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Barcelona ace Raphinha has ridiculed a controversial offside call that went against Robert Lewandowski, with the Brazilian posting a clown shoes meme.

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Polish striker thought he had equalisedEffort ruled out by semi-automated technologyBarca skipper has poked fun at decisionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty/GOALWHAT HAPPENED?

The Blaugrana thought that they had done enough to earn at least a point when facing Real Sociedad in La Liga. Sheraldo Becker opened the scoring in that contest, but Lewandowski believed that he had grabbed an equaliser.

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To the surprise of many, the semi-automatic offside technology (SAOT) that is used in La Liga pulled the Polish striker up for offside. Despite replays of the incident – which were paused as the ball was played – suggesting that the boot of Sociedad defender Nayef Aguerd was keeping Lewandowski onside, the effort was disallowed.

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Barca captain Raphinha has poked fun at that bemusing decision, which cost Hansi Flick’s side dear as they slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat. The Brazil international winger has posted an image of social media showing the VAR ruling and a pair of clown shoes, which he jokes Lewandowski must have been wearing for the offside technology to fail.

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Despite the controversy that has been sparked, the Technical Arbitration Committe maintain that the correct call was made, with 10-12 cameras being used to track the ball’s movement and up to 29 data points of each player at up to 50 times per second – meaning that exact positions of bodies and feet can be mapped.

Euro 2024 is done and dusted. Spain were the victors, of course they were, leaving England to rue another failure at the final hurdle.

Three years ago, Gareth Southgate had led the Three Lions to the verge of European Championship glory. Wembley was expectant, Wembley was…well, quite frankly chaotic. Italy were the eventual winners.

There was less chaos, less dramatics inside the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, but the end result was the same, just without the nervy penalty shoot.

Cole Palmer struck home. The trademark celebration came out and it looked as though England, a team who relied on moments throughout the competition had come out with another one. It was memorable again, just like Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick, just like the penalty shoot-out win over the Swiss, just like Ollie Watkins’ last-gasp heroics.

This time, however, it did not result in a win. With minutes on the clock Mikel Oyarzabal broke English hearts, steering home from close range. 2-1.

It was painful, not least for Southgate who two days later would leave his post. No more Gazza. We thank him for his efforts, for his charm, for his loyalty, we thank him for increasing our hopes of winning silverware.

Alas, it’s now time for a new era, it’s time to prepare for the World Cup in 2026. America, Canada and Mexico await the footballing world and England should be up there again as one of the favourites.

So, who will be in that squad? Some of the old guard, including Southgate, will be gone. There will be fresh faces, some usual suspects too.

England's predicted squad for the 2026 World Cup

Here’s what we’ve come up with at FFC and why…

1 Goalkeepers On the plane – Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale

It’s unlikely there will be too much change in this department ahead of the next World Cup. Pickford is the undisputed number one and that won’t change following his penalty heroics against the Swiss in Germany this summer.

You sense that Ramsdale will need to move on from Arsenal in order to stand a chance of competing for a spot. Still, with a new manager on the horizon, he might go in a different direction.

Facing the chop – Dean Henderson

Henderson only has one cap to his name and will be battling out with a few other stoppers for the right to be England’s third choice in North America.

New picks – James Trafford

The Burnley gloveman didn’t enjoy the best of seasons as the Clarets were relegated but he’s still a top young ‘keeper and has a few years to build up his experience ahead of 2026.

Ones to watch – Anthony Patterson

The Sunderland stopper could follow in Pickford’s footsteps to become a genuine option between the sticks during the next reign. He will likely have to leave the Championship in order to do so but he has been involved at U21 level already so the coaching set-up evidently rates him.

2 Defenders On the plane – Marc Guehi, John Stones, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luke Shaw

No surprises here in truth, with Marc Guehi fully deserving of a starting berth again following a stunning first outing at a major tournament – even earning a place in Opta’s best XI as a result. As for Stones and Shaw, the pair will still only be 32 and 31, respectively, by the time the World Cup concludes, with fitness likely to be the only nagging issue over the next 24 months.

The only other certain survivor should be Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the Liverpool hero having the chance to finally nail down the right-back berth following the failure of Southgate’s short-lived, midfield experiment.

Facing the chop – Kyle Walker, Lewis Dunk, Ezri Konsa, Kieran Trippier

Culpable for arguably both of Spain’s goals in Berlin, Kyle Walker certainly wasn’t at his best over the past month or so, with it hard to see the long-serving speedster lining up again at the age of 36 next time around.

