Merino may keep place as Arsenal striker, Rodri still unavailable for Manchester City – football live

England will commence their World Cup 2026 journey against Croatia, while Scotland has been drawn in the same group as Brazil, marking a significant moment for both teams as they prepare for the tournament next summer.

Manchester United's Mejbri has been banned for spitting, while Manchester City's Rodri faces a delayed return due to injury. This news comes amidst ongoing discussions about player conduct and team performance in the Premier League. Arsenal's Mikel Merino is expected to maintain his striker position as the league progresses.

Rio Ferdinand is reportedly in discussions with Fox Sports regarding a potential role as an analyst for the 2026 World Cup. The former Manchester United player and England international is known for his insights into the game and has previously worked as a pundit for various sports networks.

The draw for Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been finalized, featuring England, Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. This grouping sets the stage for a competitive tournament as teams prepare for their matches in the expanded format of 48 teams.

The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup took place in Washington, D.C., revealing the group placements for the tournament, which will feature 48 teams across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Spain and England emerged as favorites to win, with the United States holding 50-1 odds.

Aston Villa has experienced a remarkable turnaround in their season, achieving eight victories in nine Premier League matches, including a thrilling 4-3 comeback against Brighton. This resurgence is attributed to the tactical acumen of manager Unai Emery, who has instilled a winning mentality in the squad, positioning them as one of the league's top contenders.

England has been drawn into Group L for the 2026 World Cup, where they will face Croatia, Panama, and Ghana, marking a rematch against Croatia from the 2018 semi-finals. The matches will take place across various cities in the US and Toronto, with specific venues and kick-off times to be announced soon.

France has been drawn to face Senegal and Norway in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as announced during the draw event held in Washington, D.C. This matchup is significant as it highlights France's competitive landscape in the tournament, particularly against Senegal, a team they have faced in previous international competitions.