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Ben Stokes has been named in England’s ODI squad for the upcoming four-match series against New Zealand, with men’s national selector Luke Wright confirming the same 15 players picked will go to the World Cup in India.

That means there is no place for fast bowler Jofra Archer, so instrumental in England’s 50-over World Cup win four years ago, as he continues his recovery from an elbow injury that has kept him out this summer.

Promising pace bowler Gus Atkinson looks set to go to the World Cup in his place, rewarded with a debut call-up after bursting onto the scene this summer. The 25-year-old has taken 20 wickets in five County Championship games at an average of 20.20 for Surrey and, perhaps more pertinently, is the second-leading wicket-taker in The Hundred, with nine wickets in four games at 10.66 a pop.

Big-hitting batter Harry Brook and 19-year-old leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed are the other notable omissions from England’s squad, though both, along with Archer, are expected to be among three travelling reserves for the World Cup.

England’s official World Cup Squad must be submitted by September 6, with changes allowed until September 28. Their four-match ODI series against New Zealand starts on September 8 and concludes on September 15.

Both Brook and Ahmed have been included in the 15-player T20I squad to face New Zealand, while Atkinson is one of three uncapped T20I players picked, along with Hampshire right-arm seamer John Turner and Worcestershire quick Josh Tongue, who made his England Test debut this summer.

Stokes – along with Joe Root, Jason Roy, Reece Topley, David Willey, Chris Woakes and Mark Wood – has only been included in England’s ODI squad, while Ahmed, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Tongue, Turner and Luke Wood are in the T20I party only.

England men’s national selector, Luke Wright, said: “We have been able to name two extremely strong squads that underline the depth of talent we enjoy in white-ball cricket.

“The return of Ben Stokes only adds to that quality with his match-winning ability and leadership. I am certain that every fan will enjoy seeing him back in an England ODI shirt again.

“We’re also excited to give first international call-ups to both Gus Atkinson and John Turner while Josh Tongue has deserved a place in the T20 squad after impressing during the Ashes.

“Any series against New Zealand is closely fought and will provide us with an ideal opportunity to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the world.”

England follow their games against New Zealand with a three-match ODI series against Ireland (squad still to be named) before their World Cup campaign kicks off against the Black Caps in Ahmedabad on October 5.

What can we read into England’s squad for New Zealand?

Sky Sports cricket writer David Currie:

“Firstly, Ben Stokes’ ODI return is a huge boost for England as they look to defend the 50-over title they won so dramatically when beating New Zealand in the final four years ago, a game in which he was so influential. Stokes almost single-handedly dragged them over the line on that memorable day at Lord’s, scoring 84 not out before returning to add some crucial super-over runs.

“It’s with the bat that it looks like Stokes’ role will be limited to this time around, the all-rounder still plagued by an injury to his left knee, and his return has spelled bad news for Harry Brook. The Yorkshire and England batter is only picked for the T20Is and therefore fails to add to his three ODI caps, with Dawid Malan – fresh from four hundreds in his last 12 ODIs – seemingly pinching the reserve batting spot for the World Cup.

“On the bowling front, despite head coach Matthew Mott saying recently he would be willing to ‘take a risk’ on ‘proven performer’ Jofra Archer for the World Cup, it seems the pace bowler has failed to prove his fitness in time to earn a spot.

“For Gus Atkinson, it’s a wonderful and perhaps unexpected opportunity to prove his worth as a like-for-like replacement. The Surrey speedster sent down a delivery clocked at 95mph for Oval Invincibles in The Hundred recently and adds extra fire to the England attack alongside Mark Wood.

“Rehan Ahmed is a somewhat surprising omission. It was anticipated that England might pick a third spinner in their squad, in addition to Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali, for the sub-content conditions in India, but they’ve instead opted for extra pace reserves and with the option of using the part-time spin of Joe Root and Liam Livingstone.”

Twenty20 International series vs New Zealand

Wednesday August 30 – Seat Unique Riverside, Durham (6pm)

Friday September 1 – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester (6pm)

Sunday September 3 – Edgbaston, Birmingham (2.30pm)

Thursday September 5 – Trent Bridge, Nottingham (6pm)

ODI series vs New Zealand

Friday September 8 – Sophia Gardens, Cardiff (12.30pm)

Sunday September 10 – The Ageas Bowl, Southampton (11am)

Wednesday September 13 – The Kia Oval, London (12.30pm)

Friday September 15 – Lord’s, London (12.30pm)

ODI series vs Ireland

Wednesday September 20 – Headingley, Leeds (12.30pm)

Saturday September 23 – Trent Bridge, Nottingham (11am)

Tuesday September 26 – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol (12.30pm)

ICC 50-over Cricket World Cup

Thursday October 5 – vs New Zealand, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (9.30am)

Tuesday October 10 – vs Bangladesh, Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala (9.30am)

Saturday October 14 – vs Afghanistan, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi (9.30am)

Saturday October 21 – vs South Africa, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai (9.30am)

Thursday October 26 – vs Sri Lanka, M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore (9.30am)

Sunday October 29 – vs India, BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow (8.30am)

Saturday November 4 – vs Australia, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (8.30am)

Wednesday November 8 – vs Netherlands, Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Gahunje (8.30am)

Saturday November 12 – vs Pakistan, Eden Gardens, Kolkata (8.30am)

Watch the ICC Men’s 50-over World Cup live on Sky Sports throughout October and November.

