Chris Burton

Michael Owen has, during an exclusive interview with GOAL, picked two players from England’s ‘Golden Generation’ that would improve the Three Lions’ class of 2026 and aid their bid for World Cup glory. The ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid striker has also debated whether Harry Kane and Declan Rice could oust the likes of Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard from an iconic team of the past.

Nottingham Forest have been told how to “kick on” after taking in a season of relegation battles and four managers, with Morgan Gibbs-White and Murillo forming part of that project. Ex-Reds loanee Alan Hutton has told GOAL that a brighter future should be enjoyed on Trentside given that ambitious owners and talented performers are in place at the City Ground.

Philippe Senderos has explained to GOAL what it was like to work with Ronaldinho, with the Brazilian superstar considered to be an “artist” that boasted enough natural ability to rival the very best in the business. That talent was showcased across Europe and throughout South America, with one sporting adventure seeing the Samba icon cross paths with David Beckham and Co at AC Milan.

Patrice Evra has identified to GOAL the one player that Manchester United should go all out to sign this summer, with Victor Osimhen being billed as a dream addition for the Red Devils. The prolific Nigeria international striker, who is currently on the books of Turkish giants Galatasaray, has been heavily linked with a Premier League move across several transfer windows.

John Arne Riise has told GOAL that Michael Olise and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia would be “unbelievable” signings for Liverpool, but the former Reds defender doubts that “big” money is available for such elaborate transfers. Recruitment records were smashed at Anfield during the summer of 2025, meaning that more budget-friendly targets may need to be identified 12 months on.

Tottenham will be a Premier League side next season, but an important summer transfer window awaits and Alan Hutton has told GOAL the “one guy they have to keep” to stand any chance of becoming a ‘Big Six’ team again. The Spurs squad that starts next season is expected to be markedly different to the one that dragged itself over the relegation avoidance line in 2025-26.

Mikel Arteta has delivered the Premier League title to Arsenal, following a 22-year wait, but is there any fear in north London that the Spanish tactician could be lured back to his homeland by Barcelona? Arteta is a product of the fabled La Masia academy system and was schooled in coaching circles by Pep Guardiola. Ray Parlour has likened the debate regarding the 44-year-old’s future to one that Arsene Wenger previously generated.

England have named their squad for the 2026 World Cup, but can they go on to achieve what the so-called ‘Golden Generation’ could not and deliver a long-awaited international title? Michael Owen formed part of several trophy bids in the 1990s and 2000s, with the ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid striker telling GOAL of the failures that were toughest to stomach.

Alisson has been generating shock transfer talk at Liverpool, but former Reds star John Arne Riise has explained to GOAL why a surprising move for the Brazilian goalkeeper in 2026 remains unlikely. The experienced South American has spent eight memorable years at Anfield, and remains under contract, but is seeing questions asked of his future on Merseyside.

Martin Odegaard has faced criticism at times over the last couple of seasons, but he is now a Premier League title winner at Arsenal and fellow countryman John Arne Riise has told GOAL why he is “shocked and surprised” that anybody has ever doubted an “amazing” talent. The Norway international remains a key cog in Mikel Arteta’s well-oiled machine at Emirates Stadium.

Tottenham have become embroiled into another relegation battle, but could they emulate Manchester United by morphing into top-four contenders next season? Alan Hutton has explained to GOAL why a similar transformation in north London remains unlikely as “huge money” will be required in order to deliver a remarkable reversal in collective fortunes.

Erling Haaland has been informed of what he will require in order to become a Ballon d’Or winner, with John Arne Riise telling GOAL that the Manchester City superstar needs a “sh*tload of goals” before being recognised as the best player on the planet. The Norwegian striker has tended to deliver on that front, and has long been billed as a natural heir to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Golden Ball-winning department.

James Tavernier opted against taking up a seat on the bench for his final Ibrox fixture as a Rangers player, as he prepares to become a free agent, but will the long-serving full-back live to regret that decision? Alan Hutton believes those thoughts will form in time, with the ex-Gers defender also speculating with GOAL on what the immediate future could have in store.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Jude Bellingham and Noni Madueke among those to get the nod as Phil Foden and Cole Palmer miss out. Harry Kane captains the Three Lions in their bid to bring 60 years of international trophy heartache to a close, with Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins and Marcus Rashford providing support and competition in the attacking department.

England supporters have been advised, by former Manchester United and France star Patrice Evra, to end their ‘It’s Coming Home’ chants as the infamous song has become a “curse”. Three Lions fans have dared to dream of witnessing that musical prediction come true since 1996 but, despite several near misses, have seen an agonising wait for major international honours hit the 60-year mark.

Brenden Aaronson remains a “key part” of Leeds’ future. Michael Gray has told GOAL, with the USMNT star proving that he can play an important role for the Whites as a creative No.10 or hard-running winger. Some uncomfortable questions have been asked of the American playmaker since he returned to Elland Road in 2024, but boo boys have been won over in style.

Michael Owen has explained to GOAL why comments from Mohamed Salah rock Liverpool like “hand grenades”, with the Egyptian superstar taking aim at Arne Slot and the Reds’ playing style. Having grown accustomed to competing for major silverware under Jurgen Klopp’s “heavy metal” regime, Salah has been delivering departing digs ahead of hitting free agency this summer.

Dan Ndoye continues to star for Switzerland, in World Cup year, but Nottingham Forest are yet to see the best of a winger that they invested £34 million ($46m) worth of faith in during the summer of 2025. A hasty departure from the Premier League has been mooted, but Philippe Senderos has explained to GOAL why his fellow countryman can still be a success in England.