The 2026 World Cup — Day 21 | OneFootball

It's crunch time for England, where they finally have to really perform and produce the goods against Congo — or they won't be heading to the Azteca and an even more daunting task of challenging an exultant Mexico side on their home turf.

And later on, the other two Everton players left in the competition should be in action for Senegal when they face what could be quite a game against Belgium.

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Mark Ryan 1 Posted 01/07/2026 at 15:04:55

Troy Deeney says Pickford is crap and so we must be doomed if Troy thinks that. Oh well, maybe next time

Don Wright 2 Posted 01/07/2026 at 16:07:42

Was not the congo a film about a big arsed gorrilla ?

Sean Mitchell 3 Posted 01/07/2026 at 16:26:10

Mark #1

The same Deeney who was a goal machine. Oh, wait.

Take no notice of him. He’s an ex criminal spouting shite and jealousy.

John Collins 5 Posted 01/07/2026 at 16:42:14

UTFDR

David West 6 Posted 01/07/2026 at 16:44:11

Done more time in a cell than an England shirt !!

Ian Bennett 7 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:03:38

The atlanta stadium looks rubbish with those blue boards and void space. Not a patch on HD.

John Collins 8 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:05:22

David 6.

Sorry to hear that. When did you get out?

Michael Kenrick 9 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:06:59

Well, that was shocking. What was Pickford doing at the near post? And where the hell was the right back? Who is the right back?

John Collins 10 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:09:26

Get in !

UTFDRC

Chris Leyland 11 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:09:26

Harsh to blame Pickford for that. He was left exposed by a non existent defence.

Andrew Merrick 12 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:09:53

Never replaced Kyle walker Michael

John Collins 13 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:14:50

While everyone is enjoying the World Cup Forest have signed Glasner

Paul Griffiths 14 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:15:18

Glasner gone to Forest? Brighton make record signing. Can't wait for next season.

Chris Leyland 15 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:18:09

Moyes will be busy preparing a big bid for Djed Spence to solve our right back problem

Michael Kenrick 16 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:22:20

For me, Bellingham is just too sloppy. How many bad passes is that? And a yellow card so early.

Dave Abrahams 17 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:22:59

That fuckin’ clock is moving too slow!

Mark Taylor 18 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:23:13

£330m of midfield talent? You must be joking,

Alan McGuffog 19 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:25:02

Pickford getting the blame as predicted Everton to be docked points ?

Ian Bennett 20 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:27:46

For me thats on the centre backs. Spence cant cover everything.

Pickford cant be beaten that easily near post.

Paul Griffiths 21 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:33:18

Spence is having a shocker at the back so far. Winger has him in his pocket.

Edward Rogers 22 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:34:37

Rashford is gash!

Andy Meighan 23 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:35:37

100% Pickfords fault for the goal, shouldn't be getting beaten on his near post.

But my god how poor are England, but Tuchel is a tournament coach apparently.

Paul Griffiths 24 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:38:01

Everton lass there

Michael Kenrick 25 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:38:25

What an atrocious free-kick from Rice.

Paul Griffiths 26 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:43:14

That was a pen

John Collins 27 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:45:12

Who for Paul ?

Michael Kenrick 28 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:45:17

The way Kane puts his feet together in the dive was a complete giveaway. Brian Phelps is applauding that one!

Paul Griffiths 29 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:46:17

Not a dive MK.

Who's Brian Phelps?

Neil Tyrrell 30 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:46:29

That was almost as bad as eyelash gate from Kane when he got Doucoure sent off, I'm embarrassed to be English watching that.

Mark Ryan 31 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:47:20

Rice blowing out of his arse

Ian Carter 32 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:48:02

Thought it was a pen initially but after replay I think Kane drags his feet to draw the contact, which was very minimal. Typical modern day footballer. Always looking to go down. If he goes into that touch with the intent to stay on his feet he scores.

Paul Hewitt 33 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:48:26

Glasner new Forest manager. Another one lost

Mark Ryan 34 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:48:40

Rashford having a mare

Mark Ryan 35 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:48:40

Rashford having a mare

Darren Hind 36 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:51:38

Mistakes galore from all over the place (including the ref). I'm really enjoying this.

Great entertainment

Paul Griffiths 37 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:52:01

Forest FFS and there were peeps saying that he would not come to us.

Mike Powell 38 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:52:23

Never a pen, should of been booked for diving

Paul Griffiths 39 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:53:13

He was booked Mike

Michael Kenrick 40 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:53:16

Spot on, Ian @32.

Good test for the totally biased punditry — and Paul Griffiths!

Brent Stephens 41 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:53:26

Kane is a cheating b'stard. He has form for that.

Dave Abrahams 42 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:54:24

I wish the Congo would attack a bit more this English defence is very poor but I think England will win even if they have to cheat to do it like they tried to already.

Dale Self 43 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:55:00

A devious plan by St. Daniel ( borrowing that, Paul) to let Forest have him, only to be sacked as Moyes leaves.

