There have been plenty of difficult seasons in Sheffield Wednesday's long and proud history, but few have left supporters feeling as deflated as last term – one that ended with relegation to League One.

For Owls legend Mel Sterland, the disappointment wasn't simply about dropping out of the Championship.

It was about watching one of English football's great clubs dragged down by years of off-field turmoil.

"Horrendous, absolutely horrendous"

"Oh, it was horrendous, absolutely horrendous," Sterland tells FourFourTwo on behalf of Lucky Rebel Sportsbook. "I felt sorry for the fans, because they were treated like dirt. It was all down to a chairman who knew nothing about football.

Sterland is referring to former owner Dejphon Chansiri, who owned the side between 2015 and May 2026. When the Thai businessman arrived at Hillsborough, there was genuine optimism. Significant investment took Wednesday to the Championship play-off final in his first full season before another top-six finish followed a year later. But what came next was a slow, painful decline.

Managerial upheaval became commonplace, recruitment lost direction and financial problems steadily mounted. The controversial sale of Hillsborough to a company owned by Chansiri in an attempt to comply with the EFL's Profitability and Sustainability rules ultimately resulted in points deductions, while transfer embargoes and growing supporter unrest became recurring themes.

More recently, delayed wage payments, mounting debts and questions over the club's financial stability only deepened the worry across the terraces. As 18 points were docked by the EFL last term, fans were left with little choice but to stay away in protest.

"But the fans stuck by the team, even when they boycotted the games,” says Sterland. “Obviously they were disappointed, but they showed their support for the players in their own ways.

"I was proud of the supporters because they made their feelings known. They said, 'Hold on, we've had enough of this – we've had enough.'

"Not having fans there can be tough for the players as well, for the team spirit and everything, and it was just frustrating for the fans not to be able to show their support like that. The whole situation was absolutely disgusting.

"We've been very disappointed for so long. Not through the players, though, I must admit. It was the fault of one man."

Now, though, there is finally a sense that the dark clouds are beginning to clear. With new ownership in the form of US consortium Arise Capital Partners providing fresh direction behind the scenes, optimism has returned to Hillsborough for the first time in years. After so much uncertainty, Wednesday can finally focus on football again.

"I can't wait for the season to start,” says Sterland. “It's exciting. We've got new people behind the scenes now. We've got some smashing players in. But it's not going to happen overnight, even with the good players we have.

“We've got Barry Bannan back, we've got Liam Cooper, who's been about a bit. I know him from Leeds United. We've got experience there. Now we've got to get it together and get a roll going and start winning football games."

Perhaps the biggest sign that belief has returned is in the stands. With around 24,000 season tickets already snapped up, Wednesday fans have once again demonstrated the remarkable loyalty that has carried the club through years of frustration.

"As a fan, I'm looking forward to this season," he says. "It's going to be really good, exciting. There are new players coming in and we've already seen 24,000 season tickets being sold."

Manchester United have reportedly expressed their interest in Ismaila Sarr following the Crystal Palace forward's impressive displays at the World Cup.

Sarr scored four goals in four games for Senegal as the Lions of Teranga reached the last 32 of World Cup 2026, where they lost to Belgium.

It followed an excellent domestic season with Palace for the 28-year-old, who scored 21 goals in all competitions and won the Conference League, and his consistency has caught the eye of United.

Manchester United explore Ismaila Sarr transfer

Sarr has enjoyed a hugely successful spell at Palace since arriving from Marseille for £12.5m in August 2024, winning the FA Cup in his first season and adding the Community Shield and Conference League last term.

His prolific form in 2025/26 included nine goals in the Conference League, which saw him named player of the tournament and finish as the top goalscorer.

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Sarr has attracted interest from several top clubs across Europe with United among those to enquire about the forward.

While the report adds that the Palace star is not the Red Devils' 'top priority' in terms of attacking reinforcements, he is one of the players being considered.

Sarr is a United fan and did not hide his feelings about a potential switch in comments to Senegalese media earlier this summer.

He said: "My dream club? Honestly, there is only one club. I love Manchester United with all my heart, and I am one of its biggest fans."

The former Watford player has three years left on his Palace contract, so the Selhurst Park club are in a strong negotiating position - with some reports suggesting they value him at £50m.

The Eagles also have the pull of playing Europa League football next term, thanks to their Conference League triumph, although that is likely to be trumped by the opportunity to feature in the Champions League with United.

Carrick is looking to add strength in depth to enable the Red Devils to compete on four fronts, with goalkeeper Karl Darlow and midfielders Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans already arriving this summer.

The United boss can call on several forwards including Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, but may yet need to bolster his attacking options with the futures of Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee uncertain.

Arsenal have revived their pursuit of Nico Williams after suffering setbacks in their attempts to land two other major transfer targets, according to reports.

The Gunners have a longstanding interest in the World Cup 2026 winner but this appeared to cool as they chased other forwards.

However, after missing out on Chelsea-bound Morgan Rogers and with uncertainty surrounding the future of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, Arsenal have returned their focus to Williams.

Nico Williams release clause revealed as Arsenal revive interest in Spain star

Williams arrived at the World Cup carrying an injury and did not start a single game for Spain as they lifted the trophy for the second time.

He still left his mark on the tournament, though, setting up Ferran Torres' extra-time winner in the final against Argentina with a clever header.

According to TEAMtalk, the Athletic Club winger - who turned 24 on July 12 - has re-emerged as a serious target for Arsenal, with manager Mikel Arteta keen to strengthen the left side of his attack.

The Gunners have made fresh contract with the La Liga outfit, with sporting director Andrea Berta holding discussions to assess whether a deal is possible.

A key factor that could work in Arsenal's favour appears to be the release clause in Williams' Athletic Club contract, which he signed last summer and runs until 2035.

TEAMtalk states that the clause is worth around £77million, which is well within the Gunners' reach and £40m less than Chelsea will pay for England international Rogers.

The report also claims that Spanish sources have indicated that Williams is attracted by a move to the Premier League and sees Arsenal as an 'attractive destination'.

Arteta is keen to strengthen after guiding Arsenal to their first Premier League title in 22 years last season.

The Gunners have lost one left winger in Leandro Trossard, who has joined Besiktas, although they are set to sign Greece international Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge in his place.

However, the capture of Euro 2024 and now World Cup winner Williams would be a huge statement of intent from the Premier League champions.

Liverpool are interested in Spain's World Cup final hero Ferran Torres, according to reports.

The Barcelona forward scored the only goal of the World Cup 2026 final against Argentina in New Jersey, rifling home from inside the penalty area in the second half of extra-time.

After helping Spain win the tournament for a second time, Torres now has a decision to make as he enters the final year of his contract at the Nou Camp - with Liverpool reportedly among the clubs vying for his signature.

Liverpool interested in Ferran Torres after World Cup heroics

Torres' heroics off the bench in New Jersey were fitting for a player who has struggled to hold down a starting place throughout his career.

He joined Manchester City from Valencia aged 20 in August 2020, arriving for £20.8million on a five-year deal, but departed for Barcelona just 17 months later after scoring 16 goals in 43 games.

The Catalan club paid £49.5m for Torres in January 2022 but only 113 of his 207 appearances since then have been from the start.

It is why Barcelona had been prepared to let the versatile forward leave for a "low-cost" fee this summer, according to L'Equipe journalist Loic Tanzi, but his goal in the World Cup final and a growing number of suitors have pushed up his price tag.

Tanzi reports that Liverpool are one of the clubs who have recently expressed an interest in Torres, with back-to-back Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain also in the race.

Both teams are managed by Spaniards, with the 26-year-old having previously played under PSG head coach Luis Enrique with his national team, and former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola taking over at Anfield last month.

Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reports that Torres is due to meet Barcelona next week to discuss his future, although the club are unlikely to open talks over a new contract until September due to Financial Fair Play restrictions.

The Valencia academy graduate can play anywhere across the front line, so would be a useful option for Iraola, although he may want to cement his place as Barcelona's first-choice centre forward following Robert Lewandowski's departure to Chicago Fire at the end of last season.

Liverpool have already signed one member of Spain's World Cup-winning squad this summer, with winger Victor Munoz joining from Osasuna for £34.5m.

Munoz did not play a minute for La Roja during the tournament, though, so Iraola may be keen to add more experience to his forward line.

Manchester City are auctioning items from Pep Guardiola's office that give a unique insight into the mind of the legendary manager.

Guardiola left City at the end of last season, bringing the curtain down on a glittering decade in which he won 15 major trophies.

The 55-year-old's haul of silverware included six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the Champions League in 2023, when he led the club to the Treble.

These are some of the items you can buy from Pep Guardiola's office

Guardiola has been one of the most fascinating characters in world football for almost two decades, owing to his revolutionary tactics and intense personality.

Now, fans can get inside the mind of the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager after City launched the auction, with some of the proceeds reportedly going to the club's charity, City in the Community.

The online auction offers the chance to take a 360-degree virtual tour of Guardiola's office, with the items up for auction all on display.

Souvenirs include 'Pep's Note Collection', which consists of two pitch pads with the coach's original tactics written down, plus two pens and a notepad. As of 10am BST on Tuesday, the highest bid was already £641.

Other interesting items include Erling Haaland's commemorative football - of which only three were ever produced - to celebrate the City striker reaching 100 Premier League goals in record time, with the bidding already around the £5,000 mark.

You can also bid for some of Guardiola's clothing, including his manager's jacket, the whistle he used during training sessions and several framed photos and collages celebrating his achievements.

There are pictures of the City manager with the trophies he won and alongside various members of his backroom staff, some of which include a section of the goal net from his final home game, a 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa on May 24.

Some of the more unique items up for auction include Guardiola's coffee cup set, his incense collection, a selection of trinkets (two small turtles, a pebble and a painted star, in case you were wondering) and his desk lamp, all of which currently have bids well into three figures. The auction closes at 4pm BST on Sunday, July 26.

Guardiola has not committed to his next job but a move into international management could be on the cards, with reports emerging that he has held talks over becoming the next Italy head coach.

He has been succeeded at City by former Chelsea and Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca, who was part of the coaching staff at the Etihad between 2020 and 2023.

Arne Slot, prior to his sacking, spoke about Liverpool’s upcoming summer and anticipated the squad undergoing “another little transition” but “probably not as drastic as it was last summer.”

Last summer, the Reds spent over £400 million, twice breaking their club record transfer fee, adding eight players to the first-team squad and seeing five first-team players depart.

The departures of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz, two players who made 75 starts between them in the title-winning campaign the year before, only became more apparent as the season progressed.

Key replacement

Replacing Alexander-Arnold and Diaz is something that, over a year on, the Reds have still not been able to do.

And now, new head coach Andoni Iraola not only seeks to replace those two key players but also Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson.

That’s five of the starting XI that won the title 15 months ago gone from Anfield, plus Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez, Jarrel Quansah and Caoimhin Kelleher, with Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott potentially adding to the departures this summer.

Welcome to Liverpool, Andoni. No wonder owners FSG warned the incoming Spaniard that “everything is not perfect” during initial talks, with an admission that he would face “some challenges.”

Those challenges are clear. Liverpool’s squad, and coaching staff, has been completely dismantled in the last year. There hasn’t been a period of transition so deep as this in a long time.

Liverpool’s Squad Situation

The squad that Iraola inherits is one that certainly doesn’t look capable of challenging for the title.

“We need more players. We know this,” admitted Iraola at his first press conference. “The club is working on this.”

The Spaniard also arrives with five players unavailable due to long-term injuries; Hugo Ekitike isn’t expected to be involved this side of Christmas, Conor Bradley won’t be available any time soon, centre-back Giovanni Leoni isn’t back from an ACL injury, and youngsters Stefan Bajcetic and Jayden Danns remain out with hamstring issues.

Jeremy Jacquet, the £60m signing from Rennes, is a vastly inexperienced replacement for Konate, having played fewer league minutes in his young career so far than his fellow Frenchman played in the Premier League last season alone.

Victor Munoz is a similarly inexperienced signing. The 23-year-old has never played in European competition and his natural position on the left is one of the few where Liverpool actually have some depth in Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha. Continued links to Bradley Barcola add to the puzzle, with the PSG winger also most comfortable on the left.

It’s on the other side of attack where Liverpool lack any clear first-choice winger following Salah’s departure. “It is clear we need a player there, I wouldn’t say to replace Mo Salah, but we need one more winger,” outlined Iraola

As Liverpool fly to Chicago, where they’ll be based during their pre-season US tour, Iraola’s options for the right wing are Harvey Elliott, Jeremie Frimpong, Federico Chiesa or a youngster such as 16-year-old Josh Abe.

Given that Frimpong is the only right back in the squad, he’ll be needed there during the early friendlies, with the Reds taking on Sunderland in Nashville, Wrexham in New York, and Leeds in Chicago.

Chiesa is the only first-team centre-forward on the tour, so he’ll be needed there. Beyond him, with Danns still sidelined, 18-year-old Will Wright, a £200,000 signing from Salford last summer, should get plenty of opportunity.

Abe, meanwhile, is a prodigiously talented winger who could have an Ngumoha-like breakthrough in the next two seasons. Still, having just turned 16, he isn’t a solution for Iraola’s debut season.

It’s clear that a right-sided attacker is Liverpool’s clear priority this summer, with Yan Diomande having been the first-choice target but he seemingly prefers a move to Paris over Merseyside.

“It is not easy; it has to be players who have shown a good level,” says Iraola, who has the unenviable task of replacing Salah’s output, with the Egyptian contributing 22 goal involvements despite a poor final season.

From the title-winning squad of just over a year ago, 81 goals have been removed with the loss of Salah, Diaz, Jota, Nunez, Alexander-Arnold and Konate.

What Liverpool Need This Summer

It’s clear that right wing is the priority, by a distance, but there are other areas of huge need for Liverpool to address.

Of course, much depends on whether Iraola can get more from the current options than they performed last season, but Liverpool’s midfield looked incredibly open throughout last season.

Most supporters would like the club to add a true No.6 to finally replace Fabinho, who left three years ago and whose arrival transformed the midfield under Jurgen Klopp. A player whose primary role is to protect the defence and has instincts to do so is missing in this squad.

Slot changed Ryan Gravenberch’s role last season, encouraging the Dutchman to get forward more, which only led to bigger gaps in midfield and less protection for a defence that conceded a whopping 78 goals in all competitions.

Adam Wharton was linked and seemed like a strong candidate, but links to the Crystal Palace man have quietened since Slot’s sacking and he isn’t exactly a combative player with defensive instincts.

Meanwhile, right back was a problem position last season, with Frimpong proving to be far from an adequate replacement for Alexander-Arnold. Most fans aren’t sure where the Dutchman fits in; he isn’t a full-back, but equally he isn’t a right winger. That’s the problem you get when you sign a wing back for a team that doesn’t play with wing backs.

Frimpong, Bradley, Szoboszlai and Jones all played right back, with Szoboszlai arguably the best of the lot but the Hungarian clearly isn’t happiest playing there and wouldn’t be expected to do so under Iraola.

Bradley, even if able to return from his serious injury, won’t be in a position to play every week. A robust, reliable solution is needed.

And yet, there are few credible links to right backs so far. Given that three of the regular back four from 16 months ago have left, you’d expect it to be a priority to get a right back in sooner rather than later in order to build some sort of relationship with Jacquet.

Iraola may opt for a more solid right back, given Kerkez’s attacking qualities on the other side. A player like Brentford’s Michael Kayode would have been ideal, but he signed a new contract. Marco Palestra was also linked before he moved to Chelsea.

And while Jacquet, Leoni, Joe Gomez and Van Dijk make four centre backs; two of them (Jacquet and Leoni) have never played in the Premier League, Leoni has been out for 10 months with an ACL injury, Gomez cannot be relied upon to remain fit, and 35-year-old Van Dijk just played the most minutes of his career, clocking over 6,000 minutes for club and country.

An experienced centre-back would surely be advantageous, reducing the reliance on Van Dijk and also not needing to rush Jacquet and Leoni. Marcos Senesi seemed an ideal candidate, leaving Bournemouth on a free transfer, an experienced Premier League player who knows Iraola’s methods, capable of stepping into Van Dijk’s role when the Dutchman leaves next summer. But he moved to Tottenham, who also have Jan Paul van Hecke and Micky van de Ven. Such strong options are something Liverpool would dearly like.

It could be that Liverpool look to a versatile option capable of playing more than one position in defence. There’s also an argument that Kostas Tsimikas, who is returning from a disappointing loan spell at Roma where he started just six league games, isn’t of the quality required.

Then there’s the centre-forward conundrum, with Ekitike’s injury meaning only Alexander Isak can be considered as a first-team No.9 - and the Swede’s injury record doesn’t exactly instil confidence.

As things stand, beyond Isak, Liverpool’s options going into the season would be Chiesa (should he not leave), and youngsters Danns and Wright. And Danns isn’t currently fit.

Again, a versatile option might be the solution; somebody can play wide and also through the middle in attack. But it would surely be a risk to go into the new season with the current central options.

All this, without mentioning the effect that the loss of the experienced trio of Salah, Robertson and Konate will have around the training ground, plus a change in goalkeeper coach for the third summer in a row and a new coaching staff for the second time in three years.

Interestingly, Iraola says “we are here to solve these kinds of problems and to try to maximise what we have” - possibly hinting at in-house solutions to the problems he inherits.

“I trust myself a lot, and I’m ready for the challenge that I know is very big,” says the new head coach.

