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Brentford began their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon A single goal late in the first half was enough to give Brentford the victory. More football news The game was played in some intense conditions and the first half failed to capture the imagination, but Brentford scored in the dying moments. The second period was much livelier and threatened further goals, but none came in the end. The goal came as Brentford started to take control of the game. While The Bees would probably have wanted to do more in attack, they were solid at the back. David Raya was untroubled and as the half wore on,  After a fairly dull start to the game, the Premier League side eventually started to play more on the front foot and in Wimbledon territory. This enabled them to take the lead before the break.  Ultimately, it was a decent test for Brentford in testing competitions. They said: "It was a perfect test for us right now." 🗣️ "It was a perfect test for us right no

Paul Pogba, Dele Alli and Kemar Roofe are all in the running Who else is? Porto's Mehdi Taremi goal v Chelsea ultimately meant nothing but it was a stunning strike. The spectacular 93rd-minute overhead kick gave Porto a 1-0 win in their quarter-final second leg. Chelsea advanced 2-1 on aggregate on their way to winning the Champions League. Pogba's stunning finish from outside the box for France against Switzerland at Euro 2020 is among 10 nominees for the prize. The goal gave France a 3-1 lead on the night. If only it had finished like that... Roofe's goal from the halfway line in a Europa League group game with Standard Liege on 22 October 2020 features. Alli's bicycle kick against Wolfsberger in the same competition on 24 February also makes the 2020-21 list. This was the highlight of a fairly poor season for Ali.  One female player makes the list - Bayern Munich's Sarah Zadrazil for her finish against Chelsea in the Champions League. You can view all the goa

Tottenham drew 1-1 with Leyton Orient in the JE3 Foundation Trophy More Spurs news can be found here In a useful workout for the Spurs squad - their first outing of pre-season and first match under new Head Coach Nuno Espirito Santo - the young Dane Scarlett's fine finish gave them the lead in scorching heat at The Breyer Group Stadium, before substitute Ruel Sotiriou levelled for the O's with 18 minutes remaining. Nuno named a mix of first team and Under-23 players in the squad, with many of their senior campaigners still away after this summer's international action.   Academy teenagers Maksim Paskotsi - a full international with Estonia - and Kallum Cesay started in the full-back positions, their first senior appearances in Spurs colours, while Nile John impressed in central midfield as another youngster in an otherwise more experienced initial eleven. Goalkeeper Alfie Whiteman was introduced for Joe Hart at half-time and made a great save to keep out Dan Kemp's fr

Arsenal had to settle for a draw in their second pre-season friendly, despite creating many chances in an entertaining match at Ibrox. In their previous match, they lost 2-1 against Hibernian FC so this was a much improved performance and result.  Leon Balogun had headed Rangers ahead early on, but Arsenal struck back when new signing Nuno Tavares burst into the box to fire home right-footed. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang came close to giving The Gunners the lead on several occasions before Rangers scored again from a corner in the second half. Arsenal finally got the goal their attacking endeavour deserved though, when Eddie Nketiah smashed home through a crowd. 💬 "We're going to have some new faces arriving probably, so very positive..." @m8arteta reflects on Scotland and looks ahead to our Florida trip 👇 — Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 18, 2021 More Arsenal news from News Ball  More reaction from Arsenal One Arsenal fan gave his opinion on Arsenal's transfer targets:

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side lost their pre-season opener at Easter Road Goals from Martin Boyle and Daniel Mackay gave hosts advantage; Nicolas Pepe had late penalty saved before Emile Smith Rowe grabbed late consolation; Arsenal's pre-season continues at Rangers on Saturday afternoon. You can watch the highlights below. With much of the focus on fitness,  Arsenal started brightly enough and had a golden chance when Eddie Nketiah raced clean through on goal – only for the striker to shoot wide. Out of nowhere, they gifted Hibs the lead when Arthur Okonkwo failed to deal with a tricky backpass from Cedric, and Martin Boyle had the simple task of collecting the loose ball and rolling it in from close range. In the second half, Arsenal were hit by another suckerpunch when a deep corner swung in from the right was headed back across goal by Paul Hanlon, and Daniel Mackay headed in from close range to give the home side a 2-0 lead. The Gunners gor a consolation with seven minutes

