All posts by h716a5.icu

Bairstow carting a protester back to the Grand Stand the only time an Englishman extolled domination

Vithushan Ehantharajah28-Jun-2023An over into the opening day at Lord’s, two protestors from Just Stop Oil ran onto the field armed with orange paint powder. Their aim was to disperse as much of it as possible on the pitch, only to be halted in their tracks by Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes and David Warner. Honestly, could you think of three worse cricketers to be confronted by?Apart from Bairstow hot-footing it into the home dressing room to change out of a now stained white shirt, there was no real impediment on proceedings. The auxiliary pitch – sat two to the left of the main strip as you look out from the press box – did not have to be used. As it turned out, Bairstow’s carry of one of the protesters back to the Grand Stand from where he emerged was the only time an Englishman extolled domination on day one.Whatever debris on the field was removed with a petrol-fuelled blower, just to really hammer home the futility of the protest. A worthy one considering the debilitating effects of fossil fuels on the climate. But like many things we need to change about the world around us, there was a nagging sense it’s all too far gone. Even for believers, there’s enough doubt in the productivity of such acts to let the nuisance of inconvenience, however minor, prevail as the dominant emotion.”They have consistently shown complete disregard for the people who pay to attend events,” said CEO Guy Lavender in an MCC press release about the protest that dropped an hour later. A line far more instructive than he would have intended 24 hours after the institution had to confront a chastening from the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket for being woefully out of step with “contemporary Britan”.Jonny Bairstow removes a ‘Just Stop Oil’ pitch invader from the field•Getty ImagesThe home of cricket is only a home for those who look a certain way and, principally, can afford the entry fee. A fee which MCC felt entitled those who can afford it to an uninterrupted day’s play without being reminded the ground’s main sponsor JP Morgan is the world’s worst fossil fuel financing bank.It also entitles them to, well, not watch the cricket. Just as celebrated as the members rushing for seats in the Pavilion before the start of play is the afternoon meander to the various greens of the Nursery Ground, Coronation and Harris Gardens. A point in the day when they think, you know, all this cricket is getting in the way of our conversing.On this occasion, you could understand the motivation of those punters, however strong their ties to this England team are. This was not good viewing, by any means. Overly full bowling at a worryingly docile pace. Nuts so nude you could see the birthmarks.No one in England garb looked like they really wanted to be there, save Josh Tongue in his second Test, which is damning in its own way. They had flunked the best conditions you could ever ask for at this ground. Even Stokes seemed to be devoid of the usual funk, fiddling intermittently when testing Travis Head out with the short ball, but otherwise sticking to by-the-book fields featured in many of the paintings adorning the walls of the closed-off Long Room.As England went through the back end of 83 overs of toil, they probably looked upon the now vacant spaces in the stands with some jealousy. If only they could saunter off and chill out, rather than pointlessly address Australia’s screw-turning.At another time, players would think nothing of it. They all know this is a ground those not really into cricket come to be seen at rather than actually do any seeing. But given all the success coming into this summer, all the Bazball buzz heading into an Ashes, even the way the Edgbaston opener played out day to day, something about these empty white seats created far more of a stain than any orange pigment.There was a sense of lost hope. Of a team who pride themselves on entertaining whether they win or lose, simply losing the thread of their most vaunted – and thus, most watched – series to date, in quite unwatchable fashion. Whether you watched all of the 339 runs and five wickets, or just the first session, you were left with the same mundane conclusions. Australia are quite good. England might not be as good as they thought.Related