The challenge is certainly bigger than many may realise.

Had qualification for the World Cup been decided by population, Spain would only just have made it for the past seven tournaments. Ranked 31st by that metric, they lag behind Myanmar, Sudan and Colombia – plus England, for that matter.

Instead, their men’s and women’s teams both currently sit top of the FIFA rankings, having now won three World Cups and three Euros between them.

No country consistently produces as many exceptional players as Spain, so FourFourTwo flew to the Canary Islands to find out exactly why, and try to spot the players who’ll help them dominate the globe once more a decade from now.

Futures Bright (and on TV)

We’re in Las Palmas for La Liga’s latest FC Futures tournament – several of the events take place throughout the year, and this one is particularly prestigious, welcoming all of Spain’s biggest clubs and others from across Europe to Gran Canaria each winter.

Despite it being an under 13s tournament, all three days are shown live on the sports channel of RTVE, Spain’s equivalent of the BBC, plus DAZN, YouTube and other platforms. This year it’s been switched to the 32,000-capacity home of UD Las Palmas, currently pencilled in to host matches at the 2030 World Cup. It’s hard to imagine such prominence ever being given to a youth event in the UK.

A big reason for its reverence is the list of alumni – Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Iker Casillas, Fernando Torres, Gerard Pique and Lamine Yamal are just a few of the greats who once shone at the tournament. If you want to see the next Spanish superstar, this is the event to watch.

That’s a great source of pride for former journalist Jose Ramon de la Morena, who founded the tournament in 1992, when it took place on the outskirts of Madrid. He’s seen it grow to a status he never imagined, aided by La Liga getting on board. The fact that so many graduates of the event went on to win the World Cup with Spain in 2010 is something he remains emotional about.

“I still feel it,” he tells FFT. “All those players who were champions in South Africa, they all played in this tournament. I can still picture Iniesta when he was nine years old – we chose him as the best player at the tournament. A great friendship was born – I followed him when he was 10, 12, 14, then 16, when they took him to train with the first team in Barcelona. Then I saw him become a world champion, and I’m still friends with him now. Great pride.”

Launching the tournament wasn’t easy. “We didn’t have money, and I had to put my own in,” he explains. “We had to prepare the field ourselves, there was no advertising, nothing. The first two or three years were difficult, then we started broadcasting it and things worked out. Canal Plus started taking care of everything.

“When we started, it was just after the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, so a lot of facilities had been created in the country, and there was a very good climate for sports. We came up with the idea of this championship for children – for a few days, they felt like professional footballers, because it was on TV, and they saw themselves in the newspapers, and they started to grow and grow.”

Not that things went smoothly for every future superstar at the tournament. “Iker Casillas was very good, but one year he didn’t play,” De la Morena remembers. “Real Madrid came to train at the field where the tournament was being played, and they saw a kid, the son of a local petrol station employee, who was playing as a goalkeeper. They told us ‘Hey, we want to try out that kid’, so that kid played instead of Casillas. Later, Casillas came to me with his father. His mother was very angry and told me ‘You’ve blocked my son’.”

Thankfully, when he sees Casillas these days, they’re able to joke about it. “I had nothing to do with him not playing, but he still doesn’t forgive me, he’d been very excited to play in that tournament, he still says it was my fault!” De la Morena chuckles.

The founder remembers Yamal playing in FC Futures events, too. “He was the top scorer at a tournament in Villarreal five years ago, then he played in New York and Abu Dhabi as well,” the 69-year-old says. “I remember going for a walk with all the teams alongside the Hudson River. Lamine came up to me and asked if I was going to take him to see some rap – his father had told him there was very good rap music in New York, and he should see some. I said ‘Rap? No, you’re here to play football!’ I met him again two months ago for an interview, and showed him all the goals he scored at the tournament. It was really nice to see him again.”

De la Morena breaks off to take a call from David Villa, whose son Luca is playing for Atletico Madrid in the latest tournament. The former striker has phoned to accept an invitation to present the prizes at the end of the event.

We ask De La Morena if there are particular players we should watch out. “A lot,” he says. “For Atletico Madrid, a kid called Toro, and another called Mario. For Real Madrid, the number 10, Hugo Fernandez. For Barça, their number 11, Mounirou. For Inter, their number nine (Leonardo Bolzoni).”

Modric 2.0

Inter are one of six non-Spanish clubs taking part in the 16-team tournament, together with Juventus, Dortmund, Benfica, Sporting and Paris Saint-Germain, who play Real Betis in the first game we take in.

PSG have been praised for bringing through young players who helped them win the Champions League last year, but they didn’t reckon with the might of Spanish youth academies – Betis incredibly go 5-0 up inside eight minutes, aided by two goals each from forwards Ivan Calderon and Eric Villalba. Matches are seven-a-side and 12 minutes each way on a reduced-size playing surface, with Betis enthusiastically cheered on from the stand by what appear to be mum ultras, a small group who sing the entirety of the club’s official anthem in support of their sons. They eventually win 6-0, making this PSG’s most challenging visit to Spain since the Remontada.

Betis coach Edgar Agudo is delighted. “An experience like this tournament is immense for our players,” he says. “For two or three years now, they’ve been playing in tournaments – a boy who’s been at Betis since he was eight will have played many tournaments at this level. Perhaps not with this media exposure, but against this level of opponent, so they’re used to it. They’ve played a lot of seven-a-side, too, from the age of six to 12, even though they’ve been playing 11-a-side for six months now.

“At Betis, our academy is important to us, to bring players to the first team, and we’re proud that Spanish clubs are also contributing to the success of the national team. Our players were at an event yesterday where there was a presentation showing all the elite footballers who’ve passed through this tournament previously – it inspires them that there’s a path to follow.”

Juventus captain Andrea Ortoncelli impresses against Benfica – the right-back also scores and goes straight to the camera to show off the Dybala-esque hand gesture he’s prepared to celebrate. Some of these youngsters haven’t played on live TV before, and a few have devised special celebrations for the occasion – including Valencia’s Luca Sanchez, in a 3-0 win over Inter.

Atletico Madrid take on hosts Las Palmas, who are backed by a number of the most ardent fans of the club’s first team. The group make a grand entrance into the stadium banging drums and waving giant flags, then sing virtually non-stop and throw confetti, which all feels rather surreal for an under 13s tournament. They even whistle their disapproval at refereeing decisions.

Despite being the middle of winter, it’s nearly 20 degrees and more than 1,000 have been tempted into the stands – including David Villa, who’s sitting with the rest of the Atletico Madrid parents.

Barcelona beat neighbours Espanyol despite many of their players being noticeably small – there can be big height differences, with some still awaiting growth spurts. If anything, we’re most impressed by the smaller players who show talent, since they already have the technique to compete against taller opponents, and will become even better when they grow. Barca’s composed centre-back Claudio Ruiz looks like he could be one such player.

Real Madrid captain Hugo Fernandez isn’t the biggest either, but against Athletic Bilbao, we can immediately see why De la Morena mentioned him earlier – and why another of our contacts had told us to look out for him, too. The number 10’s idol is Luka Modric and he’s already got a similarly flowing mane of hair, plus many of his technical skills – albeit unlike the Croatian, he’s left-footed. He sets up one goal and scores another, while left-winger Nacho – complete with orange boots that give off a vibe that he knows he’s good – is a dangerous dribbler who delivers the most outrageous piece of skill we see all day.

Of the six overseas sides, only Juventus make it out of the group stage and into the quarter-finals, such is the strength of the Spanish teams. “Year after year, they show they’re the best,” smiles Cristina Sanchez, one of La Liga’s representatives at the event. “We have many tournaments, and the Spanish academies are the ones that really stand out.”

Dortmund coach Jannik Pleschke has been impressed. “You can tell that Spanish teams live football in a very special way,” he says. “Every team has players who’ve stood out for their dribbling, skills and solutions in pressure situations. They produce many footballers who have a high understanding of the game and are artists with the ball.

“Seven of the teams in the quarter-finals are Spanish, and that’s partly also because they defend well. It’s a highlight for us to compete at this level with top international opponents – it’s great experience for our team.”

“Our best generation ever”

In the quarter-finals, rangy right winger Aly Nestor Fofana shows plenty of ability as Villarreal beat Espanyol, but the beaten side have still relished being part of the tournament. “It’s been fun, we’ve had a very good time,” says dreadlocked defender Max Novas, after Espanyol invite us to speak to two of their players. “It’s been my first time in the Canary Islands – I was very motivated to come here to play in such an important tournament,” adds midfielder Issa Sigue.

They’re both understandably shy – this is more or less their first time speaking to any type of media, and talking to them reminds us just how young the footballers at this tournament are, even though they’ve spent the day playing and behaving like impressive mini professionals. “The coaches at Villarreal have been teaching me a lot,” explains Yellow Submarine midfielder Raul Perez. “My dream is to be a professional player, and to win this tournament.”

Atletico Madrid join them in the semi-finals after victory over Juventus, when talented dribbler Viti deploys his hammer of a left foot to smash home a goal from outside the box. Goalkeeper Inigo even scores, giving the ball an old-fashioned punt upfield and seeing it bounce over the head of his opposite number.

Barcelona lose a penalty shoot-out to Valencia, then Betis goalkeeper Gaby Oseremen Anorh is in tears at the end of their quarter-final with Real Madrid, after he can only parry a shot into the path of Modric lookalike Fernandez, who tucks away a difficult chance with aplomb for the only goal of the game. “That kid’s got aura,” another pitchside journalist remarks of the goalscorer – Thibaut Courtois regen Andres Estaire had previously thwarted Betis with several fine saves.

In the semi-finals, our interviewee Raul Perez does a panenka for the decisive spot kick as Villarreal beat Valencia on penalties, then David Villa’s son scores as Real Madrid are eliminated by city rivals Atletico, prompting a beaming smile from his dad in the stand.

In true Atleti fashion, they win the final 1-0, after Jaime’s solitary goal. Delighted at the result, and wearing an Atletico shirt underneath his hoodie, Villa strides on to the pitch to present the champions’ dribbling king Viti with the tournament’s MVP award. Real Madrid’s Modric 2.0 gets the top scorer honour, with Valencia’s Ibai Garcia named the best goalkeeper.

Finalists Villarreal must content themselves with runners-up medals, but it’s all part of a learning process that coach Paco Peris hopes will lead some of them to the club’s senior side one day. “We sign players at a very young age, because it gives them time to develop within our training model, and we’re a club who promote a lot of players to the first team,” he says.

Why have Villarreal and Spain had so much success with bringing players through to senior level? “Because of their quality, and because we trust them,” Peris adds. “When they’re good enough, trust your players, give them opportunities.”

Tournament founder De la Morena is confident that Spain’s conveyor belt of quality footballers will continue, based on what he’s seen here. “We have probably the worst generation of politicians we’ve had in years, but the best generation of footballers we’ve ever had, and over a prolonged period too,” he smiles.

The players we’ve seen in Gran Canaria won’t be ready for the 2030 World Cup on home soil, but given that this event gathered together all of the best under-13 footballers in the country, it would be little surprise if at least one or two of them are representing La Roja by the time 2034 comes around.

Spain have climate advantages that allow them to play tournaments all year round – even three-day tournaments on Las Palmas’ home pitch, without severely damaging it – but they’re the envy of the world right now when it comes to youth development, and with good reason.

In 10 years’ time, one can only guess at the total financial value of the players we’ve just witnessed.

We no doubt all feel a little bit like losers after England crashed out of the World Cup against Argentina, but it could certainly be worse than getting to a semi-final.

None are likely to go home completely happy, but there have been plenty of positive stories from Thomas Tuchel’s camp.

Here’s how we see the split…

Winners

Harry Kane

England’s captain showed exactly why he has the armband, proving himself (were any demonstration needed) that he’s one of the Three Lions’ only true world-class talents.

A demon from the spot, able to take the country on his back as against DR Congo and comfortable creating and finishing.

More could have been asked of him in that semi-final against Argentina, but he’s not alone there.

Jude Bellingham

Tuchel’s other world beater – if it wasn’t a clutch moment from Kane, then it was probably Jude Bellingham.

England’s top scorer at the tournament – albeit via a top-up in the third-place play-off – once again showed his big-game-player qualities.

Still just 23 years old (!), there are plenty more opportunities to come for the Real Madrid man.

Djed Spence

The jury’s out on whether a player turning 26 this summer can be labelled a breakout star, but if deemed possible, then Djed Spence is the blueprint.

Perhaps not able to show his full repertoire of skills in a stuttering Spurs outfit, they certainly all came to the fore in this tournament, almost single-handedly saving England on multiple occasions against Argentina, before they were ultimately undone.

Neil Warnock famously once said he’d end up in the Premier League or non-league – that debate may just now be ready for bed.

Elliot Anderson

A £116million move to Manchester City did nothing to take the eyeballs off Elliot Anderson, which could have even made an already heavy England shirt weigh even more.

Not that you’d have noticed from the former Forest man’s performances, consistently one of the best players on the pitch throughout.

It suggests he may have what it takes to take that next step at the Etihad, and he certainly has plenty of time on his hands to develop.

Dean Henderson

Perhaps a rogue inclusion in this list, especially given he let in four goals in 90 minutes of football, but his outing against France, a sixth career cap, was his first appearance at a major tournament.

And it may well be his last, now aged 29 with the younger James Trafford growing in stature.

It will be a big bucket list item ticked off for the Crystal Palace gloveman, after years of stoic deputisation.

Losers

Thomas Tuchel

The simple maths says Tuchel went into this tournament with more backers than he leaves it with.

Getting to a semi-final, and being half an hour away from a World Cup final, means he’s probably done enough for a second chance at Euro 2028, but his handling of that game against Argentina will mean proving himself all over again.

However, Gareth Southgate survived lower moods and kept improving, so don’t write off the old Schnauzer just yet.

Jordan Henderson

Played six minutes against Panama and flies home with a celebration-induced broken arm.

He might be great for the dressing room, but an explanation as to why he needed a squad number to fly over with the group has not yet been forthcoming.

Kobbie Mainoo

There are moments when England probably could have used Kobbie Mainoo’s calm composure to link defence with attack.

Having been called up, he certainly does not deserve to be heading back to England without a World Cup minute to his name.

That being said, there’s still plenty of time for the Manchester United man to make his mark on coming editions of the competition.

Anthony Gordon

Much like Cole Palmer at Euro 2024, Anthony Gordon was robbed of a history-defining moment.

His goal against Argentina would have been seared into the memory of Three Lions fans had it been the nation’s ticket to the showpiece in New Jersey, but it wasn’t to be.

Nevertheless, that goal and three assists may see some of the eyebrows raised at his Barcelona move begin to drop slightly.

Ivan Toney

A shootout specialist thwarted by the lack of shootouts.

At 30 years old, now in the Saudi Pro League, this was highly likely to be Ivan Toney’s last World Cup appearance, and he was unable to impact it.

Even as the starting striker in the 10-goal thriller with France to wrap up the tournament, he never really imposed himself on the game.

This was more than a victory for Luis de la Fuente and his wonderful players like Lamine Yamal, the outstanding sub Nico Williams, and Ferran Torres, who struck a fractious final’s decisive blow. This was a victory for football.

This was a victory for those who believe the game should be about expression, not aggression. Argentina’s street fighters were put to the sword by the matadors of Spain. “Ole, ole,” chanted their fans as the game closed with a sweeping passing move and never has it sounded more fitting.

Spain kept playing the way they’ve traditionally done, passing and moving, caressing the ball, treating it as a friend. By contrast, Argentina came to destroy and few, beyond their immense support here in New Jersey, eight miles from Sinatra’s birth-place, will mourn their loss.

'Argentina wasted the regal presence of Lionel Messi'

The world champions were an embarrassment at times. Enzo Fernandez was sent off for dissent and a foul and he still disputed it. Even after the final whistle, as tempers spilled over, Leandro Paredes was still picking fights. What a waste of the regal presence of such a maestro as Lionel Messi.

He had little service, few touches, no real opportunity to impose those sublime skills. It was a shame that his wonderful World Cup should end in such circumstances, but it was his team-mates’ fault. They came to fight, not play.

Spain’s many supporters railed against the Slovenian referee, Slavko Vincic, for not clamping down on Argentina’s very obvious spoiling tactics. They especially blamed the FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, for a perceived favouring of superstars. “Infantino – you’re not a Christian” was one of the more printable chants. From a parochial perspective, English frustration bit deeper at the second-half tactics and substitutions that invited Argentina to look like Brazil 1970.

Spain, meanwhile, looked like the European champions they are, simply on a world tour. How fitting that amongst the full house at the MetLife were many of Spain’s 2010 champions, the Andres Iniesta generation, who also had to endure some rough-house tactics from their final opponents, the Dutch, in their final in Johannesburg.

Spain will never forget their journey to New Jersey. As the heat rose, so did the prices, shamelessly, ranging from $9,715 to $49,384. Capitalism in real time. Many ticketless Spanish and Argentinians came anyway, dodging the loose checks on the outer rings to get close to the MetLife party. Hundreds held up signs hoping for tickets, even more ambitiously seeking them at face value.

Inside, a truly American spectacle briefly broke out, the Super Soccer Bowl. Tom Cruise delivered some sub-Shakespeare seize-the-day, save-the-world rhetoric. Cruise did well, given that it was almost a mission impossible to compete with the deafening Argentinian choirs. Some of their football left one speechless.

Spain did well surviving some of the uncompromising Argentinian tackles. This is far from a great Argentinian team, beyond the genius of Messi, but they are packed with world champions and tough nuts.

