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Author: Duncan Hughes

Flying start to England’s tour of India

Posted on by Duncan Hughes

England’s Cricket team kicked off 2024 with a heart-stopping test victory over Indian in Hyderabad. In a 28 run victory that went down to the wire, they began their tour of India in impressive style. A thrilling encounter saw stunning displays from Ollie Pope with the bat and debutant Tom Hartley with the ball. Ben Stokes termed the test match win as the best since he became captain.

However, it wasn’t all plain-sailing for England. The tourists found themselves in difficulty after a first innings deficit of 190, but it was Ollie Pope’s second innings display of 196 that anchored England into position to snatch the result from the hosts, setting them 231 to win. The work wasn’t done yet though, as Tom Hartley, in his test debut, outdid the Indians on their own pitch as his 7-62 sealed the victory for Ben Stokes’ side.

Described by many as one of England’s best ever away wins, they began their tour of India with a fairly average first innings having been 155-7 at one point. That was before a trademark Ben Stokes rally saw them surpass 240 before being the last man out.

India came out to bat, high on confidence after a good bowling display and they batted like it. With Jaiswal, Rahul and Jadeja all hitting over 80 runs, England were on the ropes as the Indians posted 436 with a lead of 190.

In the second innings, it was looking pretty miserable for England once again as they slipped to 163-5. That was until Ollie Pope stepped up with arguably the best innings from an overseas player on an Indian pitch, scoring 196 to stabilise the ship for the tourists. England were 420 all out with India needing 231 to win.

So, could the home side do it? Well England came out firing with Tom Hartley taking the first four wickets of the innings to have the hosts 95-4. There was further misery for India as they slipped to 119-7 with the 6th wicket being courtesy of some brilliant Ben Stokes fielding to run Ravindra Jadeja out much to his side’s dismay. However, a 56-run eighth-wicket stand sparked a glimmer of hope and was enough to heighten England nerves. With that said, ultimately it was Tom Hartley’s spin bowling that sealed the victory, seeing India’s final wicket tumble on 202. The debutant finished on superb figures of 7-62.

Hartley is only the sixth player ever to take a seven-wicket haul on debut and the first Englishmen since Dominic Cork in 1955 against the West Indies. Only 24 years of age, Hartley certainly stamped his name in the mind’s of selectors as the spinner looks to cement his place for the remainder of the tour and beyond. Not to mention, his first delivery of the game was smashed over the rope for six; not the warmest of welcomes to test cricket.

A 28 run victory for The Tourists sets Ben Stokes and his side up well for the remainder of the series, with a journey east awaiting them on Friday, as they travel to Visakhapatnam for the second test. It’s safe to say, morale in the England camp will be high and they will be confident of another victory on the Asian continent to once again unsettle the home side.

Can England go 2-0 up in the series? Or will India be more eager to get revenge? Either way, this series has all the hallmarks of a thrilling contest and perhaps a classic. Want to see England play live from the best seats in the house this summer? Check out Engage Hospitality’s range of options to watch the cricket in style.

England’s Possible Route to the Euro 2024 Final

Posted on by Duncan Hughes

For English football fans, not only was the clock striking midnight on the 31st December to mark the start of a New Year, it was the beginning of a year with a major international tournament. The European Championship will once again return in Summer 2024, in a tournament that will attract the best talent across Europe. The tournament will take place in Germany this year and after such agony in 2021’s final (Euro 2020), England fans will be keen to see their team redeem themselves.

Heartbreak in 2021 saw England’s hands slip from the trophy after defeat in the final to Italy. Having been 1-0 up courtesy of an early Luke Shaw goal, Leonardo Bonucci levelled things up in the 67th minute.

The teams were inseparable after extra time and it was England’s archenemy, penalties, that saw them prolong their wait for another trophy. However, 3 years on from the disappointment in Euro 2020, can Gareth Southgate spur his men on to triumph in 2024? If so, what might their route to victory be if they are to go all the way? We take a look at all of England’s possible routes to the final.

When do England begin their tournament?

England will commence their Euro campaign when they face Serbia on the 16th June. Other teams in their group include Denmark and Slovenia who they will play on the 20th and 25th June. A relatively difficult group with Denmark being the most difficult challenge.

