Archive June 29, 2025

From mascot to matchwinner – the making of a new England hero

Images courtesy of Getty
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Jonathan Rowe, age 9, was living the football-maddest dream when he was leaving Wembley to play alongside England and Brazil.

He was chosen as the mascot for the 2013 visit of the five-time world champions as an AFC Wembley youth player. The Three Lions won 2-1 thanks to Frank Lampard’s second-half goal, which he later watched closely.

After 12 and a half years, Rowe was in demand for England’s matchwinner.

In the European Under-21 Championship final, the Marseille international scored a stunning 3-2 victory over Germany after the substitute substitute substitute had come off the bench.

Although a senior call-up may still be in the offing, the 22-year-old will never forget this experience.

Thomas Tuchel, England’s manager, was watching from the stands, Rowe told Channel 4: “I came into the game with the mindset that I could help the team.

I’m so happy that I did that tonight in front of some significant people.

11 andamp; impressing for Norwich and caring for his mother;

Rowe “didn’t know how good he was,” according to his coach at AFC Wembley, but everyone else did.

Gary Graham told Sky Sports, “That’s what we liked about him, he was good but he also had that humble side.”

Many of the boys in our team were good, but they lack that modest side, which is why they were unable to advance to the next level.

Rowe joined Norwich City’s academy in 2014, but the transition wasn’t always straightforward. Between helping raise his sister and caring for his ill mother, he commuted three hours per day from London to East Anglia. At this point, he was only eleven.

Then came the injuries that he received as a child, having to deal with Osgood-Schlatter disease, a common cause of knee pain, before making his Canaries first team debut in 2021.

Before establishing himself in their 2023-24 victory over the Championship play-off semi-finals, he spent the next two seasons playing and leaving for the Norwich side. He scored 13 times.

Rowe decided it was time to leave after other clubs started to circle him.

After being denied by several previous bids, Marseille was able to agree to a season-long loan agreement with a purchase requirement of reportedly £17 million.

The move to Marseille has been “difficult,” but it’s been.

Along with Brooke Norton Cuffy from Genoa and Charlie Cresswell from Toulouse, Rowe is one of three players in England’s U21 Euros squad that has played for their clubs abroad. Bellingham, who is currently a Dortmund player, was also chosen at the start of the squad.

Other recent success stories of young English players leaving the United Kingdom include Conor Gallagher and Angel Gomes, both of whom have done so at Atletico Madrid.

However, Rowe’s decision to leave has challenges.

Last season, he made just six league starts, with the bench making 22 more.

The entire season has been challenging for me personally, Rowe said. I was a key player in the Norwich team before coming here with the expectation of performing.

It’s been difficult for me, but I’ve embraced it. Everyone in the room could see that I was frequently cut out of the starting XI, which has obviously had an impact on me. However, I kept going, and that’s the key.

He has “made a real impact,” according to his spokesperson.

Rowe once more stated after the victory over Germany that this year had been “up and down” and acknowledged that he wasn’t even selected for the final England U21 camp.

However, he also stated that “I always support myself,” and Lee Carsley, his international coach, will have had a role in that.

We watch all of the players, regardless of their level of play, as Carsley told BBC Sport’s Nick Mashiter. When the players aren’t playing, I stay in touch with them to stay motivated and keep them going.

“To move abroad requires a different character. When Jonathan had the chance to play in our squad at Marseille, he has done so well. He is deserving of inclusion in our team.

He probably considered himself out of the selection process at some point, but he more than merits to be.

He has had a real impact, and he has been enthralled by the hotel and his training.

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Get me to the Euros! How to nab last-minute tickets for a summer of football

Rosemary McCabe
BBC Designed image of two football players, one from the England team and one from the Welsh team. In the background there is a football pitch and a mountain. BBC

A fierce summer of competition and fantastic football will be a result of Euro 2025.

Between 2 and 27 July, 16 teams will play in eight venues in Switzerland. Wales, the country’s first international competition, take on defending champions England in the group stages.

There are still tickets for a number of games, as well as fan zones in Switzerland and the UK.

Do you still have tickets?

Banner with green and purple colours. There are images of two tickets on a phone, one England footballer and one Welsh footballer.

