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A two-thirds full Wembley stadium saw England reach their first competition final since 1966 as Gareth Southgate’s young Lions roared relentlessly to face Italy in Sunday’s Euro 2020 climax – the likes of which has, for this, and, indeed, many of the previous generation has never witnessed before.

From Sterling to Pickford, Phillips to Shaw, and every player with the Three Lines on their shirt last night, the victory over an overwhelmed Denmark team was something to behold…and then some.

As people gathered in living rooms, pubs, fan zones and around the wireless, this uniquely special night was just that – very, very special.

With social distancing rules meaning that up to six people from six households, or two households of any size, were able to sit together inside or 30 out, this was the perfect ‘fillip’ for a nation that has gone through so much in the last 15 months.

A brave Denmark provided stern opposition for the home nation, so, for Southgate’s Young Lions, this time, it was tears of joy after generations jeers of being emotionally destroyed by expectation.

Following the 2-1 extra-time win, which secured England’s place in Sunday’s Euros final for the first time ever, a joyful England boss Gareth Southgate said: "I’m so proud of the players. It's an incredible occasion to be a part of.

“We knew it wouldn’t be straightforward. The game in Rome was straightforward. We said to the players we have to show resilience and come back after setbacks and we did that.

"I felt we’d get there but I knew we’d have a different sort of battle. Denmark are so underrated as a team and they caused us a lot of troubles. When you’ve waited as long as we have to get through a semi-final, the players - considering the limited international experience some of them have - have done an incredible job.

"The most pleasing thing is we've given the fans and nation a fantastic night and the journey carries on for another four days. We suffered in Moscow on a night like this and we've managed to put that right.”

England forward Raheem Sterling said: "It was a top performance. We had to dig in deep. It was the first time we conceded but we responded well and showed good spirit. We knew it would be difficult. We stayed patient and we knew the legs and aggressiveness we have in the team we'd be okay.

"It's another step in the right direction. We have to focus on the weekend now. It's step-by-step. We know what football means to this country.

“The energy, the atmosphere...It was top. Now we have Italy. We will celebrate a little bit then focus on Italy."

"Finals are there to be won,” Southgate added. “It's taken a lot physically and mentally. Italy, too, have had that."

Fans are being urged to enjoy the Euro 2020 semi-finals safely – including England’s massive game with Denmark today – amid rapidly rising Covid-19 infection rates in some areas.

Latest figures show there were 203.1 new cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people in Wolverhampton over the seven days to 4 July. That means 534 people in the city tested positive for the virus in that seven day period – though the true number of new cases will likely be higher.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Covid-19 is spreading rapidly, and while the rollout of the vaccine is helping to keep hospitalisations low, we must carry on doing everything we can to stop the transmission of the virus.

"So if you are planning on meeting up with others this week, either to watch the Euro 2020 semi-finals or for any other sort of get together, please exercise caution. Follow the Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air guidance, limit your contact with others and don’t forget to take a free rapid test beforehand to reassure yourself, and the people you are meeting with, that you don't have Covid-19."

Rules remain in place limiting the number of people who can mix indoors – up to six individuals, or two households. Pubs, bars and restaurants must operate within capacity limits, venues must only offer table service and customers should wear a face covering except when seated at a table to eat or drink, unless they are exempt for medical reasons.

Supt Simon Inglis of Wolverhampton Police said: “I would like to thank the community for all of their positive actions over the last few weeks, especially during the England games.

“We have seen very little disorder and high levels of compliance with the restrictions around distancing and the wearing of face coverings. Our ask is for this to continue please in order that we can keep pubs and restaurants open and people can enjoy the nightlife – and hopefully the football – in the safest way possible.

“It would be a shame to lose this really positive momentum now that we are so close to the restrictions being lifted. If pubs don’t ensure compliance with the rules they could face fines or possible closure – something we do not want to see.

“So please, continue to enjoy the football and the nightlife in the way you have been doing so far and hopefully you, the local economy and the England football team will all be cheering come Sunday night.”

A further 43 athletes have been added to the British team for the European Athletics U20 Championships which will take place in Tallinn, Estonia between the 15-18 July, adding to the 22 athletes selected last month, bringing the team total size to 65.

Among them are Charlie Carvell and Brodie Young who will join Edward Faulds in the men’s 400m. Faulds won the trial so confirmed his selection last month and will be joined by the pair in both the individual and 4x400m relay.

Carvell, third at the trials last month, has clocked a best of 46.64 this year to top the UK U20 rankings, while Young has posted a time of 46.85 which he ran on his way to second place at the trials. In the European U20 rankings, Carvell is ranked fifth, with Faulds in sixth and Young in eighth.

In the men’s 1500m, Kane Elliot and Henry McLuckie are ranked third and fourth in the European U20 rankings so far this year, so have earned the call-up to the British team alongside Joe Ewing. Elliot moved to fifth on the UK U20 all-time list with a time of 3:40.65 at Sportcity in May.

Eleanor Colbourn and Stephanie Moss are ranked seventh and eighth in Europe in the women’s 800m, and they will compete for a British team for the first time.

Ethan Hussey leads the names in the men’s 800m and sits fourth in the current European rankings – third without the injured Max Burgin in action. Henry Johnson and Daniel Joyce will also compete in the event.

In the field, Zara Obamakinwa and Taia Tunstall join the previously selected Samantha Callaway in the women’s discus. Tunstall has thrown a PB of 51.01m at a meet in Loughborough earlier this year, while Obamakinwa holds a career best of 51.69m from 2020.

Team Leader, Trevor Painter, said, “The European Athletics U20 Championships are an important opportunity for these athletes as they continue their development through the pathway. We have picked a strong team who will be looking to step up as they take on the best in Europe, so I look forward to seeing how they perform next week.”

