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Allrounder among five England squad players poised for Test debut against South Africa

Valkerie Baynes21-Jun-2022Lisa Keightley has challenged Emma Lamb to show England “what she’s got” by putting her in the frame to open alongside Tammy Beaumont in next week’s one-off women’s Test against South Africa.Keightley, the England Women’s head coach, included allrounder Lamb in a 13-strong squad announced for the Test, starting next Monday in Taunton.Related

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Shrubsole gives up trying to catch up, but will always be at the head of the pack

Brunt announces Test retirement

Five new faces as England Women begin new era of Test cricket

“Emma’s really exciting, she’s a young player who has been in and around the system,” Keightley said. “I just think it’s her time and her chance to show us what she’s got.”She also offers spin and she’s great in the field so she gives us three facets, which is always good in a Test match. It’s pretty obvious that she’s going to potentially debut, we’ll prep her as best we can. She’s got really good performances in regional cricket and now it’s just moving up into the internationals and stamp her case on moving forward on why she should be an opener.”Lamb made her international debut during the 2021 English summer, playing her only T20I against New Zealand in September before making two ODI appearances, during this year’s Ashes and World Cup.With Lauren Winfield-Hill overlooked for the Test squad after suffering a dip in form and instead named in a 16-player England Women’s A squad for a three-day fixture against South Africa at Arundel from Tuesday, Lamb looks most likely to partner Tammy Beaumont at the top of the order, having filled that role once during the Ashes.Danni Wyatt, who has also opened with Beaumont in white-ball formats, has never played a Test and was also named in the A squad, which will be captained by Georgia Elwiss with John Stanworth as head coach.Lamb is among five players poised to make their Test debuts after being named in the squad alongside fellow allrounder Alice Davidson-Richards and seam bowlers Lauren Bell, Emily Arlott and Freya Davies.ESPNcricinfo LtdLamb has enjoyed a strong season for Thunder in this year’s Charlotte Edwards Cup T20 competition with two fifties and a score of 42 from six innings. She also took four wickets with her offbreaks at 19.75, with an economy rate of 5.26.Davies has played seven ODIs and 17 T20Is and was part of England’s Ashes and World Cup campaigns earlier this year, while the uncapped Arlott and Bell have been on the fringes of selection for the past year.All three are now in prime position to fill the void left by veteran seamers Anya Shrubsole, who retired from international cricket after England finished runners-up at the World Cup, and Katherine Brunt, who turns 37 on July 2 and last week announced she had played her last Test.”It’s over 10 years of those two having the ball and doing what they do,” Keightley said of Shrubsole and Brunt. “Throughout that journey, they’ve both had their ups and downs in form. Generally they’re very consistent and you know what you’re going to get.”We don’t know what we’re going to get but that brings excitement, new opportunities. It’s an end of an era and we need to create a new one and see which players are going to stick their hand up and lead the way with the ball. Our hand’s been forced and we’ll wait and see how it goes.”Davidson-Richards returns to the England set-up for the first time since 2018, when she played one ODI and five T20Is. She was part of the England A side which featured in a series against Australia A concurrent with the Ashes, scoring 72 in a 50-over game, and she also offers a seam-bowling option.”I think it shows the strength and the importance of regional cricket in the domestic structure and her being able to train full-time,” Keightley said. “Batting-wise she’s improved her skill, last year in 50-over cricket she just missed out on a hundred and got 99. With the ball, she’s got better-skilled, and I think she’s found what sort of bowler she wants to be.Eng vs SA fixtures

Test – June 27-30, Taunton

1st ODI – July 11, Northampton

2nd ODI – July 15, Bristol

3rd ODI – July 18, Leicester

1st T20I – July 21, Chelmsford

2nd T20I – July 23, Worcester

3rd T20I – July 25, Derby

“She gives an option of a batting allrounder, and we haven’t got too many of those from a seam perspective. We’ve got a number of options from a spin perspective, but as a seamer Alice has put her hand up for us to have a look at, and as a person I think she’s grown over the last four years. She’s loving cricket, she’s loving being a professional cricketer, and you can see that in her performances.”Issy Wong, the 20-year-old fast bowler with genuine express pace, has travelled with England squads for the past two years as part of her ongoing development. Keightley said Wong was under serious consideration to make her long-awaited international debut this summer, albeit in the white-ball formats and with a view to carefully managing her workload.”Issy Wong is extremely exciting; she’s quick and is the quickest in England,” Keightley said. “Managing her through the summer and getting the best out of Issy is probably not playing this format [Tests]. She’s in and around because of how exciting she is and the pace that she offers.”Hopefully for Issy, if she continues to bowl well and make net sessions extremely hard for batters, she’s got a good chance of playing in the summer.”South Africa will be playing their first Test in seven years while the upcoming match will be England’s third in just over a year, having drawn with both India last June and Australia in January. The Test kicks off their multi-format series, which also includes three ODIs and three T20Is in July with four points up for grabs for winning the Test and two points for each of the limited-overs games.

