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The threat of Financial Fair Play (FFP) sanctions continues to hang over Manchester City, but could they end up working in favour of new boss Enzo Maresca? Joleon Lescott has addressed that issue during an exclusive interview with GOAL, as points penalties at the Etihad Stadium would relieve some Premier League title-chasing pressure on Pep Guardiola’s successor.

Bruno Guimaraes continues to see a transfer to Arsenal speculated on, with Jeremie Aliadiere telling GOAL how the Newcastle midfielder could be fitted into Mikel Arteta’s side while influencing some big decisions on Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice. The ambitious Gunners continue to bolster a squad that savoured Premier League title glory last season.

Spain’s World Cup final clash with Argentina will see Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi go head-to-head for a global title and Ballon d’Or honours. Gaizka Mendieta has told GOAL why Barcelona’s teenage wonderkid can get the better of an all-time great. An epic battle is about to play out in New Jersey, with eyes from every corner of the planet descending on MetLife Stadium.

England “can’t complain” about being on the receiving end of another masterclass from Lionel Messi as “no-one’s ever been able to stop” the Argentina GOAT, ex-Three Lions international Joleon Lescott has told GOAL. Another bid for international trophy glory has come to a close, in agonising fashion, with semi-final heartache being endured at the 2026 World Cup.

Kylian Mbappe remains the right man to captain France heading forward, Jeremie Aliadiere has told GOAL, despite admissions that skippers do not “have to be the best player”. That is the case at present with Les Bleus, as their record goalscorer fills the armband, and any questions of character will continue to be ignored as the fearsome frontman leads by example.

The pros and cons of Arsenal potentially making a move for Marcus Rashford have been highlighted to GOAL by ‘Invincibles’ squad member Jeremie Aliadiere. The Gunners have allowed Leandro Trossard to leave Emirates Stadium, as questions are asked of Gabriel Martinelli’s future, with obvious reconstruction work to be carried out in the summer transfer window.

Pep Guardiola will not yet have grown bored of life outside of management, following his departure from Manchester City, with Joleon Lescott telling GOAL why any kneejerk decisions on Thomas Tuchel’s future as England boss need to be avoided. The German tactician is facing some uncomfortable questions following the Three Lions’ World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.

Dele Alli remains lost in the footballing wilderness, with former Serie A star Des Walker telling GOAL why his fellow ex-England international found the going tough when entering “a last chance saloon” at Como. The one-time Tottenham superstar made just one substitute appearance for Cesc Fabregas’ side before being released back into the free agent pool.

Manchester United have been advised to “get one” of Bradley Barcola or Desire Doue in the summer transfer window, with Dwight Yorke telling GOAL why big-money raids on Paris Saint-Germain would make a lot of sense. The Red Devils are in the market for creative and attacking additions, with a couple of Champions League winners registering on Premier League radars.

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.

Manchester United have completed “two for the price of one” transfer business, with Michael Owen telling GOAL why the Red Devils have found impressive value in deals for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. The combined cost of those two signings comes in at less than the single fees paid out by Manchester City and Tottenham for Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.

Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have been hogging headlines for England at the 2026 World Cup, with ex-Three Lions star Gary Pallister telling GOAL who has been an unsung hero for Thomas Tuchel’s side. All-action midfielder Elliot Anderson is considered to fit that bill, with the Manchester City new boy putting in the graft that allows others to deliver guile.

Kobbie Mainoo has been surprisingly snubbed by Thomas Tuchel throughout the 2026 World Cup, but Michael Owen has told GOAL why the Manchester United midfielder may yet have a Geoff Hurst role to play for England. The 21-year-old is having to be patient in pursuit of game time at FIFA’s flagship event, but “unlikely heroes” have emerged at previous tournaments.

Michael Owen has - during an exclusive interview with GOAL - lauded the Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne-esque influence of Jude Bellingham on England’s World Cup class of 2026, discussed the Ballon d’Or battle that could soon break out between international team-mates and what the Three Lions need to do in order to bring 60 years of hurt to a close.

England cult hero Dan Burn is more than just a “head it and kick it” centre-half, Gary Pallister has told GOAL, with another defender from the North East explaining why a 2026 World Cup viral sensation was always destined to make it. Burn may have doubted that himself at times, but is now a trophy-winning Premier League regular and vital “finisher” with his country.

