Samuel L Jackson’s feelings on the 2026 World Cup result are seemingly clear after he urged Black people ‘not to cheer’ for Argentina.

Last night, Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina squad was defeated 1-0 in extra time, leaving Spain, managed by Luis de la Fuente, to lift the trophy (presented to them by Donald Trump) at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Anticipation was rife ahead of the game, with the likes of David Beckham and his family in attendance to see how the tournament would end.

And in his own social media post before kickoff, Jackson implored his fans to back Spain.

The 77-year-old actor reshared a post from the SEC Black Alumni Network on his Instagram Story, which featured an AI-generated image of his character, Stephen, from the 2012 movie Django Unchained.

Directed by Quentin Tarantino, the Western/action movie follows a vengeful husband who joins forces with a German bounty hunter to rescue his wife from a Mississippi plantation.

In the image he shared, Jackson’s Stephen wears an Argentina football shirt, accompanied by the text: ‘Dear Black People… Please do not cheer or root for Argentina to win the FIFA World Cup.

‘Argentina has historically been one of, if not the most racist countries in the world.

‘”If you are a Black person cheering for Argentina, this is what you look like to me.”‘

‘We hear you loud and clear,’ it ended.

Jackson’s repost soon circulated, with some Argentine fans calling it ‘outrageous’ and accusing him of falling for ‘anti-Argentina propaganda’ despite ‘evidently not knowing much about history’.

The American movie star and producer, whose films have collectively grossed more than $27billion (£20bn) worldwide, has long used his platform to speak out against racism.

In 2023, he told Rolling Stone: ‘When I grew up in segregation, I knew which white people didn’t want to be bothered with me, and I knew how they felt about me.’

He added that, when he ‘sees Trump’, he sees ‘the same rednecks’ who called him racist slurs when he was younger to ‘keep [him] in [his] place’.

‘That’s what the Republican Party is to me. They’re doing it to young people, gay people. They don’t care who you are. If you’re not them, you’re the enemy.’

Argentina had a tumultuous journey to the World Cup final. Despite being the last Latin American team standing, many football fans across the region rooted against them, citing racism and arrogance.

Led by Lionel Messi in their blue and white stripes, the team faced particular resistance from audiences in Mexico, with whom Argentina has a layered rivalry, since they have not lost to Mexico since 2004. Cultural resentments also played a part.

In contrast, though, some Mexican fans expressed remorse about the wave of anti-Argentine opinions and how they’ve played out online, often in very unruly manners.

Meanwhile, Brazilian journalist and columnist Julia Duailibi, who writes for leading Brazilian newspaper O Globo, penned after Argentina beat England in the semi-final: ‘I have always been an admirer of the hermanos [an affectionate term for Argentinians] and would have loved to cheer on a fellow South American team.

‘But I admit that the racist scenes involving a minority of the fans and the silence of the majority on the pitch turned my stomach.’

Indeed, racist actions from some fans were captured during the World Cup, with an investigation ultimately launched by FIFA into alleged racist abuse involving American social media influencer IShowSpeed and a supporter during Argentina’s win against Cape Verde.

IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr, 21, has over 100million followers across his platforms and live-streamed matches during the tournament. FIFA president Gianni Infantino and ex-Barcelona and AC Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimović featured in some.

The alleged incident took place on July 3 after the last-32 game, after which the governing body ‘immediately’ initiated a probe.

Footage showed the internet personality wearing a Cape Verde kit and being confronted by an Argentina fan in the stands.

FIFA said in a subsequent statement: ‘The FIFA World Cup is a celebration of unity, diversity, and respect.

‘It brings together people, cultures, and communities from around the world, and anyone who acts in a manner that undermines these values is not welcome in our game.’

Reps for Samuel L Jackson have been contacted for comment.

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UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin was not at the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin reportedly boycotted the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina ‘in protest’ against FIFA after a breakdown in relations between the two governing bodies. Ceferin, who also serves as FIFA vice-president, was notably absent from the showpiece finale yesterday.

While Donald Trump and several other high profile figures attended the game, Ceferin was nowhere to be seen. The Times claims the Slovenian’s absence was a result of the Folarin Balogun saga, which saw FIFA suspend a red card offence for the United States striker after he was sent off, meaning he was eligible to play against Belgium.

