Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell surveyed the field on Oct. 5, 2025, in Tottenham, United Kingdom, before the NFL International Series matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The Vikings’ overseas appearance drew thousands of fans to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where O’Connell’s focus during warmups set the tone for a crucial midseason test abroad. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Maybe the best way to understand the Vikings GM news is through The Sixth Sense. After all, the spooky thriller had a twist ending. So, too, is the rejection a bit of a twist insofar as the NFL is usually a place where ambition wins.
Or, perhaps, George Costanza offers the way forward (as he so often does). Any insistence on “it’s not you, it’s me” should be flatly rejected. If there is blame to go around, the Vikings should be taking all if it onto their purple shoulders, thank you very much.
Regardless of one’s media preferences, the news: a Vikings GM candidate has declined Minnesota’s offer of an interview.
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Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated offers the news: “Chargers assistant GM Chad Alexander respectfully declined the Vikings’ GM interview request, and withdrew his name from the search, per sources. Alexander’s comfortable in LA, and wanted to see the building of the 2026 team through.”
Vikings GM Candidate Not Interested in Leaving LA
The NFL is a place where it takes two to tango.
Most commonly, that need for reciprocal desire manifests itself in player acquisition efforts. The NFL could feature 31 front offices calling with a trade offer to snag Justin Jefferson, but Minnesota would need to be willing to do a deal (spoiler: they aren’t).
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Likewise, free agency is a time when there needs to be shared interest. The Vikings could call a player about coming to Minnesota but that player needs to desire that outcome (see: Jennings, Jauan). There’s a reason, folks, why free agents are called “free.”
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell stands during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore on Mar. 31, 2026, in Phoenix. O’Connell’s appearance came as league leaders and team decision-makers gathered to discuss offseason priorities, rule matters, and roster-building strategies ahead of the 2026 campaign. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Over on Pro Football Talk, there’s some chatter about the withdrawal.
“Alexander is in his third year working under GM Joe Hortiz with the Chargers,” Josh Alper clarifies. “He worked for the Jets and the Ravens — where Hortiz also worked — before joining the Chargers.”
Further: “In addition to internal candidate and acting GM Rob Brzezinski, the Vikings have also requested interviews with Lions assistant GM Ray Agnew, Broncos assistant GM Reed Burckhardt, Dolphins assistant GM Kyle Smith 49ers assistant GM RJ Gillen, Bills assistant GM Terrance Gray, Rams assistant GM John McKay, Seahawks assistant GM Nolan Teasely and Titans assistant GM Dave Ziegler.”
In neither the Breer nor the Alper writing is there an explanation for why Mr. Alexander has declined the offer apart from ongoing comfort and the desire to keep building the Chargers. Maybe that’s the whole story.
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Or, perhaps, there are other dynamics. Maybe he loves sunny weather and being close to movie stars. Maybe the thought of a Juicy Lucy while sipping Caribou Coffee sounds terrible. Maybe his family has great connections in the community, cherishes the walking trails at a nearby park, and he loves his local bookstore. Maybe he doesn’t want to work with Kevin O’Connell, J.J. McCarthy, and/or other prominent people in Minnesota. Or maybe the full rationale is corralled by Breer.
Without being able to read Chad Alexander’s mind and in the absence of a more thorough public explanation, there are just guesses (some more plausible than others).
At the end of the day, the rationale doesn’t matter as long as the single instance doesn’t become a trend. Explaining away a single rejection is easy, the sort of thing that genuinely could be due to comfort in LA and/or personal factors (weather, cuisine, family). But if the vast majority of Vikings GM candidates back out? Now that would be a problem that says an awful lot about the outside perception of the Vikings.
There’s no indication that that’s the case, but one does think of the Jaguars recently struggling to hire a new head coach before canning the former GM. Not likely to occur in Minnesota, but similar things have happened in the NFL.
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Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell speaks with team owner Zygi Wilf during training camp at TCO Stadium, Aug. 3, 2023, in Eagan, Minnesota, as the organization continues preparations for the upcoming season with leadership aligned on roster direction and expectations. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
The Vikings have been working through online meetings with GM candidates. Afterwards, the competition will grow more intense as the franchise focuses in on the options who appear to be compelling fits. What will then occur (presumably) is a round of in-person interviews.
