Against France, Erling Haaland starts on the bench today in Norway’s final group game. But the Norwegians can still count on some famous support. 

Among the Norway fans, Hollywood star Channing Tatum was spotted wearing a Norway shirt. 

He was already cheering along during the match and is still waiting in vain for Haaland to come on. Before the World Cup, Tatum was the Manchester City striker’s double in a Nike ad. 

Tatum pulled off the look almost perfectly and captured the Norwegian’s presence surprisingly well.

Let’s see if he’ll get to watch Haaland on the pitch today after all. 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

Coleman entered the transfer portal at the end of the season, just one year after signing with the Nittany Lions, and joined the Tennessee Volunteers. The star edge rusher was considered the top player in the portal, but an undisclosed injury held him out of team activities for the past couple months and now the situation has reached its boiling point.

It was announced earlier today that Tennessee is cutting ties with Coleman, who has been medically disqualified from the team. While a specific explanation for his exit hasn’t been provided, some are speculating that he was dealing with homesickness on his new team.

Tennessee has parted ways with transfer edge Chaz Coleman, per sources. (On3 1st) It had been trending that way for awhile. @CBSSports broke down the complicated situation that led to Coleman being away from the Vols back in April. https://t.co/ai0YLXvYuSpic.twitter.com/zJkWdgV7IF

— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) June 26, 2026

If those theories are true then perhaps there is a chance the Nittany Lions could win Coleman back. After all, he only left the school to follow his former defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. The four-star defender would be much closer to home if he returned and he would get welcomed back by some familiar faces.

Still just 19 years old, Coleman has plenty of time to rebuild his reputation and tap into the potential he possesses. Whatever is going on with him, let’s hope that he is able to heal mentally or physically and get back on the field, wherever that may be.

Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X and Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Former Penn State transfer parts ways with Tennessee

A statement attributed to a FIFA spokesman read in part, “General statements of human rights, including rainbow flags and other flags representing sexual orientation and gender identity, are permitted under the FIFA World Cup 2026 Stadium Code of Conduct and may be displayed inside stadiums provided they are used in a manner consistent with the code."

The eight-page code is a general guide for fan conduct that doesn't include anything specifically about rainbow flags. There figure to be more than a few at the game that coincides with the start of Seattle Pride Weekend.

The so-called “Pride Match" features teams from two countries that treat same-sex behavior as illegal.

Liverpool are conducting a very high-profile transfer chase for Yan Diomande.

The Ivorian attacker, 19, joined RB Leipzig from Leganes for a bargain £18m fee last summer. He inked a five-year deal with the German club and his progress in the months since then has been absolutely rapid.

Diomande scored 13 goals in his first Bundesliga season and has been on the radar for Liverpool for the last few months.

The outgoing Premier League champions firmed up their interest in the Cote d’Ivoire FIFA World Cup star last week in the form of an official bid.

Liverpool knocked back in Diomande bid

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes was willing to pay up to €100m for Diomande - comprising €90m upfront and another €10m payable as add-ons.

Leipzig immediately knocked back the Reds’ offer - holding all the cards considering the duration of Diomande’s contract. But there are signs of the Red Bull-owned club cracking behind the scenes.

A report from Lewis Steele claims that while Leipzig are posturing for the cameras the reality inside the corridors of power is playing out a lot differently.

Red Bull cracking behind the scenes

“Publicly, Leipzig are saying Diomande is not for sale at any price – and want him to sign a new deal with a release clause – but there is an understanding internally that they most likely will be forced to let him go this summer,” the report reads.

Leipzig have recently sacked head coach Ole Werner - replacing him with former Argentina defender Martin Demichelis.

Getting rid of Werner and his staff is going to cost RB Leipzig a pretty penny - reportedly eating into their budget for the summer transfer window.

Reports have already been prominent that Leipzig needed to make around €100m worth of sales in the current market - with Castello Lukeba and Lutsharel Geertruida reportedly among those up for sale.

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Despite their willingness to pursue less glamorous prospects, it doesn’t mean the Nittany Lions are afraid to go after some big fish. They were one of the finalists for five-star quarterback Will Mencl, one of the top players in 2027, before he chose the Oregon Ducks instead. Penn State may have swung and missed on him, but now they have shifted their focus to one of the most promising running backs in the nation.

Jayshawn Mitchell is a four-star halfback from Texas who is already one of the top targets for great teams all around the country. After already receiving offers from Big Ten powerhouses Oregon and Ohio State, Penn State decided to join the fray and extend Mitchell an offer as well.

Penn State offers blue chip running back Jayshawn Mitchell out of San Antonio (Texas) Brennan.

No. 170 overall recruit, No. 10 running back in the 2028 class @247Sports.https://t.co/LEWmiOWZ51https://t.co/aYHD3JQHOk

— Tyler Calvaruso (@tyler_calvaruso) June 24, 2026

It could be a good idea for the school to dip its toes back into the southern part of the country after its most recent commitment, Dhillon McGee, also came from Texas. Not only did they get a recruit from this same state, but McGhee chose the Nittany Lions over his hometown team, the Texas Longhorns, who have also offered Mitchell.

Penn State’s recent success in Texas and its potent running back history could be a significant factor in the four-star running back’s decision. Snagging Mitchell would add another blue-chip prospect to a class that already has two.

Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X and Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State enters race for 4-star running back from Class of 2028

Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, 26, is expected to complete a move to Chelsea for about 55m euros (£47.4m) after playing for France at the World Cup. (L'Equipe - in French)

Newcastle United have added Borussia Dortmund's Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha, 25, to their shortlist for this summer. (Mail)

Arsenal have had a £55m offer for Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, 28, rejected by Newcastle. (ESPN)

Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi wants Czech goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, 23, to be his new starter in goal and Spurs are willing to sell Italy keeper Guglielmo Vicario, 29. (Teamtalk)

Manchester United and Chelsea have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Uruguay left-back Maxi Araujo, 26, from Sporting. (Record - in Portuguese)

Italy right-back Marco Palestra, 21, is set to complete his move from Atalanta to Chelsea after having a medical in London. (Football Italia)

Marseille's Mason Greenwood wants to join Roma, rather than Fenerbahce or Al-Hilal, with the Italian club set to offer up to 50m euros (£43.1m) for the former England striker, 24. (Corriere dello Sport - in Italian)

AC Milan have agreed a club-record deal to sign Goncalo Ramos from Paris St-Germain and the Portugal striker, 25, has already undergone a medical. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian)

MLS side Atlanta United has inquired about the availability of Atletico Madrid's Spain midfielder Koke, 34. (Marca - in Spanish)

Ajax are interested in signing Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 34, from Barcelona. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish)

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More than 4,000 fans poured into Stormont on Friday hoping to witness a slice of cricket history under the Belfast sun.

In the end, that's exactly what they got.

But it wasn't the "I was there" moment they had anticipated.

The build-up to Ireland and India's opening T20 was dominated by the possibility of the world champions handing a record-breaking debut to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

At 15 years and 91 days old, he appeared set to become India's youngest international after an impossible-to-miss ascension to the national squad following his stunning exploits in the Indian Premier League.

But the batting sensation's surprise absence from the line-up ultimately proved a footnote on a day that belonged to Ireland as the hosts sealed a memorable 34-run win.

Despite missing six players through injury, Ireland produced a gutsy bowling display to claim a first senior international win over the tourists in all competitions - and add to a list of famous scalps that includes Pakistan and England at the 2007 and 2011 World Cups.

One of the key actors in Ireland's stirring display was India-born pacer Jai Moondra, who took 2-26 on an eye-catching international debut that included removing Sanju Samson with his first delivery.

"It was a big stage for me, for my family and my team members, they were all rooting for me so all I can do is keep calm and keep doing what I have been doing because it's kept me levelling up," said Moondra, who added he will "cherish" his debut for the "rest of my life".

"I was feeling excitement at the same time. Testing myself against India and getting a first-ball wicket, I was trying not to be overwhelmed because we still had nine wickets to go.

"It is a dream come true to get on to an international platform and play against India. It's something special, a class feeling."

• Ireland stun world champions India for historic T20 win
• Cartoons & hose hands - what makes Sooryavanshi, 15, special?

Born in Tonk, a small town near Jaipur, the 29-year-old took a step back from cricket and moved to Ireland in 2021 to pursue a master's degree in electronics and communication.

But having settled in Ireland, he began playing for Leinster Cricket Club in Dublin and was part of the 2023 Irish Senior Cup-winning side.

Moondra has also featured regularly for Leinster Lightning, but his first international call-up came as a result of an injury to Josh Little.

"Cricket Ireland gave me the opportunity," he added.

"I'm really fortunate for that. It's nothing more than doing the duty. I'm just doing what I have been doing.

"It is still sinking in but it is a small step in a big ladder and hopefully there's more to come."

Moondra was not the only Ireland debutant to shine in Belfast as Matthew Hollard finished with 3-28 to take the player of the match award.

There were standout performances from more seasoned campaigners, too, with Lorcan Tucker marking his first game as permanent captain with a half-century off 36 balls.

It marked a stunning turnaround from a World Cup campaign that ended with a whimper when the weather-enforced abandonment of their group game against Zimbabwe ended hopes of reaching the Super 8s.

"The Ireland men's and women's teams have had good results over the past two or three years and we shouldn't forget that, but it's important we keep getting results against these teams - India, England and Australia," said Ed Joyce.

"The three big powers of the world game. To go out and compete against them is really important for us. This is a huge result. Hopefully it means India will come back and play us a lot more.

"Dare I say we'd love an Irish team to go out and tour India at some point, that would be fantastic."

Will India turn to Sooryavanshi?

Having opted to keep him in reserve, India may turn to Sooryavanshi when the sides meet again at Stormont on Sunday (13:30 BST).

It would mean breaking up the World Cup-winning partnership of Abhishek Sharma and Samson, but India head coach Gautam Gambhir may decide to blood the much-hyped batter before the team's white-ball series against England.

Sooryavanshi top-scored in the IPL with 776 runs in 16 innings for the Rajasthan Royals and last week belted 50 off 11 balls for India against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla.

Speaking at the toss on Friday, India captain Shreyas Iyer said a desire to stick with the players who delivered a second straight World Cup win earlier this year was behind Sooryavanshi's omission.

"We are backing the majority of our cricketers who have been doing absolutely marvellous work," said Iyer.

"He will get his opportunity when the time comes."

But given such an unexpected defeat, perhaps his time will come as soon as Sunday.

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It could have been a positive end to the week for the Nittany Lions after landing Dhillon McGee. The cold irony is that despite them signing a Texas player away from two Texas schools, they couldn't get a player to stop from committing there. This one is also a painful loss for the Blue and White due to the fact that they held multiple visits with Rhoa. In fact, he visited Happy Valley seven times, including their official visit weekend from June 12-14.

However, the fact that Penn State never truly gained the upper hand could explain Rhoa's decision. even on prediction sites such as Rivals, Penn State's chances of getting Rhoa never exceeded 37 percent, potentially allowing Texas to swoop in. The only positive takeaway for the Nittany Lions is that they already have four offensive linemen in their class. Still, Rhoa could have been another valuable asset to add to the depth of the squad.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State loses out on three star offensive lineman

The Opening Finals is officially back following a six-year hiatus. The Nike Football event gets underway on Thursday from Beaverton, Oregon and will run through Friday.

More than 100 prospects across the 2027, 2028 and 2029 recruiting cycles are in attendance this week at the Philip H. Knight Campus. Prospects earned invites to the finals after competing in regional events across seven cities this spring and summer.

Some of the program’s prominent alumni include 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II, two-time All-Pro receiver Ja’Marr Chase, reigning Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley, and two-time NFL rushing yards leader Derrick Henry.

FULL OPENING FINALS ROSTER | OPENING FINALS PREVIEW

Friday’s action will feature a 7-on-7 tournament, culminating in a championship match in the afternoon. Rivals National Scout Cody Bellaire, as well as Rivals national experts Greg Biggins, Brandon Huffman and Sam Spiegelman are all on hand this week and will provide analysis throughout the first session.

Join the discussion on the Rivals recruiting board here.

Opening Finals Day 2 Updates

1:31 p.m. PT: Tahj Gray is special, really like how he plays, has a college body right now, but moves really well, high compete level, tough, physical and smart. — Greg Biggins

1:16 p.m. PT: Midwest about to play the Southwest in semifinals – winner plays West in the championship game. — Brandon Huffman

12:17 p.m. PT:Nevada commit Ryan Rakowski with the go-ahead TD score to four-star Eli Woodard with 20 seconds left.

11:56 a.m. PT: Ohio State QB commit Brady Edmunds finds USC WR commit Quentin Hale for tying score in second half.

11:46 a.m. PT: Rakowski to Jaden Baldwin gets West on the board. Extra point is good. Southwest up on West 13-7 at halftime.

11:40 a.m. PT: Houston to Julian Caldwell for a touchdown. The extra point was no good. Southwest up on West, 13-0.

11:29 a.m. PT:Peyton Houston to Trenton Yancey for a TD, XP is good, Southwest scores on their opening drive to go up on West 7-0. — Greg Biggins

11:20 a.m. PT:Jermaine Cobbins picks off a fourth-down pass in overtime to win the game for the South.

11:11 a.m. PT:Tyler Boyd has impressed today, really nice PBU on fade ball covering the bigger Jaxon Dollar. — Greg Biggins

11:10 a.m. PT: Jake Nawrot leads Team Midwest to victory with a walk-off pass to the corner of the endzone to Jamier Brown. — Cody Bellaire

10:59 a.m. PT: Kharim Hughley evades the blitz and runs it in for a touchdown, but the play was nullified for an illegal pick/block.

10:58 a.m. PT:Tripp Keller picks off Jake Nawrot in the endzone. Keller’s had three interceptions over the two days of 7-on-7. — Cody Bellaire

10:48 a.m. PT: Warren to Isaiah Rogers for six. Northeast goes up 18-6 with 8:30 left in the game.

10:45 a.m. PT: Kharim Hughley to Jayden Mills. South pulls to within 14-6 with 12:34 left in the game.

10:32 a.m. PT: Warren to Jaxon Dollar for a TD. Northeast up on the South 12-0. — Greg Biggins

10:31 a.m. PT:Kentucky defensive back commit Tristin Hughes has been exceptional throughout the week in Oregon

Another interception Friday morning adds to his total of three so far in this tournament. — Sam Spiegelman

10:30 a.m. PT: Tristin Hughes continues to be disruptive for opposing offenses. Comes down with a clutch interception on fourth down. — Cody Bellaire

10:26 a.m. PT: Abdul Turay makes a sweet diving grab from a pass down the sideline from Braylon Warren. — Brandon Huffman

10:24 a.m. PT: Ja’Hyde Brown continues to stay on fire catching the first touchdown for Team Midwest against Team Southeast. — Cody Bellaire

10:19 a.m. PT:Braylen Warren hits Jamar Taylor for six. Northeast up on the South, 6-0.

