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Tottenham Hotspur fans are finding out which of their players are going to be in action at the 2026 World Cup in North America this summer, and with how poorly Spurs are playing in their worst ever season in history with relegation from the Premier League still very much a possibility on Matchday 38, it is no surprise to see that many key players, like striker Richarlison, have not been picked by their national team managers.

Similarly for the English national team, most of the Tottenham players are nowhere near contention for the squad selected by Thomas Tuchel this summer, but one player did make it to the summit, fullback Djed Spence.

Even Tottenham fans who like Spence as a player have to be surprised that he will be headed to the World Cup as a fullback in Tuchel's squad when the starting right back for Real Madrid and one of the best technical players and creators in the world won't be making it for the Three Lions in Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Trent Alexander-Arnold got snubbed badly

Say what you want about Trent, but he is a fabulous player who can produce gilt edged chances out of thin air, and he's been playing very well for an underperforming Real Madrid team these last several weeks. Tuchel clearly has an agenda against Trent and doesn't see him as a fit for whatever his tactical ideas are, but not having Trent at all as an option in the squad is a massive gamble.

It's also not like Djed Spence is a great direct competitor to Trent Alexander-Arnold on the grounds of quality. He's a very mediocre player who could be out of North London by this time next year once Brazilian prospect Souza hits the ground running at left back, which is where Spence mostly plays.

A decent squad player for the rotation, Spence is a depth guy on a Tottenham Hotspur team that is one of the worst teams in the Premier League, so Thomas Tuchel thinking that a Spurs backup is ripe for the England national team squad over, again, Real Madrid's starting right back is a very, very bold call indeed.

Since Spence is not a vital player for Tottenham, the risk of him getting injured in the England squad does not at all outweight the benefit of him getting to go to the World Cup with a team good enough to have reached the last European Championship Final. Spence is about to get a boost in profile and transfer value from this, so it's a pleasant surprise for Spurs.

When Tottenham Hotspur actually fell to 18th place last month, it felt like its destiny might arrive far sooner than we realized: West Ham was in a decent form, while Spurs had taken just one point in eight league contests, opening up a very real possibility of relegation being certain before the season even expired. Then, Tottenham went four straight matches unbeaten, with a chance to wrap up safety a week or two ahead of the finale.

Instead, we actually are here, the final day, with everything to play for. A significant gap in goal difference means Spurs are safe with any point, while only a Tottenham loss-West Ham win combination will cement the nightmare. The odds say that is unlikely, but the sinking feeling in every supporter’s heart speaks to how realistic that actually may be.

To repeat: Tottenham only needs a draw to make this all go away. North London has not been the most profitable locale, but the stadium will be there for its side when it matters most (at least to start…) Everton is winless in six and is playing for nothing but pride. To even be in this situation is still hard to process, but the escape route is sitting there, wide open.

Match Details

Date: Sunday, May 24

Time: 11:00 am ET, 4:00 pm UK

Tottenham vs. Everton

Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

TV: NBC (US), Sky Sports Main Event (UK)

West Ham United vs. Leeds United

Location: London Stadium, London

TV: USA Network (US), Sky Sports Football (UK)

The reverse fixture was one of Spurs’ best this season, with the visitors claiming a 3-0 win despite a relatively equal performance per xG. Somehow Micky van de Ven recorded a first-half brace, while Pape Sarr put away the capper late. That match was multiple managers ago, but it should be noted that Tottenham has beaten Everton in four straight home contests.

fin.

I am too emotionally spent to say anything meaningful about this match (and realllllly do not want to be previewing matches in the Championship next season). Everyone in the entire world can see that the Spurs attack is severely limited right now, but Roberto De Zerbi’s side just needs to find a way sneak a couple across the line. Playing for a draw seems unwise here, so there must be some urgency, especially with an anxious crowd.

Mentality is hard to quantify, but oh boy, I do not want to see how things look if Spurs are down with 20 minutes to go. Even a level scoreline would make the second half extremely dicey, as this squad has failed time and time again when the pressure is greatest. Go ahead early, though, and the Toffees may simply lack the motivation to mount any sort of comeback.

Perhaps the same could be said about Leeds, who also are playing for nothing at this point, though Tottenham knows exactly how tricky this opponent can be. Leeds have not lost in the league since early March and have just three losses over the past 16 contests. West Ham certainly could win this one, and trusting in someone else’s result is a dangerous game, but there is a small safety net here.

If Spurs do go down, however, it has nothing to do with West Ham or Leeds. This season has been unacceptable and unimaginable, and the club has no one to blame but itself. Yes, injuries and officiating and all sorts of factors played a part, but how Tottenham Hotspur Football Club sits 90 minutes away from relegation is beyond belief. From the very top all the way on down, enormous changes are needed. All of that can wait until Monday; survival is all that matters.

The final day of the 2026-27 season is approaching fast, and the reality of possible relegation from the Premier League edges ever closer for West Ham.

However, while the chance of safety feels slim, could Hammers fans still find some hope in the home form of their relegation rivals Tottenham?

If Spurs fail to pick up any points on Sunday when they welcome Everton to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and West Ham do their job against Leeds at home and secure a vital win, survival would be confirmed for Nuno Espirito Santo's side.

Spurs' home form is the joint-worst in the league alongside already-relegated Burnley, having only picked up 12 points on their own turf, winning two games, drawing six and losing 10.

To add to this, Tottenham's opponents Everton have amassed 26 points on the road - a tally bettered only by champions Arsenal and runners-up Manchester City.

And while West Ham have almost equally struggled at London Stadium and on their travels, another factor that may give some additional hope for fans of the east London club is that opponents Leeds' away form leaves a lot to be desired too.

Daniel Farke's men have picked up 15 points on the road - with only relegated Burnley and Wolves taking fewer - having won just twice, drawing nine times and recording seven defeats.

So, do these numbers give you some hope West Ham could pull off a final-day escape? Or are you already resigned to relegation?

Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero will be on the other side of the world instead of watching the club’s biggest game in half a century.

The 28-year-old is injured after damaging knee ligaments in a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland last month and, instead of watching the crucial match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against Everton on Sunday, will be supporting his boyhood team in Argentina.

Romero posted a picture with his family on a private jet as he sent a congratulations message to Belgrano who reached the Argentina championship play-off final against River Plate. Romero was born in Cordoba and came through the youth ranks at Belgrano before leaving for Genoa in 2019.

Romero did not attend Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat at Chelsea in midweek which leaves them still needing a point against David Moyes’s men. If Tottenham are beaten – and West Ham United beat Leeds United at the Olympic Stadium – Spurs will be relegated for the first time since 1977. Romero had been in the Tottenham camp earlier in the week before returning to Argentina.

Belgrano have not won the Argentina championship in their 121-year history and president Luis Artime confirmed Romero would watch the final and said he had granted the player permission to use their training facilities as he continues his rehabilitation.

Romero, who was made Tottenham captain last year by Thomas Frank, is keen to prove his fitness to Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni as they look to defend their World Cup crown next month.

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has previously backed Romero, who left the pitch in tears when he was injured by his own goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky at Sunderland. De Zerbi said: “Cristian is a big player, an amazing guy [who] has been a great captain in my time even though he didn’t play. We talk on the phone and, when he is here, every morning he comes to my office.”

As he chases international glory with Argentina, Romero is also eyeing a potential move to Spain at club level. A move to Atlético Madrid fell through last year but he is believed to be a target for Barcelona.

Romero signed a new Spurs contract in August tying him to the club until 2029 and when De Zerbi was asked if he expected him to be part of the squad next season, he said: “It’s a good question but it is the wrong timing. The most important is how much the player wants to stay in this club. We are going to take all the decisions after the Everton game.”

