With just days before the 2026 World Cup begins, England played their first pre-tournament warm-up game on Saturday. It was a dull encounter, but a single Harry Kane goal was enough to see the Three Lions beat New Zealand 1-0.

In fairness to Thomas Tuchel, the German viewed it as more of a training exercise as opposed to a spectacle for the fans, as he played one starting XI in the first half and then swapped the entire team out after the break. Per Opta, this is the first time England have given minutes to 22 different players in the same match since they beat Iceland 6-1 in their final friendly before Euro 2004.

In the sweltering US heat, it was hardly a game to make any sweeping judgment on the players, but that didn’t stop fans from being irked by the comments of ITV commentator and former footballer Lee Dixon.

Kobbie Mainoo’s England Display Sparks Debate

During the first half, Dixon appeared to be critical of Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, sparking a strong reaction. The 21-year-old was key for England at Euro 2024, but lost his space in the team for club and country when former Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim refused to give him meaningful minutes.

However, Michael Carrick’s arrival at Old Trafford suddenly put the young midfielder back in the picture. After helping Man Utd finish third in the Premier League, playing in all but two league games in 2026, having not started one in the first half of the season, Mainoo did enough to earn a recall to England for the World Cup ahead of the likes of Adam Wharton and Morgan Gibbs-White.

The midfielder, who has been shortlisted for the PFA’s Young Player of the Year award, played a tidy 45 minutes against New Zealand, with 47 touches, the fifth highest on the pitch, and completed 33 of 37 passes, with one of them a key pass. Even so, commentator Dixon seemed to be wary about his ability at the highest level. His comments, however, sparked a fierce reaction online.

Fans Angered By Dixon’s Take on Mainoo For England

Many fans took to social media to express anger about Dixon’s comments about the English midfielder. One angrily wrote:

Another said: “Wow, what a lazy take. How are some of these guys qualified for these roles?” One more defended the player, writing: “Kobbie’s skillset is something rare and not many players have the ability to do.” They added: “In Spain, he would be lauded.”

One more felt former Arsenal player Dixon had the narrative in his mind set before anything had even happened against New Zealand, noting: “He’s seething before he even got a touch. Weird.”

A fifth supporter explained why they felt the opinion wasn’t fair, adding: “Lazy take fr. Mainoo reads the game 2 steps ahead. Pace isn’t just sprint speed.” A final fan was stunned by the criticism, stating: “Crazy bro he’s played brilliant so far.”

It will be interesting to see how much faith Tuchel puts in Mainoo this summer, with Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson widely expected to be the starting World Cup duo in England’s midfield pivot.

Manchester United have now formally closed their first signing of the summer transfer window, and he’s now been given the green light to undergo a medical, according to Fabrizio Romano.

It’s been a fast start to the summer window for United, looking to get deals over the line before the start of the World Cup.

Summer international tournaments often lead to players seeing their value and competition massively increase. Getting ahead of other clubs before the start of the tournament is a smart move.

United need to get a couple of deals over the line before the World Cup, as they need to bring in a host of new additions throughout the summer window.

Leaving it all until after the tournament could be hectic and could lead to them missing out on key targets.

Green Light Given for Man Utd Medical

According to Romano, Manchester United have now formally closed their first signing of the summer transfer window.

Atalanta midfielder Ederson has been given the green light to travel to England to take his medical and sign his contract, although an unofficial medical has already taken place.

Ederson, who has been described as being ‘world-class’ by Gian Piero Gasperini, looks set to become Manchester United’s first signing of the summer transfer window, getting ahead of the competition before the World Cup.

The Atalanta midfielder failed to make Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the tournament, so his focus will be on preparing for his first season in the Premier League.

Man Utd Need More Than Ederson

Although Ederson would be a smart addition to Manchester United’s midfield, there is no doubt they need more than the Brazilian international if they want to compete on all fronts.

There is an argument to suggest that the Red Devils need another midfielder on top of Ederson, while they could also look to strengthen in other positions.

It is an incredibly important window for Michael Carrick’s side as the club look to back their new manager for the 2026/2027 season.

Although Carrick did an excellent job in the second half of last season, they were without any European football, meaning there were minimal distractions outside of playing in the Premier League.

Liverpool are set to begin a new era at Anfield this summer, and new manager Andoni Iraola must find a way to stamp his authority on the squad immediately.

The Spaniard has replaced Arne Slot in the dugout, and will immediately be without Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate for his first season in charge after they were well allowed to leave on free transfers, while there are also major question marks over a number of other first-team stars.

But while there is plenty of chat surrounding potential outgoings on Merseyside this summer, Iraola is looking to make his presence felt within the club with some potential incomings according to the most recent reports.

Liverpool Eyeing Alex Scott Deal

According to reports this week, Liverpool are readying a bid to move for Bournemouth sensation Alex Scott to bolster the midfield for Iraola.

Scott, who has been described as ‘unbelievable’, is entering the final two years of his contract at the Vitality Stadium, and it’s understood that he is open to a new challenge away from the Cherries, despite their reluctance to sell and wish to extend his contract.

Iraola is someone who knows Scott very well from their time together at Bournemouth. The 22-year-old earned his first call-up to the senior England squad due to his performances under the Spaniard.

So it will come as no surprise to people who have been paying attention that Iraola may be keen to bring the former Bristol City star to Anfield, as he looks to shape the squad in his own image.

Bournemouth are reportedly demanding at least £60m to let him leave, which shows how much they want to keep him, but Liverpool are keen to lower that fee and get a deal done.

Scott Would Be Major Mac Allister Upgrade

Liverpool have got some strong midfield options, but it’s an area of the pitch that needs refreshing if the team are to get back to their best – which won the Premier League just 12 months ago.

One player who has suffered drastically for form in that time is World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, with reports that he would be ‘happy to leave’ if an offer arrived to take him elsewhere.

On his day he is still a top midfield option, but with his current motivation and performance levels, it’s not unfair to say that Scott would be a major upgrade in the centre of the pitch. He knows what Iraola wants, he’s young, has time and quality to continue improving, and is already good enough to make an immediate impact.

If Liverpool can strike a deal to get Scott into Anfield, losing Mac Allister wouldn’t be as nearly as big a blow as some may lead you to believe. In fact, it would be an upgrade.