A sunny day off from work in the midst of your first World Cup is not a bad way to celebrate turning 23. For Nathaniel Brown, having a birthday on Tuesday fits perfectly with the good vibes train he has long been on.

“You see how hard the kid works, every single day. To play like that in his first World Cup game and score a goal right away is outstanding for someone his age,” said forward Kai Havertz. “We need players like that on the Germany team.”

Just four years after signing his first professional contract, Brown, whose nickname is “Nene”, is at a World Cup. The move from Nürnberg to Bundesliga team Eintracht Frankfurt came in 2024 and, after a slow start, he emerged as a regular. Even though the club struggled in the recently-finished campaign, Brown was voted the club’s Player of the Season.

His first Germany cap came in October 2025. But before the game against Ghana in March this year, he had only played 26 minutes for Germany. He was seen as one to watch. But by the time Germany left for the US in early June, he had edged ahead of David Raum. Now, after a goal and an assist in the 7-1 win over Curacao, his absence from the starting eleven is unthinkable.

Brown: the answer Germany have long been waiting for

Germany have been on the search for a reliable option since the stable Jona Hector retired from internationals in 2020. It hasn’t been easy. Marcel Halstenberg, Robin Gosens, Christian Günter, Thilo Kehrer, Maximilian Mittelstädt and David Raum have all tried to make the position their own.

Of all those players, Raum looked the closest to making the spot his own but his inconsistent form left the spot open to a challenger. Enter Brown — a quiet, young man who is strong in the tackle and has made all areas of the left-hand side his own. Perhaps most importantly, his humility means he has let his work on the field do the talking.

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann said Brown’s biggest problem was that he didn’t know how good he was. Proof of that was perhaps best seen with set-pieces. Brown wasn’t sure he was good enough to take them, but “the set-piece coach told me, ‘you can do it’,” Brown said.

Good thing too, because his corner set up Nico Schlotterbeck in Houston. Half an hour later, Brown sent a sweet volley into the far corner for a goal on his World Cup debut.

“I can’t even describe it,” Brown said afterwards. “I will never forget it. It was one of the best moments in my career.”

“He’s a lovely person, who is humble and really keen to learn. He has a cheeky side to him too, which I really like,” Nagelsmann said.

Germany captain Joshua Kimmich said Brown was quiet and reserved off the field, but brave and full of quality on it. Antonio Rüdiger said he turns into “a monster” on the pitch.

When Brown joined the World Cup training camp in Germany, he wasn’t sure which form of you to address legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer with, the colloquial one (du) or the formal (Sie). Presumably that issue has long been solved, but Brown’s quiet quality is an encouraging sign for the future of this team. Likely too for Bayern Munich, who are reportedly on the verge of signing the left back.

Germany or the US?

Brown, whose mother is German and father is American, toldGerman tabloid Bild earlier in the year that playing for Germany was never in doubt.

“About a year ago, there was a phone call with the US federation. But I immediately said that I only want to play for Germany. This is where my roots are, I grew up here,” said Brown. “Since I have no contact with my biological father in the USA, the decision was clear for me. I grew up German, so it was always my goal to play for the DFB.”

Fitting then that his emergence as a rising star for Germany would come on US soil. While the ultimate test will come when he has less time and space to roam forward, there is genuine excitement around what Brown will deliver during the rest of this tournament, especially if this was his first act. After all, it has been a long time since Germany has been this excited by a defender, let alone a left back.

Edited by: Matt Pearson

June is now more than halfway through, so it’s time to start thinking about 2026 Fantasy football drafts. Training camps open in a little over a month and OTAs and mini-camps are giving some early clues about Fantasy value. Some major post-June 1 trades also impacted the Fantasy football rankings 2026. A.J. Brown is now with the Patriots, which could affect the likes of Drake Maye and fellow new acquisition Romeo Doubs. Meanwhile, Myles Garrett heads to the Rams, solidifying L.A. as one of the top Fantasy defenses and making life tougher on NFC West opponents such as Christian McCaffrey, Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold.

