Another World Cup is in the books, and you know what that means: four more years of hurt, minimum, in England’s bid to replicate the triumph of 1966.
The Three Lions arrived in North America with a 26-man squad and a German coach in Thomas Tuchel, who led the England side at a major tournament for the first time. And on the face of it, a semi-final run (just the fourth in England’s World Cup history) was an admirable effort, with no shame in losing to reigning champions Argentina.
Jordan Pickford – 7/10: No howlers, but not the clean-sheet assuredness we’ve seen in tournaments gone by. In fact, Pickford leaked at least a goal in five of his seven matches and could have done better for DR Congo’s goal and Enzo Fernandez’s equaliser for Argentina. That being said, his performance against Mexico was one of his best, if not his very best, in an England shirt.
Dean Henderson – 5: How about that for a World Cup debut? The Palace stopper was handed his chance in the third-place play-off but conceded four goals to a rampant France in the second-half. In his defence, every goal was a sumptuous finish.
James Trafford – N/A: Didn’t feature at all and, deep down, probably a bit miffed he didn’t get the nod over Henderson on Saturday. However, hard to argue when you’ve been a No 2 all season. He’ll be targeting the No 1 jersey for Euro 2028 but, first, he’ll need to find a No 1 jersey in the Premier League.
Jordan Pickford only kept two clean sheets in seven games (PA)
Reece James – 6: Such a figure of frustration. When fit and available, his quality is unquestionable, both on the ball with his passing (as shown in his midfield stints) and off the ball with his strong defensive efforts. However, a hamstring issue reared its head and he missed three of England’s eight matches at a crucial time of the tournament.
Jarell Quansah – 3: Tough tournament debut. Trusted at right-back in James’ absence against Mexico, he looked assured until lunging in and receiving a red card. His subsequent two-game ban was a big blow for Tuchel amid a crisis at right-back. And, in hindsight, it was a completely needless lunge-in.
Advertisement
Djed Spence – 7: What a topsy-turvy tournament for the Tottenham defender. Down in the doldrums after a poor display against DR Congo, Spence looked brilliant as a substitute against Mexico and Norway before that starry-eyed display versus Argentina – and that tackle. His pacey recoveries bring back memories of a certain Kyle Walker.
Ezri Konsa – 6: A starter in every match apart from the semi-final against Argentina shows the trust Tuchel placed in the versatile Aston Villa defender. Grew into the tournament after a nervy start against Croatia and deserved his goal against France. Could he have been a bit sharper on an unmarked Lautaro Martinez in stoppage time against Argentina? Perhaps.
John Stones – 6: Looked really rusty against Croatia but, again, grew into the tournament as he played more. A real leader in that England dressing room too, with 94 caps to his name. And we’ll always have that “shoulder injury” dance video….
Trevoh Chalobah: – N/A: Came on in the 93rd minute against France for his only minutes of the tournament. A somewhat odd replacement for wing-back Tino Livramento, it never looked likely that Chalobah would be properly called upon.
Advertisement
Marc Guehi – 7: Oddly dropped for the opener, Guehi then featured from the Ghana game onwards and grabbed the mantle of England’s most accomplished defender. In particular, his nullifying of Man City teammate Erling Haaland set England on their way to the semis.
Dan Burn – 7: A cult figure amongst the fans, Burn’s substitute appearances against Mexico and Norway were iconic, forcefully winning headers and showing a level of passion to make any Englishman proud. And yet, substituting him on against Argentina just gave Lionel Messi and Co even more impetus at the end of the semi-final.
Dan Burn was a forceful presence off the bench (Getty)
Nico O’Reilly – 6: Dropped for the semi-final, O’Reilly was simply solid throughout. Never looked overawed by any occasion in his first tournament and built up a good understanding with Anthony Gordon on the left. Is it too harsh to say we expected a smidge more going forward given his Man City attacking exploits?
