Football.London

Ange Postecoglou will be keeping his fingers firmly crossed until all of his Tottenham players have returned to Hotspur Way from international duty. The club's treatment room at their Enfield base is not as busy as it was a couple of months ago and all will be hoping it stays that way.

A large chunk of the Tottenham squad jetted off across the globe one week ago for the first international break of 2025. However, not everyone got the nod as Djed Spence and James Maddison were not included in Thomas Tuchel's England squad and Micky van de Ven was not part of the Netherlands party following his recent injury issues.

In terms of those representing their country, Cristian Romero played 90 minutes for Argentina in their 1-0 win over Uruguay. As the World Cup winner has only completed one full game from a possible three for Tottenham since returning to the pitch, his match time in Montevideo should certainly boost his fitness levels ahead of Spurs' upcoming London derby against Chelsea.

Wilson Odobert and Yves Bissouma have also enjoyed good breaks after notching two assists apiece for France Under-21 and Mali respectively. Lucas Bergvall is yet to feature for his national side, though, after missing Sweden's friendly against Luxembourg through illness.

Bergvall will hopefully make his first start for Sweden on Tuesday evening when they host Northern Ireland in Stockholm. It is a game that could potentially see the Tottenham ace come up against club teammate Jamie Donley, who made his Northern Ireland debut in a draw against Switzerland on Friday evening.

What comes next for Donley at Spurs is a big talking point on the latest episode of football.london's Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham podcast. Our Spurs writers Rob Guest and Lee Wilmot discussed Donley's pre-season chances after an incredible campaign on loan at Leyton Orient.

As well as Donley and Tottenham's international stars, the duo also spoke about football.london's top 25 Tottenham players over the last 25 years and Tottenham Legends' 6-2 win over AC Milan Glorie on Sunday. You can listen to the podcast by heading right here or watch the show on YouTube by going right here.

Romero fitness boost, Bergvall absence and Donley's Spurs future - click here to listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham

At least five Tottenham stars could see their long-term futures impacted by some major transfer decisions already made by the club. Ange Postecoglou has endured a challenging last few months in north London but the displays of some younger players, both at Spurs and elsewhere, offers a brighter future.

Lucas Bergvall is one of those currently shining and he has recently become a regular starter for Postecoglou. Joining Tottenham, and snubbing Barcelona in the process, from Djurgardens in Sweden during the January transfer window for just £8.5million, he has arguably become the club's best performing midfielder in just two months.

That is quite damning for both Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur with both senior players struggling for consistency this season. Despite both being all-action central midfielders, Postecoglou has been forced to deploy them in deeper positions which has often seen them caught out of position.

If improvements aren't made, the duo could easily be on the chopping block especially with Archie Gray and Bergvall both able to cover. There is also the Johnny Cardoso factor with Spurs having the chance to sign him for just £21million from Real Betis, a specific clause agreed in Giovani Lo Celso's permanent move back to Spain.

Others further up the pitch could be at risk sooner rather than later especially with Wilson Odobert returning from injury at a high level. While Mathys Tel has struggled since his loan to Bayern Munich, the buy-option in that deal is said to be just £45.7million and that could be well money spent on a player with his talent.

If that is activated, it could spell the end of Brennan Johnson's time at the club especially with how much better Tel looked off the right in the defeat to Fulham. Yang Min-Hyeok could also be set for a big future at the club after arriving for just £3.6m from Gangwon FC in the K-League.

Mason Melia is another talent for the future now contracted to the Lilywhites with £1.6million spent to sign him from St Pats in Ireland. Those three aforementioned attackers being at Spurs may well result in Richarlison being sold.

Injury issues for the Brazilian have been prominent over the last few seasons and therefore Spurs could soon opt to part ways. At the opposite end of the pitch, the arrival of Luka Vuskovic has been long-awaited with a £12million deal to sign him agreed back in the summer of 2023.

Multiple loans have followed since then with the wonderkid making a huge impact wherever he has gone. With Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven quite clearly as the first-choice options, and Kevin Danso to be signed on a permanent basis for a fee in the region of £21million, Radu Dragusin faces an uncertain future.