Having quality Fantasy football advice helps identify which old faces in new places will excel and which you should steer clear of with your Fantasy football 2026 picks. Before setting your 2026 Fantasy football draft strategy, be sure to check out the 2026 Fantasy football rankings and cheat sheets from the proven computer model at SportsLine.

Paramount+ Premium is now included with every SportsLine membership! Watch the NFL on CBS, UFC, Champions League and more than 40,000 episodes and movies. Join right here to get both for one low price.

Last year, the model accurately predicted that Colts quarterback Daniel Jones would fully realize his potential in his first year in Indy. He was the QB10 before suffering a season-ending injury in Week 14. Jones finished the year as the QB17 as the model had him as a top-15 Fantasy quarterback entering 2025. Anyone who took a chance on him in Fantasy football drafts was surely rewarded when he was in the lineup.

The same model has a proven track record providing Fantasy football tips, nailing Jonathan Taylor’s monstrous season in 2021, calling Rachaad White’s breakout in 2023 and identifying Isiah Pacheco as a bust in 2025. Additionally, it has called past Fantasy football sleepers like A.J. Brown in 2020, Derrick Henry in 2019, Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara in 2018, and Davante Adams in 2017. 

Now, SportsLine has simulated the entire NFL season 10,000 times and released its latest 2026 Fantasy football rankings for PPR and non-PPR leagues, along with plenty of sleepers, breakouts and busts. Head to SportsLine now to see them. 

Top 2026 Fantasy football sleepers

One of the 2026 Fantasy football sleepers the model is predicting: Buccaneers running back Kenneth Gainwell. The former Eagle set career highs across the board last year in Pittsburgh and finished with 1,023 scrimmage yards and 8 touchdowns. He then joined Tampa as a free agent, replacing Rachaad White, who departed for Washington. However, Gainwell will be more than just a backup to Bucky Irving, as coach Todd Bowles labeled Gainwell as 1B to Irving’s 1A, and considering the former’s skill set and the latter’s 2025 season.

Gainwell had 73 catches last year and is now joining a Bucs team that loves to target RBs as White has the third-most receptions at the position since 2022. Additionally, Irving struggled staying on the field last year, missing seven games with multiple injuries and ranked dead last amongst qualified players with just 3.4 yards per carry. Gainwell is coming off a career-best of 4.7 ypc and had as many touchdowns from inside the 10-yard-line (6) as Irving had carries from inside the 10. The model likes Gainwell ahead of clear-cut RB1s such as Tony Pollard and Chuba Hubbard. See more Fantasy football sleepers 2026 here.

Top 2026 Fantasy football breakouts

One of the 2026 Fantasy football breakouts the model is predicting: Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten. A fourth-round pick in 2025, Tuten had 386 yards and 7 touchdowns as a rookie in backing up Travis Etienne. The latter has since joined the Saints, putting Tuten atop the depth chart. He impressed when given opportunities as a rookie, scoring in all four games he had at least nine touches.

Tuten is a home-run threat in an offense in need of playmakers as he had the fastest 40-yard-dash time of any running back in the 2025 draft class. Etienne had nearly 1,400 total yards and 13 touchdowns a year ago, and Jacksonville loves to run the ball, ranking eighth in attempts in 2025. Tuten is set to break out as a sophomore and presents as a value pick in the mid-rounds of Fantasy football drafts 2026. See more Fantasy football breakouts 2026 here.

Top 2026 Fantasy football busts

As for players to avoid, the model identifies Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold. The newest Super Bowl-winning QB’s on-field impact is undeniable, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to Fantasy. Darnold plays in a run-first offense that ranked third in rushing attempts a year ago and just 29th in pass attempts. Even with limited opportunities, Darnold still led the NFL with 20 turnovers, as he had the second-most lost fumbles (6) and the third-most interceptions (14).

Add in that Darnold provides next to nothing as a rusher — as he had under 100 rushing yards and 0 TDs last year — and he has a low Fantasy ceiling. Losing Super Bowl MVP, Kenneth Walker III, won’t make things easier for the quarterback as defenses are likely to devote more resources to stopping the pass than Seattle’s run game. After finishing as the QB14 last year, SportsLine’s advanced model has Darnold as the QB20 in its Fantasy football rankings 2026. See more Fantasy football busts 2026 here.