Ian Wilkins 44 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:55:16

Apart from a spell against Croatia, England have been poor throughout. Flat, lacking ideas, defensively absolute frightening. Neither full back can defend and central pairing look suspect. Imagine meeting France, we’d be embarrassed.

Paul Griffiths 45 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:55:46

Bias MK. Mirror lad. And, by the way, I don't give a shit about England and I still want to know who Brian Phelps is.

Mike Powell 46 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:58:58

Missed that Paul, he deserved to be booked

Paul Griffiths 47 Posted 01/07/2026 at 17:59:24

Zlatan, it was a 'clear penalty'; Henry it was a penalty. Zlatan of all people. I'll stick to my opinion MK, thank you very much. I think that I will put those two ahead of you.

Jim Bennings 48 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:01:28

I think Tuchel has made a monumental fuck up prior to the tournament with some of his selection.

Half of his picks are just box ticking exercises and the exclusion of quality players like Foden, Palmer surprised me, Maguire too for me is a loss in defence.

How Henderson and Madueke made the squad who knows and Bellingham still doesn't show me why he gets the hype he does.

Neil Tyrrell 49 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:01:45

Brian Phelps is an accomplished English diver (high diving, aquatics) and a convicted sex offender Paul

Christy Ring 50 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:01:52

Kane wasn’t booked for diving

Chris Leyland 51 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:02:40

Andy Meighsn- I don’t think you can apportion 100% of the fault in Pickford for that goal. Where were the defence/midfield to allow the right back to be isolated 2 on 1? The right back who also allowed the ball to drift over his head Mykolenko style

Dale Self 52 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:02:48

Paul, it was an intended Michael Phelps refence, olympian swimmer. Brian Phelps was a Cleveland quarterback in the old days.

Paul Griffiths 53 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:03:13

Agree Jim. Palmer v Henderson erm . And calling up a centre-half when whatshisname dropped out.

Paul Griffiths 54 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:05:32

Sorry Mike/Christy.

Why would our editor compare 'arry with a quarter back? Perhaps he means that 'arry got sacked.

Michael Kenrick 55 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:05:40

You daft Yank.

Look it up.

His entry in Wikipedia is:

Brian Phelps (diver)

Paul Griffiths 56 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:07:21

Worth remembering that a superb keeper has kept Congo in front x3 - clatterburg penalty should have been awarded.

Paul Griffiths 57 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:08:37

Look what up MK?

Michael Kenrick 58 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:11:28

His entry in Wikipedia, Paul.

Michael Kenrick 59 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:12:52

Another dreadful set piece from Rice.

And a lousy shot from Rashford

Paul Griffiths 60 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:14:03

You mean WIKI for Michael Fred Phelps II Michael?

Andy Meighan 61 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:14:10

Chris Leyland 51.

Dont let your Everton bias get in the way in of what was a poor bit of goalkeeping,

I'm Pickfords biggest fan but that was poor from him. Having said that fuck knows where Frank Spencer was.

To be honest unless England get a pen and they've tried that already, I cant see them scoring.

Jack Convery 62 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:15:21

TFG in danger of being accused of total incompetence. Glasner, a much superior manager to the Moyesiah, is off to Forest. Shameful. Now Glasners' gone what's the chances of Davey lad resigning and going to Scotland.

Interesting isn't it how darlings of the media here don't get the calls, that are so often, nailed on in EPL and the CL. Kane looked for the contact and dived, like a swan showing off. No nice refs or VAR officials in the WC ready to say oh that's Harry Kane it's a pen. Presently it's making EFCs back 4 look almost competent.

England Right Winger Mandueke. France winger Dembelle.

Bissaka looking ok tonight.

Jim Bennings 63 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:16:26

This would surely rank alongside Iceland in 2016 as one of the all time most shock embarrassing results for England at a major tournament?

No disrespect meant to Congo but seriously, they aren't exactly a world heavyweight

Ian Bennett 64 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:17:48

Two feet together dive and looking for it. No penalty is a fair call.

Not sure kane needed to exaggerate it that much, as hed gave got the pen without the theatrics

Paul Griffiths 65 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:18:11

USA 1950 Jim?

Jim Bennings 66 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:19:29

Oh aye Paul forgot about that

Neil Tyrrell 67 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:19:43

Get Saka and Eze on

Paul Griffiths 68 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:19:46

I'll stick with Zlatan the biased ta Ian

Michael Kenrick 69 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:20:02

Paul,

Read my post @55.

Paul Griffiths 70 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:21:58

Gordon not Henderson?

Spence is having a 'mare at the back.

Jack Convery 71 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:23:52

Is Corporal Jones in the team ? Every time they get near or into our pen area, the PANIC levels are off the scale.

Tuchel subs, Same for the same. He must have read the Moyesiahs Tactic Memo.

Declan Rice just gave up then. Embarrasing.

Dale Self 72 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:26:57

Sorry to the Englishmen here, go with Neil's take on that one.

MK, I will refrain from a riposte.

