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The Lead: Hull City's Dramatic PromotionIn a thrilling conclusion to the English Football League (EFL) playoffs, Hull City secured promotion to the Premier League with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off final at Wembley. The Tigers, who narrowly avoided relegation last season on goal difference, have now secured their return to English football's top flight thanks to a goal from Oli McBurnie at the death.The Championship Play-off Final: Hull's TriumphThe Championship play-off final was a tense affair filled with "cramp and sweat" as described by the Football Weekly panel. Hull City's victory was particularly significant as it came in what was dubbed the "Spygate" final, referring to various controversies that had surrounded the team during the playoff campaign. The win represents a remarkable turnaround for the club, who had to navigate the chaos of the Championship play-offs to secure their place in the Premier League.The League One and Two Promotions: Bolton and Notts County RiseIn League One, Bolton Wanderers secured promotion with a convincing victory over Stockport County. The Trotters "ultimately ran away with it" after what was initially described as a tight game. Meanwhile, in League Two, Notts County secured promotion after another disappointing performance at Wembley for Salford City, who are now questioning whether they are "destined to stay in League Two forever" after repeated failures in the playoffs.The Impact on English Football's LandscapeThese promotions significantly reshape the landscape of English football for the upcoming season. Hull City's return to the Premier League brings back a club with passionate supporters and a history of top-flight football. Bolton Wanderers' promotion ends a period in the lower leagues for the once-mighty club. Notts County's victory continues their recent resurgence and brings more competitive balance to League One. The changes promise exciting matchups and storylines across all four divisions next season.Looking Ahead: Questions and ExpectationsWith the promotions confirmed, questions arise about how these teams will fare in their new divisions. The Football Weekly panel specifically questions whether Hull City is "ready" for the Premier League after their narrow escape from relegation last season. Meanwhile, Salford City faces scrutiny after another playoff failure, raising questions about their development strategy and ability to break through to higher leagues. The England squad also receives some discussion as the football world looks ahead to international competitions.

England's Dominant Performance England achieved a straightforward win against New Zealand, bowling the visitors out for 80 before chasing down the runs with 37 balls to spare to secure the series 2-1. New Zealand's Batting Collapse The win was set up by a catastrophic batting collapse from New Zealand, who sunk to 33 for six in the first nine overs. A Thomas Becket-esque miracle had saved them at Canterbury, but a second one was unlikely to materialise, especially as the in-form Sophie Devine was dismissed for a duck. Bowlers' Performance Dani Gibson took three wickets for 14, including the big wickets of Devine and Melie Kerr in the same over. Charlie Dean picked up three wickets and used DRS effectively. England's Chase With such a low target, England could afford to be sensible and wickets fell only whenever they deviated from that strategy. Maia Bouchier and Heather Knight formed a painstaking partnership for the third wicket of 35 off 39 balls, taking England within 10 runs of their target. New Zealand's Dilemma New Zealand's batting struggles, particularly at the top of the order, leave them with a dilemma for the World Cup: who is going to open the batting? Upcoming Series England now move on to face India in another three-match T20i series, beginning at Chelmsford on Thursday.

Notts County host Salford in the League Two playoff final at Wembley, a winner‑takes‑all match that will decide which club ascends to League One for the 2026‑27 season.The Starting Line‑ups Reveal Tactical IntentNotts County (3‑4‑2‑1): Belshaw; Ness, McDonald, Bedeau; Tsaroulla, Norburn, Robertson, Jones; Iorpenda, Luker; Jatta. Subs: Griffiths, Palmer, Kouhyar, Bennetts, Grant, Ndlovu, Dennis.Salford (3‑4‑3): Young; Oluwo, Cooper, Garbutt; Mnoga, Butcher, Austerfield, Longelo; Cesay, Graydon, Udoh. Subs: Howard, Turton, Woodburn, Stockton, Harris, Borini, Dorrington.Pre‑Match Narrative: Promotion Dreams and Club HistoriesThe match carries extra weight for Salford, whose owner Gary Neville has pursued a rise to the third tier for years. Manager Karl Robinson has built a “robust side” aiming to secure the club’s first ever promotion to League One. Notts County, with a larger fanbase and richer history, view the final as a rightful step up, relying on striker Alassana Jatta to deliver the decisive goal.Financial Upside of a League One SpotPromotion typically brings increased broadcasting revenue, higher sponsorship deals and larger match‑day earnings, providing a vital boost to club budgets. While exact figures vary, clubs moving from League Two to League One can expect a multi‑million‑pound uplift in annual income.Regional Impact and Fan AnticipationThe showdown pits Nottingham’s historic club against Salford’s ambitious side, generating intense local interest. Fans on both sides anticipate a “cracker” of a game, with personal milestones highlighted – such as goalkeeper James Belshaw’s daughter Isla’s third birthday celebrated at Wembley.Future Outlook: What Promotion Means for Both TeamsIf Notts County win, they will add another chapter to their storied legacy and strengthen their financial footing. A Salford victory would mark a historic first promotion, validating Neville’s long‑term investment and potentially accelerating the club’s growth trajectory.

