WORLD OF SPORT: Lancaster wants passionate support, Williams is ‘greatest’, Joshua slams ‘hater’

Here are today’s headline stories from the world of sport.

Stuart Lancaster has loosened the shackles around his team a week out from the World Cup and called for a white wave of support to carry England to the Webb Ellis Cup.

The side under Lancaster’s leadership have been a by-word for quiet humility but the England coach upped the ante considerably in a passionate call to arms at the side’s glitzy send-off event at London’s O2 Arena. (Express)

Serena Williams does not need to win the calendar Grand Slam to prove she is the greatest ever female tennis player, says John McEnroe.

The 33-year-old, two victories from winning the first calendar Slam since 1988, plays Roberta Vinci in Friday’s delayed US Open semi-finals. (BBC)

Anthony Joshua has branded Dillian Whyte a ‘hater’ as he prepares to fight Gary Cornish at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday.

Joshua challenges Scotland’s undefeated Cornish for the vacant Commonwealth heavyweight title and with victory will set up what would be the biggest fight of his career in December against Whyte, who must defeat Brian Minto on the undercard. (Mail)

Adil Rashid is relishing being part of the current England set-up after finally breaking back into the side.

The Yorkshire leg-spinner, who made his ODI debut in 2009 but then had to wait nearly five years before adding to his five caps against New Zealand earlier this summer, played a key role in England’s win in the third ODI against Australia on Tuesday. (Sky Sports)