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George Ford proud of his side as England complete tour clean sweep

George Ford proud of his side as England complete tour clean sweep

The 4220-07-2025
CAPTAIN GEORGE FORD said he was proud of his young England colleagues after they completed a clean sweep of victories on their summer tour.
A much-changed England side shrugged off two lengthy delays caused by lightning to beat the United States 40-5 in Washington DC on the back of a 2-0 series win in Argentina.
Curtis Langdon, Luke Northmore, Cadan Murley, Jack van Poortvliet, Harry Randall and Gabriel Oghre, one of six debutants, grabbed England's six tries with Ford landing four conversions with one from another new face, Charlie Atkinson.
'The boys have been unbelievable all tour. They deserve that tonight,' said Ford, who won his 102nd cap. 'It is a proud moment for the families, so we will celebrate.
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'There has been a lot of hard work and the conditions were difficult tonight.
'We have won all three games, we have had six new caps, I am proud of the effort of everyone.'
After kick-off at Audi Field was delayed due to an electrical storm in the American capital, England seized control when the Eagles were reduced to 14 by a deliberate knock-on from outside-half Chris Hilsenbeck.
Langdon was the beneficiary of a driving line-out for the first score and then new boy Max Ojomoh slipped in fellow centre Northmore for a simple score under the posts.
Alex Dombrandt and debutant Jack Carpenter had scores ruled out on either side of a 40-minute delay for lightning before Murley raced over in the final play of the first half.
Van Poortvliet, showing his sound positional sense, went over straight after the restart and England were camped in the Americans' 22 for most of the second period.
The hosts held out until Immanuel Feyi-Waboso sliced through to send the supporting Randall over and Bristol hooker Oghre burst out of a maul to score as England turned to the bench.
The US were finally on the scoreboard in the final seconds as a well-worked ploy at the front of a line-out saw Chris Poidevin put Shilo Klein over for a consolation score.
'It is a big challenge, but the boys stayed on it,' said home captain Benjamin Bonasso. 'We trusted the process and got a try at the end of the game.
'We have got to keep going. Facing this type of speed and conditions always makes you better.'
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Letters: There was touch of karma in the All-Ireland football final after Donegal snubbed parade tradition
Letters: There was touch of karma in the All-Ireland football final after Donegal snubbed parade tradition

Irish Independent

time2 hours ago

  • Irish Independent

Letters: There was touch of karma in the All-Ireland football final after Donegal snubbed parade tradition

However, to see the Donegal team breach that tradition during Sunday's All-Ireland football final was very disappointing. Many years ago, when Wexford played Limerick, the Limerick team breached the parade at the halfway line and Wexford went on to win. Limerick were fined in that regard. Similarly, on this occasion, the Kerry team respected the integrity of the parade and went on to win. Karma? Hopefully, teams will be reminded to respect the integrity of the parade going forward. Peter Mulvany, Clontarf, Dublin 3 Masterful victory came in nick of time – as football moves in right direction The Kerry victory against Donegal arrived in the nick of time to save Gaelic football from extinction. What a relief to see a return to high fielding, long-distance kicking and a plethora of scores on a regular basis. The data-driven obsession, borrowed from soccer and American football, with its cliches about zonal defence, dominating the middle third, edge of the D, outside and inside the arc, and so on, had made this relatively simple and spontaneous game the world's most boring and unwatchable, except for scoreless soccer games. At least the new rules have liberated natural and skilful athletes like David Clifford and Michael Murphy to keep going forward towards goal and not sideways and backwards in a dreary process of endless handball – that former greats like Mick O'Connell would not recognise at all. The two points from long distance and long kick-outs from the goalie have also helped, but backward hand-passing should be banned completely. Gaelic football still has a long way to go to equal the wizardry and skill of hurling, or rugby at its best, but at least it is finally going in the right direction. Maurice O'Callaghan, Stillorgan, Co Dublin Dublin pundits among those who 'disrespected' Kingdom before big game I'm biased, but Paudie Clifford's post-match interview on Sunday in which he said, 'as a team, we would feel disrespected' struck a chord (Paudie Clifford: 'To be called a one-man team is nearly disrespectful, it's kind of personal', Irish Independent, July 28). I think the elder Clifford brother said it a few times, and while many will think he was referring to a well-known pundit from up North who's been on about a one-man team for yonks now, he could also have been referring to Dublin footballers. To my knowledge, not a single one of their pundits predicted a Kerry win, not to mention the emphatic way it was achieved. Says it all really that a gifted individual, who would get more possessions than minutes in the biggest game of the year, would have the last word. Tom McElligott, Listowel, Co Kerry With such massive profits last year, An Post does not need to reduce deliveries A major row broke out last week over the future of An Post as it made ­headlines, including claims and counterclaims over the financial health of the organisation. When one looks past all this commotion, one key point has emerged: An Post wants to cut mail delivery days as a way of cutting costs. Cutting costs has to be some kind of joke, as we learnt that last year An Post revenue topped €1bn. With such profits, why would An Post want to cut its services? John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Remembering two brave young men who sacrificed their lives for their beliefs On a recent visit to Carlow town, I visited the interesting museum there, and viewed some items associated with Kevin Barry. Strangely, it reminded me that in the exchange of fire, during the ambush when Barry was apprehended, another youngster died in the incident. 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Keir Starmer mocked for cringe call with hero Lionesses from Scotland as squad crowd around phone at No10 reception
Keir Starmer mocked for cringe call with hero Lionesses from Scotland as squad crowd around phone at No10 reception

