European Super Football

 Declan Rice has been an Arsenal player for a few days now. Arsenal announced they had signed Rice from West Ham in club-record £105m deal.  The midfielder's move is a record transfer fee between two British clubs. He becomes Arsenal's third summer signing to take Gunners' spending to £208m; Rice signs five-year deal at Arsenal. What impact will the transfer have on both clubs? Rice celebrating the recent Europa Conference League with West Ham. His last appearance for the club. Photo from  Football Pictures | Flickr The Arsenal fans are happy We spoke with Peter, an Arsenal Season Ticket holder, spoke about the benefits of the signing: "Declan Rice could be a colossus of the modern game even in this age of mega-athletes. With superb timing, an eye for space that opens up the pitch, and the ability to hit long or short killer passes, he has unmatched power combined with superb timing. Arteta and staff will also turn him into a monster scorer in the penalty box." ...

 Will Declan Rice be on the move this summer? It is expected that West Ham United will demand £100 million for midfielder Declan Rice this summer as they attempt to fight off interest from several Premier League rivals. The East London club would prefer to keep Rice, but there is an acknowledgement his situation is reaching a critical. He effectively has two years remaining on his contract at the London Stadium. Latest Premier League news:  Premier League news (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United , Newcastle United and Liverpool are monitoring developments. It will be interesting to see which of those clubs make an offer for the England midfielder in the summer.  Rice celebrating a goal for West Ham: Credit -  Football Pictures | Flickr One of the current favourites to sign Rice are Chelsea. They've had a long-held interest in the player, but this will depend on the identity of their new manager and how quickly they can t...

 UEFA Europa Conference League Semi-final first leg: West Ham United 2 - 1  AZ Alkmaar West Ham's dreams of a first major trophy since 1980 are still alive. They came from behind to secure a Europa Conference League semi-final first-leg win over AZ Alkmaar at their London Stadium. Pre match - the West Ham fans created an incredible atmosphere The Hammers' hopes of reaching the final in Prague on 7 June were hanging by a thread when Alphonse Areola made a mess of saving Tijjani Reijnders' low shot four minutes before the break. However, David Moyes' side turned the tie on its head after half-time. <Click here for more news from the London Stadium> The Hammers had former Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan to thank for offering them a way back into the contest when he recklessly punched Jarrod Bowen in the face as he arrived late to challenge for a high ball the England man actually headed over. After Ryan took an age to take his position for the penalty, Said Benrahm...

 West Ham United 0 - 6 Arsenal It was a disastrous afternoon for West Ham as they suffered a heavy defeat at home to Arsenal. The match kicked off with Arsenal dictating the pace, applying high pressure and keeping the West Ham players pinned in their own half. Arteta's unexpected tactical changes paid off from the get-go. Although the game was evenly poised for the first thirty minutes, Arsenal dominated possession.  More Premier League news can be found here Transfer News: Rice signs for Arsenal  In the 32nd minute, Rice delivered a corner kick, finding Saliba in the box who leapt and headed the ball into the net, putting Arsenal ahead 1-0. In the 41st minute, Saka was fouled in the box by Areola while advancing towards goal. Initially flagged offside, VAR intervened, confirming Saka's perfectly timed run and awarding Arsenal a penalty. Saka confidently stepped up and slotted the ball into the left side of the net, making it 2-0. Just three minutes later, Arsenal ea...

England 0 - 0 Slovenia England secured a spot in the Euro 2024 last 16 as the top team in Group C. Gareth Southgate's squad showed some improvement compared to their dismal performance against Denmark, yet it still fell short of justifying their status as pre-tournament favourites. Their play was laboured, with only occasional flashes of quality, notably in the first half when a smooth passing sequence led to Bukayo Saka's goal. This was disallowed for offside. Conor Gallagher's inclusion failed to make an impact, resulting in his replacement at half-time. The introduction of Manchester United teenager Kobbie Mainoo brought more urgency after the break. England struggled with creativity in a group where no team scored more than one goal in any game, marking a first in the competition's history. Denmark's 0-0 draw with Serbia saw them finish second, while Slovenia qualified as one of the best third-placed teams. There was good news for England elsewhere, as resu...

