Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) reacts during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start for Portugal in their decisive final Group K fixture against Colombia as the two nations prepare to meet for the first time in senior men’s international football. With top spot in the group still undecided, Portugal captain Ronaldo and Colombia playmaker James Rodríguez expected to headline one of the most anticipated matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage.Colombia enter the contest on six points after winning both of their opening matches and have already secured a place in the Round of 32. Portugal, meanwhile, sit on four points following a draw with DR Congo and a commanding victory over Uzbekistan. Roberto Martínez’s side must win in Miami to overtake Colombia and finish as Group K winners, while a draw or Colombian victory would see Los Cafeteros remain top of the standings.
Ronaldo ready to lead Portugal once again
There is no doubt surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability.Portugal manager Roberto Martínez has confirmed that 41-year-old captain Cristiano Ronaldo is fully fit and named in the starting XI to face Colombia. Ronaldo was also seen arriving at the Miami stadium ahead of kick-off, a strong indication of his readiness to lead the side.Ronaldo heads into the match in excellent form after bouncing back from criticism following Portugal’s disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo.Having failed to score in the opening match, the veteran responded emphatically with a first-half brace in Portugal’s 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan. The performance not only helped Portugal all but secure qualification for the knockout rounds but also saw Ronaldo become the first player in football history to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments.The victory also marked his first major tournament goal from open play since UEFA Euro 2020, while his emotional “I’m back” celebration reflected his response to suggestions from critics that he should retire or be dropped from the starting lineup.Ronaldo also completed the full 90 minutes against Uzbekistan without any signs of physical fatigue, reinforcing Martínez’s confidence that his captain is ready for another demanding assignment.Saturday’s match will be Ronaldo’s 25th World Cup appearance and his 23rd start at football’s biggest tournament. After starting each of his first 20 World Cup matches, he came off the bench twice during the 2022 edition before returning to the starting lineup in every Portugal match at this tournament.
James Rodríguez continues to orchestrate Colombia
Portugal’s biggest challenge is expected to come from Colombia captain James Rodríguez, who has been the creative heartbeat of Néstor Lorenzo’s side throughout the group stage.The experienced midfielder started both of Colombia’s victories, playing 72 minutes during the 3-1 win over Uzbekistan before completing 58 minutes against DR Congo in a controlled 1-0 victory, where he was withdrawn after helping establish Colombia’s advantage.James has dictated Colombia’s attacking rhythm throughout the tournament and is again expected to start as the South Americans chase a third consecutive victory.Colombia opened their campaign with an impressive 3-1 win over Uzbekistan before defeating DR Congo courtesy of Daniel Muñoz’s 75th-minute winner, results that secured qualification before the final round of group matches.
First meeting carries major knockout implications
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Although Portugal and Colombia are both established names in international football, tonight marks the first senior men’s international meeting between the two countries.The occasion has generated enormous interest, with reports suggesting that more than five million ticket applications were submitted for the match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.The stakes extend well beyond simple qualification.Portugal know only victory will be enough to leapfrog Colombia into first place and potentially earn a more favourable Round of 32 draw. Any other result leaves Colombia as Group K winners after an outstanding group-stage campaign.For Roberto Martínez, the selection of Ronaldo underlines the importance Portugal place on winning the group rather than merely progressing.With Ronaldo arriving in confidence after another record-breaking performance and James Rodríguez continuing to conduct Colombia’s attack with his customary composure, the tournament’s first-ever meeting between the two nations promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the final round of group-stage matches.
MEN Sport understands the fee is a flat £116m, despite reports it could rise to £130m.
Anderson’s arrival might not be the only change to City’s midfield options this summer. Bernardo Silva has already left and there are concerns over the future of Rodri.
Rodri was asked to offer some clarity on his future prior to the World Cup, with Real Madrid long-time admirers of the Spaniard. However, his reply did little to cool speculation over his future, saying: “I understand there might be some noise, but for me I’m obviously going to focus on the World Cup. I’m not going to dedicate my time to that, and then after the World Cup let’s see.”
Nico Gonzalez endured a frustrating campaign last season and Tijjani Reijnders failed to build on the magical start he made to his City career. Mateo Kovacic also had a tough season due to injury and it is unclear what the future holds for all three players.