Stream The Hundred and much more with NOW for just £26 a month for 12 months. Cancel anytime.

All the top stories and transfer rumours from Wednesday’s newspapers…

DAILY MAIL

Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr are reportedly ‘very interested’ in Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.

Liverpool face a race against time to land much-needed reinforcements in midfield with Fulham’s Joao Palhinha and Crystal Palace youngster Cheick Doucoure among the favoured options.

Wilfried Gnonto is training alone at Leeds United’s Thorp Arch as he pushes for a move to Everton.

Crystal Palace attacker Michael Olise’s proposed move to Chelsea is unfolding amid a backdrop of ‘tapping-up’ concerns.

Wrexham’s star striker Paul Mullin has revealed he was left fearing for his life after suffering from a punctured lung and four fractured ribs during a pre-season friendly against Manchester United in July.

The Premier League have introduced a new rule following Everton’s Financial Fair Play charges last season which compels clubs with a recent history of overspending to submit their accounts three months before the rest of the top flight.

Kepa Arrizabalaga was officially unveiled at Real Madrid as their latest star after completing a loan move from Chelsea, but the Spanish international wasted little time in calling for a permanent deal at the end of the season.

Canelo Alvarez has dismissed a possible catchweight fight with Terence Crawford and instead teased a climb beyond light heavyweight as he prepares to face Jermell Charlo in Las Vegas.

DAILY MIRROR

Brighton CEO Paul Barber suggested Manchester United will need to wait five years before thinking about signing Evan Ferguson.

THE ATHLETIC

Brentford owner Matthew Benham has sold his majority stake in FC Midtjylland to Danish businessman Anders Holch Povlsen.

LA Galaxy have confirmed the signing of former Sheffield United forward Billy Sharp on a free transfer.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

England’s World Cup semi-final showdown with Australia has been soured by a spying controversy after a helicopter was used to film the Lionesses’ final training session before the match in Sydney.

Aston Villa are closing in on Galatasaray’s attacking midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo and are working on a deal to sign Sevilla left-back Marcos Acuna.

Ex-Liverpool midfielder Fabinho was so shocked by a Saudi fan’s gift of a luxury watch after his Al-Ittihad debut that he dropped it.

DAILY STAR

Manchester United have completed the double transfer swoop of club legend Darren Fletcher’s sons.

EVENING STANDARD

Southampton director of football Jason Wilcox is confident a deal to sell Romeo Lavia to Chelsea will soon be completed.

Arsenal will decide whether to dip back into the transfer market when they know the full extent of Jurrien Timber’s knee injury.

THE TIMES

Manchester City are set to accelerate their move for attacking reinforcements in the transfer market after their star playmaker Kevin De Bruyne was ruled out for up to four months with a hamstring injury.

Kevin Sinfield believes Owen Farrell is being subjected to the same scrutiny that David Beckham once was, even though the England captain avoided a ban after being sent off for a high tackle against Wales on Saturday.

DAILY RECORD

Newcastle United are in talks with Arsenal over a deal for Kieran Tierney as they hatch their loan workaround.

SCOTTISH SUN

Celtic are set to cut their losses on Ismaila Soro as he nears his move to French side Valenciennes.

Jason Cummings has been slammed for being ‘unfit’ after a nightmare debut in India for his new club Mohun Bagan.

Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports

Who will be on the move this summer ahead of the transfer window closing at 11pm on September 1 in England and midnight in Scotland?

Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.

West Ham’s deal to sign Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has fallen through.

Sky Sports News understands a departure for Maguire this late in the transfer window would have left Manchester United little time to bring in a replacement.

Manager Erik ten Hag has always said Maguire is an important part of the squad and that he is happy for him to stay and fight for his place.

Maguire lost the Manchester United captaincy earlier this summer and revealed his “extreme disappointment” at Ten Hag’s call.

Last week West Ham agreed a fee in the region of £30m to sign Maguire, but the defender will now not move to the London Stadium.

A source close to the player has told Sky Sports News: “Harry respects West Ham and David Moyes, but to be clear there was never an agreement in place between Harry and West Ham.

“The process was less advanced than portrayed in the media. For example, at no point has Harry spoken to David Moyes.

“Harry remains settled at United, loves the club and believes he will get plenty of opportunities to play this season.”

Man Utd’s move for Pavard looks ‘unlikely’

The development could have implications for United incomings.

They have held talks with Bayern Munich about potentially signing defender Benjamin Pavard, but that is now looking unlikely due to reduced need if Maguire stays at Old Trafford.

