Raducanu’s shortened practice session

Emma Raducanu, the British No 1, cut short a practice session at the All England Club, raising further concerns about her fitness ahead of Wimbledon. This occurred two days before her scheduled opening match. Raducanu had not trained for the preceding two days after being seen in a medical boot on her right foot.

She returned to practice on Saturday afternoon, wearing heavy tape on her right ankle and lower leg. Raducanu warmed up with Anna Kalinskaya on the Aorangi Park practice courts before moving to Court 3 to begin a practice set. Her mood reportedly shifted as she struggled to push off her right ankle while striking the ball.

During the practice set, with the score at 0-4, 0-15, Raducanu netted a backhand while off-balance. She then indicated to Kalinskaya that she could no longer continue. After embracing Kalinskaya at the net, Raducanu and her coaching team left the court with 15 minutes of the session remaining. Kalinskaya and her team completed their court time with feeding drills.

Ongoing injury concerns

Raducanu has been managing a right foot injury since her run to the final at Queen’s Club. This latest physical issue is part of a series of setbacks for the player. She was sidelined for much of the off-season due to a foot injury and struggled with a virus in February. A post-viral illness then kept her off the court for two months between March and May.

The 23-year-old was forced to withdraw from the championships in 2023 following surgery on both wrists and an ankle. She also experienced back pain in the lead-up to Wimbledon 2024. The former US Open champion was managing back pain in the buildup to Wimbledon last year as well.

Raducanu began the grass-court season seeking her first win in three years. She appeared to have found form after playing some of her best tennis to reach the final at Queen’s Club. However, she has not played a match since that final, and her current situation again highlights concerns about her physical condition.

Impact on Wimbledon appearance

Raducanu’s pre-tournament media duties, initially scheduled for Saturday afternoon, were rescheduled for Sunday following her practice session. She is the 30th seed at Wimbledon and is scheduled to face Antonia Ruzic, who is ranked No 60 in the world. Her first-round match is scheduled for 1pm on Monday.

There is now serious doubt whether Raducanu will be able to compete in her scheduled first-round match. Should she need to withdraw, it would mark another setback in what has been described as a stop-start season for the player. The focus for Raducanu is once again on maintaining her physical health rather than solely on improving her game.

This season has been another stop-start one for the former US Open champion, who missed two and a half months with a post-viral illness after falling unwell in February. She played only two matches on clay, but her performance at Queen’s Club, where she reunited with coach Andrew Richardson, seemed to indicate a positive turn. However, the physical demands of that run, which included playing two matches in a single day due to rain, could now affect her prospects at Wimbledon, which commences on Monday.

Source: theguardian.com

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Russell’s decisive lap

George Russell secured pole position for the Austrian Grand Prix following a dramatic qualifying session. His performance came after Max Verstappen crashed at Turn Nine during his final lap. Russell’s quick thinking and precise execution under yellow flag conditions were key to his success.

Russell managed to lift off just enough to comply with regulations, yet maintained sufficient speed to claim pole. This decision allowed him to surpass the Ferrari drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, who had completed their laps. His teammate, Kimi Antonelli, slowed down significantly, believing he saw double yellow flags, which ultimately placed him fourth.

The Briton described his final effort as a “magic lap,” noting that everything “just clicked” during the decisive run. He had not been considered a strong contender for pole earlier in the weekend, lagging behind Antonelli in the initial qualifying sessions. However, he found his rhythm in the third session, finishing his final lap with a significant advantage.

Qualifying controversies and team dynamics

The qualifying session was marked by questions surrounding the yellow flag deployment after Verstappen’s crash. Initially, only a single yellow flag was waved, despite Verstappen’s car hitting the wall at high speed. It took approximately 20 seconds for race control to upgrade this to a double yellow flag, by which time many drivers had already completed their laps.

Verstappen described the situation as “quite crazy,” while Antonelli found it “a bit confusing.” Russell, however, navigated the circumstances correctly. His team principal, Toto Wolff, confirmed that Russell performed a 100-metre lift under the yellow flags, resulting in a loss of about one-and-a-half tenths of a second, yet still securing pole.

