Euro call-up is surreal, admits teenager Oxlade-Chamberlain May 16, 2012 UNCAPPED Arsenal starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain admits he was stunned by his inclusion in England’s squad for next month’s European Championship. The 18-year-old, who has made just six Premier League starts, only found out yesterday morning when manager Roy Hodgson telephoned to break the good news. “I would have probably laughed if someone had told me [...]
Barton denies charge in bid to reduce ban May 16, 2012 QPR midfielder Joey Barton has accepted one charge of violent conduct from the Football Association but denied another in a bid to avoid a double-digit ban. Barton’s admission relates to his kick on Sergio Aguero following his red card against Manchester City on Sunday. His denial relates to an apparent attempt to headbutt Vincent Kompany [...]
Cavendish leads Giro points race May 16, 2012 CYCLING: Britain’s Mark Cavendish surged into a commanding lead in the race for the points jersey in yesterday’s Giro d’Italia 11th stage. Cavendish moved 12 ahead of Matt Goss as Italian Roberto Ferrari won the stage.
Wales wing Cuthbert France snub May 16, 2012 RUGBY UNION: Cardiff starlet Alex Cuthbert has rejected big-money offers from France to sign a new one-year deal. The wing, 22, said his decision had been influenced by a desire to cement his place for Wales.
Shingler loses Scotland appeal May 16, 2012 RUGBY UNION: London Irish back Steven Shingler has lost his battle to represent Scotland rather than Wales. World chiefs ruled the Swansea-born 20-year-old had sealed his fate by playing for Wales Under-20s last year.
Ferdinand out and Terry in as Hodgson picks Euro 2012 party May 15, 2012 ENGLAND manager Roy Hodgson is poised to omit international stalwart Rio Ferdinand and include former captain John Terry, despite his looming trial for alleged racial abuse, when he names his squad for Euro 2012 today. Hodgson is thought to have acted on concerns that 33-year-old Ferdinand, who has not played for England for almost a [...]
Hartley set for bite ban return but Lancaster sweats on Flood May 15, 2012 NORTHAMPTON hooker Dylan Hartley will make his first competitive appearance since his eight-week ban for biting when England warm up for their summer tour of South Africa by facing the Barbarians next week. But coach Stuart Lancaster has warned that Leicester fly-half Toby Flood will be cut from the squad for the southern hemisphere trip [...]
Hovering axe won’t deflect Di Matteo gaze from slice of history May 15, 2012 CHELSEA manager Robert di Matteo is refusing to let the prospect of a swift and ruthless departure distract him from his mission to take the club into uncharted territory by winning the Champions League. Di Matteo knows that even victory in Saturday’s final against Bayern Munich at the Germans’ own Allianz Arena may not be [...]
Onions merits a recall against West Indies May 15, 2012 BRITISH summertime may have hampered West Indies’ preparations but England would be foolish to go into tomorrow’s first Test underestimating their opponents. The Windies have some good pace in their attack and gave Australia a proper contest last month. Perhaps they lack enough all-round strength to worry a switched-on England, but if Andrew Strauss and [...]
Tourists’ attack declared fit to spoil start of England’s summer May 15, 2012 WEST INDIES coaches have brushed off fitness concerns over their fast-bowlers ahead of tomorrow’s first Test against England at Lord’s. Kemar Roach, Fidel Edwards and Ravi Rampaul all managed to bowl in training yesterday despite niggles resulting from last week’s defeat to England Lions. “Everybody pulled up okay today,” said coach Ottis Gibson. “Kemar twisted [...]