England coach Brendon McCullum says his side haven’t lived up to “high hopes and expectations” after failing to regain The Ashes, but that fans can expect his side to “show what we’re capable of achieving” in the final two Test matches in the series against Australia.
England’s Bazball regime is in tatters as yet another Ashes in Australia was lost in three Tests.
The tourists were defeated by 82 runs on the fifth day of the third Test in Adelaide to go 3-0 down and extend a winless run in this country to 18 matches.
Australia were delayed by a 40-minute rain shower, England pair Jamie Smith and Will Jacks, and a hamstring injury to spinner Nathan Lyon.
Smith had 60 when he miscued Mitchell Starc. Jacks battled past lunch for his 47 then edged the same bowler to first slip, where Marnus Labuschagne again took a breathtaking catch.
When Josh Tongue edged Scott Boland to Labuschagne, England were all out for 352 and their misery in this country prolonged to 14 years and counting.
This was supposed to be England’s opportunity to finally compete in Australia, the most highly-anticipated Ashes in recent memory.
Instead it has turned into the worst tour in recent times, leaving the futures of captain Ben Stokes, head coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key in doubt.
England have surrendered the chance to win the Ashes in only 11 days of cricket and now must find a result in either Melbourne or Sydney to avoid the ultimate humiliation of a 5-0 clean sweep.
This is the fourth successive Ashes tour in which England have lost the first three Tests. By the time Australia visit the UK in 2027, it will be 12 years since England’s previous Ashes win.
Who is in charge of England by then will come in for intense debate. Stokes and McCullum have contracts until the end of that series. In theory, Key has most sway over the fate of both men, but is probably under more pressure than either.
This is a stunning win for the Australians, who began the series with questions over selection and the age of their squad.
Captain Pat Cummins missed the first two Tests, Josh Hazlewood is out for the entire series, Lyon was omitted for the second Test and Steve Smith is absent in Adelaide.
Australia have still been far too good for England, as they have been on home turf since 2011.
England are on the brink of an Ashes series defeat after Australia’s Nathan Lyon broke their resistance late on the fourth day of the third Test in Adelaide.
Off-spinner Lyon removed a reverse-sweeping Harry Brook, bowled Ben Stokes and, crucially, had Zak Crawley stumped to move the home side within touching distance of the urn.
Crawley compiled an impressive 85, but when he was seduced by a delirious Lyon, England were left 194-6 in pursuit of a notional target of 435.
Australia will return on Sunday needing four more wickets to go 3-0 up after three Tests, retain the Ashes after only 11 days of cricket and win a fourth consecutive home series against England.
Lyon’s intervention – England lost three wickets for 17 runs in six overs – came after the tourists finally showed a willingness to adapt their Bazballing ways.
It was the recognition of the situation and a realisation that some players – Crawley included – are fighting for their futures and reputations.
After Stokes returned to bowling with seven overs from the start of play, the tourists took the last six Australia wickets for 38 runs to dismiss the hosts for 349 in their second innings.
Travis Head was eventually out for 170 and Alex Carey 72. Josh Tongue ended with 4-70 and Brydon Carse 3-80.
A four-day finish felt probable when Ben Duckett was out in the first over of England’s chase and Ollie Pope is in huge danger of being dropped for the fourth Test after falling for 17.
Then came Crawley’s show of defiance, ended by the genius of Lyon.
Pope Leo XIV waves from the popemobile as he arrives for the weekly General Audience in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on May 21. He appointed Bishop Richard Moss as the new leader of the Roman Catholic church in England on Friday. Photo by Angelo Carconi/EFE
Dec. 19 (UPI) — Pope Leo XIV on Friday named Bishop Richard Moth as archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales with about 6 million Catholics.
“I am moved greatly by the trust that Pope Leo has placed in me, in appointing me to the diocese of Westminster,” said Moth, who was bishop of Arundel and Brighton since 2015.
Earlier this year, Nichols, 80, offered to resign when he turned 75 but was asked by the late Pope Francis to remain. He was a member of the conclave that named a new pontiff in May.
Moth said Nichols has “given dedicated service to the diocese and will be missed greatly.”
Nichols said he was delighted about his successor.
