Category: Leeds

Ben Kane passed away “suddenly and unexpectedly” on June 1318:26, 20 Jun 2026Updated 18:30, 20 Jun 2026Tributes have poured in for BenA young GAA star from Dublin, “who brought so much joy and laughter into any room he entered,” has been remembered following his tragic death.Ben Kane, from Glasnevin, died “suddenly and unexpectedly” on Saturday (June 13), according to a death notice published by his family on RIP.ie. Ben, known as ‘Kaner’ amongst his friends, was the cherished son of Mary and Dermot, adored brother of Amélie and treasured grandson of Danny, Rita, Dan and the late Margaret, and nephew of the late Linda, reports Dublin Live.He leaves behind his extended family, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, neighbours, friends, teammates and fellow club members who will deeply miss him. Ben was an exceptionally talented GAA player and lifelong member of CLG Na Fianna in Glasnevin.The Dublin club has shared a moving tribute to the well-loved young man on social media.”On behalf of CLG Na Fianna, we extend our deepest condolences to Dermot, Mary and Amélie on the passing of Ben Kane,” they said. “Kaner was a valued player, teammate and friend whose spirit, dedication and kindness touched everyone at the club.”We mourn the loss of a vibrant young life and will always remember his commitment on and off the pitch. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kane family at this heartbreaking time. Ar dheis Dé a raibh a anam.”Ben studied at Trinity College and was a cherished member of their GAA squad, playing an instrumental part as they secured the Senior Football Division 2 League title in 2024, while also helping guide the side to victory in the 2025 Trench Cup as the college won back the trophy for the first time since 2012.In tribute to the gifted sportsman, Trinity College Dublin G. A.A. said: “TCD GAA extend our deepest condolences to Dermot, Mary and Amélie on the passing of former TCD footballer Ben Kane.”Kaner was a valued teammate – a caring, sound and all round gent. He was a key player in the 2024 League success, 2025 Trench Cup run and 2022 All Ireland Fresher victory.”We mourn the loss of this life taken too early. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kane family and friends at this heartbreaking time. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís.”Ben was enormously popular amongst his teammates and peers at both Trinity College and Ardscoil Rís secondary school, with numerous tributes flooding in for the gifted footballer, who has been fondly recalled as being “ten times the man off the pitch that he was on it”.Ben played for Na Fianna and the Trinity College GAA teamA close friend of Ben’s said: “I was lucky enough to know Kaner through GAA from nursery right through to adult football. I’ll never forget the years of him cheekily dinking the ball over my head in shooting drills, and running off laughing with that big smile on his face.”He was one of the nicest people you could ever meet, and I will always remember working nights with him, spending hours laughing and joking, while also having the kind of conversations that helped me with life. He was so intelligent, caring, and always had time for others.”Looking back at the photos and videos from all of the nights out with the team, he was the life and soul of every night and someone who made every occasion better just by being there. My thoughts are with Dermot, Mary, Amelie, and all his family and friends at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”A teammate of Ben’s at Trinity paid tribute, saying: “When I met Ben playing football in first year in college, I was struck by what an amazing player he was. I learnt over the next few years that he was ten times the man off the pitch that he was on it. He was the kindest, funniest and most genuine lad in the dressing room, and he always lit the place up with his grin.”I’d like to offer my sincerest condolences to Ben’s family, friends and club mates. He’ll be sadly missed by everyone lucky enough to have known him.”A further teammate of Ben’s expressed: “I was genuinely privileged to have met Ben playing freshers GAA in TCD in 2021. I am even more privileged to have become good friends over the following years together.”Ben had the jokes to make an entire dressing room laugh, but he was also extremely kind, and always had a genuine interest in what a friend had to say, with a few words of advice always provided.”He was truly a lovely person, as well as a fabulous footballer, and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”A former classmate of Ben’s from his days at Ardscoil Rís also paid tribute, saying: “I was fortunate enough to spend 6 years in ASR with Ben and a significant amount of time in BESS with him too.”He was truly a larger than life personality who brought so much joy and laughter into any room he entered. My lasting memories of him all centre around him having everyone in stitches laughing – either in a classroom, college lecture hall or a football pitch.”I am truly at a loss for words – my deepest condolences and thoughts go to his family at this time. Fly high Kaner.”Ben’s funeral took place at Our Lady of Dolours Church on Botanic Road on Friday, with the young man subsequently laid to rest at Glasnevin Cemetery.

Dream11 fantasy XI tips and guide for Match 16 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 between ENG-W vs SCO-W to be played in Leeds.

