World Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Kane is the only England player he’d take in his Golden Generation team, claims Sven-Goran Eriksson

      by

      SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON has declared England captain Harry Kane is the only current player he would add to his “Golden Generation” team.Kane overtook Wayne Rooney’s record as England’s all-time leading scorer with a goal against in Italy in a Euro 2024 qualifier, and his other attributes mean Eriksson would have loved to have him.
      Sven-Goran Eriksson managed the England national team between 2001 and 2006Credit: Getty
      Harry Kane is the only player who would get into the golden generation according to ErikssonCredit: Rex
      Each of Eriksson’s attempts to win an international trophy ended at the quarter-final stageCredit: AFP
      Speaking to BoyleSports, Eriksson said: “If there was one player I’d love to have playing for me from this current England team, it’s very easy, Harry Kane.
      “He is a golden goalscorer, wherever he plays and you always need that.
      “He’s not only a goalscorer, he’s a target player, he can make assists, he’s big, he’s a good header, good feet, he’s strong, not the quickest in the world but he’s quick.
      “He has everything and he could be the one who wins the World Cup for England and maybe he’ll be the top goalscorer at this World Cup. Every team needs a player like that.
      read more england news
      “It’s only one of them, he’s very special. I like him and I suppose he will be one of the most important players for England.” 
      Eriksson, 75, managed England for five years between 2001 and 2006.
      Most read in Football
      At his disposal, he had what many believe to be the most talented set of players England have ever produced.
      But the Three Lions never progressed beyond the quarter-finals in any of the three tournaments they participated in under the Swede.
      The likes of Rooney, Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, David Beckham, Joe Cole and Michael Owen among others were not enough for England to clinch international glory again. More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley drops huge hint over Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun’s England vs USA decision

      by

      LEE CARSLEY has confirmed he will still pick Flo Balogun for this summer’s Under-21 Euros even if the on-loan Arsenal forward has not committed his future to England.Balogun, 21, is at the centre of an international tug-of-war with the USA keen to prise him from the Three Lions’ grasp.
      Flo Balogun has been in sensational form for Reims in Ligue Un this seasonCredit: Getty
      He has seven goals in 13 England Under-21 caps, but the USA want him to switchCredit: Getty
      Interim US boss Anthony Hudson has been in talks with the Reims hotshot and his camp, while Gunners and US goalie Matt Turner has said his club team-mate would make an excellent addition to the States’ side.
      Just this week Balogun, who is also eligible to play for Nigeria, said he had not made a final decision as to the country he wishes to play for in the long term.
      Balogun has seven goals in 13 caps for England’s Under-21s side, though is out of Saturday’s friendly against France and Tuesday’s clash with Croatia with a tight hamstring.
      Young Lions chief Carsley has been in regular contact with the forward and hopes he will ultimately commit to England.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Yet when asked if he would still select Balogun for June’s major tournament in Georgia and Romania if the forward had not made his mind up by then, Carsley replied: “Yeah I would.
      “I can only go off the relationship that we’ve got and the conversation that we’ve had, he’s never given me any inkling that he’s looking elsewhere. 
      “I have spoken to him quite a bit.
      “He said he was looking forward to the summer and all the rest of it so I will follow that up after camp. I’ll make sure that I go over (to France). 
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      “I’ve been to France a couple of times now to watch the players and I’ll make a point of going over and meeting Flo.”
      Balogun, who has hit 17 goals on loan at Ligue 1 side Reims this season, is the latest player that England face a battle to keep hold of because of having more than one nationality.
      The Three Lions already lost midfielder Yunus Musah to the US, Jamal Musiala to Germany and, most recently, Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey to Ghana.
      Carsley commented: “You can’t twist someone’s arm to play for England. 
      “We can only make him feel as welcome as we can. We rate him highly. We’ve supported him when things weren’t great. We called him into the 21s when he was playing for Arsenal’s U23s because I knew what potential he had. 
      “Obviously he had the loan move to Middlesbrough which was OK. He’s done excellent this season, he’s really going in the right direction.
      Morgan Gibbs-White will captain the England Under-21s against FranceCredit: AFP
      “If you think about the development that he’s on he’s going in the right direction and hopefully we can still be a part of that. He is is a big player for us. 
      “You’ve seen the campaign that we’ve had, he’s been really integral to that. 
      “Beyond the Under-21s we can only hope that he still feels that he’s got a chance with us, and I feel that’s the case. But, you know, ultimately it will be down to him.”
      Meanwhile, Morgan Gibbs-White will captain England’s Under-21s for their clash with France on Saturday at Leicester’s King Power Stadium.
      The Nottingham Forest star was recently namechecked by Gareth Southgate as someone not far away from a senior call-up.
      Carsley added: “Gareth watches probably more games than any coach in the pathway in terms of the Premier League, so he will have seen Morgan play a lot at Forest. 
      Read More on The Sun
      “Like two or three of the players, he’s in a strong position, he just needs to keep going. 
      “The more assists he gets, the more goals he scores, it gives him a stronger opportunity (of making the seniors).” More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      England and Man City star Jack Grealish reveals secret behind his big calves and why he wears his socks low

