Erling Haaland has warned England that they are fortunate to possess a talent like Jude Bellingham after the midfielder's heroics propelled the Three Lions into the World Cup semi-finals. The Manchester City striker was on the receiving end of a Bellingham masterclass as Norway were eliminated from the competition in a tense quarter-final clash. High Praise From A Former Teammate In the aftermath of England's hard-fought victory over Norway, Haaland was quick to put rivalry aside to laud the performance of his close friend and former Borussia Dortmund colleague, Bellingham. The Real Madrid star was the difference-maker on the night, netting his second consecutive brace to steer Thomas Tuchels side through to the final four. Despite the disappointment of Norway's exit, Haaland recognised that Bellingham is currently operating at a level that few in world football can match. Speaking to the media after the final whistle, Haaland made his feelings clear about the calibre of the player England have at their disposal. "Real Madrid and England are lucky to have Jude Bellingham," the Norwegian talisman admitted. Silencing The Doubters On The Big Stage Haaland also took the opportunity to address the scrutiny that Bellingham has faced regarding his output in the final third. While some have questioned whether the midfielder contributes enough goals, his performance against Norway served as a definitive answer to those concerns. "Sometimes they criticize Jude Bellingham for not scoring enough goals, but he does not deserve that criticism," Haaland said, defending the 23-year-old. "Hes a midfielder, and yet he still scores, goes forward, dribbles. Hes world class." The Ultimate Game-Changer Bellinghams influence on the pitch has reached a point where even the world's best players are queuing up to play alongside him. Haaland, who shared a telepathic understanding with the midfielder during their time together in the Bundesliga, hinted that every manager in the world would jump at the chance to have the Stourbridge-born star in their ranks. "Everyone wants Jude Bellingham on their team," Haaland noted, acknowledging the Madrid man's status as a transformative figure for both club and country. He didn't stop there, offering the ultimate validation by stating: "Hes one of the best players in the world." A Major Boost For Thomas Tuchel Beyond his goals, there was further cause for celebration for England as Bellingham managed to navigate the quarter-final without picking up a booking. Having entered the match just one yellow card away from a suspension, he played with a disciplined maturity that ensures his availability for the upcoming semi-final showdown. With yellow cards set to be cleared following the semi-final stage, Bellingham is now in the clear to feature in the final if England can overcome Argentina in the last four on Wednesday.

Picks for The British Open 2026 favorites to win ahead of the year's final major at Royal Birkdale Golf Club

Milwaukee Brewers infield prospect Andrew Fischer walks across the field during spring training workouts Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at American Family Fields of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona. | Dave Kallmann / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesThe 2026 MLB Draft kicked off earlier today, as the Chicago White Sox took UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky with the No. 1 overall pick. Milwaukee took shortstop Trey Ebel the brother of Brewers 2025 No. 32 overall pick Brady Ebel with their first pick at No. 25. For our full draft preview from Adam released earlier this week, click here. For Daves mock draft roundup from this morning, click here.Well be keeping track of each Brewers pick as they happen, so stay tuned here for updates as the draft continues through Sunday.Day 1:Rd. 1, No. 25: Trey Ebel, SS, Corona HS (CA)Rd. 2, No. 66: Sawyer Strosnider, OF, TCURd. 3, No. 102: Kyle Jones, OF, University of FloridaRd. 4, No. 130: Julian Garcia, RHP, St. John Bosco HS (CA)Day 2:Rd. 5, No. 163: Aidan Knaak, RHP, ClemsonRd. 6, No. 192: Ryan Oshinskie, RHP, BrownRd. 7, No. 221: Grant Hill, RHP, Chelsea HS (AL)Rd. 8, No. 251: Kellan Tom, 1B, Corona del Sol HS (AZ)Rd. 9, No. 281: Chase Mora, RHP, Texas StateRd. 10, No. 311: Andrew Gaines, RHP, Saint JosephsRd. 11, No. 341: Gavin Perry, RHP, Western KentuckyRd. 12, No. 371: Marcus Kruzan, RHP, MinnesotaRd. 13, No. 401: Carson Hart, OF, Mankato East HS (MN)Rd. 14, No. 431: Daunte Bell II, LHP, Millikan HS (CA)Rd. 15, No. 461:Rd. 16, No. 491:Rd. 17, No. 521:Rd. 18, No. 551:Rd. 19, No. 581:Rd. 20, No. 601:

