Portugal defender Pepe has become the oldest player to appear in a knockout-stage game at a World Cup or European Championships, surpassing the record held by Peter Shilton.

England goalkeeping great Shilton was 40 years and 292 days old when he represented the Three Lions in their third-place play-off loss to Italy at the 1990 World Cup.

At 41 years and 126 days old, Pepe claimed that record for himself when he started Portugal's Euro 2024 last-16 meeting with Slovenia in Frankfurt on Monday.

Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo are also the two oldest players to appear at the Euros, with the Selecao captain aged 39 years and 147 days when he stepped out versus Slovenia.

Didier Deschamps believes France's patience paid off as they edged to a narrow victory over a "cautious" Belgium side at Euro 2024.

Billed as the match to look out for in the round of 16, the game did not live up to expectations, though France got the all-important goal when Jan Vertonghen inadvertently turned Randal Kolo Muani’s shot into his own net.

France will now face either Portugal or Slovenia in the last eight, and they have done so without scoring a goal from open play, with two own goals and a penalty making up their current tally.

Deschamps has credited France's persistence following the win against who he believes are a tough side to face.

"We made a lot of progress and I think that the opponent was obviously a little bit more cautious, even though on paper Belgium is quite an offensive team," Deschamps said.

"They are quite an attacking team, they maybe, held back a little bit more than we're used to seeing. On our side as well, even though we did everything we could to try and attack, to try and score, to try and create chances.

"We managed to create more chances than Belgium did, but we were also maybe on the back foot. We were intelligent, we were playing the waiting game, and we weren't going to fall into the trap of giving them the space that they were looking for."

Excluding own goals, France have not scored from any of their 66 non-penalty shots at Euro 2024.

With many questions being asked about Les Bleus' finishing, Deschamps admitted it is an area they will continue to work on.

"Obviously, you can't win games just through possession, but it's better having the possession of the ball and attacking and making the team defend," Deschamps added. "But the number of shots we had, that's probably the only thing that I want to work on.

"I think that on the pitch there's high intensity, and even if today the goal is enough for us to get to the quarter-finals, we've always got the capacity and the capability to score more.

"I'm immensely proud of what we've been able to do, and we're into the quarter-finals, and that's probably what counts."

France edged into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 with a 1-0 victory over Belgium thanks to a late Jan Vertonghen own goal.

Les Bleus' struggles in attack continued in another flat display, but that did not matter as they got the all-important goal in the 85th minute to send them through.

Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne both had chances for Belgium but failed to find a way past Mike Maignan, then Vertonghen diverted Randal Kolo Muani's strike into his own net to send the Red Devils out. 

France will meet either Portugal or Slovenia in the last eight, while Belgium go home after a poor showing in Germany.

Having struggled in attack through the group stage, both teams started slowly in Dusseldorf, with Antoine Griezmann's tame effort into Koen Casteels' gloves the only shot on target in the first half.

De Bruyne then caused a bit of panic in France's box as his free-kick took a big deflection off the wall and needed blocking by Maignan.

Moments later, France suffered a blow as Adrien Rabiot was booked for a needless challenge on Jeremy Doku, his second yellow card of the tournament earning him a one-match suspension.

Marcus Thuram then went close as he flicked a header wide of the near post before Aurelien Tchouameni fired into the stands with the last action of the first half.

Didier Deschamps' half-time message was clear as France upped the pressure – Casteels pushed away Tchouameni's low strike before Kylian Mbappe whipped an effort just over the bar.

Belgium's first shot on target came in the 69th minute as Orel Mangala picked out Lukaku, but his drilled attempt was pushed away by Maignan.

The goalkeeper remained alert as he then parried De Bruyne’s long-range shot, and just moments later, France finally took the lead.

Substitute Kolo Muani spun away from Vertonghen, but his shot was poor. That did not matter though, as it took a big deflection off the defender to take it flying past Casteels and into the back of the net.

Platini's record still evades Mbappe

Mbappe finally scored his first goal at the European Championships last time out, clinically dispatching a spot-kick against Poland in France's final group game.