Age will also likely bring the curtain down on Kieran Trippier’s solid England career, while 32-year-old Lewis Dunk may have also seen his chance come and go after failing to feature in Germany.

In the case of Ezri Konsa, the Aston Villa man certainly didn’t disgrace himself after replacing the suspended Guehi against Switzerland, although the emergence of an exciting crop of young centre-backs could prove his undoing.

New picks – Ben White, Levi Colwill, Jarrad Branthwaite, Rico Lewis, Quansah

Speaking of rising stars, Jarrad Branthwaite, Levi Colwill and Jarell Quansah will almost certainly be in contention in two years’ time, with the young trio looking set to remain mainstays of their respective clubs for the foreseeable future.

Away from the centre-back ranks, the seemingly inevitable retirement of Walker and Trippier could pave the way for U21s starlet Rico Lewis to stake a claim at right-back, while a certain Ben White may also be rubbing his hands together following Southgate’s – or rather Steve Holland’s – recent departure.

Ones to watch – Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall, Max Kilman

Such is the depth of talent at the new manager’s disposal, there remains a long list of other noteworthy figures who will also be pushing for involvement over the coming years.

There is a case to be made for the young Newcastle pairing of Lewis Hall and Timo Livramento, with the former Chelsea duo set to be in the mix to succeed the likes of Shaw and Walker et al before too long.

At the other end of the spectrum, a chance could finally emerge at some stage for West Ham’s new £40m signing, Max Kilman, with the ex-Wolves skipper – who will be 29 in 2026 – still waiting for a first cap after being bizarrely overlooked throughout Southgate’s tenure.

A word must also be said for forgotten man, Reece James, with the Chelsea star undoubtedly one of Europe’s best full-backs on his day, albeit the jury remains out on whether he will ever truly fulfil his potential amid a string of frustrating injury setbacks over a number of seasons now. (As they say, the best ability is availability…)

3 Midfielders On the plane – Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Adam Wharton, Kobbie Mainoo

England have some of the most exciting young midfielders in the game right now so it was rather baffling to see Southgate pick the likes of Conor Gallagher and Trent Alexander-Arnold over Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton in Germany.

Mainoo eventually came into the side and was excellent, ultimately named in FFC’s Team of the Tournament for Euro 2024. He and Wharton will be great potential partners for Rice moving forward.

Facing the chop – Conor Gallagher

The Chelsea midfielder could be dropped from the squad depending on his club form over the next few years. He was a regular substitute in Germany but having been hauled off at half-time versus Slovenia, it said it all about his prospects moving forward.

With younger and fresher options bursting onto the scene, he will have to do a lot to become a regular under the new boss. Perhaps new Blues boss Enzo Maresca could turn him into a force. Watch this space.

New picks – Archie Gray, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

Two of the more interesting picks for 2026 could be Archie Gray and Dewsbury-Hall, players who have achieved big moves this summer. The former joined Spurs from Leeds United and has been touted as a “future £100m” player. A few good seasons in the Premier League and there will no doubt be calls for an England inclusion.

Dewsbury-Hall may have his work cut out but offers a range of box-to-box qualities that would make him perfect alongside someone like Rice or Mainoo.

Ones to watch – Jacob Ramsey, Morgan-Gibbs-White, Curtis Jones, Lewis Miley

The sheer range of options the Three Lions could have available to them in two years is remarkable to think about. Ramsey, who has shone for Villa, has been linked with Tottenham, as too has Nottingham Forest’s Gibbs-White. Both possess the ability to make something happen out of nothing. Truth be told, though, they’d struggle to usurp Bellingham.

There might be better luck for the likes of Jones and Miley, who play in deeper roles. The Liverpool midfielder was in the provisional squad but didn’t make the cut for Euro 2024. As for Miley, still aged just 18, it surely won’t be too long before the Newcastle sensation appears in an England squad.

4 Forwards On the plane – Saka, Foden, Eze, Palmer, Gordon, Watkins, Kane

Not much change expected here, with it set to be a surprise if the forward line differs too drastically in two years’ time – unless Jack Grealish and Co can get their act together.

Twice England’s player of the year, Bukayo Saka cemented his status as arguably the nation’s most reliable presence following a standout Euro 2024, with the watching world still waiting for teammate Phil Foden to follow suit despite his heroics at club level.

If he’s not careful, the ‘Stockport Iniesta’ could find himself ousted by his former City colleague, Palmer, while both Eberechi Eze and Anthony Gordon, in particular, will be hoping to show more after being afforded mere flashes this time around.

As for the centre-forward ranks, the lack of a rising English striker should ensure it’s more of the same, with the question only likely to be as to whether Watkins will finally end an ageing Harry Kane’s (deserved) stranglehold on the number nine shirt.

England's possible starting XI in 2026

Facing the chop – Ivan Toney, Jarrod Bowen

It may appear harsh considering Ivan Toney’s limited, yet valuable impact in Germany, but the Brentford talisman will be 30 in 2026, while picking the right next move at club level will also be crucial for whether he can kick on in an England jersey.

As for West Ham’s shining light, Jarrod Bowen, the wing wizard continues to dazzle in claret and blue, although things haven’t quite clicked into gear on the international scene thus far, with the rise of Palmer – alongside Saka’s remarkable consistency – reducing his chances of featuring off the right flank.

New picks – Marcus Rashford

At a crossroads in his career with even his Manchester United future in doubt, Marcus Rashford could likely have had few complaints after missing out on Southgate’s Euros squad, having scored just eight times in all competitions in what was a limp 2023/24 campaign.

And yet, a man who netted three times at the World Cup in Qatar – and who has 17 goals in total for his country – can never truly be written off, while at just 26, time is still on his side to get back firing again.

While never seemingly a Southgate favourite, the United academy graduate – now aided by the arrival of club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy at Old Trafford – could regain his place under the new regime, with the ailing Kane having no doubt missed Rashford’s explosive runs in behind this summer.

Ones to watch – Dominic Solanke, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Samuel Iling-Junior, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Ethan Nwaneri

As noted above, the pool of young strikers who are currently thriving at the elite level is rather limited, although in terms of an experienced option, Dominic Solanke could well be in contention again after narrowly missing out this time around.

On the flanks, there is certainly cause for excitement, with Aston Villa only recently snapping up England U21 star Samuel Iling-Junior from Juventus, while Jamie Bynoe-Gittens could well follow in Jadon Sancho’s footsteps after trading Manchester City for Borussia Dortmund a few years ago.

Elsewhere, a return to the international fold may lie in store for Callum Hudson-Odoi, with the ex-Chelsea man having found a new lease of life at Nottingham Forest last season – scoring eight Premier League goals.

A more wildcard shout – in the mould of say Kobbie Mainoo at this summer’s Euros – could well be Arsenal prodigy, Ethan Nwaneri, with the 17-year-old looking to kick on after having become the top-flight’s youngest-ever player in the 2022/23 season.

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ByStephan Georgiou Jul 16, 2024

Despite lighting up final day, Anderson presumes nothing amid need to rest and rotate bowlers

Andrew Miller09-Feb-2021After lighting up the final day of the Chennai Test with another ageless display of reverse-swing bowling, James Anderson insists he will be ready to put his “name in the hat” for selection in Saturday’s second Test, even though the team management may feel obliged to rest him given the intensity of their four-match series in India.Anderson returned figures of 3 for 17 in 11 overs in India’s second innings, including two in his first over of the final day, as he extracted prodigious late movement with a 26-over-old ball, to set England on their way to a comprehensive 227-run victory.However, with the second Test set to begin at the same venue on Saturday, and with Stuart Broad waiting impatiently in the wings after being rotated out of the side after his own starring role in England’s first Test of the winter against Sri Lanka, Anderson recognises the likelihood that he will need to be benched, even though he’s desperate, at the age of 38, to play as frequently as he possibly can.”Yes, of course [I want to play],” Anderson said at the end of the match. “When a batsman gets in rhythm and form they just want to keep batting and it’s the same for a bowler – you want to keep that going as much as possible.”But I’m very aware we’ve got four Test matches in quick succession here and there will be a need to rest and rotate. I’m not presuming anything. I’ll try and rest and recover from this game as best I can in the next day or two and get back in the nets and try and put my name in the hat for Saturday.”Related

