Thursday, 2 July 2026
ENGLAND WERE 15 MINUTES FROM HUMILIATION - THE ISSUES TUCHEL MUST SOLVE
England were 15 minutes from one of the most abject humiliations in their World Cup history until Harry Kane's late heroics helped them overcome DR Congo to face Mexico in the last 16.
Kane scored twice to rescue England, as well as head coach Thomas Tuchel, who may not have survived a result that would have ranked alongside the last-16 defeat by Iceland at Euro 2016,and the loss to the United States at the 1950 World Cup, as a national embarrassment.
Instead, England's World Cup dream lives on as they head to Mexico City, and into a nation alive with passion and football fever, to face the co-hosts in the iconic surrounding of Azteca Stadium.
England's win, however, did not cover cracks exposed regularly in this campaign as well as obvious flaws in selection and performance.
Can Tuchel always rely on Kane and Bellingham?
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| England head coach Thomas Tuchel has plenty of issues to resolve before they face Mexico in Mexico City in the World Cup last 16. Getty Images |
Kane and Jude Bellingham have been England's standout performers at this World Cup, contributing goals and world-class inspiration.
The pair were both on target in Group L wins against Croatia and Panama. They were England's leading lights against DR Congo.
It would help England and Tuchel's cause if others could come to the party. As good as Kane and Bellingham are, there will come a day when they do not bail under-performing team-mates and their head coach out.
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| Bellingham and Kane have been England's driving forces as they have reached the World Cup's last 16. Getty |
Anthony Gordon had an outstanding impact off the bench with a part in both goals against DR Congo, but it was a frustrating day for Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke, while Tuchel is still clearly wary of over-exerting Bukayo Saka as he manages an Achilles problem.
Kane and Bellingham revel in responsibility as England's leaders, but it is about time others shared the burden around at this World Cup.
Does Tuchel know his best team?
If Tuchel does know his best team, he is hiding it well – and the amount of shuffling on the flanks and in defence suggests he does not.
The right-back position is becoming a poisoned chalice, either because of injuries or loss of form.
And the sight of Declan Rice, the glue that holds England together as a performer of the highest class in midfield, ending the win against DR Congo at right-back once again hinted at confusion.
Tuchel has self-inflicted wounds because of his selection of two players with a history of injury problems in Tino Livramento and Reece James. Livramento did not even make the World Cup, while there is still no date for James' return from another hamstring injury.
Jarell Quansah, a natural central defender for Liverpool then Bayer Leverkusen, played there against Panama but was injured and missed the victory over DR Congo, when Djed Spence played the first 70 minutes at right-back.
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| Declan Rice ended up playing right-back against DR Congo, the latest player to take on England's problem position. Getty Images |
Ex-England captain Alan Shearer told BBC Sport after that win: "Defensively there were far too many holes in the back four, and when we did give chances away, they scored from their first one, should have scored with the Yoane Wissa one.
"Putting Declan Rice to right-back worked because he was the one that got forward and played a part in the second goal, so Tuchel has a decision to make.
"If you asked me before the game I would have been very reluctant, but he can add a little bit of quality where we have lacked with the players we have picked up to now."
Rice, however, surely offers too much in midfield, so right-back must be a non-starter. If he did actually end up there again it would be an admission by Tuchel that he got his squad horribly wrong.
Asked whether Rice should play at right-back, ex-England defender Micah Richards said: "No, I wouldn't. I feel he can give too much in that central midfield area. If you're going into the Mexico game, which is going to be at altitude, you need his energy in midfield.
"I would go with Ezri Konsa at right-back, and put John Stones alongside Marc Guehi. That is a better balance for the team."
Stones has been left out after starting the win against Croatia. His experience could be invaluable in the Azteca hothouse, especially after Konsa and Guehi went missing for Brian Cipenga's goal.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney added: "For me, there are big concerns. In particular, when England lose the ball they are so open.
"Against a better team, I think we're in big trouble if we don't sort that out. We're so open in midfield."
Throwing in the constant changing on the flanks, it all adds up to Tuchel still having serious questions about his first-choice side.
England still lack creation
The debate has raged over Tuchel's exclusion of natural creators such as Chelsea's Cole Palmer and Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden from his World Cup squad.
It is easy to say in hindsight as they both had poor seasons at club level. Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White and Bournemouth's Alex Scott had bigger claims, but were also ignored.
