Analysis, features, news plus more – on European football and sports galore!
England captain and Bayern forward Harry Kane has publicly criticised his teammates who withdrew from Lee Carsley’s latest squad before their must-win Nations League fixture against Greece, accusing them of “taking advantage” as they round out the year without a permanent manager after long-time boss Gareth Southgate’s departure. Thomas Tuchel succeeds him on New Year’s Day. Continue reading “Kane criticises England teammates over withdrawals as Tuchel’s arrival beckons”
Rodri off injured at half-time while captain Álvaro Morata didn’t have his shooting boots on. Neither potential storyline mattered though in the end, as two Real Sociedad substitutes – Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Oyarzabal – played an instrumental role during Spain’s stunning 2-1 win over England to emerge victorious in the Euro 2024 final, securing a record fourth tournament triumph. Continue reading “Spain 2-1 England: Oyarzabal’s late winner clinches record fourth Euro title in Berlin”
Ollie Watkins’ 90th-minute winner, nine minutes after replacing captain Harry Kane, has sent an oft-criticised England side into consecutive European Championship finals as they again recovered from a goal behind to triumph – this time leaving Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands stunned – after riding the waves in an emotionally draining semi-final victory. Spain await on Sunday in Berlin. Continue reading “England 2-1 Netherlands: Watkins wins it late as Southgate’s subs set up Spain final”
Granit Xhaka repaired his reputation in north London before departing for £21.6m last summer, joining Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen project – quickly establishing himself as an indispensable player spreading his wings further since returning to Bundesliga play. He’s carried that form on the international stage at the Euros, where the 31-year-old faces some familiar faces Saturday. Continue reading “Granit Xhaka’s metronomic momentum – club and country – hasn’t gone unnoticed”
An injury doubt only deemed fit enough to play 45 minutes this evening, Gabriel Martinelli picked precisely the right time to score his first goal of the campaign as the Brazilian’s deflected strike deceived Ederson, delivering Arsenal a smash-and-grab home win over reigning Premier League champions Manchester City to send them joint-top with north London rivals Tottenham after eight games.
Continue reading “We know our potential, Martinelli says after deflected late winner against City”
Per reports, West Ham’s talismanic midfielder Declan Rice has a gentleman’s agreement with the club to stay for the 22-23 season before leaving next summer – where he’ll have 12 months remaining on his contract and more of Europe’s suitors will undoubtedly circle for his signature. Continue reading “Reports: Declan Rice has ‘gentleman’s agreement’ to leave West Ham in summer of 2023”
Cast aside too quickly as another teenage wonderkid who swiftly disappeared according to English critics, Reece Oxford’s career trajectory has been re-energised by a Bundesliga journey taking him from Borussia Monchengladbach to Augsburg – where his consistent performances earned a new contract extension last week, like most things, that went under-the-radar. Continue reading “Reece Oxford’s Augsburg extension reinforces his refreshing progression”
David Moyes’ comments Saturday on captain Declan Rice were refreshingly bullish while shedding light into an intriguing subplot as the season unfolds. While a lot of fanfare has covered Tomas Soucek’s rise, Jesse Lingard’s immediate impact and an unlikely but very real European qualification charge, the England international has proven a dependable constant. Continue reading “Only £100m? No chance: David Moyes’ defiant Declan Rice stance speaks volumes”
Every cloud has a silver lining, or so the saying goes. Frank Lampard’s 18-month stint as Chelsea manager was ruthlessly ended by lunchtime on Monday, but with the new man replacing him at the helm in west London, winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has an opportunity to replicate Christian Pulisic’s success under the German succeeding their club legend. Continue reading “Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea appointment a silver lining for Callum Hudson-Odoi”
West Ham host Newcastle with both sides eager to kickstart the new Premier League season in style this weekend. Neither was particularly impressive during a gruelling 2019-20 campaign for multiple reasons, but will be ambitious about their chances of breaking into the top-half, starting with tonight’s curtain-raiser. Will either side emerge victorious? Continue reading “West Ham vs Newcastle United Preview: Hammers host motivated Magpies”
Match previews as the Premier League relegation battle intensifies with a relentless fixture schedule: it’s a must-win game for Norwich when they host West Ham, while Watford look to build on their 2-1 midweek victory against mid-table Newcastle. Continue reading “Previews: Battle at the bottom as Norwich host West Ham, Watford play Newcastle”
England cruised to a 5-0 win vs. Czech Republic, starting their EURO 2020 assault in style, but which players excelled while others struggled here?
Continue reading “England 5-0 Czech Republic: 5 Hits and Flops”
Mo and Sports 