England Women have a dream start to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 with two consecutive wins. They are at the top of Group B and are front-runners to make it to the semis from this group.

They will face Scotland Women in match 16. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out after sustaining injury in the previous game against Ireland Women. Charlie Dean will lead England in her absence. The contest is scheduled to begin at 11 AM IST on Saturday at Headingley in Leeds.

Scotland Women beat Ireland Women in their opening game and had a close encounter in their second game against West Indies Women. But they fell short by seven runs. They will have a big task of challenging a strong English side.

ENG-W vs SCO-W: Match Details

Match: England Women (ENG-W) vs Scotland Women (SCO-W), Match 16, ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

Match Date: June 20, 2026 (Saturday)

Time: 11:00 P.M. (Indian Standard Time) / 5:30 PM GMT / 6:30 PM LOCAL

Venue: Headingley, Leeds

ENG-W vs SCO-W: Head-to-Head: ENG-W (1) – SCO-W (0)

England Women have won the only T20I played between these two sides.

ENG-W vs SCO-W: Weather Report

The forecast shows partly cloudy conditions during the scheduled time on Saturday in Leeds. The temperature is likely to be around 21°C with a humidity between 65 and 75 percent.

ENG-W vs SCO-W: Pitch Report

Headlingley in Leeds offers a good batting surface. It is typically a high-scoring venue, which offers bounce and carry, whereas the boundaries are not big enough to contain the batting sides. Pacers will have lateral movement, but after the first few overs, the conditions will improve for batting.

ENG-W vs SCO-W: Predicted XIs:

England Women: Amy Jones (wk), Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sophie Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Heather Knight, Freya Kemp, Danielle Gibson, Charlotte Dean (c), Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell.

Scotland Women: Darcey Carter, Katherine Fraser, Kathryn Bryce (c), Sarah Bryce (wk), Ailsa Lister, Megan McColl, Priyanaz Chatterji, Rachel Slater, Kirstie Gordon, Chloe Abel, Gabriella Fontenla.

Suggested Dream11 Fantasy Team No. 1 ENG-W vs SCO-W Dream11:

Wicket-keepers: Sarah Bryce, Amy Jones

Batters: Alice Capsey, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

All-rounders: Charlie Dean, Freya Kemp, Katherine Fraser, Kathryn Bryce

Bowlers: Lauren Bell, Sophie Ecclestone, Kirstie Gordon

Captain First-Choice: Danni Wyatt-Hodge || Captain Second-Choice: Lauren Bell

Vice-Captain First-Choice: Katherine Fraser || Vice-captain Second-choice: Kirstie Gordon

Suggested Dream11 Fantasy Team No. 2 ENG-W vs SCO-W Dream11:

Wicket-keepers: Sarah Bryce, Amy Jones

Batters: Alice Capsey, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

All-rounders: Charlie Dean, Freya Kemp, Katherine Fraser, Kathryn Bryce

Bowlers: Sophie Ecclestone, Kirstie Gordon, Rachel Slater

Captain First-Choice: Kathryn Bryce || Captain Second-Choice: Charlie Dean

Vice-Captain First-Choice: Freya Kemp || Vice-captain Second-choice: Amy Jones

ENG-W vs SCO-W: Dream11 Prediction – Who Will Win?

Even without Nat Sciver-Brunt, England Women are stronger than Scotland Women across all departments. Hence, we back England Women to win this game in Leeds.

When will the ENG-W vs SCO-W of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 take place?

The ENG-W vs SCO-W match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will take place on Saturday, June 20.

Where will the ENG-W vs SCO-W of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 take place?

The ENG-W vs SCO-W match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will take place at Headingley in Leeds.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.

Former Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch’s second fixture of the World Cup as Canada manager could not have gone any better last night.

We’re into the second wave of group stage fixtures during this World Cup, and there’s been very little involvement thus far from Leeds’ travelling quartet.

Most of the intrigue from an Elland Road perspective has been on those that were formerly at the club, including former manager Jesse Marsch.

Jesse Marsch’s Canada batter nine-man Qatar 6-0 in World Cup rout

A spirited draw in Canada’s opener teed up the chance to build under Marsch, with a clash against Qatar in Vancouver’s BC Place stadium.

Qatar fought back for their own surprise draw against Switzerland in game one, but were massively second best against Marsch’s men.

What didn’t help Qatar was a red card either side of half-time, seeing them play most of the second half with nine men. Granted, they were already 2-0 down by the time they were reduced to 10 men, as Cyle Larin prodded in a rebound for the opener, followed by Jonathan David’s superb volley on the turn. The Juventus man then added his second and Canada’s third on the stroke of half-time.

