Michael Cox

The 2024 version of The Mixer is out now. The most comprehensive account of the Premier League’s on-pitch development over its first 32 years. Amazon link ⬇️ amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/000870…

Patri Guijarro has probably been the most consistent player at Euro 2025 so far and it’s not unreasonable to talk about her in Ballon d’Or terms. Here’s how she keeps Spain and Barcelona together, on and off the pitch. With @Laia_Cervello ⬇️ nytimes.com/athletic/65084…

Another sluggish start, another comeback, another progression to the next round. It's essentially England's usual script, not just at this tournament but in 2022 and 2023 too. nytimes.com/athletic/65098…

one thing the women's Euros lacks is shocks. There's a big six: England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden. And they don't lose to the others, who are P27, W0, D1, L26 against them in 2022 & 2025. Italy v England is the final chance for an upset. nytimes.com/athletic/65067…

the good thing about last night’s game being in Basel was that you could warm up for France v Germany in Switzerland by walking from France to Germany to Switzerland, and I’m pleased to say I did.

Laughably bad from France, but fair play to Germany for possibly the most impressive performance I’ve seen from a side down to ten (for 105 minutes!). 4-4-1, tireless wingers and a centre-forward who can buy fouls. nytimes.com/athletic/65041…

France with perhaps the most feeble display of football I've ever seen. Obviously you never have any faith in them to get the job done but that was just remarkable. Honestly, relegate them to the bottom Nations League tier or something for that.

England through and Sweden out. A brilliant tactical battle, then a terrible penalty shootout. Wiegman used her bench effectively yet again, but the turning point in the game was her switching her two centre-backs midway through the first half. ⬇️ nytimes.com/athletic/65011…

Time for the biennial "maybe Sweden can actually win it this time" phase. The best defence in the group stage, the loudest fans and, somehow fittingly, the most modest team hotel. nytimes.com/athletic/64905…

Aitana Bonmati talks to @Laia_Cervello about her meningitis diagnosis, training on the day she left hospital and her frustration at having to wait to return.

Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson will depart after the Euros. A great character, yes, but also a fascinating coach: a winner of the (men's) Swedish Cup, a big admirer of Wiegman, and someone who takes pride in players making tactical decisions themselves. ⬇️ nytimes.com/athletic/64978…

The Netherlands needed to win by three goals. They left out their 100-goal top scorer Miedema. And then they lost by three goals. But it was clearly the right call. nytimes.com/athletic/64918…

off to Netherlands v France tonight in Basel. Didn’t fancy the chances of a Dutch win much…until google told me I should get this tram there