UEFA released a damning statement in the aftermath of FIFA’s decision, which read: “Yesterday’s decision to suspend for a probationary period of a year the implementation of the one-match automatic suspension following the red card issued to the player Folarin Balogun crossed a red line.

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“Football, like any other sports, relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition. Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case not. A minimum automatic suspension of one match following a red card is not a discretionary option and does not require the decision of a competent body to be enacted.

“It is a principle embedded in regulations, which cannot be made subject to exceptions, let alone in the middle of a tournament where several other players have been in the same situation and regularly served their suspension.

“When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined. Equally, such decision creates a precedent in the ongoing tournament, where similar situations will now require an equal treatment, to the detriment of the competition.

“Football is the most loved sport in the world because it is a beautiful game and is trusted because it is played everywhere with the same laws.

“A tournament is never a pure standalone and, if the tournament in question is the World Cup, it has the power to drive positive or negative consequences on the game as a whole. We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.”

It’s not the only major decision that FIFA have made in recent months to upset the UEFA chief. Those include the proposed expansion of the World Cup to 64 teams, half-time shows and high ticket prices for the tournament.

There was also a debacle surrounding Somalian referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the US before the tournament started. After that decision, UEFA installed him as the official as referee for the Super Cup match between PSG and Aston Villa later this summer.

There have also been murmurings throughout the summer that UEFA could pitch a candidate to run against Gianni Infantino at the next FIFA presidential election, with the Italian previously thought to be running unopposed.

The current FIFA head-honcho has outlined his intention to run for a third campaign, but there is growing support for other candidates within UEFA.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (July 21), the Crown Prosecution Service said.

Kerry was first arrested on suspicion of murder on July 11, two days after the 78-year-old Reform UK spokeswoman was found dead at her home in Devon.

On July 13, he was additionally arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Man charged with death of Ann Widdecombe

It comes after detectives were told they had until this evening (July 20) to question the 28-year-old.

Frank Ferguson, chief crown prosecutor of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: “We have decided to prosecute Joshua Kerry for murder following a police investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe in Haytor, Dartmoor.

“Police enquiries into the defendant’s motives are ongoing, including a potential political or terrorist connection.

“Our prosecutors have worked closely with the police to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court, and we will continue working with them as their investigation progresses.

“We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial.

“It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Ms Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP for Kent in 1987, later becoming an MEP for the Brexit Party and a spokeswoman for Reform UK.

She was also known for her appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

Following her death, tributes poured in from across the political spectrum.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described her as “one of those rare politicians who was bigger than politics.”

Netflix’s A Toxic Love Story is a true crime documentary follows a bizarre case

Netflix’s latest true crime documentary centres on a case so extraordinary it defies belief.

A Toxic Love Story arrives on the platform on 22 July. What initially appears to be a relatively uncomplicated case gradually evolves into something far more intricate and peculiar.

The synopsis reveals it examines events unfolding in an affluent Californian suburb, where a young woman faces arrest following allegations she orchestrated a violent fantasy scheme targeting her former boyfriend’s new spouse.

The matter quickly escalates into a sensational scandal, yet the reality lies concealed beneath an elaborate web of lies. As investigators unpick successive layers of betrayal, the lines blur between genuine victim and perpetrator in a scenario where all parties appear to be playing roles, reports OK!

But what actually transpired? What lies at the heart of A Toxic Love Story? Here’s everything you need to know. Be aware that significant spoilers follow below.

What is the true story behind Netflix’s

The documentary traces the start of an investigation triggered when married couple Ian and Angela Diaz file a police report after receiving menacing emails. The husband, who worked as a U.S. Marshal, claimed the account operating under the name ‘Lilithistruth’ belonged to his former partner, Michelle Hadley.

The pair had previously been engaged and jointly purchased the property where Ian and his new wife now resided. Police subsequently shifted their focus towards Angela, identifying her as the principal suspect.

Through interviews with those directly involved and individuals close to them, viewers discover how the investigation unfolded. The documentary also features numerous scenes of bodycam footage capturing the couple presenting their allegations to police.

Ian and Angela persisted in filing reports with officers as increasingly menacing emails continued to arrive. They maintained these messages contained threats against their lives.

