Kieran Shoemark is relishing the opportunity to partner Oaks heroine Soul Sister in the Grand Prix de Paris at ParisLongchamp on Friday evening.

The 27-year-old, who won his first Group One aboard Lady Bowthorpe in 2021, is enjoying a fine season riding 33 winners so far, including a Group Three aboard Vadream earlier in the campaign.

With Soul Sister’s usual partner Frankie Dettori suspended and many other big-name riders required at Newmarket’s July Festival, he has the chance to continue his good run in the saddle having received the call up from John and Thady Gosden for the plum ride aboard their Epsom scorer.

It is a great opportunity for the jockey to showcase his talent on the biggest stage and at a venue where he has enjoyed some of his best days in the saddle.

He followed up his win aboard Dreamloper in the Prix d’Ispahan in the French capital with a double at the track last September when Dreamloper claimed the Prix du Moulin and West Wind Blows won the Prix du Prince d’Orange.

“I’m very much looking forward to it,” said Shoemark. “I like Longchamp and the filly has been very impressive to date and I’m very fortunate I have been given this opportunity and I can’t wait to take it.

“I couldn’t quite believe it myself, but timings have kind of worked out with good racing being on at Newmarket and Frankie Dettori being suspended and it was just being in the right place at the right time.

“I’ve had quite a lot of luck at Longchamp, so hopefully that continues.”

Eight head to post for the 12-furlong Group One and although Soul Sister may be the sole British interest, Aidan O’Brien fields Irish Derby second and fourth, Adelaide River and Peking Opera, as he tries to add to his impressive record in the race.

Shoemark is extremely respectful of the Ballydoyle challenge and has the Curragh runner-up Adelaide River as one of Soul Sister’s chief dangers, as well as Pascal Bary’s Feed The Flame, who was visually impressive in his first two starts before claiming fourth place in the Prix du Jockey Club.

“I thought Adelaide River ran a huge race in the Irish Derby and the French horse Feed The Flame was a gallant fourth in the French Derby,” added Shoemark.

“It’s a competitive field and we’re getting 3lb off the colts. This is a tough task and it is the first time a filly has ran in the race for 10 years, so it is something that doesn’t happen very often. But John and Thady Gosden have her in good order and hopefully we go there with a good chance.”

Andre Fabre is the race’s leading trainer and will bid to add to his tally with Prix Hocquart winner First Minister, while others representing the home team include Prix du Lys first and second, Rubis Vendome and Silawi, and Winter Pudding who is the mount of recent Prix Jean Prat-winner Stephane Pasquier.

A disabled Manchester City fan was left lying alone in her own urine in a hospital bed after breaking her femur in two places amid the chaos at last month’s Champions League final in Istanbul.

Clare Watson, who is ambulant disabled following the collapse of her three lower vertebrae, travelled to Turkey with her grandchildren for the showpiece game on June 10, but suffered an accident on the way to the match which has forced her to miss six weeks of work.

Watson described her experience as “atrocious” after she and her grandchildren were forced to get out of the taxi they were travelling in to the Ataturk Stadium by police due to a road closure.

She recalled walking over “building site rubble” and tripped as she tried to avoid an oncoming vehicle.

“It was then clear from the pain that I needed an ambulance, but they would not allow my grandchildren to come with me, ” she told disability access charity Level Playing Field (LPF).

“Once at the hospital, I was told the severity of my injury and that I would need surgery. I was moved to another hospital for the operation the following afternoon but was ignored and received no attention for hours on end.

“Lying there in my own urine, soaking wet, was the most upsetting part of the experience.”

LPF has demanded answers from match organisers UEFA over how disabled supporters were accommodated at the Ataturk Stadium in the week following the match, but has so far received no response.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin admitted on a visit to Manchester last month that “not everything was perfect” in Istanbul, with many supporters reporting issues with transport and access to water and toilets.

Watson’s daughter is a nurse and advised her to go back to hospital when she returned to Manchester.

“I went to North Manchester A&E and they could not believe I had been advised to fly home,” Watson recalled.

“I was cared for there for another week, still in pain, but with the necessary equipment and plenty of care from my daughter.

“I am now at home and unable to work, having missed the game and brought back a metal rod instead of a souvenir flag.”

