England Perfect But Untested; Ireland's Parrott Shines

England Cruise, But Questions Remain

England kept their World Cup qualification campaign spotless with a comfortable 2-0 win over Serbia at Wembley. That’s 10 wins in 10, and 10 clean sheets for Jordan Pickford, who might as well bring a deckchair at this rate. But while the stats sparkle, there’s a nagging feeling among fans and pundits alike: can England cut it when the opposition gets tougher?

Right now, the Three Lions are feasting on light opposition, but the test kitchen isn't exactly Michelin-starred. The team looks balanced, with players like Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka stepping up, and Nico O’Reilly showing poise and promise in his debut. But the real question is what happens when the heat turns up in the summer. Can Morgan Rogers keep his place when Jude Bellingham returns to full throttle? Can Rashford rediscover his edge? Will the number 10 role finally find a permanent resident?

Gareth Southgate’s puzzle isn’t just about talent. It’s about chemistry, timing, and finding the right blend before the World Cup. With players like Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon lurking, and Maddison’s injury giving others a chance, selection headaches are more frequent than a Monday morning hangover. And let’s not forget the left-back spot, which suddenly looks stacked after years of being the squad’s awkward spare room.

Irish Eyes Are Smiling (and Singing)

Something special happened in Dublin. Ireland stunned Portugal with a rousing 2-1 victory that had fans belting out tunes from Italia ’90 and dreaming of playoff glory. Troy Parrott, remember him? Once dubbed the next Harry Kane, he’s now lighting it up in the Eredivisie and just had the night of his life, bagging a brace and reminding everyone that sometimes, the scenic route brings the best stories.

The win was vintage Ireland: gritty, direct, and full of heart. They had just 22% possession and completed fewer than 250 passes, but made their moments count. Set pieces, long balls over the top, and a tireless front line led by Chiedozie Ogbene and Parrott turned Portugal’s high line into a green carpet of opportunity.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo had a meltdown for the ages. Sent off in classic VAR drama fashion, he left the pitch gesturing and fuming, looking more WWE heel than GOAT. If it's upgraded to violent conduct, he could miss the first two games of the World Cup. That’s a massive blow for a Portugal side that, for all its star names, still feels like a team stuck between eras. They’ve got some PSG midfield flair and Joao Felix up top, but it’s a bit like watching a Champions League team from 2016 trying to keep up with TikTok trends.

Club Chaos and Crypto Caution

Back on the domestic front, things are bubbling at West Ham. David Moyes has managed to find some grit in recent weeks, but questions remain over team selection and long-term direction. The protests against the board continue, and with good reason. Decisions like hiring Tim Steidten and botching concession ticket policies have fans fuming. There’s a sense that the club’s been lurching from one poor decision to another since Moyes' first departure.

Elsewhere, Wolves have a new head coach in Robert Woods, who faces the unenviable task of keeping a struggling squad afloat. Injuries could be the final nail if he can’t find a spark quickly. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s financial dealings keep raising eyebrows. The Abramovich era may be over, but the shadow lingers. There’s still no clarity on offshore payments and a hefty chunk of money is stuck in limbo due to government disputes over defining victims of the Ukraine conflict.

On a broader level, FIFA’s creeping ambition to turn World Cup ticket pricing into an NFL-style cash grab isn’t sitting well with fans. Prices for US games range from $560 to a jaw-dropping $2,735. With resale now allowed via FIFA’s own platform (for a fee, of course), it feels more like legal scalping than fan-friendly policy. The suggestion? Enjoy the World Cup at fan parks. Bring your own vuvuzela.

And if crypto sponsors are the new kids on the block, then some clubs are learning the hard way that not all that glitters is Bitcoin. With gambling bans creating a sponsorship vacuum, crypto companies have swooped in. But when a few started going bust, clubs were left holding empty bags. It’s a risky game, especially with commercial income under pressure from rising wages and transfer fees. The lesson? Do your homework before you slap a logo on your shirt.

Takeaways

• England are winning, but still untested by top-tier teams. Summer friendlies better bring the spice.
• Troy Parrott’s comeback story is one for the ages. Ireland are dreaming again—and rightfully so.
• Portugal look like a team with a fancy engine but no steering wheel.
• Off the pitch, ticket prices and crypto deals are proving that modern football isn’t just about goals—it’s about gains.
• West Ham fans have every reason to keep protesting. Poor decisions have cost them more than just points.

Football’s a wild ride, whether it's red cards, redemption arcs, or red-hot debates over ticket pricing. But as always, it’s the chaos that makes it beautiful.