It’s the drug that midlife women increasingly claim is the key to finally overcoming menopause symptoms, banishing fatigue and reviving their libido.

No wonder, then, that NHS prescriptions for testosterone HRT have surged eight-fold in five years – with the therapy championed by celebrities from broadcaster Davina McCall to celebrity chef Dame Prue Leith.

But, for some, the effect of testosterone therapy can be underwhelming. Or its benefits can quickly fade – often within weeks or months.

This was the case for Daily Mail columnist Nadine Dorries, who last week revealed how, just three months after beginning testosterone therapy to tackle brain fog and exhaustion, ‘the positives have begun to subside’. Nadine previously detailed the remarkable turnaround she had experienced when she began treatment. ‘I could once again think clearly, and the relief was immense,’ she wrote. ‘I had honestly forgotten how good life can be.’

In response to the drop-off, her GP chose to double the dose and, thankfully, she says she can once again ‘feel the difference already and I’m back on form’.

However, experts say that, for many patients for whom the effects of testosterone fade, increasing the dose is not always necessary. Instead, they argue that many patients can ‘turbocharge’ their testosterone therapy by making other changes.

These include changing sleeping patterns, cutting out certain food and drink, as well as following a particular exercise routine.

NHS prescriptions for testosterone HRT have surged eight-fold in the last five years 

Crucially, experts also say that many patients are making common mistakes when applying their testosterone that could be impacting its efficacy.

‘It’s very normal for the effects of drugs to lessen over time,’ says Dr Naomi Potter, co-author of Davina McCall’s book Menopausing. ‘But there are things you can do to maximise your body’s response.’

While testosterone is often seen as a male hormone, women also produce it in smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands.

It plays a key role in sexual desire by boosting dopamine – the ‘feel-good’ chemical linked to pleasure, decision-making, mood and focus.

Levels peak in the mid-to-late 20s, then gradually decline with age. However, experts say this does not mean all women will need to take it. Most women who develop menopause symptoms in midlife will respond well to standard hormone replacement therapy, which usually comprises the two female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone.

But, for some, particularly those with persistently low libido, testosterone might be recommended.

Almost all women prescribed testosterone therapy in the UK will typically take it as a gel that is rubbed into the skin every day.

But the treatment won’t be effective for everyone. Dr Paula Briggs, a reproductive and sexual health consultant at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, believes that only one in ten women experience a benefit.

It is also still unclear whether it improves menopause symptoms beyond libido, as there is no data that it combats other common issues such as brain fog or poor sleep – but studies looking into this are ongoing.

However, the way to get the best results from testosterone therapy is to also focus on boosting natural testosterone levels.

‘Medication isn’t the only way to get your levels up,’ says Dr Potter.

‘You can’t just take the drug and hope that all your symptoms go away. It’s important to look after your body too.’

One of the most important factors is getting enough sleep. Studies show that most people need between seven and eight hours a night – however, it is important not to get too much sleep, either.

A 2023 study, published in the journal Andrology, found middle-aged women who slept for less than six hours tended to have low testosterone – but so too did those who slept for more than nine hours.

Davina McCall holding a tube of testosterone. The broadcaster is a vocal supporter of the therapy

Dr Naomi Potter, co-author of Davina’s book Menopausing, says that excercise is crucial for boosting testosterone. Twice-weekly resistance training could boost levels in two months

‘One of the best ways to ensure you are getting the right amount of sleep is to go to bed and wake up at the same times,’ says Dr Potter. ‘This will help regulate your hormones, so they are not spiking or dropping.’

Another way to boost testosterone levels is to avoid caffeine and alcohol.

‘During the menopause the body becomes more sensitive to caffeine,’ she adds. ‘So you are more likely to feel more anxious and sleep less, both of which will worsen your testosterone levels. The same is true for alcohol.’

Dr Potter also argues that exercise is crucial for boosting testosterone. One 1998 US study found that twice-weekly resistance training – muscle-strengthening exercises that involve weights or bands – could boost female testosterone levels in two months.

Any exercise is helpful – provided you don’t multi-task while doing it.

‘One of the most important parts of exercise is that it tackles stress levels,’ says Dr Potter. ‘And all exercise has this effect, whether it’s running or weight-lifting.

‘But if you are watching something on your phone or responding to emails at the same time as exercising, this is going to keep your stress levels up and reduce its positive effects.’