The full British team for the European Athletics U20 Championships, Tallinn, Estonia (athletes selected in the second wave are highlighted in blue):

Women:

100m:

Joy Eze (Michael Donnelly, Gateshead)

Aleeya Sibbons (Coral Nourrice, Newham and Essex Beagles)

Eve Wright (Ryan Freckleton, Shaftesbury Barnet)

200m:

Success Eduan (Anita Richardson, Sale Harriers Manchester)

Sophie Walton (Trevor Williams, Horwich)

400m:

Mary John (Alan James, Woodford Green Essex Ladies)

800m:

Eleanor Colbourn (Joanne Day, Harrogate)

Stephanie Moss (Trevor Painter, Sale Harriers Manchester)

3000m:

Megan Keith (Ross Cairns, Inverness)

5000m:

Phoebe Anderson (Wayne Vinton, Herne Hill)

Alice Garner (Mick Woods, Aldershot Farnham and District)

Ellen Weir (Anne Hegvold, Hercules Wimbledon)

100m Hurdles:

Mallory Cluley (Lorna Boothe, Blackheath and Bromley)

Lily Parris (Julie Benterman, Chelmsford)

Pole Vault:

Sophie Ashurst (Andy Ashurst, Sale Harriers Manchester)

Gemma Tutton (Richard Pilling, Lewes)

Long Jump:

Funmi Olajide (Geraldine Heapy, Thurrock)

Triple Jump:

Temi Ojora (Nick Newman, Windsor Slough Eton and Hounslow)

Shot Put:

Nana Gyedu (John Hillier, Blackheath and Bromley)

Discus:

Samantha Callaway (David Callaway, Newham and Essex Beagles)

Zara Obamakinwa (Mark Chapman, Blackheath and Bromley)

Taia Tunstall (Stuart Carlaw, Harrow)

Javelin:

Elizabeth Korczak (Bob Willows, Brighton and Hove)

Hammer:

Kirsty Costello (Chris Bennett, Kilbarchan)

Charlotte Payne (Paul Dickenson, Reading)

Heptathlon:

Abigail Pawlett (Joe Frost, Stockport T&F)

4x100m Relay:

Alyson Bell (Billy Glasgow, Giffnock North), Success Eduan (Anita Richardson, Sale Harriers Manchester), Joy Eze (Michael Donnelly, Gateshead), Trinity Powell (Kes Salmon, Manchester Harriers), Aleeya Sibbons (Coral Nourrice, Newham and Essex Beagles), Sophie Walton (Trevor Williams, Horwich) and Eve Wright (Ryan Freckleton, Shaftesbury Barnet)

Men:

100m:

Toby Makoyawo (Peter Griffiths, Windsor Slough Eton and Hounslow)

Jeriel Quainoo (Ryan Freckleton, Blackheath and Bromley)

Ethan Wiltshire (Jake Awe, Marshall Milton Keynes)

200m:

Louie Hinchliffe (Rudolph Paul Hohn, Sheffield and Dearne)

Jason Kalala (Nat Senior, Victoria Park and Tower Hamlets)

Derek Kinlock (Paul Weston, Croydon)

400m:

Charlie Carvell (Stuart Hamilton, Telford)

Edward Faulds (James Wright, Rugby and Northampton)

Brodie Young (James McMenemy, Airdrie Harriers)

800m:

Ethan Hussey (Andrew Henderson, Leeds)

Henry Johnson (Lynn Cooper, Houghton Harriers)

Daniel Joyce (Peter Venus, Tynedale)

1500m:

Kane Elliot (William Sharp, Falkirk)

Joe Ewing (Carol Sharp, Edinburgh)

Henry McLuckie (Geoff Watkin, Aldershot Farnham and District)

3000m:

Will Barnicoat (Windsor Slough Eton and Hounslow)

Alex Melloy (Mark Vile, Cambridge and Coleridge)

Duncan Robinson (Dudley Walker, Giffnock North)

5000m:

Alastair Marshall (Derek Easton, Central)

Osian Perrin (Andrew Walling, Menai)

3000m Steeplechase:

Alex Alston (Simon Goodwin, Bedford and County)

Kristian Imroth (Stephen Murphy, Shaftesbury Barnet)

110m Hurdles:

Joseph Harding (Laura Turner-Alleyne, Basildon)

400m Hurdles:

Adam Booth (Graeme Gourlay, Poole AC)

Pole Vault:

Lazurus Benjamin (Matt Cullen, Sale Harriers Manchester)

Reuben Nairne (Brian Donaldson, Glasgow City)

High Jump:

Sam Brereton (Fuzz Caan, Birchfield)

Dominic Ogbechie (Marius Guei, Highgate)

Long Jump:

Brad Davies-Pughe (Jake Awe, Shaftesbury Barnet)

Triple Jump:

Bera Ajala (John Scott, Edinburgh)

Daniel Falode (Guy Spencer, Cambridge Harriers)

Javelin:

Thomas Holmes (Mark Bradford, Andover)

4x100m Relay:

Joseph Harding (Laura Turner-Alleyne, Basildon), Jason Kalala (Nat Senior, Victoria Park and Tower Hamlets), Derek Kinlock (Paul Weston, Croydon), Toby Makoyawo (Peter Griffiths, Windsor Slough Eton and Hounslow), Henry Nwoke (Mike Sweeney, Liverpool), Jeriel Quainoo (Ryan Freckleton, Blackheath and Bromley) and Ethan Wiltshire (Jake Awe, Marshall Milton Keynes)

4x400m Relay:

Charlie Carvell (Stuart Hamilton, Telford), Alex Cooper (Grant Barker, Birchfield), Reuben Henry-Daire (Paul Herrington, Reading AC), Edward Faulds (James Wright, Rugby and Northampton), Samuel Reardon (Nigel Stickings, Blackheath and Bromley), Nabil Tezkratt (Gladys Bird, Woodford Green Essex Ladies) and Brodie Young (James McMenemy, Airdrie Harriers)

Katarina Johnson-Thompson will continue her comeback from injury when she takes on a world-class long jump line-up at the Müller British Grand Prix in Gateshead on Tuesday 13^th July. The world heptathlon champion takes on world long jump gold medallist Malaika Mihambo of Germany plus fellow Tokyo-bound Britons Jazmin Sawyers and Abigail Irozuru at the Wanda Diamond League meeting next week.

