DALLAS — England launched its 2026 World Cup campaign with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia on Wednesday, showcasing attacking firepower while exposing defensive vulnerabilities in a high-scoring Group L encounter at Dallas’ AT&T Stadium. Harry Kane scored twice for the Three Lions, including a retaken penalty, as Thomas Tuchel’s side overcame a resilient Croatian challenge to claim all three points.

The result gives England an ideal start in its quest to end 60 years of hurt since its sole World Cup triumph in 1966. Croatia, a familiar foe and perennial contender, pushed England hard but ultimately fell short against a side displaying both promise and areas for improvement ahead of tougher tests against Ghana and others in the group.

Kane opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a twice-taken spot-kick after Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke. Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved the initial effort but was penalized for encroaching off his line, allowing Kane to convert the retake. The Tottenham striker, now level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals, added a powerful header from Declan Rice’s corner three minutes before halftime to restore England’s lead.

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Croatia responded twice through Martin Baturina’s powerful drive on 36 minutes and Petar Musa’s clinical finish seconds before the break. Yet England regained control after the interval, with Jude Bellingham scoring shortly after halftime and substitute Marcus Rashford sealing the win late on. The 4-2 scoreline reflected England’s superiority, particularly in the second half.

Tuchel’s Tactical Approach Pays Off

Tuchel, in his first major tournament as England manager, will take satisfaction from the victory despite defensive lapses. The side demonstrated potency in attack, with Kane, Bellingham and others creating constant threats. England’s ability to score four goals against a competitive Croatia side bodes well for progression, though Tuchel acknowledged the need for defensive refinement.

Bellingham’s inclusion ahead of Morgan Rogers proved inspired as the Real Madrid midfielder delivered a powerhouse performance capped by a fine goal. His driving run and clinical finish moments after the restart shifted momentum decisively toward England. Rashford’s composed late strike as a substitute ended any doubt about the outcome.

Croatia, always dangerous with players like Modric and Perisic, showed why they remain formidable opponents. Their two goals highlighted England’s occasional disorganization at the back, areas Tuchel will target in training before the next match. Despite the loss, Croatia’s fighting spirit kept the contest entertaining for a capacity crowd.

Kane’s Milestone Performance

Kane’s brace took his England tally to 81 goals in 115 appearances, reinforcing his status as the national team’s all-time leading scorer. The 32-year-old forward’s penalty and header demonstrated composure under pressure and aerial prowess, key attributes that make him a constant threat at major tournaments. His performance drew comparisons to past England greats while fueling optimism for a deep run in 2026.

The retaken penalty added drama early, with Livakovic’s save initially denying Kane before the referee’s intervention. Such moments test character, and Kane’s successful conversion set a positive tone for England. His movement and link-up play throughout the match created numerous opportunities for teammates.

Group L Context and Next Tests

The win places England atop Group L temporarily, with Ghana and Panama still to play their opening fixtures. The group, featuring strong European representation, promises competitive battles as teams vie for knockout stage qualification. England’s next match against Ghana will test its ability to maintain standards against motivated opponents.

Croatia, seeking to build on past successes including a 2018 final appearance, faces an uphill task but remains capable of causing upsets. The result underscores the fine margins in international football, where defensive solidity often proves decisive alongside attacking flair.

Defensive Concerns for England

While England’s attack impressed, defensive frailties were evident. Croatia’s goals exposed positioning issues and momentary lapses that Tuchel will seek to address. The manager’s post-match comments emphasized encouragement for his players to express themselves while maintaining balance, a challenge for any side blending youth and experience.

The backline, marshaled by experienced players, will benefit from additional cohesion as the tournament progresses. England’s ability to score four goals provides a strong foundation, but clean sheets remain an aspiration against top opposition. Tuchel’s tactical flexibility, including substitutions like Rashford, proved effective in maintaining control.

Fan Atmosphere and Tournament Buzz

A vibrant atmosphere at AT&T Stadium reflected the global appeal of the World Cup. England supporters, known for traveling in numbers, created a partisan feel despite the neutral venue. The match’s high-scoring nature and end-to-end action delivered entertainment value that will linger in memories as the tournament unfolds.

The result sets a positive narrative for England, generating optimism among fans and pundits. Social media buzzed with praise for individual performances while highlighting areas for growth. As the group stage continues, England’s blend of established stars and emerging talents positions it as a serious contender.

Broader Tournament Implications

England’s victory sends a message to other Group L teams and the wider competition. The Three Lions’ attacking potential could trouble any opponent, provided defensive organization improves. Croatia’s competitive display reinforces the depth of European football, promising exciting matches ahead.