Look toward the end of May as plausible time for when the new GM will be announced. My best guess is Nolan Teasley from the Seattle Seahawks.
The Smithsburg boys track & field team won the MPSSAA Class 1A West region championship on its home track on Friday, May 15.
Washington County’s seven public-school track & field teams have participated across four region championship meets this week. As of Friday evening, only 3A West still had to be completed. The second day of the 3A West meet is Saturday, May 16, at Frederick.
Here are Washington County’s top-three region finishes this week (with Day 2 of 3A West to be added Saturday evening):
Clear Spring’s Daniel Apiou won the 1A West boys 110 hurdles (14.98), high jump (6-4) and triple jump (45-1 1/2).
Region champions
Daniel Apiou, Clear Spring, 1A West boys 110 hurdles, 14.98, high jump, 6-4, and triple jump, 45-1 1/2
Chloe Gietka, South Hagerstown, 4A North girls triple jump, 37-6
Dylan Herbst, Smithsburg, 1A West boys 800, 1:56.70, and 1,600, 4:25.41
Skyla Mastronardi, Smithsburg, 1A West girls high jump, 5-2
Torin Sitter, South Hagerstown, 4A North boys 400, 49.74
Byron Snyder, Williamsport, 2A West boys long jump, 22-3
Sidney Turner, Boonsboro, 1A West girls discus, 119-4
Michael Wynkoop, Smithsburg, 1A West boys 3,200, 9:50.30
South Hagerstown, 4A North boys 4×200 relay (Myles Clottey, Jameir Simms, Clinton Otinkorang, Torin Sitter), 1:28.99
Smithsburg, 1A West boys 4×800 relay (Camilo Mellott, Gavin Gross, Dylan Lowe, Dylan Herbst), 8:13.54
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Smithsburg boys are 1A West champs, dozens of county athletes shine
Clear Spring’s Daniel Apiou won the 1A West boys 110 hurdles (14.98), high jump (6-4) and triple jump (45-1 1/2).
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Smithsburg boys are 1A West champs, dozens of county athletes shine
Clear Spring’s Daniel Apiou won the 1A West boys 110 hurdles (14.98), high jump (6-4) and triple jump (45-1 1/2).
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Washington County high school track & field standouts in region meets
Smithsburg’s Dylan Herbst leads teammates Michael Wynkoop, right, and Camilo Mellott, back, during the 1A West boys 1,600. Herbst won the 800 (1:56.70) and 1,600 (4:25.41) and was second in the 3,200 (9:55.85).
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Washington County high school track & field standouts in region meets
Williamsport’s Byron Snyder won the 2A West boys long jump (22-3), was second in the 100 (11.16) and third in the 200 (22.93).
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Washington County high school track & field standouts in region meets
Boonsboro’s Sidney Turner, shown in the 1A West shot put, won the discus (119-4) and was third in the shot put (35 feet).
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Washington County high school track & field standouts in region meets
South Hagerstown’s Chloe Gietka won the 4A North girls triple jump (37-6).
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Washington County high school track & field standouts in region meets
Smithsburg’s Skyla Mastronardi won the 1A West girls high jump (5-2).
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Washington County high school track & field standouts in region meets
South Hagerstown’s Torin Sitter won the 4A North boys 400 (49.74).
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Washington County high school track & field standouts in region meets
Smithsburg’s Michael Wynkoop won the 1A West boys 3,200 (9:50.30).
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Washington County high school track & field standouts in region meets
Boonsboro’s Naythan Bwana, right, finshed second in the 1A West boys 100 (11.18) and triple jump (40-8) and was third in the 400 (51.87).
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Washington County high school track & field standouts in region meets
Boonsboro’s Sarah Mohler placed second in 1A West in the girls shot put (35-1 1/2) and discus (117-2)
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Washington County high school track & field standouts in region meets
South Hagerstown’s Clinton Otinkorang finished second in the 4A North boys 200 (23.12) and third in the 400 (51.12).
