Stag Weekends Weekend Preview 24th June

There's only so much EU Referendum talk anyone can take! Let's release the political shackles and get back to what us lads know best. Sport!

It's been a tough couple of days without any Euro 2016 action, but we can gladly report that it returns to our screens this weekend, along with some other great sporting action to get your teeth into!

Knockout Stages Start

The knockout stage of Euro 2016 begins this weekend. As good as the group stages have been, knockout football brings a whole new level of drama!

There is huge home nation interest as well, with Wales taking on Northern Ireland on Saturday evening. The Welsh go into the game as favourites having topped their group, whereas Northern Ireland had to rely on being one the best third placed teams to seal qualification. It would be foolish to rule out an Irish win, and if they are able keep Gareth Bale quiet, anything is possible!

The Republic of Ireland also qualified as one of the best third placed teams and will take on hosts France on Sunday. Martin O'Neill's side upset the odds with a historic win over Italy on Wednesday night to progress, and will be looking to create history again. Add into the mix that the Republic will be looking for revenge from the Thierry Henry handball in 2009 and it should be a cracker!

AJ Fight

Anthony Joshua will make the first defence of his IBF World Heavyweight title against Dominic Breazeale on Saturday night.

In his 16 professional wins to date, Joshua has won all by knockout! His American opponent also possesses an undefeated record spanning 17 fights.

That said, AJ has had much tougher opponents to fight than Breazeale, and the overall feeling is that this fight is just another training exercise before Joshua can face either Tyson Fury or David Haye. Might be worth watching another knockout, though!

Series Whitewash

England face Australia in Sydney on Saturday looking for a series whitewash. Eddie Jones' side sealed a series win with victory last week, and take an unassailable 2-0 lead into the final Test.

Since England appointed Jones as head coach, he has taken England from 8^th in the world rankings to 2^nd; along with a grand slam win in the Six Nations. If the Aussie can mastermind another win over his native country, he will further establish his name in English rugby's history.

Two ODI's

England take on Sri Lanka twice over the weekend as the ODI series between the two countries continues. Today the second ODI is played at Edgbaston in a day and night match, and then the third ODI takes place in Bristol on Sunday.

If the rest of the series is as entertaining as the first ODI, we are in for a real treat. England looked to be heading towards a narrow defeat until Liam Plunkett smashed the final delivery for six to tie the match!

Image credits: Sky Sports, BBC Sport, England Cricket