The Romania international is currently out with a serious knee injury but the long-term future in his position appears in place and that could see him look to move elsewhere

Postecoglou falls into a trap, Pochettino's vow and the Bissouma problem - click here to listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham

The countdown to Tottenham's Europa League quarter-final tie against Eintracht Frankfurt is well and truly on. After getting the better of AZ Alkmaar in the round of 16, Spurs will face off against their German opponents over two games for a place in the final four of the competition.

Eintracht crucially have home advantage in the second leg on Thursday, April 17, with the first leg to be played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium seven days earlier. Spurs do have two Premier League games in the calendar before their return to Europe but the main focus is very much on triumphing in the Europa League after a wretched season to date.

Previously the favourites to win the Europa League in Bilbao at the end of May, Athletic Club and Manchester United have now jumped ahead of Spurs with the bookmakers when it comes to winning UEFA's second club competition. Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham have an extremely tricky quarter-final tie on their hands, with Eintracht securing a 6-2 win over Ajax in the round of 16.

Not only that, the Bundesliga club fared rather well in the league phase after finishing fifth, which was one place and one point behind the Lilywhites. Dino Toppmoller's side only lost against Lyon and Roma in their eight league phase fixtures, with Viktoria Plzen the only other team to take points off them.

Their recent 4-1 win over Ajax highlights just how good a side they are as the Eredivisie league leaders were dispatched with ease at Deutsche Bank Park. Eintracht have in fact won four of their five Europa League fixtures on home soil this term and they are perhaps unlucky that their record doesn't stand at five wins from five following Vaclav Jemelka's stoppage-time equaliser for Viktoria Plzen back in September.

One player who has proved decisive for them in the Europa League this season is striker Hugo Ekitike. The 22-year-old has subsequently come to the attention of a number of top clubs and the German side may do well to keep hold of the Frenchman ahead of next campaign.

Previously boasting Omar Marmoush in their team before his big-money January transfer to Manchester City after netting 20 goals in the first half of the season, Ekitike is now Eintracht's star man and the one to watch. The ex-PSG man has 19 goals and eights assists to his name from 38 appearances this season and those figures will only continue to grow between now and May.

Ekitike has even been showcasing his goalscoring prowess on the international stage this month after helping himself to a hat-trick for France Under-21s in their 5-3 win over England Under-21s last Friday. Two of his treble were in fact set up by Tottenham winger Wilson Odobert.

Fellow Spurs man Mathys Tel is also an international teammate of Ekitike and it was he who replaced the Eintracht hotshot for the final 24 minutes of the contest. Postecoglou and his staff will be well aware of the threat Ekitike poses but they have two players in the squad who know him rather well following their time with France Under-21s.

Ekitike is not the only player Tottenham will have to keep close tabs on as midfielder Hugo Larsson is also making a big name for himself in the game. The midfielder is seen as someone who will compete with Lucas Bergvall for a place in the Sweden team over the coming years.

Ansgar Knauff and Mario Gotze are other stars to watch out for, with Eintracht having former Premier League players Robin Koch and Rasmus Kristensen in defence as well as Belgium international Arthur Theate. It's not just in the Europa League where Eintracht have impressed this campaign as they have also caught the eye domestically.

The German club are going along rather well in the Bundesliga and are on course to qualify for the Champions League via the top four. Eintracht are level on points with Mainz in third but they sit fourth as their rivals' goal difference is better by two.

Toppmoller's side will perhaps feel they should be sitting higher in the standings and a lot closer to Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen after 26 games. Their form in the Bundesliga has been rather patchy of late after only winning two of their last eight games, losing to the top two and Union Berlin during that period.

However, they are in an excellent position to finish in the top three for the first time in 13 years and also challenge for the Europa League trophy they won against Rangers back in 2022. Eintracht are a huge threat to Tottenham in the Europa League and Postecoglou's side are going to have to be at their very best to advance past Ekitike and Co.

