4 h. ago Talisman Stokes at Edgbaston evokes Flintoff’s 2005 impact – but he is due a score

England team hang on their captain’s every word but he is on his longest run of Tests without a centuryA day out from the second Test against India at Edgbaston and Andrew Flintoff was dog-sticking to England’s batters in the nets, his very presence bringing memories of 20 years ago flooding back. It was here where Flintoff wrote his name into Ashes folklore, igniting the afterburners for England’s statement first innings, rescuing the second with a six-laden counterattack, and then sending down a famous over on the third evening that vaporised Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting.As well as driving England to that famous two-run victory, 141 runs and seven wickets across the four days made it Flintoff’s statistical peak as a fast-bowling all-rounder – the only time he went north of 100 runs and five wickets in the same Test. People often underestimate the physical and mental demands that the dual role places on those hardy enough to even attempt it; expecting both facets of their game t...

Politics

6 h. ago Ben Stokes explains Freddie Flintoff's guest starring role in England vs India series

England and India will lock horns in the second test of the series at Edgbaston starting on Wedneday, and England skipper Ben Stokes is welcoming Andrew Flintoff to the fold

Events

15 h. ago Jasprit Bumrah and the India bowling puzzle that will decide second England Test

Head coach Gautam Gambhir is adamant that star bowler Jasprit Bumrah will play just three of the five Tests, with a host of options and decisions to be made to salvage a series in the second Test at Edgbaston on Wednesday

Politics

15 h. ago Andrew Flintoff reveals stance on succeeding Brendon McCullum as England head coach

Flintoff is overseeing the fortunes of England Lions and has been tipped as a possible contender to take charge of the main side

Politics

16 h. ago Freddie Flintoff responds to next job claims as he makes his feelings very clear

Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff has been tipped in some quarters as the next England head coach, but the man himself insists Brendon McCullum is the best man for the job and he has no interest in replacing the Kiwi

Events

17 h. ago Andrew Flintoff not looking to succeed Brendon McCullum as England head coach

Flintoff is overseeing the fortunes of England Lions and Northern Superchargers in The Hundred.

Politics

26 h. ago Inter knocked out of Club World Cup in last 16 by Brazilians Fluminense

Inter 0-2 Fluminense (Germán Cano 3, Hércules 93)44-year-old goalkeeper Fábio makes series of fine savesBrazilian side Fluminense stunned Champions League finalists Inter by knocking them out of the Club World Cup with a 2-0 victory in the last 16 in Charlotte.The reign of new head coach Cristian Chivu, who took over following Simone Inzaghi’s departure just days after that humbling 5-0 loss to Paris St Germain a month ago, has not started well as they exited the tournament before the quarter-finals. Continue reading...

Politics

26 h. ago Inter knocked out of Club World Cup in last 16 by Brazilian side Fluminense

Inter 0-2 Fluminense (Germán Cano 3, Hércules 93)44-year-old goalkeeper Fábio makes series of fine savesThe Brazilian side Fluminense stunned Inter by knocking the Champions League finalists out of the Club World Cup with a 2-0 victory in the last 16 in Charlotte.The reign of the new head coach, Cristian Chivu, who took over following Simone Inzaghi’s departure just days after that humbling 5-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain a month ago, has not started well as they exited the tournament before the quarter-finals. Continue reading...

Politics

27 h. ago Brentford show firm faith in their model as Keith Andrews jumps into the unknown

Club have history of promoting from within and remain pragmatic about potential departure of Bryan MbeumoPhil Giles had already given the update on Christian Nørgaard. “It’s more likely than not,” the Brentford director of football said, suggesting that the club captain was close to sealing a £10m move to Arsenal, which is expected to feature £5m in add-ons. Then it was time for Giles to do likewise with Bryan Mbeumo, who is the subject of a bid from Manchester United. Brentford value their 20-goal top scorer from last season at about £65m. United are nearly there with it.“We’ve made our point clear,” Giles said. “If Bryan earned a massive move now and it was right for us financially, we’d be open to it. But if he ended up here with us next season, I wouldn’t be massively surprised. We’d be delighted. And it would save me a massive headache, frankly.” With that, Giles glanced at the man to his left – the new Brentford head coach, Keith Andrews, presumably the source of said headache...

