Manager Sarina Wiegman says England have been given reassurances there are no safety concerns about their Women’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine being held in Turkey as the conflict in the Middle East widens.
The Lionesses play in Antalya at 17:00 GMT on Tuesday because Ukraine are unable to play in their home country as a result of the war with Russia, which is in its fifth year.
On Saturday the US attacked Iran as part of a joint operation with Israel, sparking retaliatory strikes across the Middle East.
The Iranian regime has responded with attacks on US assets and countries in the region with a US military presence, including Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq.
“Yes, we did have reassurances. We are in close contact with the government and the people here that are responsible,” said Wiegman.
“We’re fine here but we’re keeping an eye on it. We’re in contact all the time with the responsible authorities.
“Of course, you’re concerned about what’s happening in the world. When we think, or our government thinks it’s unsafe, we will go back. At this moment, we don’t have signals of that.”
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England travelled to Turkey last Wednesday for a training camp but it is unclear how many fans will attend the match following the weekend’s developments, with some supporters and several media outlets already choosing to withdraw.
Wiegman says the fact Ukraine are having to host the match in Turkey because of conflict in their home country following Russia’s invasion is “really sad”.
“We have great facilities here and the climate is really good so we can prepare really well. But the reason we’re here is not nice,” she added.
“You want Ukraine to be able to play in their home country. They had to travel a lot themselves to get here. The things they have in front of them in their country is really horrible.
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“We hope this game unites a bit. It’s a chance for Ukraine to show themselves to the world in another way where hopefully football unites and brings some joy.”
Cristina Bucsa has capped the biggest week of her career by winning her first WTA title at the Mérida Open.
Bucsa defeated Magdalena Fręch 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 in the final to lift the trophy.
Just days after securing her first top 10 victory, she went a step further and claimed the title.
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The turnaround has been remarkable. Bucsa arrived in Mérida on a five-match losing streak. She leaves as a champion and is set to rise to a new career-high ranking of world No. 31.
After the match, Bucsa praised her opponent.
“Magdalena, congratulations for this incredible week. I don’t know if you remember, we played in Saint Malo… We give all our best. Here we demonstrated how tough we are. You’re also a great champion. I also want to congratulate your coach for the amazing job he’s doing with you. I wish you a very fast recovery for Indian Wells. Hope to see you in many more finals. Amazing.”
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From a difficult run of form to a career defining title, this was indeed a week that changed everything.
Ireland’s Shane Lowry finds water off the tee on both the 16th and 17th holes to blow his three-shot lead and finish runner-up at the Cognizant Classic.
KC Concepcion, a former Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver, fired back at criticism over the way he speaks after he was mocked while talking to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Concepcion admitted in a post on his Instagram Stories on Sunday night that he has battled a stuttering issue for much of his life.
Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver KC Concepcion runs for a touchdown against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 8, 2025.(Jay Biggerstaff/Imagn Images)
“I just wanna say something. If you have a speech impediment, there is nothing wrong with us,” he said. “I have had this stutter since I can remember talking. This is a part of me. This is who I am. I cannot control this. I wanna be a role model for those who may be scared to speak up, who may be afraid and not confident in yourself. I stand with you.
“This weekend has taught me a lot about myself and people out there in this world. I appreciate everyone who supports me and has reached out to me after these interviews. Don’t let (an) outside person’s thoughts, opinions get in the way of you being great, of achieving something in life. I am blessed to be in this position that I am in, and I want to help give back to those who are scared to speak up, who aren’t as confident. I stand with you. I will always stand with you. We are different for a reason.
Texas A&M wideout KC Concepcion during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on Feb. 28, 2026.(Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
“God had blessed my life in a way I couldn’t even imagine in this past year. I love y’all and support y’all as we climb this mountain together.”
More than 80 million people around the world, including about 3 million Americans, deal with stuttering, according to The Stuttering Foundation. Athletes like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and George Springer have been open about stuttering issues in the past.
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Concepcion hopes to hear his name called when the NFL Draft takes place in the spring. He was an All American for the first time after the 2025 season.
Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko hugs wide receiver KC Concepcion before the Miami Hurricanes game during the first round of the CFP National Playoff at Kyle Field on Dec. 20, 2025.(Maria Lysaker/Imagn Images)
Rangers centre-half John Souttar says fans are entitled to question the team’s mentality after ceding a two-goal lead to Celtic – but has asked to be judged at the end of the season.
Two Youssef Chermiti goals capped a dominant first-half performance from Rangers, but Celtic hit back through Kieran Tierney and Reo Hatate after the break.
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It means Rangers have drawn four of their last six games at a crucial point in the season, are six points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian and could drop to third place on Wednesday if Celtic defeat Aberdeen.
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“Of course that’s going to be the question,” Souttar replied when asked about Rangers’ mentality to get over the line.
“What I can say is that we need to be judged at the end of the season because there’s nine games left and, if I was a fan looking just now, I’d be asking the same questions. It’s natural.
“But, for me, we’ve got to be really clean in the next nine games. We’ve got to stand up and we’ve got to win and we can’t afford slip-ups.
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“Obviously Hearts are six points ahead, so it’s up to them and we’ve got to hope they drop points and we’ve got to win every game. But I’d say ask us at the end of the season and judge us then.”
Rangers were also accused of slacking off in the draw with Motherwell at Fir Park, when they conceded late on despite their hosts being reduced to 10 men.
Dropped points away to bottom side Livingston – who have won once all season – after the rousing win over Hearts at Ibrox also halted the momentum of Danny Rohl’s side.
Souttar says Rangers need to replicate the level they showed in the first half of the Old Firm derby across the final nine games of the league campaign.
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“The crowd was up, we were playing in their half, fast, aggressive football and we were the same against Hearts at home,” the 29-year-old Scotland and former Hearts defender said.
“But we’ve got to do it for the full game. There’s no point doing it for 45 to 50 minutes.
“We’ve got to keep that going for the full game and, yes, there’ll be periods where we can’t do that the full game.”
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Celtic are also Rangers’ next opponents, in Sunday’s Scottish Cup quarter-final, again at Ibrox.
“Celtic are a good side, there’ll be moments when they have possession, when they play their game and it’s important then that we’re a bit more experienced and we get into a shape and we’re difficult to play through,” Souttar added.
Manchester United and Manchester City have had some iconic battles in the transfer window
With Manchester United narrowing the gap on Manchester City in recent months, United may once more be able to compete with their local rivals for elite talent.
More than a decade of underachievement and multiple seasons without Champions League football has somewhat restricted United’s options in the transfer market in recent years.
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This has only enabled ‘noisy neighbours’ City to establish themselves as the more appealing Manchester destination for rising stars, as they maintained their dominance over English football. However, considering United’s stature and with the resolution of City’s 115 alleged charges still pending, the momentum may now be shifting, particularly given Michael Carrick’s remarkable start as interim manager.
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Both clubs are expected to compete for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson at the end of this season. The 23-year-old, valued at around £75million, wishes to have his future resolved before the World Cup kicks off this summer, aware that Forest face potential relegation and that a number of elite clubs are pursuing his services.
United securing Champions League qualification would significantly improve their prospects of signing the England star, although Anderson is yet to decide which club he prefers. The Manchester Evening News now takes a look at the players City and United have competed to sign in recent years and who has come out on top in each instance.
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Alexis Sanchez (2018)
Both City and United were keen to sign a frustrated Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal in January 2018. Pep Guardiola sought to recruit the former Barcelona winger but City later said they were unable to match the financial terms presented by their local rivals, ultimately withdrawing from the pursuit.
Sanchez moved to United in a swap deal that saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan head in the opposite direction. Yet the Chilean’s spell at Old Trafford proved largely unsuccessful, managing just five goals in 45 outings before departing for Inter Milan.
Fred (2018)
In the summer of 2018, Brazilian midfielder Fred turned down City and sealed a £47m switch from Shakhtar Donetsk to United. He later disclosed that the opportunity to work under Jose Mourinho proved decisive, having received a personal phone call from the iconic Portuguese boss which persuaded him to pledge his future to the club.
