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FIFA World Cup 2026: Jude Bellingham scripts history, becomes youngest European to … | Football News

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FIFA World Cup 2026: Jude Bellingham scripts history, becomes youngest European to ...
England’s Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring his side’s 3rd goal. (AP Photo)

England midfielder Jude Bellingham continued his remarkable rise on the international stage by becoming the youngest European player to feature in four major tournaments, capping the milestone with a goal in the Three Lions’ thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener.The 22-year-old star etched his name into the record books once again, surpassing Germany’s Jamal Musiala to become the youngest men’s player from Europe to appear in four major international tournaments — the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship combined.

Bellingham rewrites European record books

Bellingham, aged 22 years and 353 days, reached the landmark after previously representing England at UEFA Euro 2020, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany.His latest appearance added another chapter to an already extraordinary career that began when he made his England debut at just 17 years and 136 days, making him the third-youngest player ever to represent the Three Lions behind Theo Walcott and Wayne Rooney.The Real Madrid midfielder moved ahead of Musiala (23 years, 108 days) in the all-time list, with Spain’s Pedri and Belgium’s Jeremy Doku also among the youngest players to reach four major tournaments.Youngest European players to play in four major tournaments

  • Jude Bellingham (England): 22y 353d
  • Jamal Musiala (Germany): 23y 108d
  • Pedri (Spain): 23y 202d
  • Jérémy Doku (Belgium): 24y 19d
  • Michael Owen (England): 24y 182d
  • Lukas Podolski (Germany): 25y 9d

Goal seals memorable night against Croatia

Bellingham’s historic achievement came on a night when England produced one of the most entertaining performances of the opening round. Harry Kane struck twice before second-half goals from Bellingham and Marcus Rashford sealed a 4-2 victory over Croatia in Group L.The midfielder’s contribution underlined his growing importance to Thomas Tuchel’s side, with Bellingham insisting that wearing the England shirt comes with immense responsibility.“It’s my responsibility to my team and my country to give everything I have when I cross the line and when I wear that badge on the front, that No. 10 on the back, I want to give everything I have, with and without the ball, to the team,” Bellingham said.

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Eyes on another milestone

Despite a demanding club campaign, Bellingham said he always finds extra motivation when representing England.“It’s been a long season for me. I’ve probably missed more camps than I would have liked, more training than I would have liked, but I like to think I’ve always got something in me where I know when it comes to this time, I’ll step up for my team,” he added.Bellingham could bring up his 50th England cap when the Three Lions face Ghana next.

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6 golf deals worth buying right now

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Need to refresh your golf shirts, upgrade your accessories, or better, find a last-minute Father’s Day gift without draining your wallet? You’re in luck. PGA Tour Superstore is currently loaded with deep discounts on everything from golf shoes and polos to GPS devices and golf balls.

The best part? These aren’t leftover products that nobody wanted. Many of the biggest markdowns are on premium brands and some of our favorite gear.

We dug through the sale section and found six deals that really stood out not just because of the savings, but because we’d actually buy them ourselves. Whether you’re looking to add a little style to your summer golf lineup or save big on tech that can help your game, now is a great time to grab something on sale.

Here are some of our favorite items that are on sale right now:

Puma Phantomcat Nitro Golf Shoe

Puma’s Phantomcat Nitro (best shoe name ever?) isn’t just another golf shoe, it’s a glimpse into the future. Featuring the brand’s innovative Nitro Foam cushioning and new Flexspike technology, the Phantomcat delivers lightweight comfort, responsive performance and exceptional traction in a sleek, modern package. A waterproof upper and supportive insole round out a design built to perform in all conditions. They look great with shorts, too.

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1 Thing We Really Like:
The Nitro Foam cushioning provides sneaker-like comfort without sacrificing stability during the swing. And who doesn’t like a 67% discount?

All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team.
If you buy a linked product,
GOLF.COM may earn a fee. Pricing may vary.

Puma Phantomcat Nitro Golf Shoe

A next-generation golf shoe that combines comfort with cutting-edge traction.

