It was 800m gold for Isabelle Boffey (coach: Luke Gunn, club: Enfield & Haringey), while there were a host of fourth and fifth places on an exciting third day of action at the European Athletics U23 Championships in Tallinn, Estonia.

Boffey won the 800m in some style, after going through at the bell in third place she made a decisive move to the front of the field down the backstraight and after that there was only ever one winner as she pushed on to another European title.

Boffey, who is on the British Athletics Futures Academy programme, now has the full set of age-group championship gold medals with today’s victory adding to her titles from the European U20s in 2019 and U18s in 2016.

The University of Birmingham student, who finished today’s race in 2:01.80, said, “I am buzzing. I showed that as I crossed the line. I have run 2:01 a few times this season and I really wanted to bring my best to the champs. I tried to stick to my plan, and I knew if I did that, I could secure the gold. I now want to get into some quick races to get these times down and get a time for next season’s championships.”

She added, “The middle distances in the UK just now is insane and I just need to train hard to get on their level next year.”

Khahisa Mhlanga (Mick Judd, Herts Phoenix) came in a strong fourth place in 2:04.05 overtaking three others in the home straight.  She was delighted with her performance, “I am pleased. It went out very quick, but I hung on in there and I managed to pick off a few in the last lap. I really enjoyed it.”

Shemar Boldizsar (Stephen David Loft, Harlow) was looking to retain his European U23 200m title, but in the final he could not match his exploits from 2019. As he approached the line, he was in contention for the bronze medal but there was a late shuffle in the placings as athletes dipped to the line, and he ultimately finished in sixth place in a time of 20.84 (0.3). Swiss athlete, William Reais, was a clear winner in a European U23 record of 20.47. 

Earlier in the day, Boldizsar had made no mistake qualifying from his semi-final in 21.28 (w-2.6). After the final he said, “It was a very fast race. I felt strong going into the final, but I just got taken in the last 10 metres. I think I was too tense in the race, but I will learn from that.”

In a 17-man 1500m final it was always going to be a tactical and scrappy affair, but the British pair of   George Mills (Jon Bigg, Brighton Phoenix) and Joshua Lay (Anthony Love, Rugby & Northampton) did well to negotiate the field to finish in fifth and eighth respectively.

Mills, the 2016 European U18 champion, battled through traffic in the closing stages to post a time of 3:40.91. He summarised post-race, "It was a super, messy race and you had to try and be patient and position yourself as best you could. Unfortunately, today that wasn’t possible and although I would have liked to finish in the medals after a couple of rough weeks with results in races, I am happy to come away with fifth here.”

Lay, who clocked a time of 3:41.29 said, “I am disappointed after executing well for the first 3 laps, and I got in good positions but then I let people come past on the backstraight and I was back in fourth by the 100m, but I didn’t have it in my legs today.”

Anna Purchase (Rob Careless, Notts) and Tara Simpson-Sullivan (Robert Halliwell, Wigan & District) finished fourth and fifth respectively in the women’s hammer final. 

Purchase, the Berkeley University student, throwing her second furthest ever with her second round of 65.11m was delighted with her performance, saying, “It has been a really hard year, so I am very proud today. I had to quarantine for 17 days after going to and fro from the US so to do this is really special.”

Simpson-Sullivan also achieved the longest throw of her series in round two with 64.84m but was left slightly disappointed after her final throw, which looked to have gone over 65m, just clipped the cage so was marked as a foul. 

She said, “I didn’t do too well in the qualification, so I was looking to do better today. But I am so pleased to be here and have my first GB vest.  Next year is going to be very competitive with lots of good girls coming through. The big goal is to be the second British woman over 70m.”

In the men’s 110m hurdles, co-captain Tade Ojora (Caryl Smith-Gilbert, Windsor Slough Eton and Hounslow) was just pipped into fourth place by one-hundredth of a second, finishing in 13.45 (-1.6) with Josh Zeller (Adrian Brown, Bracknell AC) coming home in sixth in a time of 13.76.

Ojora, the British Champion, “My start was good but towards the end I really started worrying about people each side of me instead of focusing on my own race which is upsetting. I didn’t come here for fourth, but I’ll be back.”

