World Cup LIVE: Scotland's anxious knockouts scenario as Brazil inflict pain

Two more 2am kick‑offs are still to come.

Host nation Mexico face the Czech Republic, while South Korea meet South Africa, both matches taking place in Mexico.

Speaking to the BBC post-match, the Aston Villa captain said: "We've just got to wait now... but you can see the guys are gutted. We gave it absolutely everything, the lads are absolutely empty now... We'll have to see over the next few days. It's unlikely now, but we'll have to see."

Scotland manager Steve Clarke stormed out of an interview with the BBCjust minutes after defeat to Brazil left their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread. The Scots knew a draw in Miami would see them into the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time in their history. But a Vinicius Junior first-half brace and Matheus Cunha's goal subjected them to a 3-0 loss in Miami, and means their prospects of playing in the round of 32 are reliant on favours elsewhere.

Scotland can still qualify as one of the best third-placed teams but have a -3 goal difference which leaves them vulnerable to being leapfrogged as other teams play out their remaining group games in North America over the coming days. Speaking on the pitch moments after Scotland's damaging defeat, head coach Clarke told Eilidh Barbour: "We made it difficult for ourselves, that's it." He added in response to a second question: "We gave them the goals, we gave them the game they wanted. Disappointing."

Clarke was then asked for his thoughts on the anxious wait he and his Scotland players now face, to which he replied, "I don't even want to think about that! Sorry, I don't need to think about that" before walking away.

Read more here.

Brazil were simply a level above Scotland, snuffing out any hope of an upset or a place in the knockout rounds.

Scotland will finish third in Group C.

Despite Morocco's 4-2 win over Haiti, Brazil are guaranteed top spot on goal difference.

Morocco make it 4-2, leaving Haiti with no realistic hope of finding an equaliser.

Soufiane Rahimi and Guessime Yassine struck the second‑half goals after the sides went in level at 2–2 at the break.

Neymar becomes just the fourth Brazilian man to appear at four FIFA World Cups, joining legends Djalma Santos, Pele and Cafu.

Matheus Cunha makes way for Neymar, who steps on for his first World Cup appearance since recovering from a calf injury.

Brazilian fans are belting his name around the stadium.

The Spurs star was spotted on the bench with ice strapped to his ankle.

Andy Robertson made way at half‑time, with Tierney coming on to replace him.

Brazil have a third, finished off by the Manchester United forward. Bruno Guimarães slid the ball to his right, where Cunha pounced and tucked it away with Gunn already stranded off his line.

Scotland 0-3 Brazil.

The Brazilian was sent clean through on goal, but Angus Gunn burst off his line and smothered Vinicius’ effort.

Scotland threatened at the other end too, with Scott McTominay rising well but directing his header straight into Alisson’s arms.

The new Tottenham star has gone off at half-time, with suggestions he may have picked up an injury.

Kieran Tierney has come on in his place.

Scotland are back in action in Miami, pushing to cut the deficit, all while keeping a sharp eye on developments in the Morocco vs Haiti clash unfolding elsewhere.

Ismael Saibari makes it 2-2 on the stroke of half-time. What a game this is turning out to be...

Haiti 2-2 Morocco

Brazil head into the break with a healthy lead on Scotland thanks to a Vini Jr brace.

Scotland 0-2 Brazil

He's had to work for it, but Vini Jr has got his second in Miami, Florida.

The party has arrived as Vini Jr is found at the back post by Bruno Guimaraes, getting the run on Jack Hendry and nodding home from close range.

The Real Madrid man is in form this evening!

Scotland 0-2 Brazil

WILSON ISIDORRRRRRRRR!

The Sunderland AFC striker hits an absolute ROCKET from outside the area to pull his nation ahead once more.

What is going on?!?!

Haiti 2-1 Morocco

Achraf Hakimi has led by example, equalising from close range against Haiti 39 minutes in.

Game on in Atlanta, Georgia.

Haiti 1-1 Morocco

VAR's decision to overturn Vini Jr's second of the evening has divided opinion, given it could be considered a soft foul by some.

Do you think the goal should have stood?

It's another massive mistake, this time from Jack Hendry who has his pocket picked by Vini Jr.