Andrew Ellams 73 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:28:28

Few England careers coming to an end here

Jim Bennings 74 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:28:39

Spence is crap, I hope we don't end up going for him, there have been rumours about us chasing him, not for me, doesn't look made of the right stuff

Chris Leyland 75 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:29:55

Andy M - no Everton bias from me. He was partially to blame just not the 100% you apportioned to him!

Paul Griffiths 76 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:30:55

Agree Jim.

It's a pretty young team Andrew, unless you mean the goalie!

Watkins has to come on.

Ian Bennett 77 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:33:01

Little full back overlap, so rice goes right back 🤦‍♂️

Neil Tyrrell 78 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:33:22

Declan Rice going to RB?

Good thing he didn't pick Garner

Paul Griffiths 79 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:36:01

Cipenga plays for UD Almería Moyes.

Brent Stephens 80 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:36:13

Now THAT was a clean goal.

Ian Bennett 81 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:36:52

A good striker papers over a lot of cracks...

Paul Griffiths 82 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:37:36

Brilliant ball from Gordon.

Paul Griffiths 83 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:39:54

To be fair, England have been well on top. DRC have created nothing in this half.

Brent Stephens 84 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:47:23

What a cracker

Jack Convery 85 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:49:09

Some goal that. Claire gets the assist.

Paul Griffiths 86 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:49:13

What another brill ball from Gordon

Paul Griffiths 87 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:50:50

You just knew that was going to happen. England deserve it, DRC's defence has been great.

Christy Ring 88 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:52:19

In all fairness it's an embarrassing performance by England.

Paul Griffiths 89 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:54:10

Stop being Irish Christy.

Ian Bennett 90 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:55:16

Rice did well at right back tbf

Paul Griffiths 91 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:56:21

Agree Ian and Wan Bissaka

Christy Ring 92 Posted 01/07/2026 at 18:59:00

Paul it's Congo they were playing?

Paul Griffiths 93 Posted 01/07/2026 at 19:00:33

Yep but it was far from embarrassing mate.

Ian Bennett 94 Posted 01/07/2026 at 19:01:36

Yeah, he knew Rashford very well, and had a good solid game.

That 2nd from Kane is ridiculous!!

Christy Ring 95 Posted 01/07/2026 at 19:02:24

Paul, Kane was the difference, but the shocking miss by Wissa to put them 2 up?

Paul Griffiths 96 Posted 01/07/2026 at 19:03:05

Arise Sir 'arry.

Jack Convery 97 Posted 01/07/2026 at 19:03:50

Play like they did for the first 30 minutes against Mexico, with that crowd behind them, they'll be two down before they know it.

Paul Griffiths 98 Posted 01/07/2026 at 19:04:28

And Gordon CR. Yep, DRC are a good team and Wissa will be in bits. We should buy him.

Christy Ring 99 Posted 01/07/2026 at 19:05:28

I still think Ban Wissaka would be a good buy for right back, £10m?

Mark Ryan 100 Posted 01/07/2026 at 19:05:44

I wish Phil Foden, Trent ex RS and Cole Palmer were there. We lack quality in depth

Paul Griffiths 101 Posted 01/07/2026 at 19:07:48

That was a good sing-a-long.

Jim Bennings 102 Posted 01/07/2026 at 19:09:40

We are unlikely to see an English centre forward as effective and lethal as Kane again in many of our lifetimes, devastatingly lethal player

Dave Abrahams 103 Posted 01/07/2026 at 19:13:29

Well that was brilliant winner and Congo were gone after the equaliser they had ran themselves into the ground and had nothing left, a brave fight but they didn’t offer much in that second half, will have to put up with the English media until the next game.

I saw the value of Anderson in that game, never stopped working in that midfield and looked like he could run for another ninety minutes, still not worth that huge fee but nevertheless he will be a good addition to that City squad.

Christy Ring 104 Posted 01/07/2026 at 19:16:54

Kane's unbelievable at 32 years of age, and Munich benefiting, rumours Barcelona are trying to sign him

Paul Griffiths 105 Posted 01/07/2026 at 19:20:30

Word is he is extending at Bayern Christy. 63 goals last season fecks sake.

Tom Bowers 106 Posted 01/07/2026 at 19:24:31

Let's face it Tuchel is not as good as some think he is.

He was forced through desperation to bring on the subs. having selected the wrong starting eleven which underperformed for the most part against one of the minnow teams

Kane is a class act and was there long before Tuchel came along so we know he is first on the team sheet.

They will need to show a big improvement on Monday in Mexico.

Hard to see France not winning it all.

Darren Hind 107 Posted 01/07/2026 at 19:28:39

The bitterness on here is as entertaining as the match

Tony Abrahams 108 Posted 01/07/2026 at 19:30:32

Anderson has got a work rate Dave, but I don’t think City, would have bought him if Guardiola, was still the manager. Good player but I don’t think he moves the ball on quick enough and thinking about the premier league, I’m not looking forward to watching the cheats constantly getting the benefit of doubt, which hasn’t happened often in the games I’ve so far watched in this tournament.

