England is the joint oldest national team in football. They played in the World's first International football match in 1872 against Scotland. Despite being the oldest nation to play the game, they haven't tasted much success. FA controls the England Men's Football Team, the governing body for football in England. It is affiliated with UEFA and comes under the global jurisdiction of world football's governing body FIFA.

Several greats have played for England but couldn't win titles with their nation. Since winning the World Cup in 1966, they are trophyless. Under present manager Gareth Southgate, England have been successful in terms of their finishes in big tournaments but are still yet to win their second major title. Southgate's team is in the final of the UEFA Euro for the second consecutive time and it will be interesting to see if they manage to win the title this time.

Read Also: Trophies won by Spain in International Football (Men's)

A brief history of England Men's National Football Team in Major Tournaments

The relationship between England and FIFA wasn't good at first and England had to leave FIFA in 1928. They rejoined in 1946 and as a result, they did not compete in a World Cup until 1950. In the 1954 FIFA World Cup, England reached the quarter-finals for the first time but lost 4–2 to reigning champions Uruguay. They have qualified for the World Cup sixteen times.

England won the 1966 FIFA World Cup final on home soil, making it one of eight nations to have won the World Cup. It is their only significant achievement on the global stage to date. Despite being the oldest football-playing nation, they have not won any important international trophy in almost six decades.

Every European Nation that has won a World Cup also has a Europan Championship in their trophy cabinet. But, England have not won a single Euros. Their best performance came in 2020 when he finished as the runners-up, losing to Italy in penalties. 

Read Also: Top Five youngest scorers in UEFA Euro history

England Men's National Football Team Trophies List

Alf Ramsey's England finished top of Group 1 with only four goals but didn't concede a single one. They also became the first World Cup-winning team not to win its first game in the tournament. In the quarter-final, the only goal between Argentina and England came from England's Geoff Hurst. They qualified for the semi-final to face Portugal.

Bobby Charlton scored both goals in England's win, with Portugal's goal coming from a penalty in the 82nd minute. England booked their spot in the Final to face West Germany. In the 13th minute, Helmut Haller put West Germany ahead, but Geoff Hurst leveled the scoreline four minutes later.

Martin Peters put England in the lead in the 78th minute but Wolfgang Weber scored for Germany to take the game to extra time. In the 98th minute, Hurst helped England take the lead. There was a debate about whether the ball crossed the line or not. He scored another one as England beat Germany 4-2 in Extra time to lift their first and only World Cup title.  he became the first player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final

Major Titles:

FIFA World Cup: 1966
UEFA European Championship Finalists: 2024; Runners-up: 2020
UEFA Nations League - Third place: 2019

Regional:

British Home Championship: 54 (including 20 shared)
Rous Cup: 1986, 1988, 1989

2024 has been a sensational year for football as the world witnessed many memorable performances that will go down in history. Many footballers have emerged as breakout stars while renowned players have continued to grace the pitch with exceptional performances.

However, some footballers have consistently performed well in 2024 with their club or country and continued to stand out among others. In this article, Sportz Point explores the five best footballers of 2024. 

Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid)

Vinicius Jr. has been one of the most instrumental assets for Real Madrid's success in recent years. The 24-year-old Brazilian racked up loads of goals and assists for Los Blancos to enlist himself as one of the best players in 2024.

Vinicius Jr. led Madrid's attack along with Jude Bellingham to clinch the 2023-24 La Liga title, having scored 15 goals while providing 6 assists in 26 appearances. He became a walking nightmare for every defensive line-up in Europe with his sublime ball control, acceleration, and footballing skills. 

The 2023/24 Player of the Season 💫#UCL pic.twitter.com/JImV2RLKBg

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 3, 2024

However, Vinicius unleashed his ultimate best in Real Madrid's UCL-winning campaign in the 2023-24 season. He earned the UCL Player of the Season award with 11 goal contributions by his name. Vini performed well in the group games as well as in crucial knockout games; the semi-final and final, against Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund respectively.

Although his second-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d'Or ranking sparked severe controversies, Vinicius Jr. had no trouble in proving himself as one of the most prolific footballers in 2024.

Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona)

Lamine Yamal is certainly the most promising young talent in football discussions worldwide. Making his debut for FC Barcelona's senior team in 2023, the 17-year-old winger completed his 50th appearance for Barcelona in April 2024, becoming the youngest footballer to achieve the feat. 

However, Lamine's breakout performance for Spain in the UEFA Euro 2024 is the definite highlight of his year. The Spanish teenager, who only turned 17 in July 2024, lifted the 2024 Euro as the youngest winner of the tournament. Lamine won the Young Player of the Tournament award as well, having bagged 1 goal and 4 assists in the competition.

