Haji Wright's lack of international minutes in the build up to and at the World Cup is "baffling", says BBC Radio CWR's Rob Gurney. The United States international featured 40 times for Frank Lampard's Championship-winning side in 2025-26, scoring 17 goals and contributing one assist. "Haji Wright didn't get a single minute in the United States v Paraguay game," Gurney said.
Portuguese is given target of winning instant promotionHe oversaw West Ham’s relegation to ChampionshipNuno Espírito Santo will continue as West Ham manager as the club seek to return to the Premier League after relegation on Sunday. His departure had been expected only for a change of heart at boardroom level.Daniel Kretinsky, the Czech billionaire and the second-largest shareholder, is believed to have wanted Nuno to stay, with David Sullivan, the largest shareholder, less certain about the man who replaced Graham Potter in September. Continue reading...
Amid a disappointing season, Tottenham face Everton seeking either a win or a draw to remain in the Premier League. Nevertheless, the absence of Cristian Romero remains crucial in the defensive line, potentially proving decisive. Despite being the recent UEFA Europa League champions, Tottenham Hotspur are enduring a disappointing season, fighting to avoid relegation to the EFL Championship. To achieve this, they face Everton today, looking to avoid defeat in order to remain in the Premier League. However, head coach Roberto De Zerbi faces a major challenge, as he will be without Cristian Romero in defense, a highly significant absence. After suffering a serious knee injury against Sunderland, Cristian Romero has remained sidelined since April 12, 2026, missing the remainder of the season. While he is expected to return just in time for the 2026 World Cup with Argentina, he will miss Tottenham Hotspur’s decisive match for Premier League survival. In addition, the 28-year-old defender’s future appears to be in serious doubt, with numerous transfer rumors. In recent days, Romero’s commitment to the Spurs has been heavily questioned, as he was spotted training at the facilities of Club Atlético Belgrano in Argentina. As captain of the English side, fans expected him to be with the team, leading to widespread criticism. However, head coach Roberto de Zerbi revealed that the team and the player decided to have him undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of Argentina and their medical staff. Even though he had permission from Tottenham Hotspur to continue his recovery process in Argentina, Cristian Romero decided to return to London, even being seen at a barber shop through social media posts. Following this, Ben Jacobs, well-known journalist within Premier League, reported that the 28-year-old defender will be present in the stands to support his team, demonstrating his commitment to the dressing room. Tottenham captain Cristian Romero. Tottenham Hotspur lineup vs Everton Tottenham Hotspur enter as clear favorites to defeat Everton, as they are fighting for their survival in the Premier League. In the absence of Cristian Romero, head coach Roberto De Zerbi will once again rely on Kevin Danso and Micky van de Ven, who have impressed in recent matches. In addition, Richarlison and Mathys Tel will expected to lead the attack, looking to make the difference against David Moyes’ team. With this in mind, Spurs will lineup as follows: Antonín Kinský; Djed Spence, Kevin Danso, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie; Rodrigo Bentancur, João Palhinha; Pedro Porro, Conor Gallagher, Mathys Tel; Richarlison. Everton lineup vs Tottenham Hotspur Unlike Tottenham, Everton no longer have anything at stake in the Premier League, as they are neither at risk of relegation nor able to qualify for European competitions. However, head coach David Moyes will still field his strongest roster, as they have not enjoyed a particularly impressive season and would look to finish with a solid victory. To achieve this, the goalscoring presence of Thierno Barry and the contribution of Iliman Ndiaye could prove completely decisive. Considering this, Everton will play as follows: Jordan Pickford; Jake O’Brien, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, Vitali Mykolenko; James Garner, Tim Iroegbunam; Merlin Röhl, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Iliman Ndiaye; Thierno Barry.
⚽️ Celtic secure domestic double with Hampden Park win⚽️ Follow Championship playoff final live | Email BarryReferee: Steven McLeanReferee’s assistants: Frank Connor and Scott AndersonVAR: Matthew MacDermidAssistant VAR: Gary Hilland Continue reading...
England will head into the 2026 World Cup with several familiar stars watching from home after Thomas Tuchel left Cole Palmer, Harry Maguire, Phil Foden, and other major names out of his final 26-man squad. England will head into the 2026 World Cup with several familiar stars watching from home after Thomas Tuchel left Cole Palmer, Harry Maguire, Phil Foden, and other major names out of his final 26-man squad. The decision has immediately sparked debate across English soccer, with the German manager making it clear that reputation alone would not secure a place on the plane to North America. The squad announcement marks the beginning of a new era for the national team. Tuchel has chosen a group built around intensity, balance, and tactical discipline, while also placing trust in younger players and experienced figures he believes can handle the pressure of a long tournament. England supporters were expecting difficult decisions, but few anticipated omissions on this scale. Palmer, Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Maguire, and Luke Shaw were all left out despite their importance in previous tournaments. Instead, Tuchel selected players such as Ivan Toney, Djed Spence, Dan Burn, Kobbie Mainoo, and Noni Madueke, showing he values specific roles and chemistry over star power. The inclusion of Toney, who has scored 32 goals in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ahli, was one of the biggest surprises of the announcement. England’s substitutions. The Three Lions’ squad still contains elite talent through Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice. However, the overall shape of the group suggests Tuchel is prioritizing collective cohesion rather than assembling the most individually gifted names available. England squad in full and how Tuchel explained the omissions Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City) Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham), John Stones (Manchester City) Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) Forwards: Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona/Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) It’s official. Your #ThreeLions players heading to the @FIFAWorldCup! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/lqsDBYSP4X— England (@England) May 22, 2026 The England manager eventually explained the thinking behind his controversial decisions, insisting the World Cup would be won through unity rather than fame. “From day one, we were very clear that we are trying to select and build the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select and collect the 26 most talented players,” Tuchel said. “Teams win championships. It’s as simple as that.” The German coach believes England’s previous generations often relied too heavily on individual brilliance, and he now wants a squad fully committed to tactical discipline and team spirit. “I can assure every fan in the country that we have 26 100-per-cent committed players in camp with us who are ready to buy into their role on and off the pitch,” he added. Tuchel also admitted the phone calls with the omitted players were emotional. “It was difficult, sometimes painfully difficult,” he explained. “I felt the emotion.” Why Palmer and Foden missed out The absences of Palmer and Foden have become the biggest talking point surrounding the squad. Both attacking midfielders were considered central figures for England’s future only a year ago, but inconsistent club campaigns ultimately damaged their chances. Foden struggled to reproduce his best form for Manchester