Such uncertainty means City need to keep their options open, and two players on the club’s radar are Sandro Tonali and Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has never been afraid to speak her mind, so it was only a matter of time before she commented on the latest controversy involving Caitlin Clark. Unsurprisingly, Cunningham has come to her teammate’s defense, saying that “the league and the refs do nothing to protect” Clark.
Clark left the Fever’s loss to the Mercury on Wednesday with a back injury after being on the receiving end of what Indiana coach Stephanie White called “two cheap shots.” Clark will not play Saturday against the Los Angeles Sparks on CBS and Paramount+, and has been ruled out indefinitely.
While a landing space foul on a 3-pointer appeared to be what jarred Clark’s back, the incident that has everyone talking happened a few possessions earlier. During a loose-ball scramble, Alyssa Thomas kneed Clark in the thigh and put her fist into Clark’s neck. No foul was called during the game, but the league later reviewed the situation and upgraded the play to a Flagrant 2 and suspended Thomas for one game — served Saturday against the Toronto Tempo — for “recklessly making contact with her fist to the throat area” of Clark.
On the latest episode of her podcast, “Show Me Something,” which was released Saturday, Cunningham gave her view on the situation. She explained why no one on the Fever reacted in the moment, then made strong accusations against both the league and the officials.
“During real time last night, I did not see that happen,” Cunningham said. “None of our team saw it happen, because I promise you, if we would have seen that happen, we would have had [Clark’s] back. Unfortunately, this type of shit happens every single game to [Clark], and the league and the refs do absolutely nothing about it.”
“You see the videos of literally kneeing and cheap-shotting [Clark] in the throat,” Cunningham continued. “If [Thomas] did that to any of our teammates, we’d be pissed. But they are definitely targeting [Clark], and the league and the refs do nothing to protect her.”
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Cunningham has previously been fined for comments she’s made on her podcast — as well as a TikTok she made — and it would not be a surprise if the league dings her again here.
Do opponents actually ‘target’ Clark?
Do opponents set out to purposefully injure Clark? No. Do opponents try to use physicality to their advantage against Clark? Yes. As Golden State Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase notably said last season, “We know [Clark] doesn’t like physicality.” And sometimes, that approach goes too far.
Despite missing the majority of her sophomore season, Clark has been on the receiving end of nine flagrant fouls since she entered the league in 2024, per Across the Timeline. That is the most toward any player in that time frame. Note: This includes both Flagrant 1 and Flagrant 2 fouls, preseason excluded.
Most flagrant fouls received since 2024
Clark has received nine flagrant fouls in 72 career games, including the regular season and playoffs, or one every eight games. Here are some of the most notable incidents Clark has been involved in:
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Just 10 games into her career, Clark was hip-checked by Chennedy Carter, a play that was retroactively upgraded to a Flagrant 1
Later in her rookie season, Clark was run over in transition by Diamond DeShields, who was called for a Flagrant 1
Last season, Clark was shoved to the ground by Marina Mabrey, a play that was retroactively upgraded to a Flagrant 2
Then, on Wednesday, there was the incident with Thomas, which, again, was retroactively upgraded to a Flagrant 2
None of that includes the regular landing space fouls on Clark that arguably carry a higher risk of injury. In May, Clark left a preseason game against the Dallas Wings after being fouled by Alanna Smith on a play that was upgraded to a Flagrant 1. Too often for the Fever’s liking, however, such fouls are not upgraded. That was the case against the Washington Mystics earlier this season, when Clark was cleaned out in mid-air by Cassandre Prosper. And it was the case again on Wednesday against the Mercury, when she landed on Valeriane Ayayi’s foot and came up grabbing at her back.
There are seven incidents highlighted above: four non-basketball plays and three landing space fouls from this season alone. Only two of them were called flagrant fouls in the moment, while three were retroactively upgraded, including two to Flagrant 2s and one suspension.
Twice in the last 25 games Clark has played in, the league has acknowledged after the fact that she was on the receiving end of contact that should have resulted in an ejection. Since Clark entered the league, there have only been four other Flagrant 2 fouls — one on Thomas in 2024, one on Cunningham, one on Janelle Salaun and one on Isabelle Harrison — and all four were assessed in the moment, leading to immediate ejections.
Since Clark’s debut, she has taken more flagrant fouls than any other player, and the worst of the non-basketball contact she’s received has not been properly handled in the moment.
That says more about the competency (or lack thereof) of the officials than a plot by opponents to hurt Clark or a conspiracy by the league, but it makes it easy to understand why Cunningham said the officials do “nothing to protect” Clark. And what White meant when she said after Wednesday’s game that Clark is “not called the same way everybody else is called.”
