28 days ago
Alexander Skarsgård attended the Wicker screening during the 2026 BFI London Film Festival this evening, delivering another red carpet look that won't be forgotten anytime soon.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for BFI
You won't have forgotten the Saint Laurent thigh-wader boots he wore at Cannes, and I doubt you'll forget your first sight of these Saint Laurent PVC shoes either. We've seen all manner of unusual footwear this year, including Margaret Qualley's Chanel soleless shoes, but Alexander continues to find new ways to surprise us.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for BFI
If you thought he was going to return to safer style choices after his Pillion press tour, think again. He's clearly having far too much fun with fashion, and I love this for him.
#getty #images #saint #forgotten
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for BFI
You won't have forgotten the Saint Laurent thigh-wader boots he wore at Cannes, and I doubt you'll forget your first sight of these Saint Laurent PVC shoes either. We've seen all manner of unusual footwear this year, including Margaret Qualley's Chanel soleless shoes, but Alexander continues to find new ways to surprise us.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for BFI
If you thought he was going to return to safer style choices after his Pillion press tour, think again. He's clearly having far too much fun with fashion, and I love this for him.
#getty #images #saint #forgotten
1 month ago
Princess Charlene was joined by her brother for a heartfelt evening as she supported a cause close to her heart.
The Monegasque royal, 48, posed for pictures alongside her younger sibling, Gareth Wittstock, as the pair attended the Pink Ribbon Monaco Gala at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo.
Charlene was dressed elegantly in an all-white Emporio Armani suit with black heels and diamond drop earrings, while businessman Gareth donned a tuxedo with a pink bow tie.
During the ceremony, the pair helped to illuminate the Place du Casino in pink to mark the start of "Pink October" for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Since 2024, Princess Charlene has been Honorary President of Pink Ribbon Monaco, which raises awareness and funds for female cancers research and prevention. The Monagesque palace confirmed that 24 buildings within the Principality will also be lit up in pink throughout the month.
#princess #ribbon #monegasque
The Monegasque royal, 48, posed for pictures alongside her younger sibling, Gareth Wittstock, as the pair attended the Pink Ribbon Monaco Gala at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo.
Charlene was dressed elegantly in an all-white Emporio Armani suit with black heels and diamond drop earrings, while businessman Gareth donned a tuxedo with a pink bow tie.
During the ceremony, the pair helped to illuminate the Place du Casino in pink to mark the start of "Pink October" for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Since 2024, Princess Charlene has been Honorary President of Pink Ribbon Monaco, which raises awareness and funds for female cancers research and prevention. The Monagesque palace confirmed that 24 buildings within the Principality will also be lit up in pink throughout the month.
#princess #ribbon #monegasque
2 months ago
Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth says he wants his players to follow the example of tireless midfielder Robbie McKenzie.
The 27-year-old former Hull player remains a key cog in the centre of the park for the Gills, and is closing in on 250 appearances for the club.
"We've had chats, me and Robbie, and I'm loving seeing the way he's playing at the moment," Ainsworth told BBC Radio Kent.
"He's coming off because he's got nothing left. That's what I want all my players to do, empty the tanks.
"That's my sort of team. We've got to be fit in this league, but organised and also defensively solid."
#gillingham
The 27-year-old former Hull player remains a key cog in the centre of the park for the Gills, and is closing in on 250 appearances for the club.
"We've had chats, me and Robbie, and I'm loving seeing the way he's playing at the moment," Ainsworth told BBC Radio Kent.
"He's coming off because he's got nothing left. That's what I want all my players to do, empty the tanks.
"That's my sort of team. We've got to be fit in this league, but organised and also defensively solid."
#gillingham
2 months ago
Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images
©FX Networks/Courtesy Everett Collection
Ser Baffo / ©Hulu/Disney / Courtesy Everett Collection
Related: "23 Celebs Who Have Admitted To Using Ozempic Or Other Weight Loss Medication"
© Searchlight Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection
#courtesy #everett #getty #networks
©FX Networks/Courtesy Everett Collection
Ser Baffo / ©Hulu/Disney / Courtesy Everett Collection
Related: "23 Celebs Who Have Admitted To Using Ozempic Or Other Weight Loss Medication"
© Searchlight Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection
#courtesy #everett #getty #networks
2 months ago
The tiresome ongoing saga with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua may be nearing a conclusion, with a fight actually happening.
Gareth A Davies is reporting that Cardiff is the new "leading contender" to host the bout on December 4 or 11, provided officials in the Welsh city sign off on an extended curfew, which had become a major issue for the originally agreed location, London's Wembley Stadium.