AC Milan boss Sergio Conceicao has jokingly ruled Zlatan Ibrahimovic out of his team's crunch game against Napoli in Serie A on Sunday.

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Sergio Conceicao under pressure at MilanRossoneri up against Napoli next in Serie AIbrahimovic's future at club also uncertainFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Conceicao has come under pressure at Milan with speculation mounting that he will be sacked by the Rossoneri. Milan return to action after the international break with a huge game against Serie A title-chasers Napoli. Manager Antonio Conte has been touted as a potential target for Milan if Conceicao departs, and a victory for Napoli on Sunday could spell the end of the Rossoneri's hopes of a top four finish.

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Ibrahimovic's future has also come under scrutiny but he has been spotted back at the club ahead of Sunday's match for the first time in weeks. Conceicao was asked about the Milan legend and joked he wouldn't be picking him for the game against Napoli as he acknowledged his team face a tough test.

WHAT CONCEICAO SAID

He told reporters with a smile: "[Ibrahimovic] can’t play tomorrow, he’s out. We are in contact with the management every day. We work in a healthy and positive environment. I only need to talk about the players, nothing else.

"I have faced Antonio [Conte] many times as a player, but this is my first time as a coach. Tomorrow’s result is crucial; we must work to win, knowing the quality of our opponents. I depend on the results. I am not a child who needs his father to say he loves him. I know the objectives: Coppa Italia, fourth place, and the Supercoppa we already won. Of course, the Champions League exit was a disappointment. I don’t need reassurances, I’m here to do my best. Antonio and I share the same passion for this job, but it goes beyond football. We both live life intensively."

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MILAN

The Rossoneri face a crucial week with Sunday's fixture against Napoli followed by a Coppa Italia semi-final first leg against Inter at San Siro.

It’s safe to say Chelsea certainly haven’t been afraid to splash the cash after the takeover of Todd Boehly back in May 2022, spending over £1.3b on new signings.

Such additions have allowed for Enzo Maresca to be an instant hit at Stamford Bridge, leading the Blues into the top four after his first 20 matches at the helm.

However, given their recent form in the transfer market, it wouldn’t be a surprise to anyone if they were to delve into the window and make another statement signing or two.

The American has already signed two players for over £100m – showcasing his willingness to make additions to give whatever manager all the tools to be a success.

Various names have already been touted with a move to West London, furthering strengthening their ambitions of a return to a top-four spot in the Premier League come the end of May.

Chelsea January transfer update

A centre-back has been high up on Maresca’s shopping list since moving, with injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile could see him delve into the market for a new defender.

Marc Guehi has already been mentioned over a potential return to the Bridge, just a couple of years after departing to join Crystal Palace for £18m.

The Blues boss said he “likes” the Englishman, but wouldn’t be drawn on whether he’s set for a move in his pre-match press conference ahead of the FA Cup this weekend.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is another name recently linked with a big-money transfer, but Manchester United, Liverpool and PSG are also in the race for his services.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Napoli are holding out for €80m (£67m) for the winger this winter, potentially adding another dimension to Maresca’s already potent front line.

However, despite the interest in the Georgian attacker, the Blues could target an alternative to the 23-year-old, allowing them to sign their own version of a leading European star.

The Kvaratskhelia alternative who could be Chelsea’s own Vini Jr

Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior has rapidly developed into one of Europe’s leading attackers over the last couple of years.

The Brazilian winger came second in the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony, finishing behind Manchester City’s Rodri – highlighting his rapid rise to stardom under Carlo Ancelotti.

His figures from last season are nothing short of remarkable, scoring 24 times and registering nine assists in 39 games across all competitions, helping Madrid win yet another Champions League title.

However, the Blues could land their own version of the star in the form of English winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, with it being reported in the last week that scouts have been monitoring the Borussia Dortmund star who’s available for £50m this window.

