Jordan Pickford: The first-choice goalkeeper appeared far more composed than in the prior outing. With the opposing team defending deeply, he frequently had possession and looked to launch attacks with his long distribution. One careless pass nearly sparked a counter-attack. He made a superb point-blank save from a header to preserve the lead, but was […]
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 ReadingEngland secured a hard-fought victory over Norway in Saturday’s World Cup last-eight clash, yet head coach Thomas Tuchel expressed visible unease. “We created too many problems for ourselves,” Tuchel admitted. “The outcome is excellent, but I’m far from satisfied with how we played.” He did follow these remarks by praising the squad’s character: “The determination, […]
Continue ReadingHowever, during the pre-tournament friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica, a shift became apparent as Bellingham began to shine. In England’s opening World Cup match against Croatia, he netted a superb individual effort to give his side a 3-2 lead. Then versus Panama, with the team struggling to find a way through in the […]
Continue ReadingPlease score the Norway and England players on a scale of 1 to 10, then return 30 minutes after the final whistle to see the complete ratings.
Continue ReadingPickford had a shaky beginning to the tournament, at blame when he conceded at his near post as DR Congo went ahead against England in Atlanta, before captain Harry Kane’s late double secured their progress. In the intense atmosphere of the Azteca, however, Pickford delivered his best performance for England, producing two superb saves in […]
Continue ReadingIf Michael Olise lifts the World Cup, a small corner of a Hayes housing estate will belong eternally to France. It’s Olise’s own patch, a modest strip of park grass tucked among the west London suburban streets where, as a seven-year-old, he would train with his brother, Richard. “Playing football in that kind of setting […]
Continue ReadingReece James remains uncertain for England’s World Cup quarter-final showdown with Norway in Miami this Saturday, as he was once again unable to train with the group on Wednesday. The full-back has been missing since suffering a hamstring injury in England’s second group-stage fixture, a goalless draw against Ghana in Boston. Thomas Tuchel was aware […]
Continue ReadingOur illustrator examines the key events from the World Cup as England advance to the quarter-finals while the United States are eliminated Purchase David’s illustrations | A selection of his most popular pieces And his newest title, Chaos in the Box: order your copy Continue reading…
Continue ReadingJohn Stones must have anticipated the inevitable inquiry. After Mexico were overcome in one of England’s most memorable displays, attention shifted in part to the quarter‑final meeting with Norway in Miami on Saturday and a certain ponytailed striker. Stones knows Erling Haaland well, having spent the previous four seasons as his teammate at Manchester City, […]
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