DAILY EXPRESS

CAMPAIGNING FOR A BETTER BRITAIN

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026

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A mother across the Channel reveals small boats are not just a British problem

'IN FRANCE WE

TOO ARE AFRAID

OF ILLEGAL

MIGRANTS'

A FRENCH mother claims that villagers are living in terror after illegal migrants moved in and set up another launch site for UK-bound small boats.

Heloise Longuet has suffered multiple break-ins and fears that she and her young daughters were followed through woods.

She said: "In France we don't talk about this...when there is a problem with

EXCLUSIVE

BY RICHARD ASHMORE

migrants it's as if we don't speak about it, it doesn't exist – but people are afraid.

"I hope French people will read this, and it will help English people understand us. It's not two problems, it's the same."

The 44-year-old installed CCTV in her historic property after it was ransacked

TURN TO PAGE 4

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Pictures: DAVID VENNI

EXIST

Daily Express Saturday, August 22, 2026

3

Mel Giedroyc shines in summer brights for Woman & Home. Above, ruffling up a storm. Below right, in the pink with feather cuffs

COMEDIAN Mel Giedroyc is a ray of sunny escapades as she describes how she chased after the Pope in a Beatlemania frenzy after he gave her a blessing.

The TV presenter, 58, glams up for a magazine cover shoot but is probably most comfortable in hiking gear.

And it was while on a walking holiday that she bumped into Pope Leo.

The former Great British Bake Off host said: "During a walking trip with a friend in Italy we were south of Rome and came across him on the first night purely by chance. Apparently he goes into the

BY CHRIS RICHES

countryside to ride his horse. He'd already got into his car but he rolled down the window and gave us a blessing.

"I was blubbering like a fool. I was screaming, running down the road after the car like he was one of The Beatles, but I now understand why people do that.

"I felt a powerful energy around him. He just looked really cool, really Zen, and exuded something very, very special."

Mel, who found fame presenting daytime chat show Light Lunch with close

friend Sue Perkins on Channel 4 in the 1990s, told Woman & Home that she found walking a great therapy when she was trying to come to terms with the loss of her mum, retired nurse Rosy, in 2024.

Loss

Married Mel said: "Walking was brilliant for the grieving process. After Mum died, my husband and I did a seven-dayer between Bologna and Florence. He walked patiently alongside me, nodding, occasionally laughing, occasionally saying

something, and I just cried and chatted. If anyone reading this is going through a loss, there's something about walking."

Mel, whose novel The Comeback is out next week, also revealed she once had a "snogette" with friend Dermot O'Leary when he was Light Lunch's warm-up man.

She said: "There was a very drunken end-of-series party. Nothing untoward - just snoggery. God bless him, Dermot's a bit younger than me, so that pair of sliding doors was never going to open!"

● The October issue of Woman & Home is on sale from Thursday.

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4

DWST

MOTHER'S CHILLING FOOTAGE OF

Arrivals told to keep away from underage girls

BY MICHAEL KNOWLES

ASYLUM seekers are being told it is not acceptable to form romantic relationships with girls under 16.

A document, published by the North East Migration Partnership, also warns them not to approach prostitutes.

The advice says: "It is an offence to have pornographic images of children under the age of 18, this includes on your phone.

"If you are concerned that someone is being abused you should report it to the police. It is an offence for a male or female to have sex with any person who is under the age of 16 even if they consent.

"It is important not to assume a person is over 16 because you meet them somewhere like a pub or a club. In the UK it is not socially acceptable to form romantic relationships with people under 16."

On paying for sex, asylum seekers are told: "You may be living in areas where sex workers... are to be found walking the streets. However, it is important to know that it is illegal in this country to approach someone in public and ask them for sex."

The advice is similar to a Home Office promotional campaign that warns migrants not to beat and rape women.

Critics say the documents are proof individuals without any sense of right and wrong are being let into the country.

The Home Office said: "We expect everyone who comes to the UK to abide by our laws. If they do not, they will face consequences, including the refusal of their asylum claim and removal from the UK."

'Dying' town is given lifeline by immigrants

BY TOBY CODD

A SMALL port town is welcoming migrants with open arms in a bid to combat a major decline in its population.

Hundreds of people from various countries have moved to Greenock in Scotland in recent years.

Figures show the Inverclyde council area, which has a population of around 78,000, has lost 22,000 residents since 1981 and the authority is encouraging international arrivals to settle.

Measures including specialist English language teachers help to support the new families.

Many settlers are arriving on skilled work visas to bolster the local health and care workforce.

In all, the number of new arrivals – from Africa, Ukraine, Afghanistan and elsewhere – has trebled in recent times, to around 750 per year.

Council leader Stephen McCabe believes the repopulation plan is working but says there is also "unease" in the town around the separate arrival of asylum seekers, with the local area being allocated a "disproportionate share" by the Home Office. He added that migrants and refugees who can work are welcome.

'We U-turned and I told my girls, whatever happens you run, run, run if I should fall'

FROM PAGE ONE

recently. Multiple blazes have been started at the farmhouse and fencing has been broken, leaving her feeling afraid for her family's safety.

In chilling footage caught by her security cameras, a long line of suspected migrants – some wearing orange lifejackets – streams past her home en route to the Channel beach just 500 yards away.

She said French police informed her that unless the potential asylum seekers attack her, are aggressive or are caught on her property, there is nothing officers can do.

Héloïse said: "Ordinary English people don't get any help with this crisis, and we don't get it either."

Her 300-year-old house sits in forested dunes near the family-friendly resort of Hardelot, some 16 miles south of Boulogne on the English Channel.

The region is known as the Opal Coast because of its stunning sunsets that are reflected by the sea.

Being just a short trip from the UK makes the region very popular with British visitors and expats while the French also love to holiday there, to avoid the hotter temperatures of southern resorts.

But now its riviera-like beauty has been shattered by increasing small-boat launches – as people traffickers and their migrant customers avoid the French police crackdowns that are taking place around Calais and Dunkirk further north.

Smaller versions of the notorious Calais Jungle migrants camp – which was finally dismantled in 2016 – have been spreading along the Channel coast.

Struggling to hide her emotions, Héloïse recalled a terrifying moment when she was

walking in woods with her girls Garance, 13, and Capucine, 10, on a route that they loved to use before the migrants arrived: "It was just when they first started coming.

"I told my daughters, 'Let's go for a walk in the forest because it is really nice' but after a few minutes I could hear something crack. You hear it once, you think it's OK – but then it happened again, and again a third time."

She went on: "A few years ago I would

have thought nothing of it but I could tell this time someone was near us – a deer does not follow you.

"I told my oldest daughter to dial the emergency line and keep the line open and we U-turned as fast as possible.

"I told her to hold her sister's hand, and I held the other and I said, 'Whatever happens you run, run, run if I fall'.

"We don't go in the woods any more and I don't go to the farm alone. I read the

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2x137

MIGRANTS 'NOT SPOKEN ABOUT' IN FRANCE

5

Pictures: PHIL HARRIS

Smugglers' assault rifles seized in camps

ASSAULT rifles have been uncovered by police in migrants' camps in Northern France, a UK borders chief has revealed.

Charlie Eastaugh, director of maritime and small boats at Border Security Command, said people smugglers are using guns to run their "patches" until turf ears.

He warned that violence has "become more and more common on the French coast over the past few years".

Mr Eastaugh told LBC: "There have been a number of firearms, quite serious assault rifles, seized in the migrant camps. A combination of those looking to boast, these organising the crossings, those piloting the vessels."

Iraqi-Surdish panes are said to control Channel trafficking operations between Calais and Dunkirk, with criminals from Kenya in Iraq playing a major role.

Mr Eastaugh also revealed that French

BY MICHAEL KNOWLES Home Affair Editor

police stopped two dinghies at sea this week and took back dozens of asylum seekers, raising hopes that more such preventative action will finally be taken.

Dread footage released by the Home Office shows officers being pelted with rocks as they try to stop a migrants' small boat from leaving the shoreline.

A beach buggy intercepts the asylum seekers as they hoist in the sea. Some split off from the main group and try to stop police slashing the dinghy, hurting stones at them.

Mr Easthaugh continued: "Some of the new legislation this government has passed has allowed us to crack down on specific

endangerment offences, to imprison more and more people who are putting lives in danger while trying to cross."

Smugglers are loading more people into bigger boats - a record 230 migrants made the trek in one "mega-dinghy" this month.

Ministers say the total of asylum seekers completing the crossing is falling - 15,697 have excised the UK this year, down 43% on last year.

Meanwhile, the UK is reportedly close to sealing a deal with Belgium on low

enforcement co-operation, to cut crossings. It would show both police forces to work more

closely together and comes after smugglers started launching taxi boats from Belgium this year.

French police beach buggy intercepts dinghy migrants

papers from England, and I hear 'this migrant raped a 12-year-old girl'... 'this migrant did this to this woman'. Those men were here in France, they could have been in the woods near my house. They just happened to find their prey in the UK."

Garance said the forest ordeal had made her feel "anxious" and "weird", adding it was "streeful" knowing that migrants were stopping her from getting to the family's farm: "It's supposed to be our property but

we are not free to come." The family spoke as the UK government plans to house thousands of migrant arrivals on former military sites near rural towns and villages.

Beaches near the Opal Coast resorts of Hardelot, Berck-sur-Mer and Le Touquet have recently been used to launch mega-dinghies up to 50ft long and carrying as many as 230 migrants at a time. They sail

along the Channel coast to collect groups of asylum seekers who are waiting in woods and dunes for the signal to wade out and scramble aboard for the voyage to England.

Currently, the property is a second home and Héloïse still hopes to renovate it for her girls when she feels safe again.

But in the meantime it is giving her sleepless nights. Her insurers said they will cover any damage caused to the building but, as

the farm is in a nature reserve, if it is burned down it cannot be rebuilt.

She continued: "The beach is the only place I can walk my dog without looking over my shoulder. I used to walk in the forest but now there are more migrants in there than animals. But I have been there too and, in a moment, suddenly hundreds of migrants appear and start running across the sand towards the sea for a waiting boat."

Britain's Border Security Command released film yesterday of gendarmes clashing with migrants and disabling an inflatable vessel on a beach in northern France.

Héloïse, who works in communications, said: "I think English people think French people don't do anything, but I don't think gendarmes and policemen here just watch migrants leave on boats and go, 'OK, great'."

"Their hands are tied because they can't do anything. If they damage the boat trying to stop it, someone could be killed."

Police patrols are taking an increasingly proactive approach to blocking crossings.

Units have halted 185 boat "events" since April's UK-France deal to tackle the crisis - stopping launches, seizing boats, engines and lifejackets as well as arresting traffickers.

Extra police squads are active on French beaches including a 50-person riot squad.

Referring to the footage of French forces clashing with migrants, Charlie Eastaugh - a director of the UK's Border Security Command - said: "French officers are not shy in taking bold action to prevent these launches where it is safe and lawful to do so.

"They work in difficult and dangerous conditions to stop boats launching, seize equipment and disperse large migrant groups as well as saving thousands of lives at sea."

OPINION: PAGE 14

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6

Daily Express Saturday August 22, 2026

DA157

DUCHESS 'IN TALKS' TO JOIN

COMMENT

JONATHAN

WALKER

Whitnall Editor

I DON'T just admire Prince Harry, who served his nation bravely in Afghanistan and founded the Invictus games to support injured service personnel. I also have to admit to being a fan of his wife Meghan, whatever her faults.

But I was put firmly in my place when I expressed this view to two friends. One, as it happens, is a Nigel Farage supporter and the other a bit of a Laffy, so their politics are different. But they both loathed the Sussexes.

They believed the couple had treated Harry's family appallingly, and could not be forgiven until they showed at least some sign of contrition. So when we consider the return of Harry and Meghan, we have to remember that they provoke mixed and, sometimes, strong reactions among the British public.

That's why the question of their security arrangements threatens to become toxic.

It's been estimated that round-the-clock protection will cost up to £5million every year.

A lot of people will feel very angry if taxpayers' money is being used to pay for it.

We know that Harry previously said he could not bring his family to the UK because the government refused to foot the bill. He was also, apparently, unable to fund it himself.

Secret

The prince even took legal action trying to force the Home Office to pay up but lost the case.

It now seems clear, however, that something has changed.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the Sussexes' security arrangements will be a "private matter" but this appears to mean private as in secret.

Asked about the pair, a Home Office spokesman said: "The UK government's protective security system is rigorous and proportionate. It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals' security."

This is a stock answer, designed to tell us nothing. But it's certainly not a denial that taxpayers are footing the bill.

One way or another, details will emerge. A government minister will find themselves ordered by a Commons committee to spill the beans, or a talkative official will leak it to a journalist.

It might be better for Mr Burnham to bite the bullet and just come clean. Of course, nobody expects the government to provide details of security arrangements. That would only help the bad guys. But they can answer one simple question - are you and I paying for Harry and Meghan, or not?

BY REBECCA RUSSELL Deputy Royal Editor

PRINCE Harry's imminent homecoming suffered a blow yesterday when he was given a week to pay his share of £9.5million to a news outlet after losing a landmark High Court case.

The Duke of Sussex and six other famous names must pay the sum having failed in their claims against Associated Newspapers over alleged unlawful information gathering.

It comes as his wife Meghan has reportedly been offered a "major new" UK-based acting role, possibly in Guy Ritchie's Netflix series The Gentlemen.

It would be her most significant screen project since leaving TV hit Suits, and would mark a return to acting after years away.

But, as the couple plan their return to Britain, Harry's immediate attention will be on the legal bill.

The Prince and the other high-profile figures, including Sir Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley and Baroness Doreen Lawrence, face a demand for £34.4m from the publisher of the Daily Mail.

The group's claims included allegations of hacking, bugging and obtaining information through deception, which were strongly denied by the publisher.

They were heard at an 11-week trial in London earlier this year, with judge Mr Justice Nicklin dismissing the claims he described as "speculative and substantially inferential" in a judgment on July 7.

Their cases returned to the High Court for a two-day hearing on costs, during which the court was told the publisher had spent more than £34m defending the case.

In a judgment yesterday, Mr Justice Nicklin ruled the group of seven must pay £9.5m within seven days as an initial contribution to the publisher's costs ahead of further hearings to determine the total overall sum.

The initial costs award comes as questions continue to be asked about how the Duke and Meghan's security - thought to total an estimated £5m a year - will be funded on their return to the UK.

It marks the latest chapter in Harry's protracted legal battle with the Home Office, which began when his security tier was downgraded after he stepped down as a working royal in 2020.

Despite the ongoing security review, the couple are forging ahead with their relocation.

And Meghan, above with Harry, has held preliminary talks about joining hit action comedy The Gentlemen, according to reports last night. Discussions about a possible role in the show's third season are still at an early stage but are understood to be continuing, according to Sky News.

The series, which first aired in 2024, has not yet been officially renewed for a third series.

A spokesman for the couple declined to comment on the claims, though sources indicate Meghan is "very excited" about the opportunity as she prepares for this next chapter in the UK.

Before she married Harry, Meghan played legal researcher Rachel Zane on the hit TV drama Suits from 2011 until 2018.

She also had several small movie roles, including a part in hit comedy Horrible Bosses, alongside Jennifer Aniston.

Reports of a potential acting role in the UK come ahead of the release of the US movie Close Personal Friends, starring Lily Collins and Jack Quaid, in which Meghan is understood to make a cameo appearance as herself.

Harry and Meghan's deci-

Guy Ritchie is directing hit Netflix series The Gentlemen

Happy return for couple as waxworks in 'British zaks'

BY ALLISTER HAGGER

WAXWORKS of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been kitted out with sufferers and positioned next to a royal guard to mark their planned return to the UK.

The figures at Madame Tussauds London have been moved to the British "culture capital" zone, to stand among the East of Sir David Attenborough, Harry Kane and William Shakespeare.

Harry and Meghan will live in a non-royal residence outside of London when they move back and have already enrolled Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in schools.

To mark their relocation later this month, the couple's smiling waxworks are now standing beside the guardsman with a green

suitcase for Harry and navy for Meghan. It is not the first time the figures have been moved - in 2019 the couple were split up so the duchess could spend more time with her A-list friends including the Beckhams.

And the museum separated the

Sussexes from the rest of the royal

family in 2020

when the couple

announced they

would "stop back" as

senior royals and since

then Harry and Meghan

have typically been in the

wards party zone.

Ali King, head of operations at

Madame Tussauds London, said: "With the surprise news the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are returning to UK shores, we wanted to mark the occasion of Madame Tussauds London.

"Dressed to impress, they'll be joining an incredible line-up of British icons, making it quite the star-studded reunion."

Costly Harry Meghan's in

sion to move to the UK was only relayed to the King three days before the bombshell news went public on Wednesday night, with the couple move set for later this month.

However, it was reported that while the King may have been unaware, the Sussexes had informed the UK security services several weeks before. Charles has made it clear

that he is looking forward to spending more time with the Sussex family but emphasised that there is no half-in, half-out option for the couple as "part-time royals".

The Sussexes are keeping their homes in Montecito, California, and Portugal, while the Duchess is expected to continue to run her lifestyle brand, As Ever, from their new UK base.

Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are

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GUY RITCHIE'S SERIES THE GENTLEMEN

7

THERE really is only one thing Prince Harry can do now. And Prince William might even thank him... one day.

OK, perhaps not, but it could just spark the ember that eventually crackles and glows into a (much-needed) success.

What is it? Silence. Absolute rigid and dutiful silence. A complete and utter absence of noise and distraction - an end to the drama and oneupmanship that seems to have become a byword for how the Sussexes operate.

The duke and duchess are coming back to Harry's homeland any day now. But success at settling here won't be whether they see an upturn in their popularity, the real test will be if they can finally master the art of vanishing into the background.

Scoffing

Sources may have made it clear that Harry will stop firing rounds of accusations at his family in public and has even apparently placed a self-imposed ban on giving TV interviews but will he be able to say "nothing" about his family as sources have promised? We can only watch and wait.

You'd be forgiven for thinking you could almost hear the royals scoffing over their cornflakes all the way up in Balmoral when they read that.

And nowhere will that scepticism run colder than in

ANALYSIS

REBECCA RUSSELL

Deputy Royal Editor

Prince William's camp. Despite undoubted pressure to hold out an olive branch to his returning younger sibling, he has so far maintained a stony silence.

Because when it comes to the Prince of Wales, the ship of forgiveness hasn't just sailed - it's halfway around the world by now.

Harry's attacks may have left a visceral wound on the Royal Family, but the even deeper scar they've left on the brothers' once-close bond cannot be overstated enough.

After the total demolition of trust, I doubt there is any world in which William would forgive his brother and will no doubt find it even harder to ponder how Harry could possibly forgive himself.

So let him try the silent treatment. Let him attempt to vanish into the background like the repentant prodigal son.

But given everything that has transpired, it all feels a bit too good to be true.

Let's face it: keeping quiet has never exactly been high up on the Sussex skill set - there is always another act waiting in the wings.

Bruised William is unlikely to hold out an olive branch to brother Harry

homecoming...but line for major role

expected to start at their new schools in early September. However, unlike for working royals, there will be no photos of the children released when they start school, or on their birthdays. And restrictions are in place to prevent the location of their new family home or the schools being disclosed.

While details and appearances from the children will be few and far between, the same

will likely not be true of their parents. After their legal case collapsed last month, Prince Harry joined forces with Baroness Lawrence to issue a blistering statement.

Branding the decision a "complete and obvious whitewash", they insisted: "We came to court seeking justice and accountability. But we have received neither."

The relocation comes amid the bitter fallout

from the court verdict. Following the confirmation of costs, a spokesman for Associated Newspapers Limited stated that the case "placed a huge burden on the Mail to defend the reputations of its innocent journalists and the paper itself", adding: "The truth is that these outrageous claims should never have been brought."

OPINION: PAGE 14 ● CAROLE MALONE: PAGE 15

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8

DAIST

WEATHER FORECAST

Today's summary: Sunny morning, clear evening

North West: Cloudy with sunshine later. Gentle breeze. Mild, becoming cooler in the evening. High 19C (6AP).

Northern Ireland: Cloudy start, brightening later. Light winds, mild temperatures throughout. High 18C (6AP).

Wales: Sunny spells, turning cloudy. Breezy in places, mild overall. High 20C (6BP).

Midlands: Cloudy spells, brightening later. Light breezes, turning mild. High 20C (6BP).

North East/Yorks: Cloudy with sunny spells later. Light winds, becoming milder throughout the day. High 18C (6AP).

Scotland: Sunny spells with increasing cloud. Moderate breezes. Warm in the afternoon. High 18C (6AP).

UK OUTLOOK TOMORROW: Expect mild conditions. Mostly sunny with occasional clouds. Light winds throughout, with temperatures feeling comfortable for the season.

East Anglia: Cloudy spells, brighter later. Gentle breeze, cooler in the evening. High 18C (6AP).

London/South East: Sunny spells, cloudier later. Breezy at first, ageing winds. Mild throughout. High 21C (7BP).

South: Sunny spells, cloudier later. Gentle breezes, staying mild throughout. High 21C (7BP).

South West: Bright start, turning cloudier later. Gentle winds, becoming mild. High 20C (6BP).

Channel Isles: Cloud with light rain initially. Cleaner with sunshine later. Breezy remaining mild. High 20C (7BP).

Sea: North Sea: Tyne. Irish Sea: Smooth or slight occasionally moderate. Channel Bright.

conditions. Mostly sunny with occasional levels of comfortable for the season.

SIX-DAY FORECAST Temperatures in Centigrade

	SUN	MON	TUE	WED	THU	FRI
London	12 25	05 16 24	17 26	17 27	14 24	13 22
Belfast	9 19	13 20	15 19	14 20	13 19	13 18
Birmingham	9 22	12 23	14 24	15 24	12 22	16 20
Cardiff	8 23	14 25	15 25	15 24	13 22	12 21
Glasgow	9 18	10 22 21	14 20	14 20	14 20	13 18
Manchester	9 20	10 23 22	15 22	16 23	13 21	12 19
Newcastle	9 20	12 20	14 19	14 21	13 21	12 20
Norwich	10 22	14 21	16 22	16 26	14 25	12 22
Plymouth	14 23	16 23	16 23	16 22	14 20	14 21

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SHOULD FOLLOW QUEEN'S EXAMPLE

DAIST

9

Pictures: CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY

Camilla is a model in how to rebuild your public image

particular, are going to have to be patient with the British public and even more patient with William."

Vigar believes the Sussexes could learn from Queen Camilla's silent and stoic approach.

Following the death of Diana in 1997, Camilla and Charles built a slow but steady relationship in the public spotlight.

Camilla had private meetings with William and Harry, and gained the trust of the late Queen after meeting her in 2000 at a private lunch for the former king of Greece hosted by the then-Prince Charles.

When Charles and Camilla finally wed in 2005 on the same day as the Grand National, they absolved Queen Elizabeth II from any embarrassment in having to attend the wedding ceremony because she had a horse racing at Aintree.

Healer

However, she did attend their reception where she reportedly gave a speech saying: "My son is home and dry with the woman he loves." Since then, Camilla has supported Charles in his path to

becoming King, avoiding the limelight and PR stunts, according to Mr Vigar, who explained that "time is a great healer".

"Over decades, public resentment has softened into genuine acceptance of her," he said.

He also points out that unlike Meghan, Camilla holds a more realistic perspective on her public standing.

"She knows she is unlikely to top royal popularity polls, and is comfortable with that," he wrote in The Four Wives of Windsor.

Richard Fitzwilliams agrees that

the couple should heed the example of Camilla if they want to succeed after coming back to Britain, but it may not be easy.

He said: "Camilla is a model in how to rebuild your public image: charity, good manners and keeping quiet – but that isn't the temperament of the Sussexes.

"Camilla endured for years without comment or complaint.

"Look at Harry's book Spare, the Oprah Winfrey interview and the Netflix documentary.

"That is just not Harry and Meghan's style, but a vast public

relations exercise is surely needed." There are considerable concerns about how the couple plan to fund their new life in Britain with no immediate plans to return to the royal fold.

Their joint net worth is estimated at £45million through media ventures, publishing contracts and inheritance, but this has taken a hit in recent years.

The couple's £75m Netflix deal expired and their current less lucrative deal is being "wound down", sources have told the Express.

Meghan's love of the limelight could be cause for concern, however, and Mr Fitzwilliams said that the actress is a "very different character to Camilla".

He added: "The idea that Meghan could rebuild her reputation like Camilla has done in the eyes of the British public is all very well, but the personalities just don't fit."

Mr Vigar points to the couple's "big rift with the British press" as another stumbling block in their rehabilitation with the public.

While the couple's return to the UK was not discussed at their meeting with King Charles at Highgrove this summer, Queen Camilla was there and it is she and possibly Catherine, Princess of Wales, who may help smooth the way back for the Sussexes.

Arctic

Mr Vigar said: "Instinctively, Harry will want to support the King, and Charles will be happy to have his son and grandchildren, and his daughter-in-law close again.

"And while the relationship between the brothers is non-existent and will sadly never be what it once was, they are going to have to face each other at family events, Christmas, weddings and christenings. As the outsiders, Camilla and Catherine are possibly best placed to play the peace-makers, as in any family."

He believes the Sussexes also have the late Queen Elizabeth II to thank for "leaving the door open for their return".

But he warns that while the King is keen to reconcile, William is another matter entirely.

He said: "The relationship between the brothers is not only non-existent, it is arctic."

Next year marks the 30th anniversary of Princess Diana's tragic death in Paris.

Perhaps this poignant milestone could finally mark a starting point for the brothers to draw a line under the past and consider their future relationship.

Mr Vigar said: "If Diana were here, she would be delighted that Harry is coming home and would knock the brothers' heads together. Someone definitely should."

Ironically, that person might just have to be Camilla.

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10

DAIS7

Autumn and winter storms set to lash Britain with rain

BRITAIN is set to be battered by storms and rain this autumn and winter due to an “unprecedented” El Nino event, the Met Office warned.

El Nino is declared when sea temperatures in the tropical eastern Pacific rise 0.5C above the long-term average, impacting global rainfall.

The natural warming of sea temperatures is forecast to reach more than 1C in the coming months, making this year’s weather event “the largest since the 19th century”, said the Met Office. Professor Adam Scaife, head of long-range forecasting at the Met

BY MATHILDE GRANDJEAN

Office, said: “This is an unprecedented event. I have never seen an El Nino signal this intense in our forecasts.

“A typical El Nino leads to an equatorial Pacific sea-surface temperature rise of between 1C to 2C, with 2C being a really big event.

“If the forecast is accurate then 2026 will far exceed our recent experience of El Nino.”

El Nino events also drive up global temperatures, with 2027 forecast to be the warmest year on record.

Flood fears from heavy rain

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SATURDAY'S BIG READ

LAURA ZILINCANOVA

BRITAIN is in the grip of a retirement housing crisis as families struggle to cope with high charges and low resale values.

The government estimates around 30,000 to 50,000 later-living homes may need to be built every year.

But as developers continue announcing new projects, there are already around 10,000 long-term empty retirement properties in privately owned developments across England and Wales.

In the best cases, these are modern flats that could house older people who are struggling in unsuitable accommodation.

But instead, they often end up in the hands of owners who cannot live in them, cannot easily rent them out and fail to find anyone to buy them – all while haemorrhaging thousands of pounds in fees to maintain a vacant property.

Retirement housing is designed to allow older people to live independently in accessible homes and the properties are legally restricted to people aged 55 and over.

A typical development may offer communal lounges and gardens, while more expensive schemes can include bistros, emergency alarm systems, on-site managers and varying levels of care.

Unlike a care home, residents live in a self-contained property which they own or rent and remain responsible for the costs attached to it.

Desperate

But for hundreds of families who inherit these properties after a parent dies, they can become a financial nightmare as they struggle to sell them for years.

One seller told the Daily Express that she has seen the asking price of an inherited retirement flat fall from £400,000 to £175,000 – while continuing to pay £13,147 a year in service charges.

There is also £525 a year for ground rent and around £5,230 in council tax after an empty-homes premium.

She said: “My dad would be turning in his grave if he knew where we’re at with this.

“He would never have gone down this route had he known we were going to end up like this.”

Rightmove searches have even shown retirement properties going to auction with guide prices lower than the annual service charge attached to them.

In England and Wales, privately developed retirement flats have traditionally been sold on a leasehold basis. The lease gives the resident the right to occupy the property for a set period, while the freeholder (the developer) owns the building and land and is usually responsible, directly or through a managing agent, for services.

Leaseholders then pay service charges towards the running of the development. These can cover maintenance, repairs, lifts, cleaning, gardening,

Rising number of homes on market fail to sell

Later-living properties can offer an independent lifestyle but with care on hand

building insurance and communal areas. They may also fund house managers, emergency alarm systems, restaurants and other facilities.

Crucially, the charges remain payable after a resident dies and the property becomes empty. They can also surge with the costs of staffing, utilities, insurance, maintenance or major repairs increasing.

Hamptons analysis shows the average leaseholder in England and Wales paid £2,405 a year in service charges in 2025, up 32.6% from £1,814 in 2020.

For retirement properties, the figure can be much higher, with data from Lottie’s, a digital care finder, putting the average monthly service charge at £524.

One owner said the monthly service charge on her late mother’s flat had risen from around £600 in 2020 to £1,159 today.

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Retirement housing may promise modern living ...but they can come with exhorbitant costs and pain

Desperate to escape the mounting bills, she even asked the developer to take the property back for free.

The request was rejected. She said: "We all just keep banging our heads against a brick wall."

And service charges are only one item on a potentially punishing list of bills. Depending on the lease and circumstances, owners may also face ground rent, double council tax on an empty property, insurance, probate costs and contributions towards future repairs.

Then there are fees that can be charged when an owner sells the property, which go by different names – exit, transfer, event or deferred management fees.

For potential buyers, those costs, combined with age restrictions, make retirement flats a deeply unattractive prospect.

Sebastian O'Kelly, director of Leasehold Knowledge Partnership,

described the retirement housing market as a "complete failure".

He argued that the vulnerability of some older buyers can leave them more likely to accept "highly aggressive" lease terms, "nodded through by at best complacent solicitors and at worst just stooges for the sellers".

While there are some consumer protections, they remain patchy.

Implode

The voluntary ARCO Consumer Code requires participating operators to give buyers clear information about service charges, what they cover, whether they are fixed or variable and when they can change.

But two of the largest retirement flat developers do not subscribe to the code, citing business models that do not easily align with it.

Consumer expert Greg Wilson,

chief executive of European Consumer Claims, said: "Self-voluntary regulation is a good step.

"But is it enough to protect consumers? I don't think so."

He said buyers should be given mandatory information at the point of purchase, including historic charges and information about resales. Mr Wilson added: "At some point, there should also be one mandatory consumer code or authority that covers the whole sector. If not, that whole part of the industry will implode."

Adam Cliff, executive director of the Empty Homes Network, went further by suggesting reduced service charges while a retirement property is unoccupied.

He also believes age restrictions could be reconsidered in some cases to widen the potential market and developers should show local demand before new schemes

are approved in places where existing retirement properties are already standing empty.

The question is also whether the government's wider leasehold reform will make a meaningful difference. The Daily Express launched its Stop the Retirement Flat Trap campaign last month to press for urgent change.

The draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill proposes capping ground rents in older qualifying leases at £250 a year before reducing them to a peppercorn after 40 years.

But that's pennies compared with service charges.

The draft bill, which only mentions the word "retirement" four times, also does not propose a general cap on service charges, remove age restrictions or guarantee an existing retirement flat can be sold.

Following a consultation in 2025,

ministers confirmed in July they would implement measures from the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 intended to make service charges more transparent.

Landlords will have to use standardised forms, explaining what the money is expected to cover and providing clearer information about spending. Leaseholders will also gain stronger rights.

Affordability

They can request information including any going back six years.

The measures should start coming into force next year. For retirement flat owners, that could make things easier to challenge.

But transparency is not the same as affordability. A leaseholder may receive a much clearer explanation of why a service charge is £10,000 a year, without the law requiring that £10,000 charge to come down.

◆ If you are affected, contact laura.zilincanoea@reachplc.com.

TO READ ALL THE BEST POLITICAL STORIES OF THE DAY GO TO EXPRESS.CO.UK/POLITICS

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12 Daily Express Saturday, August 22, 2026

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BY JONATHAN WALKER Whitehall Editor

ANDY Burnham has warned Cabinet ministers not to expect funding increases in the Budget, as figures showed national debt had reached nearly £3trillion.

Conservatives accused Labour of "tapping the nation's credit card while the bailiffs are at the door".

They said the government was spending £7.7billion every month just on interest – more than it spends on defence, police and prisons combined.

Experts predicted John Healey would be forced to increase taxes in his first Budget as Chancellor, on October 28, to avoid debt increasing even faster.

But Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds said Mr Burnham had warned every Cabinet minister that they must "control spending" to cut borrowing.

Inflation

She told the Express: "We must get debt down – as we promise to do in our fiscal rules – and are delivering the fastest budget deficit reduction in the G7. And we must control spending.

"That's why the Prime Minister and the Chancellor have told all ministers that they will need to reprioritise their budgets on the things that they think will really make a difference, rather than simply asking for more money.

"So that's why this summer has been busy. And with a Budget right round the corner, there is much more to come."

Figures from the Office for

PM rules out funding rises as national debt approaches £3trillion

National Statistics showed government borrowing unexpectedly rose to £1.8bn last month, £700m more than a year previously. Official

spending watchdog the Office for Budget Responsibility had predicted a £500m surplus. The borrowing hike also came even

though more income tax than ever before has been collected.

Total UK debt is now £2.98Strillion, or 94.1% of gross domestic product.

Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride said: "That is over £100,000 of debt for every single household in Britain. And we are all paying for it, every day."

Income tax receipts hit £17.1bn last month – up £1.7bn on a year ago, according to the ONS.

But spending outweighed the tax boost, with another £2bn spent on social benefits compared with a year ago, while the interest of government debt payments also rose by £700m, to £7.7bn last month.

Thomas Pugh, chief economist at consultants RSM UK, warned tax rises would

PM Andy Burnham

be needed to allow the government to stick to fiscal rules designed to limit borrowing.

He said: "The commitment to sticking to the fiscal rules means further tax rises are inevitable come the autumn Budget."

The government also faces the prospect of inflation increasing as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to push up energy prices, and heatwaves lead to poor harvests and higher food costs.

And retail sales fell 0.5% last month, with industry experts blaming hot weather for keeping customers away.

John O'Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "These borrowing figures show that Britain is being bled dry by a welfare bill ministers are too weak to confront."

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Battle looms over relocating civil servants

THE Prime Minister is risking war with the Civil Service as he works on plans to move thousands of jobs out of London.

Proposals for "significant" cuts to Whitehall will feature in the Budget on October 28, with resources diverted to mayor-led regional authorities instead.

It comes as part of Andy Burnham's focus on devolving powers. He has already announced that responsibility for economic growth, currently overseen by the Treasury, will be handed to No10 North, based in Manchester. And last night he announced

BY JONATHAN WALKER

that every mayoral authority will receive between five and 10 civil servants on a six to nine-month secondment. But the full package of measures to create "a smaller and more strategic civil service" is being developed in consultation with regional mayors.

At the same time, Cabinet Secretary Dame Antonia Romeo is leading a review into "the organisation, performance and transformation of the permanent civil service". Former Labour Chancellor Gordon

Brown once tried to move civil service jobs to regions outside the capital, partly to take advantage of lower office costs, but just 20,000 were relocated following threats of strike action and resistance from chiefs.

Speaking to the Politico site, Caroline Simpson, Mr Burnham's deputy chief of staff and the senior official based in No10 North, declined to say how many Whitehall jobs would be cut, adding: "I am not going to put a figure on what that is going to look like."

But she said the paper published alongside the Budget would be about "really moving

significant resource from Whitehall and from the civil service into regions, into local areas".

Separately, a statement published by the Cabinet Office, led by Burnham ally Louise Haigh, said: "Central government must become smaller and more strategic, releasing savings and enabling resources to be transferred to local areas."

The civil service has grown by 100,000 following the pandemic and Brexit, to around 550,000. Mr Burnham said: "No10 North is putting more power into every postcode so communities can unlock their potential."

