Arsenal

Arsenal have the bulk of their business still to do after bringing in Christos Tzolis for £34m as a Leandro Trossard replacement and Illan Meslier as a third-choice goalkeeper on a free transfer after his departure from Leeds.

The Premier League champions have ambitious plans to capitalise on their title success by targeting elite signings for the left-wing and central-midfield positions. Work has been done to explore the cost of potential deals for Brazil stars Vinicius Junior and Bruno Guimaraes.

Vinicius, who has entered the final year of his deal at Real Madrid, is one of the options Arsenal are considering along with PSG’s Bradley Barcola and Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez after refusing to meet Aston Villa’s valuation of top target Morgan Rogers.

However, Sky Sports News has been told Real Madrid are confident Vinicius will sign a new contract and he is not expected to leave this summer. The Brazilian is entering the final year of his deal, and Arsenal continue to monitor his situation.

Arsenal want to sign Guimaraes to bolster the midfield, and he has told Newcastle he would like to join the Gunners. Discussions have taken place through intermediaries about the figures it would take to do a deal, but Newcastle do not want to sell.

Arsenal also have big plans to raise funds from outgoings, an area in which they have historically struggled, with uncertainty around the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, who is valued at £18m-£20m, as they enter the final year of their contracts.

Martinelli’s deal includes a club-held option for a further year, protecting Arsenal from losing him for nothing in a year should the right conditions for a sale not materialise this summer. It is unlikely that his sale would be sanctioned without the arrival of another left-winger.

Ben White has attracted interest from the likes of Everton, but injuries to Jurrien Timber and William Saliba could impact Arsenal’s willingness to let the England defender go. It remains to be seen if Timber is going to be fit for the start of the season.

Arsenal are exploring options at centre-back in light of the news that Saliba’s back injury would keep him out for an extended period. John Stones was under consideration but has joined Inter, while there is a gap in valuation with Aston Villa for Ezri Konsa.

Aston Villa

Sky Sports News reported Aston Villa would likely have to sell a major name or two to stay in line with UEFA’s financial rules, and Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers have departed for a combined fee of £152m.

Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes and Alejandro Garnacho have arrived to bolster Unai Emery’s squad ahead of their return to the Champions League – but more numbers are needed with the futures of Leon Bailey and Emiliano Martinez also uncertain.

Hull City are close to signing Bailey, who has one year left on his deal, while links to Juventus for Martinez refuse to go away. Juve are exploring alternatives due to the gap in valuation, one of which is Zion Suzuki, who is on Villa’s keeper shortlist in case Martinez goes.

Villa are one of several clubs in the Premier League and Europe to express interest in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson but will be unable to loan him from Chelsea, having already signed Garnacho on a temporary deal, and a permanent move is complicated by UEFA’s rules.

There is also interest in a temporary move for midfielder Joao Palhinha, but Bayern Munich want a permanent deal for the 31-year-old, who spent last season at Tottenham. Benfica and Palhinha’s former club Sporting have also been interested in a summer move.

Ollie Watkins’ future is also one to watch. Sky Sports News reported Fenerbahce were one of the clubs interested in signing the 30-year-old forward, who has two years remaining on his deal at Villa.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth hope to complete the signing of central defender Antonio Silva from Benfica this weekend, filling a priority position following the exit of Marcos Senesi, but beyond that there is no rush to make wholesale changes after big spending in recent windows.

Work is being done to explore the options to replace Alex Jimenez at right-back following his move to Fiorentina on an initial loan, with Adam Smith currently the only option available to new head coach Marco Rose ahead of Bournemouth’s debut European campaign.

Bournemouth are considering the potential of bringing in a No 6 and a No 10, while adding a winger is another possibility if the right opportunity presented itself. But there is no longer a desire to bring in a goalkeeper as Rose is happy with his options behind Djordje Petrovic.

As far as Bournemouth are concerned, they are not anticipating any big departures, and they are under no pressure to let any of them go. Alex Scott has plenty of Premier League interest, while Eli Junior Kroupi’s foot injury all but ends the slim chances of a summer exit.

Brentford

Brentford’s priority this summer has been to sign a new central midfielder to build their future team under Keith Andrews.

It has been something they have been working on since January, when they looked at PSV’s Joey Veerman among others, and it has been made even more pressing recently by the departure of Jordan Henderson.

Brentford allowed him to speak to their west London neighbours Chelsea about a free transfer, and so – in the midst of that – they are set to bring in highly-rated Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare for up to £41m.

He is more of a defensive midfield anchor who could recycle and build from deep. Later in the window, the Bees may be open to another more advanced midfield addition, while left-back is also an area of consideration.

Brentford will fight to keep the likes of Kevin Schade, who is of interest to Roma although a deal looks beyond them financially. The Bees would look to bring in a top left winger in the event a club made them an offer they could not refuse for Schade.

Ethan Pinnock could move on given Brentford have already signed a new centre-back in Jannik Schuster, while Gustavo Nunes, Jayden Meghoma and Yunus Emre Konak may need to go out on loan for more game-time to aid their development.

Brighton

Brighton are in the market for reinforcements up front, in midfield and on the wing. There is a desire to bring in cover for Kaoru Mitoma on the left as he is out for the start of the season, while Chelsea-bound Danny Welbeck needs replacing.

Their plans to target a new midfielder are not a sign that long-term Manchester United target Carlos Baleba is off anywhere. Brighton want to keep him and add more depth in the middle of the park for Fabian Hurzeler ahead of their European campaign in the new season.

As things stand, however, the priorities are improving the forward line with a new wide attacker and a No 9. Brighton have relied on Welbeck’s goals in the last two Premier League seasons and finding a player with the capacity to fill his boots will not be easy.

Both their current striking options, Stefanos Tzimas and Charalampos Kostoulas, are highly rated but yet to prove themselves in the Premier League. Brighton were one of many Premier League sides credited with an interest in Carlos Espi before he joined Real Madrid.

Carl Rushworth is set to follow Welbeck out of the exit door as he makes his move to Coventry permanent, while defender Igor Julio does not feature in Hurzeler’s plans and has interest from Espanyol and other clubs in Europe.

Ibrahim Osman and Facundo Buonanotte could join Tommy Watson in going out on loan. The former Sunderland winger is close to joining Leicester. Eiran Cashin is also expected to depart.

Chelsea

Chelsea have been the biggest spenders in the Premier League so far, but they are not done yet, with central midfield another area they could recruit in despite the expected arrival of Jordan Henderson on a free transfer following his exit from Brentford.

There is a strong interest in Alex Scott, but Bournemouth are sticking to their guns over the midfielder. The future of Enzo Fernandez, who has flirted with a Chelsea exit for some time now, could be decisive if they are to bring in a midfielder for big money.

Danny Welbeck, another Premier League veteran, is following Henderson through the door at Stamford Bridge as Xabi Alonso adds much-needed experience to his squad following a change in transfer policy at Chelsea that pre-dates his appointment.

Welbeck’s arrival leaves Chelsea with a surplus of strikers. Sales are nearly just as important as signing for Chelsea given their UEFA settlement and bloated squad. Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap are among the players that could leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

Alonso has just brought in Maxence Lacroix at centre-back to take Chelsea up to 10 players in that position, and he wants to cut that number down to around five. Trevoh Chalobah, Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile are among the players in that position who could go.

Chelsea have been in talks to sign left-back Pep Chavarria for a few weeks without being able to bridge the gap in valuation with Rayo Vallecano. The 28-year-old would help fill the gap left by Marc Cucurella, although Jorell Hato is also expected to play more at left-back.

Coventry

The newly-promoted side have made two new additions to their squad from last season by signing central defender Aurele Amenda from Eintracht Frankfurt for around £17.2m and winger Loum Tchaouna from Burnley in a £20m deal.

Frank Lampard still wants to strengthen his side further and is close to doing so with the acquisition of goalkeeper Carl Rushworth from Brighton for an initial fee of £22.5m plus add-ons. He made a big impression on loan in their promotion season.

Once that deal is completed, Coventry want to bring in a left-back and a right winger, while there is also a possibility they target a new striker. They are also in talks to bring Gustavo Hamer back from Sheffield United as he enters the final year of his deal.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace’s new boss Pierre Sage has only been able to bring in one new signing so far this summer. Free agent defender Oscar Mingueza can play as a right-back and a central defender and provides Palace with the flexibility they need for five at the back.

Palace are yet to properly replace Marc Guehi and now need to find a successor to Maxence Lacroix, with centre-back a top priority. Palace have ended talks with Augsburg for Chrislain Matsima and have a number of alternative options.

Among those have been Toulouse’s Charlie Cresswell, Lyon’s Ruben Kluivert and Trabzonspor’s Chibuike Nwaiwu, who is also of interest to Fulham.

Retaining Daichi Kamada in midfield will not go down as a new signing but was a crucial piece of business for Palace. They still have designs on bringing in further additions in midfield but Kamada’s renewal for another year has eased the urgency on that front.

Palace admire Southampton’s Shea Charles, who is a target for Leeds, as a potential option to strengthen the midfield. As of yet, there has been no club-to-club contact with Southampton.

There is interest in adding another forward player who can play in one of those wide No 10 roles behind the striker in the 3-4-2-1 formation that Sage is expected to continue with at Selhurst Park.

Jean-Philippe Mateta has entered the final year of his deal and nearly joined AC Milan in January. Palace may cash in on him if the right offer arrives and would need to sign a replacement in that scenario.

Adam Wharton has interest from a number of top clubs in the Premier League, but Palace will not want to let him go. The England international has three years to run on his deal and would not come cheap.

Everton

David Moyes still has plenty of business to do at Everton in the final month of the window and chief among his priorities is bringing in a right-back. It has been confirmed by Martin O’Neill that Everton have approached Celtic for Canada international Alistair Johnston.

Elsewhere, bringing in a replacement for Idrissa Gana Gueye is another key area of focus. Everton have added Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, but his big strength is on the ball, and Gueye’s exit leaves Moyes short of a destroyer in the middle of the park.

Everton also want to sign a striker as they search for a more consistent source of goals with neither Thierno Barry nor Beto delivering on that front so far. Liam Delap was a target before he joined Chelsea last summer and Everton have looked into a potential deal again.

Tyrique George’s loan has been made permanent after Everton negotiated a new fee with Chelsea, but it remains to be seen if Jack Grealish will be able to return following his season on Merseyside. Everton were unwilling to pay the £50m option to buy in his loan.

Everton are still keen to add another winger after George, and there is interest in Newcastle’s Jacob Murphy, who was a favourite of the now departed Eddie Howe at St James’ Park and has entered the final year of his contract. Interest in Grealish also remains.

Those plans could change if Iliman Ndiaye were to move on. Everton are aware of interest from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, but there has been no formal approach or contact with them, and they have no appetite to sell the 26-year-old, who has three years on his deal.

Fulham

Fulham are starting to do some business now that Alvaro Arbeloa’s feet are under the table as new head coach.

They have agreed a combined £42.3m deal for a pair of Real Madrid youth graduates that played under Arbeloa there last season; striker Gonzalo Garcia and midfielder Cesar Palacios.

Arbeloa was the driving force behind these moves, and Garcia certainly answers the issue of who their new centre-forward would be, following the departure of Raul Jimenez. Garcia and Rodrigo Muniz are two good options.

Fulham still need a number of other positions strengthening, however, including wingers following the departure of Harry Wilson on a free transfer to Leeds United and Samuel Chukwueze returning to AC Milan following a loan spell.

There also appears to be more work to do in midfield, especially amid uncertainty around the future of Sander Berge, who has interest from Manchester United and several other clubs. Another battling midfielder may come into the club.

Fulham are also interested in signing a central defender to replace Issa Diop after his move to Ipswich. Trabzonspor’s Chibuike Nwaiwu is one of the defenders on the club’s list of options.

Hull

Acun Ilicali, the Hull owner, has not been shy to provide updates about their transfer business this summer, and so he could be very busy on social media for the rest of the window with 12 signings expected to arrive before the window shuts.

The promoted side have plans to strengthen in every position, with midfield the priority. By signing free agent Hidemasa Morita, they have answered the need for a holding player, while talks are ongoing to sign Florentino from Burnley, and he will add more legs in midfield.

Hull’s owner has said the deal to sign winger Leon Bailey from Aston Villa in a permanent transfer is close to being done, while they are also pursuing defender Nobel Mendy from Rayo Vallecano and midfielder Mert Komur from Augsburg.

Ilicali’s post on X, which revealed the nationalities of the players Hull were pursuing and gave us a progress report, shows there are a lot more irons in the fire as the promoted side work to ensure Sergej Jakirovic has a strong enough squad to avoid relegation.

Ipswich

The promoted side have been busy in this transfer window so far, spending around £80m on six new arrivals, but Ipswich still have plans to bring in more players over the next month.

New boss Gary O’Neil has been dealing with a few injury issues in midfield, and that is an area he hopes to recruit in before the end of the window. Bringing in players with experience, preferably of the Premier League, is key for Ipswich.

That is why Fulham’s Sasa Lukic is among a number of midfielders they are considering this summer. The Serbia international has one year left on his deal, which means this is potentially Fulham’s last opportunity to make some money back off him through a sale.

Elsewhere, Sky Sports News revealed that Ipswich are interested in re-signing Julio Enciso, who spent a spell on loan at Portman Road in 2025. The former Brighton player is currently playing for Chelsea’s partner club Strasbourg in France, where he played under O’Neil.

Jaden Philogene wants to leave Ipswich this summer, Sky Sports News understands, amid interest from a number of clubs in Europe. Ipswich would be open to permanent offers for the winger, who has three years to run on his contract.

New goalkeeper signing Kayne van Oevelen could go out on loan, while striker George Hirst and right-back Harry Clarke both have Championship interest but Ipswich are seeking permanent offers.

Leeds

Leeds are considering alternative options after missing out on Julian Brandt to Ajax. This has been the case since they set off for their pre-season tour of the US, wary of the time it had taken for the 30-year-old to make a decision on his future.

The plan this summer has always been to bring in players who improve the individual quality in the squad with a capacity to make the difference in the final third.

It remains to be seen if Leeds will target a No 10 or a winger capable of playing inside now that Brandt is off the table. Noah Okafor is the only player in this mould of the current options capable of playing on the left.

Leeds are closing in on a club-record deal for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, which is worth an initial £40m plus add-ons. The England international’s arrival is expected to pave the way for Lucas Perri to join Torino on an initial loan.

There will need to be another goalkeeper signing to provide cover for Trafford after Karl Darlow chose to join Manchester United over extending his deal with Leeds. As things stand, Alex Cairns, who has not played a senior game since 2024, is the only other option.

Central midfield remains a position Leeds are keen to add in despite so far failing to reach an agreement with Southampton for Shea Charles. Leeds will not improve on their third offer but have left it on the table in case Saints reconsider their position.

Leeds are also looking to bring in another striker to provide cover for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha, who both have patchy injury records. Finding a versatile defender, in the mould of James Justin, who can play both left and right-back, is also on Leeds’ list.

In terms of outgoings, Perri seems closest to an exit, but that will likely have to wait until Trafford’s mandated holiday after the World Cup is over or a No 2 arrives. Joel Piroe and Wilfried Gnonto are the other players who are expected to move on as well this summer.

Leeds made a strong start to the window by signing long-term target Harry Wilson on a free transfer to improve their wide attacking options as well as moving swiftly to bring in Tarik Muharemovic for £34m from Sassuolo as a replacement for Pascal Struijk.

Liverpool

Bringing in a wide attacker is the priority for Liverpool heading into the final month of the window. They plan to open talks with PSG forward Bradley Barcola, but it will be a difficult deal to do with the French and European champions valuing him at around £145m.

Barcola has been unhappy in Paris due to his role, particularly in the biggest games, and PSG are open to letting him go if his feelings do not change, as long as they receive what they deem to be an acceptable offer for a top player with two years left on his deal.

It remains to be seen which player Liverpool plan to start on the right wing following Mohamed Salah’s exit if they sign Barcola. The France star prefers playing on the left, which is the favoured side of rising star Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo.

Jeremie Frimpong, who has so far failed to convince at right-back, is expected to be used in a more advanced role while new signing Victor Munoz is also capable of being deployed on the right-hand side.

Joe Gomez’s injury, which will force him to miss the start of the Premier League season, has not changed Liverpool’s transfer plans. Signing a central defender is not seen as a priority despite Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni coming off the back of long-term lay-offs.

As things stand, Liverpool are expected to only have two senior central defenders available when they kick off the season against Newcastle on August 23: Virgil van Dijk, only just returning from his post-World Cup break, and Jacquet, who has not played since February.

Liverpool’s stance could change as the window progresses. An option, like Gomez, who can play both right-back and centre-back, would solve a lot of problems. A left-back could also be signed if Kostas Tsimikas fails to convince Andoni Iraola, but every player has a clean slate.

Ryan Gravenberch’s emergence as a No 6 in Arne Slot’s first year put plans to bring in a holding midfielder further down the priority list at Liverpool, but the team’s performances in the season just gone have highlighted a need for reinforcements in that position.

Inter want to sign Curtis Jones, but as things stand their valuation falls well short of Liverpool’s, especially in a market when other Premier League proven players in his position have moved for such big fees. Harvey Elliott, like Jones, faces an uncertain future.

Man City

Manchester City’s window is in danger of becoming bittersweet. The £116m signing of Elliot Anderson is seen as a huge coup considering every other club in Europe wanted to sign him. However, the chances of Rodri departing for Real Madrid seem to be increasing.

Sky Sports News reported at the end of the week that Real Madrid are expected to make an offer for Spain’s World Cup-winning captain, having made initial contact. City are determined to keep him and give him a new long-term deal, but it may come down to the wishes of Rodri himself, who is recovering after back surgery.

City are contingency planning like any club would and are believed to be in talks with Lille to sign the highly rated 18-year-old Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who impressed at the World Cup.

City also want to continue improving their attack, with a top left-winger still in the offing too. They were one of the clubs in for Yan Diomande, but he also looks destined for Real Madrid. Pedro Neto has been linked with a move to City and a potential reunion with Enzo Maresca.

City are also keen on a young striker to develop behind Erling Haaland and offer a different option and are one of the clubs keen on Eli Junior Kroupi, who Bournemouth say is not for sale. However, his injury makes a move even more unlikely.

A young right-back is another position City are interested in adding in, while, in terms of outgoings, goalkeeper James Trafford is close to joining Leeds so will need to be replaced.

Man Utd

Manchester United continue to see what market opportunities may arise for them to further strengthen Michael Carrick’s side in the last month of the window.

United are considering possible additions at left-back and midfield. They have begun exploring what a potential move could look like for Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall. They have been long-term admirers of the 21-year-old, who has three years left on his deal.

Roma’s Manu Kone, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams are among a number of midfield options being considered.

There have also been suggestions that the club are not guaranteed to further reinforce the midfield after the signings of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, but much will depend on outgoings and what opportunities may arise in the coming weeks.

Mason Mount has played in a deeper midfield role at the end of last season as well as pre-season; however, his injury record remains a concern. Academy product Tyler Fletcher is pushing to be involved in the first team this season as another option.

Newcastle

Image:
Matthias Jaissle is set replace Eddie Howe as Newcastle head coach

This has already been a seismic transfer window for Newcastle and the final month has the potential to bring even more change, with uncertainty over the future of Bruno Guimaraes amid strong interest from Arsenal and Manchester United exploring a move for Lewis Hall.

Newcastle have already committed to spending more than £140m this summer on five players, if you include the proposed deal for their soon-to-be new first-choice goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek, as they use the funds from Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon’s sales.

They have already signed a left winger in Bazoumana Toure and two midfielders in Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba, while Ewen Jaouen has arrived as a deputy goalkeeper. Newcastle are also looking to bring in a versatile full-back who can play on the left and right.

Further arrivals are likely to be dependent on outgoings – and not just those high-profile names mentioned earlier – with Jacob Murphy and Joe Willock attracting interest in this window. Nick Pope could also go, with his replacements basically through the door already.

Newcastle have changed policy to focus on signing younger players with high potential in the range of £20m-£40m this summer, but it remains to be seen how that might change if Guimaraes or Hall, neither of whom they are inviting offers for, were to leave.

Nottingham Forest

Forest’s immediate need is obvious – how do they fill the Elliot Anderson-shaped hole in their midfield?

Lucas Bergvall is the man they want, but getting Spurs to sell for a price they are happy with is proving difficult.

Oliver Glasner is spending Forest’s pre-season camp in the Algarve as a way to weigh-up his squad and figure out the system he thinks suits them best. If he opts for three at the back, then another centre-back will be brought in, perhaps two if Morato is sold.

Talks continue with Sporting for Ousmane Diomande, who has been a long-term target for Glasner dating back to his time as Crystal Palace boss. The Austrian is believed to be driving Forest’s pursuit of the Ivory Coast international.

Do not rule out a move for a centre-forward too. Glasner told us recently how much Forest missed Chris Wood last season, but a younger No 9 may be targeted.

Sunderland

Last summer’s most active club are not planning to be so busy this time around. Bringing in a winger and a left-back are viewed as the priorities for Regis Le Bris as they prepare the squad for their European campaign.

Sunderland are yet to make a signing in this window, but there is understood to be no panic at the Stadium of Light. This window was viewed as being an opportunity to top up the fine work of their impressive first window back as a Premier League club.

There is a long way to go in the transfer market, and so far the positions Sunderland have been looking to add in have been slow moving. Sunderland have no plans to rush into deals that are not right for them as they look to add more quality to the squad.

They are expecting to make a number of signings, potentially between four and five, which is less than half their total number of arrivals last summer. Whoever they sign, Sunderland’s most important act of the window will be keeping captain Granit Xhaka.

Tottenham

Tottenham have surprised European football with their bullish attitude towards the market, smashing their wage ceiling and transfer record to buy two top midfielders in Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, and centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke.

Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi said this week that they are not done in the market yet and that a “bomba” is coming, with the club turning their attentions now to improving in attack.

Manchester City’s Savinho remains a top target for the left-wing position, and he wants to leave the Etihad to join Spurs. All that is left is for Tottenham to put in their first bid, which has yet to come. He is one of a number of left-wing players they have looked at, including Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo.

There is every reason to believe they will not just stop at just one new forward either. Bournemouth striker Junior Kroupi is another player of interest; however, his injury may have put even further difficulty in the way of any deal being concluded. Bournemouth are determined not to sell him after just one season, and he also has Barcelona and Manchester City on his trail.

Among the other players who have interest from elsewhere and may yet find themselves being the subject of bids from other clubs are Djed Spence, Lucas Bergvall, Pape Mata Sarr, Manor Solomon – and the biggest name of all, Cristian Romero.

Atletico Madrid remain interested in the Argentina World Cup winner, who has also been a prime target for Inter Milan, who have just signed John Stones.

Despite Spurs’ evaluation of Romero being higher than where the Italian champions would like it to be, they may not have given up totally on the former Atalanta player.

It wasn’t the World Cup that Germany had hoped for following an early exit in the round of 32, thus stretching its drought of not reaching at least the semifinals to three tournaments. 

The four-time champions weren’t tabbed to win it all, but there’s always expectations of a deep run for this team. Things started off on the right foot with 7-1 win over debut side Curaçao in their Group E opener. That followed a 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast, but then 2-1 loss to Ecuador to close group stage play set the Germans back. Then it was a loss on penalties after a 1-1 draw to Paraguay in the round of 32 that sent the Germans home. 

So what’s next for Germany’s top players after the 2026 World Cup?

Havertz finished with three goals for Germany, including two in the 7-1 victory over Curaçao. He scored the equalizer in the game against Paraguay, but his penalty attempt against Oscar Gill was saved. 

Havertz was key to Arsenal’s Premier League winning campaign and scored in the Champions League final loss to Paris Saint-Germain. He’ll be back in action for the Gunners, who’ll look to defend its league crown.

Things have been rocky lately for Germany’s talented attacking midfielder, who saw his first season at Liverpool fall short of lofty expectations. He scored just five goals in Premier League action amid questions on which position best suited him.

At the World Cup, he finished with three assists but couldn’t find the back of the net. He’ll now head back to Liverpool under new manager Andoni Iraola, where Wirtz will look to get back on track for both club and country.

Undav was Germany’s best player at the tournament despite being used as a substitute for most of it. He finished with three goals and two assists, including bagging a brace in the win over the Ivory Coast. 

A well-traveled veteran at age 30, Undav returns to Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, where he has been one of the team’s most consistent scorers.

Regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers of all-time, Neuer became the oldest Germany player to feature at a major tournament, breaking the record previously held by Lothar Matthäus at 40 years and 79 days. 

Neuer was the sole player on this squad who was part of the 2014 Germany team that won the World Cup. With four editions on his résumé and with the most World Cup games played by a goalkeeper, he’ll go down as a legend of the game.

Neuer retired from international duty after this summer, the second time he did so after initially saying he was done after the 2024 European Championship tournament. He continues to play for Bayern Munich, where he equally holds numerous records. He has a staggering 13 Bundesliga titles and two Champions League titles to his name.

Boxer Tarona Taafaki has won Tuvalu their first ever Commonwealth Games medal as she took bronze in the women’s 75kg boxing division.

The 20-year-old lost her semi-final bout, falling to defeat against India’s Lovlina Borgohain on Friday night after judges unanimously scored every round against her – however Taafaki still picked up a medal.

She reached the semi-final via a bye, and with only five entrants in her category and Commonwealth Games rules ensuring each semi-finalist receive a bronze medal, the boxer instantly made history for her country.

Her coach and father Badi Taafaki told the Press Association: “For the people of Tuvalu, this medal means everything.

“We’re one of the smallest nations in the world, so a medal like this is hugely significant. We have worked so hard to get here. For me as a coach, it’s a stepping stone.”

Tuvalu, a tiny island in the Pacific Ocean, is the fourth-smallest nation in the world.

“When I was growing up, boxing barely existed in Tuvalu,” said Badi. “We didn’t have gloves, so we were forced to fight bare-knuckle, and hit bags filled with sand.”

Twitter

This content is provided by Twitter, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.


Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only.

Enable Cookies
Allow Cookies Once

Athletes even train on the island’s airport runway, as it’s the most stable stretch of land amid the effects of climate change.

“Yes, we train on the airport runway,” Badi said. “When a plane comes in, everyone moves aside. As soon as it leaves, we go back on the tarmac, because there is nowhere else to train.

“If we can win medals, more people around the world will recognise Tuvalu and begin to understand the challenges we face because of climate change.

“It is very real for us. The coastal erosion is unbelievable, and the countdown is now measured in years, not decades.

“Some islands have lost half their land. At high tide the sea comes right through. People living on the coast can’t sleep if there’s a storm, because the waves can come straight through their homes.”

Taafaki is not the first boxer to win a Commonwealth Games medal without winning a fight.

Australia’s Taylah Robertson won bronze in the women’s flyweight category in 2018 despite losing her bout to England’s Lisa Whiteside.

Taafaki’s opponent Borgohain will now face Emma-Sue Greentree of Australia in the final.

INDYCAR HEADQUARTERS (Indianapolis) — I got to see the 2028 INDYCAR. And there is a lot to like.

Well, it won’t be exactly what will run at the track starting in 2028. With 19 months to go before it actually is used to race, it will undergo more tweaks and adjustments.

Testing starts Saturday and Sunday, with Alexander Rossi in the car on Saturday and Alex Palou in it on Sunday. It won’t have the actual race engines, as Chevrolet and Honda are still developing their power plants. Instead, it will have a 2.4-liter V-6 engine that was developed a few years ago but never used.

It won’t have the hybrid system operational. But the tests over the next few months will inform INDYCAR about what might need to be changed before parts and pieces are started in mass production. 

INDYCAR doesn’t expect full tests of the entire field until after the 2027 season.

“This weekend … is just some very basic metrics that we need to get off the car,” INDYCAR VP of Competition and Race Engineering Mike O’Gara told me and other reporters Friday afternoon when showing us the car. “Lap time is not even on our radar just yet. For a brand-new car, you really need to make sure it starts, it steers, and it stops. And then you start looking at more and more data and measuring more things.

“If we get through these next couple days with a car that we know the braking system and the steering system work fine and the new damper system is doing what it’s supposed to, it’ll be a good test.”

But leave no doubt, this car is well into its development. 

And for 2028, here are eight things that seem cool. Elements of the car that folks really might like. Things that are noticeable when taking a close look at the car. It’s designed to be faster — without compromising safety. And also, it’s about 100 pounds lighter than the current car used today. 

We’ll get into more of the tech elements after the test, but this is more what strikes me at first look.

1. LED Lights

This was tried a handful of years ago. But trying to incorporate the system into an existing car produced too many problems with overheating and vibrations. It also caused issues with the car’s ability to work properly overall. 

But now the LED lights, which will show a car’s place during a race and potentially the time of the pit stop, should be good to go. 

Used in other series including IMSA, it will help fans know what place the car is in while it races.

“Anti-vibration is built into it, everything in terms of the way that that carbon was built, so that it fits perfectly in there,” INDYCAR Senior VP of Competition and Operations Mark Silba told me and the gathered media.

“There’s also been technical advances that have happened, and we worked with Dallara on that to build a panel that would be more robust. … That’s something we absolutely wanted to bring back for the fans.”

2. Front Wing

The front wing still looks good. And for Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the design of the big curved sidepods should help with air flow to allow drivers who are third, fourth, fifth in line to be able to have an easier time making passes.

I’m not sure if it is just the way the nose now looks toward the ground, but the front wing is distinctly INDYCAR.

3. It’s Sleek

The car appears a little more narrow. It still has that soda-bottle look. It looks cleaner than the current car, and frankly it should. The current car, which debuted in 2012, has had things bolted on and added for safety or aerodynamic reasons. 

“There’s been a conscious effort to look at the nose-up attitude of the car in different yaw situations and to reduce lift,” O’Gara said. “The current car we’ve sort of piled all these things on. We have flaps on the tire ramps at the speedway, and we have flaps on the back of the under tray at the speedway.

“We ran a spine on the current car. This car has none of that. Because all of the learnings from what those have all helped the cars from blowing over. From trying to make them more stable when you’re sideways or sliding backwards — we’ve seen those aero effects, and they’ve been integrated into the actual shape of the body of the car.”

4. Aeroscreen & Halo More Crisp

The aeroscreen and halo, now incorporated into the car, definitely look better. It’s not as bulky. They describe it as having more of a fighter pilot look, and it is hard to argue with that.

“When you see the car head-on, the windscreen and cockpit, it just fits better,” O’Gara said.

5. Clear Rear Panel

There is a clear panel at the rear of the car that will allow people to see the engine cover. It will allow for engine manufacturer branding to be seen through the panel.

There’s also a small area where fans — when just looking at the car as it sits on the grid — can see a little bit of the suspension underneath the body.

6. Steering Wheel And Fewer Knobs

More of the controls will move to the steering wheel, giving the cockpit area a slightly cleaner look, while still boasting a steering wheel that looks cool. Plus, there’s a safety element.

“We’ve tried to limit the number of controls in the car, so you’ll see a lot less knobs and buttons and levers and things like that,” O’Gara said. “The anti-roll bars are electronic now in the car, so they’re on electric actuators, and it’ll be up to the team to configure. But probably the thumb wheels that are on the steering wheel will adjust the anti-roll bars.

“It’s going to allow the drivers to not pull their hand off the wheel when they’re making these adjustments for one, but it’s also less stuff in the cockpit for them to hit their hands.”

7. Bigger Cockpit

The cockpit is bigger, allowing drivers of all sizes to be more comfortable in the car.

It will also potentially be cooler. And we’re not talking about the looks in this instance but about the temperatures inside.

“It’s safer because there’s more padding now around the driver,” O’Gara said. “It allows for a wider range of drivers.”

Also, the seat doesn’t adjust but the controls can be moved to come toward the driver.

8. Cool Factor

Which brings us to the last part of this piece. The cool factor when it comes to temperatures doesn’t mean it won’t be hot. The drivers, though, hopefully won’t feel that they are in an oven just baking throughout a race.

The infrastructure needs of the current cool suit system are part of the car and there are many other ways the car is designed to be more comfortable.

“The helmet cooling will be through the radiator ducts,” O’Gara said. “There’s cooling up top on the shock cover where we currently have cooling, and then underneath the car, there’s an area where … the bottom of the tub is sort of boat shaped, and at the very tip of that is a screen that comes right in under the steering column, blows air right on the driver.

“So a lot more cooling for the driver.”

Whew. That’s a good thing.

It’s time to get started.

“Teams will start receiving cars in about June of next year,” O’Gara said. “We’re going to coordinate the testing with all the teams. So, initially, it’ll be one car per team starting once the 2027 INDYCAR season finishes.”

Jake Connor starred as Super League leaders Leeds ran in eight tries in a 46-0 rout of Toulouse while Wigan Warriors remain just two points behind after their 20-8 win over Leigh Leopards.

Connor scored two of those tries himself and converted seven as the Rhinos ran up the score. Ned McCormack had an early try disallowed for a knock-on but it was merely a temporary stay of execution for Toulouse on a long night for the visitors.

Twelve minutes in Connor found a gap with the help of Riley Lumb to get the first, and it was then Connor who set up Mikolaj Oledzki for the second try of the night with a no-look pass. On the stroke of half-time Tom Holroyd added a third thanks to an offload from Presley Cassell.

The onslaught continued in the second half. James McDonnell found a gap four minutes after the restart, and just before the hour Leeds shifted the ball from wing to wing for Harry Newman to cross in the corner – although for the first time on the night Connor missed the conversion.

He made amends four minutes later by scoring his second try of the night, hauling in a catch before touching down. And Leeds kept on the pressure with late tries from Brodie Croft and Lumb padding an already lop-sided score-line.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights of Leeds Rhinos against Toulouse Olympique from the Super League

Wigan keep in touch with key victory

Wigan made it 10 consecutive wins in all competitions as they beat neighbours Leigh Leopards 20-8.

It was a typically full-throttle encounter from the start, with the first points scored from the boot of Leigh’s Adam Cook after nine minutes following an infringement in front of the posts on Umyla Hanley.

The lead was extended to 6-0 five minutes later when the Leopards ended a period of pressure by working the ball out to Innes Senior on the left and he went over in the corner.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Innes Senior dives into the corner which gave Leigh Leopards an early lead over Wigan Warriors

The Leopards threw bodies on the line to keep out Wigan as they tried to take advantage of a couple of errors from the hosts, and the visitors thought they had reduced the deficit with 29 minutes gone.

Jake Wardle broke from his own line and found Liam Marshall, who sprinted almost the length of the field to touch down in the corner, but Wardle was penalised for a push on Hanley following a video review. Cook chose to go for goal from the penalty and extended the lead to eight points.

Leigh’s defence had been exceptional but three minutes before the break they switched off as Field sprinted away following a penalty deep in his own half, breaking clean through the Leopards line and reaching the posts before anyone could catch him.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Matt Peet reacts to his side’s victory over Leigh Leopard which extends Wigan Warriors unbeaten to eight games in the league

Harry Smith’s kick reduced the arrears further, and four minutes after the break the visitors took the lead. Jack Hughes tried an extra pass, Noah Hodkinson picked up the loose ball and found Bevan French, who ran in under the posts.

Leigh coach Adrian Lam’s expression darkened further in the 51st minute when his side were again made to pay dearly for a handling mistake, this time in-form Zach Eckersley intercepting and running away to the line.

And it was soon to get even worse, with smart handling from the Warriors after another Leopards error seeing Eckersley brilliantly play in Hodkinson for a fourth try in the corner.

Leigh tried to find a way back into the contest but Wigan stood firm to open up a six-point lead over their rivals and hand the Leopards a first defeat in six.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights of Hull KR against Bradford Bulls from the Super League

The other match on Friday saw Joe Burgess reach a career milestone of 200 tries after he scored twice in Hull KR’s 40-16 win against Bradford Bulls.

Hull KR led 16-10 at half time before Jez Litten, Tom Davies and Elliot Minchella all scored in the second half to send the reigning champions into the top four.

Image:
The Super League table as it stands

Super League 2026 Round 21 Schedule and Results – live on Sky Sports

Thursday July 30
Huddersfield Giants 22-16 Hull FC

Friday July 31
Hull KR 40-16 Bradford Bulls
Leeds Rhinos 46-0 Toulouse Olympique
Leigh Leopards 8-20 Wigan Warriors

Saturday August 1
3pm: Castleford Tigers vs Warrington Wolves
5.30pm: York Knights vs St Helens
8pm: Catalans Dragons vs Wakefield Trinity

Sky Sports will show every game of the Super League live this season, including two matches each round exclusively live. The remaining five matches will be broadcast on Sky Sports+.

Fernando Mendoza eventually taking over as the Raiders’ starting quarterback seems inevitable, so much so that the only question is a matter of when it occurs.

Kirk Cousins doesn’t appear to be in any terrible hurry to hand the position to him, exhibiting the emotions and precision of someone ready to secure the spot entering Las Vegas’ season.

“I think in this league, it’s kind of one day at a time,” Cousins said. “You’re only as good as your last throw, your last practice. You try to every day go out and earn that opportunity and never take anything for granted.”

Coach Klint Kubiak made national news on the eve of training camp that Cousins would be the starter when practices began, but he was stating the obvious. Cousins ran the first-team offense in organized team activities and minicamp and there was no indication that would change entering camp.

Kubiak also made it clear at the time that he expected Mendoza and Aidan O’Connell to push Cousins, noting Friday he thought that position was off to a good start this camp.

“Any time they complete a ball better than (Cousins) does or get it out faster than he does, then he should get pissed and want to do it better,” Kubiak said. “That’s the goal, and I think they’ve done that in these first three practices. Every guy is doing something good every day, and it makes the other guy want to stay after practice a little bit longer to work on that throw that they missed.”

Cousins doesn’t hold back much emotionally on the field, though none of that has been directed at Mendoza or O’Connell. He has punched his fist in the air after throwing a touchdown pass and gotten into some verbal back and forth with the defense.

“I think I’ve always kind of been pretty spirited and competitive in practice and kind of have a little inner fire,” Cousins said. “Sometimes I can be relatively calm, but if you rattled the cage, then maybe you’ll see a little different guy. Sometimes it’s good then to get my cage rattled because it brings out the best in me.”

The Raiders brought in Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler entering his 15th season, to be a bridge rather than hand the offense directly to a rookie. Cousins is playing for a guaranteed $20 million, though his former club, Atlanta, is responsible for $8.7 million of that.

Las Vegas drafted Mendoza first overall after he won the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to a highly unlikely national championship. The hope is he will help deliver the Raiders, who haven’t won a playoff game in more than two decades, back to contention.

For his part, Mendoza is still adjusting to NFL life, learning to take snaps under center and the footwork adjustments that come with that. He struggled during much of OTAs and minicamp, his passes often nowhere close to on target.

That wasn’t the case so far in training camp. Mendoza was not only on point, he completed some tight-window passes.

“I love the mindset that he has,” Kubiak said. “That’s what all of our players should have. Nobody has arrived, especially a rookie quarterback.”

Mendoza would not argue, saying sometimes a play he feels good about on the practice field looks a lot different when reviewing the video, that he’s had to get used to the fact the margins are a lot smaller than in college.

“When it was rookie minicamp and OTAs, it happens very quick,” Mendoza said. “However, now in training camp, I truly feel like a member of the team rather than a new rookie on the scene.”

That was evident on Thursday in just his second camp practice during a seven-on-seven drill. Before the snap, Mendoza signaled to ninth-year wide receiver Phillip Dorsett II to move to his left. Dorsett indeed moved over and then Mendoza hit him in stride with the throw.

When asked later about taking such command of the offense, Mendoza deflected the praise.

“There’s a lot of times that the offensive line would correct me,” Mendoza said. “The running backs, tight ends, receivers, they would help put me in place. It’s that relationship that we have, that dynamic relationship where we can hold each other accountable.”

That kind of answer likely sits well in the locker room. Rather than expecting to be handed the job as the top draft pick, Mendoza has shown he is willing to work for it.

“Every day, he’s trying to get better,” fourth-year wide receiver Tre Tucker said. “I’m watching him in meetings and he’s listening, taking the corrections. Those are the type of things that you want to see from a guy like him, and he has a very bright future.”

Reporting by the Associated Press.

The top stories and transfer rumours from Saturday’s newspapers…

Arsenal

Real Madrid are open to the possibility of Arsenal target Vinicius Junior leaving the club if there’s no agreement on a new contract for the player, with Madrid having no plans to increase their last renewal offer – ESPN

Real Madrid have tabled a final take it or leave it contract offer to Arsenal target Vinicius Junior – Marca

Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle in a £77m plus add-ons, and have set aside a day next week for the Brazil midfielder’s medical – Daily Mail

Premier League

Chelsea avoided a 15-point deduction over payments to unregistered agents that would have relegated them from the Premier League because they reported themselves for breaching the rules and co-operated with the investigation – Daily Mail

Como have returned to the negotiating table for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah – Daily Mail

Inter Milan have intimated they are willing to pay £30m for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones – Daily Mail

Manchester City will push ahead with a deal with Ayyoub Bouaddi regardless of doubts about Rodri’s future at the Etihad Stadium – ESPN

Sunderland have been rebuffed in their opening offer for 20-year-old Toulouse left-back Dayann Methalie – Daily Mail

Aston Villa have asked about Palmeiras striker Allan – Daily Mail

Brighton are finalising a deal to sign Blackburn’s 18-year-old powerhouse striker Valentin Joseph – Daily Mail

FIFA

FIFA’s controversial plan to sell a piece of its business empire to outside investors has collapsed following an open revolt by soccer officials worldwide and a major rift among top FIFA executives – New York Post

Gianni Infantino’s inner circle has turned on his £15bn World Cup sell-off to leave the FIFA president fighting for his job – The Telegraph

Watch Back Pages on Sky Sports News

Back Pages is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm.

Missed the show? Catch up on the latest news with the Back Pages podcast.

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

Celtic and Rangers look set to be on a transfer collision course with reports the champions have renewed their interest in winger Fares Ghedjemis – Daily Record

Rangers defender John Souttar remains on Leicester City’s list of targets as he faces an uncertain future – Daily Record

EFL

Stoke and Preston are plotting an ambitious move for Ipswich and Scotland striker George Hirst – The Scottish Sun

With the MLB trade deadline set for 6 p.m. ET on Monday, and as the calendar simultaneously flips to August, World Series odds are attracting more attention.

That includes one Caesars Sports customer who thinks the Dodgers just might land Tigers ace Tarik Skubal between now and Monday night.

“We just took a $10,000 bet [Friday] morning on the Dodgers +175 to win the World Series,” Caesars head of baseball trading Eric Biggio said Friday afternoon.

Biggio and Caesars senior baseball trader Matt Torchia help break down 2026 World Series odds and action, as the regular season hits its final two months.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

The Dodgers are the favorites to land Tarik Skubal at the MLB trade deadline (Harry How/Getty Images).

Skubal Sweepstakes

At 51-58, Detroit is fourth in the AL Central and trails seven teams in the AL wild-card chase. That means the Tigers will likely be trade-deadline sellers, with Skubal the best piece to offer up by far.

The left-handed ace can walk as a free agent after this season, so Detroit almost assuredly wants something in return. As of Friday afternoon, the Dodgers are the frontrunner to snag him.

If that happens, then World Series favorite Los Angeles would surely move off its current +175 price, becoming an even stronger favorite, likely in the +140 range.

But Caesars wouldn’t be that enthused about a third straight Dodgers championship.

“We’re OK to the Dodgers on straight bets,” Biggio said. “But what’s been popular with bettors is including the Dodgers in futures parlays. That connected for a few of our players last year.

“I think there’s gonna be some futures parlay liability with the Dodgers.”

The Red Sox have a 17-3 record over their last 20 games (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images). 

Banking On Boston

A huge surprise over the past month has been the resurgence of the Red Sox.

On July 1, Boston was 37-48 and an afterthought for the playoffs. Then came a 15-game win streak, which comprised the bulk of a 20-2 run that actually began in late June.

That took the Sox from 100/1 long shot to +1800 10th choice in Caesars World Series odds. If the season ended today, Boston would be the second of three AL wild-card teams.

“A good amount of bets came in on the Red Sox at some decent numbers for the bettors,” Biggio said. “Not many got in at the peak of 100/1, but there are some tickets at 50/1 and 40/1.

“We’re still OK to the Red Sox, though. They’re a good story, and their playoff matchups would draw a lot of action. Red Sox-Yankees and Red Sox-White Sox would do a lot of business.”

And a Red Sox-Dodgers World Series — a repeat of the 2018 championship, won by Boston — would do massive numbers at sportsbooks.

The Chicago White Sox currently have a 57-51 record (Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images).

Southside Ride

Arguably the biggest surprise of the 2026 MLB season is the White Sox sitting atop the AL Central, at 57-51. In fact, through games of July 30, only the Rays (64-44) and Yankees (61-48) have better records in the AL, and Chicago is tied with Boston.

So a team that opened at a massive +30000 (300/1) at Caesars is now all the way to +2500. And plenty of bettors got on the White Sox at longer-shot odds.

“Our position on the White Sox is a pretty big red figure, and I imagine it’s similar at other sportsbooks,” Biggio said. “All those $10 and $20 bets add up.”

Indeed, a $20 flier at 300/1 would profit $6,000 if the White Sox lift the trophy. If you got frisky and put down a hundred bucks — which surely some people did — that bet would profit $30,000.

Torchia pointed to a couple other surprising teams that would blow up Caesars’ bottom line in World Series odds, including the Pirates and the Cardinals. Both are within three games in the NL wild-card hunt.

Pittsburgh is a dead-even 55-55, 2.5 games out of the third and final wild-card slot. St. Louis is 54-55, three games out in the wild card. Pittsburgh opened at +15000 (150/1) to win the World Series and is now +7500.

“The Pirates have been a fun story. Every year, they seem to do this, and they normally flame out,” Torchia said. “But this year, they’re stuck around .500 and maybe could eke out a Wild Card spot.

“We’d take a big hit on the Pirates winning the World Series.”

As for St. Louis: “It’s not as much of a hit on the Cardinals, but it wouldn’t be great for us,” Torchia said. “We had their win total at 74.5. We had no faith in them. They’ve outperformed their expectations.

“And our customers were betting into the Cardinals, because of the name brand and the big price.”

All that said, as noted above, the Pirates are still well down the oddsboard at +7500, and the Cardinals are double that at +15000 (150/1).

The Houston Astros are +2800 to win the World Series (Ross Turteltaub/Getty Images).

Texas Twosome

The top three teams in tickets and money in Caesars’ World Series odds are the Dodgers — by far — followed by the Yankees and Mariners. New York is the +550 second choice to win it all, trailing only Los Angeles. Seattle is the +1600 co-seventh choice, despite currently sitting sub-.500 at 53-57.

Torchia said Caesars is rooting for two of the Mariners’ division rivals at this point.

“We’d like to see the Astros or the Rangers win the World Series,” he said.

Like Seattle, both Texas and Houston are hovering around .500, with the Rangers in first at 55-54 and Houston a half-game back at 55-55.

“I could see Texas as a sleeper, a good under-the-radar team. Nobody talks about the Rangers,” Torchia said.

The Rangers are +1600 — joining the M’s — while the Astros are +3500 in World Series futures.

Biggio agreed that Texas and Houston are both good for the book. But he’s really looking for the least attractive matchup possible.

“I’m rooting for a non-sexy World Series, the most boring possible: the Brewers vs. the Rays,” Biggio said. “They both play the best fundamental baseball. I think the Brewers are very underrated.”

Biggio might just get that matchup. Tampa Bay (64-44) has the AL’s best record and is the +1200 co-fourth choice in odds to win the World Series, joined by the Braves.

Milwaukee (67-41) has the second-best mark in all baseball, behind only the Dodgers (69-40). Caesars has the Brew Crew at +900, the third choice to win it all, trailing only the Dodgers and Yankees.

World No 3 Cameron Young surged into a share of the lead of the Rocket Classic after a nine-under 61 in the second round in Detroit.

Young climbed 68 spots to move to 10 under with his bogey-free round and shares a three-way lead with Patrick Cantlay and Patrick Fishburn.

The two-time Open runner-up made seven birdies on his front nine and threatened to become just the second player, after Jim Furyk, to shoot two career sub-60 rounds.

“It felt like I had a 10-footer for birdie on pretty much every hole. I made a bunch of them in a row on my first nine,” said Young.

“Then the putter kind of went cold a little bit for my second nine. Just really solid golf all the way through. Happy to have kind of played my way back in the tournament a little bit after Thursday.”

Young is now favourite heading into the weekend and will look to continue his great recent form that saw him finish runner-up at The Open two weeks ago.

Image:
Cameron Young is in the joint lead at the halfway point of the Rocket Classic (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)

The 29-year-old won The Players Championship and Cadillac Championship earlier this year but has not been able to put together a string of strong results.

“You wonder am I missing something, why is this the way that it is, why is it not working, all those things. But when it goes well, it feels totally the opposite,” said Young.

“When it goes well, it feels like you never will play bad again. It just comes and goes. You kind of have to be ready for either one.

“At some point it’s going to get harder and at some point you’ll come out of that difficult period and it will feel easy again. It’s kind of just a game of being ready for whatever comes next.”

Get the best prices and book a round at one of 1,700 courses across the UK & Ireland

Young will fancy his chances against Cantlay and Fishburn but there are 17 other players within three shots of the lead.

England’s Matt Wallace is only one shot behind after his bogey-free round of 64 and Rickie Fowler is on the same overall score of nine under.

First-round leader Peter Malnati was unable to repeat his heroics from Thursday as he made one-over 71 but is one of eight players only two shots back, including two-time major champion Xander Schauffele.

Watch the third round of the Rocket Classic on Saturday from 7pm, live on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream golf with no contract

As NFL teams open training camps this week, there are significant football numbers being unveiled. Yes, EA Sports celebrated “Madden NFL 27 Ratings Week,” with a few elite players earning the rare 99 rating and everyone else complaining.

The target of their disappointment is former Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco Johnson, who made six Pro Bowls in a colorful 11-year NFL career and has found a second chapter as a “ratings adjuster” for EA Sports, traveling to games and scouting players in person for his role in choosing their rating.

Johnson took a few minutes to talk with FOX Sports about the seriousness and silliness of football video game ratings and his readiness to back up his numbers when players take issue. Chomping on a cigar and wearing an MLS soccer jacket, he talked about everything from a penchant for generous tipping to his favorite receivers to the World Cup and his love of McDonald’s.

What is your phone like on a day like today when players find out their ratings for the year?

Johnson: In the past, when they didn’t have someone that was in charge of the ratings, they could be upset. They could complain. You can’t complain to me, because I can pull up and show you exactly what you are. I can show you why you’re an 82. You see, this game, where you disappear because you’re playing against one of the better players in the NFL. That’s why you’re rated where you are. 

Can you do it week in and week out against the best? You disappear; that’s why you’re not rated high. There’s a reason Myles Garrett is a f—ing 99. I’m a former player that played at a very high level and was elite at what he did. This is why you’re rated where you are: you disappear in f—ing games.

I don’t want you to name specific names, but is there a position that might complain the most about ratings?

Johnson: Every position complains. I’m not going to call out names, but especially skill-position DBs and receivers. Oh man, yeah. The funny thing about this is a great thing: You have 17 weeks to show me otherwise. You have 17 weeks to show me and don’t disappear. Listen, I understand you’re going to drop the ball as a defensive back. You’re going to get beat. It happens. I don’t care who you are; it shouldn’t happen often.

But you can appreciate how much these numbers actually mean to players.

Johnson: It meant something to me, because I’m a huge gamer. That’s a reflection of who I am. Your ratings numbers are a reflection of what you do on the field. That’s why it means so much.

Your title is ratings adjuster. How much adjusting can you do based on your own opinion? Up or down a point? Two?

Johnson: Yeah, I would say so. I think my input when it comes to adjusting, outside of those who are above my pay grade, my input matters, because I actually played the game. Not saying they’re not worthy of being able to analyze and make decisions based on what they can also see. Our eyes are one and the same. 

Even if you haven’t played the game, you can see: You know what? This guy, he’s not really what he thinks he is, and this is why. Having me in there to give that input, it pays dividends. Everything is fair, based on where everyone is rated right now. If you don’t like where you’re rated, show me on Sunday.

You get to take very seriously something that’s still just a video game. Do you enjoy how seriously some people take it?

Johnson: Absolutely, because it’s more than just a video game. Your production is based on how you get paid, so we base your production on your rating as well. It might just be a video game to some, but to some, it’s a serious matter.

I know the 99s are elite, and you’re careful in how you give them out. Who is someone who doesn’t have a 99 this year, but is closest?

Johnson: Easy, the quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes (93 rating this year). [Matthew] Stafford and [Josh] Allen are the only two [99s] this year. Mahomes, Lamar Jackson (94 overall), of course. Can you get it done in the playoffs where it matters most? 

Some receivers should very well be back in the conversation. Justin Jefferson (94 overall), now you have a quarterback. The inconsistency at play at the quarterback position is why you’re not rated where you once were. Puka Nacua (98) has a chance this year to be a 99 at some point because he is really good. His body of work is phenomenal.

You’re on the road for 18 weeks straight during the season. Your schedule isn’t set yet, but what’s that like for you?

Johnson: I’m ready for it. I’m excited. I love it, because it allows me to still be around the game. It still allows me to be integrated into 
the game in some sort.