As you've surely heard by now, Turki Alalshikh — whose backing is paying for the massively expensive, long-overdue showdown — and Netflix have wanted the fight at Madison Square Garden in New York. The Matchroom/Joshua side had balked at this, having signed to fight in the UK.
The latest word is that Cardiff, which was always sort of a darkhorse contender to host the fight, is the new frontrunner, and we may actually get this deal done and see the fight happen. Principality Stadium has a roof, so weather won't be a concern for the fight itself.
Joshua (30-4, 27 KO) has fought at the venue before, beating Carlos Takam there in 2017 and Joseph Parker in 2018. He's 3-0 in Cardiff as a pro, having also defeated Dorian Darch at Cardiff International Arena in 2014. Fury (36-2-1, 25 KO) has never fought in Cardiff, but has stated repeatedly during the drama around this fight that he was willing to go anywhere.
#cardiff #tyson
Gareth A Davies is reporting that Cardiff is the new "leading contender" to host the bout on December 4 or 11, provided officials in the Welsh city sign off on an extended curfew, which had become a major issue for the originally agreed location, London's Wembley Stadium.
As you've surely heard by now, Turki Alalshikh — whose backing is paying for the massively expensive, long-overdue showdown — and Netflix have wanted the fight at Madison Square Garden in New York. The Matchroom/Joshua side had balked at this, having signed to fight in the UK.
The latest word is that Cardiff, which was always sort of a darkhorse contender to host the fight, is the new frontrunner, and we may actually get this deal done and see the fight happen. Principality Stadium has a roof, so weather won't be a concern for the fight itself.
Joshua (30-4, 27 KO) has fought at the venue before, beating Carlos Takam there in 2017 and Joseph Parker in 2018. He's 3-0 in Cardiff as a pro, having also defeated Dorian Darch at Cardiff International Arena in 2014. Fury (36-2-1, 25 KO) has never fought in Cardiff, but has stated repeatedly during the drama around this fight that he was willing to go anywhere.
#cardiff #tyson
2 months ago
Whether it be Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Gareth Bale or Erling Haaland, football has witnessed some iconic man buns over the years.
However, Haaland has decided to begin the new Premier League season with a new - and very different - look.
The Manchester City striker revealed on social media that he had shed his famous blonde locks, posting the caption: "New season, new trim."
Haaland will be hoping his new look brings even more goals as he aims to get off the mark when Enzo Maresca's side face Bournemouth at 14:00 BST on Sunday.
Before cutting his hair, Haaland joked around by showing off some images of his previous hairstyles during his career, and some questionable ideas of how his new hair should look.
#look #season #zlatan #gareth
However, Haaland has decided to begin the new Premier League season with a new - and very different - look.
The Manchester City striker revealed on social media that he had shed his famous blonde locks, posting the caption: "New season, new trim."
Haaland will be hoping his new look brings even more goals as he aims to get off the mark when Enzo Maresca's side face Bournemouth at 14:00 BST on Sunday.
Before cutting his hair, Haaland joked around by showing off some images of his previous hairstyles during his career, and some questionable ideas of how his new hair should look.
#look #season #zlatan #gareth
3 months ago
Wales and Pakistan played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in pool D at the Hockey World Cup in Amsterdam.
Abdul Rehman opened the scoring for Pakistan after three minutes with some brilliant aerial work along the baseline.
Wales, however, rallied in the second quarter, taking full advantage of a yellow card for Sufyan Khan.
Gareth Furlong's penalty corner was powerfully converted and Rhys Bradshaw gave Wales the lead 30 seconds later.
Khan returned from his yellow card to equalise from a penalty corner in the fourth quarter before a deflection from Hannan Shahid gave Pakistan the lead once more.
#quarter #yellow #penalty
Abdul Rehman opened the scoring for Pakistan after three minutes with some brilliant aerial work along the baseline.
Wales, however, rallied in the second quarter, taking full advantage of a yellow card for Sufyan Khan.
Gareth Furlong's penalty corner was powerfully converted and Rhys Bradshaw gave Wales the lead 30 seconds later.
Khan returned from his yellow card to equalise from a penalty corner in the fourth quarter before a deflection from Hannan Shahid gave Pakistan the lead once more.
#quarter #yellow #penalty
3 months ago
Ireland missed an opportunity to seize control of their World Cup future after losing 3-2 to Spain in a thrilling opening World Cup Pool C game in Wavre.
Ireland went behind twice after goals from Laia Vidosa and Sophia Keenan but fought back with Hannah McLoughlin and Niamh Carey scoring from penalty corners.
Despite Gareth Grundie's side being in the ascendancy, a superb strike from Xantal Gine with five minutes remaining broke Irish hearts.
