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Former Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas said on Wednesday that his Netcompany Ineos team would be targeting the first yellow jersey of the Grand Boucle in Saturday's opening team time-trial.Now the British team's sporting director, Thomas is no stranger to time-trial success at the Tour.In 2017, he won the opening individual time-trial ahead of his team leader Chris Froome and wore the yellow jersey for four days. The following year, he went on to win the Tour.Netcompany Ineos have included several strong time-trialists in their eight-man team for the Tour, which begins in Barcelona.Italian Filippo Ganna is a twice former time-trial world champion having succeeded Norwegian Tobias Foss, while Briton Josh Tarling is a former European champion in the discipline.Asked at a press conference if he was aiming to win the opening 19.6km team time-trial, Thomas said: "I'd be lying if I said it wasn't."With their overall contender Oscar Onley, who was fourth last year, forced to miss the Tour through injury, the team will be hunting stage victories more than anything else. And none more so than the opening one.He said that the team had been practising throughout the year with the Tour TTT in mind."It's like anything, you're not going to win the mountain jersey without going up a hill," he said."But it's just a great opportunity for us, why not just give it a good shot? The boys are motivated for it."We've got some world-class time trialists... we've got two of the best individually and in the team discipline."It's just an exciting goal. Let's get out there, start with a bang and give it the best we can."New format At the Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes a month ago, the team finished just nine seconds behind Visma-Lease a Bike in a 28.4km team time-trial in which they lost significant time when Onley's chain dropped and the others had to slow down and wait for him to fix it before continuing their charge.They will come into this weekend's race as one of the big favourites to take the first yellow jersey.The new team time-trial format, which ends with a punchy climb, requires classic time-trialists to deliver a more explosive climber to finish off their effort.In many teams case that will be their overall contender. Each team's time is taken when their first rider crosses the line. "Obviously there's been a lot of thought and a lot of discussion about the best strategy," said Thomas."You need a finisher that's able to go up that last climb quickly after the last 20 odd minutes."I don't think now is the time to discuss our strategy, but it's something we've put a lot of effort into."The final climb is less than a kilometre long and not massively steep, but tough enough that larger, heavier specialist sprinters or time-trialists would be unable to keep pace with a lighter punchy climber.  

Thomas Tuchel said on Friday he has no fears after leaving "extraordinary talents" out of England's World Cup squad, boldly stating his aim is to win the tournament.The German coach omitted a clutch of big names for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, including Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Harry Maguire, Adam Wharton, Morgan Gibbs-White and Luke Shaw are others overlooked as Gareth Southgate's successor made an eye-catching selection.Saudi-based Ivan Toney was the most surprising pick, having played just a handful of minutes as a substitute since Euro 2024. England are among the favourites at the World Cup, 60 years after they won their only major international trophy.Tuchel told a press conference at Wembley that the balance of his squad was more important than picking star names. "From day one we were very clear that we are trying to select and build the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select the best 26 most-talented players," he said. "Teams win championships, it's as simple as that."The former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss admitted he had had to make painful decisions but said he had "no fear" over his choices. "It was a given that from these 55 players (in the provisional squad), we have to leave some extraordinary talents and extraordinary personalities at home," he said.The 52-year-old added: "I like these kind of decisions, even if it took us weeks and sometimes months to verify the decisions. I think they bring clarity, I think they bring a certain edge in the end that is necessary."Tuchel, appointed with a brief to win the World Cup, said he wanted to create a "brotherhood" and believes England have the world-class players to make a difference."The goal is to try to win it and not be shy about it, and then just to respect the game and the opponents and the amount and the obstacles that come with the tournament itself," he said.Tuchel admitted the selection of Toney, who plays for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, was "a bit of a surprise to us" but said he "ticks some boxes that we wanted".The former Brentford striker has scored 32 goals in 32 league games this season. "I think he has very special skills that could help us, meaning the situation, the scenario when we are chasing a result, when we are chasing a goal," added Tuchel."I think he can be a very valuable addition to Harry Kane. He can be a presence in the box when we are pushing for a goal. He is a natural finisher, he can help us with set pieces, he is very strong in the air, very good in using his body."England kick off their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17 with group games to follow against Ghana and Panama. SquadGoalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento, Dan Burn (Newcastle), Marc Guehi, John Stones, Nico O'Reilly (all Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham)Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/ESP), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli/KSA), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona/ESP), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle) 

