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.
After an outstanding season, Harry Kane rates himself as "one of the favourites" for the coveted Ballon d'Or. He also defended Thomas Tuchel, who has faced recent criticism.
Manchester City defender Ruben Dias is not convinced the 2026 World Cup will mark the end for veterans like 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, defending champion Lionel Messi, 38, and Luka Modric, 40. The Portuguese centre-back discussed the immense motivation his squad feels to capture the only major trophy their iconic captain has failed to win.
Steffen Freund believes England are currently better equipped than Germany to challenge for the 2026 World Cup, though he has warned of a potential stumbling block for Thomas Tuchel. The former Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund midfielder suggests that while the Three Lions possess superior squad depth, the manager's history with man-management could pose a threat to their pursuit of silverware.
Bayern Munich star Harry Kane believes he will be a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or if he leads England to World Cup glory. Following a spectacular season where he scored 61 goals across all competitions, the prolific forward is fully confident that lifting the ultimate international trophy will solidify his claim for the sport's top individual prize.
England's squad numbers appear to offer an early indication of Thomas Tuchel's thinking ahead of the World Cup. Marcus Rashford has been handed the iconic No.11 shirt, a move that could point towards a starting role, while Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Jordan Pickford retain key numbers.
Thomas Tuchel’s England squad has touched down in Florida to begin a hot-weather training camp ahead of the upcoming World Cup tournament. Captain Harry Kane has firmly embraced the manager's collective ethos, insisting that the clear expectation for the Three Lions is to finally cross the line and bring home football's ultimate prize.
'Golden Generation'. Football has Adam Crozier, the former chief of the Football Association, to blame for the term, after he famously dubbed the England team as such following their 5-1 battering of Germany in a World Cup qualifier in Munich. It was a remarkable performance, but also a potentially catastrophic turn of phrase.
England legend Alan Shearer has sparked a massive debate ahead of the 2026 World Cup by suggesting that Jude Bellingham should be dropped from the starting XI. As Thomas Tuchel prepares his squad for their opening clash against Croatia, the former Three Lions captain believes a change in midfield is essential to unlocking the full potential of Harry Kane.
As Reece James prepares to lead England's defensive line at the upcoming World Cup, the 26-year-old is determined to finally make his mark on the global stage after the heartbreak of missing out on Qatar 2022. While his sister, Lauren James, has already tasted international success with the Lionesses, the Blues skipper insists he has his own blueprint for success.
Thomas Tuchel has revealed that England are tapping into the elite expertise of Team GB to ensure the Three Lions can handle the brutal heat of the 2026 World Cup. As the squad prepares to fly to Florida for a vital acclimatisation camp, the German head coach is leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of global dominance.
When Thomas Tuchel was hired as the new England manager in October 2024, he was given a simple brief: Win the 2026 World Cup. Some 20 months on and the tournament now looms large, while confirmation of the Three Lions' squad has crystallised the daunting task at hand for the German tactician as they arrive in North America.
The World Cup has had no shortage of iconic moments across nearly 100 years of history. Every four years, billions of fans congregate to watch a tournament that has provided more drama, heartbreak and joy than any other event in sporting history. Football's grandest stage, the World Cup has always offered a platform for legends to be born, but it has also seen reputations destroyed and the downfall of so many famous faces.
Pep Guardiola has officially called time on his legendary stay at Manchester City, leaving a legacy of 20 trophies after a decade of dominance at the Etihad Stadium. While the Catalan tactician is set for a temporary sabbatical, speculation is already mounting regarding his next destination in the dugout. Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez believes that after conquering the club game in Spain, Germany, and England, his former mentor is destined for the international stage.
Raheem Sterling has been arrested on suspicion of drug driving following a crash involving his Lamborghini on the M3. The 31-year-old was released on bail as police continue their investigation into the incident.
Elliot Anderson boasts enough potential to become “one of the very best”, Jack Colback has told GOAL, with the in-demand Nottingham Forest star considered to be an “old-fashioned” midfielder that is capable of doing a bit of everything. That skill set is said to be attracting admiring glances from Manchester, with City and United both mulling over the merits of a big-money transfer bid.
FIFA has confirmed the key dates and squad regulations for the 2026 World Cup. Nations must submit their final player lists by June 1, with strict rules in place regarding injuries, replacements and goalkeeper selections.
Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton has insisted he will not "sit and cry" after being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming World Cup. Despite a fine individual campaign at Selhurst Park, the 22-year-old midfielder was the high-profile absentee from the 26-man travelling party announced last week.
Pep Guardiola is reportedly open to taking over as England manager in the future as he begins his life after Manchester City. The legendary coach, who has just ended a trophy-laden decade at the Etihad Stadium, is viewed as the ultimate 'dream' candidate for the Football Association.
Former England manager Glenn Hoddle has launched a fierce critique against Thomas Tuchel following the omission of Adam Wharton from the World Cup squad. The teenage maestro inspired Crystal Palace to their historic continental victory just days after being overlooked in favour of veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson for the tournament in the United States.
Chelsea striker Joao Pedro has made a sensational claim regarding his club team-mate Cole Palmer, suggesting the England playmaker would be the perfect fit to inherit Neymar's iconic No.10 shirt for Brazil. Both players are facing a summer away from the international spotlight after being left out of their respective final squads for the 2026 World Cup.
Michael Owen has, during an exclusive interview with GOAL, picked two players from England’s ‘Golden Generation’ that would improve the Three Lions’ class of 2026 and aid their bid for World Cup glory. The ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid striker has also debated whether Harry Kane and Declan Rice could oust the likes of Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard from an iconic team of the past.
Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White has hit out at his omission from Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad, claiming he has done "more than enough" to warrant a place on the plane. The 26-year-old was a shock absentee from the final selection despite a career-best campaign in the Premier League.
England
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