The biggest teams facing each other more often is in danger of only serving the interests of Uefa, and not of footballThere is an argument that for a few years the draw has been the best bit of the group stage of the Champions League. Here they are, the Fates, the sleek besuited former players, smiling and speaking only in corporate banalities, shaping …

Taekwondo fighter who fled Afghanistan wins bronzeKhudadadi: ‘This medal is for all the world’s refugees’The taekwondo fighter Zakia Khudadadi made history on Thursday at the Paris Paralympics, becoming the first-ever Refugee Paralympic Team medallist.Khudadadi, who competed for Afghanistan at the Tokyo Games in 2021, won bronze in the women’s -47kg …

British No 1 suffers dispiriting loss to Bouzas ManeiroDraper and Evans both into third round in straight setsBritain’s No 1 tennis players enjoyed contrasting fortunes at the US Open on Thursday as Jack Draper eased into the third round with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 win over Facundo Díaz Acosta to set up a potential battle with former champion Carlos Alcaraz, …

MATTHEW LAMBERT AT FLUSHING MEADOWS: Jack Draper muscled aside Facundo Diaz Acosta in the second round of the US Open, but will not face a showdown with the World No. 3 next.

JACK GAUGHAN: In addition to retaining stalwarts for the national side, Carsley handed call ups to a several talents who had shined under him for England's Young Lions.

DAVID LLOYD: An England number three averaging 34 is not good enough and he was out to a ridiculous shot again on Thursday. Regardless of the vice-captaincy, this is a crucial series for Pope.

All 36 teams, and the pots they will be placed in, have been confirmed following the conclusion of the play-off round on Thursday. The draw is due to take place on Friday afternoon.

14-year-old Oscar Fairs, who has been with West Ham since the age of nine, was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour last year.

But thereafter things went awry for Maresca as Servette hit back with two goals to stun his team, setting up a nervous finish in Geneva.

MATTHEW LAMBERT AT FLUSHING MEADOWS: The 34-year-old beat Argentina's Mariano Navone 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 and will play No. 10 seed Alex de Minaur in the third round on Saturday.

IAN LADYMAN: Those of us who love watching him play and appreciate what he brings to the Premier League hope he signs a new contract soon and Liverpool also still hope this will happen.

JONATHAN MCEVOY AT MONZA: Part of Lando Norris's attraction to his fans, and a statement on his decency as a man, is his openness when dealing with the demands of Formula One.

Jannik Sinner has been the hot topic of conversation and Nick Krygios has not held back in his opinions.

The Europa League and Conference League group-stage draws will see Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea and Rangers discover their opponents for the opening round of the 2024/25 editions.