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Man guilty of arson attack at memorial

BY SAM RUSSELL

A MAN has pleaded guilty to an arson attack at a memorial wall in North London.

Ali Fallahi, 46, from Ilford, East London, appeared before Harrow crown court yesterday.

He damaged a cabinet at the site in Golders Green on April 27, sparking an investigation by counter-terrorism police.

The memorial wall was established by the Miga Rally community group as a tribute to protesters killed in a crackdown in Iran in January.

A section is dedicated to those killed in the Hamas attack on the Nova music festival in Israel in 2023.

The blaze is said to have been started at around 12.15am and was soon extinguished.

Judge John Lodge granted Fallahi – a dual British and Iranian national – conditional bail until his sentencing hearing at the same court on October 16.

He added that Fallahi had pleaded guilty to a “serious offence”.

Eggs alert as salmonella crisis rages

BY STORM NEWTON

VULNERABLE people have been warned to avoid eating runny eggs in restaurants because of a risk of salmonella.

Young children, pregnant women and the elderly should all be careful what they eat, health officials said.

It comes amid an outbreak that has left one person dead and hundreds ill.

Experts said cases may be linked to “eggs imported from outside of the UK”, which are mainly used in catering.

Professor Ian Young, the Food Standards Agency chief scientific adviser, said: “If people are eating out or consuming eggs or egg-containing products from cafes and restaurants then, for those people in particular who are young, elderly, pregnant or vulnerable, it’s important to make sure that any eggs you consume in those settings have been very well cooked.”

The FSA is currently investigating what caused the outbreak.

BY MARK JEFFERIES

HOLLY Willoughby’s sponsorship deal on her new YouTube lifestyle show is worth £5million, we can reveal.

The former This Morning presenter has relaunched her career following a break, with her own twice weekly streaming show Together.

The series features interviews, cooking and fashion segments. It has now had around 350,000 views across its shows and a growing number of subscribers.

And Holly’s project is very much a long term plan as it is understood her multi-million-pound partnership with healthcare brand Voy is thought to last for around 18 months.

Interviews

A TV source told us: “Voy paid in the region of £5million to work with Holly on Together. Their contract is with the production company Hungry Bear Media but of course they have bought into Holly and her programme ideas and they think her fans and followers are the kind of people who use their products.

“It’s a big money deal for Holly, although lots of that money is tied into making the shows and she is very keen to stress that Together is something she wants to build in the years to come.”

Holly and her husband Dan Baldwin, who co-owns production company Hungry Bear, have created a purpose built studio for Together with a full TV-style crew.

Guests so far have included actor Stanley Tucci, comic Katherine Ryan and singers Emma Bunton and Nicole Appleton, with

more big names and interviews expected to follow in the coming weeks.

TV presenter and producer Richard Osman spoke about why Holly’s show would be an attractive proposition for advertisers like Voy on his The Rest Is Entertainment podcast earlier this month, saying it gave them greater control than when buying TV ads for similar fees.

Osman, a former TV creative director, explained: “Say Voy want to make a 30-second advert and put it on Channel 4. They can buy four hours’ worth of airtime.

“They can stipulate roughly where they want it to be, but they don’t get the exact thing of where they want it to be.

Feedback

“In this instance, Dan Baldwin and Holly Willoughby can sit across the table from Voy. We are in a world now where brands are savvy enough that they do not compromise the content with their brand.”

Holly left This Morning in 2023 after 14 years. After the first few episodes of Together aired, she posted a video saying: “Thank you all for watching Together, loved hearing the feedback.

“It’s really great hearing what you think and what you like and what you don’t like because that’s equally important, so keep it coming.”

One source on the project described Holly and the team as “learning and testing as we go”.

A spokesperson for Together declined to comment on the size of the sponsorship fee paid by Voy.

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Rural villagers pay the price for weak borders

MIGRATION chaos threatens to bring misery to communities across Europe with ordinary people paying the price for weak borders and international chaos.

We reveal today how residents of a rural village in France are living in fear following the appearance of a mini-migrant camp. Héloïse Longuet's property has been ransacked and broken into on multiple occasions.

As she puts it, "people are afraid", but there is a reluctance to talk about the scale of the crisis.

Meanwhile, migrants wearing life jackets rush past her property to the nearby beach to board boats they hope will take them to a new life on our shores.

People who have often suffered desperate trauma place their lives in the hands of the criminals behind the small boats crossings.

For too long, French authorities have done far too little to halt these dangerous journeys.

Ordinary citizens in both the UK and France are not xenophobic, but they want sensible migration policies, with people who have no right to live in their countries ejected without delay.

It is frightening that assault rifles have been seized at migrant camps. Terrorists and gangsters will exploit any weakness.

We must take back control.

Wake-up call for Harry

PRINCE Harry should take the massive legal bill he has just been handed as a wake-up call.

He will be a happier father, husband and adult if he embraces a quiet life and puts his privilege and talents to good use without seeking the limelight.

If he continues fighting vendettas against those he loathes he will end up worse off financially and increasingly look like an embittered man who is defined by grievance.

The prince and six other public figures face having to pay up to £34.5million for the legal costs of their failed privacy case.

Each must pay their share of an initial £9.54million by next Friday.

A better future is possible for the prince. He should rejoice in the love of his family and lead a life of purpose and gratitude.

Magnificent milestone

ETHEL Caterham, of Lightwater, Surrey, received a birthday greeting like no other and the whole nation will want to celebrate her glorious milestone.

She is the first Briton to live to 117 – and she was congratulated by the world's oldest man, 113-year-old Brazilian João Marinho Neto.

What is the secret to Ethel's longevity?

She said she has "enjoyed everything in life but in moderation".

Ethel is the last surviving subject of King Edward VII and she worked in India and lived in Gibraltar and Hong Kong.

She has lived through extraordinary change, from the era of the Titanic to AI.

We hope both Ethel and her Brazilian friend enjoy great health and happiness for many years to come.

Being soft will not benefit claimant

...or the country

THIS week Robert Jenrick, Reform UK's Treasury spokesperson, unveiled the biggest overhaul of the welfare system in a generation to get a grip on the spiralling welfare bill. He said a Reform government would prioritise support only for severe and enduring disabilities and would abolish the Personal Independence Payment for working-age adults. Reform have said the measures would save a total of £50billion a year.

It is good to see bold proposals like this, as something must be done. The largest category of people claiming PIP is now those pleading "psychiatric disorder". The DWP itself says: "Mental health conditions and behavioural disorders have been a primary driver of the increase in the working-age PIP caseload."

It is insane that more than a million people are claiming PIP for anxiety and even acne.

Everyone should be able to see that we cannot sustain our present situation, where more than 16 million people in Britain claim they're disabled.

We must be honest about the widespread abuse of the system. And, as with the small boats landing each day on the south coast, the toxic compassion of those in charge both encourages individual irresponsibility and is destructive for wider society.

Jenrick described the system as one of "suicidal empathy", where misdirected sympathy does more harm than good.

HE IS right. And it is good to see Reform have the courage of their convictions to talk in terms of ethics, not just finances.

There is nothing compassionate about paying youngsters with mild anxiety benefits so that they are incentivised to sit at home rather than doing the best thing they could do for their mental health – purpose-

Robert Jenrick has laid out his welfare reform ideas

Ameer Kotecha

Guest Columnist

ful work. The part of Reform's proposals that has generated perhaps the most controversy is their proposal to make those who are able to work and have been out of a job for more than a year do community work for 20 hours a week in return for receiving their benefits.

There have been howls of outrage from some about slave labour. But 20 hours is a modest requirement that leaves plenty of time to look for work or retrain. And it would support people in their job hunt through helping to maintain their confidence and giving them a sense of purpose, and a positive story to tell in interviews.

Some will call this sort of tough love "heartless". But the state must stop telling people

that they can get something for nothing. We simply can no longer afford it.

When I hear of a young person claiming out-of-work benefits for anxiety or ADHD, I cannot help but see it as an insult to those who have the fortitude to work despite suffering serious physical disabilities – having been born with handicaps or been struck down by injury, including in war.

As columnist Julie Burchill – who was recently confined permanently to a wheelchair – has pointed out, if stuck on a desert island, those with anxiety would quickly find a way to survive. She, on the other hand, would probably find herself stuck on the beach, wheelchair sinking into the sand as the tide

'We must be honest about the widespread abuse of the system'

comes in, staring longingly at the mangoes hanging just out of reach. Doling out benefits for those with normal conditions like anxiety means there is less money to properly look after the truly needy.

We must get back to being a society that cares for those who genuinely cannot work, while insisting – yes, insisting – that those who can work do so.

Especially in an age of remote working and AI tools, where there are fewer than ever constraints to working.

O

F COURSE if we are going to finally get serious about tighten-

ing eligibility to state benefits, we must not ask taxpayers to fund the benefits of anyone other than their fellow citizens.

Reform have thankfully said so – in a week where the number of migrants claiming Universal Credit hit a record high of 1.3 million.

Unless we say foreigners are not entitled to out-of-work welfare – as do most countries around the world – our gullible generosity will eventually cause us to simply go bankrupt.

It is hopeless expecting the charity world to admit any of this. Predictably, campaigners have called Reform's proposals "cruel and dangerous".

But it is especially disappointing to see the Conservatives' reaction, dismissing the proposals as an "attempt to distract from" Nigel Farage's finances.

This week's policy announcement is precisely what Reform should be doing – shunning the infighting and focusing on putting forward proposals to fix the country. These plans – to overhaul a system that has turned Britain into the sick man of Europe – are something that all right-thinking parties should rally behind.

● Ameer Kotecha is CEO of the Centre for Government Reform. He was formerly a senior diplomat, serving as the head of the British consulate in Russia 2023-25

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Daily Express Saturday, August 22, 2026 15

Carole Malone

FUN, FEISTY AND FEARLESS

Email me at carole.malone@reachpic.com • Follow me on Twitter @thecarolemalone

King and country, Harry?

Picture: JEFE SREENGETTY

EARL SPENCER has decided to tell "the truth" about his sister Diana in a new book called: Swan Song: Diana My Sister. But why now - 30 years after her death?

I'd hazard a guess and say the asset rich, cash poor Earl has had three multi-million-pound divorces in the last three decades and this book, which will be a global bestseller, would help pay for those.

I'm not buying this quiff about him having a burning need to tell the truth. Because if he did it wouldn't have taken him 30 years to tell it.

ON TUESDAY this week Andy Burnham announced with great fanfare that he was going to invest millions to get every rough sleeper off the streets by Christmas.

By Wednesday, after a couple of pints and some pickled onion Monster Munch (his favourite) he said he didn't think he could afford it. Expect more of the same!

ISLINGTON'S Labour Council is choosing to build new traveller sites in the area instead of social housing. Good.

That means all the rich Leftie luvvies there who are forever preaching about "victims" and "poor minorities" will see first-hand what socialist living is really like when the travellers take over their bigo streets, their posh enclaves and what green space there is - and trash them.

THE GOVERNMENT is cooking up a "Rwanda style" plan to remove failed asylum seekers to a third country.

Er, we had an ACTUAL Rwanda plan which would have done exactly that but on his first day in power Keir Starmer scrapped it just because it was a Tory idea!

I'M A big fan of Kemi Badenoch and I think she'd be a great PM. Trouble is she's running a party packed with no marks and nobodies from the last time the Tories were in power.

If you don't believe me, ask yourself this - can you name four people in her shadow cabinet? It's my job to know and when someone asked me this week I struggled.

How can Kemi ever win an election with these deadbeats? It's like Lewis Hamilton trying to win the Grand Prix in a bubble car!

BRITAIN'S Get Talent's Alesha Dixon has apparently blindsided Simon Cowell by accepting a big money deal with The Voice.

Is he really blindsided or even bothered? I mean how hard can it be to find another beautiful woman who wears dresses well and who can say "I'm blown away". "I didn't expect that" or "You're a star", which is all IIG! judges ever say.

And let's face it. If Cowell had really wanted to keep her he'd have offered her more than The Voice did.

HARRY and Meghan are coming back to Britain as dramatically, as selfishly and as disrespectfully as they left. They didn't bother telling the King or the family they tried to destroy about their plans to return - they just leaked it to the media they claim to despise.

So why are these grifters coming back to the country that six years ago they trashed as a racist, toxic cesspit and a prison they had no choice but to escape; the same country that just last year Harry said was too dangerous: "I can't see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the UK."

And yet despite all that danger - he and Meghan ARE bringing back Archie and Lilibet. So, has the danger suddenly gone away? Or is it the fact they've got nowhere else to go?

Because whatever spin Team Sussex are putting on this move the fact is Harry and Meghan now know they made the biggest mistake of their lives flouncing out of Britain six years ago. And now that their American dream is in the toilet, they've no choice but to come crawling back here to reestablish their royal credentials - the only commercial asset they have left.

This return isn't about reconciliation, it isn't about a son wanting to spend precious time with his sick father. It's about two people who are now a busted flush in the States and have zero options.

All their big money contracts have dried up. The Hollywood A-listers have dumped them. And every project they've ever taken on has failed, making a mockery of Meghan's belief that her business ventures would make her a billionaire.

All that's left is their royal status but even that has diminished as they've had no real contact with the royals for years.

And for them to survive - THAT had to change. And that's what this move is about. All Harry's recent visits to Britain were never about him spending time with the King they were simply about him reestablishing his status as a prince - because it's the only currency he has.

But there WILL be trouble ahead. Meghan, who since she left Blighty has never tired of whinging about how vile it was for her, is unlikely to want to come back here but she knows her work options Stateside are drying up.

So, will that humble her, make her less demanding, less entitled when she gets here. Don't bet on it. In fact, last week stories suggested she thought the royals needed to apologise to her and Harry for treating them so badly.

Still, Team Sussex is frantically spinning the line that she's desperate to rekindle Harry's English side (what after slating the English as racists?) and she wants them to all be family again. Family?? Don't make me laugh. This is

THERE are reports that Beatrice and Eugenie are being asked to relinquish their royal titles to spare King Charles the embarrassment of having to take them.

I'm pretty sure hell will freeze over before those girls will willingly give up being princesses because their royal status has allowed them to spend years living high on the hog, pretending to have careers when work was always just a stopgap until they found husbands.

And remember who their parents are - the Freebie King and Queen who are past masters at milking their royal status. Beatrice and Eugenie have been genetically programmed to follow suit.

the woman who hasn't spoken to her 82-year-old sick father for years - not even after he had a leg amputated. Ditto her brother and sister.

She's coming back here because, having been reduced to a joke in the States, she knows the high esteem in which the world holds the royals will, by proxy, be afforded to her and might repair her battered reputation.

And of course, she'll be able to capitalise on the commercial value of all of that.

I'T'S WILLS who's going to be the problem. He doesn't want to make up with the brother who sold intimate family secrets about him and his wife. And he'll be furious that Harry is being allowed to swan back here after causing so much damage both to his family and the monarchy.

He also knows his self-interested brother is desperate to reestablish ties with the monarchy before he takes the throne knowing there'll be no place for him once he is King.

This move has all the ingredients of disaster which is why this weekend there's a royal summit at Balmoral where Harry and Meghan's return (possibly to the Cotswolds) is being discussed.

The Windsors will be justifiably worried the pair could set up a rival court and undermine the work the royals do. There's also the issue of trust - can either be trusted not to blab, speak out of turn, embarrass the family - break confidences and commercialise their positions. And, on past form, the answer's a Big Fat NO.

There'll be those who'll say the pair might have changed. I'm sure they have. I'm betting they'll be 100% worse than the spoiled, demanding, entitled narcissistic "victims" they were when they left!

GOVERNMENT MUST PUT OUR RIGHTS BEFORE THOSE OF ILLEGAL MIGRANTS

FOR THE last two years this government, in collusion with the police, has fought tooth and nail to hide the hellish extent of sex crimes being perpetrated on women and girls by illegal migrants.

And the people who called them out on it were slated as racists.

Well now a government handbook has

provided proof positive that the problem is as bad as we all thought. Because in it migrants are being told they must not rape women and they mustn't beat up their wives or relatives.

The fact these men are having to be told this shows they shouldn't be let anywhere near this country as they're culturally unsuited to it.

And is this government really stupid enough

to think that a bunch of Afghan/Erithran/Sudanese illegals who want sex aren't going to attack women and girls because a government pamphlet tells them they MIGHT just MIGHT go to prison if they do.

How about, for once, this rancid government put the rights and the safety of our girls and women above the rights of illegal migrants?

EXPRESSO DON'T MISS CAROLE MALONE EVERY WEDNESDAY ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL'S DAILY EXPRESSO SHOW

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©xIST

Picture: PETER BYRNES

From top, comedy greats Tommy Cannon, Roy Walker and Syd Little at service

Star pals' final farewell to the comedy legend Jimmy Cricket

COMEDY legends gathered yesterday to say goodbye to beloved funnyman Jimmy Cricket.

The Northern Ireland-born comic, real name James Mulgrew, died on August 3, aged 80.

His funeral service at Salford Cathedral, Greater Manchester, was led by the star's youngest son Father Frankie Mulgrew, a Catholic priest.

He joked: "This isn't the first time I've seen him die, and rise again. It's a comedy metaphor!"

Father Frankie also said: "Friends, about 20 years ago, my dad said, 'I will sacrifice grandchildren, you go into the priesthood'."

The ceremony was attended by comedy veterans including Syd Little,

BY CASEY COOPER-FISKE

Tommy Cannon and Roy Walker. Like Cricket, all three were hugely popular TV personalities in the 1980s.

The star had left school at 16 and spent his summers working as a Redcoat entertainment host at Butlin's holiday camps.

Catchphrase

He went on to work in the comedy club scene throughout the 1970s, going on to win TV's Search for a Star talent contest before getting his own ITV show, And There's More, which ran for four seasons. He later fronted his own programme on BBC Radio 2 and

The order of service and, left, coffin is carried by pallbearers after the funeral

appeared on the Royal Variety Performance in the 1980s, also performing in a number of pantomimes. Cricket was known for his signature bowler hat and usually had a pair of

boots marked L and R for left and right, but worn on the wrong feet.

His catchphrase, "And there's more..." became a TV staple, as did his Letter From Me Mammy sketches.

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Weekly 'nightmare' of drivers going wrong way on the motorway

A MOTORIST is prosecuted every week for driving the wrong way on a motorway, research has found.

Reckless drivers are being caught reversing along the carriageway, pulling U-turns next to high-speed traffic and driving backwards in a bid to reach a missed exit junction, court papers show.

Research has shown 31 motorists in the past 30 weeks were charged by police with criminal offences involving driving in the wrong

BY TRISTAN KIRK

direction on motorways in England and Wales. Those convicted are typically ordered to pay out hundreds of pounds in fines and court fees while some face driving bans.

Steve Gooding, director of motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, said: "To think anyone could drive the wrong way on to a motorway heading into fast-moving traffic is truly the stuff of nightmares."

The figures come after five teenagers, including Alex McCarthy, died on a motorway near Dublin last Sunday when their BMW crashed while driving the wrong way in a bid to get away from police.

Three women and a seven-year-old boy in the other vehicle involved in the head-on collision were left badly injured in hospital.

In a recent court case, Ervis Hatellari, 38, from Woodford Green in north-east London, was convicted

after being caught reversing his car along the M11 in Essex on New Year's Eve 2025. At Chelmsford magistrates court on July 27, Hatellari was made to pay £1,044, and banned from driving for a year.

And van driver Daniel Udrescu, 57, was caught reversing up the slip road for the M6 toll motorway in Cannock, Staffs, on April 29.

He was handed three penalty points, and told to pay £743 at Birmingham magistrates court.

Alex McCarthy was killed

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17

PSA blood test is often used

GP plea over huge surge in prostate disease

BY ELLA PICKOVER

THE number of men living with prostate cancer in the UK has surged by 100,000 since 2020, a charity has said.

Macmillan Cancer Support also stated more than 68,000 men are diagnosed in the UK each year.

Its latest estimates show there are now around 600,000 men living with prostate cancer in the country, compared with around 500,000 in 2020.

It is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in the UK.

The charity has warned that “myths” surrounding it could be preventing men from getting checked.

Dr Anthony Cunliffe, lead medical adviser at Macmillan, said: “One big misunderstanding I hear is that feeling well means you cannot have prostate cancer.

Urgency

“Many people are surprised to learn that, in reality, it often develops without symptoms in its early stages, which is why it’s important to speak with your GP if you’re worried.”

Sometimes, symptoms will be experienced only when the cancer is large enough to press on the urethra – the tube which passes urine.

When symptoms occur they include: difficulty urinating; needing to urinate more often than usual, especially at night; a feeling that the bladder has not been emptied; an urgency when needing the toilet; blood in urine; blood in semen.

Dr Cunliffe added: “This cancer generally occurs in men over 50 but can develop earlier in some groups. If, after discussing testing with a patient, we go ahead, we often use a blood test called a PSA – prostate specific antigen – or an examination of the prostate.”

Mum's horrific ordeal after cancer op error as family settle case

BY AMY REAST

A MUM who died of cancer was left in agony after the wrong end of her bowel was stapled shut.

Tracy Cliff, 67, later chose radiotherapy instead of combining it with chemotherapy because she had already gone through so much pain due to the op.

She died in July 2023 from terminal rectal cancer, a year after surgeons botched the operation. Tracy, from Tiverton, Devon, had been left in agony for five days before a second major procedure to fix the error.

Her recovery was also complicated by hospital-acquired pneumonia.

Devastating diary entries read by her daughter, Jade Farrow, 40, the day after Tracy's death, saw the mum of three write: "I don't want to leave this world; I don't want to leave my girls."

Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust admitted negligence but disputed that the error affected Tracy's subsequent cancer treatment and prognosis. It has now settled the case for £10,000.

Struggle

Jade, a carer, said: “What upset me the most was how long Mum was left in pain before they identified what happened. She was calling me in tears but I read her notes and they said she was at pain level two [mild].

“The first time I spoke to her I knew something was very wrong. I still struggle to understand how a whole team of medical professionals didn't.”

Jade said of the legal case: “It was never about the money. I wanted people to actually think about how it had taken so long to recognise what had happened.”

She said her mum had been left in so much pain that she could not face the side effects of the combined treatment. Later, Tracy wrote in her diary that she wanted to speak to her doctor about changing her mind, but had received the maximum lifetime dose of radiotherapy by then.

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “On this occasion our care was not as expected and we are very sorry for the distress that this caused Ms Cliff and her family.”

Half of all pharmacies face threat of closure

BY JONATHAN WALKER

Whitehall Editor

HUNDREDS of pharmacies could be forced to shut permanently due to soaring business rates bills.

A survey by trade body the National Pharmacy Association of managers at 420 pharmacies found 48% are considering closing up.

The same survey found that 55% are also actively considering moving to save money, potentially leaving some rural and coastal communities without a chemist.

So far this year, 44 have shut, leaving the network at its smallest since 2006. Nine out of 10 council areas have seen at least one close since 2022. With Andy Burnham

Labour's soaring business rates blamed

vowing to support the nation's high streets, the association is urging him to exempt pharmacies from business rates. The Treasury is currently reviewing the rates system and changes are likely to be announced in the Budget on October 28.

In one of his first acts as Prime

Minister, Mr Burnham announced that business rates will be cut for nearly 32,000 pubs, clubs and live music venues. But pharma-

Outlets are under pressure

cies were not included, despite campaigners saying they provide a vital service for communities.

The association also pointed out that GPs and dentists that provide NHS services are reimbursed for their business rates by the NHS, but pharmacies are not.

Business rates for some pharmacies have tripled in recent years but they cannot put up prices to compensate, as 90% of their income comes from the NHS.

Association chair

Olivier Picard said: “Pharmacies are linchpins on their high streets. As the government rightly looks to revitalise our high streets, they must give pharmacies the same support as GPs and dentists, and exclude them from paying business rates.”

A government spokesperson said: “Pharmacies already benefit from our wider business rates reforms, including permanently lower multipliers and our £4.3bn package to support ratepayers – and the government has increased funding for the sector by £340m this year to bring care closer to home.”

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18

Daily Express Saturday, April 22, 2026

Sorry state of asylum sex leaflet

TWO things are glaringly obvious as one reads the "Please migrants, no sex assaults while you're here"

booklet being handed to asylum seekers on their arrival in the UK.

Firstly, that the nine-page Home Office document is an implicit admission that some would-be immigrants are, de facto, potential sex offenders.

Secondly, the assumption that they will even read the damn thing; which many won't, and many won't be able to anyway – because it's printed only in English.

It is an extraordinary document. As statements of the bloody obvious go, hard to beat.

"Never try to have sex with someone who is asleep, drunk, or unable to consent clearly... if you have sex with someone who does not want to, this is called rape. Rape is a serious crime."

Again, the assumption being that some men reading this (if they can, or if they can be bothered) need to be enlightened on these matters. And the further assumption that if they do, then

this little pamphlet will be sufficient to persuade them to change their ways.

In another section, the page reads: "Sex with someone under the age of 16 is a serious crime in

the UK. There are no exceptions to this rule. Even if they say yes, it is still illegal. You could go to prison, lose your support, accommodation, and it will affect your asylum claim."

Note the "could". Not "will". Note also the "affect". Not "negate".

Hard to disagree, then, with Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp when he said: "The fact that illegal immigrants need a booklet telling them not to rape children shows they are not the kind of people we want in this country."

For a long time now, families uneasy or downright scared

about the sudden parachuting of young migrant men into their communities – men often from cultures that are very far from matching ours or our laws – have been dismissed as scaremongers and bigots.

This preposterous pamphlet proves their concerns were and are entirely reasonable.

They are owed an apology.

CAN I respectfully ask any current affairs radio producer reading this to have a quiet word with contributors to their programme before putting them on the air? Please insist that, when introduced, they don't parrot the current in-voque quest's mantra of: "Thank you for

having me on your programme."

Variations include: "Thank you for the opportunity to be with you," and: "Thank you for this invitation."

It's driving me mad. Even types (usually politicians or under-attack business people) who KNOW they're in for a roasting, say it.

It's patently insincere and imitative. Perhaps it's an attempt to draw some of the sting out of what may be to come; I don't know. But it's become as ubiquitous as "have a nice day" once was. Someone please make it stop.

Thank you for reading this.

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DAIST

19

Richard & Judy

BRITAIN'S BEST-LOVED HUSBAND AND WIFE TEAM REFLECT ON THE WEEK'S EVENTS EVERY SATURDAY IN YOUR DAILY EXPRESS

Harry's game but public are not

R IT'S HARD to see this ending well. Harry and Meghan's imminent return to these shores is surely a triumph of hope over expectation.

To put it bluntly, they're not welcome here. A snap poll carried out hours after the news broke was crystal-clear: barely 16% of respondents want to see the couple living back here. Almost 85% gave the idea the thumbs down.

God alone knows what William and Kate thought when they were told a few days ago. It must have felt like two cordially loathed family members suddenly banging on the door, chorusing: "Coo-ee! It's us! We're back! Surprise!"

Of course, this development has been almost drearily predicted for years, almost since the day the Markles first flounced off to California. Their much-vaunted TV deal with Netflix quickly turned to ashes. American public interest in the couple withered almost as fast as their popularity levels.

They were always destined to come back here, tails between their legs. But there's no coming back from some mistakes: certain comments, rashly made, simply can't be forgotten. Harry and Meghan's interview with Oprah may have been a smash-hit exclusive for her and her TV network, but it destroyed any chance of reconciliation with the family back here. Those ugly claims of racism, never substantiated. What was the Queen's wonderfully understated, dry response? "Some recollections may vary." Ouch. Of course Charles, as a father, has

The couple have lost the Markle sparkle since their move to Montecito

publicly welcomed the return of the prodigal son and daughter-in-law.

I make the biblical reference advisedly: our King is a committed Christian in his personal life as well as his role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

He believes in forgiveness and redemption. And of course, he'll welcome the chance to get to know two of his grandchildren who have, until now (setting aside that flying visit a few weeks ago) been kept from him.

William, on the other hand, is comprehensively estranged from his younger brother. They haven't exchanged a word for years and the

last time they set eyes on each other was at their grandmother's funeral.

Now there will be two rivalrous royal households in the kingdom (even though the Markles are no longer working royals) and tension is certain to run high.

Then there's the vexed question of security. Harry's children, Archie and Lilibet, start school here in a couple of weeks. Of course they will need protection – as, like it or not, will their parents. Who's going to pay for that? Us, the taxpayers? Why should we fork out for non-working royals? More tension.

As for the couple's relationship with the media... well; they don't have one. It's in a thousand smashed pieces and would take years, probably decades, to be repaired – if ever.

Harry loathes the British press and is still smarting from his humiliation after his litigation against the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday was comprehensively, almost scathingly, dismissed by the High Court.

Yesterday a judge ordered him to pay Mail publishers millions in costs.

A happy homecoming? It's going to be anything but.

J I'VE heard of clickbait, but this is ridiculous. So called social media "influencers" are vying for the most "likes" they can get by... swimming with sharks. Big ones. With big teeth. They post videos online of themselves swimming alongside sharks, patting them, and even trying to ride them. And surprise surprise, they're getting bitten. Badly, in some cases. One man almost lost his leg; another lost both hands; and there's been at least one death. Mad.

DIAL M FOR MISERY FOR BEEB'S LICENCE TO BILL

R I TRIED to pay my TV licence fee this week. It took me most of the afternoon. First I attempted to pay online. I couldn't find the soon-to-expire licence (and had received no reminder) so I didn't have its number.

No problem - the website assured me my surname and postcode would do. They wouldn't. No matter how many times I tried, computer said "no". It wouldn't let me onto the payment page. OK, plan B. Phone them. I dialled the given number, and after a few rings got a recorded

message. In Welsh.

Now, funnily enough, I don't speak Welsh so I hung up and checked the number. Nope, nothing about this being a special Welsh service.

So I called again.

The indecipherable message went on for ages. Then crackling silence. What now? I hung on, more in hope than expectation, and just as I was about to disconnect, an English voice began speaking. I clicked all the right responses to the questions it asked me and lo! I was...

Directed to the website.

I hung on and after an age a real

human being clicked onto the line.

Speaking in English. After a few more questions, he informed me I didn't have an account for that address and there was nothing he could do.

"But I want to give you E180!"

"Sorry, sir. No account."

"Can't we set up a new one, then?"

He sounded surprised. "Oh yes. We can do that." Somehow, I remained civil.

Fee paid, I rang off. It was still early, but reader, I poured myself a large scotch. I reckoned I'd earned it.

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20

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117-year-old Ethel's birthday wishes from oldest man

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THE WORLD'S oldest living person was congratulated on her landmark birthday by a male counterpart – a mere whippersnapper at four years her junior.

Ethel Caterham celebrated her big day in Surrey yesterday as she became the first British person in recorded history to reach the age of 117, and one of only 13 overall.

To mark the milestone, thrilled Ethel received a special birthday greeting from the world's oldest living man, Brazilian João Marinho Neto, who is 113.

Smiling for a photo, Mr Marinho Neto offered the message "Parabéns, Ethel", Portuguese for "Congratulations, Ethel".

The greeting marks the second known occasion in which the world's oldest living man and woman have had contact, the first being Ethel's 116th birthday last year.

This time she also received birthday wishes from fellow British supercentenarian Hilda Luck, 112.

Ethel has attributed her longevity in part to not overindulging, saying: "I've enjoyed everything in life but in moderation."

Her other memorable advice reflects the independent spirit that has characterised her whole life. "I never argue with anyone," she

BY ALLISTER HAGGER

explained. "I listen to what they say, and then do as I like!"

Family, friends and fellow residents of Hallmark Lakeview Care Home, in Lightwater, helped her to celebrate yesterday and reflect on a long, eventful life.

Ethel was born three years before the Titanic disaster and has lived through two world wars.

Born Ethel May Collins on August 21, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, she has lived through more than a century of extraordinary change.

She is the last surviving subject of King Edward VII.

At 18, she travelled by ship to India to work as a nanny before returning to England, where she married British Army officer Norman Caterham, a lieutenant colonel.

The couple later lived in Gibraltar and Hong Kong, and had two daughters, both of whom died before her. Norman died in 1976. One of her sisters, Gladys, also became a centenarian, living until she was 104.

The record for the oldest person ever is held by French woman Jeanne Calment, who died in 1997 having reached 122 years and 164 days.

OPINION: PAGE 14

Warning on cash access for OAPs

FINANCE chiefs must keep in-person banking services open because older generations are continuing to "rely" on cash, campaigners insist.

Notes and coins were used for some 3.9 billion transactions last year but access to cash is falling.

Campaign group Later Life Ambitions warned that up to two billion payments are still forecast to be completed with cash in 2035.

But the number of cash machines has fallen by 5% - to 42,403 - and the number of free ATMs has dropped

BY MICHAEL KNOWLES

to 33,710. Jonathan Safir, deputy general secretary of the Civil Service Pensioners' Alliance and a spokesman for LLA, said: "These figures make clear cash remains important to millions and will continue to do so for years to come.

"This is particularly true for older generations. That makes continued access to in-person services vital. People must be able to access money in the way that works for them."

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Pictures: SAM ETCHELLS/SWINS, MING CHU/SWINS

EXIST

21

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22

DAVST

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE SECOND WORLD WAR TANK?

At: For me it has to be the Matilda II, the tank the British sort of got right by accident. Although it was designed as an infantry support tank and not really for tank-on-tank combat, with its thick armour it was ideally suited to the battle it found itself in at Arras on May 21, 1940.

This counterattack gave the Germans a real fright and contributed to what's called the Halt Order – Germany's fateful decision to pause for breath allowing the BEF (British Expeditionary Force) to escape through Dunkirk. And it was still in service until the end of the war with the Aussies.

James: I once got to have a proper go in a Cromwell and it was incredible – so quick and it could do 360 degrees on a sixpence. It was also so manoeuvrable and made me realise that this plus speed was as important as a big gun and heavy armour.

Also, it looks great. But you can't argue against 49,000 Shermans – the ultimate all-use tank and with better features and gizmos than the Soviet T-34. So I'll go for the Sherman, but the British Firefly version with the whopping 17-pounder gun.

(And don't tell Al, but I'm not such a fan of the Matilda II...)

WHO WAS BRITAIN'S BEST GENERAL AND WHY?

At: I've done three! Monty! You don't go winning big stuff like he did, inspiring your men and infuriating your enemies without being a top drawer general! He's had a lot of criticism because he got to the top – goes with the gig.

Then there's Major General Richard 'Winds' Gale. The commanding officer of 6th Airborne Division, Gale was a hard taskmaster who drove his men on when things were terrible. He landed on D-Day in a glider, and immediately borrowed a horse, riding around the divisional area in his para smock and jodhpurs. Motto: "Go to it!"

Finally, Major General Percy Hobart. Hobart's probably the most important tank man in British history, but tends to get seen as a novelty sidebar thanks to his "Funnies" – tanks adapted with devices like flails for mine clearance or flame throwers. But he had been a prime thinker in how to use tanks before the war, and was brilliant at reimagining how to get stuff done.

His 78th Armoured Division logo looks like him, a bull in spectacles!

James: Bill Slim was also superb and I'm a massive fan of Field Marshal Alexander. He was the one who actually prescribed how to defeat the Japanese in South-East Asia before Slim, was the last man out of Dunkirk, C-in-C Middle East, mastermind behind "no more reverses" in North Africa, transformed Allied fortunes in Tunisia, understood how to combine air, land and sea power, and commanded Allied ground forces in Sicily and Italy.

He became Supreme Allied Commander in the Mediterranean, spoke seven languages, was a brilliant artist, effortlessly charming and funny and unquestionably my greatest hero!

WHO WAS THE SECOND WORLD WAR'S MOST OVERRATED COMMANDER?

At: Erwin Rommel. I'm not going to get too far into why – but a very large part of his reputation was burnished by the British in order to explain away why they were failing to deliver in the desert.

James: Erich von Manstein also gets too much credit, especially for the Blitzkrieg in the West in 1940.

His encirclement plan was hard-baked into Prussian Army DNA but what made it work was the pioneering opera-

JAMES AND IS BETTER THAN WAR AWARD

Who was WWII's most successful general, what was the conflict's best tank and did Hitler really have one testicle?

