Thomas Tuchel has leaped to the defence of his England side’s perceived over-reliance on Harry Kane, comparing the striker’s impact to that of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Three Lions fell to a 1-0 friendly defeat against Japan at Wembley on Tuesday, with the captain forced to watch from the sidelines after picking up a minor injury in training.
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has condemned the "intolerable" anti-Muslim chants that marred Spain’s goalless draw with Egypt at the RCDE Stadium. The 18-year-old, who is a practising Muslim, labelled the perpetrators "ignorant" and "racist" after local police launched a formal investigation.
Brazil starlet Endrick has opened up on the emotional turmoil he faced before coming off the bench to inspire a 3-1 victory over Croatia. The teenage sensation admitted to feeling a crushing sense of "urgency" before a timely intervention from his wife, Gabriely Miranda, changed his mindset.
The 20-year-old has been massive for the national team since getting his chance in mid-last year following convincing displays while with Orlando Pirates. Even after his move to the Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire, the youngster has shown no signs of stopping from delivering for Mzansi when given an opportunity.
The two nations met in two friendlies during the FIFA international break to continue preparations for the prestigious global competition to be held jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. South Africans were left frustrated by the results posted by their national team with barely two months to go.
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.
South Africa's head coach has hinted to SAFA that the team should secure high-profile friendly matches against European or Asian opposition during the next international break. The Belgian tactician is eager to refine his squad’s preparations following a challenging double-header against Panama.
Lionel Scaloni has thrown his support behind Lionel Messi to potentially reach the historic 1,000 career goals milestone, while insisting the Argentina captain does have the "desire" to play at the 2026 World Cup. Speaking after a dominant friendly victory against Zambia, the Albiceleste boss emphasized that the Inter Miami star still possesses the hunger to compete at the very highest level despite already achieving his ultimate dream in Qatar.
Gabriel Martinelli scored a lovely goal after being teed up by Endrick to complete Brazil's 3-1 victory over Croatia in a confidence-boosting World Cup warm-up clash. The Arsenal man's arrowed finish rounded off the scoring in stoppage time as the Selecao bounced back from last week's friendly defeat to France.
Lionel Messi delivered a vintage performance at La Bombonera, recording a goal and an assist as Argentina dismantled Zambia 5-0 in their final home fixture before the 2026 World Cup. The Inter Miami icon captained the world champions to a dominant victory in what is expected to be the last home game he plays for his country.
Thomas Tuchel has refused to entertain suggestions that the weight of the England shirt is getting to his players following a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Japan. The Three Lions were booed off at Wembley after Kaoru Mitoma's first-half strike condemned them to a second underwhelming result in the space of four days.
The German national team’s attack shines even without (and with) Deniz Undav; Lennart Karl is proving himself worthy of more than just a trial run; the defence is holding its own despite the odd wobble; and Julian Nagelsmann’s measures are paying off. The winners and losers at the DFB following the March training camp.
The U.S. played with more intensity and created a fair number of chances to get something from the game, but they never quite got the final details right on either side of the field
Northern Ireland and Blackburn Rovers manager Michael O'Neill has provoked a fierce backlash from Championship relegation rivals. Balancing his dual roles, the 56-year-old is accused of a major conflict of interest after heavily utilising key players from clubs battling Blackburn for survival in a 1-1 friendly draw, while resting his own prospect until the 80th minute.
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