The Guardian

Improvements to the car are paying off as the team look to lay the groundwork for renewed success next season The importance for Max Verstappen of emerging triumphant from the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia was writ large in the Dutchman’s pleasure at finally being able to drive a competitive car. In a ride with which he was comfortable and able to take to a dominant victory for Red Bull, Verstap…

Eckert was charged by FA with misconduct Southampton found to have spied on three opponents Southampton’s manager, Tonda Eckert, has been given a six-week suspended ban by the Football Association for his part in the Spygate scandal that landed the club with a four-point penalty and expulsion from last season’s Championship playoffs. The outcome means Eckert can continue in the dugout, starting w…

Nothing compares to sport’s contrasts, and few are as stark as the exits of two defining icons of the modern football era. As one continues to negotiate his grand departure from the international stage in a swirl of petulant rancour, bitterness and posturing, the other’s farewell was – up to a point – a study in dignified grace. Ignoring the somewhat jarring moment when an otherwise quite touchin…

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, John Brewin and Lucy Ward as Harry Kane equals the all-time England appearance record in a 3-0 win over Czechia. Continue reading...

‘Trampoline effect’ can make some feel unwell German club ‘regret the ​unavoidable measures’ The German club Bochum have banned their supporters from ⁠jumping up and down in unison in part of their stadium as ⁠the tribune ⁠movement ​makes some spectators feel unwell. Engineers ⁠investigated the structure as part of a Ruhrstadion upgrade plan and cleared its load-carrying ⁠capacity. Their report, …

Demand for Springboks and All Blacks outstrips hosts England lost 42-21 to Ireland in last Twickenham game England have been outstripped by South Africa and New Zealand in demand for tickets for the Nations Championship finals weekend at their own stadium in an embarrassing snub for Steve Borthwick’s side. Six rankings matches will all take place at Twickenham next month – two on Friday, two on S…

There has been no new manager bounce, Ben Gannon-Doak is playing in an odd position and the wider plan looks flawed Scotland are staring at a third-place finish in Group B1 of the Nations League , which will have repercussions for their seeding in Euro 2028 qualifying. More striking, though, was the general standard of performance over Sébastien Pocognoli’s first four games as manager. Continue r…

The 1990s felt like a golden age, but there are 21 British players in Serie A this season – more than ever before By The Football Mine What do Jimmy Greaves, Ray Wilkins, David Beckham, Paul Gascoigne and Kyle Walker have in common? They all made more than 50 appearances for England as well as playing for Italian clubs. While they are household names, the first Englishman to represent an Italian …

American involved in disputed point during tournament Gauff called out ‘insane’ amount of abuse online Coco Gauff said she had been left drained by the racist abuse she experienced during the China Open after losing in the last 16 to Elise Mertens. The American was dismayed earlier this week after an incident during her match against Chinese teenager Sun Xinran. The 16-year-old thought she had hi…

Four-year-deal secures Spaniard’s future until 2030 Title winner now among best-paid managers in the world Mikel Arteta has promised “this is only the beginning” of what he can achieve as Arsenal manager after signing a new long-term contract that will take his reign of the club beyond a decade. The Spaniard is understood to have signed a four-year deal that will secure his future until 2030. It …

In an exclusive interview, former Ipswich manager talks of his lasting affection for the club, savouring time out with family and friends and ideas for his next move It was on the Portman Road pitch, bathed in bright early May light while immersed in the relief and joy of a third promotion in five years, that Kieran McKenna realised the moment was right. The thought had flickered earlier in the s…

Commission concluded in July threat level was low Manchester City whistleblower given 10 days’ notice Portuguese authorities kept Rui Pinto in the dark for almost three months about their decision to end his status as a protected witness and notified the Manchester City whistleblower 10 days before it was due to expire, it can be revealed. According to documents seen by the Guardian, the special …

‘It doesn’t look like proper cricket,’ says Faf du Plessis as Canada’s Super60 tournament raises a few eyebrows Have you heard about Schrödinger’s six? When a cricket ball has spawned off the edge of the bat and flown all of 35 metres, is that really a six at all? How about when it comes in a hulking yet virtually empty 50,000-seater stadium in Canada, the ball smashed into the empty stands and k…

The Broncos demolished the second tier, winning 26 of their 27 games, but promotion is not only decided on the pitch By No Helmets Required Two years ago this week, London Broncos were relegated from Super League, their ground had flooded and their owner had walked away after spending £24m of his private fortune. The club were soon asking supporters to save them. They did – and fans wearing last …

Messi addresses crowd after scoring in win against Benin ‘Not coming any more is going to be deeply painful’ Lionel Messi described his retirement from international football as the “saddest day of my career” after playing his final game for Argentina in a 3-0 defeat of Benin. Messi, who scored and provided two assists in the victory at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, took to the field af…