Lionel Messi is “more mortal now”, former England international Gary Pallister has told GOAL, with the Three Lions considered to be capable of ending Argentina’s World Cup title defence. Thomas Tuchel’s side are due to lock horns with the reigning champions on Wednesday, with questions already being asked of how best to contain an evergreen all-time great.

Daniel Farke has fended off the threat of a “big name” appointment at Leeds, but former Whites defender Matt Kilgallon has admitted to GOAL that any manager is only ever “three games” away from losing their job. Having cemented Premier League status at Elland Road, Farke will be given the opportunity to build on those foundations during the 2026-27 campaign.

Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel have “history” and continue to butt heads occasionally, but former England international Gary Pallister has told GOAL why the pair’s latest exchange of words is nothing more than a “storm in a teacup”. The Three Lions’ class of 2026 are chasing down immortality at the World Cup in North America, with it important that no cracks are allowed to form in that camp.

From his early life and rise through the game to becoming Liverpool's first-choice goalkeeper, representing England on the international stage, and lifting the FA Cup with Portsmouth, David James reflects on the highs, the challenges and everything he learned along the way in the latest episode of the Beast Mode On Podcast.

Evangelos Marinakis boasts big ambition at Nottingham Forest, with Reds legend Des Walker telling GOAL that trophy targets on Trentside can be hit as “dancing” at Wembley is enjoyed. Another new era is about to be opened at the City Ground as, following plenty of movement on the managerial front, Oliver Glasner leads the collective charge in 2026-27.

Florian Wirtz endured a difficult debut season at Liverpool on the back of his £116 million ($155m) transfer to Anfield, with Danny Murphy telling GOAL that double figures for goals and assists will be the “bare minimum” requirement in 2026-27. The Germany international is aware that patience can only stretch so far when it comes to making a telling contribution to the collective cause.

Scott McTominay has enjoyed a remarkable renaissance in Italian football, on the back of leaving Manchester United for Napoli, with ex-Serie A star Des Walker telling GOAL how that success has been enjoyed after “starting from way below” many of those around him. The many challenges of life in Italy have been conquered in style by a title-winning MVP.

Cole Palmer’s spectacular debut season at Chelsea saw him earn comparisons with Blues legends Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard, but Tony Cascarino has told GOAL what the talented playmaker needs to do in order to emulate icons of the past. Palmer’s output in west London has been heading in the wrong direction, with a fading spark needing to be rekindled.

Sandro Tonali was being linked with Manchester United and teams across Europe, but has completed a £100 million ($134m) transfer to Tottenham. Is that big-money move the result of a desire to live in London? Ex-Spurs star Danny Murphy has answered that question during an exclusive interview with GOAL, while assessing a busy window in the English capital.

Morgan Gibbs-White can see his No.10 “ego” massaged at Nottingham Forest, Reds legend Des Walker has told GOAL, with there no need for a transfer elsewhere to be considered. The England international playmaker is a proven Premier League performer, which means that he inevitably attracts interest, but “main man” status can continue to be enjoyed at the City Ground.

Celtic should consider bringing Robbie Keane in alongside Martin O’Neill at some stage, Tony Cascarino has told GOAL, with the perfect managerial mentor in place at Parkhead for a potential head coach of the future. The Hoops are placing trust in a familiar face for now, but are aware of the need to find a long-term successor to their evergreen 74-year-old boss.

Harry Kane forms part of GOAT conversations in the England national team, but former Three Lions striker Stan Collymore has explained to GOAL how “recency bias” impacts that debate and why a “pool” of greats should be celebrated rather than singling out individuals. Kane is currently enjoying the best form of his career, with World Cup glory being pursued in North America.

Jude Bellingham’s “arrogance” is considered to be a good thing and more productive than similar qualities boasted by Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah, with Danny Murphy explaining to GOAL why criticism of England’s No.10 has been made to look “laughable”. A ‘Galactico’ performer from Real Madrid has been starring at the 2026 World Cup finals.

Morgan Rogers has seen a big-money transfer away from Aston Villa speculated on - potentially at £130 million ($175m) - but Stan Collymore has told GOAL why the likes of Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze are unlikely to be targeted as potential replacements for their fellow England international. Unai Emery is expected to bolster his ranks with a different type of player.