Category Uncategorized

The decision has been made for Bukayo Saka to sit out England's next 2026 World Cup qualifier against minnows Andorra on Saturday.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Saka out of matchday squad vs AndorraWinger has hardly trained in build-upMajor doubt for Senegal game tooFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Saka is not part of the England matchday squad that will face Andorra on Friday evening. The game at RCDE Stadium in Barcelona will also be played without Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins and Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher. Injury means Watkins has withdrawn from the camp altogether to return home. Saka and Gallagher remain with the group for now.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Saka's absence is most likely linked to his fitness after England manager Thomas Tuchel explained on Friday that the Arsenal star has only completed a single training session during the week. He had earlier missed three months of the club season after undergoing hamstring surgery in December, although did return to play the whole of April and May for the Gunners.

DID YOU KNOW?

Saka is yet to play for Tuchel since the ex-Chelsea boss began work with England in January, having been sidelined for the previous international break in March.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

Saka hasn't yet been ruled out of England's follow-up game against Senegal on June 10, a friendly taking place at Nottingham Forest's City Ground. But, as a result of sitting out the Andorra clash and his lack of training since reporting for international duty, he will be a major doubt to feature.

South Africa levelled the ODI series by bowling India out for 211 in the surprisingly seam-friendly conditions of the usually slow and low St George’s Park. It came as no surprise to South Africa, though, who added two frontline quicks to their XI and decided to bowl first on a fresh pitch with the bowling wind blowing.Left-arm quick Nandre Burger, who seems to have it all in height, pace and movement, led the attack with three wickets either side of a nosebleed-forced absence from the field. The conditions didn’t quite ease out, but South Africa had the advantage of knowing they didn’t need to be urgent with their scoring and also enjoyed a significant amount of luck in the early goings, which might seem to be at odds with Tony de Zorzi and Reeza Hendricks putting on the biggest opening stand in Gqeberha to set up the comfortable win. De Zorzi went on to convert his maiden half-century into a century.The win, though, was set up by the fast bowlers, two of whom didn’t even play the last match. One of them – Beuran Hendricks – flew in from Cape Town earlier in the morning after Ottniel Baartman and Andile Phehlukwayo were ruled out with injury. Aiden Markram also left out Tabraiz Shami’s left-arm spin for Lizaad Williams. The three specialist quicks bowled 28.2 overs between them for six wickets and 113 runs.After half-centuries from Sai Sudharsan – his second in his first two ODIs – and captain KL Rahul, the lack of depth in India’s batting was exposed when they looked to score quick runs and lost wickets to leave Axar Patel with four tailenders over the last 13.2 overs. The last four wickets could add only 42.Burger and Williams made good use of the Easterly and the pitch with seam movement and also inconsistent bounce. In comparison with Johannesburg, the ball swung much less – 0.6 degrees on an average in the first 10 to 1.3 degrees at Wanderers – but there was appreciable seam movement available, which made batting difficult. If anything, the slightly older ball seemed to be moving more off the deck as it did in Beuran’ spell as the first-change bowler.Burger corrected his length beautifully after being driven for four first ball, trapping Ruturaj Gaikwad lbw immediately. Tilak Varma’s stay at No. 3 was a troubled one, but was part of a 42-run second-wicket stand. Burger had to go off the field because of a nosebleed after three overs, but Beuran and Williams remained just as challenging. When Burger came back, his extra pace proved to be decisive as he got Varma on the hook for 10 off 30 balls.Sudharsan, who had been playing the ball late and not been missing out on any half-volleys, began to be troubled now as B Hendricks found a good length and the ball seamed either way. India were 54 for 2 in 15 overs when South Africa went to the second string of bowlers. Sudharsan slog-swept Keshav Maharaj for a six, Rahul pulled Wiaan Mulder for successive fours, and 37 came off seven overs before Markram went back to Williams.Sai Sudharsan and KL Rahul score fifties each but it wasn’t enough for a win•AFP/Getty Images

In the third over of his second spell, Williams produced an unplayable delivery that kicked off just short of a length and took Sudharsan’s glove to dismiss him for 62 off 83. At 113 for 3 in the 27th over, India still needed one more partnership before they could think of accelerating but Sanju Samson played Beuran on after looking good once again.Despite having lost four wickets, Rahul and debutant Rinku Singh looked to attack before the 40th over, which got them 31 runs in 22 balls, but ended in Rahul cutting Burger straight to backward point for 56 off 64. This is when Maharaj came into his own, slowing the ball down and using the drift from the wind to have Rinku stumped and Kuldeep Yadav caught on the sweep. This was a crucial helping hand just before the death overs.A couple of connected slogs from Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan took India past 200 but they batted only 46.2 overs despite going into the last 20 overs with seven wickets in hand.Arshdeep was much more impressive with the ball, getting consistent swing and seam, often proving to be too good to take the edge. Reeza, who had spent the first overs of the last two international unable to lay bat on ball, took first strike again and found things slightly easier. Only slightly. He edged Mukesh to second slip in the fifth over, but Gaikwad dropped a second catch there in two matches.Reeza was in control of just 22 of the first 35 balls he faced, de Zorzi 15 of the first 31 he played. However, de Zorzi was quick to punish any error in length, keeping the run-rate around four. This absorbed the entirety of the highly testing spell of 5-0-14-0 from Arshdeep and Mukesh’s 4-0-12-0. At this point, spin came on at one end, and at the other, Avesh began to bowl a touch too short.Like expert batters do, the South Africa openers now filled their boots, first by slowly working around singles and then targeting Kuldeep and Avesh. De Zorzi swept Kuldeep for four sixes, three of them slogs and only one of them off a wrong’un, which suggests little help for the spinners, which makes Maharaj’s contribution earlier in the day significant.When Mukesh and Arshdeep came back for their second spells, they still moved the ball around, they still troubled the batters, but by then, South Africa had gone past 100. The floodlights had barely come on by then.Reeza reaped the rewards for hanging in there, getting to a fifty, before he hooked Arshdeep straight to long leg, having added 130 for the first wicket. India had no option but to over-attack now, and both de Zorzi and Rassie van der Dussen cashed in. De Zorzi was there at the end to hit the winning six with 45 balls remaining and eight wickets in hand.