Romero fitness boost, Bergvall absence and Donley's Spurs future - click here to listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham

Ange Postecoglou is going to need his full Tottenham squad fit and firing if the club are to finish the 2024/25 campaign on a positive note. Spurs return to domestic action next Thursday evening with a London derby at Chelsea on the calendar.

Tottenham tend not to fare well at Stamford Bridge and next week's clash is the perfect opportunity for Postecoglou's side to get back on track. Chelsea themselves have also endured a poor fun of form of late but they currently sit fourth in the Premier League table with nine games of the term to go.

For Tottenham, who are in 14th, they need to try and reduce the ten-point gap between themselves and Bournemouth in what remains of the season. Spurs certainly have an uphill battle on their hands and it will require them to put a consistent run of wins together and also for results to go their way if they are to climb back into the top half.

What should help in the run-in is that things have started to ease up in the treatment room over the past month. Dejan Kulusevski, Kevin Danso and Richarlison will hopefully return to action very soon, with Radu Dragusin the only long-term absentee after sustaining an ACL injury in late January.

If Tottenham can keep the vast majority of their playing squad fit, Postecoglou is going to have a huge decision to make in terms of his 20-man matchday party in the Premier League as a number of players will be forced to watch on from the stands. It is slightly different in Europe, however, as clubs are permitted to name 23 players in a matchday squad.

Having last week named Tottenham's strongest starting XI for the remainder of the season, we have now taken a look at what their substitutes' bench could look like if everyone is available. That is of course a big if considering how the season has panned out so far in terms of injuries.

The first place on the bench is taken up by January signing Antonin Kinsky. The Czech youngster performed well in Guglielmo Vicario's absence but his opportunity in the team will only come again if the Italian is missing.

If indeed Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are paired as Postecoglou's first-choice defensive partnership, Danso, upon his return to fitness, will take his place on the bench. Archie Gray can then act as a further centre-back cover and also offer the head coach choice in the middle of the park.

With Djed Spence named at left-back in our strongest Tottenham team, Destiny Udogie starts on the bench despite his previous undroppable status. Pape Matar Sarr also finds himself there after dropping out of the Tottenham XI recently.

Postecoglou could then face a huge call over Yves Bissouma. The Mali international has really struggled for form this campaign and has been substituted at half-time in three of his last six Premier League appearances.

Bissouma is a definite in the Tottenham squad when at the top of his game but his current woes could leave him in a rather precarious position. The final decision from Postecoglou may all come down to whether he wants an extra midfielder or extra winger to choose from.

If it is an extra midfielder he wants then one of Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert or Mathys Tel could subsequently miss out. If not, the aforementioned trio would then be named as substitutes alongside Richarlison to complete the permitted nine.

In the above scenario with everyone fit, Fraser Forster, Brandon Austin, Alfie Whiteman, Sergio Reguilon, Ben Davies, Dragusin, Timo Werner, Mikey Moore, Dane Scarlett and then either Bissouma or an attacker would miss the final cut. Amid a number of injury problems since the start of the 2024/25 campaign, it would be nice for Postecoglou to finally have a bit of luck on his side for once as Tottenham look to win the Europa League and finish as high up the Premier League table as possible.

Strongest Tottenham bench: Kinsky, Danso, Udogie, Gray, Sarr, Odobert, Johnson, Tel, Richarlison.

Postecoglou falls into a trap, Pochettino's vow and the Bissouma problem - click here to listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham

USA football legend Clint Dempsey has voiced his concerns over Mauricio Pochettino's tenure as the head coach of the national team. Having taken on the role since last summer, Pochettino made a hopeful start with five victories in his first six matches, but the tide has since turned.

The recent setback at the Concacaf Nations League semi-finals saw the US beaten by Panama, marking their exit from the competition without the coveted trophy for the first time. A subsequent 2-1 defeat to Canada in the third-place play-off solidified the notion that progress has stalled.

Speaking on commentary, Dempsey said: “I mean the thing that is frustrating for me is that we haven't progressed as a team since 2022. It was looking like we were going on and build from there and we haven't. Especially considering going into a World Cup in 2026. It's not looking good for the US.”

Pochettino, on the other hand, is trying to calm concerns around his team ahead of the World Cup. He has stated his belief that there is ample time left to identify and resolve the issues before the global event kicks off.

After a disappointing loss to Canada, the US coach remained optimistic about the future. "It's better [to lose] now because I think we have time," he reflected post-match, reports the Mirror.

"Because if we will be in this situation in one year time, for sure. I will tell you, 'Houston, we have a problem. SOS.'

"We are all [disappointed] and the fans need to feel the disappointment that we didn't win. But I'm not going to allow [us] to feel pessimistic because I think we have good players. We are going to find a way to perform and for sure we are going to compete in a different way."

It comes after Pochettino, whose contract with the US team runs until the end of the World Cup, openly shared his ambition to return to Tottenham Hotspur, where he previously managed. Speaking to Mirror Football, Pochettino said: “I am going to repeat. In the bottom of my heart I still feel the same. I would like one day to come back. Not because of my ego it's because my feeling is I would like one day to win with Tottenham.

“I think now Tottenham is a club with an expectation to win because if you see the facilities – training ground or stadium – now you can see it is about winning trophies. That is why I would like one day to come back.

“But if that doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen. With all the possibilities again to build something special, that is my feeling and it didn’t change. It's six years since we left and it's always going to be a special club for me.”

Who are the best 25 players to have played for Tottenham in the last 25 years? Well we'll tell you, starting today.

You may not agree, you may have your own ideas, but we did ask for your input and you can still have your say by naming your top five in our poll below.

Spurs best 25 players poll

Spurs have certainly had their ups and downs in the Premier League since the turn of the century, but there were plenty of names to choose from when it came to naming a top 25.

Starting today, we're going to run down the top 25 for 2025, starting with those ranked 25 to 21 today, with five more each day until we get to the cream of the crop, the top five on Friday.

This is sure to cause some debate, and we're here for it. You can tell us what you think of our rankings in the comments section below.

Sunday’s afternoon match between Tottenham Legends and AC Milan Glorie was a spectacle that provided everything you desire in a charity game.

Supporters were treated to eight goals, five in the first-half, flashbacks to iconic moments and something that has been seriously lacking from the domestic football season - pleasure.

This term, Spurs have struggled and specific dominoes have fallen to leave Ange Postecoglou’s team fighting for their lives to save the season. It’s Europa League or bust, but that took a back seat on Sunday.

Thousands packed into the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to watch legends of years gone by reunite to take on the likes of Andrea Pirlo and Cafu. Within 21 minutes, Spurs were 3-0 ahead.

Smiles, cheers and signs of enjoyment were evident around the ground when Robbie Keane opened the scoring and replicated his forward roll celebration. Jermain Defoe’s strike and another from Keane followed in a thrilling first-half.

Sandro added to the scoring with a long-range pile-driver before Keane completed his hat-trick thanks to another assist from Aaron Lennon. The winger, who only retired towards the end of 2022, assisted eight Keane goals during their time together in north London, that tally increased to 10 on Sunday.

The first was a well-weighted pass across the goal for Keane to open the deadlock after Tottenham opened the Milan defence. The next came when Lennon dispossessed Roque Junior in the area and squared for Keane again.

After the game, members of the media within the mixed zone all made a point that Lennon has still ‘got it’. Just as there were claims online that the winger would get into Postecoglou’s team, the same was said among the media.

At 37, one of the youngest on the pitch at the weekend, Lennon showcased his blistering pace on a number of occasions. Against Serginho, the winger had too much pace and then had the finishing product to send the ball across goal.

Tottenham’s current forward line have struggled for consistency this season, something that has played a significant role in their demise.

There aren't many wingers in European football today that simply look to run at a defender, use their pace and aim for the byline to fizz the ball across the goalkeeper. They’re a dying breed.

Watching Lennon play was a blast from the past. Supporters of all age groups bought tickets for Sunday’s fixture for their football fix during the international break and to watch their former favourites roll back the years.

