England’s last match before Euro 2024 ended in boos at the final whistle after Gareth Southgate’s side stumbled to a defeat against Iceland that was as disappointing as it was surprising.
What was supposed to be a relatively straightforward send-off friendly instead ended in an alarming loss to a nation that will be watching this summer’s tournament from afar.
Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson put Iceland into a shock early lead and lacklustre England could not find a response on a night when poor finishing prevented the scoreline from being any worse than 1-0.
Full-time at @wembleystadium. pic.twitter.com/l66lOgFUd2
— England (@England) June 7, 2024
Southgate had named his final 26-man squad for the Euros on the eve of the friendly in a bid to avoid distraction, but perhaps it made those involved too content and fearful about injuries.
Losing to the side 72nd in the world rankings certainly provides more questions than answers, especially given the way they managed to open England up at times.
Iceland’s winner came from all too easily slicing through the hosts in the 12th minute, with goalscorer Thorsteinsson also wasting a glorious chance at a second after the visitors got in behind.
This was more about fitness than result for Southgate’s side, but looking open defensively and toothless at the other end, managing just one shot on target, is far from ideal nine days out from facing Serbia.
England struggled to break down Iceland’s defence at Wembley
Wembley quickly emptied at the end of a night that started with John Stones being landed on awkwardly by Thorsteinsson, who was soon proving a pain of another kind.
England had started well enough but all too easily allowed Iceland to play from back to front in the 12th minute, breaking the lines and exposing space in a move that ended with a confident finish.
Thorsteinsson cut away from Stones just inside the box to strike a low effort through the defender’s legs and beyond back-up goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale’s reach.
England’s response to the setback was passive despite bossing possession.
Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson scored the only goal of the game
Fleet-footed Anthony Gordon ballooned over and fellow forward Cole Palmer saw an effort blocked after Declan Rice’s pressing forced goalkeeper Hakon Rafn Valdimarsson into an error.
The Chelsea man star, one of just three players to start both warm-up games, saw a fantastic clipped cross uncharacteristically volleyed over by Harry Kane from close range.
England remained patient as they probed against well-drilled Iceland, who may have had a second just before the break had Marc Guehi not thrown himself in the way of Arnor Ingvi Traustason’s attempt.
Some boos greeted the half-time whistle and Ezri Konsa replaced Stones when play resumed.
Not our night, but we appreciated your support at Wembley Stadium. Thank you 👏 pic.twitter.com/5U8yoAFFMh
— England (@England) June 7, 2024
The hosts were now showing more intensity. Phil Foden flashed a first-time shot from a Gordon cutback across the face of goal and Palmer struck the side-netting having gone too wide.
The 22-year-old’s indecision saw him waste an even better chance after rounding Valdimarsson soon after.
Iceland were sat deep and offered little in the way of danger, only to blow an almighty chance to go 2-0 up in the 63rd minute.
Hakon Arnar Haraldsson bent his run to beat the offside trap, burst behind England’s backline and eventually squared for Thorsteinsson, only for the goalscorer to slip and miss the chance.
England face Serbia in their Euro 2024 opener on June 16
Southgate immediately made a pre-planned quadruple change – including introducing Bukayo Saka – before Ramsdale denied Sverrir Ingason’s header from a corner.
Play was halted after Guehi took a ball to the side of his head and an outrageous looping volley from Kolbeinn Finnsson forced Ramsdale to push over.
England struggled to muster a response and fans began to stream towards the exit before stoppage-time was announced.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s low cross whizzed just across the face of goal via a deflection and full-time brought boos from those left in the ground.
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