After half-time, the second red came in tragic circumstances. Qatar’s Assim Madibo caught Ismael Kone from behind with a somewhat reckless swipe, which ended up causing a horrible broken leg for the Canada midfielder, and the decision was upgraded to a red card via VAR intervention.

Madibo was understandably distraught, but Canada’s fourth came through another poor challenge, punished on the edge of the box with Nathan Saliba’s free-kick. Mohammed Manai sliced into his own goal to complete Canada’s 6-0 rout.

Ex-Leeds United man Jesse Marsch and Julen Lopetegui shared bitter full-time encounter after Canada 6-0 Qatar

It’s a seriously impressive result for Canada and Marsch no matter the circumstances. Yes, their opposition were there for the taking at 11v11, and even more so at 11v9.

However, the full-time whistle brought more tension for Marsch. As he shook hands with his opposite number, Lopetegui then shared what appeared to be a hostile exchange with the former Leeds boss, who stormed off throwing his hands in the air.

After the match, Marsch wasn’t willing to give ex-Wolves man Lopetegui any air time for his touchline antics.

“I’m not wasting a single second talking about that,” Marsch said, via FourFourTwo, as he called out the Qatar bench’s ‘strange behaviour’ around Kone’s injury and Madibo’s red card.

Marsch also confirmed that Madibo headed into the Canada dressing room to apologise and send his condolences to Kone.

Could divisive Leeds United character Jesse Marsch enjoy memorable World Cup with Canada?

The injury shouldn’t detract from what a brilliant performance that was from Marsch’s Canada, and it stands them in good stead for the tournament going forward.

It’s such a confidence booster, and you wonder how far Marsch can take this Canada side.

In his first major tournament, the Copa America, Marsch guided his side to a third-place playoff, where they missed out on penalties to Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay. They also lost their semi-final to eventual winners Argentina.

I know he divides opinion massively at Leeds, and his outspoken nature never helps. Many of us would be happy forgetting his stint ever really happened. But, he’s in the limelight now and it’s hard not to watch on, love him or hate him.

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A three-year-old boy is fighting for his life after he was reportedly thrown into a crocodile enclosurePaige Ingram Multimedia Journalist, Tom Kershaw Head of Live News and Sam Russell and Jordan Reynolds Press Association06:43, 19 Jun 2026Police at Johnson’s of Old Hurst, in Huntingdonshire(Image: © 2026 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)A zoo owner’s wife heroically jumped into a crocodile enclosure in a frantic attempt to save a seriously injured three-year-old boy who was allegedly thrown in by a stranger.Police have arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder following an incident at Johnson’s of Old Hurst, in Huntingdonshire. Officers were called to the scene at 1.24pm on Thursday to “reports of an incident involving a three-year-old boy, during which he ended up in the crocodile enclosure”, Cambridgeshire Police confirmed.A local resident, who asked not to be named, revealed that Tracey Johnson, the zoo owner’s wife, bravely leapt into the enclosure in a bid to rescue the youngster. The villager stated: “Apparently, the wife of the zoo owner, Tracey Johnson, jumped in to the enclosure to save the child.”The boy was rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge with serious injuries and remains in a critical but stable condition, police confirmed. A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, reports the Mirror.Detective Inspector Verity McCann commented: “At this stage we are speaking to people who were at the zoo at the time of this distressing incident to understand more about the circumstances. We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other. Officers are supporting the boy’s family at hospital and our thoughts remain with them.”In a statement posted on social media, Johnson’s announced that “out of respect to the family” Tropical House will remain shut until further notice. They added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today.”(Image: © 2026 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)The ambulance service confirmed that multiple emergency vehicles were dispatched to the scene, including an ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle and an air ambulance. A uniformed officer was standing guard at an entrance to the site on Thursday evening, with a marked police vehicle parked nearby in the car park.Nestled off a quiet, tree-lined country lane in the village of Old Hurst and surrounded by residential properties, the zoo also features a tea room, farm shop and steakhouse within its grounds.The attraction is home to over 100 animals, amongst them lions, tigers, sloth bears, capybaras and meerkats. The crocodiles are housed inside a tropical building within a converted cattle shed, while other animals are kept in outdoor enclosures.The Johnson family has dedicated the past two decades to the care and handling of crocodiles. Current owner Andy Johnson has been involved in producing a “European published dossier on the farming, welfare and husbandry of crocodilians”, according to the zoo’s website.Neighbour Mike Annicelli, 52, who lives near the zoo, recalled previous visits where he felt entirely safe. Describing the crocodile enclosure, he said: “Everything is elevated, you’re far away from the animals.”He described a “raised platform” and estimated the crocodiles were roughly 15ft below, adding that fencing ran along the walkways, which he believed stood around 4ft high.Local councillor Charlotte Lowe admitted she “can’t fathom” how the young boy ended up inside the crocodile enclosure.Speaking outside the attraction on Thursday evening, the Huntingdonshire District Council councillor for Warboys ward said: “I can’t fathom how it’s happened because they’ve got all the right protection and safety equipment, for want of a better word, in there.”She went on to say: “This incident, I think it’s shocked an awful lot of people, especially the locals.”Ben Obese-Jecty, the MP for Huntingdon, said: “I am aware of the incident at Johnson’s of Old Hurst and have been liaising with senior officers at Gold Command who are treating this as a critical incident.”This is now a live criminal investigation and I would ask people to refrain from speculation online. The police will provide an update with further information in due course. My thoughts are with the young victim and his family during a hugely traumatic and difficult time.”Alastair Torrance, deputy chairman of Old Hurst Parish Council, said: “I do feel enormously for the family of the child. It must’ve been absolutely terrible for the child and the family.”A spokesperson for Huntingdonshire District Council stated: “We are aware of the serious incident that has taken place today at Johnson’s of Old Hurst. Our thoughts are with the young boy and his family at this very difficult time. We are working closely with partners, including Cambridgeshire Police. We urge people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding this incident while inquiries are ongoing.”

