Craig Bellamy News

Germany head coach quits after World Cup exit as former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp looms

Julian Nagelsmann has resigned as Germany coach in the wake of a round-of-32 exit at the World Cup, with former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp touted as a possible replacement. The German Football Federation (DFB) confirmed the move on Friday, adding it was seeking talks with Klopp, who it said had expressed interest in the position. “Stakeholder representatives and the supervisory board of DFB ... on Friday unanimously decided, on the proposal of DFB president Bernd Neuendorf, to immediately terminate the contractual relationship with Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann,” a statement said. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow “Nagelsmann had already asked in a confidential conversation with the association’s leadership the previous day to be released from his duties. “The stakeholder representatives and supervisory board have now granted that request.” Nagelsmann’s fate was sealed after the team lost 4-3 on penalties against outsiders Paraguay in the first knockout game on Monday, with most of the criticism directed at Nagelsmann. Four-time champions Germany had also lost their last group match against Ecuador, after winning their first two games at the tournament against Curacao and Ivory Coast. Former Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich coach Nagelsmann, 38, landed the national team job in September 2023, succeeding Hansi Flick. Nagelsmann oversaw 37 matches, of which Germany won 23, with seven draws and seven defeats. He led the team to the quarter-finals of the home Euros in 2024 and into the Nations League finals last year. Former Borussia Dortmund coach Klopp is now the official frontrunner to take over. The 59-year-old is currently head of Red Bull’s global football operations. “With regard to filling the coaching post, the DFB leadership will now seek talks with Jurgen Klopp,” the DFB statement said. “He has already signalled his fundamental willingness to take on the position.” Germany’s next match is their Nations League start on September 24 against the Netherlands. Greece and Serbia are the other opponents in the group stage, which runs until November.

2026-07-03

Four free agents Liverpool can sign with Andoni Iraola's transfer priority clear

The scramble to secure football's most sought-after free agents is officially underway. Whether a player actively pursued free agency or was simply not offered a fresh contract by their club, there are a host of top-class stars available without the need to splash out on a transfer fee . Andoni Iraola has taken the reins at Liverpool and has already got his first piece of summer business done, bringing in Victor Munoz for £35million . The Spaniard will undoubtedly be keen to add further reinforcements ahead of his debut season in charge. The 43-year-old's approach marks a stark departure from Arne Slot's methods, and he'll look to shape his squad to get the best out of their talents. With his first taste of Champions League football on the horizon, Iraola will surely be backed in the transfer market - though there are also some shrewd deals to be done among the free agents. There are clear gaps in Liverpool's squad, particularly following the exits of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate . Revamping the attack remains the top priority, though the defence and midfield are also in need of strengthening. Here are four top-quality players who became available on Wednesday, July 1... Familiar to many Liverpool supporters as the player Jurgen Klopp had his eye on before being persuaded to sign Mohamed Salah instead, Julian Brandt is on the market for nothing after bringing an end to his seven-year stint at Borussia Dortmund . FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FB PAGE! Latest Reds news and more on our dedicated Facebook page The 29-year-old, who can function as both an attacking midfielder and winger, could offer crucial versatility in the forward areas for Iraola with no Salah available and the possible departure of Federico Chiesa. With 12 years of experience in the Bundesliga and over 80 Champions League appearances to his name, Brandt's blend of know-how and quality means he won't be short of suitors, with Leeds United reportedly exploring a move for the attacker. The Spaniard's storied Real Madrid career, spanning more than 450 appearances and six Champions League triumphs, has reached its conclusion. The 34-year-old is undoubtedly in the latter stages of his playing days, but the commitment and winning mentality that powered him through 13 years in the white-hot atmosphere of the Santiago Bernabeu clearly endure. A right-back could feature on Iraola's shopping list this summer given the fitness concerns surrounding Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong. While Trent Alexander-Arnold departed Anfield for the Spanish capital , one of Madrid's most cherished figures could make the reverse journey. Another player previously touted with a switch to Liverpool , the Germany midfielder could finally opt to join the Reds. Following eight years and 17 major trophies secured with Bayern Munich , Goretzka is now available on a free transfer. The 31-year-old is fresh from a humiliating World Cup exit following his nation's penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay and will be weighing up his next career move. Yet to play outside his native Germany, he has previously acknowledged his desire to experience football elsewhere. He said: "Maybe it's my last chance to go abroad. I really want to play truly competitive football again. We'll see what opportunities come up. I'm completely relaxed about it. I'll just let it all happen." The Serbian's four-and-a-half year stint at Juventus yielded a decent tally of 68 goals in 168 appearances, though he never truly set pulses racing during his time in Turin. Having failed to reach an agreement over a new deal, the 26-year-old is poised for a fresh challenge with his peak years almost certainly ahead of him. The Reds currently have Alexander Isak as their sole fit centre-forward, with Hugo Ekitike expected to remain sidelined for the opening half of the campaign. Landing Vlahovic could prove an astute piece of business, though the striker will hardly be short of interest, with the likes of Barcelona and Besiktas also reportedly circling.