Elliot Anderson – 7: His first tournament with England and a promising start. Was not perfect, but his energy was something to admire, and there were touches of technical quality that were overlooked by many observers. A partnership with Rice would be trusty at future competitions, but is a different profile of midfielder needed (too?).
Declan Rice – 7: Struggled for full fitness as the tournament wore on, preventing him from being at his best, when England really needed him to be. However, he keeps a pretty strong rating here for his right-back stint against DR Congo and that impressive opening goal versus France.
Advertisement
Jordan Henderson – 2: Had the briefest cameo in a nothing spell of the game against Panama, then broke his wrist as an unused substitute against Mexico. Yes, all sympathy to him for that, and without going behind closed doors, we can’t speak to the value of his experience and leadership… but his place this summer was ultimately wasted on him.
Kobbie Mainoo – N/A: Didn’t play a single minute, raising questions over why he was brought at all. Bronze final versus France seemed a surefire moment for him to feature… only for a back injury to rule him out. Could his ability to hold the ball have helped against Argentina? We’ll never know.
Jude Bellingham – 9: Stepped up on so many occasions, showing once again that he is the future of this team – and already more important than Kane, whose six goals he eclipsed with an all-time, English record of seven at a major tournament. His efforts were ceaseless, although that petty streak needs watching…
Bellingham signed off with a record-breaking goal in the third-place play-off (Getty)
Morgan Rogers – 6: Showed his quality with that assist for Gordon in the semi-final, which – in another world – could have taken on huge historical importance for England. His initiative to shoot from range against Norway also led to a crucial Bellingham rebound, but these moments were the extent of his contributions, as the ‘Rogers v Bellingham’ No 10 battle never got going.
Bukayo Saka – 7: Boosted his rating with that hat-trick in the thrilling 6-4 win over France, having started the tournament well with three assists to his name. However, in the heart of England’s run, he failed to make his usual mark. That was clearly down to injury struggles, though, which at times begged the question of whether he should have even been brought to the World Cup.
Advertisement
Eberechi Eze – 5: Did well against France after getting his first start of the tournament. Before that, he did not impress as a substitute, but also wasn’t given too many chances to, given Gordon grew into the competition out left and Bellingham was exceptional through the middle.
Noni Madueke – 5: There’s a temptation to go lower here, with the Arsenal winger having been actively poor against Norway, a performance that still sticks out. His tournament peaked in the opener, as he won a spot-kick versus Croatia. However, he did work hard all summer, having been tasked with more minutes than one would’ve expected, due to Saka’s injury issues.
Harry Kane – 7: Given the captain notched another six World Cup goals, plus a crucial assist against Mexico, this rating may feel harsh. After all, he was the hero with a double against DR Congo, crucial with a brace against Croatia, and his penalty versus Mexico also proved essential. But Kane could not make an impact in the quarter-final versus Norway or the semi-final versus Argentina, and those misfires in the biggest moments cost him slightly here.
Kane (left) is running out of competitions to lift a trophy with England (PA Wire)
Ivan Toney – 3: A reflection of his lack of game time, not a lack of quality per se. He was barely given a few minutes at the end of the Argentina tie, and although he started against France, he was unable to get in on the many, many goals.
Ollie Watkins – 3: Again, a rating based on a lack of game time. Had a handful of minutes prior to the second half against France in the bronze final. Surely should have been given more opportunities to show his worth.
Advertisement
Marcus Rashford – 5: That clinical finish against Croatia, in England’s opener, promised so much. Rashford was a revelation off the bench in that game, but he failed to replicate that showing against Ghana, and both his minutes and impact dwindled as the tournament went on.
Anthony Gordon – 7: Deserves immense credit for turning his tournament around, having produced a couple of early performances that rightfully cost him his place in the starting XI. He won a penalty against Mexico and improved further to score against Argentina, a moment he should cherish as much as possible.
Jul 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco (56) reacts after retiring the side against the Miami Marlins during the fourth inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Yordan Alvarez produced his fifth multi-homer game of the season to help the Houston Astros snap a four-game skid with an 8-5 win over the visiting Miami Marlins on Monday.
