“I hope he’s busy” – Motherwell star hints at exit after glistening World Cup

Elijah Just hopes his agent is “busy at the moment” after the New Zealand internationalist enjoyed a sparkling World Cup campaign in Canada. The Motherwell attacker enjoyed a double against Iran, before netting a consolation in The All Whites’ encounter with Belgium. But despite his best efforts, New Zealand finished bottom of Group G. Speaking with the NZ Herald, Just spoke of how the tournament has made him hungrier than ever, despite his side coming up short. “Well, I hope he’s busy at the moment, and I will obviously speak with him, and, in football, you never know.” “The World Cup has given me added belief and also motivation to keep pushing,” Just said. The 26-year-old joined Motherwell from Danish side Horsens in July 2025, receiving a nomination for PFA Player of the Year in the Scottish Premiership last season. An honest Just admitted that in recent years his career felt stagnated, and is thrilled to be playing back at the top of his game. “There was a point in my career, one or two years ago, where I wasn’t quite sure what level I was going to be. “I was a little bit stuck and maybe plateaued a little bit, so now you have a little bit of a new energy and new belief. “I definitely want to test myself, see how far I can go. It’s something that everybody wants to do. “Coming to the World Cup gave me a taste of playing against top, top players. So we’ll see what happens.” Former Rosenborg boss Alfred Johansson arrived after the departed Jens Berthel Askou, and Just advised he is “looking forward to seeing all my pals and meeting the new coach”, as they look to back up their credible 4th place finish last season.

Ben Godfrey joins Rangers on season-long loan deal from Atalanta

Rangers have confirmed their third signing of the summer, with former Everton centre-back Ben Godfrey joining on a loan deal from Atalanta. Godfrey, formerly of Norwich and Everton, has today completed a loan move to Ibrox which includes an option to buy. It’s new boss Derek McInnes’ second signing alongside a return from Ross McCrorie. Godfrey was part of Daniel Farke’s side who were promoted to the Premier League in 2019, which led to the Englishman leaving The Canaries for Everton in the following season for a deal worth around £25 million. After signing for Atalanta in 2024, Godfrey has struggled for game time. He has been on three loans prior to signing for Rangers, including Ipswich Town, Sheffield United and most recently Danish side Brondby, which he made just 12 appearances. After signing for Rangers, Godfrey said: “I am buzzing, I am really happy to be here. “I know the size of the club, so it is a massive honour to be wearing the shirt this season, and I can’t wait to get started. “I am looking forward to meeting the boys and hopefully helping this club achieve what it deserves, which is silverware and exciting times.” Godfrey has also accumulated two caps for the England national team. McInnes highlighted the experience Godfrey will bring, as well as the level and quality he has played at during his career. McInnes said: “He’s played in the Premier League, been involved with England, and brings a lot of experience with him. “He’s a strong, athletic defender with good qualities both on and off the ball, and we believe he can add a lot to the squad.” Godfrey will wear the number four shirt for Rangers.

World Cup 2026: Group Stage Review

From surprise packages to early exits, the group stage has already provided plenty of unforgettable moments. Here are some of the biggest stories from the 2026 World Cup so far. Player of the group stage: Lionel Messi The Argentinean superstar has already set this World Cup alight. With a staggering six goals in three appearances, Messi made himself the official all-time Fifa World Cup top-goalscorer, with a total of 19 goals during seven World Cup campaigns. Messi also became the first ever player to score in seven consecutive World Cup’s. With a hat-trick in the opening fixture against Algeria, a brace against Austria and a magic free-kick to seal the group stage off against Jordan. Messi has been a monumental figure once again in Argentina’s hunt for back-to-back World Cup trophies. Biggest disappointment: Turkey One of the tournament’s “Dark Horses” suffered an early exit home after a disastrous group stage campaign. Back-to-back defeats to Australia and Paraguay sent Turkey home premature, failing to score in both fixtures. A consolation win over host nation USA wasn’t enough to send Turkey through to the knockout stages. A World Cup to forget for wonderkid Arda Guler and Turkey. Surprise package: Cape Verde Cape Verde have been standout performers during the World Cup so far. Defying the odds, the Island Nation have reached the knockout stages staying undefeated whilst taking points off both Spain and Uruguay. Cape Verde also achieved two clean sheets during the group stage period. Goalkeeper Vozinha has made the headlines after his remarkable performance against Spain in the opening fixture. He now faces reigning champions Argentina in the round of 32 on Friday evening. Will the 40-year-old stopper be able to repeat his historic achievement against Argentina’s attacking talent? Early front-runners: France Les Bleus have started their World Cup campaign strongly. Wins over Senegal, Iraq and Norway left France with nine points out of nine and a perfect start to complete their group stage. With 10 goals scored in three games and superstars Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and many more in outstanding form. France have established themselves as a major threat to be at the MetLife Stadium on July 19th for the final, hoping to add a third World Cup to their collection.

