Along with the sixth new prime minister in a decade, the UK now has its eighth chancellor, ninth foreign secretary and 10th education secretary.

The turnover in Cabinet ministers since 2016 has been driven by the increasing scale and frequency of reshuffles carried out by successive premiers, with sweeping changes happening almost on an annual basis.

John Healey is the eighth new Chancellor of the Exchequer since 2016, in a sequence that began with Philip Hammond (2016-19), then Sajid Javid (2019-20), Rishi Sunak (2020-22), Nadhim Zahawi (63 days in 2022), Kwasi Kwarteng (31 days in 2022), Jeremy Hunt (2022-24) and most recently Rachel Reeves (2024-26).

By contrast, in the 10 years before 2016, only three people held the role of chancellor: Gordon Brown (up to 2007), Alistair Darling (2007-10) and George Osborne (2010-16).

There have been nine foreign secretaries in the past decade: Boris Johnson (2016-18), Jeremy Hunt (2018-19), Dominic Raab (2019-21), Liz Truss (2021-22), James Cleverly (2022-23), David Cameron (2023-24), David Lammy (2024-25), Yvette Cooper (2025-26) and now Ed Miliband.

This is more than twice the number in the preceding 10 years: Margaret Beckett (2006-07), David Miliband (2007-10), William Hague (2010-14) and Philip Hammond (2014-16).

The 10 education secretaries since 2016 began with Justine Greening (2016-18), then Damian Hinds (2018-19), Gavin Williamson (2019-21), Nadhim Zahawi (2021-22), Michelle Donelan (two days in 2022), James Cleverly (61 days in 2022), Kit Malthouse (49 days in 2022), Gillian Keegan (2022-24), Bridget Phillipson (2024-26) and now Lucy Powell.

There were just four education secretaries in the 10 years up to 2016: Alan Johnson (2006-07), Ed Balls (2007-10), Michael Gove (2010-14) and Nicky Morgan (2014-16).

According to our best understanding, the universe is expanding – and is doing so at an accelerating rate. This is believed to be caused by something called the “cosmological constant”, which was first proposed by Albert Einstein in his theory of general relativity. In recent decades, it has become better known as dark energy, which is believed to make up about 70% of the universe.

Crucial to this realisation were studies of Type Ia supernovae – exploding white dwarf stars. These are thought to emit a specific amount of light, which allows astronomers to determine their distances very accurately and thereby track the expansion of the universe. This work was awarded the 2011 Nobel prize in physics.

The accelerating expansion of the universe is thought to be due to negative pressure, an unusual property of dark energy that allows it to overcome the attractive force of gravity. Yet the exact nature of dark energy remains a puzzle. It cannot be explained by our best theory for the fundamental building blocks of the universe – known as the standard model of particle physics.

However, it is an integral part of another theory, devised to explain how the large-scale universe came to be. This is the standard model of cosmology, also called the lambda cold dark matter (ΛCDM) model.

Other observational evidence supporting the existence of dark energy includes fluctuations in the temperature of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) – the “afterglow of the Big Bang” – and the imprint of baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) – sound waves from the early universe – in the distribution of galaxies.

But the ΛCDM model has come under increasing scrutiny as new data has emerged. A conference hosted by the UK’s Royal Society debated emerging cracks in the standard cosmological model. It has been noted that the model’s past successes may partly be due to “confirmation bias” – the unconscious tendency to favour information that supports our existing beliefs while giving less attention to information that challenges them.

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Relax, the expansion of the universe is still accelerating

Flawed framework?

Most cosmologists remain unconvinced by such criticism and are instead persuaded by the multiple lines of evidence that the universe’s expansion is accelerating.

However, all such analyses, for example of the CMB or BAO, are conducted using a special solution of Einstein’s equations called the FLRW (Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker) framework. This is a description of space-time that assumes the “cosmological principle”, namely that the universe is, on average, homogeneous and isotropic (looks the same in all directions).

However, our recent study found evidence to falsify the FLRW framework, presenting results showing that the universe is asymmetric, or lopsided. We believe this presents a fundamental challenge to dark energy by undermining the very basis for standard analyses of cosmological data.

