Sports News Today: England vs Argentina set, India script Lord’s history, Fleming leaves CSK

The sporting calendar delivered major developments across football, cricket and tennis, with FIFA World Cup semi-final fever building, India scripting history in women’s cricket at Lord’s, and Chennai Super Kings bringing an end to Stephen Fleming’s iconic 18-year coaching reign. Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner continued his dominance on grass by retaining the Wimbledon title.

1. England and Argentina renew historic World Cup rivalry in blockbuster semi-final

The FIFA World Cup semi-finals are set to produce one of football’s greatest rivalries as England face defending champions Argentina for a place in the final.

The fixture renews one of the tournament’s most iconic matchups, from England’s victories in 1962 and 1966 to Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” in 1986, Argentina’s penalty shootout win in 1998 and David Beckham’s redemption in 2002.

England arrive after another dramatic comeback victory over Norway, with Thomas Tuchel praising his side’s resilience while insisting they “have to play better football.” Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have combined for 12 of England’s 13 World Cup goals, making them the tournament’s most prolific attacking duo.

2. France’s attack faces Spain’s defensive wall in World Cup semi-final

The first World Cup semi-final pits the tournament’s most explosive attack against its stingiest defence as France take on Spain in Dallas.

France have scored 16 goals in six matches, generated the highest expected goals tally in the competition and boast an attack led by Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise.

Spain, meanwhile, have conceded just seven shots on target all tournament while allowing only 0.31 expected goals per game, with Rodri, Aymeric Laporte and goalkeeper Unai Simon anchoring one of the strongest defensive performances recorded at a World Cup.

With Opta making both teams favourites ahead of England and Argentina, many view this clash as the tournament’s de facto final.

3. India hammer England to win historic first women’s Test at Lord’s

India completed one of the biggest victories in women’s Test history after thrashing England by 270 runs in the first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s.

Set a record target of 457, England were bowled out for just 186 as Sneh Rana claimed 4-42 and Deepti Sharma wrapped up the innings.

Kranti Gaud starred with match figures of 7 wickets, while Yastika Bhatia became the first woman to score a Test century at Lord’s. The victory also spoiled the international farewell of England legends Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont.

4. Stephen Fleming steps down as Chennai Super Kings head coach

One of the IPL’s most successful eras has officially come to an end after Stephen Fleming stepped down as Chennai Super Kings head coach following 18 seasons with the franchise.

Fleming guided CSK to five IPL titles, two Champions League T20 crowns, 12 playoff appearances and 10 IPL finals, forming one of cricket’s greatest coaching partnerships alongside MS Dhoni.

The mutual decision follows consecutive disappointing seasons, with CSK finishing eighth in 2026 after ending bottom of the table the previous year.

5. India begin ODI reset against England after T20I disappointment

India will look to put two disappointing T20I series behind them when they begin their ODI series against England at Edgbaston.

The visitors welcome back Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, while Shubman Gill continues as captain ahead of next year’s ODI World Cup.

England, fresh from a dominant T20I series victory, will hand Josh Tongue his ODI debut and hope to continue their impressive record at Edgbaston, where they have won seven consecutive ODIs.

6. Brendon McCullum apologises after England Test coaching exit

Brendon McCullum has admitted England’s Test performances “weren’t good enough” after confirming he was dismissed as red-ball head coach.

The former New Zealand captain accepted responsibility for England’s struggles against Australia and India, saying results ultimately cost him his job.

McCullum will continue coaching England’s white-ball teams but acknowledged the ECB were justified in making a change following seven defeats in England’s last nine Test matches.

7. Dutch referee Rob Dieperink dies aged 38

Dutch referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has confirmed.

Dieperink had originally been selected as a VAR official for the 2026 FIFA World Cup before being removed from FIFA’s list following an investigation into allegations that were later dropped due to insufficient evidence.

FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB paid tribute to one of Dutch football’s most respected officials, with the cause of death not yet disclosed.