      by

      ENGLAND superstar Jack Grealish has revealed the secret behind his low socks and massive calves.The £100million Manchester City midfielder, 27, has a eye-cathing look on the pitch and has lifted the lid on his style.
      Jack Grealish has revealed the superstitious reason behind his famous low socksCredit: AP
      England ace Grealish has also opened up over his huge calvesCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      On those famous calves, he claimed it is all genetics, saying to the Daily Mail: “I actually don’t do anything. It’s just something that runs in the family.
      “My grandad always had big calves when he used to play football.
      “But I don’t do any calf exercises or calf routines in the gym or anything. Honestly, it’s just something that I’ve had since I was young.”
      And on those well-known low socks Grealish shared that superstition is the reason behind it.
      Read more football news
      He said: “I think I was about 14 or 15 and we were sponsored by Macron at Aston Villa and the socks used to shrink in the wash.
      “In training I couldn’t get them over my calves because the socks were so small.
      “So I started wearing them below my calves in training — and that season I ended up playing really well.
      “So then I started wearing my socks below my calves in games. It was just something that stuck because I’d had such a good season.”
      Fans had their say on Grealish’s calves when he played for the Three Lions in Qatar at the World Cup last year, with one saying: “So like, how big are Grealish’s calves going to get?”
      Another wrote: “Was very into the US-England game until noticing Jack Grealish’s mutant calves, which became my entire focus afterwards.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      One declared: “Jack Grealish wears his socks so low cause if he pulls them over his calves he’ll lose circulation to his legs.”
      Another added: “Someone hit me up with Grealish’s calves workout.” More

    • 275 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-England star David James claims he smoked 20 cigarettes a day and drank at bar until 3am as a Three Lions hero

      by

      DAVID JAMES has revealed that he would smoke 20 cigarettes a day when he first joined up with the England squad.The goalkeeper, who would go on to win 53 caps for his country, has opened up about what it was like in the Three Lions camp back in the 1990s.
      David James won 53 caps for EnglandCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Chatting to his former boss Harry Redknapp on the 76-year-old’s podcast, Jamo said: “Peter Taylor was the first one to take me for a warm up.
      “It was weird: ‘we are going to go out for a warm up.’ He put me through my paces.
      “I thought – ‘hang on a minute. I’m knackered.’ The fact that I smoked 20 fags a day didn’t help.”
      He then continued: “Things change. We used to meet up in the England squad back in the early 90s and the first thing you’d do is meet the whole staff in the bar down at Burnham Beeches.
      Read more England news
      “It was like.. well done this weekend guys. We will be training tomorrow at some point.
      “And you’d be in the bar until two or three o clock in the morning. And that was just standard.
      “You can imagine now. I can’t imagine Gareth Southgate saying come on lads meet you in the bar.”
      James, now 52, also admitted that players in the England set-up back then largely had freedom to do whatever they wanted.
      Jamo won the FA Cup under Redknapp in 2008Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Most read in Football
      He added: “The squad then.. Paul Gascoigne was part of that squad. Wrighty was part of that squad.
      “We used to have The Queen Vic, which was Ince’s room.
      “We’d go in The Queen Vic each night – drink beers – play computer games and smoke fags.
      “Not everyone – but whoever wanted a drink could have a drink and whoever wanted a smoke.
      “It was a communal space. Really, really good.”
      James went on to be selected by his country for three World Cups and a European Championship, as well as winning the FA Cup under Redknapp with Pompey in 2008. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Martinez leaves wife embarrassed by recreating X-rated celebration in front of her after she begged Argentina ace not to

      by

      EMILIANO MARTINEZ recreated his X-rated World Cup celebration last night – leaving his wife red-faced before she eventually joined in.The Aston Villa goalkeeper was outstanding in the World Cup final as Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw in December.
      Emi Martinez and his team-mates recreated his X-rated World Cup celebration
      His wife and the other Argentina WAGs soon followed suitCredit: Instagram

      He was awarded the individual accolade for being the best goalkeeper in Qatar and when he was handed the trophy, Martinez reacted in an unique way.
      The 30-year-old shook hands with Fifa representatives, including Gianni Infantino, before holding the gold award in front of his privates while leaning back and pulling an odd face.
      That led to a massively split reaction from fans and pundits, with Graeme Souness branding him a “vulgar clown”.
      However, Thursday was the first time that Argentina had actually taken to the pitch since their World Cup win and the scenes were incredible at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      As the Argentine national anthem rang out from the 80,000-plus crowd, fireworks soon began to light up the sky.
      The whole place was then rocking as Lionel Messi and Cristian Romero stood there trying to take it all in.

