Focus in the build-up to the match this week was on Wiegman’s team selection, with several regular starters struggling for domestic form.

Williamson, who lifted the European trophy two years ago, kept her place despite calls for Manchester City centre-back Alex Greenwood to come in.

She struggled before being taken off in a planned substitution in the second half, while in-form United midfielder Grace Clinton did not get on the pitch.

Goalkeeper Hampton fought off competition from Mary Earps for her place – but it is not secure after a mixed performance.

Wiegman was pressed on her team selection but said she had no regrets and was “happy” with the starting XI she chose.

“That’s always easy to say after a game. If we had won then the question is different. I’m happy with the starting line-up and the team,” she said.

“What we wanted is to see other players, which we did, and we know there is huge competition going on. That is good for the team.”

Tottenham’s Jess Naz, Manchester City’s Jess Park and United captain Maya Le Tissier were among those to come on as substitutes, while Greenwood replaced Williamson an hour in.

But it was the same starting XI that drew 0-0 with Sweden in July, and seven of the 11 players had lined up to face Germany in the Euro 2022 final.

This was the first of four friendly matches in 2024, giving Wiegman plenty of opportunity to experiment with her team selection.

She may still do that with South Africa to come on Tuesday, but this felt very much like the tried and tested – and it ultimately failed to impress.

All in all, England will leave Wembley Stadium with more questions than answers.

Shara Magomedov and Armen Petrosyan meet Saturday on the main card of UFC 308 at Etihad Arena in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom. 

Last event: 2-4
UFC main cards, 2024: 89-81-3

Shara Magomedov vs. Armen Petrosyan UFC 308 preview

Off to a 3-0 start in his UFC tenure, Magomedov (14-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) is yet to taste defeat in his career. A win here would give Magomedov is third win of 2024. … Petrosyan (9-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC) is coming off a first-round submission loss to Rodolfo Vieira this past February. Prior to that setback, he’d won two fights in a row.

Shara Magomedov vs. Armen Petrosyan expert pick, prediction

Despite having fights like Myktybek Orolbai vs. Mateusz Rebecki on the prelims, the matchmakers decided to kick off the paid portion of the card with a middleweight matchup between Magomedov and Petrosyan.

I get that this should be a stand-up affair on paper, I’m just still having a hard time with the fact that the UFC is trying to shove “Shara Bullet” down our throats.

Aside from looking like a James Bond villain who can throw kicks with solid power, there isn’t much to speak of when it comes to well-rounded skills or a depth of process from Magomedov.

Petrosyan, on the other hand, is a more consistent and proven commodity inside the cage.

The Armenian may not wield the same flash or flare as Magomedov, but Petrosyan possesses solid fundamentals that allow him to get off offense at a decent clip.

Petrosyan also appears to be the better grappler by a decent stretch, which is more than enough for me to side with him in this spot.

The pick is Petrosyan by unanimous decision.

Shara Magomedov vs. Armen Petrosyan odds

The oddsmakers and the public are favoring the more hyped product, listing Magomedov -168 and Petrosyan +136 via FanDuel.

Shara Magomedov vs. Armen Petrosyan start time, how to watch

As the main card opener, Magomedov and Petrosyan are expected to walk out to the cage at approximately 2:15 p.m. ET (11:15 a.m. PT). The fight will stream on ESPN+ pay-per-view.

Stirling is gearing up to host thousands of visitors from around the world for the much-anticipated Highland Games this Saturday. This annual event, deeply rooted in Scottish tradition, is expected to be a spectacular showcase of highland games competitions, culture, and community. With its origins dating back to 1818, the Highland Games have become a globally recognised celebration, drawing participants and spectators from across the globe.

This year’s Stirling Highland Games, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Wallace Monument and the Ochil Hills, promises to be one of the most memorable yet. Visitors can expect a full day of thrilling competitions, including traditional events like the caber toss, 90m sprint and highland dancing. These events are not just about physical strength but also require a great deal of skill and precision, with athletes competing fiercely for top honours.

Stirling’s highland games will be overseen by former international rugby player Kevin McKenzie, who accepted the honorary role of Games Chieftain this year. He joins other famous sons and daughters of Stirling as Chieftain, who have achieved great success in their chosen fields such as Ally Hogg [International rugby player]; Simone Lahbib [Film/TV actress] and Kathryn White [International cricket player].

The event will also host 50 Scottish traders, offering locals a rich variety of experiences. Visitors can indulge in delicious offerings from food trucks featuring traditional Scottish fare, as well as craft beers and spirits. The Traders Village will also feature market traders showcasing handmade goods, artisanal crafts, and unique souvenirs. This bustling marketplace will provide a vibrant addition to the Games, allowing attendees to enjoy the best of Scotland’s culinary and craft heritage while soaking in the lively atmosphere of one of the country’s most celebrated cultural events.

It has attracted significant international attention, with over 3000 tickets sold online, beating the previous year’s sales at that point. This marks a notable increase in international interest, with visitors expected from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and even parts of Asia, highlighting the global appeal of Scotland’s heritage.

Local businesses will benefit greatly from the influx of tourists, as the organisers encourage more of its visitors to take some time to explore Stirling for the weekend. Pubs, restaurants, and shops throughout Stirling are expected to be bustling with activity, contributing to the festive vibe that will envelop the city.

