Andrew Flintoff has stepped down as head coach of the England Lions, ending his tenure with the national development side less than two years after taking charge.Flintoff, who began the role in September 2024, played a key role in reshaping the Lions programme and creating an environment aimed at developing England's next generation of players and coaches. His departure comes as he prepares to take up his new role as head coach of Sydney Thunder in Australia's Big Bash League.The former England all-rounder said he had taken pride in watching young players develop during his time with the Lions but had decided it was time to move on."Unfortunately Ive made the decision to step away from my role with the Lions. Not only have I enjoyed my time having the opportunity to work with the best young cricketers in the country, but have taken great pride in seeing them develop," Flintoff said in an ECB statement."Id like to thank the coaches and staff for all their passion, tireless work and support they give everyday. In particular, Ed Barney who Ive loved working with and was so lucky to have as a performance director, and obviously Rob (Key) for trusting me with one of the most important roles in English cricket."Flintoff added: "I cant wait to get started with the [Sydney] Thunder later in the year and see where coaching takes me."Flintoff's Lions impactFlintoff's appointment marked a significant step in his return to cricket after the serious accident he suffered while filming for the television programme Top Gear.During his stint with the Lions, the 48-year-old was central to establishing what the ECB described as a "world-class Lions environment", with his work extending beyond the players to coaches at different stages of their careers.Ed Barney, ECB men's performance director, praised Flintoff's contribution and credited him with transforming the development programme."Fred has helped to transform the Lions environment into a programme that has had a major impact on young players. By creating an environment that both supports and pushes excellence at all times he has helped bring forward a new generation of young players," Barney said."Coaches have also flourished alongside him, whether early in their coaching journey or with decades of experience, and he has consistently maximised the expertise around the group."Flintoff had initially been expected to combine his Lions responsibilities with his Sydney Thunder commitments, with the ECB allowing him to miss two four-day matches in South Africa during the winter because of his BBL duties. He has now opted to leave the England role entirely.Mike Yardy to take charge against PakistanFlintoff's departure comes shortly after England men's managing director Rob Key publicly praised his work with the Lions, saying the ECB was "incredibly fortunate to have him".The Lions are scheduled to face a Professional County Club Select XI against Pakistan Men in a four-day match at Beckenham, beginning on Wednesday, August 12.With Flintoff stepping down, England Under-19 head coach Mike Yardy will take charge of the side for the fixture.

Coleraine manager Ruaidhri Higgins said his side want "more success" in this year's Irish Premiership. The Bannsiders won the Irish Cup last season and came second in the Irish League by three points.It has been an impressive summer transfer window for Higgins' side who have signed Northern Ireland international Conor McMenamin as well as Derry City's Ben Doherty."When you look at some of the signings the so-called bottom six clubs are making, it is going to be an even stronger league I feel this year and extremely competitive," Higgins told BBC Sport NI. "When you hear people writing off Linfield, I think that is very, very naive. Larne are the reigning champions and deserve respect and Glentoran will be really, really strong again and then you have the really competitive teams outside of them as well. "Cliftonville, Ballymena, you look at their recruitment, and Dungannon, they are always difficult to beat. I am leaving clubs out and you look last year we went to Bangor and lost so any given day you can get turned over by anyone if you are off it."The Bannsiders have struggled so far this year and were defeated by Larne in the Charity Shield before being beaten in Europe 8-0 on aggregate by HJK Helsinki.However, there is much anticipation around what the squad can do in the Premiership and Higgins said his side will not "shy away from that"."What is the point of trying to manage expectations, it is going to be there we have obviously assembled a really good squad, and the investment has been there a couple years," he continued."We are not going to shy away from it, it is part of clubs that want and strive for success. We had a taste of it last year with the Irish Cup and went close in the league and want more success. "We want more and we have to embrace it and enjoy it and see what we can deliver this year."

