Man Utd U18s have reached the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup, which will be played at Old Trafford next month.
Manchester United Under-18s will play Sunderland at Old Trafford in the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday, March 18, with a kick-off time of 7pm. The U18s’ league fixture against Sunderland which had been scheduled for Saturday, March 13, will be re-arranged.
Darren Fletcher’s side progressed to the quarter-finals thanks to a 4-1 win against Oxford City earlier this month. JJ Gabriel, Albert Mills, Chido Obi and Noah Ajayi were on the scoresheet that night.
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Gabriel’s performances have made headlines this season. The youngster is the top goalscorer in the U18 league, despite playing years above his age group, and has netted 16 goals in all competitions.
The 15-year-old has already trained with the first team on several occasions and has been tipped for a bright future. “JJ is a fantastic talent. I’ve enjoyed working with him immensely, getting to know him,” said Fletcher when he was asked about Gabriel in December.
“He’s a young lad with a massive sort of hype, you know there’s a lot of noise around him and deservedly so because he’s a real talented kid. He works hard. First thing I’d say is he loves football.
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“He loves training, he loves playing, he loves having the ball, he loves expressing himself. He makes fantastic decisions. He’s just got an enthusiasm for the game that’s just amazing.
“15-year-old, a bright future ahead of him. I’m super excited by his talent, but the most important thing is that he keeps developing, and he’s in the U18 team, and he’s doing fantastically well, but he’s still got lots to learn.”
Obi has dropped down to play for the U18s in the Youth Cup. The 18-year-old made seven first-team appearances last season, but Fletcher has involved him in the Youth Cup this term. The U18s reached the semi-finals of the Youth Cup last season, losing to eventual winners Aston Villa.
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Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin announced Friday that the 21-year-old forward underwent successful surgery on Thursday and will not play again this season.
After his rehab, Lekkerimäki is expected to be ready for 2026-27 training camp in September.
Lekkerimäki spent the majority of the season with the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks, scoring 13 goals and 20 points in 21 games.
He initially broke camp with Vancouver, but suffered an injury in October and was assigned to the AHL upon his return. But with Vancouver well out of playoff contention, Lekkerimäki got the chance to log some NHL ice time heading into the Olympic break.
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In 13 total games with the Canucks, he had two goals and one assist while averaging 11:41 of ice time.
Lekkerimäki was drafted by Vancouver 15th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft out of Sweden.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United will square off in a South African Premiership round 19 fixture on Sunday (March 1st). The game will be played at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium.
The home side are coming into the game on the back of a 1-0 away win over AmaZulu in midweek action. Marcelo Ivan Allende’s 84th-minute strike settled the contest.
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Sekhukhune, meanwhile, advanced with a 1-0 away win over Pretoria University in a Nedbank Cup round-of-16 tie. Vuyo Lellapa’s goal 10 minutes into the second half helped his side book a quarterfinal date with Milford FC.
The Limpopo outfit will shift their focus to the league, where their last game saw them claim a 2-0 home win over Orbit College.
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The victory left them in third spot in the standings, having garnered 32 points from 18 games. Sundowns lead the way at the summit on 38 points.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Sekhukhune United Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
Mamelodi Sundowns are unbeaten in 10 head-to-head games, winning nine games and drawing one.
Sekhukhune’s last 11 games across competitions have produced less than three goals, with each of the last eight seeing one side keep a clean sheet.
Sundowns have made a 15-game unbeaten start at home across competitions in regulation time this season (11 wins).
Sekhukhune are unbeaten in their last five away games, winning each of the last four on the bounce.
Sundowns have scored at least two goals in six of the last seven head-to-head games.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Sekhukhune United Prediction
Mamelodi Sundowns are joint-level on 38 points with rivals Orlando Pirates as they aim to win a ninth successive league title. They have been rampant in games played in front of their fans and will be fancied to claim maximum points here.
Sekhukhune are one of the sides that could hamper the feel good factor in Pretoria. They are just six points off the summit and a win here would put Eric Tinkler’s side right in the thick of the title race.
Back the home side to claim a routine win and keep a clean sheet.