Alvarez finished 3-for-4 with a pair of solo home runs. He posted his 12th three-hit game of the season and his 27th career multi-homer game to send the Marlins to their seventh straight loss.
The Marlins seized a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning against Astros right-hander Ronel Blanco, who was reinstated from the 60-day injured list to make his first start since May 17, 2025. Blanco missed 15 months due to Tommy John surgery.
His season debut was uneven. Blanco recorded eight strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings and allowed only two hits. However, Blanco issued three walks, and the two hits were two-run home runs from Joe Mack and Liam Hicks.
Mack followed a two-out walk issued to Jakob Marsee with a 409-foot blast to right field in the second. Blanco opened that frame with strikeouts of Hicks and Griffin Conine, but Mack followed Marsee by drilling a 3-2 fastball for his eighth homer of the season.
Advertisement
The Astros fashioned an immediate response against Marlins right-hander Janson Junk (4-6). Taylor Trammell ignited a six-run second inning with an RBI single that bounced into right and scored LaMonte Wade Jr. Two batters later, Lucas Spence walked to load the bases with one out for Jeremy Pena, who rallied from an 0-2 hole by delivering his second career grand slam.
Pena went the opposite way to right for his seventh homer of the season. Alvarez followed with a titanic shot into the upper deck in right-center field, his 32nd home run covering 428 feet.
Hicks shaved that 6-2 deficit in half in the fourth when he followed a leadoff walk from Xavier Edwards with his 14th home run, a 393-foot shot to right. Blanco rallied and retired the ensuing five batters, but a two-out walk to Kyle Stowers in the fifth spelled the end of his 86-pitch outing.
Advertisement
Alvarez greeted Marlins reliever Lake Bachar with a 419-foot laser to right-center leading off the fifth. Junk allowed six runs on five hits and three walks with three strikeouts over four innings.
Jose Altuve added Houston’s eighth run with a two-out single in the seventh following Isaac Paredes’ triple. Astros closer Josh Hader gave up three hits in the ninth, including Heriberto Hernandez’s run-scoring single, before locking down the win.
Team India’s tour of the United Kingdom turned out to be an absolute disaster. The assignment started with the team losing all three T20Is against Ireland. Then came the five T20Is against England, which also saw Shreyas Iyer‘s men being hammered 4-0. India hoped to bounce back in the 3 ODIs against England, but the team could only muster up a solitary win in the second match. As the BCCI does a thorough analysis of the results on the tour, head coach Gautam Gambhir‘s decision-making is being severely criticised.
Former India cricketer Sadagoppan Ramesh questioned the Gambhir-led team management’s baffling decision-making in the third ODI against England at Lord’s, asking the logic behind benching Kuldeep Yadav even when Jasprit Bumrah wasn’t playing.
“Even England employed three spinners and the wicket was dry. Yet, without Bumrah, if Kuldeep Yadav can’t fit even in this bowling lineup, what logic is there? It is clear that this team management keeps making glaring errors in the overall selection and in picking the playing 11,” he said in a video on Instagram.
Advertisement
Kuldeep is arguably India’s premier white-ball spinner. He has 194 wickets in 121 ODIs for the national team, at an average of 27.04. He didn’t get to feature in a single match against England.
Ramesh, who featured for India in 24 ODIs and 19 Tests, was impressed by the way Rohit Sharma silenced critics, who were saying his days in the Indian team were coming to an end. Rohit ended up scoring a century, albeit in a losing cause as India couldn’t reach the target of 388 runs set by England.
“Despite the immense pressure on him, Rohit Sharma produced an extraordinary knock. Yet, despite him, Gill and Kohli playing brilliantly, we always felt India would slip somewhere because of the total they were chasing. But India produced an excellent chase as the pitch was more up and down in the second innings,” said Ramesh.