"We were very disappointed with our second quarter of that game," Irish captain Sarah Hawkshaw told BBC Sport NI.
"We thought we started quite well, and in the second half we dominated most of the momentum of the game. But the second quarter, we were disappointed with that. It put us on the back foot.
#pool
Ireland went behind twice after goals from Laia Vidosa and Sophia Keenan but fought back with Hannah McLoughlin and Niamh Carey scoring from penalty corners.
Despite Gareth Grundie's side being in the ascendancy, a superb strike from Xantal Gine with five minutes remaining broke Irish hearts.
"We were very disappointed with our second quarter of that game," Irish captain Sarah Hawkshaw told BBC Sport NI.
"We thought we started quite well, and in the second half we dominated most of the momentum of the game. But the second quarter, we were disappointed with that. It put us on the back foot.
#pool
3 months ago
Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images
Are you over the World Cup yet?
If you're not English, have you stopped laughing now?
In my last article for this website, thinking about our champions' parade, I wondered what the country might look like if England could, you know, win the World Cup.
Of course, we never got to find out, as Thomas Tuchel and his players undertook a collective soiling of the sheets in their semi-final against Argentina, the nature of which must have made even Gareth Southgate shudder.
#hales #getty #tuchel
Are you over the World Cup yet?
If you're not English, have you stopped laughing now?
In my last article for this website, thinking about our champions' parade, I wondered what the country might look like if England could, you know, win the World Cup.
Of course, we never got to find out, as Thomas Tuchel and his players undertook a collective soiling of the sheets in their semi-final against Argentina, the nature of which must have made even Gareth Southgate shudder.
#hales #getty #tuchel
3 months ago
Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images
Jenna Nighswonger's ****** nal career has come to an end after the defender completed a permanent move to Bay FC, with the Gunners reportedly making a profit on the player despite her limited first-team opportunities in north London.
The United States international leaves after just 18 months at the club, bringing to a close a spell that never developed as hoped under Renée Slegers, while ****** nal are believed to have doubled the fee they originally paid to sign her.
The deal is said to be worth around £150,000.
The United States international joined ****** nal from Gotham FC in January 2025 for a reported fee of around £80,500, or $100,000, as the club sought to add another option at full-back. Despite arriving with an impressive reputation following her success in the NWSL, she struggled to establish herself in Renée Slegers' plans.
#states
Jenna Nighswonger's ****** nal career has come to an end after the defender completed a permanent move to Bay FC, with the Gunners reportedly making a profit on the player despite her limited first-team opportunities in north London.
The United States international leaves after just 18 months at the club, bringing to a close a spell that never developed as hoped under Renée Slegers, while ****** nal are believed to have doubled the fee they originally paid to sign her.
The deal is said to be worth around £150,000.
The United States international joined ****** nal from Gotham FC in January 2025 for a reported fee of around £80,500, or $100,000, as the club sought to add another option at full-back. Despite arriving with an impressive reputation following her success in the NWSL, she struggled to establish herself in Renée Slegers' plans.
#states
3 months ago
Variety / Getty Images
Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images
Related: "15 Celebs Who Low-Key Look Nothing Like They Did A Few Years Ago"
JB Lacroix / Getty Images
One person tweeted, "the ultra rich are making me hate fashion. we are (rightly) pressured to shop second hand, support local designers, etc, but but but someone across the world needs a dress for five minutes," while another wrote, "It's really 'eat the rich' even the ones I like. Sending a private jet for a dress and meanwhile we're stuck drinking water that tastes like paper and letting ourselves die of heat without turning on the AC."
#dress #gareth #related #celebs
Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images
Related: "15 Celebs Who Low-Key Look Nothing Like They Did A Few Years Ago"
JB Lacroix / Getty Images
One person tweeted, "the ultra rich are making me hate fashion. we are (rightly) pressured to shop second hand, support local designers, etc, but but but someone across the world needs a dress for five minutes," while another wrote, "It's really 'eat the rich' even the ones I like. Sending a private jet for a dress and meanwhile we're stuck drinking water that tastes like paper and letting ourselves die of heat without turning on the AC."
#dress #gareth #related #celebs
3 months ago
Ireland women must plan for the forthcoming World Cup without distinguished goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran, who has been ruled out of the tournament through injury.
McFerran's many achievements in the game included being named Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the 2018 World Cup, at which Ireland were silver medallists.
Head coach Gareth Grundie has announced a 20-player squad to travel to Wavre, Belgium.
In McFerran's absence, Lizzy Murphy and Holly Micklem are named, offering them their first chance to potentially represent Ireland in goals on one of hockey's biggest stages.
