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England are considered to miss Harry Maguire, amid defensive concerns at the 2026 World Cup, but Danny Mills has explained to GOAL why the Manchester United centre-half has been snubbed for a second time. He was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s initial 26-man squad and - despite leadership questions being asked - was overlooked again when Tino Livramentio withdrew through injury and a replacement needed to be found.

Folarin Balogun and Christian Pulisic dominated headlines as the USMNT enjoyed a dream start to their 2026 World Cup campaign, but who are the unsung heroes in Mauricio Pochettino’s team? In conversation with GOAL, former keeper Kasey Keller has picked out three players that have a crucial role to play for the co-hosts at FIFA’s flagship event.

Christian Pulisic has been given “shop window” transfer advice, with ex-USMNT star Kasey Keller reacting to the talented forward’s ongoing contract saga at AC Milan during an interview with GOAL. For now, a man that has often taken on the ‘Captain America’ moniker at international level is enjoying the “relief factor” of representing his country at a home World Cup - with a dream start being made to that tournament.

Harry Redknapp has revealed to GOAL when a “never be good enough” assessment of Harry Kane was delivered, with the record-breaking England captain going on to make a mockery of that verdict. During his early years at Tottenham, doubts were raised as to whether the ambitious striker would ever make the grade. He is now the all-time leading scorer for Spurs and the Three Lions, while also becoming a Ballon d’Or contender.

Outbursts of emotion from Jude Bellingham are no bad thing, ex-England star David James has told GOAL, with it considered to be “more of a problem” if the Real Madrid midfielder reined in his on-field behaviour. Team-mates, with club and country, are considered to have accepted that the passionate 22-year-old will always be a fiery character.

Thomas Tuchel has taken on one of the most arduous tasks in world football - the England manager’s job - and Harry Redknapp has told GOAL that a “disastrous” World Cup could lead to the German tactician quitting despite a “strange” contract extension being signed. Everybody connected with the Three Lions is hoping that scenario can be avoided as another quest for elusive major honours is opened.

Gio Reyna has been told that the “sky’s the limit” when it comes to his potential, but the USMNT star faces familiar words of advice while trying to fully unlock that ability. Ex-United States international Kasey Keller - who is a close friend of the Reyna family - has told GOAL of the need to find greater consistency after netting a wondergoal against Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup.

England have no obvious heir to Harry Kane’s throne emerging through their domestic system, with ex-Premier League and Three Lions striker Stan Collymore explaining to GOAL the concerning reason for that. The most prolific of No.9s continues to lead the line at present, rewriting the history books as he goes, but what happens when he is no longer around?

Manchester City remain in the hunt for Elliot Anderson, with Nottingham Forest reportedly demanding a British record transfer package of £125 million-plus ($168m) for the England international midfielder. Reds legend Stan Collymore has told GOAL how the classy 23-year-old would represent “value for money” and become an “absolute bargain”, with those concepts becoming increasingly difficult to judge in modern sport.

Jordan Pickford has been England’s No.1 for the best part of a decade, but where does the Everton star rank on the Premier League goalkeeper chart? Former Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Three Lions shot-stopper David James has answered that question during an exclusive interview with GOAL - as a proven performer is placed in illustrious company.

Harry Kane remains England’s go-to option for attacking inspiration, as the talismanic captain of his country, but Stan Collymore has explained to GOAL why “finishers” such as Ollie Watkins and Anthony Gordon have an important part to play at the 2026 World Cup. The Three Lions are ready to start roaring on North American soil, with squad depth crucial to Thomas Tuchel.

Former USMNT boss Bob Bradley speaks to GOAL about the Americans’ World Cup-opening win, his bond with Mo Salah, 2010 memories and his desire to coach again.

Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes have been generating plenty of transfer speculation at Newcastle, with Magpies legend Chris Waddle - during an exclusive interview with GOAL - urging the midfield duo to be “man enough” to state their future intentions in public. The likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City are said to be sniffing around a couple of proven Premier League performers.

Jude Bellingham may have been billed as a generational talent, but David James has told GOAL why England are right to treat the Real Madrid superstar in the same manner as Glenn Hoddle and Paul Gascoigne. The Three Lions have not always built around their most gifted players, with Thomas Tuchel seemingly adopting that stance again in 2026.

Barcelona love an entertaining playmaker - having seen Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi grace their books - and Frank Leboeuf has told GOAL that Rayan Cherki could go on to forge an “insane” attack alongside Lamine Yamal at Camp Nou. The French midfielder is currently starring for Manchester City, but a future switch to La Liga cannot be ruled out.

Jordan Pickford has stated his desire to take a penalty for England, but would the Everton goalkeeper be picked to step up in a shootout if a 2026 World Cup fixture went the distance? Former Three Lions shot-stopper David James has told GOAL what Thomas Tuchel’s stance is likely to be, with history dictating that plans do need to be drawn up in that department.

Jude Bellingham has been told there will be “no hiding place” for him in the Real Madrid circus as Jose Mourinho returns as ringmaster, with ex-England international Peter Reid telling GOAL what the all-action midfielder needs to prove. A place has been found in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup plans despite a testing campaign at club level being endured in 2025-26.