Real Madrid has stated it has no intention of signing Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez this summer. The Spanish club issued a statement denying recent reports linking them with the Argentina international, asserting that these claims do not align with reality.

Despite reports suggesting Fernandez is keen to leave Chelsea following their failure to secure European qualification last season, Real Madrid has clarified that they have not made any direct or indirect efforts to sign the player. They also confirmed they have no plans to pursue such an operation.

Chelsea, for their part, has confirmed that no club-to-club approach has been received from Real Madrid regarding Fernandez. The Blues value the 25-year-old at £120m if serious interest were to materialise, but they are not actively looking to sell and would prefer to keep him as a key player under new coach Xabi Alonso.

Fernandez, who joined Chelsea in February 2023 for a then-British record fee of £107m, has been an important player for the club. He helped Argentina win the World Cup at the end of 2022 and has since won the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup with Chelsea. Last season, he scored 15 goals in all competitions.

His agent, Javier Pastore, has publicly discussed Fernandez’s future, suggesting the player is underpaid at Chelsea and that the lack of Champions League qualification could be an issue. Fernandez himself received a two-game suspension in April from former coach Liam Rosenior after expressing uncertainty about his future at Chelsea and stating his desire to live in Madrid.

Real Madrid’s Stance and Other Clubs’ Interest

Real Madrid’s statement emphasised their respect for Enzo Fernandez as a footballer and for Chelsea FC, highlighting an excellent institutional relationship between the clubs. They expressed regret that unfounded speculations continue to circulate, causing confusion among fans and potentially harming the involved parties.

This public distancing from Real Madrid comes after similar private signals from sources at Paris St-Germain and Manchester City, both of whom had previously been linked with the midfielder. According to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, there have been “zero contacts” between Chelsea and Real Madrid regarding Fernandez.

Romano also indicated that Real Madrid views Fernandez as one of five midfield options and that any potential signing would depend on player departures from their current squad. Dani Ceballos and Nico Paz have already left, but key decisions regarding first-team rotation players would need to be made before pursuing a new midfielder.

Meanwhile, Arsenal and Manchester City have reportedly entered the race to sign Fernandez. Sportitalia journalist Gianluigi Longari stated that Real Madrid would need to make a “sacrifice” to present an offer to Chelsea, while Arsenal and Manchester City are gathering information on the Argentine international.

Chelsea’s Perspective and Future Plans

The situation has been described as challenging for Chelsea, given Fernandez’s importance to the team. Last season, he contributed 15 goals and seven assists in all competitions and served as vice-captain. However, Chelsea maintains that the situation is not irreparable.

The club has consistently stated their willingness to listen to offers if their £120m valuation is met, but they are not actively seeking to sell him. There is a belief at Stamford Bridge that new coach Xabi Alonso can successfully reintegrate Fernandez into the squad and help mend his relationship with supporters through strong performances on the pitch.

Real Madrid has already signed Marc Cucurella from Chelsea this summer in a deal worth up to £51.8m. The Spanish giants issued a similar statement last month to deny reports linking them with Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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England’s dramatic comeback and audience figures

England secured a dramatic victory over DR Congo in the World Cup, with a peak audience of 16.3 million people tuning in to watch the match on Wednesday. The 17:00 BST kick-off was viewed by an average of 14 million people on BBC TV, marking it as the most-watched moment on the BBC this year. Additionally, there were 10.4 million streams across BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, and its app.

The live coverage page for the match garnered over 20 million views globally, including 14 million in the UK. This made it the biggest day for the BBC Sport website and app since the previous World Cup. Harry Kane played a pivotal role, scoring two goals in the final 15 minutes to reverse a 1-0 deficit after DR Congo had taken the lead in the seventh minute.

The World Cup accounted for more than a third (34%) of all hours streamed on BBC iPlayer during the final week of the group stage. The Football Daily visualised podcast also proved popular, generating over two million streams during the group stages. Across social media, BBC Sport has accumulated 889 million video views throughout the tournament so far.