Another reason many women find their testosterone therapy stops working – or is not as effective as they expected – is because they are not using it correctly.

Testosterone medication typically comes in a pump dispenser or sachet. But Dr Potter says that many patients do not use enough of it.

‘It’s common for patients to not get all the gel out of the packet,’ she says. ‘And if you underdose like this over several weeks you will start to feel a difference.’

She adds that many patients do not realise they need to wait for it to absorb into the skin. ‘If you wear clothing over the top of the area where the gel has been applied, this can rub it off,’ she says.

‘Likewise, if you go in the sea, apply sunscreen to the area or even just sweat in the sun, this can all reduce its effect.

‘I’ve even had patients who were getting into hot tubs or saunas straight after applying it, who didn’t realise this would lessen its impact.’

Dr Potter says that anyone who believes their testosterone therapy is no longer working should speak to their GP.

‘It’s possible that a larger dose might be necessary,’ she says. ‘But, often, it’s worth checking whether you are taking the drug correctly and that you are doing everything possible to keep your body healthy.’

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised tests of a nuclear-capable cruise missile and other weapons aboard a new 5,000-ton destroyer, the Kang Kon, repaired after being damaged in a failed launch ceremony last year, state media said Sunday, in the latest military display marking Kim’s push to build a nuclear-armed navy.

The official Korean Central News Agency said Friday’s event included test-firings of a strategic cruise missile and of the Kang Kon’s main gun and automatic cannons, as well as trials of its electronic warfare systems and assessments of its target-detection and information-processing capabilities.

After observing the tests from shore, Kim ordered officials to complete the destroyer’s trials and place the vessel in active duty within two months, the state news agency said.

The tests came after North Korea in late June commissioned its first 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon, a milestone Kim marked with a lavish ceremony where he declared that the nuclear armament of his navy was proceeding as planned.

After years of prioritizing ballistic missile development, Kim has increasingly turned his focus to naval capabilities, including the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine. While outlining his five-year military goals at February’s Workers’ Party congress, Kim also called for intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of underwater launches.

North Korea first unveiled the Choe Hyon in April 2025, which Kim portrayed as a major step toward expanding his military’s operational reach and preemptive strike capabilities. KCNA has said the warship is equipped with a range of systems, including anti-aircraft and anti-ship weapons as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles.

South Korean officials and experts say the vessel was likely built with Russian assistance amid deepening military ties between the countries, but some analysts have questioned how effective the vessel would be in active service.

The Kang Kon was unveiled a month after the Choe Hyon in May 2025, but it was damaged during a botched launch at the northern port of Chongjin, prompting a furious response from Kim. The country later said the ship was relaunched in June after repairs, but outside experts have questioned whether it’s genuinely ready for active duty.

Kim has also called for building two new 5,000-ton warships annually over the next five years, as well as developing a larger 10,000-ton destroyer.

Thomas Tuchel believes Reece James could return to the England matchday squad for the Three Lions’ crunch World Cup tie against Mexico.

Chelsea captain James did not take part in team training at a nearby facility on Saturday afternoon, instead undergoing a personalised programme as he looks to recover from a hamstring injury, but Tuchel said his first-choice right back would undergo a late fitness test before Sunday’s 6pm kick-off.

However, Jarrell Quansah is back fit after the ankle injury that he picked up a week ago against Panama. The Bayer Leverkusen defender could start at right back over Djed Spence, who struggled in the victory over DR Congo.

“Jarrell trained and is fully available,” Tuchel said. “Reece can maybe make it on the bench, but we need a last assessment from the doctors and a medical opinion.”

Elsewhere, Declan Rice has been declared fit for Sunday’s last-16 tie as the midfield linchpin continues to manage pain in his back and hamstring. Rice finished the game against DR Congo at right-back – but he is expected to start alongside Elliot Anderson in midfield.

Tuchel insists he does not expect a “hostile environment” for his players on Sunday, instead believing the Mexican fans will simply be “emotional and supportive” of their team.

“It will be emotional and full of support for the home nation,” Tuchel said at his pre-match press conference outside the 80,000-capacity stadium.

“I don’t expect any hostility. So far, everyone was very respectful. I don’t expect a hostile environment, a stadium like this – not a lot of stadiums can create an atmosphere for the home team.”

