England progressed to the last-32 of the World Cup with a 2-0 win over Panama on Saturday night thanks to Jude Bellingham’s heroics at the New York/New Jersey Stadium
Thomas Tuchel’s nationality found itself in the spotlight just minutes after England secured its place in the World Cup knockout stages.
It was a much-welcomed two goals after three goalless halves of football in the World Cup. But like England, Germany has also progressed to the last-32 of the tournament.
With wins over Curacao and Ivory Coast, Germany had already qualified for the knockout stages. But a defeat against Ecuador in its final game would have ended things on a slightly sour note.
In his post-match press conference, Tuchel was asked about his loyalties to home country, Germany.
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“I follow the German team, of course, but my focus and my heart beats for the England national team in this World Cup, so that’s where my focus is.
“They have a top coach and a top team. They find solutions for themselves.”
Naturally, Tuchel’s nationality was grilled when he first got the job. But the 52-year-old played down that it had any real impact.
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“The biggest con is I don’t have an English passport but that’s maybe it,” Tuchel said. “That was clear from the beginning, I love to be the England coach and I was never shy about that.
“I have huge affection for the country and for the people in the country and the way they approach football and sports in general.”
Tuchel previously managed in England, guiding Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021. When taking the England job he said reuniting with English players was a huge factor.
“I fell in love with the country and the Premier League,” he explained.
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“That was a dream, to work there.
“Now to have the chance to work with these kind of players is an amazing opportunity and I am very grateful for it. “No one wants it more than me.”
Tuchel also disussed his team’s opponent, Panama, sharing similarities in how their low block frustrated his England side like Ghana.
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“Not bad,” he said when assessing his own team’s peformance. “We saw a team who didn’t allow any chances in the first two matches. They conceded a 95th-minute counter attack against Ghana.
“They conceded from a half chance against Croatia with two shots on target. There is no problem if these matches feel tight and tough, it will help us in the next match.”
England fans were desperate to see the national team get back on track against Panama at the 2026 World Cup, and they were given a boost when David Beckham was shown on the big screens at New York/New Jersey Stadium
Former England icon David Beckham helped lift the dampened spirits inside New York/New Jersey Stadium during the England Vs Panama match.
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The anticipation was palpable ahead of kick-off, with England supporters commandeering a nearby shopping centre, festooning the railings with hundreds of flags.
Having beaten Croatia 4-2 before stumbling to a 0-0 stalemate with Ghana, England supporters were desperately eager to see their side get back to winning ways, though early signs were far from encouraging. The atmosphere shifted dramatically when England icon Beckham appeared on the big screens, prompting the loudest roar of the evening.
Much of the conversation surrounding this World Cup has centred on the sweltering heat and the much-debated hydration break, which has been enforced regardless of conditions. It was hardly necessary in New Jersey, however, where heavy rain and temperatures cooler than those back in Britain made for rather different surroundings.
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For England, the conditions felt far more familiar than a typical away fixture on American soil, yet that offered little boost to their performance. A dismal first half ended goalless, with already-eliminated Panama fashioning the better opportunities, reports the Mirror US.
Supporters had queued for hours before the gates opened, some wrapped in ponchos and coats while others were drenched throughout the afternoon. The bare minimum those fans demanded was passion and determination, yet England barely got out of the blocks.
A tepid second half followed, and it appeared England might find themselves finishing second in Group L. Yet just as England, Thomas Tuchel, and the supporters were desperately seeking a spark, Beckham suddenly appeared on the Jumbotron, sending the England faithful into raptures as though a goal had been scored.
In a remarkable coincidence, talismanic striker Harry Kane had England’s finest opportunity moments later, and the crowd suddenly rediscovered the drive and conviction they had been so desperately craving. Shortly afterwards, Jude Bellingham fired England into the lead, and a wave of sheer relief swept around the stadium.
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The Three Lions will advance as group winners and turn their attention to the Round of 32 tie. All it took was Beckham’s presence to energise the crowd, underlining his enduring influence.
