Star India batter Rohit Sharma seemingly addressed the growing speculation surrounding his ODI future, brushing aside the ‘outside chatter’ ahead of the series decider against England at Lord’s. A viral video has been doing the rounds on social media where Rohit can be seen chatting with India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, apparently telling him that the outside chatter does not concern them. Reports had emerged on social media during the second ODI in Cardiff that the series-decider against England at Lord’s could be Rohit’s final game for India in the format.

The rumours spread like wildfire, until BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia rubbished the claims, saying that the Lord’s ODI would not be Rohit’s last in the format.

When some members of the Indian team arrived for practice at Lord’s, Rohit was seen engaged in conversation with Kotak, playing down the growing speculation.

“Hum log ko bahar kya chal raha hai, us se humko kya (We have nothing to do with what is going on outside),” Rohit can be heard as saying in the video.

Rohit Sharma Dekho yeh sb yhha khada hai “bahar kya chal raha hai ussya hamara kya lena dena”

ROHIT FOR 2027 WC#RohitSharma #odiworldcup2027 pic.twitter.com/cR4p52AS3Q

— THE LLORD (@BlueBloodcric) July 18, 2026

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Sources had told NDTV that some members of the selection committee had informed Rohit that they no longer saw him in the scheme of things before the start of the Afghanistan series last month.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir was also kept in the loop during the discussions between the selectors and Rohit.

However, Rohit was selected for the Afghanistan series, as well as the England series, after the former India captain had approached the top brass of the BCCI.

One of India’s greatest ODI batters, Rohit has amassed more than 11,700 runs in the format and played a pivotal role in India’s run to the 2023 ODI World Cup final before leading the side to the 2025 Champions Trophy title. 

Although Shubman Gill took over as ODI captain after that triumph, Rohit remains a senior figure in the batting line-up and a key member of India’s plans.

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Rohit Sharma plays a shot during 2nd ODI against England. (ANI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India bowling coach Morne Morkel has thrown his weight behind Rohit Sharma amid growing scrutiny over the veteran opener’s form, insisting there are “no worries” and expressing confidence that the former skipper will soon rediscover his rhythm in English conditions.Speaking ahead of Sunday’s series-deciding third ODI against England at Lord’s, Morkel dismissed concerns over Rohit’s scores of 11 and 26 in the first two matches, saying the challenging conditions for opening batters have made life difficult throughout the series.

Morkel backs Rohit’s experience and composure

With speculation intensifying over Rohit’s ODI future ahead of the 2027 World Cup, Morkel highlighted the opener’s experience and the calming influence he brings to India’s batting unit.“It is hard work with a new ball up front. We have seen that in the entire series. The ball is moving around. So batting up front, it is not easy. No doubt Rohit will work it out,” Morkel said.“He has done it in the past. He is experienced and he just brings that calmness to the batting line-up. So, without a doubt, no worries and concerns at all with the way he is going about things,” he added.His remarks come after Rohit’s modest returns in the opening two ODIs reignited debate over whether India should begin planning beyond the veteran opener with just a year remaining before the next 50-over World Cup.

Batting unit told to adapt quicker at Lord’s

While defending Rohit, Morkel acknowledged that India’s batting as a whole needs improvement after failing to capitalise on a strong platform in the second ODI.Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer had laid the foundation, but the middle order could not accelerate as India finished with a below-par 233, allowing England to level the series with a four-wicket victory.Morkel advised India’s batters to respect the conditions at Lord’s before looking to dominate.“I think for them it is just to sum up the conditions. We have seen of late that it can be a tricky surface here at Lord’s. So maybe give yourself that extra five to 10 balls just to get used to the pace of the surface,” he said.He added that India’s experienced top and middle order know how to build partnerships and stressed that sustained stands with both bat and ball would be key in the decider.

Middle-over wickets remain India’s biggest bowling concern

Despite praising the fast bowlers for their effort in the previous game, Morkel admitted India still need to become more effective in breaking partnerships during the middle overs.He said the pace attack had executed plans well, particularly with Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar using extra bounce effectively, but acknowledged that England’s Joe Root, who remained unbeaten on 99, showed the value of denying the opposition easy passages through the innings.“It is crucial to get those wickets in the middle phase. We will keep working on ways to find those breakthroughs,” Morkel said, while also cautioning against overloading bowlers with technical advice before a crucial game.

