Newcastle United's home St. James' Park is the favourite to host the inaugural Over-35s World Cup.

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St. James' could host Over-35s World CupEight teams to take part in the inaugural editionCould be held in the first week of JuneWHAT HAPPENED?

The first-ever edition of the Over-35s World Cup is all set to be held in England in June with Newcastle United's home ground St. James' Park likely to host the matches, according to the Daily Mail. The Elite Player Group, who are organising the tournament, recently met representatives of the Magpies and the local council of Newcastle city.

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The tournament is all set to feature eight teams – England, Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Uruguay – all past champions of the FIFA World Cup. Players who are aged 35 or above capped by their country or with 100 top-flight appearances are eligible to participate in the competition.

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All eight teams have already revealed their respective captains for the tournament. The leaders will be Steve McManaman (England), Esteban Cambiasso (Argentina), Emerson (Brazil), Christian Karembeu (France), Kevin Kuranyi (Germany), Marco Materazzi (Italy), Michel Salgado (Spain) and Diego Lugano (Uruguay). Full 18-man final squads will be announced soon.

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While the dates of the competition are yet to be finalised, the tournament could be tentatively hosted in the first week of June with the final taking place on June 11 or June 12.

Alyssa Naeher was the undoubted hero for the USWNT in their W Gold Cup penalty shootout win over Canada, as she saved three and scored one herself.

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• Thrilling contest went all the way
• Crazy conditions in California
• Veteran keeper made the difference

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Chicago Red Stars custodian, who has become an international centurion after reaching 100 caps, appeared to have suffered spot-kick agony at the end of an epic encounter that saw Adriana Leon snatch a 127th-minute equaliser in a thrilling 2-2 draw.

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  Conditions at Snapdragon Stadium in California made life difficult for both sides, with torrential rain making the pitch almost unplayable. That worked in favour of the USWNT at times, especially when Jaedyn Shaw was assisted by a puddle when opening the scoring, but the game would ultimately be settled by a battle of nerves from 12 yards.

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  Naeher held hers to keep out three of Canada’s efforts – with Leon, Jordyn Huitema and Jessie Fleming all being repelled. Naeher even got in on the penalty-scoring act, as she calmly fired the USWNT’s third penalty low into the bottom corner.

Newcastle United will travel to Bramall Lane on Sunday to face Sheffield United in the Premier League before welcoming Burnley to Tyneside the following weekend.

Forthcoming fixtures against newly-promoted opposition; a chance – with victory clinched against Brentford last time out – to put together a three-match winning streak to fully restore the feel-good factor on Tyneside after a challenging start to the campaign that left Eddie Howe's side nursing three successive defeats after a 5-1 win over Aston Villa hinted at such promise.

That's not to say the Magpies are in the mud, far from it. A minor blip does not erase the remarkable feats of the past 18 months or so, with Howe lifting the club away from relegation danger and now fighting for silver-laden success, having defied expectations with a top-four finish last term, despite the lucrative PIF club takeover.

AC Milan presented United with their first continental test of the season, with the Premier League outfit emerging from the San Siro with a point to start off their group phase.

It was an impressive result, all things considered, but the performance itself left little to be admired from an attacking standpoint, with £63m club-record signing Alexander Isak flattering to deceive.

How did Alexander Isak play against AC Milan?

Newcastle, frankly, got battered for large portions of the affair in Italy earlier this week. Despite demonstrating their quality on the ball and definitely proving to be the more energetic and high-octane team, Milan unleashed 25 shots on Nick Pope's goal compared to just six strikes from Howe's men.

Isak led the line for all of 89 minutes but was not among those to test Mike Maignan between the sticks, nullified by a resolute and solid home defence, who left him "knackered" by the time of his withdrawal, according to presenter Kev Lawson.

Isak game vs AC Milan by numbers

Statistic (Sofascore)

Match score

6.5

Goals

0

Assists

0

Total shots taken

0

Key passes

1

Pass completion

89% (17/19)

Dribble success rate

20% (1/5)

Duels won

42% (5/12)

As clearly delineated by the 24-year-old's listed metrics on the night, he endured a forgettable affair and found very little success, effectively marshalled.