10:18 a.m. PT: Neimann Lawrence having a strong outing thus far. Has been fitting the ball into tight windows and consistently moving the chains. — Cody Bellaire

10:17 a.m. PT:Rutgers commit Jamar Taylor make a sick one-handed touchdown catch on a pass from Missouri commit Braylon Warren. — Brandon Huffman

10:10 a.m. PT: Next game on Field 1 will be South – Northeast. — Greg Biggins

10:07 a.m. PT: Peyton Houston clutches up. Drives Team Southwest down the field and ends the game with a walk-off score after evading the blitz. — Cody Bellaire

10:06 a.m. PT:Hayden Stepp with the pass breakup on the final play of the game to seal the win for the West, 14-6.

10:01 a.m. PT:James Foster has been patrolling the secondary with a VENGEANCE. Has been flying all over the back half of the field. — Cody Bellaire

10 a.m. PT: Tough game for Trae Taylor, four three-and-outs and a pick. Two coverage sacks to end drives, too. — Brandon Huffman

9:59 a.m. PT:Israel Abrams throws a dot down the right sideline to Derrell Hines who climbs the ladder to bring down a 50-50 ball. — Cody Bellaire

9:53 a.m. PT: Sarod Baker continues to making magic happen in the open field. He’s extremely shifty with the ball in his hands and has been consistently targeted in the underneath levels of the field. — Cody Bellaire

9:51 a.m. PT: Raheem Floyd super active this game- had the pick six and just nearly had another one to break up a 4th and goal pass. — Brandon Huffman

9:46 a.m. PT: Jaxsen Stokes has been really good catching the ball out of the backfield. The Cal commit is also showing no hesitance when a defender tries to get too physical in tagging him. He just lowers his shoulder. — Brandon Huffman

9:43 a.m. PT:Raheem Floyd with a sick one-handed pick-six in the back of the end zone on a pass from Ryan Rakowski to get them on the board. — Brandon Huffman

9:39 a.m. PT: Jake Nawrot now in at QB and is picked off by Donte Wright. — Greg Biggins

9:35 a.m. PT: SMU linebacker commitment Braylon Williams was taken off the field after suffering what looked to be a knee injury during play on Friday morning. — Sam Spiegelman

9:33 a.m. PT: Halftime here with the West team up 14-0. Midwest has yet to get a first down. — Greg Biggins

9:29 a.m. PT: Rakowski’s first drive ends with a touchdown pass to Eli Woodard. — Brandon Huffman

9:27 a.m. PT:Kamil Loud with an INT for West. Still 7-0. Ryan Rakowski now in at QB. — Greg Biggins

9:26 a.m. PT: Edmunds with a rope to USC commit Quentin Hale for another touchdown for the West. — Brandon Huffman

9:23 a.m. PT: Quick three-and-out for the Midwest, West takes over, Edmunds still in at QB. — Greg Biggins

9:22 a.m. PT: Edmunds finds Hayden Koo for a touchdown then hits Eli Woodward for an extra point. West up 7-0. — Brandon Huffman

9:21 a.m. PT:Travion Washington picks off Neimann Lawrence’s pass for back-to-back Team Southwest interceptions for their defense. — Cody Bellaire

9:20 a.m. PT:Trae Taylor in at QB for the Midwest. — Greg Biggins

9:19 a.m. PT: Brady Edmunds to Hayden Koo for an opening-drive touchdown for the West.

9:16 a.m. PT: James Foster with an early INT jumping Israel Abrams pass down the left sideline. — Cody Bellaire

9:12 a.m. PT: Top seed West takes on the Midwest on field one. Ohio State QB commit Brady Edmunds gets the first reps for the West. — Brandon Huffman

8:43 a.m. PT: Back at the Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon this morning for the final day of The Opening Finals. The double elimination Nike 7-on-7 tournament gets started this morning and the championship game is set for 3 p.m. PT.

Action gets started at 9 a.m. PT. — Brandon Huffman

HARLINGEN — The kids dashed about the courts with their laughter and the thump-thump-thump of the yellow balls bouncing.

The kids were playing pickleball Thursday at RGV Pickle, and they enjoyed this sport with great spontaneity and the joy of the freedom of their movement.

The event was part of the Harlingen school district’s ACE Summer Camp, and schools from across the district this week have sent kids for a morning of pickleball. Thursday the courts were filled with kids from Long Elementary, Gutierrez Middle School of Arts and Sciences, and Coakley Middle School.

“It’s very fun because you can play with your friends,” said Jude Ruiz, 10, a fourth grader at Long Elementary.

“This is my first time playing,” he said.

This was, indeed, the first time many of them have played this sport.

“The students have had the chance to come here and learn how to play pickleball,” said Danyella Rodriguez, ACE coordinator.

“It’s for the kids to play something they haven’t experienced before,” she said. “A lot of people don’t know about pickleball.”

That’s a fitting statement, as the sport which combines tennis, ping pong, and badminton, was only created in the 1960s.

These days, however, it seems to be catching on.

“This is one of my first times playing it,” said Catalina Saldana, 14, who just finished her time at Coakley Middle School and will attend the Cano Freshman Academy this fall.

“It’s very enjoyable and you get physical activity,” she said.

Even the coaches were having fun.

“The kids are having fun, I am having fun as well,” said Carlos Gamez, who has been coaching the kids.

“They are learning the basics of pickleball, learning how to hold the paddle, how to do the strokes,” he said.

The post Harlingen students enjoy summer fun playing pickleball appeared first on MyRGV.com.

Goals in soccer can often come at a premium.

It seems illogical for that to be the case when there is a large net and an even bigger field to operate on. Yet between blocked shots and bodies in the box, those shooting lanes aren't always there for even the best goal scorers. On June 26, France is eager to change that with a one-man show that has everyone tipping their cap.

Ousmane Dembélé recorded a first-half hat trick against Norway in just 32 minutes, with a hydration break included.

It was part of a dominant opening 45 minutes for the reigning Ballon d'Or winner in the final group stage match for France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Three goals are obviously no small feat, but how close is Dembélé to history? And what would he have to do in the final 45 minutes to make it? Here's what to know about the most goals scored in a single World Cup match.

Relief was etched on the face of Ben Duckett as he celebrated a comeback century on his home ground by pumping his fist, ripping off his helmet and roaring “yes”.

You can understand the emotion after a troubled year for a player whose slide was emblematic of the decline of the Bazballers: an average of 21 over seven Tests of which England lost five.

Duckett left Australia in wretched form, overweight and with his reputation tarnished by video of him worse for wear on the streets of Noosa as the image of the England team nosedived.

He lost his partner Zak Crawley in the post-Ashes churn and Duckett was told to knuckle down in no uncertain terms by Rob Key and Brendon McCullum.

At 31 he was at a crossroads but took the right path. Duckett turned down the IPL to work on his batting with Peter Moores at Notts, lost weight and rediscovered his drive. This 113, a seventh Test hundred, was a statement innings of controlled aggression that added fuel to a storming revival against New Zealand. There were shades of the England of old as they motored to 223 for two at just under five an over.

Just look at that reaction! 🤩🗣️

Ben Duckett brings up his seventh Test hundred 💯 pic.twitter.com/D7dBLfHpl7

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 26, 2026

Duckett was out roughly 24 hours after New Zealand’s opening stand had finally been broken by Ben Stokes. From 317 for none to an under-par 438 all out, New Zealand have fallen flat on their faces, lacking an Aussie ruthlessness to bury England when on top and pile pressure on a management team fighting for their jobs.

Inevitably, Stokes had a hand with four for 70, including a 250th Test wicket, to rally his attack in red hot conditions on a flat pitch.

Duckett and Jacob Bethell built on their captain’s resilience. With Bethell 74 not out, a first fifty in a home Test, and Joe Root settling in nicely on 21, England trail by 215 with the match in the balance.

Duckett was dropped on eight at slip by Henry Nicholls off Nathan Smith, a simple chance that should have been gobbled up, but he deserved the luck after a horrible run out at the Oval, when he was called short by his partner Emilio Gay on 36 just when his touch had returned.

A HUGE chance goes begging in the Kiwi slip cordon! 😬 pic.twitter.com/G0Wziyu9Ze

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 26, 2026

It was a crucial mistake by Nicholls with Gay already gone for nought, caught down the leg side off Will O’Rourke. England would have been two down with eight runs on the board.

Duckett seized on his opportunity, motoring to his first fifty in 14 innings from only 40 balls with 10 fours as he played straighter to the quicks and did not go chasing the ball. This was the Duckett of old, a player with 12 fifties quicker than a run a ball in his career; he is the Bazball tone-setter when playing well in the same way that Jason Roy once was for Eoin Morgan’s World Cup winners.

Duckett thumped his thigh pad twice when he reached fifty, telling himself the job was not done. Locked in with Bethell, the runs flowed. The pair raced along at six an over as New Zealand were unable to settle or build any pressure. The century stand took only 16.5 overs and England reached 150 in 24.1, their fastest to that mark in a home Test.

There was a Duckett edge on 74 off Santner that eluded first slip, but that was the only alarm. Bethell was far more fluid at the crease as he looked finally in tune with red-ball cricket. He exudes calm at all times, moves into the ball with good balance and scratched an itch by making a contribution in the first innings of a Test for the first time – he had not made more than 16 before this.

Duckett moved to 98 with a flick to fine leg for four off O’Rourke and his hundred with a clip to the leg side off Santner, cheered to the rafters by a faithful Notts crowd rewarded for being singed in the sun.

It was his first hundred in 22 innings. The last one set up a famous run chase against India at Headingley when Duckett was described as the best all-format opener in the world by the England team’s social media account – a dash of hubris that ran into a wall in Australia.

His hundred came off only 88 balls with 18 fours, the joint second-fastest by an England opener. He targeted Mitchell Santner with his sweeps and reverse sweeps, which forced Tom Latham to return to his quicks because his spinner could not hold an end.

New Zealand were in a mess. Seamer Blair Tickner had to be substituted for Zak Foulkes after suffering concussion from a blow to the helmet when batting against Jofra Archer.

Duckett tucked into a reduced attack and it was a surprise when he was out, chopping on Smith, a wicket from nowhere ending a run-a-ball stand for the second wicket of 179.

Bethell was happy to go through a period of slower scoring after Duckett’s dismissal. He seems so unfussy at the crease in a way his predecessor at No 3, Ollie Pope, was never quite able to crack.

New Zealand threw away such a strong position to bat England out of the Test. A total of 550 to 600 looked a possibility as Tom Latham and Devon Conway built a monumental opening stand, but the next best partnership was just 42 as they lost their last eight wickets for 77 from the moment of Rachin Ravindra’s brainless dismissal in the final moments of day one.

England started badly – Jamie Smith dropped nightwatchman O’Rourke on 19 when he was wrong-footed by an edge off Stokes – but New Zealand were conservative, going nowhere. Stokes’s eight-over spell of hostile bowling on a dead track pinned them back. He had Daryl Mitchell caught behind off a fine edge, O’Rourke off a top edge and bounced out Santner, the DRS showing the ball hit the sweatband of his glove on the way through to Smith.

Shoaib Bashir deserved success after his fielding put Ravindra on strike in the final moments of the first evening and opened up the game. He had Tom Blundell leg-beforem when sweeping, and a caught and bowled off Smith was smartly taken. Bashir may well have a big part to play if the pitch breaks up and the third innings shapes the Test. The game is nicely poised.

Duckett: Post-Ashes weight loss key to my hundred

Ben Duckett believes extensive fitness work and weight loss helped him make an “emotional” first Test hundred in more than a year on a scorching hot day at Trent Bridge.

Duckett cashed in on Henry Nicholls’ drop when he had eight to make an 88-ball hundred, his first in 12 Tests after a poor Ashes winter.

He said: “I was quite emotional, obviously my home ground and I haven’t been scoring the runs I would have liked, so after being in the heat for a day and a half, to go out there and score a hundred at this ground, it meant the world to me.”

Duckett had a difficult tour of Australia, failing to pass 42 as England crumbled, and was criticised for his poor conditioning. He revealed that a block of fitness work after the Ashes had helped him lose around 6kg of body weight, which aided him on a humid and still day at Trent Bridge, as temperatures exceeded 30C.

“I’ve certainly been doing a lot of fitness since I got back from the winter and certainly got my rewards today in the heat,” said Duckett. “It’s been a good block for me, a refresh after a tough winter.

“I started running. I had a four-week block when I got back from the winter when I didn’t necessarily hit many balls. It’s tough at times when you’re on the road, constantly playing all formats – you don’t get many windows where you can and lose the amount of weight I lost.

“For me now it’s really important I use that hard work I’ve done and maintain it. It’s something I’ve really enjoyed and it’s been great for my mental space and getting away from the game. I went to the gym and I ran a lot, and a bit of weight came off.

“It’s an area of my career where I haven’t necessarily helped myself and been great at. I mentioned it after the Ashes: I’m not getting any younger, so I want to keep doing this and keep having days like this for as long as I possibly can.”

Duckett reserved particular praise for captain Ben Stokes, who started England’s fightback in the match. He took the wicket that broke New Zealand’s 317-run opening partnership on Thursday evening, then three more in an eight-over spell on Friday morning as they lost all 10 wickets for just 121.

“We should be talking about the bowlers really,” Duckett said. “Coming in after fielding all day yesterday and it being hotter this morning, to do what they did, led by Stokesy. Ultimately we want to be a side that never gives up and wins from different positions. When Stokesy does that it’s pretty impossible for everyone else not to get on his back and do the same. It was an incredible morning for us.

“Stokesy makes things happen, he’s done that throughout his whole career. Today probably won’t get spoken about but it was another one of those incredible Ben Stokes performances.”

Close: ENG 223/2

A terrific performance by England to take six wickets for zip and then put on 223 at five an over for the loss of only two wickets to close to 215 behind after five-and-a-half hours of toil and strife on day one. Ben Stokes, Ben Duckett, Shoaib Bashir and Jacob Bethell with the major contributions but almost everyone played his part.

We’ll have Nick’s match report imminently and full coverage of day three from 10am on Saturday.

OVER 45: ENG 223/2 (Bethell 74 Root 21)

After Root pushes a single down to point Bethell again has a flash at a cut stroke off Foulkes and is beaten for the third time in the same fashion. Time to forsake the cut against such a naggingly accurate and bouncy bowler?

Nevertheless Bethell will be back tomorrow after defending the last two with a full face, nose right over the ball.

OVER 44: ENG 222/2 (Bethell 74 Root 20)

The penultimate over of the day will be taken by O’Rourke and, after Root eases a push into the offside and hares a single, Bethell harpoons a drive past the cover fielders who have thwarted him for the past half-dozen overs and slows to a walk as it blazes a trail to the boundary.

Not only double Nelson but Richie Benaud’s famous ‘chew-chew-chew-for-chew’.

OVER 43: ENG 217/2 (Bethell 70 Root 19)

Root times a forward defensive so perfectly that he shows off his bat-maker’s skill as the ball rifles through cover point for four. Foulkes didn’t deserve that but that’s what the great batsmen can do. Looks effortless.

OVER 42: ENG 212/2 (Bethell 70 Root 14)

A maiden for O’Rourke to Bethell, his third in 10 overs today. Bethell looked so out of sorts at the Oval but time at the crease weaves it’s spell but after this match ends it will be the white-ball series against India, the Hundred and no first-class match until the first Test against Pakistan on August 19.

This is an amazing picture of Zak Foulkes’ action. Brings to mind that quip about Jim Furyk’s swing, ‘like an octopus falling out of a tree’.