There is no doubt, however, that England have lacked creative force, especially in the goalless draw against Ghana.
Brentford's Jordan Henderson, now 36, will only be used as a substitute. Once again the question should be asked - would his place have been better served taken by Gibbs-White or Scott? Or even Palmer or Foden?
Foden was used as a false nine in the Wembley loss to Japan, but the experiment failed and effectively finished his World Cup hopes.
If England go deeper into the World Cup they will need match-shifting moments. As flagged up before, they cannot - and should not - rely on Kane and Bellingham every time.
Has anyone seen Toney and Watkins?
The biggest pre-World Cup worry for England was how they would cope should any misfortune befall captain Kane.
Tuchel went through the card, using Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke in the March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.
Clearly unconvinced, he went with Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins after a fine end to the season, and Ivan Toney who is playing in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ahli.
Toney was the big left-field pick, not figuring for the national side for a year following a three-minute appearance as a substitute when England lost a friendly against Senegal in June 2025, and yet suddenly parachuted back into the World Cup squad.
Fortunately Kane is fit and firing – and then some – but has Tuchel really got full faith in Watkins and Toney?
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| Ivan Toney was once again an unused substitute in England's win against DR Congo and has yet to play in the World Cup. Getty Images |
In England's four games so far, Toney has been nowhere to be seen, while Watkins got six minutes as a substitute in place of Kane with victory assured against Panama.
When England needed a goal in the stalemate against Ghana, Toney and Watkins were ignored as Tuchel sent on Saka, Rashford, Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers.
When they were chasing the game against DR Congo, they once again remained seated. Tuchel said he had a time in mind for them to come on which, seeing as Kane's winner came four minutes from the end, was presumably very late.
Tuchel will still be keeping his fingers crossed that Kane stays fit, especially with Toney and Watkins placed in cold storage.
- Phil McNulty
F1 DEBUTS THE WORLD'S FASTEST CAMERA DRONE
⏱️ 0 to 186 mph (300 km/h) in just 4 seconds.🚀 Top speed of 217 mph (350 km/h).
Formula 1 and @redbull spent two years perfecting the world’s fastest camera drone.
Making its official debut at the Austrian Grand Prix, it can finally keep up with an F1 car for a full lap in real-time.
A new era of broadcasting is here!
🎥⚡️Media: @redbull #F1 #DroneF1 #AustrianGP #RedBullRacing #TechInnovation #FPV #FormulaOne
BREAKING: JÜRGEN KLOPP IS THE LEADING CONTENDER TO BECOME.GERMANY'S NEW HEAD COACH
🚨 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Klopp is the 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑 to become Germany's new coach 🇩🇪
He is keen on the move, with Nagelsmann reportedly on the verge of being sacked, according to Ben Jacobs 😲
Nagelsmann wants to continue, but Klopp has already been approached to replace him, with several figures inside the German FA reportedly pushing for a change, the report says 🗞️
- 433
𝘿𝙀𝙍 𝙆𝙇𝘼𝙎𝙎𝙄𝙆𝙀𝙍 🔥📅 | BUNDESLIGA
Save the dates for 𝘿𝙀𝙍 𝙆𝙇𝘼𝙎𝙎𝙄𝙆𝙀𝙍 🔥📅
@FCBayern play hosts in the first half of the season, before @BVB09 do so in 2027 🏟️
#Bundesliga | #FixtureRelease | #BVB | #FCBauern
RACING ICON FRANKIE DETTORI HOSPITALIZED AFTER NEWMARKET CAR CRASH
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| Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect |
Legendary former jockey Frankie Dettori has been rushed to the hospital following a serious car accident in Suffolk – with the accident happening at British horse racing HQ – Newmarket.
According to his management team, H Talent Management, the terrifying incident happened on the evening of Wednesday, July 1, in Newmarket.
Another vehicle reportedly struck the rear passenger side of Dettori’s car, causing it to spin out of control and flip over.
Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene, and the 55-year-old was taken straight to the nearby hospital.
Frankie Dettori Suffers Broken Ribs and Thumb In Newmarket Car Crash
Doctors have confirmed that horse racing legend Dettori sustained a few broken ribs and a broken thumb.
He remains hospitalized under close observation while medical staff run further scans to fully assess his injuries.