The 20-year-old was once a part of the club’s academy setup, before moving to Reading and Manchester City, eventually making his name in the Bundesliga.

He’s scored five times in 15 league matches throughout 2024/25, leading to FBref ranking him as a similar player to Vini Jr based upon the figures he’s produced in this season’s Champions League, in particular.

When delving into the numbers, Bynoe-Gittens has matched or bettered the Brazilian in numerous key areas, highlighting what a superb addition he would be such the hierarchy conduct any transfer.

The Dortmund ace, who’s been labelled “one of a kind” by one analyst, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has placed more shots on target per 90, subsequently having a higher success rate – evidently being more accurate with his efforts.

He’s also completed more take-ons per 90 and completed more of his attempted passes – handing the likes of Cole Palmer added opportunities to increase his own goalscoring tallies.

Games played

15

15

Goals & assists

8

13

Shot-on-target accuracy

52%

29%

Shots on target

1.2

0.9

Pass accuracy

77%

74%

Take-on success

49%

40%

Take-ons completed

4

3.1

£50m may seem a hefty sum to splash out on a player who was already on the club’s books, but they would be signing a superb Kvaratskhelia alternative who has the ability to improve further in the years ahead.

Bynoe-Gittens’ comparison to Vini Jr is completely justified, with the Blues potentially landing a leading European talent to help lead the club’s quest to return to the summit of the Premier League.

Chelsea now want £58m PSG star with the same agent as Moises Caicedo

The Ecuadorian shares representatives with him.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 9, 2025

Barcelona are set to launch a fresh bid to lure Nico Williams to the Spanish giants as they prepare to enter talks with the Athletic Club star.

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Barca and Arsenal target Spain star WilliamsLa Liga leaders ready to open new negotiationsHope Yamal friendship will convince him to signFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Catalan club attempted to sign the winger last summer following his role in last year's Euro 2024 success, but the 22-year-old opted to stay with the Basque side for at least one more year. Barca, however, have not given up on landing him as reports they are prepared to open talks over a summer transfer.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The current La Liga leaders are not the only team interested in signing Williams. Bayern Munich have also been linked, but it is Arsenal who have been regarded as the favourites of late to complete the transfer, reportedly opening talks with the intention of triggering his release clause in his contract which is said to be set at €60 million (£51m/$66m).

DID YOU KNOW?

Despite the competition, Barcelona feel they have an advantage in the race to buy Williams. The winger has a close friendship with fellow Spain star Lamine Yamal, with Williams saying last year: "We laugh a lot. I think it's obvious that we have the same or very similar personalities and we like the same things. He's a kid that I get along with really well and I always try to give him as much advice as possible, like my brother Inaki has done with me."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

The Catalan club will hope Yamal's bond with Williams will tip the balance in their favour in the race to signing Williams, while Mikel Arteta will be eagerly awaiting news on his target's decision.

He had not played a 50-over game since November 2020, but took 3 for 31 on his comeback

Shashank Kishore13-Jul-20222:38

Giles: This defeat will leave scars

Mohammed Shami’s first ODI since November 2020 was a memorable one. Against England at The Oval on Tuesday, he became the fastest to 150 ODI wickets for India – in his 80th match – breaking Ajit Agarkar’s record of 97 games.While Jasprit Bumrah’s career-best performance of 6 for 19 in the first ODI vaulted him to the top of the rankings for bowlers, Shami also bowled a crucial spell in the series opener. His 3 for 31 in seven overs included the wickets of Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler as the hosts were shot out for 110, paving the way for India’s first ten-wicket victory in an ODI against England.”The ball was stopping a bit, seaming a bit, so it was important to bowl in the right areas and keep our line in check,” Shami told India’s bowling coach Paras Mhambrey during an interview for BCCI.tv.Related

England search for answers at Lord's against high-flying India

Report: Bumrah takes career-best 6 for 19 as India skittle England

Stats: India pacers shatter records at The Oval

India move to third in ODI rankings

Jasprit Bumrah becomes No. 1 ODI bowler

“If your [bowling] areas are good on a surface where it seams and swings, it’s difficult to get away. We kept it simple and got rewarded with wickets. The more you run behind wickets, the more it doesn’t happen. I kept it simple, and the results are there to see.”Shami set the tone in the first over after Rohit Sharma chose to bowl. He hit Jonny Bairstow on the thigh with his second delivery, beat him with extra bounce two balls later, and ended the over with one that squared up the England opener.When Bumrah struck twice in his opening over, dismissing Jason Roy and Joe Root, it was the resumption of a bowling partnership that India had not seen in an ODI for more than 18 months.”It was a long break. But once you get comfortable, you know your responsibilities” – Shami•Getty Images”We’ve been playing together for so long that in two overs you understand what’s happening and what you have to do,” Shami said of his partnership with Bumrah. “When I bowled the first over, you could see the ball was seaming around; there was swing on offer. Bumrah also then tried to incorporate the same length and got wickets also.”I was away for three years [18 months] – it was a long break – but once you get comfortable in this environment, you know your responsibilities. It’s important to have a clear mind. What to do, what lengths to bowl, how to use your variations everyone knows, but you need to be clear about it from within.”After the defeat in the Edgbaston Test, Shami was not part of the T20I squad that won the series 2-1, and he now has the chance to help India seal the ODI series at Lord’s on Thursday.”Personally, my plan is to just keep it simple. That is my mantra,” he said. “You only have to think if the wickets are different. Otherwise, if you repeat the same things over and over again, chances of success is that much more. Only if the wickets are slow and dry, there’s scope for you to change plans, else just carry on doing the same things.”

West Bromwich Albion fans will be getting a little impatient now about the ongoing saga involving who their next manager will be, with the Baggies waving goodbye to Carlos Corberan all the way back on Christmas Eve.

Now at the halfway stage of January, the Championship promotion hopefuls still haven’t been successful in finding a successor for Corberan, although it hasn’t been through a lack of trying.

Indeed, it looked as if a deal for ex-Young Boys manager Raphael Wicky to take on the reins was going to be a stress-free formality to get over the line, only for that deal to then go pear-shaped at the last minute.

The West Midlands side have since moved on from this disappointing collapse and have seemingly entered into talks with Tony Mowbray to make a dramatic return to the helm according to reports, having previously been in charge of West Brom during the early years of his managerial career.

Blackburn 0-0 West Brom (24th of May 2009)

GK – Dean Kiely

RB – Gianni Zuiverloon

CB – Ryan Donk

CB – Jonas Olsson

LB – Paul Robinson

CM – Borja Valero

CM – Jonathan Greening

CM – Chris Brunt

CAM – Robert Koren

ST – Marc-Antoine Fortune

ST – Juan Carlos Menseguez

Sourced by Transfermarkt

A lot has transpired since Mowbray named this final-ever Baggies XI back in 2009, with one of his midfield selections on the day in Chris Brunt now interim boss at the Hawthorns.

Now, he could hand over the baton to Mowbray, with this lineup below a possible dream XI for the 61-year-old following the end of the window…

1 GK – Alex Palmer

It is unlikely that Mowbray would tinker with the goalkeeper position on his arrival, with Alex Palmer proving himself to be a top Championship goalkeeper over the past couple of seasons.

From 26 second tier games this campaign, the reliable ‘keeper has amassed 11 clean sheets and so will likely be retained.

2 RB – Darnell Furlong

Likewise, Mowbray won’t want to change up anything too drastically in the right-back position if he does return to the Hawthorns, with Darnell Furlong’s spot in the side as concrete as it could possibly be.

Indeed, the Baggies stalwart has only missed one league contest during 2024/25 to date, with his presence helping the West Midlands side to remain resolute at the back.

3 CB – Torbjørn Heggem

Whilst Furlong is a recognisable piece of the furniture at West Brom, Torbjørn Heggem is a far fresher presence having only arrived last summer.

Despite this being his first season in the English game, the 26-year-old centre-back has taken to his new surroundings like a duck to water, with an imposing 5.3 duels on average across his 26 league appearances to date.

Mowbray will also love working with Heggem if a move gets over the line, having previously worked with a similarly tough Scandinavian defender in Jonas Olsson during his first stint at the club.

4 CB – Kyle Bartley

Whilst Mason Holgate has been in the side as of late, Mowbray might well fancy reinstating Kyle Bartley to the heart of defence on his arrival.

After all, when the seasoned defender has been in the side, West Brom very rarely look leaky, having won a sizeable 11 duels at the back end of December when facing off against Sheffield United.

5 LB – Callum Styles

Callum Styles joins Bartley to make up the last component of this dream XI’s defence, having stood out for the Baggies down the left in recent weeks.

The Hungary international can also be utilised in the middle of the park, but it’s from this left-back spot where he’s managed to make a name for himself at the Hawthorns, with a goal even coming his way against Preston North End on New Year’s Day.