The Lead The FIFA World Cup is known for its unpredictability, with many underdog teams causing major upsets throughout its history. These shocks have become an integral part of the tournament's lore, with many fans relishing the opportunity for minnows to down giants. Major Upsets in World Cup History One of the most famous upsets in World Cup history is the USA's 1-0 win over England in 1950. The Americans, a group of part-timers, defeated a strong English side that included the likes of Alf Ramsey, Tom Finney, and Billy Wright. USA 1-0 England (1950) The post-war England team was among the favourites to lift the trophy as it made its World Cup debut. The Americans, meanwhile, put together a group of part-timers, including a dishwasher, a letter carrier, and a teacher. Joe Gaetjens scored a 38th-minute header to put the USA ahead, and England's attack was unable to score an equaliser. West Germany 3-2 Hungary (1954) In another major upset, West Germany came from behind to defeat Hungary 3-2 in the 1954 World Cup final. Hungary had been favourites to win, having thrashed West Germany 8-3 in an earlier match. North Korea 1-0 Italy (1966) North Korea's 1-0 win over Italy in 1966 was a major upset, with the Italian side being held together by midfielder Giacomo Bulgarelli, who was injured during the match. Pak Doo Ik scored the winning goal, which knocked out the two-time world champions. Algeria 2-1 West Germany (1982) Algeria's 2-1 win over West Germany in 1982 was another major upset, with the German side being favourites to win. The Algerian team, made up of little-known names, scored two goals in the second half to stun the Germans. Cameroon 1-0 Argentina (1990) Cameroon's 1-0 win over Argentina in 1990 was a major upset, with Argentina being the holders and favourites to win. Francois Omam-Biyik scored the winning goal, which handed Cameroon a famous victory. France 0-1 Senegal (2002) Senegal's 1-0 win over France in 2002 was a major upset, with France being the holders and favourites to win. Papa Bouba Diop scored the winning goal, which sent Senegal through to the quarterfinals. Germany 7-1 Brazil (2014) Germany's 7-1 win over Brazil in 2014 was a major upset, with Brazil being the favourites to win. The German side scored seven goals in a stunning performance, which handed Brazil their biggest defeat since 1920. Netherlands 5-1 Spain (2014) The Netherlands' 5-1 win over Spain in 2014 was a major upset, with Spain being the favourites to win. Robin van Persie scored a stunning header, which set the tone for a dominant Dutch performance. South Korea 2-0 Germany (2018) South Korea's 2-0 win over Germany in 2018 was a major upset, with Germany being the favourites to win. The South Korean side scored two goals in injury time to hand Germany their first-ever defeat against an Asian country in a World Cup match. Saudi Arabia 2-1 Argentina (2022) Saudi Arabia's 2-1 win over Argentina in 2022 was a major upset, with Argentina being the favourites to win. Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem al-Dawsari scored the winning goals, which sent Saudi fans into raptures.

The Surprising Squad Selection Lamine Yamal has been included in Spain’s squad for the World Cup named by coach Luis de la Fuente, who also included Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino to the European champions’ roster after his recent return from injury. Real Madrid's Absence For the first time since 1950, Spain’s World Cup squad will not include a Real Madrid player as De la Fuente opted against naming one in his 26-man squad named on Monday. Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen was dropped due to an injury and veteran Dani Carvajal also excluded after struggling through an injury-hit campaign. Yamal's Inclusion and Injury Concerns Along with teenager Barca star Yamal, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams played a key role as Spain won Euro 2024 and he is in the squad despite a season badly disrupted by fitness issues. Yamal, 18, is a doubt for the first matches of the tournament after suffering a hamstring injury with Barca which has kept him out since late April. De la Fuente's Perspective De la Fuente played down the absence of Madrid’s players, preferring to highlight those who are in the squad. “I’m the manager and I don’t look at where the players come from. They’re ‌national team players; I don’t look at one club or another. I don’t have the same local bias that a fan might have. All I want is for these players to feel proud to represent the national team,” De la Fuente told reporters. Spain's World Cup 2026 Squad Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Joan Garcia Defenders: Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo Midfielders: Rodri, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Pedri, Gavi, Fabian Ruiz, Alex Baena Forwards: Yeremy Pino, Victor Munoz, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Borja Iglesias

