European Super Football

How hot is too hot? When Belgium were held by Egypt on Monday, they became the seventh of the 10 European teams to fail to win their opening match of the World Cup. Author | Liam C Only Germany, Scotland and Sweden have begun their campaigns with victories, overcoming Curacao, Haiti and Tunisia respectively. England, Croatia, France, Norway, Austria and Portugal are still to play their opening fixtures. With European nations ranked higher than their opponents in eight of those 10 matches, more wins would have been expected. That has prompted questions over whether the hot conditions across North America are having an impact. The fans are having fun though. The heat was always likely to be a significant factor at this World Cup, with matches being staged in high temperatures across the tournament's three host nations. Belgium's draw with Egypt in Seattle took place on what had been forecast as one of the city's hottest days of the year, with temperatures rising above 30C...

The last few days have been unlike anything Boston has experienced before.  A Scotland invasion has swept across the city for this World Cup, a pilgrimage many Scots never believed they would have the chance to make.  Author | Sean M There are families here with several generations who have never witnessed anything quite like it. The Tartan Army has been warmly welcomed wherever it has gone, embraced almost like a long-lost relative returning to a family gathering. Unsurprisingly, spirits were high after Scotland's World Cup victory over Haiti as supporters made their way to Fenway Park in the summer sunshine for a 'Scottish Celebration' night during the Red Sox's game against the Rangers. No, not that one. The Texas version. The evening is the brainchild of Travis Pollio, the Red Sox's director of ticket strategy and promotions. Standing on the corner of Jersey Street and Van Ness Street, he predicts around 4,000 Scots will attend, his voice barely carrying above t...

We asked an England fan what his first-choice eleven should be... Do you agree with George B's choices here Jordan Pickford is an easy choice in goal. I would start Reece James, provided he is fully fit. In the defence I would opt for John Stones ahead of Ezri Konsa, even though Konsa has been extremely reliable. I just think Stones has the ability to dictate play at international level and, if England need to retain possession in a game, he is someone who can do that. Marc Guehi's inclusion is fairly self-explanatory. He has been outstanding for Manchester City, Crystal Palace and England this season. At left-back, I would go with Nico O'Reilly. I know Djed Spence started there in the friendly against New Zealand, but if I had to choose one, it would definitely be O'Reilly. Who's in midfield? Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice would make up the midfield, which is probably what most people expect. I like Anderson because he can also initiate attacks. While he is there ...

A rather interesting managerial rumour... Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has emerged as one of the leading candidates for the AC Milan managerial vacancy. Author | DJ The Portuguese coach has been out of work since his dismissal by United in January, bringing an end to a difficult 14-month spell at Old Trafford. Sources close to the former Sporting manager had previously played down the prospect of a return to Benfica, where he spent six years as a player and made 154 appearances. No agreement has been reached yet Discussions have taken place between Milan and Amorim's representatives, with the 41-year-old understood to be high on the club's shortlist to succeed Massimiliano Allegri. Allegri was dismissed in May after failing to secure Champions League qualification. Milan had looked well placed to finish in the top four after moving nine points clear of fifth place with a victory over rivals Inter in March. However, they won only three of their final 10 matches, co...

No Scotland, no party... Scotland's first World Cup since 1998 is proving to be a memorable occasion for their fans and for the people of Boston. Author | Sean M Of all the places the Tartan Army could have chosen as a base for their World Cup adventure, they have ended up in a city famous for driving the English out. Supporters dressed as William Wallace have been mingling with tour guides portraying Paul Revere. Others have been sporting "Boston T Party" T-shirts, with the T standing for Tennent's. Nearby, close to the site of the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Scottish Football Association has transformed a local pub into Scotland House. From exiting the World Cup unbeaten in 1974, to the disappointment of the 1978 campaign, a lone point against Uruguay in 1986, defeat by Costa Rica in 1990 and a heavy loss to Morocco in 1998, Scotland's World Cup history is littered with examples of hopes raised and then dashed. The venue for this Group C match is the Fifa-ren...

One more warm-up match before the tournament starts England head coach Thomas Tuchel's pre-World Cup experimentation must surely come to an end now. Author | Liam C Tuchel's extended assessment of the options at his disposal continued on Saturday, with two entirely different teams taking to the field across each half of a low-key friendly against New Zealand in the sweltering heat of Tampa. The countdown is on to England's opening World Cup fixture against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday 17 June. With the Tampa exercise complete, Tuchel should now be ready to offer a clearer indication of the side he believes can deliver success. It was entirely understandable that he wanted his squad to gain valuable minutes in demanding, energy-sapping conditions. It had been said in the build-up to this pre tournament friendly that utilising the full squad is going to be key.  The consequence of all this squad tinkering, however, was that the 1-0 victory, secured by another Harry Kane goa...

Another new era starts at Anfield  Andoni Iraola has been confirmed by Liverpool as their new head coach. Author | William G Iraola, 43, has signed a two-year deal to replace Arne Slot, who was sacked on Saturday - a year after guiding the club to the Premier League title. Watch | Iraola's first interview as Liverpool boss | From Liverpool's YouTube channel Former Bournemouth manager Iraola joins after delivering the Cherries' finest top-flight season to date, finishing in sixth place. That was only one position and three points behind Liverpool and gave Bournemouth a place in next season's Europa League. The Spaniard announced in April that he would leave Bournemouth this summer and he had been linked with Crystal Palace and AC Milan. Now he moves to Merseyside, with Liverpool having qualified for next season's Champions League despite finishing the Premier League season with 60 points - their lowest tally since 2015-16 and a distant 25 points behind winners Arse...