England were victorious over the Danes in the 2021 semi-final and will hope to repeat the outcome albeit at an earlier stage in the tournament. Although it is a difficult group, without any disasters, England should progress comfortably to the knockout stages.

What if England were to go through as group winners?

If England were to win their group they would go on to play the 3rd placed team in group D/E/F and if all results go according to the world rankings they would play Austria, Romania or Turkey.

Based on the rankings the Three Lions would then go on to play Italy, then France in the semi-finals and then Spain for a chance at European Glory.

Obviously, the likelihood of England following this route is slim as it is all based on ranking, however, if it were to happen England would have to beat two sides who have both caused heartache in the last 4 years; France having knocked them out of the 2022 World Cup after a Harry Kane penalty miss. How will your nerves be over the course of these two games if they were to pan out like this?

Spain, who were crowned 2023 Nations League Champions, are another team to be reckoned with. If England were to go through as group winners, they’d arguably have the most difficult route to the final.

What if they were to go through as group runners-up?

If England finish second in group C and all of the other results go with the world rankings England would face Germany in the round of 16, then Spain, the Netherlands in the semis and then battle it out with the French in the final. Another road to the final that will certainly not be easy but perhaps a one that England will feel they can be successful in.

After victory over the Germans in the round of 16 at Wembley in Euro 2020 they will be confident that they can repeat this feat, however, Thomas Muller’s infamous 1-on-1 miss in that game warns us just how dangerous they can be.

England have only faced the Netherlands three times in the last ten years, with the most recent game all the way back in 2019. It resulted in a 3-1 defeat as England crashed out in the semi-finals of the Nations League. England could face them in another semi-final with arguably a lot more at stake. Will they be able to get the better of them this time around?

What about if England were one of the four best third-placed sides?

If England finished third in their group, it wouldn’t necessarily mean they were going home. The four best third-placed teams in each group will progress to the round of 16 based on their points in the group stage. If England were to do this they would face the winner of Group F or Group E, groups that include Belgium and Portugal.

Perhaps if they were to finish third, they would arguably receive an easier round of 16 draw. With that said, Southgate will be keen for his team to finish as group winners convincingly and send a statement out to the other countries as well as his critics.

So can England finally get their hands on the major trophy they have been longing for for almost 60 years? What route do you think they will take to the final and which would you prefer?

In possibly England’s biggest opportunity for a major tournament yet, the whole nation will be excited to see how they get on. Fancy watching England in their Euro 2024 preparations? Watch the Three Lions take on Brazil and Belgium from the best seats in the house with Engage Hospitality.

Which players will be picked for Southgate’s side?

Gareth Southgate is set to unveil his preliminary squad selection immediately after the end of the Premier League season, with only a handful of weekends remaining in the club football calendar. As players battle for their spots, the competition for the 26 available places is intense.

Certain seasoned players, such as England’s No.1 Jordan Pickford and Manchester City’s defensive duo John Stones and Kyle Walker, are almost guaranteed their spots. Three Lions captain Harry Kane aims to make a comeback after missing the March internationals due to injury.

Phil Foden’s stellar performances for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have likely ensured his inclusion in the England squad this summer. However, he faces stiff competition from world class attacking stars like Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, among others.

Rice, Chilwell, Ramsdale, Maguire, Palmer, Rashford and Toney are just a few other names predicted to secure their spot and have the opportunity to achieve European glory this year.

We are unlikely to see Reece James, who is regarded as one of the world’s best full-backs make an appearance, due to lack of consistent fitness. Raheem Sterling, who was one of England’s star players at Euro 2020, has not been involved in recent camps and is not a part of Southgate’s preferred formation. Although his recent form has shown signs of promise, he is unlikely to feature now.

Southgate is scheduled to reveal his training squad on Tuesday, May 21st.

Big Premier League Players lost to AFCON

Posted on by Duncan Hughes

Two years on from Senegal’s triumph in 2021, the Africa Cup of Nations returns, with countries all over the African continent battling out for the prized trophy. Hosted by Ivory Coast this year, the 2023 competition promises to be an exciting one. However, unlike the European Championships played in the summer, AFCON is played midway through the Premier League campaign causing headaches for many clubs who lose players called up to international duty. So which key players are Premier League clubs losing in this year’s tournament?

