Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres have come in for scrutiny after Sweden slumped to an embarrassing World Cup qualifying defeat. In a night that will haunt them for years, the once-proud Scandinavian giants crashed to a shocking 1-0 defeat to Kosovo in Gothenburg, leaving their qualifying hopes in tatters. It’s a defeat that leaves them bottom of their qualifying group with a single miserable point from four games. Two goals scored. Seven conceded. And a nation furious.
Jude Bellingham has been likened to Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard, with Danny Murphy saying in an exclusive chat with GOAL that any concerns regarding the Real Madrid superstar’s character are “nonsense”. Bellingham has faced a few uncomfortable questions on the back of being left out of the latest England squad, with Thomas Tuchel talking up the need for harmony in his ranks.
Luis de la Fuente has hit back at Barcelona’s criticism over Spain’s handling of Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres after all three players suffered setbacks on international duty. The Spain boss insisted his staff always prioritise players’ health and urged critics not to “make a big deal” out of routine injuries.
France were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw against Iceland in what turned out to be a trickier World Cup qualifying away trip than many expected it to be. Following the game, head coach Didier Deschamps explained his unhappiness with the officiating, claiming that midfielder Manu Kone was fouled in the build up to the hosts' opening goal in the first half.
Nico Schlotterbeck has hailed his German national team-mate and fellow centre-back Jonathan Tah as a "better defender" than him and explained why the duo make such a good pairing for Julian Nagelsmann's side. Bayern Munich are reportedly keeping tabs on Schlotterbeck's situation at Borussia Dortmund, where his contract expires in 2027, and could move to unite the pair at club level.
Julian Nagelsmann has grown frustrated by ongoing talk of a potential return to the Germany team for Manuel Neuer, insisting the national team's goalkeeping situation remains strong despite Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s uncertain future. As injuries and form concerns continue to test Germany’s depth, the coach has called for stability ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Marcus Rashford has been warned by England manager Thomas Tuchel that, despite all that he has achieved, his undoubted talent could still go to waste. Manchester United academy graduate Rashford is, at 27 years of age, in the process of rebuilding his career. Having been deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and overlooked by the Three Lions on a regular basis, the jet-heeled forward is now enjoying a loan spell at Barcelona.
Of all the England players who were left out of Thomas Tuchel's squad for their October fixtures, Jude Bellingham's omission seemed the most confusing. The midfielder has been one of the Three Lions' main protagonists ever since breaking into the starting XI post-Euro 2020 heartbreak and has long been heralded as a key player for whichever team he's representing.
Nick Woltemade got the job done for Germany with a set-piece winner in the first half as the four-time world champions edged out Northern Ireland 1-0 to retain their position at the top of Group A in Europe's World Cup qualifying. The Germans lacked overall quality, as they had only four shots on target in the game and needed more creativity in the midfield.
Didier Deschamps' men were held to a 2-2 draw by a brave Iceland side in Reykjavik, as an experimental XI floundered under the pressure of their bold opponents, who belied their pre-match underdogs tag. France did score twice, coming from behind in the process, but a lack of concentration allowed the hosts to take a well-deserved point from a breathless encounter.
Read our expert Wales vs Belgium predictions, with three data-led betting tips for this Group J 2026 World Cup qualifier on Monday, 13 October at 7:45 pm.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has been forced to clarify comments made about Northern Ireland's style of play. While apologising for any offence caused, Nagelsmann has issued a stark warning to his team about the dangers of their "tough" opponents heading into a crucial World Cup qualifier, with both teams level on points at the top of their group.
England have been dealt a fresh blow to their attacking plans, with Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins forced to withdraw from Thomas Tuchel’s squad after suffering a freak injury. The Three Lions were without all-time leading goal-scorer Harry Kane for a friendly date with Wales, as he nurses a knock of his own, with a selection headache being posed ahead of a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Latvia.
Ferran Torres has left the Spain squad due to a muscle complaint, ruling him out of the Bulgaria qualifier and severely deepening Barcelona's injury crisis ahead of the season's first El Clasico. The forward's setback, which follows an injury to Dani Olmo, leaves coach Hansi Flick with a major attacking headache before facing Real Madrid on October 26.
England captain Harry Kane has showcased that he isn't just good at football, as the Bayern Munich captain showed off his quarterbacking skills. Kane made an over the top pass to Eberechi Eze with his hands during a Three Lions training session, as the Arsenal star scored a 'touchdown'. England are set to take on Latvia up next in a crucial World Cup qualifier.
Serge Gnabry's superb performance in Germany's 4-0 win over Luxembourg has sparked high praise from coach Julian Nagelsmann, who lauded the winger's 'feistiness' and work rate as a crucial role model for 'top players.' The German coach declared the display Gnabry's best international game in a long time, noting his hunger both offensively and defensively.
"We are not collecting the most talented players, we are trying to build a team. Teams win trophies, no-one else." If anyone was in any doubt as to whether England manager Thomas Tuchel planned to stick to his fairly unpopular selection policy with the World Cup fast approaching, those pointed words ahead of the friendly victory over Wales more or less confirmed it.
Manchester United were mocked over social media as Rasmus Hojlund continued his fine goalscoring form since leaving the club in the summer. The striker found the back of the net once again in Denmark’s World Cup-qualifying clash with Greece on Sunday evening, having also made a brilliant start to life with Serie A champions Napoli following his departure from Old Trafford in September.
England manager Thomas Tuchel would reportedly not be considered for the Manchester United job if Ruben Amorim is sacked at Old Trafford. Tuchel is 'fully expected' to see through his contract to after the 2026 World Cup, while the German was 'unimpressed' with the Red Devils' hiring process when he was previously contacted as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains untouchable in his homeland as the Portuguese GOAT, with the all-time great being told that he has nothing to apologise for after missing a penalty against the Republic of Ireland. The Al-Nassr superstar fluffed his lines from 12 yards during a 2026 World Cup qualifier, with former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher keeping out his spot-kick before Ruben Neves snatched a dramatic stoppage-time winner.
Read our expert Scotland vs Belarus predictions, with three data-led betting tips for this Group C 2026 World Cup qualifier on Sunday, 12 October at 5 pm.
England can secure their qualification for the 2026 World Cup with two matches to spare if they beat Latvia on Tuesday, with Thomas Tuchel's side taking the trip at Daugava Stadium boasting a 100% record in their qualifying campaign thus far. Victory would secure the Three Lions' place at the tournament in North America next summer, while a draw would all-but seal qualification due to a superior goal difference over second-placed Albania.
There may soon be a new qualification process for the World Cup and European Championships, as UEFA are reportedly considering adopting a Champions League-style format to combat declining fan interest in the current qualifiers. The move to a league-style format would open the door for bigger games to take place, while smaller nations still get to enjoy lucrative clashes with big names. Using the Nations League as part of qualifying has also been considered.
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