Wiegman Criticises Poor Pitch Conditions Despite England’s Dominance in Milton Keynes

Wiegman Criticises Poor Pitch Conditions Despite England’s Dominance in Milton Keynes

England secure victory but manager Sarina Wiegman voices frustration over substandard playing surface.

England’s national team delivered an impressive performance in their recent match, maintaining strong possession and showcasing sharp gameplay. However, head coach Sarina Wiegman expressed dissatisfaction with the pitch conditions at Milton Keynes, labelling it “horrible” and unsuitable for top-tier football.

The match followed an earlier game between Italy and Belgium, leaving the surface visibly worn, with uneven patches that disrupted the ball’s movement. “It was a horrible pitch,” Wiegman remarked. “The ball bounced unpredictably at times, making it difficult to maintain the game’s pace.”

Despite these challenges, England adapted well to their opponents’ tight defensive formations. Wiegman acknowledged her team’s efforts but emphasised the need for higher standards. “When facing a deep block, speeding up play becomes crucial, but the pitch made that incredibly hard. It’s unacceptable to play at this level on such a poor surface.”

While praising the stadium’s atmosphere, Wiegman reiterated the importance of proper pitch conditions for elite football. “This is a fantastic venue, but the pitch quality must improve. At this level, we simply cannot play on such inadequate grounds.”

The victory highlighted England’s resilience, but Wiegman’s comments underscore a broader concern about maintaining professional standards across all aspects of the game.

Mystery Objects Shot Down Over North America: China’s Involvement Under Scrutiny

Mystery Objects Shot Down Over North America: China’s Involvement Under Scrutiny

White House and Pentagon officials investigate the origin of unidentified objects, dismissing links to China’s surveillance programme.

Following the recent downing of three unidentified objects over North American airspace, US officials have dismissed claims that they are linked to China’s expansive surveillance programme. Despite the initial fears sparked by a massive Chinese surveillance balloon shot down earlier this month, the White House and Pentagon have found no evidence connecting the smaller objects to China.

The larger balloon was part of a series of Chinese military surveillance vehicles that have been operating in North American airspace for some time, though recent intelligence suggests these smaller objects may not be related. US military officials have expanded their radar coverage, allowing them to detect a broader range of airborne objects. This increased attention to airspace, which previously filtered out minor objects, has raised questions about the nature and origin of these mysterious items.

While some members of Congress continue to suggest that China could be behind the three downed objects, others, including CBS News national security correspondent David Martin, have downplayed such claims. Martin pointed out that the items may simply be “sky trash” – discarded balloons and equipment used for scientific purposes by various organisations, including governments and private entities.

US officials have noted that the objects are smaller and have unusual shapes, which makes them difficult to track. General Glen VanHerck, NORAD commander, explained that these objects present a “very low radar cross-section,” further complicating their identification. However, military officials are exploring all possibilities, including whether these objects may have been launched for research or commercial purposes rather than espionage.

Despite these efforts, there is still much uncertainty regarding the origin of the objects, with some suggesting potential links to Chinese intelligence. However, the White House has firmly stated that there is no conclusive evidence to support such claims. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada has also acknowledged a potential pattern in the recent activity, prompting closer scrutiny of the situation.

The ongoing investigation continues to raise concerns about global surveillance and the potential for international espionage, though US officials stress that no major security breaches have been identified.

Oregon Liquor Chief Resigns Amid Bourbon Hoarding Scandal

Oregon Liquor Chief Resigns Amid Bourbon Hoarding Scandal

Investigation reveals top officials at Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission diverted rare bourbon bottles for personal gain.

The executive director of Oregon’s Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC), Steve Marks, resigned following an internal investigation that uncovered a scheme where high-ranking officials illegally diverted rare bottles of bourbon from state-controlled warehouses. The bottles were intended for public sale, but instead, officials hoarded them for personal use, including sought-after brands such as Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, which can sell for thousands of dollars.

Marks announced his resignation after being requested to step down by Governor Tina Kotek. In his resignation letter, Marks stated that he believed the governor was entitled to choose her own leadership team and would step down as of February 15, 2023.

The investigation, sparked by a whistleblower from within the agency, revealed that at least six OLCC employees abused their positions, securing rare liquor bottles for themselves and others, including state legislators. The agency’s internal memo described how these actions were an open secret, with one source stating that the practice of holding back products for personal gain was widespread within the OLCC.