Key moments and managerial perspective

The match saw England struggling initially, described as playing like a team fearful of their own abilities. During the first hydration break, England was 1-0 down, with players appearing disheartened. Coach Thomas Tuchel attempted to calm his players, conveying tactical adjustments and the need for collective movements.

Despite creating chances and forcing saves from Lionel Mpasi, England remained 1-0 down by the final hydration break. Tuchel again addressed his players, delivering instructions and restructuring their approach. It was at this point that Kane delivered a crucial performance, scoring the equalising and winning goals.

Kane’s first goal came from a cross by Anthony Gordon, which he headed across goal, beating Mpasi. His second, also from a pass by Gordon, was a powerful shot into the net. These goals not only secured the win but also, according to reports, saved Tuchel’s job and potentially those of his superiors at the Football Association. Kane now has five goals in this World Cup and 84 for England.

Looking ahead to the last 16

With this victory, England will now face Mexico in the last 16. The match is scheduled to take place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Monday. This game will kick off at 01:00 BST and will be broadcast live on BBC One, radio, and online.

This upcoming fixture will be the Three Lions’ first overnight game of the tournament for UK viewers. This presents a challenge for young fans, with parents considering how to manage watching the game on a school night. Tuchel addressed this dilemma, suggesting parents write an excuse for school, stating: “There’s so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch.”

Previous England World Cup group games had later kick-off times, with matches against Croatia and Ghana starting at 21:00, and the Panama game at 22:00. The Croatia opener drew a 15.4 million peak audience, and the win over Panama had a 13.76 million peak, both shown on ITV. The draw with Ghana attracted a peak audience of 15.4 million on the BBC, with an additional 8.3 million requests on the BBC Sport app and BBC iPlayer.

Alex Kay-Jelski, BBC Director of Sport, noted that these audience figures demonstrate the BBC’s role in bringing the nation together for major sporting events. He expressed pride in delivering significant moments to audiences, regardless of how they choose to follow the tournament, as England’s World Cup journey continues.

Source: bbc.com

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Following England’s win against the Democratic Republic of Congo, attention now shifts to their upcoming match against Mexico. The Three Lions are set to play Mexico at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Sunday, 5 July at 6pm local time, which will be 1am BST on Monday, 6 July. This fixture, part of the World Cup 2026, will see a significant number of England fans travelling to the Mexican capital as the squad makes it into the final 16.

After playing four matches in the United States, the England team will now move to Mexico for this crucial encounter. The UK government has issued travel advice for supporters, particularly following an incident in Mexico City where people died during celebrations for Mexico’s win against Ecuador. These deaths were attributed to asphyxiation.

Travel advice for supporters

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) recommends that travellers sign up for email alerts regarding travel advice for Mexico. Fans are also encouraged to download the official Fifa World Cup 25 app and check the official World Cup 2026 website for updates that might impact their travel plans in Mexico.

Recent incidents reported include an increase in mobile phone theft and drink spiking during the tournament. Additionally, worker union protests have been occurring in Mexico City since early June, causing traffic disruptions. While these protests have generally been peaceful, some have involved clashes with the police. Foreign nationals are advised that participating in political activities in Mexico is illegal and could lead to detention and deportation. Travellers encountering protests should move away from the area and monitor local media for potential disruptions.

For those planning to venture outside Mexico City, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to certain areas. These include parts of Baja California, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Jalisco, Colima, Guerrero, and Chiapas.

Logistics and entry requirements

Accommodation in and around Mexico City is expected to be in very high demand, so early planning is advised. Transport around the stadiums will also be very busy. Mexico City’s public transport accepts both cash and contactless payments, but travellers should plan their journeys in advance and allow ample time for travel.

Other cities and popular tourist destinations across Mexico are also anticipated to be busier than usual during the tournament. Before travelling between cities, it is recommended to check the FCDO travel advice for specific routes and be aware of any restricted areas.

For tourists visiting Mexico, a visa is not required. Passports will be stamped with the number of days allowed for stay. The Mexican Embassy in the UK suggests that passports be valid for at least 180 days, as this is the maximum duration for a tourist stay. British nationals entering Mexico by land must complete an immigration form online.