“I remember being present in Westminster Cathedral on 29 September 2009 for the episcopal ordination of Bishop Richard as bishop of the forces,” Nichols said. “So today I can say: ‘Welcome back, dear Bishop Richard. You are most welcome indeed. ‘”
Moth served the territory in southern England covering the counties of Sussex and Surrey, which is not part of Westminster. His new diocese includes most of London north of the Thames and the county of Hertfordshire.
Moth said he is looking forward to his new role.
“My first task will be to get to know the priests and people of Westminster and I look forward now to serving them,” Moth said. “With them, and building on the firm foundations that have been laid by so many down the years, I look forward to continuing the great adventure that is the life of the church and witness to the gospel.”
Moth was born in southern Africa’s Zambia in 1958, grew up in Kent in southeastEngland, completed his primary and secondary studies in Catholic schools in Kent and became an ordained priest in 1982.
Before becoming bishop of Arundel and Brighton, Moth was bishop of the military forces for six years. He also leads governors at St. Mary’s University in Twickenham, and is a member of the liaison bishop for prisons.
Moth has been an oblate of Pluscarden Abbey, a community of Catholic Benedictine monks in Scotland, for more than 40 years. He also is a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
He has been involved in numerous issues.
Moth asked clergy and parishioners to write to their ministers to express their concerns about assisted dying.
He also called for empathy for “those who come to this country for their safety,” noting Jesus’ family fled to Egypt as refugees.
And he worked on social justice issues in Britain.
There are 726 active archbishops worldwide for 1.4 billion Catholics.
On Thursday, the pope named Bishop Ronald A. Hicks, 58, of Joliet, Ill., as New York’s new archbishop, ending the 16-year tenure of Cardinal Timothy Dolan, 75.
Former President Joe Biden presents the Presidential Citizens Medal to Liz Cheney during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, on January 2, 2025. The Presidential Citizens Medal is bestowed to individuals who have performed exemplary deeds or services. Photo by Will Oliver/UPI | License Photo
In front of his home crowd, Travis Head finishes unbeaten on 142 at the close on day three to help put Australia firmly in control of the third Test against England in Adelaide.
England were pushed towards the precipice of the fastest Ashes series defeat in more than 100 years as a Travis Head century maintained Australia’s grip on the third Test in Adelaide.
Head was dropped on 99 by Harry Brook and spent eight balls one run short of a hundred before belting Joe Root down the ground for four to draw a deafening roar from his home-town crowd at the Adelaide Oval.
The left-hander moved Australia’s second innings to 271-4 and their overall lead to 356 at the end of the third day.
If England’s third loss in as many Tests is completed on Saturday, it would mean the Ashes have been decided in 10 days of cricket.
Not since 1921, when Australia needed only eight days of play to win in England, has the destination of the urn been settled so swiftly.
Head’s inevitable ton snuffed out brief England hope that was raised when captain Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer added 73 runs in the morning session.
Stokes made 83 and Archer 51 in a stand of 106, the highest by an England ninth-wicket pair in Australia since 1924.
By creeping to 286 all out, 85 behind on first innings, England could have left themselves an outside chance by dismissing Australia for a total below 240 in their second innings.
At 53-2 and 149-4, England clung on before being cut adrift by Head. At some point, England will be tasked with pulling off the highest successful chase on this ground in order to keep the Ashes alive.
Of further concern to the visitors is the fitness of all-rounder Stokes, who is yet to bowl in the 66 overs of Australia’s second innings.
A PLAN to expand one UK airport has been approved – meaning it could become the second busiest in the country.
In 2024, the airport saw almost 30million passengers, but with the new plans could see 20million more.
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London Stansted wants to expand to welcome 20million additional passengers by 2040Credit: AlamyBut this won’t require any additional runways or physical expansionCredit: Alamy
The airport in question is London Stansted in Essex which has plans for more flights, but no structural changes.
London Stansted could rise to become the UK’s second busiest airport, rather than the fourth, after councillors agreed to increase its annual passenger numbers to 51million.
The owner, Manchester Airports Group’s, latest plan is to increase passenger capacity at the airport to between 48 and 51million people per year by 2040.
In comparison, London Gatwick sees between 40 to 43million passengers each year.