In an official statement, his agency shared a message from the racing icon:
“Frankie would like to thank the emergency services who attended the scene, together with the doctors, nurses and wider medical team caring for him. His focus is now on resting and recovering. H Talent Management respectfully asks that Frankie’s privacy is respected at this time. No further comment will be made until there is a meaningful update.”
This frightening setback comes just a few months after Dettori officially hung up his saddle in February, following a high-profile farewell tour through America and Brazil.
His final race in Britain was an unforgettable one-a spectacular victory aboard King Of Steel in the Champion Stakes at Ascot three years ago.
While Frankie had been enjoying his hard-earned retirement, he was already locked in for a highly anticipated comeback this autumn, signing up for the charity Legends race at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting in September.
Given the nature of his injuries, however, those plans are now up in the air as his recovery takes absolute priority. With the race on Friday September 11, 2026.
Frankie Dettori Pulled Out Of Plane Crash in Newmarket in 2000
The recent Frankie Dettori car crash in Newmarket, isn’t the first time the former champion jockey has had a serious accident at British horse racing’s HQ.
On 1 June 2000, Frankie Dettori survived one of the most harrowing incidents in British racing history when a light aircraft carrying him, fellow jockey Ray Cochrane and pilot Patrick Mackey crashed moments after taking off from Newmarket Racecourse.
The trio had been travelling to Goodwood for an afternoon of racing when the Piper Seneca failed to gain sufficient height, struck an embankment known as the Devil’s Dyke and burst into flames.
Patrick Mackey Killed In Tragic Frankie Dettori Plane Crash
Pilot Patrick Mackey was tragically killed in the accident, while Dettori and Cochrane escaped from the wreckage in what police described as a “miracle.”
Dettori suffered a broken right ankle, facial cuts and other injuries that ruled him out of racing for several months, while Cochrane sustained burns and bruising.
In the moments after the crash, Cochrane managed to pull Dettori from the wreckage before bravely attempting to rescue Mackey, but the intense flames made it impossible to reach the pilot. Cochrane’s actions later earned him the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery in recognition of his efforts to save his fellow jockey.
The accident had a profound effect on Dettori, who has spoken openly in the years since about believing he was about to die as the aircraft came down.
The experience changed his outlook on both racing and life, with the Italian admitting he became more focused on spending time with his family and appreciating every opportunity he had in the saddle.
Despite the traumatic ordeal, he returned later that season and went on to enjoy many of the greatest successes of his career, including further Classic victories, multiple Royal Ascot triumphs and becoming one of the sport’s most celebrated jockeys.
An investigation by the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch was unable to determine a single definitive cause of the crash, although it concluded the aircraft failed to climb properly after take-off and struck the embankment before crashing.
More than two decades later, the Newmarket plane crash remains one of the defining moments of Dettori’s life and career, serving as a stark reminder of how close horse racing came to losing one of its greatest stars.
- Andy Newton
US STRIKER GETS RED CARD, WHICH MEANS FREE PIZZAS WORTH $1 MILLION; HERE IS HOW
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| Balogun's dismissal means the striker will miss his country's next match and has also triggered reward for fans with free pizzas |
Pizza giant Domino's is set to give out $1 million worth of free "emergency pizzas" after United States striker Folarin Balogun received a red card during his side's FIFA World Cup round of 32 match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, activating a promotion the pizza chain announced months before the tournament.
The campaign was first unveiled by the company in a press release issued on May 18 as part of its marketing push around the summer's international football tournament. The company announced that it would give away $1 million worth of "emergency pizzas" if any member of the US national team received a red card during the competition, saying the offer was intended to "soften the blow" for supporters after one of football's most costly on-field punishments.
Emergency Pizza is Domino's loyalty programme reward that allows eligible customers to claim a free medium two-topping pizza for use on a future order. The company said the red card promotion was designed to turn a disappointing moment for fans into what it described as "a delicious pick-me-up".
Alongside the giveaway, Domino's also launched a limited edition capsule collection in collaboration with football lifestyle brand Saturdays Football.
"We're as excited about the summer of soccer as fans are around the country! Whether you're planning to watch all the matches or perhaps you're playing pickup games of your own, Domino's has some fun ways to help you get ready," read the press statement dated May 18.
"Not only are we launching a capsule of co-branded merchandise from Saturdays Football, but we're also giving fans the chance to win free Emergency Pizzas.
