All posts by h716a5.icu

Having overseen back-to-back Test series wins in his first summer in charge – the first time England have beaten both touring sides since 2013 – Joe Root was in understandably upbeat mood

Alan Gardner at Lord's09-Sep-20171:46

‘England moving along nicely’ – Root

Having overseen back-to-back Test series wins in his first summer in charge – the first time England have beaten both touring sides since 2013 – Joe Root was in understandably upbeat mood at the conclusion of the Lord’s Test. England came through a see-sawing decider against West Indies with an accomplished performance on the third day to secure a nine-wicket victory and that prompted Root to suggest his players could do “something really special” when they travel to Australia for the Ashes.He was, in particular, “extremely happy” with the form of James Anderson, whose career-best 7 for 42 helped set up a comfortable chase on the third afternoon. Root also praised the way Mark Stoneman and Tom Westley – two of the top-order Ashes hopefuls – had secured the result in unruffled manner.”Tonight it’s important that we celebrate a great summer of Test cricket,” Root said. “We’ve done some really good stuff and should be really proud of how we’ve gone about this summer. It’s something that the selectors will sit down and think about but I’m really pleased that the two lads at the top of the order, the way they went out and were ruthless, to go and chase a tricky little target down, to show composure and be the two guys not out to win a game for England was great to see and I think it shows where the mentality of the dressing room is right now.”Westley’s unbeaten 44 was his highest score since making 59 on debut against South Africa, while Stoneman finished his first series with an average of 30.00; Dawid Malan also contributed half-centuries in the first two Tests against West Indies. Those may not be numbers to make Australia tremble but, when supplemented by the confirmed abilities of players such as Anderson, Ben Stokes (Man of the Match at Lord’s) and Root himself, it gave the captain cause for optimism.”I’m happy with how the whole group’s shaping up, to be honest,” he said. “Across the summer a number of guys have really stepped up and taken their games forward and that’s what you want, guys that have been set up within the team to keep kicking on and contributing consistently, making themselves more of a presence in world cricket that can only good for our team. A number of guys have stood up coming into the Test arena and really made a case for themselves. There’s plenty of challenges ahead but I think we’re moving along nicely.”We shouldn’t be afraid of going over there and, if we perform at our best, doing something really special. We’ve got all the attributes that could go down there and put in some really strong performances and get results but I think it’s making sure that we approach this next period really wisely, we put the hard work and start preparing now, so when we get to Australia we’re already one step ahead.”James Anderson removed Shai Hope for his fifth wicket•Getty ImagesEngland’s defeat at Headingley in the second Test continued their run of inconsistent form in the longest format and they were again run close in a low-scoring game at Lord’s – by a team ranked No. 8 in the world. However, as with the loss to South Africa at Trent Bridge in Root’s second match in charge, he could point to the team finding a winning response.”They were two difficult weeks [after defeats] but what’s most pleasing is the resilience and the character we’ve shown to come back from both of those with extremely strong performances,” he said. “I think those learnings and the manner that we won after that is great to ahead of what is going to be a very challenging winter. And along with that comes great opportunity, so if we can continue to have the same approach, keep wanting to get better, keep learning then we’ll be in a good place.”Anderson’s form, with 39 wickets at 14.10, has been central to the Root era starting successfully and he was named Man of the Series against West Indies. At Lord’s, he became only the third fast bowler to reach 500 Test wickets and Root hailed Anderson and Stuart Broad as a “fantastic” partnership to spearhead England’s chances Down Under.”He said at the start of the summer, he’s desperate to carry on playing as much as he can for England while he can and I think he has just shown what he is still capable of,” Root said of Anderson. “Putting in his career-best figures shows that he is still desperate to kick on and do some more great things.”The control he has with a ball that’s doing a minimal amount and one that’s hooping around is remarkable, how he can find the optimum amount of pace to work in different conditions and different surfaces – it’s just relentless pressure for the batters. Five hundred wickets doesn’t happen very often so this summer has been unreal for him.”Broady’s bowled some really good stuff this year and not had a lot of luck. Between them, the pressure they create is fantastic. What a partnership to have going to Australia, all those wickets and great for the rest of the guys to learn from as well.”England’s catching has been rather less exemplary, with 16 drops in the series, and Root acknowledged that would be a focus ahead of their next engagement: Brisbane on November 23. “Especially in Australia, you need to make sure when you create opportunities you take them,” he said. “So there’ll be a lot of hard work going into that but it’s not something we’ve shied away from this summer and we’ll continue doing everything we can to take those chances.”

Journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed that Newcastle United could be in with a chance of signing Cristiano Ronaldo on loan if Al-Nassr cover his wages.

What's the latest news on Cristiano Ronaldo and NUFC?

With Champions League football potentially on the cards for the Magpies next term, there have been plenty of exciting rumours about how could join the Premier League side in the summer.

Manager Eddie Howe actually played down talk that Ronaldo or Neymar could be joining his team, telling BBC Sport: "We could not be able to come close to affording those players."

However, as explained by Jones while speaking on NUFC Matters, Newcastle may not actually have to pay the 38-year-old's wages.

The insider explained (12:49): "If, and now we're just speculating, it ever happened, it would in likelihood be a loan from Al-Nasir, funded by our Al-Nassr.

"And this is where there is a genuine opportunity potentially for a suitor, if it's green, lighted by both Al-Nassr and the wider partners funding that particular deal at the moment.

"Because Ronaldo could be loaned somewhere with Al-Nassr picking up the bill. But the only reason why Al-Nassr would pick up the bill is because they're not really paying the bill. It's wider partners within Saudi Arabia that are funding this.”

Is Ronaldo going to be at Newcastle next season?

Now it might seem odd that those connected with Al-Nassr would be happy to pay for Ronaldo to go on loan. But his very connection to football in Saudi Arabia is no doubt great for publicity.

However, for the time being, it sounds as though he's not particularly happy, with reports in Spain claiming that he is already thinking about quitting the Saudi Pro League (via El Nacional).

Despite this, he signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the club, estimated to be worth $75m (£59m) a year, back in December.

With that being the case, he might not be able to leave permanently but if he could technically remain an Al-Nassr while being shipped out to Newcastle, which could be a decent compromise for all parties – especially if Ronaldo had the intention of eventually returning after the loan.

What's more, the Magpies would be an obvious destination due to their own links to Saudi Arabia, as they are owned by the country's sovereign wealth fund PIF.

And so, all in all, it sounds as though Newcastle could land the £3.4m-p/w star while not having to worry too much about actually paying those wages.

Lionel Messi is “an ET” and the Inter Miami superstar “seems to get better and better every year”, says Brazil international Ganso.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Argentine icon sits among the all-time greatsThrilling audiences for almost 20 yearsShowing no sign of slowing down at 36WHAT HAPPENED?

The Argentine superstar is now 36 years of age, but he has lost none of his ability to amaze and inspire. He has been thrilling audiences around the world for almost 20 years, with a record-breaking collection of honours picked up along the way.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Messi is in contention for an eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023 – having inspired his country to World Cup glory at Qatar 2022 – and has made an immediate impact in the United States since leaving European football at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain to go chasing the American dream at Inter Miami.

WHAT THEY SAID

Ganso is among those that consider Messi to be superhuman, with the Brazil international midfielder having come up against the South American icon at the Club World Cup several years ago.

Quizzed by FIFA’s on whether the Barca side that Santos faced that day is better than the Manchester City one that won a Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League Treble last season, Ganso said: “Barcelona. This City side is outstanding, but Barcelona had a fantastic XI and an ET, the genius of world football. He’s simply a genius. You can’t help but admire him. That was in 2011. You look at him now, how he has evolved, and it’s difficult to believe. He seems to get better and better every year. It was a privilege to see Messi play up close. Like I said, Messi is an ET.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Messi helped Inter Miami to a historic Leagues Cup triumph within weeks of his arrival in the United States, while also earning them a shot at U.S. Open Cup glory – before having to sit out the final of that competition through injury. He is now hoping to see them into the MLS play-offs, with more silverware still in his sights.

Tim Bresnan, whose valiant batting narrowly failed to bring Yorkshire a third Championship title, has undergone a third elbow operation to try to restore some of the nip that made him an England allrounder

David Hopps22-Oct-2016Tim Bresnan, whose valiant batting narrowly failed to bring Yorkshire a hat-trick of County Championship titles, has undergone a third elbow operation to try to restore some of the nip that made him an England allrounder.After several seasons of managing the elbow injury that has afflicted him since 2011, Bresnan had a further operation on Monday to clean out the joint, bringing him hope that he can “get some of the old firepower back.”Bresnan set greater store by his batting in 2016 as his bowling standards slipped a little, his efforts culminating in his unbeaten 142 against the eventual champions Middlesex at Lord’s which kept Yorkshire’s challenge alive until deep into the final day.Bresnan averaged more than 48 in the Championship, more than any other regular Yorkshire batsman – outdone only by irregular contributors Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root and the short-term overseas signing Jake Lehmann.”The surgery went really well and the post-op signs have been very positive,” Bresnan told Yorkshire’s website. “The surgeon has said that it wasn’t as bad as they thought it might be. They just removed a few spurs and bumps.”It should give me a better range and reduce the pain that I have had, which hopefully will help me to get some of my old firepower back. It’s feeling pretty good already and it’s just a case of easing back into my gym work over the coming weeks. I wouldn’t normally be bowling at this stage of the year so it’s worked alright.”Yorkshire’s physio Kunwar Bansil said: “Tim has had problems with his right elbow dating back to 2011. We have managed these problems over the past few seasons but there is now a window of opportunity following the end of the 2016 season to improve the symptoms. He has had key-hole surgery to clean out the joint and smooth off any rough edges.”It should result in an increased elbow extension range making him feel more comfortable when bowling. We are now five days post-op and the initial signs are really good. We envisage that he will be fully fit in a couple of months but there are no real time constraints due to the time of the year.”Bresnan first had an elbow operation late in 2011 to remove a bone fragment. He regained his England place, but his bowling returns supported the notion that his effectiveness with the ball had been somewhat diminished.Another operation followed before the 2013 season to remove extra bone and scar tissue, causing him to miss England’s tour of New Zealand, and though he returned to play in the back-to-back Ashes his Test career ended in Australia later that year.Flashback to Tim Bresnan’s Lord’s heroics•Getty Images

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Juventus midfielder Denis Zakaria, as Monchi plots to continue his star streak in the summer transfer window.

It’s been a positive break in play for the Villans, who have obtained the talents of Youri Tielemans, Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby, with the capacity for more signings to arrive at Villa Park ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

In capturing Tielemans, Unai Emery has strengthened his midfield however could add more firepower in the middle of the park in Zakaria.

How much could Denis Zakaria cost Aston Villa?

As reported by Italian outlet La Gazetta dello Sport this week, the Old Lady would expect a bargain fee in the region of €18m (£15m) for their midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Chelsea.

The report states that Villa have ‘taken information’ for the 26-year-old’s services, with West Ham United and unnamed German clubs also interested.

The transfer fee is clear from Juventus, with the report stating the player could be sold or be sent on loan with an option to buy this summer.

How good is Denis Zakaria?

Life on the pitch has been difficult for the Swiss midfielder since his departure from Borussia Monchengladbach in January 2022.

The 26-year-old has made just 27 competitive appearances for both Juventus and Chelsea since his move, being deprived of game time despite being sent on loan to develop his performance.

In the Premier League, Zakaria played just 413 minutes for the Blues in a switch that couldn’t have come at a less convenient time for the player, considering Chelsea’s struggles.

The midfielder failed to integrate under any of the three managers that took charge at Stamford Bridge last campaign, in a year that failed to hand the Geneva-born gem the experience and game time needed to take back to Turin.

In Villa’s interest, the 49-capped Swiss international could be given a replenished shot at redemption in the Premier League, where his talents could be used to great effect in Emery’s system.

Having previously been hailed as an “unsung hero” and “hugely talented” player by scout Antonio Mango, Zakaria was snatched by the Italian giants for his stand-out performances in the Bundesliga at Borussia.

While his last consistent streak of game time came back in the 2021/22 campaign, the defensive midfielder hasn’t suffered greatly in terms of his individual form due to his lack of playing time, as highlighted by his international performances.

In the European Championship qualifiers, the former Chelsea loanee has maintained an average match rating of 7.30, registering a passing accuracy rate of 93% and winning an impressive 67% of his total duels in an average of 6.5 per game, via Sofascore.

Strengths in such areas are comparable to those highlighted by Villa ace Douglas Luiz, who Emery could replicate in signing Zakaria for a cheap fee to bolster his options in the middle of the park.

In the 2021/22 Bundesliga campaign, the Switzerland international averaged 1.48 tackles and 1.23 interceptions per 90, comparable to the Brazilian’s 2.24 tackles and 1.23 interceptions per 90 in the Premier League for Villa, as per FBref.

Adding to the depth in midfield would be a strong move for Emery, who will have the added fixtures of the UEFA Europa Conference League to consider next term.

A major offside rule change put forward by Arsene Wenger is being considered by IFAB, with USMNT legend Alexi Lalas claiming he endorses the move.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Wenger advocates major offside rule changeWould give an advantage to forwardsLalas endorsed the moveWHAT HAPPENED?

