Monaco manager Adi Hutter revealed that Balogun has suffered a painful shoulder injury, leaving his spot in the U.S. squad uncertain

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Folarin Balogun exited Rennes win with injuryScored in the first half in 2-1 victoryWas named in Mauricio Pochettino's first U.S. rosterWHAT HAPPENED?

Balogun's game ended early on Saturday when the striker exited the contest in the second half with an apparent shoulder injury. He was pictured with his arm in a sling after the game.

The setback comes after a strong run of form for the USMNT striker in which he had found the net in three straight Ligue 1 games – while also offering key contributions in the Champions League.

AdvertisementWHAT HUTTER SAID

In a postgame press conference, Monaco manager Adi Hutter said Balogun may be facing a spell on the sidelines: "He has injured his shoulder and it was very painful. We will await the verdict of the tests."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Balogun's injury would seem to shake up the USMNT picture for the upcoming window. It could present opportunities for either Josh Sargent or Ricardo Pepi to get a look at the wide-open central striking role for Pochettino.

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR BALOGUN AND THE USMNT?

The extent of the forward's injury remains unclear. For Pochettino and the USMNT, though, the issues are mounting. Gio Reyna has suffered a setback in a muscle problem, while Tyler Adams will also miss the upcoming fixtures with Panama and Mexico.

Cricket Ireland has announced new coaching consultancy roles for William Porterfield, Ireland’s former captain across all formats, and Gary Wilson, the wicketkeeper-batsman who retired last week.Porterfield, 36, will combine his playing career with a job as consultant fielding coach, working with the men’s and women’s teams and the Ireland pathway system. He has also be named as Wilson’s assistant at the North West Warriors in Ireland’s interprovincial set-up.Recognised as one of Ireland’s best fielders, Porterfield’s last international appearance came in an ODI in January 2020, having stepped down from the captaincy a few months earlier.”I’m really excited about these two roles – both working within the national system and within the provincial system in the North West,” Porterfield said. “I had a bit of a taste of coaching with the Birmingham Bears last year, and am looking forward to working with some of Ireland’s most talented players – being able to pass on knowledge and experience from a coach’s perspective. It will be a bit different being a coach while still playing, but it’s going to be a great opportunity and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”The fielding role with Ireland is something I’m passionate about. I’ve prided myself on my fielding throughout my career, and tried to set high standards, so hopefully I’ll be able to help not only players from the senior men’s and women’s squads, but players from the under-age teams as well.”Related

• Ireland emphasise need for ICC funding and more context as Test drought continues

• Porterfield steps down as Ireland captain

• Dockrell, Porterfield, Rankin dropped for Afghanistan ODIs

• Gary Wilson retires to take up coaching role

Having called time on his professional career to take over as North West Warriors head coach and pathway manager, Wilson has also been given a consultant wicketkeeping role with Ireland, again working across men’s, women’s and age-group teams.Wilson said: “I’m thrilled to be able to support keepers up and down the Irish pathway in this new role. It’s a great opportunity to get back involved in the international set-up so soon after retirement, and it’s a role I’m looking forward to massively.”When I was initially discussing the scope of the role, what I really felt added to it was the ability to share my knowledge and experience with the keepers within the women’s game. Ed [Joyce] has been doing such a fantastic job as head coach, and I’m delighted to be able to work with him on bringing on the senior and emerging talent that we have here in Ireland.”Richard Holdsworth, Cricket Ireland’s high performance director, added: “I’m delighted that we have not only appointed these two roles we have long sought, but to have appointed two world-class players like William and Gary represents a real win for Irish cricket and the players in our performance system.”For any young player to be able to access and learn from two of the best players Ireland has produced is an immense opportunity. I know both William and Gary have a passion for Irish cricket and are keen to help develop and improve Irish cricketers at all levels. I wish them well, but know they need no additional motivation – they are two of the most self-motivated people I have worked with and I look forward to seeing their work in this new capacity.”

Could you name a signing from the Mike Ashley era who would grace the top-five list of Newcastle United’s finest additions of the past 18 years?

Fabricio Coloccini, Yohan Cabaye, the late Cheick Tiote, Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse would all stake compelling claims. Spilling into the Eddie Howe era at St. James’ Park are Jacob Murphy and Fabian Schar, and their cases are strong too.