While he did drop deep and look to influence the play from the centre of the pitch, he failed to do anything of note with his possession – which is why his pass success rate, which looks impressive on face value, actually doesn't work in his favour given that he failed to carry the ball into positive openings and didn't strike on goal himself.

Should Eddie Howe start Alexander Isak?

Isak was impressive last season and tantalised a future of prolific success on Tyneside, and that's despite suffering an injury-hit campaign.

Indeed, the £120k-per-week phenom posted ten goals and two assists in the Premier League despite only starting 17 times, heralded for his "complete" attacking abilities by former Willem II coach Adrie Koster.

Blighted by issues that sidelined him for 16 matches, the 6 foot 3 machine looks to have found his full fitness this season, and while he scored twice on the opening day of the term, against Unai Emery's Villa, he has yet to net again, starting four times since.

Undoubtedly, the goals will come sooner rather than later, but it might be wise for Howe to remove him from the starting line-up and offer someone else a chance to impress.

The same could be said for £55m summer signing Sandro Tonali, with the Italian midfielder – who was signed from AC Milan – "struggling to impact" the contest against his former side in the Champions League, according to Craig Hope.

A talented playmaker – who ranks among the top 12% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for assists per 90 – he has not quite hit the ground running despite scoring on his debut, and might also receive a relegation to the bench in the short-term.

Who could replace Alexander Isak?

Clearly, if Isak doesn't start as Newcastle's focal point up top then there is only one man tailor-made to lead the line and do so with a flourish.

Callum Wilson has been superb since joining Newcastle from Bournemouth for £20m in the summer of 2020, scoring 41 goals and supplying ten assists from just 81 matches since his arrival.

Last season, he scored no less than 18 goals from just 21 starting appearances in the Premier League, also registering five assists and earning praise for his "clinical edge" by editor Andrew Musgrove.

And after bagging three times in the Premier League already this term – despite only starting the recent win over Brentford, where his penalty proved decisive – the 31-year-old does indeed appear to have that sharpness to propel the Toon back into form.

As per FBref, Wilson – who just recently signed a contract extension with the St. James' Park side – ranks among the top 6% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals and the top 9% for assists per 90.

When comparing that with Isak, who ranks among the top 25% of forwards for goals and the bottom 21% for assists per 90, it's clear to see who offers the more clinical attacking edge.

Of course, the Swede is far more dynamic and boasts a higher ceiling, not just because of his youth but the range of his talents – also ranking among the top 16% for progressive passes, the top 11% for progressive carries and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90.

But given that Wilson has yet to receive successive starts in the Premier League this season and boasts an impressive record against both Burnley and the Blades – with eight goals and an assist from 16 matches against the two teams combined – Howe might be wise to offer him a shot as the star man up front.

Isak might be a formidable force but he has not quite clicked into gear this season, and with Wilson possessing that Midas touch in attack under Howe's stewardship, he must be provided with a starting berth going forward.

