Gareth Southgate’s attack of Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane and Jadon Sancho complemented each other to great effect in England’s exciting victory over Czech RepublicThree perfect touches at the end of twenty-five. The opening goal of a room temperature qualifier at a fidgety Wembley stadium might not be the kind of moment around international mini-eras are built around.But England’s opener here, at the end of a move involving ten players, was special for various reasons. Not least as confirmation that Gareth Southgate is able to draw new elements and new rhythms from his team. So many England managers have stuck to a script, grown fat on the job. Sven Goran Eriksson sat scratching his chin watching his England team play the...
Many people believe it is about picking a country and sticking with it but when your heritage is dual it is trickyIt was intriguing to see the mixed reaction to Declan Rice’s decision to commit his international future to England over the Republic of Ireland. I don’t think people fully appreciate how difficult it can be to have two nationalities in football and the kind of stigma that can come with it – especially for someone who is only 20. Rice broached the issue of respect for his dual heritage so eloquently and honestly in his public statement, which I am sure will bring him respect for his decision in return.There will be a lot of Irish fans who were...
Derby County’s new left-back spoke well on television and refused to indulge the idea that England of 2002-06 should have won at least one major tournamentIt was fun to see Ashley Cole on Sky Sports on Monday Night Football. There wasn’t any obvious peg for having Cole on the show, no link to either of the clubs playing that night. But he was an excellent and engrossing guest after a nervous start, standing very still behind the lighted plinth in his skinny black tie and black suit, looking like a handsome celebrity undertaker.Part of the fascination of Cole is that he has a rare kind of distance around him, the authority of a man who has shunned public appearances to...
Signing for Juventus was among the personal highlights but racism against Kalidou Koulibaly was a sad way to end the yearThe turn of the year left behind 12 months to remember personally on and off the field but also from a wider perspective in football.On the pitch if I could summarise 2018 in one word it would be progress. Progress for the England men’s team who, perhaps unexpectedly, reached the semi-finals of the World Cup. They continued that momentum by qualifying for the Nations League finals beating top nations such as Spain with the exciting, fearless brand of football we have all been craving to see from England. I was fortunate to be at many of England’s games in Russia...
Our writers offer their choices for the highest honours at the prestigious ceremony, from Ronnie O’Sullivan to Tracey NevilleRonnie O’Sullivan has been winning for 25 years now: five world championships, seven Masters and seven UK titles, the latest of them this month. His 19th major victory means he has overtaken Stephen Hendry and become the most successful player in snooker history. Related: The Anti-Sports Personality of the Year awards 2018 | Simon Burnton Related: Dina Asher-Smith a real contender for BBC Sports Personality of the Year Related: Who are the team of 2018? My vote goes to England’s women netballers Continue reading...