Howe’s Most-used Players at Newcastle
Rank	Player	Apps
1	Bruno Guimaraes	164
2	Fabian Schar	160
3	Dan Burn	159
4	Jacob Murphy	145
5	Joelinton	139
Data via Transfermarkt

Fine players all, but Newcastle have ascended to higher ground over the past four years. Murphy and Schar are industrious and efficient parts of the Toon system, but neither is the cream of the crop.

Let’s have a look at those glittering arrivals of recent years. The difference-makers. The trophy winners. The go-getters.

There are a few who have bloomed into players of the highest class.

Howe's best Newcastle signings

Newcastle were weak, but now they are strong. Once rudderless under Ashley’s tyrannical reign, the Toon charted a new course upon that PIF takeover, and they haven’t looked back.

Time and time again, Howe and his team have got it right. Take Anthony Gordon. The England international suffered his share of flak upon joining from Everton, but he’s gone from strength to strength and has seen interest rebuffed from the likes of Liverpool, who were not put off by the 24-year-old’s £100m valuation in 2024.

Gordon is not alone, and potentially even overshadowed by the skipper, Bruno Guimaraes. In amongst the action from the get-go, the Brazilian has been a pillar of strength in the middle of the park, effortlessly good.

One of Guimaraes’ finest qualities is that he bleeds black and white. Forget the peerless technical quality, cast out the steely tenacity, here is a man who loves the club and has channelled his passion toward illustrious success.

There are many more besides still plying their trade in a Newcastle shirt, but these are likely the superstars.

We must mention Alexander Isak, who was arguably the best striker in the Premier League last season, scoring 27 goals. He left in inflamed circumstances and will never again be the flavour of the month on Tyneside.

But Newcastle banked a British-record fee of £125m for the Sweden striker, and given his success at the outfit and the way in which Howe and co have turned those moneybags back to the transfer market is an interesting thing, with one new recruit in particular shaping up to be one of the best signings of the PIF era.

Newcastle star may be the best of the PIF era

Sometimes, you can just tell. And in the case of Nick Woltemade, you can just tell that Newcastle have landed themselves one of the most talented forwards in Europe.

Hailed by reporter Andy Sixsmith for his “mesmerising” link-up play, the German striker may not have chalked his name onto the scoresheet when Newcastle defeated Benfica this week, but his overall play was a thing to behold and evidence that he doesn’t need goals to put in show-stopping performances.

Of course, the goals are nice, and with five from eight matches for his new club this season. He’s only missed three big chances for the club, clinical and precise, and there’s a willingness to drop deep and weave play together, threading the fabric of Howe’s side like a seamster.

This might seem like big praise, but the big man is a big talent, and Newcastle must feel they have got bang for their buck.

It is… telling that Howe’s attacking composition looks like it’s going to stabilise and provide the fans with plenty more joy in the final third in spite of the loss of Isak, such a devastating frontman.

Isak left for a staggering sum, and Newcastle have replaced him with Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, currently sidelined with a knee injury but sure to be a confident goalscorer when he makes his bow. Now United are making headway once again; now they are demonstrating signs of attacking qualities which could evolve into something new and in line with the lofty ambitions.

While Woltemade arrived from Stuttgart this summer for a £69m fee, breaking that previous record price, he is demonstrating that Newcastle are receiving bang for their buck. It is unlikely the goals will dry up and Newcastle will become parched at number nine, should they continue to make creative gains, piecing back together the full fluency of Howe’s team.

The underlying data tells much of his potential. Thanks to FBref’s data, we can show that Woltemade ranks among the top 5% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 15% for progressive passes and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90.

He is, plainly, rather good, and will only get better as he matures and develops within the English game.

It is too early to claim with any conviction that Woltemade has been the definitive best signing of the PIF era at St. James’ Park.

The likes of Gordon and Guimaraes, after all, have played instrumental roles in the ascension of Howe’s project, leading the club twice into the Champions League and winning the Carabao Cup last season.

We cannot definitively call Woltemade the best signing of this new Newcastle chapter, but we can extrapolate from the early readings in black and white and say, confidently, that this is a special striker, and he’s gearing up for more and more success.

Newcastle superstar is starting to emulate Shearer & it's not Woltemade

Newcastle thrashed Benfica at St. James’ Park in the Champions League.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 22, 2025

da betsul： Are Tottenham Hotspur finding their feet under Thomas Frank’s stewardship?

da brwin： Certainly, we have seen green shoots in recent matches. After that dismal home defeat to Fulham at the end of November, Spurs battled to a 2-2 draw at St. James’ Park before beating Brentford in the Premier League and Slavia Prague in the Champions League.