It also seemed the individual responsible for the emails was posting photographs of Angela on Craigslist within adverts impersonating her. They alleged these sought a man to visit the property and enact violent scenarios.

One man, interviewed as part of the Netflix documentary, maintains he travelled to the house to perform the arranged attack but noticed Ian’s name on the door buzzer and departed as a consequence. Michelle was ultimately arrested and charged in 2016, remaining in custody for 88 days while awaiting trial.

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Yet the case took an unforeseen twist. Digital forensic specialists examined the evidence more thoroughly.

They discovered the menacing emails and disturbing Craigslist advertisements had not originated from Michelle. Rather, they were traced to Angela Diaz’s own devices and IP addresses.

Ian and Angela Diaz had been sending the threatening communications to themselves. Angela had also fabricated an assault within her own home.

Michelle was fully exonerated in January 2017. That same day, Angela Diaz was taken into custody.

Later that year she admitted guilt to charges including forgery, false imprisonment and kidnapping. She received a five-year prison sentence.

Ian Diaz’s actual role in events came to light subsequently. Arrested in May 2021, he was convicted in March 2023 of cyberstalking, perjury and obstruction of justice. He received a prison sentence of 10 years and one month.

A Toxic Love Story is streaming on Netflix from July 22

Jude Varty wowed his stunned uncles with his very impressive first catch.

An Airdrie schoolboy reeled in a cracking catch during his first fishing trip.

Jude Varty hooked four rainbow trout in just one hour all by himself as he wowed his stunned uncles.

Rochsolloch Primary School pupil Jude, seven, has been keen to go fishing for “a long time” – and if he carries on at this rate we may have a young record-breaker on our hands.

Jude’s uncle Stef O’Brien told Lanarkshire Live “My nephew Jude had been asking me for a long time to take him fishing.

“So, along with his other uncle, Edward, we took him to Newhouse Fishery for his very first fishing trip.

“Before we even started fishing, Jude spent the whole morning digging up his own worms for bait.

“With a little help from me to set up his bubble float and worm, he made his very first cast.

“Within 30 minutes, Jude’s float disappeared beneath the water.

“He shouted with excitement and, all by himself, reeled in his very first rainbow trout.

“He even dispatched the fish himself using a priest, under our supervision, which showed how determined and confident he was.

“Just five minutes later, his float went under again.

“He shouted, ‘uncle Stef, I’m away again!’

“Once again, he landed another rainbow trout completely on his own.”

But Holytown youngster Jude’s ‘well-plaiced’ fishing skills didn’t end there as the trout kept on coming.

Stef added: “The excitement didn’t stop there. Within the first hour of fishing, Jude had landed four rainbow trout by himself.

“I hadn’t even had the chance to set up my own rod because we were so busy helping him net and admire each catch!

“His uncle Edward and I couldn’t believe what we were seeing and were incredibly proud of him.

“It was a fantastic first fishing experience, and it’s safe to say Jude is well and truly hooked on fishing now.

“It was wonderful to see a young boy enjoying the outdoors, learning a new skill and making memories that we’ll all remember for years to come.

“Jude was absolutely delighted and couldn’t stop talking about it until he fell asleep that night.

“A big shout-out to Stevie for taking care of us all; thank you so much and we will be back to Newhouse Fishery very soon.”

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The two world leaders spoke after Burnham succeeded Keir Starmer as PM.

Here is the Downing Street readout of the introductory chat:

“The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, shortly after taking office this afternoon.

“The Prime Minister began by congratulating the President on a successful World Cup and agreed that England had an excellent tournament.

“The Prime Minister also hoped that he would be able to show the President what Manchester had to offer during a visit in the future.

“Setting out his vision as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister said he would be focused on ensuring reindustrialisation up and down the country to ensure good growth in every postcode.

“The Prime Minister also underlined his commitment to defence and security and said ensuring the security of the UK and its Allies was at the top of his agenda.

“The President then updated on the situation in the Middle East, and the Prime Minister outlined the UK’s commitment to securing the movement of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz to support global supply chains and drive down costs for businesses and families across the country. They looked forward to speaking again soon.”

A 28-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe, police and prosecutors have said.

Joshua Kerry, from Rotherham in South Yorkshire, is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Counter Terrorism Policing said “determining the motivation, including any possible political motivation” remains “an active avenue” of investigation.