2026-07-02

Newcastle to rival Man Utd for £73m World Cup star as midfield replacement

Newcastle have shortlisted Manchester United target Felix Nmecha ahead of a potential midfield rebuild. The Magpies face losing both Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali this summer to Premier League rivals. Tottenham have reportedly agreed personal terms with Tonali while Arsenal have seen a bid for Guimaraes rejected . Newcastle are therefore making contingency plans and could steal a march on United. Nmecha, 25, is one of the midfielders under consideration at St James' Park, the Mail report. It's added that the German has been on Eddie Howe's radar for several years. Currently at the World Cup with Germany , Nmecha has started all three of their group stage matches, returning one goal and one assist. He has a £73.5million release clause in his contract with Borussia Dortmund , who signed him from fellow Bundesliga club Wolfsburg in 2023. Get the latest World Cup 2026 news in your inbox with our Make Football Great Again newsletter Prior to that, Nmecha spent 14 years on the books of Manchester City , making three first-team appearances under Pep Guardiola . His elder brother, Lukas, was also at City as a youngster and now plays for Leeds . Nmecha is under contract at Dortmund until 2030, having signed a new long-term deal back in March before he helped Niko Kovac's side finish second and secure Champions League football. But that hasn't prevented speculation over his future, especially after Germany topped their World Cup group and booked a round-of-32 clash with Paraguay . A box-to-box midfielder, he enjoys getting forward and firing off shots, scoring six goals while registering three assists last season. But his 6ft 3in frame allows him to win aerial duels and break up play. Should Felix Nmecha join Newcastle or Manchester United? Have your say in the comments section . Having moved to Manchester as a child, he'd likely have no problem settling back into English life. Raised by a Nigerian father and a German mother, he's embraced each of the cultures that he's experienced. "With Nigeria a lot of the culture is food, happiness, even just the business mindset, being disciplined," Nmecha told SW magazine. "Then the German side is also very disciplined and has good values and morals. "And then the England side, I think a lot of English people are very open when it comes to conversations, having a laugh and hard working as well." Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

2026-06-27

Emmanuel Fernandez 'targeted' by Rennes as Rangers mega transfer paydays escalate

Stade Rennes have reportedly added Rangers star Emmanuel Fernandez to their list of summer targets. Fernandez was part of a major summer recruitment drive last summer when he arrived in Glasgow from Peterborough in a deal worth around £3.5m. After a slow start to life at Ibrox, the 24-year-old went on to enjoy an impressive campaign at the heart of Rangers' backline - with Feyenoord, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund among the clubs tracking the centre-back. It’s understood that a significant sell on percentage was written into the agreement which means Rangers would be likely to demand top dollar to be tempted into sanctioning such a quick turnaround sale. Ouest-France report that the Nigeria international is on a three-man shortlist of defensive targets, alongside Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell and Wolves man Yerson Mosquera. Towards the end of last season, the towering defender insisted he was in no rush to leave. When asked where he sees himself next season, he responded: “I see myself being here. "I've still got four years left on my contract, whether that's to run down my contract. I'm happy I'm here. I'm happy to carry on being here." Fernandez is not the only played who could command a bumper fee this summer, with Belgium international Nico Raskin attracting interest from Italy. Sources in Italy state that Atalanta are keen on signing the 25-year-old this summer as a replacement for Ederson, who is on Manchester United's radar. Corriere dello Sport report that boss Maurizio Sarri has personally "requested" the club sign Raskin - with the Ibrox star now the club's top midfield target. Additionally, PSV Eindhoven have reportedly named Rangers frontman Youssef Chermiti on their three-man striker shortlist, as they consider cashing in on Ricardo Pepi. Voetbal International report that a feel in the "double digit" millions would be required for the £8million Ibrox recruit, who is being considered alongside Alvaro Rodriguez of Elche and Monaco star Mika Biereth. Get Daily Record Premium for just £1 per month in an exclusive offer to celebrate the World Cup. Click HERE . Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources . Click HERE . Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport's newest podcast, Game On , every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks. Follow Record Sport on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond. You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers page and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also on WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Rangers community here . We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.

