James Roberts
James Roberts is a freelance sports journalist working for FourFourTwo and other titles. He started his career at the Oxford Mail, where he covered Oxford United home and away, before becoming a sports sub-editor for various national newspapers.
Latest articles by James Roberts

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

Sir Gareth Southgate hints at Celebrity Traitors casting, while discussing 'enormous scars' of England job
By James Roberts published
Gareth Southgate has opened up on the impact of being England manager - and hinted at a future role on a hit TV show

'Extraordinary bravery' Nottingham Forest donate £10k to hero fan in Huntingdon train knife attack
By James Roberts published
Nottingham Forest have donated £10k to a fan who faced down the knifeman during the terrifying attack

Manchester United takeover process outlined, with Glazer brother statement
By James Roberts published
One of the Glazer brothers has outlined his stance on a potential takeover at Manchester United

Arsenal broke another record this week - and it DIDN'T involve Max Dowman
By James Roberts published
Arsenal's teenage sensation Max Dowman was the star attraction against Brighton but there was another reason why it was a milestone night for the club

When will Chelsea's Cole Palmer return from injury? Premier League injury update
By James Roberts published
The Chelsea star has been out since September with a groin injury, but how close is he to making his return for Enzo Maresca's side?

How David Beckham will help England's bid for World Cup glory
By James Roberts published
David Beckham could help England steal a march on their rivals ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America

Last-minute tickets! 5 big games you can watch this weekend with these amazing ticket deals - including Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City
By James Roberts published
Here's how you can get last-minute tickets to watch Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and other top Premier League clubs this weekend

What will happen to the Championship table if Sheffield Wednesday are expelled by EFL?
By James Roberts published
Sheffield Wednesday's crisis has reached a new low and it could have repercussions across the Championship

Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma's five-word claim spells bad news for James Trafford
By James Roberts published
Gianluigi Donnarumma's move to Manchester City pushed James Trafford down the pecking order and there is now more bad news for the England goalkeeper

Liverpool and Chelsea battling for Brazilian wonderkid and son of ex-Premier League star: report
By James Roberts published
Liverpool and Chelsea are eyeing the teenager, who is the son of a former Premier League star

Real Madrid target €150m-rated PSG wonderkid: report
By James Roberts published
Real Madrid have set their sights on a rising star who is viewed as one of the best young players in the world
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