The former Arsenal manager, who is currently FIFA's chief of global football development, has suggested that the entire body of the forward should be in front of the last defender to be considered as offside. The current rule states that if any body part that can be scored with is ahead of the last defender, then the player shall be ruled as offside. IFAB are now reportedly mulling over Wenger's suggestion, per the , and Lalas has put his weight behind the rule change. He argues that defenders will be forced to further adapt their game if it is implemented.

AdvertisementWHAT LALAS SAID

Lalas while answering a fan about the rule change, wrote on : "Yes, it simply moves the line that we will argue about. But it does create a new and distinct advantage to the attacker, which I like. It will force the defenders to adjust (drop) in order to truly be goal-side and rely less on the offside trap."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

In a simulation graphic, a red line was drawn to determine whether the player was offside or not. Although Lalas backed the rule change, he shared his concern about the thickness of the line and questioned, "How wide is the line?"

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

The IFAB is considering Wenger's suggestion which aims to eradicate the controversies that have sprung up since the introduction of VAR – which has thus far scrutinised every goal in minute detail. If it is approved by the law-making body then it could come into effect from the 2024-25 season.

Manchester City are close to signing teenage striker Luca Fletcher from Reading, according to Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the latest Man City transfer news?

Pep Guardiola hasn’t wasted any time in bolstering his first-team squad following a historic treble-winning 2022/23 season. City announced the signing of Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea on Tuesday, with the Croatia international taking the number eight shirt from Ilkay Gundogan, who has joined Barcelona.

It appears as if City don’t plan on stopping after securing Kovacic, though. A £90m offer was rejected by West Ham for star midfielder Declan Rice, with City pulling out of the race as a result. Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi is also on the radar at the Etihad Stadium, with City ready to pay and complete the signing of the Morocco international.

Alongside the well-known stars, City are also working on bolstering their youth ranks, with a move for English attacker Fletcher set to be finalised.

Romano took to Twitter on Tuesday to share a Man City transfer update involving Fletcher. He said that the forward has passed a City medical and a deal will be worth an initial £600,000 plus add-ons.

“Understand Manchester City are closing in on the signing of 16-year-old talented striker Luca Fletcher from Reading.

“Medical passed and paper work being signed — been told fee around £600k with future add-ons. Part of City project to sign and develop the best young talents.”

Who is Luca Fletcher?

Fletcher is primarily a centre-forward but can also play on either wing if required. The teenager, who has been a. regular for England at U1 level, reportedly turned down a professional contract with the League One side in order to move to complete a move to Manchester.

Labelled as a “fine young footballer” by Reading’s Academy Manager Michael Gilkes, Fletcher could well be a star in the making, and by the looks of it, he’ll be plying his trade in City’s academy over the coming years.

You’d expect he’ll be looking to secure a professional deal with the treble winners over the next 12 months and then push on aiming to become the next teenager to breakthrough into the first-team plans, following in the footsteps of the likes of Phil Foden and Rico Lewis.

West Ham United "may be one step closer" to sealing a first major summer signing as they eye a move for Man United defender Harry Maguire.

Who will West Ham sign?

It's been a window of nightmares for manager David Moyes and new technical director Tim Steidten, with reports even suggesting there is a rift between the pair as both men dither over transfer targets.

West Ham, as things stand, are still the only Premier League side not to have made a single summer signing – which will come as a big worry for supporters given the new season is soon upon us.

Moyes, speaking to Sky Sports at the end of last month, admitted that "several offers" have been made by West Ham and he is hoping that those moves advance sooner rather than later.

“Because of the shortness of the summer and being in Australia. it’s meant the time has been limited, but I’m sure we’ll get down to work and do what we have to do,” Moyes told Sky.

“The club have made several offers for players, we’re out on the market, we’re quite active, and hopefully some of them will come off in the future.”

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

The east Londoners recently walked away from a deal for Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse, despite the player's willingness to join, but they have in fact agreed personal terms with Ajax star Edson Alvarez.

Former West Ham star Declan Rice completed a club-record £105 million switch to Arsenal earlier this window and striker Gianluca Scamacca will follow him out the door after just one year at the London Stadium.

It is now up to Moyes, Steidten and the Hammers hierarchy to reinvest those funds into first-team signings. Club insider Claret & Hugh, sharing news on their links to Maguire, has a promising update.

Relaying what their "insiders" have told them, C&H claims the England international "may be one step closer" to joining West Ham this summer.

Moyes is apparently "desperate" to bring Maguire to the London Stadium, with United and the Irons exchanging medical information on Maguire's fitness history.