As the hit podcast We Have Ways of Making You Talk arrives in book form, its creators James Holland and Al Murray on bringing military history to vivid life

tional and tactical developments led by Heinz Guderian.

Von Manstein was also up to his neck in it in the Soviet Union, while Guderian totally lost the plot, hoisted by his own petard and over-inflated opinion of his armoured tactics.

HOW DECISIVE WAS THE ROLE OF AIRBORNE FORCES FOR THE ALLIES?

At: On D-Day, airborne forces were dropped to seize and hold objectives on the Allied flanks. On the American, western end they had to seize causeways and bridges that would allow the troops landing on the beaches smoother progress inland.

At the British end, there were bridges to capture, bridges and guns to destroy, and high ground to secure.

The big constraint was the men would have to land at midnight to co-ordinate with beach landings at first light.

Landing at night was really difficult, and everyone knew it; landings were confused and confusing – for everyone involved. The enemy had no idea what was going on, and airborne soldiers landing willy-nilly found themselves isolated and scattered.

So, all in all a tall order. But the way the men had been trained to fight, on their initiative and with great aggression, meant that for all the confusion and disorganisation the Germans had a poor time of it, and the airborne men secured their objec-

tives, though often it was touch and go and at great human cost.

WHO MADE THE SECOND WORLD WAR'S BEST INFANTRY WEAPON AND WHAT WAS IT?

At: This is a very tricky question to answer, and the trouble is for a lot of WWII small arms, the pros and cons result in score draws across almost all categories – while a tendency to rate German gear over Allied equipment still persists to this day.

But it's fair to say the Germans were really on to something when they invented the assault rifle in the form of the MP44 – it even looked like the shape of things to come, the AK-47, the Soviet Union's most successful and lasting export. Which isn't to say it was the best weapon, but it showed the way.

James: Al has a great point here with the MP44. I've fired one and it's got no recoil, is pretty light and, unlike other German weapons, is cheaply and roughly made, which was just what was needed.

On the other hand, it's hard to argue against the Browning .30 calibre. These could fire all day, were inexpensively but brilliantly made, supremely reliable and could be used on vehicles and in a host of roles as well as by the infantry.

WHAT'S THE MOST UNDERRATED CAMPAIGN OF WWII?

At: I've been discovering lately the Australian campaign in Papua New Guinea, the battles around the Kokoda Trail, which were in effect the defence of Australia from the threat of Japanese invasion. This epic

struggle in a place certainly inhospitable to even the most dedicated jungle exploration, let alone modern warfare, has everything – guts, courage, determination, staggering endurance, self-sacrifice and the birth of a kind of Australian soldiering that endures to this day.

It's also a story of woeful political complacency, poor co-operation between the Americans and their allies, profound cynicism about the men who were sent there, shocking army organisation and a wide array of other lessons for anyone looking for them in history. It's an Aussie epic that is completely magnetic.

James: Definitely the Battle of the Atlantic, or the Atlantic War as it's now being called, in deference to its scale and longevity. Britain remained in the war as a result of it and the War in the West against Italy and Nazi Germany was only possible because of it. It's quite simply the most decisive theatre of the war bar none. And I thought that before I started writing a book about it...

IF YOU WERE DEFENCE SECRETARY FOR THE DAY, WHICH PROJECT WOULD YOU FUND: MORE ROYAL NAVY SHIPS; A BIGGER AIR FORCE OR MORE CHALLENGER 3 TANKS?

At: Well this is the problem: the answer is all three!

James: Definitely the Royal Navy. Our biggest current vulnerability is our island status and the fact that 99% of our daily data – financial, cloud etc – runs through cables in the very shallow North Sea. They're not pro-

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DAIS?

23

tected to anything like the degree they should be considering their importance and the Russians have been mapping them like Billy-O.

We need more attack subs, more underwater and aerial drones as well as conventional, manned naval vessels.

And more aircraft.

Personally, I'm all for bringing back RAF Coastal Command too.

WILL WE EVER GET THE DEFENCE BUDGET THE COUNTRY NEEDS... OR WILL IT BE TOO LATE BY THEN?

Al: No one is ever prepared for the war they find themselves in, so in that sense it's always too late. But organisations like the Army are bodies of expertise; if they become too small they contain fewer experts and less expertise and with that comes the problem of sustaining it. And if you're in a pinch that could be a real problem.

GERMAN 'POTATO MASHER' OR MILLS BOMB? WHICH WAS MOST EFFECTIVE?

Al: The Mills Bomb. Compact and effective,

the Mills

Bomb is essentially still with us, the potato masher remains stuffed down Action Man's trousers.

James: Yup, totally agree!

DID HITLER REALLY HAVE ONE TESTICLE?

Al: Does it matter? The fact Tommies all over the world sang about it suggests that, however many balls he had, they were going to laugh at him anyway.

I would say trying to diagnose Hitler

through modern medical understanding perhaps says more about the times we live in than it does about him – we love a diagnosis these days don't we?

James:

Whether he did or didn't, it was a great song, although I'm pretty certain Goebbels had both his.

Fair to say, though, Hitler was a very weird, horrible, evil man, one ball or two...

● James and Al were talking to MATT NIXSON. James Holland and Al Murray present We Have Ways Of Making You Talk: New Histories of the Second World War (Headline, £22) is published on August 27. We

Have Ways Fest is at Blackpit Fare, Stowe, Bucks, September 11-13. AVRE Industries has released 98 miniatures of Operation Chariot whisky, created to commemorate the St Nazaire Raid, at £19.99 each. Visit avreind.com for more information.

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24

DAILY

Britain's brightest zooper stars

CULTURE vultures are invited to feast on this visual smorgasbord of the best photos taken in Britain and Ireland's zoos over the last year.

The winners and runners-up have been selected from more than 800 entries by BIAZA - the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Among those getting a first prize is a stripy vulturine guineafowl with frost on its feathers at Watatunga Wildlife Reserve in King's Lynn, Norfolk.

The photo by Gareth Clifford won the bird category, while Jonathan Isaacs' picture of a yellow hanging village weaver

BY ALLISTER HAGGER

came second. Fred Wall was awarded second place in the mammal section for his thoughtful snap of an ape, entitled "Our Endangered Brothers".

Winner was Thomas Harris's "Still I Rise", showing an elephant getting to its feet.

Other notable shots include Dylan Lynch's "Mid-nap breather" of a turtle poking its head out of a pond, which scooped first prize in the reptile category.

"Tompot's Pot" - showing a tompot blenny hiding in a vase, was fish runner-up. In all, 14 photos were picked in seven

categories. Dr Jo Judge, BIAZA's chief executive, said: "After a rigorous selection process, we are proud to showcase photography which demonstrates not only the wonder of wildlife but the vital work of our member zoos and aquariums in welfare and conservation."

She said the competition "shines a spotlight" on the breadth of life in Britain and Ireland's best zoos and aquariums, which care for thousands of animals and plants.

BIAZA represents 132 centres. Last year they contributed to more than 1,000 conservation projects and 700,000 educational visits, the association said.

STARTS INSIDE MONDAY'S

DAILY EXPRESS

Terms and conditions apply. See Monday's newspaper for details

---

DAISY

25

A frosty Guitarish geological shopped by Growth Clifford at Melbourne Wildlife Reserve in Norfolk, flight. This tempat always hides away in a photo by Michael Meutherhead. Movie hacks a caught taking a 7mirage dresher, by Wylie Lynch and a yellow wearer but it photographed by Jonathan Isaacs

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26

DA137

By Keir Mudie

GOLDFINGER, Live and Let Die, Skyfall – everyone has a favourite Bond theme, with some of popular music's biggest names releasing tunes over the years. But Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, the conductor who will lead the Bond and Beyond Prom at the Royal Albert Hall, reckons some classical composers could have shaken – not stirred – things up too for the soundtracks.

He says: "Shostakovich might have been good, although he probably wouldn't have enjoyed doing it.

"Prokofiev – although the credits would have gone on for a long time. Ralph Vaughan Williams. Actually, you know, he's maybe too pastoral – you need a bit more edge for Bond."

Don't worry, James Bond devotees, the lifelong 007 fan, who conducts the San Francisco Symphony, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Nova Scotia and the National Arts Centre Orchestra, says next Tuesday's sold-out Prom will delight fans and purists alike – with no experiments, just lots of brilliant surprises.

For Bond and Beyond, he will lead the BBC Concert Orchestra through the greatest hits such as Skyfall, The Spy Who Loved Me and others, with special guests to be announced.

He has also promised a genuine rarity – a song written for 007 that never made it into the films. Daniel, named Music Director of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada for 2026 and 2027, says: "I'm very, very excited that we're going to be performing Radiohead's Spectre. This is a Radiohead song they wrote for Spectre that ended up not being used and they released anyway."

Part of the appeal, he says, is that the Bond songbook is far richer and stranger than just the favourites. He goes on: "It's all the different moods that are in these songs. They're not all the same. Some are more rocky, some are more sultry, some are slower ballads.

"There's a whole world of music inside the James Bond theme song and I love that they were able to really expand what a theme song could be.

"You have some of the world's best singers. Adele, Tina Turner, Shirley Bassey, Paul McCartney, Radiohead – all these people bringing music to this idea.

"This character that Ian Fleming wrote up on a beach in Jamaica, just to have something light for people, this idea has captivated our imaginations for 74 years. Everybody thinks spies are cool, the secrecy, the mystery, a pen that becomes a nuclear weapon or whatever. The suits and the classiness and the sensuality."

Daniel has no interest in any Bond gagg-

Past Bonds Pierce Brosnan, above, Roger Moore, below, and Sean Connery, right

ets but as a self-confessed

petrohead he knows what he would like from the films.

"I could really use a brand new Aston Martin," he says, "with the oil slick feature behind, which I don't think I would use very often. But it would be nice to have it."

Production on the next Bond movie is expected to begin next year for a 2028 release – although no one has been cast so far.

Daniel says: "There's been a lot of talk of Callum Turner, and I think that I would probably right now go in that direction.

"There's also been talk of Gillian Anderson. She said that she wanted to do Bond – just the intensity. I think they would only ever do it in a one-off special, but she'd be all right."

Daniel is confident that next week's Bond concert will open the doors to classical music for people who have not been exposed to it before, as well as established fans.

He says: "Even Beyonce's Lemonade quotes Tchaikovsky. Orchestral instruments are in reggae, in calypso. There are many people in the Caribbean who know 'Jesu,

A licence to thrill all Bond fans

BBC Prom celebrates the music of 007

Joy of Man's Desiring' as a piece of steelpan music, not a piece of orchestral music."

Daniel's love of music and his broad taste come from a background formed in the Caribbean, North America and the UK.

Daniel says: "My mum did her midwifery here in England. She moved from Trinidad and Tobago to England, did her midwifery here, became a nurse here.

"As a result of her upbringing, in Trinidad and then in England, she always had a love of classical music.

"I ended up growing up hearing calypso and classical music in the same hour, and reggae – all this stuff mixed with Bach, Beethoven and Brahms my entire life."

HE spark came at 10, when he listened to Beethoven's Ninth. It floored him – particularly the storm at the very start.

Daniel says: "My friends said, oh, you should check this out, and I remember one of my teachers saying, fantastic stuff, listen. So I got it, and it just went in.

"I was chomping up these symphonies at a young age and really getting into orches-

tral music. Nobody made a big deal about it, and everybody encouraged it.

"I'm fortunate that I had the opportunity and the access, and people didn't put barriers in my way. We don't know what's going to happen, but let's remove barriers from people. See what happens."

He's no stranger to London's Royal Albert Hall. He conducted the BBC Concert Orchestra through Everybody Dance! The Sound of Disco there – a night built around the sound of late 1970s New York and Studio 54, with music by Chic, Gloria Gaynor, Diana Ross and Boney M. Daniel says: "You never forget your first Prom. There's nothing like the energy of coming into the Royal Albert Hall when it's full of people.

"One of the musicians, a violist, took me aside and said, 'when you get in there the energy is absolutely incredible – make sure to enjoy it'."

He understood exactly what they meant: "You don't look out at the audience, you look out and up, and they're all around you. On the video you can see me coming in and just looking around being like, 'oh my God' – not in a scary way, but it's absolutely the most incredible feeling." The

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27

FOR YOUR EARS ONLY

DR. NO (1962)

John Barry, James Bond Theme

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE (1963)

Matt Monro, From Russia With Love

GOLDFINGER (1964)

Shirley Bassey, Goldfinger

THUNDERBALL (1965)

Tom Jones, Thunderball

YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE (1967)

Nancy Sinatra, You Only Live Twice

ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET

SERVICE (1969)

Louis Armstrong, We Have All The Time In The World

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER (1971)

Shirley Bassey, Diamonds Are Forever

LIVE AND LET DIE (1973)

Paul McCartney & Wings, Live and Let Die

THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN (1974)

Lulu, The Man with the Golden Gun

THE SPY WHO LOVED ME (1977)

Carly Simon, Nobody Does It Better

MOONRAKER (1979)

Shirley Bassey, Moonraker

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY (1981)

Sheena Easton, For Your Eyes Only

Paul McCartney and Shirley Bassey's special assignment

OCTOPUSSY (1983)

Rita Coolidge, All Time High

A VIEW TO A KILL (1985)

Duran Duran, A View To A Kill

THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS (1987)

a-ha, The Living Daylights

LICENCE TO KILL (1989)

Gladys Knight, Licence To Kill

GOLDENEYE (1995)

Tina Turner, GoldenEye

TOMORROW NEVER DIES (1997)

Sheryl Crow, Tomorrow Never Dies

THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH (1999)

Garbage, The World Is Not Enough

DIE ANOTHER DAY (2002)

Madonna, Die Another Day

CASINO ROYALE (2006)

Chris Cornell, You Know My Name

QUANTUM OF SOLACE (2008)

Jack White ft. Alicia Keys, Another Way To Die

SKYFALL (2012)

Adele, Skyfall

SPECTRE (2015)

Sam Smith, Writing's On The Wall

NO TIME TO DIE (2020)

Billie Eilish, No Time To Die

---

0007

28

Daily Express Saturday, August 22, 2026.

Summer's the perfect season for beer lovers

I STHERE anything more refreshing on a really hot day than a cool glass of lager, condensation dripping down the outside of the glass? Even avowed wine drinkers are known to partake in a lager or two when the temperature rises and no disrespect to the Aussies, but I'm not talking Fosters! No wonder the summer months are such an important time of year sales-wise for producers and retailers.

"We always see a significant increase in lager sales as the weather warms up. Throughout the summer months, demand typically rises by 20-30%, particularly during heatwaves, barbecue season, major sporting events and bank holiday weekends, when customers are looking for beers that are both flavourful and easy to enjoy," says Amanda Waterfield of specialist retailer Beers of Europe.

"Summer really is the perfect time to explore the incredible variety that lager has to offer. From traditional Czech and German plisner to crisp French, Swiss and Italian classics, each country brings its own brewing heritage, ingredients and character," she adds.

"Whether it's the decoction-brewed depth of a Czech lager, the refined bitterness of a German Pils or the purity of an Alpine Swiss brew, customers are increasingly choosing authentic lagers that offer more than just refreshment." So here are six fabulous lagers for inspiration.

SIX STUNNING LAGERS

1 Moon Gazer Dewhopper 500ml (£3.89, 4%)

This multi-award-winning craft lager from Norfolk is matured over several weeks to develop its flavour – opening with fresh herbal and grassy hop aromas over delicate cereal malt and a crisp, hop-forward finish. Gluten free. Flavourful and utterly delicious.

2 1936 Bière 330ml (£2.19, 4.7%)

This Swiss pale lager is brewed by the fifth-generation of the Locher family using exceptionally soft Alpine spring water that has filtered through the mountains for decades. The result is a golden lager with a refreshing, lip-smackingly good finish.

3 Herforder Pils 500ml (£3.29, 4.8%)

German Pilsner is a special taste all of its own and this is the perfect advert. Brewed in Herford in North Rhine-Westphalia using only water, barley malt, hops and yeast in accordance with the Reinheitsgebot (or German beer purity law), this is a balanced blend of pale malt and aromatic hops offering grassy aromas, herbal notes and a dry, sharp bitterness.

4 Meteor Lager 330ml (£2.29, 4.5%)

This famous French lager is brewed by France's oldest independent family brewery, established in 1640 in Alsace. Bright golden in the glass with aromas of fresh grain and sweet malt, it's well-rounded on the palate with a dry finish. A stunning lager loved by millions.

5 Vinohradská 12 500ml (£4.79, 4.8%)

This unfiltered Czech lager brewed in Prague using a traditional double-decoction mash technique – no room here to explain but it helps create a flavour-feast – combines malt sweetness with plenty of hops and a complex, lingering finish. Filled with character.

6 Ichnusa Lager Beer 330ml (£2.29, 4.7%)

This Italian lager has been crafted in Assemini, Sardinia, since 1912 and you'll soon see why it has endured. You'll be dazzled by its golden glow – signalling aromas of fresh grain, wildflowers and a hint of herbs followed by a crisp dry finish.

All available from beersofeurope.com

Share your own drink-related tips with matt.nixson@reachpic.com

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EXIST

29

The final prize each with bones found, right, and, he stroll, officers searching the garden

Our garden turned into some Saxon crime scene!

Shock after human bones found

A COUPLE'S garden became a suspected crime scene after builders found ancient human bones, sparking a major police investigation.

Ross Sledger, 49, was stunned when a tradesman working on his kitchen extension said he had uncovered bones, and that the police were on their way.

Ross said: 'He said, 'I've found some bones', and I said, 'Great', thinking it was farming or pets.

'But he said, 'It's not quite like that. I think it's a femur, so

I took it to the local surgery and a doctor looked at it, and had to automatically report it to the police'.

'As you can imagine, a lot of language came out of my mouth.

'I was thinking this is a wind-up.'

Following an initial visit by one police officer, around 10 more then turned up to Ross and wife Claire's home the following day.

They began going through the topsoil and digging further into his garden – where they found a second set of remains.

In all, a femur, two skulls, ribs and part of a pelvis, with fragments of a humerus and finger bones, were uncovered by the team.

Ross, from Wye, near Ashford in Kent, said: 'They thought it was a crime scene. They had to have an officer overnight, and every half an

BY JACK FIFIELD

hour he had to get out of his car. That set off the neighbours' floodlights, which set off my dog barking.

'So, as you can imagine, I didn't get much sleep that night.'

The following day, 48 hours after the bones were first discovered, specialists confirmed that they were Saxon in origin, and around 1,000 years old, rather than modern-day remains.

Shocked Ross later found 'knuckles and fingers' in his garden as he was putting in artificial grass.

It is suspected that the team which originally built the houses may have uncovered the bones but moved them into the garden to avoid any archaeological red tape and hold-ups.

On the surprise discovery, Ross added: 'I was thinking, 'Oh no, this is going to delay it, I've got bricklayers next week'.

'But luckily they were done and dusted by the end of the weekend, which was good.'

The remains have now been formally interred following a ceremony at the nearby St Gregory and St Martin Church.

Ross said: 'The police had them for a set amount of time, then they were sent to the historical society, and then they got sent to the local vicar.'

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DAY57

30-SECOND CHALLENGE

JUST follow the instructions from left to right, starting with the number given to reach an answer at the end of the row. Set your own 30-second challenge: for the very young or arithmetically rusty, you have 30

seconds for the BEGINNER task. For a greater challenge, try BEGINNER and INTERMEDIATE in 30 seconds. True mental gymnasts should try INTERMEDIATE and ADVANCED in 30 seconds together.

Today's fitness can be found on Day-17
Total minutes

Beginner	43	-19	5/6 OF THIS	-11	SQUARE IT	-47	50% OF THIS	+46	÷9
Intermediate	13	SQUARE IT	+167	4/7 OF THIS	+38	60% OF THIS	-73	×5	-259
Advanced	159	+69	INCREASE BY 75%	+63	REVERSE THE DIGITS	6/11 OF THIS	+372	5/12 OF THIS	-59

THE NATIONAL LOTTERY

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21

EUROMILLIONS

10 14 15 19 45 4 12

TRONDERRALL

8 9 16 37 38 6

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20

SET FOR LIFE

6 9 29 32 47 9

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19

LOTTO ROUND 1

1 6 24 32 48 54 9

LOTTO ROUND 2

4 8 10 17 23 28 16

TRONDERRALL

2 3 11 12 24 6

THE HEALTH LOTTERY

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21

7 22 25 36 47 33

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20

18 20 24 29 48 32

PHONE POLL RESULTS

We asked in our poll on Thursday:

Should asylum seekers who break British laws be deported?

YES: 99%

NO: 1%

SUDOKU

Fill in all the squares so that each row, each column, and each 3x3 square contain all the digits from 1 to 9

1	7		6			2	8
		3		7	8	4
9					1			7
	1			2	3	9	7
7		8				1		4
			8	1
4	5		7		2			3
				6		5
	6	2		8	5		4	9

This is the Quick Sudoku for

the solver in a hurry.

For today's solution call: 09071812571

(Calls cost 60¢ per minute plus your telephone company's network access charge)

For extra clues call: 09013225602

(Calls cost 75¢ plus your telephone company's network access charge)

MORE PUZZLES - P36 & 37 YESTERDAY'S SOLUTION

6	5	8	9	3	2	7	4	1
2	9	4	6	1	7	8	3	5
7	3	1	8	4	5	2	6	9
8	6	9	4	2	3	1	5	7
5	7	2	1	6	9	4	8	3
4	1	3	5	7	8	6	9	2
3	8	6	7	9	1	5	2	4
1	2	5	3	8	4	9	7	6
9	4	7	2	5	6	3	1	8

DO YOU HAVE A STORY OR PHOTO?

If you have a story:

020 8612 7077

or email:

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@reachpic.com

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020 8612 7171

or email:

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@express.co.uk

For general inquiries:

020 8612 7000

WWW.239855.CO.UK FOR GREAT SEASON OFFERS

Pokemon card to fetch £7,000

BY JACK FIFIELD

AN ultra-rare Pokemon card is expected to sell for around £7,000 at an online auction.

The Skyridge Charizard Holo trading card is one of only 141 known examples to exist.

It is highly collectable and features one of the most popular original Pokemon characters, Charizard. Originally released in 2003, it remains in

excellent

condition.

Ewbank's Auctions in Surrey estimates the item will sell for between £5,000 and £7,000 when it goes under the hammer on September 4.

A rare set of 75 cards, in an official binder, is also estimated to fetch up to £4,000 at the same sale.

Ewbank's head of trading cards, James Spooner, said: "These are just the latest highlights in what remains a strong global collecting market currently valued at around $100 billion.

"We have been holding dedicated auctions for Pokemon, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh! and other trading cards for several years now.

"Pokemon is the highest-grossing media franchise of all time – in 2026 alone, the company has already recorded annual revenue of over $3.5 billion."

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DAYST

31

ONE of the few remaining Punch and Judy puppeteers says the centuries-old seaside show is back with a bang ...after the punching ceased.

Joe Burns says the beach treat has enjoyed a revival since Punch stopped hitting Judy amid fears over its resemblance to domestic violence.

The show, dating from 16th-century Italy, often includes Punch's catchphrase: "That's the way to do it!".

But hundreds have vanished from UK beach resorts in recent years, leaving just three puppet "professors" working full time in the summer.

Joe performs in Swanage, Dorset, and there are also shows at nearby Weymouth and Llandudno, North Wales, with audiences putting donations into a bucket.

Revival

Joe began doing Punch and Judy shows at 12 and said that since performances like his had removed violence it has become more acceptable to 21st-century audiences.

He added: "Punch and Judy does seem to be having a revival at the seaside. Most performers don't hit Judy any more. Ultimately, Punch and Judy is a puppet show and children should be given the credit that they know it's make-believe.

"I changed my performance to reflect that as well, bringing Punch

BY TOM BEVAN

and Judy to a more modern era. Punch has been in the UK for 364 years...it would never have survived if it didn't adapt and change."

In 2024 researchers studying women's role in puppetry over 300 years wanted to develop a contemporary version of Punch and Judy.

Experts at Exeter University ran a three-year investigation to offer a more gender-balanced version of the "at times controversial characters".

Dr Alissa Mello, who led the Judy Project, said: "Some audiences view it as misogynistic and of making light of domestic violence. Equally, others understand it as unruly, romping family entertainment."

But lecturer Dr Tony Lidington, a seaside entertainment veteran, said: "Woke simply means being aware of the society you live in...so I'm more than happy to be called woke.

"It has always been a very nimble show throughout its history, and it has always changed to reflect its audience...which isn't to say it has to lose what makes it fundamentally funny."

Joe is today marking his 10 years in business with a Swanage Seaside Special of four puppet events, including guest performers from pop-up Punch and Judy shows that had returned to delight Eastbourne and Sandbanks beachgoers this summer.

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33

Lives remembered

Daily Express obituaries, every Saturday

Took lead in the mother of all roles

THE SCOTTISH actress Phyllida Law was a familiar face to viewers who will remember her for TV series like Dixon Of Dock Green, Rumpole Of The Bailey, Kingdom, and Foyle's War, as well as films that included the 1992 hit Peter's Friends. But Law was probably best known as the mother of two other exceptional actresses, Emma and Sophie Thompson.

She appeared alongside both her daughters on screen. She was with Emma in the movie Nanny McPhee (2005), where she provided the voice of Mrs Partridge, and with Sophie in the 1996 television film of Jane Austen's Emma, in which she played Mrs Bates, the mother of Sophie's impoverished Miss Bates.

Born in Glasgow, she was the daughter of Meg, who worked in a dress shop, and William Law, a journalist with the Glasgow Herald who joined the Royal Air Force at the start of the Second World War.

Her parents later divorced, and Law did not see her father again until she was 18. The family also included Law's maternal grandmother, the wife of a Presbyterian minister and a "fierce Presbyterian".

Law was educated at Glasgow

Phyllida Law

Actress/writer

BAND JULY 6, 1932 –

DIED JULY 27, 2026, AGED 94

High School for Girls until she was evacuated to live with family friends in East Dunbartonshire. In 1945, she was enrolled as a boarder at Badminton School for girls in Bristol, and years later, she joined the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

Law originally trained as a costume designer, designing outfits for the Scottish Ballet and the Old Vic, but she soon began concentrating on acting. It was at Bristol where she met fellow actor Eric Thompson, who went on to write and narrate popular children's show The Magic Roundabout. They were married from 1957 until his death in 1982.

After graduating from theatre school, Law played multiple roles in Shakespeare, John Osborne, and Arthur Miller plays, as well as Victorian and Greek classics. She appeared as Mrs Stanhope in The Barchester Chronicles in 1982, alongside Alan Rickman in his leg-

Law is the mother of Emma and Sophie Thompson and trained as a designer

endary, breakthrough screen role as Obadiah Slope. Rickman also directed her in one of her outstanding stage performances, The Winter Guest by Sherman Macdonald, at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds and the Almeida in London.

She appeared in the ITV comedy-drama Kingdom from 2007 to 2009 with Stephen Fry, who played a

country solicitor, with Law playing his confidante, Aunt Auriel. Her last stage appearance was as another aunt, Aunt Juliana, in Hedda Gabler at the Minerva Theatre, Chichester, in 1996, alongside Harriet Walter.

Law developed Parkinson's disease at 83, and died peacefully aged 94. She is survived by her daughters and four grandchildren.

Glen Hansard

Singer-songwriter

BORN APRIL 20, 1930 – DIED JULY 25, 2026 – AGED 29

THE SO-CALLED Godfather of Irish Indie folk, Glen Hansard, achieved overnight fame on screen in the 1991 hit film The Commitments, and won an Oscar for best original song "Falling Slowly" in the 2007 musical drama Once.

Co-written with his co-star in Once, the Czech-Icelandic pianist and singer Marhéta Irglova, the film is about two struggling musicians who fall in love, played by Hansard and Irglová, who also wrote the soundtrack.

As well as picking up an Oscar in 2008, the film was later adapted into a successful musical stage show, a Broadway and West End hit, winning eight Tony awards and an Olivier award.

Hansard grew up in the Dublin suburb of Ballymun, so his breakthrough role in Alan Parker's The Commitments, an adaptation of Roddy Doyle's debut novel

Oscar-winner Glen Hansard

about a group of young, working-class Dubliners, wasn't too much of a stretch. He played the character of Outspan Foster, a guitarist in the titular soul band.

Hansard was one of six children, to James and Catherine, and taught himself to play his uncle's guitar, learning songs by Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan and Van Morrison.

After quitting school, he started busking in Dublin and formed his band, The Frames.

In 2010, he began an annual Christmas Eve busk in Dublin city centre, which attracted high-profile musicians like Bono, Sinéad O'Connor and Shane MacGowan to raise money for the homeless.

Hansard also enjoyed success as a solo artist with 2016 album Didn't He Ramble, nominated for a Grammy.

He died in a motorcycle crash on the outskirts of Dublin. He married Finnish poet Maire Sauritsa in 2022, who survives him with their son Christy.

Written by KAREN ROCKETT

Sheila Mathews

Actress

BORN MAY 31, 1927 – DIED AUGUST 11, 2026, AGED 99

WITH a career on stage and screen of more than 90 years, Sheila Mathews was believed by Equity to be the longest working English star in the entertainment business.

Sheila's dancing career began aged three and by 16 she was in the West End alongside Eric Morecambe in Strike A New Note. In 1950 she was in the 21st Royal Variety Performance in front of King George VI and Princess Elizabeth.

She moved to the US in 1951 and married and divorced American singer William Bender, returned to England and married director Charles Reading with whom she had two daughters, Sally and Jane.

The Crossroads actress died at home in Southwick, West Sussex, following a series of strokes, with Sally at her side.

Pulsating heartbeat of ZZ Top

HE KEPT the backbeat for the American rock band ZZ Top for six decades, but ironically, Frank Beard was the only member of the group not to have a long bushy beard.

Born in Frankston, Texas, he joined ZZ Top in 1969 when it formed in Houston alongside guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill as the original three members.

Gibbons and Hill gave the band a signature look with long beards, with Beard eventually growing a very short one in 2013.

The threesome released their first album on London Records in 1971 and went on to release 15 studio and four live albums in a career spanning six decades.

Their famous 1984 album Eliminator featured the hits Gimme All Your Lovin', Sharp Dressed Man and Legs, selling more than 10 million copies and was certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Beard and his bandmates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and have toured throughout North America,

Frank Beard

Musician

BAND JUNE 11, 2049 – DIED AUGUST 17, 2026, AGED 77

Beard was in the band for six decades

Europe and South America. Bandmate Gibbons paid tribute to Beard saying the band had lost "a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most

naturally innovative drummers. His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top."

The band is going to "keep on keeping on" as he had wished, Gibbons added.

According to the band's website, Beard had been in hospice care at his home, a ranch in Richmond, Texas, and the exact cause of death has not been disclosed.

The band also announced that due to Beard's passing, ZZ Top's tour dates scheduled for Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs this week had been cancelled.

The tour will resume this weekend at Austin City Limits Live, which the band said was "one of Frank's favourite venues and in a city that had been something of a second home for him".

Beard is the second member of the original band line-up to have died, following bassist Dusty Hill in 2021. Away from ZZ Top, Beard was a keen golfer, competing in local tournaments.

He leaves behind second wife Debbie and their three children.

---

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35

Sir Nils and Connie stirs their egg

Some eggcellent news for zoo's penguin pair

DAILY EXPRESS

SUNDAY EXPRESS

GET YOUR PAPERS FOR

£6.99 PER WEEK FOR SIX MONTHS*

Famous bird to be a dad

THE world's most distinguished penguin is set to become a father after his partner laid an egg.

Major General Sir Nils Olav III, Baron of Bouvet Island, is a resident celebrity at Edinburgh Zoo – and will soon welcome an heir.

His new partner Connie laid the first king penguin egg at the site in 17 years.

Surprise

In pictures shared by Edinburgh Zoo, Connie and Sir Nils can be seen tucked into a quiet corner protecting the egg, which is visible only when they move it between them.

Darren McGarry, head of animal care at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said: "It was a lovely surprise to find a king penguin egg for the first time in almost two decades. Sir Nils

BY FILIPA GASPAR

made short work of charming Connie. She clearly is a fan of his military status."

Michael Livingstone, senior keeper at the zoo, added: "We could not be more excited for Connie and Sir Nils. They are inexperienced parents-to-be so we will keep a close eye on them. Their instincts are strong and we are cautiously optimistic, but there is a long way to go."

Penguin eggs take around 55 days to hatch. Parents hold them on their feet to keep them warm.

Sir Nils is the mascot of the Norwegian King's Guard, with the name "Nils Olav" and his associated ranks having been passed down through king penguins since 1972.

Sir Nils is recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's highest-ranking penguin.

Delivered to your home or vouchers to use at your newsagent

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6

DAYS!

express.co.uk

Puzzled?

PROBLEMS TO TEST YOUR BRAIN POWER

MAKE YOU VERY CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Unnecessary (9)

Part of a tree or

plant (4)

Boring routine (3)

Smaller in size or

worth (6)

Rush about violently (7)

Winter figure (7)

Amble or stroll (7)

Characteristic habits (9)

Public school (4)

Crowd actors (6)

For every (3)

DOWN

1 Run-through (9)

A planet (6)

Way out (4)

Cancelled (3)

Finally (2,4)

Lovelace, computing

pioneer (3)

Identify people to

blame (4,5)

African country (5)

Biblical murder

victim (4)

Other reef (anag.) (9)

Branch of Islam (5)

For today's solution call: 0907 181 2581

*Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company's

network access charge.

LAST SATURDAY'S SOLUTION

ACROSS Buildings, Indeed, Oatmeal, Long, One, Tourist,

Art, Nest, Rushing, Uneven, Shivering.

DOWN Billiards, Undo, League, Determine, Nite, Grant,

Selecting, Winner, Truth, Seen, Ski.

*SP: Spoke - Helpline 0333 202 3390

ALPHAPUZZLE™

Alphapuzzle® tests logic and word power.

Each grid number represents a letter.

Every letter of the alphabet is used. Use

the given letter or letters - below the main

grid - to start. Solution next Saturday.

Difficulty: 6/10 Target: 21 mins

Clue: Feed from pointed document.

THINKING SPACE

For up to six Extra Letter clues:

0907 181 2567*

(deduct two minutes for each clue letter board)

Today's full solution: 0907 181 2566*

*Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone

company's network access charge.

Alternatively, for six extra letter clues direct to

your mobile, text DSXALPHA to 64343. Tests

cost £1 plus your standard network rate.

LAST SATURDAY'S SOLUTION

ACROSS Lord, Quietest, Pageant, Barge, Ideas,

Karate, Elapsed, Beacon, Feeble, Erase, Unite, Asphalt,

Fluation, Weld.

DOWN Lopsided, Huff, Rogue, Overtax, Hassle,

Bleat, Uptake, Pedalo (clue), Ember, Exempt, Erratic, Amaze, They, Injected.

Alphapuzzle® 0.2025 Acorn Editorial Ltd. All words appear in Chambers Dictionary.

CAN YOU TACKLE THE EXTRA TOUGH ULTRA ALPHAPUZZLE® IN THE SUNDAY EXPRESS EVERY WEEK?

BEACHCOMBER

109 YEARS OLD AND STILL SLEEPING PEACEFULLY

WHAT do child health, mortgage fraud, parking charges, Scottish energy, wildfires and

Manchester City, York City and West Ham football clubs have in common?

Answer: according to Google News, they have all been the subjects of wake-up calls in the past week. A good night's sleep is important and this suspected rise in the number of wake-up calls is worrying.

Wondering whether parliament was doing anything about it, I put a call through to Sir Torpid Slumber, the government spokesman for disturbed somnolence and asked him whether steps were being taken to counter the

alarming rise in wake-up calls.

"Thank you so much for bringing this up," he said.

"According to the official

parliamentary records in Hansard, the phrase 'wake-up call' occurred 23 times in the House of Commons between January and July this year. While this is fewer than the 35 recorded in the same period in 2025, it still confirms a worrying trend that has been going on since the turn of the millennium.

In the whole of the year 2000, there were only 10 wake-up calls recorded in Hansard. The five-year totals since then were 71 in 2002-2006, followed by 80 in 2007-11, rising to 112, and 149 in 2012-16 and 2017-21. Since then, we have recorded

176 wake-up calls and the current five-year period still has a few months to run. This should be seen as a real wake-up call for wake-up calls, affecting not only alarm-clock makers and mobile phone designers but indeed everyone whose sleep may be interrupted."

"What is the Department of Somnolence doing about it?" I asked. "Is this dramatic rise in wake-up calls something that should never happen again?"

"Good question," Sir Torpid said, "but perhaps an ever better one is whether it should never be allowed to happen again. So far this year Hansard has recorded 37 uses of the

phrase 'never happen

again' and only

five uses of

'never be

allowed to

happen again'.

There is a

clear distinction

between things

happening and things being allowed to happen. In the last 10 years, there have been 327 occasions of 'never happen again' and only 36 of 'never be allowed to happen again'. Interestingly, in the last ten years of the previous millennium, from 1990-1999 there were only 13 instances of 'never be allowed to happen again'.

This clearly shows that things often happen without our allowing them but more things happen nowadays whether we allow them or not. Must go now. Nice talking to you but it's time for my nap."

PENTALETTA

Can you find 22 or more words containing only the five letters shown on the left? Each word must include the letter in the centre, in this case L, and must contain at least four letters, but there is no limit on the number of times you can use a letter in any word. Your list should include a nine-letter word that's lively.

Average mark: 22 words • Good: 28 words

Excellent: 33 words • Incredible: 37 words

LAST WEEK'S SOLUTION: denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied, denied

SUDOKU

Fill the grid so that every column, row, and 3x3 square includes all the digits from 1 to 9. Level: Moderate Target: 24 mins

LAST SATURDAY'S SOLUTION

For extra clues call:

0901 322 5603

*Calls cost 75p plus your telephone company's network access charge.

For today's full solution

call: 0907 181 2575

network access charge.

ANY QUERIES? EMAIL US ON PUZZLES-BEACHPLACEM

FAITH, HOPE AND SUE Lisa Wild

RUPERT AND THE ANGRY SEA No 25

Sam asks to use the phone and then Calls the same number once again.

"The postmistress will find it odd if Rupert goes back to the shop so soon," Sam tells Jem. "You two stay here, while I go inside and make the call." "What a coincidence! You're the second person to ask for that number today," says the postmistress. "I'll just put you through." Sam looks grim as he hears the person who answers the 'phone. "Sorry, wrong number!" he says and hangs up quickly. "Who was it?" ask Rupert and Jem anxiously.

He soon rings off and quickly goes To tell the others what he knows.

---

express.co.uk

0457

Saturday, August 22, 2026

3

THE SUNSHINE PUZZLE

The Sunshine Puzzle has been a firm favourite with readers of the Express for many years. All you need to do is find the correct home for the listed words. We have helped you by placing two. Here are the words that go into the grid:

EWE HERS MIEN NORM OINK SAGA SEAL SOON TAME ANVIL EIDER ENSUE ENVOI GAVEL LEAVE PARCH SHIRT SMASH TRAIN BELLOWS BETIMES CISTERN CONFESS EPSILON EXTREME SEASIDE SESSILE STATION SUCCESS SURPASS SYRINGE AERIALIST ECONOMICS IMITATIVE RESERVOIR SENSITIVE SURPRISES

For today's solution call: 0907 181 2584

"Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company's network access charge."

LAST SATURDAY'S SOLUTION

ACROSS Collector's items, Shortcuts, Dirt, Tack, Lignite, Apostle, Air, Outwear, Apropos, Tug, Emotive, Oversee, Nose, Bike, Perennial, Stockbroker belt. DOWN Cold-bloodedness, Lost, Clop, Onto, Snug, Test, Sickness benefit, Righteous, Antipasti, Mimetic, Hearten, Paragon, Gourmet, Epic, Grab, Unto, Dire, Blub.

THE DAILY EXPRESS 30-SECOND CHALLENGE

TODAY'S ANSWERS: BEGINNER = 7; INTERMEDIATE = 66; ADVANCED = 156.

BATTLESHIPS

FIND where the fleet of ships shown is hidden in the grid. The numbers to the right of and below the grid indicate how many of the squares in that row are filled in with ships or parts of ships. The ships do not touch each other, even diagonally. Some squares have been filled in to start you off.

SMALL CROSSWORD

For today's solution call: 0907 181 2583

LAST SATURDAY'S SOLUTION

ACROSS 1 Identify, 6 Navy, 8 Relay, 11 Morelly, 12 Ears, 14 Rat, 15 Upset, 16 See, 17 Scar, 19 Terror, 20 Trade, 21 Wise, 22 Presents. DOWN 1 Intensity, 2 Ewe, 3 Treasures, 4 Fix, 5 Mysteries, 7 Amateur, 9 Elves, 10 Avatars, 13 Speed, 18 Coin, 19 Tar.

ACROSS

1 Part of the unconscious mind (8) 6 Comply (4) 8 In a state of conflict or difficulty (5) 11 Depended (6) 12 Incline (4) 14 Chart success (3) 15 In a poor or inadequate way (5) 16 Comedian (3) 17 Footwear item (4) 19 Not as fast (6) 20 Woolly animal (5) 21 Celebrity (4) 22 Took the dimensions of (8)

DOWN

1 Compass direction (9) 2 Rind of an orange (4) 3 Pardon sir (anag.) (9) 4 Deity (3) 5 Complimented (9) 7 From England, Scotland or Wales (7) 9 Sensen (5) 10 School outfit (7) 13 Furniture item (5) 18 Perceive sounds (4) 19 Observe (3)

TARGET

HOW many words of four letters or more can you make from the letters shown here? In making a word, each letter may be used once only. Each must contain the centre letter and there must be at least one nine-letter word. No plurals. Verb forms ending in "s" permitted.

TODAY'S TARGET

Good 12; very good 18; excellent 24 (or more). Solution next Saturday.

LAST SATURDAY'S SOLUTION

bent bite bitumen bunt cent cite cubit cute emit

INCUMBENT item mint minuet minute mite mute time time tube tune tunic unbent unit unite unmet untie

Call 0907 181 2586 for

today's Target solution

"Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company's network access charge. All puzzles use The Chambers Dictionary

CRUSADER CROSSWORD

WARN E too

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100 CASH read down the letters in the highlighted squares to reveal the mystery word

ACROSS

1 Improved class introduced to marsh plant (8) 5 Saint about to meet ship revealing pressure (6) 10 Third offer - a base arranged for similar people (5,2,17) 11 Large worker with hesitation getting new lamp (7) 12 Vulnerable former partner initially distressed about attitude (7) 13 A man collecting US soldier and volunteers, flustered (8) 15 Creepy European seen beside lake (5) 18 Sweltering, the Spanish inn (5) 20 Strange guys taking time with small scraps (8) 23 Self-important politician with ring enters post office with us (7) 25 Syrup making cat reel badly (7) 26 Children see fool wandering from student accommodation (4,2,9) 27 Sea ridder with baked dish carrying rodent (6) 28 He's seen with man, not as rash (8)

DOWN

1 A couple of bachelors in river with the French mob (6) 2 Stronghold near town originally used for two weeks (9) 3 Some more spectators showing consideration (7) 4 Small and delicate head of English, 50, with fellow at home (5) 6 Trudge wearily from wild parties (7) 7 Characteristic attitudes firstly enraging Thomas (5) 8 Quiet communist with the German device for destroying documents (8) 9 Bad journalist letting in goal being insulted (8) 14 Strange sort sure to produce this garment (8) 16 Reserve finding recent ice breaking (9) 17 Hurry up getting two pieces of meat (4-4) 19 Appearance unacceptable for person keeping watch (7) 21 Half of them finished and corrected (7) 22 Alcove used for parliamentary break (6) 24 Athlete, male one, left with former queen (5) 25 Flavour detected in Rita's teacake (5)

TO ENTER: Call 0904 161 3700 (calls cost £1.50 plus your telephone company's network access charge) and leave your answer and details, or text DECRUS followed by a space, your answer, name and address details to 8883B (bents cost £1.50 plus your standard network rate). Lines close at midnight tonight. Or send your grid containing the answer in the shaded squares by posting it to: Crusader Crossword, August 22, PO Box 8694, Derby DE1 9TW. Entries must be postmarked by August 24 at the latest. For any postal enquiries, call helpline number. An extra day is given for postal entries during bank holidays. SP: Spoke = 0333 202 3390.

● One weekly winner will be the first random current entry drawn from all entry routes after the closing date of midnight tonight. Competition runs Sunday to Saturday. The Editor's decision is final. NEED HELP? Call 0904 161 1609 for 5 extra clues! Calls cost £1.50 plus your telephone company's network access charge.

NAME

ADDRESS

POSTCODE

Weekly Crusader Crossword Winner

2-8 August: 1 Withnash, Salisbury

Please allow 30 days for prizes to arrive

LAST SATURDAY'S SOLUTION

ACROSS 1 Castaway, 5 Sachet, 10 Electric blanket, 11 Stetson, 12 Deserve, 13 Barnacle, 15 Dance, 18 Agent, 20 Category, 23 Gallant, 25 Dead end, 26 Three-piece suite, 27 Rudder, 28 Presence.

DOWN 1 Cheese, 2 Stevenage, 3 Artisan, 4 Alien, 6 Amassed, 7 Hiker, 8 Tattered, 9 Obedient, 14 Cocktail, 16 Norwegian, 17 Daughter, 19 Teaport, 21 Glasses, 22 Adhere, 24 Lured, 25 Decor. Prizword: Leicester.

GET THE BRILLIANT EXPRESS PUZZLES APP ON YOUR PHONE TODAY!

THE ALPHABEATER

CAN you crack the Alphabeater? It's a tough twist on our popular Alphapuzzle, designed to stretch your mental muscles to the limit. Each grid number below represents a letter or a black square. As in Alphapuzzle, every letter of the alphabet is used. But now you have to complete the grid tool Use the given letters and the given black squares below the main grid to start.

To add to the henslish fun, Alphabeater is 'rotationally symmetrical'. In other words the grid is the same if you turn the page upside down. So, for example if there is a six-letter word Across which starts in the top left corner, there will be a corresponding six-letter word Across which ends in the bottom right corner square. Every black square has a symmetrical 'twin' but the 'twin' may not always share the same number. This can help identify other black squares. Of course if the centre square is black it has no corresponding 'twin'. Solution next Saturday.

A	33	10	37	2	9	2	18	39	18	39	12	2	1
B	4	38	4	6	37	29	33	18	1	25	27	38	24
C	24	18	37	26	39	25	3	34	26	12	28	37	18
D	4	31	26	21	12	36	21	40	3	28	33	32	37
E	37	2	16	26	5	2	17	10	28	19	26	9	39
F	9	1	16	32	6	34	38	8	30	2	29	36	9
G	29	25	5	22	9	40	30	39	25	17	2	13	6
H	35	10	31	26	3	28	29	25	31	15	22	30	24
I	2	25	18	37	5	27	26	34	2	37	14	39	34
J	23	30	10	19	15	7	3	21	13	36	26	6	28
K	2	20	4	39	25	2	15	7	26	37	37	28	23
L	16	3	31	25	27	18	38	32	34	1	19	27	16
M	21	26	11	11	37	26	12	26	18	2	24	32	15
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

Target Time: 36 minutes

Today's full solution

0907 181 2557

Extra letter clues

0907 181 2559

Today's full solution

0907 181 2557

Extra letter clues

0907 181 2559

Call for up to six extra letter clues. (Deduct three minutes for each extra letter heard.) Callers will also be given two black square numbers free of any target time penalty.

"Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company's network access charge.

Alternatively, for six Extra Letter clues direct to your public, text DSXBEAT to 64343.

Tests cost $1 plus your standard network rate.

LAST SATURDAY'S

SOLUTION Black squares:

5, 8, 11, 14, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27,

28, 29, 31, 35, 39. Across:

Quick, March, Twins,

Paradox, Abysmal, Nil, Ass,

Annoyed, Attends, Acorn,

Brown, Crank. Down:

Faction, Turt, Equivalent,

Pigs, Yearning, Skip, Men,

Such, Amorphs, Age,

Dreadlocks, Echo, Stanzas.

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DRAFT

Saturday, August 22, 2026 39

41 Travel 50 Food 54 Gardening 56 Shopping 59 City PLUS Puzzles

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BACK ON TRACKS London to Switzerland parely by train SEE PAGE 42

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31

HANNAH REES is charmed by the art, food, brandy and history of Honfleur in Normandy

Getting off the coach at the port town of Honfleur, I instantly wished it had been on my radar sooner. Stepping out on to cobbled streets, the smell of fresh fish in the air, Le Vieux Bassin old harbour in the distance, I knew I was going to like it here.

An art class taking place right on the harbour, a vintage two-storey merry-go-round, rows of fishing boats – it felt like being dropped straight into a postcard.

Honfleur is one of the delightful stops on Fred. Olsen Bolette's Coastal Charms of Normandy and Dorset five-night cruise. And charmed I was.

Our coach dropped us off outside fishmonger's, Les Goélands, which is a five-minute walk from Le Vieux Bassin, the 17th-century harbour.

Visitors can explore the town in different ways, with touring boats or a small train that will take you through its medieval streets on a 45-minute guided tour.

I chose to get a feel for the place on foot and headed straight to Le Vieux Bassin.

Surrounding the harbour are tall slate houses that reflect off the water, similar to Copenhagen's Nyhavn or Weymouth's Old Harbour. Cafes, boutique shops and restaurants are in abundance.

You can also discover Lieutenancy, a 17th-century former governor's mansion and ancient port gate, and the nearby Eglise Sainte-Catherine, France's largest wooden

church. It's a beauty, built by residents using wood from the Touques forest using their shipbuilding skills, replacing a stone church destroyed in the Hundred Years' War.

Quai Sainte-Catherine, which is to the west and south side of Le Vieux Bassin, is made up of 40 slate buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. It's a bustling area, with the clinking of plates and glasses coming from restaurants and cafes that offer outdoor seating looking on to the famous harbour.

The buildings are one of the reasons Honfleur has inspired artists from across the globe, as could be seen by the dozen harbourside painters.

Claude Monet spent his formative years here, guided by his mentor Eugène, giving us La Lieutenance at Honfleur (1864), Le Rue de la Bavole at Honfleur (1864) and The Beach at Honfleur (1864-66).

Wandering the streets, visitors will come across bistros, art studios and gift shops.

Naturally, the town also offers seafood restaurants including Restaurante Bar De La Mer, an oyster bar on a fishing boat.

It was the perfect town for a stroll, stopping off at cafes for coffee and browsing through handcrafted products and artwork.

Some artists were at work outside their own shops, too, so tourists could see their mementos being created right in front of them. I came across several shops that specialise in regional goods such as soft

cheeses, cider and Calvados. This apple brandy is produced exclusively in the Normandy region by fermenting crushed apples into a dry cider, and distilling it into a clear spirit, before aging in oak barrels.

You can get more of a taste for it at Busnel Distillery, around a 40-minute drive from Honfleur in the neighbouring commune of Cormeilles. It's the largest distillery in Normandy and dates back to 1820.

I was given a tour around the site, and learned more about the apple-based products Normandy is famous for.

The drive to get there from Honfleur was something else, passing many traditional timber houses that bring so much character to the region.

The distillery was a fascinating experience

BOOK IT

Fred. Olsen offers seven-night Coastal Charm of France from 1949pp, departing May 2027 on a round trip from Newcastle. fredolisencrimes.com

that literally took my breath away. Not because of the size of its giant cellar, where 11,700 litre barrels are stored, but because you could taste the alcohol in the air, which hit the back of your throat.

It was an eye-opener on Normandy's tasty exports, with the added bonus of soft cheese to sample.

The town was a revelation, with its maze of side streets leading you to ever more wonders. Its bars and restaurants were the perfect place to stop and watch the world go by.

I was only there for a few hours before I headed back to the ship. And Bolette regularly departs from its homeport, Liverpool's Cruise Terminal, with more than 20 scheduled calls this year.

How do you like those apples?

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42

express.co.uk/travel

DAYS?

Warning over kids' passports

By NATALIE KING

Families travelling with children have been warned to check the passports of under 16s due to a rule that's often overlooked.

Brits who book a last-minute break, or leave it until the week before to check their passports, may find they need to get an urgent replacement if there are issues such as damage or not enough validity left.

Generally, adults can get a replacement passport using the Passport Office's one-day premium service, subject to appointment

availability (£239.50 for an adult passport, compared to £102 for a standard online application). Your passport is ready to collect from the office in around four hours.

But many parents don't realise this service is only available for those renewing an adult passport. It can't be used for new passports, and it's not available for under 16s.

The fastest service available to get a new or replacement child passport is one-week fast track, and you'll still need to make an appointment and visit a passport office.

Next stop: Swiss rail revelation

Travelling purely by train, JANE LAVENDER has an awakening in Switzerland, with stop offs at Lake Geneva, the band Queen's beloved town and the top of Europe

Summer holidays for me normally start with a trip to the airport, early morning pints, huge queues and more waiting around than should be legal, before the ultimate rush to jump into a metal tube and be flown to your destination.

So, this year I decided to try something different – an entire holiday abroad without getting on a plane once. Instead, I opted to travel by train for my break to Switzerland with Great Rail Journeys.

Now, as someone who is a very regular user of trains in the UK this wasn't some without trepidation. If I had a pound for the number of journeys either cancelled or delayed for incredibly avoidable reasons – I was once told the delay was because the "train had gone too slowly" – I'd be as rich as Elon Musk.

However, European trains have a reputation for reliability and punctuality, so off I went.

First port of call was St Pancras in London to hop on the Eurostar to Paris. Ruthlessly efficient, with passport control and security cleared in a matter of minutes, we were already off to a great start.

Another huge benefit of travelling by train is there's no limit to the amount of liquid you can carry – no tiny travel-sized bottles for me.

Sitting back in comfort on a lovely air-conditioned train, we whizzed through Kent and into the tunnel before arriving at Paris Gare du Nord bang on time.

A sprint across the French capital to Gare du Lyon – a very busy station and a word to the

'It was magical to watch countryside flash by'

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Saturday, August 22, 2026

43

wise, rife with pick pockets, so keep a very careful eye on your belongings – and on to the second train of the day: a TGV to Geneva. Another bonus of trains on the continent aside from punctuality, cost and cleanliness, is many are double deckers.

It was magical to watch the French countryside flash by, including fields of sunflowers as well as incredible lakes and rivers, from my vantage point on the top deck of the train.

The final train of the day was the utterly efficient Swiss service to Montreux, a quaint city sitting on the shore of the always stunning Lake Geneva.

Staying in the Hotel Royal Plaza, just a short walk from the station, and positioned perfectly on the banks of the lake, we arrived just in time for sunset, which was such a spectacle it would have made the entire trip worthwhile on its own.

Day two started with a breakfast overlooking Lake Geneva before a trip to Chillon Castle on the outskirts of Montreux. A medieval castle, it looks as though it's floating on the surface of Lake Geneva and has a fascinating past, not least being the inspiration behind Lord Byron's poem The Prisoner of Chillon.

Our British literary great wasn't beyond a bit of high-end graffiti and even signed his named in the underground cell where the muse for his poem, the monk Francois Bonivard, was imprisoned.

In unbelievable condition, a guided tour of the castle is a must to uncover all of its secrets. So close to the lake, it would have been insane to not travel back to our hotel by boat, taking in the views of the surrounding mountains and the crystal clear blue water.

A quick dip in Lake Geneva is a must for those staying on its shores. Immaculately clean, you can see straight to the bottom, and it's surprisingly warm.

There is plenty to see and do in Montreux – Queen loved the town and recorded here, and it's home to the Queen experience and Freddie Mercury statue overlooking the lake. But being so close to the French border meant a trip to Chamonix was in order to gaze at the incredible Mont Blanc and to take the funicular – a train that literally goes straight up the side of a mountain – to see the nearby glacier.

It was then a train back through the forests, lakes, rivers and meadows of France and Switzerland

BOOK IT

You can book the night-day Goldenpass, Mont Blanc & Junetour Express from £2.799pp. Find out more at greatrail.com

before a delicious dinner on our last night in Mountreux.

One of the highlights of a trip to Switzerland is the Golden Pass Train, which travels through mountains on a track that wouldn't look out of place in a children's play area in the UK. It carries huge, comfortable trains fitted with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows so you can take in breathtaking view after breathtaking view. It puts the London to Manchester train to shame.

The Golden Pass connects Montreux to Interlaken, a magical town in between the lakes Thun and Brienz, known as the adventure gateway to the Alps.

Our hotel had spectacular views of Jungfrau, dubbed the Top of Europe, and the sky was filled daily with paragliders brave enough to jump off a nearby mountain top and float back to earth.

One of the most magical experiences of the entire holiday was making our way up Jungfrau, but don't worry you don't have to don climbing gear and crampons. You guessed it... a train will get you there.

First was a stunning 20-minute cable car ride right past the North Face of the Eiger – the mind genuinely boggles as to how anyone has ever been able to scale it – before getting on another train that takes you through the heart of Jungfrau right to the very top.

A magical, snow-covered landscape awaits, complete with ice sculptures, views for hundreds of miles and the highest Lindt chocolate shop in the world (spoiler, it also has the highest prices in the world so wait until you're back on lower terrain before getting your Swiss chocolate fix).

Other highlights from Interlaken include Schynige Platte, a fairytale botanical garden filled with alpine plants and surrounded by magical meadows of wildflowers, snow-covered mountain peaks and adorable Swiss chalets.

Both the lake and town of Thun are well worth a visit, with a medieval castle, stunning church and cobbled alleyways perfect for getting lost in, not to mention the river, which feeds the lake itself – both

an incomprehensible shade of turquoise.

Switzerland was truly a country of dreams, so stunning it almost doesn't seem real.

Has a holiday by train changed my mind about always using planes to head off on my foreign travels? One hundred percent yes!

CRUISE DIRECTOR'S TIPS TO MAKE YOUR TRIP PLAIN SAILING

By JULIE DELANAYE

Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, picking the right cabin is key on a cruise holiday.

I asked Scott Sanders, cruise director for Marella Cruises, which cabin is actually the best to book, especially for passengers looking to be as close to the action as possible.

"Midship on decks five, six, eight, nine and 10," Scott told me. "When my parents come on board, they always request a cabin midship. There's easy access for kitchens, the theatre, and the Squid & Anchor pub."

And if you're planning a sailing on Marella Voyager specifically, according to Scott, midship on deck five is one of the best spots to book a cabin.

Sometimes the amount of entertainment on a ship can be daunting, too, which is why Scott put together a "new to cruise" presentation for his guests. It was so

popular it actually ended up being rolled out across the Marella Cruises fleet.

When Scott was asked what common mistake passengers can make on board, he said: "Not asking questions when they've got questions," he said. "People get frustrated when they go home and didn't know [certain] information."

The presentation provides a handy way for Scott to meet passengers too, and answer their queries, including how to navigate their way around the ship. It turns out that there's a nifty trick they deploy on board.

Scott explained: "We give [passengers] top tips like, the front of the ship is the blue carpet, the middle of is the red, and the back is the green carpet."

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40

express.co.uk/travel

DAILY

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Booking a break after summer's peak season brings endless benefits, and JULIE DELAHAYE finds the best places that shine on next month

Summer holidays aren't limited to July and August. If you can get away outside of school holiday dates, there are heaps of destinations less than a five-hour flight away where you can still enjoy hot and sunny weather.

The fact you won't be facing the heaving crowds? Well, that's just an added bonus!

THE CANARY ISLANDS

September still offers hot and sunny weather across the Canaries – you could be enjoying the likes of 28C in Tenerife or Gran Canaria.

Peaks? You won't have the school holiday crowds so there's more space to enjoy the beaches and pools, and the resorts still have plenty going on if you're after a bit of nightlife when the sun sets.

MAINLAND SPAIN

Popular hotspots including Costa del Sol and Costa Dorada still enjoy average temperatures of 27C in the daytime, and down to around 18C in the evenings. Basically, ideal weather for lazing on the beach, wandering along the promenade or having an al fresco dinner if you don't want to miss out on those ocean views.

For those who prefer a city break, be warned it can still be quite hot. Seville has average temperatures of 33C while Madrid is about 28C, so factor in shade and pit stops if you plan to explore the city in the heat. The good news is that with smaller crowds, you won't need to battle it out with tourist masses to visit the key attractions.

CROATIA

If you want hot weather, a lack of crowds and plenty to fill the itinerary, Croatia needs to be on your radar. Its cities from Dubrovnik to

Split have plenty of sunshine with average temperatures of 25C, so ideal for wandering through the historic streets.

Meanwhile it's still warm enough to enjoy the beaches, or swim in the sea on a boat tour if you're thinking of island hopping.

The Krka National Park, with its famous waterfalls, are well worth having on your radar if you're after those Instagram-worthy snaps!

CRETE

With temperatures remaining a balmy 27C in September, down to 23C in October, there's still plenty of fun in the sun to be had in Crete post-peak summer season.

For a start, Greece's largest island boasts

some fantastic beaches for everyone

from sun-seekers to hikers, not

to mention the countless

landmarks and historic sites

to explore. The resorts

remain open and there's

still a cheery atmosphere,

but you'll also benefit

from smaller crowds

– meaning more pool

time and restaurant

spots for you!

ITALY

If you're looking to tick the

colourful villages in the Amalfi

Coast off the list, September can

be an ideal time to visit these beautiful Italian hotspots.

The weather still ranges from around 20-28C in the daytime, so if you time it right you could spend the day exploring the pretty towns, and then find a sunbed and umbrella on the beach to bask in the warmth in the afternoon.

Meanwhile the island of Sardinia is renowned for its Maldives-worthy sandy beaches, and in September it can still be warm enough to swim in the sea.

TURKEY

Popular resorts such as Bodrum boast average temperatures of 31C in September, so if you do want a holiday that's all about the pool and seaside, Turkey can be ideal.

Hotels and restaurants are quieter so you can often find tempting deals on all-inclusive holidays.

MOROCCO

If you're after a city break in the sun, then Marrakech could be the place with its average temperatures of 30C, bustling souks, and beautiful resorts and Riads with pools which are ideal for cooling off in.

Its famous Jemaa el Fnaa Square, with street performers and a night market, is still very much open for business too.

OTHER GREEK ISLANDS

The Greek Islands don't really start winding down until late September, so you'll find plenty of restaurants, hotels, bars and clubs open if you're after a summer holiday without the tourist mob.

Rhodes can also be a great choice for families with kids who aren't yet in school with an abundance of family-friendly all-inclusives.

And stunning Santorini never

fails to impress visitors with its volcanic sand beaches, and almost no chance of rain.

Although be warned, its blue-domed, whitewashed buildings are always a popular draw, so you may want to get up early to get those photos.

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Crete

fr. £496pp

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fr. £506pp

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20

express.co.uk/life-style/food

DH157

FOOD FEED YOUR SOUL

Brought to you by Good Food's Food Director, CASSIE BEST

Fancy a bit on the side with bangin' BBQ dishes?

The best barbecues aren't just about what's sizzling on the grill; it's often the side dishes that people remember. A crisp, colourful salad, a standout potato dish, or a crunchy homemade slaw can easily steal the show. And why not round things off with a refreshing Brazilian-style mint lemonade – a creamy, citrusy cooler that's perfect for sunny afternoons in the garden...

NEW YORK-STYLE DELI SLAW

PREP: 15 MINS - SERVES 6 - EASY

Combine pickles, dill and mustard – the staples of New York delis – in this punchy slaw. If you don't have enough brine in your pickle jar, use white wine vinegar

• ½ medium red cabbage, about 500g
• ½ red onion, finely sliced
• 1 carrot, grated
• Long, flat pickles, finely chopped plus 1tbsp brine from the jar or white wine vinegar
• Small handful of dill, roughly chopped For the dressing
• 100g mayonnaise
• 2tbsp American-style mustard

1 Remove and discard the cabbage core, then thinly slice the cabbage. Tip into a large bowl and mix with the red onions, carrot, pickles and most of the dill. 2 For the dressing, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, pickle brine or vinegar and plenty of seasoning. Toss with the slaw mixture to coat all the veg. Will keep chilled for up to two days. Just before serving, scatter over the remaining dill.

BAHARAT-SPICED CRISPY POTATO SALAD

PREP: 30 MINS - COOK: 1 HR - SERVES 6 - EASY

Hands up who thinks a barbecue isn't complete without a potato salad? Try our spicy variation on a classic – every bite is punchy and full of texture

• 1.2kg baby potatoes

• 4tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

• 1 bunch of spring onions, green and white parts separated

• 1-2 green chillies
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2tbsp Baharat spice mix For the Baharat spice mix
• 2tsp cumin seeds
• 1tsp coriander seeds
• 1tsp ground allspice
• 1tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cardamom
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• For the herby yogurt
• 200g Greek yogurt
• 2tbsp tahini
• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
• Handful of parsley, leaves picked and finely chopped

1 For the spice mix, toast the cumin and coriander seeds in a dry pan for 1-2 mins, then finely crush using a pestle and mortar or spice grinder. Combine with the remaining spices and tbsp black pepper. Will keep in an airtight jar for up to three months.

2 Cook the potatoes in a pan of simmering salted water for 10-15 mins, or until tender when pierced using the tip of a knife. Drain well and leave to steam-dry for a few minutes.

3 Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Drizzle a little oil over a large roasting tray, tip in the potatoes and shake to coat. Flatten each potato slightly using the base of a glass or a potato masher – they should be split, but not

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broken apart. Drizzle over 2tbsp oil and season with most of the spice mix and a little salt. Roast for 40-45 mins, turning occasionally until crisp and deeply golden at the edges.

4 Char the white parts of the spring onions and the chillies in a hot frying pan or griddle pan, turning occasionally until softened and blistered. When cool enough to handle, remove the stems from the chillies, then finely chop along with both the charred white parts of the spring onions and the fresh green parts. Or, blitz together in a mini chopper along with a drizzle of oil. Tip into a large bowl with the remaining 2tbsp oil and half the lemon juice, and mix. Stir in the roasted potatoes, season with the remaining spice mix and leave to cool to room temperature. 5 For the herby yogurt, combine the yogurt, tahini, lemon zest and remaining juice, the garlic, most of the parsley and a pinch of salt. Spread over a serving platter or shallow dish, then spoon over the potato mixture. Scatter over the remaining parsley and finish with an extra drizzle of oil.

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For more recipes go to goodfood.com

DAIST

Saturday, August 22, 2026

31

ZESTY CORN, LIME & FETA TOSSED SALAD

PREP: 15 MINS · COOK: 15 MINS · SERVES 4-6 AS A SIDE · EASY

Grill the corn cobs for this salad over a hot barbecue. The smoky kernels are then tossed with tangy feta and plenty of fresh veg and herbs

200g cherry tomatoes, halved 1 red pepper, finely diced 1 red onion, finely diced 4 corn cobs, any husks removed 150g feta, crumbled - Small handful of coriander, roughly chopped - Small handful of mint, leaves picked and torn 1-2 handfuls of tortilla chips For the dressing 2 limes, zested and juiced - 3tbsp extra virgin olive oil - 1tsp honey - ( \frac{1}{2} ) tsp smoked paprika - 1/2 tsp chilli flakes, or tajin

Combine the tomatoes, peppers and onions in a large bowl. For the dressing, whisk ingredients together in a separate bowl (or shake together in a sealed jam jar) along with some seasoning. The veg mix and dressing will keep chilled overnight. Grill the corn cobs over a hot barbecue or in a griddle pan over a high heat, turning occasionally until lightly charred all over - the kernels should be tender with smoky, caramelised spots. Cool slightly, slice the kernels off the cobs using a sharp knife - working one at a time, hold the cob upright on a sturdy chopping board, and slice the kernels off down the length of the cob. 2 Fold the warm sweetcorn through the veg mixture along with the feta, coriander, mint and dressing. Pile on to a serving platter, then roughly crush the tortilla chips and scatter over just before serving so they don't soften too much.

CHARRED WATERMELON, FETA AND MINT SALAD

PREP: 5 MINS · COOK: 20 MINS · EASY · SERVES 4-6

It helps to barbecue the watermelon in this recipe to make a really refreshing, zingy summer salad.

It's a fresh and tasty side dish when served with grilled meats and flatbreads

6tbsp olive oil - 3tbsp red wine vinegar 2 shallots, finely sliced into rings 1 watermelon, rind kept on, sliced into 3-4cm wedges 200g feta 25g mint, leaves picked - 2tsp black sesame seeds - 50g salted roasted peanuts, roughly chopped

Combine 3tbsp of the oil and the vinegar in a non-metallic bowl. Season. Stir in the shallots and set aside to pickle lightly. Will keep chilled for a few hours. Heat a griddle pan over a high heat. Brush the rest of the oil over the melon and, once the pan is hot, cook for (1\frac{1}{2}) mins on each side until charred. Remove the rinds and slice the wedges into triangles, then arrange on a platter. Crumble over feta and top with mint, pickled shallots, any juice from the pan, sesame seeds and peanuts.

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Cook with each try something new and love every trip with Good Food. Each month we'll deliver a copy of the magazine before it reaches the Court. Or copy 70M thoroughly tasted seasonal recipes. Features from your favourite chats and money-saving ideas. Your subscription also includes access to the CF app and all our premium content. Knowing what planners are cooking tutorials. Visit goodfood.com/subscribe to sign up and subscribe.

BRAZILIAN-STYLE MINT LEMONADE PITCHER

PREP: 10 MINS · SERVES 4-6 · EASY

Take inspiration from limonada saica, a refreshing "lemonade" from Brazil made with limes. It's sweetened with condensed milk, giving ice cream soda vibes

6 large limes, trimmed and cut into chunks, plus 1 lime cut into wedges to serve - Small handful of mint leaves, plus extra to serve - 5tbsp caster sugar - Ice - 397g can sweetened condensed milk

Put the lime pieces, most of the mint, the sugar and 500ml cold water in a blender, and pulse briefly to just break down the limes without overblending (doing so can make the peel taste bitter.) Strain into a large jug through a fine sieve, pressing down on the mixture using a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the leftover pulp. Pour the lemonade mixture back into the blender along with a large handful of ice and the condensed milk, and blitz until smooth and creamy. Taste and add more sugar, if needed. 2 Lightly clap the remaining mint leaves between your palms to release their oils, then stir into the pitcher. Serve immediately in ice-filled glasses with extra mint leaves and lime wedges.

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EXPRESS TRAVEL

RIVER CRUISE

SPRING IN THE NETHERLANDS:

AMSTERDAM & THE TULIPS

Where windmills turn against endless skies, tulip fields sweep the horizon in vivid colour, and canals thread through charming towns like living stories -- the Netherlands invites you into a world of beauty, history, and timeless enchantment.

PRICE INCLUDES

• Return flights or Eurostar®, plus transfers
• 4 nights on board a five-star ship
• Your choice of spacious cabins with window or French balcony
• Delicious full board dining, plus the Chef's Dinner and a free drinks package*
• Five-star service from an English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides
• Services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Cruise Host

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

• Two culture-filled guided tours, including Zaanse Schans and the Zuiderzee Museum in Enkhuizen
• Marvel at the spectacular Reukenhof, the world's largest flower garden covering nearly 80 acres
• Visit the picturesque fishing town of Huizen and cruise across the Markermeer lake
• See the sights of Amsterdam on a walking tour

Departures April 2027

rivieratravel.co.uk/exp

01283 901 382

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Cash cash 10g points from a PT another. Mobile and other providers' cash may vary. Prices are based on two people's mailing and are correct at time of print. Single supplements may apply. This holiday is availability and subject to booking conditions of Riviera Travel. ABTA H1344 ATOL 3600 protected. Subject to availability. Additional entrance costs may apply. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. For further information please write to Riviera Travel, New Malaya, 220 Melrose Road, Boston upon Herd, Bath, SE14 1ST. For any queries regarding please inform us: 01283 1423B. *Supplement may apply.

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André Rieu Concert in Maastricht by Eurostar

Departs June to July 2027

Enjoy a spectacular concert like no other courtesy of the Dutch maestro, André Rieu, in his idyllic hometown of Maastricht. Joined by his Johann Strauss Orchestra, choir and soloists -- as well as celebrity guests -- André takes to the stage for a series of his famous summer shows on Vrijthof Square. Experience the musical magic live, alongside visits to two of the Netherlands' cultural centres, with this unmissable city break.