Nottinghamshire 210 and 37 for 1 trail Surrey 592 (Burns 153, Clarke 111, S Curran 70) by 325 runs
ScorecardFor an hour or so during the morning session, Nottinghamshire seemed to have it in them to put behind them their dismal showing on the opening day and battle their way back into this match. With Stuart Broad and Luke Fletcher at last able to apply sustained pressure, Surrey lost four wickets for 62 and their dominance looked at risk for the first time.In the end, though, it was an effort Nottinghamshire could not sustain as Surrey, with a relentlessness to match the heat of the afternoon, simply reimposed their superiority.Rory Burns consolidated his position as the Championship’s leading run-scorer with a superb 153, the rejuvenated Rikki Clarke made his first Championship hundred for six years, and with Morne Morkel and Jade Dernbach responding to Sam Curran’s 10 fours and a six by inflicting further pain on a wilting Nottinghamshire attack, Surrey comfortably exceeded the largest total of the season.Three Nottinghamshire bowlers went for 100 or more runs, the left-armer Harry Gurney conceding 119 off just 16 overs. He did claim the wicket of Ollie Pope, thus restricting the second-most prolific batsman in the Championship to only 30 runs, but his excitement as Pope carelessly flailed at a wide one to give him his 300th first-class wicket passed quickly. Collectively, the home attack did not help themselves by handing Surrey 30 runs in no-balls.Fletcher was the worst offender in that respect, overstepping six times, although by all other measures he was Nottinghamshire’s best bowler, going for only a little more than three an over when the collective went at almost six. He tested Burns time and again during that opening session to the extent that the Surrey captain not only had to draw deeply on his skill and patience but also needed a bit of luck as the ball several times almost found the edge of his bat. When Fletcher did get his reward, as Scott Borthwick nicked one, it was the most deserved wicket of the day.Burns, 97 overnight, needed 26 deliveries to complete his hundred, at last pushing one firmly towards the vacant long-off boundary off Broad and running three. It had been the most challenging passage of his innings by far.Broad, playing in this match to measure his fitness and sharpness ahead of the first Test against India, bowled with pace and hostility and picked up wickets in consecutive overs. Aaron Finch helpfully chipped straight to mid-on but Broad then produced a ball that was too good for Ben Foakes, taken at first slip at the second attempt by Riki Wessels.After Pope’s moment of instantly regretted rashness, Surrey were 297 for 5, their lead healthy at 77 runs but not yet grounds for thinking the match was in the bag.Rory Burns acknowledges his third hundred of the season•Getty Images

Burns moved to 153 by sweeping Samit Patel for his 23rd four soon after lunch but the sense that Nottinghamshire were not quite out of it returned with the next ball, when the left-arm spinner hurried one through and the Surrey captain, taken by surprise, edged it to slip. The feeling did not last. The fall of Burns merely introduced Clarke, a man of 16 first-class hundreds, one on this ground, coming in at No. 8. He was into his stride quickly, collecting five boundaries from his first 20 balls.He and Curran added 125 in 26 overs before the latter, whose 70 from 101 balls was a solidly accomplished effort, was leg before on the back foot to Patel. Clarke’s century, his first since his unbeaten 110 against Sussex for Warwickshire in July 2012, was one of joy and adventure, completed when he pulled Jake Ball behind square for his 19th four.For the second day running, there was a unexpected postscript as Billy Root, whose offspin has been employed in only six first-class matches so far, took three wickets for the second time, his first when Clarke’s attempt at a reverse-sweep went horribly wrong.Nottinghamshire faced 16 overs to the close. They lost Jake Libby, trapped in the crease when Morkel came up with a toe-crusher second ball, but young Will Fraine showed some bottle for the second time in the match to help skipper Steven Mullaney limit the damage. A lot more grit will be needed if this match is to need a fourth day.

The series was long-since won, but the most thrilling passage of play was left for the end as an incredible innings unfolded at Old Trafford

