The more I’ve been staring at this week’s Open Championship tee times, the more one name sticks out:

Matthew.

In part that is because the trendiest pick at Royal Birkdale this week is the red-hot World No. 3 Matthew Fitzpatrick, who will tee it up in his home country playing arguably the best golf of his career.

But honestly it’s because there are a bunch of other English Matthews hanging around, too — and each has his own compelling reason to sneak up on the field.

Let’s kick things off with Matthew Baldwin, because that’s exactly what this Open has chosen to do. Plenty has been written about hometown hero Tommy Fleetwood returning to Southport, but he’s not the only one: Baldwin grew up in Southport too, a few years Fleetwood’s senior, and is a member at Royal Birkdale. He qualified into the event at Dundonald Links last month and will hit the opening tee shot on Thursday just after 6:30 a.m. — half six, if you ask the locals.

Baldwin told the DP World Tour that this week will be a dream come true in many ways; while he’s played three other Opens, including two in England’s northwest, the last two times the event came to Birkdale he attended as a fan.

“I thought realistically it would be my last chance to [qualify] he told the DPWT. “I wouldn’t say I put more pressure on myself than I normally would, but I knew the incentive was there, shall we say.”

Then there’s Matthew Jordan, who knows the feeling of playing an Open at his home course: the Hoylake native was the local legend at Royal Liverpool in 2023, where he hit the opening tee shot and finished the week a marvelous T10. Jordan followed that up with another T10 at Troon the following year, establishing himself as something of an Open specialist.

He told bunkered just how familiar Birkdale is — “it just feels like home” — and recounted how well he knew the area from playing golf as a junior. Let’s see how he fares this week, just a short train ride from home.

Matthew Southgate is from slightly further away; he grew up in Southend-on-Sea just east of London. But he has good memories from Birkdale; his T6 finish in 2017 is the high water mark for his major-championship career to this point. He made it into the Open field via Final Qualifying for a remarkable sixth time and told the Open the competition “seems to bring the best out of me.”

The bad news for Southgate backers is that he’s missed four of his last five cuts entering this week. The good news is that fifth tournament was an eight-shot win at the Swiss Challenge on the HotelPlanner Tour. His “best” is evidently quite a high level. (More good news: Southgate has enlisted ex-Fitzpatrick caddie Billy Foster for the week.)

Finally there’s Matthew Wallace, the most well-known and highest ranked of our four English mates. Wallace lives outside of London, near the Wentworth abodes of Justin Rose and Rory McIlroy, and while I’m not sure of any Birkdale good-vibe connection, Wallace has logged podium finishes on both the PGA and DP World Tours each of the last two years, suggesting the 36-year-old still has game that’ll travel.

If he can beat all the other Matthews, he might just win the whole damn thing.

*Let’s also send well wishes to Matthew McCarty, the American lefthander, and Mateo Pulcini, the Argentinian amateur. Though given Wednesday evening’s World Cup result, perhaps he and the Matthews should give each other a wide berth.

“>

Some people were on the pitch. They thought it was all over. It was then, when Lionel Messi crossed, when Lautaro Martinez headed, when the Argentina substitutes charged towards the corner flag to celebrate. England’s bid to win the World Cup was over. Sixty years of hurt, sixty years since Hurst, England still see that tackle by Moore and Nobby dancing.

But it remains the case that the only time their men won a World Cup semi-final was when Bobby belted the ball; they have not reached a final since. For half an hour, it seemed that Anthony Gordon would join Bobby Charlton in a select band, of England players to score the winner in this stage. For a quarter of an hour, it seemed like Bobby Moore’s tackle on Pele would be accompanied by mentions of Djed Spence’s thunderous challenge to prevent Giuliano Simeone from shooting.

Jordan Pickford had his Gordon Banks moment, too, a wonderful save from Nico Gonzalez. And yet, ultimately, each came in defeat; in years to come, these will be footnotes, not moments destined for English football folklore.

For Thomas Tuchel, the comparison point is not Sir Alf Ramsey, his greatest predecessor, but his immediate one and still England’s second finest ever manager, Gareth Southgate. England have had their second best decade ever; but it would have been better if they could hold on to leads on the major stages. This completed a hat-trick: after Croatia in the 2018 semi-final, after Italy in the Euro 2020 final.

Twice when it mattered, Southgate’s sides could not keep the ball. Tuchel’s team did not try. The decision was made to cede much of the pitch to Argentina, to try and reprise the heroic rearguard action in Mexico City: but with 11 men, not 10, earlier than seemed necessary.