Keane, Defoe, Michael Dawson and Heurelho Gomes all impressed. For many, the temporary block on current events at the club was nice. Unfortunately, Lennon can’t line-up for Tottenham in their next game against Chelsea.

Tottenham Legends were emphatic winners over AC Milan Glorie on Sunday with a 6-2 victory with Robbie Keane scoring a first-half hat-trick.

After receiving great receptions prior to kick-off, the Spurs legends showed they still had the quality in an emphatic opening 21 minutes which saw them race into a 3-0 lead.

Robbie Keane and Aaron Lennon linked up once again with the Irishman slotting past Dida from close range before Jermain Defoe rolled back the years with a smashed low strike into the bottom corner.

Not long later, Keane added a third when Teemu Tainio's smart pass fooled the Milan defence and the 44-year-old made no mistake from just outside the six yard box.

Spurs' relentlessness cooled down as the first-half played out but Brazilian Sandro was next to get in on the action with a long-range strike past Dida in a replica to his goal against Manchester United in 2013.

Just before half-time, Keane tapped home his fourth hat-trick in Lilywhite colours. Lennon, who still possesses his blistering pace, intercepted a poor Milan pass before squaring the ball across goal for Keane in front of an empty net.

Ossie Ardiles mixed his team up after the break with Steffen Freund, Chris Perry, Michael Brown and Benoit Assou-Ekotto all coming on. It was Milan who came out the better team with Cristian Zaccardo heading wide from close range.

Milan's resurgence in the second-half did last a while and Ibou Ba's men maintained their dominance after half-time through Cristian Zaccardo. The 43-year-old was in the right place at the right time to convert Cafu's low cross past Michel Vorm.

Michael Brown, who was a late addition to the Spurs squad, gave Spurs fans something to celebrate in the second-half to make it 6-1 before the pick of the bunch came through Andrea Pirlo.

The Champions League winner curled in a beautiful free-kick from around 30 yards, receiving a standing ovation from the fans inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The goal was that good, certain Tottenham players had no choice but to shake his hand and applaud.

Here is how football.london rated the Spurs legends....

Heurelho Gomes: Celebrated his save to deny Giunti like he used to at White Hart Lane. Had very little to do with Spurs being so dominant. 7

Pascal Chimbonda: Stayed back and did all his work in the defensive third whilst his teammates did the rest in front of him. Came off at half-time with a first-half clean sheet. 7

Michael Dawson: Sweeper in the Spurs defence, often collecting loose balls from Milan's attacks. Pulled off some brilliant last-ditch sliding tackles to deny Milan easy tap-ins. There was a moment in the second-half where he did two keepy-ups and then pinged a cross-field ball like a prime Virgil van Dijk. 9

Ledley King: Received a heroes welcome pre-game and once again when he came off in the first-half. Read the game well when on the pitch. 7

Younes Kaboul: So athletic, refused to let Cafu do anything down the right and constantly made overlapping runs. Came off at half-time and replaced by Assou-Ekotto. 7

Sandro: Showed his Samba-like skillset with some silky turns and flicks in the middle of the park. Scored the goal of the game from range with a low drive. Was the only player to come back on. 8

Teemu Tainio: The playmaker in Spurs' play, picking up some unreal passes from deep. Recycled the ball well and linked up with Berbatov in tight spaces. 9

Aaron Lennon: Still possesses the rapid speed he was famous for during his playing days. No surprise that he retired just over two years ago. 8

Robbie Keane: Rolled back the years with a hat-trick in Tottenham colours and kept his promise to fans by pulling off his celebration. 100% shot accuracy, showing exactly why Spurs fans love him. 10

Dimitar Berbatov: Very elegant in his touches and passing. Strolled around looking to pick the ball up and create something in the holes. Couldn't get on the scoresheet but played with a smile on his face all game. 7

Jermain Defoe: Genuinely like he was in prime under Harry Redknapp. A terrific goal, low and hard past Dida in the first-half and would have been annoyed to not double his tally after half-time. 8

Subs

Michel Vorm: Pulled off a couple of smart saves during Milan's brief spell in the second-half. Couldn't have done anything to stop the goals. 7

