Pick your England XI: Who should start for Thomas Tuchel’s side at the 2026 World Cup?
England have qualified for the 2026 World Cup with victory over Latvia on Tuesday. The win continues Thomas Tuchel’s 100% record in competitive matches since starting his role as head coach in January. Who would feature in your first XI for next year’s tournament in North America, Canada and Mexico? Pick your starting line-up below and share it with your friends.
England qualify for World Cup 2026 with win over Latvia
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more England are the first European nation to confirm their place at the 2026 World Cup following a 5-0 victory over Latvia on Tuesday evening. The Three Lions claimed victory and a crucial three points in Riga courtesy of goals from Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane and Eberechi Eze which saw Thomas Tuchel’s side take an unassailable lead in Uefa qualifying Group K. Tuchel has now overseen seven wins from his eight matches in charge with his England team yet to concede a goal in competitive fixtures. England’s win means they are now seven points clear of second place Albania with just two matches to go. That provides Tuchel the opportunity to test out new players, tactics, and formations in the November camp without the pressure of needing to win points for qualification. But, the England boss has spoken frequently about building a cohesive team and the last few matches have seen improved performances from the players who have settled into a high-pressing 4-1-4-1 set up. Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers have both impressed in midfield creating a beneficial dilemma for the manager who must decide whether to stick with the two newcomers or welcome back some of England’s most gifted players in Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish. The head coach will now be looking ahead to next summer when the tournament begins and, with qualification secured, the preparations for the tournament can start in earnest. Tuchel will oversee two more camps, one in November and one in March before his must decide who will be on the plane to North America. open image in gallery Elliot Anderson has impressed since his debut but will Thomas Tuchel select him for the World Cup? (Getty Images) Yet, there are still questions to be answered over England’s chances to win the tournament with improvements needed in their defence. England’s defence hasn’t been truly tested in qualifying but Marc Guehi seems to be the only standout defensive player and should be a shoe in for the World Cup. John Stones, who played 70 minutes against Latvia, is still proving his fitness while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James must improve fitness and form to challenge for the right-back position. Tuchel must also decide between Djed Spence, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Tino Livramento and Luke Shaw for the vacant left-back role. open image in gallery England celebrate qualifying for the World Cup 2026 (The FA via Getty Images) At the top of the pitch Kane is the leading man and proved it once again against Latvia. A beautiful left-footed strike provided his first goal of the evening and he followed it up by winning and netting from the penalty spot. Ollie Watkins is his deputy but on the wings Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke have been the stand outs under Tuchel raising doubts ove Cole Palmer’s possible inclusion. However, these are quandries for Tuchel and his team to solve in the future. For now England have qualified for the World Cup and the first target of his remit has been achieved. Next up is Serbia on November 13 followed by Albania on November 16 and after that all eyes will look towards the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Rangers: Kevin Muscat leads race to succeed Russell Martin
During a 19-year playing career that yielded 123 bookings and 12 red cards, Muscat was once branded the “most hated man in football”. Post-retirement, he revealed, external former Rangers manager Alex McLeish did not trust him to play in an Old Firm derby during his brief spell at Ibrox. It is to the Australian’s credit that he has since gone on to somewhat shake off his hot-head image in an impressive 13 years in management. His glowing CV attracted Rangers two years ago, but he reportedly missed out on the job when the club opted for Philippe Clement instead. At that time, former Rangers team-mate Neil McCann told BBC Scotland that the Ibrox side would be getting someone with “presence” who “understands the league, the intensity, the rivalry and how to get the job done”. Muscat was then first-team boss at Yokohama F Marinos, where he won 2022 J-League after taking over from Ange Postecoglou following his exit for Celtic. He also succeeded Postecoglou at Melbourne Victory after a period working under the current Nottingham Forest head coach. It was in Melbourne where Muscat’s managerial career began, winning the A-League Championship twice in five-and-a-half years before his move to Japan. Runners-up spots in the J-League in 2021 and 2023 bookended his 2022 triumph in Yokohama. Muscat became a title winner in a third different country last year in China, and he is on the verge of another with just four games remaining as his side sit top with a two-point lead. Across his managerial tenures in Australia, Japan and China, his win rate stands at 54%, with his teams scoring an average of 1.9 goals per game while conceding 1.2. His Shanghai Port side scored 96 times in a 30-game league-winning campaign last year. Those numbers suggest this is a coach who can win while implementing a front-foot approach. How that translates to Scottish football is unclear, though.
