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Pep Guardiola stated Jack Grealish was excluded from Manchester City’s Club World Cup squad following honest discussions but claimed he could stay at City and return as the player who helped claim the treble.

In 35 appearances for City last term Grealish made only 16 starts, with six of these in the league, the 29-year-old’s drop in status underlined by him being an unused replacement in the 1-0 FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace. Guardiola was asked why he left Grealish off City’s bid to claim the inaugural 32-team cup, which begins against Wydad AC at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field on Wednesday at midday local time.

“He had a conversation with the club and [we] decided [what was for] the best,” said Guardiola. “Jack is an exceptional player. The only reason why he didn’t play last season is of course my decision. We decide that he has to play. The club was honest, he was honest. Incredible love and respect [for him] and we decide the best is to stay [behind] and have a place [at home] that he can feel like he can come back to be the player like he was in the year of the treble or all his career in Aston Villa.

“Without him it would have been more difficult in the year of the treble [2022-2023]. The fact is in the last two seasons he didn’t play much minutes. He has to come back to play and have the butterflies in his stomach that he can play every three days and show again the quality he has.”

Guardiola was asked if this meant away from City. “I don’t know,” the Catalan said. “Now we decide don’t come here and what happens I don’t know in the end. If we don’t find [another solution], he’s a player for Man City and he will be back.”

Last season City’s captain, Kyle Walker, left on loan in January. Guardiola hinted this was one reason why he has decided a captaincy pool of Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias for the tournament rather than letting the players vote on it as usual.

“For the first time in my career I decided it would be my captain – I didn’t like what happened last season,” Guardiola said. “Sometimes I want to be the boss, and this season I decided to do it, so I chose the four captains and at the end of the season, this [Club] World Cup, maybe we will choose one or two more.”

He said Erling Haaland will one day be the captain: “He’s so young. But he has to learn what it means to be a captain because he will hopefully be here for many years and sooner or later he will take that position.

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“When you have Bernardo, Rodri, Ruben and Gundogan he will learn. He’s incredibly well respected. I have the feeling thinking for the future that he needs to learn what is best for the team. To put the team, your mates, in front of you. You have to ask what is best for the team. When you do that you never make a mistake.”

The 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup rolls on with a debut matchup on Wednesday. Mexico and Suriname will face off for the first time in Gold Cup history at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Despite the two sides previously facing each other across different events, the Gold Cup competition is already proving to be a different beast.

Mexico are coming off a 3-2 win against the Dominican Republic to open their group play. El Tri are considered a favorite to win the tournament but are currently in second place in Group A behind Costa Rica with a lesser goal differential. Suriname was on the losing side of a thrilling 4-3 group opener against Costa Rica and will try to bounce back in matchday two.

El Tri can secure their place in the Gold Cup quarterfinals with a win against Suriname on Wednesday and a Costa Rica victory over the Dominican Republic.

Here are storylines, how you can watch the match and more:

How to watch and odds

• Date: Saturday, June 18 | Time: 10 p.m. ET
• Location: AT&T Stadium — Arlington, Texas
• TV: FS1 | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
• Odds: Mexico – 900; Draw +700; Suriname +2100

Last meeting

Mexico lead the all-time series with three wins and have outscored Suriname 13-1. The pair of teams first met in 1978 during a World Cup qualifier and El Tri delivered a dominant 8-1 victory. The two most recent meetings were during Concacaf Nations League fixtures. The first came in 2022, a 3-0 win for El Tri, and later in 2023, a 2-0 victory.

Predicted lineups

Suriname: Etienne Vaessen; Anfernee Dijksteel, Liam Van Gelderen, Dion Malone, Shaquille Pinas, Ridgeciano Haps; Jean-Paul Boëtius, Kenneth Paal, Richonell Margaret; Gyrano Kerk, Gleofilo Vlijter

Mexico: Angel Malagon; Jorge Sanchez, Israel Reyes, Cesar Montes, Jesus Gallardo; Oberlin Pineda, Edson Alvarez, Erik Lira, Alexis Vega; Raul Jimenez, Santiago Gimenez

Players to watch

Santiago Giménez, Mexico: Another tournament, another chance for Giménez to try and fight off the “he can’t do it on the national team” allegations. He managed to connect with Raul Jimenez on a goal against the Dominican Republic (his 40th all-time for Mexico), and now he’ll have to show he can score for El Tri in national team competition. 

Gleofilo Vlijter, Suriname: The attacker is one of the more notable Caribbean strikers and is Suriname’s leading goal scorer. He was shut out against Costa Rica and will aim for his first goal of the tournament in match two. If he can get the service inside the box he’ll be a threat against Mexico with his physicality, aerial ability, and clinical finishing. 

Storylines to watch

Mexico: El Tri head coach Javier Aguirre has tried to shift some things tactically for the Gold Cup, playing with two strikers in Jimenez and Gimenez. While the group picked up its first group win, Agurrie was cautiously critical of some player performances in match one. The long-time manager said he wouldn’t “say names” to the media regarding players he wants to see more from, but if Gimenez and Jimenez can continue their chemistry build, it might be time to reevaluate. 

Suriname: Manager Stanley Menzo can hardly be dissatisfied with his roster’s efforts despite their 4-3 loss against Costa Rica, but the group has made things more difficult on themselves in a tricky group. They took a one-goal lead past the hour mark but could not manage the remainder of the game as Costa Rica snatched all three points on a stoppage-time penalty. The gut punch will have to motivate them.  

Prediction

Suriname were just minutes away from a group stage upset, so will that be the matchday two motivation they need to pull it off? Perhaps a litmus test for Surname’s rise, it’s also an opportunity for El Tri to silence any doubters after a slower start to their goal scoring and some questionable defense in the group opener. This will hardly be a blowout for either side, but there will be a winner with little room for error. Pick: Mexico 2, Suriname 1

Latest news

– LA protests lead Mexico national team to switch hotels ahead of Gold Cup

– What Donald Trump’s travel ban means for FIFA World Cup, Club World Cup, and Gold Cup

– Catch up: 2025 Gold Cup predictions, on track or way off?

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England forward Alessia Russo says she prefers to stay off social media during major tournaments because of how “damaging” abuse can be.

The 26-year-old was speaking about the issue alongside her Lionesses teammates as they prepare for their European Championship defence in Switzerland next month.

Their comments come after British women’s tennis number one Katie Boulter spoke to BBC Sport about abuse and death threats she has received online,

Manchester United midfielder Grace Clinton 22, says she will try and stay away from social media to avoid a “toxic environment” while Chelsea forward Lauren James said “the abuse never really stops”.

“I think every player might have a different story about that side of the game but it’s definitely one that can be really damaging,” said Arsenal forward Russo, 26.

“I have faced it in the past and I think most players here have. When I was younger I probably got sucked into it more.

“I read it more than I should have and listened to it more than I should have. The only opinions that matter are my team-mates, my coaches and my family.

“In my first Euros I was on social media and I would have a look, have a scroll, and I got caught in a trap sometimes.

“Going into the World Cup, I completely came off everything and I had people to run my Instagram. I just focused on the tournament.

“It’s personal preference and whatever works for the team. Staying away from it and staying focused as a team is what works for me.”

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, James discussed abuse she received, saying: “Sometimes it’s not even to do with my performance, even when someone loses at Fifa [EA Sports FC video game], my card scores against them and they’re sending me abuse.

“I guess when it’s your first time though, maybe it might touch someone but I’m used to it, I’m going to just brush it off my shoulder.”

Chelsea midfielder Kiera Walsh told 5 Live she no longer uses social media, while club teammate Lucy Bronze added: “People write horrible things and obviously our families read it as well and it can be upsetting if you see something that’s not very nice.

“Social media is amazing in one way and absolutely awful in another way. I think most of us have been off at some point.”

Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone said that while she will still uses Instagram during the tournament, she will respect the decision of any team-mate who decides to keep off social media while in Switzerland.

“I know other people turn their phones off. We have that conversation and all know how each other wants to go through the tournament,” she said.

“If I see something on Instagram I’m not going to tell someone or blurt it out to the team because they don’t want to see it. I think it’s a personal preference.”

Having experienced online abuse as a young player, both her and Russo want to help younger players in the squad deal with it.

“I think from experiences me and Alessia have had in the past, we’ve always been the people that want to make sure the younger or less experienced players coming into the squad feel relaxed and feel OK,” Toone added.

“We have such a talented squad. We have bags of talent coming into their first tournament so we want to make sure they are at ease and feel confident within themselves.”

NEW YORK — NEW YORK (AP) — Bruce Springsteen’s new project, “Tracks II: The Lost Albums,” is entirely about that age-old question: What if?

The box set, out June 27, comprises seven albums encompassing the period between 1983 and 2018, all but one he prepared to release in its time but ultimately shelved. Now that he’s decided to drop them simultaneously, they offer a fascinating alternative story of his musical life.

Building on its predecessor “Tracks,” 1998’s four-disc, 66-song collection of unreleased material, there are 83 songs here. While some slipped out on other projects — “My Hometown” and “Secret Garden” among them — the vast majority hadn’t been heard publicly. This is all fully completed material, not half-baked or half-finished outtakes. It’s not unusual for artists to leave songs — or even full-lengths — on the cutting-room floor, but multiple entire albums? Springsteen explains that he’s taken care releasing albums, looking to build a narrative arc for his career, and believes this approach has served him well.

Perhaps as a result, the most interesting work on “Tracks II” comes when he stretches out and explores pathways not in his wheelhouse: countrypolitan Bruce, border-town Bruce, Burt Bacharach-inspired Bruce and a set of synthesizer-based songs modeled after his Oscar-winning “Streets of Philadelphia.” Oddly, the one disc of strays cobbled together that feels most like an E Street Band record is the least compelling.

Since these are seven distinct albums, it’s worth evaluating them that way.

“LA Garage Sessions ’83” captures Springsteen working virtually alone at a home in the Hollywood Hills. It was squarely in between his “Nebraska” and “Born in the USA” albums, and he seems torn between those two approaches. There are character studies here, and more lighthearted fare like “Little Girl Like You,” with a single man yearning to settle down. The most striking cut is “The Klansman,” about a boy and his racist father, yet it cries out for more development. Ultimately, Springsteen chose the right albums to release at the time.

The song “Streets of Philadelphia” was a genuine departure musically, and Springsteen decided to make an album in the same vein, with synthesizers and drum loops the dominant elements. If released in the early 1990s, this would have been the most contemporary-sounding disc of his career, with atmospherics that occasionally recall U2. Springsteen pulled it at the last minute, reasoning that the stories of doomed relationships — sample lyric: “We loved each other like a disease” — was too much like “Tunnel of Love.”

At the same time he recorded “The Ghost of Tom Joad” in 1995, Springsteen also convened a country band steered by pedal steel player Marty Rifkin. Their work was terrific, led by the one-two punch of “Repo Man” and the Johnny Rivers cover, “Poor Side of Town.” The title cut to a disc he calls “Somewhere North of Nashville” escaped into the public some two decades later. Since the somber “Joad” won a Grammy, who are we to second-guess his choice of what to put out? “Nashville,” though, is a rollicking good time.

“Inyo” is similar to “Joad” and “Devils & Dust,” mostly acoustic-based narratives, here many of them stories of the Southwest. Springsteen even appropriately brings in mariachi bands for “Adelita” and “The Lost Charro.” Soozie Tyrell’s violin is notable, particularly on the majestic “When I Build My Beautiful House.” We’re guessing that Springsteen may have considered “Inyo” one album too many in the same style, but it’s still strong work.

At one point Springsteen considered making “Western Stars,” his salute to early 1970s California songwriting, a double album. When he didn’t, the songs on “Twilight Hours” were left behind. Here Bacharach is the primary influence, and this almost feels like Elvis Costello’s collaboration with Burt, only without him (and is the lyric “God give me strength” a hat-tip to that project?). The crooning Bruce of “Sunday Love” is spellbinding, maybe the box’s best song. “Lonely Town” sits at the intersection of Bacharach and Roy Orbison, while “Dinner at Eight” is a lovely sum-up. “Twilight Hours” may startle Springsteen fans — and impress them, too.

The workmanlike songs on “Faithless” were written on commission in two weeks, the soundtrack to a movie that was never made. It’s a good bet it would have been a moody Western.

When Springsteen duels with Tom Morello on the song “Another Thin Line,” you realize how little you’ve heard his electric guitar on “Tracks II.” The album “Perfect World” is the one here made up of leftovers from different periods, with the greatest E Street Band participation. Here’s the deal, though: Most good E Street Band material has already been released. The best left behind for this disc is “You Lifted Me Up,” with minimalist lyrics and a vocal collaboration with Patti Scialfa and Steve Van Zandt.

The box gives Springsteen completists plenty to mull over, and you can question whether these “lost discs” would get more attention released separately instead of together. If it’s too much, he’s releasing a 20-song set of its highlights.

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David Bauder writes about the intersection of media and entertainment for the AP. Follow him at http://x.com/dbauder and https://bsky.app/profile/dbauder.bsky.social.

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For more AP reviews of recent music releases, visit https://apnews.com/hub/music-reviews.

Businessman Sunjay Kapur, once married to actress Karisma Kapoor, sadly passed away on 12 June at the age of 53 after suffering a heart attack. As reported by ANI, this tragic incident happened just hours after he accidentally swallowed a bee during a polo match, according to business consultant Suhel Seth.Though many knew him from his high-profile marriage to Karisma, Sunjay’s later life was spent with model and actress Priya Sachdev.Sunjay and Karisma’s relationshipSunjay Kapur and Karisma Kapoor got married in 2003, in what was seen as one of the biggest Bollywood weddings of that time. The couple had two children together—Samaira, born on 11 March 2005, and Kiaan, born on 12 March 2011. However, by 2014, things started to fall apart. The couple filed for divorce that year and officially ended their marriage in 2016. Not long after, Sunjay found love again with Delhi-based model Priya Sachdev.Finding love again with Priya SachdevIn 2017, Sunjay married Priya Sachdev. The couple welcomed their son, Azarias, and started a new life together. Priya, who was known in Delhi’s social circle, seemed to have brought calm and joy into Sunjay’s life.Back in 2021, she posted a heart-touching message for their anniversary: “Happy Anniversary, my handsome husband. Love you unconditionally… I always knew you could run, but together we fly! With you, life has been filled with laughter, happiness, excitement, adventure, and madness! You complete me, my better half…thank you for always being there for me and, most importantly, for us!Priya Sachdev: A loving wife and motherPriya’s X (formerly Twitter) bio proudly stated her love and lifestyle: “Yoga junkie, love to travel, play the piano.” Believe in love and all things healthy. Mother and married to @sunjaykapur.”Her Instagram also reflected her happy family life. Full of festive family pictures and heartwarming moments, her posts showed a close-knit bond between her, Sunjay, and their children. She once shared a family photo wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.Despite Sunjay’s past with Karisma, Priyan never ignored the bond with Sunjay’s children from his previous marriage. She often posted pictures of her son Azarias sharing happy moments with his half-siblings, Samaira and Kiaan.