Alexis's eyes shine brightly as he holds a football trophy aloft in a stadium in Goma, a city in the Democratic Republic...

Callum Wilson revealed being dropped by both Newcastle and England fuelled his determination to fight back. The striker’s post-World Cup slump saw him confined to the bench at Newcastle as he scored just once in 13 appearances. It also saw him left out of the opening Euro 2024 qualifying wins over Ukraine and Italy in March. However, Wilson is back to face Malta on Friday before Monday’s visit of North Macedonia to Old Trafford after scoring 11 goals across his final 12 games for Newcastle to fire them to fourth place in the Premier League. He said: “I was finding myself on the bench and was used to playing week in, week out. All of a sudden, I was watching from the sidelines and coming on for 10 minutes at the end of the game. “I didn’t like that. You want to play. You work hard all week and then on a matchday it is where you want to perform and score goals. I wasn’t getting to do that and knew I had to make sure I was working even harder to get back into the team. “It was a weird one, playing a World Cup in the winter. Club and country is totally different as well. At the club you are playing regularly: week in, week out. “Here, it is a bit more difficult to get game time and you have to bide your time, be professional and make sure you are doing everything you can on the training field. “So to then go back into club football was exciting, really, as I had been away from it for so long and I was thinking I am going to start playing again a little bit more, especially as I was feeling so sharp as I was at the World Cup. “I tried to use it in a positive way but yes, mentally, you do have to reset because you go on a drought of scoring goals. “We went to Dubai for a mid-season training camp and we had five days there when we didn’t play football. “We got to sit back and think, ‘yes it has been a fantastic start to the season but it has turned into a bad season’ when I was out of the team so I had to basically pull my finger out and start scoring goals again.” The Magpies’ return to the Champions League after 20 years capped a successful season but it only sunk in for Wilson after he went to Sam Fender’s gig at St James’ Park on Sunday. He said: “I went to the concert with my wife at St James’ Park. There was a sea of black and white and, before he came out, he actually played the Champions League song and everyone was cheering and I was like, ‘this is absolutely real’. “I could see how much it meant to everybody in the stadium at that time. Hearing the anthem in the stadium, without actually walking out to play, was surreal. This is going to happen next season and I cannot wait to get started.” Along with his love of music, Wilson is also a keen art collector as he looks to build his portfolio. “I’m trying to add slowly at the right time. Banksy, Daimen Hirst, Tracey Emin, a few little pieces. Mr Doodle, I’ve got that one piece,” said the 31-year-old. “Art is art, isn’t it? It’s down to everyone’s personal preference. Me personally, I took a shine to it, in terms of investment side of things and then you actually start to get into it, ‘I’ll put that on the wall’. “I want to get something that’s got a bit of value and means something and try and find the right pieces at the right time.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Marcus Rashford couldn’t stomach Man City celebrations but England remain united Croatia reach Nations League final with extra-time win over Netherlands He was the main guy – Jordan James knew Jude Bellingham would reach the top

The Carolina Panthers traded up for the first overall pick this year and selected quarterback Bryce Young. The early reviews have been positive.The franchise first took the field in 1995 and has had its good and bad times. In 28 NFL seasons, the Carolina Panthers have won six division titles and...

The college football rankings feature teams with highly inequal strength of schedule. Some Top 25 teams have a tougher road than others.

In today's Vikings rumors, the team brushes off Trey Lance speculation, pursues a hypothetical trade for a Pats defender, and cuts an ex-Eagle.

The Philadelphia Eagles are looking to start the season 4-0 when they host NFC East rival Washington on Sunday

Borussia Dortmund’s early season difficulties have prompted the club to go for Germany forward Niclas Füllkrug to get the team on track again

Man Utd have revealed the squad number which Sofyan Amrabat will wear after moving to the Premier League side from Fiorentina.

Madison Chock and Evan Bates won their second straight Skate America and fourth title overall on Sunday with a spectacular free skate set to music from Pink Floyd's “The Dark Side of the Moon.”

Spain’s men’s national team have condemned the “unacceptable behaviour” of Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales, but called for unity as they focus on upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers. Rubiales has been provisionally suspended by FIFA for an initial period of 90 days, pending an investigation into his behaviour at the World Cup final when he kissed Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy and medals presentation. Hermoso has said she did not consent to the kiss, and along with her 22 team-mates, has said she will not play for the national team until Rubiales – who has refused to quit – resigns. On Monday, the Spanish men’s team called an impromptu press conference where Alvaro Morata read a statement on behalf of the squad alongside fellow senior captains Marco Asensio, Cesar Azpilicueta and Rodri, which was also released on the Spanish Football Federation website. “Once in Las Rozas (training base), the national team players want to emphasise several issues regarding recent events that have harmed the image of Spanish football,” the statement read. “First and foremost, we want to convey, once again, our pride and heartfelt congratulations to the women’s national team for winning the World Cup in Sydney. “It’s a historic milestone filled with significance that will mark a before and after in Spanish women’s football, inspiring countless women with an invaluable triumph. “Therefore, we want to express our regret and solidarity with the players whose success has been tarnished. “We want to reject what we consider unacceptable behaviour on the part of Mr Rubiales, who has not lived up to the institution he represents. “We firmly and unequivocally stand on the side of the values that this sport represents. Spanish football must be a driving force for respect, inspiration, inclusion, and diversity and must set an example with its behaviour both on and off the field.” “Starting today, we face a crucial training camp for the future of Spanish football on our path to qualify for Euro 2024 with two matches against Georgia and Cyprus. “We would like to focus on sporting matters from now on, considering the importance of the challenges ahead.” Spain manager Luis de la Fuente had previously apologised for applauding when Rubiales told RFEF’s extraordinary general meeting he would not be resigning in the wake of the controversy. As well as his post-match conduct during the medal ceremony, Rubiales, 46, had also grabbed his crotch in the stadium’s VIP area in celebration, when he was stood metres away from Spain’s Queen Letizia and her teenage daughter. The RFEF regional heads have also called for Rubiales’ resignation, while members of the Spanish government have added their voices to those demanding he steps aside. Read More Luis Rubiales speaks out to ‘continue defending myself’ over kiss scandal Spain's men's coach asks for forgiveness for applauding Rubiales' diatribe against 'false feminists' Lionesses captain Leah Williamson labels Luis Rubiales kiss ‘disgusting’ Sergio Ramos returns to boyhood club Sevilla on one-year deal Eddie Howe admits Brighton defeat is a warning to Newcastle Premier League summer spending exceeds £2bn for the first time

The Vikings depth chart after Minnesota traded Za'Darius Smith to the Browns still has remaining pass-rushing potential even without the veteran.After months of speculation, the Vikings made their break up with Za'Darius Smith official on Friday by trading him to the Browns.The gen...

Alex Bregman and José Abreu had two RBIs each and Kyle Tucker added three hits to lead the Houston Astros to a 5-2 win over the Angels in a game during which where Los Angeles manager Phil Nevin was ejected