Bukayo Saka exorcises England penalty demons against Switzerland: ‘I believed in myself’ | Football News

Bukayo Saka exorcises England penalty demons against Switzerland: ‘I believed in myself’ | Football News


Bukayo Saka said he had belief in himself as he capped a player-of-the-match performance by scoring in England’s Euro 2024 shoot-out win over Switzerland to banish his penalty demons from three years ago.

Not only did Saka equalise for England with a fine individual strike to cancel out Breel Embolo’s opener – to make it 1-1 and take the match to extra-time – he took the third of the five penalties which were all scored by Gareth Southgate’s side to secure a 5-3 win in the shoot-out and a semi-final showdown with Netherlands.

Saka was one of three players who missed from the penalty spot in the Euro 2020 final loss to Italy at Wembley in July 2021 and, as well as Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, who were the other takers who failed from 12 yards, was racially abused online in the aftermath.

Since then the 22-year-old Arsenal forward has morphed into a key player for club and country, scoring 10 of the 11 penalties he has taken for the Gunners following the harrowing experience.

“I think for me it’s something I embrace,” he said about exorcising his demons.

“You can fail once but you have a choice whether you put yourself in that position again or not. I’m a guy who is going to put myself in that position. I believed in myself.

Ryan Bertrand reacts to Saka’s stunning equaliser

“When I saw the ball hit the net, I was a very happy man.

“I’m not going to be focusing on the past. That’s done. I can only focus on now and taking a penalty.

“Of course I know there’s a lot of nervous people watching, my family included, and in the crowd. But I kept my cool and I scored.”

Southgate’s praise for Saka…

England boss Gareth Southgate:

“I gave him a massive cuddle on the pitch,” he said. “He’s a special boy, he’s a dream to work with, wonderful family.

“Of course pleased for everybody but for him especially when his went in. That takes courage but we have belief in him. We had belief in him previously.

“He’s now got a lot more experience of those pressure moments and his all-round performance was exceptional.”

‘Two more games to change our lives’

Bukayo Saka celebrates after equalising for England against Switzerland
Image:
Saka celebrates after equalising for England against Switzerland

While Saka is Arsenal’s regular penalty taker, Southgate now has an embarrassment of riches from the spot as Cole Palmer and Ivan Toney are also the defacto first-choice takers for Chelsea and Brentford respectively and both converted in Dusseldorf.

Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold made it a perfect shoot-out for England, with Jordan Pickford’s save from Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji proving the difference.

“For myself, I believe we have some of the best takers in the Premier League and the world,” added Saka.

“We talked about it before that if it did go to penalties, we would be pretty confident. I’m happy we showed that, we scored five out of five. We’re through to the next round.

“We know there are two more games until we can change our lives and make some history. We’re really focused on that.”

‘Starboy Saka lights a spark’

Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones on Saka’s standout performance against Switzerland:

The Starboy.

Starting as the right-wing back to many raised eyebrows. Saka vindicated Gareth Southgate’s decision to play him down that flank as he tore Michel Aebischer apart one-on-one. His three crosses in the first half, on another day, could have led to three goals. Aebischer was dribbled past five times in the first half, the joint most by a player in a match at Euro 2024.

This was the Saka we see week-in-week-out at Arsenal, epitomised by his super-cool goal and immense penalty in the shoot-out.

This was redemption. A performance for the ages.

Kane praises Saka’s mentality

Captain Harry Kane praised Saka’s mentality after stepping up to take a penalty in England’s win over Switzerland

England captain Harry Kane on Saka’s performance against Switzerland:

“What a performance in the whole game [from Saka].

“Playing in a position he’s played before but not used to playing, he was our real outlet with the ball.

“He caused them problems the whole game and got the goal he fully deserved with a fantastic finish. He got us back in the game when we needed it most. But then without the ball as well, the work he put it, the shift he put in, the blocks and the tackles right up until the 120th minute.

“Then to step up in the shoot-out the way he did. I know the mentality he has and that he would be comfortable in that situation, despite what has happened in the past.

“He prepares really well for moments like that and he executed it perfectly. It was a fantastic night for him and he fully deserves it.”

Saka’s performance was magnificent. After what he went through at the last Euros, to have the bravery to step up again with everyone on your back, if anyone deserves it, it’s him.

Michael Dawson

‘Saka was the best player on the pitch’

Kaveh Solhekol summarises Bukayo Saka’s stand-out performance against Switzerland, including his incredible curled strike to equalise and keep England in the tournament.

Sky Sports News chief news reporter Kaveh Solhekol:

“Saka was absolutely brilliant. He was the best player on the pitch, even before the penalty and the redemption story surrounding his spot-kick.

“During normal time and extra-time he was exceptional.

“He was asked to play as a wing-back on the right. It’s not his favourite position but he didn’t put a foot wrong.

Rob Dorsett delivers his verdict on England’s win over Switzerland and wonders if the victory will give them momentum to reach the Euro 2024 final

“Going forward, he was direct, his first touch was exceptional and the ball seemed to stick to him. He didn’t really have to do much defending because, for most of the game, he was the one threatening his opposite number. But, when he did have to defend, he did a really good job.

