Rubio, who also had spells as assistant manager at Crystal Palace and West Ham, felt Jimenez fully deserved such a moment after what he has been through.

“After his head injury it took a bit of time to get back into the career,” said Rubio.

“There were not just medical concerns, but also would he be the same killer in front of goal? His application is tremendous, he is a lovely guy, his family are beautiful and very supportive and that has helped him.

“He is a very family person. He is a big player but never acts like one and he is very humble and I’m delighted for him.

“It was life-threatening injury and I felt scared for him. At that moment he was doing so well, he was at the top of his career and it was very difficult.”

But Jimenez’s determination has led to him scoring 68 Premier League goals in 233 appearances. Even now, he still needs to wear a reinforced headband to protect himself from further injury.

“Having known him I could see why he has been able to get back on to the pitch [after the injury] and get back into his form,” added Rubio. “He is a fighter. I worked with him in his last year at Wolves. There were doubts, even with himself, that he was going to get back into it and that last year at Wolves was a challenging year for him.

“But there were no doubts for me personally, I always knew he would get back into it. I’ve worked with many top professionals and you can see he has the resilience and has a lovely family supporting him.

“Everyone there [at Wolves] loved him, the whole club wanted him to do well and the whole club was invested for him to get back so it was very emotional, not only because of his career, but also because he is such a loving character.

“He was so invested in the club, the city and his family felt like it was home, that’s why I feel they will be delighted to be going back there.”

But, before Jimenez will be back in the West Midlands, he has further chances to score more World Cup goals in his home country, with Mexico already in a strong position to advance into the knockout rounds.

Americans largely don’t support the Trump administration’s plan to host a UFC fight at the White House on Sunday, including a notable slice of the president’s Republican base, according to a new survey.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that just 16 percent of respondents think it’s appropriate, while 46 percent said the bout was inappropriate.

Just 31 percent of Republicans thought the event was appropriate, and Democrats joined them in their skepticism, with just five percent backing the fight.

The negative mood around the UFC cage match echoes a larger dissatisfaction about the administration and the direction of the country.

In a Reuters survey released Monday, 70 percent of respondents said they disapprove of Trump’s handling of cost-of-living issues, up from 63 percent at the end of the inflation-plagued Biden administration.

Meanwhile, in a separate The Economist/YouGov poll, just 29 percent of Americans said they strongly or somewhat approve of how Trump is handling the economy.

Trump’s net approval rating on the issue is negative 34 percent — the lowest of both of his presidential terms so far, the poll found.

The UFC fight, part of a string of public events and projects for America’s 250th anniversary celebration, comes as Americans have less of a sense of American exceptionalism and less of an emphasis on the importance of democracy, a recent AP-NORC poll found.

The country is far more pessimistic about the future than it was at the time of the nation’s bicentennial in 1976.

In 2026, 41 percent of Americans said they were “generally pessimistic” about the future of the country, up from 15 percent during the previous milestone.

When Fox News recently asked Americans to name a word that describes the country today, two-thirds chose a negative term such as “failing,” “divided,” “struggling,” or “corrupt,” with Democrats nearly twice as likely as Republicans to choose a downbeat word.

Preparations are nearly complete for the Sunday mixed martial arts fight, which coincides with the president’s 80th birthday.

The UFC is putting the finishing touches on a massive arena and lighting grid dubbed “The Claw” on the White House lawn.

A federal lawsuit is seeking to stop the fight, alleging it represents a “volcano of corruption” for a commercial sports league and corporate sponsors to use the White House for a televised spectacle.

The UFC, led by Trump ally Dana White, says it is paying for the $60 million event, which is sponsored by companies including Polymarket, of which Donald Trump Jr. is an adviser.

“I can assure fans that I am making representations on behalf of those affected to ensure their cases are resolved as quickly as possible.”

The Scottish Secretary has said he is “making representations” on behalf of Scottish fans who were reportedly refused entry to America for the World Cup.

Douglas Alexander has pledged to Scotland football fans that the UK Government is working to resolve cases for those who had their Electronic System of Travel Authorisation (ESTA) permit revoked. The issues arose less than a week before the country plays Haiti in Boston.

An ESTA is usually required for UK citizens without a visa going to the US for up to 90 days. Some members of the Tartan Army reported having their ESTAs revoked at the last minute, leading to some seeking emergency appointments with the US Embassy in London.

Mr Alexander said he has spoken to the British ambassador to the United States who is in touch with US authorities. He said: “As soon as this issue became apparent last Monday I spoke to the Minister for North America, and we have initiated work across government to ensure we are doing everything we can to help.