It wasn’t entirely smooth sailing for England, however, as Jarel Quansah suffered an injury scare and was forced off the pitch. Quansah had already been filling in for injured right-backs Tino Livramento and Reece James.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was left emotional as he watched Bosnia and Herzegovina reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time
03:15, 28 Jun 2026Updated 03:41, 28 Jun 2026
Football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave an emotional reaction to watching Bosnia & Herzegovina’s reach the knockout stages of the World Cup. The former Sweden superstar became visibly emotional while working as a FOX pundit following Bosnia & Herzegovina’s 3-1 victory over Qatar, which saw them reach the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in their history.
Typically composed, he had a deeply personal stake in Bosnia’s triumph due to his father’s roots. Bosnia & Herzegovina will face co-hosts the United States in the round of 32 match in the World Cup, and Ibrahimovic gave an emotional reaction to watching the country qualify for the knockout stages.
“That’s what football is all about, bringing people together and especially for Bosnia. How much this country has suffered and to see this happiness makes me very emotional,” Ibrahimovic said on FOX Sports. “Gives me goosebumps because that’s my father’s roots.”
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The Bosnian War during the 1990s resulted in more than 100,000 deaths. Prior to independence, Bosnian athletes competed for Yugoslavia, but following the formation of their own national side, Bosnia secured qualification for their first World Cup in 2014.
The conflict also led to many people losing their homes, including Ibrahimovic’s Bosnian father and Croatian mother, who relocated to Sweden before Yugoslavia’s dissolution. Bosnia was not recognised by FIFA until 1996.
After relocating to Sweden, Ibrahimovic embarked on a career that would see him become Sweden’s leading international goal-scorer.
Despite netting 62 international goals in 122 appearances, with 19 coming during World Cup qualifiers, Ibrahimovic finished his Sweden career without a single World Cup goal.
“Just to see 70,000 singing, probably the Bosnian fans won already the World Cup and it makes me happy, very proud over them and see them also advance from the group stage,” Ibrahimovic continued.
“But the special moment is when the fans are singing, this is what makes me emotional, I cannot even express myself well now, but it’s a very emotional moment, and I’m just happy, I’m just happy.”
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Ibrahimovic’s father, Sefik, was born in Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and relocated to Sweden in 1977, where Zlatan was raised. He was best known as “Kinko,” a folk singer who launched his career in his hometown in 1985.
While Zlatan opted to represent Sweden, he frequently speaks about the significance of his Bosnian heritage. Bosnia’s 3-1 victory over Qatar marked a turnaround following a 1-1 draw with Canada and a 4-1 defeat to Switzerland.
Under manager Sergej Barbarez and captain Edin Dzeko, the side secured third place in Group B and progressed to the Round of 32, surpassing their previous best World Cup group stage exit in 2014. Bosnia will face the United States at Levi’s Stadium on July 1 to kick off their knockout phase.
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Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from ÂŁ4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.
Celebrating its 100th birthday this year Brynamman Cinema offers film lovers a magical journey back in time
In this day and age of streaming platforms and monthly subscriptions many people might not feel the need to head to the cinema for the latest film releases when they can enjoy from the comfort of their own lounge.
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But one independent movie house in Wales continues to buck the trend by attracting film lovers far and wide thanks to its unique offering that makes you feel like we’re still living in the golden age of cinema.
It’s often said going to the movies isn’t what it used to be. But it might be if you’re heading to Brynamman Cinema, which is celebrating its 100th birthday.
To get the full story behind this wondrous old place, though, one has to go back further than 100 years. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.
In 1915 a devastating fire tore through Brynamman. The community hall was razed to the ground, stripping the residents of this village of their cherished communal hub.
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Less than a decade later, in 1924, as the nation attempted to find its footing following the end of World War One in 1918, that hub was reconstructed. Thanks to local miners who contributed a modest portion of their weekly wages not only to build it but also to sustain it Brynamman Public Hall was reborn.
It formally opened in 1926 and now, 100 years on, it remains – along with the charm that feels every bit as rich and genuine as it would have a century ago.
Pulling up outside the building there’s little to take your breath away at first glance. It resembles any other village hall – the sort of place you might pop into for a coffee morning – yet the interior tells an altogether different story.
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Walking past the ticket booth, up the staircase, and beyond the small shop selling popcorn, with vintage film reels adorning the walls, the full spectacle reveals itself.
This is a truly unique cinema: beautiful, captivating, and steeped in history.
Standing in front of the huge screen one cannot help but be struck by the thought of generations of miners who sought respite here after punishing shifts underground or the countless families who have been entertained within these walls throughout much of the 20th century and into the 21st.
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There’s no escaping the feeling that this place isn’t merely important – it’s absolutely essential. While this cinema aims to provide visitors with a window into history those running it understand the role it continues to play today.
The cinema doesn’t simply exist as a tribute to the past or a reminder of a golden age long gone – this is a fully operational modern cinema which has just welcomed more than 1,200 moviegoers during the opening few days of the Toy Story 5 release.
With tickets priced at just ÂŁ5 per person at the door (ÂŁ4.75 if booked in advance online) how does Brynamman Cinema manage to survive in this day and age of multiplex this and streaming that?
The bulk of box office revenue immediately flows back out of the door. When two tickets are purchased for ÂŁ10 then ÂŁ6 of that sum goes directly to the studio distributing whichever blockbuster is being screened.
But this place is run by the community that surrounds it – mostly volunteers who dedicate themselves to it out of sheer passion. There are also nine part-time staff.
The world of cinema is changing and venues like this one need to change as well.
“How busy we are depends on a few different things,” said Tom Smith, the manager at Brynamman Cinema. “The hot weather can have a say but also if the big studios don’t bring out anything major that can also cause admissions to drop.
“Numbers can be low at times but other times, like with last week’s release of Toy Story 5, we have over a thousand people through the door in the opening three or four days.
“A film needs to find its feet these days like if a film is part of a trend on TikTok.
“One challenge is the reality that people can get a streaming service at home for under ÂŁ10 a month – that’s less than two cinema tickets. People can get unlimited access to films so they tend to treat going to the cinema as more of a luxury.”
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Tom says the traditional blockbuster is more important now than it ever was. A routine release, which may have filled cinemas in decades past, can now often be watched as part of a subscription at home just weeks after its debut.
But with the big films the audience still enjoys being in an auditorium – especially one as grand and as impressive as this one.
“Cinema will always be here,” said Tom. “But I think the relationship between cinemas and distributors will need to be altered in some ways.
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“The percentage we give back has always been about the same but that doesn’t make as much sense now because there is so much competition we have to contend with streaming.
“There needs to be a bigger push for that change to happen from a big company but that’s the ideal situation for the future.
“We are really lucky here because the experience we can give people is not something that every cinema can offer. Our cinema is very grand, it’s very beautiful, and we have such a dedicated audience and a big catchment area.
“As long as people keep going to the cinema they will keep coming to this cinema. The fluctuation we see in audience numbers is happening everywhere – that’s how audience habits have changed.”
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Brynamman Cinema has applied for and received grants to modernise the more-than-a-century-old building to maintain and refurb what first opened as a public hall in 1926.
But it’s kept alive by its dedicated army of 20 or so volunteers and the thirst that still exists to watch the latest film releases in such an incredible and historic setting. It also now has a bar inside, and staff still bring round ice cream in trays, with every sale doing its own little bit to keep this cinema thriving.
Last year Brynamman Cinema won Best Cinema Experience at the Welsh Hospitality Awards, and it’s easy to see why.
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“We will continue to adapt,” said Tom. “If something changes we try to change with it. But we will always be true to our heritage.”
Yoane Wissa scored twice as DR Congo came from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 and progress to the round of 32 of the World Cup.
The African nation, who returned to the tournament after a 52-year absence, will now face England in the knockout stage on Wednesday after finishing third in Group K.
Uzbekistan’s Eldor Shomurodov opened the scoring in the 10th minute in Atlanta, converting from a tight angle after an Abbosbek Fayzullaev header into the box.DR Congo thought they had levelled minutes later when Nathanael Mbuku fired in a left-footed shot.
However, the goal was disallowed after a review, with the referee ruling that Mbuku had caught Sherzod Nasrullaev in the face with a flailing arm in the build-up.
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DR Congo eventually levelled in the second half, when Newcastle United striker Wissa sent the Uzbekistan goalkeeper the wrong way from the penalty spot.
They took the lead in the 68th minute when Fiston Mayele flicked the ball over the line before the goalkeeper could stop him.
Wissa sealed progression with a strike from the edge of the box into the bottom-right corner, completing DR Congo’s comeback win.
President Trump has warned Iran will ‘no longer exist’ after the US launched retaliatory military strikes following Tehran’s alleged drone attack on an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, breaching the ceasefire agreement.
President Trump has warned he will ‘complete the job’ and ensure ‘Iran will no longer exist’ in a stark message following renewed strikes on Iran.
“United States aircraft just struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations, and coastal radar sites, for violating the Cease Fire Agreement, AGAIN! It is very possible that they will never learn!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!”.
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The warning follows the US Central Command’s announcement that it launched retaliatory strikes after Tehran allegedly attacked a commercial oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz using drones.
The US military confirmed Saturday it had hit 10 targets in Iran at President Trump’s direction.
The US Central Command, in a social media post, said that American military aircraft targeted Iranian military “surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defense sites, drone storage facilities, and minelayer capabilities” following the attack on a merchant vessel early Saturday morning.
The wave of strikes in the Gulf underscores how, despite the interim agreement reached by the US and Iran, there remains a danger that the conflict could once more escalate beyond control.
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The vessel targeted by Iran was a Panama-flagged tanker, M/T Kiku, which was transporting more than two million barrels of crude oil close to the strait.
The US military also carried out strikes on Friday following reports of a further attack on a cargo ship, the Singapore-flagged M/V Ever Lovely.
It stated that “Iran had a chance to honour the ceasefire agreement” but “elected not to” when its forces struck the Kiku.
Earlier this month, the two nations reached a ceasefire agreement and a memorandum of understanding ahead of a potential peace deal, yet the Strait of Hormuz has continued to remain a flashpoint.
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Despite a rise in commercial traffic, normal shipping has not yet been fully reinstated owing to ongoing strikes.
Prior to Friday, Tehran had warned that attempts to navigate the strait along a route designated by the UN’s International Maritime Organization would be “unacceptable and completely dangerous” and that vessels were required to coordinate with Iran.
Emergency services were called to South Promenade in South Shields, South Tyneside just before 3.20pm today after what has been described as a road traffic incident.
Police remain at the scene and have blocked off a portion of Sea Road, by the Ocean Beach Pleasure Park.
Pictures show a number of officers inside the cordon as well as six police cars.
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The circumstances of the incident are not yet known.
A North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) spokesperson said: “We received a call at 3.19pm on Saturday 27 June to reports of a road traffic incident on South Promenade in South Shields.
“We dispatched an ambulance crew, a specialist paramedic, a rapid response paramedic, and a clinical team leader to the scene.
“Two patients were taken to hospital for further treatment.”
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Northumbria Police has been contacted for comment.
Uruguay were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing 1-0 to Spain, with coach Marcelo Bielsa stepping down and the squad stripped of their private jet home.
03:08, 28 Jun 2026Updated 03:11, 28 Jun 2026
Uruguay were handed what appeared to be a straightforward group at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Aside from reigning European champions Spain, the South American side faced tournament newcomers Cape Verde and perennial underachievers Saudi Arabia.
Yet the two-time World Cup winners are heading home early after a 1-0 defeat to Spain on Friday. The squad, spearheaded by Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde and former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, had originally been set to return to Uruguay aboard a private jet.
However, the AUF (Uruguay’s football federation) has instructed players to make the journey home on commercial flights, as confirmed by Uruguayan outlet Tenfield.
Even the expanded 48-team format wasn’t enough to spare Uruguay, who failed to qualify as a third-place finisher. Coach Marcelo Bielsa’s side managed only draws against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, finishing on just two points.
Uruguay are the highest-ranked FIFA nation (19th) to be eliminated. Bielsa, 70, confirmed his resignation in a heated post-match outburst, reports the Mirror US.
“I’ve left Uruguayan football nothing because any type of support a country’s soccer manager can give in a country where he has worked three years doesn’t take if you don’t get results,” Bielsa said, via a translation.
