Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson celebrates a fourth-quarter touchdown with tight end Josh Oliver and guard Dalton Risner during a divisional matchup against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. The scoring play helped energize Minnesota on Nov. 27, 2023, as the Vikings battled Chicago in a key NFC North contest. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings did not use tight end T.J. Hockenson to his full potential as a pass-catcher in 2025, and during the summer of 2026, he ended up on “worst contracts” lists. Funny how that works.
Hockenson accepted a paycut this offseason to stay with the Vikings, hoping to rekindle some of his pass-catching flair in Year No. 5 in Minnesota.
A Healthier Vikings Offense Could Change the Perception of Hockenson
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson addresses reporters during a team appearance at the Sport Ireland Campus as the franchise continued its international outreach efforts. The veteran pass-catcher spoke on Sep. 26, 2025, in Dublin, Ireland, while Minnesota helped promote the NFL’s growing presence overseas through future global events and initiatives. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Bleacher Report: Hockenson’s Contract One of League’s Worst
BR’s Brad Gagnon identified 10 of the sport’s worst deals, and Hockenson, sadly, made the cut.
Advertisement
Gagnon wrote, “The Contract: 4 years, $66 million with $40.2 million guaranteed (extension signed in 2023). The Problem: The nearly 29-year-old has scored just three touchdowns since the start of 2024 and has fallen short of 500 yards in each of the last two seasons.”
“His body might not have a lot left. The Kicker: Hockenson is the third-highest-paid tight end in the sport and carries the top salary-cap hit at the position in 2026, despite the fact the team reworked his deal in March. There’s also no more wiggle room as he’s entering a contract year.”
The court of public opinion among Vikings fans is mixed on Hockenson — some were excited to perhaps start a fresh era at tight end when the 2026 offseason began; others believed he deserved another trial as a pass-catching tight end in 2026.
Advertisement
The latter won out.
Sporting News‘ Michael Klaskey-Blomain on Hockenson’s deal: “It’s been three years since tight end T.J. Hockenson signed his record-breaking, four-year $66 million contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings. Unfortunately for Minnesota, the deal hasn’t aged especially well.”
“Hockenson has had a good run, but his days of being a majorly impactful player on the offensive end might be behind him. The silver lining for Minnesota is that Hockenson has just one year remaining on his deal, so it won’t be an albatross for much longer.”
A Raw Deal
Advertisement
Let’s set the stage for Hockenson’s 2025 season. The Vikings were forced to use him as a utility player due to a struggling offensive line and numerous injuries. Head coach Kevin O’Connell even acknowledged that Hockenson was blocking significantly more than usual, which naturally led to fewer targets and opportunities for him to showcase his Pro Bowl talent.
Adding to the instability was a revolving door at quarterback, with J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer all seeing action. It prevented Minnesota’s passing game from ever establishing a rhythm. Despite the challenges, Hockenson still managed 51 receptions for 438 yards and three touchdowns. While these numbers appeared modest on paper and drew criticism from fans, the game film reveals a different narrative.
Hockenson was essentially tasked with shoring up a fractured offense, often functioning as an additional lineman to prevent a complete collapse.
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson gets set before a snap during second-half action against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. The veteran offensive weapon took the field on Nov. 30, 2025, in Seattle as Minnesota continued its push through the closing stretch of the regular season in a key road matchup. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Turning 29 this year, Hockenson retains all his key strengths: excellent route running and a vast catch radius. With a stable offensive line, a healthy quarterback, and a return to a dedicated receiving role, a rebound in his performance cannot be ruled out.
2027 Off-Ramp Scheduled
Advertisement
Just in case Hockenson never returns to his 2022 and 2023 form, the Vikings already have a contingency plan. When the veteran tight end took a paycut this offseason, the arrangement also slated Hockenson for 2027 free agency. For all intents and purposes, the upcoming season is scheduled as Hockenson’s last in the Twin Cities.
If he returns to pristine TE1 form — complete with receptions and touchdowns that match his contract — well, the club can extend him. It’s as simple as that.
On the other hand, if Hockenson’s career truly changed the moment he tore his ACL in December 2023, he can move to another team while Minnesota explores free agency or the 2027 NFL Draft for his replacement. It’s how the business works.
Don’t Forget That Kyler Murray Loves TEs
Advertisement
Hockenson might be in fabulous shape this season. Murray is trending as the frontrunner to win the QB1 job at training camp, and if so, Murray has a documented history of feeding tight ends.
