The sporting week ahead (26/06/11)

Today

The European Grand Prix at Valencia will have to go some to match events last time out in Montreal. But even assuming there is no repeat of the rainstorm that brightened up everyone's viewing, the Drag Reduction System has made life more interesting this season. Nikki Lauda called it "the most stupid idea ever invented" – did he never read about the curved-barrel machine gun for shooting round corners? Those who know about this sort of thing insist it's spicing up overtaking. Expect another unpredictable race in which Sebastian Vettel will feature strongly.

Tomorrow

Germany are hot favourites to win this year's women's football World Cup. This is partly because they are hosts, partly because together with the US they have won four out of five tournaments and partly because they are, er, Germany. Don't bet against them. England enter the fray today with their first group match against Mexico.

Tuesday

If it's Tuesday England must be playing some form of cricket against someone, somewhere. Yes, after the Tests and Twenty20 it's now a 50-over thrash against the Sri Lankans at The Oval.

Wednesday

Sport's high summer: Wimbledon's still on and Henley starts.

Thursday

The Diamond League meeting in Lausanne has a reputation for seeing quickfire performances and, even in the absence of Usain Bolt, today should be no different with Asafa Powell and Christophe Lemaitre in the field.

Friday

Only the brave few can remember – and be cogent enough to tell the rest of us – what it is like to see a Briton through to the Wimbledon men's final. So what would happen if Andy Murray beats Rafa Nadal today? Hokey-cokeys down Oxford Street? A streak down the Royal Mile? Hopefully, we will find out.

Saturday

As if to bring us back to earth with a thump, here comes David Haye against Wladimir Klitschko for the heavyweight title (or at least four versions of it). For all his cockiness, Haye will do well to win – and would then find himself pursued by the other brother, also the world champion. Confused? Now consider how Alberto Contador, still under investigation after testing positive at last year's Tour de France, can compete in this year's race, which starts today. It's a mad old sporting world.