It took his tally for Les Bleus at major tournaments to 13, and he is just one away from equalling Michel Platini, who leads with 14 such goals for his country.

The captain attempted five shots in this game, and is now up to 15 in the tournament overall, but it would not be him that grabbed the headlines.

For the second time this tournament, France benefitted from an own-goal winner as their wait for an open-play goal at Euro 2024 goes on. 

Same old problems

Both France and Belgium had underwhelming group stages, and the Red Devils struggled to up the ante as they slumped to another disappointing tournament exit.

Only Serbia (3.8%) had a poorer shot conversion rate over the first three matches than Belgium (4.2%, two goals from 48 shots, level with France).

Belgium attempted just one shot in the first half, their joint-fewest in the first half of a game at the Euros on record (since 1980), along with one versus Denmark at Euro 2020.

It was also another frustrating day for Lukaku, who has failed to find the back of the net at this tournament, missing a host of chances across his four games.

The forward managed just one shot, and only two touches in the opposition box, as he struggled to make his mark.

Manchester United have finalised the appointment of Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director, having reached an agreement with his former club Newcastle United.

Ashworth told Newcastle he wished to move to Old Trafford in February and was placed on gardening leave as the two clubs sought to do a deal.

Ashworth – who has formerly held roles with the Football Association and Brighton and Hove Albion – was reportedly willing to take Newcastle to court to force a move, but a deal has now been struck for him to join United's revamped setup.

United are entering their first pre-season under the Jim Ratcliffe regime, after the INEOS founder was given full control of football operations upon purchasing a 25% stake from the deeply unpopular Glazer family last year.

A joint statement released by the two clubs read: "Newcastle United and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the immediate release of Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations at Newcastle United. 

"The terms of this agreement remain confidential between the clubs. Newcastle United thank Dan for his services and wish him well for the future."

Ashworth will work alongside Erik ten Hag after United opted against replacing the Dutchman in the wake of their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May.

Ten Hag oversaw the Red Devils' worst-ever Premier League finish of eighth last term but is locked in negotiations over a new contract, after Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna were considered by INEOS. 

Ten Hag's coaching team is also set to be revamped before the start of 2024-25, with former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake both set to join the club.

England goalkeeper Mary Earps has joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer after leaving Manchester United.

Earps' United future had been in doubt for some time as she ran down the final 12 months of her contract last season, having previously been linked with Arsenal and PSG.

On Saturday, the Euro 2022 winner confirmed she was leaving United after five years with the club, having made 125 appearances for them across all competitions.

On Monday, her anticipated move to France was finalised as she penned a two-year deal with Les Parisiennes, who finished as Premiere Ligue runners-up to Lyon last term.

The Lionesses shot-stopper said: "Together, we’re going to give our all to help the club shine and make our fans proud. 

"I'm determined to contribute to our future success so that Paris Saint-Germain continues to rank among Europe's top clubs."

Reports have suggested United offered Earps a more lucrative wage than PSG, but her determination to compete for silverware was the primary motivation behind her move.

United finished fifth in the Women's Super League last season, though they did thrash Tottenham 4-0 in the Women's FA Cup final to lift their first major trophy.

Toronto FC must keep moving forward after their dramatic defeat to Atlanta United made it four straight losses, said John Herdman ahead of Wednesday's clash with Orlando City.

The Reds' miserable run continued on Saturday as they were beaten 2-1 by Atlanta in remarkable circumstances.

The Five Stripes' Jamal Thiare lurked behind Toronto goalkeeper Luka Gavran and stole possession from him as he went to kick the ball long, before converting into an empty net. 

Despite the nature of the result, Herdman believes their performance represented a step in the right direction, saying: "The team took a big step.

"The players were all in. You got that sense they were grinding out a result, but also had chances to win it.

"What can you say about the last goal? It's tough. I didn't have too many words. It's just gut-wrenching, but at the same time, there has got to be a response coming into the midweek game at home against Orlando. 

"We've got to keep moving forward. It's tough to take with 10 seconds left. I asked the fourth official how long was left, he said 10, I turned to walk to the bench and it was in the back of the net."

