Lancaster welcomes trio back as pacesetters build on Cardiff coup February 8, 2015 ENGLAND head coach Stuart Lancaster has been handed a selection headache ahead of his side’s bid to maintain their perfect start to the Six Nations against Italy at Twickenham on Saturday. Centres Brad Barritt and Kyle Eastmond as well as second row Geoff Parling have recovered from injury and were included in England’s 32-man squad [...]
Leicester forced to deny Pearson sacking February 8, 2015 LEICESTER were last night forced to deny that manager Nigel Pearson had been sacked after hours of speculation suggesting the Foxes boss was set to be fired. The news of his departure came a day after a bizarre touchline altercation in which the 51-year-old held Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur by the throat during his [...]
Ravel is released as Hammers cut ties early with midfielder February 8, 2015 WEST Ham have announced the immediate termination of England Under-21 midfielder Ravel Morrison’s contract at Upton Park. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce refused to comment on the 22-year-old’s departure from the club at his post-match press conference in the wake of his side’s draw with Manchester United yesterday. Morrison’s existing deal at West Ham was set [...]
Premier League: Ings is ready for England call-up, says boss Dyche February 8, 2015 BURNLEY 2 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 2 BURNLEY manager Sean Dyche talked up Danny Ings’ England hopes after the striker helped ease relegation fears, despite West Brom coming from two goals behind to claim a draw yesterday at Turf Moor. Ings scored his eighth of the season and set up the opener for Ashley Barnes, but [...]
Premier League: Referee’s lack of bravery cost us all three points, claims Hughes February 8, 2015 NEWCASTLE UNITED 1 STOKE CITY 1 STOKE manager Mark Hughes accused referee Kevin Friend of cowardice after his side snatched a draw at Newcastle through substitute Peter Crouch’s last-minute header. Hughes was angry that Magpies goalscorer Jack Colback avoided a second yellow card for a tackle of Victor Moses moments before firing the hosts into [...]
Wales defend North treatement as World Rugby probes injuries February 8, 2015 WALES chiefs have hit back at criticism of their treatment of wing George North in Friday’s Six Nations defeat to England, insisting they did not see the second-half incident that knocked him out. Governing body World Rugby has demanded Wales explain why North was allowed to finish the match despite appearing to be rendered unconscious [...]
Saracens into cup last four February 8, 2015 SARACENS set up an LV= Cup semi-final at home to Northampton next month with a five-try victory over Exeter yesterday. Nick de Jager scored twice while Tim Streather, Catalin Fercu and Matt Hankin also crossed as Sarries pipped Gloucester to top spot in Pool One by beating the Chiefs, who had already secured a last-four [...]
Schmidt tells Irish to up game or risk losing title to Red Rose February 8, 2015 IRELAND coach Joe Schmidt has labelled England the team to beat at the Six Nations and admitted his defending champions need to improve by 30-40 per cent if they are to retain their crown. England made the perfect start to their bid to win the title for the first time in four years by defeating [...]
Football Comment: Spurs role makes Kane ready for England – unlike other hopefuls February 8, 2015 TOTTENHAM striker Harry Kane fully deserves to win his first England cap next month but I have a problem with talk of the likes of Saido Berahino, Danny Ings and Charlie Austin gatecrashing the squad too. There is so much to like about Kane. As he showed with both goals in Saturday’s north London derby, [...]
Former Middlesex batsman fears World Cup could be Ireland’s last February 8, 2015 DISGRUNTLED Ireland batsman Ed Joyce has blasted plans by cricket bosses to reduce the number of teams permitted to play at future World Cups. A total of 14 teams will contest this year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which begins on Saturday, although the International Cricket Council (ICC) have announced that number will [...]