The Latest Breaking News from England

Why Steve Smith is not playing for Australia in Ashes shock

England handed unexpected late boost for must-win third Test in Adelaide

Evening Standard · Dec 16, 2025

Steve Smith out of third Test as England bid to keep Ashes series alive

The Australia batter has been suffering with illness and is replaced by Usman Khawaja in Adelaide

The Independent UK · Dec 16, 2025

Australia reach 326-8 against England: Ashes third Test, day one – as it happened

England capitalised on poor shots early but the hosts recovered from being 94-4 after lunch to finish 326-8 at stumps

The Guardian - AU · Dec 16, 2025

Harlequins coach refuses to rule out move for Northampton back George Furbank

The Harlequins senior coach, Jason Gilmore, has praised Northampton’s George Furbank and declined to rule out a move for the England back

The Guardian - UK · Dec 16, 2025

The Hodge report into Arts Council England: ‘Not exactly a ringing endorsement’

While the former arts minister’s call for tax breaks and a bonfire of red tape will be welcomed, we seem to be going round in circles. And why hasn’t the single most calamitous cause of funding reduction been addressed?

The Guardian - UK · Dec 16, 2025

England’s Sarina Wiegman named women’s coach of the year at FIFA awards

Wiegman led the Lionesses to Euros glory.

The Independent UK · Dec 16, 2025

Ministers ‘break word’ on protecting nature after weakening biodiversity planning rule

Housing minister announces exemption to 10% net gain rule in England for smaller developments

The Guardian - UK · Dec 16, 2025

2025 The Best FIFA Football Awards: Full List of Winners

The best men’s and women’s players, coaches and goalkeepers were crowned at a ceremony in Qatar.

Sports Illustrated · Dec 16, 2025

Why mistletoe is thriving, even as its traditional orchards are lost

Mistletoe is a richly symbolic winter plant with an unusual life cycle. With more than half of England’s traditional orchards lost since the mid-20th century, it would be easy to assume mistletoe is disappearing too. But that’s not the case. Despite dramatic changes in land use, mistletoe in Britain and…

The Conversation · Dec 16, 2025

Local favourite Carey writes his own Ashes hero script

Alex Carey was told by Stuart Broad in 2023 he'd only ever be remembered for the stumping of Jonny Bairstow, but his Adelaide Ashes ton now suggests otherwise.

AAP · Dec 16, 2025