The side will be making their third successive appearance at at a World Cup, having beaten ****** an in a shootout in the bronze medal match in Santiago to ensure qualification for the 2026 edition.
#named #ayeisha #head #grundie
McFerran's many achievements in the game included being named Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the 2018 World Cup, at which Ireland were silver medallists.
Head coach Gareth Grundie has announced a 20-player squad to travel to Wavre, Belgium.
In McFerran's absence, Lizzy Murphy and Holly Micklem are named, offering them their first chance to potentially represent Ireland in goals on one of hockey's biggest stages.
The side will be making their third successive appearance at at a World Cup, having beaten ****** an in a shootout in the bronze medal match in Santiago to ensure qualification for the 2026 edition.
#named #ayeisha #head #grundie
3 months ago
We're back with our unpopular opinions! Only this time we're actually doing it on purpose! Andrew, Ant & Jonny join Chris to cover just a fraction of the unpopular opinions they hold to see if, well they're actually unpopular, and a lot depends on how much the others take the p*ss or agree! On today's show:
We're still talking Gareth Hall!
Will linesmen be replaced by a speaker?!
What is Andrew's issue with Sunderland's terrace songbook?!
How much does Jonny love teams that park the bus!
#we 're #jonny #actually #gareth
We're still talking Gareth Hall!
Will linesmen be replaced by a speaker?!
What is Andrew's issue with Sunderland's terrace songbook?!
How much does Jonny love teams that park the bus!
#we 're #jonny #actually #gareth
3 months ago
Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images
Regis Testelin and Loic Tanzi report for L'Equipe that Matias Fernandez-Pardo would like to leave Lille this summer, and **** nal are on a list of clubs with an interest in him.
The Gunners aren't the only ones in the race, with Liverpool, Chelsea, and Atletico Madrid also all reportedly after the striker. But it may not matter, as Lille president Olivier Letang is insisting Fernandez-Pardo isn't leaving.
"The player is under contract until 2029, and his departure is not an issue," Letang said. "We are counting on him, he knows that, and we have been very clear with him."
Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images
#getty #fernandez #regis
Regis Testelin and Loic Tanzi report for L'Equipe that Matias Fernandez-Pardo would like to leave Lille this summer, and **** nal are on a list of clubs with an interest in him.
The Gunners aren't the only ones in the race, with Liverpool, Chelsea, and Atletico Madrid also all reportedly after the striker. But it may not matter, as Lille president Olivier Letang is insisting Fernandez-Pardo isn't leaving.
"The player is under contract until 2029, and his departure is not an issue," Letang said. "We are counting on him, he knows that, and we have been very clear with him."
Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images
#getty #fernandez #regis
4 months ago
WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from The Tricky Trees this evening.
The 19-year-old has been with Manchester City for the last decade after joining the club's academy system at the age of nine. She has successfully negotiated her way to the senior squad and she was handed her first team debut by former Manchester City boss Gareth Taylor in the 2024/2025 season. Thomas has gone on to make four senior appearances for The Cityzens so far.
On the international stage, Thomas has featured for England at Under-19 level.
After completing her loan move to Nottingham Forest, Thomas said "I'm really excited to be here and to get started.
"Last season, I had the opportunity to play in the SWPL with Glasgow City, where I learned a lot from spending time away from home for the first time. Coming here now is a great opportunity and one I'm really looking forward to.
#here
The 19-year-old has been with Manchester City for the last decade after joining the club's academy system at the age of nine. She has successfully negotiated her way to the senior squad and she was handed her first team debut by former Manchester City boss Gareth Taylor in the 2024/2025 season. Thomas has gone on to make four senior appearances for The Cityzens so far.
On the international stage, Thomas has featured for England at Under-19 level.
After completing her loan move to Nottingham Forest, Thomas said "I'm really excited to be here and to get started.
"Last season, I had the opportunity to play in the SWPL with Glasgow City, where I learned a lot from spending time away from home for the first time. Coming here now is a great opportunity and one I'm really looking forward to.
#here
4 months ago
A new episode of BBC Radio Stoke's A Cold Wet Tuesday Night podcast is now available.
Lucas Yeomans, Matt Sandoz and former Stoke City Academy technical director Gareth Owen discuss Stoke's pre-season in Austria, lack of transfer rumours and the end of the World Cup.
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
Explore more Stoke City content on BBC Sounds
Latest Stoke City news, ****** ysis and fan views
#lucas
Lucas Yeomans, Matt Sandoz and former Stoke City Academy technical director Gareth Owen discuss Stoke's pre-season in Austria, lack of transfer rumours and the end of the World Cup.
