England striker Ivan Toney says clear communication with head coach Thomas Tuchel has resolved earlier misunderstandings and helped define his role within the national team’s squad at the FIFA World Cup, with the forward prepared to make an impact from the bench whenever called upon.

Speaking ahead of England’s final Group-stage fixture against Panama in New Jersey, Toney acknowledged that he currently sits behind captain Harry Kane and, in all likelihood, Ollie Watkins in the team’s centre-forward hierarchy. Rather than viewing that position as a source of frustration, the 30-year-old said clarity from the coaching staff has enabled him to focus entirely on contributing whenever opportunities arise.

The comments come after England’s goalless draw against Ghana in their second group match, a result that left qualification scenarios still active heading into the final group fixture. While Toney remained an unused substitute, he described a light-hearted exchange with one of his sons after the match that illustrated the realities of tournament football from a family perspective.

According to Toney, his young son questioned why he had travelled to watch him without seeing him take the field. The striker laughed while recounting the conversation, adding that his son was equally eager to meet several of England’s established stars, including Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, after the final whistle.

Despite limited playing time, Toney indicated that he fully understands the responsibilities assigned to him within Tuchel’s squad. He said the coaching staff view him as a specialist option capable of changing matches during the closing stages, particularly in situations where England require a goal or an increased physical presence inside the penalty area.

His responsibilities include providing an aerial threat, competing aggressively for second balls, creating uncertainty for opposing defenders and offering another target during set-piece situations. Such tactical roles have become increasingly valuable in tournament football, where matches are frequently decided by late goals or dead-ball situations.

Toney’s return to the England squad followed discussions within Tuchel’s coaching staff after the March international window, during which other striking options, including Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke, failed to firmly establish themselves. As the coaching staff evaluated different match scenarios and potential tactical alternatives, Toney’s profile emerged repeatedly during internal conversations.

One factor influencing that assessment was the familiarity several members of the coaching staff had with the striker. Assistant coach Justin Cochrane had previously worked alongside Toney during their time at Brentford and was able to provide detailed insight into both the player’s character and professional standards. Additional recommendations came from Al-Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle, who shares a longstanding football connection with Tuchel dating back to their time at Stuttgart, where Jaissle played under the German coach during his early coaching career.

Those conversations eventually led Tuchel to meet directly with Toney to address concerns arising from previous interactions and to explain precisely how he intended to use the striker during the tournament.

Toney said the discussions were constructive rather than confrontational. He rejected the idea that either side needed to apologise, describing the meetings instead as an opportunity for both men to better understand one another.

According to Toney, Tuchel had not previously known him well away from the football pitch, while the striker himself gained greater insight into the manager’s expectations. He added that positive feedback from teammates and people outside football also helped provide a fuller picture of his personality.

“There may have been some miscommunication,” Toney said. “We spoke openly, cleared the air and now we’re on the same page.”

He explained that one of the most important outcomes of those discussions was receiving an honest assessment of where he stood within England’s plans before the tournament began.

Toney said uncertainty over selection can become mentally challenging for players during major competitions, making transparency from the coaching staff particularly valuable. Knowing exactly what was expected, he said, allowed him to fully commit to the squad’s objectives without unnecessary distractions.

The striker also emphasised the importance of maintaining a positive influence within the dressing room regardless of individual playing time. He acknowledged that every professional footballer naturally wants to play more minutes but said supporting teammates, training at a consistently high level and contributing positively to the squad environment remain essential responsibilities throughout an international tournament.

England’s current squad has undergone notable changes compared with the group assembled during the previous international cycle. Several players involved in last year’s camp, including Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones and Conor Gallagher, are no longer part of the current tournament squad. Toney, however, retained Tuchel’s confidence after their discussions and subsequent performances in training.

Pep Guardiola delivered an emotional farewell to Manchester City as he reflected on a decade that transformed both the club and his own legacy, using his final pre-match press conference to look back on one of the most successful managerial tenures in football history.

The 55-year-old manager, whose departure was formally confirmed earlier in the day, appeared relaxed and reflective as he addressed reporters for the last time before leaving the club he has led since 2016. What was expected to be a routine media briefing quickly became a retrospective on ten years that reshaped Manchester City into one of Europe’s dominant football powers.

Guardiola acknowledged the emotional weight of the occasion, revealing that he had spoken to players earlier in the day but struggled to find the right words. Describing the farewell address as “a disaster,” he admitted that conveying the significance of the moment had proved difficult after such a long and successful association with the club.

The Spaniard said he hoped the influence he brought to City would endure beyond his departure. “I like to think my vibe and energy will be there forever,” Guardiola said, reflecting on the culture and identity established during his tenure.

His final day as City manager was marked by a series of tributes that underscored his impact on the club. Shortly after confirmation of his departure, Manchester City announced that the club’s expanded North Stand would be permanently named in his honour.

The recognition came as another symbol of Guardiola’s status within an organisation that experienced its most successful era under his leadership.Guardiola revealed that club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak had informed him about the stadium naming earlier in the day.

He also learned during the press conference that a statue would be erected in his honour outside the stadium, a tribute reserved for figures considered central to the club’s history.

The manager responded with humour, joking about the prospect of the statue eventually being covered by bird droppings. While details of the design have yet to be finalised, Guardiola appeared amused by the attention and symbolism attached to the monument.