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Washington County high school track & field standouts in region meets
Boonsboro’s Austin Dinsmore, shown competing in the 1A West discus, finished second in the shot put (46-8 3/4).
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Washington County high school track & field standouts in region meets
Clear Spring’s Hadley Elwood finished second in the 1A West girls high jump (5 feet).
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Washington County high school track & field standouts in region meets
Boonsboro’s Emily Franko finished second in the 1A West girls 3,200 (12:30.88).
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Washington County high school track & field standouts in region meets
Smithsburg’s Lilian Hade tied for second in the 1A West girls pole vault (9 feet).
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Washington County high school track & field standouts in region meets
Boonsboro’s Harley Paugh finished second in the 1A West boys pole vault (12 feet).
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Washington County high school track & field standouts in region meets
Clear Spring’s Audrey Roberts tied for second in the 1A West girls pole vault (9 feet).
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Washington County high school track & field standouts in region meets
North Hagerstown’s Caroline Philp finished second in the 3A West girls 3,200 (10:55.24).
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Washington County high school track & field standouts in region meets
Smithsburg’s Jacob Tyler, shown competing in the 1A West boys long jump, finished second in the high jump (6-2).
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Washington County high school track & field standouts in region meets
Boonsboro’s Ish Badaki finished third in the 1A West boys 300 hurdles (43.29).
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Washington County high school track & field standouts in region meets
Clear Spring’s Dean Edwards finished third in the 1A West boys pole vault (11-6).
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Washington County high school track & field standouts in region meets
Boonsboro’s Abigayle Fluharty finished third in the 1A West girls 200 (26.32).
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Washington County high school track & field standouts in region meets
Williamsport’s Odyssey Herron, shown competing in the CMC Small School long jump, finished third in the 2A West 100 hurdles (17.81).
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Washington County high school track & field standouts in region meets
North Hagerstown’s Mackenzie Philp finished third in the 3A West girls 3,200 (11:06.54).
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Washington County high school track & field standouts in region meets
Smithsburg’s Rittenhouse Shuster finished third in the 1A West boys triple jump (40-6),
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Region second-place finishers
Naythan Bwana, Boonsboro, 1A West boys 100, 11.18, and triple jump, 40-8
Austin Dinsmore, Boonsboro, 1A West boys shot put, 46-8 3/4
Hadley Elwood, Clear Spring, 1A West girls high jump, 5 feet
Emily Franko, Boonsboro, 1A West girls 3,200, 12:30.88
Lilian Hade, Smithsburg, 1A West girls pole vault, 9 feet (tied)
Dylan Herbst, Smithsburg, 1A West boys 3,200, 9:55.85
Trevor Jessup, Smithsburg, 1A West boys discus, 136-5
Sarah Mohler, Boonsboro, 1A West girls shot put, 35-1 1/2, and discus, 117-2
Clinton Otinkorang, South Hagerstown, 4A North boys 200, 23.12
Harley Paugh, Boonsboro, 1A West boys pole vault, 12 feet
Caroline Philp, North Hagerstown, 3A West girls 3,200, 10:55.24
Audrey Roberts, Clear Spring, 1A West girls pole vault, 9 feet (tied)
Byron Snyder, Williamsport, 2A West boys 100, 11.16
Jacob Tyler, Smithsburg, 1A West boys high jump, 6-2
Boonsboro, 1A West boys 4×100 relay (Nathan Bosnick, Nikita Khyzhniak, Naythan Bwana, Wyatt Hegedus), 44.67
DHARAMSHALA : Jasprit Bumrah’s first outing as Mumbai Indians captain felt less like a temporary fix and more like a glimpse of a possible future.MI won, Bumrah sounded astute and unruffled, and the franchise may have found its steadiest leadership option for next season if the “uncertainty” surrounding Hardik Pandya remains and Suryakumar Yadav’s batting continues to be iffy.One game is too small a sample to draw sweeping conclusions as far as Bumrah’s captaincy for MI is concerned. But as subplots go, this one has a compelling beginning.Bumrah had waited a long time for this leadership opportunity. He became MI captain only in his 157th IPL appearance, an almost absurdly late handover for a cricketer who joined the franchise in 2013 and has since become one of its defining figures. At the toss, Bumrah joked: “I didn’t expect to be a Test captain before I became the captain of Mumbai Indians,” a line that carried both humour and a touch of disbelief.That remark also captured the central oddity of Bumrah’s leadership arc. India