Japan have announced their side for Saturday’s Murrayfield warm-up test, the 1888 Cup, against the British and Irish Lions.
Click here for the Lions side, which now includes Justin Tipuric and Tadhg Furlong in the starting XV.
Head Coach Jamie Joseph has named a strong side for his side’s first test since their Rugby World Cup 2019 quarter-final loss to South Africa.
Michael Leitch captains the side as he did for their defeat to South Africa and will start at blindside flanker.
His opposite for their most recent test, Pieter Labuschagne, will don the number 7 shirt for the side.
10 players in total who started the Brave Blossoms’ last game will start at Murrayfield.
Keita Inagaki and Koo Ji-Won start on either side of hooker Atsushi Sakate, who replaces the multi-faceted Shota Horie.
Wimpie Wan Der Walt and James Moore are in the second row with Amanaki Mafi in the number eight position.
30-year-old Kaito Shigeno and Yu Tamura fill the scrum-half and fly-half positions.
Centres Ryoto Nakamura and Timothy Lafaele occupy the midfield while 22-year-old Siosaia Fifita gets the nod at 11 alongside Kataro Matsushima and fullback Ryohei Yamanaka.
Super Rugby Aotearoa Rookie of the Year Kazuki Himeno is on the bench with Asaeli Ai Valu and others.
Japan Team To Face British and Irish Lions:
Backs
15. Ryohei Yamanaka (Kobelco Steelers)
14. Kotaro Matsushima (Clermont Auvergne)
13. Timothy Lafaele (Kobelco Steelers)
12. Ryoto Nakamura (Suntory Sungoliath)
11. Siosaia Fifita (Kintetsu Liners)
10. Yu Tamura (Canon Eagles)
9. Kaito Shigeno (Toyota Verblitz)
Forwards
1. Keita Inagaki (Panasonic Wild Knights)
2. Atsushi Sakate (Panasonic Wild Knights)
3. Ji-won Koo (Honda Heat)
4. Wimpie van der Walt (NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes)
Ireland under-20’s Defence Coach Denis Leamy was impressed with the defensive effort the side showed last week and expects more of the same tonight.
Leamy praised the side’s work all over the pitch to keep Scotland at bay.
However, he wished that they did not concede to Scotland, even if it was only once.
“I think, you know, we could have been a little bit better there on that particular try…[but for the] first day out, we [are] happy, and we understand that [Wales] is a different challenge and that there is a lot more growth in us,” Leamy said.
However, the momentum of the win is hugely important for this U20 side, as Leamy added.
The defence coach says it has allowed the side to kick on and move forward.
“Going back to my time in Six Nations squads; getting that first win, getting out of the blocks and that feel-good factor. You know, you are away from home – you are in hotels, you are cooped up a little bit – it just helps so much. It’s so important.”
The former Ireland flanker commended the front row and the back row for their U20 Six Nations opener performances.
Leamy stated that the starting front row against Scotland put in a massive shift while the back row could be seen everywhere.
Regardless, some changes have been made to the side facing Wales tonight with six new faces coming into the starting lineup, including two new props.
Leamy says that this is down to fatigue amongst other things.
“It’s about being sensible and about protecting players as well and using the quality that we have.”
The starting back row from the Scotland game is all on the team sheet but Alex Soroka will be at lock forward tonight.
Leamy noted the versatility of the Leinster academy product and when asked if he saw similarities to Ireland international Tadhg Beirne’s versatility, he responded positively.
The 39-year-old listed some traits that he felt underlined Soroka’s flexibility in the pack.
“Alex is similar – he’s very athletic, he’s a very good footballer, he’s a real point of difference as a jumper, he’s very strong in that lineout in both attack and defence.”
The coach loves his new role with the U20s and says it takes him back to when he was playing.
He cited the likes of Noel McNamara and Trevor Hogan as figures that he has learned a lot from since he was appointed as Leinster’s Elite Player Development Officer in 2019.
