Afternoon football news 14/7: Vietnam national team reveals squad framework ahead of ASEAN Championship 2026

Ninh Binh has finalized its squad of five foreign players ahead of the 2026/27 V.League, while coach Kim Sang-sik is gradually settling on the strongest formation for the Vietnam national team as they prepare for the ASEAN Championship 2026, along with significant events at the 2026 World Cup and transfer news involving MU, Chelsea, Arsenal, and PSG.

Ninh Binh finalizes foreign players ahead of the new season

Ninh Binh continues to strengthen its squad ahead of the 2026/27 V-League as they officially recruit a Brazilian defensive midfielder Romeu Martins Rezende. The player, born in 1998, stands 1.85m tall and previously played outstandingly for Sukhothai FC (Thai League 1) with 5 goals and 1 assist after 27 matches in the 2025/26 season. Romeu's arrival is expected to help coach Chu Đình Nghiêm add steel to the midfield thanks to his ability to intercept, compete, and control the game.

Previously, Ninh Binh also brought in Lucas Turci and Marciel da Silva. With Romeu, the Hoa Lu team completes its set of five foreign players, affirming its determination to compete for the V.League title after finishing third last season.

Coach Kim Sang-sik finalizes Vietnam national team's framework

The 2-1 victory over Gangwon FC helped the Vietnam national team conclude their training camp in South Korea with a record of winning all three matches, scoring 10 goals and conceding only 2 goals. Notably, coach Kim Sang-sik fielded nearly his strongest starting lineup for the first time in the dress rehearsal ahead of the ASEAN Championship 2026. Against an opponent currently playing in the K-League 1, Xuan Son and his teammates showed their character by coming from behind to win.

Through the trials in South Korea, coach Kim Sang-sik is believed to have identified the optimal squad framework with many names such as Patrik Le Giang, Thanh Chung, Hoang Duc, Quang Hai, and Xuan Son. The Vietnam national team will have one more friendly match against Myanmar before embarking on their journey to defend the Southeast Asian championship.

Spence - From doubt to reliable asset

Djed Spence is gradually becoming the super substitute of the England national team at the 2026 World Cup after a doubtful start. The Tottenham defender was heavily criticized for a mistake in the match against DR Congo, which cast doubt on coach Thomas Tuchel's decision to call him up. However, Spence regained trust thanks to energetic performances off the bench against Mexico and Norway, constantly creating breakthroughs with his speed and pressing ability.

The impressive display of the 25-year-old also earned praise from Jude Bellingham for his fighting spirit. Ahead of the semi-final clash against Argentina, Spence is expected to continue being the trump card of Tuchel, bringing a difference on the flanks of the Three Lions.

Premier League stars face England national team

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup semi-final, England has been warned not to focus solely on shutting down Lionel Messi. Argentina also possesses a host of stars who are currently or have previously played in the Premier League such as Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, and Julian Alvarez. These are all experienced players who understand the style of play, and many England players have faced them over years of competing in the Premier League.

From the playmaking ability of Enzo and Mac Allister, the solidity of Romero and Lisandro, to the composure of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, Argentina possesses many weapons dangerous beyond Messi. Therefore, Jordan Pickford affirmed that England must prepare thoroughly to deal with the entire defending champion team, rather than focusing only on the number 10 superstar.

Transfer news

Cole Palmer unexpectedly caused a stir among MU fans by leaving a congratulatory comment for Andrey Santos under the debut post of the new signing of the Red Devils. The Chelsea star called Santos a great player and sent good luck wishes with a red heart emoji, attracting huge attention from fans. In another development, MU is closing in on the signing of Youri Tielemans, as the Belgian midfielder is expected to undergo a medical in the next 24 hours.

Additionally, Chelsea continues negotiations to sign defender Pep Chavarria, Arsenal is preparing to let Leandro Trossard join Besiktas, while PSG is about to complete the deal to bring defender Lucas Digne back to Ligue 1 for a fee under 10 million pounds.