Anthony Barry understands that England are still searching for the final ingredient. The assistant coach has carefully reviewed the team’s performances and discussed every detail with Thomas Tuchel, even joking that the head coach is “doing my head in”. The central question remains: after the disappointment of losing in the World Cup semi-final, what must […]
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Act quickly and repair what is broken. Thomas Tuchel has enjoyed an encouraging week as he tackles the recurring challenge of shaping not only a successful England side, but one with a clear identity, while dealing with the constant and often contradictory pressures surrounding the national-team manager. None of this is unfamiliar. The position demands […]
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So, could England have another go at the World Cup? Is it possible to turn back the clock and erase what happened in Atlanta? Because this team finally appears ready. That enthusiasm may fade, however, if another match must be played in front of 6,000 excited children, whose collective noise in Rijeka reached levels few […]
Continue ReadingIn the lead-up to the World Cup, the entrenched hostility that had accompanied Jude Bellingham virtually from his breakthrough at senior level grew more vociferous. Numerous scribes, commentators and one-time professionals doubted whether one of the country’s most gifted footballers could become a divisive presence within the team. The starkest articulation of this position appeared […]
Continue ReadingHarry Kane has stated that Thomas Tuchel’s pointed assessment of England’s display following their quarter-final victory over Norway in Miami stemmed from the team’s inability to replicate their high-level practice sessions during actual matches. The captain of the England side also implied that Tuchel’s remarks were a deliberate move to maintain the squad’s sharpness ahead […]
Continue ReadingBellingham versus the elements. Throughout most of the match, it seemed as though three distinct forces were vying for dominance in the thick Miami Gardens atmosphere. Norway, appearing in their maiden World Cup last-eight tie, exhibited spirit, technique, and composure, and by any measure excluding Bellingham’s impact, they were arguably the superior side. At the […]
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