Soccer gurus know the worst thing to happen in a game is for a player on the team you're rooting for to receive a red card. If that happens to the American squad, Domino's is here to help ease the pain by giving away Emergency Pizzas. It may not change the outcome of the match, but it can provide a delicious pick-me-up when it's needed most."
Balogun's evening took a dramatic turn after he scored his third goal of the World Cup to give the United States the lead before being sent off early in the second half. The dismissal means the striker will miss his country's next match and has also triggered Domino's pledge to reward fans with free pizzas.
With Balogun's sending-off now fulfilling the promotion's only condition, Domino's is expected to honour its $1 million giveaway while the United States prepares for its next World Cup fixture without one of its leading goalscorers.
How fans can claim the free pizza
The giveaway is not automatic. Customers had to register for the promotion at the website before the deadline of 11.59 pm ET on 10 June to be eligible.
Following a red card for a US player, Domino's said it would randomly select more than 60,000 winners, each of whom will receive a free medium two-topping Emergency Pizza.
The free pizza must be claimed by 2 August 2026, according to the company's promotional terms.
Wednesday, 1 July 2026
LEWIS HAMILTON IS THE ONLY DRIVER TO SCORE POINTS IN EVERY ROUND
ALL THE F1 BRITISH GP SPECIAL LIVERIES UNVEILED SO FAR
The 2026 British Grand Prix should again prove a popular occasion for special liveries among Formula 1 teams.
While just three of the 11 teams are registered as British, the majority of the squads are either de facto UK-based or at least part-based there, and usually not far from British GP venue Silverstone.
Here are the British GP-specific colour schemes unveiled thus far.
McLaren
McLaren's Silverstone design showcases the partnership with its major sponsor Google and specifically Google's AI tool Gemini.
But it references a specific car from the past, the white-and-green McLaren M2B campaigned by team founder Bruce McLaren in 1966.
Cadillac
Though Britain was...a relevant party in the historical event in question, Cadillac's special colour scheme for Silverstone is not British-themed.
Instead, the American team will deploy a stars-and-stripes USA colour scheme to celebrate Independence Day, July 4 - which will align with qualifying day and which this year marks 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
Williams
Williams's Silverstone livery is a minor update to its primary 2026 colour scheme.
The British GP version of the FW48 will feature a "Union Jack-inspired" palette on the side of the nose structure - and also on the team kit and racesuits.
- The Race Team
LIVERPOOL UNVEIL NEW £60M DEFENDER JEREMY JACQUET - AS ENGLISH FOOTBALL AGENTS INVOLVED IN DEAL FOR 20-YEAR-OLD LAUNCH NEW FRENCH VENTURE
English agency Unique Sports Group has invested in leading French counterparts One Team Football, to launch Unique France.
The two have collaborated on the £60million deal that took 20-year-old Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes to Liverpool which was confirmed today.
The move brings together two of the more established football agencies in England and France, combining decades of experience, extensive international networks and a shared philosophy of developing and representing elite players throughout all stages of their careers.
Unique already have operations in the UK, Germany, Spain, South Korea, Ivory Coast and the UAE.
One Team client Jeremy Jacquet, regarded as the best defensive prospect coming out of France, officially became a Liverpool player today on a five-year contract in a transaction where Unique Sports Group worked alongside Michael Manuello from the French agency.
Unique also concluded the transfer of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona in May, two of the biggest moves in terms of fees for the summer window so far.
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| Liverpool's new signing Jeremy Jacquet with Will Salthouse and Michael Manuello |
Unique’s client roster also includes three members of England’s World Cup squad in Gordon, Marc Guehi and Dean Henderson, as well as Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix who is representing France.
Discussing the launch of Unique France, Will Salthouse, CEO and founder of Unique Sports Group said: 'When Unique was formed, the ambition was always to build a business that could grow beyond the UK and become one of football's leading international agencies.
By making a key investment with One Team and launching Unique France alongside Michael and his team it represents another significant step on that journey. France continues to produce some of the world's best talent and bringing together the strengths of both businesses creates an exciting platform for the future.'
Steve Hitchen, Director of Football at Unique Sports Group added: 'I've known Michael and One Team for many years. They have built an outstanding reputation through their knowledge of the French market and their ability to identify and develop top players.
'Bringing our joint experience together through Unique France is hugely exciting, not only because of the quality of players already within each of our organisations, but because of what we can build together over the coming years.'