Kerry was initially arrested on suspicion of murder on 11 July, before being additionally arrested on 13 July on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Widdecombe, 78, a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead on Thursday 9 July at her home in Haytor, Devon, having sustained serious injuries.

In a statement read outside New Scotland Yard, Laurence Taylor, head of UK Counter Terrorism Policing said: “I want to make it very clear that our investigation into [Kerry], determining his motivations and any wider activity he may have been involved in is continuing.”

“As with all murder investigations, understanding the ‘why’ is a key part of our enquiries,” he said, adding that it was “a particularly intensive and complex investigation”.

Taylor said it remained the case that investigators were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

He added that counter terrorism teams have gathered “a huge amount of information” over the last week, leading to more than 800 lines of enquiry.

The investigation, which remains ongoing, has been lead by Counter Terrorism Policing South East, supported by Devon and Cornwall Police.

The chief crown prosecutor of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)’s special crime and counter terrorism division said: “Our prosecutors have worked closely with the police to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court, and we will continue working with them as their investigation progresses.”

“We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial,” Frank Ferguson said.

“It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings.”

Officers remain on the scene

A man has been taken to hospital after a report of a ‘hit and run’ in North Belfast.

Emergency services attended the scene of the incident on Glandore Avenue and remain in the area on Monday evening.

The Northern Ireland Air Ambulance was also reported to have been tasked to the collision and police say the man taken to hospital was a pedestrian.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police received a report of a hit and run collision on Glandore Avenue, north Belfast, at around 6.10pm on Monday, 20th July.

“Officers attended alongside colleagues from Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

“A male adult pedestrian has been taken to hospital for treatment and officers remain at the scene, carrying out enquiries.

“We would ask that motorists seek an alternative route at this time.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Cambridgeshire-born JLS star Aston Merrygold has shared a simple reverse psychology parenting trick to make dentist appointments less daunting for kids

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JLS star Aston Merrygold has revealed the simple parenting trick he uses to make dentist appointments stress-free for his children – and it takes just 30 seconds to work.

The Cambridgeshire-born father-of-three uses reverse psychology to transform the dreaded dentist’s chair into a competition his kids genuinely want to win, rather than resorting to bribes or endless negotiations. The trick, which was first used on him by his own mother, has since been passed down to his eldest son.

During an appearance on the CBeebies Parenting Download podcast, presented by Katie Thistleton and rapper Guvna B, the Cambridgeshire-born star revealed what his dentist appointments looked like as a youngster.

How Aston Merrygold makes dentist visits with his kids stress free

He said: “My mum always used the trick on me, reverse psychology, to kind of make it a bit of a competition and to see what is the least amount of time I could be in the chair.

“It was a case of going, ‘Well, if you’ve got an appointment with a dentist, if he’s gonna see you for 10, 20, 30 seconds, then your teeth are great. You’ll be good to go’.

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“If you’re in this chair a little bit longer, then you’re gonna lose. I’m not losing. This is not a thing.

“That really worked. He’s very similar to me, my oldest son, and it’s a case of just going, ‘Well, how long can you be? I’m gonna time you’.

“He’s just so excited about the end outcome. Whatever your child is into, maybe just try and take that in with them.”

JLS are ‘closer than ever’ due to their combined 10 children

The JLS star also shed light on why he and his fellow bandmates remain inseparable, and it has precious little to do with showbusiness camaraderie. Nearly two decades after JLS first burst onto the scene, the group have revealed they are “closer than ever”, and it is entirely down to their combined 10 children.

Aston explained: “We’re more close now because it’s almost like it’s not our decision to see each other. It’s our kids. They’re family, to the point of going, ‘oh, you know, my cousin and my other cousin’.

“They are honestly so, so close. It’s not really our decision anymore to see each other. Yes, we work together, we love each other, but now it’s like, ‘Okay, Grayson wants to see Valia, he wants to see Kiki or Hook’.

“It just is what it is. Now we have to follow their lead.”

To listen to the latest episode of CBeebies Parenting Download click here.

Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, recently announced plans to measure testosterone levels in US soldiers with a promise of “ensuring you have the right testosterone levels to operate at your absolute best”. Soldiers found to have low testosterone would be offered treatment, although accepting it would remain voluntary.