Steve Clarke: “The highs have been unbelievable” – Scotland boss reflects on seven-year journey after stepping down

Steve Clarke has brought his time as Scotland manager to an end, insisting the decision to step away was the right one after leading the national team back to three major tournaments. The 61-year-old confirmed his departure following Scotland’s World Cup campaign, ending a memorable seven-year spell in charge that saw the national side qualify for consecutive European Championships and reach their first World Cup finals since 1998. Speaking after making the decision, Clarke admitted missing out on progressing from the group stage at a third straight major tournament was the deciding factor in his decision to leave. “I’m good,” Clarke said. “Obviously, when I’m going into the tournament, I know the levels that I want the team to reach. We didn’t quite get there. “I’ve had a great journey as Scotland head coach. Three major tournaments, worked with the most fantastic group of players, and it just feels like the right time to step away.” Clarke revealed that, before signing his latest contract extension, he had already considered that this World Cup could represent the end of his tenure if Scotland failed to advance beyond the group stage. “I always had in my head that if we didn’t come out the group, which is something we’ve tried to do across three tournaments now, then it was probably the right time to step away,” he explained. “Obviously, if we had managed to get that extra point and got out of the group, then I’d probably have stayed on and tried to do another tournament.” The former Steve Clarke admitted the decision was emotional, particularly after sharing the journey with a core group of players who had been with him from the beginning. “I called the meeting for seven o’clock after the game because we felt that would be the time it was confirmed that we were out,” he said. “I sat all the players and staff down in one room. A lot of people in the room and obviously an emotional moment when you tell your players you’re stepping away after such a journey together. “Some of the boys have been with me right from the start. Seven or eight of them from the start right the way through. It was very important to me that they knew first.” A journey Scotland will remember Clarke reflected proudly on his achievements during his time in charge, highlighting the transformation in mentality and belief that helped Scotland return to the biggest stages of international football. “My lifelong ambition was to do a World Cup with my country. I’ve done that. So, not a bad time to step aside.” When Clarke took charge, Scotland were searching for a way back after years away from major tournaments. Under his leadership, that changed dramatically. The manager highlighted a defeat in Moscow as the turning point that helped shape his vision for the national team. “Moscow was the low point. That was the point where I started to fix in my head how I wanted to move forward,” Clarke said. “I identified a group of players that I knew could be good for us. I wanted to change the mentality around the group. I wanted to make the boys believe they could go to these places and get results. “From there it was only a journey uphill.” Clarke acknowledged that football is never a straightforward path, but believes the memorable moments from his tenure will live long in Scottish football history. “Football’s never smooth. It never goes straight. You get your highs and your lows. “But some of the highs have been amazing. Everybody who has been on this journey should remember the highs more than the lows because the highs have been unbelievable. “We’ll become part of Scottish folklore as we move forward. People will be talking about some of these matches and occasions right into the next century.” Pride in the next generation While Scotland’s squad has evolved throughout Clarke’s reign, the departing manager believes the current group still has plenty to offer and that younger players can learn from the experienced core. “You have to take the core group, but you have to keep evolving around it,” he said. “There are a number of younger players in the squad now who will become the next core group. They should learn from the senior players I’ve been lucky enough to work with. “We’ve grown together through 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 caps. Going into this tournament, I think we were just about a thousand caps in the squad, which is good experience at international level.” Clarke rejected suggestions that the experienced players who helped Scotland qualify for three major tournaments were finished. “This core group’s finished? They’re not finished yet,” he insisted. “They can all make it for Euro 2028. I look forward to sitting in the stand if the Scottish FA are good enough to give me a couple of tickets, watching the boys play without the stress of being their head coach.” Praise for Scotland’s supporters The Scotland manager also paid tribute to the supporters who followed the team across Europe and beyond, praising their behaviour and passion. “The Tartan Army are a fantastic group of supporters,” Clarke said. “They appreciate what this group of players have done for them. They’ve been able to go to Germany, they’ve been able to come here to the USA and they’ve had the best time. “They’re great ambassadors for Scotland.” Clarke also highlighted the impact of travelling fans during difficult moments. “When you go away and hear that little pocket of noise coming out of the stadium, you know they’ve got your back. We’ll always appreciate them.” A final message to the players Despite leaving his role, Clarke’s final message to the squad was one of expectation and belief. “I was still the gaffer last night until just after that meeting,” he joked. “Their qualification record is probably unsurpassed in Scottish history. We know how to qualify out the group. “All I