Survive the Apocalypse is a survival experience in which you explore different locations of a vast map and collect items that’ll help you endure a zombie apocalypse. On June 27, 2026, this Roblox title released its New 5 Star Class update, which introduced a new limited-time class along with several bug fixes.
Outlaw is a new 5-star class that you can purchase by spending 1,000 Emeralds at the Classes shop. In this guide, we will discuss its stats and the fastest method of unlocking.
What is the Outlaw class in Survive the Apocalypse?
Purchasing the Outlaw class (Image via Roblox)
Outlaw is a new 5-star tier class in Survive the Apocalypse that was introduced via the New 5 Star Class update on June 27, 2026. In the Classes shop, he appears as a rugged Wild West character wearing a brown cowboy hat, bandana face covering, leather jacket with ammo belts, utility pouches, dark pants, and black boots.
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To unlock the Outlaw class, you must visit the Classes shop, located in the game’s lobby, and spend 1,000 Emeralds. Once unlocked, you can equip this class to start each of your runs with a Heavy Revolver. Here are some stats possessed by this class:
Star: 5-star
Cost: 1,000 Emeralds
Starter tools: 1x Heavy Revolver and 60x Pistol Ammo
Level 1 skills: Headshot kills with non-auto guns grant 10% Reload Speed, +0.5 Walk Speed, and 5% Dodge Chance for Ss, stacking up to 10x
Level 2 skills: You can unlock this level by eliminating 1,000 zombies with a headshot. Bullets from non-auto guns bounce between enemies on penetration (Max three).
Level 3 skills: You can unlock this level by eliminating 5x Exterminators and 4,000 zombies with headshot. Quickdraw: Rapidly fire your revolver, automatically headshotting a zombie on your screen six times (15 CD).
How to get the Outlaw class in Survive the Apocalypse
Step 1: Earn Emeralds
For purchasing the Outlaw class, you’ll need to spend 1,000 Emeralds at the Classes shop. To earn them faster, you can follow these methods:
Complete Daily Quests: Every day, you’ll get the chance to complete three quests. Each of them can reward you with either 10x or 15x Emeralds.
Participate in different activities: You’ll get 1x Emerald for fixing a power plant, up to 8x Emeralds by repairing a Nuclear Reactor, 6x Emeralds for participating in a Military Base, and 3x Emeralds for completing a Raider Base.
Redeem codes: You can also redeem Survive the Apocalypse codes.
Step 2: Purchase the class
After collecting at least 1,000 Emeralds, head towards the Classes shop, available at the lobby. Interact with the NPC and search for the Outlaw class. Next, purchase the class by spending Emeralds.
Once unlocked, you can equip this class and use it during runs to unlock better perks and abilities
FAQs on Outlaw class in Survive the Apocalypse
How do you unlock the Outlaw class in Survive the Apocalypse?
You can unlock the Outlaw class by visiting the Classes shop in the lobby and purchasing it for 1,000 Emeralds.
What weapons does the Outlaw class start with?
The Outlaw class begins every run with 1x Heavy Revolver and 60x Pistol Ammo, giving you a strong early-game advantage against zombies.
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What does the Outlaw class’s Level 1 skill do?
At Level 1, headshot kills with non-automatic guns grant 10% Reload Speed, +0.5 Walk Speed, and 5% Dodge Chance for 5 seconds, with the buffs stacking up to 10 times.
How do you unlock the Outlaw class’s higher-level skills?
Level 2 requires 1,000 headshot zombie eliminations, while Level 3 requires 5 Exterminator kills and 4,000 headshot zombie eliminations using the class.
Siena Grima is making significant inroads into Braith Nock’s lead in the Sydney apprentices’ premiership, adding an exciting layer to the final weeks of the 2026 racing season.
Nock, last year’s champion junior rider, kicked off Saturday’s Rosehill meeting with a Highway Handicap (1500m) victory aboard Portofino ($7.50). Grima, however, responded effectively, securing a double for her trainer, Chris Waller, with wins on Tarzing ($3.60) and the favourite Surf’s Up ($2.70).
Her successful day continued when she combined with trainer Matthew Smith to win the Schweppes Handicap (1200m) aboard Ready To Shine.