Brighton & Hove Albion 1 - 1 Arsenal João Pedro’s second-half penalty dealt a blow to Arsenal’s title ambitions as Brighton held them to a frustrating draw. Author - Ajay  Arsenal started brightly, taking the lead in the 16th minute through Ethan Nwaneri, making just his second Premier League start. The 17-year-old combined cleverly with Mikel Merino and Declan Rice before unleashing a shot that slipped past Bart Verbruggen and nestled in the far corner. The Gunners dominated the first half and looked poised to extend their advantage. However, missed opportunities came back to haunt them when Pedro equalised from the spot just after the hour mark. Click here for more Premier League news and stories The penalty stemmed from an unusual incident as Pedro flicked the ball up, and William Saliba, attempting to clear with his head, made contact with Pedro, who went down. After a VAR review, the referee confirmed the decision, and Pedro confidently sent David Raya the wrong way to...

Republic of Ireland 0 - 2 England Lee Carsley started his time as England’s interim manager with a win in the UEFA Nations League against the Republic of Ireland. Declan Rice and Jack Grealish both scored against the team they once represented. Carsley, who also played for the Republic of Ireland during his career, will oversee England for at least two matches following Gareth Southgate's departure after Euro 2024. He had a smooth start as the Three Lions triumphed in a vibrant atmosphere at a packed Dublin stadium. Rice, who earned three senior caps for the Republic of Ireland before switching allegiance in 2019, quietened the home fans with a goal in the 11th minute after Harry Kane’s shot was blocked. Rice opted not to celebrate. However, former Irish youth player Jack Grealish put his fingers in his ears in response to scoring on his return to the England squad, following his exclusion from Southgate’s Euro 2024 team. Does an exciting new era await? When Lee Carsley walk...

The Gunners have made a new signing Arsenal have successfully secured the signing of Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad in a deal potentially worth up to £31.6 million. The 28-year-old is set to join the north London club on a four-year contract, with an option to extend for an additional year. Arsenal will pay an initial fee of £27.4 million, with a further £4.2 million in potential add-ons. Merino was a key player in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, playing in all seven matches and netting a decisive extra-time goal against Germany in the quarter-finals. He is Arsenal's third acquisition of the transfer window, following the signings of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori and Spanish goalkeeper David Raya, who joined permanently from Brentford after a loan spell. Merino, known for his ability to play as a deep-lying midfielder, is expected to complement Declan Rice, who took on a box-to-box role at times last season. His arrival gives manager Mikel Arteta added...

 Arsenal 3 - 1 Manchester United At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal scored twice in stoppage time to secure a dramatic victory over Manchester United. United thought they had snatched three points before VAR ruled Alejandro Garnacho's 88th-minute finish offside. Limbs. pic.twitter.com/JiDMV59yiO — Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 4, 2023 The drama then switched to the other end when Declan Rice's deflected shot gave Arsenal the lead, then substitute Gabriel Jesus raced clear to seal the victory as the stadium erupted in celebration. Christian Eriksen 's outstanding pass found Marcus Rashford, who cut inside to send an unerring right-foot shot past Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale in the 27th minute. Odegaard's emphatic finish into the bottom corner immediately leveled the match for the Gunners. Arsenal - who had a penalty overturned by the VAR after referee Anthony Taylor initially ruled Havertz fouled - missed a glorious late opportunity when Bukayo Saka shot straight at...

Crystal Palace 1 - 5 Arsenal Gabriel Jesus delivered a stellar performance, netting twice as Arsenal thrashed Crystal Palace 5-1 at Selhurst Park, moving to within three points of Premier League leaders Liverpool. Author - DJ The Brazilian forward has been in scintillating form, taking his tally against Palace to five goals in just one week after a hat-trick in Wednesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta expressed his hope that Gabriel Jesus' hat-trick in the midweek match against Palace would provide the 'spark' he needed to regain his scoring form in the Premier League. Arteta's optimism paid off, as Jesus appeared revitalized, scoring his first Premier League goals in nearly 11 months. This Arsenal victory came with a setback as Bukayo Saka was forced off with an injury in the first half. Click here to read the latest Premier League stories from European Super Football A closer look at the first-half fireworks Jesus set the tone early, sc...