Yes, but hurry to reserve your seat.

Tickets for popular matches can be purchased daily at 10:00 BST on UEFA’s ticketing website, with a maximum of 10 per game per person. The final costs 90 CHF (roughly £81), with starting prices at 25 CHF (roughly £22).

In Switzerland, where?

Banner with green and purple colours. There's a picture of a mountain and cable car.

Basel, Bern, Geneva, Zurich, St Gallen, Lucerne, Sion, and Thun will host the tournament in eight of Switzerland’s cities. Thun will host the action on Wednesday, July 2 at 17:00 BST. Enjoy a picturesque lake and mountain backdrop.

Zurich and St. Gallen will host England matches in the group stages. On Saturday, July 5, the Lionesses take on France in Zurich, and on Wednesday, July 9, the Netherlands will take on France.

Then, on Sunday, July 13, we travel to St Gallen for the crucial England v. Wales game.

A map of Switzerland with three highlighted locations - Zurich, St Gallen and Lucerne

Where can I go there?

Banner with green and purple colours. There's an image of a train, bicycle and aeroplane.
On a one-way ticket from London to Zurich on July 2nd, prices start at between £50 and £70. Over the weekend, tickets start getting more expensive, with about £150 plus for a direct one-way flight. The most direct flights starting from Manchester on July 5 cost about $ 200. The cost is even higher in Cardiff.

Because Lucerne and St. Gallen are only a short train ride away, Zurich is the ideal place for England and Wales fans to travel to. Additionally, you can travel to Bern or Geneva from there.

From London to Zurich in the car, it takes about 11 hours. For a one-way trip, the cost of the car ferry from Dover to Calais is around £85 on the day of the trip, and it will cost you around £100 on the day of the trip. On July 2 and 5, the cost of taking the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais is between £140 and £270.

Between seven and a half and ten hours, trains from Paris or Brussels cost between £310 and £530. Cheaper coaches start out around £70 on some routes. However, it takes more than 20 hours to travel.

Between London and Zurich, it takes between 52 and 60 hours to cycle very long. If you don’t factor in the toll your legs will take on your legs, taking your bike on a ferry costs between £23 and £30.

What do I do to stay?

Banner with green colours. There's an image of a hotel on one side and a tent on the other surrounded by a mountain and beautiful lake.

Switzerland is renowned for its pricey vacation options. However, there are a variety of lodging choices to suit all budgets.

Zurich is a popular destination because it is one of the main tournament locations. On important matchday nights like Saturday, July 5, hotel prices range from £210 to £300 per night for two people. Prices for Airbnb start at £70 to £200 per night, but many options include renting a room instead of a whole apartment.

Hotels in St. Gallen start at between £200 and £600 for Sunday, July 13th. There are already a lot of places booked. Additionally, the town offers a variety of Airbnb options, with prices ranging from £50 to £800 for the same dates. It’s still worth checking these locations because there are some places where you can stay in the community.

How can I navigate?

Banner with purple and green colours. There's an image of a train on one side and a bus on the other.
With quick and dependable transportation between major cities in Switzerland, there are strong public transportation networks. Public transportation is free for ticket holders on game days. For a second-class round trip between any Swiss city and the stadium, every ticket will be valid on the day of the game.

The extensive train network in Switzerland provides a safe, scenic way of transportation. On their website, the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) offers a variety of different tickets. Postbus, a bus service that connects rural areas to urban centers, also has hundreds of journeys available through various apps, as well as station and driver purchases.

A Swiss Travel Pass is valid for three, four, six, eight, or fifteen consecutive days if you want to stay for a longer period of time.

Where can I locate fan areas?

Banner with green and purple colours. There's an image of people in the centre with buildings on either side.
In each of the eight cities where Euro 2025 games are being played, there will be city center fan zones. Organisers have created a “packed schedule of activities for all ages” with live performances of games, concerts, workshops, and kid-friendly football pitches.

The ZüriFanzone will be right next to the main station in Zurich, where all the matches, concerts, and workshops will be shown. The fan zone will feature lunchtime panel discussions, street football, and live music in St. Gallen’s Old Town’s Marktgasse. The fan zone, which is located in Lucerne, is next to Lake Lucerne and offers a variety of music, concerts, and football entertainment.

