ADAM CRAFTON: The Karim Benzema story is a remarkable tale of sleaze and scandal. In a scarcely credible plot line, Benzema (far left) is alleged to have been involved in a plot to blackmail France international team-mate Mathieu Valbuena (far right, top) over a sex tape. The story begins in the summer of 2014, when a video of Valbuena having sex made its way into the hands of one of the player's own entourage...
Giggs to leave Manchester United: Old Trafford legend turns down job under Mourinho and will look to become a manager elsewhere
MIKE KEEGAN: Ryan Giggs looks set to end his 29 -year association with Manchester United by turning down a new role under Jose Mourinho. The 42 -year-old Reds legend was assistant manager to the sacked Louis van Gaal. However, the club are understood to have offered the Welsh international a lesser role under new boss Mourinho, and Giggs is now set to make the emotional decision to cut ties and seek a managerial position elsewhere. The Special One is expected to appoint his long-standing assistant Rui Faria as his No 2.
'Every top performance needs a top coach': Mourinho shares ideas with his pal Ritchie
Jose Mourinho just landed arguably the biggest role in football, but the new Manchester United boss looked like he was auditioning for something a little different in this picture with film director friend Guy Ritchie. The Portuguese boss took to his newly opened Instagram account to share the snap of the two illustrious leaders, both accustomed to dealing with big characters.
Venables calls Euro 96 'the best time of my life' in brilliant BBC documentary presented by Shearer
The former Three Lions boss and striker were speaking on BBC documentary 'Euro 96: When football came home', presented by ex-striker Alan Shearer on Wednesday night. The programme looked back at England's run to the final four, and the heartbreak of their dramatic shoot-out defeat by their bitter rivals at Wembley, with contributions from members of the squad.
EURO 2016 COUNTDOWN
Portugal are 'not a one-man team', insists their boss Santos as his players prepare for England clash at Wembley without Ronaldo
Portugal travel to Wembley on Thursday night desperate to prove they can survive without captain Cristiano Ronaldo. Real Madrid star Ronaldo has been given extra time off after complaining of being 'very tired' from a club season that took in 4,295 minutes of play, concluding with last Saturday's Champions League final. Manager Fernando Santos will give Europe's No 1 star until the weekend to join up with the squad and in the meantime he wants his players to prove they can cover if Ronaldo goes missing.
Hodgson bemoans Ronaldo's absence for England's friendly with Portugal as Real Madrid star suns himself in Ibiza
Hodgson hand-picked the Portuguese as opposition knowing Ronaldo would provide his players with a realistic imitation of what it might be like to face Wales superstar Bale in England's second game on June 16.
Spain run riot in penultimate friendly as Premier League stars shine against South Korea
SPAIN 6-1 SOUTH KOREA: David Silva scored the perfect free-kick as Spain thrashed South Korea 6-1 in their penultimate warm-up game before they defend their Euro crown. The Man City midfielder's spectacular set-piece took the paint off both the post and the crossbar of the goal as it flew into the top corner on the half hour.
Khan looking for Olympic return and wants to represent Pakistan in Rio this summer
RIATH AL-SAMARRAI: Amir Khan has opened the door to a stunning return to the Olympics after amateur boxing's governing body yesterday made the controversial call to allow professionals to fight in Rio this summer. The twist is that Bolton-born Khan, a silver medallist for Britain in Athens in 2004, followed the announcement from the International Boxing Association (AIBA) by revealing he wants to fight for Pakistan, the country of his parents' birth. Pakistan boxing officials are now investigating to see if Khan is eligible after the former light-welterweight world champion said: 'It's a decision which I welcome. It will help boxers. If I am permitted as per the rules and from my promoter then I would love to compete for Pakistan. I will be very happy if I can compete in the Olympics.'
Bring it on, says Day
as Spieth and Rory
head to Ohio for showdown between golf's new 'Big Three'
It's hard to think how the narrative for a regular PGA Tour event could be any more enticing than the one that has unfolded at the start of the Memorial Tournament in Ohio. Let's see: a tourney hosted by the greatest golfer of all time taking place on a fabulous golf course in Muirfield Village and featuring the world's top three players, all of whom just happened to have won the last time they played. That good enough for you?
THE PICK OF MAILONLINE'S SPORTS WRITING
Andy packs a punch: Rousing fightback leaves Murray two wins from history
MIKE DICKSON IN PARIS: Unusual history has already been made at Roland Garros, which has been disrupted by the wettest May to have hit the French capital in 143 years. If Andy Murray has his way over the next few days there will be another, happier landmark - becoming the first British player to win the French Open since Fred Perry in 1935. He put himself two matches away from that scenario after eventually bullying his way past Richard Gasquet in their quarter-final, 5-7, 7-6, 6-0, 6-2. The match took three hours and 23 minutes and was broadly a metaphor for his tournament as a whole - a tricky start followed by a smoother progression.