Michael Manuello, founder of One Team Football said: 'This is an exciting new chapter for One Team. We have built a fantastic business in France and are proud of the players we represent.
'Joining forces with Unique in this venture gives us access to one of the strongest Premier League platforms in football, creating even more opportunities for our clients and allowing us to continue doing what we do best in France. We share the same values and long-term vision, and I'm excited about what we can achieve together through Unique France.'
- SIMON JONES
TONI KROOS CLAIMS GERMANY 'DIDN'T HAVE A SINGLE WORLD-CLASS PLAYER' IN BRUTALLY HONEST ASSESSMENT OF FAILED 2026 WORLD CUP CAMPAIGN
Former Real Madrid and Germany midfield maestro Toni Kroos has delivered a scathing review of the national team following their shock 2026 World Cup exit. The 2014 world champion believes the current squad lacks the elite individual quality required to compete for major honours on the global stage.
Lack of elite quality exposed
In the wake of Germany's disappointing round of 32 exit against Paraguay, Kroos has voiced his concerns regarding the talent level available to Julian Nagelsmann. The retired midfielder, speaking on his TikTok show 'Kroos & Kroos: die WM unter der Lupe', suggested that the DFB no longer possesses the top-tier talent that once made them a feared international powerhouse.
"We don’t currently have a single world-class player," Kroos stated bluntly. "We have players with world-class potential, but that doesn’t mean they are world-class. The world-class players are deciding all the World Cup matches right now. And they’re the ones on the goalscorers’ list where the world-class players are. We don’t have a single one there, we have to be honest about that."
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| Getty Images Sport |
Uncertainty and overconfidence
Kroos also highlighted a perceived psychological weakness within the current Germany setup, contrasting it with the mentality he experienced during the 2014 triumph in Brazil. According to Kroos, the current crop of players lacks the ability to raise their game when the pressure is highest, often falling victim to their own misplaced confidence.
The former Bayern Munich player noted that during his time with the national team, he always felt he could improve to achieve success. Kroos blamed the defeat on a combination of doubt and arrogance. He believes the players assumed they would beat Paraguay regardless of how they played by stating: "We think we're better than Paraguay – we'll win somehow."
Loss of traditional German virtues
Former national team captain Michael Ballack joined the chorus of criticism, focusing on the disappearance of the mental resilience that traditionally defined German football.
"Our virtues, which have always distinguished Germany, have been somewhat lost," Ballack lamented. "We start well, have ten, twenty good minutes, maybe even score a goal. But with the first action where we concede a goal or make a mistake, the whole thing collapses – and then you ask yourself: why?"
- Donny Afroni
'DECO SENT AN OFFER' - JOAN LAPORTA SAYS BARCELONA HAVE MADE A BID FOR JULIAN ALVAREZ
“We know the player has wanted to come since before playing for Manchester City.” |
| Photo by Guillermo Martinez/NurPhoto via Getty Images) NurPhoto via Getty Images |
Joan Laporta is officially Barcelona president again and spoke about Julian Alvarez at an inauguration event on Wednesday.
Barcelona are keen to bring in Alvarez this summer but Atletico continue to insist they haven’t received an offer from the Catalans and that he’s not for sale.
Laporta insists that the two clubs have been talking and that Deco submitted a bid, believed to be for 100 million euros, for the Argentina international.
“We’ve spoken with Atlético de Madrid and Deco sent an offer. We know the player has wanted to come since before playing for Manchester City,” he said.
”I spoke with Gil Marin, who told me that in principle they did not plan to sell. The offer is firm and we will maintain it. We will not be at the expense of what Atlético de Madrid says.
“We have a great relationship with Atleti. The offer will remain in force and could be made, but it is not unlimited in time. Atlético says that they do not sell because they had no alternative; now if they have an alternative, we will see.”
Marin also admitted previously that he’d spoken with Laporta about Alvarez but also accused the Barca chief of “disrespecting” his club and insisted the Catalans aren’t capable of carrying out such a big-money transfer.
- Gill Clark
MEXICO END 40-YEAR WAIT FOR WORLD CUP KNOCKOUT MATCH VICTORY
For Ecuador, a first appearance beyond the group stage in 20 years comes to an immediate end
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| JUT DONE IT: Julian Quinones of Mexico celebrates scoring his team's first goal Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images |
MEXICO ended a 40-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout victory with a composed 2- 0 win over Ecuador in front of a sold-out crowd at Mexico City Stadium, booking their place in the round of 16, reports Jeannique Kuhne.