Also, there are FFP constraints in the absence of money United would have received from a Maguire sale.

United had done due diligence on several defenders, including Jean-Clair Todibo of Nice, but it was initially thought any outlays will likely depend on departures.

What Ten Hag has said about Maguire

Speaking ahead of Man Utd’s 1-0 win over Wolves on Monday, boss Erik ten Hag said:

“He has to fight for his place. He has the ability to be a top-class centre-back and he is the best for England so why shouldn’t he be the best for us? But he has to prove it. When he is not confident enough to fight then he has to go, then he has to make a decision, but I’m happy with him.

“We don’t have a squad with 11 players, and the last year proved definitely we need all the players. That means you need some high-level players who are maybe not starting but that can change so there is an internal competition, everyone has to fight for his place.

“Every player when they were good they will get their games but no one can play all the games and finally you find out what is the best team. In the squad now all the positions are double and every player has the perspective to fight for his place. You have to show with your contribution it’s the best team performance. It is up to the players if they have game time or less.”

Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports

Who will be on the move this summer when the transfer window opens on June 14 and closes at 11pm on September 1 in England and midnight in Scotland?

Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.

In Behind the Whistle, former Premier League referee Chris Foy goes through a selection of key match decisions from the Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two.

Behind the Whistle aims to give supporters of EFL clubs an insight into the decision-making considerations and also clarification of certain calls to provide an understanding of how the laws of the game are interpreted.

As part of a regular feature on Sky Sports following the conclusion of a matchday, Foy will be here to run you through some refereeing matters in the EFL, starting with the below.

Sky Bet Championship

Huddersfield Town 0-1 Leicester City

Incident: Potential penalty (Huddersfield Town)

Decision: No penalty awarded (Huddersfield Town)

Foy says: I think this is nothing more than a good battle between the attacker and the defender, with both engaging in similar actions, guilty of a little bit of shirt pulling or grabbing of the arm.

After the initial contact, the actual challenge made by the defender is a well-timed one with the ball clearly won. I think the referee has got himself into a good position and has made the correct call for this decision as contact is part of football and this falls below the high threshold for penalising.

Southampton 4-4 Norwich City

Incident: Potential penalty (Southampton)

Decision: Penalty awarded (Southampton)

Foy says: Whilst there is contact, it is initiated by the attacker, who steps into the space of the oncoming defender.

In weighing up the actions of the defender and motivation of the attacker, I don’t believe the defender is attempting to make a challenge, so therefore the expected outcome here would have been no penalty and play continuing.

Sky Bet League One

Bristol Rovers 1-1 Barnsley

Incident: Potential offside (Bristol Rovers)

Decision: Onside – goal awarded (Bristol Rovers)

Foy says: This is a really tight decision that requires the assistant referee to judge firstly whether either of the attackers who make similar runs are in an offside position, and if so does an offside offence take place.

For me, the official got it spot on – not only is the Bristol Rovers No 9 level with the second-last opponent, so onside, he would not have been considered to be involved in active play even if he was offside, as he does not touch the ball or impact the ability of any defender to play the ball.

The eventual goal scorer is clearly onside and therefore the correct decision has been made to award the goal.

Lincoln City 3-0 Wycombe Wanderers

Incident: Potential goal scored (Wycombe Wanderers)

Decision: Foul given – no goal awarded (Wycombe Wanderers)

Foy says: In real-time, the referee penalises Wycombe Wanderers’ No 6 for holding the Lincoln City defender on the edge of the box.

I think to reach the threshold for a foul in these circumstances there needs to be a clear and sustained action by the attacker and have a material impact, and it looks like both parties are grappling. ‘Six of one, half a dozen of the other’, so to speak.

Having the benefit of a replay, I think the better course of action would have been to allow the goal to stand.

Sky Bet League Two

AFC Wimbledon 1-1 Wrexham

Incident: Potential penalty (AFC Wimbledon)

Decision: Penalty awarded (AFC Wimbledon)

Foy says: There is no denying that there is contact between the players here, so the referee has had to make a judgment if this met the required threshold for a foul to be given.

Given the attacker is in a position to clearly challenge for the header and the defender does seem to place his hands on the back of the attacker and push forwards, impacting the ability of the attacker to head the ball, the awarding of a penalty for a push is something I agree with.

Raphael Varane’s close-range header secured a 1-0 win for Manchester United despite an unconvincing performance against unfancied Wolves at Old Trafford.

Gary O’Neil’s visitors had the better of the chances before Varane’s 76th-minute winner, with Matheus Cunha spurning a golden opportunity to put Wolves ahead early in the second half in what was a lively performance by the Brazilian forward.

Erik ten Hag had stressed the need for his team to “raise the bar” before kick-off but it was a passive display from United in front of their own supporters. It took a good pass from Bruno Fernandes to unlock things, Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross finding Varane.

There were still opportunities for Wolves as substitute Fabio Silva twice forced United’s new goalkeeper Andre Onana into smart saves late in the game. There was even a stoppage-time penalty check when Onana clattered into Sasa Kalajdzic while failing to claim the ball.