Djokovic refuses to let weather rain on his Paris parade by borrowing Santoro's waterproof hat
Novak Djokovic made light of the rain at the French Open on Wednesday, borrowing the fisherman's hat of his on-court interviewer, former French player Fabrice Santoro. Following his weather-affected victory, the world No 1 said: 'He (Santoro) was obviously well prepared . . . we just had a little joke about it. It's good to bring a little bit of positive energy in these grey days.' Djokovic is bidding to become only the eighth player in history to complete a career Grand Slam by winning for the first time at Roland Garros.
Euro 2016
STARS OF SPORT
- England denied Bale trial run after Ronaldo pulls out of Wembley Some plans go up in smoke. Others, like Cristiano Ronaldo, go sunbathing on yachts
- Karim Benzema: Sex scandals, blackmail and lurid court cases... ADAM CRAFTON: The Benzema story is a remarkable tale of sleaze and scandal
- Ramsey hopes to catch the eye for Wales LAURIE WHITWELL: For Wales, Ramsey often flies just underneath the radar because of Gareth Bale's huge stature
- Mourinho hangs out with director Ritchie Jose Mourinho looked like he was auditioning for something a little different in this picture with Guy Ritchie...
- Djokovic refuses to let weather rain on his French Open parade Novak Djokovic swiped Fabrice Santoro's sou'wester during a post-match interview
UEFA Champions League
MORE STARS OF SPORT
- 'There's only one Ricky Fatton!' Hatton feasts on mammoth 'Benidorm breakfast' British boxing legend enjoys family holiday in the Spanish sun
- Copa America opener against Chile is black and white for Argentina Argentina have been honing their preparations for this month's Copa America
- No loyalty in football? Tell that to these stars and their dogs! Messi and Marcelo are among players who've found love with their four-legged friends
- Watch Alaba score stunning own goal for Austria as Bayern defender passes ball into empty net Friendly against Malta - maybe too friendly
- England players take to the training field at London Colney ahead of final pre-Euro 2016 friendly with Portugal Warming up for Wembley Stadium
- Joshua shows off punching power ahead of maiden IBF world title defence against Anthony Joshua's power inside the ring can't be questioned
- Payet is free-kick king! Hailed as France's first real free-kick taker since Zinedine Zidane, is Dimitri Payet the most-feared deadball specialist at Euro 2016?
- On the road with boxing's Mr Big Eddie Hearn is the spinner of many plates, and he has granted us exclusive access to an extraordinary weekend
- Pele: Icon for sale More than 2,000 items will be included in the auction, with his three World Cup winner's medals included in the unique sale
- French Open storm! Stars fume after being forced to play in rain on 'impossible' courts This Grand Slam of woe has descended into acrimony
- England squad depart for daunting three-Test tour Down Under After a gruelling season, Eddie Jones and his England squad are heading Down Under
- Just the man to lecture about football! Mourinho heads to Portugal with Faria after being unveiled by Manchester United At Lisbon University
- Walcott puts Euro 2016 snub behind him as Arsenal star begins fitness regime ahead of next season He won't be going to Euro 2016 with England
- Three ripped stars and one portly coach! Sanchez and his 'ninja turtle' team-mates post picture from Chile's training camp Ahead of Copa America
- Watch Real Madrid stars sing and dance at 30,000 feet on way home from Champions League triumph over Atletico Party time
- Ronaldo showcases his washboard abs and athletic physique as he relaxes on board a yacht in Ibiza Topped up his tan on luxury boat
- Getting into the swing of things... Kane and Rooney meet Rose at The Grove ahead of Euro 2016 quest At 'Horan & Rose' charity event held in Herts.
- POGBOOM! Paul Pogba added to his wacky collection of hairstyles with his latest effort ahead of France's narrow win over Cameroon on Monday
- No Zlatan, no goals Zlatan Ibrahimovic watched on from the bench as his Sweden team-mates played out a goalless draw with Slovenia in a friendly
- Chelsea forward Pedro delighted after being handed Spain captaincy and is aiming to score 'much more' Hasn't disguised his talent
- Weight of a nation on his shoulders? Cavani leads the charge in training as Uruguay squad step up preparations for Copa America Centenario
- Let's go to work Jose Mourinho spent his Bank Holiday Monday at Carrington as he was shown round by Ed Woodward and Sir Bobby Chartlon
- Euro 2016 WAGs gearing up to cheer on their superstar men in France this summer These WAGs are sure to get pulses racing in France this summer
- Barcelona reveal new home shirt in tribute to 1992 European Cup triumph New kit worn by Messi and Co will set fans back a staggering £158
- England captain Rooney enjoys sing-song with James Bay... with Neville on guitar! Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville performed at a charity event in London
- Bellew realises world title dream with stunning knockout victory at his beloved Goodison Park A nightmare start and a Hollywood ending. How fitting for Tony Bellew
- Ronaldo celebrates Real Madrid's Champions League win and insists: 'You're jealous I am still No 1!' Cristiano Ronaldo scored winning spot-kick
- Moyes shares box with Everton chairman Kenwright as former manager watches Bellew win at Goodison Everton are on the lookout for a new boss...