OVER 41: ENG 212/2 (Bethell 70 Root 14)

Bethell, who was beaten when trying to cut in Foulkes’ first over, has another cross-bat swish outside off and the ball again whistles over the top edge. Blundell snaffles the heavy ball with such a light touch it beggars belief. Two singles dent Foulkes hitherto pristine figures.

OVER 40: ENG 210/2 (Bethell 69 Root 13)

Root twists his wrists to close the face and work O’Rourke for a single past the square-leg umpire, Bethell flicks another in front of square and Root ends the over with a third off a punch through cover.

OVER 39: ENG 207/2 (Bethell 68 Root 11)

Here’s the concussion sub, Zak Foulkes. He’s an 82mph merchant with a nagging line and length which means Blundell can also stand up to him. He bounds in round the wicket to Bethell, pitching it up, looking for swing and nip and beats Bethell’s attempted cut with good bounce.

The sub starts with a maiden. Latham brings back O’Rourke in the hope he can do what Archer and Atkinson managed at a similar point yesterday.

OVER 38: ENG 207/2 (Bethell 68 Root 11)

Root busily plays out a Smith maiden, defending as the skilful right-armer moves the ball both ways while not allowing Root out of his crease to cover it early because the keeper is breathing down his neck. 

OVER 37: ENG 207/2 (Bethell 68 Root 11)

England bring the 200 up and close to within 36 of avoiding the follow-on which only a sadomasochist would enforce. After three singles, one a leg bye, plus a no-ball, Root whips his second boundary off his pads then glides a lateish cut down to backward point for a single. Sears thinks he has completed the over with a dot ball but has overstepped again and Root steers the extar delivery down to third man for a single. Twelve off the over with runs and extras.

OVER 36: ENG 199/2 (Bethell 66 Root 4)

If you had to place a bet on which area of the field Root would pierce to get off the mark you would put your hat if not your house on third man. And lo! It comes to pass, rising on to tiptoes to dab Smith down for four, his bat halfway between vertical and horizontal.

This is an excellent spell from Smith, testing Root’s defence with the inswinger before nibbling the next ball away as it just eludes the edge and thumps into Blundell’s right glove, standing up. That was an exceptional take.

OVER 35: ENG 191/2 (Bethell 66 Root 0)

Sears starts the last knockings of a punishing day with a maiden. He has wheels and looks a slippery customer when he gets it right. Bethell did time the pants off a cover drive but could not beat Nicholls who made a fine diving stop.

OVER 34: ENG 191/2 (Bethell 66 Root 0)

Bethell calls Root through for two when last week’s captain wasn’t so sure but he gets back to the non-striker’s end safely as Sears’ throw flies past the stumps. 

With 50 minutes to go, on come the drinks for the last official break.

OVER 33: ENG 188/2 (Bethell 63 Root 0)

Sears has found his feet. Bethell drives him through cover for a single but Root can’t get him away and stays on nought.

OVER 32: ENG 187/2 (Bethell 62 Root 0)

Duckett uses the angle into his middle stump from round the wicket to whisk briskly through midwicket for four. The next ball is wider and Duckett tries to hang his bat out, open the face an steer it down to third man but is done by a bit of nip.

Root, on his Hundred home ground, which is an incongruous concept but factually correct, is greeted raucously and sees out the over as Smith probes away with the keeper up.

Wicket!

Duckett b Smith 113 There be drag-ons. Having been on the field throughout so far in this heat for almost two days, he can be excused that weary stroke which lacked foot movement to a ball too wide just to reach for with his hands. The ball nipped back, too and took an inside edge through the gate. FOW 187/2

Ben Duckett drags on to his stumps to bring his majestic knock to an end 💯

A standing ovation at his home crowd of Trent Bridge 👏 pic.twitter.com/NveAcvHMv0

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 26, 2026

OVER 31: ENG 183/1 (Duckett 109 Bethell 62)

Sears returns after that bruising opening spell of three overs which went for 23. Bethell drives him for two and Duckett tickles a single off his ribs but those two scoring strokes add some respectability to his figures.

OVER 30: ENG 180/1 (Duckett 108 Bethell 60)

Blundell, standing up to Smith, tries to catch Bethell out when one from the right-arm quick spits up at him. Waiting for Bethell to raise his foot he whips off the bails, only Bethell never left the ground but we have to through the rigmarole of a spurious DRS check just the same.

Foulkes, who has been fielding for a while but will now be eligible to bowl, pulls off a terrific stop at backward point, chasing down Duckett’s choppy dab and clawing it back fromthe rope with a headlong dive, saving one run.

OVER 29: ENG 174/1 (Duckett 104 Bethell 59)

It doesn’t rain, it pours for New Zealand. Smith runs in from mid-on to try to stop a quick single, shies at the stumps, misses and sends the balls rattling down for four buzzers and a rare Test five in the scorebook for Bethell. Santner must be raging at that but he’s either too polite or Smith too fierce to do anything more than sigh.

Word coming through that New Zealand have replaced the concussed Blair Tickner with Zak Foulkes, who has played five Tests. Good. Tickner took a horrible blow from Archer earlier.

Foulkes has a job to do stabilising a New Zealand side who have suddenly had a dreadful 24 hours. Four overthrows follow as I type.

OVER 28: ENG 165/1 (Duckett 101 Bethell 53)

Smith replaces O’Rourke. Bethell is struck by Latham’s throw as he tries to make sure he doesn’t steal a single and the New Zealand captain immediately apologises. When the next ball also goes to Latham, Bethell hams up his fear of being hit again.

Zak Foulkes will replace Balir Tuckner who is suffering from concussion after being hit on the head by Jofra Archer.

OVER 27: ENG 164/1 (Duckett 100 Bethell 53)

Duckett reaches his first Test century since two in back-to-back Tests against on this ground last May and against India at Headingley the following month. It’s his seventh overall and came off 88 balls. He celebrates as if it’s a catharsis after the Ashes, Noosa and all the vitriol. Bethell drives two through mid-on off Santner. The hard yakka tables have been turned on New Zealand.

Just look at that reaction! 🤩🗣️

Ben Duckett brings up his seventh Test hundred 💯 pic.twitter.com/D7dBLfHpl7

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 26, 2026

OVER 26: ENG 161/1 (Duckett 99 Bethell 51)

Duckett survives the drinks break’s dark magic and NZ lose a review. The left-hander clips a single off his toes and, after O’Rourke oversteps, Bethell uses his wrists to flick a single to square leg with a vertical bat off the back foot.

Duckett helps a ball on his hip round the corner for four then moves on to 99 with another whip off his body for a single.

Jacob Bethell brings up a fine fifty, his third in Test cricket! 🤌 pic.twitter.com/bwSYCsTllF

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 26, 2026

NOT OUT

Too high. Duckett actually had his foot raised off the floor when it hit him on the top flap.

NZ review

Duckett lbw b O’Rourke  Looked high but then Bethell is quite the shorty.

OVER 25: ENG 153/1 (Duckett 93 Bethell 50)

Bethell moves to fifty off 60 balls by flicking Santner off his toes for a single. New Zealand players are leaving the field in relay for a breather, so oppressive is the heat. Dennis Lillee and his need for a fresh shirt after every spell seem a long time ago. Three more singles round off Santner sixth over which leave him with figures of nought for 43.

Drinks.

As Jacob Bethell had never scored more than 14 in any of his six Test innings at home (ie England), it is understandable that those who had not watched him batting abroad would doubt him.  But now he has played himself in and sorted out some footwork issue, he is moving into his drives, conventionally and delightfully. And his cricket brain has him contributing in every department.  

OVER 24: ENG 149/1 (Duckett 91 Bethell 48)

O’Rourke tries to enforce some order with pace and precision, earning him four dot balls, then goes too short and watches the ball trampoline over Duckett and the keeper for four byes. The final ball is short but fuller than the last and sits up nicely. Duckett swivels and coshes it for four past deep backward square.

OVER 23: ENG 141/1 (Duckett 87 Bethell 48)

Duckett, the Dick van Dyke of the team, sweeps hard and square, cuffing Santner for four then uses his wrists to work two more runs through midwicket. Santner’s lack of red ball cricket is really showing now. His length is all over the shop. Duckett milks a single with a nurdle through square leg and Bethell pounces when Santner drops short to scythe a cut in front of point for four. They’re flying at more than six an over. If this carries on it would take them beyond 300 tonight.

OVER 22: ENG 130/1 (Duckett 80 Bethell 44)

The umpires check the ball and agree that it has gone out of shape. O’Rourke takes replacement and goes for a bumper to Duckett who is late on it and cracks it off the bottom edge into the pitch and past the stumps. The opener uses the angle to whip a single through midwicket and Bethell is also greeted with a bouncer – but he collars his, whacking it on the pull wide of fine leg for four.

Blair Tickner is off the field suffering from nausea, linked to the bouncer from Jofra Archer that struck him on the side of the head this morning. If it is a concussion injury then he could be subbed. Zak Foulkes is a seamer in the squad fit and available but will they be tempted to throw Kyle Jamieson in there instead considering his form. He was rested for this match to manage his workload after two years out with a back injury but there is a series to be won. 

OVER 21: ENG 125/1 (Duckett 79 Bethell 40)

When he’s purring, Duckett is Mr 360 against spin with his range of strokes, and the threat of his dexterity has forced Latham to spread his field. Duckett sweeps Santner for four, caressing it, but then Santner finds some grip and the edge of Duckett’s Gunn & Moore. The ball flies between slip and keeper for four. Slip, neither one thing or t’other, was too wide.

Blair Tickner, who was hit on the head while batting, is off the field with dizziness and nausea. There may be a case for a concussion sub.

OVER 20: ENG 115/1 (Duckett 70 Bethell 39)

England are giving Sears something of a cruel baptism, pasting him all around into the vast gaps. Bethell, playing himself back into nick with some help from generous bowlers, laces an extra-cover drive for four and milks a single into the onside to take the strike. Latham will have to turn back to Smith and/or O’Rourke.

OVER 19: ENG 109/1 (Duckett 69 Bethell 34)

NZ are in a flap with their field placings, with sweepers out so early in the innings and no discernible plan on getting them out other than wait for O’Rourke or a mistake.

Bethell dabs for two down to third man, carts Santner cross-batted through mid-on for a single and then Bethell square drives handsomely for his 13th boundary as the partnership reaches a century.

Meanwhile a fascinating conclusion is brewing in Belfast. India are 90/5 in the 11th over, still needing 93 from 58 balls to beat Ireland in the first Twenty20.

OVER 18: ENG 101/1 (Duckett 64 Bethell 31)

An expensive start from Sears in his third Test. He made his debut two years ago and took four for 90 in the second innings against Australia at Christchurch. But he is too wayward in line and length in his first Test in England and Bethell whisks two through midwicket down to the sweeper and eases four behind square from a short ball on his hip. Three singles and a leg-bye are also taken which help England to three figures

OVER 17: ENG 91/1 (Duckett 62 Bethell 24)

Duckett is motoring along smoothly and starts Santner’s second over with successive fours, bothe overpitched. The first is too straight and Duckett whips it off his legs and then belts an off-drive to the boundary.

There’s a mild obsession in the press box with Jacob Bethell’s first (poor) and second (good) innings averages, as well as home (poor) and away (bad). Well, he now has his highest Test score in both the first innings and in home Tests.

OVER 16: ENG 82/1 (Duckett 53 Bethell 24)

Double change with Ben Sears being given the Stuart Broad End.

From the Stuart Broad end…😍#ENGvWIpic.twitter.com/LBEfA5Kd7X

— England's Barmy Army 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) July 18, 2024

He’s a rangey, right-arm quick with a bustling action who bowls in the mid-80s. Bethell drives his first ball through the covers for two and takes a single when his soft hands guide an edge down to second slip which is tipped round the bar on the bounce by Latham to give them the chance of a run. After Duckett stirs the pot with a midwicket flick, Bethell climbs into a full toss and thumps a cover drive for four.

A lively first over from Ben Sears. He gives New Zealand a second point of difference, alongside Will O’Rourke. And, with a real five-man attack, New Zealand will be able to use their quicks in short spells in the heat.

OVER 15: ENG 74/1 (Duckett 52 Bethell 17)

We begin today’s last session with spin from the Radcliffe Road End. Santner with his left-armers and he is close to a wicket in his first over when Duckett sweeps hard and hits Ravindra, at short leg, on the hands as he turned turtle and took evasive action. It was more an impact than an attempt to catch and the ball falls to the turf before he can react.

Tea verdict

Fascinating session of Test cricket. New Zealand are still on top but England have carved a route back into the game. Tight and disciplined with the ball, they capitalised on some conservative New Zealand batting to dismiss them for a below par total of 438 – losing t10 for 121 from 317 for none.

 England fought with the bat overcoming Emilio Gay’s duck to reach tea in a decent position, putting pressure on New Zealand bowlers by being aggressive but not reckless. Duckett was dropped at slip on eight but he deserved that luck after he was run out by his partner at the Oval when looking good. 

His first fifty since last summer – a 14 innings drought – was brimming with intent and some superb strokes. This Test is shaping up nicely.

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TEA: ENG 73/1

England reduce the deficit to 365 having lost Emilio Gay for a duck in the second over. They have been rattling along in entertaining fashion but Will O’Rourke is a genuine threat and now that Tom Blundell is up to the stumps for Nathan mith, here will be tricky spells to negotiate for the last 150 minutes of play.

OVER 14: ENG 73/1 (Duckett 52 Bethell 16)

Blundell calls for the helmet and does come up to the stumps for Nathan Smith to pin Bethell in his crease. Bethell eases on to his front foot and takes a single to point. 

Time for tea.

OVER 13: ENG 71/1 (Duckett 51 Bethell 15)

Tickner, perhaps because the umpire Rod Tucker has had a word or two about the proximity of his feet to the ‘red zone’ in his follow through, loses his line and length. Duckett smears a low full toss wide of the slips for four then drives for two to bring up his 17th Test half-century. 

Tickner then goes even wider on the crease from round the wicket and sprays four byes down the legside. Tucker now gives him an official warning for running on he pitch as his left boot landed on a right-hander’s off-stump about 6ft down.

Ben Duckett has looked good all series, all season indeed, I reckon. The compulsion to get bat on every ball has been tempered. He is aiming to drive a bit straighter. He deserves that 50 as reward for resetting his game.  

OVER 12: ENG 60/1 (Duckett 44 Bethell 15)

Smith replaces O’Rourke to start a second spell. There has been an expert examination of Bethell’s technique by Mark Butcher and Kumar Sangakkara on Sky Sports, highlighting the little flaws that have crept into his game, particularly a trigger movement that wasn’t there in the Ashes. They conclude it’s simply a result of both a lack of red-ball cricket and trying to overcome a bad trot. For all the time in the nets, a good innings in the middle is better than any tinkering. Suddenly it just clicks.

Smith helps his batting rehab with a long half-volley outside off that Bethell punches gloriously through cover for four. That’s the fifty partnership.

OVER 11: ENG 56/1 (Duckett 44 Bethell 11)

Out comes the cleaver as Duckett flays a cut stroke high and wide of point for four. Tickner posts men out on the hook but tries the bluff by sticking to a good length and Duckett works him away for a pair of twos through midwicket.