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
Explore more Stoke City content on BBC Sounds
Latest Stoke City news, ****** ysis and fan views
#lucas
4 months ago
Here we go again. England are into the knockout rounds of a World Cup 2026, and now the threat of penalties loom over every nerve-jangling game with Norway coming up in the quarter-finals.
England's relationship with shootouts was, for a long time, a tortured one. They were knocked out of Italia '90 by West Germany via the heartbreak of penalties, and suffered defeats by Argentina (1998) and Portugal (2006) in the same way.
The losing streak was finally lifted in 2018 when Gareth Southgate's meticulous preparation paid off in England's first-ever World Cup shootout win, against Colombia in the round of 16.
Norway v England LIVE: World Cup quarter-final build-up with concerns over Saharan dust cloud and double injury boost
England have since won two shootouts against Switzerland, in 2019 and 2024, either side of that painful Euro 2020 final defeat against Italy.
England's relationship with shootouts was, for a long time, a tortured one. They were knocked out of Italia '90 by West Germany via the heartbreak of penalties, and suffered defeats by Argentina (1998) and Portugal (2006) in the same way.
The losing streak was finally lifted in 2018 when Gareth Southgate's meticulous preparation paid off in England's first-ever World Cup shootout win, against Colombia in the round of 16.
Norway v England LIVE: World Cup quarter-final build-up with concerns over Saharan dust cloud and double injury boost
England have since won two shootouts against Switzerland, in 2019 and 2024, either side of that painful Euro 2020 final defeat against Italy.
4 months ago
Jarrad Branthwaite's last appearance, against Liverpool at Hill ******* inson Stadium on 19 April 2026
(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Jarrad Branthwaite showed signs of making good progress in recovery from his latest hamstring injury nightmare when he participated in various training drills and physical tests with other players returning to Finch Farm for the first day of pre-season training yesterday.
There is no doubt the club view Branthwaite as the bedrock of our future, which made last season's heartbreak all the more difficult to stomach. A devastating hamstring injury on the eve of the campaign kept him out until late January.
When he finally returned, he transformed the side, spearheading a brilliant run of form that dragged Everton into the European conversation. Yet, in typical Everton fashion, his cruel injury against Liverpool in the first derby at Hill ******* inson Stadium left the team bereft of its quiet and unassuming fulcrum, precipitating a horrendous collapse in form over the final seven matches of the season, leaving us to wonder what might have been as a golden opportunity slipped through our fingers.
(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Jarrad Branthwaite showed signs of making good progress in recovery from his latest hamstring injury nightmare when he participated in various training drills and physical tests with other players returning to Finch Farm for the first day of pre-season training yesterday.
There is no doubt the club view Branthwaite as the bedrock of our future, which made last season's heartbreak all the more difficult to stomach. A devastating hamstring injury on the eve of the campaign kept him out until late January.
When he finally returned, he transformed the side, spearheading a brilliant run of form that dragged Everton into the European conversation. Yet, in typical Everton fashion, his cruel injury against Liverpool in the first derby at Hill ******* inson Stadium left the team bereft of its quiet and unassuming fulcrum, precipitating a horrendous collapse in form over the final seven matches of the season, leaving us to wonder what might have been as a golden opportunity slipped through our fingers.
4 months ago
Norway coach Stale Solbakken said the showdown between Erling Haaland and Harry Kane will go a long way to deciding his side's World Cup quarter-final against England on Saturday.
Haaland has struck seven times in his first four appearances at a major tournament to fire Norway to the last eight for the first time on their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence.
Kane is just one goal behind the Manchester City striker for the tournament after taking his World Cup tally to 14 as he has helped England reach a third consecutive quarter-final.
"I think it's Norway versus England but I don't think it is a secret that Kane is the match winner number one for England and Haaland is the match winner number one for us," Solbakken said at his pre-match press conference in Miami.
Solbakken's counterpart Thomas Tuchel was recruited by the English Football ******* ociation to get a talented generation of players over the line after a series of narrow misses at major tournaments under his predecessor Gareth Southgate.
Haaland has struck seven times in his first four appearances at a major tournament to fire Norway to the last eight for the first time on their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence.
Kane is just one goal behind the Manchester City striker for the tournament after taking his World Cup tally to 14 as he has helped England reach a third consecutive quarter-final.
"I think it's Norway versus England but I don't think it is a secret that Kane is the match winner number one for England and Haaland is the match winner number one for us," Solbakken said at his pre-match press conference in Miami.
Solbakken's counterpart Thomas Tuchel was recruited by the English Football ******* ociation to get a talented generation of players over the line after a series of narrow misses at major tournaments under his predecessor Gareth Southgate.
4 months ago
We asked for your views on Michael Edwards' time at Anfield, which spanned over 15 years across two stints.