England manager Thomas Tuchel signed a new contract on Thursday that will see him remain head coach of the team till the end of Euro 2028.The German was confirmed as the successor to Gareth Southgate in October 2024 and has overseen an unbeaten qualification run to this year's World Cup in North America, with England winning all eight group games."I am very happy and proud to extend my time with England," said the 52-year-old former Chelsea manager in an FA statement."It is no secret to anyone that I have loved every minute so far of working with my players and coaches, and I cannot wait to lead them to the World Cup."It is an incredible opportunity and we are going to do our very best to make the country proud," added Tuchel, whose previous England deal ran only until the end of this year's global showpiece.The FA said that the new agreement with Tuchel would provide "clarity and full focus" amid speculation about his future after the World Cup.However, FA chief executive Mark Bullingham explained there are "performance conditions" in the deal."We tend to want to know where we are, to remove that uncertainty when you're going into a tournament," added Bullingham. "It gives everyone - the support team and the players - that certainty."Tuchel had been touted as a candidate to be the next permanent Manchester United manager.But in signing a new England contract, Tuchel appears to have ruled himself out of a post-World Cup move to Old Trafford.The FA added that Tuchel's senior backroom team had all also agreed contract extensions through to the end of Euro 2028."I have had so much support from Mark, all my colleagues at the FA and from fans wherever I go that I did not hesitate when asked to continue in this dream job," added Tuchel.- 'No better candidate' -Extending his contract ahead of this year's World Cup is a clear sign of the FA's confidence in Tuchel, who is aiming to guide the England men's team to their first major trophy in six decades."He was the right person for the job when he joined us for the World Cup campaign, and has only strengthened his reputation across the qualifiers...There is simply no better candidate available in world football," said Bullingham.Tuchel, due to attend the Nations League draw in Brussels on Thursday, said in his first interview after succeeding Southgate that he wanted to add a "second star" to the England shirt by winning the 2026 World Cup.The only major international tournament won by the England men's team was when they triumphed on home soil at the 1966 World Cup, defeating the then West Germany in a Wembley final.But they twice came close to ending that barren run under Southgate, losing in both the Euro 2020 and 2024 finals.Tuchel's England team eased through qualification, winning all eight matches in a group which also featured Albania, Serbia, Latvia and Andorra.They will face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in their World Cup group.But tougher tests could await in the knockout stages with co-hosts Mexico in line to face England on home ground in the last 16 should Tuchel's men top their group, with a possible quarter-final against five-time world champions Brazil to follow. 

Tottenham Hotspur have sacked head coach Thomas Frank after fewer than eight months in charge following a 2-1 defeat at home to Newcastle on Tuesday, which left them a mere five points above the Premier League relegation zone.The north London side are 16th in the table and without a win in their past eight Premier League games – their worst such run since October 2008. Spurs have won just two of their past 17 league matches and collected only 12 points in that time.Frank, 52, replaced Ange Postecoglou, who was dismissed in June just over two weeks after leading Spurs to victory in the Europa League final. The club hailed the former Brentford boss as "one of the most progressive and innovative head coaches within the game" when they announced the Dane's appointment on a three-year deal.But a Tottenham statement issued said: "The club has taken the decision to make a change in the men's head coach position and Thomas Frank will leave today. Thomas was appointed in June 2025, and we have been determined to give him the time and support needed to build for the future together. However, results and performances have led the board to conclude that a change at this point in the season is necessary."The statement also thanked Frank for his "unwavering commitment" and whished him "every success" in the future. Frank led Spurs to automatic qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League by finishing fourth in the group stage. But that was offset by a Premier League record of seven wins, eight draws and 11 defeats this season, with Spurs also knocked out of both domestic cup competitions.Despite the Newcastle defeat, which saw frustrated home fans call for him to be "sacked in the morning", Frank was confident of remaining in charge after speaking to the Spurs hierarchy on Monday. "We understand we are not in a top position and we need to do everything we can to get out," said Frank after Tuesday's loss, with a 12-day gap until Tottenham are next in action, at home to Premier League leaders Arsenal in a north London derby on February 22. "I understand the frustration and the easiest thing is to point at me. That's part of the job unfortunately.He added: "I will work day and night to turn this around but it is not just one person. There is no doubt we need to improve and I need to be part of that."Frank spent seven years in charge of Brentford, guiding the club from the Championship to the Premier League in 2021 and keeping the west London side in the top division despite relatively meagre resources.Spurs finished 17th last season but qualified for the Champions League after beating Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao -- their first major trophy for 17 years.Despite their struggles in the league under Postecoglou, the Australian's attacking style at least provided entertainment for long-suffering fans, in contrast to Frank's dour defensive game plan.Frank said earlier this month he shared the frustrations of supporters but he has also been hampered by a long list of injuries to creative players including James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Mohammed Kudus.Although considered a member of the Premier League's "Big Six", Tottenham have not been crowned champions of England since winning the old First Division title in the 1960/61 season – when they also did 'The Double' by lifting the FA Cup. Frank is the seventh manager to part ways with a Premier League club this season. 