The observation that the universe may be lopsided is known as the cosmic dipole anomaly. This anomaly cannot be fixed by tweaking parameters in the ΛCDM model. It requires starting again from scratch to build a model of the universe based on observations, rather than on a philosophical principle.

The Nobel prize winning astrophysicist Jim Peebles has said that the cosmic dipole anomaly is about as well established as another cosmological irregularity known as the Hubble tension. However, he notes, the cosmic dipole anomaly has received only a fraction of the interest heaped on the Hubble tension.

With my collaborators, Mohamed Rameez and his PhD student Animesh Sah at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, we have also shown that the acceleration of the expansion of the universe inferred from Type Ia supernovae is not the same in all directions.

The signal from supernovae is mainly aligned with a temperature difference in the afterglow of the Big Bang – the cosmic microwave background. This temperature difference, called the CMB dipole anisotropy, is believed to be due to the local motion of the solar system.

‘Tilted observers’

The acceleration inferred from supernovae cannot therefore be due to dark energy. Rather, it is probably an illusion, because we are “tilted observers”. This is because of Earth’s specific location in the cosmos, where our neighbouring galaxies are participating in a large-scale but localised streaming motion called the bulk flow.

The relationship between the intrinsic brightness of Type Ia supernovae and their distance has been crucial to the idea of dark energy. However, this relationship may not be as robust as was first assumed.

Astronomers in South Korea found evidence that the ages of the white dwarf stars that produce Type Ia supernovae (their progenitors) affect their brightness. However, this has been challenged by another team.

When we corrected for the dependence of the intrinsic brightness on the progenitor age, the indication is that the universe is decelerating, rather than accelerating.

This is just as is expected for a universe without dark energy. But it will come as a surprise to most cosmologists who believe that there is compelling independent evidence for ΛCDM, in particular from studies of the CMB. But CMB temperature fluctuations are not influenced by dark energy. Rather, they are related to the spatial curvature of the universe, the baryon density, and the dark matter density.

Whether dark energy is still a valid inference thus depends on whether the distribution of matter in the universe is indeed isotropic – exactly the same in all directions. Observations suggest otherwise. If these findings are confirmed, they could signal a paradigm shift in cosmology.

Kaitlyn Lavery, who is from New York City, was keen to see what all the fuss was about when it came to the bakery after it won a prestigious award. She then gave her honest verdict

An American woman has shared her candid opinion after paying a visit to one of Edinburgh‘s most celebrated bakeries. Kaitlyn Lavery, hailing from New York City, made her way to Lannan Bakery in the Stockbridge area of the capital before taking to YouTube to share her thoughts.

In June 2024, Lannan scooped the coveted Pastry Opening of the Year Award at La Liste’s World Pastry Awards, which piqued her curiosity and prompted her to discover what all the excitement was about. “Let’s just say I was mesmerised when I saw all their pastries,” Kaitlyn admitted in a video, having arrived 30 minutes after the bakery had opened its doors.

Relieved that nothing had sold out, Kaitlyn and three companions purchased eight pastries between them after enduring a 45-minute queue to get inside. “I’m glad they were here because I literally could not decided what to get,” she said of her pals.

First up in her taste test was the Custard Slice with Bramble Icing, which she described as “not overly sweet”, though the custard was “nice”.

Kaitlyn then turned her attention to the Sour Cherry and Coconut Jaffa Cake. “Hopefully they have Jaffa Cakes in the US, but I think they may just be a UK speciality,” she mused after taking a bite. “The chocolate ganache was to die for. I love a cherry moment – I think cherries are underused.”

Regarding the cake itself, Kaitlyn noted it was “spongy” and a “little dense”, but concluded it was “really good” overall.

Turning her attention to the Raspberry and Tonka Flan, Kaitlyn admitted she hadn’t expected it to stray from traditional flan territory. “The inside was custardy… it was jammy and they make a mean raspberry compote,” she went on. “This ended up being my favourite thing.”

Next up was the sole savoury offering amongst the eight items – a straightforward sausage roll. “I keep getting them because I am enticed,” she remarked. “Just a lot of meat, every time.”

