After Manchester United’s emphatic 3-0 win over Liverpool on Sunday, club captain Wayne Rooney believes the Red Devils are still in with a shout at the Premier League title.
United had an indifferent start under new boss Louis van Gaal, but the weekend’s result made it six wins on the trot for the 20-time English champions.
WANT MORE? >> Manchester United Transfer News | Latest Transfer News
And although they are still eight points behind league leaders Chelsea, Rooney believes that on United’s current form, the margin can be shortened very quickly.
“I think we have to believe we can win the title,” the England international told Sky Sports.
“We are eight points behind and coming into a busy period. If we can win our games and the others have one bad result, then there is nothing there.
“We have to keep winning our games, hopefully get back to the top, and you never know.
“We have shown a great resilience this season. Some of the games haven’t gone the way we would like but we are winning them and that is a great quality to have.
“We have been here before but we have a lot of new players and this is where the experience of myself, Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher can rub off on the other players.”
Rooney also had praise for Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea, who had another commanding performance with some crucial saves against the Reds.
“In my eyes he is the best keeper in the world,” said the England forward.
“Sometimes in training you hit a shot and turn away thinking it has gone in and he just manages to get there. He came through a tough patch early on in his career here and he is starting to prove what a top keeper he is.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“I hope he wins some of the top personal awards, he has had a really good season.”
Well 2012 has been an eventful year for Coventry City Football Club both on and off the field.
On the field the Skyblues have been relegated from the Championship, have changed their manager and had a high number of players both depart and arrive at the club.
Off the field the delicate relationship between Coventry’s owners Sisu and the fans hit melting point with weeks of protests taking place against Sisu’s running of the club. Sisu’s other relationships fared no better with discussions over the Ricoh breaking down resulting in unpaid rent and a row which is going to stretch into the new year.
Looking at the facts and 2012 looks like a very bad year in Coventry City’s history. I however am beginning to think that it could in fact be the year that started the revival of the club.
The clubs form on the field over the last couple of months has been second to none and we have been steadily climbing the table to finish the year in 9th a mere 2 points off of the playoff positions. In my eyes it is the beginning of a new era at Coventry City. Now I never thought I would say that with Sisu still having ownership of the club but they look like they are genuinely beginning to turn things around.
Yes people can point to the Ricoh row as a sign that this isn’t the case and Sisu are in fact as inept as they have ever been. I believe they are turning the corner and have genuinely learnt from previous mistakes. I also still firmly believe a deal will be struck which will allow Coventry to continue playing at the Ricoh Arena and doing so for a drastically reduced price which everyone must agree is in the clear interests of the club going forward.
The pivotal moment now is January. For me January will be what defines our season as a whole. Bailey’s initial loan spell has come to an end but thankfully the club have wasted no time in snapping him back up on loan until the end of the season along with Moussa. This is a big step towards a successful end to the season and the next step is to keep players like McGoldrick and Adams. These players have brought so much to this team and the club needs to do everything in its power to keep them here for as long as possible be it on loan or permanently.
We are perfectly poised to mount a serious promotion challenge and Saturday’s victory over the Mk Dons showed we are ready for it. Mk Dons are one of the outstanding sides in League One and are certain of a top six finish. They have quality throughout their side which is complemented by a manager who clearly knows what he is doing. Everything is in place for that club to be a huge success and I can only see good things in their future.
We however went to their place full of confidence with five away wins on the bounce and nine games unbeaten. These were records that you could clearly see the players wanted to extend. It was a game blessed by two of the best sides in League One and this was clear for everyone to see with some real quality football on show.
Coventry fell behind relatively early on and for the first time ever since I have been a Coventry City fan I actually wasn’t worried. I had complete belief that we would get back into it and even go on to win it. My new found confidence was rightly placed as the Skyblues fought back and ended up winning the game 3-2 thanks to 2 goals from Stephen Elliot along with a brilliant goal from Frank Moussa. There were plenty of nervy moments but to go to a team like Mk Dons and come away with the 3 points is a fantastic achievement and I think truly showed how far Mark Robins has brought us in such a short space of time.
