Robson backed to prove his Test opener worth June 5, 2014 ENGLAND selector James Whitaker has backed Middlesex batsman Sam Robson to make the Test opener’s position his own when he makes his bow against Sri Lanka in the familiar surrounds of Lord’s next week. Robson, one of the three uncapped players in a 12-man squad for the first of two Tests, is set to partner [...]
Weary Murray bids to dethrone King of Clay June 5, 2014 SHOULD Britain’s Andy Murray beat world No1 Rafael Nadal in today’s French Open semi-final it will represent an achievement that arguably surpasses even last year’s historic Wimbledon success. Following Wednesday’s quarter-final victory against Gael Monfils, Murray said equalling his finest ever run at Roland Garros was nothing to celebrate. But should he conquer the King [...]
Football Comment: Arsenal man has to go to Brazil, and why Rooney’s beyond doubt June 5, 2014 IF THERE is any chance of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain playing at this World Cup then Roy Hodgson has to keep him in the England squad and resist calls to summon a replacement. The Arsenal midfielder was excellent on Wednesday night against Ecuador, before injuring his knee ligaments late in the game – a blow that looks [...]
Snow Sky withdrawal leaves 16 battling for Derby victory June 5, 2014 SIXTEEN runners are set to contest tomorrow’s Investec Derby after the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Snow Sky was withdrawn yesterday, on the eve of the Epsom meeting. Khalid Abdullah’s colt failed to recover from a minor knock to a joint. The Lingfield Derby Trial winner had been trading at 20-1, but was deemed “not 100 per [...]
All Blacks boss Hansen wary of blooming Red Rose side June 5, 2014 ENGLAND go into tomorrow’s first Test in New Zealand as the most improved team in world rugby of the last 18 months, according to All Blacks coach Steve Hansen. The hosts are as short as 1-16 with some bookmakers Down Under for the clash with Stuart Lancaster’s Six Nations runners-up at Eden Park, but Hansen [...]
6 June on this day… June 5, 2014 1986: ENGLAND’S World Cup was in tatters after a 0-0 draw with Morocco in Mexico, which saw skipper Bryan Robson (above) dislocate a shoulder and Ray Wilkins sent off. Gary Lineker’s hat-trick against Poland five days later revived fortunes, before England lost in the last eight to Maradona’s Hand of God goal. Picture: COLORSPORT
Sharapova set for French final June 5, 2014 FORMER world No1 Maria Sharapova feels fortunate to be in tomorrow’s French Open final, after battling from a set down to beat Canadian prodigy Eugenie Bouchard. The 2012 champion won 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 and will meet fourth seed Simona Halep, who saw off Andrea Petkovic in straight sets. Sharapova said: “I felt my opponent played [...]
Rooney rubbishes Scholes’ claims June 5, 2014 FOOTBALL: England striker Wayne Rooney has shrugged off criticism from former Manchester United team-mate Paul Scholes, who has questioned his place in the team ahead of the World Cup. Rooney said: “I’m not interested. I’m not going to react. I’m interested in what Roy Hodgson and the people around me say.”
Alonso eyes Ferrari improvement June 5, 2014 FORMULA ONE: Double world champion Fernando Alonso believes Ferrari can close the gap on runaway leaders Mercedes at this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix. Alonso said: “We’ve performed well the last four years here. I expect to have good points at the end of the race.”
Liverpool agree £10m deal for Can June 5, 2014 FOOTBALL: Premier League runners-up Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Bayer Leverkusen central midfielder Emre Can. The 20-year-old, who joined Leverkusen from Bayern Munich last summer, has a £10m release clause. The move has been agreed in principle and is set to go through when the transfer window re-opens next month.