Spain were in a dogfight, but they stayed composed, controlled the game and were thwarted only by the outstanding Emi Martinez in the Argentinian goal. Yamal was a test down the right, worrying Tagliafico. When he did get close, threatening a goal, Martinez saved with his legs. Over on the left, Marc Cucurella was enjoying himself, linking with Dani Olmo, even backheeling the ball past Gonzalo Montiel, who recovered with a magnificent sliding challenge. Cucurella shot wide, then Oyarzabal had his 20-yarder saved by Martinez.

Spain were trying to play football, trying to build from the back. Rodri dropped deep, triggering the press from Julian Alvarez and Alexis Mac Alllister under the watchful gaze of Messi. Mac Allister flew in on Olmo, and was granted clemency by Vincic. The Slovenian was clearly in the mood to let things go, but there’s a fine line between trying to let the game flow and allowing some rough-housing. He eventually drew the line at some more leg-tangling from Lisandro Martinez, who was booked. He also had to withdraw, limping, to be replaced by Nicolas Otamendi.

A show finally broke but it proved the much-anticipated half-time show. Madonna and Shakira strutted their stuff, Ted Lasso gave a pep talk to Justin Bieber, just as President Trump had offered some tactical advice to Thomas Tuchel about Harry Kane and defense. The highpoint of the show was Ronaldo and Ronaldinho flanking Madonna. Where was Rivaldo? Half-time stretched to 27 min 22.15sec, a new FIFA world record. The celebratory merchandising is surely on its way.

Back to the football, back to Spain dodging tackles. Nico Williams came on and soon delivered a cross met by the head of Aymeric Laporte. Martinez clutched the ball rather theatrically. Enzo Fernandez tumbled, but was booked for dissent. The mind rolled back to past finals that took time to come to life, to 2014, USA 94, even Italia 90. It was a hard, hot watch and it got feisty as the game staggered like a punch-drunk boxer through added time. Messi found Laporte shut.

Then Enzo Fernandez, racing in, eyes only on the man, sent Pau Cubarsi into orbit. He walked, eventually, reluctantly, and one wonders whether that will affect his price when Chelsea come to sell him.

Martinez continued to defy Spain, pushing away a Yamal free-kick, then denying Mikel Merino’s header. Giuliano Simeone came on and annoyed people. Paredes took Merino out in mid-air. But then came the moment that saved the game, that saved the World Cup, and what a move and goal it was. Yamal laid the ball back to Pedro Porro who steeped his cross to the far post to Williams. The livewire winger nodded the ball back for Ferran Torres to kill off Argentina and make football lovers celebrate.

Picture this: England are one of the last teams playing in the World Cup. It’s third against fourth in the world rankings, and the Three Lions have raced into a 4-0 first-half lead against one of the pre-tournament favourites.

A one-man Declan Rice band is putting France’s midfield to shame, Bukayo Saka is farming TikTok comp clips from the right flank, and Kylian Mbappe can’t make a dent in a Dean Henderson-shaped wall.

Life's good, right? No, it’s bloody awful.

England so strong, yet so painful

That’s because this is, of course, the dreaded third-place play-off game, the prize being a bronzed box on your nation’s World Cup Wikipedia page.

Former England international and BBC pundit Danny Murphy argued before the game, through gritted teeth, that a win in this Miami meeting could potentially be “a tiny consolation” for crashing out in the semis against Argentina.

I’d have been minded to agree before the first whistle blew, fully expecting Mbappe’s Golden Boot campaign to reach a dubiously successful conclusion - and it still did, but that didn't account for SIX England goals.

As Rice, Ezri Konsa, Jude Bellingham and Saka (thrice) whistled the ball past Mike Maignan, all I could muster was a bitter chuckle. Nothing about this was consoling.

I didn’t think the bronze-medal battle could get any worse, until I saw it go well.

Where was this version of Rice, the one we all know, in the previous rounds? How does Saka look like he’s never been scathed by injury in his life? Why have we saved this for the world’s most pointless fixture? And how are we pulling it off without Harry Kane or Jude Bellingham (for most of it, at least)?

Yes, okay, I concede we may not have witnessed a vintage Les Bleus, who no doubt would have presented a more lethal version of themselves had the trophy been on the line, but if we can make the 2018 victors look like minnows, in Didier Deschamps' farewell ceremony, what more were we capable of?

Watching Marcus Rashford fire off rockets incumbered by pressure, seeing Eberechi Eze glide across the pitch picking up pockets of space as he does so well, and witnessing Djed Spence shuttle up and down like an Avanti West Coast train, I think I know the answer. And that’s why this performance, which should ordinarily be a disposable, forgettable game, feels so painful.

All the parts might have been there; we just didn’t put them together.

One glimmer of hope comes courtesy of the age of many of those involved, who will be hitting their prime as the 2030 edition rocks around, but forgive me for postponing that sober analysis for now.

The only place to start this week is England’s semi-final defeat to Argentina. At 1-0 up, they were in control of the game, and if Thomas Tuchel had brought on some attacking players, it might’ve worked out, instead of just sitting back. And if you give world-class players like Lionel Messi time and space, then they’re going to hurt you.

I thought England managed the game really well up until about the 60-minute mark, but you have to question Tuchel’s approach from that point. Making those defensive changes is something he’s done against Mexico and Norway, but you can’t do it against teams like Argentina, who have the best player in the world.

Clinton was speaking on behalf of Freebets.com home to the best betting sites.

'If Gareth Southgate made those changes, he would’ve been crucified' - Clinton Morrison

If Gareth Southgate made those same changes, he would’ve been crucified by the whole nation. So I’d expect Tuchel to get plenty more stick over the next few months. Do I still think he's a good manager? Of course he's a good manager, look at his CV.

But I think when he sits down and thinks about it, he's got to realise he got it wrong at the end. When you're 1-0 up and you don't get that second goal, you can’t sit back, because you attract more pressure. And they've got good players who can unlock the door.

I can understand it if you're sitting back against a team with no quality, but Argentina have good players. When you're defending on your six-yard line, it's inevitable that they’re going to score. And sometimes having too many defenders on is counterproductive. When Lautaro Martinez scores, he's got a free header in the six-yard box with that many defenders around him. It baffles you.

The game was won and lost in those substitutions. Argentina's subs came on and made a big difference.

I understand Reece James had to come off because he was struggling with his hamstring and cramp. If you want to go to a five at the back, then you can do that. But the sub which surprised me was when Declan Rice was taken off and he brought on Nico O'Reilly.

We know O’Reilly can play midfield, but couldn't someone like Kobbie Mainoo come on, who can drive you up the pitch? He’s had no minutes at these finals. And towards the end, we needed someone like Ollie Watkins that could stretch the play in behind and give us an outlet.

Argentina have that never-say-die attitude though, and that is why they're world champions. I’m gutted for the England players and the fans, because they were so close to reaching a final and facing a very good Spain team. But at the end of the day, if you look at the whole game, the best team won.

I still think Tuchel is the right man to lead England. I know a lot of people are calling for him to be sacked, but if you're going to sack him, who's out there? A lot of people are saying Pep Guardiola.

If Pep becomes available, you grab it with both hands because he is the special one. But I just don't see The FA making a change at the moment. Zinedine Zidane’s name was bandied about, but it looks like he’s going to France with Didier Deschamps leaving. People were also talking about Jurgen Klopp, but he’s getting the Germany job. So Pep is probably the one out there, if England decided to make a change.

More immediately, England now have to prepare for that third-place game which no one really wants to play in. I don't know why that game is still part of the tournament, as it’s meaningless in my opinion. Some of those players just want to go on holiday now, recharge and get ready for the season.

If I'm Tuchel, I play the players that haven't had much game time. The likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Ollie Watkins, while Bukayo Saka hasn't played as much as he would’ve liked. You can rest your midfield though, as Rice has been carrying an injury. I know he's not going to fully change the team, but you can give other players an opportunity to say they experienced playing at a World Cup. You still want to win and beat France, but I'd give some of the players who've been on that long journey a rest.

All eyes will then be on the World Cup final, and I do think Spain’s midfield is stronger than Argentina’s, even though Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister have had good tournaments. I think Spain will dominate possession. Messi likes to float in from that right-hand side, and I don't think Marc Cucurella will give him the time or space to get crosses into the box. Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez also love a scrap, and I think Lamine Yamal against Nicolás Tagliafico would be a great battle too.

Spain are my favourites, but I have a sneaky feeling Argentina are going to produce something magic. I just want it to be like the final we saw four years ago, where it was end-to-end between France and Argentina. Let's hope it'll be a game to remember.

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First a message from our editor, James Andrew:

My mum isn’t a football fan, but when I was growing up, she always used to ask me: “When does the bloody football season end? It seems like it goes on forever.” It didn’t back then, but now it does feel as though she’s right!

There doesn’t seem to have been much of a break, with the Club World Cup last summer, the Women’s Euros, the last domestic season and then the World Cup, but here we are, back for the start of another campaign.

The World Cup, of course, was the biggest ever, and even though 104 matches over 39 days seemed like a lot, there was plenty to be excited by in the USA, Canada and Mexico. What happens at that tournament often flows into domestic football during following seasons, but while there was much to enjoy, I hope we don’t see dynamic ticket prices, hydration breaks and ludicrously hiked-up travel prices spill into our game.

As always at the start of a new campaign, there are plenty of questions being posed. Will reigning champions Arsenal go on a run of domestic dominance? Can Manchester City fight for the title without Pep Guardiola? How will Southampton deal with the fallout from the Spygate scandal? And after their epic National League title battle, can York and Rochdale push for a second successive promotion this time around?

All that and more will be answered in the year ahead. Enjoy the season.

James

North London forever

Arsenal won their first Premier League title for 22 years - now they will start this season looking to retain their title for the first time in almost a century. Eberechi Eze has his say on the title win and upcoming defence.

Coventry City - back in the big time

Having lost in the Play-Offs two season's ago, Coventry bounced back in style last season by winning the Championship. Now they are preparing for a return to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years.

What’s changed ahead of the 2026-27 season

Enzo Maresca at Manchester City, Andoni Iraola in at Liverpool, Sunderland and Bournemouth in Europe and Lee Trundle still playing at 50. FourFourTwo give you the run down on everything to look out for this season.

Unhappy anniversary

As West Ham prepare for life in the Championship, club legend Tony Gale looks back on the club’s decade away from Upton Park and the life at the London Stadium.

Henry Winter meets Kasper Schmeichel

As the Danish keeper hangs up his gloves he speaks about his career with the renowned journalist and the terrible night that he will never forget

The Boy’s a Bit Special

Get the lowdown on the son of a Premier League icon making waves for club and country and the midfielder already making waves in the Premier League.

Around the Grounds

Former Spurs and England striker Jermain Defoe talks about his first job in management with National League side Woking.

Elsewhere, Llandudno appoint a 24-year old PE teacher as their new gaffer. And we prepare for York and Rochdale to do battle again, but this time back in the Football League.

In a brand new feature ‘Beyond the Turnstiles’ we take a trip to the Dripping Pan and tell you why it should be on your bucket list of grounds to visit.

In the Players Lounge this month…

Sir Geoff Hurst talks World Cup final hat-tricks, Georgi Kinkladze on his love for Maine Road and Neil Sulivan on being lobbed by David Beckham

The Mixer

Our latest merch round-up features Admiral’s latest kit collab, Sunderland’s new pink and black away kit, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Nike Zoom Mercurial Superfly RGN Gold and Barca’s new home kit.

We spy a 2020-21 Loch Ness in Classic Kit and let you know the TV series will be your next binge.

David Luiz answers YOUR questions

The former Chelsea, Arsenal and Brazil defender on his love for Benfica, contract mix-ups and becoming a fan-favourite at Stamford Bridge

Upfront

Think you’re a football expert? Prove it by getting 100 per cent in our Ultimate Quiz. With the World Cup now over, Jules Breach reflects on what it was like covering games for Fox Sport in Mexico and the passion the fans there show

Diego Forlan selects the games that changed his life, and the FFT crew discuss their experience of the World Cup. We also sit down with golfer Ian Poulter to discuss all things Arsenal.

Former Liverpool man Djibril Cisse hails sporting geniuses and a DJ in the People I Admire.

Perfect XI

Kolo Toure picks his ultimate XI from former teammates made up of Arsenal legends and Premier League stars

Over 140 teams reviewed and rated in our guide to the new season

Our annual 100 pages team-by-team guide is packed with everything you need to know ahead of the new season. With over 140 teams from the Premier League to the National League, this is the ultimate guide to the new domestic season.

World Cup star Roberto 'Pico' Lopes was one of the stories of the tournament and his fairytale summer shows no sign of slowing down after his return to club football.

Cape Verde won plaudits around the globe for their performances in Group H and against 2022 winners Argentina in the round of 32. The Blue Sharks lost 3-2 but took the champions to extra time in one of the games of the tournament.

The group stage got off to a sensational start with a famous 0-0 draw with former world champions and now 2026 finalists Spain. Goalkeeper Vozinha earned the headlines but central defender Lopes was his last line of protection.

Final chance to play our FREE match predictor and win £1,000

Pico Lopes is already back in action for Shamrock Rovers

Lopes famously followed an unusual path to the World Cup. Born and raised in Dublin, the 34-year-old defender was contacted on LinkedIn and invited to play for Cape Verde, which he did for the first time eight years ago.

If starting there and ending up playing directly against eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi in a World Cup knock-out match weren't remarkable enough, Lopes has performed heroics back in the Republic of Ireland.

Lopes captains Shamrock Rovers, the Dublin team that won the League of Ireland Premier Division in 2025 and are seven points clear of Bohemians in the paused 2026 season.

Their latest title win earned them a place in the first qualifying round of the Champions League. Rovers played their second leg on Tuesday, and the outcome at Tallaght Stadium was yet another piece of history achieved by their skipper just weeks after he left his country's first World Cup.

The Hoops lost the first leg 2-0 against Maltese side Floriana last week. Lopes wasn't available to play so soon after his return from the World Cup, and the result left the LoI team with a mountain to climb.

"No League of Ireland team had ever overturned a two-goal, first-leg deficit in a European tie and the Hoops had left themselves with work to do after a sloppy 2-0 defeat in Malta last week," reported RTE Sport after the second leg, which Rovers won 5-1 to clinch the tie with goals to spare.

"But with captain Pico Lopes back in the side after his World Cup adventure with Cape Verde, there was no mistaking Rovers' determination to atone for that setback and they hounded Floriana from start to finish."

There's no more rest for Lopes or Rovers. They're straight into the second qualifying round against Armenian team Ararat. Their seeding and the defeat of Floriana put them on the champions path, offering the best possible route to the Champions League proper.

The New Saints of Wales were knocked out by Azerbaijani side Sabah in the first qualifying round on Tuesday. Northern Ireland's Larne beat Tre Fiori from San Marino over two legs.

England captain Harry Kane became his country's record World Cup goalscorer this summer and ended the competition as the nation's most-capped outfield player.

Cap number 121 was the semi-final defeat against Argentina, England's second exit at the same stage in the last three World Cups. Kane scored six times in 2018 and again in 2026 but his age means that there will be widespread speculation about his international retirement.

Kane has been in the form of his life with Bayern Munich and there's no suggestion that the end of his time with England is imminent, but 2030 is a long way off. Unsurprisingly, he has already been asked about the centennial World Cup.

Harry Kane will be 36 at the end of World Cup 2030

The question was asked the question after England's loss in Atlanta and was unequivocal in his commitment to playing and captaining the Three Lions, saying that he will 'never put a limit' on his international career.

"Playing for England means more to me than anything else," said Kane.

Kane has had a stellar England career, scoring a record 85 goals in his 121 appearances including 14 in World Cup matches.

The semi-final against Argentina took him clear of Wayne Rooney's tally of senior caps. Only former goalkeeper Peter Shilton, with 125 caps, has played for England's men's team more. He has 32 more goals than Rooney too.

When he does retire, Kane will also be celebrated for his exceptional major tournament career. England have reached two World Cup semi-finals, a World Cup final and two European Championship finals since 2018 and Kane captained the team at all of them.

He was the joint-highest goalscorer at EURO 2024 and won the Golden Boot at the World Cup in Russia. By most measures one could dream up, he must now be regarded as one of England's best-ever tournament players.

The reasons behind England's failure to reach the World Cup final in 2026 will be fiercely debated in the weeks and months ahead but Kane's appetite to lead the team at a home European Championship is beyond question.

Whether that is then extended into a willingness and ability to push on for another two years and take the armband into the World Cup in 2030 is less clear but Kane was knocked out of the World Cup by the relentless magic of a 39-year-old player.

England's skipper is not Lionel Messi but the message is clear: If you're good enough, you're young enough.

Kane is the type of player who sees international football as a duty and a privilege. It's difficult to see him ever turning down a call-up, which is admirable but also creates a big decision for a future manager.

For now, the focus is 2028 and interrogation about what happens beyond that will be brushed off with the same statement of loyalty.

Former England striker Wayne Rooney has criticised Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel for his substitutions in the World Cup semi-final defeat against holders Argentina.

England took the lead through Anthony Gordon's close-range finish early in the second half in Atlanta but had just 12 percent of the possession between their opening goal and Argentina's second.

The first 17 minutes of that period preceded Tuchel's first change but the decision to replace Gordon with defender Ezri Konsa and move to a back five with 18 minutes left, while Tuchel later revealed it was a response to what was already happening, handed the momentum to the world champions.