George Dobell at Old Trafford24-Jun-20182:03

Great to win games you might not deserve to – Buttler

Jos Buttler has been hailed as “the best white-ball wicketkeeper batsman in the world” in the aftermath of England’s dramatic victory at Old Trafford.Buttler helped England recover from an apparently hopeless position of 114 for 8 to secure a one-wicket victory and, with it, a first 5-0 whitewash over Australia in ODI cricket. He finished unbeaten on 110. Nobody else in the England side passed 20.He also completed a smart stumping to account for Shaun Marsh – pouncing when the batsman lifted his back foot for a moment – and running out Tim Paine with a wonderful direct hit from a lightening fast pick-up and throw.That left Australian captain – and fellow wicketkeeper batsman – Paine full of praise for Buttler and admitting his own side’s batsman could learn plenty from watching him.”He’s good; he’s very good,” Paine said of Buttler. “Right now, at the moment, he’d have to be the best white-ball wicket-keeper batsman in the world. I don’t think there’s too many guys to challenge him. MS Dhoni is pretty good, but right at this moment, Jos is at the absolute peak of his powers. He understands his one-day game so well and knows his strengths inside out and just doesn’t go away from him.”He’s someone for our batters to watch and see first hand. Those experiences are going to be really good for D’Arcy Short or Travis Head to see him and Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy at their best.”While Buttler has often provided example of his extravagant stroke-making ability in the past – he made a 46-ball century against Pakistan in 2015 – it was more his clear head and game awareness that impressed here. So while his 50 – which occupied 74 balls – was slower than four of his ODI centuries, it was so well-paced that he never allowed the run-rate to get out of control always seemed to be able to produce the shot required to release the pressure.He did make one miscalculation, however. Finally left with just Jake Ball – the only real tailender in the side – for company, Buttler told his new partner they would only run if they could be sure Buttler could get back on strike. “But then I smashed it to long-off,” Buttler said, “didn’t see the guy and just ran. It was a poor decision from me.”That left Ball to see out a nerve-wracking over from Ashton Agar – “He was fighting his instincts,” Buttler joked later, “I think he wanted to run down the pitch and smack it” – before Buttler, back on strike, was able to ease a Marcus Stoinis delivery to the cover boundary to seal the victory.”It was pure elation,” Buttler said of the moment that followed. “You’ll probably never match that. I knew I had to be there at the end. Then plucking it from nowhere with one wicket left when we didn’t really have the right to win the game… it was very enjoyable. Winning games when you didn’t deserve to, they’re almost the more enjoyable ones.”While accepting there were areas that needed attention in England’s batting display, in particular, England’s captain, Eoin Morgan felt the ability to win from an almost hopeless position would serve England well.”When he plays like that he creates a lot of belief in the changing room that rubs off,” Morgan said. “He’s used all his experience and he’s somehow managed to get us over the line. It’s outstanding.”Could anybody else in the side have done it? Probably not. But it shows the fight and the character we have in the locker when we need it.”

Tottenham Hotspur have been a side crying out for transparency from the top for years now, as their desire to see the questionable decisions explained has seldom been fed.

Led by chairman Daniel Levy, the 61-year-old has often been on the end of vicious criticism for a lack of spending, terrible managerial appointments, clueless player acquisitions and more, but his work on the financial side of things could rarely be faulted.

He has forged a fine business model with the foundation for huge successes in the near future, as a commercially viable outfit with the football to match of late.

So, what makes things even more positive is his replies at the club's recent Fan Forum, in which he answered openly about the transition from a progressive coach like Mauricio Pochettino to silverware-chasing legends like Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte:

"I want to win as much as anyone else. The frustration of not winning and the pressure from some players and a large part of the fanbase impacted me, it was a lot of pressure.

"We came so close with Poch and we changed strategy and hired win now managers, it didn’t work, wrong hires. So maybe it will take longer, maybe we need this strategy and that’s why I hired Ange."

To see Levy take responsibility marks a refreshing change for the supporters, who largely understood the decision, although it failed spectacularly. Now, with Ange Postecoglou at the helm, hopefully he has his head coach for the foreseeable future, ready to lead them towards trophies in a way that captures the imagination.

That's not to suggest that the chairman is completely exempt from criticisms of the past though, with one failed transfer pursuit in 2016 of Sadio Mane likely still haunting him and the current Chelsea manager given what could have been had they seen the deal through.

Did Spurs nearly sign Sadio Mane?

Speaking on the Athletic’s ‘The View From The Lane’ podcast, journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke noted: "The other forward they looked at in 2016 and they nearly got him I think, was Mane who has obviously turned out to be an unbelievably good footballer."

This was not the first suggestion that they had tried to sign the Senegalese superstar though, who would move to Liverpool for £34m, and has since joined Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr for a further £24m after a brief spell at Bayern Munich

The Times seeks to support such a notion, further outlining Levy's frugality by suggesting that Mane had even visited the club's training ground before the finances got in the way. At the time, Harry Kane remained their top earner on £100k-per-week, despite having just scored a whopping 25 goals in the Premier League the season before.