Anyone who follows you on social media knows how generous you are, leaving $1,000 tips at nearly any restaurant. When did that start, and why is it still so important for you to help people out like that?

Johnson: That started for me back in 2001, when I first came into some money. I remember at times not being able to tip as much as I’d like in high school, going to IHOP, going to Denny’s, hearing their stories on how the service industry or minimum wage wasn’t enough. It wasn’t a livable wage in general, and everybody, they say, ‘Well, get a better job,’ not understanding how difficult it is for certain people based on their circumstances to for one, have transportation for a better job. Everybody’s in unfortunate situations they can’t control. 

What I can control is the man upstairs being able to bless me in abundance, and me being able to make sure I’m going to make this individual’s day. I started the $1,000 tipping in 2001, and I’ve been doing it now for the past 25 years. Shannon [Sharpe] and I had a funny argument on “Nightcap” about this. He tips based on service, and a lot of people jumped on me about, “Well, if the service is bad, I’m not tipping.” The first thing I say is we’ve lived in this world a very long time, and we’ve all dealt with some goddamn idiots. So there’s no telling what this server had to deal with before you. I’m always tipping $1,000 because you never know what the person had to go through, had to deal with before you got there.

Do you think servers know who you are now? Are they fighting to get your table at places?

Johnson: I like when they’re not aware, but sure, especially when I’m in Miami and when I’m in Cincinnati, I go to restaurants, and they already know what’s coming. I just left Charlotte after two days. They had no idea, but they knew once I left. It’s something I will always continue to do as long as the man upstairs continues to bless me. I will always do that.

I know you’re a huge soccer fan, and you make a point to get to the biggest games. If I give you a chance to brag, who are the elite soccer players you’ve been able to meet in person?

Johnson: That’s easy. Multiple times, obviously the two best in the world, the GOATs, depending on who you ask, would be Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi. I’ve met them since Messi was a baby. Not a literal baby, but at Barcelona, I was there when he debuted. Ronaldinho and I have met. We’re friends now. Cristiano and I are friends since he was at Sporting Lisbon. [Mario] Balotelli, [Paul] Pogba, [Gerard] Piqué, Marcelo. Oh, my goodness! The list goes on and on. Son Heung-Min, meeting one of my favorite South Korean players who played for Tottenham. Sol Campbell, Thierry Henry, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic. 

Oh, my goodness. Samuel Eto’o. Let me think. Neymar, obviously. Brazilian Ronaldo, who I’ve met twice; he doesn’t speak good English, but “That’s Ocho, I know his face.” Kaka and I became friends when he was here at Orlando City. Antoine Griezmann, who played at Atletico and for the French national team, he’s now at Orlando City and I know him extremely well. Just to name a few. Every offseason, as soon as the season ends, I just leave and go to Europe and I hop from city to city. Because of me being with Reebok or when I was with Nike, they bridge the gap to meet the players easily.

Chad Johnson caught up with Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP via Getty Images)

How proud were you of how the United States handled hosting a World Cup?

Johnson: It was beautiful. It was beautiful. The fact that we did such a phenomenal job, Gianni [Infantino] having the World Cup here in the U.S. and all the parties and power that be were involved, converted a lot of people into loving the game of soccer. It’s so difficult for us to appreciate here because we have so many other sports to choose from, but getting a better cultural aspect on how good and how awesome those games could be, especially for those able to attend matches in person. 

Listen, we love our sports here. We think we’re crazy about them. They went crazy in New York about the Knicks winning a championship. Go to a regular game in Europe. We got a small sample size, an appetizer of what it’s like for them culturally when it comes to the beautiful game. I think it was a great thing and we converted a lot of fans. I think the MLS will take over from here, continuing to grow the game here in the States.

Unrelated: How many days out of 365 in a year are you eating at McDonald’s?

Johnson: Honestly, maybe 362. I just call that a fasting day.

Always the same McDonald’s?

Johnson: Any time I’m in Miami, it’s the same McDonald’s. When I’m in Cincinnati, it’s the same McDonald’s over in Covington. When I travel, it’s a little bit different. Wherever the closest one is to the hotel, that’s where I frequent. I do eat other things.

What do you think of this year’s Bengals? The offense will be great, but what about the defense?

Johnson: That’s the problem. With the concerns, I’m hoping those voids are filled. Having Brian Cook come in, Dexter Lawrence to help with the run, we have some young linebackers who played somewhat well, had their ups and downs as rookies. I’m looking for them to make that next step. I’m excited for us. 

I’m not worried about us offensively. I’m worried about us defensively, and our defense has been our Achilles heel for a very long time. If we can have a good year defensively and we score 35 or 30 a game like we already did, if we don’t allow the other team to score 40, I’m happy. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I know we made the improvements necessary to give us the best chance to win.

Broncos have ‘all of the qualities’ to make Super Bowl, Can the Bengals contend this year?

You had one year with the Patriots. What’s your favorite Tom Brady story?

Johnson: My favorite Tom Brady story, I can’t even tell. It’s just personal. Athletes confide in you in a way that it would never get out, and that’s something that you would never tell. But Tommy, Tommy is awesome, man. He’s one of those guys you see on TV. To see him as a quarterback, it’s like if God said, “You know what, I’m going to make the perfect person.” Not only a person, the perfect football player that people can look up to. It is him, man. Words can’t describe what Tom means to me, not as a teammate but as a friend.

Who are your top five receivers in today’s NFL?

Johnson: That’s easy. I’m always putting Uno first. Ja’Marr Chase always goes first. Justin Jefferson would be 2. Three is tricky. I’m going to slash it between Puka Nacua and JSN (Jaxon Smith-Njigba). The four and five get tricky because there are so many people worthy of that slot. We could go CeeDee Lamb. The way George Pickens played last year, we could put George there as well. 

What about A.J. Brown? What about DeVonta Smith? You know, it’s so tough. I’m just going to name those four, because there are so many others that are worthy, and I’m not trying to piss anybody off.

Last year, you were way ahead in picking the Panthers to win their division. Who are your breakout teams for 2026?

Johnson: That’s a great question. Can I go out on a limb and say the New York Jets? I’m not sure that limb is as sturdy as it was last year when I said the Bears and Panthers and stood on a table and beat my chest about them. They did exactly what I said they were going to do. I want to say the Jets. I think Aaron Glenn, in his second year, has a tremendous amount of change offensively, having a quarterback in Geno Smith with the arm talent like no other up there with Matt Stafford and Aaron Rodgers, regardless of what people may think about it. Garrett Wilson should have a year, and then for them to steer that ship, changing some of the bad tastes people have had in their mouths over the years.

Gianni Infantino has met his Icarus moment.

The FIFA president’s plan to sell stakes in the World Cup was only revealed a matter of days ago but already it seems terminally damaged.

UEFA, the governing body for European football, has threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions by its member nations unless the scheme is permanently abandoned. Concacaf, UEFA’s counterpart in North and Central America and the Caribbean, has also rejected FIFA’s proposal. The Asian Football Confederation has condemned it, too. Even Infantino’s senior adviser, Carlos Cordeiro, has resigned in protest.

In the face of all that, FIFA has expressed its intention to push on with the scheme and take it to a vote, but it’s difficult to see how, given these stances and the extent of the opposition, it can possibly succeed in its current form.

Whatever happens next, whatever the repercussions are for Infantino, this saga will be remembered for its hubris and for being the moment when the FIFA chief, who has consistently been allowed to challenge the boundaries of his authority, finally got too close to the sun.

Among 48 hours of memorable quotes, one of the most pertinent came from Bernd Neuendorf, president of the German Football Association, who revealed that he first learned of Infantino’s plans by reading about them in the media.

“This news has surprised us,” Neuendorf told his country’s football news outlet Kicker on Wednesday. “I’m also a member of the FIFA Council – FIFA’s highest body – and one would expect to be informed in advance about such a significant decision, about such a process. Especially since it’s such a far-reaching project.

“It’s so comprehensive; it must have been discussed within FIFA for months; a year, or even longer. It was never a topic of discussion in the council. I was very surprised, and also annoyed, that we had to find out about something like this from the press.”

The FIFA Council on which Neuendorf sits has 37 members, Infantino included, with representatives from all of the game’s six continental federations. It is, as Neuendorf mentions, world football’s most senior executive body. But there is no evidence yet that it was involved in any of the planning behind FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE), which has reportedly been at a conceptual stage for more than a year.

On Friday morning, FIFA issued a new statement, a third clarification in two days, insisting that a planned “consultation process was disrupted by incorrect media reports”.

It’s not immediately clear which reports it considers incorrect or how it prevented any prior consultation, but those details are incidental. The damage is done. Some of the most influential figures in world football, among them members of FIFA’s highest committee, have been blindsided by a complicated, controversial and divisive piece of legislation because they had no prior warning of its existence.

It’s a staggering oversight.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol analyses FIFA’s statement in response to criticism of its decision to launch a consultation on selling stakes in a World Cup commercial entity to private investors

Powerbrokers tend to come with big egos, to say nothing of their political influence. In a video released late on Tuesday, a worn-looking Infantino, delivering a scripted monologue to camera, attempted to reframe the proposal in response to the media’s reporting. The plan had been misunderstood, he said, in a weary, patronising tone, and is just his attempt to cure football of its inequities.

But if this move was taken in good faith – lower your eyebrows, please – then what was the virtue in keeping it secret? Doing so only risked antagonising members of the international football community and creating suspicion.

The answer seems to be that this is just what the FIFA presidency has been allowed to become. As such, any reflection on this episode must involve proper evaluation of the office itself and the limits of its power. If being FIFA president can convince someone that an initiative this profound can be developed outside of committee and in private, then it must be reformed to guard against such hubris.

And it’s that overreach – the flaunting of consensus – that appears to have Infantino in the kind of political trouble he has so often managed to evade over his decade in the job.

Many of the stakeholders complaining now have tolerated worse. World Cups have been played in Russia and Qatar on Infantino’s watch (even if the awarding of those tournaments to those host nations did not). The hosting procedure for the 2030 and 2034 tournaments was contorted to prevent Saudi Arabia from facing opposition.

Image:
Infantino was set to be re-elected as FIFA president in March

Calls for boycotts have been made before, but never has one been threatened in such a serious way, despite the litany of issues that have infringed upon the game.

This has become the line in the sand (perhaps) because it appears to conform to a growing pattern of unilateral behaviour.

One of the frequent refrains from the past few days is that Infantino has been trying to sell something that does not belong to him. Increasingly, he acts as if it does, with this latest affair further evidence that, rather than an administrator, he sees himself more as football’s broker, the owner of its power and the arbiter for what it should be used for.

After U.S. President Donald Trump was awarded FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize last December, no evidence was presented to show that decision went beyond Infantino himself.

When hydration breaks were inserted into each half at the recent World Cup, IFAB, the body which makes the laws of the game, was not consulted. Nor was it given a say when a near 30-minute half-time show was shoved into the tournament’s final.

There are serious points to be made. About Iran, about the abandonment of political neutrality, and that smirking, incredulous press conference Infantino gave ahead of the tournament – the “chill and relax” moment when questions were posed in support of punitive immigration actions.

Then there are more anecdotal issues. The Folarin Balogun affair. The self-celebration of his 10-year anniversary as president. Or, most recently, a raging Instagram post, in which Infantino accused his critics of “spreading hate” and showed his disdain for anything approaching criticism.

This is part of the problem. In its rushed response to this crisis, FIFA has exposed how unprepared it was to explain itself. Within that perhaps lies a more alarming realisation. Maybe there was no planned communication strategy because when Gianni wants something to happen, that tends to be enough.

But not this time. And the sport must never find itself in this position again.

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
© 2026 The Athletic Media Company

The Packers finished 9-7-1 and second in the NFC North in 2025. Green Bay earned the NFC’s final playoff berth before blowing an 18-point lead in a Wild Card loss to the Bears.

Since 2019, Green Bay has had a winning record in six of seven seasons and reached at least 11 wins four times.

After a disappointing 2025 by their standards, the Packers will look to return to double-digit wins in 2026.

Let’s take a look at their’ over/under win total odds for the 2026 NFL season.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Green Bay Packers

Over 9.5: -130 (bet $10 to win $17.69 total)
Under 9.5: +110 (bet $10 to win $21 total)

What to know: The Packers’ 2025 season was defined by inconsistency. Green Bay opened the year with two straight wins and started 5-1-1 through seven weeks. Then, after dropping back-to-back games, the Packers responded with another win streak of four straight victories to improve to 9-3-1.

However, the season unraveled down the stretch. Green Bay lost its final four regular-season games before blowing its heartbreaking Wild Card loss to Chicago, finishing the year with five straight losses overall.

Injuries played a major role in Green Bay’s late-season collapse. The Packers lost Micah Parsons, Tucker Kraft, and Elgton Jenkins to season-ending injuries, while quarterback Jordan Love missed two games and dealt with injuries throughout the season.

The injury list didn’t stop there. Right tackle Zach Tom missed five games, Christian Watson was sidelined for seven games and both Jayden Reed and Lukas Van Ness also missed time during the year.

Odds: This upcoming season, Green Bay is the +225 second choice to win the NFC North, the +900 fourth choice to win the NFC and the +1800 10th choice to win the Super Bowl. 

Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle reveals her thoughts on the big handicap of the day on Saturday, the Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood.

Dream chance for Owen in Stewards’ Cup

Twenty-eight runners rampaging down the hill at Goodwood in one of the most famous handicaps in world racing is a sight to savour and this weekend’s Coral Stewards’ Cup Handicap (3.35) certainly lives up to expectations.

It’s anyone’s race but I cannot get away from James Owen’s likely favourite Far Above Dream who has the form, the track experience, and the draw in his favour. The four-year-old ran a career-best to finish a close fourth in the Wokingham, just behind his talented stable mate Soldier’s Tree, after scoring over this course and distance in May.

He has progressed up the handicap but can race off the same mark as he did at The Royal Meeting and can prove his liking for the cut and thrust of a big field handicap for an upwardly mobile trainer.

All-Weather winner has solid course form

Another on my shortlist for the Stewards’ Cup is Ollie Sangster’s Tuco Salamanca – an exciting ride for young Irish ace Dylan Browne-McMonagle.

Though his recent wins have been achieved on the All-Weather, including in good company at Newcastle last month, he does have solid course form to his name and has a handy middle draw.

In last weekend’s blog I put up Charles Hills’s lightly raced seven-year-old Mitbaahy as my ‘Hot Shot’ so won’t be surprised if he makes the frame at big odds on the back of that second in the Group Three Hackwood Stakes at Newbury.

Star to deny Waardah a second win in Langtry

Santorini Star has the class and the constitution to add the Group Two Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes (3.00) on Saturday to her Group Two victories in the Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster and the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket.

William Haggas’s five-year-old had a rare blip in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot but this is an ideal assignment for a mare who stays well and, crucially, has winning form at the track.

Her closest market rival will be the Owen Burrows-trained Waardah, who won this race last year and found only subsequent Group One Pretty Polly Stakes Winner Estrange too good in a Group Three at Carlisle last time. She is entitled to come on for her first outing since last Autumn, but Santorini Star’s overall profile is more compelling.

Three in a row for veteran Al Aasy

William Haggas holds the key to the Group Three Coral Glorious Stakes (2.25) on Saturday with market leaders Al Aasy and Opportunity, but I am expecting the veteran to win this race for the third year in a row.

Tom (Marquand) will be looking to smuggle him into the race, just as Jim Crowley did 12 months ago, and can expect another committed performance from Shadwell’s wonderful Sea The Stars gelding.

Seemingly as good as ever and proven on the track, he can get the better of Wathnan Racing’s Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes hero Opportunity who took his form to a new level at Royal Ascot but needs to find more on this step back into Group company.

O’Brien gelding can build on Royal Ascot form

Godolphin’s Valedictory will be well supported in the Highclere Castle Gin Summer Handicap (1.50) on Saturday, and rightly so, but I am taking him on with Irish raider Aeronautic, who can improve on his third in the race last year.

Joseph O’Brien’s five-year-old struck me as a winner waiting to happen when finishing fourth in the Copper Horse Stakes at the Royal Meeting. He hasn’t won for a long time but has proven he can be highly competitive off this mark of 97.

Valedictory won over course and distance in May when he was transformed by the cheekpieces but a three-pound rise for a narrow win at Newmarket last time demands more from John and Thady Gosden’s gelding.

Another to consider is Charlie Johnston’s Northumberland Plate Victor Align The Stars who took this prize two years ago but has never won off a triple digit rating.

Time for talented Jack to shine

Promising apprentice Jack Nicholls can make a name for himself in the Phase Eight Handicap (4.10) on Saturday when he partners Naval Light for his in-form boss Karl Burke.

The three-year-old carries a relatively low weight and Jack’s three-pound claim can give him a decisive edge in this higher grade following wins at Pontefract and Catterick this summer.

Startled has been running well for Richard Hughes who has enlisted another talented claimer in Harry Vigors for this assignment. He looks fairly treated on his course and distance second in May so should be in the mix.

Billy was just brilliant on stunning Echo

Bow Echo produced the performance of the week at the Qatar Goodwood Festival, showing a blistering turn of foot to win the Group One Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes (4.10, Wednesday) and extend his unbeaten record to six.

He’s clearly a very special talent – a comment that applies to his young jockey Billy Loughnane, who has shown a maturity beyond his years on George Boughey’s superstar.

It takes a special horse to get out of the kind of difficult situation he found himself in on the Downs but a top-class jockey to execute a victory as Billy did so coolly. It was a great ride that will live long in the memory of racing fans and one I thoroughly enjoyed watching.

Oxygen chamber is helping my recovery

Since coming out of hospital following my fall in May, I’ve been using a hyperbaric oxygen chamber which we’ve had installed at home, and the results are encouraging.

The chamber basically increases air pressure to deliver pure one hundred per cent oxygen into your bloodstream which helps with healing. Sitting in there for an hour a day has become part of my rehabilitation routine now.

I’m also continuing with my gym programme and physiotherapy at Oaksey House in Lambourn five days a week but still don’t have any idea of a comeback date at this stage.

Need a catcher? Want one that rakes and is under contract through 2029? Give the Colorado Rockies a call about Hunter Goodman!

The Rockies are tied for the worst record in MLB (42-67), and Goodman, a two-time All-Star, is among their compelling position players who could move the needle for a contender, specifically one that wants a catcher.

Here are three best trade fits for Goodman.

Boston Red Sox

Hunter Goodman boasts a career .502 slugging percentage. (Photo by Kyle Cooper/Colorado Rockies/Getty Images)

Boston’s offense has slumped, and it could use more power from behind the plate. Enter Goodman.

Goodman leads MLB catchers with 31 home runs — which is tied for third in MLB altogether — a .545 slugging percentage and a .871 OPS. He has overwhelming power from the right side and is arguably the best hitting catcher in the sport.

Goodman would add needed slug to a Boston offense that’s tied for 28th in MLB in home runs (104), tied for 24th in runs (454) and tied for 22nd in slugging percentage (.393). Moreover, the Red Sox have received a combined five home runs and 33 RBIs from the catching combination of Carlos Narváez, Connor Wong and Mickey Gasper. Suffice to say: Goodman would be a monumental upgrade in the batter’s box for Boston at the position.

All that said, the Red Sox may prefer to just ride out the season with Narváez and Wong behind the plate, who has had his moments as a hitter, and keep continuity intact between said catchers and their pitching staff, as Boston (57-51 and winners of 20 of its last 23 games) continues to chug toward a playoff spot. On that note, Goodman’s prospects behind the plate continually come into question, as he’s tied for 57th among MLB catchers with -1 defensive runs saved and tied for 21st among catchers in runners caught stealing (10). 

Texas Rangers

Hunter Goodman has been an All-Star in each of the last two seasons: 2025 and 2026. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

The Texas Rangers find themselves squarely in playoff contention (first place in the American League West at 55-54). What could they use to build separation in the AL West? Offense behind the plate, a void that Goodman would fill with ease.

Goodman, who ranks in the 97th percentile of MLB in barrel percentage this season (17.0%), per Statcast, would instantly become the Rangers’ most dangerous hitter from either side of the plate. Prior to this season, Goodman blasted 31 home runs, drove in 91 runs and finished with a .520 slugging percentage in 2025, helping him earn a Silver Slugger honor.

Texas has dealt with injuries to catchers Kyle Higashioka (.218/.306/.370 slash line) and Danny Jansen (.171/.277/.309 slash line), who have each struggled at the plate, while Elias Díaz and Austin Wynns have been unable to provide a lift. Meanwhile, Goodman has five multi-home run games this season, including two three-homer games.

All that said, Texas — or any team for that matter — may refrain from offering a considerable trade package for Goodman to be their long-term catcher, potentially seeing him as more of a first baseman in the wake of his shortcomings behind the plate compared to his catching counterparts (Goodman has also made 29 MLB starts in right field, 10 at first base and five in left field). Plus, would acquiring Goodman make the Rangers a true AL contender or just the best team in a division where they’re the only team with a winning record?

New York Yankees

Hunter Goodman was a fourth-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

Even with his defensive shortcomings, Goodman would improve the Red Sox and Rangers, but neither club makes the most sense to acquire the catcher because the Yankees have a screaming need for Goodman.

Austin Wells boasts a reputable seven defensive runs saved this year, but the bat has been a major problem for the Yankees’ starting catcher (.162/.260/.273 slash line). Goodman would be the team’s best hitting catcher since the peak version of Gary Sanchez and provide elite power to an offense that’s currently without Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger and Giancarlo Stanton.

If New York loves Goodman’s bat but has alarms sounding on his glove, it could remove him for Wells in the final two-to-three innings of games where they have a lead behind the notion that his spot in the order likely won’t reach the plate again. Another option is having Wells start multiple games a week, with Goodman serving as the designated hitter on those days until Stanton, who’s the team’s primary designated hitter, when healthy, returns.

The Yankees could offer the Rockies a trade package for Goodman centered around right-handers Luis Gil — who was the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year — and Elmer Rodriguez and catcher Ali Sánchez, among other prospects. Both Gil and Rodriguez likely don’t have a short-term path to getting back in New York’s starting rotation, whereas they could each theoretically join Colorado’s starting rotation from the jump.

If and when the Yankees’ offense gets back to 100% health wise, Goodman would add another impact bat to a high-octane, power-hitting unit, which complements an elite starting rotation and a bullpen that’s tied for the MLB lead in ERA (2.98).

Chelsea have been fined £10m and given a suspended two-window transfer ban by an independent appeal board after admitting breaches of Football Association agent rules, the FA has announced.

An earlier independent commission had imposed a suspended six-point deduction, which was set aside and the suspended transfer ban imposed in its place.

The FA confirmed the imposition of sanctions on the west London club on Friday, who admitted to a total of 74 breaches of FA regulations covering agents, working with intermediaries and third-party investment in players.

The club’s new owners self-reported the breaches to the football authorities in May 2022, when they were in the process of buying the club from Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol explains why Chelsea have been punished for breaching FA rules of payments to agents and intermediaries under previous ownership.

The transfers which raised potential concerns during the takeover process are believed to include deals for players such as Eden Hazard, Samuel Eto’o and Willian.

The six-point deduction, suspended until June 30 2027, was imposed by the independent commission which initially heard the case but the club appealed against that.

An appeal board instead replaced the points penalty with the suspended two-window transfer ban.

The £10m fine imposed by the Regulatory Commission was not subject to appeal and the full amount will be invested into grassroots football.

Chelsea have previously entered sanction settlements in regard to this matter with the Premier League and UEFA.

A club statement read: “Chelsea Football Club is pleased to confirm that a final decision has been reached by The FA’s judicial bodies in relation to historical regulatory matters that were self-reported by the club.

“In 2022, the club self-reported potential historical rule breaches to all applicable regulators. Following that report, it has worked openly and transparently with all regulators, including voluntarily and proactively disclosing many thousands of documents.

“As previously announced, settlement agreements have been entered into with UEFA and the Premier League concerning the same self-reported regulatory matters and topics that have been addressed before. The club is pleased to confirm that, now The FA process has concluded, this brings all regulatory proceedings against the club to a close.

“We are grateful to UEFA, the Premier League and The FA for their engagement with the club throughout these processes.”

Chicago — Just like that, talking season has officially reached its conclusion.

After patiently waiting its turn while other conferences around the country took the spotlight, the Big Ten assumed center stage at the Hilton Chicago for a three-day preview (July 28-30) that served as an unofficial beginning to the 2026 campaign.

Storylines were aplenty: from defending national champion Indiana to Michigan’s never-ending drama. From a handful of potential Heisman Trophy candidates to more than a few coaches who are occupying increasingly hot seats.

Here are our biggest takeaways from the week in Chicago: 

1. Curt Cignetti Is The Conference’s Biggest Star

Michael Cohen: If there were any doubts surrounding whether Indiana, the defending national champion, could maintain the supreme focus it displayed across the first two seasons of an incredible rebuild, consider this quote from Cignetti on Thursday — more than a month before the Hoosiers’ opener against North Texas:

“Yesterday morning we flew in here, right?” Cignetti said during a breakout session. “I was working on opponents yesterday morning until I had to leave to go to the airport, you know? Because I like to know opponents like the back of my hand before we go to camp. It gets a little more difficult now with the portal, a lot of new faces.”

Curt Cignetti and Indiana celebrate beating Miami in the 2025 CFP national championship. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Despite everything Cignetti has accomplished since taking over Indiana — the 27-2 overall record, the back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances, the Big Ten championship, the national title, the fairytale turnaround of a perennial conference doormat — he’s using every last minute to grind through tape in late July before his mandatory media responsibilities get in the way. National champion or otherwise, he refuses to deviate from what works.

At an event that is traditionally dominated by two of college football’s biggest brands in Ohio State and Michigan, Cignetti arrived in Chicago with the grandest profile. He captivated a national television audience during his quip-filled address from the main stage at the Hilton Chicago. And when he migrated to a smaller podium across the room, riffing and rolling for an additional 30 minutes, reporters who have covered this event for years were stunned by the size of the crowd. Only Cignetti — whom Indiana athletic director Scott Dolson describes as a “unicorn” — could dwarf the attention Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day captured earlier this week.

And in trademark Cignetti fashion, the zingers flowed:

On the rigors of the Big Ten compared to the SEC: “The Big Ten is the best league in football. A lot of really good football teams, very physical football teams, very well-coached. It definitely prepares you for the playoffs, there’s no doubt about it. The numbers speak for themselves. We don’t run a hype machine up here in the Midwest. We believe everything is earned, not given. When we fall short, we say: ‘We fell short.’ We don’t cry a river, whine and complain. That’s why we’re the best.”

On the Hoosiers’ success during his tenure: “I’m a firm believer in our blueprint. Our Monday morning meeting will be very similar to what it was eight years ago. It’ll be about an hour long. There’s certain things we’ll do in there, there’s certain things I’ll say in the team meeting Tuesday night that I said eight years ago. It’s not word for word, but it’s pretty damn close. The way we practice, pretty similar to what we did eight years ago. We have a way of doing things. We’ve got guys that have been together, and all we do is win.”

On why he’s excited for the 2026 season: “I’ve been on vacation long enough. I’m tired of being bossed around by my wife. I’m ready to boss somebody else around and develop a football team.”

The Hoosiers, which welcomed 39 newcomers, finished third in most of the unofficial Big Ten preseason polls released earlier this week. Indiana returns 10 starters from the group that won a national championship in January and retained virtually everyone on Cignetti’s highly respected coaching staff — most notably, offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan and defensive coordinator Bryant Haines, both of whom received large raises. Program-wide continuity is fueling Cignetti’s confidence that this team can make another run despite new starters at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, linebacker, cornerback and edge rusher.

At this point, who could possibly doubt him?

“I think part of the key to the drill is getting everybody to think alike,” Cignetti said. “That’s where my messaging is important in upholding a standard and having accountability. But look, you’ve got to have the right people in place. You’ve got to have a process and people in place. We have the right people in place, upstairs and downstairs. I feel very strongly about that. I’ll be stalking complacency. I know that question is coming. But I like what I’ve seen so far.”

2. Kyle Whittingham Aims To Stabilize Michigan Football

Cohen: In addition to the coaches and players, there are also plenty of athletic directors eager to mingle with reporters at Big Ten Media Days.

Some of them, like Josh Whitman from Illinois and Ross Bjork from Ohio State, are highly visible. They linger around the perimeter of the main interview room, offering friendly smiles when approached. Others might travel with their school’s contingent to engage in meetings with colleagues from around the conference, but avoid engaging with reporters.

Warde Manuel, Michigan’s athletics director, has almost always portrayed the latter. And that was certainly true this time around, at the Hilton Chicago, amid a tumultuous summer in which Manuel’s future with the Wolverines has been hotly debated. It was announced earlier this month that Manuel, whose tenure has been strewn with scandals and national championships alike, will voluntarily step down later this year — in exchange for a hefty buyout.

“That’s one thing about the players at Michigan right now,” head coach Kyle Whittingham said, “they’re hungry and ready to get back in a season, get some football. They’ve been through a lot in the last four or five years. Hopefully we can put the drama to bed and just get back to being student-athletes and having a great college experience.”

Warde Manuel will voluntarily step down from his post as Michigan athletics director at the end of this calendar year. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

With Manuel nowhere to be seen this week, Whittingham, the Wolverines’ new coach, fulfilled the role he was expected to play when Michigan plucked him from Utah last December: the adult in the room.

Whittingham, 66, ran a successful and squeaky-clean program at Utah for two decades before coming to Michigan after Sherrone Moore was fired for cause. In addition to outperforming Moore on the field — the Wolverines have lost eight games over the previous two seasons combined — Whittingham is tasked with providing some much-needed ballast for a program where embarrassing personnel issues and running afoul of the NCAA are regular occurrences. How quickly the mess can be cleaned was a question Whittingham faced time and again on Thursday in one form or another.  

“There has been a lot of drama,” Whittingham said. “We hope that we’ve come to the end of that, and we’re ready to proceed with the business of playing football and winning football games and graduating players and putting the emphasis on things that should have the emphasis.

“There were some unfortunate things that happened. It’s not my place to really speak out on it. I wasn’t there, I was not involved. I can tell you [that] now we have a very hungry and willing group of players that have worked their tail off for the last seven months and are eager to get the season started. Very good leadership as well. I’m just excited to make the first thing first, which is graduating and winning football games.”

3. QB Dylan Raiola Is Expected To Stick At Oregon

RJ Young: With Dante Moore’s decision to forgo the NFL Draft and return to Oregon this season, the arrival of former Nebraska starting quarterback Dylan Raiola to Eugene created what seems like a natural transition from Moore to Raiola in 2027.

Quarterbacks Dante Moore (left) and Dylan Raiola (right #8) chat on the sideline at Oregon’s spring football game. (Photo by Ali Gradischer/Getty Images)

Raiola also provides the Ducks with a former starting quarterback as their backup — with 22 total starts across two seasons, over 4,800 passing yards, and 31 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. But given the unpredictability of players entering the transfer portal at season’s end, most coaches would worry about the possibility of seeing both his QB1 and QB2 leave.

Not Lanning.

“I think there’s always a looming threat. But not with Dylan. I believe Dylan chose Oregon knowing in advance what it looks like at Oregon,” Lanning said on Wednesday. “He wanted to sign up for an opportunity to be with us. We were transparent throughout the process that there’s a great chance that Dante could be back. Dylan has done an unbelievable job changing his body, working really hard. He has unbelievable talent, a smart player, that has the opportunity to get exposed to our system.

“You’re only as strong as all your players. You need everybody to be a part of that. Dylan is a big part of the success we’ll have this season, as well as every other quarterback in that room.”

4. Jeremiah Smith Expects Kenyatta Jackson Jr. To Have A Huge Season 

Young: Ohio State wideout Jeremiah Smith, arguably the best college football player in the country, believes Buckeye defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. has the same ability former Ohio State defensive end Chase Young displayed.

Defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. enters his fifth season at Ohio State. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

“He’s a leader on the defense,” Smith said Wednesday. “Hopefully, he’ll have a big year, and that’s just somebody I believe in. I won’t say he’s Chase Young yet. I’m always telling him you can take over the game. You’re [six-foot-six], 260 [pounds] — like you’re kind of like Chase Young, and hopefully he shows that this year.”

Jackson notched 6.5 sacks and 16 tackles last season, ahead of a potential breakout campaign in 2026.

Amanda Staveley and husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi’s PCP Capital Partners have made an offer to buy a 25.1 per cent stake in West Ham.

Sky News‘ Mark Kleinman broke the news on Thursday that the couple were preparing a bid for a share that belongs to the family of the late David Gold. That offer has now gone in.

Sky News also reported that the club’s current investors have first refusal on whether they would like to match the offer.

Sources close to the situation insisted to Sky News that Daniel Kretinsky, who raised his share in the club earlier this year, remains interested in a deal.

However, West Ham’s ownership structure means he does not want to acquire all of the Gold-owned stake, which would make him the club’s majority owner.

If there is an agreement with both parties, the Gold family will make a statement – not PCP – out of respect to all other shareholders.

Image:
The family of the late David Gold currently own the 25.1 per cent stake in West Ham

Sky Sports News understands there will be no public comment from PCP for the same reason while negotiations are ongoing.

Staveley and PCP have held discussions with a number of Premier League clubs since leaving Newcastle, including Tottenham, but are now focused on the Hammers.

What has happened at West Ham so far this summer?

It has been a busy summer for West Ham after their relegation from the Premier League. There were questions over whether Nuno Espirito Santo would continue as head coach – and it was soon confirmed that he would.

Joint-chairman David Sullivan also stepped down after “serious historic allegations” emerged regarding his conduct, which he denies.

In terms of transfers, Matheus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville have been the biggest outgoings. But perhaps their best bit of business will be keeping captain Jarrod Bowen.

It was also reported on Friday that West Ham are in talks with Celtic for midfielder Arne Engels.

NFL training camps might be underway, but some teams still have plenty of work to be done on the contractual side of things. 

Thursday saw a few contract matters dominate the headlines around the league. While Baker Mayfield isn’t holding out, he expressed his displeasure with what went down during extension negotiations with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason.

Elsewhere, a star wide receiver received an extension that made him one of the highest-paid players at the position, while another notable wide receiver signed a deal to reunite with his former team. 

That’s just some of what you need to know from Thursday’s NFL news. 

Baker Mayfield revealed that contract extension negotiations with the Buccaneers have not met his expectations. 

Mayfield, who is entering the final year of a three-year, 100 million deal, expressed disappointment after Tampa Bay offered him a two-year contract, stating that he is seeking a long-term commitment from the organization. 

The Tampa Bay signal caller added that the two sides remain far apart financially, as Mayfield is aiming for an extension in the $50 million annual range as training camp gets underway, but told ESPN that the Buccaneers were “pretty far” from offering him that. 

After spending the season proving he can lead the New Orleans Saints’ offense, Chris Olave is being rewarded like a true star. The two sides have agreed to a four-year extension worth $132 million with $90 million guaranteed, ESPN reported.

The payday comes after Olave flourished and became the go-to target in first-year head coach Kellen Moore’s offense. Olave was able to haul in 100 receptions for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns to secure his third 1,000-yard season since entering the league.

Olave, 26, was the No. 11 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. He has yet to play a full season, but a lot of his recurring injuries appear to be behind him as Olave is heading into training camp fully healthy.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes continues to work his way back from injury following the torn ACL and LCL injuries he suffered last December. 

Cleared for full participation ahead of training camp, Mahomes appeared to be able to scramble without issues during Thursday’s practice session. He made multiple throws on the run and even scrambled downfield as he progresses toward potentially playing in Week 1 of the regular season. 

Mahomes is coming off a 2025 campaign where he threw for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 14 games before his injury.

Back in with the old? 

That’s how it is in the Bay Area, at least for Thursday. The San Francisco 49ers are reuniting with Deebo Samuel, reportedly agreeing to a one-year deal worth up to $7 million. 

San Francisco’s decision to bring back Samuel came a day after the team’s concerns about wide receiver Ricky Pearsall’s knee became public. Pearsall is dealing with lingering knee swelling connected to the PCL injury that limited him during the 2025 season, and the Niners are concerned that he could miss the entire 2026 season, NBC Sports Bay Area reported Thursday.

Pearsall, who the 49ers took in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, has been an asset to the team’s offense when healthy. He’s logged 67 receptions for 928 yards and three touchdowns, but has only played in 18 games over his career.

Now, Samuel becomes the third notable addition the 49ers have made to their wide receivers room this offseason. They made one of the biggest splashes in free agency when they signed former Buccaneers star Mike Evans and used their second-round pick on Ole Miss wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling. 

Samuel, who played six of the first seven years of his career with the Niners, put up a respectable stat line with the Washington Commanders in 2025. He had 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns with starting quarterback Jayden Daniels out for much of the season. 

Now, the 30-year-old Samuel will look to make some magic happen in San Francisco again. He was a key part of four 49ers teams that reached the NFC Championship Game, earning an All-Pro and a Pro Bowl nod during that time. 

• Panthers rookie WR Chris Brazzell will undergo season-ending surgery on his torn lateral collateral ligament in his left knee, the team announced Thursday.

Cameron Norrie raced into his first semi-final of 2026 with a 6-1 6-0 thrashing of Bernard Tomic at the Los Cabos Open.

Britain’s Norrie had been on a six-match losing streak before arriving in Mexico but has strung together three successive straight-set victories to set up a last-four clash with defending champion Denis Shapovalov.

Tomic, who reached the main draw as a lucky loser from qualifying, held serve in the opening game of the match but then lost the next 12 as Norrie completed the rout in just 50 minutes.

Norrie said: “I’m pleased with the result. I was very solid, I returned well, I made a lot of tough balls when I needed to, and I kept him moving. I enjoyed the match, and it’s nice to go to bed a little bit earlier.

“It was a tough one at the French Open. I overtrained a little bit, but good learning. And then I lost a couple of tough matches at Wimbledon and Queen’s, and it was a while for me to get my confidence back.

“To get a win here meant a lot. I took a lot of confidence from that and I was just able to play, not thinking about too much, just enjoying myself.”

Twitter

This content is provided by Twitter, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.


Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only.

Enable Cookies
Allow Cookies Once

The fifth-seeded Norrie will face the only other remaining seed in the draw, Shapovalov, after the Canadian beat Dalibor Svrcina in straight sets.

“I watched his match,” Norrie said of Shapovalov. “He’s really confident at the moment.

“He’s obviously the defending champion, so he likes the conditions a lot. And when he’s confident, he’s one of the toughest guys in the world to play.

“But I’m going to focus on myself, enjoy tonight, and get ready for tomorrow.”

The other semi-final sees Hong Kong’s Coleman Wong take on Frenchman Arthur Gea, who upset third seed Francisco Cerundolo.

Watch live coverage of the Mubadala DC Open and Los Cabos Open this week on Sky Sports Tennis. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW

There will be a second Deebo Samuel era in the Bay Area. 

The San Francisco 49ers and Samuel agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $7 million, ESPN reported Thursday evening, bringing back the 30-year-old for another run in the red and gold.

Samuel last played for the 49ers in 2024 before a trade sent him to the Washington Commanders in the offseason. During his brief stint in D.C., he hauled in 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns.

The 49ers have revamped their wide receiver corps this offseason. After re-tooling in free agency with veteran signings Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, they added explosive young talent by selecting Ole Miss speedster De’Zhaun Stribling with the No. 33 overall pick.

Faced with growing concern over Ricky Pearsall’s lingering knee injury, the 49ers will turn to a proven commodity in Samuel. Bringing back the veteran wideout gives Kyle Shanahan an immediate playmaker who already knows the playbook like the back of his hand.

Samuel, now 30, was selected No. 36 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft and put the league on notice with his immediate impact. He quickly became one of the most versatile playmakers in the league and was instrumental in the franchise’s turnaround under Shanahan.

In six seasons with San Francisco, Samuel posted 334 receptions, 4,792 receiving yards, and 22 touchdown catches. The All-Pro and Pro Bowl wideout was equally dynamic in the backfield, piling up 1,143 rushing yards and 20 scores on the ground.

With Samuel reunited with Shanahan and quarterback Brock Purdy, the 49ers feature a completely revamped receiving corps anchored by Samuel and Evans as they look to bounce back and compete for the NFC West title.

Siouxperb takes on St Helier and Royal Strike in the pick of Friday’s action from Newcastle – live on Sky Sports Racing.

2.45 Newcastle – Coventry let-down Siouxperb back in action

Siouxperb clashes with promising newcomers in the Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Novice Stakes.

Despite being fancied in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, Archie Watson’s charge disappointed, fading tamely to finish 18th of the 21 runners. He reportedly ran without a left-hind shoe and on the disadvantaged side of the track, which are perhaps fair excuses.

Now gelded, the Valmont-owned horse still retains a Gimcrack entry but must return to form under a penalty if he is to take up that assignment at York in August.

The Kevin Ryan-trained 325,000gns yearling St Helier is a half-brother to Listed winner Noble Title and five-furlong two-year-old winner Rare Jewel.

Tattersalls Breeze-Up purchases Royal Strike and Sonic Angel could pose potential threats, while Blue Pete could fare better up in trip but down in class after disappointing on debut at Beverley

3.10 Wolverhampton – Carnival of Light and Bella Bisbee key contenders

Carnival of Light and Bella Bisbee headline a trappy Call 01902 390016 To Name A Race Fillies’ Handicap.

Carnival of Light showed marked improvement when a runaway winner at Wolverhampton less than two weeks ago. She returns on handicap debut with an opening mark of 84, which could prove lenient. Oli Stammers retains the ride on the four-year-old, who may progress further.

Course-and-distance-winner Bella Bisbee was beaten on the line just a week ago at Lingfield and would pose stiff opposition if running to a similar level. Christian Howarth’s 3lb claim could prove useful as he replaces Kieran O’Neill in the saddle.

Ghisa caught the eye when running on at Southwell last month. She remains unexposed, and the step up back to seven furlongs should put her in a great position of making it a third win from four starts on the British all-weather.

Of the others, Tarot could be of interest stepping back into calmer waters after finding Class Two handicap company too tough a test at Newmarket the last day. Trainer Roger Varian is on a good run, boasting around a 38 per cent strike-rate.

3.55 Newcastle – Taaklam looks to bounce back at Gosforth Park

With Sunlit Sea a non-runner, the QuinnBet Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap could be the stage for Taaklam to bounce back after racing too freely at Catterick last time out.

PJ McDonald’s mount is returned to five furlongs for the first time since his debut, and, coupled with the move back to the all-weather, they could be catalysts for improvement.

Go Lockers Go should remain competitive back at the minimum trip and Nana’s Boy George can make further progress after a gelding operation post-Wolverhampton success.

Best of the rest

At Wolverhampton, the 2pm attheraces.com/marketmovers Maiden Fillies’ Stakes sees the Gosden team hand a first start to Godolphin’s 250,000gns yearling Gilding The Lily. The Blue Point filly is a half-sister to Brunch, who was a decent operator at Listed level at his peak.

Last-time-out-winners Gunfighter and Lessay headline Dunstall Park’s Get Raceday Ready Handicap (2.35pm) before Sir Mark Prescott’s Roc de Fer is quickly turned out in the Race & Rest – Wolverhampton Holiday Inn Handicap at 4.20pm after his impressive Southwell success last time.

At Bath, the highlight on the card is the 7.18pm Compare Betting Sites At gambling.com Restricted Novice Stakes, where Nzuri could progress for the Barry Brennan stable.

The 2026 World Cup on American soil introduced fans to iconic traditions from around the globe. But what if one of those traditions was here to stay in America this fall? 

The Minnesota Golden Gophers announced via X that they are adding Norway’s iconic Viking Row to their fan celebrations at home games.

While college fan bases have some of their own iconic traditions, like Virginia Tech’s “Enter Sandman” or Colorado’s “Ralphie’s Run,” Minnesota adopts theirs as the Viking Row for their 2026 season. 

Norway ended their historic 2026 World Cup run with a quarterfinal appearance – their first ever – before their 3-2 loss to England. Star forward Erling Haaland finished his tournament run with seven goals in five matches. 

The Viking Row first caught the attention of World Cup fans in Norway’s group stage games in June. After every win, Norway’s players would gather in front of the fans and the traditional Viking row, which is rung in by two drum beats for fans to row in sync. But what made the Viking Row tradition appealing to the Minnesota Gophers? The state’s history. 

Minnesota currently has the largest population of Norwegian-Americans, with 750,000–812,000 residing in the state. It also compliments their NFL team, the Minnesota Vikings. 

Erling Haaland Leads Norway in EPIC Viking Row Celebration After Advancing to Quarterfinal 🇳🇴

Heading into coach PJ Fleck’s 10th year as the Gopher’s head coach, Minnesota is looking to bounce back from a 7-5 season, which saw a dominant top-25 win over then-No. 25 Nebraska. Since Fleck has led the Gophers, he’s secured a 66-44 overall record, and a perfect 7-0 record in bowl games.

However, the Gopher’s returning players add hope for a strong year. Minnesota returns their starting quarterback Drake Lindsey, who finished the year with 2,382 passing yards, 22 total touchdowns and eight interceptions, and running back Darius Taylor. Taylor finished the year with 671 rushing yards and four touchdowns. 

The Gophers now face a 2026 slate that consists of road games at Penn State and reigning champions Indiana, and a home contest against Mississippi State in week 2. 

Minnesota kicks off their season on Thursday, Sept. 3 at home against Akron, and will look to defend their 7-0 home record from 2025. 

Norway’s Best Moments 2026 FIFA World Cup™ 🇳🇴

The top stories and transfer rumours from Friday’s newspapers…

Bruno Guimaraes future

Arsenal have moved closer to agreeing a deal for Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes worth in the region of £80m including add-ons – The Times

Arsenal are closing in on a deal for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes – The Sun

Arsenal are increasingly confident of signing Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United following the exit of manager Eddie Howe – ESPN

Premier League

Manchester United are weighing up a move for left back Lewis Hall amid the latest disarray at Newcastle – The Sun

Atletico Madrid have rekindled their interest in Tottenham defender Cristian Romero – Daily Mail

Marcus Rashford has no interest in joining Roma this summer as speculation regarding his future grows – Daily Mail

Arsenal and Liverpool have been offered the chance to sign Sporting wing-back Maxi Araujo – The Sun

Talks between Man City and Lille are reaching a crucial stage over the transfer of Ayyoub Bouaddi – Daily Mail

Man City have made an offer of around £1.8m for Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli – Daily Mail

Newcastle United are pressing ahead with their move for Sporting Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek – Daily Mail

Senne Lammens cut short his holiday to return early to pre-season training with Manchester United ahead of the new campaign – Daily Mail

Porto are the latest team to show interest in Tottenham left wing-back Souza – Daily Mail

FIFA

European football leaders have been trying to line up Qatari power broker Nasser Al-Khelaifi as a challenger to Fifa president Gianni Infantino – The Telegraph

Gianni Infantino’s future leadership of FIFA was questioned by federations during meetings in which UEFA and Concacaf rejected his plans to sell stakes in the World Cup – The Athletic

Watch Back Pages on Sky Sports News

Back Pages is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm.

Missed the show? Catch up on the latest news with the Back Pages podcast.

EFL

Amanda Staveley is close to buying a stake in West Ham United, with suggestions there could be movement on the deal before the start of the season – Daily Mail

Middlesbrough and Burnley are poised to miss out on signing Emmanuel Latte Lath as he closes on a move to Union Berlin – Daily Mail

Leicester City have enquired about taking Brighton winger Tommy Watson on loan – Daily Mail

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

Bologna chiefs are reportedly set to meet with Lewis Ferguson to iron out his future at the club amid interest from Rangers – Daily Record

Rangers are no longer chasing a deal for Tromso playmaker Jens Hjerto-Dahl – Daily Record

Rangers could be set to offload winger Nedim Bajrami to Saudi Arabian side Al Taawoun – The Scottish Sun

St Mirren manager Craig McLeish has been cited by the SFA for his TV dig at former Dunfermline keeper turned ref Sean Murdoch – The Scottish Sun

John Stones has touched down in Italy as he prepares to finalize a high-profile move to Serie A champions Inter. 

The veteran England international, who recently departed Manchester City following the expiration of his contract, was greeted by reporters upon his arrival in Milan.

Nerazzurri Landing For England Star

The wait is almost over for Inter fans as Stones has arrived in Milan to put the finishing touches on his move to San Siro. After a decade of dominance at the Etihad Stadium, the 32-year-old is set to embark on a new chapter in Italy, bringing a wealth of elite European experience to Christian Chivu’s defensive line.

Upon his arrival, Stones made his excitement clear regarding the upcoming challenge in a new league. “I’m excited to be here, thank you so much. I’ll see you soon, ciao,” the defender said. 

According to Sky Italia, the centerback is scheduled to undergo his medical examinations and obtain his sports fitness certification from CONI Thursday. Once these formalities are completed, he is expected to put pen to paper on a two-year contract worth €4 million per season.

Chivu’s Defensive Rebuild Takes Shape

The arrival of Stones is regarded as a major coup for Inter as they look to defend their Scudetto. Chivu has been vocal about wanting to add proven winning experience to his backline, and Stones fits that profile perfectly. 

During his time atManchester City, the defender amassed 20 major honors, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy.

However, the signing of Stones may not be the end of Inter’s defensive recruitment this summer. The club’s sporting director, Piero Ausilio, recently confirmed that active discussions are underway for Tottenham captain Cristian Romero. 

The Argentinian 2022 World Cup winner remains a primary target, and there is a possibility that both Stones and Romero could arrive if Benjamin Pavard departs the San Siro during the current transfer window.

Beyond the central defensive positions, Inter have reportedly identified Djed Spence as their priority target to bolster the wing-back slots.

Fitness Concerns And World Cup Form

Despite his undeniable pedigree, the 2025-26 campaign was a challenging one for Stones due to persistent fitness issues. Thigh and calf problems restricted him to just 18 appearances across all competitions, raising questions about his long-term durability. 

However, he silenced some of those doubts with his performances for England at the World Cup, where he played five games and helped the Three Lions secure a third-place finish.

Inter’s medical staff will be paying close attention to these injury concerns as they conduct his physical assessments today. The Nerazzurri are banking on the fact that a fresh start in a new environment will help the defender put his recent fitness woes behind him.

Final Details Before Official Announcement

All signs point towards an official announcement in the next 24 to 48 hours, provided there are no late hitches during the medical process. The deal represents a massive blow to the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea, who were both heavily linked with the defender following his exit from Manchester.

The veteran defender leaves Manchester City as one of the most decorated figures in the club’s 132-year history. His time under Pep Guardiola transformed him into one of the most unique ball-playing defenders in the world, a skillset that Chivu is eager to integrate into the Inter setup.

Rickie Fowler and Patrick Cantlay are in contention after the first round of the Rocket Classic in Detroit as leader Peter Malnati threatened a sensational sub-60 score.

Malnati shot a career-best nine-under 61 to tie the tournament’s record for the first round to take a two-shot lead over Fowler and Ryan Gerard, with Cantlay and Patrick Fishburn another shot back.

When Malnati stood on the first tee, his caddie suggested leaving the driver in his bag to play it safe and set up a solid start.

Malnati, though, went against the advice and used his driver to put a tee shot in the middle of the fairway that set up his first of seven birdies on the front nine.

“Even in the beginning before I knew it was going to be a special day, I didn’t feel the same level of like anxiety,” he said.

“I don’t think I took advantage of a super easy course. I played great.”

Image:
Peter Malnati hits from the 18th tee during the first round of the Rocket Classic (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)

With thoughts of a sub-60 round crossing his mind, he made a 55-foot putt for birdie at the 11th and was nine under through 13 holes before missing some putts down the stretch in a bogey-free round.

Detroit Golf Club underwent a $16 million renovation, including converting a couple of par-5 holes into par-4s and adding a lot of bunkers, in an attempt to restore Donald Ross’ vision for it more than a century ago, while making it more challenging.

Get the best prices and book a round at one of 1,700 courses across the UK & Ireland

Fowler and Ryan Gerard shot 63s, putting them two shots back and one stroke ahead of Cantlay and Fishburn.

Michael Brennan surged up the leaderboard after starting two over through four holes with eight straight birdies – one shy of the PGA Tour record.

He finished with a 65, putting him four strokes back with a pack of players that includes Keegan Bradley, who appeared to be mocked by some spectators who pretended he hit a hole in one on the par-three fifth.

Open runner-up Cameron Young has work to do on one under while US Open champion Wyndham Clark is on one over.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Fans erupted as Keegan Bradley hit this tee shot on the fifth hole of the Rocket Classic despite the ball not going in!

Despite significant changes at the course, Malnati and many other players still went low at a tournament that has been a birdie fest since 2019, when a Detroit-based mortgage company ended a decade-long drought in Michigan without a PGA Tour stop that dated to Tiger Woods winning the last Buick Open.

The PGA Tour is moving to a new model for 2028, effectively creating two tours, and Detroit organizers are taking an exit. The Rocket Classic wasn’t interested in continuing to spend $15 million a year to be part of the second tier and didn’t want to double the costs to be part of the elite tier.

“It’s definitely been a bummer to kind of come into this knowing it was the last one,” said Fowler, a Rocket Mortgage spokesman and the tournament’s 2023 champion.

Watch the second round of the Rocket Classic from 7pm, live on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream golf with no contract

TAMPA, Fla. — Disrespected. Undervalued. Very disappointing.