Marks admitted to his involvement in the practice, confirming that he had diverted liquor for personal use. The investigation’s findings led to Governor Kotek condemning the behaviour as “wholly unacceptable” and vowing to hold those responsible accountable.

Following the revelations, the Oregon Attorney General’s office initiated a criminal probe into the matter, with a civil investigation potentially following. The scandal has sparked widespread criticism, raising concerns about ethics and accountability within the state’s liquor regulation system.

Elon Musk’s Stance on Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: A Controversial Approach

Elon Musk’s Stance on Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: A Controversial Approach

The tech billionaire’s actions, from restricting Starlink use to proposing peace plans, have sparked heated debates.

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and Twitter, has found himself at the centre of controversy due to his involvement in Ukraine’s war with Russia. While his initial support for Ukraine included sending 20,000 Starlink terminals to help restore communication after Russia’s invasion in February 2022, his recent actions have raised eyebrows.

Musk has been criticised for limiting the use of his Starlink satellite broadband service to Ukraine’s military forces, particularly after it was used to facilitate drone strikes. Despite the service becoming essential for Ukraine’s communications during the conflict, Musk has expressed discomfort with its military use. He made it clear that SpaceX would not allow Starlink to be utilised for long-range attacks, reinforcing that the service was intended for peaceful purposes only.

In response to these restrictions, Ukrainian officials have issued strong remarks, with Mykhailo Podolyak urging companies like SpaceX to choose sides—either with Ukraine or with Russia. Musk defended his position, stating that he did not want to contribute to escalating the conflict into World War III. He emphasized that Starlink was never intended to be weaponized, and although it has become vital to Ukraine’s military, its primary function should remain peaceful.

Musk has also drawn significant attention for his earlier suggestion to end the war by proposing a peace plan that included Russia retaining Crimea and holding new elections in contested areas. The idea sparked outrage in Ukraine, with President Zelensky countering Musk’s poll with one of his own asking his followers which version of Musk they preferred—one who supports Ukraine or one who supports Russia.

Despite the backlash, Musk continued to assert his belief that a massive escalation of the war would bring devastating consequences, not just for Ukraine, but for the world. His complex stance on the matter, navigating between providing support and urging for de-escalation, has made him a polarising figure in the ongoing conflict.

Norfolk Woman Convicted of Attempting to Hire Hitman After Workplace Affair

Norfolk Woman Convicted of Attempting to Hire Hitman After Workplace Affair

Helen Hewlett paid £17,000 for a contract killer to target a colleague following an infatuation.

A 44-year-old woman from King’s Lynn, Norfolk, has been found guilty of attempting to hire a hitman to kill a colleague after becoming obsessed with him following a brief affair. Helen Hewlett was convicted of soliciting murder after paying a £17,000 deposit to a website that offered contract killing services, as reported by the BBC.

The intended victim was a 50-year-old co-worker at the Linda McCartney Frozen Food factory, with whom Hewlett became infatuated. The court was told that Hewlett placed an order on the dark web, requesting the murder to appear accidental.

During the trial, it was revealed that Hewlett had persistently contacted the victim, Paul Belton, through emails and texts over a two-year period, beginning after their brief fling. In August 2022, Belton left the job, but Hewlett followed him to a nearby chocolate factory, where she accused him of harassment, racial abuse, and homophobia—claims that were dismissed by the company.

Belton eventually reported her to the police, stating that he just wanted the harassment to stop. Hewlett provided the hitman website with Belton’s personal details, including his home and work addresses.

In her police interview, Hewlett claimed that she never intended for the murder to take place and described the action as a way to express her anger. However, after posting the ad, she was found to have searched for news stories about fatal accidents.

Detective Inspector Paul Morton commented on the case: “This has been a complex trial with a large amount of information, and it highlights that the dark web is far from a safe haven for criminals.”

While Hewlett was cleared of a more serious stalking charge, she was convicted of a lesser charge of stalking without serious alarm or distress. She will be sentenced in April.

Owen Farrell Hails Henry Arundell as Key Player for England’s Six Nations Campaign

Owen Farrell Hails Henry Arundell as Key Player for England’s Six Nations Campaign

The England captain compares Arundell’s attacking flair to that of Jason Robinson ahead of potential debut.

Owen Farrell has backed young winger Henry Arundell to make a significant impact in the upcoming Six Nations, drawing comparisons with the legendary Jason Robinson for his unpredictability and flair.