The women’s 100m hurdles final was another quick race on the fast Tallinn track with Anastasia Davies (John Blackie, Blackheath & Bromley) finishing in eighth place in 13.53 (-0.9).

In an extremely competitive men’s 400m hurdles final, the first five finishers all achieved personal bests including Alex Knibbs (Nick Dakin, Amber Valley & Erewash) who was fourth in a PB of 49.37, just three-tenths outside the medal places.

British champion, Alastair Chalmers (Matt Elias, Guernsey) finished sixth in a season best of 49.80, while the winner, Alessandro Sibilio of Italy, finished in a European U23 lead time of 48.42.

Knibbs, who improved upon his eighth place at the Euro U23s two years ago, said afterwards, “That race was fast. I am amazed with that PB. I gave it my best, so I am happy with a PB.”

The women’s 3000m steeplechase was run in very high temperatures with Sarah Tait (Linda Smith, Lasswade) and Elise Thorner (Wells City) keeping with the leading group with three laps to go. Unable to stay with that pace especially in the heat, the 20-year-old Scot, Tait finished in an excellent fifth in 10:04.53, while the Wells City athlete worked hard to cross the line in eighth in 10:12.41.

Even at 8pm in the evening it was still more than 30 degrees in the stadium for the men’s 5000m race. In the A race, Tom Mortimer (Christopher Brown, Stroud) ran a determined first 3k, taking it on after seven laps until German, Mohamed Mohumed took the lead and pushed the pace.

The Briton was closed down by Icelandic and Spanish pair, Magnusson and Las Heras just before the bell so Mortimer would finish the contest in fourth place in 13:48.67, which would stand after the B race.

He said, “Knowing there was another race I needed to take it on. I knew we needed to do sub-14. I was pleased Mohumed took it out, but I couldn’t handle it in the end.”

Isaac Akers (Bill Boyd, Crosby) finished tenth in the A race (adjusted to 13th overall after the second race) in 14:07.07. Unfortunately, Rory Leonard (Morpeth) retired after seven laps.

In the women’s 200m final, Kiah Dubarry-Gay (Clarence Callender, Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets) ran 23.32 (-0.4) from lane eight to finish fifth overall in her first European final. During the morning session she enjoyed a superb semi-final to achieve a PB of 23.29 (-1.3) and ensure her final place.

Running in the second semi-final earlier in the day, Georgina Adam (Joe McDonnell, Loughborough Students) had a long wait to see if her 23.57 (-1.2) would be sufficient to advance as a fastest non-auto qualifier but with a very fast final heat it was not be. 

Earlier this morning, Lucy Hadaway (Matt Barton, City of York) secured her place in Sunday’s long jump final with a leap of 6.48m in the third and final round which gave her automatic qualification and the second longest jump from both qualification groups. 

Afterwards she said, “It was a very early start so it took me a couple of rounds, but I don’t feel too tired after it and I feel I can go bigger in the final. Each jump today can be improved on technically, so I am confident tomorrow.”

The European Athletics Under 23 Championships runs from 8 to 11 July in Tallinn, Estonia.  It will be streamed live on the European Athletics website with events getting underway at 7:40am BST on Sunday.

Results:https://tallinn21-u23results.european-athletics.com/en/results/athletics/daily-schedule.htm

British team medals:

GOLD (2): 

Jeremiah Azu – Men’s 100m

Isabelle Boffey – Women’s 800m

BRONZE (2):

Kristal Awuah – Women’s 100m

Holly Mills – Women’s Heptathlon

Boxer Chris Eubank's son Sebastian has died days before his 30th birthday, his father's representatives have said.

Sebastian had followed his father's footsteps and become a professional boxer. The British middleweight Eubank Snr said he and his family were "devastated" to hear of his son's death in Dubai, where he lived.

And Chris Eubank Jnr tweeted: "Sorry I wasn't there to watch your back like a big brother's supposed to." Sebastian, the third-eldest of Eubank Snr's children, leaves behind his wife Salma and son Raheem who was born a month ago, Eubank Snr said.

