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An emotional night for the France manager but there was still a job to be done Olise hits hat-trick as France sign off World Cup preparations with win over Northern Ireland Author | Jack L Stadium | Stade Pierre-Mauroy Michael Olise scored the first international hat-trick of his career as France completed their World Cup preparations with a 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland in Lille, in what was Didier Deschamps' final home match in charge of Les Bleus. In France's last warm-up fixture before travelling to the United States, Olise proved the difference against a spirited Northern Ireland side that frustrated the hosts for long periods despite the celebratory atmosphere surrounding Deschamps' farewell on home soil. The breakthrough did not arrive until the 43rd minute. France's opening goal came in scrappy fashion as Ousmane Dembele's effort was deflected into the path of Olise, who reacted quickest to steer the ball into the net from close range. Olise's second...

A useful exercise for Thomas Tuchel. The England head coach fielded completely different teams in each half as preparations for the World Cup continued with a narrow victory over New Zealand Author | George B Stadium | Raymond James Stadium Harry Kane, England's ever-reliable captain, headed home his 79th international goal in 113 appearances just moments before half-time. Tuchel then made sweeping changes, opting to assess the majority of his squad as the countdown continued towards England's opening group-stage match against Croatia in Dallas on 17 June. Watch | Highlights from ITV Sport Liverpool's 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha, who is not part of the 26-man World Cup squad, was handed his senior debut, becoming the fifth-youngest player to represent England. The experimental nature of Tuchel's side was reflected in a subdued contest played in sweltering conditions, but it will have served as a valuable acclimatisation exercise ahead of Wednesday's final pre-Wor...

Lionel Messi will appear at a sixth World Cup after being named in Argentina’s squad for the 2026 tournament The holders will be wanting o defend the title they won in Qatar four years ago. Author | Jack L The forward, who turns 39 during the competition, captains Lionel Scaloni’s 26-man squad after inspiring Argentina to a third world title with their dramatic penalty shootout victory over France in 2022. Messi already holds the record for the most World Cup appearances by any player with 26 matches, and will join Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41, as the only men to feature in six editions of the tournament. A closer look at Argentina’s squad Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who won the Golden Glove in Qatar, has also been selected, alongside Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez and Tottenham’s Cristian Romero, despite the latter missing the closing stages of the Premier League campaign through a knee injury. Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and Chelsea’s ...

An impressive performance from the away side here New head coach John Cartwright watched Catalans Dragons run in six tries as they secured victory against York Knights. Author | Ben A Stadium | York Community Stadium Catalans winger Matty Russell marked his debut with a try in a subdued first half that gave little indication of the points surge that followed after the interval. Watch | Highlights from Catalans YouTube account  There were four tries inside the opening 10 minutes of the second half, with the visitors claiming three of them to open up a 24-6 advantage. Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet, Solomona Faataape and Toby Sexton all crossed during that spell for the Dragons, before Ugo Tison and Charlie Staines added further tries later in the half. York stayed within reach through a Denive Balmforth double, along with tries from Will Roberts and David Nofoaluma, but Staines' late score ended any remaining hopes of a Knights comeback. Catalans Dragons interim coach Ryan Sheridan told t...

Some interesting decisions from Thomas Tuchel Let's explore who's going to travelling to North America with the manager and who's going to be watching as a fan Author | Georgie B The main headlines came from from the fact that Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold will all not be playing a part in Thomas Tuchel's 26-man squad. Watch | The squad was announced with this video across social media platforms Harry Maguire has also not been included Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has also been left out, with the 33-year-old saying he is "shocked and gutted" at the decision. In a post on Instagram, he confirmed: "I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I've had. I've been left shocked and gutted by the decision. I wish the players all the best." Maguire has also been a threat from an attacking sense this season and scored a dramatic winner for United against Liverpool at Anf...

One last opportunity for Neymar to win the World Cup  The forward has been included in head coach Carlo Ancelotti's 26-man squad for this summer's World Cup. Author | Jack L The 34-year-old, who now plays for Brazilian side Santos, is Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances. However, he has not featured for the Selecao since 2023 because of a series of injury problems. His inclusion means he is set to appear at a fourth World Cup, having previously represented Brazil at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments. Italian coach Ancelotti unveiled his squad during a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, with supporters cheering when Neymar's name was read out. Ancelotti, 66, who was appointed by Brazil last year, said: "We spent the entire year analysing Neymar. "We realised that in this last period he had consistency and was in good physical condition."

This month sees Neighbourhood Weekender return to Warrington for the start of the festival season. The event features three stages and the familiar challenge of studying the clash finder and deciding which acts take priority Author | Josh T The festival has become a defining fixture of the northern festival calendar. Over the years, it has become know for its raucous yet family-friendly celebration of British music. Let's explore which bands and acts you should watch ahead of this year's fun and games. The place for the indie rockers As always, the Main Stage will shine the spotlight on the big names and repeat offenders. No one can really be a stranger to the main headliners, Richard Ashcroft and Blossoms (new album imminent, so maybe a new tune or two), and to a chance to admire Tom Ogden’s latest fashions.  Both Richard and Cast continue to trade well off the oasis support slots of last Summer. The Royston Club will be stopping off as part of their touring schedule, and we’v...