European Super Football

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...

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...

England 0 - 1 Japan England’s final home game before the World Cup ended in a disappointing defeat Author | George B Stadium | Wembley Stadium Head coach Thomas Tuchel was without captain and record goalscorer Harry Kane after he picked up a knock in training, and his absence was keenly felt in an attack that lacked a cutting edge. Kaoru Mitoma finished a sweeping counter-attack in the 23rd minute to secure victory for Japan, who became the first Asian side to beat England. Phil Foden was deployed in a false nine role There was no no recognised striker in Tuchel’s starting line-up, and the experiment failed to convince. He lasted less than an hour in the unfamiliar position before being replaced by Dominic Solanke. Tuchel made 10 changes from Friday’s draw with Uruguay, and the lack of cohesion and fluency was evident throughout. Watch | Post match interviews from ITV Sport Japan had already threatened before taking the lead, Mitoma applying a composed finish beyond Jordan Pickford aft...