Jack Wilshere has made a passionate case for Arsenal’s teenage sensation Max Dowman to be included in England’s 2026 World Cup squad, insisting that rivals like Spain would not hesitate to cap such a precocious talent. The former Gunners midfielder, who now manages Luton Town, believes the 16-year-old possesses a level of natural ability that even exceeds his own breakthrough years at the Emirates.
Italy's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup has been compounded by reports of a pre-match financial dispute. Italy players reportedly requested a massive bonus just days before their shocking elimination in Zenica.
Mikel Arteta has admitted that Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup is "not good for football" as he prepares to help Riccardo Calafiori move on. The Arsenal boss is currently readying his squad for an FA Cup quarter-final clash against Southampton following a turbulent international break.
Former Germany head coach Joachim Low has broken his silence regarding reports that he is set to manage Ghana at the 2026 World Cup. The 66-year-old has been out of the dugout since leaving the DFB in 2021 and is currently being linked with a sensational return to the international stage.
Löw has been out of a coaching job for five years. Now, of all times, he is set to return to the touchline for the World Cup. But it is unlikely that this will actually happen.
The Italian national team has been plunged further into a leadership crisis following the confirmed resignation of head coach Gennaro Gattuso. His departure completes a total collapse of the Azzurri hierarchy, following the exits of delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina after a devastating play-off defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina confirmed Italy's third consecutive World Cup absence.