How to find proven 2026 Fantasy football rankings

SportsLine is also extremely high on a surprising tight end you aren’t even thinking about being taken in the early rounds of 2026 Fantasy football drafts. This tight end is listed as a shocking top-8 option ahead of stars like Travis Kelce and Sam LaPorta. You can only see who it is, and the 2026 Fantasy football rankings for every player, at SportsLine.

So which 2026 Fantasy Football sleepers, breakouts and busts should you target and fade, and which TE shocks the NFL with a top-8 performance? Visit SportsLine now to get 2026 Fantasy Football cheat sheets for every single position, all from the model that called Daniel Jones’ breakout season in 2025, and find out.

The decision on Stokes and Atkinson brings an element of closure to an extraordinary period, as English cricket has had to deal with yet another off-field controversy.

Without Stokes and Atkinson, an inexperienced England team showing five changes to the one that won the first Test was soundly beaten in the second.

It means Stokes will be back for a crucial decider at Trent Bridge, with England desperate for a series win to alleviate pressure that has grown over the dismal Ashes winter and this latest chaotic episode.

And while Stokes’ return as a leader and all-rounder is vital for his team, there will be renewed scrutiny on his relationship with the rest of the England hierarchy, in particular head coach Brendon McCullum.

All of Stokes, McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key denied the captain and coach were at odds during the Ashes, when England were hammered 4-1.

Speaking on Sunday, after the loss at The Oval, McCullum said he is ready to work with Stokes again.

“We’ve worked together intimately for four years,” said McCullum. “We’ve achieved some cool things and let ourselves down in other things.

“Our motivation, belief and ambition for this side has not wavered. We have robust conversations all the way through and I think that is to be expected when you’re in positions of leadership. There is a mutual respect to how we operate with those.

“I anticipate we’ll be able to work together really well in the week coming and I’m sure that both of us have that same vision for this cricket team.”

West Indies beat Sri Lanka by five wickets

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu admitted her side paid the price for a poor batting display after suffering a five-wicket defeat to West Indies in their Women’s T20 World Cup clash in Bristol. Chasing just 99, the unbeaten West Indies side got home with 23 balls to spare, leaving Sri Lanka with two losses from three matches.The damage was done early as Sri Lanka slipped to 9/3 in the powerplay and never truly recovered, eventually being bowled out for 98. Athapaththu felt the conditions were challenging, but said her side failed to adjust and execute their plans with the bat.“The wicket is a little bit sticky today, and the ball is a little bit sticky too, with the tennis ball bouncing. So I feel the West Indies are bowling according to their plans and to the conditions. We have not executed our plans in the power play. We lost a couple of wickets early, and throughout the game we struggled as a batting unit. So I feel we need to score 140 plus, otherwise we can’t defend against this West Indies team. But unfortunately, we lost a couple of wickets and we struggled a lot in the middle,” she said post-match.Even though West Indies comfortably reached the target, Sri Lanka’s bowlers managed to claim five wickets and briefly slowed the chase. Athapaththu was quick to defend her bowling attack, insisting that the lack of runs was the bigger issue.“Definitely our bowlers bowled in right line and length, but some extras also given there, so the thing is, the 100 is not enough to defend. So we need to score more runs, otherwise we can’t blame the bowlers,” she added.

Semi-final hopes hanging by a thread

Athapaththu singled out the bowling unit as one of the positives from the match but stressed that improvements with the bat are urgently needed.“Our bowling department done a really good job for us, but we need to improve our batting before next game,” Athapaththu stated.Sri Lanka now face a must-win situation, with victories over Ireland and Scotland essential to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

Italy’s Sarah Luisa Fahr and Ekaterina Antropova react during a win over Japan in the Women’s VNL Week 2 at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion Italy dominated crowd favorite Japan, 25-21, 25-23, 25-18, in the Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week 2 on Sunday night at Philsports Arena.