It was reported that Sebastian had been found dead on the beach after drowning. In a statement, Eubank Snr, who held the WBO middleweight and super-middleweight titles between 1990 and 1995, said: "Sebastian grew up in Hove in England but in the last few years made his life in Dubai where he had a wide circle of friends and was a leader in the adoption of a healthy lifestyle and of alternative therapies.

"As well as being a personal trainer and professional boxer, Sebastian was also a deep thinker who liked to challenge accepted wisdom. He was loved and respected by all who knew him and will be forever in the thoughts of friends and family. As a family we now kindly ask to be given space and privacy to celebrate his life and remember the son, the brother, the husband, the friend."

Sebastian's mother Karron Meadows said: "Our whole family is grieving at the huge loss of our son and brother, Sebastian." And in a series of emotional tweets, Sebastian's brother, Eubank Jnr, wrote: "I haven't cried since I was 12 years old… yesterday I cried the whole day.

"Can't believe you're really gone man but you'll always be in my heart, mind and spirit." He added Sebastian would live on "through your beautiful new born son and I will treat him like my own".

Former world boxing champion Joe Calzaghe and the YouTuber and boxer KSI were among those to pay tribute to Sebastian. "Really Saddened to hear the news of the passing of Seb Eubank,” Calzaghe said.

“Thoughts and Prayers to Chris and family." Sebastian's promoters and agents, Kalle and Nisse Sauerland, described him as a "true gentleman and a sincere human being". Promoter Eddie Hearn added: "So saddened by the news of the passing of Seb Eubank. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."

As Italy take on England in the UEFA Euro 2020 final, at Wembley Stadium, the 33-game unbeatable Azzurri (33 games) come face-to face with the Three Lions – who, themselves, have only conceded once throughout the whole tournament.

Have met on 27 previous occasions the 4-times World Cup winners hold the edges in the head-to-head meetings - Italy with ten victories to England's eight. With very little to separate them again when they reconvene for tonight’s, after two epic semi-finals, London now hosts a decider which, for the first time in the competition’s history, will feature the host. After hurdled Germany, Ukraine and, in extra time, Denmark to earn their chance to end ‘55 years of hurt,’ Italy, who beat Spain on penalties in their own thrilling semi-final, are looking to lift the trophy for the first time since their only previous success – in 1968.

They (Italy) didn’t even qualify for the 2018 World Cup, in Russia, but are more than ready for what promises to be an epic encounter of two of the most refreshing, entertaining and passionate teams who both are deserved of their respective positions as the two best teams in what has been an ‘epic’ Euro 2020 – despite their, and the competition it self’s myriad of complications (some of which, mainly, i.e. the weirdly distanced venue that only some had to undertake) this, the zenith of a month of continent-wide encounters is set to be the best yet.  

The Queen recalled the 1966 World Cup victory as she wished the England team well saying that she hoped that history would record the team's success but also the spirit, commitment and pride with which you have conducted yourselves. The monarch said she had seen what it meant to the players to win a major tournament 55 years ago.

Her Royal Highnesses’ message reads: “Fifty-five years ago I was fortunate to present the World Cup to Bobby Moore and saw what it meant to the players, management and support staff to reach and win the final of a major international football tournament.

“I want to send my congratulations and that of my family to you all on reaching the final of the European Championships, and send my good wishes for the game, with the hope that history will record not only your success but also the spirit, commitment and pride with which you have conducted yourselves.”

Southgate responded, saying: "It has been fantastic to have the letter from the Queen and the prime minister to all of the team - and the recognition the players have gone about this in the right way. But we're in a final and we're here to win. Now we want to go and bring the trophy home."

So, for Southgate and Mancini, Sterling and Jorginho, Kane and Di Lorenzo, and the rest, all is set for a showdown that will captivate two of football’s most passionate, adoring, and demanding of fans for this – a final deserved of its elevated stature.

As a footnote, UEFA has fined the English FA following incidents during the country’s win over Denmark after television pictures showed a green light on Danish keeper Jasper Schmeichel's face just before Harry Kane took an extra-time penalty.