Star India batter Rohit Sharma will be in focus as the visitors take on England in the third and final ODI at Lord’s on Sunday, with the series tied at 1-1. During the second ODI, reports claimed that the series-decider could be Rohit’s last game for India in the format, but BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia quashed the rumours. Saikia confirmed that Rohit will play for India as long as he is in the scheme of things for the selectors. A video has been doing the rounds on the eve of the clash, showing Rohit having a laugh with head coach Gautam Gambhir and the other members of the support staff on the famous balcony at Lord’s.

In the clip, Gambhir can be seen making some hand gestures, drawing laughs from Rohit and the rest of the support staff. The video was shared by Star Sports on the eve of the clash.

Locked in, but enjoying the moment #RohitSharma and #GautamGambhir share a laugh on the Lord’s balcony before India take the field for the series-deciding ODI. #ENGvIND 3rd ODI SUN, 19th JULY, 2:30 PM on JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/FUCQX0HxTa

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— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 18, 2026

The lighthearted moment also follows a recent report claiming that Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have been sharing a strained relationship with Rohit.

Rohit’s current form, which has yielded just 241 runs in eight innings at an average of 30.12 and a strike rate of 88.60, has failed to convince some selectors, who no longer want to persist with the former captain.

Sources had told NDTV that some members of the selection committee had informed Rohit that they no longer saw him in the scheme of things before the start of the Afghanistan series last month.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir was also kept in the loop during the discussions between the selectors and Rohit.

However, Rohit was selected for the Afghanistan series, as well as the England series, after the former India captain had approached the top brass of the BCCI.

But, with Rohit managing scores of just 11 and 26 in the first two ODIs against England, the group of selectors had to reiterate their stance to the veteran opener, who is desperate to prolong his career.

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France vs Morocco Highlights | Mbappé Inspires France to FIFA World Cup Semifinal Victory

France and England meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place match on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET from Miami Stadium.

France won all six of its matches before the semifinal loss to Spain, outscoring opponents by a combined 16-2. Kylian Mbappé led the way with eight goals, tied with Argentina’s Lionel Messi for the tournament lead, and added three assists. Michael Olise chipped in a tournament-high five assists of his own.

England went 5-1-0 before its own semifinal exit against Argentina. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham each scored six goals and added an assist, and each recorded two braces along the way. Kane scored twice against Croatia on June 17 and again against DR Congo on July 1. Bellingham did the same against Mexico on July 5 and against Norway on July 11.

The third-place match has been part of the World Cup since 1934, the second-ever men’s tournament, except for 1950. Croatia beat Morocco, 2-1, in the last third-place game, back in 2022.

Below are the details on how to watch.

How to Watch France vs. England

France vs. England Preview

France’s transition defense against Jude Bellingham’s late runs is the key battle.

France still looks most dangerous when games open up.  Kylian Mbappé has 8 of France’s 16 goals in this World Cup, which means England cannot afford sloppy turnovers or broken midfield spacing when France breaks forward. The real pressure point is what happens just behind that first wave, because Bellingham has matched England’s team record with 6 non-penalty goals and keeps arriving into scoring spots after the initial action starts.

England are built to create those second-phase moments. Harry Kane and the wide service around him can pin France’s back line, and if that forces Aurelien Tchouameni and the center backs to collapse, Bellingham gets the pocket he wants. France has the stronger pure scoring punch, but England’s best path in play is turning those transition moments into a midfield runner arriving free.

Watch the space at the top of France’s box after England’s first pass into attack, because that is where this match can tilt.

Players To Watch

The Manchester City attacking midfielder is full of promise for the French team but played only limited minutes at this World Cup due to playing behind Michael Olise. If Deschamps is going to change things for the third-place game, Cherki would be a good place to begin, as he is likely anxious to make a positive impression and build a case for more minutes in the coming years.

