Ombudsman leads the way in Eclipse for the ages
Leading the opposition is Sosie for French master Andre Fabre, while Aidan O'Brien runs beaten Derby favourite Delacroix, who is the choice of Ballydoyle number one Ryan Moore, and French Derby hero Cammille Pissaro, who will be reunited with Christophe Soumillon.
Hotazhell, winner of the Futurity Trophy at Doncaster last year, takes his chance for Jessica Harrington and is a third Irish raider making the visit to Esher.
Charlie Appleby has opted to run his 2000 Guineas winner Ruling Court, who completes the sextet stepping up to 10 furlongs for the first time and will be partnered by Oisin Murphy, with Godolphin number one William Buick pledging his allegiance to Ombudsman.
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Powys County Times
15 minutes ago
- Powys County Times
Sarina Wiegman: Pressure on England no different to Euro 2022
The Lionesses manager feels expectations remain the same as they did three years ago as she prepares for the opening fixture in Switzerland on Saturday. England will face France in their first match of the tournament but despite the label of title holders, Wiegman insists that expectations remain unchanged. 'For me it doesn't feel that different. It has always been there - high expectations. We have high expectations from ourselves, too,' she explained. 'We just want to do really well. We know we're here and we know exactly where we want to go, but we bring it back to [the fact] we have to be the best prepared, we have to have the best game plans and, if necessary, be able to adapt to what we have in front of us. 'The team is in a very good place, they're really well bonded. We have worked really hard and we will work really hard in every single game and every single training session. That's what we can control.' Since 2015, England have reached the semi-finals of every major tournament they have competed in and further success under Wiegman arguably only pushes expectations higher. Having claimed European Championship gold with the Netherlands in 2017, the Dutch manager repeated the feat with the Lionesses in the seminal home Euros in 2022. Such game-changing success was followed by a World Cup final in 2023, leaving expectations for England sky high. But while the outside world discuss the possibility of England becoming first team to defend a Euros title and repeating the feat that inspired so many at Wembley in that heady summer, in the Lionesses' camp no such conversations are occurring. Instead, Wiegman's squad are distancing themselves from past achievements in the search of a 'New England' that remains intune with the ever-increasing demands of women's football. 'We absolutely cherish what we have done before and we never forget it. Those are lifetime experiences for us, for our families and also for our friends but you have to move on,' said Wiegman. 'You have to be on top. Things are changing very quickly, things are developing very quickly so we have to do too. 'We came together in February and said it's a new challenge. The approach was there anyway but we called it a 'New England'.' The first glimpse of such that reformed Lionesses team will come against a France side who have undergone major changes of their own. Laurent Bonadei has opted not to include French legends and serial winners Eugenie Le Sommer and Wendie Renard in his Euros squad, but has so far not been proved wrong with France winning their last eight fixtures. It presents a huge task for Wiegman who is in no illusion of the strengths the French team possess, or the stature of their omissions. 'The French are very, very strong and they have great young players coming through. They have shown already that they are still a very powerful, quick team that can play really well,' she said. 'They have played games without [Renard] recently. I don't have the context but she is an absolute legend. They [Renard and Le Sommer] have been trailblazers for the women's game and they still are even though they are not here.'
Powys County Times
43 minutes ago
- Powys County Times
Rhian Wilkinson insists Wales are ready for landmark Euro 2025
Rhian Wilkinson has declared that Wales are ready for their 'watershed moment' on a first major tournament stage at Euro 2025. Wales kick off their campaign against the Netherlands in Lucerne on Saturday evening as the lowest ranked team in the competition. While few expect Wales to progress from a daunting group that also includes reigning champions England and France, Wilkinson – the 181-times capped Canadian international of Welsh heritage – says the game has changed in the country forever. 'This is a wonderful team, great people, fantastic footballers, and we're going to be tested against some of the best in the world,' head coach Wilkinson said at her pre-match press conference. 'That's what we've been wanting. To showcase Wales as a country, this team and their talent. 'This is the first generation of Welsh player that is completely professionalised. 'That is something that changes the game at home in Wales, and that's what I'm excited about. This team gets to be the face of a watershed moment back home. 'To be able to stand next to them when they do that is one of the honours of my career. This team is ready, fit and excited.' Wilkinson says she has told her squad the identity of the historic Wales starting line-up at the Allmend Stadium. Former captain Sophie Ingle hopes to make her first appearance since damaging an anterior cruciate ligament in September, although Wilkinson conceded the midfielder is unlikely to play 90 minutes. The Netherlands – ranked 11th in the world and 19 places higher than Wales – possess both rich tournament pedigree, having won the Euros in 2017, and top players such as Manchester City forward Vivianne Miedema and Everton striker Katja Snoeijs. Wilkinson said: 'They are a top team, very fluid, and have some of the biggest stars in the game. 'They're really an enjoyable team to watch and I'm looking forward to challenging my team against them. 'We know we've got to be sharp and key moments count. 'Success for us is that the team shows up, is confident and just plays. That will be critical to Wales' success in this tournament.' But Wilkinson has dismissed the suggestion that the first game is all or nothing and that Wales' tournament rests on the outcome in Lucerne. She said: 'I've won Olympic medals losing first games. What sets the tone is working through the nerves and the excitement, and finding that flow. That's what is critical. 'Opening day nerves are normal, excitement is normal, and this team is handling it like seasoned pros. 'There's definitely an understanding this is a moment in Welsh history. Don't let it get too big, let it all in, and be there for that moment. 'We know we're not the biggest nation, but we are adaptable and we've earned the right to be here.'
