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England World Cup Bank Holiday Pledged; Rashford Transfer Talk

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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has signaled England will receive a historic bank holiday if the Three Lions lift the World Cup 2026 trophy, per *The Sun*. The pledge arrives as England prepare for a quarter-final showdown with Norway in Miami, where soaring temperatures pose a fresh weather threat. Norway, meanwhile, blocked English journalists from their training session to prevent any "Spygate" recurrence.

Manchester United are exploring a transfer for Marcus Rashford before their August pre-season camp in Dublin, though parallel plans exist to reintegrate the forward under interim boss Michael Carrick. Barcelona have shortlisted Bournemouth teenager Eli Junior Kroupi, but face a four-way battle with Paris St-Germain, Arsenal, and Tottenham. Juventus want Aston Villa to drop their £8.5m valuation for Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who has already agreed personal terms.

Former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho says he would welcome a reunion with Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid after departing Al Ittihad. In tennis, British wildcard Arthur Fery cites Emma Raducanu's 2021 US Open triumph as fuel for his run to the Wimbledon semi-finals. Cricket's governing body has written to the ECB alleging Ben Stokes' emotional retirement video, released during the Third Test against New Zealand on June 28, may have breached anti-corruption rules.

The bank holiday promise underscores the political capital attached to a first men's World Cup win since 1966, while United's dual-track approach on Rashford reflects unresolved tactical and financial tensions. Kroupi's pursuit signals a shift toward younger, cheaper striking options across Europe's elite, and the Stokes investigation could set a precedent for player media conduct during active series.