Leamy has taken what he has learned from them and his role at Leinster into the Ireland camp in Cardiff.
He encourages players to have the same mentality he did on the pitch but to carry out their tackles in a fair manner.
“We certainly do like players who have an edge and channel it in the right way.”
As for the Welsh side they face tonight, Leamy singled out one player who could make a difference for Ioan Cunningham’s team.
Carwyn Tuipolotu has caught the eye of the 57-time Ireland international ahead of the game tonight.
His stature and carrying is something that Leamy feels that his defence needs to shut down, but the Tipperary native also made note of Wales’ system.
“They can go to width, they can go through you, they can go over you so it’s a challenge, but it’s been a brilliant week and it’s been really, really good trying to prep for this challenge and it has been very, very enjoyable – all-in.”
The defence coach clarified that the whole camp has been an enjoyable experience thus far in his opinion.
Leamy feels lucky to be over in Cardiff with the squad after everything that has happened in the world.
He labelled the atmosphere as “light” and said that the squad have even gone for ice creams.
However, he noted that the personnel in the camp know why they are there.
“We’re not here for a party, we’re here to get the job done.”
The game against Wales kicks off at 8:00 pm and will be available to watch on RTÉ One.
After the draws for each of the annual GAA Hurling competitions for the Christy Ring, Joe McDonagh and Lory Meagher cup’s were made in April.
The start of each competition starts this coming weekend, with the Joe McDonagh Cup, after the COVID-19 Pandemic caused a delay until October 2020.
Antrim were crowned champions after defeating Kerry 1-17 to 0-22 in Dublin in December. last year.
Format
The 2021 Joe McDonagh cup (Tier 2) will be structured on a ’round-robin’ basis with each team playing each other home and away.
There are two groups, Group A consists of 3 teams and Group B with 3 teams.
The winner of Group A and Group B will play against one another in the final, with the winner gaining entry into the Leinster Hurling Championship the following year.
The bottom team in Group A and Group B will play against one another in a relegation playoff to determine who drops down to the Christy Ring Cup (Tier 3) in 2022.
Group A
Group A consists of three teams, Carlow, Kildare and Westmeath.
Carlow
Tom Mullally was brought in as manager in January 2021, along with selectors Chris Kealy, Joe Nolan and Pat Murphy as part of his backroom staff.
They had a successful league campaign, only finishing behind Offaly in second place.
The fighting cocks last won the title in 2018 with a winning effort against Westmeath at Croke Park.
First Game: Away v Kildare
Kildare
The Lilywhites had a great league campaign, winning all four games and remaining unbeaten.
Boasting an outrageous point difference of +77, they are looking like a strong outfit.
They are coming off the back of winning the Christy Ring Cup after beating down last year.
First Game: Home v Carlow
Westmeath
After a stinker league campaign, finishing bottom of their respective group, losing all 5 games.
Getting whitewashed in all of their games against tough opposition.
Heading into this, they will be one of the favourites.
First Game: Away v Carlow
Round 1
Kildare v Carlow
Round 2
Carlow v Westmeath
Round 3
Westmeath v Kildare
Group B
Group B consists of three teams, Down, Kerry and Meath.
Down
Losing finalists during the 2020 Christy Ring Cup, Down will be looking to go one better this term around.
They had a decent league run, finishing third.
First Game: Away v Kerry
Kerry
Finishing runner up in last years final, losing to Antrim by 2 points, the Kingdom will be back for redemption.
2020 was their first final appearance, and they would be confident to finish the job come July.
First Game: Home v Kerry
Meath
After finishing second in Division 2 a few weeks ago, Meath is looking out of their depth this season.
If they are to put up a good showing, they will hope to start off on a positive note.
It may come as a surprise but Softball seems to be the new sport of choice for adults in Galway City with over five teams playing in a new league and the membership growing every day.
The Club has announced it will have its first-ever competitive league commencing on Monday, June 28, 2021, in St Marys College, Galway.
Over seventy players have been divided over five teams, with six male and four female players needed to make up starting team with subs coming in at various times and positions.
