Trent Alexander-Arnold ruled out for months in blow to World Cup hopes

Thomas Tuchel expressed confidence in England's chances at the upcoming World Cup, emphasizing the team's spirit and fighting attitude as they prepare for the draw in Washington DC. He noted the team's successful qualification campaign, which included eight wins and eight clean sheets, as a foundation for their aspirations.

Bay FC has appointed Emma Coates as its new head coach, transitioning from her previous role as the head of England's Women's Under-23 national team. Coates replaces Albertin Montoya, who announced his resignation effective at the end of the 2025 season.

Kylian Mbappé returned to San Mamés, the site of his pivotal moment after a missed penalty in 2024, and marked the occasion with a stellar performance, scoring two goals and assisting another in Real Madrid's 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao. This match was a significant turnaround for Mbappé, showcasing his resilience and ability to bounce back from past failures.

The draw for the 2026 World Cup is approaching, with potential worst-case scenarios for teams like England, Scotland, the USA, and Australia being analyzed. Croatia, ranked 10th, is highlighted as a formidable opponent from Pot 2, which could complicate England's chances of facing other strong teams like Norway and Italy, depending on playoff outcomes.

TNT Sports has faced significant setbacks, losing broadcasting rights for the Champions League to Paramount+ and experiencing a disappointing performance in the Ashes cricket series, where England suffered a two-day defeat against Australia. This follows a series of challenging rights negotiations that have left the broadcaster feeling 'absolutely gutted.'

The Olympique Lyonnais women’s team has officially rebranded as OL Lyonnes, introducing a new mantra, 'New story, same legend,' as they aim to reclaim their status in European football. Under the ownership of Michele Kang and the Kynisca group, the team is focused on developing a distinct identity separate from the men's section, highlighted by their recent unbeaten run in Europe and a perfect domestic record of eight wins in eight games.

In a gripping second Ashes Test, Mitchell Starc emerged as Australia's standout performer, taking six wickets for 71 runs, while questions arose over the decision to omit spinner Nathan Lyon from the lineup. Starc's efforts were crucial in maintaining Australia's competitive edge against England, especially as he became the sole member of the fast-bowling trio to make the starting lineup.

Zak Crawley played a pivotal role in stabilizing England's innings during the Ashes series against Australia, showcasing his perseverance after a challenging start in the first Test. Despite initial setbacks, including a pair of ducks in the previous match, Crawley's performance helped England regain composure on the field.