Page 61 – The Pulse of Football

Nov

2025

Troy Parrott is the hero Ireland deserves

Lying in bed, scrolling through the socials because you couldn’t sleep, it was impossible to miss videos of Troy Parrott’s 96^th minute winner over Hungary in Ireland’s final World Cup qualifier, no matter how much of a mess your algorithm is.

By Alex Roberts

Ireland came to a standstill in added time. Airport security stopped so they could catch the final few minutes, anxiety filled pubs had bartenders and patrons watching in unison, while cups of tea went cold on living room side tables.

Coming from 2-1 down, Hungary were on the ropes, and as the seconds were ticking by, Ireland had one last roll of the dice. Caoimhin Kelleher’s hopeful ball into the box found the head of Liam Scales, who’s knock-on allowed for Parrott to make history. Sorry for all the clichés, but sometimes they work.

The striker ripped off his shirt and was quickly swarmed by his teammates as the Hungary players fell to the floor distraught. A short knee slide ended with what looked like about 15 lads on top of him, celebrating as the traveling fans went mental.

You don’t need us to tell you how much it meant to Parrott, he can do that: “I am really emotional right now. What a night. This is why we love football, things like this can happen. I love where I am from and it means the world to me.

“My family are here, and this is the first time I have cried in years! I really can’t believe it. I am really emotional right now. What a night. “I said against Portugal that this is what dreams are made of, but I think tonight, I will never have a better night in my whole life.

“It is a fairytale. You can’t even dream about something like that. I have no words to describe the emotions right now.”

One of the best reactions to the whole thing came from Dublin International Airport. Now, we don’t know who run’s their social media account but posting an image with the name changed to ‘Troy Parrott Airport’ with the caption “Feck it. Doing it.” was very good. He deserves it more than James Joyce.

It wasn’t just the game against Hungary. Parrott bagged a brace to keep Ireland’s hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Portugal, outshining a sulking Cristiano Ronaldo who picked up a straight red card for swinging an elbow at Dara O’Shea.

*Parrott’s international break to remember*

Now, it does need to be mentioned that Ireland haven’t qualified for next year’s World Cup YET. At the time of writing, they don’t know which of the other 15 sides they’ll be facing in the play-offs, with the draw being held on Thursday (November 20).

Parrott has just scored the most important hattrick in Irish football history, but he’s going to have to go again next March. Let’s not burst the bubble though, the boy from Dublin made it here the hard way, and he has every right to celebrate for as long as he wants. Thankfully he’ll never have to pay for a pint again.

He joined Spurs from Dublin club Belvedere at the age of 15, signing his first professional contract and training alongside the first team two years later. Comparisons to Robbie Keane were inevitable as he made his senior debut in a Carabao Cup loss to Colchester in September 2019.

*Parrott’s player traits comparison – against strikers in leagues similar to the Eredivisie*

It’s hard to forget that Parrott is only 23 years old, he was once touted as Harry Kane’s eventual successor while coming through the youth ranks at Tottenham. 31 goals in 38 appearances across the age ranges had everyone at the club rightfully excited.

A loan move to Millwall in August 2020 was his first real taste of senior football, although he had featured four times for Tottenham’s first team before he made the move. Parrott’s time in East London didn’t go as planned though, scoring zero goals in 14 games and heading back north in January.

He walked that well-trodden EFL loan path a few times after that, but it was a similar story at Ipswich. Parrott did manage to find some joy at Milton Keynes, bagging 10 goals in 47 games, but another loan to Preston, where he got four in 34 had Tottenham thinking about his future.

In 2023/24, Parrott took a chance away from England and landed in the Eredivisie with Excelsior, and it turns out he really likes Dutch football. Parrott wanted to learn to love football again, and he did.

“It was a big step because I did not have any idea what to expect when I first came over. Moving from Ireland to England is one thing but to move somewhere where they speak a different language, a different culture, it was always going to be a challenge,” he said when he made the move.

Seventeen goals, five assists, and hat-tricks in both the semis and final of the two-legged Eredivisie play-offs made an impression in the Netherlands, and AZ Alkmaar came calling. Since then, Parrott has become one of the best strikers in the league.

*Parrott’s career summary since moving to Dutch football*

Last season he scored 20 goals in 47 games; he already has 13 in 14 this time around. Parrott is living proof that Premier League academies aren’t the be all and end all, sometimes taking a risk is the right move.

It wouldn’t be unfair to say that Parrott has squandered plenty of chances during his time with Ireland. In the two games this month, he’s doubled his international goals tally having scored five in 31 and only once since 2022 until now.

Parrott admitted that Sunday night will be hard to top, but given his confidence and the momentum that Ireland have, we’re sure they’ll have plenty to celebrate in the not-so-distant-future.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow the World Cup qualifying playoffs on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage, xG, and player ratings, where available. Download the free app here.