The Ashes have highlighted England's selection failings again

You can't win against good sides with reckless shot-making

English establishment must listen and learn in wake of ICEC report

Just Stop Oil protesters disrupt Lord's Ashes Test

Smith, Head and Warner give Australia opening-day honours

There is a point be made that this is the worst ground for this particular England Test side. It’s as much the pitch – devoid of meaningful bounce today from the Nursery End – as the tradition hanging over this joint, cruelly over-emphasising the grandeur of an Ashes to a group whose best cricket over the last year has come through not taking the game and their part in it too seriously.They also need those watching them to invest emotionally in what they do, which doesn’t happen here. Perhaps Wednesday was when they found out the hard way that this Lord’s crowd need a bit more than vibes and the wrong kind of jaunty hats to buy into what you’re selling. And it’s not so much the ones who wander off, more those who remain. They’ve seen far more than most, and they care not for golfing anecdotes other than their own.There’s no Hollies Stand or Western Terrace here. Other than the occasional sponsored brass band on the outfield, no instruments are allowed. All the beer snakes are killed at birth. Try and sneak in an extra can at your peril. Oh and revelry? Just try and get that past a thorough pat-down. Whatever noise to be made has to come from the middle, and but for the cracks off the middle of the bats of David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Head and Steve Smith (with plenty to come from him), England couldn’t produce the infectious music that has scored the last 14 months.Expect all or some of the above to get fashioned into some excuse behind closed doors, and pray to whoever you pray to it’s not uttered publicly. There has been enough talk for a life time. Six days into this series, England’s worst by some distance has an entire narrative they built shifting against them. Previous lauders are now doubters. Their most high-profile celebrators now their harshest critics.Now, only actions matter. And at a time when English cricket and the world at large step up to fight harder in unending battles for betterment, those on the field (who are meant to be there) now find themselves rallying in similar fashion. They must hope like hell these are not equally futile circumstances.

Fulham have now approached the agents of an “incredible” player over a potential move to Craven Cottage, but it may take an offer of £34m to get a deal done, journalist Orazio Accomando has revealed.

Cottagers set sights on new midfielder

The Cottagers are yet to make any additions to their squad this summer, but the recent news that Kenny Tete is set to sign a new deal is a bonus, given that the Dutchman had been linked with a move to Everton.

In terms of potential new arrivals, Marco Silva appears to be particularly keen on strengthening his midfield options this summer, having identified a number of targets over the past month.

Target

Current club

Potential cost

Nadiem Amiri

Mainz

£15m

Kalvin Phillips

Manchester City

£21m

Joao Palhinha

Bayern Munich

£25m

Rocco Reitz

Borussia Monchengladbach

£17m

Having solidified themselves as a Premier League club, the west Londoners may now be in a position to be a tad more ambitious with their targets, and they have now made an approach for a 2025 Champions League finalist.

That is according to an update from Accomando on X, with the reporter stating that Fulham have now submitted an enquiry over a deal for Inter Milan star Hakan Çalhanoğlu, making contact with the midfielder’s agents.

Inter aren’t willing to let the maestro leave on the cheap, however, with the Italian club set to hold out for a fee of €40m (£34m), which may be prohibitive for fellow potential suitors Galatasaray, who are only willing to offer €15m (£13m).

Leeds leading Fulham in race to sign £8.5m defender alongside Bornauw

Leeds United are now in a race to sign a defender who has been impressing in Germany.

ByBrett Worthington Jul 1, 2025

The 31-year-old “wants” to join Galatasaray, but the Turkish champions may find it difficult to win the race for his signature if a bidding war breaks out, with Manchester United also expressing an interest.

Çalhanoğlu could be "incredible" coup for Fulham

It would be a real statement of intent if Fulham were able to sign a 2025 Champions League finalist, particularly one who played a major role in the Italian side reaching that stage of the competition.

The Inter star was a key player throughout the campaign, regularly providing goals and assists in all competitions, despite often featuring in a deep-lying role.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Serie A

29

5

6

Champions League

12

4

2

Italian Cup

4

2

0

The Turk is also vastly experienced at international level, scoring 21 goals in 97 outings for his country, including a remarkable effort at Euro 2024.

Turkey assistant manager Daniele Russo was subsequently left impressed by the Germany-born midfielder, saying: “It goes without saying that he is an incredible player. He is also very good at protecting his young teammates.”

As such, Çalhanoğlu could be a statement signing for Fulham this summer, but Galatasaray and Manchester United’s interest could pose a problem.

Chelsea’s ambitious plans for a new 60,000-seater stadium have reportedly hit another major snag, with 'spiralling' construction costs putting the project on hold. The Blues are yet to submit formal proposals for the redevelopment or relocation, with costs now estimated to run into the billions. The delay is a blow to Todd Boehly’s hopes of boosting matchday revenue and keeping pace with the club's rivals.

Chelsea stadium project stalled amid soaring construction costs concernsDecision pending on Stamford Bridge redevelopment or new siteCurrent capacity limits matchday revenue compared to league rivalsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Sun has reported that Chelsea Pitch Owners chair Chris Isitt has confirmed in an email to fans that the club has yet to present any concrete stadium plans. Inflation and rising construction costs have emerged as a key stumbling block, with estimates far exceeding the £1.75 billion ($2.3b) originally set aside. The West London side are said to remain in talks with local authorities but have yet to decide between rebuilding Stamford Bridge or moving to a new site.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

A stadium with a larger seating capacity is seen as essential for Chelsea to compete financially with domestic and European heavyweights. Stamford Bridge’s current capacity of just over 40,000 lags far behind rivals like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Tottenham. With gate receipts falling well short of competitors, the club risks losing ground in the revenue race.