“It makes me feel very alive. I want to live up to the expectations for myself. I think we are there.’’

There has been plenty of talk about England’s players potentially being unable to sleep on Saturday night, with Mexican fans set to make loud noises and set off pyrotechnics outside their hotel. Yet Tuchel insisted his team “deserve respect” and they have around 100 riot police guarding their hotel to the west of the city centre.

“We have no issues today, I think Fifa are aware of the situation and we have security around the hotel,” he said. “It’s a 6pm kick-off so if we don’t have sleep, we have some time to get hours in in the morning.

“I don’t want to talk about problems that don’t exist. What I’ve experienced until now was very respectful, emotional and supportive. We are respectful of everyone and then we expect to be treated with respect. To talk about potential problems does not make sense to me.

“If they come, we will accept them. It’s a demanding tournament in itself, the best way to approach it is to be relaxed.”

England took part in a one-hour training session on Saturday afternoon as they looked to adapt to the much-talked-about topic of altitude, with Mexico City standing 7,220 feet above sea level.

“We feel it, I felt a slight headache through the day, didn’t sleep as well, but nothing that you cannot handle or adapt to,” Tuchel said.

“I think the players felt it in the first minutes of the training session but the longer it went, the better they could cope with it. We cannot physically adapt; it’s impossible. We’re here a day before to experience it.

“It’s not a coincidence that Mexico’s home turf is very strong, front foot, aggressive. I think the first 15-20 minutes will be the toughest for us. Once we overcome that, I think we are in a good place.”

Jordan Henderson, alongside Tuchel, admitted that Sunday’s occasion will be right up there with the biggest matches he’s ever experienced.

“A huge occasion, doesn’t get much bigger or better playing Mexico in Mexico City in that stadium, no words really,” Henderson, who is appearing in his fourth World Cup, said.

“Incredible occasion for everyone but it’s about staying focused. Mexico are a very good side, with very good players. Every game in the World Cup is difficult – everyone is looking forward to playing this game tomorrow.

“I hope it brings the best out of us.”

The Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks show in New York City was brought forward to avoid severe thunderstorms on America’s 250th birthday.

Organizers moved the timings due to the storms, which have struck the East Coast amid a heatwave on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Americans celebrated across the country Saturday despite the disruptions and severe weather, including in the nation’s capital. Organizers were forced to evacuate the National Mall in Washington, D.C. in the early evening ahead of President Donald Trump’s address to the nation. The president – whose speech was originally planned for around 10pm – said he would still speak once the inclement weather had passed.

“I don’t care if it’s 2:00 O’Clock in the morning,” he posted on Truth Social, adding that storms bring “good luck.”

Elsewhere, spectacular fireworks displays were planned for Chicago’s Navy Pier. New York also ushered in the holiday with a midnight ball drop, mirroring the fanfare of New Year’s Eve, and saw tall ships parade past the Statue of Liberty, recalling the grandeur surrounding the nation’s bicentennial in 1976.

Anticipation for this milestone holiday has been building for much of the year, serving as an opportunity for Americans to reflect on their complicated history as onetime colonists of an empire who became a superpower of their own.

Yet, celebrations months in the making have had to adjust or cancel activities entirely as much of the East Coast sweltered under heat that approached and in many cases surpassed triple digits.

Heat is defining the big weekend in many places

In Washington, the city’s main Independence Day parade scheduled for Saturday was canceled, but a smaller one rolled along in the Capitol Hill neighborhood in the morning as onlookers sought shade under trees along the route. Also in the area, dozens of members of the white nationalist group Patriot Front wearing face masks and carrying Confederate battle flags held a march. No arrests were reported, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

About 45 minutes before the World Cup match in Houston, a message from astronauts aboard the International Space Station noting the holiday was beamed into the stadium.

On New York’s Coney Island, competitors chowed down on hot dogs at the annual Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July contest.

Joey “Jaws” Chestnut won for the 18th time in 21 appearances, eating 66 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. On the women’s side, defending champion Miki Sudo of Tampa, Florida, held the title by downing 38.75 dogs. Both champions said the heat wave made the competition more difficult.

An uneasy nation gets ready to celebrate

The celebrations are unfolding against the backdrop of a deep divide this election year that has been expanding for years, visible in everything from political expression to cultural norms to age-old questions over race, class and immigration.

