Because casting your mind back to one of the most dramatic of all World Cup meetings between England and Argentina (no, not the one this year) is actually a rather helpful way of understanding what's going on in the UK economy right now. I'm thinking, in particular, of the famous match in 1986, the one where Diego Maradona scored the famous 'hand of God' goal. You may recall that minutes after that infamous moment, the Argentinian striker proceeded to score a truly amazing goal, where he ostensibly dribbled round the entire English team before slotting the ball behind Peter Shilton. A few years ago, the-then Bank of England governor, Mervyn King, used that goal as a sort of analogy about the way the Bank works. Money latest: What the interest rate hold means for you Because if you re-watch that goal, you see that far from dribbling around each England player, actually Maradona ran in a more or less straight line from the halfway line all the way into the six yard box. But since the English defenders expected him to turn one way or another, they kept missing the tackle. His point (back now to the economics) was that the Bank could sometimes do something rather similar with monetary policy - which is to say the various different levers it uses to affect inflation, and the amount of money sloshing around in the economy. Say the Bank was widely expected to raise or cut interest rates: well, that in and of itself might persuade investors, and the high street banks setting mortgage rates, to start raising or cutting the rates they charge customers. And so the central bank can sometimes actually influence the prevailing interest rates households and businesses pay without (and this is the key bit) having to actually change the official interest rate. Like Maradona, they can carry on running in a straight line (eg leave rates on hold) while the market jumps in just the direction they want. In some respects, that's precisely what's happening now. Despite the fact that the events in the Persian Gulf have pushed up oil and gas prices, the Bank has left the official UK interest rate (Bank rate, as it's formally called - or the "base rate" as others call it) on hold at 3.75%. And yet the actual mortgage rates you have to pay if you want to get or re-fix a 75% loan-to-value mortgage have gone up by 79 basis points (0.79%) since February. Something similar goes for other loans. The market is moving without the Bank of England actually having to raise rates. Not all that long ago, most investors expected the Bank's monetary policy committee (MPC) to raise interest rates at this late July meeting. But in the event, they didn't. Why? In part because, actually, some of the scarier forecasts about the impact of the war in the Persian Gulf did not come to pass. But in part, yes, because the 'Maradona effect' means to some extent the market has been doing the work on interest rates without them having to. So, does this all mean the Bank actually might not need to raise rates at all? Does it mean it can soon do what it was doing not all that long ago, and reduce them? Well, not so fast. For one thing, as the events of the past few days have shown, the situation in the Gulf is extremely combustible and unpredictable. It is entirely plausible that full blown conflict re-erupts again, which in turn would push up oil, gas and a whole load of other prices. For another, it so happens there are all sorts of other inflationary pressures filtering into the UK economy. To pick one example from the Bank's latest monetary policy report, published today, the cost of computer memory chips has gone up at a stratospheric rate amid the AI boom. And then there's the other problem central bankers are faced with, a problem illustrated only last night after Kevin Warsh, the new Federal Reserve chairman gave his first post-rate decision press conference. Warsh implied, without naming Diego Maradona, that since the prevailing market interest rates had risen in the US, that might well mean America's central bank could sit on its hands, and not raise rates. That provoked an unusually nervy jump in US Treasury yields - a sign that investors are fretting about whether the Fed's new leadership is prepared to raise rates if necessary. In other words, the Maradona effect really only works if the player - sorry, central banker - doing it has credibility. If the market really believes it will raise interest rates if it needs to, rather than being caught behind the curve, then it might just be able to get away with it. Interest rates really might not need to rise. But ultimately, the UK economy remains vulnerable to international factors. Higher oil and gas prices are ultimately the chief explanation for so much of the cost of living squeeze of recent years. They are, again, the key factor that could push up prices in the coming months. The Bank calculates that even as things stand, the average household energy bill could rise from £1,660 now to £1,880 in October, The good news is that consumer confidence and economic growth is significantly more resilient than in 2022. There is, for the time being, no shadow of recession hanging over the UK, at least according to the Bank's forecasts. But how long that stays the case, and how long the Bank can carry on leaving rates unchanged and hope the market does its job for it, remains to be seen.