Four Fiji-linked players named in All Blacks XV – FBC News
From left: Chay Fihaki, Highlanders fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Crusaders prop George Bower, and Hurricanes lock Isaia Walker-Leawere Four players with Fijian heritage have been named in the All Blacks XV squad for their upcoming Northern Tour, which will see the side face the Barbarians, England A, and Uruguay next month. The players include Crusaders fullback Chay Fihaki, Highlanders fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Crusaders prop George Bower, and Hurricanes lock Isaia Walker-Leawere, all of whom have strong family links to Fiji. The All Blacks XV squad, announced by New Zealand Rugby, features a mix of experienced Super Rugby players and rising talents, with the tour serving as a key development opportunity for those on the fringe of full All Blacks selection. Article continues after advertisement The team will be coached by Jamie Joseph, alongside assistants David Hill, Cory Jane, and Jamie Mackintosh. The All Blacks XV will open their Northern Tour against the Barbarians, followed by matches against England A and Uruguay, as they continue to build depth and exposure ahead of future international campaigns. [Source: All Blacks/Facebook] Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Latvia vs England live: Team news and updates as Three Lions seek win to secure World Cup 2026 qualification
First time in Riga Tuchel’s side should not be too troubled against a side currently ranked 137th in the world, even if they are stepping into the unknown with a first ever visit to Riga. The return fixture in March, which England won 3-0 in Tuchel’s second match in charge, is the only previous meeting between the two sides. Latvia can no longer qualify for the World Cup, currently sitting fourth in the group with five points. They drew 2-2 with Andorra on Friday, having also beaten the minnows in their reverse fixture while drawing with Albania. Mike Jones14 October 2025 18:32 The audition continues Thomas Tuchel raised eyebrows by leaving out Jude Bellingham, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish this month in order to reward the players who performed so well in September’s camp. Some of them, such as Morgan Rogers, Elliot Anderson and Anthony Gordon, further strengthened their position in the side against Wales and should get another opportunity to shine in Latvia. Tuchel named a strong squad against Wales, knowing there was a long enough turnaround before the trip to Latvia, and will again go strong tonight. Mike Jones14 October 2025 18:26 How many European teams will qualify for the World Cup? A total of 16 European teams will qualify for the expanded tournament next year. The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 nations and will be held across Canada, Mexico and the United States. The 12 qualifying group winners will automatically secure places at the tournament, with the remaining four spots being won through a play-off competition featuring the 12 second-place teams. As of yet, no European nation has secured qualification, but England can be the first team to do so. Mike Jones14 October 2025 18:20 How can England qualify for the World Cup tonight? England currently sit at the top of Group K with 15 points, having won all five of their qualifying matches so far. That is a perfect record, bettered only by Norway in Group I, who have won all six of their games. Albania sit second in the table with 11 points, but have played one game more than the Three Lions, while Serbia, currently third, are eight points behind them with 7. Victory over Latvia this evening would give England another three points and take them to 18, with two matches left to play. That would mean Albania would be unable to catch up – as the maximum number of points they can win is 17 – and England would secure their place at the top of the group. They would then qualify for the World Cup as group winners. Mike Jones14 October 2025 18:14 Pickford on staying focused during quiet spells Jordan Pickford made two crucial saves against Wales after long periods of the game when he was not involved in play. “Every goalkeeper is different,” he explained. “I’m quite vocal and communicate with my team. I feel like that keeps me in the game. “Even if the ball is at the other end of the pitch, I’ll be moving about, keeping in the right line and just being switched on constantly. “It’s something you get used to and something I’ve improved on over the years, just being in the right position at the right time and keeping communicating with the back four in front of me. “That keeps me in sync with the game and when called upon, I should be there and ready to make an action.” (Getty Images) Mike Jones14 October 2025 18:08 Pickford on breaking Banks’ record Jordan Pickford broke a record held by Gordon Banks when he kept an eighth clean sheet in a row in the 3-0 win over Wales. Of the achievement England’s No.1 said: “I think it’s good when you break them but I think everyone knows what I’m like – a team player and I’ll take credit sometimes but I think it’s a collective sport. We win together, we defend and we attack together. “Like Harry [Kane] says, the defence starts from up top really. It’s all eleven of us putting a shift in and when I’m called upon, I’ll make the saves. It’s great to have that milestone and hopefully break it again and get nine.” Mike Jones14 October 2025 18:02 Thomas Tuchel warns Marcus Rashford not to be ‘disappointed’ at the end of his career Thomas Tuchel has warned Marcus Rashford that “he can be one of the best