At Mount Rushmore on Friday, Trump spoke of communism as a “mortal threat to American liberty” with the Republican president saying it was more dangerous than either World War or 9/11.

Without naming Trump, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a Democrat who is also a democratic socialist and recently backed several successful congressional candidates in their primaries, appeared to reference Trump during a speech Friday.

“Those ideals upon which our nation was built — they are strong enough to endure any authoritarian regime, but only if we reach for them,” he said.

To former Democratic President Bill Clinton, this anniversary milestone comes at a time of “renewed questions about America’s future and role in the world, and serious threats to our own institutions and to our democracy itself.” While critical of “the people in charge,” he said in a statement that “there is still nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what’s right with America.”

Vice President JD Vance said small but loud voices would speak on America’s birthday about its imperfections instead of its greatness.

“They will tell you that America is just another country, where the weak struggle against the strong,” Vance said speaking aboard the USS Kearsarge in New York Harbor.

TIRANA, Albania (AP) — A massive demonstration was held for the 35th night in a row in Albania’s capital on Saturday, with protesters calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, the temporary replacement of his government, constitutional reform and an end to corruption.

Media images showed tens of thousands of people marching along Tirana’s main boulevard toward Skanderbeg Square. There has been no independent verification of the number of protesters.

The nightly demonstrations began over a luxury coastal resort development project in a protected natural area linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, but have since evolved into broader anti-government and anti-corruption protests. The protesters were chanting “New Albania” and “Edi Rama, resign.”

The march was heavy on symbolism. A tall bust of Rama was erected and later toppled with the help of a rope, a gesture reminiscent of the February 1991 toppling of the statue of longtime communist dictator Enver Hoxha, an event commemorated on Feb. 20 each year. Since Saturday’s protest coincided with Rama’s 62nd birthday, some protesters carried “birthday cakes” made of cement, an allusion to the building projects. There was also an ironic “happy birthday” song for Rama.

Some protesters carried pink flamingo balloons, a reference to the birds supposedly threatened by the resort construction project. The demonstrations have long been dubbed “the pink flamingo revolution.”

After protesting for about two hours, a large group marched to a police station, demanding the release of people arrested during Thursday’s protest near parliament.

Protesters broke the windows of the police station while police responded with a water cannon to disperse the crowd.

Daniel Lawless was caught on camera showing off the weapon to friends in a pub car park before shooting his victim outside his own home in an apparent case of mistaken identity

An unsuspecting man was blasted in the legs with a shotgun outside his own home while heading to the chippy.

Daniel Lawless was captured on CCTV “showing the weapon off to his friends” in a pub car park prior to shooting his victim in what appears to be a case of mistaken identity.

The attack is understood to have occurred amid a backdrop of “petty, tit-for-tat retaliation” between opposing gangs, leaving the wounded victim hauling himself back indoors to safety and questioning: “Why did he still shoot me if I wasn’t the person he wanted to shoot? It was nothing to do with me.”

Liverpool Crown Court was told on Friday afternoon that David Forbes departed his residence on the evening of February 28 last year and set off towards a chip shop to collect food for his family. After crossing Cubert Road in Croxteth, he spotted a masked Lawless dropping a white plastic bag and sprinting in his direction, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Simon Christie, prosecuting, outlined how the 23-year-old, of no fixed address, was dressed entirely in black and “mumbled something indistinct” before aiming a shotgun at Mr Forbes, who “has no connection whatsoever with the defendant or any of his associates”, and discharging it. The complainant remembered a “bang and a flash” before collapsing to the ground and discovering he had been shot in the legs.

Mr Forbes then “dragged himself back to his house”, where his stepson recalled him entering the property and crying “I’ve been shot”. Mr Christie added: “Mr Forbes believed this to be a case of mistaken identity. He was entirely correct. This was a deliberate shooting of a wholly innocent person who was nothing whatsoever to do with the defendant.”

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The attack left Mr Forbes with “nasty injuries to his lower leg”, having initially spent a fortnight in hospital before later being readmitted for four weeks after developing blood clots. He has since undergone multiple operations and skin grafts, with hundreds of shotgun pellets still lodged in his legs.

Unable to attend the sentencing hearing due to ongoing medical treatment, Mr Forbes submitted a statement which was read aloud to the court: “I wanted to look at him directly and ask him why? I have no knowledge of why this happened.