DID YOU KNOW?

Chelsea had previously secured planning permission under their former majority owner, Roman Abramovich, in 2017, but the project was shelved due to the Russian billionaire's visa-related issues in the United Kingdom. The current ownership has bigger ambitions for the Blues, including an entertainment complex alongside the stadium.

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

Boehly and Blue Co. must first finalise their decision on redevelopment versus relocation before submitting formal plans. Cost control and funding will be critical, with industry-wide inflation showing no signs of easing. Until then, Stamford Bridge’s limitations will remain a competitive disadvantage for the Club World Cup champions.

There’s nothing really on line in this series, but given it’s a World Cup year, maybe everything is

Firdose Moonda15-Mar-2023After a Test series played against the backdrop of an increasing awareness and discomfort with the next FTP, South Africa and West Indies enter another series which raises scheduling concerns: the context-less ODI rubber. Get used to it – they’re back and, at the conclusion of this World Cup Super League, (WCSL) they’re here to stay.For reasons unknown, the league will be scrapped after the 2023 World Cup and qualification for the next 50-over tournament reverts to rankings. In theory, that should place some importance on every bilateral contest; in practice, we’ve seen it all before. As T20 leagues grow and Tests continue to form part of a championship, the middle child of ODIs is likely to suffer and this series is an example of what that could look like.South Africa and West Indies have nothing to play for except new starts, which, at least gives some narrative to the next six days.Related

West Indies to have separate red-ball and white-ball coaches for men's team

Mulder out of West Indies ODIs, Parnell named replacement

Maharaj in danger of missing ODI World Cup with Achilles injury

If ODIs feel irrelevant now, just wait till the next FTP cycle

For South Africa, it’s their first outing under new white-ball coach Rob Walter, who communicated with them from afar during their WCSL series against England while he wrapped up work with Hamilton’s Central Districts team. Walter is coming home, to a country where he started his cricket career as a fitness trainer and left as a successful franchise coach, to take up a new challenge in New Zealand. It proved exactly that, and he came up with no trophies, but plenty of experience that he will have to use to rebuild South Africa in their worst format. Under Mark Boucher, the 50-over side underperformed to the point where they are at risk of not securing automatic qualification for the 2023 World Cup. That’s Walter’s mess to clean up.He will have his best players at his disposal when they go into two must-win matches against Netherlands from March 31. For now, he has some important selection decisions to make, after Kagiso Rabada and Aiden Markram were rested, David Miller was allowed to finish his stint at the IPL, and injuries have wormed their way into the camp.They lost Keshav Maharaj, whose year has been thrown into disarray after he ruptured his left Achilles’ tendon when celebrating a wicket in the second Test, leaving his chances of making the 2023 World Cup slim, and Wiaan Mulder, to a side strain before traveling to East London.Once there, replacement allrounder Wayne Parnell fell ill but managed to train on the eve of the first match and will be needed because Andile Phehlukwayo has back spasms and Sisanda Magala has split the webbing on his right hand. That leaves Lungi Ngidi to lead the attack, and gives Tabraiz Shamsi the opportunity to reclaim his spot as the premier spinner. Meanwhile, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs are all in line for ODI debuts.The revolving door of white-ball players may suggest a haphazard strategy in a World Cup year but given the difficulties South Africa’s ODI squad has been through, they need to trial selections, before they have to make them count.”We’ll be using this opportunity against West Indies to refine our way of playing,” Temba Bavuma, South Africa’s captain said. “Our priority will always be to win the series but also our efforts to widen the pool and give guys opportunities. This is a big year from a 50-over point of view. That format is probably the main priority.”West Indies enter this series with a new captain in Shai Hope•Associated PressWest Indies are in a similar, and perhaps slightly worse position. They enter this series with a new captain Shai Hope, and an interim coach Andre Coley, whose position will soon be split in two. Like South Africa, they will appoint a red-ball coach who will oversee their scant Test schedule and develop first-class players, and a white-ball manager to head up the ODI and T20 squad. The latter’s job could begin in time for the World Cup Qualifiers, which West Indies are all-but-certain to participate in.West Indies are currently eighth on the WCSL points’ table and have played all their matches which means they will be leapfrogged by one or both of South Africa and Sri Lanka and will have to play in Zimbabwe in June to make it to the World Cup. That thought won’t scare them as much as it does the other two teams because West Indies have been there, done that and qualified before. So for them, this series does have the value of offering them preparatory time, a dry-run of sorts, under Hope and a different style of playing.”It’s a new journey,” he said. “And we need to improve in all areas. We all need to come together and find the right formula because we definitely need to qualify for that World Cup. Everything we do now is geared towards that.”After losing 15 of their 24 WCSL games, including series to Bangladesh and Irelands, and losing two of their last 10 series dating back to January 2021, it’s fair to say things have not exactly clicked and Hope’s wish that they can discover a winning brand is the first step to approaching the qualifiers. They’ll rely heavily on former captain Jason Holder, who was their best player in the Tests and continues to carry an inordinate amount of burden in the side. Far from seeing it as too much to bear, Holder has spoken of his love for playing with this particular group, and his desire that they grow together. The onus will be on Shannon Gabriel, Akeal Hosein, and Kyle Mayers – all experienced in years but not in matches – to step up, because even though there are no points on the line, there is something perhaps a little more important.”We are playing for international pride and all those people back in the Caribbean, and even all around the world, who support West Indies,” Hope said. “Whenever you cross that line, your aim is to win games so everything must be geared to that, everything must go into the middle.”With nothing really on the line, maybe everything is.

