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Emma Raducanu confident of ‘good things’ ahead of Wimbledon return after rekindling love of tennis | Tennis News

On: June 24, 2024 By: admin

Emma Raducanu is confident “good things are 100 per cent going to happen” after rekindling her love of tennis ahead of returning to Wimbledon.

The 21-year-old will continue preparations for the All England Club by taking on fellow former US Open champion Sloane Stephens on Tuesday in the first round of the Rothesay International in Eastbourne.

Raducanu has struggled with form and injuries since triumphing at Flushing Meadows as a qualifier in 2021 and missed last year’s grass-court season following surgery on both wrists and one ankle.

She admits her passion for competing is the highest it has been “for a long, long time” as she works her way back towards the top 100.

“I’m just really into it at the moment. I just love the sport, I love tennis,” said Raducanu. “It’s taken over me and I’ve really rekindled a light in the fire inside of me.

“I’m really grateful to have this feeling again because it’s something that I feel I’ve been missing in a way for the last few years and I haven’t felt this good about my tennis – just excited about it and passionate – for a long, long time.

“Now it’s really comforting for me because I’m way less focused on the result because I know with the way I’m training, the way I’m competing and fighting on the court, good things are 100 per cent going to happen. I have full faith and belief in that now and I can say it and mean it at the same time, rather than just saying it.”

Raducanu recently reached the semi-finals of the Rothesay Open in Nottingham, where she was beaten by British No 1 Katie Boulter. After opting to skip the French Open, she has been handed a wild card for Wimbledon and feels performing on home soil provides additional motivation for all British players.

“I have a big joy for playing in the UK, I missed it last year, obviously, and it’s nice – you kind of forget the feeling,” Raducanu added. “I think you would push your body further to play over this period of time.

“I think all of us (British players) really live for it, we come alive, we put our clay shoes in the bin pretty early and then get on the grass. We do push ourselves more for this and understand the implications that may or may not come with it.”

Dart sets up Rybakina showdown after beating Bouzkova

British No 2 Harriet Dart set up a second-round showdown with 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in Eastbourne by edging a marathon three-set epic against Marie Bouzkova.

The 27-year-old wild card battled back from a double break and 4-1 down to snatch the opening set and, having fallen agonisingly short of repeating that feat in the second, eventually progressed 7-5 6-7 (7) 6-4 in just under three and a half hours.

Top seed Rybakina, who on Friday retired from her Berlin Open quarter-final against Victoria Azarenka due to illness, awaits Dart after she received a first-round bye.

“It was an incredible match, so many ups and downs,” said world No 105 Dart, who revealed she was struggling with wisdom tooth pain during a topsy-turvy Centre Court encounter.

“Marie’s an incredible fighter and always makes it tough. I’m very happy that it turned my way this time.”

What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?

In the run-up to the third Grand Slam of 2024 – Wimbledon – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the grass-court season.

Mallorca Championships (ATP 250) – June 23-29
Bad Homburg (WTA 500) – June 23-29

Watch the WTA and ATP Tours throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.

T20 World Cup: How England can reach the semi-finals and where they need to improve ahead of USA match | Cricket News

On: June 22, 2024 By: admin

As England prepare to face USA in their final Super 8s match at the T20 World Cup on Sunday, live on Sky Sports Cricket, we look at what they need to reach the semi-finals.

Plus we assess what is working for the defending champions in the tournament and which parts of their game they need to tidy up…

How can England make the semi-finals?

The simplest way is for England to defeat USA in Barbados on Sunday (from 3.30pm) and then for table toppers South Africa to knock off West Indies in Antigua on Monday. In that scenario, South Africa (six points) and England (four points) will advance, with West Indies (two points) and USA (zero points) going out.

If England and West Indies both win their final matches and end up level with South Africa on four points, the two qualification spots from Super 8s Group 2 will come down to our old friend net run-rate.

West Indies’ is the best of the three sides at the moment so a win over South Africa by any margin will take the host nation through and leave the second spot to whichever of England and South Africa has the superior net-run rate.

England could still progress if they lose to USA, although they would then need West Indies to lose heavily to South Africa in order to end up above the Caribbean side on net run-rate.

If USA give England an absolute hiding, they could also make the semis on net run-rate, but they would also require South Africa to thump West Indies so their prospects do seem rather bleak.

For England, the goal is to win and win well.

What is working for England?

The trump cards, as Sky Sports’ Nasser Hussain called them, in leg-spinner Adil Rashid and fast bowler Jofra Archer.

Rashid bagged 1-21 from four overs in the eight-wicket win over West Indies and then 1-20 in the seven-run loss to South Africa, with his seven wickets in the tournament coming at an economy rate of 7.40.

Rashid’s two-run 17th over against West Indies was crucial in England winning that game – as was the four-run over from Archer that preceded it with the paceman dismissing set batter Nicolas Pooran in that time.

Archer is England’s leading wicket-taker with nine strikes at an economy rate of 7.29. He received some tap against South Africa with his first over crunched for 21, but he then shipped only 19 runs across his next three.

His ability to ruffle batters with speed and also fox them with slower balls is a vital part of England’s armoury.

