Bukayo Saka says he is ready to take a “gamble” with his fitness and play in England’s World Cup opener against Croatia on Wednesday, despite still managing an Achilles injury.

The Arsenal winger has been dealing with the problem since March and has had his playing time carefully controlled by both Arsenal and England. He missed several matches for the Gunners and also sat out the March international break because of the injury.

However, Saka returned later in the season to help Arsenal win the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has said he needs to protect the 24-year-old, adding it is “very unlikely” that Saka would play every minute of the tournament matches.

But Saka insisted he is ready if called upon.

“I don’t want to say anything that goes against the manager,” he said. “Between Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal medical team and Thomas Tuchel and the England medical team, they have managed me very well since March.

“I’m feeling better than I have felt in the last few months and I’m ready to go.”

Saka, who is set to make his 50th England appearance, played 27 minutes in a warm-up match against Costa Rica as his minutes were managed.

He also spoke about the pressure of playing while not fully fit, saying it is a “gamble” he is willing to take.

“As players, it’s the biggest gamble, especially if you’re not feeling your sharpest,” he said. “People expect you to perform no matter what.

“I’m happy to take that gamble and it paid off. I’m going to continue doing that.”

Saka is expected to compete with his Arsenal team-mate Noni Madueke for a starting place on the right wing. Despite the rivalry, he said they remain close friends.

“Noni is like my brother on and off the pitch,” Saka said. “We push each other and speak every day. We want each other to do well.”

England now wait to see if Saka will be fit enough to start or whether his minutes will again be carefully managed in their opening World Cup match.

Oleksandr Usyk was made to work for his win over Rico Verhoeven last month, coming extremely close to a shocking upset defeat. Now, heavyweight rival Tyson Fury has shared his assessment of Usyk’s performance against the Dutch kickboxer.

When Usyk signed to defend his heavyweight world title against Verhoeven, much of the boxing world was frustrated at the news, believing it would be an easy night’s work for the Ukrainian.

However, come fight night, those who dismissed Verhoeven’s chances were left in shock, as the 1-0 recorded contender gave Usyk ‘his toughest fight to date’ until a controversial round 11 stoppage saved the champion’s blushes.

Speaking to iFL TV, Fury believes that Usyk ‘probably lost every round’ of the contest, whilst explaining why he believes that the Ukrainian’s reasons for avoiding a clash with Moses Itauma are false.

“Bulls**t. Oleksandr is coming up to around 40 years old, he has just been pushed all of the way and probably lost every round against a kickboxer. So, I don’t think that he wants to fight a 21-year-old kid who is mustard, for no gain.

“He is not going to gain big money because Moses doesn’t have that following at the moment or the popularity. He is coming up, he is a rising star but he is not on top at the moment, so he [Usyk] isn’t going to gain anything from it.

“It’s all to lose and nothing to gain. If he beats Moses, he has beat a young kid coming up and if he loses to Moses, he has lost to a 21-year-old, so it doesn’t make much sense [for Usyk to fight him].”

Usyk is expected to next take on Germany’s Agit Kabayel, where a similar performance could result in the end of his unbeaten run.

Moses Itauma is tipped for the very top and the 21-year-old could soon secure a shot at Daniel Dubois’ WBO heavyweight world title.

Dubois stopped Fabio Wardley last month to become a two-time world champion. Wardley has since activated his rematch clause to initiate a second fight, which is expected to take place before the end of the year.

Itauma is currently positioned as the WBO’s mandatory challenger, meaning he will likely get a shot at the victor of Dubois-Wardley II and therefore the world heavyweight title.

The youngster shares the same trainer as Wardley in Ben Davison, so he may still opt to seek alternative options if Wardley is able to avenge his first career defeat.

If Dubois retains the title and tees up a showdown with Itauma, Harvey Dykes, who has sparred both men, advised Itauma to not rush into such a dangerous scrap, in an interview with Seconds Out.

“I rate Moses very, very highly but I think, what is the point of rushing it? I’d probably give him [Itauma] another year. Daniel is only 28, people forget that, don’t they?

“Daniel is still improving all of the time and I think that last camp was the strongest camp that I have seen him in.

“So yeah, I would give Moses a bit more time, but I do rate Moses massively high.”

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While Itauma will be ordered to face the winner, he does not plan to wait around, with an August fight against Filip Hrgovic understood to be in advanced talks.

Serena Williams will make her return to Wimbledon in women’s doubles as she teams up with sister Venus for the first time in four years.

The pair have been given a wildcard into the Championships, beginning on 29 June, as Serena continues her comeback.

The 44-year-old played her first match since 2022 last week at Queen’s Club, winning one round alongside Victoria Mboko before the Canadian was forced to pull out through injury.

