Keely Hodgkinson was forced to settle for European silver as Switzerland's Audrey Werro denied the Briton a third consecutive title in a thrilling women's 800m final in Birmingham.The most eagerly anticipated event of the championships culminated in the expected three-way battle for supremacy between Hodgkinson, Swiss 22-year-old Werro and Dutch star Femke Broeders-Bol in front of a captivated sellout crowd of 23,000 inside Alexander Stadium.Seeking to reassert her dominance in the event, Olympic champion Hodgkinson was roared on in pursuit of Werro by her home support but was unable to overhaul her new rival in the closing stages.Having this season become the fastest athlete since the world record was set 43 years ago, Werro finished strong to land her first senior international title in a championship record one minute 54.81 seconds."Mixed emotions," Hodgkinson told the BBC."I think with that level of competition, any medal is a really good achievement and another one to add to my collection, so I can never be disappointed with that. But I'm defending champion, so I wanted to do that."I knew it was going to come down to the wire but I really thought I was going to win today. "It wasn't meant to be. I didn't do anything wrong - it was just one of those things."While not the medal Hodgkinson had hoped for, silver represented the 24-year-old's 12th senior international medal since she claimed her first as a teenager at the European Indoor Championships five years ago.Hodgkinson allowed Werro to take charge on the opening lap before attempting to make her move on the final bend - just as the Swiss had done to her when she prevailed in Stockholm in June - but her rival would not relent.Her silver, in 1:55.01, was the British team's 10th medal in five days at their home championships, after Zharnel Hughes earlier took silver in the men's 200m.Hughes, world 100m bronze medallist in 2023, led coming off the bend but was overhauled by Germany's fast-finishing Owen Ansah, who took victory in 19.95 seconds.'Mixed emotions' for Hodgkinson as Werro wins 800m European gold - reactionThe team behind Hodgkinson's golden rise and the hunt for a world recordEuropean Championships medal table & GB medallistsWerro ruins Hodgkinson's European treble bidWerro's triumph was all the more impressive given she suffered a nasty fall in her semi-final on Thursday, before later being reinstated into the final.Replays showed the left hand of France's Anais Bourgoin had clipped Werro's right foot. But, clutching her chest in pain as she jogged across the line, she still faced a race against time to recover.That drama led to a congested 10-athlete final - but, despite Briton Jemma Reekie's best efforts, there only ever appeared three contenders for gold.Hodgkinson, who twice beat Werro during the indoor season - including to win her first world title - was stunned when the European under-23 champion surged past her at the Stockholm Diamond League in June and produced the first sub-1:54 clocking since 1983.Hodgkinson, who achieved the first major outdoor title of her career at the European Championships in 2022 before retaining the title in Rome two years ago, vowed not to allow that to happen again.But Werro crashed her bid to become the first British woman to win three consecutive European titles in the same event, proving she will be a force to be reckoned with on athletics' biggest stages over the coming years.Hodgkinson can also expect Broeders-Bol, third in 1:55.54, to only improve with World Championship gold up for grabs next year, following the rapid progress made by the two-time world 400m hurdles champion since switching events this season.