Coad claims three of six wickets to fall, handing hosts two of maximum 10 points needed to secure second place

ECB Reporters Network27-Sep-2024Yorkshire will be promoted to Division One of the Vitality County Championship if they draw their final round clash with Northamptonshire at Headingley after Ben Coad claimed three of six wickets to fall when play finally got underway after tea on day two.Coad’s 3 for 29 from 12 overs, including his 300th first-class wicket, left Northamptonshire in trouble at 117 for 6 from 40 overs, handing Yorkshire two of the maximum 10 points they require to secure second place behind Sussex.The start of play was delayed until 3.30pm following first day rain and a wet outfield on day two.Northamptonshire, with nothing to play for but holding onto fourth place in Division Two, were inserted. George Hill also struck twice with his seamers and Jordan Thompson once.Visiting debutant Krish Patel, aged 18, impressed with 26 and George Bartlett top-scored with an unbeaten 41.Yorkshire are aiming to hold off the challenge of third-placed Middlesex, who have seen the opening two days of their clash with leaders Sussex abandoned at Hove.Northamptonshire have handed first-class debuts to both Patel and on-loan Nottinghamshire spinner Fateh Singh, the latter signed only for this game.Patel was the first to make an impact, and impressively too during an eye-catching 41-ball innings with five fours.He came through the Surrey age-groups, played one Metro Bank One-Day Cup game for his home county last season and then signed a two-year rookie professional contract at Wantage Road at the end of last month.Patel came to the crease late in the third over after Coad had removed opener Gus Miller, caught at first slip by Hill.The diminutive right-hander was strong through the covers off both front foot and back. One square drive off England fringe Test fast bowler Matthew Fisher was particularly memorable.He shared 42 with the more doughty Luke Procter before edging Thompson’s seam to second slip as the visitors fell to 44 for 2 in the 15th over.Only 20 more runs had been added when Hill bowled Procter, for 25, with his fifth ball, securing Yorkshire’s first point of the fixture.Hill had been capped by Yorkshire as the rain fell on day one and was again presented with his cap before play started to give Yorkshire’s supporters a chance to acclaim their 23-year-old allrounder.He added a second wicket when James Sales was bowled for 17 shouldering arms as Northamptonshire fell to 79 for 4 in the 30th over.Conditions were ever-changing through a competitive evening; sun, cloud and even a bit of rain.When Coad struck again – for wicket number 300 – the floodlights were on, with Saif Zaib edging to Hill at first slip. Northamptonshire were 106 for 5 in the 37th over.He also had nightwatcher Singh caught at short mid-off in his next over, securing Yorkshire’s second bowling bonus point. That, added to eight points for the draw, would be enough for a Division One return for the first time since 2022.Coad, aged 30, is playing his 76th first-class match and his 301 wickets have come at a mighty impressive 19.42 apiece.Northamptonshire’s Bartlett hit nine fours in his 52 balls.For Yorkshire, while promotion was not decided in this short burst of a session, they moved themselves to within touching distance.

Not sure which midfielders to pick in fantasy football? GOAL takes a look at the best options.

