Taranto Overview

‘Not about beating five players’ - The ‘next step’ for Ngumoha

Rio Ngumoha has been told what the “next step” is for him, with Liverpool legend John Barnes looking for more experience and end product from a teenage wonderkid that does not need to worry about “beating five players”. At 17 years of age, the England hopeful is looking to build on a breakthrough campaign at Anfield that delivered 29 appearances and two goals.

Jude Bellingham Cristiano Ronaldo Lionel Messi 2026

‘Not Messi or Ronaldo’ - Bellingham ‘can’t win games by himself’

Jude Bellingham is “not Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo” and cannot “win games by himself”, John Barnes has told GOAL, with the England and Real Madrid superstar considered to be more of a Bryan Robson-esque No.8 than a creative No.10. The all-action midfielder has often been pushed into a more advanced role, but his ability is maximised when operating in a deeper-lying berth.

FC Internazionale Milano v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6

Inter Milan target Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones

Inter Milan are reportedly plotting a late summer move for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones as they look to complete their squad. The Italian champions have already reached an agreement with the player while negotiations continue over a transfer fee.

France v England: Bronze Final - FIFA World Cup 2026

'It’s about how you bounce back' - Anderson ready to shine at City

Elliot Anderson is determined to transform his international heartbreak into domestic glory as he prepares for his Manchester City debut. The former Nottingham Forest midfielder admitted that England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina remains a painful memory, but he is now focused on cementing his place in Enzo Maresca’s new-look side.

Harry Kane Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo 2026

‘Big ask’ for England captain Kane to emulate Messi & Ronaldo

Harry Kane has been told that emulating Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by gracing the World Cup finals in the twilight of his playing career will be a “big ask”. Ex-Bayern Munich star Dietmar Hamann - who has been speaking to GOAL - is not convinced that the two-time Bundesliga title winner will, at 36 years of age, form part of England’s major tournament plans in the summer of 2030.

England recall? What Grealish needs after ‘soul-destroying’ injury

Jack Grealish endured a “soul-destroying” injury last season, but the Manchester City-owned winger’s fellow West Midlands native Lee Sharpe has told GOAL why a “game-changing” talent can get his career back on track and potentially earn an England recall. For now, the 30-year-old forward faces a big decision on what his immediate future holds at club level.