England’s away following is neither as racist nor as violent as it used to be but the scenes in Seville did the country down and Gareth Southgate and co could have taken a standWe appear to be in that period now that could probably be described as the backlash against the backlash. Social media have certainly been a frothy place since a few of my journalistic colleagues had the temerity to write about England abroad and how, in short, it can be a bit wearing treading through the broken glass or watching brave lads in expensive trainers trying to pick fights with stationary cars.The people who make it their business to cause offence seem to be offended that anyone could...
The Manchester City forward looked almost carefree in Spain and Gareth Southgate’s team need to keep this upEngland delivered an impressive display against Spain on Monday and it was kickstarted by a fine opening goal from Raheem Sterling. I was delighted for him. Few, if any, players have had to put up with as much negative energy from the media in recent years as Sterling and this was his way of showing that despite it all he still has what it takes to score goals for England.A huge part of Sterling’s burden in an England shirt has been dealing with all the critics. That is part of being a professional footballer but the scrutiny on Sterling has gone too far....
From drawing in Rome to that night in Munich, one England fan recalls half a dozen great displays over the last 22 yearsGoalless draws are rarely treasured but, given the rarity with which England get the better of elite teams, the 0-0 at the Stadio Olimpico, pushing the hosts into the France 98 play-offs, stands out. Against a side that had won 1-0 at Wembley, Glenn Hoddle’s team more than held their own. It being England, the glory is tinged with regrets: Ian Wright, who struck a post in added time, did not make the cut for the finals on his return from injury; Paul Gascoigne likewise, albeit more explosively; and Paul Ince, the bloodied hero here, missed a penalty...
After winning his first three matches he oversaw the country’s first competitive home defeat for 15 years as England won 3-2The inquiry began way before the game had finished. The stadium clock had not yet reached half an hour when to the right of it, high in the Benito Villamarín, England’s drenched fans began to chant: “Are you Scotland in disguise?!” They were not, of course, but nor, it seemed, were the team down below Spain. Luis Enrique has been swift to quieten comparisons to that Spain – the team who won three tournaments in a row, European, world and European champions – but nor, at that point, were they this Spain, the team who had recovered so well since...
Borussia Dortmund’s brilliant 18-year-old winger has sent a message to players such as Marcus Rashford that going overseas does not mean being overlooked by Gareth SouthgateEngland return to Nations League action on Friday and there is one player I am really excited about seeing perform for Gareth Southgate’s side –Jadon Sancho. Make no mistake, the winger’s call-up is a big deal for English football and could mark a turning point for young English players. Related: Nations League, Lionesses and roundabouts – Football Weekly Extra Sancho is clearly a major talent. I heard Rio Ferdinand saying he has everything to succeed at the highest level, and there are definite similarities with Raheem Sterling Continue reading...