This is now Ben Duckett’s highest Test score since the fifth Test against India last summer. He finished up in Australia with a high score of 42, and is enjoying a curious start to this summer. He looked a million dollars in the first innings at the Oval, before being run out. He can be making no such mistakes on this pitch. 

OVER 10: ENG 48/1 (Duckett 36 Bethell 11)

Maiden from O’Rourke to Bethell bookended by two down the legside that the left-hander leaves. He also ducks a bouncer and defends a straighter, fuller delivery with an angled bat but has his heart in his mouth twice when trying to leave but not withdrawing his bat quickly enough.The first time the ball thuds into the bottom edge and just misses off-stump, the second thuds into his gloves. Judging O’Rourke’s length is extraordinarily difficult. What a fine bowler he is.

OVER 9: ENG 48/1 (Duckett 36 Bethell 11)

Blair Tickner, who has 22 Test wickets at 26.50, replaces Smith. Duckett goes up on his toes to dab a single through point and Bethell plays his best shot of the summer, albeit off a bit of a pie, a wideish half-volley that he absolutely lamps past point for four.

Here’s that Nicholls dropped catch:

A HUGE chance goes begging in the Kiwi slip cordon! 😬 pic.twitter.com/G0Wziyu9Ze

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 26, 2026

OVER 8: ENG 42/1 (Duckett 35 Bethell 6)

Bethell pats O’Rourke off his hip for a single and the bowler tries to tempt Duckett to fall in a similar manner to Gay with one angling across his body but he leaves it alone. A fuller one on his legs is not a subject for self-denial and he clips it fine for four before ending the over with a controlled pull off a throat ball down to fine leg for a single.

OVER 7: ENG 36/1 (Duckett 30 Bethell 5)

NZ know that Bethell is a leg-before candidate to nip-backers from round the wicket and almost get him that way again but for a thick inside-edge. Bethell is batting out of his crease to try to counteract that and the keeper isn’t up to the stumps because Smith is quicker than Matt Henry. 

Bethell tucks a single off his hip and Duckett then nails a square drive for four. The last ball of the over squares him up as he tried to work the ball to leg and it pops off a leading edge just short of the scrambling Smith.

OVER 6: ENG 31/1 (Duckett 26 Bethell 4)

Bethell can’t jab his bat across the line to work a straight one through midwicket but takes a leg-bye anyway. Duckett leans back to pulls O’Rourke’s short one witheringly through square leg for four then almost knocks himself off his feet by flashing hard at a wider one that whistles past the toe of the bat, it was so wide.

OVER 5: ENG 26/1 (Duckett 22 Bethell 4)

It’s 36C at Trent Bridge today, 1C hotter than a day at the Lord’s Ashes Test in 1975,1C cooler than a day at the Ireland Lord’s Test in 2019. Must have been day two as the ball hooped round corners on day one.

Duckett hangs back to drive square through point for four, whisks two off his pads and then nicks another four in the gap wide of third slip as the ball nipped away having got bigger on him than anticipated. 

Duckett is parp-parping along in his old fashion but is also living dangerously against a skilful attack.

OVER 4: ENG 16/1 (Duckett 12 Bethell 4)

NZ’s opening bowlers are generating far more lift and carry than England’s. O’Rourke forces Bethell on to tiptoes to defend, threatening his edge and gloves. When he hangs one out wider Bethell chases it and drives streakily in the air past gully for four. NZ won’t mind that, I’m sure.

OVER 3: ENG 12/1 (Duckett 12 Bethell 0)

Duckett is given a life when Smith now gets one to lift off a fairly good length and veer in to the left-hander. Duckett fences at it and steers it to third slip where Nicholls drops a sitter. It was almost a pastiche of how not to catch, one hand on top of the other like a Venus fly-trap, that perpetually goes hungry.

Duckett makes the most of it by crashing a cover drive off the back foot for four the very next ball.

OVER 2: ENG 8/1 (Duckett 8 Bethell 0)

O’Rourke shares new-ball duties and starts with a couple of beauties to Gay, angling in from round the wicket and then both climbing and nipping away as Gay just about holds his hands in line. Another ball that nibbled away and was left is followed by one across his bows. He could not resist having a flick at it and is caught off the glove. Set him up for that.

Bethell has one ball to face and O’Rourke strikes the glove again, this one a punishing blow when it reared up off a good length.

A brutish ball from Will O’Rourke. He really is a mesmerising sight; in his method and pace, he would have happily slotted into the great Caribbean quartets in the 1980s.

Wicket!

Gay c Blundell b O’Rourke 0 Strangled, flicking at one angled across on to his hip and tickling it through to the keeper. FOW 8/1

OVER 1: ENG 8/0 (Duckett 8 Gay 0)

Right here’s Duckett on his home ground, well adopted home ground as he’s one of the Northants diaspora, facing Smith, who takes the new ball in the absence of Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson. Duckett averages 96 here after two 70s against West Indies and last year’s 140 against Zimbabwe and looked in decent nick until kebabbed by Emilio Gay in the first innings at the Oval.

Ben Stokes said yesterday in his interview with Michael Atherton that he had been overthinking his batting and the prospect of Test cricket being lost to him after the Rex Rooms rumpus has made him revert to ‘see-ball hit-ball’ when appropriate. Duckett seems to have drunk the same medicine and creams a pair of fours through the covers.

A thought from our columnist

438 feels under par here at Trent bridge .. Great effort by England from 317 for 0 .. Now time to make hay .. #OnOn

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 26, 2026

Innings break

England took their first wicket at 5.24pm yesterday evening and have wrapped up proceedings in three hours and 40 minutes, two hours and 40 minutes since 11am on the second hottest day of Test cricket in England since 1881.

Now they have to bat well and do their talent justice to reward the captain and the bowlers’ unflagging commitment.

During the break between innings plenty of dust has been swept up from the creases. It’s too dry to be a traditional cast iron Trent Bridge pitch. 

Wicket!

Sears lbw b Archer 0 Archer arrows a bouncer in to Tickner who tries to sway away and is hit on the head as he falls on his backside. After treatment the next ball is another short one that whistles past his nose as he falls on his tuchas again. Sears scuffs three through point and gets up the other end to watch Sears fall for a golden duck, pinned on the front dog in front of leg and middle. FOW 438 all out

OVER 114: NZ 435/9 (Tickner 1 Sears 0)

This wider line, a relatively minor adjustment, is working well for Bashir who takes two wickets in the over, the second of them from round the wicket while trying to stop Blundell farming the strike. When he caught Smith, Archer was having a drink delivered on the boundary edge and didn’t run in to congratulate him straight away after the dropped catch in the previous over. Stokes called him to join the huddle, which he did, bumping fists with Bashir and pointing to his drinks bottle as if to say I was having a swig not blanking you because I am still vexed that you spilt that catch.

From 317/0 to 435/9 has been a superb display of resilience in pitiless heat and on an unforgiving pitch with Stokes leading them from the front. Anyone who thinks he should be sacked for his onfield contributions is gaga.

Wicket!

Blundell lbw b Bashir 30 Would have hit middle and off having pitched in line. Three reds. FOW 435/9

Two wickets in the over for Shoaib Bashir! 🔥

Tom Blundell is trapped LBW and New Zealand are nine down 👀 pic.twitter.com/4OLaxBikiN

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 26, 2026

NZ review

Blundell lbw b Bashir Hit him flush on the foot when reverse sweeping but from round the wicket. Checking whether it pitched in line.

Wicket!

Smith c&b Bashir 6 Takes a stinging return catch... at the second attempt when Smith whacks a drive straight at him. FOW 434/8

Sharp reactions from Shoaib Bashir, who has his first Test wicket of the summer in his 25th over! 🤲 pic.twitter.com/AFnXp9k1Wp

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 26, 2026

OVER 113: NZ 433/7 (Blundell 29 Smith 6)

Bashir drops Blundell at deep backward square. It was a tough chance off a hook and Bashir didn’t pick it up at first then sprinted in to launch himself forward, arms outstretched and he did get his hands to it about a foot above the ground but it burst between them before he had even landed heavily on his knees and elbows.

Shoaib Bashir puts down Tom Blundell in the deep! 🫣 pic.twitter.com/0rcQWg5WjI

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 26, 2026

Archer puts his hands on his thigh and exhales deeply then almost winkles Smith out by cramping him for room around his ribs. The ball canons off his glove into the crease and spins back a couple of inches wide of leg stump, the thought of playing-on forcing Nathan Smith to hop back and ensure he was poised to kick it away. But he didn’t need to.

OVER 112: NZ 431/7 (Blundell 28 Smith 6)

Five good deliveries from Bashir, sticking to that wider line and beating Blundell with a big-turning off-break. The infield and the bowler do their jobs to stop singles until he finishes with a full toss that Blundell taps down to long on to pinch the strike.

OVER 111: NZ 430/7 (Blundell 27 Smith 6)

After zipping one away from Blundell who leaves it, Archer bangs one into the right-hander who plays it magnificently, rocking back to pull it behind square for four with a purist’s roll of the wrists. Four years ago Jonny Bairstow was told not to roll his wrists and he hooked England to victory. Blundell’s timing was so good that the ball bisected deep backward square and fine leg who were sprinting towards each other to try to stop it.

OVER 110: NZ 426/7 (Blundell 23 Smith 6)

Bashir comes on for his first over of the day after 22 yesterday. He starts by overpitching two and Smith flips the low full toss through midwicket for a single while Blundell squirts two past point by meeting the ball just as it bounced to squeeze it out. He gets out of the over with three dot balls, bowling six inches wider.

OVER 109: NZ 418/7 (Blundell 20 Smith 5)

The two right-handers work Archer’s first two balls into the onside for singles, one of them a leg-bye. He has a slip and leg slip as Archer gently cranks up the pace from 81mph to 83mph then bangs one in that climbs towards Blundell’s waistband and the Kiwi keeper-batsman deflects it square for a single hurriedly off his thighpad. 

The players are back out

Ben Stokes is taking a break after that eight-over spell and has thrown the ball to Jofra Archer.

True leadership

Who is the Test captain of England for as long as he wants the job (and keeps his nose relatively clean)? It is the author of that spell this morning: 8-3-13-3. Ben Stokes. Full stop. Who is the England Test captain? Ben Stokes, full stop. That was leadership in the heat of battle.  

‘Stokes was brilliant’

Keep ’em waiting

No Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the India T20 to face Ireland in Belfast. Boo! The 15-year-old will have to wait for his debut, but maybe only until Sunday, when the second half of this two-match series takes place. Sooryavanshi is in the squad for the T20 series against England that starts next Wednesday in Durham. 

Nick Hoult’s lunchtime verdict

Decent morning for England, hanging in and fighting hard for three wickets just when it could have run out of control when Jamie Smith dropped a clanger. Ben Stokes’s energetic, aggressive eight-over spell before lunch brought three for 13 and slowed New Zealand’s scoring. England have a chance to keep them to a below-par score.

The error from Smith, dropping Will O’Rourke, was his second mistake of the Test and a sign of how difficult it is to miss a game and then slot straight back in without there being a consequence. From 317/0, New Zealand have lost seven for 101 in tough conditions for bowling and that poor shot by Rachin Ravindra in the final over last night really changed the momentum.

Lots of energy from England this morning. Stokes’s 250th Test wicket and lung-busting spell were exactly what you expect from him on a roasting hot morning.

Should Mitchell Santner have been given out?

I know it is out according to the laws of the game but it is stretching it a bit to say Santner ‘gloved’ that. The ball hit him above the wrist. Is it time to review the law so the ball actually has to brush glove and not a flap of sweatband material? 

Lunch

That was a terrific morning session for England, with New Zealand scoring 57 for 3 in 23.5 overs.

It started badly, when the nightwatchman Will O’Rourke was dropped while making an irritating 19. But then Ben Stokes came on to bowl and stuck two fingers up at negativity, fatalism, the heat, the flat pitch, the lot. His spell of 8-3-13-3 would have been a gem in any circumstances, never mind after the fortnight he’s had. 

OVER 108: NZ 418/7 (Blundell 18 Smith 4)

Blundell survives an LBW appeal after falling over a delivery from Tongue. It was missing leg. That’s lunch!

OVER 107: NZ 417/7 (Blundell 17 Smith 3)

Stokes’ last over of the morning session is a slightly weary maiden to Blundell. Time for one more from Josh Tongue.

OVER 106: NZ 416/7 (Blundell 17 Smith 3)

Tongue bowls another maiden to Nathan Smith. For now Smith is just hanging in there - partly because we’re a few minutes from lunch, partly because the bowling has been very good.

OVER 105: NZ 416/7 (Blundell 17 Smith 3)

A seven-over spell in this heat would be beyond 99.94% of fast bowlers on the planet. Not Ben Stokes, who can’t get enough of hard yakka like this. He appeals wearily for his fifth wicket when Blundell pushes at a ball that is taken down the leg side by Smith. It missed the bat and came off the hip.

Stokes’s spell now reads 7-2-13-3.

OVER 104: NZ 415/7 (Blundell 17 Smith 2)

Josh Tongue replaces Gus Atkinson. No rabbit pie on the menu just yet, with Nathan Smith a very good Test No9, but he starts with an aggressive maiden to Blundell. 

Sheer force of will

Without Stokes, at the Oval, England put in a dreadful performance on the second morning after a so-so first day. With Stokes here, almost through sheer force of will, they have picked up three wickets this morning, and New Zealand have lost seven for 96 since his initial breakthrough.

OVER 103: NZ 415/7 (Blundell 17 Smith 2)

Nathan Smith defends solidly against Stokes, who runs off the field at the end of the over. Doesn’t look like there’s anything to worry about.

Stokes bowling as well as ever

Of those who have taken 250 Test wickets, only Jacques Kallis has scored more runs than Ben Stokes. More topically, Stokes has bowled as well as he has ever done in the last year. 

OVER 102: NZ 413/7 (Blundell 17 Smith 0)

A maiden from Atkinson to Blundell. Ben Stokes, who has bowled a marvellous spell of 5-2-10-3, is going to continue.

OVER 101: NZ 413/7 (Blundell 17 Smith 0)

Kumar Sangakkara, commentating on Sky Sports, thinks that was a mistake from the third umpire. I suspect it was mainly armguard with a bit of wristband. Either way, I’m not sure there is conclusive evidence to overturn the on-field decision.

England won’t care either way; they’re now taken seven wickets for 94 on a flat deck.

Stokes joins elite club

Only four man have scored 5000 Test runs and taken 250 wickets

• Sir Ian Botham England (5200/383)
• Kapil Dev India (5248/434)
• Jacques Kallis South Africa (13289/292)
• Ben Stokes England (7228/250)

Wicket!

Santner c Bethell b Stokes 4 We really don’t deserve Ben Stokes.He’s dragging England back into this game almost singlehandedly and has just bounced out Santner to take his fourth wicket of the innings - and the 250th of his Test career. It was a nasty short ball that hit something, either the wristband of the glove or the armguard, and flew to Bethell in the gully. The third umpire decided it was the wristband. Santner - who was given out on the field and then reviewed - does not agree. FOW: 413/7

Ben Stokes is on fire this morning!