Antonelli, who leads the world championship by 41 points over Hamilton and 50 points ahead of Russell, admitted that even without his error, Russell’s time would have been challenging to beat. Antonelli had aborted his lap, mistakenly believing double yellow flags were in effect, which contributed to his fourth-place finish.

Looking ahead to the race

Russell expressed confidence after securing his fourth pole position of the season. He aims to convert this into a win, which would be his first since the opening race in Australia. Despite his recent struggles and a 68-point deficit to Antonelli after Monaco, Russell believes he has the capability to challenge for victories.

The upcoming race appears to be unusually open. Mercedes is expected to be a strong contender, with two cars from both Mercedes and Ferrari potentially influencing strategy. McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri qualified sixth and seventh, respectively, with Norris showing competitive pace during Friday’s race simulations.

Verstappen, despite his crash, will start in fifth place. He and Red Bull are evaluating their race pace compared to their one-lap speed, especially with a significant upgrade introduced this weekend. Hamilton noted that Ferrari has not appeared to be a threat to Mercedes this weekend, despite their engine upgrade, stating that Mercedes has been significantly quicker.

Russell’s pole position marks a significant moment for him, especially after a challenging season that included a retirement from the lead in Canada and struggles with pace in Miami. He is still 50 points behind Antonelli in the championship standings.

The Austrian Grand Prix is scheduled for Sunday.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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Warriors secure vital win

Wigan Warriors moved up to third in the Super League standings after a hard-fought victory over Hull FC at the MKM Stadium. The visitors overcame an early deficit, with Hull FC establishing a 10-4 lead at half-time.

Hull FC‘s strong start saw tries from Lewis Martin and Harvey Barron. Wigan‘s initial response came from Zach Eckersley. Despite Noah Hodkinson scoring for Wigan, Jed Cartwright extended Hull FC‘s lead to eight points. However, Adam Keighran then narrowed the gap, setting the stage for a tense final quarter.

Keighran later converted a penalty to level the score at 16-all as Hull FC accumulated penalties. The winning score came late in the game from Harry Smith, securing the comeback for Wigan. This result places Matt Peet‘s team within four points of the league leaders, Leeds Rhinos, while Hull FC remains in 10th position after their 11th defeat of the season.

Hull FC entered the match having lost five of their last six games, while Wigan was seeking their sixth win in seven. Despite the contrasting form, Hull FC started strongly, with Aidan Sezer setting up Martin for a try within seven minutes.

Injury concerns and player returns

Wigan faced early setbacks with injuries to second row Liam Farrell and prop Luke Thompson within the first 15 minutes, necessitating several team reshuffles. Despite this, Bevan French, making his first start since early March, assisted Eckersley for Wigan‘s first try.

Hull FC capitalised on errors, including a loose pass from Patrick Mago, allowing Barron to score. Later, Hodkinson scored for Wigan to bring the score to 10-8 after the interval. The second half continued with errors and penalties from both sides, with Cartwright breaking through for Hull FC to extend their lead to 16-8.

French had a try disallowed after a review found Smith‘s 40-20 attempt had gone into touch. However, French was involved again shortly after, setting up Keighran for a try and conversion, followed by a penalty to draw level at 16-16 with 12 minutes remaining. The comeback was completed with less than eight minutes left when Smith scored to put Wigan ahead for the first time.

Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet provided updates on several players. Ethan Havard and Liam Marshall are reportedly progressing well in their rehabilitation. Marshall has been out since late April with a hamstring tear and is in week eight of an anticipated 12-week recovery. He is expected to be a month away from returning to the team.

Havard fractured his jaw earlier this month but played through the injury. A return date for him has not yet been specified. Versatile forward Sam Walters is also absent due to a seven-game suspension following a red card in the Challenge Cup final. He has served three games and is set to miss upcoming Super League matches against Hull FC, St Helens (Magic Weekend), Warrington Wolves, and Huddersfield Giants before becoming available again.

