England manager Thomas Tuchel has admitted to feeling worried and concerned after viewing a journalist's photograph of the playing surface ahead of his side's World Cup warm-up against New Zealand. However, the German tactician insisted that the newly relaid pitch at the Raymond James Stadium will not alter his pre-determined selection plans.
Thomas Tuchel has been handed a contract extension by the Football Association without proving his worth at a first major tournament, with Robbie Fowler telling GOAL that the German tactician “has to win” the 2026 World Cup in order to justify that show of faith. The former Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich boss was appointed by the Three Lions due to his track record of delivering tangible success.
Harry Kane does not need to savour World Cup glory with England in order to become the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner, Robbie Fowler has told GOAL, with remarkable goalscoring exploits at Bayern Munich ensuring that he is “in the conversation”. The prolific No.9 is hoping to be named the best player on the planet after maintaining stunning individual standards with club and country.
England have never come up against Lionel Messi, and Robbie Fowler has told GOAL why the 2026 World Cup could be the perfect occasion in which to cross paths with the Argentine GOAT. The ex-Three Lions frontman says the 2022 champion should not scare Thomas Tuchel’s side, while a reunion with old adversaries Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal should also be embraced.
Declan Rice is “up there” with the best midfielders that England have ever produced, Peter Reid has told GOAL, as the Arsenal talisman has joined a talent bracket that includes the likes of Steven Gerrard and Bryan Robson. That is a big billing, but the newly-crowned Premier League title winner will want to justify it when starring at the 2026 World Cup.
Nike has unveiled its new "Rip the Script" campaign ahead of the 2026 World Cup, bringing together some of football's biggest names and global celebrities. Cole Palmer, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior headline the film, which promotes creativity and instinctive play while showcasing the brand's latest football innovations.
Harry Kane is just as important to the Three Lions as he is to Bayern Munich, both as captain and as a goalscorer. Nevertheless, he may get less playing time at the World Cup than expected.
Former England midfielder Nicky Butt has warned Jude Bellingham that manager Thomas Tuchel will ruthlessly ignore player reputations at the upcoming World Cup. Butt believes the Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers possesses the ultimate X-factor and could completely outshine established superstars like Bellingham and Harry Kane on the global stage.
"Who else?!" Those were the words of Jude Bellingham as he careened away in celebration after his quite remarkable bicycle kick had drawn England level in the 95th minute of their Euro 2024 round-of-16 game against Slovakia. The Three Lions had been terrible up to that point, but Bellingham’s heroic moment had kept them alive, continuing a season where he had been the difference-maker for Real Madrid again and again.
Jordan Pickford has declared himself ready to take a penalty for England if required at the World Cup. The Everton goalkeeper is balancing his goalkeeping duties with penalty practice as the Three Lions prepare for the tournament in the United States, where he hopes to play a decisive role at both ends of the pitch.
Legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly was never short of a good quote, but one of his best offered an insight as to how exactly a football team should be run: "A football team is like a piano - you need eight men to carry it and three who can play the damn thing." It’s a punchy line, and in modern-day international football, it rings painfully true.
Former England striker Alan Shearer has urged manager Thomas Tuchel to make a bold decision by starting Morgan Rogers over Jude Bellingham in the coveted number 10 role. Backed by stunning club statistics and a European trophy, the Aston Villa star's exceptional form and superior match fitness could give him the definitive edge heading into the World Cup.
Ollie Watkins has revealed that being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad earlier this year was the catalyst for the best form of his career. The Aston Villa striker saw his World Cup dreams hang in the balance after missing the March camp, but he believes the setback provided the necessary fire to prove his worth on the big stage.
Recently retired England stalwart Kyle Walker has cast doubt on Thomas Tuchel’s maiden tournament squad by naming three players he believes were unfairly omitted. The 36-year-old, who earned 96 caps for the Three Lions, suggested that the German manager has taken a massive gamble on the fitness and form of his defensive line.
Harry Kane will “half want to come back” to the Premier League once his adventure at Bayern Munich is over, Peter Reid has told GOAL. An England icon of the past would like to see one of the present make his way to Everton, but appreciates that may be slightly ambitious and has explained what makes the Three Lions’ all-time leading goalscorer special.
Thomas Tuchel is preparing to hand Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott his international debut during England's final World Cup preparations. Despite not being named in the final 26-man tournament squad, the 22-year-old has been thrust into the spotlight for the upcoming friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica.
Harry Kane will be leading England’s quest for World Cup glory in 2026, but can the prolific Bayern Munich striker make history by becoming the first man to win two Golden Boots? Ex-Three Lions frontman Robbie Fowler has told GOAL that target can be hit while moving ever closer to an exclusive club that is currently occupied by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Harry Kane has enjoyed a landmark moment in his career off the pitch after being immortalised at Madame Tussauds London. The England captain described the unveiling of his waxwork as a "proud moment" for his family as he prepares to lead the Three Lions into the upcoming World Cup.
Jordan Henderson has spoken out to defend Thomas Tuchel’s controversial selection decisions as England begin their World Cup preparations in the United States. The veteran midfielder, a questionable inclusion himself, addressed the public outcry regarding the absence of several high-profile Premier League stars from the final 26-man roster.
Jude Bellingham at Liverpool is a transfer that could be agreed at some point in the future, Reds legend Robbie Fowler has told GOAL, with the England international midfielder being told where his game can still improve. The all-action 22-year-old remains on the books of Real Madrid for now, but a Premier League challenge may be sought once his Spanish adventure comes to a close.
Kobbie Mainoo has credited Michael Carrick with saving his international career after being named in England's 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup. The Manchester United starlet admitted he is "very grateful" to the newly-permanent Old Trafford boss for the faith shown in him since he took the reins.
Cole Palmer appears to be making the most of his unexpected summer break, having been spotted relaxing in Ibiza alongside Wayne Lineker following his omission from the England squad. The Chelsea star was a high-profile absentee from Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man selection for the upcoming World Cup.
When Marcus Rashford first attempted to speak Spanish, Lamine Yamal fell over laughing. It came during the Manchester United loanee's first training session in Catalunya - or, at least, the first one made public - and after chasing shadows in a rondo, Rashford said something pretty much unintelligible to the Ballon d'Or favourite. Contrast that, then, with the first impression made by Barca's latest English arrival, Anthony Gordon, whose almost fluent Spanish shocked those tuning in for his introductory press conference.
Steven Gerrard has been used to explain why Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice cannot be considered a Ballon d’Or contender “just yet”, with Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler telling GOAL why the Gunners talisman “needs to go up a notch” in order to join the global elite. That path is still being trodden by the all-action 27-year-old, who will soon be on World Cup duty with England.
England
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