A 250th Test match wicket for the England skipper 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Y6t1nZlB1l

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 26, 2026

OVER 100: NZ 409/6 (Blundell 17 Santner 0)

Blundell gets his first boundary with a crisp cover drive off Atkinson. This innings is fascinatingly poised - another quick wicket and England are in, but if Blundell and Santner get through to lunch, New Zealand could still reach 600.

Blundell takes them past 400 with a firm pull for two, then hits two more boundaries - a soft-handed edge along the ground and another fine cover drive. Fourteen from the over.

OVER 99: NZ 395/6 (Blundell 3 Santner 0)

Will Macpherson reminds me that Stokes is now on 249 Test wickets. Only eight men have taken 250 or more: Anderson, Broad, Botham, Willis, Trueman, Underwood, Swann and Statham.

Nothing done in that over, with Santner getting solidly in line to anything dangerous. A maiden. Stokes is bowling a terrific spell: 4-2-6-2 are his figures this morning.

OVER 98: NZ 395/6 (Blundell 3 Santner 0)

New Zealand have a longer tail in the first two matches - no Jamieson, no Henry - but England need to break this partnership before they can offer any rabbit pie to Josh Tongue. Mitch Santner is a decent No7( who, as my colleague Rob Bagchi has just reminded me, made his only Test century against England at Mount Manganui in 2019-20.

* He’s batting No8 in this innings because O’Rourke came in as nightwatchman.

OVER 97: NZ 393/6 (Blundell 1 Santner 0)

Just bumped into Sir Geoffrey heading to the committee room for lunch in his shirt and tie. “I could get 50 on this pitch at 85.”

Wicket!

O’Rourke c Gay b Stokes 19 Ben Stokes strikes again straight after the drinks break. O’Rourke top-edges a pull high into the off side and is easily taken by Emilio Gay. Stokes has three wickets and O’Rourke has just doubled his tally of Test runs in his 24th innings. FOW: 393/6

OVER 96: NZ 393/5 (O’Rourke 19 Blundell 1)

A maiden from Atkinson to Blundell. His line is usually excellent but in that over he was a bit too wide. Time for drinks.

OVER 95: NZ 393/5 (O’Rourke 19 Blundell 1)

The new batsman is Tom Blundell, who made a fine century on this ground four years ago. He gets off the mark first ball, then Stokes beats O’Rourke with a beauty. This is classic Stokes, making things happen when conditions are all in the batsmen’s favour.

There’s a chance Mitchell didn’t edge that ball, that the spike was caused the bat hitting the pad. But it did line up perfectly with the ball passing the bat, and on Sky Sports, Stuart Broad says the noise sounded more like bat on ball than bat on pad. I guess we’ll never know.

Wicket!

Mitchell c Smith b Stokes 11 Mitchell feels for a cunning cutter from Stokes and is beaten. Hang on, Stokes thinks there was a feather and has decided to review. He’s right! There’s a small spine on UltraEdge and Mitchell is on his way for 11. That’s brilliant from Stokes, both the delivery and the decision to review. Mitchell looks befuddled and clearly didn’t think he nicked it. That can happen sometimes, especially when the edge is so thin. FOW: 392/5

The FINEST of outside edges and Daryl Mitchell falls victim to a successful England review! 💥

Ben Stokes has his second wicket and England's fifth 🙌 pic.twitter.com/QZShx0Bdok

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 26, 2026

Wheels could come off for England

It feels like a day when quite a few wheels will fall off. What is it about the name James that makes England wicketkeepers drop chances? Smith is having just as bad a game as Rew did at the Oval. Or put it this way: Jordan Cox has been sent away from the squad to play for Essex but he might be back one day as an England wicketkeeper/batsman. 

OVER 94: NZ 392/4 (O’Rourke 19 Mitchell 11)

Atkinson replaces Tongue and starts with a beautiful delivery that straightens to beat Mitchell just outside off stump.

Replays of the dropped catch show that Smith’s weight was on the wrong foot, his left, which meant he had to change direction before he could dive. That lost split-second was decisive.

OVER 93: NZ 391/4 (O’Rourke 19 Mitchell 10)

Oh lordy, it’s all going wrong for England. O’Rourke has been dropped by Joe Root off the new bowler Ben Stokes. Root was put off by Smith, who dived across him and may have got a touch on the ball. Even if he didn’t, his presence made the chance tougher for Root.

Replays confirm that the ball deflected off the gloves of Smith, which gave Root almost no chance. “Oh it’s Joe Root’s catch!” says Stuart Broad on commentary. Hate to say it but Smith’s wicketkeeping is becoming a problem.

The ball before he was dropped, O’Rourke flashed Stokes in the air for four. Bethell dived to his right at gully but couldn’t reach it.

Jamie Smith and Joe Root put down Will O'Rourke 🫣

Ben Stokes denied the first wicket of the day ❌ pic.twitter.com/zNum2x2ta2

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 26, 2026

OVER 92: NZ 386/4 (O’Rourke 15 Mitchell 9)

A full ball from Tongue is edged in the air for four by O’Rourke. He scored 19 runs in his first 23 Test innings and has almost doubled that tally in the 24th.

Irritation for England

This O’Rourke effort is officially in irritating territory for England. In seeing off some of the second new ball, he’s also making batting easier for the batsmen to come. 

Will O'Rourke, that is a proper cricket shot! 😅🤌

The nightwatchman moves into double figures for the first time in his Test career 📈 pic.twitter.com/fLk6eSLDrh

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 26, 2026

OVER 91: NZ 382/4 (O’Rourke 11 Mitchell 9)

O’Rourke won’t be cover driving Archer for any more boundaries. Archer pulls his length back, firing in a couple of sharp bouncers - one to each batsman - that are well left.

OVER 90: NZ 381/4 (O’Rourke 10 Mitchell 9)

A maiden from Tongue to Mitchell. Might be time for a double bowling change - Gus Atkinson for his tight line, Ben Stokes for his variety.

‘These buses are like Will O’Rourke boundaries’

Will O’Rourke is playing his 24th Test innings. Those two off Archer were his second and third boundaries. 

OVER 89: NZ 381/4 (O’Rourke 10 Mitchell 9)

O’Rourke tries to leave Archer and inadvertently steers a boundary through the slips. That takes him to his highest Test score, 6 not out, for which he receives a congratulatory glove punch from Mitchell. And it emboldens him to wave Archer superbly through cover point for four more!

It’s been a frustrating start for England. They’re bowling accurately but the new ball has barely moved off the straight.

OVER 88: NZ 372/4 (O’Rourke 2 Mitchell 8)

O’Rourke is almost run out after a mid-pitch stand-off with Mitchell. He was able to get home just before Smith collected Stokes’s throw and broke the stumps.

Later in the over O’Rourke tries to drive Tongue and is beaten. It’s unusual to see him try something so extravagant because he’s generally a very determined defensive batsman. His average is rubbish (2.37) - but he can hang around and a 50-ball 2* would be especially valuable in this situation.

* A Nasser tribute innings

England players in T20 Blast action tonight

A group of England players will head off to play in the Blast tonight: Rehan Ahmed, Jordan Cox and Ollie Robinson.

Matt Fisher is staying here as a sub. 

OVER 87: NZ 370/4 (O’Rourke 0 Mitchell 8)

Mitchell chases a wide one from Archer and is beaten. Not sure whether that was a deliberate ploy or just an errant delivery. 

The rest of the over is uneventful: lots of fourth- and fifth-stump deliveries, Mitchell leaving the majority in the knowledge that there’s unlikely to be any movement back into him. A maiden.

OVER 86: NZ 370/4 (O’Rourke 0 Mitchell 8)

England open up with Josh Tongue rather than Gus Atkinson. The move almost reaps an instant dividend when Mitchell inside-edges his first ball past the stumps for four. Close, close, close.

It’s an excellent start from Tongue, with almost every delivery threatening the stumps. Mitchell bat-pads the last delivery in the air for a single; there was nobody at short leg.

OVER 85: NZ 363/4 (O’Rourke 0 Mitchell 1)

Jofra Archer has five balls remaining in his 13th over, which began with the wicket of Henry Nicholls last night. 

The temperature at Trent Bridge is around 30 degrees, with a high of 36 expected later in the day.

Archer starts pretty well, one no-ball aside, with a tight line to the right-handers. It’s vital to make the batters play as much as possible while the new ball is hard. 

Time for the action

To sum up the prospects of day two: an hour of Will O’Rourke could kill off England. 

Sliding doors

"In effect, that brilliant bit of fielding brought two wickets!" 💪

Michael Atherton on this moment from Shoaib Bashir which he believes 'changed the game' before the close of day one 🔎 pic.twitter.com/6IhtUt3xmh

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 26, 2026

In cricket, there’s always a precedent

Plenty of optimism among fans in No 8 Cafe in West Bridgford. Lots of references to this Test four years ago, when New Zealand batted first, scored 553 – and still lost.

A scorcher in Nottingham

Good morning from Trent Bridge. It’s another scorcher. Nick and I made the mistake of walking in and are a bit sweaty.

Where is this game? New Zealand are in charge of course, but those two late wickets have changed the complexion a touch. If England could get a couple of early ones and limit the Black Caps to 450-odd, they are very much in the game.

Saracens make a dig at ECB as they clear player over Gus Atkinson ‘attack’

By Will Macpherson and Gavin Mairs

The Saracens rugby player accused of “unprovoked attacks” on Gus Atkinson, which caused a crisis in English cricket, has been cleared of wrongdoing by his club.

Totoa Auvaa, a 21-year-old Samoan lock in Saracens’s academy, took a swing at the England bowler Atkinson in the Rex Rooms nightclub in west London, but connected instead with James Shaw, the team’s security guard. The presence of Test captain Ben Stokes in the club and the fact that it was after midnight resulted in English cricket descending into a crisis it still has not completely emerged from.

Following an internal investigation – the third conducted by sporting bodies on the matter – Saracens have cleared Auvaa, who they did not name, whilst appearing to take a veiled dig at the England and Wales Cricket Board over its collaboration on the matter.

Read more...

Jofra Archer’s reputation does not match reality

To glimpse Jofra Archer’s qualities as a Test bowler, consider the final delivery of the opening day at Trent Bridge. The ball was just short of a length, homing into Henry Nicholls’s upper body. Unable to leave the ball alone, the batsman poked forward. But Archer’s combination of bounce, and a scintilla of seam movement away, squared up Nicholls, claiming the edge of his bat en route to Jamie Smith.

As England celebrated, a beaming Archer laughed. Yet the opening day had again reminded Archer of the brutal realities of the Test game.

Read more...

England suffer day of pain with jobs on the line

Ben Stokes wore a wide grin as he led England off at the end of a sweltering day of hard toil that at one stage threatened to spiral out of control.

You can poke many holes in this England team, but two wickets in the final five minutes of a day spent in the field in 32C heat was proof the spirit is strong despite the travails of the past few weeks.

New Zealand, at 361 for four, still had the better of the day but it could have been so much worse for England and Stokes, who wore a face of pain while waiting for the first wicket to fall at 5.23pm, as Tom Latham and Devon Conway feasted on a flat batting pitch for an opening stand of 317.

Read more...

‘Time for Stokes to go... he is past it’

Good morning

Hello and welcome to live, over-by-over coverage of the second day of the deciding Test between England and New Zealand. For much of day one England were staring at a stinker for the ages, but a thoroughly admirable fightback (imagine summoning the energy to do anything worthwhile when the opposition are 317/0 in that heat) has given them a sniff.

We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again: this is a big first hour. New Zealand will resume on 361/4, with the second new ball only 4.1 overs old. They have a long tail, too, and if England start well they could roll New Zealand for an under-par score.

It feels a little perverse to type that when they are 361/4, but the Trent Bridge wicket is a belter and both teams will be mindful of New Zealand’s last Test on this ground four years ago. They were 405/4 early on day two yet still lost by five wickets when Jonny Bairstow went berserk on the final day.

Tim Southee, who was in that New Zealand team, is now England’s bowling coach and was full of praise for the hard yakka they put in on a sweltering day.

“It’s Test cricket, it’s hard, and on a surface like that it’s particularly hard. But we got some rewards late in the day,” he said. “We sit here now with a couple (more wickets) and we’re coming tomorrow with the new ball and a bit of energy from the bowlers.

“Test cricket is played over five days and you’ve got to be able to believe you’re in a position where all three results are possible. We sit here after day one with New Zealand four down, two new batters in, a nightwatchman at one end and a new ball in hand. It’s exciting.”

A lot more exciting than it promised to be when New Zealand were 317/0.

The heat is on after Day One at Trent Bridge! 🔥#LateCut 🎬 pic.twitter.com/M9hDNOBY1W

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 25, 2026

He needed just enough time to finish celebrating his selection by the Bulls with the No. 4 pick in Tuesday night’s NBA draft in New York, to pack up his family for a flight to Chicago and to tour his new digs on Madison Street.

By the time Wilson sat down in front of the media Friday morning at the Advocate Center for his introductory news conference with fellow first-rounder Dailyn Swain, the forward from North Carolina was ready to announce his expectations for his first NBA season.

“I expect to have Rookie of the Year, honestly,” Wilson said. “I’m going to work hard. I’m going to do what it takes. I feel like the team is really good for me and how I envision to play. I know I’m a hard worker, so whatever I need to fix and work on throughout the season and before the season, I’m going to work on it so I can be a great player.”

Wilson spent most of the predraft whirlwind on the outside looking in. The mass consensus — by the media, by experts and ultimately by the draft order itself — was that the 2026 draft class featured a clear top trio. Wilson was the next man up.

He tried not to take it personally. But as a rookie, Wilson doesn’t plan to abide by that hierarchy.

Experience helps buoy Wilson’s confidence in his standing with the top three picks. He scored 24 points in North Carolina’s 13-point victory over Darryn Peterson’s Kansas team in November. And he scored 23 in a three-point win over Cameron Boozer and Duke in February. (Wilson was sidelined for the rematch in March, a five-point loss for the Tar Heels.)

Wilson’s sole loss against the top three came at the hands of AJ Dybantsa and BYU by a 78-76 score — and Wilson scored a game-high 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

This friendly rivalry will fuel Wilson throughout his rookie season. It also will fuel the league around him as the NBA sets a clear priority to showcase its newest talent.

Wilson and the Bulls will face each of the top three picks in their first three summer league games in Las Vegas: July 10 versus No. 3 pick Boozer and the Memphis Grizzlies (7 p.m., Prime Video), July 13 against No. 2 pick Peterson and the Utah Jazz (8 p.m., ESPN) and July 14 versus No. 1 pick Dybantsa and the Washington Wizards (7 p.m., Prime). The Bulls’ fourth summer league game will be July 16 against the Los Angeles Lakers (5 p.m., Prime).

“I played all of them now,” Wilson said. “You know what happened when I played them, so it don’t really matter. I don’t really care about the media. I’m a competitor. I’m going to play them in summer league too. So whatever needs to be done to prove that I’m on the same level or that I’m better, we’ll do it.”

Three days into his tenure as a Bull, Wilson’s bold proclamations already have become the norm around the Advocate Center. There’s a magnitude to the rookie’s vision — for himself, for the future, for the Bulls as a franchise.