Those were the words Baker Mayfield used to describe how he feels his current team has treated him as he seeks a contract extension beyond the upcoming season. And with that, Tampa has solidified its status as the drama capital of the NFL, wrapping up an offseason of major departures, uncertainty and now two big and public contract squabbles.

“To feel disrespected a little bit, that’s really the disappointing part, to feel undervalued after, you know, thinking you earned it,” said Mayfield, 31, who is entering the final season of a three-year, $100 million contract. “This is not a ‘poor me’ thing. There’s a lot of other people that have it way worse off. I can sit here and look at other quarterbacks and peers and evaluate myself based on that and put myself in certain categories that I deserve to be compensated for that. 

“I think I’m a franchise quarterback. I’ve been told I’m a franchise quarterback. It’s been said publicly from ownership down here. So to not have a deal done is very disappointing.”

It’s about as pointed a criticism as you can make publicly about your employer, all said with an even voice and framed in the context of him being grateful for the opportunity the Buccaneers have given him. It would have taken compromise, but this could have been a very different story, with Tampa Bay handing out the biggest contract in franchise history to find some stability in the franchise’s future.

Instead, both sides are taking on significant risks in 2026. 

The Buccaneers know their best scenario — Mayfield returning to his 2024 form, when he threw for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdown passes to lead them to 10 wins and a division title — is now an outcome that will cost them more financially to keep Mayfield around. And Mayfield, who was with three teams in one year before he found solid ground in Tampa, risks losing the firm grip he has on the Bucs’ future at quarterback. 

What if he gets hurt? What if the team continues to struggle as they did in losing seven of their last nine games last year? What if Todd Bowles isn’t back as coach, or Jason Licht isn’t kept as general manager? Could new leadership possibly have the same interest in keeping him?

We don’t know the exact figures offered or sought in this negotiation, other than that the Bucs offered Mayfield a two-year deal, he told ESPN. It’s hard to imagine the Bucs offering less than the $44 million a year the Colts gave Daniel Jones, coming off a half-season of success and a torn Achilles. It’s hard to think Mayfield and his agent want more than maybe $55 million a year, on the cusp of the top 10 at his position.

Baker Mayfield was an MVP frontrunner in the first half of the 2025 season before the Buccaneers stumbled and missed the playoffs. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

And the uncertainty around the Bucs is hardly limited to Mayfield. Linebacker Lavonte David retired after 14 seasons, all in Tampa, and more stunningly, receiver Mike Evans took less money to leave in free agency for the 49ers, saying they gave him the best chance to win another Super Bowl. Defensive tackle Vita Vea, who Mayfield called “the anchor of our defense” on Thursday, recently asked for a trade, unhappy the Bucs won’t give him a raise and a new contract beyond his current deal.

That’s not even counting a fan base divided over the decision to keep Bowles after a collapse that saw the Bucs go from 6-2 to 8-9, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019. It all adds up to put an incredible amount on the line in the upcoming season, which could have the Bucs back in the playoffs, or facing a complete overhaul. 

Even the long-term compromises look difficult.  In theory, if the two sides can’t work out a deal after the season and before free agency in March, the Bucs could use the franchise tag on Mayfield at a cost of about $50 million. They would also incur about $30 million in dead money from his current deal if they couldn’t reach a long-term extension, resulting in a cap hit of about $80 million in 2027.

“Franchise tag isn’t exactly in play for them,” Mayfield said. “There will be a lot of dead money. So it is what it is.”

Baker Mayfield’s blunt remarks came days after defensive tackle Vita Vea’s trade request went public. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Three years ago, Mayfield had bounced to three NFL teams in a year, from the Cleveland Browns to the Carolina Panthers to the Los Angeles Rams, and he landed in Tampa on a one-year, $4 million contract after Tom Brady’s retirement. He re-established himself as an NFL starter, and he hasn’t missed a game in three seasons. He started his comments by reiterating how much he appreciates the home he and his family have found in Tampa and the stability that comes with that.

“I’m very, very thankful for the chance they gave me. Do not get me wrong on that,” Mayfield said. “But I also know, I really know what I brought to this franchise, leadership-wise and even play-wise. It’s been some of the best years of my career, and I think it’s only going to trend upwards.”

Can the Bucs push through the outside noise and stay together as a team, talented enough to be the oddsmakers’ favorites to win the NFC South after losing to Carolina on a tiebreaker last season? Mayfield said he’s confident the locker room remains close-knit and he’ll be focused on having the best season — for himself and his team — to set up whatever happens after that.

“I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in, in a really good place, and feeling really confident with the staff Todd [Bowles] has put together, that we’re going to have a really good team,” Mayfield said.

After forming a strong connection with Mike Evans in his first three years in Tampa Bay, Baker Mayfield will have to find a new No. 1 receiver as he enters a contract year. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Both sides have expressed a consistent desire to keep Mayfield in Tampa — that hasn’t translated to an offer he’s willing to accept, saying Thursday their last offer was “not appealing whatsoever.” The cost of keeping him around could be even higher if he has a great season in 2026, but he said he won’t be motivated only by financial things like that.

“Money should never be the motivation,” Mayfield said. “It’s ‘How do I help this team win?’ It’s never going to be the motivation for me when it comes to the kind of chip on your shoulder. It just puts me in the mindset of betting on myself, and that’s something I’m pretty familiar with. It’s a good place to be as a high competitive guy. Sometimes you have to back yourself into a corner and fight your way out. I have a lot of guys and a lot of staff around me that are with me, so I’m not alone in it. We’re fighting for the same goal.”

Fans are divided on Mayfield – the franchise was starved for any kind of franchise quarterback for most of its first 50 years, but the second half of last season wasn’t the kind of play you want to reward with a huge contract. So, as strange as it seems, you have Mayfield essentially threatening to have a great season, to make the franchise he wants to settle in with pay by having to write a bigger check to keep him. And reiterating it’s still where he wants to play. 

“If you’ve waited this long to take care of your franchise quarterback, that’s too bad because it’s only going to get worse from here,” he said. “I’m going to have a really big year.”

Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool’s Premier League campaign through injury – but it is not likely to impact the Reds’ transfer plans.

The defender was forced off early in the first half of Liverpool’s friendly with Sunderland in Nashville last weekend due to a muscle problem.

New Reds boss Andoni Iraola refused to put an exact timescale on Gomez’s return but ruled him out of being back in time to face Newcastle on August 23, live on Sky Sports.

“Joe has a muscle injury. I think it was quite clear since he complained straight away, so it will depend how he evolves, but he will be some weeks off,” Iraola said.

Asked for further detail on how long he expects to be without Gomez, the Liverpool head coach added: “It’s a muscle injury and [with] muscle injuries it is difficult to say one day, but normally I always put myself as one month.

“If it goes very good the injury is a little bit less, if [not] it goes a little more. It’s not massive, it’s a normal muscle injury, [but] I think it’s going to be impossible to have him for the start of the season because we are not so far [away]. It shouldn’t be a lot more.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Take a look at the best bits from Andoni Iraola’s first Liverpool press conference in early July

Gomez injury will not affect Liverpool transfer plans

Analysis from Sky Sports News’ Vinny O’Connor:

Liverpool’s transfer plans remain unaffected by Gomez’s injury despite the lack of options currently available to Iraola.

Their current priority is bringing in a wide forward – not a central defender – with Liverpool set to make a formal approach to PSG for Bradley Barcola.

Gomez’s injury is viewed as short-term, with Iraola anticipating he will not miss much more than their opening game against Newcastle.

Virgil van Dijk returns from his post-World Cup break this week and will report to Liverpool’s training base rather than travelling to the United States.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz explains the four things Liverpool fans should know about transfer target Bradley Barcola

Giovanni Leoni is still rehabbing from an ACL injury he suffered early last season, while new signing Jeremey Jacquet is preparing to play his first game of pre-season against Leeds on Sunday after a long lay-off with a shoulder problem.

Liverpool could realistically go into the start of the new season with only Van Dijk and Jacquet as their available senior options at centre-back.

Iraola admitted in Thursday’s press conference that Liverpool are currently thin on options at the back, but was positive about the performances of youngsters Luke Chambers, Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye, who have stepped in during pre-season.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky News’ city editor Mark Kleinman provides the latest update as Amit Bhatia’s syndicate – which could include Jeff Bezos – line up a bid for a minority stake in Liverpool

“You have seen these games, we are pretty thin in the centre-back position,” he said. “We still don’t have Virgil. The only real centre-backs we have right now are Mor and Ify, who are 18 years old, just arrived to the club and they are doing incredibly well.

“On Wednesday, Luke Chambers played there. He is not a centre-back but he played really well. We have to until we recover some bodies.

“I think Jeremy is ready to go and we will recover Virgil, but I’m happy that playing against Sunderland, against Wrexham, good teams with 18-year-old centre-backs, the team has showed composure and solidity at the back and [that] speaks very well about them.”

PSG closer to agreeing deal former Liverpool target Akliouche

Latest from Sky Sports News’ Lyall Thomas:

PSG are getting closer to agreeing a deal with Monaco for Maghnes Akliouche. Negotiations are in the advanced stages.

The winger market is starting to move, with Yan Diomande moving closer to Real Madrid and Liverpool preparing to bid for Barcola.

Liverpool also made initial contact with Monaco about Akliouche – but a move for Barcola is anticipated since Sky Sports News broke that news on Wednesday.

NFL training camp has arrived. 

And with that, the slate is officially clean. All 32 teams have their sights set on one goal: winning Super Bowl LXI. 

This offseason, the NFL landscape shifted dramatically after the Los Angeles Rams acquired two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for Jared Verse, a first-round pick and additional draft compensation. 

The blockbuster deal immediately reshaped the Super Bowl oddsboard, with the Rams surging as the heavy favorite to win the next Lombardi.

With training camp beginning this week, let’s take a full look at the Super Bowl odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of July 28. 

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

The Los Angeles Rams are the +550 favorites to win Super Bowl LXI (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images).

Super Bowl LXI winner

Rams: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total)
Ravens: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
Bills: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
Seahawks: +1100 (bet $10 to win $120 total)
Chiefs: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
Patriots: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
Eagles: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
Chargers: +1700 (bet $10 to win $180 total)
Texans: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
Packers: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
Lions: +1900 (bet $10 to win $200 total)
49ers: +1900 (bet $10 to win $200 total)
Broncos: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
Bengals: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
Bears: +2400 (bet $10 to win $250 total)
Cowboys: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Jaguars: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
Buccaneers: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Steelers: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Vikings: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Commanders: +6000 (bet $10 to win $610 total)
Colts: +6000 (bet $10 to win $610 total)
Giants: +7000 (bet $10 to win $710 total)
Saints: +9000 (bet $10 to win $910 total)
Panthers: +9000 (bet $10 to win $910 total)
Titans: +13000 (bet $10 to win $1,310 total)
Falcons: +13000 (bet $10 to win $1,310 total)
Raiders: +15000 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total)
Jets: +20000 (bet $10 to win $2,010 total)
Browns: +20000 (bet $10 to win $2,010 total)
Dolphins: +35000 (bet $10 to win $3,510 total)
Cardinals: +50000 (bet $10 to win $5,010 total)

The Philadelphia Eagles are +1600 to win Super Bowl LXI (Jamie Squire/Getty Images). 

Here’s what to know about the Super Bowl LXI oddsboard:

The Favorite: Following their blockbuster trade for the reigning DPOY earlier this offseason, the Rams’ Super Bowl odds jumped from +800 to +550. After extending Matthew Stafford on a one-year, $55 million contract, trading for Garrett, and acquiring two-time All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie earlier this offseason, the Rams have officially gone all in. They are now the clear Super Bowl favorite and are the only team in the NFL with odds under +1000. The Rams will look to win another Super Bowl on their home field next year, just as they did in 2022.

Immediate Impact: Because of the impact on the NFC West, both the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers saw their Super Bowl odds drop. The reigning champion Seahawks dropped from +1000 to +1100, while the 49ers fell from +1600 to +1900. The Browns also took a hit, with their odds plummeting from +15000 to +20000 following the trade.

Recent Risers: Heading into training camp, the Eagles’ odds to win the Super Bowl have climbed from +1900 to +1600. Philadelphia will look to get back to their Super Bowl-winning ways in 2024. Additionally, in recent weeks, the Packers have jumped from +2200 to +1800, while the Steelers have surged from +7000 to +5000.

LIV Golf’s season finale in Michigan has not been cancelled, Sky Sports News understands. 

Sources close to LIV Golf have told Sky Sports News that the event is currently going ahead as planned, with the league preparing for individual and team events.

LIV Michigan is scheduled for the end of August and sources indicated, that while it has not been cancelled, alternative events are being planned.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Rory McIlroy reflects on the running of the PGA Tour before LIV came along and shares his concerns over future schedules.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Bryson DeChambeau claims that LIV Golf players were left ‘surprised’ by the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s decision to withdraw funding from the organisation.

The news comes after the Saudi-backed PIF said that the “substantial investment required is no longer consistent” with the fund’s investment strategy moving forward in April.

It is understood that LIV continues to be in discussions with prospective investors, with sources indicating that talks are moving at pace.

No announcement is anticipated until after LIV Golf New York.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky Sports reporter Jamie Weir explains what is next for LIV golfers after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) confirmed it will end its funding at the end of the 2026 season.

CEO Scott O’Neil has previously said the focus is on taking a “disciplined approach to support the League’s long-term sustainability and maintain operations” while the league works to secure an investment.

LIV Golf did not comment on reports the Michigan event had been cancelled but said the event in the UK broke attendance records, with approximately 15,000 guests through the week.

Who will win the AIG Women’s Open? Watch throughout the week live on Sky Sports Golf. Early coverage continues Friday from 9am on Sky Sports Golf, ahead of full coverage from 1pm. Get Sky Sports or stream golf and more with no contract.

Get the best prices and book a round at one of 1,700 courses across the UK & Ireland

The Basketball Tournament names its Las Vegas Bracket champion today, with Davis Steel taking on The Mecca on FS1 and FOX One. Here’s what’s on and when.

TBT Schedule for Thursday, July 30

• 7 p.m. ET: Davis Steel vs. The Mecca (FS1, FOX One)

How to Watch TBT

The game airs live on FS1, streaming on FOX One, FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App.

The winner becomes the Las Vegas Bracket champion and advances to face La Familia (Kentucky Alumni), the Alumni Bracket champion, in the $2 million TBT Championship on Aug. 2 on FOX.

What’s on the Line: Las Vegas Bracket

Davis Steel finished atop Group A in round robin play, earning a bye into the semifinals, then routed Red Rose War Ready 83-67 on Tuesday to reach tonight’s final.

The Mecca finished third in Group B, opened the knockout stage with a 76-69 win over Knueppel Crew, then edged Heartfire Elite 84-80 on Tuesday to punch its ticket to tonight’s championship.

Tonight’s winner becomes Las Vegas Bracket champion and awaits La Familia (Kentucky Alumni), which clinched the Alumni Bracket title Wednesday with a 78-65 win over JHX Hoops (Kansas Alumni), for the $2 million winner-take-all title game on Aug. 2.

Where Things Stand: Alumni Bracket

The Alumni Bracket is settled. La Familia (Kentucky Alumni) beat JHX Hoops (Kansas Alumni) 78-65 on Wednesday to win the Alumni Bracket championship and now waits for tonight’s Las Vegas Bracket winner in the $2 million TBT Championship on Aug. 2 on FOX.

What Is The Basketball Tournament?

TBT is an annual tournament built around former college basketball stars, many of them playing for alumni teams tied to their old schools. For 2026, the field shrank to 14 teams: eight alumni squads opening with best-of-three series and six non-alumni squads playing in two groups followed by knockout rounds in Las Vegas. The winners of the Alumni Bracket and Vegas Bracket meet in the championship for the winner-take-all prize.

TBT still uses the Elam Ending, in which the game clock shuts off in the fourth quarter and a target score is set by adding eight points to the leading team’s score. Whichever team reaches that score first wins.

What Is the Purse?

TBT’s purse is a winner-take-all $2 million prize, the largest since 2019.

Who Won The Basketball Tournament Last Year?

AfterShocks (Wichita State Alumni) beat Eberlein Drive in the 2025 championship to win the title.

Steven Pressley has agreed a new deal as Dundee head coach, something he believes gives him and the club the ‘stability’ to move forward.

The 52-year-old was appointed at Dens Park last summer and secured their Scottish Premiership safety with a ninth-place finish.

He has been handed the new contract ahead of their league opener at Celtic on Monday, live on Sky Sports.

Monday 3rd August 6:30pm


Kick off 7:30pm

“I’m delighted for a number of reasons,” he told Sky Sports News.

“Firstly, from a personal perspective, my wife can now move up from Leamington and join me up here.

“I’ve been living away from the family for the past year and it’s been difficult.

“Everybody thinks that football managers are immune to vulnerability and loneliness and we’re certainly not.

“So it’ll be really pleasing to have her up here supporting me.

“And of course, the continuity. The model that we’re trying to create here at Dundee is very much a development model and, within that, stability is key.

“So for a number of reasons, I’m delighted to sign the new terms.”

Every match across opening weekend live on Sky Sports!

• Friday July 31: Dundee Utd vs Rangers (8pm)
• Saturday August 1: Falkirk vs St Mirren (3pm)
• Saturday August 1: Aberdeen vs Hearts (5.30pm)
• Sunday August 2: St Johnstone vs Kilmarnock (2pm)
• Sunday August 2: Hibernian vs Motherwell (4.30pm)
• Monday August 3: Celtic vs Dundee (7.30pm)

Dundee warmed up for the new season by scoring 14 goals in four games as they progressed from the group stage of the Scottish League Cup.

Although Pressley wants progress, he is against setting too many targets for his players.

“Although I spoke about that we needed to get to 38 points [last season], I never really put an objective or a goal for the team.

“My immediate thoughts are continuous improvement in the team. We work very hard on the training ground. We work hard on the detail.

“Our staff work exceptionally hard in the background, improving them physically.

“All I want to see is the players continue to improve on a daily and weekly basis. If we get that, then I’m satisfied.”

It is all too easy to get caught up in the hype of first-round picks in the immediate aftermath of every NFL Draft, but history proves that the greatest impact is often made by players selected after Day 1. 

Case in point: The two best defensive rookies in the NFL last year — Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger and Seattle Seahawks defensive back Nick Emmanwori — were both Day 2 steals.

The players listed below might not be the biggest names today, but they are clean schematic fits for their respective teams and appear to have a relatively clear path to playing time. It’s why they’re primed to make big contributions in 2026. And only a few of them were drafted in the first round. 

With training camp now underway, here are my NFC rookies to watch.

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys: Caleb Downs, DB, Ohio State (No. 11 pick)

Okay, this is just too obvious to ignore. Downs was the easiest evaluation of this draft class, as his tape was filled with instinctive, athletic and physical plays that should translate into immediate NFL success. This Cowboys’ defense desperately needed a sheriff and Downs is him.

New York Giants: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame (No. 74 pick)

Between Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton and Calvin Austin — not to mention free-agent tight end Isaiah Likely — the Giants already boast plenty of playmaking wideouts for Jaxson Dart. The pass-catchers are relatively small by NFL standards and certainly not indicative of the team’s Giants moniker. The nearly 6-foot-5, 218-pound Fields, on the other hand, is a legitimate big-bodied X receiver who wins above the rim. I think he’ll quickly become one of Dart’s favorite downfield targets. 

Philadelphia Eagles: Eli Stowers, TE/WR, Vanderbilt (No. 54 pick)

No tight end in the NFL caught more touchdowns last year than Dallas Goedert (11), but I think this is both a function of his talent and a byproduct of defenses being lured to the line of scrimmage in an attempt to slow down the Eagles’ dynamic running game. Stowers won’t likely challenge Goedert in 2026, but he does immediately diversify a Philadelphia offense that no longer includes star wideout A.J. Brown.

The Eagles need more out of their passing game, and the addition of tight end Eli Stowers should change how they attack. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Washington Commanders: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson (No. 71 pick)

There is no doubt that rookie linebacker Sonny Styles will make an immediate impact for the Commanders. However, I’m also really intrigued by Williams, who plays bigger and faster than his measurables suggest. Williams reminds me a bit of former Seattle standout Doug Baldwin with his sneaky change of direction and knack for making big plays. 

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears: Logan Jones, C, Iowa (No. 57 pick)

Protecting Caleb Williams is obviously Chicago’s top priority, and Jones — the reigning Rimington Award winner as the nation’s top center — was an excellent choice to do that. His 50 career starts for an Iowa program well known for producing plug-and-play blockers makes this technician a smart bet to start immediately. 

Detroit Lions: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State (No. 157 pick)

If there was a cornerback in this class perfectly suited to play for Dan Campbell, it was Abney — a scrappy defender who plays much bigger than his size. The Lions currently list free-agent addition Roger McCreary as their starting nickel. Don’t be surprised when Abney wrestles that role away as a rookie.  

Green Bay Packers: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina (No. 52 pick)

The Packers wisely addressed one of their biggest positional concerns with their top pick. Cisse has first round-caliber traits and tape and provides the club with a contingency plan should fellow young corner Carrington Valentine continue to struggle. Plus, with Keisean Nixon a pending free agent, Cisse offers a cheaper, younger alternative. 

Before long, Green Bay could look to Brandon Cisse to cover opposing teams’ top receivers. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

Minnesota Vikings: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State (No. 82 pick)

It might sound funny to see Orange in purple, but opponents won’t be smiling when the Vikings’ third-round pick emerges as a key starter as a rookie. Orange doesn’t offer much in the passing game, but he’s powerful and tenacious against the run and will be counted on to contribute immediately, with Minnesota cutting ties prior to the draft with veteran defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen. 

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta Falcons: Zachariah Branch, WR/RS, Georgia (No. 79 pick)

Branch will almost surely start the season as the Falcons’ primary punt and kick returner. But it is his ability to create in the quick game as a receiver and rusher that most intrigues me. Any offense that boasts the likes of Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts is going to stress defenses and create easy one-on-one opportunities. Branch should bloom in a complementary role. 

Carolina Panthers: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee (No. 83 pick)

Reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan is more of a glider than a true vertical threat, which is precisely where Brazzell excels. His ability to stretch the field should open up Carolina’s passing game for others, though Brazzell isn’t just a deep decoy. I really like his body control and sticky hands, as well.  

The Panthers could prove to be a more explosive offense this season with wideout Chris Brazzell II and 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan both roaming the perimeter. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images)

New Orleans Saints: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia (No. 42 pick)

Toolsy wideouts Jordyn Tyson and Bryce Lance will draw most of the attention among the Saints’ draft class, but Miller mind upo being their best pick. A rugged run-stuffer who I think is just scratching the surface of his potential as a pass-rusher, Miller should step in and be a key contributor as a rookie before truly emerging in 2027 as current starters Davon Godchaux (32 years old) and Nathan Shepherd (31) are aging and in the final year of their respective deals. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josiah Trotter, ILB, Missouri (No. 46 pick)

Growing up an NFL legacy has left Trotter uniquely prepared to handle big expectations, and he’ll be confronted with them immediately given franchise legend Lavonte David’s recent retirement. Trotter has the speed, physicality and alpha mentality to star right away. He’s also stepping into a terrific situation given the Bucs boast two massive defensive tackles in Vita Vea and A’Shawn Robinson to keep him clean. 

NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals: Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana (No. 104 pick)

The jump from the FCS to the NFL is massive, but Proctor performed well against top competition, including against LSU and at the Senior Bowl last year. His combination of quickness, length and strength should give the Cardinals much-needed depth and flexibility up front. I see him contributing as a rookie and emerging as a starter within a year or two. 

Los Angeles Rams: Keagen Trost, OT, Missouri (No. 93 pick)

The Rams may have found a future starting blocker in the middle rounds with Trost, whose burly frame projects best inside to guard after spending virtually all of his college career outside at tackle. Trost won’t get nearly the attention as first-round quarterback Ty Simpson, of course, but he should play a key role as the Rams’ sixth man on the offensive line as a rookie. 

The Rams might not need Keagen Trost to start this year, but he could soon play a big role on their offensive line nonetheless. (Photo by David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma (No. 107 pick)

The 49ers were ravaged by injuries a year ago, and that is the most obvious reason the club finished last in the NFL in sacks (20). Their depth could look much different in 2026 with the return of DEs Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams, and the additions of rookie DE Keion White and free agent Osa Odighizuwa. While it all might leave few opportunities for Halton, I love his slipperiness. Even if he doesn’t start a single game this season, don’t be surprised if he carves out a significant role and matches his collegiate career high of five sacks as a rookie. 

Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame (No. 32 pick)

I’ve been covering the NFL draft for over a quarter-century now, and I can’t recall a prospect being selected in the first round that never started a college game. That is the case with Price, who stuck it out at Notre Dame despite playing behind Jeremiyah Love. Seattle’s selection was bold, and I believe it will pay off handsomely for the defending champs. Price’s tape suggests he’ll be an ideal fit in their wide-zone scheme. In fact, I expect Price to not only be Seattle’s leading rusher in 2026 but vie for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in the process. 

Chelsea have completed the signing of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace in a deal worth £51m.

The 26-year-old central defender has signed a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge. Lacroix’s arrival takes the club’s spending to beyond £250m this summer.

Lacroix becomes the first player Chelsea have signed for a fee aged 26 or over since the summer of 2022, with the club also set to complete deals for 35-year-old Danny Welbeck and 36-year-old Jordan Henderson.

This is a deliberate change in transfer policy from Chelsea to target more experienced palyers that has been embraced by new manager Xabi Alonso.

Palace were seeking around £55m in negotiations, given the fee Tottenham paid for Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton.

Chelsea are expected to move on a number of defenders in this window, including Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi, having already raised more than £130m from player sales and the compensation received from Manchester City for Enzo Maresca.

Sky Sports News understands Chelsea gave Palace the chance to discuss signing one of their defenders available for transfer during talks.

Palace and Chelsea have a good relationship and they have done deals for players such as Chalobah and Ben Chilwell in the past.

‘Chelsea is the best club in the world’

Lacroix said: “I think it’s the best move for me because it’s the best club in the world.

“I spoke with Malo [Gusto]. I spoke with Trev [Chalobah]. I spoke with Benoit [Badiashile]. It’s easy for people to speak well about this club because it has a lot of big history and I’m really proud to be a part of it now.

“I spoke with the manager on the phone. We spoke about tactics, we spoke about how he sees the game. First of all, I was happy just to speak about football with him, and I saw that we have the same direction and desire for this club.

“When I spoke with the gaffer, when I spoke also with the people I know from the national team who play for Chelsea, like Malo, they told me it was the best club I can go to.

“So already I was saying: “Okay, I don’t need to think too much”. After talking to people I said to myself: “This is the best step forward for me”.”

Why Chelsea wanted to sign Lacroix

Sky Sports‘ Adam Bate:

Far from a veteran, Lacroix, 26, is entering his prime after two strong seasons with Palace. Beyond Selhurst Park, perhaps the Frenchman has gone a little under the radar. But, particularly since Marc Guehi’s exit, there is growing awareness of his key role.

Oliver Glasner, who worked with him in both Germany and England, rather summed it up with his own verdict on the player recently. “There is Maxence Lacroix, who came from Wolfsburg, and many asked, ‘Why did you sign this player?’ I think he stepped up.”

Few defenders boast his skillset. Lacroix ranks among the top five fastest centre-backs in the Premier League since his arrival from Wolfsburg in 2024. That recovery speed helps make him one of the most formidable one-on-one defenders in the competition.

The numbers back that up to. In one-on-one situations, nobody is better than Lacroix at winning the ball back. He is the only player in the Premier League to have faced 50 or more such situations in the past two seasons and won the ball more often than not.

At 6ft 4in, Lacroix is a robust physical presence who has adapted easily to the demands of the Premier League. He has all the stats to support that, ranking third for clearances and seventh for aerial duels won. But he can do more than defend his box.

Read more here:

Chelsea’s key summer business so far

In

Maxence Lacroix – Crystal Palace, £51m

Morgan Rogers – Aston Villa, £117m

Geovany Quenda – Sporting, £43.5m

Marco Palestra – Atalanta, £43m

Denner – Corinthians, £8.7m

Dastan Satpaev – Kairat Almaty, £2.1m

Emmanuel Emegha – Strasbourg, undisclosed

Out

Marc Cucurella – Real Madrid, £51.8m

Andrey Santos – Man Utd, £50m

Tyrique George – Everton, £24m

Jimmy-Jay Morgan – West Brom, £4m

The Los Angeles Dodgers expect Shohei Ohtani to pitch again this season, but they’re not rushing the two-way superstar back to the mound because of concern about him overcompensating while his left knee heals.

Andrew Friedman downplayed Ohtani’s right biceps soreness, too.

“If it weren’t for the knee, he would be pitching right now,” Friedman said Wednesday. “We didn’t want to put him in a position where he was altering his mechanics to try to protect the knee in any way.”

The team’s president of baseball operations said Ohtani is keeping his right arm active with plyometric throws using a medicine ball that takes the strain off constantly landing on his left leg.

“It keeps getting better,” Friedman said. “Does he feel 100% in his arm? No, but neither does any pitcher in late July.”

The team wants Ohtani’s knee to feel as good as possible before he begins a throwing program on flat ground or off a mound.

“I feel confident that relatively soon he’s going to start getting out and start ramping up for catch-play and bullpens and getting him back,” Friedman said.

That belief is based on the progress Ohtani says he’s felt so far and an MRI done on his knee during the All-Star break that came back clear. That’s also when he had a lubricant injection in his knee.

In the meantime, Ohtani will continue serving as the designated hitter. He has said his knee doesn’t bother him when he’s hitting.

“If there was something structural, then we would be much more concerned,” Friedman said. “The fact that there’s not and the fact that it does keep improving suggests that we’re on the right path.”

Friedman said Ohtani’s current unavailability on the mound hasn’t created an acute need to add pitching with the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaching. The Dodgers have been mentioned as a possible destination for two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal of Detroit.

“We’re always open-minded to different things,” Friedman said, “but the biggest thing for us is to do everything we can in the offseason to not put ourselves in a position in July where you absolutely have to do something because it is far and away the worst time to acquire a player.”

Ohtani is 8-2 on the mound with a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts over 85 2/3 innings.

The four-time MVP hasn’t pitched since July 3. His form didn’t look the same in his handful of starts before the All-Star break due to the sore knee that first flared up on June 11 and led to him overcompensating with his upper body, creating tightness in his right biceps.

“The stuff was still in a really good place, execution was a little bit off from what we’ve typically seen from him,” Friedman said. “I’ll bet on him to execute.”

Reporting by the Associated Press.

Eddie Howe has left his role as Newcastle United head coach.  

The decision has been taken following discussions with the club’s hierarchy over the last 48 hours, although Howe had started the ball rolling on a potential departure a number of weeks ago.

In this time, Howe continued to focus on preparing the Newcastle team for their season opener against Liverpool on August 23.

Newcastle have already had a challenging summer after the sales of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon – and that continues with uncertainty over their captain Bruno Guimaraes, who is wanted by Arsenal.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe discusses the rumours surrounding Bruno Guimaraes transfer status and reveals he wants to keep him at the club.

Those sales have played a factor in Howe’s decision amid concerns about what the squad will look like at the start of the new campaign. Newcastle also sold striker Alexander Isak for a British record £125m to Liverpool last summer.

Howe has spent a number of months reflecting on his time at Newcastle and believed he could take the club forward this season, providing Newcastle recruited well this summer.

Newcastle have signed 20-year-old winger Bazoumana Toure from Hoffenheim for £42m, 18-year-old midfielder Sean Steur from Ajax for £23m and 20-year-old goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen from Reims for £18.5m.

They have recently, however, appeared to miss out on Johan Manzambi, who decided to move to Aston Villa – which was a big blow for Howe and the club.

Howe has been one of Newcastle’s greatest-ever managers, winning the League Cup to end the club’s 70-year wait for silverware as well as taking the club into the Champions League on two occasions after sealing top-five finishes in the Premier League.

Last season, they progressed further in the Champions League than they had ever done before.

Newcastle have already started the process to find Howe’s successor with a number of names on the list of sporting director Ross Wilson and CEO David Hopkinson.

His final game in charge was a brutal 4-1 pre-season loss to Championship side Bristol City on Wednesday night.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Watch highlights of the pre-season friendly between Bristol City and Newcastle. Credit: Robins TV.

More to follow.

The starting quarterback audition that will shape this season for the Minnesota Vikings and perhaps define multiple careers is clearly the featured attraction during training camp.

For as consequential as this competition will be, Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy and their teammates have no interest in intensifying the spotlight or indulging in feelings about the process. The players themselves are trying to keep things as cool as they can.

“I’m not really too focused on the long-term vision of it,” Murray said Wednesday before the team’s first formal practice of camp. “I’m really just focused on process, and that’s day to day, trying to put my best foot forward, and proving to the guys and the coaches what I’m capable of.”

McCarthy brings a decidedly different resume, style and personality to this derby, but his public stance on his approach to trying to keep the same job he had last year sure sounded similar to Murray’s.

“It’s just refining every little detail, leaving no stone unturned and just trying to get better in every aspect,” said McCarthy, whose injuries have limited him to 10 starts in two seasons since he was drafted with the 10th overall pick in 2024. “That’s a constant battle with yourself every single day until you hang ’em up.”

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell was remarkably transparent in his news conference this week about the plan for dividing up drills in practice between the two. Murray went first with the first team Wednesday, but the repetitions were equally split.

“It’s going to be more by certain periods,” O’Connell said. “Maybe a guy’s gotten a little bit more third down work, so then we’ll make sure we try to even it out, but I will say this, and I told the quarterbacks: ‘We don’t need to make this 50-50.’ It’s going to be that way to start when we’re on a time crunch, but when we get into some longer practices and some move-the-ball periods, there’s some periods where the amount of plays is unknown sometimes as you really start to get into what real football is.”

Murray, of course, was the most seismic change after McCarthy’s rocky debut. As the first overall pick in the 2019 draft with 87 starts and more than 20,000 passing yards in his career, Murray is the clear favorite to win this competition. But O’Connell has committed to opening it up, and McCarthy has said he believes him.

“My job’s to make it right for either of them, so that’s kind of all I can focus on,” right tackle Brian O’Neill said. “It’s just like any other guy and any other position battle. That’s really what it is from my perspective.”

Murray mentioned earlier the challenge of mastering a new offense without taking all of the turns with the first team, but he said Wednesday he feels much better about the playbook after going through spring practices and continuing to immerse himself in it over the last six weeks.

McCarthy, too, said he has recovered from the time lost and the rhythm interrupted by his late-season injuries.

“I felt like I was hitting that upward trajectory, and I’m certain it’s still been going up since then,” McCarthy said.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

Reigning world champion Lando Norris is capable of pulling off a stunning fightback to retain his Formula 1 drivers’ title, according to Sky Sports F1’s David Croft.

Norris claimed his and McLaren’s first victory of the season in Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix to reduce his deficit to championship leader Kimi Antonelli to 91 points as the sport enters its summer break with 11 of 23 currently scheduled rounds complete.

The emphatic nature of Norris’ victory after McLaren brought a significant upgrade package to the Hungaroring has created hope that the Woking squad may have permanently joined the battle for victories, and that the Brit can surge back into title contention.

Spotify

This content is provided by Spotify, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Spotify cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.


Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Spotify cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Spotify cookies for this session only.

Enable Cookies
Allow Cookies Once

Speaking on the latest episode of Sky Sports’ The F1 Show podcast, Croft suggested that the crucial factor will be whether McLaren can continue to outperform Antonelli’s Mercedes team.

Croft said: “One of the big things coming out of the summer break, can McLaren carry this on? Are they going to put their eggs in a Lando Norris basket? And is it going to come up trumps once again?

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights from the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix

The Constructors’ Championship, I think, is still very much up for grabs. The Drivers’ Championship, I don’t think Lando is that far behind that he can’t make up a deficit.

“And seriously, I haven’t even gone on holiday yet. I can’t wait to get back to business at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort. I don’t want a three-week break; I want the racing thick and fast!”

Can McLaren maintain form?

One of McLaren’s weaknesses so far this season has been their inability to get full productivity out of the power unit supplied to them by Mercedes, which the Silver Arrows have better exploited.

The fact that Hungary is one of the least demanding circuits on the calendar from a power-unit perspective leaves some doubt as to whether McLaren can replicate the performance elsewhere.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Craig Slater runs through the biggest talking points from the Hungarian GP as Norris finally wins in 2026, Hamilton gets another penalty, Piastri fumes at McLaren’s strategy and Antonelli tops the Drivers’ Standings heading into the summer break

However, Croft pointed out that the Hungaroring has similarities to Monaco, where Mercedes were still able to win in early June.

“We’re 11 races into the season now, and I think McLaren are understanding the power unit way better than they were at the start of the year,” Croft said.

“Is it a surprise they did so well in Hungary? Well, on past form, no, they were one-two for the last two years in Budapest.

“But it is a little surprise given how strong Mercedes were in Monaco. I mean, that might be driver-specific in that respect. It might just be that Kimi was exceptional that weekend. But I don’t think the Mercedes are necessarily weak at a track like Budapest.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Norris reacts to his first win of 2026, saying he always believed he could win and calling it one of his best personal performances

“What delighted me in terms of stronger competition to the championship leaders, and we want to see this championship go right to the wire because that’s way more fun, was that McLaren’s upgrade worked.

“They’ve taken their time this year to play catch-up, but they are now catching up, I think. And I think the signs were there right from the start as Lando built up the pace into the weekend that this was a good upgrade, they had the pace, and they were ready to challenge Mercedes.”

Bernie: All to play for after summer break

There remains some doubt over whether all 12 of the remaining scheduled rounds will be able to go ahead due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, but Sky Sports F1’s Bernie Collins thinks there is time for Norris to turn things around regardless.

“I think this year is going to be about upgrades,” Collins said on The F1 Show podcast. “It’s going to be about who can get on top of these cars, who can get the best out of the cars, the best out of the engines.

“At the moment as the calendar sets, we’ve done 11 rounds; we’ve got 12 still to go. So there’s still lots and lots of points on the board.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Norris snatches pole off Lewis Hamilton as Max Verstappen and George Russell struggle in Q3 at Hungaroring

Max Verstappen trailed then championship leader Oscar Piastri by 104 points with nine rounds remaining last season, before fighting back to ultimately finish just two points behind title winner Norris in the final standings.

Collins added: “We’ve seen McLaren this weekend at least have a little bit of the upper hand. And maybe Mercedes have been a bit distracted with each other in some of the earlier races as well.

“So, I think that it’s still all to play for. I think you’ve pretty much got three cars, maybe Verstappen as well in that fight, that I think who knows as we go through later races who will be at the front week in, week out. And that’s really interesting to watch.”

The Formula 1 season resumes after the summer break with a Sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix from August 21-23, with every session live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

Although Myles Garrett is waiting on Aaron Donald’s comeback decision just as eagerly as the rest of the Rams, Los Angeles’ new superstar pass rusher says he won’t attempt to influence Donald’s process.

“If he’s here, I’m going to be excited to be his teammate, his partner in crime,” Garrett said Wednesday after the Rams’ fourth practice of training camp. “I think we’re going to do great things. But it’s a difficult thing, coming back.”

Garrett said he hasn’t spoken to Donald about being teammates during the upcoming season. He’s been busy settling in nicely with his new team after the blockbuster trade that brought him to the West Coast from Cleveland — and also inspired Donald to begin a workout program in an attempt to return to NFL shape after 2 1/2 years of retirement.

The 30-year-old Garrett and the 35-year-old Donald have combined to win five of the past nine AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, with Garrett claiming it in two of the last three seasons for the Cleveland Browns. 

“I think there’s a lot we can learn from each other,” Garrett said. “I’d love to pick his brain on the kind of things he does to attack his matchups, and I think the same could be said vice versa. .… I’ve told him I’d love to learn from him. I’ve watched his tape. Obviously, I think everyone who’s been a rusher from anywhere across the line, they have a lot of respect for him. But I don’t want to push him one way or another.”

The edge-rushing Garrett has 125 1/2 career sacks, while Donald racked up 111 from the interior line during his landmark 10-year career, which ended with his retirement in March 2024. Their mutual respect and friendship goes back several years, and Donald’s jersey is even displayed in Garrett’s home in Texas after the stars did a jersey swap several years ago.

Rams coach Sean McVay said Tuesday that Donald’s workouts are “going really well,” but he doesn’t believe a decision is imminent.

Garrett believes the greatest challenge facing Donald is getting in shape to sustain the NFL tempo of relentless action during games.

“As much as you can try to work yourself back into shape, we get a small taste of it when we come back from the offseason, you’ve got to get your wind and your legs back underneath you,” Garrett said. “When you get on the field, things are flying around, you’ve got to find a way to get your conditioning back and slow down the game once more. Someone as great as he is, I think he could definitely come back and do it … for however many games he chooses to play.”

Reporting by the Associated Press.

The top stories and transfer rumours from Thursday’s newspapers…

Premier League

Jack Grealish is attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, with Al Hilal keen to sign a left-winger this summer. – talkSport

Grealish has been training at a second-division Spanish club after being left out of Manchester City‘s pre-season squad. – The Sun

Manchester United could utilise Marcus Rashford as a bargaining chip in their pursuit of Roma midfielder Manu Kone. – The Express

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Roma’s Manu Kone and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba are on Manchester United’s shortlist for a third midfield signing this summer.

Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, Arsenal, and Liverpool are all eyeing a move for Bournemouth‘s Rayan. – The Sun

Everton are ready to revive their interest in Chelsea striker Liam Delap. – talkSport

Cristian Romero spoke with Lautaro Martinez during the World Cup about a potential move to Inter. – La Gazzetta dello Sport

Daniel Munoz is on Chelsea‘s radar after securing a deal for Maxence Lacroix. – El Universal

Watch Back Pages on Sky Sports News

Back Pages is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm.

Missed the show? Catch up on the latest news with the Back Pages podcast.

Scotland

Celtic will create a new fan engagement group to liaise with the club’s supporter base. – Scottish Sun

John Souttar is set to depart Rangers with a host of clubs in the EFL interested in signing him. – Scottish Sun

Vozinha is cashing in on his newfound fame by promoting the new Spider-Man film. The 40-year-old World Cup star’s arrival to his new club in Chile, however, was caught up in old-fashioned paperwork.

The Cape Verde goalkeeper was scheduled to be with Colo Colo by Wednesday, but Chile’s biggest and most successful club says Vozinha’s trip has been delayed because of paperwork. They’re hopeful of a Thursday arrival.

Vozinha was still able to wear a jersey Wednesday though — by donning Spider-Man gear as part of a Sony Pictures Brazil campaign promoting “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” On Instagram, Vozinha encouraged his 29.6 million followers — up from under 50,000 before the World Cup — to go see the film.

Meanwhile, Colo Colo is also racing to resolve some issues regarding Vozinha.

The most pressing concern is the name that will appear on the goalkeeper’s jersey. Regulations from the Chilean National Association of Professional Football (ANFP) require players to use their surname. This means that Vozinha — whose real name is Josimar José Évora Dias — would not be allowed to use the nickname that made him famous around the world.

That would be a setback not only for the player — whose moniker means “grandma” in Portuguese, a tribute to the woman who raised him — but also to the personal brand he has built worldwide.

According to ANFP regulations, “nicknames, appellations, or sobriquets will not be permitted” in the domestic competition. Players who fail to comply face an administrative yellow card, while their clubs can be fined up to $875.

Colo Colo has requested an exemption from the Council of Presidents, the body comprised of the top executives of Chilean clubs. The board is expected to vote on the matter Friday, and the decision must be unanimous for Vozinha to wear his nickname.

Another challenge will be deciding which jersey number the Cape Verdean will wear, as the traditional goalkeeper numbers are already assigned, with Argentine goalkeeper Fernando de Paul wearing No. 1.

World Cup Star Energizes Chile

(Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Vozinha emerged as one of the breakout stars of the World Cup by leading debutant Cape Verde on a remarkable run. He kept a clean sheet against eventual champion Spain in the team’s opening match before producing a series of spectacular saves against Argentina in the round of 32, where Cape Verde lost 3-2.

His move to South America has generated enormous interest in Chile, where the national team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup after finishing last in the qualifiers.

Vozinha’s signing is also expected to boost the profile of both Colo Colo and Chilean football while creating significant commercial opportunities.

As his social media following soared, Vozinha has become the face of several advertising campaigns.

Across Chile, meanwhile, the “Vozinha effect” is already being felt. Since announcing the signing, Colo Colo has gained nearly 70,000 followers across its social media platforms, many of them from overseas.

“The whole world is getting to know Colo Colo better,” supporter Héctor Hermosilla said. “The world’s cameras will be on Vozinha and that’s going to be good for the club.”

Reporting by The Associated Press.

Jack Draper has been given a wild card for the National Bank Open in Montreal, which is live on Sky Sports from Monday August 3.

Draper got one of the final wild cards alongside Canadians Alexis Galarneau and Liam Draxl as he continues his attempt to try and return from a left arm injury.

The former world No 4 has endured an injury-strewn 2026 which saw him miss all three Grand Slam tournaments, but he enters the National Bank Open after a late withdrawal from this week’s DC Open in Washington.

The Brit, who is coached by Sir Andy Murray, has slipped to world No 147 in the ATP rankings, leaving him likely to face qualifying if he is to compete at September’s US Open after missing out on direct entry into the main draw.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Jack Draper reflects on his battles with injury after returning to action and speaks of the influence that Andy Murray has had on a difficult period in his career.

Draper has only played five tour events this year, last playing in Eastbourne last month.

Ahead of his withdrawal from Washington, Draper said: “I’ve had an incredibly challenging 12 months, a lot of adversity, a lot of problem solving, a lot of pain, and trying to understand that and come through it.

“I’ve never had a long-term injury before so I feel much better than I ever have in the last year. I feel physically really good.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Jack Draper opens up about his recent struggles with injury and hails the impact of new coach Andy Murray.

Draper first stepped away from the tour a year ago with the arm problem and has managed only a handful of tournaments since, with knee and shoulder issues also interrupting his comeback.

Having missed the Australian Open, the French Open, and Wimbledon, Draper’s chances at participating in the last major tournament of 2026 – the US Open – are now also in doubt.

Watch the ATP and WTA Tours and US Open from August 30, live on Sky Sports or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports app, giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.

If Aaron Rodgers wants to add a second Super Bowl title to his ledger, this is the year to do it.

That’s because the multi-time MVP has said this season will be his last. 

The Steelers made the playoffs last season, Rodgers’ first with the franchise. However, things ended quickly and abruptly, via a 30-6 wild-card loss to the Texans. 

Now, Rodgers gets one more go at it.

Let’s check out the Steelers’ Over/Under win total odds for the 2026 season.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Over 8.5: +110 (bet $10 to win $21 total)
Under 8.5: -130 (bet $10 to win $17.69 total)

What to know: In Mike Tomlin’s 20 seasons with the Steelers, Pittsburgh never had a losing season, and the team had won more than 8.5 games in every year since 2019. 

However, despite winning 10 games last season and making yet another playoff appearance, Tomlin is now gone, and Mike McCarthy has taken over as head coach. 

McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers will reunite from their days in Green Bay alongside several new offensive weapons — most notably, wideout Michael Pittman Jr., who will line up on the opposite side of DK Metcalf.

Yes, Rodgers has some weapons at his disposal, but how will he perform in what will be his final NFL season?

Last year, he started 16 games and threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven picks. His 65.7 completion percentage was also tied for the seventh-highest of his career, despite being 42. 

Odds: This upcoming season, the Steelers are the +510 third choice to win the AFC North, the +2300 tenth choice to win the AFC and the +5000 19th choice to win the Super Bowl. 

Teenage dart sensation Luke Littler has left the darts world questioning if anyone will ever get near him again after winning the World Matchplay Darts on Sunday.

‘The Nuke’ stormed to victory in Blackpool, winning the competition for the second year in a row and seeing off final opponent Gerwyn Price 18-9.

Littler being in total control at a darts competition is nothing new. He’s won every PDC major title in 2026 so far, and his World Matchplay performance has made it very difficult to argue he’s not head and shoulders above his competitors.

His mind-blowing performances have sparked debate over where he ranks in the sporting world, leading Sky Sports’ Love The Darts podcast pundits, former darts player Laura Turner and darts commentator Chris Murphy, to debate whether he is indeed the most dominant sportsperson in the world right now.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Chris Murphy and Laura Turner debate whether Luke Littler has already surpassed Phil Taylor as the greatest ever darts player.

“It’s a very difficult question, how do you measure dominance?” Murphy said. “Darts seems to have more majors than any other sport, if you’re doing it on major titles, but then again if you just took the top four and made it fair, he wins what you might call the Grand Slam titles.

“He holds them all and he’s on course to have a clean sweep of every title so of course he does. I think yes [he is the most dominant].”

Murphy then named two other sporting stars that come close to giving Littler a run for his money – tennis world No 1 Jannik Sinner and his golf equivalent, Scottie Scheffler – but concluded neither can touch him.

“Looking at other sports, we’ve mentioned tennis, Sinner maybe he’s in the conversation,” he said. “Scheffler in golf has been No 1 for a long time, but I don’t think any of them get near Littler.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights of the World Matchplay final between Luke Littler and Gerwyn Price.

Turner agreed, pointing out how rare it is to have two English people dominating a sport in both the men’s and women’s editions at the same time.

“It’s very hard to say no [he isn’t the most dominant] isn’t it,” Turner said. “From a women’s darts point of view actually I think [Women’s World Matchplay winner] Beau Greaves is unbelievably dominant, she’s just picked up the Matchplay in Blackpool. She won 17 out of the 24 titles available in that qualification process as well.

“She’s been on a run of 114 consecutive wins, it took Fallon [Sherrock] at a 102 average just to stop that run. Beau is very dominant.

“In darts at the moment I personally think we’re very lucky, I know Beau is on the Pro Tour as well. I can’t think of another sport where at this moment in time, anyone that is dominating in the way they are.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights of the Women’s World Matchplay final between Beau Greaves and Fallon Sherrock in Blackpool.

Does Littler edge Taylor as darts’ greatest?

While Turner and Murphy have been wowed by Littler this month, they believe the teenager still has a while to go until he can call himself darts’ greatest ever.

Asked if he is the best darts player to ever do it, Murphy replied: “No, and this is where I think we need to zoom out a little bit. Potential to best the greatest? Possibly, but I don’t think it’s especially close yet to be honest.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Following his World Matchplay final victory against Gerwyn Price, Luke Littler says he’d love to be the greatest darts player of all time and admits he is chasing the feat of winning every major darts title in a calendar year.

“It’s not criticism of his abilities and talents, it’s just simple arithmetic I suppose. Phil Taylor’s title tally, 16 world titles, spanning across four different generations of darts players, and he’s had to reinvent himself for different games in different eras.”

Taylor, who retired in 2018, holds the record for the most darts world titles. Littler, meanwhile, has two, winning the PDC World Darts Championship in 2025 and 2026 after bursting on the scene in 2024.

Laura agreed that Littler has a way to go yet to edge Taylor, adding: “All of us suffer from recency bias. There’s a lot of people don’t forget that never engaged in darts to the level they are before Luke Littler came onto the scene.

Image:
Darts icon Phil Taylor was Luke Littler’s idol growing up

“Ultimately, Phil has played through different generations, I don’t want to say mind games but you know you can get under people’s skin a bit more.

“Ability wise, and all the accolades he has won over all those years, you have to say Phil is the greatest ever darts player we’ve had.

“Luke Littler perhaps one of the most dominant sports people at this time.”

Who will win this year’s BoyleSports World Grand Prix? World No 1 Luke Littler will be defending his title and you can watch all the action on Sky Sports. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.

Egypt earned a place in the knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup. The team advanced past the group stage to compete in the elimination rounds of the tournament.

During the group stage, they defeated New Zealand and drew against Belgium and Iran. Mohamed Salah contributed an assist in the opening match against Belgium and recorded both a goal and an assist against New Zealand to help secure Egypt’s progression. 

Following the group stage, Egypt went the distance and got past Australia in penalties in the Round of 32.

Ultimately, Argentina scored three unanswered goals to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16. Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko scored the goals for Egypt before the team was eliminated thanks to Enzo Fernández’ stoppage-time winner.

So what’s next for the players who led Egypt to its first-ever knockout stage appearance?

Salah captained Egypt during the tournament, recording one goal and two assists. The Egyptian King is currently a free agent after officially concluding his tenure with English Premier League club Liverpool, as both he and the club reached an agreement to end his nine-year tenure at Anfield, announced in March, culminating in an emotional farewell to supporters.

Marmoush started in the attack for Egypt in three out of five matches during its 2026 World Cup campaign but was unable to get on the scoresheet. The 27-year-old striker plays club football in the English Premier League for Manchester City, one of the biggest teams in Europe.

Ibrahim started all five matches for Egypt and scored the opening goal in the first half against Argentina in the round of 16. He plays club football in Egypt for Al Ahly.

Ziko scored Egypt’s second goal against Argentina to briefly extend Egypt’s lead in the second half before Argentina scored three unanswered. He also scored and assisted during Egpyt’s group stage win over New Zealand. Ziko started all five matches at the World Cup and plays club football in Egypt for Pyramids.

Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador knows what it takes to win the Group 1 Nassau Stakes, having triumphed aboard Nashwa in 2022 – here she previews Thursday’s renewal on a stellar card at Goodwood.