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Prediction: Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Sekhukhune United
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Sekhukhune United Betting Tips
MUMBAI: The iconic Wankhede Stadium is set to honour legends of the game, with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Friday announcing that a stand will be named after former India all-rounder Ravi Shastri, alongside gates dedicated to Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar, and Diana Edulji.While the stand will be named in honour of former Mumbai captain Shastri, three different gates of the venue will be named after players from the city.
India land in Kolkata for do-or-die WI clash | Semi-final spot on the line
“The Apex Council approved a proposal to name Level 1 Stand below the Press Box at the iconic Wankhede Stadium after former India captain and renowned commentator Ravi Shastri, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Mumbai and Indian cricket, both as a player and as a coach,” the MCA said.The decisions were taken during an apex council meeting of the MCA here.Gate No. 3 will be named after Sardesai, who played 30 Tests for India and an overall 179 First-Class matches between 1960-61 and 1972-73.Gate No. 5 will be named in honour of Edulji, who played an overall 20 Tests and 34 ODIs between 1976-1993.Similarly, Gate No. 6 will be named after Solkar, a former all-rounder and one of the best close-in fielders who featured in 27 Tests and seven ODIs for India.“Mumbai cricket is built on the foundation laid by our stalwarts. It is our responsibility to honour those who have brought pride to the city and the nation,” MCA president Ajinkya said.“The proposal to name Level 1 Stand below Press Box after Ravi Shastri is a tribute to his immense contribution as a player, leader and coach.“Similarly, dedicating gates at (the) Wankhede Stadium to Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar and Diana Edulji ensures that every fan who walks into the stadium is reminded of the legends who shaped our glorious cricketing heritage.“These decisions reflect MCA’s commitment to celebrating its past while inspiring future generations,” he added.
Nov 8, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs the ball against the Navy Midshipmen during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
The NFL Combine has officially arrived, and things are heating up as we hurl towards the 2026 NFL Draft this April.
One of the more interesting positions in this year’s draft comes at the running back position. It’s a class that has a star at the top, a solid second tier of players, and then a third tier that very well could become immediate contributors at the NFL level. Here are my initial 2026 NFL Draft running back rankings.
1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Nov 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs after a catch against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
There is very little that Jeremiyah Love can’t do, which is why he lands at the No. 1 spot of this list. It’s not particularly close, either.
Love’s athletic ability is elite and jumps off the screen every time he takes the field. His speed is about as untouchable as it gets, and he gets up to that top speed in a hurry out of the backfield. On top of that ridiculous athletic ability while carrying the ball, the Notre Dame product can immediately be plugged into an NFL offense’s passing scheme. He caught 25 of his 28 targets either behind the line of scrimmage or from 0-9 yards, and he averaged 9.7 yards after the catch.
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The one area where Love can be knocked is his ability in pass protection when he does stay near the pocket on passing downs. At 6 feet tall and 214 pounds, he isn’t particularly built to hold up as a blocker, but with his receiving ability, he shouldn’t be in this role too much to begin with.
2. Jonah Coleman, Washington
Oct 4, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman (1) carries the ball against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
Jonah Coleman is a bowling ball at the running back position at 5’9″ and 228 pounds, and that makes him a very difficult player for opposing defenses to tackle.
Coleman is a very physical player and absorbs contact as well as any running back in this draft class. He is very patient behind the line of scrimmage, is a great workhorse back, and he can also contribute in pass protection and as a receiver. He caught 31 passes this past season with the Washington Huskies. On top of that, his ball security is elite. He fumbled just twice throughout his collegiate career on 639 touches.
Coleman’s ceiling is limited by his lack of breakaway speed, meaning he probably won’t ever be a competitor to lead the NFL in rushing yards. Still, he should have a long, productive NFL career and could go down as the modern day version of Frank Gore if he lives up to his potential.
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3. Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
Nov 28, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Emmett Johnson (21) runs against Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Zach Lutmer (6) during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
It’s been awhile since Nebraska has had a high end running back, but Emmett Johnson changed the tides in the backfield this season for the Cornhuskers. He became the first Nebraska running back with 1000+ yards since Devine Ozigbo in 2018.
