Harry Kane available as England aim to secure World Cup qualification in 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 Captain Harry Kane is available for England as they aim to secure World Cup qualification in Latvia. Kane missed the 3-0 friendly win over Wales on Thursday with an ankle problem sustained playing for Bayern Munich. He returned to training over the weekend and will return to Thomas Tuchel’s side as they search for the victory that would seal their place at next summer’s World Cup in North America. “It’s very easy with Harry, he can play, he is fit,” Tuchel said. “We did the right thing. Top in training and ready to go. “And I don’t see why he should not be able to play 90 minutes. The pause was just a short pause for him. He played all matches before with Bayern, so I don’t see any obstacles there.” Kane’s return is timely after Ollie Watkins pulled out of the match due to an injury picked up against Wales, having replaced his captain in the starting XI. Watkins suffered an injury when he collided with a post as he attempted to score his second goal of the game. He continued until half-time but was taken off and replaced by Marcus Rashford. After the game, he said he was “OK” as he limped through the mixed zone, but he has not recovered in time for Tuesday’s game in Riga and has returned to Aston Villa for treatment in a bid to be fit for Sunday’s Premier League game at Tottenham. “Ollie left camp, unfortunately, it was too painful,” he said. “He could not train with us, so he is in treatment with his club and tries to get ready for the weekend. That’s basically it. Everyone else is with us.” England can seal their place in North America next summer with two games to spare if they can win in Latvia. They have won all five of their games, without conceding, in a Group K campaign that has got better as it has gone on. Tuchel added: “I feel that we are building something, and we are going in the right direction, as always in sports, tomorrow is the most difficult game. “We have to show respect to our opponent, respect the circumstances. It’s an away match in a World Cup qualifier, and, with the result from Albania and Serbia, we can qualify tomorrow, and we want to do it with a win with extra motivation.” Tuchel says he will pick a strong team for Tuesday’s match, even if he has not picked the specific 11 players. He said: “I don’t know actually which team I pick. I have not decided yet, but everyone deserves and especially we had enough time to recover after the match against Wales. “The spirit and the momentum is clearly there. The players are fully focused. They train with an awareness. “They train with joy. They train with a lot of quality. You can sense it. So everyone made an impact. “I don’t think that we can go wrong with the choices, but the question will be, will we change a lot? “How do we manage maybe some minutes, but the focus is on building a strong team, starting a strong team, starting also a team that is used to playing with each other.”
Shaky start to Melanesian Cup – FBC News
[Photo: Supplied] Fiji’s men’s basketball team suffered a narrow 70-67 defeat to hosts Solomon Islands in their Melanesian Cup opener last night, marking a challenging start to their title defense. The defending champions came out strong, taking a 25-22 lead after the first quarter. But the Solomon Islands responded well, seizing momentum in the second to lead 40-35 at halftime. Article continues after advertisement Fiji fought back in the third, drawing level twice at 44-all and 47-all, yet the hosts finished the quarter stronger, up 56-49. The last quarter was tense, with Fiji briefly taking a 63-62 lead with under three minutes remaining. However, late turnovers and missed chances proved costly as the Solomon Islands closed out a historic win, their first over Fiji in the tournament’s history. They will now play Papua New Guinea at 12pm. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Orlando Pirates warned about muti in Congo
