List of All Articles with Tag 'epgb sports'

Conor McGregor laid hands on Michael Chandler on this week’s episode of The Ultimate Fighter, as the former UFC champion’s frustration boiled over amid his team’s losing streak. McGregor’s team have lost every fight so far on the new season of the UFC television show, going 0-6 against Team Chandler. On this week’s episode, Lee Hammond was submitted by Kurt Holobaugh in the second round of their lightweight clash. McGregor’s fellow Irishman Hammond impressed in the first round, but he was caught in a guillotine choke and tapped out in the next frame. Outside the ring, McGregor fell to his knees and buried his head in his hands. The 34-year-old then entered the cage and told Hammond: “Lee, that was a f***ing flawless performance.” Hammond replied, “That’s not flawless,” but McGregor doubled down: “That’s a flawless performance, son, don’t worry about it. “He got lucky there. Head up. I’m proud of you mate. It happens. He didn’t land one shot on you, you were absolutely timing him.” McGregor then took exception to Chandler saying that his team are ‘stacking up wins’. McGregor told the American, “Some of these kids were in the UFC before you were in the UFC,” referencing the fact that Chandler is coaching a team of UFC veterans against McGregor’s rookies. “As long as you show up for them,” Chandler hit back, criticising McGregor’s coaching ability. “Maybe if you showed up for them. I show up for my f***ing team.” “I’ll show up and break your nose, you little fool, yeah?” McGregor fired back, before shoving Chandler in the face. “Woo!” Chandler shouted. “Oh, are we gonna do this, are we gonna fight right now? Let’s go, baby.” UFC president Dana White rushed to the ring to calm down both men, before Chandler left and told McGregor’s mentees: “I’m sorry you guys are on that f***ing team. I would have been there for you.” McGregor and Chandler were announced as the coaches for this season of The Ultimate Fighter back in February, when it was also confirmed that they would fight each other later this year. However, no date, location or weight class has been announced for that bout. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More How to watch The Ultimate Fighter 31 in the UK UFC 290 live stream: How to watch Volkanovski vs Rodriguez online and on TV this weekend Sean Strickland makes passionate plea for Israel Adesanya fight after dominant win UFC schedule 2023: Every fight happening this year Michael Chandler reassures fans over Conor McGregor fight Conor McGregor doubles down on Ultimate Fighter criticism

There’s a sea of change sweeping over the Etihad Stadium this summer. Ilkay Gundogan has departed for Barcelona, while Aymeric Laporte is another set to leave for pastures new. Manchester City have a knack for selling players at the right time, so fans shouldn’t be too concerned at the departure of a clutch midfielder and a centre-back who was previously considered the best at Pep Guardiola’s disposal. Nevertheless, to remain competitive even the best need to evolve and City are no exception. Mateo Kovacic has joined from Chelsea to cover Gundogan’s exit, while the Champions League holders are eyeing up another Croat to bolster at the back. City are closing in on the signing of RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol in a deal that will make the 21-year-old the most expensive defender in history. The vultures have been circling the Red Bull Arena for the versatile defender for the best part of 12 months now, with Tottenham and Chelsea both credited with an interest in the youngster last summer. However, as Gvardiol’s profile rose, so too did RB Leipzig’s asking price with City blowing the pair out of the water in the race to land the Croatia international. It’s the versatility to Gvardiol’s game that would undoubtedly have appealed to Guardiola. In 14 Premier League matches last season, Guardiola used a three-man backline, with the idea being to supplement Erling Haaland with as many attacking players in support as possible, this largely stemming from the 2-1 loss at Manchester United back in January. The Spaniard, therefore, needed flexible performers at the back to operate in a four-man or a three-man defence where required in-game. John Stones is perhaps the best example of this interchangeability, the ‘Barnsley Beckenbauer’ routinely shining at right-back, centre-back or central midfield, more often than not all in the same game. This meant the left-sided