Carlo Ancelotti has refused to rule out a fairytale return to the Brazil national team for veteran defender Thiago Silva ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Despite the centre-back now being 41 years old, the Italian tactician believes quality and experience far outweigh any numbers found on a passport. Age is just a number for Ancelotti Thiago Silva has not featured for the Selecao since the heartbreaking quarter-final exit against Croatia at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. However, with the next global tournament fast approaching, Ancelotti has sparked speculation that the veteran could be set for one last dance on the international stage. The former Real Madrid boss was full of praise for the defender, who joined Porto in January and has featured nine times for the Portuguese giants. Speaking to French outlet LEquipe, Ancelotti insisted that he does not discriminate against older players if they are still performing at the highest level. He used his current midfield maestro at the Bernabeu as a prime example of longevity in the modern game. The Modric and Maldini blueprints Ancelotti is no stranger to managing legendary figures who defy the ageing process. Having coached some of the greatest names in football history, the Italian pointed to icons he has worked with at AC Milan and Real Madrid to justify a potential recall for the former Chelsea and PSG star. He firmly believes that talent has no expiration date if the player maintains their physical condition. The Brazil coach explained his philosophy clearly, stating: "I never look at the date of birth on the passport. All Brazilian players can aspire to be on the list for the World Cup. It doesn't matter if he is 41 years old. If he deserves to be there, he will be. Age is not a problem. See Paolo Maldini, who was almost 39 when he won a Champions League final, or Luka Modric, who is 40 today." A future on the touchline Beyond his current capabilities on the pitch, Ancelotti also touched upon Thiago Silvas intellectual approach to the game. The defender has already begun making plans for life after his playing career, previously telling ESPN about his studies to obtain coaching badges. It is a transition that his former Milan manager believes will be seamless given Silva's tactical discipline and work ethic. Ancelotti was quick to tip the 41-year-old for success in the dugout once he finally decides to hang up his boots. "Thiago will be a great coach, of that I have no doubt. He has experience, worked with some really brilliant coaches during his career, and I'm not talking about me," he said with a smile. "And he works very hard... I am very happy to know that I managed to inspire some of them..." The final push for World Cup glory With Brazil looking to end their long wait for a sixth world title, the inclusion of a seasoned veteran like Silva could provide the leadership and composure required in knockout football. While the squad has seen an influx of young talent recently, Ancelotti admitted that the emergence of new players only "increases the doubt" when it comes to finalising a selection, leaving the door wide open for experience to play a part. If Silva were to make the cut, he would become one of the oldest players to ever feature in a World Cup. For now, the defender remains a viable option in Ancelotti's eyes, proving that as long as the performance levels remain high, the dream of representing the yellow and green of Brazil remains alive, regardless of age.

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Alejandro Garnacho has scored eight goals and delivered four assists in all competitions for Chelsea this season [Getty Images]Alejandro Garnacho has multiple tattoos depicting Stranger Things - his favourite show. But unlike many of its characters, he is being forced to wait for his comingofage journey.The Argentine, 21, is struggling to stand out among the cast at Stamford Bridge, having been linked with a transfer and drawing criticism for a lack of output in attack and switching off defensively.Garnacho has started only seven of Liam Rosenior's first 20 games in charge, with opportunities often coming in cup games against lesser opposition such as Pafos, Charlton, Hull City and Wrexham.So what's happening with the winger, signed for 40m from Manchester United last summer, and can he still realise his potential at Stamford Bridge?A new plot in west LondonGarnacho simply answered "no" when asked in December whether he had any regrets about the manner of his Manchester United exit, having left under a cloud.In a recent interview with Premier League Productions, he said he "loved" United, had only good memories of his time there, and reflected on scoring for them in the 2024 FA Cup final success