2026-06-27

Leeds United could sign Champions League free agent after Daniel Farke demand

Leeds United are firmly in the running to land Germany midfielder Julian Brandt who is set to become a free agent in just three days' time. The 30-year-old will officially part ways with Borussia Dortmund on June 30 after seven years at the Bundesliga club. Brandt is widely expected to be one of the standout players available on a free transfer this summer window - handing Leeds the opportunity to snap him up at no cost. The Premier League outfit have already looked into the possibility of a deal , and securing his signature could prove to be a remarkable piece of business for the club. Landing a player of Brandt's calibre and pedigree would undoubtedly represent a stunning coup for Leeds. The attacking midfielder rounds off a campaign in which he helped Dortmund finish second, contributing seven goals and four assists in 29 league appearances. Although it wasn't sufficient to earn him a place in Germany's 2026 World Cup squad, the 43-cap international's quality and versatility would significantly bolster Farke's attacking options. Predominantly a number 10, Brandt has featured in over 200 matches across both flanks - with the majority of those coming on the left - yet operated exclusively behind Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy throughout the past season. A creative midfielder has been high on Leeds' wishlist, having already secured their long-pursued right-wing target Harry Wilson on Wednesday, according to The Athletic . Wilson, 29, and the potential signing of Brandt, 30, would represent a shift in transfer approach for Leeds, who last season focused on bringing in players approaching their prime - rather than those who may have already reached it. Nevertheless, landing a player with 82 Champions League appearances and two World Cup campaigns to his name would be a remarkable piece of business and one that could propel Leeds to the next level. That said, such an impressive list of achievements means Brandt will have no shortage of admirers. The likes of Roma, Lazio and Galatasaray have already been credited with an interest in his signature, but the prospect of linking up with fellow German Farke and experiencing English football for the first time could prove decisive in the battle to secure Brandt. The Whites manager has made no secret of his desire for another versatile number 10 alongside Brenden Aaronson since last year. Farke said last August: "There's always room for more quality. Wingers who can work hard and are good against the ball, disciplined, wingers who are quick and good one vs one, wingers who can play like a 10. This (latter option) would be a good solution for us." The American now has 12 months remaining on his deal and Farke's demands have grown more urgent as the new campaign draws closer. Leeds' transfer activity last summer focused on strengthening the squad with 10 first-team additions, whereas this summer involves a smaller pool of targets that would likely prove more exciting to supporters. JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page A league-high 92.8% of the club's squad last season fell between the ages of 23 and 29, and while overlooking that for the acquisitions of Brandt and Wilson - with the latter turning 30 next March - it could prove a move that propels Leeds beyond 14th in the standings. With Brandt poised to become a free agent and Farke requiring quality in his position, he could represent the ideal summer capture.

2026-06-27

Liverpool get go-ahead to sign forward who was loved by Jurgen Klopp on free transfer

