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.

Inspired by Sky News podcast The Wargame, the TV series will test real-world figures in a wartime situation.

Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is set to star as the UK’s Deputy Prime Minister in a new Sky TV series. Based on the Sky News podcast of the same name, The Wargame has been branded as a “landmark” four-part series where “constructed documentary meets propulsive drama”.

Ms Sturgeon will be deputy to Michael Gove‘s Prime Minister in the series which will see real-world senior politicians, military leaders, and intelligence chiefs confronted with the challenge of a Russian attack on UK soil.

A number of former senior political figures including former Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy, former deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman, and former NATO secretary general George Robertson are all set to take part in the show.

Penny Mordaunt, Sayeeda Warsi, Ayesha Hazarika, Richard Barrons, Kim Darroch, Christopher Steele and Anthony Scaramucci are also on the billing for the series as well as Keir Giles who will lead a team of Russia experts.

Sky today confirmed that the series had been commissioned and will be produced by production company The Garden, part of ITV Studios.

Set six months in the future, Sky say the “gripping simulation” has been developed in conjunction with leading academics, military and defence experts, including Sky News’ security and defence editor Deborah Haynes with the aim “to replicate the pressure of political decision-making at the highest level”.

Rolling news bulletins, social media footage, military and intelligence reports and unexpected interventions will feature throughout the series to create “minute-by-minute dilemmas, forcing the ‘Cabinet’ to grapple with decisions that could affect us all”.

Phil Edgar-Jones OBE, executive director of unscripted originals at Sky, said: “A year ago, Sky News’ groundbreaking original podcast The Wargame captivated listeners, shedding light on the impossible choices our country’s leaders face under escalating military threat.

“Now working with the talented team at The Garden we’re bringing The Wargame to new audiences in a visceral new TV format, which will challenge some of the most experienced political and military minds in the country to imagine how they might respond under threat of war.

“At a time when we are facing increasing threats from all sides, this series couldn’t be more timely.”

Nicola Brown, executive producer of The Garden, added: “The news brings a near-constant stream of information about the threats we face as a country, but do we really know what would happen if the UK came under attack, or how prepared we really are?

“In a simulated crisis scenario, where actions can have world changing consequences, The Wargame will put viewers ‘in the room’ to see first-hand how decisions are made at the highest level. We’re thrilled to be working with Sky on this important series.”

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.

Manchester United are eyeing a £50million move for West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville, who’s boosted his stock with two goals in two games for the Netherlands at the World Cup

Former Manchester United star Nicky Butt has backed a move for Crysencio Summerville, who’s shone at the World Cup. Summerville, 24, is the subject of interest from United, who recently lodged an enquiry.

West Ham are expected to demand around £50million for the Dutchman, especially after his exploits in North America. Summerville has scored two goals in as many games for the Netherlands, the latest coming in Saturday’s 5-1 demolition of Sweden.

His prolific spell for West Ham at the beginning of the calendar year gave Nuno Espirito Santo’s men an improved chance of staying up, although he wasn’t able to maintain his form. Despite that, Butt has told United to pursue a deal for Summerville.

Speaking to Paddy Power, Butt explained: “He’s an explosive player, he’s good to watch, but I don’t think he’s consistent enough. However, the money shouldn’t be a lot to get him, and United have to build a squad.

Get the latest World Cup 2026 news in your inbox with our Make Football Great Again newsletter

“It can’t be all about going and getting the superstar signings. Summerville was brilliant for the Netherlands in the first game, so he could potentially start every week for Man United. I’m looking at him thinking he’s got to get a lot more consistent to get to the next level. But I’d still definitely look at signing a player like him.”

The ex-Red Devils midfielder added: “We’ve got to build the squad, the bench has got to be stronger. When you play a team and see their starting 11 but then they’ve got another four that can come on and make a difference, that’s massive.

“When United played Leeds at Old Trafford last season and they got beat, the players on the bench and around the squad weren’t good enough. When they’re all fit they’re really good but they still need to build the squad so I’d be going for some players like that as well.”