We now look like a side who is hungry for success and is no longer content to under achieve. Long may this continue and it was clear on Saturday that the fans are responding. 4,988 was the official figure for away fans and that is a truly incredible following. I would just like to say a huge thanks to everyone who travelled down and made it a match to remember. That sort of support could carry us all the way, the fans being a 12th man is a disputed notion but it is one that I have full belief in. If we can get a few more down at the Ricoh for the home games and make it a noisier and more intimidating place to come then we are definitely onto a winning combination.
I for one cannot wait for 2013 and what it might bring for Coventry City fc. The prospect of going to Wembley not once but twice is enough to make any football fans mouth water. It is now a distinct possibility and the time is now to start believing. We are good enough to do it that I am sure of but what I am not sure of is whether Coventry’s usual bad luck has gone or if it is lurking just round the corner waiting to pounce and destroy our dreams once more.
Bad luck was the story on new year day as we fell to a 1-0 defeat to Shrewsbury. It wasn’t a bad performance by any means but it wasn’t at the level we have been at. This is going to happen from time to time but the positive was that we still created a lot of chances which we should have at least taken one of. It was just one of those days and one which we should be able to move on from quite quickly. Bring on Spurs!
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Arsenal are considering a summer swoop for Inter Milan midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia, according to FC Inter News.
What’s the story?
The last few weeks have raised questions over Arsenal’s progress given that they were comfortably beaten by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final and they are struggling to stay in the fight for top four.
In fact, the North London outfit are 13 points off the pace, and fans have once again turned on manager Arsene Wenger.
The Frenchman’s long-term future remains unclear, but recent reports have suggested that a defensive midfielder is on the list of this summer’s transfer targets.
FC Inter News claim that Kondogbia, who has been at Inter since his 2015 switch from Monaco, is wanted by the Gunners.
How likely is this deal?
The publication suggests that Arsenal could face some stumbling blocks in trying to land Kondogbia’s signature.
At the moment, the 25-year-old is on loan at Valencia, who have an option to buy the midfielder at the end of the season.
A figure of £22m will reportedly get the deal done, but there are indications that Valencia would immediately sell the player on.
There is no doubt that Arsenal could do with some power and grit in the middle of the park.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Kondogbia has those qualities, but he also has the ability to create attacking plays.
In fact in his 26 outings so far this season, the midfielder has scored four goals.
Mario Balotelli’s name has been trending all over social media in recent weeks based on his poor performance, but is beginning to gather positive comments thanks to his goal against Swansea and most recently, for an amazingly huge act of kindness towards a Liverpool fan.
Jack Gandy, an 11-year-old Reds fan, along with his father climbed the wall at Melwood to watch Balotelli along with the squad in training as he recalls one of the most touching stories about the under-fire Italian striker you may ever hear.
Jack’s father, Lee, said “We just couldn’t believe it, he’s such a nice person. Jack’s a massive, massive Liverpool fan. He can tell you anything about every player.
“He broke up for half term last week and we went to watch them train over the wall at Melwood on Friday.
“Mario went to the far side and was doing longshots and we were watching him ping them in.
“Jack was clapping him as he went to go in and Mario turned and waved. The next minute he came round the back of the goal, scooped up a ball and signed it, before passing it to Jack and then told him ‘you be good’.
“I said ‘thank you so much Mario’ and he turned round, put his thumb up and said ‘no problem’.”
This wasn’t it as he continued the events which took place after they once again spotted the 24-year-old leaving the training ground.
“All the fans were outside afterwards and Mario stopped his car and told the security guard to let Jack come over.
“We went up to his car and he said to Jack ‘you couldn’t get a picture up there, would you like one now?’
He put his hand up to him and I said to Jack ‘he wants to shake your hand!’. Mario held his hand and I took the picture. Jack’s just so made up.
“I had the Swansea game on the radio on Tuesday and when Mario scored Jack was jumping around his room.
“He loves Mario now, he keeps saying to me ‘he’s such a nice person’. He’s put such a big smile on his face.
“You see him on the pitch and he looks angry all the time but he was so nice with Jack, I just think people should know about him doing things like this.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Newcastle are battling it out with Juventus for the signature of Toulouse midfielder Moussa Sissoko, according to reports from talkSPORT.
The Magpies have been tracking the French international for some time and could make a move during January with manager Alan Pardew keen to bolster his squad in a bid to improve their Premier League form.
Russian big spenders Anzhi Makhachkala were thought to be front-runners for his signature, but reports have now emerged that Juventus are Newcastle’s main opponents.