Getty Images Two children standing next to Euro 2025 Mascot Maddli. Getty Images

Should I know anything else?

Banner with purple and green text. There are images of money on one side and someone speaking on the other.
The Swiss Franc (CHF) is Switzerland’s official currency. It’s roughly 1.10 Swiss Francs for every pound. You can usually also pay in Euros. The value of a pound is roughly €1 .

German, French, Italian, and Romansh are the four official languages of Switzerland. German is the most widely used language in Switzerland, but many people also speak English as a second language.

In the UK, where can I watch?

Banner with green and purple colours. There's an image of people celebrating surrounded by UK landmarks.

How can I play video games at home?

Banner with green and purple colours. There are images of people cheering and watching football on the TV.

The final game will be broadcast on both BBC and ITV, with all other UK games being available on either.

Gabby Logan, Alex Scott, and Jeanette Kwakye will be presenting live from the 16 matches that will be broadcast on BBC One, BBC Two, and iPlayer. On BBC One, this includes England vs. Wales vs. ITV will broadcast France, France, England, Wales, and France.

Throughout the entire tournament, there will be broadcasts of BBC Sounds, Radio 5 Live, and Radio 5 Sports Extra. Wales’ games are covered by BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru, with English and Welsh commentary provided.

Live match reports, clips, highlights, interviews, and analysis will be broadcast on the BBC Sport website, app, and social media.

Kate Garraway says it’s ‘tough to balance the budget’ amid £800k debts

After previously admitting she’s been left with up to £800K in debt as a result of her husband’s death, Derek Draper, Kate Garraway has stated that it’s “tough to balance the budget.”

Kate Garraway has said it’s ‘tough to balance the budget’ after previously admitting she’s been left with up to £800K in debt(Image: Getty Images)

Kate Garraway says it’s tough to ‘balance the budget’ after racking up between £500,000 and £800,000 of debt while caring for her late husband, Derek Draper.

Talking at the King’s Trust Awards with TK Maxx and Homesense, the Good Morning Britain presenter said of the cost of care, “It’s definitely tough to balance the budget, I feel like carers often don’t have a voice so I’m here to shout about it and the costs that go unnoticed.

With the costs currently increasing, I wouldn’t want to be the chancellor.

Broadcaster Kate, 48, cared for her husband Derek for four years as he suffered from an agonising health battle after contracting Covid-19 in 2020 and being left with long Covid, with the family faced with sky high costs to look after him.

Kate's husband Derek died last year
After her husband Derek’s skyhigh care costs during his long-term covid, Kate was left with crippling costs.

“Derek’s care costs more than my salary from ITV and that is before you pay for a mortgage, before you pay any household bills, before you pay for anything for the kids, so we are at a crunch point,” Kate said before Derek’s passing.

Continue reading the article.

Kate has since been a voice for carers nationwide since she first started working on Good Morning Britain in January of last year.

I’m going on about carers and the lack of support with some people, but I won’t because they need a voice, Kate said.

The broadcaster has been supported by several of her colleagues amid the difficult time, and detailed her close relationship with former co-presenter Ben Shephard.

“Ben and I are great friends, I always see him in the studio on Thursdays because I’m in for GMB and he’s in for This Morning, so it’s lovely. He’s actually not happy with me right now because we’ve been meaning to go for lunch and haven’t yet. I owe him a lunch!”

Kate Garraway and the king
Kate was one of the many who visited Buckingham Palace earlier this week to meet His Majesty, describing him as ‘very charming’(Image: Getty Images)

Hot off the heels of visiting Buckingham Palace a day prior to the King’s Trust Awards, Kate said she was grateful to His Majesty for his continued support of her. “The king has a very charming personality and he’s always been so kind to me. He’s looking really well and healthy too, which was really nice to see,” shared Kate.

Continue reading the article.

She remarked about the involvement of the show in the Nabilla Zulfiqar-winning volunteer of the year award, which she said “is always a very special occasion and now Good Morning Britain is part of an award too.”

