I’ve listened to all the talk of England‘s bravery after beating Mexico, and I understand why.

They played the majority of the second half with 10 men in what was the lion’s den. They stuck together. They found a way. That takes character and it will only strengthen the belief within the squad. Fans are right to be proud of what they saw.

But I will also say this – I think we mistake what bravery in football actually is. We are celebrating players throwing themselves in front of shots as if they’ve gone to war. Come on, a football is a bag of air. If I walked into my local pub and asked 11 blokes if they’d throw their body in front of a ball for England, they’d all do it.

It felt like all we needed at the Azteca was for one of our players to have a ball smashed in their face and a bit of claret on the white jersey and they’d be worshipped forever. That’s a typical English attitude and it goes back generations. It’s nonsense and we’re fooling ourselves. We’re better than that. We need to be better than that. I’m not taking anything away from what those players did, it was brilliant within the context of that situation. But putting your body on the line is part of the job.

Real bravery is wanting the ball when 80,000 people are willing you to make a mistake. It’s showing for possession when everyone else is hiding. It’s taking the ball off your mate when he’s in trouble, knowing that if you lose it you’ll be the one criticised. That’s football bravery and that’s what England need more of, if they’re going to win this World Cup.

England’s defensive effort took character and will only strengthen the belief within the squad

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When I watched the first half, I didn’t see that. I thought we struggled badly with the ball. We gave away possession far too easily, we couldn’t string passes together consistently and we invited far too much pressure. Jordan Pickford was one of our best players and that normally tells you something.

I was actually relieved to hear Thomas Tuchel say afterwards that there was plenty to improve on, because that’s exactly how I saw it. I thought I was going mad listening to the reaction after the game. I was seeing journalists and former players describe it as England’s greatest performance. It wasn’t. I’d happily call it one of England’s greatest nights, but there’s a huge difference. For me, that’s confusing drama with quality.

The performance wasn’t without quality, of course. Jude Bellingham scored two very good goals and his team-mates played a part in those. There were some strong individual displays and moments. But as a team, they made it harder for themselves than it needed to be. They didn’t have control.

Mexico are decent, but someone like Raul Jimenez wouldn’t get close to our squad. Yet he and others – most of them play in the Mexican league – caused us real problems every time they went forward in the first half. We didn’t stop crosses well enough and didn’t defend them well enough when they did arrive. Jimenez was getting on the end of everything. The defending did get a lot better in the second half.

But then there was Jarell Quansah’s red card. That wasn’t bad luck, it was our own mistake. Then there was the penalty against Harry Kane. A little bit soft, maybe, but he would have wanted the same decision if it happened at the other end. That is why, come the end, we had to rely on what everyone is lauding as bravery.

I’d be concerned if people suddenly see this as the blueprint. What I find encouraging is that I don’t think Tuchel does. Everything I’ve heard from him suggests he wants a team that presses together, controls possession and has the courage to keep playing football under pressure. We haven’t seen enough of that yet.

There have been too many moments when England have fallen into old habits. We score, we drop deeper. We come under pressure, we surrender possession. We stop trusting ourselves. We get a red card. We give away a penalty. That’s naive, it’s silly, but we’ve seen it before. Think back to the Euro 2020 final against Italy. England scored early and gradually retreated. They certainly weren’t brave that night.

Michael Owen warns: Against France, Spain or Argentina, England risk a backside kicking

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The best international teams have always understood what bravery is. Take Spain of the past 20 years or so. If you’ve got the ball in their team, you’ve got three or four options every time. When we played Brazil in 2002 World Cup quarter-final, they went down to 10 men when they were 2-1 up and we couldn’t get near them. We didn’t even create a chance. Brazil didn’t play safe, they played brave and kept the ball. I loved Tuchel’s quote this week when he said: ‘We have to worship the ball more’. He knows.

Because if against France, Spain or Argentina, England play like they did versus Mexico, we’ll get our backsides kicked. You cannot spend long spells without the ball or keep on being sloppy with it against teams of that quality. They’ll punish you more than Mexico, DR Congo or Panama ever will.