Liverpool will be without Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian superstar will once again be called up for the African tournament leaving Liverpool without their star player and the league without the top goalscorer. Salah has scored 14 goals and grabbed 8 assists in the Premier League so far this season, playing a pivotal role in Liverpool’s position at the top of the table.

His absence could be a huge blow to the Reds’ title hopes, especially if Egypt make the final as Salah would miss four Premier League games. Liverpool will also be affected by the Asian Cup with the loss of Wataru Endo to Japan. The defensive midfielder has been a key player for Jurgen Klopp and will also be another big miss in their fight for the title.

Similarly, Tottenham will also lose Heung-Min Son to the Asia Cup as he will be called up for South Korea. Ange Postecoglou will also be without regular starters Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr as they are called up to AFCON for Mali and Senegal. With Spurs very much in the title race, you can’t help but wonder how losing three key players will affect them and their good run of form having won four of their last five games.

Nottingham Forest will take the biggest hit out of the Premier League clubs as they will lose six key players to AFCON when the tournament starts on the 13th January. After the departure of manager Steve Cooper and the appointment of former Wolves and Spurs manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, they have been in good form.

Wins away at Newcastle and at home to Manchester United have seen them move 5 points clear of the relegation zone. With that said, could the loss of Willy Boly, Serge Aurier and other senior players be detrimental to their survival hopes allowing the teams around them to catch them up?

With Manchester City being the only team in the current top 6 to not have any first team players involved in either competition, could this give Pep Guardiola’s side a chance to fight back after a poor start to the season?

The Citizens have been in unusually disappointing form this campaign dropping points to seven teams including Wolves, Crystal Palace and Chelsea. The task at hand for Guardiola seems a big one this season, however, only 5 points off the top spot with a game in hand, AFCON may give them that chance to close the gap.

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In the battle for European places, West Ham may have their hopes of another European adventure dented as they see two players depart who have played vital roles in their success so far this season. The Irons are currently 6th in the league but will be without Mohammed Kudus and Nayef Aguerd as the pair travel to their respective countries for international duty.

Kudus has scored 6 goals for the London side and Aguerd will be a huge defensive miss for David Moyes. The departure of both players could see West Ham struggle to match the pace of the other sides challenging for Europe.

With up to 46 Premier League players expected to be missing due to AFCON as well as several others attending the Asia Cup, how badly will it affect clubs? It may benefit some teams who have less absentees while for others it may give the opportunity for new stars to step up and make a name for themselves. Want to find out how the Premier League will be affected by the two tournaments? Watch it live from the best seats in the house with Engage Hospitality.

Rising Sports Stars of 2024

Posted on by Duncan Hughes

Just like that, 2024 is here! After a year of action-packed sporting drama, another year of similar excitement is on the way which includes the 2024 Paris Olympics, Euro 2024, the 2024 Six Nations and many more events to keep you entertained throughout the year. In what could be a breakthrough year for many young stars, we look at the up and coming sports stars who could announce their name to the world on some of the biggest stages.

Jude Bellingham

At only 20 years old the Englishman has been discussed as one of the best footballers in the world. The midfielder began his career at Birmingham City before making the move to Borussia Dortmund followed by a €103 million move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.

Questions were raised about how he would perform on such a huge stage for one of the biggest clubs in the world, however, he has certainly proved his doubters wrong. With 17 goals this season in all competitions, the youngster is tipped as one of World Football’s biggest rising stars and rightly so. Will he be even better in 2024 and help England to European glory?

Jannik Sinner

With Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal coming to the end of their illustrious careers and Roger Federer having already retired, a new era for tennis is brewing. This new era already seems to be bringing through some incredibly talented youngsters.

There is a lot of excitement surrounding Carlos Alcaraz after his victory over Djokovic for his first grand slam, however, Jannik Sinner could prove some competition for the Spaniard. At 22 years of age, he is ranked number 4 in the world by the ATP and is the highest ranked Italian male player in history. Tipped by many to be the one to surpass Djokovic’s incredible achievements alongside Alcaraz, he will certainly be targeting his first grand slam in 2024.