Featured Video Of The Day
France vs Morocco Highlights | Mbappé Inspires France to FIFA World Cup Semifinal Victory
Jul 19, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) runs the bases after a home run hit by Seattle Mariners second baseman Cole Young (2) (not pictured) during the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez left Monday’s game after five innings against visiting Cincinnati after appearing to get hit in the left hamstring by a throw from Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz.
Rodriguez hit a chopper between third and short that De La Cruz backhanded. He double-clutched before making a throw that eluded first baseman Sal Stewart and struck Rodriguez. The Mariners’ star was credited with a run-scoring single to break a scoreless tie.
Rodriguez returned to the lineup Saturday after being on the 7-day concussion list since July 2 when he was hit in the back of the helmet by a throw while sliding into second base.
NEW YORK — Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Dennis Santana said he yelled at José Caballero for taking too long to get ready in the batter’s box, triggering a heated altercation in Monday night’s 8-5 loss to the New York Yankees.
Both benches and bullpens emptied after Caballero bounced into an inning-ending double play in the eighth. Santana got angry following the play, gesturing and shouting a few times at Caballero on the field.
“Just don’t (take) that long (at) home plate and that’s it,” Santana said when asked what he said to Caballero.
The right-hander was restrained by teammates Rafael Flores and Bryan Reynolds before order was restored after a few minutes without any punches or ejections.
Advertisement
“Dennis just got frustrated by something,” Pittsburgh manager Don Kelly said. “Thankfully it didn’t end up being a big deal.”
Since the pitch clock was implemented in 2023, hitters are required to be in the batter’s box and facing the pitcher with eight seconds remaining on the clock. Caballero was trying to wait until the last second available during his at-bat, which lasted three pitches.
“I just grounded into a double play, turning my back to the coach at first base to give my guards to him, and he was chirping at me,” Caballero said. “I was a little bit surprised about it.”
Caballero had two hits, including a two-run double, before his at-bat against Santana, who has a 6.05 ERA in 44 appearances and gave up a game-ending two-run homer to Cleveland rookie Travis Bazzana on Saturday.
Advertisement
“At this point, he’s lucky he doesn’t get a ball right away because at this point, it’s been four years with the same rules, which we all should know about the rules,” Caballero said. “The whole league should know who I am, what I do (in) the box, and they should be aware of it. For you to get mad at something that the league’s implementing — you shouldn’t be mad at me, you should be mad at someone else.”
During New York’s 8-3 win in Toronto on June 14, Caballero was issued a warning for intentionally delaying an at-bat. He was warned by plate umpire Stephen Jaschinski that he would get an automatic strike called if it happened again, and Yankees manager Aaron Boone spoke to Major League Baseball officials about it the following day.
“I know he does it every pitch. It’s his thing,” Reynolds said.
Caballero’s deliberate style in the batter’s box has periodically irked opponents, including the Yankees, who acquired him from Tampa Bay on July 31 last year.
Advertisement
As a rookie with the Seattle Mariners in June 2023, Caballero annoyed Yankees ace Gerrit Cole so much the right-hander threw a 97 mph fastball to him that landed high up on the backstop.
Cole’s pitch was in response to Caballero stepping out repeatedly during his first two plate appearances until the pitch clock was down to the eight-second requirement to be in the batter’s box and alert.
Andrea Leek is still contemplating the spring plans for Cosmic Crusader, but she is looking forward to seeing him race for the first time this Saturday.
The Group 1-winning Western Australian gelding will debut in Victoria in the $200,000 Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
The Bob and Sandra Peters-owned five-year-old gelding has joined Leek’s stable from Perth’s leading trainer Michael Grantham, who prepared Cosmic Crusader for his Northerly Stakes win last year. Leek is very pleased with the horse’s transition to his new Victorian environment.
“I think he loves it,” Leek said. “He seems very happy and we’re just looking forward to seeing what he can do on Saturday. It’s a bit short of his (best) distance, but you’ve got to start somewhere and it just looked like a nice starting point.”
