Maria Sharapova sponsors Nike, Head and Evian have placed brand value ahead of sport’s values by sticking with banned tennis star June 10, 2016 In the 24 hours following the news that Maria Sharapova has been banned for two years for taking banned substance Meldonium, the spotlight has invariably shifted to her sponsors to see their reaction. Many would have expected Nike, Head and Evian to pull the plug on their sponsorship deals with the former world No.1, but [...]
Euro 2016 most valuable squad: Germany top value ranking ahead of England while Portugal and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo is most valuable player June 10, 2016 England’s squad for Euro 2016 is the fourth most-valuable in the competition, behind only hosts France, reigning champions Spain and World Cup winners Germany. Roy Hodgson’s 23-man squad has a collective value of £357.8m at an average of £15.6m per player, according to independent database transfermarkt. That makes the Three Lions more valuable than every [...]
Euro 2016: Five reasons why England cannot win the European Championship in France June 10, 2016 The Euro 2016 championship kicks off in France today – but does the England team have what it takes to bring home the trophy? Probably not, unfortunately – and here are five reasons why: 1. While England have potential to be a dynamic force going forward, there remains considerable concern over the defence. Aside from Chris [...]
Rafael Nadal left to focus on Olympic Games after wrist injury forces his withdrawal from Wimbledon June 9, 2016 Former world No1 Rafael Nadal will now focus on returning to full fitness for the Olympic Games in August after withdrawing from Wimbledon having failed to recover from a wrist injury. Nadal, a 14-time grand slam champion, pulled out of Roland Garros before his third-round match after failing to shake off the hand problem which [...]
Bairstow exorcises ghost of previous Lord’s stumble to reach three figures and lead England’s revival against Sri Lanka June 9, 2016 In-form England batsman Jonny Bairstow revelled in laying to rest the ghost of falling agonisingly short of a century at Lord’s four years ago after reaching three figures to spearhead his side’s comeback against Sri Lanka. England slipped to 84-4 shortly after lunch following another top-order collapse, only for Bairstow to lead the revival with his [...]
Three Lions goalkeeper Joe Hart urges England to go for the jugular during Euro 2016 June 9, 2016 England goalkeeper Joe Hart has called on his side to display the sort of ruthless streak during Euro 2016 which was so desperately amiss during their dismal group-stage exit at the World Cup two years ago. Roy Hodgson oversaw England’s worst performance on the world stage for more than half a century in Brazil, although their [...]
The Deep Blue Sea review: Terrence Rattigan’s evocative portrayal of post-war Britain’s uncertain future June 9, 2016 National Theatre | ★★★★☆ This new production of Terrence Rattigan’s 1952 play evokes brilliantly both the uncertainty of the decade in which it was written and its universal insights about relationships. It opens with a bungled suicide: Hester Collyer (played by Helen McCrory), the estranged wife of a judge, has tried to gas herself but forgot [...]
Where to Invade Next review: Michael Moore back on form with film that questions US’s place in the world June 9, 2016 WHERE TO INVADE NEXT (15) | Dir. Michael Moore Michael Moore is back behind and in front of the camera for his first film in six years. The baseball capped antagonist visits several countries across Europe to see their approaches to issues including commerce, education, crime and healthcare, hoping to bring home ways to improve the [...]
Euro 2016 betting: Roy’s young lions have a chance but don’t write off Germany June 9, 2016 France's four-week festival of football kicks off on Friday evening as Euro 2016 gets under way. The last two editions of the European Championships have been dominated by Spain, who won in 2008 and 2012. However, the Spanish crown has slipped in the last four years, meaning there are plenty of sides who will fancy their [...]
Euro 2016 betting: Hazard can make up for quiet season with Euro Golden Boot June 9, 2016 The list of European Championship Golden Boot winners is an illustrious one. From Gerd Muller in 1972 to Marco van Basten in 1988 and Alan Shearer in 1996, being the top goalscorer at a tournament guarantees a player a place in history. This summer, the race for the Golden Boot is as wide open as ever. [...]