England’s Historic Win

England achieved a significant 3-2 victory against Mexico in the World Cup round of 16, progressing to the quarter-finals. The match, held at the Azteca Stadium, was marked by intense drama and emotion, with head coach Thomas Tuchel describing it as a “crazy game” and an “emotional rollercoaster.” This win is considered one of England’s greatest World Cup triumphs, with some comparing its significance to the 1966 World Cup final victory.

The conditions in Mexico City presented numerous challenges for England, including the Azteca’s altitude of over 7,000ft and a hostile crowd. The game itself was delayed by an hour due to storms. Despite these obstacles, and a red card for Jarell Quansah early in the second half, England overcame the adversity to secure their place in the next round.

Former England captain Alan Shearer praised the team’s performance, stating that “every single player had the right attitude” and that they deserved the win after overcoming everything thrown at them. The victory was particularly notable given that Mexico had only lost two of 89 competitive games at the Azteca prior to this match.

Key Performances and Tactical Masterclass

Jude Bellingham was a standout performer, scoring two goals and delivering an all-round powerful display. His contributions included a crucial goalline challenge that prevented Mexico from equalising before half-time. Bellingham expressed his pride in the team, calling their achievement “spectacular.”

Harry Kane also played a vital role, scoring what proved to be the winning goal from the penalty spot, taking his tournament tally to six. Kane echoed Tuchel’s sentiments, highlighting the numerous heroes on the pitch and calling it “one of my favourite nights in my career.”

Tuchel’s tactical decisions were crucial, especially after Quansah’s red card. He made strategic substitutions, bringing on John Stones for Bukayo Saka and later introducing Dan Burn and Djed Spence to form a defensive five. Shearer commended Tuchel’s substitutions, noting that they were made at the right time and that the players who came on performed their roles effectively.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford delivered a heroic performance, making two magnificent saves from Raul Jimenez in the first half and commanding his area in the closing stages. Pickford’s display was instrumental in securing the win and saw him equal Peter Shilton’s record of 17 World Cup appearances, a record he is now set to surpass in the next match.

Fan Reactions and Future Fixture

Fans across the South East of England celebrated the dramatic victory, which kicked off at 02:00 BST. Mick Allen from Dartford expressed his excitement, while Connor Burns, who watched the game in Brighton, noted the dedication of fans despite early morning work commitments. Graham Munro highlighted the heroic defending, especially after England were reduced to 10 men.

Chris Michaelas, who manages Dartford Sports Bar, described the game as having “everything” – goals, penalties, red cards, drama, and suspense. He felt England delivered “high energy, loads of goals” and called for national support for the team.

Following this victory, England will now face Norway in the quarter-finals. The match is scheduled to take place in Miami on Saturday at 22:00 BST.

Source: bbc.com

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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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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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England Women have advanced to the T20 World Cup final after a 40-run victory against South Africa Women at The Oval. The match, played in front of 21,128 people, saw England overcome an early challenge to set up a final clash with Australia.

The home team faced difficulties early in their innings, falling to 23-3 in the fourth over. However, captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, returning from a calf injury, played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 75 runs from 47 balls. She was supported by Heather Knight, who contributed 58 runs from 47 balls. Their partnership of 133 runs from 90 balls helped England reach a total of 169-5.

Sciver-Brunt’s performance was particularly notable given her recent injury. She had missed three previous matches and there were doubts about her ability to complete the game. Despite this, she showed no signs of discomfort and was instrumental in stabilising England’s innings. Knight also expressed admiration for Sciver-Brunt’s ability to perform under pressure after her absence.

The partnership between Sciver-Brunt and Knight was crucial in shifting the momentum. They started cautiously, with only one boundary in their first 20 balls together, but accelerated in the latter half of the innings. Sciver-Brunt reached her fifty during this period, much to the delight of the crowd at The Oval.

England’s Bowling and Fielding Excellence

Beyond the batting heroics, England’s performance in the field was highlighted as outstanding. Their fielding, which has sometimes been a point of concern, was praised for its excellence during the semi-final.

Key moments in the field included Sophie Ecclestone’s leaping catch to dismiss Laura Wolvaardt, the Proteas captain, breaking an opening stand of 43 runs. Ecclestone later took another catch to remove Suné Luus. Danni Wyatt-Hodge also contributed with a direct hit run-out to dismiss Sinalo Jafta.

The bowlers also delivered strong performances. Lauren Bell and Charlie Dean each took two wickets, while Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, and Freya Kemp secured one wicket apiece. Smith, who took the wicket of Wolvaardt, celebrated with enthusiasm. Bell’s return to the attack was effective, and Ecclestone maintained tight control, allowing only four singles in one of her overs.