Johnson-Thompson’s preparations for the Olympics were interrupted a few months ago due to an Achilles injury but she returned to competition last week with a 1.84m high jump at a low-key meeting in France. In Gateshead she will face a more serious test as her preparations for the Tokyo Games gather pace when she faces Mihambo and the one-two at the recent Müller British Athletics Championships – Sawyers and Irozuru – in a contest that will feature the new ‘Final Three’ format.

Mihambo, 27, won the world title in Doha in 2019 with a jump of 7.30m and she has been in fine form this season with victory in the Wanda Diamond League in Oslo last week. At those same championships in Doha, Johnson-Thompson also enjoyed her finest moment so far by claiming global gold with a British heptathlon record of 6981.

Johnson-Thompson, 28, said: “Training has been going well and I’m so pleased to be competing at a big event like the Müller British Grand Prix. I’m really looking forward to being out there in front of a home crowd who always generate such a great atmosphere.”

The meeting on 13^th July is part of the Wanda Diamond League series and other entries so far include British star Dina Asher-Smith in the 200m. Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands will compete in the women’s mile and world record-holder Keni Harrison of the United States races in the 100m hurdles.

Johannes Vetter of Germany could give Jan Zelezny’s world record a scare in the javelin if conditions are good, while the women’s pole vault sees British record-holder Holly Bradshaw taking on Olympic champion Katerina Stefanidi, world indoor gold medallist Sandi Morris and world leader in 2021 Katie Nageotte.

Gateshead staged the first Wanda Diamond League event of 2021 in May after it was moved from Rabat in Morocco to the North East of England and now, on 13^th July, the same venue will host the seventh Diamond League of the season. The Müller British Grand Prix will be broadcast internationally from 7-9pm with BBC showing the action for domestic viewers from 6.30pm.

In light of the recent statement, report and review by the Home Sports Councils we at Sporting Equals wanted to highlight a few points we feel are important to reflect on. We have seen a definitive shift post the summer of 2020 Black Lives Matter protests regarding how society began to view and discuss race. This had impact across all walks of life and for organisations such as ours this marked a point in time where real progress in terms of introspection and intervention could finally begin. 

We witnessed many organisations reach out to us to engage in dialogue with people wanting to learn how they can be anti-racist to create truly equal and inclusive spaces. For our organisation it meant the beginning of many community consultations to inform and develop tangible interventions which we have worked to present, deliver and instil in sport in the UK. 

Sporting Equals wanted to take this opportunity to thank and support the Home Sports Councils in their recognition and dedication to resolving the historic issues of racism within sport in the UK. Their adoption and support towards our terminology work within their report, which highlights the need to retire outdated terminology such as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic 'BAME' and use specific terminology or where ethically justifiable the community supported phrases – ethnically diverse communities and diverse ethnic communities. This is significant for all the communities who have supported and informed our work on terminology, to have their views reflected in language changes to allow for respectful and relatable engagement. This is an important first step to our sector becoming an evolved and equal space for all. 
 

We really welcome the five common themes for action that have been reached as a result of the review undertaken. Similar themes were identified within our racism in sport survey, and we feel that Sporting Equals is uniquely placed to assist and enable the Home Sports Councils to achieve and deliver meaningful interventions. The five key areas that require meaningful reflection and commitment to change – the internal system of sport, representation, workforce, insight and investment. It is our sincere hope that with time the commitment to the agenda of racial equality and wider equality in sport does not waver and future actions which are yet to be determined, have a resonating impact for the communities we serve.
 

Throughout our time as the UK's leading sports racial equality charity, we have become all too familiar with the issues that have contributed to the systematic racism that the Home Sports Councils report acknowledges. Prior to the summer Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, we have been working to ensure that we have captured insight before mapping interventions and actions through the Sporting Equals Charter. We have also been working to improve issues around the lack of diversity in workforce and representation through our LeaderBoard Academy. This project enables individuals from ethnically diverse communities to develop their leadership skills and reflect on lived and learned experiences to become pragmatic yet empathetic and knowledgeably anti-racist board members who are more than capable and ready to influence the change outlined in the Home Sports Councils' report.

In the coming months Sporting Equals will be actively working with our Sport Monitoring Advisory Panel to develop and administer the Race Report Card. This initiative will enable us to spotlight key steps already being taken by bodies in the sport sector. As well as determine an accurate picture of the demographic landscape of decision making-roles, the workforce and talent which we feel will be valuable to assist informing future actions for the Home Sports Councils' post the Race in Sport Review. The issue of race and racism is a historic and systematic one which requires real focus, commitment and dedication. We are encouraged to see the reflection and dedication from the Home Sports Councils and hope that moving forward they will seek the support of experienced organisations who have been driving and leading the calls for change. That they engage with organisations across the UK who have appropriate expertise and a view from grassroot level right through to the boardroom to ensure that the committed actions have the real impact and consistency necessary for change. 
 