“It was an all-action display from him and it was capped by a goal made by Arsenal as he received the ball from Declan Rice before the midfielder made a good decoy run which just opened up the space for Saka.

“Then there was the penalty shoot-out. When Saka was walking up to take his penalty, I think every England fan inside that stadium and everyone watching at home was just thinking about what happened three years ago when he missed in the Euro 2020 final against Italy and the disgraceful racist abuse that he had to put up with on social media. You were just hoping he scored because we didn’t want to be revisiting what happened. We didn’t want to be talking about that again or have any of those issues again.

“Thankfully, he was just so cool and he was so calm.”

Nev on England’s penalty success: ‘There’s clear plan’

Reflecting on England’s penalty shoot-out – the first time the country has ever converted all five of their kicks – Gary Neville praised the mentality of the players but also the preparation and experience they have in that situation.

“I don’t think the fear ever goes for those players stepping up, but there’s no doubt they’re in a better place than we have been as a country in the past,” he said.

“There is a clear plan of who is going to take them, a clear plan for the ‘keeper in which way he’s going to dive – I know that’s not new but everything is well thought out.

“You need people on the pitch who have been in that position before, who take penalties naturally. That’s what we had – five guys who have been comfortable taking a spot-kick.

“I know there is the added pressure of being in a tournament but if you have that repetitive experience you’ve had before it definitely helps.

“There were times when we were playing for England where there were lads stepping up who hadn’t taken a pen for 15 years since they were a kid.”

Saka shows his mettle and quality

Bukayo Saka holds off Michel Aebischer
Image:
Saka holds off Michel Aebischer

Analysis by Sky Sports’ Nick Wright:

England would not be celebrating a place in the last four without Saka. The Arsenal forward, England’s most dangerous player, even playing as a wing-back, scored a stunning equaliser during a player-of-the-match performance in Dusseldorf.

Even more impressive, though, was his willingness to then step up and take one of England’s penalties in the shoot-out, only three years after the miss that proved so costly in the final of Euro 2020. Not only that, he converted it too, demonstrating his quality and mettle to help England get over the line.

Penalty decision-making, tactical plans and England’s streetwise nature were on the agenda during Gareth Southgate’s press conference following the Switzerland win

Who plays who in the semi-finals?

England reporter notebook: Problems remain but the joy is back for England after shoot-out win over Switzerland | Football News

England reporter notebook: Problems remain but the joy is back for England after shoot-out win over Switzerland | Football News


The joy has returned to this England camp. 

It is a joy that has permeated the majority of Gareth Southgate’s century of matches. A joyousness that the England manager has strived so hard to nurture. The joy which was disintegrating towards the end of a turgid last-16 game against Slovakia. It’s back. The joy is back.

The players have talked a good game throughout: “special bunch of lads”, “love spending time together”, “oblivious to the negativity outside”, “belief has never been stronger”. There’s been a consistent, almost monotonous message of positivity and unity exuding from the England squad ever since they first joined up at St George’s Park on May 28, well-nigh six weeks ago.

But until now, you didn’t quite believe it.

On the pitch, there has been obvious malcontent. Spats between John Stones and Kyle Walker. Jordan Pickford ranting regularly at his full-backs. Declan Rice frantically gesticulating towards team-mates. Jude Bellingham throwing his arms up in despair.

But finally, inside the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf, the unbridled joy and unity was there for all to see. The players embraced and danced and sang along with the tens of thousands of England supporters who spilled in a frothing mass of exultation in front of them. They were joined by the manager, 100 games in and still going. Strong-ish.

Penalty decision-making, tactical plans and England’s streetwise nature were on the agenda during Gareth Southgate’s press conference following the Switzerland win

Southgate had been forced to cower under a shower of plastic cups and abuse that rained down on him from some fans as he left the pitch in Cologne after the dismal 0-0 draw with Slovenia. That was just two weeks ago. Now here he was, orchestrating the crowd, roaring back at them, applauding their loyalty. Boy, how the mood has changed.

Let’s have it right – there are still a host of problems within this England team and the way they are playing. Problems which could be horribly exposed against a strong Netherlands team on Wednesday in Dortmund. But you cannot help feeling that this team now has a special momentum, having reached just about as close to rock bottom as you can get, and escaping. Twice.

Perfect penalties

Image:
England players celebrate after defeating Switzerland on penalties to advance to the semi-finals of Euro 2024

Penalties do not hold the same fear for this current generation of England players. That is some statement in its own right. England’s horrible history with spot-kicks is written large into the fabric of our national sport. But what we saw in Dusseldorf was very different. In so many ways it was restorative, and it was special.

The captain, Harry Kane, admitted as much when I spoke to him post-match – and he, England’s best penalty taker, was forced to watch along with the rest of us tortured souls from the pitch side.

Cole Palmer – yet to start a game in this or any major tournament – stepped up first. Ice-cold Cole.

Jordan Pickford displayed all the antics he has learned from so many spot-kicks of the past. He told me post-match that the referee had threatened to book him if he didn’t get back on his line quicker. Treading that fine line. His famous water bottle – a miniaturised encyclopaedia of which Swiss players would shoot where – was bang on. It said Manuel Akanji would go to his left. Pickford dived left. England were ahead.

