Adam Gemili Retires from Athletics and Joins Chelsea FC Academy as Speed Coach

 

 British sprinting star Adam Gemili has announced his retirement from professional athletics after a distinguished 14-year career and will return to Chelsea Football Club as a part-time speed coach working with the club's academy players.

Gemili, 32, bows out as one of Britain's finest sprinters. He is one of only three British men to have broken the 10-second barrier in the 100m (9.97s) and the 20-second barrier in the 200m (19.97s). His achievements include European 200m gold in 2014, multiple European relay titles, and a standout moment as part of the Great Britain 4x100m relay team that won gold at the 2017 World Championships in London — famously in Usain Bolt's final individual race.

A three-time Olympian (London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020), Gemili competed at the highest level against the world's best, overcoming injuries to leave a lasting legacy in British sprinting. He sits fourth on the UK all-time list for the 200m and was the first British athlete to achieve sub-10 and sub-20 times in the respective sprints.

Gemili's new chapter brings him full circle. He spent seven years in Chelsea's renowned youth academy as a promising young footballer before choosing athletics as a teenager. Now, he returns to Cobham to focus on speed development, acceleration, and sprint mechanics with Chelsea's young talents, particularly in the under-13 and under-14 age groups. He has already been working casually with the academy since late last year.

"I'm incredibly grateful for everything athletics has given me over the past 15 years," Gemili said. "From competing at home in London 2012 to winning world gold in front of a home crowd in 2017, it's been an amazing journey filled with highs, challenges, and unforgettable memories. I'm content with my career and excited to start this next phase.

"Returning to Chelsea feels like coming home. I loved my time in the academy as a kid, and now I get to help the next generation of footballers improve their speed and athleticism. It's a full-circle moment, and I'm looking forward to passing on the knowledge I've gained."

Chelsea FC welcomed the appointment, noting Gemili's unique blend of elite sprinting experience and deep familiarity with the club's youth system.

A Chelsea spokesperson said: "Adam is a fantastic addition to our academy staff. His expertise in speed and explosive power will be invaluable for our young players' development. We're thrilled to have him back at the club where his sporting journey began."

Gemili has also indicated plans to launch his own coaching business focused on speed development for young athletes across multiple sports, while potentially exploring punditry opportunities in athletics coverage.

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Massimo Ambrosini suggests Cesc Fabregas should join Chelsea

 Fabregas is doing a remarkable job at Serie A side Como, who were promoted to Serie A at the end of 2023-24. Fabregas has been manager since the summer of 2024, winning 32 of his 74 games as boss.

Como currently sit in fourth place in Serie A and remarkably, look good for a Champions League slot. Fabregas is doing an incredible job and plenty have suggested him for the Chelsea role at some point.

Milan icon Massimo Ambrosini has been speaking to GOAL, and the former midfielder believes Fabregas could take the job at Chelsea next. Ambrosini suggested taking the Blues job over Real Madrid.

“So of course Barcelona would be, could be, a good choice. I don’t know about Real Madrid, because Real is a strange situation. But maybe Chelsea,” Ambrosini said, weighing up which club could hire Fabregas.

“Chelsea had a good manager because Enzo Maresca was a good manager. I don’t know what happened, but Enzo is a good manager. I’m not sure Cesc will leave the Italian league. No rush,” Ambrosini added.

Ambrosini not the only one who sees Fabregas at Chelsea

Such is the job Fabregas is doing at Como, Eden Hazard says he dreams of watching Chelsea with his old Blues teammates in the dugout as manager. For now, it looks like Rosenior will be given a chance.

John Terry even, has predicted that Fabregas will take over at Chelsea or Arsenal at some point in the future. He’s made a wonderful start to his management career, and for Terry, it is hardly a surprise.

“Honestly, I think he’s got the best football brain I’ve been around and seen,” Terry said. But Como are confident that Fabregas will remain for now, especially if they qualify for the Champions League.

Former Chelsea defender Nathan Ake could return to Stamford Bridge

 Chelsea sold Nathan Ake to Bournemouth back in 2017 for a £20m fee, which will go down as a bargain for the Cherries.