LPF fan liaison officer Liam Bird said Watson’s experience demonstrated “a clear lack of respect for fans” from UEFA, and that lessons had not been learned from the chaotic scenes at the 2022 final in Paris between Liverpool and Real Madrid.

An independent report into that match found UEFA bore primary responsibility for what almost became a “mass fatality catastrophe” with supporters kept penned outside the perimeter of the Stade de France.

Wembley will host next year’s Champions League final. Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt said last month that the staging plans would be “tested to destruction” by all the agencies involved in organising it.

Bird believes Wembley will “undoubtedly provide better” but added: “This lottery of access and inclusion (based) on which year your team gets to the final cannot continue.

“UEFA need to engage with organisations with expertise in disability access and inclusion, as well as disabled supporters themselves, when planning all showpiece events.”

Football Supporters Europe is compiling a report into fans’ experiences at this year’s final which will be presented to UEFA.

UEFA has been approached for comment.

Sheffield United have made Tunisia international Anis Slimane their first summer signing.

The Blades have signed Slimane from Danish club Brondby on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee, understood to be around £1.2million.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who played for Tunisia in last year’s World Cup, told the club’s official website: “I like the culture of the club. I heard it is a hard-working club and that reminds me of myself.

“I love to work hard, and I love to give everything – leave everything out on the pitch. At this club, nothing is given, everything is worked for.

“I had a really good talk with the club and the manager and I felt that they had the right plan for me. The manager was really honest and I am excited to be here and looking forward to the Premier League.

“It is a big opportunity and a big challenge, I am not coming here for a vacation. I have been through a lot in my career so far, even though I’m only 22, but I still have a lot to learn, and I am looking forward to learning every day.”

Boss Paul Heckingbottom, whose club have also been linked with Ivorian winger Benie Traore, is delighted to sign a player with experience at such a young age.

“He’s 22 but someone with a lot of experience. He’s played a lot of first-team games, been to a World Cup and someone who has continually gone up the ladder in terms of his levels,” Heckingbottom said.

“He’s a technical player who can handle the ball really well and someone who works really hard. I think the fact that he’s played in a number of positions at international level and has been trusted in those positions shows he gets the game tactically.

“Anis is someone we’ve known about since we first took the job here, really in that first window. We never really had the opportunity to do something until now and it has just coincided with his contract situation so the timing is really good for both of us.”

The Blades are preparing for life back in the Premier League after two seasons away and are currently in a fight to keep star striker Iliman Ndiaye.

The Senegal international is reportedly attracting interest from Marseille, but the PA news agency first revealed that he has been offered a bumper new deal by the South Yorkshire club.

Former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has revealed he wanted to sign Declan Rice, believing the Arsenal-bound midfielder could have been the Blues’ long-term captain.

Former Chelsea academy player Rice, who has since gone on to establish himself as an England regular under Gareth Southgate, captained West Ham to Europa Conference League glory last month ahead of his expected move to north London.

Lampard, who managed Chelsea between 2019 and 2021 before returning for a stint as caretaker boss earlier this year, told the Diary of a CEO podcast: “I wanted to bring in Declan Rice.

“I was like ‘this kid is going to be the captain of Chelsea for the next 10 years’. It didn’t happen, anyway, it is hard to dissect people’s work.”

Lampard returned to the club as interim manager in April after Chelsea sacked Graham Potter but only managed one win in his 10 games in charge as the Blues finished 12th.

Chelsea’s record goalscorer referred to the troubles he experienced with the oversized squad he inherited after the £600million-plus investment from Todd Boehly’s Clearlake Capital consortium since 2022.

Lampard added: “The biggest thing about the low standards was the size of the squad. The motivation was tough with players outside the Champions League squad.

“When I came in, very quickly I noticed that some players were thinking about the season’s going to peter out and what the future’s going to look like and that was a difficult situation.

“When you have international players in a big number then of course you’re telling internationals to stay at home and it’s not easy, and to have the conversation with them every Friday and to get them lined up coming in is also not easy for your own energy.

“I think there’s an understanding at the club that (squad size) has to change now, I think it has to change and if you lack those basics then it’s really hard to get where you want to get to.”

Chelsea have since appointed Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager and have streamlined their bloated squad by selling eight first-team players ahead of their pre-season tour to the United States.

