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The Lead The 2026 World Cup has arrived, but some of the world's top players will be watching from the sidelines. A selection of XI standout players from countries that failed to qualify for the tournament has been compiled. Top Players Missing Out on the World Cup Gianluigi Donnarumma (goalkeeper, Italy) The 27-year-old Italy captain is widely considered one of the best keepers in the world. After a high-profile move to Manchester City, he has quickly adapted to the Premier League demands for ball-playing, a skill he honed at Paris Saint-Germain. Jon Aramburu (right-back, Venezuela) The 23-year-old rose to prominence after an impressive Copa América 2024 showing, where he played as a left-back and right-back; a dream for any manager. Edmond Tapsoba (central defence, Burkina Faso) The Bayer Leverkusen centre-back has established himself as one of Europe’s best ball-playing defenders, key to his club’s domestic success under Xabi Alonso in 2023-24. Riccardo Calafiori (central defence, Italy) After a standout year at Bologna, Calafiori moved to Arsenal in 2024, introducing himself shortly after with a stunning strike against Manchester City. Milos Kerkez (left-back, Hungary) Known for his marauding runs and crossing ability, the 22-year-old Liverpool defender represents the archetype of a modern attacking full-back. Carlos Baleba (central defensive midfield, Cameroon) Emerging as a powerhouse in the heart of Brighton’s midfield, Baleba has drawn comparisons to elite defensive specialists. Marcelino Núñez (midfield, Chile) The Chilean playmaker has been the creative heartbeat for Ipswich and his national team, known for his vision and set-piece expertise. Dominik Szoboszlai (midfield, Hungary) Szoboszlai was a rare bright spot in Liverpool’s meek Premier League title defence, with the midfielder renowned for his set-piece deliveries. Ademola Lookman (winger, Nigeria) After his historic hat-trick in the Europa League final for Atalanta, Lookman became one of the most speculated transfer rumours in 2024. The Impact of Missing Key Players The absence of these top players will undoubtedly be felt, as they bring unique skills and talents to their respective teams. Their presence could have potentially changed the dynamics of the tournament. The Future Outlook As the 2026 World Cup progresses, fans will be keeping an eye on these talented players, eagerly anticipating their next moves and potential future inclusions in major tournaments.

The Legacy of Anthony Head Anthony Head, a veteran British actor, has died at the age of 72, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in television, film, and theater. His iconic role as Rupert Giles in the cult classic series Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003) cemented his place in the hearts of fans worldwide. Early Life and Career Before joining the cast of Buffy, Head had already established himself as a talented actor, singer, and TV guest star. He appeared in various projects, including coffee commercials, and had a successful career in British theater. The Impact of Buffy Head's portrayal of Giles, the school librarian and "watcher" character, brought a level of sophistication and gravitas to the show. His character served as a mentor and father figure to Buffy, and his performance earned him widespread recognition. The idea of a spinoff series, Ripper, focused on Giles's younger days, was floated but never materialized. A Versatile Actor Head showcased his singing talents in Buffy, particularly in the musical episode Once More, With Feeling. He played a leading role in the cult film Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008), demonstrating his ability to handle complex, offbeat material. He appeared in various TV shows, including Little Britain and Ted Lasso, where he played a sleazy, petty ex-husband. A Lasting Legacy Anthony Head's legacy extends beyond his iconic roles. He was a workhorse who seamlessly transitioned between TV, film, theater, and music, never revealing the effort behind his performances. His contributions to the entertainment industry will be deeply missed.

