Over the past few months, the hierarchy at West Ham has been dramatically reshaped. The club currently operates without a permanent chief executive or director of football, while the recent exits of key boardroom figures have deepened the sense of uncertainty. Baroness Karren Brady stepped down from her role as vice-chairwoman in April, and shortly afterwards, co-chairman David Sullivan announced his resignation. Sullivan, who had been a central figure in running the club since acquiring a controlling stake in 2010 alongside the late David Gold, cited impending allegations—which he strongly denies—as the reason for his departure.

Despite stepping aside from his executive position, Sullivan remains the club’s largest shareholder, holding just under 40 percent of West Ham. For more than a decade, he played a decisive role in shaping the club’s direction, particularly when it came to recruitment strategies and managerial appointments. His influence was often a focal point of criticism from supporters, especially as performance levels dipped in recent seasons.

Fan dissatisfaction has been growing for some time, and the team’s relegation only intensified frustrations. Supporters have staged protests, organized marches, and even called for a formal vote of no confidence in the leadership. Much of the anger has been directed at what they see as inadequate planning, particularly in areas such as scouting, recruitment, and infrastructure. On matchdays, tensions reached such levels that security concerns became a factor—for example, Sullivan was advised to leave the stadium early following the confirmation of relegation to avoid potential confrontations.

This unrest is not without precedent. In recent years, there have been incidents involving supporters making their grievances known in dramatic fashion, including pitch invasions and direct confrontations near the executive areas of the stadium. These episodes underline the depth of feeling among fans, many of whom believe the club has underperformed relative to its potential.

While some supporters may welcome the recent departures at board level, the reality is that the club now faces an urgent need for leadership and direction. A board meeting is expected to address the current situation, but as it stands, it remains unclear who will take responsibility for making the key decisions that lie ahead. The absence of a clear hierarchy could not come at a worse time, given the scale of the challenges West Ham must tackle.

Adding to the uncertainty is the ongoing turnover in the club’s executive ranks. Alongside Brady’s exit, other senior figures have also moved on or are set to do so. Nathan Thompson has left his role as executive director, and financial director Andy Mollett is preparing to retire. None of these positions have yet been permanently filled, leaving gaps in the structure that need to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

In the meantime, Karim Virani has been serving as interim chief executive, overseeing day-to-day operations. Sullivan’s sons, Jack and David Jr., continue to be listed as directors, with Jack becoming increasingly involved in negotiations with agents. However, their long-term roles remain uncertain, particularly in light of the broader changes at the club.

Financial considerations are another pressing concern. West Ham may be forced to sell players in the short term to ensure compliance with financial regulations. Under Premier League rules, clubs are restricted in the level of losses they can incur over a defined period. While the club has some leeway based on recent financial results, there is little doubt that significant adjustments will be necessary, especially following relegation.

The shift to the Championship introduces a different regulatory framework, one that focuses more directly on the relationship between revenue and spending on the playing squad. This will require careful planning, as West Ham attempt to balance competitiveness with financial sustainability.

As part of this restructuring, a number of key players could depart. Individuals such as Mateus Fernandes and Jarrod Bowen are likely to attract strong interest and command substantial transfer fees. Several other members of the squad may also be moved on, either to reduce wage commitments or to reshape the team for the demands of the second tier. The turnover could be significant, with potentially close to an entire starting lineup being reconsidered.

Given the scale of this overhaul, the appointment of a director of football is seen as a priority. This role will be central to coordinating recruitment, scouting, and overall squad strategy. The head coach, Nuno Espírito Santo, has reportedly been involved in the recruitment process for this position, highlighting its importance to the club’s future plans. Strengthening the scouting and analytics departments will also be crucial, particularly after the departure of key personnel in those areas.

