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Patrick Bamford blew off any visible cobwebs beginning to form for Leeds United last game, turning back the clock as the lone striker for the Whites and scoring in a 3-0 demolition job of Birmingham City.

The injury-prone 30-year-old dazzled up top throughout the win before being substituted off late into the second half, registering three on-target efforts – as per Sofascore – in an attempt to add to his total.

Yet, with his sketchy injury record worrying those at Elland Road still, Farke and co could sign a brand-new striker this month to ease any concerns and give competition to the likes of Georginio Rutter and Joel Piroe.

Leeds transfer latest – Kieffer Moore

The Sun reported earlier this week that Leeds, among many other Championship suitors, are interested in securing a deal for Kieffer Moore this month, with his current club AFC Bournemouth now stating that they're open to letting the 6 foot 5 striker leave.

The lofty attacker is the subject of interest from a barrage of second-tier outfits, which includes Ipswich Town, Sunderland, Birmingham and West Bromwich Albion, alongside Farke's Whites – according to the report.

Alex Crook of talkSPORT has claimed too that Moore is wanted by his ex-club in Cardiff City, the Bluebirds hopeful of pulling off a potential homecoming.

Leeds will want to race to the front of the ever-growing queue for the 31-year-old regardless of any Welsh-based sentiment or interest from elsewhere, landing a big upgrade on Bamford if a move is pulled off.

Kieffer Moore's style of play

Moore would provide Leeds with an imposing presence up top, unique compared to the current group at Elland Road with Rutter more of a stylish and silky footballer and Piroe more agile and poacher-like than the Welshman.

The 31-year-old – who is valued at €5m (£4m) by CIES Football Observatory – could be utilised as an effective weapon by Farke when games are slipping through Leeds' fingers therefore, a more direct attacker that the ball can be launched at to grab a goal when the going gets tough.

The last 10 Leeds United left-back signings – and where they are now

It has been a problem position for the Whites.

By
Charlie Smith

Jan 3, 2024

Despite struggling in the Premier League this season for the Cherries, Moore has a reputation for being a prolific forward when featuring in the division below.

That killer instinct in the Championship was very much apparent during his Cardiff days, hence the attraction from the Bluebirds to land Moore again this January.

Hitting double figures in back-to-back seasons for Cardiff before leaving the club midway through the 2021-22 season for pastures new on the South Coast, Moore will want to get back to his goalscoring best in the division with Leeds if signed.

The towering striker was snapped up for a £5m fee at the time to win his services, a fee Bournemouth might now regret paying with Moore unable to bag goals for fun in the top flight.

Moore's statistics at second tier level trump Bamford's best numbers in the league, the ex-Nottingham Forest youth product turned seasoned Leeds figure's best total was scoring 17 goals for Middlesbrough during the 2014-15 campaign, with his second-best goal tally coming in at 16.

The 6 foot 5 forward's rich vein of goalscoring form for Cardiff before his departure saw manager at the time Mick McCarthy shower Moore with praise, describing the current Cherries man as "terrific" and "a very effective centre forward" that was a crucial focal point for his side.

Leeds will pray that Moore playing semi-regularly again at Elland Road can awaken this ice-cold finisher from within him once more, with Bamford likely fearing for his Whites future consequently.

With Piroe and Rutter cemented starters under Farke, Moore would bring experience and quality in spades as a backup with youthful Mateo Joseph providing the Championship outfit with another tricky attacker if needed from off the bench.

Xavi Hernandez has reportedly told Barcelona to pay full compensation to his staff after he was told to leave in a shock decision.