The Lead: A Night of Festive Mayhem and NostalgiaBritish television tonight offers a terribly entertaining holiday party that spirals out of control on BBC One, alongside a colour‑restored 1966 World Cup Final on Channel 4 and a slate of classic and contemporary programmes.A Holiday Party Gone Wild on BBC OneThe middle‑class holiday from hell continues as Dan and Jess’s indiscretion fuels chaos at Flick and James’s “Gods and Monsters” fancy‑dress gathering. Zoe (played by Jessica Raine) embraces freedom, while the party devolves into “entertaining and terrible” moments that promise both laughs and cringe.Broadcast Schedule and Viewer Expectations9.15pm – Two Weeks in August (BBC One): The chaotic holiday party drama.4.45pm – The 1966 World Cup Final: In Colour (Channel 4): Fully colourised historic match.5.35pm – Celebrity Bridge of Lies (BBC One): Olympian Greg Rutherford on Ross Kemp’s truth‑or‑lie bridge.6.20pm – Blankety Blank (BBC One): Quiz show with celebrity guests.8.25pm – Casualty (BBC One): Military hazing storyline.9.00pm – Monsieur Spade (U&Drama): Clive Owen‑led thriller.Film Choice – Hoppers (Disney+): Eco‑centric Pixar adventure.9.05pm – The Curse of Frankenstein (Talking Pictures TV): Classic Hammer horror.9.20pm – Vermiglio (BBC Four): Post‑war Italian drama.Why These Shows Matter to British AudiencesThe line‑up reflects a balance between contemporary comedy‑drama that satirises holiday excess and cultural nostalgia that taps into national pride—especially the colour‑restored World Cup footage, a reminder of England’s historic triumph. Meanwhile, programmes like Casualty and Blankety Blank maintain their long‑standing appeal, offering comfort viewing amid a hectic festive season.Looking Ahead: What to Watch for TomorrowTomorrow’s schedule is likely to continue the mix of light‑hearted entertainment and high‑profile sport, with the next day of the England v New Zealand Test at Lord’s and further episodes of the holiday‑party saga. Viewers can expect the fallout from tonight’s party drama to shape upcoming storylines, while the revived classic sports footage may inspire more archival restorations.

The Knicks' Championship Pursuit The New York Knicks are on the cusp of erasing a 53-year championship drought, entering Game 2 of the NBA Finals with a commanding 1-0 series lead. With a 12-game playoff winning streak, the Knicks are not just playing for a trophy; they are playing to cement a legacy of dominance that has not been seen in New York since the early 1970s. Knicks' Defensive Masterclass in Game 1 The Knicks dismantled the San Antonio Spurs on their home court, securing a 105-95 victory. The defining narrative of the opener was the Knicks' suffocating defense against the league's most exciting player, Victor Wembanyama. Despite Wembanyama's high scoring total, the Knicks held him in check for long stretches, showcasing a defensive scheme capable of neutralizing generational talent. Brunson's Fourth Quarter Surge Jalen Brunson was the catalyst for the victory, finishing with 30 points. Crucially, 13 of those points came in the final quarter, showcasing his ability to perform under immense pressure. While the defense gets the bulk of the credit, Brunson's ability to bounce back from a slow start and deliver in the clutch was the difference-maker in Game 1. Neutralizing the Future Karl-Anthony Towns played a pivotal role in the victory, arguably outplaying Wembanyama on both ends of the floor. This matchup victory suggests the Knicks have the physicality and strategy to match the Spurs' young talent. The Knicks' ability to limit Wembanyama's impact while capitalizing on their own offensive rhythm has set a dangerous tone for the series. Can the Spurs Break the Streak? With the Knicks just three wins away from the title, the Spurs face a steep uphill battle. Game 2 will test if the Knicks' momentum can withstand the pressure of a potential championship clincher. The Spurs will need to find a way to disrupt the Knicks' defensive cohesion and force Brunson into more difficult shots if they hope to extend the series.

The Lead The new reality show 'The Vardys' has been panned as very bad and very boring, disappointing fans of Leicester City's Jamie Vardy and those interested in the 'Wagatha Christie' libel case. The Reality Check The three-part reality show, which aired on ITV1 and is now available on ITVX, follows the lives of Jamie Vardy and his wife Rebekah Vardy as they move to Italy. However, the show fails to deliver on its promises, instead focusing on mundane tasks like packing up a house and moving to Italy. The Content Critique For fans of Jamie Vardy, the show doesn't provide much insight into his life as a footballer. Leicester fans won't get much of Jamie or any footage they haven't seen before. And much of what is shown in the first two episodes is to do with the troughs of his early days at the Italian club Cremonese – injury, stress, failing to dazzle in his debut, failing to score many goals thereafter – rather than his glory days at home. The Wagatha Christie Factor For fans of the 2022 legal case (also known as “The Scousetrap”, for Coleen is Liverpudlian, and “Roodunnit?” because the whole thing played out in private, then on social media and then in court like the neatest mystery novel you ever read), here is pretty much everything Rebekah has to say about the private, public and court verdict that she did exactly what she was claiming Rooney had wrongly accused her of: “Never, ever, ever will I apologise for something I didn’t do. Hell will freeze over before I do that. “I’m not going to carry on living in the past. I’m so fucking tired of it,” says Rebekah, on a show almost certainly commissioned because of what happened in the past and in the hope that she would discuss it in great detail. The Verdict The show is a slow, slow grind through the minutiae of packing up a house and moving a family to Italy once Jamie takes his leave of Leicester City and signs with the then Serie A Cremonese. Watching people move house, try to find school places for five children (the oldest of the Vardys’ six is staying in England), moan about getting visas and finding a house to rent is about as interesting as listening to people describe their dreams.