Ben Earl

England’s Rugby World Cup campaign certainly exceeded expectations after making it as far as the semi-finals and a one point defeat to South Africa. One man who played a pivotal role in the side was Ben Earl.

The 25 year old Saracens flanker made 39 carries, had a tackle success rate of 83% and was termed by many as one of England’s standout players this year; he will be a real asset to both the North London club and England in 2024. With that said, Earl’s injury last month was cause for concern on whether the flanker would be available for the Six Nations this year, however, positive news from a scan suggests he will return in January, just in time for the famous competition.

Tom Kim

With three PGA Tour wins and victories on both the Asian and Korean Tours, Tom Kim has announced himself as a player for the future.

The South Korean is only 21 years old but so far he has taken the golfing world by storm after victory in the Wyndham Championship in the 2021/22 season as well as 9 top tens in the 2022/23 season. Ranked 11th in the world at the moment, he will be keen to move up the rankings in 2024 as well as the possibility of a Major on the not so distant horizon.

Yasmin Ingham

With 2024 being an Olympic Year, plenty of sportspeople will be eyeing up success following in the footsteps of their heroes. For Yasmin Ingham, it will certainly be the same in equestrian. The 26 year-old from the Isle of Man will be looking to add Olympic Gold to her 2022 World Championship Individual victory as well as her European Team Eventing Gold in 2023. After a slightly inconsistent 2023, will she be able to add Olympic success to her World and European honours in 2024?

After another year of incredible sporting drama, 2023 has come to an end. However, with plenty of ‘ones to watch’ in a wide range of sports, 2024 promises to be a blockbuster year of action with major events coming thick and fast. Who do you think will be the breakthrough star in 2024? Why not find out from the best seats in the house with Engage Hospitality.

Curing the January Blues With Fantastic Events

Posted on by Duncan Hughes

The most exciting time of the year is almost upon us. The festive season is in full swing with events on show to entertain everyone.

However, once the festivities are done and the cold January weather dampens our mood, what events are going to cure the January Blues with Engage Hospitality?

Premier League and FA Cup

Starting with the football, there is non-stop Premier League action to begin the New Year with fixtures almost every week including Manchester United vs Tottenham on the 14th as well as Liverpool vs Chelsea on the 31st . Not to mention, the third round of the FA Cup when the Premier League sides join the competition. There have been some tasty draws to say the least with Arsenal hosting Liverpool on the 7th and the return of the Tyne-Wear Derby, after an eight-year absence, as Newcastle travel to Sunderland on the 6th . Will we see new title contender and cup upsets in the first month of the year?

WSL and FA Women’s Cup

Just as the men’s football is action-packed, the women’s game will see games coming thick and fast over January. The Women’s Super League is well underway and the excitement around the title race is building. There is a 4-way battle for the trophy as Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City all find themselves within four points of each other.

The 14th of January also sees the FA Women’s Cup fourth round ties where the Super League teams will join the competition. Holders Chelsea will play host to West Ham United Women in a bid to defend their title.

Australian Open

Tennis fan? You won’t be disappointed as the world’s best will travel to the Southeast Coast of Australia to take part in the famous Australian Open.

From the 14th of January until the 28th, players from all over the world will battle it out in Melbourne in the hope of winning the first Grand Slam of the year. Both Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka will be back to defend their titles as they will be met with challenges from Wimbledon Champion Carlos Alcaraz and World Number One Iga Swiatek with all four gunning for the prestigious title.

Rafael Nadal has also entered the tournament after announcing this could be the start of the Spaniard’s final world tour before retirement.

Cirque Du Soleil

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, roll up to the circus with Engage Hospitality. That’s right, forget all your January woes by enjoying the Cirque Du Soleil. Perfect for all ages, Cirque Du Soleil is for all to enjoy from January the 11th until March 3rd in London.

It is the largest contemporary circus and on show will be incredible acrobatics, marvellous outfits, great laughs and an interesting storyline that will have you engrossed as if you are part of the act itself. So why not come and watch the circus with all of the family this January from the best seats in the house?