“I was the wrong person at the wrong time. I’m glad it happened to me. Initially, my stepson was going to the chip shop. I decided to go instead. He’s struggled with what’s happened and struggled with his exams during his third year at university.

“I’d just like to know why he did this to me. I was just going to the shop. Why did he still shoot me if I wasn’t the person he wanted to shoot? It was nothing to do with me.”

CCTV footage captured Lawless departing an address on Petherick Road on foot just after 10pm, making his way into the car park of the Lobster pub, where he was filmed pulling a shotgun from a carrier bag and brandishing it to three men standing outside. After walking away to carry out the attack, he fled the scene, briefly returned, then left once more — at which point he was spotted “gesturing towards the males in the car park”.

Upon returning to Petherick Road, Lawless was filmed getting into a parked vehicle approximately 20 minutes later, clutching a backpack, before “disappearing”. He subsequently arrived back at the address by taxi at around 7.15am the following morning, dressed in a dressing gown and carrying a black rucksack, with police never recovering the firearm.

Lawless has a prior criminal record, including a 10-month sentence for making threats with an offensive weapon in a public place in January 2023. He was later handed five years and four months for wounding with intent in July 2025, having “thrown boiling hot sugar water over his cellmate, causing significant injuries” while behind bars.

Defence counsel Charles Lander informed the court that Lawless had suffered the death of his grandmother earlier that week, before stating: “It is accepted that Mr Forbes is an entirely innocent victim of the defendant’s behaviour. This young defendant is clearly facing a lengthy period of imprisonment.

“Clearly, probation and the Prison Service are trying to work with him. He is a defendant who suffers with a number of issues. His parents have come to court. They have been highly supportive throughout these proceedings.

“They express their utmost sympathy to Mr Forbes and his family. They cannot believe that they are in a position where they are sitting in a courtroom listening to these serious acts committed by their son.

“The defendant has taken the opportunity of finding trusted employment as wing cleaner in prison. Clearly, there have been some concerns about how he has behaved in prison. There have been significant issues with his mental health.

“His position in prison has been made more difficult by threats that are being made. Clearly, these are threats that have been persisting for some time. Obviously, the defendant dealt with one threat in a highly disproportionate way by obtaining a weapon in February of last year.

“He is still relatively young. He is determined, when released from prison, that he is going to leave Liverpool, leave the various associates who he stupidly hung around with in the younger part of his life and, ultimately, be a member of society his parents can be proud of.”

Lawless admitted wounding with intent and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, with a previous charge of attempted murder being ordered to lie on the file. Appearing via video link to HMP Liverpool, he appeared to wipe his eyes with his blue Montirex t-shirt before he was jailed for 18-and-a-half years and handed an additional four years on licence.

During sentencing, Judge Garrett Byrne stated: “Mr Forbes was a totally innocent member of the public. He did not know you. He did not associate with you or any of your friends. He had nothing to do with any criminal group. He was simply walking to a chip shop to get some food.

“You left your home carrying a loaded shotgun in a plastic bag. Your face was covered. You intended to shoot someone as part of some petty, tit-for-tat retaliation. You showed the weapon off to your friends.

“What happened next has been captured quite clearly on CCTV. You pointed the weapon at Mr Forbes and discharged it once at close proximity. Mr Forbes managed to drag himself back to his home address, badly injured and covered in blood. He sustained serious injuries to both legs below the knees.

“His injuries required several bouts of surgery. Mr Forbes speaks to both the ongoing physical and psychological harm that he experiences. He can no longer do many things he previously enjoyed doing and had to give up his job.

“The unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition are of grave concern to society. They can be used to main and kill. Innocent members of the public, as in this case, are put at risk of serious injury or worse.

“There are permanent and irreversible injuries here. A significant aggravating feature is your previous convictions. I find no particularly compelling mitigation.”

In The Mixer’s World Cup special

Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.

Thunderstorms threaten chaos for England’s World Cup showdown with Mexico on Monday morning – after a shambolic U-turn over the kick-off time sent fans reeling.

Travel plans were thrown into a muddle when football chiefs embarked on a wild switch to start the game six hours earlier than scheduled, apparently to avoid forecasted torrential rain and lightning.

