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Kroos defends Bellingham amid criticism

Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has jumped to the defence of Jude Bellingham, hailing the Englishman as one of the most complete players in world football. The former Germany international spoke out following a wave of criticism directed at the midfielder during a challenging period at the Bernabeu.

England v Croatia: Group L - FIFA World Cup 2026

Tuchel hints Saka will remain on England bench

England manager Thomas Tuchel has indicated that winger Bukayo Saka is unlikely to start the upcoming World Cup encounter against Ghana. Despite making a goal-scoring impact from the bench during the opening victory over Croatia, the Arsenal attacker continues to have his minutes carefully managed due to an ongoing Achilles issue.

Nottingham Forest v Manchester City - Emirates FA Cup Semi Final

'Wow' - Keane blasts WAGs over personalised shirts

Roy Keane has criticised players' partners for wearing personalised shirts during the World Cup. The former Manchester United captain labelled the trend "ridiculous", while Ian Wright defended the gesture as a simple show of support for loved ones competing on football's biggest stage.

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World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings: Messi & David lead

The 2026 World Cup is underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long road ahead as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here are GOAL's predicted candidates for the prize as we keep track of the tournament's most prolific stars

Harry Kane Olivier Giroud Lionel Messi 2026

Why Kane would ‘rather be Giroud’ than match Messi & Mbappe

Harry Kane will not be paying any attention to the 2026 World Cup exploits of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, Danny Mills has told GOAL, as England’s record goalscorer would “rather be Olivier Giroud”. The prolific Bayern Munich striker has already opened his account in North America, alongside several other household names, but will forever prioritise collective success over any individual accolades.

England v Croatia: Group L - FIFA World Cup 2026

Tuchel's England will be 'chasing shadows' without tactical change

Former midfielder Nicky Butt has warned Thomas Tuchel that England must adapt their tactical identity if they are to survive against elite opposition during the knockout stages of the World Cup. Despite an entertaining 4-2 opening victory over Croatia in Group L, the ex-international believes a relentless high-tempo approach will prove unsustainable.

Harry Maguire England 2026

England miss Maguire but reason for second snub explained

England are considered to miss Harry Maguire, amid defensive concerns at the 2026 World Cup, but Danny Mills has explained to GOAL why the Manchester United centre-half has been snubbed for a second time. He was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s initial 26-man squad and - despite leadership questions being asked - was overlooked again when Tino Livramentio withdrew through injury and a replacement needed to be found.

FBL-WC-2026-MATCH22-ENG-CRO

FIFA changes policy after Tuchel complaint

Thomas Tuchel has successfully persuaded FIFA to alter its pre-match media guidelines following a frustrating experience during his tournament debut in Texas. The England head coach complained that a dense wall of press photographers completely obstructed his view of the players during the national anthems, prompting football's governing body to launch an immediate tactical compromise.

World Cup Golden Ball GFX

World Cup Golden Ball Power Rankings: Messi in at No.1

The 2026 World Cup is underway as those still in contention fight it out for the universally coveted trophy. While the collective prize is the main objective for all competitors, some are already making their claim as the best player of the entire tournament. Lionel Messi is the current top candidate after a sublime hat-trick against Algeria, but the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise are hot on his tail after the first week.

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WC26 Power Rankings: Messi powers Argentina to top spot

The first round of 2026 World Cup group-stage fixtures is in the books, and the tournament has gotten off to a flyer. Despite a lack of eye-catching fixtures on paper in the new, expanded format, there have been thrills and spills aplenty, with all the big names showing up for their respective countries on football's biggest stage. Well, almost all of them.

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Tuchel works his magic - now he must fix dodgy defence

Thomas Tuchel did not describe, exactly, what he said at half-time of England's 4-2 win over Croatia that opened up their 2026 World Cup campaign. The score was deadlocked at 2-2 at the time, and England weren't playing particularly well. Tuchel insisted that he had some calm words and told his team to play with courage. The reality, though, is probably a little harsher.

England v Croatia: Group L - FIFA World Cup 2026

Tuchel provides update on Rice injury scare

Thomas Tuchel has offered an optimistic update on Declan Rice after the Arsenal midfielder caused a major scare by limping out of England's World Cup opener. The Three Lions got their campaign off to a flying start in Dallas, but the sight of their midfield anchor heading for the tunnel early sparked immediate concern for fans and club manager Mikel Arteta alike.

England v Croatia: Group L - FIFA World Cup 2026

'Show the world!' - Kane reveals Tuchel's inspiring half-time message

Harry Kane has revealed how Thomas Tuchel's half-time team talk inspired England to raise their level and beat Croatia in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup. After a tense first half, the Three Lions produced a dominant display after the break, with the Bayern Munich star crediting his manager's message for the dramatic improvement.

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Bellingham brilliance & Kane brace get England up & running

England made a winning start to the 2026 World Cup as they beat Croatia 4-2 in their Group L opener on Wednesday. Harry Kane scored twice in the first half, only for the Three Lions to be pegged back on both occasions, and it required a brilliant solo goal from Jude Bellingham early in the second period to put Thomas Tuchel's side back ahead before Marcus Rashford made the points safe late on.

England v Croatia: Group L - FIFA World Cup 2026

Kane matches Lineker record after penalty drama

Harry Kane has once again etched his name into the history books, though he had to do it the hard way during England’s pulsating World Cup encounter with Croatia. The Three Lions captain was handed a rare second bite at the cherry from the penalty spot, setting the stage to move level with a national legend.