GOODMAN TALKS XHAKA/SAFC/ENGLAND

Former Sunderland striker Don Goodman spoke to ALS about the Granit Xhaka transfer saga, Sunderland's upcoming Europa League campaign, and England's World Cup chances. Plus, we had to ask him how he compared to Brian Brobbey as a number nine and Don gave us a good merchandise idea...

Goodman spoke to us exclusively via sports betting site talkSPORT Bet.

THOUGHTS ON XHAKA LATEST?

“When I watch him play and listen to him speak, I see and hear an honest, honourable human being who has completely bought into the Sunderland project. He led them terrifically from the front and drove Sunderland to heights they could only have dreamed of prior to the start of last season. His decision to stay only enhances the high regard in which I hold him. I completely understand why Chelsea wanted him. He dictates games, acts like a head coach on the pitch, raises standards, and demands those same high standards from everyone around him. We spoke about him a lot last year, and he was on my shortlist for Player of the Season without hesitation. When you take all of the circumstances into account, he was brilliant. So, yes, he has absolutely gone up in my estimation by making it clear that he is going to continue with the Sunderland project.”

EUROPA FOOTBALL BRINGS CHALLENGES

“Yeah, when you look at it, juggling European football while trying to achieve Premier League success is notoriously difficult. Look at last season's table, Chelsea, Newcastle, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, and Spurs all competed in Europe, and they all had really disappointing domestic campaigns. In fact, Forest and Spurs found themselves in a genuine relegation battle. Of those five clubs, Chelsea finished the highest in the Premier League in 10th place. So, Régis Le Bris won't be under any illusions about how tough it is to balance a European campaign with the weekly grind of the top flight. I think the hierarchy will understand exactly how difficult it's going to be as well, and I expect them to back him again. There will likely be quite a few additions made across all areas of the pitch. The silver lining is that because there is European football on offer now, maybe, just maybe, they can attract an even higher calibre of player.”

WHO DO YOU WANT TO SEE US PLAY IN EUROPE?

“I’m guessing that’s a loaded question, referencing the famous song, 'Have you ever seen a Mackem in Milan?’ That's what Newcastle fans like to sing. But, honestly, it would have to be one of the Milans, wouldn't it? An away trip to Milan would be incredible if possible.”

BIG BAD DON T-SHIRT

“I've still got one of those shirts, yeah! Brilliant. Perhaps you should recreate one for Brian Brobbey… Big Bad Bri."

WHO IS STRONGER, DON GOODMAN OR BRIAN BROBBEY?

“My overriding emotion would be that when I was his age, I reckon I'd be quicker than him. But if we had a physical bounce-off, I reckon I'd probably end up on the floor! So, yeah, I guess I wouldn't fancy that. There's definitely scope for a "Big Bad Bri" t-shirt, though. I reckon they'd fly off the shelves, to be fair!”

WORLD CUP SO FAR

“Prior to the Mexico game, you'd have to say England were functional and, in parts, a little bit lacklustre. But that night felt massive. It felt like a huge obstacle was overcome in the Azteca Stadium. They had to show game management, they had to stay calm, they had to be courageous, and they had to show real quality. They had to overcome adversity in so many different ways, the altitude, the home fans, and dealing with refereeing decisions. But they did it. If that result doesn't give them absolute belief, then nothing will, really."

WHO WILL WIN IT?

“I would love to say England will win it, but when you watch France, you just can't see past them. You couldn't pull a "Paraguay" on them with the dark arts and all of that. France are simply the best team. I remember covering Spain's first game against Italy in Euro 2024 and thinking, wow. Right from the off, they were clearly the best team, and they ended up winning the whole thing. You can see that exact same trait with France right now. The only caveat is that football can be the most unpredictable sport on planet Earth. So, let's see what happens, but France are definitely the standout team so far.”