Peet noted that both Havard and Walters are working hard in the gym. If rehabilitation proceeds as planned, Marshall could return when Wigan hosts St Helens on July 24, which is also the game when Walters will be available after his suspension. Young player Noah Hodkinson has been filling Marshall‘s position on the wing, scoring 11 tries in seven appearances, including seven in the last two games.

Coaches reflect on the match

Hull FC interim head coach Andy Last expressed disappointment with the result but pride in his team’s effort. He acknowledged Wigan‘s strong form and felt his team performed excellently, particularly in matching Wigan physically. Last noted a slight lack of quality at certain moments but believes the team can gain confidence from going ‘toe-to-toe’ with Wigan.

Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet described the game as very tough, crediting Hull FC for making it a significant challenge. He admitted Wigan did not start the game well, but highlighted the team’s ability to recover from a difficult situation. Peet believes overcoming such a ‘perfect storm’ will benefit the team moving forward.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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Spain has secured its place in the last 32 of the FIFA World Cup as Group H winners, following a victory over Uruguay. The match saw Alex Baena score a late first-half goal for Spain, with the ball squirming over the hands of Fernando Muslera. This result means Uruguay has been eliminated from the group stage for the second consecutive time.

The European champions were already in a strong position to progress before the match, but Baena’s strike in the 42nd minute confirmed their top spot in the group. They will now face the runners-up of Group J in the next stage of the tournament. Uruguay, managed by Marcelo Bielsa, needed a positive outcome to advance but ultimately suffered defeat, ending their campaign with two points from three games.

Match Incidents and Player Changes

The opening half of the match saw Uruguay apply pressure on Spain. However, Spain took the lead when Baena turned and delivered a low shot that eluded Muslera, despite the goalkeeper getting both hands on the ball. This incident occurred after Manuel Ugarte of Uruguay went down following a challenge, with Uruguay expressing dissatisfaction that the ball was not put out of play. Ugarte, a midfielder for Manchester United, received treatment and was eventually stretchered off the pitch.

Muslera, who was making his 137th appearance, was substituted at half-time and replaced by Sergio Rochet. This change followed what was described as Muslera’s third error leading to a goal in as many games. Despite the change, Spain maintained control in the second half, though they were unable to add a second goal. Uruguay attempted a late push to salvage their tournament hopes but did not seriously test Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon.

Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, who was back in the starting lineup for Uruguay, had two clear opportunities within two minutes shortly after the first-half hydration break but failed to convert. Bielsa’s side had been in the ascendancy before Muslera’s error, and it was only in the final 10 minutes that they began to pose a threat to Simon. Spain substitute Ferran Torres hit the crossbar late in the game, as Spain secured their second victory of the tournament. This marks the first time Spain has achieved multiple wins at a World Cup since their triumph in 2010.

Group H Standings and Tactical Approaches

With this result, Spain finishes at the top of Group H with seven points. Uruguay, meanwhile, finished in third position in the group with two points, leading to their elimination. Marcelo Bielsa has now failed to advance past the group stage in two of his three FIFA World Cup campaigns, previously with Argentina in 2002 and now with Uruguay in 2026. His only successful group-stage progression came with Chile in 2010.

Both Spain and Uruguay are known for their distinct tactical approaches. Spain had an expected goals (xG) of 4.4 across their two games prior to this match, scoring four goals against Saudi Arabia. Defensively, they had conceded an expected goals against (xGA) of 0.34 in their matches against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde. Uruguay, with their high-octane style, had an xG of 4.04 in their two previous games, though they had conceded first in both.

Uruguay’s main attacking threat often comes from crosses, having delivered 47 balls into the box against Saudi Arabia and 16 against Cape Verde. Federico Vinas, a key striker for Uruguay, had five shots in their first game, all of which were headers, with three hitting the target. Domestically, Vinas averaged over one headed shot per game in La Liga this season. However, these efforts were not enough to secure progression for Uruguay in this tournament. The match officials included Ismail Elfath as the referee and Tatiana Guzman as the Video Assistant Referee.

