Spain will take on France in the first semifinal next week, while England and Argentina will face each other in the second semifinal, but what's the dream final?

The Bazball era is officially over. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Sunday sacked Brendon McCullum as head coach of the men's Test team, days after Ben Stokes retired from international cricket. The end of one of the most talked-about partnerships in modern Test cricket follows a disappointing 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia and a 2-1 home series loss to New Zealand, bringing the curtain down on a four-year revolution that changed England's cricketing identity.For four years, England under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes made Test cricket feel anything but predictable. Conventional wisdom was discarded. Draws became unacceptable. Fourth-innings chases became opportunities rather than impossible missions. Every declaration, every field setting and almost every shot challenged cricket's oldest beliefs.When McCullum walked into the dressing room in May 2022, England were broken. They had won just one of their previous 17 Tests, Joe Root had stepped down as captain, confidence had evaporated and the Ashes humiliation in Australia had exposed deep cracks.McCullum didn't promise miracles. He simply asked England to stop fearing failure. The result was a cultural shift that became one of cricket's biggest talking points.The Numbers of the Bazball eraMatches: 49, Won: 27, Lost: 20, Draw: 2, Win Percentage: 55.1%England never accepted draws. Only two Tests ended without a result in nearly four yearsBefore Bazball: A Team Searching for HopeEngland entered the summer of 2022 ranked near the bottom of the World Test Championship standings. Their batting looked fragile, bowlers lacked support, and every defeat seemed to deepen the crisis. Rob Key's appointments of Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes weren't merely coaching and captaincy changes, they were a complete reset of mindset.2022: The Birth of a RevolutionNew Zealand (Home) Won 3-0Three Tests. Three fourth-innings chases. Joe Root rediscovered freedom. Jonny Bairstow became unstoppable. England chased targets of 277, 299 and 296 with an aggression rarely seen in Test cricket. Suddenly, 250-plus chases no longer felt extraordinary.India (Home)The postponed fifth Test from due to COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 produced perhaps Bazball's greatest victory. Chasing 378, England barely looked troubled. Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow shared an unbeaten 269-run partnership to complete England's highest successful chase in Test history and level the series 2-2. It became Bazball's manifesto.South Africa (Home)South Africa handed McCullum his first defeat at Lord's. Instead of panic, England responded by winning the next two Tests convincingly.Pakistan (Away)Perhaps the greatest overseas achievement of the era. England became the first visiting team ever to whitewash Pakistan 3-0 in Pakistan. England's Bazball approach rewrote the Test record books with its ultra-aggressive batting. On the opening day against Pakistan in 2022, England scored 506 runs in 75 overs at a remarkable run rate of 6.75, breaking the previous day-one record of 494 set by Australia in 1910. The innings featured several milestones, including England's highest first-session total (174), the country's fastest opening century stand (83 balls) and fastest opening double-century partnership (181 balls), while Zak Crawley and Harry Brook also registered record-breaking rapid centuries.However, the philosophy has also had its downsides. Ben Stokes has occasionally paid the price for relentless attacking intent by getting out cheaply, while England's batters have continued to push the boundaries of innovation, with players like Joe Root introducing unconventional strokes such as the reverse-ramp against fast bowlers and even batting left-handed in certain situations. 2023: Bazball Meets Its Biggest ExaminationThe 2023 away Test series between England and New Zealand ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw after New Zealand pulled off one of the greatest fightbacks in cricket history. The two-match series took place in February 2023 across Mount Maunganui and Wellington. England won 1st test by 267 runs. Relying on their aggressive "Bazball" strategy, England declared early in both innings (325/9d and 374). Stuart Broad and James Anderson then tore through the hosts' batting lineup under the lights to hand England a dominant victory. New Zealand won 2nd test by just 1 runs. New Zealand won by 1 run. England posted a massive 435/8d and enforced the follow-on after bowling the hosts out for 209. However, New Zealand roared back with 483 runs in their second innings, setting England a target of 258. In a heart-stopping finale, Neil Wagner dismissed James Anderson to bowl England out for 257, making New Zealand only the fourth team ever to win a Test match after following on. The Ashes: Glory Without the UrnThe biggest test of England was to win the Ashes which they won last in 2015, but England lost the opening two Tests. Many believed the Ashes were over. Instead, they fought back to level the series 2-2. But Australia retained the urn. 2024: Reality ArrivesIf 2022 represented possibility and 2023 represented belief, 2024 exposed Bazball's limitations.India Away (Lost 1-4)England shocked India by winning in Hyderabad. Ollie Pope's magnificent 196 looked like another famous Bazball chapter.Instead, India adapted. Despite England's aggressive "Bazball" strategy earning them an early lead, India dominated the remainder of the series and won the series 4-1. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored back-to-back double centuries. India's spinners and relentless pressure turned the series around. James Anderson's FarewellThe West Indies series ended 3-0. Yet the most emotional moment belonged to James Anderson. After 704 Test wickets, England's greatest fast bowler walked away. It also symbolised the gradual transition from England's old guard to McCullum's new generation.2025: Cracks Become VisibleVictories against Zimbabwe and New Zealand could not hide bigger concerns. England again failed against elite opposition. India dominated another major series ending in a 2-2 draw. Australia dismantled England 4-1 in the Ashes. 2026: The EndThe final chapter was perhaps the most difficult. England lost at home to New Zealand. Ben Stokes retired. Shortly afterwards, Brendon McCullum stepped away from the Test side, ending one of cricket's most remarkable coaching partnerships.World Test Championship JourneyWTC CycleFinal / Current PositionEngland's Performance & Context202120234thFinished with a 46.97% points percentage (PCT). England began the cycle in dismal form, winning just one of their first 17 Tests before the arrival of Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes. The Bazball revolution sparked a dramatic turnaround, with England winning 11 of their final 22 Tests to climb from the bottom half of the table to fourth, narrowly missing out on a place in the WTC Final.202320255thEnded the cycle with a 43.18% PCT. England registered 10 wins, eight defeats and one draw, but their campaign was heavily impacted by a 19-point deduction for slow over-rates during the 2023 Ashes. 20252027 (Current)7thCurrently sits 7th with a 24.36% PCT. England's hopes have taken a major hit following a 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia and a 2-1 home series loss to New Zealand in June 2026. With Ben Stokes retiring and Brendon McCullum departing as Test coach.Why It Ultimately Fell ShortFor all its brilliance, Bazball left two major blanks on its resume. No Ashes victory.No Test series win against India.England thrilled the world, but against the two strongest Test nations of the era, the formula repeatedly came up short.