The Challenging Innings Emilio Gay lived through three critical moments in his innings on Friday. The first was in the 14th over when he was on 20 and edged a ball from Matt Henry that fortuitously passed between the slips. The second was in the 16th over when he had 24 and played and missed another delivery from Henry, which hit his front pad and was given not out by the umpire, a decision New Zealand chose not to review. The Turning Point Gay's third and final life came later in the afternoon session when he had reached 57. He edged a ball from Nathan Smith to Tom Blundell, ending his innings. Gay's manner didn't change much throughout his fortunes, showing a level head. The Impact of His Innings Gay's innings was crucial as it was the highest score made in a match where batting conditions were extremely challenging. His partners, Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell, also benefited from dropped catches and favorable decisions. The Analysis of His Game Gay's batting style and technique were put to the test. Despite some analysts finding potential weaknesses, his innings suggested he could be a valuable asset for England, especially in handling pressure and difficult conditions. The Future Outlook Gay becoming the first English opener to score 50 in his first Test at home since 2004 and the first to do so anywhere since 2016, sets a positive precedent. His performance indicates potential for future success, pending further analysis and adjustments by opposing teams.

The Life and Legacy of Anthony Head Anthony Head, the actor best-known for playing Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died aged 72. He passed away peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family, according to a statement from his daughters Emily and Daisy Head. Early Life and Career Born in Camden, London, Head was raised by artistic parents. His father was a documentary film-maker who founded Verity Films, while his mother was an actor who played Madame Maigret in the 60s BBC crime drama Maigret. His brother was also an actor, best known for his lead role in 1971's Sunday Bloody Sunday. Notable Roles Played Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer Had a recurring role in Little Britain Appeared in the BBC production of Merlin Played roles in films such as The Iron Lady and The Inbetweeners Movie Played Rupert Mannion in Ted Lasso Tributes and Legacy Head's daughters paid tribute to him, saying: "It has been, and forever will be, an honour and a privilege to be his daughters, and to have witnessed first-hand the impact both he and his work have had on so many." They added: "We know how dearly he will be missed by friends, colleagues and fans of the shows he was in – he loved his job very much and he always considered himself incredibly lucky to have been able to work alongside such exceptionally talented people, in such wonderful productions, across a career that spanned several decades."

The Lead: A Surreal Wrong‑Com That Puts Friendship on TrialThe Guardian’s latest review spotlights Alice and Steve, a Disney+ “wrongcom” that follows two 50‑ish ex‑lovers‑turned‑best‑friends as their bond is shattered by a scandalous affair with a 26‑year‑old daughter. The series uses dark humor to explore how love, loyalty and generational values collide when a platonic relationship is tested by sexual betrayal. The Show’s Premise: A Friendship Framed as a Love‑Story LabCreated by Sophie Goodhart, the series treats every stage of love as a microscope experiment.Central characters: Nicola Walker as Alice, a fiercely protective friend, and Jemaine Clement as Steve, her long‑time confidant.Plot catalyst: Steve’s affair with Alice’s 26‑year‑old daughter Izzy (Yali Topol Margalith). Generational and Sexual Ethics TensionThe affair ignites a clash between Gen X attitudes and contemporary sexual mores. Clement notes the “different sets of rules” that separate generations, while Goodhart emphasizes that the age gap is secondary to the emotional explosion it triggers. Performances and Comic Chemistry: Walker’s Fury Meets Clement’s SurrealismWalker delivers a “white‑hot rage” that feels authentic, echoing her roles in Unforgotten and The Split. Clement balances a “cad” perception with genuine empathy for his friend, creating a comic chemistry that keeps the absurdity grounded. Thematic Exploration: Friendship, Marriage, and the Limits of LoyaltyBeyond the scandal, the series interrogates long‑term marriage (Alice’s relationship with Daniel, played by Joel Fry) and the idea that platonic bonds can be hotter than marital ones. Goodhart states the show aims to “look at love in all its different shapes and sizes,” from marital stagnation to teenage experimentation. Outlook: A Bold, Controversial Entry in the Wrong‑Com LandscapeWith its blend of dark humor, drug‑laden realism and a willingness to dissect uncomfortable power dynamics, Alice and Steve positions itself as a daring, conversation‑starter for future seasons. Its success will likely hinge on whether audiences embrace its unapologetic examination of friendship turned rivalry.

