The Sport Matrix: Tuesday 3 June 2014

Lineker: Rooney could be dropped

Gary Lineker believes there is some vindication to Wayne Rooney’s critics this summer. The England striker has been questioned recently by Paul Scholes, and Lineker says because of Roy Hodgson’s attacking options at the World Cup, Rooney could be left out.

Poyet: Uruguay will do anything to win

Gus Poyet has spoken passionately about his beloved Uruguay, one of England’s Group D opponents at the World Cup. They were criticised after Luis Suarez’s handball against Ghana four years ago. “For you a handball on the goal-line is cheating,” he said. “It’s not for us. It’s part of the game.”

Lambert delighted with dream return

Rickie Lambert admitted he is still letting his move to Liverpool sink in, while also praising Southampton in an open letter. “When I grew up there was one club I loved,” he said. “I can say now I have two clubs which will always be in my heart and that is thanks to the Saints fans.”

‘Boring’ Milner pokes fun in Miami

James Milner took time out of England’s World Cup preparations to comically address his spoof Twitter account yesterday, as well as slamming those who label him as just a workhorse. “Look at the number of goals I’ve created in the Premier League in my career,” he said.

Murray cruises into quarter-finals

Andy Murray produced his best display of the French Open so far yesterday with a 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 victory over Fernando Verdasco. The Briton has set up a quarter-final match with Gaël Monfils, the popular crowd favourite in his home city.

England looking for ‘complete game’

Peter Moores has urged England to show a complete performance against Sri Lanka in the ODI decider at Edgbaston today, with the series at 2-2. “So far we haven’t quite put the complete game together,” the coach said. “We’ll treat it like a final.”

Lyth and Lees put on 375 for Yorkshire

Adam Lyth and Alex Lees built on their staggering partnership yesterday to make 375. Lees was finally dismissed by Northamptonshire 26 hours after the duo began. Only two pairs of Yorkshire batsmen have scored more together in first-class.

Lancaster adds 16 more to tour party

Northampton hero Alex Waller is one of 16 players Stuart Lancaster has called up to his elite tour group in New Zealand, 14 of whom played in Saturday’s Premiership final between the Saints and Saracens, leaving England in much better shape.

Fred

The man tasked with leading the line for Brazil at the World Cup this summer has an unglamorous profile – and name – but tells James Young he is confident his moment to shine has come.