Historically Galway Softball Club has only competed in one-day blitzes in Dublin and the sports version of the All-Ireland which takes place in UL every august which is called the IOST (Irish Open Softball Tournament).
The IOST has 24 teams from the island of Ireland competing over a weekend, playing 8 games to win the final. Galway Tribes have never got to the IOST final, so hopefully, 2021 will be the year and after playing an unbeaten blitz in Dublin recently expectations are high for a strong performance and some medals coming to Galway. Softball is now an Olympic sport so with a bit of luck, in the future, Ireland will have a team competing and we have a Galway representative.
Galway Softball Pro Joe Naughton “It’s been a very exciting few months for Galway Softball, we had 15 players four years ago and to now have 60 players in a four-team league is just beyond our expectations.
He went on to explain a bit more about the sport “It’s a great game for anyone looking to start playing some sport, we have an age range for 20-55, as its Co-Ed, we have lots of couples and many people playing team sport for the first time, with twelve different nationalities helping the forty Irish form the league it really is a sport for everyone in Galway and of course, there is plenty of team meetings in the pub after matches.”
Speaking on Galway Softball Clubs announcement, Softball Ireland President Colum Lavery said “We are delighted to welcome the Galway Softball League to the Softball Ireland family. The growth of Softball in Galway has been a joy to watch over the last number of years and the efforts of the club members during the lockdown has been phenomenal.”
Lavery added “Galway have shown that there is a need for and demand for social, co-ed sporting activities post COVID, and we believe Softball offers the perfect mix of social interaction together with both recreational and competitive sport depending on the level you wish to play at. Today is about celebrating the success of Galway Softball Club and celebrating the inaugural league which launches this Monday.“
Speaking about the inaugural Galway League, Vinny McGrane Galway Softball Chairman said “It’s a great day for Galway Softball to be able to announce the inaugural Galway League. Without our sponsors, we would have really struggled to get this off the floor so a big thank you to An Púcán, Kennys Bookshop, Irishscores.com, Electrical Mechanical Controls Ltd & Megadale Automation. The fact that Galway Softball can attract the support of such impressive companies is a great measure of our current success.”
He went on to explain how the recent rise in players happened “There have been huge efforts to make this happen and I would like to thank Softball Ireland for their support over the years, the Galway Sports partnership for their funding, Galway Softball Committee for their many hours spent working on how to get a league going, and all the people that kept the club going since 1998. But most of all the players and coaches who have made this possible.”
Details on teams and fixtures for the inaugural Galway League are available on the club website Galwaysoftball.com and if you are interested in playing details are available there.
Young Irish goalkeeper Kelleher has renewed his contract at Liverpool to stay until 2026
These are all really good signs for the 22-year-old after he played five games last year for the Reds, including two starts in the Champions League.
The shot-stopper from Cork also managed to keep two clean sheets, impressing manager Jurgen Klopp and many of the fans. This led to getting his first international cap for Ireland, coming on as a substitute against Hungary early this month.
Liverpool has made it clear that they do not want to loan out Kelleher this summer. Instead, he would be the backup option to Brazilian keeper, Alisson Becker.
Spanish goalkeeper Adrian has also signed a new deal at the club but after mistakes last season in his four competitive starts, most fans believe that Kelleher is now higher in the pecking order.
Kelleher said about the new contract:
“I am happy to get it over the line and finally done; it was in the pipeline for a few months with negotiations and stuff, so I am delighted to get it done.”
Caoimhin Kelleher:
“I think staying at a club like Liverpool where the quality of training is up there with the best in the world, the standard of players I’m training with and the goalkeepers I’m learning from is the best I can get.” #awlive [lfc] pic.twitter.com/Jx0dQJTs5y
This is also good news for Ireland as we will have another keeper playing at the highest level. He missed out on games for Ireland and Liverpool at the end of the season due to an abdominal tear.
It is expected that Manchester City’s Gavin Bazunu will go out on loan this season so the 19-year-old can improve.