Sporting Equals look forward to seeing the tangible actions and outcomes from this initial review in addition to continuing to see how we can further work as a sector to measure, reflect and hold ourselves accountable in order to deliver better outcomes for the communities we serve. We are glad to see that the Home Sports Councils have sustained the momentum with this review and report, our sincere hope is that this will continue to inform and allow for real engagement and change.  

England produced a magnificent display as they thrashed Ukraine in Rome to set up a Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark at Wembley after Gareth Southgate's victory over Germany in the last 16 by producing a performance of composure and the highest quality to continue their impressive progress in this tournament.

Ukraine barely threatened and England were on their way to a second successive semi-final when Harry Kane followed up his goal against Germany by poking home a superb pass from Raheem Sterling after only four minutes.

Defender, Harry Maguire, then powered home a header from Luke Shaw's free-kick seconds after the break. Full-back Luke Shaw was the creator once more four minutes later with a perfect cross that was headed in from six yards by Kane.

An impressive England overpowered Ukraine with substitute Jordan Henderson getting the fourth goal when he arrived with perfect timing to head in Mason Mount's corner. To add to Southgate's satisfaction, they kept their fifth successive clean sheet to maintain their record of not conceding a goal at Euro 2020.

Southgate's faith was rewarded when Kane got off the mark with England's crucial second in the 2-0 win over Germany. It was the catalyst for the real Kane to come alive in the tournament - and he punished Ukraine in trademark style by pouncing for his first, then rising to power in a second goal - and almost completed a hat-trick with a left-foot volley that was turned on to the post by Ukraine keeper Georgi Bushchan.

On social media, midfielder Henderson wrote; ‘Means everything to get on the scoresheet for my country! In a Euros quarter-final is even better. Lads were outstanding. Full focus on the semis!’

Former England striker and pundit Alan Shearer wrote; ‘When you consider the amount of football some of these players have played over a long season they had, to still have this energy and attitude they had [towards the end of the game].. they are still in tune and still trying to press and win that ball back. It is such a positive for England.’

Denmark's emotional Euro 2020 campaign continued as they marched on to the semi-finals courtesy of a victory over the Czech Republic in Baku earlier. After the game, Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand said he felt his squad will have Eriksen in their thoughts when they take on England.

"I definitely feel it," he said. "The whole world of football understood that second, and the days after, the fundamental things in life and in football, the fundamental values of football came through right at that moment.

"I am still thinking of Christian every single day. He should have been here."

England and Denmark will now meet in the last four at Wembley on Wednesday.

Trayvon Bromell, the fastest man in the world this year, is part of a mouth-watering men’s 100m field at the Müller British Grand Prix in Gateshead on Tuesday 13^th July. The 25-year-old holds the world-leading mark for 100m in 2021 with 9.76 and he recently won the US Olympic trials in style.

But at the Wanda Diamond League meeting in North East England in less than a fortnight he takes on Olympic bronze medallist Andre De Grasse of Canada plus British athletes Adam Gemili, CJ Ujah, Zharnel Hughes and Reece Prescod. The power-packed line-up also includes Fred Kerley, who ran 9.86 for third place behind winner Bromell at the US Olympic trials last month.

Bromell said: “I am really enjoying my season so far and looking forward to racing 100 metres at the Müller British Grand Prix on 13^th July. I remember running in northern England at a street athletics event in Manchester five years ago and the support was great from the fans so I am hoping there will be similar atmosphere in Gateshead.” Back in 2016 Bromell won the world indoor 60m title and was touted as a successor to Usain Bolt, but injury struck and he spent time on the side-lines before rediscovering his form this year with a streak of victories and fast times.

De Grasse will prove tough opposition, though. The 26-year-old took silver behind Bolt in the 200m at the Rio Olympics and won 100m and 4x100m bronze at those Games as well, whereas he has been in fine form in 2021.

British sprinters will have home support, though. Gemili won the national 200m title last weekend and he said: “After the Müller British Athletics Championships in Manchester I’m looking forward to racing in front of a home crowd again, this time over 100 metres in Gateshead.

“It will be good to test myself against some of the best sprinters in the world too on the eve of the Olympic Games.” Such is Gemili’s ability, he has broken 10 seconds for 100m and 20 seconds for 200m and finished fourth in the Olympic 200m final.

Ujah, meanwhile, won the British 100m title last weekend and he has a best of 9.96, whereas Hughes is the European 100m champion and his best is 9.91. They are all on their way to the Olympics as well after being named in the British squad this week.

In addition, Prescod is part of Team GB in Tokyo and after a spell of injuries he is hoping to return to the kind of form that saw him run 9.94 for 100m in 2018. Elsewhere, British star Dina Asher-Smith will be racing over 200m in Gateshead while Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands will compete in the women’s mile.

Johannes Vetter of Germany could give Jan Zelezny’s world record a scare in the javelin if conditions are good, while the women’s pole vault sees British record-holder Holly Bradshaw taking on Olympic champion Katerina Stefanidi, world outdoor champion Anzhelika Sidorova, world indoor gold medallist Sandi Morris and world leader in 2021 Katie Nageotte. Gateshead staged the first Wanda Diamond League event of 2021 in May after it was moved from Rabat in Morocco to the North East of England and now, on 13^th July, the same venue will host the seventh Diamond League of the season.

UK Athletics has started the recruitment process to appoint a successor to Nic Coward as non-executive Chair.

The new Chair will join the governing body of the nation’s leading Olympic and Paralympic sport after the Tokyo Olympics, at an exciting time for the whole sport in the UK, implementing the new strategy to 2032.

Applications close on Monday 6 September, with interviews in person on Thursday 16 September and second interviews on Tuesday 21 September in London. Details are at careers.ukathletics.org.uk

Nic joined as Interim CEO in January 2020, with the task of stabilising the organisation after a period of turmoil and starting the necessary transformation process.  He agreed to then become Chair when Joanna Coates joined as CEO in March 2020.