“I have also spoken to the British ambassador to the United States today, who is in touch with the US authorities. Of course, visa and entry requirements are a matter for the United States, but I can assure fans that I am making representations on behalf of those affected to ensure their cases are resolved as quickly as possible.

“Thousands of members of the Tartan Army have gone through the US visa system successfully, but we will continue to work with the US authorities to help resolve this issue as quickly as possible. After 28 long years, it’s understandable why so many Scotland fans want to be able to cheer on Steve Clarke’s squad in person.”

Last week, the BBC reported acting assistant secretary of homeland security Lauren Bis as saying the tightening of ESTAs is because “the Trump administration is enforcing immigration laws”.

“Under the Visa Waiver Program, all ESTA applications are continuously vetted against law enforcement and security databases,” she said.

“Travellers must provide complete and truthful information, including all criminal history.”

She said the “failure to disclose arrests or convictions constitutes misrepresentation” and could lead to “ESTA denial, revocation, or a permanent bar from entering the United States”.

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Scientists who analysed the seeds recovered from Tuscany were able to map the most extensive genetic history of ancient grapevines recovered from a single site.

They found that white grapes were once the dominant crop at an ancient Chianti vineyard in the region now famous for its red wines.

The findings also show that ancient vineyards were part of the Roman Empire’s highly sophisticated agricultural network that laid the foundation for modern winemaking.

The discovery was made at Cetamura del Chianti, a hilltop settlement in Italy’s renown Chianti wine region.

Between 300BC and 300AD, local residents dropped grape pips into deep wells, where oxygen-free mud preserved them.

Study co-author Dr Oya Inanli said: “We sequenced the DNA of 80 seeds and found a remarkable story of continuity.

“A large majority of the tested seeds belonged to a single, identical variety passed directly from the Etruscans to the Romans and maintained for centuries.”

Dr Inanli, who completed the work as part of her PhD at the University of York, added: “We were also able to go a step further with the genetic testing and determine the colour of the ancient grapes.

“The markers revealed that this dominant, long-lived clone produced white berries.”

The research team said the discovery of an “overwhelming prevalence” of white grapes at an ancient Chianti vineyard was a surprise as the region is globally famous today for its rich, red Sangiovese wines, although some white grapes are still grown in the area today.

Co-author Professor Nancy De Grummond, of Florida State University, said: “Our team’s research adds an important chapter on the history of wine in the viticulture region of Chianti.

“What a delightful surprise to learn that the world-famous red wine of today was actually preceded by a white vintage that was curated and maintained for centuries in Etruscan and Roman times.”

Following the Roman conquest of the settlement, she says entirely new grapevine varieties appeared at Cetamura, hinting at the introduction of “choice varieties” from the expanding empire.

The team also found some evidence of the collection of some wild grapes, thanks to a method which examines the shape of the pips.

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Genetic testing revealed that the dominant Cetamura clone was closely related to two ancient grape seeds previously tested from Southern France.

That provides biological evidence of a wide-reaching agricultural trading network developed by the Romans to standardise wine production, according to the study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science.

The team also found another ancient grape seed at Cetamura that belongs to a family of grapes still grown across Central and Eastern Europe today.

While its closest modern look-alike is a rare grape variety found in Hungary called Baratcsuha szurke, the discovery connects the ancient seed directly to a legendary, 400-year-old grapevine growing in Maribor, Slovenia.

This famous vine is officially recognised as the oldest living grapevine in the world that still produces fruit today.

Dr Nathan Wales, from the University of York’s Department of Archaeology, said: “Our new findings show that this specific grape family is ancient and resilient. It is incredible to think that the wine grapes enjoyed by the ancient Romans are mere steps away from the varieties we pour into our glasses today.”

He added: “When you drink wine made from these relic varieties, you are tasting history that is just a stone’s throw from what was served at Roman dinner tables thousands of years ago.”

Meanwhile, to make the ajo blanco, put 2 grated garlic cloves, 100g blanched almonds and 80g torn coarse white bread (without crusts) into a food processor and, with the motor running, gradually add 135ml extra-virgin olive oil and 100ml chilled water. You might not need all of the water – but the mixture shouldn’t be thick, it should be pourable. 

“It’s a novelty for us and I’m an early riser. Nothing like waking up to coffee and pipes. Helps clear the pipes.”

Members of the Tartan Army have gone viral in a clip showing Scotland fans blasting their bagpipes to the amusement of their new Boston neighbours ahead of the World Cup.