Concerts

Is the circus not your thing? Want another way to get rid of the January blues? Why not dance and sing them away with Engage Hospitality’s range of music tours coming your way in 2024 including the highly anticipated Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. The American Singer Songwriter took the US by storm in 2023 with her stunning costume changes and long-winded performances.

Other tours include Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Liam Gallagher’s ‘Definitely Maybe’ Tour, Coldplay’s ‘Music of the Spheres’ Tour and more!

Engage are also the official hospitality partners of The Brit Awards 2024 with Mastercard, why not join us in the best seats in the house to see some stunning performances and some of Britain’s best artists rewarded with the famous honour. So, there you have it, whether it’s sport or entertainment, there are plenty of opportunities to cure the January Blues with Engage Hospitality. From football to the circus Engage have you covered from the best seats in the house!

Women’s Super League Season So Far

Posted on by Duncan Hughes

As we approach the halfway stage of the Women’s Super League (WSL) season, it is Chelsea who lead the way closely followed by fellow Londoners, Arsenal. After a bruising 4-1 drubbing away at Arsenal, ‘The Gunners’ clawed their way back to being level on points with the Blues, inflicting Chelsea with their first league defeat of the season.

With Manchester City only three points behind Arsenal and Chelsea, it’s hotting up to be a thrilling second half of the campaign. Can Chelsea make it five consecutive league titles, or will someone knock them off their perch?

It comes as no surprise to see Arsenal and Chelsea battling it out for the top spot. Two of the most dominant forces in the WSL in recent years, Chelsea are hunting for their fifth consecutive league title and their third consecutive FA Women’s Cup.

Arsenal, on the other hand, will be keen to put an end to this rampant run. The last time The Gunners won the league was in 2019; and with only one trophy since then, they will be desperate to make amends and get their hands on some silverware.

After a 4-1 defeat on Sunday at Arsenal, Emma Hayes’ Chelsea will be determined to return to winning ways. With that said, you can’t help but wonder what that result has done to their confidence and whether they can return to the fine form they had previously shown?

Manchester City will also be eager to get their hands on a league title. The Citizens haven’t won the league since 2016 and have been runners-up five times since then.

Their last piece of silverware was in 2022 as they were victorious over Chelsea in the League Cup. Only 3 points off the top spot, a big second half of the season will be needed to overthrow both Arsenal and Chelsea. If star players Khadija Shaw and Lauren Hemp stay fit, who’s to say City can’t go all the way? With 15 goal contributions between them, the duo will be a force to be reckoned with as the season goes on.

With only one defeat all season, Manchester United shouldn’t be written off as they find themselves 4 points adrift of the league leaders in 4th place.

The Red Devils might be the ‘dark horses’ this season, however, holding on to goalkeeper Mary Earps will be the key concern in January. The England number one has impressed over the last couple of years and could be on the move to Chelsea or Arsenal. Described by many as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, she will be key to Manchester United’s title hopes.

Away from the league action, this weekend also marked the third round of the FA Women’s Cup, as teams from the Championship joined the competition. The WSL teams won’t join until the next round, where Chelsea will take part in a bid to defend the trophy once again.

With Arsenal, Manchester City and last year’s runners-up Manchester United also entering the competition it won’t be an easy battle for the Blues. It will be an incredible feat if they are to defend their league title and FA Cup honours. Want to find out if they can do it? Watch the FA Women’s Cup Final live with Engage Hospitality.

A four-way race for the WSL title and a battle for England’s most famous trophy all to play for; who will reign supreme? It’s safe to say it’s going to be a spectacular second half of the season with a number of teams battling it out to be the best in England. Who do you think will win the league and FA Cup? Find out by watching the WSL and FA Women’s Cup live with Engage Hospitality.

Top 5 Sporting Moments of 2023

Posted on by Duncan Hughes

With 2023 coming to a close and 2024 almost upon us, we look back on what has been a year of scintillating sporting action. In 2023 we were spoilt by some incredible performances as well as inspiration as athletes from a number of sports cemented their legacy in their individual expertise. We have a look at some of the best sporting moments of 2023.

5. A new era for tennis

There was a new name on the Wimbledon trophy as Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic in the final 3 sets to 2. Only 20 years old, Alcaraz has burst onto the scene and is ranked World Number One.