Somehow, yes, it's true: for the first time in World Cup history, the four remaining teams are also the top four teams in FIFA's rankings. The tournament has been around since 1930, and even with an expanded 48-team field designed to create more unpredictability, the final four is as chalk as it gets. No. 1 France plays No. 3 Spain in Dallas on Tuesday, while No. 2 Argentina faces No. 4 England in Atlanta on Wednesday. No matter who wins, well be rewarded with a dream final. That got us thinking: while there aren't perfect like-for-like comparisons in college football, there are enough similarities that these four World Cup semifinalists resemble some recent College Football Playoff teams. Heres our best run at it: France is Ohio State: Les Bleus have two World Cup titles, winning on home soil in 1998 and then 20 years later in Russia in 2018. This marks France's eighth World Cup semifinal appearance. Four years ago, it finished as runner-up after losing to Argentina in the greatest final in tournament history, an epic match decided by a penalty shootout. France regularly produces world-class talent, and its players star for Europe's biggest clubs. Its attack is powered by a three-headed monster of Kylian Mbapp, Ousmane Dembl and Michael Olise, while an elite defense has conceded few goals throughout this summers tournament. The program also has had stability under manager Didier Deschamps, who has been in charge since 2012 (though 2026 will be his final World Cup with the squad). Ohio State always attracts the top recruiting classes and consistently develops top NFL talent. The Buckeyes won the national championship in 2024, and are tied for the most CFP appearances since the inaugural four-team field in 2014. And, like France, they enter nearly every season as a legitimate contender. Expectations aren't just high they're championship or bust. Argentina is Alabama (during the Nick Saban years): Argentina is the gold standard of international soccer, much like Alabama was during the Nick Saban era. La Albiceleste has been the sports most dominant force over the past five years, winning the 2021 and 2024 Copa Amrica titles while sandwiching a World Cup trophy in 2022 behind Lionel Messi. The Argentines refuse to be beaten. They thrive in pressure moments as has been particularly evident throughout the knockout rounds at this World Cup and thats because of the championship mentality thats deeply ingrained in the programs culture. That's what made Alabama a dynasty under Saban. The Crimson Tide didn't just stockpile elite talent they expected to win every game and often did. Like Argentina, they were the measuring stick by which every other team compared themselves. The fan bases share similarities, too. They're loud, passionate and unwavering, and love to dance and sing. Theyre confident, too, which is a byproduct of their teams success. Spain is Georgia: This comparison is more about where the programs are right now than their all-time history. Spain and Georgia are some of the hottest teams in their respective sports. Theyre ruthless, relentless and seemingly have an endless pipeline of talent. When a star moves on, another rises from Spains academy system or Georgias top-ranked recruiting class. Spain are the reigning European champions and have looked like the best team in the world for a while. They have Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Mikel Oyarzabal, but their defense has been dominant at this World Cup. La Roja have conceded just one goal in their quarterfinal against Belgium thanks to a backline anchored by center backs Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubars, with Unai Simon providing steadiness in goal. Georgia won back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, and Spain is hoping to lift the World Cup trophy after most recently winning the 2024 Euros. The Bulldogs may be more known for their size and physicality, while La Roja overwhelms opponents with technical ability and flair, but both programs have become dominant forces that reload every year. England is Texas: Both England and Texas enter every season or every major tournament thinking this is their time. Its always "it's coming home" and "were back." And yet, the Three Lions havent won a World Cup in 60 years, while the Longhorns havent claimed a national title since the 2005 season. Theres so much hope and rightfully so but also so much heartbreak and disappointment. These programs are defined by their rich history, tradition and brands. They dominate headlines whether theyre winning or not, and every loss becomes a national conversation. They have long-time, wide-spread and loyal supporters who are anxious for their team to regain their place at the top. And they have mega stars like Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane for England and Arch Manning at Texas. However, both teams have shown signs that they might be over the hump. England has reached four World Cup semifinals, including in two of the last three tournaments. Texas has made it to consecutive CFP semifinals, though it missed out last season. Both teams appear poised to change the narrative, with the Three Lions looking like they could defeat Argentina and make it to the World Cup final, and the Longhorns re-establishing themselves as annual championship contenders.

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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