'We had no outlets'

There are tactical reasons to question England's manager for the way they ended the game. Giving Argentina the opportunity to park Lionel Messi unhindered 25 yards from their goal is among the more obvious.

But if football is a game of impetus and intent, the specific tactical outlook might be less significant than what Rooney interpreted as a signal of surrender. England defended resolutely against Mexico and Norway but it doesn't take Valeriy Lobanovskyi to understand why these were different circumstances.

According to Rooney, who also said that the turnaround was inevitable because of England's approach and apparently said to his BBC Sport colleagues during the match that the Three Lions wouldn't even reach extra time.

That echoed comments made around the country at the same time. Tuchel told England during the second-half hydration break to push for a second goal but Rooney suggested that his actions spoke louder to his players than his words.

"Okay, it's very difficult, but when we got the ball, we had no outlets," said the former Manchester United striker.

"Everything was kicking it long. They pick it up, come again. So, it's impossible. It's impossible.

"But for me, the biggest thing is when Thomas makes those changes, 100 percent the players will be stood on the pitch thinking, 'Oh no.' They will know what was coming."

The BBC panel, which also featured Joe Hart, Micah Richards and co-commentator Alan Shearer, spoke at length about England being passive after scoring their goal 10 minutes into the second half.

Tuchel is contracted to remain in the England job until the European Championship on home soil in two years but his team's timid response to holding a position of strength in a big game against quality opposition has drawn comparisons with England's late-tournament limitations under predecessor Gareth Southgate.

Given the perception that Tuchel was ultimately brought in to turn Southgate's progress into tangible success, the England boss can expect to face a barrage of disappointed commentary in the coming days.

Argentina booked their place in the World Cup Final on Wednesday evening with a comeback victory over England.

The Three Lions had taken the lead through Anthony Gordon during the second half but could not withstand a late Argentine barrage, conceding twice late on.

England were eliminated at the World Cup’s semi-final stage for the second time in the past three tournaments, having taken the lead on both occasions - the only country ever to do so.

Argentina unfurl Falklands banner after beating England

Goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez wrestled the game back in Argentina’s favour and left England with little time to find an equaliser.

Upon the final whistle, after nine added minutes, Argentina’s players celebrated jubilantly on the pitch in front of what was a majority of Argentine crowd.

Amidst the celebrations, unused substitute and Real Betis midfielder Lo Celso was pictured holding a banner which read ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’, directly referencing the 1982 Falklands War.

Translated to English, the banner reads: “The Falklands are Argentinian”.

Argentina lost the conflict having invaded the British Overseas Territory, but to this day, popular feeling in the South American country is that the crop of islands in the South Atlantic belong to Argentina.

Lionel Messi and co will meet Spain in the World Cup Final at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.

It is as yet unclear as to whether the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and Lo Celso will be sanctioned for unfurling the political display.

FIFA’s protocols state the following: “Items of a political, offensive, sexual, discriminatory or commercial nature are strictly prohibited and may result in expulsion from the stadium.”

Haiti were forced to redesign their home shirt on the eve of their 2026 World Cup opener with Scotland, after it was deemed part of the initial design allegedly depicted an event synonymous with the country gaining independence from France.

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart has weighed in on the row about ITV Sport's post-match interviews after the Three Lions knocked Norway out of the World Cup.

England won the quarter-final 2-1 thanks to a pair of Jude Bellingham goals but much of the reaction over the subsequent days focused on the on-pitch interviews conducted at Miami Stadium by reporter Gabriel Clarke.

After a tense conversation in which Tuchel explained that he was unhappy about England's performance in the quarter-final clash, Clarke relayed the view to match-winner Bellingham.

'I would react like that and I think it's naughty'

"Yeah, well, whatever. Whatever. It’s difficult out there. It’s a tough shift," replied Bellingham, fresh from 120 minutes of graft in stifling heat.

Speaking in his role as a pundit for BBC Sport before the semi-final between England and Argentina on Wednesday, Hart was clear that the nature of Clarke's Bellingham interview was not in line with his tastes.

"What I love about that exchange though is context is key and when I talk about with Thomas Tuchel, is he cares what's inside this squad," Hart told Mark Chapman before England's semi-final against Argentina.

"Now, if you were to go off what was being asked to Jude Bellingham, which was a bit naughty in my opinion because it was only the negative of what Thomas said, of course he's going to react like that because he felt like he was being attacked, having done something special.

"But when you go back behind closed doors and Jude Bellingham realises what [Tuchel] said on the whole, they're having a laugh about it."

Asked by Chapman whether Clarke had just asked Bellingham 'a perfectly normal question' in the aftermath of his manager's question, Hart stood firm in his view.

"I'm not telling anyone how to do their job and everyone is within their rights to ask the question. I'm telling you as a player, if I'm emotional, I'm off the back of getting to a semi-final, which I haven't done by the way, I would react like that, and I think it's naughty."

Clarke is a respected and experienced reporter whose correspondence has become synonymous with ITV's England coverage over the course of decades, but the awkward interviews in Florida have met with a frosty reaction.

It's been reported that more than 400 people have complained to Ofcom about the interviews, while England captain Harry Kane has also spoken out, suggesting that Bellingham, in the context of the interview in question, couldn't really have responded in any other way.

England don't have the best World Cup history with the Simeone name, so the inclusion of Giuliano Simeone in Lionel Scaloni's starting line-up for today's World Cup semi-final might have sent shivers down some spines.

At World Cup 1998, Diego Simeone played for Argentina in the second round match against England in Saint-Etienne. England were beaten on penalties with one of the best teams they'd assembled for years.

The turning point in the eyes of many supporters was the infamous sending-off of England midfielder David Beckham, who was dismissed for kicking out at Simeone four years before scoring the winner against Argentina in the group stage of the next World Cup.

Are Guiliano Simeone and Diego Simeone related?

Beckham was pilloried for many months after his red card, which most commentators assessed as a mistake from the young midfielder but also the result of streetwise play by the Argentina legend.

That determined cynicism survived into Simeone's managerial career. The 56-year-old had spells in charge of several clubs in Argentina and a short stint as the head coach of Italian side Catania, and has been in charge of Atletico Madrid since 2011 with a great degree of success.

Argentina winger Giuliano Simeone 's only previous football at the World Cup came in the form of 71 minutes in the meaningless last group stage match against Jordan but is in the starting line-up in Atlanta.

The 23-year-old will be expected to combine with Lionel Messi and also to do some of the physical graft his veteran captain will not, but the most paranoid of England fans might consider his selection a subtle act of psychological warfare.

Giuliano plays for Diego at Atleti, and while we're sure he doesn't call him 'Papa' in the dressing room, that's exactly what he is.

Diego has three footballing sons and Giuliano is the youngest. Giovanni, 31, plays for Napoli and previously starred for Fiorentina and Cagliari as well as River Plate, where he got his start. Gianluca is 27 and retired last year.

The youngest of the three footballing brothers is the only one not to be registered with River Plate at the senior level, coming through the youth ranks with Atletico after leaving the Buenos Aires giants.

Giuliano has played 65 times for Atletico Madrid in La Liga, every one of them under the long-standing head coach who played a part in bringing him into the world.

As Argentina kick off against England in Georgia, their fans will be hoping for just as big an impact from Junior as they got from his father 28 years ago.

England will have other ideas.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has selected Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers in his starting line-up for the semi-final of World Cup 2026.

Rogers has only started one of England's previous matches at the World Cup and will again play in the same side as Jude Bellingham, his close friend and the player widely regarded in the build-up as the player likely to keep him out of the team.

Both will play against Argentina in the semi-final just as they did against Panama at the end of the group stage, with The Athletic reporting this afternoon that Tuchel will deploy the Villa man on the right wing outside striker Harry Kane.

Rogers will replace Noni Madueke for England against Argentina

With Anthony Gordon of Barcelona expected to start on the left, Arsenal winger Noni Madueke will drop to the bench to allow Rogers to take his place in the starting line-up.

Madueke has been Tuchel's top choice on the right for the majority of the World Cup thanks to the fitness problems that have dogged clubmate Bukayo Saka, but his contribution, while often tactically useful, has been criticised for its lack of direct impact in the attacking third.

The semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta will be Rogers' 21st senior cap in a whirlwind international career. The 23-year-old made his England debut less than two years ago but has won the admiration of his manager.

"Rogers is primarily deployed as a left-sided No 10, starting in the inside channel with a left-back overlapping, or in the equivalent role on the right," writes Jacob Tanswell, who covers Villa for The Athletic.

"He can look uncomfortable when asked to hold the width, so ensuring he has a team-mate outside him when he drifts infield will be paramount for Tuchel."

Villa teammate Ezri Konsa played out of position at right-back against Norway in Saturday's quarter-final, removing that option for the England boss. With a right-back offering more attacking width, Rogers' tendency to pull inside can be a boon for the Three Lions.

Kane will drop into the midfield to get on the ball and Rogers has the ability to find spaces and make runs ahead of him with more freedom to come off the touchline. Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni will need to find a way to keep him pinned where he doesn't want to be.

Starting in the semi-final is a chance for Rogers to produce a break-out performance on the biggest stage. At 23, he's already had a more circuitous route to the top end of the Premier League than most players who get there.

Rogers helped Villa win the Europa League in May, scoring their third goal in the final against Freiburg in Istanbul, and he is capable of taking a big game by the scruff of its neck and making it his.

Actually making that happen at Atlanta Stadium tonight will take some doing but it would catapult him to superstar status. Destiny calls.

What do you think? Is Rogers for Madueke the right call? Let us know below...

England take on Argentina for a place in the World Cup final on Wednesday evening with the winners set to take on Spain in New Jersey on Sunday, 19 July.

For England, it marks one of the biggest games in their recent history, perhaps even since they won the World Cup in 1966.

Many England fans will still remember the last time they reached this stage of the competition, with it only coming eight years ago, but the reality is it doesn’t come around all that often.

How many times have England been in the World Cup semi-final?

Thomas Tuchel’s men have battled their way to this position, and will make a small piece of history regardless of the outcome.

When England kick-off against Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday evening, it will be just the fourth time ever they will have ever played in a World Cup semi-final.

England’s first ever appearance in a World Cup semi-final was in 1966, the year they lifted the Jules Rimet trophy in front of a packed out Wembley crowd.

In the semi-final they beat Portugal, who had Eusebio, ranked at no.16 in FourFourTwo's list of the greatest players of all time, in their ranks. However, Bobby Charlton’s brace was enough to see England through that day.

English football fans would have to wait 24 years before seeing another appearance from the nation in the semi-finals. It came in Turin, Italy, against West Germany.

England were knocked out on penalties with Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle missing the decisive spotkicks to send West Germany through to play Argentina in the final.

They had to wait even longer for their next semi-final, which came in 2018. Much was made of England’s fabled 'Golden Generation', but they constantly came up short at the World Cup, only managing to reach the quarter-finals in 2002 and 2006.

In 2018, where Kieran Trippier scored an unbelievable free-kick against Croatia to have Gareth Southgate and Co. 1-0 up inside five minutes in Moscow. They went on to lose the game 2-1 with Mario Mandzukic scoring a 109th minute winner.

Just once have the Three Lions advanced to the final in three attempts, with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and the rest of the class of ‘26 hopeful they can avoid the same fate as years gone by against Argentina.

England take on Argentina for a place in the World Cup final on Wednesday evening with the winners set to take on Spain in New Jersey on Sunday, 19 July.

Should the Three Lions be successful, it would be successive major tournaments where they have reached the final, after doing so in Euro 2024 in Germany.

But how many finals have England been in over the years? FourFourTwo takes a look below.

England have played in three major tournament finals

In 2024 in Berlin, England came up short, despite Cole Palmer scoring a stunning equaliser, minutes after he came on as a substitute.

It was their second defeat in a row in Euro’s finals, with Italy beating them on penalties in 2021 in the delayed Euro 2020. Luke Shaw slammed Gareth Southgate's men in front inside two minutes, but they failed to hold on and were ultimately beaten in the shootout under the Wembley arch.

These were two of the three finals England’s men have ever been in.

The other was, of course, the 1966 World Cup final, again at Wembley (albeit the old one), where they beat West Germany 4-2 in extra-time thanks to a hat-trick by Geoff Hurst.

Should they beat Argentina, they will be entering somewhat uncharted waters with just their second-ever World Cup final.

If they fail to reach the promised land, it will be added to a long list of near misses.

The most recent came in 2018, when Southgate and his waistcoat led England to the semi-final in Russia, with Kieran Tripper scoring an almost unbelievable free-kick in the fifth minute.

Before that, however, England had not been in a semi-final of a Euros or World Cup in 22 years, with their previous appearance coming in 1996. This was in the only European Championships England has ever held exclusivel, and they suffered a penalty shootout defeat against Germany at Wembley.

They had only had to wait six years since their last semi-final, which ended the same way as in 1996; a penalty shootout defeat to West Germany at Italia '90 in Turin.

This was just England’s second-ever appearance at a major tournament semi-final, with the first coming in 1966, and we all know how that one ended.

The England women's team have reached five finals - three of which were the last three major tournaments they have played in.

The Lionesses memorably won Euro 2022 by beating Germany at Wembley, but lost the 2023 World Cup final to Spain, before avenging that defeat in 2025 with a penalty shootout win against Spain in Switzerland.

They also have lost twice in the Euros semi-finals - 1995 and 2017 - and twice in the World Cup (2015 and 2019). They have reached the semi-finals or better in their last six major tournaments.

Spain have reached their second World Cup final after overcoming France.

Reigning European champions Spain made light work of Tuesday's World Cup semi-final against France to set up their second showpiece in the space of 16 years.

Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro gave Luis de la Fuente's side hopes of emulating their 2010 success as England or Argentina await them on 19 July.

Spain's international success secret revealed

La Roja have now reached five international finals out of six since 2021, winning Euro 2024 and the Nations League while finishing twice as runner-up in the latter.

Their current run evokes memories of the 'tiki taka' generation that was crowned world champions and twice won the European Championship between 2008 and 2012.

Former Spain international Fernando Morientes believes that their renewed success is testament to the country's development of not just its on-field talent.

The former Real Madrid and Liverpool striker, now 50, scored 27 goals in 47 appearances during a nine-year spell in which he also featured at two World Cups.

"I think it comes down to the work done in the lower categories. Not just at the federation, though. I'd also bring in the work done in the academies of LaLiga clubs," said Morientes.

"There's also a real emphasis on developing coaches, and I think the coaches themselves are very important in this process with young players. It's not just about having talent, you need good coaches, good coaching staff, to unlock the talent that exists in every young Spanish player.

"Obviously France, Portugal and Brazil also have a lot of young talent. But I don't know, in Spain we've had this instilled since we were very young.

"I think the work being done in the lower categories of the Spanish federation, I really value it, and in LaLiga too, because I know how the academies work there. I think it's delivering performances that weren't worked on the same way in our generation."

Morientes would also relish a rematch of the Euro 2024 final between Spain and England to gauge the strength of the Premier League and LaLiga's top prospects.

He added: "Obviously I would like for Spain to win and to have a Spain and England final. I wouldn't mind a Spanish-Argentina final either. But to measure the strengths between the Premier League and LaLiga would be cool.

"There's always a bit of a competition between the two leagues, as two of the best in the world. So to measure LaLiga against the Premier League in the final would be great."

Fernando Morientes was speaking on behalf of Reviant.

England are just two games away from winning the World Cup for the first time since 1966.

It would end 60 trophyless years for the men's team and would immortalise the current squad of players in English football history.

All that remains is the small matter of beating current world champions Argentina and two of the pre-tournament favourites in France and Spain should they reach the final.

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Will there be a bank holiday if England win the 2026 World Cup on Sunday?

If England do manage to reach and win the final, the country will see some of the biggest celebrations it has ever seen and fans of the Three Lions may be looking at Monday morning and wondering if they will make it into work or not.

Talk will of course turn to whether or not there will be a bank holiday should they lift the trophy in New Jersey.

Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has suggested that the possibility of a bank holiday will be considered should England go all the way.

Talking at a NATO summit in Turkey before Thomas Tuchel's men beat Norway, Starmer said: “I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final.”

A potential date has also been earmarked, with Friday, 24 July lined up for celebrations.

Starmer is unlikely to still be in office by the time the decision to grant a bank holiday rolls around after he resigned last month, subject to a new leader of the Labour Party being selected, but preparation for such an event must go ahead despite that.

Andy Burnham, who is likely to replace Starmer at 10 Downing Street, has slightly damped expectations previously, saying “it was a bit premature” to talk of a bank holiday before England’s trip to the Azteca.

Now, with England potentially only 180 minutes away from the moment of a football generation, talk seems far more relevant, and preparations should be well underway.

It won’t be easy though, with Argentina scrapping their way to the semi-final after epic matches against Cape Verde, Egypt and Switzerland.

England needs to get past Lionel Messi, who is still producing magical moments aged 39-years-old at quite possibly at his last World Cup. His eight goals at this year's tournament have seen him become the all-time top goalscorer with 21 goals, flying past Miroslav Klose's previous record of 16.

Should they win the semi-final, they will face France, who have arguably the best attack in the tournament, or Spain, who have arguably the best defence in the tournament.

England are playing in a World Cup semi-final for just the fourth time in their history.

After the heartbreak of 1990 and 2018, The Three Lions will be looking to emulate the success of 1966, 60 years on, as they go toe-to-toe with current world champions Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday.