6 CM – Alex Mowatt

Alex Mowatt has been battling with injury issues recently – hence his presence on the sidelines – but he will very much be a starter for Mowbray.

After all, when he has been fit and firing this season, he has excelled with four goals and two assists.

Mowbray also knows all too well what the ex-Leeds United man has in his locker, having been on the receiving end of this pearler way back in 2022 when he was Blackburn manager.

7 CM – Jayson Molumby

His teammate in the middle of the park could well be Jayson Molumby who has now signed a new extended deal to remain put at the Baggies until 2028.

Whilst the Irishman has had to battle with his own injury demons, he has stood out when fit for his side and will see a new managerial regime as a fresh start, with 13 goal contributions tallied up from 127 games.

8 RM – Tom Fellows

West Brom fans will be worried that Tom Fellows will be off this January, with Everton lurking in the shadows waiting to poach the electric Baggies attacker away from his boyhood club.

But, Mowbray could be able to convince the 21-year-old to stay put to help guide his new side up the league, having already amassed a stunning 12 goal contributions in Championship action.

9 CAM – Karlan Grant

Mowbray would surely love the versatility of Karlan Grant if he was to take on the reins once more, with Grant capable of playing down the channels, up top or behind the lone striker.

It’s from that final position where Grant has been a success in recent games, seen in a goal being buried by the ex-Cardiff City loanee away at Sheffield United in December from this spot.

10 LM – Lewis Koumas

The first of two new potential additions could see Lewis Koumas join the building on a loan deal, with Mowbray known to be a manager who doesn’t shy away from utilising youngsters if needs be.

After all, last season at Sunderland saw him name one XI that had an average age of just 22.3, with his spell at the Stadium of Light also seeing him get the very best out of Amad Diallo down the wings.

Koumas would hope he could star for the Baggies in a similarly impactful way, having already notched up four goals this season on loan with Stoke City.

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, with tests ahead for Reyna, Tillman and Weah

There's roughly one month left in the regular season of most of Europe's top domestic leagues. Champions will be crowned near the end of May, and clubs are preparing for a final run up the table.

In the Netherlands, reigning Dutch champions PSV are in trouble. Their poor stretch of form has seen them fall back in the title race. However, U.S. internationals Sergino Dest and Malik Tillman have both returned from injury as they look to help spearhead a title push.

League-leaders Ajax have leapt ahead in recent weeks and hold a nine-point advantage. Although it would take a series of upsets for PSV to emerge as a contender, they must strive for three points each game – and a healthy Tillman can help them do exactly that.

In Italy, Tim Weah is looking to find out where he belongs under new Juventus manager Igor Tudor. Is he a fullback? A wingback? A striker? A winger? Nobody knows yet, and it's up to the USMNT standout to show his coach what he can bring to the table. With just one appearance under Tudor, opportunity awaits the 25-year-old.

And in Germany, this is perhaps the final chance of the season for Gio Reyna to make an impact. The 21-year-old was called upon midweek in the Champions league off the bench for his first appearance in nearly a month – and this weekend, Borussia Dortmund meet arch rivals Bayern Munich in the latest Der Klassiker. Is this his moment?

GOAL looks ahead at some of the biggest storylines to follow among Americans Abroad this weekend.

Getty ImagesCan Malik Tillman lead PSV into contention?

PSV have had a rough few months – as have their American contingent. All three of Ricardo Pepi, Malik Tillman and Sergino Dest have missed time due to injury, though the latter two have had recent returns. And Tillman scored his first goal back from injury last weekend.

His return could pay dividends at the club level, but could also help solve one of the biggest issues that plagued the U.S. men's national team during the March Nations League: the midfield. The U.S. lacked a traditional No. 10 in both matches, as Christian Pulisic was deployed, but struggled immensely in areas that linked the center of the pitch and the attack.

That's an area in which Tillman excels. He can hold up the ball while playing creator at the same time. If he finds himself continuing to create opportunities in and around the box at the club level, the odds are in his favor to see a call-up to the national team this June – and potentially, the Gold Cup.

The 22-year-old is now up to eight goals this season in the Eredivisie, with 16 total goal-contributions across all competitions. The Dutch side clash with Almere City FC on Saturday, with much on the line.

AdvertisementAFPCan Tim Weah define his role with Juventus?

Igor Tudor is unbeaten in two matches since taking over as head coach of the in March, and is looking to guide Juventus into a top-four spot in Serie A.