Inter Milan were close to sealing a deal to sign Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, but put the move on hold for Arsenal star Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Per Gazzetta dello Sport, they are eyeing a move for the Arsenal shot-stopper to challenge Josep Martinez for a starting role, with the Tottenham number one likely deemed too expensive.

Arsenal signed Arrizabalaga last summer for £5 million, and he has been an effective back-up but may take the chance to compete for a starting berth in Italy.

There is a reason they were chasing the Spurs goalie. Yan Sommer is leaving this summer, opening up an opportunity to snap up the number one shirt.

They are considering approaching Arsenal as they appreciate Arrizabalaga’s profile despite almost agreeing a £17 million deal with Tottenham.

It remains to be seen if Arrizabalaga will be keen on an Arsenal exit after a very successful season in North London, which could force Inter back to the negotiating table with Spurs.

Arrizabalaga is now a two-time Champions League winner, Europa League champion, and has a Premier League medal to boot.

The record goalkeeper signing (£71.5 million) has also been part of Spain’s international successes.

Despite his shot-stopping flaws, he is an experienced winner and a reliable presence when it comes to penalties.

He has also become more assertive when claiming aerial balls.

Arrizabalaga knows he might not get the starting berth at Arsenal ahead of David Raya, but things might be different in Italy.

It will be one for him and the Gunners hierarchy to ponder.

As for Spurs, whether Vicario leaves or not, they clearly need a new number one, with Antonin Kinsky expected to provide competition between the sticks.

One of the reasons why Tottenham have struggled this season is the inconsistency in the last line of defence.

This weakness is something they must address in the summer transfer window.

Good morning, dear hoddlers. We’ve been waiting for this all week: the final weekend of the Premier League season. It’s also EFL Championship Playoff Final weekend. There’s so much to do, so much to talk about. So today we’re doing a BOGO hoddle – Let’s dive in

——

Hoddle of Coffee, Part 1: The EFL Championship Playoff Final

I find it hard to believe there is an avenue in which this game doesn’t get played. Not with the amount of advertising revenue the game will generate.

But that’s what Hull are hoping for. Hull City’s owner said the club is exploring its legal options for automatic promotion to the Premier League after Southampton were expelled from the playoff final for spying on Middlesbrough, Ipswich Town and Oxford United

So now it’s Hull City versus Boro in the final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. I don’t know what to make of it all, but there probably is going to be a football match.

It’s an odd situation where the biggest storyline isn’t about the players or the money (it’s the richest game in football, haven’t you heard?), but litigation and potentially more penalties for a club that has already been expelled from the final and is due to face a points deduction next season.

On the football side, what I do know is the clubs split the season 1-1, with their last game coming in December. That’s way too much time to think about form or anything else.

I do like Hull’s two attackers in Oli McBurnie and Joel Gelhardt, so they have a little more firepower.

But Boro are also playing with house money, and one wonders how much freedom they’ll be playing with.

Fitzie’s track of the day, part one: The Funeral, by Band of Horses

———

Hoddle of Coffee, Part 2: Matchday 38

With the undercard out of the way, all of my attention will be turned towards Sunday, where Tottenham Hotspur play for their survival in the Premier League.

While Saturday’s match is the most expensive game in club football (haven’t you heard?), Sunday’s fixture carries its own significant financial repercussions that border on existential.

I am already a huge bag of nerves, so maybe Saturday’s game will help distract me.

Either way, this is huge. A point is all Spurs need for survival. I think they showed a lot of fight against Chelsea earlier in the week and, while that game didn’t seal survival, I left feeling confident in their style of play. It actually looked like Tottenham are showing up.

At the risk of using a cliche, Sunday feels like a cup final. And cup finals are one-offs. Form doesn’t matter (home form sure as heck doesn’t matter). Monday’s game doesn’t matter. All that matter is showing up on Sunday and battering the living heck out of Everton to secure survival.

I hope the boys are up for it.

