Soccer: Euro 2016
With Jon Walters all but completely ruled out of Ireland’s next Euro 2016 Group E game against Belgium on Saturday - it seems likely that he will be replaced in the starting line-up by James McClean.
"James has never let us down," manager Martin O'Neill told the media yesterday. "The way he trains for us, he is probably unlucky not to be in the starting line-up. So he would certainly come into our consideration but there would be a few others too."
In last night's game hosts France left it very late to seal victory against Albania - nonetheless that's now two wins from two. The talk pre-match centered around Didier Deschamps' decision to drop Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann from the starting XI, although the latter would pounce from the bench to grab a 90th minute winner. Before Dimitri Payet sealed the game with his second goal of the competition.
Much of the night's drama though was occurring on the streets of Lille - where recent events in Marseille were still lingering in the gas-filled air. Keith Duggan was in the heart of it as English and Welsh supporters looked to revive a scrap with Russian fans that began last Friday in Marseille.
The city though was spared any major trouble as riot forces used tear gas - throughout the day, police said, 36 people were arrested for various offences. There was little physical violence and the authorities said only 16 people involved in some way in the European soccer tournament were treated in Lille hospitals throughout Wednesday.
Rugby
Meanwhile Ireland Under-20's rugby team beat Georgia 35-7 to set up a World Championships semi-final against Argentina in Manchester on Monday.
As for the senior team in South Africa, Gerry Thornley expects head coach Joe Schmidt to ring the changes for the weekend's second Test. Quinn Roux or Ultan Dillane may make get their chance in the lock while Craig Gilroy could also be recalled.
GAA
Chris Bennett hit 2-6 as Dublin saw off Westmeath and booked their place in the Leinster Under-21 hurling final. Bennett's two superb second half goals proved the difference in a six point win.
What to watch out for
The game of the day sees England take on Wales and that kicks -off at 2pm.
RTE 2 from 1.30pm
BBC 1 from 1.30pm
It's day one of the US Open in Oakmont.
Sky Sports 4, 3pm-1am
Northern Ireland are also in action today, they play Ukraine at 5pm and need to get something out of the game.
TV3 from 4.30pm
UTV from 4pm
While in Malahide there's cricket action - Ireland play Sri Lanka in a one-day international.
Setanta from 10.35am