Led by Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, England are one of just four teams left at the World Cup as the tournament enters its final week.

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What time is England vs Argentina on Wednesday?

All eyes will be on the game, which will take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, temporarily known as Atlanta Stadium for the sake of FIFA’s advertising rules for the 2026 World Cup.

England have played there already this summer, defeating DR Congo in the round of 32 in dramatic fashion with Harry Kane scoring two late goals.

That game kicked off at 5pm in England, which was a slight rush for people leaving work to make it home or to a pub on time for the game.

Thankfully, Wednesday night is slightly different with the conventional midweek kick-off time of 8pm.

This translates to 3pm local time, with there currently being a five-hour time difference between Atlanta and England.

The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is one of the most advanced at the World Cup, featuring a retractable roof and a climate-cooling system, meaning the England players shouldn’t feel the effects of the temperature as they did in Miami on Saturday night.

It also means the game should run on time, with the risk of impact from electrical storms slightly lower than at other open-air stadiums.

The Three Lions face their toughest test yet in the shape of Argentina. The current world champions have battled their way to the semi-finals once again, winning twice in extra-time against Cape Verde and Switzerland, whilst they completed an incredibly dramatic comeback against Egypt in the round of 16.

They face a Lionel Messi who is still producing magical moments at 39-years-old and quite possibly at his last World Cup. His eight goals at this year's tournament have seen him become the all-time top goalscorer with 21 goals, flying past Miroslav Klose's previous record of 16.

The two have not faced each other in a competitive match since the 2002 World Cup, where England exorcised the demons of 1998 with a 1-0 win in the group stages.

Thomas Tuchel has admitted that England "just got lucky" in their quarter-final victory against Norway this evening.

The England boss did not shy away from criticism for his side in a post-match interview with ITV, expressing his disappointment in their performance.

Now, the Three Lions boss has expanded on those feelings, speaking after the clash, and that dissatisfaction is still present.

'We just got lucky, we HAVE to play better' - Thomas Tuchel holds harsh feelings for England, despite 2-1 win vs Norway

Jude Bellingham was the hero this evening, scoring two for his nation and sealing a comeback victory — now the second youngest player after Pele to score a brace in back-to-back knockout games at the World Cup.

Tuchel has expanded on his immediate criticism post-match, which Bellingham did not take kindly to from the England boss.

The manager said: "No one disputes [that it was hot outside]. I was impressed with the team spirit, the belief and to overcome adversity and to dig in and find ways to win. Top credit for that. But I am also a football coach, and I think we can play better.

"The analysing head and the football coach in me thinks we can and have to play better football. I think we just got lucky in decisive moments.

"I don't think we are lucky to win, but lucky in decisive moments. We could have been 2-0 down. No one ever denies that you need luck in tournament football. I see no harm in admitting it. That's the way I felt today," continued Tuchel.

The England boss had high praise for his side's 23-year-old hero, describing Bellingham's performance as "world-class" from an individual who "produces in big moments."

Tuchel also expressed praise for the youngster's partner-in-crime, Harry Kane, noting that their game plan has "simple" in creating opportunities almost exclusively through that partnership, but attacking performances in general must improve.

The 52-year-old also acknowledged England's controversially allowed opening goal versus Norway, which arguably should have been chalked off due to television cable interference with the ball.

Tuchel said: "I heard that, but there's a chip in the ball and it can tell you if a hair can touch it, as you know from the Croatia-Portugal game. I was not aware."

He also commented on the bizarre late-stage substitution of Erling Haaland, noting that he saw the Norwegian striker getting visibly exhausted and "struggling with the physicality of the match."

The England boss concluded with high praise for his side, but re-affirmed his initial criticism.

"In my heart there is no doubt that I am proud and happy because the team does whatever it takes. They overcome obstacles and adversity, but I am also a football coach and I also have demands.

"We want to have a top performance because a top performance helps you win games.

"My head is not fully satisfied. I think we can play faster, I think we can play more clinical. We had too many mistakes... [but] there is no disconnect with the team.

"I am fully in love with my players and my team," finished Tuchel.

England have advanced to the quarter-finals at the 2026 World Cup having beaten Croatia, Panama, DR Congo and Mexico en route.

Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have been the star men of this England tournament display, whilst the persistent problem facing Tuchel has been options at right-back.

Djed Spence has deputised in the place of Reece James, who remains sidelined, or at the very least unable to start in Miami this evening.

England team news vs Norway

Back-up option Jarell Quansah missed the Round of 32 fixture against DR Congo with an ankle problem and was then sent off after VAR review in the 3-2 Round of 16 win over Mexico. He has been handed a two-match ban, meaning his only remaining participation will come in the World Cup Final, should England make it that far.

Spence picked up an injury in the lead up to the Mexico game and was only deployed as a second half substitute, but he is not the man Tuchel has chosen at right-back this evening.

Instead, the German boss has decided on Ezri Konsa at right-back, moving the Aston Villa man over from central defence and replacing him there with veteran centre-half John Stones.

Stones and Marc Guehi, both teammates of Norway's Erling Haaland, will be tasked with keeping a lid on the seven-goal striker who will have eyes on the Golden Boot, as well as taking the Norsemen as far as he can.

Tuchel has elected to keep 6ft 7in defender Dan Burn as an impact substitute, as was the case against Mexico, instead of using him to try and thwart Haaland by matching the Manchester City forward physically.

Perhaps controversially, Tuchel is expected to name Noni Madueke on the right-hand side of attack in his starting lineup.

The Arsenal winger will replace clubmate Bukayo Saka after sitting out the Mexico fixture as an unused substitute.

In FourFourTwo's opinion, these are bold team selection picks by Tuchel, but that is very much in keeping with the manager's reputation and demeanour. He is not afraid to make big calls at big times and remains the best man to make those decisions given his proximity to the squad.

Opting for Madueke over Saka will trouble some England fans but Tuchel evidently has a plan.

Confirmed England XI: Pickford; Konsa, Guehi, Stones, O'Reilly; Anderson, Rice, Bellingham; Madueke, Gordon, Kane.

Subs: D.Henderson, Trafford, Chalobah, Burn, James, Spence, Mainoo, Rogers, Eze, Saka, Rashford, Watkins, Toney

John Arne Riise has explained why Norway’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals has been years in the making - and not just down to the goals of Erling Haaland.

Stale Solbakken’s side face England in Miami tonight, in their first-ever last-eight tie at a major tournament.

Norway has a population of just 5.6 million people, but the country is enjoying a golden generation of talent, led by captain Martin Odegaard and star striker Haaland, who scored both goals in the last-16 win over Brazil to take his World Cup 2026 tally to seven.

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Ex-Liverpool star explains why Norway have become a force

While Haaland is undoubtedly the headline name, Norway’s squad is packed with quality players including Premier League-winning skipper Odegaard, wingers Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb, and Borussia Dortmund right-back Julian Ryerson.

Former Liverpool left-back Riise is Norway’s record appearance-maker, winning 110 caps for his country between 2000 and 2013. The 45-year-old will be at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami for Saturday’s quarter-final and revealed why a nation that had competed at just four major tournaments before this summer is suddenly a contender to win the World Cup.

“We've been working for many years with the younger generations in training,” he said, speaking exclusively to FourFourTwo in association with BestBettingSites.co.uk.

“At the same time, having players like Haaland, Odegaard, and Oscar Bobb doing so well helps because people can see we are not as bad as they might have thought a few years ago.

“We've focused on developing players from a young age, giving them the right education and training so they're prepared to perform when they go abroad.

“Crucially, many players haven’t just jumped straight from Norway to the biggest clubs in Europe; they take small steps.

“Look at Haaland — he took it one step at a time until suddenly he was completely prepared for Manchester City. A lot of our players have followed that path, and I think that helps immensely.”

In 2015, the Norwegian FA launched its Landslagsskolen, or National Team School (NTS). Promising young players join the NTS aged 12 and are coached by the country’s best coaches, while still playing for their grassroots teams.

They then move on to the top club academies around the age of 15, with most members of Solbakken’s 26-man World Cup squad graduates of the programme.

While Haaland’s incredible talent was clear from a young age, the striker did not join a top European side until he signed for Dortmund in the January 2020 transfer window, when he was aged 19.

The striker began his career at boyhood club Bryne, before moving to top-division Molde and then Austrian outfit RB Salzburg at the age of 18.

After two-and-a-half seasons at Dortmund, he joined Manchester City for £51million in summer 2022 and scored 52 goals in his first season to help Pep Guardiola’s side win the Treble.

As Riise explains, Haaland was ready to perform from the moment he arrived at the Etihad Stadium - now he is spearheading Norway's bid for World Cup glory.

The only place to start this week is England’s last-16 win over Mexico, which was a brilliant performance. I thought they were first class in the way they managed the atmosphere, and the subs that came on all had an impact.

They defended with their lives after going down to 10 men and it was their best performance of the World Cup, ahead of a big test against Norway.

Clinton was speaking on behalf of Freebets.com home to the best betting sites.

'England need to be clinical against Norway. They can be got at' - Clinton Morrison

You just need to look at what they did against Brazil, so England need to be clinical. I think they’re a team you can get at defensively, but their midfield, wingers and forward line can cause problems.

Stale Solbakken has got some good options at his disposal, and you saw that in the Brazil game when he took off Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sorloth, replacing them with Oscar Bobb and Andreas Schjelderup.

You can’t dismiss Martin Odegaard either, who ran the show against Brazil. Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson will have to get tight on him and ensure he doesn’t do the same again on Saturday.

Erling Haaland was also magnificent in the game, and containing him will be absolutely vital if England are to win the game. That’s a job for Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa, while the full-back position will be key, with Reece James doubtful and Jarrell Quansah being suspended.

A lot of focus will be on Djed Spence, who did really well when he came on at left-back against Mexico. He managed to stop the crosses coming into the box, which were causing England plenty of problems in the game, and I’d expect him to start at right-back on Saturday.

Moving away from England now, and there’s been plenty of controversy about Folarin Balogun’s red card being overturned. It’s something which has been spoken about a lot, and I don’t think people need to be getting involved in that situation.

I’ve seen that France have now asked FIFA whether Michael Olise’s yellow card can be overturned, even though he’s not suspended, as one more yellow would see him miss the following game.

Their request has been denied, and now you’re going to have everyone asking for similar treatment. England were thinking about appealing Quansah’s red card too, even though it was the correct decision in my opinion. But there’s no question that FIFA handled the Balogun situation very badly.

On a more positive note, so many young players have impressed at this World Cup. Ayyoub Bouaddi of Morocco is a superb player, and Gilberto Mora has been very impressive in midfield for Mexico at the age of just 17.

Norway’s Antonio Nusa has had a fine tournament, and England will have to be prepared for him. He’s someone who’s unpredictable, as you don’t know which way he’s going to go, and always wants to take on his full-back.

Someone’s who’s also gone under the radar a bit is Spain’s Pau Cubarsi, who’s been outstanding alongside Aymeric Laporte in the heart of their defence. If you're 19 and you're playing at Barcelona, then you must be a good player.

Looking at some transfer news now, and there’s plenty of talk that Bruno Guimaraes could join Arsenal. I’m surprised, as I never would’ve thought he would leave Newcastle. But if he's told them he wants to leave, you probably know what's going to happen. The same thing happened with Alexander Isak, who eventually got his move to Liverpool.

What a signing it would be for Arsenal though. He'll improve them. He's a good player. He always wants the ball, and doesn't hide. I know he missed the penalty against Norway, but I think he's a top player. It'd be a brilliant signing for Arsenal and he would take them to a whole different level. You could see him and Rice dominating that central midfield. I know they've got Martin Zubimendi as well, but the idea of him and Rice together is exciting.

Some other big transfer news concerns Manchester United agreeing a fee with Chelsea for Andrey Santos. It was a bit out of the blue, but I think you can understand it after missing out on some more expensive targets.

He’s only 22 and is someone who’s good on the ball and wants to make things happen. A £50 million fee is not a bad price these days. They still want another midfielder as well, and it looks like United will also sign the boy Ederson from Atalanta too.

They’re doing some good business this summer, and it’ll be interesting to see how well both players perform for them next season.

Liverpool and Arsenal are both ready to make a key concession in their pursuit of Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to reports.

The 18-year-old has been one of the breakout stars of World Cup 2026, starting five games as the Atlas Lions reached the quarter-finals, where they lost to France.

Arsenal and Liverpool are among several top European clubs eyeing Lille midfielder Bouaddi, with Manchester City also in the mix, but they may have to compromise if they want to complete a deal that could cost close to £100million.

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Liverpool and Arsenal ‘reluctantly’ agree to Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi demand

Bouaddi made his Morocco debut only last month after switching allegiance to the North African country in May, having represented many of France’s age-group teams up to Under-21 level.

Interest in the teenager has grown during an excellent World Cup but Lille want to keep him for one more season, with any deal this summer potentially involving a loan back to the French club for 2026/27.

Liverpool and Arsenal are huge admirers of Bouaddi and Football Insider reports that both clubs are ‘reluctantly’ prepared to accept that demand.

While the Reds, the Gunners and City are all keen to sign the youngster ahead of the new domestic campaign, they are willing to compromise if it means they can secure his services.

The report adds that Lille will demand close to £100m for a player who has made just seven senior international appearances, so agreeing to the season-long loan would reduce the short-term benefit of such a huge outlay.

However, it would also be a long-term investment for Liverpool and Arsenal - both of whom have already set their sights on the next generation of stars this summer.

The Premier League rivals have both reportedly shown interest in 17-year-old Mexico midfielder Gilberto Mora, while Arsenal were also in the running for Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga, who turns 17 today, although City appear to have hijacked the deal.

Bouaddi is further along in his development than both players, although he would cost considerably more.

The teenager first appeared for Lille three days after he turned 16 and made his Champions League debut on his 17th birthday.

He has long been monitored by some of Europe’s top clubs and the willingness of Liverpool and Arsenal to loan him back to Lille shows the regard in which he is held across the continent.

Liverpool are leading a group of Premier League clubs chasing Mexico wonderkid Gilberto Mora, according to reports.

The 17-year-old midfielder enjoyed a breakout World Cup 2026, starting three games as the co-hosts reached the last 16 before exiting to England.

Mora’s performances have increased the hype around the teenager, who plays for Liga MX side Tijuana, and Liverpool are among several European heavyweights showing an interest.

Liverpool ‘very keen’ on Gilberto Mora as Manchester United stance changes

Mora was the youngest player at this summer’s World Cup, while he became the sixth-youngest player in the tournament’s history when he appeared as a second-half substitute against South Africa in the opening game, aged 17 years and 240 days.

He went on to start Mexico’s final Group A match against Czechia, the last-32 win over Ecuador and the defeat by England.

Having faced several Premier League stars at the Azteca last weekend, Mora is attracting the attention of multiple top English clubs - with TEAMtalk reporting that Liverpool are ‘very keen’ on the rising star.

The report states that the Reds have already made contact with the youngster’s camp to ‘establish the conditions of a deal’ and to see if he would be open to joining Andoni Iraola's men.

TEAMtalk adds that it remains only an exploratory approach from Liverpool, who are looking to get ahead of several rivals at home and abroad who have also been monitoring Mora.

Arsenal have reportedly shown recent interest, while Manchester City and Chelsea are also in the running. TEAMtalk claims that Real Madrid are ‘long-term admirers’ and that Mora would view a move to Los Blancos as a ‘dream come true’, while La Liga rivals Barcelona have also sent scouts to watch him.

However, the report adds that Manchester United are unlikely to pursue Mora despite tracking him for the past six months, with the Red Devils keen to avoid a bidding war.

The midfielder has three years left on his contract with Tijuana and is already valued at €40million-plus (£34million), which could rise as clubs compete for his signature following his displays at the World Cup.

However, FIFA regulations state that Mora cannot join a foreign team until he turns 18 on October 14 this year, so any transfer cannot be finalised until that date.

The Liga MX season begins later this month, which means Mora will have plenty of opportunities to impress for Tijuana and further increase his value before any move to Europe materialises.

England's route to the World Cup final is beginning to take shape.

Thomas Tuchel could be the man who ends 60 years of hurt for England after reaching the World Cup's last eight after a memorable 3-2 win over Mexico.

The Three Lions made history by inflicting only a third defeat on their hosts at the Estadio Azteca, where they previously lost to Argentina in the 1986 quarter finals.

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England's World Cup final path mapped out

Tuchel's side defied the odds against a partisan home crowd as well as seeing out most of the second half with 10 men following Jarell Quansah's straight red card.

The Bayer Leverkusen defender was dismissed for violent conduct after a challenge on Jesus Gallardo in the 54th minute as the hosts pushed to overturn a 2-0 deficit.

England are unbeaten in all five of their World Cup encounters, drawing just once in their Group L campaign against Ghana before progressing to the knockout stage.

Norway lie in wait for their ninth World Cup quarter final appearance which will take place at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on 11 July with kick-off at 10pm UK time.

Should they overcome Erling Haaland and co, a second semi-final in eight years beckons which could see them lining up against Lionel Messi and Argentina.

The Vikings are set for their maiden quarter-final involvement after eliminating five-time world champions Brazil with a 2-1 win in Sunday's MetLife Stadium encounter.

The reigning holders face Egypt in Tuesday's last-16 tie, where the winner will be pitted against whoever progresses from Switzerland and Colombia's clash.

England's potential opponents in the 19 July showpiece at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium will offer no easy path to glory with six formidable nations still in contention on the other side of the draw.

The USA and Belgium are set to do battle in their last-16 tie early on Tuesday to earn a place in the quarter final against the winner of Portugal's clash with Spain.

Current tournament favourites France and Morocco are already through to a head-to-head meeting in the last eight, with the latter previously knocking out the Netherlands.

If England do go all the way for the first time since 1966, they will have to do it the hard way.

England delivered one of their greatest World Cup performances in one of the fabled tournament’s greatest games. The 8,000 England fans who trekked to the Azteca, making light of the cost and the rain, were rewarded. The millions who stayed up at home, deep into the night, had their loyalty repaid. Nobody was going to fall asleep in drama like this on the night that the Wonderwall that was England’s defence made the Azteca’s wall of noise fall silent.

This was the night when England lived up to their supporters’ beliefs. They showed their attacking class with Jude Bellingham immense. They then displayed their defensive defiance when Jarell Quansah was dismissed. It was a performance of guts that brought glory and a quarter-final against Norway in Miami on Saturday.

England had lions all over the pitch. Jordan Pickford kept relieving pressure by charging through traffic and punching clear. Anthony Gordon was tireless on the left, initially as a winger, then as a defensive midfielder. But the lion king was truly Bellingham. It’s madness that one of the finest footballing talents ever produced in England should have been doubted. He finished the game at centre-forward, Harry Kane having been subbed. He finished the game, closing down opponents, showing the team player he is.

It was England’s No 10 who exorcised the ghosts here, the painful memory of the Hand of God. As if the 40 years since England’s last visit to the Azteca hadn’t felt long enough, kick-off was delayed an hour after the thunderstorm protocol was activated. And then, after the storm over the Azteca, came the storm within, and it came, gloriously, from England, from Bellingham, lightning striking twice between the 36 and 38 minutes.

What a response. What a reason to wait up, to stay awake. Sweet dreams are made of this. School was worth being late for this. For the first goal, England hit on the counter smoothly. Mexico did not know what hit them as England charged down the right. Jordan Pickford launched the move, Declan Rice carried it on, and Bukayo Saka at last looked like the Arsenal starboy rather than the limping winger nursing an Achilles tendinitis problem.

Now there was a burst of pace and positivity, rather than the unconvincing player so far. He ran at Jesus Gallardo, perhaps remembering how the left-back had a nibble at his Achilles. Saka shaped to go inside, went out and dinked the ball across. Kane made the decoy run, creating space for Bellingham to throw himself into, eyes on the prize, his vision never straying from the ball’s flight. Bellingham’s diving header was perfect, too quick and firm for Raul Rangel.

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Mexico’s keeper was beaten again 80 seconds later. Elliot Anderson’s press coughed up the ball. Gordon and Bellingham seized the opportunity, working the ball right to Kane. England’s captain slid in, stretching out his right foot and transferring the ball at pace across the six-yard box. Bellingham timed his run, beating Erik Lira to the ball and sweeping it home. Mexico were stunned. This wasn’t in the script. For those back home, allowed to stay up, this was something to tell teacher whenever school was reached. This was certainly class. Because England were under pressure and stayed defiant. Pickford made two astonishing saves from Raul Jimenez headers, the first low to his left, the second a tip-over - either side of Bellingham’s goals.

England had to withstand predictable pressure and unbelievable noise. It blew down from the fans in the stands, booing every English touch, demanding retribution when Rice’s raised foot caught Luis Romo. The caution came, and fortunately his earlier booking against Ghana was wiped after the group stage. The 70,000+ home support greeted with a triumphant “ole” every promising move in green, and they were given hope when Julian Quinones slammed the ball in after a free-kick ricocheted off Ezri Konsa.

Mexico were in the mood, and only Bellingham’s determination and reflexes hooked the ball clear as Cesar Montes was about to score.

England couldn’t afford any mistakes. They had to keep their composure, because the home fans were screaming for everything, beseeching Alireza Faghani to sanction any infringement, however minor.

And certainly major. When Quansah went in hard and fast on Gallardo, he caught the ball but his right foot continued rising into the Mexican full-back. Faghani required VAR’s intervention to come to the right decision. Quansah walked.

Saka went to right-back, briefly before John Stones arrived at centre-back and Konsa switched to full-back. England breathed determination. When Kane challenged Edson Alvarez, the outstanding Gordon ran on and was brought down by Rangel. Kane made no mistake. 3-1 to 10-man England.

But England never make it easy for themselves. Kane, whose defensive work had been supreme, conceded a penalty for kicking through Brian Gutierrez’s foot. The substitute crumpled to the floor, Mexico appealed, play went on briefly, before VAR again intervened and rightly so. It was soft but still correct. Jimenez ran in, stuttered, and still generated the power to send his kick past Pickford. There was a degree of inevitability about Jimenez’s 46^th successful penalty out of 48.

Azteca shook again. Tuchel tweaked again. Dan Burn and Djed Spence came on for Anderson and Nico O’Reilly. England were now 5-3-1. Bellingham, Rice and Gordon shielded the defence, Burn made a powerful clearing header, so did Spence. Pickford came out and connected with vital punches. It was one of the great rearguard actions.

Tuchel twisted again. Kane off. Morgan Rogers on. More legs in attack. The clock ticked down. Then 11 additional minutes were shown. More Pickford punches. More Bellingham running. And then the final whistle, and the quarter-final berth. And then Bellingham named man of the match. Who else?

Rudi Garcia has slammed FIFA's decision to overturn Folarin Balogun's suspension.

Balogun will be free to face Belgium in the United States' World Cup round-of-16 showdown despite being initially ruled out of the game by his recent sending-off.

The Monaco forward was set to serve a one-game ban for being dismissed in his country's last-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic.

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Rudi Garcia blasts FIFA for Folarin Balogun decision

However FIFA has triggered Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code which allows Balogun's immediate suspension to be held back for a 12-month period.

It means the 25-year-old will be free to play for Mauricio Pochettino's side in the Seattle showdown as well as for the remainder of their tournament involvement.

Only a similar infringement that led to Balogun's original suspension would see it reinstated before his probationary period is set to expire in 12 months' time.

The decision, reportedly taken after lobbying from US President Donald Trump. was met with condemnation by the Royal Belgian Football Association on Sunday.

Red Devils' head coach Garcia has now added his voice to the complaint ahead of the last-16 tie which will set up a quarter-final clash with either Portugal or Spain.

"I thought the World Cup was in July, not April. It’s now April Fools," said Garcia.

"We’re not defending the national team or the federation. We’re defending football."

FIFA's ruling was condemned across football with former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville lamenting the world governing body's U-turn.

"It absolutely stinks, let's be really clear," he told ITV.

"But what I would say is the thing that stinks the most is there should be a review process in place because I actually didn't think it was a red card and I think there should be a process which allows it to be overturned.

"But if there's no process for it to be overturned and then somehow FIFA, from nowhere, have just decided to basically let a player play and the rules are the same for everybody [else].

"I would be absolutely raging if I was Belgium and every other team in the tournament that's had a player sent off that might think it's a little bit hard done to. Are we surprised? No, no with this lot."

England are expected to make changes for their World Cup round-of-16 clash.

Thomas Tuchel is set to name an England team with three changes for their highly anticipated World Cup round-of-16 showdown with co-hosts Mexico on Monday.

Tuchel's side are hoping to exercise the ghosts of tournaments' past when they face the co-hosts at Mexico City Stadium, the scene of their 1986 quarter-final exit.

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England changes for Mexico showdown revealed

The German's line-up has been revealed ahead of the 1am UK time showdown against El Tri with the Three Lions expected to make three personnel changes.

Jarell Quansah is set to start again at right-back after the Bayer Leverkusen defender was forced to miss the round-of-32 win over DR Congo through injury.

Tottenham's Djed Spence covered Quansah's absence while midfielder Declan Rice deputised in the role during the closing stages at Atlanta Stadium.

Quansah, a central defender by trade, took on the mantle of England's right-back position after Reece James picked up a hamstring injury in the draw with Ghana.

The 23-year-old himself had to be withdrawn against Panama with an ankle problem but has recovered in time to earn a starting berth in his country's backline again.

Tuchel will also hand Anthony Gordon a return to the starting XI after overlooking the new Barcelona winger for successive matches against Panama and DR Congo.

Although he featured as a substitute in the latter, Gordon found himself dislodged from the left wing role as Marcus Rashford was deployed in the back-to-back games.

The former Newcastle and Everton man made up for his lost time by teeing up Harry Kane for both goals in the comeback over DR Congo that sealed a last-16 spot.

Bukayo Saka is also set to earn a recall to the XI in place of Arsenal teammate Noni Madueke as Tuchel favours a more dynamic approach for the 6pm local time clash.

England are aiming end Mexico's 10-game unbeaten World Cup run at Mexico City Stadium.

England have advanced to the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup having gone unbeaten against Croatia, Ghana, Panama and DR Congo.

The Three Lions' route to the Last 16 hasn't been without incident, going a goal down to DR Congo in the previous round before being rescued by a Harry Kane brace.

A number of England's key defensive players have also been in the treatment room during the tournament with Reece James currently out with a hamstring injury, and fellow right-back Tino Livramento missing the World Cup entirely.

Is Djed Spence injured for England?

Back-up option Jarell Quansah missed the Round of 32 fixture against DR Congo with an ankle problem and now it appears England's next best alternative will be absent for the game with Mexico this evening.

Djed Spence has reportedly picked up an injury in training that will keep him out of the fixture at Estadio Azteca. The Tottenham Hotspur full-back trained with the squad yesterday which is when the injury is understood to have been sustained.

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It leaves Tuchel with the unenviable task of deploying star midfielder Declan Rice at right-back, shuffling Ezri Konsa over to the right-hand side or recalling Quansah, who has returned to training in recent days.

The Three Lions' boss opted against calling up Real Madrid full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold for the tournament but has now faced repeated fitness and availability issues in the specific area of the pitch in which the ex-Liverpool defender operates.

England did use Rice at right-back for the latter stages of their 2-1 win against DR Congo and looked more secure defensively, however, this would remove him from his usual berth in the heart of midfield.

Tuchel's men must also contend with the high altitude of the Azteca Stadium, an arena which sits approximately 2,240 metres (7,350 feet) above sea level.

For comparison, Ben Nevis - the highest point in the United Kingdom - is 1,345 metres (4,413 feet) above sea level.

England have played at the Azteca before, famously in 1986 when Diego Maradona scored the 'Hand of God' goal to eliminate the Three Lions from the World Cup that year.

Earlier in that particular tournament, England had defeated Paraguay 3-0. The Three Lions' record at the Azteca is three defeats, two victories and a draw - the latter coming against this evening's opponents Mexico, in a 1969 friendly match.

The logical place to start this week is the England game, and it is clear they need to improve a lot if they want to go all the way in the tournament. They’ve played well in bits and pieces, and have done what they’ve had to do so far.

Having a player like Harry Kane is crucial, because you know that he can produce a moment of magic when the team is not playing at its best level.

Clinton was speaking on behalf of Freebets.com home to the best betting sites.

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As an out-and-out goalscorer, he’s one of the best players out there. The second goal in particular was absolutely fantastic, as he’s running away from goal and neither the goalkeepers nor the defenders expected a shot like that.

He's had to wrap his foot around the ball, and left the goalkeeper with no chance after firing the ball into the roof of the net.

Kane is England’s talisman, and they’ve probably got no chance of winning the World Cup without him.

It’s been clear to see the problems which England have had defensively, and it doesn’t help when you don’t have a settled back four. Thomas Tuchel would’ve wanted Reece James fit at right-back, and he’s gone with Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa as the two centre-backs, but started with John Stones alongside Konsa.

That right-back position has also been exposed, and that makes the decision not to include Trent Alexander-Arnold even harder to understand. I thought it was bonkers to bring in another centre-back in Trevoh Chalobah when Tino Livramento got injured. And no disrespect to Jarrell Quansah, but he’s nowhere near as good at right-back as Trent.

I feel that it was a mistake not to include him, but Tuchel will say he’s picked the right squad if England go all the way.

The focus is now on Mexico in what will be very difficult conditions, given the altitude. There are also plenty of threats in their team, and they blew Ecuador away in their last game.

Julian Quinones has been a very impressive player for them in this tournament, scored a fantastic goal in that game against Ecuador, and was the top scorer in the Saudi League last season.

He’s a threat down that left-hand side, while Raul Jimenez looks a threat again, and the youngster Gilberto Mora is a bright spark too.

There's a great togetherness in their team and home advantage will huge for them, especially given the passion from their fans.

I still think England can go there and beat them, without a shadow of doubt, but this will be their hardest test so far.

One team that has certainly impressed so far is France, who are absolutely cooking at the moment. Michael Olise has been the best player at the tournament in my opinion, even though Kylian Mbappe is getting all the goals.

Mbappe must love him, because Olise plays the ball to him every time. The combination between those two players is frightening. They're unquestionably the favourites to win the tournament.

There’s also plenty going on in terms of players and managers moving about in the Premier League, with Oliver Glasner about to join Nottingham Forest.

They’ve got more money and he’ll get more investment there in the squad, but it’s very harsh on Vitor Pereira.

He’s done a brilliant job there, but they’ve got a good replacement in Glasner. I thought he'd go to a bigger Premier League team or somewhere else in Europe.

I just hope he doesn’t try to pinch any Crystal Palace players! But it’s a good move for both Glasner and Forest.

Enzo Maresca’s appointment has now been confirmed at Manchester City, and I think Pep Guardiola might have had a big say in his replacement.

We all know the type of football his teams play, and the expectation will be that they can put the pressure on Arsenal next season. They’ve already brought in Elliot Anderson, and I don’t think their spending will stop there.

I’ll also be interested to see how Alvaro Arbeloa does at Fulham and he’ll have some big shoes to fill after the job Marco Silva did there. He was so close to getting them in Europe, and Arbeloa will hope to continue that fine work next season.

I have to finish by saying a few words about Tottenham, who are not messing around in the transfer market. I heard a few rumours last season which suggested they would go for it in the summer if they managed to avoid relegation.

Sandro Tonali is about to arrive for £100 million, which is a bit too much money in my opinion, while Mateus Fernandes has joined from West Ham for £85 million.

They've also strengthened the defence too, with Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Andy Robertson all arriving.

I just feel that they probably now need a centre-forward and a wide man. If they sign key players in those positions, then Tottenham could possibly push for the top four next season.

England's World Cup last 16 clash with Mexico will STAY at 1am UK time after a farcical few hours in which it was reported the game kick off at 7pm UK time.

The risks of weather disruption with thunderstorms and flooding likely led to suggestions from Mexican media the match could instead begin seven hours earlier at 12noon local time (7pm UK time).

FIFA had yet to confirm any change when the reports surfaced and both the Mexican FA and The Football Association were unaware of the potential timing changes.

Gary Neville hits out at FIFA amid potential Mexico-England change

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Thomas Tuchel and his squad took off from their Kansas City base for Mexico City not knowing if their last-16 showdown would be brought forward six hours or not.

But after backlash from both teams, it was determined that any such change inside 48 hours was logistically impossible at such short notice due to planning alongside police, military, both teams, officials and supporters.

An earlier kick-off time would have risked a detrimental impact on the Three Lions' plans due to the air quality in Mexico City being denser earlier during the day.

It was later confirmed that the game would kick off at 6pm local time (1am UK time) and not be moved.

When the news initially broke the Mexican coach Javier Aguirre was angry at the idea the game could be moved.

In an interview with Radio Formula, he raged: "It's a kick in the stomach. This changes everything.

"They informed me about it here, I don't agree, FIFA calls the shots and we have to swallow garlic and water."

Amid the confusion, former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville hit out at FIFA for the unprecedented situation just two days before the game.

"I would find it disruptive as a player. Conditions are huge for England in a tournament. We know that. We talk about heat a lot," he told ITV.

"Playing at 12pm in Mexico versus playing at 6pm is very, very different. So for the players, for our players, it's worse - let's be really clear. It's a sporting disadvantage to England.

"There's a sporting integrity issue here as well because I've never seen a League Two game moved. I've never seen a Sunday league game moved back. FIFA are just willy-nilly sort of making it up and moving a game, it just feels a little bit sort of strange.

"You can put fan safety at the heart of it but ultimately this is a stadium that's had these type of conditions before where they would have a procedure in place to be able to deal with that.

"We know there might be disruptions in games. My brother was managing Inter Miami a couple of years ago. I came to watch a game over here in the middle of the summer and it was disrupted for an hour.

"Everyone's used to that, they all go underneath [the stands] and get shelter. But to move a game two days out, I've never seen that at any level of football ever."

Mexico's last-32 tie with Ecuador was delayed due to an electrical storm while France's group stage encounter with Iraq was also held up for two hours by thunderstorms.

England scraped past DR Congo this evening with a 2-1 victory, led by a Herculean Harry Kane brace in the final 15 minutes.

To reward the Three Lions, they'll be heading to Mexico City, to play Mexico, in the most intimidating stadium at the 2026 World Cup.

As co-hosts, Javier Aguirre's men have rampaged through this edition, scoring eight, conceding zero, and winning all four; but have England ever beaten a host World Cup nation at their home edition ever before?

England have faced three World Cup hosts: 1990, 1982, and 1954

There is a three game sample size to look at when judging whether England have it in them to beat a World Cup host nation.

The most recent came in 1990, in a game that many would argue is of importance, while others would say is a 'dead rubber.'

