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”
Jamal Musiala scored his third goal of this summer’s European Championships, of course he did, as hosts Germany punched their ticket into next week’s quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over a stubborn Denmark in Saturday’s evening kick-off. Hours earlier, defending champs Italy went out with a whimper as they were outplayed by Switzerland – England could await them next week…. Continue reading “Euro 2024: Musiala sends Danes packing after defending champs Italy limp out, as tournament proper has finally begun”
After speculation linked him with a move to Manchester City this summer and with Newcastle reportedly also circling, Crystal Palace are set to reward Eberechi Eze for his pre-injury form with a new £100,000-a-week contract ending questions over the England international’s future – at least short-term. Continue reading “Reports: Crystal Palace agree new £100kpw extension deal with Eberechi Eze”
Gareth Southgate shuffled the pack and watched as his England side recovered from an early goal down to seal their place at next summer’s European Championships in Germany with a 3-1 win over Euro 2020 winners Italy. Harry Kane’s brace – sandwiched between Marcus Rashford’s mazy second-half finish – secured their passage early, as two Group C games still await next month.
Continue reading “England 3-1 Italy: Kane’s brace seals Euro 2024 qualification with comeback win”
Currently serving an eight-month ban for breaching the FA’s betting regulations, Brentford’s talismanic forward Ivan Toney will see his suspension end in the middle of January. That’s opportune timing for a mid-season switch to a London rival, with both reportedly open to making bids in excess of £50m for a 27-year-old English striker undoubtedly itching to make up for lost time. Continue reading “Chelsea and Arsenal linked with January move, as Toney exit talk intensifies again”
His Crystal Palace teammates were said to be in tears after an abrupt training ground injury – rupturing his Achilles – left him sidelined for several months on the same day he was part of England’s Euro 2020 provisional squad. Two years on, he could make his senior debut this weekend, and it’s another timely reminder how important patience is as far as long-term goals are concerned. Continue reading “As first England cap awaits, Eze shows value of patience after untimely setbacks”
Gareth Southgate insisted afterwards that he’s not unhappy and expected a tight game given the strength of their American opponents. His players were frustrated post-match, but can only blame themselves for a ponderous and unsettling display as they – like the Netherlands three hours earlier – failed to secure the World Cup’s first last-16 berth with a group game to spare.
Continue reading “World Cup 2022 – England 0-0 USA: Berhalter’s boys expose Three Lions in anti-climactic stalemate”
After forcing his way into the England squad by shining on-loan at Crystal Palace last term, Conor Gallagher wants to make Chelsea an undisputed home once and for all. As the Blues’ pre-season campaign gets underway Stateside, now the 22-year-old has the licence to do it.
Continue reading “Conor Gallagher and the task of emulating talented academy products before him”
Gareth Southgate’s two-year extension announcement means, if all goes well, he’ll remain England manager until December 2024 – occupying the position for more than eight years, being their longest head coach since Bobby Robson. They’ve progressed considerably under his guidance and yet there remains an unwavering feeling he’s taken them as far as he can. Continue reading “Gareth Southgate’s contract extension felt inevitable, but is no less divisive”
Frank Lampard spoke highly of Tammy Abraham’s progression, revealed updates on Olivier Giroud’s future with Inter Milan lurking and delivered some interesting insight in the build-up to their lunchtime clash against Burnley tomorrow. Continue reading “Frank Lampard praises Tammy Abraham, clarifies Giroud’s future pre-Burnley”
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