The Real Madrid star then bursts into the box and slots it past a rooted Angus Gunn.

HOWEVER...

VAR intervene right away, spotting a foul on Hendry in the process, before the referee overturns the goal.

Vini Jr isn't happy at all as the players walk to the sideline for the hyrdration break. Hendry isn't showing it, but he'll be relieved.

Scotland 0-1 Brazil

Scotland struggling to create chances early doors, as Brazil continue to keep the pressure on and chase a second goal.

Something has to change...

Clarke's side have work to do should they hope to claw their way back into this one...

Take nothing away from Brazil, who pressed and closed Scotland down relentlessly, but it's a howler from McKenna.

The cat has been put amongst the pigeons in Atlanta, Georgia, as Lenny Joseph gives Haiti the lead over Morocco.

Haiti have already been bowled out of the World Cup's knockout stages due to a head-to-head rule, but this could still be quite the upset.

Haiti 1-0 Morocco

Well that last post looks a little more farfetched now, doesn't it?

Scott McKenna fails to clear his lines as he's pressured and eventually disposessed by Rayan in his own box while playing out from the back.

The ball then falls to Vini Jr, who rounds Angus Gunn and passes the ball into an open goal.

Scotland 0-1 Scotland

Here's the current makeup of Group C...

1) Brazil - 5

2) Morocco - 5

3) Scotland - 4

4) Haiti - 1

It's a big ask, but a Scotland win and a Morocco draw or loss could see the Tartan Army qualify for the knockout rounds as Group C table toppers.

Imagine the scenes...

Scotland get us off and running in Miami.

Here we goooooooooo!

It's 31 degrees celsius in Miami, Florida at present, with kick-off imminent.

Take a minute to feel for the Scots taking on Brazil in the sweltering conditions, who will be far less acclimated to the heat than their South American opponents.

I don't think there'll be many complaints from Steve Clarke's side about hydration breaks during this one...

Who do you think will win this evening's clash between Scotland and Brazil?

Let us know in the comments.

There's another game on tonight in Group C with Morocco in action against Haiti.

Morocco starting XI: Bounou, Salah-Eddine, Riad, Halhal, Hakimi, Amrabat, El Aynaoui, Diaz, Saibari, El Khannouss, El Kaabo.

Haiti XI: Placide, Duverne, Ade, Delcroix, Experience, Providence, Bellegarde, Jacques, Casimir, Isidor, Joseph.

We're set for an exciting game tonight in Miami. Steve Clarke and Carlo Ancelotti have named their starting XIs.

Scotland XI: Gunn, Patterson, Hendry, McKenna, Robertson, McLean, Ferguson, McTominay, Gannon-Doak, McGin, Shankland.

Brazil XI: Alisson, Danilo, Marquihos, Gabriel, Santos, Casemiro, Paqueta, Guimaraes, Vinicius Jr, Cunha, Rayan.

That's it for Group B. Switzerland have seen off Canada 2-1 and will finish top of the group after strikes from Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi put them two goals ahead.

Promise David came off the bench to pull one back, but it proved insufficient to ignite a fightback. Canada still finish the group in second place.

Bosnia have overcome Qatar 3-1 courtesy of goals from Kerim Alajbegovic, an own goal from Sultan Al Brake, and Ermin Mahmic. They finish third in the group and should secure their passage to the knockouts as one of the best third-placed sides.

How crucial could that prove to be?!

Bosnia has weathered a second-half onslaught from Qatar, but they've re-established their two-goal cushion.

Mahmic emerges from the bench to fire his country into the knockout stages - provided the scoreline holds.

He picks up a yellow card for whipping his shirt off during the celebrations, but that won't bother him one bit.

That's another brilliant goal! Promise David has made an immediate impression after coming off the bench.

The striker has hammered a volley into the net following some superb work from Saliba, who brought the ball under control before teeing up his teammate.

We could be heading for a thrilling finale.

Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo has been given a five-match ban for his shocking challenge on Canada midfielder Ismael Kone.

The 29-year-old was sent off in the 6-0 defeat to Canada, which resulted in the Canadian player suffering from a broken leg.

Kone, who plays for Italian side Sassuolo, had surgery in the hours after the incident and was spotted in a wheelchair ahead of Canada's game with Switzerland this evening.

Switzerland have doubled their lead!

Johan Manzambi notches his third goal of the tournament and they look set to top Group B.

Embolo bursts into the penalty area, Johnston slips and gifts the Swiss forward the chance to set up Manzambi. His instinctive effort squirms straight through Crepeau's hands.

Woeful defending and goalkeeping.

The match suddenly bursts into life just 40 seconds after the restart. Ruben Vargas is the player who opens the scoring.

The ball arrives from the right flank, Vargas cushions it away from his body and fires low into the near corner. Vancouver falls silent in shock.

It's been an entertaining contest for the neutral at the break. Bosnia have posed the greater threat throughout, though Qatar finished the first half on a high note.

Julen Lopetegui's men look particularly menacing when breaking forward on the counter-attack.

What an end to the half this has been!

Qatar pull one back just moments after Edin Dzeko had struck the woodwork at the opposite end.

They could have been three goals ahead, but Qatar counter at the other end and reduce the gap.

Edmilson Junior's cutback is converted by Hassan Al Haidos in their first attempt of the match.

That's cruel on Qatar, but what a start for Bosnia after the hydration break. Edin Dzeko is picked out at the far post after a cross from the left-hand side of the pitch.

The veteran striker tries to play the ball across the six-yard box. His cross deflects off Al Brake, wrongfooting Abunada and into the back of the net, creeping in at the near post.

It was always going to take something extraordinary to ignite this match and we've just witnessed it!

Karim Alajbegovic with an absolute thunderbolt to hand Bosnia the lead. That's firmly in the running for goal of the tournament.

He collects the ball in a congested space, weaves past four or five defenders and drills a fierce effort into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

Bosnia 1-0 Qatar

By Jeremy Cross in Kansas City.

LIONEL Messi has been marking his birthday alongside his teammates, with the football world falling over itself to send warm wishes to the Argentine legend.

Messages have poured in from the likes of Pep Guardiola, David Beckham, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Zlatan Ibrahimovich.

It is understood that Messi's teammate Rodrigo De Paul helped put together a surprise party for the star at the Origin Hotel in Kansas.

Over in Dallas, meanwhile, hundreds of Argentine fans have been soaking up the city's rich history.

And there is only one place to begin. The spot on Dealey Plaza where US President John F Kennedy was assassinated in November 1963.

Supporters clad in replica Argentina shirts stood in respectful silence, taking in the various memorials dedicated to JFK. Messi is the primary reason they have made the lengthy journey from South America to North America.

Yet they were not about to pass up the opportunity to visit the site of one of the most notorious events ever to have occurred.

Bosnia and Herzegovinia take on Qatar this evening and a win would all but guarantee them of a place in the knockouts for either side.

Bosnia XI: Vasilj, Malic, Katic, Radeljic, Kolasinac, Bajraktarevic, Basic, Sunjuc, Alajbegovic, Demirovic, Dzeko.

Qatar XI: Abunada, Miguel, Khoukhi, Laye, Al Brake, Gaber, Fathi, Boudiaf, Al Haidos, Afif, Junior.

Elsewhere, Switzerland take on World Cup hosts Canada.

Switzerland XI: Kobel, Rodriguez, Akanji, Elvedi, Jaquez, Sow, Xhaka, Freuler, Manzambi, Vargas, Embolo.

Canada XI: Crepeau, Johnston, De Fourgerolles, Cornelius, Laryea, Buchanan, Saliba, Choiniere, Ahmed, David, Larin.

Reports in Spain claim Paraguay have complained to FIFA after Jude Bellingham escaped a red card for covering his mouth in England's draw with Ghana.

Bellingham used his hand to cover his mouth in conversation with Ghana's Jordan Ayew, but escaped any punishment.

However, Paraguay star Miguel Almiron became the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth at the World Cup during their win over Turkiye.

The incident has ruled the former Newcastle United man out of their final group game against Australia.

The Paraguayan Football Association has filed an official complaint to FIFA arguing that the rules are not being applied consistently.

Ryan Taylor in Boston.