Ake only continued to improve at the Vitality Stadium before getting a big-money move to another Premier League outfit, Manchester City, three years later.

The defender has had a very successful time under Pep Guardiola, winning the title and Champions League. However, it looks like he could be on his way out of the Etihad this summer.

Ake’s contract at City expires next year, meaning that the Citizens could sell the centre-back in the next transfer window to avoid losing him on a free. If they do, it appears that Cobham could be his destination.

According to The Sun, Ake already has a mansion near there and is having it redeveloped. It is thought that said mansion will be his main residence.

A statement from his planning agent, which has been shared by the newspaper, said: “This is a self-build application with the applicants intending to reside at the property as their main residence.”

In terms of numbers, Chelsea are not actually short in the centre-half department. Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Mamadou Sarr, Benoit Badiashile, Josh Acheampong and Tosin Adarabioyo can all play there.

Levi Colwill will also be an option for Liam Rosenior when he returns from his ACL injury. However, none of those names are as experienced as Ake.

Colwill could make his comeback next month in what would be a huge boost for the Blues.

Pros and cons of Chelsea re-signing Nathan Ake

Ake’s experience is definitely one reason why the Dutchman could be the perfect addition to this Chelsea squad.

Ake is now 31 and has made nearly 250 appearances in the Premier League. The Netherlands international being able to play at centre-back and left-back also makes him an attractive option.

At 5’11”, though, Ake is not the most physically imposing centre-half. That would be one worry, especially with Chelsea being so vulnerable from set-pieces this season.

Intermediaries gauging interest in Chelsea’s Cole Palmer

 According to TEAMtalk, intermediaries have now been working behind the scenes to gauge interest from other clubs.

Chelsea’s Premier League rivals Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have all been approached, the same outlet states.

Despite picking up a couple of injuries this season and not being as consistent as he was in previous campaigns, Palmer is still Chelsea’s second-highest goalscorer in the top flight.

In 20 appearances, the £40m attacking midfielder has scored nine goals. Only Joao Pedro has netted on more occasions.

Ultimately, Palmer is not a player Chelsea should be looking to sell when the transfer window opens.

Chelsea fans are already far from happy with the club’s owners and sporting directors. Selling Palmer would be the final straw, especially if he is sold to another Premier League club like United.

It would also set Chelsea’s “project” back massively. The 23-year-old is the Blues’ best player and one of the most dangerous attackers in world football.

They will end up losing their main goal source and will struggle to find someone whose output matches his.

Palmer may very well be unhappy at Chelsea, which would not be a complete shock given where the team are right now, but he has a contract until 2033. The club are under no pressure to sell him this summer.

Thomas Tuchel expects better from Cole Palmer

 According to The Athletic, Thomas Tuchel hasn’t been best pleased with the amount of contributions players like Cole Palmer have made at their clubs this season.

While Cole Palmer remains a focal point at Chelsea with 10 goals in all competitions, his campaign has been hampered by niggling groin and hamstring injuries, limiting his availability for Tuchel’s early camps.

The England boss has been vocal about the big competition for the number ten role, with as many as five players fighting for one spot.

“I would love them to have more numbers. Meaning Bukayo (Saka), Noni (Madueke), Ebs (Eberechi Eze), Anthony Gordon, even Cole Palmer, and even Morgan Rogers. Not Jude (Bellingham) but Phil Foden. Who is producing, like Harry, these outstanding numbers? Who’s deciding games?”

As well as the niggling injuries, Cole Palmer has been used out wide, opposed to his favourite and best position in the number 10 role, which hasn’t helped his cause.

As previously mentioned, a series of persistent physical setbacks, most notably a recurring groin injury that sidelined him for significant periods, have prevented him from finding the rhythm.

These fitness issues have seen him miss over 15 games across all competitions, robbing Chelsea of their primary creator during critical stretches.

Beyond injuries, the tactical shift under head coach Liam Rosenior has altered Palmer’s influence. Following Enzo Maresca’s departure in January, Rosenior’s system has often moved Palmer into wider roles to accommodate Enzo Fernandez centrally.

