Ashes 2025-26: player-by-player guide to England and Australia squads

A new global rugby tournament has been officially launched, featuring teams from the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship. The tournament will see England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, and Italy compete against Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, along with invited teams Fiji and Japan. This initiative is described by organizers as a 'tectonic shift in the sport', with the potential to redefine rugby's future, according to Tom Harrison, CEO of Six Nations Rugby.

England's national rugby team has achieved a remarkable feat by winning 10 consecutive matches for the first time since 2016. This winning streak marks a significant improvement in their performance, showcasing the team's resilience and skill on the field. Fans and analysts are now invited to select their ideal starting XV from the squads of 2016 and 2025, reflecting on the evolution of the team over the years.

England's rugby team achieved a significant victory over the All Blacks, marking their first home win against New Zealand since 2012. This match, which resulted in their second-highest margin of victory in the history of this fixture, symbolizes the progress made under coach Steve Borthwick. However, despite this achievement, there remains a recognition that further improvements are necessary as they aim for the ultimate goal of the 2027 World Cup.

Jude Bellingham, regarded as England's brightest young star, faces criticism for his lack of maturity following an inconsistent performance in Tirana. His reaction to being substituted during the match raised concerns about his respect for national manager Thomas Tuchel's authority. To secure his place in the national team, Bellingham must embrace a more collective approach.

Thomas Tuchel expressed his dissatisfaction with Jude Bellingham's reaction to being substituted during England's 2-0 victory over Albania. Bellingham, who had a mixed performance, appeared frustrated when he was replaced by Morgan Rogers in the 84th minute. Tuchel emphasized that 'behaviour is key' in such situations, highlighting the importance of professionalism on the field.

BBC Sport evaluates the performance of the England national football team in their final World Cup qualifier against Albania. The article discusses how individual players rated in the match, highlighting those who are considered to be in 'the form of their life'.

George Ford has urged England to ensure that their recent victory over New Zealand is not a fleeting success, following their 33-19 win which marked their 10th consecutive victory against the All Blacks. Coach Steve Borthwick highlighted the team's significant growth as they climbed to third in the world rankings. England could potentially rise to second place next weekend if they defeat Argentina and Wales surprises New Zealand.

The World Cup qualifying match between Albania and England kicked off at 5pm GMT. Declan Rice initiated the play by sending the ball back to Dean Henderson, who cleared it upfield. The event featured a classy performance with a duet of well-dressed individuals leading the crowd in the national anthems of both teams.