Together they have led the organisation through a considerable period of change, during the pandemic and the postponement of Tokyo 2020, delivering a new sport-wide strategy “Athletics Unified” in collaboration with the Home Country Athletics Federations, a new-look board reflecting the diversity of the sport, new executive leadership team following a restructure, and UK Athletics’ own Operational Plan to deliver its responsibilities under Athletics Unified to be launched on 13 July 2021 after a broad consultation process.  The changes made include a significantly enhanced approach to Standards and Safeguarding.

Having agreed to continue as Chair until after Tokyo, Nic will stay involved to enable a handover to the new Chair.

New research from leading mobile reseller Buymobiles has ranked 28 of the UK’s major cities based on a number of metrics to determine the best places to watch the European Football Championship this summer, as England march on to the quarter-finals.

The data reveals that Manchester is the best place in the UK to watch the Euros, with the best average score based on phone signal, the average cost of a pint, the number of venues, venue ratings, sun hours and a ‘footy-mad’ rating – determined by Google Trends.

Ranking second place is Liverpool, which makes the North West the place to be for the ultimate viewing experience. Edinburgh, Newcastle and Glasgow made up the top five followed by Leeds, Belfast and Southampton. 

Aberdeen was next on the list meaning Scotland can boast three cities in the top ten with Yorkshire duo Sheffield and York ranked closely behind. London, the UK’s capital, ranked low, taking twelfth place despite having one of the best football-mad ratings and the biggest population by a considerable distance. 

Unfortunately, London had the highest average cost of a pint when compared to 27 other cities.

Other locations that scored low include Birmingham, which was just behind the capital, and Bristol coming in at twenty-first of the twenty-eight cities analysed. This is despite both cities having more than one football club and having a higher population than the vast majority on the list. 

Welsh Capital Cardiff also found itself ranking in the lower echelons, placing in twenty-third, followed by Portsmouth, Sunderland, Coventry and Plymouth. This leaves Swansea as the worst place in the UK to watch the championship, due to a lack of venues, poorer venue ratings and a comparatively low amount of sun hours. 

Jess Canning, Mobile Expert at Buymobiles said on the new research: “We’ve missed so much live entertainment as a result of the pandemic, and the Euros is a fantastic start to some normality returning. Whilst we know every fan will make the best of this tournament, whatever city they watch the games in, it’s a great conversation starter for the group football chat. 

“Afterall, what more could you need while watching the Euros than sunshine, a cheap pint and a good strong signal on your mobile to stay connected while you celebrate. None of us expected London to rank outside the top ten given its size and number of venues, but perhaps not so surprisingly, the average cost of a pint let the capital down as it was the highest on the list. 

“Likewise, with some of the bigger cities like Birmingham and Bristol, which we thought would come in the top ten.”

Namibian teenager Christine Mboma - who just broke the 30-year-old world 400m Under-20s record - is out of the event at the Olympics after being found to have naturally-occurring testosterone levels beyond those specified by World Athletics.

The time set by 18-year-old Mboma in the Polish city of Bydgoszcz was the seventh-fastest 400m run by a woman of all time - and suggested she was a prime candidate for gold in the event at Tokyo. But Namibia's national Olympic committee (NNOC-CGA) has now confirmed both sprinters are unable to run the distance in Tokyo because of World Athletics rules on "Athletes with Differences of Sexual Development", or DSD, following testing conducted by the global body.

"It is important to understand that both our athletes were not aware of this condition," the NNOC-CGA said in a statement. "Neither did any family member, their coach or the NNOC-CGA." Mboma had enjoyed a remarkable year, breaking a series of personal bests, national, continental and global records over 400m.

Her time of 48.54 - nearly nine-tenths faster than the mark youth set by East German athlete Gritt Breur in 1991 - was so fast that she was suddenly a possible contender for an Olympic medal, especially after a week in which one main rival, Bahrain's Salwa Eid Naser, was banned for two years for breaching anti-doping rules. But Mboma's ever-improving displays caught the attention of World Athletics (WA), who requested preliminary medical assessments, conducted in Namibia.

Further tests were carried out this week with both Mboma and Masilingi at the duo's training camp in the Italian capital Rome, the results of which ‘indicated that both athletes have a natural high testosterone level’. "The NNOC-CGA and our medical officer are in close contact with (the) medical officer of World Athletics with regards to the way forward in the interests of our two sprinters," said the NNOC-CGA.

"We will analyse all information. We are positive on their future as elite athletes. Both Christine and Beatrice will be able to compete in the 100m and 200m events. "Their coach is positive to continue working with the girls on those events while we are consolidating on the way forward."

Both Mboma and Masilingi will be competing in their first Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, when the Games take place between 23 July and 8 August. World Athletics bars athletes classified as DSD from competing in any distance between 400m and the mile in the female category unless they artificially reduce their testosterone levels, which the global body claims give the runners an unfair advantage.

WA says testosterone can boost endurance and muscle mass, among other effects, and that DSD rules are needed to "ensure fair and meaningful competition within the female classification". Athletes can reduce levels by taking specific drugs or having surgery - although that option is discouraged - with one DSD athlete, Margaret Wambui, having recently called for a third category of athletics to be introduced to allow those with naturally high testosterone to contest their preferred event.

The Kenyan is one of three women, all of whom took 800m medals at the 2016 Olympics, who have since been barred from contesting the distance because of their classification, with gold medallist Caster Semenya of South Africa and Burundi's Francine Niyonsabo the others. Semenya is currently fighting World Athletics' testosterone rules at the European Court of Human Rights, in what is considered a final bid to be able to contest her favoured distance.

