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The Independent
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
We weren't happy – Thomas Tuchel won't pull punches when criticising England
Thomas Tuchel says England cannot shy away from criticism if they are to make the improvements required to win the World Cup. After Gareth Southgate called time on his eight-year reign having lost a second European Championship final, the Football Association turned to German coach Tuchel in a bid to take them that last step. Tuchel's contract takes him through to the end of next summer's World Cup, where England will be among the favourites but have plenty of work to do judging by Saturday's forgettable 1-0 win against minnows Andorra. Boos from unimpressed fans greeted the half-time and final whistles in Barcelona, where the frustrated head coach spoke frankly about his unhappiness at the side's lack of 'seriousness and urgency' as they 'played with fire' towards the end. Asked if it was a risk being so publicly critical of the team, Tuchel responded: 'What risk? You were in the stadium. What should I tell you? That we played a good match and are happy. 'The risk is only that you exaggerate it and make something of it that was not there. Everything I said I said already to the team. There is no harm done. 'We were not happy and no single player will be happy with what we showed today. Why would the coach be? And why would we be shy of saying so? 'If we want to get better, we first need to address that we were not happy with the end of both halves.' Put to Tuchel that some players can be thin-skinned, the England boss said: 'I didn't name a single name. 'We do this as a team. It's always a 'we' and I didn't like how the way we ended the match and the way we ended the first half. I didn't like the attitude or the energy level and how that dropped. 'I liked the beginning of the team. It always includes me. Everything I say I tell the players.' Tuchel feels he has a 'top group' full of players whose quality and character he loves – a side that will attempt to lift the mood by heading into the summer on the back of a promising performance in Tuesday's friendly against Senegal. The visitors are ranked 19th in the world, 154 places above Andorra, and will be the toughest test since the 51-year-old took charge, but the honeymoon period could end if they play badly at the City Ground. 'I always feel pressure as I am not happy with myself,' Tuchel said when that was put to him. 'The biggest pressure comes from myself. We have three wins and three clean sheets and we have a friendly match on Tuesday. I have felt more pressure than that.' Tuchel is expecting a 'good test' against Senegal and will look to balance rotation with the need to extract everything from their limited time together, saying: 'We worship every training and we worship every match.' Ivan Toney, called up for the first time since joining Saudi side Al-Ahli, is among those pushing to start after Ollie Watkins withdrew through injury and Harry Kane completed Saturday's win against Andorra. 'We have opportunities and we will see some changes but I am not going to give you names now because I don't know the line up,' Tuchel added. 'It's not the time now to talk about Ivan Toney because now we just played a game and we must analyse the game.'
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Soccer Aid to ‘Inside Story' at Chelsea – best sport entertainment this week from live action to TV, films and books
A tournament returns after a 52-year absence this week - and is available to watch for free TURN IT ON Soccer Aid to 'Inside Story' at Chelsea – best sport entertainment this week from live action to TV, films and books Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE football season may be over, but sport never stops. We're in for a big summer of action and this coming week is no different. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 Tyson Fury and Wayne Rooney are part of Team England at this year's Soccer Aid Credit: PA From "pro-am" football, to an explosive tell-all book and a never-before-seen tennis tournament, we've got plenty in store from Monday June 9 to Sunday June 15. SunSport runs down the top sporting content you can watch, read and listen to this week... Soccer Aid IT's that time of year again, as legends of football team up with celebrities for the Unicef charity showdown. This year's edition is on Father's Day - Sunday June 15 - with kick off 7.30pm. READ MORE SPORT STORIES CROSS IT OUT Former world darts champ Rob Cross banned as director over £450K unpaid tax All the action from Soccer Aid will be live on ITV. Tyson Fury will manage Team England with Wayne Rooney in his team. Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Gary Neville will be joining Rooney, while other ex-pros include goalkeeper Joe Hart, Aaron Lennon, Jermain Defoe, Jill Scott and Toni Duggan. Celebrities and legends from other sports will be taking to the Old Trafford turf, too - with Olympic stars Dame Denise Lewis and Sir Mo Farah involved, while Bear Grylls and Louis Tomlinson join from the world of entertainment. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS England team and coaching staff Here is a look at the full team for England for Soccer Aid 2025... Team: Steven Bartlett (Entrepreneur) Alex Brooker (TV personality) Jermain Defoe (Former footballer) Toni Duggan (Former footballer) Angry Ginge (YouTuber) Tom Grennan (Musician) Bear Grylls (TV personality) Joe Hart (Former footballer) Steph Houghton (Former footballer) Aaron Lennon (Former footballer) Dame Denise Lewis (Olympic gold medallist) Paddy McGuinness (TV personality) Sir Mo Farah (Former Olympian) Gary Neville (Former footballer) Sam Quek (Former hockey player/TV personality) Wayne Rooney (Former footballer and manager) Paul Scholes (Former footballer) Jill Scott (Former footballer) Sam Thompson (King of the Jungle) Louis Tomlinson (Musician) Coaches: Wayne Rooney (Former footballer and manager) Tyson Fury (Boxer) Harry Redknapp (Former football manager) Vicky McClure (Actor) Goalkeeping coach: David James (Former footballer) World XI team and coaching staff Here is a look at the full team for the World XI for Soccer Aid 2025... Team: Tony Bellew (Former boxer) Leonardo Bonucci (Former footballer) Tobi Brown (YouTube star) Martin Compston (Actor) Richard Gadd (Actor) Bryan Habana (Former rugby star) Dermot Kennedy (Musician) Kaylyn Kyle (Former footballer) Gorka Marquez (Dancer) Nadia Nadim (Footballer) Livi Sheldon (Gladiators star) Edwin van der Sar (Former footballer) Nemanja Vidic (Former footballer) Harry Kewell (Former footballer) Big Zuu (YouTube star) Noah Beck (Actor) Carlos Tevez (Former footballer) Billy Wingrove (Football freestyler) Robbie Keane (Former footballer) Manager: Peter Schmeichel (Former footballer) Chelsea's 'Inside Story' FROM the infamous transfer embargo to splashing over £2.1BILLION on players, life under Roman Abramovich was certainly action-packed. However, the sale of Chelsea wasn't without its controversy - with the Russian selling due to his links to Vladimir Putin in the immediate aftermath of the invasion of Ukraine. Earlier this week, Abramovich was threatened with legal action over the £2.3bn proceeds from his sale of the club - so the timing of Nick Purewal's book on the incredible story, which goes on sale on Tuesday June 10, is perfect. "Sanctioned: The Inside Story of the Sale of Chelsea FC" should to be the ultimate page-turner for fans of football and politics. The book promises: "Through unprecedented access to Abramovich himself and key figures from Chelsea's new ownership, as well as further interviews with a star-studded footballing cast... Sanctioned chronicles ninety-five extraordinary days in English football." 10 Roman Abramovich's sale of Chelsea is the subject of an explosive new book Credit: AP 10 The new book delves into one of the most controversial sporting transactions of all time Queen's For the first time in 52 years, the Queen's Club Championships will feature a women's competition - and it promises to be a belter. For many, Queen's means summer has officially arrived, with the strawberries, cream and Pimm's of Wimbledon just weeks away. However, for over 50 years, Queen's Club has only hosted a men's tournament. But this year, there's a women's event - with the main draw starting on Monday and the whole tournament available to watch on BBC. For Brits, Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu are the big hopes - while there are a whopping SIX Grand Slam champions in total in the draw. 10 Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu will be in action for the first women's Queen's Club in over 50 years Credit: Getty Best of the rest... Live sport England vs Senegal - The second and final match of the Three Lions' international break - following Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Andorra - takes place on Tuesday night. The match kicks off at 7.45pm, with all the action on ITV. US Open - Golf's third major of 2025 tees off on Thursday June 12, with the final round on Sunday. Can Rory McIlroy at to his Masters title? Sky Sports have the whole tournament covered. 10 Rory McIlroy will be aiming for US Open glory at the Oakmont Country Club Credit: Getty England Under-21s - The Under-21s European Championships kick off this week in Slovakia, with England in group stage action. Can they defend their title? All the action is live on Channel 4 with England vs Czechia on Thursday June 12 at 8pm before Slovenia on Sunday June 15 at 5pm. 10 England's Under-21s start their European Championship campaign this week Diamond League Athletics - A European double-header for fans of track and field action. Thursday's meet in Oslo will be available via the BBC red button, while Sunday's action in Sweden will be shown on BBC Two. England vs West Indies T20 - England play their third and final T20 international of the series against West Indies Sky Sports has the action with the match getting underway at 6.30pm. 10 England take on West Indies in three T20s before their Test series vs India Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 10 Luke Humphries and Luke Littler are teaming up for the World Cup of Darts Credit: PA World Cup of Darts - Luke Littler and Luke Humphries will fly the flag for England at this week's event in Germany. Sky Sports will show every dart thrown in Frankfurt from Thursday to Sunday. Canadian Grand Prix - The latest instalment of a thrilling 2025 Formula One campaign. Sunday's race in Montreal starts at 7pm live on Sky Sports F1. 10 Club World Cup - The first match of the revamped and expanded tournament hits our screens this week with Al-Ahly vs Inter Miami getting things underway in the early hours of Sunday morning. You can watch all the action by signing up to DAZN. 10 Basketball - The NBA Finals continue this week as Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers battle it out. TNT Sports show games two, three and four in the best-of-seven series this week, in the early hours of Monday, Thursday and Saturday. TV shows and films Welcome to Wrexham - Fans of the Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney-run football club can enjoy Season 4 Episode 6 which is released this week. The next episode will be available on Disney+. American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans - The incredible story follows a NASCAR team attempting to compete in the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race in a stock car. Coming to Amazon Prime Thursday June 12.