The 84-year-old is among the 12 artists to have made this year's shortlist for the prestigious music prize, for his 20th solo studio album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane. Despite his extensive back catalogue, it his first ever nomination for the award, which celebrates the 12 best albums of the year and has been running since 1992. The Beatle joins fellow first-time Mercury Prize nominees Raye, Jade, Dove Ellis and Knats on this year's shortlist, which was announced by judges at a ceremony in central London on Thursday. Previous winners Dave and Suede have also made the shortlist this year, along with now four-time nominees Florence And The Machine. Raye, Kojey Radical, Nia Archives and Olivia Dean are all shortlisted for the second time. Completing the shortlist is Help(2), the album recorded to support the War Child charity featuring artists including Arctic Monkeys, Oasis, Olivia Rodrigo, Pulp, Cameron Winter, Arlo Parks and Fontaines DC. The first album was also shortlisted for the award, in 1996. McCartney's The Boys Of Dungeon Lane became his 24th chart-topping album in the UK after it was released at the end of May. He becomes one of the oldest musicians to be shortlisted for the Mercury Prize, only pipped by folk star Martin Carthy last year. Now 85, Carthy is just a month older. It has also been a huge year for Dean, who cleaned up at the Brit Awards and also won her first Grammy, as well as Jade, who has found huge success as a solo star after leaving Little Mix. Perhaps most notably absent from this year's list is Lily Allen, whose 2025 album West End Girl was one of the most talked about and critically acclaimed of the year, and led to her recent comeback tour. Last year's award was won by singer-songwriter Sam Fender for his third album, People Watching. His second time being nominated, it was a poignant moment for the star as he accepted the prize in his home city, Newcastle, after the ceremony moved out of London for the first time in its history. Fender later donated his entire £25,000 winnings to support struggling grassroots venues. 'Bucket-list moment' Speaking at the shortlist announcement ceremony, first-time nominees Knats, in contention for their second album, A Great Day In Newcastle, told Sky News they were "elated" to get the call. "It's just crazy to be honest," said bassist and vocalist Stan Woodward, of being shortlisted with the ceremony in their home city once again. "Playing at the arena is going to be just mad." "Bucket-list moment, for sure," added drummer King David Ike-Elechi. "Dream come true, seriously. Stan and I used to watch YouTube videos, like Arctic Monkeys performing at the Mercurys, and then Black Midi, Black Country, New Road, all this kind of stuff. Then for us to have this opportunity to have our moment on that stage is just surreal, completely, completely surreal." Nia Archives, who is nominated for the second time for her second album, Emotional Junglist, said she was proud to make the shortlist once again. "I was nervous about this album just because it's so much more alternative and weird but it's great that people like it." she said. "I kind of see my music as like a gateway to the incredible world of jungle music and I feel really proud to represent my scene and my community, and hopefully people will listen to my music and then go back through the archives and listen to the amazing catalogue that already exists." It is also two out of two for rapper Kojey Radical, who is shortlisted for the second time for his second album, Don't Look Down. "I'm trying to go for a hat-trick," he said. "I'll be back." Primal Scream's Screamadelica was the first album ever to win the Mercury Prize when it launched in 1992, with Simply Red's Stars, U2's Achtung Baby, and The Jesus And Mary Chain's Honey's Dead also among the nominees that year. The award celebrates music by British and Irish acts and spans a huge range of different musical genres and artists throughout all stages of their careers. Winners over the years have included Pulp, Franz Ferdinand, Dizzee Rascal, Elbow, Skepta, Dave and Little Simz. This year's ceremony returns to Newcastle and will take place at the city's Utilita Arena on 22 October.