Finland 1 - 3 England England bounced back from their embarrassing UEFA Nations League defeat to Greece at Wembley but were still far from convincing as they eventually overcame Finland in Helsinki. Author - Thomas J Interim manager Lee Carsley made six changes following the loss to Greece, including swapping goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for Dean Henderson. However, England struggled to shine until late in the game when the world’s 64th-ranked side, without a point, began to tire. Jack Grealish, recalled to the starting line-up, eased England’s nerves with a composed finish after Angel Gomes’ superb pass in the 18th minute. Finland had chances to increase the pressure on Carsley’s men, but it was Trent Alexander-Arnold's stunning late free-kick that ultimately secured the win. Declan Rice added a close-range goal with six minutes remaining, giving the scoreline a more comfortable look for England and Carsley. Click here to read more UEFA Nations League news and stories Finland’s...

 It has been announced that David Moyes will stay on as West Ham manager after winning the Europa Conference League. Moyes and Declan Rice celebrate with the Conference League trophy. Photo belongs to  Football Pictures | Flickr His future had been the subject of huge speculation throughout the season. On three occasions, Moyes appeared to be only one game from the sack, however, each time, West Ham won and eventually secured their Premier League future with two games to spare. Back in December, it appeared he was really close to the sack. At the time, one West Ham fan told us:  "He has to go!" Premier League: Pressure builds on David Moyes (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Before that magical night in Prague, it been 43 long years since West Ham fans saw their team lift major silverware.  It has now been decided Moyes will stay in his job as West Ham looks forward to European football for the third successive season for the first time in their history.  UECL...

What do you think of England's next squad? Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers has been called up to England's squad for the November Nations League matches, after eight players were forced to withdraw due to injury. Author - Thomas J One of England's recent matches was a 3-1 win over Finland Joining Rogers in interim manager Lee Carsley’s squad are West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen, Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento, and Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford. Among the players sidelined are Chelsea's Levi Colwill and Cole Palmer, Arsenal's Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Jack Grealish, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale. England are set to face Greece on 14 November, followed by a match against the Republic of Ireland on 17 November. Alexander-Arnold sustained an injury just 25 minutes into Liverpool’s win over Villa on Saturday. Saka also picked up a late knock in A...

Arsenal 3 - 0 Bournemouth Arsenal comfortably defeated Bournemouth to keep the pressure on Manchester City. The Gunners remain one point ahead of their title rivals but the blues have played a game less.  The home side dominated the first half and broke the deadlock just before half-time from the penalty spot. Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers fouled Kai Havertz in the box. This resulted in a penalty for Arsenal that Bukayo Saka calmly converted.  In the 70th minute, Declan Rice set up Leandro Trossard for Arsenal's second goal. Trossard curled the ball beautifully into the net from inside the area. Rice then added to the score line in added time to give Arsenal a comfortable win.  Bournemouth look a decent side During the second half of the game, Bournemouth showed more aggression and put in more effort to score a goal. Dominic Solanke's shot was saved by David Raya, and Justin Kluivert missed the target with his attempt.  Antoine Semenyo did find the bac...

England 2 - 1 Slovakia Jude Bellingham saved England from an early exit in Euro 2024 against Slovakia on Sunday with a breathtaking equaliser in the 95th minute.  Harry Kane then secured their place in the quarterfinals with a winner early in extra time, sealing a 2-1 victory. Slovakia started the match much brighter and gave England several warnings before Ivan Schranz skillfully placed the ball past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the 25th minute. England, who will next face Switzerland, had a history of comebacks in their last three Euro matches where they conceded first, including the previous tournament's semifinal. They thought they had equalised shortly after the break, but Phil Foden was clearly offside before he tapped the ball into the net. Kane, unusually, headed a Foden free kick wide, and Declan Rice hit the post as Slovakia were pushed deep into their own half. However, England seemed to lack confidence, and their fans grew increasingly frustrated. Bellingham, cele...

England 2 - 2 Belgium Jude Bellingham late on to secure a draw for England in a friendly against Belgium, preventing a second consecutive defeat at Wembley. More reaction to #ENGBEL coming up on https://t.co/kHngVy25Il https://t.co/SFvnhfj4d4 — European Super Football (@ESFootballNews) March 27, 2024 Having lost at home to Brazil, Gareth Southgate's reshuffled side was a mixed bag. They displayed good potential at times in attack but they were vulnerable at the back, and this was ruthlessly exploited by Belgium before Bellingham's dramatic intervention seconds from time. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a rare error, his first to cost a goal in 60 international appearances, when his poor clearance led to Youri Tielemans putting Belgium ahead after 11 minutes. Ivan Toney scored his first international goal on his first England start, equalizing from the spot just six minutes after he was brought down by Jan Vertonghen. Click here to read more news and stories ...

Arsenal 1 - 0 Ipswich Town Kai Havertz netted the decisive goal as Arsenal edged past Ipswich Town with a narrow 1-0 win, moving up to second in the Premier League table. Author - DJ The German's seventh goal of the season proved crucial for the hosts, who were playing their first game without star winger Bukayo Saka, sidelined now for many weeks. The result handed Ipswich their fifth defeat in six matches. Arsenal broke the deadlock midway through the first half when Havertz was perfectly positioned to slot home Leandro Trossard's pinpoint cross. Gabriel Magalhães squandered a chance to extend the lead, heading wide from a corner just after the hour mark. However, the Gunners comfortably managed their slim advantage to secure the win. Mikel Arteta's team leapfrogged Chelsea and Nottingham Forest into second place, six points behind leaders Liverpool, who have played one game fewer. Meanwhile, Ipswich remain stuck in 19th, three points away from safety and 17th-placed W...

Arsenal 1 - 1 Manchester City Arsenal won 4-1 on penalties  The Community Shield victory gave Arsenal's title hopes a psychological boost as they beat Pep Guardiola's side on penalties. Cole Palmer curled home a stunning strike. He thought he would win it for City after a largely forgettable 70 minutes in the season curtain-raiser. However, Leandro Trossard equalised in the 101st minute after his shot was deflected into the net. In the end, Arsenal won on spot-kicks after Kevin de Bruyne struck the crossbar, Rodri had his effort saved, and then Fabio Vieira converted to seal the victory. A statement of intent from Arsenal? Despite leading the Premier League for over 240 days last season, Arsenal's challenge fell apart as City overtook them in the final stages to win the Treble along with the Champions League and FA Cup. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta spoke with a lot of media outlets before the match. He admitted that the end of last season still hurt, and was clearly despe...

 Italy 1 - 2 England Harry Kane became England's record goalscorer as they opened their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with an away win against Italy. Kane wrote his name into the history books in the 44th minute when he beat Gianluigi Donnarumma from the penalty spot for his 54th England goal. Declan Rice had earlier given England an early lead when he scored from close range after Kane's shot was blocked before the captain put his name in the record books. Italy whistled off at half-time in their first international in Naples for a decade, improved as England became sloppy. England dominated the first half but struggled in the second. Southgate's side were in total control during the first 45 minutes. The only negative was a dreadful miss by Jack Grealish that would have made it 3-0. It would have allowed England to avoid the anxious second half.  The away side then conceded control after the break and Italy looked like more of the side that had become European champio...

England’s squad to take on Malta and North Macedonia in June’s Euro 2024 qualifiers has been named by Gareth Southgate. England's next internationals start with a trip to Malta for the first match on Friday 16th June.  They then travel to Manchester, where North Macedonia will be the opposition at Old Trafford on Monday 19th June. Among the list of players mentioned, you will see Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze. This would be his first senior call-up. The former Millwall and QPR youngster had previously been capped at Under 21s level.  In a statement on the England Football website, it is confirmed that: "The majority of the squad will report to St. George’s Park to begin their preparations for the games on Monday 12 June, while players involved with their clubs at UEFA European Finals will join at a later date." Euro 2024 Qualifying (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) The England squad in full Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsd...