Hotspur HQ

Spurs international watch: Nations League round up

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Spurs international watch: Nations League round up - Hotspur HQ
Description

On Sunday evening, four UEFA Nations League quarter final second legs simultaneously took place. With it, there was action for Tottenham Hotspur players. Let’s have a look at how things went both collectively and individually. Â

To begin – just like in the first leg – Destiny Udogie was named in the Italy starting XI, featuring as a left wing back, whilst Guglielmo Vicario was on the substitutes bench, with Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint Germain again preferred instead. Â

After a goalless first half an hour, Germany then scored three goals in 15 minutes to go 3-0 ahead on the night, and 5-1 on aggregate. However, Italy got one back four minutes into the second half, and then again with twenty minutes to go, making it 5-3 on aggregate. Â

With 15 minutes remaining, Italy were awarded a penalty, though it was then overturned after a review. They were then actually given a penalty in stoppage time, which they converted, but it came too late – and they were condemned to a 5-4 defeat on aggregate. Too little too late. Â

As for Udogie himself, he played the 90 minutes – his 11th cap for Italy. Both he and Vicario’s international breaks are now done, and they will return to North London. Â

Meanwhile, for Spain, Pedro Porro was named amongst the substitutes for their second leg at home to the Netherlands in Valencia, with Oscar Mingueza of Celta Vigo preferred at right-back instead. The tie was finely poised at 2-2 after the first leg.Â

After eight minutes, Spain took the lead from the spot – though the Netherlands equalised with a penalty of their own after 54 minutes. Spain then retook the lead after 67 minutes, only to be pegged back for a second time after 79 minutes. 2-2 on the night, 4-4 on aggregate, and onto another 30 minutes. Â

Four minutes into extra time, Mingueza pulled up with an injury, giving Porro the opportunity to be introduced to the action. After 103 minutes, Spain took the lead for a third time on the night, with Spurs linked Dean Huijsen grabbing an assist. Â

However, after 109 minutes, the Dutch equalised for a third time, and a second time from the penalty spot. The three penalties in the two hours would not be the only ones of the night, as the sides could not be separated, and a shootout was subsequently to come. Â

After six perfect penalties, the Netherlands were to first to blink in the shootout, but Spain then did the same. After another penalty scored each, the Netherlands then missed again, and Spain scored to secure a 5-4 penalty shootout win. Â

This means that Porro’s side will take place in the Nations League finals that will take place in Germany this June. They will face France in their one legged semi final. If they win, they will face the winner of Germany and Portugal in the final, and if they lose, they will play the loser of that game in the third place play off. Â

Source

Great game for charity in North London

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Great game for charity in North London - Hotspur HQ
Description

On Sunday, Spurs legends faced AC Milan legends in a charity game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Many recognisable faces on the pitch for both teams, all for a great cause. Â

The XI that Spurs put out was; Gomes, Chimbonda, Dawson, King (C), Kaboul, Sandro, Tainio, Lennon, Defoe, Berbatov, Keane. Meanwhile the bench consisted of; Vorm, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto, Perry, Brown, Nielsen, Freund, Sheringham, Falco. Â

How things played out at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday

Very early on, Keane – currently manager of Ferencvaros in Hungary, though not at the time they played Spurs – opened the scoring, after a Berbatov touch set Lennon down the right, he squared the ball for the striker to tap home. Â

Then, Kaboul fizzed a pass forward that was dummied by Keane to Defoe, who set himself before firing a low driven strike from the edge of the box into the bottom corner. Still an amazing finisher. Â

After that, Keane managed to beat the offside trap to get on the end of a superb through ball from Tainio, and calmly finish past the goalkeeper. Then, Sandro scored a trademark goal from range to make it 4-0 to Spurs in the first half. Â

Just before the break, Spurs won the ball back high up the pitch, leading the ball to be squared to Keane again, with the Irishman completing his hat trick within the first half. What a player. Â

In the second half, Milan managed to fashion an opportunity, with Cafu squaring for Zaccardo, who picked the ball up to run back to half way like an official game. Huge respect for that, quite incredible love for the game.

Spurs then responded, as substitute Brown made it six, after brilliant work from Berbatov and Defoe. So nonchalant from the former, just like when he was a player. Oozes class and quality. Â

Later on, Cafu was fouled just outside the box. From then, a moment of class, as legend of the game Andrea Pirlo curled the ball in, just like he did so many times during his career. Legend of the game, nothing but respect. What a player he was – and seemingly still is. Â

That was how it ended, 6-2 to Spurs. Though, most importantly, a great day and event to charity, great from all involved. Let’s hope for another one soon enough. Finally, a shoutout to Falco for playing at 64 years of age. Would be happy enough being able to stand up at that age. Â

Source

Spurs loan watch: Weekend review

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Weekend review - Hotspur HQ
Description

Over the weekend, despite the international break, there were still a couple of games for Tottenham Hotspur loanees. Let’s take a quick look at how things went for them. Â

How things went for two Tottenham Hotspur loanees this weekend

To begin, George Abbott and his Notts County side hosted Crewe Alexandra in League Two, with the game being broadcasted live on Sky Sports. As usual, he was named in the starting XI – his start of the season in the fourth tier. Â

Unfortunately, not much to report on here, as the sides played out a goalless draw. There were not many big chances in the game, though one fell to Abbott in stoppage time. After a team mate mis controlled the ball, he went through on goal from an angle, but could not beat the keeper at his near post. A real shame, a stoppage time winner in a massive game, in front of the cameras, would have been so good. Â

In general, it was a big shame that Notts could not get over the line. Perhaps a reason why they couldn’t is that top scorer (club and league) Alassana Jatta missed the game, as a result of being on international duty with Gambia. Â

Nevertheless, another 90 minutes for Abbott, with the Spurs loanee now up to 2830 minutes in the league this season, as well as another 180 in the FA Cup. It really has been a very productive season for him, as his first season out on loan begins to reach its conclusion. Â

This draw leaves Notts in place in League Two, with 62 points from their 32 games. They are now four points ahead of eighth place, though with superior goal difference. In any case, that is just two wins from their last nine league games. They will need better form in their final eight games if they are to maintain their play off status.Â

Next up is an away game over the border against Newport County on Saturday, for a 15:00 GMT kick off.Â

Meanwhile, Luca Gunter started in goal for Wealdstone, as they hosted Woking in the National League. Just as it looked like the sides were heading for a 0-0 draw, the Stones managed to grab a winner in the 94th minute, securing a huge three points for Gunter’s side. Â

As for the Spurs loanee himself – he made two saves, two high claims, and completed five accurate long balls, on a perfect day all round. Two wins in a row have helped Wealdstone up to 18th in the league, with 42 points from 37 games, three points above 21st place, with superior goal difference and a game in hand. Â

That game in hand is on Tuesday evening, when they face Aldershot, for a 19:45 GMT kick off. Â

Source

Spurs considering move for Wolves midfielder

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Spurs considering move for Wolves midfielder - Hotspur HQ
Description

Although we are currently between transfer windows, with the winter window closing six weeks ago, and the summer transfer window not opening for a few months yet, that hasn’t stopped there being rumours flying around, including with in and out goings at Tottenham Hotspur. Â

For example, the club have been linked with moves to the likes of Kingsley Coman of Bayern Munich and Antoine Semenyo of AFC Bournemouth, whilst Heung-Min Son has been linked to Bayern Munich, and Yves Bissouma to Crystal Palace. Â

The latest player Spurs have been linked to is Wolves and Brazil national team midfielder Joao Gomes. Media publication GiveMeSport have suggested that Spurs are considering a bid for the player this summer, saying that he has been on the club’s radar for close to 12 months.Â

Wolves considering bid for player whom has been on their radar for a while

This marries up with reports from last summer, when we aggregated the same outlet signalling the club’s interest in Gomes. Although nothing happened then – nor in January – perhaps it is one the club will revisit this summer. Â

It is looking like the West Midlands outfit are now going to stay in the Premier League this season, with all three promoted sides set to go straight back down for a second consecutive year, so there is less pressure to sell than there otherwise would have been. He also has three years left on his contract. Â

Nevertheless, he is a brilliant player, and if there is a possibility of signing him, it must be explored. He is one of the best ball winners in the Premier League – his 3.1 tackles per game ranks him 6th in the league overall. Sure, there is context to consider, such as style of play of teams, time spent without the ball, etc, but it is still very impressive regardless.Â

Last season, he averaged 3.8 tackles per game, only bettered by Joao Palhinha, who earned a move to Bayern Munich, so that is the sort of company that he is in. It does feel like people say this about any player they are linked to/sign, but he really is the type of player that Spurs have been missing. Â

The only caveat to that is he is not an out and out defensive midfielder, which Spurs could still do with. However, in a double pivot, he would be more than capable of allowing other players the freedom to do their thing with the ball. He is also pretty good on the ball himself.Â

To show how all rounded Gomes is; last season, he completed 10 tackles in one game during a 4-1 win at Brentford. Five games later, he scored two goals as Wolves beat Spurs 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Although not included in the original squad, due to injuries he has now been called up to the Brazil national team for their game against Cristian Romero and Argentina next week – where Romero’s side could secure their World Cup qualification. Â

A seriously, seriously good player. At 24, he does have plenty of experience, both at club level and for the national team, but with his best years absolutely still ahead of him. Would be a very good signing.Â

Source

Tension grows between Cristian Romero and Spurs

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tension grows between Cristian Romero and Spurs - Hotspur HQ
Description

Although we may be in the middle of the first international break of 2025, and the final one of the 24/25 season, there has still been plenty of things to discuss when it comes to Tottenham Hotspur. After all, several players have been representing their countries over the last few days.

That includes Cristian Romero, who played the 90 minutes for Argentina in their 1-0 win over Rodrigo Bentancur and Uruguay in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying on Friday night. He has been praised by a number of people for another top performance in an Argentina shirt - earning his 41st cap in the process.

However, after the game, Romero sent more shade towards the medical department at Spurs, saying: "I'm grateful that the national team's medical team were able to get me out of that bad moment."

Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero throws more shade

A few weeks ago, we aggregated the defender's Instagram post, where he also thanked the physios at Argentina and not those at Spurs for helping him return to fitness. That was also after a Spurs game - not Argentina - so it is not a case of saying that is why he didn't say anything about the medical department at Spurs in his most recent post.

To make things more concerning, it has also been reported by journalist Eduardo Burgos that Romero was "deeply upset" by the way Spurs' medical team handled his injury, and that "trouble is brewing" [between the player and the club].

So, not ideal. Even in an international break, you are never short of drama at this club. There has been a lot of debate this season about who is more to blame for this season's injury crisis - Ange Posteocglou or the medical team - perhaps this saga has given us a clearer idea of who is more at fault.

In addition, Romero has missed plenty of games through injury at the club predating Ange. In the 21/22 season, he played 22 Premier League games, starting 21 (ironically the other way round to the season), and in 22/23, he played 27 games, starting 26 of those. Yet, in Ange's first season, he played 33/38 games - with three of those being a suspension (which would account for a few in his first two seasons also).

Yet, for Argentina, he has been available. Much to the dismay of some, whom say he cares about Argentina a lot more than Spurs, but maybe that just shows that he is taken better care of there.

Source

Spurs international watch: Brilliant night for defender

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Spurs international watch: Brilliant night for defender - Hotspur HQ
Description

On Saturday evening, there was action for Tottenham Hotspur players Ben Davies and Brennan Johnson, as their Wales side hosted Kazakhstan in World Cup qualifying. Both players were named in the starting XI. In defence, Davies – the captain – started as a left sided centre back in a four, partnering former Spurs defender Joe Rodon, whilst Johnson lead the line in a 4231 formation.Â

How things went for Tottenham Hotspur pair and Wales on Saturday

With just nine minutes on the clock, Wales took the lead. After Craig Bellamy’s side had lost the ball in the Kazakhstan penalty area, good counter pressing won the ball back, leading to Davies laying the ball off to Daniel James, who found the back of the net via a deflection. Â

Just after the half hour mark, however, the visitors equalised from the penalty spot, after a somewhat controversial handball call. The sides went into the break at 1-1 and with everything all to play for. Â

Within the first two minutes of the second half, Wales retook the lead. An inswining corner was completely missed by the goalkeeper in his attempt to claim the ball, and there was Davies to take full advantage by nodding into the unguarded net. A goal and an assist for the Spurs man. Â

Then, just as the game entered stoppage time, Wales got a third goal to make sure of all three points, securing a 3-1 win on match day one of their qualifying campaign. Great night all round. Â

Especially for Davies, who as well as his goal and assist, recorded; two clearances, one tackle, 153 touches of the ball, 140/145 accurate passes, and one chance created. As for Johnson, he played 62 minutes, before being taken off. Playing up front definitely does not suit his game. Â