Sissoko is a key member of the Ligue 1 outfit’s squad, but with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, a transfer appears to be on the cards.
It’s unclear whether the St James’ Park club will look to force through a move in January, or simply attempt to agree a pre-contract agreement for a free transfer at the end of the campaign.
The Frenchman has made over 150 appearances for his current club since breaking into the first-team set-up during 2007.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
He has been on the radar of many of Europe’s top clubs for some time, with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool having been linked with moves on numerous occasions.
Everton are expected to be one of the busier teams in the transfer window this summer both in terms of departures and arrivals. And one name that has been linked with a move to Goodison Park is Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles. However, according to the Evening Chronicle, Everton have cooled their interest in the central defender, which could end up being a mistake.
The Breakdown
There’s no doubt that Everton will be in the market for a centre-back during this transfer window. Funes Mori has already left the club with Ashley Williams set to follow, according to the Daily Star, while captain Phil Jagielka is at the age where his defensive performances are no longer as solid as they used to be.
Therefore, the interest in Lascelles made complete sense. The 24-year-old, who is valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, was one of the standout centre-halves in the Premier League last season and helped inspire Newcastle to a 10th place finish on the Tyneside club’s return to English football’s top division.
Lascelles inspired form and overall standing at the club has undoubtedly seen his valuation rise to a valuation Everton may be unwilling to meet.
The Toffees, though, thanks to billionaire majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri, have the funds and if they are looking to reinforce their defence, then Lascelles is exactly the kind of player that can help them do so.
On the other hand, new head coach Marco Silva and Director of Football Marcel Brands may just simply have other targets in mind for the centre-back position.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
But if last season is anything to go by, then the duo at Goodison Park will struggle to find a better defender than Lascelles.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez was desperate to add a new striker to his squad during the January transfer window with Joselu and Dwight Gayle struggling to do enough up top in the first-half of the season, and with Aleksandar Mitrovic out of favour at St James’ Park.
The Spaniard had said at the end of 2017 that he wanted all of his transfer business completed by January 20, but by January 31 and with hours until the deadline he still didn’t have the centre-forward that he wanted, despite the fact that goalscoring was proving to be one of his side’s biggest issues in their battle to beat to drop.
The Tyneside outfit had been heavily linked with the likes of Feyenoord’s Nicolai Jorgensen and Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge in the lead-up to the climax of the window, but they failed to agree a fee with the Eredivisie outfit for the former, while the latter joined relegation rivals West Bromwich Albion instead.
At one stage it looked as though the Magpies may not get anyone, but the club managed to get a deal for Leicester City striker Islam Slimani over the line, with the Algerian coming to St James’ Park on loan until the end of the season.
The club announced at the time that the 29-year-old wouldn’t be available right away as he was suffering from a thigh strain.
Soccer Football – Premier League – Leicester City vs Huddersfield Town – King Power Stadium, Leicester, Britain – January 1, 2018 Leicester City’s Islam Slimani celebrates scoring their second goal with team mates REUTERS/Darren Staples EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.
Benitez would have been hoping that the striker would play a key role in the run-in as Newcastle looked to avoid making an instant return to the Championship, and while he always looked likely to miss the 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on February 4, the Spanish boss would have been hoping to have him available for the home clash against Manchester United last month.
That didn’t happen though and one day prior to the huge clash against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on February 24, Benitez announced that the Algerian had suffered an injury setback and would be out for a further fortnight.
That setback means he will definitely be out for the trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on Saturday, and potentially the huge clash against Southampton at St James’ Park the following weekend.
The Tyneside outfit could find themselves in the bottom three by the time they play Jurgen Klopp’s side on Saturday evening if other results go against them – they only lie two points above the drop zone prior to their trip to Merseyside – and they may stay there with the trip to a free-scoring Reds team looking hugely difficult on paper.
The Magpies then host Saints in what is likely to be a huge six-pointer, which Slimani could be absent for, before they have a 21-day break until their next top flight fixture.
They could find themselves in a big predicament if they slip up against the south coast outfit, and they will have just eight matches left to save themselves when Slimani is finally fully fit to make his return – barring any more setbacks – when they host Huddersfield Town at St James’ Park on March 31.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Considering the player was injured when they signed him just hours before the deadline, you have to question whether the 29-year-old was a bit of a panic buy, and if Newcastle made a mistake signing a player that has missed so many matches that have been crucial in the Magpies’ battle against the drop.
