European Super Football

It has been a very bad day for Nottingham Forest  Manager Ange Postecoglou has been dismissed by the club after their 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea at the City Ground. Author | Kieran M The Australian’s departure, just 39 days after his appointment on 9 September, marks the shortest managerial reign in Premier League history. Postecoglou failed to record a victory during his eight matches in charge, overseeing two draws and six defeats in all competitions. Forest managed only a single point from his five league games, leaving them 17th in the table and one point clear of the relegation zone. READ MORE | Live text commentary of Forest's 3-0 defeat against Chelsea Postecoglou’s departure leaves Nottingham Forest seeking their third manager of the season, following the dismissal of Nuno Espírito Santo just three games into the campaign. Fulham’s Marco Silva is thought to be among the leading contenders to take over, while former Burnley and Everton manager Sean Dyche is also under co...

"Champions League Varane..." Raphaël Varane is a former French professional footballer who played as a centre-back for Real Madrid, Manchester United and the France national side. Author | Peter Grainger   The start of his career Varane began his career at French club Lens, starting with their youth team. Ahead of the 2010–11 season, he began training with the senior squad and appeared on the bench in several league games. He made his professional debut in 2010 at just 17 years old.  Becoming an iconic defender at Real Madrid After one season as a professional, he joined Real Madrid, where he spent ten years, from 2011 to 2021, winning eighteen trophies. These included three La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey, four UEFA Champions League titles , and four FIFA Club World Cups.  Known for his pace, composure, and partnership with Sergio Ramos , many fans believe that he was instrumental in Madrid’s successes. It would be very hard to argue with them.  One of...

It has been a successful week in Europe for three sides in the WSL Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal all picked up three points in the Champions League Author |  Josh T Let's have a closer look at how they all performed. Chelsea 4 - 0 Paris FC Chelsea produced a dominant display to claim a convincing victory, with four different players on the scoresheet in a commanding performance from the Women’s Super League champions. Sonia Bompastor’s side were gifted the opening goal when Sjoeke Nusken was fouled in the box following a VAR review, allowing Sandy Baltimore to calmly slot home from the penalty spot. Paris struggled to settle after the early setback, and Chelsea capitalised on their uncertainty. Erin Cuthbert won possession in midfield and fed winger Thompson, whose precise cross found Johanna Rytting Kaneryd to head past Mylène Chavas, doubling the Blues’ advantage. The hosts’ control and tempo left Paris chasing shadows for much of the half. Barely 90 seconds afte...

More uncertainty and more bad news at Sheffield Wednesday It has been suggested in some reports that the Championship club owes around £1 million. Author | James Whaling Empty seats at Hillsborough The move would heighten pressure on owner Dejphon Chansiri to consider selling the club. The club is already under five separate EFL embargoes, having failed to pay staff wages on time in five of the last seven months. On the field, Wednesday sit second from bottom in the Championship, having collected just six points from nine games amid a period of off-field turmoil that has left their squad depleted. The seriousness of the situation was underlined when May’s wages went unpaid, following a similar issue in March. READ MORE | Recent news from the Championship on European Super Football Amid ongoing uncertainty and registration embargoes, manager Danny Rohl left in July, with his assistant Henrik Pedersen taking charge just ten days before the season began. The team did not play a single...

This could have a huge impact on football across the continent  A controversial new salary cap, which critics say could spell the end of the Premier League as the world’s leading competition, could be introduced as early as next month. Author |  Ajay   Crystal Palace fans v Liverpool Top-flight clubs are due to vote on the proposed “anchoring” system, which would restrict any club’s spending to a set multiple of the amount earned by the league’s bottom side in broadcast revenue and prize money. The vote is expected to take place in the coming weeks. Both Manchester United and Manchester City are understood to be opposed to the measure, which would be implemented alongside the new “squad cost ratio” rules. They argue that such restrictions would damage the league’s global appeal and drive top players away to rival competitions. Others fear it could destabilise the Championship and make life even harder for newly promoted teams. Manchester United fans v Liverpool Based on 2...

England player ratings from the 5-0 win over Latvia  There were some very impressive performances from Tuchel’s players Author | William G We'd see our player of the match was Harry Kane. Not only for his goals but for his all-round contribution. Jordan Pickford | 6/10 Another calm performance from a goalkeeper who last conceded for England a year ago and has now kept nine consecutive clean sheets. He again faced minimal action, encountering only one shot on target in the qualifying campaign so far. Djed Spence | 7/10 An impressive first competitive start for England, showing he can perform effectively at right-back as well as on the left. He was active in both halves and contributed to the fourth goal, albeit aided by Tonisev’s error. Ezri Konsa | 7/10 Composed and authoritative in the heart of defence, ensuring England barely missed Guehi, who was rested. Produced a moment of drama when he raced back to slide in and deny Gutkovskis a near-certain goal. Highlights courtesy of ...