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Harry Maguire (2019)
In another setback for City, who had secured back-to-back league titles by the summer of 2019, United pipped them to the signing of Harry Maguire. The Leicester City centre-back’s £80m transfer was and remains the world record fee paid for a defender.
Guardiola admitted City could not splurge such a sum on Maguire, saying: “He’s an excellent, top-class player. We were interested but could not afford it.”
Maguire has endured a difficult seven years at United, having had his performances regularly scrutinised and been stripped of the captaincy. Yet, the Englishman has proven more valuable in recent seasons, despite £80m still being considered a poor use of resources.
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Cristiano Ronaldo (2021)
United once again got one over their rivals on transfer deadline day of the 2021 summer window. Reports had indicated Cristiano Ronaldo was close to a switch from Juventus to the Etihad Stadium before executing a dramatic U-turn to rejoin his beloved United after the club submitted an offer.
Ronaldo claimed he followed his heart, with reports saying Sir Alex Ferguson and Rio Ferdinand directly phoned him to persuade him to join United. However, it emerged that City’s interest was only mild, with some reports claiming Guardiola was not interested in the ageing star after Ronaldo was offered to the club by his agent.
Despite a strong first season, the Portuguese legend’s second spell in Manchester ended acrimoniously following a breakdown in relations with Erik ten Hag and club chiefs, suggesting City dodged a bullet.
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Jack Grealish (2021)
United were also interested in buying Jack Grealish in 2021 before ultimately signing Jadon Sancho. Grealish was among the Premier League’s most sought-after players at that point and attracted significant attention from several English clubs.
Following a drawn-out transfer saga, City eventually signed the Aston Villa captain that summer for a then-British record fee of £100m. United’s own signings disappointed that season, while Grealish found it difficult to adjust to Guardiola’s requirements in his debut campaign.
He did contribute to City winning an elusive Champions League trophy and the Treble, however, but is currently on loan at Everton.
Akwa United FC head coach Paul Offor has sent a heartfelt message to the club’s supporters following their 2-0 victory over First Bank FC in the NNL Week 12 fixture.
Akwa United secured the important win on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the Uyo Township Stadium to extend their lead at the top of the NNL Conference B table. The Promise Keepers also completed a season double over First Bank after their earlier 3-1 win in Lagos.
After a goalless first half, Paulinus Okon broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute with a diving header from a cross by Yannick Menegbe. Paulinus Okon added the second goal in the 75th minute to seal the club’s eighth win of the season and move them four points clear at the top of the table.
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Coach Paul Offor and Akwa United’s Two Goal Hero against First Bank, Paulinus Okon
Speaking after the match, Coach Offor praised the fans for their strong backing. He said:
“We love them. We put in our best to perform well for them, that’s why we are here. We encourage them to always come out to push us so we can achieve this target together.”
On Monday, March 2, 2026, the UEFA B Licence holder took to his social media page to further appreciate the supporters. He wrote:
“To our valued fans, your presence elevates ordinary moments into unforgettable experiences. We appreciate your unwavering support and look forward to sharing the finale with you. Akwa United Football Club, Uyo.”
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Akwa United will next travel to face Osun United on Matchday 13 as they continue their push for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
AJ Lee defeated Becky Lynch at the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event to win the Intercontinental Championship for the first time in her career. The victory also marked her first championship win in more than a decade.
Lee made The Man tap out twice during the match. At first, referee Jessika Carr was knocked out and couldn’t make the call. The opening allowed Lynch to bring a steel chair into the ring. She tried to use it to turn the match in her favor, but it was not enough to put The Geek Goddess away. Lee made Lynch tap out with a Black Widow to win the title.
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Thanks for the submission!
The Top 10 Moments from Elimination Chamber! 🙌 Presented by @USAFrecruiting #AIMHIGH #WWETop10 ▶️ https://t.co/Obh2JdqH0V
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Now, the 38-year-old is heading to WrestleMania 42 as champion with all the momentum on her side. In this article, we will look at three potential challengers for Lee.