O’Neil was booked for his complaints but he will be heartened even in defeat. Wolves’ 23 shots are the most by an away side at Old Trafford since Chelsea in 2005.

Ten Hag will surely be alarmed by that despite his side claiming the three points.

How Man Utd hung on to beat Wolves

Expectations for Wolves had been low coming into the contest, the departure of Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the season meaning O’Neil had only had days to prepare his team. His was a team without a single new signing in the starting line-up.

But Wolves competed impressively, setting up well defensively and posing more problems on the counter-attack than United could cause at the other end. Indeed, the away side could easily have led at the interval if they had taken their chances.

Fine work by Cunha, eluding Lisandro Martinez with ease, set up Pablo Sarabia in the left channel but his effort was deflected just wide. The Spaniard returned the favour soon after but Cunha then screwed his shot wide of Onana’s other post.

The United goalkeeper was one of two debutants in a United line-up that also included Mason Mount but a header from Varane – a sign of what was later to decide the game – was as close as United came in the opening 45 minutes. It was all too slow.

The pattern continued in the second half, Cunha’s miss particularly shocking. Sarabia’s cross found its way to him at the far post and it seemed straightforward to turn the ball into net but he somehow contrived to strike the outside of the post instead. A huge let-off.

Cunha continued to torment the United defence with his runs from deep and another charge resulted in an opportunity for Pedro Neto but the tired shot was saved by Onana. A concerned Ten Hag turned to Christian Eriksen and Jadon Sancho to turn the tide.

United did win it when Varane nodded in but, strangely, they never really succeeded in doing that – Wolves continuing to push until the end. Only a pitch invader stemmed the flow, United needing all the help they could get, and they even survived the penalty call.

Onana, who did so much good work, went for one that was beyond him and collided heavily with Kalajdzic, the beanpole striker on his return from a knee injury. It appeared as if the referee was running to the touchline to award the penalty but it was a yellow for O’Neil instead.

The warning was United’s on Monday evening, despite extending their unbeaten home run to 19 games. This was a team performance lacking in verve and an opponent less wasteful than Wolves – of which there cannot be many – would have punished them.

O’Neil: Moss apologised over ‘blatant penalty’

Wolves boss O’Neil revealed that Jonathan Moss, whose title is Select Group 1 Manager at PGMOL, has already apologised for the non-award of a “blatant penalty” for the challenge by Onana in stoppage time.

“We have just spoken to Jonathan Moss and fair play to him for coming straight out and apologising and saying it was a blatant penalty and should have been given,” said O’Neil.

“I spent the afternoon with him today, gave up a lot of my day and preparation around trying to understand the new guidelines and trying not to get myself booked on my first game with the new guidelines, which I failed in.

“Fair play to Jonathan for saying it was a clear and obvious error and he cannot believe that the on-field ref did not give it, cannot believe that VAR didn’t intervene.

“It probably made me feel worse actually because once you know you are right you feel worse about leaving with nothing.”

Ten Hag: We will have to play better

“It was a tough game,” said Ten Hag. “We can do a lot of things better but also I see a lot of positive things. I saw six or seven good high-ball regains and then we have to take more from the turnovers. In a low block, we defended for our lives and we survived it.”

“You have to find the foundation of the season and collect points. If we want to keep collecting points we will have to play better than we did today. But there were positives, the defensive organisation, the clean sheet and the mentality. We found a way to win.”

Player of the match: Matheus Cunha

It might seem strange to pick out a player of the match who wasted the losing side’s clearest chance of the game but it was Cunha who lit up the evening with his smart turns away from the defenders and his driving runs from deep. He has power and grace on the ball.

What Cunha could not do was score. He found the net only twice last season, which is as many as any player in O’Neil’s starting line-up mustered in all competitions for any club last season. Wolves will need him to add that to his game if they are to stop history repeating.

O’Neil appears excited about working with Cunha to help him become more complete and find the finishing touch. “I thought he was very good, he missed a lot of training this week with a slight issue, so we were never going to get 90 minutes out of him,” he said.

“There are lots of things he can still improve, he knows what they are at. There is one hell of a player in there, but we do need to work still to get him to the level that I know he can be at, to be able to do what he did tonight more regularly, to add a goal at the end of it.”

The game in stats

Manchester United have won seven consecutive home Premier League games for the first time since 2017.

Raphael Varane netted his first goal in 26 Premier League games, since scoring against Brentford in May 2022.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka ended a run of 40 Premier League appearances for Manchester United with a goal involvement, since another assist against Liverpool in May 2021.

Wolves directed six shots on target in the game, the most by a visiting side at Old Trafford in the Premier League without scoring since Chelsea in 2019.

Wolves are without a win in nine Premier League away games while they have lost each of their five, their longest top-flight losing streak on the road since 2011.

Since the start of 2020-21, Wolves have failed to score in 45 Premier League games, more than any other side.

What’s next?