Two clean sheets from two games, but Tottenham still could do with reinforcements in the rearguard. Namely, ENIC Group are planning to help Frank piece together a lasting project with a new left-back.

Destiny Udogie picked up a hamstring injury against Newcastle United and will be out until the New Year. But the Italian defender has been out of sorts this season anyway, and Tottenham are ready to take action.

Spurs' search for a left-back

Udogie quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous up-and-coming full-backs in Europe after joining Tottenham from Hellas Verona. Better known for his time on loan with Udinese across multiple years, the Italian was hailed as “the best left-back” in the country by Clinton Morrison on BBC Sport a few months into his arrival under Ange Postecoglou’s wing.

However, Udogie’s persistent injury issues have stunted his growth, and the 23-year-old has been told he “needs to wake up” by one coach this term, lacking awareness and dynamism. With Ben Davies getting on – and rarely getting off the bench – competition is needed, especially with the Lilywhites making headway in the Champions League.

That’s why Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange are circling in on Eintracht Frankfurt star Nathaniel Brown, with TEAMtalk revealing that the 22-year-old German international is on Tottenham’s wishlist ahead of the winter window.

A versatile wideman with no qualms about playing further upfield, Brown would add depth and new dimensions to Frank’s team, though this is a sentiment shared with rivals, Arsenal and Manchester United also among the suitors named.

He would cost upwards of £50m, but Brown has the potential to become one of the best in the business, and he would slot right into Frank’s set-up.

What Brown would bring to Spurs

Brown, a German-born player with American heritage, boasts blistering pace and a desire to progress play whenever he can. However, he is also defensively sound, mixing between duties seamlessly.

As per FBref, Brown ranks among the top 9% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists and the top 3% for tackles per 90, underlining his dynamism and ability to mix defence with attack.

In this, he has something of a likeness to Udogie, the finest iteration of the Italy star, and while Spurs’ talented wide defender has fallen by the wayside of late, his profile remains tailor-made for a starring role in one of Europe’s top outfits.

Brown, moreover, is on an upward trajectory, with analyst Spencer Mossman claiming earlier in 2025 that he is “one-two years away from being the most coveted left back” in the world. Already, several of the Premier League’s biggest sides want to bring him over, suggesting that he is indeed ahead of that prediction already.

Frankfurt has a rather porous defence this season, and that is a concern, but Brown is one of the standouts, showcasing an impressive mix of qualities. Furthermore, he rode the crest of a wave into the current campaign, having played so well in the Bundesliga last year.

League Stats 25/26: Destiny Udogie vs Nathaniel Brown

Match Stats* (per 90)

Udogie

Brown

Matches (starts)

10 (6_

6 (6)

Goals

0

1

Assists

1

2

Touches*

47.5

47.8

Accurate passes*

26.8 (85%)

25.7 (84%)

Chances created*

0.7

1.0

Succ. dribbles*

0.3 (27%)

0.5 (38%)

Recoveries*

3.8

3.4

Tackles + interceptions*

1.5

3.1

Clearances*

1.1

1.2

Duels (won)*

2.9 (46%)

3.8 (51%)

Data via Sofascore

As we can see from the respective left-backs’ Champions League campaigns, Brown is enjoying greater success, with his staggering duel success rate something to note.

Last season, talent scout Jacek Kulig said Brown is “moving to another level”, so perhaps it is the right time for him to take the leap of faith over the channel and down N17 to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

What Tottenham decide to do remains to be seen, but Frank needs a few more instruments in his tactical toolbox, and Brown could mark his crowning signing as improvements start to reveal themselves.

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MatériaMais Notícias

da aviator aposta： O São Paulo, além de estar no mercado buscando jogadores para reforçar a equipe, também sabe que precisará vender atletas para melhorar o fluxo de caixa e ter recursos para ajudar a saúde financeira da equipe, que vê a dívida crescer para perto dos R$ 700 milhões.

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da cassino online： Uma das apostas da diretoria do Tricolor é a negociação de jogadores revelados na base. Em 2021, muitos deles foram titulares da equipe como Luan, Rodrigo Nestor, Liziero, Gabriel Sara e Igor Gomes. Outros disputaram posição e tiveram chances como o lateral-esquerdo Welington.

A maioria desses jovens atletas têm um fator em comum: os contratos longos com o São Paulo. Esta temporada foi marcada por renovações dos vínculos.Sara foi o último a renovar o contrato, assinando a renovação em outubro. Antes, o acordo do São Paulo com o meia ia até abril de 2024, mas foi renovado até dezembro do mesmo ano.

VEJA A TABELA DO CAMPEONATO PAULISTA 2022!

O primeiro desse grupo a estender o vínculo foi o volante Luan, que em março, assinou a renovação até dezembro de 2023. Antes, seu contrato iria até dezembro de 2022. No mês seguinte, foi a vez de Rodrigo Nestor ampliar seu acordo após uma longa novela. O camisa 25 renovou de novembro de 2021 para o final de 2024.

Pouco depois, em junho, o lateral-esquerdo Welington renovou o contrato, que ia até outubro de 2023 para dezembro de 2024. Antes de Sara, o último a renovar foi Talles Costa, que em julho, renovou de junho de 2022 para dezembro de 2024.

Planejamento e valorização dos jogadores
Com essas renovações, a diretoria do São Paulo vem seguindo com o planejamento de contratos longos com os jovens da base. Isso pode dar mais ‘poder’ ao Tricolor em futuras negociações, já que o clube não ficaria ‘preso’ a uma venda rápida devido ao prazo de um pré-contrato, por exemplo.

Sendo assim, teoricamente, um clube de fora do país teria mais dificuldades em contratar um jovem da base são-paulina. Caso queira, terá que desembolsar um valor próximo ao desejado pela diretoria do Tricolor.

VEJA A DURAÇÃO DOS CONTRATOS DOS JOVENS REVELADOS NA BASE DO SÃO PAULO
Liziero (volante) – 31/01/2024
​Gabriel Sara (meia) – 31/12/2024
Rodrigo Nestor (meia) – 31/12/2024
Talles Costa (meia) – 31/12/2024
​Welington (lateral-esquerdo) – 31/12/2024
Luan (volante) – 31/12/2023
Igor Gomes (meia) – 30/03/2023

خاض لاعبو فريق الكرة بـ الأهلى تدريباتهم الجماعية اليوم الجمعة، ضمن استعدادات الأحمر لمواجهة غزل المحلة ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة عشر من الدوري المصري.

ويلتقي الأهلي أمام غزل المحلة مساء الثلاثاء المقبل، في إطار لقاءات الجولة الثالثة عشر من الدوري المصري.

وكان الفريق قد نجح في تحقيق الفوز على حساب بتروجت بهدفين مقابل هدف في اللقاء الذي جمع الفريقين مساء أمس على استاد السلام ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري، على ملعب السلام.

وشهد مران الأهلي، اليوم الجمعة، مشاركة المدافع المغربي أشرف داري، في التدريبات الجماعية، بعد التعافي من الإصابة التي تعرض لها مؤخرا.

ماذا قال أرسين فينجر عن مشاركة الأهلي في كأس العالم للأندية ومواجهة إنتر ميامي؟

واجتاز أشرف داري برنامج العلاج الطبيعي ومرحلة التأهيل البدني، قبل أن يخضع لفحص طبي؛ للتأكد من تعافيه تماما قبل المشاركة في المران، والعودة للظهور مرة أخرى مع الأهلي في المباريات.

وشارك أشرف بن شرقي، لاعب الأهلي في التدريبات الجماعية تدريجيًا، بعد تعافيه تماما من الإصابة، وبعد اجتياز برنامج التأهيل.

وانضم أشرف بن شرقي إلى صفوف الأهلي في صفقة انتقال حر خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية الجارية، قادمًا من صفوف الريان القطري.

ورفع الأهلي رصيده إلى 26 نقطة، بعد الفوز على بتروجيت، في مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز، جمعهم من 12 مباراة حيث حقق الفوز 7 لقاءات وتعادل في 5 دون أي خسارة.

Arsenal are a little bit good, aren’t they? Heading towards the final weekend of November, Mikel Arteta’s charges sit at the top of the Premier League.

Not just in cracking form domestically, defeating rivals Spurs 4-1 last Sunday, they are also more than up to the task in Europe.

Following five match weeks in the Champions League this season, they are top of the table there as well and they are the only team with a 100% record left in the competition.