Johnson thrives in zone running schemes, and he was one of the most explosive playmakers out of the backfield in all of college football this season. His 36 carries of 10+ yards tied for sixth in the FBS. He also led all running backs in the FBS with 46 receptions.
At 5’11” and 200 pounds, Johnson has a sturdy frame to along with outstanding breakaway speed and ability to change directions on a dime. He needs to get better as a blocker if he wants to truly help an NFL passing game, but with the receiving ability, he can get away with being a checkdown option (or down the field receiver option) more than a blocking presence.
While Jeremiyah Love stole much of the spotlight at Notre Dame this past year, Jadarian Price should not be overlooked heading into this draft. In an offense that had a top Heisman candidate in Love, Price still managed to get 120 carries in 2024 and 113 carries in 2025.
There’s a reason for that: Price is a very effective player. Every movement Price makes in the backfield seems effortless and entirely intentional. He has a terrific ability to make cuts in the blink of an eye, leaving defenses with virtually no time to react, or he’ll be gone.
That being said, there are some questions that could impact his placement in the draft. We’ve never seen him be a lead running back at the collegiate level, which is a very unique position for a player who is widely considered to be a Day 2 selection. He could also have some trouble staying on the field on third downs, particularly in passing situations. He only caught 15 passes over the course of his three years at Notre Dame.
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5. Kaytron Allen, Penn State
Nov 29, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen (13) reacts after a rushing touchdown during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Like Coleman, Kaytron Allen has a very sturdy frame that keeps his legs churning through defenders. Of his 1303 rushing yards this season, 792 of them came after contact. That was the 16th-most in all of the FBS this past year.
Allen (5’11”, 229 pounds) has been a very productive player at Penn State since he arrived in 2022, totaling at least 167 carries in all four of his seasons with the Nittany Lions. He’s proven time and time again that he can be a workhorse, and a very explosive burst allows him to get to the second level of a defense in a hurry.
However, he also lacks that true home run speed like Coleman. Unlike Coleman, though, Allen also has struggled as a receiver, which may force him off the field on third down passing situations. In 2025, he caught 18 passes for just 68 yards.
6. Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest
Oct 11, 2025; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons running back Demond Claiborne (1) runs the ball during the second half against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
Demond Claiborne is a home run hitter at the running back position. He has breakaway speed that few can keep up with in space, and he possesses outstanding lateral quickness, forcing missed tackles in open space.
On top of the abilities on offense, Claiborne can also contribute on special teams as a kick returner. He took two kickoffs to the house during his collegiate career before giving up the role during the 2025 season.
However, at 5’10” and 195 pounds, he doesn’t really have the build to be a lead back at the NFL level, which likely will limit his ceiling.
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7. Mike Washington, Arkansas
Nov 15, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Mike Washington (4) runs against LSU Tigers safety Tamarcus Cooley (0) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Mike Washington has a real chance to be one of the steals of this draft class if he ends up falling into the middle rounds. He has elite size at 6’2″ and 228 pounds, and he almost certainly will threaten 4.4 speed in the 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine.
Washington has great vision in the backfield, patiently waiting for lanes to open up before using that explosive ability to pick up yards in a hurry with big strides. He also has a knack for falling forward which is what you want to see in a running back prospect to pick up an extra yard or two.
So what gives? Why is he not a top 5 running back in this class? Well, the fumble issues could be catastrophic for him at the NFL level. He fumbled 10 times during his five-year collegiate career, including seven fumbles over the past two seasons.
8. Le’Veon Moss, Texas A&M
Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back Le’Veon Moss (8) runs the ball as Miami Hurricanes defensive back Ethan O’Connor (24) defends during the second half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Like Mike Washington, Le’Veon Moss has the tools to be an NFL running back. He has a punishing running style and pushes through contact to gain extra yards (big, physical guys are a theme of this RB class if you haven’t noticed).
His balance and patience in the backfield is a notable strength that draws some comparison to Le’Veon Bell, and when he does decide to burst through a hole, he does it with explosive speed and power.
All that being said, injury troubles have followed Moss throughout his collegiate career. In four years, he never managed to play 10 games at Texas A&M, suffering serious ankle and knee injuries in his career. If he stays healthy, Moss can surpass this draft ranking, but it’s hard to bank too much on that right now.
