Gareth Southgate’s side have made the hardest possible work of this – such is the only script our national psychodrama permits.

The men’s team are through to just a third ever major final, with the Berlin showpiece offering the chance to join Sir Alf Ramsey’s 1966 World Cup heroes in immortality.

The loss of captain Evan O’Connell, a nephew of Paul,  for the remainder of the tournament is a huge blow.

More than most arenas, this beautiful but haunted old house is a character too. A secondary one, sure, but carrying plenty of resonance and impact with it.

Every goal and result matters within this situation Ireland find themselves, where the revised ambition is avoiding the basement spot among the 16 teams in the top tier of the European qualifiers.

The United academy graduate returned to the Red Devils last summer.

It is another action packed weekend of sport. This weekend its the All-Ireland SFC semi-finals, can England overcome Spain in the Euro 2024 final and the Republic of Ireland Women's team are back in action - all  you need to know about sport on TV is here.

Given the stoic resilience shown by this tight knit Irish squad over the last few seasons, I’d be surprised if they were to sign off on this demanding year without one massive effort.

Olmo has insisted Spain will not focus on establishing a record run of seven successive wins.

The Munster captain, an Ireland regular and one of the first group of players to sign a professional contract with the IRFU in October 2022, said her move made sense “personally and professionally."

Limerick's downfall came in the fifth truly great All-Ireland championship encounter of the century.

Doris will be vital as a player and leader, ensuring he and his team don’t get on the wrong side of referee Karl Dickson while also playing on the ragged edge and not taking a step back against the Boks.

Here are some of the main talking points ahead of Saturday’s showdown at Kings Park Stadium.

Heimir Hallgrimsson has asked John O'Shea to be his assistant coach.

O’Mahony is the one casualty from last week’s 27-20 loss to the Springboks in the first Test at Loftus Versfeld for this weekend’s second Test at Kings Park

Bundee Aki, who has given way, sustained a shoulder injury and although he was close to selection, didn’t quite make it on a fitness front.

Lars Lagerback says his former Iceland co-manager will bring stability to Ireland

Dutch pundits and reporters lined up to take aim at England and the Euro 24 semi-final refereeing

Tournaments don’t always make much sense so can Gareth Southgate’s side live up to the perception of destiny?

McIlroy shot 65 in his first round at the Genesis Scottish Open, his first round back after his disappointing finish at the US Open in June.