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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Press Association Sport Reporters

Friday’s sport: What’s on and where can I watch it?

England’s Alessia Russo (left) is challenged by Spain’s Mapi Leon during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Qualifying match at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Tuesday April 14, 2026. - (PA Wire)

England face a huge Women’s World Cup qualifier against Spain in Mallorca, where a draw will be enough to seal their place in Brazil next summer.

Back in London, England’s men’s cricket team will look to put a difficult first day behind them when they resume the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s.

And it is men’s semi-finals day at Roland Garros as a tournament full of shocks draws towards a conclusion.

Here is a guide to what is happening in the sporting world on Friday and where you can catch the action in the UK.

Lionesses target World Cup spot

Sarina Wiegman says England are playing to win (Joe Giddens/PA) (PA Wire)
Sarina Wiegman says England are playing to win (Joe Giddens/PA) (PA Wire)

England boss Sarina Wiegman insists the Lionesses will play to win despite knowing a point against Spain is enough to reach the Women’s World Cup.

Wiegman’s side lead qualifying group A3 with a flawless record and sit three points clear of world champions Spain.

However, a Spain win would take the qualification battle down to the final match.

“Of course (direct qualification) is what we want,” said Wiegman. “We’re in a good position, and we’re ready for tomorrow, and we just want to qualify as quick as possible.

“It’s a hard group, it’s a difficult game. We know what the consequences are, so no matter what happens we have another opportunity, but we go out there to play and win.”

The match is on ITV1 at 7.30pm, while a friendly between Montenegro and Wales is on BBC Two Wales at 4.45pm.

England look to continue recovery

Ben Stokes was caught out by New Zealand’s Kane Williamson on a difficult day one for England (Ben Whitley/PA) (PA Wire)
Ben Stokes was caught out by New Zealand’s Kane Williamson on a difficult day one for England (Ben Whitley/PA) (PA Wire)

England will return for day two of the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s looking to continue their fightback.

Harry Brook’s 56 was the only score of note as the hosts were dismissed for 140 after being inserted to bat on a rain-hit day in the capital.

But England hit back in the evening with the ball to set up a mouthwatering day two. Coverage starts on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket at 10am.

Final four face off in France

German second seed Alexander Zverev is just two wins away from a first grand slam title and takes on rising Czech star Jakub Mensik in the last four of the French Open in Paris.

The second semi-final is an all-Italian affair with Flavio Cobolli facing unseeded Matteo Arnaldi.

TNT Sports 1 has live coverage from 1pm.

What else is happening on Friday?

Practice at the Monaco Grand Prix begins at midday on Sky Sports F1, and the World Series of Darts continues with the Nordic Darts Masters on ITV4 at 6pm.

It’s a big couple of days in the racing calendar with the Derby festival getting under way at Epsom, featuring The Oaks, on ITV1 and STV from 1pm.

The KLM Open, Memorial Tournament and US Women’s Open are on Sky Sports Golf from midday, while LIV Golf, Andalucia is on TNT Sports 2.

On this day

Another victory for Joe Calzaghe (Huw Evans/PA) (PA)
Another victory for Joe Calzaghe (Huw Evans/PA) (PA)

1968: Alan Mullery became the first man to be sent off in a full international for England in a 1-0 European Championship defeat by Yugoslavia.

2017: Former Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote died at the age of 30 after collapsing in training with Chinese club Beijing Enterprises.

2022: Rafael Nadal won his 14th and final French Open title, defeating Casper Ruud in three sets, 17 years to the day after he claimed his first Roland Garros crown.

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