This move away from the number 10 position has seen his assist numbers stall, with only one league assist by late March. Combined with the heavy fatigue from a schedule that included the 2025 Club World Cup, Palmer is fighting a battle against both his own body and a system that currently limits him.

Marc Cucurella’s family will decide Chelsea future amid Barcelona transfer link

 Cucurella is currently with the Spain national team as they prepare to take on Egypt in a friendly and was asked what he would do if Barcelona made an approach for him.

The 27-year-old admitted that it would be hard to turn the La Liga champions down but says his family will ultimately decide his thinking.

Speaking in a pre-match press conference, Cucurella told Marca: “It would be difficult to refuse. It’s not just me. I would have to think about my family. If it comes, it will come and we will see the decision that is made.”

While Cucurella could return to Barcelona one day, one of his current teammates could join the Catalan club’s fierce rivals Real Madrid.

It is being reported that Enzo Fernandez could sign for Real Madrid this summer, while the midfielder has also been linked to a few other European giants.

Fernandez has a very long contract at Chelsea, but Cucurella is in quite a different situation to the Argentine.

Despite reports of Cucurella signing a new deal, it is believed that he only received a pay rise and not additional years to his contract. As things stand, then, Cucurella will be a free agent in 2028.

He is 27 now, and with his contract running down, this summer could be Chelsea’s last chance to make their money back on him.

Cucurella has not been as good as he was last season, while Jorrel Hato has really impressed in the left-back position since Liam Rosenior’s arrival.

Chelsea should not be in a hurry to sell Cucurella. The Spain international is still one of the best left-backs in the Premier League. However, if the Blues are not going to hand him a contract extension, they have a decision to make.

Chelsea set £100m price tag on Enzo Fernandez

 After a report that the Argentine is closer to joining them than Manchester City’s Rodri, Sky Sports News have reported that the Blues are holding out for a big fee to part ways.

They are requiring a transfer fee of at least £100m for their World Cup winner, close to the fee they paid to sign him from Benfica back in 2023.

Chelsea have not been afraid to part ways with players not long after they have been signed, however this has so far not affected their big-name players.

          

          Given Fernandez’s quality, there is a clear need to spend big in the transfer market to replace him going into next season.

Chelsea have looked close to home in the form of Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, however both have multiple Premier League admirers.

There are a number of more experienced options on the market too, with Leon Goretzka a free agent at the end of the season.

Chelsea fans were split on signing Goretzka, and it would be an addition which massively goes against their project and signing younger players.

Former Chelsea winger Eden Hazard celebrated cycling a 167km ride in Mallorca by chugging a beer on camera.

 Hazard, 35, played for Chelsea between 2012 and 2017 and hung up his boots in 2023, shocking the football world as he quit playing when he was just 32.

He continues to be involved in football, however, having featured in a number of charity matches since - including Soccer Aid at Stamford Bridge in 2024 - but likes cycling too.

This week, the Belgian set himself the goal of a staggering 167km ride on the Spanish island, and looked a little worse for wear when he completed it on Saturday.

It's not the first time he has taken to the road with a bike, however - in 2024, Hazard, alongside his brothers, climbed Mont Ventoux, located in southern France, which is arguably the most famous climb in the Tour de France, with competitors climbing between 1,210 and 1,617 metres as they ride.

It's known for its extreme wind speeds, and British cyclist Tom Simpson infamously died when climbing the mountain during the 1967 Tour de France.

Hazard, though, completed his task on Saturday, and, after, completed an interview before he chugged a beer on camera.

Carlsberg appeared to be his beverage of choice, though he did also seemingly have a bottle of water with him too.

He played 352 times for the Blues, scoring 110 goals and winning six major trophies including two Premier League titles.

In 2017, he departed for Real Madrid, where he would see out the final years of his career and win the Champions League.

Source: DAILYMAIL

Gallery: Chelseaplayers back in Training: Working in the break!

The Blues returned to the Cobham pitches this afternoon with Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale on the horizon.

It was a busy session across the gym and the grass at our training base, with the squad continuing their pre-match preparations ahead of our FA Cup final-eight tie against League One side Port Vale.