The Stirling Highland Games are more than just a day of entertainment for the local community; they are a celebration of Scottish heritage and a chance for residents to come together and support the not-for-profit. Organisers are hopeful for a strong turnout from the local community, whose support is crucial to the event’s success. The participation of Stirling residents not only boosts attendance but also helps create a welcoming atmosphere for the many international visitors.

For locals, the Games provide an opportunity to engage with others attending the international gathering, whether by participating in the events, cheering on the athletes, or simply enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. The strong ticket sales from overseas visitors are a testament to the global fascination with Scottish culture and traditions, and they underscore the importance of the Highland Games as a key event on Scotland’s cultural calendar.

As Saturday 17^th
approaches, excitement is building for the Stirling Highland Games committee to see if they can replicate the success of last year’s event. The combination of world-class athletic contests, cultural showcases, and a picturesque setting promises to make this year’s Highland Games an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a Stirling resident or a visitor from afar, the Stirling Highland Games offer a unique chance to experience the very best of Scotland’s heritage and community spirit.

Find out more by visiting www.stirlinghighlandgames.com or walk to Stirling Sports Village on Saturday 17th August and buy your tickets at the gates.

Lerone Murphy and Dan Ige meet Saturday on the main card of UFC 308 at Etihad Arena in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom. 

Last event: 2-4
UFC main cards, 2024: 89-81-3

Lerone Murphy vs. Dan Ige UFC 308 preview

Since fighting to a draw in his UFC debut in 2019, Murphy (14-0-1 MMA, 6-0-1 UFC) has rattled off six wins in a row and remained unbeaten. He’s coming off the biggest win of his career in May, when he won a five-round main event vs. Edson Barboza by unanimous decision in the Fight of the Night. … Ige (18-8 MMA, 10-7 UFC) has a sub-.500 record since 2020, although he remains a tough out when he’s on top of his game. He’s coming off a unanimous decision loss to Diego Lopes this past June, when he took the fight on hours’ notice at UFC 303.

Lerone Murphy vs. Dan Ige expert pick, prediction

Between not giving Ige the spot he wanted on the UFC’s Sphere show to making him fly across the world to take on an undefeated contender with little-to-no name value, it doesn’t exactly feel like Ige’s getting rewarded for making one of the most gangster walks in the promotion’s history back at UFC 303 earlier this year.

That said, Ige has never been a walkover for anyone, and I suspect he’ll make a good account for himself regardless of the result here.

It would probably serve Ige well to go more to the body and counter in this fight, but I’m betting that the Hawaiian has a solid game plan coming into this contest considering he has Xtreme Couture’s Eric Nicksick in the corner.

Speaking of which, I’m too biased toward the Ige side due to my ties to his camp and corner, so don’t expect too much objectivity from me in this section.

Don’t get me wrong: I’m incredibly impressed with Murphy, who deserves to be the favorite and will likely have a bright future in this sport. I just can’t help but biasedly back Ige in this spot.

Lerone Murphy vs. Dan Ige odds

The oddsmakers and the public are favoring the English fighter, listing Murphy -300 and Ige +225 via FanDuel.

Lerone Murphy vs. Dan Ige start time, how to watch

Murphy and Ige are expected to walk out to the cage at approximately 2:45 p.m. ET (11:45 a.m. PT). The fight will stream on ESPN+ pay-per-view.

Video Details

LUKE LITTLER had an awful European Championship debut as Andrew Gilding struck gold on the oche.

Littler, 17, lost for the first time to Goldfinger as he was dumped out of the Dortmund tournament in a 6-4 first-round loss.

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Gilding, who is 36 years the senior man, was never behind in the contest and even though the Nuke managed to draw level at 3-3 and 4-4, it ended up being a shock result.

Teen sensation Littler had lost in the opening round of the World Matchplay in Blackpool and the World Grand Prix in Leicester.

And even though he is the Premier League champion, he will be flying back early to the UK following this surprise defeat.

It also means that there will not be a feisty reunion with German star Ricardo Pietreczko in the second round – the pair clashed in dramatic scenes earlier this year.

Gilding, who led 3-0 at one point, made amends for losing to Littler when he was a seed at the last PDC World Darts Championship second round.

He said: “I didn’t expect this, watching how Luke had played lately.
“I am always short of self-belief. I never expect to win a game.

“Especially against Luke and especially as I had an awful cold as well. I am on the tailend of that. I felt awful coming up to this.

“I did say beforehand I wanted to cross him off the list. It was the third time I’d played him. So it’s third time lucky.

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“It’s a huge win. The last thing I had expected. Nobody expected this.

“I was thinking about the flights home on Saturday. The way he had played lately was exceptional. I was resigned to losing. In practice, I was awful until the last hour but it came together.”

In the match before, Peter Wright was dethroned as European champion as he was embarrassed 6-0 by Holland’s Jermaine Wattimena with the Scotsman averaging just 74.81.

It was the sixth consecutive year that the defending champ had gone out in the first round.

Inside Littler’s massive rise

LUKE LITTLER has taken the darts world by storm since exploding onto the scene at the PDC World Championship at the beginning of the year.