European Super Football

England 2 - 0 Serbia England maintained their perfect run in World Cup qualifying with a seventh straight win as they eased past Serbia. Author |  Lauren W Stadium |  Wembley Stadium With qualification already secured last month and two matches still remaining, head coach Thomas Tuchel was able to focus on refining his plans. The match itself unfolded at a gentle pace on a rain-soaked night that never quite rose above routine. Goals from Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze sealed the win here.  This is an England side looking confident It was always likely that this contest would feel short on jeopardy with England already assured of their place at the World Cup, yet the performance offered Tuchel further encouragement as the tournament draws closer. The introduction of Bellingham and Foden after 65 minutes, as well as a sharp cameo from the goalscoring substitute Eze, underlined the depth of options available to the head coach as he refines his final plans. R...

Republic of Ireland 2 - 0 Portugal Cristiano Ronaldo was dismissed for the first time in his international career as Portugal squandered the chance to seal World Cup qualification in defeat to the Republic of Ireland. Author |  Lee Francis Stadium |  Aviva Stadium Troy Parrott struck twice before the break to give the hosts control, and the night unravelled further for Portugal when Ronaldo received a yellow card for catching Dara O'Shea with an elbow just after the hour. The caution was upgraded to a red after referee Glenn Nyberg consulted the pitch-side monitor on the advice of the VAR. It marked a bleak conclusion to the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's evening, the first sending off of his 226 appearances for Portugal. A win would have booked Portugal's place at next year's finals with a match to spare, but Parrott's double kept Roberto Martinez's side in check and revived Ireland's hopes of progressing. Portugal remain favourites to top the group...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 ...

Portugal 1 - 0 Republic of Ireland Rúben Neves' stoppage-time header shattered Republic of Ireland’s resistance and sealed a dramatic World Cup qualifying victory for Portugal. Author | Lee Francis Stadium | Estádio José Alvalade View from the stands Neves climbed superbly to meet Francisco Trincão’s cross and glance it beyond Caoimhín Kelleher, rescuing Portugal and sparing Ronaldo’s embarrassment following his missed spot-kick. Ronaldo had seen his penalty saved by Kelleher 15 minutes from time after Dara O’Shea was penalised for handball when blocking Trincão’s goalbound effort. Before that and for much of the evening, it appeared that Ireland would hold firm and leave the Estádio da Luz with a hard-earned point, but Neves’ late intervention condemned them to a second successive defeat, following last month’s surprise loss to Armenia in Yerevan. Ronaldo has penalty saved A 2-0 victory for Hungary over Armenia in Group F’s other match leaves them five points behind leaders Portu...

Northern Ireland 2 - 0 Slovakia Northern Ireland moved level at the top of their World Cup qualifying group after a thoroughly deserved win over Slovakia. Author | Mark Lee Stadium | Windsor Park An own goal from Patrik Hrehovsky put them ahead in the first half, before Trai Hume sealed the result with his first international goal late in the second half. Ultimately, Slovakia didn't deserve anything; Northern Ireland were streets ahead of them. Closer analysis of what happened The hosts began brightly, though clear chances were at a premium until Conor Bradley and Ethan Galbraith combined neatly down the right. Galbraith’s low cross was diverted into his own net by Hrosovsky, giving Northern Ireland a deserved lead. Jamie Reid should have doubled it shortly before half-time but blazed over from close range on his weaker foot. Slovakia were largely subdued and had to wait until the 52nd minute for a real sight of goal, with Bailey Peacock-Farrell reacting sharply to push away Ma...

It was a comfortable victory for England over Wales in their international friendly. The match was a great opportunity for Tuchel to see how his side cope without Harry Kane Author | Josh T Stadium |  Wembley Stadium How the match was won Morgan Rogers extended his fine form from the Serbia game by converting Marc Guehi’s cross after just four minutes. Club team-mate Ollie Watkins doubled England’s advantage from close range seven minutes later. Bukayo Saka then curled a left-foot shot high past Wales goalkeeper Karl Darlow to register his 13th international goal. How the players rated Jordan Pickford | A history-making night for the keeper as he broke the record he shared with Gordon Banks for consecutive clean sheets, now standing at eight. Made a smart save to deny David Brooks but was otherwise rarely troubled | 6.5 Ezri Konsa | The Aston Villa defender was moved to right-back as John Stones came into the centre, covering for the injured Reece James. Konsa looked solid as ...

Scotland 3 -  1 Greece Scotland moved closer to a World Cup play-off place as Lewis Ferguson scored his first international goal to inspire a dramatic comeback against a dominant Greece at Hampden. Author | Sean M Stadium | Hampden Park In his record-equalling 71st game in charge, head coach Steve Clarke’s side sought revenge for their Nations League relegation at the hands of Greece at the same stadium in March. For more than an hour, Scotland struggled against the visitors, who looked certain to be ahead by at least three goals before Roma left-back Kostas Tsimikas converted a rebound just after the hour. The Tartan Army voiced their frustration loudly, but Ryan Christie quickly restored parity from a corner, with his effort surviving a lengthy VAR review, setting the stage for a remarkable turnaround. Ferguson then struck from close range following a scrappy free-kick with 10 minutes remaining, turning tension into euphoria as Clarke’s side seized a priceless lead. The victo...

The England manager considers Harry Kane alternatives Thomas Tuchel is assessing options ahead of the friendly against Wales after Kane suffered an injury, though with World Cup qualification likely, the absence is not seen as critical. Author |  William G Kane's influence on the team is clear. The captain has scored a record 74 goals in 109 appearances, while the rest of the squad has combined for 53. Since his debut in 2015, Kane has contributed 26.4% of England’s goals, with Raheem Sterling, last capped at the 2022 World Cup, the only other player to reach 20 goals. Ollie Watkins In Tuchel’s squad, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is the most likely candidate to step in. Watkins frequently replaced Kane from the bench during last summer’s Euros, including scoring the winner against the Netherlands in the semi-finals. He has five goals in 19 caps but has managed only one goal for Villa this season. A memorable moment for Ollie Watkins and England... pic.twitter.com/ueEePB0R1F —...

