Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Tue 14 April 2026 8:45, UK

Nuno Espirito Santo will be preparing West Ham United to face Crystal Palace, with Darren England now officially named referee.

The Hammers had an excellent weekend of results, securing three points against Wolves while both Tottenham and Nottingham Forest failed to win.

Life could have been much better if Leeds had joined the pair of Nuno’s former employers in faltering, but alas, there is still plenty of positivity seeping through.

However, that could be hit with a negative blow as the Premier League announces who will take charge in the centre circle at Selhurst Park.

Ahead of West Ham’s clash against Crystal Palace, Nuno will not be happy with who has been appointed.

What officials will take charge of West Ham’s trip to Crystal Palace?

The full set of referee appointments has been made for the upcoming gameweek 33, where the Hammers travel to Selhurst Park.

It is a London derby, and West Ham will be hoping to continue their quest to survive Premier League relegation.

As mentioned, England will take charge of proceedings in the middle of the pitch, with the rest of his team listed in the table above.

Why Nuno will not be happy with Darren England’s appointment

There is quite a bit of history between Nuno and England, with controversy stretching back to 2024, while the Portuguese manager was in charge of Nottingham Forest.

On that occasion, the now-Hammers boss felt England missed an obvious error as Ivan Toney moved forward with the placement of the ball for a Brentford free kick.

The English striker was clever, moving both the ball and the grass which had been sprayed by the referee’s white marks.

Toney would ultimately score from the effort, with Nuno stating in the aftermath: “Too bad that the referee didn’t spot it or the linesman. The referee should have seen it because there is a mark, and there is clear ball displacement.”

This season, England was also involved in another negative decision against Nuno. He sent Lucas Paqueta off with two quick yellow cards for dissent in the Hammers’ 2-0 loss to Liverpool.

Additionally, another negative omen for facing Palace is the fact that over the last eight West Ham matches with England in charge, the Irons have only secured one win.

That was a 2-0 win against Burnley back in February 2026.

Overall, there is plenty of reason for Nuno to be unhappy with this appointment, but the Hammers boss will have to keep trudging on and continue West Ham’s excellent form in spite of any feelings he may have.