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Argentina 2-1 England player ratings: Messi gets 9/10 with 2 assists while Chelsea & Spurs stars shine

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus
16 July 2026 at 01:35

Argentina have beaten England and made it to the World Cup final, with Lionel Messi and co. now preparing to take on Spain.

Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in Wednesday night’s semi-final, but Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scored twice late on to send the Three Lions out of the World Cup.

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For England, the 60 years of hurt goes on, and they’ll have to look back at what ended up being a pretty negative performance against Argentina.

Thomas Tuchel went far too defensive after England went ahead, so it’s not exactly the players’ fault, but here’s our look at how the players from both sides rated…

Argentina 2-1 England World Cup semi-final player ratings

Jordan Pickford – 6

Reece James – 7

Djed Spence – 7

Marc Guehi – 6

John Stones – 6

Declan Rice – 7.5

Elliot Anderson – 6

Jude Bellingham – 6.5

Morgan Rogers – 7

Anthony Gordon – 7.5

Harry Kane – 6

Not too many stand-out performers there from England, but Rogers and Gordon combined well for the goal, while Rice also played his part and generally worked hard in a difficult midfield battle. James and Spence were also in good form at both ends of the pitch, with the latter particularly impressive with one last-ditch challenge in the second half.

Emiliano Martinez – 6

Nahuel Molina – 6

Nicolas Tagliafico – 6

Cristian Romero – 8

Lisandro Martinez – 7

Leandro Paredes – 7

Alexis Mac Allister – 6.5

Enzo Fernandez – 8

Giulio Simeone – 6

Julian Alvarez – 7

Lionel Messi – 9

Argentina were not exactly spectacular, but Messi and Fernandez produced when it mattered and that will give them confidence against Spain in the final. A word too to Romero, who hasn’t always been at his best in a Tottenham shirt, but who looked like a real leader at the back tonight in an important game, keeping Kane quiet throughout.

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Who do you think will win this weekend’s final now? Give us your predictions in the comments!

The post Argentina 2-1 England player ratings: Messi gets 9/10 with 2 assists while Chelsea & Spurs stars shine appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Wayne Rooney singles out England star who can “destroy” key Argentina players tonight

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus
15 July 2026 at 18:30

England legend Wayne Rooney has backed Harry Kane to “destroy” Argentina’s centre-backs if he’s really on his game in tonight’s World Cup semi-final.

Spain beat France last night to book their place in the final, and now fans will be preparing to follow England vs Argentina in the second semi-final, with the Three Lions chasing a first appearance in a World Cup final since their famous victory of 1966.

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Speaking ahead of the big game, former England forward Rooney is backing Kane as the big difference-maker, as he could be too much for Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero if he plays at his best.

Wayne Rooney makes big Harry Kane claim

Watch below as Rooney explains how Kane could cause that duo a lot of trouble with his intelligent movement…

"If Harry Kane is on it, he'll destroy these two centre-backs" ??????? ?? pic.twitter.com/9vqdSouHMJ

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 15, 2026

“If Harry Kane is on it, they won’t be able to deal with Harry Kane,” Rooney said. “Because Harry’s a nightmare for that type of defender.”

He added: “If Harry’s just dragging them into positions where they feel a bit exposed, which they will do … it’s just about the timing of the pass and the timing of the run in behind them.

“I think if Harry is on it he will absolutely destroy those two centre-backs.”

Is this going to turn into Lionel Messi vs Harry Kane?

Football is complex and unpredictable, so to say any game is a battle between any two individuals is far too simplistic.

However, we also know that there are certain talents who are a level above the rest, and that entire game plans can revolve around.

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Kane and Lionel Messi fall into that category, as, arguably, does Jude Bellingham after the form he’s shown at this World Cup so far.

If Rooney is right and Kane can unsettle that Argentina defence, then that could be the game plan that brings England victory.

However, as Thomas Tuchel has alluded to, there also needs to be a plan for Messi, who has been in superb form at this tournament even at the age of 39.

Who do you see having the bigger influence tonight? Give us your thoughts and pre-match predictions in the comments!

The post Wayne Rooney singles out England star who can “destroy” key Argentina players tonight appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham dream of emotional reunion set to end after Bayern Munich development

✇CaughtOffside
By:Ahad Shaukat
14 July 2026 at 11:52

Bayern Munich are working to remove any uncertainty surrounding their leading striker before his contract situation becomes a serious distraction.

With only one year remaining on his current agreement, speculation has naturally increased, particularly as several of Europe’s biggest clubs are searching for an experienced centre-forward.

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Tottenham continue to dream of an emotional reunion, while Barcelona and Real Madrid are closely monitoring developments.

However, Bayern remain relaxed and believe the England captain is happy in Munich, leaving interested clubs waiting for a contract breakdown that may never arrive.

Contract talks leave interested clubs waiting

According to TEAMtalk, Bayern are confident Harry Kane will sign a new long-term contract, with negotiations between the club and his representatives progressing positively.

The German champions reportedly view an extension as a matter of “when, not if,” despite interest from Tottenham, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

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Kane’s existing deal expires in June 2027, as confirmed by Bayern Munich’s official player profile.

That places Bayern under some pressure to secure an agreement, as allowing talks to drift into 2027 could weaken their control over his future.

Barcelona have already explored the possibility of signing him. talkSPORT reported that representatives of the Spanish champions had made contact while Bayern planned to resume negotiations after the World Cup.

Real Madrid have also requested updates, while Tottenham remain hopeful that Kane will eventually return to north London.

Staying in Bayern Munich may be the sensible choice

Kane’s situation is very different from when he left Tottenham in 2023.

He is settled in Germany, remains Bayern’s attacking leader and continues to compete for the biggest trophies.