If planning to visit or transit through multiple countries, especially involving land borders, travellers should verify entry requirements for each country. An Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) may be needed to enter the US. If a passport is lost or stolen in Mexico, an Emergency Travel Document from the British Embassy cannot be used to re-enter the USA.

Mexican immigration officers may request proof of accommodation, return flights, visit plans, and sufficient funds for the stay. Those travelling with children may need to provide evidence of their relationship, such as birth or adoption certificates, or parental responsibility orders. To leave Mexico, the passport with the entry stamp must be presented. Losing a passport requires a fee of approximately 700 Mexican pesos (£30) to replace the entry stamp. A departure tax may also be payable when leaving Mexico by air or land, with costs varying and some locations only accepting cash. Most airlines include this in the ticket price, but confirmation with the airline or tour operator is recommended.

The FCDO advises obtaining travel and health insurance before travelling. It is illegal to bring e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and solutions into Mexico, or to buy and sell them there. Support from the FCDO is available for situations such as hospitalisation, arrest, or passport loss.

Team performance and player concerns

England’s progression to the last 16 was secured by late goals from Harry Kane against the Democratic Republic of Congo, preventing a potential upset. Kane scored twice, helping the team overcome a difficult match. Kane and Jude Bellingham have been key players for England in this World Cup, contributing goals and inspiration. Both players were on target in group stage wins against Croatia and Panama, and were prominent against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Concerns remain regarding the team’s overall performance and selection. Head coach Thomas Tuchel has made various changes to the lineup, particularly in defence and on the flanks. The right-back position has been a particular challenge, with Declan Rice, a central midfielder, playing there against the Democratic Republic of Congo. This move has sparked debate among former players, with Alan Shearer noting that Rice’s move to right-back contributed to the equaliser, while Micah Richards suggested Rice’s energy is too vital in midfield, advocating for Ezri Konsa at right-back instead.

John Stones, who started against Croatia, was left out of the lineup and his experience could be valuable in the upcoming match. Former captain Wayne Rooney expressed concerns about England’s openness in midfield when they lose possession. The team has also faced questions about its creative force, with players like Cole Palmer and Phil Foden not included in the squad. Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins, both strikers, have seen limited playing time, with Toney not featuring in any of England’s four games so far, and Watkins playing for only a few minutes against Panama.

Tuchel will be hoping Kane remains fit, especially given the limited use of other attacking options. The match against Mexico on Sunday, 5 July, will be a significant test for England.

Source: independent.co.uk

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British Grand Prix: More Than a Race

The British Grand Prix at Silverstone is being described as a comprehensive weekend event, extending beyond just the race itself. According to the chief executive of Silverstone, Stuart Pringle, the event encompasses entertainment, live music, hospitality, and active participation. This year marks the 76th running of the event at the Northamptonshire circuit, which has a significant economic and cultural impact on the region.

Last year, the Grand Prix generated £154 million for the local economy over a period of three and a half days. This year, approximately 565,000 Formula 1 fans are anticipated to attend, which would surpass last year’s record attendance. Some attendees arrived as early as Wednesday, engaging in various activities such as watching England’s FIFA World Cup victory over DR Congo on large screens.

The entertainment programme also included a concert on Thursday, featuring French DJ and record producer David Guetta and singer Anne-Marie, drawing tens of thousands of people. Pringle noted that building the event’s reputation within the music industry has taken several years, but now attracts major artists such as Sam Fender and Raye from last year, and Richard Ashcroft scheduled for Friday. Many of these artists are also significant F1 fans, enjoying their involvement in the event. Additionally, a stand-up comedy programme is part of the offerings, with comedian and actor Jack Whitehall among the performers.

Economic Contributions and Motorsport Engineering

Beyond the immediate event, Pringle highlighted the year-round impact of the sport on the local economy. He explained that the continuous running of the British Grand Prix for 75 years has fostered a world-class high-performance motorsport engineering sector. This sector has developed into a significant industrial cluster, with Silverstone at its core. The jobs within high-performance motorsport engineering are considered almost twice as beneficial to the economy compared to other types of employment.