centre-back needed to either drift wide or tuck in where required, duties Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji both carried out well. That being said, Gvardiol is arguably a level above the pair, thus explaining City’s interest in the RB Leipzig man. In any Guardiola system, distribution is key. City build attacks from the back with goalkeeper Ederson and the defenders vital at setting the champions on the front foot. Gvardiol fits the bill perfectly having finished the 2022/23 Bundesliga campaign fifth for passes per game (71.3) and with the ninth-best pass success rate (89.3%) to his name. In addition, the ability to pick a pass from distance will help City quickly transition from defence to attack, with the youngster returning a long ball pass success rate of 59.7% last season, that ranking 12th of the 112 Bundesliga players to have attempted 100 or more long balls. For a City side that ranked second for counter-attacking goals (7) behind rivals Manchester United (9) in the Premier League last season, Gvardiol’s ability to go direct where required will aid the former when they seek to break forward at speed, with Haaland, in particular, likely to benefit. This is particularly pertinent in that City ranked second for accurate long balls per 90 (28.4) in England’s top tier last term, so a defender to help place high for this metric will aid the Cityzens should they seek to go direct, as was evidenced during the 4-1 win over Arsenal back in April. In addition to distributing the ball well, Gvardiol is also a composed figure in defence, ensuring that any opponent who does seek to pressure the defender is unlikely to be successful in their quest. Indeed, of the 217 players to attempt 15 or more dribbles, none had a better dribble success rate than Gvardiol (88.9%) in the Bundesliga last season, so he’s calm under pressure and able to bring the ball forward where needed to help work the angles and fully maximise his vision. So, all in all, the perfect defender, right? Well... not quite. For all of Gvardiol’s qualities, opponents have proven to be able to get the better of the incoming centre-back in the air on more than one occasion. In fact, Gvardiol won just 55.8% of the aerial duels he contested in the Bundesliga last season, and teams will feel as though they can exploit this shortcoming as a means to get the better of City next season. That being said, City won the fewest aerial duels per 90 (11.6) in the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, and that hardly impacted their successful title defence, so it’s a weakness to Gvardiol’s game that is unlikely to be routinely capitalised upon, such is City’s dominance. The pros, then, far outweighs the cons and given his tender years, there is plenty more to come from Gvardiol, who should go on to become a mainstay in the City backline. After all, it’s difficult to find a defender better suited to Guardiola’s game plan. Read More Man City assistant Rodolfo Borrell joins MLS side Austin FC as sporting director Ilkay Gundogan, the man who transformed Man City and timed a perfect goodbye Football’s biggest brand? Only one thing can stop the Man City ‘machine’ now Yaya Toure hopes Standard Liege coaching spell leads to Premier League return Jodie Burrage recalls the dark days after landmark victory at Wimbledon Cadan Murley: Studying Erling Haaland can help my England World Cup cause

Tyson Fury has mocked Anthony Joshua over a video of the latter using a mattress as a punching bag. Joshua is training in Dallas, Texas as he prepares for a potential August clash with Dillian Whyte, and when footage emerged on Wednesday (4 July) of “AJ” hitting a mattress, Fury was unable to resist commenting on Instagram. “Proper sausage,” Fury wrote, alongside a series of laughing emojis. And the WBC heavyweight champion was not the only user to poke fun at the former unified title holder. “Even gun shy with a mattress,” one user wrote, while another said, “Nearly as stiff as the mattress.” “Joshua lost his killer instinct,” one commented, and another added, “You still have time to delete this...” One user took aim at Fury instead, however, writing: “Coincidentally that is Tyson Fury’s next announced opponent. [Fury] should take it easy on it.” Joshua is in talks to box Whyte, whom he knocked out in 2015, in August before a potential winter bout with Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Fury’s promoter Frank Warren said last week that the “Gypsy King”’s next fight would be announced very soon, and that it would be a ‘game-changer’. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Savannah Marshall wins scrappy clash with Franchon Crews-Dezurn to gain undisputed gold Anthony Joshua removes stumbling block in Dillian Whyte negotiations Tyson Fury’s ‘game-changing’ return to be announced in ‘next week or so’, Frank Warren says