The best thing about that game today was that it suddenly looks like football is finally becoming a man’s game, once again🤞

Jeff Armstrong 109 Posted 01/07/2026 at 19:31:48

Kane carried Spurs for 10 years, look at the difference since he left, he’s also carrying England. England's defence is all over the place, fitth right back in Rice used in 4 games, Guehi and Konsa like scared kittens in the middle, baba O’Reilly as good as he is going forward, is naive in defence, especially when he is roaming forward! Hate to say it but slabhead Maguire would have been a better option in central defence, TTA at RB and a more experienced left back should have gone too, Tuchel has fooked up his squad options, he will hardly use Henderson(Palmer FFS)Foden would have been a decent option from the bench, but defensively they look really poor, Mexico at home will be the end of the road I’m afraid.

Paul Griffiths 110 Posted 01/07/2026 at 19:34:28

Darren, not so much bitterness DH, but the silence as people obviously had their tea/dinner ready when England equalised mate.

Neil Tyrrell 111 Posted 01/07/2026 at 19:43:24

Tuchel deffo should have selected Foden, Slabhead, and Palmer. Detest Kane after eyelash gate but that 2nd goal was very nice.

Congrats to England getting past the mighty democratic republic of Congo and making it as far as Canada in the tournament. And Happy Canada Day to all, any guitarists or music fans out there give a listen to our REAL national anthem and Red Shea ripping it up 🇨🇦

https://youtu.be/YoaEbp3o6LU?si=gjPN2MPJb7oi1pZU

Darren Hind 112 Posted 01/07/2026 at 19:46:49

Glasner to Forest ?

Who saw that coming ?

Tony Abrahams 113 Posted 01/07/2026 at 19:54:21

As soon as I saw a WhatsApp picture today saying Forest, are considering getting rid of another manager, then I immediately thought that it would be to bring in Glazner, Darren.

People give the big Greek, a lot of stick. He goes through manager’s like he goes through gyros, but I’d love to have a chairman, who wants to succeed like the Forest chairman does.

What’s fuck stability in Greek?

Darren Hind 114 Posted 01/07/2026 at 19:58:16

Tony

Meanwhile back at the Texan ranch ....

Ian Bennett 115 Posted 01/07/2026 at 20:00:17

Wan Bissaka would be fine at right back, but you need a bit more threat on the left. You cant have two stay at home full backs.

Paul Griffiths 116 Posted 01/07/2026 at 20:04:20

Yep, a big surprise this morning for me. Triple trophy Glasner leaves Palace to step down to lower level Forest with a mad Greek in charge. Palace = stability and erm Forest ........

Paul Hewitt 117 Posted 01/07/2026 at 20:13:10

Spurs sign Tonali for 100 million, that's 237 million spent so far. Why we haggle with every club over fucking peanuts. That's why there classed as a big club and we ain't. Bloody joke

Tony Abrahams 118 Posted 01/07/2026 at 20:13:15

Have a chairman, who is a lot more concerned about succeeding, than boring old stability.

John Collins 119 Posted 01/07/2026 at 20:20:41

Hes a joke figure that Forest chairman. Cant he just accept it's only the big clubs that get success. Instead of spending fortunes trying to break that "rule"

Paul Griffiths 120 Posted 01/07/2026 at 20:21:59

And fires managers for fun Tony.

Meanwhile Spurs sign Tonali today and three other lads yesterday, including Fernandes (another one was a contract extension to be fair).

And us: George possibly and (WIKI) 'Hayden Rhys Hackney (born 26 June 2002) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Everton'.

I don't give a shit where Spuds ended up last season. It's now that matters. And the gulf between us and them in these transfer stakes is huge.

Do something to really impress us and make us dead happy Saints Daniel the Absent and Angus the Silent and that expensively assembled ace recruitment team.

John Collins 121 Posted 01/07/2026 at 20:22:20

" You cant have two stay at home full backs"

You can Ian. Watch Everton, you will see it most weeks.

Paul Griffiths 122 Posted 01/07/2026 at 20:33:05

Ndiaye starts

Oliver Molloy 123 Posted 01/07/2026 at 20:35:17

England just about deserved the win today - they got seriously lucky with that sitter that Wissa hit the post with - had that gone in making it 2 nil would have been hard to come back from. Touchel knows what he's doing and any team or country in the world would like a Harry Kane - he is some goal scorer.

In my opinion England will play better when playing teams that don't defend so much. They are still in there, Mexico will be a super tough match in a stadium packed with their fanatical fans, and remember they have only lost twice in 89 odd games there - IF they can beat them it just gets tougher ! There is no doubt that a lot of this England team really need to up their game to have any chance of winning the trophy. Fodin, Trent and Palmer would have made zero difference today.

Raymond Fox 124 Posted 01/07/2026 at 20:45:00

I thought England played much better once they had to score, they started finding space. It amazes me how few players do that simple thing and look where they can go to receive the ball.