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TravisMathew Featherweight Deco Men’s Golf Polo Shirt

Combining a modern geometric-stripe design with TravisMathew’s incredibly soft Featherweight fabric, this polo delivers premium comfort and as all TM shirts do, fits incredibly well. Lightweight, stretchy and easy to wear, it’s finished with the brand’s signature collar for a polished look.

1 thing we really like: It’s a lightweight performance polo that still feels premium. And, TM shirts last a long time.

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A close-up of a man wearing a light gray, short-sleeve polo shirt with a subtle, dark geometric pattern and an embroidered logo on the chest. The shirt has a collar, two buttons, and he’s also sporting the best golf smartwatch on his wrist.
A man with short brown hair and a beard wears a light grey, short-sleeve polo shirt with a subtle dotted pattern and black pants, standing against a plain white background, ready to pair his look with the best golf smartwatch.

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TravisMathew Featherweight Deco Men’s Golf Polo Shirt

A lightweight performance polo that delivers exceptional comfort with elevated everyday style.

Blue Tees PlayMaker+ Golf GPS Watch

The Blue Tees PlayMaker+ GPS Golf Watch packs premium features into a lightweight and minimal design. With more than 42,000 preloaded courses, a vibrant AMOLED touchscreen and advanced tools like shot tracking, hazard mapping, scorekeeping and Green View, it delivers everything golfers need to play well, without the fuss of advanced features that many golfers don’t use anyway.

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1 thing we really like: The bright AMOLED touchscreen is incredibly easy to read, even in direct sunlight.

A black smartwatch with a colorful digital display showing the number 185, abstract shapes in green, blue, and white, and two buttons labeled +12 and 10—an ideal pick for those seeking the best golf smartwatch.
Three black smartwatches, including the best golf smartwatch, display golf-related screens such as distance to the hole, a course map with yardage, and water hazard details, all set against a plain white background.
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Blue Tees PlayMaker+ Golf GPS Watch

A feature-packed GPS golf watch that combines premium technology with ease-of-use.

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Bushnell Wingman Mini Golf GPS Speaker

The Bushnell Wingman Mini packs premium sound and on-course GPS functionality into a compact, portable speaker that’s perfect for walkers and riders alike. Featuring audible front, center, and back green distances from more than 38,000 courses worldwide, the Wingman Mini keeps you informed while also streaming your favorite music. It also comes with Bushnell’s popular BITE magnetic cart mount, a waterproof design, and up to 10 hours of battery life.

1 thing we really like: A compact Bluetooth speaker that combines quality audio with convenient audible GPS yardages? Talk about a win-win. And, the BITE magnet is super strong.

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Bushnell Wingman Mini Golf GPS Speaker

PGA Tour Apparel Solar Block Sleeves

Summer golf means long days in the sun, and these slip-on sleeves offer a simple way to stay protected without sacrificing comfort or excessive layering. Made from a lightweight, breathable stretch fabric with UPF 50 sun protection, they help shield your arms from harmful UV rays and actually do a decent job at keeping you cool during your round. Plus, they add a Tour-inspired look that many golfers have embraced.

1 thing we really like: Skin protection is a must these days and these are a great way to keep your arms protected. At this low price, why not grab two sets?

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A box of PGA Tour Solar Block Sleeves featuring an image of two white arm sleeves. The packaging highlights UV protection in both English and Spanish—a smart pick from the 5 Golf Deals Worth Buying Right Now.
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PGA Tour Apparel Solar Block Sleeves

Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls

Anytime you can snag three dozen golf balls for less than the price of one premium dozen, you should definitely consider it. Designed for golfers who prioritize feel without sacrificing distance, the Srixon Soft Feel delivers exactly what its name promises with a FastLayer Core to help generate impressive ball speeds while maintaining a soft, responsive feel. The 338 Speed Dimple Pattern promotes a higher, longer flight with excellent stability in windy conditions. Comes in five colors to choose from. Put it this way: Srixon has no business making this ball this affordable, but we’re here for it. The buy-two-dozen-get-one-free promo is a tremendous value.

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1 thing we really like: Outstanding value in a ball many amateurs (especially dads) will love.