Nov

2025

Preview: Scotland set for Hampden showdown against Denmark

Scotland eh? Somehow, despite losing 3-2 against Greece in Piraeus, Steve Clarke’s men still have a chance to seal automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

By Ross Kilvington

The catch? Beat Denmark at a sold out Hampden on Tuesday evening. Easier said than done.

Scotland’s fate is in their own hands

The clash against Greece had everything. A stunning comeback was on the cards, but the Scots simply ran out of time in the end.

Thanks to the Danes slipping up against Belarus, drawing 2-2 against a side who had lost all four of their matches in the group, Scotland can still win the group with a win on Tuesday.

If so, a ticket to North America will be sealed. Anything but three points and it will be another foray through the playoffs.

Scotland only started playing while trailing in Greece on Saturday and Clarke’s tactical approach must change ahead of the do or die showdown with Denmark.

Bringing on Anthony Ralston and Scott McKenna with 15 minutes left and chasing an equaliser was hardly throwing the kitchen sink at the Greek defence.

The good news is, Denmark are beatable. But, and it’s a massive but, the system has to change.

The saying goes that you cant teach an old dog new tricks. If Clarke persists with the same old philosophy on Tuesday, then the Danes will be licking their lips.

Denmark aiming to make history

The Danes are looking to qualify for their third consecutive World Cup – a record for the country.

They really should have wrapped it up against Belarus, but it took a late Gustav Isaksen goal to snatch a point from the jaws of defeat in Copenhagen.

Denmark’s recent record against Scotland will give Clarke some confidence. Indeed, dating back to 2004, the Danes have won just once across five meetings.

The last time the two teams met at Hampden? Scotland won 2-0 in what was the final World Cup qualifying match for the 2022 edition.

As good an omen as any for the Scots.

Team news

Angus Gunn will still be missing, suggesting Craig Gordon retains his place between the posts.

It looks as though Billy Gilmour and Lennon Miller will also miss out, despite it looking as though they could return to the squad ahead of the match on Tuesday.

The Danes, however, could potentially be facing a small crisis. Rasmus Højlund and Joachim Anderson missed the draw with Belarus due to a sickness bug.

Head coach Brian Riemer is concerned that this could spread to other members of the squad.

“Is it a worry ahead of Scotland? Yes, if you ask me if I would have wished that there had been no illness, and that there also will not be on Tuesday, then of course that’s the answer. But that’s natural,” said the manager.

Prediction

Following Scotland is never the easiest of journeys, never mind when the nation stands one win away from a first World Cup since 1998.

The game will be tight, but with the backing of the Tartan Army, I predict a narrow and tense 1-0 victory that sends the country into raptures worthy of a national holiday.

Then again, I predicted a 1-1 draw against Greece, so make of that what you will.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every World Cup qualifier on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Nov

2025

Morocco working to become a footballing superpower

One of the most beautiful things about the beautiful game is that it doesn’t care where you come from. Some of the world’s greatest players have come from nothing, representing communities and countries on the biggest stages, proving that football belongs to everyone.

By Alex Roberts

That doesn’t just happen though. It takes an awful lot of time, dedication and, of course, money to produce a top-level footballer; thousands have slipped through the cracks because they weren’t born in the right place or at the right time.

Morocco wants to be next, and years of investment are starting to pay off. King Mohammed VI had a vision and since 2008, football has been a major driver of social and economic development in the North African nation.

The aptly named Mohammed VI Football Academy opened its doors in 2010 with the aim of creating a national footballing identity across all levels, it has since been credited as one of, if not THE main reason behind Morocco’s recent success.

A semi-final in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the first for an African nation, 36 years after the men’s national team became the first to win a group stage and progress to the knockouts, remains the pinnacle.

It’s not like they had an easy run either. Morocco made it to the final four the hard way, beating Belgium, Spain, and Portugal, three European powerhouses, before eventually being knocked out by France.

About 18-months later at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with Tarik Sektioui at the helm, the men proved it wasn’t a fluke, bringing home the bronze medal, eventually losing to a Spain side that included the likes of Fermín López, Pau Cubarsí, Álex Baena, and Pablo Barrios, all of which are certified LaLiga stars.

There was a broad acceptance in Morocco that these successes wouldn’t have been possible without the performances of players from the country’s diaspora. Of the squad that went to Qatar, 70% were born in Europe, are based there, or both.

Achraf Hakimi, Morocco’s poster boy and arguably their greatest ever player, was born in Spain and plays for Paris Saint Germain. Manager Regragui was born in Paris and still lives there. All of this talent is ultimately the product of the European system.

