World Cup briefing: Today’s games and why you should watch them November 22, 2022 If England and Wales starting their World Cup campaigns hasn’t whetted the appetite yet, perhaps today’s fixtures, which feature Argentina and France among others, will get you in the mood. Here, City A.M. previews Tuesday’s games in Qatar. Group C: Argentina v Saudi Arabia, 10am, ITV Argentina, one of the favourites for the tournament, have [...]
England 6-2 Iran: Saka and Bellingham star as Three Lions start World Cup with a bang November 21, 2022 England blew away months of growing pessimism with a free-wheeling start to the World Cup today, smashing six goals past Iran to underline their credentials as potential winners. Bukayo Saka scored twice while Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish also netted as Gareth Southgate’s team put down a marker in Qatar. Two [...]
World Cup briefing: England v Iran at 1pm November 21, 2022 Not feeling excited by the Qatar 2022 World Cup? Need a reason to watch today’s games? Let City A.M. get you in the mood. Group B: England v Iran, 1pm, BBC England begin their bid to go one better than their runner-up finish at last year’s European Championship when they play Iran this afternoon. They [...]
Fifa threats prompt England to scrap plan to wear One Love armband at World Cup November 21, 2022 England football chiefs say captain Harry Kane will not wear a One Love armband in their opening World Cup match against Iran today after Fifa threatened them with sporting sanctions. They were one of seven nations planning for their captains to wear the armband as a gesture of solidarity with minority groups in Qatar, where [...]
Qatar World Cup Group B analysed: England and their rivals’ strengths and weaknesses November 20, 2022 Will the real World Cup Group B stand up? On the one hand, England’s pool is the only one in Qatar in which all of the teams inhabit the top 20 of Fifa’s world rankings. On the other, Iran, the USA and Wales looks, on paper, like a kind draw for Gareth Southgate’s team. Today’s [...]
Comment: Criticise me not Qatar for World Cup, says Infantino. OK then, here goes November 20, 2022 In a speech riddled with crass false equivalences on the eve of the World Cup, Gianni Infantino had a message for critics of this tournament. “Don’t criticise Qatar. Don’t criticise the players” the Fifa president said. “Criticise me, because I am responsible for everything.” OK, Gianni; here goes. There is no shortage of material. Criticise [...]
Exclusive: Powerleague chief on price rises and making the ‘tinder of grassroots football’ November 18, 2022 On the eve of the World Cup, grassroots football is the focus for Powerleague boss Christian Rose, who has dragged it out of red and through pandemic with a metaphorical Cruyff Turn. The CEO has been in post for four years after being brought in during 2018 when the company was “not in great shape.” [...]
Trevor Steven: Why England are among my four contenders for Qatar 2022 World Cup November 17, 2022 This World Cup is unique in its location and winter scheduling so I do wonder how real it felt for the England players arriving at their Al Wakrah camp this week, but the Qatar 2022 wallchart now blu-tacked to my fridge tells me it is definitely happening. I’m a little less excited for the tournament [...]
Ed Warner: If Liverpool’s owners want to sell, expect more American buyers November 17, 2022 Ed Warner addresses why American investors are the most likely purchases of any Liverpool shares on the market, why England’s Rugby World Cup defeat was good for the women’s game, and cricket song choices with a sense of humour. Forty-three days without the Premier League. Three days in and already I’m suffering withdrawal symptoms. Yes, [...]
Size matters: Why tiny Qatar decided it needed to host the World Cup November 16, 2022 Sport business and geopolitics expert Professor Simon Chadwick explains the economic, security-related and nation-building reasons why Qatar is hosting the World Cup. With the start of the men’s World Cup in Qatar imminent, fans are looking ahead to the action starting. Some will be anticipating Harry Kane retaining his Golden Boot, though others may feel [...]