All 34 players from the successful Nations Championship campaign this month were retained, along with 10 additions to bolster the group for a gruelling seven-week tour that includes four Tests.

Former Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo, who was favoured for the national coaching post, expressed his bitterness on Monday over the debate which has led to him no longer being a candidate.

In a long open letter published on Monday, Infantino urged detractors to "take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray" after a tournament marked by controversies ranging from ticket pricing to visa issues.

New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso on Monday said Morgan Rogers was "a great signing" who would make the club more competitive and expected the England midfielder to "link really well" with Cole Palmer.

Pieter Coetze has underlined his dominance in the pool, claiming a second gold medal at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.