Hopefully, Kelleher will see even more game time this year as he is one of Ireland’s brightest young talents.
Speaking on last season, Kelleher added:
“It was a big year for me in terms of playing the first-team games this year and more important games. Being thrown into the Champions League and Premier League games was big for my development and being able to handle that.”
Ever since the start of the Premier League era in the 1992/1993 season, there has been a grand total of seven different winners.
Some teams more than others have dominated since the beginning, other’s have come and gone, while others have risen to prominence in recent years.
But, the question of who is the greatest Premier League side is always up for debate, with a select few teams that can lay claim to the title of the greatest.
With over 28 years of champions, I have narrowed it down to the ten greatest Premier League winning teams.
Note: This list only consists of Premier League achievements, no other competitions will be brought into contention.
Honourable Mentions
Chelsea 16/17
Blackburn 94/95
Arsenal 01/02
Man City 18/19
Man United 93/94
10. Leicester City 15/16 – The Underdogs
The greatest sporting story in history. Leicesters incredible journey to the top of the Premier League summit was the shock of the century. From closely avoiding relegation the season prior and sacking manager Nigel Pearson.
The foxes appointed Italian Claudio Ranieri with zero expectations. Relegation favourites at 5000-1, the side finished clear of second-place Arsenal by ten points. It was a fairytale story like no other, and for that reason, they have to make the list based on that merit.
Points: 81 points
Record: 23-12-3
Title winning margin: 10 points
Goals Scored: 68
Goals Conceded: 36
Goal Difference: +32
Key Players: The whole squad deserves serious amounts of credit but Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez contributing to 59 goals, with Mahrez picking up PFA Player of the Year. While N’Golo Kante was a standout for his tireless performances in the midfield.
Decisive Moment: Winning 1-3 away to Man City in February making them title pretenders to contenders.
9. Chelsea 09/10 – The Double Winners
Carlo Ancelotti guided Chelsea to their first title in three years with some of the best football seen at the capital. The blues finished on 86 points, which is not the greatest of margins but nonetheless, this post-Mourinho Chelsea side is most remembered for breaking record after record.
A record goal difference (at the time), saw Ancelotti’s side beat United to the title by a single point. Bringing panache and flamboyancy to his attacking options. Being the first side in the English top-flight to score 100 or more goals. Scoring more than five goals on six different occasions.
They also won the club’s first league and FA Cup double with a 1-0 win over Portsmouth at Wembley.
Points: 86 points
Record: 27-5-6
Title winning margin: 1 point
Goals Scored: 103
Goals Conceded: 32
Goal Difference: +71
Key Players: Didier Drogba was in sensational form with 42 goal contributions, picking up his second golden boot, while Frank Lampard had his best season to date with 38 goal contributions.
Decisive Moment: Drogba scoring the winner in a 1-2 away win at Old Trafford to send Chelsea ahead of Man United with five games to go.
8. Liverpool 19/20 – The Record Breakers
After not being crowned champions of England in three dry-spell decades, Jurgen Klopp transformed the Merseyside outfit into a juggernaut. Winning 27 of their opening 28 games, drawing one in the process and going on an 18 match winning run was extraordinary.
Claiming their first Premier League title in the fastest time with seven games to spare, if covid didn’t hit, the reds probably would have carried on their consistent run of form. Picking up the second-highest points total only beating Man City the previous season.
Points: 99 points
Record: 32-3-3
Title winning margin: 18 points
Goals Scored: 85
Goals Conceded: 33
Goal Difference: +52
Key Players: Virgil Van Dijk claimed his spot as the best centre-back in the world with his colossus and commanding league performances led Liverpool to their first title in 30 years. Without him, the reds would be nowhere near the team they are, as shown by last season.
Decisive Moment: Chelsea winning 2-1 at Stamford Bridge against champions Manchester City to give Liverpool the title.