Wilson is young, quick to smile and relaxed in front of media. But he’s not soft-spoken. And he doesn’t balk at setting the bar an inch or a mile above his reach.

“I have a lot of fun with it, but I want to be legendary,” Wilson said. “I want to be remembered after I finish playing. That’s what pushes me every day to be a great player.”

When Wilson talks about greatness, he means the upper echelon of NBA history. In Chicago, playing under the six banners won during a dynasty that ended eight years before he was born, that means something different.

Is it a risk to reach for GOAT status while playing in Michael Jordan’s shadow? Wilson believes that’s a myopic way to view his idealism.

“I don’t worry about that at all,” he said. “Striving for something is something that we all do. You’re striving to be the greatest ever — it is a bold thing to say, but that’s what I’m striving for. I’m not striving to be an average or mediocre player. If I was to tell you or anyone that, that wouldn’t be good either.

“I’m striving to be the best player that has ever played the game, and I’ve been doing that for a long time. So I’m just going to keep doing that. If I reach that goal, I do. If I don’t, then at least I know I tried.”

For Wilson, establishing himself as a cornerstone of a team on the way up is a welcome luxury. Even as a rookie who doesn’t turn 20 until next month, he sees himself as a leader and galvanizer who can shape the culture of the Bulls locker room.

But rebuilding also means losing. A lot. Wilson must stomach this reality in order to survive the next year — or two or three — as the Bulls undergo the grueling process of reshaping the roster under a new front office and new coach.

Wilson described a symbiotic relationship between his individual growth and that of his new team. The Bulls will get better if he gets better. He will get better if the Bulls get better. Neither can succeed without the other. He wouldn’t want it any other way.

“I feel like the NBA is better when Chicago is good,” Wilson said. “I’m just trying to be as good as I can be. I’m going to develop and I’m going to keep getting better, and whatever happens will happen.

“But of course I want to be a great team, so I’m trying to get that to happen as quick as I can.”

Jamal Musiala is undoubtedly one of the best players of his generation. Musiala has done special things for both Bayern Munich and the German national team over the years, but after a serious injury suffered at the Club World Cup last summer, he simply has not been the same since returning to the lineup.

Despite this, Nagelsmann has entrusted Musiala as the 10 in Germany’s attack, but things have not gone swimmingly thus far for Musiala in this role. A role in which would likely be Serge Gnabry’s, were he healthy and at the World Cup this summer.

“For Jamal, it’s all about rhythm. He was out for a year, we simply have to give him rhythm. We all know what kind of qualities he has. We all have to get them out of him again, including myself. He has to believe in himself and not overthink – just play his game,” Nagelsmann stated, as captured via @iMiaSanMia.

BFW Analysis

It is a good thing to see the coach gives such belief in his players, and is certainly a confidence boost much needed for the Bayern Munich star. However, criticism is required, and especially at the World Cup, it is not the time for develop. If players are not performing, they should not be starting, and questions are starting to be pointed at Musiala’s performances.

It has been about a half year since Musiala has returned from his serious injury, and there are no real signs that he is back to his normal level. There is no clear solution to replace Musiala, but there needs to be an answer to these performances or else Nagelsmann might have to look to reduce Musiala’s role in the coming matches.

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Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé has on Friday secured for himself a place atop the goal contributions chart at this summer’s World Cup.

This comes owing to his exploits in France’s latest outing at the competition.

Didier Deschamps’ troops are currently locked in action in their final World Cup group stage fixture, facing off with a dangerous Norway side.

The aforementioned Mbappé was afforded a starting berth for the evening, taking his place as Les Bleus’ attacking spearhead.

And across the matchup to date, the 27-year-old has continued to produce at an elite rate in the final third.

After finding the net four times across France’s first two outings in North America this summer, Mbappé has turned creator, to lay on a pair of goals for Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembélé.

And as alluded to above, in the process, the attacker has moved clear atop the combined goal/assist charts at the World Cup.

With six direct contributions now to his name, Mbappé has overtaken both Argentina talisman Lionel Messi, and Real Madrid teammate Vinícius Jr.

Conor Laird – GSFN

Analyst Jason Whitlock sparked massive speculation on Friday after Stephanie White announced the latest injury update on Caitlin Clark. White said that Clark had been ruled out of the Indiana Fever’s upcoming game against the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday.
Clark tweaked her back in Wednesday’s 111-109 loss to the Phoenix Mercury.

She took multiple shots to her body in the second quarter after she landed on Valeriane Ayayi’s foot on a three-point attempt and then apparently got kneed in the groin by Alyssa Thomas. Thomas also pressed down on her neck. Despite that, Whitlock believes Clark’s absence is related to an alleged rift with White.

In that video, White said she’s unsure for how long Clark will be out. However, she sounded optimistic that Clark could recover for the game after the Sparks clash before the July 5 contest against the Las Vegas Aces. Indiana will have a near-week-long break.

White’s comments didn’t suggest what Whitlock speculated. However, she sounded optimistic that Clark could recover in time for the July 5 contest against the Las Vegas Aces. Indiana will have a near-week-long break after their upcoming game against the Sparks.

Whitlock also noted that when Clark headed to the locker room, she didn’t look in pain or see a trainer accompanying her.

There have been no reports from anyone else in the media about Clark eyeing a trade or having a rift with White. Whitlock hasn’t cited any sources, either.

Stephanie White Was Surprised By Referees Not Reviewing Alyssa Thomas’ Foul On Caitlin Clark

Stephanie White was surprised that the referees didn’t review Alyssa Thomas’ flagrant foul on Caitlin Clark in Wednesday’s game. The WNBA suspended Thomas for one game after making illegal contact on Clark’s neck while the latter was down on the floor.

White coached Thomas during her stint in Connecticut. She led Thomas and Co. to a first-round series win over Clark and the Fever in 2024.

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Ousmane Dembele tore Norway apart inside just 32 minutes as France flexed their muscles at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Three goals from the PSG No.10 made life pretty easy for Les Bleus in the absence of Didier Deschamps, who missed the game to return to France for his mother’s funeral.

Few players net a hat-trick that quickly in any competition let alone at the World Cup, but where does Dembele rank in the list of those to bag three goals this rapidly at the tournament? Fourth, to be exact.

Ousmane Dembele makes a piece of World Cup history during Norway vs France

Only three players in the history of the World Cup have scored a hat-trick quicker than Dembele, who is of African descent, did against Norway.

As you can see, the former Barcelona man has now cemented fourth spot in the list, behind Laszlo Kiss, Erich Probst and Sandor Kocsis.

Dembele – who almost joined Manchester United – has also become just the third player to score a hat-trick for France at the World Cup, along with Just Fontaine and Kylian Mbappe. The latter assisted the first of his two strikes against Norway.

Furthermore, the 29-year-old became the first player to score a hat-trick in the first half of a World Cup game in 32 years.

Oleg Salenko was the last player to do so, bagging three for Russia against Cameroon at the 1994 World Cup within 44 minutes of the 6-1 win.

Jake Fischer: There’s also a potential backstop emerging for Boston’s Jaylen Brown trade discussions. Detroit is very much weighing the prospect of signing-and-trading restricted free agent Jalen Duren for Brown, sources say, among other conceptual outcomes, if that option remains available for the Pistons once free agency opens on Tuesday early evening. We have it all @TheSteinLine: http://tinyurl.com/4d92xes6

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Pistons exploring sign-and-trade option of Jalen Duren for Jaylen Brown

Anthony Chiang: Can confirm that the Heat has declined Jahmir Young’s option for next season. He’s now an unrestricted free agent. It’s unclear whether Young will still be on the Heat’s summer league roster.

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: It’s unclear whether Young will still be on the Heat’s …

“I said, 'No, that ain’t mine. No. I didn’t (tear my ACL).' They’re like, 'You did, bruh. You tore your ACL,'” VanVleet said. “I said no, so I’m arguing. I did that for like three days.” VanVleet said he had so thoroughly convinced himself that he didn’t actually tear his ACL that when he was supposed to meet the doctor at the gym the next morning, he actually showed up at 2 a.m. to run and shoot and ended up spending the night at the facility before his doctor’s appointment. “I’m f— up, crying and s—,” VanVleet said. “I slept at the gym.”

Houston Chronicle

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: VanVleet said he had so thoroughly convinced himself …

NBA Base: Tyrese Haliburton: "I never thought I'd be able to go to WrestleMania in my career because I'd always be in the playoffs, but happened to not be in the playoffs this year. So, good to go."

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "I never thought I'd be able to go to WrestleMania in …

Warriors get major LeBron James news after Giannis Antetokounmpo trade miss originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

For a while, the Golden State Warriors and their passionate fan base believed they had a chance to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks.

While the Warriors were never deemed frontrunners for Antetokounmpo, they were consistently linked to the two-time MVP in eye-opening trade rumors, especially during the 2025-26 season.

Ultimately, though, the Miami Heat poached Antetokounmpo from Milwaukee on Monday in one of the biggest deals of the summer thus far. What does the news mean for the Dubs? They must turn their attention to their Plan B superstar targets. LeBron James is a highly touted free agent whom Golden State appears interested in.

Based on a recent report from ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Warriors have a decent shot of bringing him to the Bay this summer. 

“They (Los Angeles Lakers) have been very active in doing the trade aspect of all of this,” Charania stated Friday. “My understanding is there hasn’t been an offer out to LeBron James yet as far as his free agency.”

Charania added that it’ll be fascinating to see how the rest of the offseason plays out for both parties.

“We’ll see what the priorities are for every side. How much do the Lakers prioritize LeBron James, how much does LeBron James prioritize LA.” 

From the sounds of it, the Lakers, who have first dibs on James to start the offseason, aren’t 100% positive that retaining the four-time NBA champion is in their best interest. Keeping Austin Reaves in the fold was Los Angeles’ top priority, as they wasted little time signing him to a four-year, $185 million contract extension.

The Warriors’ $15.1 million full non-taxpayer midlevel exception for James could come in handy, as it would allow them to get a foot in the door and ensure an offer is officially on the table. Would James accept it?

Maybe, maybe not, but the Warriors' odds of pairing Stephen Curry with arguably the best player of all time are higher than before Charania's Friday morning intel.

More NBA news:

• Lakers named landing spot for $68 million Pelicans defensive star after Yves Missi trade rejection

• Lakers predicted to outbid Knicks for $60 million fan-favorite rebounding star, NBA champion

• Luka Doncic sends clear message to Lakers on roster they can't afford to ignore

Pete Prisco's list of the top 100 NFL players entering the 2026 season featured only two members of the Green Bay Packers: edge rusher Micah Parsons and quarterback Jordan Love.

While the Packers might lack star power volume, they have perceived stars at arguably the two most important positions in the sport: quarterback and edge rusher. Parsons came in at No. 12, down two spots from last season, while Love landed at No. 51 overall, good for seventh best among quarterbacks. Winning football games often comes down to dynamic plays from the passing game and pressuring the opponent's quarterback, and Love and Parsons provide a strong foundation in Green Bay.

But winning at the highest level usually requires a stable of great players. The Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, for instance, put six players on the list. The Philadelphia Eagles, who retain much of their core from their Super Bowl winning team of 2024, put eight players on the list. Of course, any list is subjective. For the Packers, running back Josh Jacobs, tight end Tucker Kraft, right tackle Zach Tom and safety Xavier McKinney did not make Prisco's list. Matt LaFleur's team needs those borderline stars to stay healthy and be dominant players in 2026.

Prisco on Parsons: "After being traded to the Packers, Parsons was dynamic as a pass rusher with 12.5 sacks in 14 games. But his season was cut short by a torn ACL. He is expected back in October."

Prisco on Love: "He played in 15 games and led the Packers to the playoffs. He threw 23 touchdown passes and just six interceptions. But it's now two straight seasons in which injuries have forced him to miss time."

For what it's worth, the Los Angeles Rams had the two best players on Prisco's list: Edge rusher Myles Garrett and quarterback Matthew Stafford. And receiver Puka Nacua ended up in the top 10, and newcomer Trent McDuffie landed just behind Love at No. 52. Can the Packers rusher-quarterback duo of Parsons and Love shine bright enough for Green Bay to win the NFC in 2026?

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Only 2 Packers make Prisco's list of top 100 NFL players for 2026

Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks is still waiting for a contract extension. His best argument for one doesn’t even lie with his All-Pro caliber play.

The Miami Dolphins‘ 2026 reset is just getting started.

And while the long-term outlook for the roster will feature many players not currently on the roster, the foundation that’s being laid here and now will set the tone for everything. And that brings us to linebacker Jordyn Brooks, one of Miami’s best players. He’s on the verge of a contract year - and is one of the team’s unquestioned leaders. In a recent interview with Travis Wingfield of Drive Time, Brooks talked about his growth as a leader. That value stands to make the looming decision on extending Brooks even easier.

Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks’ long-term value transcends his All-Pro caliber performance

“I think experience is the best teacher. Going through a couple highs and lows here in this league. The last two years for us as a team hasn’t been what we wanted it to be. A lot of highs and lows and I think during those moments, you kind of learn how to become a better leader. Starting the season off 1-6, you got to make a decision. we still got half a season left to go. We got to dig deep and continue to be the same guy. I think during that moment, it really really helped me as far as the leadership aspect to continue to be the same guy, pull other guys with you and keep going.”

- Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks

Make no mistake about it. The next few years in South Florida are going to offer some more of those same ups and downs that Brooks is talking about. The team is going to be young, inexperienced, and they’ll need to all grow up together. You don’t think someone who lived up to his All-Pro ability and stayed the course amid a 1-6 start won’t bring quality mentorship to all that youth?

That can be, beyond stellar play and endearing himself to the fanbase, Jordyn Brooks’ lasting legacy as a Miami Dolphin. Because if the Dolphins end up getting this build right? The tone set by Brooks and the other leaders will echo for years to come. It’s an added layer that certainly makes the would-be price tag for extending Brooks worth it. He’s walked the walk, as evidenced by how he responded in 2025.

Miami Dolphins News

ESPN’s season projection for quarterback Malik Willis illustrates the worst-case scenario for the Miami Dolphins

This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: The biggest reason the Miami Dolphins should extend Jordyn Brooks has nothing to do with his All-Pro play

© 2026 A to Z Sports.

The first African World Cup winners are no longer pure fantasy and it is "only a matter of time," Democratic Republic of the Congo coach Sébastien Desabre said on Friday.

The Frenchman, whose side face Uzbekistan on Saturday looking to grab a spot in the last 32, has worked on the continent for 15 years.

"The structures are getting better, the coaches are getting better, the players are getting better," he said.

Morocco reached the semi-finals in 2022, are going well this time and co-host the next edition. The African champions face the Netherlands in the first knock-out round on Monday.

Looking ahead, Desabre hopes for more African qualifiers after a record 10 this time.

"I think there should be more teams. But that also applies to other continents," the 49-year-old said.

How many players on the Seattle Seahawks’ roster will be must-haves in fantasy football next season?

According to Sports Illustrated’s Michael Fabiano in his ranking of the top 200 players for the 2026 fantasy football season in seasonal leagues based on PPR scoring, the Seahawks had seven players make the list, including Jaxon Smith-Njigba (No. 5), Jadarian Price (No. 52), Zach Charbonnet (No. 136), Sam Darnold (No. 166), Rashid Shaheed (No. 183), George Holani (No. 192), and Emanuel Wilson (No. 198).