Daily Mirror
23-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I'm a big strong character in the gym - but I fight a battle people can't see'
Liam McGarry's life was turned upside down by a spinal injury in 2017 and now the para-powerlifter is looking to change the narrative when it comes to mental health "I'm fighting a battle that most people can't see," says powerlifter Liam McGarry – his bubbly demeanour and strongman attitude hardening up as he begins his story. "Although I still walk into the gym and I'm a big strong character who loves to laugh and loves to joke, right now I'm going through it.' In a sport that encapsulates physical strength, McGarry's candour about his mental health is undoubtedly his most powerful trait. The 28-year-old powerlifter has hit unimaginable setbacks on his journey to the pinnacle of elite sport. Since a spinal injury in 2017, which saw him diagnosed with transverse myelitis, McGarry has endured a broken leg, an autoimmune white blood cell disease, a cholesteatoma, bladder fistulas and seven pectoral tears. But behind all of the physical pain, the Team England athlete says that it is his mental health that is truly suffering – and on Mental Heath Awareness Week, he wanted to share his story. It feels impossible to see the so-often energetic, joking McGarry admit that he is struggling mentally, but when the veil drops and the honesty begins to flow, McGarry reveals himself with a heart-wrenching vulnerability. "Right now I'm about the saddest I've ever been," he said. "I like to not think about it and keep my focus on my sport but I'm very sad and struggling a lot. "I'm desperate and I'm biting back at my team in a way I have never done before. But I always say, 'Big Liam will always be alright'. One day my breakthrough and my time will come." Unfortunately for McGarry, this is not a new mental battle though it is one he is now tackling with the support he needs, including a network of friends and family around him. It's a fight that has been ongoing since he was 20 years old and found himself paralysed from a spinal injury. It was an injury he has openly admitted left him at one of the lowest points of his life, including a heart-breaking conversation with his dad, a hard-to-hear story that he credits as one of the most painful yet pivotal moments on his journey to recovery. He said: "When my parents were both at my hospital bed at 2am in the morning, I remember looking at my dad dead in the eye and telling him that the second he left the room, the wires would be around my neck. "It was something at that time I honestly believed I wanted to do and I remember his eyes filling up with tears. My dad told me that if I did it then he would do it too and that still gives me goosebumps now. "That was the moment that I knew that I had a lot of people wanting me to win my battles. I know I can't give up because of them. I'm not just doing this for me. The story is always bigger." Having initially believed his career had been seized from him due to injury, McGarry's introduction to powerlifting at the Spinal Games in 2018 opened up a whole new world. It propelled him to achieve his childhood dream of becoming an elite sportsman and he is now able to call himself a Commonwealth Games athlete and Paralympian. "I've never been shy in admitting that the gym saved my life," he added. "Without the gym I would be in a very different place and with some of the thoughts that I had in the early days, I might not be here at all. "Finding the gym got me out of that downward spiral of thoughts. I don't just improve myself every day in the gym but I liked the fact that I could be better than able-bodied people." McGarry's journey within elite sport has been anything but easy. He underwent 16 surgeries in 28 days in the lead up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, including five months of bed rest, before being hit by a horrific autoimmune disease that left him questioning how his body looked. It was then that doctors learned the prednisone he was taking to recover was weakening his muscles and the cause of a string of seven pectoral tears, the last of which he is still rehabbing from today. But despite the pain, McGarry has gone from Team England athlete to Paralympian, and qualified for Paris 2024 against all odds with a personal-best lift of 230kg just weeks out from the Games. "When negative thoughts and self-doubt started to creep in about whether I could qualify, I had to remind myself 'I was dying tomorrow'," he said. "There was no thoughts of another Commonwealth Games or Paralympics, because you don't know if that will ever come, you have to live for the day." The epitome of resilience, McGarry has bounced back from sporting injury after sporting injury on the journey to achieve his dreams. But it is his mental fight he is intent on showcasing. Because no matter what's he going through, no matter the highs or lows, 'Big Liam will always be alright'. "No one can sit there and say I haven't been through my fair share of physical problems, but when I compare my physical and mental problems, the mental battle has always been tougher," he said. "Mental health isn't something that comes and goes, it is something you have to top up like your physical health and it's something I'm still noticing everyday. People may see me as a big tough bloke, but one of my passions is about enlightening people on the mental struggles we go through as athletes. "I know the importance of sharing and telling my story." When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them free on 116 123 or email them at jo@ Whoever you are and whatever you're facing, they won't judge you or tell you what to do. They're here to listen so you don't have to face it alone.
Telegraph
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Six Nations to begin on a Thursday because of Winter Olympics
The 2026 Six Nations will kick off on a Thursday night for the first time as champions France host Ireland while there will only be one fallow week in the Championship. Moving such a high profile fixture outside of a weekend slot will present challenges for travelling supporters and will upset traditionalists. However, the competition organisers and broadcasters wanted to avoid a clash with the Winter Olympics opening ceremony on the Friday night. The Thursday night match also gives the defending champions the opportunity to embrace another evening kick-off after the success of their spectacular light shows against Wales this year and Ireland in 2024. Ireland will also be presented with an opportunity to immediately avenge their 42-27 defeat in Dublin to Les Bleus which denied them a third successive Six Nations title. That fixture on February 5 is followed by Italy hosting Scotland in Rome and England facing Wales at Twickenham in the more conventional Saturday afternoon slot on February 7. There follow two successive rounds of competition with the Six Nations losing one of its two fallow weeks, which is likely to raise player welfare concerns. In 2017, former England prop Joe Marler, who now represents England players as the performance director of Team England, described the loss of a rest week as 'ridiculous'. 'If we lost a rest week – I think it's ridiculous,' Marler said. 'They can slap me on the wrist for that all they want but it's such a physical tournament, the game itself is getting more and more physical every week.' It is also likely to adversely affect countries with smaller playing pools such as Wales and Italy. However, the loss of a Six Nations fallow week will be counterbalanced by expanding the autumn international window to four weeks to accommodate the start of the Nations Championship. Competition organisers insist further rest periods will be built into players' schedules as part of a collaboration between leagues, unions and clubs over the new global calendar. How that plays out in practice remains to be seen. In the second round of matches starting on Valentine's Day, Ireland host Italy and England travel to Edinburgh to face Scotland, who lost the Calcutta Cup for the first time in six years after their 16-15 loss at Twickenham. On Sunday, France will head to Cardiff to play Wales. The following week England host Andy Farrell's Ireland and Wales face Scotland on Feb 21 while France will play Italy the after, which is expected to be in Paris, although the French union are still seeking an agreement to continue to play at the Stade de France. After the rest week, Ireland get a Friday night host slot against Wales on March 6 followed by Scotland v France and Italy v England on March 7. Then comes the self-styled 'Super Saturday' on March 14 as Ireland host Scotland, Italy travel to Wales and Steve Borthwick's England head to Paris to face France in the final match. England's last win over France came in 2016 when they sealed the Grand Slam.
BBC News
18-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Middlesbrough hosts first northern Homeless World Cup trials
A North East town has hosted the "first ever" Team England trials for the Homeless World Cup outside tournament, organised by MFC Foundation and Street Soccer London, took place at Middlesbrough's Sports came from Liverpool, Newcastle, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Sunderland, Stockton and Mayor Chris Cooke said the local authority was proud to hold the event. "Football is in the town's DNA and to see it used as a force for good was inspiring. The whole event showed off Middlesbrough at our best," he people, or those who have been homeless, were eligible for the competition. The council said it was the "first time ever" that trials for Team England had been held outside LondonTeams were split into three groups for the tournament, the winners of which - Hackney Tactics, Holgate Army and Teesside Reds - received a Juma, head coach of the England team, will be part of a committee which will select eight players to represent England at the next Homeless World Cup in Oslo in Juma said: "I don't know how we're going to do it."There are some seriously good players here. We have some big decisions to make and we'll have to make them by next week." England were beaten finalists last year when the tournament was held in Seoul, South were managed then by Craig McManus, Acting Head of MFC Foundation, who had played for Scotland in the tournament in 2016. He will again be in charge this year."Today's event means so much to me, personally," he said."We can empathise with the players today. The tournament is important, of course it is, but we need to help everyone find a pathway to support."We asked everyone to show respect to each other today, to talk with each other, to help."I don't think we needed to, there was a special atmosphere created by the participants. "You could see that on the pitch and hearing it when walking around mixing with everyone." Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