His brilliant shots and defeat of arguably the greatest tennis player ever has got tennis fans excited that we could be witnessing a great in the making. With two major titles at only 20 years old, could he be the one to surpass Djokovic and Rafael Nadal as their eras come to an end.

4. An enthralling Women’s World Cup

2023 marked the ninth edition of the Women’s World Cup. We were treated to some thrilling spectacles with high class, entertaining football that showcased great goals, huge upsets and inspired a new generation of women’s footballers.

Holding it in Australia and New Zealand was ideal for the sport bringing more viewers to the Women’s game than ever before. Unfortunately, for the Lionesses it wasn’t to be as they were agonisingly defeated by Spain in the final, however, the reigning European Champions did their country proud attracting many new fans and shining a spotlight on women’s football.

3. The Aussies retain the Ashes but not without controversy

In one of the best Ashes Series of all-time it, the series ended in a draw. Not a single game was a one-sided affair with both sides in it right until the end. Gutsy performances from both sides saw the series finish 2-2 as a result of rain ruining England’s chances flipping the scoreline after they found themselves 2-0 down.

With that said, this year’s famous competition had everything; a controversial Jonny Bairstow runout at Lord’s kicked off an already fiery affair. With that incident, Ben Stokes was in the mood, hitting 155 in a 108 seventh wicket stand; however, it wasn’t to be the greatest Ashes innings ever as England ultimately lost by 43 runs.

Meanwhile, Stuart Broad announced that he would be retiring from test cricket in the final game of the series. It was a fairytale ending for the England legend taking the last two wickets as England won the match to draw the series.

2. A record-breaking year for the Springboks

In the 10th Rugby World Cup, it was South Africa who prevailed as they won the tournament for a record-breaking fourth time narrowly beating New Zealand in the final after a tight semi-final against England in two thrilling contests. The World Cup as a whole provided us with sensational games that went right down to the wire.

However, it was heartbreak for Ireland and Johnny Sexton as the Irish captain’s final World Cup ended in defeat to the All Blacks in arguably the game of the tournament with an astonishing 37 phases in the final moments of the game, but it wasn’t enough for Ireland. Nevertheless, it was a World Cup that had it all with wonderful tries, gripping matches and many shock results.

1. Max Verstappen Dominance

An incredible 86.4%-win rate this season, the Dutchman has dominated the world of Formula One in 2023 in unbelievable circumstances. 19 wins out of 22 he cruised his way to the Championship title helping Red Bull win the Constructors Championship alongside it.

He sent records tumbling with most wins in the season, most consecutive wins in a season (9), highest win percentage in a season, first driver to lead over 1000 laps and more. A simply breathtaking campaign, one that may not be beaten for years. Unless he can make it a perfect season in 2024?

So, there you have it, the top 5 sporting moments of 2023. It has been a compelling 2023 and with 2024 on the horizon, sports fans everywhere can’t wait to see what the new year has to bring. Why not watch 2024’s sporting action from the best seats in the house with Engage Hospitality.

Is LIV Golf ruining the game?

Posted on by Duncan Hughes

Golf is a game filled with tradition and history. However, in the last few years a so-called ‘imposter’ version of the game has been sprouting and with it has brought fallouts, controversy and many questions. LIV Golf was launched last year as a new innovative format of the sport as an alternative to the PGA Tour and other big competitions.

Funded by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund it is designed to modernise the world of golf attracting the best players, with big paychecks as well as a team format. As a result of it’s Saudi Arabian links there is much controversy around the possible sportswashing nature of the format, making it not quite as popular as first predicted.

LIV Golf has been described as an innovative version of golf. A way to revitalise and reinvigorate the sport attracting new audiences while getting fans even closer to the action. With 14 events across the league season, the league will incorporate both an individual competition and a team competition.

For the individual competition, the best score on 54 holes will decide where you rank whereas for the team competition the scores for each team’s top three players for the round, all count towards the total team’s score. In a game where every shot counts, there is little margin for error.

With some of the best players in the world taking part such as Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson and Sergio Garcia to name a few you would think it would have plenty of attention. However, this has not been quite the case.