The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, has already produced compelling storylines. England’s strong start adds to the tournament’s appeal as it builds toward later knockout stages. Tuchel’s management of squad dynamics and tactical execution will face increasing scrutiny as expectations rise.

Player Ratings and Standout Performances

Kane earned high marks for his clinical finishing and leadership. Bellingham’s all-action display stood out, combining defensive work with creative and goal-scoring contributions. Rice’s set-piece delivery proved crucial, while Rashford’s impact off the bench demonstrated squad depth.

Croatia’s Baturina and Musa showed quality in attack, while Livakovic’s penalty save, despite the retake, highlighted goalkeeping excellence. Modric continued defying age with influential midfield play.

As England prepares for Ghana, focus turns to recovery and tactical refinement. The win provides confidence, but the tournament’s demanding schedule requires sustained performance across multiple matches.

The result caps a memorable night in Dallas, where attacking brilliance overcame defensive imperfections in a match befitting the World Cup’s grand stage. England takes valuable momentum into the next phase of its campaign.

Mumbai: The National Stock Exchange (NSE) filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), moving a step closer to an initial public offering (IPO) that has eluded it for over a decade amid a host of regulatory setbacks. Bankers and brokers said the IPO size will be around ₹30,000 crore, likely making it the largest public issue in India.

The record is held by Hyundai Motor India’s ₹27,000 crore issue in 2024. The offer will comprise up to 148.9 million shares, representing nearly 6% of NSE’s paid-up capital. NSE will be listed on the BSE as regulations prohibit a stock exchange from self-listing. The proposed issue is entirely an offer for sale (OFS) with a clutch of public sector and foreign institutions putting up a part of their stakes.

State Bank of India, MS Strategic (Mauritius), Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, Aranda Investments (Mauritius), Bank of Baroda, Stock Holding Corporation of India, General Insurance Corporation of India, The New India Assurance Company, National Insurance Company, and United India Insurance Company are among those that will be paring their holdings.

Prolonged Wait
Life Insurance Corporation of India, one of the largest shareholders, is not participating in the OFS. Up to 50% of the shares in the IPO will be allocated to qualified institutional buyers, not less than 15% will be for non-institutional bidders and 35% will be set aside for retail investors, according to the DRHP.

In the unlisted market, NSE is currently valued at around ₹5 lakh crore. On Wednesday, NSE shares in the unlisted market closed at ₹2,045 apiece. Over the past month, the stock has gone up by 3.28%.
The wait for the IPO has been one of India’s most prolonged and closely watched, with the first application submitted to Sebi on October 18, 2016.
The regulator initially withheld approval due to concerns related to a co-location case, governance lapses at the bourse, and issues with its technology infrastructure. The NSE co-location case dates back to 2015, when a whistleblower alerted Sebi to possible manipulation in the exchange’s trading system.
Since then, NSE has repeatedly approached Sebi for clearance. The regulator, under the current chairperson, formed an internal committee to look into the NSE IPO issue.

Subsequently, in June 2025, NSE filed two applications with Sebi to settle the long- standing co-location and dark fibre cases by offering to pay a total amount of more than Rs 1,388 crore.

Recently, a Sebi expert panel agreed to NSE’s proposal to make a payment to settle cases that had been a key stumbling block in clearing the IPO.

A consortium of around 20 investment banks, including Kotak Mahindra Capital Company, JM Financial, Axis Capital, IIFL Capital Services, ICICI Securities, SBI Capital Markets, Avendus Capital, Morgan Stanley India Company, Citigroup Global Markets India and JP Morgan India will act as book-running lead managers (BRLMs) to the issue.

As many as 16 stocks including HDFC Bank, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, HDFC Life and others are set to turn ex-record date for dividends on Friday (June 19), effectively marking today the last day for interested investors to buy the shares to be eligible for payments cumulatively worth nearly Rs 248.

Under SEBI‘s T+1 settlement cycle, investors must purchase a company’s shares at least one trading day before the record date to ensure the shares are credited to their demat accounts in time, and they become eligible for the corporate action. Accordingly, today is the last opportunity for investors to buy the shares so that they are credited to their accounts by Friday, making them eligible for the dividends.

HDFC Bank dividend

HDFC Bank in April announced that its board has recommended a final dividend of Rs 13 per share with a face value of Re 1 each for the financial year which ended on March 31, 2026. This takes the total dividend for FY26 to Rs 15.50 per equity share.