With nine metropolitan race meetings remaining in the current 2025-26 racing term, Grima has now registered 28 city winners, bringing her within two of Nock. She also has the advantage of being associated with Sydney’s leading stable.
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Darren Beadman, assistant trainer to Chris Waller and a former accomplished jockey, believes the competition between Grima and Nock is highly beneficial for the sport.
“She is making a good go of it. It’s great for racing to have a bit of competition like this over the last month,” Beadman commented. “Braith has done a tremendous job last year, and to continue on into the next season being strong.”
Beadman, who is mentoring Grima, singled out her ride on Surf’s Up in Saturday’s Find Your Eternal Warrior @ The Chase Handicap (1400m) for special praise.
He had advised her to follow the same tactics as her previous win on Tarzing, which involved sitting just off the pace. However, he was pleased to see her back her own tactical decision when the race’s early tempo changed.
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“I told her to bang her out and copy-paste last ride, just in behind the lead, but when she elected to let (jockey) Anna Roper cross her and be three pairs back on the fence, that was the winning move,” Beadman said. “She could have kept holding her spot and using gas all the way. A ride beyond her years of riding, and she was strong at the finish.”
Grima has openly stated her ambition to overtake Nock and claim the Sydney apprentices’ premiership. If successful, she will become the fourth female apprentice to achieve this, following Kathy O’Hara (2004-05), Winona Costin (2014-15), and Rachel King (2017-18).
“It’s going to be really exciting. He’s a great opponent,” Grima stated.
The closely contested apprentice jockey premiership adds extra intrigue to the upcoming races, with many keen to see the racing odds on offer.
Thomas Tuchel says Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham proved once again why they are key players for England, after both men scored in a 2-0 win over Panama which seals top spot for the Three Lions in Group L at the 2026 World Cup.
A Minnesota Vikings helmet rests on the field during pregame warmups before a divisional matchup against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The scene captures Minnesota’s sideline as players prepared for another NFC North showdown in Green Bay. Sept. 29, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.
Minnesota Vikings’ roster construction is pretty much complete for 2026, save for a few free agents who could be added here and between now and September. Therefore, it’s time to glance at the team’s weak spots — areas that could be addressed in free agency or just remain somewhat lacking entering the regular season.
The following list ranks the weak spots in ascending order (No. 1 = weakest spot).
Vikings’ Lingering Roster Questions Start in the Trenches
Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne speaks with reporters during ACC Media Days on Jul. 23, 2025, at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown in Charlotte. The productive college running back discussed the upcoming season before eventually beginning his NFL journey. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images.
3. Proven Youth at Running Back
Did the Vikings draft a rookie running back in April? They sure did. Does anyone know if that 6th-Rounder will be any good? They do not.
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Demond Claiborne has looked good to start the summer, but as a 6th-Rounder, there’s just not much precedent for him to thrive as an eventual bellcow RB1. His upside could be that of an RB2, based on his draft stock. He certainly has the speed — 4.37 — for the job, but folks will monitor his rookie season to see if he has the vision and ability to break tackles that is needed for full NFL staying power.
RotoBaller‘s Will Brady noted this week, “Neither Jones Sr. nor Mason is currently under contract with the Vikings beyond the 2026 season. Claiborne is undersized for an NFL running back, but he brings a speed element that could allow him to establish himself as a key piece of the Minnesota offense going forward.”
“Given the clear long-term opportunity available in the Vikings backfield, Claiborne profiles as a worthy late-round dart throw for dynasty managers in rookie drafts.”
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Meanwhile, Minnesota has not employed a difference-making young running back since Dalvin Cook, whose career began nine years ago. The Vikings had 16 consecutive years with Adrian Peterson and Cook; it feels like they’ve paid the piper since 2023, with average running back output.
The coach is also accountable. Kevin O’Connell, a former quarterback, has refused to run the ball at a balanced rate, preferring to throw the rock, often when his team falls behind on the scoreboard.
Minnesota could’ve taken a more serious approach to finding a young running back; there were plenty of options in the 2025 NFL Draft that they brushed aside. Therefore, there’s a lot of hope that Claiborne can become the real deal. If that doesn’t pan out, Minnesota will roll with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, while fans wonder if it will ever spend meaningful draft capital on a running back anytime soon.
2. OLB Depth Compared to Recent Seasons
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The Vikings traded Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles on the second night of the draft, in addition to a 7th-Rounder, for two 3rd-Rounders. One of those picks was spent on safety Jakobe Thomas; the other will live in the draft cabinet until 2027.