I think we will be well 2nd favs in Mexico at altitude and very hot, Mexico are also a top team.

Just looked at the betting :-to win the tie 4/7 England and 5/4 Mexico. I can't believe those odds, there's no way we are a 4/7 shot. The bookies know most English punters want to back England, hence the terrible price. I wont be betting on the game, but at them odds I would have to back Mexico.

John Collins 125 Posted 01/07/2026 at 20:52:51

Arnold mate. His name is Arnold

Paul Hewitt 126 Posted 01/07/2026 at 20:59:37

Weird stadium this one.

Paul Griffiths 127 Posted 01/07/2026 at 21:08:55

Hewey, it's better than ........ WTF! Brewdog Stadium! When did that happen? What happened to Knowsley Road?

'Get down to Brewdog. ..... We're St. Helens from the Brewdog ....... We're the Brewdog boys we are .... '

Awful name.

Neil Tyrrell 128 Posted 01/07/2026 at 21:08:56

Agreed Raymond I'd take Mexico all day at those odds

Jim Bennings 129 Posted 01/07/2026 at 21:16:00

Ndiaye looking mustard here

Paul Griffiths 130 Posted 01/07/2026 at 21:24:38

Senegal well deserve that goal.

Paul Griffiths 131 Posted 01/07/2026 at 21:26:35

This hydration/ad break is a little late

Edward Rogers 132 Posted 01/07/2026 at 21:29:46

Senegal were 3/1 to win this match, tremendous odds.

Christy Ring 133 Posted 01/07/2026 at 21:31:15

Tonali and Fernandes to Spurs £185m, wanted to play for De Zerbi, nothing to do with £300k per week? Could we get Richi on the cheap?

Neil Tyrrell 134 Posted 01/07/2026 at 21:35:10

Hydration/ad break Paul

Gotta think we're in 4 quarter territory no matter what the climate now

Paul Griffiths 135 Posted 01/07/2026 at 21:36:17

Very - VERY - good buys Christy. Richy is a different sort of player isn't he? Bergvall ought to be available.

Paul Griffiths 136 Posted 01/07/2026 at 21:37:13

Neil, I've heard at least 2 commentators refer to quarters.

Neil Tyrrell 137 Posted 01/07/2026 at 21:38:20

Infant Eno sure gets around

My life in the shrub of boasts. Fucker sure knows a thing or two about making money

Paul Griffiths 138 Posted 01/07/2026 at 21:44:03

The fella behimd him at one match yesterday was a deadringer for that bloke from the Cure.

Good Byrne/Eno work there Neil. How I remember buying Remain in Light and putting it on to play!!!! 'Take a look at these hands ....... '

Tony Abrahams 139 Posted 01/07/2026 at 21:48:07

You can hear the crowd booing during those hydration breaks, but they make sense to me in these summer time tournaments.

I’m not sure if this equivalent of four quarters will become part of the sport, moving forward, especially in winter time, but with there being very stringent new rules coming out for time wasting, then it might actually make sense?

Neil Tyrrell 140 Posted 01/07/2026 at 21:53:39

You can count on it Tony, ad breaks equals more revenue. Just look at the matches in air conditioned stadiums this year. I think it's here to stay.

Paul Griffiths 141 Posted 01/07/2026 at 21:57:11

There will be hydration breaks in December in the Premier Super League in 2145.

Paul Griffiths 142 Posted 01/07/2026 at 21:59:05

Anyone have Conor Gallagher from Spuds? He has to be on his way out and we can feed off the scraps dropping from the Spuds table.

Brent Stephens 143 Posted 01/07/2026 at 21:59:33

Paul #141, if you can make it over, you can have my ticket for the first home game that season.

Paul Griffiths 144 Posted 01/07/2026 at 22:00:57

Against North Newcastle Eagles Brent? Should I meet you outside that lighthouse house by the golf course?

Brent Stephens 145 Posted 01/07/2026 at 22:02:45

Get there by noon, Paul, and I'll buy the first round. If I'm a bit "late", just hang around a while!

Brendan McLaughlin 146 Posted 01/07/2026 at 22:05:40

Ha ha Brent #143

Get the money up front Paul will fall for that

Paul Griffiths 147 Posted 01/07/2026 at 22:05:41

Cheers mate. Don't rush on my behalf though.

Here's Rom!

Paul Griffiths 148 Posted 01/07/2026 at 22:07:21

Illy's had a hair cut. Looks good.

If it gets me the ticket it will be worth it Brendan.

Brent Stephens 149 Posted 01/07/2026 at 22:08:27

You're invited, too, Brendan.

Brent Stephens 150 Posted 01/07/2026 at 22:11:32

Wow, what a goal!

Paul Griffiths 151 Posted 01/07/2026 at 22:13:33

That puts Saar on 4 now. Great business by Palace.

Paul Griffiths 152 Posted 01/07/2026 at 22:15:09

I think that the winner of this will play the US in the '16, unless Bosnia-H say otherwise.