Liverpool's decision to sign Mohamed Salah instead of Julian Brandt is arguably the most pivotal sliding doors moment in the club's modern history. During the summer of 2017, former boss Jurgen Klopp was searching for a clinical winger who would eventually form one part of a devastating three-man attack alongside Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane. It's understood that Klopp was keen to bring German talent Brandt, then 21, to Anfield. On the face of it, he appeared an ideal match for Liverpool , having registered 12 goal contributions across 40 outings for Bayer Leverkusen. However, Klopp was reportedly persuaded to pursue Salah, who arrived at the club for £36million from Roma. Two Premier League crowns, a Champions League trophy and 257 goals later, the Reds' choice appears thoroughly justified after Salah departed the club this summer. Brandt ultimately left Leverkusen and signed for Klopp's former employers , Borussia Dortmund, in 2019. The German, now 30, is poised to exit the Black and Yellows following seven campaigns, during which he found the net 57 times in 307 matches and is available on a free transfer. Is there an argument for Liverpool to finally pursue Brandt, a full nine years after the club were initially linked? There is. Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now! Brandt can operate across the frontline, primarily filling in at an advanced midfield role but he can also feature on both wings - a quality Liverpool are reportedly seeking this season as Andoni Iraola looks to reconstruct his team's attack. He also provides a significant goal threat. He has netted 48 times and registered 45 assists from the left throughout his career to date, while contributing 19 goals and 14 assists from the right. He has recorded 37 goals and an impressive 66 assists operating in the No. 10 position. As we're aware, availability is equally crucial given Liverpool's demanding fixture list. Brandt's injury record is encouraging, with the adaptable attacker having missed merely three matches for Dortmund last season and only five the campaign before that. He's also accustomed to pressure situations. A former Germany international, Brandt emerged onto the scene as a teenager, making his Leverkusen debut before turning 18 and was instantly linked with Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, whom he reportedly rejected on two occasions. Brandt also appears to possess genuine integrity. Speaking in 2017, during Klopp's rumoured interest, he told Kicker: "My gut feeling and my head are telling me the time to move has not arrived yet. I have to straighten things out in Leverkusen." He remained faithful to his pledge and continued for another two seasons at the Bayer Arena. There is also the question of Brandt being available on a 'free' and in an environment where the Reds are prepared to spend upwards of £80m for the likes of RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande and PSG's Bradley Barcola, this could be categorised as a 'no-brainer'. Klopp has downplayed suggestions that he championed Brandt over Salah in recent years, but did acknowledge speaking to the forward. "There is always a story that I wanted to sign Julian Brandt or someone like that," Klopp told The Anfield Wrap. "The situation with that is if you go for a winger, you talk to seven or eight. Yes, we spoke to him, but we spoke to Salah." There's little question Liverpool made the correct decision in securing the man who'll eternally be regarded as the Egyptian King on the Kop. Yet the very notion of Brandt potentially replacing Salah after all these years feels so improbable that it just might succeed.

2026-06-24

Liverpool and Man United can sign World Cup hero for just £52m after pivotal moments

Felix Nmecha is available for just £52million right now as he continues to impress at the World Cup . The Germany international has three goal contributions so far, including the assist to the winning goal against the Ivory Coast on Saturday. Nmecha is reportedly open to leaving Borussia Dortmund this summer and is keen on a return to England, with Liverpool one of the clubs linked with him. The 25-year-old left the Manchester City youth set-up in 2021 for pastures new at Wolfsburg and earned a £26million move to BVB two years later. Since then, the midfielder has made 21 goal contributions in 112 appearances for the Bundesliga side and earned a spot in Germany's World Cup squad. He scored and assisted in the country's 7-1 mauling of Curacao and added another assist to secure qualification for the knockout rounds. Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now! The 25-year-old's stock couldn't be much higher. Reports suggest that while Nmecha signed a new Dortmund deal in March, his future at the club isn't set in stone. It is understood that a deal can be done for around £52m, which has garnered plenty of interest in the midfielder. But the Reds could face competition from Manchester United , Barcelona, and Real Madrid. Nmecha's brother Lukas also began his career at City before reuniting with Felix at Wolfsburg. The striker is back in England, competing with Leeds United, and his younger brother could follow in his footsteps this summer. TeamTalk reports that the midfielder's representatives believe there is a genuine opportunity for the star to move during the window and interest in his services could persist throughout the major tournament. Plenty of Premier League fans have taken to social media to share their excitement at Nmecha's performance against the Ivory Coast and pleaded with their clubs to make a move. One Chelsea fan said: "Felix Nmecha, what a player. I need him beside Caicedo." Another added: "If Xabi Alonso will need a midfielder who can carry the ball, win duels, cover ground, dominate transitions, and impact games at Chelsea. I have 2 names Felix Nmecha & Angelo Stiller." An Arsenal fan noted: "Felix Nmecha is a midfield general. He does literally everything with the ball, a 6’4 midfielder that turns fluidity like a ballerina, as defensively solid as a bull, passes the ball like a proper maestro. He should definitely be on Arsenal’s shortlist." One United fan pitched in as they said: "INEOS Felix Nmecha isn’t a gamble, he’s a proven midfielder. We should be going all in for him if Matheus Fernandes won’t work."