Midfielders are arguably the most important players in fantasy football and if you can pack your team with goalscoring wingers or playmakers, then you're in with a good chance.

Fantasy Premier League tips, best players & guideRead more

Generally speaking, it is best to select attacking midfielders, but traditionally defensive players have been popping up with high scores in recent years too.

Here, GOAL takes a look at the best midfielders to choose in FPL, including the top picks, mid-price options and bargain players.

Getty Images SportMohamed Salah | Liverpool | £14.5m

Mohamed Salah is the most expensive midfielder on FPL at £14.5 million and with good reason – he scores and sets up lots of goals. The Egypt international has surpassed the 200-point mark in each of the last eight seasons, with his highest ever tally coming last term, with 344 points accumulated despite his advancing years. Salah penned a new deal with Liverpool last year, underlining his commitment to delivering more success at Anfield.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportCole Palmer | Chelsea | £10.5m

Fresh from propelling Chelsea to Club World Cup glory, Cole Palmer returns to the Premier League with something of a point to prove. The England international faltered somewhat in his second season at Stamford Bridge, but it says a lot about his quality that he still managed 214 FPL points (making him the third-highest scoring midfielder) in an underwhelming campaign.

Palmer is capable of scoring goals from anywhere and he has an eye for a pass, which he demonstrated with double figures in assists last term. He also hits exceptional penalties and takes free kicks. The kid has it all. Plus, he is £4 million cheaper than Salah and if it is a toss-up between the pair, Palmer is a superb alternative.

Getty Images SportBukayo Saka | Arsenal | £10m

Unfortunately for Arsenal and Bukayo Saka, the 2024-25 season was a disappointment, with injury disrupting the star winger's campaign and restricting him to just 127 FPL points. Now that he is fit and firing again, Saka will still be a key component to Mikel Arteta's designs on glory. When Saka is motoring, he will almost guarantee you 200-plus points and for £10m, that's not a bad deal.

Getty Images SportBruno Fernandes | Man Utd | £9m

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is relatively cheap when compared to the likes of Salah, Palmer and Saka, especially when you take into account his importance to the Red Devils.

Not only is Fernandes a guaranteed starter most weeks, but he is the chief creator in the team as well as the man who takes free kicks and penalties. He's not quite what you would call a bargain choice, but he is practically guaranteed to get you around 150 to 200 points a season – his average points haul is 170. However, you will have to pay close attention to how he is used, now that Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have arrived to take the creative pressure off him.

Roma have turned their attention to Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey, opening talks as they face competition from Turkey and clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Roma ready offer for BaileyBesiktas interested in Jamaica starAston Villa talks already underwayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Roma are in talks with Villa over a deal to sign Jamaican winger Bailey, with negotiations focusing on a loan with an option to buy, according to . The 28-year-old is not central to Unai Emery’s plans, and Villa are open to offers. Turkish club Besiktas and multiple Saudi Pro League sides have also shown interest, but Roma have emerged as the most serious contenders.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Bailey joined Aston Villa in 2021 from Bayer Leverkusen for around €32 million (£27m/$37m), signing a contract that runs until 2027. While he has made 144 appearances, scoring 22 goals and providing 24 assists, his game time under Emery has dwindled, just 14 league starts last season. Roma see Bailey as a key attacking reinforcement after also reportedly pursuing Jadon Sancho and Abde Ezzalzouli, but budget constraints mean they prefer a loan deal over a permanent transfer this summer.

Bailey’s career has taken him across several footballing landscapes as the Jamaican winger honed his skills through youth stints in Austria and Slovakia before making his professional breakthrough at Belgian side Genk. His rapid rise in Belgium earned him a big move to Leverkusen in 2017, where his flair and pace quickly caught the eye across Europe.

TELL ME MORE

His time at Villa has been a mix of dazzling moments and frustrating setbacks. While Bailey has produced flashes of brilliance in the Premier League, injuries and inconsistent form have often prevented him from cementing a regular starting role under successive managers.

Roma’s interest in Bailey comes as part of an ambitious summer rebuild. Should the deal go through, he would become their seventh signing of the window and their second arrival from the Premier League, following the loan capture of Brighton striker Evan Ferguson.

The race for his signature, however, is far from straightforward. Besiktas and several Saudi clubs are also in the hunt, offering lucrative packages, but Roma’s sporting project and the opportunity to shine in Serie A remain highly appealing to the player.

