Root and Stokes grind down weary India to stretch lead beyond 100

THERE was disbelief on the streets of Liverpool. Supporters of Liverpool FC were shocked at the news that the club’s manager, who had created a sporting contender with the spirit of the city at its heart, had just announced he would leave the club.
This was July 12 1974, when Liverpool’s then chairman, John Smith, announced that Bill Shankly would retire.
“He said he gets very tired, the pressures are great and he wants a rest,” local reporter Tony Wilson told incredulous fans around Liverpool on that day.

The Red’s title defence is built on clever recruitment, long-term planning, and data-led strategy. In contrast, the Magpies are falling behind — and blaming the wrong things, writes JAMES NALTON

With climate change, commercial overload and endless fixtures, footballers are being pushed to breaking point. It’s time their unions became a more powerful, unified force, writes JAMES NALTON

Joao Pedro’s emotional goals against Fluminense captured the magic of an international club competition. But even as fans bring colour and passion, the Club World Cup’s deeper issues loom large, writes JAMES NALTON