      But it all proved a little too much for Villa stopper Martinez.
      He was spotted welling up as the supporters showed their appreciation prior to kick-off during the anthem.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      Despite the waterworks, Martinez did go on to keep a clean sheet as Argentina capped the night off with a victory – although they left it late against Panama.
      Thiago Almada finally broke the deadlock with just 12 minutes remaining to get the crowd rocking once again.
      And then in the dying seconds it was Messi’s turn to celebrate as he fired home his 800th career goal, and his 99th for Argentina, with a brilliant free-kick.
      A special ceremony was then held after the game where each player received a replica World Cup trophy to lift on the pitch.
      And it was during this party that Martinez, alongside several team-mates, reenacted his infamous celebration while his wife, Mandinha, covered her face with her hand.
      However, she didn’t take much persuasion to copy her fella’s antics as she shared a snap of her and several other Argentina WAGs pulling the same stunt on the pitch. 
      The ex-Arsenal keeper became a national hero after a number of big saves in the final and went on to stop Kingsley Coman’s effort in the penalty shootout.
      He also proved vital in Argentina’s quarter-final victory over Holland, saving two penalties from Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis.
      Martinez also recorded the joint-most clean sheets in the competition with three, which capped a remarkable rise from having spells out on loan at Oxford United in 2012 and Rotherham in 2015 to World Cup glory.
      Emiliano Martinez reacted oddly to winning the Golden GloveCredit: EPA
      Guido Rodriguez, Emiliano Martinez and Geronimo Rulli recreated the cele yesterdayCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Declan Rice has perfect response after ‘harsh’ Souness brutally slammed his ability to ‘chip in with goals’

      by

      DECLAN RICE delivered a huge grin as he slid on his knees with fists clenched.All that was missing was a middle finger for Graeme Souness.
      Graeme Souness has been one of Declan Rice’s vocal critics recentlyCredit: Getty
      But Rice silenced Souey with his performance against ItalyCredit: AP
      The West Ham star also netted England’s opening goalCredit: Getty
      In one of the better performances from an England team in a qualifier for many years — maybe going back to the 5-1 win at Germany in 2001 — West Ham man Rice answered fierce criticism from the former Liverpool midfield in magnificent fashion.
      Here in Naples, the home of pizza, Rice was better than pasta.The Three Lions midfielder delivered the performance of his international career.
      And that includes the three he made for the REPUBLIC OF IRELAND!
      And this mature, all-action display came just 24 hours after Rice insisted some heavy criticism from Souness was “harsh” and here was clearly out to prove a point.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Previously, Souness — who won five titles and three European Cups with the Reds — said: “This role is a vital part of any team because it’s multi-dimensional.
      “You are creative, you chip in with goals and you’ve got a defensive head at all times.
      “Even when you’re on the front foot, you are thinking: ‘We are vulnerable if we lose possession’.
      “If you’ve got all three of those attributes, you’re worth your weight in gold. For me, Rice has just one of them.”
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      So after just 13 minutes, Rice drilled a shot through a host of Italian shirts to record only his third goal for England and his first since scoring against Hungary in a World Cup qualifier in September 2021.
      It eased England’s nerves after a ropey start. Yet it was Rice’s all-round game which was outstanding as he put on a midfield masterclass.
      The 24-year-old was booked for time-wasting after the opening goal, which seemed a bit harsh but Harry Maguire had also been warned.Maybe that booking took the slight edge off his game physically but even so, he remained calm and kept his head, unlike Luke Shaw.
      Rice took control, won the big challenges, picked up the second balls and drove his way past those in blue shirts. He also needed a performance like this to lift his season as he looks to end the campaign without a relegation on his CV.
      By his own admission, for some periods with the Hammers he has struggled although equally, he claimed Souness has missed the better displays.
      Rice’s performance against the European champions, even though they were largely unimpressive until waking up in the second half, will have been of particular interest to clubs such as Arsenal who will make an attempt to sign him in the summer.
      Even when Italy pulled a goal back through Mateo Retegui on 56 minutes, Rice was the only England player to signal for his team to stay focused and keep their shape.
      Harry Kane is now England’s record scorer and will remain the country’s captain for as long as he starts.
      Harry Kane netted England’s second goal against ItalyCredit: Reuters
      The goal meant Kane became England’s record goalscorerCredit: Getty
      Yet there is no doubt that Rice will be the next player who will eventually take the prized armband.
      Equally, it is important that Rice stays fit because, worryingly, the options for Southgate in this position are not great.
      This was summed up with fellow midfielder Kalvin Phillips appearing despite not having started a single Premier League game since his summer move from Leeds to Manchester City.
      It was no surprise that Phillips — who has only started two cup games for Pep Guardiola — looked way off the pace in the opening exchanges and was a liability, although the 27-year-old did improve as the game progressed and fought hard at the end.
      To their credit, Gareth Southgate’s team, like Rice, stood firm when in previous years, they would have folded. Particularly after the sending-off of Shaw with ten minutes left, and England reverted to five at the back.
      Read More on The Sun
      Rice had to work hard to earn his 40th cap, although let us not forget this was his 43rd international appearance, as three of them were wearing a green shirt.
      Because each and every time he plays for England — and plays like this — you can only imagine how much of a kick in the guts it must be for everyone who follows the Irish. More