The Summer Art RenaissanceLondon's cultural landscape is experiencing a vibrant transformation this summer with a diverse array of exhibitions spanning optical illusions, light installations, and Pan-African perspectives. From the mind-bending works of MC Escher to the provocative presence of Julio Le Parc, the city's galleries are offering immersive experiences that challenge conventional artistic boundaries.The Escher Paradox ExperienceThe spotlight shines on MC Escher at Somerset House, where the Dutch master's renowned optical illusions and impossible constructions take center stage. This retrospective goes beyond mere visual trickery, incorporating video installations and musical elements to create a multi-sensory exploration of Escher's mathematical precision and artistic vision. The exhibition, running until September 6, represents a rare opportunity to experience the full breadth of Escher's printmaking genius in an environment designed to enhance the paradoxical nature of his work.Light, Colour, and Action in Modern ArtSimultaneously, Tate Modern presents Julio Le Parc: Light. Colour. Action, a comprehensive survey of the Argentinian artist who became a provocative force in the French art scene. Le Parc's innovative use of light and movement challenges traditional notions of static art, creating dynamic environments that respond to viewer interaction. The exhibition, running through May 2027, positions Le Parc as a pivotal figure in bridging the gap between artistic expression and scientific inquiry.Pan-African Artistic ExpressionThe Barbican Gallery hosts Project a Black Planet, a monumental exhibition showcasing the depth and diversity of Pan-African artistic expression. Featuring prominent artists such as Chris Ofili, David Hammons, and William Kentridge, the exhibition presents a comprehensive narrative of African diasporic art from multiple perspectives. Running from June to September, this ambitious survey underscores the growing recognition of African artistic contributions on the global stage.The Marilyn Phenomenon RevisitedAt the National Portrait Gallery, Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait offers a fresh perspective on the cultural icon's enduring fascination. While acknowledging Andy Warhol's iconic representations, the exhibition explores how numerous artists have been drawn to Monroe's image, each interpreting her legacy through different artistic lenses. The exhibition runs until September 6, providing a timely reconsideration of Monroe's cultural impact.Glasgow's Artistic CapitalGlasgow International reinforces the city's status as Scotland's artistic capital, featuring biennial exhibitions from notable artists including Victoria Morton, Cathy Wilkes, and Luke Fowler. The event, running through June with some exhibitions continuing into the summer, highlights Glasgow's unique contribution to contemporary art and its role as a cultural hub outside London's dominant art scene.Architectural Statements and ControversiesAcross the Atlantic, Chicago's Obama Presidential Center has sparked intense debate, with critics likening the $850m structure to 'a Klingon prison.' Designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, the complex features a central tower intended to resemble four hands coming together to protect a flame—a beacon of hope. The architectural controversy surrounding the center reflects broader discussions about the role of public buildings in contemporary society and the challenges of creating meaningful civic architecture.Artistic Legacy and Historical ContextThe week's artistic offerings also include a fascinating connection between past and present. The National Gallery's 17th century masterpiece 'A Peepshow With Views of the Interior of a Dutch House' by Samuel van Hoogstraten demonstrates how artists have long played with perspective and illusion—techniques that would later influence modern masters like Escher. This historical context enriches our understanding of artistic innovation across centuries.