Senne Lammens and Manchester United have proved Paul Scholes wrong since the 23-year-old Belgian goalkeeper signed for the Reds from Royal Antwerp last summer
Six months ago, Paul Scholes branded Senne Lammens as “not a top goalkeeper” and said Manchester United should have tried to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma instead.
United were in the market to sign a new keeper near the end of the 2025 summer transfer window after Altay Bayindir’s difficult start to the season and Ruben Amorim’s decision to drop Andre Onana.
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Donnarumma and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez were both linked with a move to Old Trafford, but United opted to go for 23-year-old talent Lammens in a £18.1million deal from Royal Antwerp.
It was a move that raised eyebrows at the time, none more so than from ex-United midfielder Scholes, who felt the Reds missed a trick by not signing Donnarumma, who ended up signing for Manchester City, instead.
Scholes told The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast: “You buy this lad from Belgium. What’s he cost €20m (£18.2m)? I think that tells you everything about him at this point.
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“It tells me he’s [Lammens] not a top goalkeeper. As soon as that man [Donnarumma] became available, drive to Paris, go and get him, give him whatever he wants.”
But it’s safe to say that Lammens has left Scholes red-faced and proved him wrong. Indeed, the Belgian has been one of the standout goalkeepers in the Premier League this season.
Lammens has conceded just 26 goals in 21 top-flight matches in 2025/26 and produced arguably his most impressive performance to date in the 1-0 win at Everton on Monday. He made four saves, four punches, two high claims and was commanding throughout as he won the Premier League Player of the Match for his efforts.
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Speaking post-Everton, Lammens was compared to ex-United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar – who was covering the game for Sky Sports. “[I] just try to stay calm, play my own game,” Lammens said. “I know I have the qualities, I wouldn’t be here otherwise. So, [I] just believe in myself, the players around me and my teammates support me really much.
“Now I just keep on building, keep getting that confidence. Like today, getting those wins, feeling important, is really important. And yeah, like you said, if I’m in a comparison with Edwin van der Sar, it’s always nice to hear.”
Across Lammens’ 21 Premier League appearances, United have lost just twice. One of them came in the 1-0 defeat against Everton in November, while the other was a 2-1 loss at Aston Villa.
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As well as that, Lammens’ saves have prevented 5.5 more goals than the average goalkeeper based on the quality of accurate shots he has kept out, according to OPTA’s expected goals on target (xGOT) conceded model. No Premier League keeper can match that record since the Belgian’s United debut on October 4.
His impact has been astronomical, with some claiming that Lammens is – and could be – United’s best and most influential signing in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. Lammens has made the No.1 spot his own and it’s clear that he is far above Onana, who is on loan at Trabzonspor, and Bayindir in the pecking order.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.
Tyler Seguin‘s 2025-26 season has officially come to an end.
The Dallas Stars filed paperwork declaring the veteran forward out for the rest of the regular-season and playoffs, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Friday.
By ruling Seguin out for the remainder of the season, the Stars will get full relief from his $9.85-million cap hit ahead of the March 6 trade deadline.
The 33-year-old forward suffered a torn ACL back on Dec. 3 against the New York Rangers when he got tangled up with defenceman Vladislav Gavrikov in the first period. He had surgery to repair his knee on Dec. 19.
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It is the second lengthy injury for the veteran forward, who missed most of last season after undergoing hip surgery. He returned for the Stars’ regular-season finale and their playoff run to the Western Conference Final.
In 27 games this season, Seguin scored seven goals and recorded 17 points. Since joining the Stars in a trade with the Boston Bruins, the Brampton, Ont., native has 311 goals and 705 points in 813 games.
The Stars are once again a contender this season, sitting third in the Central Division with a 35-14-9 record.
Black Cats winger Romaine Mundle featured from the bench in the Black Cats’ 3-1 defeat to Fulham on Sunday on a weekend that saw four separate cases of Premier League players receiving racist abuse and Le Bris reiterated the club’s support for Mundle.
“What happened to Romaine is unacceptable, we stand with him,” said Le Bris. “There is no room for racism or abuse in football or anywhere else. That’s clear for us, we stand for respect, inclusion and diversity, these are the values of football and the values of the club, so it’s clear.”
