World Cup 2026: Focus on big stars, rise of Africa in knockouts

Perhaps last week’s triumph was not a one-off. Hull backed up a shock victory against Manchester United by maintaining their 100% start to the Premier League by condemning Coventry to successive defeats. “We’re gonna win the league,” was the glorious chant raining down from the Hull support after Liam Millar’s 82nd-minute strike. The goal was a sucker-punch for Coventry, who were pushing for a winner themselves and looked set to at least earn their first point of the season. Frank Lampard, arms folded, was unmoved as the away end rejoiced...

Through wind and rain came the end of summer and a new era at the Vitality. Milan will visit Dorset this autumn, and travel to San Sebastián, Galicia, and Czechia awaits. The stadium itself is under renovation, exoskeletons to be filled in, new security cordons to negotiate. An unbeaten home record that stretches back to 3 January sustains, though so does Bournemouth’s ability to concede late goals, James Tarkowski’s equaliser coming in injury time. For all that renewal, Bournemouth kicked off with a familiar look, only António Silva in central defence an addition to the starting lineup Marco Rose inherited from Andoni Iraola. If the club stance is Alex Scott remains whatever the offers, his first-half goal and overall performance can only add to the cachet. Amid a game played at regulation Premier League 1.5x speed, as others careered around on a sodden surface, the Channel Islander made time and space bend to his will, the mark of true talent...

Updates from the second Test (4.10pm BST) Get in touch: mail Daniel and I got to chat with him back in 2021. He has quite the story:..