South Africa’s chase saw Tazmin Brits make 51 runs from 45 balls, but their efforts were not enough to reach England’s total. The team’s captain, Laura Wolvaardt, reflected on their campaign, noting that while their bowling and fielding were good, their batting had not consistently fired throughout the tournament.

Looking Ahead to the Final

England’s comprehensive victory means they will now face Australia in the final on Sunday. This marks a significant improvement for England under coach Charlotte Edwards, especially given their past struggles in high-pressure matches.

The team expressed confidence following their win. Sciver-Brunt spoke about the special atmosphere of playing at The Oval and her excitement to play at Lord’s for the final. Knight also emphasized the importance of composure and experience in their partnership, noting that they had a crucial job to keep the innings on track.

The match at The Oval was a record-breaking event for a women’s match at the venue, with the large crowd contributing to the energy. England’s players celebrated their achievement with hugs and smiles, while the South African team acknowledged being outplayed.

The toss was won by South Africa Women, who chose to field first. The match started at 18:30 at The Kia Oval, Kennington. The officials for the match included Eloise Sheridan, Jacqueline Williams, Claire Polosak, Trudy Anderson, and Candace La Borde.

Source: bbc.com

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England secured a 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the World Cup last 32, largely thanks to two late goals from captain Harry Kane. The match, played in Atlanta’s stadium, saw England trailing until Kane’s intervention in the final 15 minutes.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel celebrated on the pitch after Kane’s second goal, which came with four minutes remaining. This result ensures England’s progression to the last 16, where they will face co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium.

Kane’s Decisive Performance

Kane’s first goal, a powerful header, levelled the score with 15 minutes left, beating goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. His second, a right-foot strike high past Mpasi, followed a pass from substitute Anthony Gordon, who was involved in both goals.

The performance was described as a rescue for England, who were facing potential elimination. Tuchel’s position was also seen as being under threat had England lost, despite his contract extension. The Football Association had reportedly tasked Tuchel with winning the World Cup.

Kane’s contribution has been significant throughout the tournament, with him now having scored five goals in this World Cup. He is among the leading scorers, alongside players like Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi.

Tuchel praised Kane, stating, “Harry is so, so good. He’s our captain. He’s our leader. He decides football matches with unbelievable finishes and did it here twice. The second one was just a brilliant goal.”

He is the first England player to score twice in a World Cup knockout stage match since Gary Lineker in 1990. Kane has now scored knockout stage goals at a World Cup, with only Lineker having scored more for England with six.

This season, Kane has scored 72 goals in 62 games for club and country, including 11 for England and 61 for Bayern Munich. Teammate Jude Bellingham and Gordon both lauded Kane’s consistency and leadership.

Gordon commented on Kane’s consistent high-level play, noting that his season has only been surpassed by Messi. He highlighted Kane’s work ethic, passion, and seriousness as inspirational qualities.

Team Changes and Next Challenge

England’s starting line-up saw some changes from their previous match against Panama. Declan Rice returned from a calf injury, and Noni Madueke was also in the starting XI. Djed Spence started at right-back, replacing Jarell Quansah, who was injured.

Spence’s performance at right-back was noted as challenging, as he was reportedly beaten by DR Congo winger Brian Cipenga, who scored DR Congo’s goal. Spence was later replaced in the 71st minute, with Rice moving to the right-back position.

Other players who struggled included Madueke and Marcus Rashford. Substitutes Gordon and Bukayo Saka made an impact, with Gordon providing both assists for Kane’s goals.

England now faces a significant challenge in Mexico City, where they will play Mexico in the last 16. The Azteca Stadium is known for its altitude of over 7,000ft and Mexico’s strong home record, having lost only two of their past 89 competitive games there.

Mexico has 70 wins at the stadium and has remained unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches in the arena. England’s previous World Cup memory at the Azteca Stadium is their 1986 quarter-final defeat by Argentina.

The environment is expected to be hostile, with strong support for the home team, making Kane’s continued leadership and goalscoring ability crucial for England’s prospects in the upcoming match.

England will need Kane more than ever as they move to an altitude of over 7,000ft after matches in enclosed stadia in Dallas and Atlanta, as well as in the cooling rain at Boston and New York New Jersey Stadium.

Source: bbc.com

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England faces DR Congo in World Cup knockout stage

England is set to play DR Congo in the World Cup round of 32 today. The match will take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm BST. This encounter marks DR Congo’s first appearance in the knockout rounds of a FIFA World Cup in the nation’s history.