7. Chelsea 05/06 – Mourinho’s Title Retainers
Jose Mourinho’s back-to-back title winners never hit the heights or iconic status as its predecessor, but the quality of this Chelsea side cannot be diminished. Boasting another solid defensive unit, their level of consistency was incredible.
At home, they remained unbeaten at home all season, winning 18 out of 19 games at Stamford Bridge. Their only flaw was that they were compared to the first title-winning team the year before.
Points: 91 points
Record: 29-4-5
Title winning margin: 7 points
Goals Scored: 72
Goals Conceded: 22
Goal Difference: +50
Key Players: John Terry and Didier Drogba were influential, but Frank Lampard was the stand-out. The midfielder scoring 16 goals and assisting nine helped Chelsea retain their title.
Decisive Moment: William Gallas’s 90th-minute winner to secure a 2-1 win at home to Tottenham, catapulted the blues further ahead of Man United in the quest for the title. While keeping their unbeaten run vs Spurs in the league to 16 years.
6. Man United 99/00 – Fergie’s third Back-to-Back Titles
The first of many United teams on this list, the 99/00 winning team. Sir Alex Ferguson’s sixth title was one of their most dominating reigns. Winning 28 games and only losing three all season, while remaining unbeaten at home.
While conceding close to 50 goals is no impressive stat, they were poignant up top, with Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke continuing on their treble-winning performances with a combined 46 goal contributions between them.
Points: 91 points
Record: 28-7-3
Title winning margin: 18 points
Goals Scored: 97
Goals Conceded: 45
Goal Difference: +52
Key Players: Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke still sparkled as United’s duo up front, scoring 19 and 20 goals respectively.
Decisive Moment: Roy Keane scoring twice, coming from behind in a 1-2 win in a vital win for the title away at Highbury in a fiery affair.
5. Man United 98/99 – The Treble Winners
Putting the only English side to win an unprecedented treble only fifth will turn a few heads, but based on league accomplishments and form, they are not better than the teams above them. They only won 22 games and drew 13 while only finishing a point above Arsenal.
Not to take anything away from this team, they may not have been as convincing as other United sides but their iconic status will forever be amongst the top echelon of English football.
Points: 79 points
Record: 22-13-3
Title winning margin: 1 point
Goals Scored: 80
Goals Conceded: 37
Goal Difference: +43
Key Players: David Beckham had an iconic season, putting up 17 goal contributions in the league while finishing second, only behind Rivaldo in the World Player of the Year.
Decisive Moment: Coming from behind at home on the final day of the season to defeat Tottenham 2-1 with goals from David Beckham and Andy Cole.
4. Man United 07/08 – Domestic and European Winners
In my opinion, this United team is their best ever Premier League side. While only finishing two points above second-placed Chelsea, it shows how dominant and masterful they were throughout the season.
Picking up back-to-back titles. This side never matched other achievements from past Ferguson side’s but none could match this squads talent and overall quality. Probably remembered most for the acute ability to salvage last-minute wins, conceding less than 25 goals, United’s back-line was immaculate while their forward line was formidable with the trio of Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez
Points: 87 points
Record: 27-6-5
Title winning margin: 2 points
Goals Scored: 80
Goals Conceded: 22
Goal Difference: +58
Key Players: Cristiano Ronaldo was the focal point of a team full of leaders and excellence. Notching up 38 goal contributions in the league, winning the Ballon D’or, Premier League Golden Boot, PFA and Man United Player of the Year.
Decisive Moment: Winning the league title away at Wigan on the final day of the season in a must-win game with a 0-2 victory.
3. Arsenal 03/04 – The Invincibles
The only team in the Premier League era to go a whole season unbeaten, Arsene Wenger’s invincible side’s remarkable achievement has not been matched as of yet.
At their best, the Gunner’s produced some of (if not) the best football the league has ever produced, bringing ”sexy football” to the equation, while producing a solid back-line that remained unblemished for the whole 38 game season.
