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Bath’s historic Farleigh House training centre has been spruced up this week with black flags fluttering alongside a new “Choose Greatness” banner, signalling the club’s ambition as they approach a Champions Cup last‑16 tie with Saracens. For Max Ojomoh, the atmosphere feels like a personal challenge. Just weeks after collecting the Man of the Match award for his decisive performance against Argentina, the 25‑year‑old found himself omitted from Steve Borthwick’s Six Nations squad. Ojomoh believes that a dominant display for Bath – especially after the 62‑15 demolition of Saracens in the Premiership – could revive his England prospects, but he also acknowledges that national selectors may have a specific back‑line profile in mind for the upcoming World Cup. Reflecting on his Argentina heroics, Ojomoh said, “If that was my final Test, I’m happy to have left a mark on international rugby.” Yet the disappointment of watching England lose to Ireland from a Moroccan pub underscores how close the margins are for a player on the fringe. He explained the selection dilemma: with centre Ollie Lawrence returning from injury, the squad needed a more physical ball‑carrier, and Ojomoh’s role as a second‑receiver/playmaker meant he was the one to make way. England’s coaching staff have asked him to sharpen three key areas – post‑contact metres, defensive intensity and overall work‑rate. While these are valid targets, Ojomoh points out that few English centres combine his blend of pace, vision and creative kicking. Back at Bath, his partnership with newly‑signed Finn Russell has blossomed. “When we signed Finn, I didn’t expect us to think alike on attack,” Ojomoh remarked, highlighting a shared instinct that fuels his confidence. Coach Johann van Graan’s influence is evident, with the club’s motivational signage and a focused training environment that Ojomoh describes as “single‑minded”. He hopes the upcoming match will provide a platform for a first home Champions Cup quarter‑final since 2002. Family wisdom also plays a role; his father, former England centre Steve Ojomoh, reminded him that “the cream always rises to the top”. With a business degree from the University of Bath and a hobby of online chess, the younger Ojomoh is aware that consistent club performances could shift national perception. Looking ahead, Ojomoh is determined to make the 2027 World Cup squad. He admits that obsession over selection can be self‑destructive, emphasizing the need for mental clarity and playing with the same confidence he shows in his head. As Bath prepares for the high‑stakes clash with Saracens, Ojomoh’s mantra remains clear: choose greatness, stay true to his strengths, and let his on‑field X‑factor speak for itself.

Arsenal’s loss to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final has haunted manager Mikel Arteta ever since the 2‑0 defeat at Wembley, where Nico O’Reilly scored both goals to crush the Gunners’ quadruple hopes.Artura described the aftermath as “a ball of poison in my stomach”, saying the feeling could linger for “the next 30 years” unless he channels it into improvement.He emphasized that the pain must be converted into motivation to secure silverware before the season ends, insisting the sting of the loss will remain a driving force for weeks, months and years to come.In the wake of the final, Arteta faced criticism for keeping Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal despite the keeper’s error that led to the first goal. The manager defended his choice, stating, “I never judge a player solely on an error; attitude and behaviour matter 100%.” He added that Arrizabalaga’s experience makes him ready for the upcoming FA Cup sixth‑round clash with Southampton.Artura also hinted at his selection criteria for the Southampton match, joking that the goalkeeper would be “European, under 32, right‑footed and speaks at least two languages.” While David Raya started the Carabao Cup final, the Spaniard is expected to feature again in the FA Cup run.Regarding squad availability, Arteta confirmed that Declan Rice is operating at only 70% fitness, a condition that has persisted for some time, and noted that Piero Hincapié and Noni Madueke will miss the Southampton game. He left open the possibility that Martin Ødegaard and Jurrien Timber could feature.Addressing criticism over the number of international withdrawals, Artura said, “It’s part of the narrative, but we’ve dealt with similar situations before; we’ll see who is available tomorrow and adjust accordingly.”

A stunning visual recap of the week's top stories, curated by photographer Jim Powell, has been published by The Guardian. The selection of images provides a glimpse into global events and everyday life across various countries.The photographs, presented in a gallery format, highlight significant moments that have shaped the week. While specific details about each image are not provided, the collection offers a unique perspective on international news and culture.Published by The Guardian on April 3, 2026, this visual series is a testament to the power of photography in storytelling and global connectivity.