Fitzie’s track of the day, part two: The Final Countdown, by Europe

And now for your links:

Sky Sports: “How Spurs’ hierarchy are trying to transform club regardless of Premier League status”

Jack P-B ($$): “A year on from making history in Bilbao, Tottenham face a game of greater consequence”

Alasdair Gold: “The nine different final day scenarios for Tottenham and Roberto De Zerbi”

BBC: “How Palmer and Foden lost ruthless Tuchel’s battle for number 10 roles”

Tottenham Hotspur star attacking midfielder James Maddison is the best player Spurs have at this point with how many key members of the squad have suffered significant, mostly season ending, injuries. And Madders himself is coming off a torn ACL last year that he is only two games back from, having played a mere five minutes against Leeds United last week and then about 20-25 minutes on Tuesday night at Stamford Bridge.

Spurs are desperate for a difference maker, and though Maddison was unable to turn the tide in either of these two games, his inclusion on the pitch has been an uplifting sight for Spurs supporters that are still seeing dismal results. His technical quality, touch, vision, and passing are clearly light years ahead of his teammates, and so Spurs supporters have been hoping that with one game left in the 2025/26 Premier League season and everything to play for, that Maddison could possibly start.

Spurs have to get a point in order to guarantee survival in the Premier League on Sunday against Everton, otherwise they are putting faith in the hands of a Leeds United side with nothing to play for and a West Ham United side with everything to play for.

James Maddison is not ready

Anyone hoping for James Maddison to start, though, needs to realize that this isn't feasible. Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi himself confirmed after the 2-1 loss to Chelsea that his star No. 10 has not been cleared to play more than 20-25 minutes in a game yet.

De Zerbi said, via the official Tottenham web site, "Yes, but James Maddison can't play more than 20 or 25. I have a medical staff behind me, I am not a doctor, I am not a physical coach and I have to follow what they say, no? But I think we can stay up with James and without James."

It looks like Tottenham are going to have to continue to make do with Maddison as an impact substitute off the bench with Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur forming the abse of the midfield and Conor Gallagher starting as the No. 10.

Gallagher had actually been vital to Tottenham and revived under Roberto De Zerbi in recent weeks, but he came crashing back down to earth with an awful performance against former employers Chelsea on Tuesday night. Spurs need him to do better against Everton - a lot better - if they want to eensure their Premier League survival.

Oliver Glasner has congratulated Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, and Eberechi Eze on their Premier League title success, but his comments might not make Spurs fans too happy.

Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s match away to Crystal Palace this weekend, Palace boss Oliver Glasner gave his congratulations to the club, manager Mikel Arteta, and former Palace player Eberechi Eze.

“I want to congratulate Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, his players & staff for winning the title after 22 years,” Glasner said. “It’s a fantastic job he’s done.

“A special congratulations to Eberechi Eze, he made the right decision to go to Arsenal and not another club.”

Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Though the comments sound innocent enough, they’re unlikely to go down well with Tottenham Hotspur supporters.

When Glasner mentions that Eze joined Arsenal rather than “another club”, the other club in question is very clearly Spurs. The Gunners midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Tottenham up until Kai Havertz’s injury pushed Arsenal into the market, at which point Spurs’ chances disappeared.

It’s pretty inarguable that Eze made the right choice to join Arsenal, given he already has a Premier League title under his belt, with a Champions League final coming up next weekend.

Spurs sit 17th, two points above the relegation zone and still at risk of the drop on the final day.

Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Eze undoubtedly would have helped Spurs avoid their current position, but there’s little chance his impact would have been sufficient to lift them above Arsenal.

There will be no regrets on Eze’s end, but perhaps Spurs fans will feel a little aggrieved that Glasner had to point that out.

Tottenham Hotspur have made so many signings over the years that just don't move the needle or materially help the squad at all, and despite Spurs finally making a couple of moves in the right direction with Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons last summer transfer window, most of the transfers they make are still falling in the column of being non factors.