Statistically wise, they may not have been that impressive, only winning 26 games, and mostly playing for draws at the end of the season to maintain their quest for immortality, drawing 12 games in total. They did, however, break the 90 point barrier and was Arsenal’s last title triumph. So, they will be remembered fondly.
Points: 90 points
Record: 26-12-0
Title winning margin: 11 points
Goals Scored: 73
Goals Conceded: 26
Goal Difference: +47
Key Players: Thierry Henry was untouchable with an outstanding 30 goals and 9 assists, picking up the golden boot and being awarded PFA and Arsenal Player of the Season.
Decisive Moment: Winning their third Premier League title with a 2-2 draw to North London rivals Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
2. Chelsea 04/05 – The Impenetrable’s
Jose Mourinho arrived as the blues manager under the taking-off point of the Abramovich era. His Chelsea side went on to win their first league title in 50 years, breaking records along the way.
Also conquering Arsenal’s invincible point tally by five points, reaching 95 points and holding the record of the highest points total for over 13 years. They were also close to matching Arsenal’s unbeaten achievement the year prior, only losing one game away at Man City to a Nicolas Anelka penalty.
This season was also the start of an unbeaten home run that lasted four years with an unbeaten run of 86 league games (yet to be matched).
What put this team ahead of other’s was how dominant they were at the back, their impenetrable defensive unit was the main reason behind their success. With a stupidly impressive 25 clean sheets, Petr Cech winning the golden glove in his first season and conceding a mere 15 goals in 38 games is a record that still stands to this day.
Points: 95 points
Record: 29-8-1
Title winning margin: 12 points
Goals Scored: 72
Goals Conceded: 15
Goal Difference: +57
Key Players: John Terry, (PFA Player of the Year) and Frank Lampard (Chelsea Player of the Year), (FWA Footballer of the Year), and (PFA Fans Player of the Year) cleaned up in the individual awards. Their partnership in Chelsea’s strong spine saw The pair also be included in the PFA Team of the Year.
Decisive Moment: Frank Lampard scoring twice to grant Chelsea their first league title in 50 years in a 0-2 victory over Bolton Wanderers.
1. Man City 17/18 – The Centurions
Pep Guardiola’s first season in England was a failure in some regards, with media and pundits questioning has the Spaniard the knowhow and temperant for the Premier League.
By his second time around, any deficiencies were obsolete by the start of the 17/18 season. City was excellent in all aspects, setting countless records as they marched towards the title in a vibrant fashion.
Among the many records they set, including most away points (50), most points ahead of second-place (19), most wins (32), most wins away from home (16), most goals (106), best goal difference (+79) and most wins in a row (18), while beating every team in the league at least once and beating the record for most consecutive wins with 11 victories away from home.
Their crowning achievement, however, was reaching the never done before t accomplishment of reaching 100 points in a single league season. Being the only team in history to do so.
Points: 100 points
Record: 32-4-2
Title winning margin: 19 points
Goals Scored: 106
Goals Conceded: 27
Goal Difference: +79
Key Players: Kevin De Bruyne had his best season at the time with 16 assists and 8 goals to his name, being named in the PFA and UEFA Team of the Year. Only being bested by Mohamed Salah for Player of the Year, who was truly sensational.
Decisive Moment: Gabriel Jesus’s era-defining winner away to Southampton at the last kick of the game to secure the 100-point season.
Just over a week after kicking off, the European Championship group stages have come to an end. The next step being the knockout rounds in which 16 teams will compete for a place in the final – the ultimate hope being to lift the trophy.
With each team playing just 3 games in their group, it’s still difficult to gauge just how well some will fare in the knockouts.
During those games, there has been a number of players who have impressed.
That said, we’ve compiled a list (in no particular order) of 5 footballers who have impressed us the most in the tournament so far.
ROMELU LUKAKU | BELGIUM | STRIKER
One of the favourites to claim top scorer before the tournament commenced, Romelu Lukaku has certainly lived up to expectation so far.
The Inter Milan striker had a prolific season at club level and appears to have continued that form into the Euros, scoring 3 goals in 3 games.