Orlando are also out of sorts, only winning one of their last seven matches (two draws, four losses), and going down 4-2 at New York City last time out.

Midfielder Dagur Dan Thorhallsson says finding a better balance out of possession will be key to changing their fortunes. 

"We've done it before and we know how to do it, but I feel like right now the balance just isn't quite there and that's something that we need to look at," he said.

"It's good that we started scoring, but now we need to stop conceding so many goals."

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Toronto FC – Federico Bernardeschi 

Bernardeschi scored his eighth goal in MLS this season – a team-high total – in last week's defeat to Atlanta. 

He has overperformed his expected goals (xG) total of 6.21 for the campaign and ranks joint-fifth in the league for total shots on target (28, alongside Andres Gomez). Can he provide the inspiration?

Orlando City – Duncan McGuire 

McGuire is Orlando's leading scorer for 2024 after netting his seventh goal of the season last time out, with that tally coming from just 12 shots on target.

MATCH PREDICTION: ORLANDO CITY WIN

Having won seven of nine matches across all competitions between late April and May 22, Toronto have now failed to win any of their last seven (two draws, five defeats).

They have lost their last four, including each of their last two at home – 1-4 versus the Chicago Fire and 1-2 against Nashville SC.

Orlando, meanwhile, have taken 12 points on the road so far this season – a tally only bettered by five Eastern Conference rivals. The Lions are also unbeaten on their last five trips to Toronto, winning on three occasions and drawing twice.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Toronto FC – 30.7%

Orlando City – 44.2%

Draw – 25.1%

Inter Miami are fortunate to have Jordi Alba, so says head coach Gerardo Martino.

Alba scored a stunning volley that ultimately proved the winner just before half-time in Saturday's 2-1 win over Nashville SC. The strike came with an expected goals (xG) value of 0.01.

That victory kept Miami top of the Eastern Conference, with a two-point lead over FC Cincinnati.

Miami face Charlotte in midweek, and with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez still away at the Copa America, Martino is glad to have such an experienced, quality player as Alba at his disposal.

"I celebrated] as should be celebrated because it was a great goal," Martino said.

"I'm not surprised because he is a player with so much quality.

"He [Alba] puts me at ease for what he gives the team and the options he gives us in attack and how well he played defensively.

"Jordi is an internationally recognised player and we're lucky to have him on our team."

Nashville dragged themselves back into the contest in the second half, and Miami ultimately relied on goalkeeper Drake Callendar to make a late save to earn all three points.

Reflecting on his side's display, Martino added: "I believe we had a very good first half, we controlled the whole thing.

"In the second half, we did not control the ball the same way as the first half, especially when Nashville had a line of three, [but] we didn't suffer.

"I think in the end we won the game rather well."

Charlotte lost 1-0 to the Houston Dynamo last time out, snapping a four-game unbeaten streak for Dean Smith's team.

They sit sixth in the Eastern Conference.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Charlotte FC - Patrick Agyemang

Agyemang leads Charlotte's scoring charts with five MLS goals. They have come from 14 shots on target, and 26 attempts overall. He will be one Miami's defence has to look out for.

Inter Miami - Julian Gressel

Gressel provided an assist for Miami's opener against Nashville. It was his 100th goal contribution in MLS.

Since he joined MLS in 2017, Gressel has provided 62 assists, with only Cincinnati's Luciano Acosta (65) setting up more goals.

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

While Miami are top of the standings, Charlotte are expected to challenge for a positive result in this one, with Opta's supercomputer ranking the draw threat highly.

Miami have won their last three away games in MLS, though, so the Herons still come into this as slight favourites.

That being said, Miami have lost their last two trips to Charlotte. In fact, last season, these teams split the record evenly over their three meetings in all competitions, with Miami winning one, Charlotte winning another and the other game drawn.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Inter Miami - 41.6%

Charlotte - 32.9%

Draw - 25.6%

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of teenage striker Marc Guiu from Barcelona, having met his €6million (£5.1m) release clause.