Could we see another rule change in football at the highest level? Some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including several from the Premier League, have held talks about allowing six substitutes per game in an effort to ease the growing workload on players. Author | David Sampson Euro 2024 final celebrations Representatives met in Rome last week for the European Clubs’ (EFC) general assembly, where a number of key issues in the modern game were discussed. Although the proposal was not on the formal agenda, informal conversations reportedly centred on the possibility of expanding squads from 25 to 28 players and introducing a sixth substitution. Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest were among the English clubs in attendance. Any change would first need approval from football’s rulemaking body, the International Football Association Board (Ifab), and there is no indication of when, or if, such a move might be implemented. The Premier League initially in...

Republic of Ireland 1 - 0 Armenia Republic of Ireland revived their World Cup qualifying hopes with a vital win over 10-man Armenia. Author | Lee Francis Stadium | Aviva Stadium A red card for Armenia captain Tigran Barseghyan, sent off early in the second half for aiming a headbutt at Finn Azaz, proved decisive as the hosts shook off a laboured opening and claimed victory through Evan Ferguson’s second-half header. A flat first half offered little for the home crowd, with Armenia’s Eduard Spertsyan coming closest to breaking the deadlock when he volleyed narrowly wide. The match turned seven minutes after the restart when Barseghyan was dismissed for thrusting his head into Azaz’s face, leaving Armenia to play the remainder with ten men. From there, Ireland pressed forward. Armenia goalkeeper Henri Avagyan produced several fine saves, tipping Nathan Collins’ header on to the bar and clawing away Dara O’Shea’s effort. He also denied Ferguson from close range before the striker fina...

Latvia 0 - 5 England A comfortable night for Tuchel's side as they seal a place in the 2026 World Cup. Author | Lauren W Stadium | Daugavas Stadionā Thomas Tuchel's side secured victory to confirm their place in the showpiece, with the result never in doubt as England comfortably outplayed a Latvian team ranked 137th in the world. On a broader scale, England qualified with two games to spare, completing a flawless first campaign under Tuchel, who took over from Sir Gareth Southgate in January. Anthony Gordon opened the scoring after 26 minutes with a low, curling finish, and captain Harry Kane added two more before half-time, first with a strike from the edge of the area and then from the penalty spot after his shirt was pulled. READ MORE |  Live commentary recap | Latvia v England England’s fourth came just before the hour when Latvia’s Andrejs Ciganiks turned Djed Spence’s cross into his own net. Substitute Eberechi Eze rounded off the scoring with a composed dribble and l...

Latvia v England live commentary Three points here and England will have qualified for the 2026 World Cup Author |  Lauren W This will be the place for live commentary from England's trip to Latvia. Full-time  England have qualified for the World Cup with two games to spare. Against limited opposition granted but that was a superb performance from The Three Lions. 85 minutes | Eze makes it five! He scored against Latvia in March, and Eberechi Eze adds another against them tonight. A precise low finish followed after Jarrod Bowen did well to win possession on the halfway line. The perfect finishing touch. 74 minutes | “A thoroughly professional display from Thomas Tuchel’s side...” Gez wanted to travel to Latvia for the match but had to settle for watching on TV. He has been impressed with the performance: “Just the 19 efforts on goal for England, with 41 touches inside Latvia’s penalty area. A thoroughly professional display from Thomas Tuchel’s side tonight.” 57 minutes |...

Which Welsh players performed well during their heartbreak defeat against Belgium? The result leaves them facing a potentially intense play-off campaign to qualify for the World Cup. Author | David Sampson Despite the defeat, there were promising performances from a number of players. Yet again, Wales caused a major nation problems, they just didn't have enough quality on the night. Karl Darlow | 5. 5 Had little chance with either of Kevin De Bruyne’s pinpoint penalties but could have done more to prevent the second goal. Neco Williams | 7 Strong defensively and lively going forward, showing a much-improved display from the Nottingham Forest full-back. Ben Cabango | 5 A tough evening for the Swansea defender, who should have reacted better for Belgium’s second goal. Wales defending Ben Davies | 6 Will be relieved to see the back of the electric Jeremy Doku. Despite being under pressure, Davies handled his defensive duties with composure. Joe Rodon | 7.5 Produced a key bloc...

