Simon Burnton

Argentina has declared 15 July National Football Teams Day to commemorate its men's semi-final victory over England, prompting mockery over the Argentine Football Association's nationalistic focus and its extensive list of team achievements. The article contrasts this new observance with Argentina's considerable football record and existing Argentine Footballers' Day. It also reports the fatal robbery of Ugandan player and former national-team captain David Owori in Kampala, and includes lighter football news involving Bridgwater United's victory over Clevedon Town and owner Ian Davis's exuberant post-match remarks.

Mohamed Salah’s move to Trabzonspor revives a half-century of connections between the Turkish club and Liverpool, whose 1976 European Cup trip to Trabzon was remembered for poor facilities, a rocky pitch and an infamous hotel. Trabzonspor supporters have enthusiastically welcomed Salah, while club president Ertuğrul Doğan framed the transfer as proof of the club’s growing ambitions. Salah is reportedly set to earn €17m annually, with image-rights and merchandise arrangements also involved. The column additionally reproduces Luís Figo’s fierce criticism of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, accusing him of trying to enrich himself and urging him to resign.

Premier League clubs are linked with a wide range of potential moves. Tottenham are reportedly considering a bid of about £70m for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, while Chelsea have received enquiries about Mykhailo Mudryk, including from Coventry City, managed by Frank Lampard. Arsenal are negotiating with Newcastle for Bruno Guimarães and pursuing several other players. West Ham are targeting Manor Solomon, Troy Parrott and Arne Engels after Sunderland rejected interest in Wilson Isidor, while Everton are pursuing Alistair Johnston and are close to signing Arsenal midfielder Christian Nørgaard.

Sigrid Haugset of Uno-X Mobility won stage three of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes after an extraordinary 85-kilometre solo breakaway from Geneva to Poligny. Despite Lotte Kopecky’s powerful individual pursuit, Haugset held on to win by 1 minute 24 seconds and take the yellow jersey, while Marianne Vos won the sprint for third. Haugset also leads the points classification, and Puck Pieterse moved into the polka-dot jersey after taking maximum points on the Col de la Faucille. The 156.5-kilometre stage featured four climbs, extreme heat and significant gaps in the general classification.

Rob Key says Stephen Fleming’s appointment gives England’s Test team an opportunity to recover from a disastrous eight months and build sustained success rather than isolated series wins. Fleming is expected to improve the current side while developing future captains and coaches, addressing weaknesses in succession planning exposed by the departures of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. Joe Root’s return as captain highlights the lack of ready alternatives, with younger options such as Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook not yet considered prepared for the role. Fleming’s close relationship with McCullum may help preserve improvements in England’s shorter formats while enabling a reset in Test cricket.

England’s managing director of men’s cricket, Rob Key, has left open the possibility of Ben Stokes returning to the Test team for next summer’s Ashes, despite Stokes retiring from international cricket in June. Key said his relationship with Stokes remains intact. Stephen Fleming will replace Brendon McCullum as Test coach from September, although he will miss England’s upcoming series against Pakistan. Fleming has already been involved in planning with Joe Root, who has been reappointed Test captain ahead of Harry Brook. Key said Brook remains a future leadership candidate but that Root’s experience makes him the better choice for now.

Stephen Fleming has been backed to bring calm, clarity and strong leadership to England after being appointed men’s Test coach. Former Nottinghamshire teammates recall his calculated decision-making and ability to keep players composed, while Chris Jordan praises his empathy, detailed planning, tactical awareness and talent for giving players clear roles. Fleming’s record includes County Championship success and five Indian Premier League titles with Chennai Super Kings, though Hemang Badani argues that those IPL achievements were primarily due to captain MS Dhoni. Fleming is expected to form an effective partnership with returning England captain Joe Root.

