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 analysis: Preview, predictions and more ahead of the semi-finals
Following the action-packed quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland, the FIFA World Cup semi-final line-up has been set in stone, with four footballing giants one victory away from the final.
From tactical masterclasses to individual brilliance, the semi-finals promise two of the biggest contests of the tournament, writes Sports News Blitz’s Juliette White.
World Cup 2026, Wimbledon, UFC 329, Tour de France – Your guide to the ultimate sports weekend
This weekend, fans will be glued to their screens as numerous sports collide, from World Cup 2026 and Wimbledon to the UFC and Tour de France.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Stan Cheeseman offers a guide to the ultimate sporting extravaganza.
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 news: Five memorable moments – Vozinha heroics, four-star England and more
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada, got underway on June 11 in Mexico City and is the first World Cup to feature 48 teams and have three host countries.
Since then, there have been historic moments and relentless entertainment despite the defeatist attitude many fans had in the run-up to the tournament. Here, Sports News Blitz writer Jack George delves into the most memorable moments of World Cup 2026 so far.
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.
Cricket betting tips: Best value bets for England vs New Zealand and India vs Afghanistan
England host New Zealand in the second Test of their three-match series, while India look to wrap up their ODI series against Afghanistan in Lucknow this week.
Here, Sports News Blitz cricket expert Himanshu Sharma breaks down the best bets, value plays, and key betting angles for this week’s fixtures.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Five goalkeepers to watch at the 2026 tournament
A world-class goalkeeper can be the difference between an early exit and a deep tournament run.
From experienced veterans to exciting newcomers, the 2026 World Cup features a fascinating mix of talent between the posts.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Shuei Ishii looks at five goalkeepers who could make headlines on football's biggest stage.
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.
Women are driving a new era of sports growth as female viewership numbers continue to increase
The number of women watching sport is growing – and the statistics are there to back it up. From the ashes of Heated Rivalry and Formula 1: Drive to Survive rise female sport fans, who are loyal and ready for sporting fun.
They not only aid consumer statistics and records, but also expand the realms of diversity, virality, and financial stability. Here, Sports News Blitz writer Katie Butler unpacks the growth of female viewership within sport.
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.