The goal isn’t necessarily to change that, but it is to produce more ‘home grown’ talent. Local scouting has improved, Morocco’s Under-20’s team won the World Cup in Chile earlier in the year and the Mohammed VI Football Academy was integral.

Four of the players who were in the starting lineup in the 2-0 final win over Argentina were Academy products: Fouad Zahouani, Yassine Khalifi, Hossam Essadak, and Yassir Zabiri, who bagged both goals and won the Player of the Match award.

“We’re starting to reap the rewards. The academies and their facilities, along with the national centres. It’s a project that’s been in the making for years. Some great players have come through the Academy who made us dream at the 2022 World Cup, reflecting all the effort and hard work that has gone into the project,” said manager Mohamed Ouahbi after the game.

Qualification for next year’s World Cup couldn’t have been simpler. They won all eight of their games, scoring 22 goals and conceding just two. With other African giants falling by the wayside, Morocco will likely be representing the continent in the latter stages once again.

*Morocco topped their World Cup qualifying group with ease*

At club level, Morocco are looking a little further east, hoping to take a page out of Egypt’s book. Al Ahly, Zamalek, and latterly, Pyramids FC are often cited as the biggest clubs in Africa, with 18 CAF Champions Leagues between them and a vast majority of national team players staying in their home country.

Only Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, and Mostafa Mohamed of the players called up for November’s international break are based outside of Egypt.

Of course, that means clubs would have to play wages that would help halt the allure of European clubs, a task easier said than done. This summer, however, a huge step was taken, and one of the biggest names in Moroccan football history made the switch.

After being released by Qatari side Al-Duhail SC in the summer, former Ajax, Chelsea, and Galatasaray winger Hakim Ziyech joined Wydad Casablanca, his first time playing for a club in the country he represents, having begun his career in the Netherlands.

Admittedly, they’re not signing Ziyech at his pomp, in fact he hasn’t played a single game yet, but the symbolism is hugely important. The now 32-year-old’s popularity in Morocco can’t be understated; he was their very own Salah for years.

Perhaps just as importantly, facilities are being upgraded at a rapid rate, and that has been reflected in the trust by international football governing bodies, having Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, alongside Spain and Portugal, among others.

The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Ibn Battuta Stadium in Tangier, Adrar Stadium in Agadir and the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca have all been renovated but the pièce de resistance is the under-construction Hassan II Stadium.

Projected to be finished in 2028, it will be the home of the Moroccan national team and one of the grandest stadiums on the planet, playing host to 115,000 football fans, although it will of course be used for things outside of the sport.

The women’s game is taking off too. The Atlas Lionesses hosted and reached the WAFCON final in 2024 before losing 3-2 to Nigeria thanks to an 88^th minute goal from Jennifer Echegini. They want to go one better when they host it again next year.

AFCON starts in December, with Morocco hosting for the first time since 1988, their only tournament win coming in 1976. This is their moment, as heavy favourites to get their hands on that big golden trophy, winning would be a culmination of all the hard work that’s got them to this point.

Moroccan football has never had it so good.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow the 2025 AFCON on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage, xG, and player ratings, where available. Download the free app here.

Nov

2025

Preview: England go to Albania for final World Cup qualifier

England go chasing a perfect eight from eight in World Cup qualifying with their last game a trip to Albania – themselves guaranteed runners-up. A dead rubber, or a vital chance for some squad members?

By Karl Matchett

How many spots does Tuchel have to fill?

It’s not just eight wins from eight that the Three Lions will want at this stage, but also a remarkable eight clean sheets. That kind of record would naturally spur hopes going into the tournament next summer, but would also be vindication for Thomas Tuchel’s selection process which has seen some big names left out at times, familiar faces overlooked and a few new faces called into the mix.

Forget the wider squad for a moment, what about the starting XI? With one cap to his name, Nico O’Reilly might well have locked down left-back. But further forward? Jude Bellingham will surely get more starts, and left wing can’t be sealed down just now either. Beyond that there might be little more to decide. Dan Burn, Djed Spence, Adam Wharton and Jarrod Bowen face fights just for squad spots and will hope to show what they can do.

Prep mode for potential first-ever World Cup

As for Albania, they sealed their immediate fate with a narrow win over Andorra – they will finish second in Group K and head into the playoffs. It means that for them, while this fixture in isolation won’t change anything in the table, it does bring an opportunity to practice the defensive resilience and ability to have spells of creating chances that they will need during potentially tough matches during the playoff paths. Albania have played at the European Championship twice, but they’ve never been to a World Cup. This qualifying campaign is already a national record as they’d never even finished runner-up in qualifying before, but taking the final step would be historic.

Recent form

The hosts could hardly be in better shape – it’s five straight wins for Albania and eight in a row unbeaten. Their last defeat was, of course, against England in March. Over the past year, England themselves have played 11, won ten – a 3-1 friendly defeat to Senegal the only blemish on the record. Since then it’s five in a row without conceding a goal.