Stephen Fleming has been appointed England men's Test coach on a four-year contract running to September 2030, replacing Brendon McCullum, while Joe Root returns as permanent captain for a second spell. Marcus Trescothick will oversee the three-Test Pakistan series before Fleming takes charge for the winter tour of South Africa. Fleming, whose coaching experience has largely come in white-ball cricket with Chennai Super Kings, said he aims to build on McCullum and Ben Stokes's work while developing England's young talent. Root previously stepped down as captain in 2022 because of the personal toll of the role but has agreed to lead the team again.

Justin Langer says he has not been contacted by the England and Wales Cricket Board about its vacant men’s Test coaching role, but he remains open to the opportunity. He questions whether a split structure can succeed with Brendon McCullum overseeing the white-ball teams, arguing that the coaches and ECB cricket director must share the same approach. Langer also says he would want oversight of all senior men’s teams and criticises the decline in England players’ batting technique.

Boris Karloff’s long-standing passion for cricket is being commemorated through both memorabilia donated to the Marylebone Cricket Club and the ongoing work of the Boris Karloff Foundation. Karloff was president of Hollywood Cricket Club, which counted figures including C Aubrey Smith, David Niven, Laurence Olivier, Cary Grant and Errol Flynn among its associates. The foundation, established by Karloff’s widow Evie after his death, distributes about £100,000 annually to projects involving performing arts, cricket and young people. Its support has helped sustain Exmouth’s annual Windrush cricket festival, which combines men’s and women’s cricket, food and music to connect West Indian and West Country communities. Karloff’s cricket pads will be assessed for conservation before potentially going on display at Lord’s.

Stephen Fleming is expected to become England’s next Test coach after impressing the England and Wales Cricket Board in interviews. He would replace Brendon McCullum, who remains responsible for England’s white-ball teams and has a longstanding personal and professional relationship with Fleming. Fleming is likely to take charge for England’s tour of South Africa in December, while Marcus Trescothick may oversee the August Pakistan series on an interim basis. His extensive playing and coaching experience in English cricket, along with Andy Flower’s decision to reject the role, has strengthened his candidacy.

England’s search for a new men’s Test coach is being delayed because the appointee must work alongside Brendon McCullum, who remains in charge of the white-ball teams. Some candidates reportedly want full control of the senior sides or are reluctant to replace McCullum while working with him. The England and Wales Cricket Board is considering several candidates and is prepared to continue the process beyond the Pakistan series beginning on 19 August. If no permanent coach is appointed, Marcus Trescothick is the leading interim option and Joe Root is expected to return as interim Test captain, while Harry Brook’s successful white-ball leadership makes him an unlikely choice to captain all formats.

London Spirit opened their new Hundred era with men’s and women’s defeats by Manchester Super Giants at Lord’s. Liam Livingstone took two wickets and scored 69 but was bowled by Sonny Baker late in a seven-run men’s loss, while Tim Seifert’s 67 proved decisive. Spirit’s women collapsed to 80 all out after losing four wickets in the powerplay, allowing Manchester Super Giants to win by seven wickets. Tinie Tempah performed during the double-header, while the England and Wales Cricket Board also announced venues and dates for next year’s concurrent Ashes series.

London Spirit enter the new Hundred season with almost entirely rebuilt men’s and women’s squads, a new coaching setup and increased investment following the Tech Titans’ acquisition of a major stake. Jamie Overton is the only returning men’s player, while Charlie Dean and Grace Harris remain from the women’s side. New head coaches Andy Flower and Jon Lewis aim to instill confidence and clarity as the franchise seeks improved results after years of underperformance. The club’s rebranding, expanded off‑field resources and heightened ambition coincide with the broader changes brought by the competition’s privatisation.

A revamped edition of the Hundred opened at the Oval with on‑field fireworks overshadowing off‑field entertainment, as Nicholas Pooran and Sam Curran led MI London to victory after an early batting collapse. John Newman’s halftime performance fell flat with distracted spectators and warming‑up players, while the women’s match earlier saw SunRisers Leeds win comfortably. Adjustments to boundary distances, mascot promotions and heavy use of fireworks highlighted the tournament’s new presentation approach, capped by Reliance Group’s Nita Ambani in attendance as Pooran dominated the match.