Returning to sweeter fare, Kaitlyn sampled Lannan’s Yuzu and Olive Oil Croissant. “It’s a combination I wouldn’t normally think to pair together,” she admitted. “But whatever olive oil they are using is high-a** quality and I’m a big fan of yuzu, especially in summer.”

Her subsequent choice was a meringue, which she briefly noted as “fluffy on top”, before moving onto a cinnamon bun. “I don’t know why everyone raves about these,” she commented. “I do like them and everywhere does them, but Lannan Bakery does a hell of a job with it.”

The penultimate item was the Majool Date and Butterscotch Bun. “This was like cavity-inducing,” she joked. “I think if you have a really big sweet tooth then this is for you. It was just way too much for me.”

Rounding off her tasting experience was a Cinnamon and Cream Cheese Bun. “Anytime cheese frosting enters the villa, you know it’s going to be good,” Kaitlyn concluded.

Having sampled everything on offer, she summed up her visit: “Make sure you go early and I do think it’s worth it.”

Lannan proudly describes its bakery online: “Founded in 2023, Lannan specialises in innovative viennoiseries using a harmonious match of traditional techniques and seasonal ingredients. From delicate croissants and cardamom buns, to nostalgic yet finessed Scottish bakery classics such as custard slice, iced buns and pineapple tarts.

“Our small, skilled and passionate team hand make every element from scratch in our kitchen on Hamilton Place – each component of our menu is thoughtfully considered and sympathetically executed.”

Ann Widdecombe was bludgeoned 21 times over the head with a hammer in a two-minute attack captured on camera, a court heard today.

Joshua Kerry is accused of entering the former Tory minister and Brexit Party MEP’s Dartmoor home through the open front door and murdering her as she ate lunch in her kitchen.

Her gardener found her lying face down on the kitchen floor, around 24 hours after she was killed.

Kerry was allegedly filmed arriving at the bungalow in his red Vauxhall Corsa by Miss Widdecombe’s Ring doorbell camera before attacking her with a hammer in view of another camera in her hallway.

The 78-year-old was eating lunch shortly before a pre-arranged Zoom interview that was due to be broadcast live on Channel 5‘s The Matt Allwright Show at 12.50pm on July 8.

Prosecutors say Kerry drove 300 miles to Dartmoor from his home in Rotherham and entered the property with a hammer hidden behind his back.

He is alleged to have confronted Miss Widdecombe as she ate, asking her: ‘Don’t suppose you have bank cards and ID?’.

He then struck her 21 times on the top of her head.

The 28-year-old, from South Yorkshire, then tipped her from her chair on to the kitchen floor before rifling through her handbag and stealing her wallet.

Joshua Kerry, 28, who has been charged over the death of Ann Widdecombe and is accused of hitting her 21 times with a hammer he had hidden behind her back

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Miss Widdecombe was found lying face down in her kitchen (pictured) 

Just two minutes after entering the politician’s home, Kerry was back in his car and driving away from the scene, prosecutors say.

Around 24 hours later, on July 9, Miss Widdecombe’s gardener found her lying face down on the kitchen floor with a severe head injury.

He had been asked to check on her by her personal assistant after she was unable to contact her. The front door was open and held back by a doorstop.

Paramedics were called to the property and confirmed she had died. Police arrived at 12.01pm.

After the red Vauxhall Corsa was traced to Rotherham, Kerry was arrested at his home at 9.07pm on suspicion of murder. He was later further arrested under the Terrorism Act.

Police searches of the property recovered a hammer and a pair of gloves from a bin, prosecutors said.

A mobile phone seized from the defendant allegedly contained photographs taken on the day of Miss Widdecombe’s murder showing her driving licence and bank cards, which prosecutors say were stolen after the attack.

After the short hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Kerry will appear at the Old Bailey later today. 

It came as the coroner in Ann Widdecombe‘s inquest claimed the cause of her death is still yet to be established.

Senior coroner for Devon, Philip Spinney, said the ‘precise’ reason the former Tory minister died has not been confirmed, although she had ‘visible injuries’.

She was found dead at her rural property after becoming ‘uncontactable’, prompting a member of staff to carry out a welfare check at her Dartmoor home on July 9, the inquest heard.