There were two controversial incidents involving Bielsa during Friday’s fixture. The first involved long-serving goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, a regular since the 2010 World Cup, being withdrawn at half-time after his first-half mistake.
“No, I didn’t take [the decision],” Bielsa said after the match. “It’s a decision Muslera took himself.”
Reserve keeper Sergio Rochet came on for the second period. The second occurred when Bielsa brought off Valverde in the 57th minute for striker Federico Vinas. The Real Madrid star was furious and refused to shake his manager’s hand as he left the pitch.
“It’s a decision Muslera took himself, and Valverde, I substituted him for Federico Viñas because I wanted to have a more attacking strategy,” Bielsa said.
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Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from ÂŁ4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.
The US has conducted new strikes on Iran, following a drone attack on a Panama-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday.
US Central Command (Centcom) said it hit multiple targets across Iran in direct response to “continued aggression” against commercial shipping.
In retaliation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it has launched missiles and drones at US infrastructure in Kuwait and Bahrain, in a statement shared to state media.
It warned that violating the ceasefire is against the agreement signed between the two nations and “will lead to a complete halt to the process”.
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Centcom said in a statement, “Iran was given a chance to honor the ceasefire agreement but elected not to when its forces launched a one-way attack drone that hit MT Kiku,” a Panama-flagged tanker.
In response, it said it had hit military equipment, communication systems, air defense sites and drone storage facilities.
In the IRGC’s statement, it said the US had attacked five coastal posts in Iran under what it called “the pretext of the IRGC Navy confronting the offending ship”.
It said that under the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this month, Iran has arrangements for controlling passage and navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and from now on, violating ships will be dealt with more forcefully than in the past.
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“Any potential enemy aggression, under any pretext, even if the aggressions are against minor targets, as happened last night and tonight, will have a crushing response,” read the statement.
Shortly after the latest strikes were announced, the US president took to Truth Social, where he said was it was “very possible” that Tehran would “never learn”.
“There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started,” he wrote on Saturday evening.
The post went on: “If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!”
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In the hours following the US strikes, Kuwait and Bahrain both reported that their air defence systems had been activated.
“Kuwaiti air defenses are currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks,” the Kuwaiti Armed Forces said in a statement shared to X, asking the public to adhere to security instructions.
Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior has urged citizens to “remain calm and head to the nearest safe place”.
Centcom has said that commercial vessels are continuing to operate in the Strait of Hormuz.
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The latest strikes come less than a day after the US launched retaliatory strikes on Iran that it said were in response to a drone attack on Singapore-flagged cargo ship, MV Ever Lovely, on 25 June.
Centcom described the American strikes as “a powerful response” to the attack on the cargo ship, adding that the “unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping by Iranian forces clearly violated the ceasefire”.
Tehran said the cargo ship was attacked because it was using an unauthorised route to transit through the Gulf waterway, and said that the retaliatory strikes qualified as a ceasefire violation by the US.
In a statement released on Saturday morning, Iran’s foreign ministry said it had carried out more strikes against targets linked to American forces in response, and blamed the “treaty-breaking US regime” for the situation.
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The US and Iran agreed on 17 June to end hostilities under a 14-point memorandum of understanding, which had also called for Iran to use its “best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days”.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for oil and gas shipments, and was effectively closed by Tehran after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran at the end of February.
The shutdown of the critical channel caused a spike in global oil prices and prevented shipments of other crucial commodities such as fertiliser.
The Wheatsheaf Inn, on East Side in Hutton Rudby, currently holds a 4.4-star rating on TripAdvisor and is listed as one of the top-rated restaurants in the area.
The pub describes itself as a place for “catching up with friends”, “enjoying well-reviewed” food and using its beer garden, while also highlighting its digital jukebox, pool table, and two dart boards.
That gives The Wheatsheaf a more old-fashioned village pub feel than some modern dining-led venues.
The Wheatsheaf Inn, on East Side in Hutton Rudby (Image: CAMRA)
For many visitors, the appeal is not just the food, but the sense of being a “proper local”.
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Reviewers regularly praise the pub’s friendly staff, generous portions and traditional British food.
One recent visitor said they came across the pub “by accident” and were glad they did, describing the food as “absolutely delicious” and the staff as “nice and friendly”.