    • 275 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Tensions flare at Italy vs England as heavy-handed riot cops hit 3 Lions fans with batons as they try to enter stadium

      by

      TENSIONS ran high in Naples last night after English fans clashed with heavy-handed Italian police before the Euro 2024 Qualifier match between the two nations.Footage posted to social media shows cops in riot gear use batons and riot shields on supporters outside the Diego Maradona Stadium as the crowds flocked in to watch the game.
      Italian riot cops were filmed clashing with fans ahead of England’s Euro qualifier match in Naples tonight
      Some fans could be seen raising their hands to try and calm the situationCredit: Local Team TV

      Fans could be seen raising their hands in an attempt to calm the situation and demonstrate that they were not being aggressive.
      Some argued with officers, while others filmed the beatings on their phones.
      One fan was injured after they were shoved by a riot shield and fell backwards.
      Footage posted by BBC journalist David Cheeseman showed a group of people, including British police officers present at the scene, tending to the fan on the floor, while other tried to warn Italian officers of their condition.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      One man, who was visibly angry, was spotted escorting a young boy through the crowd, shielding him with his arm and seeming to shout at anyone who came near them.
      Other youngsters are visible in the crowd as the hefty police presence surged into groups of fans.
      Stewards in high-vis jackets watch on as the clashes unfold, before a couple move in to try and restore order.
      It is currently unclear what sparked the brawl.
      Most read in Football
      Sports broadcaster Faye Carruthers reported on Twitter that England fans had told her that it had been “farcical” trying to get into the stadium.
      Some were reportedly “crammed” into a bus for 90 minutes, which then went in the opposite direction from the stadium.
      This is believed to have caused a number of the passengers to miss kick-off.
      Crowds were still waiting to get into the stadium 50 minutes into the match.
      Gareth Southgate’s men are seeking to start their Euros campaign strongly after the devastating loss to France in the World Cup quarter final last year.
      On the pitch, Harry Kane has overtaken Wayne Rooney as England’s all-time goal-scorer, slotting a penalty to take his team to a 2-0 lead.
      Italy clawed a goal back before the clash ended 2-1.
      One man could be seen trying to escort a child through the crowdCredit: Local Team TV More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      England fans to be bussed to stadium ahead of Italy Euros qualifier in huge security operation after yob mayhem fears