It's time topunch another ticket to the Little League World Series.\nDarien, Connecticut takes on Bayonne Central from New Jersey on Friday, Aug. 14 for the Metro region championship and a spot in Williamsport.\nThis is a rematch of their first game against each other to begin regional tournament; New Jersey won that contest 8-2 on Aug. 8.\nConnecticut has played with its back against the wall for much of the summer, surviving seven elimination games. They have persevered to reach their first regional final since 1961.\nNew Jersey, on the other hand, has been dominant. After their win over Connecticut, they beat New York 12-2. New Jersey last made the Little League World Series in 2021 when Toms River was representing the Garden State.\nNow, it's a winner-take-all rematch. Follow along for the latest live updates from the game, with first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, Friday, Aug. 14 in Bristol, Connecticut:\n How to watch 2026 Little League World Series Metro Region Championship \nDate: Aug. 14Time: 7 p.m. ETTV: ESPNStream: ESPN+ and FuboLocation: Bristol, ConnecticutTeams: Connecticut (Darien LL) vs. New Jersey (Bayonne Central LL)\n Watch LLWS games with Fubo \nLittle League World Series schedule, bracket\n Dates : Aug. 19-30 TV : ESPN | ESPN2 | ABC Stream : ESPN+ and Fubo Location : Williamsport, Pennsylvania \n United States Regions \n Great Lakes Metro Mid-Atlantic Midwest Mountain New England Northwest Southeast Southwest West \n International Regions \n Asia-Pacific Australia Canada Caribbean Curacao Europe & Africa Japan Latin America Mexico Panama \nThis article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Connecticut vs New Jersey LLWS Metro Region Championship: Live updates, where to watch

Yordan Alvarez has a strong chance to take home his first-ever American League MVP award. The 29-year-old Houston Astros slugger has posted a ridiculous .322 batting average, .436 on-base percentage and 1.057 OPS, all of which lead the entire MLB. He also leads the entire American League in runs scored with 80, hits with 140, home runs with 35 and RBIs with 87. He is the biggest reason why Houston enters Friday hanging on to first place in the American League West. MORE: 11-year MLB veteran chooses retirement instead of joining AstrosAlvarez played just 48 games in 2025, leading to the Astros missing out on the playoffs, so his impact on this team is undeniable.However, even some of the leagues best hitters go through stretches where they lose their stride, and Alvarez is in one right now. While he has remained a productive hitter over the past 13 games, he has not hit a home run since July, one of the longest droughts he has experienced this year. As a result, Alvarez decided to find his swing again by participating in on-field batting practice ahead of Fridays series opener against the Seattle Mariners, a rarity for him according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic.This is an important series for the Astros as they can continue to widen the gap between them and the division rival Mariners with a series win, and Alvarez clearly knows the stakes.Whether or not the extra work makes a difference remains to be seen, but for a player of his caliber the willingness to put in the extra time when things are not going perfectly is exactly the kind of competitive edge that separates good players from great ones. Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter

The Chargers have completed their first preseason game, defeating the Texans 27-7 on Thursday evening. With a number of players sitting out for rest and a handful flashing in Houston this week, most of LAs 53-man roster is actually already set.Lets go through who on the Chargers roster is a lock to be on the team in Week 1 when the Bolts face the Cardinals.Quarterback: Justin Herbert (1)Before Thursday, backup quarterback Trey Lance would have joined Herbert on this list, and maybe he should still be on here. But Lance was up and down in his half plus one drive against Houston, opening up just enough room in the QB2 competition for DJ Uiagalelei to overtake him. Its also possible the Chargers will look externally for their backup quarterback, as they did when they traded for Taylor Heinicke at the cut deadline in 2024. While Lance probably still has the inside track, its not as easy to guarantee his place on the team as it was previously.Running Back: Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell, Alec Ingold (FB), Kimani Vidal (4)Hampton, Mitchell, and Ingold all sat out Thursdays game, which was likely an expected outcome for Hampton - the Chargers presumed RB1 - and Ingold - who offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel brought from Miami. Mitchells rest day is notable, however, as it likely means hes in the lead for RB2 duties as of right now. Vidal started on Thursday but didnt play a ton, and theres a clear