The Sport Matrix: Thursday 6 June 2013

<b>Healy could be sent home for biting</b>

Cian Healy faces a disciplinary hearing after being cited for biting during the British and Irish Lions’ victory over Western Force yesterday. The prop forward also suffered an ankle injury during the 69-17 win in Perth, which saw Brian O’Driscoll score two tries. MORE

Pearce admits failings as England beaten in opener

The England under-21 manager, Stuart Pearce, admitted his side failed to perform as they lost their opening European Championship match 1-0 to Italy last night.

Lorenzo Insigne scored a free-kick 11 minutes from time in Tel Aviv after England had two goals disallowed, but it was the Italians who were the more impressive side throughout.

“We didn’t play very well, that was there for all to see,” Pearce, above, lamented. “The better team won. They caused problems all night. We didn’t get performances from our bigger players. We can’t grumble.”

Jordan Henderson preferred to look ahead to Saturday’s game against Norway. “We have to pick ourselves up,” the Liverpool midfielder said. “There are two games left and we can’t get too disheartened". MORE

England save face with ODI victory

England last night regained a modicum of form ahead of the Champions Trophy, winning the dead rubber of a third one-day international by beating New Zealand by 34 runs at Trent Bridge. Ian Bell hit 82 as England posted 287 for 6, before bowling NZ out for 253. MORE

FIA drops Ferrari tyre-testing probe

The FIA, Formula One’s governing body, late last night dropped their investigation into Ferrari testing tyres, because the Italian team used an older car. The FIA will, however, continue to pursue their investigation into Mercedes’ tyre-testing.

Martinez promises Champions League

Roberto Martinez was unveiled as the new manager at Everton yesterday, promising to take the club into the Champions League. “I do feel you should have a dream in football,” said the Spaniard, who took Wigan Athletic to both the FA Cup and relegation last season. MORE

Baldini closing in on role at Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur are set to begin talks with former England assistant manager Franco Baldini after the Italian left Roma. The 52-year-old is expected to form part of a continental structure within the club, working with coach Andre Villas-Boas and chairman Daniel Levy. MORE

Nadal and Djokovic to clash in last four

Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic set up a semi-final showdown at the French Open after both eased through their last-eight matches. Nadal beat Stanislas Wawrinka for the loss of just six games, while Djokovic overcame Tommy Haas 6-3, 7-6, 7-5. MORE

Froome leaves his Tour rivals behind

Chris Froome remains well on course for success in the Tour de France after impressing in the Critérium du Dauphiné yesterday. The Briton gained 2 minutes and 45 seconds on rival Alberto Contador in the time trial, moving to second overall. MORE

Fulham go Dutch with Stekelenburg

Netherlands goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg has joined Fulham on a four-year deal, casting doubt over the future of Mark Schwarzer. Across London, Arsenal confirmed the release of Andrei Arshavin, Denilson and Sébastien Squillaci. MORE

Ennis-Hill out of Edinburgh meet

Jessica Ennis-Hill has pulled out of a club competition in Edinburgh this weekend due to an Achilles injury. The event was to have been her first appearance since winning Olympic gold last summer. MORE

James Lawton

Brian O’Driscoll is the man who has seen and done it all and in scoring two sumptuous tries reminded us the more you have done and seen, the better equipped you are to produce the best of yourself. MORE