That night, Minnesota’s OLB depth chart went from a roster strength — Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner — to a possible weakness. Can Van Ginkel stay healthy for 17 games? Is Turner ready to fulfill his 1st-Round draft stock from 2024?
BYU defensive end Tyler Batty meets with the media during Big 12 Media Days on Jul. 10, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The veteran pass rusher discussed the Cougars’ upcoming campaign before his final collegiate season. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images.
Behind the pair live Bo Richter, Tyler Batty, and UDFA rookie Cam’Ron Stewart. Defensive tackle Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins may receive EDGE snaps this season, and the Vikings coaches have claimed that 2nd-Rounder Jake Golday can play off the EDGE as well.
But none of those options pack the punch of Greenard. Fans will merely hope that the OLB3 spot is taken care of by an unknown commodity, whether that’s Richter, Batty, Stewart, Ingram-Dawkins, or Golday.
Until further notice, the supreme OLB depth is gone. The club could also sign a free agent like Jadveon Clowney, Leonard Floyd, or Von Miller, to name a few examples.
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1. The Starting Center
The Vikings passed on these centers in free agency:
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Blake Brandel (64) takes the field during the NFL International Series on Oct. 2, 2022, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The versatile lineman appeared in Minnesota’s overseas matchup while continuing to serve in multiple offensive line roles. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-Imagn Images.
From the draft, many expected Minnesota to spend a 2nd-, 3rd-, or 4th-Round pick on one, but that didn’t materialize, either. Instead, these top prospects went elsewhere:
So, it’s Blake Brandel time at center, a man who logged over 300 snaps at the position last season when Ryan Kelly missed games and fired up a 61.4 Pro Football Focus grade as a whole. Brandel could be fantastic at center and continued to improve. He could be mediocre. Or, by midseason or so, Minnesota might be ready to give rookie Gavin Gerhardt a look or tap on third-year center Michael Jurgens’s shoulder.
Center is not a position of strength from a June standpoint, unless Brandel surprises everyone.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Group K will be decided in style as Colombia and Portugal meet at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida, with top spot in the group on the line tonight. Colombia heads into the contest with maximum points after victories over Uzbekistan and DR Congo, meaning a draw would be enough for Néstor Lorenzo’s side to finish first and secure a favourable Round of 32 tie.
Portugal, however, must win to leapfrog Colombia. Roberto Martínez’s men recovered brilliantly from an opening draw against DR Congo by thrashing Uzbekistan 5-0, with Cristiano Ronaldo delivering another standout performance. The Portuguese captain arrives in form after becoming the first player to score in six different World Cups and overtaking Eusébio as Portugal’s all-time leading World Cup scorer.
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Colombia’s disciplined defence and balanced attack make it a formidable opponent, but Portugal boasts one of the tournament’s strongest squads. With both teams already assured of qualification, the clash promises to be an entertaining battle to determine the Group K winner.
Lionel Messi and Argentina look to maintain perfect run
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Argentina heads into its final Group J fixture against World Cup debutant Jordan with qualification already secured and top spot virtually assured. The defending champions have enjoyed a flawless campaign so far, defeating Algeria and Austria, with Lionel Messi once again at the heart of their success after producing five goals in two matches and becoming the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.
With the knockout stage looming, head coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to rotate his squad, giving fringe players an opportunity to stake their claim for a starting role. Despite potential changes, Argentina remains overwhelming favourite against a Jordan side that has impressed with its fighting spirit but lost both of its matches against Austria and Algeria.
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The Middle Eastern nation has already been eliminated but will be eager to end its maiden World Cup appearance on a positive note. Ranked No. 1 in the world, Argentina is expected to have too much quality and depth as it aims to carry winning momentum into the Round of 32.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Colombia vs Portugal: Starting 11
England remain en route – and not just in terms of a hard-fought first place that may yet take them through to the Azteca.
There’s also the way they toiled to confirm it. Thomas Tuchel’s side were again dependent on Jude Bellingham, a set-piece and a record-breaking Harry Kane. The captain became England’s record World Cup goalscorer, with an 11th that ultimately sealed a 2-0 win over Panama.
It isn’t so much football that people in the pub enjoy any more, mind, but one coming out of the more prosaic parts of coaching seminars – at least elevated by Bellingham’s ingenuity.