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Following on from his starring role in the first innings in Galle, where he wrecked Sri Lanka’s match prospects with his best overseas figures of 6 for 40 in 29 overs, Anderson has now claimed 11 wickets at 9.90 in his back-to-back appearances, and after the match he was hailed by his captain, Joe Root, as “England’s GOAT”.However, Broad will be hankering for another opportunity after a string of recent performances every bit as impressive as his team-mate’s. He was England’s outstanding bowler in the course of 2020, claiming 38 wickets at 14.76 all told, even after being rested in favour of Anderson for the opening Test of the summer – a decision that sparked an angry response during a Sky Sports interview. And after setting up England’s first victory in Sri Lanka with match figures of 3 for 34 in 26 overs, his presence will add another wise head to England’s attack.”We have options, that’s the beauty of how we have gone about things this winter,” Joe Root, England’s captain, said. “It is really important that we look after our players and everyone comes into the games fit and fresh and able to deliver their skills at 100 percent. We can look at selection when we know what the wicket looks like and how we think it will behave.”However, an added factor in England’s plans may come when the series shifts to Ahmedabad at the end of the month, for a day-night Test match, played with a pink ball. England have had three previous such Tests, and with 14 wickets at 17.85 – including a five-wicket haul at Adelaide in the 2017-18 Ashes – Anderson’s prowess under lights may well be a crucial factor.Certainly, the balance and deployment of England’s attack at Chepauk proved to be spot-on, in the first innings as well as the second, with Anderson’s versatility as a defensive and attacking option showcased with his different impact in each.”We assessed conditions really well, set the right fields, we tried to keep the run-rate down to a reasonable level and I thought everyone stuck to their gameplan,” Anderson said, after claiming two first-innings wickets at an economy of 2.73, the best of England’s frontline options.”For me in that first innings, I felt I was the bowler to keep the run-rate down, try and dry things up, and let the spinners and Jofra [Archer] attack a little bit more.”In England it might be the other way around, the spinners have to do the drying-up job. I’m very aware that could be my job out here, and then you can attack more in the second innings if you do get reverse swing. It’s just trying to manage that throughout the game and pick the right moment to attack and you know when to sit back and defend a little bit.”And when the time did come to attack, Anderson’s introduction proved devastating with two wickets in his first over. However, he insisted, it hadn’t simply been blind luck that he was thrown the ball at that moment of India’s innings.Ben Stokes, James Anderson and Joe Root talk tactics•BCCI”We were assessing the ball all the time,” he said. “Jofra started the day and he felt like it was reversing a little bit, but then we gave it a few more overs with the spinners to try and get a bit more wear into the ball to rough it up a little bit more.”We knew it would reverse when I came on to bowl and it’s just a case of trying to get into the right areas as much as possible. The pitch had deteriorated and there were little divots and chunks to aim at, but getting that extra bit of movement through the air makes it that little bit harder for the batsman, and it’s very enjoyable when it happens as well.”Enjoyment, in fact, has been a key factor of England’s recent resurgence as a Test team, which began with a fightback in South Africa last year – sparked by Anderson’s first-innings five-for at Cape Town, even though he missed the rest of the match with injury – and carrying on through to four series wins in a row, prior to this contest.”It really is [enjoyable],” Anderson said. “With the guys that we have got, we are creating something really special. We’re led amazingly well by Joe Root both on and off the field. The way he has batted the last three games has been incredible to watch.”We feel like we are building something, whether it is the fitness side of things, we are trying to push each other. For me, as I get older, I feel like I need to work harder at that and I am trying to keep up with the younger guys which helps me.”We are trying to develop skills to win anywhere in the world which you need to do if you want to get to No.1, which is what our eventual goal is. It is a really fun time to be around this group and we are just trying to keep challenging each other and trying to keep performing on the field as well.”

A forward likened to Germany legend and Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller is now considering an exit from his club, with Chelsea making a bid for him.

Chelsea in market for new attacker as deadline day looms

This summer's transfer deadline day looms at the end of this month, so Enzo Maresca and co have just weeks to get their desired transfer targets over the line ahead of the new Premier League season.

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The west Londoners think he could replicate a Galactico.

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The Italian is set to take charge of his debut campaign in the Chelsea dugout, with Maresca already watching co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley drastically chop and change his squad.

Thiago Silva, Hakim Ziyech, Malang Sarr, Ian Maatsen, Omari Hutchinson, Michael Golding and Lewis Hall have all departed Stamford Bridge this summer, bringing in around £89 million worth of transfer fees, and many other players have come in to take their places.

Cole Palmer

7.48

Conor Gallagher

7.13

Nicolas Jackson

7.07

Moises Caicedo

6.85

Noni Madueke

6.84

Indeed, Chelsea have signed Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham), Omari Kellyman (Aston Villa), Renato Veiga (FC Basel), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Leicester City), Filip Jorgensen (Villarreal), Marc Guiu (Barcelona), Estevao Willian (Palmeiras), Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United) and Aaron Anselmino (Boca Juniors) so far – but it is rumoured they could add a senior star attacker to this long list of new arrivals.