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson looks back after a missed passing opportunity during first-half action against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The play unfolded on Jan. 5, 2025, in Detroit as Minnesota battled its NFC North rival in the regular-season finale with postseason positioning still on the line. Mandatory Credit: Kimberly P. Mitchell-Imagn Images
On Murray’s watch in Arizona, Trey McBride turned into one of the NFL’s best tight ends — perhaps the best — and Murray has a lot to do with that. McBride can likely feast with any quarterback, but he feasted with Murray especially.
Quarterback instability and inconsistency hurt playmakers like Hockenson and Jordan Addison in 2025. There’s a world where those woes end this September because Murray knows how to get the ball out on time and feed his pass-catchers.
But from a national perspective, Hockenson evidently has one of the worst contracts in the NFL.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
The opening round of the 2026 College World Series is complete. No. 3 Georgia won the most highly anticipated showdown thus far in Omaha, Neb. to close out the first two days of action, taking down No. 6 Texas in a star-studded clash that was never in doubt. The Bulldogs took a commanding 4-0 lead in the first inning, and with an instantly legendary effort on the mound from Joey Volchko, they put it in cruise control on their way to a 7-1 win over their SEC foe.
Volchko struck out the side in the top of the first to set the tone, and the offense held up its end of the bargain in the bottom half of the frame. Rylan Lujo drilled a two-run home run to spark a four-run inning in which the Bulldogs tasked Texas ace Dylan Volantis to the tune of 41 pitches. The Longhorns were never able to challenge Volchko — who fanned 15 batters in a 114-pitch complete game — and things only got more lopsided in the game’s latter stages.
With the victory, Georgia and the most powerful offense in college baseball secured a spot in the winner’s bracket to set the stage for another all-SEC contest against Oklahoma.
The Sooners completed a dominant 9-0 thumping of No. 7 Alabama in the first game of Day 2 to post the most lopsided shutout win in a CWS opener since 2002. Freshman left-hander Cord Ranger’s breakout continued in Omaha as he tossed seven scoreless innings.
Advertisement
One of Texas and Alabama, meanwhile, will see its national championship aspirations come crashing down in an elimination game on Monday.
As for Sunday’s slate, Bracket 1 will present its first elimination game when Troy and Ole Miss fight to keep their championship hunts alive. Then, in the nightcap, No. 5 North Carolina and No. 16 West Virginia square off in what could be a pitcher’s duel with a spot in the Bracket 1 final on the line.
Advertisement
Check back here throughout the CWS for scores and schedule updates as the brightest stars and most talented squads compete for the 2026 national championship.
2026 College World Series Schedule
All times Eastern
Friday, June 12
Game 1: No. 16 West Virginia 7, Troy 5 Game 2: No. 5 North Carolina 6, Ole Miss 2
Dec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers (27) catches a pass against Green Bay Packers in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
As things stand, the Vikings haven’t re-signed RB Cam Akers. How long can the team holdout?
The veteran runner is a free agent. As a result, he’s a mere phone call away. New GM Nolan Teasley has already done some work: welcome receivers, show front office talent the door, and hire some new top lieutenants. How about making a move for the runner who has been added in 2023, 2024, and 2025? After all, Akers and Teasley were in Seattle last year for the Lombardi Trophy.
The Vikings and Cam Akers Seem Inevitable
Last year, Cam Akers tossed a touchdown pass as a Minnesota Viking. Check it out:
Advertisement
The play’s primary ingredient is deception. Akers is lined up in Wildcat, a formation where the runner takes a direct snap before quickly showing run. Even the fella who ends up catching the ball — Josh Oliver — is part of the deception since he gets tasked with blocking more than catching.
Watch how the defenders to the top of the screen all get sucked up in the early moments of the play. Akers sells run before finding a wide open Oliver. Perfection. Not bad for a practice squad runner, eh?
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates a first down reception by running back Cam Akers (27) late in fourth quarter during their football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, December 29, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings were able to run out the clock following the first down.
Maybe re-adding a player with that sort of versatility makes sense.
Originally, Akers became a Viking in 2023. Doing so meant offering a late-round pick swap to the Rams to snag the solid veteran. He then was allowed to get away after the season before becoming a trade target yet again, being reacquired in 2024 via trade. Twice trading for the same player — and in consecutive years — is an odd bit of trivia.
Advertisement
In 2025, the recipe was a touch different, seeing Akers snagged and stashed on the practice squad for a rainy day. After the three freebie elevations took place, the Vikings moved on. Akers then went to Seattle. Winning the Super Bowl alongside Nolan Teasley can only helps Akers’ chances of returning to the Twin Cities.
