Atlanta revisited (again). Harry Kane reflects on England needing a tougher "go for the kill" mindset in pressure games against the best opposition like Argentina, showing their core strengths. “A lot of that is togetherness, power, strength and physicality. In the biggest moments, we haven't shown our true self. Argentina was the prime example of that. The last half-hour of that Argentina game, maybe the Croatia (World Cup semi-final) game in 2018, and maybe Italy in the Euros (2020 final), we spent a lot of that game trying not to lose, and end up losing anyway. “That's the hardest part to take, not just as players but from a fan's point of view. If you go and try and win 3-0 and end up losing, it's a lot easier to accept. That's the final shift and that's a big shift. It's mentality as well as anything else. "A lot of our feeling coming off the Argentina game is we can’t let something like that happen again. It comes down to us as players. A bit more (action is needed) on the leadership, making sure that in those situations we have a clearer mind. As a group, can we make the better decisions in those biggest moments? “It's so natural to do what we've done in the past and try and hang on. We've done very well in certain situations like Mexico (down to 10) and Norway (under pressure) to the end.” And won both. “If I'm looking at a performance that should be our blueprint it should be the second half against Croatia.” The 2026 World Cup group stage game was 2-2 at half-time but England turned it on in the second half in Texas. “We went into that game with a little bit of nerves, with a little bit of that mentality, and then, half-time, Thomas (Tuchel) spoke really well, and you saw a complete shift in our mentality and how we performed. We were 3-2 up, we went for the kill (and won 4-2). That’s how we need to be in every situation in the biggest, biggest games under the biggest pressure - we can still have that mindset and clear mindset. There would be a big difference.” Kane echoes the sentiments of Anthony Gordon that England should play to their strengths, including pace on the break, and not try to emulate the possession style of tonight’s opponents at Wembley, the world and European champions, Spain. “I totally agree what he's saying. The way Spain play is a culture for them: someone growing up from five, seven, playing a certain style, all the way up until they're professionals. “In England, it's not so much like that. It doesn't mean we can't keep the ball or we can't play under pressure. We still have amazing technical players who can do all those things but also we have a lot of strengths that they don't have. And that is our physicality, our pace, our power. The way we press, and the way we're able to go again, and win duels, and a lot of Premier League-style football. When we're at our best, we combine both. “Spain play amazingly in what they do but we have a lot of strengths that we can showcase: being direct, running in behind, things like set pieces, which are important in today's game. It is important to have our own identity and not get caught up in trying to play like other teams.” England’s captain even argues that some teams want to copy them. “There are lot of good national teams out there, and everybody's looking at our team and how we've got to semi-finals and a final, and how can they ‘be more like England?’” Kane is naturally relentlessly upbeat but even he was knocked back by Atlanta. “It’s not easy to get over, but you don't have a choice. Being back with family, they help you get over it. But it takes months. It takes a long time to fully get over it. You heal whilst you're moving on. There's still moments I think about it and I'm sure the team think about it and what could have been and ‘what if’, especially meeting up again, seeing everyone again and wearing the badge. It stays in your mind.” Football offers swift redemption with the intense fixture-list. “The quicker you can start putting in good performances, especially against bigger teams, so it's a good thing that we're playing Spain, Croatia and these tough teams (also Czech Republic) coming up, because if you do win those games, it then brings you back to the excitement of what's to come. Can we win the Nations League? Can we win the Euros in a couple of years?” England are close, and have some exceptional players, born winners like Kane and Jude Bellingham, but the mindset of some other players - and Tuchel, who made those disastrous defensive subs in Atlanta - needs tweaking first. To borrow Kane’s phrase, England need to go “for the kill” more. Otherwise, Atlanta will be revisited. #ENG

Harry Kane on the late, great Kevin Keegan, whose life and career will be celebrated at Wembley this evening. “When I went to Bayern, I learned a lot of German fans are Kevin Keegan fans. He had a really big impact in Germany. A lot of fans spoke to me about me having a similar impact in terms of coming over (Spurs to Bayern 2023. Keegan: Liverpool to Hamburg, 1977) and being myself, on and off the pitch. I’ve gained a lot of German fans from that. He definitely did that. "As a player, he was a little bit early for me (to have seen) but you hear how good a player he was and also how good a person he was. That's why you've seen the reaction not only in England, but also across Europe, across the world. He’s a big part of English history. It'll be a sad day. But a good moment to celebrate him at Wembley.” Keegan’s family are expected to be present at Wembley tonight. #ENG

