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Former England captain Sir David Beckham received a knighthood at Windsor Castle on Tuesday.

The football star, 50, was honoured for his services to sport and charity.

“I couldn’t be prouder,” Beckham said. “People know how patriotic I am — I love my country.

“I’ve always said how important the monarchy is to my family.

“I’m lucky enough to have travelled around the world and all people want to talk to me about is our monarchy. It makes me proud.”

David Beckham recognised in King’s Birthday Honours. Getty

Beckham represented England 115 times, and was captain for 59 games. Only two players have played for England more.

He won six Premier Leagues with Manchester United after coming through their academy.

Beckham later played for Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan before his retirement in 2013.

He is currently the president and co-owner of MLS side Inter Miami, where he helped to sign Lionel Messi, and he is a part-owner of Salford City who play in League Two.

Alongside his football career, he has supported a number of charity causes, including serving as a goodwill ambassador for humanitarian aid organisation Unicef since 2005.

– David Beckham knighthood: Man United legend’s career in pictures
– David Beckham knighthood: King Charles’ Birthday Honours explained
– Sir David Beckham holds epic free-kick record – but only just…

Last year, Sir David, who has described himself as a “huge royalist”, was named an ambassador for the King’s Foundation, an educational charity established by the King in 1990.

He is also known for his stylish clothing choices, and in 1998 was named most stylish man of the year by GQ magazine and he has modelled for the likes of H&M, Armani and Boss.

Sir David married his wife Victoria in 1999 and the couple share four children together – Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper. Also among the personalities to be honoured on Tuesday are Nobel Prize-winning novelist Sir Kazuo Ishiguro and West End performer Dame Elaine Paige.

The full King’s Birthday Honours list:

Knighthood
David Beckham — For services to sport and to charity.
Billy Boston — For services to rugby league.

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Virginia Wade — Former three-time major winner. For services to tennis and to charity.

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Alistair Brownlee — Olympic gold medal-winning triathlete. For services to triathlon and to charity.
Deta Hedman — Darts trailblazer. For services to darts and to charity.
Devon Malcolm — Former England cricketer. For services to cricket and to diversity in cricket.

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Rachel Daly — Former England international. For services to association football.
Michael Dunlop — Record holder for number of wins and podiums at the Isle of Man TT. For services to motor cycle racing.
Luke Humphries — World No. 1 darts player. For services to darts.
Luke Littler — Reigning darts world champion. For services to darts.

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King Charles inspired the suit David Beckham wore to receive his knighthood, the former England captain has said as he described accepting the honour as the “proudest moment†of his career.

The player, 50, was recognised for his services to sport and charity in a ceremony at Windsor Castle. He wore a grey suit made by his wife, Victoria, Lady Beckham, who accompanied him to the event.

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Asked whether he managed to speak to the king during the ceremony, Beckham said: “He was quite impressed with my suit. Heâ€s kind of the most elegantly dressed man that I know, so he inspired quite a few of my looks over the years and he definitely inspired this look. It was something that my wife made me. I looked at old pictures of him when he was quite young in morning suits and I was like, OK, thatâ€s what I want to wear, so I gave it to my wife and she did it.â€

David Beckham, with his wife, Victoria, after receiving his knighthood at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA

He said he has felt emotional over the knighthood since he was recognised in the kingâ€s birthday honours earlier this year. “Iâ€ve been very obviously lucky in my career to have won what Iâ€ve won and done what Iâ€ve done but to receive an honour like this, of a knight, is beyond anything that I ever thought that I would receive,†said Beckham.

“To be honest, a young boy from the East End of London, born in Leytonstone, and here at Windsor Castle, being honoured by his majesty the king – the most important and the most respected institution in the world – itâ€s quite a moment. This is without doubt my proudest moment.â€

David Beckham, with his wife, Victoria, and parents Ted and Sandra Beckham. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA

He added that it was a “huge honour†to be recognised for his sporting career and for the philanthropic work he has done since he was “probably 17â€. Speaking about his drive, Beckham said he realised early on that people listen to him and that that was a “powerful tool†in the world of charity.

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“I think mostly itâ€s because of the career that Iâ€ve had and the teams that Iâ€ve played for and the things that Iâ€ve won and the respect that Iâ€ve gained throughout my career, and I think that that is why people listen to me,†he said. “And I think itâ€s a very powerful tool to have in charity. I just found very quickly that we could make change with things that I said and things that I got involved in and I think thatâ€s why itâ€s so important to me.â€

Alongside his football career, he has supported a number of charity causes, including serving as a goodwill ambassador for humanitarian aid organisation Unicef since 2005. “All the things that I do, I do out of love,†he said. “I donâ€t do it because Iâ€m forced to do it, I donâ€t do it because I have to do it, I do it because itâ€s important.â€

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Bobby Horne, best known for his run in WWE as Mo of Men on a Mission, has passed away.