England put their own backs against the wall. Tuchel went to a back five, but it backfired. And in a sense, it was a back six, with a sixth defender, in Nico O’Reilly, in a midfield that didn’t seem fit for purpose. They allowed Alexis Mac Allister the freedom to hit the woodwork twice, Enzo Fernandez the room to rifle in the equaliser. They liberated Messi. Just when it seemed his World Cup career was ending, he conjured two assists.

Removing Gordon, a workaholic of a goalscorer, had a logic, given his tendency to run himself into the ground, but by replacing him with Ezri Konsa, Tuchel took away England’s threat and when, including added time, there were still 27 minutes remaining. He summoned his special-ops agent, Dan Burn, perhaps sensing Messi’s nemesis might be a man about twice his height and who can head the ball half the length of the pitch. It wasn’t.

With each change, England handed the initiative to Argentina. They needed no second invitation. A nation with a historical grudge against England, a team with a fighting spirit that meant they would not relinquish their grasp on the World Cup. Argentina have a capacity to score late goals. Ask Cape Verde. Ask Egypt. Ask Switzerland. England may have been a higher-calibre of opponent but they suffered the same fate.

So Tuchel underlined how the FA’s imported managers somehow seem to end up being more English than the English. Sven-Goran Eriksson was wedded to 4-4-2. Fabio Capello was too. Tuchel changed shape but did not believe his players could keep the ball. He just looked to defend.

Different choices might not have produced a different result, but there were alternatives. Kobbie Mainoo, a passer of a midfielder, lingered unused all tournament. Adam Wharton, another, stayed at home. One winger who could have come on for Gordon, Bukayo Saka, did not get off the bench. Another, Marcus Rashford, only emerged in the 95th minute.

Tuchel could have considered the evidence from earlier on. Lionel Scaloni admitted that Switzerland’s physicality had troubled Argentina. Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero were booked for pulling back Brummies when Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham ran at them, but England stopped running at them. They ran scared, seeking sanctuary in their own box.

Argentina had sought to rile England. They provided echoes of the past by picking a Simeone, the winger showing that being an agent provocateur can run in the family. Yet Argentina prospered not by needling England, but by attacking them. Theirs was the response of champions.

England’s was the reaction of a team following Tuchel’s blueprint for holding on to a lead: defensive changes. Argentina could have predicted it: this was what they had done against Mexico and Norway. And, in the inquest, Tuchel may note that while Southgate was long faulted for his game management, he excelled in Euro 2024: with attacking changes, often involving Cole Palmer, another man left at home.

Maybe it is revisiting old arguments, but England ended with a limited team who showed their limitations. Leading Argentina in Atlanta was a great opportunity. For years, they will have Georgia on their mind. Perhaps for another 60 years.

Armed police made multiple arrests after England and Argentina fans clashed outside Atlanta Stadium following the Three Lions’ heartbreaking 2-1 defeat in the World Cup semi-final.

Advertisement

Brawls erupted outside Atlanta Stadium following England’s gut-wrenching defeat to Argentina.

England and Argentina supporters were filmed squaring up to one another after the final whistle, as armed officers moved in to make several arrests.

A number of fans were taken into custody following the heartbreaking 2-1 loss for the Three Lions. Argentina supporters were also seen clashing with police in the vicinity of the Georgia stadium.

A small group of fans wearing England shirts were placed in handcuffs in the wake of the confrontations.

Footage from the scene captures arrests being made, with scuffles also breaking out on English soil following Argentina’s comeback victory.

Videos circulating on social media show fighting in Birmingham, London and New York as supporters from both nations come to blows.

Advertisement

The unrest follows Argentina players celebrating their win by holding up a sign making reference to the Falkland Islands.

Given the fraught history between the two nations both on and off the pitch, tensions were already running high well before the semi-final had even kicked off.

Argentina vice-president Victoria Villarruel stoked the flames ahead of the match with a post on X, stating: “This is not just another match. I’m not going to be politically correct – against the English, it’s always something more. Long live Argentina! Because until our very last breath, we will reclaim what is ours.”

The match ended in heartbreak for England after Gordon converted Morgan Roger’s cross nine minutes into the second half to level the scores.

However, with just six minutes remaining, the Three Lions found themselves 2-1 down. Messi proved the difference with two assists that sent the ball crashing past Pickford, leaving both the squad and the nation heartbroken.

Michigan’s Board of Regents is not expected to discuss the findings of the independent investigation into the university’s athletics department that it commissioned, or the status of athletics director Warde Manuel, when it meets on Thursday, sources told CBS Sports.