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• Xavi has been shown the door by Barca
• Ready to forego his wages for a year
• But wants his staff to be paid in full

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Spanish coach, who had been under contract with the Catalan club until June 30, 2025, is set to sever ties this Tuesday. According to Xavi is determined to leave amicably by choosing to forgo his remaining salary, which amounts to a hefty €12 million (£10m/$13m), in exchange for a guarantee that his staff will be fully compensated.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The coaching team that Xavi assembled at Barcelona consists of eight key individuals, each playing a vital role in the club’s operations. Seven members of this team, including assistants Oscar Hernandez and Sergio Alegre, physical trainer Ivan Torres, physiotherapist Carlos Nogueira, and scouts David Prats, Sergio Garcia and Toni Lobo have been with Xavi since his tenure at Al Sadd. The eighth member, communications manager Edu Polo, joined the team last summer and like the other members has a contract with the club until 2025.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Xavi has been clear that his agreement to relinquish his salary hinges on the full settlement of his staff's contracts – which would likely cost the club approximately €3 million. He believes the amount should be acceptable to the club as it would not burn a hole in their pocket.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Xavi's insistence to the board underscores his commitment to ensuring his staff's financial security after the shock u-turn of Laporta and Co from their previous position just a month back. With Xavi’s departure imminent, Barcelona is poised to enter a new era under the guidance of German coach Hansi Flick. The club is expected to confirm Flick’s appointment for the next two seasons once Xavi’s exit is finalised.

The Herons survived without the team's three biggest stars, escaping Canada with three points in hand.

Who needs Lionel Messi when you have Robert Taylor?

Just kidding, obviously. There's no replacing the Argentine icon. But, in the moments when he doesn't play, and there will be many, someone needs to step up. On Saturday night in Vancouver, it was Taylor.

The Finnish winger provided a goal and an assist in a 2-1 win over the Whitecaps, helping a shorthanded Inter Miami overcome a trio of star absences. Messi, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez didn't make the long trip to Canada, but Miami were just fine, largely due to Taylor.

He scored the opener: a fantastic curled effort that few goalkeepers in the league could have stopped. Taylor then set up the second, teeing up Leo Campana, who continues his recent run of good form with a key goal.

Miami won't always survive without Messi. In fact, most games will be something of a coin flip when they're without their star. On Saturday, though, Taylor made sure that the coin landed their way, – earning them three big road points in a match few would have expected them to win.

GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from BC Place…

Watch Inter Miami with the MLS Season PassStream now

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  Goalkeeper & Defense

  Drake Callender (6/10):

  Got close on the penalty kick after not being threatened at any time prior. Had to make one save late, but didn't have too much of an impact otherwise.

  Jordi Alba (8/10):

  Provided the assist on Taylor's goal, but all credit to the winger for that. Outside of that, though, Alba was super, super dangerous and could have easily created another goal or two for himself or a teammate.

  Serhiy Kryvtsov (7/10):

  Solid as can be. Shut down a few possible chances for the Whitecaps, preventing them from doing much of anything.

  Tomas Aviles (5/10):

  Had a few iffy moments, headlined by the penalty he conceded with Miami in cruise control. He'd been very steady in recent weeks, so this felt like a step back.

  Marcelo Weigandt (6/10):

  Did okay at just about everything, but was spectacular at just about nothing.

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  Midfield

  Julian Gressel (6/10):

  Created a few half chances against his former club. Never really created the big one, though.

  Yannick Bright (7/10):

  Really stepped up with Busquets out. He isn't the ex-Barcelona star but, then again, few are. He played his game well, though, fighting hard in the middle of the field to make sure Miami survived without Busquets in the XI.

  Benjamin Cremaschi (6/10):

  Had a fantastic start to the game but faded just a little bit as the game wore on before being taken off in the 65th minute.

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  Attack

  Robert Taylor (9/10):

  A humungous performance that felt like a 2023 throwback. In the early months of this Messi era, Taylor was an unstoppable force. He was the same on Saturday, making sure his side survived without the club's two attacking stars.

  Leo Campana (8/10):

  How many teams could use Campana in their XI? Miami have him as a backup, and how lucky they are. Another big finish from a player who has so much to offer this team.

  Matias Rojas (6/10):

  He was overshadowed by his two attacking teammates, but there's no shame in that. Had an early chance at goal that was pushed away and was otherwise decent enough.

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  Subs & Manager

  Federico Redondo (6/10):

  A long-awaited return. When healthy, he's the ideal Busquets understudy, but it's been weeks since he's been healthy. A good 35-minute runout to help the young midfield star inch closer to full fitness.