Diamond to sparkle in Nassau

The highlight of day three at the Qatar Goodwood Festival, the Qatar Nassau Stakes (3.35) on Thursday, clearly looks at the mercy of the brilliant DIAMOND NECKLACE, who faces only four rivals in the fillies’ Group 1.

Aidan O’Brien’s unbeaten daughter of St Mark’s Basilica is only marginally ahead of her key rivals Friendly Soul and See The Fire on official ratings but remains on an upward trajectory and gets that 9lb weight-for-age allowance.

A multiple Group 1 winner already, she proved herself over this ten-furlong trip in the French Oaks on the quickest ground she’s encountered and should have no issue with the forecast conditions on the Downs.

Soul the most likely to capitalise

Friendly Soul, who has so much back class, looks the most likely mare to capitalise if Diamond Necklace under-performs in the Nassau.

A Group 1 winner in her own right, John and Thady Gosden’s mare posted an eye-catching performance in the Duke Of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot on her first start after stepping into that hole at Haydock on her return from a lengthy absence.

Image:
Friendly Soul represents the Gosden team at Goodwood

Andrew Balding’s See The Fire looked good in the Middleton at York in May and went close to winning this two years ago but it’s worth noting that her losing run at the top level has now stretched to 13.

Hannon colt can Dash home in Richmond

I’ve been a big fan of CUT A DASH since his debut win at York and still want him on my side in the big two-year-old race of the day on Thursday, the Group 2 Markel Richmond Stakes (2.25).

Richard Hannon’s colt was only a length behind Great Barrier Reef in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot – form that looks strong enough to overturn likely favourite Flann Sunna, who hasn’t beaten anything special in his two wins at Windsor and Ascot.

Image:
Cut A Dash

Sean Levey’s mount is better off at the weights with Simon and Ed Crisford’s colt, according to official ratings, and can take this en route to a probable tilt at the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes back at York next month.

I’d love to see Eve Johnson Houghton’s Night In Vegas go well, too. A course and distance winner in the spring, he finished on the heels of Cut A Dash in the Coventry so certainly has the credentials to run a big race.

Enceladus can stake Leger claims

Epsom Derby fourth Bay Of Brilliance lines up for the Group 3 Maison Perrier Gordon Stakes (3.00) on Thursday on a retrieval mission after flopping in the German equivalent, but the best form in the race belongs to him.

He has winning course form, too, which is an advantage in this traditional St Leger trial, but I prefer to side with Joseph O’Brien’s progressive colt ENCELADUS who can stake his own strong claims for the world’s oldest Classic.

His win in the King George V Stakes at the Royal Meeting has been franked by the runner-up Al Azd and I expect him to maintain his unbeaten record this year on his first foray into Pattern company over the same twelve-furlong trip.

Hoping Tom’s Decade can overcome wide draw

The draw hasn’t done DECADE OF TIME any favours but I still believe he can make his presence felt in the curtain-raising Coral Kincsem Heritage Handicap (1.50) on Thursday.

My husband Tom (Marquand) faces a challenge from out in stall 14 on Jack Channon’s colt who didn’t do a lot wrong on his first try at this trip at Nottingham behind Heraldry, a horse I really rate highly.

Another interesting runner who also has a wide draw to overcome is Sean Woods’s Savvy Disko, who bolted up over a slightly shorter trip at Lingfield and can acquit himself well off a 9lb higher mark in this hotter race with Billy Loughnane in the saddle.

Penalty no negative for improving King

Richard Hannon and Sean Levey, who combine with Cut A Dash in the Richmond, also hold leading claims in the Whispering Angel Nursery Handicap (4.45) with SHADOW KING.

He must defy a penalty for his Doncaster win over a slightly shorter trip last week but 7f looks ideal and he is clearly open to enough improvement to take full advantage of a good low draw.

The Bookkeeper, trained by my old boss’s former stable jockey Richard Hughes, ran a nice race in the Woodcote at Epsom so this track should hold no fears. Ryan Moore is a strong booking for the son of Sioux Nation who is also well positioned.

I’ll be back with my thoughts on Friday’s card, featuring the big Group 2 sprint, the King George Qatar Stakes, and the Coral Golden Mile Handicap.

Hollie Doyle was speaking to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft.

In 2024, San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey suffered from tendinitis in his Achilles and missed eight games due to that injury. He missed even more time battling a right knee issue and ultimately, sat out most of the year.

But in 2025, he came back with a vengeance.  

Last season, CMC amassed a total of 2,126 yards — including 1,202 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. As a result, the dual-threat running back earned the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.

Now, bettors are asking which player will take home the award at the end of the 2026 season.

Here are the early odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of July 29.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

2026 Comeback Player of the Year 

Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs): +185 (bet $10 to win $28.50 total)
Jayden Daniels (Commanders): +450 (bet $10 to win $55 total)
Kyler Murray (Vikings): +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total)
Micah Parsons (Packers): +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
Malik Nabers (Giants): +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
George Kittle (49ers): +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
Daniel Jones (Colts): +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
Travis Hunter (Jaguars): +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Nick Bosa (49ers): +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Fred Warner (49ers): +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Cam Skattebo (Giants): +2800 (bet $10 to win $290 total)

Here’s what to know about this oddsboard: 

The Favorite: Last season, Week 15 proved to be an ill-fated one for Kansas City. It was in that game, against the Los Angeles Chargers, that Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL. He underwent surgery the next day. Now, seven months later, he has been cleared to participate in the Chiefs training camp. Before being sidelined for the season, Mahomes had thrown for 3,587 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Will Patrick Mahomes make his return to prominence in 2026? (Getty Images)

Looming Absence: Micah Parsons — the first non-QB on this oddsboard — could end up winning Comeback Player of the Year. However, as of July 28, the timetable for his return is still uncertain. The Athletic’s Packers beat reporter Matt Schneidman told ESPN’s Pat McAfee that Parsons could miss the first month and a half of the 2026 NFL season as he recovers from a torn ACL that he suffered in Week 15 last year against the Broncos.

A Giant Comeback: Cam Skattebo’s rookie season took a turn for the worst when he suffered an open tibia fracture and a right ankle dislocation in 2025. He immediately underwent successful surgery but missed the rest of the year. In eight games last season, he had 617 total yards, including 410 rushing. New York selected him in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL draft.

An injury cut Cam Skattebo’s rookie season short (Getty Images)

Simo Valakari is telling his St Johnstone players to be “solid and streetwise” if they want to make an impact in the Scottish Premiership.

The Finnish boss took charge of the Perth side in October 2025 but was unable to stop them being relegated to the Scottish Championship.

They return to the top-flight on Sunday against Kilmarnock, live on Sky Sports, after winning promotion at the first attempt.

Sunday 2nd August 1:00pm


Kick off 2:00pm

St Johnstone lost just three league games during their title push, but the manager accepts they will need to adapt to enjoy success this season.

“We know what we are, but we cannot be this naive, beautiful, nice team coming out of the Championship playing nice football,” he told Sky Sports News.

Image:
St Johnstone won the Championship title last season

“If we are not hard to beat, if we are not solid, if we are not ruthless about ourselves, it will be difficult.

“Yes, it’s our way of playing and we want to do these things, but we need to be ready for this challenge and sometimes be streetwise.”

Valakari has been able to keep the core of his Championship-winning side for their Premiership return while adding eight new signings.

Josh McPake has moved to Hearts after agreeing a pre-contract in January

“It was important that we started this process already before our Championship season,” the head coach added.

“We got the players in and we made them two, three-year contracts. So we knew that we never wanted to be in that situation as we were after the Premiership season.

Every match across opening weekend live on Sky Sports!

• Friday July 31: Dundee Utd vs Rangers (8pm)
• Saturday August 1: Falkirk vs St Mirren (3pm)
• Saturday August 1: Aberdeen vs Hearts (5.30pm)
• Sunday August 2: St Johnstone vs Kilmarnock (2pm)
• Sunday August 2: Hibernian vs Motherwell (4.30pm)
• Monday August 3: Celtic vs Dundee (7.30pm)

“So that’s why I’m very, very happy. And then, of course, these new additions have added their own personality, their qualities in our squad.

“We have a very balanced squad. But when these real games start happening, maybe there will be injuries, there will be some injuries on some of our players, or things like that.

“We have a foundation, we have good players, we have enough depth in our squad as well. We are as ready as you can be after pre-season to start the Premiership campaign.”

The Basketball Tournament names its Alumni Bracket champion today, with La Familia (Kentucky Alumni) taking on JHX Hoops (Kansas Alumni) on FS1 and FOX One. Here’s what’s on and when.

TBT Schedule for Wednesday, July 29

• 7 p.m. ET: Alumni Championship: Kentucky Alumni vs. Kansas Alumni (FS1, FOX One)

How to Watch TBT

The game airs live on FS1, streaming on FOX One, FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App.

The winner becomes the Alumni Bracket champion and advances to face the Las Vegas Bracket champion in the $2 million TBT Championship on Aug. 2.

What’s on the Line: Alumni Bracket

La Familia (Kentucky Alumni) opened with a 3-1 series win over The Ville (Louisville Alumni), then beat Boeheim’s Army (Syracuse Alumni), 70-66, in the quarterfinals and topped AfterShocks (Wichita State Alumni) in the semifinals to reach tonight’s final.

JHX Hoops (Kansas Alumni) opened with a 2-1 series win over Purple Reign (Kansas State Alumni), then got past AfterShocks (Wichita State Alumni) in the quarterfinals and beat Boeheim’s Army (Syracuse Alumni) in the semifinals to punch its ticket to tonight’s championship.

Tonight’s winner becomes Alumni Bracket champion and awaits the Las Vegas Bracket champion, which will be decided Thursday, for the $2 million winner-take-all title game on Aug. 2.

Where Things Stand: Vegas Bracket

There’s no Vegas Bracket game today. Davis Steel and Heartfire Elite each won their semifinals Tuesday and meet Thursday on FS1 in the Las Vegas Bracket Championship, with that winner advancing to face today’s Alumni Bracket champion.

What Is The Basketball Tournament?

TBT is an annual tournament built around former college basketball stars, many of them playing for alumni teams tied to their old schools. For 2026, the field shrank to 14 teams: eight alumni squads opening with best-of-three series and six non-alumni squads playing in two groups followed by knockout rounds in Las Vegas. The winners of the Alumni Bracket and Vegas Bracket meet in the championship for the winner-take-all prize.

TBT still uses the Elam Ending, in which the game clock shuts off in the fourth quarter and a target score is set by adding eight points to the leading team’s score. Whichever team reaches that score first wins.

What Is the Purse?

TBT’s purse is a winner-take-all $2 million prize, the largest since 2019.

Who Won The Basketball Tournament Last Year?

AfterShocks (Wichita State Alumni) beat Eberlein Drive in the 2025 championship to win the title.

Gianni Infantino has given football associations until September 19 to back his plan to sell off part of FIFA to private investors – with a $40m (£30.1m) incentive to accept, a letter has revealed.

FIFA announced on Tuesday that it was seeking to launch FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would bring together the sale of FIFA’s commercial rights – including broadcasting, sponsorship, ticketing and licensing – with the operational delivery of its tournaments.

Under the proposal, FIFA would raise up to $4.2bn (£3.1bn) from external investors through the sale of minority, non-controlling stakes in FFE, which it says would be valued at around $20bn (£15bn).

The governing body says its plans – which need approval from member associations – could deliver more than $10bn in “football development funding” over the next four years.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Gary Neville, Andy Burnham, the FA and more react to Gianni Infantino’s World Cup sale plan

The FIFA president, in correspondence only sent to the 211 member associations after his secret plans were leaked and met with fierce opposition from UEFA, raised the subject of finances which would be available to access from January.

He warned that countries will have access to much less cash for development projects, grassroots football and national teams if they do not back selling off more than 20 per cent of a new commercial spin-off to oversee World Cups.

Infantino said the launch of FFE needs more than 50 per cent of members to back the plans, along with his ruling council.

He wrote: “Should neither condition be satisfied, FIFA will continue as planned with the Forward Programme 4.0 … meaning approximately $10m (£7.5m) per MA [member association] for the next cycle.”

Infantino raised the prospect of associations who do not back his plans missing out on the cash if the majority of the world endorses the venture.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Prime Minister Andy Burnham disagrees with FIFA’s attempts to bring in private investment for the World Cup

He wrote: “A singular and unique funding opportunity only for those Member Associations who wish to participate, with their decision to be made by September 19 2026 so we can plan ahead and with funds to be available immediately as of January 1 2027.”

The letter raises the financial stakes, with FIFA previously saying on Tuesday that the new venture would provide access to funding of $20m (£15m) from 2027 to 2030 – a figure that has now doubled.

Infantino wrote: “This entity will be fully focused on one target objective; generating as much value as possible for FIFA’s Member Associations.”

But FIFA has not commented on how much Infantino stands to benefit financially from delivering a $20bn venture – and how he could stay on beyond 2031 when term limits require him to relinquish the presidency if re-elected next year.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky News sports correspondent Rob Harris raises the prospect of the World Cup being boycotted due to FIFA’s attempts to bring in private investment

Threat of a boycott and ‘deep concern’ from the FA

UEFA, European football’s governing body, released a furious statement on Tuesday that said the proposals “crossed a line”.

UEFA nations are now expected to hold an emergency meeting virtually this week and Sky Sports News understands there is a willingness to use the threat of a boycott if Infantino pushes ahead with the plans.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham voiced his criticism on Tuesday evening, saying on X: “Football does not belong to investors. It belongs to the people who fill the stands and who stand on the touchline week in, week out, rain or shine.”

Twitter

This content is provided by Twitter, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.


Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only.

Enable Cookies
Allow Cookies Once

On Wednesday morning, an FA spokeswoman added: “We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached.

“Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved.

“When the proposal is shared in the full and transparent way now promised by FIFA, we will make our views clear, and comment further.”

The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) released a statement, saying: “CONCACAF was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release. We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process.

“We share the disappointment of many within our region and the game that this level of detail has been designed and shared publicly before any discussion with the relevant governance bodies and stakeholders has taken place.”

‘None of us are the owners of football’

Relations between UEFA and FIFA were already under severe strain, with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin not attending the World Cup final in protest at a series of FIFA governance issues, including its handling of the Folarin Balogun case.

But the way the plans emerged, as well as the proposal itself, provoked fresh fury on Tuesday, with FIFA not raising the landmark strategy during meetings with football associations in New York on the eve of the World Cup final.

It is understood the FA was completely unaware of the plans – first reported in the Financial Times and The Times. Sky Sports News has contacted the Scottish FA and Welsh FA for comment.

UEFA said in a statement after those reports emerged that the “soul and governance of football are not assets to trade”.

“This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. UEFA takes it extremely seriously. So should every National Football Association.

“So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game.

“The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell.”

‘Remarkable commercial value’ in football – FIFA explains proposal

FIFA later moved to clarify the proposed new structure, with a spokesperson saying it was beginning a consultation process after receiving a proposal that is currently under review.

FIFA confirmed to Sky Sports News that JP Morgan is acting as financial advisor on the project, with Thrive Capital – whose chief executive is Josh Kushner, brother of Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared – expected to lead the proposed investor group.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Gianni Infantino labels the 2026 World Cup as the greatest of all time

FIFA insists it would retain sole control over football governance, competitions, the international match calendar and all sporting and regulatory decisions, with any outside investment in a FIFA subsidiary rather than FIFA itself.

Infantino said the proposal would help “democratise football worldwide” and ensure more of the game’s commercial success is reinvested into development projects around the globe.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky Sports chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol looks back at the World Cup and debates whether or not it will be regarded as a success

“Football is the world’s most popular sport and an extraordinary engine of human and social development,” said Infantino.

“Parts of the game have turned that popularity into remarkable commercial value – and we celebrate that success and want it to continue, because it lifts the whole game … our next stage of growth needs a structure built for it, one where the commercial side of the game operates as a focused, dedicated business, with its value shared more and better all around the world.”

The governing body also dismissed suggestions that Infantino could become chief executive of the new entity when his final term as president ends, saying such a move has “never been discussed”.

But FIFA said both the president and the administration would need to play leading roles in any new entity to ensure FIFA retains control of any subsidiary in line with its statutes and regulations and for the benefit of member associations.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

How many goals, red cards and penalties? Take a look at the World Cup in 2026 in numbers

FIFA is a not-for-profit organisation owned by the 211 associations that make up its membership. As an association of associations, it enjoys a tax-free status in Switzerland where it is based.

Its revenue for the 2022-26 cycle is expected to be $15bn (£112.8bn), the majority of which comes from TV rights, sponsorship and ticket and hospitality sales from the men’s World Cup this summer.

The next World Cup is the women’s tournament in Brazil next year.

Sky Sports News has additionally asked the Asian Football Confederation, Confederation Africaine de Football, CONMEBOL and the Oceania Football Confederation for comment.

Prior to the start of the 2026 MLB season, Jacob Misiorowski was +3000 to win the National League Cy Young Award.

Now, after another dominant outing against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, Misiorowski’s odds have surged to -360, the shortest they’ve been all season. He struck out 12 batters over five dominant innings, continuing one of the most remarkable pitching stretches in baseball.

With Misiorowski widening the gap in the NL race, the Cy Young landscape has changed dramatically in both leagues over the past several weeks.

Let’s take a look at the biggest risers and fallers in the American League and National League Cy Young races.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Biggest Risers: 

Jacob Misiorowski’s dominance has been on full display all season long. The 24-year-old leads MLB in ERA (1.58), strikeouts (185) and WHIP (0.75). He also has the sixth-best record in baseball at 11-4. 

In his four starts in the month of July, Misiorowski has only given up five runs while striking out 39 hitters, including three games with 10 strikeouts or more. The Miz threw a one-hit, complete-game shutout in which he tossed 15 K’s against the Phillies on June 12th. 

In the last week, Dylan Cease’s odds to win the AL Cy Young have surged to +125, closing the gap on Cam Schlittler, who is currently at -145. 

On Saturday, Cease threw a complete-game shutout, allowing just one hit and striking out 12 in a 6-0 win over the Boston Red Sox. In July, Cease had three shutout starts of seven innings or more in each, lowering his ERA from 3.02 to 2.49 in that span. 

The Toronto Blue Jays right-hander is sixth in MLB in ERA (2.46), second in strikeouts (167) and 13th in WHIP (1.09). 

Biggest Fallers: 

In early June, Cristopher Sánchez was the +145 favorite to win the NL Cy Young after throwing 50 ⅔ consecutive scoreless innings and not giving up a single run in the month of May. 

Now, after a rough month in July, Sánchez has plummeted down the Cy Young oddsboard to +850. The Philadelphia Phillies left-hander gave up 16 runs in just four starts, including nine runs and 12 hits in his July 6th outing against the Royals. 

As a result of his rough month, Sánchez’s ERA went from 2.00 to 2.73. 

Earlier this summer, Shohei Ohtani had a real chance at winning both the NL MVP and Cy Young. However, lingering soreness in his left knee has kept Ohtani off the mound since July 3rd. 

Prior to Ohtani’s injury, the four-time MVP winner had an 8-2 record, an ERA of 1.79 and 95 strikeouts in 85.2 innings pitched. 

While Ohtani will continue to hit as a designated hitter, the Dodgers are expected to be extremely cautious with his return to the mound. With that, Ohtani has been taken off the Cy Young award betting oddsboard. 

Odds to Win NL Cy Young

Jacob Misiorowski: -360 (bet $10 to win $12.78 total)
Chris Sale: +800 (bet $10 to win $90 total)
Cristopher Sanchez: +850 (bet $10 to win $95 total)

Odds to Win AL Cy Young

Cam Schlittler: -145 (bet $10 to win $16.90 total)
Dylan Cease: +125 (bet $10 to win $22.50 total)
Drew Rasmussen: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)

Jake Paul provided more of a challenge to Anthony Joshua than Kristian Prenga, according to Most Valuable Promotions partner Nakisa Bidarian.

In his first fight since facing YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul last December, Joshua was sent to the canvas by two first-round knockdowns from the unfancied Albanian.

Joshua clawed himself off the canvas twice, eventually knocking Prenga out in emphatic fashion in round two to stay on track for an end-of-year showdown with Tyson Fury.

But as far as Bidarian is concerned, the contest further highlighted how well Paul performed against Joshua over six rounds before the British heavyweight landed a knockout punch that broke his jaw.

“Jake Paul won more than the guy on Saturday night won,” Bidarian told Sky Sports News. “He was in there for six rounds. That dude was out in two rounds, taking the same shots Jake was taking.

“I’m very happy with his performance, not happy with the outcome, and didn’t like that he broke his jaw, but the hardest shots on Jake Paul didn’t do what they did to a heavyweight on Saturday.”

Joshua set foot back in the ring for the first time since he survived a fatal car crash that killed two of his friends in Nigeria.

Bidarian expressed his respect and admiration for Joshua, who dedicated the Prenga win to his friends Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Jake Paul told Sky Sports he eyes a fight with Francis Ngannou in his comeback bout after losing to Anthony Joshua.

“I’m proud of him, in awe of him, thinking of him,” Bidarian said. “I sent him messages throughout the week.

“We developed a relationship with Sina, which was hard for all of us, but no harder for anyone than their families and AJ, who is part of their family.

“For him to make that walk seven months later, to go into the ring with that emotion, I’m sure that weighed heavily on him. Massive respect, massive admiration.”

‘Paul 100 per cent boxing again’

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Most Valuable Promotions CEO Nakisa Bidarian says Jake Paul will 100% be returning to the ring and has Francis Ngannou, Chris Eubank Jr and Ryan Garcia all in his sights.

Paul hasn’t been seen in the ring since having his jaw broken in two places by Joshua, but Bidarian is adamant his boxing career is anything but over.

The MVP CEO outlined a lengthy shortlist of would-be opponents for Paul, which included former UFC star Francis Ngannou, Britain’s Chris Eubank Jr and WBC welterweight world champion Ryan Garcia.

“100 per cent he’s boxing again,” Bidarian declared.

“Jake wants to fight Ngannou, Ryan Garcia, but Tommy Fury is a fight that makes sense. Edgar Berlanga, that’s a fascinating fight. I also like Chris Eubank Jr, that’s a fascinating fight.

“The fighters on the other side also need to be realistic. Sometimes their eyes are bigger than what the box office affords us to pay.”

Watch MVPW-06 in Birmingham, headlined by Mikaela Mayer vs Chantelle Cameron and with Caroline Dubois also in action, live on August 29 on Sky Sports. Get Sky Sports or stream boxing with no contract.

The Dallas Cowboys typically arrive at training camp with some sort of off-field drama swirling around the team, often in the form of a high-profile contract dispute, but there are no such issues this year going into their traditional Southern California sojourn.

It isn’t by design, according to Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones, but the 83-year-old football maverick will take the appearance of calm over the alternative.

“I don’t believe it makes one iota worth of difference on whether or not we block the guy or go off tackle, but I do like the perception that we’ve had a quite uneventful offseason, and let’s see how we can work in that,” Jones said Tuesday at his annual precamp news conference.

Compared with a year ago when the stalemate with standout defensive end Micah Parsons over a contract extension quickly devolved into a contentious hold-in and eventually culminated in his shocking trade to the Green Bay Packers, the Cowboys appear to have no financial concerns threatening to overshadow or undermine their on-field work over the next three-plus weeks. 

Instead, the main focus will be on shaping an overhauled defensive roster under a new coaching staff into a unit capable of helping head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s dynamic offense.

The urgency to address that side of the ball, Jones said, is where the narrative of a calm offseason ends.

“We’ve had a lot going on, and we’ve had to really scramble a lot,” he said. “The kind of stuff you don’t see, but that should be that way. It’s supposed to be hard.”

The Cowboys hired Christian Parker from the division rival Philadelphia Eagles in January as their defensive coordinator, tasking the 34-year-old secondary specialist with fixing a defense that gave up the most points in franchise history (511) and ranked last in the NFL in scoring (30.1 points per game) and passing yards allowed (251.5).

Dallas also used its first three draft picks on defense, including taking Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the 11th selection, and worked to address other personnel deficiencies in free agency.

“We’ve made that bed when we brought in new scheme, new coaches, new players,” Jones said. “We’re going with new right there, so I’ve bought into that.”

Getting that group up to speed to assist an offense led by the star trio of quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens will be critical for the Cowboys’ hopes of returning to the playoffs for the first time in three seasons. Dallas went 7-9-1 in Schottenheimer’s first year, including a 6-1-1 record when scoring 30 or more points.

“All those moves that we made, it was not a quiet offseason for us, and it was a great offseason for us,” Schottenheimer said.

Prescott seems to be embracing the idea that the Cowboys can put themselves in position to compete at the highest level. He arrived at training camp wearing a Super Bowl championship shirt from the last time Dallas won it all following the 1995 regular season, which was also the last time they reached the NFC title game.

“I like the idea, thinking that positive about what we’re going to work for,” Jones said. “We’ve got a long way to go, really having started in the spring. But that’s good to me to be positive, especially coming from him.”

Jones didn’t rule out making further moves to improve the roster on defense, saying he recently was in contact with another NFL owner over a potential trade.

He declined to discuss the Cowboys’ possible interest in Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, citing league rules about tampering. A deal to send Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in March was scuttled because of a failed physical.

It was a rare moment of caution from Jones, who has never shied away from expressing himself in front of the media.

When asked if the Cowboys’ low-key offseason was intentional, Jones acknowledged his penchant for drawing out the spotlight.

“I’ve never thought there was anything quiet or subdued about the Dallas Cowboys. I never thought of it that way, but I have been guilty of stirring it up. And you guys help me, and we have been a great team — I promise you that — for the last 30-something years,” a smiling Jones said.

Reporting by The Associated Press. 

Smriti Mandhana dazzled with an imperious 88no to fire Manchester Super Giants to a four-wicket win over SunRisers Leeds at Headingley.

SunRisers looked to have the upper hand after strong performances from Australian stars Phoebe Litchfield (31 off 26) and Annabel Sutherland (35 off 24) – aided by a brilliant cameo from captain Dani Gibson (18 off 6) – to give the home side a defendable score of 142, having lost just four wickets over their 100 balls.

The home bowling attack looked to have consolidated that prominent position with a brilliant second-innings spell which yielded four wickets for 10 runs, to leave the Super Giants reeling at 71-5 having been 61-2, but Mandhana held firm, with the opener reaching her half-ton from just 33 balls.

Image:
Dani Gibson made 18 off 6 at the end of the SunRisers innings

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Take a look as Headingley fans were stunned by Darcey Carter’s drop catch.

Leeds looked to have taken the pivotal wicket 91 balls in, but Mandhana was dropped on the boundary by Darcey Carter on 71, and made no mistake with her remaining balls as she smashed two straight sixes to win the game for her side with five balls remaining.

The win preserves the Super Giants’ unbeaten record, putting them second with 10 points in the Hundred table, while a second loss for the SunRisers leaves them fifth on four points.

What’s on in the Hundred on Wednesday?

The streak of men’s and women’s double-headers continue, with Wednesday seeing Welsh Fire take on Trent Rockets, live on Sky Sports from 3:00pm. Watch The Hundred and more contract-free on NOW

All 32 teams across the NFL have reported to training camp, and there’s already plenty of news breaking around the league.

Tuesday saw a pair of record extensions, with two stars resetting the market at the respective positions. Aaron Rodgers made another declaration, and the Las Vegas Raiders made a statement on their quarterback competition entering camp. 

While Tuesday marked the first day that several teams reported to camp, some other teams have already hit the practice field. Has A.J. Brown formed a connection with Drake Maye yet at New England Patriots camp?

Here’s what to know from Tuesday around the NFL: 

Three standout players got a lot richer on Tuesday. 

The Cleveland Browns might have traded All-Pro edge rusher Myles Garrett this offseason, but five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward isn’t going anywhere. The Browns and Ward have agreed on a two-year, $62.2 million extension, per NFL Network.

The extension will make Ward the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL for the second time in his career. The deal includes $52.3 million guaranteed, which now ranks just outside the top 10 in cornerback guaranteed money.

The Philadelphia Eagles also finalized an extension on Tuesday with star defensive tackle Jalen Carter. The extension is a four-year, $152 million deal that could reach $160 million in value and includes $106 million guaranteed, per ESPN. 

This deal is the richest for a defensive tackle in NFL history. Carter passed Tennessee Titans star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons for the highest average annual value at the position in league history ($35.3 million).

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings are solidifying the right side of their offensive line by locking up tackle Brian O’Neill. The two sides agreed to a four-year, $96 million contract extension, per ESPN.

O’Neill, 30, is entering his ninth NFL season with the Vikings. He’s a two-time Pro Bowl selection and has been an everyday starter for the franchise since he was drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Pittsburgh.

Aaron Rodgers reported to his 22nd NFL training camp on Tuesday and confirmed that the 2026 season will be his last. He added there is “zero debate” about the possibility of playing another season after this one.

The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback added that he contemplated retirement following last season prior to the team hiring head coach Mike McCarthy.

“I thought last year might be it,” Rodgers said. “And then Mike got hired, and I talked to the wife and she said, ‘You can do one more year.’ I said, ‘Well, we’ll see if it works out.’ And then it kind of all came together.”

The Fernando Mendoza era in Las Vegas may have to wait. Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak announced that veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will open training camp as the team’s starting quarterback on Tuesday.

“When we go out to practice tomorrow, Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback,” Kubiak said. “He’s the guy, and he deserves it because he’s played really good football.”

Cousins, 37, enters his 14th NFL season having spent time with the Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons and now the Raiders. Across 174 career games, he has completed 66.7% of his passes for 44,700 yards, 298 touchdowns, and 131 interceptions.

Ever since selecting the Indiana standout No. 1 overall in this year’s draft, the Raiders have indicated a clear desire to let Mendoza sit and develop. Naming Cousins as the training camp starter only reinforces that long-term blueprint.

The connection between quarterback Drake Maye and A.J. Brown is taking time to settle during New England Patriots training camp. 

Through four days of practices, Maye is 1-for-7 with an interception when targeting Brown in team drills, per the Boston Herald. The two are reportedly struggling to connect on deeper routes. It’s early in the process, but it looks like the pair will need more time and reps to gel before the regular season.

Brown, a three-time Pro Bowler, was traded to New England for a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick in April.

As NFL training camps open across the league, the Green Bay Packers will begin their summer without edge rusher Micah Parsons on the field. The team officially placed Parsons on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. 

Parsons starting on the PUP list isn’t a surprise as he continues to recover from a torn ACL and meniscus damage suffered last December against the Denver Broncos. The injury occurred on a non-contact play while pursuing quarterback Bo Nix and required surgery later that month, putting him on track to miss the start of the regular season.

If Parsons is on the PUP list to start the regular season, he’ll miss a minimum of four games. Under league rules, any player placed on the reserve PUP list for the regular season must sit out at least four games before becoming eligible to return to practice or game play.

Multiple magnificent top order batting performances secured SunRisers Leeds a dominant eight-wicket win over Manchester Super Giants at Headingley.

Swashbuckling knocks from Mitch Marsh (63 off 26), captain Zak Crawley (56no off 34), and Harry Brook (42no off 17) made quick work of the visitors’ target of 182, breaking the record for the highest chase in the Hundred at Headingley.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Take a look as Sunrisers Leeds let off after a Manchester Super Giants drop-catch

Image:
Heinrich Klaasen notched 53 off 27 balls for the Super Giants

The Super Giants, though, put in a strong batting performance in their opening innings, with opener Tim Seifert (28 off 16) and skipper Aiden Markram (32 off 23) providing a solid platform for a brilliant 105-run stand shared by the impressive Jos Buttler (63no off 33) and Heinrich Klaasen (53 off 27), as Markram’s side built a sizeable score of 181.

SunRisers Leeds, though, were undeterred by the early dismissal of Ryan Rickleton (13 off 11) by Josh Tongue, as Marsh built an incredible half-ton off 20 balls to get his side back in the game and on pace for a massive chase.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Take a look as Tom Moores produces a stunning catch for Manchester Super Giants against Sunrisers Leeds

Former England team-mates Crawley and Brook did the rest, putting on a 68-run stand to secure victory, with Brook delighting his home crowd with six maximums in his cameo including a huge six over midwicket to win the game with 12 balls to spare.

The loss puts SunRisers Leeds level on points with league leaders Manchester Thunder on eight points, though Crawley’s side remain fourth in the table with the lowest net run rate.

Image:
Marsh notched his highest score of the Hundred season so far and was awarded Player of the Match

“It’s been a good start. I thought that was a great win by the lads,” Player of the Match Mitch Marsh said on Sky Sports.

“They’re a really good side so it’s a really good win for us. We didn’t get off to a flyer in the powerplay but we stuck at it. The partnership I was able to have with Zak was great; he batted beautifully today.

“We thought the wicket was a bit slower than the other day… but it’s a tough ground to defend. I don’t think it changed so much, but as you saw from their innings, once you get a partnership going it’s hard to stop.”

What’s on in the Hundred on Wednesday?

The streak of men’s and women’s double-headers continue, with Wednesday seeing Welsh Fire take on Trent Rockets, live on Sky Sports from 3:00pm. Watch The Hundred and more contract-free on NOW

As NFL training camps open across the league, the Green Bay Packers will begin their summer without edge rusher Micah Parsons on the field.

Green Bay officially placed Parsons on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as he continues to recover from a torn ACL and meniscus damage suffered last December against the Denver Broncos. The injury occurred on a non-contact play while pursuing quarterback Bo Nix and required surgery later that month, putting Parsons on track to miss the start of the regular season.

As training camp rolls on and the season nears, keep up with the updates and news surrounding Parsons’ recovery.

Is Micah Parsons Going On The PUP List?

Green Bay placed Parsons on the active Physically Unable to Perform list to start training camp. The move keeps him on the 90-man roster while preventing him from participating in practices until cleared by team personnel. He is expected to transition to the reserve Physically Unable to Perform list before the regular season begins. He can move to the reserve version of the PUP list at the cut to 53 players, which would keep him out at least four games.

How Many Games Will Parsons Miss?

Parsons is expected to miss a minimum of four games. Under league rules, any player placed on the reserve Physically Unable to Perform list for the regular season must sit out at least four games before becoming eligible to return to practice or game play.

Which Games Could Parsons Miss?

If Parsons is on the PUP list for the start of the regular season, he’d miss the Packers’ matchups against the Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

When Will Parsons Come Back?

Parsons is not expected to be ready to return from his torn ACL until October at the earliest. Parsons told reporters in June that he was still four months away from returning. Reports indicate a potential return date of Week 6, when the Packers play at home against the Dallas Cowboys, Parsons’ former team, at Lambeau Field. 

When Has Parsons Said About Injury?

Two months after tearing his ACL, Parsons told our Ben Arthur that he initially felt like “super nothing” after suffering the injury. However, Parsons said he eventually found himself in an “extremely good” headspace. Parsons also made a big proclamation in that conversation. 

“Everyone will probably say, ‘Was this guy even injured?’ I’m going to hit the ground running and be the best player on the field,” Parsons told Arthur. 

How Was Parsons’ First Year In GB?

Parsons had another standout season in 2025. He recorded 12.5 sacks, as he’s logged at least 12 sacks in each of the first five seasons of his career. Parsons also had 41 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles after the Dallas Cowboys traded him. 

Kick It Out received a record 1,744 reports of discrimination during the 2025/26 season, the anti-discrimination charity has revealed.

The figure represents a 25-per-cent increase on the previous campaign, while the number of recorded incidents also passed 1,000 for the first time, reaching 1,255.

Reports increased across every area of the game, with complaints from professional football and grassroots both rising by 41 per cent to 636 and 458 respectively. Online reports also increased by five per cent to 650.

Racism remained the most reported form of discrimination, accounting for 792 reports – 45 per cent of the total – while reports of sexism, homophobia, antisemitism, ableism and Islamophobia all reached record highs since Kick It Out expanded its reporting data five years ago.

Kick It Out also recorded a 41-per-cent rise in reports of discriminatory mass chanting, while reports involving anti-immigrant language doubled compared to the previous two seasons combined. Discriminatory abuse towards match officials also increased significantly, with 97 reports matching the total from the previous three seasons combined. More than a third involved sexist abuse aimed at female officials.

Grassroots youth football recorded its fifth consecutive annual rise, with reports involving under-18s increasing by a third to a record 248.

Kick It Out chief executive Samuel Okafor said: “These figures show that discrimination remains deeply embedded across the game at a time when we’re also seeing rises in hate crime and divisive political rhetoric in Britain.

“But they also show that people are more willing to stand up to abuse when they see it, and it’s encouraging to see professional players set that example last season.

“While we recognise that there is a lot of good work ongoing in football to tackle discrimination, we will continue to work with football authorities, clubs, leagues, regulators and government to ensure we match the courage shown to report abuse with clear and consistent action so that football is welcoming to everyone.”

A Premier League spokesperson said: “The Premier League and our clubs condemn all forms of discrimination, and we encourage fans and players to challenge and report abuse wherever they see it.

“Tackling discriminatory abuse is a priority for the Premier League, and we have a range of important initiatives in place, including our Matchday Observer Programme, our No Room For Racism campaign and dedicated resources to track and tackle online abuse.

“One incident of discriminatory abuse is one too many, which is why we work closely with our clubs, expert partners and the relevant authorities to ensure cases are dealt with as swiftly and severely as possible. This can include stadium bans and legal prosecution.

“Around 15 million people attend Premier League matches every season, with more women and people from ethnically diverse backgrounds joining every year. We are proud to work with expert organisations, including Kick It Out, to help create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.”

Hate Won’t Win

Sky Sports is committed to making skysports.com and our channels on social media platforms a place for comment and debate that is free of abuse, hate and profanity.

If you see a reply to Sky Sports posts and/or content with an expression of hate on the basis of race, sex, colour, gender, nationality, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexuality, age or class, please copy the URL to the hateful post and screengrab it and email us here.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. 

New Kalshi users can earn up to $500 in bonuses when they sign up with promo code FOXSPORTS.

The Pirates and Marlins earned victories in walk-off fashion. The Marlins ended their 12-game losing streak, and now they go for the series win against the Phillies today. 

Ben Rice homered again for the Yankees, helping them get an opening win against the White Sox. Gerrit Cole gets the ball today for the Yankees looking to mow down a White Sox lineup. 

Dodgers are back in action. The MLB’s leading team opens a series against the Mariners in Los Angeles.

Use the Kalshi promo code FOXSPORTS to unlock up to $500 in bonuses and trade on today’s biggest MLB and WNBA games.

For more information and full terms and conditions, visit our Kalshi promo code page.

How to Claim the Kalshi Welcome Bonus

1. Click this ‘Claim Now’ link to visit Kalshi and start the signup process.
2. Create a new Kalshi account using your email address and basic registration details.
3. Enter Kalshi promo code FOXSPORTS during signup, so the welcome offer is attached to your account.
4. Complete identity verification, which Kalshi requires before users can deposit and trade.
5. Deposit funds and trade at least $25 in prediction markets to receive up to $500 in trading credit.

Marlins vs. Phillies

*Probability is subject to change*

Philadelphia Phillies46%46¢54¢Miami Marlins54%54¢46¢

Mariners vs. Dodgers

*Probability is subject to change*

Los Angeles Dodgers67%67¢33¢Seattle Mariners33%33¢67¢

More markets are available on Kalshi.

MLB Games Today

MatchupTime (ET)Away Probable PitcherHome Probable PitcherBaltimore Orioles @ Detroit Tigers6:40 PMDean KremerTroy MeltonArizona Diamondbacks @ Pittsburgh Pirates6:40 PMBrandon PfaadtBubba ChandlerTexas Rangers @ Tampa Bay Rays6:40 PMCal QuantrillGriffin JaxPhiladelphia Phillies @ Miami Marlins6:40 PMAaron NolaSandy AlcántaraToronto Blue Jays @ Washington Nationals6:45 PMShane BieberCade CavalliCleveland Guardians @ Cincinnati Reds (G2)7:10 PMGavin WilliamsTBDAtlanta Braves @ New York Mets7:10 PMPOSTPONED (RAIN)POSTPONED (RAIN)New York Yankees @ Chicago White Sox7:40 PMGerrit ColeAnthony KayKansas City Royals @ Minnesota Twins7:40 PMSeth LugoTaj BradleyChicago Cubs @ St. Louis Cardinals7:45 PMColin ReaMichael McGreevyHouston Astros @ Los Angeles Angels9:38 PMPeter LambertReid DetmersBoston Red Sox @ Athletics9:40 PMJake BennettGage JumpColorado Rockies @ San Diego Padres9:40 PMMichael LorenzenMichael KingMilwaukee Brewers @ San Francisco Giants9:45 PMLogan HendersonLanden RouppSeattle Mariners @ Los Angeles Dodgers10:10 PMLuis CastilloJustin Wrobleski

Henry Coates sensationally won his maiden title at Players Championship 25 at Hildesheim in Germany.

The 20-year-old Englishman does not hold a PDC Tour card and came into the tournament as a top-up player from the Challenge Tour, but secured a sensational tournament win, beating Australian Damon Heta 8-4 with a 104.88 average in the 12-leg final.

“This probably won’t sink in until next week,” said Coates, who became the fifth player ever to win a PDC ranking title without a Tour card.

“Hopefully this is just the start. I’ve played for so many years and now the hard work and practice is paying off.

“Last time I played Damon it was my second ProTour event, just after I had won my first ProTour game, and I think he taught me a lesson beating me 6-0!

“I’m only a Challenge Tour player, but I’ll take what I’ve got!”

Image:
Gian van Veen lost in Jim Long in the round of 64

High-ranking Van Veen, however, was the victim of a 6-3 round of 64 shock defeat to Canadian Jim Long, with Long winning the last three legs to put out the World No 3 after the Dutchman handily beat Tom Sykes 6-3 in the opening round.

His countryman, Michael Van Gerwen, was able to make it through his opening matches, beating Adam Warner 6-0 and Darius Labanauskas 6-3 in the first and second rounds respectively, but Jeffrey De Graaf won five legs on the bounce to secure a brilliant last 16 victory.

Image:
Michael Van Gerwen was knocked out of the round of 16 by Jeffrey De Graaf in Hildesheim

Elsewhere, Beau Greaves made a strong run to the round of 16 in her first tournament since winning the Women’s World Matchplay in Blackpool, but fell 6-3 to German semi-finalist Niko Springer.

Who will win this year’s BoyleSports World Grand Prix? World No 1 Luke Littler will be defending his title and you can watch all the action on Sky Sports. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.

NASCAR has a new playoff system in 2026. It’s back to the Chase.

Instead of win-and-in, it’s the top-16 drivers in the regular-season standings that will make the 10-race Chase, which will be a mini-season of its own with no eliminations. 

The 16 drivers will have their points reset for the start of the final 10-race stretch with the regular-season champion at 2,100 points, second place at 2,075, third place at 2,065, fourth place at 2,060 and so on by five-point increments with 16th reset to 2,000.

Four races remain in the regular season: Iowa, Richmond, New Hampshire and Daytona.

So who is in and who is out? 

Here’s a look:

Clinched

Four drivers have clinched spots in the field of 16:

— Denny Hamlin: The Joe Gibbs Racing driver clinched a spot after Atlanta with six races remaining. He has an 84-point edge on Tyler Reddick in the battle for the regular-season title.

— Tyler Reddick: The 23XI driver also clinched a spot after Atlanta with six races remaining. His five wins this year lead the series.

— Ryan Blaney: The Team Penske driver, who has two victories and a series-best 15 top-10s this year, clinched a spot after North Wilkesboro.

– Ty Gibbs: The Joe Gibbs Racing driver has the most stage points of any driver this year with 181 and clinched a spot at Indianapolis.

Ty Gibbs is the latest driver to punch his ticket into The Chase. 

In Good Shape

There are eight drivers who are 88 points or more above the cutline, and the last on that list (William Byron) would have to lose an average of 22 points a race to fall out. At Indianapolis, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson had accidents and both still lost just 17 points to the cut.

— Carson Hocevar (+158): The Spire driver has a win this year along with five top fives, nine top 10s and no DNFs. He should clinch a spot with a couple of races to spare.

— Chase Elliott (+155): The Hendrick driver has enjoyed his best start to a season with two victories but has not had a top-10 finish in his last eight races.

— Chase Briscoe (+143): The JGR driver gained 52 points on the cutline with his win at Chicagoland a few weeks ago and that put him in the feeling safe category rather than on the bubble. He has gained another 39 points on the cutline the last two races and is now more than safe.

— Kyle Larson (+137): The Hendrick Motorsports driver and defending series champion was leading all drivers with stage points until Indianapolis, when he had a flat tire and crashed just as he took the lead near the end of Stage 1. 

Kyle Larson is looking to defend his Cup Series title.

— Chris Buescher (+133): The RFK Racing driver has just one stage win this year but still has had consistent finishes.

— Christopher Bell (+129): Bell has six second-place finishes this year. That might not feel great, but if he keeps rattling off those type of finishes, he could very well challenge for the title.

— Daniel Suárez (+103): The Spire Motorsports driver might be the biggest surprise of the season. A ninth-place finish at North Wilkesboro put him in a position where he shouldn’t get caught by anyone outside the bubble. Just take a look at Indianapolis — he finished 17th but with some stage points, he gained seven points on the cutoff. 

— William Byron (+88): The Hendrick driver has had an uncharacteristically inconsistent season and still seeks his first win. At least he can comfortably race without worrying about making the playoffs. 

On The Bubble

One or two good or bad races could change who is in and who is out, especially if any drivers below the bubble win a race or two. With 76 points being the most available in a race, I’d say right now any driver 80 points above or below is on the bubble. That’s the same as I figured last week and for good reason — for those outside the cutoff, one win could potentially gain them 40 or more points. Joey Logano, for instance, has gained 73 points in the last two races with a win and a third.

— Joey Logano (+65): How much does a win mean? The Team Penske driver, a three-time Cup champion, went from eight points below the cutline to 49 points above with his victory at North Wilkesboro. Then with a third-place finish at Indy, he’s now up to 65 points.

Joey Logano’s victory at North Wilkesboro has him back in contention.

— Bubba Wallace (+60): The 23XI driver had a wild last eight races with finishes of third, 21st, second, 22nd, sixth, 29th, sixth and 28th. One more strong run over the final four, combined with avoiding a string of horrible finishes should keep him safe.

— Shane van Gisbergen (+57): The Trackhouse Racing driver won at Sonoma last month to go from five points below the cut to 36 points ahead. But maybe a bigger surprise was a fifth-place finish at North Wilkesboro that added 23 points to his cushion and he should make the Chase with just average finishes the rest of the way. Just look at Indy — he gained three points with 16th-place finish.

— Austin Cindric (+38): The Team Penske driver likely expected to not be on the bubble. His fate likely isn’t determined as much as what he does versus those below him. If they win like Logano did at North Wilkesboro, Cindric could find himself out of luck.

 — Ryan Preece (-38): The RFK driver is a fighter and likely has a chip on his shoulder after a 25-point penalty earlier this year for intentionally wrecking Ty Gibbs. A 10th-place finish at North Wilkesboro was solid but the Logano win put a damper on that finish as Preece found himself going from 33 points below the cutline to 48. He gained 10 points at Indy and if he does that the rest of the way, he could slip his way into the Chase.

— Erik Jones (-44): The Legacy Motor Club driver lost 41 points at North Wilkesboro to the cutline as he finished 21st and Joey Logano won, earning 73 points compared to 16 points for Jones. Jones can see it slipping away as a 27th-place at Indy cost him another 11 points to the cutoff.

— Brad Keselowski (-50): The RFK driver, the 2012 Cup champion, was up 55 points on the cutline nine races ago. He could rally quickly, but he’s going to have to get going. And now it looks like he’ll need at least one win. Or at least some stage wins.

— Michael McDowell (-76): The Spire Motorsports driver didn’t take enough advantage of the road-course races. He has no chance without a win, but Indy showed he had some speed. Whether he will have it at the short tracks is debatable.

Little Or No Chance 

Only Cody Ware has been eliminated from contention, but these 14 drivers appear too far back to have even a remote chance to rally. A win might put them back into contention. Might.

— Ross Chastain (-82): The Trackhouse driver had back-to-back top 10s entering Sonoma in June, but five finishes outside the top 10 have made this hill now too big to climb unless he can win.

Ross Chastain has some work to do in order to make The Chase.

–AJ Allmendinger (-109): The Kaulig Racing driver had been within striking range of the Chase but back-to-back 37th-place finishes have ended his hopes before Indy.

— Todd Gilliland (-112): The FRM driver has been just a little too inconsistent this year, but he’s still won the $1 million prize by taking the in-season tournament. A 24th-place finish was good enough at Indy to beat Ryan Blaney, who was 26th after contact with John Hunter Nemechek.

— Zane Smith (-125): His season has gone a little south over the last month. The focus now is to get better to make a playoff run in 2027.

— Riley Herbst (-148): The 23XI driver lost 26 points to the cutline at Sonoma and then gained 21 points with a 10th at Chicagoland. And then lost 33 points with a 35th at Atlanta and then lost 30 at North Wilkesboro and then lost 22 at Indy. That’s the up-and-down season he has had.

— Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (-154): His chances have slipped away — he lost 21 points to the cutline at Atlanta and then 46 at North Wilkesboro.

— John Hunter Nemechek (-163): The Legacy driver could ride the wave of improvement in the Legacy cars, but it is now too tall of a task to make the Chase.

— Austin Dillon (-169): The Richard Childress Racing driver will be a favorite at Richmond and could win at Daytona. But even those wins won’t be enough.

— Alex Bowman (-208): The Hendrick driver missed four races because of vertigo earlier this year. He has three top-five finishes and just one additional top-10 finish.

— Cole Custer (-248): The Haas Factory Team driver still seeks his first top 10. But a 13th at Indy showed some promise.

— Noah Gragson (-250): The FRM driver has shown speed at times, but the finishes aren’t there.

— Ty Dillon (-252): The Kaulig driver still seeks his first top 10 of the season.

— Josh Berry (-254): The Wood Brothers driver already knows he won’t be back next season, and it could be a tough last few months of 2026. But he finished seventh at Indy, a good sign.

— Connor Zilisch (-302): The Trackhouse rookie has had a miserable season, having failed to finish eight of the 22 races.

Connor Zilisch has had a forgettable rookie Cup season.

ELIMINATED

— Cody Ware: The Rick Ware Racing driver was eliminated from contention after Indianapolis.

O’Reilly Series

Two races remain in the regular season and 12 will advance. Clinched: Justin Allgaier, Jesse Love, Carson Kvapil, Sheldon Creed, Corey Day, Brandon Jones and Austin Hill.

Truck Series

Two races remain in the regular season and 10 advance. Clinched: Layne Riggs, Kaden Honeycutt, Chandler Smith and Gio Ruggiero.

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT

NASCAR hotshot Corey Heim is overachieving in his part-time Cup Series ride with a pair of wins. But his competitors aren’t surprised at all.

Derek McInnes is set to be in the dugout for his first match as Rangers manager on Friday night at Dundee United, live on Sky Sports.

That’s despite being issued with a four-match ban last week following comments made in May when he was Hearts boss.

At the time, the 55-year-old described the decision to award Celtic a late match-winning penalty at Motherwell as “disgusting” as the title race took another twist.

Friday 31st July 7:00pm


Kick off 8:00pm

Rangers confirmed they were set to appeal the ban and it is understood that will be lodged Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest, ahead of Friday’s deadline.

That will allow him to take to the dugout until a hearing takes place.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Derek McInnes sets out his targets for his first season as Rangers manager ahead of their Scottish Premiership opener at Dundee United, live on Sky Sports

McInnes was found guilty of breaching disciplinary rule 72, which forbids people from publicly criticising decisions and/or criticising the performance of any match officials in such a way as to indicate bias or incompetence.

He was due to be banned for his first three matches, with the other game suspended until the end of the campaign unless he breached the regulations again over the coming campaign.

He told Sky Sports last weekend he was “very disappointed” by the verdict and “didn’t think the punishment fitted the crime”.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

The incident at Fir Park when VAR intervened as Celtic were awarded a penalty for handball by Motherwell’s Sam Nicholson

Rangers: McInnes ban must be challenged

Rangers released a statement last week confirming they will appeal the sanction imposed on McInnes.

In that, they said “We do not believe Derek’s view on a match-defining decision amounted to an attack on the competence or integrity of match officials.

“His comments were directed at the decision, rather than representing any broader criticism of officials. Considered fairly and in context, Derek’s comments did not allege bias, incompetence or dishonesty.

Image:
Rangers CEO Jim Gillespie and Ibrox chiefs believe McInnes’ ban should not stand

“His concerns were widely shared by other commentators across the UK. The Scottish FA’s independent Key Match Incident Panel subsequently concluded that the referee’s original decision was correct and that VAR should not have intervened.

“Similar language has previously been used in Scottish football by others with lesser disciplinary action or without any action at all, raising legitimate questions about consistency, precedent and the application of the rules.

“Although the comments pre-dated Derek’s appointment, the club believes the issue at stake is important and must be challenged.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

A reminder of McInnes’ comments when Hearts boss on the decision to award Celtic a penalty for handball against Motherwell

“Respect for officials and legitimate scrutiny are not competing principles.

“Managers, players and clubs must be able to speak honestly about major decisions if Scottish football is serious about raising standards and maintaining trust.

