England will make a late decision on whether Declan Rice is fit to start the World Cup semi-final against Argentina.

But there remains optimism the Arsenal midfielder can shake off the effects of an illness to play on Wednesday.

Rice, who suffered with a sickness bug in the lead-up to Saturday’s quarter-final victory over Norway in Miami, was substituted at half-time.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel admitted afterwards that Rice had spent three days in bed before the match, which England won 2-1 after extra time.

It is understood Rice still has not recovered fully from the illness – picked up in Mexico, where England beat the co-hosts 3-2 in the last 16 – but his condition has improved markedly over the past 48 hours.

As things stand, there is growing hope he will be well enough to start in Atlanta.

Rice is almost certain to rule himself fit for the semi-final given the enormity of the occasion.

But given the severity of the illness, England medics are set to make a late call on his availability.

And Tuchel will wait to see how rapidly his condition improves before making a final decision on whether to pick him.

In addition to his recovery from the sickness bug, Rice has also been carrying a neural problem for several months, affecting his lower back and hamstring.

The midfielder, who has 78 caps, has started all but one of England’s World Cup games so far, missing the 2-0 group-stage win over Panama because of an injury flare-up.

[BBC]

A magnificent unbeaten double century by Senuja Wekunagoda guided Sri Lanka Under-19 to a commanding 344 for four at stumps on the opening day of the first Youth Test against India Under-19 at the Galle International Stadium on Monday.

‎After electing to bat first, Sri Lanka got off to a disastrous start, losing both openers with only three runs on the board. Kavya Paresh Patel struck twice inside the opening three overs to remove Dulnith Sigera for a duck and Dimantha Mahavithana who excelled in the Youth ODI series for two, leaving the hosts under pressure at three for two wickets.

‎St. Joseph’s College Darley Road batsman Wekunagoda then produced an innings of remarkable patience and authority to rescue Sri Lanka. The right-hander remained unbeaten on 203 off 227 deliveries, striking 31 boundaries in a flawless knock that firmly shifted the momentum in the hosts’ favour.

‎Captain Vimath Dinsara provided excellent support with a valuable 52 from 99 balls, adding 143 runs for the third wicket with Wekunagoda to rebuild the innings after the early collapse.

‎Kavija Gamage continued the recovery with a determined 49 off 121 deliveries, sharing a valuable 128-run fourth-wicket partnership with the double centurion before falling just one run short of a deserved half-century.

‎Chamika Heenatigala then ensured Sri Lanka finished the day strongly, remaining unbeaten on 33 from 77 balls. His unbroken 70-run stand with Wekunagoda carried the hosts to 344 for 4 from 89 overs at close of play.

‎India’s bowlers enjoyed early success through Kavya Paresh Patel (2 for 54), but the visitors found it difficult to break the long partnerships that followed. Pranav Ragavendra and captain Yashbardhan Chauhan claimed one wicket each, while the remaining bowlers went wicketless.

‎Sri Lanka will resume on the second morning with Wekunagoda unbeaten on a superb 203 and Heenatigala on 33, aiming to build a formidable first-innings total with six wickets still in hand. (RF)

Maris Motor Rally returns on August 1 with TSD competition, the Late Ranjith Fernando Challenge Shield and a citywide entertainment programme

‎Negombo will take centre stage as a sports tourism destination when the Maris Motor Rally 2026, popularly known as MMR 26, returns on August 1 with a combination of competitive motorsport, international entertainment and destination-based visitor experiences.

‎Organised by the Old Boys’ Association of Maris Stella College, Negombo, the event will be centred on the MMR 26 Time-Speed-Distance Rally, which will flag off from the Maris Stella College premises at 8.00 a.m.

‎Unlike conventional motor racing based primarily on outright speed, a TSD rally tests the ability of drivers and navigators to maintain specified speeds, follow the designated route and complete each section within the required time. The format places considerable emphasis on teamwork, navigation, discipline and consistency.

‎The rally is expected to attract competitors, motorsport enthusiasts, families and spectators, with approximately 2,000 people anticipated for the morning programme. The event will also feature the Late Ranjith Fernando Challenge Shield, adding further sporting significance to this year’s competition.

‎St. Joseph’s Hospital has come forward as the title sponsor of MMR 26.

‎The organisers expect the rally to generate wider interest in Negombo as a location capable of hosting major sporting and entertainment events. Its proximity to the Bandaranaike International Airport, established hotel network, coastal setting and accessibility from Colombo provide the city with a strong foundation for sports tourism.

‎Following the rally, the MMR 26 Together music festival will commence at 4.00 p.m. at the Jetwing Blue premises. The organisers expect an audience of approximately 8,000 for the evening programme.

‎A major attraction will be the performance of Björn Again, the internationally acclaimed Australian-based ABBA tribute show. Established in Melbourne in 1988, the group has performed internationally and is expected to broaden the appeal of the MMR weekend among domestic and overseas visitors.

‎The programme will conclude with an after-party at Tuk Tuk Wine & Dine on August 2. A public warm-up event is also scheduled to take place at the same venue on July 17.

‎While motorsport remains at the heart of MMR 26, the organisers are seeking to use the event to encourage spectators and visitors to spend an extended period in Negombo rather than attend only the rally.

‎A “One Pass” visitor scheme will therefore be introduced through the QR code included on event tickets. It will provide access to special offers and discounts from participating hotels, restaurants and selected tourism-related establishments in Negombo.

‎The initiative is intended to convert attendance at the sporting event into hotel stays, restaurant visits, transport demand and spending at small and community-based businesses.

‎”MMR 26 is not only a rally or a music festival. It is a platform to promote Negombo as a complete weekend economy covering hotels, restaurants, entertainment, transport, small businesses and community initiatives,” Maris Stella College OBA President Dhammika Fernando said.

‎The 2026 edition builds on the momentum created by MMR 25, which brought together motorsport, youth participation, tourism promotion and community activity. The organisers now hope to establish the rally as a regular fixture in Sri Lanka’s sporting and tourism calendars.

‎Destination sporting events can help distribute tourism income beyond conventional hotel accommodation by generating business for restaurants, transport operators, event suppliers, vendors and entertainment providers.

‎This becomes particularly relevant as Sri Lanka’s tourism industry enters another period of growth. More than one million tourist arrivals were recorded during the first five months of 2026, according to the tourism statistics referred to by the organisers.

‎MMR 26 will also continue a series of environmental and community programmes in Negombo. These include the installation of six PET bottle collection points, a beach cleanup involving more than 1,000 participants and the completion of the first stage of the Negombo Fort restoration project in partnership with the Negombo Municipal Council.

‎The organisers have also supported cleanup activities around major visitor locations, including the Negombo Jetty area, and donated 200 lunch packets to the Negombo Municipal Council in support of the Clean Sri Lanka initiative.