It would have meant England vs Mexico kicking off at 6pm UK time on Sunday, rather than at 1am Monday morning, plunging the Three Lions’ preparations into confusion and messing up flights and hotels for thousands of supporters.

After hours of farce, uproar from fans and behind-the-scenes rows between FIFA and both the England and Mexico football associations, the match reverted back to its original start time, meaning 1am for supporters in Britain.

However, forecasters are warning of a 90 per cent chance of thunderstorms around the time of the last-16 fixture at the Azteca Stadium. A weather alert cautions of ‘a significant threat of severe thunderstorms and potential localised flooding…expected to peak between 6pm and 7pm’, local time, which is due to be when the match is playing.

FIFA’s strict safety rules on extreme weather mean any lightning strike detected within eight miles of the stadium triggers an automatic 30-minute delay, and any further strikes reset the timer.

Bleary-eyed fans in the UK already facing an ultra-late bedtime could be kept up all night, if the match is delayed until the storm passes. Employers are bracing for a pandemic of ‘sickies’ tomorrow morning.

The shambolic change of the start time was initially revealed by Mexican media on Friday night, leading some to wonder if sabotage was afoot. Mexican fans had already threatened to disrupt the England team’s first night of sleep in Mexico City by blaring car horns and setting off fireworks near the team hotel – prompting riot police to form a ring of steel around it.

The Azteca stadium where England will face Mexico tomorrow morning. Forecasters are warning of a 90 per cent chance of thunderstorms during the fixture. A weather alert cautions of ‘a significant threat of severe thunderstorms and potential localised flooding

Andres Vaca, of Mexican broadcaster TUDN, broke the story of the potential switch in kick-off time at 6.30pm British time, leading to bewilderment at such a dramatic last-minute upheaval.

At the time, England’s squad was wrapping up an open training session in Kansas and the Football Association (FA) knew nothing about it.

It was not until around 8pm that the ‘stunned’ FA was informed FIFA was indeed intending to alter the kick-off time – unprecedented for a World Cup match. It would mean tearing up the England camp’s meticulous preparations involving meal times and adjusting activities for the high altitude.

Mexican media was reporting the FIFA switch as fact, triggering mass confusion as travelling fans were put in limbo trying to work out if they needed to change flights and hotel bookings.

Owen Pickering, 61, is spending £20,000 going to England’s games with his family, and keeping hotel costs down by not arriving in Mexico until match day . If the kick-off had moved forward six hours, he said they ‘wouldn’t have made the match and I would have been heartbroken’.

Mr Pickering, of Crawley, West Sussex, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: ‘FIFA is rubbish, it’s awful. They have no thought about anyone travelling to the game. Does it matter to them if we turn up? Not really. They don’t care if it spoils it for everybody.’

He added: ‘There will be a lot of fans who would have been in the same position as us. I have a friend who was trying to move his flight and it was just a vast expense.’

At about 9.30pm, England boarded their chartered flight to Mexico City in the absurd position of still not knowing when their match would be. And the Mexico team’s head coach Javier Aguirre was also furious at the proposed switch from 6pm to midday local time, calling it ‘a kick in the stomach’ and saying: ‘There’s absolutely no advantage to playing at noon. None whatsoever. It really throws a wrench into everything.’

Harry Kane arrives in the Mexican capital. At about 9.30pm, England boarded their chartered flight to Mexico City in the absurd position of still not knowing when their match would be.

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Before they left Kansas, the England team – briefed about the uncertainty –  put on a brave face. Midfielder Morgan Rogers said ‘it’s just another obstacle to overcome, we’ll take it how it is’, while Marcus Rashford declared: ‘We have to be focused. We have to be ready for anything.’

Amid speculation the time-change was designed ‘for better TV viewing figures in Europe’, the BBC got dragged into the row. Fox Sports in Spanish claimed the BBC, an official World Cup broadcast rights holder, was behind the move in order to secure a more favourable viewing time for its viewers in Britain. The BBC rubbished the claim, saying it was ‘not involved in these discussions’.

Eventually, after the backlash from both England and Mexico camps, and the nightmare logistics of upending schedules for police, military, the teams, officials and supporters, FIFA performed its spectacular U-turn.

Andres Vaca, the Mexican journalist who broke the story and had stuck to it for hours, posted an apology. He tweeted: ‘I made a mistake in confirming it. My apologies to everyone for that. But the information was real. So real that several journalists from different media outlets here in Mexico confirmed it with their sources. Well, even the BBC in England confirmed what I was saying. I made a mistake in presenting it as a fact. My apologies to everyone.’