U.S. international Weston McKennie has started twice for the Croatian manager, but fellow American Tim Weah has only logged one start, the recent 1-1 draw with Roma. He was deployed as a left wingback in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Weah is generally viewed as an attacker under Mauricio Pochettino, though he's played on both sides of the pitch in a winger role.

This weekend, the clash with Lecce in Serie A action, and it's expected that McKennie will be a contributor – but Weah's status is unclear. Juve are nearing must-win territory as the season nears a close. Sitting fifth in the domestic league standings, they're two-points from third place, but eighth place in Serie A trails them by just four points – they can't afford to slip.

Weah has not recorded a goal-contribution since a 3-1 UCL victory over PSV on Feb. 19, while his last in Serie A came on Feb. 1 in a 4-1 win over Empoli. He could use a game that spurs a bit of confidence, while earning trust from his new manager.

Getty Images SportCan Reyna rise in Dortmund's biggest game of the year?

It's not news that Gio Reyna has had a tough 2024-25 campaign. Dortmund have had three different managers over the course of the season, and he's yet to find a consistent run of form under any of them.

However, BVB are in a near dire situation as the campaign comes to a close, in their attempt to earn a top-four spot in the Bundesliga and clinch Champions League soccer next season. On Saturday they'll be in a must-win situation as they take on league-leaders and arch-rival Bayern Munich in another edition of Der Klassiker at the Allianz Arena.

Reyna hasn't appeared for the Bundesliga side in regular season action since March 1, a 2-0 victory over FC St. Pauli. However, he logged 23 minutes off the bench midweek in the UEFA Champions League against Barcelona – a 3-0 defeat to the Catalan giants.

Expectations may be low at the moment, even though he made his national team debut under Pochettino for the U.S. in the Nations League. He impressed in a brief showing off the bench. Factor that in with his recent showing in the UCL, and opportunity could be on the horizon .

If there's a moment in which his impact would be beneficial, it will be this weekend as BVB look to shock Bayern on the road in a fierce derby.

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Getty Images SportAround the continent

+ Kevin Paredes has yet to make his 2024-25 season debut for Wolfsburg, as he missed the three-quarters of the season due to injury. He has made the bench in their last two Bundesliga matches, though, and is being touted for an official return this weekend when they take on RB Leipzig Friday.

+ Defender Caleb Wiley recorded his first assist for Watford in the EFL Championship last week, and will be looking to build on that momentum after three straight starts. On loan from Chelsea, the take on West Brom on Saturday.

+ Midfielder Tanner Tessmann and french side Lyon sit four points from second place in Ligue 1, occupying a fifth-place spot in the standings. Three points against Auxerre on Sunday could see them climb into the top-three in the table.

Family drama unfolded in the Edrich Stand as Verreynne prepared to bat on the second day

Firdose Moonda22-Aug-2022Kyle Verreynne batted in the Lord’s Test shortly after his grandfather fell seriously ill in the stands.ESPNcricinfo has learnt that Verreynne’s grandfather was struggling to breathe in the Edrich Stand and was stretchered out of the ground before being admitted to an ICU ward. He remains in hospital.Verreynne was listed on South Africa’s team sheet at No. 6 but was held back when his grandfather began having trouble and was helped by medical staff at the ground.That was shortly before Sarel Erwee was dismissed. When Erwee was bounced out by Ben Stokes, South Africa’s team management opted to send Marco Jansen in instead and inform Verreynne of the situation and he batted next.Verreynne provided Stuart Broad’s 100th wicket at Lord’s when he edged behind to Ben Foakes for 11 after spending just over half an hour at the crease. South Africa went on to win the match by an innings and 12 runs.Verreyne will remain with the South Africa squad ahead of the second Test, beginning in Manchester on Thursday.

