Joe Krishnan

Several notable golfers, including Justin Rose, Jordan Spieth, Matt Fitzpatrick, Viktor Hovland, and Cameron Smith, failed to make the cut at the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, where the cut line fell at one over par. Lucas Herbert delivered the standout round with a record-equalling 62 to lead the tournament, while Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy secured their places for the weekend. Mixed performances, rules issues, and difficult early holes contributed to the early exits of several high-profile players.

Jurgen Klopp denied reports claiming he criticised Thomas Tuchel and England following their World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina, stating he had not spoken publicly for several days. The fabricated quotes had suggested he defended Tuchel amid scrutiny over England’s tactical approach. England were eliminated after Argentina overturned a second-half deficit with goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, prompting debate over Tuchel’s future, though he reaffirmed his intention to continue through Euro 2028.

Manchester United informed a number of season ticket holders that their accounts were temporarily suspended due to suspected ticketing violations, requesting device information, access explanations and identification. Several long‑standing supporters deny wrongdoing and criticize the club’s vague communication. Some restrictions have been lifted, but others remain, with United citing the need to tackle widespread touting. The club has introduced an appeals process requiring submissions before July 19, though affected fans say their detailed responses have not been accepted.

Iker Casillas accused England and manager Thomas Tuchel of adopting a cowardly, defensive approach in their World Cup semi‑final loss to Argentina, who overturned an early goal with late strikes from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez. England struggled to regain control after scoring and retreated into a deep shape, prompting sustained Argentine pressure. Tuchel acknowledged the team became passive but defended his tactical changes as necessary to handle repeated threats. England now prepare for a third‑place playoff against France with expected squad rotation.

Harry Kane said Thomas Tuchel urged England to push for a second goal after taking the lead in their World Cup semi-final against Argentina, but late pressure saw Argentina overturn the deficit through goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez. Kane highlighted England’s difficulty sustaining control and suggested the team is still missing a key element to succeed in major tournament finals. Argentina advance to face Spain in the final as they seek consecutive World Cup titles.

FIFA faced criticism for appointing Ismail Elfath to referee the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina after he struggled to control a tense first half marked by frequent fouls and rising tempers. Fans accused him of inconsistency and bias, particularly after several aggressive challenges went unpunished before England received the first booking. Despite the contentious officiating, England eventually took the lead through Anthony Gordon early in the second half.

Mark Chapman noticed Wayne Rooney noting Thomas Tuchel’s comments about selecting Morgan Rogers for England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina. Rooney praised Tuchel’s instinctive decision, while Micah Richards highlighted Rogers’ versatility. Tuchel said his choice was based on a strong feeling supported by Rogers’ performances in training and his cameo against Norway. Additional selection changes included starts for Djed Spence and Reece James.

Argentina may alter their lineup for the World Cup semi-final against England as concerns persist over Lionel Messi’s fitness following an eye injury sustained against Switzerland. Manager Lionel Scaloni is evaluating midfield options and may adjust his attack by pairing Julian Alvarez with Lautaro Martinez if Messi is not fully fit. Defensive changes are also possible, with Nahuel Molina potentially replaced by Gonzalo Montiel. The squad trained behind closed doors before traveling to Atlanta, with key players expected to recover in time. Scaloni emphasized the significance of reaching another semi-final while downplaying historical narratives surrounding the England matchup.

FIFA rejected France’s attempt to overturn Michael Olise’s yellow card from the match against Paraguay, leaving the winger at risk of suspension for the World Cup semi-finals. The decision follows controversy after Donald Trump successfully requested that Folarin Balogun’s red card for the USA be suspended, prompting criticism from other nations. Despite video evidence suggesting minimal contact in Olise’s incident, FIFA upheld the caution. Didier Deschamps confirmed the ruling as France prepare to face Morocco in the quarter-finals, with squad alternatives available if Olise’s risk is deemed too high.

Manchester United agreed a £50 million deal to sign Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, with personal terms settled and a medical pending. The transfer includes a 10 percent sell‑on clause for Chelsea. Santos is expected to partner fellow Brazilian Ederson, who will join from Atalanta after the World Cup. His arrival may influence United’s pursuit of Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni. Santos fills the gap left by Casemiro’s departure after featuring regularly for Chelsea last season following previous loan spells.

Jordan Henderson confirmed he will miss the remainder of the World Cup after breaking his wrist in a post‑match accident while celebrating England’s win over Mexico. He shared an upbeat message on social media praising the team’s performance, while teammates expressed support for his recovery. The midfielder, expected to undergo surgery, hopes to remain with the squad as England prepare for their quarter‑final against Norway.

The International Olympic Committee provisionally lifted Russia’s suspension, opening the possibility for its athletes to compete under the national flag at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The decision followed confirmation that the Russian Olympic Committee no longer includes organizations from territories under Ukrainian jurisdiction and has ceased related activities. Russia welcomed the move as a sign of keeping politics out of sports, while the IOC reaffirmed its condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but maintained that athletes should not be penalized for government actions. The development follows limited neutral participation by Russian and Belarusian athletes in recent Olympic and Paralympic events.

Princess Kate surprised Wimbledon fans by greeting those who queued overnight and scanning their tickets, leaving BBC commentators astonished. She watched matches alongside Tim Henman, Andy Murray and others before meeting children from the Shine Camera Club and preparing for an interview with Anne Keothavong. Her multiple appearances across the grounds highlighted her active role at the tournament.

Arvid Lindblad, an 18‑year‑old Racing Bulls Formula 1 rookie, has yet to pass his UK driving test after failing the theory exam by one point, admitting he began revising only the night before. Despite racing at over 200mph professionally, he has not taken formal driving lessons and currently practices on the road with his mother. Other F1 drivers have also failed their driving tests on their first attempt. While still dependent on family for transport, Lindblad has made a strong start to his F1 career, earning 14 points in his first eight races, including a seventh‑place finish in Monaco.

England prepare to face Mexico in the World Cup round of 16, with Brad Friedel arguing that Mexico’s altitude advantage exaggerates their quality and urging England to avoid conceding early. England’s comeback win over DR Congo sets up the match in Mexico City, where high-altitude conditions pose a major challenge. Thomas Tuchel acknowledges the difficulty of adapting physically but believes England are capable despite Mexico’s strong record at the Azteca Stadium. Mexico enter the match unbeaten, while England look to build on Harry Kane’s decisive performance in their previous game.

Frankie Dettori was hospitalised after his car flipped when struck in Newmarket, suffering several broken ribs and a broken thumb. His representatives report he remains under observation and request privacy as he recovers. Emergency services responded promptly. The article recounts his recent retirement, career achievements, and a previous plane crash in 2000 that he survived with the help of Ray Cochrane.

Lucy Ward praised her partner Neil Redfearn after he intervened during a medical emergency involving her mother while Ward was away covering the 2026 World Cup for ITV. Redfearn ensured her mother received hospital care, after which she recovered and returned home. Ward continues working across Mexico, Canada and the United States for tournament coverage while Redfearn remains in the UK. The article highlights both their backgrounds in football and revisits Ward’s previous successful discrimination case against former Leeds owner Massimo Cellino.

A severe heatwave driven by a heat dome is set to impact England’s World Cup training base in Kansas City and several other host cities, with heat index levels expected to exceed 43°C. The National Weather Service has issued multiple extreme heat watches as FIFA adjusts fan festival hours and players prepare for dangerous conditions. England manager Thomas Tuchel has implemented extensive measures, including temperature‑monitoring capsules and heat‑simulation training, to help players adapt. Authorities warn of risks to players, spectators and workers as the extreme temperatures threaten health, transportation and infrastructure.