Wednesday's briefing: England Under-21s feel the heat as Bale plans for big role
Gareth Bale is pursuing the purchase of Cardiff while Bayern Munich were beaten in their final Club World Cup game.
The heat is on for the Young Lions
Lee Carsley will not allow the heat to be an excuse as England Under-21s prepare to face the Netherlands in the European Championship semi-finals in Bratislava, where temperatures will swelter above 30 degrees celsius.
Carsley's side beat tournament favourites Spain in the quarter-finals to take a big step towards defending their title in Slovakia.
'We've not shied away from the heat,' Carsley said. 'We've exposed the players to it fully. We're ready for it. We're fully prepared now.'
Benfica beat Bayern
🦅 @SLBenfica secure an historic win against @FCBayern to move things around in Group C. 🔢
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 24, 2025
Benfica topped Group C of the Club World Cup with a 1-0 win over Bayern Munich.
Andreas Schjelderup's early goal settled the match in sweltering conditions in Charlotte as the Portuguese side set up a last-16 tie with Chelsea or Esperance de Tunis.
This was their first ever victory over the German champions and Bruno Lage's side could be dark horses for the tournament.
Bayern dominated the second half and had chances to earn at least a draw, with Joshua Kimmich having a goal disallowed and Leroy Sane missing two big one-on-one chances, as they go through to play Flamengo.
Bale's big plans
Gareth Bale wants to buy Cardiff (Adam Davy/PA)
Gareth Bale believes he is the right person to lead Cardiff back to the Premier League and intends to be heavily involved if the investment group he is working with complete a takeover, a source close to the 35-year-old has said.
Bale spoke publicly about his interest in purchasing the League One club on Monday, saying it would be a 'dream come true' if a deal could be done.
Asked what sort of role Bale might take on, the source said: 'A very significant one. He is not going to be a bit-part player.
'This is a guy who has been super-successful and doesn't need to put his name to something just for the sake of it. He would be heavily involved. He believes he is the right person for this.'
Boro choose Edwards
A message from Rob 🤳 pic.twitter.com/2Qp0Gkeomg
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) June 24, 2025
Rob Edwards has been appointed as Middlesbrough's new head coach on a three-year deal.
The 42-year-old, who left Luton by mutual consent in January, replaces former Manchester United and England midfielder Michael Carrick, whose reign was brought to a close earlier this month after the Teessiders missed out on the Sky Bet Championship play-offs.
A statement on the club's official website said: 'Middlesbrough are delighted to announce the appointment of Rob Edwards as our new head coach.
'A Premier League promotion winner, he joins the club on a three-year contract and is joined in the dugout by Adi Viveash and Harry Watling.
What's on today?
England Under-21s will hope to emulate the senior team 12 months ago by beating the Netherlands in the European Championship semi-final.
Germany and France battle it out in the other semi-finals.
Group F of the Club World Cup comes to a close as Borussia Dortmund take on Ulsan HD while Mamelodi Sundowns play Fluminense.
In the early hours of Thursday morning, Inter Milan are up against River Plate and Urawa Reds play Monterrey.
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