The positive is that this group has something previous England squads sometimes lacked – genuine belief born from adversity. Winning ugly has its place in tournament football. Every champion usually survives at least one night where everything seems to go against them. England have had theirs. Now the challenge changes.

Saturday’s quarter-final against Norway isn’t about proving they can suffer, it’s about proving they can play. If England can combine the resilience they showed against Mexico with the composure and courage Tuchel is trying to build, then they have every chance of going all the way.

The ultimate greatest night, in New Jersey a week on Sunday, will only happen if England are football brave. They have the players, so let’s see it.

Nigel Farage is under pressure to come clean about his finances tonight after quitting as an MP, triggering a by-election and vowing to let voters ‘be the judges of my actions’.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch was among those who questioned the decision by the Reform leader to resign his Clacton seat amid official probes into cash and financial assistance from two wealthy allies.

Mr Farage said he would seek a fresh mandate from voters as he let rip – but did not take questions – about claims about his private finances that have triggered official Parliamentary investigations. 

He has been reported to authorities over reports that long-term ally George Cottrell – a convicted fraudster known as ‘Posh George’ – provided undeclared funding for security and staffing in the year before he was elected, as well as the use of a Westminster house.

Parliament’s standards commissioner Daniel Greenberg is already investigating a £5million gift the MP received from crypto-billionaire Christopher Harborne.

In a more than 20 minute address on social media this afternoon Mr Farage said he had ‘never been angrier’ and claimed to be the most vilified UK politician of recent times.

He has denied any wrongdoing and claimed he is the target of a ‘stitch-up’ – a claim endorsed last night by US president Donald Trump. 

But this afternoon Mrs Badenoch accused him of ‘cracking under pressure’ and told him to ‘man up’ and answer the questions he is facing instead of triggering an ‘ego by-election’.

She also refused to confirm her party would stand in the by-election, telling Politico: ‘There should not be a by-election on his terms. What there should be is a by-election if an investigation finds him guilty…’

The Reform leader lashed out at the ‘establishment’ as he announced he would step down from his Clacton seat and seek a fresh mandate from voters in Essex

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Mr Farage won Clacton with a majority of 8,405 in 2024, with the Conservatives a distant second. 

Parliamentary rules mean his decision to resign his seat and trigger the by-election suspends the investigations, though it would restart if he is re-elected, potentially setting up a second by-election in the autumn or winter if it finds against him.

Restore leader Rupert Lowe also said his party would not put up a candidate, while PM Sir Keir Starmer said it was ‘a desperate stunt’ from a man ‘up to his neck in sleaze’.

In his lengthy and wide-ranging televised address Mr Farage  protested his innocence, saying he had ‘done nothing wrong… I have not broken the law in any way at all’.

‘Now I’ve decided that the people of Clacton should be the judges of my actions. This will be a people versus the establishment by-election,’ he said.

‘It’s a chance to stick two fingers up to the entire Establishment to frankly tell them where to go, and that is why I will be putting my name forward to stand in this by-election… I will fight to win.’     

The Sunday Times reported this weekend that Mr Cottrell, who has a fraud conviction in the United States, provided funding for staffing and security, and the use of a London townhouse.

Critics have said that this should have been declared under Parliamentary rules in place at the time of Mr Farage’s election in 2024, under which new MPs were required to register any gifts worth more than £300 they received in the previous 12 months, except where the gift ‘could not be reasonably thought by others’ to relate to their political activities.

Mr Cottrell reportedly recruited and paid three staff to work on Mr Farage’s social media before the General Election, and has continued to allow him to use a five-storey Georgian property he rented near Buckingham Palace. 

Nigel Farage is under the heaviest pressure he has faced in his time as Reform leader following reports that long-term ally George Cottrell had provided undeclared funding for security and staffing in the year before he was elected

If the probe finds against the Reform leader and suspends him from the Commons for more than 30 days he would be subject to a recall petition by voters, which could trigger the  second by-election. 

