Fifa has again amended its water bottle policy for the upcoming World Cup in North America, allowing fans to bring in one sealed, disposable 590ml bottle into stadiums.

Ticket holders had previously been permitted an empty, transparent and reusable bottle up to one litre but an update earlier this week confirmed reusable bottles were no longer permitted.

The move was criticised by fan groups and scientific experts, who were already concerned about the impact of extreme heat on the welfare of spectators, while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer branded the measure “wrong” and said it was “about making money”.

But Fifa has partially backtracked on the heavy-handed policy as a post from the governing body said: “All fans will be permitted to bring in one, soft, plastic, 20 ounces (590ml), factory sealed disposable water bottle into any Fifa World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada.”

World Cup 2026 chief operating officer, Heimo Schirgi added: “What is not allowed are hard-sided resealable water containers, which could pose a safety and security risk.”

Fans attending last summer’s Club World Cup in the United States had been permitted to bring empty bottles in with them. Water was also on sale at Club World Cup stadia, at prices between £3 and £4.50.

Fifa had said on Tuesday the ban’s purpose was to “prevent risk and injury to players and attendees” but Starmer told LBC on Friday: “It’s just wrong. And I can’t help but think that it’s about making money.

“So you can’t bring plastic bottles in but you can buy a bottle of water when you get in the crowd? And then it’ll be expensive. The tickets themselves cost a fortune, far too expensive in my view.

“So the ticket sales are too high. And this is the wrong policy.”

PA

India have handed teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi his first international call-up – and could unleash the 15-year-old phenom on England.

Sooryavanshi produced a standout campaign in the recently-concluded edition of the Indian Premier League, topping the run charts with 776 for the Rajasthan Royals at a remarkable strike rate of 237.30. The opening batter was named the IPL’s most valuable player.

The powerful left-hander was part of the India under-19 side that beat England to the World Cup in February and has now earned a first senior call-up for the T20 tour to Europe.

Sooryavanshi is likely to earn his T20I debut against Ireland with two matches in Belfast on 26 and 28 June, before India take on England in a five-match series.

Should he feature, Sooryavanshi will become India’s youngest ever male debutant – eclipsing Sachin Tendulkar, who made his international bow aged 16 years and 205 days in a Test against Pakistan in 1989.

India will have a new captain for the itinerary, with Suryakumar Yadav left out despite skippering the side to T20 World Cup glory on home soil earlier this year.

Shreyas Iyer steps in to lead a 15-man squad, with quick bowler Prince Yadav another uncapped inclusion rewarded for an impressive IPL.

Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya have been rested from the series.

India T20I Squad for Ireland and England series: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Nitish Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Friday’s all-Italian semi-final was called off when Matteo Arnaldi withdrew due to illness, leaving Flavio Cobolli to advance to his first-ever major final. 

The World Cup favourites are beginning to touch down in America, with all of Germany, Argentina, and England due to play warm-up matches in the main host country on Saturday evening. For the Three Lions, a friendly against New Zealand comes in the midst of a two-week training camp in the Florida heat.

Lionel Messi was back in full training with Argentina after a hamstring issue, while Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti had a positive update to give on Neymar‘s fitness.

French cyclist Célia Géry sprinted to a surprise victory on stage seven of the women’s Giro d’Italia at Salice Terme. Anna van der Breggen remains in the overall lead, despite a mid-stage crash, with two stages to go.

Dave Allen has provided an update on the rumours that he could be set to collide with Joe Joyce on the latest edition of a Queensberry vs Matchroom event.

Allen has lost in recent step-ups against Arslanbek Makhmudov and Filip Hrgovic, stating that he may choose to pursue British honours following defeat to the latter, but ‘The White Rhino’ is keen for activity and is currently scheduled for two quick fire outings.

On June 20, Allen takes on Belarusian journeyman Viktar Chvarkou in a four-round affair at The Magna Centre, Rotherham, and on July 25, Allen will also appear at the Doncaster Dome, for a third outing in as many months.

The 34-year-old is then expected to participate in a higher profile bout in the autumn, leading to suggestions that he could appear on a ‘Queensberry vs Matchroom 2’ bill, which is being touted for a similar date.

However, speaking on his TikTok account, Allen shut down rumours that he will fight on the bill or face Olympic silver medallist Joyce, instead revealing that he has held talks for a different opponent ‘on a big card’.

“No one has mentioned it to me. I have got a lot of respect for Joe, we go back a very long way from when we first sparred in 2012, probably June or July. [He is] an incredible fighter at his best, really, really good. 

“There is no truth in me and him boxing, no one has mentioned anything to me regarding it. A big fight has been mentioned to me, on a big card, but it is not on a ‘7 vs. 7’ or [against] Joe Joyce.”

Other whispers suggest that Allen could take on Irish heavyweight Thomas Carty, 11-1 (9 KOs), on the undercard of Katie Taylor’s long-awaited career finale at Croke Park against France’s Flora Pili on Saturday, September 5.

The main event will be for the vacant WBC super-lightweight world title and subsequently, the undisputed throne – as Taylor possesses the remaining three titles – after Sandy Ryan was downgraded to WBC ‘champion-in-recess’ due to falling pregnant.

MCG will play host to Sunday’s
Round 13 AFL game between Essendon Bombers and
Carlton Blues. The game kicks off at 7:20 pm with Carlton Blues heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Essendon Bombers vs.
Carlton Blues
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Sunday June 7, 2026 at 7:20 pm

Where: MCG

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Essendon Bombers vs Carlton Blues Odds

Essendon Bombers vs Carlton Blues Preview

Carlton will attempt to continue its resurgence under interim coach Josh Fraser when it meets Essendon at the MCG on Sunday night. The Blues enter the clash with renewed confidence after defeating Geelong in dramatic fashion last week, extending their unbeaten start under Fraser to three matches. Patrick Cripps once again proved the difference with a clutch match-winning goal. Essendon’s season, meanwhile, continues to unravel. Injuries have ravaged the Bombers, who have now lost 24 of their past 25 matches following defeat to West Coast. The potential return of key midfielders Sam Durham and Jye Caldwell would provide a welcome boost, but the challenge remains significant. Carlton has won six of the past seven meetings between the rivals and will view this match as another opportunity to climb the ladder.

Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah

The BCCI has officially announced India’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England, with several notable changes grabbing attention. Shreyas Iyer has been appointed captain, replacing Suryakumar Yadav, while 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has earned his maiden senior India call-up. Tilak Varma has been named vice-captain.However, the biggest talking point from the squad announcement was the absence of two of India’s most experienced white-ball stars – Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.

Why is Jasprit Bumrah not playing?

Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the Ireland and England T20I tour as part of India’s workload management plans ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. While he is not part of the T20I squad, the premier fast bowler has been included in India’s squad for the Asian Games, indicating that the management is carefully managing his schedule rather than sidelining him completely.

Why is Hardik Pandya missing?

Unlike Bumrah, Hardik Pandya was not considered for selection as he is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained that the management’s primary focus is to have Hardik fully fit and available for the ODI format, particularly with the long-term goal of preparing for the 50-over World Cup.“He’s part of the ODIs. Like Jasprit Bumrah, the main objective is to see if he can start playing well and stay healthy for the 50-over World Cup,” Agarkar said in Press conference.

New-Look India T20I Squad

India’s squad for the Ireland and England T20Is features a blend of established performers and exciting young talent:Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (Vice-Captain), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Asian Games Squad Includes Bumrah

Bumrah, meanwhile, remains part of India’s plans for the Asian Games, where Shreyas Iyer will also lead the side.India’s Asian Games squad: Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Jasprit Bumrah.

The New York Knicks will return to Madison Square Garden just two wins away from ending their long championship drought.

Jalen Brunson hit a go-ahead free throw in the closing seconds Friday night, lifting the Knicks to a 105-104 win over the Spurs in Game 2. Moments earlier, Victor Wembanyama missed a jumper that could have swung the game in San Antonio’s favor.

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San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) and guard De’aaron Fox (4) reacts after a foul call during the second half of Game 2 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the New York Knicks on June 5, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns had 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Brunson and Mikal Bridges each scored 20 for the Knicks. They have won 13 straight, the second-longest streak by any team in NBA playoff history.

The Knicks are now just the third team to win the first two games of a finals on the road, joining Michael Jordan and the 1993 Chicago Bulls, and Hakeem Olajuwon and the 1995 Houston Rockets.

Karl-Anthony Towns (32) of the New York Knicks looks to pass the ball against Victor Wembanyama (1) of the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter in Game Two of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 05, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Both of those teams won championships, the Bulls needing six games to oust the Phoenix Suns, the Rockets going home after winning those first two games in Orlando and sweeping the Magic. The Knicks, seeking their first championship since 1973, are in position to join them.

Wembanyama, after a very quiet first half, scored 29. De’Aaron Fox had 20 for San Antonio.

The series now shifts to New York. Game 3 is at Madison Square Garden on Monday night.

KNICKS-SPURS NBA FINALS GAME 3 AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COULD BECOME MOST EXPENSIVE SPORTING EVENT ON RECORD

The Spurs erased a 12-point deficit midway through the fourth quarter, completing the rally when Wembanyama converted a three-point play with 57 seconds left to give San Antonio its first lead in nearly two quarters, 104-102.

Brunson scored on the next possession, just his seventh basket in 24 shots on the night, and the game was tied. Wembanyama missed a long jumper, OG Anunoby got the rebound for New York with 30 seconds left, the Knicks called time and the stage was set.

Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks celebrates a three-point basket with Karl-Anthony Towns during Game Two of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, on June 5, 2026. (Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

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The Spurs got the stop they needed, but Victor Wembanyama turned the ball over on the ensuing possession. Brunson was fouled moments later and put the Knicks back in front for good before the clock hit zero.

Game 3 is set for 8:30 p.m. Monday in New York.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Wilkinson reshuffled her starting side in Montenegro, with five changes to the team which began April’s win in Albania.

The sense before the game was that Wilkinson omitted the likes of Rhiannon Roberts, Angharad James, Mared Griffiths and Ceri Holland to keep them fresh to face the Czechs.

The feeling come full-time was that Wales might have been better off fielding all their big hitters, given that victory – as it turned out – would have given them the upper hand in the group.

Then again, Wilkinson might argue – and with some justification – that the team she picked should have been good enough to see off Montenegro with relative comfort.

Too often, however, Wales lacked the intensity and tempo to trouble inferior opponents, which was presumably thanks in part to the Gradski Stadion heat.

Another contributory factor may have been Wales’ far from ideal preparation, after they only arrived in Pogdorica 23 hours before kick-off thanks to Wednesday evening’s electrical storms in the Montenegrin capital.

The team flight was diverted to Italy, with the Football Association of Wales eventually securing accommodation for Wilkinson’s players in the early hours of Thursday morning.

They finally made it to Montenegro that evening, after a rough night for many and no chance for a proper training session on the eve of the game.

Wilkinson had insisted there could be no excuses, and did not pin the blame for a dispiriting display on chaotic preparation.

But clearly, Wales will hope for – and expect – a smoother build-up to the group decider against the Czechs.

“You look at the game and it’s definitely not to our standard, but now we have got to look towards Tuesday,” said Carrie Jones, Wales’ skipper for the first time in Montenegro.

“We know we are a good team based on our history. On Tuesday we have got to turn up.”