• Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton make BBC shortlist

• McIlroy, Littler, Norris and Kildunne also up for award

Three world champions, two European champions and the holder of a grand slam will face off next Thursday for the title of BBC Sports Personality of the Year, in a shortlist that provides a high-powered boost to the venerable prize show.

Following a triumphant summer for England’s women in both football and rugby, Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton of the Lionesses are nominated, as is the Red Roses’ Ellie Kildunne. They are joined in the six-person shortlist by Formula One champion Lando Norris, darts world champion Luke Littler and Masters champion Rory McIlroy, the bookies’ favourite.

• Organisers confirm ‘Pride Match’ activities will take place

• Seattle to host Egypt v Iran in Group G next summer

Plans to celebrate LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms in Seattle during the World Cup next summer will continue despite objections from the Egyptian and Iranian football federations over the “Pride Match” due to take place in the city.

Seattle organisers have confirmed that they are “moving forward as planned” with Pride activities in the city when Egypt face Iran in Group G on 26 June. Rainbow flags will also be allowed into the stadium by Fifa.