Not only has Lukaku been impressive in terms of goal contributions, he’s also received praise for his general play. His role in the build-up for Belgium’s 2 goals against Denmark being particularly evident of his improved link-up play over the years.
Naturally, Belgium are one of the favourites to win the tournament and with Lukaku up top complimented by the creative talents of Kevin De Bruyne among others, they’ll be hard stopped.
You wouldn’t think Ronaldo was one of the oldest players at the tournament. 3 games in with a massive 6 goal contributions (5 goals, 1 assist), the Portuguese legend is showing no sign of slowing down. In fact, he currently leads the top scorer table by 2 goals with the aforementioned Romelu Lukaku being tied second.
Not only is Ronaldo top scorer at the Euros, his last goal against France left him equal at the top with Iran’s Ali Daei for the top men’s international goal scorer of all time with 109 goals – incredible.
Although Portugal have qualified for the knockouts, their reliance on Ronaldo so far has been worrying. The Juventus striker has been involved in all but one of their goals and to tell the truth, their hasn’t been many standout performers other than him.
Even Bruno Fernandes – who is Manchester United’s main source of goal contributions – was dropped against France for his lacklustre performances in the other games.
That said, though, Portugal did manage to win the last European Championships despite poor performances in the group stages. Time will tell.
Often a scapegoat for when things go wrong at club level, the same can’t be said for Pogba on the international scene.
He has his critics, but his performances so far in the tournament should silence them – at least for the time being.
Arguably France’s best player so far, Pogba has shown his importance to the national side, dictating play and spraying some magnificent passes to find his team mates.
Pogba was one of the key players when his country lifted the World Cup in 2018, can he be just as instrumental in this tournament?
The newly-signed PSG man wasn’t necessarily known as a goal scorer during his time at Liverpool, but his time with the national team and previous sides would say otherwise.
Wijnaldum is currently the joint-second in the scoring charts after scoring 3 goals in 3 games from midfield.
His scoring record for the national team is so impressive in fact, that he has more goals than AC Milan and Ajax legend Marco van Basten.
Not only is he scoring at will, he also has a highly impressive pass completion rate of 90% over the 3 games which is nothing to be scoffed at.
Three goals in three games for #NED captain Gini Wijnaldum at #EURO2020
It would be unfair not to include a Swedish player on the list. Not many fancied the Scandinavian side before the tournament but they’ve arguably been the biggest surprise package so far, winning 2 of their 3 games and drawing the other.
In fact, they’re still being overlooked by many despite reaching the quarter final being a realistic target. They’re up against Ukraine in the round of 16 who were less than impressive in their most recent showing.
There are a number of players we could have picked including Alexander Isak, who despite not scoring a goal as a striker has earned himself plenty of fans or alternatively, Victor Lindelöf, who’s been a rock at the back for his county.
But we’ve gone for Emil Forsberg.
The winger has long been regarded as one of the best talents in the Bundesliga, but inconsistency has been a problem for the 29-year-old over the years. But so far this tournament, he’s been nothing but consistent.
Like Wijnaldum and Lukaku, Forsberg currently sits second in the scoring charts having scored 3 goals.
His last performance was particularly impressive, scoring 2 brilliantly taken goals as his side ran out 3-2 winners over Poland.
With Forsberg and a recently fit Kulusevski on either wing, Sweden will be a tough challenge for any team to get past.
Emil Forsberg has scored the second fastest goal in European Championship history.
Irish pentathlete Arthur Lanigan-O’Keefe has announced that he will miss the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with a hip injury
Lanigan-O’Keefe has represented Ireland at the Olympics in London 2012 and in Rio 2016. He finished 8th overall at his last Games.
The Kilkenny man will be replaced in Tokyo by Mexican athlete, Alvaro Sandoval Aguilar.
