Hayes backs Tuchel as Bellingham opens up on England's Euros failure

Hayes: don't underestimate Tuchel

Emma Hayes has backed Thomas Tuchel to deliver for England at the World Cup, telling fans not to underestimate what the German can achieve. The US women's national team coach worked alongside Tuchel at Chelsea and knows his methods firsthand. She did admit one selection surprised her: leaving Cole Palmer at home. "In Thomas Tuchel, England have an elite coach," Hayes said. (1)

Bellingham on Euros disconnect

Jude Bellingham has opened up about what went wrong at Euro 2024, saying the squad never truly gelled. "At the Euros I think we got a few things wrong off the pitch, I don't feel the group connected as well as it could have for a number of reasons," he revealed. That Spain defeat, 2–1, still lingers, but Bellingham insists the mood under Tuchel is different and the group is in a better place heading into the World Cup. (3)

Madueke over Saka?

Darren Bent expects a surprise in England's World Cup opener: Noni Madueke starting ahead of Bukayo Saka. The former striker believes Tuchel is a genuine admirer of the Chelsea winger. "I think Tuchel likes Madueke, you know," Bent said, pointing to ongoing fitness doubts around Saka. (4)

Kane backs Rice to shine

Harry Kane has tipped Declan Rice as the player most likely to stand out at this World Cup. The England captain praised his vice-captain's consistency: "I feel like he's consistently been playing at a high level for a long period of time." Kane sees Rice's leadership and steady form as crucial to England's chances. (5)

Hart: O'Reilly ready to star

Joe Hart has made a bold claim about Nico O'Reilly, suggesting the Manchester City youngster is ready to make a serious impact at the World Cup. The former England goalkeeper believes O'Reilly can step up alongside established names like Marc Guehi and John Stones. (2)

James defiant on fitness

Reece James has hit back at concerns over his fitness after finally making a World Cup squad. The right-back, who has endured a torrid run with injuries in recent years, insists he is ready and fully fit for the challenge ahead. (6)

Hall blames Howe for snub

Lewis Hall reportedly believes Eddie Howe is the reason he missed out on England's World Cup squad. The left-back's omission has opened the door to a potential summer move, with Manchester United linked to a £60m chase. (7)

Fan reactions

England fans online are split on Bellingham's Euros confession, some appreciate the honesty, others wonder why it took two years to admit there was a dressing-room problem. The bigger debate is over Madueke potentially starting over Saka, with plenty of supporters uneasy about dropping one of the team's most reliable performers for the biggest game of the cycle. Join the discussion on r/soccer