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Marcus Rashford could not bring himself to watch Manchester City lift the Champions League – but the Manchester United star says club rivalries are left at the door with England thanks to the group’s “strong bond”. Erik ten Hag’s arrival sparked a marked improvement in the red half of Manchester this season, with February’s Carabao Cup triumph followed up by a third-placed finish in the Premier League. But City stopped United ending their campaign on a high at Wembley by winning the first all-Manchester FA Cup final as they stayed on track to replicate their rivals’ historic 1999 treble triumph. Pep Guardiola’s men did just that by beating Inter Milan in Saturday’s Champions League final – a match Rashford watched on TV, although there was only so much he could stomach. Put to the forward that Trent Alexander-Arnold turned off the TV when United won the FA Cup as he could not bear to watch Liverpool’s rivals lift silverware, Rashford said: “It’s exactly the same. “I like watching football, I like watching the best games so that’s what I did. “But after they win the game, I don’t need to watch them celebrating and all that stuff, so yeah, TV off!” City’s treble understandably sticks in the craw but there appears little chance of club rivalries impacting England like they did with previous generations. “It is going to be funny,” Rashford said of the conversations he was expecting with the quintet on international duty. “But, like I said, it’s congratulations to them and, for me, they deserved it, they played the best football this year. “There’s not much more to say about it, really. The talking’s done on the pitch and they did really well this year.” Asked if it is a strength of the England squad to go from bantering about club matters to playing well together, Rashford said: “Yeah, I think definitely that’s a part of it. “But there’s a strong bond in this squad and there has been regardless of which players come in and that’s down to the environment. “There’s not much more I can put it down to, so we’re looking forward to having them back here. “They’re obviously all really good players and we need them if we want our squad to be as strong as possible.” I don’t need to watch them celebrating and all that stuff, so yeah, TV off! Marcus Rashford on Manchester City's trophy celebrations While club allegiances will not put a spoke in England’s wheel, Rashford does not hide from questions about United’s place in the pecking order. For so long the dominant force in English football, the 20-time league champions are now playing second fiddle in their own city. On the desire to be top dogs once more, Rashford said: “I think that was always the aim regardless of their success this year or the previous years. “Let’s be honest, it’s not anything new – the only thing that’s new is that they managed to win all three. “They are a very good team and it’s not just us that are trying to catch up to them, it’s pretty much every team as well. “Is it a challenge? Yeah, but we can’t shy away from it. We have to face it and do our best next season.” Rashford says United’s players and staff spoke in the dressing room after the FA Cup final about the need to kick on again as the 2023-24 campaign quickly comes into focus. There are only 23 days between Rashford, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw playing in England’s final June qualifier against North Macedonia at Old Trafford on Monday and United playing their first pre-season match. It is a far cry from the full summer of preparation Rashford enjoyed last year, which provided a platform for him to bounce back from the most challenging campaign of his career. The rejuvenated 25-year-old went onto score a career best 30 goals in all competitions under Ten Hag, who the United forward credits for changing the mindset of the group and helping him find his fire again. “He came in and he wanted to win,” Rashford said. “I feel like at times we have lacked that ambition, as I’ve said before. “He wasn’t caring about getting into the top four, doing any of that – he just wanted to win trophies and when you strive for the best sometimes you are going to fall short as we did in areas this season. “But you have to look at the outcome. We managed to win a trophy and get back into the Champions League spots, get to another final and it’s definitely a progression from the previous year, or couple of years before. “He just managed to motivate me and just relight the flame that was missing.” Ten Hag’s United have put things in place to close the gap to City next season, but the interminable takeover saga continues to provide a dark, uncertain cloud over the Old Trafford giants. Asked if it is easy to block out the constant noise about it, Rashford said: “For me, yeah, because I am here with the national team, like I don’t want to be worrying about what’s going on in Manchester and stuff like that. “For me, it’s just the importance on these next two games and getting the job done while also doing it as well as we can.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Callum Wilson tuned up to secure England recall after Newcastle disappointment Croatia reach Nations League final with extra-time win over Netherlands He was the main guy – Jordan James knew Jude Bellingham would reach the top

Substitute Bruno Petkovic scored and won a penalty in extra-time as Croatia secured a first Nations League final appearance with a 4-2 victory over the Netherlands in Rotterdam. The Dinamo Zagreb striker was introduced at the start of the additional period – just seconds after the Dutch had snatched an equaliser in the sixth minute of added time – and delivered a game-changing performance. Petkovic’s driving run and shot from 25 yards put Croatia in front again before the 28-year-old, who scored an extra-time equaliser in the World Cup quarter-final against Brazil, won a penalty for Luka Modric to make it 4-2. He also had a second goal ruled out for offside by VAR seconds before the final whistle. Croatia, who reached the 2018 World Cup final and finished third last year in Qatar, are one win away from their first major trophy, with Spain or Italy standing in the way in Sunday’s final. They had to do it the hard way as they recovered from Borussia Dortmund midfielder Donyell Malen’s first-half opener by scoring with their first two shots on target after the break. Mario Pasalic’s 72nd-minute goal capped a turnaround started 17 minutes earlier by Andrej Kramaric’s penalty. But just when it looked like they could celebrate a place in the final, Noa Lang pounced to force extra-time. Eight minutes into the additional period Petkovic made his introduction count with the goal which put his side ahead again. Netherlands’ desperation saw them send Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk up front but their hopes were ended when Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia pulled down Petkovic and Modric sent goalkeeper Justin Bijlow the wrong way from the penalty spot. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Georgia election officials have been aware of existing vulnerabilities in the state's voting software for more than two years but continue to insist the system is safe and won't be updated until after 2024, according to a report that was unsealed this week as part of a controversial court case in Georgia.