Smith-Njigba is poised to have another prolific season in 2026 after leading the league in receiving yards in 2025 with 1,793 and winning the AP Offensive Player of the Year award.

Price is in line to lead the Seahawks in rushing yards next season as Charbonnet will be returning from injury, which may limit his production early. Darnold is one of the highest-volume passers in the league, but his rushing stats do not give him the edge over several quarterbacks, leaving him outside of the top 10 at the position, though he will still be valuable to team managers.

Shaheed is a breakout candidate for next season. He is liable to emerge as the Seahawks’ No. 2 option in the passing game and increase his numbers from the 687 REC yards he recorded in 2025. Holani has been lauded by management this offseason and may be a strong waiver wire option early in the season in the event that Charbonnet misses time to begin the year, and Wilson will also be worth a look in the waiver wire against favorable opponents.

This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: 7 Seahawks players ranked on SI’s fantasy football top 200

INDIANAPOLIS — Isaiah Thompson's coaching career, and his extended connection to Purdue basketball, will continue with his next job.

Notre Dame announced earlier this month the former Boilermaker player and graduate assistant will join Micah Shrewsberry's staff as director of player development and recruiting coordinator. Shrewsberry was one of Matt Painter's assistants during two of Thompson's season as a Purdue player.

Thompson, the brother of Purdue associate head coach P.J. Thompson, spent the past two seasons as a GA. The Zionsville grad started 60 of his 96 games as a Boilermaker, averaging 4.6 points while shooting 39.1% from 3-point range. He also played two seasons at Florida Gulf Coast, averaging 14.6 points and 2.7 assists while shooting 38% from 3.

Reece James will miss at least England’s next two matches due to injury.

Bad news has been confirmed for England regarding Reece James. After going off injured against Ghana, a hamstring problem will rule him out, as has now been confirmed.

Tuchel will be unable to call on the Chelsea full-back for the Three Lions’ next two matches.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

Newly promoted York City have signed midfielder Arthur Read and centre-backs Charlie McArthur and Zech Medley on free transfers.

Read, 26, made more than 150 appearances for Colchester United after joining from Stevenage in 2023, scoring 14 goals.

Medley, 25, made 21 appearances in League Two last season for Fleetwood, who finished 15th, before playing nine games on loan at eventual champions Bromley in the second half of the campaign.

McArthur arrives following the expiry of his contract with Newcastle United. The 21-year-old did not make a senior appearance for the Premier League side and spent the second half of last season on loan at Airdrieonians, making 16 appearances.

The Minstermen, promoted back into the Football League as National League champions, have not disclosed the length of contracts for the trio.

• All done deals in June 2026
• Listen to York City content on BBC Sounds

Where to Watch UFC Fight Night 280 ‘Fiziev vs. Torres’ in the United States

Where to Watch UFC Fight Night 280 ‘Fiziev vs. Torres’ in the United Kingdom

The Minnesota Vikings have found regular-season success over the last four seasons, finishing above .500 in three of those years. However, postseason heartbreak is nothing new to the city, as they have lost in the Wild Card in both their postseason berths during this span. Minnesota has not reached the Conference Championship game since 2017, and with high turnover at quarterback, things may be more of the same going forward.

Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated wrote an interesting piece on the road map to the Super Bowl for the Vikings, and it really hits on leadership, but also notes the roster moves the team has made, most notably signing Kyler Murray, trading Jonathan Greenard, and more. However, this portion was interesting and very on the nose for Minnesota.

"Over the past two seasons, Minnesota has won 23 games. Only the Broncos, Bills and Eagles have won more during that span. All of those teams have won their division at least once, with each advancing to a conference title game or, in Philadelphia’s case, winning the Super Bowl to cap the 2024 season. As for the Vikings, they’ve failed to win the NFC North in either season and made the playoffs only once, getting blown out 27–9 by the Rams in the wild-card round."

Seeing where Minnesota stacks up with the rest of the top performers in the NFL over the last two seasons, then seeing where they got in the postseason compared to the Vikings, is a tough read. The mishandling of the Sam Darnold situation and lack of trust and development in J.J. McCarthy have led Minnesota down this path, with the outlook appearing bleak as of now.

2026 will be a crucial year for the franchise, as another down year by Minnesota's standards could see the departure of Kevin O'Connell, Justin Jefferson could want out, and still no clear answer at quarterback.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings drawing the short end of the stick despite success

Editor's Note: For live coverage of the match, go here.

Ousmane Dembele has announced himself on the World Cup stage.

Only 32 minutes into the game, the French striker has scored a hat trick in the game against Norway. The feat puts him in the contest for "Golden Boot" of the 2026 World Cup, the title given to the player who scores the most goals over the tournament.

Right now, Argentina's Lionel Messi is leading with 5 goals so far, followed by Norway's Erling Haaland, who is sitting on the bench for Norway, and French teammate Kylian Mbappe with 4 each.

Want to see the three goals? Watch the video below.

Dembele gets France on the board

In just seven minute, Dembele gave the French as early lead. With a pass from Kylian Mbappe, he switched the ball to his right foot to slam it into the back of the net.

FRANCE GOES UP 1-0 🇫🇷

Ousmane Dembélé scores early to put Les Bleus on the board! pic.twitter.com/tR6fWb3Ckv

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 26, 2026

Dembele scores second goal

In a three man attack with Michaael Olise, Mbappe and then Dembele, number 7 scored his second goal of the Norway match.

DEMBÉLÉ BRACE 🇫🇷

A GOLAZO to double France's advantage pic.twitter.com/AoULupSmsF

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 26, 2026

When Dembele clinches hat trick

With a left-footed strike at 32 minute mark, Dembele secured his place in World Cup history with a hat trick. Only three French players have scored a hat trick at the World Cup. Mbappe is one of them.

DEMBÉLÉ HAS A FIRST HALF HAT TRICK 😱

A DREAM START FOR THE FRANCE STAR! pic.twitter.com/jB97mLJblw

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 26, 2026

The Providence Journal staff contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: See how Dembele scored his stunning World Cup hat trick vs. Norway

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal is still pending the required approvals from the league office.

Joe made 681 3-pointers over the last four regular seasons with the Thunder. He is one of 17 players in the league with that many 3s in that span — and none of the other 16 names on that list shot better from beyond the arc than Joe, who connected on 41.5% of his tries in those four years.

And Joe did all that for the Thunder while playing almost exclusively off the bench and averaging just 20 minutes per game. He is owed $11.3 million for the coming season, with an $11.3 million option for 2027-28 as well.

Oklahoma City has shed well over $100 million from its potential luxury tax bill for next season in recent days, first by agreeing to trade Aaron Wiggins to Atlanta and now with this move.

Detroit won 60 games this past season to earn the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, doing so while relying on the 3-point shot less than almost every other club. The Pistons ranked 28th in the 30-team league in 3-pointers made and 29th in 3-pointers attempted.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba

Trade talks continue to percolate around the league for Jaylen Brown. After he was very publicly offered by the Boston Celtics to the Milwaukee Bucks in a failed attempt to land Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brown’s status in Boston is in limbo.

“It’d be insane for Boston to bring him back after dangling him so publicly,” one league source told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Jamal Collier.

But whether a trade of the 2024 NBA Finals MVP will actually be consummated is in question. Insider Shams Charania has revealed the Celtics’ asking price in trade talks, and it is massive.

“My understanding is that, in some cases, the Celtics have asked for at least four first-round picks for Jaylen Brown,” said Charania on ESPN’s Get Up. He also confirmed that, “Each day this week, the Boston Celtics have been actively engaged in trade conversations around Jaylen Brown with multiple interested teams.”

The quadruple-first-rounders ask is a surprising development, not necessarily because of the high cost, but because the Celtics are still in a win-now window. Jayson Tatum and Derrick White are wasted on a team that would be waiting on years and years of draft picks to pan out.

In fact, according to Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports, one has to wonder if Boston is even serious about trading Brown if they’re making this kind of demand.

“One Eastern Conference executive said, ‘The price is really high and it is really the kind of thing where it raises real questions about whether it is something they actually want to do.'”

On the other hand, Stevens could have other, rebuilding teams on the other line, who would be interested in those picks, which could be flipped by the Celtics for current players that could help build out Boston’s roster.

Charania offered more insight into a team that is seriously interested in giving up those draft assets to get Brown.

To Deal Jaylen Brown, or Not To Deal — That is the question in Boston for the Celtics

In the end, another league source told ESPN that he disagrees with the idea that Brown should absolutely be dealt.

“I wouldn’t do a damn thing,” the source told Shelburne. “Those two guys (Brown & Tatum) are so good, you can’t just trade Jaylen because it’s awkward. Make everyone come back and figure it out.”

Awkward, shmawkward. Should be an interesting couple of months in Boston, and even more so when training camp rolls around in the fall, if Brown is still on board.

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Jonah Kusi-Asare’s time at Bayern Munich has been a series of highs and lows. Bought for a huge €4m fee from AIK Fotboll in January 2024 during new sporting director Christoph Freund’s one transfer window in charge, the move was always a risk. His profile as a technically gifted striker standing at 6’5″ is exceedingly rare in football, but there were questions about his attitude. There were rumors that he was lazy, that he was incredibly inconsistent-even for a youngster- and unwilling to run. Those were the risks Freund accepted when the young Swede was signed.

For a while, it seemed like the risk had not been worth it. Despite the obvious talents and gifts the youngster possesses, Kusi-Asare was indeed inconsistent and went months at a time without scoring a goal. Injuries and inconsistency saw the Swede’s 18 months in the Bavarians’ youth academy end in disappointment. He remained highly rated at the Campus, though, and was chosen for Bayern’s 2025 summer pre-season.

There, he finally impressed, scoring two wonderful goals and being rewarded with the initial promise of being back up to talismanic striker Harry Kane for the 2025/26 season. A late transfer market scramble for reinforcements, however, saw striker Nicolas Jackson crystallize as a target and put Kusi-Asare on the transfer list with just a few days of the 2025 summer transfer window to go.

Fulham FC would be the team to get the youngster, paying a large loan fee to acquire his services. Despite damning words from the manager and struggles for playing time throughout the previous season, the Londoners see promise in Kusi-Asare and wish to keep him. Therefore, days after a weak bid, reporter Kerry Hau claims both teams have come to an agreement:

Jonah Kusi-Asare is set to join Fulham FC on a long-term contract! The 18-year-old Swedish striker will move from Bayern Munich for around €6m. He spent last season on loan at Craven Cottage and turned down other Premier League clubs in recent days. Fulham see big potential in Kusi-Asare and plan to develop him step by step.

BFW Analysis

This transfer fee is well under the previously agreed buy option of around €12 million. Nowadays, Bayern have demonstrated a preference to retain more control over a player’s future in case of future improvement, even if it means receiving a smaller fee. It is likely the Bavarians will retain some of a potential sell on fee, and inserted a buy back clause, in case the youngster does demonstrate the improvement many people see in him.

Financially, Bayern have made a big profit on the youngster. Kusi-Asare gets to go to a club where he sees more of a future and Fulham can bet on the youngster’s promise. It looks like a win-win deal for all.

Buy back clause reported

Bild claims (as captured by @iMiaSanMia) that Bayern did, indeed, attach a buy back clause to the deal:

Bayern have secured a buy-back clause for Jonah Kusi-Asare. Permanent move to Fulham is done for a €6m fee.

They could not specify the amount — because, of course, they did not.

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Penn State's start on the 2028 recruiting cycle has proven to be very fruitful. As the coaching staff tries to avoid the same mistakes of 2027, they have gotten an early start on some potentially key recruits. One of them appears to be a three-star offensive lineman who has gained some buzz over the past couple of weeks. Carl Noisette may be casting a wide net, but the Nittany Lions truly believe they have gotten off on the right foot.

Noisette is out of Gainesville, Georgia and is currently the No. 46 overall lineman in his class. He gained national prominence with his standout sophomore season, and a transfer to his local high school could continue to see his star rise. He will be protecting a four-star prospect who has already committed as well, making his career trajectory that much more important for the Nittany Lions.

Currently, at 6'-1" and 265 pounds, he is on the smaller side and definitely would not stack up well with Penn State's other young linemen. When you throw in the fact that there are several players who will continue to be eligible in 2028 and beyond as well, Noisette may not immediately have a clear-cut role in the squad. Still, the Nittany Lions have not necessarily focused on O-line recruitment until now. With four offensive linemen in their 2027 class, they seem to already be planning for the future. Noisette could become one of their biggest investments.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State holds interest for 2028 3-star offensive lineman

After an incredible season with Bayern Munich, Michael Olise is one of the attractions of this World Cup. He has added himself to the impressive attacking arsenal of the French national team, and his first two matches have literally left Europe's biggest clubs salivating.

Real Madrid dreams of signing him to complete the Galáctico squad that Florentino Pérez is doing everything possible to build. At PSG, Luis Enrique has clearly fallen under his spell after suffering defeat against him in the Champions League with Bayern Munich. And seeing him combine so well with Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue inevitably gives the Spanish coach at the Parisian club ideas.

But this prestigious double interest does not appear to be troubling Michael Olise or Bayern Munich. The German club is convinced that a transfer this summer is completely impossible, even for a fee exceeding €150 million. The situation, in fact, seems to be moving toward a completely different outcome.

According to Sky Deutschland, Bayern Munich did not wait for the recent hype before discussing and advancing negotiations over a contract extension for its French winger. Olise is reportedly receptive to the idea of signing a new deal, not only to extend his commitment through 2031 but also to see his salary rise from €15 million per year to €25 million.

That would make him a genuine superstar with one of the highest salaries in Europe, even above what is offered at PSG.

In any case, Olise is open to the new contract, which would also allow him to respond to the many rumors about his future in spectacular fashion. According to the German media, Bayern Munich is convinced that the situation will confirm its strong position and that the player signed from Crystal Palace for €55 million will put pen to paper on a two-year extension during the summer.

Bayern Munich's Michael Olise — 2025/26 Season Stats

• Bundesliga: 32 matches, 15 goals, 19 assists
• DFB-Pokal: 6 matches, 2 goals, 1 assist
• DFL-Supercup: 1 match, 0 goals, 0 assists
• UEFA Champions League: 13 matches, 5 goals, 6 assists
• FIFA Club World Cup: 5 matches, 3 goals, 2 assists
• Total: 57 matches, 25 goals, 28 assists

NEED TO KNOW

• Erling Haaland's girlfriend, Isabel Johansen, showed her support for her boyfriend and the Norwegian Men's National Team with posts on social media ahead of their match against France on Friday, June 26
• Johansen sported a red jacket with Haaland's name on the back when Norway played Senegal on June 22
• Haaland started the match against France on the bench as head coach Stale Solbakken prioritizes rest for his stars

Erling Haaland's girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen, is living her best life supporting her beau at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Johansen, a former soccer player who now shares a child with the 25-year-old Norwegian soccer star, shared new photos on Instagram on Friday, June 26, ahead of Norway's match against France.

Just before kickoff on Friday, Johansen posted a photo of herself with a friend outside the Boston Stadium wearing a Norway jersey.