England fans have been left sweating over the fitness of Jude Bellingham after the Real Madrid midfielder was seen clutching his shoulder during the World Cup quarter-final against Norway. Despite undergoing corrective surgery in the past, the 23-year-old appeared to be in significant discomfort during and after an outing in Miami. Alarm Bells Ringing For The Three Lions In the midst of a tense World Cup quarter-final clash at the Hard Rock Stadium, a familiar sight struck fear into the hearts of England supporters. Bellingham was caught on camera repeatedly grimacing and clutching his left shoulder after a robust challenge. The medical staff were seen watching closely from the dugout as Bellingham attempted to shake off the pain. While Tuchel and his coaching staff were busy delivering tactical instructions during a scheduled 30th-minute hydration break, Bellingham was seen in deep conversation with the team physio, pointing specifically to the joint. Bellingham was again seen touching his shoulder as he was about to be interviewed after the game. Watch The Clip History Of Playing Through The Pain The England international has previously spoken about his regrets regarding the management of the joint. Before his summer operation, he admitted that he had played through the pain for a significant period to avoid missing key fixtures for both club and country. The psychological impact was also evident, with the midfielder previously stating that the fear of re-injury had prevented him from playing at his world-class best. "The shoulder injury had a lot of effect on the rest of my body. I didn't have much pain, but playing knowing that if I fall it could come out again meant I couldn't be at my best level. Last year made me understand that I couldn't take winning again for granted. Now I'm better physically and I can return to being at my level," he explained. Argentina And Messi Await In Atlanta The road to glory does not get any easier for the Three Lions, as a titan of the game stands in their way. Having secured their passage to the semi-finals, England will now travel to Atlanta to face Lionel Messi and Argentina. The medical staff will now be working around the clock to ensure Bellingham is fit to face the 39-year-old Messi. With nine of his 12 England goals coming in major tournaments, Bellingham is undeniably the "Man of all the Moments" for Tuchel.