Lampard talked up Mason Mount, who is among those to have left Stamford Bridge this summer, signing for Manchester United earlier this month.

“I think it’s a great signing,” Lampard said.

“So in terms of what he’ll bring to Manchester United, it won’t just be what Mason brings, he will bring loads of talent, but he’s just going to go and (raise) the levels.”

Andy Murray’s former coach Jamie Delgado believes the Scot still has what it takes to win the top titles despite his early Wimbledon exit.

Murray came into his favourite tournament, where he has been a two-time winner, with genuine hope that he could have a deep run for the first time since his hip operation in 2019.

But he was on the wrong end of a five-set thriller with fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round, leaving him with more grand slam disappointment.

But Delgado, who was in Murray’s camp when he won his second Wimbledon crown and went to world number one in 2016, believes his former player can still target the top prizes.

“I am sure he will be devastated by that,” Delgado said of the Tsitsipas defeat.

“He had opportunities to win that match and the draw opened up a little bit and he could have had a really deep run here.

“On a surface he really likes and the history he has got here, I am sure he will be really disappointed.

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“He has been playing really well, physically he has looked really good and he is moving well. Once he gets his head around it he will be able to have a good run at some other tournaments.

“He would have ranking goals but for him it is more competing for the biggest titles rather than rankings.

“I still think he can win events and he has shown enough that he can beat someone like Tsitsipas.

“He just needs a little bit of luck to get through a match like that. He could have been in the semi-finals here, I really think that.

“Watching him now it doesn’t even look like he has anything in the hip. That has probably been a huge achievement in itself, seeing him play and move almost as good as he ever did.

“We all sometimes forget when you are watching him that he has had that injury but he has worked so hard to get himself feeling this way.”

Both Murray and his brother Jamie, who is a year older at 37, are still competing at the highest level and Delgado says it is great to see.

“They love it and so they should,” he added. “You are doing what you love, it’s your passion from a young age and they are still doing it at the highest level.

“Watching them play on Centre Court at Wimbledon you wish it was yourself doing it.

“I think they will do it for as long as they can physically and they can still compete for titles so I don’t see them stopping any time soon.”

Charlie Appleby’s Star Of Mystery has the chance to cement herself as one of the season’s leading juvenile fillies when she takes her place in Friday’s Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket.

Godolphin won the race with subsequent 1000 Guineas hero Mawj 12 months ago and look to have a fine chance of doing the double with Star Of Mystery, who dazzled over course and distance last time.

Although only second to the well-regarded Carla’s Way on debut, she bolted up at Doncaster on her second start and confirmed the promise of that performance with a high-class display in the Empress Fillies’ Stakes.

She was a cosy four lengths clear of the opposition in that Listed event and now steps up to Group Two company.

“Star Of Mystery came out of her recent win in good order and this looks a natural progression for her,” Appleby told www.godolphin.com.

“A couple of her rivals bring Royal Ascot form into the race, which always warrants respect, but she looks the one to beat based on her Empress Stakes display.”

Albany Stakes third Soprano was declared a non-runner on Thursday, but Ascot form will still be represented by Persian Dreamer, was fourth in that six-furlong contest.

“Persian Dreamer ran a blinder (at Ascot) and she was the last horse off the bridle,” said trainer Dominic Ffrench Davis.

“I think if she had been drawn on the other side she would definitely have been in the first three, but she ran very well and has come out of the race well.

“Any rain would be appreciated because she does like to get her toe in a little bit – I’m not sure it is going to happen but she would appreciate a little cut.

“She’s a lovely filly and I think she is going to stay further. She will get seven and a mile next year and I think she will get seven later this year. I think she is going to be a very classy filly if we can keep her in one piece.”

In the bet365 Trophy, Kihavah will bid to continue his fine run of form for handler Adrian Keatley.

The six-year-old has won his last four starts over both codes and having landed a pair of competitive York handicaps, made it a Flat hat-trick when striking at Ayr most recently.

“He’s in good form and hopefully not too much rain comes and the ground stays good,” said Keatley.

“But he is in good order and hopefully he can do the job again. He’s done great for us and we’re delighted with him.”

England will head into the Women’s World Cup having played more total minutes than any other leading country, according to a report by global players’ union FIFPRO.

Workload and injuries have been a major talking point in the women’s game, with a particular focus on the number of players suffering ACL damage.

Arsenal defender Leah Williamson, who captained England to European Championship success last summer, and Beth Mead, who won the Golden Boot and was named player of the tournament, will both miss the World Cup because of ACL injuries, as will Chelsea’s Fran Kirby with her own knee issue.

FIFPRO’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Workload Journey Report, published on Thursday morning, examined workload and playing opportunities for players at international and club level.

The England squad’s combined total minutes played in all competitive club and national team matches, from August 1, 2022 to June 3 this year, was 65,398, putting them ahead of Spain (61,894), Portugal (61,508) and the Netherlands (59,970).

England players played a total of 48,222 minutes in domestic club football, with an additional 7,109 coming from international club competitions such as the Champions League.

The domestic football set-up in three of the top five countries on the list – England, Portugal and the Netherlands – also included a second club cup competition, so adding more playing time.

By comparison, current world champions the United States played far fewer minutes overall (46,455), thanks to less club action from those based domestically in the National Women’s Soccer League than their European counterparts, with no international club or second domestic cup competitions.

However, total national team minutes for the USA were 11,316, placing them above both World Cup co-hosts Australia (11,182) and England (9,778).

Some squads in the report are preliminary, based on estimations from digital data and analytics platform Football Benchmark made in mid-June before the confirmation of the official World Cup selections.

Eight countries are missing from the analysis, including China, Argentina and South Africa, due to a lack of available data, with the scarcity of easily-accessible up-to-date match schedules and performance statistics for players another concern highlighted by the report.

“Player workload is an important lens through which to assess some the overall needs of women’s football from an access, development and competitive aspect,” said Sarah Gregorius, FIFPRO’s director global policy and strategic relations for women’s football

“By using the milestone of the Women’s World Cup and the context for participating players, we can see where football stakeholders can come together to improve the international match calendar and make data-driven decisions on how to add and innovate with competitions to better promote performance and well-being for more players.”

The report also addresses issues over the “uneven and fragmented” calendars in the women’s game, which FIFPRO said forces many players in countries where football is less developed to move abroad to improve or face having not enough matches to develop their potential.

Players from the likes of England, Spain and Portugal collectively played around twice as many minutes for their clubs and national teams over the last 10 months as those from Jamaica, Haiti and the Philippines, which FIFPRO feels could impact how ready players are to perform on the World Cup stage.

The players’ union highlighted the need for all regions to stage standalone qualifying competitions for the next Women’s World Cup. At the moment UEFA, Europe’s governing body, is the only one which does.

This would, FIFPRO said, help create a “more balanced qualification system that supports the growth of women’s football worldwide”.

FIFPRO also called for more international club competitions in women’s football and the sustainable growth of domestic leagues, which currently tend to have fewer teams and matches than men’s leagues.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup is a fantastic celebration of the women’s game, but is also a time to analyse the sometimes patchy development of the sport,” FIFPRO general secretary Jonas Baer Hoffmann said.

“The data shows competitive opportunities for players globally is largely dependent on the context of domestic football in their home country, as well as the availability of international club football.”

Shaquille and Little Big Bear face a fascinating rematch in Saturday’s Pertemps Network July Cup at Newmarket.

The duo, trained by Julie Camacho and Aidan O’Brien respectively, filled the first two places in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, with a length and a quarter separating them at the line.

O’Brien had expressed doubts about the participation of Little Big Bear earlier in the week after a bruised foot saw him miss six days of cantering, but the Ballydoyle colt has been declared for the Group One highlight.

Shaquille was ridden to victory at Ascot by Oisin Murphy, but with that rider suspended and next choice James Doyle committed to ride at Ascot for Godolphin, Rossa Ryan will be in the plate on this occasion.

Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes winner Khaadem represents Charlie Hills after being supplemented for the race on Monday, with Michael Dods’ Duke of York winner Azure Blue and the Ralph Beckett-trained Kinross other key contenders.

The nine-strong field is completed by Art Power, Emaraaty Ana, Run To Freedom and Vadream.

O’Brien’s City Of Troy heads 10 contenders for the Group Two Superlative Stakes, making a swift leap up in level after winning a Curragh maiden two weeks ago.

Charlie Appleby’s Great Truth, the Richard Hannon-trained Haatem and Hills’ Iberian also feature.

A year ago Mel Nicholls entered her first triathlon. Now she is dreaming of Paralympic success in 2024.

It has been a stunning first year in a third sport for the Gloucestershire athlete, who only joined her local triathlon club for fun.

A world-class wheelchair racer and handcyclist, the two-time Paralympian had been looking for some gentle activity in a social setting to supplement her more serious training.

Not considering herself much of a swimmer, taking up the sport competitively was not even in her thoughts.

Yet after her talent was spotted and being encouraged to consider it, she now suddenly finds herself as one of the best para-triathletes in Britain and bidding to make her mark in Paris next summer.

“It’s happened by accident,” Nicholls told the PA news agency. “I’m a wheelchair racer and a handcyclist.

“I’ve never been a swimmer. I’d do a bit of swimming as part of my recovery in the pool but that was about it.

“I joined my local triathlon club just for a bit of social time really, to train with other people. I was training on my bike and it was just to get in the pool and maybe learn to swim a bit better.

“There was a bit of talk about me doing a triathlon but, to be honest, I had no plans to do it.

“Now I’m under the world-class programme, working hard with the rest of the squad for, hopefully, Paris next year. That will be absolutely incredible.”

Tewkesbury-based Nicholls, who turns 46 this month, is no stranger to elite competition having raced on the track in her chair at London 2012 and Rio 2016 before switching to the marathon and endurance road racing.

She later moved into handcycling, in which her achievements include travelling from Land’s End to John O’Groats and around the coast of Britain in record times, as well as completing a 24-hour challenge in the United States.

“When I cycled around the coast of Britain I was completely unsupported,” said Nicholls, who has been unable to walk or use much of her left side since a series of life-changing strokes in her 20s.

“That was a huge challenge – but still in my comfort zone. I am used to suffering in horrific weather, riding through the night and finding bus stops to sleep in.

“That is where I’m most comfortable but put me in the sea or a lake where I have to swim to start a race – that is way out of my comfort zone. I would say this is my biggest challenge.

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“I hadn’t closed the door to another Paralympic Games but I hadn’t considered that I would go to another either. It has all been a bit of a whirlwind, the last year.”

Nicholls entered her first triathlon in Llanelli in May 2022 and won in the women’s category.

She said it was intended as a “one-off” and the answer was a “definite no” when she was initially asked if she would attempt another.

Yet she gradually came round to the idea and three months later she finished just 21 seconds off a podium place in her first World Triathlon Para Series event in Swansea. By November she was good enough to come fifth in the World Championships in Abu Dhabi.

She is now a firm fixture on the circuit and a medal in Paris might not be out of the question.

“I am not there yet,” she said. “Even though I am experienced in two of the three elements, triathlon is very different. It’s a different set of skills you need and the courses are very technical.

“And I don’t think I’d call myself a swimmer yet. I’m still working on it!

“I’m just behind the podium against the rest of the world but I got a couple of golds last year in World Cups in Europe. Obviously I’d love to podium in Paris, that is the ultimate goal.”

Chloe Kelly has stressed the importance of being “ready for your moment” at this summer’s World Cup whether starting in the England team or as a substitute.

The winger came off the bench and scored the extra-time winner against Germany in the Euros final at Wembley a year ago as the Lionesses secured the first major trophy in their history.

Going into that tournament having only recently returned to action after an ACL injury, she was utilised as a substitute throughout as boss Sarina Wiegman retained the same starting line-up.

Since then, Kelly has scored five goals and provided nine assists across the 2022-23 Women’s Super League season for Manchester City, and been on the scoresheet four times in 10 England appearances – the first five of which were starts, with three of the last five being off the bench.

Ahead of England opening their campaign at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand by playing Haiti in Brisbane a week on Saturday, the 25-year-old said: “I think it is just being ready for your moment.

“I think it is very important that the whole group is very supportive of each other. I think in tournament football everyone has to be ready for their moments. For me, it is about being ready when called upon – whether that’s as a starter or off the bench.

“I think it was really important that last year we were able to do that and this year we have got great depth in our squad. It’s so important that everyone is valued as a player – and that’s exactly what happened last year. That’s something I will definitely take into this summer.

“I’m not looking too far ahead. I think it is just being ready come July 22. Not thinking am I a starter or off the bench (but) how can I be the best version of me come the 22nd of July?”

Kelly has also spoken about being relaxed and composed and trying to enjoy every minute of the World Cup.

She said: “With a smile on my face that’s when I’m at my best. I feel like I have stayed true to myself and my personality.

“Maybe I was a little cheeky when I was younger! I just remember my Everton days and Andy Spence (who managed her at the club) getting me sometimes and being like: ‘You are a little bit cheeky!’ But I feel like I am just me. I just try to enjoy myself in every moment.

“I try to use the people around me to learn as much as I can, whether that be older players or staff members. That’s the maturity, as you grow older you realise how important everyone is and being able to use people to improve, ask questions. But for me it is just about enjoying every moment.

“I think I matured the most when I was injured (out for almost a year due to the ACL injury) because everything gets taken away so quickly. And then it’s like ‘why would you complain about such little things?’

“You just enjoy the moment so much more. That’s what it’s all about – enjoying these moments and the stories you tell your grandchildren and your children. Create memories that last a lifetime, that’s what it is all about.”

England manager Sarina Wiegman insisted she has not waded into a rumoured row surrounding World Cup bonuses.

Wiegman’s side open their campaign in earnest on July 22 when they face Haiti in Brisbane, but they will first take on FIFA world number-seven ranked Olympic champions Canada behind closed doors on Friday at Queensland’s Sunshine Coast stadium.

Some reports ahead of England’s arrival Down Under claimed the Lionesses were unhappy with the Football Association about performance-based payments, but Wiegman was adamant it has not been a topic of discussion in camp.

“Players haven’t spoken to me about it,” she told Sky Sports. “We’ve been focusing on football and that is what I have seen.

“They’re focused on football in meetings. I don’t see any problems. I know that it is something that needs to be solved and I hope for a quick solution.

“I am not involved in those discussions. I hope it’s solved quickly before the tournament starts.”

Under a new model, players will receive payments directly from FIFA, with amounts increasing the deeper teams go in the tournament. They range from 30,000 US dollars (£23,367) per athlete for the group stage to USD 270,000 (£210,305) allotted to each champion.

Previously, it was up to individual national governing bodies to decide how money was allocated. Some federations have agreed to additional payments in 2023, though multiple reports have suggested the FA has no current plans to do the same.

The PA news agency has contacted the FA for comment.

The Dutch boss, who led England to their first major trophy at last summer’s home Euros, was more forthcoming when asked how her team feels about FIFA’s solution to the ‘One Love’ armband debate that swirled around the men’s World Cup in Qatar last autumn.

Captains of the nations involved in the ‘One Love’ campaign, including England and Wales, were threatened with sporting sanctions starting at a yellow card if the rainbow bands were worn, because they would have been a breach of FIFA equipment regulations.

The bands were seen as a potent symbol of tolerance in a country where same-sex relationships are criminalised.

Instead, FIFA has partnered with the UN to create eight stakeholder-sanctioned armbands that can be swapped out or worn throughout the month-long tournament co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Alongside inclusion, the other causes being highlighted are ‘unite for indigenous peoples’, ‘unite for gender equality’, ‘unite for peace’, ‘unite for education for all’, ‘unite for zero hunger’, ‘unite for ending violence against women’ and ‘football is joy, peace, love, hope and passion’.

Team captains will also have the option to wear a ‘football unites the world’ armband for the entire tournament, if they do not wish to choose a single cause or support different causes round by round.

None directly advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, of which a record number of players in the 2023 World Cup – including some Lionesses – are a part, so the decision has drawn some criticism.

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Wiegman added: “I think the players are happy with the solution. I think first of all it is good there is a solution ahead of the tournament.

“I think that with the armband, the team can have a voice and now it is up to the team what armband they want to wear. I think we are in a really good place with it.

“The players will decide and they will live by their values anyway. And we as staff will support them in any choice they make.”

LeBron James announced on The ESPYs on Wednesday that he will play another season for the Los Angeles Lakers.

James, 38, said he will return for his 21st NBA season and sixth with the Lakers after accepting the ESPY award for Best Record-Breaking Performance for surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the NBA’s all-time scoring list last season.

“I don’t care how many more points I can score or what I can or can’t do on the floor,” James said. “The real question for me, can I play without cheating the game? The day I can’t play without giving everything on the floor is the day I’ll be done. Lucky for you guys, that day is not today.”

At the end of last season following the Lakers’ loss to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals, James said he wasn’t sure if he would be back.

That was in stark contrast to James’ previous sentiments, when he said on several occasions that he would like to play alongside his oldest son, Bronny, in the NBA.

The superstar James had another stellar season in 2022-23, averaging 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists in 55 games.

Four players with the goal of winning a maiden Wimbledon title this weekend will take to Centre Court for the women’s semi-finals on Thursday.

Crowd favourite Elina Svitolina takes on Marketa Vondrousova while second seed Aryna Sabalenka could become the world number one when she goes up against Ons Jabeur.

Briton Neal Skupski’s hopes of a men’s doubles title remain alive as he is in the semi-finals while there are three Britons in the last eight of the junior singles events.

Here, the PA news agency unpacks day 11 of the Championships.

‘Super woman’ Svitolina ready to go again

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Elina Svitolina continues her remarkable Wimbledon journey with her first last-four appearance and she will likely have Centre Court on her side against Marketa Vondrousova.

The Ukrainian has channelled the atrocities that are going on in her home country during a thrilling run which has seen her beat grand slam champions Venus Williams, Sofia Kenin, Victoria Azarenka and Iga Swiatek.

It is no wonder that Vondrousova has called her opponent “super woman” considering that Svitolina gave birth last October.

But Czech world number 42 Vondrousova has gone under the radar at this tournament and will present Svitolina with a big threat as she enjoys a career-best run in SW19.

Practice partners become foes

After gaining revenge for last year’s final defeat against Elena Rybakina in the quarter-final, things do not get much easier for Ons Jabeur as waiting for her in the last four is Aryna Sabalenka.

Jabeur has been a joy to watch with her industry and craft getting her to this point, but Sabalenka will offer a different proposition.

The Belarusian is playing as well as she ever has, with sheer brute force from the baseline, and she is eyeing a win that would not only take her to a first Wimbledon final but also earn the world number one spot.

Sabalenka is wary of the Tunisian, though, after revealing that they practised together before the tournament and her opponent played “unbelievable”. Jabeur would give anything to bring that level to the match.

Neal carrying the flag

Neal Skupski is the last Briton standing in this year’s tournament as he is into the semi-finals of the men’s doubles with partner Wesley Koolhof.

The Liverpudlian is just two wins away from a Wimbledon hat-trick, having won the mixed doubles in 2021 and 2022, but admits that if he could win with Koolhof, that would be the pinnacle for him.

Matthew Ebden and Rohan Bopanna await in the semi-final, to be played on Court One, and with Skupski being the only adult British player left in the singles or doubles, he will have the home support.

Brit kids rock

The juniors are making waves with 14-year-old Mika Stojsavljevic, 18-year-old Ranah Stoiber and 17-year-old Henry Searle ensuring there are three British singles players in the quarter-finals for the first time since 2018.

Stojsavljevic, ranked 282nd and making her Wimbledon debut, meets Slovakian fifth seed Renata Jamrichova, while Stoiber, who is in her final year of juniors, will next face Czech Nikola Bartunkova.

Searle, from Wolverhampton and in his second successive grand slam quarter-final, took out top seed Juan Carlos Prado Angelo in the first round and on Wednesday beat France’s Arthur Gea to set up a clash with eighth seed Joao Fonseca.

Order of playCentre Court

Elina Svitolina v Marketa Vondrousova
Ons Jabeur v Sabalenka
Mate Pavic/Lyudmyla Kichenok v Joran Vliegen/Xu Yifan

Court One
Kevin Krawietz/Tim Puetz v Marcel Granollers/Horacio Zeballos
Wesley Koolhof/Neal Skupski v Rohan Bopanna/Matthew Ebden
Alfie Hewett/Gordon Reid v Martin De La Puente/Gustavo Fernandez
Venus King/Yaroslava Shvedova v Cara Black/Caroline Wozniacki

Weather

Warm and staying dry