The Paris Saint-Germain winger is another testament to the depth of this French team. As one of the most accomplished young players in the world, with two Champions League titles under his belt by the age of 20 (he turned 21 just before the start of this tournament), he is not a regular starter for France. At this tournament, he only started three of France’s first seven games. In those starts, he scored against Norway and assisted against Morocco. He could thrive in this third-place game if it becomes wide open, as is likely. Like Cherki, he is a big part of the team’s future.

The Tottenham fullback has played in all of England’s seven games and has made two starts. Defensively, he was strong off the bench in helping preserve the wins over Mexico and Norway in the knockouts. He might be rewarded with a start in this game to try to handle the powerful French attack.

In a game that should be offensively heavy, Rogers should have a chance to show what he can do. The Aston Villa attacker assisted on Anthony Gordon’s goal against Argentina and worked well with Jude Bellingham. Rogers typically plays on the outside when Bellingham is on the field but moves centrally when Bellingham is not playing. In this game, he might have the keys to the attack if Bellingham is used as a sub.

France vs. England Odds

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Spain team; and Lionel Messi (AP Photos)

Spain great Andres Iniesta has delivered a clear message to Luis de la Fuente’s side ahead of Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final against Argentina: don’t waste energy trying to stop Lionel Messi completely because “it’s impossible.”The Barcelona legend, who scored the winning goal in Spain’s historic 2010 World Cup final triumph, believes the key to lifting the trophy lies not in neutralising Messi but in sticking to Spain’s own identity and making Argentina uncomfortable through possession, creativity and clinical finishing.Defending champions Argentina head into the title clash as the tournament’s highest-scoring team, with Messi producing another masterclass in what is expected to be the final World Cup appearance of his glittering career. The 39-year-old has already amassed eight goals and four assists, while Spain have remained unbeaten and conceded just once in seven matches.

‘Shutting him down is impossible’

Speaking to El Partidazo de COPE, Iniesta admitted that completely silencing Messi is an unrealistic objective for any team.“Shutting him down completely is impossible,” Iniesta said, as quoted by Goal.com. “It will be more about how much Spain can hurt Argentina with their own game, creating chances, and being clinical when they come along.”Having spent more than a decade alongside Messi at Barcelona, Iniesta knows better than most the challenge the Argentine captain presents.“There are no words, or I just don’t know how to describe it. The determination, conviction, and everything he does in every single game is something you just have to take your hat off to,” he said.Rather than devising a strategy solely around containing Messi, Iniesta believes Spain must trust the style of football that has carried them to the final.

Back your game, not fear Messi

The former Spain captain urged La Roja to approach football’s biggest occasion with confidence instead of fear, insisting their performances throughout the tournament have earned them the right to believe.“No, no, never fear. You must never play with fear,” Iniesta said.“I think it’s down to the confidence the players give you, and their momentum throughout the World Cup has been on an upward trajectory. They head into the final with all the confidence in the world,” he added.He also praised the clarity and cohesion within Spain’s squad, highlighting how every player understands their role regardless of who starts.“Everyone knows exactly what they need to do. No matter who plays, everyone knows their role, and they exude supreme confidence. It doesn’t matter who is on the pitch or what position they play; they give you the feeling that everything is under control,” he said.Spain have built their run to the final on defensive discipline and collective football, with stars such as Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal and Mikel Merino leading the attack. After defeating France 2-0 in the semifinals, they now stand one win away from their second World Cup title.For Iniesta, however, individual heroics matter little compared to the ultimate prize. Asked whether he hoped a particular player would score the winner against Argentina, his answer was unequivocal.“It’s not even a dilemma, because my answer is that I don’t care who scores it. The important thing, just like back then, is that we walk away as champions. Who scores is secondary, as long as it’s the goal that wins it,” he concluded.

France’s bid to reach their third successive FIFA World Cup final ended in heartbreak as they went down 0-2 to Spain in the first semifinal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 earlier this week.

Now, in a big shake-up ahead of their third-place playoff against England on Sunday, media reports say former France player and Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane may assume the role of France’s next head coach, replacing Didier Deschamps once the current edition of the FIFA World Cup is concluded.

Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news through a post on his Instagram page. “Zinedine Zidane will be France’s next head coach, never in doubt since November as a clear decision was made. Zidane has already sorted his staff and the documents will be formally signed this month,” Romano claimed in the video.

Romano added that Zidane is expected to lead France through the UEFA Nations League, Euro 2028, and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

While Romano’s update has fuelled fresh speculation, the French Football Federation (FFF) has not yet officially announced any such move.

Check the full video here:

The biggest indication came in March this year when ESPN reported that Zidane had reached a verbal agreement with the FFF to become France’s next head coach after the 2026 World Cup.

A glittering coaching career at Real Madrid

While Zidane’s managerial career has been relatively short, it has been remarkably successful. Appointed Real Madrid manager in January 2016, he immediately transformed the Spanish giants into Europe’s dominant force by guiding them to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018 — an achievement no manager has matched in the competition’s modern era.

Across two spells in charge, Zidane won 11 major trophies, including two La Liga titles, two FIFA Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups and two Spanish Super Cups. Beyond the silverware, he earned widespread praise for his calm leadership and exceptional man-management, successfully handling a dressing room featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Sergio Ramos, and Toni Kroos.

Those qualities are expected to prove invaluable with a France squad packed with world-class talent and led by Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, besides a new generation of emerging stars.

Why France was always Zidane’s destination

Unlike many of Europe’s elite managers, Zidane has never hidden where he ultimately wanted to coach. Since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, his name has been linked to some of the biggest jobs in club football, including Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Juventus and Bayern Munich. Yet he has repeatedly chosen to stay out of that race, further fuelling the belief that he was waiting for the FFF’s call to duty.

The French legend himself has done little to dismiss that notion. Speaking in 2022, Zidane described coaching Les Bleus as “a dream”, saying: “Of course, it’s a dream. I can’t wait.” More recently, he reiterated his ambition by adding: “When the opportunity comes, it will be with great pleasure.” Those remarks only reinforced the widespread belief that succeeding Deschamps had always been his preferred goal.

His connection with the national team extends far beyond coaching aspirations. Zidane remains one of the greatest players in French football history, having inspired France to their maiden FIFA World Cup title in 1998 before leading them to UEFA Euro 2000 glory.

For many supporters, Zidane taking charge of Les Bleus will represent the natural final chapter in a career that has already conquered football as both a player and a club manager.

The Deschamps era: Fourteen years of consistency

Regardless of the outcome against England in the third-place playoff, Deschamps will leave behind one of the finest managerial legacies in international football. Appointed in 2012 following France’s disappointing Euro campaign, he rebuilt a fractured national side into one of the world’s most consistent tournament teams.

Under Deschamps, France won the 2018 FIFA World Cup, finished runners-up at Euro 2016 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, lifted the UEFA Nations League in 2021 and reached at least the semifinals in five of the seven major tournaments they contested.

He also became only the third individual to win the World Cup as both a player and a coach, having captained France to glory in 1998 before repeating the feat from the dugout two decades later.

Despite criticism over his pragmatic style of play, Deschamps consistently delivered results and restored France to the top echelons of international football.

What awaits Zidane with Les Bleus

Should his appointment be confirmed, Zidane will inherit one of the most talented squads in world football but also one burdened with enormous expectations. France have reached four of the last five World Cup semifinals and two of the last three finals, making anything less than major silverware a disappointment.

His immediate challenge will be to build on the foundations laid by Deschamps while giving this gifted generation a fresh tactical identity. With Mbappe entering his prime, supported by William Saliba, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Olise, Dembele, and several emerging youngsters, France are not short on quality for every major title over the next four years.

Zidane’s exceptional record at Real Madrid suggests he has the pedigree to manage elite players and thrive under pressure. Nonetheless, succeeding the longest-serving and one of the most successful coaches in France’s history will be no cakewalk. If confirmed, his tenure will begin with the UEFA Nations League before attention shifts to Euro 2028 and, ultimately, the 2030 FIFA World Cup — a tournament many hope will mark the beginning of another golden chapter for Les Bleus under one of their greatest-ever footballers.