Here are some of your comments:
Gareth: Since he came on board he has wasted money trying to make Liverpool 'Galacticos' - spending big on players that don't fit the system. Throwing the toys out the cot because Fenway did not buy a second club is a stain on his reputation. In summary, first time appointment left as a success, second time around leaves as a failure.
Andy: What can you say? We did brilliantly during Edwards' time at the club! Many plus points along the way, and a few sticky moments, but who is ever spotless in that respect? He can leave a very proud man and with the supporters' genuine thanks.
James: A disappointing and underwhelming second spell.
Here are some of your comments:
Gareth: Since he came on board he has wasted money trying to make Liverpool 'Galacticos' - spending big on players that don't fit the system. Throwing the toys out the cot because Fenway did not buy a second club is a stain on his reputation. In summary, first time appointment left as a success, second time around leaves as a failure.
Andy: What can you say? We did brilliantly during Edwards' time at the club! Many plus points along the way, and a few sticky moments, but who is ever spotless in that respect? He can leave a very proud man and with the supporters' genuine thanks.
James: A disappointing and underwhelming second spell.
4 months ago
In the final part of Rob Gurney and Will Oelrich's Coventry Q&A, they focus on the benefit of few Coventry players featuring at the World Cup and away-day experiences.
Gareth asked: Do you think the fact so few City players were involved in the World Cup compared with other Premier League teams could give us a real edge at the start and perhaps at the end when fatigue may set in for other teams who have players who have had little rest?
Will: I get your point and to an extent I agree. But the fitness levels required to play in the Premier League now are miles above what they used to be.
Players are such elite athletes that they can build sharpness quickly, and most keep themselves in top condition throughout the off‑season. It might affect the opening couple of games and especially for those returning late from the World Cup where we might see reduced minutes for some rather than full 90s but with the standards as high as they are, it won't take long for them to catch up.
Where it may play a part is later on in the season. Teams juggling Europe and cup competitions, playing three times in a week, will have to rotate and that's where the Sky Blues could capitalise. It all depends on the club's focus: is it purely about staying in the Premier League, or is there appetite to chase something in the cups?
Gareth asked: Do you think the fact so few City players were involved in the World Cup compared with other Premier League teams could give us a real edge at the start and perhaps at the end when fatigue may set in for other teams who have players who have had little rest?
Will: I get your point and to an extent I agree. But the fitness levels required to play in the Premier League now are miles above what they used to be.
Players are such elite athletes that they can build sharpness quickly, and most keep themselves in top condition throughout the off‑season. It might affect the opening couple of games and especially for those returning late from the World Cup where we might see reduced minutes for some rather than full 90s but with the standards as high as they are, it won't take long for them to catch up.
Where it may play a part is later on in the season. Teams juggling Europe and cup competitions, playing three times in a week, will have to rotate and that's where the Sky Blues could capitalise. It all depends on the club's focus: is it purely about staying in the Premier League, or is there appetite to chase something in the cups?
4 months ago
To soccer (ahem, football) fans, Erling Haaland needs no introduction. The lumbering Norwegian striker tore through Bundesliga defenses time and time again before joining Manchester City in 2022. Though the "Cityzens" had already won the Premier League four of the previous five seasons, the addition of Haaland took them to new heights as the bleach-blonde striker poured in a record 35 goals in his first campaign. He followed that with another 31 in 2023-24, leading City to an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League ***** le.
This summer, Haaland has introduced himself to the rest of the world as he has led Norway—now the 2026 World Cup's de-facto Cinderella—to a quarterfinal clash with mighty England. Before Saturday's showdown, however, Haaland was spotted getting some much needed R&R … on the golf course.
kotikvdele7 #haaland #Miami #worldcup #fifa #футбол ♬ оригинальный звук - Teamcat
RELATED: Gareth Bale aces one of golf's most famous par 3s, celebrates as if Wales won the World Cup
Here at Golf Digest, we are obviosuly excited that Haaland shares our passion for the game of golf, but his father Alfe-Inge "Alfie" Haaland is probably even happier. Though Alfie Haaland was also professional footballer, playing In the Premier League for clubs like Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and, you guessed it, Manchester City, the younger Haaland revealed in a recent video on his YouTube channel that his dad actually wanted him to be a pro golfer instead of a soccer player.