West Ham Parting Ways with Nuno Post-RelegationWest Ham are expected to part company with Nuno Espírito Santo after their relegation from the Premier League. The manager has been called in for talks with the board and discussions are likely to end with the Portuguese leaving.Nuno refused to talk about his future after West Ham's descent into the Championship was confirmed on Sunday. The former Nottingham Forest manager's three-year deal contains a clause that allows West Ham to sack him without paying compensation. Nuno is also free to walk away.Contract Terms and Board MeetingClub sources have said it is unlikely that Nuno wants to stay. Sources close to David Sullivan, the club's largest shareholder, have said West Ham's co-owner is also minded to make a change despite previously showing support for Nuno.The former Wolves manager took over from Graham Potter last September but was unable to keep West Ham out of the bottom three. He was backed with funds in January but his confusing training methods and team selections did not sit well with some players.Managerial Instability at West HamWest Ham will be looking for their fifth manager in two years if Nuno's reign ends. This rapid turnover of managers highlights the instability at the club's leadership level, which has contributed to their on-field struggles.Since the start of 2025, West Ham has gone through multiple managerial changes, with each new appointment failing to turn the team's fortunes around. This pattern of instability has likely played a role in the club's inability to maintain consistent performance in the Premier League.Relegation Fallout for Club and ManagerThe relegation represents a significant setback for West Ham, both financially and in terms of prestige. The club will face substantial revenue losses from reduced broadcasting rights and commercial opportunities.For Nuno, this represents a disappointing end to his tenure at West Ham. Despite having previously managed Wolves and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, he was unable to replicate that success with the Hammers. His reputation as a manager may take a hit following this relegation, though his previous achievements in the league should help him secure another position.Potential Successors for the West Ham Hot SeatWest Ham is already looking ahead to life in the Championship and the search for a new manager. Scott Parker, the former Burnley manager, and Strasbourg's Gary O'Neil are of interest to the club.The next manager will face the significant challenge of rebuilding the team and securing an immediate return to the Premier League. Given the club's history of managerial instability, the new appointment will need to bring stability and a clear vision to help West Ham bounce back from relegation.

Lead: De Zerbi’s appointment credited with sparing Spurs from relegationJames Maddison and Conor Gallagher told the Guardian that the decision to replace Igor Tudor with Roberto De Zerbi "saved disaster from happening" for Tottenham Hotspur. With only seven matches left, the club turned a free‑fall into Premier League survival.Mid‑season managerial switch and immediate turnaroundSpurs dismissed Tudor after a run of just one point from six games. De Zerbi arrived with seven fixtures remaining and quickly rebuilt confidence, delivering a 1‑0 home win over Everton that sealed a finish above relegated West Ham United. Under De Zerbi the side recorded:3 wins2 draws2 defeatsThe turnaround lifted the team from the brink of the drop to safety.Statistical snapshot of the survival runGames remaining when De Zerbi took charge: 7Record under De Zerbi: 3‑2‑2Key result: 1‑0 victory over Everton (May 24, 2026)Final league position: Above West Ham, who were relegatedWhy the change reshaped Tottenham’s seasonDe Zerbi introduced tactical tweaks – higher pressing, more turnovers in the final third, and a re‑balanced midfield that revived Gallagher’s form. He also focused on player psychology, using video clips and intensive nightly meetings to restore belief. Both Maddison and Gallagher highlighted the immediate boost in confidence and the “obsessed with football” work ethic of the new manager.Looking ahead: summer rebuild and future prospectsSpurs now face a busy transfer window. Expected free‑transfer signings include centre‑half Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth) and left‑back Andy Robertson (Liverpool). Potential departures are captain Cristian Romero and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. The club’s short‑term goal is to consolidate the squad around De Zerbi’s philosophy and avoid another relegation scare.