This economic contribution is a key aspect of how the British Grand Prix drives growth in the central region of the country. Pringle has previously stated that between 40,000 and 50,000 individuals are employed in this sector. The Grand Prix weekend features a 17-lap sprint race scheduled for Saturday, commencing at 12:00 BST, while the main 52-lap grand prix will start on Sunday at 15:00.

When asked about his preferred winner for the British Grand Prix, Pringle humorously compared it to choosing a favourite child. He did, however, suggest that a victory for Lewis Hamilton with a new team would be a remarkable story. He also noted that for Hamilton to achieve 10 wins at Silverstone would be an exceptional feat, acknowledging the popularity of Ferrari.

Weather Forecast for the Race Weekend

The British Grand Prix, which is the ninth round of the season, is set to experience favourable weather conditions. The region has recently been in a heatwave, and this warm weather is expected to continue for the event at Silverstone. On Friday, July 3, for the practice and sprint qualifying sessions, sunny conditions are anticipated with temperatures ranging from 12°C in the morning to a high of 24°C. Moderate winds are expected to average around 15 km/h, with gusts potentially reaching 35 km/h. There is no chance of rain, as a ridge of high pressure will provide dry conditions, with track temperatures possibly reaching the low 40s during the afternoon.

Saturday, July 4, for the sprint and qualifying sessions, is forecast to be warmer and dry. High temperatures are expected to be in the mid-20s, with no rain. Breezy afternoon conditions could develop, with common gusts from 35-45 km/h and peak gusts possibly approaching 50 km/h. Track temperatures could reach near 40-41°C, potentially higher with increased afternoon sunshine. For the main race on Sunday, July 5, excellent weather is predicted, with temperatures ranging from 16°C in the early morning to a peak of 24°C. Track temperatures are expected to reach at least the low 40s, with a mix of clouds and sun. Winds will remain moderate at an average speed of 15 km/h, with gusts up to 35-40 km/h, and no precipitation is expected.

The race will feature competition among drivers such as George Russell and Kimi Antonelli from Mercedes, with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen also aiming for strong performances. For those unable to attend Silverstone, commentary on the race will be available across various platforms, including BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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Rice’s fitness concerns and versatility

England head coach Thomas Tuchel has indicated that Declan Rice is anticipated to be available for the FIFA World Cup last-16 match against Mexico. This comes despite the midfielder experiencing what Tuchel described as “terrible pain” due to an ongoing nerve issue in his back. Rice was substituted late in England‘s 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the last 32, a match where his versatility was highlighted.

Throughout the tournament, the 27-year-old has been managing various fitness challenges, including a calf injury that led him to miss the final group-stage game against Panama, as well as hamstring and back problems. These issues have necessitated the use of compression sleeves on his legs. Tuchel noted that Rice‘s resilience and stamina are well-known, and his admission of “terrible pain” signals the seriousness of the discomfort he is enduring.

During the match against DR Congo, with England trailing 1-0 after an early goal from Brian Cipenga, Tuchel made a tactical adjustment, moving Rice to right-back to accommodate an additional forward, Eberechi Eze. This strategic shift proved effective, contributing to England‘s comeback. Rice, who joined Arsenal for a reported £100 million in 2023, acknowledged that playing at right-back was challenging, describing it as “probably the hardest 12 minutes of the game.” He expressed a preference not to play in that position in future matches, though he is willing to do anything for the team.

Manager’s comments and team’s defensive situation

Tuchel confirmed that Rice had assured him the pain was not indicative of an injury and that he expected to recover. “He just said after the game it’s not an issue, he will recover, so there is no injury. He was just in pain, so I hope he is right. It’s more nerval pain,” Tuchel stated. When asked if Rice could continue to manage the pain from game to game, Tuchel responded affirmatively, “He can, yeah.”

The coach’s primary focus remains on having Rice available for the upcoming fixture at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. England‘s defensive options have been affected by injuries to other players. Reece James and Jarell Quansah are currently sidelined, with James having started England‘s first two matches before a hamstring issue ruled him out of subsequent games. Quansah, who deputised at right-back against Panama, was forced off due to an ankle injury and also missed the last-32 victory.