We should also give a shout-out to England’s fielding, which was stunning against South Africa. Buttler led by example with a spectacular one-handed catch and direct hit run-out, but there were also excellent diving grabs from Harry Brook and Sam Curran.

Elsewhere, one positive after the negative of England’s top order folding against the Proteas was that Brook (53 off 37) and Liam Livingstone (33 off 17) were afforded a decent hit, spanking 78 from 42 balls in partnership from 61-4 in a chase of 164 and threatening to pull off a heist before the South Africa’s death bowlers shone.

With Brook having also smashed 47 against Namibia in the final first-round match, neither he nor Livingstone – so often a peripheral figure with the bat owing to his lower middle-order position – will come in cold should they be needed against USA and, England will hope, in the knockout stages.

What needs to improve?

As entertaining and useful as it may have been, the cavalier stand between Brook and Livingstone cannot mask some of the issues – however mild – higher up the order.

Yes, Phil Salt fired against West Indies with 87 off 47 balls, including 30 runs in one over, but his other knocks have only been fleeting cameos, while opening partner Buttler is still to truly ignite and is yet to pass fifty.

Buttler, arguably the best white-ball batter on the planet when in full flow, said his side lost to South Africa due to the powerplays, with the Proteas, chiefly through Quinton de Kock, pummelling 63-0 and England just 41-1.

The skipper will want more oomph early on against USA, whether setting a score or chasing, while England’s bowling in the first six overs is also an area that needs a lift.

Discounting the Oman game, in which England reduced the associate nation to 25-4 in the powerplay, they have taken just two wickets in the first six overs across their five other fixtures – both of those against Australia but only after they had been creamed for 70 runs inside the first five.

They should have had a powerplay wicket against Scotland but Mark Wood was penalised for a no-ball after George Munsey ballooned to Buttler.

Wood’s form more generally may be a concern for England as around his sizzling 3-12 against Oman he has been smashed around the park by Australia, West Indies and South Africa, going at in excess of 10 runs an over in each of those matches.

Perhaps Chris Jordan will be eyeing a recall in his native Barbados on Sunday, although Tom Hartley is an option if England want more frontline spin, while they could always bring back big hitter and part-time spinner Will Jacks, who has recently lost his place to left-arm seamer Curran.

Watch England vs USA in the T20 World Cup Super 8s live on Sky Sports Cricket from 3pm on Sunday (3.30pm first ball).

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Spanish GP: Carlos Sainz edges out Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc ahead of qualifying | F1 News

On: June 22, 2024 By: admin

Carlos Sainz edged out Lando Norris in another tight practice session ahead of qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix.

The top four were split by less than one tenth of a second with Charles Leclerc in third and Max Verstappen in fourth but the session ended with some drama at the end, when Leclerc made contact with Norris.

Leclerc was on a fast lap and appeared to be unhappy about being impeded by Norris, so slowed down and moved left, making small contact with the McLaren driver.

Just moments later Leclerc, Verstappen and Sainz all nearly tangled, with the first Leclerc-Norris incident under investigation by the stewards.

Mercedes’ George Russell and Lewis Hamilton were in fifth and sixth but both drivers are also on the fringe of being in the hunt for pole in qualifying, which is at 3pm on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event.

Ahead of final practice, a fire broke out at McLaren’s hospitality and Sky Sports News understands that at least two fire staff personnel were treated for smoke inhalation but their condition is not thought to be serious.

Narrow margins at the front

All weekend, there has been little to separate Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull and Mercedes, even though the gaps were expected to increase at the front due to the track layout.

Sainz was 0.030s ahead of Norris on the last soft tyre runs in final practice, with Leclerc only 0.037s behind his Ferrari team-mate.

Verstappen, who has a fourth power unit in his car this weekend, so is on the verge of needing a grid penalty for using a fifth engine, was 0.074s behind Sainz but has shown he can produce when it matters most this year.

Russell set the pace in the first half of the session but dropped to fifth at 0.174s behind, with Hamilton in sixth after not putting a clean lap together.

Sergio Perez has a three-grid place penalty for Sunday’s race, after driving back to the pits last time out in Canada with a damaged rear wing, and could be starting in the midfield as he’s been lacking performance all weekend.

The Mexican was three-quarters of a second slower than Sainz, ahead of Williams’ Alex Albon, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.

Several drivers under investigation

Leclerc is hoping to repeat his Monaco heroics where he converted pole into a win, but could be hit with a grid penalty.

His swerve towards Norris on the run down to Turn Seven was described as a moment of “road rage” by Sky Sports F1’s Karun Chandhok.

He is meeting the stewards to explain his actions after being frustrated at alleged blocking from Norris, then came across Verstappen and Sainz also having their own incident, without colliding, on the run down to Turn 10.

Earlier in the session, Lance Stroll had a similar incident where he made contact with Lewis Hamilton as he also showed his anger at alleged impeding.

Sky Sports F1’s live Spanish GP schedule

Saturday June 22
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.10pm: Spanish GP Qualifying build-up
3pm: Spanish GP Qualifying
5pm: F1 Academy Race 1

Sunday June 23
7.45am: F1 Academy Race 2
9am: F3 Feature Race
10.30am: F2 Feature Race
12:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Spanish GP build-up
2pm: The SPANISH GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag: Spanish GP reaction

Formula 1 heads back to Europe as the championship moves on to Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix and the start of a triple-header. Watch every session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime

Spanish GP: Lewis Hamilton surges to fastest Practice Two time with chasing pack ahead of Red Bull | F1 News

On: June 21, 2024 By: admin

Lewis Hamilton set the pace for Mercedes in a fascinating Practice Two session at the Spanish Grand Prix in which Max Verstappen was only fifth fastest after a struggle in his Red Bull.

Underlining the growing multi-team competitiveness at the front of the field in F1 on a Barcelona circuit that Verstappen absolutely dominated on last year, Red Bull’s big rivals – Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren – finished with one car apiece in a closely-matched top three.

And it was Hamilton, who has endured a difficult season so far and was disappointed with his own performance last time out in Canada when team-mate George Russell took pole and then contended for the win, who posted Friday’s quickest lap of 1:13.264.

Spain’s Carlos Sainz, whose Ferrari team have brought a big car upgrade to this event, was a mere 0.022s adrift in second place with McLaren’s Lando Norris, the Practice One pacesetter, only 0.055s off the front himself.

Verstappen though finished 0.240s back in fifth behind surprise interloper Pierre Gasly, who was fourth on a competitive opening day for Alpine. Esteban Ocon was ninth in their other car.

On his earlier medium-tyre run, Verstappen was heard over Red Bull team radio complaining about his car’s balance, particularly at the rear, on a high-speed track where the ability to attack the fast corners is key.

The RB20 then did not show the outright pace of the top three when the field switched down to the soft-tyre runs.

Team-mate Sergio Perez, who carries a three-place grid penalty into Saturday from the last race, was only 13th in the sister car despite completing his soft-tyre run later than everyone else when grip levels should have been more advantageous.

Charles Leclerc was only sixth in the second Ferrari with Oscar Piastri seventh in the other McLaren.

Mercedes’ Russell had set the pace on the medium compound but slipped to eighth on the soft-tyre simulations.

More to follow…

Spanish GP Practice Two Timesheet


Driver	Team	Time
1) Lewis Hamilton	Mercedes	1:13.264
2) Carlos Sainz	Ferrari	+0.022
3) Lando Norris	McLaren	+0.055
4) Pierre Gasly	Alpine	+0.179
5) Max Verstappen	Red Bull	+0.240
6) Charles Leclerc	Ferrari	+0.333
7) Oscar Piastri	McLaren	+0.358
8) George Russell	Mercedes	+0.458
9) Esteban Ocon	Alpine	+0.502
10) Valtteri Bottas	Sauber	+0.660
11) Kevin Magnussen	Haas	+0.757
12) Nico Hulkenberg	Haas	+0.789
13) Sergio Perez	Red Bull	+0.817
14) Fernando Alonso	Aston Martin	+0.827
15) Yuki Tsunoda	RB	+0.947
16) Daniel Ricciardo	RB	+0.993
17) Zhou Guanyu	Sauber	+1.081
18) Lance Stroll	Aston Martin	+1.138
19) Alex Albon	Williams	+1.543
20) Logan Sargeant	Williams	+1.806

Sky Sports F1’s live Spanish GP schedule

Friday June 21
1.55pm: F3 Qualifying
2.50pm: F2 Qualifying
3.35pm: Spanish GP Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)
5.25pm: F1 Academy Qualifying
6.15pm: The F1 Show

Saturday June 22
9.35am: F3 Sprint
11.15am: Spanish GP Practice Three (session starts at 11.30am)
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.10pm: Spanish GP Qualifying build-up
3pm: Spanish GP Qualifying
5pm: F1 Academy Race 1

Euro 2024: Vote on England selection options ahead of Slovenia as Gareth Southgate searches for solutions | Football News

On: June 20, 2024 By: admin

Gareth Southgate has plenty of problems. So what are the solutions?

England may be top of Group C and unbeaten at Euro 2024 but their 1-1 draw with Denmark on Thursday evening was an alarming performance.

From the physical condition of the players to their tactical set-up and out-of-possession pressing, there were concerns across the pitch.

A place in the knockouts is all but assured but England need a significant gear shift if they’re to have an impact in the latter stages of this tournament.

Here are some of the options Southgate could turn to for the final group game on Tuesday against Slovenia, where he’ll hope to kick-start this spluttering England campaign. Take a look and then vote for your favourite…

1) Re-shape the midfield

After seeing England’s midfield fail to click so badly against Denmark, it seems obvious Trent Alexander-Arnold won’t play there against Slovenia. That experiment is on hold. Could Southgate also take the opportunity to completely restructure his set-up in that area and go to a three-man midfield? If so, Conor Gallagher – Alexander-Arnold’s replacement in both games so far – would be likely to come in alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.

2) Re-shape the midfield and drop Foden

If Alexander-Arnold has been one target of criticism so far, then the performances of Phil Foden have also been under fire. The Manchester City ace may have hit the post against Denmark and performed better than he did against Serbia but he continues to search for his best form in an England shirt. Is it time to give Anthony Gordon a chance to stretch his legs and stretch the opposition defence? Or give Cole Palmer the opportunity to reproduce his Premier League goal-scoring feats on the international stage?

3) Time to turn to Palmer?

Or could Palmer simply have an impact by slotting into the current set-up, with Bellingham feeding him from the No10 position?

4) Get fan favourites Mainoo and Palmer in

Palmer’s name has been trending on social media after both of England’s games so far. And so has Kobbie Mainoo’s. Southgate isn’t usually one to bow to public pressure but he could give England fans what they want by fielding them both against Slovenia. Mainoo may be the answer to England’s midfield conundrum.

5) Gordon on the wing, Mainoo in midfield

With Rice and Mainoo offering protection, would Gordon offer a better out-ball than Palmer?

6) Bench Kane AND Bellingham!

Southgate’s decision to sub off Kane against Denmark was justified but it’s always a shock to see the captain and top scorer withdrawn. There was also a case to take off a tired-looking Jude Bellingham but the golden boy played the full 90 minutes. If Southgate wants both of his key men firing at 100 per cent for the knockout rounds, could he be so bold as to rest them against Slovenia and make the most of his many attacking options in this squad?

7) Give Kane a strike partner

Perhaps Kane just needs some support up top. How about playing Ollie Watkins alongside him to provide the running in behind?

The final Group C fixtures

England vs Slovenia (Cologne, kick-off 8pm UK time)
Denmark vs Serbia (Munich, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Royal Ascot: Hollie Doyle on weather watch for Trueshan ahead of Gold Cup | Racing News

On: June 20, 2024 By: admin

In her latest exclusive update, our ambassador Hollie Doyle discusses her rides on Day Three of Royal Ascot on Thursday, live on Sky Sports Racing.

Weather watch for Trueshan ahead of Gold Cup

It’s a familiar story for Trueshan as we watch the weather on the build-up to the Group One Gold Cup (4.25).

Racing fans know only too well that he needs at least good ground to perform to his best and I’m sure his devoted trainer Alan King won’t want to risk him on anything quicker.

I’ve been happy enough with his two runs this season following a second wind operation and feel he can build on his third in the Henry II Stakes at Sandown if conditions are in his favour.

It’s a strong renewal with Aidan O’Brien’s Kyprios well fancied to add to his win in the Gold Cup two years ago but I’m surprised that last year’s runner-up Coltrane is as big a price as he is.

Andrew Balding’s seven-year-old and Trueshan have fought out some tough battles and he’s a horse I always respect. He won first time up on home turf in the Sagaro Stakes at Ascot in May and goes on the quicker ground.

Spencer colt worth his place in Norfolk

I always enjoy riding for Newmarket trainer Richard Spencer and owner Phil Cunningham and I’m on their colt The Man in the Group Two Norfolk Stakes (2.30).

The Royal meeting’s been on the cards for him since he made a winning debut at Southwell in April when he overcame his greenness for Kieran Shoemark. By Mehmas, he comes from a good family and can hopefully run much better than his big odds suggest he will.

Aidan O’Brien’s hot favourite Whistlejacket, a son of No Nay Never, sets a demanding standard after beating subsequent Group winner Arizona Blaze in Listed company last time.

Trip ideal for King George partner

East India Dock looked a colt with a bright future when bolting up at Salisbury by nearly 10 lengths last month and ran well in better company at Doncaster last time.

James Fanshawe’s gelding is a lot higher in the weights in an ultra-tough handicap but has the credentials to run well in the King George V Stakes (3.05).

The drop back to 1m 4f looks ideal and I’m happy with my draw in stall one. Hopefully he copes with faster ground than he’s previously encountered.

Hills colt an ideal Britannia type

My Britannia Stakes (5.05) mount Cogitate is a colt I know well after winning on him on debut at Newbury last July and I’m looking forward to him at Ascot.

Charles Hills’ son of Churchill has a nice profile for this race. He’s lightly raced and unexposed and was unlucky to bump into the exciting Night Raider over 7f at Southwell on his re-appearance.

He’s bred to appreciate 1m on a stiff track like this so I’m looking forward to a bold show from what could be a good draw in stall one.

Ground a concern for Billyjoh

It’s a step into the unknown for Mick Appleby’s Billyjoh in the closing cavalry charge, the Buckingham Palace Stakes (6.15).

He’s a solid and reliable sprinter who won over 6f at Ascot last season and has been unlucky a few times on sand and turf, but has never run over 7f.

A big field like this might suit him and I’m happy enough with my high draw in stall 19. My only concern is the likely fast ground as he’s a Mayson who has produced his best on going that doesn’t have the word ‘firm’ in it.

Diamond to sparkle in Ribblesdale

The Group Two Ribblesdale Stakes (3.45) is a mouth-watering highlight which looks at the mercy of Godolphin’s unbeaten filly Diamond Rain.

She relished the step up in trip to win a Listed race at Newbury last time and, being out of 2011 Oaks winner Dancing Rain, promises to be even more at home over this 1m 4f.

The form of that race took a timely boost when the runner-up Ejaabiyah bolted up at Salisbury at the weekend so the hat-trick is definitely on the cards.

Hollie Doyle was speaking to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft.

Watch every race from Royal Ascot live on Sky Sports Racing this week.

Caroline Wozniacki believes more needs to be done to support mothers on tour as she looks ahead to Wimbledon | Tennis News

On: June 18, 2024 By: admin

Caroline Wozniacki insists she feels respected following her return to tennis but she believes more needs to be done to support mothers on tour.

The former world No 1 came out of retirement last summer after a gap of three-and-a-half years, during which time she had two children.

Wozniacki’s father and coach Piotr caused a stir last month when he castigated the sport in an interview in the Polish media, calling women’s tennis “pathological” after the Italian Open and French Open both declined to give his daughter a wild card.

Piotr suggested Wozniacki was so frustrated she would hang up her racket again before next season, but that was shot down by Caroline.

Wozniacki said: “I think sometimes my dad gets a little ahead of himself. It’s definitely not something we’ve talked about.”

The 33-year-old is one of a growing band of mothers on tour but the length of her absence means, unlike Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber, she does not have a protected ranking and has been relying on wild cards to enter the big tournaments.

Until recently, she had not found those hard to come by and she does not share her father’s view that she has been disrespected, although she does believe more needs to be done in terms of understanding the needs of mothers.

“I think I’ve been treated very well,” she said. “The tournaments have really embraced me coming back and with kids.

“Where I do share my view, and where a lot of other women on tour share the view, is I think there should be more done for women coming back from maternity leave.

“It has been looked at because obviously there are more players now that want to come back but, at the same time, it’s not the same as coming back from an injury.

“As someone who came back after almost four years, I think when you give birth and for the body to recover, you’ve grown a human inside you, there’s a lot of changes that are happening in the body after that.

“I think in general women deserve more time to feel, ‘OK, now I’m ready, I can really prepare and get ready for competing at the highest level’.”

Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam where Wozniacki has not reached at least the quarter-finals but, having played in the legends event last year, she is eager to return to the main draw for the first time since 2019 having requested a wild card to play at the All England Club.

“I’ve been preparing for the grass. I feel confident, I feel comfortable and I want to prepare for Wimbledon as best as possible,” the Danish superstar told Sky Sports.

“We’re coming into my best part of the season which is grass and hard courts, so those are two surfaces I feel very comfortable and confident at.

“Wimbledon is such a special event. It has the history and I think it’s a little bit like the Masters in golf when you walk into Wimbledon. You can’t really explain it to someone who hasn’t been there before. It’s an incredibly special place which has this aura around it.

“I’ve played on Centre Court multiple times and you just see and feel how everyone is just so knowledgeable and respectful. And with the way the ball hit the grass there’s just something so special about that. It’s definitely a place that has brought me a lot of special memories.

“For me, right now, it’s to get as comfortable and as well prepared as I possibly can for Wimbledon which is obviously my main goal and then we see how I do at Wimbledon but I believe in myself. I believe when I play my best tennis I can beat anyone especially on a surface like grass.

“I feel like my game is suited to my game well and it’s all about picking my targets and hitting my shots.”

Wozniacki is also excited to potentially share the Wimbledon experience with her children – three-year-old Olivia and one-year-old James – who travel with her on tour.

“I’ve been very proud of the way I’ve been able to come back and handled myself,” she said. “I think it’s so special to be able to do it with my kids. Having them see me play and doing this really has been a special moment for me and my family and so I’ve been very proud of the way I’ve been fighting.

“I just take it one tournament at a time.”

What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?

In the run-up to the third Grand Slam of 2024 – Wimbledon – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the grass-court season.

Berlin Open (WTA 500) – June 17-23
Halle (ATP 500) – June 17-23
Mallorca Championships (ATP 250) – June 23-29
Bad Homburg (WTA 500) – June 23-29

Watch the WTA and ATP Tours throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.

Euro 2024: Man detained at Manchester airport after fan disorder in Gelsenkirchen ahead of England’s opener | Football News

On: June 18, 2024 By: admin

A man has been detained upon his return to the UK following fan disorder in Gelsenkirchen ahead of England’s opening Euro 2024 match against Serbia.

The 39-year-old from Bolton was returning from Germany when he was detained by officers at Manchester airport on Monday evening under the Football Spectators Act 1989.

His passport has been retained by police and he will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday June 18 for a Civil Football Banning Order Hearing.

Trouble unfolded in Gelsenkirchen before England faced Serbia in their first Group C fixture on Sunday.

The United Kingdom Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) said an investigation team would review footage of the incident and “if any UK nationals have been involved, football banning orders will be sought”.

Mick Johnson, head of the UKFPU, has now confirmed a fan from the UK has been detained.

He said in a statement: “This action shows the breadth of the Euro 2024 football policing operation and demonstrates there are consequences for supporters who are intent on causing disorder.

“Any UK football supporter causing disorder in Germany which would be deemed an offence in this country could face police action upon their return.

“We are working with the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts, and where appropriate we will seek football banning orders to prevent perpetrators from attending future games both internationally and domestically.”

