England

England: Rooney right to retire

On Monday, the 31-year-old made it two in two this season and there was no little mischief in his ear-cupping reaction as he lapped up netting against Manchester City. It was his 200th goal in the top flight, the latest landmark in the incredible career of Manchester United and England's leading goalscorer.

The joy and mischief were all the more noticeable as they were qualities that fizzed from Rooney the teenage sensation, but elements that seem to have been missing entirely during the trials of recent seasons.

Rooney set for England talks

The 31-year-old striker opened the scoring in the 35th minute of Everton's 1-1 draw against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium, side-footing into the net from close range for his 200th Premier League goal after Dominic Calvert-Lewin crossed from the right wing.

Rooney was assisted by Lewin for his first league goal since rejoining Everton when he scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over Stoke City at Goodison Park, and he acknowledged that his good form has put him in contention for England's forthcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Malta and Slovakia.

England send Tuilagi, Solomona home

Leicester Tigers powerhouse Tuilagi last represented England in the 2016 Six Nations having been dogged by injuries, the latest a knee problem that has sidelined him since January.

The centre was included in a 37-man squad that met for a pre-season training camp in Teddington and was set to be among the players attending the launch of England's new team kit on Monday.

However, he will no longer be attending with the RFU saying via a short statement: "Denny Solomona and Manu Tuilagi have been sent home today from England's training camp following team culture issues.

Jones: Tuilagi can be outstanding

Tuilagi, who last represented England in the 2016 Six Nations, has been named in a 37-man squad that will meet up for a pre-season training camp this weekend.

"It's nice to see him back training and back into it. He was a player who demolished New Zealand," said Jones of the Leicester Tigers back.

"If his motivation and desire is right then he can be an outstanding player for us and add to the depth of the squad."

​Wisil completes build up for world champs

In the 100m final at the AAA Track and Field Championships in Bedford, Wisil was pipped on the line by Diani Walker of the Birchfield Harriers athletics club after leading from the gun, having to settle for second place in a time of 11.49 seconds.  

Coach Tony Fairweather said Wisil ran well but just dipped too soon at the finish.

In Sunday’s 200m, the Pacific Games champion placed third with a time of 23.96 seconds.

Meanwhile, Ephraim Lerkin and Rellie Kaputin arrived in London on Sunday with coach Dior Lowry after a 34-hour journey from Nadi. 

England win Women's World Cup

India, chasing a modest 229 to win, was cruising to victory in the final as it reached 190 for three. But a late collapse, sparked by five wickets in 19 balls from Anya Shrubsole, saw England snatch an unlikely victory on home soil.

"It was just an unbelievable game. We looked for minute like we were out of it," Shrubsole said. "But one of the great things about this team, we never give up. We never let the run rate get away from us, even though we weren't getting wickets. We knew if we got a couple we'd be right in the game and all was well in the end.

England into World Cup final

Anya Shrubsole hit the decisive boundary to seal a two-wicket win for England, who were left needing two runs from the last three balls of a dramatic contest in Bristol.

South Africa had earlier set England a target of 219 to win after Laura Wolvaardt (66) and the unbeaten Mignon du Preez (76) had given the underdogs hope of a shock victory.

But Sarah Taylor set England on their way with 54 before Jenny Gunn (27 not out) and Shrubsole dragged their team over the line.

England will now face either Australia or India in the final at Lord's on Sunday.

 

SA take control of second Test

Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla and returning captain Faf du Plessis all brought up half-centuries, with the home attack forced to toil for their wickets before the Proteas declared on 343-9.

Alastair Cook had a first-ball lbw dismissal by Morne Morkel overturned on review as England began an improbable attempt at what would be a world-record chase of 474 and, even though he and Keaton Jennings nervily reached one without loss at the close, Joe Root's side are likely to head to The Oval at 1-1 in the four-match series.

Manu Vatuvei is ready for fresh start

The desire to keep playing at the top level still burns bright for Manu Vatuvei but the departing Warriors star admits the mental strain of the past 12 months has left him ready for a fresh start.

After 13 years and 226 games at the club, Vatuvei confirmed on Monday that he would be leaving Mt Smart for Salford in the UK this week after being granted an early release from his contract.

France beats England 3-2

Teenage striker Kylian Mbappe set up the 20-year-old Dembele's winner in the 78th minute with an astute pass, and the youthful attacking pair caused problems all night for a patchy England defense with their electrifying speed and skill.

Striker Harry Kane scored both goals for England, while defenders Samuel Umtiti and Djibril Sidibe got their first goals for France, as did Dembele. Only a fine stop from goalkeeper Jack Butland in injury time, and the crossbar earlier, denied Mbappe his first international goal.