tier break between him and Jaret Patterson or Amar Johnson, so hes still a lock for the roster after leading the Chargers in rushing last season.Wide Receiver: Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Tre Harris, Brenen Thompson (4)Were not including KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Derius Davis here, who are the next two wide receivers on the depth chart and the only other ones with a realistic chance of making the roster. Lambert-Smith had a quiet start to camp but led all receivers with 4 receptions and was second among all receivers with 58 yards on Thursday, bolstering his case to make the 53. Davis did not contribute on offense, but he appears to still have the inside track to win the punt returner job, which could push Lambert-Smith off the roster if the Chargers limit themselves to 5 on the final roster. The top four here are clear, however, and all should be expected to carry a significant load on offense.Tight End: Charlie Kolar, David Njoku, Oronde Gadsden II (3)This room is essentially solidified, even if Gadsden played the first quarter on Thursday. LA gave Kolar a hefty contract in free agency and seem to think theyll get commensurate value from the veteran Njoku in addition to Gadsden, who burst on the scene as a fifth-round rookie last season. After Gadsden on the depth chart are Scott Matlock, who the team is now experimenting with at offensive tackle, and H-back Johnny Pascuzzi, a rookie undrafted free agent.Offensive Line: Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt, Tyler Biadasz, Cole Strange, Kayode Awosika, Jake Slaughter, Trey Pipkins III, Travis Burke (8)No explanation necessary for Slater, Alt, or Biadasz, who will anchor the line this season. Strange got a modest deal in free agency but has taken essentially all of the first-team reps at right guard, so no surprise there either. Left guard is the unsettled spot, with Awosika, Slaughter, Pipkins, Trevor Penning, and Branson Taylor still in the mix to start. One of those players wont make the roster at all with how the numbers work out, but that obviously wont be Slaughter - the teams second-round pick this April - and likely wont be Pipkins, who will be the swing tackle if not the starting left guard. Burke is also a lock as a rookie fourth-rounder who acquitted himself well at tackle on Thursday. Awosika played two drives on Thursday, signaling that he leads in the left guard competition and will make the roster even if someone else winds up overtaking them. That leaves Penning and Taylor to compete with rookie sixth-rounders Logan Taylor and Alex Harkey for one or two spots to fill out the group.Defensive Line: Teair Tart, Dalvin Tomlinson, Jamaree Caldwell, Justin Eboigbe, Nick Barrett (5)Another group thats basically set here, given that Tart, Caldwell, and Eboigbe all contributed for the Chargers last season and Tomlinson signed on as a veteran free agent to play nose tackle. Barretts selection in the fifth round finished the room up in April, but TeRah Edwards, Jahmeer Carter, and Jacobian Guillory all flashed on Thursday and will be in a heated competition for spots on the practice squad.EDGE: Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Akheem Mesidor, Bud Dupree (4)Mack, Tuipulotu, and Mesidor have been locks all offseason, but the fact that Dupree got a rest day on Thursday solidified that hes not going anywhere either despite his struggles as a rusher last season. The Chargers seem to like what they get from the veteran as a run defender last season and may just lessen his pass-rushing role with Mesidor now in the fold. The real question here is if LA keeps a fifth edge rusher and if so, who that player is. Neither 2025 fourth-rounder Kyle Kennard nor undrafted rookie Nadame Tucker were particularly impactful on Thursday after entering as the two favorites to earn that additional spot.Linebacker: Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman, Troy Dye, DelShawn Phillips (4)Henley and Perryman got the night off on Thursday, as expected with that duo expected to be stalwarts on the Chargers defense come Week 1. Dye and Phillips were the starting duo on Thursday and both have core four special teams value, so theyre both going to be on the roster as well. (Dye has also been a serviceable third linebacker the past couple of seasons.) The assumption is that LA will keep 5, however, which leaves a battle between 2025 undrafted free agent Marlowe Wax and 2024 third-rounder Junior Colson, who were the duo on Thursday after Dye and Phillips exited. Wax took the green dot as the defensive signal-caller, which could signal that hes a little bit further ahead.Cornerback: Derwin James Jr., Tarheeb Still, Cam Hart, Donte Jackson, Deane Leonard (5)Were counting James as a corner since he will play so much in the nickel, but move him to safety if youd rather count him in his traditional position. Still is LAs bona fide CB1 on the outside, with Hart and Jackson competing for the CB2 job on the other side. Leonard started on Thursday and is a core special teamer, so he is likely safe when considering the drop-off between him and the next group of players. LA may keep six corners (or ten defensive backs, if youd rather), in which case the Chargers have a dead heat between Nikko Reed, Eric Rogers, and undrafted rookie Avery Smith on their hands.Safety: Elijah Molden, Tony Jefferson, Genesis Smith, RJ Mickens (4)Molden is an obvious starter, so his absence on Thursday should not have come as a surprise. But Jefferson also got the night off, a sign that hes finally safe after being cut at the deadline the last two years and working his way back onto the active roster both times. Smith and Mickens are both young players competing for playing time and special teams snaps, with Mickens perhaps slightly less secure by virtue of draft capital (Smith was a fourth-rounder, Mickens a sixth-rounder). If LA chooses to keep a fifth safety as their tenth defensive back, itll be Kendall Williamson, who made the roster last season because of his value on special teams.Specialists: Cameron Dicker, JK Scott, Josh Harris (3)No surprises here. Dicker and Scott have no competition on the roster, while Harris got to sit out on Thursday because the Chargers signed long snapper Peter Bowden to handle the preseason and hang around as a standby option if Harris gets injured at some point.This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers 53-man roster: 45 locks after first preseason game

Keely Hodgkinson came up just short of a coveted European 800 metres title hat-trick after Swiss favourite Audrey Werro won their hotly-anticipated showdown in Birmingham as the British Olympic champion settled for silver.The Briton started quicker, but was overtaken by Werro on the back straight and could not be caught after the first 200m.Double-defending champion Hodgkinson was just behind as they rounded the final bend, but Werro maintained her advantage to cross the finish in a championship record of one minute, 54.81 seconds.Hodgkinson claimed silver in 1min 55.01secs and the Netherlands Femke Broeders-Bol took bronze in a national record 1:55.54."A bit of mixed emotions. I think with that level of competition any medal is a good achievement, so another one to add to my collection," Hodgkinson told the BBC."I can never be disappointed with that, but I am defending champion so I wanted to do that.""I knew it was going to come down to the wire and I really thought I was going to win today, but I guess it just wasn't meant to be. I didn't do anything wrong, it's just one of those things."Werro, who like Hodgkinson is targeting the 43-year-old women's 800m world record, has enjoyed a spectacular season, flawless outdoors before beating Hodgkinson in Stockholm to move third on the women's 800m all-time list, then lowered her personal best to 1:53.80 in late June in Paris.But the 22-year-old Swiss athlete's fitness was uncertain after a hard fall in her semi-final and her controversial reinstatement to the final following an appeal.The incident also took down Lithuania's Gabija Galvydyte, who was also reinstated, making it a 10-woman final.Two-time world 400m hurdles champion Broeders-Bol entered Birmingham with just four professional 800m races under her belt, having debuted at the Ostrava Golden Spike in June and was a dark horse.With Anais Bourgoin, who set a new French record that same month, also in the mix, the final featured the four fastest women at 800m this year. The fifth, Hodgkinson's training partner Georgia Hunter Bell, is focusing on the 1500m in Birmingham.Werro had enjoyed a smooth season until her semi-final fall, whereas Hodgkinson's had taken a very different trajectory.That Stockholm shock was Hodgkinson's first race of an outdoor season that got off to a delayed start due to a hamstring issue. Despite the defeat, the Briton still lowered her own national record to 1:54.33.She then tearfully pulled out of the 400m final at the British trials with hamstring tightness and had a freak fall of her own before the Prefontaine Classic.It resulted in cuts and swelling so severe she said she could not even walk for a few days.Earlier, Hughes had to settle for silver in the men's 200m final after he was overtaken by Owen Ansah in the final quarter.Ansah became the first German to dip under 20 seconds as he clinched gold with a time of 19.95, while Hughes followed him home in 20.16s and the bronze medal was shared by Fausto Desalu and Timothe Mumenthaler.Ansah is a controversial winner as he faces possible sanctions by the National Anti Doping Agency of Germany for alleged whereabouts failures, but the German has denied any wrongdoing.Hughes' silver takes Great Britain to 10 medals in Birmingham, joint-most with Italy, who are top of the table with five golds to the host's four.

Banking on hyper-efficiency is almost always a thin bet.Sometimes it works. Sometimes you find an undervalued player in the middle of final rounds of your various fantasy drafts who turns limited opportunity into a an embarrassment of statistical riches (almost) every Sunday. That's nice. It'll make you feel like a god dang genius too. It's also, to reiterate, not a great bet.This is a long and overwrought way of saying a team's offensive snap volume matters. Sometimes, if that play volume is extremely high or extremely low, it matters a lot, probably more than you would like because maybe you see fantasy football as a game based entirely on identifying talent. That's part of it. But ours is a game within a game; offensive environment including the numbers of snaps and drop backs and rushes a team has every week drives the opportunity that makes or breaks a player's season. My longtime friend and excellent fantasy analyst Patrick Thorman has been singing this song since the zoomers were in diapers. You'll read Pat's stuff if you know what's good for you.GET YOUR FREE ROTOWORLD FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFT KIT HERE!Below is a quick look at every teams' 2025 offensive snaps totals. The league leaders benefited from what amounts to an extra two games worth of offensive plays compared to the bottom dwellers. That sort of thing matters quite a bit in fantasy football.And here's a look at teams' offensive play counts with a lead in 2025. This, like overall offensive play volume, often regresses year over year. It matters because teams are (far) more likely to run the football while holding a lead, inflating rush volume and knocking pass volume.That NFL offenses that run a particularly high or low number of offensive plays often regress the following year might go without saying. I'll say it anyway because there is untapped statistical upside in an offense that was miserably low volume last season but likely to see a play volume boost this season. Conversely, some players might be overvalued in drafts based in large part of the volume that fed their prior year production volume they might not see in 2026. Below is a look at offenses that will probably see (good and bad) offensive play regression this season.Last year we saw the Jaguars offense run the league's fourth most plays after running the fewest offensive plays in 2024. In a slightly less dramatic case, the Houston offense was second in snaps in 2025 after ranking 17th in 2024. The Browns offense had the most offensive snaps in 2024; they had the tenth fewest in 2025. The Dolphins went from ninth on offensive plays in 2024 to dead last in 2025. So it goes.Rotoworld Fantasy Football Draft Central 2026: Rankings, strategy, sleepers, and moreYour one-stop-shop for all of Rotoworlds preseason content leading into fantasy football drafts. Rotoworld Staff, Positive Regression CandidatesLas Vegas RaidersThe Carroll family make-work program didn't do much for Raiders fantasy options in 2025. Maybe you drafted Ashton Jeanty or Brock Bowers and you know this in your bones and it eats you alive on the inside. Or maybe that's just me.Anyway, with a new head coach who understands modern football (Klint Kubiak) and a pretty solid offseason, I expect the Raiders to see at least something in the way of positive offensive snap regression in 2026. The reasons for the Raiders running so few plays in 2025 were many, but primarily it was because teams could bludgeon them on the ground and Geno Smith and company could not keep drives going. Only three teams last year had a lower third down conversion rate (34 percent) than the Silver and Black. Only the Browns had a lower EPA on early downs. The Raiders never had a chance.A jump in offensive snaps for Vegas will obviously benefit Bowers and Jeanty. It could also bring fantasy viability to a third Raiders skill player, maybe someone like Jalen Nailor, who as I wrote about in May ran ice cold in Minnesota last season and profiles as the Raiders' No. 1 wideout for now.Washington CommandersJayden Daniels, in my studied opinion, will make a difference for the 2026 Washington offense, now coached by first-time OC David Blough. With Daniels cooking in 2024, the Commanders led the NFL in offensive snaps, operating at the tenth quickest pace.With Daniels sidelined for much of the 2025 season, the Commanders ranked 26th in offensive plays (though the team's offensive pace didn't change all that much). The difference, as Commanders faithful might know, was third-down efficiency. Washington in 2024 had one of the highest third down conversion rates in the league (46 percent). Last year they converted 37 percent of their third down attempts. That's a big gap.More plays for Daniels and company will obviously be beneficial for Daniels himself, along with Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs, and perhaps Chig Okonkwo. If Diggs runs something close to an 80 percent routes rate with inflated play volume, he has a shot to be one of fantasy's most pleasant surprises.Fantasy Football ADP Movers: Stefon Diggs leads this weeks risers after joining CommandersStefon Diggs has signed with the Washington Commanders and the fantasy football markets are reacting. Diggs is one of the biggest ADP risers this week while new teammate Antonio Williams is falling in drafts. Kyle Dvorchak, Negative Regression CandidatesJacksonville JaguarsLiam Coen's first year at the helm, looking more and more like a fella who knows a lot about alligators, saw the Jags rank fifth in offensive snaps despite being the 11th slowest offense in the NFL.The spike in offensive snaps for Jacksonville helped to fuel the fantasy campaigns of a few players, including Parker Washington after he took over as the team's WR1. While I'm not backing off of Parker's perfectly reasonable redraft ADP, I'm more than a little hesitant to go in on Brian Thomas, Jr. who once again profiles as a high-variance air yards maven and Jakobi Meyers, along with Brenton Strange. A drop in play volume, I think, would make it exceptionally tough for Trevor Lawrence to support more than a couple fantasy-viable pass catchers in 2026.New York GiantsI'm OK being bearish on a Matt Nagy offense. I feel professionally obliged to be bearish about a Nagy offense that's due for play volume backsliding. I am nothing if not a professional.The 2025 Giants ran the third most offensive plays in 2025, trailing only the Cowboys and Texans. They did so while operating a fairly average offensive pace. Nagy offenses, meanwhile, usually run on the slow side. There's no real reason to see New York's offense as elite. They have a fine quarterback, an elite wideout, and a passably good running back. If the G-people see play volume regression in 2026, it's going to be tough for Malik Nabers, Jaxson Dart, and Cam Skattebo to get there for fantasy purposes (especially with Skattebo listed as a co-starter alongside Tyrone Tracy Jr. for now).

Liberty Legends Brandon Todd/New York LibertyAnniversaries carry a lot of weight. They feed into that buzzy voice that tells us we must commemorate the moment, and if we dont, were somehow failing to appreciate the legacy for what it iso matter how big or small the number. And yet, I found myself inside Barclays Center for what felt like the 15th time since the start of the WNBA season, there to do exactly that: commemorate 30 years of the WNBA and the New York Libertys legacy. So much has changed since the leagues beginnings. For one, the WNBA has gained major visibility within the world of womens sports. Players have signed multimillion-dollar contracts and, perhaps more importantly, have become brands and personalities of their own, existing far beyond the game itself.On August 9, 2026, inside the industrial-like tunnel of Barclays Center, the Liberty commemorated 30 years of their legacy by inviting former players to walk the tunnel and, for the first time, experience a ritual that has become synonymous with the modern WNBA while also being honored during a halftime special.The tunnel has become a spectacle of its owna small breather, a moment of pageantry and personality before players step onto the court and start dribbling. But for many Liberty players from the last 20 years, that moment never existed. Until now.The evolution of womens sports has been big for everyone. Its been big forever, and you can only see the growth from it, especially when advocating for womens sports, says Teresa Weatherspoon, who pulled up to the tunnel in a purple blazer, Liberty GLD necklace and basketball-themed nails. Im just wearing me, she adds.Kym Hampton, the first-ever center for the New York Liberty, arrived fully decked out in a custom rework of the 90s New York Liberty jersey by Loral Yee With a blinged-out basketball bag and a jersey dress covered in jewels and sequins, she found herself thinking back to what could have been if the tunnel had existed during her playing days.Kym Hampton New York Liberty 1997-1998Kym HamptonBRANDON TODD/NEW YORK LIBERTYI wouldve been wearing something. I was slim thenI wouldve put some energy into it, she says. When asked about todays basketball style icons, she compares her own style most closely to Aja Wilson and Angel Reese.I think the evolution of womens sports has been awesome. Its amazing that the New York Liberty still exists. So for us, we just want ownership that cares about ussees us, cares about us and sees the players, Hampton says.Vickie Johnson, Trena Trice-Hill New York Liberty 19972005Vickie Johnson, Trena Trice-HillBRANDON TODD/NEW YORK LIBERTYThis article was originally published on Forbes.com

Manchester United Are Locked In A Battle For This Ligue 1 Midfielder: Should Carrick Snap Him Up?In a recent report, Foot Mercato claimed that Manchester United are locked in a battle for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara this summer. It has been stated that the Red Devils will have to compete with Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Chelsea in the race to land the Senegalese talent.Camaras Impressive Form In Ligue 1Camara enjoyed a good run of form at the French club last season when he produced a series of influential displays for them in the middle of the park. The 22-year-old found the back of the net three times and picked up four assists in 31 matches for Monaco last season in multiple competitions.The Senegalese youngster is currently one of the most gifted central midfielders in Ligue 1. Thus, it is no wonder that Man United are eyeing a move to recruit him in this transfer period.His current contract at the French club will expire in the summer of 2029, which could make it difficult for the Red Devils to sign him on a cut-price deal this month.EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY JUNE 16: Lamine Camara #8 of Senegal crosses the ball against Adrien Rabiot #14 of France during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between France and Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 16, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)Should Manchester United Boss Michael Carrick Snap Camara Up This Summer?Camara loves a tackle and can read the danger well to secure the ball back for his team inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when needed and is an accurate passer as well.The Senegalese midfield ace can even chip in by scoring and creating a few important goals for his team from midfield. Camara is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also serve as a defensive midfielder if asked to do so. However, only time will tell whether he can adapt to the high intensity of the Premier League if the Red Devils manage to bring him on board this summer.We can expect Camara to add more bite and steel to Man United head coach Michael Carricks midfield department. He has what it takes to challenge for a regular first-team spot at Old Trafford in the coming seasons.At 22, Camara has his peak years ahead of him, which makes him a decent choice for the Red Devils to pursue in this transfer window. Therefore, Carrick would be wise to snap him up soon.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 29: Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets looks on against the Atlanta Braves during their game at Citi Field on July 29, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesMets LineupAJ Ewing LFFrancisco Lindor SSBo Bichette 3BLuis Robert CFCarson Benge RFFrancisco Alvarez DHMarcus Semien 2BJared Young 1BLuis Torrens CSP: Robert Stock RHPNationals LineupCJ Abrams SSAbimelec Ortiz 1BBrady House DHDaylen Lile RFKeibert Ruiz CJose Tena LFNasim Nunez 2BJorbit Vivas 3BJacob Young CFSP: Andrew Alvarez LHPBroadcast InfoFirst pitch: 7:10 PM EDTTV: WPIXRadio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2

Baker Mayfields Contract Drama: Whats the Latest, and Why Is the Buccaneers QBs NFL Future Up in the Air?Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been in the news lately, all because the two sides cant agree on contract value. Both sides agree that the former No. 1 overall pick is a franchise quarterback. Yet, its been much more difficult to place an exact number on how much the Bucs think Mayfield is worth.Entering the final year of his contract in Tampa Bay, whats the latest on Mayfields relationship with the Buccaneers?Baker Mayfield Has Stopped Negotiating New ContractMayfield said all along this offseason that once the Buccaneers kicked off their training camp this summer, he and his agency would break off contract extension negotiations. Thats where the situation stands right now.The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback reportedly feels hes worth a long-term contract in the $50 million range. For whatever reason, perhaps because Mayfield is coming off a bit of a down year, the Buccaneers have been unwilling to meet the 31-year-olds asking price.At this point, both sides are dug in. Mayfield appears willing to bet on himself, just as hes done all throughout his career. If he plays well, the Bucs QB knows he can land a contract that pays him much more than the $27 million in cash hes set to receive in 2026. He may even have a shot at doubling it.Meanwhile, from the Bucs perspective, theyre essentially calling Mayfields bluff. They dont believe the Austin, Texas native is willing to uproot his family and play for a different franchise again. After all, hes already experienced the most success of his NFL career in Tampa Bay, where they have one of the NFLs best young receivers, Emeka Egbuka.BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM:PFNs FREE NFL Mock Draft SimulatorAfter thriving in the past three seasons playing in Tampa Bays offense, would Mayfield really risk taking his talent elsewhere, knowing how quickly other organizations were to wipe their hands clean of the former first-round pick?Its also not hard to understand why the Buccaneers may have concerns about paying Mayfield like a top-five QB. Last year, he ranked just 22nd at his position on PFNs QB Impact Metric with an impact score of 74.4. Hell have to play much better in 2026 to become one of the NFLs highest-paid QBs in 2027.Worst-case scenario for Tampa Bay: Mayfield plays his heart out and helps the Buccaneers return to the playoffs. If so, the Buccaneers can simply place the franchise tag on Mayfield and get him for one more season at the market rate, but it wont be the over $50 million salary he reportedly covets. Still, that would lock in their franchise QB for at least one more season, while Mayfield still lands a nice raise.Though both sides would likely still prefer to work out an agreement once the offseason arrives. The situation is tough because Mayfield is looking for a long-term deal, while the Buccaneers tried to convince the quarterback to sign a short-term deal like Daniel Jones did in Indianapolis.This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.