“Scrutiny, transparency and accountability should be seen as part of improving standards, not as a threat to them.”

Rangers’ opening 2026/27 Scottish Premiership fixtures

July

31: Dundee United (a) – 8pm, live on Sky Sports

August

9: Hibernian (h) – 4pm

22: St Mirren (h) – 3pm

29: Aberdeen (a) – 3pm

September

2: Falkirk (a) – 7.45pm

5: Motherwell (h) – 3pm

20: Celtic (a) – 12pm, live on Sky Sports

Click here for all of Rangers’ Premiership fixtures.

Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza was selected No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, but that wasn’t good enough to make him one of the 10 highest-rated rookies in “Madden NFL 27.” 

The 10 highest-rated rookies in “Madden NFL 27” were revealed by EA Sports on Tuesday. Mendoza fell just outside the top 10 with a 74 overall player rating. 

Fernando Mendoza enters his rookie season with a 74 overall player rating. (Photo courtesy of EA Sports)

Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love and Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs are among the highest-rated rookies from the 2026 NFL Draft class in “Madden NFL 27.” The New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys have two players each rated in the top 10. 

[Read more: The 100 People Who’ll Shape The Upcoming NFL Season]

Here are the top 10 rookies in Madden NFL 27, ranked:

Offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa earned a 78 overall rating in Madden NFL 27. Mauigoa is the first of two New York Giants rookies included in the top ten overall ratings. Mauigoa started all 42 games at right tackle during a dominant three-year college career for the Miami Hurricanes.

Edge rusher Malachi Lawrence received a 78 overall rating in Madden NFL 27. Lawrence is the first of two Dallas Cowboys defensive players in the top ten. Lawrence recorded 20 career sacks at UCF, making him just the 10th player in school history to do so.

Selected at No. 9 overall, Spencer Fano earned a 79 overall rating in Madden NFL 27. Fano holds the highest rating among rookie offensive linemen for the Cleveland Browns. Fano won the 2025 Outland Trophy, which recognizes the nation’s top offensive lineman.

Defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor was selected No. 22 overall and received a 79 overall rating in Madden NFL 27. Mesidor joins the Los Angeles Chargers roster for the upcoming season. Mesidor finished his last season at Miami with 12.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles, earning first-team All-ACC and second-team All-American honors.

Cornerback Mansoor Delane earned a 79 overall rating in Madden NFL 27. Delane enters the game as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs secondary. Delane recorded 45 tackles and two interceptions at LSU in 2025 following a four-interception season with Virginia Tech in 2024. 

Arvell Reese enters his rookie season with a 79 overall player rating. (Photo courtesy of EA Sports)

Linebacker Arvell Reese received a 79 overall rating in Madden NFL 27. The New York Giants rookie is one of four players assigned a 79 overall rating. Reese recorded 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks during his final season at Ohio State, earning Big Ten Linebacker of the Year honors.

Defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. earned an 80 overall rating in Madden NFL 27. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie is the fourth player in the class to reach an 80 overall rating. Bain recorded 15.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks at Miami in 2025, winning the Ted Hendricks Award as the top defensive end in college football.

David Bailey enters his rookie season with an 81 overall player rating. (Photo courtesy of EA Sports)

Edge rusher David Bailey received an 81 overall rating in Madden NFL 27. The New York Jets rookie holds the third-highest rating among all first-year players. Bailey recorded 14.5 sacks at Texas Tech in 2025, earning Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year honors and a unanimous All-American selection.

Caleb Downs enters his rookie season with an 82 overall player rating in Madden NFL 27. (Photo courtesy of EA Sports)

Safety Caleb Downs earned an 82 overall rating in Madden NFL 27. Downs is tied with Love for the highest rating in the rookie class as he joins the Dallas Cowboys. Downs won the Jim Thorpe Award and Lott Trophy at Ohio State in 2025 after earning unanimous All-American honors.

Jeremiyah Love enters his rookie season with an 82 overall rating in Madden NFL 27. (Photo courtesy of EA Sports)

Running back Jeremiyah Love received an 82 overall rating in Madden NFL 27. Love shares the top rating among all rookies in this year’s release as he begins his career with the Arizona Cardinals. Love won the 2025 Doak Walker Award at Notre Dame after rushing for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns in his junior season.

The top 10 rookies ranked by “Madden NFL 27” player rating. (Photo courtesy of EA Sports)

World No 1 Nelly Korda has been handed a star-studded grouping with back-to-back major winner Haeran Ryu for the first two rounds of the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

Korda won the Chevron Championship and US Women’s Open before Ryu claimed the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the Amundi Evian Championship, the first time in history that two players have secured multiple majors in a season.

Either could become the first player since Inbee Park in 2013 to win three majors in a calendar year, with Ryu – chasing a third consecutive major – out at 8.42am alongside Korda and 2024 champion Lydia Ko.

Image:
Nelly Korda can also complete a career Grand Slam with victory this week

Lottie Woad is also in early action as she bids to become the first Englishwoman to win a major since Georgia Hall in 2018, also at this venue, with the world No 5 grouped alongside Aki Iwai and American Andrea Lee.

Both marquee threeballs will be part of Featured Group coverage on Thursday, with coverage live on Sky Sports Golf from 9am, while defending champion Miyu Yamashita is on the opposite side of the draw.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Watch the AIG Women’s Open from Royal Lytham & St. Annes throughout the week, live on Sky Sports Golf

Yamashita is bidding to become the first back-to-back winner of a women’s major since Yani Tseng, with the Japanese star starting at 1.15pm alongside world No 2 Jeeno Thitikul and Lauren Coughlin.

Charley Hull is also on the late-early half of the draw, as she looks to build on two runner-up finishes in the last three years at this event, with the Englishwoman partnering Hannah Green and Brooke Henderson.

Image:
Charley Hull is a five-time runner-up in majors but still chases a maiden victory

England’s Alice Hewson will hit the opening tee shot at 6.30am on Thursday, with a one-tee start in operation for the 144-woman field. The tournament is also the final qualifying event for European players trying to feature in the Solheim Cup.

Team Europe will feature the top two players in the European Solheim Cup Team points standings and the next six available players in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings not already eligible, with Anna Nordqvist then naming four captain’s picks live on Sky Sports News on Monday.

Monterosa

This content is provided by Monterosa, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Monterosa cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.


Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Monterosa cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Monterosa cookies for this session only.

Enable Cookies
Allow Cookies Once

AIG Women’s Open: Thursday’s notable R1 tee times

0703 Anna Nordqvist (Swe), Cassie Porter (Aus), Sayaka Takahashi (Jpn)

0809 Sei Young Kim (Kor), Rio Takeda (Jpn), Yuna Araki (Jpn)

0820 Hyojoo Kim (Kor), Minjee Lee (Aus), Mao Saigo (Jpn)

0831 Lottie Woad (Eng), Aki Iwai (Jpn), Andrea Lee (USA)

0842 Lydia Ko (Nzl), Nelly Korda, Haeran Ryu (Kor)

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights from the final round of the US Women’s Open, where Nelly Korda claimed her second major win of the season

1315 Miyu Yamashita (Jpn), Jeeno Thitikul (Tha), Lauren Coughlin (USA)

1326 Charley Hull (Eng), Hannah Green (Aus), Brooke Henderson (Can)

1342 Maja Stark (Swe), Jinhee Im (Kor), Allisen Corpuz

When is the AIG Women’s Open on Sky Sports?

Sky Sports remains the exclusive home of the AIG Women’s Open in the UK and Ireland, with Featured Groups coverage available for the first time and six hours more of live action on Sky Sports than ever before.

Featured Groups coverage begins at 9am on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Golf, ahead of full coverage getting under way at 1pm, with live coverage of rounds three and four then beginning at midday over the weekend.

Who will win the AIG Women’s Open? Watch throughout the week live on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream golf and more with no contract.

Get the best prices and book a round at one of 1,700 courses across the UK & Ireland

The NFL’s wild offseason is almost over and the real work is about to begin. And every team has their hopes sky-high as training camp officially begins across the league.

Not all of those dreams will be realized, of course. Some clubs did put themselves in position to challenge the defending champion Seattle Seahawks. Others … not so much.

So how does the league landscape look now that summer vacations are over and players are hitting the practice field? It’s all right here in my latest NFL Power Rankings.

*Super Bowl odds courtesy of DraftKings

Super Bowl odds: +50000

The NFL suspended the Cards’ scouting director for leaking draft info and betting on college games. If he wants to make back his lost income, he can just bet on the Cardinals to lose most of their games this year.

Super Bowl odds: +35000

They might end up striking gold (or at least silver) in QB Malik Willis. But it still could be hard to tell. They didn’t get him a lot of weapons to work with. And the schedule is brutal, too.

First-time head coach Jeff Hafley faces a potentially long rebuild in Miami. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Super Bowl odds: +20000

I started to convince myself the Jets would be better this year. But QB Geno Smith is trying hard to convince me I’m wrong. This offseason, he’s reportedly had an angry encounter with police at a traffic stop, was investigated (and cleared) by police in a domestic dispute and was cited for speeding. It could be a long fall.

Super Bowl odds: +15000

If it’s true that the Raiders want Kirk Cousins to start at QB all season, so No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza can watch and learn, then this is a wasted year. It’s not necessarily a bad strategy. It just makes the 2026 results completely irrelevant.

Super Bowl odds: +20000

The offseason didn’t clear up the QB battle, which is apparently only between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. Honestly, this doesn’t feel like a situation where anybody actually wins.

Super Bowl odds: +13000

The Titans did a lot of nice things to completely overhaul this team in the offseason. It’ll take some time, but if QB Cam Ward turns out to be good, they should look much-improved by December.

Super Bowl odds: +6000

They are really high on the work they did to fix their defense, and they should be. But they are still light on offensive skill players for their dynamic QB. Besides WR Terry McLaurin, who is about to turn 31, they don’t have much else.

Super Bowl odds: +9000

The return of DE Cam Jordan helps their defense, and finding a way to keep RB Alvin Kamara is good as long as his role is reduced. Everything still rides on how much you believe in QB Tyler Shough, though.

Kellen Moore surprised many with how competitive the Saints played last year in his first season as a head coach. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)

Super Bowl odds: +5000

A 42-year-old quarterback, a backloaded schedule, and a division with two potential Super Bowl contenders (Ravens, Bengals). I know the Steelers are hoping for one last glorious ride for Aaron Rodgers, but they should have started rebuilding around a young QB this year.

Super Bowl odds: +6000

QB Daniel Jones does appear to be on track to practice this summer and start the regular season on time. Still, the last time he returned after a major injury, his play was terrible and he ended up getting benched. How long until he regains his form is a fair and open question.

Super Bowl odds: +13000

They still don’t know when QB Michael Penix Jr. will be back, or if he’d even start over Tua Tagovailoa. And edge rusher James Pearce is likely facing a suspension after he was arrested on three felony charges in a domestic incident back in February. Neither is good news.

Super Bowl odds: +7000

The good news is RB Cam Skattebo is healthy enough to do backflips. But WR Malik Nabers’ return from a knee injury isn’t as clear. No one wants to give a timetable or talk about Week 1, which is usually a bad sign.

Super Bowl odds: +5000

The Bucs improved their defense in the offseason, but they seem to be relying most on improved health on offense. The tools could be there, though, especially if they can extend QB Baker Mayfield’s contract and get that distraction off his plate.

Super Bowl odds: +2500

A lot of people around the NFL like what the Cowboys have done to fix their crummy defense this offseason. It definitely should be improved, but enough to make them a contender? Their elite offense still may have to do most of the work.

Super Bowl odds: +9000

It’s a make-or-break season for QB Bryce Young. If he finally plays like he was worthy of the No. 1 overall pick, the Panthers could be a rising force. But he’s shown that only sporadically over his first three NFL seasons, so don’t count on it.

Super Bowl odds: +5000

Team Norway made this the Summer of the Vikings, but let’s face it: Erling Haaland is not walking through that door in Minnesota. It’s only QB Kyler Murray. And everything up north depends on whether Kevin O’Connell can resurrect him.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell is regarded as one of the NFL’s brightest offensive minds, which means he’ll be expected to get more out of his QB(s) this season. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Super Bowl odds: +1800

A domestic violence investigation is now hanging over RB Josh Jacobs, and that’s somehow not the worst offseason news for the Pack. They also now know that Micah Parsons (ACL) won’t be back until at least mid-October.

Super Bowl odds: +1900

The Lions did the right thing releasing CB Terrion Arnold, their 2024 first-round pick, after he was arrested on kidnapping and robbery charges. He missed half the season last year, and their secondary will be more than fine without him.

Super Bowl odds: +1700

Their schedule will prove challenging in the first half of the season. But they seem confident in their revamped and healthier offensive line. And if offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel can unlock Justin Herbert’s potential, they might really have something here.

Super Bowl odds: +1600

Things you never want to hear about your No. 1 WR: He had knee surgery in June while in jail for a probation violation. But that’s Rashee Rice.  On the bright side, QB Patrick Mahomes is cleared to practice, but his full recovery from ACL surgery is still a concern.

Super Bowl odds: +1900

They’ve got some injury issues with TE George Kittle and DE Nick Bosa and a really tough travel schedule to navigate. But all the pieces are there, as long as they get rid of the distraction/headache of WR Brandon Aiyuk at some point.

Super Bowl odds: +3000

It’s easy to trust coach Liam Coen, but it’s really hard to like what this team did (and didn’t do) in the offseason. Riding with that RB corps, led by Chris Rodriguez and Bhayshul Tuten, seems like a big risk for a contender.

Super Bowl odds: +2000

With Joe Burrow back, the defensive front rebuilt, and a pretty easy schedule, it’s hard not to be really excited about this team. Check back in Week 3, though. If the Bengals can avoid their trademark slow start, watch out.

Coach Zac Taylor seemingly begins the season on the hot seat after missing the postseason each of the past three seasons. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Super Bowl odds: +1800

The Texans don’t seem in any hurry to sign QB C.J. Stroud to an extension, which is understandable. It’s a big season for him. If he can regain his rookie form, the Texans are a dark horse Super Bowl contender.

Super Bowl odds: +2400

Their dangerous offense is only going to get better in Year 2 of the Ben Johnson era. Their only question is whether they did enough to fix their defense. The jury on that is still out.

Super Bowl odds: +1600

They are still loaded, but there’s no way to spin the A.J. Brown trade as a good one for this season. He’s still an elite WR and hard to replace, especially with rookie Makai Lemon already dealing with hamstring issues.

Super Bowl odds: +1000

I’d feel so much better about this team if they had added one more WR, or done better than D.J. Moore as their No. 1. Still, never count out a team with Josh Allen and James Cook.

Super Bowl odds: +1600

Drake Maye was an MVP-caliber QB already, but getting an elite WR like A.J. Brown could bring his game to an even higher level. It won’t be easy with a much more difficult schedule. But they should definitely be Super Bowl contenders again.

Super Bowl odds: +1100

I know, I know: The defending champs deserve more respect. But with Kenneth Walker III gone and Zach Charbonnet recovering from a torn ACL, the Seahawks may be asking too much of rookie Jadarian Price, who was Notre Dame’s No. 2 RB last year.

Super Bowl odds: +1000

If newly signed center Ethan Pocic is healthy, he’ll really help the Ravens’ offensive line. If Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are healthy, this team has a great shot at reaching Super Bowl LXI.

After swiftly rising up the coaching ranks, Jesse Minter has inherited a Ravens team that some see as a Super Bowl contender. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

Super Bowl odds: +2000

QB Bo Nix is supposed to be “full go”, according to Sean Payton, when camp opens. If he had been full go for the AFC Championship Game last year, the Broncos would’ve made the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl odds: +550

Some are already calling the Rams “The Dream Team” after they reloaded this offseason. Just imagine how dangerous they’re going to be if the rumors turn out to be true and former All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald comes out of retirement.

New France head coach Zinedine Zidane has revealed he turned down multiple job opportunities during the last five years – because he only wanted to take charge of Les Bleus.

Zidane was announced as France’s new head coach in a press conference on Monday morning after Didier Deschamps resigned from his position.

The World Cup-winning midfielder has not been in a job for five years since leaving his second stint as Real Madrid boss – and was linked to a number of top positions in world football, including Manchester United.

“In the last four or five years, I had offers to join a club and I refused them all for the France national team,” Zidane said in his first press conference as France boss. “This job is the only job I wanted to do after my career with Real Madrid.

“I’ve always seen the France national team in the view of a fan – but also as a future manager. That’s the reason why I didn’t take on a new club team.

Zidane’s tricky start as France boss

• September 25: Turkey (A), Nations League
• September 28: Belgium (A), Nations League
• October 2: Italy (H), Nations League
• October 5: Belgium (H), Nations League

“I told myself that the only thing I wanted to do after Real Madrid was the French national team. I kept myself away from those teams. I had great projects, and could have done them for two or three years.

“But since Deschamps’ decision at the start of 2025 to step down after the next World Cup, the next day I was very animated to say I wanted to be his successor.

“So I met the president in February 2025 and it’s led us to here.”

‘I know how to win’ – but will Zidane follow Deschamps way of playing?

Zidane is set to follow a successful Deschamps era of the French national team.

During that 12-year stint, France won the World Cup in 2018 and the 2021 Nations League – while they were European Championships and World Cup runners-up in 2016 and 2022.

Image:
France had a successful era under Didier Deschamps

However, Zidane told the French Football Federation that he also knows how to win. During his time as Real Madrid manager, he won two La Liga titles as well as three consecutive Champions League trophies between 2016 and 2018.

Speaking about those discussions, French FA president Phillippe Diallo added: “I told him it’s a huge honour and a big responsibility because the last few years have been stunning.

“We needed to find the person to give us confidence to drive us down the same path for what I hope is the years ahead.

“When I met with Zinedine in February 2025, after the announcement of Didier, he told me: ‘Mr President, I know how to win’.

“When he said that, I knew he had the desire and the confidence to take charge of the team.”

Image:
Zinedine Zidane won up the 1998 World Cup final for France

Speaking about moving on from Deschamps, Zidane said: “The team’s run and style of play were magnificent. I was there in person and had a great time, just like the other fans. There are no complaints about how things went.

“Honestly, we’re going to do things differently. Didier Deschamps is Didier Deschamps. Laurent Blanc was Laurent Blanc. Zizou is Zizou. I’m going to try to do what I know how to do.

“It’s not a clean break, either. I want to maintain continuity so that the French team keeps winning.”

‘I wasn’t twiddling my thumbs for five years’

Image:
Zidane won lots of trophies with Real Madrid

Zidane also insisted he has no concerns about taking charge of a national team for the first time, adding that the France squad has enormous potential.

“There’s no worry,” Zidane said. “It’s a completely different job from club coaching. It doesn’t scare me.

“I’ll have a balance between my personal life and the French national team. It suits me perfectly. It’s a different kind of job, and I have no issues with that.

“I didn’t sit around twiddling my thumbs for five years. I watched more matches than when I was coaching Real Madrid. I saw a huge number of them. I watched the French national team a lot, and there is great potential.”

So much for a quiet start to camp for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Extension talks between Vita Vea and the franchise have officially hit a wall and the two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle is now requesting a trade out of Tampa Bay, ESPN first reported and confirmed by our Greg Auman. Vea plans to be in attendance when Buccaneers’ veterans report for camp on Tuesday, though, meaning he won’t hold out, Auman added. 

Vea is entering the final year of the four-year, $73 million extension he signed in 2022. According to his agent, Collin Roberts, the trade request follows unsuccessful negotiations between Vea and the Buccaneers front office on a new deal.

Vea has done nothing but impress since being selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Not only is he one of the league’s most dominant interior defensive linemen and a two-time Pro Bowler, but he also played a major role in the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV run.  Since taking over as a full-time starter in 2019, his presence in the interior has consistently produced one of the league’s premier run defenses.

The Buccaneers posted three straight top-three finishes in total defense from 2019-21. They returned to being a top-five defense in 2023, thanks to players like Vea. During that stretch, the 347-pound Vea led a defensive front that allowed 92.58 rushing yards per game. Through eight seasons with the Buccaneers, Vea has logged 256 total tackles (154 solo), 35 sacks, and three forced fumbles across 112 regular-season games.

It remains unclear if a reconciliation is possible or if an extension can be reached. If not, Vea could be one of the best defensive tackles to switch teams since the New York Jets traded Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys ahead of the 2025 trade deadline. 

In the event that Tampa Bay decides to move Vea, his preferred trade destination appears to be on the West Coast. Vea prefers to return closer to home and be traded to a California team or the Las Vegas Raiders, according to The Athletic.

We have a busy day’s racing on Tuesday with flat action from Ffos Las and Yarmouth, live on Sky Sports Racing…

3.10 Yarmouth – Eye-catching Shadwell debutant Mithaaly and Godolphin newcomer Noble Prince clash

The George Boughey-trained Mithaaly and Charlie Appelby’s newcomer Noble Prince should be competitive in the British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes.

Mithaaly caught the eye at Windsor when staying on very well after getting a touch outpaced two furlongs out.

The extra furlong looks sure to suit and this 260,000gns yearling sets a solid standard.

Godolphin-owned Frankel colt Noble Prince could go well on debut with trainer Charlie Appleby posing an impressive record of 13 from 29 (45 per cent) with two-year-olds this year.

Debutant Majestic Jude could pose the chief threat being half-brother to the precocious 2021 Group Two Prix Robert Papin winner Atomic Force, as Note To Self has progressed with each run this season, narrowly placing second by a head at Windsor.

6.30 Ffos Las – Flyta headlines competitive five-runner handicap

The in-form Flyta sets the standard in the Dragonbet / Martin Davies Handicap.

Flyta broke her maiden tag last month over course and distance following a promising effort at Windsor.

She seems the most likely to score here with another easy lead potentially afforded.

Course and distance winner Sofian can be competitive after the saddle slipped following a break last time out.

Name The Day must go much better after shaping amiss at Newbury as once promising debut winner Distinct Sprit is proving consistent in the search for his first win since.

Bahraini jockey, Ebrahim Nader rides.

7.30 Ffos Las – Noble Style’s full-sister Summerson features

A small but select field go to post in the Maiden Fillies’ Stakes.

Noble Style’s full-sister Summerson marginally sets the standard as she stayed on gamely to finish runner-up to Sandringham ninth, Crownright.

Being full-sister to the flashy Gimcrack winner does not point to this longer trip but also being a half-sister to highly tried 12-furlong filly, Little Dorrit, coupled with how she kept on at Chester, means there is potential for more improvement with the extra distance.

Full-sister to useful two-year-old, Seacruiser, Seacole has run well on two starts and is sure to be suited by 12-furlongs.

Cracking Beauty is bred for longer trips. She was caught too far back at Kempton but stayed on well and should improve again where she can be seen to greater effect.

Best of the rest

2.35 Yarmouth – Educator looks to get back to winning ways following promising efforts.

5.25 Yarmouth – Thapa VC headlines.

8.00 Ffos Las – Competitive nine-runner handicap.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

The Basketball Tournament is down to the quarterfinals. As these teams chase the $2 million prize, bettors can win big too, with bonuses from sportsbooks and their new user promos.

The Red Rose War Ready face Gotham City Bockers in the Vegas Bracket, with the winner advancing to face Davis Steel in the next knockout round. The winner advances to face Davis Steel, while Heartfire Elite awaits the winner of Knueppel Crew and The Mecca. 

The Kansas alumni team JHX Hoops meets defending champion AfterShocks in one of the biggest games of the tournament. Tonight’s winner between JHX Hoops and AfterShocks advances to Wednesday’s Alumni Bracket Championship against La Familia, the Kentucky alumni team. 

The winner of that game earns home-court advantage for the $2 million championship on Aug. 2 against the winner of the Vegas Bracket.

Those Round 2 winners will then meet in the Vegas Bracket Championship, with the survivor earning a trip to face the Alumni Bracket champion for the tournament title.

The opening Alumni round was played as a best-of-three series, but every remaining game—including the bracket championships and the $2 million final—is single elimination. 

With just a few teams left standing, every possession carries championship implications and every game moves one team a step closer to claiming the $2 million prize.

FanDuel

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days

1. Create a FanDuel Sportsbook account.
2. Place one $5+ real-money wager each day for up to 5 days (must be between 3AM ET and 11:59PM ET).
3. Earn a Bet Reset Token for each qualifying day—up to 5 total tokens.
4. Apply your Bet Reset Token when placing a wager to activate protection.
5. If your wager loses, you’ll receive a refund in Bonus Bets (up to $200 per token).
6. Refunds are issued within 72 hours after bet settlement as Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days.
7. Bet Reset Tokens expire 24 hours after being issued.

Gotham City Bockers vs. Red Rose War Ready

*Odds may differ each site*

Spread+3.5 (-115)-3.5 (-105)Moneyline+140-166TotalOver 142.5 (-110)Under 142.5 (-110)

JHX Hoops vs. AfterShocks

Spread+4.5 (-110)-4.5 (-110)Moneyline+180-218TotalOver 144.5 (-110)Under 144.5 (-110)

DraftKings

Claim the New User Offer No Promo Code Needed

1. Sign up for a new DraftKings Sportsbook account.
2. Deposit funds (minimum $5).
3. Select the New Customer Token.
4. Place a $5+ cash bet (-500 odds or longer).
5. You will receive $200 in bonus bets instantly, regardless of the outcome of your qualifying wager.
6. Works the same on desktop & mobile.

The Mecca vs. Heartfire Elite

Spread+2.5 (-110)-2.5 (-110)Moneyline+130-155TotalOver 148.5 (-110)Under 148.5 (-110)

Caesars Sportsbook

Sign Up and Claim the Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code

1. Click here. This will take you directly to the Caesars Sportsbook betting app or website, where you can select your state. Make sure promo code FOXDYW is applied.
2. Select Sign Up and create a new account by entering your personal details, including name, email, address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your SSN.
3. If prompted, enter promo code FOXDYW to ensure the offer is applied.
4. Place a $1+ cash wager on any eligible market.
5. Receive 10 × 100% Profit Boost tokens in your account.
6. Apply the boosts to wagers (up to $25 each) within 14 days to increase potential winnings.

TBT 2026 Winner

*Odds may differ each site*

• La Familia: +200
• AfterShocks: +370
• Davis Steel: +500
• Heartfire Elite: +600
• The Mecca: +1100
• Red Rose War Ready: +1100
• JHX Hoops: +1200
• Gotham City Bockers: +1500

bet365

How to claim bet365 Promo with Bonus Code ‘FOX365’.

1. Click this “Claim Bonus” button to go directly to bet365.
2. Select Sign Up and create a new account by entering personal details (name, email, date of birth, address, last 4 digits of SSN).
3. Enter the bonus code FOX365 when prompted to ensure the offer is locked in.
4. Make a minimum first deposit of $10 using an accepted payment method (PayPal, debit card, online banking, etc.).
5. Place your first wager. For the Bet $10, Get $150 offer, place a $10+ real-money bet on any market with odds of -500 or longer; win or lose, you’ll receive $150 in bonus bets once it settles. For the $1,000 First Bet Safety Net, place your first real-money bet; if it loses, bet365 refunds the stake (up to $1,000) in bonus bets.
6. Bonus bets are credited within 24 hours of the qualifying wager settling.

BetMGM

How to Sign Up and Claim the BetMGM Sportsbook Bonus Code

1. Click here. This will take you directly to the BetMGM app or website and automatically apply the promo code.
2. Select Sign Up and create a new account by entering personal details (name, email, date of birth, address, and last 4 digits of SSN).
3. When prompted, enter the promo code FOXSPORTS to ensure the offer is applied.
4. Make your first deposit of at least $10 using an accepted payment method (PayPal, Venmo, debit card, online banking, etc.).
5. Place your first real-money wager on any eligible sport:
6. If claiming the $1,500 First Bet Offer → refund is triggered only if the first bet loses.
7. If claiming the $10/$150 Alt Offer → the bet must win to receive the $150 bonus bets.
8. Bonus bets are credited to your account within 24 hours once the qualifying bet settles.

Ollie Pope scored the winning runs with the last ball to take MI London to a dramatic three-wicket victory over Southern Brave at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton.

Opener Jamie Smith top-scored with 49 from 26 balls, falling agonisingly short of a half-century as the Test wicketkeeper continued to strengthen his case for a place in England’s white-ball setup. Tristan Stubbs’ 38 from 31 was the only other notable contribution in an otherwise underwhelming Southern Brave innings.

Impressive bowling, from Trent Boult (2-15) and Sam Curran (2-22) in particular, limited the Brave to a disappointing score of 129-9 after their 100 balls.

Image:
Jamie Smith recorded an impressive 49 off 24 for the Brave

Image:
Southern Brave team members celebrate the wicket of MI London’s James Vince

MI London, though, struggled to get settled at the crease, with opener James Vince (0) and No 3 Nicholas Pooran (0) falling in successive balls to Marcus Stoinis (3-17) to make a significant dent in the visitor’s top order.

Captain Sam Curran (30 off 29) was able to steady the ship alongside the impressive opener Will Jacks (54 off 41) and the productive Sherfane Rutherford (21 off 12), but the Brave bounced back, leaving MI London needing six off the final five balls.

Image:
Jamie Smith recorded an impressive 49 off 24 for the Brave

The hosts looked to have one foot over the line when Rashid Khan’s dismissal left tailender Trent Boult on strike, with MI London needing three runs from the final three balls. Boult responded with a gutsy single to hand Ollie Pope the strike, and the former England batter sliced the last delivery into the outfield to scamper back for the winning two runs and seal a thrilling victory.

The victory lifts MI London up to third in The Hundred table, level on points with leaders Manchester Super Giants, albeit having played a game more. Southern Brave, meanwhile, slump to a third straight defeat and remain second from bottom.

What’s happening in the Hundred on Tuesday?

Sunrisers Leeds take on Manchester Super Giants in a men’s and women’s double header, live on Sky Sports from 3:00pm. Watch The Hundred and more contract-free on NOW

Coach Kyle Shanahan’s voice in Brock Purdy’s helmet has been nearly a constant at practice during Purdy’s first four seasons in the NFL.

That has forced Purdy to adjust as he prepares for year five with the San Francisco 49ers with Shanahan starting training camp as a silent observer at practice rather than an active part of it following a serious car crash that left the coach with a concussion.

“He’s our guy,” Purdy said about Shanahan after practice on Monday. “He’s the one leading all the team meetings and stuff and going over just situational football, what practice is going to look like. He’s our leader. It has been weird in terms of not having that. But I will say I think the assistant coaches have done a good job with stepping up.”

As the starting quarterback, Purdy typically interacts with Shanahan as much or more than any other player on the team, whether it be at meetings or on the practice field where the coach typically calls in the play to the quarterback on a walkie-talkie.

That role has been given to offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak to start camp this summer as Shanahan recovers from the concussion. Offensive line coach Chris Foerster is running the team in Shanahan’s absence with help from coordinators Kubiak, Raheem Morris and Brant Boyer.

Purdy said his contact with Shanahan since the car crash on July 14 has been mostly messages about Shanahan’s well-being and a brief hug on the field at practice on Monday.

Shanahan once again came out about midway through practice and watched alongside general manager John Lynch for the final 45 minutes. Shanahan even had to dodge an errant deep pass from Purdy to Mike Evans.

“I saw it after and I was like, ‘Damn, I almost hit Kyle,’” Purdy said. “But I was mad we couldn’t complete the throw. … Heads up coach.”

Purdy was able to joke about it in Monday but the emotions were much different when he first heard about it from Shanahan’s wife, Mandy, shortly after the crash. Shanahan suffered a concussion, broken ribs, a broken nose and broken hand in the crash that sent him to the hospital.

Purdy said he initially checked with teammate George Kittle to make sure the news was real and then focused on his coach’s health.

“It hurt really bad just reading that text,” Purdy said. “First off, is he OK? What’s next? How is he and all that? I reached out to him and he hit me back up. Once he texted me back and stuff, I was, all right, he’s good. It’s a scary moment, because all you care about is life at that moment. Is he alive? Is he good? But after hearing Mandy and then what Kyle had said, I was like, all right, Kyle’s good. This is going to be a little process. I don’t know what the road to recovery looks like, but he’s going to be good. That’s all I cared about in that moment. I know he’s good, just seeing him talking to him and stuff. … I have a lot of faith that he’ll bounce back quick.”

Rookie Romello Height Gets Hurt In Practice

Rookie defensive lineman Romello Height was carted off the field after suffering cramps late in practice. Height was attended to for several minutes before being taken off the field on the cart.

Four other players didn’t practice after getting hurt in the first session on Sunday. Swing tackle Vederian Lowe has a high ankle sprain and is expected to miss a chunk of training camp.

Receiver Christian Kirk (calf strain), rookie DL Gracen Halton (bruised knee bone) and DL Andrew Farmer (back) were also out on Monday.

Cornerback Nate Hobbs returned to practice after sitting out the first session on Sunday.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

The top stories and transfer rumours from Tuesday’s newspapers…

Premier League

Manchester City are hopeful that Rodri will sign a new contract, but the club are braced for a bid from Real Madrid for the midfielder as well as moves from other suitors – Guardian

Man Utd’s Joshua Zirkzee is a top target for Juventus after a deal for Randal Kolo Muani collapsed – The Sun

Arsenal target Vinicius Jr will not return to Real Madrid training this week as doubts over his future rumble on – Daily Mail

Arsenal are preparing to intensify talks with Newcastle over Bruno Guimaraes, as they look to finally secure the Brazilian midfielder – Mirror

Liam Delap and Emmanuel Emegha – who signed for Chelsea just 12 months ago – are already moving closer to the exit – The Sun

Chelsea would look to ensure any transfer fee received for Pedro Neto would be proportionate to some of the mammoth figures being quoted for other wide attackers this summer amid growing interest in the former Wolves man – Mirror

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

With Granit Xhaka linked with a surprise move to Chelsea, take a look at what the Sunderland captain had to say on the final day of the season to the Stadium of Light.

Chelsea have been told by Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris that club captain Granit Xhaka is categorically not for sale – talkSPORT

Sean Dyche has labelled Everton’s transfer strategy during his time at the club as a ‘****show’, while he has lauded new Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola’s management skills – Daily Mail

Levi Colwill is ready to prove he is one of the Premier League’s best centre backs after opening up on how his ACL ordeal left him feeling ‘helpless’ last season as Chelsea laboured to a 10th-placed finish – Daily Mail

Howard Webb, England’s chief refereeing officer, has vowed to continue increasing the talent pool from under-represented communities in English football’s officiating pathway, rejecting the wider backlash against diversity initiatives – Guardian

Watch Back Pages on Sky Sports News

Back Pages is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm.

Missed the show? Catch up on the latest news with the Back Pages podcast.

EFL

Wrexham are closing in on Crystal Palace defender Danny Imray – talkSPORT

Swindon Town’s flops were on the receiving end of an explosive tirade from boss Ian Holloway after their preparations for the new season went from bad to worse – The Sun

Scotland

Rangers youngster Pau Nsio is reportedly set to join another Scottish Premiership side on loan for the season – Scottish Sun

Danny Rohl has revealed he still hasn’t spoken to James Tavernier since the former Rangers captain’s chaotic exit from the club – Scottish Sun

Image:
Danny Röhl has not spoken to former Rangers captain James Tavernier

Defender Hampus Skoglund has refused to say whether Rangers made him an offer – Scottish Sun

Forgotten Celtic loan starlet Odin Thiago Holm has revealed he’s had surgery on his calves to cure a rare condition and is hoping it can kickstart his injury-hit career – Scottish Sun

Dundee boss Steven Pressley is trying to bring in a central defender before the Scottish Premiership opener with Celtic – to allow Aaron Donnelly to go out on-loan to Dunfermline Athletic – Daily Record

Rangers are pushing ahead with a planned swoop for Amario Cozier-Duberry but the Brighton winger will not be one of the new faces rushed into Ibrox ahead of Friday night’s top flight opener – Daily Record

Aberdeen are still waiting to see if they can ramp up their interest in Jadel Katongo – Daily Record

Rangers star Mohamed Diomande says he’s going nowhere this summer – then backed new boss Derek McInnes to finally end their trophy drought – Daily Record

Commonwealth Games

The team behind the Indian Commonwealth Games believe they will sell out the world’s biggest stadium in 2030 – Daily Mail

Jeremiah Azu, the former world sprint champion, said he would “never disrespect” the Wales flag by passing up the chance to compete in the Commonwealth Games – Telegraph

Rugby Union

Liam Williams, the former Wales and British and Irish Lions full-back, has undergone surgery to straighten his right leg, having played all of his rugby career with bowed lower limbs – Telegraph

New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger will be sidelined for four to six weeks with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.

Bellinger was placed on the 10-day injured list on Sunday, a day after he got hurt running the bases during a 3-1 win at Philadelphia. He had more tests on Monday in New York that revealed the extent of the injury.

“So the good thing is he’s obviously able to move around right now,” manager Aaron Boone said before the opener of a four-game series at the Chicago White Sox. “So we’ll continue to do that and just allow this thing to heal and get him right.”

The loss of Bellinger is another major injury for a New York team already playing without reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge, who has been out since May 31 because of a fractured rib. Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton has been sidelined since April 24 because of a strained right calf.

The Yankees trailed AL East-leading Tampa Bay by three games going into Monday’s action.

“We’ve had some tough injuries to some really important people,” Boone said. “But again, that is part of it. As I say, the season waits for no one.”

Max Schuemann got the start in left field for the series opener against the White Sox. Spencer Jones, who was brought up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre when Bellinger was placed on the IL, was in center, and Jasson Dominguez was in right.

The MLB trade deadline is next week, but Boone downplayed the effect of Bellinger’s injury on the strategy for general manager Brian Cashman and the team’s front office.

“I get the sense that they have been working on this in different ways, shape and form for the last several weeks, getting ready for trade deadline stuff,” Boone said. “I expect them to try and do all they can to improve our team, but again, you never know how that’s going to shake out.”

Bellinger, 31, felt tightness in his hamstring while rounding first on a double in the eighth inning on Saturday night. He is batting .259 with 11 homers and 53 RBIs in 102 games this season.

Bellinger re-signed with the Yankees last winter for $162.5 million over five years. He was the MVP of the All-Star Game on July 14 in Philadelphia.

Judge and Stanton are with the team in Chicago, and Boone said Stanton is continuing with his running progression.

“The strength stuff, explosive stuff he’s doing in the weight room has been very good,” Boone said. “So we just got to get him up to a level obviously on the running side of things to be able to go out there.”

Left-hander Carlos Rodon and right-hander Clarke Schmidt are both expected to throw again this week, Boone said. Rodón is coming back from elbow inflammation, and Schmidt had Tommy John surgery a year ago.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

Lucas Glover insisted that kicking off his shoes during a recent PGA Tour event was to prevent spike marks, rather than ‌a silent protest against the AimPoint putting technique.

The former U.S. Open champion took off his shoes before walking across the water’s edge in his socks to retrieve his ball after draining a 10-foot birdie putt on the par-four 10th hole during the final round of the 3M Open in Minnesota.

TV commentators suggested Glover removed his shoes as a form of protest against AimPoint, which critics say slows down the game and damages greens.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Lucas Glover takes off shoes after making putt at 3M Open.

But Glover, who has been a vocal critic of AimPoint, took to Instagram on Monday to set things straight.

“My demonstration yesterday had nothing to do with Aimpoint. I have no idea how anyone came to that conclusion,” Glover wrote.

“I ‌took my shoes off to get my ball out of the hole because that was literally the only way to not make any marks around the hole. Again, no matter what ‌type of spikes were on my shoes.”

Starting in 2019, the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the R&A have allowed players to tap down spike marks to restore the putting green back to its original condition.

Glover said he was approached by an official who said there had been a complaint about spike marks being made around the holes. He also said other golfers on the course were wearing metal spikes.

Image:
Lucas Glover took his shoes off on the green at the 3M Open

“I know there have been some pretty heated discussions and arguments between other players in years past about spike marks and knowing how to walk, but not since we’ve been able to tap them down,” said Glover.

“Yesterday was the first time I’ve ever been approached about my spikes.”

Glover, who counts the 2009 U.S. Open among his six PGA Tour titles, concluded his post by saying he looks forward to returning to competition this week in Detroit and has no plans to change his shoes.

“I’ll be wearing metal spikes, and the people playing behind me are still allowed to tap down the marks. Did ‌I mention that?” said Glover.

Who will win the AIG Women’s Open? Watch throughout the week live on Sky Sports. Live coverage of the opening round begins on Thursday with Featured Groups from 9am, ahead of full coverage from 1pm on Sky Sports Golf.

The month of June was not kind to the Red Sox. In fact, they had two separate, four-game losing streaks and their odds to win the AL lengthened.

Then, the tide turned in Boston.

From July 3 to July 22, the Red Sox went on a 15-game winning streak and now their odds are on the move in the correct direction.

According to BetMGM’s John Ewing, before Boston’s 15-game heater, the squad’s odds to take the AL banner were a lengthy +8000. Now that the Red Sox look competitive again, that line has shortened all the way to +850.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

From a betting perspective, a $10 wager on the Red Sox to win the AL at +8000 less than a month ago would have cashed for $810 — and that’s if Boston ends up winning that side of the league. 

Now, at +850, that $10 wager would cash in for only $95.

“The Red Sox season appeared to be over in June but a historic 15-game winning streak has Boston back in contention,” Matthew Rasp, Senior Trader at BetMGM explained.

“Since the All-Star Break, 50% of money wagered has been on the Red Sox to win the American League.”

Can Boston keep up its hot pace the rest of the season? (Getty Images)

Will the Red Sox be able to keep the pace, finish the second half of the season strong and win the AL — putting some cash in the pockets of bettors who back them?

According to FOX Sports MLB writer Deesha Thosar, it might be a tall task.

“While Boston’s turnaround is real in the standings, the jury is still out on whether it’s sustainable,” Thosar pointed out. “Starter Sonny Gray and closer Aroldis Chapman have anchored their successful run, but the Red Sox are still hitting the fewest home runs in baseball this season. And the AL has only five teams above .500 [six as of July 27], so small gains can look bigger than they are. 

“Whether the front office commits to buying instead of selling Gray and Chapman in the next couple of weeks will be the real verdict on whether this is a genuine turnaround or a well-timed hot streak.”

Jack Draper has withdrawn from the DC Open with a left arm injury.

The former world No 4 has endured a injury-strewn 2026 which saw him miss all three Grand Slam tournaments, with the withdrawal coming just a day after Draper claiming that he feels “really physically good”.

The Brit, who is coached by Sir Andy Murray, has dropped to world No 147 on the ATP Tour rankings and that will likely mean he will need to qualify if he is to play at this September’s US Open, having missed out on the main draw for the event.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Jack Draper opens up about the mental and physical challenges of his recent injury, missing out on Wimbledon, and why he feels he’s finally back in a positive place ahead of his return to the court.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Jack Draper reflects on his battles with injury after returning to action and speaks of the influence that Andy Murray has had on a difficult period in his career.

“I’ve had an incredibly challenging 12 months, a lot of adversity, a lot of problem solving, a lot of pain, and trying to understand that and come through it,” Draper said in a press conference on Sunday.

“I’ve never had a long-term injury before so I feel much better than I ever have in the last year. I feel physically really good.”

Image:
Jack Draper could miss his fourth Grand Slam of 2026

Draper first stepped away from the tour a year ago with the arm problem and has managed only a handful of tournaments since, with knee and shoulder issues also interrupting his comeback.

Having missed the Australian Open, the French Open, and Wimbledon, Draper’s chances at participating in the last major tournament of 2026 – the US Open – are now also in doubt.

Watch the ATP and WTA Tours and US Open from August 30, live on Sky Sports or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports app, giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.

The East just got beastier.

Here are the odds for who will win the 2026-27 NBA title as of July 24 at DraftKings Sportsbook, now that LeBron James has finally made his decision.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

2026-27 NBA Finals winner

1. Spurs: +270 (bet $10 to win $37 total)
2. Thunder: +270 (bet $10 to win $37 total)
3. 76ers: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total) 
4. Knicks: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
5. Celtics: +1300 (bet $10 to win $140 total) 
6. Pistons: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
7. Raptors: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total) 
8. Wolves: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total) 
9. Cavaliers: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
10. Nuggets: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)

The Rest of the Field.

Heat: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total) 
Lakers: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total) 
Pacers: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)
Rockets: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Warriors: +6000 (bet $10 to win $610 total)
Hawks: +7000 (bet $10 to win $710 total)
Magic: +8000 (bet $10 to win $810 total)
Blazers: +8000 (bet $10 to win $810 total) 
Hornets: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total) 
Suns: +12000 (bet $10 to win $1,210 total)
Wizards: +15000 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total)
Mavericks: +18000 (bet $10 to win $1,810 total)
Jazz: +20000 (bet $10 to win $2,010 total)
Pelicans: +40000 (bet $10 to win $4,010 total)
Clippers: +50000 (bet $10 to win $5,010 total) 
Bulls: +70000 (bet $10 to win $7,010 total)
Bucks: +70000 (bet $10 to win $7,010 total)
Nets: +100000 (bet $10 to win $10,010 total)
Grizzlies: +100000 (bet $10 to win $10,010 total)
Kings: +100000 (bet $10 to win $10,010 total)

Here’s what to know about this oddsboard: 

The King Arrives: Can anyone honestly say they saw this coming? It was announced Friday that LeBron James will join the Philadelphia 76ers for the 2026-27 season, signing a two-year, $8 million deal with a player option in Year 2. Wow. Earlier this summer, Philly traded for Boston’s Jaylen Brown, and now it lands James. That duo will join Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Joel Embiid. Just a month ago, the Sixers were at +2000 to win the title. Now, they are tied at third on the board at +900. Last postseason, Philly was swept by the eventual champion Knicks in the East semifinals.

The Defending Champs: The last time the Knicks won an NBA title was 53 years ago. That losing streak is now over. New York dispatched of San Antonio in five games, and finished this postseason winning 15 of its last 16 games, going 16-3 overall. Can you believe it? Jalen Brunson was named Finals MVP after putting up a crucial 45 points in Game 5. The early oddsboard gives New York the fourth-shortest odds to go back-to-back. 

The Favorites: The Spurs made the Finals in Victor Wembanyama’s first playoff appearance, beating the former defending champion Thunder in the Western Conference finals — and now, those two teams are atop the oddsboard to win it all next year. OKC was the title favorite all of this past season, but fell at home in Game 7 of the West finals to the up-and-coming Spurs. Those two teams are expected to battle it out in the West again next year.

British boxer Jessica Barry will fight Texan top contender Reina Tellez on the undercard for Mikaela Mayer against Chantelle Cameron on August 29 in Birmingham, live on Sky Sports.

The featherweight bout adds to the UK vs USA lineup for MVP Women 06, and represents a significant step up for Barry (10-1-2, 2 KOs) as she faces former junior Olympian Tellez (13-1-1, 5 KOs) not far from her home city of Coventry.

Image:
Jessica Barry is a Coventry native

“I turned down three title fights to be on this card, and this opportunity is going to open every door I have been knocking on,” said Jessica Barry.

“MVP are leading the way for female boxing and Sky Sports is the platform in the UK. It is now down to me to give a five-star performance.”

The contest is her opponent Tellez’s first since going the distance in a defeat to unified world champion Amanda Serrano in January, on a card that also features a fight for Caroline Dubois against American Amelia Moore.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Caroline Dubois is determined to fight rival Alycia Baumgardner sooner rather than later.

“I respect Jessica Barry for accepting the challenge, but when that bell rings, respect gives way to determination. I’m coming to represent the USA with pride, fight with heart, and leave everything in the ring,” Tellez, Barry’s opponent said.

“I have plenty of time to get ready for this fight, I’ll be on another level. Expect fireworks, expect me to be at my best, I’m coming with everything I got.”

Image:
Tysie Gallagher is the current WBO and Commonwealth champion

Joining the preliminary card will be MVP’s new signing Tysie Gallagher, with her opponent confirmed as Welsh super-bantamweight Ashleigh Johnson.

Gallagher (10-2) is the current WBO and Commonwealth champion, and is looking to improve her standing as the IBF’s No 5 contender in the world.

“MVPW-06 continues to showcase elite matchups representing both the present and future of the UK and USA’s storied boxing legacies,” said Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions.

“Reina Tellez is a Team USA veteran and proven world championship competitor while Jessica Barry is an English champion, each a perfect fit to join this decorated MVPW-06 UK vs. USA main card of champions and elite contenders.

“Alongside Tysie Gallagher’s promotional debut, and another Midlands battle featuring Brandon Bethall, MVPW is back in force on Saturday, August 29, live on Sky Sports.”

Watch MVPW-06 in Birmingham, headlined by Mikaela Mayer v Chantelle Cameron and with Caroline Dubois also in action, live on August 29 on Sky Sports. Get Sky Sports or stream boxing with no contract.

The Red Sox are streaking, the Marlins are fading, and for the plethora of teams on the bubble, we’re finally nearing decision time. 

Every win or loss coming out of the All-Star break provides a bit more clarity as teams decide whether they’re buyers, sellers or somewhere in between. 

With one week to go before the Aug. 3 trade deadline, this week’s Power Rankings features one second-half question for every team. 

The Rockies’ starters have an ERA over 6.00. They need more pitching in the system, and they have a couple outfield trade chips in Jake McCarthy and Mickey Moniak who could help them get that done. 

Will they also consider trading Hunter Goodman, who leads all catchers with 31 home runs and is under team control through 2029? 

At age 26, Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman is a two-time All-Star and won’t become a free agent until 2030. But he’s also one of Colorado’s best trade chips. (Photo by Kyle Cooper/Colorado Rockies/Getty Images)

Under interim general manager John Mozeliak, the Angels sound more open-minded to making the kinds of changes that will be required to return the team to relevance. Will there finally be a fire-sale in Anaheim?

Just a few weeks ago, the A’s looked like buyers. Then they lost 23 of 29 games and now seem to be obvious sellers. But with many of their top young talents signed long-term, what are they willing to sell in order to add more pitching to the system? 

Among the top 20 or so potential MLB trade deadline candidates, Luis Arraez has to be the likeliest to go. Rental Robbie Ray is likely gone, too, but can the Giants use this lost season to also move one of their big contracts? 

It will be interesting to see if Jung Hoo Lee, Matt Chapman, Willy Adames and Rafael Devers are all still Giants after the deadline. 

Left-hander Robbie Ray has his best ERA since his 2021 Cy Young season with the Blue Jays. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

With the size of their payroll, the Mets have to try to contend again next season. So, beyond their rentals such as starter Freddy Peralta, relievers Brooks Raley and A.J. Minter and outfielder Luis Robert Jr. (who has a team option next season), which of their controllable players will they feel comfortable trading? 

Same question as directly above. The Royals are similar to the Mets in that a season with playoff aspirations quickly spiraled, yet they can’t be thinking about a long-term rebuild. 

So, without many valuable rental arms on the roster, how many controllable pitchers will they be willing to deal? Michael Wacha will command the most attention. 

Michael Wacha, a 35-year-old right-hander, leads the American League in innings pitched and made his first All-Star team since 2015. (Photo by Michael Hirschuber/Getty Images)

The reigning American League champs as sellers? That seems to be the likeliest course of action after the offense’s disappearing act and the struggles in the rotation behind Cy Young contender Dylan Cease. 

The biggest question: Where is Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s power? And can he find it in time to give Toronto some late-season hope?  

When healthy, the Reds can envision a rotation featuring Chase Burns, Hunter Greene and Andrew Abbott giving them a better chance in 2027. But that won’t matter much if they still have one of the least productive offenses in MLB. 

Can someone other than Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart establish himself as a reliable long-term mainstay in the lineup? 

Will Trevor Rogers, Taylor Ward and Andrew Kittredge help the Orioles return to the playoffs after last year’s disappointing fifth-place finish, or will they be wearing different uniforms after the deadline? How Baltimore decides to handle its impending free agents could determine its second-half fate. 

It’s the question of the deadline: What does Detroit do with Tarik Skubal? 

The Tigers are trending in the right direction, but when you’re trying to convince your front office to keep one of the game’s most talented pitchers, you can’t afford to split a late July four-game series at home against the Royals. 

It seems like every year we’re asking if Sandy Alcantara will remain a Marlin. Suddenly, here we are again. Will the Marlins try to catch fire again with the current group they have, or will a franchise-record 12-game losing streak cause them to sell some pieces? 

Had the Twins not sold off all of their top relief arms last deadline, they might be in first place right now. Instead, they’re one of the many teams on the bubble. 

Will the Twins use this deadline to fix the bullpen it just dismantled? Or will they look to the future and sell rental catcher Ryan Jeffers and listen to offers for All-Star right-hander Joe Ryan? As constructed, it’s hard to imagine there’s enough pitching here to seriously contend. 

As long as the Astros are still in the mix, I’d expect them to keep pushing in to build around MVP favorite Yordan Alvarez. They could use more outfield help, but the bigger question: Do they have enough pitching to get back to the playoffs and make some noise in the weak AL? 

Will the offense get right? I mean that in every possible sense. 

The Mariners need their best players to play better, and they also might need a right-handed hitter at the deadline to help an offense that currently has the lowest OPS against left-handed pitching in the sport. Another high-leverage reliever wouldn’t hurt, either. 

Can this rotation continue to hold up? The Cardinals are trending in the wrong direction, but Jordan Walker, JJ Wetherholt, Alec Burleson and Ivan Herrera should give them enough firepower to at least stay competitive. 

