Former Arsenal and England player Alan Smith has warned Ivan Toney that his England career may be over after the striker's move to the Saudi Pro League for a money-spinning deal worth more than £400,000-a-week. Toney, who had been hoping for a call-up for the national squad, was left out of the team's first games after his move. Smith believes Toney may never add to his six international caps following his move, and while it may be a financially rewarding decision, it may also signal the end of his prime as a player.
The media is buzzing after interim dual-national England football manager Lee Carsley's comments about not singing the national anthem. In a press conference, Sir Keir Starmer was asked about Carsley's stance, causing backlash from the public. Having played for both England and Ireland, the Birmingham-born defensive midfielder's patriotism is being questioned as he prepares for his first match in charge.
Lee Carsley's first game in charge of England got off to a perfect start as the Three Lions cruised to a 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland. Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, who both infamously switched allegiance from Ireland to England, scored the goals for the visiting team. Despite playing under a new boss and without former manager Gareth Southgate, England looked comfortable and in control throughout the match. However, Carsley's decision not to sing God Save the King and accidentally sitting in the wrong dugout raised a few eyebrows before the game.
Heimir Hallgrimsson suffered defeat in his first game as Ireland manager as Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, both controversial figures in Irish football, impressed for England in their 2-0 Nations League win. The loss was compounded by an injury to captain Seamus Coleman ahead of the team's upcoming match against Greece. Rice's goal also marked a unique feat, being the first in world football since 2011. Stay updated on all the latest football news by signing up for our email bulletin.
Amid hostile jeers from Irish supporters, Jack Grealish showed why he is considered one of England's rising football stars in a match against the Republic of Ireland. The 2-0 victory was a defining moment for Grealish, who had previously been at the center of controversy for choosing to play for England instead of Ireland. Despite the feisty reception, Grealish put on an impressive performance and even celebrated his goal with a pointed gesture towards the crowd. This match served as a reminder of the remarkable journey Grealish has had in his career, from being persuaded by Wayne Rooney to represent England to becoming a £100 million signing for Manchester City.
As England took on the Republic of Ireland in their Nations League opener, all eyes were on Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, who both started against their former country. However, the two players faced a hostile reception from the Irish fans throughout the match, with jeers starting even before kick-off and a memorable poster in the crowd dubbing them "snakes". The contentious atmosphere was further fueled by interim manager Lee Carsley, who made headlines by not singing the national anthem and barely being audible over the jeers. For Rice, who had previously represented Ireland at both youth and senior levels, this was yet another chapter in his complex international career.
The UEFA Nations League, the international football tournament designed to replace friendlies, has returned for its fourth edition. In Group B2, England and the Republic of Ireland are set to face each other in Dublin, while Scotland begins their campaign in League A against Portugal after a heartbreaking loss to Poland. Northern Ireland has already secured a victory in League C, defeating Luxembourg, while debutants Wales, led by new manager Craig Bellamy, face Turkey and Montenegro in Group B.
Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has been the talk of the football world after his candid admission about his battle with cancer in a new documentary. In an emotional interview, the 73-year-old, who was told he had a year to live in January, reflected on his career and encouraged others to "smile" and not feel sorry for him. Tributes have been pouring in for Eriksson, with former England captain Wayne Rooney among those expressing their admiration for the Swedish coach.
The highly anticipated F.A. Community Shield tournament returns to England with a Manchester showdown between Manchester United and Manchester City. While Manchester City aims for redemption after losing in the previous final, Manchester United makes their first appearance in the tournament since 2016. Football fans are in for an exciting match at Wembley as both teams vie for the first silverware of the season.
Following England's historic comeback victory against the Netherlands, fans are frantically trying to secure tickets to the European Championship final against Spain in Berlin. With soaring prices and limited availability, supporters are resorting to extreme measures, such as taking out loans and driving long distances, to secure a seat at the highly anticipated match. Online resale sites are asking for exorbitant prices, with some even demanding a staggering £10,500 for a chance to witness England potentially end 58 years of football heartbreak.