The big news from Royal Ascot

So... let's call a spade a spade (without getting into TOO much trouble).

Joachim Loew - Germany manager. 

He has been in the spotlight over the past few days. Perhaps not for his team tactics but for his... ahem... testicles. 

We've all seen the clip I'm talking about. We've all felt rather uncomfortable watching it.  

Loew's indiscreet scratch of his genitals, caught live by television cameras has actually been raised in the Germany news conference. 

Forward Lukas Podolski has defended his manager saying "I believe 80 percent of you (journalists) and me as well, sometimes scratch your nuts from time to time!"

Yep - he said "nuts".  

Image source, Getty Images

Gareth Bale on England v Wales:

"I didn't say they have no pride, I just think we have more. It's just my opinion. I really don't care what they say. We know we can beat them."  

Woah... 

We're not sure everyone will agree with this, but here goes... (Feel free to chip in via #bbcsportsday, external)

Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko has said the sanctions on the Russian Football Union imposed by Uefa are  excessive, R-Sport news agency reported. 

"The fine is enormous as the Russian Football Union is a non-commercial organisation. There is no sense in appealing," he said.

Russia have been given a suspended ban and fined 150,000 euros (£118,000).

Get up and move about then!

We are going to all do this in the office now... Join us please?

Image source, .

David Law
Radio 5 live sports extra commentator

Andy Murray's old/new coach, Ivan Lendl seamlessly back into the old routine - mercilessly taking the mick out of every player and coach he crosses in the player lounge  

The world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, has confirmed that he will compete in the 200m on the night of Friday 22 July at the London Anniversary Games this summer.

GB athletesAdam Gemili, Zharnel Hughes and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake will try and beat the Jamaican at his preferred distance just two weeks before the Rio Olympics begin. 

It will be an amazing opportunity to see what kind of form he is in ahead of the Games...

Image source, Getty Images

Lyle Jackson
BBC Sport NI at Saint Georges des Reneins

Jonny Evans believes Northern Ireland must adopt a more positive approach against Ukraine on Thursday if they are to avoid an early exit from Euro 2016.

The West Brom defender expects Michael O’Neill’s men to play with more adventure in Lyon.

Evans insisted NI could still make the last 16 but needed to take something from both of their last two fixtures.

He added that the players wanted to pay their respects to the NI fan who died in an accidental fall in Nice.

This image has been widely circulated amongst Southampton fans for the past few hours... 

Image source, .

Adam Blackmore
BBC Radio Solent sports editor

"Ronald Koeman did a fantastic job at Saints, especially given he came in at a time when the club were in "meltdown" following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino and a number of key players.

He is Southampton's most successful manager in the Premier League era, and he managed the club with the same impressive calm authority he played with.

But his U-turn at St Mary's has left a bad taste, and his surprise decision to swap the Europa League for a re-build at Goodison Park means his legacy at Saints will forever be badly tarnished."

Strong words - Saints fans, do you agree?

Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales in Dinard, France

You can tell there is a huge match on the horizon for Wales because the two players up for interview at their training base this afternoon are their two leading stars, Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.

Bale has already had his say ahead of Thursday's game against England, suggesting Wales are prouder and more passionate about representing their country than their bitter rivals.

England's Jack Wilshere waded in yesterday by saying Roy Hodgson's men should win if they can shackle Bale, adding England have the better players. What will his Arsenal team-mate Ramsey have to say about that?

More British police officers trained in football disorder are being deployed to France ahead of the England-Wales match, Downing Street said.

Home Secretary Theresa May briefed the Cabinet on the move, including the deployment of additional British Transport Police officers on rail services around the area, following a request from the French authorities.

"We don't need any motivation from no one..." - England's Adam Lallana

We know what he means.

Image source, Getty

Good to see the Watford skipper in training.

No doubt he'll be relishing the Premier League fixtures, which are out on Wednesday. Yes, I know, how exciting...and you'll get full details here.

England's Adam Lallana speaking to the press a moment ago:

"I've got a few friends and team-mates (who play for Wales). I was speaking to them last week. I'm not too sure I will speak to them from now on before the game but there is something special about this game, definitely. 

"There is definitely a British feel to the match and it will be good for the spectator and for the neutral"

You've saved for your outfit, spent weeks preparing your look, then this happens...

Having played with Gareth Bale during their Southampton days, England midfielder Adam Lallana was asked if he thinks he knows the Welsh superstar well enough to combat his strengths when England play their neighbours on Thursday. 

"He always had great ability and great talent growing up but Wales have got a lot of talented players in their team soi its not just Gareth we've got to focus on"

Just to summarise - Uefa has warned Russia they face being thrown out of Euro 2016 if there is further trouble inside a stadium involving their supporters.

Here's the full statement from European football's governing body.

Image source, Uefa