Football betting: Impressive Croatia ready to send Ronaldo and Portugal packing June 23, 2016 Portugal have the new competition format to thank for reaching the knockout stages of Euro 2016. They failed to win a single game in a group containing the likes of Iceland, Austria and Hungary. But changes in qualification rules meant three draws were enough for them to progress. Most of their hopes, just like their [...]
Football betting: Take classier Welsh to breach Northern Ireland’s sturdy defence June 23, 2016 Having claimed temporary bragging rights over neighbours England by topping Group B, I’m backing Wales to cause further hurt for fellow home nation Northern Ireland in their Euro 2016 knockout tie tomorrow. Wales have come on massively over the last five years and it’s no fluke that they are in the last 16 of a [...]
Tim Henman interview: Calendar Slam for Novak Djokovic would be an achievement with no rival across sport June 23, 2016 Should Novak Djokovic complete the calendar Grand Slam and win all four major tournaments in the same year it would be an unrivalled feat across any sport, according to former British No1 Tim Henman. World No1 Djokovic will bid for the third leg of his four-pronged quest for the Holy Grail when Wimbledon begins on Monday, [...]
Europe’s big guns would have wanted to avoid us, says England captain Wayne Rooney June 23, 2016 Captain Wayne Rooney has dismissed fears that England have landed in the wrong side of the Euro 2016 draw, insisting that Spain, Germany and France will be worried about facing the Three Lions. Rooney also played down suggestions of a disagreement with manager Roy Hodgson over his omission from this week’s draw against Slovakia – [...]
Whitewashing Australia would prove World Cup-winning credentials, insists head coach Eddie Jones June 23, 2016 England head coach Eddie Jones insists his side’s relentless desire to whitewash Australia is ideal preparation for their long-term aspiration of winning the 2019 World Cup. The Red Rose have already secured their first ever series win Down Under and hold an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with Saturday's clash in Sydney the final [...]
Anthony Joshua v Dominic Breazeale: Joshua’s endurance credentials still awaiting first true test ahead of potential Tyson Fury fight June 23, 2016 Those planning to watch Anthony Joshua fight American Dominic Breazeale tomorrow night are advised to get their toilet break in well before of the opening bell. If the world heavyweight champion’s first IBF title defence at all resembles the bouts that preceded his crowning, it will be another blink-and-you’ll-miss-it contest. Both fighters are unbeaten after [...]
Jamie Vardy turns down Arsenal transfer and commits to further four years with Leicester June 23, 2016 Jamie Vardy has ended speculation surrounding his future by signing a new four-year deal with Leicester City, choosing to remain with the Premier League champions over runners-up Arsenal. A £20m release clause in Vardy's previous contract had been activated by Arsenal, leaving the England striker with a decision to make over his future. Following a fortnight [...]
Italy 0, Republic of Ireland 1: Martin O’Neill elated as Ireland sink Azzurri to make history and reach last 16 June 22, 2016 Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill could not hide his elation after his side defied the odds to reach the knockout stage of Euro 2016 with an absorbing victory over much-changed and already-qualified Italy in Lille. Norwich winger Robbie Brady scored a dramatic late winner, moments after club-mate Wes Hoolahan had fluffed what appeared to [...]
Euro 2016: Hungary 3, Portugal 3: Cristiano Ronaldo rediscovers golden touch in six-goal thriller to help Portugal into last 16 June 22, 2016 Hungary 3, Portugal 3 Portugal talisman Cristiano Ronaldo kick-started his Euro 2016 with two goals to salvage a draw against Group F winners Hungary and set up a last 16 match against Croatia. The Real Madrid star even looked to have secured another meeting with England, only for Iceland to score a 94th-minute winner against [...]
Euro 2016: England to face Iceland in last 16 after extraordinary late drama June 22, 2016 England will meet Iceland, the least populous nation ever to qualify for the tournament, in the last 16 of Euro 2016 after an extraordinary final round of matches in Group F. A Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Portugal looked to have secured second place in the group – and a clash with Roy Hodgson's team in Nice on [...]