Expanding the parameters of who qualifies as a running back would mean looping Max Bredeson into the mix, the rookie fullback who appears ready to play an important role for Minnesota. Not too much room for another runner in that cluster of talent, folks.
Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (33) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
But while Minnesota isn’t planning on needing another runner, Akers commonly finds himself functioning as an injury replacement. At what point does proactively adding him become the move rather than waiting for something to go wrong?
Signing Akers as a free agent means getting him on a deal that requires only a (modest) financial commitment and no draft pick in a trade.
The 5’10” and 215-pound runner is going to turn 27 in June. Akers went in the 2nd of the 2020 NFL Draft and has since won a pair of Super Bowls. He has done so after proving to be quite resilient, overcoming really difficult injuries to still find his way toward helping teams to win.
Advertisement
His career has involved 507 carries for 2,044 yards and 13 touchdowns. As a receiver, Akers has tossed up 52 catches for 388 yards and 4 touchdowns. Other than the Rams and Vikings, Akers has played for the Seahawks, Saints, and Texans.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and his fiancée, Taylor Swift, went for a Broadway date night in New York City. They attended a Saturday evening performance of the smash-hit, dark comedy Oh, Mary! at the Lyceum Theatre.
After the New York Post, shared pictures of the engaged couple’s date night on X on Sunday, NFL fans shared their takes.
No one gives a shit. It’s too late. Not even Taylor swift can distract people from more important things. Like how many children were rescued from sex traffickers connected to FISA.
Advertisement
Travis Kelce dresses like a 10-year-old.
After the final bows, Swift and Kelce posed with Maya Rudolph, director Sam Pinkleton, and the rest of the ensemble, posing for group photos with the cast in their elaborate period costumes.
Afterward, they headed to a dinner date at The Eighty Six steakhouse.
Advertisement
Swift’s outing with Kelce came after she was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York City on Thursday. Kelce flew straight to Manhattan that morning immediately after wrapping up his mandatory three-day minicamp with the Kansas City Chiefs so he could join Swift for her historic night.
Previously, Swift and Travis Kelce were spotted together on May 23, in Cleveland, Ohio. The couple sat courtside at Rocket Arena to watch Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks.
Travis Kelce makes feelings known on marrying Taylor Swift in a “real cold world”
Travis Kelce opened up about his relationship with Taylor Swift while appearing on NFL legend Randy Moss’s YouTube show, “Chasing 10” on June 1.
Advertisement
While fishing and chatting about life, family, and the pressures of fame with Moss and his brother Jason Kelce, the Chiefs tight end reflected on how crazy the world can get and expressed how lucky he feels to have Swift by his side.
“It’s a real cold world, but I got a real one though,” he said.
Reportedly, the couple, who announced their engagement on Aug. 26, is set to tie the knot on July 3 in New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
Jun 14, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty forward Leonie Fiebich (13) sets the play while defended by Washington Mystics forward Angela Dugalic (32) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Jonquel Jones scored a game-high 20 points and the host New York Liberty clinched a berth in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup championship game with an 86-64 victory over the Washington Mystics on Sunday.
Breanna Stewart added 14 points, a game-high 12 rebounds and a career-high seven blocks for New York.
It was the seventh straight win for the Liberty (10-4, 5-0 Commissioner’s Cup).
Washington (5-7, 2-3) was led by Michaela Onyenwere, who had 17 points, and Sonia Citron, who pumped in 12.
The Liberty also got good news with the return of four-time All-Star point guard Sabrina Ionescu, who scored five points in 26 minutes. It was just the second game of the season and the first since May 24 for Ionescu, who has missed time first with a foot injury and then with a bad back.
Advertisement
Ionescu, normally a starter, played off the bench as part of a deep Liberty lineup. In fact, the Liberty played three former All-Stars off their bench, including Satou Sabally (2021, 2023, 2025) and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (2021). Sabally scored seven points and dished six assists, and Laney-Hamilton had four points.
Washington played without starter Kiki Iriafen, who has a sprained right ankle.
The Mystics led by four points early. However, New York made 6 of 10 3-pointers in the first quarter to take a 20-13 lead. Washington shot just 29.4% overall and 1 of 3 on 3-pointers in the opening quarter.
Advertisement
The Liberty stretched their lead to 36-28 at halftime, by which point Stewart already had a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
New York won the third quarter, but just barely, pushing its advantage to 63-50. Washington shot much better in the third, going 4 of 6 from deep, which allowed the Mystics to stay in the game.
