Ken Early on England; Ireland on brink of greatest season

It's another packed day of World Cup action today with England among those getting their campaigns underway. Gareth Southgate's side meet Tunisia in Volgograd and Ken Early has made his way there along with, it seems, far less English fans than usual as pre-tournament low expectations as well as fears of Russia make an impact.

Yesterday evening Mexico pulled off a major shock by seeing off Germany 1-0 in their opening game in what was a performance of passion trumping sophistication. Keith Duggan was at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow to take it all in on what was a momentous occasion in Mexican history. You can follow all of the action from our team in Russia on our World Cup website with reports, reaction, analysis, stats, fixtures and much more while our liveblog for the day's opening game between Sweden and South Korea will be underway from 12.30, followed by Belgium v Panama and England v Tunisia.

On to rugby and Gordon D'Arcy writes that Ireland are on the brink of the greatest season in our history as the third and final Test against Australia looms. "Johnny Sexton said it best on the Stade de France pitch in February. Defeat in Paris would have derailed everything Ireland are working towards. Sydney presents another pivotal moment," he writes.

In Melbourne Gerry Thornley writes in a similar vein with Joe Schmidt well aware that this could be a historic occasion for Ireland if they can pull off a series win over the Wallabies.

Nicky English: Confident Clare have stepped up a gear

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German sophistication undone by Mexican passion

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Phil Mickelson tight-lipped over swipe at moving ball

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On to golf and Brooks Koepka last night became just the first man since 1989 to defend his US Open title when he held off all competition at Shinnecock Hills to emerge from what was a war of attrition. The American had been set a target by a superb round of 63 by Tommy Fleetwood but he managed to get in at +1 and take the title.

But the talking points were more about the brutal course setup and Phil Mickelson's bizarre moment at the 13th on Saturday when he hit a moving ball, as Philip Reid writes from Long Island.

Finally to GAA and Nicky English pays tribute to a very impressive Clare side after they saw off Limerick yesterday to reach the Munster SHC final.