Tuchel provided an update on the recovery of James and Quansah, noting that both are making good progress and are nearing a return. He mentioned that Quansah is slightly ahead in his recovery compared to James. The team also lost Tino Livramento to a calf injury before the tournament began. The potential return of James and Quansah could offer more defensive stability for England as they progress in the competition.

Mexico, the co-hosts, have demonstrated strong form, securing four wins from four matches without conceding a goal. Their 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the last 32 marked their first knockout stage win in a World Cup in 40 years. Mexico has a notable record at Estadio Azteca, remaining unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches played there, with eight wins and two draws. The upcoming match against England will be held at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday.

Source: tntsports.co.uk

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Portugal secures World Cup last 16 spot

Portugal advanced to the World Cup last 16 after a dramatic victory against Croatia in Toronto. The match saw Gonçalo Ramos score the winning goal in added time, following a wild finish that included multiple VAR interventions.

The game was billed as a significant occasion for two footballing icons, Luka Modrić and Cristiano Ronaldo. Modrić, at 40, played in what is likely his final World Cup, while Ronaldo continues in the tournament. Both players scored during a match filled with incidents, though neither was the most influential on the pitch. Instead, the contest was characterized by a hard-fought battle between two determined teams, with momentum shifting frequently.

The atmosphere in the stadium was lively after a hot day in Toronto. Portugal largely controlled the first half, creating several opportunities. An early chance came when Rafael Leão drove down the left wing and delivered a low cut-back to Bruno Fernandes, whose two shots were saved by Dominik Livaković and blocked by the defense.

Pedro Neto was a persistent threat for Portugal in the initial period, particularly in his duel with Ivan Perišić, who was playing at full-back for Croatia. Neto consistently delivered whipped crosses into the box, though they remained unrewarded. One such cross saw Livaković miss the ball, but it also eluded Ronaldo. Another cross around the half-hour mark saw both Ronaldo and Fernandes stretch to connect at the far post, but they were just too late.

Croatia’s second-half surge and VAR drama

Croatia concluded the first half content, despite being on the defensive. They confidently withstood Portugal‘s attacks, maintained a strong presence in midfield, and aimed to isolate Martin Baturina against João Cancelo to deliver crosses for Ante Budimir. This strategy was not overly successful, partly due to the physical attention from Rúben Dias.

At half-time, Zlatko Dalić replaced Budimir with Igor Matanović, and Croatia‘s performance immediately shifted. They took the initiative, while Portugal‘s intensity waned. Eight minutes into the second half, Croatia took the lead. Josep Stanišić delivered a cross from the right that bypassed everyone until Perišić emerged at the back post, controlled the ball, and drove it low past Diogo Costa.

Following their goal, Croatia briefly dominated. Petar Sučić found Matanović in the box, who scored, but the goal was disallowed for offside. In the 59th minute, Sučić himself cut in from the left and unleashed a powerful shot that Costa saved with his legs.

During this period, Leão struck the Croatian bar from 25 yards, and a Ronaldo goal was ruled out for offside. The game then saw a moment of assistance for Portugal when Livaković mishandled a backpass, conceding a corner. The subsequent corner led to a VAR review, where Nikola Vlašić was found to have held Leão. The Norwegian referee, Espen Eskås, was sent to the monitor, and a penalty was awarded.

Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to take the penalty, converting it to level the score. This marked his first ever World Cup knockout-stage goal, and at 41, he became the oldest player to score in the World Cup knockouts, surpassing his former teammate Pepe, who scored at 39 years and nine months. His penalty came shortly after an earlier goal was disallowed for offside. This action may have influenced manager Roberto Martínez‘s decision not to substitute him at that moment, despite earlier considerations.

Portugal was back in the game, but the dynamic remained challenging. Croatia appeared superior and had further chances, including two long-range efforts from Mateo Kovačić and a saved shot from Matanović. Sučić also had another goal disallowed for offside. Ronaldo was eventually substituted for Rúben Neves with 10 minutes remaining, a move that indicated Martínez’s assessment of the match.