Guiu had one year remaining on his contract with the Blaugrana but opted to reject the offer of an extension after breaking into their senior squad last season.

The 18-year-old appeared three times in LaLiga last term, netting on his senior debut against Athletic Bilbao at the age of 17 years and 291 days last October.

Guiu, who has been capped by Spain at under-17 and under-19 level, is expected to fight for a place in Chelsea's first team under new boss Enzo Maresca. 

He has signed a five-year contract with an option for the club to extend his stay for a further 12 months.

"It's an immense joy to sign for Chelsea and I struggled to sleep ahead of the journey here because I was so excited," Guiu said. "Ever since I was small, it was my dream to play in the Premier League.

"Now I have the opportunity to come here to Chelsea and I will work my hardest to be successful for the club."

England progressed to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals by completing a late comeback against Slovakia on Sunday.

Jude Bellingham scored the Three Lions' equaliser in a 2-1 extra-time victory in Gelsenkirchen, dispatching a stunning overhead kick deep into stoppage time.

There was plenty of reaction on social media that continued into Monday, while other teams looked forward to their last-16 ties.

Here, we round up the best posts from around the tournament.

Bellingham rubbishes celebration speculation

UEFA has confirmed it will investigate Bellingham's celebration, in which he appeared to make a rude gesture in the direction of the Slovakia fans.

Bellingham, however, insists it was an "inside joke".

He also apologised for any offence caused.

"An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight," he wrote on X.

Copycats?

They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and perhaps that is how the Dutch fans will look at their lowlands neighbours, the Belgians.

Ahead of Belgium's clash with France, the Red Devils' X account shared a video of a fanpark, where their supporters were enjoying a brilliant warm-up.

It looked like everyone was having plenty of fun, and perhaps they'll be giving the Netherlands' fans - who have been the stars of the show in Germany so far - a run for their money.

Pogback

Paul Pogba is absent from Euro 2024, due to the ban he received for alleged doping.

While Pogba fights that charge, he is of course not able to be involved.

However, the 2018 World Cup winner was on hand in Dusseldorf to gee up France's supporters ahead of the clash with Belgium.

Bellingham's brilliance

While there was some controversy over his celebration, Bellingham's last-gasp equaliser for England really is worth re-living over and over again.

And that's what the official UEFA Euro 2024 X account did, sharing a slow-motion clip of that exquisite overhead kick.

Anyone know the score?

Just before Bellingham's moment of genius, Kylian Mbappe was wrapping up his pre-match press conference.

And the France star could not help but ask what the score was in the England match.

Much to his surprise, he was informed Slovakia were winning. Of course, that did not last.

Lineker defends Jude

Gary Lineker has seemingly not been the most popular figure in the England camp following his critical comments so far this tournament.

But the BBC Sport pundit was delighted that Bellingham got Gareth Southgate's team out of trouble.

He was less pleased, though, to hear UEFA were investigating his post-match celebration.

The Oranje arrive

The Netherlands take on Romania on Tuesday, and Ronald Koeman's team arrived in Munich on Monday.

Virgil van Dijk took the Oranje out for a warm-up. Will the Dutch get over the line and tee up a meeting with either Austria or Turkiye?

Aston Villa have completed the double signing of Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea from Juventus.

The duo were signed for a combined £18.6million (€22m) just one day on from Douglas Luiz's €50million move to the Italian club in a separate deal.

Iling-Junior, a product of Chelsea's academy, joined Juventus in 2020 before making his senior debut in 2022.

The 20-year-old made 27 appearances in all competitions for Juve last season, scoring once and assisting two goals and won the Coppa Italia in May.

Barrenechea was with Juventus for two years, but spent last season on loan at Frosinone, becoming a first-team regular, but could not help the side avoid relegation back to Serie B.

Villa have already had a busy transfer window, with already brought in Ian Maatsen from Chelsea and Lewis Dobbin from Everton.

Meanwhile, along with Luiz, youngsters Tim Ireogbunam and Omari Kellyman have been sold to the Toffees and the Blues respectively.