This win leaves Wales second in their group following the completion of match day one, behind North Macedonia on goal difference. They will have the chance to overtake them on Tuesday evening, when they play each other over in Skopje. Kick off for that one is 19:45 GMT. Â

As a quick sidenote, as not enough happened for an individual piece – Pape Matar Sarr came on as a half time substitute for Senegal in their 0-0 draw away to Sudan in World Cup qualifying. This leaves Senegal in 3rd place in the group, with nine points from their five games so far. A win would have sent them top.Â

Next up is another qualifier, this time at home to Togo, on Tuesday, for a 21:00 GMT kick off. Â

Source

Spurs international watch: South American duel

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Spurs international watch: South American duel - Hotspur HQ
Description

On Friday night, Tottenham Hotspur players Rodrigo Bentancur and Cristian Romero locked horns, as Uruguay hosted Argentina in World Cup qualifying. In the reverse fixture, back in the autumn of 2023, Uruguay condemned Argentina to their first defeat as champions of the world. In that game, Romero started, whilst Bentancur came on in the second half.Â

In this game, both players were named in the starting XI by their respective managers. As usual, Romero as the right sided central defender in a back four, whilst Bentancur played at the base of the Uruguay midfield. Â

How things played out when two Spurs players came up against each other

Throughout the first half, Argentina were the dominant side, though they could not make their superiority count, and the sides went into the break goalless. Then, midway through the second half, Romero’s side took the lead. Â

That goal would prove to be decisive – the only goal of the game – as Argentina took a big step towards World Cup qualification, whilst inflicting a bump in the road for Uruguay’s qualification, albeit they should still be fine in any case. Â

As for the Spurs players themselves, they both completed the 90 minutes. Romero completed; four clearances, one blocked shot, three interceptions, one tackle, 61 touches of the ball, and 2/2 aerial duels won. Most importantly, he did not pick up an injury. Â

Meanwhile, Bentancur recorded; 84 touches of the ball, 6/7 long balls completed, one shot blocked, 4/4 aerial duels won, two clearances, three interceptions, and one tackle. Â

This means Argentina have extended their lead over Uruguay to eight points now. They sit top of the CONMBEOL World Cup qualifying standings, with 28 points from their 13 games. Uruguay, who had sat in second place before this break, are now in fourth place – now below Ecuador and Brazil, and only ahead of Paraguay on goal difference – with 20 points from their 13 games.

Still, as touched on above, they should still be fine for qualification. With the expansion of the World Cup from 32 teams to 48, there are six automatic qualification places, with seventh place entering the inter confederation play offs. As it stands, Bentancur's side are currently seven points clear.

Next up for Argentina is a home game against Brazil on Wednesday, the 26th of March, at 00:00 GMT, whilst Uruguay face Bolivia away from home – in seriously high altitude, on Tuesday, the 25th of March, at 20:00 GMT. Bolivia are the side in seventh, so a win would be huge.

Source

Spurs international watch: Another goal for youngster

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Spurs international watch: Another goal for youngster - Hotspur HQ
Description

On Friday afternoon, England U20’s were in elite U20 league action, as they faced Portugal away from home. For this game, Tottenham Hotspur youngsters Ashley Phillips – currently on loan at Stoke City – and Dane Scarlett, whom has trained with the England U21s this week, both started the game. Â

After just seven minutes of the game, Scarlett gave England the lead, though Portugal equalised just after the half hour mark. Those two strikes would prove to be the only ones of the game, as the sides played out a 1-1 draw. Â

As for the Spurs youngsters themselves, Phillips played the whole 90 minutes, whilst Scarlett played for an hour. His goal was his ninth for the England U20s, and 26th overall goal for England age groups – having scored once for England U15s, twice for England U16s, 12 in just 14 games for England U19, and twice in four games for the England U21 side. Â

He will be hoping he will do enough to push up to the U21 squad for the European Championships this summer, having already got a taste for things there – albeit not playing at Spurs is unlikely to help his cause in that respect. Still, another goal won’t have done his chances any harm at all. Â

If the likes of Liam Delap are in the senior squad, that will give him even more chance to stake his claim. It is a shame that his goal for the U21s in the autumn came when U21s manager Lee Carsley, who was away as interim manager of the senior side, but again, it won’t have done too much harm. Â

Likewise for Phillips, whom is playing every week for Stoke City in the Championship – albeit a struggling side. There are a number of second tier players in the current U21 squad, so he will be thinking why not if he continues to play every week for Stoke – and puts in the performances to go along with it. He has played 2362 minutes in the Championship so far this campaign. Â

In the meantime, next up for England U20s is another elite league fixture, this time at home to Switzerland. As it stands, England are on top of the table with 15 points from seven games, though Germany have the same amount of points and a game in hand, so let’s see. Â

As a quick sidenote: Dominic Solanke got some handy rest, as he remained an unused substitute during England's 2-0 win over Albania in Thomas Tuchel's first game in charge.