A Saudi Pro League move is reportedly not under consideration, while any switch to MLS would be viewed as a longer-term possibility.

Staying at Bayern is currently the most logical decision. He remains the central figure in their attack and would be difficult to replace, which should give him considerable influence during contract negotiations.

A Tottenham return would carry emotional appeal, while Barcelona or Real Madrid would offer a fresh challenge.

However, leaving a stable and successful environment at this stage of his career would involve significant risk.

“We’ll see what happens”: Tottenham ace refuses to shut the door on blockbuster transfe

The post Tottenham dream of emotional reunion set to end after Bayern Munich development appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Man United ready to finance blockbuster move for England’s World Cup hero

✇CaughtOffside
By:Ahad Shaukat
13 July 2026 at 12:56

Manchester United’s search for an elite centre-forward could eventually lead them back to one of the biggest names in English football.

The club are understood to be watching developments in Germany closely, knowing that a rare opening may appear if Bayern Munich fail to secure their star striker on a new contract.

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From United’s perspective, the appeal is obvious. They would be signing a proven Premier League goalscorer, England captain and experienced leader capable of raising standards immediately.

The difficulty is that Bayern remain confident of keeping him, while several of Europe’s biggest clubs are also monitoring the situation.

Man United prepared to fund ambitious move

According to TEAMtalk, Harry Kane remains on Man United’s wishlist, and the club would be prepared to finance a move if a genuine opportunity arises.

The 32-year-old has entered the final year of his Bayern contract, but the German champions have been speaking with his representatives for months and reportedly view an extension as a matter of “when, not if.”

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a long-standing admirer and that United are ready to invest significant funds if Kane becomes available.

Barcelona and Real Madrid have made enquiries, while Tottenham continue to follow their former captain’s situation closely.

Bayern confidence leaves United waiting for an opening

Any summer deal still looks difficult. The Independent reported earlier this year that Bayern had entered intensive extension talks with Kane, whose current agreement runs until June 2027.

His extraordinary scoring record in Germany explains why Bayern are determined to avoid losing control of his future.

Man United should keep themselves informed without building their entire transfer plan around Kane. He would provide goals, leadership and the immediate authority required to improve a developing side.

However, United cannot afford to wait too long for a transfer that may never become realistic.

Bayern are confident, and competition from Madrid, Barcelona and Tottenham would make the financial package enormous.

If Kane genuinely becomes available, United should act decisively. Until then, they need alternative striker targets ready, because ambition is important, but smart planning matters even more.

Manchester United consider return to last summer’s top target as Premier League rivals relent over £100m asking price

The post Man United ready to finance blockbuster move for England’s World Cup hero appeared first on CaughtOffside.

World Cup Superstar Sparks Backlash After Revealing Golf Round With Donald Trump

✇Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games
13 July 2026 at 12:24

England men’s national soccer team captain Harry Kane has sparked backlash after revealing he’s played golf with Donald Trump.

Kane, whose six goals have helped fire England into Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal against Argentina, disclosed the round with the president during a news conference on Friday ahead of England’s 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Norway.

Politics: James Carville Slams Democratic Socialists: 'These People Are So ******* Stupid'

The Bayern Munich striker was asked by The Daily Telegraph how he fared against Trump on the golf course. Watch the exchange here.

“I played all right, to be honest,” Kane said. “Yeah, we played about 18 months ago. He invited me to play when I was down in Palm Beach, so, yeah, when the president invites you somewhere. It was a pretty surreal experience just to meet him and obviously play golf with him.”

England captian Harry Kane, left, has drawn criticism after it emerged he played golf with Donald Trump, right.
England captian Harry Kane, left, has drawn criticism after it emerged he played golf with Donald Trump, right. Etsuo Hara via Getty Images / Bloomberg via Getty Images

Kane added that Trump’s golf game is “pretty good to be honest with you” and said: “I hope I can play golf as good as him when I’m his age, that’s for sure.”

“Yeah, a unique experience,” Kane added. “But, yeah, was just grateful that he just invited me down to play, for sure.”

Politics: Lindsey Graham's Cause Of Death Revealed

Trump, who turned 80 in June, has long faced accusations of cheating at golf, including from sportswriter Rick Reilly, who devoted an entire book to the subject.

Trump praised Kane on Truth Social last week, calling him “a GREAT player!!!” before later revealing the pair had played golf together.

Kane’s remarks quickly drew criticism on social media, with some calling them “beyond embarrassing” and “disappointing.”

The England captain is not the first soccer star to face backlash over an encounter with Trump.

Politics: Sports Icon Lionel Messi’s Trip To See Donald Trump Gets Kicked Around Online

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina’s Lionel Messi have also been criticizedin recent months following visits to the White House and photo ops with the president.

If England end up defeating Messi’s reigning champions Argentina and then go on to win the World Cup against either Spain or France, Trump will hand Kane the trophy.

There's no way @Erling would agree to meet Trump let alone play golf with him.... poor PR judgement from Harry Kane....

— David Yelland (@davidyelland) July 11, 2026
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Harry Kane with one sentence tanked the PR Jude Bellingham’s pretty face and endearing personality built for England during this World Cup

— ● ᴥ ● (@yor_eyes_tell) July 11, 2026

When the president of another country invites you somewhere you can just say “hey, I’m busy maybe next time I’m stateside”

— John Smith (@JohnSmith5o4x) July 11, 2026

It’s incredibly disappointing that he said yes to Donald Trump. He’s not just the President. He’s amongst one of the most corrupt, grotesque individuals on the planet. So many crimes and so much evil yet the captain of England still wanted to spend a day with him. **** off Harry.

— Bosey (@Bosey1982) July 11, 2026

Big own goal by the media team and Kane 🤦🏼♂️

— Osita Mba (@DrOsitaMba) July 11, 2026

Read the original on HuffPost

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