Saturday 19th August 5:00pm


Kick off 5:30pm

Tottenham host Manchester United next Saturday at 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports. Wolves host Brighton on the same day at Molineux; kick off 3pm.

Cheveley Park Stud’s Chris Richardson has reflected on a “special moment and a great triumph” as Inspiral oozed class in the defence of her Prix Jacques le Marois title at Deauville.

The four-year-old is now a four-time winner at Group One level, and was arguably at the peak of her powers on the Normandy coast as she scooted clear of big-race favourite Big Rock following an inspired ride from Frankie Dettori, who was registering a record-extending eighth success in the showpiece event.

The victory was made all the more spectacular coming just 11 days after Inspiral had failed in her bid to topple Paddington in Goodwood’s Sussex Stakes, and Richardson, who is managing director of Cheveley Park, was full of praise for both Dettori and the training heroics of John and Thady Gosden following the filly’s quick turnaround in fortunes.

He said: “Unbelievable, it was fantastic and it’s full marks to every aspect of the team really.

“Frankie really looked after her at Goodwood and as I’ve said before, when he made his move on Inspiral to get the rail, her burst was short lived and he accepted it and just let her come home – and full marks to John for having the courage to say let’s go back 11 days later too.

“It all worked in her favour and I think it was probably one of the best performances of her career.”

Last year Inspiral prevailed by a neck from David Simcock’s Light Infantry, but this time around a stellar cast of milers had assembled and what made the triumph all the more remarkable was Dettori’s ingenious ploy of taking the filly all the way over to the far side of the track from her position in stall one to find the perfect position to mount a winning challenge.

“It was sensational and to be as brave as Frankie was to go from basically draw one to draw 12 and come down the outside having gone a lot further than everybody else, I think even he was as wide-eyed surprised that she just kept on motoring,” added Richardson.

“She loves a fast pace which she got and the ground had dried up enough and she has proved now that she goes on fast ground, good ground and good to soft ground.”

The Marois serves as a ‘win and you’re in’ race for the Breeders’ Cup Mile and a trip to Santa Anita in November is just one of a plethora of options now available for Inspiral, who also holds entries closer to home in the Matron Stakes (Leopardstown, September 9), Sun Chariot Stakes (Newmarket, October 7) and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on British Champions Day (Ascot, October 21).

However, with all connected with the daughter of Frankel revelling in her latest triumph, the dust will be allowed to settle on her successful French raid before plans for later in the season are firmed up.

Richardson added: “Sadly Mrs (Patricia) Thompson (Cheveley Park owner) couldn’t be there, but Richard her son came with me and had a really special day. He was thrilled just like his mother and it was a great lift for everyone really. It was a special moment and a great triumph for all concerned.

“There is lots to think about now. John and I just thought on the plane home we would see how she is in a week to 10 days’ time. Mrs Thompson is also coming up this week, so we can discuss what plans we might want to consider.

“She has plenty of entries and if the Breeders’ Cup is something Mrs Thompson is prepared to consider then who knows, she might end up there. We will enjoy this moment and enjoy the next few weeks of planning.”

Lilia Vu claimed a six-shot victory at the AIG Women’s Open, while home favourite Charley Hull finished second after another impressive major display; we look back at what made the week at Walton Heath one to remember

For those unable to attend the AIG Women’s Open at Walton Heath, it would be easy to assume – wrongly – that this week’s major has been no different to any other event in the golf calendar.

The world’s top players playing an iconic course, in front of thousands of spectators each day, may seem exactly what you expect from one of the marquee events in the sporting schedule. However, this year was different.

‘Golf. Opened up.’ was the message from the R&A throughout the week, as they looked to inspire the next generation of fans and give those of all ages a new way to experience golf. And boy, did they deliver.

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An emotional Lilia Vu says she will remember her AIG Open victory for the rest of her life after easing to a six-shot victory at Walton Heath.

Walton Heath impresses in many ways

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said in his pre-tournament press conference that they “wanted to attract families” and “attract young girls who don’t necessarily play golf but want to come and have a good evening” to the event. That was evident throughout the week.

Attendances were significantly up on the previous year’s tournament at Muirfield, with the strategy to continue letting under-16s go free with a paying adult resulting in significantly more young people in the crowd than you would typically see at a major event.

Charley Hull received huge support from the home crowds throughout the AIG Women’s Open

The crowds offered huge support to the home contingent in the field, with Charley Hull – the home favourite and eventual runner-up to Lilia Vu – blown away by the reaction she was getting throughout the week.

“It’s unbelievable,” Hull said about the reaction she received. “I was shocked how many young kids came up to me to be fair. It’s quite cute and really inspiring because when I was younger I used to look up to Laura (Davies) but it’s kind of cool how they are looking up to me now.”

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Charley Hull admits she felt ‘deflated’ after her final round at the AIG Women’s Open saw her finish six shots behind winner Lilia Vu

The course provided the perfect major test for the players, while Vu catapulted herself as a star of the women’s game by registering a six-shot victory and second major of the season. She was outside the world’s top 1,000 not that long ago and is now projected to reach No 1 for the first time. Impressive.

