ATHLETICS: Keely Hodgkinson is set for a scorching semi-final at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham on Thursday, where an amber warning for “extreme heat” has been issued.

The 800m semis at the Alexander Stadium start at 12.10pm, when the Met Office expects the temperature will hit 32°C, rising to 33 an hour later before hitting a high of 35 at 4pm.

There are free water bottle-filling stations around the stadium, and some sections of seating inside are under shade.

HORSE RACING: George Boughey hailed Bow Echo as “the complete racehorse” today after announcing the retirement of his star colt.

The 2000 Guineas, St James’s Palace and Sussex Stakes hero was being readied for another Group One assignment in this weekend’s Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville, before a minor injury was discovered that ultimately led to connections calling time on his unbeaten career.

MEN’S FOOTBALL: Former Liverpool head coach Arne Slot walked away from talks about becoming the new Netherlands boss as he wants to remain in club football.

The Dutchman was sacked in May, 12 months after winning the Premier League, following a disappointing title defence that saw the Reds finish fifth.

Slot was linked with taking over from Ronald Koeman, who resigned after their World Cup last-32 exit to Morocco, but did not get beyond an initial approach.

MEN’S CRICKET: Sussex all-rounder Danny Lamb has announced his retirement from professional cricket following injury.

Lamb, 30, suffered a disc herniation in his neck, which resulted in a spinal cord injury when playing earlier in the season.

Although Lamb, who also previously played for Lancashire, had neck and fusion surgery last month, following medical advice, he has been forced to retire due to the ongoing effects of the problem.