WOMEN’S FOOTBALL: Lucy Bronze equalled the record for appearances in the World XI after earning her seventh selection in this year’s team.

England team-mates Mary Earps, Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh and Lauren James also made the line-up that was voted for by fellow professionals.

Colombia’s Linda Caicedo, Spain’s Aitana Bonmati, Olga Carmona and Alexia Putellas, Brazilian legend Marta and Zambia’s Barbra Banda were the other nominees.

ICE HOCKEY: It’s second against third in the Elite League on Wednesday evening as Guildford Flames host defending champions Sheffield Steelers after Belfast have come up against on Dundee.

Belfast, who completed the domestic treble in 2023, are currently level on points with Sheffield.

Table toppers Cardiff are in Challenge Cup action tomorrow night and need a win when they visit Coventry to have any chance of remaining in the competition.

WOMEN’S CRICKET: England face South Africa tomorrow afternoon in Potchefstroom, south-east of Johannesburg, for the deciding leg of their three match one-day series.

After comfortably losing the first game by six wickets the English hit back with a comprehensive six wicket win of their own in Durban on Sunday.

South Africa are currently ranked as the world’s fourth best 50-over team, two places below England.

MEN’S FOOTBALL: European champions Real Madrid dominate this year’s World XI after six of their players were voted in by members of Fifpro, the international federation of professional footballers.

Manchester City’s goalkeeper Ederson, Kevin de Bruyne, Rodri and Erling Haaland also made the list along with Virgil Van Dijk from Liverpool.

Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, the only English player to be selected, picked up the most votes.