- Loftus-Cheek scores as England cruise to victory in Toulon England Under 21s won the Toulon Tournament for the first time since 1994, beating France 2-1
- Hamilton strikes jackpot in Monaco JONATHAN McEVOY IN MONTE CARLO: Lewis Hamilton is a winner again. Seven months after his last one
- Allardyce doesn't miss the drop this time as he dances to Rihanna hit Sunderland manager enjoys a well-earned break in Marbella after avoiding relegation
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Who needs sleep? Real's European champions return home and head straight out on open-top bus parade
Ronaldo, Bale and Co keep celebrations going
- Pepe, the pantomime villain who knows no shame, was up to his old tricks again Even referee Clattenburg was embarrassed by the defender's histrionics
- Sealed with a kiss! Carrasco plants a smacker on girlfriend Yannick Carrasco was treated to a kiss by his model girlfriend Noemie Happart after scoring
- Ferdinand praises big game player Ronaldo after San Siro win... Rio Ferdinand caused a stir for wearing a bow tie during Champions League final on BT Sport
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Diame hits the jackpot
OLIVER HOLT: It was 18 minutes from the end when Mo Diame curled a quite brilliant winner to seal Hull's return to the Premier League
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Burns beats Di Rocco inside eight rounds
RIATH AL-SAMARRAI: Ricky Burns became the third British fighter to become a three-weight world champion
LATEST MATCH REPORTS
- Poland 1-2 Holland: Georginio Wijnaldum deals blow to Robert Lewandowski and Co's Euro 2016 preparations
- Belgium 1-1 Finland: Romelu Lukaku rescues draw after Euro 2016 favourites struggle to break down minnows
- Norway 3-2 Iceland: Late Gylfi Sigurdsson penalty and Eidur Gudjohnsen appearance not enough to prevent defeat
- Russia 1-2 Czech Republic: England's Euro 2016 Group B opponents fall to last-minute defeat after Tomas Necid scores winner
- Republic of Ireland 1-2 Belarus: Martin O'Neill's side beaten in final Euro 2016 warm-up despite late Stephen Ward consolation
- Austria 2-1 Malta: Marko Arnautovic and Alessandro Schopf score early goals to boost Euro 2016 preparations
- France Under 20s 1-2 England Under 21s: Chelsea youngsters Lewis Baker and Ruben Loftus-Cheek star as Young Lions cruise to victory in Toulon Tournament final
- Germany 1-3 Slovakia: World champions sink to defeat in rain-soaked Augsburg
- Spain 3-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina: Emir Spahic sent off for altercation with Cesc Fabregas and Cesar Azpilicueta as Vicente del Bosque's side seal victory
- Italy 1-0 Scotland: Graziano Pelle scores the only goal as Antonio Conte's experimental side stutter to victory ahead of Euro 2016
- Portugal 3-0 Norway: Liverpool target Raphael Guerreiro scores superb free kick in friendly victory
EURO 2016 COUNTDOWN
Stadium guide: Check out the stunning venues in France that will stage the drama
The squads are finalised, the planes are booked and the tickets have been sold. Euro 2016 gets underway in a matter of days and the excitement is rising. France hosts its first major international tournament since the 1998 World Cup and Sportsmail has provided a detailed guide to the 10 host cities and stadiums providing a platform for the drama across the next month. Stade de Bordeaux (42,000) - Bordeaux
At least it wasn't in the Euros! Bayern star Alaba scores comical own goal in Austria's penultimate warm-up match
With close to a million Twitter followers and an active presence on Snapchat, Bayern Munich star David Alaba is a hit on social media. But he's being re-tweeted for all the wrong reasons after scoring an astonishing own goal during Austria's 2-1 defeat of Malta in Klagenfurt.
I'm too good to return to Sweden, says Ibrahimovic as Manchester United's pursuit goes on
Reports in Sweden had linked Ibrahimovic with a move back to his first club Malmo, but he rejected that out of hand. He also dismissed the notion of retirement.
Ozil and his Germany team-mates presented with new adidas football boots by skydivers
When it comes to being innovative, Adidas have always been sky high above the rest and the sportswear giants took that meaning quite literally as they unveiled their brand new football boots. German internationals Thomas Müller, Mats Hummels, Manuel Neuer, Mesut Özil and Bastian Schweinsteiger all watched in amazement, as skydivers fell from a helicopter to present the players with their new foot wear as part of Adidas' brand new Mercury Pack Launch. The all-new adidas X 16+ Pure Chaos and the 16+ Pure Control boots have been released to coincide with Euro 2016, and has been a tradition of the Herzogenaurach based corporation ever since Euro 1996, in which a new design emerges to be showcased at both the World Cup and European championships - both Adidas sponsored.
