WOMEN’S FOOTBALL: The transfer exodus from relegated Leicester City continued with Finnish international striker Jutta Rantala becoming their third player to join Everton on Wednesday. Rantala was Leicester’s player of the year in 2024. Six players have now left the club before they start the new season in Super League Two, including French international Noemie Mouchon and Hannah Cain, who returns to Everton after six years at Leicester.

BASEBALL: LA Dodgers continue to top Major League Baseball in their quest for a third successive World Series title after seeing off Philadelphia 9-5 on Wednesday. Second-placed Milwaukee kept up the pressure with a 4-3 win at lowly New York Mets. Form-team Boston Red Sox had their 16-match unbeaten record brought to an end with yesterday morning’s 5-1 defeat in Baltimore, while bottom club Colorado lost 8-0 to Washington.

MEN’S CRICKET: While the Hundred dominates the headlines, the One-Day Cup continues with Worcester getting their title defence up and running against Derby at New Road today. Last year’s runners-up Hampshire play Middlesex. Sussex, who began the competition with a two-point deduction due to sustained operating losses and other financial issues, visit Durham after losing Wednesday’s opening game to Glamorgan. 

COMMONWEALTH GAMES: Boxing, one of only three sports alongside athletics and swimming to have taken place at every Commonwealth Games, begins at the Scottish Exhibition Centre this morning. Women’s boxing was introduced into the Games in 2014 and for the first time, there will be an equal number of male and female weight divisions. Scotland holds the unique record of winning at least one medal at every Games since 1930.