The injury forced Lanigan-O’Keefe out of the UIPM 2021 Pentathlon World Cup final in Hungary last month. The 29-year-old is still young and could recover and improve to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The athlete made a statement on Instagram about missing out on his third Olympics in a row:
“What was on the last two occasions a euphoric moment was however bittersweet this time around. My injury to my hip is too much to overcome and I have decided that the honorable thing to do would be to pass my place onto another athlete who was fit to compete at the highest level.
“This is not a decision I have taken lightly and it’s been one of the most painful things for me to do having fought soo hard to get here.
“@alvaro_sandoval_aguilar you are the better man for the job. You now not only represent Mexico but also Ireland and we will be cheering for you, best of luck my friend!
So sad about the bad news related to a hip problem of our pentathlete Arthur Lanigan O'Keefe 🇮🇪.
Despite this injury ruled him out from last weekend's World Championships, he is QUALIFIED for #Tokyo2020 with the last ranking quota. Very disappointing if he has to decline it. pic.twitter.com/dYSvq3ss80
At the Olympics, the modern pentathlon is one of the original sports and consists of five events. All athletes must compete in fencing, 200m freestyle swimming, show jumping and the last event of pistol shooting, and a 3200m cross-country race.
Lanigan-O’Keefe’s fiancée, Natalya Coyle will now be Ireland’s only athlete competing in the modern pentathlon.
The Meath athlete is also going to her third Olympics. She is in good form after finishing fifth in the UIPM Pentathlon World Cup Final this month.
For more stories about Arthur Lanigan-O’Keefe, check out this article here:
Wicklow and Wexford will meet in round one of the Leinster Senior Football Championship for the second year in a row.
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE SCORES ON Wicklow v Wexford
The game will be available to watch on GAAGO and will kick off at 3 pm on Sunday.
The fixture last year saw Wicklow beat the Model County’s footballers by four points, scoring two goals during the 70 minutes.
The winner of this instalment will face Leinster and All-Ireland holders Dublin.
Since then, Wicklow was knocked out of the 2020 championship and both sides had a league campaign.
Both sides finished the league on a high after losing their initial games, with Wexford getting the added bonus of silverware – the Division Four Shield.
Wicklow managed an average of 1.5 goals per game in their 2021 National Football League Division Three campaign.
Their attack is not as potent as that stat may suggest but the quality of Seanie Furlong and Eoin Darcy should not be underestimated.
The two attackers have impressed under Davy Byrne and will threaten the Wexford backline often.
Their surprise win over Cavan kept the side in Division Three for 2022 and the performance of Patrick O’Connor against the reigning Ulster champions is a promising sign for the future.
The Wicklow attack will face a Wexford defence that has looked porous in 2021.
The Model men’s backline allowed Carlow back into a game they should have lost and put the game out of reach for their attack at home to Waterford.
The games were filled with cards that handicapped all three sides involved in the two games.
Specifically, Wexford goalkeeper Darragh Brooke was black-carded 37 minutes into the Waterford game.
Regardless, their defence was susceptible to counter-attacks in that same match and will have a tougher time against Davy Byrne’s Wicklow.
However, in turn, their attack has the quality to threaten Wicklow’s defence and bring the game to them that way.
Mark Rossiter, Tom Byrne and Robbie Brooks looked lively in the side’s league games.
John Tubritt racked up six points in their Division Four Shield win over Sligo.
Four goals in their last two games have added a positive twist to the season that goes well with the Shield.
However, if they are to take down Wicklow, their defence will need to lock the Wicklow forwards down.
The quality of Furlong and co. may be too much for the Model county.
Team News
Wicklow
M Jackson, N Devereux, E Murtagh, O Manning, D Fitzgerald, N Donnelly, D Devereux, P O’Toole, JP Hurley, A Maher, M Kenny, C Byrne, J Sheeran, S Furlong, P O’Conor
Wexford
P Doyle, L O’Connor, G Sheehan, C Carty, B Malone, M O’Connor, M Furong, D Waters, L Coleman, P Hughes, S Nolan, K O’Grady, M Rossiter, J Tubritt, B Brosnan
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