A bright yellow Srixon golf ball with the number 1 printed in black rests against a plain white background—perfect for pairing with the best golf smartwatch to enhance your game.
A green box of Srixon Soft Feel golf balls, labeled NEW in the top left and TOUR YELLOW in the top right, with white and silver text stating Superior Soft Feel. Pair with the best golf smartwatch for longer distance.
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Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls

A soft-feeling golf ball that delivers impressive distance and dependable all-around performance.

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Deion Sanders says son Shedeur needs more help from Cleveland Browns

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NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The Cleveland Browns entered last season with one of the NFL’s more crowded quarterback rooms.

Shedeur Sanders took over as starting quarterback in Week 12 last season, and after two more starts, he was named the starter for the remainder of the season. Sanders’ stunning slide to the fifth round of the 2025 draft set the stage for him becoming one of the most scrutinized rookies in recent memory.

Few know Shedeur’s game better than Deion Sanders, his father and former college coach. On Wednesday, the two-time Super Bowl champion reflected on his son’s rookie season.

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders throws a pass during a game

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders throws a pass to tight end Harold Fannin Jr. during the first half of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills in Cleveland, Ohio, on Dec. 21, 2025. (Sue Ogrocki/AP Photo)

After Shedeur endured an uneven rookie season for the 5-12 Browns, the Colorado football coach said he hoped for more from his son but also pointed to the support young quarterbacks need early in their development.

“I would have wanted him to perform a little better, but that’s not just an individual thing, that’s a team thing,” Sanders told Covers while speaking on behalf of his partnership with Depend.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders greeting his dad Deion Sanders on the field

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders greets his dad Deion Sanders before an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills in Cleveland on Dec. 21, 2025. (Sue Ogrocki/AP Photo)

“A quarterback needs help tremendously from the offensive line, from the receivers, from the running game, from the coordinators as well. “It’s not just a singular thing, like a defensive back. I don’t care what the pass rush is, (the DB) has got to do his job. It’s a little different with a quarterback. He needs several things to go right for him to be successful.”

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BROWNS GM ANDREW BERRY WON’T COMMIT TO SHEDEUR SANDERS AS 2026 STARTER DESPITE ROOKIE’S PROGRESS

Sanders also weighed in on Cleveland’s decision to trade the reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams, a move that underscored the Browns’ rebuild.

“I’m happy with Mr. Berry, the GM, and what he’s doing, I’m not going to question his direction of what he’s bringing to the table,” Sanders said of Browns general manager Andrew Berry.

Shedeur Sanders warming up on the football field in Cleveland

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders warms up before an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers in Cleveland on Nov. 30, 2025. (Sue Ogrocki/AP Photo)

“I’m not there, so I don’t know all the intangibles that provoked that trade. I’m happy with what they got, and I can’t wait to see how it plays out.”

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Sanders finished his rookie season 3-4 as a starter, with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

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Apprentice Caitlin Hollowood secures maiden metro win at Caulfield Heath in 2026

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Jockeys and horses racing on a track, mid-stride with colorful silks and green grass nearby

Apprentice jockey Caitlin Hollowood achieved a significant career milestone with Prestige Forever’s victory at Caulfield Heath.

After accumulating 33 wins across country and provincial tracks in Victoria and New South Wales, Hollowood celebrated her first metropolitan success aboard the Julius Sandhu-trained Prestige Forever in the Sportsbet Feed Handicap (1500m) on Wednesday.

“It’s unreal,” Hollowood commented. “For a second, I thought we were beaten, but he really fought back and really dug in deep. I’m so happy to get the win, especially for Julius too. It was my first ride for him, so we’re starting off in a good way.”

Prestige Forever ($12), despite starting from the widest barrier, was challenged in the home straight but managed to fight back and defeat the Tom Dabernig-trained stablemates Dantooine ($4.40) and Corro ($17) by a short-head.

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The colt, Prestige Forever, began his career with the David Brideoake and Matt Jenkins stable, where he notably won the Listed St Albans Stakes at Moonee Valley as a two-year-old.

He was subsequently transferred to Matt Laurie when Brideoake retired from training, before heading to Sandhu’s Cranbourne base.