Book Pro Wrestlers on Facebook announced on Sunday that Horne had passed away at 58 years old. It was reported earlier this month that Horne was in the ICU struggling with a severe blood infection and pneumonia. He had previously underwent a kidney transplant in 2018 and later battled a COVID-19 infection in 2022.

Horne entered professional wrestling in 1991, teaming with Nelson Frazier (Viscera/Big Daddy V). By 1993, the team signed with the WWE becoming Men on a Mission under the names Mabel (Fraizer) and Mo (Horne). They were managed by Oscar, who would rap on the way to the ring. They briefly won the WWE Tag Team titles by defeating The Quebecers at a house show on March 29, 1994, only to lose them two days later in a rematch.

The following year, the two turned against Oscar and became heels, with Mabel winning the 1995 King of the Ring tournament. Mo, who would become known as Sir Mo, would serve as Mabelâ€s manager until the two left WWE the next year. Mo later appeared in the USWA and continued to wrestle on the independent scene.

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Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim thinks it is important Sir Jim Ratcliffe went public with his long-term thoughts – but says nothing is certain about tomorrow in football, let alone three years.

In an interview with The Times last week, Ratcliffe said it could take Amorim three years to make a significant impact at Old Trafford.

Coming in a period when Amorim’s future has been under scrutiny following an extended sequence of disappointing results, the comments helped quell some of the immediate pressure.

But, speaking before the 100th meeting with old rivals Liverpool at Anfield, the United boss stressed that the future is hard to predict in football.

“It is really good to hear it but he tells me all the time, sometimes with a message after games – but you know, I know and Jim knows, that football is not like that,” he said.

“The most important thing is the next game. Even with owners, you cannot control the next day in football.”

Chief executive Omar Berrada has admitted it has taken far longer for Amorim to adapt to the Premier League following his move from Sporting last November than anyone imagined.

United have won 10 times in 34 Premier League matches under the 40-year-old. They are yet to win two league games in a row and have not ended a round of league games this season higher than ninth.

The dire statistics are stretching belief in the manager among the United fanbase heading into a sequence of matches their club has been awful in for the past two seasons.

Amorim said he does not feel the uncertainty internally at the club’s Carrington training ground and is adamant nothing can match the pressure he puts on his players – and in some senses, he would prefer Ratcliffe not to be trying to bring a sense of calm because he fears the impact it could have on the team.

“It’s not just a thing that people talk about, I feel it every day,” he said. “It’s really good to hear it because it helps our fans to understand the leadership know it is going to take a while.

“But at the same moment, I don’t like it because it gives a feeling that we have time to work things out. I don’t want that feeling in our club.

“The pressure I put on the team or on myself is so much bigger [than that from outside]. In football, especially in big clubs, you need to prove yourself every weekend.”

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Manchester United have now gone 12 years since winning the title after the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson – and they’re a long way from returning to those lofty heights.

The Red Devils won the Premier League 13 times during the first 21 years of the division’s existence, but have gone through six different permanent managers since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.

This season, Manchester United currently sit 14th in the Premier League under Ruben Amorim, after finishing 15th last term.

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Catherine LystBBC Scotland

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Sire Menzies Campbell led the Liberal Democrats from 2006 to 2007

Former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell has died at the age of 84.

Sir Menzies, or Ming as he was widely known, led the Liberal Democrats from 2006 to 2007 and was the MP for North East Fife at Westminster for 28 years.

In his first career as a sprinter, he held the UK 100m record from 1967 to 1974 and ran in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics – being dubbed The Flying Scotsman.

Lib Dem leader Ed Davey described Sir Menzies as “a dedicated public servant and a true Liberal giant”.

He said: “His principled leadership opposing the Iraq War was a mark of his morality, courage and wisdom.

“But more than that, he was an incredibly warm and caring friend and colleague. We will miss him terribly.”

Sir Menzies died peacefully in London following a period of respite care. His grandson was with him.

His family said one of his final days was spent watching the Liberal Democrats Party Conference, and enjoying watching video messages from political friends.

Sir Menzies first stood as a candidate for the Liberal Democrats in 1976, but did not win his constituency for 11 years.

He made his name as the party’s foreign affairs spokesman, a position he held for 14 years and was a renowned critic of the Iraq war.

He became a member of the House of Lords in 2015. His official title was Baron Campbell of Pittenweem.

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First Minister John Swinney said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lord Campbell – one of the most distinguished and well-liked political figures of his generation.

“I first got to know him well as a newly-elected MP where he welcomed me and helped me adapt to life in House of Commons. Over the years since, we often worked together on the many issues on which we agreed.”

