Samwise European Soccer Newsletter
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Harry Kane Brace Powers England to Chaotic 4-2 World Cup Win Over Croatia
England opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday, with Harry Kane scoring twice and Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford adding second-half goals. Kane opened the scoring with a penalty in the 12th minute following a retaken effort due to encroachment, before Martin Baturina struck a fine equaliser for Croatia. Kane restored England’s lead from a corner before Petar Musa levelled again at half-time. Bellingham’s solo goal, struck in off the post, put England ahead for the third time, and substitute Rashford sealed victory after linking up brilliantly with Bukayo Saka. Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic produced an inspired display despite the defeat.
Sources: ESPN, Sky Sports
Ronaldo Misfires Again as Congo DR Earn Historic World Cup Draw Against Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score for the fifth consecutive World Cup match as Portugal were held 1-1 by Congo DR in their Group K opener in Houston on Wednesday. João Neves gave Portugal the lead in the sixth minute with a header from a cross by Pedro Neto, but Yoane Wissa equalised for Congo DR in first-half stoppage time, heading in from Arthur Masuaku’s cross. Ronaldo missed chances wide right in the 68th and 73rd minutes and shook his head in frustration. Manager Roberto Martinez insisted there was “no sense” in substituting the forward. It was Congo DR’s first World Cup appearance in 52 years.
Sources: ESPN, Sky Sports
Mbappé Becomes France’s All-Time Top Scorer as Les Bleus Beat Senegal 3-1
Kylian Mbappé scored twice to become France’s all-time leading scorer with 58 goals as Les Bleus beat Senegal 3-1 in their Group I opener on Tuesday. All four goals arrived in the second half, with Bradley Barcola also netting for Didier Deschamps’ side. Mbappé capped the victory with a stunning long-range strike, and Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back for Senegal in stoppage time. Senegal had created chances in the first half, with Nicolas Jackson hitting the post and Ismaïla Sarr firing over the bar before the interval. The result leaves France top of Group I after the opening round of fixtures.
Sources: ESPN, Sky Sports
England Lose Tino Livramento to World Cup Injury, Chalobah Called Up
England suffered a blow ahead of their 2026 World Cup opener as Newcastle United right-back Tino Livramento was ruled out of the tournament with a calf injury sustained in training. Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, who was on England’s standby list, was called up as his replacement. ESPN reported that Livramento is expected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks following the injury. World Cup regulations allow a squad replacement for genuine injury, provided the change is confirmed more than 24 hours before the team’s opening match. Manager Thomas Tuchel addressed the situation ahead of Wednesday’s Group L opener against Croatia.
Sources: ESPN, Sky Sports
Tottenham Set to Smash Record for Newcastle’s Tonali as Man City Enter Race
Tottenham Hotspur are pursuing Sandro Tonali in what would be a club-record transfer from Newcastle United, with Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi targeting the Italy international as part of a summer midfield rebuild. Sky Sports reports Tottenham are willing to pay between £80 million and £85 million with add-ons, while Newcastle are holding out for a fee closer to £100 million. The deal is complicated by the absence of a release clause in Tonali’s contract, strengthening Newcastle’s negotiating position. Manchester City have now also entered the race, according to Sky Sports, adding further competition alongside earlier interest from Arsenal.
Sources: Sky Sports, Sky Sports
World Cup 2026 — European Groups
Group L (after MD1)
1. England — 3 pts (1 played)
2. Croatia — 0 pts (1 played)
Group K (after MD1)
1. Portugal — 1 pt (1 played)
1. Congo DR — 1 pt (1 played)
More European Groups
Group I (after MD1)
1. France — 3 pts (1 played)
2. Senegal — 0 pts (1 played)
Summer Transfer Window
Open: Jun 15 — Deadline: Sep 1
La Liga / Bundesliga open Jul 1
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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