The King’s Trust Awards, which began in 2007, honor young people who have improved their chances of living and made a positive impact on their neighborhood.

Charli XCX accused of ‘miming’ at Glastonbury as famous face appears as ‘Apple Girl’

Charli XCX performed the final set of Glastonbury songs on Saturday at Worthy Farm, and she did just that. Charli’s energetic performance left little to the imagination in comparison to Neil Young’s sparsely populated audience.

She seductively teased the audience and the cameras by taking to the stage in a black crop top and skimpy paints. However, it appears that home viewers weren’t as impressed when those present lapping up the display.

Some fans criticized the singer on Twitter/X for what appeared to be miming. One user yelled, “Oh no, I can’t watch Scissor Sisters, and Charli XCX is bloody awful.” could actually be a haphazard miming. What a disappointing Glastonbury Saturday night.

Fans divided over Charli XCX’s performance at Glastonbury (Getty Images)

Another cited Charli XCX’s inability to sing live at Glasgow 2025 as “FAKE” as predictable but shameful. And a third claimed that, standing around the stage pretending to sing, Charlie xcx Embarrressing…

What does “live music” mean in Charli XCX? Get her off the stage while she raged yet more. #Glastonbury2025″

However, there were some positive points, such as “Charli xcx the icon you are #Glastonbury202.” Second said, “Charli xcx killing it,” and the response was “yes.”

And a third phrase, “Charli xcx is bloody amazing, taking over Glasto,” comes to mind.

And Gracie Abrams, an American singer, was caught on camera as she discovered her “Apple Girl.”

The 32-year-old Cambridge musician’s hit album Brat helped the music industry reach new heights last year. The album dominated the charts in Australia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Additionally, it achieved a strong debut at No. 3 on the Billboard 200.

The singer is best known for hits like Boom Clap, Boys, and Vroom Vroom, as well as 360, 365, Speed Drive, Apple, and Official.

Prior to her show, she had previously been spotted posing alongside Denise Welch. Matty Healy’s mother, Denise, is the mother of The 1975’s lead singer. Talking about my BRAT flag, she said in the sun-soaked image.

The 1975 frontman slams his friend during his own set, despite the fact that they are close friends.

Before the Irish trio’s performance, bosses shut down the West Holts stage earlier on Saturday due to Kneecap’s controversial Glastonbury set. Following complaints that the festival should axe the band from the event, it was made.

Instead, the BBC simply stopped showing them the festival live. However, the area was closed off for about an hour before the band’s entrance due to the size of the crowd prior to their appearance.

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Who are Bob Vylan? Band hit headlines over Glastonbury set as police involved

Before Kneecap, who were causing controversy ahead of their set, Bob Vylan performed on the West Holts stage this evening.

Musicians Bob Vylan sparked fury at the 2025 Glastonbury Festival(Image: Rowan Griffiths / Daily Mirror)

Following their performance at the Glastonbury Festival and performing “Death to the IDF” on stage, police are looking into Bob Vylan’s set. Many people have criticized and criticized the duo’s actions, which they claim are unacceptable.

Police have confirmed that they are looking into whether Bob Vylan and Kneecap’s sets constituted criminal activity. Criticism has watched in awe and horror at the Glastonbury performances.

What are Bob Vylan’s specifics and the furore they have caused.

Musicians Bob Vylan sparked fury at the 2025 Glastonbury Festival
Sickening scenes saw huge crowds applauding and chanting along(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

What did Bob Vylan do at Glastonbury 2025? Who are they?

The English band Bob Vylan creates grime, punk rock, and hip-hop music. The band, which was founded in Ipswich in 2017, is made up of drummer Bobbie Vylan and singer Bobby Vylan, who is believed to be using stage names to protect their privacy.

Their first album, We Live Here, was released in 2020, followed by a second album, Bob Vylan Presents the Price of Life, which was released in 2022, and their most recent album, Humble as the Sun, which was released in 2024.

Continue reading the article.

The group chanted “Death to the IDF” at the 2025 Glastonbury Festival, which sparked outrage on the stage. Israel Defense Forces, which have been at war with Hamas in Gaza since 2023, are the IDF.

