Joe Hart last night set his sights on being England’s “rock” at the European Championship but admitted he had a long way to go to match the country’s goalkeeping greats.

England’s pampered players luxuriated in a fairy-tale castle at the top of a German mountain during the World Cup of 2006 as WAGs sashayed below in the spa town of Baden Baden; but they still went home in despair.

It would seem curious to tear up a four-year plan at the 11th hour, but in light of Trap’s long-held determination to Do A Greece, his admission that Ireland might change tactics during this next nine days shouldn’t be too surprising.

They grasped silverware again in April yet the applause did not come tumbling down from the stands to greet Cork’s third successive league title.

Rory McIlroy finished with three birdies in his last four holes and held a one-shot lead as the second round of the FedEx St Jude Classic drew to a close last night.

IT might have been all green until now, but red and white were the only colours in town last night as 30,000 raucous Polish fans went wild.

ENDA’S Dáil M for Merkel mystery continues to linger.

Richard Ford, at 68, admits that he has only a limited number of books left in him. He spoke to Declan Burke about what might shape them

A is for Arshavin: The diminutive little playmaker lit up this tournament four years ago, tormenting a fine Dutch side and inspiring Russia to a place in the semi-finals.

Eamon Dunphy was yesterday predicting contrasting fortunes for Ireland and England at the European Championships.

Greece opened their 2004 triumph with victory over hosts Portugal, and they will once again be looking to spoil the party, taking on the hosts in Warsaw tonight.

Polish hero returns home

You’ve the squad memorised, and the tactics sussed. Ben Lyttleton and Iain MacIntosh help broaden fans’ minds a little further with some topographical titbits on the other 15 nations at Euro 2012.

Not for the first time, an air of dissatisfaction hangs over Russia.

Former Poland goalkeeper Jan Tomaszewski has launched a furious attack against Arsene Wenger and accused the Arsenal coach of putting goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny’s career at risk.

Poland captain Jakub Blaszczykowski issued a rallying cry ahead of tonight’s Euro 2012 opener against Greece, calling on his team mates to stand up and be counted in front of a 60,000 home crowd.

In Poland, football fans have an apt expression for their national side’s early exits from recent major football tournaments: Firstly, there is the opening match, secondly is the match for everything, and thirdly, the match for honour.

England striker Jermain Defoe has expressed his gratitude for the messages of support he has received following the death of his father.

Recent history in tournament football suggests accepting a draw in the opening game could prove Ireland’s downfall

First the good news. New Zealand are in disarray or at least they should be.