Joe Hugill Signs New Kilmarnock Deal Until 2028 After Impressive First Season

Kilmarnock striker Joe Hugill has committed his future to the club after signing a contract extension that will keep him at BBSP Stadium Rugby Park until the summer of 2028. The 22-year-old forward joined Killie on a permanent transfer from Manchester United in January 2026, initially putting pen to paper on an 18-month deal. After patiently waiting for his opportunity, Hugill became a key figure in Kilmarnock Football Club manager Neil McCann’s side, producing a sensational run of form during the closing months of the 2025/26 campaign. The striker finished the season as Killie’s joint-top goalscorer, finding the net eight times alongside Tyreece John-Jules. Hugill also added two assists in his 15 appearances, quickly becoming a popular figure among the supporters. His performances attracted attention shortly after arriving in Ayrshire, with his impact highlighting the potential he has to continue developing in the famous blue and white. With preparations already underway for the 2026/27 season, Hugill has chosen to remain part of the club’s exciting plans, which include continued squad development, the completion of phase one of Bowie Park and the introduction of a brand-new hybrid grass pitch at Rugby Park following significant investment. The forward believes he is in the right environment to continue improving under the guidance of McCann, Billy Dodds and the rest of the first-team coaching staff, and has agreed to extend his stay by a further year. As part of the new deal, Hugill will also take on a new shirt number, moving from No.44 to become Kilmarnock’s new No.9 ahead of the upcoming campaign. The club’s supporters will be hoping the striker can continue the form that made him one of Killie’s standout performers during the second half of last season.

Euro 2028 Schedule Confirmed as UK and Ireland Prepare to Host Historic Tournament

Euro 2028 Schedule Confirmed as UK and Ireland Prepare to Host Historic Tournament The full schedule for UEFA Euro 2028 has officially been confirmed, with the tournament set to take place across England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland from 9 June to 9 July 2028. The competition will feature 24 nations competing across nine stadiums, culminating in the final at Wembley Stadium in London. Spain head into the tournament as the reigning European champions following their victory over England in the Euro 2024 final. Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland Learn Potential Routes Unlike previous European Championships, the host nations will not receive automatic qualification. Instead, England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland must qualify through the normal qualification process. However, two reserved places have been set aside for the highest-ranked host nations that fail to qualify automatically. If all four nations qualify through the qualifying campaign, all reserved places will instead be allocated through the play-off system. Should they qualify, each host nation will play all three of their group matches on home soil. Scotland would play all three group games at Hampden Park in Glasgow. England would begin their campaign at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, before playing their remaining group matches at Wembley. Wales are set to play at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff and could feature in the tournament’s opening match. The Republic of Ireland would host all group games at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. Wembley to Host Final Wembley Stadium will once again stage the European Championship final on 9 July 2028, while also hosting both semi-finals and two quarter-finals. The distribution of matches across the nine venues is: Wembley Stadium (London) – 8 matches Aviva Stadium (Dublin) – 7 matches Hampden Park (Glasgow) – 6 matches Principality Stadium (Cardiff) – 6 matches Etihad Stadium (Manchester) – 5 matches Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London) – 5 matches Hill Dickinson Stadium (Liverpool) – 5 matches St James’ Park (Newcastle) – 5 matches Villa Park (Birmingham) – 4 matches More than three million tickets are expected to be made available, making Euro 2028 the biggest European Championship ever held. Scotland’s Potential Route If Scotland qualify and are placed in their designated host position (Group F), Steve Clarke’s side would open the tournament at Hampden Park before playing all three group fixtures in Glasgow. Should Scotland top their group, they would also play their Round of 16 tie at Hampden before a potential quarter-final later in the competition. Qualification Explained The qualification system ensures every host nation still has to earn its place. Two reserved qualification spots are available only if required by host nations that fail to qualify automatically. Depending on how many of those reserved places are used, the play-off format will change: Two reserved host places used: Eight teams compete for two tournament places. One reserved host place used: Twelve teams compete for three tournament places. No reserved host places used: Eight teams contest four home-and-away play-off ties. Northern Ireland No Longer Hosting Northern Ireland will no longer host matches at Euro 2028 after the UK Government decided not to fund the redevelopment of Casement Park in Belfast. Plans to rebuild the stadium were abandoned after projected costs rose beyond £400 million, with the government stating there was a significant risk the project would not be completed in time for the tournament. Despite losing host status, Belfast will still play a role by hosting the Euro 2028 qualifying draw in December 2027. Tournament Dates Group Stage: 9–21 June 2028 Round of 16: 24–27 June Quarter-finals: 30 June–1 July Semi-finals: 4–5 July Final: 9 July at Wembley Stadium With iconic venues across the UK and Ireland set to welcome Europe’s biggest football nations, Euro 2028 promises to be one of the largest and most memorable editions of the tournament ever staged.