Premier League analysis: A detailed look at Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage
Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage officially began work at the club on July 6, with the majority of the squad returning from World Cup duty, but how will the Frenchman shape up heading into the new Premier League season?
Coming off the back of a successful Ligue 1 campaign and a historic Coupe de France triumph, Sage joins Palace hoping to mirror that success, particularly in the highly anticipated Europa League, after signing a deal to remain in south London until 2029.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Stanley Cheeseman takes a look at everything you need to know about the new boss, including his tactics, recruitment and career so far.
World Cup 2026 quarter-finals betting tips: Jude Bellingham to shine for England again, Morocco to go toe to toe with France and more
Oi oi. What a summer this is turning into. England were simply immense in that brain-melting 3-2 win over Mexico on Monday, July 6.
It was a surreal game of football given the kick-off time in the UK, and Jordan Henderson only added to the madness by leaving the pitch on a stretcher - having picked up a yellow card - despite not playing a single minute.
I bet the people who said Hendo wouldn’t make an impact at this World Cup are feeling quite silly right now. I just hope he’s got holiday insurance!
Anyway, after conquering Mexico’s Azteca fortress, all eyes are now on Miami and England’s quarter-final date with Norway.
Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from the quarter-finals - including the big one on Saturday, July 11 - courtesy of Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate, The Bookie Basher.
World Cup 2026 analysis: Looking at England’s magnificent Mexico win and five of England’s most iconic World Cup victories
Thomas Tuchel’s England reached new heights as they beat Mexico 3-2 on Monday to set up a quarter-final tie against Norway.
Despite being the far better team on paper, many had suggested England would struggle to win against a Mexico side co-hosting the World Cup and playing in their iconic Azteca Stadium, with its extreme conditions and unrelenting atmosphere.
Jude Bellingham put England 2-0 up after a brace in two minutes, but Julian Quinones pulled one back before half-time to give the Mexicans hope.
Despite Jarell Quansah’s red card, when Harry Kane scored a penalty in the second half to make it 3-1 England looked safe, until Raul Jimenez converted from the penalty spot.
Cricket betting tips: Best bets for England vs India T20I and Major League Cricket
England and India continue their high-octane T20I series at Trent Bridge, while Major League Cricket serves up a blockbuster clash between MI New York and San Francisco Unicorns this week.
Here, Sports News Blitz cricket expert Himanshu Sharma breaks down the best bets, value plays and key betting angles.
World Cup 2026 analysis: Five talking points from England vs Mexico
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane dragged England through to the next stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 once more as Thomas Tuchel’s side defeated the daunting Mexico 3-2 in a display of total grit and determination.
The Three Lions have earned themselves a quarter-final match-up against a confident Norway, led by Erling Haaland in his debut World Cup.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Stanley Cheeseman looks at five talking points from the Round of 16 clash at the infamous Azteca Stadium that saw England advance through the tournament when the odds were, arguably, against them.
F1 news: Five takeaways from Ferrari’s British GP as Charles Leclerc wins and optimism grows
Scuderia Ferrari arrived at Silverstone for the British Grand Prix looking to maximise on their recent upgrades after a disappointing Austrian GP.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer and Ferrari fan Luca Salmasi takes a look at five key takeaways from the Scuderia’s successful British GP.
Manchester United missing out on Mateus Fernandes is a bigger warning sign than it looks
Manchester United’s failure to land Mateus Fernandes has sparked frustration among supporters who feel the club is repeating old mistakes.
Tottenham Hotspur have stepped in and agreed a deal, leaving United once again empty-handed in a key midfield chase.
The situation has quickly become about more than one transfer. It is now being seen as a wider reflection of how the club is being run.
Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo delves into why this particular miss could carry more weight than it first appears.
Cricket analysis: Ben Stokes retires - Five of the England star’s greatest Test moments
England captain Ben Stokes announced his retirement from Test cricket in typically dramatic fashion during England’s defeat to New Zealand in the final Test match of the series.
The announcement came whilst England were fielding on day four, with Stokes taking a wicket the ball after it was made public.
The modern day great retires with 122 Test caps and is only the second man to score more than 7000 Test runs and take over 250 Test wickets, alongside South Africa’s Jacques Kallis.
A man who isn’t just known for his numbers, Sports News Blitz writer Jacob Hibbert takes a look at five moments from his Test career that have made him one of the greatest all-rounders to play the game.
F1 Betting Markets Explained: What You Are Actually Betting On
Formula 1 looks simple from the sofa: twenty cars, one winner.
The betting markets built around a race weekend are a good deal more layered, and understanding what each one actually asks you to predict is the first step to enjoying them without confusion.
Soccer opinion: What's next for West Ham? Ownership changes, transfers and more
Following the disastrous season of 2025/26, which saw West Ham get relegated in 18th place, lasting change is desperately needed.