The Hundred enters its 2026 season after stakes in all eight teams were sold to private investors, bringing more than £500m into English domestic cricket. Three teams have adopted new IPL-linked names, player salary budgets have risen sharply—especially in the women’s competition—and auction-based recruitment has substantially reshaped squads. Coaching staff have also changed extensively, while new corporate sponsors have replaced the tournament’s earlier snack-brand imagery. Further changes could follow after the current broadcast agreements expire in 2028, including expansion and a possible switch from the 100-ball format to T20.

Justin Langer has moved to the top of the England and Wales Cricket Board's shortlist to replace Brendon McCullum as England men's Test coach. Andy Flower, who previously led England to the world No 1 ranking and three Ashes victories, ruled himself out after deciding he did not want to combine an international role with his coaching positions at London Spirit and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Stephen Fleming is another possible candidate, while Langer would face a similar choice between the England job and his existing roles with Lucknow Super Giants and Manchester Super Giants.

Brendon McCullum’s tenure as England’s Test coach ends after initial transformative success gave way to declining results and internal instability. His aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach, which revitalized the team in 2022, faltered during subsequent major series, culminating in a heavy Ashes defeat and escalating scrutiny. Leadership turbulence intensified with Ben Stokes’s resignation and off‑field issues, prompting a reversal of earlier assurances from the England and Wales Cricket Board. Despite recent success with England’s T20 side, McCullum now remains only as white‑ball coach as questions grow about the ECB’s direction and internal cohesion.

Brendon McCullum was removed as England’s Test coach shortly after leading the team to the top of the T20 rankings, though he will continue overseeing the white‑ball sides. The England and Wales Cricket Board opted for a full reset following Ben Stokes’s retirement from Test cricket, despite McCullum’s early success and strong relationship with prospective captain Harry Brook. Recent poor Test results and a strained partnership with Stokes contributed to the decision. McCullum expressed disappointment but pledged full commitment to the white‑ball teams, while ECB leaders praised his impact and maintained confidence in the squad’s future.

England defeated India by 56 runs in the fifth T20 international, completing a 4-0 series win with a record-breaking total of 257 for three. Jos Buttler scored 131 and Harry Brook added an unbeaten 95, combining for a 233-run stand, England’s highest in T20s. India’s fielding errors contributed to the one-sided result despite half-centuries from Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma during their chase of 201 for eight.

England secured a dominant nine‑wicket victory over India in the fourth T20 in Bristol, driven by a blistering unbeaten 79 from Harry Brook and a rapid 59 from Phil Salt. India struggled with a timid batting display before Shreyas Iyer’s 80 provided late resistance, but a below‑par total of 158 was easily chased down as England maintained control throughout and moved within one win of becoming the world’s top‑ranked T20 side.

England beat India by a record 125-run margin in the third T20, bowling out the visitors for 76 after setting a target of 202. Exceptional spells from Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue dismantled India’s batting order, which collapsed after an aggressive but reckless start. Phil Salt led England’s scoring with 70, supported by Sam Curran’s unbeaten 41. India’s captain Shreyas Iyer admitted the team played poorly, while head coach Gautam Gambhir defended their high-risk approach. England now lead the five‑match series 2-0.

England defeated India by four wickets in the second T20 after Jacob Bethell’s explosive 76 from 46 balls, including a decisive 29-run over off Ravi Bishnoi, overturned an early batting collapse. India’s 15‑year‑old debutant Vaibhav Sooryavanshi showed flashes of promise with a brief 14-run cameo, while Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan helped set a total of 190 for seven. Key contributions from Harry Brook and Sam Curran kept England in the chase before Bethell’s late surge secured victory with an over to spare.

