Only England could secure a third-place finish at the World Cup by outlasting France in a remarkable 10-goal encounter, yet somehow leave the pitch with even greater frustration aimed at the head coach. Sentiment remains raw following the dramatic collapse against Argentina, and simply winning a match with little at stake will not be enough […]
Continue ReadingHarry Kane expressed confidence that Thomas Tuchel will draw lessons from England’s World Cup semifinal loss to Argentina, and stressed the need to utilize the upcoming Nations League matches to build experience against elite opposition. Kane remained on the bench as England secured third place with a thrilling 6-4 win over France on Saturday – […]
Continue ReadingHow we conversed. On late-night broadcasts, floating faces above a scrolling ticker. On flights and rail journeys, at bus shelters and florists and children’s parties, frantically attempting to bridge the dullness of the present with the excitement of what was to come, trying in some way to pre-experience the emotions, the adrenaline spike, the pounding […]
Continue ReadingThomas Tuchel stressed he has no desire to participate in assigning fault for England’s tournament exit and pledged to narrow the distance to the top teams. Even Donald Trump weighed in on the tactics Tuchel used during the semi-final loss to Argentina, the US president wondering why Harry Kane was turned into “a defensive player” […]
Continue ReadingWhen questioned about his view of the final 35 minutes after having time to ponder, Tuchel responded that he still felt “the same way—that we were far too passive.” “If you’re wondering whether I regret my choice, then let me be clear: I don’t regret the decisions I made,” he continued. “I sensed a shift […]
Continue Reading“I desired for it to be you. I desired it desperately.” As England’s World Cup ambitions fade into yet another chapter of sorrow, let down in Atlanta by the latest dashing, gaunt Mr. Perfect, a touch more melancholy, not much more enlightened, sunburned, broke, spooning Jägerbomb ice cream straight from the tub, this is an […]
Continue ReadingHarry Kane enjoyed the finest form of his career in the Bundesliga last term, netting 61 goals across all competitions. However, time is not on the side of the Bayern Munich forward, who will celebrate his 33rd birthday on 28 July. The captain, who found the net six times at the World Cup, remarked after […]
Continue ReadingEngland will go up against France in the third-place play-off on Saturday (22:00 BST) — a victory would give them their strongest men’s World Cup showing since 1966. “Getting this close and falling short is devastating,” Bullingham said. “The players and Thomas gave absolutely everything today and the entire group — coaches and backroom team […]
Continue ReadingThomas Tuchel accepted responsibility for England’s overly cautious approach after taking the lead, as Argentina shattered their World Cup hopes with a stunning late comeback. England were moments away from a first men’s World Cup final on foreign soil after Anthony Gordon put them ahead early in the second half. The defending champions levelled through […]
Continue ReadingLionel Messi is all too familiar with opponents parking the bus. England offered nothing innovative when they retreated deep with a World Cup final berth tantalizingly close. That defensive mindset was regrettable, and it came as no shock when Argentina clinically mounted a comeback in Atlanta to exact punishment. It was an age-old story. England […]
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