Argentina have beaten England and made it to the World Cup final, with Lionel Messi and co. now preparing to take on Spain.

Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in Wednesday night’s semi-final, but Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scored twice late on to send the Three Lions out of the World Cup.

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For England, the 60 years of hurt goes on, and they’ll have to look back at what ended up being a pretty negative performance against Argentina.

Thomas Tuchel went far too defensive after England went ahead, so it’s not exactly the players’ fault, but here’s our look at how the players from both sides rated…

Argentina 2-1 England World Cup semi-final player ratings

Jordan Pickford – 6

Reece James – 7

Djed Spence – 7

Marc Guehi – 6

John Stones – 6

Declan Rice – 7.5

Elliot Anderson – 6

Jude Bellingham – 6.5

Morgan Rogers – 7

Anthony Gordon – 7.5

Harry Kane – 6

Not too many stand-out performers there from England, but Rogers and Gordon combined well for the goal, while Rice also played his part and generally worked hard in a difficult midfield battle. James and Spence were also in good form at both ends of the pitch, with the latter particularly impressive with one last-ditch challenge in the second half.

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Emiliano Martinez – 6

Nahuel Molina – 6

Nicolas Tagliafico – 6

Cristian Romero – 8

Lisandro Martinez – 7

Leandro Paredes – 7

Alexis Mac Allister – 6.5

Enzo Fernandez – 8

Giulio Simeone – 6

Julian Alvarez – 7

Lionel Messi – 9

Argentina were not exactly spectacular, but Messi and Fernandez produced when it mattered and that will give them confidence against Spain in the final. A word too to Romero, who hasn’t always been at his best in a Tottenham shirt, but who looked like a real leader at the back tonight in an important game, keeping Kane quiet throughout.

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Who do you think will win this weekend’s final now? Give us your predictions in the comments!

The post Argentina 2-1 England player ratings: Messi gets 9/10 with 2 assists while Chelsea & Spurs stars shine appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Bournemouth’s ridiculous run of impressive transfers is set to continue, with Antonio Silva close to joining from Benfica.

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Benfica centre back Antonio Silva is close to agreeing a move to Bournemouth, Fabrizio Romano has claimed today. The Italian insider claims that there is an “agreement on personal terms” and that a club to club deal is “very close.”

The 22 year old came through the Eagles academy and has been a regular for their first team since 2022. After turning down their offer of a new contract, he’s opened the door to a big move. The transfer fee isn’t yet known – but given AC Milan’s €20m offer was rejected out of hand, we can only assume it’s €30m or more.

Silva ready for Premier League move

There’s no doubt that, after years of being linked with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, this is a bit of a step down for Silva. He’s also trading Champions League football and potential titles in Lisbon for a quieter life on the South Coast of England.

But it’s also clear that Bournemouth are a great shop window for players looking to break into the Premier League, and Silva’s stay could be pretty short if he impresses.

In other news…

Coventry City are close to a deal for Aurele Amenda, the Frankfurt central defender who has just returned from a spell at the World Cup with Switzerland.

One defender who came to the fore at the World Cup is already a major target for Bournemouth and Southampton – although Leeds look to have the lead in the chase for his signature.

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Swiss centre back Aurele Amenda is set to join Coventry for almost 20m according to the BBC’s report today.

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It’s been a slow start to the transfer window from newly-promoted Coventry, but they’re about to get into gear with a huge deal by their standards.

Nizaar Kinsella of the BBC is reporting that the Sky Blues are close to a £17m deal for Eintracht Frankfurt defender Aurele Amenda.

The Swiss centre back has just got back from the World Cup and is now able to engage fully with a potential deal. He will cost £15.4m up front, with another £1.7m in add-ons, and will sign a four year contract.

He has apparently been persuaded by a “strong pitch” from manager Frank Lampard.

Coventry add more quality in key position – but still lack goalkeeper deal

Coventry completed an even bigger deal for Burnley’s Loum Tchaouna this week, and made Frank Onyeka’s loan from Brentford permanent earlier this summer.

Once they get Amenda over the line, their priority will be securing goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, who was excellent on loan from Brighton last season. The Seagulls are asking for big money, however, and Coventry may have to turn to Chelsea backup Filip Jorgensen as an alternative, according to this report.

In other news…

One defender who came to the fore at the World Cup is already a major target for Bournemouth and Southampton – although Leeds look to have the lead in the chase for his signature.

Newcastle have locked in on a Fiorentina full back who is available at a bargain price this summer.

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Arsenal’s plans to refresh their forward line are gathering momentum, with the club now considering a significant move for one of the standout young attackers from the 2026 World Cup.

Mikel Arteta wants greater pace and unpredictability from the left flank as the Gunners prepare to defend their Premier League title and compete for the Champions League.

Leandro Trossard’s departure has created an immediate opening, while uncertainty surrounding Gabriel Martinelli’s future means Arsenal may need more than one wide attacking option.

The latest target would offer explosive dribbling, positional flexibility and considerable resale potential, although RB Leipzig’s valuation could create a difficult negotiation.

Arsenal ready to test Leipzig with an opening offer

Sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside that Arsenal are preparing an offer worth around €40m for Antonio Nusa this month.