Thomas Frank is in danger of being sacked after his future as Tottenham manager was reportedly discussed by the club's hierarchy Sunday.Tottenham fans called for Frank to be axed during Saturday's dismal 2-1 home defeat against struggling West Ham.It was Tottenham's third defeat in a row and eighth loss in 14 matches, leaving Frank on the brink of being dismissed just seven months after arriving from Brentford.Tottenham captain Cristian Romero admitted his team are in a "disaster moment" and reports on Sunday said the north London team's powerbrokers have met to debate Frank's fate.Only half a season after being hired from Brentford with a reputation as one of the most talented managers in the Premier League, Frank is anxiously awaiting a verdict on whether he will avoid the sack.Tottenham have won just once in their last eight matches and have been knocked out of both the FA Cup and League Cup.They are 11th in the Champions League group phase ahead of a crucial visit from Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday in the battle to qualify for the last 16.Languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, with just seven wins from their 22 top-flight games this season, Tottenham have arguably fared worse with Frank in charge as they did under his predecessor Ange Postecoglou.Postecoglou was sacked at the end of last season despite ending the club's 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League to earn qualification for the Champions League.Tottenham came 17th in the Premier League last season but Postecoglou's attacking tactics at least provided entertainment, in contrast to Frank's dour defensive game-plan.Romero, who scored in the West Ham loss, pulled no punches as he urged his club to stick together.The Argentine centre-back said: "Obviously another loss, a game at home, for me only one message for the fans, thank you for always staying with us."It is difficult and also a disaster moment for us, but especially in this moment, we need silence."Back tomorrow in training work, work hard every day and stay together. In three days we have another big match and this moment it is really silence and work hard."Romero believes a Tottenham win over Dortmund would help turn the tide, assuming Frank is still in charge by then."It is a difficult moment, it is like a disaster but Champions League, we have another big opportunity to maybe win and go to top eight and go to the next round. That's the most important thing," he said. 

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari met Tuesday with the visiting Joint Head of Iraq and Arabian Peninsula Department at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Thomas Allan. During the meeting, they discussed bilateral co-operation between the countries and ways to support and develop it.  

Phil Foden’s brilliant double in Manchester City's dominant 4-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday was not just a statement for his club but may well have been a timely reminder to England manager Thomas Tuchel.City boss Pep Guardiola praised the 25-year-old Foden, who struggled through a difficult campaign last season but now looks revitalised, and backed the midfielder, who has not played for England since March, for a return to Tuchel's squad.Tuchel will name his squad next week for World Cup qualifying games against Serbia and Albania. Asked whether Foden’s performance could boost his chances of a return to the England squad, Guardiola was diplomatic, but pointed."Thomas is so smart and wise, and knows exactly what national team needs," he said. "Thomas knows perfectly well how good Phil is. (But) the national team is different, it is a short time, create a team when you are not a team, because you are not there all together every day. But come on, Phil -- there's no person in this country and all around the world who doesn't know his quality and ability. But England is so lucky to have many good players. That's why Phil has to push himself to be better and better and better, because when he is called, he can say 'Okay, I'm going to show how good I am'."Asked if Foden was on his way back to top form, Guardiola said: "He is already there. He does not need to get closer," he added. "It is true we have missed goals and he got two incredible goals. How many times have we seen that from Phil? The generosity with the effort but also with the quality in the final third. We missed it a lot. When Phil is in the level, when playing between the lines, in the pockets, and it doesn't matter, his first touch, his turn, and after his generosity, running and fighting, as much as Phil is happy and (feeling) love and joy, the rest, you don't have to say much, because he's a special player," Guardiola said. "But we need his goals definitely and today, hopefully, the first step."Foden said he was loving playing again. "I just need to play with a smile on my face, which I'm doing," he said. "Last year was tough, not just for myself but for everyone. There is a new togetherness this season and you can tell. You learn a lot from it when you go through a tough patch. We have great captains in our team and we speak about how we can get back on track. And we've added great players to the squad as well and that's brought real hunger and togetherness. It was just about trying to be the team we used to be and this season we are seeing glimpses of that."Guardiola said Foden's standout performance on Wednesday was perfect timing with reigning Premier League champions Liverpool visiting on Sunday. "Before the big, big match on Sunday, it is important to have him back."