HDFC Bank has declared 28 dividends since April, 2001 and currently has a dividend yield of 3.42%, according to data on Trendlyne.

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles dividend

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) in May said that its board has recommended a final dividend of Rs 3 per share for the financial year 2026, which would be paid to the eligible shareholders on or before July 14.

The Tata Harrier-maker has declared 20 dividends since July, 2002, according to data on Trendlyne. Notably, this includes the dividends the automaker announced before the demerger of its commercial vehicle business last year.

Tata Communications dividend

Tata Communications will turn ex-record date for a dividend of Rs 17.5 per share for FY26 tomorrow. The company has declared 28 dividends since August, 2000 and has a dividend yield of 1.29%, according to data on Trendlyne.

HDFC Life Insurance Company

HDFC Life Insurance Company has also set Friday as the record date for its final dividend of Rs 2.1 per share. The dividend is scheduled to be paid to the eligible shareholders on or after July 20.

Also read: Brigade Enterprises shares rally 10% after bonus issue. Here’s why you can ignore the 22% plunge

Other stocks turning ex-record date for dividends tomorrow

Sanofi Consumer Healthcare India will turn ex-record date for a final dividend of Rs 75 per share tomorrow, accounting for the highest payout among the pack of stocks whose record date for dividend has been fixed on Friday. Indiamart Intermesh meanwhile will pay a special dividend of Rs 30 and a final dividend of Rs 30.

Polycab India has fixed Friday as the record date for a final dividend of Rs 47 per share. FMCG major AWL Agri Business (formerly Adani Wilmar Limited) tomorrow will turn ex-record date for a final dividend of Rs 1 per share.
Other companies turning ex-record date for dividends include Amba Enterprises (Rs 0.75 per share), Corona Remedies (Rs 10 per share), GHCL Textiles (Rs 0.6 per share), Hindusthan Insulators & Industries (Rs 0.5 per share), India Shelter Finance Corporation (Rs 10 per share), Raghav Productivity Enhancers (Rs 1 per share), Solitaire Machine Tools (Rs 1.5 per share) and Torrent Power (Rs 5 per share).
Along with these stocks, Deepak Builders & Engineers India has fixed Friday as the record date for its 1:10 stock split, while String Metaverse will turn ex-record date for a bonus issue in the ratio of 2:9 tomorrow.
Also read: Dividends and bonus issues! 31 stocks turning ex-record date this week. Do you own any?

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

Shares of Vedanta Aluminium Metal rallied over 3% to their day’s high of Rs 480 on the BSE on Thursday after Citi and Kotak Institutional Equities initiated coverage on the stock with a ‘Buy’ rating and a target price of Rs 560 and 600, respectively. International brokerage Citi named the newly-listed stock its top Indian metals pick.

While Citi projects 20% upside, Kotak with a higher target forecasts an upside of 29% from current levels. The gains come after the stock dropped nearly 11% in just three days since listing. The latest target price implies an upside potential of more than 20% from the stock’s previous closing price of Rs 465.36 on the NSE.

Citi listed key drivers for its bullish call, which include a positive aluminium outlook, growth potential (Balco expansion, Vedanta Aluminium debottlenecking), cost focus (higher captive alumina, domestic bauxite and captive coal), and improving leverage. It expects the company to have a net cash position by FY28.

Expecting aluminium prices to hover around $3,400 in FY27-28, Citi explained that every $100 per ton change in LME can impact the company’s EBITDA by 4-5.5%, and subsequently fair value by nearly Rs 30 per share. “We open a 90-D positive CW: Our commodities team believes the aluminium market is in deficit and will draw inventories sharply over the next 3-6 months, driving prices up 15-20% to $4,000 per ton in base case,” it added.

Kotak on Vedanta Aluminium shares

Kotak Institutional Equities cited the company’s strong positioning as a pure-play aluminium producer. The brokerage believes Vedanta Aluminium is well placed to benefit from sector-leading volume growth, accelerating backward integration and a supportive industry environment. Capacity additions are expected to drive a volume CAGR of around 6% between FY2026 and FY2029, while greater integration across bauxite and coal mines is likely to significantly improve cost competitiveness.

Kotak estimates that the company’s backward integration initiatives could reduce costs by nearly $150 per tonne, providing a meaningful boost to profitability. It also expects a structural deficit in the global aluminium market and sustained elevated aluminium prices to support earnings growth over the medium term.
The brokerage further highlighted that strong free cash flow generation should enable rapid deleveraging of the balance sheet while creating room for higher shareholder returns.