trusted him before Mumbai did. He has already captained India in Tests and T20Is, winning one Test, losing two, winning two T20Is and seeing one wash out. He first led India in the rescheduled Edgbaston Test in 2022 when Rohit Sharma was ruled out with Covid, then guided the T20I side to a 2-0 series win in Ireland in 2023 and later stood in during the Perth Test in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where India won.What stood out in Dharam-sala was not just the result but the manner. Bumrah came across as composed, concise and in control, the kind of captain who does not try to dominate a room so much as steady it. He said he welcomed responsibility, called it a new challenge and spoke of enjoying the final stretch of the season rather than merely surviving it.That tone matters for a team that has spent the season searching for balance. With Hardik unavailable and Surya not always able to offer continuity with the bat, Bumrah offered MI a simpler cent-re of gravity. He does not need to prove his value for the franchise; every spell already does that. His captaincy has the feel of a problem-solver, not that of a showman.Shardul Thakur, who returned with figures of 4/39 against Punjab Kings on Thursday, framed the larger picture neatly. “I have my comfort level with him (Bumrah). We had lots of discussions rather, and I don’t know much about the other bowlers, but of course he’s never shy of sharing his ideas,” Thakur said after the match. “He is definitely a bowler’s captain.”Thakur added that each of MI’s three captains this season — Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav and Bumrah — brought “different sets of ideas,” and insisted there is no fixed formula for success. He also argued that players make captains look good, praising the experience and match-winning ability of all three.“As a captain, you need to read game situations better than others, put in your best effort and need to keep the team always above you,” Thakur said.
A horse has died after a race on Friday as part of Black-Eyed Susan Day, an event that occurs in the run-up to the Preakness Stakes. Hit Zero, a three-year Maryland-based thoroughbred, died shortly after making his racing debut during the first race of the day.
Hit Zero was the favorite heading into the Maiden Claiming, which kicked off Friday’s events, but finished last. Shortly afterwards, Hit Zero started coughing, collapsed to his knees and died, per WBAL.
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Later on Friday, Hit Zero’s owner, Justin Horowitz, confirmed the horse’s death in a post on Instagram.
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“It is with deepest sadness that I have to announce the death of my beautiful horse, Hit Zero. After his debut race today at Laurel Park, he suffered a sudden medical event and passed away. What was supposed to be a dream-come-true day to kick off his career—on my son’s 6th birthday no less—ended in the tragedy that every horse lover fears,” Horowitz said.
In the post, Horowitz said that Hit Zero was named in honor of his 10-year-old daughter Bailey, with the horse named after a cheerleading term for a perfect routine. Per Horowitz, Bailey was at the race track on Friday to watch Hit Zero’s race.
Hit Zero was trained by Brittany Russell, a prolific trainer who had 11 horses compete on Black-Eyed Susan Day across a variety of events. Another of Russell’s horses, Bold Fact, ended up winning the race. In total, 14 races took place on Friday, including the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, the marquee race of the pre-Preakness event.
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Normally, both competitions are hosted at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. However, due to renovations at Pimlico this year, Black-Eyed Susan Day and the Preakness are both being held at Laurel Park, a race course southwest of Baltimore.
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Though the race is not taking place at Pimlico, fatalities at the track have been relatively rare over the past few years: Only two other horses have died at Pimlico since 2022, with no fatalities in either of the past two years.
Nick Aldis made a massive announcement ahead of tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown. This week’s edition of the blue brand will air live from the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina.
Aldis is the General Manager of SmackDown, and he made a huge announcement ahead of tonight’s show. WWE Tag Team Champions R-Truth and Damian Priest were scheduled to battle Talla Tonga and Tama Tonga in a tag team match tonight, but that will no longer be the case.
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The SmackDown GM revealed that R-Truth was not medically cleared to compete and would not be in action during tonight’s show. Aldis shared that instead of the planned tag team match, Damian Priest would be squaring off against Tama Tonga tonight in a singles bout. You can check out the veteran’s announcement in his post below.
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“Ladies and Gentlemen, R-Truth is not medically cleared to compete tonight, therefore Damian Priest will now go 1-on-1 with Tama Tonga. See you tonight on #SmackDown,” he wrote.
R-Truth and The Archer of Infamy won the titles by defeating JC Mateo and Tama Tonga in March on WWE SmackDown.
Popular WWE star reveals why he doesn’t like Damian Priest’s finisher
The Judgment Day’s Dominik Mysterio recently shared why he didn’t like taking Damian Priest’s finishing move.
Priest used to be a member of The Judgment Day but was betrayed by the faction at SummerSlam 2024. Rhea Ripley was also kicked out of the faction at the PLE a couple of years ago. Finn Balor was also betrayed by the faction earlier this year and went on to defeat Dominik Mysterio last month at WrestleMania 42.
“Probably Damian Priest’s South of Heaven. He’s just so tall, and he gets you even higher up there, so your bump is actually like 10 feet tall. So he’s just, it’s not a fun one for sure,” said Dominik Mysterio.
DAMIAN PRIEST WITH A SOUTH OF HEAVEN CHOKESLAM THROUGH TWO TABLES TO DREW MCINTYRE 🤯 #WWEBacklash
It will be fascinating to see if Priest can defeat Tama Tonga tonight on WWE SmackDown.
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Akwa United goalkeeper Uchechukwu Aloysius has been invited to the Flying Eagles camp ahead of the WAFU B U20 Championship scheduled to hold in Cote d’Ivoire in July.
The invitation came after an impressive season for the young goalkeeper with Akwa United in the Nigeria National League (NNL). Aloysius played a key role for the Promise Keepers during the season as the club narrowly missed promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
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His brilliant performances also earned him several NNL Goalkeeper of the Month awards during the campaign.
Akwa United celebrated the player’s invitation in a social media post, describing it as a deserved reward for his hard work and performances.
“Congratulations to our goalkeeper Aloysius Thankgod on his well-deserved invitation to the Flying Eagles of Nigeria.
“Your outstanding performances have earned you this great opportunity to represent the nation.
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“Go and shine,” the club wrote.
Flying Eagles Head Coach Abdu Maikaba invited 35 players to camp as preparations begin for the regional tournament.
The invited players are expected to report to camp in Abuja on Saturday, May 16.
Players invited to Flying Eagles camp for WAFU B U20 Championship
England continue their long pursuit of international glory, still chasing their first World Cup title since 1966, when Bobby Moore famously lifted the Jules Rimet trophy at Wembley. Decades later, despite several close calls in major tournaments, belief is stronger than ever that 2026 could finally be the year football comes home again.
With Thomas Tuchel now at the helm and a squad filled with some of the world’s most elite talent, England arrive in North America with renewed confidence and a clear sense of purpose.
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Perfect Qualification Campaign
England produced a flawless qualifying run for the 2026 World Cup, finishing with an unbeaten record of 8 wins from 8 matches. They scored 22 goals without conceding a single one, underlining both attacking efficiency and defensive discipline.
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Harry Kane led the charge with 8 goals, while Declan Rice topped the assist charts with 4, highlighting England’s balance between creativity and control.
Tuchel’s side cruised through their group, comfortably defeating Albania, Serbia, Latvia, and Andorra twice each. Beyond the results, it was England’s style of play that stood out, free-flowing, attacking football that fully utilised the depth and quality of their squad.
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This marked a clear shift towards a more expressive and dynamic identity, showcasing the potential that had often been underused in previous tournament cycles.
England’s Group L in FIFA World Cup 2026
England
Croatia
Ghana
Panama
Can Kane and co. bring it home?
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Harry Kane remains England’s central figure heading into the tournament, serving as captain, all-time top scorer, and the team’s key reference point in attack. When he is in form, his unique ability to drop deep and link play while still positioning himself for close-range finishes makes England significantly more dangerous and balanced in the final third.