Another key factor could be the influence of manager Gian Piero Gasperini, who has made no secret of his desire to add more attacking firepower to bolster Roma’s domestic and European ambitions. With Bailey’s blend of pace, creativity, and experience, he could well be the kind of player to give Roma that extra edge in the final third.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

Roma have yet to submit an official bid, but talks are expected to intensify in the coming days. If an agreement is reached, Bailey could join the Giallorossi squad before the end of the transfer window, adding pace and directness to their wide play.

After a record-breaking League One title-winning campaign last time out, Birmingham City will be looking to carry that momentum into the 2025/26 Championship season under Chris Davies.

Co-owners Tom Wagner and Tom Brady have big plans at St Andrew’s, and the Blues will be looking to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2011 as soon as possible.

Birmingham City vs Ipswich Town

August 8

Blackburn Rovers vs Birmingham City

August 16

Birmingham City vs Oxford United

August 23

Leicester City vs Birmingham City

August 30

Stoke City vs Birmingham City

September 13

To do that, new signings to help them in the second tier could be key, and the club have already made a start on their summer transfer business.

But who will start against Ipswich Town on August 8? Well, Grok, the AI tool on X, has forecasted Birmingham’s 25/26 line-up, with five new faces in the XI.

AI predicts Birmingham’s 2025/26 line-up 1 GK: James Beadle

After helping England to U21 European Championship glory this summer, goalkeeper James Beadle will be playing for Birmingham this season.

After Beadle: Birmingham City launch bid to sign their new Jota for £8.5m

Birmingham City could win themselves a modern version of former star Jota by forking out £8.5m to land this new signing.

3 ByKelan Sarson Jul 2, 2025

Signed on a season-long loan from Brighton, Beadle already has second tier experience after his time with Sheffield Wednesday in 24/25.

2 RB: Ethan Laird

A key member of the League One title-winning side, Ethan Laird has been predicted to keep his place in the Birmingham side.

His ‘pace and attacking contributions make him a mainstay’ under Davies, and Grok adds that Laird’s ‘enthusiasm and Championship experience will be vital’.

3 CB: Krystian Bielik

Club captain Krystian Bielik is also backed to retain his place in the XI, being described as a ‘cornerstone of the defence’.

Games

125

Goals

2

Yellow cards

32

Red cards§

2

The Poland international is still under contract until 2027 and Bielik’s ‘leadership and ability to play in midfield or defence ensure his place’.

4 CB: Phil Neumann

Alongside Bielik is new arrival Phil Neumann, who signed on a free transfer from Hannover 96 earlier this summer.

The German actually penned a pre-contract agreement at the beginning of 2025 and has been backed to go straight into Davies’ XI.

5 LB: Lee Buchanan

With Laird keeping his place at right-back, Lee Buchanan has been predicted to make his return from a serious knee to start at left-back.

Buchanan ‘is expected to hold down the left side with his defensive solidity and attacking overlaps’.

6 CM: Hayden Hackney

Backed to cost £10m from Middlesbrough this summer is Hayden Hackney, with AI-driven predictions suggesting Birmingham could target the 22-year-old versatile midfielder.

Grok says Hackney’s ‘ability to play multiple midfield roles would add dynamism’ to the Blues side.

7 CM: Paik Seung-ho

Partnering Hackney is Paik Seung-ho, who was a regular in 24/25, making 50 appearances in all competitions.

The South Korea international is likely to play a key role once more, and Grok says his ‘composure and work rate make him a certain starter in the Championship’.

8 CAM: Kanya Fujimoto

The Blues have been heavily linked with a move for Japanese attacking midfielder Kanya Fujimoto this summer, with his contract at Gil Vicente set to expire.

Still just 26 years of age, Fujimoto’s ‘creativity and flair would suit Davies’ attacking philosophy’.

9 RW: Demarai Gray

Returning to St Andrew’s this summer is academy graduate Demarai Gray, nine years on after leaving Birmingham for Leicester City.

Gray’s ‘Premier League experience and pace would be a major coup’ for the Blues, according to Grok.

10 ST: Jay Stansfield

Birmingham’s record signing Jay Stansfield was always going to keep his place in the XI after a successful first season as a permanent Blues player.

The striker already has ‘proven Championship quality which makes him the focal point of the attack’.

