New Zealand
City lovers, Spanish kissers, failing cricketers – 10 things we learned in 2023
Manchester City achieved the holy grail of winning the Champions League in 2023, but did so against the backdrop of an unprecedented number of charges for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules. It was that kind of year in many ways. Spain made history by winning the Women’s World Cup, but was immediately … Read more
I ignored Brendon McCullum’s call for my England selection
Shoaib Bashir received a shock call-up for England’s tour of India after impressing head coach Brendon McCullum while playing for the Lions – Shutterstock/Gavin Ellis Shoaib Bashir’s selection in the England Test squad for India surprised everyone, including the young spinner. It didn’t occur to Bashir that a missed call with a New Zealand area … Read more
Terry Venables, Katie Taylor and Mohamed Salah
Terry Venables, who has died aged 80, is best known for his time as England manager. What other country did he rule? Kuwait Australia Qatar republic of Ireland Venables played for a number of England teams including the schoolboy team, several youth teams, the senior team and… England amateur team England over-50s England 10 pin … Read more
How Owen Farrell, rugby’s man of steel, was pushed to the breaking point
Farrell has stepped away from international rugby to protect himself and his family – Getty Images/Adam Pretty Two days before England’s Rugby World Cup warm-up match against Ireland in Dublin in August, the first warning sign sounded about Owen Farrell’s true state of mind. Until that point, Farrell had always exuded the air of the … Read more
‘I want to coach England, but only when I’m ready’
Ian Bell isn’t afraid to start at the bottom and work his way up the coaching ladder – Getty Images/Gareth Copley The idea of Ian Bell coaching young cricketers is appealing. Imagine a world full of cricketers with cover drives as graceful as his. Indeed, the former England batsman coaches wherever he can be found, … Read more