One of those disappointing moves was made recently in bringing in Conor Gallagher to a bloated transfer fee and wages. And they could yet bring on Marcos Senesi and Andrew Robertson in as free agents this summer if they stay up in the Premier League, overpaying two more players who are either past their primes or about to be.

Now, Patrick Berger of Sky Sports Germany is reporting that Tottenham Hotspur are one of a about a handful of Premier League clubs who have been actively scouting Southampton star Leo Scienza over the past few games in preparation for targeting him as a potential signing in the summer 2026 transfer window.

Tottenham need to keep aiming higher

Scienza has been a very good player since arriving at Southampton with 7 goals and 10 assists in the EFL Championship, and Spurs have had a pretty good track record of signing players from the Saints. But unlike those players from the past, Scienza is not a high upside young player; he is a 27 year old attacking midfielder who is not better than any of the five players who could feasibly play at the 10 - Xavi Simons, James Maddison, Wilson Odobert, Dejan Kulusevski, and, yes, even Conor Gallagher.

While Scienza was awesome for the worst team in the Bundesliga, FC Heidenheim, and has been similarly important to the worst team in the Premier League from the previous season, Leo Scienza is the exact kind of player who isn't going to help Tottenham compete with the other clubs in the Premier League Big Six.

They would just laugh at Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham even more if their response to getting swept by Chelsea and Arsenal this season is to land a player who is 27 and very good but certainly not elite in the Championship, which was the exact same case in the Bundesliga. Scienza is one of those underrated gems who is fun to watch and a bit of a cult hero vibe player, but that does not at all make him a Tottenham level signing.

Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for a goalkeeper this summer, with recent reports suggesting that the club are widening their search beyond the Premier League.

Guglielmo Vicario is set to move on after another injury-hit season in north London. A hernia saw his level of performance drop drastically in 2026 before he finally underwent surgery during the March international break.

Antonn Kinsky has come in for Spurs' No. 1 and recovered remarkably well from his Champions League disaster at Atltico Madrid, even if he was slow to react to Enzo Fernndez's strike from distance on Tuesday night. Overall, the Czech has been a huge positive since Roberto De Zerbi took the reins.

Vicario returned to training last week and was available for the Chelsea game on Tuesday, but De Zerbi stuck with Kinsky. We can safely say that the former Empoli goalkeeper has already played his final game for the club, with Inter Milan his most likely destination this summer.

Now, who Spurs can get in will depend on whether they earn a point at home to Everton on Sunday (or if West Ham United fail to beat Leeds United). Stay in the top flight, and the Lilywhites have every right to aggressively target Vicario's successor. Championship football would likely see Kinsky emerge as our No. 1.

Tottenham scouting beaten Europa League finalist to replace Vicario

A range of familiar Premier League faces have been linked, including James Trafford, Robin Roefs and Bart Verbruggen. I'd be content with any of these starting between the posts in north London next season, but Spurs aren't exclusively scouting goalkeepers in the English top-flight.

The net is now being cast towards the rest of the continent, starting with Freiburg's Noah Atubolu, who was powerless to prevent Aston Villa running riot in the Europa League final on Wednesday night.

The 6'3 23-year-old has only had a so-so season statistically in what's his third as Freiburg's No. 1, but there are intangibles to cherish.

After a series of mistakes at the start of his senior career, Atubolu has started to flourish in the Black Forest. An imposing figure between the posts, the young-stopper is solid all-around. There are no flashy attributes that create a false impression (other than his penalty-saving abilities). Atubolu is consistent and good enough with his feet to survive under De Zerbi. You'd ideally want someone more assertive from crosses, but he backs his impressive reflexes to deal with any trouble that arises. Premier League teams may target his passivity, though.

I think he's good, not outstanding. His steady improvement at Freiburg is encouraging, though. Still, I'd prefer one of the Premier League options that could be on the table.