Labour and the Liberal Democrats have already demanded a parliamentary sleaze inquiry into the latest claims. 

Mr Farage insisted his £5million gift from Christopher Harborne was given to him on an ‘unconditional basis’.

He criticised the Sunday Times investigation into his finances, saying: ‘Standards are now being used as a political tool.

‘On the gift, it was given to me on an unconditional basis. I can do with that money exactly as I wish, but there is a much bigger reason why I’m going to need that money, and it’s simply this,’ he said.

‘For over 20 years now, I have been subject to constant demonisation by the Press for daring to be outside the consensual view on many issues.

‘I’ve been attacked again and again. I am the most physically and verbally attacked public figure or politician of modern times.

‘Yes, you will know of some of the incidents, milkshakes thrown in my face, placards bashed over my head, but let me promise you, you only know about a fraction of the number of times that I’ve been assaulted.’  

It came after he Mr Farage clashed with a Sky TV crew as he returned to Britain from the United States last night. 

Mr Farage reacted angrily when asked whether it had been a mistake not to declare the gifts, saying: ‘You tell your bosses, you harass my family any more… serious consequences. That’s what your organisation has done this morning. Go away.’

Sky said it had not contacted anyone from Mr Farage’s family about the story.    

He did manage to win the backing of Donald Trump last night after his transatlantic trip. The US President, a long-term ally, appeared to echo his claim that he is the victim of an ‘establishment hit job’.

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday, Trump shared a link to an article on The National Pulse website titled ‘They’re Running the 2024 Anti-Trump Playbook on Nigel Farage’.

The article accuses the UK media of giving far more coverage to ‘every gaffe, controversy, or disagreement’ by Farage and Reform, while ‘policy successes or growing voter support are frequently downplayed’.

Mr Trump personally called Mr Farage to congratulate him on his political success in achieving the removal of Sir Keir Starmer from No10, The Times reported. 

The Great British Bake Off could move from Channel 4 to ITV after Sky owner Comcast bought the business for a deal worth around £1.6 billion.

Following the deal, broadcast rights for the beloved cooking show are now up in the air, according to reports.

Great British Bake Off could move from Channel 4 to ITV

It’s official: Sky has sealed its £1.6B deal to acquire ITV’s television network operations.

It’s believed, under NBC Universal, that Sky wants to create a commercial streamer that will be a true rival to Netflix and Disney, but for now ITV channels and ITVX will remain free. pic.twitter.com/B5FGtebONF

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— sᴜᴘᴇʀ ᴛᴠ (@superTV247) July 6, 2026

It comes due to ITV Studios being set to receive Sky’s Love Productions, the creator of Bake Off, as part of the deal.

Channel 4 secured the deal with Love Productions in 2025.

However, it is not clear when that runs until.

The first episode of Bake Off aired in 2010, with its first four series broadcast on BBC Two.

Its growing popularity saw it move to BBC One for the following three series.

After its seventh series, Love Productions signed a three-year deal with Channel 4 to produce the series for the broadcaster.

It has been on Channel 4 since 2017, and a 17th series will air on the channel later this year, but its future beyond that is unknown.

“The whole industry is talking about Bake Off moving yet again, which would be a tremendous coup for ITV but bad news for C4 as it is their most-watched show”, an insider told The Sun.

Despite this, Channel 4 said that Bake Off is staying on the channel.

A joint statement from Channel 4 and Love Productions said: “Channel 4’s GBBO deal is with Love and as such is unaffected by the Sky ITV deal.

“The show’s existing multi-year agreement with Love remains in place meaning Bake Off fans will be able to continue to enjoy the show on Channel 4 as usual.”

Sky and ITV deal explained

It was announced on Monday (June 7) that ITV had agreed the sale of its media and entertainment arm to Sky for up to £1.6 billion after months of talks over a possible deal.

The companies said the deal will combine the division with Sky to create a major competitor to the global streaming giants.

Sky is taking over ITV’s media and entertainment arm, which covers its terrestrial TV channels ITV1, ITV2, ITV4, ITV Quiz and streaming service ITVX.