Thoughts on the Manchester City story. The immediate reaction was to check the fixtures and see who they are playing next. Liverpool. Away. The Kop is going to be in particularly strident voice. Even if City appeal this devastating judgement on financial breaches, the court of terrace opinion across football will still be a chorus of disapproval. Anger is in the air – at the alleged offences and the time taken for judgement to be reached. And that anger, mixed in with a large pouring of schadenfreude will be heard. Especially as Liverpool missed out on a title and a League Cup to City in the period under review. This is not yet full-time in the seismic meeting of the Premier League versus City. There may even be extra time if City, as expected, appeal the independent panel’s judgement on the majority of the financial charges laid against them. Once more unto the breach, m’learned friends? City have 14 days to appeal the judgement but it could be months before it is heard. As City can’t then appeal to CAS under PL rules, this long, expensive, exhaustive legal process is at least nearing an end and the result, pending any appeal, is a nightmare for City. This, also, is a problem for Government, given City’s Abu Dhabi ownership and the UK’s trading and diplomatic links with the UAE. There should, of course, be questions asked about those in power at City if they’re found culpable of these breaches. Fit and proper? There could, of course, be individual claims by clubs denied trophies and relegated clubs citing points lost to City and the financial cost of relegation. The ramifications of the judgement are deep and wide. City’s reaction may prove to look for every avenue of potential recourse, whether to do with time taken, procedure, legal niceties, whatever. City have consistently and vigorously claimed their innocence, and spent 10s of millions on their defence, so it is hard to see them going quietly into the night. But if their appeal fails they clearly merit the most severe of sanctions. People talk about large fines. Pointless against mega-rich clubs. People talk about transfer bans. Have you seen the size of City’s squad? The average age of their players? (25). And the quality of their academy? Even if some players push to leave, or rival clubs seek to take their players (Real Madrid will surely be on alert), City will still not be short of talent. If it is confirmed that City broke the rules on an industrial scale than the only suitable punishment is expulsion from the Premier League. If this seems harsh on City’s fans, then consider the thoughts and feelings of fans of other clubs, who played by the rules. It is important to note that this is different to the oft-stated case of Swindon Town being relegated two divisions in 1990 for irregular payments (later reduced to one). The four-division Football League was a single entity then. The Premier League and EFL are separate competitions with different rules. Anyway, if City were relegated to League One, as some critics desire, how would that be fair on one of the teams rising from League Two being denied promotion? It seems to me that the suitable sanction, if the appeal fails, is a 50-point punishment to be imposed for this season, in all likelihood guaranteeing relegation. City would then have to fight their way back, and some of the fans might enjoy the journey (no VAR, hurrah). Older City fans can recall fighting up the pyramid from lower. But on their return City should then start their subsequent two seasons in the Premier League with a 20-point handicap. This has to be a sustained as well as severe punishment. Other punishments? If City’s appeal fails, there will be calls for the eight trophies won during the period in question, 2009-2018, to be wiped and/or handed over to the runners-up. Standing to gain are Manchester United (twice) and Liverpool in the three title races; Stoke City in the FA Cup; Sunderland, Liverpool and Arsenal in the League Cup; as well as Chelsea in the Community Shield. Do these potential recipients even want the trophies, the sky blue ribbons discreetly removed? They have every cause to feel angry but my hunch is that many fans will simply be content with having the honours stripped from City, wiped from their records, a blank space left in the record books. An accusing asterix for all time. Even with fans innately defiant, City enter a dark period. Every press conference with Enzo Maresca will have a sub-text. In every interview with a player lurks have a painful question. Those many, many good staff at the club with nothing to do with any wrongdoing, totally blameless individuals, will feel the tension and the criticism. Fans who love the club will doubtless back them. It’s what fans do. The Premier League's image as a competition has been damaged by this. The Premier League's image as an organisation capable of strong governance has been enhanced by this. The oft-criticised CEO Richard Masters deserves praise for his persistence and patience. But, beginning at Anfield and continuing, this story really isn’t quite close to full-time yet.

Fining a club as wealthy as Manchester City would be pointless. If their appeal fails, it has to be a points deduction leading to relegation. In this emergency episode of The Football Boardroom, ex Liverpool, Chelsea and Villa exec Christian Purslow and I discuss the potential sanctions - if City's appeal fails - and the wider ramifications of 114/115 throughout the Premier League – will other clubs take individual action? - and also in Downing Street given geopolitical sensitivities. piped.video/MfbWt5i4WmE?si=udTY… open.spotify.com/episode/36h…

