Tomlinson admits it's time to deliver in European final

By Nick Clowes, Sportsbeat, in Barcelona

 CHRIS Tomlinson insists it's time to put his money where his mouth is in the long jump final at the European Championships in Barcelona.

TIME TO DELIVER: Chris Tomlinson has been talking a good game but must produce the goods in Sunday's long jump final (Getty Images)

The 28-year-old sauntered through qualifying on Friday, opening up with a jump of 7.98m before following that up with a season's best leap of 8.20m with his second attempt.

That was good enough to see the Tomlinson, who has finished sixth and ninth at the last two European Championships, advance as the third best qualifier.

On numerous occasions Tomlinson has predicted a jump of 8.50m this season and that would in all probability see him top the podium in Barcelona.

But the Brit admits he must put up or shut up in Sunday's final.

"It was a good jump on Friday, a season's best and like I keep saying I was ranked 14th coming into the competition and I'm already in the top 12.

"I've been shouting my mouth off saying I can do eight-and-a-half metres and we'll see on Sunday.

"The most important thing is I'm going to go out and enjoy it and if it happens it happens. If it doesn't it doesn't.

"I've got nothing to lose going into the final. The level I am is an 8.20 jumper and I've achieved a lot.

"Now it's time to be an 8.40 jumper."

Meanwhile, UK 1500m champion Hannah England was the first to admit she must raise her game if she is to be among the medals in Barcelona.

England sneaked through to the final even though she finished eighth in her heat in a time of 4:06.03 minutes as her heat was fortunately far quicker than the second.

She will be joined in the final by compatriots Steph Twell, sixth in the same heat, as well as world silver medallist Lisa Dobriskey, who was more comfortable in heat two, coming home second.

"I feel very lucky to get through but I definitely know I can do better," admitted England.

"I can't believe it - I didn't want to leave it that close but I'm through and that's all that matters.

"I'm really enjoying being here and I'm glad I've got another opportunity to show people what I can do."