Unsurprisingly, the former Southampton forward wanted far more of an incentive to pick them over the Merseyside outfit, which Levy could not provide. An inability to find those funds pushed the dynamic winger into the arms of a rival, who went on to explode with the 31-year-old a key cog in Jurgen Klopp's side.

Was Sadio Mane better than Heung-min Son?

Given how Mane starred on the left flank, immediately this failed transfer venture brings up an argument over whether he would have been a more integral figure in north London than Heung-min Son has been.

After all, the South Korean had been signed just a year before the £650k-per-week week wizard joined the Reds, and has since enjoyed similar proficiency throughout his time in England that saw the two become rivals.

269

378

120

148

48

80

7.36 (2018/19)

7.50 (2021/22)

12

0

However, former Spurs favourite Robbie Keane sought to dispel the debate, boldly claiming: "For me, honestly, I think he is one of the best players we have ever seen in the Premier League. I don’t think he gets the respect that he should get."

That is not to suggest that Mane was not also on the receiving end of such praise, with Klopp having gone one further to say: "One of Liverpool’s greatest ever players is leaving and we must acknowledge how significant this is. He leaves with our gratitude and our love. He leaves with his status among the greats guaranteed. And, yes, he leaves in a moment where he is one of the best players in world football."

Writer DaveOCKOP would back this statement up too: "A true legend of Liverpool FC, he gave his all for the club."

It is true that Mane became a hero at Anfield, with his exploits helping them to win it all. The speedster played a huge hand in winning the Premier League and Champions League alongside numerous other domestic honours, with his goals proving integral as he showed up in the big moments.

Such a tendency to appear when needed is unquantifiable, but it does lend to the suggestion that he was at the very least more prolific than Son.

Although the current club captain is often lauded for his clinical nature in front of goal, it is a testament to Mane's quality that he has arguably outscored him during their respective periods with these two English greats.

After all, across his six years and 269 games with Liverpool, the 97-cap whiz scored 120 times and assisted a further 48. This meant that he would find the net every 2.24 games, which marks an impressive figure for a natural wide man.

Meanwhile, Son has currently scored 148 goals in 378 games, and whilst he does have more strikes and will almost certainly continue to add to them, this only averages out at a goal every 2.55; slightly less reliable in front of goal.

Not to mention that, during their most recent full campaigns in the Premier League, Mane averaged a 16% goal conversion before departing whilst his two-footed competition could only muster up 12%.

Although it is extremely close with regard to the quality they boasted across their tenure in England, these figures do suggest that the former Klopp favourite just edged the contest.

With goals at the Allianz Arena to fell Bayern Munich in the Champions League, numerous strikes against title rivals Manchester City, debut stunners against Arsenal and even an equaliser in the Champions League final against Real Madrid.

It would be unfair to Mane's trophy-winning legacy to suggest that Son, whose only piece of silverware came with his national team, was a more complete and lethal forward than the current Al Nassr star.

Manchester United’s record in the transfer market in the ten years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired has been rather underwhelming, with the expensive flops far outweighing any decent signing they have made in that time period.

Spending vast sums on players such as Paul Pogba (£93.2m), Romelu Lukaku (£75m) and Ángel Di María (£59.7m) who ended up turning into expensive duds, didn’t exactly help the cause of either Jose Mourinho and Louis Van Gaal as they looked to return the club to the summit of English football.

Even Erik ten Hag has been guilty of perhaps overspending on several players, with Antony costing the Red Devils a staggering £86m and it remains to be seen whether he will turn into a player who can deliver consistent performances that justify his massive transfer fee.

It hasn’t just been the players they have signed which has counted towards their lacklustre efforts in the transfer market, it is also who they have missed out on. This hasn’t just been a problem for the managers following Ferguson’s retirement, with the great man also failing to sign a few world-class players who would have certainly improved his team.

Alan Shearer is probably the biggest name who he failed to lure to Manchester, with the Englishman preferring to join Newcastle United, his hometown side, in the summer of 1996.