Board the Eurostar at London St. Pancras for Brussels, and then by coach, for a journey into the Netherlands, and enjoy a taste of Dutch life with a three-night stay in Eindhoven, Veldhoven or Helmond. Take in Utrecht's marvellous architecture and captivating museums with an afternoon at leisure in the city. Explore historic Maastricht, nestled near the Belgian border, at your own pace or discover its beauty from the Meuse River with a private optional dinner cruise ahead of the break's undeniable concert highlight. Round out your tour with André Rieu at the magical Vrijthof Square for an extraordinary evening of the Dutchman's trademark showmanship.

Your tour at a glance...

• A €75 face-value seated ticket to see André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra
• Three nights' four-star accommodation at a carefully chosen bed-and-breakfast hotel in either Eindhoven, Veldhoven or Helmond
• Explore charming Maastricht and its pedestrianised cobbled streets and numerous shops, bars and cafes

• Spend time in glorious Utrecht, the birthplace of the Dutch Republic, and take in its impressive medieval architecture and canal

• Board a private optional cruise along the Meuse River and enjoy a two-course dinner with a welcome drink

• Local coach transfers throughout
• Return Eurostar rail travel from London St Pancras to Brussels
• The services of a friendly tour manager
• All mandatory local taxes and charges

Air packages available from £954pp

Call one of our friendly holiday planners on 0303 330 0898 Quoting EXC

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS: *Save 10% discount applies to select André Rieu's tour packages (revised by 30 September 2026 and cannot be applied retrospectively to bookings already confirmed). Offer applies to select tours only and cannot be combined with any other offer. Exclusions apply. Prices shown include discount. Single supplements apply. Prices correct at time of print. Subject to availability and maybe withdrawn at any time. These holidays are organised and operated by Newmarket Holidays Ltd. ABTOT 5509. ATOL protected £225. ABTA V1952

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20

express.co.uk/life-style/garden

DAVID

daviddomoney.com YouTube.com/DavidDomoney

By late summer, it becomes easier to see where a garden relies too heavily on flowers alone. As borders soften and autumn edges closer, evergreens start earning their place. These are the plants holding the garden together, maintaining shape in borders, marking entrances, framing views and providing colour through the quieter months. August is a good time to notice where that structure is missing, before the garden begins its seasonal shift.

TREES AND TALLER STRUCTURE

Evergreen trees can give height, shelter and permanence. In smaller gardens, choose carefully. Bay can be grown as a small tree or clipped as standard, and works well near doors or patios. Holly brings glossy foliage, and female plants can offer berries if a suitable male plant is nearby.

For a Mediterranean feel, olives can work in warm, sheltered gardens or large pots, though they need free-draining soil and winter protection in colder areas.

SHRUBS WITH YEAR-ROUND PRESENCE

Evergreen shrubs are the easiest way to add reliable form. Elaeagnus provides dense, bushy growth and attractive foliage, often in green, silver or variegated tones.

Hebes are useful for compact structure and many flower in summer, making them especially helpful in August. Skimmias suit shade and add winter buds or berries, while Viburnum tinus offers evergreen leaves, winter flowers and dark berries.

Camellias and rhododendrons also provide strong evergreen foliage, but they need acidic soil or ericaceous compost in containers. Water them well in late summer,

with rainwater if possible, as next year's flower buds are forming.

You can learn about more evergreen shrub options for year-round interest on my YouTube channel: gdaviddomoney.

LOW EVERGREENS AND EDGING

Not all structure needs height. Low evergreens can edge paths, cover bare soil and make borders feel finished. Lavender and rosemary suit sunny, free-draining spots, bringing aromatic foliage and a clipped, silver-green look. For shade, try evergreen ferns, Pachysandra terminalis or compact

GROW

THE PLOT THICKENS

With DAVID DOMONEY

True colours of evergreens

Bright red berries and silver-green foliage adds interest after the flowers of summer have gone

euonymus. These plants give quieter support, helping brighter flowers stand out.

Around seasonal bedding, evergreen ivies, heucheras and carex can remain useful fillers when summer annuals are replaced with autumn colour.

EVERGREENS IN POTS

Containers are perfect for evergreen structure, especially by entrances, steps and seating areas. Box, bay, euonymus, dwarf conifers, skimmia and compact hebes can all work well in pots. Use generous containers with drainage holes, as evergreen roots still

need moisture and air. In August, check pots regularly, because they can dry very quickly in warm weather.

KEEP BALANCE IN THE BORDER

A garden made only of flowers can look bare once the season turns. A garden with too many evergreens can feel heavy.

The trick is balance. Use evergreens as punctuation points, then weave seasonal colour around them.

With the right mix, your garden will have shape in August, interest in winter and a stronger sense of design all year.

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express.co.uk

04/07

Saturday, August 22, 2026

35

FOCUS ON

ERYNGIUM

Eryngium, often called sea holly, brings a striking kind of beauty. Instead of soft petals, it offers thistle-like flowerheads, spiny bracts, and metallic tones of blue, silver, or violet. It is particularly effective in gravel gardens, coastal-style borders, prairie planting, and sunny mixed borders, where it pairs well with salvias, achilleas, echinaceas and rudbeckias.

Eryngium giganteum 'Silver Ghost' is an eye-catching silvery choice, while Eryngium bourgatii 'Picos Blue' has strong blue colouring and veined leaves. Compact forms also work in containers, provided drainage is sharp and the pot is not left sitting wet.

Eryngium grows best in full sun, in poor to moderately fertile, free-draining soil. It dislikes heavy, wet ground, especially in winter, so add some grit on heavier soils or plant in a raised, open position. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and generally needs little feeding.

Care in August is simple. Leave flowerheads in place if you enjoy their architectural shape, or cut stems for fresh and dried arrangements.

Avoid moving established plants if possible, as many develop deep roots and settle best when left undisturbed.

Fun fact: Some eryngiums keep their colour and shape well when dried, which makes them useful beyond the border.

Cut stems before the flowers are fully open for arrangements.

DID YOU KNOW?

Kalanchoes have helped scientists understand CAM photosynthesis, a clever water-saving system used by some plants. Instead of taking in most carbon dioxide by day, they mainly do it at night, reducing water loss in hot, dry conditions.

TOP 5 GARDENING JOBS

1 While borders are still full, make a note of any gaps, tired patches or areas lacking late-season colour. It is much easier to judge the balance now than in winter. Use the list to plan autumn planting, so you can focus your efforts in the coming season.

2 Take penstemon cuttings from healthy, non-flowering shoots. Choose short, firm growth in the morning, trim just below a leaf joint, and remove the lower leaves. Insert cuttings into gritty compost and keep them sheltered. This is a useful way to safeguard favourite plants before winter sets in.

3 Thin leafy growth around greenhouse grapes where bunches are crowded or shaded. Remove only enough foliage to improve airflow and help light reach the fruit. Avoid stripping vines bare, as the leaves are still feeding the plant. Good ventilation also helps reduce fungal problems under glass.

4 Harvest plums as they ripen, rather than picking the whole crop at once. Cup each fruit gently in your hand and

lift or twist slightly. A ripe plum should come away easily. Make sure you handle them carefully, as soft fruit bruises quickly once it's ready.

5 Sow hardy annuals outdoors for early flowers next year. Choose a weed-free, well-prepared patch, then sow thinly in shallow drills. Calendula, cornflowers, nigella and poppies are good options. Keep seedlings watered in dry weather and thin them once they are large enough to handle.

Leaves colouring early or dropping in late summer can be a sign of "false autumn". Rather than normal seasonal change, it is often triggered by heat and drought stress, as trees try to conserve water. You can learn more about the process of leaf-colour changing on my YouTube channel, @daviddomoney.

Some bamboos can grow for many years without flowering. When they finally do bloom, the plant may die afterwards, which makes flowering a dramatic event in the life of a bamboo clump.

Cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kohlrabi all come from the same wild species, Brassica oleracea. Centuries of selection created very different crops from one remarkably versatile plant.

---

20

DAIST

Bank holiday hosting

Whether indoors or out, round off the last summer bank holiday in style with classy glassware, illuminating lighting and functional furniture

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SUMMER.

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59

POWERED BY CITY A.M. City® Business

AT A GLANCE

STOCK MARKET

FTSE 100	10816.6	▲	+68.4
FTSE 250	24718.8	▲	+210.2
FTSE ALL SHARE	10522.6	▲	+38.1
Shares Traded	8925.8 million

POPULAR SHARES ON THE RISE

AmeriGreece	12240	+152
Avisia	3527c	+3
BT Group	204	+2
Barclays	492c	+3%
HSBC Holdings	15181c	+15%
Hobson	816	+3%
Int Consolidated Airlines	423	+4%
Lloyds Banking Group	711c	+1%
Marko & Spencer Group	383	+6%
NatWest Group	683c	+6%
Nu Trans	7648	+144
Rolls Royce Holdings	15021c	+2%
Samplary J2	833c	+4%
Texco	457c	+8%
Uniboxer	4681	+32

POPULAR SHARES ON THE SLIDE

B&E Systems	3126	-19
BP	549c	-2%
Centrica	154	-%
Diagen	1719	-4%
GSK	1918c	-2
Legal & General	284	-2%
National Grid	1171	-15%
Shell	1409c	-30%
Indiathos Group	117c	-%
Whitbread	2424	-6

WORLD MARKETS

TOKYO	66016.4	▼	-200.4
HONG KONG	26009.5	▲	+311.0
GERMANY	26136.6	▲	+153.5
FRANCE	8484.4	▲	+31.3

STERLING VALUE

Dollar	1.364	▲	+0.004
Yen	216.833	▲	+1.589
Euro	1.167	▲	+0.002

DOLLAR VALUE

Dollar/Yen	158.949	▲	+0.673
Dollar/Euro	0.856	▼	-0.001

COMMODITIES

COLOGI	▲	4614.06
KRUGERMANZIGBP	▲	3383.34
SEVER解析	▲	3188.43
BRENT CRUCKIS	▲	93.97

OTHER INDICATORS

Base rate	3.75%
Halifax mortgage rate	7.24%
Retail Price Index	+3.2% (CP + 2.9%)
House price Index	+2.0%
Unemployment	1,772,000

Digital Look

www.DigitalLook.com

TOURIST'S POUND

Australia	1.86 dollar
Canada	1.83 dollar
China	8.60 rennenda
Czech Rep.	26.44 koruna
Denmark	8.28 krone
Eurozone	1.14 euro
Hong Kong	10.05 dollar
Hungary	396.68 byrist
Israel	3.84 cheled
Japan	208.16 yen
Jordan	0.90 devar
Mexico	21.85 peso
New Zealand	2.22 dollar
Norway	12.28 krone
Poland	4.79 disty
Saudi Arabia	4.88 riyal
South Africa	21.04 rand
Sweden	12.32 krona
Switzerland	1.05 franc
Thailand	42.92 baht
Turkey	60.96 lira
United States	1.34 dollar

Leisure feeling the pressure as 'critical' UK firms up 10%

THE number of UK businesses in "critical financial distress" has jumped by almost 10% with leisure firms and hotels under massive pressure, according to research.

The gloomy outlook comes amid a backdrop of global economic uncertainty and rising costs.

Meghios Traynor Group's latest quarterly red flag report indicated that more firms edged closer to collapse in the second quarter of the year.

It found that the number of companies considered in critical financial distress rose by 9% to 53,756 for the three months to the end of June, compared with a year earlier.

All but one of the 22 sectors covered by the research reported an increase in businesses under critical distress. Leisure and culture firms were the worst hit with a 27.1% increase year-on-year, while hotel and accommodation suffered a 26.6% rise.

Elsewhere, the number of sports and health clubs in critical distress rose by 21% to 980, with food and drug retailers up 18.4%.

The number of businesses in "significant" financial distress, meanwhile, rose by 1.1% to 674,030 firms. Julie Palmer,

BY HENRY SAKER-CLARK

managing partner at BTG, said: "The persistent rate of critical and significant financial distress in the UK is a clear sign that businesses are walking a tightrope as we move through the second half of

2026. While some may be getting used to operating in this challenging environment, it is highly unlikely business leaders will be feeling optimistic.

"Indeed, any further increases to energy costs or inflation could accelerate financial distress and many will be thinking about restructuring or refinancing activities in a bid to improve their current situation."

Julie Palmer on grim conditions

Rie Traynor, executive chairman at BTG, said: "Rising energy prices are likely to push inflation higher again this autumn, squeezing consumers just as borrowing costs remain elevated.

"That would be a difficult backdrop for most sectors but especially those reliant on discretionary spending, where confidence is already fragile.

"Sadly, when confidence and spending remain subdued, I expect the resulting shockwaves to be felt across many other industries later this year and into 2027."

BOOHOO FINED £2M IN PRICING PROBE

French watchdog found Boohoo's discounts were misleading

FAST fashion firm Boohoo has been fined £2million by the French consumer watchdog over misleading pricing practices.

The Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control said the Manchester-based retailer - part of the Debenhams Group - gave shoppers a false impression about the discounts being

offered on the French version of its website. Boohoo did not take account of previous promotions, or increased prices before the discount, the DGCCRF said.

The firm said: "These historic issues relate to a period from October 2023 to February 2024, when the business was under previous management, and are now resolved."

Ratcliffe's Ineos snaps up vital salt processor

ONE of Britain's last two salt plants has been saved, potentially stopping the UK becoming subject on imports.

Ineos Inovyn, the chlorine products arm of billionaire Jim Ratcliffe's chemicals empire, said it had bought the 50% of the Runcorn MCP plant it did not own and taken full control

of the Cheshire complex which had fallen into administration last year.

Inovyn had warned that without government support it may have to shut the site due to high energy bills.

That would have left the UK with one such plant, and dependant on imported salt for the first time.

Chemicals derived from salt are used to purify water and produce key supplies such as construction materials, plastics and explosives.

Ineos did not say if the deal prevents the need for an injection of taxpayers' funds to secure the 90-job site's long-term survival.

++ THE FTSE 100 THE FTSE 100 THE FTSE 100 ++

COMPANY	CLOSE	+/-	12 WEEK HIGH	LOW
St Group	2891	+38	4490%	1624%
A.B. Foods	2861	+30	2350%	1729%
Abberdon Group	2625	+2	3%	177%
Admiror Group	3976	+58	4008	2623%
Arind Africa	3271	+1%	4361%	2711%
Alliance Witter	1370	+7	1394	1178
Anglo-American	4867	+101	4230%	2122%
Antifungista	3985	+199	4619%	2076%
Antisylvacca	12240	+152	15720%	9891%
Auto Trader	5460	+19%	831	418%
Avisia	2717	+3	7481%	5981%
B&E Systems	2126	-19	2350%	1529
BP	6491	-2%	6691%	3901%
BT Group	204	+2	242	17%
Balacock International	11045	-13%	1527	962%
Barclays	4925	+3%	5381%	3525%
Barclay Tobacco	1725	+2%	4525%	2351%
Beazley Group	1296	+1%	1298	749%
British Amsel Tab	4131	-30	5368	3675%
British Land	4205	+4	4511%	3181%
Bundt	2754	-2	2886	1980%
Balliams Group	10691	+1%	12901	7476%
Centrica	154	+1%	2201%	1511%
Coca-Cola Company	7910	+25	7608	3800
Coca-Cola Mkt	4544	+102	5191	3509
Compass Group	31	-1	31	25%
Compulsorstar	5085	+40	5105	2231%
Consoles Group	226	+1%	2591	193
Croda International	3432	+98	3312	2360%
CCG	6470	-4	6740	4100
Diagen	1719	+6%	2141%	1290%
Diploma	7200	+43	7762	4868%
Delbassour Mining	4680	+188	5409	2580
Entain	5371	+4%	9151	5305
Espanon Group	2949	-17	3980%	2202%
ABC Inv. Int	341	+1%	356	286%
Forrville	3219	+51	4415%	1616%
General Marketing	9680	-30	10109	10360%
GlaxoSmithKline	19181	-2	22811%	12881

COMPANY	CLOSE	+/-	12 WEEK HIGH	LOW
Glencoe	396%	+12%	767%	282
HSBC Holdings	15181	+15%	1610	942%
Hobson	363	+3%	416	274%
Hanna	3510	+34	4981%	3193%
Hiscoe	1790	+3	1983%	1260%
Houston Library	790	+2	886%	773
ICG Interim Cap	2016	+14	2339	1424%
IG Group	1334	+32	1915%	1015%
IBB	3054	+64	3166	2215%
Imperial Branch	2503	-72	3630%	2478
Informa	900%	+10%	999%	710%
InterContinental Htl	150%	-1%	175	114%
Intertek Group	1043	+5	1060	1018%
Intl Consolidated Airlines	422	+4%	402	332%
Inscritec	227	+3	6830%	409%
JTI Sports	841	+4%	584%	64
Kingfisher	3371	+1	3725	240%
Land Securities	687	+4	726	527%
Legal & General	284	+1%	118	21%
Law Finance Group	13090	+520	13620	6902%
Lloyds Banking Corp	1171	+1%	118	17%
London & Stamford Prog	191	+2%	216%	175%

COMPANY	CLOSE	+/-	12 WEEK HIGH	LOW
London Stock Ex.	3602	+48	3519%	6682%
NIBC	3461	+4	367	246%
Marko & Spencer	303	+6%	418%	301
Monroe	4705	-6	416	615
Merken Energy	481	-	55	29%
NatWest Group	6651	+6%	726	500
National Grid	1171	-15%	1628%	999%
Next	15200	+240	16173	11196
Pearson	17901	+11	1337	874%
Pentang Square Hold	3916	+68	3094%	3635%
Peromnon	11311	+8	13511	947%
Peter Capital Tech	6391	+21	7431	304
Prudential	5028	+16	5327%	910%
RSL	2612	+25	3633	1980%
Reckitt Benckism	5142	+145	6517%	3662%
Renewal Metal	3441	+3	507	329%
Rio Tinto	3648	+144	3711%	1418
Rolls-Royce Group	10021	+2%	1586	900
SEQAS	9571	+1%	9971	602%
SSE	2586	+2	2767	1596%
Sage Group	1098	+12	1405%	771%
Simultana Co.	3371	+8%	3801%	392
Schneider	584	+1%	5991	358%
Scottish Mortgage	1464	+20%	1563	1011%
Severn Time	3114	+28	3331%	2380
Shell	14091	-30%	3758	2533
Smith & Nephew	10691	-8	14411%	1050
Smiths Group	3600	+17	2754%	2087%
Spina Sainz	7060	+105	8048%	1050
St. James's Place	1188	+25	1575%	1008%
Standard Chartered	2162	+9	2277%	1335%
Standard Life	9201	+10	9685%	614%
Texas	4381	+8%	5101%	411%
Totus Big Box	1581	+1%	175	132%
Unilever	4601	+32	5340%	3665%
United Utilities	1424	+8	1490%	1071%
Valdafone Group	1171	+1%	131	82%
Walt Group	2816	+68	3191%	2256
Whitbread	2424	-6	3500%	2097%

Nationwide mulls value of AI rollout

NATIONWIDE says the financial returns from workplace AI remain difficult to quantify, as it rolls out the tech to around 16,000 staff.

Paul Ballard, the building society's technology transformation director, anticipates it will mean staff get their work done faster.

But he added: "The thing that we've not nailed yet is what's the value that we're receiving from it?"

Staff are using Copilot to analyse spreadsheets, review documents, draft emails and summarise meetings.

Mr Ballard claimed the move was aimed at increasing the productivity of Nationwide's existing workforce rather than reducing headcount.

He said: "We very much see this as giving the existing workforce better tools, so they produce more output for our customers."

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60

DET

• BG + Barclays + BT + Centrica + Diacris Carphone + First Group + HSBC + Kingfisher + Marks & Spencer + Nest + Prudential + Rolls-Royce + Sainsbury + Tesco + Unilever + Vodafone + Whitbread + WPP

COMPANY	CLOSE	√	WEEK	LOW
Newspaper & Software
Avon Rubber	18249	+18	2145	7520
Balcoid International	11941	+31	1302	921
Anti Systems	2128	+9	2530	16094
Chemistry Group	37014	+201	640	460
GreenQ Group	540	+4	5711	406
Rolls-Royce Group	19274	+34	1051	1929
Sunion	2045		311	1645
Alternative Energy
Novus	8524	+10	900	690
Banks
Barclays	49514	+31	5301	3579
Box Sander	1078	+24	1100	693
Clear Brothers	4281	+81	535	540
HSBC Holdings	11914	+124	13971	9461
Hoosier	4319	+3	6791	518
Skyds Banking Grp.	11114	+11	117	781
Marks Bank	1704	+5	1884	100
NatWest Group	69914	+61	7224	5051
Newgen Group	8181	+101	9261	7111
Standard Chartered	21624	+4	2240	1360
Beverages
Ban (AG)	404	+1	710	594
Coca-Cola HBC	4544	+52	5170	3306
Bergen	1710	+61	2121	13621
Chemicals
Candic	576	+6	80	301
Cook International	3433	+98	3637	2466
Domestic	17914	+14	1874	1421
Johnson Matthey	22744	-7	2928	1775
Hyatt Power	180	+1	122	174
Intron	813	+1	834	539
Construction & Materials
Balfour Realty	885	+161	5301	583
Carbide Group	2561	+51	2341	1361
Daight	131	+9	560	187
Gallford Pay	608		626	4121
Glennar (AG)	274	+13	427	221
Keller Group	28844	+8	3456	1282
Alor Group	254	+1	2619	1809
Marshall	1671	+51	1884	1226
Morgan GmbH	4314	+48	5130	4050
Seasfield Haven	576	+6	384	24
Smart Oil & Co.	115		1221	107
Electricity
Enco Group	7441	+211	818	6261
YEE	23864	+1	27571	1012
Telecom Plus	8714	-2	1482	718
Electronic & Electrical Equipment
Halma	3310	+34	4878	3218
Oxford Instruments	2646	+76	3302	1766
Reinchan	5130	+81	5401	3120
TT Electronics	1321	+1	154	94
Volvo	5434	+12	496	352
HP Power	1764	-6	2616	827
Equity Investment Instruments
Aberdeen Asian Sml.	4434	+2	461	545
Alamath Sml & Co.	17624	+12	1735	1418
Alison Tech & Gen VCT	651		481	64
Alliance Trust	1370	+7	1390	1188
Avonix Inc Tel.	255		270	206
AM Global Tel.	2621	+2	270	2291
Baillie Gifford Japan	1080	+10	1080	850
Baillie Gifford Shin Nip.	1091	+11	1724	1231
Bankers Inc Tel.	14914		1541	1224
BH Macro GBP	426	+1	444	3901
Beach Growth Trust	1732	+2	1740	874
BlackRock Mining	1978	+29	1948	500
Brunner Inc Tel.	15604	+12	1382	1354
Caledonian Inc.	386	+1	400	312
City Federal Res Tel.	4244	+6	440	321
City Of London	5674	+1	597	488
Duorade Income	3164	+2	530	280
Edin Woods Inc.	2591	+41	2951	1081
Edin Inc Tel.	855	+7	861	760
FMC Capstan	353	-31	372	326
FMC Inc Tel.	341	+11	2214	288

COMPANY	CLOSE	√	WEEK	LOW
FMC Smaller Cos.	10214	+1	115	89
FMC US Smaller Companies	16171	+5	1065	1285
Fidelity Asian	424	+6	608	558
Fidelity European	439	+3	444	372
Fidelity Special	471	+11	475	372
Findbury Goldfish	827	+6	910	710
General DMT	1462	+28	1582	496
Graphite Ent	14884	+16	1600	1310
Harus Tel R	2004	+6	324	246
Harus Tel No	2004	+2	2441	255
Henderson Far Dst	2094	+2	2801	2291
Henderson High No	206	+1	210	178
Hendrit Inc Tel.	2972	+10	2200	1200
HCCapital Tel.	419	+11	509	323
HSBC InfoSpectrum	1401	+1	1404	109
Impas Ex-HSBC	843		4731	1291
Int Biotech Tel.	11204	+10	1205	666
International Public	14914	+1	1441	1171
Invesco Asia	843	+6	516	375
Invesco Pulp UK	2624	-4	400	322
JPM American	1212	-2	1254	1006
JPM Asian	2824	+8	420	2801
JPM Clearhouse	5724		984	706
JPM Energy MBL	1601	+21	1801	1191
JPM Euro Unit Co.	628	+4	665	337
JPM Global Emerging	203		217	149
JPM Indian	8764	+8	1086	800
JPM Japanese	803	-7	801	487
JPM Overseas IT	616		6381	535
JPM Smaller Co.	33814	+21	3641	200
JPM US Sml Co.	440	+2	460	309
JZ Capital Partners	1101		199	166
Law Determin	1242	+4	1276	982
Londahl Invest Co.	1051		189	1451
Mapada Inc.	3284	-1	3331	230
Marsfield Mkt.	1000	+16	1100	744
Maxim Income, North Growth NCT	2724		251	311
Mercantile Inc Tel.	283	+1	288	237
Merchants Tel.	8784	+4	685	337
Mid-World Int.	786	-2	798	686
Morris Inc Tel.	10104	+20	1020	1274
Montanaro Euro Tel.	17814	+2	188	1401
Montanaro UK	1101	+1	113	91
Munny Inc Tel.	9964	+7	1024	873
Munny Inc Tel.	3101	+1	311	205
New India	758	+6	835	432
North All Unit Tel.	432	+2	434	330
Pacific Roads	426	+2	434	347
Pacific Horizon	1116	+26	1222	487
Rainbow Int.	387	-3	4671	2271
Pershing Square Hold	39164	+68	5090	3642
Palm Cap Tech	6381	+21	7531	330
RE Capital Partners	2560	+15	2600	1042
Raffer Investment	299		3131	2921
Schroder Asia	837	+15	680	438
Schroder Inc.	374	+1	373	312
Schroder Japan	376	-1	397	277
Schroders	2264	+3	231	156
Schroder UK M&L	773	+1	782	444
Scottish American	3394	+5	570	407
Scottish Mortgage	1464	+31	1160	1000
Small Comp Smls.	144	+21	1471	126
Temple Bar	41914	+11	429	335
Templeton Eng.	3391	+61	530	1971
The European Inc Tel.	124	+1	1321	924
TB Euro Growth	23614	+2	2401	108
TB Prop IT	3071	+11	322	256
Wards Healthcare	395	+11	399	324
Financial Services
S Group	2001	+38	4459	2082
S Infrastructure	3911	+51	3991	328
Abode	24254	+2	2619	182
Advance Group	2361	+1	2669	1121
Cash Group	80	+1	80	1121
IG Group	13344	+32	1500	1023
Intermediate Cap Grp.	2016	+14	2352	1403
IF Group	71	+1	71	1401
Jupiter Fund Man.	10214	+1	1931	1131
Licentur Asset Man.	3101	+2	371	2311
London Stock SL	80524	+60	1990	7170

COMPANY	CLOSE	√	WEEK	LOW
Morning
Anglo American	40674	+101	4225	2181
Euro Resources	1691	+21	1711	711
Intelligence	3005	+100	4455	2131
BNP Billion	2523	+80	3142	1920
Endurance Mining	4680	+104	5185	2452
Foralith	12199	+31	4448	1077
Glencoe	5964	+121	6161	2841
Hochsfeld Mining	640	+42	750	2731
Johnson Bio	215	+3	3231	1801
Rio Tinto	15484	+144	8308	4131
Mobile Telecommunications
Vodafone Group	1171	+6	1221	89
Newspally Investment Instruments
Deco Inc Earth	1340	+21	1405	1175
Rights Box Inc	2470	+40	2485	1975
Nonlife Insurance
General Group
Beadley Group	1296	+5	12961	769
Rhone	1760	+3	1889	1273
Lancashire	40914	+9	694	505
Oil & Gas Producers
BP	34914	+24	4804	4101
Capricorn Energy	343		577	165
Enquest	27	+6	28	94
GLP Keystone Ret.	1824	+11	232	1624
Harbour Energy	2629	-5	2184	186
Shell	34914	+81	3583	2542
Phenix Energy	301	+6	321	19
Tubion Oil	201	+1	201	4
Oil Equipment, Services & Distribution
Hunting	465	+81	531	311
Personal Goods
Bankery Group	10041	+15	1560	10041
FD Cursors	1024	+11	1111	66
Unilever	44014	+32	8555	4678
Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology
AutoDevice	12249	+152	15316	10956
Genus	2282	+6	2170	1966
GlaxoSmithKline	10181	+2	2308	14421
Halcon	3634	+31	411	521
Marna	16304	+12	1831	1101
Oncox Gold
Oxford Biomedica	526	+10	913	4781
Real Estate Investment & Services
Brent Henry	155	+1	230	1501
Cardiff Property	2750		27661	2540
CCI Holdings	401		65	454
Foxboro	5614	+1	824	324
Harvardt Group	1801	+3	1821	130
Moon Group	431	+2	433	3111
Mooreview Tech	4755	+20	9050	4500
Panther Secs	290		310	2981
Rightmove	11014	+141	7516	462
Sanft	1946	-6	1108	808
Myersby Progs	915		920	760
Real Estate Investment Trusts
Big Yellow Group	8501	-2	1180	812
British Land	4261	+4	4461	3211
Capital & Counties	151	+2	1941	1261
General London	2052	+26	2146	1609
Grainger	1781	+2	201	1501
Great Portland Est.	3471	+61	574	2741
Hammerson	578	+3	3851	271
Herbal Bar	201	+2	2361	1751
Land Securities	687	+4	723	5381
London & Stamford Prop.	105	+21	2121	1771
Portray Health	901	+1	1071	871
SEOBO	8571	+1	9071	6041
Team Centre	1391		137	1071
Value Group	526	+101	7501	4011
Value & Income	209	+1	215	185
Workplace Group	361	+3	430	2191
Software & Computer Services
Computational	3081	+40	5086	2378
Applicable Software	215	-1	305	165

COMPANY	CLOSE	√	WEEK	LOW
Money Supermarket	2074	+31	213	146
MLA	26124	+31	9609	2013
Sage Group	1098	+12	1175	7961
Trust Group	4104		4141	245
Support Services
Capta Group	201	+3	4071	221
UCC	4470	-5	4380	4550
Diploma	7200	+61	7710	5015
Examine	1081	+31	114	80
Experian Group	2940	+7	3937	2375
Pepe	721	+41	721	281
Intertek Group	5845	+5	5853	3582
Johnson Service	1441	+11	170	1251
London Security	3650		3650	2300
Macfarlane Group	711	+1	98	60
Michael Page	224	+31	258	1001
Mike Group	2089	+1	2101	1381
Payment	628	+13	759	4381
Randall Indal	34414	+3	3361	340
Robert Robins	147	+1	164	781
RS Group	7371	+171	7981	5411
Seco Group	260	+11	3241	2161
SIC	81		12	71
Smiths News	691		771	551
Speedy Hse	104	+1	30	101
STI	290	+1	298	1071
Track Petrics	6481	+71	710	5081
Telfast	861	+11	921	59
Valendian	214	+10	11000	2111
Technology Hardware & Equipment
MTM Advanced	111	+1	191	111
Tobacco
British Home Tob	4121	-30	4962	2733
Imperial Brands	25639	-13	1541	3494
Travel & Leisure
Evoke	40		59	21
Cofia	149	+1	2541	1624
Compass Group	22671	+91	2508	1495
Conneco Pizza	20514	+101	220	1671
Enquist	671	+1	680	2391
Entain	53714	+1	9001	521
Fuller Smith & Turner	752	-4	760	550
Heaviness	300		310	231
Intercontinental Hill	19894	+31	10484	63751
HK Consolidated Airlines	423	+41	4881	3421
Irish Continental Int.	6521	+23	695	458
Mariturn	22	+1	68	36
Mitchell & Butler	282	+3	298	228
Market Group	231	+1	321	171
Rank Group	1111	+11	140	88
Sage	675	+13	738	198
Methergrove (20)	839	+141	839	5551
Whitbread	2829	-8	3291	2224
Young & Co Brewery A	862	-4	940	714
AM
Alliance Group	250	-5	327	2081
Arbuthnot Banking	300	-20	1100	760
Debenhams Group	191	+1	291	101
Corralia	3750		6175	4500
Churchill China	400	-3	445	2821
CM, Microsystems	3114	-21	5714	357
Colville Group	1460		1490	835
Croppin (Jones)	445		460	240
Edmond Islands	145	+21	3161	1061
Essentree Gordo	852	+31	970	7381
Elmore	250	+21	4521	1181
James Hattieval	1381	+3	1581	1151
Hope Group	350		396	2071
Island News	24	+1	921	623
Richish	11154	+31	1230	880
Francoisan	12	+1	1361	671
Regal Petroleum	121		231	11
Rockhoppur Exploration	721	+1	89	681
Tepe Holdings	85	-21	971	701

The service is provided for general information only and is not intended to address individual requirements. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making investment decisions. Reasonable care will be taken in ensuring the accuracy of the information provided but it may include errors, omissions or inaccuracies.

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BOXING: FURY v JOSHUA

63

TYSON'S FURY

He lashes out at AJ as mega-fight in doubt over money issues

BY MARTIN DOMIN

TYSON FURY has branded rival Anthony Joshua a 'moneygrabber' as he plunged their mega-fight into doubt.

Joshua has demanded a bigger purse after being asked to move his clash with Fury from London to New York.

The former heavyweight world champion will be hit with a higher tax bill if the fight takes place in America and wants to be compensated.

But Fury has criticised his rival

and insisted he is ready to walk away if a deal is not agreed imminently.

"It doesn't look like they are going to sign and it doesn't look like it's going to happen," he said.

"All because Eddie Hearn and that want more money.

"Eddie and AJ have already had that much money from Turki [Alahshikh] in the last few years.

"They've had boxing deals, they've had darts deals, they've had snooker deals. They've had everything. And yet they have got

the audacity and the cheek to ask for more money.

"You're all disgusting, money-thirsty pieces of s**t. Keep on running, you little cowards."

Unlike Fury, Joshua's contract for the fight contained a clause stipulating the bout must be staged in the UK.

But Madison Square Garden has been booked for November 20.

And Fury dismissed his fellow Brit's desire to fight in front of a home crowd

"All this talk of wanting the fight

in England is only to get more money to go to America," he added.

"I've bent over backwards to make this fight happen.

"First of all it was in England, then it was in Ireland, then it was in America.

"I am not interested where the fight is, I just want to fight. I am match fit. I have had two fights this year.

"If you do not want to get it on, I will fight somebody else in November."

SUPER LEAGUE

YARD WORK AND ATTITUDE ARE KEY FOR LAST

BY DAN TRIMUNDER HULL (IC visit CATALAN'S GYROGON) tonight showed a big performance is needed to make up for last week's defeat to Castleford Thurs.

Interim head coach Andy Last (left) said: "Our attitude (most be right) on the start. Our yardage defence. That's been our Achilles heel for two years. We concede too many

rain metres. Tennis aren't playing with a great deal of stage to make metres

us. They're just making metres with outside back carries and middle carries.

"That hurts. It wasn't good enough last week and oppositions are marching up down field and getting into

good ball-way too easily. Is then puts pressure on us as we're coming out our end

in yardage. That's hopefully one thing we will see improve on Saturday."

ST. PELLEAS need to beat CASTLEFORD this afternoon to keep their hopes of claiming a top-six spot alive. The Saints

face missing out as a play-off spot for the first time in the Super League era.

HULL (IR) are also in action today as they bring an end to a hectic run of three games in nine days with a home clash against TOULOUSE.

Willie Peters (left) will hope for big improvements from his side after their midweek loss to Warrington Wolves.

GET ALL THE BREAKING SPORTS NEWS ONLINE

express.co.uk/sport

ALL BLACKS OUT TO END HOODOO

BY SAM MEADE

NEW ZEALAND will seek to end their poor run against South Africa when they begin their four-match Test series in Johannesburg.

The All Blacks get their first shot at the Springboks at Ellis Park this afternoon.

