Football

England begin their World Cup preparations with a Wembley clash against Marcelo Bielsa’s revitalised Uruguay on Friday. From the roots of Garra Charrúa to the rise of Federico Valverde, WAYNE BARTON explores how Uruguay’s evolving identity – and Bielsa’s intensity – make them a test that Thomas Tuchel cannot take lightly.

While supporters, players and staff will be holding out hope that the Robins can find a route to automatic promotion, at present the most likely outcome will be a shot at the end-of-season lottery.

MACHEL HEWITT: It takes a squad to get over the line.

Jason Steele’s first England call‑up has capped a 20‑year journey of grit, graft and humility. The Albion keeper reflects on the moment his phone buzzed, the pride of his family and teammates, and why being a good person still means more to him than anything in football.

The Foxes earned a point on the road in their battle for Championship survival but they will rue a number of gilt-edged chances to take all three points, including Patson Daka's missed penalty that could have massive repercussions for the club.

Few expected to see Ben White and Harvey Barnes back in England colours this month, yet the door has swung open, and both players now have an unexpected opportunity to stake a claim for this summer's World Cup. However that door now looks firmly closed for one former regular.

For years, England fans have asked for something different – coverage that goes deeper than the headlines and views the national team through a different lens. That home has finally arrived.

No experiments. No distractions. The 2026 World Cup kits land with a reassuring clarity, signalling a shift back to tradition and what an England shirt should feel like... but there is a question mark over the shorts.