This week has gave way to reports of a potential new striker in particular. Chelsea have opened talks with Napoli over Victor Osimhen, and wantaway striker Romelu Lukaku would head the other way as part of the exchange.

The Belgian has apparently already agreed a three-year contract to link back up with Antonio Conte in Serie A, but it remains to be seen just how much this will help Chelsea get Osimhen over the line.

"Chelsea are in talks with Napoli over Victor Osimhen, whilst Romelu Lukaku has already agreed to a pay cut and a three-year contract to move to Naples," wrote journalist Ben Jacobs on X.

"#CFC don't want to pay the €120m+ release clause but are keen on Osimhen should the structure change or price drop. Loan with option has been discussed, as David Ornstein called.

"Also understand Napoli have raised a loan-option into an obligation should Chelsea qualify for #UCL. Spoke about Osimhen yesterday on the London is Blue podcast. Door not shut. Osimhen also impatient to move, which has caused Napoli to re-assess their position."

Maximilian Beier considering exit after Chelsea make "concrete" bid

Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg also reported earlier this week that Chelsea have made a "concrete" bid for Hoffenheim striker Maximilian Beier, who has interestingly been compared to Bayern star Muller by the Bundesliga official website.

The 21-year-old bagged 16 goals in all competitions for Hoffenheim last season, earning a call-up to the German national team squad for Euro 2024, and his contract includes a tempting £25 million release clause.

Plettenberg, sharing a further update on the matter, says Beier is now open to leaving after Chelsea's bid for him, as well as the interest of other clubs. While both Maresca's side and Aston Villa have tabled offers from the Premier League, it is believed they're not necessarily favourites, as Juventus are also contending.

Plettenberg says that a decision on his future is expected soon, and it will be an interesting one to watch.

Earlier in the day, Bonner, Joseph and Da Silva stretched West Indies’ total to 409

Debayan Sen12-Feb-2021Stumps After having lost the ODI series 3-0, and chased much of the first Test before chasing down 395 on the final day in Chattogram, Kraigg Brathwaite and his West Indies team hold all the aces after the second day of the second Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka. It was made possible largely due to a new-ball burst by Shannon Gabriel, backed up by some imaginative captaincy from Brathwaite, after career-best knocks of 92 by Joshua Da Silva and 90 from Nkrumah Bonner, aided by an enterprising 82 by Alzarri Joseph helped the visitors stretch their overnight 223 for 5 to 409.For Bangladesh, Abu Jayed picked up his third four-wicket haul to finish with 4 for 75, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz stayed tantalisingly poised on 99 Test wickets, after picking up the wicket of Bonner. At close of play, Mushfiqur Rahim had batted fluently to post 27, while Mohammed Mithun looked a bit more nervy in making 6 off 61 balls.West Indies walked out after tea with the weight of runs on the scoreboard, and Gabriel helped drive the advantage further by dismissing Soumya Sarkar, caught chipping a straight ball delivered from round the wicket to Kyle Mayers at short mid-wicket for a fourth-ball duck in the first over. Off Gabriel’s next over, Najmul Hossain Shanto, who had earlier taken a firm blow on his right shoulder off the bat of Bonner while fielding at forward short leg, drove an overpitched delivery for four. Next ball, Gabriel pitched it up but offered some width, and Shanto slashed it to Bonner at gully to leave Bangladesh at 11 for 2, the two wickets having come in the space of nine deliveries.With Brathwaite shuffling Gabriel, Rahkeem Cornwall and Joseph with the new ball, Tamim Iqbal launched a counterattack in the company of his captain Mominul Haque, as the two senior batsmen added 58 off a little over 12 overs. With Haque’s discomfort against short balls an open secret, the West Indies seamers placed a leg gully, and two men out in the deep for the miscued hook, but both Iqbal and Haque handled the fast bowlers well. Iqbal took a special liking to Joseph, who strayed on to the pads far too often, and both also used the upper cut over the slips cordon to good effect, when it seemed like the game was just beginning to drift towards Bangladesh.That’s when Cornwall was brought back on by Brathwaite, and Haque ended up playing a cut to one that was too close to his body, and was snapped up by Da Silva for 21. Iqbal’s thrilling 44 off 52 balls, with six fours and a six, came to an end off Joseph, when he failed to keep a flick down and Shayne Moseley plucked an easy catch at short mid-wicket. At 71 for 4, Bangladesh had again lost two quick wickets inside six balls. Rahim and Mithun saw out the rest of the evening session – Mithun was incorrectly given out caught behind down the leg side against Joseph when he hadn’t even got off the mark, but the decision was overturned on review since the ball had come off his thigh — and the only point of criticism one could have for Brathwaite’s captaincy was that his most successful bowler from the first Test, left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, only came on to bowl in the 30th over, well after the two right-handers had come to the crease.The theme of West Indies domination on the day was set from the outset, with Jayed overpitching the first delivery of the day down the pads for Bonner, who would whip it away through mid-wicket for three. In the same over, Bangladesh used up one review for a leg-before appeal where the ball seemed to be heading down leg, and off the next delivery, Da Silva pumped a short ball through point for the first boundary of the day.Joshua Da Silva brought up his career-best knock of 92•AFP via Getty ImagesJayed was guilty of bowling either side of the wicket, while the spinners were frequently making errors in length, allowing Bonner and Da Silva to milk them for singles, and the latter to pick up the odd boundary. Bonner, who had flicked one overpitched Jayed ball through mid-wicket for his first boundary of the morning, eventually fell to Miraz, bowling from round the wicket, nicking one to Mithun at leg slip. He could scarcely believe his luck, having missed out on a maiden Test ton when in sight of it in successive innings in his first two Tests.If Bonner and Da Silva had ensured that there were no nerves in the way the hosts began, their advantage was driven further in the course of the Joseph-Da Silva partnership. Da Silva defended with ease, and reverse-swept the spinners to throw them off their length from time to time, while Joseph survived an early streaky boundary to play an attacking innings. He used his reach to good effect against the spinners, thrashing four of his five sixes through the deep mid-wicket region against them.The Da Silva-Joseph partnership was broken by Islam, who got a straighter one to sneak through Da Silva’s defence when on 90. With the lower order for company and 400 in sight, Joseph decided to take on Jayed’s short ball, hitting him for six and four to deep square leg and fine leg, respectively. Off the very next ball, he would edge through to Liton Das, depriving him of a chance of matching Bonner and Da Silva by going past his career-best of 86. The end was quick for West Indies, with Jayed going on to pick his third four-wicket haul, and Islam also picking up four for his troubles.While the pitch still looks like a good one to bat on, Bangladesh have a mountain to climb if they have to draw level in the two-Test series, with the hosts still needing another 105 to avoid the follow-on.

Batsman takes over from Joe Denly as Sam Billings’ deputy

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Mar-2021Daniel Bell-Drummond has been appointed as Kent vice-captain, taking over from Joe Denly as Sam Billings’ deputy.Bell-Drummond, 27, joined Kent 20 years ago, rising through the club’s age group and academy system before making his debut as a 17-year-old in 2011.He has stood in as captain on 22 occasions already, including eight Vitality Blast matches last season, winning five and finishing the tournament as the leading run-scorer with 423 runs at an average of 42.30 and strike rate of 154.94.”I have always worn the Kent shirt with pride, and to now make the next step up into a vice-captaincy role is something I am really looking forward to,” Bell-Drummond said.Related

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Paul Downton, Kent’s Director of Cricket, said: “In all spheres of sport, it’s always heartening to see a homegrown player develop into a leader in the dressing room, which ‘DBD’ has definitely done. Whilst Sam Billings remains our club captain, when Daniel has had the opportunity to captain the side in Sam’s absence, he has done so with a calm authority; and this has made him the obvious choice to be promoted to vice-captain of the club.”I’d also like to thank Joe Denly for his time as vice-captain. Joe remains a leader in the dressing room, both on and off the field, and continues to have a huge appetite to score a lot of runs for Kent.”Denly lost his white-ball contract with England when the ECB announced its centrally contracted players for 2020-21 last September. He has spent time over the English winter with Brisbane Heat in the BBL and PSL side Lahore Qalandars.Kent open their Championship campaign against Northamptonshire on April 8 and Bell-Drummond will have the opportunity to lead his side early in the season while Billings, currently touring India with England’s white-ball squad, is at the IPL with Delhi Capitals.

Looking at Southampton's opening batch of Premier League fixtures, there is a possibility that Russell Martin's men could put together a positive sequence of results to start their season on the right foot.

Newcastle United away is a tough opening day clash for the South Coast club, but a home game in front of the expectant St. Mary's masses versus Nottingham Forest right after this trip to Tyneside could be a great opportunity for the newly promoted outfit to pick up a vital win and get some crucial points on the board early.

Flynn Downes will be expected to perform during these big games in August, having signed permanently for the Saints after an excellent loan spell in the Championship, and he could well line up for these crunch clashes to come with a brand-new partner in the middle of the park.

