Skipper Alastair Cook moves to defuse row over James Anderson’s omission from first Test against Pakistan July 21, 2016 Skipper Alastair Cook has played down the notion of friction in the England camp as the row over seamer James Anderson’s omission from the first Investec Test at Lord’s rumbles on. Anderson is set to return to England’s starting XI for the second Test at Emirates Old Trafford, which starts on Friday, as is all-rounder [...]
Usain Bolt welcomes Russia ban as country nears total exclusion from Rio Olympics July 21, 2016 Track superstar Usain Bolt has welcomed the decision to uphold a ban on Russian athletes at next month’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The Court of Arbitration for Sport on Thursday rejected an appeal by Russia’s Olympic committee and 68 of the country’s athletes against their suspension following allegations of a doping conspiracy. The [...]
Decision over blanket Rio ban on Russia delayed as International Olympic Commitee opt to seek legal advice July 21, 2016 Russia must wait to learn its fate after the International Olympic Committee delayed a decision on whether to enforce a blanket ban on the nation’s athletes competing at next month’s Games in Rio. Following a four-hour meeting, the IOC confirmed it would “explore their legal options with regard to a collective ban of all Russian [...]
I have alternative targets if Paul Pogba move fails, says Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho July 21, 2016 Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho insists he has back-up options in mind if his world record bid for Juventus and France midfielder Paul Pogba ends in failure. United are poised to make Pogba, 23, the first ever £100m footballer just four years after he left the club for just £800,000, having grown frustrated at a lack [...]
Anniversary Games 2016: When to watch the 10 must-see events this weekend including Usain Bolt vs Adam Gemili and Jessica Ennis-Hill vs Katarina Johnson-Thompson July 21, 2016 With the Rio Olympics only a fortnight away, stars of the Games past and future will roll into London this weekend to whet the athletics appetite at this year's Anniversary Games. Faces of 2012 including Usain Bolt, Jessica Ennis-Hill and Mo Farah will look to reprise their feats from four years ago at the Olympic Stadium's annual nostalgia-inducing event. [...]
With Manchester United poised to smash the world record transfer fee on Paul Pogba, here’s how football reached the £100m mark July 21, 2016 “Everyone's got to be concerned about the way fees are growing to astronomical proportions. My own opinion is that it will continue for some time yet but that, like the stock market and property market, it will eventually regulate itself.” So said Liverpool chief executive Peter Robinson in 1995 after signing Stan Collymore for a then [...]
Arsenal target Mauro Icardi affirms intention to stay at Inter Milan but admits “anything can happen” in football July 21, 2016 Argentine striker Mauro Icardi has underlined his intention stay at Inter Milan despite reported interest in his signature from Arsenal. The 23-year-old has been the subject of transfer discussions between his agent and wife Wanda Nara and Arsenal, according to reports in the Italian press. Nara has travelled to London for negotiations with the Gunners who are still [...]
Celtic 3, Lincoln Red Imps 0 (Agg: 3-1): Rodgers revels in Parkhead atmosphere as Bhoys avoid European humiliation July 20, 2016 Celtic avoided the ultimate embarrassment by thrashing Gibraltarian part-timers Lincoln Red Imps to overturn a Champions League first-leg deficit in manager Brendan Rodgers’s first competitive match at Parkhead. Trailing 1-0, the hosts made light work of the second leg as three goals in nine first-half minutes from Mikael Lustig, Leigh Griffiths and Patrick Roberts propelled [...]
Pep Guardiola’s City reign begins with defeat to old club Bayern as Antonio Conte’s Chelsea find scoring touch July 20, 2016 Serial trophy winner Pep Guardiola began his reign as Manchester City boss with defeat after a youthful side lost 1-0 to his former club Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena last night. Goalkeeper Willy Caballero was called upon numerous times in the first half to keep a Franck Ribery-inspired Bayern at bay but despite improving in [...]
Sam Allardyce set to be appointed England manager after winning race to succeed Roy Hodgson July 20, 2016 Frontrunner Sam Allardyce is set to be confirmed as the new England manager on Thursday after the soon-to-be ex-Sunderland boss won the battle to succeed Roy Hodgson. The appointment of Allardyce, who took charge of the Black Cats’ friendly clash with League Two side Hartlepool United last night, is expected to be ratified at tomorrow’s Football [...]