Will the rotation, which currently ranks 10th in MLB in ERA despite missing very few bats, do the same?  

What does AJ Preller have up his sleeve? The Padres’ president of baseball operations rarely sits still at the deadline, but this team has more flaws than in years past (particularly in the rotation) and now has less of a farm system to address the deficiencies at the deadline. 

Could he trade All-Star closer Mason Miller to address the team’s other weaknesses? It might take some creativity to make this group a contender.

All-Star Padres closer Mason Miller leads the National League in saves and has an ERA under 1.00, yet there’s a chance the Padres could trade him. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but the Guardians’ offense could use more thump. Will they add an impact bat to fix an offense with the lowest OPS in MLB? Or will having star third baseman José Ramírez back from a broken hand be enough for Cleveland to win its third straight division title? 

Will Paul Skenes look like a Cy Young contender again down the stretch? Skenes is still racking up strikeouts with strong underlying numbers, but he currently ranks 32nd among qualified MLB starters in ERA. 

If he pitches like one of the best pitchers on the planet in the second half and the bullpen adds some pieces at the deadline, you can envision this Pirates team and its vastly improved offense ending Pittsburgh’s 10-year playoff drought. 

Brandon Lowe (5), Bryan Reynolds and the Pirates’ potent offense have the team thinking about breaking its postseason drought. (Photo by George Gaza/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Can they keep their top offensive players on the field? Star shortstop Corey Seager hasn’t played all month due to a back injury. Wyatt Langford has mashed … when available. He has played in only 53 games this year due to forearm, hamstring and ankle injuries. Josh Jung, the team’s hit leader, is currently sidelined with a calf issue.

The Rangers need those guys on the field if they want to hold off the Mariners and Astros. 

Will this offense play to its potential? The D-backs are currently in wild-card position despite a depleted pitching staff and an offense that ranks 20th in MLB in OPS. 

They could use a first-base upgrade at the deadline (as well as pitching reinforcements), but they also need more of their top offensive players to perform. 

What lane do the Nationals pick at the deadline? They’re ahead of schedule in the rebuild under new leadership, now only one game out of a wild-card spot with the best offense in MLB. 

It’s one thing to trade slugging utility man Curtis Mead, but would they really trade All-Star Foster Griffin as well, given the way they’re playing? Or entertain offers for superstar CJ Abrams? Or will they run this surprise season out and see where it goes? 

Would the Nats consider dealing breakout starter Foster Griffin, who’s 12-2 with a 2.76 ERA with Washington after spending the past three seasons pitching in Japan? (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Do the White Sox have (or will they acquire) the pitching required to finish off this magical run? 

The young offense has slugged its way to the sixth-most home runs in MLB, but the South Siders might need to add more depth both in the rotation and the bullpen to complete the extraordinary turnaround and end the four-year playoff drought. 

Speaking of turnarounds … a lot can change in a matter of weeks. The Red Sox looked cooked, and now they’ve won 22 of 26 games and are already starting the process of adding offense at the deadline. 

The biggest question, though, is how quickly Roman Anthony (torn finger ligament) and Garrett Crochet (shoulder, lat) return to action. 

Having Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sánchez, Jesús Luzardo and Jhoan Duran is a heckuva starting point, but you can bank on the Phillies adding depth at the deadline for their second-half push.

The question: Does it come in the outfield, at the back end of the rotation, in high-leverage relief — or maybe all three? 

How quickly will Aaron Judge return? We can debate whether their bigger need is behind the plate or in relief at the deadline, but regardless of what they do a week from now, they need their captain back and looking like himself if they want to get back to the World Series. 

Aaron Judge has been sidelined since May 31 with a right rib stress fracture. His return is essential to the Yankees’ title hopes. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images)

Here is a list of injured Cubs pitchers: Justin Steele, Edward Cabrera, Ben Brown, Cade Horton, Daniel Palencia, Hunter Harvey, Shelby Miller, Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Porter Hodge, Riley Martin, Ethan Roberts. 

With several of them expected back at some point in the second half, how will the Cubs choose to patch up their beleaguered pitching staff at the deadline? 

Do they make a big splash at the deadline? They have the best record in a weak American League, they have needs up the middle offensively, and they could use a boost both in the rotation and the bullpen. President of baseball operations Erik Neander might see an opportunity ahead to push in. 

The Braves have gotten their NL East lead back to a more comfortable distance and look destined to prove that last year was a blip. Still, they can’t feel too comfortable about their starting options beyond Chris Sale once they get to October. 

Can they land a co-ace at the deadline? 

At age 37, Chris Sale is still pitching like an ace, but he could use help in the Atlanta rotation. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

How much will last year’s sweep in the NLCS motivate them at the deadline? The Brewers have proven their might as regular-season juggernauts, but the disparity in star talent was evident when they went to Los Angeles last October. 

They have the talent on the farm to take a big swing. Will they finally do it? 

How much will Shohei Ohtani’s balky left knee hold him back the rest of the way, and how will that issue impact the Dodgers’ deadline decision-making? Blake Snell is closing in on a return, but neither he nor Tyler Glasnow have pitched in nearly two months. 

If the Dodgers have any reservations at all about their pitching staff, they have the resources to make significant midseason moves — even if they’d prefer not to — in their quest to three-peat.

MLB Related Stories

Andrea Pirlo has announced he is no longer in contention to become the next Italy head coach following criticism of his commercial links with a Russian betting company.

The former Azzurri midfielder, 47, had emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Gennaro Gattuso after Pep Guardiola declined the job.

However, Pirlo’s role as a global ambassador for Russian bookmaker Fonbet prompted objections to his potential appointment from some Italian Football Federation officials and politicians due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Pirlo, a World Cup winner with Italy in 2006, defended his involvement with the company in an Instagram ⁠post.

He posted: “After learning last night that I am no longer the candidate to lead the Italian national team, I believe it is my duty to clarify a few points.

“In the last few days I have witnessed with great bitterness the debate that has developed around my name and the possibility of taking over the role of head coach of the Italian national team.

“During my career, first as a football player and now as a coach, I have always carried out my activity in full respect to the laws of the countries I worked in and the contracts I signed.”

He signed an ambassadorial agreement with Fonbet in October and said the collaboration was exclusively commercial and sporting in nature.

“To attribute a political meaning to such a collaboration means to attribute convictions that I have never expressed and that do not belong to me,” added Pirlo, who is currently managing UAE Pro League club United FC in Dubai.

Italy’s search continues

The FIGC had met with Guardiola to try and convince him to succeed Gattuso after they failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and were willing to make an exceptional adjustment to their budget to hire him.

FIGC officials Paolo Maldini and his advisor Leonardo met with Guardiola over three days, explaining their project for the national team moving forward.

In their discussions with the former Manchester City manager in Barcelona, ​​Maldini and Leonardo presented an idea that went beyond simply offering him a coaching role.

In the FIGC’s vision, Guardiola would have been the central figure in an ‘Azzurro project’ aiming to rebuild Italian football on solid foundations. Italy did not even qualify for the expanded World Cup this summer.

Image:
Pep Guardiola won 20 trophies across his Manchester City tenure

It would have been a complete overhaul that would have involved not only the senior national team but all other national teams. The Catalan is understood to have listened attentively to Maldini and Leonardo’s offer.

But Guardiola rejected the proposal for personal reasons beyond football, according to Sky in Italy.

Pirlo was set to terminate his contract with United FC ahead of finalising his agreement to become Italy’s head coach.

Carlo Ancelotti was also contacted before Guardiola, according to FIGC technical director Maldini, but has a contract with the Brazil national team.

The FIGC brought in Maldini and Leonardo as part of a huge shake-up in Italian football following their failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.

Another summer, another iteration of talking season in college football as conferences across the country hold their media day events this month in anticipation of the 2026 season. The Big 12, ACC and SEC have all enjoyed their turns in the spotlight in recent weeks, and now it’s time for the Big Ten — which has won three straight national titles — to do the same. 

Beginning on Tuesday at the Hilton Chicago, not far from the league office in Rosemont, Illinois, the Big Ten will kick off its annual three-day spectacle that serves as an unofficial start to football season. Once again, each day will feature representatives from six programs in the 18-team league: 

Day 1: Illinois, Iowa, Penn State, Rutgers, USC, Wisconsin

Day 2: Michigan State, Minnesota, Ohio State, Oregon, Purdue, UCLA 

Day 3: Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, Northwestern, Washington 

To prepare for the event and look ahead to the upcoming season, I’ve explored a key storyline for each of the conference’s teams. Here are some of the biggest talking points to follow in Chicago.

* Recruiting and transfer portal rankings courtesy of 247Sports. 

Illinois

Bret Bielema has a 37-26 record in his six seasons as the head coach of Illinois (Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images). 

Last year: 9-4 overall, 5-4 Big Ten

Postseason: 30-28 win over Tennessee in the Music City Bowl

Head coach: Bret Bielema, sixth season, 37-26 at Illinois

Coordinators: Barry Lunney Jr. (offense); Bobby Hauck (defense)

Recruiting: No. 24 nationally, No. 6 in the Big Ten 

Transfer portal: No. 43 nationally, No. 11 in the Big Ten 

Key storyline: New defensive scheme

Bielema opted to change the defensive system once coordinator Aaron Henry Jr. left to become the co-defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach at Notre Dame. He convinced Hauck, the former Montana head coach, to spurn a brief retirement and install the same 3-3-5 scheme that produced top-20 defenses three times in the last five years for the Grizzlies. How that system will fare against some of the run-heavy offenses in the Big Ten remains to be seen. The strength of Hauck’s unit in Year 1 is expected to be a secondary that returns three starters, including All-Big Ten performer Xavier Scott at nickel. He and safety Matthew Bailey bypassed the NFL Draft for another season with the Illini. 

Indiana

Curt Cignetti is 27-2 in two seasons as the head coach of Indiana (Photo by Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images).

Last year: 16-0 overall, 9-0 Big Ten

Postseason: 27-21 win over Miami in the National Championship game

Head coach: Curt Cignetti, third season, 27-2 at Indiana

Coordinators: Mike Shanahan (offense); Bryant Haines (defense)

Recruiting: No. 29 nationally, No. 9 in the Big Ten 

Transfer portal: No. 8 nationally, No. 3 in the Big Ten 

Key storyline: Replacing QB Fernando Mendoza

When Mendoza joined the Hoosiers following two impressive seasons at Cal, where he blossomed from a low-level recruit into a transfer portal darling, there were already big shoes to be filled at the quarterback position. Kurtis Rourke, who served as Cignetti’s original signal-caller at Indiana, had guided the program to new heights by reaching the College Football Playoff in 2024. All Mendoza did was raise that bar to include a Big Ten championship, a national championship and the Heisman Trophy. Next in line for Cignetti is TCU transfer Josh Hoover, a three-year starter who enters the upcoming season having thrown for 9,629 career yards and 71 touchdowns. Will the magic continue?

Iowa

Kirk Ferentz is entering his 28th season as the head coach of Iowa (Photo by Ricky Bowden/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).

Last year: 9-4 overall, 6-3 Big Ten

Postseason: 34-27 win over Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl

Head coach: Kirk Ferentz, 28th season, 209-128 at Iowa

Coordinators: Tim Lester (offense); Phil Parker (defense)

Recruiting: No. 26 nationally, No. 7 in the Big Ten 

Transfer portal: No. 77 nationally, No. 17 in the Big Ten 

Key storyline: An ongoing QB competition 

Ferentz’s search to replace dual-threat quarterback Mark Gronowski, who led the Hawkeyes with 16 rushing touchdowns last season, will continue into fall camp after an even battle between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski — both of whom were with the program in 2025. Brown is a 6-foot-4, 215-pound junior who originally transferred from Auburn two years ago. He served as Gronowski’s primary backup and completed 11 of 21 passes for 107 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Hecklinski is a 5-foot-11, 188-pound sophomore who enters the 2026 campaign having only attempted two career passes. Whichever player wins the job will need to enliven a passing attack that ranked 129th nationally and 17th in the Big Ten last year. 

Maryland

Malik Washington threw for 2,963 yards while rushing for 303 more in his true freshman season at Maryland (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images).

Last year: 4-8 overall, 1-8 Big Ten

Postseason: None

Head coach: Mike Locksley, ninth season, 37-49 at Maryland

Coordinators: Clint Trickett (offense); Ted Monachino (defense)

Recruiting: No. 42 nationally, No. 11 in the Big Ten 

Transfer portal: No. 62 nationally, No. 16 in the Big Ten 

Key storyline: The head coach’s job security 

Questions regarding how, when and if the Terrapins should move on from Locksley dominated the second half of Maryland’s season. After a 1-8 Big Ten record in 2025, Locksley has now finished below .500 in Big Ten play for seven consecutive years. What felt like a legitimate surge in momentum from 2021-23 — a promising stretch in which Locksley won 23 games and tallied three straight bowl victories — fizzled out rather swiftly amid back-to-back disastrous campaigns. Now, Locksley enters the 2026 season as one of the leading figures in any discussion about coaches with tenuous job security. He’ll need sophomore quarterback Malik Washington, who opened some eyes as a true freshman last fall, to take a noticeable step forward if the Terrapins want to sniff the postseason. 

Michigan

Bryce Underwood threw for 2,428 yards while rushing for 392 more in his true freshman season at Michigan (Photo by Dustin Markland/Getty Images).

Last year: 9-4 overall, 7-2 Big Ten

Postseason: 41-27 loss to Texas in the Citrus Bowl

Head coach: Kyle Whittingham, first season, 177-88 overall

Coordinators: Jason Beck (offense); Jay Hill (defense)

Recruiting: No. 12 nationally, No. 4 in the Big Ten 

Transfer portal: No. 24 nationally, No. 5 in the Big Ten 

Key storyline: QB Bryce Underwood’s development 

Few quarterbacks in college football, if any, will face more scrutiny than Underwood this fall. The former No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 cycle, Underwood navigated an uneven freshman season as the Wolverines’ starter — albeit for a program that would eventually fire head coach Sherrone Moore last December. He ranked ninth in the Big Ten in passing yards, 13th in passing touchdowns and 14th in completion percentage amid issues with his footwork and touch. An excellent rushing attack and retooled wide receiver room, which includes high-level transfer JJ Buchanan from Utah, should offer Underwood more ballast than he enjoyed last season. But more is expected from a player with such lofty expectations and significant compensation.   

Michigan State

Alessio Milivojevic completed 64.2% of his passes in 2025 (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images).

Last year: 4-8 overall, 1-8 Big Ten

Postseason: None

Head coach: Pat Fitzgerald, first season, 110-101 overall

Coordinators: Nick Sheridan (offense); Joe Rossi (defense)

Recruiting: No. 45 nationally, No. 12 in the Big Ten 

Transfer portal: No. 55 nationally, No. 14 in the Big Ten 

Key storyline: How will Fitzgerald adapt?

Think about how different the sport looked when Fitzgerald last coached a game for Northwestern in 2022. The College Football Playoff was still a four-team affair, and the batch of conference realignment that sent Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC and added a West Coast contingent to the Big Ten was still more than a year away from going into effect. The one-time transfer rule that has revolutionized roster building was still in its infancy, and revenue sharing remained a far-flung concept reserved for news conference soapboxes. So, while there’s no question about the successful program Fitzgerald built from 2006-2022 — a run that included six eight-win seasons and two trips to the Big Ten title game — he still has plenty to prove in the modern era.  

Minnesota

P.J. Fleck has a 66-44 record in nine years as the head coach of Minnesota (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).

Last year: 8-5 overall, 5-4 Big Ten

Postseason: 20-17 win over New Mexico in the Rate Bowl

Head coach: P.J. Fleck, 10th season, 66-44 at Minnesota

Coordinators: Greg Harbaugh Jr. (offense); Danny Collins (defense)

Recruiting: No. 28 nationally, No. 8 in the Big Ten 

Transfer portal: No. 51 nationally, No. 13 in the Big Ten 

Key storyline: Fixing the running game

When Fleck and the Gophers outperformed expectations by stringing together consecutive nine-win seasons in 2021 and 2022, they did so with one of the nation’s best rushing attacks that allowed Minnesota to control games. The Gophers ranked 27th nationally in rushing (198 yards per game) during the ’21 campaign and 16th nationally (207.5 yards per game) in ’22, firmly in keeping with the league’s rugged reputation. Since then, however, Minnesota’s potency on the ground has waned rather precipitously: a 66th-place finish in 2023, a 109th-place finish in 2024 and a 128th-place finish last season. Any uptick in balance the Gophers can find will benefit promising sophomore quarterback Drake Lindsey and the passing game. 

Nebraska

Matt Rhule has a 19-19 record with Nebraska in three seasons as the head coach (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images).

Last year: 7-6 overall, 4-5 Big Ten

Postseason: 44-22 loss to Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl

Head coach: Matt Rhule, fourth season, 19-19 at Nebraska

Coordinators: Dana Holgorsen (offense); Rob Aurich (defense)

Recruiting: No. 88 nationally, No. 18 in the Big Ten 

Transfer portal: No. 31 nationally, No. 8 in the Big Ten 

Key storyline: Rhule vs. ranked opponents

On one hand, Nebraska will enter the 2026 season having compiled back-to-back winning records for the first time since 2013-14 under former coach Bo Pelini. On the other hand, the Cornhuskers’ current leader — Rhule — remains winless against ranked opponents (0-9) since taking over the program four years ago and hasn’t notched eight victories in a single season, college or otherwise, since before the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s schedule could include as many as six games against ranked opponents, headlined by dates with arguably the conference’s three best teams: Indiana (home), Oregon (away) and Ohio State (home). It’s time for Rhule to prove he can elevate Nebraska beyond its current middling status.  

Northwestern

Chip Kelly is the new Northwestern offensive coordinator for the 2026 season (Eileen T. Meslar via Getty Images).

Last year: 7-6 overall, 4-5 Big Ten

Postseason: 34-7 win over Central Michigan in the GameAbove Sports Bowl

Head coach: David Braun, fourth season, 19-19 at Northwestern

Coordinators: Chip Kelly (offense); Tim McGarigle (defense)

Recruiting: No. 52 nationally, No. 13 in the Big Ten 

Transfer portal: No. 42 nationally, No. 10 in the Big Ten 

Key storyline: A new offensive brain trust

There probably weren’t many offseason college football bingo cards that had Northwestern as the program most likely to make a splashy offensive coordinator hire. However, the Wildcats swung big and landed Kelly, the former head coach at Oregon and UCLA and a national championship-winning offensive coordinator for Ohio State in 2024. It now falls on Kelly and freshly hired quarterbacks coach Jerry Neuheisel, formerly of UCLA, to finally maximize the many talents of transfer Aidan Chiles, the No. 153 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class. Chiles comes to Northwestern following two up-and-down seasons at Michigan State and a promising freshman year at Oregon State. The program should receive a nice boost from the opening of its new stadium (Ryan Field) in October. 

Ohio State

Jeremiah Smith caught 87 passes for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns in his sophmore season at OSU (Photo by CFP/Getty Images).

Last year: 12-2 overall, 9-0 Big Ten

Postseason: 24-14 loss to Miami in the CFP quarterfinals

Head coach: Ryan Day, eighth season, 82-12 at Ohio State

Coordinators: Arthur Smith (offense); Matt Patricia (defense)

Recruiting: No. 4 nationally, No. 3 in the Big Ten 

Transfer portal: No. 7 nationally, No. 2 in the Big Ten 

Key storyline: Another former NFL head coach 

There were plenty of questions surrounding Day’s decision to hire former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia as his defensive coordinator ahead of the 2025 season. Patricia, a longtime disciple of former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, hadn’t worked in college football since 2003. His tenure with the Lions was rocky to say the least. But when push came to shove, Patricia established himself as one of the best coordinators in the country for a unit that finished first in scoring defense (9.3 points per game) and first in total defense (219.1 yards per game). Smith, meanwhile, hasn’t coached in college since he was a defensive intern at Ole Miss in 2010. He served most recently as offensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers (2024-25) and head coach of the Atlanta Falcons (2021-23). Can Day strike gold for the second straight year? 

Oregon

Dante Moore threw for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns, completing 71.8% of his passes with a 163.7 passer rating in 2025 (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images). 

Last year: 13-2 overall, 8-1 Big Ten

Postseason: 56-22 loss to Indiana in the CFP semifinals

Head coach: Dan Lanning, fifth season, 48-8 at Oregon

Coordinators: Drew Mehringer (offense); Chris Hampton (defense)

Recruiting: No. 3 nationally, No. 2 in the Big Ten 

Transfer portal: No. 21 nationally, No. 4 in the Big Ten 

Key storyline: QB Dante Moore vs. elite defenses 

For as good as Moore was during his first season as the Ducks’ starter — he threw for 3,565 yards with 30 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions — it was difficult to shake the feeling that he underperformed against high-level opposition. He threw more interceptions (five) than touchdown passes (three) in games against Indiana (twice), Iowa and Texas Tech. His first pass in the national semifinals during a rematch with the Hoosiers, who had previously upended Oregon at Autzen Stadium earlier in the season, resulted in a pick-six for cornerback D’Angelo Ponds. Eleven of the 17 total sacks he absorbed last season came in the aforementioned four games. The arm talent that made Moore a five-star recruit is undeniable; the toughness and poise to become a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate are still developing.   

Penn State

Rocco Becht completed 205 of 339 passes for 2,584 yards and 16 touchdowns at Iowa State in 2025 (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images for ONIT). 

Last year: 7-6 overall, 3-6 Big Ten

Postseason: 22-10 win over Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl

Head coach: Matt Campbell, first season, 107-70 overall

Coordinators: Taylor Mouser (offense); D’Anton Lynn (defense)

Recruiting: No. 65 nationally, No. 16 in the Big Ten 

Transfer portal: No. 4 nationally, No. 1 in the Big Ten 

Key storyline: Life after James Franklin

A long and winding coaching search to replace Franklin, who won at least 10 games in six of his 12 seasons with the Nittany Lions, ended with a figure most analysts agreed was an excellent choice for Penn State. Campbell, 46, has long been regarded as a rising star in coaching thanks to his yeoman’s work at Iowa State, a school largely bereft of top-end resources. His name is linked with high-profile jobs on what feels like an annual basis, both at the collegiate and NFL levels alike. Now, after tallying five eight-win seasons with the Cyclones and two finishes among the top 15 in the AP Poll, he assumes control at a program that has never quite claimed its place in the upper echelon of the modern game. The ongoing national title drought for Penn State stretches to 1986.  

Purdue

Barry Odom finished with a 0-9 record in the Big Ten in his first season as the Purdue head coach (Photo by Raj Mehta/Getty Images). 

Last year: 2-10 overall, 0-9 Big Ten

Postseason: None

Head coach: Barry Odom, second season, 2-10 at Purdue 

Coordinators: Josh Henson (offense); Kevin Kane (defense)

Recruiting: No. 55 nationally, No. 14 in the Big Ten 

Transfer portal: No. 48 nationally, No. 12 in the Big Ten 

Key storyline: Churn, baby, churn

When Odom took over the Boilermakers following a successful two-year run at UNLV, where he averaged 9.5 wins per season, one of his first orders of business was flipping the roster — a task made easier by the transfer portal. He added 86 new players, including 20 new starters, ahead of the 2025 campaign and promptly finished with an unsightly 0-9 record in conference play, the same as his predecessor Ryan Walters. So what did Odom do ahead of the 2026 season? He flipped his roster again. Fifty-four new Boilermakers joined the program since the end of last year, including 15 players who project as starters. There are also changes at defensive coordinator, running backs coach, offensive line coach and wide receivers coach. It’s anyone’s guess how well things mesh this fall.   

Rutgers

In 17 seasons as the head coach of Rutgers, Greg Schiano has a 99-108 record (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images).

Last year: 5-7 overall, 2-7 Big Ten

Postseason: None

Head coach: Greg Schiano, 18th season (two stints), 99-108 at Rutgers 

Coordinators: Kirk Ciarrocca (offense); Travis Johansen (defense)

Recruiting: No. 36 nationally, No. 10 in the Big Ten 

Transfer portal: No. 81 nationally, No. 18 in the Big Ten 

Key storyline: Fixing the cratering defense

In 2022 and 2023, under the direction of defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak, now the head coach at UMass, the Scarlet Knights ranked 38th nationally and 16th nationally, respectively, in total defense. And then Rutgers went off a cliff. Schiano’s team plummeted to No. 95 nationally in 2024, which proved to be Harasymiak’s final season, and No. 127 last fall — worst in the Big Ten. In an effort to stop the bleeding, Schiano plucked Johansen from a sitting head-coaching job at South Dakota, a team that reached the national quarterfinals at the FCS level. Johansen, who had been at South Dakota in various roles since 2019, is now working in the power conferences for the first time. His first real challenge will come against high-flying USC on Sept. 19. 

USC

Jayden Maiava threw for 3,711 passing yards (ranked 5th nationally) and 24 passing touchdowns in 2025 (Photo by Adam Davis via Getty Images).

Last year: 9-4 overall, 7-2 Big Ten

Postseason: 30-27 loss to TCU in the Alamo Bowl

Head coach: Lincoln Riley, fifth season, 35-18 at USC 

Coordinators: Luke Huard (offense); Gary Patterson (defense)

Recruiting: No. 1 nationally, No. 1 in the Big Ten 

Transfer portal: No. 29 nationally, No. 7 in the Big Ten 

Key storyline: Welcome back, Coach Patterson

Beginning in 2000, when TCU elevated him from defensive coordinator to head coach, Patterson oversaw one of the most successful runs the sport had ever seen from a program outside the power conferences. He tallied an incredible seven 11-win seasons with the Horned Frogs while playing in either Conference USA or the Mountain West from 2003-11, including an undefeated campaign in 2010. His success largely continued after TCU joined the Big 12 as Patterson racked up three more 11-win seasons from 2014-17, though momentum eventually fizzled toward the latter stages of his Hall-of-Fame tenure. Now, the 66-year-old Patterson has come out of retirement in hopes of finally fixing a leaky Trojans’ defense that ranked 51st nationally in scoring last season. It might be playoff or bust for USC this fall. 

UCLA

Nico Iamaleava completed 208 of 323 passing attempts (64.4%) for 1,928 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025 (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images). 

Last year: 3-9 overall, 3-6 Big Ten

Postseason: None

Head coach: Bob Chesney, first season, 132-52 overall 

Coordinators: Dean Kennedy (offense); Colin Hitschler (defense)

Recruiting: No. 62 nationally, No. 15 in the Big Ten 

Transfer portal: No. 25 nationally, No. 6 in the Big Ten 

Key storyline: Can Chesney match the hype?

Regardless of what happens this fall and beyond, Chesney has earned this opportunity in the power conferences. As a small-school lifer, he’s worked his way from defensive coordinator roles at Delaware Valley and Johns Hopkins to head-coaching opportunities at Salve Regina, Assumption, Holy Cross, James Madison and, finally, UCLA. The through line across his various stops? Winning. Chesney has endured just one losing season in 16 years as a head coach and guided JMU to the College Football Playoff last fall. All of that made Chesney, 48, one of the most coveted names on the coaching carousel and an excellent hire — on paper, anyway — for a program in desperate need of stability.

Washington

Demond Williams threw for 3,065 yards and 25 touchdowns with an impressive 69.5% completion rate in 2025 (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images). 

Last year: 9-4 overall, 5-4 Big Ten

Postseason: 38-10 win over Boise State in the LA Bowl

Head coach: Jedd Fisch, third season, 15-11 overall 

Coordinators: Jedd Fisch (offense); Ryan Walters (defense)

Recruiting: No. 13 nationally, No. 5 in the Big Ten 

Transfer portal: No. 59 nationally, No. 15 in the Big Ten 

Key storyline: Finding new skill players

Washington dodged a potentially Heisman Trophy-sized bullet when quarterback Demond Williams Jr., who announced his intention to transfer after signing a $4 million NIL deal this offseason, reversed course and vowed to return. For as great as that news was, it still only solved one of the Huskies’ problems on offense. Gone are top two running backs, Jonah Coleman and Adam Mohammed, a duo that combined for more than 1,300 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. Gone, too, are wide receivers Denzel Boston (62 catches, 881 yards, 11 touchdowns) and Raiden Vines-Bright (24 catches, 238 yards, 1 touchdown), the latter a very promising freshman. Finding the right players to replace those proven commodities is one of the biggest challenges facing Fisch and the coaching staff this fall, especially for a team that believes it should contend for a spot in the College Football Playoff. 

Wisconsin

Luke Fickell is 17-21 in three seasons as the head coach of Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

Last year: 4-8 overall, 2-7 Big Ten

Postseason: None

Head coach: Luke Fickell, fourth season, 17-21 at Wisconsin 

Coordinators: Jeff Grimes (offense); Mike Tressel (defense)

Recruiting: No. 78 nationally, No. 17 in the Big Ten 

Transfer portal: No. 38 nationally, No. 9 in the Big Ten 

Key storyline: Fickell’s last stand

This certainly feels like the last chance for Fickell, who once guided Cincinnati to the College Football Playoff, to right the ship at Wisconsin. Win totals have decreased in each of his three seasons with the Badgers — from seven in 2023, to five in 2024, to four in 2025 — and the athletic director who hired him, Chris McIntosh, recently left for a job in the Big Ten office. The lifelines are evaporating. But Fickell is hellbent on going down swinging, evidenced by a massive 33-player transfer haul that finished as the Big Ten’s largest class among programs without a new head coach. A difficult first half of the season should give way to a friendly November against Rutgers, Maryland, Purdue and Minnesota that might allow Fickell to build some momentum. 

Notre Dame & Oregon National Championship? Lock In These Bets Before It’s Too Late

Having sold 40 per cent of influencer marketing agency, Goat, in 2021, Harry Hugo had made his fortune at 26 – and he realised that, by the age of 30, he would have the rare luxury of not needing to work again.

So, by his own admission, he chased moments of “instant gratification”. But he also knew he needed to find a purpose.

One day, he and his friends – who had worked with him since he started his first business aged 16 – visited a Ferrari garage. He had his eyes on a 458 Spyder in black.

“My mate asked me why I was considering buying it,” he tells Sky Sports.

Image:
Farnham Town have earned three promotions in four seasons since Harry Hugo became chairman (Image: LJP Photos)

“My only answer was that it would be fun. That wasn’t a good enough answer, so I challenged my mates to come up with something that would provide as much fun for the money.

“The first suggestion was, why don’t we buy a football club – and I thought that was quite a good idea!”

The group built a matrix to rank the non-League clubs within a 50-mile radius of his home. Leatherhead came out on top, so Hugo followed the Tanners – then in the Isthmian Premier Division, one below the National League South – for six months.

Image:
Hugo sold 40 per cent of influencer marketing agency Goat in 2021 and the remainder two years later (Image: LJP Photos)

When he met the board, there was scepticism, he says. “I get that as, one, it’s unusual for a young guy wanting to go and spend loads of money on a football club and, two, there have been a lot of negative stories in non-League, where people have put loads of money in then walked away.”

Hugo was left deflated when a deal to take over did not materialise, yet he soon realised he had not fallen in love with Leatherhead, but non-League in general and “the raw emotion, the old-school nature of football in its purest form.”

Town takeover leads to back-to-back-to-back

Number two on the matrix was Farnham Town. Hugo had grown up in local area attended school in the town – which is around 11 miles from Guildford, Surrey – so there was a tie-in. The only downside? They were another two tiers down the pyramid.

But the board were instantly receptive and a deal was completed within five weeks.

Soon, the reality of what he had inherited caught up with him.

“When we walked in, it cannot be understated how s*** it was here,” he says, overlooking the pitch at The Memorial Ground, which is looking in excellent condition, despite the intense recent heatwaves.

Twitter

This content is provided by Twitter, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.


Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only.

Enable Cookies
Allow Cookies Once

“It was the clubhouse, a stand behind the goal… and that was it. A concrete block wall around the side of the pitch and a fence across the top. I was embarrassed to bring my wife down here!”

Today, it is almost hard to believe it is the same stadium. But more on that shortly as, to understand why that is the case, one must look at Farnham’s incredible rise, led on the pitch by manager Paul Johnson.

In 2022/23 – Hugo’s first season – Farnham finished sixth in the Combined Counties Premier Division South.

In 2023/24, they won that same division with 108 points.

In 2024/25, they won the Isthmian South Central Division with 102 points.

Image:
Paul Johnson has been in charge of Farnham Town since November 2022 (Image: LJP Photos)

And in 2025/26, they finished second to Walton & Hersham in the Southern League Premier Division South, before beating Gloucester City 5-1 in the play-off final to reach the National League South.

Before Hugo’s arrival, the club had never played above the ninth tier of English football. In 2026/27, they will play in the sixth.

Do Farnham have any recognisble faces?

• Sam Hutchinson: Five Premier League games for Chelsea, 207 games for Sheffield Wednesday in all competitions
• Brandon Mason: Two Premier League games for Watford, 36 League One games for Coventry City
• Rakish Bingham: 64 Scottish Premiership games for Hamilton Academical
• Billy Clifford: 31 League One games for Colchester United and Walsall, 43 League two games for Crawley Town
• Aaron Kuhl: Six Championship games for Reading, five Scottish Premiership games for Dundee United

Wrexham links and the value of socials

Naturally, there have been comparisons to Wrexham, who are the most high-profile example of a club achieving back-to-back-to-back promotions, from the National League to the Sky Bet Championship.

“I’m OK with that!” says Hugo, with a laugh.

“Like them, we also care about media, brand, image, experience and the biggest thing is they brought people up; they made more National League and EFL teams look at themselves and think they could be doing it.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac reflect on their five years as Wrexham owners.

“We’re having the same impact on teams at step three, four, five and wondering, if they did it, why can’t we?”

While the Red Dragons have their Disney+ series ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, Farnham produce ‘Non-League Diaries’, which is released weekly on YouTube.

Hugo harnessed his connections to get social media collective The Sidemen to sponsor the team in his first season, while last September, the club went viral after former Liverpool and England striker Peter Crouch walked out as a mascot as a forfeit for losing his Fantasy Football League.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Due to a forfeit, Peter Crouch agreed to become Farnham Town’s mascot – and drew a record attendance for the non-League side!

From 2023 until earlier this summer, Love Island runner-up Harry Cooksley was a key member of the squad and, on TikTok, they boast over 150,000 followers.

“Social media is huge commercially, from a fan engagement and brand-awareness point of view. It’s weird the amount of people that know about Farnham Town,” Hugo adds.

Image:
Harry Cooksley (left) of Love Island fame played a key role in Farnham’s rise (Image: LJP Photos)

“They might not have ever come, but they know Crouchy walked out in a full kit as a mascot or we won the play-off final 5-1 or we hold the British record for the most wins in a row in a league campaign. Other clubs have done things like it, but they can’t get the message out; they can’t tell the story.

“We’ve done a really good job of doing that and it’s been a major focus because it’s my background. It’s the perfect distribution channel that allows us to tell that story.”

Rapid rise forces need for rapid growth

Online, some accuse him of just throwing money at it. He accepts that was “a legitimate point” in his second year as getting out of the ninth tier became imperative.

“People who keep the lights on do an amazing job and make sure these non-League football clubs exist, then there’s the people who are trying to push it forward. That’s good for everybody,” he says.

“Farnham doing things for the first time and being as successful as we have been on and off the pitch drives everybody to be better. People have gone from hating us to admiring us because they’ve seen someone who is genuinely invested in this and wants to do it sustainably for the long-term.

Twitter

This content is provided by Twitter, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.


Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only.

Enable Cookies
Allow Cookies Once

“I don’t hide in a corporate box and I genuinely love football. I’m Farnham’s number one fan, and the chairman second. I’ve never been an anxious person, but I hate the 90 minutes because it means so much to me, which is why I do commentary. It’s like therapy to me because I’m so nervous!”

Farnham’s rise on the pitch has put strain – a welcome one at that – on Hugo and those off the pitch. Each promotion has brought a nine-month deadline for the club to bring their stadium up to the requirements for that level. The official capacity is currently 2,300, but by March 31 2027, it needs to be 3,000.

But they have not focused solely on that this summer. There are impressive new stands, but the whole club has received a makeover of the highest order. The transformation is striking.

Instagram

This content is provided by Instagram, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Instagram cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.


Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Instagram cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Instagram cookies for this session only.

Enable Cookies
Allow Cookies Once

“It’s constant money, but also planning. I love that, but I think it’s really important for people to understand it’s not just about winning on the pitch,” Hugo says.

“There’s so much you have to think about off the pitch if you’re as successful as we’ve been. It’s not just about throwing money at it; it’s about being strategic.

“The nice thing is we’re going to have brought a fanbase through that take nothing for granted because they’ve seen where we’ve come from. Hopefully everyone comes down to support the football club because we’re going to need to put a lot of cash back in the coffers with the work we’ve done.”

Speaking of cash, Hugo is incredibly transparent on social media with the financial side of things. He often posts details on X, highlighting the importance of the spend-per-head metric. Why?

Twitter

This content is provided by Twitter, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.


Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only.

Enable Cookies
Allow Cookies Once

“Because moving the dial from an average attendance of 1,000 to 1,500 is disproportionately harder than getting someone to spend £18, not £15, inside the ground. Once you get someone in and you give them opportunities to spend, that is way easier than trying to get someone brand new in.

“That’s not necessarily about putting prices up, more giving them opportunities to spend on better things.

“That metric has improved massively since we’ve been involved, without the ticket prices going up much at all. We are a cheap day out.”

The EFL is no longer just a pipe dream

Farnham’s rise has been so quick that it is hard to believe they are only two promotions from Sky Bet League Two. The ambition to get there is significant – and growing.

“The biggest thing that drives me is that Surrey doesn’t have an EFL team. That’s ridiculous,” says Hugo. “How doesn’t one of the most affluent counties, so close to London, not have one of the 92 EFL teams?!

Surrey’s top non-League teams

• National League: Sutton United, Woking
• National League South: Dorking Wanderers, Farnham Town, Walton & Hersham

“Woking and Sutton are in the league above us and when we started, Sutton were in the EFL and we were in step five. Now there’s one league between us. Who’s to say Farnham can’t get in ahead of all the others? Three years ago, I didn’t even consider that.

“We know how to get promotions. I know it takes everything, so much stuff that people don’t see, but we can actually stand up and say we think we can get to the EFL and we’ve proven we know how to do it, though we know it’s going to get harder.

“We are obviously going to try and get promoted again this season because that’s in our nature, but would it be the end of the world if we didn’t? Absolutely not. But we’ve only ever been promoted, so it’s going to be a weird feeling if we get to the end of the season and we don’t have a pitch invasion!

One to keep an eye on?

• Local lad Owen Dean came through Farnham Town’s youth ranks and has since become the club’s prized asset.
• The 23-year-old has played 202 games for the club since the 2021/22 season, scoring 87 goals and providing 39 assists.

“Some clubs will go through a chairman’s lifetime and never have one – we’ve had four in four years. I’m OK with our pitch not being invaded this year! It means we’d have time to figure out our facility, get it ready, so it would be National League, EFL ready.”

A long journey undoubtedly lies ahead, but it would take a brave person to bet against Hugo and Farnham, who have already changed perceptions of what a modern non-League club can be.

Several years on from that day in the Ferrari garage, it is certainly fair to say Farnham’s young chairman has found the purpose he was seeking.

The past few years, Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid had drifted away from bringing rookies and quarterbacks into training camp a few days early, reasoning that such a veteran team coming off deep playoff runs could do without it.

After all, for a decade, the Chiefs had made at least the wild-card round. Many of those seasons ended in February.

But the Chiefs collapsed last season, finishing a dismal 6-11 while losing quarterback Patrick Mahomes to a major knee injury. There were significant roster issues on both sides of the ball, depth problems at important positions that became exacerbated when injuries happened to other players, and it all meant an end to the season far earlier than anyone in Kansas City had expected.

So, with the team in need of a reset — among other reasons — Reid opted to bring his quarterbacks and rookies, along with a few other players coming off injuries, back to Missouri Western State University for a few days of work before the full squad arrives.

“I didn’t like not doing it last year after I got done with it, to be honest with you,” Reid said of the three-day crash course, which continued through heat indexes topping triple digits Sunday. “It’s a good thing for the quarterbacks, good thing for the rookies coming in. We do have more numbers (of rookies) this year, so it allows us to get more reps.

“I think,” Reid added, “that will benefit us.”

It couldn’t hurt.

Start with the quarterbacks: Mahomes was cleared this past week to fully participate in training camp after undergoing surgery in December to repair torn knee ligaments. And while Reid insisted this week that the two-time MVP would have no limitations, there is nevertheless a certain comfort that comes with getting some reps without a full team flying around him.

“You just have to build that confidence back,” Mahomes said, “and I’m glad I get to do that from Day 1 of training camp. I didn’t want to have to get only a couple of weeks of practice in and then have to go play a game. I wanted to build it up, see how training camp goes as we gradually build, and so I think that’ll help me get back to where I need to be.”

For the next two QBs on the depth chart, there’s the matter of learning the offense.

The Chiefs swung a trade with the Jets to bring in Justin Fields as the veteran backup, in part to have someone capable of winning a couple of games should Mahomes be unable to start Week 1. Their young project QB is Garrett Nussmeier, the once-heralded college star from LSU who fell all the way to the 249th overall pick in the NFL draft last April.

Beyond the quarterbacks, though, is the chance to get some extra work for a rookie class — more than two dozen are in camp — that Kansas City will be leaning upon more heavily than perhaps any other point in Reid’s tenure.

Defensive back Mansoor Delane, the first cornerback taken in the draft, is expected to start Week 1, and he may not be the only first-year player on the field. The Chiefs’ other first-round pick, defensive tackle Peter Woods, could find himself playing alongside perennial Pro Bowl pick Chris Jones, while pass rusher R Mason Thomas will be counted upon to pressure the quarterback.

That makes every extra rep they can get before the veterans arrive invaluable.

“I’m super grateful for the three days (of rookie camp),” Woods said. “I told someone earlier that the veterans, they have a standard for what they want to see from us young guys. Just coming in and being able to have some days to prepare myself to be able to mesh well with the veterans, that means a lot to me. Not everyone gets a chance to do that.”

Not in Kansas City. Not the past few years.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

What do Elliot Anderson, Morgan Rogers and Sandro Tonali have in common?

All three made moves for £100m or more this summer – but they also follow a growing trend where ‘Big Six’ clubs – defined as Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Spurs – sign players from their non-Big Six Premier League rivals.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Speaking on the Transfer Talk Podcast, Henry Winter and Keith Downie discuss the importance of Bruno Guimaraes to Newcastle and how much he’s worth to the club

So, how much are the league’s powerhouse clubs spending on players from other teams in the top flight?

Since summer 2016, Big Six clubs have spent £2.8bn on players from non-Big Six Premier League rivals. The trend has accelerated sharply: £647m last season was the highest in history, and the total already stands at £420m this summer.

Datawrapper

This content is provided by Datawrapper, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Datawrapper cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.


Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Datawrapper cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Datawrapper cookies for this session only.

Enable Cookies
Allow Cookies Once

Is more Premier League business staying in-house?

Premier League clubs are increasingly buying from within the league. The total spend on intra-Premier League signings reached £1.29bn last season – the highest ever by a wide margin.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky Sports’ Dave Reed assesses whether £100m+ deals are becoming the new norm in the transfer market

Why? Clubs are increasingly looking to recruit tried-and-tested players for minimal risk, but that security now comes at an increasingly high price.

A fairer comparison is to look at the proportion of money spent on players already plying their trade in the division.

That share reached a record-low 14 per cent in 2018/19, with the majority of teams splashing cash on overseas talent – but that has generally trended upwards since then and currently stands at 41 per cent this summer to date.

Which clubs rely most on domestic market?

Chelsea are the Premier League hub for transfers, spending a staggering £862m on players from other Premier League clubs since 2016. The majority of that has been spent since the BlueCo takeover in 2022.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Elliot Anderson conducted his first interview as a Manchester City player and could not resist a cheeky dig at their rivals Manchester United. Pictures courtesy of City Studios

The biggest intra-Premier League corridor remains Brighton to Chelsea, with deals totalling £263m since the summer of 2016.

Datawrapper

This content is provided by Datawrapper, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Datawrapper cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.


Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Datawrapper cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Datawrapper cookies for this session only.

Enable Cookies
Allow Cookies Once

Chelsea have also signed £222m of players from Leicester and £156m from Aston Villa, with Alejandro Garnacho moving the other way on loan this summer.

But the Big Six also offload heavily to other Premier League clubs. Chelsea are in a league of their own when it comes to spending (£862m) and selling (£683m) to their league rivals since 2016/17.

Summer window hotting up

One thing is clear: the top end of the transfer market continues to accelerate, with the average top-end signing now costing £68m.

Datawrapper

This content is provided by Datawrapper, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Datawrapper cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.


Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Datawrapper cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Datawrapper cookies for this session only.

Enable Cookies
Allow Cookies Once

Six of the top 10 deals so far this summer are intra-Premier League deals, excluding Mateus Fernandes’ £85m move from relegated West Ham to Spurs.

Datawrapper

This content is provided by Datawrapper, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Datawrapper cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.


Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Datawrapper cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Datawrapper cookies for this session only.

Enable Cookies
Allow Cookies Once

Indeed, Spurs have been the biggest-spending club in the window so far with £237m spent, followed by Chelsea (£203.5m) and Manchester City (£129m).

Datawrapper

This content is provided by Datawrapper, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Datawrapper cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.


Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Datawrapper cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Datawrapper cookies for this session only.

Enable Cookies
Allow Cookies Once

In the Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) era, Big Six clubs increasingly appear to believe Premier League players offer lower recruitment risk – while giving the league’s other clubs one of the quickest routes to financial headroom.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

James Savundra takes a look at who would be best-placed to replace the injured William Saliba at Arsenal – John Stones and Ezri Konsa?

The direction of travel is clear: more Premier League money is staying inside the league, and the Big Six are increasingly finding their next signings closer to home.

INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY (Indianapolis) — Restart time appears to be Heim Time.

Corey Heim diced his way to the lead on a restart with 35 laps remaining and then held off the best of the best to capture the Brickyard 400 for his second career victory.

Heim, who is running a part-time schedule with 23XI Racing, has just eight starts this year and has won two huge races this summer — the road-course race at Naval Base Coronado and then on the hallowed grounds of Indianapolis.

“I’m pretty out of breath,” Heim said after exiting his car on the TNT telecast. “That was a workout. It was a dream come true. Winning at the Brickyard? That’s unbelievable.”

Here are my takeaways:

1. Restart Key To Heim Win

Heim got a push from Joey Logano to jump out to the lead on the restart while the line of Denny Hamlin-Christopher Bell-Chase Briscoe couldn’t coordinate their push well enough. It cost Hamlin four spots as he dropped to sixth while Bell was able to get to second.

“Pushing is the name of the game, and Briscoe let me know he was going to push me, but he got on me way early, and then it was pushing me into Denny — and then Denny is on the binders trying to not get a penalty [for jumping the restart],” Bell told me after the race.

“The three of us just did not execute the restart very well. Fortunately, it worked out for me. Denny’s probably not going to be very happy.”

After that, it was just up to Heim to first throw a block on Hamlin and then to hold off Bell, Joey Logano, Briscoe and Hamlin. And he did just that.

“[Hamlin] has every right to be a little bit frustrated with me,” Heim said. “He probably would have done the same thing.”

Corey Heim is taking the Cup Series by storm despite limited starts.

2. Hamlin Left To Wonder

Christopher Bell was right that Denny Hamlin wasn’t pleased.

“It’s really more on us and the 20 [of Bell] and the 19 [of Briscoe] of just not orchestrating good pushes there,” Hamlin said in his TNT interview after the race. “We came detached at the wrong time.”

Hamlin saw the win slip away, which couldn’t have been a good feeling even if he is the co-owner of 23XI Racing, which has now won back-to-back Brickyard 400s with Heim and Bubba Wallace last year.

“That’s how you lose them,” Hamlin said. “These restarts, when everyone kind of knows when you’re going to go, it’s about the pushes.

“That’s essentially where I got the lead from [Heim] the restart before. Just came back the other way around.”

Denny Hamlin didn’t execute as he would have liked on a pivotal restart.

3. Larson’s Indy Crashout

Kyle Larson looked like he was going to have control early in the race, but he blew a left rear tire just when he was about to take the lead on Lap 44.

The Hendrick Motorsports driver had no warning, and it was another sour end at a track that has been more sour than joy (except for his 2024 Brickyard 400 win).

“It’s obviously disappointing,” Larson told me and other reporters after exiting the track’s medical center. “You go from 10th to the lead on a good start and then race strategy — we set ourselves up well to gain a lot of points there and also set ourselves up to maintain that track position the rest of the race.

“It’s a bummer, but that’s just part of racing.”

A tire issue ruined Kyle Larson’s day at The Brickyard.

4. Gilliland Wins Million Bucks

Todd Gilliland finished 24th to win the $1 million in-season tournament, a bracket-based head-to-head challenge within the last five races.

The Front Row Motorsports driver got to celebrate as his opponent, Ryan Blaney, got caught up in an accident and finished 26th.

“My heart was pounding those last 25 laps,” Gilliland said. “It was me, the 16 [of AJ Allmendinger] and the 12 [of Blaney]. … I still feel like we kind of earned it coming down the stretch.

“The biggest thing for me that was really cool through this whole process was seeing how my team really elevated themselves, really grabbed another gear.”

Blaney wasn’t thrilled, as he told the TNT broadcast after John Hunter Nemechek apologized to him for the contact that triggered the wreck: “He apologized and said he didn’t mean to do it. It still happened. … It’s a shame it ended that way.”

Todd Gilliland is $1 million richer after winning the in-season tournament.

4 ½. Off Week Before Iowa

The NASCAR Cup Series has its second and final off weekend since the start of the regular season before getting back into action at the 0.875-mile Iowa Speedway oval.

It is another short track and part of a string of short-track races with 0.75-mile Richmond and 1-mile New Hampshire following Iowa.

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT

Alex Bowman is staying put for now. Here’s the latest from NASCAR’s silly season.

Craig Overton won his one-on-one battle with twin brother Jamie as Trent Rockets beat London Spirit by four wickets with two balls to spare in The Hundred.

Rockets needed 10 runs from the final five deliveries at Trent Bridge on Sunday night with Craig batting for the hosts and Jamie bowling for the visitors.

Craig (20no off six) earned bragging rights, and two points for his team, by top-edging Jamie for six over deep fine leg and then picking up successive twos to take Rockets to their target of 160, after Ben Duckett had spanked an excellent 75 off 47 balls up top.

Image:
The Overton twins shake hands after Sunday evening’s match at Trent Bridge

Craig Overton’s six-two-two off his sibling had mirrored his efforts off Andrew Tye across the previous three deliveries with a maximum over long-on followed by a brace of two-run hauls, exploits that helped Rockets to a first win of 2026 and condemned Spirit to successive defeats.

Earlier in the game, Overton had caught and bowled Spirit opener Jonny Bairstow for a duck and also dismissed South African biffer Lhuan-dré Pretorius for 24.

Pretorius’ compatriot Dewald Brevis top-scored with 39 from 24 balls in Spirit’s 159-9, while captain Liam Livingstone contributed 33 off 24 deliveries.

Buttler blasts Super Giants to back-to-back wins

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Watch all of Jos Butler’s sixes in Manchester Super Giants’ win over Birmingham Phoenix

Elsewhere, Jos Buttler cracked 90 from 50 balls as Manchester Super Giants hammered Birmingham Phoenix by 87 runs to join Welsh Fire in winning their first two matches.

Buttler’s knock at Emirates Old Trafford, which featured seven fours and five sixes and helped Super Giants post 187-5, was only 10 runs fewer than Phoenix managed as an entire team, with the visitors bundled out for 100 as Liam Dawson claimed 3-15.

The hosts backed up their narrow seven-run win over Spirit at Lord’s on Thursday, while Phoenix slipped to a first loss having edged Rockets by 10 runs in a high-scoring clash at Edgbaston on Friday.

Image:
Super Giants seamer Josh Tongue celebrates the wicket of Phoenix’s Rehan Ahmed

Buttler was supported by Tom Moores’ 39 not out off 17, which included five maximums, but Phoenix’s batting never got going with skipper Donovan Ferreria (23) top-scoring.

England pacer Josh Tongue struck twice in two balls to rock Phoenix early, inflicting a golden duck on Rehan Ahmed, and the Midlanders never really recovered.

England quick Sonny Baker and Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad also bagged two wickets for Super Giants, who look to have an excellent all-round attack.

What is happening in The Hundred on Monday?

After the four-games-a-day set-up at the weekend, Monday sees a return to a single double-header with Southern Brave’s women’s side hosting MI London from 3pm before the men’s sides square off from 6.30pm. Catch both fixtures live on Sky Sports.

Coach Kyle Shanahan walked onto the practice field and stood next to general manager John Lynch, watching his San Francisco 49ers practice for about 30 minutes.

Shanahan’s presence that has been a constant the past decade was a welcome sight on Sunday for the first training camp practice, coming less than two weeks after he got into a car crash that left him with a concussion and other injuries.

“I know he can’t stay away,” star linebacker Fred Warner said. “I know he’s given up his duties for a little bit, but that guy’s obsessed with ball. I’m sure of course he’s going to be around.”