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Rangers SHOULD sell Hamza Igamane and keep Cyriel Dessers and here's why, writes Kris Boyd
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FORCED to choose one ahead of the other, most Rangers fans would sell Cyriel Dessers before they'd cash in on Hamza Igamane. Not me. 6 Hamza Igamane for £10m-plus? Kris Boyd says YES Credit: Willie Vass 6 Our columnist thinks Rangers could do worse than keeping Cyriel Dessers Credit: Getty 6 But what Russell Martin agree? Given the choice, it's the Moroccan frontman the Ibrox club should be looking to offload this summer. Dessers has his flaws, but his numbers have been good for back-to-back seasons now and I just don't believe Igamane is capable of being a 30-goal striker for the Ibrox club. If Lille or any club are willing to pay upwards of £10million for a boy who cost £1m a year ago, Rangers should be snapping their hand off. Igamane could score a dozen goals for them in the French league and they'll be satisfied. But that strike-rate won't cut it at Ibrox. No, he can produce some moments of magic with nutmegs, flicks and tricks. When it comes down to it, though, I can't imagine there would be too many of his team-mates devastated to see him go. Playing that role in the team demands a discipline and reliability that he just doesn't have at this stage of his career. Dessers often frustrates the life out of Rangers fans but I wouldn't be chasing him out the door. I'm sure the club will be looking to bring in a new hitman and it could be that he's not willing to hang around if he's not the main man. New Rangers chiefs Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe's first interview But, for me, selling Igamane for eight figures is a no-brainer. He's not the only one Rangers should be looking to move on, though. The spotlight in the last few days has been on the players brought in, and quite rightly so. We all wondered when Rangers would start to get business done — it seemed like they were waiting until July 1, and their new financial year. In the past week they've definitely gone out and spent money and that's what the supporters have been anxiously waiting for. It's guys going the other way that has to be part of the model, though. Igamane has a value and that's why the club are inviting interest, as they should be. But there are others who have a huge question mark over their futures. Ben Davies and Kieran Dowell spent last season on loan at Birmingham City and I'd be amazed if they weren't shown the door now. I'd imagine Robin Propper has played his last competitive game for the club too after some unimpressive performances in a light blue jersey. I'd think these boys will be moving on. I'm then looking at some of the ones who played throughout last season. What does the future look like for James Tavernier, for Ridvan Yilmaz, for Jefte? 6 John Souttar probably comes into that category, too. He hasn't signed a new contract and Rangers seem to be looking at alternatives for that position at centre-back. I just think there are going to be a lot of outs as well as ins and it's going to be a completely new-look Rangers team come the big kick-off. The Panathinaikos Champions League qualifier on July 22 is going to be absolutely massive when it comes around. It's still relatively early in the transfer window but that tie is looming large on the horizon, as is the start to the league season. Martin will be eager to get faces into his squad sooner rather than later. The boys will need time to settle into life in Glasgow because it's not always easy. It's a huge club and that can be a shock to the system for a lot of players. Daunting, even. The group heads off to St George's Park for their training camp next week and the manager will feel it's important to have as many as possible signed up by then. Conor Coady has been linked for weeks and his name hasn't gone away. Israeli striker Dor Turgeman has been talked about as a replacement for Igamane. The new Rangers boss has been going after a lot of players he knows and that makes sense. He's obviously got a certain style of play he'll look to implement so it'll speed up the process if he's able to bring in signings who have worked with him in the past and know what's required. There has to be the right balance, of course. Emmanuel Fernandez is in from Peterborough and at 23 he's a relatively young defender Martin will be looking to work with and develop. 6 John Souttar and James Tavernier are two players with 'uncertain' futures Credit: Willie Vass I notice his move described as an 'undisclosed fee' and that usually means it's a higher price than the paying club want in the public domain. There has also been talk of a loan deal for Nasser Djiga, someone who joined Wolves for £10million not so long ago. With all this in mind, I expect a lot more business to be done at Rangers in the coming days and weeks. 6 Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