Source

Spurs international watch: Youngster makes senior debut

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Spurs international watch: Youngster makes senior debut - Hotspur HQ
Description

As many of you will know, Spurs youngster Jamie Donley is having a very good time of it on loan at Leyton Orient this season. Although the goals and assists have dried up of late, he is still playing nearly every game, for a side that are pushing for a play off spot in League One. Â

Back in January, he was named the EFL young player of the month – an award that covers the Championship, League One, and League Two. He was interviewed about it, his season so far, and his ambitions at Spurs – you can read the transcript of that interview here, with a link to the interview itself within the piece. Â

 In February, he impressed live on national television with his performance against Manchester City in the FA Cup – whilst forcing an own goal with his incredible half way line shot that struck the underside of the crossbar. Â

The 20-year old was born in Northern Ireland and raised in England to a Northern Irish father and an English mother, making him eligible to play for either country. After representing both countries at youth level, Donley chose to play for the Northern Ireland senior team this month, and was called up for friendlies against Switzerland and Sweden. Â

Jamie Donley makes his Northern Ireland senior debut on Friday

On Friday evening, he made his senior debut – coming on as a second half substitute in a 1-1 draw against the Swiss – playing the final 33 minutes of the game. An incredible moment in a brilliant season for him personally. Â

They will play Sweden, on Tuesday, the 25th of March at 18:00 GMT. It will be touch and go whether or not he has the possbility to come up against Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall, with the 19-year old having missed training this week with illness – although manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has said it is nothing serious. We will see if he plays any part in their game against Luxembourg on Saturday first. Â

Either way, another proud day for Donley, it has been some year for him. It will be very interesting to see how Spurs go about his development next season – one would assume he is going to be prepared for a Championship loan, perhaps after a pre-season with Spurs – albeit a pre-season with a loan club could help him to settle in better. The fact he was at Spurs for pre-season last year probably contributed to his slow start at Orient. Â

Source

Spurs international watch: Mixed night for defender

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Spurs international watch: Mixed night for defender - Hotspur HQ
Description

On Thursday evening, there were international games played all over the world, in many different competitions. There were games played on Wednesday too, but only a small handful. Thursday was when the first international break of the calendar year really kicked into action. Â

With it, there were a number of games for Tottenham Hotspur players. Yves Bissouma and his Mali side picked up an important win in World Cup qualifying, with the midfielder picking up two assists. Heung-Min Son and Yang Min-hyeok's South Korea side were held to a draw at home to Oman in their qualification campaign. Meawhile, Guglielmo Vicario and Destiny Udogie’s Italy lost at home to Germany in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter final action. Â

Also in Nations League action was Pedro Porro, whose Spain side were in action away to the Netherlands in their quarter final first leg. As has been common practise since first choice Dani Carvajal got injured, Porro started the game at right-back for the European Champions. Â

How things went for Pedro Porro and Spain on Thursday evening

After just nine minutes, Spain took the lead – as Spurs linked Nico Williams found the back of the net. However, after 28 minutes, the hosts equalised through left winger Cody Gakpo – with a lot of fans saying that Porro did not get close enough to him, allowing him to find the bottom corner. Â

The sides went into the break at 1-1, but just a minute after the break, the Dutch took the lead for the first time in the game. It looked like Spain were heading into the second leg at home with a defeat, but three minutes into stoppage time they managed to rescue a draw, and the sides will head to Spain with the tie firmly in the balance at 2-2. Â

As for Porro himself, it was another full game completed for him, as his minutes continue to rise in a very intense season for him – albeit he did not play in the defeat to Fulham last weekend. It was definitely not his best performance, as he failed to replicate his impressive displays in the group stage. Â

The aforementioned second leg will take place on Sunday, the 23rd of March, and will kick off at 19:45 GMT. The winners of that will proceed to the Nations League final four to take place in the summer, and will play two games regardless of their semi final result, with a third place play off also scheduled to take place. Â

Source