News Atlas

GuardianSep 29Preview

England can take vital lessons from worst defeats into Rugby World Cup, says Johnson

Former captain says losses can benefit team next yearJohnson refuses to comment on Henry Pollock hypeMartin Johnson believes England’s most painful defeats under Steve Borthwick can benefit them at the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year.England endured some disastrous moments during the Six Nations this year, most notably the 42-21 defeat by Ireland at Twickenham, and finished the tournament with a solitary win against Wales. Summer Nations Championship fixtures began with an away defeat by the world champions, South Africa, before victories against Fiji and Argentina. Continue reading...

Luke McLaughlinEngland rugby union teamMartin Johnson

GuardianSep 29Preview

Tuchel praises Alexander-Arnold for ‘decisive’ display on England return

‘We need to keep focused, and Trent was a big help in this’Alexander-Arnold set up opener in 2-0 win over CzechiaThomas Tuchel praised Trent Alexander-Arnold after the right-back impressed on his first England appearance since June 2025.Alexander-Arnold, who has a point to prove after missing out on a World Cup spot, was one of the big positives as Tuchel’s side recovered from their defeat to Spain by recording a comfortable 2-0 win away to Czechia in the Nations League on Tuesday. Continue reading...

Jacob Steinberg at the Fortuna ArenaNations LeagueThomas Tuchel

GuardianSep 29Preview

Alexander-Arnold proves his worth to England with trademark assist against Czechia | Jacob Steinberg

The full-back is one of the best passers England has produced: Thomas Tuchel must find a place for him It was the question nobody was asking: could Trent Alexander-Arnold do it against 10 game but limited Czechs on a mild Tuesday night in Prague? The answer was a resounding yes.Alexander-Arnold played well after starting for the first time under Thomas Tuchel, demonstrating his value to England by helping them work out the dreaded low block with a trademark assist for Anthony Gordon to settle the nerves in a game coloured by Czechia losing Pavel Sulc to a debatable red card midway through the first half. Continue reading...

Jacob Steinberg at the Fortuna ArenaEnglandTrent Alexander-Arnold

GuardianSep 29Preview

Gordon and Kane fire England to Nations League victory against 10-man Czechia

Anybody can lose to Spain. But when England did so at Wembley on Saturday, it served to turn up the temperature for this trip to Czechia. England have form for finding it difficult at this compact stadium. Remember the European Championship qualifier here in 2019 when they lost 2-1?It was not easy at first. Thomas Tuchel shuffled his pack, making the surprise decision to start Jude Bellingham among the substitutes. It was all a little angsty and Czechia, for whom this is the dawn of a new era under the Spaniard Santi Denia after their World Cup wipeout, dared to dream of another upset. Continue reading...

David Hytner at the Fortuna ArenaNations LeagueCzechia

GuardianSep 29Preview

Czechia 0-2 England: Nations League football – as it happened

The excellent Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane gave England a comfortable win against 10-man CzechiaJames Trafford looks genuinely affronted. The Leeds goalkeeper’s reaction borders on incredulity. Was it a season of frustration for him at Manchester City last time out, he is asked? A wasted year? “I won two trophies,” he says very simply and very firmly.Defiance is the stock in trade of a goalkeeper and Trafford has a nice line in it, on and off the pitch. Thrust into the England lineup against Spain at Wembley on Saturday for only his third cap, he performed well, particularly during the opening 35 minutes when the world champions threatened to run riot. Trafford made two excellent saves that kept England in contention, laying the groundwork for their surge into a 2-1 half-time lead. They ended up losing 3-2 in the Nations League opener after Harry Kane missed a 54th-minute penalty for 3-

Rob SmythNations LeagueFootball

BBCSep 29Preview

Who continues to show how important they are? England player ratings

How the England players rated following their Nations League match.

BBCSep 29Preview

England's Palmer a 'victim' of 'sick' schedule, says PFA chief

Cole Palmer is the "victim" of a "sick" system that is expecting too much of players, according to Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Maheta Molango.

BBCSep 29Preview

Rank the biggest scandals in Test cricket history

As memories of sandpapergate are rekindled by Australia's upcoming tour of South Africa, rank the biggest scandals in Test cricket's history.

BBCSep 29Preview

Could Potter be England's next breakthrough star?

Everyone is talking about Lexi Potter, the uncapped midfielder named in Sarina Wiegman's England squad for their World Cup qualifiers. Here is why.

GuardianSep 29Preview

Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone dropped by England after not hitting ‘expected’ level

Chelsea’s Lexi Potter gets first call-up to face GreeceLeah Williamson back after injury for World Cup playoffElla Toone and Chloe Kelly have been dropped from England’s squad because of their performance levels by Sarina Wiegman, who has given a first call-up to the 20-year-old Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter.Toone and Kelly have played key roles in England’s run of three consecutive major tournament finals but Wiegman made clear on Tuesday, when announcing her selection for the Women’s World Cup qualifying playoff against Greece, that she wants to see more from them for their clubs. Continue reading...

Tom GarryEngland women's football teamSarina Wiegman

BBCSep 29Preview

Ex-England captain Dallaglio to sell World Cup winner's medal

Former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio is set to sell his 2003 Rugby World Cup winner's medal after being declared bankrupt.

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