The 30-year-old failed to qualify for the Olympics after failing to run fast enough in the 5,000m, with the two-time Olympic champion having chosen a longer distance even than a sprint. "The ban doesn't make sense at all," she said afterwards. "I'll keep fighting for my rights."

54 athletes have been named in a strong team for the European Under 23 Championships taking place between the 8-11 July in Tallinn, Estonia.

Five athletes ranked in the top three of the 2021 European U23 rankings have been selected, while one reigning champion returns to the fold at the Championships.

Currently second in the European U23 rankings in the women’s 100m, Kristal Awuah will line up for the British team in the short sprint and 4x100m relay.

Erin Wallace, who is third in the European U23 1500m rankings, won silver in the event at the Müller British Athletics Championships at the weekend. She is in good form with a PB of 4:08.10 earlier this month at the BMC Grand Prix in Watford.

Eleanor Bolton [women’s 10,000m], George Mills [men’s 1500m] and Tom Mortimer [men’s 5000m] are all ranked third in Europe in their respective events this year.

Looking to retain his European U23 200m title will be Shemar Boldizsar. He was victorious at the trials at the England Athletics U23 Championships recently to guarantee his spot on the team. Jona Efoloko joins Boldizsar in the 200m field.

The men’s 400m hurdles see the gold and silver medallists from the Müller British Athletics Championships, Alastair Chalmers and Alex Knibbs in the team. The former retained his title while Knibbs continued his impressive early season form in second place following a personal best of 49.82 earlier this month in Belgium. 

The women’s field events see two British champions taking their spots on the team. Bekah Walton in the javelin and Tara Simpson-Sullivan in the hammer throw. Walton threw a PB of 54.03m to be crowned champion at the weekend. Meanwhile British number one Simpson-Sullivan, who improved her personal best to 68.91m in April, is also ranked fourth in the European U23 ranking this year.

Michael Afilaka, Team Leader, said: “I am very pleased that we have been able to select such a strong team to go to Tallinn. There were some impressive performances from the athletes at the age-group Championships in Bedford and the British Championships this weekend which sets us up well for the Europeans. The team has a good mix of experience and developing talent and I am looking forward to some great competition out in Tallinn.”

The British team for the European U23 Championships:

Women

100m

Kristal Awuah (Matthew Thomas, Herne Hill)

Alisha Rees (Leon Baptiste, Edinburgh AC)

200m

Georgina Adam (Joe McDonnell, Loughborough Students)

Amber Anning (Brighton & Hove)

Kiah Dubarry-Gay (Clarence Callender, Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets)

400m

Yasmin Liverpool (Stewart Marshall, Coventry)

800m

Izzy Boffey (Luke Gunn, Enfield & Haringey)

Khahsia Mhlanga (Mick Judd, Herts Phoenix)

1500m

Erin Wallace (Andy Young, Giffnock North)

5000m

Eleanor Bolton (Ribble Valley Harriers)

Izzy Fry (Mick Woods, Newbury)

10000m

Eleanor Bolton (Ribble Valley Harriers)

100m Hurdles

Jenna Blundell (Toni Minichiello, Bristol & West)

Anastasia Dawes (John Blackie, Blackheath & Bromley)

400m Hurdles

Zoe Pollock (Nick Dakin, Oxford City)

3000m Steeplechase

Sarah Tait (Linda Smith, Lasswade)

Elise Thorner (Wells City)

Pole Vault

Molly Caudrey (Stuart Caudery, Thames Valley)

Long Jump

Lucy Hadaway (Matt Barton, City of York)

Javelin

Bekah Walton (David Turner, Blackheath & Bromley)

Hammer

Anna Purchase (Rob Careless, Notts)

Tara Simpson-Sullivan (Robert Halliwell, Wigan & District)

Heptathlon

Holly Mills (Laura Turner-Alleyne, Andover)

Jade O’Dowda (Toni Minichiello, Newham & Essex Beagles)

Jodie Smith (Laura Turner-Alleyne, Windsor, Slough, Eton & Hounslow)

4 x 100m Relay

Georgina Adam (Joe McDonnell, Loughborough Students)

Kristal Awuah (Matthew Thomas, Herne Hill)

Ellie Booker (Lewis Samuel, Rotherham)

Kiah Dubarry-Gay (Clarence Callender, Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets)

Cassie-Ann Pemberton (Sharon Morris, Birchfield Harriers)

Alisha Rees (Leon Baptiste, Edinburgh AC)

4x 400m Relay

Amber Anning (Brighton & Hove)

Izzy Boffey (Luke Gunn, Enfield & Haringey)

Hannah Kelly (Les Hall, Bolton)

Yasmin Liverpool (Stewart Marshall, Coventry)

Zoe Pollock (Nick Dakin, Oxford City)

Men

100m

Dominic Ashwell (Marvin Rowe, Shaftesbury Barnet)

Jeremiah Azu (Helen Patricia James, Cardiff)

Brandon Mingeli (Ryan Freckleton, Cambridge Harriers)

200m

Shemar Boldizsar (Stephen David Loft, Harlow)

Jona Efoloko (Clarence Callender, Sale Harriers Manchester)

400m

Joe Brier (Matt Elias, Swansea)

Alex Haydock-Wilson (Michael Baker, Windsor Slough Eton and Hounslow)

800m

Finlay McLear (Exeter)

Ben Pattison (Dave Ragan, Basingstoke and Mid Hants)

Thomas Randolph (Craig Winnow, Tamworth)

1500m

Tiarnan Crorken (Andy Bibby, Preston)

Josh Lay (Anthony Love, Rugby & Northampton)

