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Bellingham shines as England defeat Scotland – ARN News Centre

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England brought Scotland crashing back down to earth with a comfortable 3-1 victory in a friendly at Hampden Park with Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane on target.

After five successive Euro 2024 qualifying wins there was a euphoric atmosphere amongst the Tartan Army who sensed an opportunity for a first home win against England since 1985.

But once Phil Foden turned in Kyle Walker’s stray shot in the 32nd minute and then Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham punished an Andy Robertson error three minutes later the party went flat.

An own goal by substitute Harry Maguire in the 67th minute raised the decibel level again and Steve Clarke’s side briefly made life uncomfortable for England before captain Kane ended Scotland’s hopes with a typically clinical finish.

To make matters worse Norway beat Georgia in a Group A qualifier when a draw would have sealed Scotland’s place in next year’s tournament, although they remain in a strong position.

England, who drew 1-1 with Ukraine last weekend, are also top of Euro 2024 qualifying Group C.

The 116th edition of international soccer’s oldest fixture was dubbed the Heritage Match to mark the 150th anniversary of the first meeting between the old rivals.

It was not a happy night for the Scots though as England claimed a 49th victory that could have been a lot more emphatic had they taken all their chances.

England manager Gareth Southgate made six changes to the side that drew with Ukraine, handing defender Lewis Dunk his first cap since 2018 and offering Foden a start.

The depth in England’s squad was apparent though as they controlled the contest to give Scotland a reality check.

“The first half we didn’t really get started and England dominated the ball,” Scotland boss Steve Clarke told Channel 4.

“England showed the top side they are and we are trying to get to that level and some people maybe got a bit carried away and you have to understand where we are, trying to develop.”

Bellingham was simply magnificent as he continued his dream start to the season with Real Madrid and he set up an early chance for Walker who fired narrowly wide of the far post.

Bellingham was involved again in England’s opener, threading a pass to Marcus Rashford who teed up Walker for a shot which was going well wide but was diverted in by the alert Foden.

Scotland self-destructed soon after when they failed to clear their lines and Robertson played the ball straight to Bellingham who rifled a shot past Angus Gunn.

Maguire was given a run-out in the second half but the Manchester United player inadvertently handed Scotland a lifeline by clumsily prodding in Robertson’s low cross.

John McGinn glanced a header just over the top as Scotland suddenly looked dangerous but it was only a brief storm and the silky Bellingham was denied a superb solo goal by Gunn.

Bellingham then rounded off a great display with a slide-rule pass to Kane who finished with his trademark precision.

“I wasn’t happy with how I played against Ukraine, it wasn’t anywhere near my best and the motivation is always to get back to your best. I got somewhere close tonight,” Bellingham said.



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Is Ronaldo playing? Dubai fans await big reveal

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Football fans in Dubai could be in for a big night this weekend as Cristiano Ronaldo and his Riyadh-based club, Al Nassr, prepare to take on Al Wasl in the first leg of the AFC Champions League Two quarter-finals.

The match will be played at Zabeel Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm. The fixture was earlier postponed by the Asian Football Confederation and is now finally set to take place.

Back from injury

The main question on everyone’s mind is whether Ronaldo will feature. The Portuguese star has recently returned from injury and is in good form, scoring three goals in his last two matches. However, he has played only once in this competition so far, with the club managing his workload and focusing on the Saudi Pro League title race.

There are signs that this could change. With Ronaldo regaining fitness and the season entering a crucial phase, this match could offer him a chance to build rhythm and match sharpness. While his participation is not confirmed, fans remain hopeful.

Even if Ronaldo does not play, the match still promises top-level action. Players like João Felix and Sadio Mane are expected to feature, bringing quality and experience to the pitch.

Officials say the game is likely to draw a strong crowd, with or without Ronaldo. For Dubai, it is set to be a major football evening.


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DP World ILT20 Season 4 shatters records with 397 million viewers and 2.5 billion video views

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The DP World International League T20 (ILT20) has officially cemented its status as a global cricket powerhouse. Following the conclusion of Season 4, new data reveals the league has tightened its grip as the second-most watched cricket league in the world, reaching a staggering 397 million unique viewers across TV and OTT platforms.

This represents a 7.49% increase over Season 3, fuelled by expansive broadcast syndication and the maiden title victory of the Desert Vipers on January 4, 2026.

Digital dominance: 2.5 billion views

While the TV numbers are impressive, the league’s digital footprint saw an even more explosive surge. DP World ILT20 platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, amassed over 2.5 billion video views during the season.

“This season we have further strengthened our position… with significant gains across all platforms,” said David White, CEO of DP World ILT20.

“Our digital content, focusing on both high-stakes action and off-field fan engagement, has truly resonated with a global audience.”

Season 4 statistical highlights

  • Global Reach: 397 million unique viewers (7.49% YoY growth).
  • Viral Content: Over 350 social media posts surpassed the 1 million views mark.
  • Star Power: Features elite talent including Sam Curran (Player of the Tournament), Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, and Shakib Al Hasan.

Joseph Eapen, Managing Partner at GSIQ, noted that for such a young tournament, achieving this level of international relevance is a “highly credible and noteworthy achievement.”

With Season 4 in the books, the league is already looking toward the future. Officials have confirmed that dates for Season 5 will be unveiled in the coming days, promising an even larger spectacle for cricket fans worldwide.

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Dubai airport welcomes travellers with special Dubai World Cup passport stamp

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Travellers arriving at Dubai International Airport are being greeted with a unique souvenir, a special stamp on their passports celebrating the Dubai World Cup 2026.

The initiative, launched by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), marks the 30th edition (Pearl Jubilee) of one of the world’s most prestigious horse racing events.

A grand sporting celebration

The iconic Dubai World Cup will take place on Saturday, March 28 at Meydan Racecourse, drawing global attention from racing fans and elite stables.

This year’s event promises high-stakes action:

  • 100 horses from top international stables
  • Nine races across the evening
  • Total prize pool of $30.5 million

Spotlight on the main race

The highlight of the night is the $12 million Dubai World Cup race, sponsored by Emirates Airline.

Run over 2,000 metres on dirt, the Group 1 race will feature some of the world’s top thoroughbreds, including:

  • “Hit Show” – last year’s winner
  • “Forever Young” – UAE Derby and Saudi Cup champion
  • “Imperial Emperor”
  • “Meidan” – Super Saturday winner

A memorable arrival experience

The commemorative passport stamp adds a celebratory touch for visitors landing in Dubai, tying their arrival to one of the city’s biggest sporting spectacles.

With excitement building ahead of race day, Dubai is once again showcasing its ability to blend world-class sport with unique visitor experiences.

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