SPORT IN BRIEF

FOOTBALL: England will take on the Republic of Ireland in a Wembley friendly next month, filling a gap left by New Zealand’s withdrawal.

The All Whites pulled out of the fixture due to concerns over travel and availability in the coronavirus pandemic, but Stephen Kenny’s side will now take on the Three Lions on November 12.

GOLF: Lee Westwood is out to recapture his consistent form at this week’s Italian Open.

Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship winner Westwood is in fourth spot in the Race to Dubai following four top-20 finishes in his last five starts.

The 47-year-old from Worksop will partner fellow former world number one Martin Kaymer and Italy’s Renato Paratore in today’s opening round in Brescia.

Westwood said: “I like the course. It’s long, there’s not a lot of run out there at the moment.

“It’s 7,400 yards, there’s a little bit of water in play on some holes as well, so there’s some challenging shots and some tricky holes.”

TENNIS: British number one Dan Evans is through to the quarterfinals of the European Open in Antwerp.

Evans, who ended a five-match losing streak with victory over Italian qualifier Salvatore Caruso in the opening round, beat American Frances Tiafoe in straight sets, winning 7-6 (3) 6-2. Evans will face wild card Zizou Berg or third seed Karen Khachanov in the last eight.

There was disappointment for Britain in the doubles, however, as Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski were beaten 6-4 6-4 by Rohan Bopanna and Matwe Middelkoop.

FORMULA ONE: Lance Stroll has revealed he tested positive for coronavirus following the Eifel Grand Prix earlier this month.

The Canadian driver did not take part in the race at the Nurburgring in Germany after falling unwell.

Stroll, who competes for Racing Point, said he returned a positive Covid-19 result upon arriving home, but says he is fit to take part in this weekend’s Portuguese Grand Prix.