For some football fans, the summer is the part of the calendar that they look forward to the most - and that's not just because it's filled by a World Cup every four years! Rather, it's because the end of the season means only one thing: It's time for transfers! The 2026 window is once again proving to be busy, with some huge names making big-money moves before deadline day on September 1.
Newcastle need to accept a frustrating transfer cycle at St James’ Park, John Barnes has told GOAL, as top players will always “come and go” - with even the likes of Liverpool struggling to retain the services of prized assets. Few clubs in world football can resist admiring glances from afar, with the Magpies finding that out to their cost in 2026.
Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given has delivered a chilling warning to the St James' Park faithful, suggesting that the club could be spiralling toward a relegation battle. Following a summer of absolute turmoil that saw manager Eddie Howe resign and the squad’s core ripped out, the Irishman believes the current state of the club is enough to justify the fans' deepest anxieties.
England at least managed to put a bit of shine on their World Cup campaign. The highly-entertaining, 6-4 win over France in Saturday's bronze-medal match didn't change the fact that they collapsed in the semi-final against Argentina three days earlier, but it did at least save a little bit of face.
Anthony Gordon has expressed his deep heartbreak following England's dramatic elimination from the World Cup at the hands of Argentina. The Barcelona winger scored the opening goal in the semi-final clash before Thomas Tuchel's side conceded twice late on, shattering the Three Lions' dreams of reaching a first final since 1966.
Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke were expected to make significant contributions to England’s cause at the 2026 World Cup, but Michael Owen has admitted to GOAL that said collection of wingers have “not really worked” out as planned. Thomas Tuchel is yet to settle on a preferred pairing of wide attackers, with no member of a star-studded quartet truly convincing when being given opportunities in which to impress.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has expressed his immense admiration for Lionel Messi’s continued brilliance, describing the forward's 2026 World Cup campaign as "extraordinary". Speaking from Dallas ahead of the tournament's semi-finals, Laporta also took the opportunity to evaluate the performances of Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon.
Anthony Gordon has heaped immense praise on England team-mate Harry Kane, claiming the striker is currently operating at a level comparable to Lionel Messi. Gordon's comments follow Kane's dramatic late brace that rescued England from a shock World Cup exit against DR Congo, highlighting his consistency and elite mindset on the biggest international stage.
Alejandro Garnacho has been likened to Anthony Gordon, with both wingers considered to be limited, with former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino telling GOAL why the Blues may listen to offers for a £40 million ($53m) flop during the summer transfer window of 2026. Argentina international Garnacho only moved to Stamford Bridge 12 months ago, but uncomfortable questions are already being asked of his future.
It’s time for the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup, which means it’s time for penalty shootout drama. Generally, England have a terrible reputation when it comes to spot-kicks, winning just four of the 11 shootouts they’ve participated in. But the signs suggest the tide is turning, with three of those wins coming in their last four.
Thomas Tuchel definitely didn't want to be in this situation. After England's tournament-opener, in which the Three Lions rather comfortably saw off Croatia, it was presumed that the German coach would be thinking about rotation by now. His hardest opponent was out of the way, meaning another win, over Ghana, would secure top spot with a game to spare. Instead, he has to stick with the big guns after an incredibly frustrating draw with the Black Stars.
Newcastle United have received a significant boost in their ongoing search for a high-quality replacement for Anthony Gordon. German outfit RB Leipzig are expected to accept a reduced fee of around £43 million for their versatile 21-year-old winger Antonio Nusa, who has been heavily scouted by the Tyneside club during the summer window.
Anthony Gordon has faced heavy criticism for his underwhelming performance during England's goalless World Cup draw with Ghana on Tuesday. Pundits have slammed the winger's lack of impact, even questioning his recent lucrative transfer to Barcelona. Former players believe Newcastle are the real winners of the summer deal after watching him struggle on the international stage.
England made a winning start to their World Cup campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia, but the performance was a bit mixed, even if the dominant start of the second half will have sent fear through some of the Three Lions' main rivals for global glory. For the most part, Thomas Tuchel seemed to get his selection mostly right. Jude Bellingham more than justified his place in the team, while having Anthony Gordon start so that Marcus Rashford could provide an X-factor off the bench paid off.
Marcus Rashford remains determined to secure a permanent return to Barcelona despite Anthony Gordon's arrival at Camp Nou. Manchester United are keen to sell the England forward this summer, but the 28-year-old is prepared to wait for the Catalan club and has made them his preferred destination.
Thomas Tuchel has spent more than a year trying to figure out his best England starting XI, but with the Three Lions about to kick-off their 2026 World Cup campaign, things have remained up in the air until the last few days before England clash with Croatia in Dallas.
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