Southampton enter battle for Premier League midfielder

As per a new report by the Telegraph, Southampton are just one of a whole plethora of clubs eyeing up a potential move for wantaway Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Oliver Skipp this summer.

Skipp will want to get this stuttering career back up and running again, after finding regular first-team minutes hard to come by last campaign at an average of 35 minutes per clash in the top flight, and he could find a new location where he can excel soon in Southampton.

Yet, both Leicester City and Ipswich Town – who join the Saints in the promised land of the Premier League this forthcoming campaign – are also said to be interested in snapping up the 23-year-old, which could lead to a three-way tussle taking place for his coveted services between now and transfer deadline day.

What Skipp can offer Southampton

Skipp might well see what Downes managed to achieve with Southampton last season as one major plus about potentially relocating to the South Coast, with the ex-West Ham United star struggling for minutes with the Hammers, before linking up with Martin and Co to fill the hole left behind by James Ward-Prowse.

There was widespread jubilation online when Downes put pen to paper on a return back to Southampton this summer, and for obvious reasons, with the 25-year-old a calm and stylish operator last season on the way to promotion being clinched.

The beloved Saints number four would average an ice-cold 93% pass accuracy per second-tier clash, alongside displaying another side to his game away from spraying balls about the turf for fun, with grit and determination also present in spades by winning 4.5 total duels per game also.

Games played

33

45

Goals scored

2

1

Assists

2

1

Big chances created

6

3

Touches*

76.3

68.1

Accurate passes*

60.8 (93%)

49.1 (88%)

Interceptions*

1.4

1.1

Tackles*

1.8

2.2

Total duels won*

4.5

5.7

Downes might well strike up a formidable duo with Skipp, therefore, if the Spurs outcast swaps North London for pastures new, with the in-demand 23-year-old a top performer for Norwich City during the 2020/21 campaign, on the way to lifting the Championship title.

Beating Downes when it comes to total duels won and tackles averaged per game that standout campaign, the Spurs number four will be seen as the more defensively sound of the two moving up a league, with Martin aware that his Saints side will need to be more switched on at the back when facing the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City who boast frightening attackers.

The tenacious 5 foot 9 battler will want to prove himself away from Ange Postecoglou's men and show he can be a consistent top performer at the elite level, and he has shown in flashes for his boyhood employers in the past that he can shine in the tough league.

Tottenham great Glenn Hoddle has even described the £40k-per-week man as "fabulous" when commenting on the hard graft he previously has put in for Spurs, and so Southampton could bulk up their holding midfield options with a tireless new face soon, who could shine next to Downes.

In talks: Southampton moving to sign "amazing" Mara replacement

Southampton could freshen up their attacking options even more with this purchase.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 7, 2024

Manchester United are eyeing a move for Nuno Mendes as Ruben Amorim looks to implement his new style of play at Old Trafford.

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Man Utd want Mendes from PSGAmorim looking to deploy a new formationMendes made his senior debut under AmorimFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Per the , United are considering signing a new left-back and could go after Paris Saint-Germain and Portugal defender Mendes. With Tyrell Malacia yet to convince the manager of his performance after returning from a lengthy injury and Luke Shaw's constant injury struggles, Amorim could consider reuniting with his former player who made his senior debut under the Portuguese manager at Sporting CP in 2020.

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The report also adds that Amorim has tried Shaw as a left centre-back in his training sessions as he wants to deploy a 3-4-3 formation, however, the English defender is still not fit enough to take the field in the coach's debut game against Ipswich Town on Sunday in the Premier League.

DID YOU KNOW?

Mendes garnered a lot of praise during his time with Sporting CP as he was appreciated for his pace on the flanks. He won the Liga Portugal title once under Amorim before moving to the French capital in 2022 on a £31.5million (€48m) transfer move.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

It remains to be seen if the Red Devils will go after the Portugal international in the January transfer window as they are to figure out the amount they will be able to pay after keeping FFP rules in mind. Also, the management needs to decide whether they will chase a striker and centre-back as a priority before they raid the market for a full-back.

A marquee player is now "working very hard" to join Chelsea via his representative doing all the legwork, as another pretty exciting transfer window at Stamford Bridge continues to offer many twists and turns before deadline day.

Chelsea fail in Omorodion bid as they renegotiate Gallagher exit

Despite reaching an agreement with Atletico Madrid over the signing of young striker Samu Omorodion, with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano giving his famous 'here we go' to the transfer as well, the move fell through at the eleventh hour due to contractual issues (Sky Sports).

