Northern Ireland Overview

Italy v Northern Ireland - FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs

O’Neill sparks outrage with NI selection

Northern Ireland and Blackburn Rovers manager Michael O'Neill has provoked a fierce backlash from Championship relegation rivals. Balancing his dual roles, the 56-year-old is accused of a major conflict of interest after heavily utilising key players from clubs battling Blackburn for survival in a 1-1 friendly draw, while resting his own prospect until the 80th minute.

UEFA slammed for 'pointless' Wales vs N. Ireland clash

Former Northern Ireland international Chris Brunt has sensationally hit out at UEFA over the scheduling of what he describes as a "pointless" friendly against Wales. Both nations saw their World Cup dreams extinguished during the play-off semi-finals, yet they are still required to travel to Cardiff for a fixture that has no bearing on tournament qualification.

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS	Form
18	Cheltenham	46	14	10	22	53	79	-26	52	L L L W W
19	Shrewsbury	46	13	10	23	42	69	-27	49	L D D W L
20	Newport	46	12	7	27	48	77	-29	43	W W L W L
21	Tranmere	46	10	11	25	54	79	-25	41	D L W L D
22	Crawley	46	8	16	22	44	68	-24	40	D D D L L

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Form