India reached 189 for seven in their allotted overs at a rain-soaked Durham, with Abhishek Sharma and Shreyas Iyer hitting half-centuries and Saqib Mahmood taking three wickets on his England return. Persistent rain intensified after India’s innings, preventing England from beginning their chase and forcing the match to be abandoned without a ball faced in reply.

Harry Brook expresses readiness to succeed Ben Stokes as England’s Test captain, calling the opportunity a privilege and emphasizing his commitment to England cricket. Already captain in white‑ball formats, he acknowledges the challenges of leading across all formats but remains open to the role. Ahead of England’s T20 series against India, Brook discusses preparations, including strategies to counter 15‑year‑old Indian batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. India arrive with squad changes after a recent defeat to Ireland, while England name their XI early for the opening match.

Brendon McCullum affirmed his commitment to continue as England's Test head coach through 2027 following Ben Stokes's retirement from international cricket. Stokes endorsed Harry Brook as his preferred successor, questioning recent interim captaincy decisions and emphasising Brook's qualifications as vice-captain. Their working relationship, previously strained during the Ashes defeat, culminated in Stokes informing McCullum of his retirement only shortly before the squad. McCullum highlighted the need for a careful process in choosing the next captain and praised Stokes’s leadership qualities, stressing the importance of maintaining his influence within the team. Stokes plans to return to county cricket with Durham after adjusting earlier plans following his retirement.

Ben Stokes announced that he will retire from England’s Test captaincy and international cricket at the end of the third Test against New Zealand, citing emotional strain and a diminishing enjoyment for the sport. The decision, shared with teammates before play, came after a difficult year that included injury, disciplinary scrutiny and England’s recent struggles. Stokes retires as one of England’s most celebrated all-rounders, credited with pivotal World Cup triumphs, historic Ashes performances and helping transform the Test team alongside coach Brendon McCullum. Figures from English cricket praised his leadership, competitive spirit and lasting impact as the team prepares to identify his successor.

New Zealand seized control of the third Test after Zak Foulkes, on as a concussion substitute for Blair Tickner, took three key wickets to slow England’s scoring and restrict them to 354. England, who had started the innings strongly, faltered under disciplined bowling aimed at drying up runs. New Zealand closed day three with a lead of 204 on a deteriorating pitch offering assistance to both seam and spin, setting England up for a challenging chase.

Ben Duckett credited a new fitness regime and weight loss for helping him score a rapid century at Trent Bridge, noting improved endurance in the heat and a greater focus on his longevity in the sport. He acknowledged a key dropped catch that aided his innings and reflected on recent misfortune from being run out. England fought back by taking six early New Zealand wickets, led by Ben Stokes, reducing their opponents from a strong position. New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell said his team still held a lead and remained focused on competing across all five days of the Test.

Will O’Rourke produced a career-best 19 runs, doubling his previous Test tally and frustrating England’s bowlers during New Zealand’s first innings at Trent Bridge. His unexpected resilience delayed England’s breakthrough until Ben Stokes sparked a momentum shift, leading to New Zealand being bowled out for 438. O’Rourke later claimed an early wicket when he returned to bowl, resuming a more familiar role after his rare batting success.

New Zealand ended the first day of the third Test at Trent Bridge on 361 for four after a dominant opening stand but rued losing late wickets that tempered their advantage. Coaches Luke Ronchi and Tim Southee referenced past memories of a similar position in 2022 while stressing the team’s progress. Devon Conway returned to form with 157 after adjusting his batting approach following earlier struggles on tour. Late dismissals of Rachin Ravindra and Henry Nicholls prevented an even stronger finish despite New Zealand’s overall control.

Extreme heat at Trent Bridge shaped a subdued opening day of the final Test, with spectators seeking shade as New Zealand’s batters controlled proceedings. Shoaib Bashir bowled a long spell but went wicketless, with England missing a crucial lbw review against Devon Conway that allowed New Zealand to build strongly. Bashir’s effort and energy drew notice, though his impact remained limited, while Joe Root eventually claimed a late wicket with part‑time spin.