Christy Ring 153 Posted 01/07/2026 at 22:18:47

Some pass from the centreback for goal, but Mane at 34, don’t like him but immense.

Dale Self 154 Posted 01/07/2026 at 22:32:54

Can someone please implicate Gianni in L'Affaire Epstein?

Neil Tyrrell 155 Posted 01/07/2026 at 22:40:45

Apart from France and maybe Spain, this feels like the world cup where most of Europe got left behind. Germany and Netherlands out, England squeaking past the mighty Congo...perhaps Portugal and Norway will prove me wrong

Jim Bennings 156 Posted 01/07/2026 at 22:49:35

Fuck me what an end to this game,.how are Belgium level here.

Paul Griffiths 157 Posted 01/07/2026 at 22:50:11

Wow, did not see 2-2 coming

Paul Hewitt 158 Posted 01/07/2026 at 22:50:27

I don't believe it

Neil Tyrrell 159 Posted 01/07/2026 at 22:51:42

Keeper's ball all day on that equalizer, missed his punch

Jay Lewis 160 Posted 01/07/2026 at 22:57:18

Tony @113

"fuck stability" in Greek, you can say "γαμώ τη σταθερότητα" (pronounced: gah-MOH tee stah-theh-ROH-tee-tah).Here is the breakdown of the phrase:Γαμώ (Gamo): The incredibly versatile, all-purpose Greek verb for "fuck".Τη (ti): The feminine definite article ("the").Σταθερότητα (Statherotita): The Greek word for "stability"

Neil Tyrrell 161 Posted 01/07/2026 at 22:59:22

Idrissa Gueye hit a shot low? Seen it all now.

Christy Ring 162 Posted 01/07/2026 at 22:59:23

Senegal making the subs backfired

Dale Self 163 Posted 01/07/2026 at 23:21:44

American commenators cannot even manage to master saying the obvious. No style.

Dale Self 164 Posted 01/07/2026 at 23:26:34

I didn't know Rudy Garcia was manager of Belgium. I still like that guy.

Jack Convery 165 Posted 01/07/2026 at 23:27:10

Onana on to take a pen. Is the Belgium manager nuts,

Les Callan 166 Posted 01/07/2026 at 23:29:40

Might get the winner ?

Stan Grace 167 Posted 01/07/2026 at 23:38:12

Anyone seen this supposed leak of the new home and away kits? Please say it ain't so.

https://www.tiktok.com/@bramleymooreblue/video/7657587132411743510

Jack Convery 168 Posted 01/07/2026 at 23:38:14

The young lad who came on for Idrissa, went on loan to Bayern Munich in January and played 4 games for them. He looks a prospect.

Paul Griffiths 169 Posted 01/07/2026 at 23:39:14

Will Senegal walk off the pitch

Neil Tyrrell 170 Posted 01/07/2026 at 23:40:17

Could you blame them if they did after that penalty decision Paul?

Dale Self 171 Posted 01/07/2026 at 23:41:33

Brutal. Senegal does an Everton

Jack Convery 172 Posted 01/07/2026 at 23:44:14

Why are the subs all allowed to run onto the pitch, when a goal is scored ? I thoight Tielemans did a Salah, felt the touch and fell over the guys foot.

Trouble at final whistle me thinks.

Paul Griffiths 173 Posted 01/07/2026 at 23:48:19

totally agree Jack.

Two great games. today

Jack Convery 174 Posted 01/07/2026 at 23:49:01

Porky Belgium.

Neil Tyrrell 175 Posted 01/07/2026 at 23:52:28

If it takes 5 minutes of replays, it's not a pen. Leaves a bad taste that one.

Jack Convery 176 Posted 01/07/2026 at 23:54:48

The ref said it was a goal kick. What happened to it was an obvious error ? Var should have left well alone. I wanted to see Onana take a shoot out pen !

Mike Doyle 177 Posted 01/07/2026 at 23:58:34

I didn’t think it was a penalty either. But none of us trust VAR so no great surprise. The 2026 version of Rom may be heavier and a bit slower than the one we enjoyed …. But he’s still better than Beto/Barry.

Paul Kossoff 178 Posted 01/07/2026 at 00:05:53

Pay back for for the afcon never a pen. The Belgian instigated the contract. by putting his foot over the defenders,Cheats corrupt.

Si Cooper 179 Posted 01/07/2026 at 00:06:29

I thought it was a penalty as he played the opponents foot rather than ball.

On the Pickford ‘clanger’, he will be disappointed but it’s definitely only a marginal mistake not an absolute fuck-up. If the attacker is under proper pressure from defender so his only option is to try to beat the keeper at the near post then keeper has odds stacked in his favour, but when attacker basically has all options open to him the keeper is trying to keep all his options open as well. Slightly too much weight shifted to left foot and he’s a millisecond away from getting a proper hand on a very well struck and directed shot.

People forget that Pickford’s main strength and the reason he gets the nod for England is the fact that he’s much better than his rivals when passing the ball.