Al Jazeera takes a look at the third Ashes Test between Australia and England, which is being played in Adelaide.
England face a series-defining third Ashes Test in Australia, knowing defeat will see their hosts retain the famous urn, but also have the chance of whitewashing their old enemy.
The match begins in Adelaide on Tuesday, where an unassailable 3-0 lead is in sight for the Aussies.
Australia won the first Test inside two days in Perth as Travis Head’s century made short work of his side’s target, while the Aussies needed only four days in Brisbane to secure the second match of the series.
Jamaica won the inaugural 2024 Horizon series 2-1, which enabled them to leapfrog England and go third in the world rankings.
The 2025 series was due to consist of four fixtures – two in Jamaica in early December and two in England – but the matches in Kingston were cancelled following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
Members of the Jamaica team helped in the relief effort, handing out care packages, and have been unable to train as a whole squad.
England Netball will donate £1 from every Horizon Series ticket sold to Netball Jamaica’s chosen charity, World Central Kitchen, and has also announced fans will be able to contribute to the British Red Cross’ Disaster Fund.
But with less than a year to go until the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Horizon Series provides crucial game time for both nations.
They will meet again for a second match on Sunday at 14:00 GMT with the action available to watch on BBC iPlayer and on the BBC Sport website.
WANT to score big for the 2026 World Cup? Then start planning now.
Price-comparison site Skyscanner saw a 340 per cent increase in searches for flights from the UK to host nations the US, Canada and Mexico on Saturday after the draw.
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The World Cup is heading to the US – here is what you need to know if you wish to visit, pictured BostonCredit: GettyEngland captain Kane will be wanting to bring football home againCredit: Getty
Don’t panic, though, as there’s still time to bag a deal and plan the ultimate holiday.
Sophie Swietochowski has tips for booking a World Cup trip, with things to see and do in the cities where England will be competing.
Dallas, Texas
England v Croatia, June 17
The stunning Texas skiesCredit: GettyLonghorn cattle in Fort WorthCredit: Getty
IT may be a booming skyscraper city, but Dallas has managed to maintain that classic Southern charm for which Texas, the second largest state in the US, is so well known.
Even non-footie fans may be familiar with its 80,000-seat AT&T Stadium, home to the NFL’s Cowboys and America’s most famous cheerleading squad, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
A dedicated fan zone will take over Fair Park – a 277-acre parkland in the city centre which annually hosts the State Fair of Texas as well as regular festivals.
More details, including dates and activities, are yet to be revealed.
It would be a sin to visit Texas and not dine at a barbecue joint.
Cattleack Barbeque in North Dallas is one of the best, and it is featured in the Michelin guide for good reason.
Meats are scorched on oak-fired smokers and served with tangy pickles, cornbread, mac and cheese and “Granny’s coleslaw”. Go for the wagyu brisket.
If England win big, take the celebrations to Deep Ellum, the arty entertainment district known for its music venues and boisterous cocktail bars.
New York
England v Panama, June 27
The illuminated NYC skylineCredit: GettyEngland will be heading to the Big Apple on June 27Credit: Getty
IF you have never been to the Big Apple, you’re in for an absolute treat.
England will be taking on Panama at the MetLife Stadium, which sits just across the water from Manhattan and can be reached from Times Square in around 20 minutes by cab on a good day.
If it is your first time, you’ll want to tick off the must-sees, and the best way to do that is with a CityPass.
You can pick one up for around £100 per child and £120 per adult.
It is a rather hefty outlay, but it will save you money in the long run.
Passholders will gain entry to the Empire State Building Observatory and the American Museum of Natural History, as well as their pick of three other attractions, such as the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, 9/11 Memorial & Museum and Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Booked independently, these would add up to almost £200.
The city promises to be even more buzzy than usual during the summer, thanks to a fan village that will open at the Rockefeller Center (July 4-19).
Expect interactive soccer pitches, live match viewing, musical performances and guest appearances.
And if that’s not enough, across the bridge, Jersey’s Liberty State Park will play host to the huge Fifa Fan Festival from June 11 to July 19.
Some of NYC’s most breathtaking landmarks, such as the Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, will provide the backdrop to interactive experiences and concerts.
Atlanta, Georgia
The Three Lions could head to Atlanta for their first knockout matchCredit: Getty
IF England are successful in the initial stages and win their group, the Three Lions head to Atlanta for their first knockout match.
The Centennial Olympic Park will play host to the Fan Festival there, exactly 30 years after it welcomed the 1996 Summer Olympic Games.
Elsewhere in the state capital, you can walk in the footsteps of the civil rights activist at the Martin Luther King Jr National Historical Park.
Or uncover the secrets of Britain’s favourite fizzy drink at the World Of Coca-Cola.
The museum feaures interactive exhibits and hosts a vault that guards the secret recipe.
Mexico City
The majestic Basilica of GuadalupeCredit: Getty
HERE’S hoping our boys battle it through to the last 16, because that means we will likely be playing in Mexico City.
What better way to celebrate a win (or drown your sorrows) than in the birthplace of tequila?
Licoreria Limantour is frequently named in the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars thanks to its creative concoctions (there are classic drinks, too).
There’s likely to be more than just official fan zones — the Mexicans know how to party so come prepared.
But there’s so much more to do, including the Basilica of Guadalupe temple ruins, museums, cable cars and parks.
Boston
The city of Boston has some great stories to tellCredit: GettyThe marvellous John W Weeks Bridge in Harvard UniversityCredit: Getty
HOME to the world-famous Harvard University, America’s oldest public park and a vibrant harbour, the city of Boston has some great stories to tell from down the years.
Games will take place at the Gillette Stadium, which is being temporarily renamed the Boston Stadium for the World Cup.
It sits in the town of Foxborough, around an hour on the train from the main city of Boston, so you might want to book a stay a little farther out if you wish to save those pennies.
But make sure you don’t miss out on the delights of the city, which has an incredibly rich history.
You can learn all about it and the American Revolution on the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, which will guide you to 16 culturally significant sites, from museums and churches to meeting houses and burying grounds.
And why sample one Boston foodie tradition when you can do several at once?
Head to Quincy Market, a huge food hall that dates back to 1826 where you can pick up classic New England grub like clam chowder, lobster rolls and the notorious Boston cream pie.
The whereabouts and details of the fan zone are still being decided upon for this city, but you can guarantee there’ll be lots of footie-themed fun.
Australian TV network Seven has accused a member of the England staff of a physical confrontation at Brisbane Airport.
England were travelling from Brisbane to Adelaide on Saturday afternoon before the third Test.
While the team moved through the airport, a member of the England security staff attempted to place himself between a cameraman and the squad.
The back-and-forth continued through the airport and the footage was broadcast by Seven.
Throughout the series Cricket Australia has issued instructions to media that teams will not be available for interview in transit through airports and all images should be captured from a respectful distance.
In the Seven report, journalist Tom Wilson said cameraman Nick Carrigan was “well within his rights to be filming” and “respects the unwritten rules of not getting too close”.
A spokesperson from Seven said: “There was an incident at Brisbane Airport involving a 7NEWS camera operator and a member of the England cricket team’s travelling party.
“While conducting routine filming in a public space, the camera operator was physically confronted despite acting respectfully and professionally.
“The safety and wellbeing of our staff is paramount. This matter is being taken seriously and is now being managed through the appropriate channels.”
England have not commented, but it is understood Seven has raised the incident with the touring team.
Cricket Australia has also declined to comment.
The episode comes as England ended their break in Noosa and prepare to return to training on Sunday before the crucial third Test.
England, 2-0 down after defeats in the opening two Tests, must win at the Adelaide Oval to keep their hopes of regaining the Ashes alive.
She added that other locals called Sanary-sur-Mer one of the “nicest places in the area”.
The town sits around a harbour which has also been called one of France’s most beautiful ports.
Along with the harbour, there are plenty of sandy spots to take a dip into the sea and relax on the sands.
Some of the most popular beaches include Lido, Plage Dorée, and Portissol Beach.
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Another attraction is the Eglise Saint Nazaire de Sanary-sur-Mer, a church with large murals just minutes from the harbour.
The Tour de Sanary, a historic tower is also a popular stop as visitors can get impressive panoramic views of the sea, harbour, and even the mountains.
There are plenty of fresh food markets selling fruits, vegetables and fishCredit: Alamy
The commune has lots of markets too where you can pick up food or even souvenirs.
There’s a large weekly market on Wednesdays, a daily food market and fishermen’s stalls by the front.
There’s also an artisanal night market that runs each day during the summer usually from late June to early September, from around 7.30 PM to midnight.
From Sanary-sur-Mer you can hop on a 20-minute ferry to the island of Embiez that’s described as a “nature paradise”.
The clear waters around the town are perfect for snorkelling and other watersportsCredit: Alamy
It’s a car-free island which tourists can explore by foot or bike – a trek around the whole island takes between one to two and a half hours.
There’s also a tourist train which visitors can hop on and off.
For any fans of watersports, here you can try kayaking, paddleboarding and discover hidden coasts around the coastline.
The nearest major airports to Sanary-sur-Mer areMarseille Provence AirportandToulon-Hyères Airport.
The ‘Pearl of the Riviera’ is the warmest town in the region has 300 days of sunshine and lemon festivals…
Located on the border between France and Italy, the seaside town of Menton has been dubbed the “Pearl of the Riviera” by holidaymakers.
Home to pastel-coloured buildings, quaint streets, a picturesque harbour and vast lemon groves, Menton is picture perfect.
Before officially becoming part of France in 1860, Menton had been part of Sardinia and Monaco.
In the middle of the 19th century, Menton broke away from Monaco after heavy tax impositions were imposed on its lemon trade, which was its main industry.
Every year, the town holds a lemon festival to celebrate the production of citrus fruits in the seaside town.
Menton is the last large town on the border between France and Italy, which means there are several attractions geared towards tourists.
The largest beach in Menton is Les Sablettes Beach, which is a mixture of fine gravel and sand.
Its shallow waters are ideal for younger holidaymakers, with showers and toilets also found at the beach in the summer months.
The promenade is lined with palm trees, pergolas and water fountains, providing holidaymakers with plenty of spots to relax in the shade.
Nearby are a number of restaurants, shops and cafes like Marché Beach, which stretches from the Jean Cocteau Museum to Menton Casino.
England Netball will donate £1 to Netball Jamaica’s chosen charity, World Central Kitchen, from every Horizon Series ticket sold – and has also announced fans will be able to contribute to the British Red Cross’ Disaster Fund.
The fixtures may be taking place under challenging circumstances, but England captain Francesca Williams said her team’s approach remains unchanged.
“We’re definitely not holding back,” Williams told BBC Sport.
“You are always going to put out your best performance possible and do what you can to help the team win. That’s showing the other team the most respect, playing to your best ability.”
While these matches represent “more than the scoreline”, the Jamaican side will be “coming just as hard” as they would if it were in different circumstances, Williams said.
But for them, it is also a chance to bring joy to people back home.
Sutherland said people in Jamaica “are setting their alarm, and putting on their black, green and gold” to watch the games on television.
She hopes the TV audience include her grandfather if the power is restored to his area in time.
“He’s really excited that I’m on tour, asking how he will watch the game,” she said.
“It means a lot to him. He walks around telling everybody: ‘My granddaughter is a Sunshine Girl!'”
England women conceded a late goal to lose 2-1 to Belgium and continue their poor start to the Pro League.
This was England’s third match in this season’s competition and they took a 14th-minute lead with a goal from Darcy Bourne in the match played at the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin.
But they could not hold on to their advantage.
Charlotte Englebert, on her 100th international appearance for Belgium, made it 1-1 in the 42nd minute, before Stephanie Vanden Borre struck a 59th-minute winner.
Belgium are top of the nine-nation competition with three wins out of three. England lost 3-0 to the same side on Tuesday and were then beaten 4-3 in a shootout by Ireland after their encounter had finished 1-1 on Thursday.
England’s next match is on Sunday with a second encounter against Ireland.
In the men’s competition, England did not play on Friday and face Germany on Saturday and Belgium on Sunday.
Former England wicketkeeper Matt Prior says Brendon McCullum’s “over-prepared” comment was a “Mourinho move”, designed to take the spotlight off England’s players following their defeat to Australia in the second Ashes Test.
The number of patients in hospital in England with influenza has risen by more than 50% in the past week, with NHS bosses warning there is no sign of “super flu” peaking yet.
In the week up to Sunday there were 2,660 flu cases a day on average in hospital – and NHS England said the numbers had continued rising this week.
NHS England said it was the equivalent of having three hospitals full of flu patients, with some reporting nearly one in 10 beds occupied by patients with the virus.
Officials said the numbers had continued rising this week with fears it may top 5,000 by the weekend.
Children and young people aged five to 14 also had the highest positivity rates for flu in England.
But in terms of who is most affected or sickest, hospital admission rates for flu in England are highest among people over 75 and children under five.
Writing in the Times, Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “This winter, our NHS faces a challenge unlike any it has seen since the pandemic.”
He said the number of people admitted to hospital with flu “could triple by the peak of the pressures – and the NHS doesn’t know when the peak will hit”.
NHS England medical director Prof Meghana Pandit said: “This unprecedented wave of super flu is leaving the NHS facing a worst-case scenario for this time of year – with staff being pushed to the limit to keep providing the best possible care for patients.”
The numbers in hospital with flu is at its highest level at this time of year since records began – although they only date back to 2021 and so do not capture the two worst flu seasons of the past 15 years which were seen in 2014-15 and 2017-18.
Flu rates began rising a month earlier than normal this year driven by a mutated strain of the virus. The dominant strain is H3N2, but it has some genetic changes this year.
It means the general public has not encountered this exact version of flu before, which means there is maybe less immunity.
NHS England said the number of patients in hospital with the vomiting bug norovirus was also on the rise, with more than 350 beds occupied by people with that virus.
It comes ahead of a strike by resident doctors, the new name for junior doctors, which is due to start next week.
There are hopes it may be called off after a fresh offer from Health Secretary Wes Streeting prompted the British Medical Association to agree to poll their members to see if they were willing to call off the five-day walkout that is due to begin on Wednesday. The results of that poll will be be announced on Monday.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer accused the BMA of being “irresponsible” and said it should accept the offer on the table, adding the offer can only go forward if they stop strike action “particularly in the run-up to Christmas, particularly when we’ve got a problem with flu.”
Daniel Elkeles, of NHS Providers, which represents hospitals, said: “The NHS is in the thick of a storm come early. Flu is hitting hard and other winter bugs are surging.
“Now more than ever, the NHS needs all hands on deck.
“We have to hope that BMA resident doctors will step back from next week’s strike, take up the government’s sensible offer and end their damaging dispute.”
Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which takes into account levels of infection in the community as well as hospitals, shows infection rates are continuing to rise, but not as sharply as they were in the previous week.
But officials stressed it was too early to take that as a sign that flu could be peaking.
They said the virus was unpredictable and a lull could be followed by another surge.
Dr Conall Watson, an infectious diseases expert at the UKHSA, urged people who are eligible for a free flu vaccine on the NHS, which includes the over 65s, those with certain health conditions and pregnant women, to still come forward if they had not yet got one.
“There is still plenty of flu vaccine available to protect those who need it – what’s running out is time to be protected ahead of Christmas.
“If you are eligible this is the last chance to get protected as we head into Christmas – so make an appointment with the NHS today.”
It can take up to two weeks following vaccination to develop the fullest protection from the jab, Dr Watson added.
Dr Vicky Price, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said winter viruses were placing further strain on an “already buckling system”.
She said patients were facing long waits in A&E as hospital staff were being overloaded with patients.
But she accused NHS England and the government of using it as a “convenient scapegoat” for the “predictable breakdown” in NHS capacity caused by workforce shortages.
“The situation in emergency departments has become so dire that what was once considered a critical incident is now seen as normal and routine. What is happening is not an isolated emergency, but the culmination of systemic failure.”
Ireland earned their first points in the FIH Pro League as they edged out England 4-3 in a dramatic shootout after a 1-1 draw in Dublin.
Sarah Torrans gave the home side a first-half lead before Ellie Rayer equalised for England in the third quarter.
In heavy rain at the Sport Ireland campus, both sides looked happy with a point at the end, but it was Ireland who held their nerve in the shootout with goalkeeper Lizzie Murphy making the final stop to give the hosts the second point.
Charlotte Beggs, Mikayla Power and Hannah McLoughlin (2) scored for Ireland in the shootout, while Darcy Bourne, Rayer and Lily Owsley converted for England.
“We’re delighted. We started the game with a lot of energy and that was exactly what we wanted to do,” said Torrans.
“Unfortunately we couldn’t hold them out for the win and but look it’s a number of steps forward for us so we’re happy right now.”
This is another big game at the bottom of the table.
I am so pleased for Leeds boss Daniel Farke because I was fed up with the rubbish being talked about how he cannot manage in the Premier League.
Leeds have had a tough run of games against Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool and it felt like there were people out there who were waiting and even wishing for Farke to fail, so he would be sacked.
I am delighted that it has turned out very differently. The performances, the guts, and the quality that Leeds have shown has been brilliant, even in defeat at City, and against Chelsea and Liverpool they have picked up points too.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goals have made the difference, and they will go into this game full of belief, and thinking they have got a real chance.
Brentford are still favourites, though, because their home form is so good – with five wins, a draw and just one defeat under Keith Andrews so far.
The Bees were pretty limp when they went to Spurs last week but on their own patch it is a different story. They have won their past three games there, against Liverpool, Newcastle and Burnley so, like Leeds, they will be full of confidence.
I remember Farke’s last game as Norwich manager in November 2021, when his team beat Brentford but he was sacked a few hours later. This time, I am backing Brentford to win, but Farke’s future should not be in doubt.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-0
Stingray’s prediction: Both teams score quite a lot of goals.2-2
Tour operators are already saddling up, offering Three Lions fans the ‘ultimate match-day adventure’ with packages to watch England play in the World Cup 2026 in Texas
Cowboy driving cattle as England fans get chance to have same experience at 2026 World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
England fans heading to the 2026 World Cup are being tempted with special sporting packages which combine the first game with a trip to a Rodeo and a taste of the ‘Wild West’.
With the Three Lions playing their first match in Texas tour operators are already looking at laying on bespoke holidays to give supporters a ‘once in a lifetime’ adventure. Just a few miles down the road from the game against Croatia in Dallas on June 17 is the city of Fort Worth. There England fans can enjoy some incredible experiences and even become cowboys for the day on special ranches. Two tour operators in Cheshire are already trying to tempt some fans with the ‘ultimate match-day adventure’.
England’s two super fans Neal Weekes and Fil Sollof have already they would be up for a bit of Wild West Texan fun. A spokesman for one firm said: “Calling All England Fans! The World Cup is coming to Dallas this June and your ultimate match-day adventure starts in the Wild West heart of Texas!
“Forget the usual city break – why not catch England’s group stage in the iconic Dallas (Arlington) stadium and stay in Fort Worth, just a quick ride away? This isn’t just football, it’s a real slice of American adventure…take it from me – Fort Worth is full of surprises and stories to tell!
Rodeo in Texas as England fans look at travel options next year
“Picture this: Wandering the brick streets of Fort Worth’s famous Stockyards, where cowboy boots tap to live country music Sipping legendary Texan moonshine after the match Dining at incredible steakhouses and buzzing local restaurants Exploring unique museums, rodeos, and the welcoming square I’ve fallen in love with on my own visits.
“With rich history, welcoming southern charm, and that genuine cowboy feel, Fort Worth is the perfect home base for your World Cup adventure. I’ll make sure you get the best flights, hotels, and local tips for an experience you’ll never forget.
England superfans Neal Weekes and Fil Sollof will be flying out to attend their seventh World Cup together
“Ready to join the Three Lions in Texas style? Drop me a message for match-day packages, handpicked Fort Worth stays, and all the insider info you need for cheering England on in true cowboy fashion!”
Tottenham fans Weekes, 60, and Sollof, 60, will be flying to the US to attend their seventh World Cup together. He laughed: “This sounds brilliant. We always try and do something a bit different around the England matches. It was camels in Qatar!
“A bit of ‘Wild West’ sounds great – it will be a bit different from going to west London to watch Spurs play Chelsea in the ‘80s. But certainly safer Think my bull riding days are over but some cowboy stuff sounds fun. This is going to be a great World Cup.”
