ENGLAND, despite a great deal of dissatisfaction, have qualified for the last 16 of EURO 2024, topping a group that, at best, was tedious and at its worst, a dreadful advertisement for 24-team competitions. The stagnation of the group that also included Denmark, Slovenia and Serbia was highlighted by just seven goals in six games and only one victory (England 1 Serbia 0). And yet from this group, three teams have gone through to the knockout stage. England and Slovenia looked as though they were playing for a 0-0 draw, but if the competition was 16 or even 32 teams, mediocrity would not be rewarded in this way. Maybe UEFA are subjecting the football community this format in order to push through the 32-team concept, but really, they should be looking to revert to a 16-team finals. As we have said time and time again, more teams does not mean an increase in quality, it means a further dilution. Why cannot UEFA and FIFA understand this?
THE EFL has issued its fixtures for the 2024-25 season. EFL new boys Bromley face a trip to Harrogate Town in their first game on the weekend commencing August 9, while Chesterfield, who also came up from the National League, are at home to Swindon Town. In League One, Birmingham City, who were relegated from the Championship, despite being taken over by US investors, will host Reading while the Hollywood-owned Wrexham are at home to Wigan Athletic. The Championship sees two of the three teams relegated from the Premier League, Luton and Burnley, going head-to-head, while the other returnee, Sheffield United, travel to Preston. Promoted Portsmouth have a tough first weekend with an away game at Leeds United.
MARY EARPS is leaving Manchester United to join Paris Saint-Germain, her ninth club in a constantly moving career. The 31 year-old England goalkeeper had left United on a free transfer, the second consecutive summer in which the club has lost a star name without benefitting from a fee. United are not in the Champions League for 2024-25, so the attraction of PSG, financial reasons aside, was surely the chance to play in the top European competition. Alessia Russo departed United to join Arsenal in July 2023, also on a free. Earps joined United in 2019 and has won 50 caps for England. Her move comes at a time when news reports have suggested United’s women’s team is to be moved into portable buildings at the club’s training base to make space for the men’s side while their facilities are renovated. The women’s team only moved into a new centre at Carrington in October 2023.
ARGENTINA are through to the knockout stage of the Copa America after beating Chile 1-0 thanks to a goal by Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez two minutes from the end of normal time. Canada improved their chances of going through with a 1-0 victory against Peru. Meanwhile, Brazil started their campaign with a very disappointing 0-0 draw with Costa Rica. Brazil had 19 shots on target and enjoyed 74% of possession. They had a strong line-up for the game, including Alisson, Marquinhos, Militao, Danilo, Rodrygo and Vinícius Junior.
GAME OF THE PEOPLE 