Harry Kane has thrown his support behind manager Thomas Tuchel, who has brushed aside suggestions that England lean too heavily on the Bayern Munich frontman. The former Tottenham striker insists the pressure of being his nation's talisman doesn't bear down on him, saying: "I don't think so. After a 0-0 draw it's easy to maybe say that straight after the game.

"But there are going to be games like that in the tournament where it's going to be fine margins. I had a good enough chance at the end to score and I'd back myself to score more often than not and we'd win 1-0 and everyone is happy. But it wasn't to be.

"I don't think there is an over-reliance. I think any No 9 at a big team, people expect them to score goals and it's no different for me. When you don't, there are a few questions. It is what it is."

By Ryan Taylor in Boston.

Harry Kane is refusing to dwell on his last-gasp miss against Ghana. Rather than lamenting what might have been, England's irreplaceable skipper is simply backing himself to find the net next time.

The 32-year-old said after blasting over from seven yards in Boston: "It's part of a striker's life. I've had many chances go my way this year, chances that probably shouldn't have gone in. Nine times out of 10 I score but in football there is a feeling that it just doesn't go your way.

"Before that, Nico [O'Reilly] has hit the underside of the bar. We had a few half sniffs. They were well organised and made it difficult for us. We had good moments, we controlled their counter well. It's the opposite game to the first one against Croatia."

USA star Christian Pulisic offered a straightforward one-word answer, 'yes' when questioned about whether he'd return and be available to feature against Turkiye.

The AC Milan forward sat out the victory over Australia having sustained a knock against Paraguay.

Mauricio Pochettino's side have already secured their place in the knockout stages of the competition, while Turkiye have been eliminated from the tournament.

Declan Rice has proved a pivotal figure for Thomas Tuchel since the German took charge of the England setup.

The midfielder was among the standout performers for the Three Lions during the draw with Ghana, but picked up an injury late in the match.

The Arsenal star was spotted making his way out of the stadium with his leg heavily strapped.

Declan Rice and Reece James will undergo fitness assessments ahead of England's final World Cup group fixture against Panama this weekend.

The Three Lions midfielder departed the Boston Stadium with his leg strapped after hobbling off the pitch during the 0-0 stalemate with Ghana.

The BBC claims there is no long-term concern for Rice, but he may be rested for the final group match. James is another who will be examined by medics following injury struggles at Chelsea.

The defender completed the full 90 minutes against Ghana, but may also be rested.

Despite having already secured their place in the knockout rounds, Germany are determined to maintain their momentum when they face Ecuador tomorrow.

Midfielder Nadiem Amiri insists the side will treat the match as though it were a final. Speaking to the German Football Association's official website, he said: "We need to keep this momentum going. Winning breeds confidence.

"We owe it to the other sides to approach the game as though our own tournament depends on it. It's still a very important match.

"Lots of Germany fans will be in the stadium with many more watching back home. We want to win and we'll give it everything.

"I can't see Julian experimenting too much. We'll approach it like a final."

A World Cup host state has been left shaken less than 24 hours before the USA face their final group stage fixture in California.

Local reports indicate that a preliminary magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Mendocino County on Wednesday morning (June 24). The state is set to stage host nation USA's showdown against Turkey at Los Angeles Stadium tomorrow (June 25, though UK viewers will be watching in the early hours of June 26).

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake reportedly hit at 8:10am, approximately 7 miles north of Redwood Valley. The tremors were felt as far afield as Sacramento, some 140 miles away.

As things stand, The National Tsunami Warning Center says there is currently no tsunami warning.

Scotland fans have certainly enjoyed themselves at the World Cup and they're in good spirits ahead of the game tonight.

Can Steve Clarke's side pull of a historic win?

Joe Cole is convinced that Scotland have been 'stitched up' over the scheduling of their crucial clash with Brazil. A victory against the South American powerhouses would see Steve Clarke's men advance beyond the World Cup group stage for the very first time.

Even a draw would virtually guarantee progression, while Scotland could still go through with a defeat, though goal difference could prove decisive should they fall short. The Group C fixture is set to kick off at 5pm local time at Miami Stadium.

Cole is adamant that, given the sweltering conditions expected, Scotland will be at a significant disadvantage against Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, he said: "Survive. I think FIFA have stitched them up here. It's a 5pm kick-off in Miami against Brazil, it's the hardest game of the tournament."