The development comes amid growing unrest outside the athletics department, as Manuel has gone on the offensive amid speculation over his future as athletics director. The board’s meeting agenda posted on Tuesday does not include the investigation or Manuel’s employment. A source told CBS Sports on Wednesday that there are currently no plans for the board to discuss the topics. 

News of Manuel’s uncertain future surfaced Sunday. CBS Sports reported that Manuel was considering his options. On Tuesday, Manuel refuted reports but did not deny he has had conversations about a buyout from his contract, which runs through the 2029-30 academic year, according to a copy obtained by CBS Sports.

Warde Manuel’s Michigan legacy: The good, the bad and the ugly as AD’s future hangs in the balance

Cody Nagel

Advertisement

“Don’t believe everything that’s out there in the world about what people say,” Manuel said Tuesday on WTKA. “I don’t know what the future holds. I don’t know … what’s going to happen. I know what today is, I know what tomorrow’s going to be. It could happen. I don’t know. I don’t know what the future is going to be.”

Chicago-based law firm Jenner & Block began investigating Manuel’s athletic department in December after football coach Sherrone Moore was fired for having a personal relationship with a staffer, Paige Shiver. The investigation’s scope expanded to include the “culture” of the entire athletics department. The university has spent more than $11 million on the investigation.

Interim university president Dominic Grasso previously said the school would “act swiftly” if the investigation produced findings warranting additional terminations. A source indicated Michigan officials, including regents and Grasso, have been briefed orally about the investigation’s findings. 

“We will leave no stone unturned, and any further action we take will be based on credible evidence and findings, developed through a rigorous investigation,” Grasso said in a December video statement.

Whether Shiver or the public will ever see the full version of the Jenner & Block report is unclear. Shiver is suing the school to release records relating to it, according to court documents obtained by CBS Sports

“Ms. Shiver is demanding President Grasso, the Board of Regents, and General Counsel Patty Petrowski immediately release the $12 million Jenner & Block investigative report,” Shiver’s attorney, Andrew Stroth, told CBS Sports.

A member of Shiver’s legal team filed multiple Freedom of Information Act requests dating back to February for investigatory files relating to Moore’s termination, including recordings of interviews with Shiver and her father, Jeff, and interviews or communications with Moore regarding the relationship and his termination. The school denied the requests while the investigation was ongoing and after its completion. 

One request, dated May 4, requesting transcripts, notes, and recordings of a Dec. 10 meeting with Shiver was denied by the school because it said it has no responsive records. Manuel fired Moore on Dec. 10 after evidence of an inappropriate relationship between Moore and Shiver, a subordinate, was brought to the department that morning. Moore was arrested later that day after he entered Shiver’s home. He was charged with felony home invasion, stalking and breaking and entering.

Moore eventually pleaded no contest to misdemeanor counts of malicious use of a telecommunications device and trespassing. A Washtenaw County judge sentenced him in April to 18 months of probation and a $1,000 fine. The felony and other charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

Shiver, 32, said she endured “years of manipulation, harassment and exploitation” from Moore and that the university failed to protect its employee. Shiver’s lawyers said in March that she “believes strongly that she may not be the only person who experienced inappropriate, coercive, or predatory behavior” from Moore. Questions about the department’s broader awareness of Moore’s conduct during his two-year tenure fueled calls for a deeper institutional reckoning.

Another request by Shiver’s attorneys sought emails between Manuel and Moore dating back to January 2022 that contained specific keywords: “affair,” “discipline,” “pregnancy,” “baby,” and “abortion.”  That request was denied by the school; although two email records were found to be responsive, they were withheld because the school claimed that disclosing that information would be an unwarranted invasion of an individual’s privacy and therefore not subject to disclosure. 

The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that Manuel and other university officials received multiple warnings about Moore’s relationship with Shiver well before the coach was fired in December, and revealed that Manuel spoke with Moore about the relationship before Moore debuted as head coach of the Wolverines in 2024. The details were revealed in Jenner & Block’s investigation, according to the outlet. The Athletic reported that players and staff raised concerns about Moore and Shiver’s relationship during the 2024 preseason camp.  

A university spokesperson told CBS Sports on Wednesday afternoon that Manuel’s status and the investigation will not be on the Board of Regents’ agenda, adding that “Warde Manuel is our athletic director. No decision has been made pertaining to his future with the university.”

The university’s full statement is below:

“The University of Michigan promptly terminated former head football coach Sherrone Moore on Dec. 10, 2025, upon learning of his undisclosed workplace relationship with a direct report. Moore’s conduct violated university policy, and we expect more from our leaders. Because this matter is the subject of pending litigation, the university will not comment further on issues related to that relationship.