Everyone from coaches at St George’s Park to England fans debates the dearth of elite English No 9s – potential successors to Harry Kane whenever he retires from England. So it seemed sensible to ask the man himself before England training at Hotspur Way. Kane, 33, delivered a long, considered reply which mixed hope and concern. “No 9 is becoming more rare, for sure,” England’s record goalscorer began. “Maybe it’s an era, a style of play change. A lot of players growing up now would have been watching (Cristiano) Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar and these amazing wingers. “When I was growing up, it was different. There was a lot of No 9s: Shearer, Owen, Rooney, Sheringham, Fowler, Cole. It does have an impact when you're young and you're watching your favourite players. Also, football tactically has changed. More false 9s, more impact on possession and wingers coming in.” Kane sounded uncertain as to why many young players wouldn’t still crave the classic finisher’s role. “I don't know why because I love scoring goals. It's the best feeling in the world. It’s just an era thing. "I don't think we should be too worried about it. One, hopefully I'm playing for a long time still. Two, there's always a young player, or a player who we haven’t spoken about yet but will start doing well, start coming through, and then it'll be ‘can they handle the pressure, handle the bigger stage?’ “When I was 18, 19, I don't think there would be many people expecting me to go on and do what I have done. You have to give people a chance as well. It would be nice to see more No 9s, young number 9s, get chances on the bigger stage. "I was lucky to have someone like Tim Sherwood and Mauricio Pochettino (at Spurs) who gave me a chance. I could have easily been looked over and then maybe my journey’s a little more different. I'd love to see more (No 9s) just playing and also play on a consistent basis, having time to learn and adapt.” #ENG

There will be a period of applause at Wembley in celebration of the life and career of the late, great Kevin Keegan. England players will wear black armbands. FA chair Debbie Hewitt will lay a wreath. Fans will have a Keegan tifo banner. There will also be due respect shown to the memory of England internationals Mike Bailey, Bobby Tambling and Jimmy Rimmer who have passed away since England last played at Wembley. #ENG

Thomas Tuchel not in favour of this intense four-game international break. “It’s too condensed”. Four games in 11 days. “No, I'm not in favour of it. After a long tournament, having another long period together is very demanding emotionally and physically for the players. I can hardly think of a period in club football where you have matches and a turnaround like we have now: Saturday-Tuesday and then another Saturday-Tuesday. Only two days in between each game. That sounds too condensed if you have two-and-a-half weeks together. It does not feel 100% right.” Tuchel pointed out that players had a short break post World Cup, then back into club training and games, and now this busy international period. Tuchel watched Netherlands v Germany last night and “after 30 minutes there were already three players injured”. (None came off btw). Tuchel says he didn’t consider having two squads as Jurgen Klopp has done from 44 players. Points out that Klopp, as a new head coach with Germany, will inevitably be assessing more candidates.

Thomas Tuchel on Trent Alexander-Arnold's chances of playing right-back. “He fights with Jarell Quansah for the position. Jarell played against France and Mexico (at right-back in the World Cup). Trent is up for the competition. He was a valuable and important part of training (in this camp). It’s not about words, it’s about actions. He will get his chance to fight to get the shirt." #ENG #RMCF

The role of the England Under-21 head coach has mainly been focused on player development, preparing them for the seniors, as much as winning trophies. Lee Carsley has combined the two. Seven of Thomas Tuchel’s current squad featured in the triumphant Euro U21 finals: James Garner, Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Gordon, James Trafford (all 2023) and Jarell Quansah, Elliot Anderson and Alex Scott (2025). Two withdrawals from Tuchel’s squad, Cole Palmer and Tino Livramento, also started those Under-21 finals (2023 and 2025 respectively). It is easy to see why Carsley will be among the candidates to succeed Tuchel whenever the German leaves. Carsley now heads for an unprecedented three-peat. He half-bridled at mention that Italy have won it three times. “Not in this format! Not in this format!” Italy won it after two games. “No one's won it twice in this format!” It matters. Carsley is aware of the expectation. “There should be. We have to embrace that. They come to play for the 21s, back-to-back champions. There's a bullseye that goes with that.” The champions are a target. “We have to be aware of and carry that. “You want to leave a legacy, don't you? You want to do a good job and leave an organisation in a better place and walk around (St George's Park) and see all the pictures and make sure that you've made a difference. That's what I love about this job.” It’s why he’s resisted club offers. “There would have definitely been an easy move after winning it for the first time to go and do club management and accept a few of the offers but I enjoy the job that I'm doing. I enjoy that I'm part of a bigger quest to win a major tournament and be part of the FA when we do that.” He smiles at the short list of managers such as Zinedine Zidane, Pep Guardiola, Sir Alex Ferguson who have done three in a row in very different (and more demanding) competitions. Carsley insists he’s not thought about being a three-peat head coach. “Not really! Honestly, I don't! When we were in our last campaign, after we drew the second game, I looked at the Under-21 history at the tournaments, and I was surprised how many (champions) ‘did not qualify’, ‘did not qualify’, ‘did not qualify’, ‘won it’, ‘did not qualify’. "The expectancy of ‘we'll just get through the group, then win the quarters, then win the semis, and then we'll just win the final…it's very difficult. So my priority is definitely qualifying. And then, that's definitely something that I’ll think about. “I've never known an easy qualification process. But sometimes you forget that when you're on the pitch and you've got the trophy in your hands, you forget the journey you go on to get there. And I always think that the more major finals we can get to with these players, the better chance we've got from an England (senior) point of view of winning.” Developing and winning. Carsley's Under-21 champions' qualifying journey continues tonight at Molineux against Kazakhstan. #ENG

