Top recent posts by British Football Journalism Community on Bluesky

LUMUMBA IS BACK 🔥 The DR Congo superfan who stands still all game in homage to the country’s revered first prime minister, Patrice Lumumba, is back in the stands for DR Congo’s match vs. Colombia after missing their 2026 World Cup opener due to health and visa issues 🐆🇨🇩

Good to hear more boos for the ad-break after the referee could have used the injury stoppage for 'hydration'. Fuck Infantino.

Why "appears"? Spence didn't shake hands with Partey. Also, much more seriously,"pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape" - no: "was charged and will be tried for seven charges of rape, which he denies", which is not the same thing at all. This is not balance, this is cowardice.

Just before the Brexit referendum vote, there were six weeks of sustained xenophobia from the British media, some of the worst I have ever seen. If many Leave voters want to pretend they weren’t seduced or enthused by that, then fine, but many of us witnessed it, and we won’t forget it.

Some of the worst xenophobia came from people I had known for years. Friendships were lost if not damaged forever. Spiteful and completely unprompted mutterings about “too much globalism“ and about “warming to Boris”. England has never felt the same since.

The corner strategy of “fuck it, Gabriel’s down there somewhere” doesn’t seem to work as well when Gabriel is from a different country.

There is a German term - the "Besserwisser", the person who always knows better, even when presented with all available evidence to the contrary. This is peak Besserwisser, right here.

imagine paying £900 to watch that

Simply must not stop complaining about these ad breaks. An absolute scandal.

Konsa very fortunate there.

Our thoughts are with Didier Deschamps 💙🤍❤️

www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

That might be the worst shot Harry Kane has ever taken

Fifa’s shift from goal difference to head-to-head to decide groups is an inexplicably terrible decision that has needlessly killed or muted loads of final-round group games USA-Turkey would have tonnes on it, for one Now it’s a needless dead rubber www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...

"Jude" makes a good tackle. "He's been superb", pundit says. Really? Next thing, "Jude" passes straight to Ghana player. Not a word. What he does well he does in such spectacular fashion that the rest is not noticed or mentioned, which is part of the problem.

England’s Djed Spence appeared not to shake hands with Ghana’s Thomas Partey before the nations’ World Cup match. Partey will stand trial in the U.K. next year for7 charges of rape and 1 count of sexual assault. The English FA reportedly left it up to each player whether to shake hands with Partey.

🚨 Arsenal now in club-to-club contact with Leicester City over deal for Jeremy Monga. No agreement yet but direct talks; all sides handling respectfully due to 16yo age. Many keen but only wanted #AFC; plan to pay fair fee & avoid tribunal 🚨 @theathleticfc.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/720...

This essay. www.theguardian.com/society/2026...

Looking forward to the English media chalking this performance up to the oppressive heat in Foxborough today.

It is also a gift to would-be match-fixers (and yes, there have been instances of suspected match-fixing in dead rubbers at previous World Cups).

The extent to which AI has been allowed to circumvent all free market norms (something like Microsoft Copilot for example, which you do not get a choice whether you want or not) is staggering.

Big Uzbekistan fan today

This article is illustrated by pictures of people 1) kayaking on a turquoise sea 2) sunbathing in a park 3) having fun at the lido, which may not be the best way of conveying the seriousness of the situation.

red on pickford, ref's on the take

Stand up for the Berkshires

Sad news. Condolences to Didier Deschamps. www.nytimes.com/athletic/738...

“I didn’t know he was a prince.” Grandmother from LA joins pantheon of newly-minted World Cup stars — absolutely loved this story, and love her too. 😻 She Was Just Working Security During the World Cup. Now She’s Famous in Jordan. www.nytimes.com/2026/06/23/s...

What is that challenge from Konsa 😂

Ghana that annoying level of opponent where they’re going to play in a low block but they’re good enough to do it really, really well.

🚨 EXCL: Leeds United reach agreement to sign Harry Wilson as free agent. 29yo winger targeted by many clubs amid expiring #FFC contract but #LUFC win race; Wales int’l to do medical in due course & join on long-term deal with higher salary 🚨 @theathleticfc.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/726...

Fair play, Ghana very difficult to break down, no real gaps there. Winning the World Cup isn’t / shouldn’t really be governed by how you play against low blocks.

All the love being showered on Luka Modric on the occasion of his 200th game for Croatia as the sun sets in Toronto. The legs might have gone but the heart beats strong. 🇭🇷

England still gonna top the group 🤷‍♂️ Think they got very lucky with the ref I though. & I’m not sure why rice is taking outswingers from the right when Saka & Noni can both deliver great inswinging corners (yes I know they got a goal that way last game) Kane so poor imo

England basically need to flood the box here. Get O’Reilly, Rashford and Saka on - Rogers and/or Eze to spam shots.