This summer, Haaland has introduced himself to the rest of the world as he has led Norway—now the 2026 World Cup's de-facto Cinderella—to a quarterfinal clash with mighty England. Before Saturday's showdown, however, Haaland was spotted getting some much needed R&R … on the golf course.
kotikvdele7 #haaland #Miami #worldcup #fifa #футбол ♬ оригинальный звук - Teamcat
RELATED: Gareth Bale aces one of golf's most famous par 3s, celebrates as if Wales won the World Cup
Here at Golf Digest, we are obviosuly excited that Haaland shares our passion for the game of golf, but his father Alfe-Inge "Alfie" Haaland is probably even happier. Though Alfie Haaland was also professional footballer, playing In the Premier League for clubs like Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and, you guessed it, Manchester City, the younger Haaland revealed in a recent video on his YouTube channel that his dad actually wanted him to be a pro golfer instead of a soccer player.
4 months ago
Here we go again. England are into the knockout rounds of a World Cup 2026, and now the threat of penalties loom over every nerve-jangling game with Mexico coming up in the last 16.
England's relationship with shootouts was, for a long time, a tortured one. They were knocked out of Italia '90 by West Germany via the heartbreak of penalties, and suffered defeats by Argentina (1998) and Portugal (2006) in the same way.
Follow the latest updates for Mexico v England with our live blog
The losing streak was finally lifted in 2018 when Gareth Southgate's meticulous preparation paid off in England's first-ever World Cup shootout win, against Colombia in the round of 16.
England have since won two shootouts against Switzerland, in 2019 and 2024, either side of that painful Euro 2020 final defeat against Italy.
England's relationship with shootouts was, for a long time, a tortured one. They were knocked out of Italia '90 by West Germany via the heartbreak of penalties, and suffered defeats by Argentina (1998) and Portugal (2006) in the same way.
Follow the latest updates for Mexico v England with our live blog
The losing streak was finally lifted in 2018 when Gareth Southgate's meticulous preparation paid off in England's first-ever World Cup shootout win, against Colombia in the round of 16.
England have since won two shootouts against Switzerland, in 2019 and 2024, either side of that painful Euro 2020 final defeat against Italy.
4 months ago
Here we go again. England are into the knockout rounds of a World Cup 2026, and now the threat of penalties loom over every nerve-jangling game with Mexico coming up in the last 16.
England’s relationship with shootouts was, for a long time, a tortured one. They were knocked out of Italia ‘90 by West Germany via the heartbreak of penalties, and suffered defeats by Argentina (1998) and Portugal (2006) in the same way.
The losing streak was finally lifted in 2018 when Gareth Southgate’s meticulous preparation paid off in England’s first-ever World Cup shootout win, against Colombia in the round of 16.
England have since won two shootouts against Switzerland, in 2019 and 2024, either side of that painful Euro 2020 final defeat against Italy.
Roughly a third of World Cup knockout matches go to extra time, and around a quarter go to penalties. Thomas Tuchel has said he believes if England are to go all the way and lift the World Cup in North America, they will most likely need to win two penalty shootouts en route.
England’s relationship with shootouts was, for a long time, a tortured one. They were knocked out of Italia ‘90 by West Germany via the heartbreak of penalties, and suffered defeats by Argentina (1998) and Portugal (2006) in the same way.
The losing streak was finally lifted in 2018 when Gareth Southgate’s meticulous preparation paid off in England’s first-ever World Cup shootout win, against Colombia in the round of 16.
England have since won two shootouts against Switzerland, in 2019 and 2024, either side of that painful Euro 2020 final defeat against Italy.
Roughly a third of World Cup knockout matches go to extra time, and around a quarter go to penalties. Thomas Tuchel has said he believes if England are to go all the way and lift the World Cup in North America, they will most likely need to win two penalty shootouts en route.
4 months ago
Wales rugby great Ray Gravell is to be inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame.
The former British and Irish Lions centre, who died at the age of 56 in 2007, will be honoured at a special ceremony in Saundersfoot.
His wife Mari and daughters Manon and Gwenan will receive the award and his former team-mates Delme Thomas, Roy Bergiers, Gareth Jenkins and Anthony Buchanan are set to be among the guests.
Former Wales footballers Ian Walsh and Simon Davies are also being honoured, along with St Davids headteacher Rachel Thomas and Atlantic rower Janine Williams.
Gravell won 23 caps for Wales and played in all four Tests for the Lions on their 1980 tour to South Africa.
The former British and Irish Lions centre, who died at the age of 56 in 2007, will be honoured at a special ceremony in Saundersfoot.
His wife Mari and daughters Manon and Gwenan will receive the award and his former team-mates Delme Thomas, Roy Bergiers, Gareth Jenkins and Anthony Buchanan are set to be among the guests.
Former Wales footballers Ian Walsh and Simon Davies are also being honoured, along with St Davids headteacher Rachel Thomas and Atlantic rower Janine Williams.