As it pertains to investigations conducted on the university’s behalf by the law firm Jenner & Block, the firm conducted two related but distinct reviews: one concerning Moore’s conduct and a broader assessment of the culture within the Department of Athletics. These independent reviews were commissioned to strengthen the department and ensure it reflects the standards of leadership, integrity and accountability we expect.

Advertisement

Documents related to these attorney-directed investigations are privileged and confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege. Maintaining the confidentiality of these documents preserves the integrity of the investigative process, protects the privacy of those who participated and helps safeguard those individuals from potential retaliation.

The university will determine the appropriate time and manner to communicate the results of the athletics investigations and any actions taken in response to its findings.

Warde Manuel is our athletic director. No decision has been made pertaining to his future with the university.”

Manuel has managed more institutional turbulence than most athletic directors see in a career — a sign-stealing investigation during the Jim Harbaugh era, the arrest and firing of his football coach, an investigation into the hockey program leading to head coach Mel Pearson’s firing, an assistant football coach fired and federally indicted for computer crimes, a national basketball championship, a rejected private-equity bid and an Amazon streaming deal outside the Big Ten’s media agreement that sparked tensions within the conference.

“I always aim for steadiness,” Manuel said in May at the Big Ten’s spring meetings in Southern California. “Believe me, this is not anything that I’ve desired or wanted or hoped for. But I deal with it. My goal as a leader is to provide the steadiness in the wake of dealing with issues to the rest of the department and my staff and student-athletes. We have done that as a department and an organization. I don’t take any of it lightly. It’s not something I welcome, but we’ve dealt with it.”

Manuel promoted Moore from offensive coordinator to head coach after Harbaugh left for the NFL following the Wolverines’ first national championship since 1997. Moore went 16-8 in two seasons. 

Utah’s Kyle Whittingham was hired in January as the athletics department attempted to stabilize. Then, basketball coach Dusty May left the program in June for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks after winning a national title in April.

In December 2024, Manuel signed a five-year contract extension through June 30, 2030. His average annual compensation is $1.9 million.

The 2026 Open Championship tees off on Thursday, July 16, at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England. The first tee times come at 1:35 a.m. ET.  Scottie Scheffler, who tees off at 4:58 a.m. ET, is the defending Open Championship winner, while Jordan Spieth won this event the last time it was at Royal Birkdale in 2017. Scheffler is the +750 favorite (risk $100 to win $750) in the latest 2026 Open Championship odds. McIlroy is next on the PGA odds board this week at +950.

Englishmen Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick are among the other top contenders at +1500, with Jon Rahm (+2000), Xander Schauffele (+2500) and Robert MacIntyre (+2700) the only other golfers going off lower than +3000. Before locking in any 2026 Open Championship picks, be sure to see the 2026 British Open predictions and projected leaderboard from the proven computer model at SportsLine.

Paramount+ Premium is now included with every SportsLine membership! Watch the NFL on CBS, UFC, select PGA events, Champions League and more than 40,000 episodes and movies. Join right here to get both for one low price.

SportsLine’s proprietary model, built by DFS pro Mike McClure, simulated every PGA Tour event 10,000 times and reveals golf betting picks that have a history of being extremely profitable. 

This same model has also nailed a whopping 17 majors entering the weekend, including the 2026 Masters — its fifth Masters in a row — as well as last year’s PGA Championship and Open Championship. Anyone who has followed its sports betting picks could have seen massive returns on betting sites. 

Now that the 2026 Open Championship field is set, the model simulated the tournament 10,000 times, and the results were surprising. Head to SportsLine now to see the projected leaderboard.

Visit our DraftKings promo code review to see their latest offers and get started.

2026 Open Championship predictions 

One major surprise the model is calling for at the Open Championship 2026: Fleetwood, who is tied for the third-lowest odds on the board at +1500, stumbles and doesn’t finish in the top 5. He’s a golfer to fade in Open Championship best bets. Fleetwood has a pair of top-5 finishes at the Open Championship, but also missed the cut in 2024 and finished outside the top 10 last year. He finished 27th the last time this event was at the Royal Birkdale. With no finishes better than T11 in any major this year, the model has found better values on the board. See who else to fade here. 

Another surprise: Ludvig Aberg is a top-3 contender on the projected leaderboard despite never having won a major and having longer odds at +3300. This will be just his third British Open appearance, but he finished in the top 25 in this event last year. He’s also been steady at the majors this year, which was highlighted by a T4 finish at the PGA Championship. He’s one of the best drivers in both distance and accuracy on tour right now, and that quality alone makes him a top contender at Royal Birkdale. See who else to pick here. 

New to sports trading? Visit our Kalshi promo code review to see their latest offers and get started. 