Arron Lindop will make his long-awaited return for Warrington Wolves after being named in the centres to face Leeds Rhinos at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.The 20-year-old has been sidelined since June 2025 after suffering an ACL injury against Leeds in Super League. He partners Matty Ashton for Warrington, with Toby King sidelined through injury. Rising youngster Zack Gardner is also set to miss the rest of the season, having suffered a dislocated shoulder on his first senior appearance of the year last week against St Helens. He was forced off in the early exchanges, as Warrington went on to claim an 18-6 victory at the BrewDog Stadium.Sam Powell, Toafofoa Sipley, Jordy Crowther and Kelepi Tanginoa have all been named on the bench by head coach Sam Burgess.It will mark the first time back-rower James Bentley has faced Leeds since his off-season move from AMT Headingley to Warrington – and his 200th career appearance.Leeds, meanwhile, welcome back full-back Lachie Miller after serving his three-match suspension. He replaces Fergus McCormack.Cameron Smith will mark his 200th career appearance in the Round 15 contest.Warrington Wolves: Josh Thewlis, Matty Ashton, Arron Lindop, Josh Smith, Albert Hopoate, Leon Hayes, Ewan Irwin, Luke Thomas, Danny Walker, Liam Byrne, James Harrison, James Bentley, Ben Currie.Bench: Sam Powell, Toafofoa Sipley, Jordy Crowther, Kelepi Tanginoa.Leeds Rhinos: Lachie Miller, Ryan Hall, Harry Newman, Ash Handley, Maika Sivo, Brodie Croft, Jake Connor, Mikolaj Oledzki, Danny Levi, Keenan Palasia, Chris Hankinson, James McDonnell, Kallum Watkins.Bench: Cooper Jenkins, Jarrod O’Connor, Cameron Smith, Presley Cassell.

Will Elland Road’s West Stand expansion “uncover any artefacts”? That’s the question on BBC Radio Leeds’ Adam Pope’s mind.Following Leeds United’s announcement that work has now begun, external on the first phase of transforming the ground into a Uefa Category 4 stadium, the Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast discussed the developments.”The Norman Hunter Suite has been smashed apart now,” Pope said. “The one thing I would be really interested to see is if they uncover any artefacts as they go along.”The whole stand actually burned down in the 1950s before being rebuilt, so I reckon they will find all sorts once they get going.”But if people are expecting them to have completed the demolition process by the time pre-season gets going, it is worth reminding them that it won’t be the case. Games will still continue in the normal way, but they are having to go up and over the top [of the existing structure].”Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix added: “It is weird because the whole big thing is around the club ‘knocking the stand down’, but the one thing the club isn’t doing is ‘knocking the stand down’.”They have already got to the back wall of John Charles. They are going to build over it which is fine, but when they do get rid of the underneath it is going to be really hard depending on what they do on the outside of the ground.”It will be a massive job to physically get all of the bits out from underneath the stand. They basically can’t build anything on the bottom level because they will need to get that bottom level out at some point [during the redevelopment].”Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds

by Andy Dalton

Dozens of people turned up and enjoyed free ice creams, genuine home made orange juice and other culinary delights last Saturday afternoon in Armley.

