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• Palmer, Watkins and Foden withdraw from Carsley's England squad

  England have confirmed that Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer has withdrawn from their squad for the Three Lions' upcoming Nations League fixtures. 

  Palmer, along with Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, were named in interim head coach Lee Carsley's first Three Lions squad but have since returned to their clubs. 

  Manchester City's Phil Foden will also play no part in their matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland after not reporting with illness. 

  It serves as a significant blow for Carsley in his audition for the England role on a full-time basis, with Palmer a player the 50-year-old knows well from his time in charge of the Under-21's. 

  Palmer was part of Carsley's European Under-21 Championship winning side last year, netting once in their semi-final victory over Israel. 

  Of those included in the recent Nations League squad, only Anthony Gordon (14), Morgan Gibbs-White (15), Angel Gomes (16) and Noni Maudeke (19) have made more appearances under Carsley than Palmer (13). 

  Palmer has continued on from his sensational return last season into this, notching one goal and four assists in three Premier League games so far this season. 

  He has also created 11 chances this season, a total only bettered by Dwight McNeil (13) and Andreas Pereira (14) in the top flight so far. 

• Argentina captaincy 'still belongs' to Messi, says De Paul

  Rodrigo De Paul says the Argentina captaincy "still belongs" to Lionel Messi despite his extended injury lay-off.

  The Inter Miami star has been out of action since the Copa America final due to an ankle injury and will not be involved in Argentina's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia.

  Messi is still a key part of Lionel Sclaoni's plans with the national side, and he played in all but one of their games at that tournament, though only registered one goal and one assist for the tournament. 

  Angel Di Maria retired from international duty after their Copa America triumph and was the usual deputy to Messi, who has captained Albiceleste since 2011.

  With neither of those two available, it is expected that De Paul, who has 69 international caps, will wear the armband against Chile, but he has played down the idea of deputising for Messi.

  "I always say that I play the role that they give me," De Paul said.

  "It's been many years. I feel like an important player in this team. That's all I can say.

  "Afterwards, we know that the armband belongs to Leo. Whoever has to wear it will be circumstantial because he is the captain of this team."

  Argentina are currently top of their qualifying group with five wins from six games. Meanwhile, Messi is back in training again and is expected to make his return in MLS later this month.

• Whitecaps sign free agent Armstrong after Southampton departure

  Stuart Armstrong has completed a move to the MLS with the Vancouver Whitecaps following his exit from Southampton at the end of last season. 

  Armstrong, who made 214 appearances in all competitions for the Saints, has signed a two-year deal and will join fellow Scotland team-mate Ryan Gauld at the club, having previously played with him at Dundee United.  

  The 32-year-old was part of Steve Clarke's Scotland side during their dismal display at Euro 2024, featuring once as a substitute in their 1-0 defeat to Hungary.

  He played 42 times in the Championship for Russell Martin's side last year, scoring five goals and adding seven assists, but missed the play-off final with a hamstring injury.

  During his four-year stint at St. Mary's, Armstrong made 149 appearances in the Premier League and will provide an experienced midfield option for head coach Vanni Sartini.

  “We are very excited to welcome Stuart and his family to Vancouver,” said Whitecaps FC sporting director, Axel Schuster. 

  “He is a player who has excelled for many years at the highest levels in the United Kingdom, as well as internationally with Scotland.

  "He brings experience, tactical awareness, positional flexibility, and a very high work rate.

  "In addition, his passing range and elite chance creation from the midfield position will add another dimension to our team’s overall attack."

  The Whitecaps currently sit fifth in the Western Conference table, with Armstrong potentially in line to make his debut this weekend against FC Dallas.