“German police will also take action against those who break the law, and this can include heavy fines and custodial sentences. We are working closely with our policing colleagues in Germany and have a team of UK officers deployed overseas supporting their operation.

“We want fans who are travelling to Germany to have a good time, but please remember to drink responsibly, respect the local culture and don’t put yourself in danger.”

England at Euro 2024: Harry Kane and Phil Foden among concerns for Gareth Southgate ahead of Denmark test | Football News

On: June 17, 2024 By: admin

Declan Rice told me he felt England’s opening win over Serbia was the archetypal “game of two halves”. He was right.

England’s total dominance in the first half contrasted with their disjointed and lacklustre second half. And so, understandably, there are a host of positives and negatives that Gareth Southgate will be reflecting on in the coming days.

The key issue now for the England manager is addressing the negatives in time for the second Group C game against Denmark on Thursday.

The positives: Brilliant Bellingham and a clean sheet

Firstly, England won their opening game of the Euros, as they have done in each of the three other major tournaments in which Southgate has been in charge.

That should not be overlooked, or taken for granted. In fact, Southgate’s record bucks the trend of history: the win in Gelsenkirchen was only the second time in nine attempts England have won their first match at a Euros.

That gives the team a massive boost, it gives momentum and now – with the expanded tournament – it makes it almost impossible for England to fail to qualify for the knockout stages. One more point from two more games would almost certainly do it.

Secondly, Jude Bellingham. Jude Bellingham did what Jude Bellingham does – grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and demanded he be the lead actor in the spectacle.

Much has been said of his influence, and his importance, already. We shall devote no more column inches here to England’s best and most important player – except to say that Southgate will hope he continues in the vein in which he started.

Thirdly, England kept a clean sheet. Something they’d only done twice in their previous seven internationals. And in the absence of Harry Maguire, and with Luke Shaw still injured, there were real concerns about the defence.

There still are, for me, but England’s back-line did manage to ultimately repel the formidable front two of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic. Albeit with some good fortune at times, and with thanks to a couple of excellent saves from Jordan Pickford.

The way that Serbia’s front pairing was marshalled by Marc Guehi – playing his first game at a major tournament – was the fourth huge plus.

The Crystal Palace man started the game with 41 straight passes completed, and ended the game with a 96 per cent completion rate. Wow. Euros debuts don’t get much better than that. He looked composed and confident. Exactly what Southgate ordered.

Fifthly, there were no new injury concerns. Kieran Trippier told me after the game that his problem in the game was cramp-related, but he said he was pleased to feel it because he needed the game time.

That leads me to my sixth positive – there were vital minutes for many England players who have come into this tournament desperately undercooked.

Trippier, Harry Kane, John Stones – all got the full 90 minutes. Bukayo Saka got 75. That can only help their sharpness for the matches to come.

But that is where the positives end, and this is where the negatives start kicking in…

The negatives: Struggling Kane and Foden mystery

Firstly, captain Kane looks miles away from full fitness, hard as he might be trying in games, and on the training pitch. At the moment, it feels like more competitive minutes might not be enough to get England’s talisman fully firing.

Forty-nine goals in 52 games this season is an extraordinary record. But the final three matches of the domestic season – which he missed because of a back injury – seem just as significant as the previous 52.

At the Arena AufSchalke, Kane touched the ball just once, before we got into injury time at the end of the first half. It is true that, but for a brilliant save by Predrag Rajkovic in the second half, he would have opened his Euro account with a towering header. But that effort aside, he has rarely – if ever – been so anonymous.

Likewise Phil Foden – negative number two. The Premier League player of the season, who acts as a conductor to the orchestra of football that is Manchester City, can’t seem to get a tune out of his England team-mates.

Sure, he isn’t playing in his favourite position of number 10. He won’t, so long as Bellingham remains in this form. But even when he has played there for England recently, as he did in the warm-up games, he has struggled.

More often, he is stuck out on the left wing, with Southgate encouraging him to drift in, find space, and influence the game. He wasn’t able to do that at all against Serbia. And how you solve a problem like Phil Foden is becoming a real pain in the England manager’s neck.

Thirdly, for a squad that I feel is the envy of every other nation at this tournament for attacking talent, there was a worrying lack of creativity against Serbia. England had only five shots on goal in the whole 90 minutes. Serbia managed six.

Collectively, their 11 efforts were the lowest on record in a Euros match since the format began in 1980; the worst of 322 other matches.

But I would argue that problem was caused by England’s fourth negative. England couldn’t allow their creative players to thrive, because they didn’t have control of midfield, in the second half.

How Trent Alexander-Arnold is used in the team is key. Southgate says he has spent the last 12 months teaching him the art of the central defensive midfielder – a position unnatural to him when he plays for Liverpool.

His array of passing was there for all to see early in the game, but as England faded, Alexander-Arnold was more exposed.

He does not innately understand positionally where he needs to be when England are out of possession. Should he really be learning his trade in a European Championship?

Only when Conor Gallagher came on did England’s midfield look more secure, and their pressing game began to bear fruit. Before then, it was all too common to see Bellingham’s arms raised in frustration, as he pressed the ball, only to find none of his team-mates doing the same.