A boxing match between KSI and Tommy Fury is ‘very close’ to being agreed, per promoter Kalle Sauerland. KSI last fought in May, knocking out Joe Fournier with a controversial elbow that led the YouTube star’s win to be overturned. Meanwhile, Fury – half-brother of world heavyweight champion Tyson – most recently competed in February, outpointing Jake Paul. KSI, 30, and Fury, 24, faced off in the ring after the former’s fight with Fournier, and a bout between the Britons is edging closer. “CONFIRMED: weights agreed today for @KSI v @tommytntfury... very close now!” Sauerland wrote on Twitter on Monday (3 July). KSI (real name Olajide Olatunji) has only fought once professionally, beating Logan Paul on points in 2019 after fighting the American to a draw in a 2018 amateur bout. He has fought several times in exhibition contests, however, including against businessman and ex-boxer Fournier in May. Meanwhile, Fury is 9-0 as a professional with four knockout wins. In his most recent fight, he was dropped late by Jake Paul but beat the YouTuber via split decision. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More KSI and Tommy Fury separated after heated face-off at Misfits boxing event KSI and Joe Fournier react as fight result is overturned Nate Diaz ‘looked like he was dying’ in training for Jake Paul fight, sparring partner says

Alexander Volkanovski returns to featherweight this weekend, defending his title against interim champion Yair Rodriguez in the main event of UFC 290. In February, both men fought on the same night, with Rodriguez submitting Josh Emmett to win the interim belt, before Volkanovski lost a narrow decision to Islam Makhachev while challenging for the lightweight title. The latter result marked just the second loss of Volkanovski’s career, and his first in 10 years. Neither defeat took place at featherweight, however, where the Australian has been imperious and earned the status of the UFC’s pound-for-pound No 1 in the eyes of many fans. In the co-main event on Saturday, Brandon Moreno defends his flyweight title against a foe who has beaten him twice: Alexandre Pantoja. Moreno has improved significantly since those losses in 2016 and 2018, but this bout marks a difficult defence to kickstart the Mexican’s second reign as champion. Here’s all you need to know. When is it? UFC 290 will take place on Saturday 8 July, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The early prelims are set to begin at 11pm BST (3pm PT, 5pm CT, 6pm ET), with the regular prelims following at 1am BST on Sunday 9 July (5pm PT, 7pm CT, 8pm ET on Saturday). The main card is then due to begin at 3am BST on Sunday (7pm PT, 9pm CT, 10pm ET on Saturday). How can I watch it? The card will air live on BT Sport in the UK, with the broadcaster’s app and website also streaming the fights. In the US, ESPN+ will stream the action live, as will the UFC’s Fight Pass. Odds Volkanovski – 2/9; Rodriguez – 100/30 Moreno – 1/2; Pantoja – 13/8 Whittaker – 1/4; Du Plessis – 3/1 Full odds via Betway. Full card (subject to change) Alexander Volkanovski (C) vs Yair Rodriguez (IC) (featherweight title) Brandon Moreno (C) vs Alexandre Pantoja (flyweight title) Robert Whittaker vs Dricus Du Plessis (middleweight) Jalin Turner vs Dan Hooker (lightweight) Bo Nickal vs Tresean Gore (middleweight) Prelims Robbie Lawler vs Niko Price (welterweight) Jack Della Maddalena vs TBC (welterweight) Yazmin Jauregui vs Denise Gomes (women’s strawweight) Jimmy Crute vs Alonzo Menifield (light-heavyweight) Early prelims Vitor Petrino vs Marcin Prachnio (light-heavyweight) Cameron Saaiman vs Terrence Mitchell (bantamweight) Shannon Ross vs Jesus Aguilar (flyweight) Kamuela Kirk vs Esteban Ribovics (lightweight) Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More UFC rankings: The Independent’s pound-for-pound fighters list UFC schedule 2023: Every major fight happening this year Sean Strickland makes passionate plea for Israel Adesanya fight after dominant win Who is fighting on UFC 290 undercard this weekend? How to watch UFC 290 online and on TV this weekend When is the next UFC event?

Two titles will be on the line at UFC 290 this weekend, as Alexander Volkanovski and Brandon Moreno defend their gold against formidable opponents. In the main event, Volkanovski defends the men’s featherweight title against interim champion Yair Rodriguez, who will try to become the first fighter to beat the Australian at 145lbs. In February, Rodriguez submitted Josh Emmett to win the interim featherweight title, moments before Volkanovski challenged Islam Makhachev for the lightweight belt and came up narrowly short. That was just the second loss of Volkanovski’s career, with the 34-year-old’s only previous defeat having occurred 10 years ago – and at welterweight. Meanwhile, Rodriguez’s victory over Emmett made him just the second Mexican champion in UFC history. His title win was followed by Alexa Grasso’s triumph in March, while Moreno preceded the pair as the first Mexican fighter to claim gold in the promotion. And Moreno will be in action again this weekend, defending the men’s flyweight title against a foe who has beaten him twice: Alexandre Pantoja. Moreno has improved significantly since those losses in 2016 and 2018, but this co-main event marks a difficult title defence to kickstart his second reign as champion. Here’s all you need to know. When is it? UFC 290 will take place on Saturday 8 July, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The early prelims are set to begin at 11pm BST (3pm PT, 5pm CT, 6pm ET), with the regular prelims following at 1am BST on Sunday 9 July (5pm PT, 7pm CT, 8pm ET on Saturday). The main card is then due to begin at 3am BST on Sunday (7pm PT, 9pm CT, 10pm ET on Saturday). How can I watch it? The card will air live on BT Sport in the UK, with the broadcaster’s app and website also streaming the fights. In the US, ESPN+ will stream the action live, as will the UFC’s Fight Pass. Odds Volkanovski – 2/9; Rodriguez – 100/30 Moreno – 1/2; Pantoja – 13/8 Whittaker – 1/4; Du Plessis – 3/1 Full odds via Betway. Full card (subject to change) Alexander Volkanovski (C) vs Yair Rodriguez (IC) (featherweight title) Brandon Moreno (C) vs Alexandre Pantoja (flyweight title) Robert Whittaker vs Dricus Du Plessis (middleweight) Jalin Turner vs Dan Hooker (lightweight) Bo Nickal vs Tresean Gore (middleweight) Prelims Robbie Lawler vs Niko Price (welterweight) Jack Della Maddalena vs TBC (welterweight) Yazmin Jauregui vs Denise Gomes (women’s strawweight) Jimmy Crute vs Alonzo Menifield (light-heavyweight) Early prelims Vitor Petrino vs Marcin Prachnio (light-heavyweight) Cameron Saaiman vs Terrence Mitchell (bantamweight) Shannon Ross vs Jesus Aguilar (flyweight) Kamuela Kirk vs Esteban Ribovics (lightweight) Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More UFC rankings: The Independent’s pound-for-pound fighters list UFC schedule 2023: Every major fight happening this year Sean Strickland makes passionate plea for Israel Adesanya fight after dominant win When is the next UFC event? UFC schedule 2023: Every fight happening this year Controversial UFC star makes passionate plea for title shot after dominant win

The Lionesses couldn’t hide it, Sarina Wiegman admitted it: England head to the Women’s World Cup with a feeling of disappointment and frustration. A goalless draw against Portugal was not the send-off England wanted after missed chances spoiled the expectant party atmosphere in Milton Keynes. There was always going to be an element of rustiness at play here, five weeks after many of England’s players had their final match of the domestic season. This was England’s first game for two months, a fixture that was arranged with conditioning in mind as much as anything else, with a focus on sharpening combinations ahead of the World Cup rather than results. Had one of those chances fallen in – if Alessia Russo hadn’t been denied by the sliding defender Marques Borges after rounding the goalkeeper, or if Lucy Bronze’s header had drifted inside the post moments later – then of course England would have an outlook that is much, much rosier ahead of the World Cup. But they didn’t, and it means that England suddenly head into the World Cup without a win in two games, both of which have come without a goal. Even though England go into the World Cup as European champions, there was certainly more optimism heading into the Euros last summer. Portugal didn’t win a game at the Euros and although they are an improving side and will be at the World Cup, this was a match that the Lionesses were expected to win and win well. Yet England for the most part played their game and looked threatening. Wiegman’s side showed the way they wanted to play, with the England manager even flashing a look at a system that could be devastating in Australia if it is given another try. Before this warm-up game, the focus was on the selections Wiegman had to make: on whether to go with Alessia Russo or Rachel Daly, or start with Lauren James, Chloe Kelly or Lauren Hemp. Wiegman insisted she came away with more answers than questions, perhaps not at a first-choice striker but certainly in the forward line. James, Kelly or Hemp? Why not all three? The Lionesses drastically improved in the second half when James was moved inside to No 10, with Hemp on the left and Kelly on the right. With James central, the danger flowed from all angles and brought a better balance to the side. “You can tell she can play there,” Wiegman said. “Tight on the ball, powerful, with vision, she did good things.” There was room for improvement too. The England manager also said that James could have been better with her decision-making and final ball but those comments also could have related to anyone at Stadium MK. But the Lionesses routinely got into the right areas: particularly with Hemp and Kelly out wide. All of England’s play was funnelled from there towards the middle, where Russo and Daly shared a half each. Had Daly’s back-post header found the target in the opening stages, set up by Hemp’s duck outside and dink to the back post, then this could have developed into a very different game. Russo had the better opportunities following the break but couldn’t take them, but they are both still world-class options. Wiegman said she wasn’t concerned: the goals will come if they continued to do the right things. And England, for the most part, did that. Georgia Stanway, visibly radiating with confidence after winning the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich this season, clearly enjoyed herself, rolling an audacious nutmeg past a bewildered Portuguese player in midfield in the first half along with a series of clever turns and feints. Her presence in midfield alongside Keira Walsh, who also just looks so assured after her year with Barcelona, was where England were just so on top. Both were taken off when England pressed for a winner, a situation that wouldn’t have happened had minutes not been a consideration. This, after all, was a friendly – it certainly wasn’t a time to panic. But like a lot of the mood ahead of this World Cup, it feels like England’s team for the tournament can go one of two ways: either Wiegman will know her starting line-up by the time the Lionesses play Haiti on 22 July, or there will be an uncertainty in the side that wasn’t there last summer. “We’re not closer now,” Wiegman said when asked if she knew her starting team. “I’m not sure we get closer now.” But England feel close. A couple of goals against Portugal would have made all the difference and created the send-off atmosphere many had arrived for, and that England’s performance largely deserved. Read More Sarina Wiegman has no concerns with England display despite Portugal stalemate Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match in UK When is the Women’s World Cup and what are the fixtures?

Savannah Marshall and Franchon Crews-Dezurn go head to head in Manchester tonight, with the latter’s undisputed super-middleweight titles on the line. Marshall is aiming to bounce back from the first loss of her professional career, a points defeat by Claressa Shields in October, and to regain her status as a world champion. The Briton, 32, lost the WBO middleweight title in her clash with Shields, who became undisputed in the division by outpointing Marshall. Now, however, the Hartlepool fighter has another shot at becoming an undisputed champion herself, as she moves up a weight class. Like Marshall, Crews-Dezurn suffered the only loss of her pro career when she squared off with Shields, but that was back in 2016, in Crews-Dezurn’s pro debut. Since then, the American has won eight straight fights, most recently beating Elin Cederroos on points in April 2022. The 36-year-old, despite her sporadic bouts in recent years, took exception to Marshall’s claim this week that she is ‘lazy’, as the opponents took part in a heated press conference. Follow live updates from the main-event fight, and its undercard, below. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Savannah Marshall and Franchon Crews-Dezurn trade barbs before huge title fight Ben Whittaker on his life-changing moment: ‘I was bleeding and crying – it flipped a switch’ Anthony Joshua removes stumbling block in Dillian Whyte negotiations Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder’s teams meet in London for talks over Saudi Arabia fight

England’s final fixture on home soil before the 2023 Women’s World Cup is a send-off match against Portugal this afternoon. The Lionesses welcome their fellow finalists to Milton Keynes four days before heading Down Under for the finals in Australia and New Zealand. This meeting with Portugal features the 23-player squad who will represent England at the tournament with Millie Bright captaining the side in the absence of Leah Williamson - although the defender is still out due to injury. “I’m really pleased to have a competitive game for our last home fixture,” said coach Sarina Wiegman. “We had two big games in April against Brazil and Australia where we learned so much. This will be another challenging match against a team that have performed well and are going to their first World Cup.” Follow all the action as the Lionesses take on Portugal: Read More Is England vs Portugal on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch World Cup warm-up England’s road to the World Cup begins with a ‘different test’ - and it’s not just Portugal Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match in UK

England play their final fixture on home soil before leaving for the Women’s World Cup in Australia, taking on Portugal in Milton Keynes. Sarina Wiegman’s European champions remain strong contenders for this summer’s tournament, but a number of injuries leave the Dutch manager with plenty to consider before beginning their campaign against Haiti on 22 July. A 30-game unbeaten run under Wiegman came to an end in the Lionesses’ last game against Australia in April. They host Portugal, who will be looking for a strong showing as they prepare to make their World Cup debut. Here’s everything you need to know. When is England vs Portugal? England vs Portugal is due to kick off at 3.15pm BST on Saturday 1 July at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV1, with coverage on the channel from 2.30pm BST. Registered users can stream the action via ITVX. Team news Millie Bright, installed as captain with Leah Williamson among England’s injury absentees, will not feature as she continues her own recovery. The Chelsea defender suggested this week that she is ahead of schedule in her recovery, but this fixture comes too soon. Alex Greenwood is available, though, having overcome a knock suffered in training early in the week. Portugal boast an exeperienced group hoping to build confidence after securing a first World Cup qualification. Manager Francisco Neto is not thought to have any fresh injury concerns. Predicted line-ups England XI: Earps; Bronze, Wubben-Moy, Greenwood, Carter; Stanway, Walsh, Toone; Kelly, Russo, Hemp. Portugal XI: Morais; Borges, Gomes, Costa, Amado; T. Pinto, Dolores SIlva, Norton; Jessica Silva, Nazareth, Diana Silva. Odds England win 2/11 Draw 6/1 Portugal win 14/1 Prediction England enjoy a pleasing home send-off with a comfortable win. England 3-1 Portugal Read More England’s road to the World Cup begins with a ‘different test’ - and it’s not just Portugal Women’s World Cup: Who are England playing and what is their group? Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match in UK Millie Bright offers injury update ahead of Women’s World Cup Arsenal transfer news: Record Rice bid, Timber and Xhaka latest Man Utd transfer news: Mount bid accepted, De Gea and Onana latest

It was a season to forget for Jurgen Klopp’s men after they struggled in the Premier League. Expectations were high for Liverpool last year but they failed to challenge for the title and even missed out on Champions League football entirely. Sadio Mane left for Bayern Munich with new signings Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez unable to replicate his relationship with Mo Salah until the back end of the season. James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all left the club with Klopp focusing on midfield reinforcements during this window. World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister has signed from Brighton with the Reds targeting more players before the window closes. Here are the latest news and transfer updates from Anfield: Dominik Szoboszlai Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has rocketed up Liverpool’s list for potential midfield reinforcements after the club met with