With many of the Blues currently on international duty, it was a reduced squad taking part in the session but there were still plenty of familiar faces.

Benoit Badiashile, Liam Delap, Robert Sanchez and Estevao Willian were all involved, joined by Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Romeo Lavia and Wes Fofana, among others.

Scroll down to check the best pictures from the session, and make sure you stay tuned to the Chelsea Official App and website for all the build-up ahead of the weekend's return to match action!

Cole Palmer could leave Chelsea fc if they miss out on Champions League Football

 Former Chelsea and Manchester City winger Scott Sinclair believes the England international remains one of the Premier League's elite talents despite a season hampered by fitness issues. However, Sinclair suggested that failing to secure Champions League football could force the playmaker to consider his future at Stamford Bridge.

Since his high-profile move from City in 2023, Palmer has become the undisputed centrepiece of the Chelsea project. The 23-year-old has amassed a remarkable 53 goals and 32 assists in 122 appearances for the Blues, though his momentum has slowed this term due to a frustrating run of setbacks. A persistent groin problem followed by a fractured toe sustained in a freak domestic accident in November 2025 limited his output to just 13 goal contributions so far. Despite these setbacks, his reputation as a game-changer remains intact, leading to suggestions that any potential suitor, including United, would need to shatter the British transfer record to test Chelsea's resolve.

Speaking to OLBG, Sinclair praised Palmer's unique ability to dictate matches and suggested that his long-term contract — running until June 2033 — puts Chelsea in a dominant negotiating position. He believes the player's happiness and the club's European status will be the deciding factors.

Sinclair stated: “Cole Palmer is a quality player and we all know his attributes. It's about finding him, getting him on the ball, facing forward to attack players, and creating. For me, he's a player who can change a game in an instant. When he gets forward and he's on it, he's a top player.

“His links to Man Utd? I'm not sure. From the outside, I think he seems happy enough and is enjoying his football. We just need to get that top, top level form back. I don't think he'd be looking elsewhere. 

“If Chelsea don't make the Champions League spot, then that's up to him to decide. But Chelsea is a massive club and I don't think any player would want to leave.

“He's a top player, probably one of the best in the Premier League. I'm sure that sort of price tag, maybe £200 million, will come along. He's contracted and signed a long deal, so only time will tell.”

The narrative surrounding Palmer's future is increasingly tied to Chelsea's ability to provide elite European football on a consistent basis. While the club remains a global heavyweight, several seasons of fluctuating league form have raised questions about how long they can retain a player of his calibre without the lure of the Champions League. With United reportedly monitoring his situation, the pressure is on the Blues hierarchy to match their star man's personal trajectory.

Chelsea currently sit in sixth place, six points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa with just seven games remaining. Their top-four hopes depend on whether they can navigate a daunting run of Premier League fixtures against City, United, and Brighton in April. A high-stakes May schedule featuring Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Sunderland follows. For Palmer, these matches represent a critical audition to prove he has regained his peak form ahead of the 2026 World Cup, while the club's final standing will likely dictate the intensity of the transfer speculation surrounding him this summer.

Source: GOAL

Nico Paz would have been the ideal alternative to Cole Palmer at Chelsea fc

Chelsea can persist in using Fernandez as a No.10 option, but if they want to sign an attacking midfielder this summer, Como’s Nico Paz is a great candidate.

Unfortunately for the Blues, they look set to miss out on the 21-year-old despite having interest in him.

It was recently claimed that while Chelsea do have the player on their radar, Paz only wants to join Real Madrid, who are able to re-sign him in the upcoming transfer window thanks to a buy-back clause.

Paz has been one of the standout players in Serie A this season. In 29 appearances, he has scored 10 goals and provided six assists.

The Argentina international has the attacking output to fill in for Palmer when required to

At this point, it would be a shock if Paz did not end up at Real Madrid. All the noise suggests that he will be heading back to the Santiago Bernabeu, so Chelsea are going to have to look elsewhere.

Again, Liam Rosenior can just continue with what he has got. Fernandez and Joao Pedro can both operate in the No.10 role, so they can fill in for Palmer when he is not around.

