Karl out of World Cup
Devastating news for Bayern's 18-year-old wonderkid. Lennart Karl has been ruled out of the World Cup after picking up a muscle injury in Germany training on Friday (1). The midfielder was in camp with the national team when it happened. Deniz Undav didn't hide the mood: "We all feel sorry for him. He's a great kid. He's done an excellent job here. But he has a huge future ahead of him and will play in many more tournaments" (1). Brutal timing for a player who was set to announce himself on the biggest stage.
Kane scores winner for England
Your striker is heading into the World Cup in form. Harry Kane scored the only goal as England beat New Zealand 1–0 in their final preparation friendly on Saturday (6) (8) (9). A headed finish, a clean winner, exactly what you want to see from your number nine ahead of the tournament.
Neuer cleared for World Cup opener
Manuel Neuer will be fit for Germany's first World Cup match. Julian Nagelsmann confirmed it: "Manu will start training next week and play against Curaçao" (4). No lingering doubts, no late fitness test drama, he's ready.
DFB-Pokal: Bayern drawn away at Osnabrück
The first round of the DFB-Pokal sends Bayern to VfL Osnabrück, a freshly promoted second-division side (2) (5). About as kind a draw as you could ask for. No date confirmed yet, but it's a trip to the Bremer Brücke that shouldn't cause sleepless nights.
Deschamps won't shut down Olise to Madrid talk
France coach Didier Deschamps added fuel to the fire when asked about Michael Olise and Real Madrid. "He will know very well whether he stays at Bayern Munich or whether he needs a change of scenery. There is no right or wrong choice" (3) (7). That's not a denial, that's a door left wide open. One to watch this summer.
Fan reactions
The mood around Karl's injury is one of shared frustration. Supporters felt the rest he got at the end of the Bundesliga season should have been enough to protect him, and the tone across the subreddit is more deflated than angry. Read more here.
