rated

‘Dictated the game’ – how England and Wales’ players rated

Jordan Pickford: A history-making night for the keeper as he broke the record he shared with Gordon Banks for the number of consecutive clean sheets, which now stands at eight. Made a smart save to deny David Brooks, but didn’t have much more to trouble him. 6

Ezri Konsa: The Aston Villa defender was moved to right-back as John Stones came into the centre and the absence of the injured Reece James. Konsa looked solid as he has done in the past when playing in that position for England and offered an attacking outlet. Not tested defensively. 6

John Stones: His first match under Thomas Tuchel since he became England manager. Stones stepped into midfield to start attacks and it was an extremely comfortable return to international football after his injury troubles. 6

Marc Guehi: The Crystal Palace defender was his usual composed self at centre-back. Produced a great piece of play to keep the ball in and set up Morgan Rogers for his opening goal. Guehi must be a first-choice defender for England. 7

Djed Spence: Not anything of note to deal with defensively on his first start for England. A good outlet in attack and continues to be a versatile asset. 6

Declan Rice: Captain for the night and lived up to the honour. Bossed the midfield with his running power and dictated the game with his passing. His corners and free-kicks were always quality. 8

Elliot Anderson: Continues to make the number six position his own. Plays with maturity but still only 22. Has a real chance to become a key part of the England team. 7

Morgan Rogers: A favourite of Tuchel and one of the big options as a number 10. A great moment for him to score his first England goal and his powerful running caused Wales problems throughout the match. 8

Bukayo Saka: The Arsenal winger was a constant threat on the right wing – just as he is for his club. He scored the goal of the match with a real moment of quality when he cut in on his left foot and curled a shot into the top corner. 8

Anthony Gordon: Started the match on the left wing and was then moved to striker after Ollie Watkins was withdrawn. He played with his usual energy and pace and contributed to a solid win. 7

Ollie Watkins: A goal for Watkins. He hasn’t played much under Tuchel but the Villa front man took his chance when it came and is the clear backup for captain Harry Kane. But missed another good opportunity and a collision with a post led to injury and a half-time withdrawal. 7

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Sainsbury’s car park rated UK seaside town’s top tourist attraction on Tripadvisor

UK seaside towns are usually a hit with tourists for their beautiful beaches, cosy pubs and fish and chip shops, but one town has become famous for a Sainsbury’s car park

A view of the perspex tunnel in a Sainsbury's car park
The car park has a cult following (Image: SWNS)

When planning a seaside staycation, most people will look at a town’s proximity to beautiful beaches, the choice of pubs and chippies on offer, and whether there are many attractions to keep the whole family busy.

While Bude in Cornwall may be right by some gorgeous coastal walks and offer plenty of seaside charm, there’s a quirky reason why Brits are flocking to the town to snap photos.

In what is an example of British humour at its best, a Sainsbury’s car park has become the town’s top-rated attraction on Tripadvisor, with a rating of 4.7 stars.

It’s not entirely clear when it started, but UK tourists started leaving hilariously generous reviews of the Bude Tunnel, describing it as “magnificent” and “magical”, and comparing it to the likes of Lapland or London.

READ MORE: Idyllic town with great pubs and stunning gardens named best in whole of ScotlandREAD MORE: Tourists are flocking to ‘quirky’ UK village purely because of its name

It’s gained such a cult following that Tripadvisor reportedly briefly switched off comments at one point because the reviews weren’t truthfully reflecting what it actually is; a perspex tunnel, in a car park.

“A life-changing stroll through plastic grandeur – loses half a star because our epic trek lacked a soundtrack,” one jokester wrote on the review site. “Maybe it would’ve been better at night when it’s lit up.”

The Bude tunnel next to Sainsbury's in Bude, Cornwall
The Bude Tunnel is infamous (Image: SWNS)

Another added: “Forget Harry Potter. If you want a magical experience, this is it. This is our second visit to the tunnel in as many years. You will NOT be disappointed.”

It could also turn out to be quite the romantic hotspot. One holidaymaker and their partner survived what must have been a rough time for them both as they wrote: “Doesn’t disappoint, it brought me and my partner closer together after a disagreement over Sainsbury’s opening times. Stronger than ever, thank you Bude tunnel.”

The Bude tunnel next to Sainsbury's in Bude, Cornwall, lit up at night
It gets decorated come Christmas time(Image: TripAdviser )

Locals have also been getting in on the joke, with one resident saying that “this South Western Wonder is a wonderful landmark which we are all sure to be proud to have in Cornwall”, quipping that they felt “so inspired and motivated” while they walked through the tunnel. Meanwhile Sainsbury’s has embraced the attention, and has even decorated the tunnel with some Christmas lights during festive seasons.

