Spain’s hat-trick hero Thiago Alcantara saluted his side for the ‘perfect tournament’ after they retained their European Under-21 Championship crown with a 4-2 victory over Italy.
Chris Froome has admitted Sir Bradley Wiggins’s absence is a blow to his chances of winning the Tour de France but remains confident of claiming the yellow jersey in Paris.
Sky Bet have installed Gareth Southgate as their strong favourite for the England U21 job following the decision to dispense with Stuart Pearce’s services.
Paraguayan striker Javier Acuna has confirmed that he has offers to move to England, with Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough reportedly keen.