England legend Michael Owen has launched a blistering attack on Thomas Tuchel, comparing his ultra-defensive tactics to those of a local pub team. Following the Three Lions' heartbreaking 2-1 World Cup semi-final exit to Argentina, the former striker labelled the defensive approach "rubbish" and the absolute opposite of brave.
Atlanta did not need the World Cup to manufacture a soccer culture. Eight matches and more than half a million fan-festival visitors only confirmed what the city had spent nearly 60 years building.
Spain have begun their preparations for the 2026 World Cup final, but concerns are mounting over the fitness of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona winger was seen with heavy strapping on his left thigh while sitting out La Roja’s latest training session ahead of Sunday's showdown with Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
France defender Lucas Digne has opened up on the "immense disappointment" of Les Bleus' World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Spain. The experienced left-back was at the centre of the game's turning point, conceding the penalty for a foul on Lamine Yamal that allowed La Roja to break the deadlock.
Former England international Andros Townsend has fiercely defended manager Thomas Tuchel following the Three Lions' agonising 2-1 World Cup semi-final collapse to Argentina. Townsend dismissed the widespread backlash over Tuchel's defensive changes, arguing the tactical adjustments were "smart" manoeuvres that were ultimately let down by the players on the pitch.
Awarded to the tournament's best player, the Golden Ball is decided by media representatives from a shortlist selected by the Technical Study Group (TSG).
Marc Guehi has appeared to question Thomas Tuchel’s tactical approach following England’s devastating World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Argentina. The Three Lions surrendered a second-half lead in Atlanta, sparking a wave of criticism regarding the manager's decision to retreat into a defensive shell.
Lionel Scaloni could not hide his pride after watching Argentina secure a monumental comeback victory against England to book their place in the 2026 World Cup final. The Albiceleste boss lauded his players' unique psychological approach, claiming they play with the freedom of children despite the immense pressure of the global stage.
Lionel Messi paid an emotional tribute to Diego Maradona after Argentina came from behind to beat England and reach the 2026 World Cup final. The captain said the victory was "a gift" for the late icon before turning his focus towards one more chance at football history.
Thomas Tuchel is about to learn the true meaning of an England tournament post-mortem - something the country does best. The inquest is well underway, with widespread calls for the manager's head in the wake of Wednesday's bitterly disappointing World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of the holders Argentina, as a defensive shift backfired and Tuchel's side slumped to defeat in stoppage time, despite leading in the 85th minute.
Spain captain Rodri Hernandez has issued a rallying cry to his team-mates as La Roja prepare for their second-ever World Cup final. Despite a dominant tournament run, the Manchester City midfielder insists that the job is far from finished ahead of a heavyweight clash with Argentina in New Jersey.
Alan Shearer admitted Argentina were the better side after England's 2-1 semi-final defeat, insisting the Three Lions were fortunate to stay in the contest for so long. The former striker praised Lionel Scaloni's side for their composure, tactical adjustments and deserved comeback to reach the final.
Jude Bellingham has revealed what was said during his heated exchange with Lionel Messi in England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. The midfielder insisted there was no bad blood between the pair and explained the conversation was simply part of the intensity of a high-stakes contest.
Thomas Tuchel has hit out at the World Cup third-place play-off, claiming that neither his England players nor their French counterparts have any desire to take part in the fixture. The Three Lions saw their dreams of a first final since 1966 crushed by Argentina in a dramatic semi-final, leaving them with one final, unwanted obligation in Miami.
Chelsea deleted a social media post celebrating Enzo Fernandez's goal for Argentina after it sparked a furious reaction from supporters during England's World Cup semi-final defeat. The midfielder's equaliser helped Argentina come from behind to beat the Three Lions 2-1, prompting widespread criticism of the club's online message.
Jude Bellingham was seen striking Argentina's Valentin Barco following England's heartbreaking World Cup semi-final exit, but new footage has emerged suggesting the Real Madrid star was heavily provoked. While the initial TV broadcast caught the midfielder's physical reaction, fan-recorded video from the stands has shed light on the heated exchange that led to the confrontation in Atlanta.
Lionel Messi and his Argentina team-mates were seen inspecting Jordan Pickford's water bottle after their dramatic World Cup semi-final win over England. The bottle, covered in penalty shoot-out notes, was passed around the squad after Argentina completed a late comeback to book their place in the final.
Cristian Romero has launched a scathing attack on Gary Neville after Argentina dump England out of the 2026 World Cup, labeling the pundit's pre-match comments as "stupid." The Tottenham defender and his partner Lisandro Martinez had the last laugh in Atlanta, securing a spot in the final against Spain while silencing their loudest critics.
Lionel Scaloni struggled to hold back his emotions after Argentina beat England 2-1 to book their place in the World Cup final. The head coach praised his players' character, unity and resilience, insisting their success is built on brotherhood rather than arrogance as they prepare to face Spain.
Harry Kane has refused to confirm if he has played his final World Cup match following England's heartbreaking semi-final exit at the hands of Lionel Messi and Argentina. The Three Lions captain cut a dejected figure in Atlanta as a late collapse saw Thomas Tuchel's side surrender a lead to the defending champions.
It was all going so, so well for around 80 minutes. England went toe-to-toe with Argentina, and had a just-about-deserved 1-0 lead over the defending champions. A first World Cup final in 1966 was in sight for the Three Lions. And then, due in large part to the decisions of manager Thomas Tuchel, it was snatched away.
Jude Bellingham cut a devastated figure in Atlanta as England's dreams of World Cup glory were extinguished by a late Argentina comeback. The Real Madrid superstar, who had carried the hopes of a nation throughout the tournament, was left questioning what more he could have done after the Three Lions fell at the penultimate hurdle.
Lionel Messi admitted Argentina could not afford to lose to England in the World Cup semi-final, believing defeat would have sparked unfair criticism despite the team's recent success. The captain also hailed his side's resilience after they fought back to book a second consecutive place in the final.
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