  David Ruiz (N/A):

  Replaced Rojas for the final 10 minutes or so to help Miami kill the game. Barely touched the ball, but that wasn't what he was out there for, was it?

  Leo Afonso (N/A):
  A very, very late sub to help the Herons see things out.

  Tata Martino (8/10):

  All credit to the coach, who somehow got this team ready to play without three icons of the game. It helps when players like Taylor step up, but you have to praise Martino's tactics and coaching to make sure the performance levels didn't drop without Messi and friends.

One thing that became clear in the summer transfer window is Arsenal's desire to ensure that last season was no one-off and that the days of struggling to even reach the Premier League's top four are long behind them. They splashed the cash to welcome Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and David Raya in the hope of competing for the title once again.

And months later, whilst they may not sit top of the tree, the Gunners are in contention for England's top prize, remaining just five points behind Liverpool, who still have to come to the Emirates early next month.

With that said, those in North London may well be looking to repeat their transfer genius by welcoming one particular young defender, having already reportedly made contact.

Arsenal transfer news

Such is the extensive planning that goes on at The Emirates these days from the likes of Edu Gaspar and Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's focus has seemingly extended beyond the January transfer window and already onto the summer, when they'll be hoping to tempt players into a move as freshly crowned Premier League champions. Among those who could be swayed is a young defender currently starring Portugal and attracting plenty of interest.

According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, Arsenal have made contact with the family of Ousmane Diomande over a potential summer move from Sporting, who will likely be looking to receive the defender's £70m release clause in full.

The 20-year-old is reportedly set to become one of the most in-demand players in Europe this year, however, meaning that the Gunners may need to act quickly if they want to secure his signature in the summer transfer window, with Newcastle among those also interested.

Adding Diomande to Arteta's centre-back options would certainly take Arsenal up a level. Suddenly, they'd have William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and, indeed, Diomande to call on in what would be seen as the type of depth that results in the highest honours in both European and English football.

"Elite" Diomande can become better than Gabriel

By signing Diomande, Arteta could form one of the best centre-back partnerships in the Premier League in the form of Saliba and the Ivory Coast man. Given that the Sporting defender is just 20-years-old and Saliba only 22, the Gunners would be getting themselves a duo capable of carrying Arteta's backline for the next decade, making that £70m price tag all the more worthwhile.

Diomanande's stats also show that he is on course to become even better than Saliba's current partner Gabriel.

A young gem in Portugal, Diomande has been at the centre of praise, including from Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, who posted on X: "Ousmane Diomande. You rarely see a player with such high ball-playing and pure defender skills. There are some tactical improvements but I'm quite sure this kid will play for the best teams in the world. The signs of elite talent."

Manchester United are in need of reinforcements this month as Erik ten Hag looks to improve their fortunes and some encouraging news has emerged regarding their pursuit of a proven goalscorer, according to a report.

Man United's hunt for a striker…

Rasmus Hojlund has been a point of contention for Manchester United fans over the course of this campaign, dividing fans with his performances and noticeable lack of service in the last few months. Nevertheless, the Denmark international scored his second goal in quick succession against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, taking his tally for the season to seven from 25 appearances.

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Stay up to date with the English Premier League standings after matchday 33.

By
Stephan Georgiou

Apr 22, 2025

Despite the former Atalanta youngster's recent spurt of positivity, there is an undoubted need for another forward at Old Trafford as rumours of an Anthony Martial exit continue to brew.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival at Old Trafford has bred fresh optimism among a beleaguered fanbase and the 71-year-old is believed to have designs on bringing a new attacker to Old Trafford that is on a similar level to Bayern Munich and England talisman Harry Kane, as per The Evening Standard.

Another central midfielder, winger and centre-back will also be on the agenda in the North West, though any future striker purchase would be expected to come in and play alongside Hojlund.

In this window, Brian Brobbey, Donyell Malen, Eric Choupo-Moting and Serhou Guirassy have all been mentioned as potential solutions to the lack of options available to Ten Hag in the final third after the Red Devils missed out on Timo Werner to Tottenham Hotspur.