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This has resulted in Conor Gallagher's move to Atletico stalling, as the La Liga side were seemingly going to reinvest the cash received for Omorodion to seal a deal for the England midfielder.

As such, despite his medical being completed and documentation finalised, Gallagher has been forced to fly back to London, as he waits for Chelsea to find a solution and reopen the door for his switch to Spain.

“The Conor Gallagher situation at Chelsea remains one of the biggest sagas of the summer transfer window," said Romano in a Chelsea update on Gallagher to CaughtOffside.

“The player is back in London and is now back at Cobham to train today, but not with the Chelsea first-team squad as he’s not considered an important player or regular starter under manager Enzo Maresca. So, after everything was done, contracts ready, medical okay with Atletico Madrid, the two clubs have still not signed the contracts because of what happened with Samu Omorodion.

Metric

Output

Squad rank

Minutes

3,137

1st

Goals

5

=4th

Assists

7

2nd

Pass success rate (%)

91.5

3rd

Tackles per game

2.3

3rd

Interceptions per game

1.2

1st

Overall rating

7.13

2nd

via WhoScored

“Now Chelsea and Atletico are negotiating over Joao Felix, trying to find a solution to the situation. Gallagher is waiting and the deal remains on, but the England midfielder is no longer in Madrid, he’s in London waiting to understand if Chelsea and Atletico can find a solution.

“It’s a crazy situation as Gallagher starts training at Chelsea.”

Felix will be key to this situation, as Chelsea enter talks to re-sign the Portugal international as an alternative to Omorodion. The 24-year-old could indirectly grant Gallagher his desired move to Atletico, and it is believed Felix has already agreed to join Chelsea before deadline day.

Felix "working very hard" to join Chelsea via Jorge Mendes

The player's agent, Jorge Mendes, is apparently in England right now – attempting to get his £51 million client a move to Stamford Bridge (Fabrizio Romano).

Reporter Graeme Bailey, speaking to Chelsea News this week, says Mendes is "working very hard" to seal a transfer to Chelsea on Felix's behalf, so it is pretty clear at this point that the ex-Barcelona and Benfica sensation wants to sign for Maresca.

“I think there is a belief that Felix to Chelsea might get done," said Bailey.

"Jorge Mendes is working very hard on that deal. There is a belief that will happen.”

Says his only mistake was not to report a corrupt approach, and he was never involved in “these things”

Peter Della Penna16-Mar-2021Mohammad Naveed, the former UAE captain, has declared his intention to begin a fight to restore his reputation after the ICC handed down an eight-year ban to both Naveed, 33, and his team-mate Shaiman Anwar, 42, for breaching the ICC’s anti-corruption code. Naveed will be 40 by the time the ban, which is back-dated to his provisional suspension date of October 16, 2019, is due to end.It effectively means his career as a professional cricketer is over unless the ban is overturned. Naveed took to Twitter shortly after the sentence was announced on Tuesday to swing back at the ICC for the penalty handed out to him.”Played my Cricket with sincerity from an associate player reached rank 10 cz I always performed for my passion and respect,” Naveed tweeted. “Just one mistake not reported corrupt approach but never involved in these things. Witnesses and all people from these things said m [sic] not involved.”So my request to all. I will fight for my right and honor don’t want leave Cricket with bad words. According to all things m [sic] not involved and Management asked me to accept and get 3 year ban how can banned 8 years sorry but as attack bowler will fight.”In reply to a tweet from ICC ACU coordinator of investigations Steve Richardson linking to the ICC’s announcement of the eight-year ban, Naveed replied, “You have any proof against me please show.” Naveed responded to Paul Radley of the , who has worked as a beat reporter covering the UAE national team for more than a decade.”I want open media tribunal,” Naveed wrote. “If they have proof just show on media openly I am a fighter as I always bowl in pressure will face every thing. Don’t want to leave my cricket with bad and dirty way. All other players in the world are getting 2 year 3 year ban after accepting everything even I havnt [sic] done bad.”Anwar also tweeted for the first time in close to a year in Tuesday night. Like Naveed, he also sought to criticize the ICC’s decision despite the evidence against him.”It’s totally unfair decision we are getting punishment on those which are not happened,” Anwar wrote. “As associated players imagine who can offer us a big money.”

It's totally unfair decision we are getting punishment on those which are not happened . As associated players imagine who can offer us a big money

— Shaiman Anwar (@ShaimanAnwaruae) March 16, 2021