England began their post-2022 World Cup schedule with a 2-1 victory in Italy. After the 2018 tournament, they returned with a 2-1 loss to Spain. Their first match following the 2014 World Cup was a 1-0 friendly triumph over Norway, although that side featured Joshua King, Håvard Nordtveit and Tarik Elyounoussi rather than the later […]
Continue Reading
England exerted a level of pressure on Spain that few opponents have managed in recent years, although that superiority was not reflected in goals or possession. Yet controlling the ball matters less than the areas in which it is used. Thomas Tuchel’s team recorded 36 touches inside Spain’s penalty area, an exceptionally high figure when […]
Continue Reading
Football and politics are deeply connected in today’s world, regardless of how much some may prefer otherwise. Whether the sport can help address society’s wider problems is far less certain. After Irish solidarity with the people of Gaza transformed the buildup into a moral debate, the result of this disappointing contest eventually seemed almost secondary. […]
Continue Reading
James Trafford appears genuinely offended by the suggestion. The Leeds goalkeeper responds with near disbelief when asked whether his previous season at Manchester City had been frustrating or even wasted. “I won two trophies,” he replies plainly and emphatically. Goalkeepers need resilience, and Trafford displays plenty of it both on and off the field. Selected […]
Continue Reading
Instead of being burdened by growing expectations, he has raised his level as the attention surrounding him has increased. He already seems capable of progressing beyond the North American league. However, staying at this level in his hometown, close to his family and alongside his 22-year-old brother Quinn at the Union, could benefit him for […]
Continue Reading
Arsenal head to Stamford Bridge for their Women’s Super League clash with Chelsea aware that losing to their rivals would be a major setback only four weeks into the campaign. That may sound like a harsh judgment, but the Gunners understand from experience how difficult it is to recover after losing ground early in the […]
Continue Reading
England suffered a 3-2 defeat against world champions Spain in an exciting Nations League encounter, their first fixture since the summer World Cup. Lamine Yamal opened the scoring for Spain, but Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane responded to move England in front. Kane later failed to convert a penalty before Alex Baena produced a curling […]
Continue Reading
Sébastien Pocognoli winced on Friday as he reflected on his first appearance for Belgium. Alessandro del Piero and Italy had enjoyed accommodating opponents while preparing for the 2006 World Cup. In time, Pocognoli may also remember his managerial debut with Scotland fondly. Beneath clear skies in a compact Ljubljana stadium, his side produced an encouraging […]
Continue Reading
Introducing a different playing philosophy requires patience, especially when the team must occupy unfamiliar areas and take risks beyond their usual comfort zone. Coaches with bold tactical ideas can sometimes become overly focused on the finished system rather than adapting to the immediate requirements of their squad. Olid, however, seems determined to avoid making that […]
Continue Reading
Burns remained on the bench in Lisbon, but he is hoping to feature when Wales face Denmark in Copenhagen in their second Nations League match on Sunday, 27 October. Following the serious injury that disrupted his remarkable rise from League One to the Premier League with Ipswich, he is grateful simply to be involved with […]
Continue Reading