There is apparently "growing optimism" that an agreement can be struck for the centre-back, although his valuation is deemed "problematic" at this stage.

How good is Harry Maguire?

The 30-year-old came under fire for some of his performances under Erik ten Hag last campaign and made just 16 top-flight appearances.

Maguire's performances for England, though, could provide West Ham supporters with some optimism he could be a success for Moyes.

The former Hull City and Leicester star was a key player on England's run to the World Cup quarter-finals and has been a mainstay under Gareth Southgate for years.

"We're not in a world where we're cuddling. It's tough world professional football," Southgate told talkSPORT (via The Mail) when talking about Maguire's lack of game time.

"It doesn't baffle me as they have two top players in [Raphael] Varane and [Lisandro] Martinez there.

"He and John Stones has been a partnership that's been brilliant for us [England], but we've got young centre-backs coming up who are getting that experience and that will be the challenge going forward."

Taylor Swift could cause Lyon a major headache at the end of the season if they cannot turn around their horrendous Ligue 1 campaign.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Lyon have just won once in 13 gamesRooted at the bottom of the Ligue 1 tableMay have to away from home due to SwiftWHAT HAPPENED?

Lyon are currently struggling at the bottom of the Ligue 1 table with only one win in their first 13 league matches this season. The seven-time champions have found no rhythm whatsoever and it is no surprise that they are in search of their third manager after firing Laurent Blanc in September and World Cup winner Fabio Grosso in late November. They face potential relegation this season but would get a chance to stay up if they climb at least to the 16th spot in the league table as it would take them through to the play-offs.

However, that should not be a Herculean task for the team having the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Dejan Lovren in their ranks as they find themselves just five points short of Lorient, who are 16th now. But pop sensation Swift could certainly make it difficult for them.

AdvertisementGetty Images THE BIGGER PICTURE

Swift is set to perform at two sold-out concerts scheduled at Groupama Stadium on June 2 and June 3. And the dates coincide with the second leg of the Ligue 1 relegation/promotion play-off which sees the 16th-placed team lock horns with the winner of the Ligue 2 promotion play-offs. The return leg is always played at the home of the Ligue 1 side and hence Lyon find themselves in a spot of bother.

DID YOU KNOW?

The decision to host concerts was aimed at boosting the club's revenue, with the club management not anticipating being in a relegation battle. But the gamble could prove costly, as relegation would mark a significant downturn for a team that reached the Champions League semi-finals just three years ago beating Manchester City on the way.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR LYON?

If Lyon indeed end up finishing 16th, the club may need to find an alternative venue for their home fixture in the relegation play-off as the dates for Swift's concerts are already locked. But should they move to a new stadium it would potentially cost them their home advantage at a crucial juncture in their fight to stay in Ligue 1. Nonetheless, Lacazzette and Co will hope to revive their fortunes as quickly as possible and climb up the ladder so that they do not need to bother about the relegation battle. They travel to Marseille on Wednesday for their next Ligue 1 fixture.

Prosecutors have demanded a 12-month suspended prison sentence for ex-Paris Saint-Germain boss Christophe Galtier for alleged racism while at Nice.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Galtier accused of ethnic, racial and religious discriminationMade alleged comments in leaked emailCould be fined €45,000 & given suspended sentenceWHAT HAPPENED?

In a nine-hour hearing on Friday, prosecutor Damien Martinelli demanded "guilty" Galtier be given a 12-month suspended prison sentence and a €45,000 (£37k/$49k) fine. A verdict will be made by the judge on Thursday, December 21. The accusations emerged following a leaked email from Galtier's former colleague and Nice sporting director, Julien Fournier, in April 2023.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT GALTIER SAID

During the trial, Galtier said, per : "If I made these comments, they would be racist and discriminatory […] these comments, I didn’t make them."

In response, Martinelli said: "Personally, I find that football is the victim in this file […] the players are the principles, whilst the values of the [French] Republic are also victims. I request that you declare Christophe Galtier guilty."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Galtier's lawyer remained defiant of his client's innocence and demanded more evidence.

“Where is the proof?” he asked. The lawyer even accused Fournier’s entourage of “brainwashing”.

Nice's headquarters were searched as part of the investigation and several players and club president, Jean-Pierre Rivere, were interviewed as part of the process.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

The judge is expected to give the final verdict on the affair on Thursday at 1.30pm local time. If found guilty, Galtier could face a suspended prison sentence of up to three years and a fine of €45,000.