Sandhu noted that considerable effort was required from Hollowood during her first ride for the stable on a horse that had previously shown a tendency to not always give its best.

“We asked a lot of her as this guy had been taking the ‘mickey’ back home,” Sandhu revealed. “We know he’s talented, but he has a bit of a good old think, so we just had to go and do something different. We drew the outside barrier, and I said to give him a good squeeze and get him to the front. I said to be aggressive, and she was, and she rated him well in front. Credit to the horse. He was headed at that furlong mark, but he fought deep and it’s good for the connections, and hopefully that’s the making of him. As a two-year-old he showed plenty but did not always have his mind on the job.”

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Freddie Freeman’s blast helps Dodgers complete 3-game sweep of Rays

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Jun 17, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) throws during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesJun 17, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) throws during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Freddie Freeman hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the sixth inning and Shohei Ohtani pitched through a bloody blister to earn his seventh win as the Los Angeles Dodgers finished off a series sweep with a 5-4 victory over the visiting Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday.

Alex Call, Alex Freeland and Kyle Tucker drove in runs as the Dodgers improved to 12-2 at home since May 13.

Freeman’s home run in the sixth off Kevin Kelly (4-3) followed an Andy Pages double. The long ball was No. 12 of the season for Freeman. Ohtani (7-2) gave up four runs on seven hits over six innings with one walk and five strikeouts.

Yandy Diaz had two hits and an RBI for the Rays, who struggled to a 1-5 record in a six-game road trip to the Los Angeles area that included a three-game weekend series against the Angels.

Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan gave up two runs on three hits over 3 2/3 innings as he struggled with his command and walked five. He also fanned three.

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The Dodgers took a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning on RBI singles from Call and Freeland. When Tommy Edman walked following Freeland’s single, McClanahan was replaced by Casey Legumina after throwing 83 pitches.

The Rays answered by sending nine batters to the plate in the fifth against Ohtani. Victor Mesa Jr. led off with a walk, Hunter Feduccia doubled and Taylor Walls followed with a sacrifice fly for a run.

Diaz added an RBI single that was followed by singles from Jonathan Aranda and Cedric Mullins, loading the bases. Junior Caminero’s ground ball drove in Diaz to give Tampa Bay a 3-2 lead. The Rays scored one more time in the inning on a single from Richie Palacios.

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The Dodgers got within 4-3 when Tucker walked with the bases loaded in the fifth, setting the stage for Freeman’s go-ahead homer an inning later.

Dodgers left-hander Alex Vesia pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the ninth inning for his third save.

Ohtani was not used as the designated hitter in the game but had an at-bat as a pinch hitter in the sixth inning and grounded out. Ohtani took his regular turn on the mound despite dealing with left knee inflammation following his most recent start last week at Pittsburgh.

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–Field Level Media

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Fantasy baseball injury report: Cruz, Ramirez, Judge land on IL

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There can be no silver lining for those who lost Jose Ramirez to a fractured hamate bone over the weekend. Their first-round pick is now out for more than a month, and no matter how shallow the league, there’s no accounting for that loss.

Worse yet, the injury comes only two weeks after consensus best player in Fantasy Aaron Judge was lost to a stress fracture in his rib and a week after Ronald Acuna’s hamstring put him out of commission again. Between those three and Oneil Cruz (fractured hand), the IL is as abounding in star power as it’s been all year.

Those of us who’ve managed to dodge those bullets can indeed see a silver lining, though, and it’s that Hunter Brown at long last returned from a shoulder strain Tuesday. The undisputed Fantasy ace made only two starts before landing on the IL in early April.

Some others who have returned this week include Cal Raleigh (strained oblique), Yainer Diaz (strained oblique), J.P. Crawford (bruised hand), Kodai Senga (lumbar spine inflammation) and Casey Mize (strained adductor). The list is actually shrinking faster than it’s growing, but it doesn’t feel that way with so many high draft picks having succumbed to injury.

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I’ll remind you once again that the order here is more about how impactful the player will be when healthy than how close he is to returning, though both factors carry some weight.