George Mills (Jon Bigg, Brighton Phoenix)

5000m

Issac Akers (Bill Boyd, Crosby)

Rory Leonard (Morpeth)

Tom Mortimer (Christopher Brown, Stroud)

10,000m

David Melville (Harvard Uni)

110m Hurdles

Tade Ojora (Caryl Smith-Gilbert, Windsor Slough Eton and Hounslow)

Josh Zeller (Adrian Brown, Bracknell AC)

400m Hurdles

Alastair Chalmers (Matt Elias, Guernsey)

Alex Knibbs (Nick Dakin, Amber Valley & Erewash)

High Jump

Joel Khan (Deidre Elmhurst, Worcester)

Hammer

Ben Hawkes (Adrian Palmer, Cardiff)

4 x 100m Relay

Dominic Ashwell (Marvin Rowe, Shaftesbury Barnet)

Jeremiah Azu (Helen Patricia James, Cardiff)

Shemar Boldizsar (Stephen David Loft, Harlow)

Jona Efoloko (Clarence Callender, Sale Harriers Manchester)

Brandon Mingeli (Ryan Freckleton, Cambridge Harriers)

Destiny Ogali (Winston Thomas, Dacorum & Tring)

4 x 400m Relay

Joe Brier (Matt Elias, Swansea)

Alex Haydock-Wilson (Michael Baker, Windsor Slough Eton and Hounslow)

Alex Knibbs (Nick Dakin, Amber Valley & Erewash)

Alastair Chalmers (Matt Elias, Guernsey)

Lewis Davey (Newham & Essex Beagles)

Ethan Brown (Bromley & Blackheath)

Aidan Leeson (Glyn Hawkes, Rugby & Northampton)

England struck twice late on to end a 55-year wait for a knockout tie victory over Germany amid scenes of huge tension and elation at Wembley to reach the Euro 2020 quarter-finals.

Gareth Southgate's side battled hard to earn the statement victory that has so often eluded England, and it was their talisman of this tournament, Raheem Sterling, who made the decisive breakthrough.

Sterling, who scored the winners against Croatia and the Czech Republic in the group stage, steered in Luke Shaw's cross after 75 minutes to send England's fans, with more than 40,000 inside Wembley, into wild celebrations.

The Manchester City forward, who put England in front with a close-range finish at a time when the game was in the balance said: "We knew we needed to put a big performance in.  Scoring for your country will always be special and it is definitely a special moment for me."

The win was secured when captain Harry Kane headed in from a Jack Grealish delivery for his first goal of Euro 2020.

The victory marked the end for Joachim Low as Germany coach after a glittering career that brought a World Cup win in 2014 in Brazil. He now makes way for Bayern Munich's Champions League-winning coach Hansi Flick - and this performance showed there is rebuilding to be done.

England will now face Ukraine in the quarter-finals in Rome, Italy, on Saturday

Birmingham’s Edgbaston Stadium has again been confirmed as part of the Government’s Events Research Programme (ERP) and will operate at 80 per cent capacity for the Royal London International (ODI) between England and Pakistan.

Taking place on Tuesday 13 July, Edgbaston will be able to accommodate around 19,000 fans, including under 16s, in the stadium bowl and hospitality lounges without social distancing as part of the research study.

All attendees will be required to show a negative COVID lateral flow test result, this is necessary for anyone aged 11 years and older, or proof of two vaccinations (first and second dose) at least 14 days before the fixture to secure entry.

Any ticket purchasers who no longer wish to attend can request a refund for all tickets in their booking via our online form and all requests must be made before our deadline at 4pm on Thursday 1 July.

Today’s announcement follows on from Edgbaston’s successful hosting of the LV= Insurance Test Match between England and New Zealand, which accommodated around 60,000 spectators (70 per cent capacity) across four days with the same spectator entry requirements.

Stuart Cain, Chief Executive at Edgbaston, said: “It’s fantastic for sport in the West Midlands that so many cricket fans will be able to enjoy another blockbuster fixture in England versus Pakistan at Edgbaston.

“The recent Test match gave us a fantastic opportunity to build a new model for large scale sporting events and I’m pleased to see elements of this first trial being carried forward for the Pakistan match.  Technology played a big part in this and we will again focus on using this as a way of creating a safe environment whilst enhancing Edgbaston’s reputation as one of the best atmospheres in world cricket.”

Edgbaston’s hosting of the recent LV= Insurance Test Match saw the Birmingham venue introduce its new smart phone app with mobile ticketing, queue time checker, food and drink click and collect and a delivery to seat option for disabled spectators.

During the Test Match, 95 per cent attendees entered Edgbaston through a digital ticket, which could be accessed via the app. This app received 314,344 views across the four days of play for tickets, retail purchases, spectator information and food and beverage orders.

A second workshop will be held today (Tuesday 29 June) for local sports clubs and physical activity providers which want to claim a grant of £1,000 towards the costs of being Covid-19 compliant.

Volunteer-led sports clubs and physical activity providers in Wolverhampton are eligible for a Covid Compliance Grant offered by the City of Wolverhampton Council to encourage regular rapid Covid-19 testing and Covid-safe environments by offsetting the costs involved in this.

Sports clubs and physical activity providers in Wolverhampton can apply for the grant by calling 01902 290242 or visiting www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/covidcompliant, and are invited to find out more at the virtual workshop taking place tomorrow from 4pm-5pm.

It will cover what being Covid-compliant looks like, how organisations can be Covid-secure and how to apply for the grant. There will also be a question and answer session and further information about testing and risk management. To register, please visit https://bit.ly/3iY5H1t. Please note, it is not compulsory to attend the workshop in order to apply for the grant, it is for guidance only.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “A third of people with Covid-19 don’t have any symptoms and could therefore pass it onto others unknowingly. Regular testing is helping to track down these cases and prevent onward transmission, protecting individuals and the wider community.