over Manchester City, who visit Chelsea on Sunday.However, Garnacho also addressed the controversy surrounding his departure."I remember that, in the last six months, I was not playing like before at Manchester United," he said. "I started to be on the bench. It's not such a bad thing - I was only 20 years old - but in my mind it was like I had to play every game."In my mind, maybe it was also on me. I started to do some bad things. But it was just a moment in life and sometimes you have to make decisions. I am really proud to be here [at Chelsea] and still in the Premier League at a club like this."About United, I have nothing wrong to say about the club, anyone at the club or my team-mates. It was just a moment that changed and life continues. I have no regrets."The controversies he referred to included accusations of ill-discipline, a lack of professionalism and a series of public social media posts by him and his brother. These issues contributed to his exit under former boss Ruben Amorim, with Garnacho running down his contract and securing a move to Chelsea.Since arriving Stamford Bridge, the forward has repeatedly said he is "happy here", praising vicecaptain and compatriot Enzo Fernandez as being "like my dad", having spoken in the same way about United captain Bruno Fernandes. He has acknowledged the need to improve quietly on the training pitch and has been working in detail on his defensive output.The door remains open for a lateseason impact, with rival leftwing option Jamie Gittens sidelined for three months because of recurring hamstring injuries.And, despite it not being reflected in team selections, boss Rosenior praised Garnacho last month when he said: "He's got huge ability and potential. For any young player, the biggest thing to be challenged on is consistency."But he's shown really good signs - not just in training, but in meetings - that he's on a really good track."Asked why opposition fans often boo Garnacho, he added: "Maybe it's because people judge a book by its cover."Garnacho told Premier League Productions this week he was aware some people think he is "arrogant" and his bleached blond hair and tattoos attract comments both "good and bad", but he is just a "normal boy".In terms of a mooted move this summer, Chelsea deny any decisions have been made, despite links to a loan stint with Argentine giants River Plate.That said, Garnacho cost 40m and is not among the club's highest earners, making him affordable for many European sides, while Chelsea also have plans to add another attacker alongside Sporting's Geovany Quenda, who was signed in March 2025 to join once this season is over.It means some of the current squad will inevitably be sold this summer.'A lot more to come'Garnacho's best moment this term came in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at home to Arsenal, when he struck twice as his side were beaten 3-2, eventually losing the tie 4-2 on aggregate.He is averaging one goal every 4.6 games - a slight improvement on his return of one every 5.5 games for Manchester United across all competitions.Eight goals and four assists in 37 appearances this season is a reasonable tally. However, a return of just one strike in 20 Premier League appearances, across 1,122 minutes, while underperforming his expectedgoals figure of 3.11 from 28 shots, paints a less encouraging picture.Garnacho has also been criticised for switching off at set-pieces and failing to track back when Chelsea conceded in league defeats by Brentford, Bournemouth and West Ham.Additionally, the Madridborn player - part of Argentina's Copa Americawinning squad in 2024 - has not added to his eight international caps since moving to Stamford Bridge.Garnacho acknowledges he has yet to reach his peak and added: "There is a lot more to come, this is just the start. "I joined two months after the rest without pre-season, then you need time to adapt to a different club and a different place."Sometimes the first season is harder but I will work very hard in the games we have left. "I will try to be ready from the start in pre-season because I know what I can do and that's the most important thing to have the confidence in the player I can be. "Of course, in football you have to show it and that's what I have to do."Yet the statistics suggest Garnacho is hardly moving forward quickly following the early promise of his Manchester United debut at the age of 17 against Chelsea in 2022.As with Stranger Things, there is an element of nostalgia to his story. Another one of his tattoos is from another television series, Prison Break - and he is still waiting to feel the freedom to perform and for his talent to truly break out.Latest Chelsea news, analysis and fan viewsAsk about Chelsea - what do you want to know?