According to reported viewing figures for the first broadcast event, in Sunday’s final round it gained a disappointing 291,000 viewers. Compared to the Honda Classic on the same date which gained a reported 2.4 million viewers for the final round, it was a pretty poor showing. And according to further reports it has seen further dips in viewing figures as the season went on with the second event averaging almost 2 million viewers less than the PGA Tour average.

SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND - JULY 23: Jordan Spieth of the United States and Matt Kuchar of the United States on the 18th green during the final round of the 146th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale on July 23, 2017 in Southport, England. (Photo by Warren Little/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)
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So what is the reason for this decrease in viewership? Well, many of the traditionalists are not keen on this new format of the sport. Coupled with the links to Saudi Arabia and sports washing, the bad press it has gained has been obvious.

Vast amounts of cash invested by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund does raise the question of sports washing and how LIV Golf is yet another possible way to cover up for the questionable human rights record. Many will have questioned the morality of players competing in the league for essentially the big paychecks, making golf fans less inclined to watch it.

According to GolfShake, viewers of LIV Golf tended to be younger, were more likely to have a lower handicap and watch golf on the TV every week; further reiterating the fact that the golf traditionalists do not like this newly imposed change.

So is LIV Golf a bad thing and what does the future hold for the competition? Well there are many divided opinions on LIV Golf amongst professionals with Rory McIlroy claiming he ‘would rather retire than play the format’.

After players such as Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson have made the move to LIV Golf it has cost them entry into Majors and team selection for the Ryder Cup. Should there be a way for LIV golfers to qualify for other events or once they have made the decision to move, should they be kept away?

With the first LIV Golf event of 2024 on the horizon in February, low viewing figures along with speculation around players not being picked for Major Championships, it’s hard to see how it can continue. With that said, the immense amount of wealth from investors will keep the new format going, money certainly won’t be a cause for concern.

A new era for golf but perhaps one that won’t affect the love for the Major Championship events anytime soon. More of a traditional golf fan? Watch some of the biggest golfing events the sport has to offer with Engage Hospitality.

Euro 2024 Qualifying Campaign Finished

Posted on by Duncan Hughes

This week sees the end of the Euro 2024 Qualifying fixtures as England progress comfortably through to the Euros topping their qualifying group and unbeaten in all eight games. England will make the trip to Germany next summer along with 19 other sides who have also secured their place alongside the hosts, while the remaining three places are yet to be secured. Teams alongside England already qualified include hosts Germany, France, Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands to name a few. But who will reign supreme in the German Capital next summer?

Draws against Ukraine and North Macedonia were the only points dropped in England’s qualifying campaign as they marched through comfortably, and we are guaranteed to see them playing on the continent in June.

After a torrid 2022 Summer that saw England win no games in the UEFA Nations League including a 4-0 defeat at home to Hungary, it was looking very bleak for Southgate ahead of the World Cup. However, a respectable tournament saw them get to the quarter-finals where they were narrowly beaten by an inform France side.

After being unbeaten since then, things are looking up for the England manager with the prospect of triumph looming large at Euro 2024. With that said, the criticism for his ‘boring’ style of football is still very prominent and the calls for his sacking are very real. However, if he can deliver a European trophy at the second time of asking, surely all doubts will be forgotten about?

What about the other sides in the competition? As Scotland qualify for their second consecutive European trophy, there is excitement amongst Scots to see just how far ‘The Tartan Army’ will go after an impressive qualifying campaign. With only one defeat and a famous victory over Spain they look stronger than ever. It raises the question, could Scotland be the dark horses in Germany in 2024?

Unsurprisingly, France are the favourites for the championship in 2024, after an agonising World Cup Final defeat to Argentina last year. In what has been described as one of the best World Cup Finals ever, a 3-3 draw over 120 minutes of football ended with a penalty shootout as Gonzalo Montiel scored the deciding spot-kick to finish what was a fairytale World Cup for Lionel Messi. The Blues will be desperate to make amends and become the champions of the continent once again.

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Holders Italy have qualified, just, after a draw with Ukraine, going through as runner’s-up in the qualifying group. It hasn’t been all plain-sailing for the Italians after breaking English hearts two years ago with no World Cup qualification in 2022 and only four wins in the qualifying stages for the Euros this year. If they want to retain their title, manager Luciano Spalletti will have to turn their subpar performances around. One thing is for sure, you must never write off the Italians.