his representatives. Newcastle United were previously interested in the 22-year-old, who has a €70m (£60m) release clause in his RB Leipzig contract, but according to The Athletic, Liverpool are now in pole position for the midfielder’s signature. No offer has been made as of yet but there is increased confidence a deal can be struck. Szoboszlai impressed in the most recent edition of the Nations League and his chance creation metrics and ball-carrying ability fit the profile Liverpool are after in midfield. Federico Valverde Potentially the most exciting name on this list is Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde. The Daily Mail says the Reds reportedly had a £51m bid for the Uruguayan rejected earlier this month though a potential deal for the midfielder could suit Los Blancos who are aware of the massive sum spent to secure Jude Bellingham and may need more cash to move for PSG’s Kylian Mbappe. Liverpool are reportedly preparing to submit a new proposal of around £77m according to Catalan outlet El Nacional. At just 24-years-old Valverde would bring a wealth of winning experience having already won two LaLiga titles and a Champions League trophy. His versatility across midfield is an asset that will appeal to Jurgen Klopp and 12 goals from the middle of the pitch this season is a bonus attribute. Federico Chiesa Gazzetta dello Sport report that Liverpool are keen to sign Juventus and Italy attacker Federico Chiesa. The Italian media outlet says that Chiesa does not have the best relationship with Juve boss Max Allegri and struggles to fit into his 3-5-2 formation. The 25-year-old is currently stuck in contract renewal talks but it appears a transfer away from Turin could be a real possibilty especially if a big Premier League club comes knocking. Enter Liverpool who are interested in the winger. Juventus want €60m for Chiesa though he is valued him at €40m by the Reds who are unwilling to go over that. The departure of Roberto Firmino has left a vacancy in Liverpool’s forward line but with Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota available as back-up the Reds won’t be convinced to spend more than they want to for Chiesa. Fabio Carvalho It remains to be seen whether a deal will materialise between Liverpool and RB Leipzig for Szoboszlai but there has already been one deal agreed between the two clubs after Liverpool confirmed that young midfielder, Fabio Carvalho, will join the German side on a season-long loan move. Carvalho joined Liverpool in a move last summer from Fulham, making 21 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side in all competitions and scoring three times. Khephren Thuram A player of interest to Liverpool, Thuram is currently in action for France at the under-21s European Championships alongside Manu Kone - another individual being heavily linked with an Anfield switch. Nice are said to be seeking £35m for the 22-year-old, who would bring some much-needed physicality to the midfield. Read More Chelsea transfer news: Hakim Ziyech move collapses, Mason Mount and Moises Caicedo latest Manchester United transfer news: Mason Mount bid accepted, David De Gea and Andre Onana latest Arsenal transfer news: Record Declan Rice bid, Jurrien Timber and Granit Xhaka latest Liverpool transfer news: Szoboszlai release clause, Valverde and Carvalho latest On this day in 2010: Roy Hodgson appointed Liverpool manager Man City assistant Rodolfo Borrell joins MLS side Austin FC as sporting director

England travel to Australia and New Zealand as one of the favourites to win the Women’s World Cup, with Sarina Wiegman’s side looking to back up their victory in the European Championships last summer on home soil. The Lionesses were knocked out at the semi-final stage in both 2015 and 2019 having suffered defeat at the hands of Japan and the United States. The United States, who have won the tournament a record four times, will represent one of England’s main obstacles once again as they look to win the World Cup for a third successive time. Ireland will be making their debut appearance at the Women’s World Cup, while Germany, Spain, France and Sweden will all be contenders from Europe. With the tournament fast approaching, here is everything you need to know about how to watch the Women’s World Cup. When is the Women’s World Cup? The tournament will kick off on 20 July 2023 with the opening match between hosts New Zealand and Norway. Australia will kick off against Ireland later that day. The knockout stages begin on 5 August, with the