Arundell, who recently made the cut for England’s 29-man squad ahead of their clash with Italy at Twickenham, is in line for a potential Six Nations debut after recovering from a foot injury that had kept him sidelined since October. Despite limited game time for London Irish, with just 30 minutes of action, the 20-year-old’s remarkable talent has earned him a spot in the squad.

The England captain spoke highly of Arundell’s skills, particularly his attacking ability. “He’s got everything when it comes to a running game; speed, strength, ability to ride tackles, and great footwork,” Farrell said. “Usually, people have one or two of these, but Henry has it all. Watching him play for London Irish and seeing that incredible try he scored against Toulon, you know he has something special.”

Farrell went on to liken Arundell’s electrifying presence on the field to that of Robinson, who had a brilliant career in both rugby and rugby league, starring in the 2003 World Cup-winning England team. “When you watch Henry play, you feel like something could happen at any moment. Not many players have that ability to get everyone on the edge of their seat, but Henry does.”

As for the England squad, the exclusion of experienced scrum-half Ben Youngs, who will miss his first Six Nations match in nine years, is a significant development. With 122 caps to his name, Youngs’ omission leaves Northampton’s Alex Mitchell poised to earn just his second Test cap against Italy, alongside Jack Van Poortvliet, who retains his place in the squad.

Despite this, defence coach Kevin Sinfield assured that Youngs remains a key figure in England’s long-term plans. “Ben is still very much a part of the squad,” Sinfield said. “This weekend is about focusing on the here and now, and the importance of a strong performance against Italy to bounce back after the loss to Scotland.”

Fulham Edge Out Sunderland in Thrilling FA Cup Tie

Fulham Edge Out Sunderland in Thrilling FA Cup Tie

Marco Silva’s men fight off late pressure to secure a place in the fifth round against Leeds United.

Fulham kept their FA Cup hopes alive with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Sunderland, progressing to the fifth round where they’ll face a Leeds United side without a manager.

The match began with an early breakthrough for Fulham, as Harry Wilson converted a well-crafted goal following a defensive error from Sunderland’s Patrick Roberts. Wilson’s strike, assisted by Carlos Vinícius, put the visitors in front after just eight minutes.

Marco Silva, serving a touchline ban after accumulating a yellow card in Fulham’s 0-0 draw with Chelsea, watched from the stands as his side looked to double their lead. However, after Wilson’s early chances were denied, Sunderland grew into the game.

Amad Diallo, on loan from Manchester United, was particularly influential, testing goalkeeper Marek Rodak with a dipping shot before Sunderland increased the pressure. Jack Clarke and Aji Alese were both involved in an attempt to pull Sunderland back into the match, with Clarke’s cross setting up a fine finish for Alese, bringing the Black Cats within one goal.

Fulham responded swiftly with Aleksandar Mitrovic and Andreas Pereira coming off the bench to provide the necessary spark. Mitrovic assisted Pereira for Fulham’s second goal, restoring their lead at 2-1.

However, Sunderland weren’t ready to concede, and after a mix-up in the Fulham defence, Jewison Bennette pounced on a mistake to score a late goal, reducing the deficit to 3-2. But despite the frantic final moments, Sunderland couldn’t find the equaliser, and Fulham held on to secure the victory.

This thrilling encounter ends Sunderland’s FA Cup run, but their performance across both matches was commendable, with the Championship side pushing Fulham all the way.

Vincent Kompany Relieved Nathan Tella’s Southampton Return Is Delayed

Vincent Kompany Relieved Nathan Tella’s Southampton Return Is Delayed

Burnley manager enjoys another strong performance from Tella, while ensuring his future at Turf Moor is secure for now.

Vincent Kompany expressed his relief at keeping Nathan Tella at Burnley for the remainder of the season, joking that he had “hidden his phone” throughout the transfer window to avoid any risk of the forward being recalled by Southampton.

Tella’s brace in Burnley’s 2-1 FA Cup victory over Ipswich Town ensured their progression to the last 16, with his goals coming at critical moments—one after just 46 seconds and another in stoppage time. His impressive tally of 11 goals this season has been a bright spot for Burnley, and Kompany joked that Tella’s goal-scoring form could even benefit Southampton, who are struggling in the Premier League.

“The last thing we wanted was any phone calls,” Kompany laughed when asked if Southampton’s Nathan Jones had shown interest in recalling Tella. “We’re just happy he’s here with us, and that’s all that matters.”