The Williams sisters are six-time doubles champions at Wimbledon, winning their last title on their most recent appearance together a decade ago.

More to follow.

Iran showed great determination as they came from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their opening Group G match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium.

The exciting contest was played in front of more than 70,000 fans and was surrounded by political tensions and protests outside the venue. Despite the distractions, both teams delivered an entertaining match.

Here are some key lessons from the game:

1. Iran Have Strong Fighting Spirit

Iran refused to give up despite trailing on two occasions. Ramin Rezaeian’s first-half equaliser and Mohammad Mohebbi’s second-half header showed the team’s determination.

The result proved that Team Melli can remain competitive even in difficult circumstances and could still challenge for a place in the knockout stage.

2. Chris Wood Remains New Zealand’s Main Man

The New Zealand captain was involved in both goals scored by Elijah Just. His experience, vision and leadership were clear throughout the game.

Wood may not have scored himself, but he showed why he remains the most important player in the All Whites squad.

3. Elijah Just Can Shine on the Big Stage

The 26-year-old forward was one of the standout performers of the match. He scored twice and constantly troubled the Iranian defence.

His performance will give New Zealand confidence as they prepare for their next group game against Egypt.

4. Rezaeian’s Experience Is Vital for Iran

At 36 years old, Rezaeian played a crucial role for Iran. He scored one goal and provided the assist for the other.

With some Iranian players lacking regular club football in recent months, his leadership and experience could be very important during the tournament.

5. Group G Is Wide Open

The draw means all four teams in Group G have one point after Egypt and Belgium also played out a 1-1 draw.

With no team able to secure a win in the opening round of matches, the race for qualification remains completely open.

6. Politics Could Remain Part of Iran’s Story

The match highlighted the divisions among Iranian supporters. Protests outside the stadium and mixed reactions inside the ground showed how politics continues to follow the national team.

However, once the game started, the players focused on football and produced a spirited performance that earned them a valuable point.

What Next?

Iran will face Belgium in their next match, while New Zealand will take on Egypt. Both teams will believe they still have a good chance of reaching the last 16 after their encouraging performances in Los Angeles.

Antonio Rüdiger has officially renewed his contract with Real Madrid through a forceful message on his social media. The German centre-back, leader of Los Blancos’ back line, put any doubts about his future to rest at a time when the team is facing a demanding stretch of the season.

The international defender did not hide how happy he is to extend his stay at the Santiago Bernabéu, although he focused his message on self-criticism and hard work: “Renewing my contract with Real Madrid is a source of pride, but above all, it is a commitment to turn the situation around together with my teammates”.

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The recent period has not been easy for the player, who has had to deal with injuries that sparked debate about his performances. Far from letting it get him down, the centre-back made it clear that outside doubts have been his fuel: “Some may have written me off after my injuries, but that has only motivated me even more. So, thank you for that”.

John Fury has always championed the skill of his two-time heavyweight champion son, Tyson Fury, believing that ‘The Gypsy King’ is a unique fighter who would have succeeded in any era.

However, now, John Fury believes that he has unearthed his son’s successor.

Standing at 6’9”, Fury’s frame and talent make him a difficult task for any heavyweight in boxing history, but two defeats to Oleksandr Usyk have shown that the Briton can be beaten by superior footwork and boxing IQ, as well as possibly Father Time.

Now, at the age of 37 years old, Fury is hoping to defeat perennial rival Anthony Joshua and also become boxing’s fifth three-time world champion but, when he retires, his father believes that he knows the man who will succeed him – Germany’s Granit Shala.

In a clip that Shala posted onto social media, John Fury championed his skill and labelled him as the ‘new Tyson Fury’ and a ‘future heavyweight champion’.

“I think that I have just spotted the new Tyson Fury in Granit Shala. I’ve looked at his videos and his boxing ability and this kid is incredible. He has got the same kind of style as a young Tyson Fury, he has lost a lot of weight like Tyson Fury, he is part of the fat camp, but my God can this kid fight. 

“He shocked me to my boots and I can’t wait to tell Tyson that I have seen the new heavyweight champion of the world in the future. We want him to work in camp, we want him as a sparring partner and it’s incredible what you can see in unlikely places, because I never thought that I could see another Tyson Fury but, tonight, I have seen him.”

Shala currently boasts an 18-2 professional record and was stopped by Petar Milas last time out, on the undercard of Agit Kabayel’s victory over Damian Knyba in Oberhausen. Although, Shala was ahead on the cards against Milas, before suffering that final-round KO. 

Significant enhancements to the prize money for the Caulfield Cup have been announced, coinciding with the landmark 150th running of this historic Australian race.

The prestigious 2400m handicap, scheduled for October 17, will now carry a total prize pool of $6 million. A notable aspect of this year’s event is that all 18 starters will receive prize money, with horses finishing outside the top 10 set to earn $60,000.

