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The first in a series of articles where our writers explore who might win the World Cup First up, we exmaine the chances of the 2010 winners Spain Author | Jack L Among fans around the world, Spain remain the favourites to win the tournament. There have been a few concerns, most notably the hamstring injury suffered by teenage winger Lamine Yamal, the player many are most eager to see. While the Barcelona star is expected to recover in time to be included in Spain’s squad, any setback could leave them facing a difficult campaign. Spain still possess an abundance of quality and should be capable of easing their way through the World Cup, particularly with a kinder group than some of their rivals. Watch | Spain in qualifying action | Footage from GOALTIME on YouTube  Despite that easy group and some fantastic performances in qualifying, nothing is taken for granted at this level, and shocks remain part of the enduring appeal and mystique of the competition. Can the European champions...

A career in sport but your dreams of going pro are over? Keep reading... Are you drawn to both sport and science and wondering how the two might come together as a career path? Author |  Sophie T Disclaimer | This is a purely exploratory article. You should speak to a careers advisor if struggling to make a decision around your next step Many students are now considering their next steps with the college and sixth form courses coming to an end. Some of those will have already completed their UCAS application and will now be thinking about which of their potential five choices to enrol at. Your average physio room One of the most popular career paths is... Sports science has grown rapidly in recent years, with professionals in the field earning on average around £30,000 a year in the UK. Beyond the salary, the subject opens doors to a variety of roles in coaching, education, health and performance. A degree in the discipline is designed to provide the knowledge and practical skills...

A wonderful evening We recently saw Olivia Dean deliver an almost spellbinding performance at Co-op Live in Manchester Author |  Peter Jones Entering Co-op Live to a sea of polka dots, gleaming smiles and the gentle hum of “Man I Need”, there was a buoyant sense of anticipation drifting through Manchester on a warm Sunday evening. It marked the second and final night of Olivia Dean’s sold-out run at the UK’s largest indoor arena.  The scale of the occasion felt all the more striking given that, just three years ago, she was performing at the Manchester Academy 3, a venue with a capacity of fewer than 500. Her rise since has been both swift and assured, underpinned by a clarity of voice and artistic identity that now places her among the most compelling figures in British music. Before Dean took to the stage on her first arena tour, support came from Jalen Ngonda This was a set of understated warmth and richness. The American, now based in England, drew from Motown, classi...

A new era for England Rugby League Brian McDermott will lead his country into this autumn’s Rugby League World Cup after being appointed head coach Author | Michael Haldsworth The 56-year-old enjoyed a decorated spell with Leeds Rhinos, winning four Super League Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups, the World Club Challenge and the League Leaders’ Shield across eight seasons. He succeeds Shaun Wane, who stepped down in January. McDermott, currently part of the coaching staff at Gold Coast Titans, will take on the England role on a part-time basis, unlike his predecessor who worked full-time. The Rugby Football League selected the Yorkshireman from a five-man shortlist that included Brad Arthur, Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley and former England coach Steve McNamara. Best reaction In a statement, McDermott said: "I'm incredibly proud to take on the role of England head coach ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup." He added: "My focus now is on creating an environment where pl...

Two of the best gigs that I’ve been to in a while Belle and Sebastian celebrate the thirtieth anniversaries of Tigermilk and If You’re Feeling Sinister with two shows in Manchester. Author |  Peter Jones A decade ago, they took over London’s Royal Albert Hall for two nights, playing the albums in full to mark their twentieth anniversaries. The second show landed on the day of the Brexit referendum.  Ten years on, Britain’s place in the world may have slipped, but Belle & Sebastian haven’t. Still indie royalty with a loyal global following, they’ve revived that 2016 one-off concept for a wider run, hitting multiple continents with two-night stands in each city to cover both records.  After wrapping up a European leg and returning to the Royal Albert Hall earlier this week, they head back to Manchester’s own grand stage for a nostalgia-tinged celebration of the glory days. The frontman is in particularly excitable form View this post on Instagram ...

England secured a significant victory over Spain  This means they have seized early control of their 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifying group. Author | George B Stadium | Wembley Stadium In a meeting that echoed both the Euro 2025 final and the 2023 World Cup decider, two of Europe’s leading sides went head to head for top spot in Group 3. Lauren Hemp set the tone inside three minutes at Wembley, poking home from close range to hand Sarina Wiegman’s side an ideal start. The Manchester City Women winger nearly doubled her tally soon after when a clever backheel from Lucy Bronze created space in the area, only for Hemp to slice her effort narrowly wide. England’s early breakthrough shaped a composed first-half display With the hosts defending with discipline and limiting Spain’s attacking threat. The reigning world champions dominated possession and threatened through Irene Paredes and Ona Batlle, but Hannah Hampton was rarely called into serious action. Watch | Highlights of the mat...

Rory McIlroy reinforced his standing among the modern greats He held off the world’s leading players to become only the fourth man to claim back-to-back Masters titles Author | Liam C His conviction that last year’s long-awaited Green Jacket would unlock further major success has proved well founded. Twelve months on from ending an 11-year wait to complete the career Grand Slam at Augusta National Golf Club, the 36-year-old returned with a sense of freedom he had long anticipated. Watch | How Rory McIlroy won the tournament. From the Masters YouTube channel He delivered on that promise at the earliest chance. A composed final-round 71 secured victory at 12 under par, leaving him a single shot clear of world number one Scottie Scheffler on another compelling Masters Sunday. Justin Rose was the challenger again Rory McIlroy once again denied Justin Rose, as the English veteran saw his long pursuit of a Masters title end in familiar frustration at Augusta National Golf Club.   Wa...