Neil Tyrrell 180 Posted 01/07/2026 at 00:08:11

Different federation, but can't help thinking Senegal just paid (again) for having the temerity to challenge the powers that be at Afcon. Don't have a dog in the fight but that was really suspect.

Dale Self 181 Posted 01/07/2026 at 00:20:33

If the Senegal player was just sticking his right leg to the ball, likely no penalty. However, he was swinging his leg not anticipating Thielemans beating him to the space. Striking his leg like that allowed the ref to interpret the contact as preventing Thielemans from making a play on the ball with his right foot.

Not sure I would call it but there was enough there for the ref's interpretation imo.

Neil Tyrrell 182 Posted 01/07/2026 at 00:26:07

Did it take you 5 minutes to come up with that interpretation Dale, like it did the ref? Or whoever ultimately made the decision?

Clearly and obviously a very suspicious call.

Paul Griffiths 183 Posted 01/07/2026 at 00:26:10

Nicely put Dale and I agree. It's frequently the case that the situation gives the opportunity for a ref to interpret it. Was it harsh and soft? Yes, arguably. Could it be seen as a penalty? Yes. Was it corrupt or 'payback'? Absolutely not.

Senegal would have won on points and who knows how the penalties would have gone.

If the Yanks sneak past Bosnia-H they will play their first decent team this tourney in Belgium.

Got ya bandana on Dale?

Paul Kossoff 184 Posted 01/07/2026 at 00:29:21

Tonali to spurs £100million. Seriously.

Paul Griffiths 185 Posted 01/07/2026 at 00:30:16

I like that leaked 'new kit' if it is indeed the ket apart from that yellow on the trim which is utterly unnecessary. I love an all white hoop neck and white on the end of sleeves.

Paul Griffiths 186 Posted 01/07/2026 at 00:30:39

Paul you're hours behind.

Paul Kossoff 187 Posted 01/07/2026 at 00:31:36

Who would have bet on Tonali to spurs? Tonali apparently.😀

Paul Griffiths 188 Posted 01/07/2026 at 00:33:23

Tonali and Fernandes in two days is pretty good going. What are we up to?

Paul Kossoff 189 Posted 01/07/2026 at 00:34:28

Fk all Paul, sweet fk all😭

Paul Griffiths 190 Posted 01/07/2026 at 00:40:39

At least the thick Geordies will be livid Paul if they are able to process what just happened.

Sorry, but George if it happens and Hackney (an Everton player on WIKI) are 'nice' buys but they don't fill me with happy antiicipation for the new season.

Dear God, watching those two climb up the Empire State Building is hair-raising and gives me the willies. They got engaged when they reached the top apparently.

Dale Self 191 Posted 01/07/2026 at 00:57:13

Well Paul, that is an uncomfortable question for me. Hanging out with my Colombian friend, who fast-tracked my football understanding, I learned to despise the gringo's approach to FFSoccer.

While they have obviously improved, I still do not have a healthy love for my nation's football adventures. The 2002 team almost converted me but I didn't get there.

I would feel a bit guilty about it but no relegation in the MLS and that league being a cushy European senior player retirement destination gives me an out.

I discovered football with this club in '95 when I had to pay $20 for Setanta feeds at random English/irish bars around San Francisco. I owe the national gringos nothing.

Paul Griffiths 192 Posted 01/07/2026 at 00:58:37

Jeez Dzeko must be 40 now

Paul Griffiths 193 Posted 01/07/2026 at 01:02:16

No relegation anywhere in any Yank sport right Dale? Unlike every other single country in the world. Paying asslicking homage to 'the franchise'.

Ta for the account of your personal journey and thoughts!

You sound like me when it comes to England. Take it or leave it. Win, OK interesting ...... Lose, what's the next game on the box?

Paul Griffiths 194 Posted 02/07/2026 at 01:16:16

Feck me he's at this game too, or is it a clone?

Dale Self 195 Posted 02/07/2026 at 01:29:47

That was decent. That was offside.

Liam Mogan 196 Posted 02/07/2026 at 01:33:01

He's a good lb is Robinson. A shocking indictment of us that we let him leave.

Left foot, with pace. No brainer

Paul Griffiths 197 Posted 02/07/2026 at 01:44:56

Nice finish by the English lad

Mike Gaynes 198 Posted 02/07/2026 at 02:09:35

Liam #196, I screamed as loud as I could. Threw an absolute tantrum when we gifted him to Wigan for £2 million. Never forgave Silva, that dumb putz.

Paul Griffiths 199 Posted 02/07/2026 at 02:17:56

Probably wasn't down to Silva or Silva alone MG

Paul Griffiths 200 Posted 02/07/2026 at 02:29:15

Yellow that not red

Mike Gaynes 201 Posted 02/07/2026 at 02:48:22

Absolutely brilliant by that kid. Instant legend. Woo hoo USA!

Jim Bennings 202 Posted 02/07/2026 at 05:21:10

Spurs look like they mean business, when we had a chance to send them down last season, they'll probably finish about 15 points ahead of us next season, would be typical Everton that lol

Darren Hind 203 Posted 02/07/2026 at 09:08:59

The USA v Belgium match will be an interesting clash of "Legends".