The Escalation in Southern LebanonAt least three people have been killed in Israeli air attacks on vehicles in southern Lebanon, the country's National News Agency (NNA) reported, as the Israeli military issued new forced displacement orders for residents in the south. Israeli drone attacks targeting three vehicles on the Kafr Rumman-Jarmaq highway and the Jarmaq-Khardali road in the Nabatieh area early on Monday killed three people, NNA reported.Mass Evacuation Orders IssuedLater, Israel ordered residents of 10 villages to evacuate their homes before expected strikes. Citing "Hezbollah's violation of the ceasefire agreement", the military's Arabic-language spokesman, Colonel Avichai Adraee, said in a social media post that the Israeli forces "are compelled to operate against it with force", as he listed the names of the villages, mostly in southern Lebanon."For your safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately and move at least 1,000 metres away from these towns and villages to open areas."Continued Israeli Military OperationsIn the southern city of Tyre, an Israeli attack destroyed two homes in the Arzoun municipality, NNA reported, adding that rescue teams were on site to evacuate the injured. Israeli forces also struck the towns of al-Mansouri, Siddiqin, Zibqin, Qlayaa, Yohmor al-Shaqif, Zawtar al-Sharqiyah and al-Haniya.Reporting from Beirut, Al Jazeera's Zeina Khodr said Israeli drones were hovering over the Lebanese capital for the second consecutive day. "Nonstop buzzing of Israeli drones over central Beirut and the capital's southern suburbs ... flying at low altitude," she said.Rising Casualties Despite CeasefireMore than 3,000 people have been killed since the fighting between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah resumed on March 2, according to the Ministry of Public Health. The Israeli military said on Monday that one of its soldiers was killed in southern Lebanon amid continued hostilities and ongoing clashes with Hezbollah. Another soldier was wounded in the incident, the military said in a statement. According to Israeli media reports, the casualties resulted from a Hezbollah drone attack.A total of 23 Israeli soldiers have been killed in the conflict, along with a civilian contractor, since hostilities resumed.Failed Ceasefire and Diplomatic EffortsDespite a US-mediated "ceasefire" that took effect on April 17 and was later extended into early July, Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon and Beirut have continued. Lebanon and Israel began landmark US-brokered talks last month and are preparing for a fourth round in early June, preceded by a meeting between military delegations at the Pentagon on May 29.Lebanon's Non-Negotiable DemandLebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Monday that Israel's withdrawal from the country was a "non-negotiable" demand that authorities would pursue through negotiations, days before another round of talks in Washington, DC. In a statement commemorating Israeli forces' withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000 after some two decades of occupation, Aoun said, "This year, the anniversary of the liberation comes as Lebanon is weighed down by a painful reality.""Israeli attacks have not stopped, and our dear southern villages are still suffering under a renewed occupation," he said.Hezbollah's Position and Regional ImplicationsHezbollah chief Naim Qassem on Sunday reiterated his opposition to direct talks with Israel and his group's refusal to disarm. "If this government is incapable of guaranteeing sovereignty, it should go," Qassem said. "Where is the sovereignty if America runs the cogs of the Lebanese state?"Meanwhile, Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said negotiations between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending the US-Israel war on Iran were also focused on ending the war in Lebanon.

The Frozen Silence of DhorpatanThe documentary 'No Winter Holidays' presents a haunting portrait of female companionship set against the unforgiving backdrop of Nepal's western highlands. Directed by Rajan Kathet and Sunir Pandey, the film captures the stark beauty of the Dhorpatan valley during winter, a time when most inhabitants migrate south, leaving only two elderly caretakers behind.A Portrait of Female Companionship in IsolationThe narrative centers on Ratima and Kalima, two widows who share a complex history as former romantic rivals. The film juxtaposes their contrasting temperaments: the jaded, alcohol-soaked Ratima and the sunny, nurturing Kalima. Despite their past conflicts, they now share a sisterly bond, caring for one another in an abandoned village.Ratima: The older caretaker, defined by regret and a haze of alcohol.Kalima: The younger caretaker, known for her sunny disposition and affection for livestock.Cinematography vs. Emotional DepthWhile the film is lauded for its breathtaking cinematography—observing the geographical contours of the valley from frozen slumber to springtime awakening—the review suggests a slight imbalance. The stunning visuals occasionally distract from the emotional core of Ratima and Kalima's relationship, causing the film to veer into a nature documentary format.Resilience in the High HimalayasThis documentary offers a profound insight into the resilience of women in remote regions. By focusing on the daily routines and reminiscences of the protagonists, the film highlights the warmth of human connection amidst a desolate landscape.A Release Strategy for True Story'No Winter Holidays' is scheduled to premiere on True Story starting May 29. The film appeals to audiences interested in atmospheric documentaries and the socio-cultural dynamics of rural Nepal.