Sports
Who are England’s Biggest Rivals in Football?
As any England fan will tell you, the men’s national team never like to do things the easy way. Sometimes that presents itself as a last-gasp winner. But sometimes that comes in the form of a few disciplinary detours.
Whether it stems from geographical proximity or a controversial chapter in a major tournament, England’s tapestry of fierce rivals is an intriguing one to unpick. But who are the biggest sporting enemies on The Three Lions’ list?
Germany
This rivalry goes beyond football. The historical ties from the two World Wars of the 20th century have informed this great feud, with their incredible clashes creating some of the most memorable footballing moments in recent times. Who could forget the drama of England’s 1966 World Cup Final win at the expense of Germany? But the Germans inflicted their own heartbreak at the 1990 World Cup and Euro ’96, eliminating England on penalties at the semifinal stage on both occasions.
More recently, England fans still fondly remember the 1-5 thumping in Munich. But they also wince at the thought of Frank Lampard’s ghost goal in 2010.
|
England’s record against Germany |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Played |
Wins |
Draws |
Losses |
|
35 |
14 |
6 |
15 |
10 Biggest Matches in British Football History [Ranked]
The ten biggest matches in British football history have been named and ranked.
Argentina
Driven by the Falklands War in 1982, Diego Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal at the 1986 World Cup ensured that this rivalry would last.
It would be reignited at the 1998 tournament, with David Beckham controversially being sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone before England crashed out on penalties. Beckham would have his revenge though. His winning penalty in the 2002 World Cup encounter helped to condemn Albiceleste to a shock group stage exit.
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England’s record against Argentina |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Played |
Wins |
Draws |
Losses |
|
14 |
6 |
5 |
2 |
Scotland
The oldest international fixture in world football, England and Scotland’s rivalry began on November 30th 1872 with a 0-0 draw. Since then, there have been many memorable episodes.
The rivalry was renewed every year by the annual British Home Championship that took place from 1884 to 1984. There was also the incredible spectacle of Scotland victory at Hampden Park in 1937. Just under 150,000 fans packed into the stadium for the match — an all-time European attendance record that still stands today. And who could forget the 1977 Wembley pitch invasion after Scotland’s 2-1 win? The Tartan Army stormed on, famously snapping the crossbars in celebration.
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England’s record against Scotland |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Played |
Wins |
Draws |
Losses |
|
116 |
49 |
41 |
26 |
Ireland
Despite just 18 encounters overall, the England-Ireland rivalry has endured in part thanks to the two nations’ complex social and political relationship.
Ireland made history in 1949 with their 0-2 win at Goodison Park. They became the first non-British team to beat England on home soil. Ireland also won the first major tournament meeting between the two, courtesy of a Ray Houghton winner at Euro ’88. The rivalry is also infamously remembered for the 1995 Lansdowne Road riot that saw a friendly in Dublin abandoned after 27 minutes due to severe rioting by a number of English hooligans.
The rivalry was recently renewed by the debate over dual nationality. Both Declan Rice and Jack Grealish switched eligibility to England, having already represented Ireland. Grealish had played for the U21s six times, whilst Rice made three senior appearances for Ireland. Both players were heavily booed during the 2024 Nations League clash before both ironically scored the game’s only two goals.
|
England’s record against Ireland |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Played |
Wins |
Draws |
Losses |
|
19 |
8 |
8 |
2 |
Croatia
Not quite a bitter rivalry, but one forged in destiny. England, for some reason, are inexplicably linked to the south-east European side. And whilst the two nations lack historical hatred, their respectful rivalry is marked by several dramatic modern moments.
Chief among them, England’s 2018 World Cup heartbreak. After Kieran Trippier’s opening goal in the semifinal, Croatia fought back to force extra time. Mario Mandzukic’s 109th minute winner was ecstasy for Croatia, but agony for the Three Lions.
Croatia also shockingly knocked ended England’s Euro 2008 qualifying campaign. With England needing a win to break into the top two in Group E, the excellent Croatian team defeated England 2-3 at Wembley. The enduring image of that night was England manager Steve McLaren shielding himself with an umbrella as European qualification slipped away. He was relieved of his duties the following day.
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England’s record against Croatia |
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|---|---|---|---|
|
Played |
Wins |
Draws |
Losses |
|
12 |
7 |
2 |
3 |
10 Fiercest Rivalries in International Football [Ranked]
Here are 10 match-ups that are guaranteed to deliver fireworks on the pitch nearly every time…
Manchester United‘s search for a new midfielder is ongoing after they missed out on Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham. The Red Devils wanted the West Ham midfielder but were outbid by Spurs, who are spending huge money to improve their squad this summer.
Spurs agreed to pay £85million to sign the young Portuguese star, and that fee proved too high for United, at least in the case of that specific player. Michael Carrick will be very aware that holding or hybrid midfielder is going to cost big money this summer, with such players dominating the market currently, as shown by Elliot Anderson’s £116million move to Manchester City.
One alternative United are being linked with is Real Madrid and France superstar Aurelien Tchouameni, and there has been an update on that particular interest from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Man Utd’s Aurelien Tchouameni dream
According to Romano, Tchouameni is a dream target for United, but it’s not just Real Madrid’s likely reluctance to sell standing in the way of a deal.
“Manchester United will still sign a midfielder. Man United were planning to sign two, one is going to be Ederson, and they will still sign one more, at least one more,” he said on his YouTube show.
“Then many of you are asking me about Tchouameni now. Tchouameni is a dream signing for Man United. They love the player, but at the moment, the financials of the deal are considered still too high, because also the salary — it is not just about Real Madrid, it’s also about the salary. The salary of Aurelien Tchouameni is considered too high. So, the only way to open doors to Aurelien Tchouameni to Manchester United after missing out on Fernandes is to discuss a completely different salary, and at the moment, it is still not something happening.”