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The 2026 World Cup lineup has been finalised, with 48 nations securing their places while 163 countries fell short in their qualification bids.Italy's absence marks the most striking omission from the tournament. The four-time world champions suffered a heartbreaking exit last month, losing on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final.This defeat extends the Azzurri's extraordinary World Cup drought to three consecutive tournaments, an unprecedented low point for one of football's most decorated nations.TRENDINGStoriesVideosYour SayBeyond Italy, the European qualification process also saw Wales and Northern Ireland miss out on the tournament, alongside Denmark, Poland, Serbia, Greece, and Hungary.African football will be without some of its traditional powerhouses, with Nigeria and Cameroon among 43 nations from the continent who failed to book their passage to the finals.Jamaica's hopes ended in the inter-confederation play-off, where they were defeated by DR Congo in the final match.South American nations Chile, Peru, and Venezuela were also eliminated, while Asia saw China, India, and the United Arab Emirates fall short of qualification.GB News has built a starting 11-squad from some of the biggest stars who will be absent in North America. Goalkeeper -Gianluigi DonnarummaA player every England fan will remember from their Euro 2020 heartbreak, having won the tournament with Italy.The shot stopper joined Manchester City in September 2025 for approximately 26million and has been a standout performer for the Premier League side.Donnarumma is certainly among the best in the world and deserves a chance to compete for the biggest prize.He comes off a 2025 in which he was crowned the winner of the Yashin Trophy and named The Best Fifa Men's Goalkeeper. Left Back -Milos KerkezThe rising star recently displaced Andy Robertson as the starter at Liverpool, joining the Reds from Bournemouth.At 22-years-old, Kerkez missed out after Hungary let a late lead slip against the Republic of Ireland.The 40million signing has made 28 Premier League appearances, scoring two goals.Centre Back - Alessandro BastoniWidely considered among the best left-footed centre-backs in the world, Bastoni will not feature in the World Cup.The Inter Milan defender has been heavily blamed for his national team not making the competition after receiving a straight red card in the 41st minute of the decisive World Cup playoff final.He was among the Euro 2020-winning side and has multiple league titles with his club.Centre Back-Riccardo CalafioriThe Arsenal defender will be widely rated by viewers of the Premier League.Signing for the Gunners for a fee of 33.6million in July 2024, the Italian has been a key player in Mikel Arteta's success.His side sits at the top of the Premier League and remains in both the Champions League and the FA cup, with fans daring to dream of the legendary treble.Right Back -Dominik SzoboszlaiHe is widely considered one of Liverpool's standout performers in a disappointing season for the defending Premier League Champions. Valued at around 100million, he has been deployed by Arne Slot across various roles, including attacking midfield, right-wing, and right-back due to injury crises.He recently scored a spectacular 30-yard free kick against Manchester City in February 2026, drawing comparisons to Steven Gerrard.Centre Midfield-Sandro TonaliTonali is widely regarded as one of the most complete midfielders in world football, playing in the Premier League for Newcastle United.Capable of playing as a deep-lying playmaker or a box-to-box midfielder, the Italian has been tipped to be on the verge of a big move in the summer.Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal are understood to be keen on bringing him in as Newcastle potentially needing a big sale to comply with financial rules. Centre Midfield-Carlos BalebaBrighton's Cameroonian defensive midfielder has established himself among the Premier League's most exciting young prospects. The 22-year-old arrived at the Amex Stadium from Lille in August 2023 for approximately 27million, brought in as the long-term successor to Yves Bissouma.His playing style draws frequent comparisons to Bissouma, particularly his ball-winning capabilities and pressing intensity and possesses exceptional physical attributes, high energy levels, and an impressive ability to drive forward with the ball.On the international stage, he helped Cameroon reach the 2025 AFCON quarter-finals but will not be featuring at the North American tournament in the summer.Right Wing - Bryan Mbeumo The Cameroonian forward completed a 65million move to Old Trafford from Brentford in July 2025, and has established himself as central to the Manchester United rebuilding project, claiming the Premier League Player of the Month accolade in October last year.His first season at Old Trafford has proved highly productive following a career-best campaign with the Bees.He netted 20 top-flight goals last season, and across six seasons he spent at his former club, he scored 70 goals in 242 appearances.Left Wing -Khvicha KvaratskheliaKhvicha Kvaratskhelia made the switch from Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain in January last year, with the French giants paying a reported around 60million for the Georgian winger.The 25-year-old, affectionately known as "Kvaradona," is widely regarded as one of the best footballers in the world.In just six months, Kvaratskhelia helped PSG clinch an unprecedented continental treble, featuring their maiden Champions League triumph.The Georgian star found the net in the stunning 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the final.Striker - Victor OsimhenSince arriving at Galatasaray, the Nigerian striker has shattered records, netting 35 league goals to become the highest-scoring foreign player in a single Turkish campaign last season. His performances prompted the Istanbul giants to secure him permanently for 75million last July.No player in Galatasaray's history has reached the 50-goal milestone faster than Osimhen. His debut campaign yielded an impressive 37 goals across all competitions, propelling the club to a league and cup double.Striker- Robert LewandowskiPoland's 3-2 defeat against Sweden in the World Cup play-offs last month prompted the national team captain to share a "Time to Say Goodbye" message on social media, signalling his likely international retirement.Arguably the best player on the list to miss the tournament, he historically scored five goals in under nine minutes and is one of only five players to surpass 700 career goals and 100 Champions League goals. His legendary career includes 10 Bundesliga titles, a Champions League trophy, and back-to-back Fifa Mens Player and European Golden Shoe awards.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

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