Despite most of the Filipino crowd rooting for the Japanese, the Italians flexed their muscles and showed the heart of a champion to end their Philippine leg with a bang.

READ: VNL Week 2: USA sweeps Italy in clash of champions

Carlotta Cambi on Italy’s experience in VNL Philippine leg. #BePartoftheGame @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/m7Pg6VYCKN

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 21, 2026

The 6-foot-8 Kate Antropova was nearly unstoppable with 17 points off 15 kills, one block, and an ace to improve to a 6-2 record, bouncing back from their straight-set loss to USA on Saturday.

Stella Nervini and Oghosasere Loveth Omoruyi chipped in 10 points each, while Sarah Fahr added nine, with Carlotta Cambi pacing the squad 

“Very great match, we are so aggressive and we prepared the match very well so I’m very proud of my team, of all my team,” said Cambi.

“We are pushing with more energy now, so we are proud of the Italians. [The fans cheering for Japan] is not a problem. I prefer that the crowd is full of people, even if the crowd is for Japanese people.”

READ: VNL Week 2: Italy survives Serbia scare, stays unbeaten in Manila

Kate Antropova after leading Italy’s sweep of Japan. #BePartoftheGame @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/MHdzVDp1dP

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 21, 2026

Italy squandered a 23-20 lead in the second with consecutive attack errors that allowed the Japanese to tie the frame. Fahr came to the rescue to stop the bleeding before Antropova delivered a booming ace that gave the reigning titlist a two-set lead.

Mayu Ishikawa powered the Japanese with 12 points, all from attacks. Nichika Yamada had 11 points, while Yukiko Wada and Yoshino Sato added nine each.

Japan ended its Pasig stint losing its last two games, including a tough loss to the Dominican Republic as it slid to 6-2.

Trainer Matt Smith has been responsible for a number of significant-priced placegetters recently, but he states he cannot recall training a Saturday metropolitan winner at odds longer than the $101 offered for Alice Mae.

Given minimal chance by the punters, the mare pushed her way clear from her midfield position and made a determined run down the outside to win the B&J Guttering & Metal Roofing Handicap (1800m) by three-quarters of a length from Shangri La Impact ($3.50).

Smith noted that while he has had horses like Dezignation finish second at $151 in the ATC Australian Derby behind Green Spaces, he cannot remember a runner of his winning at triple-figure odds.

“That might be the first. But I’ve had a run of 100-1 shots running second and third in the last twelve months, so it’s good to get one up,” Smith said.

“It was a bit of a shock, but we’ll take it.”

This was Alice Mae’s seventh start of the preparation at Randwick, during her first campaign under Smith’s tutelage.

While the victory was not anticipated, Smith mentioned that he did expect a competitive showing, as the five-year-old mare had been improving and required time to build her fitness.

“It was just a matter of getting the miles into her,” Smith explained.

“She’s an older mare, and she has taken a while to get fit.

“She has never had a staying preparation before. We’re training her differently to what she would have been trained previously, and we’re giving her a chance to get over a bit of ground.”

Smith was also pleased with the run of stablemate Hammoon Heroine, who finished sixth, and commented that she would be a horse to follow when she is stepped up to longer distances.

Betting on the next big race? Find the best racing odds right here.

Trainer Craig Conron, who had doubts about his return to Flemington as a trainer not long ago, was welcomed back to the winner’s enclosure on Saturday.

The Geelong horseman made a successful comeback as Vegas Jack continued its impressive winning streak in the $150,000 Country Racing It’s Got It All Trophy, contested over 2540 metres.

This victory was Conron’s first at Flemington since Distant Melody’s Black Type success during the 2007 Melbourne Cup Carnival. The 62-year-old expressed his profound pleasure at being back.

“It’s great to be back here and it’s great to be having a winner here,” he said. “I get a kick anytime they win, but when it’s a Saturday at Flemington it’s a much bigger kick.”

Vegas Jack, a $9.50 selection under jockey Dean Yendall, won by 1-1/4 lengths from The Western Front ($5.50), with Bold Soul ($7) a further half-length adrift in third.

