Declan Rice believes the current England squad features the best penalty takers the nation has ever seen. Ahead of a World Cup round of 32 clash against DR Congo, the midfielder expressed absolute confidence in his team-mates' abilities. While acknowledging past nerves, he insists the group is fully prepared for a shootout if required under Thomas Tuchel.
Former striker Chris Sutton has strongly criticised Portugal manager Roberto Martinez ahead of their World Cup knockout match against Croatia, describing his continued reliance on Cristiano Ronaldo as completely embarrassing. Sutton believes Martinez is holding his talented squad back by pandering to Ronaldo and refusing to substitute him despite his declining impact on the pitch.
Noni Madueke has expressed his absolute bewilderment at anyone doubting Jude Bellingham, labelling the England superstar as a world-class talent after a stellar World Cup. The winger insists that the Real Madrid midfielder always delivers on the biggest stages, and his unplayable display against Panama was just business as usual for the Three Lions.
It hasn't always been pretty, but England have achieved their aim of winning their World Cup group to set up a favourable last-32 tie. They will face DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday after eventually seeing off Panama last time out, but form and fitness mean Thomas Tuchel's team selection is far from certain as the knockout stage gets underway.
Declan Rice has provided a positive update on his fitness as England prepare for their 2026 World Cup last-32 clash with DR Congo in Atlanta. The Arsenal midfielder was a notable absentee from the final group stage win over Panama, sparking fears that Thomas Tuchel could be without his midfield anchor for the start of the knockout rounds.
Merseyside team Liverpool hold the record for most League cup titles in history with 10 title wins to their name. Their most recent came in 2024 as they defeated Chelsea in the final.
How many teams are in the League Cup?
The English Football League Cup, better known as the EFL Cup, Carabao Cup, or simply League Cup, features 92 teams in total. The competition consists of seven rounds to determine the winner. The first-ever edition of the EFL Cup took place in the 1960-61 season.
Who has made the most League Cup appearances ever?
Former Welsh international and Liverpool legend Ian Rush holds the record for most appearances in the league cup. Rush featured in 80 League Cup games playing for three different English clubs.
Who is the all-time top scorer of the League Cup?
Ian Rush holds the record for most goals in the League Cup. Rush has scored a total of 49 goals in 80 appearances in the competition.
Who is the oldest player ever in the League Cup and how old was he?
Kevin Poole is the oldest player to feature in the League Cup. He achieved this feat while playing for Burton Albion at the age of 46 years and 21 days in 2009.
Who is the youngest player ever in the League Cup and how old was he?
Harvey Elliott is the youngest player to have featured in the League Cup at the age of 15 years and 174 days, achieving the feat while playing for Fulham in 2018.
Which famous players have played in the League Cup?
The League Cup has witnessed many legendary players over the years. The list includes the likes of Eden Hazard, Steven gerrard, Alan Shearer, Ian Rush, Wayne Rooney, Sergio Aguero, John Terry, Theirry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Jamie Vardy, among many more.
Which famous managers have managed in the League Cup?
Some of the most notable managers to have featured in the League Cup are Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho, Claudio Ranieri, Jurgen Klopp, Antonio Conte, etc.