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.
Anthony Gordon has expressed his deep heartbreak following England's dramatic elimination from the World Cup at the hands of Argentina. The Barcelona winger scored the opening goal in the semi-final clash before Thomas Tuchel's side conceded twice late on, shattering the Three Lions' dreams of reaching a first final since 1966.
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 2026 World Cup is set to feature a historic first, with FIFA confirming that the winning squad will receive NFL-style championship rings alongside their traditional gold medals. Embracing the sporting culture of host nations Canada, Mexico, and the United States, this flashy new addition promises to bring a touch of North American flair to the pinnacle of international football.
Global music icon Shakira has praised Lionel Messi following his inspirational performance in Argentina's World Cup semi-final victory. The Colombian singer took to social media to hail the 39-year-old forward's extraordinary longevity on the pitch, while also reserving a special mention for his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo.
It was a surprise, in truth, that it took reporters so long to ask Harry Kane about his future. The England striker stood there in the mixed zone, after a devastating 2-1 loss to Argentina, faced with the damning end to a remarkable season. And not until the third question did someone ask the England captain what might be next for him.
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.
When Lionel Messi was pushed onto his weaker foot by Nico O'Reilly and Djed Spence on the right side of the box in the 92nd minute of stoppage time, England fans held their breath in unison. The Three Lions had four of their tallest players hovering around the six-yard area, and the Argentina captain needed a perfect delivery to reach Lautaro Martinez at the back post (his only realistic target) - but as we all know, Messi can conjure up perfection at any moment.
England led through Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute strike in the World Cup semi-final against Argentina, only for Thomas Tuchel’s subsequent defensive substitutions to leave the Albiceleste players privately stunned and free to chase a dramatic late victory. The decision to drop deeper and deeper rather than stretch the game with pace proved decisive, allowing Lionel Scaloni’s side to equalise through Enzo Fernandez in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martinez struck the winner in stoppage time.
Comprehensive match preview of France vs England at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more ahead of this third place playoff clash in Miami.
Two days before the biggest World Cup Final of our lifetime, Trevor Noah pulls up to The Late Run. He tells the story behind the photo of Messi bathing baby Lamine Yamal nearly two decades before they meet in a World Cup Final, explains why the whole world is rooting for Spain on Sunday, and calls out England for playing scared.
President Donald Trump will attend Sunday’s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, the White House confirmed Thursday afternoon. Last year, Trump presented Chelsea FC with the FIFA Club World Cup trophy and has built a well-known friendship with Gianni Infantino. The American President, however, found himself in controversy as he acknowledged reaching out to FIFA about Folarin Balogun's red card - which was ultimately suspended.
Enzo Fernandez has courted controversy once again after appearing to troll England on social media following Argentina's dramatic World Cup semi-final win, with the Chelsea midfielder's celebrations and online antics drawing fierce backlash from Three Lions supporters and even forcing his own club into an embarrassing U-turn.
Nicky Butt has launched a scathing, X-rated attack on Thomas Tuchel following England’s devastating World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Argentina. The former Manchester United and England midfielder believes the German coach’s position is now untenable after a series of controversial tactical decisions cost the Three Lions a place in the final, and has already identified two potential replacements.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has delivered a stinging assessment of England's latest World Cup failure, telling the squad to "look in the mirror" after their semi-final exit. The legendary Swedish striker questioned the true quality of the Three Lions after they fell short against Argentina, marking yet another major tournament disappointment.
Harry Kane has admitted to feeling "empty" after England were dumped out of the World Cup at the semi-final stage following a heartbreaking defeat to Argentina. The Three Lions captain took to social media to share his devastation as the nation's 60-year wait for a major global trophy continues.
Lautaro Martinez was unable to contain his emotions on the pitch after firing Argentina into the 2026 World Cup final with a dramatic winner against England. The Inter captain broke down in tears during a post-match TV interview in Atlanta, reflecting on a journey that has taken him from his humble beginnings to the verge of a second global crown.
Social media sensation IShowSpeed has issued a desperate plea to Spain starlet Lamine Yamal ahead of the 2026 World Cup final. The viral streamer is begging the Barcelona starlet to prevent Lionel Messi from lifting back-to-back world titles and further pulling away from his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. With Argentina set to face Spain at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, the stakes for the "GOAT" debate have never been higher.
Thomas Tuchel has confirmed his total commitment to the England job despite the crushing disappointment of a World Cup semi-final exit. The German tactician insists he is the right man to lead the Three Lions into Euro 2028 on home soil, and has identified a "big problem" that must be resolved to finally end the nation's trophy drought.
England legend Michael Owen has launched a blistering attack on Thomas Tuchel, comparing his ultra-defensive tactics to those of a local pub team. Following the Three Lions' heartbreaking 2-1 World Cup semi-final exit to Argentina, the former striker labelled the defensive approach "rubbish" and the absolute opposite of brave.
Atlanta did not need the World Cup to manufacture a soccer culture. Eight matches and more than half a million fan-festival visitors only confirmed what the city had spent nearly 60 years building.
Spain have begun their preparations for the 2026 World Cup final, but concerns are mounting over the fitness of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona winger was seen with heavy strapping on his left thigh while sitting out La Roja’s latest training session ahead of Sunday's showdown with Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
France defender Lucas Digne has opened up on the "immense disappointment" of Les Bleus' World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Spain. The experienced left-back was at the centre of the game's turning point, conceding the penalty for a foul on Lamine Yamal that allowed La Roja to break the deadlock.
Former England international Andros Townsend has fiercely defended manager Thomas Tuchel following the Three Lions' agonising 2-1 World Cup semi-final collapse to Argentina. Townsend dismissed the widespread backlash over Tuchel's defensive changes, arguing the tactical adjustments were "smart" manoeuvres that were ultimately let down by the players on the pitch.
Marc Guehi has appeared to question Thomas Tuchel’s tactical approach following England’s devastating World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Argentina. The Three Lions surrendered a second-half lead in Atlanta, sparking a wave of criticism regarding the manager's decision to retreat into a defensive shell.
Lionel Scaloni could not hide his pride after watching Argentina secure a monumental comeback victory against England to book their place in the 2026 World Cup final. The Albiceleste boss lauded his players' unique psychological approach, claiming they play with the freedom of children despite the immense pressure of the global stage.
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