16 h. ago England play Generation Game against All Blacks with overhaul of traditional order of selection

Steve Borthwick has picked six British & Irish Lions on his bench with a further nod to the growing importance of the endgame Selecting your best XV to start a big rugby match feels increasingly quaint these days, as redolent of a different era as the Generation Game or Starsky & Hutch. To the point where you half expect to find the home team sheet to face New Zealand this weekend has D-N-A-L-G-N-E printed at the top of it. Even with the All Blacks in town, the traditional order of selection no longer applies.Instead it is all about the endgame. On this occasion Steve Borthwick has picked six British & Irish Lions on his bench compared with only four in his starting lineup. At some point around the 50th minute on Saturday there will be a mass discarding of XXL tracksuits and a whole fresh set of white orcs will rumble on. As South Africa’s “Bomb Squad” have long since shown, it can be mighty hard to combat. Continue reading...

Politics

17 h. ago Chelsea history celebrated 80 years on after record attendance set for Moscow Dinamo game

Biggest ever crowd at a club ground in England came to watch Chelsea play the Russian side Moscow Dynamo in 1945 just after the end of World War Two

Culture

22 h. ago ‘We were effectively props’: young stars of game development feel let down by the ‘gaming Oscars’

Announced in 2020 by the Game Awards as an inclusive programme for the industry’s next generation, the Future Class initiative has now been discontinued. Inductees describe clashes with organisers and a lack of support from the beginningVideo games have long struggled with diversification and inclusivity, so it was no surprise when the Game Awards host and producer Geoff Keighley announced the Future Class programme in 2020. Its purpose was to highlight a cohort of individuals working in video games as the “bright, bold and inclusive future” of the industry.Considering the widespread reach of the annual Keighley-led show, which saw an estimated 154m livestreams last year, Future Class felt like a genuine effort. Inductees were invited to attend the illustrious December ceremony, billed as “gaming’s Oscars”, featured on the official Game Awards website, and promised networking opportunities and career advancement advice. However, the programme reportedly struggled from the start. Ove...

Politics

25 h. ago Marc Guehi set to be replaced in England squad for Albania and Serbia clashes by Chelsea star Trevoh Chalobah

CHELSEA defender Trevoh Chalobah has been called up to play for England and replace the injured Marc Guehi. Chalobah, 26, will join up with the Three Lions and former boss Thomas Tuchel for their final World Cup qualifying fixtures against Serbia and Albania. Tuchel gave Chalobah his debut at Chelsea when in charge of the...

Politics

30 h. ago Ian Botham fires new salvo at England’s lack of Ashes preparations

England to play just one intra-squad match before start of seriesTourists need more red-ball practice, says former all-rounderIan Botham has launched a fresh broadside at the decision by England to arrange just a single intra-squad match before the start of the Ashes, saying the tourists need more red ball practice in Australia and time to get used to local crowds.The last group of England’s players only arrived in Perth on Sunday, less than two weeks before the start of the first Test on 21 November. England will play the Lions on Thursday in their only Ashes warm-up. Continue reading...

Events

48 h. ago Chris Woakes highlights ‘definite bonus’ for England ahead of first Ashes Test in Australia

Chris Woakes believes one crucial decision could play into England’s hands in the upcoming Ashes

Politics

66 h. ago England injury issue could force Thomas Tuchel's hand as struggling star 'can't walk'

England play their final two World Cup qualifiers next week but Marc Guehi is a major doubt after Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner revealed the defender is currently on crutches

Events

4 d. ago Marcus Smith explains plans to quit England and play for another country

England star Marcus Smith hasn't shied away from discussing his rugby future

Politics

4 d. ago Rise of Alex Scott from ‘Guernsey Grealish’ to Tuchel’s squad – and he’s not first of his family to play for England

THOMAS TUCHEL may have overlooked Jack Grealish once again but he has handed a shock call-up to another twinkle-toed, Alice band-loving midfielder. Alex Scott was dubbed ‘the Guernsey Grealish’ at Bristol City, owing to his similar playing style and the Channel Island he calls home. Grealish even called Scott a “top, top talent” when he...

Politics

4 d. ago Jude Bellingham or Phil Foden face England axe: Thomas Tuchel announces Foden now WON'T play on the wing

Bellingham and Foden had started all seven matches England played at Euro 2024, but after the link-up initially caused excitement concern soon emerged after Foden struggled on the left wing.

Politics

7 d. ago England set to play away from Wembley as FA make decision after Thomas Tuchel atmosphere blast

ENGLAND are reportedly set to play away from Wembley during the 2028 Euros. Should they qualify for their home tournament, they will play two group matches at the venue, while also travelling for a third at another English stadium, per the Telegraph. This would mark the first time the Three Lions will have played a...

Politics

7 d. ago Bazball reminds me of Sir Alex Ferguson’s style, says Gary Neville

Brendon McCullum has instituted the no-fear Bazball style of play into England’s cricket team and Gary Neville sees echoes of Alex Ferguson’s approach

Science

1 week ago Celtic and Rangers play ultimate generation game with most unlikely set of characters

O’Neill v Rohl is part of fascinating storyline to unique edition of Old Firm clash

Politics

1 week ago Raw milk, tomahawk steak and a cuddly toy: could I handle Erling Haaland’s daily routine?

The Manchester City striker recently shared some of the things he credits with his success. Could they bring me similar glory?Raw milk, LED light treatment, tomahawk steak and a cuddly toy. They sound more suited to the conveyor belt of The Generation Game than to a Premier League star’s daily routine, but these are some of the things the Manchester City and Norway striker Erling Haaland credits with his success.Haaland recently shared the routine he believes keeps him at the top of his game on and off the pitch, but what would it do for a Guardian journalist? Could it provide a glimpse of how to match Haaland’s amazing physique, boyish appearance that belies his real age (25) and reported net worth of more than £50m? It was time to find out – for one day at least. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago England accuse Australia of illegal play at the breakdown before crunch Test

Steve Borthwick is reported to have spoken with the match referee about how Australia approach the ruck

Events

2 w. ago DAN BIGGAR: Here's the major clue Steve Borthwick has revealed about his England gameplan this autumn by picking George Ford over Fin Smith at fly

DAN BIGGAR: Steve Borthwick's decision to go for George Ford at No 10 is one that can't be argued with - and it gives big clues about how England are going to play against Australia.

Politics

2 w. ago England optimistic Sophie Ecclestone will be fit to play in World Cup semi

Following an assessment, it has been determined she has a slight injury to her sternoclavicular joint.

Politics

2 w. ago Lewis Moody 'honoured' as England icon given Twickenham role for emotional return

Lewis Moody is set to play a part in England's autumnal opener against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday, with the former Leicester Tigers and Bath flanker set for a special honour

Politics

2 w. ago Lewis Moody to make emotional Twickenham appearance before England vs Australia

Lewis Moody will play a part in England's autumn opener against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday, with a special honour awaiting the retired Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby flanker

Politics

2 w. ago Forget chocolate: This wine advent calendar is perfect for Christmas 2025

Upgrade your festive tradition with this wine advent calendar, offering a daily selection of grapes for Christmas 2025

Politics