World Cup Power Rankings: England top ahead of Friday's draw

  1. 'Shoot him in the legs' - Gerrard's gangster terror

    Steven Heighway knew when Steven Gerrard was still only 14 years of age that the midfielder was going to "make it" as a footballer. The man himself, though, was less convinced of his quality - at least when he took his first tentative steps in the professional ranks. When Gerrard warmed up in front of the Kop for the first time ahead of his Liverpool debut on November 29, 1998, the nerve-racked teenager "could almost hear them saying, 'Who's this skinny tw*t?!'"

  2. Why Man Utd, PSG and more want Nantes' teenage 'monster'

    From Ibrahima Konate winning the title with Liverpool, to William Saliba anchoring Arsenal's charge to the top of the table or Leny Yoro's big-money signing for Manchester United, French centre-backs have had a massive influence in the Premier League's recent history. Now, the race to sign Les Bleus' next great defender is on as the top clubs from England and beyond circle Tylel Tati.

  3. Man Utd only have themselves to blame for WSL slump

    It was all looking so good for Manchester United at the start of this season. Into the Women's Champions League proper for the first time and unbeaten through their first seven games of the new Women's Super League campaign, the Red Devils were flying. But as Marc Skinner's side return to action after the final international break of the year, they're looking to avoid a fourth defeat in just five games.

  4. ICONS: The incredible story behind Argentina's 1986 jerseys

    When it comes to Argentina’s glorious run at the 1986 World Cup, there are stories that are told over and over again; the Hand of God, the Goal of the Century, and Diego Maradona lifting the trophy at the Azteca. They’re so present in the collective memory of Argentines, as well as fans from around the world, that they almost feel like scenes from a movie we’ve all watched too many times.

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Transfer news and done deals 🤝

  1. Barcelona won’t ‘fuel controversies’ with Messi return talk

    Barcelona have reiterated that they will not “fuel controversies or speculation” when it comes to a possible playing return to Camp Nou for Lionel Messi. The Liga giants are still planning the most “beautiful tribute” to their all-time leading goalscorer, but the Argentine GOAT is under contract in MLS with Inter Miami and appears unlikely to grace European football again.

  2. Saudi Pro League ready to fund Salah transfer

    Mohamed Salah’s future at Liverpool has been thrown into fresh doubt after Arne Slot dropped the Premier League icon for consecutive matches, prompting renewed interest from the Saudi Pro League. The division’s leadership is reportedly prepared to fund a major bid for the 33-year-old, with previous negotiations and Salah’s strong ties to SPL officials viewed as key factors in a possible move.

  3. Belgian wonderkid urged to avoid Premier League transfer

    Highly rated Anderlecht midfielder Nathan de Cat has been urged to steer clear of a Premier League move despite rising interest from Tottenham, Aston Villa and Brighton. With Europe’s elite monitoring the 17-year-old, analyst Marc Degryse believes the starlet must develop in Germany before taking the leap to England, warning that an early step to the Premier League could stunt his long-term rise.

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  1. Messi expecting 'extraordinary' World Cup in United States

    Lionel Messi has made it clear that he's anticipating the United States will be up to the task, along with the other host nations Mexico and Canada, of delivering an "extraordinary" World Cup. The Inter Miami superstar, who won the tournament with Argentina in 2022, is expected to play in what could well be his last major international tournament as North America takes centre stage in 2026 ⬆️

  2. 🎥 | Front Three's EPIC World Cup draw watchalong

    Join the Front Three team from 4.30pm (GMT) for a LIVE watchalong as the draw for the 2026 World Cup group stages takes place at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. Who will the likes of England, USMNT, Brazil, Spain and France come up against in the opening phase of next year's showpiece tournament? Stay tuned to find out!

  3. 🎥 | Roberto Martinez chats CR7 in latest Beast Mode On Podcast

    Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez is the latest high-profile guest to join Adebayo Akinfenwa on the Beast Mode On Podcast. The former Everton, Wigan and Belgium national team boss opens up on what it's really like to manage legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo, the devastation of Diogo Jota's death, England's chances of World Cup glory and much, much more.

This is the Premier League

  1. Amorim losing patience with questions about Mainoo

    Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim has said he is getting tired of always fielding questions about Kobbie Mainoo after again refusing to turn to the midfielder during his side's 1-1 draw with West Ham on Thursday. The former England international is yet to start a Premier League game this season and the coach could give no assurances about when he might finally return to the starting line-up.

Queens of football 👑

  1. England confirm U23s coach has left for NWSL club

    Emma Coates has left her role as England women’s under-23s head coach to become the new manager of National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Bay FC. The Football Association (FA) has announced the recruitment process will begin “imminently” as they look to identify a successor to the 34-year-old, who worked closely with Sarina Wiegman while in charge of the young Lionesses.