You can read more here.

FIFA has hit back at fierce criticism over its decision to implement hydration breaks in every World Cup fixture following a backlash since their introduction during this summer's tournament. Loud jeers rang around the stadium once again when play was halted during England's second group stage match against Ghana on Tuesday evening.

This follows the scrapping of the second-half hydration break during France's clash with Iraq on Monday, after the game had been pushed back by two hours due to a lightning storm. FIFA were swift to clarify that this was down to exceptional circumstances, and in the interests of "fairness" will press ahead with hydration breaks across all matches.

In a statement shared on social media, football's governing body said: "For the first time at a FIFA World Cup, hydration breaks have been introduced at all matches. The breaks take place in the 22nd and 67th minutes and last three minutes, which are added on to the stoppage time at the end of each half."

You can read the full story here.

Carlo Ancelotti has warned his Brazil side to be aware of Scotland's fighters ahead of their World Cup showdown tonight.

The Italian head coach said: "It will be a difficult game. Scotland has quality, they are fighters, they are well organised.

"They have good players, (Scott) McTominay, (John) McGinn that are experienced players.

"Easy games at the World Cup were finished a long time ago. We are ready to play a difficult game."

Scotland know that a win tonight against Brazil would secure their place in the knockout stages.

They need at least a point with Morocco sitting above them on four and facing Haiti in the group's other game.

Fail to get either of those and they'll need to hope they go through as one of the top eight teams in third place.

Jeremy Armstrong reports...

The head of UK Football Policing praised England fans today for their behaviour at the World Cup.

Around 30,000 fans made the trip to the Boston Stadium in Foxborough, where England drew 0-0 with Ghana in their second group match.

UK officers confirmed that the match passed without any incidents or arrests of British nationals, praising their "incredible support" for the team. Local bar owners and authorities also praised the Scotland fans who flocked to the city for their matches against Haiti and Morocco.

UK police worked alongside their US counterparts ahead of the tournament. Chief Constable Mark Roberts, National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) Lead for Football Policing, said: “The behaviour of England fans both before, during and after the match, was excellent and was a repeat of the picture in Dallas."

He added: "The local police were very complimentary of them with Chief Grace of Foxborough Police, calling their behaviour ‘exemplary’. There really has been a great atmosphere throughout the city, which has been very welcoming. “Officers here in Boston and Foxborough have been fantastic to work with, firm but fair and have really contributed to everyone having a memorable experience.”

Jeremy Cross reports from Dallas...

Graham Potter has hit out at critics for making captain Isak Hien a scapegoat for Sweden's crushing defeat to the Netherlands.

And Potter has made it clear he is still right behind Hien, ahead of Friday's crunch showdown with Japan in Dallas.

The Swedes made a thrilling start to their World Cup campaign, with a five goal thrashing of Tunisia.

But then found themselves on the wrong end of one themselves in Houston.

Hien was at fault for three of the Netherlands goals.

But Potter has thrown his support behind Hien, and insisted the centre back is still the ultimate leader of his side.

Potter said: "I love Isak Hien, and I don't care what anybody says. If I'm manager, then he's playing.

"It's a blame game. It's the world we live in. If everybody wants someone to blame, it should be me.

"It's not him. He's doing everything he can to represent his country in the best way, and he get's dog's abuse because someone scores."

Potter admits him and his squad have been put through some pain since their last result.

He added: "You're in pain after the defeat, which I understand social media is all about.

"When you lose a game, everyone's in pain. Everyone's hurting.

"But like I said, I love Isak. We win and we lose together as a team."

Jeremy Cross in Dallas

Bruno Fernandes admits he is relieved to see Cristiano Ronaldo start scoring at the World Cup.

Ronaldo had faced calls to be axed following his woeful performance in Portugal's opening Group K clash with DR Congo in Houston.

But he notched a brace in Portugal's 5-0 thumping of Uzbekistan.

Before telling the world he was "back".

Ronaldo hit out at the critics, warning them to write him off at their peril.

And Manchester United captain Fernandes admits having Ronaldo back doing what he does best is a huge relief for the squad.