Conron has had limited opportunities to compete at Flemington in recent seasons, having taken a six-year hiatus from training, which included brief periods in Tasmania and the Northern Territory.

During this break, he assisted his daughter in managing her mobile coffee van enterprise.

Conron acquired Vegas Jack for a modest $13,000 through an online purchase in January of the previous year. The gelding had previously been unplaced in two starts for trainers Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman.

The So You Think gelding proved victorious on its debut for Conron and has since accumulated five additional wins, including its last four races consecutively.

This Flemington success followed a benchmark 66 victory at the Swan Hill carnival. Conron is effusive about the four-year-old’s potential.

“I still think he’s six or 12 months off doing what he’s going to do, so what we’re getting now, I know it sounds silly, is a bonus,” Conron said.

Conron was not the only trainer to end a significant Flemington drought on Saturday, as Alex Rae also achieved his second win at the venue.

The emerging Cranbourne trainer saddled Imperatriz’s half-brother, I’mateez, to win the $150,000 Rod Johnson 3YO Handicap over 1100 metres.

This marked Rae’s first Flemington triumph since his noteworthy debut on Oaks Day in 2018 when Cochada claimed the Country Final.

“I trained my first winner here with my first runner in 2018 and it’s been eight years between drinks,” Rae remarked. “Everywhere else been pretty fruitful, so this is a great result.”

I’mateez, a gelding by Capitalist that started at $9, finished 1-3/4 lengths ahead of La Astro Chat ($16), with Prestar ($4.20) a neck behind in third.

For those interested in the racing action, checking out the online bookmakers can provide valuable insights into betting markets for the race.

Ben Stokes will return as England captain for next week’s third Test against New Zealand, head coach Brendon McCullum has announced.

Stokes was stood down from the second Rothesay Test against New Zealand pending the results of an disciplinary investigation into a breach of team protocols in the early hours of June 8.

He instead turned out for Durham, scoring a rapid 95 on day two of their Rothesay County Championship clash against Northamptonshire on Saturday.

But on Sunday morning both Stokes and Gus Atkinson, also left out following his part in the breach of curfew, were removed from their respective county matches by England pending a recall.

And after England suffered a comprehensive 253-run loss to New Zealand at The Oval, McCullum confirmed Stokes would return for the third Test in Nottingham.

“Ben will be back. He’ll be back and he’ll be captain,” McCullum said.

“I think everyone is excited about that, especially after seeing him hit some form for Durham.

“I’ve been speaking to Ben every single day since we had the incident and my assessment was that I was worried about him. To see him go out there and play some cricket and look like he was enjoying himself is really positive.

“I’m not going to divulge our conversations because they are confidential but it’s great to see him back playing and I look forward to seeing him in a couple of days.”

McCullum and Stokes have both deflected previous suggestions that their working relationship had become strained over the course of the 4-1 Ashes defeat in the winter, but those suspicions have only increased given recent events.

McCullum and other members of the senior management were angry that attempts to introduce new standards of behaviour had faltered at the first hurdle this summer. Stokes, meanwhile, is thought to harbour his own frustrations and reportedly contemplated retiring with immediate effect at the height of tensions.

Asked if the pair could operate successfully again after a turbulent couple of weeks, the New Zealander said: “We’ve worked together intimately for four years, we’ve achieved some cool things and we’ve let ourselves down in other things.

“We have robust conversations all the way through and that’s to be expected when you’re in positions of leadership. There’s mutual respect there.

“I’ve been very clear and very supportive of Ben throughout and particularly this week as well. I anticipate we’ll be able to work together really well with the week coming and I’m sure both of us still have that same vision for this cricket team.”

There was, though, no question of brushing any indiscretions under the carpet.

McCullum said: “It’s really important to separate the actions from the man. I think as leaders we help set standards and we try to abide by them and live to them constantly. Occasionally there are going to be mistakes made and during those times you can’t walk past when standards have slipped or mistakes have been made.

“You address it and you try to move on.”