Gallagher to start? The changes Southgate might consider

Southgate doesn’t have much time to address these issues before Thursday’s meeting with Denmark in Frankfurt. In fact, just two full training sessions – that is how quickly these Euros games come along.

I’ve hinted at some of the changes he might be thinking about already: Gallagher into the middle of midfield in place of Alexander-Arnold. Kane to be replaced earlier in the second half, to give Ollie Watkins or Ivan Toney a first run at a major tournament.

In truth, while Kane will almost certainly start the match, I doubt on current fitness he can complete two lots of 90 minutes in the space of four days.

The other interesting conundrum for Southgate is his wide attacking options, and whether he might dare to drop Foden. It would be a brave and controversial call. But with the goal-scoring prowess, and goal-creating inventiveness of both Cole Palmer and Ebere Eze chomping at the bit, it may be the most pragmatic decision right now.

The good news about Luke Shaw’s progress on the training pitch and in the treatment room might also force Southgate’s hand in making another tweak.

There is absolutely no criticism of Kieran Trippier if we suggest that the England boss would prefer to see Shaw line up at left-back.

Trippier has been outstanding for his country for so long, his versatility admirable. But England are too often, too narrow. That is why Southgate has tended to play the left-footed Foden on the left wing rather than on the right wing, where he has consistently played for City this season.

England lack natural width – with each of Foden, Saka, Palmer and Eze preferring to cut inside, off the flank. Shaw is a left-footed left-back, which not only helps when he is attacked on the outside by an opposing winger, but it also helps England progress the ball up the left flank.

He may well, in part, be a solution to Foden’s problems too, if he can offer more natural support while playing higher up the pitch.

There is no panic for Southgate or England. They – like all of the other big guns in this tournament – have made a winning start. But the Three Lions are far from their roaring best right now.

In truth, the show they are putting on is a bit flat. It has been panned by many of the critics. They need some clever guidance from their circus master if they are to be considered realistic trophy contenders.

Spanish GP: Red Bull expectations, Mercedes return to form among talking points ahead of European triple-header | F1 News

On: June 17, 2024 By: admin

As Formula 1 prepares for a first triple-header of the 2024 season, Sky Sports F1 assess the key talking points heading into the Spanish Grand Prix.

After four successive grand prix weekends where the result was truly up in the air from the start of first practice to the closing stages of each race, there is great excitement heading into the crux of the season’s European summer swing.

F1 returns to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with practice getting under way on Friday, before heading to the Red Bull Ring in Austria and to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix on the two weekends that follow.

There is then just one weekend off before back-to-back races follow in Hungary and Belgium to take the season up to the summer break.

After Max Verstappen had won four of the first five races with relative ease, and only been denied a good chance of victory in the one he missed out on due to a reliability problem, a repeat of the Red Bull driver’s historically dominant 2023 campaign appeared to be on the cards.

Instead, Lando Norris broke his F1 duck for McLaren in Miami, and very nearly beat Verstappen again in Imola with a late charge. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc would then finally win his home race in Monaco, before Verstappen produced perhaps his best weekend of the season to win in Montreal when Mercedes suddenly seemed to possess the fastest car.

The upshot is that while Verstappen has a significant 56-point advantage in the drivers’ standings over Leclerc, with Norris a further seven points back, there is a feeling the Dutchman is going to be pushed to the limit on a regular basis throughout the remaining 15 races.

Will Red Bull live up to expectations?

Throughout what has been a relatively tricky last six weeks or so for the reigning constructors’ champions, Red Bull have regularly hinted they expect things to run far more smoothly from this point onwards.

The characteristics of the track in Barcelona, one of F1’s most used circuits for testing, are expected to suit the field-leading aerodynamic efficiency of the RB20.

Miami, Monaco and Montreal each had elements that were more troubling for Red Bull and it therefore was not a huge surprise to see them challenged at those circuits.

Although at the higher-speed Imola, where Red Bull actually brought quite a significant upgrade, it was more of a surprise to see Norris very nearly chase down Verstappen in the final laps.

That race leaves some doubt as to whether Red Bull will enjoy the smooth sailing they hope for on the continent.

Mercedes technical director James Allison in Montreal described the RB20 Imola upgrade as a “downgrade”, which caught the attention of Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who referenced the remark after Verstappen’s win in Canada.

Not helping Red Bull in recent weeks has been the dismal form of Sergio Perez, who has crashed out of the last two races after leaving himself in a precarious position by failing to advance from Q1 on either occasion.

While Verstappen has shown he is capable of getting the job done alone, Red Bull need Perez to start scoring points again if they are to remain on course for a third successive constructors’ title.

Are Mercedes really back?

The surprise package in Montreal was undoubtedly Mercedes, who came from nowhere to seemingly possess the fastest car in dry conditions.

A series of upgrades came together to catapult George Russell and Lewis Hamilton into the mix, with the former taking pole before a scrappy race saw him miss out on a good opportunity for victory.

While there was frustration from both drivers, Hamilton’s stemming more from a hugely disappointing qualifying display that left him seventh on the grid, being back in contention was great news for the team.