Sky will also become an indirect 20% shareholder in the ITN business, which makes news programmes such as Good Morning Britain and News at Ten and regional news for London.

The sale does not include ITV’s production arm, ITV Studios, which will become a standalone business following the sale.

Programmes produced by ITV Studios, like Love Island, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Coronation Street and Emmerdale will be covered in the supply agreement, meaning they will remain on ITV.

Sky will also maintain its current pay-to-view model with an array of shows, including sport and entertainment.

Nevertheless, Sky has committed to spending at least £2.1 billion over 2028-2032 on content from ITV Studios as part of a long-term agreement to air its shows.

The sale also does not include Scottish media group STV, which is a separate company.

ITV’s channels and ITVX will remain as they are and free-to-air, including sport content and in places like Freeview, Freely, and Sky’s platforms.

ITV News and Sky News will also remain distinct editorial voices.

London-based Sky is owned by US media giant Comcast, which also owns NBC and Universal Pictures.

Comcast recently announced plans to split into two companies – one independent Comcast business focusing on telecoms, and a spin-off media operation named NBCUniversal.

Dana Strong, Sky’s group chief executive, said: “Bringing Sky and ITV Media & Entertainment together combines the very best of free-to-air television, pay TV and streaming, ensuring viewers across the UK continue to enjoy outstanding British programming in a rapidly changing world.

“ITV will remain a public service broadcaster at the heart of British life, and we’re excited about the future we can build together.”

She said the takeover was a “defining moment for British media”.

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Andrew Cosslett, the chairman of ITV, said that “at a time of rapid change in the industry, it is right that we now secure ITV’s crucial role as a public service broadcaster” and that the combined business will “create a UK champion with the scale and resources to better compete with global streaming platforms”.

British broadcasters, including ITV, BBC and Channel 4, have developed their streaming platforms in a bid to compete with US giants like Netflix, Amazon and Disney.

Are you a fan of the Great British Bake Off? Let us know in the comments.

An under-construction high-rise building near New York City’s Grand Central Terminal was evacuated over fears that it would collapse after bricks were reported falling off the 38-story building.

Emergency responders were called to 235 East 42nd Street just before 8 a.m. Tuesday after workers noticed structural support beams beginning to buckle on the 21st and 22nd floors. Officials also found the floors between the 21st and 26th floors were sagging, the New York City Fire Department told The Independent.

The Midtown East building was once home to offices for the pharmaceutical company Pfizer, but is being converted into a residential building with over 1,600 apartments. The project was slated to be completed in 2027.

The FDNY said on social media that it was involved in a “major technical rescue response” at the location.

Approximately 40 units and 130 fire and EMS personnel responded to the scene. There were no reported injuries, the FDNY added.

Several nearby buildings, including a hotel and a school, have been evacuated as a precaution, the FDNY said.

The buildings evacuated include 225 East 43rd Street, 221 East 43rd Street, 815 2nd Avenue, 212 East 43rd Street, 211 East 43rd Street, 235 East 42nd Street and 210 East 43rd Street.

Pedestrian and vehicular traffic is also closed on East 42nd Street between Second and Third avenues.

Officials are using FDNY drones to examine the building, but their investigation is ongoing.

The New York City Department of Buildings was also at the scene investigating reports of structural issues.

“First responders have advised commuters to avoid the area and use alternate routes,” the agency said.

This is a breaking news story, check back for updates…

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — The IOC advised Olympic sports bodies on Tuesday to end a three-year program vetting Russians for neutral status ahead of qualifying events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The move was expected since the International Olympic Committee advised two months ago that athletes from Belarus, Russia’s military ally in the full military invasion of Ukraine, should be allowed again to compete with their full national identity.

“The IOC stands in solidarity with the Olympic community of Ukraine, which the Olympic movement has supported since the beginning of the war, and will continue to do so,” the Olympic body said in a statement after a meeting of its executive board.

The IOC eased entry requirements to its own events for Russian athletes and teams while provisionally lifting its suspension since October 2023 of the Russian Olympic Committee.