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham ensured England came through a tricky encounter with Panama (Getty)
And if one increasing worry is how England have suddenly stopped creating space around the opposition area, they are offering up a lot around their own.
They’re going to have to do a lot of tactical work in between. This is suddenly a team that looks like it has gaps in many areas, especially defence and – for now – midfield. England missed Declan Rice against a resolute Panama. The links weren’t there, with Kane again marked out of the game until the first goal, and even Elliot Anderson more exposed.
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England endured a frustrating first half in New Jersey with Harry Kane dampened (AP)
Panama were successfully finding openings at one end, and staying solid at the other.
There is nevertheless one other theory about that approach, and even the concerns that came from this win. Tuchel’s idea increasingly looks like one built for the transitions that will be more apparent in games against the elite sides.
Hence how Kane is so central, and not just as a goalscorer, but also the way his raking balls are intended to release pace out wide. England may enjoy much more of that against sides who seek to control a match.
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Thomas Tuchel has been left with issues to solve (Getty)
That might totally stand to reason given the one thing that is now always said is that the real test is how England do against the first proper team they play, but the toughest challenge for now might be getting that far.
Tuchel’s side have now toiled in two matches where they were expected to be in full command. And, yes, they had most of the control but couldn’t really embellish it or take it on with any combinations.
That was where the worry was. If Tuchel has talked enthusiastically about building an intense attack that gets people excited with forwards coming from everywhere, there was none of that here. By contrast, so many attacks broke down with the wrong pass or a bad option.
As early as the 15th second, Tuchel was berating his captain for arching one of those passes straight out of play.
Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford, back in the starting line-up, couldn’t properly link up with those around them. Rashford at least offered England the urgency they needed, and it was his runs that at least increased the intensity before Bellingham’s game-breaking goal.
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Jude Bellingham, red No 10, watches as his toe poke finds the net (Reuters)
Before that, Bellingham himself had looked frustrated, and Morgan Rogers – in for Rice but playing as the 10 – actually couldn’t get into the game.
Ezri Konsa was again exposed.
A central issue, so to speak, might be the one at right-back. With Jarell Quansah in for Reece James, over Djed Spence, England just didn’t have any mobility. They were so flat.
So, they sought to curl in a set piece. On 62 minutes, Saka hit one of his corners, and there was Bellingham to finish. The surprise was that it wasn’t a header. Maybe it couldn’t be against this Panama defence.
Because, after a long period where Thomas Christiansen’s side looked so physically imposing at the back – and much stronger than England – they were suddenly undercut. There was almost an incongruity to how Bellingham deftly turned the ball in on the spin, after so many battles.
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It was the little touch of quality that was required. With Panama’s gameplan rumbled, Kane headed in Bellingham’s own cross moments later. Some momentum was back, even if it was never close to the feeling of that 15 minutes against Croatia.
Whether England can regain it may actually depend on the opposition they face.
Bellingham on the attack with Tomas Rodriguez in pursuit (Reuters)
Maybe that’s why the more leaden nature of these performances isn’t a worry.
Maybe that’s what it’s all building to.
But that’s if they get that far. Because, before then – and a prospective quarter-final against Brazil in Miami – it’s going to be more of this.
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England are suddenly built for games that they have to really battle to actually get to.
They stay en route, but it all looks more difficult to navigate than had been anticipated.
Jan 28, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Novak Djokovic of Serbia in action against Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the quarterfinals of the menís singles at the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
What we’re going to learn at the All England Club over the next two weeks is just how badly two-time Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz is missed. That wrist injury is preventing Alcaraz from the chance at sailing to another major victory.
Jannik Sinner (-165 to win the tournament) is the defending champion and the top seed but he’s not in top form. He wilted in the second round of the French Open due to the heat (it will be hot in London, too) and lost in the semifinals of the Australian Open earlier this year. This could be a year in which you see multiple underdogs advancing to the quarterfinals or deeper.
Does seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic (+600) have one last run in him? The 39-year-old Djokovic is the No. 7 seed and on the same side of the draw as Sinner. No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev (+900) is fresh off the Roland Garros crown and none of the No. 3-6 seeds pack betting confidence – Felix Auger-Aliassime (+6500), Ben Shelton (+1600), Alex de Minaur (+6500) and Taylor Fritz (+2000).