Advertisement
Leek mentioned that no specific major spring target has been identified for the horse, who arrived in Victoria considered by many to be the best galloper from WA, with Peters keen to see his performance this weekend.
The son of Maurice was unable to gain a start in Perth’s most prestigious race, the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m), but was a dominant winner of the Listed Carbine Club Stakes (1400m) on the same day, followed by a victory in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) on December 6.
He then dropped back to 1400m for the Group 3 Gold Rush seven days later, where he was narrowly defeated by Victorian sprinter Rey Magnerio.
Cosmic Crusader has not raced over 1200m since winning at Ascot in October 2024, his second win from three starts at the distance. He heads into the Bletchingly Stakes off one Victorian jumpout, finishing second to Pop Award at Caulfield on July 1.
Advertisement
“He had the one jumpout at Caulfield, just to give him a look at it,” Leek stated. “I was really happy with it, very happy.”
Cosmic Crusader was one of 13 nominations for the weight-for-age Bletchingly Stakes. Potential rivals include Monash Stakes winners Winnasedge and Recommendation (the 2024 winner), the classy Zou Sensation, and Group 2-winning mare Miraval Rose.
The Bletchingly Stakes is shaping up to be a competitive affair, and punters are already checking the racing odds at various bookmakers.
Two wheelchair-bound women of indomitable spirit — one with spinal cord injury after a fall from a tree and another an amputee above knee after a bus accident in childhood — are aiming something no Indian has ever done in sport, winning a medal for the country in the upcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Minakshi Jadhav of Maharashtra and Ritu Chanu of Manipur are among the Indian quartet competing in the 3×3 wheelchair basketball event in the Glasgow Games beginning on Thursday. The other two members are Reena Gupta from Maharashtra and Laxmi Rayannavar from Karnataka.
The 3×3 wheelchair basketball event, which was introduced in the 2022 CWG in Birmingham, has three players on the field at a particular time. One player is used as substitute during the match which has a duration of 10 minutes.
Advertisement
The Indian team qualified for the CWG through the 2025 IWBF (International Wheelchair Basketball Federation) Asia-Oceania Championships in Bangkok, Thailand.
“I was a normal girl at a village in Maharashtra. But in 2012, when I was 23 years old, I fell down from a tree and injured my spinal cord. I initially didn’t know that I got spinal cord injury but later I didn’t have any sensation from my navel,” said Minakshi, the captain of the team.
“Only upper body strength was there. After some time, my injury got worse. I had to struggle in the ICU for some time.”
Minakshi left her village at Satara district and went to Mumbai to join a rehabilitation centre in Mumbai to undergo therapy. She also completed her graduation from Mumbai University.
“In 2017, I competed in my first Nationals in Hyderabad. It was very hard work. I had to manage the wheelchair. I had to do a lot of things.”
The journey to the rehabilitation centre in Mumbai proved to be a blessing for Minakshi as she met wheelchair players, including former India players, and coaches there, and she was initiated to the sport.
Advertisement
“I got to know about sports after meeting all of them. The social workers at the rehabilitation centre were themselves sportspersons. I had the support of many people. The rehabilitation centre itself helped me a lot. They helped me in sponsorship. Wheelchair Basketball Federation of India (WBFI) is also there. They supported me when in need.”
The Indian Wheelchair Basketball team was formed in due course.
“We used to play 5×5. We got a chance to play 3×3 for the first time. We will prove it by winning a medal in Glasgow. That is our target, to make the country proud.”
For Ritu Chanu, hailing from Irengbam village at Nambol in Bishnupur district of Manipur, life changed abruptly when she was seven years old due to a freak accident. She was hit by a bus coming in reverse gear.
“I was just six or seven years of age at that time,” said Chanu, who uses a clutch as her right leg has been amputated above knee.
“I have competed in three Nationals and also in the qualifying event in Thailand last year,” said Chanu, who trains at the Khuman Lampak sports complex in Imphal.