World Cup final taking place in Sydney on 20 August. How can I watch the Women’s World Cup? TV rights have finally been agreed upon after a long-winded and public dispute between various European nations and FIFA. Gianni Infantino, the Fifa president, threatened a media blackout for the continent’s biggest football nations (UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain) but that was avoided after a deal was struck in mid-June. For UK viewers, every game will be available to watch on the BBC and ITV. For the BBC, there will be live coverage on television as well as the BBC Sport website with live audio commentary available on BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra and the BBC Sounds app. For ITV, live coverage will be available on television as well as online via ITVX. At present, the BBC and ITV have only announced the schedule for the group stages, although the BBC have said they will broadcast both semi-finals with the final available on both channels. When can I watch England? England play their first match of the World Cup against Haiti in Group D on 22 July. The game starts at 10:30am BST and will be shown on ITV. On 28 July, England play Denmark with kick-off at 9:30am BST and the game broadcast on the BBC. England’s final group-stage fixture is against China on Tuesday 1 August and will be shown on ITV with the match starting at 12pm BST. Should England make it through to the round of 16, their fixture will be shown live on the BBC. Full Group Stage TV Schedule (All kick-off times BST ) Thursday 20 July Group A: New Zealand vs Norway (08:00, Auckland) - BBC Group B: Australia vs Republic of Ireland (11:00, Sydney) - ITV Friday 21 July Group B: Nigeria vs Canada (03:30, Melbourne) - BBC Group A: Philippines vs Switzerland (06:00, Dunedin) - ITV Group C: Spain vs Costa Rica (08:30, Wellington) - BBC Saturday 22 July Group E: USA vs Vietnam (02:00, Auckland) - BBC Group C: Zambia vs Japan (08:00 Hamilton) - BBC Group D: England vs Haiti (10:30, Brisbane) - ITV Group D: Denmark vs China (13:00, Perth) - BBC Sunday 23 July Group G: Sweden vs South Africa (06:00, Wellington) - BBC Group E: Netherlands vs Portugal (08:30, Dunedin) - BBC Group F: France vs Jamaica (11:00, Sydney) - ITV Monday 24 July Group G: Italy vs Argentina (07:00, Auckland) - ITV Group H: Germany vs Morocco (09:30, Melbourne) - ITV Group F: Brazil vs Panama (12:00, Adelaide) - ITV Tuesday 25 July Group H: Colombia vs Korea Republic (03:00, Sydney) - BBC Group A: New Zealand vs Philippines (06:30, Dunedin) - ITV Group A: Switzerland vs Norway (09:00, Hamilton) - ITV Wednesday 26 July Group C: Japan vs Costa Rica (06:00, Dunedin) - ITV Group C: Spain vs Zambia (08:30, Auckland) - BBC Group B: Canada vs Republic of Ireland (13:00, Perth) - ITV Thursday 27 July Group E: USA vs Netherlands (02:00, Wellington) - BBC Group E: Portugal vs Vietnam (08:30, Hamilton) - ITV Group B: Australia vs Nigeria (11:00, Brisbane) - BBC Friday 28 July Group G: Argentina vs South Africa (01:00, Dunedin) - ITV Group D: England vs Denmark (09:30, Sydney) - BBC Group D: China vs Haiti (12:00, Adelaide) - ITV Saturday 29 July Group G: Sweden vs Italy (08:30, Wellington) - BBC Group F: France vs Brazil (11:00, Brisbane) - BBC Group F: Panama vs Jamaica (13:30, Perth) - ITV Sunday 30 July Group H: Korea Republic vs Morocco (05:30, Adelaide) - BBC Group A: Norway vs Philippines (08:00, Auckland) - BBC Group A: Switzerland vs New Zealand (08:00, Dunedin) - BBC Group H: Germany vs Colombia (10:30, Sydney) - ITV Monday 31 July Group C: Costa Rica vs Zambia (08:00, Hamilton) - ITV Group C: Japan vs Spain (08:00, Wellington) - ITV Group B: Ireland vs Nigeria (11:00, Brisbane) - BBC Group B: Canada vs Australia (11:00, Melbourne) - BBC Tuesday 1 August Group E: Vietnam vs Netherlands (08:00, Dunedin) - ITV Group E: Portugal vs USA (08:00, Auckland) - ITV Group D: Haiti vs Denmark (12:00, Perth) - ITV Group D: China vs England (12:00, Adelaide) - ITV Wednesday 2 August Group G: South Africa vs Italy (08:00, Wellington) - BBC Group G: Argentina vs Sweden (08:00, Hamilton) - BBC Group F: Jamaica vs Brazil (11:00, Melbourne) - ITV Group F: Panama vs France (11:00, Sydney) - ITV Thursday 3 August Group H: Korea Republic vs Germany (11:00, Brisbane) - BBC Group H: Morocco vs Colombia (11:00, Perth) - BBC Read More England’s road to the World Cup begins with a ‘different test’ - and it’s not just Portugal Women’s World Cup: Who are England playing and what is their group? 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