How Vedanta Aluminium shares have been performing?

Four Vedanta Group companies that spun out from Vedanta after the demerger made their much-awaited market debut on Monday, following which the shares of aluminium, iron and steel as well as oil and gas tumbled while those of the power business soared in three days.

Vedanta Aluminium shares listed as the only large-cap stock on the list, debuting at Rs 522 apiece on NSE and surpassing its parent company in terms of market capitalisation on Monday. The stock then dropped 11% in three days to close at Rs 465.36 apiece on Wednesday.

Also Read | What’s dampening the shine of Vedanta’s new crown jewel?

What lies ahead for Vedanta Aluminium?

From a pure valuation and structural standpoint, Sunny Agrawal, Head of Fundamental Research at SBI Securities, said that Vedanta Aluminium Metal appears to offer the most compelling risk‑reward among the five entities for long-term investors.

The aluminium business has emerged as the largest and most scalable vertical within the group, benefiting from strong global demand drivers (EVs, renewables, infrastructure) and integrated cost efficiencies, which enhance margin resilience across cycles, he noted, adding that by contrast, the residual Vedanta housing the zinc-silver business (Hindustan Zinc stake + Zinc International) and base metals business offers stable cash flows and dividend yield but likely limited valuation re-rating given that much of the zinc value is already priced in.

“The other demerged entities (oil & gas, power, and iron & steel) offer cyclical upside but carry higher commodity and execution risks, especially given weaker listing traction and greater earnings volatility. Hence, on a forward SOTP basis, aluminium stands out as a structural compounder with favourable operating leverage, while the rest are more tactical or cyclical plays,” Agrawal further said.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford Motor Company has implemented daily engine teardown programs at every manufacturing plant as part of a broader effort to strengthen quality control and address persistent recall issues that have plagued the automaker in recent years.

The initiative replaces a previous 90-day teardown schedule and aims to identify potential problems earlier in the production process. Neil Wilson, manager of the Ford Essex engine plant responsible for the 5.0L V8 Coyote and 6.8L and 7.3L V8 engines, described the change during a discussion with Road & Track. According to Wilson, the daily practice, which began after Valencia Assembly plant unofficially adopted it with positive results, has already contributed to declining warranty claims and fewer recalls.

Ford has faced criticism for issuing the most recalls of any automaker in the United States for about six years. The company acknowledges that lax quality standards on older vehicles contributed to these issues but maintains that newer models benefit from increased scrutiny across all aspects of production. The daily teardowns represent a proactive step to catch defects before vehicles reach customers.

The program involves selecting an engine from the assembly line each day for complete disassembly and analysis. This allows engineers to examine components for wear, manufacturing inconsistencies or design flaws that might not appear in simulated testing. Ford is also using artificial intelligence to determine which specific engine should be pulled for teardown, optimizing the process for maximum insight.

This approach follows statements from Ford COO Kumar Galhotra about changes to the company’s testing regime. The automaker now tests engines until failure rather than stopping at predetermined mileage intervals, a shift credited with improving quality on late-model vehicles.

Addressing Long-Standing Quality Challenges

Ford’s quality issues have been well-documented, with multiple high-profile recalls affecting millions of vehicles. The company has worked to improve supplier standards, barring companies with poor quality records from future contracts. The daily teardown program extends this focus to internal processes, aiming to prevent problems from reaching the market.

The Essex engine plant serves as a key example. As the facility responsible for several high-volume V8 engines used across Ford’s lineup, its adoption of daily teardowns sets a standard for other plants. Wilson noted that the previous quarterly schedule sometimes delayed identification of emerging issues, whereas daily analysis provides more timely feedback for production adjustments.

The initiative comes as Ford navigates a competitive automotive landscape increasingly focused on reliability and customer satisfaction. Electric vehicle transitions, supply chain pressures and evolving consumer expectations have heightened the importance of robust quality assurance. By catching issues early, Ford hopes to reduce warranty costs, protect its brand reputation and build long-term customer loyalty.

Broader Industry Context

Ford’s move reflects wider trends in automotive manufacturing where real-time quality monitoring is gaining prominence. Many manufacturers are investing in advanced analytics and predictive maintenance to minimize defects. The use of AI in selecting engines for teardown at Ford demonstrates how data-driven approaches can enhance traditional quality control methods.

The auto industry has faced increased scrutiny over recall management in recent years. Regulators and consumers demand greater transparency and faster responses to safety concerns. Ford’s daily teardown program, combined with stricter supplier standards, signals a commitment to addressing these expectations proactively.

