Summary

  • England 'could be persuaded' to bid for 2026 World Cup

  • Kevin Pietersen cleared for county return

  • New Zealand into Cricket World Cup final

  • Kane progress sensational - Carrick

  • Get involved: Your sporting motivator

  1. Get involved #bbcsportsdaypublished at 15:43 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March 2015

    SportsdayImage source, Getty Images

    Time for a change of direction in our Sportsday chat.

    Earlier you might have read that Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke is considering asking Liverpool's Steven Gerrard to address his Europe side when they play the United States in 2016.

    So we want to know who you would pick to deliver an inspirational team-talk. Would you go for a rabble-rouser in the mould of Al Pacino in Any Given Sunday?, external Or a more explosive, expletive-ridden, effort a la Neil Warnock?

    Tell us which sporting hero you would like to hear in your dressing room and why. Tweet #bbcsportsday or text 81111.

  2. Wolves will not sign fringe players - Jackettpublished at 15:39 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March 2015

    Wolves head coach Kenny Jackett has said he will not add any players before Thursday's loan deadline unless they can play a part in the Championship side's promotion push.

    Jackett's side are eighth in the table and two points behind the play-off positions with seven games remaining.

    "If we feel there is someone that can improve our team, then we will sign a player," he told BBC WM 95.6.

    "But we won't take players floating on the first-team fringe. Those places are for young players. I wouldn't say there's anybody coming in imminently, But if there's a player there that will help us, short-term or long-term, then we will take them."

  3. Get involved #bbcsportsdaypublished at 15:36 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March 2015

    Wee Brenny Rodgers:, external Why is there any doubt about Kane starting? He is one of the most in form players in Europe let alone the PL. Absolute cert.

  4. Sky to show Mayweather-Pacquiao boutpublished at 15:34 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March 2015

    FootballImage source, Getty Images

    Sky Sports Box Office has been awarded the rights to show live coverage of the fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao on Saturday, 2 May.

    The pay-per-view channel will charge customers £19.95 to watch the bout. The fight, which has been the subject of on-off contract negotiations over six years, is expected to generate as much as £162m ($250m).

    American Mayweather, 37, and Filipino Pacquiao, 36, are considered to be the best two fighters of their generation.

  5. The road to Euro 2016published at 15:31 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March 2015

    Rep of IrelandImage source, Getty Images

    Currently fourth in the group, consecutive home games against Poland on 29 March and Scotland on 13 June for Republic of Ireland look critical as both teams are currently above Martin O'Neill's side. Four of the Republic's remaining six games will be at home.

    In Poland, they face a side unbeaten in seven games if friendly matches are taken into account and with Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski leading the line, their threat is evident.

  6. McClean worry for Republic of Irelandpublished at 15:24 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March 2015

    Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill could face an anxious wait, external over the fitness of James McClean.

    The 25-year-old Wigan midfielder limped out of Tuesday's training session in Malahide near Dublin and was taken for a scan on his left ankle. O'Neill said the scan was precautionary and expected the former Sunderland man to be available for Sunday's key Euro 2016 game at home to Poland.

    "He was just feeling it a little bit. We will see how he is," said O'Neill.

  7. Get involved #bbcsportsdaypublished at 15:20 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March 2015

    Shane Daly:, external "I'm an Irishman, but i would start Kane & Rooney, Let's see what Kane can do, simple just play both."

  8. Kane and Rooney to start?published at 15:12 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March 2015

    ReutersImage source, Reuters

    Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane up top against Lithuania on Friday, then?

    Roy Hodgson failed to keep his notes out of the sight of nearby photographers during this this morning's England training session, and the names 'Rooney' and 'Kane' were circled on his piece of paper...

  9. Derby's Buxton set to miss run-inpublished at 15:08 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March 2015

    Derby County defender Jake Buxton is unlikely to play again this season after undergoing surgery on a back injury.

    The Rams are, however, hopeful that top scorer Chris Martin will be able to return to action after the international break following a hamstring problem.

    "We are still waiting on Chris," first-team coach Paul Simpson told BBC Radio Derby. "Jake could be out for up to eight weeks, so that is a blow."

  10. Lineker welcomes FA proposalspublished at 14:59 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March 2015

    Gary Lineker
    BBC Sport

    "Hugely encouraged and applaud FA initiatives. Encouraging our young English talent in opportunity, facilities and coaching."

    The FA announced on Monday proposals to improve the quality of home-grown players and increase their chances of playing in the Premier League.

  11. Second 'not acceptable' for Englandpublished at 14:52 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March 2015

    Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie says England's second-placed finish in the Six Nations was "not acceptable".

    England were edged out on points difference by Ireland, the fourth successive time they have been runners-up under head coach Stuart Lancaster.

    "I don't think that is acceptable at all," says Ritchie. "We should be, as a country, winning more, in terms of whether it's Grand Slams or Six Nations Championships."

  12. Postpublished at 14:46 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March 2015

    Richard Conway
    BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent in Vienna

    Sepp BlatterImage source, Getty Images

    "Fifa presidential challenger Michael van Praag in attack against Sepp Blatter, who is watching on at Uefa congress in Vienna. 'I cannot look away.. responsibility to clean the mess.'

    "Van Praag is calling for change in Fifa leadership in front of Blatter. "Beautiful heritage of international football [has been] tarnished.

    "Van Praag openly critical of Fifa leadership for presiding over 'corruption, bribery and nepotism.'"

  13. England news conferencepublished at 14:38 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March 2015

    More from Michael Carrick on the Premier League's man of the moment Harry Kane: "From the start of the season to the level he is playing at now, he has gone up two or three levels.

    "What has impressed me the most is that as the spotlight has increased on him, his performances have only improved and improved. That's a good sign.

    "I'm sure that shows that this season is not a one off - I think he's got a big future ahead of him."

  14. England news conferencepublished at 14:35 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March 2015

    Michael Carrick on his chances of starting as England's holding midfielder against Lithuania: "It is a certain position that I'm used to and suited to playing. So if that's what manager wants to do then great - that's where I'm comfortable."

  15. England news conferencepublished at 14:33 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March 2015

    More from Michael Carrick, who, at 33, doesn't plan to hang up his international boots any time soon: "I am enjoying my football. You get to a certain age and you don't know how long you have left. I feel great at the moment and have certainly got another year in me. It is special to be involved [in the England team].

    "I love seeing the younger lads coming into the squad and performing with an enthusiasm and energy. There is a good feeling around."

  16. England news conferencepublished at 14:28 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March 2015

    Next to earn Michael Carrick's praise are his Manchester United and England team-mates Phil Jones and Chris Smalling: "Both have been terrific and have come on a lot this season. They're turning into really top centre-halves."

  17. England news conferencepublished at 14:24 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March 2015

    More from Michael Carrick who, like Gary Cahill, is singing the praises of Harry Kane: "The progress Harry Kane has made has been sensational, he's gone up two or three levels. His performances keep improving."

  18. England news conferencepublished at 14:21 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March 2015

    EnglandImage source, England

    Speaking now at the England news conference is Michael Carrick: "It's great to be back with England. We've had a good week at Manchester United and when things are going well you just want to keep playing games.

    "Credit to the manager and staff here for putting a run together after the World Cup. We have real positive feelings around the squad.

    "I feel great at the moment and happy to be involved, it's very special to be part of the England squad."

  19. England news conferencepublished at 14:12 Greenwich Mean Time 24 March 2015

    EnglandImage source, England

    Last bit from Gary Cahill, who is relishing the Wembley atmosphere on Friday: "It's fantastic to know that at Wembley on Friday we'll be playing in front of a full-house. Hopefully we can put on a good performance."