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A closer look at England's memorable night at the Azteca

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If you're an England fan, this was one of the most iconic wins since 1966 Did you stay up and watch it? Author | Ben A England's players sank to their knees in a mixture of elation and exhaustion after producing a performance worthy of the occasion as they became one of the few visiting sides to conquer Mexico's formidable Azteca Stadium. On a night filled with drama, emotion and sporting theatre in one of football's most iconic arenas, England secured one of the finest World Cup victories in their history. Indeed, it ranks among their greatest wins of any kind. Arguably their finest since lifting the World Cup at Wembley in 1966. Head coach Thomas Tuchel, who embraced two-goal hero Jude Bellingham with unrestrained delight after the final whistle before the pair collapsed into each other's arms, had delivered precisely the type of victory the Football Association envisioned when appointing him. England's 3-2 victory set up a quarter-final against Norway in Miam...

How France battled to a hard-fought victory against Paraguay

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France v Paraguay further analysis This last-16 tie brought together two sides at opposite ends of the footballing spectrum. Author | Jack L France's attack, which has been at its fluent best throughout this tournament, came up against a Paraguay side intent on disrupting their rhythm through physicality, aggression and disciplined defending. Breaking them down proved far from straightforward for Didier Deschamps' side in a contest that became only the third World Cup knockout match since 1966 not to produce a shot on target in the first half. But once again it was Mbappe who provided the defining moment, this time sending Les Bleus into the quarter-finals while ending Paraguay's impressive run. The France captain kept his composure from the penalty spot after some superb footwork from Doue tempted the foul, in a match where France found themselves frustrated not only by Paraguay's resilience but also by a series of refereeing decisions that went against them. Alfaro...

Germany want Jurgen Klopp as next manager

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All change for Germany following World Cup exit The German football association is seeking talks with Jurgen Klopp about becoming the men's national team coach after Julian Nagelsmann resigned. Author | Ed Nagelsmann requested to be relieved of his duties on Thursday following the team's early exit from the World Cup. The German FA (DFB) has now accepted that request and immediately terminated its contractual relationship with the 38-year-old former Bayern Munich manager. Germany's World Cup campaign came to an end on Monday when the four-time champions were beaten on penalties by Paraguay in the last 32. The defeat sparked widespread debate in the German media over the changes needed to restore the national side's ability to compete at the highest level once again. Initially Nagelsmann, who was appointed in 2023, was determined to remain in charge, saying after the game: "I'm not someone who runs away." Some immediate reaction to Germany's exit earlie...

England v Mexico to kick off as scheduled

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England's World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico will kick off as scheduled at 01:00 BST on Monday  This announcement comes after Fifa reversed plans to bring the match forward. Author | George B Football's world governing body held talks with the English and Mexican football associations on Friday after proposing the fixture be moved to 19:00 BST on Sunday (12:00 local time). Weather forecasts indicated there could be thunderstorms at that time, although Fifa did not provide an explanation for the proposed change. Sources told different media outlets that Fifa had been preparing to reschedule the match and confirm the decision in a statement, but the proposal prompted a strong reaction from officials representing both England and Mexico. The Football Association requested additional time to examine the weather forecast in greater detail. As discussions continued, concerns were raised over the impact on player preparation, supporter travel and the logistical challenges of rearran...

Harry Kane proves that he's one of the world's best

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Four games from immortality As Harry Kane raced towards the corner of Atlanta's futuristic stadium, England head coach Thomas Tuchel followed him on to the pitch in celebration. Author | Ben A Kane, the captain, leader and undisputed world-class striker, had rescued a World Cup campaign that had been drifting towards one of the darkest moments in England's history. Harry Kane leads the post match team talk after dramatic win over DR Congo. youtube.com/shorts/bu7BD... [image or embed] — SuperNews ( @supernews12.bsky.social ) 2 July 2026 at 10:05 Beneath the closed roof, away from Atlanta's searing heat and suffocating humidity, England and perhaps Tuchel's reign were fading fast as they trailed DR Congo until one of the country's greatest-ever players came to their rescue. There is no doubt England were heading for an embarrassment to rival the Euro 2016 last-16 defeat by Iceland and the shock World Cup loss to the United States in 1950 until Kane, as he has do...

Can anyone stop France?

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Four years after the penalty shootout heartbreak against Argentina in the final in Qatar... Les Bleus look intent on putting that disappointment behind them and going all the way this time. Author | Jack L They squandered a host of chances against Sweden, finishing with 25 attempts on goal, their highest tally in a World Cup match since 1998. Even so, France have scored 13 goals in four matches in the United States and their attacking numbers are on another level. Watch | Highlights of France v Sweden on BBC Football Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele has been involved in six goals, scoring four and providing two assists, while Michael Olise has five assists and struck the post with a spectacular acrobatic effort. One player will be key again But in Kylian Mbappe they have a player at the peak of his powers, producing the kind of ruthless finishing that underlines why he is regarded as one of the world's finest forwards. The Real Madrid forward is level in the race for the Gold...

Germany and their football nightmare

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A shock exit at the World Cup There was a time when Germany were expected to win major football tournaments. Author | Ed Including their years as West Germany, they have lifted the World Cup four times, finished runners-up on another four occasions and won three of the six European Championship finals they have contested. Those days, however, now feel a long way off. The front page of Tuesday's Bild newspaper captured the mood with the headline: "The next German football nightmare", after Germany's World Cup campaign came to a sudden end in the last 32 with a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat by Paraguay following a 1-1 draw after extra time. Watch | A former German footballer responds to their defeat and exit Since winning the World Cup in 2014, Germany have twice failed to progress beyond the group stage and have now been eliminated in the first knockout match they have played at the 2026 tournament. Paraguay began the competition 41st in the FIFA world rankings, compared...