The clip, which has racked up over 1.4million views online, was posted by local resident, Mike Morrison, who appeared stunned by the arrival of his new neighbours. The caption reads: “In the dead of night, the Scots arrived at the Airbnb across the street. Decked out and playing the pipes at 6:30 am. So it begins…”

The footage shows three Scots emerging from a grey house draped in national pride. One man, wearing a traditional kilt, can be seen recording the neighbourhood as he steps outside.

Moments later, a second supporter produces his bagpipes and begins playing, while a third films the scene. The Airbnb has been transformed into a mini-Hampden headquarters, with three Scotland flags hanging from five windows visible at the front of the property and Saltire bunting strung along the fence outside.

Despite many in the comments believing that 6.30am was too early to blast bagpipes, Mike, who can be heard laughing in the video, insisted: “It’s great having them in the neighbourhood.

“It’s a novelty for us and I’m an early riser. Nothing like waking up to coffee and pipes. Helps clear the pipes. With so much crap going on in the world, it’s nice to see.”

Boston has been taken over by the Tartan Army today before Scotland take on Haiti in their first World Cup match in 28 years at 2am on Sunday. Earlier today, we reported that the Scotland invasion of Boston was in full swing, with sweaty fans kitted out in bucket hats and kilts dotted around the city.

Baffled locals have been left in shock with shouts of No Scotland, No Party and We’ll Be Coming heard being belted out from every street corner. The sun has been shining in the city, with temperatures around 32C – but excited supporters have been keeping hydrated by guzzling plenty of lager.

Other fans weren’t so lucky, with hundreds being denied access to the USA despite having their ESTAs approved months ago. Diehards hoping to jet off state-side previously told the Record about they have been plunged into panic after their approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) applications were been moved back into “pending” – and some later rejected.

Numerous supporters have lost thousands of pounds and are set to miss Scotland’s long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage on June 14. Scotland Secretary Douglas Alexander has pledged today to fans that the UK Government is working to resolve cases for those who had their Electronic System of Travel Authorisation (ESTA) permit revoked.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — First lady Melania Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday announced the launch of Fostering the Future Accounts, a spinoff of the Trump Accounts investment funds meant to give $1,000 to every newborn whose parent opens one.

Building on her work helping foster children, Trump said the new federal guidance will give child welfare agencies the ability to act as a guardian for children in foster care for the purposes of opening an account.

The first lady, speaking at a news conference at the Treasury Department, said the move “gives foster children the same chance at asset ownership and long-term wealth as every other child.”

The accounts will be open for contributions on July 4. To qualify for an account, a child must also be a U.S. citizen born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028.

The White House Council of Economic Advisers estimates that a Trump Account balance for a baby born in 2026 will be $5,800 by age 18 and $18,100 by age 28 if no other contributions are made.

The first lady said 23 governors, all Republicans, have pledged to allow state agencies to begin the process of enrolling children in the program. “I urge every governor and business leader to help fund these accounts,” she said.

There are roughly 330,000 children in the U.S. foster care system, according to the National Council for Adoption. One in 5 of them is at risk of homelessness after aging out of foster care, and only half gain employment by the time they are 24, the National Foster Youth Institute says.

“Those outcomes are unsettling, but we refuse to accept them as inevitable,” Bessent told the news conference. “We are affirming that the American dream belongs to every child.”

A provision of President Donald Trump’s tax and spending legislation that he signed into law last summer created Trump Accounts. Under them, the Treasury Department gives $1,000 to babies so long as their parents open an account. That money is then invested in the stock market by private firms, and the children can access the money when they turn 18.

Employers and billionaires across the country have pledged to make matching Trump Account contributions for employee benefits. Among them are Michael and Susan Dell, who announced a $6.25 billion donation, and hedge fund founder Ray Dalio and his wife, Barbara, who pledged $75 million for kids under 10 in Connecticut, where the Dalios live.

Initially expected at Bishop Auckland Football Club around 7.30pm, it wasn’t until more than four hours later, just after 11.35pm, that Scott finished a 111-mile cycle from Manchester in the cold rain.

Jill Scott arrives in Bishop Auckland on her ‘Coming Home’ Comic Relief challenge. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Jill Scott arrives in Bishop Auckland on her ‘Coming Home’ Comic Relief challenge. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The former England and Manchester City midfielder is running and cycling from Wembley Stadium on her five-day ‘Coming Home’ challenge, set to finish at the Stadium of Light tonight (Friday, June 12).

She began Thursday’s ride less than 10 hours after completing a 38.5-mile ultramarathon from Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium to Manchester City’s Joie Stadium.