"That’s why we are asking people in Wolverhampton to get a free rapid test twice a week, either at one of our public test centres, at home or in the workplace where available.

“The Covid Compliance Grant is intended to help our city’s grassroots sports clubs and physical activity providers get back on their feet and, at the same time, encourage them to be Covid-secure and embrace a routine of regular coronavirus testing.

“This will give people confidence that clubs are doing all they can to protect participants from Covid-19 and keep the wider community safe from this deadly virus.

“I would encourage eligible organisations to join the free workshop to find out more about the scheme.”

Former Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers striker, Marlon Harewood, has been named as an official ambassador for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, to help raise awareness of the organisation’s vital work across the region.

41-year-old Marlon, who led a successful footballing career across the world for over 20 years, now resides in the Midlands, and is supporting the rapid response service as part of his community-oriented activities.

For several years from 2007, Marlon played for West Midlands’ Premier League teams Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers, clocking up over 45 appearances during his time at the local clubs. His affiliation with the charity is a natural fit for the sportsman, as sporting event incidents are a regular occurrence for the lifesaving crews of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

Hanna Sebright, chief executive for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “We are so pleased to welcome Marlon Harewood as an ambassador for the charity during our 30^th anniversary year.

“His support will help to raise awareness and draw attention to the lifesaving work of the charity which receives no Government or NHS Charities Together funding and relies solely on the generosity of the general public for its 4,500 missions in the region each year.”

On becoming an official ambassador for the much-loved charity, Marlon said: “I have always admired the work of the charity and now as an ambassador, I look forward to officially supporting the organisation, starting with the Jail or Bail event. It’s so important to raise the profile of this lifesaving service, both locally and nationally, as no one knows when they could need the assistance of the incredible medically advanced aircrews.”

To find out more about Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, visit midlandsairambulance.com and follow the service on social media.

A group of 22 athletes have been selected in the first of two waves of selections for next month’s European Athletics U20 Championships in Tallinn, Estonia (15-18 July).

Two athletes selected are currently ranked number two in the 2021 European U20 standings: Sophie Ashurst [women’s pole vault] and Temi Ojora [women’s triple jump].

Sale Harriers Manchester’s Sophie Ashurst cleared a personal best of 4.16m in the pole vault in Loughborough earlier this year and won the trial event at the England Athletics U20/U23 Championships last weekend. The 18-year-old earned her first British vest as GB Junior at the Loughborough International where she finished in third place.

Meanwhile, Temi Ojora has been in consistent form during the 2021 season to date and sits second in the European rankings with a mark of 13.62m last month. The US-based athlete earns her first call-up to a British team in Tallinn.

Welsh athlete Osain Perrin is ranked third in the European U20 rankings in the men’s 5000m, and he set his PB of 13.53.03 on his way to victory in the trial race at the BMC Grand Prix in Watford earlier this month.

Additionally, Mary John lies third in the women’s 400m rankings after she posted a career best time of 53.49 in Lee Valley at the start of the month.

Under 17 sprinter Success Eduan pipped Sophie Walton to the victory at the trials at the weekend, but both have received a call-up for the 200m in Tallinn. Walton is ranked fourth in Europe in the U20 rankings this year, with Eduan sixth, so both will be targeting high placings at next month’s championships.

In the men’s 100m, Toby Makoyawo booked his place in the team after clocking 10.64 to win at the trials at the weekend. His PB of 10.37 ranks him fourth in Europe (U20) so far this year.

Dominic Ogbechie and Charlotte Payne, both on the British Athletics Futures Academy Programme, are selected for the men’s high jump and women’s hammer respectively.

The rest of the team for the European Athletics U20 Championships will be announced in the second wave selections on Tuesday 6 July 2021.

The British team (first wave) for the European Athletics U20 Championships, Tallinn, Estonia

Women:

100m: Joy Eze (Michael Donnelly, Gateshead)

200m: Success Eduan (Anita Richardson, Sale Harriers Manchester) Sophie Walton (Trevor Williams, Horwich)

400m: Mary John (Alan James, Woodford Green Essex Ladies)

5000m: Alice Garner (Mick Woods, Aldershot Farnham and District)

100m Hurdles: Lily Parris (Julie Benterman, Chelmsford)

Pole Vault: Sophie Ashurst (Andy Ashurst, Sale Harriers Manchester)

Triple Jump: Temi Ojora (Nick Newman, Windsor Slough Eton and Hounslow)

Shot Put: Nana Gyedu (John Hillier, Blackheath and Bromley)

Discus: Samantha Callaway (David Callaway, Newham and Essex Beagles)

Javelin: Elizabeth Korczak (Bob Willows, Brighton and Hove)

Hammer: Charlotte Payne (Paul Dickenson, Reading)

Heptathlon: Abigail Pawlett (Joe Frost, Stockport T&F)

Men:

100m: Toby Makoyawo (Peter Griffiths, Windsor Slough Eton and Hounslow)

400m: Edward Faulds (James Wright, Rugby and Northampton)

5000m: Osian Perrin (Andrew Walling, Menai)

3000m Steeplechase: Kristian Imroth (Stephen Murphy, Shaftesbury Barnet)

110m Hurdles: Joseph Harding (Laura Turner-Alleyne, Basildon)

400m Hurdles: Adam Booth (Graeme Gourlay, Poole AC)

High Jump: Sam Brereton (Fuzz Caan, Birchfield) Dominic Ogbechie (Marius Guei, Highgate)

Long Jump: Brad Davies-Pughe (Jake Awe, Shaftesbury Barnet)