Wimbledon 2026 betting pick
Djokovic (+150) is the favorite of his 32-player section to reach the semifinals with Auger-Aliassime (+500), Joao Fonseca (+700) and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (+750) next in line. The last of Djokovic’s Wimbledon titles came in 2022 against Nick Kyrgios. He lost in the final in 2023 and 2024 to Alcaraz. No Alcaraz means he has a real chance at recording No. 8 if his fitness holds up.
Sinner (-475 to reach the semis) reached the title match of all four Grand Slam tournaments in 2025, winning two and losing two. He surely wants to rebound from his poor French Open showing. Another help is his 32-player section is weak with Daniil Medvedev (+850) and Tommy Paul (+900) ranking as his biggest competition. Casper Ruud (+4000), who is better on clay than grass, also is part of the section.
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The pressure is off Zverev after winning his first Grand Slam crown but is he mentally and physically to make another strong run just more than one month later? He’s never even made a quarterfinal run at Wimbledon and lost in the first round last season.
Novak Djokovic to win Wimbledon, +600 (DraftKings)
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The American Band
Any chance seven-time Wimbledon champ Pete Sampras is capable of returning to the sport a la Serena Williams? Not a single American has won Wimbledon since Sampras won No. 7 in 2000. That’s an embarrassing drought. Andy Roddick reached the title match three times (2004, 2005, 2009) and lost to Roger Federer on each occasion.
Shelton reached the quarterfinals last year. He’s the favorite in his 32-player section with de Minaur (+550), a guy who has reached the quarterfinals in seven Grand Slams, and 20-year-old Jakub Mensik (+600) as next in line. The path is there if Shelton is ready.
Taylor Fritz (+350) and Frances Tiafoe (+650) are in the same 32-player section as Zverev (+200) and are both playing in their 40th major tournament without a title. Fritz reached the semis last year and is 10-5 all-time against Zverev but was bounced in the first round of the French Open. Tiafoe has only reached the fourth round at Wimbledon once. Count ‘Big Foe’ as an early departure candidate.
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We’ll pass on any American player to win the tournament, +600 (DraftKings)
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Long shot to the Final Four
You never know when early upsets will blow a draw open and we only need to look back to the French Open to see one example. While Zverev and Auger-Aliassime were high seeds, the other six to advance to the quarterfinals were Matteo Arnaldi, Matteo Berrettini, Flavio Cobolli, Joao Fonseca, Rafael Jodar and Mensik. Zverev defeated Cobolli in the title match.
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Cobolli (+1600 to reach semifinals) is a good player to watch as he has more confidence than at any other point in his career. Cobolli reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals last season, which was his best major showing prior to the run in Paris. He’s in the Shelton 32-player quarter, which is ripe for a surprise run.
Ugo Humbert (+1400) is the type of long shot to watch and he’s also in the Shelton portion. He reached the semifinals at the Queen’s Club last week before falling to Paul and he has reached the final of this week’s tourney at Eastbourne (he will face Zizou Bergs for the title on Saturday and the two will meet again Tuesday in Wimbledon’s first round. The problem? He’s never advanced past the fourth round of a major.
Flavio Cobolli to reach semifinals, +1600 (DraftKings)
Sugar Ray Leonard believes one of his fellow Four Kings was more intimidating than even Mike Tyson, who terrorised the heavyweight division in his early 20s.
The most physically imposing king was surely Thomas ‘The Hitman’ Hearns, who somehow squeezed his 6ft 1in frame down to 147lbs when he collided with Leonard in 1981.
Just over two years earlier, the American had arrived at another contentious result against Marvin Hagler, this time edging their middleweight encounter by split decision.
But while Hearns and Hagler posed enormous threats, Leonard was ultimately most intimidated when he faced Roberto Duran in 1980.
The Panamanian joined the welterweight scene after becoming a world champion at 135lbs, where he dethroned Ken Buchanan with a controversial 13th-round stoppage in 1972.
Even as an undersized contender at 147lbs, Duran was considered a dangerous puncher but was made a sizable underdog against Leonard, who had just scored back-to-back stoppages over Wilfred Benitez and Dave ‘Boy’ Green.
Reflecting on their rivalry, Leonard admitted in a resurfaced interview that there was an element of fear attached to his WBC title defence.
“Roberto Duran – he was more intimidating than Mike Tyson. I hate that motherf**ker.”
Despite the manner in which their first encounter unfolded, Leonard ultimately made the necessary adjustments and won their immediate rematch via an eighth-round stoppage.
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