Jack Grealish scored his first goal in over a year and James McAtee delivered a stunning second-half hat-trick as Manchester City demolished League Two side Salford City in the FA Cup third round. The 7-0 victory was City’s biggest win since January 2019.

Grealish opened the scoring in the 49th minute with a calm penalty after being fouled, jokingly deferring to usual spot-kick taker Erling Haaland, who was rested on the bench. This marked Grealish’s first goal since December 16, 2023, when he netted against Crystal Palace, ending a prolonged struggle for form.

Twenty minutes later, Grealish passed penalty duties to Belgian winger Jeremy Doku, who confidently converted. Doku, instrumental throughout, set the tone for the dominant performance, helping City capitalize on their first-ever competitive meeting with Salford City, a club owned by Manchester United’s famous “Class of ’92.”

City’s youth players made the most of their opportunities. Divin Mubama, making his debut, tapped in Matheus Nunes’ precise low cross to claim his first senior goal. Nico O’Reilly also opened his City account, firing a low shot into the far corner from Doku’s cut-back.

The star of the match, however, was James McAtee. The England Under-21 midfielder, often overlooked this season, stole the spotlight with a clinical hat-trick. His first came in the 62nd minute, courtesy of another Doku assist. McAtee completed his treble within 19 minutes, with Phil Foden and Jack Grealish providing the setups for his second and third goals, respectively.

With key players rested, Pep Guardiola’s side showed their depth and quality, dominating possession and dismantling a Salford team that struggled to cope with the Premier League giants’ intensity.

Didier Deschamps, the longest-serving manager of the French national football team, has confirmed he will step down after the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The 56-year-old manager has led France since 2012, achieving remarkable success during his tenure.

Deschamps, a World Cup winner both as a player and manager, stated his decision in an interview with French broadcaster TF1. “In 2026 it will be over. In my head, it’s very clear,” he said. “I’ve done my time, with the same desire and passion to maintain France at the highest level. One has to be able to say stop; there’s a life after this.”

Under Deschamps’ guidance, France has consistently remained one of the world’s top teams:

• Led Les Bleus to their second World Cup title with a 4-2 victory over Croatia in Moscow.
• Reached the final in Qatar, narrowly losing to Argentina in a penalty shootout after a dramatic 3-3 draw.
• Took France to the final on home soil, where they were defeated by Portugal in extra time.
• Secured the title with a victory over Spain.

Deschamps’ journey as France’s manager began after their quarter-final exit at Euro 2012. He succeeded Laurent Blanc and quickly re-established France as a football powerhouse, qualifying for the 2014 World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals.

The former midfielder also achieved historic milestones as a player, winning the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 while captaining his country. He is one of only three individuals—alongside Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer—to win the World Cup as both player and manager.

France’s journey to the 2026 World Cup will begin after their Nations League quarter-final against Croatia in March, which will determine their qualifying group. Deschamps emphasized his commitment to maintaining France’s status as a football giant during his final years in charge.

“I want France to stay at the top as they have been for many years,” he said.

Somerset all-rounder Archie Vaughan, son of former England Test captain Michael Vaughan, will lead the England Under-19 cricket team during their upcoming tour of South Africa. The tour, starting on January 17, includes three youth one-day internationals and two youth Tests against South Africa Under-19s.

Archie Vaughan, 19, expressed his excitement about the role. “I found out I was going to be captain during the training camp before Christmas, and it was a very special moment,” he said. “Representing England at this level is special in itself, but leading the team is something else.”

Vaughan, who signed his first professional contract with Somerset in May, had a standout season in 2023. He played four first-class and seven List A matches, averaging 33.71 with the bat in the County Championship. His off-spin also impressed, with 15 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls.

Archie follows in the footsteps of his father, Michael Vaughan, one of England’s most successful Test captains. Michael led England to a historic Ashes victory in 2005 and won 26 of his 51 Tests as captain.

“If someone had told me 12 months ago that I’d be captaining the Under-19s and playing in the Somerset first team, I wouldn’t have believed them,” Archie said. “It’s happened quickly, but I’ll keep my feet on the ground and work harder.”

Vaughan made his Somerset debut in the same week 16-year-old Rocky Flintoff, son of former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, debuted for Lancashire. While Rocky Flintoff was part of the England Under-19 training camp in South Africa, he has since been promoted to the England Lions squad for their tour of Australia, starting January 14.