But the Kiwis have not beaten the reigning world champions on the road for four years, losing five of their seven meetings since winning at Ellis Park in 2022. That run includes the 2023 World Cup final and a 43-10 mauling in Wellington last year.

New Zealand have won their three warm-up matches leading up to the first Test, while the Springboks secured a tough 17-10 victory in Argentina this month.

The All Blacks are now under the guidance of Dave Rennie, who

RUGBY UNION

replaced Scott Robertson in March, and he has stuck with Ruben Love at No.10.

Ardie Savea will captain the side while Will Jordan, fresh from becoming the All Blacks' record try-scorer, starts on the wing.

Rennie said: "They are No.1 in the world, playing at their spiritual home in front of their passionate fans, so we will have to be at our very best on Saturday."

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is at fly-half for South Africa while two-time World Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit leads the side.

Head coach Rassie Erasmus said: "They are a quality team and they're very well coached, so we are preparing for an 80-minute grind."

SINNER & DRAPER KO'D

JANNIK SINNER and Jack Draper will miss the US Open.

World No.1 Sinner has not played since winning Wimbledon last month.

The Italian (right) said: "I'm obviously very sad and

disappointed, as New York has a special

TENNIS

place in my heart." Draper has spent the better part of a

year out with bone bruising in his arm.

He returned this month, but

after first-round defeats in Cincinnati and Toronto he needs more time.

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64

DAILY

CRICKET: FIRST TEST

WORLD OF SPORT

Hunt is still upbeat despite Swiss miss

AMY HUNT may be the European sprint queen but she was beaten in last night's Diamond League.

Hunt, who won four golds at this month's European

Championships, finished second in the 200m in Lausanne, Switzerland.

American Kayla White, part of the US team that secured 4x100m gold at last year's World Championships, was first across the line.

White's time of 22.18secs was one hundredth of a second quicker than Hunt's gold medal run in Birmingham.

Hunt was three thousands of a second

ATHLETICS

ahead of Nigerian Favour Ofili in third.

And Hunt said: "I was tired before the race and my pre-competition felt

HUNT

pretty stiff, but tonight was just so much fun.

"Knowing there was a headwind on the straight, we decided to run a very aggressive

first bend and see if my strength would carry me through, and I honestly surprised myself.

"The crowd going crazy and seeing all the kids with posters made it so special. Running in my training partner Timothee Mumenthaler's home region felt amazing."

BY LAURA HOWARD

KIM Le COURT took another step on her road to Lloyds Tour of Britain redemption with stage three victory.

The Mauritian national champion took the green jersey as she launched an impressive solo assault from the bottom of the day's final climb in Llandudno to cross the line alone and carve out a 26-second lead overall.

And having crashed out in last year's edition, it is another step towards

CYCLING

making amends. But the 30-year-old AG insurance-Soudal rider said: "I will not think of redemption yet. I will only think of it when the Tour is over."

British rider Lauren Dickson won the other two Queen of the Mountains climbs to take the blue jersey.

●British Cycling is inspiring riders and fans across the country through the Lloyds Tour of Britain, Britain's biggest free-to-spectate cycling event. Visit britishcycling.org.uk

1. Who scored two tries for Catalans Dragons in the 2026 Super League defeat at St Helens?

2. Which Britons refined and finished fourth respectively after having collided on the opening lap of the 2026 F1 Belgian Grand Prix?

3. What, since known as Gran Dilingoys, was Argentine footballer Crabtree Orcan first recorded as having done in 1994?

4. Who was the first cricketer to take 400 Test wickets?

5. What colour are the outer rings on an archery target? 6. Which Polish runner won the Won's 3,000m Slospiechana at the 1980 Summer Olympics?

6. Which American golfer won the Open at Royal Belgrade in 1993?

7. Which horse won the 2,000 Galvan, the Derby and the Eclipse Stakes in 1989?

8. Which Scottish Championship football team plays at Stark's Park in Kirkcaldy?

9. In which town game can a player win by pegging out?

MEMBERS: 1. Mark Clarke, 2. George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. 3. Johnny Bates, 4. Roderick S. Cright, 5. James Bates, 6. Roderick S. Cright, 7. Johnny Bates, 8. Roderick S. Cright, 9. Johnny Bates, 10. Roderick S. Cright, 11. Johnny Bates, 12. Roderick S. Cright, 13. Johnny Bates, 14. Roderick S. Cright, 15. Johnny Bates, 16. Roderick S. Cright, 17. Johnny Bates, 18. Roderick S. Cright, 19. Johnny Bates, 20. Roderick S. Cright, 21. Johnny Bates, 22. Roderick S. Cright, 23. Johnny Bates, 24. Roderick S. Cright, 25. Johnny Bates, 26. Roderick S. Cright, 27. Johnny Bates, 28. Roderick S. Cright, 29. Johnny Bates, 30. Roderick S. Cright, 31. Johnny Bates, 32. Roderick S. Cright, 33. Johnny Bates, 34. Roderick S. Cright, 35. Johnny Bates, 36. Roderick S. Cright, 37. Johnny Bates, 38. Roderick S. Cright, 39. Johnny Bates, 40. Roderick S. Cright, 41. Johnny Bates, 42. Roderick S. Cright, 43. Johnny Bates, 44. Roderick S. Cright, 45. Johnny Bates, 46. Roderick S. Cright, 47. Johnny Bates, 48. Roderick S. Cright, 49. Johnny Bates, 50. Roderick S. Cright, 51. Johnny Bates, 52. Roderick S. Cright, 53. Johnny Bates, 54. Roderick S. Cright, 55. Johnny Bates, 56. Roderick S. Cright, 57. Johnny Bates, 58. Roderick S. Cright, 59. Johnny Bates, 60. Roderick S. Cright, 61. Johnny Bates, 62. Roderick S. Cright, 63. Johnny Bates, 64. Roderick S. Cright, 65. Johnny Bates, 66. Roderick S. Cright, 67. Johnny Bates, 68. Roderick S. Cright, 69. Johnny Bates, 70. Roderick S. Cright, 71. Johnny Bates, 72. Roderick S. Cright, 73. Johnny Bates, 74. Roderick S. Cright, 75. Johnny Bates, 76. Roderick S. Cright, 77. Johnny Bates, 78. Roderick S. Cright, 79. Johnny Bates, 80. Roderick S. Cright, 81. Johnny Bates, 82. Roderick S. Cright, 83. Johnny Bates, 84. Roderick S. Cright, 85. Johnny Bates, 86. Roderick S. Cright, 87. Johnny Bates, 88. Roderick S. Cright, 89. Johnny Bates, 90. Roderick S. Cright, 91. Johnny Bates, 92. Roderick S. Cright, 93. Johnny Bates, 94. Roderick S. Cright, 95. Johnny Bates, 96. Roderick S. Cright, 97. Johnny Bates, 98. Roderick S. Cright, 99. Johnny Bates, 100.

BY JEREMY CROSS

JOE ROOT has experienced it all during his long and illustrious career.

But little will have filled him with more pride and satisfaction than what he has overseen in his beloved Yorkshire this week.

Even the great man himself could not have dreamt his return as England Test captain would have gone as perfectly as this.

Pakistan were taken to the cleaners, thrashed by an innings and 103 runs inside three pitiful days.

England have gone 1-0 up heading to the second Test at Lord's, where they can seal a series win for the first time since December 2024.

Root helped himself to 66 runs in the first innings, set traps in the field Pakistan fell into, and led his team with the kind of intelligence, class and distinction which suggested he had never left the role in the first place.

All on his favourite ground of Headingley. Who needs Ben Stokes, eh?

When it comes to the leadership of this side, Root (right) has brought a more calming and pragmatic influence to yield instant results.

England had resumed on 366-8 with two wickets left. Jamie Smith and Jofra Archer had the task of

Root is off to a flier as new England skip

building the lead well past the 200 mark. But Archer was in no mood to hang around, and hooked the final ball of a Khurram Shahzad over into the Western Terrace for six.

He mistimed another effort off Mohammad Abbas for four, but when Smith tried to follow suit he skied a simple catch to Shan Masood to gift Khurram his second wicket.

Josh Tongue smashed a boundary back over the head of Abbas to bring up the 400, before getting clean bowled as England finished on 409, a huge lead of 238.

Root's bowlers then set about skittling out Pakistan for a second time in

less than 72 hours to win the game with two days to spare. And Archer ripped into Pakistan from the off, dismissing both Pakistan openers inside the opening four overs.

Imam-ul-Haq was first to depart, failing to evade a rising ball and gloving it to Smith behind the stumps. For the second time in the match, Pakistan found themselves 0-1.

Which became 13-2 when Archer had Azan Awais caught at leg slip by Root, whose plan to put himself there worked a treat.

Tongue accelerated matters with three wickets in just six balls, seeing off Saud Shakeel, Masood and Salman Ali Agha.

Ollie Robinson chipped in with three wickets of his own as Pakistan were dismissed for just 135, meaning him and Tongue

had taken 16 between them in the game.

And also meaning

England's Roots of recovery are now firmly in place.

'WE CAN GROW ON THIS AND EVOLVE'

FROM BIRTH ROCK: shame we don't get to play here (in the next Abbas).

"As a player, it would be nice to have the choice. I should stay in my lane because it's not my decision, but it's a ground we generally do with it. And it's a Yankshiraman, one I love." Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue did most of

the damage taking 16 wickets between them to help England lead the series ahead of next week's second Test at Lord's.

Root added: "The most pleasing thing is we delivered on everything we spoke about. We can grow on this and evolve.

"We won't get too carried away, but will

enjoy the brilliant performance."

Man-of-the-match Robinson praised his own display, before looking forward to catching up with his newborn daughter Eva.

He said: "I felt like maintained my speeds and skill. That's what I'm looking to do. I'm not there yet, but it's a pleasing start. I'll go

back to the newborn now and get as much sleep as I can before the next Test."

Pakistan stand-in skipper Salman Ali Agha made no excuses for a ninth defeat in 10 Tests away from home.

He said: "England have outpinned us. We need to flush this game out and turn it around at Lord's."

ROBINSON Man of the match

---

RESULTS & DETAILS

CRICKET

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION ONE—Hampshire v Yorkshire (The Rose Bowl): Yorkshire 173 (61.2 overs; K J Abbott 4-17), and 135-5 (40.0 overs; A Lyth 51) Hampshire 197 (86.0 overs; G C H Hill 5-20).

Leicestershire v Glamorgan (Leicesters): Leicestershire 151 (62.5 overs), and 79-2 (17.3 overs) Glamorgan 152 (53.1 overs; B W M Mike 4-38; I G Holland 4-30).

Somerset v Essex (Tourism): Somerset 469 (127.5 overs); J F Thomas 115; H M Nicholls 96; J E K Row 74hs; T G Kent 65; S J Cole 4-92). Essex 158 (42.4 overs; M J J Critchley 50; M J Leach 4-37) and 59-0 (19.0 overs).

Surrey v Nottinghamshire (The Kia One): Nottinghamshire 184 (68.2 overs; L A Patterson-White 76hs; T Lawes 5-45), and 147-3 (46.0 overs) Surrey 182 (66.3 overs; O P Stone 6-44).

Warwickshire v Sussex (Eagle-ten): Sussex 156 (47.4 overs; C R Woakes 4-36), and 84-3 (23.0 overs) Warwickshire 161 (47.3 overs; S F Hunt 4-30).

DIVISION TWO—Derbyshire v Durham (Derby): Durham 283 (94.0 overs; G Clark 64; A Z Lees 63; B A Stokes 53; B Aitchison 5-70). Derbyshire 227-6 (42.0 overs).

Gloucestershire v Worcestershire (Charlembert): Gloucestershire 150 (59.5 overs; T M Boorman 60; B M J Allison 5-19). Worcestershire 205-7 (68.0 overs; R M Edwvalath 63).

Lancashire v Northamptonshire (Old Trafford): Northamptonshire 284 (89.2 overs; G A Bartlett 92; G P Robinson 4-75). Lancashire 68-2 (23.0 overs).

Middlesex v Kent (Northwood): Kent 350 (91.0 overs; S A North-east 87; Z Crawley 81; T G Roland-Jones 5-71), and 38-2 (10.0 overs) Middlesex 249 (55.4 overs; M E Minies 5-53; M R Quinn 4-52).

GOU

OF WORLD TOUR NEKO

CHAMPIONSHIP TRUMP

INTERNATIONAL GOLF LINKS,

ABERDEENSHIRE, SCOTLAND—

(Gin & In unless stated Par 72):

140 M Southgate 70 70, 141 S

Harris (Rss) 72 69, M Jordan 72

69, M Kirshut (Swe) 67 74, S

Jamieson 70 71, 142 K Nakajima

(Jpn) 70 72, E Baker 69 73, M

Manassano (Ita) 71 71, J Skov

Olesen (Ser) 70 72, Q Vidal (Spa)

71 71, B Pollett-Smith (Zim) 69 73,

143 C Spine 75 68, M Oluera (Pia)

72 71, K Aphthannat (Tha) 72 71,

D Young 75 68, E Walker 74 69, A

Bergsdown (Swe) 70 73, 144 A

Sullivan 71 73, J Schreiner (Aut)

70 74, C McKinney (Aus) 73 71, A

Wilson 69 75, 145 P Reed (USA)

72 73, E Ferguson 75 70, A

Oswego (Ud) 72 73, S Sharma

(Ind) 73 72, Y Paul (Ser) 74 71, F

Zanotti (Pia) 74 71, J Rebula (Rua)

72 73, 146 E Lepeu-Chacama

(Spa) 72 74, R Mansell 73 75, H

McCullen 70 76, M Payan (Pia) 74

72, M Steinechner (Aut) 74 72, D

van Tonder (Rua) 73 75, L Nemecz

(Aut) 73 73, 147 Y Penniel (Rua)

76 71, N Newgaard (Den) 72 75,

M Sorn (Ser) 77 70, J Dean 76

71, S Barstow 73 74, T Jonsson

(Swe) 73 74, C Adam 74 73, D

Germishaus (Rua) 73 74, M Laird

78 69, 148 R Sterne (Rua) 72 76,

G Perreol 72 76, J Lagergren (Swe)

76 72, M Ennis (Spa) 76 72, J

Dantorp (Swe) 73 75, S Coctier

(USA) 76 72, Kyung-Hoon Lee

(Kar) 72 76, F Mary (Pia) 69 79, A

Levy (Pia) 72 76, L Barreguard

(Ser) 70 76, J Pence (Per) 73 75,

T Lewis 74 74, A Quires (Spa) 72

76, 149 Jung-Hoon Lee (Kor) 73

76, D Brown 73 76, D Rawlita (Pra)

73 76, P Larrasatal (Spa) 76 73,

D Nadea (Rss) 76 73, J Daye Jr.

(USA) 72 71, D Graham 73 74, M

Armitage 75 74, C Charmasson

(Pa) 71 76, D Bryant (USA) 73 76,

N Kimsey 76 73, A Halvorsen (Nor)

71 78, S Kianwongjens (Tha) 73

76, P Sorko (Spa) 75 74.

TENNIS

ATP & WTA CINCINNATI OPEN,

OHIO, UNITED STATES—Men's

Quarter Finals: F Colosili (Ita) ttr T

Paul (Lisa) 2-6 6-3 6-4; A Fita (Pia)

ttr A Thorne (Aig) 6-3 6-2; Women's

Quarter Finals: J Pappas (Lisa) ttr A

Anisimova (Lisa) 6-4 2-6 7-6 (7-6) I

Swatzek (Pol) ttr E Rybakina (Kaz)

4-1 ret.

TODAY'S DIARY

(Sun unless stated)

RUGBY LEAGUE

Belfred Super League: Catalans

Dragons v Hull (Bpm), Hull K R v

Toulouse (5.30), St Helens v

Cascades)

Belfred Championship: Goole

Vikings v Denton, Newcastle v

Midlands Hurricanes (Apm).

Belfred Women's Super League:

Wigan Warriors v St Helens (2pm).

RUGBY UNION

International Rivalry South Africa

v New Zealand (4.10).

Women's International: New

Zealand v Australia (8pm).

BIG HIT Stokes made 53

RESULTS & DETAILS

CRICKET

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION ONE—Hampshire v Yorkshire

(The Rose Bowl): Yorkshire 173 (61.2 overs; K J Abbott 4-37), and

130.5 (40.0 overs; A Lyth 51)

Hampshire 197 (86.0 overs; G C H Hill 5-20).

Leicestershire v Glamorgan

(Leicestershire 151 (62.5 overs), and 79-2 (17.3 overs)

Glamorgan 152 (53.1 overs; B M M

Mike 4-38; I G Holland 4-30).

Somerset v Essex (Tourism): Somerset 469 (127.5 overs), J F Thomas 115; H M Nicholls 96; J E K Row 74hs; T G Kent 65; S J Cole 4-92).

Essex 158 (42.4 overs; M J J

Critchley 50; M J Leach 4-37) and

STOKES AN ALL-ROUND THREAT FOR DURHAM

BEN STOKES hit a half-century and took two wickets for DURHAM against DERBYSHIRE on day two in the County Championship.

As his former England teammates wrapped up a Test victory, ex-captain Stokes scored 53 from 61 balls before he was caught and bowled by Anuj Dal.

After helping Durham post 283 in the Division Two fixture, Stokes struck with his first ball to remove Harry Came, who

COUNTY ROUND-UP

edged to Alex Lees at third slip. Then a yorker accounted for Caleb Jewell as Derbyshire closed on 127-6, trailing by 156.

Olly Stone took 6-44 as Division One leaders NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ousted SURREY for 162. Joe Clarke and Jack Haynes put on an unbeaten 70 as Notts closed on 147-3, to lead by 169. Second-placed SOMERSET are on top,

posting 469 all out thanks to James Rew's 74 not out and 48 from last man Miguel Pretorius in a stand of 72.

Jack Leach then took 4-37 as Essex were saddled for 158, and although they were 59 without loss after following on, the deficit was 252.

Chris Woakes took 4-36 as WARWICKSHIRE, in third, dismissed SUSSEX for 156. But the hosts also struggled with the bat, posting just 161 before

an unbeaten 32 from Tom Haines left Sussex 84-3.

YORKSHIRE lost Adam Lyth for 51 and nightwatchmen Ben Cliff and Jafer Chohan as they closed on 135-5 in their second innings for a lead of 111 against HAMPSHIRE.

GLAMORGAN'S Mason Crane top-scored with 44 as 15 wickets fell at Grace Road.

LEICESTERSHIRE finishing with a lead of 78 with eight second-innings wickets in hand.

BIG HIT Stokes made 53

---

66

FORMULA ONE: ROUND 12

REEL CHANCE Russell

Russell's got Kimi in sights

FROM SCOTT HUNT

in Zandvoort

GEORGE RUSSELL claimed pole position for today's sprint race at the Dutch Grand Prix as he bids to reel in his Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli in the championship battle.

Antonelli, who turns 20 next week, has won six races in the grid's dominant cat, but Russell claimed his first sprint pole of the season for this morning's 24-lap dash, while Antonelli qualified only fifth.

Russell pipped reigning champion Lando Norris (below) by 0.045sacc, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc third ahead of McLaren's Oscar Plastic.

Less than a tenth of a second split the top four but Max Verstappen - fresh from signing a new Red Bull deal - and Lewis Hamilton were more than five-tenths off the pace in sixth and seventh.

Antonelli earlier topped the sole practice session but was on the back foot as sprint qualifying got under way, sliding into the gravel on his first fast lap in SQ1.

Aston Martin, hopeful of

a better

weekend

with their

much-

awaited

upgraded

Honda

engine,

suffered more

disappointment as Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso finished 19th, and last.

Norris shot to the top of the standings on his final run, with Antonelli unable to match him, but compatriot Russell strung together the key lap to claim pole and deliver a much-needed boost to his ailing championship hopes.

Russell believes he has returned invigorated after the summer recess.

"Great to be back after the break, at a circuit that I really love," he said.

"The lap felt really good, it all came together nicely. The McLarens looked quick, Ferraris looked quick, so I'm really pleased to get pole.

"It's only sprint qualifying and the big points are on Sunday, so I hope to carry this momentum forward."

RED BULL'S desperation to keep hold of Max Verstappen is obvious when you look at the finances of his money-spinning new deal.

He didn't realistically have anywhere else to go, with Mercedes committed to George Russell and McLaren also choosing not to rock the boat, despite holding talks with the Dutchman's camp.

Yet, he has negotiated a huge salary increase, it is understood, to about £66-million guaranteed per year, before bonuses.

That puts him somewhere close to what Lewis Hamilton is earning at Ferrari.

And all without really giving any more firm commitment to the Red Bull cause than he previously had.

The team has made a big song and dance about the headline end date of the new contract, which is 2030, a two-year extension on Verstappen's previous deal.

But it will certainly contain the performance-based levers that he previously had, which could be used to make an early getaway if he wants - there's no reason why he would have given up that leverage.

Commercially, it's a huge win for the team.

Sure, they are paying him more, but imagine the exodus of sponsors if, at a time when results and performance on track are lacking, their star man walked out. Make no

mistake, though, Verstappen held all the power in these negotiations and it shows.

He's now earning as much as Hamilton, the seven-time world champion and most successful driver the sport has ever seen.

And also someone who has completely transcended Formula One in a way that no one, not even Verstappen despite his four years of dominance earlier this decade, has ever matched.

Never has any driver put Formula One more on the map on a global scale than Hamilton, while all Verstappen has done this season is talk about how much he dislikes driving the cars.

And he made it clear years ago he will not be racing in F1 into his 40s, like Hamilton is, and even suggested that his previous Red Bull deal might have been his last.

We now know that's not the case, but there's still nothing to suggest he is here for a long time.

Verstappen's £65m-a-year deal shows he is still in pole position

Whether

or not it's a good time depends on Red Bull's performance.

And, from what we've seen over the past couple of years, Verstappen may have plenty more complaining to do on that front.

BACK OF THE GRID

WHAT an opportunity this weekend for Yuki Tsunoda, who gets another chance to show what he can do behind the wheel in an F1 car.

He's driving for Red Bull's junior team after Isack Hadjar injured his wrist in summer training, prompting a temporary promotion to the main squad for Liam Lawson.

Tsunoda's F1 career looked dead in the water after his wretched spell as Max Verstappen's team-mate last year, but now the Japanese driver (right) has another audition.

Haas are looking mostly at younger options but a strong performance in a good Racing Bulls car at Zandvoort could yet turn their heads.

FAST FACT

THE FAST two Ferrari drivers who won a Zandvoort race, Rene Arnoux and

Didier Pirani in the

1980s, never won

in F1 again.

Let's hope

neither

Lewis

Hamilton nor

Charles

Leclerc suffer

the same fate if

they emerge

triumphant on

Sunday.

FROM THE ARCHIVE

MAX VERSTAPPEN won three Dutch GPs in a row after its return to F1 in 2021 and may never get another chance to add a fourth, with the Zandvoort event disappearing after this year's final hurrah.

INSIDE TRACK

WILLIAMS have made Carlos Sainz one of the highest-paid drivers on the grid with an estimated

£30million

yearly salary

to persuade

the Spaniard

(right) to

stay amid

their wretched

start to the new

regulations.

Team-mate Alex Albon has also been given a pay rise to stick around.

---

FOOTBALL: PREMIER LEAGUE

67

DE ZERBI'S IN THE MARKET FOR A TITLE

Spurs boss 'big ambitions' after spree

BRENTFORD v TOTTENHAM

Newsweek 10:30am, 5:30pm, Sky Sports

BY JOHN CROSS

ROBERTO DE ZERBI believes Tottenham have "big potential" to challenge for the title.

De Zerbi insisted he will not know whether his new-look squad are the real deal until after the transfer

window shuts. But following a spending spree which is set to go over £300 million with the arrival of Manchester City pair Savinho and Omar Marmoush, the Spurs boss insists they have got the quality to be genuine challengers after finishing 17th in back-to-back seasons.

De Zerbi said:

"Big potential. At the end of the transfer market, I will be more accurate in my opinion.

"Maybe we will know now. Maybe we have to see on the pitch. Everyone is excited but in the end the pitch

speaks, as we say in Italian.

"It's not a problem of pressure, but if we are to be honest and correct, we have to wait.

"Football is a connection. Football is

like magic. You can sometimes find the connection between players when every player thinks like the coach or we come together with an idea of football and the players who don't start in the team are the biggest fans of the players who are playing."

De Zerbi insists the club's first £100m player, Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali, is even better than he realised and they have broken the bank to bring in Mateus Fernandes as well as

NEW LOOK Fernandes (left) and Tonali are on board, with Marmoush close to joining

Jan Paul van Hecke. This week De Zerbi insisted he was aiming to reach the top and, while he was wary of setting targets, he admitted the team is now getting close to what he wants.

De Zerbi said: "On paper it's close. On the pitch we have to see and we have to work. I am experienced enough not to say too much.

"We have to complete the squad but at the moment I am very happy.

"I have to keep the balance because sometimes the transfer market – with Tonali and JP Van Hecke – we bring in a lot. But if we have to push, I will

be the first to push, to fix the target higher but now is not the right moment. Now is the moment to think about Brentford and to complete the transfer market.

"Then we can fix what target you want without arrogance but also with big ambitions because this is Tottenham, not another smaller team."

De Zerbi joked that the past three months of rebuild have felt more like "10 years" but also stressed the

relegation near-miss last season must not be forgotten.

They have named not just one new captain after Cristian Romero's exit but five with Micky van de Ven, Pedro Porro, Ben Davies, James Maddison and Archie Gray in a leadership group. Van de

Ven will wear the armband when fit. De Zerbi added: "We can't forget what happened last season. It's a big lesson for us. But anyway, we have to go on another page. We are building a new project. And now the big challenge, without talking too much about the target, the goal of this season, is to find the soul of the team.

"And the second target: to improve in our organisation. With the ball, without the ball, our style has to be the key of our season, like our soul. These two characteristics I want to find as soon as possible."

TOTTENHAM WARNING: BE HAPPY TO FIGHT FOR YOUR PLACE OR LEAVE

FROM BACK PAGE

pitch, inside the dressing room, they can leave.

"I love speaking clearly. I try to be honest and to make the better decision I can on the pitch to find the best first XI.

"But the players have to accept why, because if we want to become better, if we

want to compete for the top of the table, 11 players are not enough, 15 players are not enough.

"If you analyse the teams [that compete at the top] - Liverpool two years ago, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus, Milan - with those squads there is

a big competition inside the dressing room."

After two 17th-place finishes, De Zerbi (left) is charged with creating a new blueprint to leave the repeated struggles far behind.

He added: "We have to move on and stay focused on this. "In sport or football, every day is a different challenge, you can't

keep the memories with you. Memories are nice at the end of a career. Now we must push for the big challenge to rise up the table."

Striker Marmoush is set to follow Savinho into Spurs, but it is likely to be for a smaller fee.

City got him for £59m in 2025, but would have to pay Eintracht Frankfurt a cut of any profit made.

BEE HAPPY Keith Andrews

Business has Keith buzzing

KEITH ANDREWS is confident his Brentford squad is "in a good place" as they prepare to face big-spending Tottenham in their first game of the new season this evening.

Spurs are set to take their own summer spend beyond the £300 million mark with the expected arrival of winger Savinho from Manchester City, while talks also continue over forward Omar Marmoush.

The Bees - who finished ninth last term, just missing out on European football - may have seen midfielder Jordan Henderson leave for Chelsea.

But Andrews believes the arrivals of Jaidon Anthony, Callum Wilson and Jannik Schuster plus a club-record £43m move for midfielder Mamadou Sangare (below) will help weather the challenges ahead.

Boss Andrews said: "We have brought four players in from other clubs, and we

are really happy with the business that we have done."

And he added: "The squad depth that we have now is better than we had 12 months ago. We were already a team that has really good cohesion, a really good understanding of the way we want to play.

"The players are in a good place and very, very ambitious to achieve something special."

Andrews is ready to surprise a few people again this term, and said: "The fact that we can be unpredictable is one of our strengths. We've got players that complement each other in a certain way of playing that we've tried to evolve in pre-season."

Defender Sepp van den Berg is set for a spell out with a groin issue, while midfielder Antoni Milambo continues his rehabilitation from a knee injury.

Bees left back, Josh Stephenson, 20, who was promoted to the first-team squad over the summer, has been loaned out to Crewe until January.

---

68

EXHIBIT

FOOTBALL: PREMIER LEAGUE

GEORGIE

LEAGUE

Keegan was

an iconic

figure at

Newcastle, as

both a player

and manager

They say don't

but lunch with

NEWCASTLE CAPTAIN BURN REVEALS HIS 'AMAZING'

SPORTS

HBO Max

EE

SKY

VIRGIN MEDIA

NEWCASTLE v

LIVERPOOL

From Tomorrow, 4.30pm, Sky Sports

BY SEAN McCORMICK

NEWCASTLE captain Dan Burn has opened up about being invited to Kevin Keegan's house just a couple of months before the Magpies legend passed away in July.

The Magpies revealed their plans for a special tribute ahead of tomorrow's game against Liverpool, with Keegan revered by both clubs for his achievements as a player for the Reds and as a player and manager for the Magpies.

Burn was a child during Keegan's 'Entertainers' era in the 90s which almost culminated in his Newcastle side winning the Premier League title. So to be invited to his house to

meet one of his 'heroes' was a real honour but also made the fact Keegan lost his battle with stomach cancer just a short time later even more of a shock.

"[I was] very sad that happened, very sad for his family and his wife Joan," Burn said. "I went down to see him at the end of May.

"He invited us to go down and have lunch with him, so it was amazing to meet him. He was a great person.

"People say don't meet your heroes, but he was such a great guy.

"He was wanting to know about me and my family, just full of stories and a great person to be around, so

it was a shock when that happened in the summer.

"I know it's going to be an amazing occasion for both Newcastle and Liverpool fans, and hopefully us as a club will, not celebrate that, but do it properly and hopefully give them something for the club to remember them by."

Jacob Murphy is another boyhood Newcastle fan in the current squad and he paid his own tribute to Keegan.

"His legacy will forever live on," said Murphy, who laid a wreath at the St James' Park tributes for Keegan alongside former head coach Eddie Howe, Newcastle CEO

TOON TRIQUITE

Former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe joined thousands of fans in paying his products to Keegan

Our trophy cabinet

There's LEVELS to this

---

FOOTBALL: PREMIER LEAGUE

69

meet your heroes

Keegan was class

MEETING WITH THE TOON ICON

David Hopkinson and other club delegates. "The whole time that I have been here, he is constantly spoken about. It was a touching moment to be able to lay the wreath in the presence of fans who came to pay their respects, too.

"Somebody said that Kevin had this wonderful knack of bringing everybody together.

"That really hit home how, under unfortunate circumstances, he managed to bring everyone in black and white together once again. I thought that was so powerful.

"Unfortunately I never got to experience that first hand, but I have had wonderful anecdotes from staff that were here during his time.

"His playing career speaks for itself, and still everyone talks about the Entertainers. That is never going to go away."

'ISAK MUST DELIVER'

BY PAUL GORST

ANDONI IRAOLA has challenged Alexander Isak to show why he is a £125million Liverpool striker.

The Swede (left) faces a hostile reception at Newcastle tomorrow after effectively going on strike at St James' Park last summer to push through his move to Anfield.

Injury-hit Isak endured a miserable first year on Merseyside but he has played a part in every pre-season game since his return to the fold earlier this month. And new

Reds boss says the former Real Sociedad star has to now deliver.

"It is a massive season for Alexander," said Iraola (circle, above). "He knows at the end it is (about) two things: the first is availability, and without availability we cannot have the second thing, which is the performance level.

"But this has to be the first aim for us, to keep him in a good place in terms of being available. If we manage to do this he will perform well because he has been very good

during pre-season. If we can keep him at a good level he will score his goals and he will be a threat. I have no doubts about his level.

"He's a unique No.9 in terms of he can come to receive and be technically clean, and he can also be good attacking the space.

"Sometimes you get one thing or the other, like a player who comes to link up play and sets the others or a player who is just quick and attacks the spaces, but he can do both."

10-game ban for Paredes

BY JAMIE GARDNER

ARGENTINA midfielder Leandro Paredes has been banned for 10 matches for his part in the brawl at the end of the World Cup final defeat to Spain.

Paredes (above) also copped a $90,000 (£66,000) fine from FIFA. Also hit were Nahuel Molina (seven-match ban and $90,000 fine), Thiago Almada (one-match ban and $30,000 (£22,000) fine), and coach Roberto Ayala (three-match ban and $30,000 fine). Spain's Gavi was handed a one-match ban and a $30,000 fine.

Argentina's football association (the AFA) were fined $321,000 (£235,000) after a banner - 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' ('The Falkland Islands are Argentinian') - was displayed at the end of the semi-final.

WINNING IS

REAL DEAL

FOR JOSE

JOSE MOURINHO has admitted he will not consider the first season of his second spell as Real Madrid boss a success if it ends without silverware.

The Portuguese (inset), who was appointed head coach at the Bernabeu in June 13 years after ending his first spell in charge, will send his team into La Liga battle for the first

time at Espanyol tomorrow with big expectations.

Asked what he would consider a successful season, Mourinho replied: "A

successful season can be viewed in many ways. But the only pragmatic way is through results.

"A lot of work is done on many levels, growing the structure of a club, preparing the club for the next 10 years. But, in the end, results are what count.

"Finishing a Real Madrid season without trophies is not a successful season."

Methalie

joy with Cats deal

LEFT-BACK Dayann Methalie has joined Sunderland from Toulouse.

The 20-year-old is the Black Cats' second signing after fellow defender Thomas Meunier joined on a free.

Methalie's move had stalled over a disputed back problem, but he has now signed a long-term deal.

The product of Toulouse's academy made 27 appearances last term in his debut Ligue 1 season. He has also made four appearances for the France Under-21 team, scoring twice.

Methalie (above) said: "This is a brilliant time to join the club.

"I followed Sunderland's progress last season and it was incredible to see the team finish seventh and qualify for the Europa League. When I heard about the opportunity to come here, it was an easy decision."

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70

FOOTBALL: PREMIER LEAGUE

RETURN Mudryk has had ban lifted

Mud's stuck but loan is still option

BY BOBBY VINCENT

CHELSEA have rejected a loan offer from Leeds for winger Mykhailo Mudryk.

The Blues have knocked back an opening bid from Leeds, who are keen on the Ukrainian winger, who returned to football earlier this month after his anti-doping charges were lifted.

Mudryk had been suspended since November 2024 after testing positive for meldonium.

There are several interested parties keeping a close eye on Mudryk's situation, with Chelsea open to loaning him out.

Leeds' opening offer fell below the Blues' expectations, while Chelsea's sister club Strasbourg remains an option, although Mudryk's preference is said to be to remain in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa are weighing up whether to make an official move for Nicolas Jackson.

The Blues are open to selling and have slapped a £65m price tag on the forward. Villa cannot sign him on loan as they already have Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea on a temporary deal.

Crystal Palace are close to an agreement on a season-long loan deal for defender Axel Disasi.

Derby date's friendly fire

ALVARO ARBELOA said he will have to set his friendship with Xabi Alonso aside when Fulham host Chelsea on Monday night.

Arbeloa, the new Cottagers head coach, and Blues boss Alonso are former Liverpool and Real Madrid team-mates.

And they enjoy one another's company and conversation away from the Premier League.

"I spoke to Alonso a few days ago," Arbeloa said. "We didn't talk about football, because our families are coming to London."

Arbeloa revealed the pair – and each other's children – are "very close" and try to speak monthly, if not weekly, admitting it will be strange to face each other in a West London derby.

He added: "We are very good friends, until Monday night, and then when we will be there on the touchline. For 90 minutes, we are not friends. We both want to win that game."

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FOOTBALL: PREMIER LEAGUE

71

Shrewd signings and boss with point to prove ...Blues in shape to shake off basket-cast tag

BY JOHN CROSS

XABI ALONSO represents a brave new world for Chelsea.

The Blues boss is a change of direction for a club that has moved from recruiting potential to proven talent in an effort to get back to winning the biggest trophies.

What is also exciting about Alonso is the former Bayer Leverkusen boss arrives at Stamford Bridge with plenty to prove after his ill-fated time at Real Madrid.