“Everyone thinks Sri Lanka has average players and are an average side, so if we lose, that’s no problem for us,” Athapaththu says

Firdose Moonda11-Feb-2023They did not play a match between March 2020 and January 2022. They had only won three of the 13 T20Is they had played against South Africa before Friday. Their World Cup record is poor and the FICA Women’s Employment Report said they had “no professional structures” in place. Despite all of that, Sri Lanka silenced the biggest home crowd South Africa’s women’s team has ever played in front of – 8402 – at Newlands with a stunning, though error-ridden, three-run win.It was the stuff of dreams for Chamari Athapaththu, who has carried the Sri Lankan team almost single-handedly over her 13-year career. She had scored her first T20I fifty against South Africa in 2016, and on the day, she scored another one to give the tournament a rousing start.Two days ahead of the match, she had told ESPNcricinfo that she wanted to hit the longest six of the tournament with a lofted off drive. She couldn’t do that, but struck five crisp cover drives, three powerful pulls, and one slog sweep in an innings she owned, but also one in which she passed a baton.Related

Smriti Mandhana ruled out of Pakistan game due to finger injury

Luus: 'Leadership a role I would like to grow into'

Van Niekerk in women's T20 World Cup commentary panel

Athapaththu: 'I have a big responsibility, but I love that pressure'

Van Niekerk left out of T20 WC squad, Luus to captain

Vishmi Gunaratne, just 17 years old, took 13 balls to score her first five runs but then lap swept Nonkululeko Mlaba and plundered three fours off Shabnim Ismail in a strong supporting role. In her, Athapaththu saw someone who could take cricket forward in a country without an extensive player pool.”No one expects Sri Lanka will win,” Athapaththu said. “Everyone thinks Sri Lanka has average players and are an average side so if we lose, that’s no problem for us. We don’t have any pressure. I told my players to play fearlessly and trust and back your skill.”Vishmi Gunaratne ‘a young superstar’ – Chamari AthapaththuShe said those words especially to Gunaratne, who Athapaththu described as a “young superstar with a bright future” – not many 17-year-olds take Ismail on and come out on top, after all.”I just told her to focus on the ball and don’t think about who is bowling. She knows Shabnim is the No. 1 bowler so the first boundary she hit, I said, ‘you hit that off the world’s No. 1 bowler and you can hit another boundary in this over’. She hit the second boundary and I said to her, ‘you are really good, better than the No. 1 bowler, so you can hit another boundary’.”She’s really young and she thinks when Shabnim is bowling, she’s No. 1. but I just want to relieve that pressure from her, that’s why I always talked to her.”Athapaththu also admitted she needed to improve on the field, though, in the end, it was Athapaththu, at long-on, who saved what could have been a boundary in the final over when Ismail hit the ball down the ground. Asked about it afterwards, she repeated what she had said a few days before: “I love pressure. We have only a few experienced players so I always try to lead from the front. We didn’t have any pressure in these conditions, especially with South Africa playing in their home conditions.”On the other hand, the expectation on South Africa was enormous. As the hosts that are considered genuine contenders for the semi-finals, they were not supposed to slip up here. Especially not 20 years to the day after West Indies humbled the South African men’s team in the 50-over World Cup at this same venue.Dane van Niekerk – South Africa’s missing link?In their defence, South Africa may have been eclipsed by the emotion of having their regular captain, Dane van Niekerk, who was left out of the squad after failing to meet the two-kilometre time trial requirement of 9:30, at the ground. The last time South Africa played a match at this venue, also against Sri Lanka, it was van Niekerk who took centre stage. She struck an unbeaten 71 off 55 balls to almost single-handedly give South Africa a stunning seven-wicket win. This time, her presence only served to remind them what they were missing, in runs, as a person, and maybe even in passion.Ayabonga Khaka can scarcely believe the result•ICC via Getty ImagesVan Niekerk met her wife, Marizanne Kapp, as the South Africans arrived at the ground and the pair shared a long embrace, which ended with Kapp sobbing. A few minutes later, van Niekerk was pulled away from her new role as a television commentator for “wife duties” to help Kapp mark her run-up at the Kelvin Grove End. Van Niekerk then sang the national anthem from the broadcast box, standing next to Mignon du Preez – who retired late last year and is also in the commentators’ panel – and wiped away tears of her own. When Mlaba finished the innings with a boundary that came too late, she slumped to her haunches and covered her eyes. Sune Luus, the current captain, spoke through puffy eyes and a shaking voice at the post-match presentation and was spared having to address the media afterwards.Instead, that task fell to Sinalo Jafta, who was run-out at a crucial stage in the penultimate over – with 13 runs needed off eight balls – and owned her mistake. “The pressure moment got to me,” she said.And this is not even a knockout game. The tournament has only just begun but South Africa are on the verge of a premature exit. Their next match against New Zealand, which was also going to be decisive in this group because of the presence of near-certain semi-finalists Australia, is a must-win. “We can’t run away from the fact that we are going to be in pressure situations,” Jafta said. “What we are focusing on most is just being present. This time, we were focused more on the outcome.”South Africa also can’t run away from their selection decisions, which has seen them send Lizelle Lee and du Preez into retirement (Lee because she could not meet the weight benchmark and du Preez because there are no T20I-only contracts and she wanted to retire from ODIs) and van Niekerk benched. The trio are among their most successful batters and as opening night concluded with a botched chase, South Africa may be wondering whether they have invented challenges they could have done without.

