That's all from us for Sportsday today. Thanks for your company and we will be back tomorrow at 08:00 BST. See you then!

France needs Euro 2016 to help repair the nation after recent economic and security troubles, says World Cup winner Marcel Desailly.

Protests broke out over labour law reforms in May, while 130 people were killed in attacks on Paris in November.

Desailly, 47, said there should be no fears over security, adding that his "own kids are going to the fanzone".

"We need football. We need football to be there for us to enjoy and to have hope," he told BBC Sport. "France is going through a little bit of trouble. I'm sure it's going to be secure. The information I have, people will be protected."

Image source, Rex Features

League Two side Leyton Orient sign winger Gavin Massey from Colchester United for an undisclosed fee.

Remember Euro 96, when football came home? Gazza's dentist's chair celebration? More penalty heartache.

It was a summer when the Spice Girls released their first single, the Prince and Princess of Wales got divorced and Alan Shearer became the most expensive footballer in the world when he moved from Blackburn to Newcastle for £15m.

To get you in the mood for Euro 2016, tonight we're going to relive the rollercoaster of emotions from England's semi-final tie against Germany. It will be replayed in full on the BBC website and on the Red Button from 18:45 BST.

Click here for more details.

Image source, Rex Features

Wolves have increased their goalkeeping options by signing Andy Lonergan from Championship rivals Fulham.

The 32-year-old has agreed a two-year deal at Molineux, with the club having an option for an extra 12 months.

He began his career at Preston and had spells with Leeds and Bolton before joining the Cottagers in June 2015, making 31 appearances last season.

Thomas Hewitt:, external Feel for Sharapova. Her punishment certainly doesn't fit the crime. Six months maybe. Two years is way too long.

TheRedWoman:, external First-time offender, banned for two years? Think that's a bit harsh on Sharapova.

Sarah Morgan:, external Maria Sharapova is being made a scapegoat and example for drug cheats when she's an honest person who made an honest mistake!

Image source, Uefa

The first Uefa news conference for Euro 2016 was held a little earlier today. 

It featured a number of Uefa officials...and DJ David Guetta.

Image source, ©INPHO/Donall Farmer

The Republic of Ireland are determined to do themselves justice at Euro 2016 after their poor displays in Poland four years ago.

Adam Tollerton:, external I think Kevin De Bruyne will be player of the tournament.

Ephraim:, external Jamie Vardy has been unstoppable during the Premier League season and he can carry that blistering form over into the Euros.

Mikey Newton, external Dimitri Payet. A late bloomer, but he's been absolute magic for West Ham this year. Being in the form of his life, with N'Golo Kante there to mop up anything behind him, and it being his home tournament, he could be the stand-out player.

Image source, EPA

Image source, @jamestaylor20

Former England batsman James Taylor has had an operation to fit a defibrillator as part of the treatment for his career-ending heart condition.

The former England batsman was forced to retire in April at the age of 26.

He was diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), similar to the condition which affected footballer Fabrice Muamba.

"At the bottom of a very steep hill, I can't wait to see the view from the top!" he wrote on Twitter., external

Sharapova statement (part 2/2): "While the tribunal concluded correctly that I did not intentionally violate the anti-doping rules, I cannot accept an unfairly harsh two-year suspension.

"The tribunal, whose members were selected by the ITF, agreed that I did not do anything intentionally wrong, yet they seek to keep me from playing tennis for two years. I will immediately appeal the suspension portion of this ruling to CAS, the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

"I have missed playing tennis and I have missed my amazing fans, who are the best and most loyal fans in the world. I have read your letters. I have read your social media posts and your love and support has gotten me through these tough days.

"I intend to stand for what I believe is right and that’s why I will fight to be back on the tennis court as soon as possible."

Image source, Getty Images

Maria Sharapova has responded, external to her two-year ban on her Facebook page and says she will appeal.

Here's her statement in full (part 1/2): 

"Today with their decision of a two-year suspension, the ITF tribunal unanimously concluded that what I did was not intentional.

"The tribunal found that I did not seek treatment from my doctor for the purpose of obtaining a performance-enhancing substance. The ITF spent tremendous amounts of time and resources trying to prove I intentionally violated the anti-doping rules and the tribunal concluded I did not.

"You need to know that the ITF asked the tribunal to suspend me for four years – the required suspension for an intentional violation -- and the tribunal rejected the ITF’s position."

Image source, Getty Images

England women have today qualified for Euro 2017 without kicking a ball after an administrative error.

The Lionesses beat Serbia 7-0 away on Tuesday, but had been told before the match that victory would not guarantee qualification for July's tournament.

However, it emerged on Wednesday that England's win assured them one of the six best runners-up slots and a place in the finals in the Netherlands.

"It is a bit curious. We were confident ourselves," said coach Mark Sampson. "We did the maths and were clear that we would be going to Holland next year, but of course you have to wait for the official governing body to give you the go-ahead."

Image source, Getty Images

Maria Sharapova has been banned for two years by the International Tennis Federation after failing a drugs test. 

The Russian was provisionally banned in March after testing positive for meldonium at January's Australian Open. 

The heart disease drug, which 29-year-old Sharapova says she has been taking since 2006 for health issues, became a banned substance on 1 January 2016. 

The ITF said the ban would be backdated to 26 January 2016, the day when she provided the positive test.

Rob Knowles:, external Lukaku. Belgium are a good strong team, he's in great form (he's scored four in four for Belgium) and he wants to leave us (Everton) so will be playing for a move. He's going to score a lot.

Kev Hughf:, external As long as Sweden stay in, Zlatan should be entertaining. Martial v Pogba. I'm hoping Rashford silences some critics. 

Jay Ramejkis:, external Nolito for Spain if he gets a run of games. Looks clinical in front of goal. 

Image source, Getty Images

Wigan's Will Grigg says he is ready to step in if Kyle Lafferty is not fit for Northern Ireland's first Euro 2016 match against Poland on Sunday.

Norwich man Lafferty sat out training on Wednesday because of a groin injury picked up on Tuesday.

NI boss Michael O'Neill has expressed confidence that top scorer Lafferty will be OK to face the Poles in Nice.

But Grigg, 24, said: "I am in the form of my life and the best shape I can possibly be."

Maybe Phil McNulty will know more about Leo the Lion? 

Our chief football writer will be doing a Facebook Q&A from 18:00 BST. Get your questions to him now by clicking on the link below.

England defender Chris Smalling tries to avoid discussing the exact nature of 'Leo the Lion' and how members of the squad are selected to look after the fluffy mascot.

The International Tennis Federation say they will publish their verdict of Maria Sharapova's doping tribunal at 16:00 BST.

The 29-year-old Russian failed a doping test at the Australian Open in January after she took Meldonium, a heart disease drug which was only added to the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned list on 1 January.

She has been provisionally suspended since 12 March and the ITF panel could issue a four-year-ban,, external but experts say a six-month or 12-month punishment is more likely.

Image source, Getty Images