2026-06-21

Liverpool transfer target suffers World Cup injury as manager gives update - 'not looking good'

Liverpool transfer target Nico Schlotterbeck has seen his World Cup participation placed into doubt after suffering a possible ligament injury, according to Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann. The Borussia Dortmund defender was taken off at half-time of their group-stage clash against Ivory Coast after receiving treatment from physios for an issue picked up after just 15 minutes. The 26-year-old managed to see out the half before being replaced by Antonio Rudiger for the second period. When asked about Schlotterbeck, Nagelsmann was unable to offer a positive update. He said: “He has something with his medial ligament, he has to have an MRI tomorrow. It doesn’t look too good – unfortunately. In the end, it is largely a tactical decision whether he can still perform. And he did very well until half-time." F OLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FB PAGE! Latest Reds news and more on our dedicated Facebook page Germany were behind when Schlotterbeck was forced off with Franck Kessie on target for the Ivory Coast. Fellow Liverpool target Yan Diomande endured a mixed first half for his nation in the wake of Liverpool seeing a significant transfer bid rejected by RB Leipzig. With the 19-year-old unable to help the Ivory Coast increase their advantage, Germany came back into proceedings and a 26-minute brace from Deniz Undav, with the latter strike deep into added time, sealing their comeback victory. Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by _ signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now! Germany are now through to the knockout stages but Nagelsmann will be concerned by Schlotterbeck's injury, which if severe enough, could rule him out for the remainder of the tournament. It could even impact a potential transfer this summer with Liverpool joined by Manchester United and Real Madrid in the race for his signature. The latter is his most likely destination with the Spanish giants already signing Bernardo Silva, Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella and former Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate. The transfer priority for new manager Andoni Iraola currently appears to be further forward with a second and improved offer for Diomande expected. A deal for Jeremy Jacquet has already been agreed with the young defender set to strengthen Liverpool's options at the back. Having lost Konate, a second defensive addition appears likely. Tottenham's Micky van de Ven has been strongly linked and could be moved on with the north London club having already brought in Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, who were both believed to be of interest to Liverpool. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

2026-06-21

Gary O’Neil set to leave Strasbourg and take over as Ipswich head coach

Gary O’Neil is poised to become Ipswich’s new head coach, with the 43-year-old expected to return to England from Ligue 1 Strasbourg. There are only minor details to sort with O’Neil primed to succeed Kieran McKenna, who announced his wish to depart Ipswich after leading them to the top flight for a second time. O’Neil joined Strasbourg, part of the BlueCo stable that owns Chelsea, in January, replacing Liam Rosenior, who accepted the Chelsea job after Enzo Maresca’s exit. Last season, O’Neil led Strasbourg to eighth in Ligue 1 and they reached the semi-finals of the Conference League, in which they lost to Rayo Vallecano. Last November, O’Neil came close to returning to Wolves, his last job in the Premier League, but pulled out at the 11th hour amid reservations. O’Neil has a longstanding relationship with Ipswich’s chief executive, Mark Ashton, who was involved in his signing at Bristol City, O’Neil’s penultimate club during his playing career. He counts Ipswich’s rivals Norwich among his former clubs as a player and last year he held talks with Southampton despite beginning his career at Portsmouth. Elsewhere, Burnley are pushing for Craig Bellamy to be their next head coach after contacting the Football Association of Wales in order to land their No 1 target. Burnley are seeking to replace Scott Parker after relegation to the Championship and were interested in Russell Martin, who has taken charge at Leicester City. Bellamy previously worked as an assistant to Vincent Kompany at Turf Moor and briefly worked as an interim head coach when Kompany departed for Bayern Munich in 2024. Bellamy recently stated his desire to lead Wales at Euro 2028, which will begin in Cardiff, amid interest from Celtic, but he has also made no secret of the fact that he is attracted by the prospect of club management. “Wales gave me this opportunity and one or two might not have because I was conscious I haven’t managed before,” Bellamy said this month. “It’s the best role in the world.”

