Blackadder-Weinstein

Just done a couple of broadcast interviews and been asked whether there was any tension in the England camp over the post-match interviews at Miami Stadium. No. Firstly, players inhabit a bubble largely away from furious online debates. Secondly, players spoke publicly last week, especially on the back of the Stones/Rice wind-up on Tuchel in the Azteca, of their liking for him, and his emotional intelligence. Thirdly, players know that anything Tuchel says about improvements is obviously for the best. He’s driving standards. Fourthly, England players all know how close they are to achieving something historic and nothing will distract them from that mission. Fifthly, if anybody is upset about a few home truths then they shouldn't be in an elite dressing-room. At points in England’s past, managers have tip-toed around issues. Not Tuchel. He identifies a problem, devises a way to address it during the match and then mentions it openly afterwards. He’s honest. He has a demanding, winning mindset. Like Jude Bellingham. It’s why England have a chance of beating Argentina. The elite mindset of Tuchel, Bellingham, Harry Kane and others. Challenging each other, driving them all on in a week that could define their lives and legacy. #ENG #FIFAWorldCup

Son Heung-min leaves Tottenham Hotspur as a winner, as a club legend. Bilbao will never be forgotten. Son’s a bona fide Spurs great for the goals, assists and skills, for the commitment, leadership and for that European trophy. For the smiles, too. Son brought so much joy to Spurs fans with the way he played and with his sunny demeanour. He brought so much to the Premier League.  Right decision to leave, Son’s 33 and slowing but inevitably a hugely emotional decision. Son’s been at Spurs a decade, 173 goals in 454 appearances and that record-making, goalscoring partnership with Harry Kane. Son was creator and finisher, at his best unstoppable as he darted in from the left, all balance, burst of pace and touch taking him past defenders, opening up the shooting opportunity. Opponents knew what was coming but too often, too quickly Son was upon them and past them. He was also tough and, as a few full-backs discovered, could look after himself.  Son leaves so many memories: that solo goal against Chelsea in 2018; that virtuoso goal against Burnley in 2019, beating seven players (voted Match of the Day’s Goal of the season and FIFA Puskas award); and so determined he played with a fracture to his arm and still scored twice against Villa in 2020. Son scored four goals in one game against Southampton and twice in a 6-1 rout of United at Old Trafford, both in 2020. He celebrated a century of PL goals in trademark style against Brighton in 2023, cutting in from the left and rifling a shot in; even scoring direct from a corner against United in 2024.  Accolades include PL Team of the Year 20/21, PL Golden Boot winner 21/22, three-time Spurs Player of the Season, and, most memorably, Europa League-winning captain. Good luck to Son in his next adventure, in MLS or wherever. #THFC