And the shift in transfer policy this summer has been so stark, moving from a club buying up young stars to sell for profit in the future to record-breaking deals and experienced leaders.

Morgan Rogers set a new record for an English player when his £117m deal took him from Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge. Just as eye-catching have been Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson, because the 30-somethings are at complete odds with what has gone before from the club's current hierarchy.

Under Todd Boehly

FULHAM v CHELSEA

Premier League, Marikely, No Spots, and Sports

and Behdad Eghbali, Chelsea have bought so many players that the club lost its identity and direction.

Welbeck and Henderson are clever deals because they have been brought in to add experience, character and leadership in the dressing room.

They have been acquired to set the tone and that will be invaluable for Alonso, who knows the value of strong characters.

The Spaniard is familiar with the Premier League – although he actually left Liverpool as a player in 2009 – but is even more aware of the need for the right culture at a club.

There were strong characters at Anfield during his time there, like Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, while at Leverkusen one of his best signings was Granit Xhaka because of his leadership.

Alonso shook up German football and the odds to lead Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title and marked himself down as one of Europe's brightest and best young coaches.

This is not a manager who necessarily played fast, exciting football, but he is very tactical, shrewd and

CHECK OUT THE GAME'S TOP POLLOUT FEVER PITCH FREELINSIDE

after just eight months as he struggled to get results or the best out of a start-studded dressing room.

It was a huge coup when Chelsea appointed Alonso. They have brought in a manager who was sensational at Leverkusen, had a setback at the Bernabeu and now has a huge opportunity at Stamford Bridge.

They have a sensational forward line that has been boosted by Rogers, but also boasts Joao Pedro, Estevao William and Cole Palmer. Chelsea's attacking options are arguably as good as anything in the Premier League.

Moises Caicedo (inset below) remains one of the best midfielders of his type in Europe, while Maxence Lacroix is a smart signing to stiffen the defence.

Chelsea would not want to be out of Europe this season, but the fact they are means they can concentrate on the Premier League.

The one-game-a-week routine is a huge advantage when it comes to fatigue, burnout and the hangover from the World Cup.

This is an exciting new chapter for Chelsea.

With established talent and a top manager with plenty to prove, they could be genuine challengers this season.

1-2-X GUIDE

That's where women

TODAY

Premier League

1 Indv v Manchester Utd (12.30pm)

2 Everton v Crystal Palace

(Live on TNT Sports 1)

3 Ipswich v Sunderland

4 Nottingham Forest v Leeds

5 Brentford v Tottenham (5.30pm)

(Live on Sky Sports Main Event)

Sky Bet Championship

6 Birmingham v Bristol C (12.30pm)

7 Lincoln City v Portsmouth (12.30pm)

8 Milwack v Norwich (12.30pm)

9 Blackburn v Middlesbrough

10 Derby v Cardiff

11 Preston v Wolves

12 QPR v Bolton

13 Southampton v Stoke

14 Swansea v Sheff Utd

15 West Ham v Chertsey

16 West Ham v Chertsey

16 Westham v Watford

Sky Bet League One

17 Doncaster v Barnsley (12.30pm)

18 Luton v Notts County (12.30pm)

19 AFC Wimbledon v Reading

20 Bromley v Cambridge Utd

21 Leicester v Burton

22 MA Dons v Huddersfield

23 Peterborough v Mansfield

24 Stowenagh v Oxford Utd

25 Stockport County v Blackpool

26 Wigan v Leyton Orient

27 Wolverine v Plymouth

Sky Bet League Two

28 Bristol R's v Newport Co (12.30pm)

29 Salford C v Chesterfield (12.30pm)

30 Walsall v Grimsby (12.30pm)

31 Colchester v Oldham

32 Crewe v Northampton

33 Exeter v Norrington Stanley

34 Somerset Tn v Smitrigton

35 Port Vale v Tranmere

36 Rochdale v Crawley Tn

37 Rotherham v York

38 Shrewsbury v Barnet

39 Surbiton v Cheltenham

William Hill Premiership

47 Hilversum v Kilmarnock

48 Micklewell v Aberdeen

49 Dunbar Utd v Dunbar (5.45pm)

(Live on Premier Sports)

William Hill Championship

Livingston v Dunfermline

Morton v Minnath

Queen's Park v Stentonมหาน

Rath v Ayr

William Hill League One

Andreonians v Ross County

Cow Rangers v Peterhead

East Fife v Hamilton

Montrose v East Althole

Queen of South's Hites

William Hill League Two

Clyde v Porto

Edinburgh City v Anvan Athletic

Holy Hearts v Dumbarton

Spainans v Eggs

Stirling v Bricenaar

Spanish League

40 Athletic Bilbao v Sevilla (4pm)

42 Esparzai v Real Madrid (8.30pm)

43 Valencia v Celta Vigo (6.30pm)

Italian League

43 Inter Milan v Monza (5.30pm)

44 Udinese v Como (5.30pm)

45 Genoa v Napoli (7.45pm)

46 Parma v Cagliari (7.45pm)

Enterprise National League

Boston Utd v Allmichan (12.30pm)

Carlson v Henshouth (12.30pm)

Eastleigh v Scunthorpe (12.30pm)

FC Halifax v Torwark (12.30pm)

Forest Gin v Benham (12.30pm)

Harrogate Tn v Barrow (12.30pm)

Hindley Tn v Barrow (12.30pm)

Hindley Tn v Barrow (12.30pm)

Hindley Tn v Barrow (12.30pm)

Sothall M's v Southend (12.30pm)

Sutton v Hartlepool (12.30pm)

Woking v WC Ryde (12.30pm)

Worthing v Waidstone (12.30pm)

Yokel v Sateshead (12.30pm)

North AFC, Oxford v Hechestershire Tn,

Buxton v Hettisum Tn, Chester FC v

Spaulding Utd, Chesley v Scardonnagh

Athletic, Hathenough Tn v Darlington,

King's Lynn Tn v Marine, Macclesfield

FC v Brackley, Radcliffe v Manchambe,

South Shields v Merthyr Tn, Southport v

Bedford Tn, Spennummer Tn v Oxford

City, Woking Tn v Hereford FC, South

Braintree Tn v Hensham, Cheshire Utd

v Walton & Hensham, Dag & Red v

Torquay, Dorking Wanderers v

Maidstone Utd, Farnham Tn v

Billericay, Folkestone v Chelmsford,

Hampton & Richmond v Slough,

Maidenhead v Farnborough, Salisbury

FC v Hornet Hempstead, Tonbridge

Angels v Truro City, Weston-S-Mare v

Dover

TOMORROW

Premier League

Brighton v Aston Villa (2pm)

(Live on Sky Sports Premier League)

Man City v AFC Bournemouth (2pm)

Newcastle v Liverpool (4.30pm)

Sky Bet Championship

West Brom v Burnley (12.30pm)

Spanish League

Atletico Madrid v Villarreal (4pm)

Eche v Barcelona (8.30pm)

Estate v R Gortonder (6.30pm)

Italian League

Atalanta v Sassuolo (7.45pm)

Rosinone v Juventus (5.30pm)

Torino v AC Milan (7.45pm)

Torino v AC Milan (7.45pm)

Venezia v Lecce (5.30pm)

THE WORLD'S

THE WORLD'S

TOMORROW

---

72

DAYS!

INSIDE TODAY FREE £3 SHOP BET WITH

William HILL

VALID ON ALL SPORT INCLUDING YORK AND FOOTBALL, BET IN-ONLY, TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY. SEE PAGE 25 FOR DETAILS.

DE ZERBI: YOU FIGHT ...OR LEAVE

BY JOHN CROSS

ROBERTO DE ZERBI has told Tottenham's players they can leave if they are unhappy after the club's £300million-plus summer spending spree.

Spurs are closing in on an £85m deal for Brazil winger Savinho - and are also set to sign his Manchester City team-mate Omar Marmoush.

They have already spent big on Sandro Tonali,

Jan Paul van Hecke and Mateus Fernandes - meaning a tougher fight for places.

And boss De Zerbi (above) said: "If any player does not want to accept the competition inside the

TURN TO P67, COL 2

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D4157

Saturday, August 22, 2026

1

DAILY EXPRESS

Puzzles EXTRA

Welcome to your brilliant Saturday Express eight-page puzzles pullout. We've got plenty here to keep you busy, from your favourite crosswords to brain-teasing sudokus and more. Enjoy!

ENTERTAINMENT CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Take That singer, Gary (6) 4 Reality TV celebrity famed for participating in The Hills, Audrina (8) 10 West End performer formerly married to Denise Van Outen (3,4) 11 Stellan Swedish Mamma Mia! star (9) 12 Suave English actor, Nigel (6) 16 Harry, singer whose latest album is Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally (6) 18 Winner of Big Brother 10, Sophie (5) 19 Comedian, Kay (5) 22 First name of the middle Jonas brother (3) 23 Supermodel, Evangelista (5) 24 Sharon, Basic Instinct actress (5) 25 Midge, Scottish singer (3) 27 Gossip Girl star, Lively (5) 29 Liza Minnelli's half-sister, Luft (5) 30 BBC Radio 6 Music and DJ, Steve (6) 31 French-born fashion designer, Mouret (6) 37 Simon Cowell's partner, Lauren (9) 38 English tenor, Watson (7) 39 Absolutely Fabulous comedian, Jennifer (8) 40 Jemima, played Chloe in The Inheritance (6)

DOWN

1 BBC Breakfast presenter who passed away in 2022 (4,8) 2 Actress married to Danny DeVito, Perlman (4) 3 Michael, former Manchester Utd striker (4) 5 Victoria Beckham's maiden name (5) 6 Legendary Motown singer, Diana (4) 7 Sports broadcaster, Lineker (4) 8 Barry Humphries alter ego, Dame Everage (4) 9 Star of The Sixth Sense and Al, Haley Joel (6) 13 Rocky III theme song, Of The Tiger (3) 14 Jessie and Lennie Ware's podcast, Manners (5) 15 First name of Rod Stewart's present wife (5) 17 Actress who had an on/off relationship with Jude Law (6,6) 19 Rapper born Ben Drew (4,1) 20 American chat show hostess, O'Donnell (5) 21 English actress who starred in Nip/Tuck, Richardson (5) 22 US comedian, Seinfeld (5) 26 Original Spider-Man director, Raimi (3) 28 Phillips, choreographer and theatre director (6) 31 Demi Moore's eldest daughter, Willis (5) 32 Legendary actor, Robert de (4) 33 TV and radio broadcaster, Tarbuck (4) 34 Riot Women actress, Anne (4) 35 Stand-up comedian, Andi (4) 36 Spandau Ballet founders, brothers Gary and Martin (4)

CODEWORD

The number in each square corresponds to a letter. Work out the words in the grid using the letters provided. Fill in these known letters first, then use skill and judgement to work out the others.

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DAIST

express.co.uk

SAMURAI SUDOKU

Normal sudoku rules apply for all five 9x9 sudokus, but the 9x9 inner sudoku shares four of its 3x3 boxes with those of the outside sudokus.

			2	4		5		1
				6		7		3
1		3		7
	9		3		1		2
	7					9	6
	2		6				1
7		8			4
			7		8
4		9			6

	7		1		6	3
	8		6		2
					8		7		4
		2		6		1		9
		6	5					1
		8				9		7
				8			5		9
				7		2
				3			1		7

	8	7
							4	5
					6	4
6		5						6
			9	1	6			3
2		7			5			7
				3		1		6
1	7	6		8
		4		6		9		8
	5		6				1
	8		1			5		4
			4		3		8	7

	9	4
	2	3
							1	6
			5	3	7
			6			3		5
	6		2		8
					2		6	3
	4		1		6		2
		4				9		1
	5		3			6		4
	7	1		4		2

EASY SUDOKU 1

3		8			5	2		9
	7	9	6		2		8
4				9		7
2		5			6
	4			7			9	2
			3		9	8		4
6		1		3				7
	3		2		8		6
		4	1			9		8

HARD SUDOKU 1

	5			9	1	6
		9					2
		6	3	7			9
			7			2
3								4
		1			5
	1			6	8	7
	2					4
		7	4	3			6

NUMBERFIT 1

Use logic to fit the listed numbers below into the corresponding grid.

2 digits: 19 34 49 60 68 74 79 97 3 digits: 211 619 719 729 748 999 4 digits: 6842 7168 8997 9991 5 digits: 14192 99611 7 digits: 1871917 1928192 4191081 9986720 9 digits: 147819788 667401118 819976131

NUMBERFIT 2

2 digits: 63 64 66 69 3 digits:365 543 565 626 636 646 655 696 4 digits: 1459 1594 1596 1952 1962 1964 3343 9196 5 digits: 18083 28084 6 digits: 429613 499618 834919 865919 8 digits: 36636464 56618462

ALPHADOKU 1

A 9 x 9 sudoku with the letters R to Z.

S					Z			T
		U		T			R
	Z	Y	S
			Z
		W		X	U
Y					W
W		S	X			R
		T		R			W
	X		U				Y

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express.co.uk

D6157

Saturday, August 22, 2026

3

EASY SUDOKU 2

1		4			3		9
			5			8	4	1
9			1	2	4		6
	7	5				9		4
		6				5
4		9				6	2
	6		9	7	1			2
2	9	1			5
	4		3			1		9

HARD SUDOKU 2

	4			8	9
7		6				8
	9				2		5
					4	3		8
4								9
3		8	5
	7		4				3
		3				1		4
			9	1			6

ALPHADOKU 2

U				X		Y	S
	W
			Y	T	V	W
					U
						R		Y
				S		X		Z
		V
		R	Z			S	X
	T		W			Z	V

FUTOSHIKI 1

FUTOSHIKI 2

Insert the numbers one to five in each row and each column, making sure that no number is repeated. The only symbols to guide you are the “greater than” (>) and “less than” (<) signs.

KILLER SUDOKU 1

KILLER SUDOKU 2

Each row and column hold the numbers 1 to 9 and the numbers in the cages must add to the given total. No number can be repeated in a cage.

20		11	16	6	11	9	17
	7						6
16			12	9		22		20
	7			8
		15	9		24		12
9							13
19				13		14		16
6	14	12	12	14
							6

20		10	6		10		12
	22		8	18		17	8
8				13			7
					16			9
9	8	15		17	12		11
		5						13
11		22		12	9
10			15		9		28
	10			5

KAKURO 1

KAKURO 2

Fill in each series of blank squares using the numbers 1 to 9. Each series – across and down – must add up to the number in the shaded box at the beginning or top of the series. A number may be repeated in each line but not in a series.

			15	7			6	22
		8				11
		19				28
	20				11
8					7			4
9				14			9
7				8			8
			27	24			12
	19				13
		17			16
		21
	24
17				3			6
10				11			15
	17				15		8
		10			9

	13	6	11				22	7
21				16		14
13					18
		8			4
					22			11
		24	9			9
	32		16			25
	13				16
4							10
10			3	11		12		19
					15
	23				15			7
					17		11
			24
			25

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4

DAYS?

express.co.uk

BIG CROSSWORD 1

ACROSS

9 Quixent (9) 10 Consequently (9) 12 Young female (4) 13 III (6) 14 Furniture item (7) 15 Exceptional (9) 17 Genuine (9) 18 Everlasting (7) 19 Unit of depth (6) 20 Present (4) 23 Lying face downwards (9) 25 South American country (9) 26 Enjoy (4) 27 Type of whisky (6) 29 Contusions (7) 32 In flagrante delicto (3-6) 34 Watchfulness (9) 35 Large imposing residence (7)

36 Rectangular (6) 37 Rugby forward (4) 38 Large breed of dog (5,4) 39 Mid-morning refreshment (9)

DOWN

1 Qualified to be chosen (8) 2 School stationery item (8,4) 3 English county (8) 4 Facet (6) 5 Staunch supporter (8) 6 Obstinate (10) 7 Sports official (7) 8 Unglazed earthenware (10) 11 Beginning (5) 16 Extent (6) 19 Enemy (3) 21 Peculiarity (12) 22 Yearly (6)

23 Religious journey (10) 24 Unintentional (10) 25 Type of tree (3) 28 Frog larvae (8) 29 Tyro (8) 30 Embarrassed (8) 31 Diversity (7) 33 Thick (5) 34 Soft material (6)

BIG CROSSWORD 2

ACROSS

9 Small sausage (9) 10 Hospital vehicle (9) 12 Ready to eat (4) 13 Seats (6) 14 Means (7) 15 Children's game (9) 17 Nature (9) 18 Goes back (7) 19 Picturesque (6) 20 Bill of fare (4) 23 Truce (9) 25 Linked (9) 26 Warm and snug (4) 27 Noisy quarrel (6) 29 Talk about (7) 32 Sets free (9) 34 Come to light (9) 35 Collide with (3,4)

36 Burning (6) 37 Second-hand (4) 38 Distinguish between (4,5) 39 Remote utopia (7-2)

DOWN

1 Very hot day (8) 2 Large animal (12) 3 Jungle knives (8) 4 Disappear (6) 5 Slaughter (8) 6 A duty (10) 7 Talleeland (7) 8 Occupy oneself trivially (4,6) 11 Group of nine (5) 16 Fondie (6) 19 Prosecute (3) 21 Keen (12) 22 Banquets (6)

23 Speed up (10) 24 Illogical (10) 25 Lettuce (3) 28 Victim (8) 29 Tie for first place (4,4) 30 Motorcycle sport (8) 31 Native of Tehran, e.g. (7) 33 Commonplace (5) 34 Desire to drink (6)

TWO-SPEED CROSSWORD

This two-speed crossword has two sets of clues, but just one grid

CRYPTIC CLUES

ACROSS

1. Select tool (4)
2. The bird is heather after the chief actor (8)
3. The only sound spirit (4)
4. Worthless stuff from tricky card-players? (8)
5. The reason for the command is a matter of formal procedure (5,2,5)
6. Charge for hire could have been learnt (6)
7. Allow mischievous child to be included - he's a sticker! (6)
8. Does nobody take the chair in the chamber? (8,4)
9. Tore tape up to make short musical drama (8)
10. The sort of performance one would expect from a recluse (4)
11. Freedom from restraint on the map, perhaps (8)
12. Abandoned socialism, perhaps (4)

DOWN

1. Travel document shows father's a good fellow! (8)
2. Warning: confused educational deal is out (7)
3. Economy in the garden? (6)
4. Coupling made again? (10)
5. She figures in their energetic display (5)
6. The artist should leave yawning at first (4)
7. The taint meant an accomplishment (10)
8. Completely get rid of the latest philatelic issue? (5,3)
9. Suggest work in writing other than poetry (7)
10. Dismissed from the prospect of becoming the better half (6)
11. Pilfering article 12in. long (5)
12. Fathead, the wise bird is a bird! (4)

QUICK CLUES

ACROSS

1. Choose (4)
2. Bird (8)
3. Music style (4)
4. Foolish talk (8)
5. Commons question (5,2,5)
6. Hire charge (6)
7. Mollusc (6)
8. Unseated accommodation (8,4)
9. Light musical (8)
10. Alone (4)
11. Angular distance from the equator (8)
12. Remaining (4)

DOWN

1. Travel permit (8)
2. Prudence (7)
3. Cautious money management (6)
4. Reunion (10)
5. Girl's name (5)
6. Spanish painter (4)
7. Achievement (10)
8. Extinguish (5,3)
9. Put forward (7)
10. Rejected (6)
11. Burglary (5)
12. Chicken (4)

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express.co.uk

DAIST

Saturday, August 22, 2026

5

JUMBO CROSSWORD

ACROSS

12. Not an expert (2,9)
13. Offspring (6)
14. Artist (6)
15. Look (4)
16. Recompensing (9)
17. Scawl (5)
18. Delay (4)
19. Exhausted (6,3)
20. Creep (5)
21. Ring (9)
22. Understands (7)
23. Vegetable (6)

24. Misinformed (4)

25. Great (5)

26. Signal (4)
27. Sank down (7)
28. Framework (4)
29. Runs (7)
30. Stails (6)
31. Subject (5)
32. Sickness (7)
33. Accomplished (4)
34. Crockery item (4)
35. Snack (7)
36. Instances (5)

37. Dog (6)

38. Ornament (7)

39. Stop up (4)
40. Shouted (4,3)
41. Singer (4)
42. Golf club (5)
43. Reputed (4)
44. Plant (6)
45. Mention (7)
46. Improving (7,2)
47. Weight (5)
48. First (3,1,5)
49. Catch sight of (4)

50. Quickly (5)

51. Fast rate (4,5)

52. Sprain (4)
53. Route (6)
54. Uniform (6)
55. Went towards (4,4,3)

NUMBERCRUNCH

Follow the instructions from left to right, starting with the number given to reach an answer at the end of the row

RECEIVED 12	x3	+13	4/7 of this	-15	x4	+32	5/12 of this	-24	Squared	ANSWER
RECEIVED 41	x3	+33	75% of this	-80	x2	+26	89% of this	-33	3/4 of this	ANSWER
ANSWER 145	60% of this	-68	Squared	+27	75% of this	-167	3/4 of this	-78	x18	ANSWER

DOWN

1. Cross (4)
2. Country (6)
3. Stayed (6)
4. Adult (5-2)
5. Rage (5)
6. Circus MC (4-6)
7. Picture (5)
8. Catch up (4,5)
9. Awake (7)
10. Pack (4)
11. Card game (8)
12. Gentleman (6)
13. Permission (5)
14. Obsessed (7)
15. Try (6)
16. Trousers (6)
17. Being (5)
18. Knock (3)
19. Stem (7)
20. Jumps (6)
21. Resided (5)
22. Cooker (5)
23. Arbour (7)
24. Flash (5)
25. Season (6)
26. Dodges (5)
27. Fish (7)
28. Limits (6)
29. Reason (6)
30. Index (5)
31. Be unsuccessful (3,7)
32. Label (3)
33. Cut (5)
34. Of course (9)
35. Decry (4-4)
36. Contrive (6)
37. Busy (7)
38. Shrank (7)
39. Keen (6)
40. Bird (6)
41. Do (5)
42. Attempt (5)
43. Twist (4)
44. Fellow (4)

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

Can you spot the six differences between these two pictures?

---

DAIST

express.co.uk

GIANT SUDOKU

Every row, every column and every 5 x 5 box must contain every digit from 1 to 9 and every letter from K to Z.

			P		Y	Q		1	O		V	7					4	R	M		X	K		6
	N			Z	S				X					Q	O					4				7
				W		R	2	L			Y			M					Z			9	O
	V		T			K		6			S			O	1			7			Z	5
		7								L		8	P	T			U	W	S	R	2			N
W	3		9	U									V	7	R		1		K	Y		O	N
	X							3	Y								T	M		V				S
	5			O						6		3	L	U			S			7		8		9
	4	M				1	U		T		8		N	2	Y		7	X	3	P				Q
1	T				7			4		Q			O			9		N		K			Z	5
		P					Q			8		W	T	9					R	M	N	V		2
	7			K		2	1	8	9		U		5	3	S		M				W		6	P
	R	S				6			P		1		Q		U						7		3	O
				X		Y		R	U		Z				W					9	5	Q	S
	9	1		6						X	M			K		2		Q				U
							O		3	U			4	5	Q		X	1				6	P
		V	X					Y	Z		Q	1	W	P		3	K	O	T	N			9
					P		L				3		8		9	4	R	Z			S
	S				R	M	8	2		K	O	6					P	5	N
		Q				4		W			2	S	X			U			L	T			8
					5			X	6			Z	Y		N					L	1	7	V
	W		1	9				P					U	6		M	5					Y
			Y					K	R						7	W	3		2	O	4		M
	2	O	Z		4						T	N		S		X	Q	K
6			M	P		O			V		L	K		X		8			1	3		N

MEDIUM SUDOKU 1

		7		5			8
4					8		2
9	1		2
	3		5		1	6	4
				2				9
5	8	6	4		3		1
							7	5
	4		9	8	5			2
	5			4		8

VERY HARD SUDOKU 1

	1				5
9		8	7
	5			1		2	9	7
		2	5
7								3
					4	9
2	7	1		8			6
					9	3		8
			6				2

CROSS OUT 1

Cross out one of the two letters in each divided square to reveal a completed crossword grid.

A	Z	I	T	B
E	X	G	F	S
L		D		U
D		R		L
G	H	E	R	E
T	R	O	E	N
E		P		N
O		A		R
S	I	N	K	Y
R	D	L	N	D

CROSS OUT 2

G	E	A	P	H
B	R	S	S	S
E		H		U
F		W		B
S	L	A	N	E
C	T	I	R	G
W		N		D
E		R		V
S	P	A	M	E
T	H	E	N	S

IMPOSSUDOKU 1

	4			6			7
	3	8						6
	7		3	2	8
8		6				5
				8		7		2
1						4
					1		2
						3	1	4
4			7		6

---

express.co.uk

D657

Saturday, August 22, 2026

7

MEDIUM SUDOKU 2

	4		5				3	6
			4		1		2
5	9			2		7		4
		8		9
	3				5		9
1				6		2		3
		4		5			1	8
	1		6
9	7			1	4		6

VERY HARD SUDOKU 2

						1
	5		6	2				4
4		3	8					5
	7		9			2
		9				4
		1			8		7
9					5	8		6
6				9	7		3
		5

IMPOSSUDOKU 2

	3		5		8
		4	1	7
7							2
	1			6		7
2	9					1	8
	5		2			6
6							9
		7	2	5
		5		4		7

PATHFINDER 1

From the top corner, make a path of words linked to the theme. The trail goes through each letter once but never diagonally.

Nocturnal or crepuscular creatures

A	A	R	Y	E	A	Y	A	V	E	O	Y	O	R	M
A	V	K	A	I	P	E	E	B	R	C	E	T	O	F
R	D	C	A	N	U	B	U	T	A	I	F	H	W	O
O	O	C	R	E	C	H	S	R	B	R	E	T	F	X
N	O	R	P	O	R	B	A	E	G	D	F	R	R	O
S	C	O	I	P	P	Y	B	Y	B	A	L	A	H	G
U	L	N	S	S	U	T	P	S	A	T	Y	E	E	D
G	S	O	L	T	O	A	L	U	M	O	P	O	P	G
S	S	W	L	O	P	O	U	M	Y	G	H	I	P	E
N	I	R	O	L	E	S	S	O	P	M	Y	G	O	H
A	I	T	O	A	C	O	R	W	N	I	L	H	S	T
S	L	T	W	D	E	L	A	L	P	G	O	A	M	E
T	O	A	E	A	S	W	J	T	A	N	M	Y	A	R
A	B	W	E	R	E	O	G	H	S	U	O	T	G	M
T	M	O	N	I	V	L	I	N	E	O	M	H	R	A

PATHFINDER 2

O	R	C	M	W	E	L	M	W	A	A	C	E	O	F
L	E	R	O	C	S	L	A	I	L	L	T	A	N	A
I	V	R	A	A	U	H	O	L	L	I	T	O	A	R
A	H	C	S	E	I	A	R	W	I	L	A	J	F	C
R	M	A	G	U	L	T	I	N	O	S	T	N	R	A
L	E	E	N	J	E	R	O	N	E	L	H	U	C	N
O	I	R	I	T	A	G	T	R	N	A	E	H	I	S
N	L	H	C	B	E	E	H	E	D	X	E	L	A	D
H	E	A	R	O	R	T	E	B	A	N	B	A	L	R
E	H	T	D	R	N	T	H	R	H	N	I	E	K	A
A	R	I	S	K	O	T	G	U	A	C	I	N	O	L
G	T	H	A	H	R	O	N	C	E	U	D	A	P	E
E	N	Q	N	G	E	N	I	L	B	O	A	P	A	O
R	T	C	L	I	F	I	E	L	E	K	R	T	N	N
O	S	A	E	D	O	M	W	F	O	U	D	E	O	B

WORDSEARCH 1

Find 13 words in the left and 13 words in the right grid.

Knot types

U	W	G	N	I	D	N	I	B	S
L	H	C	N	L	B	B	S	L	T
J	I	B	O	E	S	D	A	K	T
H	P	O	E	K	C	S	A	I	P
C	P	P	C	N	H	I	N	I	T
T	I	Z	L	I	D	N	L	R	B
I	N	A	N	A	E	S	I	P	I
H	G	G	S	S	I	C	I	W	S
C	G	E	Q	D	K	T	S	R	H
S	T	O	P	P	E	R	L	H	N

WORDSEARCH 2

E	L	O	L	I	V	I	E	R	L
Y	V	A	T	K	I	N	S	I	Y
G	E	A	G	G	I	R	Y	C	L
J	G	L	R	Y	P	S	F	H	O
A	I	H	S	G	E	N	I	A	C
C	E	S	C	G	D	H	I	R	D
O	L	H	Q	N	N	E	O	D	A
B	G	E	W	V	E	I	R	S	Z
I	U	R	Z	P	S	D	K	O	W
I	D	M	I	R	R	E	N	N	G

ARROWWORD 1

Police officer Explan- cability	↑	That woman Jesus Chest	↑	Small stand Disease	↑	Me together	↑
↓		↓		↓
Green danger	→					Saying
Morose	Close friends		Chest US TV watch	→		↓
↓	↓		↓		Economic measure (ARA 2)		Captive outlier (ARA 2)
Target Pye- wading tack	→			Aperture	→		↓
↓
Reserved	→			Church bench	→

ARROWWORD 2

Exotic	↑	Strong divine night beach	↑	Plus	↑	Farewell divine Stroke	↑
BBC TV series will turn Hollander	→	↓		Looking modulus	→	↓
Late Musical play	→			Music genre
↓				↓
Red berry		Health resort	→		Accrads		Greatly
↓					Company agent	↓
Can comedian		More peculiar	→	Anger lory	→	↓
↓

---

6

DAYS?

express.co.uk

SOLUTIONS

PAGE ONE

ENTERTAINMENT CROSSWORD

Across: 1 Barlow; 4 Patridge; 10 Lee Mead; 11 Skangard; 12 Havers; 16 Styles; 18 Reade; 19 Peter; 22 Joe; 23 Linda; 24 Stone; 25 Ure; 27 Blake; 29 Lorna; 30 Lamaog; 31 Roland; 37 Silverman; 38 Russell; 39 Saunders; 40 Rooper.

Down: 1 Bill Turnbull; 2 Rhea; 3 Owen; 5 Adams; 6 Ross; 7 Gary; 8 Edna; 9 Osment; 13 Eye; 14 Table; 15 Penny; 17 Sienna Miller; 19 Plan B; 20 Rosie; 21 Joely; 22 Jerry; 26 Sam; 28 Arlene; 31 Rumer; 32 Nro; 33 Liza; 34 Reid; 35 Osho; 36 Kemp.

CODEWORD

1	W	R	E	S	Y	X	U	C	F	Z	H	V	N
2	J	D	I	G	K	P	M	A	O	B	Q	T	L
	J	F	D	Q	I	B	Z	R	N	C	H	A	W
3	S	X	V	U	T	P	Y	M	K	O	G	L	E

PAGES TWO AND THREE:

SAMURAI SUDOKU

EASY SUDOKU

HARD SUDOKU

FUTOSHIKI

KILLER SUDOKU

NUMBERFIT

KAKURO

ALPHADOKU

PAGES FOUR AND FIVE:

BIG CROSSWORD 1

Across: 9 Luxurious, 10 Therefore, 12 Girl, 13 Unwell, 14 Dresser, 15 Brilliant, 17 Authentic, 18 Eternal,

19 Fathom, 20 Gift, 23 Prostrate, 25 Argentina, 26 Like,

27 Scotch, 29 Bruises, 32 Red-handed, 34 Vigilance,

35 Mansion, 36 Oblong, 37 Prop, 38 Great Dane, 39 Eliveness.

Down: 1 Eligible, 2 Exercise book, 3 Cornwall, 4 Aspect, 5 Stalwart, 6 Headstrong, 7 Referee, 8 Terracotta,

11 Onset, 16 Length, 19 Fee, 21 Idiosyncrasy, 22 Annual, 23 Pilgrimage, 24 Accidental, 25 Ash, 28 Tadpoles,

29 Beginner, 30 Sheepsh, 31 Variety, 33 Dense, 34 Velvet.

BIG CROSSWORD 2

Across: 9 Chipolata, 10 Ambulance, 12 Ripe, 13 Chairs, 14 Intends, 15 Hopscotch, 17 Character, 18 Returns,

19 Scenic, 20 Menu, 23 Armistice, 25 Connected, 26 Cosy,

27 Fracas, 29 Discuss, 32 Liberates, 34 Transpire, 35 Run into, 36 Alight, 37 Used, 38 Tell apart, 39 Shangri-la.

Down: 1 Scorcher 2 Hippopotamus, 3 Machetes, 4 Vanish, 5 Massacre, 6 Obligation, 7 Plateau, 8 Mess around,

11 Nonet, 16 Caress, 19 Sue, 21 Enthusiastic, 22 Feists,

23 Accelerate, 24 Irrational, 25 Cos, 28 Casualty, 29 Dead heat, 30 Speedway, 31 Iranian, 33 Banal, 34 Thirst.

JUMBO CROSSWORD

Across: 12 No authority; 13 Litter; 14 Titian; 16 Peek; 17 Rewarding;

18 Lower; 19 Wait; 20 Played out; 22 Steal; 23 Telephone; 27 Gathers;

30 Carrot; 31 Lied; 32 Super; 35 Beam; 36 Pumped; 38 Rack;

39 Carriers; 42 Stands; 45 Theme; 46 Disease; 47 Done; 48 Dish;

50 Rarebit; 52 Cases; 54 Setter; 56 Pendant; 57 Bung; 59 Sang out;

61 Bass; 64 Spoon; 66 Said; 67 Tomato; 69 Observe; 72 Looking up;

73 Pound; 74 For a start; 79 Spot; 81 Apache; 82 High speed; 83 Rick;

85 Course; 86 Livery; 87 Made one's way.

Down: 1 Sore; 2 Turkey; 3 Shored; 4 Grown-up; 5 Storm; 6 Ring-master;

7 Still; 8 Draw level; 9 Stirred; 10 Slow; 11 Patience; 15 Mister;

21 Leave; 24 Haunted; 25 Sample; 26 Slacks; 28 Human; 29 Rap;

33 Austere; 34 Capers; 37 Dwelt; 40 Range; 41 Passion; 43 Nice;

44 Spring; 46 Ducks; 49 Haddock; 51 Bounds; 53 Sanity; 55 Table;

58 Get nowhere; 60 Tab; 62 Sever; 63 Naturally; 65 Pooh-pooh;

68 Manage; 70 Engaged; 71 Covered; 75 Ardent; 76 Thrush; 77 Serve;

78 Essay; 80 Turn; 84 Chap.

TWO-SPEED

Across: 1 Pick; 3 Starling; 8 Soul;

9 Trumpery; 11 Point of order;

13 Rental; 14 Limpet; 17 Standing

room; 20 Operetta; 21 Solo;

22 Latitude; 23 Left.

Down: 1 Passport; 2 Caution;

4 Thrift; 5 Remarriage; 6 Irene;

7 Goya; 10 Attainment; 12 Stamp

out; 15 Propose; 16 Jilted; 18 Theft;

19 Fowl.

NUMBERCRUNCH

Beginner - 121

Intermediate - 42

Advanced - 270

PAGES SIX AND SEVEN:

PATHFINDER

1 Aardvark, Aye-aye, Bush baby, Badger, Bat, Beaver, Coyote, Firefly, Earthworm, Fox, Frog, Hedgehog, Hamster, Margay, Moth, Mouse, Nightjar, Ocelot, Opossum, Owl, Pangolin, Pygmy hippopotamus, Platypus, Porcupine, Raccoon, Scorpion, Slow loris, Slug, Snail, Stoat, Toad, Weasel, Wolverine, Wombat.

2 Oliver Cromwell, Horatio Nelson, William Wallace, Attila the Hun, Joan of Arc, Francis Drake, Napoleon Bonaparte, Duke of Wellington, Robert the Bruce, Boudica, Hannibal, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Charlemagne, Richard the Lionheart, Genghis Khan, Geronimo, Fidel Castro.

