The Sports Matrix: Wednesday 2 May 2012

Hodgson admits first task is to fix Terry situation

Roy Hodgson said yesterday that one of his first tasks as England manager was to resolve any potential differences between John Terry and Rio Ferdinand over the race case involving Ferdinand's brother Anton that threatens to divide the squad ahead of the European Championship. "I'll have to get in touch with John and Rio to speak with them, hopefully face to face, and find out where they are in this situation," said Hodgson. The West Bromwich Albion manager signed a four-year contract at Wembley yesterday. MORE

Key points from Hodgson

"I think England always have to go into tournaments to win them because we are a major football nation."

"The squad announcement for Euro 2012 will be put back until after the last Premier League game."

"I'm looking forward very much to Wayne Rooney coming to the Euros with us."

[On who he'll name captain] "We'll have to carefully think about it."

Fulham enjoy first win at Liverpool

Fulham recorded their first ever top-flight victory at Liverpool last night, winning 1-0 thanks to an own goal from defender Martin Skrtel. It was a far from ideal preparation for Saturday's FA Cup final, when Kenny Dalglish's side take on Chelsea. MORE

Jerome strike gets Stoke late point

Substitute Cameron Jerome's 69th-minute goal salvaged a point for Stoke in their 1-1 draw with Everton at the Britannia Stadium last night. Jerome had been on the field for just over a minute. Peter Crouch had put Everton ahead with an own goal. MORE

Welbeck could be back for Euros

England's fears were eased yesterday when it emerged that Danny Welbeck had not broken his leg in a tackle by Nigel de Jong in the Manchester derby on Monday, only badly bruising it. He is expected to be back in time for the start of Euro 2012. MORE

Di Matteo ready to upset Newcastle

The Chelsea interim manager Roberto Di Matteo says he will have no sympathy for Newcastle United, who his side face in the league tonight, if his team deprive them of a place in the Champions League by winning the competition this season. MORE

Catt to join England set-up

Mike Catt will leave London Irish and join England's coaching set-up in June, but New Zealander Wayne Smith has rejected a place in Stuart Lancaster's back-room team. Catt has signed a short-term contract to assist England on tour in South Africa. MORE

Gold medallist Williams retires

Amy Williams has announced her retirement from skeleton, ending a career that climaxed with a Winter Olympics gold in 2010. The 29-year-old was Great Britain's first individual female gold medallist at a Winter Games in 58 years. MORE

Champion dies after cardiac arrest

Alexander Dale Oen, Norway's first swimming world champion and widely fancied to win gold at this summer's Olympics, was yesterday found dead at a training camp in Arizona. The 26-year-old breaststroker is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest. MORE

Wigan to host St Helens in quarters

Holders Wigan Warriors will be at home to their arch-rivals St Helens in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup. The only Championship side left in the competition, Leigh Centurions, will host the Super League champions Leeds Rhinos. MORE

Hendry retires

Stephen Hendry announced his retirement from tournament play last night after losing 13-2 to fellow Scot Stephen Maguire in their World Championship quarter-final at the Crucible. Hendry, 43, was seven times world champion.