Leask, Cross fifties go in vain as visitors race home with 25 balls to spare

Sam Dalling31-Jul-2022The last time Mark Chapman scored an ODI century was 2449 days ago. It came on his Hong Kong debut, having just completed both his exams and a 20-hour flight.A second came in the late-Sunday Edinburgh sunshine. Chapman’s century was his first in New Zealand colours, adding to the 83 he made in Friday’s T20I. It was an attractive, brutal knock, and as he reached the landmark off his 74th ball to point for a single, off came the helmet, and the bat swooshed through the air. Two balls later, a seven-wicket victory was sealed in the one-off ODI against Scotland.”I managed to score a few a couple of days ago, and I was happy to contribute again today,” he said after the match. “When Daryl (Mitchell) and I came together we had a lot of work to do. We talked about taking it deep, putting a partnership together and having wickets in hand come the end.”Daryl was encouraging me to go for it, and I just put my head down and tried to make contact. I’m stoked. Thankfully it came off today.”The problem, for the opposition at least, is that New Zealand are just so difficult to beat. Even when you think you’ve got them, they fight back. Chapman’s unbroken fourth-wicket partnership with Daryl Mitchell was worth 175 runs. The pair negotiated a potentially sticky situation with ease.Chapman took a particular shine to Hamza Tahir, who was peppered straight. Three sixes in an over towards the conclusion eased him through the 70s. He was dropped by Michael Leask in the middle of those, mind.Mitchell’s knock, on the other hand, contained a share of luck. Luck that largely evaded the Scots. But he is having a golden European tour, and there were touches of quality aplenty. It meant a tenth consecutive ODI victory for the Black Caps. And this, remember, is a line-up without Devon Conway, Kane Williamson and Tom Latham.The win did not come without wobbly moments, though. Scotland will take much from the game, if not victory. Dreich is a popular Scottish adjective meaning grey and dreary. It was apt for the early morning weather. And when Scotland slipped to 107 for 5 having elected to bat first in this one-off match, it looked apt for their day.But then out came Leask. By mid-afternoon, the sun shone, Leask had walloped a rapid 85 – his highest score in this format – and his quickfire dismissals of Martin Guptill and Dane Cleaver had New Zealand up against it. For a while at least, it seemed game on.Michael Leask scored a rapid 85 off just 55 balls•SNS Group/Getty Images”It’s a week of missed opportunities,” Scotland head coach Shane Burger said. “We lost the big moments in the game, but ultimately, they go your way if you play more cricket. That one big partnership was the difference in the game.”I can’t fault the effort; the guys ran in and did the best we could. Our skill levels need to keep improving. It’s still building blocks but to see the resilience and the character shine out speaks 1,000 words.”Scotland had made a sprightly start with Kyle Coetzer racing to 20 from just 12 balls. But a miscued pull off Jacob Duffy brought about his downfall. Then came the New Zealand pressure. Michael Bracewell reeled off ten uninterrupted overs. Six overs between him and Blair Tickner cost just 11 runs, with Michael Jones falling to Bracewell, and Calum MacLeod to the latter. Bracewell then removed both Richie Berrington and Chris Greaves to leave Scotland reeling.Then came the counter punch. Finally, some home batting that mirrored the aggression of the in-house DJ’s excessive use of musical interludes. Matthew Cross reached 50 first with an emphatic pull off Lockie Ferguson that fizzed onto a neighbouring road.But Leask’s knock was the standout. Pure aggression. Bracewell was bludgeoned straight, before Ferguson – from around the wicket – dropped short and was swatted away. A later flat bat down the ground had Duffy sprinting. ‘You’ll nay catch that big lad’ came the cry from the hospitality tents. It was spot on. Leask then lifted Duffy over deep square and long on before falling 15 short of a century. Later, Mark Watt and Safyaan Sharif cameos took Scotland to 306.The hosts needed early luck but did not get it. Chris Sole was almost celebrating an immediate wicket, with Finn Allen edging just out of Cross’ reach. Shariff then thudded into Guptill’s pads, the ball struck the stumps, but the bails remained intact.Allen fell for exactly 50, Guptill 47 and then Cleaver soon after. But Chapman and Mitchell steadied before accelerating. Chapman boshed Tahir for a pair of maximums, Mitchell took ten off a Sharif over, and between them, they found 14 off Watt. Suddenly a run-a-ball was required. In the end, 25 balls were left spare.Quite what long-term value these games have for Scotland, when played in such isolation, is difficult to measure. This was their first ODI against a full-member nation since Sri Lanka visited in 2019. There is nothing currently in the fixture list. With the schedule packed, quite where additional games come from is difficult to see. In which case, it is ‘survive’ rather than ‘thrive.’

Leeds United are currently top of the Championship table and know that a win over Norwich City at Elland Road on Wednesday night will ensure that they remain there.

The Whites are aiming to secure promotion to the Premier League at the second time of asking after they fell short in the play-offs after finishing third in the division in the 2023/24 campaign.

Daniel Farke’s side will want to avoid going through the lottery of the play-offs and they moved one step closer to automatic promotion with a 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday in West Yorkshire last time out.