Meanwhile, Elliot Anderson has emerged as a surprise breakout talent. Having started the season outside the senior international setup, he has rapidly earned Thomas Tuchel’s trust and is now expected to play a key midfield role. The Nottingham Forest midfielder’s technical skill and creativity have quickly gained attention.
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England schedule for FIFA World Cup 2026
FIFA World Cup 2026 England schedule
Fixture
Date
Venue
England vs Croatia
Wednesday, June 17
AT&T Stadium
England vs Ghana
Tuesday, June 23
Gillette Stadium
Panama vs England
Saturday, June 27
MetLife Stadium
England operate in a base 4-2-3-1 formation under Thomas Tuchel, built around a high-intensity, possession-based approach. In reality, the system often transforms into a fluid 2-3-5 shape during attacking phases, with centre-backs staying deep, full-backs stepping into midfield, and one midfielder pushing higher to support the front line.
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England Strengths
One of England’s biggest strengths is their ability to dominate possession through fluid positional play and sharp, direct passing. The system allows constant movement and rotation, making it difficult for opponents to track their attacking patterns.
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The wide areas become especially dangerous as wingers and advanced midfielders combine with overlapping full-backs to stretch defences. The tactical freedom given to creative players also increases unpredictability in the final third, while Kane’s ability to drop deep adds another layer to their attacking structure.
England Weaknesses
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Despite their attacking strength, England remain vulnerable to quick counterattacks, particularly when full-backs move into midfield and wingers push high up the pitch, leaving space in wide defensive areas. This risk is amplified against teams with fast transitions.
Another concern is the lack of high-quality backup for Harry Kane, meaning England can suffer a drop in attacking efficiency if he is unavailable or heavily marked out of games. Overall, the system is high-risk, high-reward, and can expose defensive gaps when possession is lost.
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England squad for FIFA World Cup 2026: Yet to be announced Preliminary squad:
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, James Trafford, Jason Steele, Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Dan Burn, Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Fikayo Tomori, Harry Maguire, Jarell Quansah, John Stones, Kyle Walker, Levi Colwill, Lewis Hall, Marc Guéhi, Reece James, Tino Livramento, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Trevoh Chalobah
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Midfielders: Adam Wharton, Alex Scott, Conor Gallagher, Curtis Jones, Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Harvey Barnes, James Garner, Jordan Henderson, Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo, Morgan Gibbs-White, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Nico O’Reilly, Phil Foden, Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Forwards: Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dominic Solanke, Eberechi Eze, Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Jarrod Bowen, Marcus Rashford, Morgan Rogers, Noni Madueke, Ollie Watkins
Vanie Gandler (left) and Erika Santos will bring their solid partnership to the Solar Spikers. —MARLO CUETO
Towards the end of Cignal’s amazing run in the PVL All-Filipino Conference last month, Erika Santos and Vanie Gandler took pride in how they always had each other’s backs.
The Super Spikers are no more, their tenure coming to an end after their franchise took a leave of absence.
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But the duo remains inseparable.
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“I’m also thankful because Vanie is still with me,” Santos said after joining Capital1 for the next PVL season. “During the past conferences, we really had each other’s backs and shared the responsibilities together.”
They have a different task now. Once the spearhead of a tireless Cignal offense, the two will add much-needed experience to an attack that features perhaps the best hitter in the league today, young star Bella Belen.
But the former 1-2 punch of Cignal, both Most Valuable Player winners, will approach the task with the same mentality.
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“The experience and momentum we’re bringing into this new team [will be] a big factor,” Santos said, adding that she is eager to share “the experience and lessons that Vanie and I gained” with their new teammates.
Integrating into the Solar Spikers’ system should not be a problem for the two, who joined Capital1 alongside former Nxled setter Jaja Maraguinot. After all, they’ve gone through so much together that they function almost like a single entity.
“That’s a huge thing for me because of the chemistry we already built both inside and outside the court,” Santos, a former PVL On Tour MVP, said. “We have open communication and no matter what happens, we know we can always talk to each other properly.”
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Gandler, the most recent All-Filipino Conference MVP, was grateful for the chance to compete beside Santos.
“The connection we built both on and off the court really took time, patience, and conscious effort from both of us,” the former Ateneo standout said. “We made it a point to constantly communicate, call each other out when needed and talk not just about volleyball but also about our work ethic and mindset.”
