Injury-hit England will secure a Women’s Six Nations title decider against France if they defeat Italy in round four of the championship.

The Red Roses enter the penultimate weekend riding a formidable 36-match unbeaten streak.

A victory over the Italians would keep the world champions on course for a second consecutive Grand Slam.

Their closest challengers are currently level on points at the top of the table.

Les Bleues must first navigate an away fixture against a struggling Scotland side to maintain their own trophy ambitions.

Mounting forward crisis

Despite averaging nearly 60 points per game so far, the tournament leaders face significant squad depletion.

Recent blows to Alex Matthews and Sadia Kabeya have severely weakened the forward line.

Consequently, eight of the 13 forwards who featured in last year’s World Cup final squad are now unavailable.

This makeshift pack must now withstand a confident opposition fresh from a landmark victory.

Challengers target crucial points

Italy arrive buoyed by a shock 41-14 triumph over the Scots, driven by a dominant front-row performance.

Debutant Vittoria Zanette scored twice in that fixture, issuing a clear warning to a depleted English pack.

Elsewhere, the French outfit are heavily favoured to claim an away bonus-point win over a vulnerable Scottish team.

The hosts have made seven changes following an 84-7 humiliation against the title holders.

Meanwhile, winless Wales and Ireland will battle to restore pride at the bottom of the standings.

Former Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has urged Joao Pedro to leave Stamford Bridge for Barcelona this summer due to the club’s failure to secure Champions League football.

The Blues are expected to miss out on Europe’s elite competition following a disastrous run of six consecutive Premier League defeats.

There remains a slim mathematical chance of a sixth-place finish, but a summer of significant upheaval is already guaranteed in west London.

The club is currently searching for a new permanent manager after Liam Rosenior’s brief and turbulent four-month spell in charge.

Catalan giants circle Brazilian forward

The £60m signing from Brighton has been heavily linked with a switch to the Spanish heavyweights ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

Wright-Phillips believes the talented attacker must prioritise his career development over staying with a struggling team.

I believe it would be fantastic for Joao if he were to go.

The former England international added that the current administrative direction at Stamford Bridge is a major cause for concern.

Personally, given the way Chelsea has been run, if I were him, I would do everything to complete this transfer.

Elite European ambitions

A move to Camp Nou would allow the South American forward to link up with international team-mate Raphinha and rising star Lamine Yamal.

His advocate noted that the dynamic goalscorer possesses the undeniable quality required to thrive on the biggest stage.

Playing at Camp Nou, alongside Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, would be great for him.
If I were Joao Pedro, I would want to play in the Champions League, and I can’t see Chelsea qualifying for any European competition.
Joao has the level and deserves to be playing in the Champions League.

UFC president Dana White has confirmed that Conor McGregor will make his long-awaited return to the octagon this summer after a four-year absence.

The former two-division champion has not competed since suffering a catastrophic leg break against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.

Despite a planned comeback against Michael Chandler falling through last year due to a training injury, the Dubliner has recently intensified his preparations.

Confidence grows over summer comeback

Speculation has been mounting that the 36-year-old could headline International Fight Week on 11 July.

While avoiding specific dates, White has now provided his strongest indication yet that the sport’s biggest star is ready to compete.

“We’re in a great place with Conor,” White told Jim Rome.
“I’m extremely confident that we’ll get him dialled in and ready to roll. He’ll fight this summer.”

Holloway emerges as potential opponent

McGregor had previously expressed interest in competing on the upcoming White House card next month.

However, that event will instead feature Ilia Topuria defending his title against Justin Gaethje in the main event.

With the summer timeline now established, former featherweight champion Max Holloway appears to be the leading candidate to face the returning star.

A bout would take place 13 years after their initial meeting, which saw the Irishman secure a decision victory over the Hawaiian.

Holloway is eager to bounce back having recently lost his BMF title to Charles Oliveira.

Flamengo are expected to be awarded a default 3-0 Copa Libertadores victory after their fixture against Independiente Medellin was abandoned following just three minutes of intense fan protests.

The Group A clash at the Atanasio Girardot stadium in Colombia was dramatically halted as home supporters threw flares and various missiles onto the pitch.

Referee Jesus Valenzuela immediately ordered both sets of players back to the dressing rooms to ensure their safety.

The dangerous scenes were reportedly part of an organised protest directed at the local club’s management.

Domestic struggles spark dramatic stadium evacuation

The Colombian outfit have endured a dismal domestic campaign this season.

They recently suffered early elimination from their national league after finishing a disappointing 11th in the table.

Security forces were swiftly deployed to the stands in an attempt to restore order following the abrupt match suspension.

South American football’s governing body officially cancelled the fixture more than an hour after the initial stoppage.

Under strict disciplinary regulations, the non-offending team is granted an automatic 3-0 win when a match is abandoned due to opposition crowd trouble.

Defending champions take refuge in locker room

The Brazilian side, who are the reigning continental champions, waited safely inside the stadium facilities during the chaotic scenes.

Midfielder Jorginho posted a reassuring update on social media platform X to confirm the safety of the squad.

We’re fine and waiting here.

He shared a photograph taking refuge in the away changing room alongside several teammates:

The anticipated default victory will consolidate the Rio de Janeiro club’s position at the summit of their qualification group.

They currently lead the standings on seven points, sitting marginally ahead of Argentine side Estudiantes de La Plata.

Conversely, the impending disciplinary sanction will leave the Medellin-based team languishing in third place on just four points.

Rory McIlroy is bidding for a third US PGA Championship title at Aronimink Golf Club as the world’s top players gather in Philadelphia for the season’s second major.

The Northern Irishman will resume his intensifying rivalry with Scottie Scheffler at the summit of the sport.

Between them, the dominant duo have claimed five of the last nine major championships.

The pair are considered the undisputed men to beat in the quest for the Wanamaker Trophy on a course that heavily rewards precise iron play.

Rose seeks redemption after Augusta heartbreak

Justin Rose arrives in Pennsylvania hoping to bounce back from a disappointing finish at the Masters.

The 45-year-old surrendered a back-nine lead at Augusta National, ultimately falling two shots short of the coveted green jacket.

However, the Englishman boasts an excellent track record in the state, having claimed his sole major victory at nearby Merion in 2013.

He also triumphed at Aronimink during the 2010 AT&T Championship, providing a vital source of course confidence.

A recent switch to McLaren Golf irons just weeks before the tournament represents a significant equipment gamble for the veteran.

Fitzpatrick and Morikawa pose major threats

Matt Fitzpatrick enters the week in scintillating form following a recent play-off victory over Scheffler at the RBC Heritage.

The 31-year-old followed that success by lifting the Zurich Classic trophy alongside his brother Alex.

Already a major winner following his 2022 US Open triumph, the Sheffield native is widely expected to feature prominently on Sunday’s leaderboard.

Meanwhile, Collin Morikawa is searching for the formidable consistency that saw him capture back-to-back majors in 2020 and 2021.

The 29-year-old has battled injury setbacks in recent years but recently demonstrated his enduring class with a top-10 finish at the Masters.

Despite managing a persistent back problem, the American remains one of the premier iron players on the tour and a genuine contender.

Chet Holmgren and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander each scored 22 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 125-107 on Thursday to secure a commanding 2-0 lead in their Western Conference semifinal.

The defending NBA champions improved their flawless postseason record to six consecutive victories.

Ajay Mitchell contributed 20 points, while Jared McCain added 18 to help seal the dominant home victory.

Thunder overcome key absence

The hosts faced a significant test early in the third quarter when Gilgeous-Alexander became entangled with Austin Reaves.

The Canadian guard was assessed a flagrant 1 foul following a video review and temporarily left the game with his team trailing 65-61.

Despite losing their primary playmaker, the home side orchestrated a stunning 32-15 scoring run to take complete control of the contest.

Holmgren anchored the surge, notably setting up Jaylin Williams for a crucial four-point play on a fast break.

Depleted Lakers struggle late

The visiting side were severely hampered by the continued absence of league scoring champion Luka Doncic, who remains out indefinitely with a strained hamstring.

They also lacked the defensive presence of Jarred Vanderbilt after the reserve forward dislocated his finger in the series opener.

Reaves attempted to shoulder the offensive burden, bouncing back from a poor Game 1 shooting performance to score a game-high 31 points.

LeBron James provided solid support with 23 points, but foul trouble plagued the broader Los Angeles roster down the stretch.

Three visiting players finished the contest with five fouls, critically limiting their defensive aggressiveness as Oklahoma City easily pulled away in the final quarter.

The series now shifts to California, where the trailing side will desperately seek a vital victory in Game 3 on Saturday.

The Carolina Hurricanes pushed the Philadelphia Flyers to the brink of elimination with a 4-1 victory on Thursday night, taking a commanding 3-0 series lead in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Frustration and a lack of discipline plagued the hosts as they accumulated 38 penalty minutes and 14 minor infractions throughout the contest.

The unbeaten visitors have now extended their flawless postseason record to 7-0, having already swept the Ottawa Senators in the opening round.

Costly penalties undermine Philadelphia

“We’re not going to quit,” said Flyers centre Christian Dvorak.
“People thought we were dead at the Olympic break, and we fought our way into the playoffs. I know we’re not going to quit here.”

Dvorak and defenceman Jamie Drysdale each took three minor penalties, disrupting any offensive rhythm the home side hoped to establish.

Many of those infractions were retaliatory, highlighted by Travis Konecny earning 14 penalty minutes in the third period for attempting to confront opposing defenceman K’Andre Miller.

“That’s a lot of penalties,” acknowledged Philadelphia head coach Rick Tocchet.
“We’ve just got to understand that when you’re in a scrum and you take a punch in the mouth, just don’t do anything. Just take the power play.”

Controversial hit shifts momentum

A pivotal moment occurred in the second period when a major penalty on Carolina forward Taylor Hall was downgraded following a video review.

Hall forcefully checked Travis Sanheim into the boards after the Philadelphia defenceman had dropped to one knee while playing the puck.

On-ice officials initially assessed a five-minute major for boarding, but reduced the punishment to a minor infraction after examining the replay.

“I fell to one knee and was just trying to get it out, in a vulnerable spot,” Sanheim explained.
“It just felt like his hands drove my head right through the wall. I thought it was a pretty dirty play, but they obviously thought it was two minutes.”

Hurricanes closing in on sweep

Carolina will now look to close out the series and secure their progression when the teams meet for Game Four.

“The fourth one is the hardest one to win; no one wants to go home,” said Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal.
“It’s going to be a brand-new challenge, a brand-new start. We’re going to have to find ways to win the game, and it might look a little different than the first three.”

FIFA has tripled the price of premium tickets for the 2026 World Cup final to nearly $33,000, prompting severe backlash from US politicians over dynamic pricing.

The newly listed seats for the showpiece event at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey are categorised as “front category one”.

This marks a staggering financial increase from the previous premium high of $10,990.

US politicians demand transparency

The sudden pricing surge has drawn immediate ire from American congressional figures.

New Jersey Democratic Representatives Nellie Pou and Frank Pallone Jr have written directly to president Gianni Infantino to demand answers.

They accused the sport’s global governing body of utilising potentially deceptive practices to exploit travelling supporters.

“We are deeply concerned by reports that FIFA is employing opaque pricing, shifting rules, and potentially deceptive practices that are making it difficult for fans to access seats.”

US Representatives Nellie Pou and Frank Pallone Jr

The lawmakers are now seeking urgent clarification on how the tournament will remain affordable for everyday spectators.

Infantino defends market rates

The Swiss-Italian executive moved swiftly to justify the unprecedented ticketing fees.

Speaking at a global conference in California, the 54-year-old argued that aligning with the highly developed American entertainment market was an absolute necessity.

He also suggested that charging lower face values would only artificially inflate the secondary resale market.

“If you were to sell tickets at the price which is too low, these tickets will be resold at a much higher price, more than double of our price.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino

Infantino claimed it is impossible to attend top-level American sports for under $300.

That assertion has been widely disputed by domestic fans who regularly attend professional basketball and college football fixtures for significantly less.

Soaring costs across the tournament

The final is not the only fixture demanding astronomical sums from international fans.

Premium passes for the semi-final at the AT&T Stadium in Texas have now reached beyond $11,000.

Meanwhile, supporters looking to attend the United States’ group-stage opener against Paraguay in California face minimum face-value costs exceeding $1,100.