FIFA World Cup 2026: “Boys had to dig deep”, Skipper Harry Kane after…

Florida [US], July 13 (ANI): England captain Harry Kane praised his side’s resilience after their hard-fought 2-1 victory over Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, saying the team’s determination helped them book a place in the last four.

In a video shared on his X handle, Kane reflected on England’s 2-1 win, describing it as a demanding contest against a quality opponent in challenging conditions. capturengo.com

https://x.com/HKane/status/2076404626916569331?s=20

“Yes everyone, the morning after another big England win. Through to the semi-finals, couldn’t be prouder of the team. I mean, that was a tough game against a really good side. Was hot, was humid, was a real battle. The boys had to dig deep again and find something deep within to get us through, and that’s what football’s all about," Kane said.

The England skipper admitted the performance was not always fluent but praised the team’s ability to find a way to win.

“It’s not always pretty, but we found a way. So yeah, another one for the memory books. Being there in the stadium with the fans after, those special, special feelings, special memories that will stay with us forever. But yeah, as we know, football turns around quick," he added.

Looking ahead, Kane said England’s FIFA World Cup semi-final against defending champions Argentina would be another stern test and urged the team to recover quickly before the clash.

“The semi-final in a few days against Argentina will be a really special game, another tough game. But yeah, we recover now, we get ready and can’t wait to be back out there with the boys," Kane said.

The striker also thanked England supporters for their continued backing and called on them to keep supporting the team.

“So as always, appreciate the support. Let’s keep this thing going and look forward to seeing everyone in the stadium on Wednesday," he concluded.

England defeated Norway 2-1 in the quarter-finals to reach the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, where they will face defending champions Argentina for a place in the final. (ANI)

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India failed to adapt to English conditions and were outplayed in all departments by England and Ireland, new skipper Shreyas Iyer said, adding that the experience would only make him a better leader. Iyer endured a disastrous start to his captaincy after taking over from Suryakumar Yadav following India's T20 World Cup triumph, as the team suffered a 0-2 defeat to Ireland before losing the T20I series 0-4 to England after the opening game was washed out.

"It's not hard, honestly," said Iyer when asked how he dealt with the expectations during the post-match press conference. "I feel it's a privilege for me to take over the captaincy. Every individual dreams of captaining for the Indian team and taking on from high. Definitely, I love pressure.

"So, for me to thrive under pressure, to learn from these moments is definitely going to make me better going forward. And that's my mindset right now. Not thinking much about how people are going to think about this particular series because good and bad is part and parcel of this game." Iyer said maintaining a positive mindset is going to be the key. "Going forward, I need to be extremely positive enough in how I'm going to basically nurture everyone who is playing around me and especially in overseas conditions," he said.

"We know we are going to play in Australia and many other cities before that. So, the best camaraderie to fit in these conditions is our goal and going forward, that is going to be our plan." India suffered a 56-run loss against England in the fifth and final T20 at The Rose Bowl on Saturday and Iyer admitted they just couldn't adapt to the conditions quickly during the tour. "...we kept on going from one venue to another and we kept on facing challenges especially in terms of the dimensions, the grounds, the conditions.

"Just to adapt to it as quickly as we could have anticipated that didn't happen, that was one challenge and the other one is definitely they outplayed us in all departments I would say. So, I think combinations of all these points definitely led to this result," Iyer said. The six-match losing streak saw India slip from the No. 1 ranking in T20Is. "It definitely hurts. But I feel that it's a great learning for me as a captain and also for other players who have played here for the first time. It's all about how you turn up for the tournament," the Mumbaikar said.

"You can't just have that mindset that you will come to England and you will win the series. You need to work hard, you need to be focused which we were as a team. "But I personally feel that they played exceptional cricket throughout in all three departments. So, probably the results also went in their favour because they were comprehensive in all three departments." On the significance of the world No. 1 ranking, Iyer said: "It matters to everyone. If you're number one, I feel you've been doing something great for the team and also personally. And thinking about the World Cup, it's two years from now.

"Everything that's happening around right now is a preparation to the World Cup. So, the earlier and the quicker we learn, it's beneficial for the team environment and also for the players who are coming in here." Iyer also singled out fielding as an area where India needs to improve to prosper as a team.

"See, majority of us we have played together in the IPL. We know our strengths and weaknesses. Just in terms of the fielding, I think it plays a key role especially building that momentum and energy around the team environment...," he said. "I think we were definitely dominated by them in that aspect and why I feel fielding is very important is because it basically creates a rhythm in the team in all the matches.

"So, especially in T20 where your fitness demands, you need to be agile, you need to be aware about how the conditions are going to be and especially different outfields and different wickets. So, that's one department if we are probably the best, if we basically dream to be the best team-wise, we will definitely prosper."

Asked why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was dropped, Iyer said the team wanted a right-hander and therefore brought back the experienced Sanju Samson. "We needed to try the best combination that would be perfect on these conditions. And we also wanted a right-hander to go on with Abhishek (Sharma). So, that was one of the major reasons," he said.

"I was the only one out of all the left-handers who was a right-hander. We wanted to try a different combination which would be suitable for this particular game. "And he's a gun batsman. He has won so many series for us in the past. So, yeah, one of those reasons."

