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Showing posts with the label England

Do England lack the all-round quality to win a major tournament?

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Thomas Tuchel previously said England's mentality was something you could bottle and sell.  What remains beyond their reach, however, is the ability to deliver in the biggest moments. Author | Ben A The England head coach made the above remarks after the World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway, despite being openly critical of his side's display in the 2-1 win. He later went further, suggesting that "it's maybe not in our DNA... to control the game and ball". The dramatic late collapse that saw England surrender their lead against Argentina in the semi-final, denying them a first men's World Cup final since lifting the trophy at Wembley in 1966, inevitably revived familiar questions about their ability to get over the line. This latest setback joins a growing list of painful near misses Successive defeats in European Championship finals and the 2018 World Cup semi-final loss to Croatia have reinforced the perception that England continue to fall just short...

England to make late call on Declan Rice before they face Argentina

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Potentially important news for England... They will make a late decision on Declan Rice's fitness ahead of Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against Argentina. Author | George B There is growing confidence the Arsenal midfielder will recover in time to start after battling illness in recent days. Rice was affected by a sickness bug in the build-up to Saturday's quarter-final victory over Norway in Miami and was substituted at half-time. Declan Rice playing against Arsenal team-mate Head coach Thomas Tuchel revealed afterwards that Rice had spent three days confined to bed before the match, which England eventually won 2-1 after extra time. Rice is understood to have not yet fully recovered from the illness, which he picked up during England's last-16 victory over co-hosts Mexico, but his condition has improved significantly over the past 48 hours. The midfielder is expected to make himself available given the magnitude of the occasion, although England's medical staf...

Some of the best reaction to England's World Cup quarter-final win over Norway

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England fans celebrated across England and United States as the Three Lions beat Norway in extra time in a tense World Cup quarter-final. Midfielder Jude Bellingham scored twice to set up a semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday. Author | Ben A George B who was at the match said: "We have set it up for a fantastic game against Argentina. We are in a semi-final and that's what matters." Liam C told us: ""We have had to work very hard for it and the conditions really told on both teams. We had that little bit of luck as the goalkeeper made a little bit of an error." Jamie P added: “That was a really tough game. However, Norway tired in extra time, and there seemed to be only one winner for me. I thought we were in control for that last 30 minutes.” England fans sing Wonderwall with players at the Miami Stadium Perhaps the most captured moment came at the stadium itself. Players embraced and sung the iconic Oasis class 'Wonderwall' alongside their a...

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...

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...

Are England lacking an x factor?

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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...

England bring joy and excitement to the World Cup

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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...

What should be England’s first-choice eleven?

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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 ...

Things get serious now for England and Thomas Tuchel

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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...

Alex Scott is in line to make his England debut

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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...

Marco Silva to join Benfica after announcing Fulham departure

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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 JosĂ© 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....

Can Arsenal build on a successful season?

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"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...

PSG have won the Champions League again

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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 ArĂ©na 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...

Arsenal and PSG look to make history in 2026 Champions League final

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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 ArĂ©na 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...

Crystal Palace win UEFA Conference League

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Crystal Palace 1 - 0 Rayo Vallecano Jean-Philippe Mateta fired Crystal Palace to their first European trophy as the Eagles edged past Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final. Author | Ajay Stadium | Red Bull Arena The French striker turned in the rebound from an Adam Wharton effort early in the second half in Leipzig to seal a famous victory. Outgoing Palace manager Oliver Glasner departs having guided the club to the FA Cup, Community Shield and now the Conference League during a remarkable two-and-a-half-year spell at Selhurst Park. Before the game, inside and outside the stadium, both sets of fans created an incredible atmosphere. This only added to what was going to be a historic occasion. With both sides contesting their first European final, a cautious opening at Red Bull Arena, home of RB Leipzig, felt understandable. Alemao dragged a decent opportunity wide before Unai Lopez curled an effort just past the post in the Spanish side’s best moments of the first half. The clea...

Conference League final preview as Crystal Palace look to make more history

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Crystal Palace v Rayo Vallecano preview After a long and historic season for both clubs, Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano meet in the final of the Conference League  Author | Ajay Stadium | Red Bull Arena The sides are preparing for their first major European final and, for Rayo, their first major showpiece in any senior competition.  Both clubs are taking part in only their second European campaigns and neither possesses a wealth of experience at this level, yet the competition’s two highest-scoring teams this season have still found a way to go deep into the tournament. The final represents another great away trip for Palace fans . Some key lines from Glasner’s press conference Adam Wharton and Chris Richards were both "available in training" on Tuesday, however Glasner didn't reveal if they will make the starting eleven.  He said: "Our final training session was 36 hours before the game. Our medical department will be working hard, but we will only name a startin...

Hull City promoted to the Premier League

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Hull City 1 - 0 Middlesbrough Late drama at Wembley sends Hull City back to the Premier Author | Lewis Whatley Stadium | Wembley Stadium Oli McBurnie's stoppage-time goal gave Hull City a dramatic victory in the Championship play-off final over the recently reinstated Middlesbrough. Boro were given a place in the final after Southampton, who beat them over two legs in the semi-final, were expelled on Tuesday for the Spygate scandal. READ MORE from Super Local Sports News | Why Southampton were kicked out of the play-offs In sweltering conditions at Wembley, the game looked destined for extra time before goalkeeper Sol Brynn spilt Yu Hirakawa's cross and McBurnie buried the loose ball from six yards out. Watch | Highlights from the Hull City YouTube channel An eventful for journey for Hull City and their fans It ended Hull's nine-year wait for top-flight football - a year after they avoided relegation to League One on goal difference. Former Bosnia international Sergej Jakir...

Aston Villa’s journey to Europa League success

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It's been an amazing journey for Aston Villa and their fans Wednesday, 20 May 2026 - a date for the ages for anyone with an affinity for the club Author | Peter Grainger Around 20,000 fans flocked from Birmingham and across the globe, descending on Istanbul to witness a historical night for the club, as European glory was brought back to B6 for the first time since 1982. Emotions in Turkey, and among those watching from afar, were a mixture of euphoria and relief - fans finally had a tangible reason to celebrate after many years and several decades of waiting. Watch | Villa trophy parade posted by ITV News A look at the player who's experienced so much for the club There could scarcely be a more fitting figurehead for Aston Villa’s resurgence than captain John McGinn. Now an established international and one of the Premier League’s most respected captains, McGinn arrived at Villa Park aged 23 in a £3m move sanctioned by Steve Bruce, at a time when the club were still fighting t...

Arsenal are Premier League champions!

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Manchester City’s 1-1 draw away at Bournemouth means that Arsenal have won the Premier League for the first time since 2004 Their season could get even better as they face PSG in a Champions League final soon... Author | DJ  That 1-1 draw for Guardiola’s side means Arsenal go into the last game of the season four points clear of their closest challengers.  We asked several Arsenal fans how they were feeling... Darren summed up the mood in simple terms: “Come on you Gunners. What a season. A fantastic achievement.” After years of near misses and frustration, the overwhelming feeling was one of happiness and release. For Elaine, it was “pure joy”, even if Arsenal had tested supporters’ nerves along the way. “They put us through hell at times,” she said, “but I never doubted it was our time.” James said: "The scenes outside the ground last night were amazing. Imagine what it's gonna be like if we win the Champions League." Lesley’s emotions were more complicated. Her elder b...