Winners and Losers: England rocked, USMNT rise

Winners and losers stories dominated global football this week, offering a snapshot of where momentum is building and where cracks are starting to show. From England’s Lionesses slipping up in their Women’s EURO opener to the United States men’s national team taking command on hostile ground, the latest round of fixtures served up compelling plot twists for analysts and fans alike.

Winners and Losers: Lionesses stumble in Switzerland

Sarina Wiegman’s England entered the European Championship as favourites, but a 2-1 defeat by France exposed uncomfortable truths. The obvious losers were Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway, overrun in midfield by a ferocious French press. Alessia Russo also struggled to hold the ball up, meaning England lacked a focal point.

Still, there were winners in defeat. Lauren James, returning from injury, looked sharp on the left flank, completing six dribbles and creating three chances. Teenage striker Michelle Agyemang injected energy off the bench and stretched the French back line, showing why many believe she is the Lionesses’ next breakout star.

USMNT: Luna silences Guatemala

Diego Luna delivered a clinic in composure as the U.S. beat Guatemala 3-1 in a seething atmosphere in Kansas City. Luna’s two goals in the opening 15 minutes calmed the chaos and confirmed his status as one of the week’s biggest winners. Goalkeeper Matt Freese, meanwhile, made several point-blank saves to deny a spirited Guatemala side, further cementing his claim for the starting shirt at the Gold Cup.

On the losers’ side of the equation, veteran forward Josh Sargent left with a hamstring tweak that could threaten his summer, while the American full-backs struggled defensively and will draw scrutiny from coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Manchester City’s Club World Cup nightmare

Pep Guardiola’s men rarely suffer back-to-back disappointments, yet a profligate performance against Al-Hilal dumped them out of the FIFA Club World Cup at the quarter-final stage. The primary losers? Julian Álvarez and Phil Foden, whose missed sitters proved decisive. As City return to Manchester empty-handed, their rivals will relish the psychological blow.

The lone winner from a City perspective was teenage full-back Rico Lewis, who looked unfazed on the big stage and may now accelerate his claim for regular Premier League minutes.

Youthful exuberance the common thread

Whether it was James in Zug, Luna in Kansas City or Lewis in Jeddah, the week reminded us that the next generation is knocking loudly on the door. These youngsters are clear winners and could reshape their teams’ tactical identities sooner than expected.

Key tactical trends

1. High presses punished ponderous possession: England and City both saw slow build-ups suffocated.
2. Direct wide play paid dividends: France attacked England’s full-backs relentlessly, while the U.S. found joy through wingers driving inside.
3. Set-piece prowess remains decisive: two of the USMNT’s three goals originated from rehearsed dead-ball routines.

Overall winners and losers of the week

Winners: Diego Luna, Lauren James, Rico Lewis, Matt Freese, Michelle Agyemang.

Losers: Keira Walsh, Julian Álvarez, Josh Sargent’s hamstring, Phil Foden, England’s midfield cohesion.

Opinion: Results often lure us into short-term judgments, but the bigger picture suggests England should not panic and Manchester City will remain formidable. Yet the rise of fearless youngsters like Luna and James underscores that football’s power balance is always shifting. Managers who harness that youthful surge will top future winners and losers lists.