Fernandes, who created Ronaldo's second goal, said: "It's always special to get an asset with the national team, especially at the World Cup, which is a special tournament.

"It was important for our captain to score. It was important for us that he scored. He's our go-to player in attack. We're very happy for him.

"We managed to score a lot of goals, and we're happy about that. I'm here to set up my teammates up front. It's part of my game, regardless of whether I score or not."

Portugal complete their group campaign with a clash against Colombia in Miami on Saturday, to see who will finish top.

Jeremy Cross in Dallas

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni will show no mercy on minnows Jordan when the two teams face off in Dallas this weekend.

Argentina have won Group J with a game to spare and will face a last-32 game in Miami.

But Scaloni has no intention of leaving Lionel Messi out of the match.

Despite being tempted to rest the icon, Scaloni has spoken with Messi, who has told him he would like to be involved.

It's understood Messi is keen to play at least 45 minutes.

Messi has plundered five goals in his opening two games, to lead the race for the Golden Boot.

Scaloni, meanwhile, is set to be without Tottenham defender Cristian Romero until the last 16, should his side make it that far.

Romero has been struggling with a muscle problem, which forced him off during Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria earlier this week.

Scaloni is expected to rotate his squad against Jordan, with the likes of Guillano Simeone, Valentin Barco and Jose Manuel Lopez set to start.

Argentina will return to Dallas on Friday, where the temperature is forecast to be 100F.

A busy day of World Cup football looms.

We are now into the stage where we have two games on at a time with the group stages drawing to a close.

Scotland are in action against Brazil with their World Cup hopes hanging in the balance as they sit third behind the record-holders and Morocco.

FIFA have defended their use of hydration breaks in every World Cup match after heavy criticism following their rollout during this summer’s tournament.

Audible discontent has become a growing theme at the tournament when the hydration breaks begin and boos could once again be heard when the match was stopped during England’s second group match against Ghana on Tuesday night.

President Gianni Infantino said:

Cristiano Ronaldo finally arrived at the 2026 World Cup as he netted twice in a resounding win for Portugal.

Roberto Martinez's side romped to a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan to pick up their first win of the tournament.

Ronaldo opened the scoring before having a key role throughout the rout.

The 41-year-old revealed that he had to overcome a 'dark week' to enjoy the fruits of his success on Wednesday.

"God helps those who work hard. I knew my team-mates would help out too," Ronaldo said after the Uzbekistan game.

"It was a difficult week, a dark week. It felt like I'd retired from soccer. But I hung in there, as I always do, because I believe in hard work more than anything else. It was tough, I have to admit, but we're back."

He added:"We've improved; that's just how life is. We face setbacks during games and in life, but the main goal is always to improve.

"And that's what we did. It was a very tough and difficult week, with public opinion being very harsh on all the players, especially on me and the coach.

"But I don't mind. I've been in this profession for 23 years now, and whenever things go well, 'Cristiano is doing great', but when they go badly, 'Cristiano is retired, he's too old'. It will always be like that. But we responded well today. That's what we wanted. We played with a high line, and when we do that, it's hard to stop Portugal."

Declan Rice has sparked fears over his fitness.

The England and Arsenal midfielder couldn't inspire the Three Lions to victory on Tuesday during the 0-0 draw with Ghana.

Fitness concerns have been raised over Rice after he admitted to playing through niggles as the Gunners won the Premier League.

Following the stalemate in Boston, Rice was spotted with strapping on his calf.

Former England defender Glen Johnson has backed the Three Lions to bounce back in style with a big win over Panama to close out the group stage.

Having struggled to break down a stubborn Ghana defence, Johnson believes that the match was only a momentary blip and Thomas Tuchel's side will storm back to form.

He told Bet St George: "Not being disrespectful to them but you kind of wish the Panama game was first to get the lads get used to the tournament, settle their nerves and get a few goals behind them.

"But this is when football can kick you in the backside and it might not be so easy. But expect us to win maybe 3-0 or 4-0."

Jude Bellingham come up with one of the iconic World Cup moments yesterday.

But it wasn't a goal, tackle or even a match moment.

The Real Madrid star posed stone faced with the player of the match award following England's goalless draw with Ghana as he felt he wasn't worthy of the accolade.

