Aston Villa wonderkid Brian Madjo has been advised to use Manchester City striker Erling Haaland as the perfect role model, with Emile Heskey telling GOAL why the 17-year-old striker could end up being England’s long-term successor to Harry Kane in their No.9 berth. Such a standing remains a long way off for now, but there is plenty of potential to be unlocked.
Alan Shearer may need to watch out, with Emile Heskey telling GOAL that Harry Kane could line up a Premier League return for 2028 - after extending his contract at Bayern Munich - with more records to be broken in that division. A history-making spell at Tottenham for the prolific striker came to a close in 2023, but does he have unfinished business in English football?
The match ball used in Argentina's infamous 1986 World Cup quarter-final win over England has sold for $3.35 million (£2.6m) at auction. Despite initial pre-sale estimates reaching up to $10m, the artefact from Diego Maradona's legendary "Hand of God" performance drew substantial interest before the hammer fell on Saturday evening.
England could finally be set to bring the World Cup back to British soil as plans emerge for a potential bid to host the tournament in 2038 or 2042. The ambitious project, reportedly backed by high-level political figures, aims to end a decades-long wait to stage the world's most prestigious football event.
West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen has opened up on his decision to remain at the London Stadium despite the club's painful relegation to the Championship. The 29-year-old forward, who was heavily linked with a move away to maintain his top-flight status, insisted that his deep connection with the Hammers made the choice clear.
Rio Ngumoha has been told what the “next step” is for him, with Liverpool legend John Barnes looking for more experience and end product from a teenage wonderkid that does not need to worry about “beating five players”. At 17 years of age, the England hopeful is looking to build on a breakthrough campaign at Anfield that delivered 29 appearances and two goals.
Jude Bellingham is “not Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo” and cannot “win games by himself”, John Barnes has told GOAL, with the England and Real Madrid superstar considered to be more of a Bryan Robson-esque No.8 than a creative No.10. The all-action midfielder has often been pushed into a more advanced role, but his ability is maximised when operating in a deeper-lying berth.
Inter Milan are reportedly plotting a late summer move for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones as they look to complete their squad. The Italian champions have already reached an agreement with the player while negotiations continue over a transfer fee.
Elliot Anderson is determined to transform his international heartbreak into domestic glory as he prepares for his Manchester City debut. The former Nottingham Forest midfielder admitted that England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina remains a painful memory, but he is now focused on cementing his place in Enzo Maresca’s new-look side.
Harry Kane has been told that emulating Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by gracing the World Cup finals in the twilight of his playing career will be a “big ask”. Ex-Bayern Munich star Dietmar Hamann - who has been speaking to GOAL - is not convinced that the two-time Bundesliga title winner will, at 36 years of age, form part of England’s major tournament plans in the summer of 2030.
Jack Grealish endured a “soul-destroying” injury last season, but the Manchester City-owned winger’s fellow West Midlands native Lee Sharpe has told GOAL why a “game-changing” talent can get his career back on track and potentially earn an England recall. For now, the 30-year-old forward faces a big decision on what his immediate future holds at club level.
Harry Kane being snubbed in the 2026 Ballon d’Or vote would be “bizarre”, Chris Waddle has told GOAL, with the Bayern Munich and England superstar considered to be the logical pick for Golden Ball recognition. World Cup glory with Spain on North American soil has put the likes of Lamine Yamal and Rodri in the hunt for ‘best player on the planet’ honours.
Harry Kane has been advised to use Cristiano Ronaldo as a World Cup warning, with Chris Waddle telling GOAL that involvement with England at the 2030 World Cup will be a “big ask” for the Three Lions’ record-shattering captain. Kane is showing no sign of slowing down, with club and country, but questions continue to be asked of his international future.
Eddie Howe is considered to be an England manager of the future, but Newcastle legend Chris Waddle has told GOAL that the former Magpies boss should be looking to move abroad for his next job. The 48-year-old has surprisingly become available, with options now being mulled over that will allow already impressive coaching credentials to be enhanced.
England international Ivan Toney has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm following an alleged altercation at a Soho nightclub. The 30-year-old Al-Ahli striker was charged by police last Thursday after an incident at 100 Wardour Street in December, and he is now scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on September 24.
James Trafford has completed his £45 million ($61m) transfer from Manchester City to Leeds, with Graham Stack telling GOAL why that deal makes sense despite the England hopeful “playing less and moving for more money”. The highly-rated 23-year-old goalkeeper has been on the move, with sizable fees changing hands, in three of the last four summer windows.
Liverpool are sensationally weighing up a move to bring England’s World Cup breakout star Djed Spence to Anfield this summer. The Tottenham defender has seen his stock skyrocket after a series of dominant displays in North America, prompting the Reds to consider a major defensive reinforcement.
The Argentine Football Association has officially declared July 15 as 'National Football Teams Day' to commemorate their historic 2026 World Cup semi-final triumph over England. The date immortalises a dramatic comeback in Atlanta where the Albiceleste scored twice in the final minutes to shatter English dreams and secure their place in a second consecutive final.
Newcastle legend Shay Given has backed Eddie Howe to eventually lead the England national team following his departure from St James’ Park. The former Magpies goalkeeper believes Howe possesses all the qualities required to succeed Thomas Tuchel at the Three Lions' helm but expects the tactician to take a hiatus from the dugout first.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has branded Gianni Infantino the wrong man to lead FIFA following widespread backlash over plans for private equity to sell stakes in the World Cup. Burnham condemned the controversial commercial proposals after a senior adviser resigned and key regional confederations united to oppose the governing body’s blueprint.
Former Chelsea and Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has been confirmed as the latest celebrity contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2026. The ex-England international admitted that while dancing is in his blood, taking to the ballroom will be completely outside his comfort zone.
FIFA has officially opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA), several high-profile players, and a member of the coaching staff following a series of controversial incidents. The investigation centers on a violent post-match brawl during the World Cup final against Spain and the display of a politically charged banner regarding the Falkland Islands.
Thomas Tuchel's England arrived at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as tournament favorites, only to crash out in the semi-finals against eventual runners-up Argentina, and the real story isn't bad luck, it's a tactical gamble.
Harry Redknapp has issued a stern warning to the Football Association about their long-standing interest in appointing Pep Guardiola as England manager. The former Tottenham manager believes that relying on a "tactical genius" like the ex-Manchester City boss won't fix underlying issues in the English game.
England
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