Source: bbc.com

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Norway opted to make significant changes to their starting lineup for their World Cup 2026 group stage match against France, with manager Stale Solbakken making 10 alterations. This decision included resting prominent players like Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, despite the fixture being billed as a potential Golden Boot contest between Haaland and France’s Kylian Mbappe. France ultimately secured a 4-1 victory.

The match, which took place in Foxborough, saw Ousmane Dembele score a 25-minute first-half hat-trick for France. Desire Doue added a fourth goal for Les Bleus. Norway‘s only goal came from Thelo Aasgard, while Jorgen Strand Larsen missed a penalty for the Norwegian side.

Managerial decisions and their implications

Solbakken defended his decision to rest players, describing it as a “no-brainer” due to the short turnaround between games. He stated that the health and medical departments, along with some players, were in agreement. The manager noted that five or six players were significantly affected after 80 minutes in their previous game against Senegal, including the entire defensive line and one or two midfielders.

The only consideration against the changes, according to Solbakken, was for the Norway fans who would have wanted to see Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard play. Former England striker Ian Wright commented before the game that if Haaland needed rest for later stages of the tournament, he would take it. Haaland himself had previously expressed his thoughts on facing France, suggesting they would likely win against Norway and potentially the entire tournament.

Norway had already qualified for the knockout stages, having won their previous two group games against Iraq and Senegal. France also secured their spot in the next round by winning all three of their group matches. Assistant coach Guy Stephan, deputising for Didier Deschamps, who was absent, indicated that he was not surprised by Norway‘s changes, understanding that Solbakken was preparing for the round of 32.

Travel and tournament path

The outcome of the match means France topped Group I, setting up a last-32 encounter at the New York New Jersey Stadium on 30 June against the runners-up of Group F or G. Norway, as group runners-up, now face a substantial 1,100-mile journey for their next game. They will travel from Greensboro, North Carolina, to Arlington, Texas, to play Ivory Coast on the same day.

Had Norway topped the group, their travel distance would have been significantly shorter. If Norway defeats Ivory Coast, they would then proceed to New Jersey for a last-16 tie on 5 July against the winners of the Brazil–Japan match.

Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin highlighted the complexities of the travel distances involved. He suggested that ensuring players are fit might have been a primary concern for Norway‘s management. Nevin also noted the physical style of play adopted by Norway, suggesting that avoiding injuries to key players was a priority.

Roy Keane, a former Republic of Ireland midfielder, acknowledged the reasoning behind Norway‘s strategy, pointing out that the team is not as accustomed to tournament football as France. He suggested that Norway‘s priority was to advance from the group, which they achieved, and that the manager likely aimed to rest players for the next stage rather than risk them against France.

Norway is participating in their first World Cup since 1998.

Historical precedent and fan reactions

The decision to make numerous changes in a final group stage match has historical precedents in the World Cup. In 2006, Spain made 11 changes against Saudi Arabia and won, but later lost to France in the last 16. Conversely, in 2018, Belgium made 10 changes, defeated Japan 3-2, and then beat Brazil 2-1 in the quarter-finals before being eliminated by France.

Thousands of Norway fans travelled to the United States to support their team. While some expressed surprise at the team news inside the stadium, others continued their Viking-style row celebration throughout the game, indicating a determination not to let the decision affect their enjoyment.

France‘s depth was evident in the match, with players like Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, and Desire Doue contributing to their attacking prowess. Dembele‘s hat-trick showcased the team’s ability to perform with various attacking options. France had previously rotated players in their 3-0 win over Iraq, with Lucas Digne, Manu Kone, and Bradley Barcola replacing other starters.

The match concluded with France topping Group I, securing their path to the next round, while Norway prepares for their challenging travel schedule and knockout stage fixture against Ivory Coast on 30 June.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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England’s Fightback at Trent Bridge

England staged a significant comeback on the second day of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. The home side, trailing by 215 runs overnight, reached 223 for two from 45 overs, largely thanks to a rapid century from Ben Duckett and an impactful bowling performance from captain Ben Stokes. This effort followed a period where New Zealand had been at 317 for no loss on day one, before England claimed 10 wickets for 121 runs to dismiss them for 438.