Goals from Manor Solomon, Largie Ramazani, and Ao Tanaka secured all three points for the Whites in their clash with the Owls on Sunday.

Despite the club’s excellent position in the Championship, Leeds may still look to utilise the January transfer window to bolster their squad before it slams shut at the start of next month.

In fact, the West Yorkshire outfit are reportedly in the market to add another attacking player to their squad before the window officially closes.

Leeds eyeing deal for new striker

According to The Lower Tiers, an account dedicated to EFL content, Leeds are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign St. Gallen centre-forward Willem Geubbels this month.

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The report claims that the French striker has impressed for the Swiss side this season and has attracted interest from several clubs in England, who are now eyeing up moves for his services.

It states that Leeds, Sheffield United, and Burnley – three of the teams vying to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League – are all considering bids to sign the 23-year-old dynamo to bolster their respective attacks.

The report does not reveal how much St. Gallen would demand for their star striker, however, so it remains to be seen how much money the Whites would need to splash out to land his signature.

Geubbels is valued at around £4m by Transfermarkt, which may provide a rough idea as to his worth, but the Swiss outfit could demand more if they do not want to sell their main man midway through the season during the January transfer window.

Leeds should not be deterred by this, though, because the St. Gallen number nine could come in to improve Farke’s options at the top end of the pitch, as an upgrade on current Whites striker Mateo Joseph, in particular.

Mateo Joseph's form this season

The Spain U21 international was used sparingly by the German head coach in the 2023/24 campaign during his first season of semi-regular first-team football.

Joseph made all 20 of his Championship appearances as a substitute and contributed with one goal, whilst being behind the likes of Georgino Rutter, Patrick Bamford, and Joel Piroe in the pecking order at Elland Road.

Rutter’s move to Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer and Bamford’s regression to being a back-up option in the squad has provided the academy graduate with an opportunity to stake a claim for his place in the starting XI this season.

The 21-year-old whiz has started 11 of his 27 appearances in the Championship so far this term but has been the second-choice behind Piroe for the most part, due to his struggles in front of goal in the second tier.

Mateo Joseph

4.86

2

-2.86

Patrick Bamford

1.91

0

-1.91

Wilfried Gnonto

5.45

4

-1.45

Pascal Struijk

3.98

3

-0.98

Ethan Ampadu

0.83

0

-0.83

As you can see in the table above, no other player in the Leeds squad has underperformed against their Expected Goals tally by more than Joseph, who has only scored twice from 4.86 xG worth of chances.

This shows that the team have created plenty of high-quality opportunities for the Spanish striker to find the back of the net, only to be let down by his wasteful finishing more often than not.

With this in mind, Leeds could find an upgrade on the misfiring youngster by swooping to sign Geubbels from St. Gallen before the end of the January transfer window to come in and compete with Piroe for a starting berth in the side in the second half of the season.

Why Leeds should sign Willem Geubbels

The 23-year-old star’s form in the Swiss Super League so far in the 2024/25 campaign suggests that the potential is there for him to come in and improve Farke’s options at the top end of the pitch.

RangersJournal writer and content creator Kai Watson described Geubbels as a “powerful” and “quick” attacker who can use his pace on the last line to get in behind and cause defenders problems, which could make him an ideal alternative to Piroe, who lacks the athleticism to stretch defences.

The former Monaco and Lyon whiz has backed his physical attributes up with technical quality in the final third in recent seasons, with a return of eight goals and nine ‘big chances’ created in 26 starts in the Swiss Super League last term.

Geubbels has followed that up with an impressive first half of the current league campaign with St. Gallen, as he has once again proven himself to be adept at scoring and creating goals from a centre-forward position.

Appearances

27

13

Goals

2

6

Big chances missed

6

2

Conversion rate

6%

21%

Big chances created

4

4

As you can see in the table above, the French dynamo has provided far more quality in the final third at league level in comparison to Joseph, with more goals and fewer ‘big chances’ created in 14 fewer appearances.

These statistics suggest that Geubbels is a better finisher than the Spanish forward, given his vastly superior conversion rate, and that could mean that he has a better chance of making the most of the quality opportunities that Leeds have been creating this season.

Leeds have hit gold with "explosive" star who's worth more than Louie Barry

Leeds United have been linked with an interest in Aston Villa forward Louie Barry this month.

2 ByDan Emery Jan 21, 2025

Therefore, Leeds should push to beat Burnley and Sheffield United to the 23-year-old star’s signature before the end of the January transfer window.