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’No curse’ on England, insists Tuchel despite near misses

LONDON: England manager Thomas Tuchel is adamant there is “no curse” upon his side as he looks to end their near 60-year wait for a major international trophy.England’s only previous major title came at the 1966 World Cup on home soil, defeating West Germany in the final.England came close several times to ending the drought under Tuchel’s predecessor Gareth Southgate, losing successive European Championship finals, as well as reaching the 2018 World Cup semifinals and the last eight in 2022.England’s women have enjoyed success under Sarina Wiegman, winning back-to-back Euros titles in 2022 and 2025, while the men’s Under-21 side are also double European champions after backing up their 2023 title with victory in Slovakia in June.“Not at all,” Tuchel said when asked if he felt extra pressure due to the women’s and youth teams’ successes.“If it is something, then it is a good omen and I was so happy for Sarina and (Under-21 coach) Lee (Carsley) because they made it and they made an extraordinary effort and a huge success with back-to-back victories...“It is possible (to win a trophy with England), there is no curse on English teams and it is a good omen and we will do our very best to follow their example.”England face Andorra on Saturday in qualifying for next year’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, before taking on Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday.“I get a lot of tips, that’s for sure, but always in a friendly manner,” former Chelsea boss Tuchel said of his interactions with England fans.“Most of them just say, ‘Bring it home, Thomas’.

Win a fantastic holiday package worth £1,750 with 'the North's best airport'

You don't have to travel far to find the best airport in the North - it's just down the M62.

Newcastle’s Burn has ‘nothing but good wishes’ for Isak

LONDON: Newcastle defender Dan Burn insisted on Friday he feels “no animosity” toward Alexander Isak following the striker’s drawn-out move to Premier League rivals Liverpool. Isak effectively went on strike in order to force a move through a move to the English champions, with a British record £125 million ($169 million) transfer finally completed on Monday’s deadline day of the summer window. Newcastle fans turned on their one-time hero and while Burn was sympathetic toward their feelings, the Magpies center-half accepts the Sweden striker had to look after himself. “I’ve been in football long enough to understand that for a player, the careers are short and they’ve got things that they want to achieve,” Burn said ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier with Andorra on Saturday. “So for me, happy that it’s over. “Alex is a mate, so it was tough situation because you wanted him to be around and helping the team, but also understand for him, what he needs to do personally.

Live updates as Angela Rayner resigns and Keir Starmer forced to make major changes

Angela Rayner has resigned from the UK Government after an investigation into her tax affairs by Sir Keir Starmer's independent standards advisor. She had faced mounting pressure to stand down in recent days after admitting she underpaid stamp duty on the £800,000 flat she bought in Hove earlier this year.

Promoted London City smash transfer record with Geyoro signing

MANCHESTER, England :London City Lionesses have made France international Grace Geyoro the most expensive women's player in history, signing her from Paris St Germain for a record 1.4 million pounds ($1.89 million).

Florence + The Machine release tickets for major 2026 UK tour - including Manchester date

Just like that, summer is over. However, don’t despair as there’s lots to look forward to over the next few months too - from peaceful autumn walks and cosy nights in, to winter festivities and new beginnings.

Labubu lament: Naomi Osaka says plush toy for the US Open final would’ve been Osaka herself

NEW YORK: Naomi Osaka’s last Labubu as the US Open was going to be Osaka herself. For Osaka, that was the real bummer about losing one match short of the final. “Oh, don’t make me cry, man,” the four-time Grand Slam champion said during her press conference early Friday morning after her 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3), 6-3 semifinal loss to Amanda Anisimova. “Oh my God, the most devastating question.” Osaka had been toting a different version of the popular plush toy attached to her racket bag to each of her matches in Flushing Meadows.

Lionel Messi scores twice in an emotional home farewell for Argentina

BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi made sure he had good memories of playing a home qualifier with Argentina’s national team for the last time in his illustrious career. Messi scored twice Thursday in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Venezuela in front of a raucous sellout crowd that had gathered at estadio Monumental to bid him farewell. “Being able to finish this way here is what I’ve always dreamed of,” Messi said. “I’ve experienced a lot of things on this pitch, both good and not so good, but it’s always a joy to play in Argentina, in front of our fans.” Messi is yet to give any clues about when he will retire from the top level of the sport.

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Britain Sport News

’No curse’ on England, insists Tuchel despite near misses

Win a fantastic holiday package worth £1,750 with 'the North's best airport'

Newcastle’s Burn has ‘nothing but good wishes’ for Isak

Live updates as Angela Rayner resigns and Keir Starmer forced to make major changes

Promoted London City smash transfer record with Geyoro signing

Florence + The Machine release tickets for major 2026 UK tour - including Manchester date

Labubu lament: Naomi Osaka says plush toy for the US Open final would’ve been Osaka herself

Lionel Messi scores twice in an emotional home farewell for Argentina