The USMNT Transfer Notebook tracks American player movements, with latest developments for those in the U.S. national team pool

The clock is ticking on transfers in both MLS and Europe, with the end of August marking a crucial period for the U.S. men’s national team. Several players face uncertain club futures, or need significant moves, to cement their place in Mauricio Pochettino’s World Cup plans.

In Italy, Yunus Musah's status continues to swing like a pendulum. Last week, it was reported he would stay at Milan, but now it appears both Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace are aggressively moving to acquire the talented midfielder, who has struggled for consistency in Serie A. 

Josh Sargent is off to a torrid start, scoring in his first two games of the season. Yet, Norwich manager Liam Manning stressed that the striker could still be on the move. In MLS, Max Arfsten has been linked with a move all summer and it appears Real Salt Lake's talented youngster, Zavier Gozo, is drawing interest from a Belgian giant. 

GOAL tracks all of the American player movements in the USMNT Transfer Notebook, a recurring feature covering the latest developments for those in the U.S. national team pool.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty ImagesPremier League clubs face off for Musah?

Will he stay or go? That's seemingly been the question for months with Musah, a player with plenty of potential who has struggled to find a fit in AC Milan. Though Musah appeared to be set to stay after a strong preseason, Nottingham Forest emerged as a strong contender to sign the American, with the Athletic reporting the two clubs opened talks over a move. 

Things took another turn on Tuesday. Forest reportedly wasn't willing to reach Milan's $40 million valuation, offering $35.1 million. That could open the door for another club to emerge in Crystal Palace, according to journalist Ciro Venerato. Musah's is Forest's No. 1 target, but they are already looking at alternatives if Milan aren't willing to accept their bid.  

There are positives and negatives with both reported bids, as Forest clearly values Musah but had struggles integrating another American, Gio Reyna, two years ago. Palace features another USMNT star in Chris Richards, but already has a strong midfield with Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada.

Will it be London or Nottingham or potentially Naples? Time will tell.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportNorwich preparing for Sargent's exit?

Sargent is arguably the hottest striker in the U.S. national team pool, scoring in both of Norwich's opening games. Despite Sargent wearing the captain's armband in the opener, Canaries boss Manning admitted the 25-year-old could still be on the move. 

"I think the best practice is to be proactive with the work you do… With the interest, you’d be mad to not do anything behind the scenes to be prepared. So, of course, we want him to stay, but we have to be prepared if it doesn’t happen," the manager said. 

While Sargent turned down a move to Wolfsburg earlier, he continues to be linked with other moves – including to Burnley and Leeds earlier this summer.

Getty Images SportAnother American to Belgium?

In June, it was reported that Belgian side Genk were monitoring RSL teenager Zavier Gozo. Yet speculation suggests that they aren't the only club who are watching the U.S. youth international, who scored at the weekend for Real Salt Lake against the New York Red Bulls.

Gozo, 18, has been a breakout star alongside Diego Luna in the first team, and is expected to compete for a spot at the U20 World Cup this September. 

“I don't really think about that," he said of a possible transfer. "I'm just focused on the season right now and getting as many wins as we can, making the playoffs. And then, you know, the offseason, we'll see."

Getty Images SportArfsten gives green light to Middlesbrough

The emerging wingback has been the subject of a transfer tug of war between Toulouse and Middlesbrough, but if reports out of England are to be believed, the Crew star has given a clear indication of his preference. 

The Northern Echo is reporting Arfsten wants to go with Boro and has asked for a transfer from Columbus. 

The sticking point remains price, as the English club's bid of $3 million was rejected by the MLS side – who insist they want to keep the 24-year-old until the end of the season.

If the deal goes through, it could be a promising for Arfsten, as manager Rob Edwards likes playing a system with attacking wingbacks, and currently features fellow USMNT midfielder Aidan Morris.