Jill Scott arrives in Bishop Auckland on her ‘Coming Home’ Comic Relief challenge. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Jill Scott arrives in Bishop Auckland on her ‘Coming Home’ Comic Relief challenge. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

And almost 15-and-a-half hours later, after battling the peaks of the Yorkshire Dales in adverse conditions, she was cheered across the line in Bishop Auckland by crowds with England flags and ‘Go Jill’ signs.

She was still able to muster a smile as she posed with fans after climbing off the saddle, despite facing a 28-mile run on the final leg in just a few hours, starting around 8am.

Jill Scott arrives in Bishop Auckland on her ‘Coming Home’ Comic Relief challenge. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The 39-year-old said: “There have been so many people beeping their horns, coming out to spur us on, and it really does help.

“I’m not going to lie – this morning I literally couldn’t get out of bed, my legs hurt that much.

“Having that support means everything, especially when you’re on the bike in weather like this. I can’t quite believe it’s June.

“Everyone’s been so lovely, but the 38-mile run yesterday (Wednesday, June 10) – it killed us (sic).”

A choir turned out to sing Jill through Leyburn and as she approached the finish line in Bishop Auckland farmers turned out in their tractors to spur her on.

Her final leg will take her through Bishop Auckland, Spennymoor, up through Durham and into Sunderland where she is expected to cross the line at the Stadium of Light around 4.30pm.

Rail replacement services have been deployed between Stafford and Rugby until approximately 21:00.

Customers can also use their tickets on Avanti West Coast services between Crewew and London Euston via Birmingham New Street at no extra cost.

Passengers travelling North towards Crewe from Rugby are advised to travel via Birmingham New Street on either London Northwestern or Avanti West Coast services.

Northbound passengers for stations between Rugby and Stafford, are advised to use rail replacement buses from Rugby.

Passengers travelling south towards Rugby and the capitol, are advised to travel via Birmingham New Street on either London Northwestern Railway or Avanti West Coast services.

Southbound passengers for stations between Stafford and Rugby are advised to use rail replacement buses from Stafford.

Pastry lovers will be hoping Scotland win their first match as there is a tasty prize in store.

With Scots up and down the country backing the Tartan Army ahead of our World Cup campaign starting this week, a beloved Scottish bakery has taken their loyalty to the football team even further with a very tasty announcement.

While thousands of football fans have flocked to America to take in the World Cup atmosphere, many Scots still on home soil are gearing up for a very long weekend as Scotland’s first game is set to take place in the wee hours of Sunday morning (June 14).

Up against Haiti, Scots will be joining watch parties or heading to their local late night pub to watch kick-off at 2am. Bringing everyone together to see Scotland’s first World Cup group match in the past three decades, there is sure to be a few sore heads going into the extra bank holiday.

However, if Scotland are able to clinch a win in their first match, Scottish bakery Bayne’s has made a bold claim. The bakery states that if Scotland secures a win in any of their upcoming Group C matches, Bayne’s will give away 7,000 of its famous sausage rolls away for free in its stores the following morning.

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If Scotland celebrate a victory this weekend, the family-run bakery is ready to hand out its most popular product as a reward to its loyal customers and football fans on Monday, June 15.

Bayne’s has over 70 shops across the country, including stores in Stirling, Kirkcaldy, Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow, and Falkirk. However, pastry and football fans alike will need to get to stores early doors if the Tartan Army win their first match.

This is because Bayne’s is running the freebie on a first come, first served basis. With the free sausage rolls being distributed evenly across all the shops, this service will begin from the moment the shop doors open the morning after a win.

However, when they are gone, they are gone. So if you are wanting a savory treat to help cure your hangover or just love a flaky sausage roll, Scots will want to be up early as most shops open at around 6am.

Cheering on the Scottish football team, Bayne’s joint managing director John Bayne said: “As a proud Scottish family business, we wanted to find a meaningful way to stand behind the national team during this tournament.”

He added: “This initiative is our way of bringing local communities together to celebrate these historic games.

“Our retail and bakery teams across all 70 plus shops are fully prepared for the surge in demand, and we look forward to rewarding our customers the morning after a Scottish victory.”

To claim a free celebratory sausage roll, all customers need to do is visit their local Bayne’s shop on the morning following a confirmed Scotland tournament win, while stocks last.

With the giveaway also linked to Scotland’s other upcoming Group C matches, pastry fans will be able to head to their local Bayne the following morning for a free treat if Scotland confirms a win.

On June 19 Scotland will play against Morocco, while on June 24 the Tartan Army will be playing off against Brazil.

Sharing the giveaway on social media, Bayne’s added: “Our bakery and retail teams are fully prepared for the surge in demand. Come on Scotland, let’s give us all something to celebrate!”