He said Sir Menzies was “a passionate believer in a better Scotland” but also a strong internationalist – keen to build consensus and find common ground.

“Those entering public service today could learn much from his style – always forthright in speaking up for what he believed in, but never anything other than respectful, courteous and polite to his political opponents,” Swinney said.

“On behalf of the Scottish government I offer my condolences to Lord Campbell’s family. My thoughts today are with them, his Liberal Democrat colleagues and his many friends across the political spectrum and beyond.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said Sir Menzies was one of the “most respected politicians of his generation”.

He said: “The first political thing I ever did was to deliver leaflets for Ming on the morning of his first election to Parliament in 1987.

“He was my MP, he was my mentor and he was my friend. From the Olympic track to the benches of Westminster, his contribution to public life will long be remembered.”

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Sir Menzies wife of more than 50 years, Elspeth, died in 2023

Wendy Chamberlain, current MP for North East Fife, said Sir Menzies “remained a significant figure” in the area.

She added: “His contributions to our communities, to the University of St Andrews, as well as to Scotland and the UK were immeasurable.

“Although he found the passing of his beloved Elspeth difficult, rather than retreat, until the last weeks of his life, he was still travelling to London to contribute in the House of Lords.”

Born Walter Menzies Campbell on 22 May 1941, Sir Menzies was brought up in a Glasgow tenement.

He was educated at Hillhead High School and went on to the University of Glasgow, where he was a contemporary of both John Smith and Donald Dewar studying Law and debating in the union.

He also attended Stanford University in California during the Vietnam War and later became an advocate.

Sir Menzies was called to the Scottish bar in 1968 and made a QC (latterly KC) in 1982. The law gave him a lucrative career and he continued to practise throughout his time in politics.

His wife of more than 50 years, Elspeth, died in June 2023 – he described her as his “constant political companion, always my encouragement and forever my first line of defence”.

Menzies Campbell’s contribution to our politics was far greater than his short spell as party leader suggests.

His was an extremely well informed voice on defence and foreign affairs which was central to the public debate during and after the Iraq war.

He and his late wife Elspeth were the best of political company with a great deal of insight into the Westminster issues and characters of the day.

In many ways Elspeth was more ambitious for her husband than he was for himself. His period as party leader was not a happy one.

He was on the receiving end of a persistent ageism – caricatured as a grandfatherly figure with his best days behind him when compared with rival leaders like Tony Blair and David Cameron.

When appearing on TV for interview he always insisted on wearing a tie because he felt it was what his constituents would expect.

But I knew he’d given in to modernising advisers who wrongly thought they could reinvent his image when one Sunday morning he appeared in our studio in an open-necked shirt. It was not long before he resigned.

It was his wisdom, experience and courtesy that were his greatest strengths and these were undervalued qualities during his time at the top.

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Joe Root becomes England’s all-time highest run scorer in Test cricket with his knock in the first innings of the first Test match against Pakistan.

Joe Root has surpassed Sir Alistair Cook to become England‘s highest-ever run scorer in Test cricket.

The 33-year-old has been gradually making his way up the all-time list in recent months, moving into sixth place during the summer.

That put the Yorkshire batsman on the brink of finally overtaking Cook, who was fifth on that aforementioned list with his 12,472 runs from 161 matches.

On a flat batting pitch in Multan, the first Test match with Pakistan this week represented an opportunity for Root to etch his name in England history with a feat that will realistically stand the test of time.

When on 67 on the third day’s play, Root sent a straight drive past bowler Aamer Jamal to break the record in front of what is a relatively-sparse crowd.

Joe Root becomes England’s leading Test-match run scorer 👠pic.twitter.com/BQxfF5VBc4

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) October 9, 2024

Why Root is the greatest

While the moment would have been more fitting had it taken place in front of a packed England support earlier this year, Root will be delighted to officially become England’s greatest batsman in history.

He brought up this feat in 14 fewer Test matches and 23 fewer innings than Cook, his average in the region of 51 while Cook ended on 45.35.

Root may have recorded more ducks than Cook – 12 to nine – but he has more fifties, centuries and sixes in comparison to the fellow former captain.

However, Root has some way to go to move any higher on the all-time list with India’s Rahul Dravid just under 800 runs ahead of him in fourth position.

Ben Duckett is trapped in front LBW and Aamer Jamal is PUMPED! ðŸâ€Â¥ pic.twitter.com/MTQ9wZ3gtR

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) October 9, 2024

What is the current state of play against Pakistan?

Midway through day three, England were sitting on 286-3, still trailing Pakistan’s first-innings total of 556 by 270 runs.

Root remained unbeaten on 86 from 148 deliveries, with Harry Brook hitting a run-a-ball 32 since replacing Ben Duckett after his teammate’s 84 from 75 balls.

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