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s Orlando Pirates have been warned to proceed with caution in Lubumbashi. The Buccaneers’ CAF Champions League opponents, Saint-Eloi Lupopo, reportedly use muti to unsettle visiting teams. Former Lupopo physiotherapist, Nathie Shongwe, has issued a serious warning saying the Sea Robbers must anticipate dark magical charms. SAINT-ELOI LUPOPO TO HOST ORLANDO PIRATES IN THE CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE The Buccaneers sent a strong message after smashing Lesotho’s Lioli FC 7–0 on aggregate to set up the battle against Saint-Eloi Lupopo, who squeezed past Al Merrikh of Sudan 1–0 over two legs. Round one will kick off in Lubumbashi this Sunday, before the Soweto giants host the second tie at the Orlando Stadium on 25 October. According to Shongwe, an unpleasant battle should be expected long before the players touch the ball on the green grass. “The team believes in muti,” he told Kick Off. “They strongly believe in it. There’s a substance called speed trap that they pour at the dressing room entrance. “They’ll wait for Orlando Pirates to walk across it first, it can cause sores on the feet. “Fans can be violent in Congo,” he added. “TP Mazembe fans will come in numbers to support Pirates. You can even expect fights between Lupopo and Mazembe fans outside the stadium. They only calm down when they see soldiers,” Shongwe added. CONFIDENCE FOR THE BUCCANEERS With all that said, Lupopo are probably facing the Buccaneers at the wrong time. Coach Ouaddou is fresh from making Premier Soccer League history by becoming the first coach to win eight matches on the bounce across all competitions, including a staggering seven clean sheets in a row. The series included wins in the Betway Premiership, MTN8, CAF Champions League, Carling Knockout, and the MTN8 crown. In a total of 14 matches so far, Bucs have scored 23 goals and only conceded four. Orlando Pirates also have every reason to feel confident in the CAF Champions League. Last season, the Sea Robbers made a real statement on the continent, reaching the semifinals before falling to eventual champions Pyramids FC. Drawn in a fearsome Group C with Al Ahly, CR Belouizdad and Stade Abidjan, they stood tall, finishing top with 14 points, four clear of the Egyptian giants. They then pushed deeper into knockout territory, beating Algeria’s MC Algiers 1–0 on aggregate in the quarterfinals. But it ended in heartbreak as Pyramids snatched a tight 3–2 victory in the semis. Also read: Former Pirates star: The car instalment was R12 000
Wales v Belgium live: Latest score and updates in crunch World Cup qualifier
Wales 1-3 Belgium 86 mins: One final throw of the dice from Bellamy as Dasilva and Moore come on for Wales. The Wrexham frontman will be the target for all remaining attacks. Will Castle13 October 2025 21:34 Wales 1-3 Belgium 82 mins: Triple change for Belgium as Witsel, Fofana and Mechele all enter the fray. Fofana has been an instant threat down the left and could inflict a fourth on Wales if they’re not careful. Will Castle13 October 2025 21:31 Wales 1-3 Belgium 80 mins: Wales have 10 minutes to produce something of a miracle here. They have a glimpse at goal as Harris’ glancing head flies invitingly to the far post, but Wilson can’t get there to tap in. Once again, it’s only the Belgians that can be heard in Cardiff. Will Castle13 October 2025 21:28 GOAL! Wales 1-3 Belgium (De Bruyne, 76′) It’s De Bruyne again… and there was never any doubt, was there. Darlow guesses the right way this time but it’s nestled beyond the keeper and into the bottom-right corner. Will Castle13 October 2025 21:24 PENALTY! Wales 1-2 Belgium 74 mins: The referee points to the spot again – and once more, it’s in favour of Belgium. It’s a stonewall penalty, with James leaning into the lofted ball, which hits his arm in the box. Will Castle13 October 2025 21:22 Wales 1-2 Belgium 71 mins: Concerning sight for Wales as Ben Davies sits on the deck injured. Looks like he’ll be making way – not how he would have wanted his 100th Wales cap to end. He’s replaced by Broadhead, while Belgium’s Onana comes off for Vanaken. Will Castle13 October 2025 21:19 Wales 1-2 Belgium 69 mins: SAVE! Important save by Darlow. It all starts with a loose pass pounced on by De Bruyne, who links up with ex-City teammate Doku in space. He shuffles onto his left and fires low but it’s saved by the Wales stopper. Will Castle13 October 2025 21:17 Wales 1-2 Belgium 67 mins: Brennan Johnson ensures the rat in question is ushered off the pitch safely. And we are back underway. That was fun. Will Castle13 October 2025 21:14 Wales 1-2 Belgium 66 mins: Ladies and gentlemen, there’s a rat on the pitch. Will Castle13 October 2025 21:13 Wales 1-2 Belgium 65 mins: Meunier sees yellow for time-wasting and will also miss the next qualify, which for Belgium is a trip to Kazakhstan. Will Castle13 October 2025 21:13
Women’s Cricket World Cup: South Africa v Bangladesh – highlights
Watch highlights as Nadine de Klerk gets South Africa over the line as they beat Bangladesh by three wickets to secure their third straight win in the ICC Women’s World Cup. READ MORE: South Africa survive scare to beat Bangladesh Available to UK users only.