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank is upbeat about the long-term future of Micky van de Ven with the north London club despite reported interest in the Dutch defender from Spanish giants Real Madrid.The centre-back scored twice in Sunday’s 3-0 win at Everton to take his tally for the season to five goals in 13 appearances, with Spurs now third in the table - five points behind leaders and arch north London rivals Arsenal.Van de Ven has become a leading figure in the absence of injured club captain Cristian Romero and could lead the side out again in a League Cup match away to holders Newcastle on Wednesday. Frank, attempting to retain the senior players in a squad that won the Europa League in May, was relaxed about keeping hold of van de Ven, who joined Spurs on a six-year deal in 2023, for all the talk that Real are tracking the progress of the 24-year-old.“Yeah, very happy with Micky. I think he has been brilliant for the club since he signed and he has taken some steps up this season,” Frank said.“I think he actually defends even better. I think he is still very good on the ball, he added the goals and the headed goals, which I am very happy with. He’s a threat from set-pieces.“Character and leadership also growing and as far as I know, we have a good contract with him but definitely a player I see with a big future at the club. “I think he is happy here, that is very important and we’re happy with him, so let’s see what happens in the future.“I think the most important thing is it looks like he really enjoys his football, he really enjoys his time here, I am very happy with him, everyone is really happy, so that’s a good sign.”

Manager Thomas Tuchel laughed off taunts from England fans as “British humour” after his team smashed Latvia 5-0 to become the first European side to book a place at next year’s World Cup.Harry Kane’s first-half double in Riga on Tuesday, along with goals from Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze and a Maksims Tonisevs own goal, guaranteed England a place at the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.Tuchel was on the receiving end of light-hearted chants from the travelling fans who were responding to the German’s criticism of the atmosphere during Thursday’s 3-0 friendly win over Wales at Wembley.He was subjected to taunts of “We sing when we want” and “Are we loud enough for you?”.“I got a bit of stick today, in the first half, pretty much in every song,” said Tuchel.“So fair enough. Well done. I take it and good humour, good sense of humour.“They had a reason today from my last comments and I guess that’s fair enough. I got a bit of stick and I found it quite creative.“It made me smile and this is how it has to be. It’s British humour and I surely can take it. No harm done.”Tuchel, whose contract runs until the end of the World Cup, said vocal support from fans was vital as the team chases a first major trophy since 1966.“It’s so important. They are here and I said the support in Serbia was brilliant, and we are very sure the support in America (at the World Cup) will be absolutely brilliant,” he said. “We need it. It makes such a difference if you go out as a player or as a coach and you see the fans behind the team and singing.“We want to make them proud, we want to make them happy. They should be happy to watch us and they should be able to identify with how we play.“We are on our way to build something and top performance from them.”England’s victory in Riga made it six wins from six in Group K and they now have an unassailable seven-point lead over second-placed Albania, with two games remaining.The draw for the group stage of the World Cup will be held in Washington on December 5.