That was against hosts Italy in the match to decide third place, in which England lost 2-1.

The drama came from the 70th-minute onwards, tied at 0-0: Roberto Baggio opened the scoring, David Platt equalised for the Three Lions, and Salvatore Schillaci won it with a penalty for Italy in the 86th.

The time prior was against host nation Spain in 1982, which ended slightly more favourably for England, a 0-0 draw.

The Three Lions were the dominant side, forcing captain Luis Arconada to make seven saves during the event.

However, if we go all the way back to 1954, England fans are able to locate a glimmer of hope.

Against host country Switzerland, England willed their way to a 2-0 win with goals from Jimmy Mullen and Dennis Willshaw.

Walter Winterbottom's men proved in 1954 that it is possible for England to beat the World Cup co-hosts, but just the once.

Thomas Tuchel's side will battle Mexico on July 5, hoping to be the first Three Lions side in over 70 years to beat a host nation.

Order the new issue with delivery included here – just select ‘July Issue 393’. Subscribe to FourFourTwo today and save! You’ll get 13 issues per year…

First a message from our editor, James Andrew:

The days of Jack Walker, Sir John Hall and Sir Jack Hayward making millions and investing them in their local football club are a distant memory. Nowadays, sovereign states and investment consortia control the top clubs.

Lower down the pyramid, it’s also changing, giving opportunities to people with no background in football, but who bring skills and expertise from their own worlds. Actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have probably been the most famous example in recent times, and have taken Wrexham from the National League to the Championship.

This March, internet personality, musician, boxer and entrepreneur KSI became a shareholder of National League South side Dagenham and Redbridge. He may have a social media reach of over 80 million, but what does KSI know about football and running a club?

FourFourTwo couldn’t turn down the chance to chat with him and find out, as we heard his ambitious plans for the east London side. KSI may not be the traditional FFT cover star, but he’s the new face of football – that’s why we’ve decided to put him on the front of this magazine.

He was a great sport when we met up with him, and he even agreed to dress up in half suit, half football kit as we recreated a famous photo of Bryan Robson at Middlesbrough in 1994. Enjoy the mag.

James

KSI: From his bedroom to the boardroom

Some fans didn’t know who KSI (real name Olajide Olatunji) was when he joined Dagenham in March, but the world famous YouTuber has big ambitions. In an era of celebrity investors, he tells FFT why he wants to take the club to the Premier League and how he intends to do it.

Football’s famous owners

Ron Burgundy, rappers, Messi vs Ronaldo… you don’t have to be famous to own a club, but it helps.

Harry Redknapp has his say on Snoop Dogg

The former Tottenham Hotspur boss first moved into the world of professional football six decades ago, and says club owners have changed drastically since.

The man behind England’s 1966 glory

Sir Alf Ramsey led England to the World Cup 60 years ago, but remains misunderstood. In spite of his middle-class image, the Three Lions boss overcame racism, poverty and war to become a legend.

Return of the Cosmos

Even Pele and Raul couldn’t keep the New York Cosmos from folding twice – FFT headed to the Big Apple to find out if the iconic club’s latest comeback will be different.

Fear and loathing in Vancouver

While one historic North American club is on the way back, Vancouver Whitecaps have been battling relocation to Las Vegas, despite playing a first ever MLS Cup final last year. FFT visited Canada to investigate their troubles…

Antonin Panenka tells his story

Half a century ago, Antonin Panenka dinked in a penalty to win Euro 76 for Czechoslovakia – in his words, he tells FFT how it changed his life, and of his pride that players still imitate him.

The Boy’s a Bit Special

We get the lowdown on a Lampardian talent and Greece’s answer to Ryan Cherki in this month’s scouting report.

Henry Winter meets Leah Williamson

The respected writer speaks to England’s two-time Euros-winning captain on life at Arsenal, and why a female boss could succeed in the men’s game.

From the Vault: the murder of Andres Escobar

A week after his USA 94 own goal, Andres Escobar was murdered. A decade later, FourFourTwo headed to the crime scene to meet those impacted by his death.

Michail Antonio answers YOUR questions

The former West Ham forward on cardboard cutout celebrations, his car crash and an acrimonious exit from the Hammers.

Around the grounds in the EFL, non-league and Scotland

Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver talks about being the longest-serving manager in England’s top five tiers, and we find out about Kingstonian’s nomadic plight.

Exeter City’s best and worst include giving the world Ollie Watkins and a visit from Michael Jackson. Ambitious Brighton also reveal plans to build Europe’s first purpose-built stadium for a women’s team.

A ferry good game: We head to the Scottish island of Arran to discover the ups and downs of one of the UK’s most remote leagues.

The Mixer

Our latest merch round-up features Florian Wirtz channelling his inner Scouser, copious amounts of Puma’s next-generation foam and a cube of grass.

We spy a 1990s Southampton shirt in Classic Kit and plan out your Dortmund getaway with our Team Selection.

Upfront

Think you’re a football expert? Prove it by getting 100 per cent in our Ultimate Quiz. As the Premier League bids farewell to Pep Guardiola, TNT Sports’ Jules Breach pays tribute to the legendary Manchester City manager.

Danny Murphy selects the games that changed his life, and the FFT crew go to war over giving the National League an extra promotion spot in the latest Debate. We also sit down with musician Richard Hawley to discuss his passion for Sheffield Wednesday and Atdhe Nuhiu.

Former Manchester United man Lee Sharpe hails sporting geniuses and a fascinating scientist, while we explore some of the most bizarre half-time entertainment on offer, just in case FIFA need any suggestions for the World Cup final.

In the Players Lounge this month…

Tony Cascarino reveals Jack Charlton’s hatred of Coke, Lucas Radebe reflects on his time at Leeds and Alan Smith still struggles to wrap his head around replacing Gary Lineker at Euro 92.

Perfect XI

Ex-Aston Villa hotshot Juan Pablo Angel fills his team with Premier League and South American icons, Golden Balls included.

Thomas Tuchel's England staggered through a nightmare match against DR Congo earlier this evening, trailing 1-0 for most of the event.

In the end, the Three Lions prevailed through a Harry Kane brace, with a header in the 75th, then a thunderous right-footed strike into the roof of the net in the 86th.

Prior to that, Thomas Tuchel made a bizarre but brilliant position change with Declan Rice to right-back, but why?

Thomas Tuchel explains baffling but brilliant Declan Rice position change during England vs DR Congo, 2026 World Cup

In the 70th minute, the England boss substituted right-back Djed Spence for forward Eberechi Eze.

In doing so, Tuchel switched Rice from midfield to full-back, just five minutes before the Three Lions' turnaround.

Speaking to ITV on the process behind the position change, Tuchel said: "Anthony Barry had a brilliant idea... to put Declan there.

"To have his quality from the side, get more difficult crosses [to defend] in there. To give more support to Bukayo... a bit more connection.

"Full credit to my assistant coach," confessed the England manager, who then praised his team's "commitment" in coming back from behind during a World Cup game for the first time since 1966.

Gary Neville expanded on the Arsenal man's position change-up, as pundit for ITV during the post-match reaction.

The ex-England international and Manchester United man described how he was "crying out for it" in the second half vs DR Congo.

"He went to right-back for Arsenal in a game against West Ham a few months ago, and I thought it was the wrong decision from Mikel Arteta," said Neville.

"I was actually crying out for it in the second half, to put him [at right-back]... what it did was make that little triangle, combination [thrive]," he continued.

A tight-angled cross from Rice was latched onto by Anthony Gordon, who put it back in for Kane's first goal and equaliser.

England suffered late heartbreak as they were beaten by Argentina in the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta.

Anthony Gordon put England ahead early in the second half but with less than 10 minutes remaining on the clock, Argentina hit back, first through Enzo Fernandez and then Lautaro Martinez headed home Lionel Messi's cross in stoppage time to send Argentina to the final.

Despite losing the semi-final, England still have another game to play at the 2026 World Cup, so which nation do the Three Lions face next?

Who do England play next in the World Cup?

England will face France in Miami on Saturday, July 18 in the bronze medal match.

France were beaten by Spain in the other semi-final after being many people's tips to win the World Cup. So Didier Deschamps will take charge of one last game for France as they take on Thomas Tuchel's England to decide who is third and fourth at this World Cup.

England started well at this World Cup with an entertaining 4-2 win over Croatia, but were brought back down to earth in the second group game as they were held to a goalless draw by Ghana.

In the final group match the Three Lions beat Panama 2-0 to set up a Round of 32 clash with DR Congo.

England went behind but two Harry Kane goals saw them through and set them up for a Round of 16 clash with Mexico in Mexico City.

In arguably the best performance at this World Cup, England won 3-2 after being reduced to 10 men.

Then it was Erling Haaland and Norway in the quarter finals and again England went behind but again fought back thanks to two Jude Bellingham goals to book their place in the last four.

England took the lead against Argentina in the semi-final thanks to Anthony Gordon but late goals from Enzo Fernandes and Lautaro Martinez put pay to England's hopes of ending 60 years without a major trophy.

So, next on the agenda is the game that no one wants to play in, the Bronze Medal Match against France.

England vs France will kick off at 10pm UK time (5pm local) and will be played at the Miami Stadium.

One man dragged England back from the brink. One man rescued Thomas Tuchel’s job. One man stopped England fans from going home, empty of heart and pocket. That man was Harry Kane.

They will need him at his best again at the Azteca against Mexico – at altitude. Kane and the England players left the field to a riotous rendition of “Wonderwall” and to sustained applause.

How the mood had changed. Because this was often a shambolic performance by England.

Harry Kane rescues England, again

How often has Kane rescued England? This was arguably his greatest spell of football, two goals in 11 second-half minutes, in his 118 internationals representing the country he loves and playing the sport he adores. Kane’s response to England’s journey towards ignominy showcased all the strengths to his game: the movement, the placed, powerful header, the irresistible shot, the utter determination to turn the tide. He has now scored 84 goals for England and nobody would bet against him reaching the century.

His first, a header, brought joy and relief through the majority of the 68,239 present. It got better. It got louder. England were really going for it. Tuchel’s switches worked. He’d changed his wingers, Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon replacing the disappointing Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford. He’d been truly adventurous in hooking the outclassed Djed Spence, sending on Eberechi Eze and pulling Declan Rice to right-back – from where he typically attacked until going down with cramp. Kane’s second, trademark Kane, saw him open space and drive England towards the round of 16. DR Congo had faded and now succumbed. The 41st ranked football country in the world were finally vanquished by the fourth best. But, my, England have to improve.

The first half carried echoes of Nice 2016. As nasty as that. It was the type of dispiriting performance and scoreline that puts a manager’s job at risk. England went in at the break to a smattering of boos and the memory of some wretched defending, some acrobatic shot-stopping by Lionel Mpasi and a deeply controversial VAR decision denying them a penalty. The Atlanta hosts sent out some cheerleaders at the break but not even Tuchel’s biggest cheerleaders could defend this. Right-back has been Tuchel’s blind spot this tournament, from overlooking the injury records of Reece James and Tino Livramento and ignoring Trent Alexander-Arnold, and having to field Djed Spence, who was immediately targeted by DR Congo.

All that early confidence, the swagger of the England fans marching in and turning the stand behind the DR Congo into a sea of red and white dissipated as the right side of Tuchel’s reassembled defence cracked after seven minutes. It was the switch from right to left that first caught England out. Culpability was spread around. Marc Guehi and especially Ezri Konsa were drawn across, leaving Spence exposed. He moved inside to mark Noah Sadiki, and the ball cleared the pair. Danger doubled for England. Brian Cipenga was free; he controlled the ball, and as Spence despairingly tried to recover and close him down, the Almeria attacker took aim. Jordan Pickford looked to guard the far post, taking a step to his left, expecting the more natural strike for an attacker in this position.

Cipenga simply took the shortest route to goal, targeting the near post, and Pickford couldn’t respond in time. It was poor from Pickford and will inevitably lead to a debate about his future, and whether James Trafford should be bedded in next season. The shock nature of the goal was matched by the spectacular nature of Cipenga’s celebration – airborne flip and forward roll. His first goal for his country deserved to be marked in such style. DR Congo’s subs thought so and invaded the field.

England fans still believed. When Jude Bellingham was booked for fouling Nathanael Mbuku, they continued to chant his name. He showed the positive side of his game, going close with a header pushed away by Mpasi. The keeper then came flying out for the ball as Kane threatened. England’s captain touched the ball past Mpasi, who followed through and made contact with Kane, sending him falling, a touch theatrically, to earth. The Jordanian referee Adham Makhadmeh waved play on, VAR concurred and Kane seethed.

England had chances before the break but DR Congo’s defending was outstanding. Aaron Wan-Bissaka cleared a shot off the line from Marcus Rashford, his old Manchester United team-mate. Kane was denied by Mpasi. But England could easily have fallen further behind. Wan-Bissaka’s cross clipped Nico O’Reilly, bypassed Guehi and was met by Yoane Wissa. Pickford was beaten but the post rescued England.

England were facing humiliation. Tuchel was facing the abrupt termination of his England tenure. His generous FA paymasters were facing awkward questions. England had to respond. Tuchel didn’t make his first changes until the hour. Saka arrived to huge cheers, replacing Madueke. Gordon sprinted on for Rashford. England now took control.

There was still time. There was still Kane. Rice suddenly crossed from the left, Gordon looked up, saw Kane and delivered. Kane at last eluded his marker, stepping away from Axel Tuanzebe, Bayern Munich beating Burnley. Kane judged his movement and his angle perfectly, although Mpasi lacked his earlier sharpness, and Kane’s header carried into the net. If that was well-received, the reaction to his second could have raised the roof. Bellingham was denied, Gordon recycled the ball, Kane created the space and smashed the ball in. The singing started, the celebrations intensified, but that defence needs work. On to Mexico City.

DR Congo's goalkeeper may have given England fans nightmares this evening, after a dominant performance between the sticks.

By the 60th minute, Lionel Mpasi Nzau had made four saves, but all important ones.

In addition, those four saves prevented an xG of 1.23, over 0.30 xG per shot, as he kept the Three Lions at bay.

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Who is DR Congo's goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi Nzau?

Mpasi Nzau is a Ligue 1 shot-stopper, for Le Havre in French football's top-flight.

The Congolese goalkeeper is not a starter for his club side, however, he has displayed heroics when given the chance.

In February, Mpasi Nzau was substituted on at half-time in Le Havre's match against Toulouse.

In 45 minutes, he made five saves, four of which came from shots inside the box, and prevented an xG of 1.38.

As a result, Le Havre won the match 2-1, with two of those saves coming in the 93rd and 98th minute.

In Ligue 1 last season, Mpasi Nzau played just four games, but averaged 3.8 saves per match and prevented 2.34 goals.

For DR Congo, his best game of the tournament came in a 1-0 loss to Colombia, when the shot-stopper got his hand on eight attempts.

The goalkeeper was previously in Ligue 2 with Rodez FC for six seasons, between the years of 2019 and 2025.

Mpasi Nzau, who has never played club football outside of France, represented the French national team at U-17 level in 2011.

After being benched for all five matches at the U-17 FIFA World Cup, he was called up for DR Congo ten years later, during qualifying for the tournament in 2021.

Mpasi Nzau didn't make his first appearance for the national side until 2023, where he won Man of the Match in a 2-0 victory against Gabon, during Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

Since then, he been the starting goalkeeper for Sebastien Desabre's side, featuring in every match for DR Congo at the 2026 World Cup.

England have so far cunningly avoided being eliminated from World Cup 2026 on penalties by not yet playing in a knock-out match.

The Group L winners will get their chance. Their round of 32 fixture against DR Congo is the first of what Thomas Tuchel will hope is many World Cup games to come for the Three Lions but every one of them will come with the risk of you-know-what.

England’s national scarring by penalty shootouts is the stuff of football legend but their performance on spot kicks was revolutionised under Gareth Southgate. They have won their most recent shootout in the World Cup, European Championship and Nations League, though the final of EURO 2020 was the most important of the last four and went the other way.

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Every England player’s penalty record

The table above includes every player in the England squad at World Cup 2026 who has taken a penalty. It includes only senior football (albeit with England Under-21 games counted too) and excludes club shootouts.

Shootouts with England at the senior level have been included. Mercifully, all of these players are unblemished by the ungolden era of England being genuinely terrible from 12 yards.

England’s shootout takers

England’s penalties are taken by Harry Kane, England’s long-time captain, record goalscorer and reliable penalty king. He has of coursed missed an important penalty or two but his career stats stack up very well indeed.

Kane has already scored from the spot at World Cup 2026 but it wasn’t without a heart-in-mouth moment. In the opening group stage fixture against Croatia, Kane’s penalty was initially saved by Dominik Livakovic.

The goalkeeper had stepped off his line, however, and Josko Gvardiol’s encroachment made sure a retake was required. Kane thumped it home.

Who will take penalties for England in the event of a penalty shootout?

If England do end up in a penalty shootout this summer, there’s actually relatively little experience of the situation in the squad. You can bet they’ll be well drilled regardless.

Kane will step up, of course, while England’s experienced takers and technicians will be called upon to complete the set. Marcus Rashford, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka might find themselves conveniently on the pitch come shootout time.

Jude Bellingham will be expected to take responsibility for a penalty too. Anthony Gordon will be in the running if he’s on the pitch and Rashford, Eze or Saka are not.

The only person who really knows the running order is Tuchel himself, and we know the England manager has had penalties in mind for some time. The inclusion of Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney was, he suggested by way of an explanation, driven by data.