Advertisement
Despite her financial struggles, Chanu has completed her graduation and does weaving at her home in Manipur.
Asked about the financial support to pursue her sport, Chanu said, “I do weaving at home and earn a bit. I also get support from the state government. Besides, my elder sister is also there to support me.”
Wheelchair Basketball Federation of India (WBFI) President Varun Ahlawat said the team has trained well in Gwalior and hoping to win a medal in Glasgow.
“This is the first time we are qualifying for the CWG and we are aiming to win a medal in the first attempt,” he said.
WBFI vice-president Ulhas KS is accompanying the athletes to Glasgow as team leader.
Advertisement
Eight teams have been divided into two groups of four each. Each team in a group will play three matches in a round-robin format. The top two teams from each of the two groups will qualify for the semifinals.
The 3×3 wheelchair basketball events begin on July 24.
SAN FRANCISCO — Kiki Iriafen had 23 points and 12 rebounds, Shakira Austin finished with 15 points and 15 rebounds, and the Washington Mystics rallied past Golden State for a 90-82 victory Monday night to snap the Valkyries’ nine-game winning streak.
Washington trailed 80-73 with 3:32 left before closing the game on a 17-2 run. Iriafen made a short jumper with 1:41 left that put the Mystics ahead 82-80.
Kaitlyn Chen had 20 points and six assists and made a 3-pointer midway through the fourth quarter before dishing out an assist on Kiah Stokes’ three the next time down for the Valkyries, who squandered opportunities down the stretch.
Veronica Burton had 12 points and seven assists and Kayla Thornton added 15 points as the teams split two games over three days. The Valkyries lost for just the third time in their last 16.
Advertisement
Sonia Citron added 15 points and six assists for the Mystics, who lost 74-69 on Saturday night.
The physical game featured Washington rookie Cotie McMahon’s hard foul against Janelle Salaun with 1:16 to go in the third quarter. The play went to replay review and the Mystics guard received a technical for landing on Salaun’s hair with her foot.
Golden State had a nine-game winning streak snapped at Chase Center, where thousands of fans lined up starting 4.5 hours before tipoff to try for a Hello Kitty plush giveaway for the first 10,000 in the building. Hello Kitty key chains quickly sold out in the team stores.
Iriafen made 8 of 12 shots, going 5 for 7 in the first half on the way to 13 points as Washington shot 51.9% for a 36-35 lead at the break.
Advertisement
The Mystics host Las Vegas on Wednesday before the All-Star break, while the Valkyries won’t play again until after the break. Golden State visits Phoenix on July 29.
Returning to competitive swimming after taking a break due to a severe ‘burnout’ post the Paris Olympics, veteran Indian swimmer Sajan Prakash believes that understanding the critical role of rest and recovery has been the defining pillar of his comeback as he set his sights on the podium finish at the Commonwealth Games, starting in Glasgow on Thursday, and Asian Games in September.
Prakash, 32, has qualified for both the Commonwealth Games and the upcoming Asian Games, set to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, by breaching the Swimming Federation of India’s qualification mark in the men’s 200m butterfly event. He recently reached Glasgow after finishing extensive training camps in Edinburgh and Sierra Nevada, Spain.
“I would like to say that athletes, when they are training really hard and they put their heart and soul into performing and saving themselves, saving their family and bringing glory to India, they become very tolerant to pain and they don’t understand much. If they are left alone, they don’t understand what recovery is. Recovery and rest are part of training.
Advertisement
“It’s not always pushing hard. When I took the break, I understood that my body was in a big shock and I had to recover and take that rest. Sometimes as you age and as you evolve, rest is very important, a crucial part of recovery. That is also part of training. So that helped me to come back again because all I think about is swimming and I find my inner strength in swimming competitively.