Now, one of these four players is assumed to be at the centre of a transfer battle between multiple clubs, which Manchester United could have an edge in, as per reports.

Man United could hijack Serhou Guirassy interest…

According to Football Insider, Manchester United and AC Milan are among the sides who could hijack West Ham United's interest in Stuttgart poacher Guirassy as the Red Devils' search for a striker continues. Formerly of Rennes, the 27-year-old has a release clause of £15 million and has emerged as a target for some of Europe's elite due to his goalscoring exploits in the Bundesliga.

The report states that David Moyes will face "huge competition" to sign the Guinea international, who is currently away at the African Cup of Nations, with the Hammers reportedly in ongoing talks over a move. Meanwhile, Manchester United, alongside AC Milan and Newcastle United, are among the clubs keeping a close eye on his situation.

Dubbed "outrageous" by Seb Stafford-Bloor, Guirassy has exploded into life this campaign, registering 19 goals in 16 outings across all competitions (Guirassy statistics – Transfermarkt).

Manchester United have only directly outscored Burnley, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace in the Premier League and bringing in someone of Guirassy's ilk could help eradicate that unwanted trend.

England fans fume at Aaron Ramsdale after the Arsenal goalkeeper is beaten at his near post in the final Euro 2024 warm-up against Iceland.

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• Iceland take a shock lead
• Ramsdale error prove costly
• Fans tear apart the Arsenal shot-stopper

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Three Lions fell behind in the 12th minute after Jon Dagur Porsteinsson gave Iceland an early lead. The winger raced down the left flank almost unhindered as John Stones kept back-pedalling and did not close him down in time. Porsteinsson carved out just enough space to pull the trigger and a massive Ramsdale mistake at the near post allowed the ball to hit the back of the net.

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• WHAT THE FANS SAID

  An English fan @dwoodley1990 slammed Ramsdale and wrote: "Aaron Ramsdale is the worst England keeper in my lifetime. And I've seen Alex McCarthy, John Ruddy and Richard Wright win caps 🤦‍♂️."

  Meanwhile, @rjb_1998 wrote: "Aaron Ramsdale should never be allowed near an England shirt again."

  Whereas, @Trevorlloyd92 wrote: "Ramsdale is absolute garbage 🤣🤣."

  Another X user, @HarvMarksy couldn't believe what he saw and wrote: "Ramsdale getting done at his near post? Imagine my complete and utter shock. Crap."

  However, @Rory_Talks_Ball pointed out Stones' defensive lapse and wrote: "People will blame Ramsdale rather than looking at how on earth the Iceland player is so easily in that position in the first place."

• WATCH THE CLIP

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ramsdale had been playing second fiddle to David Raya at Arsenal as Mikel Arteta chose to place his trust in the Spanish shot-stopper, rather than the 26-year-old. Nevertheless, Southgate gave him a run-out in England's final friendly before heading to Germany for the tournament proper.

Glasgow Rangers put any rustiness behind them following the winter break to begin the second half of the Scottish Premiership season in fine form.

A trip to Easter Road is never easy at the best of times, never mind after a three-week break, but the Gers were comfortable throughout and secured a 3-0 win against Hibernian, which now piles the pressure on Celtic.

Philippe Clement will now be focusing on the tie against St Mirren on Saturday and another three points is imperative in the race for the title.

Having only signed two players during the current transfer window, bringing another one or two fresh faces to Glasgow will be just as important for the Belgian coach, especially with three trophies to fight for.

Several key areas in his squad need to be bolstered and there is a new name being linked with a move to Ibrox…

Rangers search for new signings

The one position that has been discussed the most is the left-back area, with Clement showing interest in a few defenders this month.

Latest Rangers transfer news: Gers want PL teen; Saudi link to midfield ace

Who is Philippe Clement eyeing up in the transfer window ahead of his first full season at Ibrox?

By
Ross Kilvington

Jul 9, 2024

Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update regarding their chase for a new left-back, writing:

“Ajax are open to loan out Anass Salah-Eddine in the final days of the January transfer window.