Team news

At the time of writing, Marc Guéhi needs a fitness check and Anthony Gordon withdrew from the squad so won’t play a part but the wider question is over how many of the aforementioned non-starters from midweek against Serbia get their opportunity to feature here. Three players in the squad are awaiting their first-ever senior cap, with new midfield inclusion Alex Scott perhaps most likely to get his chance.

Key player

Probably Phil Foden, given there’s most variance to his inclusion: After failing to shine out wide and with so much competition at No.10, is he actually Tuchel’s best alternative to Harry Kane? Get runners around him and it could work – Foden ranks higher than 94% of attacking midfielders around Europe for chance creation.

Prediction

A perfect record for the Three Lions in qualifying to be kept intact with another win. Despite the irrelevance of it points-wise, it might actually turn out to be one of the more impressive ones if they manage it, precisely because of those low stakes: Albania 0-2 England.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every World Cup qualifier with FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Nov

2025

Preview: Scotland head to Greece for crucial World Cup qualifier

After 27 years of hurt, six failed qualification attempts and 57 games, Scotland have an excellent chance of reaching the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

By Ross Kilvington

A trip to Greece is up first on Saturday evening, before a potential winner takes all showdown against Denmark at Hampden on Tuesday night.

For that to happen, Steve Clarke’s men must match Denmark’s result in the penultimate set of matches. If so, whoever wins in Glasgow next week will seal an automatic World Cup place.

Is it now or never for Scotland?

Scotland may have qualified for the previous two European Championship tournaments, yet their displays at said finals posed more questions than answers.

Two underwhelming group stage exits perhaps indicate that this could be Clarke’s final hurray as Scotland boss. Recent results have been more uplifting, losing just two of the previous 11 matches.

Before that, however, the Scots won just once between September 2023 and October 2024. Even so, that was against Gibraltar.

Clarke has a squad brimming with talent. Players such as Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour and Lewis Ferguson are plying their trade in Serie A, while Ben Gannon Doak, Lennon Miller and Kieran Bowie represent the future generation.

This is a golden chance for Scotland to end their near 28-year World Cup exile. Should they reach North America, performances will have to be far better than what was on show at the 2024 European Championship.

Greece haven’t qualified for a major tournament since 2014

Greece’s stunning triumph at the 2004 Euros feels like a very long time ago now. Since then, they have qualified for just four major tournaments.

The last one came at the 2014 World Cup, reaching the knockout stages. Despite having talented youngsters such as Giannis Konstantelias, Konstantinos Karetsas and Stefanos Tzimas, Greece have stumbled during the current campaign, winning just one game.

They may have been the better team when these two sides met last time out at Hampden, yet the Greeks still ended up the receiving end of a 3-1 defeat.

Thoughts now turn to qualifying for the 2028 Euros, which will begin next year.

Team news

Defender Konstantinos Mavropanos and forward Fotis Ioannidis will both be absent for the match against Scotland this Saturday.

Clarke will be without the services of Miller and Ross McCrorie, with the two midfielders pulling out of the squad due to injury issues.

Gilmour will also be missing, but he could return for the crunch tie against Denmark next week.

Goalkeeper Angus Gunn isn’t in the squad either, which could see Clarke bring Craig Gordon into the starting XI for his 82^nd international cap.

Prediction

Despite Greece’s struggles in the group, travelling to Piraeus, knowing that they must match Denmark’s result, is something Clarke would preferred to have avoided.

As such, the clash could turn into a tight affair, with Scotland aiming for the point needed to turn ensure they have the chance to secure qualification at a sold-out Hampden on Tuesday evening.

We at FotMob predict a drab 1-1 draw.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every World Cup qualifier on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Nov

2025

Vitor Roque’s redemption arc guiding Palmeiras’ double charge

Not so long ago, the 20-year-old hailed as Brazil’s next great striker was at Barcelona, struggling to adapt to a new club, culture, and league, crying on the training ground as the pressure and frustration reached a boiling point.

By Alex Roberts

Twenty-one goals and six assists in his 45 games for Athletico Paranaense in 2023 piqued the interest of Europe’s elite, but it was the bright lights of Barcelona that appealed the most, with Vitor Roque joining for a reported fee of €40 million including add-ons.

Barca thought they had their Robert Lewandowski replacement in house, no need to worry about what would happen a few years down the line when the legendary Pole would retire or leave to enjoy the twilight of his career in a less stressful environment.

It didn’t work out that way, though. The deal to sign him was rushed, Barcelona were haunted by Real Madrid’s transfer success in Brazil, signing Rodrygo, Vinicius Júnior, and Endrick ahead of the Catalan side, who’s financial struggles had left them falling behind.