The Norway international’s performances at the World Cup strengthened the club’s interest, with the 21-year-old viewed as a possible long-term solution on the left.

That opening figure is unlikely to satisfy Leipzig. Get German Football News reports that the Bundesliga side want at least €60m, with Newcastle, Juventus and several other European clubs also monitoring his situation.

Leipzig would prefer to retain Nusa, but their stance could change if a major offer arrives.

Nusa helped Norway reach the World Cup quarter-finals and produced one of the tournament’s memorable individual moments with a brilliant goal against Ivory Coast.

His ability to beat defenders and carry the ball through pressure would give Arsenal a different threat from their more possession-focused attackers.

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Arsenal have already confirmed an agreement for Trossard to join Besiktas in a deal worth approximately £17m.

Sky Sports reported that the Belgian was permitted to travel to Istanbul for his medical after contributing 36 goals across 174 Arsenal appearances.

Nusa would be an exciting replacement because he offers youth, directness and genuine one-against-one quality. His relationship with Norway captain Martin Ødegaard could also help him settle quickly in north London.

However, Arsenal should not jump from €40m to €60m without careful negotiation.

Nusa remains a developing player rather than a guaranteed starter, and intense competition could inflate the fee beyond his current level.

Arsenal should test Leipzig’s resolve, but remain disciplined. At the right price, this could be an excellent long-term signing, at €60m or more, it becomes a much riskier gamble.

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Manchester City’s search for a specialist right-back has become one of the key stories of Enzo Maresca’s first transfer window at the Etihad.

The new manager wants a defender who can contribute in possession, move into advanced areas and adapt between different structures without disrupting the team’s rhythm.

A reunion with a player Maresca previously coached at Chelsea would reduce the usual adaptation period.

However, the significant difference between the clubs’ valuations means City must decide whether to increase their offer or move quickly towards a more affordable alternative.

Chelsea full-back open to a move to Man City

Sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside that Man City have identified Malo Gusto as one of their leading defensive targets and believe the France international would be open to joining them.

City have considered an offer in the region of €45m, but Chelsea are demanding approximately £75m for the 23-year-old.

The price gap remains the biggest obstacle. City Xtra reports that City will not meet Chelsea’s current valuation, although further discussions are expected after the World Cup.

Chelsea are not completely against a sale, but they will only negotiate seriously if their financial expectations are respected.

Gusto’s familiarity with Maresca’s methods is a major attraction. He made 72 appearances under the Italian at Stamford Bridge, producing two goals and six assists, so City would be signing someone who already understands the manager’s tactical demands.

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High valuation could force City towards other targets

Chelsea hold a strong negotiating position because Gusto remains under a long-term contract and they have little reason to strengthen a domestic rival cheaply.

His versatility and Premier League experience also make him more valuable than an unproven overseas option.

But City consider Chelsea’s demand ‘excessive‘ and they may now turn their attention towards other targets.

City could consider Newcastle’s Tino Livramento, Feyenoord youngster Givairo Read or Porto’s Martim Fernandes if Chelsea refuse to compromise.

Gusto would be an excellent tactical signing for Maresca, but £75m is too much. City need a natural right-back, yet paying a premium simply because the manager knows the player would be poor financial planning.

Chelsea are entitled to protect their asset, especially when selling to a rival.

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Chelsea could soon face a major decision over one of their longest-serving academy graduates, with interest growing from Italy and the Premier League.

The Blues appear open to a permanent sale as they continue reshaping their defence, but the player’s preference may ultimately be more important than the size of the offers arriving at Stamford Bridge.

Several clubs can offer European football and an important first-team role.

However, Inter currently hold the strongest position because the defender is prioritising a move to San Siro, leaving Chelsea to negotiate with a club that knows the player is firmly on their side.

Inter take control as Como prepare to step aside

Sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside that Trevoh Chalobah has reached an agreement with Inter and wants to join the Serie A champions, although the Italian club have not yet finalised a fee with Chelsea.

Como initially offered around €25m before discussing an improved package worth €30m plus €5m in bonuses, which would effectively meet Chelsea’s valuation.

Como are willing to withdraw if Inter make a serious push, but could return should the Milan club abandon negotiations.

Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Inter and Como have agreed to avoid a bidding war, with Como ready to step aside once the Nerazzurri formally accelerate their pursuit.

AC Milan and Aston Villa are also monitoring the situation, but Chalobah’s preference for Inter gives those clubs little encouragement unless talks collapse.

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Chelsea could look to use Chalobah in a swap deal

Chelsea could also use Chalobah in their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix.
talkSPORT reported that the Blues are prepared to offer several defenders, including Chalobah, in a part-exchange proposal.

Palace may be an attractive footballing option after his previous loan there, but reports suggest Italy remains his priority.

Chelsea should respect Chalobah’s preferred destination, but only if Inter submit an offer close to  their valuation.

His academy background should not mean the club accepts a discounted fee.

Inter would be an excellent tactical fit, offering Champions League football and a realistic chance of regular starts.

However, Chelsea must avoid letting the player’s preference weaken their negotiating position too much.

Overall, a clean permanent sale appears best for everyone. If Inter delay or attempt to force the price down, Chelsea should seriously consider Como’s stronger financial package or explore the Palace swap instead.

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