While Shanahan made a cameo appearance at practice on Sunday, the Niners began preparations for the 2026 season without their leader in charge. Shanahan has ceded responsibility over the team to assistant head coach/offensive line coach Chris Foerster temporarily as he recovers from the crash he got into on July 14 in nearby Palo Alto.

Shanahan suffered a concussion, broken ribs, a broken nose and broken hand in the crash and won’t be back running the team until the concussion symptoms subside. Shanahan had a cast on his left hand, sunglasses to cover up his black eye and a new mustache that prompted Warner to complement him on his “disguise” as he watched practice.

Shanahan interacted with a few players, including Warner, Kyle Juszczyk, Christian McCaffrey and Dre Greenlaw before leaving the field.

“I knew it would be tough to keep him away from there,” star tackle Trent Williams said. “It’s going to be hard for him to get his rest. He’s not that type of person. It doesn’t surprise me at all to see him out there.”

With a veteran-laden team and several coaches who have been with the organization for years, Foerster and Williams said it’s almost as if the team is on “auto pilot” and not thrown off by Shanahan’s absence.

The training camp practice plan was put in place long before Shanahan’s crash with the opening stretch of camp essentially a repeat of the installations from the offseason program.

Foerster said he is leaning heavily on his assistants, especially coordinators Klay Kubiak, Raheem Morris and Brant Boyer. He said not much has changed other than he had to break the team after practice, he did a news conference and he got to make the call on small parts of practice such as whether to repeat or skip a play following a pre-snap penalty.

Foerster has been in the NFL for more than three decades, starting as an assistant offensive line and tight ends coach in Minnesota in 1993 and had little problem taking command of the entire team.

“He’s been doing this longer than everybody in that locker room been alive, probably except for me,” Williams said. “It’s like a hand-in-glove fit. Me personally, I’m so proud of him just watching him even just be a head coach for a day, or no matter how long it is. We go so far back, he’s family to me. Just seeing him in that position, I’m just really proud.”

Foerster spent four seasons with Washington when Shanahan was offensive coordinator and Mike Shanahan was head coach and joined the 49ers in 2019. Foerster had resigned as offensive line coach in Miami in 2017 after a video on social media appeared to show him snorting three lines of white powder at a desk, but got a second chance with Shanahan.

“He’s one of my best friends in the world by far,” Foerster said. “There’s not many people that I call a friend for a lot of reasons, and Kyle’s one of them. He and his wife, Mandy, are like family to me. This organization did some things for me and pulled me in at a time in my life when nobody would really want to be with me. And Kyle, along with John and the whole York family have stood by me and that loyalty’s never going to be forgotten. He’s a close, close friend, and it scares the crap out of you when something like this happens to somebody so close.”

Bosa Takes Field For Individual Drills

Star defensive end Nick Bosa was on the field to start camp as he makes his return from a torn ACL suffered in Week 3 last season. Bosa only took part in individual drills and was working on his own on the side during team drills.

“I couldn’t even tell that he had an injury or he came back from anything,” Williams said. “Most people with a knee injury that catastrophic, you come back, you can see something. You can see it in the atrophy in the muscle and the leg. You can see something. Bosa looks better than he did before he got hurt.”

News And Notes

OL Vederian Lowe left practice early with an ankle injury. … CB Nate Hobbs was the only active player not taking part in practice. … The Niners signed DT Kevin Givens a day after releasing Evan Anderson. Givens has played 70 games for San Francisco from 2019-25. … Foerster said Connor Colby will get the first shot to win the starting left guard spot after starting six games as a seventh-round rookie last season.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

The top stories and transfer rumours from Monday’s newspapers…

PREMIER LEAGUE

Paris Saint-Germain are willing to sell the France winger Bradley Barcola, but the French and European champions want a fee of £145m – The Times & Daily Telegraph

PSG have put a £140m price tag on the Liverpool and Arsenal target – The Sun

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky Sports News’ Dharmesh Sheth explains how Arsenal could now look to get PSG’s Bradley Barcola after failing in their pursuit of Morgan Rogers.

Liverpool are working to reach an agreement with PSG over Barcola amid escalating valuations – Daily Mail

The France forward has ended talks with the Parisians over a new contract – Daily Mail

Barcola would be open to joining Liverpool this summer in a British record transfer – The Mirror

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has issued a hands-off warning for his captain Granit Xhaka and told Chelsea to forget about signing him this summer – Daily Mail

Arsenal are exploring a move for the Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr, but the Spanish club are hopeful of resuming contract talks with the star after an impasse – The Times

Arsenal would be willing to offer the Brazilian the biggest contract in the club’s history in order to complete a mega transfer deal – The Mirror & Daily Telegraph

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky Sports News brings you the latest transfer news with updates on the likes of Cristian Romero, Yan Diomande and Maxence Lacroix.

Al-Rayyan have offered free agent Jadon Sancho a contract to try and kickstart his career in the Middle East following the expiry of his Man Utd contract – The Sun

Crysencio Summerville turned down the opportunity to move to Tottenham and opted for Al-Hilal out of respect for West Ham – The Sun

Totenham appear to have moved to the front of the queue in the race to sign Manchester City winger Savinho – The Sun

Inter Milan have entered talks with Tottenham over the potential signing of Cristian Romero – The Guardian

Juventus are working on a deal to sign Netherlands forward Joshua Zirkzee, 25, from Manchester United – Gazzetta dello Sport

Chelsea will demand a significant fee for Portugal winger Pedro Neto, 26, amid interest from Liverpool, Manchester City and Saudi Arabian teams – Daily Mail

Watch Back Pages on Sky Sports News

Back Pages is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm.

Missed the show? Catch up on the latest news with the Back Pages podcast.

EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

Besiktas are waiting for a decision from Egypt forward Mohamed Salah, 34, after submitting their final offer – Daily Mail

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp speaks to The Anfield Wrap’s John Gibbons, calling on the Liverpool fans to have a smile on their faces when ‘one of the all-time greats’ Mohamed Salah plays his final match for the club.

Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha, 31, wants to fight for his place at Bayern Munich, but they are looking to sell him – Bild

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

Derek McInnes has revealed Rangers are closing in on two more targets – Scottish Sun

Paderborn chief Sebastian Lange has warned Celtic they won’t land Mika Baur on the cheap – Scottish Sun

Puerto Rico and Curaçao may be small islands, but the support they showed was massive as elite center fielders Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday.

Both joined slugging second baseman Jeff Kent as the newest members before an estimated crowd of 12,000 fans at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, with 57 other Hall of Famers on stage — creating the largest gathering of current Hall of Famers.

Jones’ speech was almost like a love letter to his home country of Curaçao.

“There’s no easy way to get here from the small island of Curaçao, more than 2,000 miles away,” Jones said. “But today Cooperstown and Curaçao are forever joined together.”

The longtime Atlanta Braves outfielder, a 10-time Gold Glove winner and five-time All-Star, is the first player from Curaçao to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. But he said he doesn’t plan on being the last. He pointed to players who have followed him, including Ozzie Albies and Kenley Jansen, as part of the Curaçao legacy started by Hensley “Bam Bam” Meulens.

Among the highlights, Jones’ tribute to his late father, Henry Jones, stood out. He said his father used to hit him flyballs from foul pole to foul pole to teach him how to track the ball, and how to build strong wrists by rolling a sledgehammer.

“Everything he taught me had a purpose,” Jones said. “Henry Jones was a legend in Curaçao, a great player in his own right. And I’m not standing here in Cooperstown without his constant coaching. Dad, we did it.”

Chants of “Puerto Rico” broke out before Beltrán even uttered a word. And whenever he mentioned his home island, the crowd cheered for him and waved flags.

“Everywhere I played baseball, I always tried to represent my island,” Beltrán said. “I tried to do the best I could for the organizations that I played, but also I wanted to represent Puerto Rico.”

The 20-year veteran and 1999 AL Rookie of the Year ran through each organization he played for, thanking them for the different lessons each provided. The New York Mets received the most praise.

“When people ask me about why I chose (the Mets) cap, I have to say this,” he said. “Guys, it’s simple. Every organization shapes your career. New York shaped my life.”

When discussing the teams he played for, Beltrán gave specific examples from some of his stops, including watching teammates Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell “play with pain” in Houston. But he did not mention winning the World Series with the Astros in 2017. That title carries controversy because of an illegal sign-stealing scheme and Beltrán’s involvement in it.

Beltrán did not directly address the scandal, but did comment on those who may or may not have voted for him for whatever reasons.

“To the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, I want to say thank you for making me a Hall of Famer. … And for those that didn’t (vote for me) — that saw things different — I want to say also thank you. I appreciate your perspective,” he said. “If baseball has really taught me something, I want to say is that I hope in life, we continue to measure ourselves by the same standard we have used to measure others.”

Beltrán earned 84.2% of the vote from the BBWAA to make the Hall on his fourth try. Jones garnered 78.4% in his ninth year of eligibility, eclipsing the 75% needed for induction. Kent was elected by a much smaller panel last December, the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee, after dropping off the BBWAA ballot when his eligibility ran out in 2023.

The 2000 NL MVP with the San Francisco Giants played for six teams over his 17-year career and set the all-time home run mark for second basemen. A hard-nosed player, Kent showed a softer side during induction weekend.

Before even speaking, Kent needed tissues to wipe the tears from his eyes after looking at his parents in the crowd, he said in a post-ceremony news conference.

“I was more emotional for the 35, 40 minutes of sitting down than I was for the speech,” he said. “I thought I was going to be a wreck and I’m glad it was only a half a wreck.”

In his speech, Kent told a story of how his baseball career turned when his father offered him a deal: if he earned a college scholarship, he would buy him a pickup truck. Kent quit racing motorcycles and shifted his focus to school and baseball and eventually earned a scholarship to the University of California, Berkeley.

In turn, he got a pickup truck he still has.

“It sits in my garage as a simple reminder that some of the simplest things can change the entire direction of your life,” Kent said.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

Jackson Koivun held off a charge from world No 1 Scottie Scheffler to win his first PGA Tour title in just his third start as a professional as he triumphed by three strokes at the 3M Open in Minnesota.

The 21-year-old’s final-round, five-under 66 came after Scheffler – looking for his first title since the American Express back in January – applied the pressure with an eight-under 63 to post the clubhouse score at 22 under par.

Koivun had carved out a three-shot lead over Emiliano Grillo and Ben Kohles after round three following a stunning, bogeyless 10-under 61 that included two eagles and four birdies on an eight-under back nine.

Image:
Scottie Scheffler’s eight-under 63 came in vain on Sunday as he finished three shots adrift of Koivun

The youngster’s Sunday was not as dramatic but he kept his cool to complete victory, securing the 3M Open scoring record of 25 under par in the process as he finished a blemish-free weekend with a par.

Koivun, who had made 10 starts as an amateur on the tour, turned professional after the US Open in June and missed the cut in his first event – the John Deere Classic – before finishing tied-10th at the Isco Championship.

He made 24 birdies, those two Saturday eagles and just three bogeys all week at TPC Twin Cities during a performance that hinted at an extremely bright future and also pushed him up 124 spots in the FedExCup standings to 70th, the final play-off berth with two regular events remaining.

Image:
Koivun won his first PGA Tour title at the age of just 21

Koivun: Golf was love at first sight

He said afterwards: “I played a great round of golf. I definitely had some nerves coming down 18.

“I heard the crowd saying, ‘Scottie’s coming, Scottie’s coming’ but I just tried to blank that out and play the golf I knew I could. I was able to find some good putts down the stretch.

“I love this game, it’s everything I do. It was love at first sight and I just want to say thanks to my parents for getting me into this and supporting me on my entire journey.”

Image:
Koivun made just three bogeys throughout the week, all in his second round

‘Houdini chipper Koivun will make it to the top’

Sky Sports’ Simon Holmes on Jackson Koivun:

“He is turbocharged and ready to perform immediately. He has presence in front of the camera and media. This guy is going to create a lot of fans.

“If you look at some of the talent th.at has come through that college system – Jordan Spieth, Collin Morikawa and Viktor Hovland – you’d say he is at least on a par with all of those players. But there is something in him that sets him apart from that group.

“Spieth had amazing putting but not a great driver. Morikawa, similar, amazing irons.

“With Koivun, you say driver, fantastic – he can play golf from the middle of the fairway. Iron control, amazing. Can he chip? Absolutely, he is a [Harry] Houdini.

“The best parts of his game are his putting and his mindset. He sees himself reaching the top of the pyramid – that is the outcome he expects.

“Let’s see him make that journey. It’s going to happen.”

Watch the PGA Tour’s Rocket Classic, live on Sky Sports Golf from 7pm on Thursday. Coverage also picks up on Sky Sports Main Event from 9.30pm. Get Sky Sports or stream golf with no contract through NOW.

Get the best prices and book a round at one of 1,700 courses across the UK & Ireland

Cristiano Ronaldo has been told he must accept a reduced role for the Portugal national team if he is to continue his record-breaking international journey. 

Following the appointment of Jorge Jesus as the new Seleccao boss, former Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira has suggested that the legendary forward will no longer be an undisputed starter.

Jesus takes the reins of the Seleção

The appointment of Jesus as the new head coach of Portugal marks a significant shift for the national team as they look to move on from a disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign.

Former Benfica president Vieira, who worked closely with Jesus during his time at the Estadio da Luz, believes the 72-year-old is the right man to lead the country forward.

Speaking to Antena 1, Vieira expressed his confidence in the appointment, stating: “I know him profoundly well. He is a super professional. I’m not the only one saying it, mainly the players who worked with him, everyone says he is. And I think it’s a right choice. Having a Portuguese coach again is very important. The last one we had was Fernando Santos, now we have Jorge and I think he has all the capacity to do a job that makes us all happy.”

Managing The Ronaldo Transition

One of the most pressing issues for the new manager is how to handle the twilight years of Ronaldo, who has faced increasing scrutiny over his starting spot. 

Vieira suggested that for the 233-cap veteran to remain part of the setup, he must come to terms with the fact that he will not feature in every match.

Regarding the management of the Al-Nassr superstar, who worked with Jesus in the Saudi Pro League last season, Vieira commented: “I think he knows how to manage that situation and will know how to manage it. He has a great relationship with Ronaldo, for sure. And Ronaldo also knows that the end is already being looked at. He will have to decide and, sometimes, maybe he will play, other times he will not play, and so on.”

Ronaldo’s Legendary International Legacy

Regardless of whether his role is reduced, Ronaldo’s impact on the Portuguese national team remains unparalleled in the history of the sport. His goal-scoring records and cap count set a benchmark that may never be surpassed by a European player.

While there have been reports of retirement dates being set, Jesus seems intent on ensuring the transition is handled with the respect befitting a national hero.

Jesus himself has recently addressed the speculation about a squad overhaul, ensuring that he will maintain some continuity. Jesus stated: “People might think that the new manager is going to come in and change a lot of players. That won’t happen. I’m not stupid. On top of that, I don’t have enough time to bring in several players who weren’t called up this time.”

The Strategy For Success

Vieira’s endorsement of Jesus is rooted in the manager’s tactical discipline and his “game by game” philosophy, which served him well during trophy-laden spells across various clubs.

In analyzing the approach, Vieira remarked: “We have to win games, one by one. In fact, it’s his policy to win game by game: the next game is the most important, the next is the most important and that’s how you get there. Now, expectations, we all have expectations that we’re going to win, but we have to agree that the others also play football.”

Skip to content

Sky Sports Homepage

Menu

• Home

• Sports

  • Football
  • F1
  • Cricket
  • Rugby Union
  • Rugby League
  • Golf
  • Boxing
  • NFL
  • Tennis
  • NBA
  • Racing
  • Darts
  • Netball
  • MMA
  • More Sports

• Scores

  • Football
  • F1
  • Cricket
  • Rugby Union
  • Rugby League
  • Golf
  • NFL
  • Tennis
• Watch
• Sky Bet
• More
  • Podcasts
  • Upcoming on Sky
  • Get Sky Sports
  • Sky Sports App
  • Sky Sports with no contract
  • Kick It Out
  • British South Asians in Football

Watch Sky Sports

More Sports

• Live On Sky
• Watch
• Get Sky Sports
• Sky Bet
• More

Cavendish excited to race as Knight Commander

Thomas signs contract extension with INEOS Grenadiers

UCI to ban transgender women from participating in female cycling events

Cycling legend Cavendish to retire at end of 2023 season

Real Talk: A Sky Sports News podcast

Deignan announces pregnancy; plans to return for 2023 season

Grand Tour winner Bernal to undergo further surgery

Former TdF winner Bernal in intensive care after training crash

Women’s Tour de France to return as stage race in 2022

Ewan wins Giro stage eight

Froome defends Ruta del Sol entry

Froome: TUEs have a place

Froome: Team were flawless

• X

• Facebook

• TikTok

• Instagram

• YouTube

• WhatsApp

• Partners
  • Sky Bet
  • Super 6
  • TEAMtalk.com
  • Football365.com
• Sky Sports Channels
  • Sky Sports Main Event
  • Sky Sports Premier League
  • Sky Sports Football
  • Sky Sports Cricket
  • Sky Sports Golf
  • Sky Sports F1
  • Sky Sports Tennis
  • Sky Sports Action
  • Sky Sports News
  • Sky Sports+
  • Sky Sports Racing
  • Sky Sports Mix
• More Sky Sites
  • Sky.com
  • Sky News
  • Sky Go
  • Sky Group
  • Sky For Businesses
  • Sky Partnerships
  • Sky Impact
  • Store Locator
  • Advertise With Us
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy & Cookies Notice
• Privacy Options
• Accessibility Information
• Contact Us

© 2026 Sky UK

• Home

• Sports

  • Football
  • F1
  • Cricket
  • Rugby Union
  • Rugby League
  • Golf
  • Boxing
  • NFL
  • Tennis
  • NBA
  • Racing
  • Darts
  • Netball
  • MMA
  • More Sports

• Scores

  • Football
  • F1
  • Cricket
  • Rugby Union
  • Rugby League
  • Golf
  • NFL
  • Tennis
• Watch
• Sky Bet
• More
  • Podcasts
  • Upcoming on Sky
  • Get Sky Sports
  • Sky Sports App
  • Sky Sports with no contract
  • Kick It Out
  • British South Asians in Football

Watch Sky Sports

Veteran pitcher Lance McCullers has been designated for assignment by the Milwaukee Brewers less than two weeks after they acquired the right-hander from the Houston Astros.

The Brewers announced the move before their game Sunday against the Colorado Rockies. They recalled right-handed pitcher Garrett Stallings from Triple-A Nashville.

The moves come a day after McCullers walked four batters in 1 2/3 innings of relief in an 8-5 victory over the Rockies. McCullers entered with Milwaukee ahead 8-2 in the eighth inning and returned for the ninth, but he allowed a hit and two walks in that inning before Trevor Megill came in to get the final out.

McCullers went 0-0 with a 3.86 ERA in two relief appearances with Milwaukee. He struck out five, walked five and allowed five runs (three earned) over 4 2/3 innings.

The bullpen role was new for McCullers, who had started in 148 of his 154 career outings with Houston.

McCullers, 32, had spent his entire major league career with the Astros until they sent him and left-hander Colton Gordon to the Brewers for minor league outfielder Jadyn Fielder on July 15. Houston had agreed to pay Milwaukee $4,227,273 to offset most of McCullers’ remaining salary, leaving his cost to the Brewers at $2.5 million.

McCullers was on the injured list with shoulder inflammation at the time of the trade and last pitched for the Astros on May 13. He went 2-3 with a 6.86 ERA in eight starts for Houston this season.

He began his MLB career in 2015 and owns a 53-40 record with a 3.85 ERA. McCullers was part of Houston’s 2017 and 2022 World Series champions, but injuries kept him from pitching in 2019, 2023 and 2024.

Stallings pitched three scoreless innings in two appearances during an earlier stint with Milwaukee this season. He has gone 3-3 with a 4.11 ERA for Nashville in 18 appearances, including 13 starts.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

South African all-rounders Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk helped London Spirit Women chalk up their first win of The Hundred season as they inflicted a maiden defeat on Trent Rockets with a five-wicket triumph in Nottingham.

Kapp recorded bowling figures of 3-12 from 20 balls – she only conceded her first run off the bat from her 11th delivery – during Rockets’ 142-7 at Trent Bridge, in which England off-spinner Charlie Dean bagged 2-18 and home captain Ash Gardner (34) top-scored.

Spirit wobbled from 55-0 to 67-4 in the chase once the hard-hitting Grace Harris (37 off 20) departed but De Klerk (41no off 22), backed up by Marie Kelly (39), secured victory with three balls to spare, hitting the winning six off Georgia Adams over deep square leg.

The away side bounced back from an opening defeat to Manchester Super Giants in which they were rolled for 80, with Rockets unable to build on a nine-wicket drubbing of Birmingham Phoenix that saw them raze their fellow Midlanders for just 64.

Image:
Nadine de Klerk hit the match-winning six for Spirit

Highlights for Rockets on Sunday included Sophia Dunkley (23 off 15) slamming three boundaries in a row off Deandra Dottin, whose figures read an eye-watering 0-32 from 10 balls after Ash Gardner and Sophie Luff (24 off 19) collared her later on.

De Klerk was nailed for three fours on the trot by Gardner but it was her own boundary hitting that ended up clinching the game, with two fours and three sixes including a late maximum off a Gardner full toss, crunched over the covers.

In the day’s other women’s match, Super Giants and Phoenix were thwarted by the rain at Emirates Old Trafford with no play possible in their scheduled 11am start.

What is happening in The Hundred on Monday?

After the four-games-a-day set-up at the weekend, Monday sees a return to a single double-header with Southern Brave’s women’s side hosting MI London from 3pm before the men’s sides square off from 6.30pm. Catch both fixtures live on Sky Sports.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. 

New users on Polymarket can use promo code FOX to claim a $20 trading bonus ahead of today’s matchup between the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies, two of MLB’s best teams.

The Yankees look to complete a three-game sweep after dominating the first two games of the series. Cam Schlittler dazzled in the opener with 12 strikeouts over 7.1 scoreless innings, while David Bednar extended his scoreless streak beyond 22 innings to help New York close out tight victories.

Philadelphia is searching for a spark after its offense struggled throughout the series, only scoring one run in the first two games. The Phillies try to avoid being swept at home against one of the American League’s hottest clubs and losing their fifth straight.

New users can use Polymarket promo code FOX to unlock a $20 trading bonus as the Yankees go for the three-game sweep against the Phillies and the rest of today’s MLB action.

For more information and full terms and conditions, visit our Polymarket promo code page.

How to Claim the Polymarket Promo with Code FOX

1. Click here to download the Polymarket app on iOS or Android.
2. Create a new Polymarket account using your email address.
3. Enter promo code FOX in the promo code or invite code field during registration.
4. Complete identity verification as prompted inside the app.
5. Deposit a minimum of $20 to your Polymarket account.
6. Your $50 trading bonus will be credited to your account automatically after the qualifying deposit.

Yankees vs. Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies64%64¢37¢New York Yankees37%37¢64¢

More markets are available on Polymarket.

Away TeamHome TeamTime (ET)Starting PitchersGuardiansRays12:15 PMMessick vs. RasmussenDiamondbacksNationals1:35 PMDrake vs. MikolasBravesOrioles1:35 PMLopez vs. BazCubsPirates1:35 PMTaillon vs. AshcraftBlue JaysRed Sox1:35 PMGausman vs. SuarezRoyalsTigers1:40 PMAvila vs. ValdezDodgersMets1:40 PMSheehan vs. PeraltaPadresMarlins1:40 PMBuehler vs. JunkAthleticsTwins2:10 PMSprings vs. PrielippRockiesBrewers2:10 PMFreeland vs. MisiorowskiAstrosWhite Sox2:10 PMBlanco vs. FeddeRedsCardinals2:15 PMAbbott vs. LeahyMarinersRangers2:35 PMGilbert vs. deGromAngelsGiants4:05 PMSoriano vs. WhisenhuntYankeesPhillies7:20 PMWarren vs. Sanchez

recommended

Arrow pointing to the leftArrow pointing to the right

Item 1 of 3

Get more from the Betting Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua both won over the weekend to keep themselves on course for a blockbuster heavyweight showdown – here is everything you need to know about the proposed fight.

Fury and Joshua have shared eras, headlines and negotiating tables without ever sharing a ring. A fight was previously announced for August 2021 in Saudi Arabia and terms were accepted again for a December 2022 date before both collapsed without a punch being thrown.

This weekend’s return to the ring for both men is expected to be the final box-ticking exercise before it happens for real this time.

What happened in Fury and AJ’s warm-up fights?

Fury claimed a seventh-round TKO over Mariusz Wach at the Max Muay Thai Stadium in Thailand on Friday, with Wach signalling to his corner to wave the fight off before the officials ended it ahead of the eighth.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Dev Sahni reveals how Tyson Fury toppled Mariusz Wach in a non-TV fight in Thailand

The bout was not televised and fought in front of around 1,500 spectators in Pattaya and was the 37-year-old Fury’s second since ending his latest retirement, following his points win over Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April.

Joshua’s night in Jeddah was far more dramatic. He was floored inside 20 seconds by Kristian Prenga, hit the canvas twice in the first round, then knocked out the Albanian with right hands in the second.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Watch the moment Anthony Joshua sealed victory over Kristian Prenga with a huge second round knockout (Courtesy of DAZN)

It was AJ’s first outing since he was a passenger in a December car crash that killed his friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele and his first fight since stopping Jake Paul last December.

When will the pair fight?

The calendar has been circled for November and the warm-up double-header was arranged to align with that timeline.

Contracts are signed and the pair are now set to meet, though a precise date has not been announced – although Fury said after beating Wach that he hopes the fight is signed “next week”.

Where will the fight be?

No venue has been announced.

Turki Alalshikh, who is promoting the fight, has said he wants the fight to suit a global audience and that he will talk to London authorities over a later-than-usual start time.

Sky Sports revealed, though, that Brent Council had not yet been contacted about extending Wembley Stadium’s usual 11pm curfew.

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that the USA is now the preferred venue for Alalshikh, but highlighted that the current signed contracts state that the fight must be in the UK.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn hit back at Fury’s claims he was worried about a potential bout against AJ falling through

“That doesn’t tally up with the contract that we signed,” he said. “Until we’re happy, we expect every point of that contract to be followed. I feel like this fight should be taking place in the UK.

“If they want to change the contract, then we have to renegotiate the contract. Which, by the way, is not a problem but it’s a conversation we have to have.”

Wembley has been championed by Barry Hearn, Eddie’s dad, while Cardiff’s Principality Stadium has been rumoured but Croke Park appears not to be an option despite earlier suggestions of talks about moving the bout to Dublin.

“There’s two or three different places it could be but there’s still objections to a few of them and the one man who’s going to make the decisions is Turki Alalshikh, and Netflix,” said Spencer Brown, Fury’s manager.

“They’re going to make the decisions. They both want the fight, so there’s going to be a bit of chopping and changing.”

What has AJ said?

“I am going to rip his heart out,” Joshua said after beating Prenga. “All jokes aside, I respect everything he has done and achieved but we are here now.

“I hope the fans will be in for a lovely treat.”

He also dedicated the win on Saturday to his late friends, adding: “It’s more than just punch power, it was spirit.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

An emotional Anthony Joshua dedicates his win over Kristian Prenga to his late friends who died in December’s car crash (Courtesy of DAZN)

Joshua has also insisted the contract states the fight must be in the UK.

What has Fury said?

Fury got his shots in after beating Wach and questioned whether Joshua has the “guts” to face him, referencing his rival declining to enter the ring after the Makhmudov fight in front of 70,000 at Tottenham.

“The biggest test of it all is how big his ***** are,” said Fury.

“I think he’s a big s********. In Tottenham in front of 70,000 people, he never had the guts to get in the ring and face me.

“Let’s see if he ever does, I’m not convinced.”

Fury then reeled off Vegas, New York, Ireland, London, Belfast and even Pattaya as possible venues.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Spencer Brown says Tyson Fury’s presence at ringside for Joshua vs Prenga was never discussed and he’s not convinced AJ will be in favour of fighting The Gypsy King in New York

That followed his Sky Sports News interview in fight week, where he said “I don’t care if I ever see him again in my life” and vowed not to travel to Saudi Arabia for a face-off.

Despite voicing his concerns, Fury did say he hopes the next big fight is signed next week and his management confirmed that they are looking to definitely get it done within the next fortnight.

“When the fight is announced, which we anticipate we will do in the next couple of weeks,” said Brown. “There’s still a couple of contractual things that we need to get through, i.e. where it’s going to be, when it’s going to be, how it’s going to be, but I’ve been assured that we’ll be sorting it out in the next couple of weeks.”

Who is the favourite according to the experts?

Former middleweight world title contender Matthew Macklin believes that the ‘Gypsy King’ is the clear favourite.

“I think Tyson Fury is favourite,” said Macklin. “I think because he’s got a style and assets that age better. I think AJ is more athletic but as you get older those athletic qualities diminish.

“I think his punch resistance probably has gone now. Dubois, it was a bad knockout, and he’s had that fight against Jake Paul since.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Barry Hearn backs Anthony Joshua to beat Tyson Fury when the British rivals finally meet later this year, insisting Wembley Stadium is the ideal venue for fans.

“I don’t think his punch resistance will be anywhere near what it once was, and also his reflexes won’t be what they were, so it’s like a double whammy.

“Fury, his reflexes won’t be what they were either so it’s not like it’s all AJ on the decline. He’s not the fighter he was. Neither of them were, but I think we all know that and accept that.

“It’s still a level playing field because they’re both past their best, so it’s still going to be an intriguing battle.”

As for Sky Sports Boxing expert and former WBO Cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson, he said: “There’s a word called ‘mercurial’ and that describes Anthony Joshua.

“He’s got so much talent but it’s a case of which version of him turns up on performance night.

“The talented fighter we know, he wasn’t there [on Saturday]. The guts, the heart, he was there, because after 20 seconds he got put down and had to get back up again. He was still making rookie mistakes. I’m thinking, you shouldn’t make those mistakes at this stage in your career.

“Listen, I’m an AJ fan, but I’d have to lean towards Tyson Fury’s fluidity, his boxing ability – because of that vulnerability from Anthony Joshua, getting caught by that sneaky little uppercut on the inside, getting caught again.

“These are natural shots from Tyson Fury. When it comes to heart, determination, desire and want, I put that in the corner of Anthony Joshua.

“But on last night’s performance and on Friday night’s performance, I’d have to lean towards Tyson Fury, from what I’ve seen.”

What next?

The date and venue announcement is the key piece of outstanding information but, given the November window, that confirmation is expected within weeks.

For reference, tickets for Joshua’s fight with Dubois went on sale a little under three months before that event.

The plan once both men came through the weekend was a joint press conference to formally announce the fight, though Fury’s refusal to share a stage with Joshua makes the shape of that uncertain and there is also the venue conundrum to answer.

Fury expects a signing within days before fans can look forward to what will be one of the most eagerly awaited British boxing matches of all time.

The ongoing chatter of Aaron Donald returning to Los Angeles only amplified heading into the Rams training camp on Saturday. 

However, head coach Sean McVay wouldn’t say if Donald’s return was imminent, but he continued to leave the door open for the franchise icon.

“If that is something that he wants to do, we are going to try to be able to make that happen,” McVay said at training camp on Saturday, according to ESPN. “But I genuinely do not have an answer on whether he is or isn’t.”

The surge in rumors also comes from Donald’s recent appearance at the Rams training facility earlier in July. FOX Sports’ Eric Williams reported where Donald currently stands on a return: 

“While the team hasn’t set a timetable for Donald to decide whether to potentially unretire, a league source close to Donald told me he is leaning toward returning. Donald participated in a workout in full pads at the team’s facility two weeks ago,” Williams wrote on Friday. 

Donald retired as one of the Rams’ most decorated defensive stars. After 10 seasons, Donald recorded 111 sacks, 543 total tackles, and 24 forced fumbles. He also has one Super Bowl ring, three Defensive Player of the Year honors and 10 Pro Bowl selections. 

The Rams are coming off a successful season that earned them a trip to the NFC Championship Game before falling to the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Looking ahead to this year, the Rams return a star-studded roster that includes NFL MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford, wide receivers Puka Nakua and Davante Adams, defensive tackle Kobie Turner and cornerback Trent McDuffie.

And if Donald were to don a Rams’ jersey again, he would play alongside two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, who was acquired from the Cleveland Browns in a blockbuster trade in June.

McVay continued to note that Donald is still preparing himself to make that decision, and will be prepared to play if so. 

“I know he’s preparing himself to be able to make that decision,” McVay said. “And if he feels good, then you guys know he’s going to be ready to rock. But if not, he’s earned the right. He doesn’t owe us anything. And he’s a special person.”

Formula 1 has added Malaysia to its 2026 schedule as the host of the Bahrain Grand Prix that was postponed earlier in the season.

The sport’s bosses had hoped to reinstate the event to the calendar, but the continuation of conflict in the Middle East, which was the original cause of the cancellation of April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, has forced a change of plan.

Instead, Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit will host an event that will still be titled the ‘Bahrain Grand Prix’, with the Gulf state funding the race in a show of support for the sport.

The event, which will see Malaysia host a race for the first time since 2017, is scheduled to take place from October 2-4, slotting between rounds in Baku and Singapore to create a triple-header of back-to-back races.

Image:
Max Verstappen was the winner the last time Malaysia hosted an F1 race

The change to the calendar still needs to be approved by the World Motor Sport Council, but that step is considered a formality.

Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali said: “We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026.

“Once again, the sport has demonstrated its ability to adapt, find solutions, and deliver, creating an exciting moment for everyone who follows Formula 1.”

Twitter

This content is provided by Twitter, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.


Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only.

Enable Cookies
Allow Cookies Once

Adding Malaysia increases the current schedule to 23 races, but the inability of Bahrain to host a race in October creates major doubt over whether the final two rounds of the season – in Qatar (Nov 27-29) and Abu Dhabi (Dec 4-6) – will be able to go ahead.

As Formula 1 confirmed the addition of Malaysia ahead of Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix – the last race before a month-long summer break, the sport’s bosses said that the schedule for the rest of the season currently remains unchanged.

Formula 1 2026 remaining races

Netherlands*
August 21-23
USA
October 23-25

Italy
September 4-6
Mexico
Oct 30-Nov 1

Madrid
September 11-13
Brazil
November 6-8

Azerbaijan
September 24-26
Las Vegas
November 20-22

Malaysia
October 2-4
Qatar
November 27-29

Singapore*
October 9-11
Abu Dhabi
December 4-6

*denotes Sprint weekend

The speed with which Formula 1 has pivoted to add the race in Malaysia reflects an adaptability that suggests they will be ready to make further alterations to the schedule should they be required to.

It remains to be seen whether Formula 1 would seek to replace just one or both of the final two rounds in the event they are unable to be held at their planned venues.

Image:
The Sepang International Circuit has previously hosted 19 F1 races

Sepang International Circuit organisers were understood to have been one of a number of venues to express interest in stepping in to host a Grand Prix this year.

Italy’s Imola circuit is understood to be in the frame should another host be required, while Portugal and Turkey, both of which return to the sport’s calendar in 2027, are other possible alternatives.

The Formula 1 season resumes after the summer break with the Dutch Grand Prix from August 21-23, with every session live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

Will Lionel Messi play in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game?

The Inter Miami superstar has yet to officially return to the club following his 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with Argentina, which ended with a 1-0 loss to Spain in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Messi was named to the MLS All-Star roster for a third straight season, but will the 39-year-old make an appearance? Here is everything we know about Messi’s status for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday at Bank of America Stadium:

Will Messi Play In The MLS All-Star Game?

(Photo by Giorgio Viera / AFP via Getty Images)

No, Messi will not play in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game. Major League Soccer on Saturday named four replacements for Wednesday’s All-Star Game and removed Messi from the roster, along with his Inter Miami and Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul. The Chicago Fire’s Hugo Cuypers (transfer) and Mbekezeli Mbokazi (injury) were also removed.

Will Messi Be Suspended?

No, Messi will not be suspended for missing this year’s All-Star Game. While Messi and his Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba were suspended for making the last-minute decision to not participate in the MLS All-Star Game last season, both Messi and De Paul’s absences will be excused because they just returned from the World Cup.

Has Messi Ever Played In The MLS All-Star Game?

No. Despite being named to the last three MLS All-Star rosters, Messi has never participated in the league’s All-Star Weekend. Messi missed the 2024 All-Star Game with an ankle injury he sustained in the 2024 Copa América, and he chose not to play in the 2025 All-Star Game.

We have a busy day’s racing on Sunday with jumps action from Uttoxeter, live on Sky Sports Racing…

3.42 Uttoxeter – In-form Sunray Shadow and Imperial Alex feature

A field full of in-form rivals as Sunray Shadow and Imperial Alex feature in this Sheila And Wayne Golden Wedding Anniversary Handicap Chase at Uttoxeter.

The Skeltons saddle Sunray Shadow, who made it two wins from two starts over fences when scoring over this course and distance just 11 days ago and must be feared as he seeks a fifth win in his last six starts.

The Tom Lacey-trained Imperial Alex arrives bidding for a hat-trick after wins at Stratford and Uttoxeter and a four-pound rise seems fair.

Plenty have chances in a warm renewal including Olly Murphy’s The Flying Poet and five-year-old Sony Bill.

4.12 Uttoxeter – Shallow River and Zillow contest competitive handicap

Shallow River and Zillow contest a competitive edition of this Gary And Mavis Bird Family Raceday Handicap Hurdle at 4.12pm.

Veteran Shallow River bounced back from a lesser effort at Hexham to finish a close third at Worcester and a similar run would see him hit the frame.

Zillow, the ride of Harry Cobden, was formerly trained by Willie Mullins and made a low-key start to life with Faye Bramley at Cartmel. He is expected to leave that form behind with a market watch a must.

Karnaval Point has been in great spirits and makes appeal on his handicap debut for David Pipe and Rian Corcoran.

3.12 Uttoxeter – Ice Jet and Drombeg Lad headline

Ice Jet and Drombeg Lad will be popular in this B&F Cleaning Services Ken Boulton Memorial Handicap Hurdle at 3.12pm.

Drombeg Lad showed the benefit of his reappearance to claim a first career success at Worcester 25 days ago and he could improve again on this first venture into handicaps.

Dan Skelton’s Ice Jet failed to land a four-timer when going down by a short head over two and a half miles here on his last start and he looks a likely player if able to brush up his jumping on this drop in trip.

Bright Legend and King Sacre complete the shortlist.

Best of the rest

2.12 Uttoxeter – Interesting juvenile hurdle with Vietnorm topping nine runners.

Mont-De-Marsan – Listed action

Shohei Ohtani skipped a tentatively scheduled bullpen session Saturday and Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the two-way superstar won’t throw off a mound again until his irritated left knee feels 100%.

“We’re just going to kick the can,” Roberts said before his team played the New York Mets. “I think like I said yesterday, we’re not going to move forward until he feels 100% confident (and) we feel 100% confident that we should do it.”

Ohtani hasn’t pitched in a game since July 3. But the Dodgers say his knee doesn’t bother him while batting, and the four-time MVP has remained in the starting lineup regularly.

The two-time defending World Series champions began the day with the best record in the majors at 66-38 and an 11-game lead in the NL West over Arizona.

Ohtani received a lubricant injection just before the All-Star break and Roberts said last weekend it would be “some time” before Ohtani makes his next appearance as a pitcher.

The right-hander then threw about 30 pitches off a mound Wednesday during a bullpen session in Philadelphia, but Roberts said Ohtani felt a “little bit of regression.”

“It was obviously not ideal, him throwing his last bullpen and going backwards essentially,” Roberts said. “So, obviously, that’s disappointing because you throw a bullpen, you continue to build up. So that was disappointing, but as far as worry, concern, we don’t have any of that.”

Ohtani is 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 85 2/3 innings over 14 starts on the mound this season and has won his past six decisions. He entered Saturday batting .286 with 22 homers, 61 RBIs and a .920 OPS.

In other injury updates, two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell made a second rehab start Friday night for Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Sidelined since his season debut May 9 because of loose bodies in his pitching elbow, the left-hander threw 49 pitches and allowed one run and two hits in 2 2/3 innings. Roberts said Snell likely will progress to four innings in his third rehab outing.

Star closer Edwin Diaz (right elbow surgery) will make another rehab appearance Sunday for Oklahoma City and, if all goes well, the right-hander is expected to be activated from the injured list Wednesday.

Tyler Glasnow, on the 60-day IL since May 8 because of low back spasms, threw 25 pitches in one simulated inning Friday. Glasnow will pitch in another simulated game next week when the Dodgers return home and might start a rehab assignment after that.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

Hamzah Sheeraz escaped with a narrow points win, while Josh Kelly overcame a horror gash to his nose on the Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga undercard in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

Londoner Sheeraz, who sealed his first world title with a second-round stoppage win against Alem Begic to claim the vacant WBO super-middleweight crown in Egypt, defeated Germany’s Simon Zachenhuber.

After a 12-round fight that ended with boos around the arena the judges returned scores of 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112, in favour of Sheeraz, who posed with Jacob Bank in the ring following his win.

“I am a champion in the division. I’m sure people are champing at the bit after [my] performance,” said Sheeraz, who said he would be sat ringside on October 31 to watch Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez challenge for Christian Mbilli’s WBC belt.

“I got the win, that’s all that matters. I could make a million excuses. I’ll be better in the next fight.

“I need a step up now, someone who will mentally present a challenge. I was switching off at times, I was too comfortable when I didn’t have a threat in front of me.”

Image:
A bloodied Josh Kelly wins his IBF World Super Welterweight title contest against Caoimhin Agyarko

Josh Kelly overcame a horror gash to his nose as he secured a unanimous points win against Irishman Caoimhin Agyarko in an IBF Light-Middleweight title fight in Saudi Arabia.

Nicknamed ‘Pretty Boy’, Kelly was left bloodied as the pair clashed heads in the 11th round with the Brit’s face left a mess.

But he did enough to get the win with scorecards of 115-112, 115-112, 114-113.

“I told Caoimhin, don’t take it as a loss, take it as a learning. If he wants it bad enough, he will bounce back,” said Kelly.

Agyarko said: “I thought I won it, but if it’s not good enough for the judges, I accept that. I’m heartbroken, I wanted to make history. Josh Kelly is a class act, but I think he underestimated me a bit, there.

“Listen, it will come. I will be the first Black Irish world champion, there’s no doubt about that.”

After the bout, Kelly said he wants to face unified 154-pound champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis.

Promoter Eddie Hearn, who represents both Kelly and Ennis, said a clash between the two in the States is now a real option.

“He’s had a defence of the title and before that mandatory comes again, really you want to be looking at those big money fights and trying to roll the dice,” Hearn said.

“I think that comes with ‘Boots’ Ennis. If I’m Josh Kelly I’m looking at the big payday out in America against ‘Boots’ Ennis. It’s a three-belt unification fight. [WBC champion] Sebastian Fundora, all those guys.”

Watch Edgar Berlanga vs Steven Butler and Richardson Hitchins vs Ricardo Salas, in New York, live on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event from 10pm, Sunday. Stream boxing and more sport contract-free with NOW.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is ready to turn the page after capturing the franchise’s second Super Bowl in his second season at the helm.

“Look, I’m different than I was this time last year. I’m different than I was at the end of the season. We got, I don’t know, 30 percent of our rosters probably different,” Macdonald said Saturday. “We got changes to our coaching staff. We got guys with a new perspective. … We’re all kind of new people here in this situation, which, by definition, makes us a new team too.”

Seattle opened training camp with much of its core in place. It did, however, lose key contributors this past offseason, such as Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III (Chiefs), safety Coby Bryant (Bears), linebacker Boye Mafe (Bengals), and cornerback Rig Woolen (Eagles).

It is unclear whether Seattle intends to replace Walker’s production, either by committee, with the likes of Emanuel Wilson, who was signed in free agency after three seasons with the Green Bay Packers, rookie Jadarian Price, George Holani and Kenny McIntosh. Or, if the injured Zach Charbonnet will become the main option once he’s healthy.

Charbonnet was placed on the physically unable to perform list before camp after tearing his ACL in the divisional game against the San Francisco 49ers.

He and Walker were part of a committee approach most of last season, but Charbonnett received a bulk of the carries in the red zone and capitalized with a career-high 12 touchdowns.

“He’s just attacked the heck out of the offseason in his rehab, as you’d expect, and the returns have been what he deserved,” Macdonald said.

The Seahawks had a welcoming sight as second-year wide receiver Tory Horton was healthy and running routes all afternoon after a shin injury ended his season prematurely after a scintillating start to his rookie campaign.

After missing minicamp and OTA’s, there was optimism he would be ready to go at the start of training camp.

“It’s great to see Tory back out there,” Macdonald said.

Horton, a fifth-round pick out of Colorado State, scored six touchdowns in his first eight games with Seattle before he was placed on the injured reserve in November.

He provides depth to an already deep wide receiver room with AP Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Cupp and last season’s midseason acquisition Rashid Shaheed. 

(Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images)

The Seahawks also placed standout safety Nick Emmanwori on the PUP list after recently having ankle surgery, but there’s expectation he will be ready for their Wednesday night opener on Sept. 9 in a rematch with the New England Patriots.

He suffered a low sprain four days before the Super Bowl, but played through the injury.

“I think the best way to describe it is something that he’s been dealing with since the Super Bowl,” Macdonald said. “He was able to perform, did some things in the offseason program, but he just got to the point where it was the best for him for the long term to just go ahead and get it fixed.”

Emmanwori had 11 passes defended, an interception and 2.5 sacks in 14 games for Seattle.

But Macdonald wouldn’t confirm — or deny — that the runner-up for Rookie of the Year would be available.

“He could play in the opener,” Macdonald said.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

An emotional Anthony Joshua remembered his late friends as he staved off a seismic shock against Kristian Prenga to rubberstamp a fight with Tyson Fury that he says will be a “lovely treat” for fans.

Joshua knocked out Albanian heavyweight Prenga in the second round in Jeddah on Saturday night, after twice being floored himself in the first, including just 20 seconds into the contest.

The British star displayed tremendous character to battle back from the brink of defeat, a trait he has had to show in abundance since the deaths of team members Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele in a car crash in December in which he was a passenger.

Image:
Joshua was sensationally knocked down by Albanian Prenga inside 20 seconds of their clash in Saudi Arabia

Speaking after overcoming Prenga, Joshua told DAZN: “It’s more than punch power. That was spirit, that was Latz, that was Sina, that was the families. It hurts to even talk about it.

“It has been tough. It’s my brothers. I don’t want to talk about it.”

Joshua: I respect everything Fury has done

Joshua was able to discuss Fury, with the British boxers now set to end over a decade of circling each other by locking horns in November, with America seemingly the most likely destination.

Fury beat Polish veteran Mariusz Wach in his own tune-up fight in Thailand on Friday.

AJ added of his countryman, who did hot head to Saudi Arabia for a face-off with his rival: “I am going to rip his heart out. I am the meanest and most vicious champion there has ever been!

Image:
Joshua celebrates after his second-round KO of Prenga in Jeddah on Saturday night

“All jokes aside, I respect everything he has done and achieved but we are here now. I hope the fans will be in for a lovely treat.

“I’ve learnt I can’t be stopped. I won’t be stopped and I won’t be denied. We’re here and we’re coming. Trust me.”

‘No one can imagine what Joshua has been through’

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that contracts have been signed for the blockbuster showdown before going on to praise his fighter’s “astonishing” return to the ring after the “grief and pain” he had to deal with following the car crash shortly before Christmas.

Hearn said of Joshua on DAZN: “To be honest with you, tonight is all about the strength AJ has showed to even be here tonight – and the strength in that fight.

“No one can imagine what he has been through in the last seven months. During the first round, I was thinking, ‘we came back too soon’.

Image:
Joshua was floored twice in the opening round but bounced back to win and stay in course for a clash with Fury

“I feel boxing once saved him and I feel like he needed boxing to help him get through this. That camp allowed him to focus while he was facing so much grief and pain.

“He is a strong man and he likes to deal with his problems on his own – I’m not saying that is the right way but that is his way to do it. To even be in the ring tonight was astonishing.

“When you go down a couple ​of times in the first round and you’re looking like ​your career might be over, he had to go to the depths one more time to get ‌up and fight on.”

Watch Edgar Berlanga vs Steven Butler and Richardson Hitchins vs Ricardo Salas, in New York, live on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event from 10pm Sunday. Stream boxing with NOW.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. 

New users on Kalshi can use promo code FOXSPORTS to unlock up to $500 in bonuses for an anticipated return for one of boxing’s biggest attractions. 

Anthony Joshua makes his first appearance of 2026 against an unbeaten knockout artist Kristian Prenga in Jeddah. Joshua is a heavy favorite, but Prenga has won 20 of his 21 professional fights with all 20 victories coming by stoppage. A Joshua win could set up the long-awaited heavyweight showdown with Tyson Fury later this year.

New users can use Kalshi promo code FOXSPORTS to unlock up to $500 in bonuses and get involved before Joshua vs. Prenga take the ring.

For more information and full terms and conditions, visit our Kalshi promo code page.

How to Claim the Kalshi Welcome Bonus

1. Click this ‘Claim Now’ link to visit Kalshi and start the signup process.
2. Create a new Kalshi account using your email address and basic registration details.
3. Enter Kalshi promo code FOXSPORTS during signup, so the welcome offer is attached to your account.
4. Complete identity verification, which Kalshi requires before users can deposit and trade.
5. Deposit funds and trade at least $25 in prediction markets to receive up to $500 in trading credit.

Anthony Joshua vs. Kristian Prenga

Anthony Joshua to Win91%92¢9¢Kristian Prenga to Win9%9¢92¢Fight Goes the Distance15%15¢86¢

Method of Victory

Anthony Joshua by KO/TKO/DQ84%84¢17¢Anthony Joshua by Decision/Technical Decision12%12¢90¢Kristian Prenga by KO/TKO/DQ7%7¢97¢

More markets available on Kalshi.

recommended

Arrow pointing to the leftArrow pointing to the right

Item 1 of 3

Get more from the Betting Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

Gerwyn Price is relishing the ‘underdog’ tag in Sunday’s Betfred World Matchplay final and insists he can get the better of defending champion Luke Littler in Blackpool.

Littler charged into the final with a 17-5 demolition of Dirk van Duijvenbode at the Winter Gardens, firing a 110.88 average and 16 maximums during another blistering display of scoring.

The world No 1 has averaged over 109 in all four matches during his run to the final and is firm favourite to become the first back-to-back winner since Michael van Gerwen, with Littler also on course to deliver the highest tournament average in history.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Luke Littler reacts to his World Matchplay semi-final victory over Dirk van Duijvenbode and his hopes for more Blackpool success

Price is through to his first major TV final since 2023 and first at the World Matchplay since 2022, with the Welshman confident of derailing Littler’s title challenge.

“When I go into any game I’m the favourite, that’s the way I believe and that’s the way I prepare,” Price insisted after his victory. “I really believe that if I hit my A-game, it doesn’t matter who I play, I’m winning, simple as that.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Gerwyn Price and Gian van Veen delivered big celebrations during their Blackpool semi-final

“They know if I play my A-game, I will win. Obviously Luke, if he’s under par he knows he can lose. If my A-game’s there, I’m OK, I’ll win.”

Price added: “I’m in this tournament to win. I’m not here to just make finals and jump up the rankings and get to Wales’ number one – I’m here to win.

“Luke’s going to be a massive favourite in the final, but definitely don’t underestimate me!”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Gerwyn Price reflects on his dominant World Matchplay semi-final win against Gian van Veen

Price has lost his last nine matches against Littler, a run stretching back to the Bahrain Darts Masters in January, although the former world No 1 believes he can improve on Saturday’s 17-10 win over Gian van Veen.

“I’m in a major final and I haven’t played anywhere near my best in any of these games,” Price insisted. I know I’ve got a lot more in the tank.

“If that comes out, then I’ll lift the trophy. If not, I’ll battle right through.”

Monterosa

This content is provided by Monterosa, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Monterosa cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.


Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Monterosa cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Monterosa cookies for this session only.

Enable Cookies
Allow Cookies Once

‘Something really special to beat me’ – Littler eyes more history

Littler closed out the contest with a 13-darter and becomes the first player in PDC history to reach £3m in prize money, with the teenager now looking to extend his record of winning every TV major title in 2026.

“I’m obviously capable of doing many great things in the sport and obviously for myself,” Littler said in his press conference. “As long as I play like this, then hopefully I can pick up the trophy again.

Image:
The numbers behind Luke Littler’s impressive semi-final win

“You can’t underestimate anyone, never mind a final. As long as me and Gezzy [Price] have a really good game tomorrow, hopefully I can get the win over him.

Price said after his quarter-final win over Ross Smith that he felt ‘some players make it too easy’ for Littler, but the 19-year-old believes it’s down to his opponents to up their game to beat him.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Mark Webster admits he can’t see anyone beating Luke Littler at this year’s World Matchplay Darts

“I wouldn’t feel that way,” Littler added. “I know that every player is going to play at least 10 times better against me than the previous round, because they have to.

“They’ve been putting in these numbers consistently, game after game, then someone’s got to do something really special to beat me. I’ve just got to keep going and going.”

What’s next?

Sunday afternoon sees the fifth edition of the Women’s World Matchplay, live from 1pm on Sky Sports Action, with Lisa Ashton returning as defending champion and Beau Greaves looking to win the event for a third time in four years.

The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay final takes place later that evening, with Littler taking on Price in a best-of-35-leg contest.

