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.
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.
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.
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.
There are plenty of compelling reasons to suggest that England could win the 2026 World Cup. In Harry Kane, they have perhaps the best striker in world football at present. They also possess the best midfielder in the Premier League in Declan Rice, and an immensely shrewd tactician in Thomas Tuchel to help knit some of the most talented forward players in Europe together.
After 'thirty years of hurt' for the England national team, football was meant to come 'home' in 1996. And yet 30 years on, the Three Lions still haven't won a major trophy since the 1966 World Cup. Might the most infamous title drought in international football be about to come to an end, though? England qualified for this summer's World Cup by winning all of their matches and without conceding a single goal, meaning there's a legitimate sense of optimism surrounding Thomas Tuchel's team.
In the age of PSR and UEFA's financial regulations, the free agent market has probably never been more significant as clubs look to pick up a potentially key player without having to spend a penny. We're now into June, and there are a whole host of big names who will be out of contract at the end of the month - undoubtedly sparking a scramble for their signatures in the coming weeks.
Joe Cole has urged Chelsea to secure the signatures of John Stones and Robert Lewandowski this summer to fix the club's fractured dressing room culture. The Blues legend believes the veteran pair are the perfect solution to support the young squad as Xabi Alonso prepares to take the reins at Stamford Bridge.
Wayne Rooney has hit out at the decision to hold mid-match guards of honour for departing Manchester City stars Bernardo Silva and John Stones at the Etihad. The Manchester United legend admitted he would be "fuming" after the competitive nature of the final day Premier League clash with Aston Villa was interrupted to celebrate the club icons.
Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has broken his silence on the club's summer recruitment strategy, addressing links to some of the Premier League's biggest stars. While the Bavarian giants are actively working on high-profile reinforcements to bolster their attacking ranks, a certain defensive target has officially been struck off the list.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Jude Bellingham and Noni Madueke among those to get the nod as Phil Foden and Cole Palmer miss out. Harry Kane captains the Three Lions in their bid to bring 60 years of international trophy heartache to a close, with Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins and Marcus Rashford providing support and competition in the attacking department.
Bayern Munich are reportedly plotting a sensational summer swoop for Manchester City defender John Stones. The experienced centre-back is poised to leave the Etihad Stadium on a free transfer after 10 successful years. A move to the Bundesliga champions would see him reunite with former team-mate Vincent Kompany and link up with England captain Harry Kane in Bavaria.
A fan has his say! One sharp football mind delivers a masterclass in selection: A balanced, ruthless lineup built for 2026 dominance. You may not agree with every name, but you can’t ignore the logic.
Coventry have been told that “Phil Foden’s not happening”, as some bold transfer shouts are made on the back of securing promotion into the Premier League, but Clinton Morrison has told GOAL why Frank Lampard can land big names. The Sky Blues are already in the process of identifying targets that can help them to compete in the big time, with their Chelsea legend boss set to act as a recruitment trump card.
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