England were knocked out of the World Cup following a 2-1 extra-time defeat to Croatia in the semi-final on this day in 2018. Gareth Southgate’s youthful squad had travelled to Russia without the weight of expectation on their shoulders, but ignited the nation with a remarkable run to the last four which sparked genuine hope of bringing an end to their wait for tangible success. Not since Sir Alf Ramsey’s men had lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy at Wembley in 1966 had England got their hands on a major piece of silverware, and the near misses of Italy 90 and Euro 96 had simply increased the hunger. Having emerged from Group G as runners-up to Belgium, England edged past Colombia on penalties in the last 16 and dispatched Sweden 2-0 in the quarter-finals to set up their showdown with Croatia at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium. England fans were dreaming of a possible final clash against France or Belgium when Kieran Trippier’s stunning free-kick gave his side a fifth-minute lead, and it was one they held until the 68th minute. But it was then that the tide turned. Ivan Perisic’s equaliser gave Croatia fresh impetus as they took the game into extra time, during which Mario Mandzukic blasted home what proved to be the winner. Southgate’s disappointment after the final whistle was matched only by his pride at the efforts of a squad he freely admitted had exceeded its own expectations. He said: “It’s too easy sometimes to move on quickly, but, certainly, I’m hugely proud of what they’ve done. I couldn’t have asked them to give any more for me or for the country. “They have broken through a number of barriers over the last few weeks.” England had the unenviable task of dusting themselves down for a third-fourth play-off reunion with the Belgians, who came out on top once again, while the Croatians went down 4-2 to France in the final. Southgate’s men would go one better three years later at the delayed Euro 2020, where they were beaten by Italy on penalties in the final, and the wait for glory goes on.

At the behest of players from across the globe, FIFA has agreed that a chunk of the prize money pool at the Women's World Cup go straight to the players — all 732 of them

The World Cup always draws attention to the inequities between men’s and women’s soccer

Anthony Joshua against Dillian Whyte is a fight with tremendous risk, great rewards and the type of rivalry that creates history. In 2009, above a pub, Whyte beat Joshua when the pair were raw amateurs. In 2015, Joshua got revenge with a brutal stoppage in Round 7. It was a great event, a genuine and rare fight to determine who moved on and moved on fast. They were both unbeaten and it was a big risk for both. After the fight, Whyte was angry and Joshua won the heavyweight world title in his next fight. It is a harsh and unforgiving world at the top of the heavyweights; Whyte had to wait seven years for his chance at the gold, ultimately losing to Tyson Fury. In that time, Joshua has had 12 heavyweight title fights. In many ways, this third fight between the Britons has been inevitable since the finish that night at the O2. Joshua has dominated British boxing since then, Whyte has been in his great rival’s shadow. It’s harsh, but true. “I still have never had the respect I deserve,” said Whyte on Monday, at the press conference to officially announce the fight. It will be on 12 August, back at the O2 and – like the first fight – it has sold out. “We could have gone outside, no problem,” confirmed Eddie Hearn, the promoter both then and now, referencing the potential to stage the bout in a stadium. “This is the decider. It has everything, and all talk of world title fights and massive fights for big money mean nothing. They both have to win.” Joshua does have a big fight scheduled for December in Saudi Arabia against former champion Deontay Wilder. It is meant to be worth close to $100million, and it would be in jeopardy if he lost. “I’m not thinking about anything other than Dillian,” said Joshua, who flew to London for less than 28 hours from his training base in Dallas. “I just have to do what I do. It’s just another fight. Dillian is a real fighter, he took the fight; others have just been talking.” Whyte also flew in from America for just a day and is going straight back to Florida. The pair refused to be baited at the oddly good-natured press conference, but that calm is deceptive. “This is a must-win fight for both,” Hearn stressed. The heavyweight division with its factions, its millions and its endless riddles is seldom easy to solve. However, every now and again a fight with spite, meaning and relevance is made. Whyte’s chance at redemption against Joshua is one of those fun fights: Joshua’s chance at losing so much is also a very real possibility. It makes for a very good fight. Read More Anthony Joshua vs Dillian Whyte rematch made official – eight years after last clash Tyson Fury reacts to footage of Anthony Joshua using mattress as heavy bag Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder’s teams meet in London for talks over Saudi Arabia fight

It’s no secret that real estate companies and builders are having a pretty tough time at the moment.

What the papers say Manchester United are reportedly looking to sell England international Harry Maguire after he only started in 16 games for the club last season. The Red Devils have placed a £50million price tag for his signature, the Manchester Evening News reports. Maguire joined the club in 2019 for £80million. The Daily Mail says Manchester United will reportedly complete their £43million deal with Inter Milan to sign goalkeeper Andre Onana from the Italian club. Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse could be set for a move to West Ham, who want to sign the England midfielder for around £20million. However, the Saints value the 28-year-old at £40million, according to the Daily Mail. Newcastle are looking to make room for Leicester midfielder Harvey Barnes, with the Telegraph reporting they could look to sell Allan Saint-Maximin, who is being pursued by Saudi clubs. Social media round-up Players to watch Matt Doherty: TeamTalk report the Republic of Ireland full-back could return to former club Wolves after leaving Atletico Madrid. Micky van de Ven: Tottenham are reportedly looking to sign the 22-year-old Dutch defender from Wolfsburg for around £25million, according to the Mirror.

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Vlad Guerrero Jr. hit a kid in the face with a line drive.