According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid currently have no plans to sell Tchouameni, and only a huge offer is likely to get them to consider a sale regardless of whether they sign a new midfielder or not this summer.
Ferdinand backs Tchouameni move
United legend Rio Ferdinand has been calling for United to go all-out to sign Tchouameni this summer. He said on his own YouTube show: “My biggest thing about it (Mourinho going to Real Madrid) is are United going to get Tchouameni? Because I keep seeing that talked about, and he’d be one of the first midfielders on my list if we had a possibility of getting someone to go in there to replace Casemiro. Tchouameni would be that guy.
“Do you know what? I know I’ve been sitting here saying that Jose is going to be the man to reintegrate Tchouameni and Valverde together and keep them at Real Madrid.
“But I’ve got to say, if Tchouameni has a half a sniff of getting out of that club, Man Utd have to be the first team at the door knocking and make sure he can’t even talk to anybody else. Get him signed, sealed, delivered.”
Man Utd Get Green Light To Sign ‘Dream’ Transfer Target As Club Listen To Offers
Manchester United may have been given a clear path to sign a dream transfer target this summer, as links continue to heat up.
Goals were extremely hard to come by for Tottenham’s attacking players last season.
As a result, Spurs found themselves falling down the Premier League table at an alarming rate towards the drop zone.
Defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha, who was second in the club’s goalscoring charts for the term with seven goals, scored the all-important goal on the final day of the season in the 1-0 win over Everton to preserve the club’s Premier League status.
Amid the struggle for goals, Tottenham have plenty of work to do in the transfer market in an attacking sense once the signings of midfielders Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali for a joint fee of £185m are officially confirmed.
Kroupi tops three-man shortlist
Tottenham are targeting a new left-sided forward for the new season and Bournemouth ace Eli Junior Kroupi tops a three-man shortlist, according to The Independent.
The 20-year-old only made his debut for the Cherries last August after remaining with French side Lorient for the remainder of the 2024/25 season after the clubs struck a £10m agreement back in February 2025.
Kroupi proved to be an instant hit for the Cherries in an incredible debut season for the club, scoring 13 times and earning a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award in the process.
The France Under-21 international has come to the attention of clubs as a result of his sparkling form, with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain keen on his services.
Bournemouth, if they decide to sell, will make a huge profit on their player and a figure upwards of £80million has been mooted.
The Independent report that Rafael Leao of AC Milan has been broached as an option in informal discussions with the Serie A giants, and there is still the possibility that they move for Savinho.
The Manchester City ace was heavily linked with Tottenham last summer but a transfer for the Brazilian never materialised, with Kroupi now appearing to move ahead of him as a target as Tottenham look to strengthen down the left.
A “generational talent”
Tottenham could well add a “generational talent” to their squad if they strike a deal with Bournemouth for Kroupi.
Speaking back in January, Bournemouth player Marcus Tavernier waxed lyrical about his teammate following their 3-2 defeat against Arsenal, a game in which the attacker added another goal to his tally for the season.
“I’ve said before, Junior is a generational talent,” said Tavernier, as reported by Bournemouth’s official website. “The club has done an amazing job to pick Kroupi up.
“That boy has an unbelievable future ahead of him and today he showed why he’s such a good talent in the world of football.”
Attacking reinforcements are needed at Liverpool ahead of the 2026/27 season as they look to right the wrongs of the previous campaign.
The favourites to win the Premier League last summer after splashing the cash in the weeks after their title triumph, the Reds endured a dismal year and finished the season in fifth under Arne Slot.
The team’s struggles ultimately resulted in the Dutchman losing his job, with Andoni Iraola the man to come in and replace him following his incredible work at Bournemouth.
Much more will be expected this season of Liverpool, who have so far signed defender Jeremy Jacquet and winger Victor Munoz.
Liverpool have the small matter of trying to replace club legend Mohamed Salah and Reds fans are hoping that another attacking signing arrives ahead of the new term.
Possible Barcola movement
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are “really, really keen’ on French international Bradley Barcola as they get their plans in place for the new season.
The 23-year-old has made quite a name for himself in the French capital since moving from Lyon in 2023, notably helping Luis Enrique’s side win back-to-back Champions League titles after such a long wait for Europe’s top prize.
Competing with the wealth of attacking options at Enrique’s disposal, Barcola contributed 13 goals in all competitions last season, but there has been some speculation regarding a potential move away from the Parc des Princes, especially with Yan Diomande a potential incoming.
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Speaking on the HereWeGo podcast, Romano opened up on Barcola’s future and mentioned both Liverpool and Arsenal when discussing the youngster, who could command a transfer fee of over £116m.
He said: “I’m not going to say Barcola is not for sale at the end of June because I think there is still the possibility to see some movement, with Liverpool really interested, with Barcola also on Arsenal’s list. But Liverpool are really, really keen on the player.”
Barcola’s World Cup role
Barcola’s 2025/26 season could get even better if France go all the way and win the World Cup final later this month.
Already getting his hands on five trophies this season with his club side, France are the current favourites to lift the famous trophy in New Jersey on Sunday, July 19.
Didier Deschamps has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal in terms of his attack, with Barcola so far rotating with club teammate Desire Doue in France’s fearsome front four.
Barcola has managed to chip in with two goals this tournament, including one last time out against Sweden in the Round of 32, and you wouldn’t bet against him adding to his tally with Les Bleus expected to reach the final.
The former Lyon man would give Liverpool a noticeable upgrade in the left-wing position if he signed, helping the club to finally replace Luis Diaz following his move to Bayern Munich last summer.
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