England advanced to this stage after successfully navigating Group L. The team secured first place in their group with victories over Croatia and Panama, along with a draw against Ghana. In their opening match, England scored four goals against Croatia. Their second group game against Ghana ended goalless, despite late chances for Nico O’Reilly, who hit the bar, and Harry Kane. In their most recent group match, Thomas Tuchel’s side scored two second-half goals against Panama, courtesy of Jude Bellingham and Kane.

DR Congo, known as The Leopards, last participated in the World Cup in 1974, when the country was called Zaire. The team secured their spot in the knockout stage despite conceding in all three of their Group K matches. They managed to score three late goals in their final group game against Uzbekistan.

Community anticipation for the match

The match holds particular significance for the Congolese community in the UK, which includes approximately 30,000 nationals with expat communities in cities like Leeds and Sheffield. For many, it is considered an honour for DR Congo to face their adopted country on the world stage.

Jacques Kalenga, who moved to England from DR Congo in 1999 and works for the charity Tosalisana Congolese Community of Sheffield, expressed his surprise at his nation competing in the World Cup after a 52-year absence. He noted the increasing success of the country’s football programme. Kalenga admitted to having divided loyalties, supporting both England and DR Congo, and hoped for a good match where the stronger team would win.

Kalenga’s favourite player from the current World Cup squad is Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa. He highlighted that 20 players in the current squad were born outside DR Congo, including Wissa and former Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who were born in France and England, respectively. Kalenga hopes the match will strengthen both Congolese identity and community relations in England.

Daniel Pokas, owner of the La Katangaise Cuisine restaurant in Leeds, plans to show the match at his establishment. He believes England should be wary of their opponents, stating, “We’re going to win 100%, we’re playing well.” Pokas expressed confidence in his team, mentioning former Newcastle United defender and DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba and Yoane Wissa as his favourite players to watch. He dreams of his home nation lifting the World Cup in July and noted the team’s ability to surprise opponents, referencing a draw against Portugal.

Match details and viewing information

The match will be televised live on BBC One. Odds for the match are available, with various offers for new customers. For instance, one offer provides 50-1 odds for at least one goal to be scored in the match.

The offer for new customers involves placing a maximum £1 bet on over 0.5 goals in the over/under goals market for England vs DR Congo. If successful, winnings are paid in cash at normal odds, with an additional amount credited in free bet builders to reach the cumulative 50-1 payout. Free bets are valid for 30 days. This specific offer is set to expire at 5pm BST today, Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

The DR Congo team is seen as a potential threat to Jordan Pickford’s goal, having conceded in their group matches but also demonstrating an ability to score. The stage is set for what is anticipated to be a fascinating encounter in Atlanta.

Source: racingpost.com

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New Zealand has clinched a Test series victory against England, winning 2-1 after securing a 160-run win at Trent Bridge. This match marked the final appearance for Ben Stokes as an England player, bringing an end to a significant era in English cricket.

The series win for Tom Latham’s team is notable, marking only their fourth series victory in England and their first over three or more Tests since 1999. This achievement follows their earlier success of sweeping India 3-0 away from home 18 months prior.

Series Decider at Trent Bridge

The final day at Trent Bridge saw New Zealand wrap up their victory approximately 30 minutes after lunch. Despite the outcome appearing largely decided on the fourth evening, when England, with Stokes opening, collapsed to 103 for four while attempting to chase a substantial target, the final moments highlighted the strengths of the Black Caps.

Key moments in the match included two direct hit run-outs by Henry Nicholls and Mitchell Santner, which dismissed Joe Root and Josh Tongue, respectively. Nathan Smith, who was named player of the series, fittingly took the catch in the deep to remove Jamie Smith for 60, leading to England’s 212 all out. Daryl Mitchell, who scored an unbeaten century the previous day, was awarded player of the match.

The pitch at Trent Bridge, described as cracked and increasingly tricky, made chasing 373 a formidable task for England. The atmosphere among England supporters, who had received free tickets for the final day, was reportedly downbeat as the inevitable defeat unfolded.

End of an Era for English Cricket

Ben Stokes’ retirement from international cricket marks the conclusion of a remarkable career. He has been described as one of the most compelling English cricketers of his generation, known for his game-breaking interventions. His career statistics include 7,273 Test runs, 14 centuries, and 252 wickets.

Stokes has firmly ruled out any possibility of reversing his retirement, stating, “I’m done, mate,” when asked about a potential comeback during next summer’s Ashes. This definitive statement confirms the end of an era for England cricket.

The series defeat also highlights a challenging period for England, following a disappointing Ashes winter and what has been described as their worst home result in 14 years. This outcome is not the reset the team had aimed for this summer.

