Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney says he has never considered Neymar to be world class. The Brazilian superstar has enjoyed a stellar career, winning titles across the globe with Santos, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. The forward has also dazzled in Brazil's colours on the international stage but that's not been enough to impress the former England international.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has expressed a strong desire to see Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo handed England recalls when Thomas Tuchel reveals his latest squad selections. The German tactician, who succeeded Gareth Southgate, has yet to select a single player from Old Trafford since taking charge at the start of last year.
John Stones is facing a fight to save his international career after former Premier League defender Anton Ferdinand sensationally called for the Manchester City man to be axed from England's World Cup squad. The treble-winner has endured a nightmare period with fitness, leading to questions over whether he can still be trusted on the biggest stage.
Premier League history-maker James Milner has explained to GOAL why collective trophies won as part of âspecialâ dressing rooms mean more to him than any personal accolades. The former Manchester City and Liverpool midfielder, who is now with Brighton, has been rewriting the English top-flight record books as an individual, but continues to take great pride in being a team player.
Chelsea wonderkid Estevao Willian has certainly made his loyalties known. In a light-hearted but revealing social media challenge put to him by GOAL, the teenage sensation was asked to pick between legendary figures of English and Brazilian football, and his answers were remarkably one-sided.
Former Chelsea and England youth star Carney Chukwuemeka has officially switched his international allegiance to Austria. Thriving in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, the 22-year-old earned his first senior call-up from Ralf Rangnick and could play a key role in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. He is now poised to make his senior international debut after being named in the 28-man squad for friendlies against Ghana and South Korea.
Thomas Tuchel will name his England squad for the March internationals on Friday, with the Three Lions reconvening for the final time before the end of the 2025-26 club season. This, effectively, will be the last chance for those on the fringes of the squad to impress without immediate fear of losing their World Cup place. But it will also be Tuchel's last opportunity to experiment with systems and players he thinks could help win the trophy.
Kyle Walker has ended his long and successful career with England, during which he earned 96 caps and played in five major tournaments. The veteran defender, who played in two European Championship finals, has now named the five best players he played with for the Three Lions. Walker chose a list that shows how well things have gone in the modern era under Gareth Southgate, even though he played with members of the "Golden Generation".
Umbro are testament to carving out your niche. The storied British brand may have lost ground to sportswear powerhouses like Nike and adidas in the modern era - a result of limited finances and a hostile market - but they remain undefeated as purveyors of pure English football nostalgia. Their new 'Home' collection for spring/summer 2026 is another reflection of that fact.
Thierry Henry has leapt to the defence of Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe, insisting his fellow Frenchman has been unfairly criticised in his career due to the high standards expected of him. Mbappe rose to stardom with AS Monaco before securing a nine-figure move to Paris Saint-Germain and winning the World Cup with France as a key starter while still a teenager. To date, Mbappe has scored 365 times in 460 club appearances, while he has also grabbed 55 goals in 94 caps for France, second to only Olivier Giroud in Les Bleus' all-time leading scorers list. Despite these many accolades, Mbappe has never won the Champions League as a player, and despite being tipped to take home many Ballon d'Or awards in an era after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's duopoly, he has yet to claim a Golden Ball for himself.
England captain Harry Kane has led the tributes to Kyle Walker after the veteran defender announced his retirement from international football. The 35-year-old Burnley full-back has decided to end his Three Lions career after earning 96 caps and representing his country at five major tournaments, spanning a 14-year period at the very highest level of the game.
After an illustrious international journey spanning 15 years, legendary defender Kyle Walker has officially announced his retirement from the England national team. The 35-year-old Burnley star leaves behind a remarkable legacy of 96 caps, having played a pivotal role in transforming the Three Lions' fortunes across five major tournaments and multiple historic finals.
Former Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka has officially committed his international future to Austria. The Borussia Dortmund star, who represented England at youth level, is now set to link up with former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick.
A revelation regarding a new âthree-season storyâ for Ted Lasso has been made ahead of Jason Sudeikis and Co delivering Series 4 of the Emmy Award-winning production. With an initial run coming to a close in 2023, fans across the globe are readying themselves for a return to the world of AFC Richmond. One of the showâs co-creators has hinted at there being many more stories to tell.
Everton playmaker Jack Grealish has shared a defiant message with supporters as he continues his rehabilitation from a season-ending foot injury. The England international, currently on loan at Goodison Park from Manchester City, was forced to undergo surgery last month after suffering a stress fracture during a Premier League clash against his former club, Aston Villa, in January.
Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers is facing intense scrutiny over his private life after former partner Leah Taylor went public with claims of infidelity. The Love Island star detailed the breakdown of their whirlwind romance during a recent podcast appearance.
Football charity Street Soccer is proving that the game can still be beautiful, channelling the sport to tackle homelessness head on. They have released their first-ever collaborative jersey, connecting football with art and social impact to raise funds for an important cause.
Thomas Tuchel has been urged to snub the likes of Cole Palmer and Phil Foden by picking âworld-beaterâ Marcus Rashford on the left wing for England at the 2026 World Cup. Former Three Lions star Lee Sharpe has told GOAL the Manchester United academy graduate, who is currently on loan at Barcelona, possesses qualities that his rivals for an international starting berth do not have.
Jordan Henderson was at the centre of a chaotic scene on Tuesday, as tempers flared after Brentford's 0-0 draw with Bournemouth. The former Liverpool captain appeared to lose his composure as he squared up to a Bournemouth staff member after the final whistle at the Vitality Stadium. Following a frustrating night, the veteran midfielder had to be physically restrained by team-mates and security personnel to prevent a touchline melee from escalating.
Mason Greenwood may yet bring his hopes of earning an England recall to a close by pledging allegiance to Jamaica at the 2026 World Cup, admits a man that once trod a similar path. Frank Sinclair joined the Reggae Boyz ranks for a major tournament adventure in 1998 and has told GOAL why a forward starring at Marseille could take a similar decision.
Thomas Tuchel has been given three reasons why Jude Bellingham, who is nursing an injury at Real Madrid, has to make Englandâs 2026 World Cup squad. The all-action midfielder may be forced to sit out international action during the March round of friendlies, but Lee Sharpe has told GOAL that the talented 22-year-old is one of those that should be picked on reputation alone.
Former England boss Gareth Southgate has sought to distance himself from reports suggesting that he could make a return to club management with Manchester United. The 55-year-old stepped down from his role with the Three Lions after enduring more European Championship heartache in 2024. Rather than heading back to the dugout, Southgate is planning to star in a âdifferent movieâ.
Former England star Stuart Pearce has named his "first name on the teamsheet" for this summer's World Cup, and has snubbed both Declan Rice and Harry Kane. The Arsenal and Bayern Munich stars are almost certain to be heavily involved in the Three Lions' bid to end 60 years of hurt, but Pearce has instead picked a Manchester City star as the most important in the squad.
Professional Footballersâ Association chief executive Maheta Molango has warned Chelsea that Cole Palmer is facing "burnout". The Blues star is set to feature heavily in the Blues' run-in as the club attempt to qualify for the Champions League, and is also likely to travel to World Cup 2026 in North America, Mexico and Canada with England in the summer.
Former Manchester United and England star Lee Sharpe has told GOAL why struggles under Ruben Amorim may end up working in Kobbie Mainooâs favour. The 20-year-old midfielder has returned to favour at club level under interim Red Devils boss Michael Carrick and is considered to be in contention for an international recall ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
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England
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