England enter the deciding Test against New Zealand under heightened pressure following off‑field controversies, inconsistent performances, and repeated team resets. Selection changes, the impact of a heatwave, and the significance of the coin toss add weight to the match, while several key players seek form recoveries. The contest also features top-ranked performers, including Joe Root and Matt Henry, as both teams aim to secure the series in demanding conditions.

New Zealand’s selection of experienced batter Henry Nicholls proved decisive as his century and key partnerships highlighted the value of stability, contrasting sharply with England’s inexperienced lineup. England’s leadership persisted with existing structures despite calls for renewal, resulting in a team forced into multiple changes and debutants who struggled against a seasoned opponent. Post‑match reflections acknowledged the challenges faced by young players without an established core, while alternative experienced options such as Dan Lawrence were overlooked. Nicholls’ successful return underscored the rewards of selecting proven performers over pursuing novelty.

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were reinstated for England’s third Test against New Zealand after the ECB investigation found both had breached team curfew rules but were not responsible for violence during a nightclub incident, with Atkinson confirmed as an unprovoked assault victim. Both received written warnings, and the Cricket Regulator closed its case. Brendon McCullum acknowledged unclear curfew rules and expressed frustration over recurring discipline issues, urging improved conduct. England face a deciding Test at Trent Bridge after New Zealand’s heavy victory in the second match, while Stokes’s return ends Joe Root’s brief stand‑in captaincy.

New Zealand defeated England by 253 runs in the second Test at The Oval, driven by Matt Henry’s outstanding match figures of 11 for 109 and a disciplined all-round bowling display. England’s challenge collapsed on the final morning despite Joe Root’s efforts, with dropped catches and inexperience contributing to the result. New Zealand’s innings were anchored by key contributions from Glenn Phillips and Henry Nicholls, while England faced scrutiny over team selection and the absence of Ben Stokes, who is expected to return for the decider at Trent Bridge. The series is level at 1-1 heading into the final match.

England neared defeat in the second Test against New Zealand as Josh Tongue acknowledged the significant impact of Ben Stokes’s absence. Stokes, serving a disciplinary suspension, scored 95 for Durham while England struggled under interim captain Joe Root, who remained unbeaten on 75. With England chasing 281 on the final day, Root’s leadership and performance were praised by teammates. New Zealand remained in control after Henry Nicholls’s strong innings and continued to focus on dismissing Root, the key wicket needed to secure a rare Test victory in England. The England & Wales Cricket Board is close to concluding its investigation, which may allow Stokes and Gus Atkinson to return for the next match.

England face a heavy deficit in the second Test after failing to capitalize on crucial moments, leaving New Zealand 352 runs ahead with seven wickets in hand. Matt Fisher acknowledged the team’s struggles despite his own half‑century and a resilient stand with debutant Sonny Baker. New Zealand strengthened their position through a 161‑run partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Henry Nicholls, prompting discussions among the tourists about how many runs are needed to secure victory and manage bowlers' workloads.

New Zealand took control of the second Test at the Oval after adding 100 quick runs on the second morning, driven by Glenn Phillips’s century. England opener Emilio Gay attributed the difficult session to bad luck rather than flawed plans, noting that chances did not fall their way. Gay top-scored with 53 but ran out partner Ben Duckett early in the innings. Phillips dedicated his hundred to his late father, while acknowledging the match remained open despite New Zealand’s strong position with England still 169 runs behind.

England restricted New Zealand to 291‑7 on the first day of the second Test at The Oval, with wickets shared across a reshuffled attack and Jofra Archer delivering a hostile spell that repeatedly troubled Glenn Phillips. Sonny Baker made an impressive impact on debut, taking key wickets including Daryl Mitchell, while Jacob Bethell contributed with both catches and late breakthroughs. New Zealand saw several batters make starts without converting, and the Phillips‑Blundell partnership provided the most resistance before late wickets tilted the balance slightly back toward England at stumps.