Neymar needs to regain full fitness – FBC News
[Photo Credit: Reuters] Neymar remains in Brazil’s plans but the forward needs to be fully fit to earn a recall to the squad as he looks to reignite his international career ahead of next year’s World Cup, coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Monday. Neymar, 33, has not featured for Brazil in two years, with injuries hampering his ability to perform consistently since returning to Santos last year after a stint in Saudi Arabia. Ancelotti, speaking ahead of Brazil’s friendly against Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday, praised Neymar’s talent but stressed the importance of his physical condition. Article continues after advertisement Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
FA Cup draw live: League One and Two clubs enter the fray in first round
Stunning FA Cup strikes There were some cracking goals during the FA Cup fourth qualifying round this weekend – here are just a few of them Luke Baker13 October 2025 18:30 Jack Wilshere on becoming a manager, Mikel Arteta’s influence and the key to making it at Arsenal Some more reading on new Luton boss Jack Wilshere for you. He sat down with our Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney back in March to discuss Mikel Arteta’s influence on his career and his coaching journey. Just two years ago, Wilshere wasn’t even sure he wanted to go into coaching but seeing Arteta work means the former Arsenal and England man is now adamant. Luke Baker13 October 2025 18:15 Jack Wilshere named Luton boss in first full-time managerial role One of the teams in this evening’s draw will be Luton Town and the League One side appointed a new manager today in the form of Jack Wilshere. The former Arsenal and England midfielder is taking on his first full-time managerial role, replacing Matt Bloomfield at Kenilworth Road. The 33-year-old, who retired as a player in 2022, takes over a Luton side who are 11th in League One after back-to-back relegations. Wilshere earned managerial experience in charge of Arsenal’s Under-18s and was a first-team coach at Norwich last season. He was named interim head coach for the final two games of the Championship campaign, following the departure of Johannes Hoff Thorup. Luke Baker13 October 2025 18:00 Maldon & Tiptree, the remaining FA Cup minnows There is only one eighth-tier side left in this season’s FA Cup and that’s Essex-based outfit Maldon & Tiptree. The superbly-nicknamed Jammers are the current leaders of the Isthmian League North Division and they beat Flackwell Heath 1-0 over the weekend to reach this stage. The scorer of that goal was ex-West Ham striker Freddie Sears, who is now 35, as he turned in Courtney Senior’s cross at the near post with his head just after the half-hour mark. They’re the only team in the first round proper to have played in every round since the extra-preliminary round and have won six games to reach this stage. “[This win is] massive,” said Maldon & Tiptree boss Kevin Horlock. “It was something we set out to do. The owners came in and have spent a lot of time and money on this football club and rightly want to be talked about. So, the target was to get to the first round. We’ve achieved that. And now we want to go further. “We’d look for a winnable game at home. Or one of the big boys, the highest-ranked team we can get away, where the club gets a nice payday.” Luke Baker13 October 2025 17:45 When will the FA Cup first-round ties take place? First-round ties in the FA Cup will take place on the weekend of Saturday 1 November before the second round at the start of December. Here’s the full schedule for the FA Cup this season: First Round Proper: Saturday 1 November 2025 Second Round Proper: Saturday 6 December 2025 Third Round Proper: Saturday 10 January 2026 Fourth Round Proper: Saturday 14 February 2026 Fifth Round Proper: Saturday 7 March 2026 Quarter-Final: Saturday 4 April 2026 Semi-Final: Saturday 25 April 2026 The Final: Saturday 16 May 2026 Fans are always up for the cup in the early rounds (Getty Images) Luke Baker13 October 2025 17:30 Confirmed ball numbers 41-80 And here’s the second half of the list of tonight’s ball numbers. The remaining handful of EFL clubs plus the non-league sides. 51. Gainsborough Trinity or Hartlepool United 62. Altrincham or Harborough Town 63. Worthing or Forest Green Rovers 65. Woking or Brackley Town 76. Banbury United or St Albans City 78. AFC Totton or Truro City 80. Farnham Town or Sutton United Luke Baker13 October 2025 17:20 Confirmed ball numbers 1-40 We’ve got the confirmed ball numbers for this evening’s draw and here are the first 40, consisting solely of League One and Two clubs Luke Baker13 October 2025 17:13 How to watch the draw The FA Cup first-round draw is scheduled to take place on Monday 13 October, in the build-up to the fourth round qualifying tie between Worthing and Forest Green Rovers, which starts at 7.30pm BST. The draw will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and its streaming platform discovery+, as well as the TNT Sports YouTube channel, from approximately 6.30pm BST. (The FA via Getty Images) Luke Baker13 October 2025 17:07 Everything you need to know about the first-round draw The start of the FA Cup proper is nigh, with the first-round draw happening this evening. Forty-eight sides from League One and Two enter the fray alongside the 32 non-league qualifiers as the dream of drawing a big boy in the third round inches closer. Here’s everything you need to know about the draw: Luke Baker13 October 2025 17:00 FA Cup first-round draw Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the FA Cup first-round draw for the 2025-26 season. We’ve got 40 matches to be drawn this evening, so stick with us for all the info Luke Baker13 October 2025 16:55
Mark Williams: Snooker star seals spot as all-time Welsh sporting great
I think back to 2016 when he lost in the quarter-finals of the World Championship to Ding Junhui, he (Williams) said to me afterwards, ‘that’s probably the last chance I’ll ever have of winning the World Championship’. He confounded everybody two years later by winning the World Championship and he’s just carried on since then to be among the world’s top players. He is one of the all-time greats, and the most remarkable thing is his longevity. He’s quite genuine about this, he does have problems with his eyesight, in terms of his long potting. I spoke to him in Llandudno back in February and that was causing him a real problem. But he’s just got this natural ability. One of his great strengths is his temperament. He’s just unflappable, nothing seems to faze him. He cares about winning, but he’ll give the impression that he doesn’t get too upset about losing. I think the fact that he doesn’t get too down on himself when he loses or doesn’t play well, it’s done him the world of good. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say he is one of the all-time greats of Welsh sport when you consider what he’s achieved.