Friko, the Chicago‑based indie outfit, is gearing up for the launch of their second LP, Something Worth Waiting For, slated for 24 April. The record, described as a “radiant ramble” through modern indie rock, reflects the band’s recent touring experiences and explores themes of yearning, growth, and stability.The lead single, "Choo Choo", bursts with a road‑trip vibe, pairing vocalist‑guitarist Niko Kapetan’s urgent, quavering delivery with guitarist Korgan Robb’s atmospheric riffs. Critics note a vocal timbre reminiscent of Modest Mouse’s Isaac Brock and Sparks’ Russell Mael, while the track’s lyrical nods to classic American road food add a playful, homespun charm.Since their 2024 debut Where We’ve Been, Where We Go From Here, Friko has expanded from a duo (Kapetan and drummer Bailey Minzenberger) to a full four‑piece, adding Robb and touring bassist David Fuller. The new album also benefits from the touch of Grammy‑winning producer John Congleton, known for work with Mannequin Pussy, The Mountain Goats, and St Vincent. His influence shines on the Bowie‑esque chamber‑pop ballad "Seven Degrees", underscoring the group’s evolving sound.In addition to the album news, the Guardian’s weekly Add to Playlist roundup spotlights a curated selection of fresh tracks. Highlights include Wallis’s techno‑laden “Biscuit,” Beth Orton’s intense “The Ground Above,” Toronto pop‑star Chxrry’s catchy “Hall of Fame,” and a collaborative anti‑immigrant‑detention compilation track by Wendy Eisenberg’s trio Darlin’. The list also features Jeff Parker’s hopeful “Like Swimwear (Part One)”, a dubstep‑rap hybrid “Duro” from Skrillex and Young Miko, and Cass McCombs’s garage‑rock anthem “Seeing the Elephant”.Listeners can stream the full playlist on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, or other services, ensuring the week’s most inventive indie and electronic releases are just a click away.

Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a space scientist and CEO of Science Innovation Ltd, says the one item she would take to the lunar surface is a hand‑sewn purple‑cloth alien crafted by her daughter during a GCSE textile project. The tiny creature, made on a loom, embodies her child's love and would serve as a reminder of family ties at the farthest point from Earth. Sheila Hancock, acclaimed actor and writer, would use the trip as a cultural boot‑camp. She plans to study the complete works of Shakespeare, the epic novel War and Peace, and the full symphonies of Mahler as interpreted by Claudio Abbado, hoping the immersion will "strengthen her weakening brain" and deepen her appreciation of human genius. Michael Akadiri, a stand‑up comedian and resident doctor, imagines a lighter itinerary: a stack of old birthday cards to revisit heartfelt messages, an old‑school notepad for real‑time reflections, and a handful of puff‑puff (Nigerian doughnuts) – a cheeky nod to his fitness‑obsessed friends. Michael Rosen, children’s author and broadcaster, would bring three nostalgic comforts: giant yellow Chilean raisins from W Martyn’s shop in Muswell Hill, an oval brown pebble from the alleyway of his teenage flat, and the “furry” blanket his wife gave him during his 2020 COVID‑19 ventilator stay, each item a tactile link to his past. Athena Kugblenu, writer and comedian, opts for practicality and humor. She would pack a pair of Crocs for comfort, the guidebook Contact by Carl Sagan as a potential alien‑communication manual, and a jar of shito sauce – a Ghanaian shrimp‑tomato condiment – to introduce extraterrestrials to Ghanaian flavor before they learn English profanity. Nels Abbey, writer and broadcaster, frames his selection as a morale‑boosting toolkit. He would carry excerpts from Gil Scott‑Heron’s "Whitey on the Moon" and stand‑up routines by Paul Mooney, using their cynical wit to cope with the psychological challenges of space travel. Collectively, the panel’s choices illustrate how personal history, artistic heritage and even culinary curiosity can anchor humanity during the most extraordinary voyages. Their whimsical yet heartfelt lists underscore the idea that, even beyond Earth, we remain tethered to the stories, flavors and objects that define us.

As England prepares for their World Cup training camp in Miami on June 1, the recent international break has provided Thomas Tuchel with valuable insights into his squad. Despite a winless March, Tuchel has used these friendlies to experiment with different lineups and strategies.History shows that the performances in the last international break before a tournament can have a significant impact on the team's final selection and approach. Gareth Southgate used a March friendly against the Netherlands to fine-tune the system that took England to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.However, it's not always clear-cut. In 2004, Sven-Göran Eriksson lost 1-0 to Sweden in March, and his experimental lineup was vastly different from the one that started against France at Euro 2004. Similarly, in 2006, Eriksson started Darren Bent in a 2-1 win against Uruguay but left him out of the World Cup squad two months later.The modern calendar, with its increased demands on Premier League teams, adds complexity to pre-tournament preparations. Tuchel faces challenges in managing player fatigue, especially with the expanded Champions League and Club World Cup. Despite these challenges, Tuchel remains confident that England will be ready for the World Cup in June.