Too valuable to drop, period

Also really difficult to drop

Still a priority on some level

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Stashing is purely a luxury

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Moses Itauma’s next opponent set as heavyweight faces toughest test of career on August 29

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The details surrounding Moses Itauma‘s highly-anticipated return to the ring have finally been revealed.

While Oleksandr Usyk may be the current king of the heavyweights, Itauma is viewed as the future of the division, having won all 14 of his professional fights to date, 12 of them coming by knockout.

After gaining prominence with stoppage wins over the likes of Dillian Whyte, Demsey McKean and Mariusz Wach, he picked up the biggest win of his career so far back in March when he knocked out Jermaine Franklin inside five rounds at the Co-Op Live in Manchester.

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Following that victory, attention quickly then turned to who the 21-year-old would face next as he continues his journey towards a world title shot in the near future.

The long-rumoured opponent was Filip Hrgovic, and it has now been reported by Sky Sports that he will indeed take on the Croatian, with the fight understood to take place on August 29 at London’s O2 Arena.

Hrgovic has won 20 of his 21 professional fights, with his only blemish coming when he was beaten by Daniel Dubois back in June 2024.

He has defeated a trio of Brits since that loss, claiming points wins over both Joe Joyce and David Adeleye, before a third round stoppage victory over Dave Allen at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster in May.

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That has now led to the clash with Itauma, and Allen himself has revealed his prediction for the contest having felt what it was like to share the ring with ‘El Animal.’

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First-round play suspended at 126th U.S. Open because of heavy fog

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SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. – The USGA expected heavy wind and possible storms Thursday at the 126th U.S. Open.

But it was something else that caused a stoppage of play early in the opening round: Fog.

Officials suspended play at 7:05 a.m. ET after fog blanked Shinnecock. When the horn sounded, only 12 players had completed a hole.

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Players were being held in place for 15 minutes in hopes of the visibility improving.

Even before the stoppage, it figured to be a long and chaotic day at the national championship, with officials bracing for possible storms and wind gusts approaching 40 mph.

The setup staff, concerned about the course becoming unplayable, had already slowed down the green speeds and modified hole locations.

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Spanish media reaction on Marcus Rashford speaks volumes for Man United after Barcelona decision

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Marcus Rashford enjoyed a scoring cameo from the bench as England beat Croatia, and the future of the forward is under scrutiny following a year on loan at Barcelona

England’s World Cup win against Croatia gave the Spanish media plenty to chew on when it came to Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon. Barcelona had Rashford on loan from Manchester United last season but opted to let their option for a permanent move expire after spending big on his Three Lions team-mate Gordon.

The pair had a mixed start to their respective World Cup campaigns. Gordon started against Croatia but failed to fully leave his mark on the game, while Rashford impressed in a cameo from the bench and scored a late clincher in a 4-2 victory.

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This didn’t escape the attention of newspapers across Spain. If there weren’t already questions about whether Barca signed the right Englishman, there are now.

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After the Catalan club’s decision, Manchester United could find themselves in line for more money or a chance to get the best out of their player this season. Here’s what the Spanish media said.

Sport

Sport pointed out that Rashford’s fine start was in contrast to most of the Barcelona players at this summer’s World Cup. “The Manchester United loanee was the only Barcelona player to make a difference, scoring a goal to seal a 4-2 victory for England against Croatia,” they wrote.

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Elsewhere there were some positive signs from Frenkie de Jong for the Netherlands while Sport didn’t criticise Gordon for his part in England’s win but there was a sense of their being more to come from the Barca contingent. “Although none of them lost in their World Cup debut, the first day was not brilliant for Hansi Flick’s boys, who will be looking to increase their prominence in the second round,” they added.

MisterChip

Stats-led account MisterChip pointed out quite how momentous an occasion Wednesday night was. “He becomes the first FC Barcelona player to score in the 2026 World Cup. He is also the FIRST Barca player to score for England in the entire history of the World Cup,” they wrote of Rashford.