The Euros are finished and people are already looking ahead to the upcoming Premier League campaign. There will be a number of clubs desperate to stop City retaining the trophy.This article will see us look at some of the inevitable stories that are expected to take place over the course of next season. As the season gets closer, we'll continue to adapt this page with all the latest news as the build-up to the season gets closer.  The current champions - Manchester City They did win the league in a fairly comfortable fashion despite a fairly poor start to the season. It will be interesting to see how they replace Aguero and whether they place a higher level of priority on the Champions League. Will this have an impact on their league form? More news from Manchester City The challengers Manchester United - Throughout the next season Greater Manchester Football will have the latest news and stories from the often chaotic world of Manchester. Whilst it was an improved season for the

England's hopes of ending a 55-year wait for a major trophy are crushed in heartbreaking fashion as they lose 3-2 on penalties to Italy in the final of Euro 2020 at Wembley. A truly memorable tournament ended in heartbreak for England and Gareth Southgate On a night of incredible tension that was played amongst a feverish atmosphere, England looked on course for their most joyous day since the 1966 World Cup final when Luke Shaw gave them the dream start after only two minutes. Italy eventually edged their way back into the game and were level in the 67th minute when Leonardo Bonucci pounced after England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford turned Marco Verratti's header on to a post. Read, listen & watch: Euro 2020 final. The story of a crazy day After a stressful period of extra time where both teams failed to find a winner, it was on to the relative lottery of penalties. It was ultimately bitter disappointment for England manager Gareth Southgate and his players, who had gone i

The evolution of the England national team has been quite extraordinary  News Ball UK have taken a look at England have improved in recent time and the impact that Gareth Southgate has had. Greater Manchester Football has loads more Euros stories  The failure of the 'golden generation' Between 2002 and 2006, many argued that England had some truly world class players. However, they never quite performed at their best when representing their country. Their best performance came at Euro 2004 when a young Wayne Rooney was on fire. Even then, they couldn't get beyond the Quarter Final. The low point of not qualifying for Euro 2008 Despite having a number of players that were still in their prime, England failed to qualify for Euro 2008. Discussions regarding the need for a complete overhaul and revolution were becoming increasingly common.  More failure England's qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup was promising enough. They put in some decent performances but st

Ahead of England's historic Euro 2020 final, we spoke with a number of people about their favourite football matches. Finals, semi-finals and last day relegation battles are all mentioned here. Manchester United 2 - 1 Bayern Munich. 1999 Champions League final On the 26th May 1999, Manchester United won the Champions League in rather dramatic circumstances. They sealed an historic Treble. Ryan Thomas said: "It was the greatest night of my life. Nothing has ever come close." More Manchester United news and stories can be found here>>> Wigan Athletic 1 - 0 Manchester City. 2013 FA Cup Final Dave Whelan's dreams had come true. Wigan Athletic have won the FA Cup. Marcus Thompson, a Wigan fan and occasional contributor, told this blog: "You grew up as a Wigan fan not expecting to ever do or win anything. Getting to the Premier League in 2005 was great but this was another level entirely." Oldham Athletic 4 - 3 Southampton. Oldham stay in the Premier Le

The Manchester United left back played a huge part in England's Euro 2020 tournament Things haven't always gone according to plan for him though. Let's have a look at how he became first choice for club and country. Signing for Manchester United Luke Shaw signed for Manchester United in the summer of 2014. After impressing for Southampton, United beat Chelsea to the signature of Shaw. Big things were expected of him. At the time, he became one of the world's most expensive teenagers. However, a terrible injury in his second season sadly disrupted his development. More Manchester United news can be found at Greater Manchester Football. First goal for United Shaw scored his first goal for Manchester United v Leicester in August 2018. This was a big moment and you could see how delighted he was. Despite this happy moment, you could obviously tell things were never quite 100% between Shaw and the then United manager Jose Mourinho. Improvement under Ole In December 2018,