This updated prize money structure aligns the Caulfield Cup with the Melbourne Cup, which also provides prize money for competitors finishing beyond the top 12 places.

The connections of the Caulfield Cup winner will be rewarded with $3.3 million, in addition to trophies valued at $550,000 for the owner, trainer, and jockey.

The Melbourne Racing Club has also updated the international ballot-free pathway for the Caulfield Cup, incorporating four new races. The first of these new international qualification events is the Listed Wolferton Stakes (2004m) at Royal Ascot.

Additionally, the Group 3 Glorious Stakes (2412m) at Goodwood, the Group 3 Prix de Reux (2500m) at Deauville, and the Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes (2414m) at Leopardstown have been included as overseas Caulfield Cup qualifiers.

MRC Chief Executive Tanya Fullarton indicated that the 150th running of the Caulfield Cup was the opportune moment to elevate the race’s status and ensure its continued appeal to participants.

“The Caulfield Cup will remain the world’s richest 2400-metre handicap race supported by the increased prize money pool, which in distributing money to every starter, recognises the considerable commitment required to prepare a horse for a race of this scale,” Fullarton stated.

“These races staged at premium European venues have been selected to provide a more current and practical pathway for British, Irish and French-trained horses with a genuine Caulfield Cup profile.

“The Caulfield Cup has an extraordinary past. These changes are about making sure it has an equally strong future.”

Leopardstown CEO Mark Clayton expressed his approval of the Ballyroan Stakes being added to the Caulfield Cup’s ballot exempt international program.

“A ‘win and you’re in’ initiative for the Caulfield Cup is a significant endorsement of the Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes and further enhances its international profile,” Clayton commented.

“The Caulfield Cup is one of Australia’s most prestigious handicaps, so the new connection creates an exciting opportunity for owners and trainers. We hope it will encourage even greater international ambition from Irish connections, and it would be fantastic to see more Irish-trained horses travelling to Australia and being competitive on the biggest stage.”

For those looking to wager on this prestigious event, exploring top Australian betting sites can offer competitive racing betting markets.

The reigning World Cup champions and runners-up will be in action on Tuesday, June 16 as both Argentina and France begin their 2026 campaigns. La Albiceleste take on Algeria in an evening encounter, while France battle Senegal in the opening contest of the day. Austria, Jordan, Iraq and Norway are also on display.

With plenty of heavyweights in action on Tuesday, we’ve put together a three-leg World Cup parlay with odds from FanDuel Sportsbook for those interested in soccer betting and World Cup betting. You can get the latest soccer expert picks from Jon Eimer, Martin Green and others at SportsLine before locking in your wagers for Tuesday’s games.

Eimer finished 2023 as SportsLine’s No. 1 soccer expert, posting a 248-234-12 (+25.93 units) record on SportsLine article picks. After working in the sports betting industry for several years, Green became a professional sports writer and handicapper and has covered the game worldwide, going 18-8 in his last 26 Champions League picks. Anyone following their World Cup betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.

World Cup parlay for Tuesday

• France-Senegal both teams to score
• Argentina money line vs. Algeria
• Austria-Jordan Under 2.5 goals

FanDuel parlay price: +503

France-Senegal both teams to score

France are among the top contenders to lift the World Cup trophy in 2026, having been to the final in 2018 and 2022. This is one of the top scoring units in the competition, highlighted by Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and others. Senegal will have something to prove in this World Cup after controversy at the 2025 African Cup of Nations final, where the team walked off the pitch due to a VAR decision, returned to win the game 1-0 but was eventually deemed to have forfeited the contest due to the walkout. Sadio Mane is one of the world’s top attackers and should be able to find a hole in France’s defense. Both Eimer and Green see Over 2.5 goals hitting in this game, and I think Senegal get at least one of those goals.

Argentina money line vs. Algeria

It’s possible Lionel Messi, who picked up an injury in MLS, sits this opener out. Argentina have experience and talent across the board, so even Messi’s absence won’t derail them as they attempt to win their fourth international trophy in succession. Algeria have been a tough out in World Cups but they have only made the Round of 16 once in their competitive history. Eimer believes Argentina “win this match in convincing fashion.”

Austria-Jordan Under 2.5 goals

In their last nine international matches, Austria have conceded four total goals. They only allowed four in eight World Cup qualifying matches and have posted back-to-back clean sheets in their most recent friendlies ahead of the World Cup. On the flip side, Jordan have scored just one goal over their last two friendlies against Switzerland and Colombia, opponents who are more comparable to Austria than the likes of UEA, Kuwait and Iraq. I see Austria controlling this game from start to finish and keeping a clean sheet, so this will really come down to how much they wish to push forward.