Lamine Yamal has played in the 2023 U17 European Championship and Euro 2024 over the last 14 months.

U17 Euros:
⚽️ 4 goals
🤝 2 assists
🏆 Team of the Tournament

Euros:
⚽️ 1 goal
🤝 4 assists
🏆 Young Player of the Tournament

Shining at all levels on the big stage ✨ pic.twitter.com/iD9iJB4Lfj

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 15, 2024

Lamine has added some more glory to his list of personal accolades in 2024 by winning the 2024 Golden Boy Award and the Kopa Trophy.

The youngster continued his record-breaking stint also for his club, as he became the youngest footballer to score in a Clasico game during Barcelona's 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in October 2024. He has been instrumental for Barcelona since the start of the 2024-25 season as well. It seems that the talented winger will continue to showcase his jaw-dropping capabilities with a football at his feet.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Mohamed Salah has been one of the most consistent footballers for Liverpool in recent years, and now he is paving the way to enter the globe of all-time Premier League greats.

Since Arne Slot arrived in Anfield as Jurgen Klopp's successor, Salah has been a cheat code for the Reds across all competitions. Although he had a distressing start to 2024, now he has transitioned into an even more complete version of a traditional winger. 

The 'Egyptian King' has been responsible for almost 64% of the goals Liverpool scored this season in the league and UCL. It clearly shows his impeccable ability to orchestrate the attack while leading from the front. He has 20 goals and 17 assists by his name in 26 appearances in all competitions so far this season. 

Another record broken by Mohamed Salah 😳📊 pic.twitter.com/RbW6qV1ftL

— Sky Sports (@SkySports) December 29, 2024

The 32-year-old forward has also hit the headlines for breaking Premier League legend Wayne Rooney's record for 36 games with a goal and an assist in a single game.

Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

In a world where the forwards steal all the limelight, it is simply exceptional for others to ensure themselves in consideration of the top performers without a doubt. Jude Bellingham is the kind of footballer who not only plays well but also ensures his dominance everywhere on the pitch.

Bellingham left Dortmund in 2023 and signed for Real Madrid, where he continued to elevate his footballing prowess. The Englishman finished 4th on Laliga's list of most goal contributions with 19 goals and 6 assists. Nevertheless, he was named the 2023-24 La Liga Player of the Season for his dynamic performances.

Jude Bellingham has won the 2023/24 LaLiga Player of the Season! 🚨🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/NeVcQ8kvuv

— LiveScore (@livescore) May 28, 2024

However, Bellingham could not play in his natural position in the 2024 Euros. This positional shift restricted his goalscoring proficiency but he continued to offer his physical ability, defensive quality, and accurate passing skills to help England reach the Euro final. He also came out on top to assist Cole Palmer who scored the only goal for England in the final. 

The 21-year-old youngster also received the prestigious Lareaus World Breakthrough of the Year Award for 2024 to brighten his list of individual honours. Despite finishing third in the 2024 Ballon d'Or ranking, he was certainly one of the best footballers in 2024.

Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

Harry Kane left Tottenham Hotspur in 2023 to join Bayern Munich, but he did not forget to bring his goalscoring boots to Germany. The 31-year-old striker has comfortably enlisted himself as one of the best footballers of 2024. 

The England captain not only possesses lethal finishing skills but also has brilliant positioning sense which helps him to be a very natural number nine. However, Kane found his best version in Bayern and concluded the 2023-24 Bundesliga season with his personal best tally of 36 goals which led him to win his maiden European Golden Boot trophy in 2024. 

Kane has already scored 20 goals and provided 9 assists in 20 matches in all competitions this season and continued to be one of the best footballers in 2024.

The Australian Professional Footballers Union has slammed FIFA after the governing body awarded 2034 World Cup hosting rights to Saudi Arabia following the conclusion of the FIFA Congress on 11 December 2024.

The Union did not welcome the decision and mentioned the severe human rights issues that are at risk in the Gulf nation. They also questioned FIFA's ability and readiness to prevent the continuation of human rights violations in Saudi Arabia. 

The official statement

Professional Footballers Australia head Beau Busch stated the following in an email to Reuters:

The significant human rights risks linked to this tournament are well-documented,

By securing hosting rights to the global game’s most prestigious event, Saudi Arabia and FIFA must ensure the rights of everyone affected by the 2034 Men’s World Cup are upheld and safeguarded.

However, FIFA’s ongoing governance failures and lack of accountability to its own human rights commitments leave no assurance that harm can or will be prevented.

Read Also | Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid: FIFA is reportedly overlooking reports on human rights abuses

The discussions

The awarding of the 2034 FIFA World Cup hosting rights to Saudi Arabia has sparked controversy in a never-seen manner, as human rights activists, including the Australian Association and LGBTQ activists, have all expressed concerns over Saudi Arabia's human rights records.

