England midfielder Declan Rice has stated that the current Three Lions squad has the best penalty-takers in the team's history following their entry into the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament is progressing through the final 32-team round, with two of the first five matches already settled by penalty shootouts. European powerhouses Netherlands and Germany have been eliminated after losing their penalty contests.

In a recent interview, Rice commented: "Looking at the team right now, I think this might be the group of players who can take penalties as well as England has ever had."

He highlighted specific players: "I look at Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka—I can take one myself—and Jude Bellingham. We have very strong penalty-takers, and I feel that as the tournament goes on, you've probably heard about the statistics showing that you need to win penalty shootouts to reach the final or win the championship. You know it could happen, so we've prepared thoroughly for this."

England will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 32 at 23:00 Thai time on July 1.

NBA basketball superstar LeBron James has decided to end his eight-year tenure with the LA Lakers but will continue his professional career with another team next season at age 41. James began his NBA journey in 2003, making next season his 24th in the league—an all-time record. He joined the Lakers in 2018 and led them to an NBA championship in 2020. In the most recent season, the forward played 60 games, averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game. Jeanie Buss, the Lakers' executive, stated: "He is one of the greatest athletes in history. We are always grateful for the eight years he spent with the Lakers and the many records he set in the purple and gold. We wish him continued success both on and off the court." James also shared on X: "It has been a true honor to wear the purple and gold while continuing to build on the greatness and legacy that came before me. I hope to make many people proud."

Ronald Koeman has announced his resignation as head coach of the Dutch national team following the Netherlands' disappointing elimination in the last 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Dutch side finished their campaign after losing to Morocco 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regular time and extra time.

Koeman faced intense criticism for his performance, particularly over defensive tactics and his recent shift to a back-five formation. On June 30, Koeman confirmed his departure in a personal post as head coach of the national team.

In his statement, Koeman said: "I want to thank all the players I had the opportunity to work with. Your dedication, character, and trust have been my inspiration every day."

"Thank you to my coaching staff, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB), all the staff behind the scenes, and the clubs I've had the privilege to work with."

"But above all, thank you to all the fans. Thank you for your support, especially during difficult times. It has been a tremendous honor to represent the Dutch national team as a coach."

"I say farewell with mixed feelings. Of course, I would have wanted to end my time with the Dutch national team as world champions. Unfortunately, that dream did not come true."

"But above all, pride is what remains. Pride in everything football has given me, in the people I have met, and in the fact that I could turn my greatest passion into a career."

"Thank you for all the years filled with trust, criticism, support, disappointment, and success."

Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury will fight Polish challenger Marius Wak at Max Muay Thai arena in Pattaya, Chachoengsao Province on July 24. Fury, the British former heavyweight world champion, is making a comeback this year after announcing his retirement in January 2025. He returned to the ring with a points victory over Russia's Arslan Makhmudov in London in April. Goldstar Promotions shared an Instagram post stating, "The Gypsy King will return once more in a historic night in Thailand at Max Muay Thai in Pattaya on July 24. Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to local charitable organizations." Fury, who has been training in Pattaya this year, commented: "This is an important year for me in boxing. I'm excited to bring this fight to Pattaya, and I'm using this opportunity to give back to the local community that has supported me so well every time I visit." Although Netflix's logo appeared in Fury's shared post, ESPN reports that no broadcaster has been officially confirmed yet. After this fight, Fury is scheduled to face British former world champion Anthony Joshua in late 2024, with both fighters having signed with Saudi Arabia's entertainment organization.

A residential fire broke out in Soi Charan Sanit Wongse 75, Soi 25-2 in Bangkok's Bangphlat district on June 30, 2012, at 11:07 p.m. Radio Center Rama 199 received the emergency report and dispatched firefighters and rescue personnel from multiple stations including Bangoob, Bawornmongkol, Bangkunnonth, Samsaen, the Special Water Rescue Operations Division, and Bangkwai Municipality. Firefighters deployed three water jets to contain and extinguish the fire. The blaze was controlled at 11:23 p.m. and fully extinguished by 11:33 p.m. Two people sustained injuries and were admitted to Vajira Hospital. The affected structure was a two-story, semi-concrete and semi-wooden Thai-style residential building that suffered extensive damage. Authorities were engaged in smoldering coal suppression and heat dissipation efforts at the time of this report. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. District Director Manita Rujasiri, Civil Engineering Chief Natthawut Paksukhi, and other municipal officials inspected the scene.

Tottenham Hotspur has completed the signing of midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United for £85 million, according to BBC reports. The Premier League club has acquired the midfielder from their London rivals in a substantial transfer deal as they aggressively strengthen their squad ahead of next season.

Spurs, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, are undergoing a major recruitment drive. The club previously spent £52 million to acquire defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton, another Premier League club.

Beyond the Fernandes deal, Spurs have also secured three free agents: goalkeeper Martin Dubravka from Burnley, left-back Andy Robertson from Liverpool, and defender Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth.

With West Ham relegated to the Championship for next season, there is significant risk of player departures from the club. Fernandes had previously been linked with Manchester United, another Premier League side, but the Red Devils were unwilling to match the fee Spurs agreed to pay.

On the same day, Spurs confirmed they have extended Czech goalkeeper prospect Antonín Kinský's contract by an additional five years, despite his recent arrival at the club in 2025.