      by

      A HUGE security operation was launched to shield 2,500 England fans amid fears of yob mayhem before tonight’s World Cup qualifier in Naples.Fans have been asked to gather at the crime-plagued city’s port area to be ferried on 23 buses to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium tonight to avoid Napoli’s notorious Ultra gangs.
      England fans have gathered in Naples ahead of tonight’s gameCredit: Darren Fletcher
      Supporters have been enjoying a drink – despite a booze banCredit: Rex
      Fans will be bussed to the game to avoid violenceCredit: Darren Fletcher
      It’s feared Hammers hoolies and Lazio ultras are planning to ambush fans of Lazio’s hated rivals NapoliCredit: Corbis – Getty
      But authorities fear breakaway groups – including West Ham yobs teamed with Napoli’s hated rivals Lazio – are planning a showdown.
      Large groups of England fans were visible in bars and cafes but stayed low key with the majority wearing no team colours and there were no early reports of trouble.
      But they were being eyed by groups of local youth as they drank beer in pavement cafes before the kick off at 8.45pm local time.
      And police reinforcements have been drafted in to protect Three Lions followers at potential flashpoints along routes to the match at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
      READ MORE ON ENGLAND
      Tonight’s game will be England’s first since the Qatar World Cup and the first competitive clash with Italy since our heartbreaking penalties defeat at the Euro 2020 Final.
      Fans were urged to gather in the port area of the tough southern city to board a fleet of buses at 4pm to avoid Ultra ambushes.
      But early signs suggested many fans would shun the protected route and stay within the warren of streets in the city centre until closer to kick-off.
      Police securing the “high risk” fixture asked England fans not to wear belts at the game amid fears that they – like local yobs – could use them as weapons.
      Most read in Football
      An alcohol ban was also put in place from 7am – midnight on the day of the match around the stadium and from midday in the city centre.
      But many bar owners appeared to be ignoring police instructions with travelling fans seen quaffing beer long after the lunchtime deadline in the city.
      Tension simmered amid fears of yob violence led by “twinned” hooligan firms, as reported in Sun Online yesterday.
      Sources in Rome reported English West Ham thugs had arrived in the Italian capital and had joined “Ultra” comrades from the city’s Lazio club.
      Police and security forces were said to be on “maximum alert” amid reports the teamed-up troublemakers were heading 140 miles north east to Naples.
      Hammers hoolies and Lazio Ultras were planning to ambush fans of Lazio’s hated rivals Napoli ahead of the England game, it was claimed.
      Corriere dello Sport, Italy’s leading sport paper, reported sweaters bearing West Ham logos were seen on Sunday when violence erupted at Lazio’s derby game against Roma.
      It could not be verified that the wearer of the Hammers shirts were English – but the paper reported authorities were taking the threat of further coordinated violence in Naples seriously.
      Only last week, 470 Eintracht Frankfurt ultra fans – who had been banned from Naples’ Diego Armando Maradona Stadium for a Champion League match against Napoli – ran riot.
      Cars were set on fire and cops pelted with missiles as they struggled to separate the Germans from 300 Napoli Ultras, who also turned on security forces.
      In September 2019, two Liverpool fans were hurt by flying bottles hurled by Napoli yobs – who are famed for cowardly “calling card” knife attack to their victims’ buttocks.
      But Italy’s soccer federation decided to stage the Three Lions’ crucial World Cup qualifier in Naples – their first match since the Qatar World Cup – despite security concerns.
      And around 2,500 England fans are due to begin arriving in Naples today ahead of the big game.
      West Ham yobs’ were allegedly involve in trouble before the Lazio v Roma game on Sunday, Il Napolista reports
      Lazio’s feared Ultras were also reported to have been joined by other “twinned” yobs from across Europe who connect using social media and the dark web.Levski Sofia in Bulgaria and Real Madrid have ties with Lazio while Roma were said to be backed by foreign legions from Dinamo Zagreb and Atletico Madrid.
      Security concerns rose after a “friendly” football match between England and Italy supporters was axed on Monday after notorious Naples hooligans warned they would launch an attack.
      Italian “Ultra” yobs emailed the England fans’ team boss warning 60 soccer savages would “get them” – forcing the game to be called off.
      Garford Beck, the boss of England men’s supporters’ team, said the “threatening” email he received read: “You advertise this game for us to see where you’ll be – we will be there.
      “60 ultra to get you. Be warned.”
      Mr Beck said he asked his Italian counterpart to show the email to Italian authorities and the game was called off after security chiefs responded: “We are very concerned.”
      The Italian Football Federation has now informed Mr Beck the game has been cancelled after leas from the English FA.
      Mr Beck said: “They are treating it very seriously and have judged it to be a viable threat. Safety has to be our priority and we would have been an easy target for these people.
      “They normally come tooled up to the hilt so it could have been a very nasty situation had I not opened that email.”
      Mr Beck said England fans had played their Italian counterparts in Milan in September last year – to coincide with a Nations League game – without any issues.
      Read More on The Sun
      He said: “There’s been no hint of anything until I opened that email.
      “We’re just out there to get together with whoever it is we’re playing, have a game of football, have a few beers and go off to the match, it’s nothing more than that really.”
      Hooligans linked to Napoli are also known for their extreme violenceCredit: AFP
      Eintracht Frankfurt fans during a Champions League match against NapoliCredit: Getty
      The carnage spilled onto the streets of Naples following a clashCredit: Rex
      Cars were torched and shop fronts were vandalised near the Diego Armando Maradona StadiumCredit: Rex More