Who will win this year’s World Matchplay Darts? Live coverage begins on Sunday from 7.30pm on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event, with the final getting under way around 8.15pm. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.

Arsenal have emerged as shock contenders to land Real Madrid superstar Vinícius Júnior as his contract stand-off at the Santiago Bernabéu continues.

The Premier League champions are reportedly monitoring the situation closely as they look to add world-class quality to their attacking ranks.

Gunners Eye Sensational Swoop

According to The Athletic, Arsenal are exploring a stunning move to sign the Real Madrid winger if the 26-year-old Brazilian star fails to agree a new contract in the Spanish capital, having become one of the most feared attackers in world football during his eight seasons with Los Blancos, but with his future now plunged into uncertainty as he enters the final 12 months of his current deal while the Gunners, buoyed by their recent Premier League success, search for marquee signings to solidify their place at the top of the European game.

While the interest is still considered to be at an early stage, the idea has reportedly received approval at all levels within the North London club. There have been no formal club-to-club talks yet, but Arsenal are positioned to strike if Real Madrid decide to cash in on their prized asset rather than risk losing him for nothing next summer.

Contract Deadlock In Madrid

Entering the final 12 months of his contract after eight seasons in Madrid, Vinicius remains locked in contract negotiations with no resolution in sight. This impasse leaves Real Madrid in a tricky situation, reluctant to risk losing their prized forward on a free transfer — particularly with a hefty loyalty bonus coming due next season. According to OK Diario, the stalemate centres on the Brazilian’s demand for a €20 million net annual salary, a figure Los Blancos are hesitant to offer to protect their tight wage structure.

Even as Real Madrid endured a recent trophy drought, Vinicius has remained a standout performer since arriving from Flamengo in 2018. The forward netted 22 goals across all competitions during a 2025-26 campaign that saw Los Blancos finish second in La Liga – eight points behind Barcelona – for a second consecutive season without silverware. He carried that impressive form to the international stage this summer, scoring four goals in five appearances for Brazil before Carlo Ancelotti’s side was knocked out by Norway in the World Cup round of 16.

Building On Premier League Success

Arsenal’s interest in Vinicius Jr comes at a time when the club is looking to build on its recent success. Having finally secured the Premier League trophy, Arteta is keen to ensure his squad does not stagnate. The addition of a player with the pedigree of Vinicius, who has made 375 total appearances for Real Madrid while registering 128 goals and 100 assists, would provide the Gunners with an elite edge that few clubs in the world can match. His experience in high-pressure matches and the Champions League is exactly what the Arsenal hierarchy craves.

During his time at the Bernabeu, Vinicius has built an enviable trophy cabinet with Real Madrid. His impressive haul includes three La Liga titles, two Champions League trophies, and a Copa del Rey triumph, among numerous other domestic and international honors.

A Potential Game-Changer In London

If the move were to materialise, Vinicius Jr would join a growing Brazilian contingent at the Emirates, potentially linking up with the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli. A marquee signing of his stature would be a crucial statement for Arsenal, who have yet to bring in major names in the current transfer window — a stark contrast to their rivals, with Manchester United securing Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, Manchester City signing Elliot Anderson, Tottenham bringing in Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, and Chelsea acquiring Morgan Rogers.

Lando Norris quipped McLaren were in “new man’s land” by starting at the head of a Grand Prix grid for the first time this year but said it was “not impossible” they could beat Ferrari and Mercedes to victory in Hungary.

World champion Norris will start from pole position on a Sunday for the first time since last November in Las Vegas after usurping Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton from the top of the timesheet with his final lap of Q3.

Hamilton had been due to be the Ferrari driver starting alongside him on the front row but was handed a three-place penalty for impeding Oscar Piastri.

Third-fastest Charles Leclerc was therefore promoted to second place in the other Ferrari, with McLaren’s Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen moving onto the second row following Kimi Antonelli’s own three-place penalty for speeding under yellow flags.

Hungarian GP grid: Revised top 10

1) Lando Norris, McLaren

2) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

3) Oscar Piastri, McLaren

4) Max Verstappen, Red Bull

5) Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

6) George Russell, Mercedes

7) Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

8) Isack Hadjar, Red Bull

9) Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls

10) Nico Hulkenberg, Audi

McLaren have finished first and second in each of the last two years in Hungary but had appeared outsiders to contend for a hat-trick of wins this time.

However, their biggest upgrade to the MCL40 for several races has coincided with strong form around the challenging Hungaroring layout, with Norris particularly thriving.

Assessing the key requirements for Sunday’s 70-lap race as he goes for the first win of his title defence, Norris told Sky Sports F1: “You still need good pace, good tyre management, a good start of course otherwise you learn on the go!

“You have to prepare well and we have very tough competition. The Mercedes and Ferrari’s race pace looked very good and they have been strong all year.

“We are in new man’s land. It’s our first time at the front, so we’ll see what we can learn as we go and how we can adapt. I expect a very tough race, but it’s not impossible.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights from qualifying for the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix.

Reigning two-time constructors’ champions McLaren’s last race win came courtesy of Norris in Brazil eight months ago, with the Woking team scoring just four podium finishes across the first 10 races of F1’s new rules era so far.

Norris, who was among the quickest drivers on track last week at Spa-Francorchamps but took a 10-place grid penalty due to exceeding power-unit elements, is however staying cautious.

“Let’s just wait and see. I mean, it’s just qualifying. It’s a long race ahead, and it’s going to be a difficult one, so we’ll see,” he stressed.

“Certainly, if we just go back to Spa last weekend, like I said then, I thought I had good enough pace to certainly not be on pole, but certainly fight for a podium and potentially a win, just in terms of pace. I obviously didn’t, but the potential was there.

“It’s nice to see that’s kind of carried over to this weekend.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Lando Norris looks ahead to a ‘tough’ race as he sits on pole for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

“We brought some good upgrades, like I said, and that potential has turned into a result, which is always a very nice thing to see for the whole team and very good for the motivation and the atmosphere within the team. It’s rewarding to see work going in and rewards being taken out.

“So, very pleased for all of them. But you can’t just rely on one good qualifying, so I need a good race [on Sunday].”

What can Hamilton and Antonelli do after penalties?

For the third weekend running, Hamilton has been handed a penalty by the stewards and the prospect of fighting for the win now appears to be a major challenge.

The Hungaroring is difficult to overtake at due to the lack of straights but high tyre degradation is expected which will enable different strategies to be used, so Hamilton should still have a good chance of at least getting onto the podium if Ferrari’s short run pace translates into strong long run speed.

“I think the car is just strong all around. I think the team have done a really great job, and a really big thank you to everyone back at the factory for continuing to push and to bring parts each weekend,” said Hamilton.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Why Lewis Hamilton lost second place on the grid after impeding Oscar Piastri during qualifying at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

“We’re continuously innovating and evolving the car. It’s night and day different to the car that we had last year, and I’m grateful to have pushed the car to this point and helped develop the car to this point, that we’re fighting at the front for wins. But it’s awfully close between the top runners, and you need to be perfect ultimately to get that first place.”

As for Antonelli, he now has the surprise of starting one place behind team-mate George Russell with the Mercedes pair in sixth and seventh.

Antonelli leads Hamilton by 45 points and Russell, who starts sixth, by 50 points in the Drivers’ Championship but all three face the jeopardy of being in the pack on the long run down to Turn One.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Andrea Kimi Antonelli reflects on his qualifying session where he ended P4 for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The Mercedes team-mates have not had an on-track battle since Canada when they nearly collided multiple times, so there will be plenty of attention on how hard they fight each other after the lights go out in the last race before the summer break.

“The race is not going to be easy. Overtaking is going to be difficult, and we are now starting much further back that we could have been,” said Antonelli.

“Our long run pace on Friday was good too so we will be doing everything we can to fight for the win.”

Sky Sports F1’s Hungarian GP schedule

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Look back at some of the most dramatic moments throughout the years at the Hungarian Grand Prix

Sunday July 26
7.35am: F3 Feature Race
9.05am: Porsche Supercup
10.20am: F2 Feature Race
12.30pm: Hungarian GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
2pm: THE HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX*
4pm: Hungarian GP reaction: Chequered Flag*
5pm: Ted’s Notebook*

*Also on Sky Sports Main Event

Formula 1 is in Budapest for the Hungarian Grand Prix with Sunday’s race at 2pm and build-up from 12.30pm, live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

Apparently, the New England Patriots are ultra serious about locking down Christian Gonzalez for the long haul.

“We love Christian Gonzalez. We love him as a player and as a person. That’s why we’ve made an offer to him that makes him the highest-paid player ever to play that position in the NFL, and, coincidentally, it’s the highest contract in Patriots’ franchise history,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft said on Saturday when asked about Gonzalez, who’s extension-eligible, at team training camp, according to ESPN.

“So, we’re glad we drafted him, and he’s developed here, and we hope he’ll be with us for a long time.”

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said that contract talks with Gonzalez were “ongoing” on Friday. The contract to beat for an NFL cornerback in both total money and average annual value is Trent McDuffie’s four-year, $124 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams ($31 million AAV), which also included a record $100 million guaranteed for a cornerback.

Meanwhile, the contract to beat in Patriots history in both total money and average annual value is defensive tackle Milton Williams’ four-year, $104 million deal ($26 million AAV), which he signed with the franchise in March 2025.

Regarding Gonzalez, the soon-to-be fourth-year cornerback is coming off a 2025 campaign where he earned his first career Pro Bowl nod, totaling 10 passes defended, 69 combined tackles and just one missed tackle across 14 regular-season games, according to Pro Football Focus; he missed three games due to a hamstring injury.

Then, across New England’s four postseason games, Gonzalez totaled an NFL-high seven passes defended in the postseason and reeled in an ultimate game-sealing interception against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game with 2:11 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The year prior (2024), Gonzalez brought down two interceptions and recorded 11 passes defended, which came after his 2023 rookie campaign was cut short after four games due to a shoulder injury. New England selected Gonzalez with the No. 17 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Oregon.

Lewis Hamilton has been relegated from second to fifth on the Hungarian Grand Prix grid after a penalty for blocking McLaren’s Oscar Piastri at the end of qualifying.

Hamilton lost out on pole position to Lando Norris in the other McLaren by the narrowest of margins after failing to improve his provisional-pole time, but then soon found himself placed under investigation by stewards for an incident involving Piastri.

Hamilton had been the first of the leading drivers to complete his final lap – positioning he was left surprised by – and as he slowed down once he crossed the line, he appeared to block Piastri through Turn One as the McLaren started its final timed attempt behind him.

Stewards summoned both drivers after qualifying to review the incident and ultimately judged that Hamilton had unnecessarily impeded Piastri, handing him a three-place grid demotion.

As it stands, the penalty promotes Hamilton’s Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc to second place on Sunday’s grid behind Norris, world championship leader Kimi Antonelli moves up to third and Piastri to fourth.

Antonelli, though, is the subject of a separate stewards’ investigation over an alleged failure to slow for yellow flags when Max Verstappen spun on his final Q3 lap at the final corner.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Lewis Hamilton said he was expecting the worst as stewards investigate the alleged blocking incident with Oscar Piastri during Qualifying at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Speaking before the penalty was confirmed, Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur said any blame fell on the team and not Hamilton.

Vasseur told Sky Sports F1: “We told him [about Piastri] but it was far too late.

“If there’s a mistake, it’s our mistake.”

Hamilton himself said soon after qualifying: “I was told literally when he was at the apex behind me, so I had no idea he was coming. I thought everyone came out behind me. I was the first out, so I thought everyone had finished the lap.

“I think Charles was coming up behind me when I left the pit lane, as far as I was aware.

“Crazy, because it had been clean, and obviously it wasn’t intentional.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights from qualifying for the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix.

Why Hamilton was given a three-place grid penalty

The official Hungarian GP stewards’ verdict:

“The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 44 (Lewis Hamilton), the driver of Car 81 (Oscar Piastri), team representatives and reviewed video, telemetry, team radio and in-car video evidence.

“At the approach to Turn 1, Car 44 was travelling at a significantly reduced speed on the racing line while Car 81 was approaching on a push lap.

“The driver of Car 44 explained that he had just completed a fast lap and did not receive the team’s radio message regarding the approaching Car 81 until the latter was already in close proximity. He further stated that, due to the positioning of his car on the track, Car 81 was not visible in his mirrors.

“Car 81, which was on a push lap, was forced to take avoiding action by running wide and being obliged to abort the lap. Having examined the available evidence, the Stewards determined that Car 44 unnecessarily impeded Car 81 during qualifying.”

More to follow…

Sky Sports F1’s Hungarian GP schedule

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Look back at some of the most dramatic moments throughout the years at the Hungarian Grand Prix

Sunday July 26
7.35am: F3 Feature Race
9.05am: Porsche Supercup
10.20am: F2 Feature Race
12.30pm: Hungarian GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
2pm: THE HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX*
4pm: Hungarian GP reaction: Chequered Flag*
5pm: Ted’s Notebook*

*Also on Sky Sports Main Event

Formula 1 is in Budapest for the Hungarian Grand Prix with Sunday’s race at 2pm and build-up from 12.30pm, live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

Fifteen games make up Saturday’s MLB slate, and three headline matchups air nationally on FOX and FS1. The Dodgers, owners of one of the best records in the National League, visit the Mets at 7:15 p.m. ET on FOX, with Mariners at Rangers also on FOX in the same window. FS1 carries an NL wild card showdown in the afternoon as the Padres visit the Marlins. Each of these games also streams live and on demand on FOX One.

MLB Schedule for July 25 on FOX Networks

Padres at Marlins

• Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
• TV: FS1
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One
• Venue: loanDepot park, Miami, FL

The Padres sit below .500 and need to string together wins to stay in the NL wild card race, while the Marlins have quietly climbed over .500 in Miami. San Diego’s probable starter is JP Sears (2-3, 4.38 ERA) against Miami’s probable starter Eury Perez (5-7, 3.54 ERA), a pitching matchup that favors the home club on paper.

Dodgers at Mets

• Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One
• Venue: Citi Field, Flushing, Queens, NY

Los Angeles has one of the best records in baseball and rolls into Queens on the strength of probable starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto (10-6, 2.78 ERA), one of the National League’s top starters this season. The Mets have struggled all year and counter with probable starter Nolan McLean (7-6, 3.34 ERA) in a game that pits a World Series contender against a club looking to spoil the party.

Mariners at Rangers

• Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One
• Venue: Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX

Seattle and Texas enter this American League West matchup in a tight race, making it a pivotal game for both clubs’ playoff hopes. Probable starter Bryan Woo (7-6, 4.16 ERA) takes the mound for the Mariners against the Rangers’ probable starter Nathan Eovaldi (9-8, 4.21 ERA).

Other July 25 MLB Games

• 1:10 p.m. ET: Royals at Tigers (Kansas City Royals TV Network, Detroit SportsNet)
• 4:05 p.m. ET: Angels at Giants (NBC Sports Bay Area, Angels Broadcast Television)
• 4:05 p.m. ET: Diamondbacks at Nationals (Arizona Diamondbacks Network, Washington Nationals TV Network)
• 4:10 p.m. ET: Blue Jays at Red Sox (Rogers SportsNet, NESN)
• 6:05 p.m. ET: Yankees at Phillies (YES Network, NBC Sports Philadelphia)
• 6:10 p.m. ET: Guardians at Rays (CleGuardians.TV, Tampa Bay Rays TV Network)
• 6:40 p.m. ET: Cubs at Pirates (Sportsnet Pittsburgh, Marquee Sports Network)
• 7:05 p.m. ET: Braves at Orioles (Braves Vision, MASN)
• 7:10 p.m. ET: Astros at White Sox (Space City Home Network, Chicago Sports Network)
• 7:10 p.m. ET: Rockies at Brewers (Colorado Rockies Network, Milwaukee Brewers TV Network)
• 7:10 p.m. ET: Athletics at Twins (NBC Sports California, Twins.TV)
• 7:15 p.m. ET: Reds at Cardinals (Cincinnati Reds TV Network, St. Louis Cardinals TV Network)

How to Watch MLB Games

FOX and FS1 carry Saturday’s national games, with every matchup across the league streaming live and on demand on FOX One.

Arsenal are looking into a potential deal for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior.

At this point there has been no club-to-club contact, but the interest is real. Vinicius Jr is one of a number of forward targets Arsenal are exploring, with Julian Alvarez, Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola also players of interest.

The Brazilian international has entered the final year of his contract and if an agreement cannot be found on a new deal, Real could be open to selling, rather than lose him for free next summer.

The Gunners are aiming to strengthen their left-wing options this summer and the Brazil ace would be a superstar addition.

Arsenal sold Leandro Trossard to Besiktas for £17m earlier this summer and have brought in Christo Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34m. However, their alternative option in that area of the pitch, Gabriel Martinelli, scored just one Premier League goal last season.

Captivate

This content is provided by Captivate, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Captivate cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.


Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Captivate cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Captivate cookies for this session only.

Enable Cookies
Allow Cookies Once

Vinicius Jr, the 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up, is currently on holiday following his exploits for Brazil at the World Cup but his relationship with new Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has been in focus.

Image:
Vinicius Junior celebrates after scoring for Real Madrid at Man City in the Champions League last season

It is understood the player and head coach have been in touch since an incident last season which saw Vinicius Jr abused by Mourinho’s Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni and that the pair were ready to start this new campaign together with a clean slate.

More to follow…

Chelsea are on the verge of completing a $69 Million for Crystal Palace center-back Maxence Lacroix. The 26-year-old French international is set to undergo a medical before signing a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge, while Palace actively seek a replacement ahead of the new campaign.

Blues Close On Lacroix

According to The Athletic, Chelsea are finalizing the transfer of Palace center-back Lacroix in a deal worth around $69 million. The French defender is scheduled to undergo a medical on Friday before committing to a contract that runs until 2032. Meanwhile, the Eagles have begun searching for his replacement, targeting Augsburg’s Chrislain Matsima alongside Trabzonspor’s Chibuike Nwaiwu as an alternative option.

Lacroix has emerged as one of Chelsea’s primary transfer targets since June, alongside several other options, including Como defender Jacobo Ramon. The Blues opted to focus their pursuits on the imposing central defender following his rapid progression across two seasons in the Premier League. His sharp development is clearly reflected in his market valuation, which has surged from an initial €18m fee to a premium price tag.

French Defender Shines Bright

Standing at 190cm, the defender established himself as a cornerstone for Palace last season, racking up 55 appearances across all competitions while lifting the Community Shield and securing the Conference League trophy. His consistent displays since arriving from Wolfsburg in 2024 earned him a spot in France’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Lacroix’s arrival at Stamford Bridge could trigger a reshuffle in the defensive hierarchy, directly impacting the futures of Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah and Mamadou Sarr.

Alonso Reshuffles Defensive Options

Once the transfer is formally completed, new manager Xabi Alonso must swiftly integrate Lacroix into his defensive setup throughout the remainder of pre-season. The Chelsea hierarchy will also need to resolve the futures of several fringe central defenders to maintain squad balance ahead of the new campaign. Meanwhile, Palace face pressure to secure a replacement before the transfer window closes to preserve their defensive stability.

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua’s long-awaited heavyweight showdown looks increasingly likely to be in America rather than the UK.

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that Turki Alalshikh, who is organising the all-British bout, now prefers the clash to be in the USA.

Alalshikh previously said that he wants the fight to take place at a time that works for a global audience and would hold talks with the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, over a later-than-usual start time.

However, Sky Sports News revealed earlier in the week that Brent Council are yet to be contacted about extending the curfew at Wembley Stadium to allow a 2am ring walk.

Speaking to DAZN ahead of Joshua’s warm-up fight with Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, Hearn said: “We’ve been told in the last 24 hours that [a fight in America] is what they want.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Dev Sahni reveals how Tyson Fury toppled Mariusz Wach in a non-TV fight in Thailand and answers two key questions following the heavyweight bout

“That doesn’t tally up with the contract that we signed. Until we’re happy, we expect every point of that contract to be followed. I feel like this fight should be taking place in the UK.

“Anthony Joshua insisted that the contract stated that the fight must be in the UK.

“If they want to change the contract, then we have to renegotiate the contract. Which, by the way, is not a problem. But it’s a conversation we have to have.”

Fury: I got through my test, what about AJ?

Fury remains unconvinced that Joshua will agree to the fight and questioned whether his rival has the “guts” to face him.

The 37-year-old, speaking after his seventh-round stoppage of Mariusz Wach in a non-televised bout in Thailand on Friday, referenced Joshua opting not to get in the ring with him after his victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April.

Image:
Fury stopped Wach in the seventh round

Fury said: “I got through my test. Let’s see if [Joshua] gets through his test. The biggest test of it all is how big his balls are. I think he’s a big s***house.

“In Tottenham in front of 70,000 people, he never had the guts to get in the ring and face me. Let’s see if he ever does. I’m not convinced.

“I’ll regroup. Hopefully the next big fight is signed next week, and we head wherever we’re going to head.

“Is it gonna be in Vegas? Is it gonna be in New York? Is it gonna be in Ireland? Is it gonna be in London? Who knows, Belfast maybe? It might even be here in Pattaya, Thailand!”

Watch Edgar Berlanga vs Steven Butler and Richardson Hitchins vs Ricardo Salas in New York from 10pm on Sunday, live on Sky Sports. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW

Ecuador squeaked out of Group E, advancing to the round of 32 as the third-place team with four points. Many believed Ecuador’s defense, led by Moisés Caicedo and Pervis Estupiñán, could carry it on a deep run. However, that didn’t prove to be true as Mexico dismantled Ecuador 2-0 at the Azteca. 

Their attack didn’t help much either, as starting forward Enner Valencia couldn’t find the back of the net throughout all four matches. 

 So what’s next for Ecuador’s key players after the 2026 World Cup?

Caicedo was an anchor of Ecuador’s defensive fortress, playing every minute of all four matches. He returns to English Premier League club Chelsea for his fourth season. He’s started 70 matches over the last two seasons and is a consistent mainstay in Chelsea’s lineup. 

After injuring his ankle in the FIFA World Cup, Estupiñán will try to recover ahead of his second season with Italian Serie A side, AC Milan. 

Valencia, who wears the Capitan’s band for Ecuador, failed to score in four matches at the 2026 World Cup. However, he remains the nation’s leading goalscorer. The 35-year-old striker will return for his second season in Mexico’s Liga MX with Pachuca. 

Pacho is part of the formidable backline for French side Paris Saint-Germain, helping it to two consecutive Champions League titles. He’ll return for his third season with PSG. 

Hincapié faced off against Pacho in that Champions League final, representing Arsenal. In his first season with the England-based Giants, he helped Arsenal win its first Premier League title since 1993, while finishing second in the Champions League. He’ll return for a second season with the Gunners. 

Gerwyn Price insists he can thwart Luke Littler’s bid for back-to-back World Matchplay titles and believes some players ‘make it too easy’ for the defending champion.

Price booked his first World Matchplay semi-final since 2022 with a 16-12 win over Ross Smith at the Winter Gardens, where the ‘Ice Man’ fired a 102.78 average and closed out victory with a four-leg burst.

The Welshman faces world No 3 Gian van Veen in the last four, with the winner of that semi-final progressing to face either Littler or Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode in Sunday’s best-of-35 leg final.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Gerwyn Price produced a series of stunning checkouts to beat a testing Ross Smith and book his place in the last four

Littler defeated Price in every Premier League fixture between them this season and a final-set decider in the World Masters semi-finals, while ‘The Nuke’ remains unbeaten in PDC major matches over 20 legs since his 2024 World Championship final loss.

The world No 1 remains overwhelming favourite to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen to defend his World Matchplay crown, having posted a 109.57 average in his win over Josh Rock, although Price insists he can be stopped.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Luke Littler admits he’s playing some of the best darts of his career after a dominant World Matchplay quarter-final win over Josh Rock

“I think there’s a lot of players that can get to that [Littler’s] level,” Price told reporters after his quarter-final win.

“Is there anyone who can do it as long as him? I think I can and I think there’s a couple of players, but he’s ruthless at the minute – these 109, 110 averages just look so easy for him.

“I think some players play into his hand and just let him play with his rhythm. It’s horses for horses and sometimes you have to play your game, you have to play the game and you have to play the moments.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights of the quarter-final between Luke Littler and Josh Rock at the World Matchplay

“Sometimes, people make it a little bit too easy for him.”

More to come in Van Veen showdown?

Price built a commanding 12-8 lead over Smith in a quarter-final where he threatened to pull further ahead, then found himself level at 12-12 until finishing strongly to reach the last four.

Image:
Gerwyn Price, World Matchplay Darts 2026

“I was delighted with the way I played the majority of the game, but there’s a couple of legs that I let slip and could have come back to haunt me in the end,” Price added.

“I’m thinking I should be 13-7 or 14-6 or whatever it is, because I did waste opportunities and probably shouldn’t think like that. I’m just happy to get a win, but frustrated a little bit.”

Van Veen admitted he needs to improve after his quarter-final victory over 16-13 James Wade, where he posted a 93 average and also blew a four-leg advantage before closing out victory.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Gian van Veen fires in a magnificent 160 checkout to pull away from James Wade to take a 9-6 lead during their quarter-final

“It felt very poor!” Van Veen admitted to Sky Sports. “My scoring was so terrible. I was so lucky James wasn’t scoring as well and my finishing got me through. A win is a win.

“The 118 finish – I really needed it. It was a tight battle but I’m glad I got the job done. Hopefully tomorrow I will be a lot better.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Gian van Veen edges past James Wade sealing the tie 16-13 and sets up a tantalising World Matchplay semi-final against Gerwyn Price

What’s next?

The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues at the iconic Winter Gardens on Saturday, with the two semi-finals being played over the best-of-33 to decide who progresses through to Sunday’s best-of-35 final.

Defending champion Littler continues his bid for back-to-back titles when he faces Van Duijvenbode, through to the last four at this event for the first time, with Price playing Van Veen in the opening semi-final.

Who will win this year’s World Matchplay Darts? Watch throughout the weekend live on Sky Sports. Live coverage continues Saturday from 7.30pm on Sky Sports Action and around 9pm on Sky Sports Main Event. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.

One of the initial tasks for first-year Arizona Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur is figuring out who the team’s starting quarterback will be, now that the post-Kyler Murray era has arrived.

The answer might not be coming any time soon.

Veteran Jacoby Brissett — who started the final 12 games last season — was the initial favorite to land the role, but didn’t practice with the team during the offseason because he’s unhappy with his contract situation. However, he participated in Thursday’s workout in a signal a new deal could be close.

Brissett appears to be in a three-man battle with veteran Gardner Minshew and rookie Carson Beck for the starting job, but LaFleur didn’t give any clues about the depth chart when asked to describe the competition.

“I’d describe it as practice one on July 23,” LaFleur said.

The 33-year-old Brissett is in the final year of a $12.5 million, two-year deal, though only $1.5 million is guaranteed. If he remains the starter, he would be among the league’s lowest-paid quarterbacks.

Brissett had good individual stats last season with 3,366 yards passing, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions, but the Cardinals went 1-11 in his starts. The Cardinals finished last in the NFC West at 3-14.

Safety Budda Baker made his feelings known about Brissett’s situation on social media earlier this month, posting: “Just want bro to get his (expletive) done… he is not asking for what you think. Bro is asking for below the bare minimum. Let’s just get it done!!!”

(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Baker stood by his statement on Thursday.

“I definitely think Jacoby did a great job coming in last year,” Baker said. “I know we didn’t get the wins that we wanted to get, but I think he commanded the offense at a high level.”

Johnson And Sweat On The PUP List

Starting left tackle Paris Johnson (knee) and star edge rusher Josh Sweat (knee) opened camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

LaFleur said he wasn’t concerned about the long-term prognosis for either player.

“The Paris thing, that’s really, honestly nothing. We’re all on the same page, it’s really just maintenance stuff so he’ll be back before you know it,” LaFleur said. “Same thing with Josh. Seeing him yesterday, he’s fired up to be here. He was in great spirits and looked really good.”

Johnson and Sweat won’t practice, but they still count toward the 90-man training camp roster limit. They are permitted to attend meetings and can return to practice at any point during the preseason.

Johnson is entering his fourth season as a starter, while Sweat had a career-high 12 sacks last season.

The other two on the PUP list — cornerback Garrett Williams (Achilles tendon) and Tip Reiman (ankle) — are still recovering from serious injuries that happened last season.

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Off-The-Field Issues Percolate

LaFleur’s first training camp — including the quarterback battle — has been overshadowed by off-the-field issues over the past few weeks.

The NFL suspended Cardinals personnel executive Ryan Gold indefinitely on July 17 for violating the league’s gambling policy. The league said its investigation determined that Gold provided confidential, non-public inside information regarding 2026 draft selections by the Cardinals before the picks were announced, and Gold also participated in parlay bets on NFL and college games.

Gold is in his 13th season with the organization.

More recently, Cardinals offensive lineman Isaiah Adams was arrested in Canada on four weapons charges. Adams, a third-year player who is competing for a starting spot, was at camp Thursday.

The 25-year-old was charged with possession of a firearm obtained in a crime, possession of a restricted/prohibited firearm, no license while in possession of a loaded firearm and possessing a prohibited device. Adams’ attorney, Adam Weisberg, said in a statement that Adams is “completely innocent in this matter.”

“He’s doing good,” LaFleur said of Adams. “I’m not going to comment too much on that obviously … but he’s doing good and it’s good to see him.”

Reporting by the Associated Press. 

Enzo Maresca has vowed not to be a “copy and paste” coach in his first press conference since succeeding Pep Guardiola as Man City manager.

The Italian has the near-impossible task of following Guardiola, whose record-breaking spell at the Etihad contained six Premier League titles – including an unprecedented four in a row – and a first Champions League medal.

But Maresca insists he has not joined City solely to emulate the Spaniard’s success, promising to do “my job, in the way I want”, despite accepting the similarities between his preferred playing style and that of his predecessor.

The 46-year-old is returning for his third stint at the club, where he held a role as an academy coach before then graduating to Guardiola’s assistant in 2022-23 – the season City won the treble.

Captivate

This content is provided by Captivate, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Captivate cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.


Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Captivate cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Captivate cookies for this session only.

Enable Cookies
Allow Cookies Once

Responding to the pressure of following Guardiola, he said: “Every manager is different, day by day and approach to games.

“We are seeing which way we need to tweak some concepts. I don’t think they just copy and paste. I don’t see the football in the same way as the previous manager, that is why I don’t believe in copy and paste.

Image:
Enzo Maresca and Pep Guardiola go back a long way – before the Italian was announced as his successor at Man City

“I think there is a clear identity at the former clubs I have joined. That is probably the reason the club decide for me, they can see a similar concept with the previous manager.

“I have spoken with Pep a lot since he decided to leave the club. He needs to enjoy his moment and I also need to do my job and find a solution for myself. After 10 years, playing every three days, it is very demanding. He deserves a relax!”

Guardiola himself was asked in his final news conference as City boss back in May if he had a parting message to his successor, whoever that might be. “Just be yourself,” he replied, advice greatly valued by the new man in charge.

Maresca wants to make his own impression, independent even of the impact he made in prior spells, but understands the pressure and demand to deliver trophies at City is no less relentless.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Phil Foden says he’s excited play under Enzo Maresca and is ‘lost for words’ to be able to extend his contract with Manchester City for another four years

“With this kind of club, you need to win titles. But if you just focus on the final target, you miss all the previous parts. I am a manager who loves the day by day. Preparing sessions and spending time with my players.

“At the end, for sure, the target is to win titles with this club. The two previous clubs [Leicester and Chelsea], we delivered and won titles. I am not thinking about May or June, I am thinking about now and tomorrow. We will see day by day.”

Asked if he has made a decision on who will replace Bernardo Silva as captain, he added: “Not yet. We have three players, Ruben [Dias], Rodri and Erling [Haaland]. We need some more. We will decide about that.”

Measured Maresca confident of succeeding where others have failed

Image:
Enzo Maresca has signed a three-year deal at Man City

Analysis from Ben Ransom at Maresca’s first press conference:

So much was different but then again, so much was the same.

Enzo Maresca slotted seamlessly into the chair left vacant by Pep Guardiola and spoke of his admiration for his former boss.

He rejected my assertion it was the toughest job in the world to follow the best manager, instead focusing on the privilege of being afforded the opportunity.

He believes he can succeed where the likes of David Moyes (post-Ferguson) and Unai Emery (post-Wenger) failed, his confidence placed in the wider Man City organisation to overcome the inevitable challenges.

It’s already been a summer of huge transition, but Maresca was quick to impress upon the gathered press pack his desire for some things to remain the same.

Rodri said he would decide his future once the World Cup had finished but his new manager is expecting him back in City blue once he’s recovered from minor back surgery. The squad will still need work before the end of the transfer window.

But you could tell from the smile and the self-confidence of Maresca’s first address that he fully believes in the next stage of the City project. It’s now up to him to show the world he can back up his words.

Rodri to undergo surgery

Image:
Rodri will undergo surgery on a back injury next week

Rodri will undergo back surgery next week, Maresca also confirmed on Friday.

The midfielder, who sustained ACL damage in 2024 and endured an injury-disrupted campaign before winning the World Cup with Spain this summer, has not been given a return date.

Maresca did, however, confirm that he wanted the former Ballon d’Or winner to stay at Man City amid speculation about his future and links to Real Madrid.

“Around a big player, there are always speculation so I’m not worried about that. I think it’s normal also because he won the World Cup.

“He was one of the best players and I think every manager wants to have Rodri because he’s a top player. But now (he has) surgery on, I think Monday, and he needs holiday. He needs to rest, he needs to recover and then he will be back here with us.”

After putting on an incredible performance in his debut World Cup at 40-years old, Cape Verde’s star goalkeeper Vozinha has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to join Chilean club Colo Colo.

The transfer follows a breakout campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Vozinha helped lead Cape Verde to the round of 32 in the country’s first-ever appearance. The signing was teased by the club on social media.

Named to FIFA’s team of the tournament, the veteran goalkeeper recorded 18 saves across four matches, 15 of which came against the two teams that reached the final, while helping Cape Verde without a loss in 90 minutes.

His tournament highlighted a seven-save clean sheet in a scoreless draw against eventual World Champions Spain, making him the oldest goalkeeper to record a shutout in a World Cup debut. 

Vozinha’s Best Moments 2026 FIFA World Cup™ 🇨🇻

In the round of 32, Vozinha registered eight saves during a 3-2 extra-time loss to Argentina, garnering praise from Lionel Messi and other legends of the sport.

Born Josimar Jose Evora Dias, the goalkeeper entered the World Cup as an unattached free agent after his contract expired with Portuguese second-division side Chaves.

He adopted the name Vozinha early in his career to avoid sharing a name with a teammate, referencing a childhood nickname given to him while being raised by his grandparents.

Off the pitch, Vozinha’s tournament performances generated widespread international attention, expanding his social media following from 50,000 to over 29 million followers after the tournament, alongside reported transfer interest from MLS side Inter Miami prior to settling on terms with Colo Colo.

At Colo Colo, Vozinha will play under Argentine manager Fernando Ortiz as the Santiago club builds its roster for the upcoming Copa Libertadores, the South American equivalent to the UEFA Champions League. 

2026 FIFA World Cup™ ⭐️ TOP 10 MOMENTS of the Tournament

Gian van Veen set up a semi-final showdown with Gerwyn Price at the World Matchplay after an eventful 16-13 win over James Wade in Blackpool.

Both players were nowhere near the best during the first half of the contest, only for the quarter-final to be sparked into life when Wade fired four consecutive legs from 11-7 down to level the match.

The scoring significantly improved as the pair traded ton-plus checkouts, only for Van Veen – who only averaged 93 in the match – to silence boos by winning the final two legs and reach the last four for the first time.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Gian van Veen fired in a magnificent 160 checkout to pull away from James Wade and take a 9-6 lead in their quarter-final

The world No 3 will need to improve in the semi-final against Price, who posted a 102.78 average and fired 10 maximums during a 16-12 win over Ross Smith in the earlier quarter-final.

Price recovered from losing a 12-8 lead to rattle off four consecutive legs and reach his first semi-final at the World Matchplay since 2022, with Saturday’s other semi-final seeing defending champion Luke Littler face Dirk van Duijvenbode.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Mark Webster admits he can’t see anyone beating Luke Littler at this year’s World Matchplay Darts

‘I played pretty decent!’ – Price holds off Smith to reach last four

Price is through to his fourth televised semi-final of the season, following on from the World Masters, UK Open and Premier League, with an impressing late scoring run pulling him past Smith.

The first three legs went with throw, with Price finding a 117 finish to hold in the second and grabbing a three-leg burst from the fourth before Smith responded with a 12-darter.

Image:
Gerwyn Price eventually overcame Ross Smith 16-12 to reach the semi-finals

Smith battled to keep up with Price and took out a 100 checkout to avoid falling 8-5 down, then missed a chance to level the match in the next ahead of the Welshman reaching the third break with a three-leg advantage.

Both players traded breaks of throw ahead of Price edging a fourth consecutive session, only for Smith to take out 68 and follow it with a 13-darter during a four-leg steak that levelled the contest.

Price broke back with a 13-darter on top and nailed the bullseye for a 121 checkout in the next, with the former world No 1 taking out a 91 finish for an 11-dart break and closing out victory with a 14-darter.

“Ross [Smith] played a decent game as well so it’s nice to play well when someone is playing well,” Price told Sky Sports. “It gives you a bit of confidence going into the next round.

“For him to get back to 12-12, I thought ‘here we go again’ but thankfully I rode off four legs on the bounce. The 91 double-double got the blood boiling. I’m thankful I played pretty decent tonight.”

‘I need to be better!’ – Van Veen leaves it late to beat Wade

A sluggish second quarter-final saw both players average around 90 during the early mini sessions, where Van Veen fired a 160 checkout to move 9-6 up at the third interval.

Van Veen wasted darts to extend his lead but made amends in the following two legs, moving 11-7 up, before Wade sparked a comeback by taking out a 79 finish on the bullseye.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

James Wade produces a stunning 121 finish, ending on the bullseye to put Gian van Veen under pressure

Wade won the next before following a 121 finish on the bullseye by holding throw for a fourth straight leg, with the match locked at 12-12 until Van Veen took out 118 for the second of back-to-back legs.

‘The Machine’ responded with a 121 finish to break back before Van Veen nailed a 75 checkout to move to within a leg of victory, then closed out his win with a 13-darter to move one win away from climbing to world No 2.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

James Wade took out a 121 finish on the bullseye to narrow the gap to Gian van Veen

“It felt very poor!” Van Veen told Sky Sports. “My scoring was so terrible. I was so lucky James [Wade] wasn’t scoring as well and my finishing got me through. A win is a win.

“The 118 finish – I really needed it. It was a tight battle but I’m glad I got the job done.

“Hopefully tomorrow I will be a lot better.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Gian van Veen edges past James Wade sealing the tie 16-13 and sets up a tantalising World Matchplay semi-final against Gerwyn Price

What’s next?

The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues at the iconic Winter Gardens on Saturday, with the two semi-finals being played over the best-of-33 to decide who progresses through to Sunday’s best-of-35 final.

Defending champion Luke Littler continues his bid for back-to-back titles when he faces Dirk van Duijvenbode, through to the last four at this event for the first time, with Price facing Van Veen in the first semi-final.

Who will win this year’s World Matchplay Darts? Watch throughout the weekend live on Sky Sports. Live coverage continues Saturday from 7.30pm on Sky Sports Action and around 9pm on Sky Sports Main Event. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.

Croatia is a team that has always punched above its weight with this core, finishing second at the 2018 World Cup and third in 2022. But it could not quite match that level of success this time, going out in heartbreaking fashion in the round of 32 after a stoppage-time winner from Gonçalo Ramos gave Portugal a 2-1 victory.

Croatia had a poor start to the tournament, losing to England, but managed to squeak out victories against Panama and Ghana to finish second in the group. That set up a difficult round of 32 matchup against Portugal, where Croatia came close but could not get over the line.

So what’s next for the players who led Croatia to the last 32?

The 40-year-old maestro, known as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, more likely than not played in his final World Cup. Yet again, Luka Modrić was the leader in the middle of the park for Croatia.

He did not start the tournament with his best performance, giving up a penalty and struggling against England, but he grew into the tournament like he always does. Modrić was the composer in Croatia’s midfield, controlling the tempo and helping Croatia stay alive after that opening loss.

He always shows up on the biggest stages for Croatia and earned his 200th cap during the tournament. He is the greatest player in Croatia’s history. Modrić currently plays for Serie A club AC Milan.

Ivan Perišić is another Croatian veteran who always seems to show up for his country. Even at 37, he remained a pivotal piece of the Croatian attack on the wing.

Perišić was involved in one goal and two assists during this campaign, including the go-ahead goal against Portugal. When the lights shine the brightest, Perišić always finds a way to make an impact for Croatia, and that was the case again in this tournament.

At 37, this could also be his final World Cup. Perišić currently plays for PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie.

Dominik Livaković, 31, has now been between the posts for Croatia in multiple international tournaments, and he was key again with several decisive saves throughout the World Cup.

His clean sheet against Panama was especially important, helping Croatia squeak out a crucial 1-0 win in the group stage. Croatia needed that result after losing its opening match, and Livaković played a major role in making sure it got over the line.

Livaković currently plays for Fenerbahçe in the Turkish Süper Lig.

Nikola Vlašić scored the pivotal winning goal against Ghana in the 83rd minute, a goal that proved decisive in helping Croatia finish second in the group.

Vlašić has now been a key player for Croatia across multiple international tournaments, and once again, he provided an important moment when Croatia needed it. The midfielder currently plays for Serie A club Torino.

Mateo Kovačić has been one of the mainstays of this Croatia team for years. The former Real Madrid and Chelsea midfielder, now with Manchester City, has been a crucial part of Croatia’s midfield alongside Luka Modrić.

Kovačić provides dynamism in midfield and has been part of Croatia’s golden generation through its best World Cup runs. The 32-year-old is currently at Manchester City, but reports indicate he may be on his way out after a difficult, injury-hit season with the club.

Joško Gvardiol, 24, is known as one of the best defenders in the world and provided important versatility for Croatia throughout the tournament.

He can play center back, left back or in a hybrid role in a back three, giving Croatia different options defensively. That flexibility made him a key piece for this Croatian team. Gvardiol currently plays for Manchester City in the Premier League.

Jenny Shin took a five-shot lead at the ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open on Friday, as Lottie Woad, Charley Hull and Nelly Korda again toiled with the windy conditions at Dundonald Links.

Lauren Coughlin, who had joined Shin as the overnight co-leader at six under par, also struggled, going two over par in her front nine holes, before returning to the clubhouse at level par, to move to four under through 36 holes.

Despite a bumpy start, posting a bogey on the first, Shin, capitalised on her momentum from what was a sensational opening-round 66, to shoot a five-under par 67 and take a commanding five-shot lead over Esther Henseleit in second at 11 under par.

Image:
Shin said she had never held a five shot lead in her career before

“I made birdies when I could and tried really hard not to make any 3-putts,” Shin said, speaking on almost matching her first-round score of 66.

“I have never had a five-shot lead before,” She added. “I’m going to try and stay patient over the next two days. It is links golf.”

Henseleit, who started on the back nine, pushed herself up to solo second on the leaderboard after making birdies on holes 16 and 17, before holing out for an eagle on the par five third to move to six under par through 36 holes.

The cut line was set at six over par, and after Hull endured an indifferent opening round, shooting six over par, she came into her second round tiptoeing on the cut line.

Image:
Nelly Korda (left) and Charley Hull (right) both struggled during their third rounds

The English golfer held her nerve, mixing in four birdies and three bogeys to post a one-under par 71 to book her place at the weekend, moving to five over par through 36 holes.

Her good friend and compatriot, Georgia Hall, was unable to recover from an opening round score of 10 over par and missed the cut after she dropped again to 14 over after carding six bogeys and two birdies on day two.

Woad improves but struggles with putter

Woad enjoyed a much-improved second day at Dundonald Links after moving to two-over par for her first round, despite overcoming a bumpy start.

The 22-year-old made a double bogey on the 12th hole, before bouncing back with consecutive birdies on 14 and 15, adding a bogey on the 16th and before making another birdie on hole 17.

“It was pretty windy at the start,” Woad, the defending champion, said. “I made an early double. So dropped two there, obviously. Hit some really nice iron shots kind of for the rest of the day, fairways and greens.

Woad made the turn at two over, and a further two birdies on holes three and five brought her back to level par.

Image:
Lottie Woad struggled with her putter during her third round

“I didn’t really make any putts to be honest with you,” she added. “I could have shot a lot better but I was much happier with how I hit it today compared to yesterday.”

World No 1 Nelly Korda, who started the day at level par, fell to four over after she too endured a difficult day. Korda, who also started on the back nine, had moved to two under through six holes before making a bogey on 16 and backed that up with a double bogey on hole 17.

The four-time major champion made a birdie on the fifth, before making four consecutive bogeys in her final four holes to shoot a second-round 76 and move to four over par.

Solheim Cup captain Anna Nordqvist followed Korda in dropping down the leaderboard, after she had opened with a score of two-under par. On Friday, Nordqvist shot a seven-over par 79 to drop to five-over through 36 holes.

Watch round three of the ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open LIVE on Sky Sports Golf from 7.30am on Saturday. Get Sky Sports or stream golf with no contract

The Kansas City Chiefs will have their star quarterback ready to go when they open up training camp practices next week.

Mahomes has been cleared to participate in practice as he continues his recovery from the torn ACL and LCL he suffered against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15 last season, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told reporters on Friday. 

Mahomes suffered the injury on Dec. 14 and underwent surgery the next day, immediately beginning what has turned into an aggressive recovery process. Now, just over seven months later, the Chiefs quarterback appears to be on track to take part in training camp.

It has been an aggressive recovery for Mahomes. The star quarterback opted to have surgery immediately after suffering the injury, helping speed up his timetable to where he is today.

The 2025 season was a difficult campaign for Kansas City. The Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014 after being eliminated with that Week 15 loss to the Chargers. At the time, Mahomes’ chances of being available for Week 1 against the Denver Broncos looked bleak.

But with this expedited recovery, it is now looking like Mahomes could be a full participant early in training camp, let alone available for the Chiefs’ season opener.

Kansas City is now looking to rebuild around Mahomes, who signed a new extension a little more than a month ago that keeps him under contract through 2033.

Tight end Travis Kelce is still around, bringing veteran leadership and remaining Mahomes’ security blanket. The Chiefs also added Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, who can help balance the offensive load as Kansas City looks to ease Mahomes back into the NFL season.

Mahomes threw for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 14 games before suffering the season-ending injury last season. 

Birmingham Phoenix were skittled for just 64 by Trent Rockets as they slumped to a resounding nine-wicket loss at Edgbaston in the women’s competition in The Hundred.

Phoenix’s total – in which well over half their runs were made by Australia’s Ellyse Perry (39), four batters were out for ducks and their second top-scorer made six – was the joint second-lowest in the competition, behind only their own 54 all out in 2024.

Uncapped Australia spinner Samantha Bates (3-10), compatriot Kim Garth (2-5) and former England all-rounder Georgia Elwiss (3-13) did the bulk of the damage for Rockets.

Image:
Ellyse Perry was the one bright spot on a dismal day for Phoenix

Rockets then cantered to victory in just 31 deliveries, with England’s Sophia Dunkley hitting nine boundaries in an unbeaten 43 from 17 balls and Sophie Luff making 19 not out from nine balls once Australian opener Beth Mooney (4) departed cheaply.

During Phoenix’s dismal batting display, their top three of Davina Perrin (2) Tammy Beaumont (0) and Alice Capsey (1) managed just three runs combined.

Their batters at Nos 5, 6 and 7 – Annerie Dercksen, Jemima Spence and Kayla Reneyeke – then all failed to score, with Phoenix indebted to Perry, who was dropped on nine by fellow Australian Ash Gardner, for avoiding even greater embarrassment.

Image:
Trent Rockets Women celebrate a wicket in The Hundred (PA Images)

Bates: ‘Frantic’ warm-up and spin-heavy attack paid off

Player of the Match, Trent Rockets’ Samantha Bates:

“It’s pretty cool to play my first game here with Rockets and get the win on the board. We thought we’d go spin-heavy at Edgbaston and we’re glad that it paid off.

“Kimmy [Kim Garth] bowled really well up front. It was nice that I kind of got the reward, but Kimmy really set the tone for us.

“We also had a pretty frantic warm-up and I think we should stick to that because we fielded brilliantly out there.”

What is happening in The Hundred on Saturday?

It is a four-match day with two games apiece at Headingley and in Cardiff.

SunRisers Leeds host Southern Brave (women’s match at 11am, men’s at 2.30pm), while Welsh Fire entertain MI London (women’s game at 2.30pm, men’s at 6pm).

Jürgen Klopp made a punchy start to his new job as Germany coach Friday, laying out red lines he’d consider resigning over, even before his turnaround effort with a squad which failed yet again at the World Cup.

In a combative first news conference, the ex-Liverpool manager warned the German media he’ll quit if he believes they’re intruding on his family’s privacy.

He also hinted Germany could be his last job in coaching and admitted he hasn’t been an avid follower of international games.

Klopp Targets Euro 2028, 2030 World Cup

Klopp was the German federation’s top target and now he’s signed a contract through to the 2030 World Cup. At his presentation Friday, he said it was “a big honor” to take the job and signaled it could be his final role as coach.

Klopp said Friday he would be prepared to leave without any severance pay if it doesn’t work out, or if criticism becomes overwhelming, and threatened to resign if the media doesn’t “leave my family in peace.”

“Jürgen Klopp has no career after the national team,” he said. “Ideally, this will be the highlight of my career, my life, my working life. I will put everything into it that I possibly can.”

He replaces Julian Nagelsmann, who resigned amid heavy criticism after Germany’s loss to Paraguay meant it failed to reach the last 16 of a men’s World Cup for the third time in a row.

Klopp indicated he believed Nagelsmann and England’s coach Thomas Tuchel had been treated unfairly in the media. “I’m doing the job even though I’ve heard how you treated Julian, although I’ve heard how England treats Tuchel,” he said, without specifying what exactly he thought was the problem.

Klopp Wants To Make German Soccer ‘Cool’ Again

It is Klopp’s first coaching job since he left Liverpool in 2024 citing fatigue. He said he was “recharged” in comments while in talks over the Germany job.

Klopp signaled he plans to make some surprising squad selections and said his mission isn’t just to win games, but to bring back a buzz around the team.

Klopp himself admitted that “it’s been a while” since he watched national team games outside of major tournaments.

“I want to create something with the national team that means that people go home after the game and think ‘That was really cool.’ That’s what I’d like to see happen,” he said.

Klopp’s Arrival Follows Talks During World Cup

The man known for thrilling “heavy metal football” at Liverpool, Klopp was Germany’s preferred candidate as soon as Nagelsmann quit.

Over weeks of talks, the 59-year-old German — 20 years older than Nagelsmann — stayed in the United States as a World Cup pundit for a German-language broadcaster.

The federation also held talks with the Red Bull group, where Klopp spent the last year and a half as “head of global soccer” advising its worldwide group of soccer clubs.

German federation president Bernd Neuendorf said there wouldn’t be a typical release fee paid to Red Bull for Klopp. Instead, the federation pays one million euros ($1.14 million) to a Red Bull-linked charity and has agreed to hold three national team games in the eastern city of Leipzig, where Red Bull backs the city’s Bundesliga club team.

Klopp faces a tough introduction to his first national team job with four Nations League games in 11 days against the Netherlands, Greece and Serbia in late September and early October. The first major milestone will be the 2028 European Championship.

Mertesacker Joins Klopp In Germany Setup

Germany hasn’t won a knockout game at a World Cup since beating Argentina in the 2014 final. Now a player from that team will be working alongside Klopp.

Former defender Per Mertesacker joins Klopp as the federation’s new managing director for sport, with a role overseeing the German men’s national teams and an emphasis on bringing players through youth national teams to star for the senior team. He will start the role in January and joins after eight years running Arsenal’s academy.

Klopp is reunited with two of his assistants from his Liverpool days, Peter Krawietz and Pep Lijnders, weeks after Lijnders left a role as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Man City. Ex-Germany player Sven Bender also takes an assistant role.

In an unusual arrangement, Klopp’s longtime agent Marc Kosicke joins the coaching team in a role focusing on strategy and administration, but won’t be a federation employee.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

Lewis Hamilton edged his team-mate Charles Leclerc to the fastest time in second practice as Ferrari dominated the first day of running at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

After Leclerc had comfortably topped Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Hamilton in Friday’s opening session, the seven-time world champion found major improvement later in the day to turn a half-second deficit into a 0.158s advantage over his team-mate.

The nearest challenger to Ferrari in the more representative second session was reigning world champion Lando Norris, who was just short of half a second back from Hamilton in his upgraded McLaren.

While Ferrari’s pace at the Hungaroring – a circuit many had assumed would suit their car – came as little surprise, the Italian team will be further buoyed by the unexpected struggles of championship leader Kimi Antonelli and his Mercedes team.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Franco Colapinto lost control of his Alpine at the final corner before shunting into the barriers, causing a red flag in the middle of second practice

Having sat out the first session as Mercedes fulfilled one of their obligated rookie driver sessions, Antonelli struggled badly on his return to action as he repeatedly ran off track amid rear locking issues.