Beyond the immediate operational challenges lies a broader question about ownership. Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský currently holds a substantial minority stake and could increase his involvement in the coming months. There had been plans for him and Sullivan to consolidate their positions as joint leading shareholders, but Sullivan’s resignation may alter the dynamics significantly. Křetínský could seek greater influence or even a controlling share, depending on how negotiations unfold.

West Ham, therefore, find themselves at a crossroads. The club must rebuild its squad, stabilize its leadership, and restore a sense of direction—all while preparing for the challenges of life in the Championship. Achieving promotion at the first attempt will be the primary objective, but doing so will require decisive action and clear planning.

In many ways, this summer represents more than just a period of transition. It is an opportunity for West Ham to reset, to address long-standing issues, and to lay the groundwork for a more sustainable and successful future. Whether the club can seize that opportunity will depend largely on the decisions made in the weeks ahead—and on who ultimately takes charge of making them.

The post West Ham at Crossroads: Relegated, Brady and Sullivan Gone appeared first on SoccerNews.

Pinpoint from Granit Xhaka to set up Switzerland’s opening goal

The Sunderland midfielder finds Dan Ndoye with a perfect pass, as the forward makes no mistake from close range

Watch #SUIvAUS live and exclusive on Paramount+ pic.twitter.com/Fyt3Yp9QhU

— Paramount+ Australia (@ParamountPlusAU) June 6, 2026

The post Sublime Granit Xhaka pass sets up Dan Ndoye for Switzerland opener against Australia (Video) appeared first on SoccerNews.

With all eyes now fixed on North America for the 2026 World Cup, there are plenty of intriguing betting promotions and bonuses available.

Verdict: Netherlands win & under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: BetUS

Netherlands

Starring with the Netherlands, while the Netherlands might have received a string of plaudits after their sensational World Cup qualifying romp last year, Ronald Koeman’s superstar squad are searching for an immediate response here. Getting the final stint of their summer preparations underway with a concerning performance on home soil as they were hit with a toothless 1-0 loss at the hands of Algeria, Holland know the importance of immediately dusting themselves down when they arrive in New York on Monday night. Officially getting their World Cup group stage adventure underway on June 14th when they meet Japan, it is no secret that the Netherlands are almost universally regarded as the standout contender in Group F. Suffering just a first defeat since back in October 2024 just a few days ago, Holland will be desperate to prove their downbeat display in Rotterdam was nothing more than a minor blip.

Netherlands Team News

Making a timely return from a muscle injury last month, the record-breaking Memphis Depay has been included in Koeman’s squad and could be handed a full recall in New York on Monday night. Making his senior international debut against Algeria a few days ago, West Ham winder Crysencio Summerville should get some more minutes under his belt.

Given what has been a speedy trip to North America, Koeman is expected to make a string of alterations here. Despite extensive speculation over his future with Premier League giants Manchester City, Nathan Ake should earn a 60th international cap.

Uzbekistan

As for Uzbekistan, set to make their first ever appearance on the World Cup stage this month, Fabio Cannavaro’s men have already shattered a string of long-standings records and they have rightfully cemented their spot as one of world football’s ultimate surprise packages over the past couple of years. Eventually breezing their way to North America and enjoying their own sensational qualifying romp, the Whites Wolves find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. However, much like the Dutch, Uzbekistan are also searching for their own immediate response when they arrive in New York on Monday night. Getting the final stint of their pre-World Cup preparations underway with a 2-0 defeat against fellow finalists Canada last week, the former Italy skipper is more than aware that his squad faces another heavyweight examination here.

Uzbekistan Team News

In what was a major blow for Uzbekistan, Al Bataeh midfielder Azizjon Ganiev was taken off after just 23 minutes against Canada last week with a knee injury and the 18-cap international will certainly not play any part in New York.

Enjoying a dominant loan campaign with Turkish outfit Basaksehir and notching 22 goals among Turkey’s elite, Roma striker Eldor Shomurodov will lead Uzbekistan out on Monday and play a leading role in attack. Really starting to find his feet with Premier League giants Man City, Abdukodir Khusanov will start at the heart of Cannavaro’s defence.