Ben Stokes, returning to the side, was central to England’s bowling resurgence. He delivered figures of four for 70, including a spell before lunch that yielded three wickets for 13 runs from eight overs. His performance meant he joined Jacques Kallis as the second all-rounder to achieve 250 wickets and more than 7,000 Test runs. Stokes’s energy and varied angles were crucial in breaking a 50-minute wait for a wicket, eventually dismissing Daryl Mitchell after a review showed an edge.

The captain also removed Will O’Rourke and then Mitchell Santner with a short ball that was deemed to have brushed the wristband of Santner’s glove by the TV umpire. Shoaib Bashir and Jofra Archer contributed to mopping up the tail, with Bashir trapping Tom Blundell lbw and later taking a return catch from Nathan Smith. Archer’s bowling also resulted in Blair Tickner suffering a blow that led to his eventual withdrawal from the match due to concussion, with Zak Foulkes coming on as a concussion substitute.

Duckett’s Resurgent Century

Following England’s improved bowling display, Ben Duckett took centre stage with the bat, scoring 113 runs from 88 balls. This marked his seventh Test century and his first in nearly a year. His innings was supported by an unbeaten 74 from Jacob Bethell, who registered his first half-century in the first innings of a Test match. The pair formed a 179-run partnership from exactly 179 balls.

Duckett’s innings was not without an early reprieve; Henry Nicholls dropped a catch at third slip when Duckett was on eight. After this escape, Duckett proceeded to hit his next ball for four through extra-cover and consistently found gaps in the infield, reaching his half-century from 40 balls. His aggressive style, reminiscent of his earlier form, saw him effectively use sweeps against Mitchell Santner and pierce the field with regularity.

His decision to withdraw from the Indian Premier League to focus on red-ball cricket with Nottinghamshire appears to have paid dividends. The century was a moment of vindication for Duckett, who had faced scrutiny following a period of mixed form and an incident in Noosa. His celebration, including punching the air and saluting the dressing room, reflected the significance of the milestone.

Bethell, initially cautious against O’Rourke’s bowling, grew into his innings, becoming more fluent. The partnership propelled England’s scoring rate, maintaining approximately six runs per over. After Duckett was eventually dismissed, Bethell and Joe Root (21 not out) held their ground until stumps, leaving New Zealand with the task of breaking the partnership on day three.

Context and Outlook

The match at Trent Bridge is the decisive third Test in the series. England’s performance on day two, particularly their ability to take wickets and then score rapidly, has been noted as a display of resilience, especially given the challenging conditions and the flat pitch. The team’s spirit has drawn comparisons to their memorable win in 2022 against the same opponents at the same venue, where they overcame a large first-innings total.

Despite the strong showing, England still has a significant deficit to overcome. The team’s ability to maintain this momentum will be crucial as they aim to force a result in the remaining days. The efforts of Stokes and Duckett have provided a platform, but further contributions will be needed to secure a victory.

The match continues with day three action in Nottingham, with ball-by-ball commentary available.

Source: theguardian.com

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Senegal’s Path to Knockouts

Senegal has kept its hopes alive for advancing in the 2026 World Cup, though a spot in the knockout stage is not yet guaranteed. The African side concluded Group I play with a crucial victory, placing them in contention as one of the best third-placed teams.

The team faced a challenging period leading up to the tournament, having been stripped of their Afcon title. Their World Cup campaign began with tough encounters against France and Norway.

In their opening match, Senegal was defeated 3-1 by France, with Kylian Mbappe scoring two goals. Following this, Erling Haaland also netted two goals for Norway, who secured a 3-2 win against Senegal on the second matchday.

