Archive: 2025 / 08
England squad: Elliot Anderson and Djed Spence earn first call-ups for Andorra and Serbia qualifiers
Thomas Tuchel has named a 24-man England squad for September’s World Cup qualifiers, handing first senior call-ups to Elliot Anderson and Djed Spence. Marcus Rashford and John Stones return, while Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, and Ivan Toney are left out. Injuries sideline Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, and Levi Colwill. England face Andorra and Serbia.
MoreTrent Alexander-Arnold left out as Tuchel trims England squad for World Cup qualifiers
England boss Thomas Tuchel has left Trent Alexander-Arnold out of his 24-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. Tuchel says he wants a tighter, more competitive group, preferring Reece James and Tino Livramento at right-back. Jack Grealish also misses out. Injuries to Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka open doors for Djed Spence and Elliot Anderson.
MoreJacqueline Wilson brings adult novel 'Picture Imperfect' to Wirral launch this September
Jacqueline Wilson returns to Wirral on Sept. 10, 2025, to launch her second adult novel, Picture Imperfect. Hosted by The West Kirby Bookshop at West Kirby Grammar School, the 18+ event includes an in-conversation talk, audience Q&A, and a pre-signed copy with each £25 ticket. It follows a sold-out launch for her first adult novel, Think Again, and marks the Merseyside debut of her new book.
MoreJacqueline Wilson on childhood turmoil and the dog mishap that deleted a book
Children’s author Jacqueline Wilson spoke candidly about a turbulent childhood, admitting she once prayed for her parents to divorce. She also described how a pug and a Jack Russell accidentally erased her nearly finished manuscript. Wilson revisited the book that shaped her—Ballet Shoes—and reflected on returning to adult fiction. A Julian of Norwich quote on her bangle keeps her steady.
MoreEpping asylum hotel case: Court hears man told 14-year-old he wanted a baby, protests follow
A 38-year-old asylum seeker living at the Bell Hotel in Epping denies allegations he made sexual comments to a 14-year-old and tried to kiss her. The July incident triggered large protests and counter-protests outside the hotel, leading to a High Court order forcing the site to stop housing asylum seekers by September 12. Several men have been charged over the unrest. The defendant is due to stand trial.
MoreRose Ladies Open at Hanbury Manor: Luxury Prize Giveaway Announced Ahead of 2025 Tournament
Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club will host the Rose Ladies Open from September 5–7, 2025, and is launching a giveaway with three luxury prizes. The Hertfordshire venue, 25 miles from Central London, features a Jack Nicklaus II-designed course and a history of big tournaments. Created by Kate and Justin Rose in 2022, the event is now a key stop on the LET Access Series.
MoreChernobyl hit by Russian drone: Ukraine says radiation shield damaged
Ukraine says a Russian Shahed drone punctured the New Safe Confinement at Chernobyl on Feb. 14, 2025. IAEA staff on site heard the blast and saw smoke as firefighters moved in within minutes. Radiation levels stayed normal and no one was hurt. Repairs remain tough due to intense radiation near the old sarcophagus, with experts calling for international help. Russia denies striking the site.
MoreTesco meal deal price rise: what the new costs mean and how rivals compare
Tesco has raised meal deal prices again, lifting the standard combo to £3.85 with a Clubcard and £4.25 without, and the premium to £5.50/£6. The change starts 21 August 2025 and follows last year’s increase. The move hits under-18s who can’t use Clubcard prices. Rivals like Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Co-op remain cheaper on the standard deal, while Boots is pricier. Tesco says costs are still rising, but value remains.
MoreJobe Bellingham seals £27.8m Borussia Dortmund move as teenager follows brother Jude
Jobe Bellingham has completed a £27.8m move from Sunderland to Borussia Dortmund on a five-year deal with a 15% sell-on clause. The 19-year-old withdrew from England U21 duty to join Dortmund for the Club World Cup, where he made four appearances and scored. He will wear the No 7 in the Bundesliga and earn up to €5m per year with bonuses. The fee is a record sale for Sunderland.
MoreAl Pacino calls turning down Terrence Malick "the biggest mistake of my career"
Al Pacino says passing on Terrence Malick’s Days of Heaven ranks among his biggest career mistakes. He’s joked about keeping a “museum of mistakes,” which also includes turning down Star Wars. Still, he says he doesn’t live with regret—every choice taught him something. Here’s the story behind the missed Malick collaboration and why it still fascinates Hollywood.
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