Additionally, migrant worker groups and trade unions have also raised alarms about the potential exploitation of workers in the World Cup after the issues that were raised years before the Qatar World Cup commenced in 2022. According to Reuters, Saudi Arabia has denied accusations of human rights abuses and said that it protects its national security through its laws.

This is not the first time that people related to Australian football have been vocal critics of human rights issues around the globe. Australian national men's football team released a video message condemning Qatar's record on human rights and LGBTQ+ rights ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Football Australia, the governing body of Australian football, supported the players' stance and later objected to Saudi Arabia's sponsorship of the 2023 Women's World Cup, citing concerns over the kingdom's human rights record.

A message from the Socceroos. pic.twitter.com/Sd2R6ej8kK

— Subway Socceroos (@Socceroos) October 26, 2022

However, after Qatar in 2022, another World Cup in West Asia will disrupt the traditional football calendar just like it did in 2022. Saudi will supposedly host the World Cup in November-December of 2034 which will significantly affect the footballers. Qatar hosted 32 teams for the 2022 World Cup, but Saudi will host 48 teams as the grand event will need a more expanded and flexible timeframe to organize.

Spain will compete against Morocco to acquire the honour of hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup final. Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, and Camp Nou in Barcelona are the frontrunners for Spain. In contrast, Morocco is vouching for the Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca which is yet to be constructed. 

The scenario

Spain, Portugal, and Morocco's joint bid 'YallaVamos' has clinched the 2030 FIFA World Cup hosting rights following FIFA's official announcement on 11 December 2024. Centenary celebration matches will be held in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay as FIFA confirmed on the same day following the conclusion of FIFA's virtual assembly meeting. 

However, the venues and stadiums for the 2030 World Cup are far from being decided yet, but hosting the world cup final is an honour in itself. That is why two of the host nations, Spain and Morocco have already joined in races to bring the grand World Cup final event to their country. Morocco aims to host the final in the Hassan II Stadium, which is yet to be constructed but is planned to have a capacity of hosting 115000 spectators. 

🚨🚨💣BREAKING: La maquette officielle du stade Hassan II de Benslimane (Casablanca) 🏟️

Il sera le plus grand et le plus beau stade du monde, avec une capacité d’environ 118 000 places.

𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐘𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 🇲🇦🤯 #WC2030 pic.twitter.com/QfvbFgosK2

— FRMF Xtra (@FRMFXtra) July 28, 2024

Santiago Bernabeu, the home ground of Real Madrid can hold 78,297 spectators as of now, which must reach the 80000 mark as required by FIFA. Barcelona's beloved Camp Nou stadium is currently under renovation but it will hold 105000 spectators once the constructions are complete. However, the final decision will be made in 2026 and every stadium will receive the required time to match FIFA's commitments. 

FIFA will also have full availability of the Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca during the tournament, as the stadium will be under the ownership of the Moroccan Ministry of Sports. In contrast, both the Bernabeu and Camp Nou, owned by Real Madrid and FC Barcelona respectively, will not offer that level of availability due to their business operations within the stadium. This may give the African stadium a certain advantage in the race to host the final.

The tussle between the cities will also be another interesting thing to watch in the discussions to host the opening match of the tournament. Madrid and Barcelona are likely to lock horns off the pitch to host the opening match of the grand event; if they lose the final to Casablanca. Barcelona City Council has already shown interest in securing the opening match hosting rights. 

However, the confirmation of hosting the tournament in Spain after 48 years since the 1982 World Cup, has brought great optimism to every authority and layman in the country. Pilar Alegría, the minister of Education, Vocational Training, and Sports in Spain, has expressed her excitement and expectations after winning the World Cup rights. She stated:

This is magnificent news for sport, society, and the economy. An event that will allow us to showcase to the world the excellent level of organization present in Spain. We are very happy, and today we begin working on this World Cup, which fills us with excitement to host and which will enable us to work together with our neighbors in Portugal and Morocco,

José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes, President of the Higher Sports Council also expressed his joy:

This is a milestone that expands the pride of the entire Spanish society. It recognizes our ability to organize top-level sporting events and pays homage to the tradition and footballing success of our country,

The group division draw for the UEFA European Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has just been finished in Zurich, Switzerland as the groups are announced, and the European powerhouses have come to know their fate in the qualifying process. 

UEFA #FIFAWorldCup qualifying groups: locked in. 🔐

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 13, 2024

The qualifying group matches are scheduled to commence in March 2025 and will conclude in November 2025; as 16 European teams will book their tickets to the USA, Mexico, and Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Here are all the details about the UEFA European Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

How did the draw work?

