FK Haugesund Descripción general

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.