Of course, time will tell as to whether that proves to be the case, but the Tyneside outfit may have been wrong to sign Slimani rather than getting another player who was fully fit at the end of January.
Even though the transfer window has closed, that doesn’t mean that West Ham cannot get yet more business done. Sam Allardyce has shown a willingness to delve into the bargain basement in the past, with Carlton Cole a product of the freebie market, which could tempt him back in in the coming weeks.
Although the Hammers enjoyed a fine summer transfer window, a few more bodies could benefit their push for a top half finish, and there are a few tempting options out there for them.
In case ‘Big Sam’ hasn’t had time to scour the market, we at Football FanCast have been researching, and here are six free agents for the Irons to consider…
[ffc-gallery]
CLICK ON RONALDINHO TO REVEAL THE SIX
[/ffc-gallery]
[ad_pod id=’footballfancast’ align=’center’]
Jonas
Football – Stoke City v Valencia UEFA Europa League Second Round First Leg – Britannia Stadium, Stoke, England 11/12 – 16/2/12Jonas – Valencia Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Ed Sykes
A Brazilian international who represented the Selecao as recently as two years ago available on a free transfer? A bit of a no brainer for West Ham if they can pull the deal off. The versatile forward can play as a lone frontman or in a withdrawn role and is only currently without a club after agreeing a contract termination with Valencia due to Spain’s strict non-EU player quotas.
At 30, his best days are not too far behind him, and with his mix of pace, power and technique he could be a wise addition for Sam Allardyce as he looks to produce a more ‘easy on the eye’ Hammers XI. Let’s face it, he can’t be any worse than Carlton Cole.
//www.youtube.com/embed/NDdUUnXGfws
Hugo Almeida
Football – Germany v Portugal – FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 – Group G – Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Brazil – 16/6/14Hugo Almeida – PortugalMandatory Credit: Action Images / Paul ChildsEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
‘Big Hugo’ is actually a player West Ham tracked over the summer following his release from Besiktas. Wage issues were understood to have scuppered the deal, but the burly Portuguese striker may be more willing to relent on his demands now that the transfer window has closed.
With Andy Carroll out of action, Almeida would be a good stand-in, and he can certainly do a job at the top level at 30.
Sotiris Ninis
//www.youtube.com/embed/vBrMDWmBfiU
Once the golden boy of Greek football, Ninis has endured a woeful few years which were capped with his release from Parma over the summer. The impish attacking midfielder has had his injury problems, but at just 24 he could be a big, big talent if he can be kept fit and firing.
After being dropped from Greece’s World Cup squad he has a point to prove, and he might add more guile to the Irons’ attack.
Ronaldinho
//www.youtube.com/embed/idYEGhn4LVo
It’s mad to think that the player dubbed the best on the planet less than ten years ago is now in the football wilderness. Everyone’s favourite buck-toothed trickster has bounced around the Brazilian top tier in recent seasons, but his time at Atletico Mineiro was brought to a close earlier this year, leaving him without a club.
The 34-year-old captained his country in 2013 and would certainly be a ‘wow’ signing for the Hammers if they could match his, almost certain, massive wage demands. A move to the MLS or Middle East is an option for ‘Ronny’, but it would be great to see such a star in the Premier League.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Andrea Dossena
Football – Sunderland v Carlisle United – FA Cup Third Round – Stadium of Light – 13/14 – 5/1/14Andrea Dossena – Sunderland Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Lee SmithEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
A disappointing spell at Sunderland was brought to a close over the summer, leaving the former Liverpool left-back searching for a new employer. At 32, he could be a good back-up option for Aaron Cresswell and offer Sam Allardyce more depth as he sets about securing a top half finish.
Dossena impressed in Italy with Napoli and is adept in a 3-5-2 formation, which appears to be the new Premier League trend…
Anthony Reveillere
Football – France Training – London Colney – 10/11 – 15/11/10Anthony Reveillere – France during trainingMandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston
Champions League experience and bags of ability, Reveillere is a decent right-back available on a free transfer. Joey O’Brien has long been a dependable option, but the Frenchman could well be an upgrade on the reliable full-back.