Official tournament weather reports specifically for the Azteca Stadium, produced for FIFA’s planning purposes and seen by Sky Sports News, suggest there is still a 90 per cent risk of lightning storms at the stadium around kick-off.

The reports say to expect ‘lightning activity which may temporarily affect outdoor operations’, and that match officials should ‘maintain readiness for lightning safety procedures’.

Multiple matches have already faced lengthy suspensions due to freak storms including Mexico’s defeat of Ecuador at the Azteca, and France’s win over Iraq.

He finds the sense of patriotism and camaraderie to be attractive, as well as “trying to make a difference for your own country… and trying to do something yourself”.

The teen adds that “most” of his male friends and contemporaries are considering careers in the military or similar – and recent recruitment numbers back up that surge in interest.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Border Patrol received 34,650 applications between January and April 2025 – a 44% increase over the same four-month period in 2024. DHS credits the “historic spike” to Trump administration policies and has received significant funding for incentives.

Potential recruits left the tent with flyers advertising signing bonuses of up to $60,000 and salaries starting at $50,741, which can climb as high as $110,563.

Weeks before the rodeo, an Army veteran at another Colorado Springs Border Patrol event outlined similar motivations for exploring joining up. Mike, 40, feels “stagnant” in his current job as a corrections officer and misses the sense of “belonging” he had in the military.

“Even though I hung up my uniform, I never stopped serving, and I just feel like I have this duty to protect the citizens of the country,” he said, adding that he liked the idea of securing US borders.

“I see a lot of things on the news… people just not being nice, human trafficking, drugs being smuggled in,” he said.

He says he’s drawn to Border Patrol over an agency like ICE.

“Instead of just deporting people, I want to actually know that I’m protecting the country.”

But Border Patrol must compete for new recruits with their counterparts from Space Force and the Air Force National Guard – the latter of which trotted out a trampoline that drew great interest from the crowd.

Space Force, which was created by Trump in 2019, is tasked with securing US interests “in, from and to space”. It has also been in the midst of a recruitment surge, surpassing targets.

“The service is looking to double in size over the next five years,” a spokesperson told BBC News. In February, Space Force exceeded their annual recruitment goal by 125%, they said.

Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud revealed his secret ingredient for the tallest, fluffiest Yorkshire puddings every time

Yorkshire puddings are essential with any Sunday roast, a quintessential British dish cherished by everyone. Each person has their particular approach and hidden ingredients to create the tallest, lightest Yorkie, including famous faces.

During a recent visit to the Dish from Waitrose podcast, Grand Designs host Kevin McCloud lately revealed his methods for producing the ideal Yorkshire pudding at home. He shared with the presenters chef Angela Hartnett and DJ Nick Grimshaw that he doesn’t employ the conventional approach of a neutral oil or olive oil when preparing the batter.

Rather, Kevin unveiled an alternative fat he utilises to achieve the optimal rise on his Yorkshire puddings. For Kevin, it’s entirely about coconut oil, reports the Mirror.

In a recent video posted to TikTok, Nick commented: “You told us you make a great Yorkshire pudding. What is your… what is your method? Cause it can be hit and miss, people get it wrong, there’s a lot of trickiness with it, and I think once you get it, you get it.”.

Kevin responded: “Yeah. Well, so… It’s been a contention in my household, but I like to cook with a bit of coconut oil, high temperature and all that. I find it gives a good rise on the Yorkie.”

He additionally mentioned that he incorporates numerous eggs in his batter. Kevin added: “And… lots of eggs. A lot more eggs than you think.”

The television host explained he typically employs four eggs in his mixture. When working with coconut oil, Kevin clarified he attempts to warm it until it’s extremely hot and smoky.

Angela endorsed Kevin’s technique, noting that home cooks ought to prepare the batter the day prior to cooking to enable it to rest, similar to her practice in her own restaurant.

She stated: “But other than that, it’s about hot temperature, hot oil, whatever you’re using… and as you say, in and close the door.”

Angela recommended avoiding opening the oven door whatsoever while the Yorkshire puddings are cooking. Allowing heat to escape from the oven will result in the Yorkies deflating.