Another one who slipped through Fergie’s grasp may have altered the course of European football of the previous two decades, as Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho was close to moving to England and linking up with the Red Devils.

Did Manchester United nearly sign Ronaldinho?

David Beckham was on the move during the summer of 2003, eventually joining Real Madrid, despite Barcelona showing some interest and this meant Fergie needed to sign another midfielder for his team.

Ronaldinho was the man earmarked as a new arrival and despite agreeing personal terms, the move didn’t materialise, yet the player himself has stated it came extremely close to going through.

He said: “It almost happened with United. It was a matter of 48 hours, but Rosell had told me way before I got the offer: 'If I become Barca president, will you come?' I said yes.

"It was only a matter of details with United when Rosell called to say he was going to win the election there. And I had promised to him that I’d play for Barca.”

Fine margins indeed and Old Trafford could have been his playground as opposed to the Camp Nou and this may have allowed the Red Devils to continue their dominance of domestic football in the country rather than Arsenal or Chelsea emerging as threats to their crown.

Signing Ronaldinho would have given the wily Scot a chance to rejuvenate his squad and add another wonderful attacking talent to his already stacked squad, and could he perhaps have been better than Ryan Giggs?

What happened to Ronaldinho?

Giggs had proven to be one of the finest wingers in Europe throughout the previous decade, adding an extra goalscoring option for Ferguson, yet from the 2003/04 season, his numbers would start to decline.

Indeed, he scored just seven league goals during that campaign and over the course of the following four seasons – the time Ronaldinho spent at Barcelona – Giggs netted only 22 times.

In comparison, the former PSG starlet revitalised a Barcelona side who had failed to win the league title since 1999 and although they finished the 2003/04 season trophyless, the second half of the campaign saw the club secure a wonderful second place finish.

The Brazilian was a sensation, registering 33 goal contributions – 22 goals and 11 assists – and he wouldn’t let up over the next few seasons either, spurning the club on to winning two La Liga titles and a Champions League crown.

From his second season until the 2007/08 campaign, he recorded a staggering 72 goals and 59 assists and these displays meant he was a worthy winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year Award, winning the prestigious award twice.

He was without a shadow of a doubt, the finest player in the world between 2003 and 2006, and Ferguson certainly missed a trick by failing to lure him to England.

Giggs was a consistent performer, but he didn’t quite have the same creativity as the Brazilian, nor his thirst for goals, and United may have added to their Premier League tally between 2003 and 2006 had the latter been playing in red.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, his former teammate at AC Milan, showered Ronaldinho with praise when discussing his ability, saying: "Ronaldinho was phenomenal. He made his opponents look like children.”

He wasn’t the only icon to laud him either, with Zinedine Zidane also praising his fellow rival, saying: "Ronaldinho is total class – a very, very great player. He is quick, powerful, and has extraordinary technical qualities," he said. "He is a dribbler but is also a player who can make the play for his teammates."

“He’s not really a no.10, a true organiser. He’s more a second attacker who can score goals and has the vision to make them.”

Imagine him starring in a team alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Roy Keane? He would have been an unstoppable force in the Premier League had he turned down the advances of Barcelona and accepted Fergie’s offer.

It certainly remains a massive case of what if and although United eventually returned to prominence as Ferguson built his third great side at the Red Devils, and they eventually went to on win more league titles and another European crown.

Having Ronaldinho dazzle the Old Trafford crowd would have been something different however and could have given the team a totally different attacking threat while being an upgrade on Giggs on the process.

It proves that the great man also had his fair share of transfer howlers, yet he went and made up for them by going on to sign someone else who would have a positive impact at the club, and that is perhaps what separates him from the series of managers which have tried to emulate him over the previous decade.

Erik ten Hag chose to deploy Aaron Wan-Bissaka at left-back over Diogo Dalot during Manchester United's FA Cup quarter-final victory over Liverpool.

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  Ten Hag's decision stemmed from meticulous planning and a commitment to sticking with pre-established strategies. According to Dalot had spent the entire week preparing to contend with Liverpool's left winger, Luis Diaz. When Jonny Evans withdrew due to a calf injury during the final training session on Saturday, Ten Hag opted to maintain consistency rather than alter his tactical approach abruptly.