Their recent win was perhaps one of their most special of the Arteta era. Arsenal dispatched Bayern Munich, unbeaten Bayern this season, winning 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium.

But, how did they do it?

Arsenal's squad depth reigns supreme against Bayern

What was made all the more impressive about Arsenal’s win against Vincent Kompany’s men was the fact that the Gunners were not at full strength.

No Gabriel? No problem. Jurrien Timber will score from a corner instead. No recognised number 9? Fear not, Mikel Merino will knit things together.

No Martin Odegaard? Well, Eberechi Eze will keep things ticking over. After scoring a stunning hat-trick against Spurs, he registered an assist on Wednesday evening.

No Bukayo Saka? Well, that doesn’t appear to be a problem now either. Saka did start the game but was not at his best against the German giants and while he was still dangerous with his actions, it was the winger’s substitution just after the hour mark that tipped things in Arsenal’s favour.

The first half had been pretty even but the second period was all in favour of the hosts and they really came to the fore once Saka was subbed. In previous seasons, Arteta would rarely dare to take the club’s talisman off but Andrea Berta’s work in the summer transfer window has ensured that we no longer need to worry about that.

Saka went off and before you knew it, Noni Madueke was firing home at the back stick to make it 2-1. The goal had been created by another sub, Riccardo Calafiori, who galloped down the left-hand side like a prize race horse and swung in an inch-perfect delivery.

The third and final goal was tucked home by another substitute in the form of Gabriel Martinelli. Eze clipped a ball over the top and the Brazilian was left with an easy finish after he knocked the ball past an onrushing Manuel Neuer, who did not cover himself in glory at all.

So, it was a win for Arsenal and a win for Berta who fought tooth and nail to spend a shedload on improving the club’s depth. That work could well be decisive as they aim to win both the Premier League and Champions League.

That said, it wasn’t a positive night for everyone in red and white.

Arsenal's biggest concern after Bayern

Seeing Leandro Trossard, a man in the form of his career right now, limp off with an injury in the first half wasn’t ideal but ultimately the quality of Arsenal’s depth shone through. Madueke and Martinelli came on to get Arsenal over the line.

Equally, Calafiori came on and gave Arsenal far more than a certain Myles Lewis-Skelly had given during his 68 minutes on the field.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

For supporters, there have been concerns about the form and minutes of the teenager this season. Last term, he burst onto the scene in incredible fashion.

With Calafiori out injured, Lewis-Skelly was the main man at left-back and as a consequence, he became a regular in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad. He even scored on his debut for the Three Lions.

There was that goal and that celebration against Manchester City too. He was nominated for PFA Young Player of the Season as well.

Yet, 2025/26 has been more difficult for Lewis-Skelly. The 18-year-old featured in the first couple of England camps but was told during the November break by Tuchel that he simply needed to be starting more games. Fair enough, right?

He was not dismissing the fact that Lewis-Skelly is a good player, but you simply aren’t going to make it in a World Cup squad if you aren’t playing football.

There have still been some positive performances from the Hale Ender this term. There was that stunning assist for Martinelli’s goal against Atletico Madrid in the earlier stages of the Champions League. It was a piece of play that showcased exactly what he’s all about.

Yet, against Bayern, we saw a player lacking in first-team minutes and ultimately a player lacking in confidence.

Minutes played

68

Touches

25

Accurate passes

7/12 (58%)

Key passes

0

Accurate crosses

0/1

Dribbles

0

Shots

0

Duels won

3/11

Recoveries

2

Tackles

1

Lewis-Skelly’s night wasn’t disastrous but he did endure a more challenging evening than his teammates. The England international was caught out by a brilliant ball in behind from Joshua Kimmich that led to Bayern’s equaliser.

Former Gunner, Serge Gnabry, got in behind the youngster and then laid the ball on a plate for 17-year-old Lennart Karl to score. In a battle of the teenagers, it was the German who triumphed on this occasion.

Lewis-Skelly spent most of the night rather uncomfortable with The Standard handing the full-back a 5/10 match rating, having endured a ‘tough evening against Michael Olise’.

In fairness, few will enjoy a comfortable night against a player of Olise’s calibre but Calafiori’s influence off the bench only served to show why Arteta has preferred the Italian this season.

Lewis-Skelly’s night was made all the worse by his lack of impact in possession. Usually an area that’s so impressive in his game, he had fewer touches of the ball (25) than David Raya (45) while he only completed seven passes. Only 33% of his passes in the opposition half were accurate.