“So I just felt that there are many unfinished businesses. I always wanted to be on the podium of the Commonwealth and Asian Games, and I just want to give my best effort irrespective of what the result is. I think in that case, I will fulfill my dreams,” said Prakash during a virtual interaction organised by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Having spent over two-plus decades in the pool, Prakash noted that age has necessitated a fundamental shift in how he approaches his physical workload compared to his younger years. It also comes with the awareness of how tight the field will be at the Commonwealth Games.
“I’ve swam for almost 26 plus years now. I’m 32 years old and at every stage of life, I think we experience different things, adapt to the newer challenges and adjust to the modules. The same goes for anybody in anything in life and different sports have different programs, models.
Advertisement
“So what I did 10 years ago, I was 22 years old, my body’s capacity and adaptations and recovery is in a much better place and 10 years later, here I am. I’ve done most of the work with endurance and aerobic buildups and the foundation is already built, now it’s just a stepping stone on understanding what’s necessary and what’s my weakness and be more specific to that one event.
“Going to the Commonwealth Games, it’s going to be only a fraction of seconds which will decide whether I’ll be on the podium or not. So we know those challenges and we have to just work on those minute changes as over the period, you need to adapt and evolve as an athlete,” he added.
Prakash’s post-burnout return also saw him form an unexpected partnership with former teammate and Asian Games medallist Sandeep Sejwal, who is now serving as his coach. Sejwal remains the last Indian swimmer to stand on a multi-sporting event podium.
“He’s been in this field and Indian sports for many years. He understands the challenges faced locally and then he has better advice to give because he has been in the sport for long and we work together on what specific programmes I have.
Advertisement
“I just completely would say I am on a different training program altogether, focusing only on the 200-metre butterfly. so. It’s more technical. I can’t explain everything in one sitting, so technically we are in a different program working towards one specific event,” he added.
When asked about his future after the upcoming major events are over, Prakash signed off by talking about his two current aims; being in the present and achieving a podium finish. “I had a tough time, there was so much fatigue and burnout, and I’m in a better position now with health and performance.
“I don’t want to comment on that (if it’s his swansong) right now because I want to take one step at a time and see how this Commonwealth and the Asian Games goes and decide after all of this. But whenever we give a final push, we give our best effort. That’s what I’m aiming for now.”
Watch the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games live and exclusive on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV.
Advertisement
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
UK & Norway PM Sport Football Jerseys Ahead Of England, Norway Quarterfinal Clash
Fox News chief correspondent Jonathan Hunt reports on Spain winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina in a match at New York New Jersey Stadium on ‘The Big Weekend Show.’
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Advertisement
Spain’s World Cup Final hero, Ferran Torres, decided to celebrate the country’s victory on Monday with a nod to President Donald Trump.
As tens of thousands of Spaniards welcomed home their World Cup-winning team during a victory parade, Torres, who scored the winning goal in the 106th minute to beat Argentina at New York/New Jersey Stadium, was seen wearing a “Make Spain Great Again” hat – an adaptation of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.
Torres posted a picture with the mob of Spain faithful while on a vehicle, while donning the hat and no shirt.
Ferran Torres of Spain celebrates with his medal after the team’s victory over Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on July 19, 2026.(Michael Regan/FIFA)
While it could simply be a coincidence that Torres decided to choose that hat for his celebration fit, Trump did present the World Cup trophy to Spain captain Rodrí and the rest of the team on the pitch after their victory.
Trump had been taking in the suspenseful final , which Spain dominated throughout, alongside First Lady Melania Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, among others.
The match was on its way to a penalty shootout had it not been for Torres’ efforts to finally get one past Argentina’s stellar goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who needed to make miraculous saves just to keep the scoreboard deadlocked at zero apiece.
Advertisement
But when Nico Williams Jr.’s header was dropped back in the box following a cross, Torres had a grade-A chance to net the ball that landed right at his left foot. He didn’t disappoint.
Spain’s Ferran Torres (7) scores their first goal during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
“I think in the end the goal came from 47 million people [the estimated Spain population], not just those of us that are here,” Torres told FIFA host broadcasters after the match, via ESPN. “Today destiny was written, it was made for us to win. We’re far from our people today but we tried to be as close as possible to them.”
