Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Read more
England take on New Zealand in Florida while Scotland face Bolivia in New Jersey as they get their World Cup preparations in the Under States under way in earnest.
Closer to home, Maja Chwalinska will be looking to crown her fairytale run at the French Open by beating eighth seed Mirra Andreeva in the women’s singles final at Roland Garros.
Here is a guide to what is happening in the sporting world on Saturday and where you can catch the action in the UK.
England and Scotland in action
Ollie Watkins was feeling the heat in England training this week (JC Ruiz/PA) (PA Wire)
England touched down in the United States on Monday to begin their build-up to the World Cup.
All eyes will be on how they combat the heat and humidity at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium, with temperatures expected to rise well beyond 30 degrees.
They will come up against a familiar figure leading the line, with Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood New Zealand’s captain and their all-time leading goalscorer.
Scotland, meanwhile, will also have to acclimatise to the heat of North America when they come up against Bolivia, who have not qualified for this summer’s extravaganza.
England’s match is on ITV from 2015 while BBC Two will screen Scotland’s game from 2030.
Chwalinska eyeing history
Maja Chwalinska is one win away from a historic French Open title (Thibault Camus/AP) (AP)
Maja Chwalinska can become only the second qualifier, after Britain’s Emma Raducanu, to win a grand slam title when she takes on eighth seed Mirra Andreeva in the women’s French Open final.
Chwalinska first played in grand slam qualifying at the Australian Open in 2020 and had been battling away in the lower reaches of the sport ever since.
TNT Sports 1 has live coverage from 1000.
Russell looking to hit back in F1 title race
George Russell, pictured, is 43 points behind Kimi Antonelli in the F1 world championship race (David Davies/PA) (PA Wire)
George Russell is bidding to bounce back from his mechanical failure in Canada at the Monaco Grand Prix, which left him 43 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli.
Russell revved up the world championship mind games when he said: “I don’t think I’ve got anything to lose.”
Watch third practice and qualifying on Sky Sports F1 from 1115 and Sky Sports Main Event from 1430.
What else is happening on Saturday
Wickets continue to tumble at Lord’s (Ben Whitley/PA) (PA Wire)
England’s first Test against New Zealand is hurtling towards a conclusion, with the surface at Lord’s coming under increasing scrutiny. Play gets under way at 1100 on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket.
Exeter will try to hold off Saracens in a play-off decider on the final day of the regular Gallagher Prem season (TNT Sports 2 and ITV4 at 1445).
Romania take on Wales in an international friendly on S4C at 1820, while the World Series of Darts continues with the Nordic Masters on ITV4 at 1800.
On this day
Brian Lara celebrates his first-class record score (Barry Batchelor/PA) (PA Archive)
1908: The first international football match between a British team and foreign opposition took place in Vienna, with England beating Austria 6-1.
1987: Steffi Graf, then 17, defeated Martina Navratilova 6-4 4-6 8-6 to win her first of 22 grand slam titles at the French Open.
1994: Brian Lara achieved the highest innings ever in first-class cricket, scoring 501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham at Edgbaston.