The terms of that suspension — imposed when the Russian Olympic body incorporated regional sports councils from occupied regions of Ukraine — no longer applied, the IOC said.

Just 32 athletes from Russia and Belarus competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics as approved neutrals, and combined to win five medals. The Russian team had more than 300 athletes at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and won 71 medals.

The IOC did not yet approve letting Russian athletes and teams compete with their flag and anthem. That decision will come “at an appropriate time,” it said.

The next Olympic competition is the 2026 Youth Summer Games in Dakar, Senegal opening Oct. 31.

The IOC said to “address the lack of confidence in the global sporting community relating to the return of Russian athletes to international competition,” those athletes must give multiple doping controls and be part of a recognized testing program.

The IOC said it will continue to “not organize IOC events in Russia or invite Russian government or state officials to its events.”

___

AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games

Retailers have removed Nature Craft by Galt Toys from the shelves after sand in the activity game was revealed to be contaminated with a “small quantity” of asbestos.

Another item, Kluster – Magnetic Game by Borderline Editions, has also been recalled following concerns that small magnets contained posed as a risk if swallowed.  

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Nature Craft by Galt Toys has been removed from shelves after sand in the game was found to be contaminated with a “small quantity” of asbestos (Image: Supplied)

Speaking about Nature Craft, a sign posted on Waterstones’ window in Coney Street said: “This product was sold through John Lewis, Hobby Craft, Toy Master and Garden Centres and websites between 2024 and April 2026.

“We are advising customers to stop using this product immediately and keep it out of reach of children.”

Customers are advised to place the sand in a heavy-duty plastic bag and double-tape it securely if it is still in the packaging.

If it has been used, clean up the area with wet cloths to avoid generating dust, wearing gloves and a mask, and then place all items in a heavy-duty bag that is double taped.

The sand can be placed in general household waste.

Kluster – Magnetic Game by Borderline Editions has been recalled after loose magnets posed as a swallowing risk (Image: Newsquest)

Parents have also been advised to stop their children using the Kluster – Magnetic Game immediately.

A full refund is available on return to the shop.

LONDON (AP) — Coco Gauff overcame a shaky start and beat Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 on Tuesday to reach the Wimbledon semifinals for the first time.

The two-time major champion raised her arms in the air after Pegula sent a weak backhand into the net on the first match point in an all-American quarterfinal on Centre Court.

With the victory, the 22-year-old Gauff became the youngest player to reach the semifinals at all four Grand Slams since Maria Sharapova, who accomplished the feat at the 2007 French Open.

In Gauff’s six previous appearances at the All England Club, she had never gotten past the fourth round.

Gauff will face either Naomi Osaka or Karolina Muchova for a spot in Saturday’s final.

On No. 1 Court, defending champion Jannik Sinner was facing Jan-Lennard Struff.

Heating up at Wimbledon

Under a sunny sky, the early afternoon matches started with the temperature at 29 Celsius degrees (84 Fahrenheit) and expected to rise to 31 C (88 F).

Sinner, who lost in the second round at the French Open amid a heat wave in Paris, used an ice towel around his neck on changeovers.

Early in her match, Gauff asked the chair umpire: “Do you guys have an ice pack?” The American dabbed what appeared to be a blue ice pack to her cheeks and top of her thighs.

___

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

It means the near 300-hectare Greencroft Forest Park can now proceed as planned, with planting due to restart this coming winter.

The North East plantation was initially approved by the government agency in early 2025, only to be subject to a Judicial Review in September last year over whether or not it had applied its environmental planning rules appropriately and effectively.

Despite a judge ruling in favour of the FC then, Lanchester Properties – part of the County Durham-based Lanchester Group – demanded an oral hearing to restate its case, which was heard in early June 2026.

Now, a High Court judge has ruled in favour of the Forestry Commission and True North, the asset manager behind the plantation.

Harry Humble, of True North Asset Partners, said: “We are relieved that this positive outcome has been reached and acknowledge the judge’s careful and considered determination.