Of course, there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the former’s future right now. He could actually join Paz in the Spanish capital this summer.

It is believed that Fernandez is dreaming of a move to Real Madrid and hopes to become a legend there one day.

Player	League apps	Minutes	Goals	Assists	Shots per game	Key passes per game	Dribbles per game
Nico Paz	29	2,389	10	6	3.6	1.5	1.9
Cole Palmer	20	1,426	9	1	2.3	1	1

Chelsea are “monitoring” Lacroix ahead of the next transfer window, but they are not the only Premier League club who have been watching him.

 According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are “monitoring” Lacroix ahead of the next transfer window, but they are not the only Premier League club who have been watching him.

The same outlet has claimed that Liverpool and Aston Villa have also been tracking the centre-half. Abroad, Bayern Munich are said to be following Lacroix as well.

Lacroix would add some much-needed experience to Liam Rosenior’s very youthful-looking squad.

The Frenchman turns 26 next month and has made over 50 appearances in the Premier League. He has also played 111 times in the Bundesliga so is no novice.

If Lacroix signs for Chelsea, he will join compatriots Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile. Gusto has been speaking about Chelsea and Rosenior, explaining what has been challenging under his new manager.

Chelsea will be getting a very quick centre-back this summer should Lacroix arrive at Stamford Bridge.

In fact, as per TEAMtalk’s report, the 25-year-old is the fastest central defender in the Premier League right now after clocking a top speed of 35.39 km/h in the current campaign.

Chelsea’s line has been extremely high under Rosenior at times. The above means that Lacroix could be a great fit for the Blues.

Whether the Club World Cup winners will make an actual move for the new France international remains to be seen, but everything is pointing towards them signing another centre-back once the transfer window opens. That could pave the way for one of their current options to leave.

Source: The Chelsea Chronicle

Chelsea could sell Enzo Fernandez and still improve thanks to possible replacement

Chelsea are in danger of losing Enzo Fernandez, who does not appear to be completely happy in west London at the moment.

Despite being on a contract until 2032, Fernandez has refused to commit to Chelsea when asked about his future.

Supporters will not want to see the midfielder go, but it may not actually be the end of the world if he does depart Stamford Bridge.

Based on reports, it looks like there is a chance of Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali potentially joining Chelsea in the summer.

It has been claimed that Tonali has already sounded out Chelsea about a possible move to west London.

Technically, Tonali may not be as gifted as Fernandez, but he could make for a much better midfield partner to Moises Caicedo than the Argentine.

Tonali gets up and down the pitch more efficiently, defending better than Fernandez. With him in the side, Chelsea’s midfield is likely to be more balanced.

Fernandez’s weakness out of possession is perhaps one reason why Liam Rosenior and Enzo Maresca have felt that it has been safer to play him as a No.10, especially during the big games.

It has worked out well, with the Argentina international becoming a real goal threat for Chelsea. However, it has resulted in Cole Palmer having to play out wide, which many feel is not his best position.

Selling Fernandez and replacing the World Cup winner with Tonali solves that issue.

Sandro Tonali and Enzo Fernandez in the Champions League this season

The Champions League is the highest level in club football, so it is worth comparing Tonali’s and Fernandez’s stats in the competition. It may not be possible to do so next season, with Chelsea and Newcastle both possibly set to miss out on qualification.

As already mentioned, Fernandez has been among the goals for the Blues this term, netting three times in the Champions League. That is more than what Tonali has managed, though the Italian’s defensive numbers have been superior.

The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League has seen two high-profile midfielders — **Sandro Tonali** (Newcastle United) and **Enzo Fernández** (Chelsea) — deliver contrasting yet impactful performances. Tonali has embodied the reliable, high-energy engine room role, while Fernández has been more offensive, contributing directly to goals with notable end-product.

### Sandro Tonali – Newcastle United

Tonali has been a near-ever-present figure for Newcastle in the Champions League this season. The Italian international started 11 of Newcastle’s matches, logging **955 minutes** (an average of nearly 80 minutes per appearance). This consistency reflects his importance to Eddie Howe’s side as they navigated the league phase and progressed into the knockout stages.