But the Liberty cruised from there, scoring the first seven points of the fourth quarter and taking a 20-point lead on Jones’ long 3-pointer at the 7:09 mark.
President Donald Trump turned 80 on Sunday and was set to celebrate with one of the more surreal spectacles both in sports and even in the nation’s capital: cage fighting on the White House lawn. Against the backdrop of a 3-month-old war with Iran that’s been broadly unpopular with Americans and has rattled global oil markets and with inflation spiked to the highest level since April 2023, the White House — long known as the people’s house and a symbol of American democracy — opened its backyard Sunday night to stage a bruising UFC card on the South Lawn.
More than $60 million and tens of thousands of hours of labor have been poured into building the arena, according to a court filing from the National Park Service, which oversees the South Lawn.
UFC is staging seven fights with all male fighters under the Freedom 250 banner to celebrate Trump’s 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence’s signing.
The fight card headlined by two title fights on Paramount is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. Eastern.
Advertisement
It’s the pinnacle of the relationship between UFC CEO Dana White and Trump that has yielded personal, political and financial dividends for both parties in a relationship that goes back 25 years. White’s first card as UFC president came in 2001 at an event held at Trump Taj Mahal.
Trump has attended four UFC cards as sitting president, walking to the cage amid rock music and patriotic chants from fans much like the fighters themselves. White introduced Trump at two Republican National Conventions. White also attended the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in April that was cut short by a shooting.
In a card that has been panned by fans online as underwhelming, Alex Pereira of Brazil will meet Ciryl Gane of France for the interim UFC heavyweight title. Spanish-Georgian lightweight champion Ilia Topuria then takes on interim champ Justin Gaethje, one of just two Americans who currently hold even a share of the UFC’s 11 championship belts.
There are five other fights on the main card that include former title-fight participants Michael Chandler and Derrick Lewis and former 135-pound champion Sean O’Malley.
Advertisement
White said the show will go on rain or shine. Strong thunderstorms and heavy lightning disrupted Friday’s Lincoln Memorial promotional event, and the forecast for Sunday evening also looks threatening.
___
AP MMA:
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Advertisement
Featured Video Of The Day
IPL 2026 News | Shami’s Sensation Leads Lucknow to First Win of Season
Troy and Ole Miss will face off in an elimination game. Both teams lost their first game in Omaha. The teams face the same fate but come with very different World Series history. Ole Miss won a National Championship in 2022. While Troy is in their first ever College Baseball World Series.
Advertisement
The Troy Trojans rode a 6-game winning streak through the Super Regionals with better than expected hitting. Troy has averaged almost 10 runs over eight tournament games. They also only used two pitches in the first Series loss providing them with an opportunity to utilize fresh arms today if they need to.
Advertisement
Ole Miss with start Hunter Elliott in today’s elimination game. Elliott only gave up two runs in his last start vs Auburn. Elliott is also familiar with Omaha as he was on the 2022 National Title team as a freshman with a wealth of post season experience.
2026 NCAA Baseball Championship
1
2
Advertisement
3
4
5
6
Advertisement
7
8
9
R
Advertisement
H
E
Troy (38-31)
0
Advertisement
2
0
0
3
Advertisement
0
4
1
10
Advertisement
12
1
Ole Miss (41-22)
2
Advertisement
2
0
2
0
Advertisement
0
1
7
10
Advertisement
0
Troy vs Ole Miss baseball box score: Live stats from College World Series NCAA Championship
Troy Trojans
Batter
POS
AB
Advertisement
R
H
RBI
BB
Advertisement
SO
AVG
OBP
2
Advertisement
Aaron Piasecki
SS
5
0
Advertisement
1
0
0
0
Advertisement
.337