“That’s why I’m really grateful Erika is still with me because she understands how I work, knows how to call me out when needed and it’s the same the other way around.”
Santos transferred from PLDT to Cignal last year and came out of her shell, rising as the first PVL on Tour MVP. She emerged as one of the league’s top opposite hitters and an All-Star starter.
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But the former La Salle stalwart had to embark on a new journey after Cignal’s sudden leave.
“It wasn’t an easy decision because we really had to process everything that happened. It wasn’t a small decision to make. I had already become attached to my teammates and to the system we had, so starting a new journey again is definitely challenging. But now, we’re here with Capital1,” she said.
On May 30, Santos will be crowned as the season’s Most Improved Player in the 2nd PVL Press Corps Awards Night at Novotel, where Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez will receive the Miss Quality Minutes trophy and Kianna Dy of PLDT will be named as the Comeback Player of the Year.
Santos is expected to make an immediate impact for the Solar Spikers, who haven’t reached the semifinals since joining the league two years ago.
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“There are a lot of expectations and adjustments along the way. It won’t be easy, so we’ll really work hard,” Santos said.
Anshul Kamboj endured a tough outing against Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on Friday, registering one of the costliest spells by a Chennai Super Kings bowler in IPL history.Kamboj gave away 63 runs in just 2.4 overs during CSK’s seven-wicket defeat. It is now the second-most expensive spell ever by a CSK bowler in the IPL.Most runs conceded by a CSK bowler in an IPL innings:
0/65 (3) – Khaleel Ahmed vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2025
0/63 (2.4) – Anshul Kamboj vs LSG, Lucknow, 2026
0/62 (4) – Lungi Ngidi vs MI, Delhi, 2021
2/61 (4) – Shardul Thakur vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2024
0/60 (4) – Simarjeet Singh vs GT, Ahmedabad, 2024
Kamboj also became only the second bowler in IPL history to concede more than 60 runs in a match while bowling three or fewer overs. The only other bowler on the list is Khaleel Ahmed, who returned figures of 0/65 against RCB in Bengaluru in 2025. Kamboj is the first bowler to be hit for four sixes in an over twice in an IPL game.The CSK pacer was taken apart by LSG batters throughout the chase. Out of the 16 balls he bowled, 11 went for either a four or a six. That means 68.75 per cent of his deliveries ended in boundaries. Kamboj ended up conceding eight sixes in the innings, equalling the IPL record for most sixes conceded by a bowler in a single innings alongside Yash Dayal against KKR in Ahmedabad in 2023. Among all IPL spells of at least two overs, only Washington Sundar had a worse boundary percentage. Sundar conceded 10 boundaries in 12 balls during his 1/46 spell in two overs against DC in 2024, with 83.33 per cent of his deliveries going for boundaries.Kamboj’s toughest moment came in the 17th over when Nicholas Pooran smashed four consecutive sixes to finish the chase for LSG.
The Triple Crown is off the table at the 2026 Preakness Stakes, but the prestige remains for the second jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown. Fans also will see the Preakness Stakes run at a different venue for the first time in more than a century. With renovations ongoing at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, the Preakness Stakes 2026 is set to be held at Laurel Park, about 30 miles southwest in Laurel, Md. The race is expected to return to Pimlico next year. The Grade I stakes race is the shortest of the Triple Crown runs at 1 3/16 miles — 1/16 a mile shorter than the Kentucky Derby — and offers a $2 million purse. Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo is out and looking ahead to the Belmont Stakes on June 6.
Post time for Preakness Stakes 2026 is set for 6:50 p.m. ET on Saturday. The Preakness Stakes 2026 odds have Iron Honor listed as the 9-2 favorite, with three horses at 5-1 — Chip Honcho, Incredibolt and Taj Mahal. Ocelli (6-1) and Napoleon Solo (8-1) are also top 2026 Preakness Stakes contenders. Before making any 2026 Preakness Stakes picks, you’ll want to see the 2026 Preakness Stakes predictions from SportsLine’s Michelle Yu.
