#squad-selection

#squad-selection

We have spent the last 18 months developing the player pool so we can be prepared to make the correct decisions for the World Cup roster, and this is another valuable opportunity. We must treat these games like they are a part of the World Cup, and what is most important is that the players bring the right mentality and commitment to the group.

Curtis, 19, joined Kilmarnock on loan from Rangers in January having played 32 times in an impressive first half of the campaign at Ibrox. With Bournemouth's Ben Gannon-Doak just back from injury and Scotland lacking depth in wide attacking areas, Curtis has been given the chance to impress as Clarke prepares to lead Scotland at the World Cup finals in June.

Frenkie de Jong has been ruled for five to six weeks with a hamstring injury picked up in training, and Gerard Martín is also unavailable on Saturday due to suspension. Gavi (knee) is back in training but still awaiting his clearance, while Andreas Christensen (knee) remains sidelined with a long-term injury.

The third weekend of the Six Nations used to be a time for contemplation and reflection. After the fury of the first two rounds, everything would stop for a much-needed fallow week in which to restore energy levels. And now? The battle-scarred gladiators are about to go again, putting their bodies on the line out on the pitch or, in the case of travelling supporters, in the pub.

Image source, Getty Images England captain Leah Williamson returns to the squad for the first time since Euro 2025 as they prepare to begin their 2027 Women's World Cup qualifying campaign. Williamson, 28, missed England's friendly victories over China, Ghana and Australia as well as their defeat by Brazil at the end of 2025 due to a knee injury. The Arsenal defender had surgery after lifting England's second successive European title in July and returned to action at the start of December.

England have been drawn in a qualifying group alongside 2023 winners Spain - who beat the Lionesses in the final - as well as Ukraine and Iceland. Wiegman will name her squad for the first time in 2026 on Tuesday at 11:00 - who might feature and what are the key decisions for the Dutchwoman? England have not had a competitive fixture since winning Euro 2025 as they beat China 8-0 and Ghana 2-0 in friendly matches at the end of last year.

Calciomercato.com speak of 'red alert' for Pisa in view of the match against Milan at the Arena Garibaldi at 20:45 CET today. The Tuscan side are six points away from safety and cannot afford for their winless run to keep going, and now they have another issues. The deputy goalkeeper Simone Scuffet has in fact not been called up due to injury

When the players had the feeling that the right group was in the camp, that they knew their role, why they are in camp, what is expected of them, and they had the feeling that the tournament could even go on for another four weeks and they would be happy to be together... then they were successful. It will be very important that we don't select just on talent, but also on what we need from a player.

When the players had the feeling that the right group is in camp, that they knew their role, why they are in camp, what is expected of them, and they had the feeling that the tournament could even go on for another four weeks and they would be happy to be together, then they were successful.

Their 'golden generation' may have been and gone, but an exciting crop of young talent are bursting through, raising hopes across the country ahead of next summer's competition. You may like Kevin De Bruyne, who is ranked at No.1 in FourFourTwo's list of the best Premier League midfielders of all time, was not in the last squad after suffering a high-grade hamstring injury when taking a penalty for Napoli in October. There are reports he could miss the World Cup with his recovery set at at least four months.

The current Nations League champions had to wait until the final matchday of the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, but they hammered Luxembourg 9-1, easing any concerns they might have to rely on the play-offs. A loss against Ireland in Dublin, which also saw superstar Cristiano Ronaldo receive his first-ever red card for the national team, was the only major blemish on what was otherwise a successful qualifying campaign.

The Ghana World Cup 2026 squad is starting to become a little clearer though we won't get to watch them this winter. Ghana lost just once through the qualification process for World Cup 2026, and qualified for a second successive tournament, meaning they have qualified for all but two tournaments this century. The Black Stars squad has heaps of talent throughout it, with regular Premier League starters ready to show up for their nation.