The substitution proved effective, as Portugal tightened their defense and began to control possession in the final stages. Play was repeatedly directed to Leão, who ultimately delivered the decisive contribution. His cross was flicked into the net by Gonçalo Ramos, securing Portugal‘s place in the last 16. The celebrations for the goal were extensive, leading the referee to add three extra minutes to stoppage time.

In the final moments, Croatia believed they had found an equalizer, but VAR once again intervened, ruling out Joško Gvardiol‘s goal for offside due to a slight touch from Matanović. This decision sparked protests, with plastic bottles thrown onto the pitch, but the outcome remained unchanged. Portugal will now face Spain in the last-16 tie, following Spain‘s 3-0 victory over Austria.

Source: theguardian.com

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Wataru Endo has commenced his pre-season training at Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre ahead of the main squad’s return. The midfielder’s early start follows his exclusion from Japan’s World Cup squad due to fitness concerns.

Endo, who had been recovering from a serious ankle injury sustained in a match against Sunderland on February 11, returned to international duty last month. He played for Japan in a warm-up match against Iceland on May 31, featuring for 45 minutes. However, head coach Hajime Moriyasu ultimately decided to omit him from the World Cup squad, which is taking place across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Following this decision, Endo announced his retirement from the national team via social media. He expressed pride in the team’s growth since the Qatar World Cup and stated he would now support Japan as a fan. Endo posted an image from Liverpool’s Kirkby training base on Thursday with the caption ‘Day 1’, indicating the start of his individual pre-season programme.

Pre-season and future at Anfield

The majority of Endo’s teammates are scheduled to return on Monday, July 13. He is expected to join the squad for their pre-season tour in the United States, which begins on July 20. During the tour, Andoni Iraola’s team will play friendly matches against Sunderland, Wrexham, and Leeds United in Nashville, New York, and Chicago.

The new head coach, Andoni Iraola, is set to assess his squad, particularly as several key midfielders, including Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch, are away at the FIFA World Cup. This situation may provide Endo with an opportunity to impress the new management. Despite not always being considered a prominent name, Endo has consistently been a reliable option for Liverpool.

Endo’s contract with Liverpool extends until 2027, bringing his future at the club under consideration. At 33 years old and having recently recovered from a long-term injury, he faces a critical period to demonstrate his capability to be a regular first-team player under Iraola. The club may need to decide on his future as he approaches the final year of his deal.

Impact of World Cup omission

The midfielder’s exclusion from the World Cup squad was described as a painful personal setback. In his social media message, Endo stated that he had done everything possible since his injury and had no regrets, despite the frustration of not participating in the tournament. He expressed strong belief in the current Japan team’s ability to overcome challenges.

Endo’s retirement from the national team means he will now be cheering for Japan from the sidelines. He encouraged unity and support for the team, hoping they would achieve success in the North and Central America World Cup. Japan was eliminated from the tournament in the last-32 round when Brazil secured a 2-1 victory.

For Iraola, the pre-season will be crucial in evaluating players like Endo, who offers defensive instincts, professionalism, and tactical discipline. These qualities could be valuable as the new head coach works to establish standards within the squad. This summer will likely determine whether Endo remains a part of Liverpool’s plans or if the club opts for a different direction.

Source: liverpoolecho.co.uk

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Extended Hours for World Cup Match

Pubs across England and Wales will have the option to remain open until 5am on Monday for the England versus Mexico World Cup match. This decision follows an intervention by Keir Starmer, allowing for extended alcohol licensing hours for the round of 16 tie. The match is scheduled to kick off at 1am UK time and is expected to conclude around 3am.

The government’s initial stance had been to not relax rules for pubs that had not applied for temporary event notices at least five working days in advance. However, after a significant backlash from MPs and pub owners, including London Mayor Sadiq Khan, the decision was reversed on Thursday afternoon.

The Home Secretary is set to utilise legislative power that permits the extension of licensing hours for occasions deemed to be of “exceptional international, national or local significance.” The Communities Secretary, Steve Reed, is informing council leaders about these changes. Previously, rules had been relaxed for matches kicking off between 5pm and 9pm, allowing pubs to stay open until 1am, and until 2am for kick-offs after 9pm.