Netherlands vs Uzbekistan Key Factors to Consider

• Monday’s showdown in New York will be the first meeting between the Netherlands and Uzbekistan.
• Holland’s downbeat 1-0 loss at home against Algeria last week was the first defeat Koeman’s side have suffered since back in October 2024.
• Uzbekistan’s 2-0 loss against Canada last week is just the second defeat the White Wolves have suffered from their last 19 outings across all fronts.
• The White Wolves have registered just a sole clean sheets from any of their previous five matchups across all competitions.
• Holland have notched just a single strike in almost 220 minutes of acton.

Conclusion

Two camps who will make their final pre-World Cup appearances on Monday night, both the Netherlands and Uzbekistan will be desperately searching for their own immediate response in New York. Falling to a toothless 1-0 loss at home against Algeria last week and suffering a first defeat across any format since way back in October 2024, Holland will know the importance of laying down an early summer marker here. Although the European icons might be searching for a crucial clinical edge in the final third, we are backing Koeman’s side to claim some welcomed momentum.

Verdict: Netherlands win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: BetUS

The post Prediction: Netherlands vs Uzbekistan appeared first on SoccerNews.

Speaking to the press after the match, the Bayern Munich star said that it’s important to be on the scoresheet as a striker, and provided some perspective on games like this one.

“As a striker, I wanna be on the scoresheet”

Harry Kane reflects on scoring as England beat New Zealand 1-0 in their pre-World Cup friendly. pic.twitter.com/HGN0mKo7yd

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 7, 2026

The post “I want to be on the scoresheet as much as possible” – England captain Harry Kane after scoring against New Zealand (Video) appeared first on SoccerNews.

Silva’s vast quality and winning mentality have been documented many times during his nine-year stay at the Etihad, with 460 appearances in all competitions, 76 goals and 77 assists to his name. He was one of the most important players for City under Pep Guardiola, helping them win six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, three Community Shields, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Silva’s agent Jorge Mendes is said to be searching for a new club for the 108-cap Portugal international. Real had previously decided against going for him, but Mourinho’s wish to have him in his ranks will likely change their stance.

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Both teams saw red in first-half stoppage-time as Portugal ran out 2-1 winners at Estadio Nacional, with Goncalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes getting on the scoresheet for the home side.

Rafael Leao was sent off just before the break for violent conduct, with Chile's Ivan Roman also shown a red card in the same altercation as tempers flared in Lisbon.

Nevertheless, Portugal came out on top when it was 10 against 10; Martinez's side are now unbeaten in all three of their warm-up games, defeating the United States 2-0 after a goalless draw with Mexico.

Portugal begin their World Cup campaign against DR Congo on June 17, before also facing Uzbekistan and Colombia in the group stage.

Martinez believes their experience of playing with 10 men could help when facing South American countries, such as Colombia.

"I liked many things," said Martinez after the win over Chile.

𝗝𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗢𝗦. #VaiDarPortugal | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/GhhddDlmo3

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 6, 2026

"First, as we discussed earlier, in the World Cup we have to be prepared for surprises. The red card forced us to play with ten men against ten, with more space and more duels.

"It's very good that it happened now, because South American teams are used to that kind of thing. We're going to face Colombia, and it could happen.

"There were some very good aspects and others that weren't so good.

"Overall, what we showed as a team, we're starting to gel, and we won a match despite the surprise of playing with ten men in the second half."

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The England captain's deft header in first-half stoppage time was enough to earn the win in Tampa, where the hot conditions affected the pace of the game.

New Zealand are the 35th different opponent that Kane has scored against for England, with this seven more than the player with the next most teams scored against (Wayne Rooney – 28).

Kane also became the fourth player to score 10+ goals for England against non-European opposition after Gary Lineker (18), Michael Owen (13) and Bobby Charlton (10).