Jude Bellingham did as was expected. Class personified. No drama or surprise there.

And then there was Bukayo Saka. A man who has become the figurehead of resilience and positivity in this England squad. A shining light for our society, in so many ways. He was the best player on the pitch in the quarter-final. He scored the equaliser with a brilliantly cultured curler. And he stood up to be counted – again – on the biggest stage, when his last Euros shoot-out had ended in devastation, and a horrific raft of criminal, racist abuse.

Captain Harry Kane praised Bukayo Saka’s mentality after stepping up to take a penalty in England’s win over Switzerland

When he scored, with such defiant aplomb, the entire English media pack around me rose as one to herald him. That is not something you see often. It is frowned upon by UEFA. Journalists are supposed to be neutral, professional, reserved. So to see each man and woman in the media tribune roaring their unanimous approval and affection for Saka – it felt like redemption. It felt special.

Ivan Toney told me after the game that he didn’t feel any more nerves than he did when taking a penalty for Brentford. He looked in the goalkeeper’s eyes, waited for Yann Sommer to move, and stroked the ball without even looking at it. Extraordinary.

Then came Trent Alexander-Arnold – the man who had looked broken when I saw him walk towards the England bus after he’d been unceremoniously substituted shortly after half-time against Denmark in Game Two. England’s best ball-striker couldn’t miss, could he? Nope. Game over.

Five perfect penalties. One superb save. England were through.

Tired bodies – but 3-2-4-1 must stay

So what comes next? Well, the toughest thing for England now is recovery. Two successive games of 120 minutes. Two games which have been incredibly draining both physically and emotionally. Pickford told me England had been through the trenches. They need time to rejuvenate. But they don’t have time.

Whereas there was a six-day gap building up to the quarter-final against Switzerland, there is just a three-day gap before Netherlands in the semi-final. Half as much time to recover and prepare.

The good news is, Southgate seems to have struck a new system that allowed his players to perform at a much higher standard. The manager and his assistant Steve Holland deserve huge credit for that. In the space of three days, they ripped up the plan that had personified England’s tactics for the best part of three years, and they started again with a new formation, a new way of playing. Their performance against Switzerland for much of the 90 minutes was their best of the tournament. 3-2-4-1 must stay.

Gareth Southgate attempts to prevent Harry Kane falling into the England dugout
Image:
Southgate attempts to prevent Harry Kane falling into the England dugout

For the first time, England had width. Kieran Trippier and Saka hugged the touchline. England found it much easier to get out of defence, and the interminable backwards and sideways passing that had punctuated their first four games was much more rarely seen. I still have concerns about the big gaps that the formation creates in the middle of midfield. But Kobbie Mainoo was hugely impressive alongside Declan Rice in plugging those gaps and getting England ticking.

The fact that England were so dominant for three-quarters of the quarter-final, and yet still had no shot on target before Saka’s equaliser, is a major worry. It is inexplicable. On several occasions, Saka got goal-side of Michel Aebischer, only for his cut-back to find no England foot.

Kane still isn’t right, physically, I am sure of it. He would have gobbled up one or two of those crosses if he was. Bellingham and Phil Foden must do much more with their runs into the box. Foden in particular must recapture his goalscoring genius for Manchester City, if he is to help England to a Euros crown.

Nevertheless, he impressed me with his link-up play. I don’t think he has had a bad game for England in the last few matches, and his influence is growing. The understanding and communication between the two ‘number 10s’ worked.

Southgate’s Shaw dilemma

Luke Shaw returned to action against Switzerland as a sub
Image:
Luke Shaw returned to action against Switzerland as a sub

Southgate has a huge call to make about Luke Shaw. The plan was to give him 15 minutes of action as he recovers from a hamstring injury that has starved him of any football since mid-February. He played 45 minutes against Switzerland. How has that affected him physically? Is he stronger or weaker for the experience? Only Southgate and his medics will know. The manager will then have to decide if Shaw can start a high-intensity semi-final, four days after his first game in almost five months. That would be a huge, huge ask.

His left foot on the left flank would be a big plus. Trippier has been hugely impressive in his reliability and his versatility. He has been a stalwart of the Southgate era. But he is a right-back, playing on the left flank. I suspect he might keep his place for the semi-final.

Kieran Trippier
Image:
Kieran Trippier may retain his spot on the left side

Monday and Tuesday will be big days for England. They are the only training days they have to perfect their tactics for Netherlands. And, knowing Southgate’s schedules, Monday will be an introduction to his and assistant Steve Holland’s thinking, before plans are finalised on Tuesday.

Even for England’s harshest critics – of whom there were many in white shirts that I spoke to in the bars of Dusseldorf leading up to the quarter-final – they surely must be full of admiration for the sheer guts and character that this team has shown. A 96th-minute overhead kick to keep them in the tournament, then a spotless set of spot-kicks in the quarter-final to help them progress.

Out of almost sheer willpower, England have dragged themselves to a major semi-final, having won just one of their five matches in 90 minutes.

That character and never-say-die determination should not be underestimated. It won’t be enough, on its own, to nobble Netherlands. But it’s got them this far, and they are now just one match away from a Euros final in Berlin.