#3. Lee could face Nikki Bella
Nikki Bella could be the first challenger for the new Women’s Intercontinental Champion. There is a long and storied history between the duo, and they seemingly still have unfinished business.
Lee and Bella’s history alone makes the idea of a match interesting. WWE would not need to build the rivalry from scratch. The tension is already there, and fans remember what they have put each other through. Although they have faced off before, revisiting their past could add real emotion to the feud.
It will be interesting to see how Bella fares against someone she faced during her first run with WWE. Battling a familiar opponent would show just how much she has evolved.
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#2. Roxanne Perez could be a great opponent
Roxanne Perez has often been compared to AJ Lee ever since she made her debut. The 24-year-old has called Lee her dream opponent and has a great relationship with CM Punk. The Straight Edge Superstar was Perez’s mentor during the early stages of her WWE career.
The company has a chance to touch upon the real-life connection between AJ Lee and Perez by booking them in a match at WrestleMania 42. This could be a passing of the torch moment and provide The Prodigy with the exposure she’s been seeking since joining WWE.
#1. Bayley is AJ Lee’s dream opponent
AJ Lee named Bayley as her dream opponent in a recent interview. She said it would be fun to see how a match between them would play out at this stage of their careers.
The former Damage CTRL leader is friends with Lee in real life, which could help the duo bring out their best. Although both stars are currently babyfaces, WWE could book one of them to turn heel for a storyline.
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If they face off in April, the duo could come up with a compelling storyline in the coming weeks on RAW. It will be interesting to see if the company can capitalize on the potential of this dream match.
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Ireland finished runners-up at the $150,000 CSIO4* Nations Cup at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida on Saturday night.
The Irish team consisted of Cian O’Connor, Jordan Coyle, Tom Wachman and Shane Sweetnam.
Teams from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Israel and Mexico and the USA contested.
The hosts took the title – their 11th win in the 24-year history of the FEI Nations Cup at Wellington, Florida.
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Ireland were tied for the lead with the USA at the midway point of competition as Israel and Colombia failed to advance to the second round over the Nick Garant-built course.
Ireland on zero score at half-way
Ireland and the USA began the second round on zero scores, after Cian O’Connor, Shane Sweetnam and Tom Wachman had all jumped without faults.
Scores of zero on the board once again came from Callie Schott and Marilyn Little for the home nation, while a rail fell for Karl Cook.
For the Irish squad’s second round, Jordan Coyle and Cian O’Connor were clear, with Wachman aboard Do It Easy and Sweetman with Rural Junior SCF posting four faults each, ensuring the hosts took a second consecutive victory in the competition.
Aug 15, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) runs the ball against the Oakland Raiders during the first half during a preseason game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
As the offseason is slowly heating up, the Minnesota Vikings are linked to all kinds of quarterbacks. One of those is Kyler Murray, the 1st overall pick from 2019, who is nearing a divorce from the Arizona Cardinals.
It’s been quite clear that Murray doesn’t have a future in Glendale, but his departure is quite imminent.
On Sunday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport poured some gasoline on the rumors surrounding the passer. He stated, “There’s going to be an unprecedented number of starting-caliber quarterbacks available for very little money. … You’ve got Tua Tagovailoa, likely released. You got Kyler Murray, a likely release from the Arizona Cardinals absent of a last-minute trade, which I would be a little surprised about.”
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Kirk Cousins will be released by the Falcons, their GM stated last week, and Geno Smith could be on the market, too. It’s unclear which one the Vikings will grab, but it’s becoming more and more likely that one of those experienced veterans will end up in the Twin Cities.
Sep 8, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the Detroit Lions at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Once a report like that one is out there, saying that a player will be released barring a trade, it’s highly unlikely that a trade will actually be worked out. In most such cases, a release is the logical outcome.
That’s especially sweet for the Vikings. If Murray is axed, the club doesn’t have to send any trade compensation to Arizona or pick up his contract. Furthermore, as he is still getting paid by the Cardinals via guaranteed money, he might even be available for the veteran minimum.
While Murray doesn’t seem like a desirable option for $45 million per year, getting him for just over $1 million certainly changes the conversation.
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The two-time Pro Bowler is coming off an injury-riddled campaign in which he started only five games. As the club was fighting for Draft position rather than wins in the strong NFC West, there was no reason to activate the dynamic athlete down the stretch. Jacoby Brissett kept the starting job for the remainder of the season.
Nov 27, 2022; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) scores a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Murray went 2-3 in those five games, completing 68.3% of his passes for 962 yards, six touchdowns and three picks. He added another 173 yards and one score on the ground. That, of course, was a disappointing season for the former Heisman winner. Injuries, in fact, slowed him down over the last four years, as he appeared in more than 11 games just once over that timeframe.
In 2024, Murray suited up for all 17 games, collecting an 8-9 record with solid numbers. He turned a completion percentage of 68.8% into 3,851 passing yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 picks. Paired with his legs that delivered another 572 yards and five touchdowns, that’s undoubtedly better than what the Vikings had in 2025.
On Sunday, ESPN’s Dan Graziano linked the Vikings to Murray. He wrote, “The odd quarterback landscape of this offseason makes it difficult to predict where the Vikings land, but if and when someone such as Geno Smith or Kyler Murray gets cut, I could see Minnesota pursuing that kind of passer on a low-cost, one-year prove-it deal.”
Murray has yet to play in a Kevin O’Connell-style offense, so it’s unknown how he would fit. The vertical passing game hasn’t been a strong suit over his career, but it’s a major aspect of Minnesota’s offense.
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Another issue is that, if released, Murray can choose his next employer. There will be suitors, as there are several QB-needy squads, such as the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, and likely, the Miami Dolphins.
Nov 24, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) shakes hands with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) following a Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images.
The good news is that the Vikings are generally viewed as an intriguing destination for passers, with O’Connell dialing up the plays and Justin Jefferson roaming the field. That combination can help a veteran quarterback revitalize his career.
Ultimately, the latest report reinforces that the Vikings are closely monitoring the veteran quarterback market rather than committing to a single path. If Murray does become available, he would represent a low-risk, high-upside option to compete with J.J. McCarthy. With a strong offensive supporting cast and Kevin O’Connell’s QB-friendly system, Minnesota would be a logical landing spot if the situation in Arizona truly leads to a release.
Rider Tim Clark understands the focus will rest on opponent and prime Golden Slipper fancy Warwoven in the Skyline Stakes, though if a vulnerability exists in that colt, he hopes Knightsbridge’s worldliness will uncover it.
With an unblemished record from two races, Warwoven was controversially pulled from the Magic Millions Classic (1200m) on advice from Queensland Racing vets declaring Bjorn Baker’s colt lame.
This Saturday’s Golden Slipper appetizer represents Warwoven’s debut in public since January, as Knightsbridge reappears having been fifth in the Gold Coast showcase.
Knightsbridge’s Queensland excursion followed his spring bow at Flemington and a Randwick triumph, enabling Clark to posit the veteran traveller as a potential spoiler in the Skyline Stakes.
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“The two-year-olds seem to be taking it in turns and are fairly even,” Clark said.
“Bjorn’s colt (Warwoven) has put down a couple of good performances, so I suspect all eyes are going to be on him on Saturday to see how he returns.
“Knightsbridge, he’s been well seasoned. He has travelled to Melbourne, he has travelled to the Gold Coast. He’s the sort of horse where nothing phases him. He’s a really sensible colt and he’s going to handle anything thrown at him.
“Those attributes, along with the good talent he has, is going to take him a fair way.”
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Intriguingly, Saturday brings Clark’s first competitive ride on Knightsbridge, after September’s official two-year-old trial and consistent trackwork involvement.
Clark will further team with the colt’s Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained ally By Choice in the Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m).
Returning to Sydney off a Magic Millions third, the filly impresses Clark greatly.
“She trialled beautifully at Rosehill the other morning and she’s a very straightforward filly who just wants to please you,” he said.
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“She is honest, will give her all and she will give them something to catch.”
