Arsenal defender Ben White says people do not know the “full story” behind his decision to previously make himself unavailable for England selection – but says he would make the same decision again.
He then made himself unavailable for selection for the rest of Gareth Southgate’s reign, and was booed by some fans in March’s 1-1 draw with Ukraine after returning to the squad under Tuchel.
Asked by BBC Radio 5 live’s football correspondent John Murray what he would say to people who define his England career by what happened in Qatar, White said: “I think obviously people don’t know the full story, because I [have] never said anything and I won’t put anyone under the bus or share any of that.
“I think that is probably the best way.
“It’s been amazing [though], obviously a bit tricky and not straightforward, but it is amazing to be here now.”
White is now 29 and asked if he would have done anything differently in hindsight, he added: “No, I don’t think I would.
“Obviously, I was a bit younger, I am a bit older now.
“I think as a person I am quite real and I think I made the decision that I would probably continue to make.
“So, one that I am not happy about, but obviously it happened and [it is] time to move on.”
White came on for his first England appearance since 2022 in March’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay and was booed by some supporters before he scored but also gave away the penalty that led to the visitors’ equaliser.
After that, Chelsea midfielder Jordan Henderson said he and his fellow England players would always support White, while Tuchel said recently that the defender deserves “a new chapter” and “positive feedback from the crowd”.
Asked how he dealt with the emotions of that night at Wembley, White added: “Before the game I was thinking ‘don’t not stand out, but [take it] nice and easy’.
“Then I came on and obviously got booed, then I scored, then I gave away a penalty.
“So, it was obviously full of emotions that night, [but] it was a good night.”
England play Croatia at Wembley on Thursday, 12 November before taking on world champions Spain in Madrid three days later.
White is looking to add to his six England caps in this international break and said: It is obviously an amazing privilege to be called up.
“The feeling is the same every time you do get this chance to play for England. It’s one I am really looking forward to this week.”
James Trafford says not playing for Manchester City last season was “horrendous” before he moved to Leeds United in the summer in search of first-team football.
City re-signed academy graduate Trafford in July 2025, two years after he had left the club to join Championship side Burnley.
But less than six weeks after his arrival, Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived from Paris St-Germain.
The 27-year-old, who helped the French club win the Champions League just weeks earlier, immediately became City’s first-choice goalkeeper, leaving Trafford short of playing time.
After starting the first three matches of the campaign, 24-year-old Trafford made just one further Premier League start in the 35 games that followed Donnarumma’s arrival.
Speaking on Football Daily’s The Football Interview, Trafford reflected on the difficulties he encountered during a season on the fringes of Pep Guardiola’s squad.
“What a horrendous, horrendous feeling. Not playing,” said Trafford.
“You are ringing a lot of people and just venting. Like most people, you have a [bad] day at work and you ring someone up.
“I ring my dad, I ring my mum, I ring my missus, I ring my mates. I like ringing my mates and we can just have a good talk about it all. It’s quite funny.
“I had to play regularly this season for my own mental wellbeing. You just lose yourself not playing.
“Maybe I’m different, I don’t know, but the feeling of not playing every week, it felt horrendous.
“I just had to play every week this season for that mental feel-good and to keep progressing with my career and edging me closer to achieving the dreams I want to achieve.”
Despite his limited playing time, Trafford believes he still gained plenty from his final season at City, having helped the club win the League Cup and FA Cup after starting both finals at Wembley.
“Going into any season, I always have the highest of hopes and always the belief that it will go the best way it could,” he added.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t win all four trophies. It didn’t go how I expected it to go, but it happens.
“In the moment, I just tried to make the best of it as I could. Looking back, I don’t think it was a disappointing season in the end because I learned so much, I improved so much and I won two trophies in one year.
“There were moments when I was very down, regretting things and feeling disappointed, but looking back, I’m very thankful for the experience. What an incredible year.”
The wait until the next international break in March will undoubtedly feel like an eternity for Dewsbury-Hall.
But the Everton midfielder is no stranger to taking the long road to success, having experienced plenty of setbacks and detours throughout his career.
He did not make his Premier League debut for boyhood club Leicester City until the age of 22, having spent previous seasons gaining valuable experience out on loan in the English Football League with Luton Town and Blackpool.
Even when his opportunity to establish himself in the Foxes’ first team finally arrived, it came during a turbulent period for the club, which ultimately ended in relegation from the Premier League at the end of the following season.
After playing a starring role in Leicester’s Championship-winning campaign under Enzo Maresca, the midfielder soon followed the Italian to Stamford Bridge in a deal worth £30m.
However, Dewsbury-Hall struggled for regular game time during his only season at Chelsea, featuring mainly in cup competitions with limited opportunities in the Premier League.
It was only after his move to Everton last summer, at the age of 26, that he appeared to have finally found the right environment to reignite his career and showcase the qualities that made him once such a highly regarded attacking midfielder.
Since the start of last season, Dewsbury-Hall has scored 11 goals for Everton in the Premier League and provided seven assists.
“I’m really, really enjoying it,” said Dewsbury-Hall. “I’ve got a really good hybrid role in this team, where the gaffer is giving me the freedom to pop up all over the pitch.”
Tuchel said on Friday afternoon that Dewsbury-Hall had been “very close” to earning a place in his squad, having enjoyed “a very good season” with Everton so far.
“I’ve got the mentality,” added Dewsbury-Hall. “I’ll keep pushing and pushing and see what happens.”
England have made medical checks on Cole Palmer as Thomas Tuchel considers whether to select the Chelsea forward in his next squad.
The 24-year-old missed all four games during the previous international window with a minor injury.
He completed 90 minutes for Chelsea against Brentford before those matches, and started for the Blues in the first game afterwards.
Tuchel, who names his squad to face Croatia and Spain on Friday, said at the time that Palmer was “playing with discomfort and pain” but was “missing too many opportunities” with England.
Whether he is recalled will be a key theme on Friday. While it is normal for England medics to check on players under consideration, it also underlines that Palmer remains on Tuchel’s radar despite his stark comments last month.
In addition to deciding whether to select Palmer, head coach Tuchel has a number of other dilemmas to resolve.
Bukayo Saka’s injury absence opens the door to another attacker, with his Arsenal team-mate Noni Madueke pushing for a recall following a string of impressive performances.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has not played since mid-October and is not fit for selection, while Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah is a major injury doubt.
Defenders Ben White and Djed Spence are pushing for recalls after missing out on the previous squad through injury.
The likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and many others are now stonewall selections – but the intrigue is around the remaining few spots still seemingly up for grabs.
Will some old faces earn a recall or will there be new faces soon pulling on the England shirt? BBC Sport runs down some of the potential candidates for selection.
Great Britain sprint star Amy Hunt visited England’s training base on Wednesday, watching a session and chatting with the team over lunch before Sunday’s Nations Championship match against Australia.
The 24-year-old, who won four gold medals at last summer’s European Championships in Birmingham, is the latest in a string of sporting celebrities to give Steve Borthwick’s squad insight into their careers.
“She seemed buzzing to be here and we love spending time with people who have achieved something in another sport,” back row Ben Earl told BBC Sport.
“Fraser Dingwall told me she has a degree from Cambridge and I always think it is amazing that people can study and achieve something in sport at the highest level.”
“We always get great energy when you get in winners and people who are trying to inspire others by what they do, which is what our lads want to do,” said defence coach Richard Wigglesworth.
“She’ll create some good connections.”
Emma Raducanu, who won the 2021 US Open, visited before the team’s win over New Zealand last autumn, while England football manager Thomas Tuchel and Olympic champion skeleton racer Matt Weston dropped into Pennyhill Park during this year’s Six Nations campaign.
The new head of English rugby league has backed a call for Prime Minister Andy Burnham to approve a £30m five-year community funding plan for the sport.
Former England international Jon Wilkin has appealed directly to Burnham and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, both rugby league fans, to pledge government money to a rugby league-based social impact project.
Ian Nolan, the new chief executive of the Rugby Football League, has supported Wilkin’s plea, issued on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Rugby League show on Monday.
That initiative is designed to help create sporting, educational and employment opportunities in Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, and is being led by the Australian Rugby League Commission – the country’s rugby league governing body.
Wilkin has argued that a similar plan for the north of England would benefit deprived communities.
He said: “Australia has recognised rugby league’s potential as a vehicle for social change, committing hundreds of millions to developing communities, especially across the Pacific. Why shouldn’t Britain show the same ambition for the north?
“The infrastructure already exists, the clubs, the foundations, the school and community relationships are already well established. What’s missing is a coordinated strategy and meaningful government investment.
“The ask would be simple: For the government to establish a £30m five-year Northern Rugby League social impact partnership, bringing together the RFL, professional clubs, community foundations, local authorities and government departments.
“The programme would target disadvantaged northern communities.”
Nolan, a former Manchester United executive who took up his role with the RFL on 1 October, suggested the social benefits of such an initiative would be felt more quickly because rugby league clubs are already established in their communities.
“When the government normally invest in community hubs and new things to generate something, they tend to be brand new,” he said. “And it’s really difficult then to attract people to go there because it’s a new habit, it’s a new place.
“But rugby clubs are already established in the most deprived towns in the UK. And that’s the difference. People already go there. Families already rely on them for even just moving around.”
BBC Sport has contacted the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for comment.
Last week, player Rob Hawkins said England “were not playing to our standards” in their opening 98-18 win over Wales and rated the team five out of 10.
Asked how he would rate England’s showing against the USA, Billington told Premier Sports: “At least a seven. All week, we have been banging on about playing the way we want to play, and the boys really stuck to their principles.
“I’m over the moon for the guys to put on such senior performances.”
Finlay O’Neill was named player of the match as he recorded 38 points, with two tries and 15 conversions.
“It was a good team effort, not just myself,” O’Neill said. “We talked about how we could improve, and I think we did that.
“We need to take the positives – [there are a] few areas to work on but I think we can be very happy with that performance.”
The four semi-finalists have now been set, with the final group games to decide who faces who in the knockouts.
In Pool A, Ireland ensured they will qualify alongside England with a 68-28 victory over Wales.
Ireland, who are ranked third in the world, will face the English in their final group game on Friday in Wollongong (06:00 GMT).
In Pool A, two-time champions France and hosts Australia both booked their passages through while scoring triple figures.
France, who were losing finalists against England in 2022, thrashed New Zealand 120-10.
Australia beat Scotland 104-24, and will play the French on Friday to determine the pool winners.
Scotland, New Zealand, Wales and USA all go into a ranking competition to determine fifth through to eighth place.
Wales will face USA in Pool A on Friday, while Scotland play New Zealand.
In the 1820s, a young painter left London to live in Shoreham in the west of Kent. In his waterside cottage, Samuel Palmer – remembered now as a key figure of British Romanticism – depicted moonlit cornfields, apple trees bowed under fruit and hills swollen with light. He dubbed the area his Valley of Vision. Two centuries on, Palmer’s own vision of Shoreham – and the surrounding Darent Valley – as a demi-paradise isn’t too far from the canvas.
I’ve lived in the area for five years and can’t quite believe how few people come to Shoreham. It feels like a secret yet is less than an hour from London by train. The village itself sits on the River Darent, remarked on by Edmund Spenser in his poem The Faerie Queene for its gentleness and clear water: “The still Darent, in whose waters cleane, ten thousand fishes play and decke his pleasant streame …”.
Lullingstone Country Park on the Darent Valley Trail. Photograph: AMcCulloch/Alamy
This 21-mile chalk stream glides into the Thames from Westerham and can be explored by the scenic waymarked Darent Valley Path. Shoreham is a pretty place. The road into the village drops to a stream under a weeping willow, flanked by two good pubs, and it makes a good base for exploring. Lopsided Tudor chimneys and pastel cottages lean over the lanes, and the Grade I-listed church of St Peter and St Paul keeps watch over the churchyard. It’s no surprise artists still come here to capture Palmer’s magic.
Neighbouring Otford and Eynsford are minutes on the train (or a short drive). Otford is the antique-hunter’s village, with waterside houses, the ruins of a 16th-century palace and a listed duck house on the pond – check out the labyrinthine Otford Antiques and Collectors Centre. Eynsford has the history: Lullingstone Roman villa with its beautifully preserved painted walls; Lullingstone Castle, favoured by Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn; and the ford, ringed by half-timbered houses.
Don’t miss
My top recommendation is cream tea at the Shoreham Aircraft Museum. The valley saw heavy aerial combat in the second world war, and this volunteer-run museum remembers it. You enter through the garden door of artist and proprietor Geoff Nutkins’ home, past overgrown flowerpots, witty hand-painted boards and an antique Hovis sign above a converted bakehouse, now a tearoom frozen in the early 20th century. The delicious puddings and doorstop sandwiches come from Nutkins’ own kitchen. (My Tunisian girlfriend describes it to friends as “exotically English”.) The £5 ticket to the museum buys entry to a lifetime’s collection, plus the story of his work building memorials to lost servicemen from both sides.
Take a hike
A path near Shoreham. Photograph: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian
Bring comfortable shoes. The beautiful gentle four-mile stretch of the Darent Valley Path from Shoreham to Eynsford suits all abilities, and is as good on a crisp winter day as in July, following the river through empty woodlands and rolling hills. It’s just four minutes by train if you’d rather ride back.
A 20-minute stroll from the churchyard in Shoreham brings you to Castle Farm (five minutes by car), one of the UK’s largest lavender growers. The farm shop, under rafters hung with hops, sells lavender oils, teas and ice-cream made from the harvest. Stock up on a box of gypsy tarts, a Kentish staple made with condensed milk and muscovado sugar. Grab some lavender honey, too (the farm keeps beehives). A coffee shed serves lavender teas and coffees. In summer you can picnic among the rows, à la Provence, or book to join in the harvest.
The Samuel Palmer in Shoreham. Photograph: Nathaniel Noir/Alamy
In Shoreham stop by The Crown for lunch. This dog-friendly locals’ pub has an intimate dining room and serves hearty, locally sourced classics such as fish and chips and a handmade pie of the day. Portions are large, but leave space for dinner at The Samuel Palmer. The beamed, fire-lit bar serves traditional pub favourites and small plates, while the bright, kid-friendly restaurant at the back presents chef Kieran Farquhar’s elevated seasonal discovery menu at £48 a head. At Mount Vineyard, the on-site restaurant has a pizza menu, and a quaint cafe by the vines serves coffee and handmade pastries.
In Otford try The Bull, with its pretty gardens. In Eynsford, The Malt Shovel is a favourite locally for lunch, with big portions and fair prices.
Where to stay
My pick is White Hill Woods, five minutes’ walk from Shoreham station, which has a log cabin for families (from £150 a night), and a shepherd’s hut for couples and solo travellers (from £100 a night, both two night minimum). There is a heated pool or just relax in the forest. Book ahead, as it’s popular with repeat visitors.
Getting there and around
There is a twice-hourly train from London Blackfriars to the villages, which takes about an hour, and using it to hop between them takes minutes. The Line 2 bus from Swanley to Sevenoaks runs along the road between the villages. Drivers will have no trouble parking, even on weekends.
In some ways, wheelchair rugby league is the same as the running game. Teams of five players have six tackles to score. Tackles on the ball carrier are made by pulling off a tag attached to each player’s shirt. A try scores four points, with two points for penalties and conversions, which are taken by punching the ball off a tee over the posts.
The game is played with an oval ball and lasts for 80 minutes, with a maximum of two non-disabled and three disabled players allowed on the field at any one time.
But unlike the running game, the balance of power lies not in Australia and the Pacific Islands, but firmly in Europe.
England’s main title rivals are France. The old enemies have met in the past three finals, the French winning in 2013 and 2017 before being beaten 28-24 in Manchester four years ago.
Ireland, ranked third in the world, are also genuine contenders and began their World Cup campaign by thrashing the USA 110-10.
But Australia, who are hosting every match in Wollongong, have their strongest ever squad and thumped New Zealand 112-14 in their Group B opener. An Australian sweep of the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments, all taking place concurrently, for the first time by any nation is not out of the question.
Bayley McKenna is their first non-disabled captain, having picked up the sport in 2006 to support his father, who was paralysed in an accident.
McKenna is far from the only non-disabled person in this tournament – England’s Brown is too, he likewise entered the sport alongside a disabled family member, his brother.
Non-disabled players are crucial to the sport’s survival, helping teams fill their squads and boost interest. But McKenna was targeted by social media abuse during the last World Cup by those who thought he shouldn’t be playing in a wheelchair sport.
“I would have copped about a dozen messages from people all around the world saying, ‘you’re a fraud, you shouldn’t even be in the chair, this is a sport for disabled people’,” he told ABC, external.
“These guys were coming at me, like, ‘you’re lucky you’re not out there on the street by yourself’.
“There is such a stigma around able-bodied athletes playing in wheelchairs. It is ridiculous. I’d be lying to you if I said I was going into this World Cup not expecting it.”
Australia gave England a couple of good games in a two-match Test series last year, indicating the big two in wheelchair rugby league may not be so exclusive for long.
So don’t turn away, England fans. The Rugby League World Cup has plenty left to give.
Since Joe Root returned as Test skipper, England have not picked a frontline spinner and have instead favoured a four-man pace attack of Jofra Archer, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson.
South Africa’s victory in the third Test suggests they will need an alternative before long.
Off-spinner Simon Harmer, who once considered playing for England before opting for the country of his birth, took 10-120 to bowl the Proteas to victory in Cape Town – the venue of the third Test against England.
Newlands is not typically a spinner’s surface but it turned big from the third day. The overall average amount of turn throughout the Test (4.35 degrees) was the fourth-highest in Cape Town on record. The Test a place ahead on the list was last year, against Pakistan.
Harmer was helped by having left-arm pace bowlers Starc and Marco Jansen creating footholes outside the right-handers’ off stump throughout. Starc will not be a factor against England but Jansen will.
England’s spin issues are longstanding, meaning there is no easy answer.
And whether they pick Shoaib Bashir, return to Jack Leach or Mason Crane or hand a debut to Nottinghamshire’s Liam Patterson-White – the recent recipient of an England development contract – they will have stiff competition.
Since Harmer returned to Test cricket in 2022, no spinner has a better average anywhere in the world.
Captain Meg Jones says England are aiming to expand their attack to stay at the head of rugby’s world order.
The Red Roses’ four-year, 41-match unbeaten run was ended by a pair of defeats by Canada earlier this month, while New Zealand threatened victory at Allianz Stadium last month, only to be undone by Zoe Harrison’s final-play try.
For so long the runaway leaders at the top of the world rankings, England could even have dropped to third with a combination of a 15-point defeat against the United States on Friday and a New Zealand win over France on Saturday.
That never looked likely as the Red Roses ran in nine tries in victory over the USA in New Jersey, but Jones says competition is becoming more fierce at the top of the game.
“Teams are getting better, that’s the nature of it,” Jones said.
“It happened in the men’s game, it’s happened in the women’s game, and we’ve just got to start being probably more unpredictable.
“We’ve learned loads on this tour, and gained so much feedback from where we want to keep growing, getting better and keep pushing.”
While Mitchell will undoubtedly take positives – Holly Aitchison’s play-making and Maud Muir’s all-action performance among them – he has plenty on his to-do list.
Top will be to tune up his team’s set-piece solidity and attacking fluency.
England suffered at the line-out early on, unable to fire up their rolling maul from two promising attacking positions before being shoved back over their own line, only for Kathryn Treder’s try to be ruled out for a obstruction call.
The scrum was also, initially at least, more closely contested than expected.
Muir was pinged as the experienced Hope Rogers grappled for set-piece supremacy.
And, all the while, the hosts were making headway at the gainline, buying territory with brute physicality – an aspect of the game which is usually England’s trademark.
The United States got their reward as Rogers burrowed beneath Maddie Feaunati for a short-range score that sparked lasting celebrations.
Jones went over after full-back Emma Sing hit a good line to restore a 10-point lead by the break, but the stats below the scoreboard favoured the United States with the hosts enjoying more territory and possession and making more metres with the ball in hand at the interval.
Moloney-MacDonald’s third and fourth scores soon after the restart put England 20 points clear and the outcome out of doubt.
The United States, who came into the match on the back of five-match winning run that includes successes over Ireland and South Africa, hung tough however.
While England’s endurance and depth told, with Hannah Botterman impressing off the bench, Ellie Kildunne weaving up from backfield on her introduction, the tide turning in the scrum and four tries scored in the final quarter, the hosts’ energy was impressive.
Even with replacement prop Mona Lisa Tupou being sent to the sin bin for a scrum infringement, their resistance and physicality stayed high and was rewarded with Zackary’s late score.
With both the attendance and the playing surface appearing patchy at the 25,000-capacity Sports Illustrated Stadium, organisers will hope to have a more impressive platform in place by the time the Women’s Rugby World Cup is held stateside in 2033.
England’s women took one step back in the hope of taking two forward as they exited the Rugby League World Cup at the group stage.
With Stuart Barrow’s side defeated by Samoa – despite a spirited display – their focus immediately shifts forward to 2030.
Whether that long-term strategy will bear dividends, though, is as uncertain as the location of the tournament in four years’ time, which is yet to be confirmed.
After reaching the semi-final stage at the previous four World Cups, England’s eye was clearly on the future this time.
That was reflected in Barrow’s thinking for this tournament when he named a squad containing 11 players aged 23 or under.
While the 70-6 rout of a Wales team ill-equipped to compete at this level on their bow had been anticipated and briefly raised expectation levels, what has followed has only underlined the gulf in class England still have to bridge.
And having been humbled again by the Jillaroos just under a week ago, any suggestions that the experience was the “best preparation” they could have for a make-or-break final group game were trashed on Friday in Wollongong.
Instead, the great power and pace of the Samoa players showed almost straight away.
Freedom Crichton Ropati twice went over in the right corner as England fought a rearguard action and the Parramatta Eels winger completed her hat-trick before the break as Samoa enjoyed a huge territorial advantage.
And it looked ominous for England when Mercedez Taulelei-Siala capitalised on a huge overload down the left to score straight after half-time and extend Samoa’s lead to 16-0.
However, when Evie Cousins, who had been in tears towards the end of the first period after failing to catch a routine high ball, skipped over in the left corner, after a superb line break from Hollie-Mae Dodd, it sparked England back into life.
Isabel Rowe added the extras and when Pauline Piliae-Rasabale elected to take two points from a penalty for Samoa it underlined the pressure that Barrow’s side had been able to apply.
While England went out in the last four on a dark and dank night in York four years ago, their departure from this World Cup was in an altogether more scenic setting, with the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop.
Had Fran Goldthorp been able to offload without her pass straying forward, when England had two players spare and the try-line at their mercy, it could have made for an entirely different conclusion.
Instead, when they then failed to find touch after winning a penalty, they were punished ruthlessly as Fanua Rimoni crashed over for Samoa’s fifth try to seal their passage into the last four and a meeting with New Zealand.
Everton did not disclose any further details but it is believed it was for missing a training session.
England winger Grealish, 31, is on loan at Everton from Premier League rivals Manchester City.
He spent a large chunk of last season with the Toffees under a similar arrangement, scoring twice and providing six assists in 20 appearances, before sustaining a season-ending foot injury in January.
Grealish came on as a substitute during City’s 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal at Wembley in August.
The former Aston Villa player, who cost City £100m in 2021, also featured as a substitute during City’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
He returned to Everton before the transfer window closed and has featured five times for them this season in the Premier League.
Grealish also played in Everton‘s Carabao Cup third round win over Wolves.
FROM big cities to waterfront towns in the Lake District – these destinations are the top places to visit this winter.
The Tripadvisor Travel Index has found places on the up based on searches for travel between November 1, 2026 and February 28, 2027.
The top Tripadvisor trending spots in the UK have been revealed – including DurhamCredit: pallikiAt the very top is Cardiff which will open its Christmas market in NovemberCredit: Alamy
At the very top of the list is the city of Cardiff which “transforms into a winter wonderland at Christmas.”
Tripadvisor suggests a walking tour of the city, or if you want to explore further afield, take this day trip by steamtrain.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
The capital of Wales has plenty to explore from its historic castles to museums and shopping arcades.
Cardiff Market, which is housed under a Victorian glass ceiling is a market that spans across two floors with lots of food stalls underneath.
Another popular spot is Caroline Street which is known locally as Chip Alley as it’s where you’ll find the majority of fish and chip shops and fast food takeaways.
For those wanting to visit in time for the Christmas market, the Cardiff Christmas Market runs from November 12 until December 23.
In second place is Pitlochry in Scotland which has deep ties with the royal family.
It dates back to the 1840s when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited Pitlochry.
Queen Victoria praised the town for having fresh ‘Highland air’ which transformed the quiet village into a thriving Victorian holiday resort.
Newquay is popular in the summer and has lots to offer in the winter tooCredit: Alamy
In third spot is Keswick which was praised for its “stunning scenery” particularly around Derwentwater.
It’s framed by mountains like Skiddaw which is the fourth-highest mountain in the Lake District.
For those who want to get out on the water visitors can book onto a Keswick lake cruise – this has views of Skiddaw and ‘Jaws of Borrowdale’ which is a dramatic and narrow gorge.
Another spot on the list is the seaside town of Newquay which while it’s popular for its beaches in the summer, is proving to be a top winter choice too.
When it’s a little darker, take a stroll around the town which has cosy cafes, pubs and shops.
One of the trending cities includes Durham, the historic city sits on the River Wear and has thousands of years of history including its castle and cathedral.
Other cities on the list include Bristol, Leeds and Norwich.
Keswick in Cumbria has sweeping views across DerwentwaterCredit: Alamy
England’s preparations have also been affected by the Prem schedule, with players involved in Sunday’s fixtures having less time for full squad training.
“We had a session today really that was affected obviously by the fact that we had a Sunday game in Prem Rugby,” Borthwick explained.
“Fortunately, we don’t have any Sunday games this coming week in Prem Rugby, which I’m pleased about.
“So that should allow players to be recovered in a proper run into the Test match.”
Borthwick acknowledged the challenge of balancing club and international commitments, but said playing at the weekend could benefit England.
“They’ll go back and play the rugby and in so many ways that will be a positive for us for next weekend,” he said.
“The players are match fit at club level, playing regularly at club level, and as long as they don’t get injured, then they’re all available for selection next week, then that will be positive.
“I’d say on one side, I think it’s a real strength of English rugby that the players have such great loyalty and passion for their clubs as we saw very evidently in this last round with the derbies that went on.
“They are team-mates and best of mates the next day for a couple of days [with England] and then they go back to being rivals again until they come back into camp next week.”
Borthwick also identified the breakdown as an area where England need to adapt to the demands of international rugby.
He pointed to the recent European fixtures, in which English clubs collectively lost more of their own breakdown ball and won less opposition breakdown ball than teams from other competing nations.
“Part of my job is identify those bits of where I need to bridge from where the players are in Prem rugby to where they are in Test rugby,” he said.
“The level of competition [at the breakdown] is at a different level in Test rugby.”
Georgia Roche replaces Jenna Foubister at half-back for England women, with Hope Millard stepping up to the bench for their must-win final group game.
England have to beat Samoa to finish second in Group A and qualify for the semi-finals.
They beat Wales 70-6 in their opener, but were thrashed 78-0 by reigning champions Australia in Perth last weekend.
Foubister, 19, started against Australia after a superb domestic season where she was named Super League Woman of Steel.
But she struggled against the strength of Australia, so coach Stu Barrow has opted for the experience of Roche instead.
The loss of key player Eva Hunter to a leg injury suffered against the Jillaroos has prompted a pack reshuffle, with Hollie-Mae Dodd moving from prop to the back row.
Mary Coleman comes in at prop as a result, while England are boosted by captain Jodie Cunningham overcoming an ear injury suffered last week to be named on the bench.
Georgia Wilson is in for Molly Jones in the centres, while Millard – the only heritage player left in the England set-up following Jasmin Strange’s tournament-ending knee injury – is back in the squad.
A win would earn England a semi-final spot, where they would most likely face New Zealand, who beat them in the last four of the previous World Cup in 2022.
England women: Fran Goldthorp, Anna Davies, Georgia Wilson, Connie Boyd, Amelia Brown, Izzy Rowe, Georgia Roche, Mary Coleman, Keara Bennett, Liv Wood, Lucy Murray, Hollie-Mae Dodd, Megan Williams.
LOOKING to celebrate Bonfire Night with some incredible firework displays but without the price tag? Luckily there are plenty of free ones across the country.
The average November outing can cost UK families up to £30 and that’s without the hot chocolates, so here’s a handy list of the biggest celebrations that are completely free to enter.
Across the UK are firework displays that are completely free – like PlymouthCredit: Getty Fawkes in the Walks is one of the largest displays in NorfolkCredit: Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk
Cambridge
For anyone near Cambridge, Midsummer Common is one of the largest free fireworks displays in the East of England.
On November 5, the evening will begin with a live DJ at 6pm – then to keep everyone entertained, there will be theatrical walkabout acts through the crowds.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
These include giant caribou puppets and stilt walking jellyfish.
There will be food vendors on-site as well from 6pm until late.
The firework ‘extravaganza’ will begin at 7pm. The event is completely free, but donations are encouraged.
Manchester
In Manchester, there are three free fireworks night celebrations hosted by the City Council all taking place on November 7 this year.
These will be at Heaton Park, Wythenshawe Park and Platt Fields Park.
Each event will open at 3pm followed by interactive storytelling sessions for children.
At all the sites will be two lots of fireworks, the first will be reduced noise fireworks at 5pm.
There will be a lantern parade at 7pm and around the site is a food and drink village, family-friendly entertainment and activities as well as funfair rides.
Most of the free firework displays will ask for donationsCredit: Getty
The second firework display will be at 8pm set to music.
Watford
Hertfordshire’s biggest display is the Cassiobury Park Fireworks in Watford on November 7.
It kicks off at 6pm with entertainment on the main stage by Vibe 107.6FM followed by a local band.
Dotted about will be food and drink outlets along with activities for kids including bungee trampolines and a bouncy slide.
The fireworks display will start at 7.30pm.
Plymouth
For anyone in the south west, Plymouth will hold a large Bonfire Night celebration on November 5.
It’s popular with around 20,000 people flocking to The Hoe for its huge bonfire next to Smeaton’s Tower and 15-minute firework display over the Citadel.
Food stalls will open on Plymouth Hoe from 4pm until late.
The bonfire will start at 7pm in the evening with the fireworks starting at 7.30pm.
These are completely free to attend, but for anyone who heads up to the promenade for the rides – there will be a small fee to go on them.
Cassiobury Park in Watford holds the biggest firework display in HertfordshireCredit: AlamyThere are three free displays in Manchester including one at Heaton ParkCredit: Alamy
Norfolk
Fawkes in the Walks is one of the biggest firework displays in Norfolk.
This year it will take place on November 6 at The Walks in King’s Lynn.
Kicking off at 6pm it will have live music, food and drink stalls and a funfair which will keep everyone occupied before the main event.
The fireworks kick off at 8pm alongside live music from DJ Mark Purdy and Vex.
The event is completely free but donations are encouraged.
London
In London anyone on a budget can usually get a good view of fireworks for free from vantage points like Primrose or Parliament Hill.
However, if you want to go to an actual event, Coram’s Fields is one of London’s free community displays.
Gates open at 3.30pm with performances by local youth groups beginning at 4.15pm – this is also when the fun fair rides and food stalls will first open.
The 18-minute long firework display will begin at 6pm.
General entry to the display is on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to the park’s capacity.
Lots of the celebrations have DJs, live music, and stalls selling drinks and light up souvenirsCredit: AlamyIn Lewes, it’s free to watch some of the bonfires and torchlit processionCredit: Getty
It’s also worth noting that as Coram’s Fields is a children’s park, adults may can only attend the event when accompanied by a child.
East Sussex
For a slightly unusual Bonfire Night, Lewes in East Sussex holds the biggest celebration in the country.
Every year on November 5, six different bonfire societies each hold their own procession and firework displays through the town.
The majority of the event is completely free, like the bonfire at Commercial Square and the torchlit parades.
Entry to the individual society firework and bonfire sites requires a paid ticket – but they will be free to watch from the public-accessible areas along the routes.
This year, the processions start at around 5pm and will arrive at the individual bonfire at around 9.45pm with fireworks displays finishing around 11pm.
Pakistan had all but lost hope of winning their One-Day International (ODI) cricket match against England when all-rounder Shadab Khan walked onto the pitch to bat and stormed off it with an unlikely come-from-behind win in the bag, in front of a raucous home crowd in Lahore.
The hosts were reduced to 154-9 in the chase of 242 on Sunday, and England were in sight of their first win of the tri-nation series when Shadab and fast bowler Haris Rauf came together for the last-wicket partnership.
Recommended Stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
From there on, Shadab put on a run-chase masterclass, hitting an unbeaten century to give Pakistan a one-wicket victory and book a spot in the series final.
The 28-year-old launched a surprise counterattack on England, ending up with 113 not out off 96 balls alongside Rauf (7 not out off 19). Shadab and Rauf’s partnership was the highest last-wicket stand in a successful run chase in ODI history.
Earlier in England’s innings, Ben Duckett was the lone batting saviour, scoring 105 off 111 for his fifth ODI century. Once Arafat Minhas dismissed him, England looked hopeless as Shaheen Afridi’s impressive bowling cleaned up their batting lineup.
He took his fourth wicket (4-46) to remove Henry Crocombe. England’s last-wicket pair added 39 to post a below-par total of 241 all out from 46.4 overs.
England then decimated Pakistan’s top order as Jamie Overton (3-43) and Liam Dawson (2-19) removed Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam and Saad Baig cheaply.
The hosts ultimately slumped to 154-9, having been 74-3. By this point, England had all but secured victory as the home crowd began leaving Gaddafi Stadium after the ninth wicket fell.
Shadab stepped up to flip the script and produce the batting performance of a lifetime when he prised victory away from England, particularly after his leg-before-wicket dismissal was overturned on review.
“I dedicate this win to the two most wonderful women in my life: my mother & my wife,” Shadab wrote on social media following the victory.
“Special mention for [Haris Rauf], we win only as a team and he showed that today in the partnership. Thank you to my entire team.”
‘Won it for Pakistan out of nowhere’
The victory went some way towards restoring faith among Pakistani cricket fans, who have endured months of dismal performances at global tournaments, as well as bilateral series.
It was “an innings to remember”, as former Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Hafeez put it, while teammate Imad Wasim praised Shadab for handling the extreme pressure.
“That was a sensational innings by Shadab Khan,” Sri Lanka’s veteran cricketer Angelo Mathews wrote on X. “Won it for Pakistan out of nowhere.”
Barbadian wicketkeeper-batsman Shai Hope called the match “absolute cinema” while former West Indies cricketer Daren Sammy termed it “another thriller”, referring to Sri Lanka’s thrashing of England on Thursday when they recorded the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history.
Praise and memes kept pouring in on social media as one user joked about making a documentary of the game, while others reiterated the need for more trilateral series in ODI format.
Speaking after the match, Pakistan’s captain Afridi said he was pleased with the team’s overall performance, especially the way Shadab and Haris finished the game.
“We thought we had a lot of variation in the team, so that’s why we brought Shadab in,” the fast bowler said.
“We need top-order runs; we’re struggling. I hope in the next few games we’ll bring that energy.
“I think tonight we’ll be celebrating; tomorrow back to normal.”
Pakistan’s Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf celebrate after winning [KM Chaudary/AP Photo]
‘Incredible run chase’
English cricket commentator Nasser Hussain praised Pakistan’s “incredible run chase” as he credited Shadab’s change of intent in the heat of the moment.
“Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf; that partnership, you had to be really switched on and smart how you played it,” Hussain said on Sky Sports.
“The moment they changed intent, the moment Shadab said ‘right we’ve gone one way, it’s gone nowhere, we’re going to play our shots’, there’s a lesson to be learnt,” Hussain said, referring to the previous game when England were put under pressure.
“Brilliant change of intent from Shadab Khan; that game had gone from them. Took one individual backed up by Haris Rauf to bring it back.”
Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf echoed a similar sentiment.
“Superb display of positive intent! Fearless, aggressive and full of belief. Take a bow,” he wrote on X.
Speaking alongside Hussain, retired English cricketer Chris Woakes agreed on Shadab’s spectacular performance: “A hundred not out at number eight is pretty special!”
YOU’LL find this majestic manor hotel tucked away in the Hertfordshire countryside with beautiful gardens and cosy rooms.
Read on to find out more about Fanhams Hall and everything you can do there from exploring the beautiful Japanese garden to table tennis and even karaoke.
Fanhams Hall is a Jacobean manor that is now a huge hotelCredit: UnknownFanhams Hall sits on a 27-acre estate with huge gardensCredit: Angela Ward Brown
The former manor house that dates back to the 14th century has since been built upon and as enormous as it is, if you didn’t know if it was there, you’d never stumble upon it by chance.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
After driving through winding country roads you’re welcomed in with the grand driveway that leads towards the beautiful hotel.
It’s a true countryside spot with manicured grounds where you’ll see wildflowers, ducks, ornate Japanese gardens with its own tea house, a wisteria canopy, croquet lawn, and water features – along with the occasional dog walker too.
Fanhams Hall is a Jacobean mansion which oozes charm, history and luxury. Inside are wooden panelled walls and formal dinners take place in the elegant Drawing Room.
For drinks, there’s the grand conservatory which has its own outdoor terrace and patio.
There are some rooms reserved for events, but you can poke your head in to admire them if nobody’s there and you’ll want a glimpse of the Long Gallery.
It was formerly a picture gallery inside the main house and has oak panelling and a vaulted ceiling with impressive, sparkling chandeliers.
The hotel itself is enormous, as are the grounds, so don’t be surprised if you lose your bearings at first.
What is there to do there?
Of course exploring the gardens is a must. But on a rainy day, head upstairs where you’ll discover the Energy Zone which has a foosball table, table tennis as well as a pick n mix sweet station, soft drinks, and refillable tea and coffee.
On the grounds is a Japanese-inspired gardenCredit: Unknown
If you’re staying in a larger group, you may want to hire out the Karaoke Klub which has disco balls, a private bar, popcorn and even a slushie machine.
Outside is a small fitness room with free weights, running and rowing machines and bikes.
Fanhams Hall is a five-minute drive away from the centre of Ware. Here, take a stroll down the high street and pop into its shops like Noire, Sparkles of Ware and The Sage Garden along with plenty of pubs and coffee shops.
In the springtime check out the local lido, or take a walk along the River Lea to see the barges, boats and swans.
Ware is also a 20-minute drive away from Hertfordshire Zoo where you can see big cats, lemurs, meerkats and reptiles.
What is there to eat and drink there?
For dining, head to the Drawing Room for an intimate setting and tasty food.
The menus change seasonally, and while we were there, we indulged in juicy steak that came with a side of salad and fries, as well as a creamy mushroom pasta with crispy pieces of parmesan cheese.
At the bar, you can choose anything from a refreshing glass of white wine, to sweet rosé, a gin and tonic and a choice of beers on draught.
In the morning, head to the pavilion for breakfast where there are both hot and cold options with all the classics like fried eggs, toast, beans, mushrooms, sausages and bacon along with croissants with jam.
For those who are a fan of tea, you’ll be thrilled that there are Teapigs which come in a choice of flavours and you get your own tea pot – there are various milks on offer too. Feel free to refill your juice, tea and coffee as often as you’d like.
A traditional afternoon tea is popular here where guests can sample a selection of sandwiches from dill and salmon to egg mayonnaise, fresh cakes and gateaux.
Don’t forget the scones which come in flavours like vanilla and lavender and enjoy a cup of tea on the side- this starts from £40 per adult.
You’ll want to bag a space on the pavilion terrace for breakfastCredit: Fanhams Hall There’s a range of rooms and suites – some with four-poster bedsCredit: Angela Ward Brown
What are the rooms like?
There are rooms and suites both in the main building and in the courtyard of the hotel.
Each vary in size and design from the smaller Shoebox room aimed at solo travellers to the large Chestnut Suite which has a four-poster bed.
I stayed in the luxurious Bonsai Room which has cosy mustard accents, a comfy king-size bed. Its two windows make it light, airy and provide sweeping views across the lawn.
There’s also a miniSMEG kettle and fridge with a few complimentary cans, there was also a coffee machine, snacks and the room has free WiFi and air con too.
The most lavish part was the ensuite where that you can watch TV from the bath, then there’s the huge shower which has side jets and Molton Brown toiletries.
For those who want to bring their furry friends, you can. There is a £40 per stay extra charge, which includes room access and a special welcome pack for dogs.
Yes. The Family Rooms come with two double beds and sleep two adults and two children – making them an ideal choice if you’re travelling with the kids.
The rooms are in the main mansion house and have a large bathroom too, some have a shower, some come with both a shower and bath.
Is there access for guests with disabilities?
Some parts of the courtyard building are accessible, with one fully accessible room which has been adapted with a wet room and handrails.
You can request this room when making your booking and for more information, call the hotel directly.
The lift inside the main building is a lift next to the Conservatory Bar – from there guests can reach the Energy Zone and some third-floor bedrooms.