Napoli opted to release the 34-year-old recently, but he could well have a few good years left in the tank for West Ham to make use of.
Swansea City midfielder Leon Britton is adamant that he can still earn his place within the England set up, despite being 30 years old.
Britton feels he has now adapted to the Premier League and if he can keep up his good form then he can earn international recognition in a similar manner to 31-year-old Everton midfielder Leon Osman.
The Swansea ace is now looking to make an impression on Roy Hodgson and believes that if he is delivering for his club it does not matter what age he is.
Osman was the third oldest debutant since 1954 when he pulled on the Three Lions shirt on Wednesday night, and Britton feels this is encouraging for players such as himself.
“The manager is showing if you are playing well in the Premier League, he will pick you, whether you are Leon Osman at 31 or Raheem Sterling at 17,” Britton told Alan Brazil’s Breakfast show on talkSPORT.
“It gives everyone hope out there that it is never too late or it is never too early. If you are playing well week in, week out in the Premier League there are people watching the games and there is always an opportunity.
“I’ll never give up, I’ll try and do well for Swansea and if something comes from that then I’ll be absolutely over the moon.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Leon Britton will be looking to consolidate his bright start in the Premier League at St James’ Park this weekend, when his Swansea side take on Newcastle United.
Sceptics may argue Panama represent amongst the least formidable opposition to make any World Cup, but after a half-century of hurt England fans are entitled to dream again following Sunday’s 6-1 demolition of the Central American side.
It was England’s first ever World Cup win by that handsome margin and considering Panama are usually the kind of plucky underdog team the Three Lions end up painfully toiling against, the manner in which they were dispensed of before half time gives genuine cause for optimism.
So much optimism in fact, that it’s starting to feel like England can actually come back from Russia with the trophy. But is that the type of pressure-cooker-creating naivety that has forced English football to endure such relentless misery since 1966, or could there be sound logic to all the sudden hype? Here’s three reasons it’s coming home this summer…
They’ve got the World Cup’s top scorer
It may sound obvious but having the World Cup’s leading goalscorer is inevitably a huge advantage and Harry Kane is currently at the forefront of the Golden Boot race (at the time of writing) after netting a hat-trick against Panama – although Cristiano Ronaldo and Romelu Lukakua aren’t too far behind.
It of course highlights the extra cutting edge he gives England, which could well prove to be the difference between victory and defeat in the knockout stage, but gives Kane a crucial personal incentive too.
The Tottenham man is desperate to finish up as the tournament’s top scorer and that personal ambition can help drive on this England team, especially in terms of their attacking play.
Set Piece goals are key
England have already scored four times from set pieces at this World Cup, partly due to fantastic deliveries from Kieran Trippier and Manchester United’s Ashley Young and partly because it’s clearly something Southgate’s spent a lot of time working on in training.
There’s sound logic behind that too – set pieces have the capacity to decide any game at any level, but the statistics from Brazil 2014 are incredibly telling.
Three of the four countries to reach the semi-finals finished up in the top four for set piece goals, which shows how far they can take you in the tournament even when you’re not playing the best football. England arguably are though, which brings us nicely onto…
Playing better than any of the top teams
Starting is certainly less beneficial than ending a World Cup strongly and there are no prizes for simply playing the best football – it must be matched with efficiency in results as well.
On top of that, England’s opening two opponents have been of rather modest standard; although Tunisia are probably a little better than they’ve shown at times during the tournament, Panama are pretty strong contenders for being the least qualified side involved in Russia 2018.
[ad_pod ]
But from the opening rounds of fixtures, very few ‘top’ sides at the World Cup has produced football with as much freedom and flair as the Three Lions.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Germany lost their first game against Mexico and required a stoppage time wondergoal to beat Sweden, France have nervously stumbled their way through both matches so far, Brazil drew with a physical Switzerland team and were a goal-filled stoppage time away from suffering the same result against Costa Rica, and Argentina are on the verge of elimination.
In fairness, Spain and Belgium have shown their quality – but also some of their frailties – more consistently, while Portugal will always have the tournament’s biggest match-winner in Ronaldo. But has any team really rivalled the relentlessly expansive philosophy England have adopted?
Providing that doesn’t result in too many sloppy goals at the other end, it could take Southgate’s side a very long way this summer.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”258359″ player=”12034″ title=”The World Cup Twitter Report”]