Andy Burnham has thrown the future of legalising assisted dying into doubt. After telling Sam Coates that he does not want legislation to proceed until social care and palliative care are "fixed". Supporters of the bill insist they are pressing ahead. But has the Prime Minister's intervention made its passage through Parliament far less likely? Sam and Anne examine what Burnham's comments mean for MPs ahead of the crucial September vote. Plus, new polling from POLITICO shows again the 'Burnham bounce' as his approval rating goes up in every demographic, except one - Reform voters. What will this mean in the long term? And, before Sam and Anne take some time off over summer, what do they make of Burnham's first two weeks?

The decision has been taken following discussions with the club's hierarchy over the last 48 hours, although Howe had started the ball rolling on a potential departure a number of weeks ago. In this time, Howe continued to focus on preparing the Newcastle team for their season opener against Liverpool on August 23, live on Sky Sports. Howe's departure comes 25 days before that fixture. Matthias Jaissle of Al Ahli Is the favourite to replace Howe and Newcastle are hopeful of putting him in charge within 24 hours. Sky Sports News understands talks are at an advanced stage with the 38-year-old German coach. Al Ahli are one of the four clubs owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) - who also own Newcastle. Kieran McKenna and Antonio Conte were other names on the shortlist before Newcastle decided on Jaissle, who will take charge of Newcastle's pre-season training camp in La Manga. Transfer Centre LIVE! | Newcastle news & transfers⚫⚪Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺 Newcastle have already had a challenging summer after the sales of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon - and that continues with uncertainty over their captain Bruno Guimaraes, who is wanted by Arsenal. Those sales have played a factor in Howe's decision amid concerns about what the squad will look like at the start of the new campaign. Newcastle also sold striker Alexander Isak for a British-record £125m to Liverpool last summer. Howe has spent a number of months reflecting on his time at Newcastle and believed he could take the club forward this season, providing Newcastle recruited well this summer. Newcastle have signed 20-year-old winger Bazoumana Toure from Hoffenheim for £42m, 18-year-old midfielder Sean Steur from Ajax for £23m and 20-year-old goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen from Reims for £18.5m. They have recently, however, appeared to miss out on Johan Manzambi, who decided to move to Aston Villa - which was a big blow for Howe and the club. Howe has been one of Newcastle's greatest-ever managers, winning the League Cup to end the club's 70-year wait for silverware as well as taking the club into the Champions League on two occasions after sealing top-five finishes in the Premier League. Last season, they progressed further in the Champions League than they had ever done before. Howe's final game in charge was a brutal 4-1 pre-season loss to Championship side Bristol City on Wednesday night. When did Howe decide to leave Newcastle? Sky Sports News' Keith Downie: Eddie Howe informed his coaching staff upon return from Bristol City, where they lost 4-1 in a friendly. The decision had nothing to do with the match, it had been in the pipeline for two weeks. Howe gave his full commitment to the club at the end of the season, but has changed his mind. He is set to take a break from football and Howe wanted the club to have a replacement lined up before he left. This is Howe's decision, the club tried to convince him to stay. He feels he has taken it as far as he can after nearly five years at the helm. There is no acrimony, the club love him and think he's done an amazing job. The players have yet to be told. They are on a day off today. The squad fly out to Spain for a pre-season training camp on Friday. Newcastle are yet to comment or put out a statement. This is not ideal timing as far as the club are concerned, but they are moving swiftly to try and replace Howe. They are in advanced talks with Jaissle of Al Alhi, having also spoken to Antonio Conte and Kieran McKenna. 