John Cross, a seasoned chief football writer, has recently shared his personal list of the five most memorable football matches he has covered throughout his career. Highlighting games that combined historic significance, personal milestones, and unforgettable atmospheres, Cross’s rankings offer insight into the moments that have defined his work in sports journalism.
Topping the list is England’s victory in Mexico City during the joint-hosted tournament of 2026. Cross described this match as a career highlight, emphasizing the extraordinary experience of watching England win at the Estadio Azteca—a stadium he noted completed his personal grand slam alongside Wembley, Maracana, Nou Camp, Bernabeu, and La Bombonera. He praised the intense and vibrant atmosphere of the venue, calling it the loudest and best he had encountered, and expressed immense pride in England’s achievement on that occasion.
The second most significant match for Cross was the 2022 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and France, which ended 3-3 before Argentina triumphed 4-2 on penalties. He characterized this encounter as possibly the best and biggest game he had ever covered globally. The match featured standout performances from Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, who notably scored a hat-trick. Cross reflected on the historical importance of the final and the personal distinction of covering what many consider one of the greatest World Cup finals in history.
Third on the list was England’s 2-1 victory over Germany at Wembley during the 2022 European Championship final. Cross recalled the pride of witnessing England’s Lionesses securing a major trophy on home soil. He also noted his unique position as the only chief football writer to cover every England match in that tournament, crediting his sports editor for the opportunity.
The 2018 World Cup semi-final loss to Croatia, where England was defeated 2-1, occupies the fourth spot. Cross described the experience as unforgettable, sharing a poignant memory of confidently anticipating an England final at halftime, despite the eventual defeat. This semi-final remains one of the most emotionally charged matches he has witnessed in his career.
Rounding out the top five is a more recent domestic fixture: Arsenal’s 1-0 win over West Ham in May 2026. Cross acknowledged a degree of recency bias but emphasized the match’s importance in Arsenal’s quest to secure their first league title in 22 years. He highlighted the intense drama of the game, including a last-minute goal by Leandro Trossard and contentious VAR decisions, marking it as a pivotal moment in the club’s history.
Throughout his reflections, Cross also mentioned his personal traditions, such as wearing a smart jacket to England games as both a superstition and a matter of professional standards. While admitting that he has covered larger global fixtures, the personal and historical resonance of these matches remains central to his career narrative.