Who plays who in the semi-finals?

Match Report – Canada 12 – 73 Scotland Sky, Sports, Rugby, Union, News, Guinness, Premiership, Magners, League, Heineken, Cup, Six, Nations, Live, Tri Nations, Danny, Cipriani, London, Wasps, Irish, Bath, Bristol, Gloucester, Harlequins, Leicester, Tigers, Newcastle, Northampton, Sale, Sharks, Saracens, Worcester, Club, World, Cup, Munster, Leinster, Ospreys, Cardiff, Perpignan, Dragons, Biarritz, Stade Francais, Ulster, Scarlets, Watch, video, fixtures, results, scores, aviva

Match Report – Canada 12 – 73 Scotland Sky, Sports, Rugby, Union, News, Guinness, Premiership, Magners, League, Heineken, Cup, Six, Nations, Live, Tri Nations, Danny, Cipriani, London, Wasps, Irish, Bath, Bristol, Gloucester, Harlequins, Leicester, Tigers, Newcastle, Northampton, Sale, Sharks, Saracens, Worcester, Club, World, Cup, Munster, Leinster, Ospreys, Cardiff, Perpignan, Dragons, Biarritz, Stade Francais, Ulster, Scarlets, Watch, video, fixtures, results, scores, aviva


Scotland begin their Americas tour by inflicting a heavy 73-12 defeat on Canada; Scotland rested a host of key players and had to come back from an early deficit but did so in style, scoring 11 tries in the process

Last Updated: 07/07/24 9:44am


Arron Reed races away to score for Scotland

Scotland overwhelmed Canada, winning 73-12 at the start of their Americas tour.

The Scots, resting a host of their key players, fell behind initially but soon took charge and debutants Arron Reed and Gus Warr, two of five uncapped players in the Scottish line-up, scored two tries apiece.

Canada’s Lucas Rumball scored an early try but any prospect of an upset was snuffed out from the moment Josh Bayliss went over for the first of Scotland’s 11 tries at TD Place Stadium, Ross Thompson adding five conversions and Ben Healy four.

Jamie Dobie looks to offload out of a tackle

Canada’s Peter Nelson is tackled by scrum-half Gus Warr

Warr reinforced Scotland’s lead after the break, first dancing through the line and, while Canada briefly held out, the scrum-half collected the ball again and dived over the ruck for a debut try.

Kyle Baillie’s converted try gave Canada respite from the onslaught, but the impressive Paterson and Warr combined for the latter to shrug off a couple of challenges and touch down.

Scotland looked a threat every time they pushed forward and Reed grabbed his second of the match after barrelling down the left wing and barging past a couple of defenders before going over.

Scotland breached the 50-point barrier just after the hour mark when Paterson deservedly got on the scoreboard following some excellent interplay, while Dobie touched down underneath the posts after being teed up by Reed.

McDowall also went over underneath the posts following some deft footwork to evade several challenges, while Steyn gratefully accepted Healy’s offload to round off the scoring.

PGA Tour: Davis Thompson two ahead of Aaron Rai going into John Deere Classic final round | Golf News

PGA Tour: Davis Thompson two ahead of Aaron Rai going into John Deere Classic final round | Golf News


American Davis Thompson fired nine birdies in a third-round 62 to take a two-shot lead into the final day of the John Deere Classic.

Soft conditions on the TPC Deere Run in Illinois continued to bring low scores, Thompson moving to 21 under par – two clear of England’s Aaron Rai and fellow American Eric Cole.

“I guess it was just my day today,” said Thompson, who is seeking his first PGA Tour victory. “The guys behind me are playing really well.

Image:
Aaron Rai is two off the lead with 18 holes remaining

“I know it’s going to be tough to finish off a golf tournament, but I’ve done it before. I just have to stay present-minded.”

With the final day being played in threesomes with a delayed start in a bid to beat storms, Rai, co-leader after the second round, will play in the last group for the second successive week.

He had six birdies in a round of 66 as he bids to go one better than his second place at the Rocket Mortgage Classic last week.

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Hayden Springer, who shot a 59 on the opening day, is a further two strokes back on 17 under par after a 66, alongside Taiwan’s CT Pan.

Rookie Michael Thorbjohnsen and amateur Luke Clanton are among those on 16 under par, while a third-round 70 saw England’s Harry Hall tumble down the leaderboard to seven shots adrift.

Watch the final round of the John Deere Classic live on Sky Sports Golf from 5pm on Sunday.

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Shakur Stevenson dominates Artem Harutyunyan as Robson Conceicao shocks O’Shaquie Foster | Boxing News

Shakur Stevenson dominates Artem Harutyunyan as Robson Conceicao shocks O’Shaquie Foster | Boxing News


Shakur Stevenson took a clear unanimous decision victory at the Prudential Center as he defended his WBC lightweight world title from Artem Harutyunyan.

Fighting in his Newark hometown, the American outboxed his challenger to win by scores of 119-109, 118-110 and 116-112 after 12 rounds.

The Armenian-born Germany-based Harutyunyan is a 2016 Olympic medallist but was entering this fight after a near year-long lay-off. Ultimately he could not threaten Stevenson and was hurt multiple times by body shots.