The farewell also highlighted Guardiola’s deep connection with Manchester beyond football. In a letter addressed to supporters, he referenced the music of Oasis, reflecting his close association with the city’s culture.

Over the years, Guardiola developed strong ties with local communities and became an adopted Mancunian despite his Catalan roots.He spoke emotionally about the lasting impact of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, recalling that members of his family had been present at the venue.

Referencing themes associated with Manchester poet Tony Walsh, Guardiola expressed his attachment to the city, describing it as home.Observers note that the relationship between Guardiola and Manchester has been mutually transformative.

During his decade in charge, Manchester City evolved into a global football powerhouse, while Guardiola became one of the defining sporting figures in the city’s modern history.Despite the emotional farewell, Guardiola indicated that exhaustion played a significant role in his decision to step away.

The relentless demands of elite football, combined with a schedule that has rarely slowed since his arrival in England, left him feeling that the timing was right for a break.“This is the time,” he said, suggesting that a period away from the pressures of management had become necessary after years of constant competition and scrutiny.

The departure ends months of speculation regarding his future. Throughout the season, Guardiola repeatedly pointed to the remaining year on his contract whenever questions about his future arose. While he consistently rejected suggestions that he was preparing to leave, uncertainty persisted around his long-term plans.

On his final day in front of the media, however, discussions about successors and the club’s next chapter took a back seat. The focus remained firmly on Guardiola and the legacy he leaves behind.The manager appeared in good spirits throughout the press conference, exchanging jokes with journalists and reflecting on memorable moments from his decade in Manchester.

He extended an invitation to television pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher to share a drink in the future, a gesture that reflected the lighter atmosphere surrounding the occasion.Guardiola also revisited his long-standing friendship with Noel Gallagher, one of Manchester City’s most prominent supporters.

Recalling conversations with Gallagher, he reflected on how dramatically the club’s fortunes had changed during his time in charge. The transformation from a side struggling for consistency into a serial title contender became one of the defining stories of the Guardiola era.

While Guardiola did not discuss future managerial opportunities in detail, he suggested he was looking forward to a quieter period away from football. He spoke of spending more time with family, playing golf, travelling to warmer climates and enjoying a slower pace of life after years under the spotlight.

Those who attended the press conference described a markedly different Guardiola from the intensely focused figure often seen during competitive campaigns. With the pressure of results removed, he appeared more relaxed and open, sharing stories and reflections that highlighted both the personal and professional significance of his time at Manchester City.

Following the media session, Guardiola spent additional time with journalists and club staff, participating in informal farewell gatherings that included speeches, photographs and personal exchanges. The atmosphere reflected the mutual respect built over a decade between the manager and those who covered his career.

As he prepares to leave Manchester City, Guardiola departs as one of football’s most influential coaches, having overseen an era that delivered sustained domestic success and established the club among Europe’s elite.

For supporters, players and many within the game, his departure marks the end of a transformative chapter in the history of the club.

“This is a fresh start for West Ham – a chance to unlock our full potential and aim higher in the Premier League,” the club affirmed as it announces a managerial change.

West Ham United is embracing a new chapter in its Premier League journey, announcing a managerial change aimed at reinvigorating the squad and building long-term success. The Premier League club confirmed on Saturday that it has parted ways with Graham Potter, signaling a commitment to refreshing strategies and unlocking the team’s full potential.

The decision comes as part of West Ham’s broader vision to strengthen its position in England’s top flight. While the first five matches of the 2025/26 season have been challenging, with the team earning three points, the club is focused on turning these lessons into opportunities for growth. The board emphasized that this move will enable West Ham to accelerate its path toward a more competitive and dynamic future in the Premier League.

West Ham has historically demonstrated resilience and ambition, and the current transition reflects the club’s dedication to excellence both on and off the pitch. The team is preparing to welcome a new managerial perspective that will harness the talent of its current squad while enhancing team performance. The summer transfer window brought in promising players such as El Hadji Malick Diouf, goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, and striker Callum Wilson, adding depth and skill to the squad. These strategic acquisitions are poised to complement West Ham’s existing roster and boost performance in the coming fixtures.

Despite early-season challenges, West Ham has a proud history of achieving remarkable feats, including securing the UEFA Conference League title under former manager David Moyes, the club’s first major silverware in 43 years. Fans can look forward to seeing the team build on this legacy, combining experience and fresh talent to climb the Premier League standings.

The upcoming away match against Everton presents an exciting opportunity for the squad to demonstrate renewed energy and cohesion under the new management direction. With a focus on teamwork, strategy, and resilience, West Ham is positioning itself for stronger performances, enhanced fan engagement, and sustainable growth throughout the season.

Chairman David Sullivan and Vice Chairman Karren Brady reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the team and its incoming manager, emphasizing that the club is dedicated to creating a winning environment. The decision to change leadership is framed as a proactive step to strengthen the squad, improve results, and ensure that West Ham continues to compete at the highest level.

Fans remain a cornerstone of the club’s journey, with West Ham United encouraging supporter engagement and optimism as the team navigates this transformative period. The club’s focus on development, strategic investment, and nurturing talent underlines a forward-looking philosophy that aims to deliver excitement, resilience, and competitive success on the pitch.

With renewed energy, strategic planning, and a talented roster, West Ham United is entering a phase of optimism and promise. The Premier League season ahead holds opportunities for growth, memorable victories, and the continued strengthening of a proud London club that looks toward a bright and successful future.