A Black North Carolina teacher has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against a Charlotte charter school, alleging he was fired after some White parents opposed his teaching of a novel about a Black teen struggling with "racial injustice" during Black History Month.

Real Madrid have completed the signing of England midfielder Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund on a six-year deal. Dortmund confirmed in a statement last week that Real have agreed to pay an initial 103million euros (£88.5m) to land Bellingham, who moved to Germany from boyhood club Birmingham in 2020. Now both clubs have announced the deal for the 19-year-old has been finalised, with Real adding that he will be unveiled in the Spanish capital on Thursday. “Real Madrid CF and Borussia Dortmund have agreed on the transfer of the player Jude Bellingham, who will remain linked to our club for the next six seasons,” a Real statement read. “Tomorrow, Thursday, June 15, at 12:00 noon at Real Madrid City, the presentation ceremony for Jude Bellingham as a new Real Madrid player will take place. “After, Jude Bellingham will appear before the media.” Bellingham was recently named Bundesliga player of the season after his starring role for Dortmund, who missed out on the title in agonising fashion on the final day of the campaign. The 19-year-old paid tribute to Dortmund on Instagram, writing: “Where to start, for the last 3 years Borussia Dortmund has been the biggest part of my life. “I joined as a 17 year old boy and am leaving as a man. I cannot thank this club enough for everything it’s done for me. “The opportunities, the experiences, the highs and even the lows. All of it has been part of what has been a great development both as a human and a player. “I am honoured to have represented this football club as often as I have, I’d like to thank all the players, managers, bosses and members of staff that have played a role in my time at the club. “I’ll always keep a place for BVB in my heart and will never forget the impact the values of the club has had on my life. Einmal Borusse, Immer Borusse. I wish the club nothing but the best for the future! Heja BVB!” I joined as a 17 year old boy and am leaving as a man. I cannot thank this club enough for everything it’s done for me Jude Bellingham on Instagram Bellingham scored his first England goal in their World Cup win over Iran but is absent from the squad to face Malta and North Macedonia in the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers due to injury. He has long dreamt of a move to the 14-time European champions and recently told the PA news agency that he sees the Champions League as “the biggest stage”. “The goal has always been winning,” he told PA last month. “When you ask me what my biggest ambitions are in the game, it’s to win everything. And I’m not afraid to say that. “You know, everyone should have that goal, I feel like, as professional footballers.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Nick Kyrgios reveals he contemplated suicide following Wimbledon defeat in 2019 Heather Watson beats ‘friend’ Tatjana Maria to reach Nottingham Open quarters Sensational Surrey pull off biggest County Championship chase in 98 years

The jump in used-car costs that propped up US inflation last month is widely expected to swing into

David Brooks does not want to be picked on sentiment on his return to the Wales stage. Brooks is back in the Wales squad for Friday’s Euro 2024 qualifier at home to Armenia – the first time he has featured for the Dragons since October 2021 when he was diagnosed with stage-two Hodgkin lymphoma while on international duty. The 25-year-old winger announced he was cancer-free in May last year and returned to club action for Bournemouth in March, starting the Cherries’ final two Premier League games. Brooks signed a new four-year Bournemouth deal last August and says he must be chosen for Wales on merit. “I was out of contract this year before I signed my new one,” Brooks said. “Even before talks had kicked in I wanted to make it clear I wasn’t there for sympathy. “I don’t want to be there if I’m not going to play or wasn’t in the plans. “Once they saw me training and how I was determined to get back to, I did earn what I was given. “It’s the same with Wales. I don’t just want to be called up to be a spare part. I’m working hard to get back in the Bournemouth XI and be starting for Wales as well.” Brooks underwent chemotherapy treatment following his cancer diagnosis, the draining effects of which he has said left him with night sweats, weight loss and struggling to climb the stairs. Now he is close to peak playing condition – “I probably need to change a bit of the fat to muscle” – and says that returning to the Wales camp where he was diagnosed was a “very nice feeling”. Brooks said: “The first step after the treatment was to get back into the Bournemouth dressing room and be part of that. “As soon as that was completed, to get back in the Wales set up was the aim. The lads have welcomed me with open arms.” On meeting up with Wales’ chief medical officer, Jonathan Houghton, who detected that Brooks’ had cancer symptoms, Brooks said: “I do owe him a lot, he’s obviously done a lot for us. It’s always nice to see him. “Whenever my mum and dad see him they burst out crying and give him a big hug. I can’t thank him enough. “Getting that awful news drops and crushes your world, at that moment you hope it will get better and go back to normal at some point.” Brooks won the last of his 21 Wales caps against Denmark at the delayed 2020 European Championship in June 2021. His perspective on life might have changed in that time, with Brooks saying “he did not have a single care about football” when he was diagnosed “as I just wanted still be on Earth”. But Brooks said: “I just love playing football and so as soon as I got the diagnosis, that was snatched away in the blink of an eye. “But it’s not the end of the world if you don’t end up playing football. Football is not life or death, the main thing is being happy and healthy. “My ambitions haven’t changed. I still want to try and get to the very top. “The hunger and drive is the same for all the lads. We all have the same goal of reaching the Euros, the World Cup – that’s what everyone wants to play in. “There’s a lot of new faces, people I’ve not met prior to this camp, and a lot of new staff. “But the brief time I’ve worked with them over the past week, we’re all pushing in the same direction and trying to achieve the same goal.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jon Rahm looking forward to US Open test that has ‘everything’ Steve Smith holds fond memories of Edgbaston as he prepares for Ashes battle Michael van Gerwen down in the mouth over World Cup absence