With the All-Star break here, it is time to reload your roster for the stretch run with these high-impact waiver wire targets

Tensions boiled over at Camden Yards on Sunday afternoon. As a result, Baltimore Orioles third baseman Blaze Alexander is entering the All-Star break with a broken hand.Alexander was struck in the left hand by a pitch late in the Orioles 8-2 win over the Kansas City Royals, which sparked a brief but tense benches-clearing incident. The team confirmed after the game that he suffered a non-displaced fracture in his left hand.Specifics on how long hell be sidelined are not yet known.It hurts, but also he has a good attitude about it, manager Craig Albernaz said after the game.Alexander was hit in the left hand by Royals reliever Lucas Erceg in the seventh inning of the contest, and he wasnt happy about it. As he started walking toward first, words were exchanged between the two. That quickly led to both teams rushing out onto the field and Alexander being held back.Benches and bullpens emptied between the Orioles and Royals after Blaze Alexander was plunked by Lucas Erceg pic.twitter.com/BNYAUBJhm4 Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) July 12, 2026Nothing really came of the moment, and the game quickly resumed normally once the two teams were separated and went back to their respective dugouts.I dont know what Blaze said, Erceg said, via MLBs Jake Rill. A couple guys told me it was something about the quick pitch. But I mean, like I was telling him after I hit him, no ill intent there. Was just trying to pitch. I quick pitch to a lot of guys. Especially with two-strike counts. So I mean, I lost it a little bit up and in."Alexander holds a career-high .312 batting average with four home runs and 29 RBI this season. The 27-year-old was traded to Baltimore this past offseason in a deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks.Despite losing Alexander, the Orioles still had no issue cruising to the six-run win. The victory, their fourth straight, sends them into the All-Star break with a 46-51 record. That has them tied for last in the AL East standings, more than 10 games back from the Tampa Bay Rays.

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Bellingham Leading England's Charge Is England midfielder and 2026 World Cup star Jude Bellingham the English GOAT? Such a thought comes in the wake of another masterclass from the Real Madrid midfielder, who is now Englands joint-top 2026 World Cup scorer alongside Harry Kane with six goals. Bellinghams impact has been undeniable, particularly in the high-pressure environment of the knockout rounds. Following his two-goal performance in the 3-2 victory over Mexico in the round of 16, he achieved a feat not seen for decades by scoring twice again in the 2-1 victory over Norway, further cementing his status as one of the world's premier talents. His ability to produce match-winning moments on the biggest stage has led many to wonder just how high the youngster's ceiling can be. Matching Maradona And Breaking Records Bellingham is the first player to score twice in consecutive knockout stage games at a single World Cup since Diego Maradona achieved the feat for Argentina in 1986. With six goals in the current edition, he has joined an elite group of England players including Lineker himself in 1986 and Kane in 2018 and 2026 to score at least five goals in a single tournament. Nine of Bellingham's 12 international goals have now come at major tournaments, highlighting his knack for performing when the stakes are highest. Speaking on 'The Rest is Football' on Netflix, ex-England striker Lineker was unequivocal about the midfielder's trajectory. "I would go as far as to say I think there's a chance that I think he could well be, or end up being, England's greatest ever footballer. And that is a big shout," he said. Entering The Bracket Of Charlton And Kane Lineker acknowledged that England has produced world-class talent throughout its history, but noted that Bellingham possesses a rare combination of leadership and technical ability. Since making his international debut against Ireland in 2020, the midfielder has earned 54 caps and scored 12 goals for the Three Lions, helping England reach consecutive Euro finals in 2020 and 2024. Lineker placed the Madrid star alongside the likes of 1966 hero Bobby Charlton and current captain Kane while discussing the hierarchy of English football's legends. "We've had some really great players. Some of them have not necessarily done it for their country, others have," Lineker explained. "Go back to people like Bobby Charlton, obviously, I would say would have to be up there. You would put Harry Kane in that bracket and there are other players as well, but I think at this age, to be doing what he's doing and to grabbing England by the scruff and getting them over the line, that is a superstar." Eyes On The Semifinal Showdown Bellinghams heroics against Norway have set up a mouth-watering semifinal clash against Argentina, providing the midfielder with another opportunity to bolster his growing legend. The Birmingham City academy graduate is determined to capitalize on his stellar form to lead England to their first World Cup final since winning their sole title in 1966.

