Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been given a seven-match domestic ban by the Football Association for using a racial slur about team-mate Son Heung-min.

Bentancur, who has also been fined £100,000 and ordered to take part in a mandatory face-to-face education programme, was charged by the FA in September after comments made while appearing on TV in his home country of Uruguay in June.

“Rodrigo Bentancur denied this charge, but the independent regulatory commission found it to be proven and imposed his sanctions following a hearing,” said an FA statement.

The 27-year-old will not return to domestic action until 26 December, missing Premier League matches against Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea, among others, plus Spurs’ League Cup quarter-final against Manchester United.

He will still be available for Tottenham’s Europa League matches.

Bentancur has played 15 times for Tottenham this season and scored his first goal of the campaign in a defeat by Ipswich on 11 November.

The incident happened in his own time and so, as he plays in England, fell under the jurisdiction of the FA – unlike the situation involving Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

Fernandez was on international duty when he posted a video – which the French Football Federation (FFF) said included an alleged “racist and discriminatory” chant – of Argentina celebrating winning the Copa America, and is being investigated by world governing body Fifa.

England captain Harry Kane says the 2026 Fifa World Cup may not be his last international tournament.

The 31-year-old’s future remains uncertain, despite extending his all-time scoring record to 69 goals in 103 appearances for his country when he scored the opener in the 5-0 win against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.

England interim manager Lee Carsley benched Kane for the 3-0 victory in Greece on Thursday, while he was criticised for his performances at Euro 2024.

But when asked if the next World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, would be his last shot at glory with England, the Bayern Munich striker told PA: “I don’t think so.

“I think there’s a perception when you get to your 30s that you’re coming to an end, but for me I’m performing at the highest level I’ve ever performed and feel as good as I’ve ever felt, so it’s about taking in the moment.

“I don’t like to look too far ahead and in my career, I never have, the [2026] World Cup is going to be exciting.

“In America it will be an incredible occasion and ultimately it’s about trying to win that, looking at where you are, where to improve and it will be no different in a couple of years.”

Kane was speaking at the unveiling of a statue and a mural of him at the Peter May Sports Centre in east London, where he began playing as a five-year-old for Ridgeway Rovers.

“It’s pretty special to be honest,” Kane told BBC Newsround.

“I played on these pitches as a five-year-old with dreams of playing for England, and I’ve been lucky enough to achieve that.

“Hopefully the boys and girls will walk past and be inspired by the story of my journey, my life and hard work.”

When asked what it would take to get a statue of him at Wembley Stadium, he added: “I think we need to win a major tournament.”

England will look to do that under Thomas Tuchel, who will begin his 18-month contract as manager on 1 January after Carsley’s temporary spell.

Kane played under Tuchel at Bayern last season and is confident the German can end the Three Lions’ trophy drought.

“He’s a fantastic coach and a really good guy as well,” he said. “I’m excited to work with him again.

“I know he’ll bring bundles of energy, and come March we’ll be focused on America and the World Cup, and that’s an exciting prospect to look forward to.”

England will find out their World Cup qualifying opponents on 13 December, with the first games scheduled to take place in March.

BBC

England right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold is dating an Instagram model months after his split from Jude Law’s daughter.

The Liverpool star has even whisked 23-year-old influencer Estelle Behnke on a £6,000-a-night getaway.

They were seen together days ago as they enjoyed a 2½-hour meal at celeb haunt Cibo in Hale, Cheshire.

Earlier in the day, the £180,000-per-week footballer was seen visiting Christmas markets in Manchester’s city centre.

Trent, 26, had been called up to the England squad for the latest Nations League matches, but withdrew on Monday due to injury.

Footballer Trent Alexander-Arnold and Estlle Behnke were seen together at celeb haunt Cibo in Hale, CheshireCredit: mancpicss66

Last month, he and Estelle took a romantic trip to the five-star Soho Farmhouse in the Cotswolds.

Eagle-eyed fans noticed the pair had tagged themselves in separate posts from the private members’ club.

A source told The Sun: “It’s very early days but they are officially dating — they seem really into each other. Trent hasn’t been single long and is enjoying spending time with Estelle.

“They’re just really enjoying each other’s company and seem quite smitten.”

Estelle on her InstagramCredit: instagram/Estelle Behnke

Trent started liking Estelle’s Instagram posts from her jet-set lifestyle on October 17, a month after his split from model and actress Iris Law — the daughter of Jude and actress Sadie Frost.

They had dated for five months after meeting on a Guess Jeans photoshoot.

A pal insisted there is “no bad blood” between Iris and Real Madrid target Trent, but added: “Being a Wag was never really going to be her bag.”

TheSun UK