2026-06-19

Bellingham, England’s man for elite moments, kicks over the console table | Barney Ronay

And breathe again. For the opening 45 minutes under the giant Victorian train station roof at the Dallas Stadium, England produced a performance that was a bit like watching one of those YouTube videos where an awkward and frightening Chinese robot has learned how to dance like Michael Jackson. Dogged and occasionally convincing, but the kind of spectacle that does generally end with the robot falling off the stage. England didn’t just play like machines in that first half. They played like faulty machines, scared machines, contributing almost zero free-form football to a 2-2 half-time score that included two Harry Kane set-piece goals; the first a set piece from a set piece, a penalty after a corner, set piece squared. Was this going to be the story here? Is this how we’re going to go down, in a kind of singularity, the death of hope, football as units of action, deathly set moves? Tuchel called it last September. Throw-ins are back. Corners are so hot right now. In that opening half England had those parts, but nothing much else in between. At which point, the most important thing happened, not just in this game, but in Tuchel’s time with England. Credit must go to the manager for whatever he did to these players at half-time. And also to Jude Bellingham, who scored what would turn out to be not just the decisive goal in this 4-2 win, but also a moment of drive and energy that was completely at odds with everything to that point. This wasn’t quite an individualist’s goal, a dribble, or a moment of craft. It was an expression of basic sprinting will. It was an angry goal, and in exactly the right way. Bellingham took the ball in the right channel, running on to a simple pass over the top, and just kept going, veering inside, all drive and focus, with a rising sense of inevitability. He had the speed to leave two defenders mooching in his vapour trial, and the skill to produce a fine, cold, guided finish into the far corner at a full sprint. It wasn’t just that England were 3-2 up in that moment. Or that they looked like a team. More that they looked like they actually wanted to take part in a game of football, that this wasn’t just an activity to be undertaken out of fear and self‑loathing. For the next 10 minutes they swarmed all over Croatia, might have scored four, and gave a glimpse not so much of patterns of play, but of a willingness to actually do this, of the muscle, speed and ruthlessness that are undeniably there in this team. It felt right that Bellingham should be the man to kick over the console table and bring something ragged and raw to the day. It is easy to criticise him at times, given the level of his fame and status, the slight sense of confusion as to what his attributes really are, whether he has the deeper gears, the super-strengths of an elite player, or just the mannerisms and the profile. Some have suggested Bellingham is just a player of elite moments, the only answer to which is, well, he’s 22, and elite moments will do just fine thanks. We’ll take those. Not least when, as here, they can change the entire shape of the day, the energy in the room, perhaps even the way England are going to play here. With any luck the team can now breathe around him for the rest of this tournament. Most significant, by the end, with Marcus Rashford adding another, this felt like something entirely new. It was fun, free, a little rough. England can do this. Who knew? The Dallas Stadium is a genuinely epic arena, rising up out of the dead heat of Texas plain like a crash-landed alien spaceship. Inside, it’s like entering some futuristic microclimate, a place to store your secret island, your ark-full of uber humans for the coming rapture. Before kick-off the spectacle was almost overwhelming from the sealed press box high up in the gods, the huge glazed canopy roof, the red and white, the 160ft screen picking out the terrifying planetary-scale heads of members of the crowd. The upper tiers were decked in the well-worn travelling England flags, the roll call of names, Huddersfield, Gillingham, Grimsby, like an alternative shipping forecast. And the opening 12 minutes were all about Kane, who finally got to become a place kicker in an NFL stadium, scoring from a retaken penalty. A little later Kane got to realise his other childhood dream of scoring an Arsenal goal, heading in direct from Declan Rice’s corner after a Croatia equaliser. England stalled from there. They began to totter on their feet, circuit boards smoking. Tuchel was present here in all black, with that familiar look of some founding American settler, a goggle-eyed Dutch farmer in a straw hat out there tilling the lands. He must take credit if not for the start, then for the way England altered the energy here. And also for the balance that became apparent by the end in midfield. Whatever England achieve in the US is likely to centre on how well Rice and Elliot Anderson can drive the game. It seems Tuchel has a type in there: upright, willowy, floppy-haired right-footed Englishmen. It would be a bit of a stretch to suggest anything that happened in Dallas could amount to an act of vengeance for 2018. But England did finally wrest control here against the deathless Luka Modric, 40 years old and a more gnarled figure, but still the same gliding, bobbing miracle of balance and technique. Modric left the field soon after England’s surge. Croatia were probably always there for the taking. But there was hope here, and energy, and best of all something a little ragged and human.

2026-06-17