Image:
Stevenson outboxed his challenger

“He’s just trying to make sure he survives,” Stevenson said afterwards. “He’s a good fighter. He’s tough. He’s strong. I would’ve wanted him to try a little harder, so that way it could be a more fun fight.

“I have to cut off the ring a bit more. He’d go one way and then go the other way, so I got to go back in the gym and work on cutting off the ring.”

Harutyunyan said: Of course it was fun. Boxing is not a game. You have to fight. You get hit and have to hit back. It’s normal.”

In a shock result on the undercard Brazilian Olympic gold medallist Robson Conceicao defeated O’Shaquie Foster to win the WBC super-featherweight title.

It was Conceicao’s fourth attempt at winning a world title and a split decision went his way. Foster won 116-112 on one card, but the other two judges ruled it 116-112 and 115-113 for Conceicao.

Foster insists he deserved the decision against Conceicao
Image:
O’Shaquie Foster insisted he deserved the decision against Robson Conceicao

“This is for my daughter. I promised this to my daughter, and I was able to fulfil that promise. I’m the champion of the world,” Conceicao said.

Foster bitterly disagreed with the result. “I thought it was easy. I thought it was an easy fight. I didn’t get touched except with a headbutt. I don’t know, man,” he said.

“I’ll be back. But I want the rematch. They stole this from me. They stole this fight from me. I just wanted to show the world I could bang it out, and if I want to, I don’t have to get touched. I guess it wasn’t good enough for the judges.”

Keyshawn Davis overcame the pressure and roughhouse tactics of Miguel Madueno to secure a unanimous decision win and improve his record to 11-0.

Davis, an Olympic silver medallist from Norfolk, Virginia, kept calm and used well-timed counter-punches, triumphing 99-91 on all three scorecards.

The two tussled after the end of round six and in the seventh Madueno, 31-3 (28), lifted Davis clear off his feet.
Davis found his offensive groove in the ninth and 10th rounds and viciously out-landed Madueno.

“He’s a rough type of a guy, a real physical type of guy,” Davis said. “We were doing a lot of rough tactics in there, just trying to get under each other’s skin.

Keyshawn Davis got to grips with Miguel Madueno
Image:
Keyshawn Davis got to grips with Miguel Madueno

“We were both tough in there, and neither of our wills got broke.”

Also on the undercard Cleveland prodigy Abdullah Mason knocked out Luis Lebron in the third round. Lebron had never been stopped before but Mason made easy work of the Puerto Rican veteran.

Mason knocked Lebron down twice in the second round, first with an overhand left and then with a series of right hooks. The end was near, and Lebron’s corner threw in the towel at 1-18 of the third to prevent further damage.

Mason said: “I guess we fed him a little bit of smoke, and he didn’t have the appetite for it.”

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Today on Sky Sports Racing: Well-bred Kikkuli seeks Group One glory | Racing News

Today on Sky Sports Racing: Well-bred Kikkuli seeks Group One glory | Racing News



The Sky Sports Racing cameras are on the continent this weekend, with some top-quality action from Deauville in store on Sunday…

3.07 Deauville – Kikkuli and Devil’s Point seek Group 1 glory

The Harry Charlton-trained Kikkuli returns having finished an agonising second behind Haatem in the Group 3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot and a similar effort would see him go close as he steps up to Group 1 company for the first time.

David Menuiser has enjoyed plenty of Group 1 placings this season and Devil’s Point bids to follow up his German 2000 Guineas with Benoit de la Sayette replacing Silvestre De Sousa in the plate.

Iberian will hope to bounce back from his heavy 2000 Guineas defeat, while French 1000 Guineas runner-up Kathmandu remains lightly raced and should be considered for the Brian Meehan and Sean Levey combination.

4.15 Deauville – Spycatcher bids for repeat success

Karl Burke’s Spycatcher produced a sparkling display to comfortably claim this contest last season and he seeks a repeat success having finished fifth in this grade at Newcastle last weekend.

Richard Hannon’s Shouldvebeenaring has performed with credit despite meeting with defeat on his five starts this season and this tough four-year-old is sure to be in the mix under Sean Levey.

Last year’s second Batwan is worth a mention after his solid runner-up effort at Chantilly last month.

3.40 Deauville – UK raiders Miaharris and Fair Angellica contest Listed prize

Owen Burrows saddles Miaharris who showed improved form when finishing a narrow third in the Group 3 Prix Texanita at Chantilly and she is fancied to progress again with the step up in distance likely to suit.

Richard Hughes’ Fair Angellica has an excellent strike rate winning four of her six starts, but she will need to improve on her recent Sandringham defeat as she steps up in class under Ryan Moore.

Sunday’s racecards | Latest Sky Bet odds

Watch every race from Deuaville live on Sky Sports Racing on Sunday July 5.

Coral-Eclipse: City Of Troy delivers workmanlike win for Coolmore and Aidan O’Brien at Sandown | Racing News

Coral-Eclipse: City Of Troy delivers workmanlike win for Coolmore and Aidan O’Brien at Sandown | Racing News


City Of Troy produced a hard-fought victory in the Coral-Eclipse, which didn’t replicate the impressive nature in which he won the Derby as he lugged across the course.