Colombia are like a "stone in the shoe" for Brazil at the Copa America, so says Bruno Guimaraes.

Brazil face Colombia in their final Group D match on Tuesday.

The Selecao, who drew 0-0 with Costa Rica but subsequently thrashed Paraguay 4-1, sit second in the group, two points behind Colombia, who have won both of their matches.

Indeed, Nestor Lorenzo's team are on a 25-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

But Guimaraes is eager to put a stop to that exceptional form.

"Colombia are a stone in our shoe which we're going to try to get out of our way in the next game," said the Newcastle United midfielder.

"They have a lot of players who can decide things individually, they're a very physical team, good to play against. This is the Brazilian national team shirt we are talking about.

"It's going to be a great test for us, a great game that we want to win to finish first (in the group). That's what is required when you wear Brazil's shirt."

While this Brazil squad is lacking superstars, Real Madrid duo Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo certainly add a sprinkle of stardust up top.

And Guimaraes believes the pair are comparable to two Selecao greats.

"Vini and Rodrygo are our Ronaldo and Ronaldinho," he said, as quoted by AS.

"Back in the days I was in love with Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Kaka. We want to bring that back with Vini and Rodrygo."

Colombia beat Brazil 2-1 in World Cup qualifying last year, with Luis Diaz scoring a brace.

And Lorenzo, whose side are already sure of their place in the quarter-finals, understands how much another victory over the nine-time Copa America champions would mean to the country.

"I know our fans are excited and who am I to [question] people's emotions," he said.

"We are also excited, so let's enjoy it."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Brazil - Vinicius Junior

Vinicius scored twice in Brazil's rout of Paraguay. Since the end of the 2022 World Cup, the Madrid star has scored three goals and provided three assists across all competitions and friendlies for his country.

He will be the player Colombia have to keep under lock and key at Levi's Stadium.

Colombia - James Rodriguez

James Rodriguez has recorded three assists so far at this tournament.

Since 2011, only Lionel Messi has provided more assists in a single edition of the Copa America (five in 2021 and four in 2016).

MATCH PREDICTION: BRAZIL WIN

Despite Colombia's excellent form, Opta's model is backing Brazil.

The Selecao, runners-up in 2021, have gone nine group stage matches without a defeat in the Copa America (six wins, three draws), marking their second-longest unbeaten streak in this phase, surpassed only by 10 unbeaten games between 1993 and 1999 (10 wins).

After seven matches without a win against Brazil in all competitions (three draws, four losses), Colombia defeated them in their last encounter, and are seeking consecutive victories against the Selecao for the first time in their history.

Brazil's defence will have to be wary, especially from set-pieces. Colombia have scored three headed goals in their two matches so far. Since these records began in 2011, no team have scored four or more goals via headers in a single edition of the competition.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Brazil - 50.9%

Colombia - 25.5%

Draw - 23.6%

Georgia's Euro 2024 breakout star Georges Mikautadze has joined Metz on a permanent basis but could yet be sold on, with West Ham, Newcastle United and other clubs reportedly interested.

Mikautadze enjoyed an excellent campaign with the major tournament debutants, who reached the last 16 but were beaten 4-1 by Spain on Sunday.

He scored three goals in the group stage, two of them from the penalty spot, and remains joint-top of the competition's goalscoring charts, alongside Germany's Jamal Musiala and Slovakia's Ivan Schranz.

The 23-year-old's strikes came from a total of 2.26 expected goals (xG) – currently the second-highest figure at the tournament behind Kai Havertz's 3.7.

His conversion rate of 50% (six shots taken), meanwhile, is the fourth-best of all players to have scored multiple goals at the competition, behind Niclas Fullkrug and Jude Bellingham (66.7%) and Schranz (60%).

Mikautadze played for Metz's youth teams before re-joining on loan from Ajax in January, in a deal containing a €10million purchase clause.

He scored 13 goals in 20 Ligue 1 appearances but was unable to prevent Metz from being relegated, losing a play-off to Saint-Etienne as the teams swapped places.

While Metz have taken up their option to make Mikautadze their player, his stay may not be a long one.

