fantasy

Chris Wood, Dilane Bakwa, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ola Aina remain unavailable for Nottingham Forest.

Wood could return from a knee injury in time to face Leeds United next weekend.

Back-up goalkeeper Angus Gunn has also been after damaging knee ligaments during training.

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has returned to full training following nine months out with a knee injury although he is not in contention to travel to the City Ground.

“He [Martinez] wants to go to this one, he is not going to this one, he is going to take time,” said United boss Ruben Amorim.

“He is really good, he is really good, and he gives us that edge in every training session and that is also really good for us.

Harry Maguire is a doubt after missing the 4-2 win against Brighton last weekend due to a knock and Leny Yoro could once again deputise.

Players out: Nottingham Forest – Gunn, Wood, Bakwa, Zinchenko, Aina Manchester United – Martinez

Doubts: Nottingham Forest – none Manchester United – Maguire

Key FPL notes:

The hair of the dog is no miracle remedy. Colin Farrell knows this from experience.

The Irish actor learned the limits of the folk remedy many moons ago while filming “Minority Report,” the Steven Spielberg-directed tech noir film based on Philip K. Dick’s science fiction novella of the same name.

That fateful day on set, as Farrell told it Tuesday on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” was perhaps even more disturbing than the surveillance-state setting wherein the 2002 film unfolds.

It all started on the eve of Farrell’s birthday, he said. That night, he “got up to all sorts of nonsense” that landed him back home in the wee hours. At the time, Farrell was struggling to kick a longtime substance abuse habit.

“I remember getting into bed, and as soon as I turned off the light the phone rang,” the Academy Award winner said. He was 10 minutes late for his 6 a.m. pickup.

“I went, ‘Oh, s—.’”

Farrell said he had hardly fumbled his way out of his car when assistant director David H. Venghaus Jr. intercepted him, insisting, “You can’t go to the set like this.”

In response, the young actor requested six Pacifico beers and a pack of Marlboro Reds.

“Now listen, it’s not cool because two years later I went to rehab, right?” Farrell told Colbert. “But it worked in the moment.”

Did it, though?

In the end, Farrell said it took him 46 takes to deliver one single line, albeit a verbose one: “I’m sure you’ve all grasped the fundamental paradox of pre-crime methodology.”

“Tom wasn’t very happy with me,” Farrell said. Lucky for Cruise, he got a consolation prize in the form of a Saturn Award nomination from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films. Plus, “Minority Report’s” $35.6-million domestic opening didn’t hurt.

Farrell finally got sober a few years later, shortly before he filmed “In Bruges” (2008), he said at the 2021 Dublin International Film Festival.

At first, the transition was difficult to manage, Farrell said: “After 15 or 20 years of carousing the way I caroused and drinking the way I drank, the sober world is a pretty scary world.”

But “to come home and not to have the buffer support of a few drinks just to calm the nerves, it was a really amazing thing,” he said.

WIMBLEDON legends are thrilled to see Thomas Tuchel go full Crazy Gang in England’s bid for World Cup glory.

The England boss is taking a leaf out of the Dons playbook by telling his Three Lions to use long throws and big goal-kicks to secure their first major trophy since 1966.

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Wimbledon were renowned for their direct and physical style of play both during the 1980s and 1990s.

As well as climbing from non-league to the top tier, they also pulled off one of football’s biggest shocks to beat Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup final at Wembley.

Former Dons manager Dave Bassett told Sun Sport: “I think Tuchel’s on the right lines.

“The purists have been living in fantasy land. Even Manchester City use the long ball more. Our old ways are catching on.

“If you can get the ball forward — not aimlessly — and get players running in behind, it unsettles defences.

“People panic more with long throws than they ever do with corners — they become frightened to death.

“Going sideways and backwards doesn’t get you goals.

“We didn’t hang around. The ­players knew it was one-touch and going into the box. But we did not get the credit because people called it anti-football.”

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Bassett backs Tuchel’s decision to leave Jude Bellingham out of his latest squad — raising the ­possibility the Real Madrid superstar may not even feature in the USA, Canada and Mexico next summer.

The 81-year-old added: “Tuchel needs to decide what formation he wants and which players best suit his system and share his vision.

“Bellingham is a very good player but if he’s not conducive to the team spirit, then tough luck on Bellingham. One person cannot hold the team to ransom.

“When you go away, Tuchel can’t have moody, selfish people who are not sold on his ideas.

“If players are suspect he won’t take them — even if they may be great players.”

Bobby Gould took the reins after Bassett fell out with Dons owner Sam Hammam — and led them to their most famous win.

His first masterstroke after taking over the Crazy Gang was hiring ex-England coach Don Howe.

And Gould, 79, said: “England’s loss was Wimbledon’s gain with Don.

“We just added a bit more quality rather than ripping it up and starting again. It worked wonders.

“Don was Arsenal through and through and steeped in tradition — but even he got into the mind games.

“In the Wembley dressing room he told every player and staff member to put their watch back ten minutes.

“When the referee came to tell us to get into the tunnel, Don said, ‘no, not yet your watch must be wrong’. So off the ref went, we kept Kenny Dalglish & Co waiting — and that was our first ­victory of the day.”

Tuchel’s England exploits remind Gould of the Dons’ good old days.

He added: “England have scored a couple of goals under Tuchel right out of the Wimbledon playbook.

“But it showed our much-maligned tactics still work because the opposition don’t know what’s hit them when you get forward quickly and slaughter them with crosses or long throws.

“Mentally and physically you’ve got to be in it together and that gets the opposition thinking, ‘what have we got to do to stop them?’”

Wembley goal hero Lawrie Sanchez went on to use his Wimbledon experience as Northern Ireland manager.

And he masterminded a shock 1-0 victory over Sven-Goran Eriksson’s England at Windsor Park 20 years ago.

Sanchez, 65, said: “The thing the Crazy Gang had is we were greater than the sum of our parts.

“Whether you could get away with half the gamesmanship we got up to with 24 cameras focused on games is a different matter.

“But on the football side, the set-plays, strength of the characters, strong team ethic and belief in what we were doing would still stand us in good stead.

“We were stats-based well before stats came into play and our set-plays were the logical development from that stat-based stuff. We did set-plays in training ­boringly for hours on Thursdays and Fridays — but it paid off.

“Whether you can get that in an England team in a short space of time is a different matter.

“But they’ve been doing the same thing for the last 59 years and not won anything.”

Full-back Nigel Winterburn helped Wimbledon to a couple of promotions under Bassett but left for Arsenal a year before the cup glory.

He said: “No one liked us because of the way we played but we were often cast-offs with a determination to prove people wrong.

“Boy-oh-boy we intimidated a lot of teams.”

But the likes of John ­Fashanu and Vinny Jones met their match when they faced the British Army.

Winterburn, 61, said: “Dave Bassett liked to bond everyone in pre-season.

“We’d get a typed itinerary saying which five-star hotel awaited.

“But we would end up in the most basic places — usually with the army.

“Once we had to camp out overnight, attack a mock fort and rescue a so-called prisoner.

“It ended up in chaos with Fash and Vinny fighting soldiers.

“There were weird and wonderful times. It forged a togetherness that made sure we were always there to help team-mates.”

The popular woodland has proven a hit with visitors, who said it “belongs on every UK travel bucket list”

A “fairytale” woodland in the UK has been hailed as a “must-see” by visitors. Nestled in the Forest of Dean, the tranquil spot is celebrated for its “enchanting” atmosphere and has featured in a range of films, including Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Puzzlewood, situated in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, has been dubbed an “enchanting forest” by those who have lauded its picturesque views. While it’s a well-known treasure among locals, Puzzlewood offers a serene escape for those from further afield.

The TikTok account @adventureamore1 posted a video highlighting the beauty of the woodland. The caption read: Step into one of the UK’s most magical forests…Puzzlewood, located in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, is one of the most enchanting woodland experiences in England.

“Known for its twisted ancient trees, moss-covered rocks, winding pathways, and hidden bridges, this fairytale-like forest has inspired filmmakers and writers from around the world. It has been featured in blockbuster productions such as Star Wars, Doctor Who, and Merlin, making it a must-visit destination for film fans and nature lovers alike.

“Exploring Puzzlewood feels like walking through a real-life fantasy world. The forest is a natural labyrinth where every turn reveals something new — gnarled roots forming tunnels, shafts of sunlight streaming through the canopy, and secret paths that spark the imagination. Perfect for photographers, couples, families, and adventure seekers, Puzzlewood is one of the most unique outdoor attractions in the UK.

“If you’re looking for magical things to do in Gloucestershire or planning a Forest of Dean day trip, Puzzlewood is an unforgettable experience that belongs on every UK travel bucket list.”

In the footage, the TikToker added: “It’s hard to believe that this isn’t even the best bit of the walk, check this out. This enchanted forest is like stepping into a real life fantasy and was even the inspiration for the Lord of the Rings’ Middle Earth. Located in Gloucestershire, this is Puzzlewood. GL1 8QB.”

The clip proved popular, amassing 84k views and over 1,600 likes, sparking a range of comments from eager viewers. One viewer commented: “I’m so lucky to live very close to here and in the Forest of Dean, such a magical place.”

A second wrote: “This place is like out of a fantasy world.” A third added: “Been twice as my sister lives near it, beautiful place love it.”

The praise continued, with one person writing: “Less than an hour away from me, it’s stunning, the little farm and play area and shop are cutesy too.” A second said: “Wow serene” and a third added: “Looks absolutely amazing.”

Puzzlewood is less than a mile south of Coleford in the Forest of Dean. Visitors are advised to head to Coleford and follow the brown tourist signs for Puzzlewood. The postcode for Puzzlewood is GL16 8QB. For those travelling by train, the nearest railway stations are Lydney, Chepstow and Gloucester, though there are no taxi ranks at Lydney and Chepstow stations. Ordering a taxi in advance is recommended.

Puzzlewood is open from 10am every day in September and October, with last entry at 4pm. In November, the woodland is only open on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, from 10am, with last entry at 3pm.

Visitors are required to pay an entry fee; adults £9.90, children £8.50, children aged 2 and under are free. Adult concessions are priced at £8.90, while child concessions are £7.50.

The government has pledged £1.5m for two new indoor sport domes in Luton and Lancashire – but hopes of grassroots cricket receiving an anticipated huge cash injection remain in doubt.

Last year, then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak promised £35m to cricket in what was called a “seminal moment” that could lead to “generational change” within the sport.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) envisaged the funding package “turbocharging” an improvement in facilities in towns and cities for state school children.

Central to that plan was the construction of 16 domes across England before 2029, which would enable local cricket to be played all year round and in any weather.

A £14m proportion of the original pledge was to be divided between three charities – ACE, Chance to Shine and Lord’s Taverners – with the target of getting one million pupils from state schools playing cricket.

As reported by BBC Sport last October, those plans were left severely under threat amid government cuts as part of the Spending Review.

At the announcement of the two new domes, during an event at Leyland Cricket Club in Lancashire, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy told the BBC that former Conservative leader Sunak’s original package to help revive cricket in state schools was unrealistic.

She said the decision to provide cash for the two domes was a “significant step” at a time when “public finances are very very tight”.

“Unfortunately, the announcement made by the last government was a fantasy. There was not a single penny of funding actually attached to it,” explained Labour MP Nandy.

“So the announcement in itself equated to absolutely nothing at all.

“We are backing sport because we know how much it matters. It changes people’s lives. It opens up opportunities that people would never have had otherwise.”

Shadow Culture Secretary Nigel Huddleston said it was “vital” to “widen cricket participation in schools” and “provide world-class, all-year-round facilities for local communities”.

He added: “At a time when there is uncertainty over the government’s commitment to sports funding, including the future of cricket fund, my Conservative colleagues and I will continue to champion this cause.”

Urgency surrounds the future of the two-state solution as Israel ramps up its control of historic Palestinian territory. And even though several countries have moved to recognise a Palestinian state, many observers say it’s too late. Soraya Lennie breaks it down.

The world of showbiz is mourning the loss of Australian star Julian McMahon and one of his most popular roles is available to watch completely free

Julian McMahon’s iconic role in one of the most popular fantasy dramas ever is available to stream totally free of charge.

The Australian-American actor, known for portraying Doctor Doom in the original Fantastic Four films and Dr. Christian Troy in the medical drama Nip/Tuck, sadly passed away from cancer on Wednesday, 2nd July this year.

Following his death in Clearwater, Florida, his wife Kelly Paniagua said in a statement via Deadline: “Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends.

“He loved his work, and he loved his fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible.”

The actor most recently appeared opposite Nicolas Cage in the surreal thriller film The Surfer, but countless fans will remember him from a totally different role.

From the third season of the hit fantasy drama Charmed he portrayed the half-demon lawyer Cole Turner aka Belthazor, sent to menace the coven before falling in love with Phoebe Halliwell (played by Alyssa Milano).

He appeared as a major recurring character across three seasons, finally making a guest spot in the penultimate seventh instalment.

Following McMahon’s devastating passing, there’s no better time to relive one of his most iconic roles as all eight seasons of Charmed are available to stream on ITVX in the UK.

If you’ve never seen the series before, there are millions of fans out there who would all give it a stirring recommendation.

One rave Google review called it a “power-packed show with its perfect blend of fantasy, drama, and a strong portrayal of sisterhood.

“My heart melted for Charmed, gifting me with an avalanche of beautiful memories.

“It was the hard-hitting storyline coupled with mesmerizing performances and character growth that made the show a treasure that warms my heart today.”

And plenty of fans agree McMahon’s appearances were some of the show’s strongest episodes.

A Redditor claimed “Cole carried the show”, adding: “I’ve been rewatching the show and I’ve noticed what a great character Cole was.

“I feel like he had the most nuanced acting. He has a schoolboy charm about him that’s very cheeky.”

To which someone else replied: “IMO, the best episodes/seasons were when Cole was one of the main characters.

“I feel like his character brought a certain depth to the show that it didn’t have prior to his arrival.”

Are you planning on getting dazzled by Charmed at some point this week?

Charmed is available to stream on ITVX.