The Derby winner City Of Troy, who bounced back at Epsom having failed to land a blow in the 2000 Guineas, was the 1-4 favourite under Ryan Moore.

For trainer Aidan O’Brien he stalked along in the slipstream of stablemate Hans Andersen, but when asked to quicken he did not produce the turn of foot perhaps expected.

He still took up the lead, however, and was able to hold off a late challenge from 11-1 shot Al Riffa to triumph by a length.

It proved a nervy watch for the master of Ballydoyle, who revealed after the race that the testing ground in Esher gave connections plenty of anxiety.

“We were very worried about the ground, we walked it before and it was very soft and tough deep ground, softer than it was in the Dewhurst,” he said.

“He was pitched into unknown territory today and I remember before the Dewhurst we were very worried and took the chance but to walk it today, it was deeper, way deeper.

“It is always tough to watch because the difference between winning and not winning can be massive and I’m delighted for everyone.

“In all fairness to the lads, 15 years ago they would have taken him out, they wouldn’t have run him, but we’re so lucky they enjoy their racing so much now that they wanted to be here and they wanted to run him.

“To walk it I was very afraid, but the lads made the right decision – it was a long discussion.”

O’Brien felt the victory came in spite of the going, which would not be the obvious surface for a horse with an American dirt champion for a sire.

Image:
Ryan Moore partners the Derby and Eclipse winner

The trainer said: “He’s a beautiful good ground horse, a real fast ground mover and he has won despite the ground. It would have been easy to take him out but the lads all came and they wanted to run him. It was tough because that is specialist ground and it didn’t go to plan because of the whole thing.

“He won quite well in the end. Dylan (Browne McMonagle, on Al Riffa) said coming in that he had him and then he went again. He said he thought he had him, but he was always maintaining.”

City Of Troy was unchanged in the market for the Juddmonte International and the Breeders’ Cup Classic with bookmakers Paddy Power and Betfair, whereas William Hill eased him from 6-4 to 2-1 for the former race and from 6-1 to 8-1 for the latter.

On future plans, O’Brien said: “I don’t know what the lads will do but I would imagine they will have a look at either the Juddmonte International Stakes (at York) or the Irish Champion Stakes.

“After that we will maybe look at America. Everything about him is good ground or better. I would imagine he could finish off in America in the Classic. That is what he is bred to be, his dad was a dirt horse.”

Moore admitted he had expected the win to be more convincing and pointed to the going to echo O’Brien’s assessment of the race.

He said: “I suppose in reality everyone was expecting him to win and probably be more impressive, and so was I. But the ground was an inconvenience for him.

“I was happy enough with where I was but halfway round the bend the ground was a little bit loose and he just lost his action for a stride.

“Ghostwriter took a length out of me and I wasn’t going as comfortably as I should have been, it just took me a while to organise him.

“I got to the two furlong marker and I had to go and I thought he did well because I wasn’t really happy up until then. He found plenty and it never really felt like he was going to get beat.

“I still think we are learning about him and I thought the ground was an inconvenience so I’m happy he has won but I do think there is more there. I thought he would probably beat them by 10 lengths today and I wouldn’t be surprised if he does it next time.

“These conditions are not what he wants, he has an extravagant action and slow ground into a headwind is not easy. I think he will be better in a higher-tempo race.”

On the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Moore added: “I’ve never ridden a Breeders’ Cup Classic horse so I don’t know what that takes. I think this horse has the engine and the ability but we have to work out if he has the right action for it.”

Makorova went one better than last year
Image:
Makorova went one better than last year

Makarova serves up Coral Charge success

Makarova pounced late to go one better than 12 months ago and land a deserved victory in the Coral Charge at Sandown.

Ed Walker’s five-year-old has been a consistent performer in all of the major sprinting events but was registering her first success at Group level in the hands of Hector Crouch.

It looked destined to be the progressive Desperate Hero who would land the spoils when he went for home with just over a furlong to run, but he was reeled in by both Makarova and Andrew Balding’s Purosangue late in the day, with the former keeping on best to register a three-quarter length success at 9-2.

Makarova was cut to 10-1 from 16s by Paddy Power for the King George Stakes after the race and Walker confirmed that the Goodwood sprint assignment would be on the radar.

He said: “This year she has been super consistent and she started off rated 67 or something. She was so laid back and never looked like a sprinter in the early days. She just kind of woke up and learned to sprint. She’s a legend.

“I wasn’t confident at all she would get there today and not once did I get excited watching it. But you knew she would come good and the only time she hasn’t come good is at Ascot with the blinkers on.

“In the blinkers she sat right on the tail of Big Evs at Ascot and paid the price at the end, it is the first time she has failed to finish off her race over five furlongs.

“I think they had the desired effect of sharpening her up a bit and today back in the cheekpieces she was back to her old self, just racing behind the bridle a bit and finishing strong.

“We’ve chanced our arm a lot and unfortunately she is only a Listed winner, so it is important we have now made her a Group Three winner and we will try and make her a Group Two winner if we can.