How to make 2026 Open Championship picks

The model is also targeting several longshots, including one shocking pick who is going off around 50-1. You can only see the model’s picks here. 

Who will win the 2026 Open Championship, and which longshots will stun the golfing world? Check out the 2026 Open Championship odds below and then visit SportsLine to see the projected leaderboard, all from the model that’s nailed 17 golf majors, including three in 2025.

2026 Open Championship odds, field

Get full 2026 Open Championship picks, best bets and predictions here.
(odds via FanDuel and subject to change)

Scottie Scheffler +750
Rory McIlroy +950
Tommy Fleetwood +1500
Matt Fitzpatrick +1500
Jon Rahm +2000
Xander Schauffele +2500
Robert MacIntyre +2700
Viktor Hovland +3000
Chris Gotterup +3300
Tyrrell Hatton +3300
Ludvig Åberg +3300
Justin Rose +3300
Wyndham Clark +3500
Collin Morikawa +3500
Cameron Young +3500
Si Woo Kim +4000
Shane Lowry +4500
Russell Henley +4500
Justin Thomas +4500
Tom Kim +4500
Sam Burns +4500
Patrick Reed +5000
Min Woo Lee +5500
Joaquin Niemann +5500
Patrick Cantlay +5500
Aaron Rai +6000
Alex Fitzpatrick +6000
JJ Spaun +6500
Bryson DeChambeau +6500
Brooks Koepka +7000
Hideki Matsuyama +7000
Harris English +8000
Ben Griffin +8000
Rickie Fowler +10000
Maverick McNealy +10000
Brian Harman +10000
Jordan Spieth +10000
Adam Scott +10000
Nicolai Højgaard +10000
Kurt Kitayama +10000
Ryan Gerard +10000
Keegan Bradley +10000
Akshay Bhatia +10000
Kristoffer Reitan +10000
Alex Noren +10000
Corey Conners +12500
Tom McKibbin +12500
Eugenio Chacarra +12500
Matt Wallace +12500
Cameron Smith +12500
Victor Perez +12500
Alex Smalley +15000
Bud Cauley +15000
Jordan Smith +15000
Ryan Fox +15000
J.T. Poston +15000
Sepp Straka +17500
Jacob Bridgeman +17500
Jake Knapp +17500
Sahith Theegala +17500
Marco Penge +17500
Max Homa +17500
Andrew Novak +17500
Thomas Detry +17500
Michael Kim +17500
Casey Jarvis +17500
Nick Taylor +17500
Harry Hall +17500
Keith Mitchell +17500
Jason Day +17500
Gary Woodland +17500
Eric Cole +17500
Johnny Keefer +17500
Michael Thorbjornsen +17500
David Puig +22500
Sungjae Im +22500
John Parry +22500
Pierceson Coody +22500
Haotong Li +22500
Rasmus Højgaard +22500
Sam Stevens +22500
Laurie Canter +22500
Max Greyserman +22500
Angel Ayora +22500
Ryo Hisatsune +22500
Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen +22500
Aldrich Potgieter +22500
Sami Valimaki +25000
Jayden Schaper +25000
Lucas Herbert +25000
Michael Brennan +25000
Nico Echavarria +25000
Matthew Jordan +25000
Matt Mccarty +25000
Stewart Cink +25000
Hennie du Plessis +35000
Daniel Hillier +35000
Billy Horschel +35000
Jackson Suber +35000
Scott Vincent +35000
Daniel Berger +35000
Daniel Brown +35000
Bernd Wiesberger +35000
Jesper Svensson +50000
Shaun Norris +50000
Keita Nakajima +50000
Andy Sullivan +50000
Francesco Molinari +50000
Padraig Harrington +75000
Kazuma Kobori +75000
Adrien Saddier +75000
Francesco Laporta +75000
Antoine Rozner +75000
Jose Luis Ballester +75000
Joe Dean +75000
Peter Uihlein +100000
Alejandro De Castro Piera +100000
Kota Kaneko +100000
Nevill Ruiter +100000
Matthew Southgate +100000
Baard Bjoernevik Skogen +100000
Travis Smyth +100000
Dan Bradbury +100000
Naoyuki Kataoka +100000
MJ Daffue +100000
Marcus Plunkett +100000
Cameron John +100000
Tiger Christensen +100000
Ryutaro Nagano +100000
Jeong Woo Ham +100000
Lev Grinberg +100000
Martin Couvra +100000
Jack Buchanan +100000
Joakim Lagergren +100000
Frederic Lacroix +100000
Stuart Grehan +100000
Matthew Baldwin +100000
Kazuki Higa +100000
Sam Bairstow +100000
Darren Clarke +100000
Fifa Laopakdee +100000
David Duval +100000
Mason Howell +100000
Ren Yonezawa +100000
Jiho Yang +100000
James Nicholas +100000
Michael Hollick +100000
David Howard +100000
Mateo Pulcini +100000
Henrik Stenson +100000
Tim Wiedemeyer +100000
Jack McDonald +100000
Caleb Surratt +100000
Alistair Docherty +100000
Austen Truslow +100000
Tom Sloman +100000

