sports
March 12, 2026
English clubs have week to forget in Champions League – but is that a bad thing?
Of six teams in the last 16, only two – Arsenal and Liverpool – look more likely than not to get to the quarter-finals. But does it matter?
TL;DR
- Six Premier League teams played their Champions League last-16 first legs, resulting in four defeats and two draws.
- Only Arsenal and Liverpool are considered more likely than not to advance to the quarter-finals.
- The Premier League's financial superiority is not translating into consistent European success.
- The article critiques the Premier League's model as a 'messy and overheated' aggregation of talent rather than a culturally coherent structure.
- This underperformance might be beneficial for European football by promoting greater competition.
- The lack of a clear English playing style and the reliance on foreign talent are highlighted as issues affecting the national team's prospects.
- The Premier League's success is largely attributed to salesmanship and wealth, not a deep-rooted footballing culture.
- The article suggests that European leagues that maintain a distinct playing culture may be better positioned for long-term success.
- It is argued that if the Premier League falls short, it might be forced to improve its standards, though this is presented with skepticism.
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