Kane has scored in 62% of England's games under Thomas Tuchel (8/13); of those with at least two matches in charge of the Three Lions, this is the highest percentage of a manager's games that a player has netted in.

England face Costa Rica in one last friendly before their World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17, and Kane is feeling confident heading into the tournament.

"I think physically, mentally, it's the best shape I have been in my career," Kane told ITV Sport.

10 – Thomas Tuchel picked up his 10th win as @England manager tonight, in his 13th match in charge.

Only Glenn Hoddle (12) needed fewer games to reach double figures for victories with the Three Lions (Fabio Capello and Walter Winterbottom also 13).

Steadying. pic.twitter.com/qkymFQwBMI

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 6, 2026

"We're going into a tough environment, a tough tournament, I'm excited for it. The World Cup is the biggest tournament of all and I'm looking forward to it getting started really."

And on the win over New Zealand, Kane added: "Yeah a good win, it's not easy. The heat is hard, the pitch wasn't great to be honest really hard to play the way that we want to play.

"But this is why we are here, to adapt to it. In the end we probably could've scored a couple more we know we are here more for preparation than the result.

"The drinks breaks help. A lot of people are talking about the heat but I don't think it's going to be as big a factor as what some people say.

"Me personally and a few of of the boys who have been training for a while in it felt fine today. We're all athletes, we're all professionals and have played in warm weather conditions before."

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Craig Bellamy's side were beaten in Bucharest, where the hosts prevailed in Gheorghi Hagi's first match in charge.

Romania broke through the deadlock through Florinel Coman's neat finish from a Darius Olaru cutback in the 52nd minute, but Brooks equalised 11 minutes later when he swept home a volley from Daniel James' centre.

However, the hosts increased the pressure later on and snatched victory four minutes from time, as Adrian Rus headed home from David Matei's cross.

FT |2-1

Defeat in Bucharest.

https://t.co/pTHPpVq16e pic.twitter.com/ox6XG9Vlvn

— Wales (@Cymru) June 6, 2026

Wales have now failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last nine matches under Bellamy, who is the first Dragons boss not to win any of his first five friendlies in charge (D2 L3) since Mike Smith in 1977.

That was despite 20 shots on goal and over 57% of possession, and Brooks concedes improvement is required before Wales' Nations League campaign launches in September.

"We were not good enough, not at all," he told Match of the Day Wales. "We need to watch it back and try and take some positives out of it.

"We kept the ball quite nicely, but we lacked penetrating passes. We played in the wrong areas.

"We need to be miles better in the Nations League and in the next camp."

The post Wales ‘not good enough at all’ in Romania defeat, says goalscorer Brooks appeared first on SoccerNews.

It is a summer of change at Liverpool, who have already had a switch in management, with Andoni Iraola replacing Arne Slot following the latter's dismissal.

The Reds have also said goodbye to long-standing servants Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate.

Questions were also raised over Alisson's future towards the end of the campaign, with Juventus reportedly interested in his signature.

Having been sidelined at the end of the season, Alisson returned for Liverpool's final-day draw against Brentford in the Premier League, though Chiesa does not believe that was the last match the goalkeeper will play at Anfield.

"From what I hear, he's staying in England," Chiesa told Gazzetta dello Sport, via The Athletic, about Alisson.

"Then let's see. We're talking about one of the top five goalkeepers on the planet.

"He's a fantastic leader. He's won everything and makes the difference on the pitch and in the dressing room."

 

 

 

 

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Another Liverpool player who has been linked with a move to Italy is Curtis Jones, with Serie A champions Inter the favourites to sign him if he leaves.

Jones came through the Reds' academy and has made 228 appearances for the senior team in all competitions, with his 49 games played in 2025-26 his most in a single season for the club.

"All he [Jones] asked me was what life is like in Italy," he added.

"I told him it's great, and the weather is better than in Liverpool, which, other than that, is a special place.