Kerry arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court around the same time the inquest into Miss Widdecombe’s death opened 

A post-mortem examination has taken place but ‘at this stage the precise medical cause of death is yet to be established’, Mr Spinney said, as he opened, then adjourned, the inquest.

The coroner confirmed a post mortem has taken place but aid the medical cause of death has yet to be established.

Concerns were raised after she was uncountable and missed a media interview the previous day.

A statement from Coroner’s Officer Sarah Haworth said: ‘Concerns were raised that she was uncountable and an employee who was due at the home address was asked to conduct a welfare check.

‘She was found to be unresponsive with visible injuries.

‘The post mortem examination has taken place and at this stage of the process the precise medical cause of death has yet to be established.’

She was pronounced dead at the scene at 12.20pm on July 9

Mr Spinney said he would suspend the inquest until the conclusion of criminal proceedings and added: ‘It is plain that Miss Widdecombe was much loved and greatly missed.

‘I’d like to offer my condolences to the family of Miss Widdecombe.’

By ROSS IBBETSON, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Published: 13:56 BST, 21 July 2026 | Updated: 14:10 BST, 21 July 2026

Donald Trump is preparing to unleash a fresh wave of tariffs on dozens of countries within days, brushing aside warnings from his own advisers that a renewed trade war could rattle the economy ahead of the midterms.

The President hammered Canada with a 50 percent levy on a sweep of goods on Monday, days after slapping 25 percent duties on Brazilian imports.

Now officials have drawn up options for Trump to hit dozens more nations as his blanket 10 percent global tariff is set to lapse on Friday, the Financial Times reports.

Senior officials have privately urged the President to keep the peace with trading partners and honor the deals Washington cut in 2025 to bring their rates down, according to the FT. 

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Democrats hold a nine-point lead on the midterm ballot, 50 percent to 41 percent, according to a Daily Mail/JL Partners poll this month, a warning sign for a president whose economic ratings are sliding.

The next round of tariffs is expected to target 60 countries with duties of between 10 and 12.5 percent, justified by a US investigation into forced labor practices first floated by trade officials in June.

A separate probe into excess manufacturing capacity has swept up the EU, China, Japan, India, Mexico, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Switzerland, Norway, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and Bangladesh.

The immediate levies are expected to sit roughly in line with the existing 10 percent, though the administration is chasing other investigations that could unlock far steeper duties down the line.

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Donald Trump holds up a chart as he announces tariffs on ‘Liberation Day’ in the Rose Garden at the White House on April 2, 2025

The renewed offensive lands as tensions with Iran boil over, convulsing global energy markets and threatening to drag the region into a wider conflict (pictured: An Iranian missile launched in an unknown location in this screengrab obtained from a handout video released July 21)

The maneuvering lays bare how the White House is now leaning on a patchwork of procedural trade laws to impose duties after the Supreme Court struck down the sweeping ‘Liberation Day’ levies Trump announced in April 2025.

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Those reciprocal tariffs were replaced in February by the global 10 percent regime now about to expire, with the forced labor route allowing Trump to sidestep the emergency powers the justices rejected.

The renewed offensive lands as tensions with Iran boil over, convulsing global energy markets and threatening to drag the region into a wider conflict.

The fighting has hit American wallets hard, driving Brent crude above $90 per barrel and gasoline back above $4 per gallon this week as annual inflation runs near 3.3 percent on the Cleveland Fed’s latest nowcast.

More than half of voters rate Trump’s handling of the economy as bad and the same share say conditions are worsening, according to the Daily Mail’s polling.

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US trade envoys have already blunted some of the harshest measures of Trump’s tariffs, carving out exemptions for staples such as beef and coffee and softening levies on steel and aluminum goods.

After recent inquiries into critical minerals and airplane parts, officials advised negotiating with trading partners rather than reaching for tariffs, the FT reports.

The White House has been contacted for comment. 

By ROSS IBBETSON, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Published: 13:26 BST, 21 July 2026 | Updated: 14:03 BST, 21 July 2026

Raven Adams was hit by a car as she walked home from her shift at The Thirsty Goat pub

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Taylor Swift’s ‘Bigger Than the Whole Sky’ played as friends and family of Raven Adams bid a final farewell to her in Dardistown Crematorium in Dublin this morning.