Manny Pacquiao’s team have provided further insight into the boxing legend’s plans over the coming months, confirming that the Filipino icon is expected to fight again before his proposed rematch with Floyd Mayweather in 2027.

Pacquiao returned to professional boxing in 2025 after almost four years away, battling then WBC champion Mario Barrios to a majority draw in a bid to break his own record as the oldest welterweight world champion in history.

Since then, much of the attention has centred around a second meeting with long-time rival Mayweather, though that blockbuster has now been delayed until next year because of contractual and legal issues on the American’s side.

Rather than remain inactive, however, Pacquiao intends to step back into the ring before then.

Speaking at a recent press conference, Manny Pacquiao Promotions CEO Jas Mathur confirmed that the 46-year-old is still expected to fight before the end of the year.

“That’s the plan. There is a plan to have a fight for this year and then to roll into next year for the big [Mayweather] fight. Everybody wants to see Floyd and Manny one more time. That’s what’s going to break all records. That’s what’s going to be the most viewed event again, in today’s streaming era.”

Mathur then expanded on those plans, revealing that Pacquiao’s team are currently exploring several options, with an exhibition appearing the most likely outcome.

“We’re working on a few different fights right now for him. Presently there’s likely going to be an exhibition that we’re trying to put together in the fourth quarter of this year. Nobody is set, no opponent is set in stone yet. We’re still working on that.”

No opponent has been confirmed, although former WBO super-lightweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov may remain a possibility. The pair had previously been expected to meet in an exhibition earlier this year before those plans failed to materialise, leaving the door open to a potential rescheduling if terms can be agreed.

Should Pacquiao return before the end of the year, it would serve as the final step in his preparations for the long-awaited Mayweather rematch, which both camps continue to target for 2027.

HKJC Worldpool Fillies’ Handicap (Class 2) (14.15, Newmarket)

I think there’s a very interesting runner here in MACHADADORP, who represents the Andrew Balding team. True Test heads the market on betting sites and will find this a significantly easier test than some she’s faced recently.

I respect her chance, while Song N Dance, who I sided with at Ascot last time out, comes here fresh after a couple of months off and although she is more exposed than the selection, she may still have some more improvement in her.

However, the patter comment appears to be more likely with regard to the selection, who is a Mehmas filly who ran green over 1m on her debut at Ascot but has come on nicely since.

Next up she went to Chester and picked up a fillies’ maiden (7f, good) with a bit in hand and she confirmed that theory when taking another good step forward at Wetherby last time (7f, good to firm), when she had to fight to defy a penalty but did so.

Given who she’s handled by, further improvement on her handicap debut appears more than likely. She’ll need some on what she’s achieved but I think her initial mark of 86 looks reasonably fair and she should be bang there at the business end.

Weatherbys Handicap (Class 2) (14.52, Newmarket)

Moonfall heads the market for this after his Britannia Stakes win at Royal Ascot (1m, good to firm) for which George Boughey’s gelding has gone up 7lb. That rise far from rules him out in this, as he continues to progress.

However, better handicapped on his first start in this sphere may be ALFARAZ, who just like in the previous race, is an Andrew Balding-trained runner who could make a splash on entering this phase of his career.

The Nathaniel colt had shown some promise during his first four starts, without winning any of them but he put that right when heading here last time a winning a C&D (good to firm) novice event, beating a couple of other promising types, including the odds-on favourite.

On that evidence, this initial mark of 88 suggests he could be well treated on his return to the track and at the prices, he looks very interesting and worth an each-way play.

Eklleem, another handicap newcomer, and Wechaad are others who could make their presence felt.

Betway Bunbury Cup (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) (15.25, Newmarket)

A cracking contest in store for this year’s Bunbury Cup and there are plenty in with chances.

Royal Zabeel arrives in great nick after winning here last week but a 6lb penalty does make him look vulnerable and his price reflects that. Back In Black is one to note in the market, while don’t discount Colombier or Physique at longer prices on racing betting sites.

