We may now be in the summer months, but there is still plenty of action taking place over the globe to provide sports fans with their daily fix.
With that in mind, Sports Mole takes a look at three figures who will be in the spotlight this weekend.
1. Harry Kane
He may be the name on everyone's lips right now, with Manchester United reportedly increasing their interest in him of late, but Kane was guilty of spurning a number of chances as England Under-21s fell to an opening-game defeat in the U21 European Championships on Thursday night.
That means the Young Lions now face the prospect of having to win their final two group games, against Sweden and Italy, if they are to stand any chance of progressing out of Group B. Incredibly, it has now been over six years - a time spanning three tournaments - since England last won a game in this competition.
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Losing Saido Berahino, the focal point of the attacking lineup alongside Kane, was clearly a huge blow for Gareth Southgate's men just a few hours before they got their campaign underway. But not many sides boast better talents in forward positions than England, with the Premier League's Young Player of the Year in their ranks among other quality additions.
The pressure is still very much on Kane to lead the way, though, meaning he will have to improve on his showing against Portugal in that 1-0 defeat if England are to end their major competition duck this summer.
2. Roberto Firmino
Another player linked with a switch away from his current club in recent weeks, the early signs indicate that Firmino could very well join fellow Brazilian Neymar in reaching stardom in the coming years. The 23-year-old was one of those who benefited from his national side's famous 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany last summer, being brought into the side to mark a new era for the Selecao.
Firmino found the net twice in his first four caps for the heavyweight nation, and he very much marks the changing face of Brazilian football when compared directly against the man he is replacing in the side - the slow and immobile Fred.
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Forty-nine goals in 153 appearances for Hoffenheim is not a bad ratio at all considering Firmino is more than just an attacker, boasting the ability to play as a false nine and providing the focal point for attacking moves. That is why he is so important to Brazil's hopes of progressing beyond a tight-looking Group C, which currently sees all four sides locked on three points apiece with one game remaining, and going on to lift the Copa America trophy.
Even more so when considering Barcelona star Neymar will miss the remainder of the South American bonanza due to the red card he picked up in an ill-disciplined meeting with Colombia, which leaves Firmino as the key man in attack. A move to Man United this summer looks to be on the cards, but before then the energetic ace must help his side bury the ghosts of their home humiliation of 12 months ago.
3. Brian Smith
Whichever way you look at it, whatever spin is put on the situation, things are looking increasingly bleak for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats at this moment in time. Fifteen defeats in succession, with just two wins to their name all campaign, has left them sitting nine points adrift at the foot of the Super League table.
Experienced Australian coach Smith, who has enjoyed three previous spells in England, was recruited to turn around the club's faltering fortunes. Things did not go to plan in his first game at the helm since taking over from James Webster, however, with Salford Red Devils claiming a 24-16 victory at Bell Vue last time out.
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A difficult trip to Perpignan to face a Catalans Dragons side that have tasted defeat just once on their home patch this term now awaits on Saturday evening, but Smith remains confident that he is the right man to guide Wakey back up the division. The top-two leagues will split into three divisions come August, which the 61-year-old is confident can help his side.
Time is slowly ticking away, however, and the longer this current barren run goes on for, the harder it will be for Widnes to claw their way to safety. An unlikely victory against seventh-placed Catalans must now be the target, as the Wildcats aim to get a difficult campaign back on track before it is ultimately too late.
Daniel Lewis