Jude Bellingham voted England Player of the Year by fans for the second year running. Great choice. #ENG

European leagues want some oversight of FIFA actions as checks and balances to the president. “Give affected stakeholders a real role in decision-making, FIFA must establish a permanent body representing key stakeholders, including national associations, leagues, clubs, and players from across men’s and women’s football”.

The overwhelming majority of fans believe that “stadium, match-day traditions and fan engagement” are more important to their club’s heritage than on-field success, according to an Ipsos poll commissioned by the Independent Football Regulator. 32% of fans surveyed said they would experience “a high level of distress” should their club be dissolved or cease to exist. (Surprised it’s not more tbh). 56% would consider taking “some action” if their club faced the threat of being dissolved. 87% said “the location of their stadium is important to them as part of their club’s heritage - higher than on-field success (83%)”. 82% said their club’s main home shirt colours were important to them personally, with 78% “valuing” their club crest. In the nuanced trophies-v-tradition debate about what defines a club’s heritage, the 1,904 English and Welsh fans polled put club history (91%), engagement with fans (87%) and team name (86%) as “more important” to club heritage than on-field success. The IFR was established in the wake of threats to the national game by certain owners, the prospect of breakaway leagues, concerns over sustainability of some clubs and attacks on club heritage (changes to crests etc) without fan consultation. The survey, to be included in the IFR’s forthcoming State of the Game report, is followed by a social media campaign “What Happens When Saturday Doesn’t Come?” around protecting club heritage, improving fan engagement and clubs’ financial sustainability also “for the benefit of local communities”. The campaign features local businesses closely linked to clubs including Leeds United, Liverpool, Leyton Orient, Coventry City and Sheffield Wednesday. piped.video/pnaboP2eFVo?si=6wRs…

Leagues describe FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s attempt to sell off parts of the World Cup as “one of the biggest abuses of power in FIFA’s history”.

PL, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Serie A raise memory of Folarin Balogun case during World Cup when White House contacted FIFA over US striker's suspension (it was controversially lifted). Leagues call for fundamental governance reform “to restore clear constitutional boundaries within FIFA, including confidence that individual disciplinary matters remain demonstrably insulated from political interference”.

Three signs of Anthony Gordon’s perfectionist nature… 1) relishing the pressure at Barcelona. “When you sign for a club like Barcelona, you understand that pressure is there every game. To draw a game is like losing a game. Dropping points, bad performances are not accepted. That's always the pressure I've wanted. I've wanted to play at the top for that exact reason. I'm thriving with it.” 2) being a team player, reflected in four assists in six La Liga games. “I pride myself on having high football IQ and making the right decisions. Sometimes I probably should be more selfish as a player, but it's not really in my nature. Going to a team like Barcelona has really suited me. It's highlighting strengths that people didn't know I had or maybe overlooked because I'm fast and because I press. That's the only thing people ever speak about but I have actually got a lot more to my game.” 3) he’s waiting to become even better at Spanish before giving interviews in Barcelona. “I don't want to sound too robotic. I want to wait until I'm really perfect in Spanish before I start.” He began learning the language at Everton. “Just like self-taught. It was always an ambition. I never had a teacher. Over the past couple of months I've had teachers and I'm getting better. I can understand most Spanish. I can speak really well. When they're speaking at me really quick sometimes I get a bit lost. And I've been a bit hesitant to do the press conferences in Spanish just yet. Because I want to say exactly what I would say in English, really mean what I say. Saying really basic interviews is not the type of person I am.” #ENG #barca

Nobody expects the English inquisition. It would be great to see England on the front foot, going on the attack repeatedly against Spain at Wembley on Saturday. Thomas Tuchel needs to put on a show for the England fans frustrated/angry by the World Cup semi-final second-half collapse against Argentina. Losing to the world champions Spain would be no disgrace. Failing to deliver a performance of style and substance would cause further anger. Tuchel let down the fans and the players with his second-half changes in Atlanta. England's relationship with Tuchel has moved into a different, difficult phase post-Atlanta. Wembley way offers a road to partial redemption for Tuchel - if he encourages counter-attacking quickly, the taking of risks and imposing the very obvious playing talent that England have. Make defensive changes judiciously. #ENG