Ireland would have emerged with a hugely creditable draw had goalkeeper Mike Maignan not somehow clawed out a Collins header.
After three defeats in five fights – two by Oleksandr Usyk, the other by Andy Ruiz – Anthony Joshua has been knocked off his perch as one of the three most marketable boxers on the planet alongside Tyson Fury and Saul Alvarez. Victory over Jermaine Franklin, a tough and destructive American, is a must on Saturday at the O2.
Joshua’s only previous appearance Stateside ended in a shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr.
Luis Diaz has provided Liverpool with a timely glimmer of light ahead of the climax to a gloomy season by taking a significant step in his comeback during the international break. The Colombian spent last week training with the club’s academy players in anticipation of rejoining the seniors ahead of this weekend’s trip to Manchester City. Diaz is expected to begin full training over the next few days. If those sessions go to plan there is a chance the 26-year-old will be part of the travelling s