Gravell won 23 caps for Wales and played in all four Tests for the Lions on their 1980 tour to South Africa.
4 months ago
England manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed that his team will follow Gareth Southgate's penalty shoot-out blueprint at the World Cup.
Tuchel's side face DR Congo in their first knockout game of the tournament on Wednesday, a scenario that opens up the potential for a penalty shoot-out.
The match from Atlanta at 17:00 BST is live on BBC One and the iPlayer.
Prior to Southgate's appointment as England manager in 2016, the national team had a poor record in tournament shoot-outs - winning just one of seven.
But under Southgate, England took their penalty preparations to a new level which resulted in the team winning three out of four shoot-outs.
Tuchel's side face DR Congo in their first knockout game of the tournament on Wednesday, a scenario that opens up the potential for a penalty shoot-out.
The match from Atlanta at 17:00 BST is live on BBC One and the iPlayer.
Prior to Southgate's appointment as England manager in 2016, the national team had a poor record in tournament shoot-outs - winning just one of seven.
But under Southgate, England took their penalty preparations to a new level which resulted in the team winning three out of four shoot-outs.
4 months ago
England manager Thomas Tuchel had revealed that his team will follow his predecessor Sir Gareth Southgate's penalty shootout blueprint at the World Cup.
Tuchel's side face DR Congo in their first knockout game of the tournament on Wednesday, a scenario that opens up the potential for penalties.
The match, which kicks off in Atlanta at 17:00 BST, is live on BBC One and iPlayer.
Prior to Southgate's appointment as manager in 2016, the national team had a poor record in major tournament shootouts - winning just one of seven.
But under Southgate, England took their penalty preparations to a new level which resulted in three out of four successes between 2018 and 2024.
Tuchel's side face DR Congo in their first knockout game of the tournament on Wednesday, a scenario that opens up the potential for penalties.
The match, which kicks off in Atlanta at 17:00 BST, is live on BBC One and iPlayer.
Prior to Southgate's appointment as manager in 2016, the national team had a poor record in major tournament shootouts - winning just one of seven.
But under Southgate, England took their penalty preparations to a new level which resulted in three out of four successes between 2018 and 2024.
4 months ago
The Democratic Republic of Congo coach Sebastien Desabre says London-born Aaron Wan-Bissaka has extra motivation to beat England in the last 32 of the World Cup.
The West Ham defender was called up to the England squad by Gareth Southgate in 2019, but had to withdraw through injury and never featured again, choosing to switch his allegiance to DR Congo in 2025.
A year later he is set to face his country of birth in the last-32 tie in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Desabre said: “We have some Premier League players who are familiar, some of them were even born in England and that is always a source of motivation.
“But the number one source of motivation is to play against a serious opponent like England or any other top five in the world. It is hard to find anything more motivating than that.”
The West Ham defender was called up to the England squad by Gareth Southgate in 2019, but had to withdraw through injury and never featured again, choosing to switch his allegiance to DR Congo in 2025.
A year later he is set to face his country of birth in the last-32 tie in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Desabre said: “We have some Premier League players who are familiar, some of them were even born in England and that is always a source of motivation.
“But the number one source of motivation is to play against a serious opponent like England or any other top five in the world. It is hard to find anything more motivating than that.”
4 months ago
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is in no doubt the players will be "ready to go to war" for manager Thomas Tuchel when they take on the Democratic Republic of the Congo for a place in the last 16 of the World Cup.
After seeing off Panama 2-0 in New Jersey to secure top spot in Group L, England head into the knockout stages looking to keep themselves on course to deliver a first trophy since 1966.
Pickford – part of the squad which reached back-to-back European Championship finals under Gareth Southgate – has long championed England as having the needed quality and mentality to win a major tournament.
When asked in an interview with BBC Sport what was different this time around, the Everton goalkeeper said: "Belief, togetherness. I think we have had that previously, but I think the manager's got that belief in us.
"The meetings the manager has with us, it is like you are ready to go to war. He puts that belief in you. There is different meetings he has tactically, and it is like 'yeah, it is go time'.
After seeing off Panama 2-0 in New Jersey to secure top spot in Group L, England head into the knockout stages looking to keep themselves on course to deliver a first trophy since 1966.
Pickford – part of the squad which reached back-to-back European Championship finals under Gareth Southgate – has long championed England as having the needed quality and mentality to win a major tournament.
When asked in an interview with BBC Sport what was different this time around, the Everton goalkeeper said: "Belief, togetherness. I think we have had that previously, but I think the manager's got that belief in us.
"The meetings the manager has with us, it is like you are ready to go to war. He puts that belief in you. There is different meetings he has tactically, and it is like 'yeah, it is go time'.