Netflix has a new documentary about NFL quarterbacks.

Federal prosecutors are planning to rest their case Wednesday afternoon in the death penalty trial of the gunman who killed 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue in 2018.

The armorer on the set of the movie "Rust" likely was hungover when she loaded a prop gun used by actor Alec Baldwin that fired a live round of ammunition during a rehearsal, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, prosecutors said in a court filing.

The end of the Premier League season brings about a change of pace and focus, a chance to rest and reflect on other matters...unless you’re a sporting director, of course. Outside of the playing staff it’s very much all systems go straight away, with the summer bringing with it the opening of the transfer window and a chance to upgrade, replace or revamp certain sections of the squad for every club - and this year will be no different. From Chelsea’s mid-season overhaul meaning a surplus of squad players to the usual host of names being out of contract, there will be lots of changes to keep track of across England’s top flight and beyond once the official registration periods begin. As the EFL note, dates for transfer windows have to reflect “alignment with other European Leagues” as well as Fifa’s decree that transfer windows can be open “for a maximum of 112 days in any one season”. And now fans know exactly when they can expect the unveilings to potentially begin at their clubs ahead of the 2023/24 season, with confirmation that the summer transfer window will open in the Premier League on Wednesday 14 June, with the final-day scramble for late additions seeing the window shut on Friday 1 September at 11pm. Among the players rumoured to be on the move within the Premier League are Chelsea duo Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher, Crystal Palace winger Wilf Zaha, Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, and Leicester attacker James Maddison - while the saga of the summer could be around West Ham and England central midfielder Declan Rice. Liverpool have already confirmed the quartet of James Milner, Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are departing, while the future of Man City star Ilkay Gundogan remains uncertain. Brighton will be hoping to hold onto a few of their excellent performers from this season, but Roberto De Zerbi has already acknowledged that Alexis Mac Allister is likely to leave. Newcastle are sure to add more quality to their ranks after making the Champions League, while Manchester United’s spending power could depend in large part on the club takeover and who eventually completes a purchase. Later in the campaign, the winter transfer window will open as usual on Monday 1 January, while that mid-season opportunity for additions will end on Thursday 1 February 2024 at 11pm. Meanwhile, the EFL has also confirmed their opening and closing dates for the 2023/24 summer and winter transfer windows and in both cases they align with those of the Premier League, with the same day and time for closing. Read More Ciaran Clark and Matty Longstaff leaving Newcastle When are the Premier League fixtures released? Jodi Jones relishing chance to take on England after overcoming injury despair

Brighton have announced the signing of James Milner on a free transfer from Premier League rivals Liverpool. The former England international has agreed a one-year contract at the Amex Stadium, with the option for a further 12 months. Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi told his club’s website: “I’m very glad to welcome James to Brighton. “He’s an excellent addition for us and I’m sure he will help to bring us to an even higher level.” Milner, who won 61 international caps between 2009 and 2016, began his career with Leeds and has also played for Newcastle, Aston Villa and Manchester City. The 37-year-old won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup during eight years at Anfield. He will join Brighton following the expiration of his Reds contract on June 30 and add experience to De Zerbi’s squad ahead of the club’s maiden Europa League campaign. Seagulls technical director David Weir said: “His experience speaks for itself with the amount of games he has played and the trophies he has won throughout a decorated career. “These games include European competition, which will be of huge value to us as we embark on our first season in Europe.” Milner is currently third in the list of all-time Premier League appearances with 619, behind Gareth Barry (652) and Ryan Giggs (632). The veteran midfielder, who can also operate at full-back, is Brighton’s second signing of the summer following the club-record arrival of Brazilian forward Joao Pedro from Watford. Read More When does the Premier League transfer window open and close this summer? Bellingham gone but who’s next? Midfield merry-go-round will define summer Liverpool begin midfield overhaul by completing Alexis Mac Allister signing