The Irish Sun

time8 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

Keir Starmer mocked for cringe call with hero Lionesses from Scotland as squad crowd around phone at No10 reception

SIR Keir Starmer has been mocked by fans after his "awkward" behaviour on a phone call with the heroic Lionesses. Sarina Wiegman's side following a tense 1-1 draw with Spain. Advertisement 7 Sir Keir Starmer made a phone call to the Lionesses as they enjoyed celebrations in Downing Street Credit: X 7 The Lionesses with their manager Sarina Wiegman in the call Credit: X 7 The England squad celebrating with their medals Credit: Richard Pohle 7 England are the Euro 2025 champions once more after back-to-back wins Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The newly-crowned winners arrived for a celebratory reception at Downing Street on Monday evening, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Number 10 was decorated for the occasion, with St George's flags draped over windows and bunting along the railings. But The President welcomed the PM and his wife Victoria to his golf course at Turnberry this afternoon for wide-ranging talks. Advertisement Read More in Football However, Starmer did manage a phone call to the Lionesses while they were at the Downing Street garden to celebrate their Euros victory. A post shared on Sir Keir's social media showed the moment Sarina Wiegman and some of the Lionesses received a video call from the PM. He said: "Fantastic to see you all and welcome to Downing Street. I just wanted to say a huge congratulations to you and the whole team." The video-call lasted about five minutes and Wiegman could be heard saying "hello Keir, nice to see you", adding "it's lovely here". Advertisement Most read in Football Latest Breaking She then thanked him for calling and for supporting the team throughout the tournament. But trolls were quick to hit out against Sir Keir's phone call with some branding it "awkward" for the heroic Lionesses. Another said on X, formerly Twitter: "Why does Keir have that uncanny valley AI feel in this video? "It just gives off such weird vibes man." Advertisement England's Lionesses return home to heroes' welcome with EURO 2025 trophy Meanwhile, a third laughed: "They couldn't wait to get you off the phone." "All feels so fake," said another of Starmer's attempt at conversation during the phone call. The PM's post was captioned: "Back-to-back tournament wins. Inspiring the next generation. History makers. "On behalf of the entire nation — congratulations Lionesses." Advertisement Sarina Wiegman's troops secured a with a penalty shootout victory over Spain in Basel. 7 Donald Trump welcomes Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria to his Scottish golf course Advertisement 7 Meanwhile the Euro winners enjoyed drinks in the sunshine Credit: Richard Pohle 7 England hero Chloe Kelly laughs as the team celebrate at the reception Credit: PA Kelly and her team-mates And they were greeted by a chorus of cheers as they touched down in Old Blighty on Monday afternoon. Advertisement Scores of footie fans waited for their heroines outside the terminal after getting wind of their arrival and erupted in cheers at Southend Airport in Essex. Tuesday will see the team enjoy an open-top bus procession along The Mall and a ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace. However, the Government won't commemorate the Lionesses' latest trophy haul with a Bank Holiday. CHAMPIONS AGAIN The Lionesses had a bumpy ride in Switzerland, but always managed to come up with the goods in the big moments. Advertisement 's side produced several Houdini acts before against world champions in the final. England got off to a poor start as But Hampton saved twice - including one from Caldentey and another from superstar Aitana Bonmati before Salma Paralluelo shanked her effort wide. Kelly, 27, kept her cool to slot home the decisive penalty as England retained their title as European champions via a shootout on a historic night in Basel. Advertisement The former Man City forward , coming on for an injured at the end of the first half and going on to set up 's equalising goal and netting the deciding spot kick.

Where to now for Donegal after a final where they were thoroughly outplayed and outthought?
Where to now for Donegal after a final where they were thoroughly outplayed and outthought?

The 42

time12 hours ago

  • The 42

Where to now for Donegal after a final where they were thoroughly outplayed and outthought?

WHEN THE KERRY engine was purring and all was going their way in the first half of the All-Ireland final, the RTÉ cameras could not resist lingering on Donegal manager Jim McGuinness on the touchline. He cut a haunted figure, pale and fidgeting. His hands went to his face and he rubbed his eyes as if to try to wake up from a nightmare. And then something that rarely is picked up by the cameras; McGuinness locked in panicked debate with selectors Colm McFadden and Neil McGee. They could see what was happening on the pitch but were powerless to do anything about it. There is no shame in that whatsoever. Kerry were staffed at the back with raw-boned aggressive defenders such as Jason Foley and Mike Breen. Going forward Brian Ó Beaglaoich and Gavin White were immense, White in particular, while they also had the cool heads of Paul Murphy, Sean O'Shea and Paudie Clifford to retain the ball around the middle. Up top, you have the greatest forward to play the game. The blend of talent and motivation – this was a Kerry team playing with more spite than is customary – was irresistible. In order to stop them, Donegal needed big performances and their strategy needed to be bang on. Both elements were completely off on the day. We will come back to that, but it's not too early to ask a few questions about where Donegal go from here. And you would have to start with the manager. When Jim McGuinness said, 'It'll be a fairly heavy post-mortem after this one,' in the post-match press briefing, he gave a clear indication that he will be there in 2026. Advertisement To these eyes, there is no doubt in that. If a position coaching soccer was available and suitable, he would be doing that. Jim McGuinness. Bryan Keane / INPHO Bryan Keane / INPHO / INPHO There are life choices too at play. This is a man who is building a new family home, for a large family, in rural Donegal. For a decade he was involved in gaining coaching qualifications and pursuing a career in soccer. It takes a lot of imagination to build a case that he has a future in that sport, given that his only time as a manager was a six-month spell in lower tier American soccer that ended through poor results. And being frank about it, slogging up and down the road on Friday nights in a team bus managing a League of Ireland team would be a step down. It's what happens next will be of the utmost intrigue. Can McGuinness dedicate himself to another couple of seasons with Donegal, with the threat of diminishing returns? If so, giving over another three or four years when success might not come as thick and fast, all the while maintaining certain standards would be of some service to Donegal. If he does continue, there will be many nights spent with the sketchpad, rustling up ideas to break out of the tactical inflexibility that helped Kerry along. 'Kerry came hard they came hard early. They set the terms of the game. Then you're trying to manage that and you're trying to claw your way back in,' he said afterwards. 'We tried to respond to that, but at the end of the day, they were still keeping the scoreboard ticking over. Very quickly, you're in a fight. Whereas we wanted to be in a position where we were going to control the game, they were going to control the game, we were going to pick them off, they were going to pick us off.' The zonal defence was the big ticket item that the Football Review Committee wanted to abolish. Let's not lose sight of the fact this is Kerry we are talking about here, but they have shown that if you resist the temptation to hand the ball over, then you're on the right track. Who would be reporting for the start of pre-season? Michael Murphy has earned the right to retire on his own terms. He had a brilliant season, one of his best, but he suffered in this final. Missing a handy free and allowing Joe O'Connor to turn over a careless handpass to Ryan McHugh was completely uncharacteristic. Kerry repeatedly targeted him by dropping their kickouts down on top of him. But when he struggled then, his own personal cause wasn't helped when Shaun Patton was doing the same. Tyrone's win in Ballybofey was also built on the same foundations. Will Patrick McBrearty wish to come back for another season of bit-part roles? And Ryan McHugh, who has recently become a father? Patrick McBrearty. Bryan Keane / INPHO Bryan Keane / INPHO / INPHO What happens if all leave? As well as being McGuinness' eyes and ears in the dressing room, it would create a huge leadership vacuum. There are many baffling moments from the All-Ireland final. Some looked to be the result of completely overthinking. Donegal are renowned for the amount of time they spend in hotels, on weekend training camps and residentials. Even before the season, they spent a week at a training camp in Abu Dhabi. Anyone that has been to Abu Dhabi couldn't fail to notice the serious human rights abuses, the suppression of dissent and their abuse of migrant workers. At the time, The 42 was the only media source to report on this. Some others followed, but surely there must be a sizeable number of people in and around Donegal GAA that are uncomfortable with the choice of venue. Either way, all this time away has to be filled. A report coming out of the camp in their pre All-Ireland final camp at the Slieve Russell, Ballyconnell, where they trained at the grounds of the Kildallan clubs, was that they never wanted to see another PowerPoint presentation again. Perhaps that led to them operating on Donegal time before the match. They were late coming over to be greeted by Irish President Michael D Higgins. They had to be asked twice by stadium announcer Jerry Grogan to come and join the parade. And even before the parade rounded towards Hill 16 – surely one of the most evocative sights of Gaelic Games culture – they had broken and headed off down the pitch for yet another physical primer. All of this just looked silly though when Kerry observed all the faff that goes with the official stuff, completed a full lap behind the Artane Band, and then blew Donegal off the pitch in the first quarter. But the one that will haunt Donegal was not the decision to leave Paudie Clifford unmarked, but to refuse to alter that approach and remain locked in to a zonal defence system. Related Reads A day of days for Kerry as they complete the Ulster clean sweep Here's The Sunday Game's Football Team of the Year for 2025 'I was inside here a month ago and there steam coming out of my ears' - Jack O'Connor 'Allowing their best ball player to be unmarked, is crazy,' said RTÉ analyst Lee Keegan at half-time. For Donegal's defence to work, it depends on the opposition feeling pressure to attack and bring the ball into positions where Donegal can turn you over and go from there. Kerry felt absolutely no pressure here, because they had the finishers, the composure to hold onto the ball, and the nerve. The difficulty for Donegal now is the blood in the water. ***** Check out the latest episode of The42′s GAA Weekly podcast here

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