Roy's Boys' Brigade: Everything you need to know about England's squad
Sportsmail's ultimate graphic details every player and their key statistics...
FOOTBALL
No loyalty in football? Tell that to these guys and their dogs! Messi and Sanchez are among stars with four-legged friends
They say there is no loyalty left in the modern game, but that hasn't taken into account the relationships shared between some of the world's greatest players and their pet dogs. Superstars from Lionel Messi to Harry Kane having been finding comfort in their canine companions and haven't been afraid to flaunt their pedigree chums with heart warming pictures plastered all over social media. Here, Sportsmail looks at footballers and the love they have for their four-legged friends...
Messi's £3.2m tax fraud trial begins in Barcelona as he arrives at court alongside father
Barcelona's five-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi went on trial on Tuesday along with his father on accusations of defrauding the Spanish state of millions of euros. Messi and his father Jorge Horacio Messi, who have both denied the allegations, were due to appear in the Barcelona court on Thursday, according to a judicial document.
Golden Boot... and now a golden phone cover! Kane shows off customised iPhone wrap to mark his 25-goal season
Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane pipped Leicester City's Jamie Vardy to the Premier League Golden Boot last season with a remarkable 25-goal tally. And as a pre-Euro 2016 treat, the 22-year-old has picked up a customised gold iPhone cover, with the markings: 'KANE - GOLDEN BOOT 2015/2016 - 25 GOALS.'
Pele for sale: Brazil legend auctions 2,000 items of memorabilia including a bowl from Plymouth and a ball signed by Rod Stewart
MATT BARLOW: Pele is auctioning a treasure trove of memorabilia from his personal collection, ranging from his three World Cup winner's medals to a commemorative silver bowl from the board of Plymouth Argyle. The star item is a replica of the Jules Rimet trophy presented to the Brazilian legend after his third World Cup triumph, in Mexico in 1970, which is expected to fetch up to £420,000. Pele, the only player to win the World Cup three times, is selling items collected during this six decades in the game to raise money for charity as well as to allow 'fans and collectors to own a piece of my history'.
Walcott puts Euro snub behind him as Arsenal star begins fitness regime ahead of next season
He won't be going to Euro 2016 with England, and now Arsenal star Theo Walcott is already focusing on the start of the new season with the Gunners.
Celtic striker Griffiths crowned Premiership Player of the Season to complete awards clean sweep
Leigh Griffiths has completed a clean sweep of personal awards after being named Ladbrokes Premiership player of the year. The Celtic frontman became the first Parkhead striker to net 40 goals in a campaign since Henrik Larsson when he topped the scoring charts.
COPA AMERICA
Three ripped stars and one portly coach! Sanchez and his 'ninja turtle' team-mates post picture from Chile's training camp ahead of their Copa America defence
The Arsenal and Chile star is currently on international duty preparing for the Copa America Centario and is clearly doing it properly. The trio are clearly tensing hard, showing off their defined abs following a strength and conditioning session. With the players looking like Adonis their coach, Rolando Carlen, sneaking into the left of shot, closer resembles a dumpling.
Valderrama leads a host of greats in celebrating the Copa America's centenary
Carlos Valderrama, Alexi Lalas, Jorge Campos and Mario Kempes have come together to celebrate what promises to be a truly special Copa America this summer.
OTHER SPORTS NEWS
Ever wondered what it would be like facing a punch from Joshua? Heavyweight star shows off pure power ahead of title defence
Anthony Joshua's power inside the ring can't be questioned and worryingly for his next opponent the IBF world heavyweight is looking to develop that further. Joshua fights American Dominic Breazeale at the O2 Arena on June 25 in the first defence of his newly-acquired belt. And ahead of that London bout, Joshua sent a warning sign to his rival via social media.
Sausages, eggs, beans, chips and 12 pieces of toast!
Hatton enjoys his 'Benidorm breakfast' in the sunshine
He's made no secret about his love of food and he has lived up to his reputation by feasting on a giant 'Benidorm breakfast'. The 37-year-old British boxing legend is enjoying a family holiday with his son in eastern Spain.
RACING
PREMIER LEAGUE - ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
THE BEST WRITING IN SPORT
Forking out £1m to pay 28 fighters and hire Everton's ground and chartering a £6,000 private jet...on the road with boxing's Mr Big
RIATH AL-SAMARRAI: Eddie Hearn is the spinner of many plates, a man in the middle of an old industry built on blood and cash, and this Liverpool show is his second world-title production in an extraordinary weekend, having watched Ricky Burns make history as a three-weight champion in Glasgow a night earlier.