How did you celebrate England reaching the final of Euro 2020? A few drinks with friends? Go into your local town/city centre and dance/sing the night away?  Let's see some of the best social media posts and comments What happened in London? For those people who weren't lucky enough to be at Wembley but were in the same city, many went into the streets to celebrate. Claire, 28 from Reading, said: "Those scenes were amazing. Everyone was getting a little carried away but there was no harm, it's not often England reach a major final!" Perhaps this tweet sums up what Claire and other were feeling? London is sooooo lively tonight. Everywhere you look there are England fans celebrating. #ENG pic.twitter.com/0aR93KkPfe — Caoimhe O'Neill (@CaoimheSport) July 7, 2021 Click here for more Euros news and stories from Greater Manchester Football Scenes in Manchester  As expected, those were replicated in Manchester. Sophie, 27 from Middleton in Greater Manchester, sa

It has been reported that Barcelona’s finances are in such a mess that they can’t even register new signings Memphis Depay, Eric Garcia, Sergio Aguero, and Emerson yet.  The same goes for Lionel Messi and his new two-year contract. More Barcelona news Barca apparently now need to cut the wage bill by €200 million to comply with a league salary cap and to be able to register the new signings. Many players have already left, but more departures are needed. The players that Barca are desperate to get rid of are Samuel Umtiti, Miralem Pjanic, and Philippe Coutinho. However, they are struggling to find any takers because of the wages involved. It is believed that they want to sell Antoine Griezmann, while stories persist that PSG and Manchester City being keen on Messi seem to be on the way back. Greater Manchester Football have already explored the possibility of Messi signing for Manchester City. Whatever happens over the next few weeks, next season could prove to be a difficult one for

England has been home to some of the greatest players ever. Since the creation of the Premier League in 1992, this has only increased. Let's have a look at some of the best. Jamie Vardy The rise of Jamie Vardy through the football pyramid to become a Premier League champion is one of the best football stories in recent history. Watch this video to see him in his Non League days.  Ruud van Nistelrooy Greater Manchester Football recently asked the question:  How good was Ruud van Nistelrooy?  The striker scored 150 times for Manchester United and won the Premier League in 2003. He also won the FA Cup in 2004.  Cristiano Ronaldo Some believe that Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest footballer of all time. He spent 6 years at Old Trafford and scored over 100 goals for Man United. He also won the Premier League on three consecutive occasions alongside the Champions League in 2008. Despite leaving the club in 2009, Manchester United fans still sing his name. Greater Manchester Football h

A match caught in the middle of that wonderful afternoon against the Dutch and the ultimate heartbreak of the semi-final defeat against Germany.  The video below contains a clip of the fans arriving at Wembley for the Euro 96 quarter final against Spain.  In the build up to the game England's fans were  infuriated by reports that the Spanish manager Javier  Clemente had said that his team would be playing against a crowd of "seventy  thousand drunks." The match itself  England beat Spain 4-2 on penalties to move into the semi-finals. You can read a match report here and watch the highlights below.  It was certainly a nervy day but England progressed and most people were smiling at Wembley. There was a small matter of a match against Germany to come next.  Read more news from Euro 2020 at Greater Manchester Football

Nobby Stiles played for England for five years, winning 28 caps and scoring one goal. He played every minute of England's 1966 FIFA World Cup campaign.  The last and only time they won a major tournament. Can they repeat the fate in 2020? You certainly won't see any players like Stiles this summer.  In the semi-final of the 1966 World Cup against Portugal, he was given the job of marking Eusébio. His incredible performance resulted in Eusébio being nullified for most of game. Stiles then played in the final, which England won 4–2 against West Germany.  His post-match jig and dance at Wembley, holding the famous World Cup trophy in one hand and his false teeth in the other, was widely broadcast. It has also been referenced in a fairly popular song... Stiles spent the majority of his club career for Manchester United , spending 11 years at Old Trafford, where he became renowned for his tough tackling and ball-winning qualities. He was crucial in United's success during the