After another World Cup in 2022 that saw the Germans fail to make it out of the group, they will be determined to change the narrative in front of a home crowd at the Euros in 2024.

Their last major trophy came in 2014 when they were victorious in the World Cup Final courtesy of an extra-time goal via Mario Gotze to see off Argentina. Aside from that, their last Euro success was in 1996 when they beat Czech Republic to become Champions of Europe. Can they use the home support to their advantage?

Ten wins for Portugal, scoring 36 goals and conceding 2, they certainly can’t be ignored. The questions over whether starman Cristiano Ronaldo will play in Germany still remain. Currently, at 38 years old it will be impressive if he can remain their talisman next summer, however, it appears that the former Manchester United star is not letting up in this competition with 10 goals and 2 assists in the qualifiers. Can he steer Portugal to another European Championship?

Twenty-four teams, one European trophy and one winner. Going into an international tournament it’s always difficult to tell who will come out as champions, however, there are definitely some clear-cut favourites who stand out amongst the rest of the crop.

Will Southgate’s England be able to finally win that trophy that we have come so close to in the last 6 years? Want to see England live in their Euro preparations, why not watch them live from Wembley in the best seats in the house with Engage.

May 2025
30 May
Football International Football Hospitality Women's Football

England v Portugal Women

Wembley Stadium
Friday 30 May 2025
October 2025
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NFL Season Reaches Halfway Point

Posted on by Duncan Hughes

This weekend marks the halfway stage of the NFL main season and there are already some early contenders who are looking to challenge for the famous Super Bowl title.

In the American Football Conference (AFC) the Jaguars, the Ravens, the Chiefs and the Dolphins all lead the way in their respective divisions while in the National Football Conference (NFC) the Eagles, the 49ers, the Lions and Saints top their divisions. With some unsurprising names at the top of each division, who will go all the way and be crowned with one of the most prestigious sporting titles in the world.

As expected, both the Panthers and the Cardinals have struggled to get their season up and running. With only three wins between them and rock bottom of their respective divisions, it has been a pretty bleak showing for both teams. With that said, their victories have come over teams playing well compared with their corresponding leagues.

The Cardinals managed to see off the Cowboys 28-16 with the Dallas side sitting 2nd in NFC East as well as victory over the Falcons who sit third in NFC South. Meanwhile, the Panthers narrowly beat the Texans 15-13 as the Houston based side sat 2nd in AFC South. With both teams pulling off shock results, can we see them have an improved second half the season and climb up their respective divisions?

NFL Hospitality

At the other end of the divisions, there have been some expected candidates leading the early charge. Philadelphia Eagles find themselves with only one defeat in nine as they top the NFC East. That lone defeat came from the Jets as they present a fairly subpar season so far by the New York side’s standards. One of the favourites going into the season, the Eagles have not disappointed as they look to go one better than runner’s up last time out.

Similarly, the Kansas City Chiefs have also emerged as early leaders, unsurprisingly being the favourites to clinch the title for the second season in a row. With Patrick Mahomes on form this season once again, he will be keen to secure the MVP title for the second season in a row. However, it won’t be easy for the Chiefs as they will be up against it with the other sides all gunning to knock them off their perch.

Somewhat of a surprise contender this season, the Jacksonville Jaguars find themselves sitting pretty at the top of AFC South having only lost 3 games.

The Jaguars have been a team to be feared this season, only coming up short to the Texans and the Chiefs before Sunday. Having never won a Super Bowl, they will be very keen to make history this season and build on their strong start to the Regular Season. With that said, they suffered a heavy defeat to the 49ers as they were beaten 34-3 in a thrashing in front of a home crowd on Sunday. They’ll be looking to bounce back quickly if they are to have any chance of fighting for the title.

The Jags also managed two victories in London this season, both at Wembley and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in another memorable edition of NFL London.

The Jacksonville side will be travelling to London once again in 2024 to play at Wembley Stadium and you can watch it live from the best seats in the house with Engage Hospitality.

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