GIANT SUDOKU

MEDIUM SUDOKU

IMPOSSUDOKU

ARROWWORD

VERY HARD SUDOKU

CROSS OUT

WORDSEARCH

---

EXPS

1

DAILY EXPRESS

Fever Pitch

express.co.uk/sport

YOUR FOOTBALL WEEKEND STARTS HERE

Carr's

engine

tune-up

United boss revs up his midfield PAGES 2-3

betway

O'NEIL WANTS TRACTOR BOYS TO RELIVE BURLEY DAYS - PAGE 5

TV SPORTS

Our trophy cabinet

There's LEVELS to this.

HBO Max | EE | SKY | VIRGIN MEDIA

©2026 TV Sports Broadcasting Limited. TV Sports is a registered trademark of the Company.

---

2

Fever Pitch

NOTTINGHAM FOREST & LEEDS

Premier League KO 3PM

GLASNER'S VISION TO DRIVE ON MORGAN

BY SARAH CLAPSON

OLIVER GLASNER has backed Morgan Gibbs-White to regain a place in the England squad.

Gibbs-White (above) was a surprise omission for the Three Lions at this summer's World Cup after a storming end to the season for the Nottingham Forest midfielder.

There has been no sign of that disappointment affecting the playmaker ahead of the new campaign.

And with the 2026 Euros to be co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, the Reds star has added incentive to catch Thomas Tuchel's eye once again.

"Honestly, we never talked about it because it is in the past. It's gone," said new Forest boss Glasner of Gibbs-White missing out on the World Cup.

"His goal when we talk about England must be the home Euros in two years, so that means he has two years to do better - and he wants to do better. And then he will play for England at the home Euros, I'm convinced."

Gibbs-White will continue to have a key role for Forest under Glasner. A change in formation - with the Austrian preferring a back three over a four - will not hinder the talisman's eye for goals and assists.

Gibbs-White has already indicated he believes he can thrive in the new

system. His manager, meanwhile, is certain the Reds' No.10 can be even better than he was last time around.

"For a midfielder to score 15 Premier League goals in a season is amazing," added Glasner. "I like this ambition because this is exactly what I'm always talking about - not getting complacent and thinking you had a great season, but wanting more. Then it's also, 'What do I invest in getting more assists and more goals?'"

"It is making sure he is in a better position to score when we win the ball, with less pressure from the opposition.

"Morgan is working hard in training, he's listening and we try to help him to get into the positions where he can score and create assists.

"You need other players to convert them and in a few games we could already see how it worked.

"That's what we're always talking about, having enough numbers in the box but always having a good balance.

"I see my role and the role of my staff as being to support the players, to show them options and show them where they can improve - in positioning, in finishing, where to arrive so they can score and where other players need to arrive so we can get assists from different positions."

DOMINIC'S PRIMED FOR LIONS RECALL

BY ISAAC JOHNSON DANIEL PATRIC says Dominic Calvert-Lewis can put himself in conjunction for the Euro 2026 England squad.

The Leeds striker scored 14 top-flight goals last season, earning him a

result for the Three Lions squad in March. However, Calvert-Lewis (top) was not taken to North America by Thomas Tuchel this summer and he will be 33 by the time the next

World Cup comes around. But Leeds boss Parke says strikers can often get better as they ago, pointing to Larry Vane as one example,

maybe the (Kane) started to score goals from 54 to 24.0

before, not that much. Calvert is to done this, more or less. "Hopefully he comes into his plans and is soon deliver further on. If he delivers further on, then it becomes a toxic again for the national team."

FULL v MAN UNITED

Premier League KO 12.30pm

BY STEVEN RAILSTON

AS SOON as last season was in the can, Michael Carrick knew what had to be done at Old Trafford.

Manchester United had shown signs of improvement and had moved back into the Champions League for this season.

Now, the midfielder who graced that pitch not so long ago is on a mission to produce a midfield that will take the Red Devils to the next level.

Boss Carrick believes United's engine room must evolve following Casemiro's departure.

They planned to overhaul that section this summer and two signings have been made so far, with Andrey Santos arriving from Chelsea in a £50m deal and Youri Tielemans being signed from Aston Villa for £35m.

Carlos Baleba is expected to become United's third midfield addition of the transfer window.

The Red Devils have made an initial bid of £60m plus £5m in add-ons to sign Baleba from Brighton, and there is optimism that a deal can be struck.

They are hopeful they can reach an agreement for under £75m, which would bring the total spend on midfielders in the summer transfer window to around £160m.

The midfield was identified as the priority ahead of the summer transfer window.

And United hope the new recruits will fill the void left by Casemiro and help the team take another step forward.

"Players have always come and gone through history here," said Carrick.

"You've got to evolve, you've got to find ways of moving forward. You've got to find ways of winning, essentially.

"I know we've got a good midfield. We've brought in some top players and good characters, which is important.

"We have got to evolve and we have got to improve."

Carrick was asked whether he felt a third midfield signing was necessary before the window closed, saying: "We're trying to improve the squad all the time.

"We're working towards that.

MIDFIELD GENERAL

Carrick wants United engine room tuned to perfection after Casemiro departure

Largely we've got a really good balance within the group.

"As it stands now, we've got some top midfielders to choose from. We've improved that.

"Since the start of the window to the end, we'll see what happens. We want to finish stronger as the window closes, so we're working towards that."

United's top midfield target Elliot Anderson signed for Manchester City for £116m earlier in the window.

The club then turned their attention to Mateus Fernandes from West Ham, but he joined Tottenham for £8.6m.

Santos and Tielemans were signed for the same price as Spurs paid for Fernandes.

"There are certainly players who have been more expensive, that's obvious," said Carrick of the market.

"We are delighted with

the two that we've brought, and for the money, of course, I'm delighted that we've got them.

"Two fantastic players give us good balance, give us a lot within the team, offer us different things.

"For the value that we feel we've got, we've done very well with those two, especially."

Tielemans £35M

£75M

Santos £50M

BRIGHTON v ASTON VILLA

Premier League Tomorrow 10.2pm

EMERY TAKES STOCK AS WATKINS

BY JOHN TOWNLEY

UNAI EMERY has admitted Ollie Watkins could be the next big-name player to leave Aston Villa this summer, while also revealing Emi Martinez has asked to move.

Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne had already left Villa Park this summer before Ezri Konsa joined them in departures yesterday.

Saudi club Al-Hilal have seen four

bids for Watkins rejected by Villa, but haven't given up on their pursuit of the England international.

Watkins (left) is thought to be keen to join Al-Hilal, given the wages on offer. Villa have offered the striker a new contract until 2030 and are keen to keep him, but should he depart. Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson will become a prime target.

Emery, when asked about Watkins,

said: "He is a player we have offers for. I don't want to sell him, but it can change if it is a good option for him and the club, and I can replace him.

"With Ollie, he is here and he is a fantastic striker.

"There are still 10 days left to finish the transfer window. We will see what happens, but I am happy with him. If he leaves, then it will be good for us, the club and the player."

---

DWS

3

FeverPitch

One Hull of a job but no losing sleep

BY BARRY COOPER

METRO, a decade away, Hull are back in the Premier League.

Within off, an exception fudder last summer, City defied the odds to win championship promotion via the play-offs at Wembley and now they hope to prove the doubters wrong again.

Boss Sergej Jakirovic is finishing the chorus to lead out the Tigers in a league watched by millions around the world and, along the way, prove the naysayers wrong.

The crusaders who grew up playing football with his friends as bombers flew over his head during the devastating home and war back in the early 1990s, is relishing the chance to tackle English football's elite.

He is not feeling the pressure, despite welcoming Manchester United on the opening weekend, having made the best possible preparation for a campaign that gives the Tigers a chance they did not expect a year ago.

"It's a dream come true," Jakirovic (above) said. "It's the best league and I'm part of this, and I'm very proud of it. Of course, I'm sleeping like a baby."

"This is just sport all the end of the day. For me, I'm not so excited that I can't sleep."

Since Jarred Gillett's whistle blew at Wembley in May, the Tigers have enjoyed their celebrations.

From a tour of the city ending in Queen Victoria Square with 40,000 fans following their trophy parade to holidaying with victorious owner Acun Ricali, Jakirovic has loved it.

"I'm very proud. I never want this period to stop," he joked. "Maybe don't start the season to keep this feeling. Of course, it's a very big achievement, but this is football. And you know what happened yesterday doesn't matter anymore."

"We want to improve we want to show that we can develop our players so that we can play an even better team as a team."

"We also know that it will be difficult, but it is not we can fight, and we will fight. We need one more miracle, of course it will be an even bigger achievement. I think, if we stay up, so we need 40 points."

EYES ON PRIZE

Carrick is rebuilding midfield in bid to challenge for trophies

EVERTON v. CRYSTAL PALACE

Premier League: NO 3PM

MOYES IN A BATTLE WITH BIG SPENDERS

BY CHRIS BEESLEY

DAVID MOYES has admitted Everton are going to have to find a different way to revive their fortunes this season.

Premier League rivals Tottenham responded to back-to-back 17th place finishes in the Premier League by splashing out over £300m this summer, with more big money signings expected to be on the way for the North London outfit.

In contrast, the Toffees have spent approximately £62.5m so far in this window, with the club welcoming Crystal Palace in their opening game today.

Asked if it is more difficult given Spurs' spending spree, Moyes (above) said: "I've spoken with the board and they've said we will hopefully get some more players.

"One of the questions was to say, 'Are you going to be competing for Europe?'"

"Tottenham finished 17th and would they be competing for a European place? There's a lot of clubs who have done a lot of business, which means it is big spending and making it harder for us to be competitive at that level.

"I hope that I can find other ways - experience, something else, desire from within. We did that last year, for most of last year we did that, but just pulled up short in the last furlong. It becomes difficult when

you see other clubs spending as heavily as they do and to be expected to stay competitive."

Gyllí Sgurdsson's £45m transfer from Swansea remains Everton's record fee nine years on.

On whether there has been any indication from The Friedkin Group that they would pay those kind of fees if the right type of player became available, Moyes added: "Even when I got the job, the Friedkins said it would take time.

"The one thing I always want to do with the Evertonians is tell them the truth and I want to speak absolutely openly about what we think.

"I don't think it's going to be a quick job. We're going to have to try and build.

"To be fair, in my other 11 years here, it took me a while over the first couple of years before we were getting up to it. Last year we were challenging for long periods.

"There was a period when we were nearly in the top four.

"Arsenal have gone two or three years challenging Manchester City before they've won the league. It might take us two or three years challenging the teams who have been in Europe before we get to it.

"We have to build it. I don't think this club is going to be spending hundreds of millions to do it in a quick journey."

EDGES CLOSER TO EXIT

Konsa's move to Arsenal was confirmed yesterday, and he may soon be followed out of Villa Park by Martinez.

The Argentina goalkeeper has been keen to move for the last two summers, with Villa signing Japan international Zion Suzuki as a potential replacement.

Emery said: "This year again, he transmitted us the possibility to have

another challenge, and we decided to sign Suzuki because I think he's a fantastic goalkeeper in case Martinez is leaving."

Despite the raft of key players on their way out, Emery insists Villa have had an "intelligent market".

The Spanish coach added: "I'm very excited. We know where we are and we know what we want to do again for the next year."

CARLOS' BRIGHT FUTURE

FABIAN HURZELER refused to discuss the future of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.

The 22-year-old is a target for Manchester United, but Hurzeler insisted his focus is on the Seagulls' clash with Aston Villa - before revealing Baleba is not fit for tomorrow's game.

Boss Hurzeler (inset) said: "He's a Brighton player. Like I said, I'll never comment on

any rumours that are currently in the media, it's also something I definitely can't control.

"A lot of things are written, I know about situations, but again, I have a very important game together with my team and with my staff.

"We want to have a good start in the Premier League season. That's the only focus we have at the moment."

NO PROBLEM WITH PIERRE PRESSURE

PIERRE SAGE insists he took "no pressure" at Crystal Palace - despite replacing the highly successful Overy Gleaner.

Gleaner, now at Nottingham Forest, guided the Eagles to the FA City's Community Shield and UEFA Conference League.

Sage led Lens to a second-place finish in Leurs 1 last season, but is untested in the Premier League.

"I have no pressure," said Sage (inset) ahead

of today's season-opener at Everton. "I came from the bottom, now I'm here and I just want to give my

best. The pressure is there, I do with the players, to give them the best session I am able to give."

About what might be realistic targets for his Europa League side this season is, where "All is possible when you start with ambition and you give this ambition consistency."

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4

FOUNDATION FOR Fever Pitch

DAYS?

MARESCA

PEP TALK

It's all change at City, but Italian predicts it Enz well

MANCHESTER CITY

v BOURNEMOUTH

Premier League: KO tomorrow, 2pm

BY KEITH WEBSTER

ENZO MARESCA says Manchester City need to compete from the first whistle of the season tomorrow and he will not accept excuses.

The highly-decorated Pep Guardiola era came to an end this summer and his successor has seen Bernardo Silva, John Stones and, above all, Rodri head out of the door as well.

A 3-0 defeat by Arsenal in last week's Community Shield deepened the gloomy forecasts for City's prospects this season.

But Maresca is convinced there are good times ahead and says he has already seen one former player of the year who is threatening to be back to his brilliant best as City get set to host Bournemouth.

"It's clear that there are changes, players, managers, we are a club where we cannot wait for time to compete," said Maresca. "We need to compete from day one."

"Arsenal game [Sunday's loss in the Community Shield], we wanted to win, we didn't win, after analysing the game for different reasons, the focus has to be on Bournemouth, Pre-

mier League, all the games we have.

"For me, Phil Foden had a good game. You can see that he's sharp.

"People in the building are saying that compared to Phil in the last year or two years, he is a completely different player."

And although Foden (below) is similar in style to Rayan Cherki, Maresca has no fears in putting them on at the same time.

"They can play together, in different positions," he said. "But for sure they are quite similar. If you want to build an important team, you need competition inside the team. So it's good that Phil and Rayan have competition. But again they can also play together."

Maresca also rejected suggestions he has been dealt a dreadful hand in taking over from the astonishingly successful Guardiola, with

fans keen to see him get them back to the top of the tree once more.

"I said on day one, it's a privilege to be here," he said. "A huge club, a huge organisation. I'm convinced because of the players, the club, what we can do, that we can achieve something important."

ROSE READY TO ROLL

MARSO ROSE is positive ahead of his Bournemouth debut at Manchester City tomorrow.

The German head coach (left) was unveiled in May after Andoni Iraola left for Liverpool.

Bournemouth are one of nine top-flight teams to make a managerial change this summer and Rose knows what to expect up against new City boss Enzo Maresca.

"Rose said: 'The things I saw so far with Chelsea and now

Manchester City, it's a clear idea. It's quite intense against the ball, high pressing and, with the ball, you know what quality you face and you see a clear idea in established play.'"

The Cherries lost forward Junior Kroupi to a foot injury during pre-season, but scored 22 goals across five friendly fixtures this summer.

"Everyone put a lot of effort into the preparation and all the things around, so we feel well prepared for the season," Rose added.

SPORTS

Our trophy cabinet

TIME TO SHINE

Maresca is demanding City hit the ground running this season

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DWS7

5

FeverPitchZ

O'NEIL UP FOR HURLY-BURLEY

By George, new Ipswich boss is looking to embrace the past

IPSWICH V SUNDERLAND

Premier League: KO 3pm

BY DARREN WELLS

GARY O'NEIL has evoked memories of George Burley's "no fear" mantra ahead of Ipswich's latest crack at the Premier League.

Not since Burley's side of 2000/01 have the Tractor Boys beaten relegation from the top flight, having been sent straight back down

the following year and on their only return two seasons ago under Kieran McKenna.

McKenna led Ipswich straight back up with a third promotion in four seasons in May before stepping away to leave O'Neil with the task of repeating Burley's heroics.

While 26 years have passed, Burley's side remain the gold standard for promoted clubs this century after achieving an incredible fifth-place finish to qualify for the UEFA Cup on a shoestring budget.

Burley (above) was even crowned manager of the year, ahead of title-winning boss Sir Alex Ferguson and Gerard Houllier, who had led Liverpool to a treble.

It is perhaps fitting that Ipswich begin their season today at home to Sunderland, who will play in the Europa League this season after coming up via the Championship play-offs before an impressive seventh-placed finish.

Ipswich's first win in that 2000/01 campaign was also against the Black Cats, three games in.

By the time of their 1-1 draw at West Ham in mid-October, Burley's side had played nine, won three, drawn three, lost three.

He said afterwards: "If we keep playing like that, we shall have no

fears." And he was right, Ipswich's fearless brand of football saw them win seven of their next nine.

Their time under Burley arguably peaked with their 1-0 first-leg victory against Inter Milan in the UEFA Cup third round the following November, only to go out 4-2 on aggregate.

But that season ultimately proved to be a nightmare, ending in relegation. Their first game? A 1-0 defeat by Sunderland.

The details pertain to little more than coincidence, but Ipswich fans old enough to remember may have pricked

their ears after O'Neil's war cry following their 4-2 win against Union Berlin in their final pre-season friendly on Saturday.

"I don't want anyone to be scared of what we're about to go into," he said. "There's no fear here."

Ipswich certainly haven't been afraid to take on the transfer market, shelling out more than £150million on new signings. The question is: will that be enough?

They weren't far off that amount when they came up under McKenna and it took 11 games to earn their first victory, one of just four they achieved in the Premier League that season.

The only other side winless after 10 games? Wolves, under O'Neil.

His stock has risen since leading Strasbourg to the UEFA Conference League semi-finals last season while others failed to arrest Wolves' slide, but there's no hiding that this season is a big one not just for Ipswich, but also O'Neil.

He added: "We're going to fully commit to what we want to do.

"We understand that it won't always be enough and we won't always get what we deserve but we're going to give it a real go every week. We need to make sure we're ready."

LE BRIS STILL HAS GRANIT BELIEF

REGIS LE BRIS says Granit Xhaka loves Sunderland as rival clubs consider a bid for the midfielder before the window closes.

The Switzerland star, 33, arrived on Wearside a year ago and was a key part of Sunderland's superb Premier League

return as the team qualified for the Europa League. But Xhaka was linked with a move to Chelsea this summer.

Speaking about the situation, Le Bris said: "About the trust, the confidence and the connection with the club, it's really clear Granit loves this club."

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6

Never Pitch

PROBABLE TEAMS

HULL v MAN UNITED

HULL (4-2-3-1): Tostakis, Giles, Ajayi, Egan, Coyle; Slater, Gouma-Douath; Stroud, Crooks, Belkoumi; McBurnie MAN UNITED (4-2-3-1): Lammers, Dakit, Maguire, Hooven, Shaw; Santos, Tokensans, Amad, Fernandez, Cunha; Mbeumo

REFEREE: Darren England

EVERTON v C PALACE

EVERTON (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Rohl, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Dewsbury-Hall, Hackney; Obling, Armstrong, Ndaye; Barry PALACE (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Carvot, Richards, Riad; Mingucco, Kamada, Wharton, Mitchell; Pino, Sarr; Strand Larsen

REFEREE: Paul Tierney

IPSWICH v SUNDERLAND

IPSWICH (4-2-3-1): Schergen; Ouattara, O'Shea, Diop, Davis; Nunez, Lukic, Egeli; Fatawu, Emersonn, Maeda SUNDERLAND (4-3-2-1): Roefs; Mukiele, O'Nien, Ballard, Reinildo; Sadiki, Khakur, Hume; Le Fee, Angulo; Brobbey REFEREE: Farai Hallam

N FOREST v LEEDS

FOREST (3-4-3): Sels; Diamande, Milenkovic, Murillo; Aina, Schlager, Sangare, Williams; Ndoye, Igor. Jesus, Gibbs-White LEEDS (3-4-2-1): Trafford; Rodon, Bijol, Muhammovic; Bogle, Ampadu, Stach, Justin; Wilson, Aaronson; Calvert-Lewin REFEREE: Rob Jones

BRENTFORD v TOTTENHAM

BRENTFORD (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Kayode, Ajer, Collins, Lewis-Potter; Sangare, Janelt; Ouattara, Jensen, Schade; Thiago TOTTENHAM (4-2-3-1): Kinsky; Gray, Van Hercke; Seness, Robertson; Fernandes, Tonali; Moore, Gallagher, Tel; Richardson REFEREE: Michael Oliver

BRIGHTON v ASTON VILLA

BRIGHTON (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Waffler, Vuskovic, Boscagli, Kadioglu; Ayan, Gross; Gomez, Hinshelwood, De Cooper; Rutter ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1): Bizot; Cash, Lindelof, Torres, Maatsen; Barkley, Kamara; McGinn, Buendia, Garnacho; Watkins REFEREE: Peter Bankes

MAN CITY v B'MOUTH

MAN CITY (4-2-3-1): Stonnarumma; Khusanov, Dias, Guardiel, O'Reilly; Anderson, Kovacic; Semenyo, Foden, Ait-Nourt; Haaland BOURNEMOUTH (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Antonio Silva; Stuffett; Cook, Scott; Rayan, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson REFEREE: Jarred Gillett

NEWCASTLE v LIVERPOOL

NEWCASTLE (4-2-3-1): Hornicek; Dedic, Thaw, Bohnan, Hall, Ramsey, Bamba; Elanga, Wissa, Barnes; Osula LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szobosztal; Nyamoka, Wirtz; Galopo; Isak REFEREE: Stuart; Atkwell

FULHAM v CHELSEA

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Cuenca, Bazary, Robinson; Berge, Iwobi; Bobb, King, Palacios; Garcia CHELSEA (3-4-2-1): Sanchez; James, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Fernandez, Calcedo, Palestra; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro REFEREE: John Brooks

THE BETTING

HULL CITY v MAN UNITED

Today 12.30pm, TNT Sports 1

FACT

Manchester United have never lost a match on the opening day when facing a newly-promoted team

TO WIN

Hull 13/2 Man Utd 4/11 Draw 18/5

SCORELINE

Draw 0-0 12/1 Draw 1-1 15/2 Hull 2-1 20/1

OUR BET

United to win 2-0 (13/2, Bet365)

EVERTON v CRYSTAL PALACE

Today 3pm

FACT

Everton are unbeaten in their last 11 games v Palace

TO WIN

Everton 23/20 Crystal Palace 9/4 Draw 9/4

SCORELINE

Draw 0-0 9/1 Draw 1-1 5/1 Everton 2-1 7/1

OUR BET

Everton to win 1-0 (9/1, Bet365)

IPSWICH v SUNDERLAND

Today 3pm

FACT

Sunderland only scored 42 goals in 38 games last season

TO WIN

Ipswich 13/10 Sunderland 6/4 Draw 11/5

SCORELINE

Draw 0-0 9/1 Draw 1-1 5/1 Ipswich 2-1 17/2

OUR BET

H/T: Draw, F/T: Ipswich (10/2, William Hill)

N FOREST v LEEDS

Today 3pm

FACT

Forest have won their last four home games v Leeds

TO WIN

Forest 5/4 Leeds 21/10 Draw 9/4

SCORELINE

Draw 0-0 17/2 Draw 1-1 5/1 Forest 2-1 15/2

OUR BET

Forest to win 2-1 (9/1, Bet365)

BRENTFORD v TOTTENHAM

Today 5.30pm, Sky Sports Prem

FACT

Spurs have lost just one of their last 10 opening day Prem fixtures

TO WIN

Brentford 7/5 Tottenham 13/10 Draw 12/5

SCORELINE

Draw 0-0 12/1 Draw 1-1 15/2 Brentford 2-1 8/1

OUR BET

2-2 draw (12/1, Bet365)

Rogers and Gibbs-White offer golden value in race to be top scorer

PEP GUARDIOLA must have choked on his very expensive glass of Rioja.

Barely 24 seconds into the Community Shield and his old Manchester City side were dismantled by the

kind of Tiki-Taka football that he invented.

An Arsenal full-back started the humiliation of Pep's old club and it got us thinking: Is this an omen that out-and-out strikers are going out of fashion in the Prem? Looking at this season's Golden Boot odds, there aren't many old fashioned forwards to consider.

There's Erling Harland of course, unbackable at odds-on, followed by Liverpool star Alexander Isak, Brentford's Thiago, Villa's Ollie Watkins, Pedro of Chelsea and Arsenal's Victor

Gyokeres. Then comes a raft of wingers, inside forwards and false nines at fancy prices.

So we're going for the value...

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DWS7

7

Fever Pitch

BOYS

Edited By KEVIN PRICE

and fancy two Morgans to give Haaland a run for his money.

We're hoping he will fit in quickly at unpredictable Chelsea,

and Morgan Rogers (left) looks a tasty each-way punt at 66/1.

Lightly raced at the World Cup, Rogers was a goal machine for Villa. Now we think his move to the Bridge as part of an expansive new attacking

philosophy under Xabi Alonso, will show he really does have the X factor. The other Morgan, Mr Gibbs-White (far left), has had his feet up all summer. So we expect the Forest man to come out firing in the new Oliver Glasner era. We can't resist the 80/1 offered by Betway.

As for this weekend, the value lies with newly-promoted Ipswich, who have recruited heavily over the summer.

They entertain Sunderland, the surprise packet of last sea- son, who now face the dreaded second-season battle. The Black

Cats have been quiet so far in the transfer market and must face the added pressure of a European campaign this season.

We'll lean towards the Tractor Boys getting into gear at 9/5 (Bet365).

Forest and Leeds, two teams who finished off last season in style, meet at the City Ground. There has been plenty of buzz around Leeds in pre-season but we think new Forest boss Glasner will inject life into the Trees. We fancy Oliver's army to win and both teams to score (7/2, William Hill).

BRIGHTON v

ASTON VILLA

Tomorrow 2pm, Sky Sports Press

FACT

Villa have won just one of their last five matches

TO WIN

Brighton 23/20 Villa 21/10 Draw 5/2

SCORELINE

Draw 0-0 12/1 Draw 1-1 11/2 Villa 1-0 10/1

OUR BET

Under 2.5 goals (5/4, Betway)

MAN CITY v

BURNNEYMOUTH

Tomorrow 2pm, Sky Sports Main Event

FACT

Both to score has landed in the last five fixtures between these two

TO WIN

Man City 10/21 Bournemouth 19/4 Draw 19/5

SCORELINE

Draw 0-0 16/1 Draw 1-1 8/1 Bmouth 1-0 16/1

OUR BET

City win and both teams to score (13/8, Bet365)

NEWCASTLE v

LIVERPOOL

Tomorrow 4.30pm, Sky Main Event

FACT

Liverpool have won three of the last five meetings

TO WIN

Newcastle 5/2 Liverpool 4/5 Draw 29/10

SCORELINE

Draw 0-0 16/1 Draw 1-1 13/2 Liverpool 1-0 9/1

OUR BET

Dominik Szoboszlai to score first (11/1, Ladbrokes)

FULHAM v

CHELSEA

Monday 8pm, Sky Sports Main Event

FACT

Chelsea have won three of their last five meetings

TO WIN

Fulham 13/5 Chelsea 19/20 Draw 13/5

SCORELINE

Draw 0-0 12/1 Draw 1-1 11/2 Chelsea 1-0 8/1

OUR BET

Chelsea to win 2-0 (5/1, Bet365)

BOY 5065

LEAGUE ONE

LEAGUE ONE ROUND-UP

McCANN TO

CAST SOME DON MAGIC

GRANT McCANN is out to show the critics. DONCASTER are not "cr*p" and that he is not "rubbish".

The Rovers boss (above) came in for stick from fans after the opening-day defeat at MANSFIELD. Ahead of the South Yorkshire derby visit by BARNSLEY, the 46-year-old said: "We lose the game and I'm rubbish, the shape's cr*p - that's football.

"I've been around long enough to understand that if you win, the team and the players are outstanding and when you lose it's the manager who is rubbish, I want us to go out with a bit more freedom and a bit more courage."

Paul Warne has finally got his man after landing Wrexham wing back Ryan Barnett on a season's loan. Ahead of the visit by HUDDERSFIELD, the MK DONS boss said: "Ryan's a player I've tried to sign before so I'm really happy to have him on board."

Jack Wilshere has

challenged Kasey Palmer to aim for the top this season.

LUTON'S 29-year-old Jamaica midfielder is looking to build on his brace in the dramatic 4/3 win at READING and as Town welcome NOTT'S COUNTY, boss Wilshere said: "Kasey's a big player and I've said to him, 'Go and get League One Player of the Season'."

LEAGUE ONE

	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Bradford	2	2	0	0	3	0	6
Huddersfield	1	1	0	0	3	0	3
Stockport Cty	1	1	0	0	3	1	3
Lisbon	1	1	0	0	4	3	3
Cambridge	1	1	0	0	3	2	3
Mansfield	1	1	0	0	2	1	3
Bromley	1	1	0	0	1	0	2
Sheff Wed	2	1	0	1	2	2	3
MK Dons	1	0	1	0	2	2	1
Oxford Utd	1	0	1	0	2	2	1
Leicester	1	0	1	0	1	1	1
Streensage	1	0	1	0	1	1	1
Weycoths	1	0	1	0	1	1	1
Montague	1	0	1	0	1	1	1
Burton Albion	1	0	1	0	1	1	1
Netto County	1	0	1	0	1	1	1
Reading	1	0	0	1	3	4	0
Wigan	1	0	0	1	2	3	0
Doncaster	1	0	0	1	1	2	0
Leefes Street	1	0	0	1	1	2	0
Barnsley	1	0	0	1	0	1	0
Plymouth	1	0	0	1	1	3	0
Peterborough	1	0	0	1	0	2	0
AFC Westwind	1	0	0	1	0	3	0

BOY 5065

LEAGUE TWO

LEAGUE TWO ROUND-UP

EVANS' WAY

TO SUCCESS IS ART FORM

STEVE EVANS is taking inspiration from Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta as BRISTOL ROVERS aim for an eighth successive home league win.

Evans' men are unbeaten in front of their own fans in League Two since February as they host NEWPORT and the Pirates chief (above) said: "You're always learning in this game. I listened to Mikel Arteta this week, and he's the best on the planet at the minute.

"He said he's learning lots about his players in the week or two leading up to the season so if he's learning it leaves it open for all of us to learn."

ROTHERHAM boss Alex Bruce wants SALFORD to put up or shut up in their pursuit of in-demand wing back Denzel Hall. The 25-year-old Dutchman is also on the radar of Championship club Preston and, as the Millers host YORK, boss Bruce said: "The offer was nowhere near where we value

Denzel at." Lee Bell insists his CREWE young guns will not be bullied as they go in search of back-to-back wins to start the campaign at home to NORTHAMPTON.

Bell fielded seven players aged 23 or under in the opening-day victory at CRAWLEY, and the Alex boss said: "There used to be an old saying of coming here to bully the Crewe kids - but not this group."

LEAGUE TWO

	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Walsall	1	1	0	0	3	0	3
Newport City	1	1	0	0	3	0	3
Barnet	1	1	0	0	3	1	3
Oldham	1	1	0	0	2	0	3
Transnerv	1	1	0	0	2	0	3
York	1	1	0	0	3	2	3
Cheltenham	1	1	0	0	2	1	3
Crewe	1	1	0	0	1	0	3
Sheffield	1	1	0	0	1	0	3
Gillingay	1	1	0	0	1	0	3
Calchester	1	0	1	0	2	2	1
Accrington	1	0	1	0	2	2	1
Northampton	1	0	1	0	0	0	1
Swindon	1	0	1	0	0	0	1
Bristol Rovers	1	0	0	1	2	3	0
Rotherham	1	0	0	1	1	2	0
Chesterfield	1	0	0	1	0	1	0
Crawley Town	1	0	0	1	0	1	0
Exeter	1	0	0	1	0	1	0
Salford City	1	0	0	1	1	3	0
Port Vale	1	0	0	1	0	2	0
Shrewsbury	1	0	0	1	0	2	0
Gillingham	1	0	0	1	0	3	0
Rochdale	1	0	0	1	0	3	0

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8

Fever Pitch

©x107

GOING FOR GOLD!

Jordan has his eye on a different kind of Championship exit after joining Wolves

PRESTON v WOLVES

Championship GO Join

BY JASON MELLOR

JORDAN JAMES is confident he can escape the Championship with Wolves - but this time in the right direction.

The Wales forward, who has joined on a season-long loan from French club Rennes, was part of the Leicester squad to suffer back-to-back relegations into League One in May.

James was one of the few Leicester players to emerge from a disastrous campaign with credit, adding to his reputation with 11 goals in an injury-hit loan campaign with the Foxes.

Wolves have an option to make the 22-year-old's deal permanent at the end of the season and James hopes to hit the ground running as Cesar Peixoto's side go in search of a first league win of the season at

Preston following the 2-2 home draw against Blackburn.

James launched his career at Birmingham and is determined to help the Molineux side bounce back into the top flight.

He said: "This has always been somewhere that I've thought is a Premier League club.

"We've got enough talent and enough quality in this team to really do something special and that's why I've come here.

"Hopefully it's a big season for the club and a big season for me. I'm glad to be here and to be able to show the fans what I can do. I'm looking forward to finally playing some football and I can't wait to get started."

James insists he carries no scars from a brutal campaign with Leicester, but admits their demise is a warning to all clubs about the perils of life in the second tier. He added: "The whole football world was baffled with what happened at

Leicester but it taught me a lot in the sense you can't just expect to win games.

"I'm still young so I'm still learning my trade, but I've played a lot of games in the Championship so I know what it's like. There's a lot of games, and physically it's really demanding. I've got that know-how now, and hopefully with this really talented team we can do a lot of things this season."

Preston are set to lose Milutin Osmajic with a number of clubs in Italy interested in the Montenegro forward.

North End boss Paul Heckingbottom revealed: "There's been contact. Milutin's in the last year of his contract but right now we're really low on numbers so we need to get them in before we get them out."

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND-UP

NO SECRET

THAT JOEL'S A STARTER

WEST HAM fans reckon the Hammers' social media team have given away the starting line-up for the London derby clash with CHARLTON.

A YouTube video posted by the club to welcome Joel Piroe (above) has the new arrival from Leeds training alongside nine outfield team-mates in what supporters insist could be the side with Nuno Espirito Santo set to make four changes against the Addicks.

BRIAN BARRY-MURPHY admits his CARDIFF squad is "vulnerable" after defender Gabriel Osho joined the injured list.

The 28-year-old was left on crutches after suffering a knee problem in the draw against

WREXHAM. The Bluebirds are already without defensive trio

Will Fish, Dylan Lawlor and

Calum Chambers for the trip to DERBY. Boss Barry-Murphy said: "We're a bit stretched so we're a bit vulnerable."

Steven Schumacher has challenged BOLTON to build on the 2-1 opening day victory over PRESTON.

Ahead of the trip to QPR the Wanderers boss said: "You've got to keep trying to improve."

MILLWALL host NORWICH after sealing a move for free agent Jordi Osei-Tutu on a season-long deal. The 27-year-old full-back

helped the Trotters to promotion last season.

Serial WATFORD crock Kwadwo Baah misses the trip to WREXHAM after being ruled out for two months with a thigh muscle problem - the German winger's fifth injury lay-off in just over 18 months.

New BRISTOL CITY boss Michael Skubala goes in search of his first win at BIRMINGHAM while STOKE come up against former loan signing Divin Mubama at SOUTHAMPTON.

The Manchester City forward has joined the Saints after impressing in an injury-truncated spell in the Potteries last season and City boss Mark Robins said: "He's a really good kid and I wish him all the best after Saturday."

MOWBRAY'S BACK TO TACKLE 'CHAOTIC' BORO

TONY MOWBRAY admits he would rather face anyone but Middlesbrough in his first home game back as Blackburn boss.

The 62-year-old takes on his hometown club where he remains a hero after captaining and managing the Teessiders during his celebrated career.

BLACKBURN ROVERS v MIDDLESBROUGH

Championship GO Join

Mowbray has beaten bowel cancer to return to Ewood Park after his first five-year stint in charge ended in 2022.

The Rovers boss said: "I'd rather it be an easier first game. Saying that, it's a great

one to win and we shouldn't fear anyone if we can reproduce the levels we showed against Wolves.

"Boro are just about unique in their style, it's almost a chaotic way of playing yet very

principled and well-coached."

Ash Phillips is pushing for his Boro debut after earning a tidy windfall for Blackburn.

The Rovers academy product's £7 million move from Spurs to Teesside boosted the Ewood Park coffers thanks to a £700,000 sell-on clause.