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Another week, another mixed bag for England's globetrotting stars, with some absolutely dazzling while others faced harsh realities and brutal Spanish media criticism. From defensive nightmares in La Liga to a derby masterclass in Serie A, and even a goal-scoring surge past Lionel Messi in MLS, the narrative couldn't be more varied. Here's your definitive roundup of how the Brits abroad fared.
Key Takeaways from Europe & Beyond
- Trent Alexander-Arnold endured a torrid time at Real Madrid, with his defensive frailties heavily scrutinized by the Spanish press.
- Marcus Rashford's dip in form saw him benched for Barcelona, drawing "disastrous" reviews and raising doubts about his future.
- Fikayo Tomori was immense for AC Milan in their derby victory, proving a defensive rock and boosting his England World Cup prospects.
- Mason Greenwood continued his goal-scoring heroics for Marseille, but tactical concerns linger over his individualism.
- Sam Surridge's brace propelled Nashville SC, surprisingly putting him ahead of Lionel Messi in the MLS scoring charts this week.
Alexander-Arnold's Defensive Crisis at Real Madrid
It was a narrow escape for Alvaro Arbeloa's Real Madrid, snatching a 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo thanks to a late Federico Valverde deflection. However, the post-match talk in Spain quickly shifted to the defensive struggles, particularly concerning Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The former Liverpool star once again looked uncomfortable, especially during Celta's 25th-minute equalizer. He was easily outmaneuvered in the build-up, registering only one tackle throughout the entire match. The Spanish press didn't hold back. Marca labeled his defensive contribution "incredibly weak," while Diario Sport called his situation "very worrying," stating he was "completely outmatched in every aspect." If this trend continues, Dani Carvajal's return could see Alexander-Arnold dropped, jeopardizing his spot in England's 2026 World Cup squad.
Rashford's Barcelona Blip: Form Dip and Future Doubts
While Marcus Rashford boasts impressive overall stats for Barcelona this season, his recent form has hit a roadblock. The Manchester United loanee has failed to register a goal or assist in his last four La Liga outings, culminating in a premature substitution after 62 minutes during Barca's hard-fought 1-0 win against Athletic Club.
His performance was plagued by turnovers, giving up possession 13 times and delivering only two accurate crosses. Spanish outlets were unforgiving: Diario AS described it as "disastrous," and Sport noted his "lacklustre" display and inability to beat his marker. With Barcelona yet to confirm their buy-option, these performances are doing little to convince the board. Despite a potentially clearer path to the England squad than Alexander-Arnold, Anthony Gordon is currently making a stronger case for a starting XI spot.
Tomori's Derby Masterclass for Milan
In a highly anticipated Derby della Madonnina, AC Milan pulled off a stunning 1-0 victory against league leaders Inter, securing their first league double over their rivals in 15 years. At the heart of this defensive triumph was Fikayo Tomori, who delivered a colossal performance.
Playing on the right of a three-man defense, Tomori was instrumental in shutting down Inter's attack, restricting them to just one shot on target. He recorded four ground duel wins, four clearances, and an 83 percent pass completion rate, all while battling through a suspected muscle issue. His resilience and rock-solid display not only revitalized Milan's faint title hopes but also cemented his status as a dark horse for England's World Cup squad.
Greenwood's Goalscoring Prowess & Persistent Questions
Mason Greenwood continues to be Marseille's talisman, netting the decisive goal in their 1-0 victory over Toulouse. This marks his 25th goal of the season and 15th in Ligue 1, putting him firmly in contention for the top scorer award. His clinical finish propelled Marseille back into third place, keeping their Champions League qualification hopes alive.
However, the afternoon wasn't without its caveats. New manager Habib Beye controversially substituted the 24-year-old just after the hour mark, citing a yellow card and Greenwood's "instinctive" nature. Beye also hinted at tactical concerns, noting Greenwood's tendency not to stay in his assigned attacking axis. This echoes previous criticisms about his defensive work rate and individualism, which might still hinder his path to one of Europe's elite clubs.
Sterling's Rocky Road at Feyenoord
Raheem Sterling's start to life at Feyenoord has been undeniably challenging. After arriving in February without competitive action since May, his full debut against NAC in a 3-3 draw proved difficult. Registering a meager 0.16 expected goals and 0.03 expected assists in 63 minutes, he missed a clear-cut chance and failed to complete a single cross.
Following the game, an awkward ESPN interview saw the reporter playfully challenge Sterling on his missed opportunity. While admitting he needs to "get the cobwebs off," his commitment to reaching his "old level" remains clear. With a short-term contract until the end of the season, Sterling needs to shake off the rust quickly to secure his future in Rotterdam.
Surridge Surges Past Messi in MLS
Across the Atlantic, Sam Surridge is making headlines, impressively outscoring Lionel Messi this past weekend. The Nashville SC striker bagged a crucial brace in his team's 3-1 triumph over Minnesota, vaulting him to joint-top scorer in MLS with four goals – matching Joao Klauss of LA Galaxy.
Surridge's performance was lauded by coach BJ Callaghan, who praised his "tremendous courage and bravery" after the striker played through illness. His first goal came from diverting a shot, and his third showcased nimble footwork before a powerful finish. With 17 league goals on home soil since 2025, the former England U21 international is thriving in the US, making a strong case for Nashville's playoff aspirations and proving to be a genuine threat in the MLS Golden Boot race.