"I didn't deserve it, to be honest," he said. "It probably should have gone to one of their lads who defended so well.

"Had a couple of moments, it was hard to get into the game and I'm grateful for whoever voted, but it probably should have gone to one of their lads who defended so well. So fair play to them."

Ghana boss Carlos Queiroz claims he's not interested in politics after Djed Spence refused to shake Thomas Partey's hand.

The former Manchester United assistant brought Partey straight into Ghana's starting line-up after he missed last week's World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto.

Queiroz spoke after Thomas Tuchel was blocked from commenting on the topic: "It did not happen [handshake], as you saw, in the comments of Thomas, we refuse to be part of people that try to bring dust and politics inside the game.

"We fight to keep the frontline sacred.

"It's difficult sometimes but it happens. We have to congratulate everyone on the game, we leave politics outside of the game."

By Jeremy Armstrong

Thousands of Ghana fans danced the night away in Boston after their 0-0 draw against England.

Many told how they had saved up for years to make the trip to the US.

Others were happy to be here for the experience.

Emmanuel Oman, 54, from Accra, flew from Ghana to see their opening 1-0 victory over Panama and is staying close to the team in Rhode Island.

The lecturer and mechanical engineer has spent up to $6,000 (£4550) on the trip overall. He said: "I have been planning this for two and a half years, so I think that it is worth it.

"I wanted to have this experience in America. We are in Providence next to the team in Rhode Island so we get to see them walking around there and speak to them. I love the Premier League, especially Arsenal"

England could meet the Democratic Republic of Congo in the knock out phase following our final group game against Panama on Saturday.

Thomas Tuchel was far from happy with Djed Spence last night. Footage shared by ITV after the game shows Tuchel repeatedly shouting the defender's name and then losing his cool with the Spurs ace.

You have to imagine that Spence will be coming out of the team and Nico O'Reilly slotting back in at left-back

For those who went to bed after England's 0-0 draw with Ghana, two more matches took place last night - though with only two goals in total.

Fellow group L side Croatia beat Panama 1-0 thanks to Ante Budimir's effort shortly after half-time.

Then Crystal Palace's Daniel Munoz got the only goal of the game as Colombia won their second in a row, beating DR Congo 1-0.

Jamie Carragher has criticised Thomas Tuchel and said that the England boss made a 'mistake' in leaving Cole Palmer back home.

The Three Lions struggled to create much of note in their 0-0 draw with Ghana, with Carragher claiming the match showcased how much England missed a player of Palmer's quality.

He wrote for The Telegraph: "A penny for Cole Palmer’s thoughts. If any game underlined why Thomas Tuchel’s decision to leave the Chelsea midfielder at home was so risky and controversial, the goalless draw with Ghana was it.

"Here was a scenario we have seen so often at international level: England drawing a blank against a side defending deep, challenging us to find the wizardry to open them up.

"For that, you need a magician and from the moment Tuchel selected his squad, the worry was that he left out the No 10 with all the best tricks."

Carragher added: "Tuchel sending on Eberechi Eze for the final 20 minutes will have provoked many in the country to think, 'surely Palmer would have been a better option from the bench?'"

Ghana boss Carlos Queiroz accused Jude Bellingham of sparking a fiery bust-up on the pitch during their draw with England.

The Real Madrid midfielder was alleged to have raised tensions near the side of the pitch by launching into a sweary tirade.

"He had a bad reaction with some bad names," Queiroz claimed. "My intention was to tell him to cool down with that tackle.

"He went with his foot against my player. But my first goal was to cool down because I was worried that the player was not in 100 per cent health.

"In the middle of the emotional moment, these things are normal. He swears and that created more tension. It's football, it's nothing special. One word created a bit of fire but we cooled down. Football is not dancing in a saloon with tuxedos. It's not a show."

Hello and welcome to Express Sport's live coverage of the World Cup, where we will be picking the bones out of England's miserable 0-0 draw with Ghana.

We will also turn our attention to Scotland vs Brazil later too and bring you all the build-up with the Tartan Army making plenty of headlines Stateside.

There are no fewer than SIX games over the next 24 hours, so there's plenty to get stuck into.