European Super Football

England's first two group matches have presented very different challenges. A thriller against Croatia and a battle against Ghana. Author | Liam C Croatia pressed high, while Ghana defended deep and were content to concede possession, as reflected in England's 78.2% share of the ball. Ghana's experienced coach Carlos Queiroz appeared to take particular satisfaction in pointing out, on several occasions, that England had "no solutions". Tuchel said: "It is difficult to find a way through when someone plays a 4-5-1, sits completely deep and is committed to it, and they celebrated a 0-0 like a win. "So you could see the different approaches, which is fair enough and credit to them. You cannot lose your head about it." A closer look at two very different matches Against Croatia, England's runners in wide areas and through the middle posed a genuine threat. With Ghana sitting back, however, the Three Lions needed a moment of individual brilliance and...

Scotland's attacking questions and defensive resilience leave Group C hopes finely poised. They have three points from a 1-0 win over Haiti and a 1-0 defeat by Morocco. Author | Sean M That tally of points could yet prove enough if they avoid a heavy loss to Brazil on Wednesday, while a draw would leave them on the brink of reaching the last 32. But what have the two matches in Boston revealed before the Tartan Army descends on Miami? In the build-up to the tournament, head coach Steve Clarke switched to a 4-4-2 formation for friendlies against Curacao and Bolivia with encouraging results. Against modest opposition, Scotland scored eight goals across those two games and arrived at the World Cup in confident mood. Clarke persisted with the same shape for the opening match against Haiti, but Scotland managed fewer shots than their opponents and posted a lower expected goals figure (1.05 compared with 1.21). John McGinn's winner arrived via a deflection, while starting forwards La...

It was a remarkable first match for England at the 2026 World Cup Can they keep this brave and attacking style up throughout the tournament? Author | Liam C England supporters spilled out of the magnificent Dallas Stadium into the warm night air buoyed by a sense of exhilaration after Thomas Tuchel's side delivered a powerful statement of intent. Harry Kane had earlier urged his England team-mates to be "free in the mind" and embrace the pressure that comes with a World Cup, and they took him at his word, for better and worse. England's opening 4-2 win over Croatia combined exhilarating attacking football with moments of alarming defensive vulnerability, but the smiles on the faces of supporters leaving this vast arena painted their own picture. This was, whisper it, fun. England have often been difficult to watch in recent years, even when reaching the Euro 2024 final and the World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar four years ago. Those campaigns brought progress, but rare...

The Premier League fixtures are out this Friday! The World Cup may be in full swing but minds will turn temporarily back towards the Premier League on Friday morning when the league announces the fixtures for all 20 teams Author | Macca When are the Premier League fixtures announced? The countdown to the new season begins on Friday 19 June, when the schedules for all 20 clubs will be unveiled at 10am. Where can you find the 2026/27 Premier League fixtures? The official websites of all 20 Premier League clubs will publish details of their respective fixture lists, while updates will also be shared across their social media channels. The Premier League's official app allows supporters to download their club's fixtures directly to their devices, with further information available via the league's official website. Fan blogs such as Manchester United's  The View from K Stand   will have the perspective of individual clubs and trying to examine if it's 'good or bad...

It was a hard-fought win for France against Senegal Senegal famously beat Les Bleus in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup, with the late Papa Bouba Diop scoring the only goal in one of the greatest upsets in the tournament's history. Author | Jack L For long periods, the Lions of Teranga looked capable of producing another memorable result against the two-time champions, whose star-studded attacking quartet of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Michael Olise struggled to find their rhythm before the interval. France managed only three touches inside the Senegal penalty area in the first half, while Mbappe found it difficult to influence proceedings. Didier Deschamps' side emerged with far greater intensity after the break. Doue dragged a shot wide within moments of the restart, while Olise and Mbappe were both denied by Edouard Mendy when sent clean through on goal. However, the former Chelsea goalkeeper could do little to stop Mbappe, 27, from taking centre s...

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...

A proud moment coming up for Alex Scott This is despite him missing out on a spot in England's World Cup squad Author | George B The Bournemouth midfielder is in line to make his England debut during the forthcoming World Cup warm-up fixtures in the United States. Scott, Rio Ngumoha, Josh King, Jason Steele and Ethan Nwaneri have travelled as additional members of the England squad for the preparation camp in Florida. They have joined up with the group while awaiting the arrival of Arsenal quartet Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, along with Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, following their involvement in European finals. Henderson is expected to arrive within the next 24 hours, while the remaining four players are due to report over the weekend. Why are these players involved if not in the main squad? It is understood that all five supplementary squad members, despite not being included in Thomas Tuchel's final World Cup squad, are eligible to fe...

From Fulham to Benfica for Marco Silva The former Hull City, Watford and Everton boss has confirmed he will leave the Cottagers after five years in charge and is close to agreeing a deal to take over at Benfica. Author | Ajay Marco Silva departs Fulham. Check out this tribute published by the club. youtube.com/shorts/cVXrv... [image or embed] — European Super Football ( @eurosuperfootball.bsky.social ) 2 June 2026 at 18:58 Silva's contract expires at the end of June and uncertainty surrounded his future during the final months of the season. The Portuguese had been offered a new three-year deal with the club keen to keep him. However, it now looks like he will be heading to Lisbon to manage Benfica and replacing José Mourinho who is expected to be officially named as Real Madrid manager. Silva was appointed in 2021 when Fulham were in the Championship.  He steered the London club to promotion in his first season and has since established them as a Premier League side....