Benoit Assou-Ekotto: Had the job so many players have struggled with in the past by chasing Cafu down the right. The Brazilian was more advanced in the second-half than he was before but Assou-Ekotto dealt with him. 7

Sebastien Bassong: So strong in his challenge to make it almost impossible for Milan to get past him. 7

Allan Nielsen: Joined the front three in an attempt to get possession back. Battled well with Andrea Pirlo and played some decent passes down the wing. 7

Steffen Freund: Slotted into centre-back when Bassong came off and won some brilliant headers to stop AC Milan from getting a clear route on goal. 7

Teddy Sheringham: Saw a shot go just wide from the edge of the area. Stayed on the shoulder of the last defender at all times and made some teasing runs. 7

Marc Falco: Nearly got his goal in the late stages but was denied by a goal-line clearance. Said after the game that he wished VAR was in action. 7

Jonathan David reckons it wouldn't be a big change living in London instead of Lille weather-wise after comparing the two cities.

In-demand David's comments come amid non-stop transfer rumours about the striker signing for a Premier League club during the summer transfer window. The Canada international is due to become a free agent at the end of this season when his Lille contract expires.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have all been credited with an interest in the player previously. Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United are said to be among the other suitors in England - with Barcelona, Inter, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain also linked.

In an interview with The Guardian, the childhood fan of Catalan giants Barcelona says La Liga may better suit how he plays. However, he does acknowledge English football is appealing.

"For me, watching the Premier League, the biggest difference is just the intensity," David stated - comparing the division to Ligue 1. "I think physicality is pretty much the same. But the intensity, the game is always at a high-end tempo, always 100 per cent back and forth, fast and full for 90 minutes, compared to the French league."

David also addressed the English weather. "To be fair, it's not much different than Lille!" he said with a smile. "They always compare Lille to London. So, for me, it wouldn't be a big change."

Lille and London are only around 150 miles apart. Compared with Liverpool (319 miles), Manchester (299 miles) and Newcastle (358 miles), that's relatively close, with around a 90-minute train journey separating the capital from the French city close to Belgium.

David spent his first two-and-a-half years on the opposite side of that border in Ghent. The Belgian port city has a not too dissimilar a climate to London or Lille.

Tottenham Hotspur's out-of-favour full-back Sergio Reguilon is reportedly 'poised' to seal a return to his homeland of Spain this summer when his contract expires.

Despite all of Spurs' injury woes centred around their defence this campaign, Ange Postecoglou has felt little need to call on Reguilon - even as back-up option.

The 28-year-old, who signed in 2020 from Real Madrid for a fee rising to £32m, has made just three Premier League appearances all season, totting up 121 minutes in the process.

In September, he was also omitted from their squad to play Europa League football this term.

With that call following separate loan spells to Atletico Madrid, Manchester United and Brentford - dating back to when Antonio Conte was still in charge - it offers up a tell-tale sign as to where is career in north London is headed with only three months remaining on his contract.

And to that end, The Mirror's back pages on Sunday claim that a return to Spain is the most likely outcome despite interest from Italian and Middle Eastern clubs.

Naming specific suitors, they say Real Sociedad and Sevilla are 'leading the charge'. The mid-table La Liga pair are currently able to approach Reguilon as he's within the final six months of his Spurs deal and they are not based in the UK.

It is explained that if Spurs could have found a buyer in January, then they would have fast-tracked his departure then, although they could not find anyone willing to do business.

So, ultimately, Postecoglou and north London decision-makers are pleased to stand back, let Reguilon become a free agent and cut their losses on a player who hasn't lived up to expectations when first bought from the 15-time European champions.

When fit, Destiny Udogie is the manager's go-to left back. Unfortunately for him, that hasn't been often this term, either, as the 22-year-old has missed 13 matches in all competitions.

Behind him is Djed Spence - who is more naturally accustomed to playing on the opposite flank - but has capably plugged a gap when called upon.

There's also Ben Davies, with the veteran also out of contract this summer with only nine Premier League outings to his name all term.