reilly comes on, England get more bodies into the box and it causes chaos.

"I've seen a clip of Declan Rice getting onto the team bus with a heavily strapped calf, so it might be that Thomas Tuchel rests one of his two central midfielders and goes for more attacking-minded players next time out.

"I wouldn't mind seeing Harry Kane through the middle with Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers either side of him, as either two number eights or two number 10s.

"It also wouldn't surprise me if he starts Marcus Rashford on the left-hand side as his cameos so far have been hugely impressive. When you're looking for a player to get in behind or get in 1-v-1 situations, he has been key.

"Noni Madueke did very well in the first half, but I was surprised Tuchel didn't bring Rashford on a little bit earlier. Giving a player 10 minutes in a game like that just isn't enough.

"Djed Spence, who is playing with the wrong foot constantly, was also playing very predictable balls to Anthony Gordon, which was making it very difficult for him to find the space or get in behind.

"I understood why Tuchel picked Spence initially, but I thought he was taking him as a right-back not a left-back. Right now, I can't understand how Lewis Hall isn't in this squad. It is nothing against Spence, I just don't think left-back suits him.

"That being said, I am still massively optimistic with this manager."

Listen to Football Daily on BBC Sounds here

Manchester United are tracking 22-year-old Bournemouth and England midfielder Alex Scott, but any successful move could cost about £60m. (Mail), external

The Gunners are also in contact with Leicester City over a deal for England Under-19 winger Jeremy Monga, with the club planning to pay a fair fee for the 16-year-old and avoid a tribunal. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Arsenal are continuing talks over a potential deal for 26-year-old Atletico Madrid and Argentina striker Julian Alvarez. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Alex Howell
Football reporter

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Noni Madueke was one of England's standout players in the 4-2 win over Croatia and won the penalty which Harry Kane scored to give the Three Lions the lead.

Madueke's Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka had been expected to be England's starting right winger at the World Cup but the 24-year-old is dealing with an Achilles issue he has been carrying since March.

Saka and Madueke find themselves in the unusual situation of competing for game time at both club and country.

Saka, who made his 50th appearance for England in the victory over Croatia, called the situation "unique", before adding "I don't really know how it works, but it works" when describing his relationship with Madueke.

When Tuchel named his England squad for the World Cup the German was full of praise for Madueke.

The forward has put in consistently good performances for the Three Lions since Tuchel took charge and the manager said Madueke can be a "difference-maker" before highlighting his "one-on-one ability".

Tuchel has made it clear he wants his England team to play in a style that replicates the physicality of the Premier League.

Despite fighting for game time, Madueke and Saka are close away from the pitch too with Saka calling his team-mate his "brother".

Arsenal boss Arteta found ways to get both wingers on the pitch at the same time in 2025-26, which may be something Tuchel opts to do as the World Cup goes on.

Madueke was utilised on the left wing by Arteta, while Saka also featured in the number 10 role as the Gunners lifted the title.

Madueke made 43 appearances last season - scoring eight goals and registering four assists in all competitions - as Arsenal ended their trophy drought.

Read more of Alex's piece here

Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

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England manager Thomas Tuchel has provided an update on winger Bukayo Saka's fitness before England's second match at the World Cup against Ghana.

Saka has been dealing with an Achilles issue since March and has been following an individual training programme alongside joining full sessions with the rest of the squad.

The 24-year-old came off the bench in England's 4-2 win over Croatia, assisting Marcus Rashford, in the Three Lions opening game of the World Cup.

Tuchel said: "Bukayo is getting better and better. He is more and more free in his movements. He feels no more pain.

"He was able to do both our training sessions on the last two days on the highest levels.

"He is ready to go."

Arsenal team-mate Noni Madueke started the first match of the tournament and won the penalty for England's opening goal.

Tuchel called the battle between the pair for the for the starting spot on the right wing a "big competition".

"The beautiful thing is that they do it at Arsenal as well. And they do it at Arsenal and compete at Arsenal and they do it with a lot of respect for each other.

"They way they do it in training, sometimes competing on opposite teams, sometimes they train on the same position, If we go through patterns defensively or offensively, it is just a pleasure to see," Tuchel said.

Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

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Declan Rice has said that last season's title win with Arsenal was "mentally tough", but he is in a "very good space" before England's World Cup match against Ghana.

Rice has made 63 appearances for Arsenal and England this season, and was withdrawn as a precaution in England's 4-2 win over Croatia last week.

The midfielder revealed to ITV Sport that he has been playing with "neural pain" in his hamstring since the turn of the year, but insists he is well-equipped to deal with the number of games he has had to play.

And Rice is set to win earn his 75th cap for the Three Lions in the match against Ghana on Tuesday.

"I have been lucky enough to play in Europe for the last six years," said the 27-year-old.

"My last three years with West Ham, my first three with Arsenal.

"My body has been conditioned and built for this moment for playing long seasons. I would probably say this season has been more mentally tough than physically.

"The emotions of a football player is crazy. The feelings and emotions you go through in a season are up and down, you need to find that balance.

"This moment in time I am mentally in a very good space, and physically I feel really good as well. I want to keep taking this into the end of the tournament."