World Cup News

Vitor Pereira thinks Thomas Tuchel should reconsider, having left Gibbs-White out of the last two England squads.

CIARAN FOREMAN AT VILLA PARK: Tammy Abraham's sensational 94th-minute winner fired Aston Villa one step closer to Champions League qualification in a ding-dong victory over Sunderland.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST 4-1 BURNLEY: Thomas Tuchel rarely doubts himself but surely even the England manager will have to reconsider his verdict on Morgan Gibbs-White .

Thomas Tuchel will be concerned over three England players ahead of World Cup

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick says no decision has been made over Marcus Rashford’s (28) future, with the forward’s return to Old Trafford still a possibility next season, BBC…

The pressure is quietly building around Thomas Tuchel as the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins. The pressure is quietly building around Thomas Tuchel as the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins. England may have cruised through qualification, but doubts linger, and the scrutiny surrounding the manager’s methods is only intensifying. For the national team, the situation feels delicate. England has shown moments of control and authority, yet recent performances have left questions unanswered, particularly about balance and identity under Tuchel’s leadership. The Three Lions’ qualification campaign was close to flawless on paper. The team won all eight matches in their group without conceding a single goal, underlining defensive discipline and efficiency. However, those numbers tell only part of the story. Under the German boss, England has struggled to convince in key moments, particularly in friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, where performances lacked cohesion and attacking sharpness. The challenge ahead is far from straightforward. England has been drawn into a difficult group alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. This group has already been labeled one of the toughest in the tournament. REAL MADRID PLAYERS, WORLD CUP SCHEDULE (All times CET) 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England – Group L June 17th, 22:00 – England vs Croatia 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇭🇷 June 23rd, 22:00 – England vs Ghana 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇭 June 27th, 23:00 – England vs Panama 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇵🇦 pic.twitter.com/xH9wk4PcB8 — Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) April 1, 2026 Croatia brings experience and pedigree, while Ghana and Panama offer unpredictability and physical intensity. For Tuchel, this context raises the stakes. Any tactical uncertainty or lack of cohesion could quickly be exposed on the biggest stage. Hoeness reveals how Kompany is better than Tuchel It is in this tense build-up that criticism from Uli Hoeness has added another layer of concern. Speaking publicly, the Bayern figure delivered a sharp assessment of Tuchel’s time at the German club. “Two things are important,” Hoeness began by explaining in the Auf eine weiss-blaue Tasse podcast. “This coach [Vincent Kmpany] makes every player better. And I’ve never seen him conduct a press conference where he said: I need a left-back, I need a right-back, as was the case under Tuchel.” The 74-year-old honorary Bayern president also questioned Tuchel’s approach to accountability, claiming: “When the team didn’t play well, he never questioned himself; it was always the team’s fault.” Hoeness highlights issues in player treatment and trust The critique went deeper, touching on Tuchel’s man-management. Hoeness pointed to specific examples involving players, including comments about individuals that were seen as dismissive or overly critical. “That right-back isn’t working, Kimmich isn’t a good player… I can’t use him at all,” Hoeness recalled, referencing Tuchel’s reported remarks about members of the squad. He also shared a striking anecdote: “He once asked Josip Stanisic if he could speak German, even though he was born here.” For Hoeness, such moments reflected deeper issues in communication and connection within the team. The ex-forward also highlighted the coach’s repeated public requests for new signings, arguing that it created unnecessary pressure on the squad structure. The former Bayern Munich boss frequently demanded reinforcements in key positions, particularly in defensive midfield, which he felt was missing a “holding six.” He contrasted this with a more development-focused approach under Vincent Kompany, suggesting a philosophical divide in squad management. The implication was clear: Tuchel’s methods, in Hoeness’ view, leaned too heavily on external fixes rather than internal solutions. Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England, reacts What it means for England The timing of these comments is significant. As Tuchel prepares to finalize his squad, questions about his leadership style are resurfacing at a critical moment. England’s recent history has been one of near misses, reaching major finals without lifting a trophy. Now, with expectations high once again, the margin for error is slim. The concern is not purely about tactics. It is about whether Tuchel can foster unity, manage big personalities, and maintain trust within the dressing room when pressure peaks.

At the end of the season, all the attention at Manchester United will turn towards their next permanent manager. Interim manager Michael Carrick has so far done a brilliant job to save their season by taking them closer to Champions League qualification. DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – […] The post ‘As things stand..’ – Ornstein provides bombshell update on Man United manager job appeared first on CaughtOffside.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Michael Carrick is in pole position to land the permanent managerial role at Manchester United. The situation may have been different if Thomas Tuchel, Luis Enrique and Carlo Ancelotti were available. However, Tuchel has signed a new contract with England and is set to lead them at the 2026 […]

OLLIE WATKINS clocked up his Aston Villa century to send Unai Emery’s men a step closer to their first trophy in 30 years. Watkins may well be anxious about earning a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad but he has a place in the heart of every Holte Ender. His 100th Villa goal, in 279...

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has been considered the ultimate favourite for the permanent role over the past few weeks. However, his chances took a massive hit following Monday’s result. The Red Devils ended their 24-day hiatus with a shocking 1-2 defeat to Leeds United, who earned their first victory at Old Trafford since […] The post Carrick ‘dealt major blow’ as Man Utd intensify manager search: Five main candidates emerge appeared first on Stretty News.

Chelsea and Tottenham are two of the six Premier League clubs that have built up such a huge advantage over Newcastle United. This didn’t happen overnight. Whilst Mike Ashley was... You can click here to read the full article.

It's a chance to catch up on life overseas for Soccer Over There We look at one club taking a step that is standard in naming a caretaker- others feel otherwise... We look at the weekend in England- concerns at the top and bottom of the table... We look at the finances of clubs where losses are coming into view- to even more concern... AND WE HAVE PICKS OF THE WEEK!

In our weekly series, the Mirror's Chief Football Writer John Cross gives his England player ratings as young stars and one Premier League captain give Thomas Tuchel much to ponder

THE World Cup is just around the corner, and preparation for the England manager is doubtless a massive headache. Fortunately for Gareth Southgate, however, he is no longer the man burdened with the responsibility of guiding England into football's biggest tournament. That headache now lies with Thomas Tuchel, while Southgate has been enjoying his time...

With only two months left until the 2026 World Cup gets underway, all eyes will soon fall on North America. Watching England sign off their pre-tournament preparations with a downbeat 1-0 loss at home against Japan during March’s international break, Thomas Tuchel’s squad have plenty of expectations on their shoulders this summer. Although battles at […] The post The English duo who are keen to get their futures sorted before travelling to the World Cup this summer appeared first on Soccer News.

Ruud Gullit has backed a former Arsenal captain to manage Manchester United 'at some point'.

The permanent Manchester United job is Michael Carrick’s to lose. That’s according to talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook, who believes the Red Devils interim head…

By Martin Graham Thomas Tuchel may not have another England fixture until the summer, but events in Europe on Thursday would have been encouraging for him. The national side struggled to find the net without Harry Kane in recent friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, exposing the lack of reliable alternatives to the 32-year-old captain […]

MORGAN ROGERS is reportedly being lined up for a stunning transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. The Aston Villa and England star has enjoyed an impressive season for club and country. Rogers, 23, has helped Villa challenge for a Champions League spot and in the Europa League. He has also cemented himself in Thomas Tuchel's plans as...

Focused on Manchester United and in the 2026 World Cup, Harry Maguire has reportedly rejected a move to Lionel Messi's Inter Miami. Harry Maguire has rediscovered his best form in recent months, catching the attention of Inter Miami as his contract at Manchester United approached its expiration in June 2026. While the prospect of playing alongside Lionel Messi was reportedly on the table, the English defender has chosen to remain at Old Trafford, with his focus firmly on both the club and the 2026 World Cup. According to Transfermarkt and The Sun, Inter Miami were among the clubs interested in signing Maguire on a free transfer, along with Napoli. With the Herons dealing with a defensive crisis and still holding an available international roster spot, bringing in the England center back was seen as a viable solution to shore up the backline. However, Maguire reportedly turned down Inter Miami’s approach and has instead agreed to a one-year contract extension with Manchester United. That option had always been available for the club to exercise, and following Maguire’s resurgent run of form, United wasted no time in making the announcement official, with still two months remaining in the current season. As for Maguire, the defender expressed genuine enthusiasm about staying. “You can feel the ambition and potential of this exciting squad. The determination throughout the whole club to fight for major trophies is clear for everyone to see, and I am confident that our best moments together remain ahead of us,” he said in a statement on Manchester United’s official website. Harry Maguire of England. Maguire and a return to his highest level After a turbulent stretch at Manchester United that saw multiple managers dismissed, the captaincy stripped from him and a near-move to West Ham in 2023, the tide has turned dramatically for Maguire. Back as a regular starter, he has been a key figure in United’s push to third place in the Premier League, a finish that would return the club to the Champions League for the first time since the 2023-24 season. On the international front, Maguire has also worked his way back into England’s plans since September 2024. He featured in both the Uruguay and Japan friendlies during the March international break, and in an interview with The Athletic made clear just how motivated he is to be part of the World Cup squad. “Whatever role the manager would want me for, whether that’s starting or deciding games late on, I still believe, even at my age, I’m arguably one of the best defenders in the world in both boxes. I don’t think that’s open to question, really,” Maguire said, with Thomas Tuchel set to submit England’s final World Cup squad list in May.

