After waiting 23 years to return to a major tournament, Scotland were left disappointed yesterday when they were beaten 2-0 by Czech Republic with Patrik Schick grabbing the limelight thanks to a stunning 50-yard strike. It had all seemed so rosy beforehand as Mary Hannigan writes this morning that "it had promised to be a very lovely afternoon in Hampden Park, too, the natives well up for it, not least when Flower of Scotland filled the air, a tune still so perfect it would make you wish you'd been at the Battle of Bannockburn in your kilt to help out." The result leaves the Scots on the back foot in their group but, afterwards, manager Steve Clark was not blaming goalkeeper David Marshall for being lobbed. In the final game of the day last night Spain were left frustrated by a host of missed chances as Sweden managed to squeeze out a draw while, earlier, Slovakia surprised Poland with a 2-1 win. For reports, analysis and more you can keep fully up-to-date with all that's going on at the tournament on our Euro 2020 website.
Moving on to rugby and Andy Farrell says he wants Ireland to play their summer Tests with a "fearless" style after he named his squad yesterday. "Being able to play what's in front of you and being able to play quick is going to be absolutely vital and it's something that we've already started and something that we want to see a big improvement in," the head coach said yesterday. In his column this morning Gerry Thornley writes that the upcoming Tests could prove to be the perfect testing ground for fresh blood with half an eye on the World Cup in 2023. "Ireland's depth chart is being tested more severely, and looks better equipped to cope, in some areas more than others," he writes.
On to golf and with the US Open set to begin on Thursday, Paul McGinley says he would rate Rory McIroy's chances "if he can get his driving right". The four-time Major winner has been working with Pete Cowen for the last few months in an attempt to rekindle the form which saw him win this title in 2011 but McGinley does say that patience is needed when such changes are being made.
Moving to GAA and Galway's Joe Canning insists that hurling is "in a good place" despite the doom and gloom surrounding certain aspects over the last few weeks with high scores and high free counts supposedly ruining the game. "I don't know if it's Covid or what, but I think people love to give out a little bit more in the last couple of months, they're always looking for the negative more so than anything, And it's guys back from the 80s and 90s who are being interviewed, and I don't know if they're up to speed either with today's game," he says.
Finally, Ireland women's soccer coach Vera Pauw says the only way for girls to really improve their skills - particularly at a young age - is to train with boys. Speaking ahead of the friendly against Iceland on Thursday, Pauw said "you can see it; the ones who are knocking on the door are the ones who have always trained with boys. It really does pay off. Research shows the ones who train with boys are injured less."
