Daily Archives: March 12, 2025

Thomas Tuchel’s big England puzzle: picking the right players not the best – Jonathan Wilson

“Football’s memory is short, particularly when it comes to national sides. The most successful resemble club teams in that they have a core of players and a clearly defined style of play. There’s always an in-form player around whom a clamour develops, but continuity is just as important, perhaps even more so, in the international game. But next week inevitably represents a new start as Thomas Tuchel picks his first England squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia later in the month. …”
Guardian
W – Thomas Tuchel

Champions League projections: Liverpool favourites for trophy but do Barcelona have an easier pathway?

“Fifteen of the 16 clubs left in the Champions League (not you, PSV) have something to play for as they head into the last-16 second legs this week. But how much hope should each side have, and how do form, momentum and which side of the bracket a team is in impact their chances? Using The Athletic’s projections — powered by Opta — we broke the 16 teams down into four categories: Confident, Hopeful, Precarious and Probably Doomed. Read on to see where your team lies. …”
NY Times/The Athletic