So, rather than join in the summer of 2024 as initially planned, Roque was brought in mid-season with his fellow Barcelona forwards struggling for goals under Xavi. The midfielder wasn’t particularly involved in the deal but wasn’t averse to having another option up top.

He landed in Barcelona in December 2023, and the fans were sold a dream. Very quickly the cracks started to show, and Xavi had doubts about his quality as Roque played 353 minutes for Barcelona across 14 games, scoring two goals off the bench.

Hansi Flick came in and gave everyone at the club a clean slate, with many expecting Roque to be a player who benefited from a slight shift in style. Instead, he was shipped out to Real Betis on loan in August.

His form at Villamarin Stadium was better, scoring seven goals in 33 appearances across all competitions, but he still struggled with the pace of the game in Spain and with his link-up play.

His season-long loan was cut short in February when Palmeiras came in. Now, he’s back in his homeland, leading Palmeiras’ charge against Flamengo in the battle to win a historic double, with the two sides level on points in the Serie A and due to face-off in the Copa Libertadores final on 29 November.

Palmeiras went all in on Roque, splashing a reported €25.5m on the striker, making him the most expensive signing in South American football history. His return to Brazil was heralded as the start of a new chapter, not necessarily the end of one in Europe.

He had a slow start. Actually, that’s an understatement, Roque had a terrible start, failing to score or even provide an assist in his first 12 games for the club, and whispers that he was a flop were already starting to circulate.

The striker had a little hot streak just ahead of the Club World Cup, scoring in three consecutive games, including the winners in 1-0 wins over Vasco de Gama and São Paulo, before going another 11 games without a goal.

Finally, it all just clicked. Now, Roque is one of the most in-form strikers on the planet with 16 goals and five assists in 23 games since the start of August, filling the void left by fellow wonderkid Estêvão who is now ripping it up at Chelsea.

Under the tutelage of Abel Ferreira, Palmeiras have become a South American superpower, winning two Serie As, three Paulista A1s, and a Supercopa do Brasil domestically, while also claiming two Copa Libertadores’ in his five years at the club.

Tactically, the Portuguese boss is pretty conservative, emphasising player roles and responsibilities, both with and without the ball, with a focus on high-pressure, possession-based play and adapting formations like the 3-4-3 or 4-2-3-1 to control the game

He wants his sides to force turnovers through a high press, stretching the play to create overloads using wing-backs, and maintaining a compact defensive structure to close the centre.

Roque has largely been utilised as a lone striker since he joined Palmeiras, although Ferreira has dabbled with a 4-4-2 for the past two games against Santos and Mirassol, playing Flaco López beside him.

The striker dominates his side’s attacking stats in the league, leading the way in goals (16), goals per 90 mins (0.75), xG (12.4), shots on target per 90 (1.8), and chances created (33), along with others that are a little more convoluted.

Overperforming his xG by nearly four goals does beg the question whether his form is sustainable or not, but he won’t care right now, Roque is finally brimming with confidence and loving his football again.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow the run in of the Brazilian league season on FotMob during the 2025/26 season – with in-depth stat coverage, xG, and player ratings, where available. Download the free app here.

Nov

2025

A tale of two goalkeepers: Mary Earps beaten on return to Man Utd as Safia Middleton-Patel announces her arrival

The spotlight heading into a huge Champions League clash at Old Trafford was focused on Earps, but Middleton-Patel rose to the occasion on the biggest stage.

By Jamie Spencer

Safia Middleton-Patel didn’t know she would be starting Manchester United’s biggest game of the season so far until Wednesday morning, ahead kick-off at 8pm that night.

But come full-time of Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League visit on matchday three of the league phase, the 21-year-old goalkeeper had made a significant contribution to a landmark win that leaves the Red Devils already on the brink on the knockouts in their maiden European adventure.

It was a massive shock not to see Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s name on the team-sheet. The American stopper, who joined the club in 2023 and assumed the No.1 spot from Mary Earps a year later, is a huge reason why United are competing at this level. She conceded just 10 goals through the first 20 WSL games of last season and shared the Golden Glove with Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton thanks to 13 clean sheets – one shy of the league record.

Tullis-Joyce was also recently shortlisted for 2025’s Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper, underlining her world class status. Yet a knock suffered during the weekend’s unexpected WSL defeat to Aston Villa, not initially expected to rule her out, thrust Middleton-Patel into the spotlight at very short notice.

A lot of the pre-match discourse had been about Earps, fresh off the controversy sparked by her book release and associated interviews. Turning attentions to this match, the former Lioness said this week about preparing to be booed, facing the club for the first time since leaving as a free agent.

There was some jeering early on, but the reception was, at worst, mixed and faded. It felt as though Earps publicising the idea that she might be booed was serving as a reminder to do it. In online fan groups, most had openly said they planned to welcome her, or at least be indifferent. It was far from the overtly hostile reception Alessia Russo has had on her returns with Arsenal since 2023.

