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World Cup 2026: England team is best for a long time – Declan Rice
Tuchel can continue to rely on captain Kane – for now.
The Bayern Munich striker will be 36 when the next World Cup rolls around, but seems in no mood to hand up his England boots.
Kane – who scored six goals at this World Cup, but was an unused substitute against France – told the BBC: “One of the best England groups that I have ever been a part of.
“When you see the boys around the hotel, when you see us training on the pitch, when you see us in the changing room, it is a unique group. We had that bond and had so much belief in each other.”
On Tuchel, Kane added: “It is his first major tournament. I think he has learned a lot of the squad, the campaign, the travel and the games and what it takes – the pressure.”
One of England’s wounds that was deepened by the win over France was Tuchel’s decision not to send on Bukayo Saka against Argentina.
The Arsenal winger, an unused substitute in the semi-final, scored a hat-trick on Saturday against Les Bleus – then afterwards said he is fully fit, having endured some injury worries earlier in the North American campaign.
“Of course, I would love to have played more but it’s too late to talk about that,” Saka told BBC One. “I try to do my talking on the pitch and it’s done now, move on. I’m fit.”
On noise around the manager, he said: “I think that’s just part of the game… it’s how you react to it, how you use it as fuel and today we finished strong and that’s all we could really do and we did that.”
England’s twisting World Cup 2026 story has a bittersweet ending – with a thrilling victory in the game no-one wants to be a part of.
But how this campaign will ultimately be remembered might not be truly determined until after this team have produced their sequels.
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WSL: Jana Fernandez signs new London City Lionesses contract
London City Lionesses defender Jana Fernandez has signed a new contract, keeping her at the club until 2029.
The 24-year-old has become a key player for Eder Maestre’s side since joining from Barcelona a year ago.
She played in every Women’s Super League match for London City last season as they finished sixth in their debut campaign in the top flight.
Her performances at right-back earned her the fans’ votes for club player of the season.
“I’m absolutely delighted to sign a new contract here at London City,” said Fernandez.
“When I arrived in England one year ago I joined this club with dreams for the future.
“Potential, excitement and progress are three words I associate with the club and I’m pleased to commit my future. I feel at home and settled here.
“We are building something special together, as players, staff and fans, and I can’t wait to play my part.”
Before her move to England, Fernandez spent her career at Barcelona, graduating from their academy and becoming a five-time league champion.
She also won the Champions League and Copa de la Reina three times.
Fernandez was part of the Spain team that finished runners-up to England at Euro 2025.
She has been joined at London City by former Barcelona team-mates Alexia Putellas – the two-time Ballon d’Or winner – and Mapi Leon.
Under US billionaire owner Michele Kang, London City hope to break into the WSL’s traditional top three and qualify for the Champions League.
Having attracted big names in the summer, it was crucial London City retained their other talent, and they have been able to do that with Fernandez and England winger Freya Godfrey committing their futures in recent months.
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Hibs: David Gray ‘will continue until told otherwise’ – but has Hibs boss lost the fans?
Kieron: Kilmarnock could have won by three or four and it wouldn’t of flattered them. Hibs were so poor tonight. David Gray’s position is hanging by a thread.
Stuart: The players on that pitch have to take as much responsibility as Gray for this result, nowhere near good enough. Amateur performance.
Andy: How can Gray continue to keep his job? The players are not playing for him. The club is a mess. Banning the only fans that bring an atmosphere. Benching three of our best players. So confusing.
Chris: Question the tactics. Thought for long time long ball is desperate and lacks ambition. Pressure indeed on David Gray.
Lee: If we end the game two points off bottom spot then it’s surely time up for the Hibs manager. It’s not a run and recovery from a bad position needed, it’s deliver and results from the get go the support demands for a club of our size.
Stuart: The players on that pitch have to take as much responsibility as David Gray for this result, nowhere near good enough. Amateur performance.
Paul: Long balls to no-one as usual from Hibs and as usual our keeper is a weak link. Gray has to go even if we win as this is awful football. Bring in Neil Lennon or Steve Clarke asap before our season drifts to nothing as usual.
Andy: How can Gray continue to keep his job? The players are not playing for him. The club is a mess. Banning the only fans that bring an atmosphere. Benching three of our best players. So confusing.
Brian: Worst backline in Scotland, midfielders trot about like headless chickens, feel sorry for strikers. Gray clueless. No plan. No tactics. Blah, blah, blah after game as usual but won’t resign. Board have to act.
SMcDhfc: David Gray has lost the team, it was obvious tonight. As an attacking force, we were shocking, lots of huffing and puffing but not one real effort on target. The players should be embarrassed after that display, but they will get the result they are after, Gray sacked.
Craig: I like Gray but believe it’s time he goes. He has one formation. It’s just not good enough. But, if he goes, Malky MacKay [director of football] should go too. His signings have been terrible.
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Thomas Tuchel: England boss regrets not eating Azteca turf after World Cup win in Mexico
England’s victory was only the third time Mexico had tasted defeat at the stadium in 90 competitive matches.
Tuchel described it as one of the highlights of the campaign and hailed the “huge bond” within the camp, especially the reaction to Jordan Henderson’s tournament-ending injury after falling over an advertising hoarding while celebrating the Azteca success.
“This game had so much of what you could wish for,” added the German. “If you needed any proof of what it meant to these players and how they were with each other, it was the moment Jordan fell over and broke his arm.
“Within a second, the players were there. Every single player was there stopping the celebrations, building a shield, protecting Jordan, not going anywhere, in full empathy. It was so special.”
England are next in action against World Cup winners Spain on 26 September in their 2026-27 Uefa Nations League opener, with the 2028 European Championships also on Tuchel’s radar.
Confident of ending England’s wait for a first senior men’s trophy since 1966, he believed their World Cup run not only cemented his relationship with the squad – “it feels like they are my players now” – but also represented “something to build on”.
Tuchel added: “I’m very excited. I think we got another step closer and I think we’re there.”
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CK Updates24 hours agoNorthern Ireland: Eligibility rules ‘not particularly fair’ – Michael O’Neill
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CK Updates12 hours agoHibs: David Gray ‘will continue until told otherwise’ – but has Hibs boss lost the fans?
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CK Updates18 hours agoThomas Tuchel: England boss regrets not eating Azteca turf after World Cup win in Mexico