Other automakers have implemented similar rigorous testing protocols, particularly as vehicles incorporate more complex electronics and software. The shift from periodic to continuous monitoring helps manufacturers adapt to faster production cycles and more stringent safety requirements.

Impact on Production and Workforce

Implementing daily teardowns requires additional resources and trained personnel to conduct thorough analyses without disrupting overall output. Ford has restructured teams to accommodate the new process, emphasizing efficiency gains that offset the added workload. The company maintains that these changes support long-term profitability goals by reducing post-sale costs associated with recalls and warranty claims.

The Essex plant’s success with the program has encouraged its expansion across Ford’s global manufacturing network. This standardization aims to ensure consistent quality regardless of production location, addressing previous variations that sometimes led to regional issues.

Financial and Strategic Implications

Ford has accumulated significant losses in recent years while investing in electric vehicles and autonomous technology. Reaching profitability targets depends on controlling costs and improving product reliability. The daily teardown initiative aligns with these goals by minimizing expensive recalls and enhancing customer satisfaction, which can drive repeat business and brand loyalty.

Analysts view the program as a positive step toward operational excellence. By identifying and resolving issues before vehicles leave the factory, Ford can reduce financial exposure and strengthen its competitive position against rivals with stronger quality reputations.

The automaker’s focus on supplier quality further supports this strategy. Preventing companies with poor records from bidding on contracts helps maintain higher standards throughout the supply chain, reducing the risk of component-related defects.

Consumer Perspective and Future Outlook

For consumers, Ford’s quality initiatives could translate to greater confidence in vehicle reliability and fewer unexpected repair costs. The company has acknowledged past shortcomings and is working to rebuild trust through transparent communication and tangible improvements.

As the automotive industry continues evolving toward electrification and advanced driver assistance systems, rigorous quality control becomes increasingly important. Ford’s daily engine teardown program positions the company to meet these demands while addressing historical challenges.

The initiative is part of a broader transformation at Ford aimed at sustainable profitability and innovation leadership. By combining traditional manufacturing expertise with data analytics and AI, the automaker seeks to create vehicles that meet modern consumer expectations for safety, performance and dependability.

Ford’s progress will be closely watched by industry observers and investors. Successful implementation of the daily teardown program, along with other quality enhancements, could mark a turning point in the company’s reputation and financial performance.

As 2026 advances, Ford’s commitment to these measures reflects recognition that quality remains fundamental to long-term success in the competitive automotive market. The daily engine teardowns represent a practical step toward preventing issues rather than managing them after they occur, potentially setting a new standard for manufacturing excellence.

The budget carrier launched its first flights from the South West city in 1998

Budget carrier Ryanair says it has reached a “significant milestone” after carrying more than 30 million passengers through Bristol Airport.

The airline launched its first flights from the city in 1998, later opening a base at the South West transport hub.

Ryanair now has five B737 aircraft based at Bristol, which it says represents a $500m investment and supports more than 1,400 local jobs.

This summer, Ryanair is operating its biggest ever schedule from Bristol, with more than 330 weekly flights across 36 routes, including a new route to Bari in Italy.

It also flies to other sun hotspots from Bristol Airport including Malaga, Tenerife and Venice, as well as cities such as Budapest, Krakow and Madrid.

Jade Kirwan of Ryanair said: “This significant milestone showcases Ryanair’s continued investment and growth in the region – including our 5 aircraft base – delivering important low-fare connectivity, traffic, tourism, jobs, and economic growth.”

Bristol Airport’s chief executive, Dave Lees, who announced in April that he was stepping down, said: “30 million Ryanair passengers travelling through Bristol Airport is a brilliant milestone and testament to our long-standing partnership of more than 25 years, offering routes that people in the South West and Wales enjoy travelling too as well connecting many families and friends in Ireland, with relatives in the region.”

Last month, Ryanair said it was better placed to ride out the looming jet fuel crisis than its European rivals.

The Dublin-based company revealed that 80 per cent of its jet fuel requirements for the year ahead are locked in at $67 per barrel, while current market prices continue to fluctuate – often above the $100 mark.

The blockage of the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran conflict has pushed global jet fuel shipments to their lowest level on record, potentially forcing the cancellation of thousands of summer flights.

But Ryanair has maintained that Europe “remains well supplied” via routes through West Africa, the Americas and Norway. Despite this boss Michael O’Leary has admitted the situation has “created economic uncertainty”.