Festival vibes at a golf tournament?!

Putting a fan area at a golf tournament is not new, with the spectator village at The 151st Open last month proving hugely popular and the BMW PGA Championship’s fan village getting bigger every year, but the “Festival Fan Village” this week generated plenty of interest and praise.

The Festival Fan Village opened from Wednesday’s practice round and proved extremely popular

Situated close to the practice range and a short distance away from the 18th fairway, the village offered an array of colour, noise and excitement and provided almost the perfect way to engage with those experiencing the sport for the first time.

Golf lessons were available for those of all abilities, with crazy golf and putting challenges there for those not ready to test their swing, but the big takeaway was the number of non-golf activities on offer for families to enjoy.

Virtual games, Cornhole and outdoor shuffleboard were just some of the options available, while a range of food and drink stalls were there to entice those watching the live golf – sat on deck chairs and bean bags – on huge screens in the middle of the village.

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Lilia Vu sinks a superb birdie on the 18th at Walton Heath to cap off a brilliant final round

Throw in the tent hosting live music and Q&A sessions with recognisable names, plus the large merchandise shops and extra stalls around the area, and it really did offer the festival style experience. It could well be something that other sports events use as inspiration going forward.

World Cup fever at Walton Heath!

Golf clearly remained the priority at the course all week, although the decision to celebrate other women’s sport taking place by screening the FIFA Women’s World Cup is another that should be applauded.

All four quarter-finals were shown on one of the big screens in the Festival Fan Village, as the others showed live golf, with England’s victory over Colombia on Saturday in particular generating plenty of interest.

England fans – some in football shirts and a few in Union Jack hats – watched on nervously as the Lionesses secured a 2-1 victory to book their semi-final spot, with an enthusiastic cheer being heard across the village at full-time.

There may not have been the excessive celebrations like we have seen at other outdoor screenings of major tournaments – mainly involving the men’s national team – in the past, but the fact so many were glued to the football ahead of going out to watch the golf showed it was a worthwhile move.

Goulding brings global appeal

While the golf continued to be the star attraction into the weekend, the tournament took a back seat on Saturday evening to allow live music to take centre stage for the first time in AIG Women’s Open history.

Shortly after Charley Hull and Lilia Vu took a share of the 54-hole lead, the driving range become a makeshift festival arena as Pixey supported chart-topping star Ellie Goulding on a big stage.

Goulding left the several thousand who stayed to watch ‘Starry Eyed’ with her performance, with the BRIT Award winner’s appearance also helping to lure a different audience to watch golf.

Speaking about the concert, 2018 champion Georgia Hall said: “I heard it was a massive success and there’s no reason why it can’t be like this every year!”

Next year’s edition heads to the Home of Golf for the third time and first since 2013, with St Andrews’ historic Old Course the venue for Vu’s title defence next August.

Bring. It. On.

The LPGA Tour season heads to Northern Ireland next for the ISPS Handa World Invitational, beginning on Thursday from 1pm on Sky Sports Golf, which is the final event in the qualification campaign for Europe’s Solheim Cup team. Stream the LPGA Tour, Solheim Cup and more with NOW for £26 a month for 12 months.

Chelsea have agreed a deal with Brighton worth a British record £115m for midfielder Moises Caicedo.

The Blues are understood to be paying an initial £100m, plus £15m in performance-related add-ons.

Caicedo has been granted permission by Brighton to have a Chelsea medical, which is expected to take place on Monday.

The midfielder will sign an eight-year contract, with the option of a further year.

Brighton will have a sell-on clause that has been described as “significant” as part of the £115m deal to sell Caicedo.

The Blues will pay £100m up front for the midfielder, with £15m in add-ons.

Half of the add-ons have been described as “quite easily achievable”, while the other half are considered “much harder” to achieve.

Liverpool agreed a £111m deal to sign Caicedo earlier this week but the move fell through when the 21-year-old informed the club he intended to join Chelsea.

Caicedo had been expected to travel to Liverpool for a medical on Friday after Jurgen Klopp’s side had a bid accepted by Brighton following a midnight deadline for bids on Thursday.

But the Ecuador international had a change of heart and told Liverpool – who drew 1-1 at Chelsea in their opening Premier League game of the season on Sunday – he did not want to join.

Caicedo instead remained in London and made it clear he only wanted to leave Brighton for Chelsea, who have been pursuing him all summer.

The £115m fee eclipses the £106.8m Chelsea paid for Enzo Fernandez when breaking the British-record transfer fee in January.

Chelsea want to sign two midfielders this summer, with the west Londoners also close to an agreement with Southampton over the signing of Romeo Lavia, who remains a Liverpool target, too.

Klopp’s dig at Chelsea over transfers: What manager wants they get

Jurgen Klopp had a dig at Chelsea after their 1-1 draw with Liverpool, suggesting whatever the current manager at Stamford Bridge wants, he gets, regarding transfers.

