England primed for white-ball joy: Former skipper Mike Gatting on why a bright one-day future beckons September 16, 2015 If England can maintain the rate of one-day progress which they have showcased since their World Cup demise then there is nothing preventing a serious bid for white-ball honours in the coming years, according to former captain Mike Gatting. That harrowing group-stage exit in March has dissipated with the adoption of an enterprising brand of [...]
London turns to Rugby World Cup 2015 to beat the blues September 16, 2015 Judging by the weather, summer is well and truly behind us. Now, Londoners are itching to start talking scrummages; as the Rugby World Cup is due to begin on Friday, the City is kicking things off with a whole host of rugger-centric events and deals. First, TfL announced yesterday that it will be teaming [...]
England’s Rugby World Cup 2015 opener: Riding early storm is pivotal in overpowering Fiji, insists Courtney Lawes September 16, 2015 England second row Courtney Lawes has predicted a gruelling contest lies in wait for his side in Friday’s Rugby World Cup opener against Fiji at Twickenham but insists their superior fitness will prove the decisive factor. Pacific Nations Cup champions Fiji won their sole warm-up clash against Canada at the Stoop on 6 September, although [...]
Mourinho: I am not a two year wonder September 16, 2015 CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho has rejected suggestions that he lacks staying power as he attempts to turn around his club’s worst start to a season since 1988 tonight against Maccabi Tel Aviv. The Blues host the Israeli title winners in their opening Champions League group fixture still seeking a first win at Stamford Bridge of [...]
Champions League: Euro defeat was not my fault, says Pellegrini September 16, 2015 MANCHESTER CITY 1 JUVENTUS 2 Frustrated Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini insisted he was not outfought tactically despite his side suffering another European failure in their Champions League opener against Juventus last night. The hosts were on course for victory when veteran defender Giorgio Chiellini headed into his own net, only for strike duo Mario [...]
England in UAE 2015: Zafar Ansari Test bow placed in doubt by cruel injury September 15, 2015 All-rounder Zafar Ansari suffered a cruel injury blow just hours after receiving his maiden Test call-up which threatens to thwart his chances of featuring for England against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates this autumn. Ansari, who has scored more than 700 runs and taken 44 wickets this season, hurt his bowling hand while [...]
Chelsea plans get green light September 15, 2015 CHELSEA have received a boost in their plan to turn Stamford Bridge into a striking 60,000-seater stadium after Hammersmith and Fulham Council granted the scheme qualified approval. The Blues are now expected to submit a full planning application, having showcased blueprints for the Gothic-inspired design at two public exhibitions. The Premier League champions favour a [...]
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger to ring changes in Zagreb September 15, 2015 Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to rest players for tonight’s Champions League expedition, despite facing a task that has proved insurmountable to Dinamo Zagreb’s last 41 opponents. The Gunners arrive in Croatia looking to end a Dinamo unbeaten run that stretches back to November but Wenger still plans to rotate his squad with [...]
Champions League: Injury to Shaw compounds United misery September 15, 2015 PSV EINDHOVEN 2 MANCHESTER UNITED 1 MANCHESTER United captain Chris Smalling rued a nightmare start to their Champions League campaign after a serious injury to defender Luke Shaw compounded a wounding defeat at PSV Eindhoven last night. United forward Memphis Depay scored a superb opener against his former club after the visitors’ night had been [...]
Bolt talk calms Ireland worries over form loss September 15, 2015 IRELAND hooker Rory Best has revealed that a surprise pre-tournament pep talk from six-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt has doused concerns over a loss of form heading into the Rugby World Cup. Joe Schmidt’s side will enter the competition carrying the burden of successive defeats to Wales and England in the final clashes of their [...]