How much is Crysencio Summerville worth ? Have your say in the comments section.

Summerville, who joined from Leeds in 2024, is under contact at the London Stadium until 2031. The winger isn’t the only West Ham player who United are interested in. Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes is a target, although Arsenal and Tottenham also have him on their shortlists.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with the Sky Glass ‘designed for football’

Advertisement

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

from £4.50

Sky

Get the deal here

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 £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.

Clare began experiencing severe flu complications in summer 2023 following her Turkey holiday to Marmaris

Advertisement

A woman from Widnes who became ill after a holiday in Turkey says she does not know how long she has left to live.

Clare Adams, 45, began experiencing health problems in summer 2023 after returning from Marmaris, where she had contracted flu.

She later developed persistent breathing difficulties, and doctors were initially unable to determine the cause. Speaking to the ECHO, Clare said: “I went on holiday to Turkey and caught influenza. After coming back, my breathing was really bad. I couldn’t breathe at all. I couldn’t take two steps without being really breathless. I was getting really bad heart palpitations and just feeling poorly.

“I ended up in hospital for a week, where they treated me then for influenza and sent me home. Then I went to the doctors afterwards, who thought I had a long covid.”

A subsequent doctor suggested Clare might have a problem with the right side of her heart, though numerous tests and scans failed to reveal any abnormalities.

Clare was eventually diagnosed with an incurable condition called pulmonary arterial hypertension in November 2023. According to the NHS, this disease involves high blood pressure in the blood vessels supplying the lungs. It’s a serious and uncommon condition that can cause damage to the right side of the heart. Symptoms can include breathlessness.

Influenza doesn’t directly cause pulmonary arterial hypertension, but it can spark serious complications in the lungs. Reflecting on her reaction to the diagnosis, Clare, who has a partner called Chris, said: “It was more of a relief that I knew what was wrong with me. But the biggest shock was when the doctor told me that I couldn’t have children. I don’t have any children myself. That was the hardest thing to deal with.”

Yet, despite receiving treatment, Clare’s condition deteriorated over the following year and a half. She explained: “My breathing was getting worse. I was checking my heart rate and my oxygen levels all the time, they were really low.”

Advertisement

By May 2025, Clare received a diagnosis of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD). PVOD is a rare, life-threatening form of pulmonary hypertension.

Doctors gave Clare a prognosis of just a few weeks or months at most, but although devastated, she remained determined to defy the odds. She said: “It was obviously a big shock to the system but I just refused point blank [to accept it]. I thought, I’m not letting you decide when I die.”

Following a consultation with another specialist, Clare began treatment with epoprostenol, a medication that widens blood vessels. While uncertain about her remaining time, she’s hopeful of receiving a transplant soon to extend her life further.

Clare said: “We have had very slight improvements over the last 12 months and along with a massive one stone loss, I’m fighting my way to get a double lung transplant.

“I am in a wheelchair and on oxygen 24/7, having to wear a mask, as my body doesn’t hold oxygen at all. I didn’t think I was a strong person, but to get through this last year…I wouldn’t say it’s been like a massive fight, but it’s been a steady fight of continuously just laughing through everything, working on my mindset and watching what I eat.”

Clare is now channelling her experiences into writing a children’s book titled My Auntie. The publication explores what living with her condition entails, and she hopes it will increase understanding about life with a disability.

Want to see more of the stories you love from Belfast Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives… To add Belfast Live as a preferred source, simply click here.

Clare said: “One of my nephews broke his kneecap playing rugby. To keep him occupied, because he couldn’t go to school, I said to him, ‘come on, we’ll write a book together about little things that we used to do.’ So the first book we wrote was called Auntie Cra Cra and Frankie Go to the Park.

“And then he said, ‘why don’t we talk about the way that you look?’ So that’s where my auntie book comes from. It’s really just a book to tell people that even though I look different, I can still do the same things as what a normal auntie can do.