The announcement has reignited debate about testosterone, masculinity and performance. Here’s what testosterone can – and can’t – tell us about men’s health.

Testosterone is one of the most useful indicators of men’s health, but it is not routinely checked during health screening. Although it is best known for its role in reproduction, testosterone also helps keep muscles and bones healthy and plays an important role in metabolism. Large studies have found that men with lower testosterone levels are more likely to develop obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. They are also more likely to become frail, report a poorer quality of life and die earlier than men with “normal” testosterone levels.

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Testosterone: why defining a ‘normal’ level is hard to do

Testosterone also declines gradually with age. However, this natural decline is usually small and, in otherwise healthy men, often does not cause medical problems until much later in life.

Far greater reductions are typically seen in men with obesity, type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases, meaning testosterone deficiency often reflects unhealthy ageing rather than ageing alone – and the relationship runs both ways. Chronic disease can lower testosterone, while testosterone deficiency may itself contribute to poorer metabolic and physical health.

This is why testosterone is such a valuable biomarker. A low result may be a sign that something has changed in the body. But deciding what counts as a “normal” level is not simple. One man’s normal testosterone level may be much lower than another’s. So comparing a man’s current level with his previous results could be more useful than comparing it with a standard population range. This is one reason why checking testosterone more often could be useful.

The blood test itself is straightforward. The challenge is deciding what the result actually means. A testosterone test can provide useful information about a man’s health. But on its own, it cannot show how capable someone is as a soldier, who needs treatment or whether raising testosterone above an idividual’s natural level would improve their performance.

Any screening programme would also need to consider female service personnel. Testosterone is important in women too, but levels are around tenfold lower than in men and cannot simply be interpreted using the same approach. Women’s testosterone levels need to be assessed differently, using their own reference ranges and medical guidelines.

The military – a different population

Active-duty military personnel are generally healthier than the wider population, with lower rates of obesity and metabolic disease. However, testosterone concentrations in this group may be influenced by factors specific to military life, including prolonged physical training, inadequate recovery, disrupted sleep and psychological stress. The important question is not simply whether testosterone is low, but why it is low.

Crucially, testosterone should not be viewed as a simple measure of military capability. A soldier’s performance depends on many factors, including physical fitness, decision-making, resilience, mental health and the conditions they are working in. Testosterone is only part of the picture.

This does not mean testosterone has no role in performance. In men with genuine testosterone deficiency, testosterone replacement therapy can improve lean muscle mass and bone density, and may improve aspects of muscle strength, physical function and quality of life.

However, evidence that raising testosterone above an individual’s natural range improves performance in otherwise healthy men remains weak. Treating a medical deficiency is very different from trying to boost performance.

One of the most important distinctions in this debate is the difference between identifying low testosterone and treating it. Hegseth says any treatment would remain voluntary.

Some experts worry that testing soldiers could encourage the belief that a lower result requires correction – particularly in younger and otherwise healthy men. In an environment where physical capability and resilience are highly valued, simply being told they have lower testosterone could make some soldiers feel they should seek treatment, even when there is no clear medical reason.

Hegseth’s announcement also reflects a wider change in how people talk about testosterone, moving beyond its traditional medical role and into broader conversations around ageing, masculinity, performance and optimisation. This comes as regulatory views on testosterone therapy have also evolved.

Following a landmark study, the US Food and Drug Administration removed previous warnings on testosterone drugs about the risk of heart disease and stroke, while more recent proposed label updates have focused on updating advice about age-related testosterone decline and prostate health.

These changes should reassure men who genuinely need testosterone treatment. But they do not mean testosterone is a cure-all for better health or improved performance. Safe treatment is not the same as appropriate treatment. If low testosterone reflects poor sleep, excessive training, psychological stress or an underlying health problem, addressing those causes may be more beneficial than simply increasing testosterone levels.

Ultimately, Hegseth’s proposal highlights an important scientific question. Testosterone is a valuable indicator of men’s health and may deserve a bigger role in routine health checks. But it is only one piece of a much bigger picture. A blood test can show that something has changed, but it cannot explain why. It cannot, on its own, show how well someone will perform or whether they will need treatment. Those decisions require expert doctors to look at the whole person, not just a single test result.