Speaking about wider racially motivated incidents in football in recent months, he added: “I don’t know really why but I repeat, we don’t want to accept that.
“We have to have a clear position and I think it’s the case here at Sunderland, we want to defend values and when someone, a group of people, want to threaten those values it’s important to react.”
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Meanwhile, Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare was said to be “upset and angered” by the racism he was subjected to after Sunday’s defeat to Crystal Palace.
Arokodare missed a penalty in the 1-0 loss at Selhurst Park and subsequently received racist messages from several accounts.
Edwards said: “It’s been a really difficult week for him. He was upset and angered by it, understandably so.
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Tolu Arokodare was sent racist messages after missing a penalty in Wolves’ defeat to Crystal Palace (Getty Images)
“We’ve supported him, and I’ve had a few individual chats with him, we’ve spoken about it as a group as well, to make sure that we get around him and support.”
Kick It Out, the British-based anti-discrimination charity, reiterated its demand for social media platforms to take more robust action against such behaviour.
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Kick It Out called for more robust action to be taken against racism (Getty Images)
“This has been an appalling weekend after four players called out the racist abuse they’ve received on social media. But the sad fact is, we know it happens regularly,” the organisation said.
“The message from them is loud and clear: action must follow. Players cannot be expected to tolerate this behavior, and nor should anyone else.”
The Premier League also condemned the abuse, stating: “There are serious consequences for anybody found guilty of discrimination and we will offer our full support with their investigations. Football is for everyone — there is no room for racism.”
Gareth Southgate has been out of management since stopping being England manager after losing the 2024 European Championship final to Spain almost two years ago
Gareth Southgate will not become Manchester United’s next manager because the former England boss has removed himself from consideration after saying he has ‘no passion’ to work in the Premier League at present.
Southgate has not managed since stepping down as England boss in July 2024, following defeat in the European Championship final. The 55-year-old has concentrated on business interests and is preparing to present a television programme.
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Despite being linked as a candidate to take over as next Manchester United manager, Southgate confirmed he is not contemplating an imminent return to management. Speaking on The Football Boardroom podcast, he said: “I’ve got no passion just to go and manage in the Premier League.
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“I did that at 35, I finished 11th, 12th. Who is in those positions now, probably Bournemouth, Brighton (and Hove Albion)?
“I’ve had one of the biggest jobs in world football, so I’ve been spoiled – huge nights, working with outstanding players. No owner interfering.”
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The former Middlesbrough manager was linked to the United position following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal last month. Michael Carrick has been appointed on an interim basis until the season’s conclusion, with United bringing in Steve Holland, Southgate’s assistant during his England tenure, as one of Carrick’s coaching staff. Nevertheless, he and Holland will not be working together at Old Trafford.
Southgate also recognised the criticism he would face if a club like United selected him, given some view his England spell as unsuccessful. He added: “The bit that, externally, people are saying is, ‘well, he didn’t win’. So, how do you prove that you can win? You’ve got to go to one of those big clubs.
“Now we know those big clubs… do I think I could have done the job that some people who have been in those clubs recently have done? Could I do better? I think I could.
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“But we’ve talked about the baggage that comes with me as an appointment if you’re an owner. And there’s a reality around [that], I can understand what that noise is. There’s that bit which makes me potentially a complicated appointment for a club.”
Southgate then confirmed: “I don’t want to go and manage a different national team. Club? It’s honestly not what I’m looking to do. Now, two years after leaving England, I’m not actively looking for a role in coaching.
“If that European final was the bit [in coaching], I wouldn’t worry about that, because there is another 15-20 years of my life ahead of me and I’m excited about a different video, a different movie, a different part of my life.”
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
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This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.
England’s Will Jacks, left, and Rehan Ahmed (Photo by AP)
England pull off an exciting four-wicket win over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup Super Eights, thanks to a brilliant late fightback by Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed. The victory keeps Pakistan’s semifinal hopes alive, while England finish top of Group 2 with three wins from three matches.