Following the stalemate between the teams on Super Sunday, Klopp was asked about his opposite number Mauricio Pochettino wanting more players in this window, which drew a reply of: “That’s what Chelsea managers want and they usually get it.”

Klopp also said after the game there was “no news at all” to report on the transfer of Caicedo.

Redknapp ‘shocked’ Caicedo turned Liverpool down

Former Liverpool midfielder and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp on the Essential Football Podcast:

“I’m obviously hugely biased in this one – but this is astonishing for me!

“Normally Liverpool would always, always win this one hands down. I just thought it was inevitable.

“I thought he would look great in that red kit. I thought he would be the perfect signing for Liverpool.

“I get the attraction of Chelsea. It’s a huge club. They’ve won so many things over the years.

“But I think in terms of the history of the clubs, I’m amazed, especially with Caicedo joining up with Alexis Mac Allister, I thought it would be a perfect move.”

Analysis: From tearful teen to in-demand star

In the wake of his country’s World Cup exit last year, when other players were jetting off to high-end holiday resorts, Caicedo was back in Santo Domingo, Ecuador, playing in a local tournament on the same dusty pitch he used as a boy.

In footage which went viral in the country, Caicedo, a rising star in the Premier League who had just become Ecuador’s youngest scorer at a World Cup, can be seen finding the net again, only this time as a ringer for Caicedos FC, a team made up of extended family members.

His goal, slotted in at the near post in ramshackle surroundings, helped Caicedos FC win the tournament and was celebrated with a leap, a fist pump and a gesture of recognition to the few hundred spectators sitting or leaning on fences around the pitch.

“This is Moises,” Miguel Angel Ramirez, Caicedo’s former coach at his boyhood club Independiente del Valle, tells Sky Sports with a smile. “Going back to his village, to his family, his friends, playing football, helping everyone there. He doesn’t forget his people…”

Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports

Who will be on the move this summer when the transfer window opens on June 14 and closes at 11pm on September 1 in England and midnight in Scotland?

Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.

Watch Birmingham Phoenix vs Oval Invincibles Women in the 2023 edition of Hundred with our free live stream.

All 34 women’s matches, and selected men’s games, will be streamed as the ECB’s 100-ball competition returns for a third season with Trent Rockets Men and Oval Invincibles Women the defending champions.

Watch the video at the top of the page.

Hundred fixtures for 2023 (all women’s matches will be streamed for free)

• August 1: Southern Brave Women beat Trent Rockets Women by 27 runs
• August 1: Trent Rockets Men beat Southern Brave Men by six runs
• August 2: Welsh Fire vs Manchester Originals Women abandoned without a ball being bowled
• August 2: Welsh Fire Men beat Manchester Originals Men by nine runs
• August 2: London Spirit vs Oval Invincibles Women abandoned without a ball being bowled
• August 2: Oval Invincibles Men beat London Spirit Men by three wickets
• August 3: Northern Superchargers Women beat Birmingham Phoenix Women by seven wickets
• August 4: Welsh Fire Women beat Southern Brave Women by four runs
• August 4: Southern Brave Men beat Welsh Fire Men by two runs
• August 5: Manchester Originals vs London Spirit women and men abandoned due to rain
• August 5: Birmingham Phoenix vs Trent Rockets men and women both abandoned due to rain
• August 6: Southern Brave Women beat Northern Superchargers Women by five wickets
• August 6: Northern Superchargers Men beat Southern Brave Men by 60 runs
• August 6: Welsh Fire Women beat Oval Invincibles Women by three wickets
• August 6: Oval Invincibles Men tie with Welsh Fire Men
• August 7: Manchester Originals Women beat Birmingham Phoenix Women by five wickets
• August 7: Manchester Originals Men beat Birmingham Phoenix Men by 49 runs
• August 8: London Spirit Women beat Southern Brave Women by five wickets
• August 8: London Spirit Men vs Southern Brave Men abandoned due to rain
• August 9: Northern Superchargers Women beat Trent Rockets by nine runs
• August 9: Northern Superchargers Men beat Trent Rockets by three runs
• August 9: Oval Invincibles Women beat Manchester Originals by five runs
• August 9: Oval Invincibles Men beat Manchester Originals by 94 runs
• August 10: Welsh Fire Women beat Birmingham Phoenix by three runs
• August 10: Welsh Fire Men beat Birmingham Phoenix by six wickets
• August 11: Northern Superchargers Women beat Oval Invincibles by 14 runs
• August 11: Oval Invincibles Men beat Northern Superchargers by nine runs
• August 12: Trent Rockets Women beat London Spirit by five wickets
• August 12: Southern Brave Women beat Welsh Fire by two wickets
• August 13: Northern Superchargers vs Manchester Originals, Headingley, women 11am, men 2.30pm
• August 13: Birmingham Phoenix vs Oval Invincibles, Edgbaston, women 2.30pm, men 6pm
• August 14: Welsh Fire vs Trent Rockets, Sophia Gardens, women 3pm, men 6.30pm
• August 15: Oval Invincibles vs London Spirit, Kia Oval, women 3pm, men 6.30pm
• August 16: Southern Brave vs Birmingham Phoenix, Ageas Bowl, women 3pm, men 6.30pm
• August 17: Trent Rockets vs Manchester Originals, Trent Bridge, women 3pm, men 6.30pm
• August 18: London Spirit vs Northern Superchargers, Lord’s, women 3pm, men 6.30pm
• August 19: Trent Rockets vs Birmingham Phoenix, Trent Bridge, women 11am, men 2.30pm
• August 19: Southern Brave vs Oval Invincibles, Ageas Bowl, women 2.30pm, men 6pm
• August 20: Manchester Originals vs Northern Superchargers, women 11am, men 2.30pm
• August 20: Welsh Fire vs London Spirit, Sophia Gardens, women 2.30pm, men 6pm
• August 21: Oval Invincibles vs Trent Rockets, Kia Oval, women 3pm, men 6.30pm
• August 22: Northern Superchargers vs Welsh Fire, Headingley, women 3pm, men 6.30pm
• August 23: Manchester Originals vs Southern Brave, Emirates Old Trafford, women 3pm, men 6.30pm
• August 24: Birmingham Phoenix vs London Spirit, Edgbaston, women 3pm, men 6.30pm
• August 26: The Hundred Eliminator, Kia Oval, women 2.30pm, men 6pm
• August 27: The Hundred Final, Lord’s, women 2.15pm, men 6pm