'I cannot assure Bruno future' - Howe's final words as boss In his final words as Newcastle boss, Howe refused to offer assurances over the future of captain Guimaraes amid heavy interest from Arsenal - but added the player is not in control of his own future. Sky Sports News reported earlier this month that Guimaraes had told Newcastle he would like to leave the club in favour of a move to the Premier League champions, but the Magpies had no intention of selling the 28-year-old Brazil international. Asked about Guimaraes, who is yet to rejoin his team-mates following the World Cup, Howe said on Wednesday night: "Assurances - I don't think you can push too hard for those. I think I've said many times you want players that are committed. "Bruno's always been committed here. His training performances, his game performances, have been outstanding. Every time he's worn the shirt, he's played with the fans by his side. I'd love to see that continue. "I think we want to keep all of our best players. They're so valuable, and as I said numerous times, there aren't many of them, and to get them and develop them is so difficult. "So when you have them, you want to keep them. And Bruno's very much in that category; he's an outstanding player." Asked if this saga dragging on creates a negative mood, Howe replied: "Any distraction, if it's not healthy, is unhealthy. So, yeah. "But we're not in control of that. And to some degree, I don't think Bruno's in control of that either. "What will be, will be. We can't control the forces that are at play here, we've just got to make sure that when Bruno comes back, we look after him and he trains well, which I'm sure he will do. And he makes a difference as he always has done." Bothroyd: Newcastle in relegation scrap without Howe Sky Sports News' Jay Bothroyd: "There's so many players leaving, so to be honest I can understand why he [Howe] would want to leave now. "He's saying: 'I had a strong squad. You've taken away some of the best players I had. Some of the best players in the Premier League. You're replacing them with unproven players in the Premier League.' "It seems to me that he doesn't have the control he wants. He doesn't want to see these players leave. "It's just really bad times for Newcastle, yet again. This is even worse than last year. Losing [Alexander] Isak and him not turning up to training is one thing, but now you're losing one of the best managers in the country and all your best players. "Where do Newcastle go from here? It's going to be an unproven manager because who wants to put themselves in a situation where you don't have a strong side. "I said mid-table [as a Premier League prediction]. Now I'm saying bottom half of the table. "They're way off it. They're going to be in a relegation battle this year." Your views on Howe's exit... HullToon: I cannot believe it. Does he feel supported enough? Does the project still match the original plan that he set out for? There are so many questions raised because of this. Last season was disappointing, but there's mitigating circumstances. JimmiDee: Regardless of last years disappointment, Howe has done an unbelievable job, and he's had to put up with his team being pillaged the last two seasons and expected to produce the same results with bargain bin replacements which is just completely unrealistic. He deserves better. SPritc80: A section of our short sighted fans are to blame for Eddie leaving and some big hitters choosing to leave. Results have not gone our way at times. Jumping on the back of players and the head coach in the way they have is disrespectful. No wonder they are all leaving. BrettJ2002: Why didn't Eddie Howe decide to do this before pre-season started so new manager can get a lot more time in with the squad? Thanks to Eddie for what he has done, but his time was definitely up. Chris W: Strongly support Eddie - that's two new statues we need this month! Fez71: Didn't look like Eddie was getting backed, selling all our best players. Very sad times, thanks for all the memories, Eddie.

A confidential presentation shows FIFA wants up to $4.2bn (£3.1bn) banked by October, even as president Gianni Infantino is insisting to football associations that a "consultation process" has just been launched ahead of a decision. And in a bid to gain support by September - amid growing opposition - FIFA has now told member associations the $86m (£65m) windfall can help fund bigger salaries for staff. A presentation on the new FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) subsidiary, referencing FIFA and FAs, says the outside cash can help "attract top talent with incentive-driven compensation." The venture has been viewed as a way for Mr Infantino to remain in a lucrative job overseeing the World Cup even if he has to vacate the presidency in 2031 under FIFA's term limits. There has been fury, particularly from UEFA, that Infantino has been secretly working on partly selling off the money-making parts of the governing body to external investors. The plan "crosses a line that football's governing institutions should never cross," UEFA said. Much of the anger has centred on the rushed process and lack of consultation with football associations - even with members of Mr Infantino's own FIFA Council. The FIFA presentation says it wants binding bids by October with "commitment letters submitted and long form agreements agreed; tender allocations made" before completion, as "investors transfer funds