Where Russo left for a direct rival while on the rise, and with no direct replacement, Earps moved abroad, had arguably started to decline in on-field performances during her final season, and had Tullis-Joyce waiting to seamlessly fill the void. Although a hugely popular during five years with United and creating an important legacy, her exit when it happened mattered less.

For Middleton-Patel, it was a first start in 11 months and only her second United game. Her last appearance – a 5-3 League Cup win over Newcastle – was her debut. Three games for Coventry United, one for Blackburn and six for Watford, all second tier loans, were her only prior senior club experience. She has also played six times for Wales, one of those at Euro 2025.

But the United academy graduate, who has long been a fans’ hero and is also a champion for autism awareness after speaking openly about her diagnosis, is no stranger to pulling out big performances either. Middleton-Patel was named player of the match when Wales frustrated continental heavyweights Sweden in a Nations League draw earlier this year.

As the PSG game got underway, she could have been forgiven for a nervous start, appearing unsettled by an early cross. Almost immediately, Jennifer Echegani lashed a warning shot towards goal that crashed off the inside of the post.

United boss Marc Skinner would say afterwards that he “believed in” Middleton-Patel and just wanted her to “be herself” out there. After PSG hit the woodwork, she settled and grew in confidence – a moment in which she had to dive forwards to grasp a loose ball before Echegani could get to it felt like a catalyst for what followed. Before the first half was out, and with United 1-0 up through Melvine Malard, she’d also tipped Rasheedat Ajiibade’s swerving cross onto the bar.

Olga Carmona’s equaliser was unstoppable, flying into the top corner from distance. “I don’t think any goalkeeper is going to save that,” Ellen White remarked during half-time on the game’s ESPN on Disney+ broadcast. But with that goal changing the momentum and PSG returning from the break on top, Middleton-Patel made her most crucial intervention. Anaïs Ebayilin’s vicious strike quickly after the restart was destined for the back of the net until two strong palms diverted the ball onto the post and behind.

If Middleton-Patel didn’t make that save, PSG would likely have won, taking the lead and already in the ascendancy. But not much more than 10 minutes later, after the phenomenal Jess Park had worked the ball 50 yards across the pitch, Anna Sandberg’s cross was headed in by Fridolina Rolfö.

Earps, who cut a frustrated figure at twice being beaten, denied Malard and Simi Awujo as United threatened to further punish a stretched and increasingly desperate PSG, still yet to register a single point in the league phase. Meanwhile, Middleton-Patel’s goal remained largely unchallenged in the remaining half hour, in part thanks to one instance of resolute defending from Jayde Riviere.

*United sit third in the fledgling UWCL league phase table*

On the ball, Middleton-Patel was composed. The goalkeeper was involved in the early build-up passing that led to the decisive goal and, with United then ahead, there was an instance where she came rushing out to retrieve a loose ball, warding off the backtracking Sandberg to take control of the situation and then finding a pass to feet rather than a hurried a clearance. It was one of three examples of assuming the sweeper role and provided United an extra dimension.

“You train for moments like this,” Middleton-Patel reflected on her overall performance. Riviere took home UEFA’s player of the match trophy, but insisted to MUTV, “For someone her age to have that much maturity and just take it head on… if anything, she’s the player of the match for me.”

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Nov

2025

Preview: England meet Serbia at Wembley

Thomas Tuchel could use Thursday’s final home qualifier to experiment with England’s place at the 2026 World Cup already confirmed.

By Graham Ruthven

Time to try new things?

England can play their final two 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the knowledge that their place at next summer’s tournament is already secure. This could give Thomas Tuchel the freedom to experiment.

Bournemouth’s Alex Scott was a surprise call-up to the squad and could be in line to feature as Tuchel’s search for the right balance in central midfield continues. Adam Wharton is another midfielder surely intent on making an impression.

If Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka are nailed on starters, that leaves an open spot on the left wing where a resurgent Marcus Rashford could be given an opportunity.

Jude Bellingham is back in the squad after his omission in October. The Real Madrid star has found form after a staggered start to the season, but there remains a question mark over his role in Tuchel’s team.

Serbia, on the other hand, have no time for experimentation. They desperately need points to climb above Albania into second place in Group K.

Dragan Stojković lost his job after the damaging home loss to Albania last month, making Thursday night Veljko Paunović’s first match as Serbia boss. Will there be a new manager bounce?

Key players

Kane’s relentless pursuit of goals means he is likely to start for England on Thursday even if Bayern Munich would rather the 32-year-old take a seat on the bench.

Saka remains England’s most productive and consistent winger and is expected to start on the right side with Rashford likely to feature on the left after the withdrawal of Anthony Gordon due to injury.

Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice could pick up their partnership in the centre of midfield again with the former now firmly seen as Tuchel’s favoured option at the base of the unit.

With Aleksandar Mitrović currently sidelined, Serbia need Luka Jović and Dušan Vlahović to step up and provide a threat in the final third. Paunović could deploy the pair as a front two.

Filip Kostić will give the visitors a direct outlet on the left wing while Nikola Milenković will attempt to match up physically against Kane as Serbia’s dominant defensive presence.

Team news

Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah and Manchester City keeper James Trafford were called up to the England squad following the withdrawals of Gordon and Nick Pope.

Marc Guéhi is carrying a knock picked up in Crystal Palace’s Conference League win over AZ Alkmaar last week and is a doubt to feature much for The Three Lions in the games against Serbia and Albania.

Jarell Quansah, Nico O’Reilly and Scott are all uncapped and could be given their England debut as Tuchel looks to bulk up his squad before the 2026 World Cup.

Serbia will be without all-time top scorer Mitrović for the trip to Wembley, depriving Paunović of his best and most effective focal point to build around. Mitrović will be a big miss for the visitors.

Prediction

Despite this being a dead rubber for the home side, England have a proud unbeaten record in World Cup qualifiers that dates back to 2009, so they won’t want to lose that here. Which only complicates matters for an away side who really need a result: England 2-0 Serbia.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every qualifier for the 2026 World Cup with FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Nov

2025

N’Golo Kante has answered the call for France

At 34 years old N’Golo Kanté is back in the France squad and could play an important part for Les Bleus at the 2026 World Cup.

By Graham Ruthven

Before N’Golo Kanté there was Claude Makélélé. He was so effective as a destroyer at the base of the midfield they renamed the position after him. More recently, ‘The Makélélé Role’ belonged to Kanté in the France lineup, and the position might still be his after the 34-year-old was recalled to Les Bleus’ squad.

Kanté hadn’t been called up in a year. Now playing Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, the midfielder is firmly into the twilight of his career. He will be 35 by the time next summer’s World Cup kicks off, but France simply don’t have anyone else who can do what the former Chelsea and Leicester City midfielder can.

That is certainly the case at this particular time. Adrien Rabiot and Aurélien Tchouaméni are both sidelined through injury, leaving Didier Deschamps short of options at the base of his midfield for France’s final two 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan. Les Bleues still need a win in the first of those, tonight against Ukraine in order to secure their place at the finals. The stakes remain high.

A strong showing by Kanté could put him back in the picture for a place in France’s World Cup squad. To squeeze the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise into the same forward line, Deschamps needs an anchor to balance his team out and Kanté appears to fit the bill.

“I’m in contact with him. He’s at his best in the matches I’ve seen him play; he plays every three or four days,” said Deschamps when asked about Kanté’s surprise call-up and the level he is currently operating at in the Saudi Pro League. “He’s still potentially eligible for selection, and the proof is that he’s been selected.

“He needs to maintain his position; he has a certain status, experience. When I call him up, it’s to give him a role, not just to be part of the team. With what awaits us in this match, which could be decisive, he’s always on my mind, in my thinking. The coaching staff and I follow him regularly. It’s always a pleasure for him to wear this jersey.”

*Kanté’s season summary since moving to Saudi Arabia*

Deschamps’ critics say Kanté’s return to the squad is typical for a manager who has refused to evolve the French national team over the years. The 57-year-old will step aside as Les Bleus boss after the 2026 World Cup, but many believe he should have left his position a long time ago. Deschamps-ball has run its course.

In Deschamps’ defence, he has integrated younger players like Rayan Cherki and Olise since the last World Cup. Their club form made them almost impossible to ignore, particularly in the case of Olise who has reached an even higher level since joining Bayern Munich last year, but France are fresher than they were at Euro 2024.

At his best, Kanté was the best number six in the world. He did the work of two players at the base of the midfield for Chelsea, Leicester City and France. The Foxes would never have won the Premier League title in 2016 without Kanté patrolling that area in front of the back four and breaking up opposition attacks.

France’s midfield pairing of Paul Pogba and Kanté was integral to their triumph at the 2018 World Cup. The duo gave Antoine Griezmann and Mbappé the platform to attack in the knowledge that the team’s structure was being held in place behind them. Without Kanté, France might not have won a second World Cup.

Finding a younger version of Kanté has so far proved impossible. Eduardo Camavinga is a quality performer, but lacks the positional discipline to thrive as a number six. It’s why Xabi Alonso has experimented with the 23-year-old on the wing for Real Madrid this season. Camavinga still has a lot to learn.

Manu Koné has potential, but doesn’t have the body of work behind him to suggest he can impose himself on games at the highest level. Warren Zaire-Emery could grow into France’s long-term Kanté successor in time, but the teenager isn’t even a first team figure for Paris Saint-Germain yet.