The former Brentford striker has an exceptional penalty record over a very substantial sample size.

FourFourTwo’s expected penalty shootout shortlist, in order:

1. Harry Kane
2. Marcus Rashford
3. Jude Bellingham
4. Declan Rice
5. Ivan Toney
6. Bukayo Saka
7. Elliot Anderson
8. Marc Guehi
9. Djed Spence
10. Nico O’Reilly

Goalkeepers

Who is England's best penalty saver?

Pickford will be in goal for any penalty shootout England find themselves in. There’s no chance Tuchel hooks him for a specialist late in extra time, not least because he has one particular iron-fisted World Cup save on his CV.

England’s number one has also saved 11 non-shootout penalties out of 69 in the entirety of his career, a save rate of around 15%.

Dean Henderson’s save percentage is a very impressive 35% thanks to 12 saves from 34 non-shootout penalties faced.

James Trafford has saved five penalties out of 16, conceding the only penalty he has faced in his young England career in the friendly against Uruguay in March.

Mario Gotze was horizontal when he connected with that ball. Night was about to fall; the setting sun balanced on the head of the Christ of the Redeemer, Rio's most famous icon – aside from perhaps Romario or Garrincha – resembling just another Brazilian on the beach. And yet this was a night won not with flair at all, but with hard work thawing German hearts: a country reunified in the 90s, re-energised in 2006, with a fourth star – a first as one nation, one Germany – stamped by a son of post-Cold War Bavaria.

Whatever the cliches may claim of Germany's sense of humour, you'd have been met with stony faces had you told anyone in white that night in the Maracana to wait at least 16 years to win another World Cup knockout fixture. Imagine telling them that night, Das Defining Deutsch side of its time – its Krooses, Lahms and Neuers, Jogi Low overseeing with his furrowed frown and haircut ripped from a Jungle Book vulture – that they would stand tall across the world for one night only. Success in Brazil. But no more.

In 2017, it seemed even less likely than three years prior. Low regenerated his warriors for the Confederations Cup, made Julian Draxler captain, blooding young talents in Timo Werner, Joshua Kimmich and Leroy Sane. They walked it. The future was distinctly German.

Yet a year later, Sane didn't even make the squad. He'd just come off the back of a 100-point season with Manchester City and was arguably the Premier League's most devastating talent at the time – arguably, too, the only player Die Mannschaft had capable of running beyond a full-back. He was shunned. Perhaps he didn't fit in with the system. He wouldn't be the last.

It felt like a stunning decision at the time. It looks even worse now. 2014's vintage won the biggest trophy of all with a group at the very top of their game, arguably the best manager of all time coaching the lion's share of them. Seven of Bayern Munich's spine were selected for the squad; four were competing opposite them at Jurgen Klopp's Borussia Dortmund. Another four were picked from the cream of the Premier League. This was a side used to winning: they had reached a peak individually and as a group.

In 2018, it felt very different indeed. Another seven came from Bayern, but this time, only one from Dortmund. Bayern had won all four titles in the interim, the chasm ever-widening. RB Leipzig's Werner led the line, this his baptism with only the Confed Cup as a medal in the back pocket. Ozil had sat most of Arsene Wenger's final Arsenal season on the sidelines, while Reus returned, a secret weapon semi-firing; Kimmich, Brandt and Goretzka hadn't achieved much yet.

Fast-forward to 2026. Germany's titans of the last few years feel a world away from Rio. German football is alien to that landscape. Neuer is the last man standing from the team that defeated Messi, clinging onto top-level football at 40. Kai Havertz is adored by every manager he works with; Florian Wirtz has overcome injury hell to reach immortality. All three have had uneven seasons, one way or another; Gundogan and Kroos left for the sunset a while ago. And that's it, really. The rest are either prospects, potential or still-as-yet fully unrealised world-beaters.

Since 2014, only one team other than Bayern have won the Bundesliga: Wirtz played in that team, and no one else from Xabi Alonso's Invicibles made the cut, his Leverkusen legends made up of Nigerians, Spaniards, Dutchmen, and Swiss, among others. Four players come from Stuttgart, who won the Pokal in the last couple of years: they have fewer than 30 caps between them. It's not entirely unfair to suggest that the Dortmund quartet in this squad haven't achieved anything, really, at BVB: somewhere on that spectrum of equity, one may suggest they're simply waiting for a move to Bayern themselves.

Yep, Bayern broke the Bundesliga, and in turn, it broke the German national team. This was a one-and-a-half-team league, up until the point where Pep Guardiola came along. Yes, the Salatschussel often ended up in Bavaria – but perhaps the yo-yo counter-attacks and physicality gave this league the illusion of being competitive. But no more.

Pep inverted his full-backs to stem the transitions. Where he saw chaos, he replaced it with control. Since then, the title has belonged in Munich, and as a result, German football has suffered. Bayern themselves have even recognised it, moving away from purchasing the best of the Bundesliga – and getting beaten to it, on occasion – first by plundering the Eredivisie, then assembling a world-class front three from Premier League talents.

The very view of a German footballer has altered into something rather Spanish, too. Think of a German player, and you used to conjure a Klinsmann, a Neuville or a Matthaus: now, you think of Jamal Musiala, Kimmich or Wirtz. Neat, tidy, intelligent. Excellent in close spaces. Pass-happy, secure on the ball. Ironic, as Germany scored with a header against Paraguay, when the chips were firmly down.

That used to be what Germany were all about: yet the god-like chance creation of Ozil, the dynamism of Schweinsteiger, the battering ram of Podolski, the inevitability of Muller has deserted them. They've been overengineered, and Julian Nagelsmann has been left with a mood board squad. Great ideas on paper. Unicorn profiles. A metronome in midfield, Kimmich, who seemingly couldn't pick his way through a defence all month, while club-mate Michael Olise did it for fun for France. Security in possession with Wirtz, who was left recycling the ball with Musiala. The former has struggled at Liverpool; the latter is yet to explode consistently quite like teenage pal Bellingham on the biggest stages (there's still time). He's one of the best players in the world, sure, but not with a crowning moment in front of the world to his name yet.

Even Germany's strikers these days – Havertz and Woltemade – are target men with the brains of midfielders. It's simply a collection of footballers who looked useful in their respective academies: 20-odd players each with an interesting attribute, but none of them fully rounded as a player. Yet for all his detractors, trolls and critics, Havertz has been there and done that already, with two Champions League final goals. He showed that drive in North America. Where were his equals?

Germany aren't alone in post-Pep confusion, but they are taking it the hardest. Spain, too, haven't won a knockout game since lifting the trophy but have supplemented the tiki-taka that keeps letting them down with the brute force of Mikel Merino and directness of Nico Williams. Dean Huijsen is a beautiful footballer on paper, but the game's played on grass, and he's not won anything on there yet. England have brilliant technicians in Wharton, Foden and Trent, yet chose the mentality of Rogers, Bellingham and Rashford instead. France, too, have a one-team league, yet only really plundered Paris Saint-Germain's frontline for their spine, with Didier Deschamps looking to the Premier League and getting a few of the old band back together.

Nagelsmann, meanwhile, went for parts that fit together in theory. A left-footed centre-back here, a no.10 capable of wriggling out of a paper bag, there. An AI-generated XI without the hunger of a Schweinsteiger or the battle scars of Per Mertesacker to make this team a little uglier, angrier, grittier. Weaker on paper, but with blokes you'd actually seen run through brick walls for the flag.

Perhaps it says a lot that Denis Undav was arguably his best player all month – and yet he didn't have anywhere for him. Where Low made concessions for Muller to be a raumdeuter and Ozil to play on his unfavoured flank, Nagelsmann made concessions to bring back 40-year-old Neuer, seemingly, merely for the aura.

Of course, it had to happen on penalties. The nation's brot und butter to display its steely mentality, now, the loose cord in their parachute.

And in his post-match conference, Nagelsmann stressed how young this group was. They need patience, he suggested. He's right: Angelo Stiller, for one, is a talent; Nat Brown can hold his head high for his performances.

But that's half the story. That's not the crux of what lifted the ice in 2014. 12 years ago, iron sharpened iron. Where's the iron in this German side?

Arsenal could be about to face an injury crisis, as they look to defend a Premier League title for the first time ever.

Mathematically, the Gunners only clinched the 2025/26 title mere days before the final day of the campaign, after a gruelling season that saw them play 63 games in four competitions, reaching two finals and the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

All the while, Arsenal had serious injury concerns to juggle all season – which could well continue into next term, as Mikel Arteta looks to continue where his side left off.

Arsenal could be dogged by injury problems, as they look to defend their title

2024/25 was a nightmare season for Arteta, with his side stripped to the bare bones and half a dozen of his players requiring surgery, including Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.

In response, the club brought in eight new arrivals to London Colney last summer to cope with competing on four fronts. It worked: the added depth got Arsenal over the line in the league, but Arteta was still without the likes of Saka, Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber, Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino for swathes of the season, and others such as Eberechi Eze, William Saliba, Gabriel and Piero Hincapie all suffering injuries that kept them sidelined in big moments, too.

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With 16 Arsenal players initially called up to World Cup 2026 (before Timber dropped out), it doesn't look as if many Gunners are getting much of a summer off, either.

Timber started the Champions League but was ruled out of the Netherlands' tournament before it even began with the groin injury that sidelined him from March onwards, while Saka and Rice were both called up for England, and both have since confirmed that they have been managing injuries for the second half of the season. With both vital for club and country, there isn't much of an opportunity to rest them before the season kicks off again in August (especially if the Three Lions progress deep into the tournament).

Saliba has been a doubt throughout the World Cup due to a back issue, with France resting the defender against Norway: he, too, is likely to go far at the World Cup, while Hincapie will play a fifth game of the tournament against Mexico, after being cleared following a knock sustained against Germany for Ecuador.

Odegaard and Havertz have both returned to fitness to play in North America after a series of knocks that have stopped them from building consistent minutes; White, too, saw his run in the first team come to an end with a knee injury that ruled him out of the World Cup.

While officially, Arsenal only have two players currently injured in Timber and White, there is a bigger worry at play for Arsenal.

Arsenal have played 52, 58 and 63 games in 2023/24, 2024/25 and 2025/26, respectively, with less rotation and less squad churn than some of their rivals. The effect that this has had on some of the generals of those three years is apparent: White, for example, played through significant pain to cover for Jurrien Timber, lost to an ACL tear in 2023, while Saka set a club record for 83 consecutive appearances for Arsenal, without a significant back-up in his position until Noni Madueke was signed as his deputy.

In February 2025, Arteta described Havertz as a “genetic powerhouse”, claiming, “his robustness, his availability is unbelievable,” amid concerns of fixture congestion. Mere days later, the German suffered a hamstring tear – and he's not completed a string of 90-minute performances for his club since.

Arsenal have already made efforts to revamp their medical set-up

Earlier this month, Arsenal parted with their head of sports medicine, Dr Zafar Iqbal, in what appeared to be a move to address the spate of injury issues they have had over the last few seasons.

There may yet be half a dozen new signings, too. FourFourTwo understands that there could be new faces in defence, midfield and attack, as Arteta looks to refresh his squad once again.

But with Martin Zubimendi suffering from burnout at the end of the season, Saliba, Hincapie, Rice and Saka all potentially carrying injuries into the new season, Odegaard and Havertz still yet to return to their respective peaks, and both senior right-backs currently injured, Arsenal may travel to Coventry City on the opening night of the season with a selection dilemma.

France have looked ominously strong at the World Cup so far, powering past Norway, Senegal and Iraq to comfortably win what looked like a potentially tricky group.

They next face a Sweden side that shipped seven goals in their group, and the expectation is that Les Blues will progress to the last 16.

It seemed likely that France would face Germany, but instead they will come up against a defensively resilient Paraguay should they beat Sweden.

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How overlooked advantage could benefit France

In Qatar four years ago, Argentina played the majority of their matches at the Lusail Stadium, including the quarter-final, semi-final and final.

Lionel Messi and co. clearly felt increasingly comfortable at the arena, where winning became a habit.

France could well benefit from something similar, as they prepare to play at the New York New Jersey Stadium for the second time in their last 32 match.

Didier Deschamps’ side won their tournament opener against Senegal in New York, and could yet go to the stadium for the final on July 19th.

Familiarity with a stadium at a major tournament, where the environment is often one of the challenges, can only be a positive.

And it’s not just the New York New Jersey Stadium where France could get comfortable.

They also played at the Philadelphia Stadium in the group stage, beating Iraq 3-0 (after an interruption due to bad weather), and Boston Stadium where they dominated Norway 4-1.

If they beat Sweden, France will meet Paraguay in Philadelphia, ensuring that they stay on the USA’s East Coast. Make it to the final, and France will have played three of their eight games in New York/New Jersey.

While those fine margins could prove crucial in knockout football, the quality in France’s squad is likely to be a deciding factor too.

Kylian Mbappe has started the World Cup strongly, while Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise also look in formidable form.

Germany's record from the penalty spot in World Cups was the stuff of legend.

On the four occasions that Germany were taken down to a World Cup shootout, they won each occasion and missed just one of the 18 efforts taken during those events.

Such was their notoriety that Gary Lineker famously claimed 'football is a simple game where 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win'.

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World Cup history made by Germany exit

But that all changed on Monday evening as Julian Nagelsmann's side crashed out of the round-of-32 stage to Paraguay after a 4-3 defeat on penalties in Foxborough.

Die Mannschaft had to overturn a first-half deficit at Boston Stadium as Kai Havertz levelled before appearing to snatch an extra-time winner through Jonathan Tah.

However a VAR review saw the Bayern Munich defender's effort disallowed for a foul by Waldemar Anton on goalkeeper Orlando Gill in the build-up to the goal.

Tah later missed the decisive kick during sudden death after Havertz and Woltemade both spurned their efforts to make history for all the wrong reasons.

The shootout loss was not only Germany's first at a World Cup but remarkably only their second in a major tournament after the 1976 European Championship final.

That previous result memorably gave rise to the Panenka technique used by Antonin Paneka for what is now Czech Republic to beat German goalkeeper Sepp Maier.

Germany used to have a flawless record when it came to penalty shootouts at the FIFA World Cup.

They are widely considered the undisputed kings of the spot-kick, having won all four of their previous World Cups shootouts - until meeting Paraguay in Boston.

Out of 24 total penalties taken by German players in World Cup shootouts, they have scored 20.

German players were born to take pressure penalties

The only time a German player had failed to score in a World Cup shootout, before Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah missed against Paraguay, was back in 1982, when Uli Stielike's shot was saved by France's Jean-Luc Ettori.

Between 1982 and 2026, Germany had converted every single penalty they had taken at the tournament.

While Germany have missed only a handful of times, their goalkeepers have also been incredibly efficient.

Out of the 24 penalties faced, opponents have only scored 14. German keepers have saved eight, and England's Chris Waddle famously blazed one over the bar in 1990. Paraguay's Antonio Sanabria also shot wide in 2026.

The streak began during the 1982 semi-finals with a 5–4 shootout victory over France following a 3–3 draw after extra time.

They secured their second shootout win four years later in the 1986 quarter-finals, defeating hosts Mexico 4–1 after the match ended goalless.

In the 1990 semi-finals, Germany overcame England 4–3 on penalties following a 1–1 draw, before most recently extending their perfect record in the 2006 quarter-finals by defeating Argentina 4–2 after another 1–1 draw after extra time.

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Even in normal time (excluding shootouts), Germany’s efficiency from the penalty spot remains top tier, though not quite perfect.

In their World Cup history, Germany (including West Germany) have taken 14 in-game penalties, successfully converting 12 of them.

Manchester United's compensation figure, paid for by FIFA, has been revealed after one of their players was injured at the 2026 World Cup.

The Red Devils are in the process of conducting an expansive summer rebuild, coping with the departure of veteran player Casemiro and planning to ensure their upturn in form since Michael Carrick's appointment continues.

With the injury endured by one of Manchester United's players in North America this summer, the club is entitled to a hefty fee of compensation - but why, and just how much?

Manchester United compensation figure revealed after Manuel Ugarte injury at the 2026 World Cup

Manuel Ugarte was injured during Uruguay's defeat against Spain, in his nation's final game of the 2026 World Cup.

The Manchester United man suffered a horror knee injury after a tackle attempt during the clash, which ended 1-0 to Spain.

Ugarte was stretchered off the pitch, and Uruguay exited the tournament, but there is a small upside for Manchester United.

A situation so awful will have a silver lining, as FIFA will pay the fee of compensation required for the injury sustained.

In simple terms, this amount will be the salary he is contracted to receive from Manchester United, for the duration of his injury.

With Ugarte expected to be out for nine months, that figure would reach nearly £6 million for the Red Devils to enjoy, and potentially utilise in their summer transfer window budget.

This is possible through FIFA's Club Protection Programme, which was introduced to manage reluctancy from clubs to send their players off to duel on international stages, for the benefit of others.

The programme was described as a "landmark moment" in strengthening relationships between clubs and national associations.

The current version of the programme will run until the end of 2026, making Manchester United eligible for its financial benefits.

FIFA describes any serious injury as a "temporary total disablement" which brings the programme into play.

Due to the severity of Ugarte's lay-off, the Red Devils will therefore meet the necessary criteria to receive hefty compensation.

Additionally, the programme caps its salaries covered at £120,000 per week, which aligns perfectly with Ugarte's wages, sitting on Manchester United's books at that exact weekly figure.