It was just the second time Spain had made it to the World Cup Final, but just as they did in 2010, they left with trophy in hand and were prepared to go celebrate with the masses back home.
When the final whistle blew on Sunday, there was some controversy, as brawls broke out on the pitch between Argentina and Spain players, which FIFA will be investigating.
Advertisement
Ferran Torres of Spain celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.(Michael Regan/FIFA)
But back home, especially in Madrid, the capital of Spain, it was a party that started late at night and hasn’t stopped since.
Torres and the rest of his teammates will be sure to soak in this wonderful moment before they all head back to their respective clubs to begin their seasons in the coming months.
Venue: Tennis Stadium Kitzbuhel, Kitzbuhel, Austria
Advertisement
Category: ATP 250
Surface: Clay
Prize Money: €612,620
Live Telecast: USA – Tennis Channel | UK – Sky Sports | Canada – TSN+
Advertisement
Sebastian Baez vs Miomir Kecmanovic preview
Sebastian Baez at the Monte-Carlo Masters 2026. (Source: Getty)
Sebastian Baez will face Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round of the Generali Open 2026.
Baez made a strong start to the season. He won all of his singles ties at the United Cup even though his team bowed out in the quarterfinals. His winning ways continued until he lost to Jakub Mensik in the final of the ASB Classic. However, he lost in the second round of the Australian Open.
Semifinal appearances in Buenos Aires and Santiago were his best results during the South American clay swing. He made the third round of the Indian Wells Masters upon his return to hardcourts, and then lost in the first round of the Miami Open.
Advertisement
Baez won only three matches during the European clay swing and lost in the first round of the French Open as well. His woes continued with a first-round exit from Wimbledon. He went out in the quarterfinals of last week’s Nordea Open in Bastad.
A quarterfinal showing in Dallas, followed by a semifinal finish in Acapulco, were Kecmanovic’s best efforts during the hardcourt swing. He was eliminated in the second round of the Italian Open and the French Open, his best results during the clay swing.
After a quarterfinal exit from the Mallorca Championships, Kecmanovic pushed Jannik Sinner to five sets during their first-round showdown at Wimbledon but came up short in the end. He lost in the second round of the Swiss Open last week.
Sebastian Baez vs Miomir Kecmanovic head-to-head
Kecmanovic leads their rivalry 3-0. He won their previous meeting at the French Open 2025 in five sets.
Advertisement
Sebastian Baez vs Miomir Kecmanovic odds
Player
Moneyline
Handicap Bets
Total Games
Miomir Kecmanovic
-135
+1.5 (-350)
Over 22.5 (-110)
Sebastian Baez
+105
-1.5 (+220)
Under 22.5 (-130)
(Odds via BetMGM)
Sebastian Baez vs Miomir Kecmanovic prediction
Miomir Kecmanovic at Wimbledon 2026. (Source: Getty)
Baez has put together a 19-16 record this season, with a 9-11 record on clay. Clay used to be the most fruitful part of his season. However, if he loses his opener in Kitzbuhel, he could end up with his worst clay season since 2021. He went 1-1 on the surface back then, although that was before his breakthrough.
Kecmanovic has compiled a 3-6 record on clay this year, and a 12-18 record overall. He won his maiden career title in Kitzbuhel in 2020. This will be his first appearance at the tournament since then.
Kecmanovic has a total of five wins on the clay since the start of 2025. One of those wins was a five-set epic against Baez at the French Open. However, considering the Serb’s poor record on clay over the past year, this could be Baez’s best opportunity to finally score a win in this rivalry.
Pick: Sebastian Baez to win in three sets.
Advertisement
Sebastian Baez vs Miomir Kecmanovic betting tips
Tip 1: The match will have at least 26 games.
Tip 2: Baez to win at least one set with a score of 6-4.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login