“2002 born Holland U21 left back in the list of several clubs including Rangers and Torino but race open, nothing agreed so far.”

Ridvan Yilmaz has been impressive of late, scoring the opener against Hibs in midweek, yet his future still remains uncertain amid links to Galatasaray and Hellas Verona.

Borna Barisic’s future is also unclear. The defender is out of contract at the end of the season, yet there has been no news regarding an extension and this may be the final few months of his spell in Glasgow.

There may be another arrival or two at the club before the deadline next week. Salah-Eddine is said to be being eyed up by the Gers and it could be bad news for Barisic.

Borna Barisic’s future is unclear at Rangers

The 31-year-old ace has made 225 appearances for the Light Blues since Steven Gerrard signed him in the summer of 2018, and he has played a major part in the success the former Liverpool captain enjoyed in Glasgow.

He missed just five matches during the 2020/21 campaign as Rangers won their first title in a decade and his displays were wonderful as he provided a key attacking outlet down the left flank.

The Croatian averaged 2.2 key passes per game during that season and created nine big chances, which clearly demonstrates how influential he was in the final third.

While he has averaged the same number of key passes per game during the current season (2.2), the defender has created just one big chance across 11 league matches, and it suggests that he may be on the decline from an attacking point of view.

The likes of AS Roma and Aston Villa have shown previous interest in the left-back in recent times and if an offer arrives before the deadline next week, could Clement perhaps move him on?

With the 49-year-old coach showing interest in the Ajax youngster ahead of making a late move, it may suggest Barisic’s time at the Gers may be approaching an end.

Anass Salah-Eddine could oust Barisic

The 22-year-old dynamo may have played only 27 senior matches in his career, but he firmly established his potential by working his way through the famed Ajax youth academy.

Across the U17, U19, and U21 squads, Salah-Eddine made a total of 81 appearances for the Dutch giants, chipping in with five goals and five assists.

The youngster was sent out on loan to FC Twente last season in order to gain some senior experience and while he may not provide the same attacking attributes as Barisic, he did win 55% of his total duels per game along with being dribbled past 0.6 times per game, and it shows that he was fairly reliable from a defensive point of view.

He was used as a centre midfielder for Twente last season and this positional versatility could be a bonus for Clement, but his true skills lie on the left side of defence and this is where he would slot in should he join the Gers this month.

Kai Watson, founder of the Rangers Journal, profiled the young Ajax starlet amid the recent links to Rangers and praised the defender, saying:

“As expected with an Ajax academy product, he’s technically gifted and incredibly comfortable receiving the ball under pressure. He’s quick and often looks to knock the ball beyond his opponent to get in behind them.

“He has a really cultured left foot and a great eye for a pass, preferring to get the ball forward quickly and get on the front foot.”

This analysis suggests that Salah-Eddine could perhaps improve his attacking attributes should he move to Scotland, as Clement will expect him to contribute effectively in the final third.

Much will depend on whether Yilmaz or Barisic departs Ibrox this month, yet the Dutchman could be an ideal replacement for either, especially with the potential for him to only get better with more game time.

Indeed, when compared to positional peers across similar leagues, the young defender currently ranks in the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90 (1.92), the top 9% for shot-creating actions per 90 (4.14), and the top 2% for progressive passes received per 90 (7.39), indicating his desire to push forward on a regular basis and these statistics would certainly appeal to Clement.

With under a week left in the winter window, the Light Blues don’t have much time to work with if they are aiming to add another player or two to their squad.

The performance against Hibs proved that they could defeat tricky opponents without having to get out of third gear, yet with a hectic schedule looking likely in the coming weeks, the manager will be keen to avoid another injury crisis similar to the one that engulfed the squad before Christmas.

Salah-Eddine may not be the finished product, yet signing him could prove to be bad news for Barisic as Clement aims to assert his authority on the first team and build a squad that can win the title.

Another left-back coming in could further restrict the Croatia international's minutes and lessen the chances of him earning a new deal, whilst also not being able to impress potential suitors in the summer if he does not play regularly during the second half of the season.