  2. Euro 2029 host nation revealed as Lionesses aim for three in a row

    England's Lionesses have learned the location of their next European Championship title defence after UEFA announced the hosts of Euro 2029 on Wednesday. Poland, Germany and a joint-effort from Denmark and Sweden were the three official bids submitted for the next edition of the tournament, which will see Sarina Wiegman's side go for a third successive continental crown after triumphs in England in 2022 and in Switzerland in 2025.

  3. Biggest winners & losers from Lionesses' final camp of 2025

    England's incredibly memorable 2025 is now in the books after the Lionesses closed out their 'homecoming' series on Tuesday with a 2-0 win over Ghana. Sarina Wiegman's side have been taking their European Championship trophy around the country over the last couple of months, showing off the silverware while entertaining the fans who celebrated its return home as excitedly as the players themselves. They've certainly done the latter as of late, bouncing back from defeat to Brazil to finish the year with three successive wins.

  4. Woods provides positive health update after worrying collapse

    Television presenter Laura Woods has shared a positive update following a worrying collapse during live coverage of the Lionesses' friendly against Ghana on Tuesday evening. Woods was taken ill ahead of kick off when she fell and was caught by pundits Ian Wright and Anita Asante, and ITV immediately cut to an advertising break. The presenter has now taken to social media to reassure fans and thank those who helped her.

Superstars of the future

  1. Barca's latest La Masia gem poised to follow Iniesta's path

    Barcelona's famed La Masia academy has long been the envy of every other top club in Europe, and for good reason. It has forged dozens of legends over the last 46 years, from Pep Guardiola and Albert Ferrer, to Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and a certain Lionel Messi. Every generation produces multiple superstars, with Lamine Yamal leading the current crop after bursting onto the scene as a 15-year-old.

  2. Have Germany found their new Podolski in Bayern-linked teen?

    Florian Wirtz's £100 million ($130m) move from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool didn't just upset Bayern Munich. It also hit hard at Koln. After all, Wirtz had come through their academy only to leave for Leverkusen in the summer of 2020 - and for a paltry €300,000 (£265,000/$350,000). Koln were furious. They felt Leverkusen had broken a 'gentleman's agreement' by signing one of the most exciting young players they'd ever produced - but there was nothing they could do about it. Wirtz's contract was expiring and he wanted to leave.

  3. Spurs' new Gascoigne who loves scoring from 50 yards

    Shortly before the coronavirus pandemic forced the world into lockdown in December 2019, Tottenham recorded and released a video of their first-team players driving academy kids to training. Lucas Moura, still basking in the heroism of his Amsterdam miracle half a year earlier, surprised an 11-year-old boy with his presence as they took the car for a spin. Along the way, the Brazil international had some words of wisdom for the child.

The Chaaaaaampions 🎶

  1. PSG’s CL final hero Doue receives 2025 Golden Boy award

    Desire Doue, who bagged a brace for Paris Saint-Germain in their historic Champions League final victory over Inter, has collected his Golden Boy award for 2025. Tuttosport announced the winners of their prestigious prizes in November. England’s teenage striker Michelle Agyemang, who helped the Lionesses to European Championship glory, has landed the Golden Girl gong.

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Hall of Fame

  1. Hall of Fame: Why Beckham is such an underrated player

    One of the best midfielders of his era, perhaps the greatest crosser of a football ever and a free-kick taker to rival the best the game has ever produced, David Beckham was a special player to say the least. And yet due to his off-field impact, one of the sport's great champions of the past 30 years is generally forgotten when it comes to referencing the true legends of the game.

  2. Hall of Fame: Romario - Brazil's penalty-box panther

    Romario moved around the penalty area with the stealthy gait and sly gaze of a panther, ready to suddenly accelerate as soon as the ball came his way, to disorient the opposing defenders with a couple of feints, to pounce on the ball, which inevitably ended up at his feet, as if magnetised, and finish with an unstoppable shot of pure technique or power, or alternatively serve up a perfect assist for one of his team-mates. He was a Hall of Fame striker if ever there was one.

Rebel United

Hidden Gems FC

  1. Hidden Gems FC: Why Europe's elite all want Levante's Etta Eyong

    The list of top goal-scorers through the early weeks of La Liga's season is full of familiar faces. Kylian Mbappe is well out in front having netted 13 times in just 11 games, while Julian Alvarez, Vinicius Jr and Ferran Torres are among the chasing pack. But in amongst those household names is a player in Karl Etta Eyong who has emerged from complete obscurity to being on the transfer radar of Europe's biggest clubs; the true personification of a Hidden Gem...