Challenges for Pub Owners

Despite the government’s blanket extension, which removes the need for individual pubs to apply for extended hours, many establishments are still expected to remain closed for the early morning fixture. Issues such as arranging staffing and concerns about disturbing residents in built-up areas are cited as primary reasons for this decision.

Wetherspoons, a major pub chain, indicated that only five of its 800 pubs would be open for the match. Similarly, Greene King, which operates 2,600 pubs, restaurants, and hotels across the UK, stated that over 600 of its pubs in England would be open late to screen the game.

Tommy Higgs, co-owner of The Three Horseshoes pub in Witney, Oxfordshire, confirmed his pub would not be opening. He expressed concerns about the noise impact on local residents at 5am, stating, “We’re in a built-up community around here, and I think it’s just a little bit disrespectful for our locals to have that sort of noise at 5am.”

Mr. Higgs also highlighted staffing difficulties, noting that many of his staff work part-time and have second jobs, making it unreasonable to expect them to work until the early hours of the morning. He acknowledged that while the extended hours might benefit larger venues in cities, it is not practical for smaller, local pubs like his own.

Industry Reaction and Community Impact

The hospitality sector has largely welcomed the government’s decision to extend opening hours. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), expressed delight, stating that pubs and fans would be pleased with the outcome. She emphasised the importance of the tournament for the sector and the role pubs play as a central place for fans to watch live sports.

Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), also praised the decision, noting that it would be well-received by operators. He highlighted that the government had responded to public support for England and recognised the challenges faced by licensed premises across the country.

However, the BBPA had previously reported a decline in the number of pubs in the UK, with figures falling from 46,829 in 2020 to 44,656 in 2025. This context underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the pub trade, even with supportive measures like extended opening hours for major sporting events.

The England team secured their spot in the last 16 after defeating the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2-1 on Wednesday, setting up the fixture against Mexico.

Source: independent.co.uk

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Kane’s remarkable scoring record

Harry Kane has continued to achieve significant milestones in his career, with his recent two goals against DR Congo further elevating his standing in the all-time scoring charts. These goals, his 12th and 13th in the World Cup, place him above Pelé and level with Just Fontaine. Only five other players—Gerd Müller, Ronaldo, Miroslav Klose, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi—have scored more. Kane now has 20 goals in major tournaments and a total of 84 for England, significantly surpassing Wayne Rooney’s record.

His impressive form extends to the club level, where he plays for Bayern Munich. Kane’s 2025-26 season saw him score a remarkable 72 goals for club and country. This places him second on the list of highest goal-scoring seasons in the 21st century, behind only Lionel Messi’s 82 goals in the 2011-12 season. Kane’s club tally for the year included 36 goals in 31 league games, contributing to 61 club goals overall, with an additional 11 for England, including five in the World Cup.

Commercial presence and brand image

Despite his exceptional performance on the pitch, Kane’s commercial profile does not match that of other global football superstars such as Messi, Mbappé, or Erling Haaland. Marketing experts suggest that while Kane consistently delivers at the highest level, he does not appear to seek a prominent off-field presence. This is evident in his choice of boot manufacturer, Skechers, which is considered a more modest brand compared to industry giants like Nike or Adidas.

Misha Sher, an athlete marketing expert, notes that global stardom requires a combination of performance and marketability, including personality. While Kane excels in performance, his appetite for off-field engagement seems limited. His social media following of 18.7 million on Instagram is considerably lower than Haaland’s or Mbappé’s, indicating a more contained international reach.

However, Kane is not without commercial appeal. He has secured partnerships with brands like Oura Ring and Google Gemini, and has long-standing associations with Eveready and Allianz, the latter also sponsoring Bayern. His off-field earnings are reportedly in the multi-millions due to his status as a Champions League regular.

Rich Johnson, a UK-based sports marketing expert, observes that Kane’s commercial decisions are deliberate, reflecting an understated approach. This contrasts with players like Cole Palmer, who has actively pursued commercial opportunities despite having fewer on-field achievements. Haaland, for instance, has cultivated a strong brand identity through platforms like YouTube and Snapchat, showcasing a distinct persona.

