Lists

  1. Six reasons why England will NOT win the World Cup

    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.

  2. Don't write Wirtz off! World Cup ideal stage to silence doubters

    During Liverpool's historically poor run of results last autumn, Florian Wirtz's form became the subject of much debate. Gary Lineker was among those that felt that the No.10 might benefit from being taken out of Arne Slot’s starting line-up, and thus the spotlight. "Don’t think he isn’t suffering at the moment with this," the former England international said on 'The Rest is Football' podcast.

  3. Can any of the four World Cup debutants cause a shock in '26?

    Four nations will debut at the World Cup this summer, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan all set to grace the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It's 16 years since a newcomer made it into the knockout stages of the tournament, when Slovakia stunned holders Italy to eliminate them in South Africa. So do any of this year's debutants have the potential to replicate such heroics?

  4. Larin bails out dire David to earn Canada first World Cup point

    Cyle Larin came off the bench to spare Jonathan David's blushes by earning Canada a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their 2026 World Cup opener on Friday. The Canucks were the better side for the majority of the match but looked set to slump to a seventh consecutive finals defeat after Lovo Jukic headed in a near-post flick from Sead Kolasinac midway through the first half.

  5. Van de Ven can become the world's best but does he need a move?

    Micky van de Ven can “level up” and become “one of the best in the world”, Toby Alderweireld has told GOAL, with the Dutch defender being informed that he does not need to leave Tottenham in order to join the elite. Speculation is raging around the Netherlands international in north London, with serious questions being asked of his future as another transfer window prepares to swing open.

  6. ‘Hard for Man City to keep’ Rodri if Real Madrid come calling

    Manchester City have been warned that they will find it “hard” to keep Rodri if Real Madrid come calling, with Peter Reid telling GOAL why more prominent figures are likely to follow Pep Guardiola out of the Etihad Stadium. A summer of change is on the cards, with it possible that a Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder will form part of what could become an elaborate refresh.

  7. Would Salah have stayed at Liverpool if he knew Slot was going?

    Arne Slot has followed Mohamed Salah through the exits at Liverpool, but would the latter have agreed to stay and see out his contract if he knew that the former was going to be sacked? Danny Murphy is not convinced that was ever the case, with the ex-Reds midfielder telling GOAL how the Egyptian King’s powers had faded to the point that a fresh start was probably the best option for all concerned.

  8. Reasons why Arsenal gave Barca a free run at Gordon explained

    Premier League heavyweights such as Arsenal and Liverpool gave Barcelona a free run at Anthony Gordon when exit doors opened up at Newcastle, with Chris Waddle explaining to GOAL why the England international ended up in Catalunya rather than north London. An €80 million (£69m/$92m) transfer has taken Gordon away from his homeland and onto the books of La Liga champions.

  9. Zidane-esque? Why Cherki deserves comparison with French GOAT

    Rayan Cherki has been earning plenty of plaudits at Manchester City, with Frank Leboeuf telling GOAL why the mercurial playmaker deserves to be compared with Zinedine Zidane - the GOAT of French football. That is some billing, but two magical midfielders are considered to share a number of traits - including on-field skill sets and off-pitch ticket-selling qualities.

  10. Second season warning! Why £125m Isak concerns Liverpool icon

    Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has told GOAL why he is “a little bit worried” about Alexander Isak, with the £125 million ($167m) striker under pressure to deliver during his second season at Anfield. The most expensive player in British football has been warned that his price tag will count for nothing if he offers little return on that record-shattering investment.

  11. ‘Phenomenal’ Kane urged to ignore familiar England debate

    Harry Kane has been urged to ignore the familiar debate that his role in England’s team continues to generate, with Chris Waddle telling GOAL why the record-shattering striker should be granted complete freedom to do whatever he wants. The Three Lions’ talismanic captain does pose their greatest goal threat, but there is no pressure on him to operate in and around the penalty area at all times.