However, Senegal demonstrated resilience by securing a dominant 5-0 victory over a 10-man Iraq. Goals in this decisive match came from Habib Diarra, Ismaila Sarr, two from Pape Gueye, and another from Iliman Ndiaye. This result marked a difficult tournament for Iraq, who had also suffered significant losses to France and Norway.

The win against Iraq saw Senegal finish Group I with three points and a goal difference of +2. This places them in a position to potentially qualify for the knockout rounds as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Qualification for these teams is determined by the most points accumulated, with goal difference serving as a tie-breaker if multiple nations finish with the same number of points.

Dependence on Other Results

Senegal’s progression now hinges on the outcomes of matches in several other groups. The final results from Group H, Group G, Group L, Group K, and Group J, all scheduled to conclude over the next few days, will determine their fate.

The team is already assured of finishing ahead of Scotland from Group C and South Korea from Group A in the third-place rankings. A victory for Spain against Uruguay in Group H would further improve Senegal’s chances of advancing.

Furthermore, a win for Egypt against Iran, combined with anything less than a win for New Zealand against Belgium, would secure Senegal’s place in the next stage of the competition. The team’s supporters are closely monitoring these upcoming fixtures.

Match Against Iraq Details

The match against Iraq saw Senegal push for additional goals even in the final minutes. In the 95th minute, Iliman Ndiaye nearly scored again, but Hassan made a swift intervention. Moments earlier, in the 92nd minute, Jackson had an opportunity from a free-kick but headed it directly at the goalkeeper. Pape Gueye also had a shot from distance that was safely collected by Hassan.

In the 90th minute, Doski of Iraq received a booking. Senegal continued to press, with Pape Gueye having another chance to shoot in the 87th minute but opted to pass to Mane, allowing the defense to recover. Mane was also involved in creating a corner in the 85th minute, as Iraq’s defenders showed signs of fatigue.

The second half saw a significant increase in Senegal’s attacking output. Ndiaye scored from approximately 30 yards out in the 80th minute, hitting the net before Hassan could react. Hassan also made saves from a close-range header and a shot from Jackson from the edge of the area.

In the 75th minute, Mane hit the post with a shot that looped over the goalkeeper. Pape Gueye was actively seeking a hat-trick, with a shot blocked in the 74th minute, and Diatta firing over the bar from the rebound. Pape Gueye scored his second goal from the edge of the box shortly after the restart in the 72nd minute, following a cross from Mane and Jackson.

Earlier, in the 65th minute, Jakobs delivered a cross that found no teammate. Pape Gueye had a scuffed shot from the edge of the area in the 62nd minute, leading to a series of corners for Senegal. The first goal from Pape Gueye came from the right of the box in the 58th minute, where he collected the ball, shifted it infield, and struck it into the far top corner. Ismaila Sarr also scored after Iqbal lost possession outside his own box, allowing Camara to set up Sarr to poke the ball home.

The team’s performance has positioned them to potentially advance, with their fate now resting on the outcomes of other group stage matches concluding over the next couple of days.

Source: independent.co.uk

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The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) suffered a 3-2 defeat to Turkey in their final FIFA World Cup Group D match, but coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed no concern about the result. The USMNT had already secured their place in the knockout stages as group winners, marking the first time they achieved this before the final match day since group stages were introduced. The team is now set to face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32.

The match, held at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles with an attendance of 70,492, saw a significantly altered USMNT starting lineup. Many players were making their first appearance in the tournament, while several key starters were rested or held out to avoid potential yellow card issues. This approach was likened to a week 18 game in the NFL where a team has already clinched their division, indicating the low stakes for the USMNT.

Match Highlights and Player Returns

The USMNT initially took the lead in the third minute when Auston Trusty scored from a corner. However, Turkey responded with goals from Arda Guler and Baris Yilmaz, putting them ahead. Sebastian Berhalter equalised for the USA with a low finish shortly after half-time. A significant moment in the match was the return of Christian Pulisic, who came on as a substitute in the 58th minute after recovering from a calf injury. Pulisic, nicknamed “Captain America,” looked sharp and even struck the post, demonstrating his immediate impact on the game.

