Ben Stokes has returned to the England cricket squad after discussions with head coach Brendon McCullum, who described the recent events as a "blip". The pair met for over an hour to clear the air regarding reports of a rift, with McCullum expressing strong support for Stokes. Stokes is back in the XI for the third Test against New Zealand.
England coach Brendon McCullum confirmed Ben Stokes is expected to captain the team in the third Test against New Zealand. Stokes and Gus Atkinson were withdrawn from county matches after breaking curfew but Stokes has been playing for Durham, scoring 95 runs. An ECB investigation is ongoing.
Senegal has announced an attack-focused starting lineup for their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against France, featuring Sadio Mané, Nicolas Jackson, and Ismaïla Sarr. Coach Pape Thiaw's 4-3-3 formation blends experience and energy, aiming to exploit space against a strong French side led by Kylian Mbappé.
Young Socceroo Paul Okon-Engstler was overcome with emotion during his World Cup debut against Turkey in Vancouver, shedding tears before kickoff. The 21-year-old midfielder played a key role in Australia's victory, providing an assist and contributing to their strong defense, silencing nepotism rumors despite his father being an assistant coach.
Morocco achieved a FIFA World Cup first by fielding a starting XI entirely composed of players born outside the country in their 1-1 draw against Brazil. The team's strategy of integrating players from its global diaspora was highlighted in the match.
BBC Sport pundits have revealed their predicted starting XI for England's World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17th in Dallas. Key decisions include the defensive pairing, with John Stones favored over Ezri Konsa, and Jude Bellingham selected at number 10.
Curaçao, the smallest nation by population to qualify for a World Cup, faces Germany in Houston. Their journey, marked by logistical challenges like propeller plane travel and unpaid hotel rooms, began in 2003 and saw them become an independent FIFA member in 2011. Despite setbacks, the team's spirit and humility have defined their improbable success.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has 14-15 players in mind for their World Cup opener against Croatia. Key decisions include Jude Bellingham potentially starting at No. 10 over Morgan Rogers, and John Stones and Ezri Konsa favored in central defense over Marc Guehi. Bukayo Saka's fitness is also a concern, with Noni Madueke a possible replacement.
England's World Cup squad numbers offer clues to Thomas Tuchel's starting lineup. Jude Bellingham takes No. 10, Nico O'Reilly No. 3, and Marcus Rashford No. 11, suggesting key roles.
England's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup has been announced by Thomas Tuchel. The team will begin their campaign against Croatia on June 17, with further group matches against Ghana and Panama. The tournament kicks off on June 11 across the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Brighton put their European push back on track by flying out of the blocks en route to beating relegated Wolves at the Amex Stadium.Jack Hinshelwood headed home inside 35 seconds to register Albion’s fastest Premier League goal before the captain, Lewis Dunk, marked his return to the starting XI by nodding in the second just four minutes later. Continue reading...
Brighton put their European push back on track by flying out of the blocks en route to beating relegated Wolves at the Amex Stadium.Jack Hinshelwood headed home inside 35 seconds to register Brighton’s fastest Premier League goal before the captain, Lewis Dunk, marked his return to the starting XI by nodding in the second just four minutes later. Yankuba Minteh completed the scoring late on as the Brighton head coach, Fabian Hürzeler, celebrated his new three-year contract in style. Continue reading...
After 10 years without a Women’s Super League title, City are champions once more – here’s how they did itThe sight of Rebecca Knaak fighting back tears on hearing the full-time whistle last Sunday summed up what this means. The Manchester City defender had sustained a painful shoulder injury during a victory over Liverpool snatched by her late header so probably had her own reasons for finding the combination of relief, soreness and joy a little overwhelming. But her emotions could have been felt by any of the longer-serving season-ticket holders in the stands after a decade-long wait for a Women’s Super League title.When City lifted this trophy in 2016, the landscape of the English women’s game was wholly different. The club, then managed by Nick Cushing, completed the 16-game campaign unbeaten and clinched the title on a day when they deployed a starting XI featuring nine English and two Scottish players from a squad that included only six non-English players. It was a time before the wider, full-time professionalism of the league and the influx of overseas talent. Continue reading...
Arsenal thrashed Fulham 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium with Bukayo Saka producing a virtuoso performance, scoring one goal and assisting two others for Viktor Gyökeres. The victory was Arsenal's most comfortable league win since their 4-1 victory at Tottenham in February, moving them to within six points of Manchester City who have two games in hand. Saka was withdrawn at half-time after his dominant display, while 19-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly made his first senior start in midfield.
Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest meet in the first all-English Europa League semi-final since 2009, with Villa seeking to end a 30-year trophy drought. Villa, led by Unai Emery, have built remarkable stability with eight players from their starting XI 3.5 years ago still capable of starting. Forest, under Vítor Pereira, are unbeaten in eight matches and have scored more Premier League goals than anyone since February. The tie represents Villa's third consecutive major semi-final.
Shardul Thakur came in as a concussion substitute for Mitchell Santner during Mumbai Indians' chase against Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026. Santner was injured in the first innings while attempting a catch. Earlier, Sanju Samson scored his fifth IPL century (101* from 54 balls) to help CSK post 207/6. Mumbai were struggling at 95/7 when the article was written.