in the world” but that he still has to take “the right decisions” or “he will be disappointed in 10 years”. The England manager even admitted that he recalled the 27-year-old for his first squad in March because he felt “it would help him if he felt my support”. Tuchel, meanwhile, left the door open for the dropped Jude Bellingham by saying he would likely be in his leadership group if recalled. Miguel Delaney14 October 2025 17:56 Pickford on impact of Anderson and Rogers Jordan Pickford says Elliot and Anderson and Morgan Rogers have been ‘terrific’ since coming into the England fold. “Elliot has been terrific and Morgan as well. I think Elliot in the last two games, just getting on the ball, half-turn, but the defensive side of it as well which not many people will see,” Pickford explained. “For the back four with him in front of you, he’s always getting back and screening the centre forward like we did against Kieffer Moore the other – a big target – and he’s always there for second balls and breaks up the play well. “Morgan, as well, you’ve seen it in the Serbia game and getting his first goal against Wales the other night is massive moment for him and hopefully see many more. “Us as a group, it’s a great group to be around because you get welcomed straight away and you feel at home and not out of place and you let the football do the talking because we’ve got that good environment.” Mike Jones14
Liverpool midfielder Marie Hobinger has ACL injury
Liverpool have confirmed that Austria midfielder Marie Hobinger suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Manchester City last weekend. The 24-year-old went off with a knee problem midway through the first half of the Reds’ 2-1 loss to City in the Women’s Super League game at Anfield on Sunday. Liverpool have not said when she is expected to return but, because ACL injuries usually take between six months and a year to recover from, Hobinger may not play again this season. “Marie’s scan results confirmed an injury to her anterior cruciate ligament, and she will now begin a period of rehabilitation with the support of everyone at the club,” said Liverpool Women club doctor Dr Amelia Woodhouse. “She will also have a surgical review in the coming days.” Hobinger joined the Reds from FC Zurich in the summer of 2023 and signed a new contract in January after becoming established as a key part of the squad. “Of course we’re all devastated for Marie and football can be a cruel game at times,” said Liverpool head coach Gareth Taylor. “It’s a tough road back but we will be with her every step of the way and helping her in any way we can.” Liverpool have lost all five of their WSL matches so far this season and are 11th in the table, ahead of bottom-placed West Ham on goal difference.
When is Six Kings Slam? Schedule, confirmed line-up and how to watch
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic are all signed up to play in the latest edition of the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia. The six-player exhibition event will take place across three days in Riyadh, with the tournament offering all competitors a $1.5m participation fee plus an additional $4.5m for the overall winner. Taylor Fritz and Alexander Zverev will also play in the 2025 event, with Stefanos Tsitsipas replacing the injured Jack Draper. Every match will be streamed live on Netflix, starting on Wednesday. Sinner defeated Alcaraz in last year’s final to win the inaugural Six Kings Slam, which also featured a final showdown between Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. As it is an exhibition, the Six Kings Slam does not offer rankings points. It is the highest profile men’s tennis event to take place in Saudi Arabia, which has often been accused of using sport and entertainment to whitewash its human rights record. Riyadh also hosts the end-of-season WTA Finals, due to take place from 1 November, which features the eight best women’s players in the world competing for the year-end prize. Six Kings Slam line-up Novak Djokovic (24-time grand slam champion) Carlos Alcaraz (six-time grand slam champion) Jannik Sinner (four-time grand slam champion) Alexander Zverev (three-time grand slam finalist) Taylor Fritz (2024 US Open finalist) Stefanos Tsitsipas (two-time grand slam finalist) Six Kings Slam schedule Wednesday October 15 Quarter-final 1: Alexander Zverev vs Taylor Fritz Quarter-final 2: Jannik Sinner vs Stefanos Tsitsipas Thursday October 16 Semi-final 1: Carlos Alcaraz vs Zverev / Fritz Semi-final 2: Novak Djokovic vs Sinner / Tsitsipas Saturday October 18 Third place match: TBC Grand Final: TBC How to watch the Six Kings Slam The Six Kings Slam will be shown live on Netflix. It is not a ‘pay-per-view’ event and is available to Netflix customers at no additional cost. Six Kings Slam prize money Participation fee: $1.5m 2025 champion: $4.5m
Excitement builds for ZEG Kings Boxing Promotion – FBC News
Boxing fans can expect a thrilling night of action and entertainment when the ZEG Kings Boxing Promotion takes center stage on November 1st. The event will feature a stacked lineup of local and international fighters, promising an evening of high-quality bouts and community spirit. Promoter Nahroon Buksh says the team has worked hard to ensure fans get the best boxing experience possible. Article continues after advertisement “King’s Boxing Promotion has always believed in giving the best to the public. We have brought up such a line-up that will encourage more people to come.” He added that boxers from Thailand, India, New Zealand, and Australia will compete, with support from long-time partner ZEG Investments. “We have a partner who has always supported us, ZEG Investments. I must thank the director and his team for the great support.” Buksh also revealed that the promotion will include a charity initiative, adding a deeper purpose to the night. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Women’s World Cup 2025: Alice Capsey praises England’s morale as they look to maintain winning run against Pakistan