Ollie Watkins on verge of Villa greatness after sending Thomas Tuchel World Cup reminder

England’s final two World Cup warm-up friendlies will likely take place in sweltering Florida heat after the Three Lions’ schedule was finalized on Thursday. Thomas Tuchel’s men will take on New Zealand on June 6 in Tampa Bay before facing Costa Rica four days later in Orlando. Both games will kick off at 4 p.m. […] The post England set for World Cup warm-up friendlies in Florida heat appeared first on Soccer America.

Paul Scholes believes there is no doubt Max Dowman should go to the World Cup and says there is not another English player with his ability.

The English forward at Al-Ahli is now at the centre of a storm that could hand Ronaldo and Al-Nassr a sudden boost in both the scoring charts and the title chase. Cristiano Ronaldo and Ivan Toney were both expected to define the direction of the Saudi Pro League title race this month, but few imagined the latest twist would come from outside the pitch. The English forward at Al-Ahli is now at the centre of a storm that could hand Ronaldo and Al-Nassr a sudden boost in both the scoring charts and the Saudi Pro League title chase. What’s more, his future has been clouded by the threat of a potentially career-altering suspension following his explosive remarks about refereeing. The controversy erupted after Al-Ahli’s tense meeting with Al-Fayha, a match that was overshadowed by two denied penalties that left Toney and the coaching staff seething. The frustration boiled over when the referee refused to overturn either decision, even after VAR checks, which pushed emotions toward a breaking point. Toney did not hold back after the final whistle, setting the stage for the disciplinary saga that followed. His post-match interview, aired by Thamania, remains the source of the biggest shock. “The referee clearly overlooked two clear penalties, despite consulting VAR, but decided to deny Al-Ahli their rights,” he said, already sounding braced for trouble. Moments later, he escalated the accusation, adding, “The referee told us to focus on the AFC Champions League. Is that normal?” Furthermore, the 29-year-old responded without hesitation when asked who these purported effects helped: “The team we’re chasing.” That suggestion leaves a little to the imagination, considering the fact that Al Nassr, Ronaldo’s team, is now four points ahead of his side, and with a game in hand. TONEY JUST SAID THIS… 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 “The referee told us after the match… ‘Focus on the Asian Champions League.’ How does a referee say something like that? His head is somewhere else. I hope it was recorded and gets released.” Asked who benefits? Toney: “The team we’re chasing.” pic.twitter.com/eqKfhUBrZb — All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol) April 8, 2026 How long could the ban really be? It was these accusations that alerted investigators and triggered the most serious disciplinary threat of Toney’s career. According to Goal, the English forward is now facing the possibility of a lengthy suspension, one severe enough that it could keep him out of club soccer for an extended period and disrupt any hope of representing England at the 2026 World Cup. The Saudi Arabian Football Association (SAFF) has yet to confirm any sanction, though Goal claims that sources close to the case suggest the charges include matters beyond his referee comments, including alleged betting-related violations. Legal adviser Salman Al-Ramali underscored the gravity of the situation, telling Okaz: “Toney’s statement casts doubt on the integrity of refereeing and is detrimental to the Saudi League.” Citing Article 5/50 of the SAFF regulations, he added that penalties can include disqualification of up to 12 months, along with significant financial punishment of up to 300,000 riyals ($80,000). Ivan Toney of Al Ahli celebrates after scoring How a possible ban could affect England at 2026 World Cup This midpoint is where the scale of the suspension becomes clearer: Toney could be banned for as long as a full season, potentially keeping him sidelined long enough to derail his World Cup dreams entirely. The timing could hardly be more daunting for England manager Thomas Tuchel, who has been monitoring Toney closely amid uncertainty over striking options. With Harry Kane’s fitness fluctuating and other forwards battling inconsistent form, the Al-Ahli star had been considered a strong candidate for upcoming call-ups. Should the suspension be enforced, his international pathway would be blocked at a moment when England needs depth more than ever. Ivan Toney of England What it would mean for Ronaldo’s Golden Boot chances Even though Ronaldo was nowhere near the fixture, his name inevitably entered the conversation due to the title implications. With Toney potentially removed from competition for an extended period, the Portuguese superstar’s chances of winning both the Golden Boot and the league title have instantly improved. The 41-year-old trails Toney by four goals, but the latter’s absence would significantly open the door for Ronaldo to step up his game in the final seven league games. Current Saudi Pro League Golden Boot standings. pic.twitter.com/83ItylJnOp — The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) April 8, 2026