They were visiting the Leeds City Mission Compassion Centre’s summer open afternoon. As the sun shone through the clouds visitors were treated to a range of refreshments. 

Some sat outside around tables on the adjoining grassed area under the shade of leafy trees. Others mingled inside the Compassion Centre. Many took the opportunity to browse the displays of goods on sale inside the Centre. They were also treated to a short talk about the various compassion projects of the City Mission amongst needy people in West Leeds.

Leeds City Mission Compassion Centre Manager Sinclair Martin thanked everyone for their attendance and support. He said: “Warm weather helped to make this a successful open afternoon and social event. A good time was enjoyed by everyone. Over £300 was raised which will help to finance our on-gong work and projects of Leeds City Mission.”

Leeds City Mission is a multi-church Christian agency which has worked with marginalised people since 1837 and seeks to meet the physical, social and spiritual needs of Leeds residents.

Gabriel Gudmundsson eased injury concerns after hobbling off during Sweden’s 5-1 World Cup win over Tunisia at the Estadio Monterrey in Mexico.He lasted 66 minutes before Elliot Stroud replaced him after treatment, and Sweden boss Graham Potter said post-match he believed it was cramp.“It was quite noticeable to me,” Gudmundsson said. “It hasn’t been an entirely optimal week for me. But I trained with the team again on Friday and got two good sessions. The circumstances with the weather [heat and humidity] may have played a small role, but regardless, it felt good,” he told Fotbollskanalen.The left-back had only just returned from a five-week hamstring lay-off before travelling to the USA, where illness disrupted his build-up.“It was dark. It was dark days,” he admitted. “I downloaded a lot of series before we flew to the US, and I managed to burn them all in two or three days. I had to isolate myself, sleep a lot and just take care of my body.”Sweden face the Netherlands in Houston, Texas on Saturday evening UK time, then Japan in Arlington on 26 June, and Gudmundsson hopes to be involved again.

Juventus players celebrate
Credit: Imago

Leeds United look almost certain to strengthen their attack this summer, with the club keen to add more firepower ahead of the new Premier League season.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin carried much of the goalscoring burden last term, finishing with 14 league goals and establishing himself as Leeds’ main attacking threat. Beyond him, however, there was a lack of reliable support.

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Lukas Nmecha managed six league goals in 31 appearances, while Joel Piroe struggled to make an impact in a limited role and ended the Premier League campaign without scoring.

As a result, bringing in another striker has become a priority for Leeds, and Lois Openda is one of the names believed to be high on the club’s shortlist as they look to bolster their options up front.

Leeds ‘most keen’ to sign Lois Openda

Lois Openda has struggled since joining Juventus from RB Leipzig last summer, and the Serie A giants are keen to move him on this summer.

Juventus want to recoup most of the £35m they paid for the forward, and his representatives have been trying to shop him around in the Premier League.

Leeds are amongst the clubs contacted, but they have also been in touch with Everton and Nottingham Forest ahead of the transfer window.

However, according to TeamTalk, Leeds have shown the most interest in getting their hands on Openda ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The Whites see him as a potential excellent focal point of their attack and believe he can revive his career in the Premier League.

Leeds are said to be ready to pay significant wages to the forward and are open to signing off on an expensive loan-to-buy agreement this summer.

Openda has been open to a move to Leeds, but has several options on his table ahead of the summer.

He will be a huge gamble

From Leeds United’s perspective, this is a transfer that comes with far more questions than answers. Juventus are understood to want to recoup a significant chunk of the £35m they invested in Openda, and that alone makes it difficult to see where the value lies.

The striker’s form this season has done little to justify such an outlay. He has managed just two goals in 37 appearances in all competitions, and the fact that Juventus are already prepared to move him on should give any interested club pause for thought.

Negotiations would not be straightforward either. Juventus would ideally like a permanent sale and, even if they were open to a loan, they would almost certainly push for an obligation or option to buy as part of the agreement.

Openda’s wages are another major factor. His salary expectations are believed to be high, which further increases the overall cost of any deal.

That is where Leeds need to be particularly careful. Since returning to the Premier League, the club have taken a measured approach to spending, and investing heavily in both transfer fees and wages for a player coming off such a disappointing season would be a significant risk.