After a difficult season at Southampton last year, where he made only 14 starts, Tella has flourished at Burnley, taking on additional responsibility and thriving under Kompany’s guidance. Kompany highlighted that Tella’s development comes from playing regularly, and his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively has been crucial.

“He works hard for the team, not just when we have the ball but also when we don’t,” said Kompany. “He’s in the right places at the right time, and that’s exactly what we need from him.”

With Burnley advancing to the next round of the FA Cup, they will face Fleetwood Town at home, presenting an opportunity to progress to the quarter-finals for the first time in nearly two decades. However, Kompany’s main focus remains the league, as evidenced by his decision to make seven changes to his starting lineup.

“I’m pleased with the cup run, but our priority is to be a good team in the Championship,” Kompany added.

Ipswich, despite being knocked out, put in a strong performance, showing why they are vying for promotion from League One. Their manager, Kieran McKenna, expressed pride in his players’ efforts, particularly their resilience after conceding an early goal.

Carlos Corberan Signs Contract Extension at West Brom, Ending Leeds Speculation

Carlos Corberan Signs Contract Extension at West Brom, Ending Leeds Speculation

The head coach commits to The Hawthorns until 2027, despite being linked with the vacant Leeds United role.

Carlos Corberan, the head coach of West Bromwich Albion, has signed a contract extension that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2027, effectively ruling himself out of the race for the Leeds United managerial position.

The 39-year-old Spanish coach, who previously worked as an assistant to Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds, had been strongly linked with the vacant role at Elland Road following Jesse Marsch’s dismissal. However, Corberan, who has enjoyed significant success at The Hawthorns, chose to extend his stay with the Championship club.

“I feel confident that this is the right place for me, especially as I’ve been made to feel so welcome here,” Corberan explained. “Success only comes when everyone is united, and that’s the environment I’ve experienced here. Our goal is to continue improving daily and to make the team increasingly competitive for the challenges ahead.”

Corberan had only signed a two-and-a-half-year contract in October after taking over from Steve Bruce, when the club was near the relegation zone. His impressive record, winning 10 out of 13 matches, has propelled the team to sixth place in the Championship, prompting the club to enter discussions about his future.

Ron Gourlay, the club’s chief executive, praised Corberan for his work, stating: “My admiration for Carlos has only grown since his arrival. His passion for football is infectious, and our players have benefitted greatly from his expertise.”

The discussions between Corberan and Gourlay, which began three weeks ago, led to the new contract extension, as both are aligned in their vision for the future of West Bromwich Albion.

Ashton Kutcher Reveals Why He Appeared ‘Awkward’ With Reese Witherspoon on the Red Carpet

Ashton Kutcher Reveals Why He Appeared ‘Awkward’ With Reese Witherspoon on the Red Carpet

The actor explains the reason behind his discomfort in photos with co-star Reese Witherspoon.

Ashton Kutcher has shared the reasons behind his “awkward” appearance in red carpet photos with Reese Witherspoon, explaining that the images sparked confusion among fans. The two actors, who star together in the upcoming Netflix romantic comedy Your Place or Mine, were captured looking uncomfortable together, leading to viral reactions.

Kutcher revealed that his wife, Mila Kunis, was among those who noticed the awkwardness. During a conversation with Witherspoon, Kunis admitted to emailing them both after seeing the photos online. “You guys look so awkward on the red carpet together,” Kunis had written.

In a separate interview, Kutcher elaborated on the situation, acknowledging that he was unaware the images had become a meme until Kunis informed him. He jokingly recounted the conversation, saying, “My wife texted Reese and me, saying, ‘Guys, you gotta act like you like each other.’”

The actor pointed out the catch-22 situation he found himself in during the event. If he appeared too friendly, rumours of an affair would likely circulate. He explained, “If I put my arm around her, people would think I was having an affair. But if I kept my hands in my pockets, they’d say we don’t like each other.”

Kutcher also addressed the cause of his visible discomfort in the photos, explaining that his hearing impairment contributed to his awkwardness at promotional events. “I can’t hear very well in one ear, and it’s overwhelming with all the shouting from the photographers,” he said. “At some point during the 20-minute photo call, I’m bound to look awkward.”

Kutcher’s upcoming film, Your Place or Mine, will be available for streaming on Netflix starting February 10.