So, this was a rare off night for a kid usually so captivating and so full of energy. He struggled. So what? Yet, he will have to improve if he wants to earn more regular minutes. For now, expect Calafiori to come back into the starting lineup for Chelsea at the weekend.

Arteta now has an even better duo than Gabriel & Saliba at Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has created an Arsenal team full of incredible partnerships, including one better than Saliba & Gabriel.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 27, 2025

Bangladesh’s 2-0 win in Pakistan is their third overseas series triumph, and their most significant one

Sampath Bandarupalli03-Sep-20243 Test series wins for Bangladesh away from home, including the 2-0 victory in Pakistan. Their previous overseas triumphs were a 2-0 win in West Indies in 2009 and a one-off Test victory in Zimbabwe in 2021.10 Consecutive Test matches at home without a win for Pakistan. This has happened only once before to Pakistan, when they went 11 home Tests without a win between 1969 and 1975.Only two other teams have had longer winless streaks at home in the last 25 years: Zimbabwe haven’t won any of their 14 home Tests since 2013, while Bangladesh were winless in 27 Tests at home between 2005 and 2014 and also did not win any of their first 15 home Tests between 2000 and 2004.1 Previous instances of Pakistan losing all matches in a home Test series, when England won 3-0 in December 2022.4 Instances of Pakistan losing a Test at home despite taking a first-innings lead batting first, including the second Rawalpindi Test against Bangladesh where they took a 12-run lead. The previous time this happened was in 2000, when they lost to England in Karachi despite a 17-run lead in the first innings.10 Wickets that fell to pace in Pakistan’s second innings, the first time that Bangladesh’s fast bowlers took all ten wickets in a Test innings.Bangladesh’s quicks took 14 wickets in the second Test, equalling the most by their fast bowlers in a Test match. Bangladesh pacers had also taken 14 wickets against Afghanistan in Mirpur last year.21 Runs scored by Bangladesh’s top six in the first innings – the second-lowest aggregate by a team’s top six in their first innings of a Test that they went on to win. The lowest is 17 by England’s top six in the first innings against Australia in 1887.5 Pakistan have lost all five Test matches under Shan Masood’s captaincy so far – the worst start for a Pakistan captain. Masood is one of eight captains to lose their first five Tests. Four of the previous seven were from Bangladesh – Khaled Mashud (12), Khaled Mahmud (9), Mohammad Ashraful (8) and Naimur Rahman (5), while Zimbabwe’s Graeme Cremer (6), New Zealand’s Ken Rutherford (5) and West Indies’ Kraigg Brathwaite (5) are the other three.

Ben Foakes comes in for resting Jos Buttler, coach mulls bowling options

George Dobell10-Feb-2021Chris Silverwood believes there will be no “weakening” of the England team even if he decides to make several changes to it ahead of the second Test against India.England won the first Test of the series by 227 runs but, with only three full days between games, the team management have suggested they will use a rest and rotation policy to keep players – especially bowlers – as fit and fresh as possible.One change is certain. With Jos Buttler, who has enjoyed an impressive few weeks in Sri Lanka and India, given a couple of weeks to rest at home, Ben Foakes will take the gloves for the first time in two years.Related

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England's victory in India – Pretty much the perfect performance