India land in Kolkata for do-or-die WI clash | Semi-final spot on the line
England pulled off an exciting four-wicket win over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup Super Eights, thanks to a brilliant late fightback by Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed. The victory kept Pakistan’s semifinal hopes alive, while England finished top of Group 2 with three wins from three matches. New Zealand batted first and posted 159 for seven in 20 overs. Their batters got good starts but failed to convert them into big scores. Glenn Phillips scored 39, Tim Seifert made 35, and Finn Allen added 29. England’s spinners played a key role in controlling the innings, with Jacks, Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed picking up two wickets each to slow the scoring in the middle overs. England’s chase began poorly as they lost two early wickets and struggled at 58 for four. Harry Brook attempted to steady the innings, but New Zealand kept striking at regular intervals. Tom Banton and Sam Curran added valuable runs, yet England slipped to 117 for six in 17 overs, still needing 43 runs from 18 balls. At that stage, New Zealand appeared firmly in control. However, Jacks and Rehan had other plans. They attacked Glenn Phillips in the 18th over, smashing 22 runs to shift the momentum. The duo then collected 16 runs off Mitchell Santner in the next over, putting England on course for victory. With confidence high, they calmly guided the team home with three balls to spare. Earlier, there had been a brief moment of drama when Seifert was wrongly given out, only for TV replays to overturn the decision. In the end, England held their nerve to complete a thrilling comeback win.
Oleksandr Usyk’s next fight has been confirmed, with the heavyweight boxing champion defending one of his world titles at the pyramids of Giza, in a stunning development.
Remarkably, it will take place at the pyramids of Giza in Egypt, as he defends the WBC title against kickboxing great Rico Verhoeven on 23 May.
Usyk, 39, had been linked to the Dutchman, 36, in recent weeks, but the location of the fight comes as a major surprise.
Usyk was recently granted a voluntary title defence for his next bout and was previously linked to Deontay Wilder, but the American was later paired with Derek Chisora. Instead, it will be Verhoeven who vies for Usyk’s WBC belt, while aiming to hand the Ukrainian his first professional loss.
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Verhoeven’s kickboxing record stands at 66-10 (21 knockouts), and he is a former long-reigning heavyweight champion, widely regarded as an all-time great in his sport. However, this upcoming fight is just his second in pro boxing, and it comes 12 years after he won his first.
Rico Verhoeven is regarded as one of kickboxing’s all-time greats (Getty Images)
“I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport,” Usyk said on Friday. “Rico is one of them. I respect his journey – he’s truly the king of kickboxing. But this is boxing, a different game with its own rules and kings.”
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Verhoeven said: “I spent 12 years as the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion. I wasn’t looking for comfort, so I started looking for the highest challenge available in another world. Usyk is undisputed in boxing, that’s the kind of challenge that motivates me – undisputed versus undisputed.”
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Usyk, who outpointed Joshua in 2021 and 2022, last fought in July, when he stopped Daniel Dubois at London’s Wembley Stadium. The result came two years after Usyk first TKOed the Briton, and it crowned him a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.
Oleksandr Usyk (right) last fought in July, stopping Daniel Dubois for the second time (PA Wire)
Elsewhere in the division, Tyson Fury will emerge from his fifth retirement when he boxes Arslanbek Makhmudov on 11 April. Following that fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in the English capital, Fury could pursue a trilogy bout with Usyk.
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The Ukrainian outpointed Fury twice in 2024, handing the “Gypsy King” his only losses as a pro, and the first of those results marked Usyk’s first undisputed heavyweight triumph.
Usyk vs Verhoeven will stream live on DAZN and will be organised by The Ring magazine and Sela, a Saudi events company. The Ring is owned by Saudi government official Turki Alalshikh.
This week, The Telegraph reported that British promoter Frank Warren is claiming $1bn in lost income from Sela and combat-sports brand TKO, who co-own the new promotion Zuffa Boxing. Warren told the BBC: “It’s just a difference of opinion over the contracts that we signed, so that will just take its course. I can’t make any comment on it. It is what it is.” A representative of Sela told The Independent: “We are disappointed by the unfounded claims brought by Queensberry and Frank Warren. We reject them in their entirety and are confident that the facts will fully vindicate our position.”
