The road to the 2026 World Cup is almost over for England. The next time the Three Lions convene, they will do so for two pre-tournament friendlies in the United States, against Costa Rica and New Zealand, before kicking-off their tournament against Croatia on June 17. They will do so as one of the favourites to go all the way, with the pressure on Thomas Tuchel and his players to finally end 60 years of hurt.

It's never easy with the England men's national team. On paper, they should have enough quality, experience and firepower to blow most sides on this planet to smithereens. Then you sit down, watch them and wonder whether they are actually a team of total strangers assembled purely out of spite to mildly annoy the fans who had hoped so much of them. On the basis of their March friendlies, it would be a fair assumption to make.

England's last game before the end of the 2025-26 club season saw them lose 1-0 at home to Japan in a friendly on Tuesday. Thomas Tuchel made 10 changes to the side that started their 1-1 draw with Uruguay last Friday, slotting in most of his preferred players that are expected to go to the World Cup - minus the unfit Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham - but they produced a disjointed performances that raised further questions over their chances of glory this summer.

Barcelona and Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo has moved to clear the air following a controversial challenge on England's Phil Foden during Friday's international friendly at Wembley. The incident, which left England manager Thomas Tuchel and his staff incensed on the touchline, became the primary talking point of a competitive 1-1 draw.

Harry Maguire has hit out at referee Sven Jablonski following England's frustrating draw with Uruguay, questioning how Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo remained on the pitch after a horror tackle on Phil Foden. The Manchester City midfielder was forced off with an injury following the challenge, leaving the Three Lions camp incandescent with the officiating at Wembley.