Despite Pulisic’s lively performance, Turkey secured the victory in the 98th minute with a close-range goal from substitute Kaan Ayhan. This late goal, which came from a cross-shot from fellow substitute Can Uzun, sealed the 3-2 win for Turkey. For Turkey, who were already eliminated from the tournament after losses to Australia and Paraguay, the win offered a measure of pride.

Pochettino’s reaction to the game-winning goal was notably calm, suggesting his focus remained on the larger picture of the tournament. He conveyed to the media that the team’s primary objective of winning the group had been achieved, and that the defeat should not overshadow their overall progress. The coach’s composure was evident in his post-game press conference, where he seemed slightly irked by the lack of a celebratory mood despite the team’s advancement.

Looking Ahead to the Knockout Stages

The return of Christian Pulisic is a major positive for the USMNT as they prepare for the knockout rounds. The AC Milan forward, who is the USA’s leading scorer with 33 goals in 87 international games, showcased his fitness and skill during his substitute appearance. His ability to create scoring opportunities will be crucial for the team’s aspirations in the later stages of the tournament.

Midfielder Winston McKennie acknowledged Turkey’s clinical finishing but expressed confidence that the defeat would serve as added motivation for the team. He emphasised the belief in the entire 26-player roster, stating that every player is capable of stepping up and contributing. McKennie also highlighted Pulisic’s unique ability to create chances, expressing hope to see him play again in San Francisco.

The USMNT’s defensive lineup against Turkey featured a completely new group of players, notably missing the presence of Tyler Adams. This experimental approach in the final group stage match allowed the team to manage player fatigue and potential card accumulation, ensuring key players are fresh for the more critical knockout matches. The team’s next challenge is against Bosnia-Herzegovina, scheduled for 1am on Thursday, July 2.

Source: foxnews.com

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England’s tactical approach against low blocks

England are preparing to face Panama in their final group stage match, a fixture that will take place in New York/New Jersey. This follows their recent goalless draw against Ghana, a game that highlighted challenges when confronting a compact and well-drilled defensive strategy. The Ghana match saw England struggle to generate urgency and varied movement, issues that will be critical to address against Panama.

The team’s coaching staff will have focused on strategies to break down a ‘low block’ defence, a tactic where opponents position themselves deeply and compactly. Creating urgency without rushing the play is essential in such scenarios. An example cited is Paris Saint-Germain’s equaliser against Arsenal in this year’s men’s Champions League final, where patient, methodological build-up around the penalty area led to a scoring opportunity, rather than simply crossing the ball into a crowded box.

During the Ghana game, England‘s play was noted for being static, with a perceived lack of movement among players. The opposition’s wide players did not press high, making it difficult for England to find space in key areas. The decision to use a right-footed player, Djed Spence, at left-back was also highlighted as potentially hindering effective switches of play, especially when the pivot player, Elliot Anderson, was marked.

The team’s predictability in attack was also a point of concern, with a need for more runs into half-spaces and opposite movements to stretch the defence. Bringing on players like Nico O’Reilly, who can deliver different types of crosses from deeper positions, and Marcus Rashford, known for his bravery in one-on-one situations, could have provided the necessary ‘magic moments’ against Ghana.

Maintaining composure and looking ahead

Despite the draw, England remains in a strong position within their group. Coaches often focus on the points accumulated, and the team currently has four points. Drawing a game is not uncommon in major tournaments, with examples such as Spain and Portugal also drawing their opening matches.

The experience gained from the Ghana match is seen as valuable, providing insights into how the team performs against both aggressive, toe-to-toe opponents like Croatia and defensively organised teams. Learning these lessons now, rather than in the knockout stages, is considered beneficial. The upcoming match against Panama offers an immediate opportunity for England to refine their approach.

The composure shown by England‘s players at the end of the Ghana game, particularly among the senior members of the squad, was noted. Their experience in major tournaments is crucial for maintaining a calm environment within the camp, helping to manage the emotional rollercoaster that can accompany international competitions.