“She will probably go to the King George and maybe then another crack at the Nunthorpe or the race at the Curragh (Flying Five Stakes). After that there is the Prix de l’Abbaye and races like that.

“This will be her last season racing, especially now she is a Group Three winner. We’ll try pick up some more black type this season and then she will go home.”

Cicero's Gift landed more Saturday success for Billy Loughnane
Image:
Cicero’s Gift landed more Saturday success for Billy Loughnane

Cicero’s Gift completes Coral Challenge comeback

Cicero’s Gift provided a reminder of his quality when making a winning return in the Coral Challenge at Sandown.

Charlie Hills’ four-year-old was last seen suffering plenty of interference when finishing down the field in the 2023 St James’s Palace Stakes and was sent off 11-2 back down in handicap company after 382 days off the track.

Nursed into the race by young weighing room star Billy Loughnane, the class of the colt came to the fore in the closing stages as he secured a half-length verdict over Karl Burke’s Holloway Boy.

Cicero’s Gift’s trainer was eyeing taking his charge to a conditions race at Goodwood next but now sights may have to be raised, with an ambitious tilt at the Sussex Stakes a possibility.

“He’s a very special horse and on his second start he beat Docklands giving him 9lbs, he has tremendous ability,” said Hills.

“It wasn’t really my plan to come here and there was a perfect race for him at Glorious Goodwood over one-mile-one, a conditions race for horses who have never won a Group or Listed race. My dad (former trainer Barry) rang me up and said it might be very hard to win that race first time, so why not give him a spin at Sandown?

“The fact he has gone and won is full testament to this horse. He’s not fully wound up and to win a race like this off top-weight is a tremendous achievement.”

He went on: “We’ve some money in the pot now so we might have to supplement him for something. The main thing is to keep him on something with a bit of cut in the ground. If the ground came up soft we could supplement him in the Sussex.

“I just can’t believe he has been able to win today with the work he has done, it astonishes me really.”

Match Report – South Africa 27 – 20 Ireland Sky, Sports, Rugby, Union, News, Guinness, Premiership, Magners, League, Heineken, Cup, Six, Nations, Live, Tri Nations, Danny, Cipriani, London, Wasps, Irish, Bath, Bristol, Gloucester, Harlequins, Leicester, Tigers, Newcastle, Northampton, Sale, Sharks, Saracens, Worcester, Club, World, Cup, Munster, Leinster, Ospreys, Cardiff, Perpignan, Dragons, Biarritz, Stade Francais, Ulster, Scarlets, Watch, video, fixtures, results, scores, aviva

Match Report – South Africa 27 – 20 Ireland Sky, Sports, Rugby, Union, News, Guinness, Premiership, Magners, League, Heineken, Cup, Six, Nations, Live, Tri Nations, Danny, Cipriani, London, Wasps, Irish, Bath, Bristol, Gloucester, Harlequins, Leicester, Tigers, Newcastle, Northampton, Sale, Sharks, Saracens, Worcester, Club, World, Cup, Munster, Leinster, Ospreys, Cardiff, Perpignan, Dragons, Biarritz, Stade Francais, Ulster, Scarlets, Watch, video, fixtures, results, scores, aviva


Ireland’s James Lowe had try ruled out, while South Africa’s Cheslin Kolbe saw try stand after critical reviews from TMO Ben Whitehouse; Springboks hold on to beat Ireland in Pretoria; Watch southern hemisphere summer tour action live on Sky Sports

Last Updated: 06/07/24 11:33pm

Highlights of South Africa’s action-packed win over Ireland in their opening Test in Pretoria

Highlights of South Africa’s action-packed win over Ireland in their opening Test in Pretoria

Two crucial TMO decisions fell South Africa’s way as they defeated Ireland 27-20 at Loftus Versfeld in the first of their two-Test series, live on Sky Sports.

Welsh TMO Ben Whitehouse ruled out a James Lowe try for Ireland due to a subjective breakdown call, and then fed back there was ‘inconclusive evidence’ to rule out a Cheslin Kolbe South Africa try, which ensured a two-score lead.

Lowe’s try would have levelled the contest at 13-13, and handed fly-half Jack Crowley a conversion for the lead, while Kolbe’s effort moments later came as a result of Lowe keeping a Handre Pollard penalty kick to touch in-field – though replays suggested he was in touch while playing the ball.

South Africa – Tries: Arendse (3), Kolbe (65), Penalty Try (78). Cons: Pollard (4, 67). Pens: Pollard (18, 29).

Ireland – Tries: Osborne (35), Murray (75), Baird (79). Cons: Crowley (76). Pens: Crowley (13).

A third TMO call then also went against Ireland as No 8 Caelan Doris was denied a try due to lack of evidence on replays.

Conor Murray raced in for a second Ireland try with five minutes to go, but a late South Africa penalty try via a ferocious scrum drive confirmed victory, with Ryan Baird striking a third for Ireland but with time all but up.

Less than three minutes in, South Africa struck the opening try as skipper Siya Kolisi set fleet-footed wing Kurt-Lee Arendse away quickly, who then scorched into space and past debutant Jamie Osborne to touch down.

