England news

Lewis Hamilton has admitted that he will be supporting England and Brazil at the 2026 World Cup. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion says his home nation and the Selecao are equally close to his heart, with his admiration for Brazilian football rooted in the country's culture, history and style of play.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has admitted to feeling worried and concerned after viewing a journalist's photograph of the playing surface ahead of his side's World Cup warm-up against New Zealand. However, the German tactician insisted that the newly relaid pitch at the Raymond James Stadium will not alter his pre-determined selection plans.

Thomas Tuchel has been handed a contract extension by the Football Association without proving his worth at a first major tournament, with Robbie Fowler telling GOAL that the German tactician “has to win” the 2026 World Cup in order to justify that show of faith. The former Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich boss was appointed by the Three Lions due to his track record of delivering tangible success.

Harry Kane does not need to savour World Cup glory with England in order to become the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner, Robbie Fowler has told GOAL, with remarkable goalscoring exploits at Bayern Munich ensuring that he is “in the conversation”. The prolific No.9 is hoping to be named the best player on the planet after maintaining stunning individual standards with club and country.

England have never come up against Lionel Messi, and Robbie Fowler has told GOAL why the 2026 World Cup could be the perfect occasion in which to cross paths with the Argentine GOAT. The ex-Three Lions frontman says the 2022 champion should not scare Thomas Tuchel’s side, while a reunion with old adversaries Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal should also be embraced.

Declan Rice is “up there” with the best midfielders that England have ever produced, Peter Reid has told GOAL, as the Arsenal talisman has joined a talent bracket that includes the likes of Steven Gerrard and Bryan Robson. That is a big billing, but the newly-crowned Premier League title winner will want to justify it when starring at the 2026 World Cup.

Nike has unveiled its new "Rip the Script" campaign ahead of the 2026 World Cup, bringing together some of football's biggest names and global celebrities. Cole Palmer, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior headline the film, which promotes creativity and instinctive play while showcasing the brand's latest football innovations.

Former England midfielder Nicky Butt has warned Jude Bellingham that manager Thomas Tuchel will ruthlessly ignore player reputations at the upcoming World Cup. Butt believes the Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers possesses the ultimate X-factor and could completely outshine established superstars like Bellingham and Harry Kane on the global stage.

"Who else?!" Those were the words of Jude Bellingham as he careened away in celebration after his quite remarkable bicycle kick had drawn England level in the 95th minute of their Euro 2024 round-of-16 game against Slovakia. The Three Lions had been terrible up to that point, but Bellingham’s heroic moment had kept them alive, continuing a season where he had been the difference-maker for Real Madrid again and again.

Taking a look at the sharpest threads to feature at this summer's tournament.

Jordan Pickford has declared himself ready to take a penalty for England if required at the World Cup. The Everton goalkeeper is balancing his goalkeeping duties with penalty practice as the Three Lions prepare for the tournament in the United States, where he hopes to play a decisive role at both ends of the pitch.

Legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly was never short of a good quote, but one of his best offered an insight as to how exactly a football team should be run: "A football team is like a piano - you need eight men to carry it and three who can play the damn thing." It’s a punchy line, and in modern-day international football, it rings painfully true.

Former England striker Alan Shearer has urged manager Thomas Tuchel to make a bold decision by starting Morgan Rogers over Jude Bellingham in the coveted number 10 role. Backed by stunning club statistics and a European trophy, the Aston Villa star's exceptional form and superior match fitness could give him the definitive edge heading into the World Cup.