Gervonta Davis should be stripped of his world title for fighting Jake Paul, claims Paulie Malignaggi
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 Former world champion Paulie Malignaggi has called for Gervonta Davis to be stripped of his lightweight title after agreeing to face Jake Paul in an exhibition bout. Davis will take on YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul on November 14 in Florida across 10 rounds. The 30-year-old had looked set to defend his WBA belt at 135lbs in a rematch against Lamont Roach Jr following their controversial draw earlier this year, but has instead opted to fight Paul while also hinting that he will retire after the contest. Former Ricky Hatton and Amir Khan opponent Malignaggi, who will be returning to the ring for a bare-knuckle fight against Britain’s Tyler Goodjohn this weekend, is far from impressed with Davis’ behaviour and feels there should be consequences. Asked for his thoughts on the fight, Malignaggi said: “I’m not really a fan of it. I think Gervonta’s been given red carpet status treatment without having to really earn it. “I don’t think he should be given this kind of opportunity where he can continue to not earn his status in the lightweight division in boxing, while getting to keep the title hostage. In the very least, he should be stripped of the lightweight title.” Subscribe to DAZN now to watch over 185 fights a year open image in gallery (Getty) Davis has held his title for six years after beating Cuba’s Yuriorkis Gamboa in December 2019. He was initially the WBA’s regular titlist before being upgraded to full champion status last year. Davis only fought once in 2024 and that will be the case again this year after he chose to take on Paul in a fight that will not go on his professional record. Malignaggi believes Davis is holding up the lightweight division and has called for the WBA to step in. “He should have probably lost to Roach but in true red carpet fashion they robbed Roach for the sake of Gervonta Davis and gave him a draw,” Malignaggi added. “I think he’s been wasting boxing’s time for a while, and I don’t think it helps boxing for a guy like that to do that.” Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Davis is one of three current lightweight champions, but the division could be set for a major shake-up shortly. WBC champion Shakur Stevenson is expected to move up to super lightweight for a fight with Teofimo Lopez in early 2026, while IBF title holder Raymond Muratalla is due to defend his belt against Olympic gold medallist Andy Cruz next. Meanwhile, Britain’s Sam Noakes and rising US star Abdullah Mason are scheduled to face each other for the vacant WBO title in Saudi Arabia on November 22. DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 185 fights a year from the world’s best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC, GLORY and more. An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that’s just 64p / $1.21 per fight. There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month. A subscription includes weekly magazine shows, comprehensive fight library, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and podcasts and vodcasts. For pricing in your country, more information and to sign up, click here.
Pools drawn for Futsal IDC 2025 – FBC News
[ Source: Fiji Football Association / Facebook ] The stage is set for an action-packed showdown as the pools have been confirmed for the 2025 Extra Futsal Inter-District Championship which will light up the Vodafone Arena in Suva this Thursday to Sunday. Defending champions Suva headline Group B alongside Nasinu, Ba and Labasa, while Group A features Lami, Tailevu Naitasiri, Rakiraki, and Lautoka setting up several mouth-watering clashes across the four-day tournament. With Lautoka and Tailevu Naitasiri tipped to be strong contenders, fans can expect fast-paced futsal and fierce competition as teams battle for the prestigious IDC crown. Article continues after advertisement In a move to boost community engagement and grow the sport, organisers have announced that entry to all matches will be free, inviting families, friends and futsal fans to enjoy the games live at the Vodafone Arena. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.