James Roberts
James Roberts is a freelance sports journalist working for FourFourTwo. He has spent the past three years as a sports sub-editor for various national newspapers and started his career at the Oxford Mail, where he covered Oxford United home and away.
Latest articles by James Roberts

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's controversial cost-cutting laid bare in financial results as Manchester United undergo 'transformation'
By James Roberts published
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe introduced controversial cost-cutting measures after buying a stake in the club in 2024, and the results are already clear to see

This is how many points your team needs to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages
By James Roberts published
With just two games of the league phase remaining, the Champions League table is starting to take shape

Mohamed Salah and Arne Slot set for showdown talks that could decide Liverpool star's future: report
By James Roberts published
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is set to meet boss Arne Slot to discuss his future following the pair's fallout

Why FIFA rule could ruin Liverpool star's season
By James Roberts published
One Liverpool star is stuck in limbo thanks to a FIFA rule that leaves their future in doubt

This is how you can apply for 2026 World Cup tickets today
By James Roberts published
Everything you need to know as the ballot for 2026 World Cup tickets opens today

When is the World Cup 2026 draw? Date, format, rules and fixture schedule
By James Roberts last updated
Here is everything you need to know ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw, as the qualified teams wait to find out their group-stage opponents

RANKED! Every player to have scored 100 goals in the Premier League
By James Roberts published
Erling Haaland has netted a century of goals in England's top flight, but who does he join in the Premier League 100 club?

Best football shin pads: Make sure you are properly protected on the pitch
By Subomi Kushanu last updated
We've ranked the very best football shin pads currently on the market - gathering them all right here in our comprehensive guide

Cole Palmer's hilarious reaction to Chelsea fans' pantomime villain boos at Stamford Bridge
By James Roberts published
Cole Palmer joined in the fun as Chelsea fans booed a pantomime villain during last weekend's draw with Arsenal

Is Arsenal's William Saliba injured? Premier League injury update
By James Roberts last updated
The Arsenal defender missed the Gunners' trip to Chelsea last weekend, but will he be fit to face Brentford on Wednesday?

Best grip socks for football: Improve your game with enhanced traction, lockdown and comfort
By Andrew Lockhart last updated
Buying guide The best grip socks for football will ensure blisters don't occur, your changes of direction on the pitch are more responsive and you'll have better confidence in those game-changing actions

Best grip socks for soccer: Improve your game with enhanced traction, lockdown and comfort
By Andrew Lockhart last updated
Buying guide The best grip socks for soccer will ensure blisters don't occur, your changes of direction on the field are more responsive and you'll have better confidence in those game-changing actions

Best soccer cleats for defenders: The latest ranges designed for defensive-minded players from Nike, Adidas and Mizuno
By Lolade Jinadu last updated
Buying guide The best soccer cleats for defenders available on the market right now, featuring all of the biggest brands

Best soccer cleats for comfort: The latest ranges from Nike, Adidas, New Balance and Mizuno
By Andrew Lockhart last updated
Buying guide The best soccer cleats for comfort will help keep those agonizing blisters away at all times

Best football boots for defenders: The latest ranges designed for defensive-minded players from Nike, Adidas and Mizuno
By Lolade Jinadu last updated
The best football boots for defenders available on the market right now, featuring all of the biggest brands

Championship strugglers take major Liverpool gamble in bid to arrest slide
By James Roberts published
A former Liverpool coach and player have been tasked with turning around a side who have tumbled down the Championship table

What did Kieron Dyer actually say to Lee Bowyer that sparked their infamous on-pitch fight...despite being Newcastle United team-mates?
By James Roberts published
The Newcastle United team-mates were both sent off after one of the most shocking incidents in Premier League history

'Mourinho told me "Don’t train, you’ll be playing but I’m going to name a different team"... he had me believing that I wasn’t playing until he named the team so he did me a kipper as well!' Damien Duff on Jose Mourinho's Chelsea vs Barcelona double bluff
By James Roberts published
As the old rivals prepare to do battle again tonight, FourFourTwo looks back on an iconic tie between Chelsea and Barcelona 20 years ago

Meet the non-league striker who is outscoring Erling Haaland and Harry Kane
By James Roberts published
Very few players can claim to be as prolific as Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, but one non-league striker is outscoring both of them

The 'Group of Death': What's the worst-possible World Cup draw for England and Scotland?
By James Roberts published
With 42 of the 48 teams at the 2026 World Cup now confirmed, we have a better idea of England and Scotland's potential group-stage opponents

FourFourTwo's half-term report: Which teams have surprised us so far this season?
By James Roberts published
FourFourTwo looked back at our 2025/26 season predictions to see which teams are exceeding expectations so far... and who's falling short

Liverpool launch complaint over controversial Manchester City decision
By James Roberts published
Liverpool were left furious after Virgil van Dijk's header was ruled out at the Etihad

There and back in a day: a hidden gem away trip to mainland Europe for less than €100
By James Roberts published
FourFourTwo embarked on a great-value European away day where you can watch top-division football in a Bundesliga atmosphere at non-League prices
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