Fans’ preparations for the match

For supporters travelling to the match, the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) has released a Free Lions Fans’ Embassy guide for New York and New Jersey. The guide provides information for England fans attending the fixture against Panama at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which is referred to as the New York New Jersey Stadium for the duration of the tournament.

A Fans’ Embassy will be available at Central Park Tavern on West 57th Street, near Columbus Circle, outside New York’s Central Park. This will be open from midday to 5pm on Friday. Further updates regarding the matchday location will be shared via the Free Lions’ social media channels. The Free Lions website also serves as a dedicated resource for England fans travelling throughout North and Central America for the World Cup 2026.

The Free Lions 202 guide includes insights on Panama, a welcome to New York and New Jersey, details on getting around, dining, and other local information. It also features a dissection of the Ghana draw and a guide to the MetLife Stadium. The Fans’ Embassy helpline will operate 24/7 before and after the game on +44 7956 121314.

Source: theguardian.com

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Norway and France have both made substantial changes to their starting line-ups for their World Cup Group I encounter. With both nations having already secured qualification for the knockout stages, managers have opted to rotate their squads.

Norway manager Stale Solbakken has made 10 changes to the team that played against Senegal. Only Fredrik Aursnes retains his place, moving from central midfield to right-back. This means key players such as Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard are on the bench for tonight’s match.

Norway’s Line-up Changes

The Norwegian starting XI features Selvik in goal, with a defensive line of Aursnes, Falchener, Ostigard, and Bjorkan. The midfield comprises Thorstvedt and Berg, while Bobb, Aasgaard, and Schjelderup will support lone striker Strand Larsen.

The substitutes’ bench for Norway includes a strong contingent of players, indicating the depth of the squad. Among those available are Berge, Haaland, Nusa, Hauge, Pedersen, Nyland, Langas, Heggem, Moller Wolfe, Ryerson, Sorloth, Tangvik, Thorsby, Ajer, and Odegaard.

France Also Rotates Squad

France has also made four changes to the team that secured a victory against Iraq. Players such as William Saliba and Bradley Barcola have been rotated to the bench. Aurelien Tchouameni and Desire Doue have been given starting berths.

Kylian Mbappe retains his place in the starting XI as he continues his pursuit of Lionel Messi‘s record as the all-time World Cup top scorer. Mbappe requires two goals to equal Messi‘s record and three to surpass it.

The French starting line-up includes Maignan in goal, with Kounde, Upamecano, Lacroix, and T. Hernandez forming the defence. Tchouameni and Kone are in midfield, supporting an attacking line of Dembele, Olise, Doue, and Mbappe.

The French substitutes include Akliouche, Barcola, Cherki, Digne, Gusto, L. Hernandez, Kante, Konate, Mateta, Rabiot, Risser, Saliba, Samba, Thuram, and Zaire-Emery. Assistant coach Guy Stephan is stepping in for Didier Deschamps, who is absent due to a family funeral.

Excitement is building in Oslo as fans gather for the match, despite the significant team changes. The fixture provides an opportunity for both teams to manage player fatigue ahead of the knockout stages.

In other news from the World Cup, Reece James missed England training in Kansas City due to hamstring tightness and is expected to miss the game against Panama on Saturday. Ezri Konsa is likely to move to right-back in his absence.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez stated that preparations for their match against Colombia began in March, with 13 training sessions in Miami to adapt to the weather and different playing surfaces.

Japan is preparing to face Brazil in the last 32, with defender Yukinari Sugawara emphasising the need for the team to give 120 percent. Defender Shogo Taniguchi highlighted the high stakes, stating that losing means elimination from the tournament.

Bastian Schweinsteiger has addressed criticism regarding his comments on African football, stating he was providing a football analysis and did not intend to offend anyone. His comments were characterised as describing an “unorthodox” and “wild” playing style, which was criticised by Côte d’Ivoire coach Emerse Fae.

The match between Norway and France is scheduled for Friday, 26 June 2026.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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