Thomas Tuchel blasted England’s “silent” fans for failing to back his team loudly enough during their 3-0 friendly win over Wales at Wembley on Thursday.Tuchel’s side delivered an eye-catching first half display as Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Bukayo Saka all netted inside the first 20 minutes. England’s swaggering performance, which followed a 5-0 demolition of Serbia in a crucial World Cup qualifier in September, was a promising sign as they gear up for next year’s World Cup.But Tuchel took exception to what he felt was a tepid response from England supporters in the sell-out crowd. “We did very, very well. We had an excellent first half, we were 3-0 up very quickly but could have been four or five. Then we couldn’t score the fourth one or the fifth one and the stadium was silent,” Tuchel said.“Silent! We never got any energy back from the fans and I think the players delivered a lot to get more from the fans. It was difficult to keep everything going in the second half, but we did excellent and deserved to win. A step in the right direction.”Tuchel’s frustration was exacerbated by hearing Wales backed by 7,000 raucous fans, who never stopped cheering their team even though they were completely out-classed.The German may also have been letting off steam after he was jeered by England fans at the City Ground in Nottingham following a shock friendly loss against Senegal in June.Asked if he expected more from supporters at Wembley when England were playing so well, Tuchel responded: “Yeah, what more can you give in 20 minutes? Three goals, the way we attacked Wales and didn’t let them escape. “Even in their own half, ball win after ball win after ball win. If you only hear Wales fans for half an hour, it’s a bit sad because I think the team deserved big support today.”England fans engaged in their Wembley tradition of throwing paper aeroplanes when they felt the match wasn’t entertaining enough, with many leaving well before the final whistle.Tuchel stood by his controversial comments when he faced the media at his post-match press conference.“Good moment to explain myself. First of all, I said the support in Serbia was absolutely fantastic when we played last time. I said it and I meant it,” he said. “I love English football and I love English football fans and the support they give. But I think today the atmosphere did not match the performance on the field.”Tuchel is certain England will be backed by much louder support from travelling fans in Latvia when they resume World Cup qualification on Tuesday.England are on the verge of qualifying for the World Cup and could be certain to progress to the tournament if they win in Latvia, depending on other results in Group K. Former Bayern Munich and Chelsea boss Tuchel has now won six of his seven games since replacing Gareth Southgate.

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met the US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack, who is currently visiting the country. During the meeting, they reviewed the latest developments in Syria and discussed avenues of cooperation between the State of Qatar and the United States to support stability in the country.

England manager Thomas Tuchel is adamant there is "no curse" upon his side as he looks to end their near 60-year wait for a major international trophy. England's only previous major title came at the 1966 World Cup on home soil, defeating West Germany in the final.England came close several times to ending the drought under Tuchel's predecessor Gareth Southgate, losing successive European Championship finals, as well as reaching the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the last eight in 2022. England's women have enjoyed success under Sarina Wiegman, winning back-to-back Euros titles in 2022 and 2025, while the men's Under-21 side are also double European champions after backing up their 2023 title with victory in Slovakia in June."Not at all," Tuchel said when asked if he felt extra pressure due to the women's and youth teams' successes. "If it is something, then it is a good omen and I was so happy for Sarina and (Under-21 coach) Lee (Carsley) because they made it and they made an extraordinary effort and a huge success with back-to-back victories... It is possible (to win a trophy with England), there is no curse on English teams and it is a good omen and we will do our very best to follow their example."England face Andorra today in qualifying for next year's World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, before taking on Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday. "I get a lot of tips, that's for sure, but always in a friendly manner," former Chelsea boss Tuchel said of his interactions with England fans. "Most of them just say, 'Bring it home, Thomas'. That's basically the task."Manchester City defender John Stones has withdrawn from the squad for the upcoming games with injury. Stones has not added to his tally of 83 caps since last October. "Unfortunately, John Stones just left," Tuchel said. "He came with minor issues, muscular issues, to camp and didn't progress as we thought and hoped he would. So, he left camp this morning (Friday) because we will not take the risk. Everyone else is available."Tuchel confirmed England captain Harry Kane will lead the side in the Andorra qualifier. "Yes. He (Kane) starts. There is no balance, the competition is on and it is World Cup season," he said.England only beat Andorra, a lowly 174th in the FIFA world rankings, 1-0 when the teams met in their initial qualifier in June. "We will face in both matches a deep block and a 5-4-1 for sure in the first match and it is the challenge to overcome that quickly and aggressively and play with more rhythm than we did in the first match (against Andorra)," said Tuchel.Latvia and Albania are the other two sides in Group K of European qualifying, with the group winners booking a place at the World Cup.