What have the police been saying about Bob Vylan’s actions?

Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed they are investigating the sets of West Holts stage including Bob Vylan.

The group posted on X: “We are aware of the remarks being made this afternoon by acts at Glastonbury Festival’s West Holts Stage.

Officers will examine video evidence to determine whether any crimes might have presupposed a criminal investigation have been committed.

Lisa Nandy is investigating footage of Bob Vylan at Glastonbury
Culture Secretary has demanded the BBC explain why the offensive incident was allowed to stream via iPlayer(Image: Sky News)

What responses did political figures make to Bob Vylan’s actions?

Politicians have slammed Bob Vylan for their comments. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has also reportedly ordered the BBC’s director-general, Tim Davie, to explain why the band’s performance was streamed on iPlayer

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has blasted the band, writing on X: “This is grotesque. Glorifying violence against Jews isn’t edgy. The West is playing with fire if we allow this sort of behaviour to go unchecked.

The cultural establishment must realize that this is incitement rather than protest. More than two years ago, at a music festival, hundreds were raped and murdered. The gormless people cheering and clapping along with the act is just the beginning. people who are unaware of the nature of terrorism. They are not interested in the evil ideology they are spreading, and they don’t care.

And the Israeli embassy in the UK expressed deep concern in a statement, writing: “When such messages are delivered before tens of thousands of festivalgoers and met with applause, it raises serious concerns about the normalisation of extremist language and the glorification of violence.”

Continue reading the article.

PSG vs Inter Miami: FIFA Club World Cup – team news, start time and lineups

Who: Inter Miami vs. Paris Saint-Germain
What: FIFA Club World Cup round of 16
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, United States
When: Sunday, June 30 at 12pm (16:00 GMT)

Follow us for the live stream of our live commentary stream on Al Jazeera Sport starting at 9am local (13:00 GMT).

Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami in the group of 16 matches against his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, in the FIFA Club World Cup.

The Argentinian international forward has represented Barcelona since he was a youngster and has now become the champion of France.

Messi left PSG for a better place with his 2023 switch to Major League Soccer, where the coveted European success was not forthcoming.

A PSG side that many of the Galacticos were hired to win European glory are now Messi’s, full of youthful exuberance and riding the Champions League wave.

Al Jazeera Sport examines the game more closely.

Why does Messi’s Miami vs. PSG weigh so heavily?

A rare reunion of European football legends with old ties, recent regrets, and the chance for Lionel Messi to settle a score will be witnessed when PSG and Inter Miami square off.

A compelling contrast of eras is present in Sunday’s game between an Inter Miami team based on former Barcelona stars who are aging but still influential, and a PSG side driven by youth and energy who are just about to win their first Champions League title.

Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Enrique square off against four PSG players that he once led at Barcelona.

They have all now been reunited under Miami coach Javier Mascherano, a former player from Luis Enrique’s Camp Nou’s triple-winning era.

This week, Alba stated that “Luis Enrique is a phenomenon.” When the ref blows the opening whistle, we’ll try to beat him, but I’m excited to see him and will give him a hug.

Suarez, 38, reflected on the influence of his former boss: “He injected even more into me than he already had a competitive DNA.”

[Hannah Mckay/Reuters] Lionel Messi training before the game against PSG

Has PSG a history with the Barcelona squad?

Ex-Barcelona players from Miami were a part of the 2017 “Remontada” against PSG, adding yet another layer of intrigue.

When Barca defeated PSG 6-1 in Spain after falling 4-0 to them in Paris in their final-16 Champions League game, that night was PSG’s darkest night.

At that time, Miami’s veterans were at their best.

They now rely on memory and rhythm, while a rising generation has transformed PSG’s core, with victories in the Champions League and victories in recent weeks.

What was PSG’s performance in the group stage?

Following a 1–0 defeat to Brazil’s Botafogo in the group stage that posed questions about fatigue following a long European season, the Parisian side arrive in Atlanta.

Even though PSG are still widely considered to be the best team in the world, their defeat revealed weaknesses in their roster. They have played more high-stakes matches than most of their rivals.

In their opening games against Seattle Sounders and Atletico Madrid, PSG won all three of their matches.