Relegation from the Premier League means the Hammers will play in the EFL Championship next season, for the first time since the 2011/12 season.
The relegation came as a huge disappointment, especially as West Ham had won the UEFA Conference League only three years ago.
Sports News Blitz writer and West Ham fan Jack George dissects what the future holds for West Ham United.
Is the World Cup helping to drive a new era for sports games?
When the World Cup is on, it does something remarkable: it turns the entire planet into football fans. But in 2026, the tournament’s influence stretches far beyond the terraces and TV screens.
From console titles to mobile apps and slots, sports games of all kinds are experiencing a surge in popularity, and the World Cup is driving the charge.
World Cup 2026 betting tips: England to march past Mexico, Gordon to provide tonic; USA to beat Belgium
“Now look some of you lads on fifty grand a week. These fellas, they get a pocket full of pesetas and a funny hat.”
This remains one of my favourite cinematic lines, uttered by the inimitable Mike Bassett: England Manager as he laid into the Three Lions during a crunch clash with Mexico.
It’s England vs Mexico for real in the wee small hours of Monday morning, in a fascinating clash that reeks of drama.
Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from the last 16 of World Cup 2026 – including the big one at the Azteca – courtesy of Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate - The Bookie Basher.
ITV horse racing tips and best bets for Sandown and Newmarket on Saturday, July 4
Sports News Blitz’s racing tipster Jeff Mexico has turned down his invitation to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s ‘royal wedding’ to focus on this Saturday’s racing.
Four races from Sandown, including the Coral Eclipse, and three from Newmarket are on offer on ITV this weekend, which is much more fun than watching two pretend they like each other.
F1 news: Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton heads to Silverstone with renewed belief as Jenson Button predicts British GP breakthrough
Lewis Hamilton arrives at Silverstone with growing confidence after a strong run of form in his early Ferrari career.
Former team-mate Jenson Button believes the seven-time world champion is well positioned to challenge for victory at his home Grand Prix.
With momentum building after recent podiums and a breakthrough win in Barcelona, Hamilton’s weekend carries real significance for his season, writes Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo.
Racketeer and Playtomic unite to shape the future of the padel community
Racketeer and Playtomic, the world’s largest racket sports booking and community platform, have officially launched their partnership with The Greatest Padel Party Ever, an immersive event that brought together hundreds of players for an evening built around one simple idea: the future of padel is community.
Held at Racketeer Club North Acton, the event marked the first activation of a partnership between two brands that share the ambition of making padel more social, more connected and more accessible.
As part of this partnership, the Racketeer club is now available on Playtomic, enabling players to discover and book Racketeer courts directly through the platform while connecting with a wider community of players.
Rounders news: Horsforth Hawks Reds dig deep to win in grim conditions
Sports News Blitz sponsor the Horsforth Hawks Reds rounders team, who are flying high in first place in division four of the West Yorkshire league.
They have won five of their six games so far - but had to dig deep on Tuesday night, when they played in appalling conditions but managed to secure a hard-fought victory.
Padel news: London to host the first Clash of the Coaches organised by World Padel Network
A new tournament specifically for padel coaches is to be held in London this summer.
The Clash of the Coaches, organised by World Padel Network, will be held at Racketeer and will bring together padel coaches from across the UK and Europe to compete, connect, and celebrate their role in the sport. The tournament will be held on Friday August 7 with the action starting at 12pm (BST).
World Cup 2026: England vs DR Congo Round of 32 preview - Statement victory needed for Three Lions
England topped Group L of the World Cup 2026 following the 2-0 victory over Panama on Saturday, June 27, ensuring they would be favourably placed as a third-placed team in the first knockout round.
In facing DR Congo, England are presented with another opportunity to prove themselves as a force to be reckoned with, if they can defeat their respective lesser opposition resoundingly.
Sports News Blitz’s Johnny Jones looks ahead to England’s knockout showdown, and how the Three Lions can address supporters’ concerns.
Toto Wolff questions Ferrari's aggressive upgrade strategy amid F1 development race
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has questioned how Ferrari have been able to introduce so many upgrades to their 2026 Formula 1 car, suggesting the Italian team could soon reach the limits of the sport's cost cap.
With Formula 1's new regulations creating one of the most intense development races in recent memory, teams have been bringing new parts almost every race in an attempt to gain an advantage.
How live interactive events are changing social casino entertainment
Social casino platforms have evolved far beyond simple slot-style experiences. Today's users increasingly seek interactive entertainment that combines competition, community engagement and real-time participation.
Live events have become one of the fastest-growing features within the social casino industry. Through tournaments, limited-time challenges and community competitions, platforms can create experiences that feel closer to live entertainment than traditional mobile gaming.