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World Cup News | England name squad for tournament

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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...

World Cup News | Neymar named in Brazil squad

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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."

Music Preview | Neighbourhood Weekender 2026

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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...

World Cup Contenders | Spain

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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...

Education Discussion | Thinking about Sports Science at university?

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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...

Music Review | Olivia Dean at Co-op Live in Manchester

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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...

Rugby League News | England name new head coach

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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...

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