The Guardian

‘It’s British humour and I can take it,’ says England head coach Tuchel says his side have achieved something ‘special’ Thomas Tuchel laughed off the mockery from the fans and hailed his side for achieving something special after England qualified for the World Cup finals tournament with a 5‑0 win against Latvia in Riga. The head coach was in good spirits after another fine display and he did not…

Agents who take players to unregistered competitions also face ban Rules will ‘protect future of the game’, ARLC chair Peter V’landys says The NRL has vowed to ban any player who leaves the code for R360 for 10 years, as it fights to fend off the threat of the breakaway rugby competition. In a statement on Wednesday, the NRL also threatened to ban any agent if they take a player to the rebel comp…

Royal Albert Hall to host Grand Sumo Tournament marking only the second time a full competition is held overseas They play Major League Baseball at the Olympic Stadium, Tottenham’s ground is a second home for the National Football League, the National Basketball Association is staging a game at the 02 Arena next year, and South Africa just beat New Zealand in a rugby Test at Twickenham, but it’s …

World Cup 2026 cohosts defeat Socceroos 2-1 in Colorado USA captain Christian Pulisic injured; Jordan Bos opens scoring USA captain Christian Pulisic was forced off early with a lower leg complaint as the World Cup cohosts scrapped to a 2-1 win over Australia at Dick’s Sporting Goods Stadium in Colorado on Wednesday. A first-half double from striker Haji Wright cancelled out a shock opening goal …

Our cartoonist on a smooth journey towards the World Cup for England against a backdrop of flags and uproar Buy a copy of this cartoon in our Print Shop David’s latest book, Chaos in the Box: get it now Continue reading...

Qualification has been so easy it gives little indication how the side will fare against big hitters at the World Cup As Harry Kane stepped up to make it 3-0 to England with the final kick of the first half at a wet, chilly and deflated Daugava Stadium it was strange to think that there was a time when the very act of reaching a major tournament was an event in its own right. It is not supposed t…

Ronaldo double includes 41st World Cup qualifying goal Republic of Ireland keep dream alive with Armenia win Cristiano Ronaldo set a record for World Cup qualifying goals but the Group F leaders Portugal were denied early World Cup qualification by a late Hungary equaliser to snatch a 2-2 draw. Two Ronaldo goals – the first his 40th in qualifying to set the landmark – put Portugal on the verge of…

Potter had seven years in charge of club side Östersund ‘I love Swedish football. It would be a great opportunity’ Graham Potter has said he would be interested in taking over as Sweden’s new manager because he “loves” the country that gave him his first opportunity in coaching. The former Blackburn manager Jon Dahl Tomasson was sacked on Tuesday after a disastrous start to their World Cup qualif…

US president says games could be moved due to safety Boston street takeovers, LA wildfires are blamed Donald Trump has again said he’d pressure Fifa to remove 2026 World Cup games from a host city on the basis of that city’s politics, with Boston becoming the third such city to come in for threats from the US president. Trump also said he would consider similar action against Los Angeles for the …

It started in Scotland and it still hasn’t finished yet. That night at Hampden was only Luis de le Fuente’s second as Spain coach; it also felt like it might be his last. Two Scott McTominay goals defeated the seleccion but while just about everyone else thought his spell would be brief, he was talking about a pathway opening and here’s the thing: the man accused of living in Disneyland back then…

Bucks star says he wants finish career in Greece Antekokounmpo plans NBA exit before age 40 After reaffirming his commitment to the Milwaukee Bucks in the offseason, All- Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo went on Greek television and said he would like to finish his playing career in his native Greece. A two-time MVP, Antetokounmpo is under contract with the Bucks for his 13th and 14th seasons t…

Family blames team for pitcher’s fatal overdose Lawyer says Angels ignored staff drug problems Civil suit seeks $118m in damages from franchise The Los Angeles Angels should be held responsible for the drug overdose death of one of its star pitchers because the team failed to follow its own drug policies and let an addicted and drug dealing employee stay on the job and have access to the players,…

Former bowler hits back after Warner predicts 4-0 win Cook backs Pope to retain No 3 spot ahead of Bethell The pre-Ashes barbs continue to fly, with Stuart Broad saying that England will face “probably the worst Australian team since 2010” on tour this winter. The former England bowler’s claim was in response to David Warner – an Ashes foe of Broad’s – predicting a 4-0 victory for the hosts. “If …

Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now! Something is rotten in the state of … Sweden, though it’s a Dane taking the blame. Jon Dahl Tomasson, one-time Newcastle flop turned elite Feyenoord and Milan forward and former Blackburn manager, has just been sent packing after presiding over historic failure as manager of his neighbouring country. “Resign JDT” read one banner in Stockholm’s n…

Relationship between Rovers’ trust and owners Mark and Nicola Palios is fractious, while club struggle in League Two “You, the lifeblood of this football club, can really help us,” the Tranmere manager, Andy Crosby, wrote as he made an impassioned attempt in his programme notes to galvanise the fanbase before the defeat by Barnet on Saturday made it seven games without a victory in League Two and…