Long-term commercial strategy

Kane’s commercial strategy appears to favour long-term, equity-led partnerships over short-term endorsements. He became an investor and brand ambassador for Reflow, a sustainable clothing company, in 2024. He is also a shareholder and brand partner in 3Bears, a Munich-based porridge and oats firm. This approach, managed with his brother Charlie, prioritises control and sustained engagement rather than quick financial gains.

The commercial landscape often values marketability and personality alongside performance. Sher highlights that even highly successful players like Kevin De Bruyne, despite numerous trophies, may not achieve the same commercial powerhouse status as someone like Paul Pogba. For Kane, a World Cup victory could significantly transform his profile, potentially leading to a Ballon d’Or win and boosting his commercial appeal for decades to come.

A World Cup-winning captaincy would place Kane among an elite group, providing a foundation for future commercial opportunities. His 2025-26 season saw him score 72 goals for club and country.

Source: nytimes.com

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Spain have secured their place in the World Cup last 16, following a decisive 3-0 victory over Austria in the round of 32. The match, played in Los Angeles, saw Mikel Oyarzabal score two goals, with Pedro Porro adding another, ensuring Luis de la Fuente’s side progressed in the tournament.

This win marks Spain’s first knockout stage victory at the World Cup since 2010, the year they last lifted the trophy. The European champions demonstrated a dominant performance, maintaining a clean sheet for the fourth consecutive game, a run that saw goalkeeper Unai Simón surpass Iker Casillas’s record.

Dominant Performance and Key Moments

From the outset, Spain displayed an intense and incisive style of play, controlling the flow of the game. The early exchanges hinted at an entertaining contest, with Konrad Laimer of Austria engaging in a notable battle with Spain’s Lamine Yamal. Yamal had an early shot saved by Alexander Schlager, signaling Spain’s attacking intent.

Despite Austria’s efforts to push forward, including a dangerous cross from Marcel Sabitzer that narrowly missed Michael Gregoritsch, Spain continued to press. A goal from Marc Cucurella was disallowed due to an alleged foul on the goalkeeper by Pau Cubarsí, a decision that was met with some contention. However, this did not deter Spain.

The breakthrough came when Oyarzabal converted a low delivery from Cucurella, putting Spain ahead. Austria attempted to respond, with Sasa Kalajdzic heading over the bar after a pass from Sabitzer, but Spain’s defence remained resolute. Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte have been highlighted for their strong partnership at centre-back throughout the tournament.

Spain’s second goal arrived after a sustained period of pressure. Following a free-kick that saw Álex Baena hit the crossbar and Yamal denied by another save from Schlager, Pedro Porro headed in from close range. Oyarzabal then sealed the victory with his second goal, completing a well-worked team move that started from their own half.

Looking Ahead to the Last 16

The comprehensive 3-0 win in Los Angeles means Spain will now face either Portugal or Croatia in the last 16. The match is scheduled to take place on Monday in Dallas. The upcoming opponent will be determined by the outcome of the game between Portugal and Croatia, which was set to kick off in Toronto.

Spain’s defensive record has been particularly impressive, as they have not conceded a single goal in the tournament so far. This defensive solidity, combined with their attacking prowess, has positioned them as a formidable force in the competition. Their ability to control possession and wear down opponents has been a consistent feature of their campaign.

The team’s cohesive unit play has been noted, with Lamine Yamal receiving an average rating of 7.97, making him the player of the match according to user ratings. Pedro Porro and Mikel Oyarzabal also received high ratings for their contributions. Spain’s methodical approach has allowed them to progress through the tournament without significant drama, contrasting with other teams that have experienced more volatile matches.

The victory against Austria showcased Spain’s ability to create and convert chances, with Oyarzabal’s two goals being central to their success. The team’s performance has been described as a return to their recognisable style of play, fulfilling their coach’s expectations for intensity and dominance. Spain will now prepare for their next challenge in the knockout stages, aiming to continue their strong run in the World Cup.

Source: theguardian.com

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