Another called it a “lovely village pub”, praising its clean, welcoming feel, friendly staff and “amazing” food menu.
Sunday lunch is one of the most frequently mentioned reasons people visit.
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One reviewer described the pub as serving an “old-fashioned Sunday lunch” with large portions, quality meats, simple but tasty desserts and a fine range of beers.
Another said it had been recommended as one of the best places in the area for Sunday lunch, adding that the food was “lovely”, “reasonably priced” and “served in a great atmosphere”.
The pub’s Christmas Fayre meals have also attracted praise.
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One customer said a large party enjoyed a “fabulous evening from start to finish”, with excellent service, hot food served swiftly and generous portions of well-cooked seasonal vegetables.
Another reviewer described a Christmas Fayre meal as “superb”, “very well priced” and worthy of five stars.
The Wheatsheaf’s menu is built around hearty pub classics.
Its own menu includes Saturday breakfasts, Sunday roast dinners, steaks, fish and chips, parmos and other familiar favourites.
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The Sunday roast offers beef, pork, turkey or lamb with Yorkshire pudding, mash, roasties and vegetables, while the Saturday Big Breakfast includes bacon, sausage, egg, mushrooms, tomato, black pudding, beans, toast and a drink.
Fish and chips have also been singled out by visitors, with one reviewer praising the batter as “lovely, golden and crispy”.
Another visitor said the steaks were cooked as requested, the chips were hot and plentiful, and the desserts were “gorgeous”.
The dog-friendly policy is another useful draw in a village surrounded by countryside walks.
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Hutton Rudby sits near the River Leven and close to walking routes around the Cleveland Hills, making The Wheatsheaf a convenient stop for residents, day-trippers and visitors exploring the area.
England can book their flights for Atlanta in the round of 32.
While it took a while, two second-half goals did the job for England.
They were helped, in truth, by Panama’s brave approach to the match. Already eliminated and having failed to score in both of their first two matches, the Central Americans did not park the bus. Instead, they went at England in patches and tried to muster a moment for their fans to remember.
England are through to the last-32 as group winners
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They failed to do so and, in turn, England found more space than against Ghana. Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka, in their first starts of the tournament, had to be patient but were put through by a midfield trio of Elliot Anderson, Morgan Rogers and, playing deeper as a No8, Bellingham.
England did not create a multitude of chances but created enough. Bellingham stabbed home cleverly from a Saka corner and Kane headed in the second to send England on their way.
Fresh wingers fails to deliver a telling answer
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Neither Saka nor Rashford put in a poor display, but neither set the match alight either. Handed the initiative to prove themselves as better alternatives to Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke, their answers to the question was unconvincing.
Rashford was lively throughout, cutting in and looking to shoot or cross from the left. He came close with a low shot early on and put wide with a free-kick from a presentable area in the first half. Things just didn’t come off. He was often stopped in his tracks into the box with a well-timed tackle and will have left the field feeling frustrated at not scoring or assisting given how much of the ball he saw.
Marcus Rashford struggled in the win over Panama
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Saka was finally fit enough to start but found similar difficulty in beating his man and breaking through a Panama defence that was well organised.
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The Arsenal star combined well with Rogers on one or two occasions and did manage to leave the pitch with an assist as his corner set up Bellingham’s opener, which came as a relief to the England fans inside the MetLife Stadium.
He will likely keep his place for the round of 32. He will be keen, though, to still go up a level or three.
By the round of 16, England might have to ring up Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker and tempt them to come out of international retirement through desperate measures, because a right-back crisis appears to be brewing. And spare a thought for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Newcastle’s Tino Livramento dropped out of the squad on the eve of the tournament after suffering a calf injury and Reece James missed out against Panama after skipping training with yet more hamstring pain.
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Jarell Quansah was forced off in the second half
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Quansah made his major tournament debut as the man to come in and replace James on Saturday and looked the part.
Yet he could not finish the match, going down midway through the second half and having to be substituted as he walked off gingerly.
England will be desperate for good news as he heads for a medical assessment after the match. Luck has not been on Tuchel’s side in the right-back position as yet.
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