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'Play angry' - Watkins reveals he's sought Michael Owen's advice

Ollie Watkins has revealed that former England striker Michael Owen advised him to play with more aggression as he looks to revive his international ambitions. The Aston Villa forward has sought guidance from the legendary goalscorer during a challenging season. Watkins believes the advice could help him rediscover his best form ahead of the World Cup.

Liverpool v Manchester United - Premier League

'One of the best defenders in the world' - Maguire makes bold statement

Harry Maguire has never been one to shy away from scrutiny, and the Manchester United defender has now made a series of bold claims following his recent contract extension at Old Trafford. The 33-year-old reflects on a career defined by resilience, asserting that his aerial dominance keeps him among the global elite while insisting United can fight for the Premier League title next season.

Bologna FC 1909 v Celtic FC - UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7

Rowe eyes PL return and England World Cup spot

Jonathan Rowe is quickly becoming the leading man at Bologna, but the London-born forward has his sights set on even loftier goals as the 2026 World Cup approaches. After finding his feet in Serie A under Vincenzo Italiano, the former Norwich City starlet is ready to use the European stage to prove he belongs in Thomas Tuchel’s England plans.

Diaz test will decide Trent's England fate

Trent must lock down Diaz or kiss World Cup hopes goodbye

It was one of those passes that only Trent Alexander-Arnold could play. Liverpool had struggled to break down Tottenham in December 2024, Spurs holding strong for 23 minutes despite waves of pressure. And then, Alexander-Arnold delivered the killer ball. He drifted in from the right wing, created the ideal angle, and whipped a cross in between two centre-backs, right onto Luis Diaz's head.

Paris Saint-Germain FC v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg

James return date for Chelsea set as England handed World Cup lift

Chelsea captain Reece James is reportedly on track to return from a significant hamstring injury by early May, handing Thomas Tuchel a major boost ahead of England's World Cup campaign. The versatile defender, who has been sidelined since last month, is making rapid progress in his rehabilitation to alleviate fears that he would miss the remainder of the domestic season.

FBL-ENG-FACUP-SOUTHAMPTON-ARSENAL

Wilshere claims Spain would call Dowman up for World Cup

Jack Wilshere has made a passionate case for Arsenal’s teenage sensation Max Dowman to be included in England’s 2026 World Cup squad, insisting that rivals like Spain would not hesitate to cap such a precocious talent. The former Gunners midfielder, who now manages Luton Town, believes the 16-year-old possesses a level of natural ability that even exceeds his own breakthrough years at the Emirates.

Woking v Eastleigh - Enterprise National League

Defoe begins managerial career with dramatic late comeback

Jermain Defoe experienced a rollercoaster introduction to life in the dugout as his Woking side fought back from two goals down to secure a 3-3 draw against Eastleigh. The former England international saw his managerial debut nearly ruined by a defensive collapse before a spirited late rally saved a point at the Laithwaite Community Stadium.

Bruno Fernandes penalty bottle Mark Crossley

Water bottles & gut instinct: Penalty-saving secrets revealed

Former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley has explained penalty-saving secrets to GOAL, revealing how he would go about trying to thwart Bruno Fernandes and Ivan Toney. Water bottles adorned with advice and instructions have become all the rage in modern football, but do they really make much of a difference in a battle of wills from 12 yards?

Harry Kane Bayern Munich 2025-26

More than Isak? Kane told £500m price tag would be ‘worth it’

Uli Hoeness has claimed that Harry Kane could be worth more than Alexander Isak in the open transfer market, with Brad Friedel telling GOAL that the Bayern Munich striker would represent value for money at £500 million ($662m). That tongue-in-cheek assessment has been delivered as questions continue to be asked of how much longer the prolific England captain will spend at the Allianz Arena.

Bellingham

Arbeloa addresses Bellingham's 'unusual' England injury situation

Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has addressed the situation surrounding Jude Bellingham’s fitness after the midfielder returned from international duty without playing a single minute for England. Despite being called up by Thomas Tuchel for the recent friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, the 22-year-old was managed cautiously following his recent recovery from a significant hamstring injury.

Max Dowman Arsenal 2025-26

Unique Dowman quality used as reason for England WC selection

A unique quality possessed by Max Dowman has been used as a reason why the 16-year-old Arsenal wonderkid should be included in England’s 2026 World Cup squad. The talented teenager is yet to start a Premier League fixture, but has become that division’s youngest goal-scorer during one of three outings off the bench. Bryan Robson is among those that believe Dowman could be a useful wildcard for England this summer.

England v Japan - International Friendly

Tuchel issues Foden World Cup warning

Thomas Tuchel has fired a stark warning to Phil Foden regarding his place in the upcoming World Cup squad. The England manager admitted the Manchester City playmaker is far from a guaranteed selection, raising serious concerns over the midfielder's inability to translate his dazzling club form to the international stage following a disappointing pair of Wembley friendlies.

World Cup 2026 Power Rankings

WC26 Power Rankings: France flex as England & U.S. falter

There really is nothing like the World Cup. Even just qualifying generates a level of nationwide excitement that the club game simply cannot match, which is why we witnessed truly joyous scenes all across the globe during the March international break, as the final six qualifiers were confirmed for this summer's festival of football in North America.

Harry Kane Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo 2025

Tuchel compares Kane to Messi & Ronaldo

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.

Frequently asked questions

Fifteen players from the Aston Villa Wesleyan Chapel cricket team formed the Aston Villa Football Club in the 1870s.

Aston Villa are owned by V Sports, a joint venture between billionaires Nassef Sawiris and Wesley Edens. Atairos, an investment company based in the UK, became a minority partner of V Sports in April 2024.

Aston Villa play all their home games at the Villa Park since 1897.

Villa Park has a capacity of over 42,000 and has hosted more FA Cup semi-final games than any other stadium in history.

Aston Villa have won 22 titles throughout their history, including seven English top-flight titles, one European Cup (now known as the Champions League), and seven FA Cups.

Aston Villa have won seven top-flight titles, but have failed to clinch a league trophy in the Premier League era. They last won the first division in the 1980-81 season.

Former Scottish left-back Charlie Aitken has made the most appearances for Aston Villa, featuring in 660 games for the club from 1961 to 1975.

One of the greatest players to ever play for Aston Villa, Billy Walker is the club's record goalscorer of all-time with 244 goals to his name.

Jack Grealish, Dwight Yorke, Emiliano Martinez, Gordon Cowans, and Gareth Barry are among the most respectable players in Aston Villa history, with the club also luring legends like Peter Schmeichel and Paul McGrath.

Steven Gerrard, Steve Bruce, Gerard Houllier and Unai Emery are among the big names to have led Aston Villa during its illustrious history.

Aston Villa are famously known as The Villans. The name 'Villa' is derived from the Villa Cross Wesleyan Church, whose former cricket club passed on the name to the club.