England news

There are plenty of top talents, from the United States and abroad, who are expected to make their mark for the first time at the 2026 World Cup

Harry Kane has revealed his highlight of 2025 as well as his New Year’s “wish”. The Bayern Munich and England striker has lifted his fabled trophy curse, with the Bundesliga title being secured, and is eager to land more major silverware with club and country. There will be plenty of opportunities for him to do just that in 2026, with Champions League and World Cup crowns up for grabs.

The winner of The Best FIFA Men's Player award for 2025 has been announced, with Paris-Saint Germain attacker and Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembele once again scooping the top prize after an exceptional season. The voting for the awards has also now been revealed, showing who the biggest names in the sport picked as their top choices, including Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, Virgil van Dijk, and England manager Thomas Tuchel.

After a 1-1 draw against a 10-man Sunderland side at the Stadium of Light on September 21, Aston Villa were languishing in the relegation zone and questions were being asked over Unai Emery's position as manager. The Villans finished fourth and sixth, respectively, in Emery's first two full seasons at the helm, but were winless after the opening five games of the 2025-26 campaign with only one goal on their record.

England are being advised to drop Jude Bellingham from their starting XI at the 2026 World Cup, with the Real Madrid superstar being informed that Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers currently has “more of an influence” on games. Thomas Tuchel has warned all of those at his disposal that no places in his plans for a shot at global glory next summer are guaranteed.

Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes is all set for talks with Scotland boss Steve Clarke over switching allegiance from England ahead of World Cup 2026. Barnes, who was born in Burnley, has Scottish connections from his mother's side and is thus eligible to represent their national team. The 28-year-old has featured only once for England back in 2020 against Wales.

Sports presenter Laura Woods has revealed how she was left terrified and anxious after being targeted by a 'relentless' stalker. She suffered for three years before the perpetrator was eventually handed a 14-month jail term and a restraining order banning her from going near Woods' home. Woods has opened up on her ordeal in a candid interview and explained the impact it has had on her life.

The FA are reportedly set to raise formal concerns with FIFA after England supporters reacted with fury to “outrageous” World Cup ticket prices, with the cheapest seats for the final costing over £3,000 and a full run following the Three Lions exceeding £5,000. Fan groups have already condemned the pricing as a betrayal, leaving the FA under pressure to challenge football’s global governing body.

Former Manchester United star Paul Ince has urged Kobbie Mainoo to leave Old Trafford in January and has warned that the 20-year-old risks missing out on England’s 2026 World Cup squad if he continues to languish on the bench. The Carrington product was once considered one of United’s brightest prospects, but has endured a bewildering fall down the pecking order under new manager Ruben Amorim.

England have confirmed their opponents for the March international break, which they are set to play their final games before Thomas Tuchel picks his final squad for the 2026 World Cup. They have been drawn in Group L and will face Croatia, Panama and Ghana at the finals, where they will be looking to break their major trophy curse, which has extended to 60 years.

Television presenter Laura Woods is due to return to screens following her dramatic collapse live on air ahead of the Lionesses' friendly win over Ghana at the start of December. Woods subsequently issued a positive update, allaying fears over her health and thanking all those who had helped her at St Mary's Stadium. The popular star is now heading back to work and is set to be part of this week's Champions League coverage.

England international Ivan Toney was led away in handcuffs after allegedly headbutting another reveller in a London nightclub. The 29-year-old striker, who now plays his club football in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Ahli, was looking to enjoy an evening out with friends during a visit to his homeland. He found himself caught up in an unfortunate incident that saw said festivities cut short.

GOAL runs the rule over the British players earning a living away from their homeland, with plenty more stars deciding to leave their comfort zones in search of a better footballing life elsewhere. The Premier League is still obviously one of the world's most entertaining divisions and the Championship can prove fantastic for development, but there are more options out there.