Mamadou Sylla

Wayne Rooney signs up to BBC forfeit if England World Cup quarter-final scenario plays out

Wayne Rooney has promised to perform Norway's iconic row if they beat Brazil and reach the quarter-finals and end up potentially facing England. The Manchester United and England icon vowed to do the Viking Row in the River Mersey in the North West should they stun the record holders. Erling Haaland scored the winner late on as the Europeans edged past Ivory Coast in Dallas. Antonio Nusa broke the deadlock to give Stale Solbakken's side the lead on the stroke of half-time but United's Amad scored a wonderful solo effort to restore parity. The game looked set to head to extra-time but Haaland was on hand to steer home his 60th goal for Norway , becoming the fastest ever international talisman to reach that landmark. BBC presenter Gabby Logan joked that Rooney had been practicing the post-match ritual, which has become a breakout star from this summer's World Cup, and the pundit made a promise if Norway reach the last eight. "They're preparing to do their iconic row. Wayne has been practicing; he hasn't promised to deliver it tonight, but before the end of the tournament. If Norway end up beating Brazil, there is a possibility, if England get through, they'd face England," Logan said. Rooney replied: "If Norway get to the quarter-finals, I will go in the River Mersey and I'll row down it." Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now! As the Icelandic clap did at Euro 2016, Norway's Viking Row has taken the World Cup by storm with supporters stealing the show with the phenomenon. It has since gone mainstream with Martin Odegaard leading the orchestra post-match while Ryder Cup star Viktor Hovland broke out into his own rendition during his Traveller's Championship PGA Tour event win last weekend. Traditionally, it starts with the blowing of a traditional Norse horn before everyone sits down on the floor in a formation resembling a Viking longboat. The leader bangs a drum, which has become the fabric of the chant at the World Cup across North America. The drum starts slowly at first and quickens with every beat while the fans row their arms back in unison and chant, "row". Rooney, who has been a regular for BBC since being relieved of his duties as Birmingham City manager in 2024, says he will perform the action in the River Mersey, a major river in the North West, should they beat Brazil. The 40-year-old will learn his fate after the showdown on July 5 (8pm kick-off) when the two nations showdown at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Rooney may be hoping that Haaland doesn't stun Carlo Ancelotti's side and book their place in the last-eight. But should the FIFA-ranked 31st nation in the world do so, the Everton academy graduate may be relieved that he will be forced to honour his bet in the summer and not in the winter when the temperatures of the Mersey waters plummet. In doing so, he wouldn't be the first member of the BBC Sport broadcast team to fulfil a promise after Gary Lineker presented Match of the Day in his boxers after Leicester City's famous Premier League triumph in 2016. Logan said: "You heard that here first! It's not exactly presenting Match of the Day in your underpants, but I think it's a fairly good thing to commit to. I'm pretty sure we'll hold you to that as well."

2026-06-30

Manchester United team vs Sunderland predicted as Carrick makes changes with Sesko call made

Manchester United have three games remaining in the Premier League season. United secured Champions League football last weekend but the Reds will want to finish the campaign on a high. Michael Carrick hinted on Thursday that changes could be made to give some fringe players an opportunity to impress. However, a raft of changes is unlikely. Lisandro Martinez is back from his three-match suspension and could start. Harry Maguire has not let Carrick down this season and should keep his spot. Ayden Heaven has done nothing wrong but Carrick could be tempted to pair Leny Yoro with the experienced defender. Yoro was playing well up until his injury and deserves a run-out against Sunderland. Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw have nailed down the full-back positions. Click here to find out the latest Manchester United news in our daily newsletter Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo will start in midfield. The Brazil international is in the last stretch of his farewell tour and deserves to start every game, fitness dependent. Attacking midfield is where changes are more likely. Bruno Fernandes is still on the hunt for the assist record and he is the key to this United team. Benjamin Sesko had to be taken off after colliding with the advertising hoarding against Liverpool and Carrick said after the game United were being careful with him. This makes him the obvious option to drop out. Bryan Mbeumo could then move from right wing to centre-forward. He has done well in that role previously and after struggling for form recently, a return up top could be just what is needed. Amad's mistake gave Liverpool a route back into last weekend's game. He needs to play his way out of this form and a return to a stadium that holds happy memories for him could get him back on track. Matheus Cunha will start on the left ahead of Patrick Dorgu. United predicted XI vs Sunderland: Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha, Mbeumo

2026-05-09