A number of comments questioned the post, suggesting Rashford was a Barcelona player in name only after the failure to exercise the clause. For those wondering, by the way, Gary Lineker joined Barcelona in the 1986 close-season but didn’t play for the club until after his World Cup goals for England, perhaps explaining the wording of the post.

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AS

There was a closer comparison between Gordon and Rashford in AS’ write-up. “[The situation] allowed Tuchel to rotate: Gordon, who was ineffective, was out; Rashford came in,” the report said.

“The new Barcelona signing didn’t stand out, neither for better nor for worse. He still has time for that. In his debut, with so many eyes on him, he couldn’t show his full potential. Not so [Rashford]. From a Saka pass, and with two cuts in the box, he finished the game with the fourth and final goal.”

The same publication was particularly glowing in its assessment of another Spain-based star, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham. “The heir becomes king” was their headline, pointing to the way Bellingham outshone former Madrid star Luka Modric on the night.

Get Man United’s new 2026/27 home kit

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MLC 2026: R Ashwin joins the party; MI New York look favourites again | Cricket News

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MLC 2026: R Ashwin joins the party; MI New York look favourites again
Major League Cricket (MLC) captains ahead of the fourth season. (Instagram)

New Delhi: Major League Cricket (MLC) returns for its fourth season on June 18 with Texas Super Kings taking on Seattle Orcas at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, Texas. It will be the venue for the first seven games of the 34-match competition before it moves to the Oakland Coliseum in California and the Knight Riders Cricket Field in Pomona, California.The Knight Riders Cricket Field is one of the two biggest ‘what’s new’ elements to MLC 2026. It will act as the home base of the LA Knight Riders franchise, allocated seven matches in total. After its christening during the MLC, its capacity will be expanded for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. With LAKR taking on Washington Freedom on July 1, it will be a big moment for cricket in the USA. It will be the first time Los Angeles will host a top-level cricket match.“Bringing Major League Cricket to Los Angeles is a huge milestone for our league and for the growth of cricket across the United States,” said Johnny Grave, CEO of MLC about a week’s cricket festivities in southern California.“The Pomona Fairgrounds will be the future home of Olympic cricket in 2028, and we’re thrilled to give fans in Southern California their first taste of the sport at this well-known venue that is home to the LA County Fair.”

New cricket stadium in Southern California heralds the sport's Olympic return after 128 years

LA Knight Riders will play their home games at the newly established Knight Riders Cricket Ground at the Pomona Fairplex in Pomona, California. (File photo/AP)

The second ‘what’s new’ for MLC 2026 is R Ashwin who will play for the San Francisco Unicorns.The 39-year-old is poised to become the first ex-India international to play in the MLC. It will also be the spinner’s first appearance in a foreign league. He was signed up to play in the Big Bash League but an untimely injury took that opportunity away from him.Now, he is set to dazzle at the Oakland Coliseum, the home base of the Unicorns. It will be his first competitive fixture since playing in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) in July 2025.“When I was interested in playing outside of India, when I retired, Anand (Rajaraman) and Venky (Harinarayan) [team co-owners] were the first people to reach out. They were very excited about me getting here,” said Ashwin in a video posted by the franchise. “I’m mostly excited because this is not one country where you play a lot of cricket. Even though I have played for a couple of decades, didn’t really get a chance to come around and experience America. I was here a couple of months ago. I played a bit of an exhibition game in the same venue. It’s very different, even for me. Even though I have played cricket for a long time, to get in, blend in with these people… Look forward to it,” he added.Elsewhere, the veterans and familiar faces return. Steve Smith, who led the Freedom to the title in 2024, is back and takes over the leadership duties from Glenn Maxwell. Jason Holder, Nicholas Pooran, Faf du Plessis and Matt Short have all been retained as captains by LA Knight Riders, defending champions MI New York, Texas Super Kings and Unicorns, respectively.Seattle Orcas, meanwhile, have decided to switch things around after missing the playoffs for two straight seasons, including just three wins in 10 matches last time around. Marcus Stoinis will lead the team in the upcoming season with Adam Voges coming in as the coach.

