Euro breakaway talk cooled after peace summit September 11, 2013 HEINEKEN Cup chiefs insist English and French clubs are not about to quit the competition, despite announcing plans for a breakaway on Tuesday. European Rugby Cup, which also runs the Amlin Challenge Cup, met yesterday in Dublin to discuss the deadlock and later issued an upbeat statement. “Despite recent reports, all parties involved in the [...]
We will qualify for World Cup, insists Wilshere September 11, 2013 ARSENAL midfielder Jack Wilshere expects England to win their final two World Cup qualifiers next month to achieve an automatic route to Brazil, despite their failure to beat any of their top rivals in Group H so far. Roy Hodgson’s side drew 0-0 with Ukraine on Tuesday to move a point clear at the top [...]
Lambert happy for competition September 11, 2013 NEWCOMER Rickie Lambert insists he will welcome competition for the England No9 shirt when regulars Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge return from injury. The 31-year-old striker has scored twice in three games and believes he can retain his place in the squad, even when England are injury-free. He said: “It has been an exciting few [...]
Shevchenko ready to begin new career on the golf course September 11, 2013 FORMER Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko completes his full transition from professional football to golf today when he makes his debut on the Challenge Tour in his native Ukraine. The 36-year-old former European footballer of the year will play in the Kharkov Superior Cup and is relishing his test on the big stage. Shevchenko said: “I [...]
Trapattoni leaves Ireland post September 11, 2013 FOOTBALL: Giovanni Trapattoni has been dismissed as Ireland manager after failing to secure qualification for the 2014 World Cup. Ireland suffered back-to-back defeats against Sweden on Friday and Austria on Tuesday to leave them fourth in Group C with two matches to play. The Football Association of Ireland announced the 74-year-old’s departure yesterday. Ireland’s next [...]
Hoggard calls time on career September 11, 2013 CRICKET: Former England seamer Matthew Hoggard will retire at the end of the season. The 36-year-old took 248 wickets in 67 Test matches and ranks joint-seventh on the all-time list alongside spinner Graeme Swann. Hoggard captained his county side Leicestershire to Twenty20 Cup glory in 2011 and was a key member of England’s victorious Ashes [...]
Injured Hunt out for fourth months September 11, 2013 FOOTBALL: Crystal Palace defender Jack Hunt faces fourth months on the sidelines after breaking his ankle in training on Monday. The 22-year-old right-back, who joined from Huddersfield Town in the summer, is yet to make his Premier League debut. Hunt said on Twitter: “Got to take the positives, clean break and no operation needed.”
Easterby set to land huge pot with well-weighted Azagal September 11, 2013 BILL ESDAILE PREVIEWS THE SECOND DAY OF THE LADBROKES ST LEGER FESTIVAL ONE of the major success stories on the flat over the past decade has been the rise of the big sales races and this afternoon’s Weatherbys Hamilton Insurance Stakes (2.40pm) is worth a cool £175,000 to the winning owner. What makes these races [...]
Fanshawe’s Seal Of Approval to stamp her authority September 11, 2013 THIS is the time of year when you start to see the odd funny result, especially when it comes to fillies. Today’s Group Two Park Hill Stakes (3.15pm) is likely to feature a hot favourite in Michael Bell’s The Lark, who was third in the Investec Oaks, but I’m eager to take her on. I’m [...]
Toothless England edge closer to Brazil September 10, 2013 Hodgson concedes Three Lions missed quality of Rooney and Sturridge WORLD CUP QUALIFIER UKRAINE 0 ENGLAND 0 ENGLAND manager Roy Hodgson bemoaned his squad’s lack of firepower after a goalless draw in Kiev left them top of Group H, but just a point clear of both Ukraine and Montenegro with two matches to go of [...]