World Cup: England’s shock squad and the politics of football – The Latest

World Cup: England’s shock squad and the politics of football – The Latest

A ruthless Thomas Tuchel has left several big names at home for his England squad at this summer’s World Cup. There was no space for Harry Maguire, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer or Phil Foden – previous stalwarts in former manager Gareth Southgate’s squads. The announcement comes as the club season nears its end, with a historic week for Arsenal winning its first Premier League title in 22 years, sparking an incredible and diverse celebration from fans. Lucy Hough speaks to sportswriter and columnist Jonathan Liew – watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@todayinfocuspodcast]. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus [https://www.theguardian.com/infocus]

Are we heading for another Ebola crisis?

Kay Lay and Prosper Heri Ngorora report on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus [https://www.theguardian.com/infocus]

The far-right Israeli minister taunting detained Gaza activists – The Latest

Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has triggered global outrage after sharing footage of himself taunting bound activists who had been detained as they tried to sail to Gaza with aid. The video has been widely condemned by world leaders, including the Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, and by Israeli politicians, among them the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s chief Middle East correspondent, Emma Graham-Harrison – watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@todayinfocuspodcast]. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus [https://www.theguardian.com/infocus]

Competing in the pro-doping Enhanced Games

The Olympian Max McCusker on his decision to sign up for the Las Vegas games where performance-enhancing drugs are encouraged. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus [https://www.theguardian.com/infocus]

Are Xi and Putin still ‘best friends’? – The Latest

Xi Jinping welcomed Vladimir Putin to Beijing with pomp and pageantry, just days after hosting Donald Trump. But as Russia’s war in Ukraine makes Moscow increasingly dependent on China, and western leaders thaw relations with Beijing, what does the power imbalance mean for Xi and Putin’s relationship? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s deputy head of international news, Devika Bhat. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus [https://www.theguardian.com/infocus]