Concerns have been raised about the team’s performance beyond just the result. During the third evening, when New Zealand began their second innings with an 84-run lead and faced Jofra Archer on a hot streak, England’s fielders were observed engaging in casual play between deliveries, rather than maintaining laser focus on the match situation, which was still finely balanced.

Looking Ahead for England

The departure of Stokes leaves a significant void in the England team. Head coach Brendon McCullum noted that every team would value a genuine quick bowler capable of batting in the top seven. Filling this role will be a major challenge for the leadership.

Regarding a successor to Stokes, the outgoing captain expressed his full support for Harry Brook, calling it a “natural progression.” Brook is set to lead the white-ball side in the first T20I against India on Wednesday. Joe Root is considered another viable alternative, though he carries previous experience in the captaincy role.

The team will need to consider options for balance, potentially looking to spin-bowling all-rounders such as Rehan Ahmed, Liam Patterson-White, and James Coles, especially if Sam Curran does not make a Test comeback. The absence of Stokes, who provided aggression and prevented opposition teams from relaxing, will be keenly felt.

England’s men are scheduled to play their first T20 international against India at Chester-le-Street, with commentary beginning at 17:30 BST.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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Stokes’ impact on English cricket

Ben Stokes, a prominent figure in English cricket, has concluded his tenure as captain, marking the end of an era characterised by impactful moments and transformative leadership. His career has been defined by performances that transcended mere statistics, creating numerous ‘I was there’ instances for fans. He leaves behind a legacy that includes two World Cup victories for England, a feat achieved in the 50-over format in 2019 and the T20 title in 2022.

Stokes’ influence as an all-rounder is often compared to cricketing legends such as Sir Garfield Sobers and Jacques Kallis, with his final Test tallies of 7,273 runs and 252 wickets placing him in an elite statistical category. Beyond the numbers, his ability to deliver in crucial situations has been a hallmark of his career, making him one of the most significant figures in modern British sport.

His journey included overcoming challenges, such as being hit for four consecutive sixes in a T20 World Cup final and an incident in Bristol that nearly ended his career. Despite these setbacks, Stokes emerged as a resilient and influential personality, continuing a lineage of powerful all-rounders like Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff. His era of match-altering influence extended longer than his predecessors, a notable achievement given his participation across all three formats of the game.

Captaincy and ‘Bazball’ era

Stokes’ captaincy represents his second significant legacy. Despite not being initially tipped for leadership, he proved to be a superb man-manager and an innovative tactician. Under his leadership, England achieved 24 wins from 44 matches, a win rate that surpasses many previous captains since Mike Brearley, who is widely regarded as one of England‘s best.

When Stokes took charge, English cricket was in a challenging period, having secured only one win in 17 Tests and grappling with the effects of Covid restrictions. Working alongside head coach Brendon McCullum, Stokes revitalised the team, introducing an aggressive and exhilarating style of play dubbed ‘Bazball’. This approach challenged traditional perceptions of Test cricket and captivated the public, leading to a period of sensational results.

The ‘Bazball’ philosophy fostered an environment where players embraced freedom and attacked with confidence, leading to remarkable victories, including breaking numerous records in Pakistan with three wins on surfaces that historically favoured draws. This transformation helped banish the fear of failure within the team, making Test cricket an enjoyable spectacle.

However, Stokes’ captaincy did not culminate in an Ashes series victory, particularly after the tour down under last winter. This outcome, along with a series defeat by New Zealand at Trent Bridge, contributed to the discussions that led to his retirement. Reports suggest that the events following the tour to Australia played a role in his decision to step down.

The future of English cricket

Stokes’ departure leaves England facing questions about future leadership and team balance. He has expressed his full support for Harry Brook as a potential successor, though Brook’s challenge will be to demonstrate the maturity required to lead the Test team. The team also needs to address the all-rounder position, with candidates such as Rehan Ahmed or Sam Curran potentially stepping in.

The absence of Stokes also means England has lost another world-class player, following a series of retirements from key figures over the past three years. Players like James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes, and Moeen Ali have all retired, while Jonny Bairstow and Mark Wood are unlikely to play Test cricket again. This leaves Joe Root as the only active England Test player who has experienced an Ashes series victory from the era of former coach Andy Flower.

Despite speculation about a potential temporary retirement and a return for future Ashes encounters, Stokes has dismissed such suggestions, stating he will be observing from a hospitality box. His decision, finalised before a match at Trent Bridge, indicates a firm conclusion to his international career, leaving fans to ponder who will step up to fill the void he leaves in terms of bowling, batting, and leadership.

Stokes’ retirement marks a significant shift for England, as the team now looks to forge a new path without one of its most influential players. He will continue to play for Durham, possibly with a shorter run-up.

Source: bbc.com

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