**Key Statistics (Champions League 2025/26):**

- **Matches played**: 11

- **Goals**: 1

- **Assists**: 1

- **Goal contributions**: 2

- **Passing accuracy**: 82.28%

- **Yellow cards**: 2

- **Distance covered**: High work-rate metrics, averaging strong pressing and recovery runs

Tonali’s goal and assist highlight his ability to contribute offensively from midfield, but his primary value lies in his defensive discipline, ball-winning, and ability to dictate tempo. He has been instrumental in Newcastle’s solid defensive record in the competition (conceding relatively few goals in the league phase). His physicality, pressing intensity, and leadership qualities have made him a fan favourite at St James’ Park, especially in big European nights.

Newcastle finished the league phase in a respectable mid-table position (around 12th with 14 points from 8 matches), advancing further in the tournament. Tonali’s performances have drawn praise for their reliability, even in challenging results such as the heavy 7-2 defeat to Barcelona in the knockout stages, where he still put in a shift (playing 55 minutes with a rating around 6.6).

### Enzo Fernández – Chelsea

Enzo Fernández has enjoyed a more attacking-oriented campaign for Chelsea. The Argentine midfielder has been directly involved in five goals across just **10 appearances** (747 minutes, averaging about 75 minutes per game), showcasing his growing influence in forward transitions under Chelsea’s management.

**Key Statistics (Champions League 2025/26):**

- **Matches played**: 10

- **Goals**: 3

- **Assists**: 2

- **Goal contributions**: 5

- **Passing accuracy**: 85.2%

- **Yellow cards**: 2

Fernández has demonstrated excellent vision, long-range shooting, and set-piece threat. His goals have often come at important moments, including penalties and open-play strikes, while his assists highlight his ability to unlock defences. Chelsea had a stronger league phase than Newcastle (finishing around 6th with 16 points from 8 matches, with a positive goal difference), though they faced tough knockout ties, including against Paris Saint-Germain.

Fernández’s higher goal involvement (5 vs Tonali’s 2) reflects a more advanced or box-to-box role in Chelsea’s system. He excels in progressive passing and creating chances, making him a creative hub in midfield. However, his slightly lower minutes per appearance suggest occasional rotation or tactical substitutions.

### Head-to-Head Comparison in the Champions League 2025/26

- **Availability & Minutes**: Tonali edges it with more matches (11 vs 10) and total minutes (955 vs 747), showing greater durability and consistency in selection.

- **Attacking Output**: Fernández is clearly superior here — 3 goals + 2 assists (5 contributions) compared to Tonali’s 1 goal + 1 assist (2 contributions). The Argentine has been more clinical and creative in the final third.

- **Defensive/Engine Role**: Tonali shines as the more traditional midfield anchor, with strong pressing stats, distance covered, and ball recovery. Fernández offers good passing accuracy and work rate but is deployed with more freedom to influence attacks.

- **Overall Impact**: Tonali provides stability and leadership; Fernández brings flair and direct goal threat. Both have been key to their teams’ European campaigns, with Fernández arguably having the higher “highlight-reel” moments due to his goal tally.

Both players are 25 years old and represent the modern midfielder archetype: technically proficient, tactically intelligent, and physically robust. Tonali’s redemption arc after earlier challenges continues impressively at Newcastle, while Fernández has solidified his status as a Chelsea cornerstone following his big-money move.

As the 2025/26 Champions League progresses deeper into the knockout stages, both midfielders will be central to their clubs’ ambitions. Tonali’s reliability could prove vital in grinding out results, whereas Fernández’s creativity may unlock decisive moments in high-stakes ties.

Their performances underline why both are viewed as elite talents in European football, each excelling in slightly different midfield profiles. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see who can elevate their game further as the competition reaches its climax.

