These are the moments when it is probably wise to remember – this being England, after all– that it is never sensible to overdose on optimism before a World Cup actually starts. Yet there are at least grounds for positivity and increasingly there is a sense that Gareth Southgate’s players are high on confidence, capable of putting together some vibrant football and not showing any obvious signs of the end-of-season fatigue that has weighed them down before major tournaments in the past.

They fly to their base in Repino, on the Gulf of Finland, next Tuesday and Southgate is entitled to be encouraged after another satisfying win that will be remembered mostly for the spectacular first-half goal with which Marcus Rashford made it clear he was determined to press for a starting place when England arrive in Russia.

Though he helped Premier League clubs generate billions, the EFL may have cause to rue the executive chairman’s departure

After two decades carving out total dominance for the Premier League, Richard Scudamore was able to announce his surprise resignation at a high point of his own choosing – a happy position not enjoyed by some who challenged that supremacy over the years. The arc of his stellar career serving the 20 clubs which form the Premier League in any given season is pockmarked with the early departures of other talented chief executives, particularly at the Football Association, whose authority he was repeatedly determined to resist.

As a chief executive entrusted by the top clubs with great authority, his record is a reflection of the Premier League’s development itself: its glittering achievements and for many, glaring frustrations. The official farewell thanks to Scudamore from his friend Bruce Buck, Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea chairman, and chairman of the league’s remuneration committee which fixed Scudamore’s salary package at £2.56m last year, noted his most obvious achievement: the Premier League’s “outstanding growth”.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has rejected suggestions that he should change his driving approach after a season during which he has been involved in incidents at every race so far. Preparing for the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend he remained defiant and was dismissive of criticism of the errors that have compromised his performances.

Verstappen is still only 20 years old but now in his fourth F1 season. He has always been bullish in defending his driving style but this has been the worst start in his career. Sixth in the championship, he has finished on the podium once and is 27 points behind his Red Bull team-mate Daniel Ricciardo, who is in third.

The 20-year-old’s brilliant goal against Costa Rica hinted at what he could be capable of at the World Cup and at Old Trafford

The decision was taken to dismiss FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi and all of his staff in the wake of the investigation accusing them of corruption

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said negotiations were at “a standstill” but Reds are increasingly confident of landing their top target

A former Arsenal icon won top honours for club and country, but a much-maligned performer at Old Trafford is considered to be a more rounded player

Gernot Rohr’s men dropped a place in the latest Fifa rating as they head to Russia for their sixth World Cup appearance

It is testimony to the depth of their friendship that Sloane Stephens’s perfectly shaped backhand down the line to put Madison Keys out her misery and out of their French Open semi-final on Thursday was struck almost apologetically.

When it landed like a merciful knife into the deuce corner to end their one‑sided match in just an hour and 17 minutes, the winner raised her arms in celebration, smiled broadly then looked immediately up the court on a packed Philippe-Chatrier to commiserate with her fellow American.