Thomas Tuchel played down the significance of latest friendlies and history suggests team lineups can have little bearing on actual tournament “It’s just March,” Thomas Tuchel said after a winless international break. March doesn’t matter. March is for winding up the Wembley crowd by playing Ben White. For Phil Foden...
Guardian power rankings: France lead the way with Senegal and Japan in top 10
From Algeria to Uzbekistan, our writers and contributors from around the world assess the state of the 48 nations to qualify for the World Cup “There’s more talent and potential than in 2022,” Kylian Mbappé said ominously this week after France had beaten Brazil 2-1 despite having Dayot Upamecano sent...
Tiger Woods turns down Ryder Cup captaincy as he is granted permission to leave US
Woods focusing on his health and wellbeing after crash Florida judge grants his request to leave the US Tiger Woods has turned down the opportunity to captain the United States at the 2027 Ryder Cup, the PGA of America has announced. The former world No 1’s decision comes after he...
Lauren Price: ‘I want to win as much money as I can, build a legacy for boxing in Wales and get out safe’
The IBF and WBC welterweight champion on returning to the ring, boxing politics and her imminent wedding A year ago, on a historic night for boxing when an all-women card of fights was held at the Royal Albert Hall last March, Lauren Price produced an imperious headline performance which should...
Mako Vunipola to join Leicester and link up with former England teammate Parling
Prop played with Tigers coach under Stuart Lancaster ‘I am honoured to be part of this prestigious club’ The former England prop Mako Vunipola has confirmed he is joining Leicester this summer as the Tigers look to beef up their pack for next season. The 35-year-old Vunipola will be joined...
‘The computer went bananas’: error at O’Brien yard removes horses from 2,000 Guineas
Trainer calls on authorities to apply ‘common sense’ BHA later permitted horses to be re-entered in race The betting market for the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket on 2 May was thrown into confusion on Tuesday when two significant candidates from the Aidan O’Brien stable, Gstaad and Albert Einstein, were taken...
Has a football club won the title with a better goal difference than points tally? | The Knowledge
Plus: qualifying for the World Cup with no more than two wins, a 20-0 victory and scratching a 34-year itch Mail us with your questions and answers “The Bundesliga table shows Bayern Munich on 70 points with an eye-popping goal difference of +72,” pops Chris Fryer. “Has any club won...
Sweden qualify for World Cup after Viktor Gyökeres hits late winner against Poland
There are easy ways to qualify for the World Cup and there are complicated ways. Poland won six qualifiers whereas Sweden won two but it is Sweden, elevated by the magic of Graham Potter, the persistence of Viktor Gyökeres and the noble head of the 11th Baron Lagerbielke who will...
ECB accused of allowing non-disabled players to take place of disabled cricketers in top domestic league
Governing board faces claims of blocking international pathway Parent says LD players are ‘quietly put to one side’ The England and Wales Cricket Board has been accused of allowing non-disabled players to participate in its Disability Premier League, blocking the pathway to international cricket. The parents of Jai Charan and...
Manchester United wage bill revealed as half that of WSL rivals Arsenal last season
Skinner’s side spent £5.88m while Arsenal spent £11.3m United face Bayern in Champions League on Wednesday Manchester United’s wage bill was about half that of their Women’s Super League rivals Arsenal’s last season, their latest financial accounts have revealed, highlighting the stark contrast in spending at some of England’s biggest...