All-rounder Alice Capsey says new captain and coach duo Nat Sciver-Brunt and Charlotte Edwards have given England a freshness as they look to stretch their unbeaten run in the World Cup against Pakistan. Sciver-Brunt’s side have beaten South Africa, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka so far, and will be favourites against a winless Pakistan in Colombo on Wednesday. Capsey, who is batting at seven and providing a fourth spin option, also emphasised the importance of taking winning momentum into crunch games at the end of the group stage against India, Australia and New Zealand. “The change in leadership with Nat and Lottie coming in has been really refreshing, in the sense that we’re talking about the game in a different way,” Capsey told BBC Sport. “Lottie is so experienced, and being able to learn from her not only as a coach but from what she achieved as a player, it’s amazing. “It would be greatly appreciated [to face India still unbeaten]. But every team brings a different challenge, and especially in these conditions a team like Pakistan can definitely pose a threat, perhaps a different one to what we are used to. “I know they haven’t won a game so far but they are definitely not a team we are taking lightly.” Capsey made a vital 20 in the tense, low chase against Bangladesh but fell for a duck against Sri Lanka as she was victim to sharp turn from Inoka Ranaweera. The 21-year-old has significant T20 experience in India from playing for Delhi Capitals but is playing in her first 50-over World Cup, and says the spin-friendly conditions are posing a new challenge for her. “I’ve never experienced anything like this,” said Capsey. “All the pitches during the WPL were quite flat and there wasn’t anything like the turn and bounce we’ve had so far. It’s been a real learning curve but an amazing one to learn from. “I’m expanding my game and developing as a batter as we go, and just watching how Nat and Heather Knight have gone about it has been hugely important for me, being able to pick their brains when I need to.” Should England beat Pakistan, they will be in a very strong position to seal a semi-final spot before they play India in Indore on Sunday and defending champions Australia at the same venue the following Wednesday.
UFC champion Tom Aspinall delivers emphatic verdict on fighting friend in top 10
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Tom Aspinall has said he would rather vacate the UFC heavyweight title than defend it against his friend Ante Delija. Aspinall is on the verge of his first undisputed-title defence, having been elevated from interim champion upon Jon Jones’s retirement this summer. Jones’s exit from the UFC saw the American stripped of the regular title, which Britain’s Aspinall will defend against Ciryl Gane in the main event of UFC 321 on 25 October. And Aspinall’s preparation for that clash with the Frenchman has featured training with Delija, who debuted in the UFC with a first-round knockout of Marcin Tybura in September. Following that victory over Tybura – a former opponent of Aspinall – Delija immediately entered the heavyweight top 10. Furthermore, he is already booked to fight again on 1 November, against sixth-ranked Waldo Cortes-Acosta. “So, my friend and training partner has just got to the UFC, he just got his first win, and now he’s in the top 10,” Aspinall said on the ShxtsnGigs Podcast, referring to Delija. “He just beat a guy in the top 10, so he’s potentially two or three wins away from a title shot.” Yet Aspinall, when asked whether he would face the 35-year-old Croatian, delivered an emphatic verdict. “The thing is, if I’d never won a title, [if] I’d never touched gold before, I’d be like: ‘We have to fight,’” said Aspinall, 32. “Because that’s my dream. Tom Aspinall (left) knocked out Curtis Blaydes last July, to avenge an injury-induced 2022 loss (REUTERS) “But now I’ve done it, I’d be like: ‘I’ll vacate it, and he can have his time.’ I wouldn’t fight him. No chance, no chance. He’s one of my genuine friends, I would never… “There’s some stuff to me that’s more important than money and titles. And like I say: I’ve won the title, I’ve done that. I’ve got a few more [title defences] in me before he’s gonna be up there anyway, so… “I’ve still got more to do, but I can do that ‘more’ in the time that it takes him to [climb the rankings]. When he’s there, I’m happy to [vacate the title].” Aspinall won the interim title by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich in the first round in November 2023. In a rare move, he then decided to defend the interim belt – amid Jones’s prolonged absence from the cage – and stopped Curtis Blaydes in round one in July 2024. Aspinall, who then waited for Jones to make a decision on his future, has not competed since. Meanwhile, Gane last fought in December, winning a controversial decision against Alexander Volkov. Gane, 35, has twice failed to win the undisputed heavyweight title, having lost to Jones via first-round submission in 2023 and Francis Ngannou on points in 2022. Against Ngannou, a former training partner, Gane entered the fight as interim champion.