Rogers or Eze for Bellingham after 60' if nothing happens? It is amazing how such a gifted player disappears completely sometimes.

Michel Kuka Mboladinga, the DR Congo fan who dresses as Patrice Lumumba, arrives at the stadium in Guadalajara for the game v Colombia. #worldcup2026 #drcongo #colombia

lol

Took a nap after the Portugal game, forgot to set my alarm and it sure looks like I missed a half of Thomas Tuchel vs Carlos Queiroz.

I'm begging for someone else to start breaking NBA news so I don't have to watch Shams attempt to form human sentences anymore.

what are the english players handcuffed by

Today is officially the hottest day recorded in France since records began, with an average - *average* - temperature of 29.8C. Tomorrow could be even worse.

Colombia DR Congo has just the right amount of chaos I want from the nightcap match.

perfect technique

That child looked 5 and 50

I’ve been through six US states so far, driving 3,600 miles. Not everybody cares about the World Cup, but there is a shared fascination with a sporting culture different to their own that I have found incredibly endearing. inews.co.uk/sport/footba...

The lesson here for MLS is “buy more stars.” The lesson for continental Europe is “create the Super League.”

THE ENGLISH HAVE ALWAYS HAD A TOUGH TIME IN BOSTON 👀 Was it the history that got them? Or was it because we decided to livestream the game that it ended 0-0

ENGLAND LEAVE GROUP K TO THE LAST DAY 👀

Unpopular opinion: we should have hydration breaks every 15 minutes. Stop the game more imo

Really good segment from Joe Hart on England playing out. He’s a really good pundit.

New column (en français) for Eurosport, about the noticeable absence of the normally ubiquitous St George flag from most English homes and streets, for which a lack of love for the national team is definitely not to blame.

Absolutely vintage Quierozball so far from Ghana.

You just knew this was gonna happen today

for what it’s worth I actually think he’s better than gonçalo ramos

🚨 Chelsea pursuit of Marco Palestra advancing at rapid pace. Agreement with Atalanta for 21yo wing-back expected inside 24hr. Italy int’l heavily leaning towards #CFC / Alonso project if deal struck between clubs + would fit wage structure 🚨 @theathleticfc.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/738...

One week left to order!

Well that was fun. Ghana defended really well, but England were bad and lacked urgency in their play. Difficult to find much rhythm when fouls are being given every two minutes and ultimately this result won't matter - still plenty to think about.

COLOMBIA ARE ON TO THE ROUND OF 32 🫡 DR Congo still have a chance to advance out of the World Cup group stage, depending on their result against Uzbekistan on Saturday, for the first time in the nation's history 👀

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Messi left Barcelona in 2021, with the World Cup then his great bane That was exactly the moment his Argentina career brought a new era of success - and one that arguably surpasses his club feats He's now exceeding every expectation www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...

Here's a link to donate to MamaSuze, the organisation that Joybell and the essay's author founded together: www.mamasuze.org

hey, a shot on target

Croatia's immense Canadian disapora showed up in numbers to see them keep their hopes of qualification alive. Adios Panama, who have been a joy to watch. Here's some thoughts for The Athletic. www.nytimes.com/athletic/738...

A dour 0-0 may not have too much impact on the group, but it could have a physical and psychological effect England can’t rest players for Panama before a slog begins Mentally, that brief momentum is gone www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...

TUCHEL COULDN'T BREAK FREE OF SOUTHGATE'S ENGLAND HERITAGE 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 2020 Euros: Win, then 0-0 draw 2022 World Cup: Win, then 0-0 draw 2024 Euros: Win, then 0-0 draw 2026 World Cup: Win, then 0-0 draw

Said Martinez's hydration breaks

🚨 Inter Milan facing major competition from Chelsea & another PL side to sign Marco Palestra. #Inter working to land 21yo Italy int’l for €45+5m but no agreement between clubs. Serie A defender of year’s future to be decided in coming days 🚨 @theathleticfc.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/738...

NO ONE TOLD THE ENGLISH THAT BOSTON IS NOW PART OF SCOTTACHUSETTS 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 England fans didn't hold back on their anti-Scot chants in Boston... and got booed by the locals

The surge isn’t sustained, as another trend is perpetuated - England draw their second game Tuchel hasn’t changed everything yet but, worse, nothing here changed anything Ghana full value for the draw - and maybe more www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...

Christian Pulisic at USMNT training

Fifa’s shift from goal difference to head-to-head to decide groups is an inexplicably terrible decision that has needlessly killed or muted loads of final-round group games USA-Paraguay would have tonnes on it, for one Now it’s a needless dead rubber www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...