Reports suggest he could yet be sold on for a profit, with the likes of West Ham, Newcastle, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli and Monaco credited with an interest.

It is believed a fee of around €20m (£16m) could be enough to prise him away from the Stade Saint-Symphorien.

Kevin De Bruyne confirmed he was likely to stay at Manchester City for the upcoming season but said "it's hard to say what will happen" after that.

De Bruyne has one year left on his current contract but has been the subject of interest Saudi Pro League clubs in recent months.

The Belgian has enjoyed a glittering nine-year spell at City since joining from Wolfsburg in 2015, winning six Premier League titles, the Champions League, five EFL Cups, two FA Cups and the Club World Cup.

De Bruyne is currently away at Euro 2024 with Belgium preparing for their last-16 tie with France on Monday, and said he aims to get his future sorted once the tournament is over.

"I've read a lot of headlines, but I haven't spoken to anyone," De Bruyne told HLN, via The Athletic.

"I hope I can last a few more years. Everyone knows I'm under contract at City for another year. And that I haven't talked to anyone yet. I assume there will be talks with City in the next few months.

"If not, I will have to look for something else. But it's hard to say what will happen. My summer will be very quiet. I will enjoy my holidays. And then I will return to City."

De Bruyne had to make do with a more limited role as City won their fourth consecutive Premier League title, with a five-month injury lay-off restricting him to just 26 appearances in all competitions.

He still managed six goals and 18 assists in his reduced role as he remains a key part of Pep Guardiola's side, but the midfielder admitted a lucrative contract offer could sway his thinking further down the line.

"Look, I have more than enough money. I know that well enough," De Bruyne added. "If a silly amount is offered later, then that's not for me.

"That's for all my family, my friends, my children, my great-grandchildren, my children's neighbours."

Ipswich Town have signed Omari Hutchinson from Chelsea on a permanent transfer for a club-record fee, with Ben Johnson also joining from West Ham.

Hutchinson, who cost a reported £20million with add-ons, penned a four-year deal with the club, after spending last season with them on loan in the Championship.

The youngster made 50 appearances in all competitions for Ipswich, scoring 11 goals and assisting six as he helped them secure promotion to the Premier League.

Meanwhile, the Tractor Boys also confirmed the signing of Johnson on a five-year contract in a free transfer on Monday.

The defender reportedly turned down a new contract at West Ham, instead choosing to leave when his current deal expired at the end of June.

Johnson went through the Hammers' youth academy, making 109 appearances for the senior team after making his debut in 2019.

Newcastle United have confirmed the sales of youngsters Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson to Brighton and Nottingham Forest respectively.

The Magpies needed sales by the end of their accounting year (June 30) in order to comply with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR).

A breach of the PSR would likely have resulted in a points deduction in the 2024-25 campaign.

Numerous clubs were interested in Minteh, who thrived on loan at Feyenoord last season. A deal to Everton, which would have included Dominic Calvert-Lewin heading to St James' Park, was mooted, but Brighton have sealed the signing of the 19-year-old on a five-year contract.

Minteh, who has cost the Seagulls a reported £33million, scored 10 goals and provided five assists in 27 Eredivisie appearances for Feyenoord last season, while only five players in the Netherlands' top tier attempted more dribbles than his 123.

Anderson, meanwhile, has joined Forest, who along with Everton were hit with a points deduction last season for breaching the PSR. 

The 21-year-old came through Newcastle's academy and made 55 appearances for the Magpies in all competitions.

Anderson has penned a five-year deal at the City Ground, with Newcastle recouping a reported £35m for the midfielder, who is yet to score a Premier League goal.

Goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, meanwhile, has moved from Forest to Newcastle in a separate transaction.

Newcastle also reportedly offered star winger Anthony Gordon to Liverpool as they desperately scrambled to bring their losses back within the allowed, £105m limit over a three-year period.

On Monday, reports emerged that Manchester United had struck a deal for a compensation package with Newcastle for their former sporting director Dan Ashworth, who had been on gardening leave since expressing his desire to join the Red Devils earlier this year.