“It hits children really hard when people are sick. My nieces and nephews have never once treated me any differently. They’ve just got on with everything that has been thrown our way. I think the children can teach the adults sometimes.”

My Auntie (Adventures with Auntie Cra Cra) is available to buy on Amazon.

Clare Adams, 45, from Widnes, started to fall ill in the summer of 2023 after going on holiday to Marmaris

A British woman who fell ill after a sunshine break in Turkey now has no idea how long she has left to live.

Clare Adams, 45, from Widnes, started feeling “really bad” after catching flu on a trip to Marmaris, and says she’s never felt the same since. For months she battled terrifying breathlessness, but medics were unable to explain why her condition kept getting worse.

Speaking to the ECHO, Clare explained: “I went on holiday to Turkey and caught influenza. After coming back, my breathing was really bad. I couldn’t breathe at all. I couldn’t take two steps without being really breathless. I was getting really bad heart palpitations and just feeling poorly.

“I ended up in hospital for a week, where they treated me then for influenza and sent me home. Then I went to the doctors afterwards, who thought I had a long covid.”

A subsequent medical consultation led another doctor to suspect complications affecting the right chamber of her heart, though numerous examinations and scans failed to reveal any irregularities, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Clare ultimately received a diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension in November 2023, an incurable condition. The NHS describes this illness as elevated blood pressure within the vessels supplying the lungs.

It represents a severe and uncommon disorder capable of compromising the heart’s right side. Breathlessness features amongst its characteristic symptoms. While influenza doesn’t directly cause pulmonary arterial hypertension, it can lead to severe lung-related complications.

Reflecting on receiving her diagnosis, Clare, who has a partner called Chris, said: “It was more of a relief that I knew what was wrong with me. But the biggest shock was when the doctor told me that I couldn’t have children. I don’t have any children myself. That was the hardest thing to deal with.”

Yet despite receiving treatment, Clare’s condition deteriorated over the following 18 months. She explained: “My breathing was getting worse. I was checking my heart rate and my oxygen levels all the time, they were really low.”

Come May 2025, Clare received a diagnosis of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) – a rare and life-threatening form of pulmonary hypertension.

Medics gave Clare a prognosis of mere weeks to months at most, though devastated by the news, she remained determined to defy the odds. She said: “It was obviously a big shock to the system but I just refused point blank [to accept it]. I thought, I’m not letting you decide when I die.”

Following consultation with another specialist, Clare began treatment with epoprostenol, a drug designed to dilate blood vessels. While uncertain about her remaining time, she’s pinning her hopes on securing a transplant to extend her life further.

Clare said: “We have had very slight improvements over the last 12 months and along with a massive one stone loss, I’m fighting my way to get a double lung transplant.

“I am in a wheelchair and on oxygen 24/7, having to wear a mask, as my body doesn’t hold oxygen at all. I didn’t think I was a strong person, but to get through this last year…I wouldn’t say it’s been like a massive fight, but it’s been a steady fight of continuously just laughing through everything, working on my mindset and watching what I eat.”

Drawing from her personal journey, Clare is now penning a children’s book titled My Auntie, which chronicles what living with her condition entails. She hopes the publication will shed light on life with a disability.

Ensure our latest stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Clare said: “One of my nephews broke his kneecap playing rugby. To keep him occupied, because he couldn’t go to school, I said to him, ‘come on, we’ll write a book together about little things that we used to do.’ So the first book we wrote was called Auntie Cra Cra and Frankie Go to the Park.

“And then he said, ‘why don’t we talk about the way that you look?’ So that’s where my auntie book comes from. It’s really just a book to tell people that even though I look different, I can still do the same things as what a normal auntie can do.

“It hits children really hard when people are sick. My nieces and nephews have never once treated me any differently. They’ve just got on with everything that has been thrown our way. I think the children can teach the adults sometimes.”

My Auntie (Adventures with Auntie Cra Cra) is available to buy on Amazon.

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.

Alex Hughes, who was 38, was Grimsby’s player recruitment lead, having previously held roles at clubs including Manchester City, Fulham, Blackburn Rovers and 1860 Munich.

In a statement released via the League Managers Association, former City and Stoke boss Mark Hughes said: “Jill and I are totally heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved son Alex.

“Alex was a wonderful son, brother to Curtis and Xenna, devoted husband and father to Jessica and their two beautiful children Sebastian and Leonardo.

“Alex was Player Recruitment Lead at Grimsby Town FC, and had many good friends and colleagues. He will be so deeply missed by us all.

“We ask for privacy during this sad time as we come to terms with our family’s loss.”

Alex Hughes had a brief playing career, on the books of Stockport and Wrexham, before joining Blackburn in 2007, working as a performance analyst during his father’s time as manager.

He followed Mark to Manchester City in 2008 and worked with him again at Fulham before forging his own path abroad. He joined Grimsby in 2025.

Mark Hughes has said he and his family are “heartbroken” following the sudden death of his son Alex. (Image: PA)

In a statement, Grimsby Town said: “Everyone at Grimsby Town Football Club is devastated to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of our Player Recruitment Lead, Alex Hughes.

“Alex was a devoted husband, proud father, beloved son, brother, and friend, and a highly valued member of the Grimsby Town family.

“Alex joined the Mariners in 2025 and quickly became a valued and highly respected member of the football club.

“Working closely with Head Coach David Artell and the football department, he played an important role in shaping the Club’s recruitment strategy and supporting the continued development of the men’s first-team squad.”

The statement added: “Beyond his professional achievements, Alex was deeply valued by those who knew him.

“His warmth, professionalism, and positive personality made a lasting impression throughout the football club and the wider football community.”

Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge said: “It’s a very unusual, very rare spell of very hot weather, so it’s one of those ones where people should take care, try to keep their houses as cool as possible, check in on those that are vulnerable, so the very young and very old, in particular, are more vulnerable to extreme heat.

Londoners have been told to reduce car journeys amid fears severe pollution could ‘raise Ozone levels’.

Sadiq Khan announced a high air pollution alert for Monday, as the capital is set for a week of sweltering 39C temperatures.

The Mayor of London urged Londoners to look after vulnerable residents, cut down car journeys and avoid engine idling to help mitigate the predicted poor air quality.

‘Hot, sunny weather and pollution from continental Europe are expected to raise ozone levels’, he wrote on Sunday afternoon.

‘Please help protect yourself and others, especially vulnerable people, by reducing car journeys and avoiding engine idling.’

The capital and much of southern and central England have been placed on an amber alert for extreme heat for four consecutive days between Monday and Thursday.

The Met Office warned of ‘adverse health effects’ which could affect the wider population including sunburn and heat exhaustion.

It also said that heat-sensitive equipment and systems were at risk of failing, leading to the possibility of power cuts and a loss of some services.

The mercury is forecast to rise to 38C by Tuesday in London and stay at that level until Thursday.

If borne out, it would mark Britain’s hottest June on record, beating the previous highest figure of  35.6Cwhich was reached both in 1976 in Southampton and in 1957 in Camden Square, London.

The summer of 1976 saw Britain experience one of its most intense heatwaves to date, with 15 consecutive days hitting 32C or higher and 36 days without rainfall recorded across England and Wales.

A water shortage led to Parliament passing the Drought Act, which brought in water rationing and the use of standpipes.

Some £500million of crops were destroyed that year.

This year has already seen the hottest spring on record, with temperatures tipping over 30C in May.

Last year’s summer was the hottest since records began, with a mean temperature of 16.1C recorded between the start of June and the end of August.

Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge warned that spells of extreme weather were becoming ‘more frequent’ due to climate change.

‘That’s unfortunately just the way things are going at the moment and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down’, he said.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

MORE: Teen stabbed to death in Battersea named by police after young boy, 14, arrested for murder

MORE: Murder investigation after man, 30, stabbed to death in Crystal Palace

MORE: Millionaire was arrested in Putney pusher case ‘after police spoke to ex-partner’