Culture

36 h. ago Kirk close to return at Linköping after sacking over relationship with player

Kirk left Leicester last year and acknowledged ‘mistake’Everton close to signing Japan forward Yuka MomikiThe former Leicester and Everton manager Willie Kirk is closing in on a return to football after holding advanced talks with the Swedish top-flight women’s team Linköping about becoming their head coach.Kirk, who also managed Hibernian and Bristol City before a spell as Manchester United’s assistant manager, has been out of work since he was sacked by Leicester in March 2024 because he had a relationship with one of the club’s players. In a May interview with the Daily Mail, Kirk said: “I’ve made a mistake and I’ve been punished for my mistake. I take responsibility for that.” Continue reading...

Sport

3 d. ago Chelsea receive glowing Jamie Gittens reference as transfer agreement edges closer

INTERVIEW: Former England U19 head coach Ian Foster worked with Jamie Gittens during his time in charge of the young Three Lions and he believed the 20-year-old winger is ready to light up the Premier League for Chelsea

Sport

3 d. ago Tomos Williams injury leaves Farrell’s Lions facing race to fill scrum

Scotland’s Ben White could come in from New ZealandFarrell: ‘We fixed things up and played some good rugby’The British & Irish Lions are weighing up their scrum-half options after an injury to Tomos Williams that threatens to sideline the Welshman at the busiest stage of the squad’s Australian tour.The head coach, Andy Farrell, said a decision on calling up a replacement would be made on Sunday, with Scotland’s Ben White among the leading contenders to replace Williams at No 9. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago England wish Bonmatí speedy recovery from viral meningitis on eve of Euro 2025

Midfielder’s condition ‘controlled’ say doctorsSpain kick off Euro 2025 against Portugal on 3 JulyEngland have sent their best wishes to the Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmatí for a speedy recovery in time for the European Championship after the Ballon d’Or winner was admitted to hospital with viral meningitis.The head coach, Sarina Wiegman, whose Lionesses side were beaten by Spain in the 2023 World Cup final, hopes the Barcelona player can recover in time for the finals in Switzerland, which get under way on Wednesday. Continue reading...

Politics

4 d. ago Brentford chief explains why Thomas Frank's successor was decided BEFORE boss joined Spurs

Brentford have promoted Keith Andrews from set-piece coach to head coach after just a year at the club following the long-planned-for departure of Thomas Frank to Tottenham

Politics

4 d. ago Brentford appoint Keith Andrews as new head coach to succeed Thomas Frank

Set-piece specialist earns promotion to top job at time of uncertainty for the Bees

Politics

4 d. ago Lauren Bell says ‘no one is guaranteed a place’ under Charlotte Edwards’ new regime

The England fast bowler claims head coach Charlotte Edwards has a ‘winning mentality’ ahead of the forthcoming series with India

Events

4 d. ago Wayne Rooney linked with shock job at football minnows Macclesfield six months after Plymouth disaster which saw England legend living 260 MILES away from wife Coleen

The Manchester United and England legend has been working as a pundit for Amazon Prime since he was axed on New Year's Eve but could be set to replace Robbie Savage as Macclesfield head coach.

Events

5 d. ago Farrell backs Pollock to prove ‘point of difference’ for Lions in striking selection

Squad’s youngest member starts against Western ForceDan Sheehan to captain Lions on SaturdayThere is a distinctly emerald tinge to the British & Irish Lions teamsheet for this weekend’s opening tour fixture in Australia. More than half the starting XV, three of the bench reserves, the newly minted captain, Dan Sheehan, and the head coach, Andy Farrell, reside in Ireland but perhaps the latter’s most striking selection is the squad’s uncut English diamond at No 8.Henry Pollock is only 20 but the young back-rower has been handed the glittering prize of a lifetime against Western Force on Saturday. Go well and Farrell may well include him in his Test match plans next month. Should the Northampton forward endure a problematic night, conversely, it may precipitate an abrupt managerial U-turn. Continue reading...

Politics

5 d. ago Superstar LIV Golf ace reveals unification stance after fresh PGA Tour chief talks

Past bond between the new CEO of PGA Tour and LIV supremo can help

Politics

5 d. ago England call Jofra Archer into squad for second Test against India at Edgbaston

Bowler last in Test setup in February 2021Archer played first red-ball match in four years this weekEngland have fast-tracked Jofra Archer into their squad to face India in the second Test at Edgbaston next week. The 30-year-old fast bowler returns to the Test setup for the first time since February 2021 after successfully coming through his first red-ball match for 1,501 days in Sussex’s match at Durham this week.Archer is the only change to the England squad from the five-wicket defeat of the tourists in the opening Test at Headingley. His call-up comes despite the Sussex head coach, Paul Farbrace, suggesting it would make more sense to hold him in reserve for the third Test. Continue reading...

Politics