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  To compensate for Evans' absence, Victor Lindelof seamlessly transitioned from left-back to central defence, while Wan-Bissaka assumed the left-back role despite a prolonged period of inactivity lasting over two months. Wan-Bissaka's inclusion was not solely due to necessity, his exceptional defensive prowess, particularly in man-marking Liverpool's danger man, Mohamed Salah, factored significantly into Ten Hag's decision-making.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The left-back position has posed challenges for United throughout the season, with Luke Shaw sidelined for extended periods due to thigh and hamstring injuries, and Tyrell Malacia still recovering from knee surgery. Meanwhile, Wan-Bissaka's versatility and readiness to adapt to unfamiliar roles epitomise the resilience and determination ingrained in him.

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  Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay also battled through physical challenges to secure victory and the duo was hardly able to walk after 120 minutes of high-octane action in the cup tie. The Red Devils will return to action on March 30 against Brentford in a Premier League clash after the international break.

Heavy overnight rain and a wet outfield forced the abandonment of the game in Bready, without a ball being bowled

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Aug-2018Heavy overnight rain and a wet outfield forced the abandonment of the third T20I between Ireland and Afghanistan in Bready, without a ball being bowled. The match referee called off the game at 15.45 local time, 15 minutes after the scheduled toss time.With Afghanistan already having sealed the series 2-0, Ireland were going into the game looking to salvage pride and end their seven-match losing streak in T20Is against the visitors. Afghanistan’s spin attack bowled them to victory in the first two games, building on Hazratullah Zazai’s solid batting displays on both occasions. Zazai was named Player of the Series for his two half-centuries.The action now heads to Stormont, which hosts the three-match ODI series between the two teams next week.

Chelsea ace Cole Palmer has explained his decision to leave Manchester City last summer after leading the Blues to a 3-2 win over Newcastle on Monday.

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Palmer scores and assists against NewcastleUp to 26 goal contributions already for ChelseaExplains decision to leave City in the summerGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Palmer scored one and assisted another as he ended up being the standout Chelsea performer yet again on Monday night. The English forward saw his goalward effort flicked home for the first before he struck an absolute piledriver to make it 2-1 in the second half. Substitute Mykhailo Mudryk got in on the action late on with a fine solo effort that ended up being the decider, but it was Palmer who earned himself Player of the Match for his efforts. Speaking after the game he explained his decision to join the Blues, as he remains optimistic over the club's project.

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The 21-year-old told after the full-time whistle: "I thought I was ready to play football week in, week out and that's the reason [I joined Chelsea]. I just wanted to showcase my ability and thankfully it has paid off. It was a very difficult decision to leave City, I was there since six years old. I was ready to play football, had a chat with my family, had a chat with the club and moved to Chelsea."

On the long-term project at Stamfort Bridge, Palmer issued a warning to any doubters: "I think there’s so much talent at Chelsea, the fans don’t see it, you guys [media] don’t see it. It’s only gonna get better I’m sure, if not next season the season after it’s a project, everyone’s young. You will see it sooner or later.”

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Palmer's goal and assist on Monday takes him to 19 goal contributions in the Premier League and 26 across all competitions this term. His signing, alongside perhaps that of Malo Gusto, remains the standout piece of business from the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital era, as time and again he has proven himself to be the difference maker for Chelsea. His displays have also given him an outside shot of an England call-up for Euro 2024. Those chances were dealt a significant boost on Monday as Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate was at Stamford Bridge to watch his masterclass against Newcastle.

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WHAT NEXT FOR PALMER?

The England youngster will no doubt form a crucial part of Mauricio Pochettino's attacking line when they face Leicester in their next match, which comes in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday. Chelsea, alongside Wolves, were the only Premier League side to avoid a top-flight opponent in the last-eight, meaning they have a real chance of returning to Wembley for the second time in two months if they reach the semi-finals.