Tchouméni is possibly France’s most rounded option, but he isn’t the fastest. This isn’t so much of an issue in possession. In a pressing structure, though, the 25-year-old can be played around by a nimble opposition midfield. He doesn’t snap into tackles like Kanté used to at the peak of his powers.

That peak was a number of years ago. Kanté has faded physically and would only be a short-term solution for France to get to the end of the Deschamps era. Nonetheless, Kanté would be a solution for a problem that could otherwise derail Les Bleus at the 2026 World Cup. Next summer’s tournament would be one last job for him.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the UEFA World Cup qualifiers on FotMob this season – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Nov

2025

Nigeria need their superstar forwards to fire them back to the World Cup

After missing the 2022 World Cup, Nigeria have the attacking talent to make amends at the 2026 tournament.

By Graham Ruthven

The 2022 World Cup didn’t feel right without Nigeria. For so long, the Super Eagles were flag bearers for African football at the top of the international game. Players like Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and John Obi Mikel were Nigerian icons, but nobody from the country made a name for themselves in Qatar.

Three years later, the Super Eagles are on their way to making amends. While Eric Chelle’s team missed out on automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, finishing a point behind Group C winners South Africa, Thursday’s clash against Gabon could be another step on the road to next summer’s tournament.

On paper, Nigeria boast one of the strongest squads in Africa. Of the 24 players called up by Chelle for the crunch qualifier against Gabon, 11 ply their trade in a ‘Big Five’ league. Others play in Belgium, Portugal and Türkiye. This is a squad full of quality and experience at the highest level.

Victor Osimhen is Nigeria’s brightest star. The 26-year-old is widely considered one of the best centre forwards in the game at this moment in time and has scored six goals in his last five outings for Galatasaray. Osimhen is currently the top scorer in this season’s Champions League, underlining his status as one of Europe’s best.

When Osimhen plays well, Nigeria does too. That was certainly the case in the Super Eagles’ last World Cup qualifier against Benin when Osinhen scored three times in a comfortable 4-0 victory. Too often, though, Nigeria don’t do enough to harness their best player and top scorer.

Nigeria started their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a four-game winless run that exposed a number of issues within the team. In particular, the disappointing draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe highlighted the disconnect between the midfield and the attack with the Super Eagles unable to fully utilise their quality in the final third.

A positive showing at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations suggested Nigeria were on the right path under Jose Peseiro, but his departure following such a dismal start to World Cup qualifying was inevitable. It was at this point that Chelle was hired as the first non-Nigerian African coach of the Super Eagles to turn things around.

Chelle has done more to unlock Nigeria’s attacking potential. He has fielded Akor Adams alongside Osimhen in a front two. He has deployed Alex Iwobi and Tolu Arokodare as fluid forwards around the Galatasaray frontman to give the Super Eagles more cohesion in between the lines.

Ademola Lookman has been played on the left wing, but also in a deeper role where he has the freedom to pick up the ball in the centre of the pitch and drive it forward. While Peseiro struggled to fit his best players into the same lineup, Chelle has instead focused on forging a stronger team unit.

“There are at least 25 players who could start across the frontline; more than a full team,” said Chelle who also has the 2025 AFCON later this year to plan for. “We manage it carefully. We’ve built a player-tracking system, monitoring around 80 players weekly. Selection is based on three criteria – club activity, performance, and tactical fit. Sometimes tactics take precedence.”

*Nigeria are unbeaten in their last four qualifiers*

A run of three wins from four games which included a credible draw away to group winners South Africa got Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes back on track. The Super Eagles would have qualified automatically had they found a way to overcome Bafana Bafana in September, but they gave themselves too much to do after such a poor start.

Gabon will be difficult opponents on Thursday. The Panthers are aiming to qualify for their first World Cup and have lost two of their last 11 competitive fixtures with both losses coming against a Morocco outfit widely considered the strongest in African football right now. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and co. will be a threat.

The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams handed a further four direct qualification spots to CAF. This was a suitable reward for a confederation that had previously been under-represented at the top of international football, but CAF’s strength means a number of talented teams will miss out on a place at the 2026 tournament.

Only one of Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon or Nigeria will advance to the inter-continental playoff where two further victories are required to make the World Cup. Even if all goes to plan, the Super Eagles are still four games away from making amends for their last qualification failure.

Fortunately for Nigeria, they look to have found form at the right time. Osimhen is currently at the peak of his powers and Chelle has demonstrated the sort of adaptability needed to get the best out of the Super Eagles’ best performers. There’s still some work to do, but Nigeria are on their way to becoming a formidable force again.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the CAF World Cup qualifying playoffs on FotMob this season – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.