Tino Livramento Sends Warm ‘Unbelievable’ Message to Injured England Rival Reece James Amid Right-Back Battle for 2026 World Cup

Newcastle United defender **Tino Livramento** has described Chelsea captain **Reece James** as an “unbelievable player” and expressed his hope for a swift recovery, as the two English right-backs continue to compete for a key role in Thomas Tuchel’s squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

James, widely regarded as England’s first-choice right-back when fit, is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained in recent weeks. The setback has opened the door for competition at the position, with Livramento, along with others such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Djed Spence, vying for minutes and a place in the final 26-man squad for this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Speaking candidly about the situation, Livramento paid generous tribute to his international rival, highlighting James’ quality and the respect he commands within the England setup.

“Reece is an unbelievable player and I hope he comes back as soon as possible,” Livramento said.

The 23-year-old Newcastle full-back, who has impressed in recent appearances for club and country, downplayed any suggestion that James’ absence automatically boosts his own chances. When asked if he was solely focused on displacing the Chelsea man, Livramento replied: “Not necessarily.”

Livramento has featured regularly for Newcastle this season and earned further recognition under Tuchel, showcasing his versatility, athleticism, and ability to play across the back line. His composed performances have positioned him as a serious contender for the right-back berth, especially given James’ recurring fitness concerns over recent years.

Despite the healthy competition for places, Livramento’s comments reflect the strong spirit and mutual respect within the England squad as they prepare for the biggest stage in world football.

Reece James has been a pivotal figure for England since breaking through, known for his leadership, defensive solidity, crossing ability, and attacking threat from the right flank. However, persistent injury issues have limited his availability, making squad selection a complex puzzle for head coach Thomas Tuchel.

Tuchel has previously indicated that James remains his preferred option at right-back when fully fit, but the manager has also been impressed by the depth and quality of alternatives in the squad.

Livramento’s message comes as England continue their “Road to 2026” preparations, with the friendly results and squad performances providing vital information for the final squad selection.

The classy exchange between the two players underscores the professional and supportive environment within the national team, even as positions remain fiercely contested.

Mario Gila Decides Against New Lazio Contract Amid Growing Chelsea and Premier League Interest

Lazio centre-back **Mario Gila** has informed the club’s hierarchy that he will not sign a new contract, effectively signalling his intention to seek a fresh challenge when his current deal expires in June 2027.

The 25-year-old Spaniard, who joined Lazio from Real Madrid in 2022, has established himself as one of Serie A’s most reliable and consistent defenders. Despite making over 100 appearances for the Biancocelesti and earning praise for his composure, aerial ability, and tactical discipline under Maurizio Sarri, Gila has chosen not to extend his stay in the Italian capital.

According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport and other Italian outlets, Gila made his position clear in recent discussions with Lazio’s management. The defender is understood to be seeking greater recognition and improved terms, having remained one of the lower-paid players in the squad despite his importance to the team.

The decision comes at a time when Gila has attracted significant interest from several top European clubs. **Chelsea** are among the clubs closely monitoring the situation, with the Blues reportedly viewing the former Real Madrid academy product as a potential solution to strengthen their defensive line ahead of the 2026/27 season. Other Premier League sides, including Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, and Everton, have also been linked, while AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Atlético Madrid represent strong interest from Italy and Spain.

Lazio president Claudio Lotito and the club’s sporting director are now facing a difficult summer decision. With only one year remaining on Gila’s contract after this season, the club risks losing the player for a reduced fee or even for free in 2027. Real Madrid retain a 50% sell-on clause from the original transfer, which will further impact Lazio’s financial return.

Gila’s representatives are expected to explore options that offer regular first-team football at a higher level, with the Premier League emerging as an attractive destination for the technically gifted defender.

A source close to the player told Italian media: “Mario has great respect for Lazio and the fans, but he feels the time is right to take the next step in his career. He wants to test himself in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues while continuing his development.”

Lazio are expected to demand between €25m and €35m for the centre-back this summer to maximise value before his contract runs down. However, the player’s firm stance on refusing a renewal strengthens the negotiating position of interested clubs.

Gila has featured regularly for Lazio this season, delivering solid performances that have caught the eye of scouts across the continent. His ability to play as a right-sided centre-back or in a back three has increased his appeal to managers looking for versatile, ball-playing defenders.