Charlotte Coates

Anthony Joshua recovered from two first-round knockdowns by Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, stopping the Albanian in the second round to improve his record to 30-4. The dramatic victory keeps a potential fight with Tyson Fury on track. Joshua also paid tribute to friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, who died in a car crash in Nigeria seven months earlier.

Hamzah Sheeraz recalls the moment working in Eden Hazard’s London apartment reignited his commitment to boxing, ultimately leading to his signing with Frank Warren and his rise to the WBO super-middleweight title. Preparing for his first title defence against Simon Zachenhuber in Saudi Arabia, he expresses a strong desire to face idol Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and believes he is on a path toward achieving his full potential.

Cameron Menzies fell ill during his World Matchplay second‑round match and was escorted off stage before medics determined he could return to his accommodation, forcing him to forfeit the match to Ross Smith. The PDC reported he suffered high blood pressure and briefly fainted. Gerwyn Price advanced with a decisive win over Rob Cross, while Gian van Veen secured a quarter‑final place after a tight tie‑break victory against Wessel Nijman. Upcoming quarter‑final fixtures were also confirmed.

William Saliba faces an extended spell out with a back injury sustained during France’s World Cup campaign, though specialists determined surgery is unnecessary and he will follow a managed recovery plan. The Arsenal defender had been coping with the issue for weeks and was forced off during France’s semi-final defeat to Spain, later missing the bronze final against England. After making 50 appearances last season in Arsenal’s Premier League‑winning campaign, his absence comes as the club prepares for the Community Shield against Manchester City and the start of their title defence against Coventry City.

Wayne Rooney urges the Football Association to retain Thomas Tuchel as England manager after the World Cup semi-final loss unless Pep Guardiola becomes available. While criticising Tuchel’s squad selections and acknowledging mistakes, Rooney argues he remains the best option for Euro 2028. He also questions the timing of Tuchel’s contract extension and notes that World Cup inexperience played a role. Debate continues over notable omissions and selections from the England squad.

Cape Verde exited the 2026 World Cup after a 3-2 loss to Argentina but earned widespread admiration for their unexpected performances, including draws with Spain and Uruguay and a near-upset against the defending champions. Goalkeeper Vozinha became a standout figure for his exceptional saves, drawing praise from former professional players. Coach Bubista and defender Pico Lopes highlighted the pride the team brought to their nation, emphasizing how the tournament placed Cape Verde firmly on the global football map.

Cape Verde’s World Cup debut ended in a narrow 3-2 extra-time defeat to Argentina, but their run captivated global audiences through resilient performances, including draws with Spain and Uruguay and a dramatic equaliser from Sidny Lopes Cabral. Goalkeeper Vozinha’s standout displays made him a breakout star, while coach Bubista and players expressed pride in proving their ability on the world stage. Pundits praised Cape Verde as the tournament’s defining underdog story and highlighted their impact as evidence supporting broader World Cup participation.

Germany had a late extra‑time goal by Jonathan Tah ruled out after VAR judged Waldemar Anton to have impeded Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill, prompting strong criticism from pundits and Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann. Analysts including Alan Shearer, Darren Cann and Pat Nevin called the decision soft or incorrect, while Jurgen Klopp likened similar incidents to goals regularly scored by Arsenal. Paraguay advanced 4‑3 on penalties after a 1‑1 draw.