Wales 2 - 4 Belgium  Wales’ hopes of automatic qualification for the World Cup were all but extinguished after a home defeat to Belgium. Author | Stephen Chad Stadium | Cardiff City Stadium The defeat leaves the play-offs as their only realistic path to next summer’s finals. Craig Bellamy’s side made a superb start, taking the lead in the seventh minute when Joe Rodon rose highest to head in from a corner. Their early momentum was halted when Kevin De Bruyne equalised from the penalty spot after a harsh handball decision against Ethan Ampadu, confirmed following a lengthy VAR check. Wales fought to get back in the game From that point, Belgium’s superiority began to show. Jeremy Doku, who has been in outstanding form for Manchester City this season, tormented Wales on the counterattack and set up Thomas Meunier to put the visitors in front. De Bruyne, Doku and Leandro Trossard all missed chances to extend the lead before another De Bruyne penalty, this time for a clear ha...

With the international week taking place, England's WSL sides played at some of the countries biggest stadiums... Let's take a look at some of the biggest talking points Author |  Josh D It's still early days but it definitely feels like there will be a crazy title race this year. Manchester United and Manchester City both look like sides that can mount a serious challenge to Chelsea. Arsenal edge past Brighton in front of 27,336 fans Arsenal ended a four-game winless run in the Women’s Super League with a hard-fought victory over Brighton, though questions about their fluency remain. The hosts went in front after 15 minutes when Olivia Smith’s low strike took a deflection off Brighton defender Marisa Olislagers and wrong-footed goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Despite the early breakthrough, Arsenal struggled to assert themselves and were indebted to goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar, who denied Brighton's attacking players on several occasions. London City Lionesses co...

Luton Town look to turn the tide with new appointment Former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere has been appointed manager of League One side Luton Town. Author | Benjamin Hampson Ready to work 💪 pic.twitter.com/3pJUkZqnGj — Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) October 13, 2025 The 33-year-old takes over from Matt Bloomfield, who was dismissed earlier this month after less than a year at Kenilworth Road. Wilshere steps into his first full-time managerial role with Luton currently 11th in the third tier, following consecutive relegations. He was chosen ahead of Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens and is reported to have signed a three-year contract. READ MORE |  How Luton Town were relegated from the Championship last season Chris Powell has also joined the club as Wilshere’s assistant. The former England left-back had briefly been at Walsall as interim first-team coach, covering for Gary Waddock while he recovers from ankle surgery. Wilshere's career in for football so far Thro...

Wales v Belgium preview Wales’ World Cup qualifier against Belgium on Monday was always likely to feel significant. Now, it has the potential to be decisive. Author | Stephen Chad Stadium | Cardiff City Stadium Their fate is once again in their own hands after Belgium were held to a goalless draw by North Macedonia on Friday. If Craig Bellamy’s side win their final three matches, they will secure a place at next summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. That remains a sizeable challenge. The most daunting obstacle comes next. This may not be the same Belgium that finished third at the 2018 World Cup or topped the world rankings three years ago, but they still possess a wealth of talent, with Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku among their array of attacking options. Not that Wales are likely to be overawed, particularly under a head coach as determined and optimistic as Bellamy. The current state of the play in the group North Macedonia lead the group on 12 points, o...

Scotland 2 - 1 Belarus With supporters expecting goals against a beleaguered Belarus side who had already conceded 13 times in Group C, Scotland managed only two. Author |  Sean M Stadium |  Hampden Park It might have been a far more uncomfortable evening for Steve Clarke, who was taking charge of his record 72nd match as men’s head coach. Evgeni Malashevich’s composed finish for what would have been a Belarus equaliser was ruled out following a VAR review, and Hleb Kuchko’s injury-time effort reduced the deficit with just minutes remaining. There were moments in the second half, with the score still 1-0, when unease spread around Hampden Park. Belarus were moving the ball confidently while Scotland sat deep, prompting boos from the stands. Those jeers returned at full time, mingling with scattered applause. It was a reaction born of frustration that had simmered from the start as Belarus played with more intent than many expected. Scotland’s smash-and-grab win over Greece...

Spain 2 - 0 Georgia Spain maintained their perfect start to World Cup qualifying with a comfortable victory over Georgia in Elche. Author | Jack L Stadium | Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero Crystal Palace midfielder Yeremy Pino opened the scoring after 24 minutes, tapping in from close range after Robin le Normand’s knockdown. Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili then conceded a penalty for fouling Ferran Torres, but redeemed himself moments later by saving the Barcelona forward’s spot-kick. Tottenham defender Pedro Porro struck the post with a curling effort as Spain continued to control proceedings and carve out chances. Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal eventually made it 2-0 with a superb free-kick, beating Mamardashvili at his near post with a powerful strike. Mamardashvili continued to impress though. He denied Torres once more in the 88th minute, helping to keep the scoreline respectable for Georgia, who were otherwise outclassed. The result keeps Spain firmly on track ...