Eddie Jones, the England head coach, believes he made a selection error for the Rugby World Cup final against South Africa, admitting he missed an opportunity to refresh his squad following the semi-final victory over New Zealand. Jones is overseeing the Barbarians this week for the invitational side’s match against Fiji at Twickenham on Saturday, something he labelled as “a great honour”. The game comes just a fortnight after England’s comprehensive, 32-12 loss to the Springboks in Yokohama and Jones said he may never be able to watch the final back. “I haven’t watched it and I probably won’t watch it,” he said. “But I know in my head where we could have probably made improvements. One area... … [Read more...] about Eddie Jones admits he got England’s World Cup final team selection wrong
2011 icc world cup final
Ellen White exclusive interview: ‘I had sleepless nights over moment my toe cost England shot at a World Cup final’
One picture sums up England’s summer at this year’s World Cup: Ellen White, hands cupped around her eyes in the shape of binoculars, in what became her signature goal celebration. It was one she went on to deploy six times over. White became the poster girl for England. The Lionesses’ record goalscorer at the tournament, national newspapers plastered her face across the front and back pages as she competed with the United States’ Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan for the feted Golden Boot. But for all the joy and glory of those moments, life-changing as they were, White’s memories of France are seen through a different lens. The “overriding thing” on her mind, as she puts it: “I really wanted to win it.” Speaking at her new club Manchester City’s training ground, in her first interview since England’s semi-final exit, she is still not over the emotions of the World Cup. White struck England’s only goal in the 2-1 … [Read more...] about Ellen White exclusive interview: ‘I had sleepless nights over moment my toe cost England shot at a World Cup final’
England suffer World Cup heartbreak against USA as penalty curse strikes again
There was one last post-match huddle for England. One last gathering out on the pitch and the images said it all. Lucy Bronze wept uncontrollably, disappointment was etched across her team-mates, Steph Houghton’s face was taught in frustration and reflection and Phil Neville stood in the middle and patted his heart. “I’m proud,” the head coach mouthed and England should be proud of this team, this uplifting World Cup campaign and, certainly, of this performance as they pushed the holders, the three-times winners, the United States of America, like they have never been pushed before. Even when down to 10 players, after Millie Bright was sent off, they pushed with the Americans resorting to playing five-at-the-back, time-wasting and running down the clock as they held on. It can be a cruel game, football, and so it proved as for the third semi-final in succession – the fourth when the men’s team’s exploits in Russia are considered – … [Read more...] about England suffer World Cup heartbreak against USA as penalty curse strikes again
Phil Neville: ‘My players and I have still not fully got over the emotions of the World Cup’
Get unlimited access to all Telegraph Sport for a year for just £20 Phil Neville says England will use the forthcoming internationals against Belgium and Norway to heal from the pain of their World Cup semi-final exit. In lieu of a summer holiday the England manager re-watched his side’s 2-1 defeat to the US “fifteen times”, accepting that the US “were the better team” but admitting: “I don’t think any of us have fully got over the emotions we have all been through.” “We sent a form out to the players, a debrief we wanted them to fill in, and not one of them could look at it - they didn’t want to revisit it,” Neville said. “There were times we were so close - we had them - but times where their game management, their know-how, was better than ours. “This camp will be about resetting our mindset for what will be an unbelievable two years. It’s great we have the … [Read more...] about Phil Neville: ‘My players and I have still not fully got over the emotions of the World Cup’
Rangers vs Celtic FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Betfred Cup Final
CELTIC and Rangers will battle it out for the first trophy of the season as they fight in the Betfred Cup Final. Neil Lennon's side will look to make it ELEVEN domestic titles in a row, having last not gone all the way in either the League Cup, Premiership or Scottish Cup back in the 2015/16 season. The Old Firm rivals are currently battling it out in the top flight division, with just two points separating the pair. And in their second meeting of the campaign, it is Celtic eyeing another victory, following their 2-0 win at Ibrox back in September.What time does Rangers vs Celtic kick off? This Scottish League Cup final will take place on Sunday, December 8. It will kick off at 3pm.The match will be held at Hampden Park. Most Read in FootballGossipPREM FRESH Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool join race for wantaway PSG star Neymar GossipWINGING IT Barca in talks for Chelsea academy flop Boga – but Lamps can get him for £3.5m RevealedOLE NO WAY Man Utd could face Inter in Europa … [Read more...] about Rangers vs Celtic FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Betfred Cup Final