Chelsea kickstarted their European campaign with a comfortable victory over Paris FC. Alyssa Thompson scored her first goal in west London as Sonia Bompastor’s side dominated proceedings. Sandy Baltimore opened the scoring from the penalty spot while Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Erin Cuthbert also got on the scoresheet. It was...
England have their best chance of winning World Cup since 1970 – and Tuchel is the key | Barney Ronay
This new realistic, pragmatic approach, with no snags or celebrity bodge-jobs, means that this time could be the one We’re on our way. We are Tom’s 26. This time, more than any other time, this time. We’re going to find a way. Find a way to get it right. This...
Sumo stars balance power, intricacy and spectacle at London showcase
An enraptured crowd soaked up the atmosphere at the first official sumo tournament held outside Japan in 34 years At 6pm exactly, the first, and only, professional sumo dohyo anywhere outside Japan was finally ready. It had taken four days to build. The clay, shipped up from Kettering, where, the...
Premier League clubs turn to hidden gambling partners to beat sponsorship ban
Aston Villa, Chelsea, Leeds and Nottingham Forest fail to respond to questions sent by the Guardian, while Sunderland refuse to comment Eleven Premier League clubs will have to find new principal sponsors next season when the ban on front-of-shirt advertising for betting companies takes effect. This will represent a financial...
Next Generation 2025: 60 of the best young talents in world football
From PSG’s Ibrahim Mbaye to Brazil’s next hope, we select some of the most talented players born in 2008. Check the progress of our classes of 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 … and go even further back. Here’s our Premier League class of 2025...
No jeopardy in Riga: the real tests for Thomas Tuchel’s England lie ahead | Jacob Steinberg
Qualification has been so easy it gives little indication how the side will fare against big hitters at the World Cup As Harry Kane stepped up to make it 3-0 to England with the final kick of the first half at a wet, chilly and deflated Daugava Stadium it was...
World Cup qualifying roundup: Portugal and record-breaking Ronaldo denied by Hungary
Ronaldo double includes 41st World Cup qualifying goal Republic of Ireland keep dream alive with Armenia win Cristiano Ronaldo set a record for World Cup qualifying goals but the Group F leaders Portugal were denied early World Cup qualification by a late Hungary equaliser to snatch a 2-2 draw. Two...
Merino double sparks Spain’s run of goals in domination of Bulgaria
It started in Scotland and it still has not finished. That night at Hampden was only Luis de le Fuente’s second as Spain coach; it also felt like it might be his last. Two Scott McTominay goals defeated the Seleccion but while just about everyone else thought his spell would...
Broad brands Australia’s team as their worst since 2010 as pre-Ashes barbs fly
Former bowler hits back after Warner predicts 4-0 win Cook backs Pope to retain No 3 spot ahead of Bethell The pre-Ashes barbs continue to fly, with Stuart Broad saying that England will face “probably the worst Australian team since 2010” on tour this winter. The former England bowler’s claim...
MPs warned over ‘shameful’ lack of funding for GB athletes at Deaflympics
British athletes at Deaflympics having to raise funds No elite deaf athletes are funded by central government It is shameful and discriminatory that deaf people are the only disabled community that does not receive any government funding to help them to compete in elite sport, MPs have been told. Although...