On June 23, Johansen showed off her Norway jacket for the World Cup as she continues supporting her boyfriend and his team in the tournament. With a simple red heart as her caption, Johansen posted pictures of herself in the red jacket — that has Haaland's name on the back — as well as photos of herself in the stands as Norway took on Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Monday, June 22.

Another photo shared by Haaland's girlfriend shows the couple in the stands either before or after attendees were allowed in the stadium.

The soccer star liked the post and commented, "Sexy," which was liked by over 28,000 users.

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Hours before the match against France on Friday, ESPN reported that Haaland would be starting the game on the bench as head coach Stale Solbakken hopes to rest players in preparation for upcoming matches.

Haaland and Johansen have been dating since at least 2021, and while the couple prefers to keep their family life out of the spotlight, Johansen is often on hand to support Haaland at his games.

The couple welcomed their first child together, a son, in December 2024. The soccer star first announced he and Johansen were expecting a baby in October 2024 when he posted a photo on X mimicking a baby bump with a soccer ball, captioning it with a baby emoji and “soon.” While the pair mainly keep their family life private, Haaland told the Associated Press in October 2025 that he credits his son for putting him in the best form of his career.

Read the original article on People

David Stearns and the Mets’ front office were steadfast in their belief in Carlos Mendoza as the team’s manager. 

Despite their dreadful start to the season they were confident he was the right man to help the team get things headed back in the right direction. 

However, with the club still spiraling, things finally reached the breaking point. 

Stearns and Mendoza met on Friday morning, and the third-year President of Baseball Ops. informed the skipper that the team would be going in a different direction.

“Mendy gave everything he had to our organization,” Stearns said. “He’s an exceptionally talented leader, he’s a really good baseball man, and above all else he’s an outstanding person.

“We believed with him leading this, we were going turn it around -- we haven’t and in some cases it’s gotten worse, when that happens at some point you have to make a change -- it was time, so we did this.”

Stearns did not feel Mendoza had lost the Mets’ clubhouse. 

The long-time exec took full responsibility for how things have transpired this season after a winter that featured wholesale changes up-and-down the roster. 

“Everything that occurs in baseball operations, including our record, is my responsibility,” he said. “I also have a responsibility to push us forward, look for solutions, and make difficult decisions when I think it’s needed.

“I understand there’s no magic bullet, there’s no one change that immediately is going to turn this thing around -- this is incremental, this is day-to-day, this is doing the work every single day to get us back on track.”

Stearns knows the club faces an uphill battle, but he’s not ready to turn the page yet. 

“We all remain very focused on doing everything we can to win as many games as we can this year, while recognizing where we are in the standings.”

Game nights are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, with the first game starting at 6 p.m. Fridays are reserved for 4-5-year-old tee-ball.

For more information, or volunteer opportunities, contact the Lions Club through their Facebook page, Fayetteville IN Community Lions Club. The Facebook page mentions that the Lions Club is always looking for volunteers, and they have meetings the second and fourth Thursday of the month at the park.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Mail: Fayetteville Lion's Club Park hosts Little League games

The Fayetteville Lion's Club Park, located on Ind. State Road 158 just East of Fayetteville, hosts an array of Little League games every week.

Game nights are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, with the first game starting at 6 p.m. Fridays are reserved for 4-5-year-old tee-ball.

For more information, or volunteer opportunities, contact the Lions Club through their Facebook page, Fayetteville IN Community Lions Club. The Facebook page mentions that the Lions Club is always looking for volunteers, and they have meetings the second and fourth Thursday of the month at the park.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Mail: Fayetteville Lion's Club Park hosts Little League games

The European transfer market is heating up. French journalist Sébastien Denis, writing via Foot Mercato, broke an exclusive report detailing the intense scramble for AJ Auxerre forward Lassine Sinayoko. He has caught the attention of several top-flight teams after a brilliant campaign. It has sparked frantic conversations across the continent. Several Ligue 1 outfits want to keep him in France. Yet the strongest allure comes from abroad. Both Bundesliga and Premier League clubs are firmly in the race.

Leeds United face heavy competition for Lassine Sinayoko

Brighton and Hove Albion have already registered their interest. Leeds United represent another historical English institution currently locked in deep discussions with the player’s representatives and inner entourage. Having established himself as a premier attacking outlet in France, the versatile 26-year-old looks destined for a massive summer move away from his current surroundings. The raw data from the recently concluded French top-flight campaign highlights exactly why talent spotters are queueing up.

Sinayoko enjoyed a highly productive year with Auxerre, leading their frontline with tremendous authority while starting 32 matches and racking up an impressive 2,780 minutes of action. He clinically executed 12 goals and registered 4 assists, a return that looks even more impressive when you look closely at his underlying metrics. He recorded a total of 92 shot attempts, generating a non-penalty expected goals figure of 8.71, which shows an exceptional ability to convert low-probability chances into actual goals.

His standard performance remained remarkably consistent, highlighted by an exemplary match against Lille where he scored twice to secure a 2-0 away victory. Beyond his clinical finishing, his physically robust frame allowed him to win 165 total duels, showing he can handle heavy physical contact.

Why Elland Road must strike a deal now?

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Daniel Farke, Manager of Leeds United, applauds the fans after the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leeds United at the London Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)

Daniel Farke and the Elland Road hierarchy must evaluate this option carefully. The sporting dynamics in West Yorkshire demand immediate, guaranteed quality. The club recently consolidated their position in the Premier League with a commendable 14th-place finish. This means the recruitment strategy must focus on building sustained forward momentum. Auxerre currently value their talismanic forward at approximately £12 million to £15 million. It is a fee that represents superb financial value in an inflated marketplace where average strikers command triple that amount.

Sinayoko provides exactly the kind of tactical flexibility that Farke appreciates. He can comfortably lead the line as a traditional line-leader or drift out wide to overload the flanks. He won 53 fouls last year. He constantly occupied opposition central defenders, creating immense space for creative players behind him. While Leeds have other targets like Shea Charles and Harry Wilson on their radar, adding a proven European goalscorer at this price point makes total sense. They shouldn’t walk away. Instead, the board must match Brighton’s financial package to secure this signature.

Former West Ham United defender Anton Ferdinand has taken his first senior coaching job by joining National League newcomers Hornchurch.

Ferdinand, brother of former Manchester United and England defender Rio, is reunited with his former Hammers team-mate, Hornchurch boss Daryl McMahon.

The 41-year-old's arrival is the second high-profile appointment the Urchins have made this summer, having brought in former Newcastle United and England midfielder Robert Lee as director of football.

Ferdinand will act as first-team coach as part of McMahon's backroom staff in Hornchurch's first season at National League level following promotion last term.

"I've known Daryl a long time, we go back to when [we were] 11, 12 years old," Ferdinand said. "I am delighted to try to add value to what he has already achieved here.

"The fact he's wanted me to come here and try to get us to the next level is humbling but something I'm really excited about.

"It's a great place for me to come and learn from him but also give the experience I've had as a player over a 20-year career.

"I'm looking forward to waking up every day with a purpose to make players better and help Daryl continue the success he's had."

Ferdinand has primarily acted as a pundit since ending a 16-year playing career in 2019 that also took in spells with Sunderland, QPR and Reading, along with 17 caps for England Under-21.

"He's a top, top person with great enthusiasm with a great knowledge of the game," McMahon told the club's website.

• National League

Dembele hat-trick as dominant France lead Norway in World Cup, Senegal also winning

The first draft for the Devils in the Sunny Mehta era is taking place in Buffalo on June 26.

Despite a series of moves around the league swapping first-round picks around and the Devils acquiring multiple picks in a deal for Simon Nemec, the Devils have held on to the 12th overall pick in the draft. Mehta, who has built a name for himself in the NHL with his expertise in analytics, will put those skills to the test in his first draft as a general manager.

Names like Penn State's Gavin McKenna and Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg are widely seen as the top picks overall, but opinions on the best players beyond that are varied.

What time is NHL Draft 2026? TV channel, order, odds for No. 1 pick

Here are five names Mehta and the Devils will likely keep an eye on with its first round selection.

Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor (OHL)

Belchetz was the number one overall pick for the OHL in 2024, the same season where he would win the OHL Cup and the league's MVP award. A broken left clavicle in March 2026 hindered the attention Belchetz got from scouts and shifted the rehab for the 6-foot-5 winger into getting leaner. Belchetz knows how to be physical and disruptive in front of the net and projects to be the league's next big power forward prospect. His skating ability will be given attention to improve at Michigan State.

Wyatt Cullen, LW, U.S. National Development Team

The Minnesota native is the son of Matt Cullen, who won three Stanley Cups across a 21-season career. As one of the youngest prospects in the class at 17 years old, Cullen also brings some of the most question marks. A very good skater still coming into his own, Cullen's shot is not as powerful as you'd like but is so accurate that it can fool goalies. Cullen has excellent hands but can sometimes do too much with the puck. Cullen has enough skill to be an important piece in the future and could benefit a team willing to be patient.

Malte Gustafsson, LHD, HV71 (Sweden)

Defensemen were a hallmark of drafts in the Tom Fitzgerald era, so picking another in the first draft under Mehta isn't expected. However, some of those prospects could become disposable under the new regime and Gustafsson is too good of a prospect to ignore if he slides. Gustafsson is a reliable and smart defenseman that forces turnovers and has high hockey IQ for a prospect who just turned 18 on June 11. His passing is steady and reliable but not quite elite. Developing a slapshot could turn Gustafsson into a two-way defenseman and make him even more of a draft steal.

Oscar Hemming, LW, Boston College

Born in Finland, Hemming played nationally in U-17 and U-18 teams before joining the Eagles in the 2025-26 season. Hemming is the younger brother of Emil Hemming, a first-round draft pick by the Dallas Stars in 2024. The 6-foot-4 Hemming is smart enough to force opponents into mistakes without sacrificing physicality. Hemming has an NHL-ready shot but his skating ability is the biggest aspect of his game to work on for the next level.

Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University

Lawrence got a lot of attention in the USHL and was viewed by some as a top-five pick, though a slow start to this college career cooled things down. Lawrence is a low-risk and high-reward prospect with high intelligence and awareness that has still translated into the NCAA even if his offensive numbers took a dip. Lawrence projects to be a second line center in the league with the ability to make the right moves, especially in transition. Jay Pandolfo, a former Devils player and Lawrence's coach at Boston University, says that Lawrence's play makes him "hard to handle".

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: 5 first-round draft pick targets for NJ Devils in 2026 NHL Draft

How long is Caitlin Clark out? Updated back injury return timeline for Fever star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Caitlin Clark has faced some physical defense this year, and it caught up to her last game when she left the contest agains the Phoenix Mercury.

As the Indiana Fever lost their third game in four contests, Clark left the game after suffering a back injury and getting a fist to the throat during a drive. Clark did not finish the game, a sign that the injury wasn't just a flare up but instead a more serious ailment.

The Fever return to action on Saturday night at home, but Clark's injury will likely keep her out of the game. While she recovers, though, the Fever benefit from a light schedule to begin July which will help the team take Clark's recovery in stride.

Here's the latest on Clark's injury status.

MORE: Stephanie White calls out officiating after Caitlin Clark injury

How long will Caitlin Clark be out?

Clark will miss the Fever's game on Saturday against the Los Angeles Sparks, the team's first game since Clark suffered the back injury. Indiana will follow that game with seven days off next week, allowing Clark some time to heal without missing too many games.

Fever head coach Stephanie White told the media on Friday that she didn't know when Clark would return, but the long stretch of days off will benefit her and the team.

"We'll take this opportunity to give her treatment, get her healthy, get her back on the floor," White said on Friday morning.

Caitlin Clark is going to be out on Saturday, Steph White says.

“No indication” on how long she’ll be out, but White says their week off next week is a good time to get her treatment. pic.twitter.com/THPUQfekdv

— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) June 26, 2026

Clark played in 17 of the Fever's first 18 games of the season, so Saturday will mark just her second missed game of the year. After Saturday's game vs. Los Angeles, Indiana does not play again until Sunday, July 5 on the road against the Las Vegas Aces.

MORE: Caitlin Clark's complete injury timeline from NCAA to WNBA

Caitlin Clark stats 2026

• Games: 17
• MPG: 30.8
• PPG: 21.2
• RPG: 4.0
• APG: 8.2
• FG%: 43.0 percent
• 3P%: 34.4 percent
• FT%: 85.4 percent

While Clark has dealt with adversity this year, she is averaging over 20 point per game for the first time in her career. Additionally, her three-point percentage is above her career number, and her field goal percentage is also a career high so far.

Fever schedule 2026

The U.S. men's national team came up short of extending its World Cup group stage win streak after a 3-2 loss to Turkey on Thursday, but that didn't stop supporters from uniting in harmony to sing what has become an unofficial anthem among American fans -- "Take Me Home, Country Roads."

John Denver's 1971 hit -- an ode to West Virginia and America as a whole -- has been on repeat at U.S. games throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament, being blasted through the sold out stadiums at the end of each match as the team salutes the fans.

The musical moment of appreciation between the players and patrons has echoed through the stadiums of Los Angeles and Seattle.

U.S. midfielder Tyler Adams told ESPN that has been the most memorable moment of the tournament so far, "when everyone's singing 'Country Roads' -- that kind of epitomizes what America is."

Despite the one-goal difference on Thursday, soccer enthusiasts like Cristin Dunn came together with perfect strangers for the ultimate sing-along.

"Even after the loss, no one left. And that was what was so beautiful," Dunn told ABC News. "I've been to so many NFL games and NBA games and MLB games and people are making a mad dash to the exit, that is the exact opposite of what happened."

When "Country Roads" started to play and Dunn said it was "so beautiful" to hear "international fans and fans from across the country" alike representing West Virginia on the global stage.

Unlike other iconic American stadium sing-alongs like "Sweet Caroline" at Fenway Park, Dunn said the World Cup moment held a greater meaning.

"It's a big reflection of how incredibly beautiful this country truly is when we all unite together and we rise together instead of divide," she said. "I was just outside myself -- I almost couldn't sing it because I was so affected by just how powerful that was and to hear that song being sung as a representation of being an American. It's a moment I'll never forget."

The sing-alongs have spread like wildfire on social media, with thousands of videos of fans harmonizing to the chorus at the top of their lungs.

The official U.S. Soccer TikTok posted a video of midfielder Weston McKennie singing along from the pitch, clapping and strumming an air guitar, while looking up at the fans echoing the chorus after the team's 2-0 win over Australia in Seattle on June 19.

"Country Roads" was included on the USMNT playlist submitted to FIFA, thanks to Amy Hopfinger -- a former longtime executive at U.S. Soccer who now leads FIFA as the chief strategy and planning officer, according to Major League Soccer.

ABC News has reached out to FIFA and U.S. Soccer for comment.

According to TikTok, there are nearly 73,000 posts with the hashtag USMNT and more than 8 million each with World Cup and FIFA World Cup hashtags.

One TikTok user who has shared dozens of World Cup videos soared to viral acclaim with over 3.5 million views on her vantage point from the field in Seattle as the crowd sang "Country Roads."

The U.S. men who finished atop the Group D table with six points already cemented their spot in the round of 32, prior to Thursday's loss.

The team will face Bosnia and Herzegovina next on Wednesday, July 1.