Like a LinkedIn Premium member, Manchester United star Harry Maguire has left a glowing endorsement of himself. Maguire put pen to paper on a new United contract at the start of the week. The 33-ye…

THOMAS TUCHEL is taking his England squad to the home of Mickey Mouse ahead of the World Cup. The Three Lions will travel to Orlando to take on Costa Rica in a friendly at the Inter&Co Stadium on June 10. This will be the squad’s final warm-up game before they travel to their Kansas base...

World Cup 2026: England eager to snap trophy drought England will head into the 2026 World Cup as one of the bookmakers’ favourites to lift the trophy, despite their underwhelming record in major tournaments. The Three Lions’s only previous success was in the 1966 World Cup on home soil. They have repeatedly failed to reward… The post World Cup 2026: England eager to snap trophy drought first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Harry Maguire rejected the opportunity to join Inter Miami before agreeing to extend his contract at Manchester United, according to The Sun, choosing top-level European football over a move to the MLS side co-owned by David Beckham where he would have been teammates with Lionel Messi. For a player in his early thirties who spent […] The post Manchester United star turned down the chance to play with Messi before signing a new deal at Old Trafford first appeared on Premier League News Now.

Rio Ferdinand has overlooked Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes and named the 'key player' for Arsenal to win the Premier League.

Alexander-Arnold struggled defensively against Luis Diaz but the quality of his delivery cannot be ignored after he and Jude Bellingham led Real Madrid’s second-half resurgence, writes Chris Wilson

Thomas Tuchel's doubts about Trent Alexander-Arnold and reliance on Harry Kane are confirmed on the England manager's Madrid mission.

Harry Kane and Trent Alexander-Arnold put on a show for Thomas Tuchel as Bayern beat Real

CHRIS WHEELER: Bayern Munich edged it, as we thought they might, and head back to Bavaria as favourites to break a hold that Real Madrid have had over them for 14 years.

ARSENAL take on Sporting in a HUGE Champions League quarter-final - with their season in need of a boost. But, they will have to make the trip without Bukayo Saka. The 24-year-old missed games against Uruguay and Japan for Thomas Tuchel's England, and has not featured since the Carabao Cup final. He was also a...

Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson would prefer a move to Manchester City ahead of Manchester United

Xabi Alonso is gearing up for a return to management. Sources close to the Spaniard have indicated he is looking to get back to work after being sacked by Real Madrid in January. The Liverpool lege…

Steven Gerrard has earmarked ‘the best player in the Bundesliga’ as his dream Liverpool replacement for Mohamed Salah. The legendary Reds captain joined talkSPORT Breakfast to discuss a…

ENGLAND fans are fuming after being forced to pay FOUR TIMES the usual train fares when they travel to Boston for their World Cup clash against Ghana. The Three Lions will open their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Arlington, Texas, on June 17. Thomas Tuchel's men then face Ghana at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough...

The ideal solution for United this summer?

The mid-block is a well-established tactic and will be seen at some point during most games at all levels. A mid-block can be broadly defined as players being positioned zonally rather than in response to the oppositions positioning, and occupying the middle zone of the pitch. Being positioned relative to one another, rather than in […] The post Unlocking A Mid-Block: Tactical Solutions From Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta & Unai Emery – Tactical Theory appeared first on Total Football Analysis.

Gareth Barry has advised Manchester United to wrap up possibly their most important transfer of the summer before the World Cup starts.

Luton Town boss Jack Wilshere has made an impassioned plea for his former protege Max Dowman to make England’s World Cup squad. The Hatters’ head coach, who played Dowman as a 13-year-o…

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane could return against Real Madrid on Tuesday after missing his club's dramatic 3-2 win in Freiburg on Matchday 28 and England's friendly against Japan.