Luckily for tourists (and to be honest, locals), there’s a lot more that Bude has to offer. Other highly-rated attractions on Tripadvisor include the town’s natural sea pool, as well as some of the picturesque beaches such as Summerleaze Beach with its pirate ship model and Sandy Mouth Beach. Water sports fans won’t be disappointed either with a host of offerings from kayaking and bodyboarding to surfing. Meanwhile back on land, hikers can lace up their boots and take on a stretch of the South West Coast Path.

You can find out more on visitbude.info.

Is there an unexpected tourist attraction where you live? Email us at [email protected].

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‘I stayed at Britain’s worst rated hotel chain – grim discovery in room knocked me sick’

An expert braved a mini tour of the UK’s ‘worst hotel chain’ properties and reportedly found a tissue in a kettle, scum in a pool, a view of an overflowing skip and mismatched, tired furniture were among the delights waiting to greet him

Folkestone Kent
The Grand Burstin Hotel is a prime spot at the edge of the harbour in Folkestone, Kent(Image: In Pictures via Getty Images)

After a hotel chain was named the worst in Britain for the 11th consecutive year, a curious expert decided to investigate to see if things were really that bad at their numerous properties across the country in prime locations.

Britannia Hotels has consistently been awarded the dubious title of worst hotel chain in surveys conducted by consumer magazine Which? Many of its individual properties also have low to average scores on Tripadvisor where visitors have left scathing reviews.

Guest complaints include issues with cleanliness, tired furniture, poor service and barely edible food. It comes after a Brit abroad slams all-inclusive hotel food asking ‘what on earth is this?’

READ MORE: Abandoned UK Butlin’s site is now seaside town’s ‘hell hole’ hotelREAD MORE: Beachgoers left stunned after rare sea creature spotted off British coast

press release from the Royal Bath shows a part of its grand interior
A press release from the Royal Bath shows a part of its grand interior(Image: Free Picture)

Travel writer Gavin Haines wanted to see if the reports and findings were accurate and if things were really that bad on site. He stayed at three different hotels belonging to Britannia and it’s safe to say what he experienced certainly backed the research and reviews.

He had contacted Which? editor Rory Boland about the “abysmal” overall customer satisfaction ratings and was advised not to even bother visiting. “With over a decade of dismal reviews, our results suggest that Britannia should be avoided at all costs,” he was told.

Despite this he braved a stay at the Royal Bath in the traditional coastal town of Bournemouth. The grand hotel has a rich history – it was opened in 1838 on Queen Victoria’s Coronation Day and was the first hotel in the town.

beach and pier at bournemouth with people sitting at tables on hotel terrace
The Bournemouth hotel has stunning views of the sea – from certain areas(Image: Free Picture)

It is set in its own landscaped grounds with spectacular views out to sea, which, its dedicated wedding website claims, makes it the perfect spot for your special day.

However Gavin found the venue’s interior special in a very different way. “The mismatched furniture looks like it was sourced in haste from a house clearance shop and makes me feel homesick,” he writes in the Telegraph.

“While the views make me want to call the Samaritans (if we can reasonably describe a rusty air conditioning unit, some broken guttering and fag ends on an enclosed flat roof as views).”

He couldn’t even bring himself to make a brew to improve his experience because the kettle had tissue inside it, “for reasons I’d rather not speculate on”.

spa at royal bath hotel
A travel writer said the Royal Bath’s spa needed a ‘good jet wash’(Image: Free Picture)

One of the Royal Bath’s selling points is its spa with a heated indoor pool, steam room and gym. Unfortunately this also let the side down with a reported “line of scum” clinging to the tiles in the pool.

On Tripadvisor, where the hotel has a 2.6 score out of 5, one recent review backed his slimy discovery. In July this year, one visitor was looking forward to a spa day with high tea that had been booked by a friend but was incredibly “disappointed” by what they encountered.

“The Spa and pool was shabby, dated with missing tiles and broken lockers,” they revealed. “Nobody was at the desk so we had to wait to be allowed in. The crescent shaped pool was full of kids and toddlers, a tiny jacuzzi and sauna which were full and there were not enough loungers to accommodate everyone and hardly creating a peaceful luxurious experience!”

grand burstin hotel front with missing chunks of facade
Large chunks of the rendering fell off injuring people below(Image: Steve Wood)

The high tea was more of a low point as well with, “sweaty cheese and curling bread”. When it came to Gavin’s dining experience, he did note that there probably wasn’t anywhere else in the popular town where you could get a three course meal for £15 in such grand surroundings, but you “get what you pay for”.

In his case it was a rock hard bread roll, overcooked and undercooked (quite a feat) carrots in the beef stew and a glow in the dark dessert.

Unfortunately his nights at other properties in the group were on par. The “ironically named” Palace Hotel in Buxton (3 out of 5 on TripAdvisor), like the Royal Bath, is a beautiful old building in a classical style set in five acres of gardens.

Sadly he didn’t get to admire these out of the window of his room that was “so cold I didn’t want to get out of bed”. Instead he was met with the choice view of an overflowing skip and old furniture dumped in a grotty car park.

While other visitors were similarly disappointed with the hotel, with many on Tripadvisor complaining of dirty rooms with poor facilities, there were those who appreciated its faded grandeur: “This hotel has lots of character & charm, yes parts are dated but that adds to its beauty,” shared one.

Another agreed: “For me the grandness of the building and the aspect looking out of the town was wonderful. Room didn’t have a window – as a result I had the best night’s sleep – didn’t know what time it was! I’d visit again – can put up with a bit of outdatedness for the charm and style of the place.”

rubbish in hallway
Pictures from a family’s ‘nightmare’ stay at the Burstin with rubbish in hallways(Image: Daniel Brown WS)
door with missing handle
There was no handle on the family’s door at the Burstin(Image: Daniel Brown WS)

Meanwhile, Gavin’s not-so-magical mystery tour had more delights in store at the Grand Burstin, Folkestone (2.7 out of 5 on TripAdvisor). The hotel made headlines in 2022 when chunks of its facade blew off, plummeting below onto a coach in the car park. Two people were injured. The year before a family cut short their stay there and likened it to Fawlty Towers – the disastrous hotel in John Cleese’s classic comedy.

So Gavin probably arrived with some understandable fear and trepidation, which would have been entirely justified but here he was treated to rose petals in his room.

However it seemed these weren’t a romantic welcome token from a thoughtful housekeeper and instead, “had presumably featured in a recent low-budget dirty weekend”. The spa facilities here were described as “scuzzy” and evoked “verruca socks”.

With plenty of Tripadvisor reviews of the various properties calling out their tired appearance, there are also those that highlight improvements that have been made, especially at the Royal Bath.

Britannia has invested £1million there recently but it seems, as with a lot of its premises, it’s pot luck what room you are allocated. One horrified guest says they were given a “cheap, nasty and dinky” room without a window in the “stinking” East Wing. While on the flip side, another was reportedly allocated a “spacious” room with a sea view, despite not paying extra for it.

It’s a similar pattern at the Burstin. While the reviewer wasn’t at all impressed with his room, others had a very different experience. One returning guest was perfectly happy with their allocation in August this year. They wrote on Tripadvisor: “Another superb stay here. But this time an even better room with an even better perfect sea view. Room was lovely clean and comfortable Well done Grand Burstin.”

Another who was wary of what to expect after reading poor reviews shared: “I was pleasantly surprised by the hotel. Its not the Ritz or something flash and modern, it is what you pay for – a budget hotel.”

The Mirror has contacted Britannia Hotels for comment.

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Netflix fans have just 7 days to watch highest rated Rotten Tomatoes movie ever

One of the highest-rated movies of all time is about to leave Netflix in just a few weeks – so movie fans need to make sure they fit this one in before it’s gone for good

Leave no trace
Leave No Trace has a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes – and leaves Netflix on 30 June(Image: Netflix)

You won’t want to miss this perfect scoring movie before it’s gone from Netflix – and you haven’t got long left to watch this one, because it’s going to be removed from the streaming service on June 30.

Managing to snag the elusive 100 percent score on movie review accumulator Rotten Tomatoes, Leave No Trace follows a father and daughter living deep in the forest, relying on survival skills to make it through – before they are dragged back into the real world with a jolt after being spotted by a member of the public.

The father Will, played by Ben Foster, suffers from PTSD after serving in the armed forces, and he and his daughter Tom – played by Thomasin McKenzie – struggle to adapt to normal life.

The film follows the twists and turns of their journey after being discovered by authorities living off the grid, exploring their relationship and love itself, without ever becoming overly sentimental – watch the trailer below.

The movie is leaving Netflix on 30 June – so you only have a week to heat up some popcorn and fire this one up, but you are unlikely to regret taking the time and spending an evening dedicated to watching this one.

Directed by Debra Granik, Leave No Trace was the hotly anticipated follow-up to Winter’s Bone, which starred Jennifer Lawrence in her breakout role, and was released eight years before in 2010.

In between Granik scored another perfect 100 on Rotten Tomatoes for her documentary Stray Dogs, about dog-lover, motorbiker, and veteran Ron Hall.

leave no trace
The movie follows a father and daughter living in the wilderness(Image: Netflix)

The elusive 100 percent approval rating doesn’t come along very often, only 68 films can claim the honour – and when you think about how many movies are released in the era of streaming, it makes the achievement seem all the more impressive.

Two offerings from 2024 have made the list, All We Imagine as Light by Payal Kapadia, and Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.

Other famous movies that have managed a perfect score include 12 Angry Men, Toy Story, Two Story Two, Singin’ in the Rain, Before Sunrise, Cool Hand Luke, The Terminator, and Pinocchio, amongst the most famous on the list.

leave no trace
Reviewers were resoundingly impressed(Image: Netflix)

Leave No Trace had 252 reviews, and they were resoundingly positive, with one reviewer writing: “Leave No Trace, in the biggest of ironies, leaves the greatest of traces upon us.”

Another said, “Leave No Trace is further evidence Granik is one of the most talented directors around – and Ben Foster ranks among the finest and most intense actors working today.”

A third wrote about the movie, “Granik is one of the most distinctive filmmaking voices we have; I’d love to see her make more features but I’m also glad she takes the time to do them right.”

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Two UK seaside counties ranked and rated including one with the ‘best beaches’

Which? has extensively rated and compared two popular seaside counties popular with British staycationers to see which one offers the best holiday

Aerial view above rocky beach with green hill. Sunny day with clouds. Sandy beach at distance.
Both counties are home to impressive coastal hiking trails, with some of the most scenic in North Devon(Image: Getty Images)

Two UK counties have been pit against one another to determine which makes for the best UK beach holiday destination. Ranking best scones to prettiest beaches, both counties have a wealth to offer travellers but one might have a slight edge.

The UK consumer champion Which has done an extensive breakdown of the merits of both Devon and Cornwall. Both counties are beloved destinations for both Brits and international travellers for their impressive beaches promising the perfect British seaside holiday.

Both Devon and Cornwall have more than 400 miles of shore, but according to Which, Devon stands out for having two distinct coasts. The north shores of both counties is where you will find the wildest waters – and thus, the most daring surfers – and the south is generally more serene.

But which of the two counties has the prettiest beach? According to Which, Devon takes the prize with Bantham Beach. While Cornwall’s Kyanance Cove is home to stunning cliffs and caves that travellers will recognise from the Game of Thrones, Devon has its own enchanting gem.

READ MORE: England’s ‘best beach’ ranked by Brits is in little-known UK seaside town

Bantham Beach in Devon is “an archetypal English beach, full of space, sand and salt breezes” according to Which. The south Devon beach takes on the shape of a horseshoe and is where the River Avon unravels into the English Channel.

Image of rocky beach at Soar Mill Cove
Soar Mill Cove in Devon is a veritable hidden gem(Image: Getty Images)

While Devon may have the prettiest beach, Cornwall takes the prize for the best wild beach. Soar Mill Cove in Devon is a secret paradise between Salcombe and Hope Cove that is defined by green cliffs.

While Soar Mill Cove is a true gem, Lantic Bay in Cornwall wins for best wild beach with its wildflower-filled sea cliffs and the thick hedgerows that provide privacy and an atmosphere of tranquility. There are no shops, toilets or lifeguards on the shores, but that again adds to its wild and rare charm.

Image of Mawgan Porth in Cornwall
Mawgan Porth has a west-facing beach with exceptional surfing(Image: William Dax / SWNS)

Has Devon won the contest?

But Devon and Cornwall are more than their beaches, to determine the best seaside county Which also took the villages into consideration. To determine the county with the best small village beaches, Which put Cornwall’s Mawgan Porth Beach head-to-head with Combesgate Beach in Devon.

Devon won the final round, with Which calling Combesgate Beach “possibly the loveliest village in north Devon” where “it feels as though clock hands have stood still”. Both Combesgate Beach and Mawgan Porth Beach in Cornwall are incredible surfer beaches, but Combesgate wins out with its serene beauty and maze of rock pools. With that, Devon wins the title of best UK beach holiday destination.

According to Which: “Devon – the only English county to claim two separate coastlines – wins for the diversity of its beaches. There are riches in the south: pebbly beaches near the Dorset border ideal for fossil hunters, plus the little coves of the South Hams for picnics and the red sands of Paignton, poised beside a pier and fairground rides.”

Devon also beat Cornwall in Which’s ranking of the best seaside towns, with Dartmouth, scoring 79%, beating Cornwall’s highest-placed beach town of St Mawes. And just a little outside of Dartmouth, you’ll find Blackpool Sands, a secluded private corner of the coast.

Dartmouth stands out for its breath-taking scenery and it was described by blogger Sarah Hagan – known online as sarahkhagan – as the “most beautiful town in the UK” in a viral video.

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Beautiful but tiny UK seaside village constantly rated as best in Britain

One seaside town has been ranked the best in the country, receiving five-star ratings for its impressive views of the Northumberland coastline and serene atmosphere.

Image of Bamburgh beach with Farne Islands in the distance
The village of Bamburgh lies on the Northumberland coast opposite the Farne Islands(Image: Getty Images)

One Northumberland village has been named the best seaside town in the UK four years in a row. The UK’s top consumer champion, Which?, conducted its annual seaside survey of over 120 UK towns and villages across the UK and the results reveal a clear winner.

Bamburgh is the landslide victor, retaining its title as the most beloved seaside town among travellers. According to the results of Which’s survey, Bamburgh received five-star ratings across the board for its beach, seafront, scenery, tourist attraction and its tranquil atmosphere.

The village achieved an 86% overall destination score in the recent survey, which was the consumer group’s biggest seaside survey to date. The results reflect the opinions of 5,000 Which members, many of whom cited the spectacular views of Bamburgh Castle in their reviews.

READ MORE: Charming UK market town with no tourists ‘perfect for a staycation’

Bamburgh is situated within the Northumberland countryside, at the midway point between Berwick upon Tweed and Alnwick. Part of the reason it’s so popular among British holidaymakers is due to its close proximity to Newcastle airport and the Chathill train station (only a 30-minute train ride).

Image of Bamburgh Castle from the lawn
Bamburgh Castle has become a defining landmark of the Northumberland coastline(Image: Craig Connor/ChronicleLive)

The most famous fixture of Bamburgh is, naturally, its namesake landmark: Bamburgh Castle. Even if you haven’t visited the castle in-person, you may have seen the iconic fortress in television shows or films like The Last Kingdom, Transformer: The Last Knight, or Frontier.

The award-winning castle is hailed as “the real Last Kingdom of Bebbanburg”. Today, the Anglo-Saxon citadel is owned by the Armstrong family, and their love of pets is the reason the grounds are now dog-friendly.

The Castle has become a huge attraction for the area, hosting a range of activities including Dragon Hunts, Ghost Tours and Outdoor Cinema Screenings. Fans of the Netflix series The Last Kingdom can also partake in the Uhtred of Babbenburgh Tour which runs between February and November to learn about the castle’s history.

Image of Bamburgh Castle from the beach on a sunny day
Travellers can walk straight from Bamburgh Beach to the nearby fishing village of Seahouses(Image: Andy Commins / Daily Mirror)

Bamburgh Castle has become a distinguishing feature of the Northumberland coast and is one of the largest inhabited castles in the country. Not only is the fortress filled with 3,000 years of history and tales of Vikings and The Last Kingdom, but it also offers stunning views of the sea beyond.

Bamburgh Beach sits just beyond Bamburgh Castle and is notable both for its sand dunes and sea views. The beach has also become a huge draw for surfers, considered one of the most consistent spots along the coast. For those interested in learning, there are multiple surf schools operating on the north end of the beach from spring until autumn.

Travellers venturing north along the beach will come across the famous ‘Stag’ Rocks. This coastal landmark gets its name from the white stag painted on the rocks. While the origin of the painting is unknown – some locals say it appeared after a stag jumped into the sea – today, the rocks are regularly painted to keep up the local history.

Stag Rocks have also become a popular vantage point for birdwatching. This portion of the coast also offers unique views of the protected Farne Islands – a small group of islands a few miles off the coast of the Northumberland between Bamburgh and Seahouses.

If you’re in the area, a visit to the nearby fishing village of Seahouses is certainly a must. Regular boat tours leave from Seahouses’ harbour to the Farne Islands where travellers can see puffins and a large colony of grey seals.

Travellers can even walk straight from Seahouses harbour to Bamburgh Castle to enjoy a stunning stretch of the Northumberland coastline. The roughly three-mile walk is predominantly on golden sand.

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