Barcelona and PSG in advanced talks over 50 million deal for forward; personal terms agreedAccording to Luis F Rojo of MARCA, FC Barcelona forward Ferran Torres is on the verge of joining Paris Saint-Germain, with only a dramatic late twist expected to prevent the move.Barcelona and PSG have been negotiating for several days, with discussions taking place discreetly between sporting directors Deco and Luis Campos, whose close relationship has helped facilitate the talks. While much of the attention has focused on the situations involving Julian Alvarez, Rodri and Ronald Araujo, Ferrans departure has quietly moved closer to completion.Officially, Barcelona are scheduled to meet with the player on Wednesday, when he is due to report back for pre-season alongside Spains World Cup-winning internationals.However, that meeting is now expected to be unnecessary, as Ferrans representatives have already informed Barcelona that the player wants to move to Paris.On his way to Paris. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)Personal terms already agreedAs per the report, Ferran has already reached a personal agreement with PSG. The Spain international is set to sign a four-year contract, leaving the clubs to finalise the remaining details of the transfer.Those negotiations are now in their final stages, with both sides understood to be close to an agreement.The intention is for the deal to be completed before Wednesday, allowing Ferran to avoid reporting back for Barcelonas pre-season preparations.Transfer fee close to 50 millionPSG are expected to pay a fee in the region of 50 million. The two clubs are currently working on the final transfer amount and the performance-related bonuses that will be included in the agreement.Set to bid goodbye to Barcelona. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)According to sources familiar with the negotiations, an agreement is very close and could be announced soon.Barcelona never made a renewal offerFerrans contract with Barcelona stood to expire in 2027, but the club never made a renewal offer for Spains World Cup hero, something that prompted him to send a message to them. They have to show me they want me,he said in a recent interview.Barcelona have offered little public reaction to those remarks. Publicly, the La Liga champions have maintained that everything would become clearer once Ferran returned on Wednesday.Privately, however, negotiations with PSG have continued, and the transfer now appears to be approaching its conclusion.

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Final training session in Perth: the fans embrace the team at the Optus StadiumFinal training session for Inter in Perth, held at Optus Stadium, where the Nerazzurri will take on Juventus on Saturday at 7:00pm local time in the final match of the Internazionale Summer Tour.The open training session drew a large crowd, with plenty of supporters filling the stands and showing their passion for the Nerazzurri colours. Chants, banners and an electric atmosphere accompanied the team throughout the session.After training, the players met with supporters for photos and autographs. The event featured youngsters from Inter Academy Sydney, as well as fans and members of Inter Clubs from across Australia and Indonesia, alongside other guests who came along for the special occasion.Following Saturday's clash, Inter will return to Milano.

Chapman required surgery to stop the bleeding and reduce swelling after suffering a brain bleed [Getty Images]Britain's Raven Chapman could travel back to the UK next week after undergoing a second successful surgery on a brain bleed she suffered following a sparring session in Denmark.The 32-year-old former world title challenger collapsed after training on 24 July and was taken by helicopter to hospital, where she was diagnosed with a brain haematoma and cerebral oedema.After undergoing emergency surgery and being placed in a medically induced coma, Chapman's management company, Vote Boxing, said she has had another successful procedure."This marks another important step in her recovery while also making it safer for her to travel back to the UK," a statement said."If everything continues to progress as hoped, we are aiming for Raven to fly home sometime next week, where she can continue her recovery surrounded by her family and loved ones."Although there is still a long road ahead, this is a significant milestone, and we remain hopeful as Raven continues to make progress each day."Chapman has won 10 professional fights with two losses.The Norwich-born fighter lost to Skye Nicolson for the WBC featherweight title in October 2024 in the only women's world-title fight ever held in Saudi Arabia.A GoFundMe page has been launched to help raise funds for Chapman's rehabilitation and after-care has raised over 88,000."We would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who has supported Raven through her GoFundMe, as well as everyone who has sent messages, shared their prayers, and shown kindness throughout this incredibly difficult time," the statement added."Your generosity and support have meant more than words can express and have provided tremendous strength to Raven and her loved ones."Thank you for continuing to keep Raven in your thoughts as she continues her recovery."Boxing schedule and results 2026Watch every Born to Brawl episode More boxing from the BBC Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport