The Sport Matrix: Monday 12 May 2014

Hodgson leaves Cole out of squad

Roy Hodgson has made the biggest call of his World Cup finals squad: Ashley Cole is out and Leighton Baines and Luke Shaw will be his left-back choices. Cole is England’s fifth highest capped player with 107 appearances and is likely to retire from intenational football this summer.

‘Perfect’ Derby seal play-off final place

Derby County sealed their place in the Championship play-off final after they beat Brighton 4-1 yesterday to earn a 6-2 aggregate semi-final victory. “We look a damn good side,” said manager Steve McClaren. “It was the perfect performance.”

City jubilant after title success

Manchester City secured their second Premier League title in three seasons yesterday, after defeating West Ham 2-0. Samir Nasri struck in the first half before captain Vincent Kompany added a second, prompting jubilation for Manuel Pellegrini’s side.

‘Superior’ Roby inspires Saints

St Helens coach Nathan Brown reserved special praise for James Roby, who scored one of his side’s nine tries in their 50-0 victory over hapless Bradford yesterday. Brown said: “He [Roby] was superior, I felt, to anyone else on the field.”

Rodgers: Liverpool will bounce back

Brendan Rodgers believes Liverpool will challenge for the title next season. The club fell short despite their 2-1 win over Newcastle yesterday and Rodgers said: “We will be back. We will get better. We are a young group. We will add more players.”

Tour triumph for champion Vos

Olympic and world champion Marianne Vos completed a dominant performance to win a hugely successful inaugural Women’s Tour of Britain. She claimed a third successive stage success on the fifth and final day to seal overall victory.

Opinion: Sam Wallace

I would not pick Jack Wilshere for England’s World Cup squad. Before he cracked a navicular bone in March, his performances this season were not enough to warrant taking him half-fit.

Norwich relegated as Arsenal prevail

Norwich City were relegated from the Premier League yesterday after they lost 2-0 at home to Arsenal, Aaron Ramsey and Carl Jenkinson on target. Canaries manager Neil Adams should find out this week if he will be in charge of the club next season.

Elated Hamilton reigns in Spain

Lewis Hamilton took the world championship lead after a close win over Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg in Spain. “It’s very difficult to put into words the feeling after a result like this,” Hamilton said. “Getting my first win here is wonderful.”