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World Cup 2026 Power Rankings

WC26 Power Rankings: France flex as England & U.S. falter

There really is nothing like the World Cup. Even just qualifying generates a level of nationwide excitement that the club game simply cannot match, which is why we witnessed truly joyous scenes all across the globe during the March international break, as the final six qualifiers were confirmed for this summer's festival of football in North America.

England v Japan - International Friendly

Guehi makes worrying admission after England's loss to Japan

England concluded their March international break on a disappointing note as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Japan at Wembley, with Marc Guehi making a worrying admission about the pressure of playing for the Three Lions after the final whistle. Despite dominating possession, the hosts were undone by a first-half strike from Kaoru Mitoma.

England Japan W+Ls GFX

Jude must start for England - but Kane is the key to WC26 glory

It's never easy with the England men's national team. On paper, they should have enough quality, experience and firepower to blow most sides on this planet to smithereens. Then you sit down, watch them and wonder whether they are actually a team of total strangers assembled purely out of spite to mildly annoy the fans who had hoped so much of them. On the basis of their March friendlies, it would be a fair assumption to make.

GFX Thomas Tuchel Declan Rice Bukayo Saka

Tuchel defends Rice and Saka withdrawals

Thomas Tuchel has plotted a diplomatic course through the storm that has followed the withdrawals of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka from the England squad, saying the optics may look bad but he has “100% trust” in their integrity. The Arsenal duo will be unavailable for the clash against Japan at Wembley after reporting discomfort following their recent club commitments.

England Training & Media Activity

Tuchel confirms Bellingham to miss Japan clash

England manager Thomas Tuchel has taken a firm stance regarding the fitness of Jude Bellingham, insistsing that he will not gamble with the player's health. Despite the anticipation surrounding the Three Lions' friendly against Japan at Wembley, the Real Madrid midfielder will remain on the sidelines to ensure he does not suffer a setback.

England v Serbia - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Arsenal trio among eight to leave England squad

Thomas Tuchel’s experimental international break has taken a significant hit with the news that Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have returned to Arsenal for medical assessment. Despite only joining up with the squad on Friday after being rested for the 1-1 draw against Uruguay, the pair will play no part in the upcoming clash with Japan. The Football Association confirmed their departure alongside six other players, leaving the squad noticeably thinner for the Wembley encounter.

Trent Alexander-Arnold England

Beckham reacts to Alexander-Arnold England absence

England legend David Beckham has confessed he would find it "very hard" to overlook Trent Alexander-Arnold for a World Cup squad after the Real Madrid star was hit with another international snub. He waded into the debate after Alexander-Arnold became the headline omission from Thomas Tuchel’s latest 35-man selection for clashes against Uruguay and Japan.

Foden-Littler

Foden scores darts 180 on day Littler visits England squad

The England squad received a unique masterclass this week as double world champion Luke Littler visited St. George’s Park to host the 'Three Lions Darts Championship'. While Littler was expected to provide the fireworks, it was Manchester City’s Phil Foden who stole the show by landing a maximum 180 during the informal tournament.

England Training & Media Activity

Man Utd bench regular called up to England training by Tuchel

Manchester United youngster Ayden Heaven has been handed a surprise opportunity to impress Thomas Tuchel after being drafted into England senior training. The teenage defender was originally selected for the Under-20 squad but has now found himself rubbing shoulders with the nation's elite at St George's Park.

kazuyoshi-miura

Miura to play beyond 59th birthday as Japan legend signs for new club

Japan legend Kazuyoshi Miura, who will celebrate his 59th birthday in February, has agreed a six-month loan move to Fukushima United, extending a professional career that now stretches into a remarkable fifth decade. The agreement means Miura could feature in the J.League, encompassing Japan’s top three divisions, for the first time in five years.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw - Red Carpet Arrivals

England confirm opponents for March international break

England have confirmed their opponents for the March international break, which they are set to play their final games before Thomas Tuchel picks his final squad for the 2026 World Cup. They have been drawn in Group L and will face Croatia, Panama and Ghana at the finals, where they will be looking to break their major trophy curse, which has extended to 60 years.

Frequently asked questions

Ipswich Town were originally founded as Ipswich A.F.C. in 1878. It wasn't until 1888 that they became Ipswich Town Football Club, after merging with Ipswich Rugby Club. The Tractor Boys, though, turned professional in 1936.

Bright Path Sports Partners own a majority 44% stake in the club. Gamechanger 20 Ltd. also own a majority stake in the club, while artist Ed Sheeran owns 1.4% stake. Moreover, American investors Brett Johnson, Berke Bekay, and Mark Detmer, through their Three Lions fund, have a 5% stake. Marcus Evans also owns a 5% stake.

Ipswich Town have been playing all their home games at the Portman Road since 1884. In the 1990s, the club converted all the four stands into all-seaters.

Portman Road has a total capacity of 30,000 seats. Upon their promotion to the Premier League ahead of the 2024-25 season, new floodlight systems, changing rooms, media facilities and zones, and executive boxes.

Ipswich Town have bagged three titles throughout their history - the English top-flight in 1961-62, the FA Cup in 1978, and the UEFA Cup in 1981.

Ipswich Town have won the top flight in England just once in their history. Their solitary league title triumph came at the end of the 1961-62 season.

With 741 appearances to his name between 1966 and 1982, former English full-back Mick Mills is Ipswich Town's record holder for appearances made. Mills captained England at the 1982 World Cup and was a part of the 1978 FA Cup and 1981 UEFA Cup-winning teams with the Tractor Boys.

Former England international Ray Crawford is Ipswich Town's leading goalscorer of all-time, finding the back of the net 218 times in 354 appearances across two separate stints.

Mick Mitch, Ray Crawford, Ted Phillips, Allan Hunter, Arnold Muhren, and Hermann Hreidarsson are among Ipswich Town's most recognised players ever.

Sir Bobby Robson, Roy Keane, Alf Ramsey, and Scott Duncan are among the most acclaimed Ipswich Town managers ever.

Ipswich Town are nicknamed The Tractor Boys. In the 2000-01 season, after beating Leeds United, the Leeds supporters chanted, "We are being beaten by a bunch of tractor drivers," which was a derogatory chant mocking Ipswich's agricultural heritage. However, the Ipswich Town fans adopted the nickname with pride, and hence, the nickname The Tractor Boys was born.