“It is regrettable that this Judicial Review has taken up so much time and money, tied up valuable court resources and delayed much-needed tree planting in England.

“Now that the case has been resolved, we hope to move forward with the planting and delivering the significant economic, ecological and environmental benefits the forest will bring.

“The case has now been rejected by two High Court judges and has occupied three full days of High Court time, with legal costs exceeding £500,000.

“We sincerely hope this legal process has now come to an end and that Lanchester Properties will accept the High Court’s decision. In time, we hope they will also recognise the value of the forestry scheme and support the lasting benefits it will deliver for the local community.”

In his judgement – published on July 3 – Judge Jonathan Klein found that the Forestry Commission had sufficient information before making its decision. According to the official ruling, the lawyer acting on behalf of Lanchester accepted this, too, even as he continued to challenge its lawfulness.

The Judge wrote: “I have also considered whether the decision was unreasonable and have concluded that it was not.”

The judge further went on to argue that “it does not follow … that afforestation of this extent and nature is almost inevitably likely to have a significant environmental impact”.

Greencroft Forest Park is set to be made up of a total of 31 species and 600,000 individual trees.

A High Court judge ruled in favour of the Forestry Commission. (Image: Stock image)

A Forestry Commission spokesperson said: “We welcome the Court’s judgement, which confirms that the environmental impacts of the proposed Greencroft Forest Park woodland creation scheme were appropriately considered.”

 Lanchester Properties confirmed it was looking to appeal the decision.

Director Caroline Cleary-MacArthur said planting commercial Sitka spruce on this scale and next to villages was “fundamentally wrong”.

Pointing to comments made by Forestry Commission chair Baroness Young last year, Caroline added that “monoculture Sitka Spruce plantations do little to enhance biodiversity, landscape quality or public enjoyment of the countryside”.

She said: “This has never been about opposing trees. It is about ensuring that the right trees are planted in the right places, with genuine local engagement and a fair balance between commercial interests, environmental outcomes and the communities that live with the consequences.”

Airdrie Islamic Centre hosted the festivities, which were organised by Friends of Airdrie and Coatbridge Islamic Centre (FACIC) and North Lanarkshire Muslim Women and Family Alliance (NLMWFA).

Around 400 people from across North Lanarkshire lapped up the sensational sights and sounds of the vibrant latest Community Connections Day.

Airdrie Islamic Centre hosted the festivities, which were organised by Friends of Airdrie and Coatbridge Islamic Centre (FACIC) and North Lanarkshire Muslim Women and Family Alliance (NLMWFA).

The aim of the gathering was to celebrate “togetherness, diversity, and neighbourly spirit”.

People from all walks of life and different ethnic backgrounds came together in an atmosphere filled with warmth, friendship and genuine community connection.

Dr Irfan Jehangir, FACIC chairperson, said: “Men, women and children attended throughout the day, creating a welcoming and lively environment that reflected the values of openness and inclusion.

“Visitors enjoyed a wide range of attractions and stalls including delicious food, clothing and jewellery displays, which received excellent feedback from attendees.

“The positive response highlighted not only the quality of the event but also the spirit in which it was delivered.

“For younger visitors, there was plenty to enjoy. Children especially loved the face painting, the opportunity to explore the police van, and meeting the ever-popular Bumblebee mascot, which brought smiles and excitement throughout the day.

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“Unfortunately, the planned mini zoo was cancelled at short notice by the providers.

“We sincerely apologise to those who were looking forward to this attraction and appreciate everyone’s understanding.

“Despite this unexpected change, the day proved to be a tremendous success and generated overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, many of whom praised the welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to meet and connect with people they may not otherwise have encountered.”

Dr Jehangir added: “Events like this play an important role in strengthening community relations, building understanding and bringing people together.

“Airdrie Islamic Centre remains committed to creating opportunities that foster friendship, respect and shared experiences among all members of society.

“We would like to thank all volunteers, organisers, participants and visitors from the North Lanarkshire community who helped make the day such a success.

“Together, we continue building stronger communities and helping make Scotland a better place for everyone.”

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