to FIFA by end of October". In a letter to members obtained by Sky News, Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa says he has not "received any detailed governance, financial or legal analysis of the proposal and its potential repercussions, which is totally unacceptable". The Bahraini royal writes: "The AFC is deeply concerned that FIFA's unilateral actions appear to undermine the very foundations of continental football, which are based on solidarity, cooperation and transparency. Moreover, such an initiative will not succeed without the support of all the confederations, which is not the case now." World Cup boycott discussed European associations have begun discussing a World Cup boycott in protest at the plans, Sky News revealed on Tuesday. The English FA said it was "deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved". The president of the Czech Republic's FA told Sky News he is backing the scheme. September deadline According to another letter seen by Sky News, the 211 football associations have been given until 19 September to sign up or miss out on having access to $86m (£65m) in cash over the next 12 years. And Sheikh Salman said: "The AFC is also surprised that the current timeline allows an extremely limited period for consideration of a proposal of such significance, when such decisions should never be rushed, and it is imperative that all factors be considered and debated." Read more:Blatter criticises FIFA sell-offFIFA chief's extraordinary online rantFIFA opens disciplinary case against Argentina The sustainability of the $20bn (£15bn) FFE subsidiary - with plans to sell off 20% for $4.2bn to investors - could hinge on FIFA expanding its competitions. FIFA has said FFE would now be "regulating and defining competitions", but the presentation for members selling the new project, which has been seen by Sky News, references "competition enhancement" and "commercial optimisation will unlock the next era of growth". Mr Infantino wants to expand the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams, despite only just adding 16 teams for the tournament won by Spain this month. He is working with JP Morgan and Joshua Kushner, the brother of Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, to launch FFE.

The actor wore the famous outfit while playing dancer Tony Manero in the 1977 blockbuster drama, soundtracked by the Bee Gees. It appeared during the disco scenes as Travolta and dance partner Stephanie, played by Karen Lynn Gorney, try to win the club's dance competition. It could go for anything between $200,000 and $400,000 (£150,000-£300,000) when it is sold by entertainment memorabilia auction house Propstore in Los Angeles next month. The suit, which has a handwritten inscription from Travolta, is one of 1,700 lots of original film and television props going under the hammer in a four-day live auction which also offers costumes, production material, autographed treasures, and other items worth a combined $10m (£7m). Among the other notable items is Frank the Rabbit's costume from the 2001 film Donnie Darko, valued at between $100,000 and $200,000 (£75,000-£150,000). It's the first time it has been offered for public auction after previously being on display at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Roughly the same price is expected for the mosquito in amber fossil prop used in the opening scene of Jurassic Park. Another highlight is an original Golden Snitch from Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, valued at between $25,000 and $50,000 (£18,000-£37,000). Read more from Sky News:Oscar-winner killed in bike crashUS singer set to face murder trial Other items included in the sale are Michael Keaton's Batsuit from 1992's Batman Returns, a stunt axe from The Shining and Tony Stark's light-up Iron Man upper body armour from 2016's Captain America: Civil War. Propstore chief operating officer Brandon Alinger said the auction "reflects the incredible diversity of entertainment memorabilia and offers collectors the opportunity to own authentic pieces of the films, performers and moments that continue to inspire audiences around the world".

Anne shares what she's been hearing about the new top team at the Foreign Office and Ed Milliband reveals what his grandfather would have said about his new job. Meanwhile, can Andy Burnham really fix Britain's social care system? That's the big question as the new prime minister hosts cross-party talks on one of the country's biggest challenges. There's just one problem: the invitations only went out on Tuesday, and neither Kemi Badenoch nor Ed Davey will be in the room. The Conservative leader is sending the shadow health secretary in her place, while Davey will join by Zoom. Nigel Farage and the Green Party's Zack Polanski weren't invited. Sam and Anne dig into what, if anything, today's meeting could achieve.