Cristian Roldan remains out with a muscle strain, status still day to day, per USSF.

(I am nervous as to what form the encouragement will take)

U.S. World Cup team wants to win matches — and win over fans. “We're doing our job — and trying to do our job as best we can — winning games," goalkeeper Matt Freese said, "And sometimes more importantly, putting on the performance to excite them, to make them proud." My story from USMNT camp …

This camera operator is making me nauseous

Understand Spurs are in advanced talks to sign Martin Dubravka on a free transfer. More below. www.football.london/tottenham-ho...

*Pretends to be shocked*

England have had more attacking third touches (94) than Ghana have had touches (72). Konsa (47), Guehi (43) and Anderson (30) have completed more passes than Ghana (27). This might be the one sort of game where England are missing a Cole Palmer-style lock picker at number 10.

Little piece on when Spurs will return for pre-season training with Roberto De Zerbi and the group who will be back earlier than the rest at Hotspur Way. www.football.london/tottenham-ho...

𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟎-𝟎 𝐆𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚 A damp squib from the Three Lions, who are held by a well-organised Ghana. England have drawn 23 games at the men's World Cup, 13 of which have ended 0-0; both are the most of any team in the history of the competition.

England could have been a fair bit better breaking down that low block but they were trying to do it with their wingers who were arguably least suited to that. Any team what Ghana just did (brilliantly) in the knockouts probably has to keep it up for another 30 mins.

ARGENTINA OUT IN THE QF? 👀 HOW FAR CAN THESE WORLD CUP TEAMS ADVANCE?? 🏆 @herculezg.bsky.social answers rapid-fire

Quieroz just figuring out how Ghana can bring another body back. 11 players within 30m of goal is too much of a risk.

I genuinely think Infantino wouldn’t bother me as much if he just admitted “these changes are happening because of money and I’m greedy” but his constant framing of his decision being what fans want drives me up a wall.

Spurs made progress on Fernandes with West Ham yesterday www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...

Will Lankshear working hard this summer. Spurs have so far swatted away permanent approaches for him but choice will likely be to either accept a big offer or send him on loan with a new contract. Former would be another short term decision in my view. www.football.london/tottenham-ho...

🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo when asked once again and again about Messi: “I couldn’t care less about others... Mbappé also scored”. The funny thing is, he knows Mbappe scored a goal, so he's been following him 😂😂

Four braces in the last five matches. And by some footballers you might have heard of 😉 What in the World Cup is going on? 🤯🤩

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 ENGLAND V GHANA 🇬🇭 Who are you backing? Join us in the Men in Blazers Discord for live match chat: mibcourage.co/wc_live_chat

Fox are likely to get more than half of the discount deal they’re paying FIFA for the 2026 World Cup rights just from selling those ads to the halftime breaks. Here’s how FIFA allowed Fox to pay buttons for the most watched sports event in the world: www.nytimes.com/2026/05/24/w...

TWO ROUNDS OF WORLD CUP ACTION ARE IN THE BOOKS 🏆 Ronaldo arrived in America, England go 0-0 AGAIN, we broke down ALL the day 13 drama on Night Cup 🔥 LISTEN 🎧: mibcourage.co/3SpLhlT

It's like Gareth Southgate picking Kieran Trippier at left-back but for a new generation.

Your g̶r̶o̶u̶p̶ ̶s̶t̶a̶g̶e̶ knockout round uniform is ready 🇺🇸 Shop the Unofficial Third First Kit: mibcourage.co/4ouut9h

🚨WE'RE LIVE TONIGHT AFTER CROATIA v PANAMA🚨 Join us to recap Ronaldo resurgence, England's hiccup, and more LIVE on MiB YouTube 🏆 9 PM ET: mibcourage.co/3SHPRvQ

U.S. Eases Travel Restrictions on Iran’s World Cup Team www.nytimes.com/2026/06/23/u...

As expected but understand Roberto De Zerbi has told Manor Solomon, who played for him at Shakhtar, that he's not part of his plans at Spurs and can seek a move this summer. More below. www.football.london/tottenham-ho...

🚨WE'RE LIVE ON TWITCH FOR ENGLAND v GHANA🚨 Don't miss Rog & Rory LIVE for the first MiB Watchalong of the summer with special guests Will Arnett, Aaron Dessner, & Flula Borg 👀 JOIN US AT 3:45 PM ET: mibcourage.co/3SXwej

England vs Ghana is the first match at the 2026 World Cup not to have a single shot on target in the first half. Things can only get better...?

After two rounds of World Cup fixtures, Lionel Messi leads the pack 🐐

Moving Allan Graves up 10 spots on my board just b/c of the suit. Class.