Euro 2012 Sportsday

That is all for BBC Sportsday today, folks. Thank you for all your contributions. You can keep up with all the Euro 2012 news on the BBC live text commentary which will bring you all the coverage from Greece v Poland.

After moving one step closer to a record seventh French Open title with a semi-final win over David Ferrer, Rafael Nadal says his success is down to hard work.

He says: "I'm very happy to be in the final of Roland Garros. There is no secret. I've worked hard all my life to enjoy moments like today."

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique insists there is no issue between himself and Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos.

"I get on fine with Sergio Ramos," says Pique. "It was also said this season that I didn't get on with Guardiola at Barcelona and that was never so."

The Dutch FA (KNVB) has released a statement about the incidents of racist chanting at Netherland's training session on Thursday.

It reads: "Although KNVB will not make an official complaint to Uefa, they are more than willing to answer questions of Uefa in this respect."

Rafael Nadal is through to the French Open final after a comprehensive 6-2 6-2 6-1 win over David Ferrer. He will face Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer in Sunday's final.

At 74 years and 85 days, Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni will become the oldest coach in European Championships history - but age is but a number for the Italian.

"This is not a problem. I feel like a 20-year-old, only with more experience," he says. "I'm still hungry for success, I watch every football match and always think of ways in which I could improve."

Cha Du Ri leaves Celtic to join newly promoted Bundesliga side Fortuna Dusseldorf. The South Korean defender spent two years with the Scottish champions.

Former Liverpool midfielder Christian Poulsen believes Denmark's early exit from World Cup 2010 has helped them to prepare for this tournament.

"Because of us missing several key players through injury, we promoted a younger generation for the Euro qualifiers," he says. "I am certain that we can create a surprise this summer based on what we have demonstrated over the past year."

In what is likely to be Andriy Shevchenko's final international tournament, he claims he cares more about the team's fortunes than personal glory.

"I don't know how many minutes I come into the game," he says. "That doesn't matter for me. I want to be ready to help the team."

Republic of Ireland assistant manager Marco Tardelli jokes he will recreate his iconic celebration at World Cup 1982 if Ireland score.

"I just hope somebody scores a goal - if we do, then I will make the same celebration," Tardelli told BBC Sport.

Sean St Ledger tells his Republic of Ireland team-mates it would be a mistake to believe tomorrow night's clash with Croatia represents their best chance of a Group C victory. He says: "Everyone keeps saying that, but we played Croatia last year and they are a very good team." The Republic face Spain and Italy in their other two group games.

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon responds to allegations he is involved in the match-fixing scandal dogging Italy's Serie A. He writes on Facebook: "Start thinking with your own head people, don't be fooled by those whose job it is to stir up trouble!"

The miserable summer is playing havoc with the cricket. Another wash-out for England in their third Test against West Indies at Edgbaston. That's the first two days lost to rain, something that has not happened since the Lord's Test against Australia in 1964.

Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador returns to Danish outfit Team Saxo Bank on 5 August when his two-year doping ban comes to an end.

Away from Euro 2012, Shinji Kagawa celebrates signing for Manchester United by scoring in Japan's 6-0 defeat of Jordan in the final round of 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

Want to sound like you're in the know? Read our Euro 2012 'Stars who could shine' feature and amaze your friends.

Bad news if you are Swedish, own a tent and are heading to Euro 2012. It appears the 5,000-space campsite you were promised is only half built. Camp Sweden organiser Ingo Soderlund says: "If it was Sweden and we put in a whole squadron of say 500 people to work, it might be done in time. But we're in Ukraine so we'll have to see what happens."

They are off for rain at the French Open where Rafael Nadal is 6-2 4-1 up against David Ferrer.

Poland's manager Franciszek Smuda is enthused by the way his country are backing the team. He says: "We can see that when we go to training sessions, we can see the support on the streets, people cheering and waving - it's great. I hope it will continue until the very end of the tournament."

Captain Kuba Blaszczykowski says it "is a dream come true" for Poland to open Euro 2012 on home soil. He adds: "The whole country has great expectations and we are aware of it but it will only motivate us to win."

Right, with under four hours to go to the first match of Euro 2012 lets switch our thoughts to the opening game. Hosts Poland take on Euro 2004 winners Greece in a 17:00 BST kick-off.

Giovanni Trapattoni suggests his Republic of Ireland team can upset the odds and progress from a group containing Spain, Italy and Croatia. He says: "Never say never. We have good quality. Our balance, our attitude, our strength... we have lots of ability."

BBC Radio 5 live senior football reporter Ian Dennis says: "Steve Bruce has a three-year contract as the new manager of Hull City."

More from Garth Crooks: "If a player isn't respected it's critical he's protected by a referee and by football administrators. It's crucial because we're moving into an era where footballers aren't prepared to tolerate it. We took it on the chin and now this generation will not tolerate it. If we can respect, we must protect."

Garth Crooks adds: "People can go off with a hamstring (injury), an upset stomach, but to book a player because he feels he psychologically cannot continue, is not a reason to caution him. We must find a better way of deal with a very difficult problem."

BBC Sport's Garth Crooks disagrees with Uefa president Michel Platini and does not want to see players booked for leaving the pitch if they suffer racial abuse from fans. He says: "I make a respected request to Michel Platini not to book a player if he walks off the pitch after suffering racism."

Germany assistant coach Hans-Dieter Flick wants his side to deny Cristiano Ronaldo any chance with a free-kick when they face Portugal tomorrow. He says: "In the last 20, 25 or 30 yards, we will try to be careful in the tackles."

Portsmouth are a step closer to coming out of administration after former owner Balram Chainrai's offer to take over at Fratton Park again was accepted.

Former Netherlands striker Ruud Gullit on the claims that Dutch players were racially abused: "Yes, it happened and there were some monkey chants. It is sad we have to talk about this."

Phil McNulty says: "Plenty of cars sporting Polish flags from their car windows. As we pulled away from England's training base at Hutnik two supporters stood side by side at a bus stop. One in a Liverpool kit and another in an Everton jersey."

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty reports from Poland: "Signs of Euro 2012 fever now more visible in Krakow - although there is still a sense of grievance here that it will not play a more significant part in the tournament."

Prop forward Jon Welsh is out of the remaining two matches of Scotland's tour of the South Pacific with a shoulder injury.

Conor McNamara says: "The squad now travel to Poznan for their opening game against Croatia and Giovanni Trapattoni confirmed that the starting 11 he named last weekend will be the team that starts on Sunday."

Conor McMamara says: "Despite niggling calf and knee injuries, Given was flinging himself around his goalmouth in a training game, and also faced several penalties as the Irish players finished their session practicing for a shootout."

BBC Sport's Conor McNamara was at the Republic of Ireland training session today. He says: "The session at Ireland's base in Gydnia passed without incident as Shay Given compled his first full workout since coming off as a half-time substitute in Budapest on Monday."

Guy Mowbray adds: "He also says the expectation is that the team will definitely get out of the group stage, and that any negative perceptions of the country brought about by reports such as Panorama's have only served to further boost support for the team."

BBC Sport commentator Guy Mowbray reports from the Euros by saying: "Our local expert, Krzysztof, says Poland's been gripped by the tournament ahead of today's opening game - car wing mirrors decorated in national colours have never been seen before in the country!"

Spain goalkeeper Victor Valdes pinpoints Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo as the man they need to watch when the teams clash on Sunday. He says: "He's the player that carries the Italian midfield. Everything goes through him."

France look likely to be without Yann M'Vila for Monday's Group D opener. His recovery from an ankle sprain is taking its time. Team doctor Fabrice Bryand says: "We are not optimistic for the 11th."

BBC Sport's Ben Smith reports that Jermain Defoe expects to return to Krakow in the next 24 hours and is keen to play in England's first match against France on Monday.

Poland coach Franciszek Smuda is continuing his hardline stance on refusing to let players drink alcohol during the Euro 2012. He says: "If I gave players the impression that I'm a pushover, jelly or pudding, we would be done for. You can't show that."

Michael Reiziger adds: "It wasn't Dutch making the noises so it's tricky to punish a team that has nothing to do with it. I think the police in Poland know the supporters who will do that so for me a solution is just to keep them out of the stadium."

Former Netherlands right-back Michael Reiziger on the racism storm surrounding the Netherlands. He says: "Mark van Bommel said that it was scandalous and I agree with him. The solution of the Dutch team was very good, training on the other side of the pitch - but it's not their call. The solution has to come from higher up than the players."

Croatia midfielder Luka Modric believes beating Ireland in their opening game would ensure a spot in the last eight. He says: "It's our most important match in the group. If we win it, then I believe we will reach the knockout phase."

Don't forget you can catch the opening game between Poland and Greece at 17:00 BST on BBC One. If you are not near a TV, the full game will be online.

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given was back in full training today having missed parts of yesterday's session following concerns about his fitness.

There is no play before lunch in the third Test between England and West Indies at Edgbaston. Lunch will be taken at the usual time of 13:00 BST, and Jonathan Agnew will be hosting 'Ask The Umpire' in the lunch break on TMS.

Please email your questions for former umpire John Holder to tms@bbc.co.uk or tweet @tmsproducer

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty on Twitter: "If Hodgson was picking his striker on the evidence of finishing in training today then Welbeck is making a compelling case ahead of Carroll."

The England players go to the mascots and groups of local children on the touchline to sign autographs, as the training session comes to an end. Wayne Rooney is the first, but all the England players on the pitch follow his lead. They are joined by John Terry, who was doing gym work inside.

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty on Twitter: "England manager Roy Hodgson is hands on in all training drills. Fabio Capello was much more the observer from the sidelines."

Wayne Rooney playfully jumps on the back of Andy Carroll as the training session with the strikers comes to an end. The balls are being put back in their bags, and the players seem to be warming down.

England third-choice goalkeeper Jack Butland is in goal for the training session with the strikers, and looking very impressive.

Wayne Rooney attempts an overhead kick, and fails to make any contact at all.

Saracens have announced the signing of Western Province and Stormers flanker Nick Fenton-Wells.

"We have been following Nick's progress for some time," Saracens rugby director Mark McCall said.

"He has the heart of a lion, and we are delighted he has decided to join us."

There is a delayed start to day two of the third Test between England and West Indies at Edgbaston. The first day was washed out, and Jonathan Agnew and the TMS team will keep you up-to-date when, or if, play starts.

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty on Twitter:: "Superb volleyed finish by Danny Welbeck draws great applause from the Polish fans watching England training." He has also tweeted a picture from the training session.

Wayne Rooney shoots over the bar from two yards, looks embarrassed, then scores with a diving header from the next cross.

Stewart Downing dinks in a cross in the training drill for Danny Welbeck to score. Liverpool fans everywhere will hope that he has rediscovered the art of the assist.

Roy Hodgson seems to be preparing a shooting drill for the players. Ray Lewington is examining his notes, while Gary Neville holds a football in each arm like an overgrown ball-boy.

The crowd politely applaud every time an England training ground drill comes to an end.

BBC Sport's Richard Conway on Twitter: "England players in centre circle with local children, unveil banner saying "thank you for your warm welcome in Krakow."

Ashley Cole, John Terry and captain Steven Gerrard have gone back inside.

All smiles from the England players, as they walk towards manager Roy Hodgson in the centre of the pitch. Hodgson then walks away with Gerrard to the touchline, the pair deep in conversation. The rest of the players start a warm-up kickabout.

The crowd at the Hutnik training ground to watch England's training session is estimated at 3,000.

Scott Parker, Glen Johnson, Joleon Lescot, Joe Hart and James Milner leave the training pitch, and are expected to undergo gym work indoors. John Terry and Ashley Cole are drinking water on the touchline.

Hull City have announced a news conference at 15:00 BST, with former Sunderland manager Steve Bruce expected to be named as manager.

John Terry is wearing trainers to protect his hamstring injury during the warm-up.

The England players hold up a banner to the supporters in the training ground, in English and in Polish, which says: "Thank you for your warm welcome in Krakow." The players start a warm-up lap, as the stadium annnouncer reads out the players' names. The biggest cheer is for Wayne Rooney.

And here come the England team, in their black training tops, led out by captain Steven Gerrard. Each of the player has a mascot with them. All 22 are present, the only absentee being Jermain Defoe, who is on compassionate leave.

England coach Ray Lewington has put out all the cones at the training ground. But there are no players out yet. A bugler is out in the middle to greet them, when they do finally amble out.

BBC Radio 5 live senior football reporter Ian Dennis on Twitter: "All 22 players will train today."

The FA is streaming live coverage of England's open training session in Krakow. Coaches Gary Neville and Ray Lewington are first out to set up the session. The Polish fans in the crowd are banging their boomsticks, but there are a few empty seats.

Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker on Twitter: "For those remotely interested, I hit between 30 and 50 pens a day in training at tournaments. Guarantees nothing but has to help."

A spokesman for the Dutch team tells BBC Sport there will be no official complaint to Uefa over racial abuse of players at Wisla Krakow stadium.

Some players, including captain Mark van Bommel, heard racial abuse but, according to the Dutch, this was mixed with Polish fans making political statements and chanting". Head coach Bert van Marwijk did not hear any racist abuse, the Dutch FA said.

Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Steven Reid on Twitter: "Shameful abuse of Netherlands players.. Before a ball even kicked!!"

We will be providing live updates from England's open training session in Krakow, which starts at 09:30 BST. The naff rock music is blaring out around the training ground, and it is just a shame that there is no Peter Crouch in the squad to lead the dancing.

Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker on Twitter: "RT @henrywinter: At #eng training at Hutnik. Still no penalty spots. < When will we learn? Practice boys."

Dirk Kuyt feels that Euro 2012 is the final opportunity for many in the Netherlands squad to win an international trophy. "We realise this is perhaps our last chance to win a tournament," he says.

Captain Mark van Bommel says that losing the 2010 World Cup final to Spain had a lasting effect on the squad.

"Losing that final is now the motivation to win Euro 2012," he said ahead of the Group B meeting with Denmark on Saturday.

There is further news on the Dutch racism row, with De Telegraaf journalist Marcel Van Der Kraan telling BBC Radio 5 live: "As the Dutch players did their warm up, during the first lap of the pitch they could hear monkey noises from one end of the crowd.

"When the players heard this they said they would do another lap and if they heard monkey noises again they would stop.

"The Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk moved all the cones and started training on the pitch as far away from these people as possible."

The weather is not looking good for play in the third Test between England and West Indies at Edgbaston. The first day was washed out, but Jonathan Agnew and the TMS team are in place to talk you through any action from day two from 10:45 BST.

Captain Mark van Bommel says the Netherlands' black players were subjected to monkey chants at an open training session in Krakow.

England hold an open training session today at 0930, as manager Roy Hodgson makes his final preparations ahead of their Euro 2012 opener against France on Monday.

Please get in touch with us with any questions you want to pose to our commentators, presenters and correspondents already out in Poland and Ukraine. We will send out the first batch of questions by 0900 BST, so get involved on Twitter at #bbcfootball.