MLS bound Sergio Ramos will leave Sevilla as a free agent after spending just one season at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.

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• Ramos leaves Sevilla after just one season
• Re-joined his boyhood club last summer
• Set to join new MLS side San Diego FC

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ramos, who started his professional career at Sevilla in 2004, returned to his former club after 18 years last season. However, the reunion lasted for just a season as the legendary defender is now leaving the club as a free agent, the Spanish side confirmed on Monday.

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• WHAT SEVILLA SAID

  La Liga side's official statement read, "Sergio Ramos has informed Sevilla FC that he will not continue next season in the Nervión entity after having fulfilled his dream of returning to the club where he trained as a player and achieved full international status. Sergio Ramos has played 37 games in the 23/24 season, with a total of 3,301 minutes and 7 goals to his credit.

  "Sevilla FC would like to thank Sergio Ramos for the commitment, leadership and maximum dedication that he has shown in this campaign, wishing him the best of luck in his next professional challenge. Sergio Ramos will say goodbye publicly this Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in the press room of the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, accompanied by the president, José María del Nido Carrasco."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 38-year-old, who has been linked with a move to the US, is now likely to join MLS expansion side San Diego FC who will begin their journey in the league in 2025. As per media reports, Ramos is expected to sign for the club as their Designated Player.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR SEVILLA?

  Los Nervionenses will be back in action next month as they are scheduled to jet off to America where they will play three pre-season friendlies against Orlando Pirates, Sporting CP and Al-Ittihad.

One Aston Villa player could seal a Villa Park exit as early as next week, with Unai Emery not having him in his long-term plans.

Aston Villa’s January window

NSWE and Monchi left it late in the January window to seal most of their new signings, with winger Morgan Rogers arriving from Middlesbrough, goalkeeper Joe Gauci from Adelaide United and teenager Lino Sousa from Arsenal.

The trio joined right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic from Red Star Belgrade as the 2024 additions and there were also a number of departures in the Midlands. Finn Azaz and Bertrand Traore left on permanent deals, with several youngsters also heading out on loan.

On the pitch, Emery’s side recorded a brilliant 5-0 away win at Sheffield United on Saturday evening to take them back into the top four in the Premier League. One player who was in the squad and an unused substitute on Saturday evening, Calum Chambers, reportedly refused to leave the club on deadline day despite receiving three offers, and a new update on his future has now emerged.

Calum Chambers transfer update

According to Football Insider sources shared by journalist Pete O’Rourke, Chambers could now agree to an Aston Villa exit next week after rejecting three Championship moves on deadline.

It is believed that clubs in Turkey will now explore a move for the 29-year-old, with the window not shutting there until February 9. The report also adds that ‘Chambers has been told he is not in the plans of Villa boss Emery but could not agree the terms of an exit late in the January window’.

Chambers, on £50,000-a-week in the Midlands, has made just three appearances during the current campaign, all of which have been in the Europa Conference League. The likes of Ezri Konsa, Clement Lenglet and Diego Carlos are all above Chambers in the pecking order, and Emery also has Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings, although the pair are both out injured.

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With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

By
Luke Randall

Feb 1, 2024

Therefore, moving on Chambers over the coming days appears to make sense for all involved, and by the looks of things, it’ll be one to keep an eye on before Friday.

Gareth Southgate has seen a lot of criticism aimed in his direction recently, but it's not all bad news for the Englishman

Early noughties nostalgia is all the rage right now, so it's fitting that the England men's football team have got into the spirit of the times by serving up a tournament performance reminiscent of Sven Goran Eriksson's failed 'Golden Generation'. All the hallmarks of that hopeful, yet ultimately disappointing era have been on show during their opening two games of Euro 2024.

Players are being deployed out of position, the camp has been affected by some off-field distractions and the manager is facing the harshest media criticism of his time in charge. Some of the squad have even fired back.

After Gary Lineker called the Three Lions' display against Denmark "sh*t", captain Harry Kane issued a lengthy rebuttal. "The bottom line is, we haven't won anything as a nation for a long, long time. And, you know, a lot of these ex-players were part of that as well… they do know that it's tough to play in these major tournaments. It's tough to play for England," he told the press.

This sorry episode gives an indication of how low morale is in the country following that dismal draw with Denmark and unconvincing victory over Serbia. But has the overwhelmingly negative reaction been fair? England are top of their group for starters and, barring a quite remarkable turn of events, will progress to the knockouts. Perhaps it might be okay after all?..

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  Teams don't peak in the group stages

  For starters, it's worth remembering that teams who do well at tournaments do not tend to peak in the group stages. This isn't just a tired cliche either. Evidence from the most recent international competitions back it up. Take the 2022 World Cup, for example.

  Lionel Messi's Argentina would end up triumphing in Qatar, but do you remember how their campaign started? That's right – they were beaten by minnows Saudi Arabia.

  Didier Deschamps' France have consistently been slow burners at tournaments, too. During their run to 2018 World Cup glory, there wasn't much to get their fans excited about in the group stages. In their opener, they required a penalty and a late own goal to get past Australia, while they only beat Peru 1-0 before playing out a drab goalless draw against Denmark.

  Portugal's Euro 2016 group stage was even less convincing. Three draws meant they ended up finishing third in their group, behind lowly Hungary and Iceland. Fernando Santos' side would, however, still go on to lift the trophy in Paris.

  This pattern should give England heart. Southgate's charges may not hit top gear yet, but recent history shows this isn't necessary to reach a final.

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  Lessons from Euro 2020

  The Three Lions have personal experience of this, too. Prior to reaching the Euro 2020 final under Southgate, where they would eventually lose on penalties to Italy, they hardly blew their opposition away in the group stages.

  Key men Harry Kane and Kyle Walker underwhelmed in the opener against Croatia, and a 0-0 draw with Scotland in the following game was pretty abysmal all round. In the wake of that, the pundits struck a very similar tone to after the Denmark draw.

  "Football ain't coming home with that, not the way they are playing," Graeme Souness said on. "Harry Kane not performing is a major problem. If [he is not scoring] in this competition, you're not going very far."

  Gary Neville's analysis was along very similar lines. "Is it too big for them in terms of expectation? A few of those lads, it's probably the biggest game they've played in. That was such a lacklustre display," he said.

  After that low point, England bounced back by beating Czech Republic and then Germany in the last 16, with Southgate responding to some of his side's shortcomings by making a few tactical tweaks. His job now is to show his nous again and instigate a turnaround in Germany.

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  All one big learning experience

  And England's first two games will have provided Southgate plenty to think about when it comes to completing this task. As the old saying goes: you win, or you learn.

  The list of things that don't seem to be functioning in this England team is lengthy, but in some ways it's a relief that these issues have been identified in the group stages, as opposed to deep into the knockouts.

  The midfield conundrum has attracted most of the headlines and Southgate has added fuel to the fire with his strange comments about Kalvin Phillips. There are also concerns about Kane's physical condition, as well as Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham – who look increasingly unable to function in the same midfield. Even 'Mr. Reliable' Declan Rice has looked some way off his best.

  Again, now these kinks have been brutally exposed on the biggest stage, Southgate can focus on finding solutions before they ultimately result in England's downfall.

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  xG champions, you'll never sing that!

  And despite these problems, there have been one or two reasons for Southgate to be positive in the wake of England's opening two games. Heading into the tournament, the defence was widely identified as the Three Lions' problem area, with long-standing centre-back Harry Maguire ruled out through injury and Luke Shaw also struggling for fitness.

  Marc Guehi was anointed Maguire's successor and, one error against Denmark aside, has been his side's standout player at the tournament. England have generally been difficult to break down, too. After two matchdays, no team had allowed fewer expected goals (xG) than them (1.07).

  Of course, this must be tempered by the fact that the Three Lions also created the second-least xG in their opening two fixtures, with only Scotland faring worse. Still, it's encouraging that the area of the pitch that was causing most concern a few weeks ago has been holding firm.