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No. of defeats suffered by India in the just-concluded T20I series vs England — their most in a T20 series/tournament

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London [UK], July 13 (ANI): Despite being unhappy with the trophy he accepted at Wimbledon 2026, Alexander Zverev is proud of his journey despite losing to top-seeded Jannik Sinner in the men’s singles final on Sunday.

After finishing as runner-up in the men’s singles at Wimbledon 2026, Alexander Zverev shared a post on Instagram with a picture of him holding the runners-up trophy alongside the winner Jannik Sinner.

He wrote, “Not the trophy I wanted to hold, but still one to be proud of. Thanks for your support over these last two weeks. See you next year @wimbledon."

Earlier, Alexander Zverev graciously congratulated the Italian after the match and hailed him as the “best player in the world" following his successful title defence.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony after the final, Zverev acknowledged Sinner’s dominance, joking about his losing streak against the World No. 1 before praising his consistency at the highest level.

“Yeah, first of all, Jannik. I don’t really like you anymore. I lost to you 9 times in a row," Zverev said with a smile.

“Congratulations to Jannik. He showed once again why he’s the best player in the world. It was great to share Centre Court with you on finals weekend. It’s a great honour to be here. Unfortunately, it didn’t go my way, but congratulations first of all," he added.

The German also congratulated Sinner’s coaching team, crediting them for playing a vital role in the Italian’s rise from outside the top 10 to becoming a multiple Grand Slam champion and World No 1.

“Also, congrats to Jannik’s team. You guys have been together for many, many years now. You guys are World No. 1 now, but you started outside of the top 10 and worked your way into being Grand Slam champions and World No. 1. It’s definitely a team effort. Jannik is the first one to admit it. Congratulations to you guys. You really deserve it," Zverev said.

Sinner successfully defended his Wimbledon men’s singles title with a 6-7(7), 7-6(2), 6-3, 6-4 victory over Alexander Zverev, claiming his fifth Grand Slam title and first major crown of the 2026 season.

The win made Sinner the 10th player to retain the Wimbledon men’s singles title and extended his winning streak against Zverev to 10 matches.

The Italian bounced back from an early French Open exit to secure his sixth ATP title of the year, while Zverev’s hopes of winning back-to-back Grand Slams ended despite reaching his second consecutive major final. (ANI)

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head coach Andy Flower could continue in his IPL role even if he is appointed as England's next Test head coach. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is reviewing its coaching structure after parting ways with Brendon McCullum on Sunday, July 12.

The vacancy opened after the cricket board sacked McCullum following England's 2-1 Test series defeat to New Zealand. McCullum's resignation, along with Ben Stokes' retirement from Test cricket, has brought the Bazball era to an end and started a new chapter for England's Test team.

We Need to be Progressive" - ECB Open to Andy Flower combining England and IPL roles

ECB chief executive Richard Gould said that the board is willing to consider candidates who want to continue coaching in franchise cricket. He stated that the ECB's priority is to appoint the best coach, even if compromises are needed.

"We need to be progressive in these issues," Gould said. "We've got players trying to balance between county, franchise, international cricket. It's a really busy calendar. We may well have to do the same with our coaching staff and supporting staff; we already do, to an extent. But I think that is something that we will have to have a look at.

"One of the difficulties is the IPL dates are not a fixed thing, and there maybe will be some compromises that need to be made along the way. But the important thing is that we've got the best individuals that offer the best fit and we get them into those positions. It is something that we would certainly consider."

Andy Flower's Record Makes Him a Leading Candidate

Brendon McCullum coached England in 49 Tests after taking charge in May 2022. He recorded 27 wins, 20 losses, and two draws. However, England lost seven of their last nine Tests, including a 4-1 Ashes series defeat in Australia and a recent 2-1 home series loss to New Zealand.

Andy Flower is one of England's most successful coaches. He guided the team to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test rankings and famous away Test series wins in Australia and India between 2009 and 2014. He has also enjoyed major success in franchise cricket, leading RCB to back-to-back IPL titles.

Andy Flower signed a three-year contract with RCB before the 2024 IPL season. His leadership helped transform the team's approach and deliver consistent success. If Andy Flower accepts the England role, the ECB could allow him to continue working with the IPL franchise, depending on scheduling commitments.

Results Mean That We Need to Make a Change" - Richard Gould On Brendon McCullum's exit

Richard Gould said England's recent results forced the board to make a coaching change. He added that with 10 Test matches before the 2027 Ashes, the ECB wanted to appoint a new coach as early as possible to begin preparations.

"The results have not gone the way that we wanted them to go. It's always been a results-based business. Results mean that we need to make a change. At this particular time, we've got 10 Test matches until the Ashes start in 2027, and so whilst we have a significant amount of time to prepare again for that with a new coach coming in, we want to use as much time as we have available."

England will need to find the next Test coach before the three-match series against Pakistan in August. According to reports, the shortlist includes Rahul Dravid, Stephen Fleming, Justin Langer, Mike Hesson, and Andy Flower along with English candidates such as Richard Dawson, Jonathan Trott, and James Foster.