However, I’m zoning in on Royal Ascot form for this, as we have the Buckingham Palace Stakes second ELARAK and third Great Acclaim. Both ran cracking races when I went with the latter in that event, when all the first four came from high draws.

Elarak led inside the final furlong but Mezcala came to nab him, while Great Acclaim stuck on well. In context, Elarak probably ran a slightly better race at the weights. He’s also still improving and if he can repeat that effort here, he could take some stopping. He’s up just 3lb and I like his chance.

John Smith’s Cup (Class 2) (15.45, York)

Another really good renewal of this annual conundrum on the Knavesmire and I couldn’t resist having another go at solving it.

As ever, there are numerous chances and several that look plotted up. One that I think will run a huge race at double-figure odds is HAND OF GOD, who is a lightly-campaigned five-year-old trained by Harry Charlton.

He had a crack at this last year when he went off at just 7/1 on betting apps from stall nine but after being handy he backed out quickly and recorded his worst effort for some time.

I’m hoping that was just a one-off as it’s quite difficult not to handle this lovely flat, galloping track and it’s noted that he was put away after last year’s race and didn’t return to the racecourse until April.

He made a step back in the right direction at Newbury that day (1m, good), when beaten just over 3l and then bounced right back with a career-best effort to win a Class 3 event going away by 2l (1m2f, good).

A fair bit might depend on how he starts here because he’s drawn in stall one but if Lewis Edmunds can get him out, he’s got the shortest route to travel and that latest Newbury win suggests he may still be well treated after a 5lb rise has taken him to a mark of 101.

He’s only had 10 starts and I think there could be more to come from him, so I’m going to play to relatively small stakes in this big field and hope he can erase the memory of last year’s effort.

Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai July Cup Stakes (Group 1) (16.35, Newmarket)

One of the feature sprints of the season has not disappointed in terms of its line-up, with a stellar field turning up, including last year’s close second Big Mojo, plus three winners and a second from some of the big sprints at Royal Ascot.

You’ll recall I sided with both Venetian Sun and Satano Reve in their respective races there but this time I am going to take both on with an each-way play on MISSION CENTRAL, who may have what it takes to follow-up his King Charles III Stakes (5f, good to firm) success.

We already know that Aidan O’Brien’s three-year-old gets this trip as he’s a three-time winner over it. He proved he can handle quick ground at Royal Ascot, when I felt the way he ran would suit this contest.

He was prominent early but lost that position before doing his best work late on, which was perhaps to be expected. The return to further should, therefore, be a boon and I think he’s at the least good enough to make the frame, perhaps win it.

Venetian Sun won the Commonwealth Cup in fine style and she’s a major threat again, those a closer inspection of the figures suggest that the selection’s win at the same meeting was a few pounds better and yet she’s a shorter price. For that reason, I am taking her on but have huge respect for her in doing so.

Almeraq just had the measure of Satano Reve in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, much to my frustration that day and it would be no surprise if either of that pair proved good enough here, given the run of the race. It’s a fascinating contest and one to look forward to.

It is important to practice safer gambling online, and regulated bookmakers can help bettors stay in control of their betting through their detailed safer gambling hubs.

As you’ll find on all UKGC licensed gambling sites, there is a range of tools available such as deposit limits, profit and loss calculators, reality checks and self-exclusion options.

If necessary, there is also a product block available.

These tools will be available on all regulated betting sites, casino sites, slot sites, bingo sites and poker sites.

If you need to seek help for a gambling problem, there are various charities that can help if you ever feel your gambling has got out of hand:

We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Lisandro Martínez was seen holding a banner reading “The Falkland Islands are Argentinian” after Argentina’s controversial 2-1 World Cup semi-final win over England, drawing widespread angry reactions from fans

Advertisement

Argentina marked their victory over England at the World Cup in contentious fashion, with players retrieving a banner from fans in the stands that declared: “The Falkland Islands are Argentinian.”

Manchester United’s Lisandro Martínez was pictured holding the banner, alongside former Spurs midfielder Giovanni Lo Celso. The banner appeared to mirror the sentiments of Argentinian President Javier Milei, who stated in a post earlier this year that the islands “were, are and will always be Argentine.”

Argentina contests British sovereignty over the islands, referring to them as Las Malvinas. The political dispute over the territory erupted into armed conflict in 1982.

The war lasted 74 days before concluding with an Argentine surrender.

A referendum held in 2013 saw islanders vote decisively to remain a UK overseas territory, yet tensions surrounding the islands had been steadily mounting in recent years, reports the Daily Star.

Argentina vice-president Victoria Villarruel stoked the flames ahead of the fixture with a post on X, writing: “This is not just another match. I’m not going to be politically correct – against the English, it’s always something more.Long live Argentina! Because until our very last breath, we will reclaim what is ours.”