Scotland v Greece Preview A win here would be a huge statement of intent from Scotland as they look to secure a place in next summer’s World Cup. Author | Alan White Stadium | Hampden Park Let's explore where Scotland's game against Greece might be won and if they have to what it takes to reach their first World Cup since 1998. Fortress Hampden? Hampden Park has history, but it is not always easy to say it has heart and soul when Scotland play there. There have been thunderous exceptions, of course. The 2-0 victory over Spain in March 2023 , complete with Rodri’s tears, remains unforgettable, as does the storm-lashed triumph over Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s Georgia a few months later, inspired by Scott McTominay. Scotland v Spain | Euro 2024 Qualifying An arena unloved by many, Hampden still has the capacity to shake on its best nights. Scotland will need one of those on Thursday, when Greece arrive in Glasgow desperate to revive their own World Cup hopes while denting those of the...

England v Wales Preview Thomas Tuchel’s England side will pause their World Cup qualifying campaign on Thursday to face Wales in a home friendly. Author | Josh T Stadium |  Wembley Stadium When England met Wales at 2022 World Cup The Three Lions have been flawless under their German head coach, winning all five matches in Group K without conceding a goal. Their most emphatic performance so far came last month, when they dismantled Serbia 5-0. Tuchel has largely stuck with a 4-2-3-1 formation during qualifying, with Anthony Gordon providing a lively outlet on the left flank. Who’s in the England squad? Bukayo Saka has been recalled for the friendly and the qualifier against Latvia, while Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish have been left out. Saka missed last month’s wins over Andorra and Serbia due to a hamstring problem but returned to action for Arsenal, scoring in their 2-0 victory over Olympiacos on Wednesday. He replaces his club teammate Noni Madueke in the squ...

Armenia 2 - 1 Republic of Ireland The Republic of Ireland’s hopes of reaching the World Cup took a damaging hit as they slumped to a deserved defeat against Armenia in Yerevan. Author | Jordan F Stadium | Vazgen Sargsyan anvan Hanrapetakan Marzadasht Three years after a shock Nations League loss to the same opposition, Ireland were humbled once more by a side ranked 105th in the world, 45 places below them. Eduard Spertsyan, who struck the winner in 2022, gave Armenia the lead from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time after captain Nathan Collins fouled Lucas Zelarayan. Ireland’s problems deepened when Grant-Leon Ranos doubled the advantage six minutes into the second half. Evan Ferguson pulled one back almost immediately, but Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side were fortunate not to concede again, with Artur Serobyan’s late effort ruled out for offside. READ MORE |  Scotland secure a routine but important victory over Belarus READ MORE |  World Cup 2026 Qualifying news an...

Serbia 0 - 5 England analysis Thomas Tuchel spoke like a man who sensed his best night as England manager was coming the moment he touched down in Belgrade. Author | Josh D Goals from Harry Kane , Noni Madueke, Ezri Konsa , Marc Guehi and Marcus Rashford seal a wonderful night in Belgrade for the Three Lions. They have taken a huge step towards next summer’s World Cup. A much improved performance Questions over Tuchel 's methods had grown louder after Saturday’s laboured World Cup qualifying win against Andorra. It was a fourth straight competitive victory, yet one that ended with swathes of the Villa Park crowd heading for the exits long before full time. This was an emphatic response. Tuchel’s team produced a masterclass that dismantled Serbia in their own fortress, silencing a hostile crowd almost from the first whistle with a performance of complete dominance. For Tuchel it was close to perfection. England not only claimed a resounding win that leaves them five points fro...

Serbia 0 - 5 England live text commentary recap Thomas Tuchel's side made it five wins from five in their qualifying campaign Author | Josh D Stadium | Rajko Mitic Stadium Goals from Harry Kane , Noni Madueke , Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi and Marcus Rashford seal a memorable night in Belgrade for the Three Lions , who have taken a huge step towards next summer’s World Cup. Full-time | A five-star performance from Tuchel's side On paper this was a daunting trip, yet England have delivered one of their best performances in some time. The job is complete and the mission accomplished in Serbia. 90 minutes | Rashford makes it 5 (five) from the penalty spot. Ollie Watkins was brought down in the penalty area by Strahinja Erakovic . Marcus Rashford took the penalty and calmly placed it beyond the Serbian keeper. 75 minutes | Another goal. It’s becoming too easy for England. Nikola Milenkovic ’s foul proves doubly costly for Serbia. He is shown a red card and from the resulting free-k...

Belarus 0 - 2 Scotland Scotland claimed a straightforward but valuable win over Belarus to maintain their promising start to World Cup qualifying. Author | Sean M Stadium | ZTE-Aréna  Friday’s battling draw in Denmark had been hard won but risked being diminished had Steve Clarke ’s side slipped against the group’s lowest-ranked team. There was little danger of that once Che Adams struck the opener before forcing the own goal that sealed the points after the interval. Closer look at what happened With no atmosphere to feed off, the onus was on Scotland to create their own intensity. This had the potential to be a difficult match.  Clarke made four changes, one of them recalling Bournemouth’s Ben Gannon Doak. The 19-year-old was the player who most often quickened the pulse with his direct running, even if his final ball occasionally lacked precision. More established figures again carried the threat, with Scott McTominay heading John McGinn ’s cross into Adams’ path fo...