Kurt-Lee Arendse opened the scoring for the Springboks against Ireland

Kurt-Lee Arendse opened the scoring for the Springboks against Ireland

Kurt-Lee Arendse opened the scoring for the Springboks against Ireland

South Africa No 8 Kwagga Smith knocked on the restart into touch, handing Ireland a lineout attack in the 22. When awarded a penalty, the visitors turned down the chance to kick for points in favour of a five-metre tap attack, but it proved the wrong call and a big chance missed when lock Joe McCarthy knocked on a poor Peter O’Mahony pass by the try-line.

On 13 minutes, a strong Robbie Henshaw carry forced South Africa to infringe at the breakdown. This time, Crowley struck over from 40 metres to get Ireland onto the board.

Fly-half Jack Crowley kicked Ireland's first points of the contest with a penalty

Watch England, Wales and Ireland’s summer rugby union internationals exclusively live on Sky Sports. Stream rugby’s summer internationals in 2024 and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.

Khyree Jackson: Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback dies following car accident | NFL News

Khyree Jackson: Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback dies following car accident | NFL News



Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson has died in a car accident.

Jackson was 24 years old. The cornerback was selected by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 draft.

He previously spent two years with the University of Alabama and one with the University of Oregon.

Jackson and two of his former high school football teammates, Anthony Lytton and Isaiah Hazel, were killed in a car crash early on Saturday morning, Maryland State Police said.

Jackson was the front-seat passenger in a Dodge Charger when they were struck by an Infiniti Q50 shortly after 3am, the preliminary police investigation found.

The Infiniti was attempting to change lanes and traveling at a high rate of speed when the car hit the Charger and then struck another vehicle.

The impact sent the Charger off the road, where it came to rest after hitting “multiple tree stumps” according to the report.

A Vikings team statement read: “We are devastated by the news of Khyree Jackson’s death following an overnight car accident.

“While we work to gather more information, we have spoken to Khyree’s family and offered the support of the Minnesota Vikings. We have also communicated the news to Vikings players, coaches and staff and have offered counselling for those who need emotional support.

“Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident.”

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell added: “I am absolutely crushed by this news. Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team.

“His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him. In our short time together, it was evident Khyree was going to develop into a tremendous professional football player, but what was more impressive was his desire to become the best person he could be for his family and those around him.

“I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.”

Netherlands 2 – 1 Turkey

Netherlands 2 – 1 Turkey


Netherlands scored twice in six second-half minutes to beat Turkey 2-1 and set up a Euro 2024 semi-final against England on Wednesday.

Netherlands had won just one of their previous 10 European Championship matches when behind at half-time yet were inspired by the introduction of striker Wout Weghorst at the break which helped force the turnaround.

Turkey had enjoyed the better of the first half and took their chance in the 35th minute when teenager Arda Guler delivered a perfect cross from the right for centre-back Samet Akaydin to head home from inside the six-yard box.

Team news:

  • Ronald Koeman named an unchanged side from Netherlands’ 3-0 victory over Romania in the last 16.
  • Turkey were forced into three changes due to suspensions. Samet Akaydin, Salih Ozcan and captain Hakan Calhanoglu all came into the side for Merih Demiral, İsmail Yuksek and Orkun Kokcu.

Netherlands’ attack had struggled to click but Weghorst, on for Steven Bergwijn at the interval, gave them more presence up against the three Turkey centre-backs, immediately setting up a chance for Memphis Depay.

Turkey, though, despite coming under more pressure in the second half, still saw Guler hit the outside of the left post with a long-range free-kick and forced the unsighted Bart Verbruggen to parry from Kenan Yildiz’s drive.

Image:
Samet Akaydin (middle) celebrates scoring for Turkey.

But after Weghorst’s volley had been tipped behind for a corner, Turkey switched off and Depay’s cross was headed in by the unmarked Stefan de Vrij in the 70th minute before Netherlands took the lead moments later when Mert Muldur inadvertently turned Denzel Dumfries’ cross into his own net under pressure from Cody Gakpo.

Turkey mounted a late onslaught with substitute Zeki Celik’s goalbound effort blocked yards from the line by Micky van de Ven and after Gakpo had been denied, Verbruggen made an outstanding save in added time to keep out Semih Kilicsoy from close range.

What they said…

Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk said:

“How is my heart? It’s fine. You know they’re going to take a lot of risks, but now we’re in the semi-finals. This is very important and very beautiful, with such a crowd. We knew there would be a lot of Turks in the stadium, but I’m proud of these guys.

“In the end we got sloppy, but actually we didn’t give anything away. In the second half, we had to stay calm and take advantage of our chances. Of course, we thought it would be fine, it would be very bad if we didn’t think so. We are one step closer. We can get to work!”

Turkey captain Hakan Calhanoglu said:

“Unfortunately, we could only make it this far. I am happy if we could bring excitement to our nation. Of course, we wanted to continue this path. Unfortunately, there is also losing in football. I would like to, once again, thank all our fans.

“We didn’t start the second half well, we retreated. After the second goal, we tried long balls and took our chances.

“I am proud to have come this far. Everyone represented their country in the best possible way. I would like to thank all my team-mates.”

Stats: Story of the match

Who plays who in the semi-finals?