Football fans across the United Kingdom have received a major boost ahead of the 2026 World Cup after the government confirmed a significant relaxation of licensing laws. Pubs in England and Wales will be permitted to extend their operating hours for knockout matches. This legislative victory ensures supporters can stay at their locals into the early hours as the tournament unfolds across North America.
England and Scotland games at the 2026 World Cup are under threat, with Gillette Stadium in Foxborough yet to be granted the license required to stage FIFA fixtures. The iconic venue on the outskirts of Boston, which is home to the New England Patriots franchise in NFL circles, is due to host seven matches at this summer’s global showpiece.
England have been handed a brutal draw on their return to the top table of Nations League football. The Three Lions will take on Spain, Croatia, and Czechia in what could be seen as a Group of Death for Thomas Tuchel's men, who will first attempt to win the World Cup this summer.
GOAL runs the rule over the British players earning a living away from their homeland, with plenty more stars deciding to leave their comfort zones in search of a better footballing life elsewhere. The Premier League is still obviously one of the world's most entertaining divisions and the Championship can prove fantastic for development, but there are more options out there.
GOAL runs the rule over the British players earning a living away from their homeland, with plenty more stars deciding to leave their comfort zones in search of a better footballing life elsewhere. The Premier League is still obviously one of the world's most entertaining divisions and the Championship can prove fantastic for development, but there are more options out there.
GOAL runs the rule over the British players earning a living away from their homeland, with plenty more stars deciding to leave their comfort zones in search of a better footballing life elsewhere. The Premier League is still obviously one of the world's most entertaining divisions and the Championship can prove fantastic for development, but there are more options out there.
GOAL runs the rule over the British players earning a living away from their homeland, with plenty more stars deciding to leave their comfort zones in search of a better footballing life elsewhere. The Premier League is still obviously one of the world's most entertaining divisions and the Championship can prove fantastic for development, but there are more options out there.
A domestic opponent of Lionel Messi in the United States has explained how the Argentine GOAT has a ”nasty side” and enjoys engaging in “verbals” with MLS rivals. The most decorated player of all-time is considered to have a switch that can be turned on whenever moments of inspiration are required, with those qualities making him the “best player ever”.
Scott McTominay has received glowing praise from an unlikely source after Hollywood star Timothee Chalamet hailed the midfielder following his heroics in Scotland’s successful World Cup-qualifying campaign. The Napoli ace scored a stunning overhead kick to help his country defeat Denmark and book their place at next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes is all set for talks with Scotland boss Steve Clarke over switching allegiance from England ahead of World Cup 2026. Barnes, who was born in Burnley, has Scottish connections from his mother's side and is thus eligible to represent their national team. The 28-year-old has featured only once for England back in 2020 against Wales.
GOAL runs the rule over the British players earning a living away from their homeland, with plenty more stars deciding to leave their comfort zones in search of a better footballing life elsewhere. The Premier League is still obviously one of the world's most entertaining divisions and the Championship can prove fantastic for development, but there are more options out there.
Scotland discovered their World Cup 2026 group opposition after the draw took place in Washington DC, but only after an infernally long pre-draw build-up that left many of those watching fuming. One of those frustrated by the long videos, interviews with stars, including US President Donald Trump, was Scotland star John McGinn, who summed-up everyone's frustrations in one simple, but hilarious image.
The World Cup 2026 draw has been made, with England set to face Croatia in the group stages, and the USMNT to take on Australia. Brazil have been drawn with Morocco, while France will play Senegal and Argentina must face Austria.
Scott McTominay continues to rewrite the history books in Italy, with the Napoli midfielder being named Serie A’s footballer of the year for 2024-25. The Scotland international has picked up that prize after being joined at a glitzy ceremony by girlfriend Cam Reading. Another individual award for McTominay has allowed him to emulate the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
GOAL brings you the lowdown on how British players are doing away from home, with many footballers now taking their talents abroad in search of prosperity. Despite the riches and the glamour of the Premier League, it's far from the be all and end all. You can still carve out a fantastic career even while out of the intense spotlight of the English media.
Harvey Barnes has poured cold water on the chance of switching international allegiance from England to Scotland. The Newcastle winger is able to make the change as he has Scottish grandparents, even after making an appearance for the Three Lions. Barnes' sole Three Lions cap came in a friendly, meaning he is still able to turn out for the Tartan Army.
Harvey Barnes is open to switching his international allegiance from England to Scotland. The Newcastle United winger was capped for the Three Lions in 2020, however, he remains eligible for Steve Clarke's World Cup qualifiers through his Scottish grandparents. Barnes sole England appearance came in a friendly against Wales, meaning he can represent the Tartan Army under FIFA rules.
There were emotional scenes at Hampden Park after Scotland secured their qualification for next year's World Cup and it was a particularly poignant moment for Andy Robertson, who took time after the match to pay tribute to late Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota, who lost his life in a tragic car accident in Spain earlier this year.
Scotland
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