Newcastle need to accept a frustrating transfer cycle at St James’ Park, John Barnes has told GOAL, as top players will always “come and go” - with even the likes of Liverpool struggling to retain the services of prized assets. Few clubs in world football can resist admiring glances from afar, with the Magpies finding that out to their cost in 2026.
Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given has delivered a chilling warning to the St James' Park faithful, suggesting that the club could be spiralling toward a relegation battle. Following a summer of absolute turmoil that saw manager Eddie Howe resign and the squad’s core ripped out, the Irishman believes the current state of the club is enough to justify the fans' deepest anxieties.
Arijon Ibrahimovic is planned as Luis Diaz’s backup at Bayern Munich next season. The 20-year-old has impressed with his pace and is benefiting from developments in the transfer market.
England at least managed to put a bit of shine on their World Cup campaign. The highly-entertaining, 6-4 win over France in Saturday's bronze-medal match didn't change the fact that they collapsed in the semi-final against Argentina three days earlier, but it did at least save a little bit of face.
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.
Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke were expected to make significant contributions to England’s cause at the 2026 World Cup, but Michael Owen has admitted to GOAL that said collection of wingers have “not really worked” out as planned. Thomas Tuchel is yet to settle on a preferred pairing of wide attackers, with no member of a star-studded quartet truly convincing when being given opportunities in which to impress.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has expressed his immense admiration for Lionel Messi’s continued brilliance, describing the forward's 2026 World Cup campaign as "extraordinary". Speaking from Dallas ahead of the tournament's semi-finals, Laporta also took the opportunity to evaluate the performances of Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon.
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