Still very early days, but I still havent seen anything to suggest the Yanks cant win the tournament outright

Phil Roberts 204 Posted 02/07/2026 at 09:09:51

Liam - when Robinson left he was 21 and behind Lucas Digne in the pecking order.

Digne was sold in December 21 - a full 2½ years later and you expect us to have kept Robinson until then?

Dave Abrahams 205 Posted 02/07/2026 at 09:27:50

Phil (204) There was also a doubt about trouble with his heart, I think a transfer was called off because of it, was it with an Italian club.

Now he has matured he is very good going forward but not so good defending, he’s better than what we’ve got obviously but it doesn’t bother me that he’s no longer with us although we might have got a lot more money for him if he stayed but that was long ago and a certain fan reckons that Mykolenko is the best defensive left back in the premier league, or he did not so long ago.

Tony Abrahams 206 Posted 02/07/2026 at 10:15:15

I haven’t watched USA, playing a game yet Darren, but it was obvious to me that the yanks, would really start to improve once they stopped looking across the pond, to see how the English, coached their teams.

Coach skill - coach movement - because the one thing that American sportspeople have always seemed very adept at is athleticism, and these are, I believe, the three main ingredients needed to really succeed at the highest level.

Tom Bowers 207 Posted 02/07/2026 at 11:18:18

Let's face it Tuchel is not as good as some think he is.

He was forced through desperation to bring on the subs. having selected the wrong starting eleven which underperformed for the most part against one of the minnow teams

Kane is a class act and was there long before Tuchel came along so we know he is first on the team sheet.

They will need to show a big improvement on Monday in Mexico.

Hard to see France not winning it all.

Brian Harrison 208 Posted 02/07/2026 at 11:31:19

I cant see anybody beating the French to the title, some of their football the other night was at a different level to the rest of the teams. I find it quite ironic the most hated manager this club has ever had sold Digne to Villa because he criticized Benitez tactics, and he got dogs abuse from some fans on his return and we still haven't found anybody as good as him. He is still playing well both for Villa who qualified for the Champions league and France who will probably win the World Cup. Just a pity more players didn't back him when he argued with Benitez and we still might have had one of the best left backs in the Premier league.

Dave Abrahams 209 Posted 02/07/2026 at 11:45:40

Brain (208) Brian Benitez sold Digne because he was told to get rid of the high earners like Digne and James and he was given little to spend, Kenwright negotiated the buying of Patterson and God knows who wanted Mylolenko, maybe that deal was done by Usmanov but whether you liked Benitez or not he was a proven very manager elsewhere but not here like several other managers but most probably given the least to spend.

Ian Bennett 210 Posted 02/07/2026 at 11:48:12

Not convinced on Pickford, the right back, the centre backs, £130m signing, Madueke, & Rashford was off it

Too many passengers, they'll get knocked out Mexico unless they can turn around half the team performances. That's a fair ask after two unconvincing displays in the group.

Steve Brown 211 Posted 02/07/2026 at 11:57:14

Spence struggled but was given zero cover by Madueke, the centre halves looked rattled playing with two such inexperienced full-backs and Pickford lost his composure for a while.

We need not retain the possession well enough, the offensive press didn’t work as they outnumbered our attackers and the wingers were unwilling / unable to go on the outside. Elliot Anderson played like Darren Gibson for 70 minutes.

But in Kane, Bellingham and Rice they have 3 world class players - the rest have to step up massively.

Raymond Fox 212 Posted 02/07/2026 at 12:38:37

When you look ex Everton players who are now playing in the world cup and other Prem. teams, if we could have retained those players we would have very much better squad and have a realistic chance of reaching the top 6 even top 4. You can't keep selling your best players and hope to do well.

I thought England played well after Congo scored but I think the conditions in Mexico will be a big handicap to us and for that reason I don't fancy us. If we could win we have a chance to reach the final, but you have to say France look very hard to beat.

I don't think it was a penalty given against Senegal, I'm not even sure it was in the box never mind a foul. I didn't get a good view of it but that was my first impression.

Tom Bowers 213 Posted 02/07/2026 at 13:04:35

Yes the penalty decision against Senegal was bad. The ref.had a good view on the field and didn't call it but we all saw multiple replays of it on VAR monitor as he did and it was totally unclear and therefore should have not been called.

Having said that, Senegal should be criticized heavily for poor game management and that is down to the coaching. With 4 minutes left they were still wide open when all should have been behind the ball.

So many score lines decided in the last five minutes of games should warn those still to play that you cannot relax until the whistle is blown.

James Flynn 214 Posted 02/07/2026 at 15:33:59

Robinson never played behind Digne.

It appears he or his agent got the word that some negotiation was going on with Barca about Digne; a left FB. Robinson suddenly left for Wigan. Digne's signing was announced a week or two later.

It's worked out for both of them, at their respective clubs. We have Myko for another 2-3 years.