England player ratings as Argentina end World Cup dream with semi-final comeback
England's World Cup dream came to a heartbreaking end as Argentina came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory in the semi-finals.
Thomas Tuchel's side looked on course for the final after leading until the closing minutes of normal time, but the holders produced a late turnaround to book their place in another World Cup final.
England impressed for long spells, pressing aggressively and limiting Argentina's attacking threat before the momentum swung in Argentina's favour late in the game.
World Cup 2026 quarter-finals betting tips: Jude Bellingham to shine for England again and more
After conquering Mexico’s Azteca fortress, all eyes are now on Miami and England’s quarter-final date with Norway.
Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from the quarter-finals - including the big one on Saturday, July 11 - courtesy of Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate, The Bookie Basher.
World Cup 2026 analysis: Looking at England’s magnificent Mexico win and five of England’s most iconic World Cup victories
Thomas Tuchel’s England reached new heights as they beat Mexico 3-2 on Monday to set up a quarter-final tie against Norway.
Despite being the far better team on paper, many had suggested England would struggle to win against a Mexico side co-hosting the World Cup and playing in their iconic Azteca Stadium, with its extreme conditions and unrelenting atmosphere.
Jude Bellingham put England 2-0 up after a brace in two minutes, but Julian Quinones pulled one back before half-time to give the Mexicans hope.
Despite Jarell Quansah’s red card, when Harry Kane scored a penalty in the second half to make it 3-1 England looked safe, until Raul Jimenez converted from the penalty spot.
World Cup 2026 analysis: Five talking points from England vs Mexico
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane dragged England through to the next stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 once more as Thomas Tuchel’s side defeated the daunting Mexico 3-2 in a display of total grit and determination.
The Three Lions have earned themselves a quarter-final match-up against a confident Norway, led by Erling Haaland in his debut World Cup.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Stanley Cheeseman looks at five talking points from the Round of 16 clash at the infamous Azteca Stadium that saw England advance through the tournament when the odds were, arguably, against them.
World Cup 2026 betting tips: England to march past Mexico, Gordon to provide tonic; USA to beat Belgium
“Now look some of you lads on fifty grand a week. These fellas, they get a pocket full of pesetas and a funny hat.”
This remains one of my favourite cinematic lines, uttered by the inimitable Mike Bassett: England Manager as he laid into the Three Lions during a crunch clash with Mexico.
It’s England vs Mexico for real in the wee small hours of Monday morning, in a fascinating clash that reeks of drama.
Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from the last 16 of World Cup 2026 – including the big one at the Azteca – courtesy of Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate - The Bookie Basher.
World Cup 2026: England vs DR Congo Round of 32 preview - Statement victory needed for Three Lions
England topped Group L of the World Cup 2026 following the 2-0 victory over Panama on Saturday, June 27, ensuring they would be favourably placed as a third-placed team in the first knockout round.
In facing DR Congo, England are presented with another opportunity to prove themselves as a force to be reckoned with, if they can defeat their respective lesser opposition resoundingly.
Sports News Blitz’s Johnny Jones looks ahead to England’s knockout showdown, and how the Three Lions can address supporters’ concerns.
World Cup 2026: Why England need to make a statement against Panama
After early signs of promise in their first game versus Croatia, England were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw against Ghana on Tuesday, June 23.
They meet Panama on Saturday, June 25, in a game where they can’t do anything else but win.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Jacob Hibbert looks at why Thomas Tuchel’s team have to get it right.
World Cup 2026 analysis: Thomas Tuchel's selection gamble backfires as England stumble against Ghana
England were handed a reality check in their second World Cup match, labouring to a frustrating goalless draw against world number 65 Ghana.
Expectations were high following a statement victory over Croatia, where England displayed the attacking fluidity and creativity supporters have long craved at major tournaments. However, this performance against the Black Stars felt like a return to the familiar frustrations that have haunted England for years.
Sports News Blitz writer Johnny Jones examines England's frustrating draw with Ghana and the growing questions surrounding Thomas Tuchel's squad selections.
World Cup 2026 betting tips: England vs Ghana prediction as Scotland face crucial Brazil showdown
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is in full swing and we have seen some terrific football so far as well as several mad results. Over £13 million was matched on Spain on the Betfair Exchange last week, who somehow couldn’t find a way past tournament debutants Cape Verde.
Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from this week’s group games – including England’s second Group L match against Ghana – courtesy of Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate, The Bookie Basher.