“The truth is over the last three races we have brought so many new parts, visible and invisible to the eye that have contributed milliseconds to more performance,” Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said after the Canadian Grand Prix.

“I think this is where those marginal gains can have that positive effect and that was just a huge effort from the factory, and I think that we have started to get some real motion now.”

His old rival, Horner, said during the weekend that Mercedes have, even during their struggles since 2022 under these regulations, performed well on new or ‘green’ tracks, and appeared hesitant to accept the Silver Arrows’ step forward is as dramatic as it appeared in Montreal.

Are Ferrari or McLaren a bigger title threat?

Even if Mercedes’ progression is as dramatic as they hope, a 177-point deficit to Red Bull in the constructors’ standings means they are not a genuine threat for the constructors’ title.

After a pointless weekend in Canada, Ferrari are 59 points back from the leaders, with McLaren a further 40 points adrift. Those are significant yet recoverable margins, particularly if Perez continues to be a weak link for Red Bull, with Ferrari and McLaren able to rely on each of their drivers for consistent performances.

While Leclerc and team-mate Carlos Sainz have proven they are capable of getting the job done, the concern is whether the SF-24 is good enough to keep them in the mix.

The one-two led by Sainz in Australia provided great promise, but, since then, the only time Ferrari have had the pace to win was at the unique Monaco circuit, where Leclerc converted.

There have been worrying signs either side of that, with engine issues at Imola and Montreal, along with some questionable strategic calls on the latter weekend.

Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur said, in as many words, that he hoped Ferrari had got all of the negative stuff out of the way in one dreadful Canadian weekend, but it remains to be seen how realistic that is.

In contrast, McLaren have been highly consistent since bringing upgrades in China, having a car finish in the top two of all five races since then. The only win came for Norris in Miami, but the Brit could have easily added to that in Imola, while team-mate Oscar Piastri came very close to denying Leclerc in Monaco.

The MCL38 seems to be in the running for victory every weekend, and, on current form, has the edge over the Ferrari.

Key upgrades set to arrive

The landscape assessed above is of course subject to significant change, given it is at this point of the season that some of the most crucial and impactful car upgrades are introduced.

The process of bringing upgrades is a lengthy one, and therefore it is only around now that learnings from early-season races may be able to be fully addressed.

The top four teams are all expected to bring new parts to Barcelona, which is seen as an ideal track to test upgrades at given its traditional nature.

It is worth remembering that last season Aston Martin were Red Bull’s nearest challengers to about this point of the year, before Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren each took steps forward.

McLaren were languishing towards the rear of the field before their upgrades in Austria last year stunned the grid by immediately transforming them to a regular podium contender.

While more upgrades will come later in the season, this next batch are likely to set the pattern for the rest of the campaign.

The document the FIA releases on Friday – shortly before first practice – detailing all of the upgrades is going to make fascinating reading.

Departing driver drama

With the most fluid F1 grid for a long time seeing many switches between teams at the end of the season, the politics around the treatment of outgoing drivers promises to be a recurring topic of debate.

The highest profile individual changing teams is of course Hamilton, who is leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari.

There have been suggestions in recent weeks that the seven-time world champion has felt a little hard done by, with cryptic comments made in Monaco hinting at suspicion over Russell receiving preferential treatment.

Mercedes have insisted that despite the fact Hamilton is leaving and Russell is staying, they will attempt to give both drivers the best possible car and platform for success at all times.

However, as teams start to look ahead to plans for next season and 2026, when new regulations are incoming, an outgoing driver will not be invited to forward-looking meetings, potentially increasing a feeling of separation.

There is also the case of Esteban Ocon, who in Canada was driving his first race since Alpine had announced he would be leaving the team at the end of the season, with the Frenchman expected to join Haas.

The announcement of Ocon’s exit was preceded by him causing a crash with team-mate Pierre Gasly in Monaco, and there was drama involving the pair once more in Montreal.

This time, in the closing stages of the race, Ocon was asked to move over to allow the faster Gasly through to attack Daniel Ricciardo for P8. He initially told the team to “forget it” before eventually complying halfway through the penultimate lap.

Gasly failed to pass Ricciardo but finished ahead of Ocon, with Alpine later explaining it was “too risky” to swap their cars – running in the two final point-scoring positions – back over with Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg lurking behind.

Sky Sports F1’s live Spanish GP schedule

Thursday June 20

1.30pm: Drivers’ Press Conference

Friday June 21

7.45am: F1 Academy Practice
8:50am: F3 Practice
10am: F2 Practice
12pm: Spanish GP Practice One (session starts at 12.30pm)
1.55pm: F3 Qualifying
2.50pm: F2 Qualifying
3.35pm: Spanish GP Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)
5.25pm: F1 Academy Qualifying
6.15pm: The F1 Show

Saturday June 22
9.35am: F3 Sprint
11:15am: Spanish Romagna GP Practice Three (session starts at 11.30am)
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.10pm: Spanish GP Qualifying build-up
3pm: Spanish GP Qualifying
5pm: F1 Academy Race 1

Formula 1 heads back to Europe as the championship moves on to Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix. Watch every session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from June 21-23 live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime