The Sport Matrix: Wednesday 11 June 2014

Home comforts for Hodgson at last

Roy Hodgson has insisted he was happy to wait before being acclaimed as a coach in his own country. “I was pleased to fulfil an ambition [which was] appreciated in certain countries,” he said of his work in Sweden and Switzerland. “Of course, I’m really happy it’s England now.” MORE

Dyke leads attack on Fifa’s Blatter

Fifa president Sepp Blatter came under attack from some of Uefa’s leading names at the Fifa congress, although not all were prepared to make their feelings known. FA chairman Greg Dyke and Dutch FA chief Michael van Praag were vocal in calling for Blatter not to stand for a fifth term. MORE

‘Wonderful’ course excites Mickelson

Phil Mickelson has praised the Pinehurst course ahead of the start of the US Open tomorrow. “This place is awesome. It is just a wonderful site,” he enthused. “Everything about Pinehurst provides the best opportunity. It’s just a wonderful test and the best I’ve seen to identify the best player.”

Murray’s partner stirs debate

Andy Murray continued his preparations for the grass-court season by practising with a potential future team-mate at Queens yesterday. Aljaz Bedene, a Slovenian, has lived in Britain for six years and has applied for a passport, to the ire of British No 2 Dan Evans.

Cole delight at Aston Villa move

Joe Cole spoke last night of his excitement at joining Aston Villa on a two-year deal. “This is a massive club,” the former England international, 32, said, having been released by West Ham last month. “There’s a massive opportunity for the club to push on.” MORE

Hazard happy to remain at Chelsea

Eden Hazard has insisted he is staying at Chelsea, despite reports linking him with a move to PSG. “I am staying, 100 per cent,” the Belgian said. “I am under contract and I want to stay. PSG never made any suggestions to me.” MORE

Farrell: We must keep clear heads

Owen Farrell has called on England to maintain their momentum into the second Test against New Zealand. “This situation demands we keep doing what we do, but do it better,” he said. “It also means going into this Test with clear heads.”

Ali: ‘I am not here to replace Swann’

Moeen Ali will be England’s main spinner for the first Test against Sri Lanka starting tomorrow but insists: “I am not here to replace Graeme Swann, I am here to contribute and win the game for England. I am working on improving as a spinner.” MORE

Alex Scott

You board the coach to the hotel and you see posters on the street, locals in football tops and World Cup sign after World Cup sign on every lamp post. This is it! You can feel the atmosphere!