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.
England legend Sir Geoff Hurst has crowned Harry Kane as the greatest striker in the nation's history as the Three Lions prepare for a monumental World Cup semi-final clash against Argentina. The 1966 hat-trick hero believes the current captain has surpassed all who came before him, including the icons of England's only triumphant campaign.
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have been hogging headlines for England at the 2026 World Cup, with ex-Three Lions star Gary Pallister telling GOAL who has been an unsung hero for Thomas Tuchel’s side. All-action midfielder Elliot Anderson is considered to fit that bill, with the Manchester City new boy putting in the graft that allows others to deliver guile.
Thomas Tuchel has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of England’s monumental World Cup semi-final clash against Argentina, insisting the Three Lions have the blueprint to nullify Lionel Messi. The German tactician believes that while the Inter Miami superstar remains a unique threat, England’s success in silencing Erling Haaland during the quarter-finals proves they can handle the world's most dangerous attackers.
Thomas Tuchel has moved to dismiss suggestions of a rift within the England camp, insisting there are "no cracks" in his relationship with Jude Bellingham. The Three Lions boss claimed the pair are "closer than ever" despite the Real Madrid superstar publicly challenging his manager's assessment following their dramatic World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway.
Kobbie Mainoo has been surprisingly snubbed by Thomas Tuchel throughout the 2026 World Cup, but Michael Owen has told GOAL why the Manchester United midfielder may yet have a Geoff Hurst role to play for England. The 21-year-old is having to be patient in pursuit of game time at FIFA’s flagship event, but “unlikely heroes” have emerged at previous tournaments.
Michael Owen has - during an exclusive interview with GOAL - lauded the Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne-esque influence of Jude Bellingham on England’s World Cup class of 2026, discussed the Ballon d’Or battle that could soon break out between international team-mates and what the Three Lions need to do in order to bring 60 years of hurt to a close.
It's testament to the progress that England have made over the last decade that, in the eyes of many, they will be favourites when they come up against World Cup holders Argentina in the semi-finals of the 2026 edition on Wednesday. Of course, a side containing the great Lionel Messi still poses an existential threat to the Three Lions' chances of ending six decades of hurt, but Thomas Tuchel's men have nothing to fear in Atalanta.
England cult hero Dan Burn is more than just a “head it and kick it” centre-half, Gary Pallister has told GOAL, with another defender from the North East explaining why a 2026 World Cup viral sensation was always destined to make it. Burn may have doubted that himself at times, but is now a trophy-winning Premier League regular and vital “finisher” with his country.
England legend Sir Geoff Hurst has thrown his support behind Jude Bellingham following the midfielder's dismissive response to criticism from manager Thomas Tuchel. After the Real Madrid star inspired a quarter-final victory over Norway, he brushed off the German coach's assessment of the team's performance with a blunt reply.
David Beckham is officially making his highly anticipated debut in the popular video game Fortnite. The former Manchester United midfielder will be available as a playable character, joining a star-studded lineup of global icons that already includes famous faces from the worlds of sport and music. Fans can expect to see his digital avatar in the game very soon.
England should have enough quality to overcome Argentina in their blockbuster World Cup semi-final, but only if they can successfully nullify the threat of Lionel Messi. Former Manchester United and Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre has warned Thomas Tuchel's side that the Inter Miami superstar is at his most dangerous when he appears to be doing the least, prowling the pitch in search of his next match-winning moment.
Former Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor has boldly claimed that Jude Bellingham, rather than Declan Rice, is destined to succeed Harry Kane as the next England captain. Bellingham has been the standout performer at this summer's World Cup, leading his nation to the semi-finals, and his incredible leadership qualities on the pitch have convinced pundits of his future role.
Lionel Messi has redefined how to influence matches at the World Cup, staggering fans by walking for almost half of his time on the pitch. As Argentina prepare to face England in a highly anticipated semi-final, staggering statistics show exactly how the forward is adapting his game to dominate opponents and preserve his energy for the most crucial, game-changing moments.
Football fans are in for an unforgettable spectacle as the 2026 World Cup reaches its grand conclusion. An incredible lineup featuring Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, pop superstar Nicole Scherzinger, and renowned internet personality IShowSpeed will headline the closing ceremony ahead of the final match in New Jersey, promising an unprecedented blend of music, culture, and sporting drama.
FIFA has officially announced that American referee Ismail Elfath will officiate England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina. The 44-year-old experienced MLS official, widely regarded as a lucky charm for Lionel Messi, will oversee the blockbuster clash in Atlanta on Wednesday night as Thomas Tuchel aims to guide the Three Lions past the defending world champions.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has urged new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso to sign free agent John Stones, arguing the England defender would bring experience and leadership to a young squad. The former Blues striker believes Chelsea's lighter schedule next season could also help minimise concerns over Stones' injury record.
FIFA has been forced to make a rare exception to its strict tournament branding rules ahead of the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina. The governing body could not conceal the iconic Mercedes-Benz logo at Atlanta Stadium after engineering concerns made covering the landmark impossible.
Nico O'Reilly is relishing the prospect of facing Lionel Messi when England meet Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals. The Manchester City youngster described the opportunity as "once-in-a-lifetime", while Jordan Pickford warned England must not become overly focused on stopping the Albiceleste captain alone.
England captain Harry Kane has accused the media of attempting to manufacture internal camp unrest ahead of their World Cup semi-final showdown against Argentina. The striker firmly maintained the squad remains entirely united despite Jude Bellingham's dismissive response to criticism from Thomas Tuchel about England's display in their quarter-final win over Norway.
And so we get to the real bit. England have had, in truth, quite a favourable run in the World Cup thus far. Mexico at the Azteca was a real test, but they are yet to face a team that is, objectively, better than them. Enter Argentina, the reigning champions and led by a certain Lionel Messi.
Before the start of Lionel Messi's sixth World Cup, the common consensus was that he'd seen and done it all. After effectively completing football four years ago in Qatar, there was even a fear that there was no way he could, at 39 years of age, add to his legacy - only slightly sully it. Messi, though, has spent his entire career making a mockery out of conventional wisdom and has actually managed to solidify his status as the greatest player of all time by becoming the World Cup's all-time leading goal-scorer and assist-maker during Argentina's run to the semi-finals.
England
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