Advertisement

Prior to kick-off, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni insisted he was “not going to mix” politics and football, yet his players clearly had other ideas. A section of Argentina supporters were labelled “disgusting” after booing England’s national anthem ahead of their semi-final clash.

England’s anthem was played first but was met with jeers from the Argentine contingent in Atlanta, triggering a wave of furious reactions across social media.

Argentina’s victory came after Lautaro Martinez struck in the 92nd minute in a devastating blow for England supporters, securing a 2-1 win. The result means Argentina will now take on European champions Spain in Monday’s final.

England had been on course to reach their first World Cup final since 1966. But once again, it appears football will not be coming home.

The fierce and long-standing hostility between England and Argentina runs far deeper than the sport itself, with its most intense modern origins rooted in the Falklands War of 1982. This brief yet bloody military conflict over a disputed territory in the South Atlantic Ocean fundamentally altered the diplomatic ties between the two nations, permanently embedding heavy political and nationalistic undertones into their future sporting encounters, reports the Express.

Over the course of 74 days, the armed forces of both countries engaged in fierce, close-quarters battles on land, in the air and at sea, enduring punishing weather conditions throughout. The bitter fighting finally drew to a close on June 14 1982, when the remaining Argentine forces formally surrendered at Port Stanley.

On the football pitch, this geopolitical tension manifested itself during the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, where Diego Maradona’s notorious “Hand of God” goal and his breathtaking individual strike knocked out an incensed England team. They have met numerous times on the world stage since, including a dramatic penalty shootout triumph for Argentina in 1998 and a tight 1-0 group stage success for England in 2002, firmly establishing the fixture as one of international football’s most intensely disputed rivalries.

Jude Bellingham appeared to slap Argentina defender Valentin Barco after England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, sparking a flashpoint in the ugly post-match scenes in Atlanta

England star Jude Bellingham appeared to strike Argentina defender Valentin Barco following England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. Tempers boiled over after the full-time whistle as the Real Madrid midfielder had to be pulled away from the confrontation.

The Three Lions surrendered a one-goal advantage to the reigning champions after Anthony Gordon opened the scoring in the second-half. The new Barcelona signing broke the deadlock but England slowly slipped back and Argentina’s pressure eventually told thanks to goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.

As Argentina rejoiced in the centre of the pitch, the Real Madrid midfielder seemed to hit the Strasbourg defender, sparking another flashpoint in a bad-tempered encounter. There were unsavoury scenes in Atlanta as playmaker Morgan Rogers had to be pulled away from the scuffle.

Barco, an unused substitute in the semi-final, was spotted celebrating with his delighted team-mates when Bellingham seemed to make contact with the full-back’s head. Though, there is no suggestion of what provoked the midfielder’s reaction.

Thomas Tuchel’s team had gone ahead after Anthony Gordon opened the scoring, however, England retreated, allowing pressure from Argentina. Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez found the net to seal the turnaround and secure their spot in Sunday’s final against Spain.

BBC Sport co-commentator and former England captain Alan Shearer said: “I think the best team won. You can’t complain about that, you’ve got to be open and honest about it, their reaction was magnificent.”, reports the Mirror.

“They hit the post a couple of times, England got lucky. But how they didn’t panic, stuck to their gameplan, believed in what they were doing, and they did it. The substitutions worked, you have to admire, respect the way they came back into the game.

“They deserve to be in the final on Sunday, as much as it hurts me to say.”

Advertisement

There were tears from the Argentinians after staging yet another dramatic escape, having navigated tricky encounters with Cape Verde, Egypt and Switzerland on their way to the final. Lionel Scaloni’s side required extra-time to overcome both African nations and capitalised on a numerical advantage to dispatch the Swiss.

England attempted to protect their narrow lead with Tuchel making substitutions and choosing to stifle the defending champions. Argentina responded with a succession of attacking replacements, and a rapid-fire double completely transformed the semi-final.

The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss could face scrutiny for his decision to adopt a defensive approach with just 15 minutes remaining. Wayne Rooney felt England invited the pressure upon themselves and were left to regret the final 25 minutes.

He said: “When you’re in a fight, you have to stay on top. We go one-nil up, sit back, make changes and go six at the back, if you allow Messi to come on to you and Argentina, you’re asking for trouble.”

It means the Three Lions will contest third place, as they did at the 2018 World Cup following their semi-final defeat to Croatia, where they will face France.

England’s 2026 World Cup kits

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

Various Prices

Kitbag

Buy Now on Kitbag

England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code DEAL.

Advertisement