Sky Sports will show all 68 games in The Hundred live this summer. Stream The Hundred and more with NOW

Anthony Joshua took out Robert Helenius inside seven rounds at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday.

Helenius surprised when he took Joshua into the second half of their contest but then with a single shot, a huge right cross to the jaw, Joshua extinguished his efforts, dropping him heavily at 1-27 of the seventh round.

Joshua was due to renew hostilities with old rival Dillan Whyte on this show. But that bout had to be cancelled after Whyte returned adverse analytic findings in the pre-fight anti-doping protocols.

It left Joshua looking for a replacement opponent at just a week’s notice and Helenius, moments after he had taken a three-round victory over Mika Mielonen last weekend in Finland made himself available for this fight.

After being knocked out in the first round by Deontay Wilder, Helenius was seizing an opportunity to return to action at the top tier of the heavyweight division. He began with spirit too, rushing out in the first round to cuff punches at Joshua’s guard.

Joshua, a former unified champion, is determined to reclaim a title and for him Helenius was just another step on the road back.

He was patient, he softened Helenius up with the occasional combination and then delivered a brutal ending.

By the second round Joshua was taking control. He lunged in with a left hook to catch Helenius. His jab thumped into the body but he wouldn’t rush himself.

Joshua might gradually have been taking the measure of this short-notice opponent, having a close look at him. But that wasn’t what the crowd wanted to see. They wanted more action.

As early as the third round boos began to ring out from some quarters of the arena, a demand for urgency.

Joshua answered that call though and launched a right cross flush into Helenius’ jaw. It connected and a cursory glance at Helenius showed it was a hurtful punch.

But the Finn collected himself. He withstood a charge in the next round and boxed through it. In the fifth, with Helenius backed into the ropes, Joshua smacked in a right that struck so hard the thud was audible.

The pace leaked out of the contest in the sixth round and if Joshua was affronted to see Helenius still in with him in the latter half of the contest, he finished matters with a sudden burst of speed.

His jab flicked out, distracting Helenius and the right carved a path through to hit the Finn cleanly to the jaw.

The blasting shot dropped him heavily, ending the contest at once.

The result, and the manner of the finish, clearly delighted Joshua. He even left the ring to celebrate before returning to have his hand formally raised by the referee.

He took his time but eventually Joshua got exactly the ending he wanted.

Wilder next?

“My back’s gone,” Joshua cried. “I’m carrying this heavyweight division to the top!”

Joshua should be on course to fight Wilder himself. Malik Scott, the American’s trainer revealed that fight was effectively “locked in” for January of next year.

Picking up a second consecutive victory with new trainer Derrick James in his corner, and his first stoppage win since 2020, won’t have hurt Joshua’s confidence ahead of that potential clash with the division’s biggest puncher.

Undercard action

On the undercard Filip Hrgovic retained his status as the mandatory challenger for the IBF heavyweight title, held by Oleksandr Usyk along with the WBO and WBA belts. But it took until the 12th and final round for Hrgovic to find a stoppage.

He hurt Australia’s Dempsey McKean with a right to the jaw but got away with clubbing blows to the back of the head before the referee halted the Australian.

British heavyweight Derek Chisora, once a world title challenger but now at the very tail end of his career, laboured to a unanimous decision over 41-year-old American Gerald Washington.

Chisora took the slow paced 10-rounder 98-93, 97-94 and 96-94 the judges’ scorecards.