Dribble Diaries

The UEFA Nations League returned on Thursday, and there was a lot going on. League A quarterfinals were held for the first time in the competition's history, with eight countries competing to advance to the summer final tournament. Leagues A through C also have promotion/relegation play-offs. This is just the first half, as all ties are two-legged. That does not, however, imply that there was not any excitement. Below are the top statistics and anecdotes from the evening. Rasmus Hojlund leaves a lasting impression This season, Rasmus Hojlund has been a lonely figure at Old Trafford. The Dane's future is currently uncertain because he simply hasn't been able to establish himself at Manchester United. Hojlund has struggled with confidence and hasn't taken many shoots, which has led to his lack of goals. Across all competitions, he has scored eight goals with an average of just 1.57 shots per 90 minutes. He has scored fewer goals in 2025. In 17 appearances for...

With important Nations League matches and World Cup qualifying matches, the first international break of the year is upon us. There are many new players in teams all across the world, and we've selected six players who might make their debuts for their countries this month. Doue Desire (France) Desire Doue received his first call-up to France this month as a member of a thrilling Paris Saint-Germain team that is starting to look like a Champions League contender. The 19-year-old has seven goals and 11 assists in all competitions, averaging a goal involvement every 115 minutes, despite not being a guaranteed starter. He maintained his composure as PSG defeated Liverpool in the Champions League last week thanks to the game-winning penalty kick. He was acquired from Rennes last summer for €50 million (£42 million), and his arrival aligns with PSG's shift to a longer-term ambition. Doue will look to make an impact when Didier Deschamps' team plays Croatia in the Nation...

During the upcoming March international break, Italy's head coach Luciano Spalletti has confirmed his roster of 25 players to play Germany in two legs of the Nations League quarterfinals. During the March international break, the Azzurri will play Die Mannschaft in two legs of the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals. Italy will host the opening leg in San Siro on March 20 and then travel to Dortmund for the second leg at Signal Iduna Park on March 23. The winners go to the finals of the Nations League, which will take place in Italy or Germany. At the start of June, the Nations League finals will be hosted by the victor of this match. Spalletti's choices are not particularly surprising. Due to injury, Federico Dimarco is not available, therefore Matteo Ruggeri, a left wing-back for Atalanta, and Destiny Udogie of Tottenham are called up as backups. Dimarco is expected to start. Cesare Casadei, a midfielder for Torino who returned to Italy from Chelsea during the January...

As the new manager of England, Thomas Tuchel has announced his initial team. In the World Cup qualifying matches against Albania and Latvia, the former manager of Bayern Munich and Chelsea will make his debut as the manager of the national squad. Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal and Dan Burn of Newcastle received their first call-ups from Tuchel, while Jarell Quansah, a defender for Liverpool, was also included in the group. The Three Lions' most recent choices also feature Marcus Rashford, who last played in a friendly loss to Brazil in March 2024, for the first time in a year.

Wales' historic qualification for the Euro 2025 finals in Switzerland meant that the women's squad will compete in their first major competition. For a country with a rising football culture, this achievement signifies the culmination of years of effort, progress, and perseverance. Wales, the lowest-ranked team in their group, is embracing their underdog position and preparing to face some of Europe's football powers, including England, France, and the Netherlands. Participation in the UEFA Nations League's top tier is helping them get to Switzerland. This is an important stage for the team as they prepare for the summer tournament by facing great opponents and refining their strategy. With games taking place across Wales in famous locations ranging from Wrexham to Swansea, the squad is not only preparing for the challenges ahead, but also mobilizing national support like never before. It's more than simply football. This is a watershed moment for Welsh sport and ...