Phlegmatic Ben Foakes prepared for Test recall after two years on the sidelines

It is also possible England will recall Stuart Broad in the place of James Anderson and Olly Stone in the place of Jofra Archer. There might also be discussion over recalling Moeen Ali in place of Dom Bess, who experienced a match of great highs and lows.While leaving out a player as celebrated as Anderson might appear controversial, Silverwood insists he will not be afraid to make such a decision with a view to ensuring his players remain at their best for the entire series and the many challenges that lie beyond it.”I’m not reluctant to change a winning team if it’s the best thing to do for the players and the team and the longevity of it,” Silverwood said. “You run the risk of the result being different, but you could play the same team and the result would be different because we know India will come back hard.”It is hard to leave a player like Anderson out; he is a class act. But Stuart Broad didn’t play in the last game and we’ve many bowlers here who we could play at any given point.”But no, I’m not reluctant to change the team because I think it’s the best thing for us to do over a long period.”I don’t see it as weakening; I see it as an opportunity for people to come in and show what they can do.”England utilised the rotation policy in Sri Lanka. Anderson and Broad both played one Test each and, at the end of the trip, Sam Curran and Mark Wood, who had played in both Tests, were sent home for a rest. They were replaced by Ben Stokes and Archer, who had been rested for the Sri Lankan leg of the trip.While such policies might have been controversial a decade ago, there appears to be a growing appreciation of England’s schedule and the tough physical conditions in which many of these games are played. They are due to play 17 Tests this year with a T20 World Cup and limited-overs tours to Bangladesh and Pakistan to consider, too.While Buttler’s keeping has been excellent on this tour, Foakes should prove an able deputy. He was player of the series when England won in Sri Lanka at the end of 2018 and, as well as being considered the best gloveman in England, has a higher Test (41.50) and first-class (38.78) batting average than Buttler (34.53 and 33.38 respectively).Broad (who conceded 1.33 runs per over and claimed his three wickets at a cost of 11.33 apiece) and Anderson (1.48 and six at 7.66 respectively) were both successful in Sri Lanka, with both having accepted the advantages of rest and rotation as they seek to extend their careers. Mitchell Starc, by comparison, played throughout Australia’s recent series against India and saw his figures deteriorate.Still, while rotating them worked in Sri Lanka and looks set to be tried again here, Silverwood has not ruled out combining them as some stage. With the third Test of the series being played with a pink ball and under lights, that could provide the opportunity.”Has it crossed my mind? Yes: they are both class acts,” Silverwood said. “There is potential to do that.”Things are working at the moment and we do have to look after our players, but I just feel very lucky I have an abundance of talent that means we can do this.”James Anderson helped seal England’s first-Test win against India•BCCISilverwood also agreed that, such is Anderson’s dedication to his fitness, he could play on into his 40s.”Could he play into his 40s? It’s his choice,” Silverwood said. “He is in the best shape of his life. He has worked extremely hard on his fitness and is in great shape and bowling beautifully. As long as he is fit and strong and healthy and wants to play he throws his hat in the ring.”We have a very good science and medical team. I feel very lucky to have the staff I have working in that department. But Jimmy is a shining light. He is the best form of his life from a physical point of view and that is reflected in his bowling.”

Middlesbrough have made a manager with “an impressive CV” a top target to replace Rob Edwards, and it would be a “significant coup” if they can get a deal done.

Edwards confirmed as Wolves boss as Middlesbrough receive £3m

Wolves confirmed the appointment of Rob Edwards as their new head coach on a three-and-a-half year deal on Wednesday.

The 42-year-old left the Riverside and agreed a contract until 2029 with Wanderers after they sacked Vitor Pereira earlier this month. It is reported Boro will receive around £3million in compensation after Edwards only joined them in June on a three-year contract.

Edwards, who managed Luton in the Premier League, begins a fourth spell at Wolves after making 111 appearances as a player as well as enjoying time as a coach and interim boss. He will be joined by assistant head coach Harry Watling after the pair worked together at Middlesbrough, with the rest of his backroom staff to be confirmed in the near future.

Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said: “I know Rob very well and I have seen his growth in different jobs. He’s a very good person, he knows the club very well, he knows the city, the fans and he is very talented.

“When he was a youth coach here, he showed his tactical awareness, but after he took first-team jobs he started to grow his own identity, character and leadership.

“We need to refresh the whole club with a new coach’s philosophy, bringing his own identity and ideas, and we can build on that. We are at a new chapter for the club and Rob will be a key piece of that.”

For Boro, it is now about finding a swift replacement as they aim to continue their Championship promotion push without Edwards.

Middlesbrough make Steven Gerrard a top manager target

As reported by Rousing the Kop and journalist Graeme Bailey, Steven Gerrard is among the top targets for Middlesbrough to replace Edwards.

Steve Gibson is a long-term admirer of the former Rangers and Aston Villa boss, who is out of work after leaving Al-Ettifaq in January.

Gerrard almost returned to Ibrox last month and is open to a return to the dugout, with a move to the Riverside something that could appeal to him.

Gerrard has never managed in the Championship, with his most successful period as a manager coming in Scotland, winning the league title with Rangers.

Club

Games

Points per game

Rangers

192

2.15

Aston Villa

40

1.18

Al-Ettifaq

55

1.33

The 45-year-old primarily plays an attacking 4-3-3 system and is closing in on 300 games as a manager. Could that benchmark come at the Riverside?