As England prepare for their quarter final, we take a look back at some of the recent (and not so recent) encounters between the two countries. Head to GreaterManchesterfootball.blogspot.com for more Euros news! 10 Sep 2013: Ukraine 0-0 England – World Cup qualifying The last meeting between the two countries was a rather dull and uneventful qualifier.  11 Sep 2012: England 1-1 Ukraine – World Cup qualifying (Lampard) (Konoplyanka) 19 Jun 2012: England 1-0 Ukraine – Euro 2012 (Rooney) 10 Oct 2009: Ukraine 1-0 England – World Cup qualifying (Nazarenko) This was Ukraine's first win over England. Then managed by Fabio Capello, England rested several players due to the already qualifying for the World Cup 01 Apr 2009: England 2-1 Ukraine – World Cup qualifying (Crouch. Terry) (Shevchenko) 18 Aug 2004: England 3-0 Ukraine – Friendly (Beckham, Owen, Wright-Phillips) 31 May 2000: England 2-0 Ukraine – Friendly (Fowler, Adams) The first meeting between the two countries. They only beco

All the news and social media posts from England's game against Germany Did you the 1966 World Cup final was the last team that England beat Germany in a competitive match at Wembley? This previously article looks at some of the other memorable encounters between the two countries.  Social media coverage Check out the #EngGer hashtag on Twitter to see all the latest tweets and discussion points from the match.  Click the picture below to see all the latest posts from an England perspective.  Y ou can also click here for all the latest Germany tweets.  Or how about loads more reaction from our friends at Greater Manchester Football.

We all love a good football chant and have spent time thinking about some of the best. Let's take you on a trip around the world of football fan culture. Hey Ho FC St Pauli St Pauli have become something of a cult club with fans from all over the world flocking to see a club that has spent most of its time in the second tier of German football. Their unique fan culture is one of many reasons why this is the case. The Manchester United calypso A firm favourite for fans of Manchester United. The chant speaks volumes about Man United's great history. A version of it was first sung in the 1950s. Football taught by Matt Busby... You can find more stories on Manchester United by visiting our friends at Greater Manchester Football The best of Boca Juniors fans The compilation video below contains some of Boca Juniors greatest songs and chants.  Boca are one of the biggest clubs in South America with a rich and varied history. They also have a unique fan culture. A day on the ter

The Premier League season starts on August 14th 2021.  Will it be the start of a successful title for Manchester City or will another team triumph in May 2022. Will Manchester City prioritise Champions League success? An interesting aspect of the next season could be Manchester City's quest for the Champions League. Will they prioritise Champions League success as the expense of a successful defence of their Premier League. More Manchester City stories from Greater Manchester Football Chelsea's confidence boost from Champions League win Chelsea will have taken great confidence from their Champions League win over Manchester City. They will have to be more consistent in the league if Thomas Tuchel wants to add the Premier League title to his growing list of honours.  The impact of Manchester United signing Jadon Sancho It's looking more likely that Manchester United will announce the signing of Jadon Sancho soon. Could the English winger/forward add a bit of quality that

There's been some memorable encounters between these two countries, let's take a look at some of the best. 1966 World Cup Final - England 4 - 2 Germany Do we need to say more? England's only major success at an international football tournament. They won the match 4-2 after extraordinary World Cup final that went into Extra Time. 1990 World Cup Semi Final - Germany beat England on penalties after the match finished 1-1 Penalty heartbreak for England. A familiar story. This was the closest England got to success since that triumph in 1966. If you'd forgotten what happened in this enthralling encounter, watch some highlights below. Euro 96 Semi Final - Germany beat England on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Wembley Ir wasn't meant to end like that. Everyone thought football was coming but England lost on penalties again. Germany went onto win the competition and England spent the rest of the summer wondering 'what if'. Last year, The Guardian took a look bac