After a prolonged period of uncertainty, the County Championship returns on Good Friday with renewed vigor, its schedule finally settled and the controversial three‑year Kookaburra ball trial abandoned.The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is now trialling a full‑substitute system in domestic matches. Unlike the traditional “covering fielder” approach, a player can be replaced by a fully‑playing substitute for injury, illness or significant life events such as the birth of a child or a family health crisis.Alan Fordham, the ECB’s head of cricket operations, highlighted the change: “Most seasons we get three or four questions about a player being replaced to witness the birth of a child… the answer will now be yes.” He also recalled the Blair Tickner incident, where the New Zealander’s wife was diagnosed with leukaemia during a match, forcing him to continue playing with a ten‑man side.The substitute scheme is being tested at the ICC’s request, which asks member boards to experiment domestically before considering a similar rule for Test cricket. By allowing replacements for personal emergencies, the ECB has moved further than counterparts in India, Australia and South Africa.To curb potential abuse, any player replaced for illness or injury must observe an eight‑day “stand‑down” period before returning. Derbyshire head coach Mickey Arthur praised the intent but warned of loopholes, noting that the rule does not account for bye weeks, season‑ending fixtures or the transition from red‑ball to white‑ball cricket.Following a disappointing Ashes winter, the ECB is keen to restore the Championship’s relevance. Managing director Rob Key signalled that England‑team places are no longer guaranteed, urging county coaches and players to re‑engage.England head coach Brendon McCullum, speaking to counties via Zoom, stressed the competition’s value for talent identification, especially for players adept against high pace and spin. He also announced the return of Troy Cooley as the ECB’s pace‑bowling lead.Test captain Ben Stokes backed the message, urging players to seize the early weeks of the Championship as a platform for national selection: “It’s a great opportunity for a lot of people around the country… use it to push your case forward.”Enthusiasm is palpable across the counties. Glamorgan, back in Division One for the first time since 2005, aim to showcase their spinners. Lancashire chase promotion despite the late loss of Mitch Perry, while Surrey, Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire marshal their senior talent. Even clubs hit by setbacks—Leicestershire, plagued by injuries and the sudden withdrawal of captain Peter Handscomb, and Sussex, docked 12 points before the season began—remain determined as they kick off their fixtures at Grace Road.

England's preparations for the 2026 World Cup are underway, with manager Thomas Tuchel working to finalize his squad. Jordan Pickford remains the undisputed No 1 goalkeeper, while Harry Kane is irreplaceable up front. Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson look certain to start in midfield.The team's recent friendlies against Japan and Uruguay have provided some insights into Tuchel's plans. Marc Guéhi wore the captain's armband during the loss to Japan and is emerging as the senior centre-back. However, there are still many questions about the team's composition, particularly in defense and midfield.John Stones and Anthony Gordon face uncertain futures due to injuries and inconsistent form. Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to be overlooked by Tuchel, despite his exceptional talent. The manager has been experimenting with different players and formations, including Cole Palmer and Phil Foden in various roles.The article also mentions several players who are likely to miss out on the World Cup, including Fikayo Tomori, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Ivan Toney. On the other hand, young players like Max Dowman and Archie Gray could be considered for wild-card picks.Tuchel's squad selection will be crucial in determining England's success in the 2026 World Cup. The team's predicted squad includes:Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford.Defenders: Marc Guéhi, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Nico O'Reilly, Lewis Hall, Reece James, Jarell Quansah, Tino Livramento.Midfielders: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, James Garner, Morgan Rogers.Forwards: Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Danny Welbeck.

Alisha Joyce stepped back onto the rugby field in March, just 123 days after delivering her son, and a week later secured a place in Wales’ squad for the upcoming Women’s Six Nations. The 28‑year‑old described the selection as a surprise, but welcomed the chance to inspire the next generation of players.Joyce is the first Welsh international to tap into the new performance maternity programme, a policy designed to support athletes through pregnancy and return to elite competition. She shares her newborn, Ralphie, with her wife and teammate Jasmine Joyce, and has logged only 30 minutes of senior rugby since her comeback, coming off the bench for Brython Thunder.Wales head coach Sean Lynn delivered the call‑up unexpectedly. Joyce said she hopes to contribute her experience to a squad that includes nine uncapped players, acknowledging her new role as one of the senior members and a mentor for younger teammates.Having missed last year’s Six Nations and World Cup due to pregnancy, Joyce now brings her son to the training camp, describing the first four‑and‑a‑half months of parenthood as “incredible” and a source of motivation.Sleep deprivation posed a major challenge, especially given the importance of recovery in elite sport. Joyce noted that after the initial three months of erratic nights, Ralphie’s routine has settled, allowing her to focus more on training and performance.She cited teammate Abbie Ward—the first England player to have a baby while under a professional contract—as a key influence in deciding to continue her career after motherhood. Joyce reflected on the broader dilemma many athletes face: balancing the desire for a family with the timing of major tournaments and potential Lions selection.Both Joyce and Jasmine underwent IVF, a process that required careful planning and preparation. Joyce called the decision to pursue parenthood “one of the best” they’ve made, emphasizing how quickly life can change when a child is involved.Looking ahead, Joyce aims to earn playing time in the Six Nations, which kicks off against Scotland on 11 April, and has set her sights on the inaugural women’s British & Irish Lions tour in 2027. She hopes her journey shows young girls that they can excel in sport while being mothers, and she remains determined to return to top form.