Raven, 24, originally from the Tipperary area, had just finished working at The Thirsty Goat pub in Belfast when she was killed following a road traffic collision involving a car and two pedestrians.

A man was also seriously injured in the York Street area at around 2.40am on Thursday and taken to hospital. Police said the driver of the car “fled the scene” but was arrested nearby.

A celebration of Raven’s life was held in Dardistown Crematorium in Dublin on Tuesday morning.

“I cannot contemplate life without you, Raven,” said older sister Chandi through tears.

“You were my sweet baby sister and the only reason I can stand here today is because I know you were happy.

“I have so many good memories of us together but in particular, you, me and Paul sitting talking for hours smoking rollies. It was impossible to feel awkward in your company, Raven.

“We would listen and dance to music from when we grew up – Mum’s music; Lady Gaga, High School Musical and One Direction and by the time we would sit down to eat we would be absolutely starving from all the dancing.

“I will love you forever and ever.”

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Raven’s sister Chandi also read out a message from Raven’s mum Kelsie.

“I don’t know how to go on without you. The world does not make sense without you in it. It’s a cruel world we live in and we could do with many more people like you, Raven. My heart is shattered into a million pieces.”

Raven’s father, Adam, also spoke during the ceremony describing his daughter as a “force of nature”.

“No words do Raven justice,” said Adam.

“Raven was a force of nature – she was fun, funny, silly and always messing around and smiling.

“Raven was fiery and passionate, she was fierce and loyal and protective.”

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Adam continued: “She was so strong. She had her challenges in life but she didn’t let them define her instead they made her into the independent and confident young woman that we all knew.

“The best way I can sum up Raven is through a Facebook post I keep seeing about her. Every time I go on Facebook it’s top of my feed – she must want to see it or something. The post simply reads: ‘If anyone could make lemonade when life gives you lemons, it was you kid.’ That was my girl.”

There were also tributes and poems read out by Raven’s auntie Mel and friends and housemates, Katie and Sharna.

Francis Donaldson, 22, of Cardigan Drive in Belfast, appeared before the city’s magistrates on Friday to face a number of charges, including causing death by dangerous driving on July 16.

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Spain superstar Lamine Yamal mocked Argentina brute Leandro Paredes with a punchy sign at his country’s World Cup celebrations in Madrid.

Two million Spain supporters crowded the streets of the capital to welcome their heroes after they defeated Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final.

But the immediate aftermath of the match was marred by the barbarous antics of Paredes, who attacked two Spain players.

He grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat before shoving over substitute Gavi, causing a large-scale melee in the middle of the pitch – and it’s that second act to which Yamal’s sign referred.

Yamal held up a sign which read: ‘Velada del ano VII: Paredes vs Gavi’. The Velada del Ano is a celebrity boxing event in Spain, not unlike Misfits. 

Argentina were widely condemned for their behaviour after losing the final – but they have maintained a siege mentality about it. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who was sent off in normal time, claimed that they had represented their nation in the ‘best way possible’.

Argentina midfielder Paredes was lambasted after the whistle for punching Eric Garcia and pushing Gavi to the ground

He said: ‘As time passes, you realize there is something much bigger than a result. 

‘For years, this group has represented our country in the best possible way. 

‘It teaches that competing isn’t just about winning, but about giving everything for the shirt and never giving up. Being part of this group, which has always stood up, competed to the very end, and defended these colors with pride, humility, and commitment, is something I’ll always cherish. 

‘I want to thank all the Argentine fans. Thank you for always being there, for supporting us in every match, for your affection, for your unconditional support, and for making us feel at home no matter where we are in the world. 

‘Wearing my country’s shirt is the greatest honour of my career, and I will continue to give everything I have every time I’m called upon to defend it.’

Defending the shirt with violence is another matter, though, and the BBC’s piundits weren’t impressed. Micah Richards said of Argentina’s behaviour: ‘It’s embarrassing. They were on the cusp every single time. 

‘Seeing that sort of stuff after the game was played, it’s not good, it’s embarrassing to be honest. Paredes is better than that. We all know what it’s like to lose a game but this is not good enough.’

Joe Hart added: ‘Disgusting behaviour. There was one man on that pitch with class and that was Lionel Messi.’