Julián Quiñones starred with the opening goal and an all-action display to earn player of the match honours, while Raúl Jiménez added a second as El Tri maintained their remarkable defensive record.
Kick-off was delayed due to a severe thunderstorm but once play got underway Mexico quickly settled despite Ecuador enjoying more of the possession throughout the contest.
The first real opportunity fell to youngster Gilberto Mora in the 16th minute. At 17 years, eight months and 17 days, he became the youngest player at this World Cup and nearly marked the occasion with a memorable goal.
Mexico broke the deadlock six minutes later when Quiñones finished confidently to score his third goal of the tournament, sending the home supporters into celebration.
El Tri doubled their advantage in the 31st minute through Jiménez, whose strike was his 47th international goal. The veteran forward moved into second place on Mexico’s all- time scoring list, behind only Javier “Chicharito” Hernández’s tally of 51.
Ecuador continued to control possession, finishing with 57% of the ball, but struggled to break down Mexico’s disciplined defence. Their frustrations were compounded before half-time when goalkeeper Raúl Rangel produced a superb save in the 40th minute to preserve his side’s two-goal cushion.
The South Americans pushed after the break and came closest in the 74th minute when substitute Kevin Rodríguez forced another important intervention, but Mexico’s defence stood firm to record a fourth consecutive clean sheet of the tournament. They also threatened late on, going close again in stoppage time.
Ecuador’s evening ended on a sour note when Piero Hincapié was shown a red card in the fifth minute of added time for covering his mouth while addressing an opponent, becoming only the second player to be dismissed under the World Cup’s new communication rule after Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón earlier in the tournament.
The victory sends Mexico into the round of 16, where the co-hosts will face either England or Congo. They arrive in the knockout stage with four wins from four matches and without conceding a single goal. It also marks only Mexico’s second ever World Cup knockout victory, their first since defeating Bulgaria at the Azteca in 1986.
For Ecuador, a first appearance beyond the group stage in 20 years comes to an immediate end, while the result confirms the complete elimination of Groups E and F from the tournament.
- Staff Writer
NAOMI OSAKA TURNS WIMBLEDON INTO A CATWALK WITH STUNNING JAPANESE-STYLE OUTFIT
Naomi Osaka continued her tradition at Wimbledon on day three
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| Naomi Osaka stunned in a white train (Image: BBC) |
Naomi Osaka continued her Wimbledon tradition of turning the All England Club into a catwalk on Wednesday morning. The Japanese star strolled onto Court 2 to face Anastasia Gasanova wearing a jacket with flowers on the back, a kimono-style belt wrapped around it and a long tulle train at the back.
The four-time Grand Slam champion donned the attire as she made her way to the net to meet the umpire and her opponent for the coin toss. But Osaka then removed the train and the kimono belt before the warm-up commenced. The jacket was left on her courtside chair when the match got underway.
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| Naomi Osaka did the coin toss with her train and kimono belt attached (Image: Getty) |
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| Naomi Osaka arrived on court in a stunning long train (Image: Getty) |
Osaka wore a white flowing kimono for her first-round win over Elsa Jacquemot on Monday that caught the attention of all at SW 19. The No. 14 seed won 6-1, 7-5 and then explained her fashion choice.
"For me, my Japanese heritage means a lot. They say all white at Wimbledon and I thought it would be really cool to come out in a kimono," Osaka said.
"I just get inspired by a lot of different things, and for me, one of my favorite movies is ‘Kill Bill.’ So I really love Lucy Liu’s character, O-Ren Ishii, and she comes out in this really iconic white kimono. I always tell people I like to be like a video game character sometimes, I don’t want to be myself when I’m playing on the court. And I kind of try to embody her a little."
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| Naomi Osaka kept her jacket on for the warm up (Image: Getty) |
Osaka has been working with Tokyo-based designer Hana Yagi and finished her round-one outfit with a kanzashi hair ornament and Mikimoto jewelry.
"I like to use fashion as a medium for storytelling," Osaka told British Vogue earlier this year. "Every walk-out is an opportunity to bring people into my creative world. The fact that people care about it and are excited to see what’s next is also pretty cool."
- Mikael McKenzie
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