Michael Owen has called out England fans for their ‘nonsense’ reaction to the team’s World Cup win over Mexico in a scathing critique this week. The Three Lions overcame pre-match concerns about playing in intense heat, at high altitude and against an in-form host nation backed by a partisan crowd to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory.

The result is by far the most significant of Thomas Tuchel’s international management career so far and could yet prove to be one of England’s most memorable World Cup performances in recent history. Jude Bellingham scored twice, and although England played almost the entire second half with 10 men after Jarell Quansah was sent off, they dug deep and held on, with Harry Kane also scoring from the penalty spot.

After a lethargic group-stage campaign and a fortunate late turnaround against tournament debutants DR Congo in the Round of 32, the optimism that so often surrounds England’s attempts to end their 60-year trophy drought has gathered momentum once again. But not everyone is convinced it should be that way.

Michael Owen’s Brutal Critique of England Fans’ Reaction to Mexico Win

REUTERS/Chris Radburn

“They stuck together. They found a way. That takes character, and it will only strengthen the belief within the squad. Fans are right to be proud of what they saw,’ Owen wrote in the Daily Mail.

Paul Childs via Reuters

He continued: “Real bravery is wanting the ball when 80,000 people are willing you to make a mistake. It’s showing for possession when everyone else is hiding. It’s taking the ball off your mate when he’s in trouble, knowing that if you lose it you’ll be the one criticised.

“That’s football bravery and that’s what England need more of, if they’re going to win this World Cup. If, against France, Spain or Argentina, England play like they did versus Mexico, we’ll get our backsides kicked.”

Positives Far Outweigh Reasons to be Cautious After Mexico Showing

Paul Childs via Reuters

Whatever Owen has to say about the reaction to England’s win is countered by overwhelming positives to take from it. At the Azteca Stadium, although Bellingham and Kane were the scorers again, the Three Lions looked far more like a complete entity than one defined by individual brilliance.

That, and the ability to keep grinding out results in any environment, will serve them well long-term. After all, the Gareth Southgate sides of just a few years ago used to do the same thing to get to back-to-back European Championship finals – the big difference now, though, is that while the feel-good factor and turgid-but-effective style is helping them progress, they now have a manager with a brilliant track record in finals to get them over the line.

Of course, Mexico pale in ability compared to the likes of France and Spain, but there’s certainly no reason to be looking too deep into the negatives of a crucial win from an outsiders’ perspective – leave that to Tuchel, who is now preparing for a quarter-final with Norway.

Tottenham are said to be working on a deal to snap up a promising young talent as their busy summer continues. Spurs have already put together a record transfer window, spending more than £230million, and they are not yet done.

Roberto De Zerbi is being given the chance to overhaul his squad, but it will come with the price of being expected to challenge for Europe, even after back-to-back bottom half finishes from Spurs.

But as Tottenham continue to be one of the most active clubs in Europe in this transfer window, it’s not all glitz, glamour and headline-making deals.

Spurs now chasing Wolves talent

Spurs are always working behind the scenes to try to recruit talented players at a young age, and they have a rich history of spotting top talent. The latest star in the making, they hope, will be Wolves starlet Kwasi Senyah, who is a 16-year-old midfielder.

According to Paul O’Keefe, Spurs are closing in on a deal. He posted on X: “Spurs advancing on a deal for Kwasi Senyah. Highly rated defensive midfielder currently playing for the Wolverhampton Wanderers youth.”

Senyah is an England under-16s international, and he has been impressing for club and country in the youth age groups, having joined Wolves from Coventry City back in 2024.

The youngster has played ahead of his age group in the Premier League under-18s, making 19 appearances, and he has also been in Premier League 2 squads, although he is yet to feature in the competition, which is largely for under-21s players.

Senyah is reportedly being promised a professional deal with Spurs, and a deal appears to be progressing.

Senyah, who is also eligible to represent Ghana, largely operates in the holding midfield role, but he can also play in a more advanced role.

The importance of recruiting youth has increased

Top clubs have always done a job of recruiting the country’s best talent, and in truth, the rules encourage it. Category 1 clubs can poach players from category 2 and below academies on the cheap, with big clubs favoured.

Nevertheless, the importance of recruiting young is now that much more important due to the Financial Fair Play rules that make it difficult for clubs to spend big money over consecutive years. That puts pressure on players to get at least some of their talent from their academy, and beyond saving money, it helps keep clubs in the green with those Profit and Sustainability rules. In fact, even developing talent from a young age and selling those players does the trick, given the pure profit contributes the most to the profit column.

Roger Federer has earned the right to do anything he pleases in the tennis arena, and the Swiss legend has gone viral for sitting by himself at Wimbledon.

Federer, who won the competition a record eight times during his illustrious career, was spotted all alone in Centre Court’s Royal Box during Alexander Zverev and Jiri Lehecka’s match.

Federer was one of many special guests in the Royal Box on July 6, along with the likes of Kimi Antonelli and ex-England striker Alessia Russo. But fans were left shocked to see the 44-year-old sitting on his own, surrounded by empty seats.

Why Federer Was Sitting Alone in the Royal Box

The image of Federer surrounded by empty seats quickly went viral on social media. But some wondered why he was the only one present in the first place. Where had the other stars and celebrities gone?

Chris Bradnam on commentary said: “The legend that is Roger Federer. An eight-time champion, and the king of Centre Court. It’s great that he is here, he’s been there all day, and he’s here for ball No. 1.

“Always said he played tennis because he just loved it, and he loves watching it as well.”

That love for the sport he dominated for two decades and the late start time (8:30pm in the UK) are believed to be the main reasons behind his loneliness. Federer respects those on the court, and showed it with his presence.

It also didn’t appear to bother him in the slightest. In fact, he often had a smile across his face. Tennis fans have only grown more admiration for the man after seeing this.

His actions have received strong praise from fans of the sport. One posted on social media: “Clearly the only one who’s there to watch the tennis. True to himself, a legend,” pointing out the others who had departed.

Another was critical of ‘the sheep’ who weren’t as interested in the action on the court. “It’s 8:50 p.m. at Wimbledon. All the sheep, stuffed with champagne, have deserted the Royal Box. Only one remains. Federer. Out of respect for the players, and especially for the last Roland-Garros champion. The ultimate elegance.”

Federer is perhaps the most respected tennis player of all time, and that was summed up by one spectator: “Class personified. I don’t even have the words to say how much I admire him. And tennis isn’t even my favourite sport.”