Captain Rodri lifted the World Cup as Spain touched down in Madrid on Monday afternoon

Yamal carried his bags – including an oversized Hermes Birkin sack – off the plane

Wayne Rooney said: ‘It doesn’t surprise me. We’ve seen this from Argentina before. It’s just sad, very poor from them. 

‘If you lose a game of football, be graceful. It’s a reaction to them being outplayed. Enzo Fernandez has got what he deserves.’ 

Argentina were thuggish throughout the World Cup final, just as they had been against England in the semis. 

Fernandez complained against his dismissal for a second yellow but his late foul on Pau Cubarsi, which sent the defender flying, was atrocious.

Paredes was also fortunate to not be sent off in regular time for a foul on the edge of the box which presented Lamine Yamal with a last-breath free-kick before extra-time. 

Argentina only had two shots in the entire match, the first of which came in the 117th minute. 

By contrast, they were trigger-happy on the fouls with 24 – though Spain didn’t have clean hands themselves, as they gave away 21. 

Alan Shearer said: ‘There’s a way to lose. Too many times we’ve seen that reaction from them. They were trying to win free-kicks and their reaction after full time was terrible. The best team won. It’s a result for football because of the way Spain have played.’ 

Spain were in high spirits as they celebrated winning the World Cup on their bus home to Madrid in the early hours of Monday morning

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Festivities in the hotel were limited to a bottle of £1,000 red wine drunk by Marcos Llorente, goalscorer Ferran Torres and Marc Pubill  

Marc Cucurella and Gavi posed in front of the team’s Airbus as they prepared to go home

The airplane arrived hours later as the city of Madrid readied a welcome home fit for heroes

Aymeric Laporte and Alex Baena both posed with the World Cup trophy onboard their plane

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Even Lionel Messi didn’t rise above the dark arts. The legendary forward was lambasted by Wayne Rooney after he tried to get Marc Cucurella sent off during the latter stages of the game.

The game descended into chaos when Fernandez received his second yellow card.

This led to a melee between both sets of players and Cucurella was spotted saying something to Messi.

The left-back then put a couple of fingers over his mouth and continued speaking, a move which the Argentine immediately reacted to and waved over the referee.

As per FIFA’s rules for this tournament, if a player holds their hand over their mouth in a confrontational situation, they will be sent off.

This was seen with Miguel Almiron for Paraguay in the group stage and Piero Hincapie in the knockout stages for Ecuador.

However, it didn’t appear that Cucurella was speaking in a confrontational manner and the referee, nor VAR, decided to intervene.

The BBC pundits were quick to hit out at Messi’s behaviour as his team headed into extra time a man down.

Rodri led a bus full of Spanish players in rounds of singing as they headed for Newark airport

Yamal had previously enjoyed a cigar in the lift as he began his journey back to Spain

The prodigious Barcelona star had celebrated earlier on the pitch with his girlfriend Ines Garcia

Hart said: ‘Oh wow! Wow! Yeah, I didn’t enjoy that at all from Lionel Messi.

‘You realise how on top Spain are if even Lionel Messi is reverting to that.’

Richards added: ‘We don’t want to see people getting sent off in a World Cup final for that.’

Rooney was similarly furious with Messi’s behaviour as he said: ‘It is desperation.

‘Argentina play like that, we know that’s what they do.

‘But the one thing you want is good sportsmanship and that was sad to see Lionel Messi doing that.’

Ffter lifting the trophy in front of a full house of their adoring fans, La Roja opted not to ring in their victory with a night of partying in the city that never sleeps.

Instead, Golden Ball winner Rodri got the party started in transit, leading a round of singing on the team bus as the jubilant players sped back to their hotel for a team meal, before moving on to Newark Airport.

Back at the hotel, noted wine connoisseur Marcos Llorente enjoyed a bottle of Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve 2014 – which costs £1,009 to uncork – in his room with team-mates Ferran Torres and Marc Pubil.

The stars then boarded the Airbus A350-941 waiting for them – clad in their team’s livery – and took off shortly after 2am local time.

Spain’s players landed at Madrid’s Barajas Airport at 2.30pm local time, and stepped out onto the tarmac with the World Cup trophy held aloft.