MLC Captains

Steve Smith (Washington Freedom), Faf du Plessis (Texas Super Kings), Jason Holder (LA Knight Riders), Nicholas Pooran (MI New York), Matt Short (San Francisco Unicorns), Marcus Stoinis (Seattle Orcas) will lead their respective teams in MLC 2026. (Instagram)

Defending champions MI New York are once again top contenders if their squad is any indication. Besides skipper Pooran, who did have a horrid season with the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, the two-time champions have Kieron Pollard, Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Trent Boult, Corbin Bosch, Romario Shepherd, Allah Ghazanfar and Corey Anderson in their midst.Pollard is on the cusp of glory and milestones in MLC 2026. The 39-year-old needs just 81 runs to eclipse Chris Gayle as the all-time highest scorer in T20s. Alex Hales, part of the LAKR, is 33 runs adrift of Pollard.As with most T20 leagues, there’s the question mark over player availability as competitions clash. But MLC finds itself in a largely favourable position with the Hundred not starting until later. The T20 Blast in England does overlap, as does Lanka Premier League at the fag end with EUT20 Belgium closing out just as the MLC begins.

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MLC Captains

MLC 2026 will begin with Texas Super Kings vs Seattle Orcas at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, Texas. (Instagram)

These arrangements could change plans for AM Ghazanfar (MINY), Romario Shepherd (MINY), Mark Chapman (Freedom), Nikhil Chaudhary (Freedom), Rachin Ravindra (Freedom), Xavier Bartlett (Unicorns), Aaron Hardie (Unicorns), Peter Siddle (Unicorns) and Shimron Hetmyer (Orcas) among others.

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Luis Arraez homers, drives in 4 as Giants hold off Braves

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Jun 17, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; San Francisco Giants designated hitter Bryce Eldridge (8) celebrates a home run against the Atlanta Braves during the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn ImagesJun 17, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; San Francisco Giants designated hitter Bryce Eldridge (8) celebrates a home run against the Atlanta Braves during the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

Luis Arraez homered and drove in four runs and Carson Whisenhunt tossed five solid innings in his season debut on Wednesday to help the visiting San Francisco Giants post a 7-5 victory over the Atlanta Braves.

Whisenhunt (1-0) allowed two runs on six hits while striking out two and walking two after being called up from Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday morning. Willy Adames and Bryce Eldridge hit solo home runs for the Giants, who won 7-2 in the completion of a suspended game earlier in the day and won their third straight overall.

J.R. Ritchie (1-2) threw five innings of five-hit, five-run ball, striking out four and walking three for the scuffling Braves, who dropped their sixth game in seven tries. Carlos Carrasco allowed two runs across four innings in relief.

After Arraez began the first inning with a walk, Rafael Devers drove in the Giants’ first run with a two-out double.

Atlanta threatened in the bottom of the first, as Mauricio Dubon began the frame with a walk and Ozzie Albies laced a two-out single. After Whisenhunt’s wild pitch advanced both runners, Austin Riley’s fly out to center ended the inning.

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Adames began the second with his 13th homer of the season to double the Giants’ lead. Four batters later, Arraez connected on a two-run shot to give the visitors a 4-0 lead.

San Francisco continued the onslaught as Eldridge launched another homer to push the margin to five.

In the sixth, Matt Olson, Albies and Riley each singled to cut the Braves’ deficit to 5-1.

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JT Brubaker then relieved Whisenhunt. Two batters later, Dominic Smith’s sacrifice fly made it 5-2.

Olson singled off Sam Hentges to begin the eighth. Ryan Walker then entered in relief and struck out Albies. Riley singled to bring the tying run to the plate.

From there, Eli White flied out and Rowdy Tellez struck out to leave the margin at three.

Casey Schmitt singled and Drew Gilbert was hit by a pitch in the ninth. Two batters later, Arraez drove in both runners with a single to give the Giants a 7-2 lead.

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In the bottom of the ninth, Matt Gage allowed Jair Camargo’s one-out double and Dubon’s two-run homer, pulling the Braves within three. After Drake Baldwin and Olson both singled, Gage was replaced by Tristan Beck.

A wild pitch then cut the Giants lead to two, but Beck retired Albies and got Riley to strike out to end the game.

–Field Level Media

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