.444
32
Josh Pyne
Advertisement
3B
5
1
1
Advertisement
0
0
3
.285
Advertisement
.366
34
Blake Cavill
1B
Advertisement
5
1
1
1
Advertisement
0
3
.277
.434
Advertisement
5
Jimmy Janicki
C
4
Advertisement
2
2
1
1
Advertisement
1
.345
.419
14
Advertisement
Zaid Diaz
LF
1
0
Advertisement
0
0
0
0
Advertisement
.160
.306
22
Drew Nelson
Advertisement
LF/CF
3
2
1
Advertisement
0
2
0
.310
Advertisement
.396
37
Sean Darnell
2B
Advertisement
2
2
2
4
Advertisement
1
0
.261
.384
Advertisement
8
Jabe Boroff
DH
3
Advertisement
1
2
2
1
Advertisement
1
.278
.408
23
Advertisement
Houston Markham
RF
4
0
Advertisement
2
1
0
1
Advertisement
.328
.362
1
Steven Meier
Advertisement
CF
3
1
0
Advertisement
0
1
2
.312
Advertisement
.451
Total
35
10
Advertisement
12
9
6
11
Advertisement
2B:
Advertisement
H:
RBI:
Pitcher
POS
IP
Advertisement
H
R
ER
BB
Advertisement
SO
BF
ERA
15
Advertisement
Tommy Egan
P
2.0
4
Advertisement
4
2
2
2
Advertisement
12
5.5
47
Noah Thigpen
Advertisement
P
4.0
4
1
Advertisement
1
1
3
17
Advertisement
6.0
16
Hayden Smith
P
Advertisement
1.0
2
2
2
Advertisement
2
2
7
3.2
Advertisement
Total
7.0
10
7
Advertisement
5
5
7
36
Advertisement
Ole Miss Rebels
Batter
POS
AB
R
H
Advertisement
RBI
BB
SO
AVG
Advertisement
OBP
12
Dom Decker
2B
Advertisement
3
1
0
0
Advertisement
1
0
.272
.411
Advertisement
27
Judd Utermark
3B
4
Advertisement
0
1
1
0
Advertisement
3
.310
.421
36
Advertisement
Will Furniss
1B
2
0
Advertisement
0
0
2
1
Advertisement
.303
.418
32
Tristan Bissetta
Advertisement
RF
3
1
1
Advertisement
0
1
1
.273
Advertisement
.383
9
Hayden Federico
CF
Advertisement
3
1
2
1
Advertisement
1
0
.297
.425
Advertisement
6
Owen Paino
SS
4
Advertisement
0
0
0
0
Advertisement
2
.246
.376
24
Advertisement
Austin Fawley
C
4
1
Advertisement
2
1
0
0
Advertisement
.235
.357
1
Brayden Randle
Advertisement
LF
4
2
2
Advertisement
2
0
0
.261
Advertisement
.344
20
Collin Reuter
DH
Advertisement
4
1
2
2
Advertisement
0
0
.264
.360
Advertisement
Total
31
7
10
Advertisement
7
5
7
2B:
Advertisement
H:
RBI:
Pitcher
POS
IP
Advertisement
H
R
ER
BB
Advertisement
SO
BF
ERA
26
Advertisement
Hunter Elliott
P
4.2
7
Advertisement
5
5
4
9
Advertisement
26
5.4
45
Wil Libbert
Advertisement
P
0.2
0
0
Advertisement
0
1
0
3
Advertisement
6.2
40
JP Robertson
P
Advertisement
1.2
2
2
2
Advertisement
0
1
7
4.3
Advertisement
19
Walker Hooks
P
0.2
Advertisement
3
3
3
1
Advertisement
1
6
3.2
Total
Advertisement
7.2
12
10
10
Advertisement
6
11
42
Robertson 15 (13 strikes)
How to watch: Troy vs Ole Miss 2026 NCAA Baseball Championship Game
Marcus Rashford has reportedly been exploring a return to Manchester United after his loan spell at Barcelona
17:50, 14 Jun 2026Updated 19:27, 14 Jun 2026
Advertisement
Marcus Rashford is said to have explored the possibility of rejoining Manchester United’s first-team squad as his loan stint at Barcelona draws to a close. The forward faces an uncertain future ahead of the summer transfer window, having spent the past 18 months away from Old Trafford on loan.
The England international netted 14 goals and laid on 14 assists during his time at Barcelona last season. The La Liga giants hold an option to sign Rashford permanently for £26million, but have opted against activating that clause.
This came after Barcelona chose to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for £69million, with both players operating in a similar position.
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.
Advertisement
Consequently, there is considerable doubt surrounding where Rashford will be plying his trade next season, with some reports indicating that Barcelona could still be willing to take the 28-year-old on another loan basis.
Now, a new report from The Sun claims that Rashford has set a plan in motion should he return to United this summer. According to the report, Rashford has reached out to members of United’s first-team squad regarding a potential comeback to Old Trafford, and is said to have received “positive feedback”.
Reports have also emerged that United manager Michael Carrick has been in touch with Rashford amidst continuing speculation surrounding the forward’s future.
What lies ahead for Rashford under Carrick’s leadership remains uncertain, as does whether the forward will get an opportunity to rejoin the United squad. Carrick was confirmed as United’s permanent manager last month, and must now decide whether to include Rashford into his plans for the upcoming season.
In April, Carrick was quizzed about the possibility of Rashford returning to United’s first-team set-up, and didn’t dismiss the idea.
“I just think there’s decisions to be made in time on certain things and obviously Marcus is in that situation,” Carrick said.
“But at this point in time, nothing’s been decided. And it will be, because it has to be at a certain point. But at this stage, there’s nothing to say.”
Rashford is presently with the England squad in the United States as they gear up for their opening World Cup fixture against Croatia on Wednesday.
Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with the Sky Glass ‘designed for football’
Advertisement
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.
Former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate says he turned down work as a pundit at the World Cup because he did not think it would be “helpful” to the side’s chances.
The 55-year-old led England for 102 games over eight years, guiding them to the finals of two European Championships and the 2018 World Cup semi-final.
“It’s obviously a very different tournament for me this one, I’ve been at the last seven World Cups as a player, as a broadcaster, a scout and then as the manager,” Southgate said in a post on Instagram, external.
Advertisement
“So this time I took a conscious decision not to do the TV. I didn’t think it would be helpful for me to be talking about the team and I don’t want anything to be misconstrued or thrown at them at press conferences, so best for me to keep out of the way.”
England’s World Cup campaign begins on Wednesday (21:00 BST) when they take on Croatia in Arlington, Texas.
They then have matches against Ghana on Tuesday, 23 June (21:00 BST) and Panama on Saturday, 27 June (22:00 BST).
Sir Alf Ramsey, 1966 World Cup winner, is the only other manager to have guided England’s men’s team to a major tournament final.
Lewis Hamilton reacted on social media after crossing the finish line first at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Sunday with two words. After claiming his first victory for Ferrari, the post immediately went viral.
Hamilton wrote on Instagram:
“REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE.”
Advertisement
The post landed with the weight of everything that had come before it. A difficult first Ferrari season, a turnaround in 2026, and a win that ended his longest run without a victory in the past decade. During a difficult stretch last year, Ferrari was winless as a whole, and Lewis Hamilton was without a podium or a win in red. A fan had approached him during a store opening in London and said:
“Lewis, remember who you are, mate. You did it. You will do it again. So much love for you, man. So much love.”
Lewis Hamilton stopped, shook the fan’s hand, and later shared the moment on his social media. The seven-time world champion had spent much of 2025 fielding questions about whether his best years were behind him. That exchange stuck with the Briton. When Barcelona arrived, and the win came, those words were the first thing he reached for publicly.
The Barcelona win was Lewis Hamilton’s first since Belgium 2024, ending a 23-race drought that had spanned his entire first season at Ferrari and the opening rounds of 2026. He now sits second in the 2026 drivers’ championship, 41 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli, chasing an eighth title.
Lewis Hamilton on winning for for the first time in red: “Forza Ferrari”
Lewis Hamilton – F1 Grand Prix of Barcelona-Catalunya – Source: Getty
The Spanish Grand Prix win was a product of a strategy that turned Hamilton’s three-stop approach into an advantage over George Russell and a race that Ferrari had not been expected to dominate. Barcelona’s long straights have consistently exposed the SF-26’s power deficit to Mercedes, and the weekend’s practice sessions had reinforced that concern.
A reset between FP3 and qualifying changed the picture. He went fastest in Q1, found front-row pace by Q3, and lined up P2 for the race behind Russell. From there, Ferrari’s strategy and Hamilton’s pace on fresh rubber did the rest. He took the lead after a perfectly-timed VSC period on Lap 42 and pulled away from the Mercedes pair, building an advantage of more than 17 seconds before Kimi Antonelli’s engine failure on Lap 63 simplified the closing laps entirely.
Advertisement
Speaking after the race, Hamilton was direct about what the moment meant:
“I watched Ferrari have all that success when I was younger, watching it on TV, and as I’ve been racing here I’d always watch the screens and wonder what it would be like to win in that car, and it’s come. Everyone worked so hard for it, everyone truly deserves it, so I am forever grateful to them and this is just the first I hope of many. But great pit stops today, great strategy, the car felt fantastic, and forza Ferrari.”
The turnaround from the opening practice sessions to the race result reflected exactly what Lewis Hamilton had spoken about between FP3 and qualifying. That habit of finding pace through preparation rather than raw setup speed is what gave Ferrari the confidence to commit to the strategy that won the race.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login