"Pain." The word from Mikel Arteta in his post-match news conference when asked to sum up the Champions League final defeat to Paris St-Germain in Budapest. Author | DJ Today, Arsenal will board an open-top bus parade to celebrate their Premier League title, less than 24 hours after the agony of their Champions League final defeat. The Gunners, who arrived at Saturday's showpiece unbeaten in Europe this season, missed out on the chance to become European Invincibles after losing to Paris St-Germain in a penalty shootout. There is no doubt Arsenal will be hurting, but they will return from Hungary before joining supporters in marking a campaign that has delivered plenty to celebrate. Before the final, Mikel Arteta spoke of using the club's Premier League triumph as a springboard towards even greater achievements and further silverware. Instead, his side fell just short in their pursuit of a first European crown, in what was their first final in the competition since 20...

Paris St-Germain 1-1 Arsenal (PSG won 4-3 on penalties) PSG have won the Champions League for the second year in a row. Author | DJ Stadium | Puskás Aréna It was heartbreak for Arsenal as they miss two penalties in the shootout - Eberechi Eze fired wide and Gabriel shot over. David Raya had managed to save from Nuno Mendes, but it was not enough for Arteta’s side. By lifting the trophy once again, PSG have become the first team to successfully defend the Champions League since Real Madrid's remarkable run of three consecutive titles between 2016 and 2018, and only the second club to achieve the feat in the Champions League era, which began in 1993. Across the competition's 71-year history, PSG are just the 10th club to win back-to-back European titles. Notably, all 10 outfield players who started PSG's victory over Arsenal also began last season's final triumph against Inter Milan, underlining the continuity at the heart of their success. The only change since last seas...

There’s going to be a managerial change at Anfield Head coach Arne Slot has been sacked by Liverpool after two seasons in charge. Author | William G The 47-year-old Dutchman guided the Reds to a record-equalling 20th league title in his first season at Anfield, but a disappointing second campaign saw Liverpool finish fifth in the Premier League The decision was taken by Fenway Sports Group chief executive Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes. For much of the season, Liverpool maintained that a managerial change was not under consideration. However, following a review at the end of the campaign, the club's hierarchy concluded that the next stage of the project requires a more proactive, aggressive and high-intensity style of football. Slot succeeded Jurgen Klopp in 2024 after the German brought an end to his nine-year spell as Liverpool manager. Premier League champions to barely qualifying for the Champions League... Liverpool fans William G reflects on a strange...

From sleeping giant to Champions League powerhouse Let 's explore PSG's long road to the top Author | Jack L Back in 2011, Qatar Sports Investments were deep in negotiations to acquire the sleeping giant that was Paris Saint-Germain. PSG had finished 13th in Ligue 1 the previous season and Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who was leading talks on behalf of QSI, regularly checked the results amid concerns the club could end up being relegated and become a second division side before the takeover was completed. The Parisians stayed up and the deal went through, though the club bore little resemblance to the European heavyweight recognised today. Should they win this Champions League final against Arsenal, they will become one of only two sides to defend the Champions League in the modern era. Arsenal v PSG Champions League final preview eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com/2026/05/arse... [image or embed] — European Super Football ( @eurosuperfootball.bsky.social ) 29 May 2026 at 20:56 The jou...

Arsenal v PSG | Champions League final preview  The 2026 UEFA Champions League final sees Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest Author | DJ Stadium | Puskás Aréna Only nine clubs have completed an unbeaten Champions League campaign and Arsenal are now one match away from joining them. Standing in their path are reigning champions PSG, the first holders to return to the final since Real Madrid defended the trophy in 2016/17 and 2017/18. How PSG won last season's Champions League. eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com/2025/05/psg-... [image or embed] — European Super Football ( @eurosuperfootball.bsky.social ) 29 May 2026 at 09:18 The showpiece occasion revisits last season’s semi-final, when Luis Enrique’s side won both legs to overcome Arsenal 3-1 on aggregate before dismantling Inter Milan 5-0 in the final to secure the trophy for the first time. Across the clubs’ five meetings in this competition, however, those remain PSG’s only victories. Arsenal won during last seaso...

Very few people would have seem this coming a few weeks ago Jose Mourinho has signed a three-year deal to become Real Madrid's new head coach. Author | Jack L Mourinho will not be officially unveiled until after the club's presidential election, which is due to take place on 7 June. However, the 63-year-old's contract will only come into effect if current president Florentino Perez retains his position. Perez announced the election during an extraordinary news conference earlier this month, in which he criticised journalists and La Liga while claiming there had been an "organised campaign" against him. The 79-year-old has been in office since 2009, having previously served as president between 2000 and 2006, but has overseen two successive trophyless seasons. Jose Mourinho's first spell at Real Madrid was certainly very interesting... youtu.be/3aL2dSU_mO0?... [image or embed] — Super News Affiliate ( @supernews1.bsky.social ) 29 May 2026 at 19:56 Renewabl...