World Cup 2026 analysis: Why Thomas Tuchel’s England squad suddenly makes sense
After plenty of question marks over Thomas Tuchel’s squad selection ahead of the 2026 World Cup, that good old English optimism has returned following the Three Lions’ 4-2 win over Croatia in their opening group stage match.
Suddenly, the exclusion of the likes of Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold don’t seem to bother fans as much.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Jacob Hibbert takes a look at why this crop of England players are perfect for what manager Tuchel is trying to achieve.
England player ratings vs Croatia: Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham lead the way as Three Lions make winning World Cup 2026 start
England began their World Cup 2026 campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia, but Thomas Tuchel's side left Texas with both reasons for optimism and plenty to think about defensively after a chaotic Group L opener.
World Cup 2026 betting tips: Harry Kane to score first; Morocco to sink Scotland
Now then now then. What a time to be alive.
The World Cup is up and running and it’s hard to explain the joys of watching Haiti vs Scotland in your pants at 2am to non-football fans.
Also, someone in the pub the other day asked me to name three Qatar players? “Not a problem,” I replied. “Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Noel Gallagher.”
Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from this week’s World Cup 2026 group games – including England’s opener against Croatia on Wednesday night - courtesy of Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate, The Bookie Basher.
World Cup 2026 news: Reviewing Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man England squad as big names miss out
England manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed his 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup – and it has certainly been met with a lot of opinions and controversy.
With some big names not making the final cut for FIFA’s showpiece in the US, Mexico and Canada, Sports News Blitz writer Dejan Johal is here with a review of Tuchel’s squad.
Cricket analysis: The race for England’s opening spot – Five players who could replace Zak Crawley
With the County Championship season now underway, competition for the opening spot in England’s top order is high.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Sai Raghav Balakrishnan explores the suitability of five candidates.
World Cup 2026 analysis: Can Thomas Tuchel’s England finally bring football home?
England's preparations for the upcoming World Cup have finished, and Thomas Tuchel has the toughest decision of his life to make on May 30 when he picks his final squad for the World Cup.
Soccer analysis: Can Thomas Tuchel’s England win FIFA World Cup 2026 without Harry Kane?
It was a disappointing international window for Thomas Tuchel and his England side after the Three Lions suffered a 1-0 loss to Japan on Tuesday. That defeat followed a 1-1 draw with Uruguay and further exposed some blatant cracks.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Matthew Morgan examines the potential weaknesses this England squad may have to face.
World Cup 2026 predictions: The top five contenders to lift the trophy this summer
With less than 75 days until the 2026 World Cup kicks off, excitement is building as the world’s top nations prepare to play for football’s ultimate prize.
The United States of America, Canada and Mexico are set to host the 23rd edition of the tournament, promising a summer of fierce competition and unforgettable moments.
With the final play-off spots for the World Cup being decided between March 31 and April 1, the tournament line-up is nearly complete.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Ruben Picardo Ashworth looks at five nations who stand out as the strongest contenders to lift the trophy this summer.
FIFA World Cup 2026 news: What England’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay told us about potential call-ups
England drew 1-1 with Uruguay at Wembley Stadium on Friday night, with the hosts fielding a heavily rotated team in London. Players such as Dominic Solanke, Fikayo Tomori, Noni Madueke, and Djed Spence featured for Thomas Tuchel’s side but are unlikely to start for England this summer and could be in danger of missing out altogether.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Elliot Ward takes a closer look at which players have a realistic chance of securing their place on the plane to America.
England women news: Leah Williamson warns players could strike over scheduling concerns
England women's captain Leah Williamson has refused to rule out the possibility of players taking strike action if concerns over scheduling and player welfare are ignored.
Speaking ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine, Williamson highlighted the pressures on players, warning that fixture congestion is contributing to rising injury rates in the women’s game.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Liberty Nicholson-Hulse takes a closer look at why female footballers may feel forced to take a stand against a packed calendar.
England analysis: How Man City’s Nico O’Reilly can fit into Thomas Tuchel’s 2026 World Cup squad
England is not short of talent; they are saturated with it. The challenge has been arranging that abundance into a balanced, cohesive team – particularly down the left side, where structure has often looked uneven.
It is into this very gap that Nico O’Reilly has emerged, a versatile midfielder capable of operating across multiple roles and offering a tactical intelligence that could help England’s World Cup hopes, writes Sports News Blitz’s Ruben Picardo Ashworth.