Argentina may be the reigning champs and have the greatest to ever do it in Lionel Messi, but they are a ways off from the top spot

So far, the tenure of Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan has been a smashing success. There have been some mistakes, but Morgan has far more hits than misses so farincluding the first two big moves that he made after taking over the front office.Those would be the massive contracts he handed out in free agency to left guard Damien Lewis (four years, $53 million) and right guard Robert Hunt (five years, $100 million) in 2024. Together, they have solidified the interior of a unit that is the strongest on the roster right now.Even though Hunt only appeared in two games last season due to a pectoral injury, he's still impressed enough since joining Carolina to earn an honorable mention in ESPN's top-10 interior lineman rankings.Senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowlerwho polled league executives and coaches for the listincluded the following quote on Hunt from an NFC scout:"He's not in the elite group, but as a run-game mauler, there aren't many better. He just wasn't healthy last year."Hunt didn't play enough snaps in 2025 to qualify, but the blurb checks out. In 2024, Hunt earned a 57.5 grade in pass blocking from Pro Football Focus to go with a much stronger 72.0 in run blocking. He'd earn his first Pro Bowl nod that year.In any case, Hunt is clearly established as one of the game's best guardsand with another high-quality season, Lewis should be joining him in that conversation soon.Follow@ThePanthersWireon Twitter/X for more Panthers content.This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers star earns honorable mention in ESPN rankings after disappointing 2025 season

Kane Backs Tuchel's Pursuit Of Perfection Superstar English striker Harry Kane has insisted that manager Thomas Tuchels strong criticism of the teams World Cup performance against Norway was driven by a desire to see their training ground excellence translate into matchdays. While the Three Lions secured a 2-1 win thanks to a Jude Bellingham brace, Tuchel was vocal about his dissatisfaction with the display, describing the team as "lucky" and citing a lack of speed and technical composure. Kane believes the manager is simply trying to maintain high standards ahead of a semifinal clash with Argentina. Speaking on the manager's approach, Kane said: "When he sees us train, and sees the closeness and what we can do, especially with the players we have, the way we attack, our one-on-ones and the skills he just wants to see that version of us. He knows as much as anyone that its not as simple as that, were playing against good opposition and good teams. Hes trying to drag it out of us, and we know ourselves we have another level that we can reach." Three Lions Searching For Top Gear Despite Englands progress to the semifinals for the fourth time in their history having won the title in 1966 and finishing fourth in 1990 and 2018 there is a growing consensus within the camp that they are yet to produce a complete 90-minute performance. Kane admitted that the team has struggled for total control during their run in North America, suggesting that the best is still to come from a star-studded squad. The Bayern Munich striker said: "We havent seen that [best level] yet. Weve shown it in glimpses. Against Norway it was in glimpses. We havent had full control that we would like, and I feel we can have. But, at this stage of the tournament, you are playing against the best teams in the world. Well be playing against one of the best teams in the world in the semifinal." Bellingham Creates Friction With Reaction Tuchels blunt criticism of the performance did not sit well with Bellingham, who dismissed it by saying, "Yeah, well, whatever," and later adding, "Maybe he doesnt know what its like to play in those kind of conditions against Erling Haaland, [Martin] Odegaard, [Antonio] Nusa, [Alexander] Sorloth." The Real Madrid star pointed to Miami's difficult conditions as a major factor. Kane was quick to play down any potential rift, focusing instead on the team's resilience and Bellingham's vital contribution. Both Kane and Bellingham now have six goals each in the tournament's top scorer race, trailing only Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbapp (eight goals) and Erling Haaland (seven goals). Speaking on the performance, Kane stated: "The most pleasing thing is that we are in a semifinal, and we still feel like we can improve. I dont think it is something to get really over the top about. We are showing a lot of good things the way the boys defended as a team against Norway, the way we attacked we still had some really good moments. And Jude stepped up for us with another couple of goals." Focus Shifts To Argentina Semifinal Tuchels specific complaints centered on England's inability to beat the high press and their lack of penetration in the final third. The German coach suggested his players were "overthinking" in possession, leading to missed opportunities. With a monumental semifinal against Argentina looming in Atlanta, the pressure is on to find a solution to these tactical frustrations. Looking ahead, Kane remained optimistic about England's chances of reaching another final. "This has been an extremely successful era of our national team, getting to the semifinals and finals, and we want to get over the line. That is the missing piece now. Weve been together for six weeks and shown every bit of desire for the badge. Were going to need an even bigger push now for the last week or so," the captain concluded.