What was Inter Miami’s performance in the group stage?

Inter Miami had one win and two draws to go with second place overall, behind Palmeiras.

Their 2-1 victory over Porto, led by Messi, was crucial for their progress.

Can PSG be defeated by Miami’s Argentina axis?

“It will be a great honor for me to face a great coach, one of the best I’ve had in my career,” Mascherano of Luis Enrique said.

Mascherano, who is playing for the first time in his major club coaching position, gives a Miami side an emotional edge and tactical acumen that are physically unavoidable, especially with Messi in top form.

After leaving Barcelona in 2021, the great from Argentina endured a turbulent two-year spell with PSG. Although he won domestic silverware, Messi failed to find peace in Paris, and some fans turned against him after his 2022 World Cup triumph.

Messi earlier this year admitted to not enjoying myself at PSG. It was a difficult time, they said.

Mascherano thinks that memory still motivates him.

Messi said this week, “When something gets in his head, he gives a little extra.”

Paris St Germain's Lionel Messi, Neymar, Marquinhos, Marco Verratti, Kylian Mbappe, Achraf Hakimi, Sergio Ramos and teammates celebrate winning the Ligue 1
After winning the 2023 Ligue 1 title in France, Messi is pictured with his PSG teammates Neymar, Marquinhos, Marco Verratti, Kylian Mbappe, Achraf Hakimi, and Sergio Ramos.

What exactly did Messi do wrong at PSG?

He appeared to be the puzzle’s piece because PSG had reached the Champions League final and then the semifinals two years prior to Messi’s arrival.

Instead, they turned around and left with him in the side, leaving the last 16 years of elite club competition in Europe.

With Neymar and Mbappe, Messi’s estimated annual salary of 30 million euros ($35,2 million) after tax, and his expected annual salary also weakened them as a team.

In the end, some PSG supporters who felt Messi’s support for the cause was lacking were even making fun of the Barcelona legend.

When Messi led Argentina to the World Cup in Qatar in late 2022, he was a PSG player, but his genius was only apparent at club level in France.

With 32 goals and 35 assists in 75 appearances, he did win two Ligue 1 titles while contributing to PSG’s brand value.

Meanwhile, Miami coach Javier Mascherano believes Messi may continue if he is upset about his time in Paris.

For us, it’s obvious that he should play angry because he’s one of those players who puts in extra effort when he’s at work, Mascherano said, according to Mascherano.

Last season’s performance for PSG?

Under Luis Enrique’s direction, PSG’s stunning 5-0 victory over Inter Milan at the end of last month in Munich, which gave them the opportunity to win the UEFA Champions League for the first time, marked the conclusion of an incredible treble-winning season for the Qatar-backed side.

What was Inter Miami’s performance last season?

Miami won the MLS Cup, which is regarded as the highest prize in the MLS, beating LA Galaxy, who won the league’s highest prize, earning them a spot at the Club World Cup.

Miami broke MLS’s regular-season points record with a 6-2 victory over the New England Revolution to reach 74 points, which is higher than New England’s previous record set in 2021, making FIFA announce Miami’s inclusion in the Club World Cup in October.

PSG team news

After recovering from a hamstring injury, Ousmane Dembele is currently training, but he might not even be fit enough to play on the bench.

With Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in, Goncalo Ramos and Bradley Barcola are competing for the top spot. Dembele’s role was filled by youngster Senny Mayulu, who was chosen for the match against Seattle.

news from the Miami Inter-Team

Noah Allen will take Noah Allen’s place at left-back while Junior Jordi Alba recovers from injury.

The injured include Yannick Bright, Gonzalo Lujan, and Drake Callender. Oscar Ustari, a former defender for Venezuela, will continue to serve as his replacement.

PSG’s starting lineup was anticipated:

Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes, Ruiz, Vitinha, Neves, Kvaratskhelia, Ramos, Doue

Inter Miami starting lineup was anticipated:

Ustari, Weigandt, Aviles, Falcon, Allende, Redondo, Busquets, Segovia, Messi, Suarez, and others

PSG form manual (for all competitions):

W-W-W-L-W

Formal Inter Miami (for all competitions):