Thomas Tuchel is set to unveil his much-anticipated World Cup squad on Friday at 10am, with notable absences expected. Phil Foden and Cole Palmer are likely to miss the tournament, alongside a “shocked and gutted” Harry Maguire. The England manager made calls to various players prior to the announcement, hinting at some surprises in his final 26-man selection.

• Maguire, who had previously earned a call-up under Tuchel, expressed his disappointment on Instagram, stating:

  "I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country... I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision."

In brighter news, Aston Villa celebrated their Europa League triumph with an open-top bus parade through Birmingham, drawing thousands of fans. The team, led by manager Unai Emery, proudly showcased the trophy after defeating Freiburg 3-0 in Istanbul, ending a 30-year wait for silverware.

• The parade route transformed into a sea of claret and blue, with supporters waving flags and igniting flares.
• At Centenary Square, an estimated 23,000 fans gathered to witness a trophy lift, where Emery dedicated the victory to the supporters, stating:

  "This trophy is yours – our heart is your heart, your heart is our heart. We are together – up the Villa."

In other news, the EFL condemned Southampton for their involvement in a spygate scandal, where they pressured a junior staff member to spy on Middlesbrough. As a result, Southampton faces a four-point deduction next season and further investigation by the Football Association. The EFL criticized the club’s actions as a “deplorable” attempt to gain a competitive edge.