The Football Association has been fined 30,000 euros (£26,600) for three incidents during the tie including a laser pointer being shone at the Leicester City keeper’s face. The FA and UEFA officials searched for the source of the laser pointer when they were first made aware of it being used during the first half of extra time. However, they were unable to find those responsible.

Italy v. England kicks-off at 20:00 (GMT).

The Hungaroring, home of the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix, is thrilled to welcome fans back for the first time since 2019 when the pinnacle of motorsport arrives in Budapest on the weekend of July 30^th – August 1^st, 2021.

Having hosted a race behind closed doors in 2020 – helping to successfully kickstart F1’s delayed, Covid-affected season in the process – the famous circuit on the outskirts of Budapest is now ready to open its gates again in a move that is sure to delight sports fans around the world.

Indeed, with less than one month to go, the Promoter of one of the most popular and established races on the F1 calendar is calling on all EU fans to get their tickets for the final race before the F1 summer break now; with all ticketholders from the block simply needing to provide an EU Green Pass - the newly launched digital Covid certificate which facilitates free movement for EU citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic within the European Union – to gain entry to the  2021 Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix.

In order to ensure a safe event for all attendees, the traditional Pit Lane Walk for fans will not take place this year, while the post-race ‘podium rush’ will also not be permitted, with fans asked to celebrate the winners from the stands.

In addition to being able to attend the F1 race weekend, fans with the Green Pass will also be entitled to move about freely in Budapest and enjoy the many amazing restaurants, bars and cultural landmarks this stunning city has to offer.

As of 7^th July, 5.51 million people in Hungary had received their first Covid-19 vaccination (and more than 4 million people had received both), which means Hungary is the country in the EU with the second-highest vaccination rate and one of the safest travel destinations in the current climate.

The success of its vaccination roll-out has already seen Budapest play host to four spectacular EURO 2020 football matches, which saw the full capacity Ferenc Puskás stadium cheer the national team on in their games against Portugal & France, as well as host the action-packed group game between Portugal & France and the Round of 16 tie between the Czech Republic & Holland.

It’s safe to say that Dutch fans will be hoping for a better outcome than their national football team experienced in Budapest when their hero Max Verstappen lines up on the Hungaroring grid on August 1^st.  The young superstar has opened up a commanding 32-point lead over his rival – and 7-time World Champion – Lewis Hamilton, which guarantees that he will enter the race in Hungary top of the driver charts, irrespective of what happens at next week’s British Grand Prix in Silverstone.

It will therefore be a race of huge significance for the Dutch icon - and his thousands of adoring fans - as he will be aiming to extend his lead going into F1’s traditional summer break. With ease of access assured, there is every reason for Dutch fans to start booking their race weekend in Budapest now and support the Red Bull ace from the grandstands with their usual orange-fuelled passion.

In what is already shaping up to be one of the most closely fought title battles in F1’s recent history, there is no better time to get your ticket and join the greatest drivers on the planet as they battle it out at the famous Hungaroring.

Sport is nothing without fans and the Hungaroring can’t wait to welcome you back to the 2021 Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix for one of the biggest and best sporting experiences of the year.

Former England striker Paul Mariner, who won the FA Cup and UEFA Cup with Ipswich Town, has died aged 68.

Mariner began his league career at Plymouth Argyle and also played for Arsenal and Portsmouth. He made 35 appearances for England, scoring 13 goals.

"We regretfully inform you that Paul passed away peacefully on 9 July surrounded by his family, after a brief battle with brain cancer," said a statement from Mariner's family. "We would like to thank all the people who came to see him through his illness for their support and the messages that were sent to him; they meant a great deal to him and us.

"A special thank you must go to the NHS and the unbelievable care that he received when he most needed it and for that we, as a family, will be forever in your debt. Paul lived a full life and was fortunate enough to represent a group of fantastic football clubs as well as his country, all of which meant the world to him.

"Anyone who knew Paul will attest to his fantastic sense of humour, his passion for life and his work. He will be sorely missed by everyone who was ever around him and by those most close to him."

Lancashire-born Mariner made 155 appearances and scored 61 goals for Plymouth, who signed him from non-league Chorley in 1973. He moved to Ipswich in 1976 and was part of the side who won the FA Cup in 1978 and UEFA Cup in 1981 under manager Sir Bobby Robson.

He scored 135 goals in 339 appearances for the Portman Road side before joining Arsenal in 1984. He joined Portsmouth two years later and finished his playing career in the United States.

Making his England debut in 1977 and playing at the 1982 World Cup, Mariner also had spells as manager of Plymouth and Major League Soccer side Toronto FC. "The Argyle family is devastated to learn of the passing of legendary former striker and manager, Paul Mariner," said the Pilgrims.

Ipswich Town inducted Mariner into the club's hall of fame in 2011. The club’s chief executive, Mark Ashton, said: "It's incredibly sad news and the thoughts of everyone at the club are with Paul's family and friends at this very difficult time."

He was 68.

The Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) - Promoter of the 2021 Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – was delighted to welcome a selection of the region’s key sports, news & lifestyle media to the site of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, as the newest venue on the F1 calendar nears completion ahead of the inaugural F1 race weekend in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia later this year.

With just 5 months until the greatest drivers in the world land in Jeddah for the first ever 2021 Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the lucky group of media were treated to an exclusive tour of the newest track in F1 – idyllically located on the banks of the stunning Red Sea - by HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF).

Featuring no less than 27 corners, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit stretches to 6.175km in length, making it the longest street circuit in the sport. Moreover, with average speeds expected to reach at least 250km/h, the newest addition to the pinnacle of motorsport is due to establish itself as the fastest street circuit on the planet and in the top 5 fastest F1 circuits altogether.

During the tour, media were given exclusive access to the various sectors of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit that already mark it out as the most hotly anticipated new track on the F1 calendar, including the site of the futuristic 280m-long, four-storey, cutting-edge Pit Building - due to be finalised by October - that will become one of the most unique and innovative structures of its kind, guaranteeing spectacular views of the racing action as well as of the breath-taking Jeddah waterfront.

Furthermore, media were able to inspect the spectacular 12-degree bank at Turn 13 that is currently under construction, providing a tantalising glimpse of the near-future when the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen will take on this remarkable section of the track in their battle for F1 supremacy. They also got to examine progress at the rapid, DRS-enabled, sweeping stretch that follows the exit from T23, where cars are expected to hit speeds of 322km/h as they head into the crucial final turn of the lap (T27), as well as the beautiful, state-of-the-art Media Island, where the world's press will cover the race from and which looks directly on to this spectacular high-speed section of the circuit. 

Developed in partnership by Tilke Engineers and F1’s own Motorsports Division, the circuit design has made strong use of the long, sweeping roads along the Corniche area, utilising this feature and existing roads as much as possible along the narrow stretch of coastal land, resulting in one of the most unique and challenging circuits yet to feature in Formula 1. 

An atypical street circuit, fast flowing with high speed esses and chicanes as well as long full throttle sections, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit is designed to deliver spectacular racing and is sure to generate huge excitement for F1 fans around the world and pose a stern examination of the drivers' strength and skills.

Speaking after the tour, HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) said: “We were delighted to invite our friends from the media to the site of the newest street circuit in Formula 1 to witness for themselves the progress that has been made since we first broke ground in March. It is incredibly exciting to consider that in 5 months we will see the greatest drivers in the world race here under the lights on what will become the fastest street circuit on the planet.

“It is my sincere hope that this tour has enabled our media guests to see just how much combined effort and planning from our highly educated, talented and diverse workforce is going into the construction of this world-class racing venue and that it will help them experience the same level of anticipation and excitement as we are ahead of the arrival of the pinnacle of motorsport in Jeddah in a few months’ time.

“This modern, exhilarating and high-speed circuit stands as a physical representation of the goals we have set for ourselves as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 programme that aims to build a better country, fulfil our nation’s dream of prosperity and unlock the talent, potential, and dedication of our young men and women. We can’t wait to see this magnificent track come to life to the beautiful sound of roaring engines and passionate fans in December.”