Teams were drawn into 12 groups of four and five teams, with traditional home-and-away matches. From Group A to Group F; each group has 4 teams each, and from Group G to Group L; 5 teams have been drawn into each group.

What were the seedings for the qualifiers draw?

There were five pots where the 55 teams were divided. 

The European qualifiers draw for the 2026 World Cup will take place in 5 minutes! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/t8dcGlXnPx

— Football Xtra™ (@FootballXtra0) December 13, 2024

Will there be any play-off matches in the qualifying process?

There will be a play-off round involving 16 teams in total. The 12 group runners-up will participate in the play-offs, along with the four best-ranked group winners of the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League that did not finish their European Qualifiers group stage in first or second place.

When will the matches take place?

Group stage match dates: March to November 2025

Play-off match dates: 26 & 31 March 2026

How will the UEFA Nations League align with the qualifiers?

The 8 Quarter-finalists of the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League have been seeded in Pot 1, as the winners and losers of the Quarter-finals are divided into different groups in the qualifiers. Four best-ranked group winners of the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League that did not finish their European Qualifiers group stage in first or second place, will also qualify for the play-offs. 

Here are the groups for the UEFA European Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

UEFA European Qualifiers Groups for FIFA World Cup 2026

Group A 

Winner of QF4: Germany/Italy
Slovakia
Northern Ireland
Luxembourg

Group B 

Switzerland
Sweden
Slovenia
Kosovo

Group C 

Loser of QF3: Portugal/Denmark
Greece
Scotland
Belarus

Group D

Winner of QF2: France/Croatia
Ukraine
Iceland
Azerbaijan

Group E

Winner of QF1: Spain/Netherlands
Turkey
Georgia
Bulgaria

Group F

Winner of QF3: Portugal/Denmark
Hungary
Republic of Ireland
Armenia

Group G

Loser of QF1: Spain/Netherlands
Poland
Finland
Lithuania
Malta

Group H

Austria
Romania
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Cyprus
San Marino

Group I

Loser of QF4: Germany/Italy
Norway
Israel
Estonia
Moldova

Group J

Belgium
Wales
North Macedonia
Kazakhstan
Liechtenstein

Group K

England
Serbia
Albania
Latvia
Andorra

Group L

Winner of QF2:  France/Croatia
Czechia
Montenegro
Faroe Islands
Gibraltar

Karim Benzema has become the official ambassador for Saudi Arabia's official bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Benzema expressed his confidence in the competence of Saudi Arabia to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034 during a recent meeting with young footballers in Jeddah.

Looking to the future with the @Saudi2034bid 🇸🇦🏆 pic.twitter.com/Z8ZsUDaFUr

— Karim Benzema (@Benzema) December 8, 2024

Saudi Arabia strengthens its position through the collaboration

Karim Benzema signed for Al-Ittihad in 2023 as one of the most prominent faces of world football to feature in the Saudi Pro League. Many promising footballers have joined the Saudi Pro League in recent years to elevate their footballing careers. Saudi Arabian Football Federation has shown greater aspirations by submitting an official bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Following Australia's withdrawal, which was Saudi's only contender in the bidding process, Saudi Arabia is now in the pole position to win the hosting rights for the biggest event of football in 2034.  Saudi Arabian Football Federation has tied knots with the French icon to strengthen their position in the premises of world football.  

The 36-year-old forward announced his appointment as the ambassador during a visit to Al-Balad. He stated:

I believe Saudi football is changing. I think that in 10 years, Saudi Arabia will be ready. I believe that visitors will be surprised by the passion of Saudi fans at every match,

Recent controversies regarding human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia have struck the football environment, as human rights activists have also expressed their concern about FIFA's decision. However, Benzema conveyed his personal views regarding the criticisms.

People who have preconceived notions about Saudi Arabia should come and see for themselves. There are incredible things and iconic places. The people are welcoming. You feel good here. It's a country worth exploring. There is so much to do. It's not just about the desert, even though there are incredible experiences to be had in the desert as well. You must come and visit Saudi Arabia.

Read Also | Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid: FIFA is reportedly overlooking reports on human rights abuses

Benzema addressed the importance of grassroots developments in football

The French icon recently met the trainees from the Saudi Football Federation’s regional training centers in Jeddah and offered his understanding to develop a better environment for football in the region. Benzema said:

Saudi football is developing, and I am confident that after 10 years Saudi Arabia will be fully prepared (for the World Cup).

Training and development begin with the young players, and this is the most important thing — creating a generation that can reach the highest level.

An official statement by FIFA to confirm Saudi Arabia as the host nation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup may arrive this month after the FIFA Congress on 11 December 2024.