She started off 2025 by correctly going all-in on Citizen Bull to win the Robert B. Lewis Stakes, and she also predicted Forever Young’s win in the Saudi Cup, Journalism’s win in the San Felipe Stakes, Sandman’s win in the Arkansas Derby and Mindframe’s win in the Churchill Downs Stakes. She also hit the exacta in the 2025 Kentucky Derby. In August she hit the Fierceness-Journalism exacta in the Pacific Classic, and in March 2026 she nailed the Renegade-Silent Tactic-Taptastic trifecta in the Arkansas Derby.
One surprise: Yu is really high on Taj Mahal this week, as the horse is 3 for 3 in his career at Laurel Park. At the Kentucky Derby, trainer Cherie DeVaux became the first woman to win the top race at Churchill Downs. Now Yu thinks another female trainer could be on the verge of making history in the Preakness. Brittany Russell is prepping Taj Mahal, and the colt has the resume to pull it off. That’s why he is among the favorites at 5-1. All three of Taj Mahal’s victories — in fact, all of his races — have come at Laurel Park, most recently the Federico Tesio Stakes, which he won by 8¼ lengths.
Taj Mahal “is certainly a horse for the course,” said Yu, who has been impressed by his limited performances. “He isn’t inching out these wins, he’s winning going away.” Taj Mahal got a bit of a bad break drawing the inside rail, but 12 horses have won the Preakness from that spot, and the horses just to the outside might not have the speed to squeeze him out. Yu thinks Russell could finally break her 0-for-32 run in graded stakes races on dirt and make history Saturday. “A woman won the Derby,” she said, “maybe one wins the Preakness too?” See which other 2026 Preakness Stakes horses to back at SportsLine.
Another one of Yu’s surprising Preakness Stakes picks: She is not taking Iron Honor as her top win contender. Yu says the Gotham Stakes winner “really faltered” in his last outing and isn’t convinced that this race’s length will play to Iron Honor’s strengths. She says trainer Chad Brown’s horse is “lightly raced.” Yu has identifed better value elsewhere in the field. See which other horses to fade at SportsLine.
NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. — For the second straight major, Bryson DeChambeau is headed home early. This time, there wasn’t a dramatic collapse on Friday afternoon like at the Masters. Instead, DeChambeau did his damage with a Thursday 76 and never threatened to mount a charge in Friday’s second round. By the end of 36 holes, DeChambeau shot 7 over and missed the cut at the 2026 PGA Championship by three shots.
DeChambeau entered the week desperate to make a statement about his place in the game’s hierarchy amid LIV Golf’s uncertain future; instead, he only added to the questions facing him as he tries to figure out what’s next in his career. As much as the big picture questions loom over him, what stands out is how his problems on the course are much more immediate.
DeChambeau’s issues with his iron and wedge play were once again at the forefront of his struggles, finishing the week well outside the top 100 in strokes gained approach and around the green. What’s most concerning is that he doesn’t seem all that close to a breakthrough with those clubs, spending hours on the range this week trying to find a feel that just won’t come.
The only good news for DeChambeau? Beyond finishing his 36 holes with three straight birdies, the next time we see him play in a major, it will be at the U.S. Open, where he’s a two-time champion. Perhaps that can bring him the positive vibes he needs, but Shinnecock Hills will be an exacting test of his ball-striking again and demand that he find the answers he currently doesn’t have.
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They say misery loves company, and DeChambeau has plenty of that at Aronimink this week. He is far from the only notable name to miss the cut, as he’s joined in the trunk-slamming club on Friday by a host of stars who just couldn’t crack the code of the Philly area gem.
Block entered the day at even par, but he couldn’t recapture the magic from Oak Hill and slowly fell outside the cutline, ending his round with two closing bogeys. Henley, Fleetwood and Im came in with high hopes on a ball-strikers course but never found their A-game. Bhatia got off to a fast start but had it all go wrong after his first nine, while Hovland struggled from the jump and never seemed comfortable with the course.
Higgo might be the accidental breakout star of the PGA Championship, as his two-stroke penalty for being late for his Thursday morning tee time became one of the stories of the day. Unfortunately for Higgo, that penalty cost him the weekend and a paycheck, which might not be worth the publicity he picked up.
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