The fixtures for the upcoming campaign have been released, with kick-off times and broadcast picks confirmed for the first four weekends, featuring more matches than ever after the league expanded from 12 teams to 14 after Birmingham City, Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic secured promotion from WSL 2. Sky Sports will show 90 per cent of all WSL matches live on Sky Sports and NOW - 163 matches in total, as well as the play-off - with selected games also shown on the Sky Sports WSL YouTube channel. There will be greater flexibility over fixtures, with fewer matches kicking off at the same time. Women's Super League fixtures 2026/27Latest WSL news and gossipGot Sky? Watch the WSL on the Sky Sports app📱Not got Sky? Get instant access with no contract📺 London City, who signed two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas this summer, will launch the new season in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Friday September 4 against Man Utd before champions Man City host newcomers Birmingham City on a bumper day of action on Sunday September 6 featuring five live games. The other matches on the first Sunday of the season see last year's runners-up Arsenal start with a trip to Brighton, while Tottenham host a London derby against West Ham, Liverpool visit newly-promoted Charlton and Crystal Palace, who secured an immediate return to the top flight, face Everton. Eight-time winners Chelsea host Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Saturday September 5. Man Utd face a difficult start to the season with their second game coming at home to Chelsea on Sunday September 13 before they head to the Emirates Stadium to play Arsenal on Saturday September 19, with both matches live on Sky Sports. Arsenal also host Chelsea on Sunday September 27, live on Sky Sports. The first Merseyside derby of the season sees Everton travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday September 27, live on Sky Sports. Relegation remains in place following the expansion to the league, with the last-placed team automatically relegated, and the 13th-placed side facing a play-off with the WSL 2 runners-up. Opening weekend fixtures in full Friday September 4 London City Lionesses vs Manchester United, kick-off 7pm - live on Sky Sports Saturday September 5 Chelsea vs Aston Villa, kick-off 12.30pm Sunday September 6 Brighton vs Arsenal, kick-off 12pm - live on Sky Sports Tottenham vs West Ham, kick-off 12pm - live on Sky Sports Charlton vs Liverpool, kick-off 2pm - live on Sky Sports Crystal Palace vs Everton, kick-off 2pm - live on Sky Sports Man City vs Birmingham City, kick-off 2.30pm - live on Sky Sports Other WSL matches live on Sky Sports Saturday September 12 West Ham vs London City - kick-off 12.45pm Sunday September 13 Man Utd vs Chelsea - kick-off 12pm Birmingham vs Brighton - kick-off 2pm Everton vs Charlton - kick-off 2pm Liverpool vs Tottenham - kick-off 2pm Aston Villa vs Man City - kick-off 6.30pm Friday September 18 Man City vs Liverpool - kick-off 7pm Saturday September 19 Chelsea vs Birmingham - kick-off 12.45pm Arsenal vs Man Utd - kick-off 5.30pm Sunday September 20 Brighton vs Aston Villa - kick-off 2pm Crystal Palace vs Tottenham - kick-off 2pm West Ham vs Everton - kick-off 2pm Saturday September 26 London City vs Brighton - kick-off 5pm Sunday September 27 Man Utd vs West Ham - kick-off 1pm Birmingham vs Crystal Palace - kick-off 2pm Liverpool vs Everton - kick-off 2pm Tottenham vs Aston Villa - kick-off 2pm Chelsea vs Arsenal - kick-off 4.30pm Key dates for the 2026/27 WSL season September 4: Opening weekend December 21 - January 3: Winter break May 22/23: Final weekend of the season May 29/30: The play-off Even more clips and highlights on Sky Sports Digital The Sky Sports app makes it easier than ever to follow the action on mobile with vertical video highlights, match centres packed with scores and stats available for FREE to all fans, plus live streams for Sky Sports customers. Free-to-watch match highlights from EVERY WSL game will continue to be served up on the Sky Sports website and App. Download the Sky Sports App | Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp Beyond that, Sky Sports will serve women's football fans even better on social with a new dedicated WSL YouTube channel. It's the only place to find live streams of selected games, match highlights, exclusive interviews and content showcasing the biggest personalities from across the league as never seen before. Watch more than 1,500 games live on Sky Sports For the 2026/27 season, Sky Sports will show over 1,500 live matches across the Premier League, EFL, Women's Super League and Scottish Premiership, including 215 exclusively live Premier League fixtures. With every first-pick Premier League match, the return of the iconic Super Sunday 4.30pm slot, and more Friday and Monday night coverage, Sky Sports will deliver the biggest games and the defining moments from the first whistle to the final word of every Premier League weekend.