"Jones, technically, is a really good player. Inter do well to think about signing him."

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With all eyes now falling on North America, there are plenty of intriguing betting promotions and bonuses available this summer.

Verdict: Rayan Cherki over 0.5 shots on target

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: 1xBet

France

Starting with the hosts, while France might arrive in North America next week widely regarded as a standout contender to get their hands on a third World Cup crown, the European giants are desperately searching for an immediate response here. Getting the final stint of their pre-World Cup preparations underway with a shock 2-1 loss at home against the Ivory Coast, Didier Deschamps’ superstar squad will have a huge amount of expectation on their shoulders when when they arrive in Lille on Monday night. Despite once again being installed as a landslide favourite at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, France know the importance of finding some crucial defensive grit. Despite opening 2026 with a stellar 2-1 victory against South American icons Brazil, Les Blues have mustered just a single clean sheet from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions.

France Team News

Facing a speedy turnaround following Thursday’s shock 2-1 loss against the Ivory Coast in Paris, Deschamps is expected to make a raft of alterations here. Left as an unused substitute in the French capital a few days ago, reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele will certainly get some minutes under his belt.

Bagging what turned out to be a consolation first-half strike on Thursday and enjoying a breakout maiden campaign with Manchester City, Rayan Cherki will be hoping to keep his spot from the start. Set to lead Les Bleus out in North America this summer, Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe will earn a 98th international cap.

Northern Ireland

As for the visitors, watching their World Cup qualifying adventure come to a routine end back in March as they eventually fell to a 2-0 loss away at Italy, Northern Ireland have largely come crashing back down to earth since their eye-catching Nations League flurry two years ago. Just about dragging themselves to a hard-fought 1-0 victory at home against Guinea on Thursday night, Michael O’Neill’s side are desperately searching for some stability. While the Greens might be relishing a famous trip to Lille on Monday, Northern Ireland have gained an unwanted reputation for their glaring issues on the road. In fact, O’Neill’s camp have mustered just a sole win from any of their last 11 consecutive matchups outside of Belfast.

Northern Ireland Team News

Wearing the armband and leading Northern Ireland out for their 1-0 victory against Guinea on Thursday night, Southampton starlet Shea Adams will earn a 33rd international cap here. Crystal Palace youngster Justin Devenny should once again be deployed in a left-wing back role.

Shown a dramatic second-half red card after bagging what turned out to be the winner in Belfast, 19-year-old Tom Atcheson won’t play any part. Only making a late cameo appearance off the bench a few days ago, veteran striker Josh Magennis could be handed a full recall and the chance to lead the line.

France vs Northern Ireland Key Factors to Consider

• Monday’s showdown in Lille will be the first meeting between France and Northern Ireland since way back in 1999.
• Hit with a shock 2-1 loss against the Ivory Coast in Paris on Thursday, France have registered just a sole clean sheet from their previous six appearances across all competitions.
• That 2-1 defeat in Paris is the first home loss that France have suffered since back in September 2024.
• Northern Ireland have recorded just a sole win from any of their previous 11 appearances outside of Belfast across all formats.
• Kylian Mbappe registered 48 goals across all competitions for Spanish icons Real Madrid during the 2025/26 campaign.

Conclusion

Suffering a first defeat in front of their own supporters on Thursday night as they slumped to a shock 2-1 loss against the Ivory Coast in Paris, France will have a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders here. Knowing the importance of claiming an immediate response before they jet off to North America, the two-time world champions will be hoping to make an early summer statement on Monday. With Northern Ireland remarkably mustering just a sole win from any of their previous 11 straight showdowns outside of Belfast, it is no surprise that the Greens are installed as a landslide underdog in Lille.

Verdict: Rayan Cherki over 0.5 shots on target

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: 1xBet

The post Prediction: France vs Northern Ireland appeared first on SoccerNews.