Bruno Fernandes made a vow to a Manchester United supporter who asked him to promise he will not leave the club this summer.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Fernandes assures Man Utd fan he's stayingHas been linked with Al-Hilal moveWill make decision in coming daysFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The United captain has been linked with a stunning £100 million ($135m) move to Al-Hilal and is said to have seven days to make his decision as the club prepare for the Club World Cup. He indicated he could be set to stay when a fan asked him to commit his future to United during the post-season tour of Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIP

@indiapakdee710

Bruno please don't leave Man United you already promise me indiapakdee แมนยู brunofernandes manchesterunited

♬ somebody pleasure x angel baby – fdill

THE BIGGER PICTURE

United seem prepared to let Fernandes make the decision for himself, with the rumoured transfer fee potentially enabling Ruben Amorim to rebuild his squad. United finished 15th in the Premier League table and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham, with Amorim hinting lots must change to turn things around.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

United players will now return home after winning their second post-season friendly 3-1 against Hong Kong on Friday. They are set to announce the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves as their first piece of summer business.

كشف الإعلامي سيف زاهر، عن تفاصيل حديثه مع محمد هاني، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، بشأن واقعة طرده في مباراة فاركو ببطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز، والتي فاز بها المارد الأحمر برباعية مقابل هدف.

وقال سيف زاهر عبر برنامجه “ملعب أون” على قناة “أون سبورت”: “قابلت محمد هاني صدفة ودار حديث بيننا بشأن طرده في مباراة الأهلي وفاركو، وسألته ما هو سبب الطرد؟ وسأروي لكم ما قاله لي اللاعب بالضبط”.

وتابع: “اللاعب قال إن الكابتن محمد معروف كان متعصباّ جدًا في المباراة، وحتى إن حارس مرمى فاركو وهو قائد فريقه، عندما كان يتحدث معه كان يُهدده بالبطاقة الصفراء، بعد هدف فاركو محمد هاني عاد للحكم وقال له إنه يوجد خطأ قبل تسجيل الهدف، فما كان من الحكم إلا أنه أشهر له بطاقة صفراء وقال له كلمة أخرى منك وسأطردك”.

وأضاف: “محمد هاني قال للحكم (إنت ليه بتكلمني كده) فرد عليه محمد معروف (خلي بالك أنا عرباوي)، ليرد اللاعب (إحنا هنا في الملعب أنا إيه علاقتي بالموضوع ده أنا بتكلم معاك وإنت متعصب عليا، متكلمنيش بالطريقة دي وكلمني بطريقة كويسة)، ليرد عليه الحكم (خلي بالك الإنذار القادم سيكون طرد)”.

طالع أيضًا | “إحنا مش في مدرسة”.. حوار ساخن بين محمد يوسف وحكم مباراة الأهلي وفاركو بعد طرد محمد هاني

وأردف: “اللعب استمر ولم يحدث شيء آخر، حتى جاءت لحظة تغيير محمد هاني، اللاعب كان يُفكر من القائد بعد خروجه ثم أعطى الشارة لـ كريم فؤاد، واللاعب قال لي أنه كان في اتجاه الخروج من نفس المكان الذي يخرج منه كل اللاعبين وكنت أريد مصافحة زميلي الذي سيشارك بدلًا مني، وكنت أركض للخروج من الملعب ولم أكن أهدر الوقت، لكن فجأة وأنا خارج الحكم كان يريدني أن أخرج من الناحية الأخرى، قلت له سأخرج لأصافح زميلي وكل اللاعبين خرجوا من نفس المكان، فما كان منه إلا أنه أشهر لي البطاقة الحمراء”.

واستكمل: “محمد هاني قال لي أنا شعرت أنني أحلم.. ماذا فعلت، بعد ذلك توقفت دقيقة ولم أصدق ما حدث، ولم أتفوه بأي كلمة ثم خرجت من الملعب، وبعد المباراة لم أقابله ولم أنتظره ودخلت غرفة الملابس”.

ومن المقرر أن يتم إيقاف محمد هاني مباراة واحدة طبقًا للائحة والتي تنص على إيقاف اللاعب مباراة واحدة حال الحصول على إنذارين، ومباراتين في حال الحصول على بطاقة حمراء مباشرة.

ويستعد الأهلي لمواجهة غزل المحلة يوم الإثنين المقبل الموافق 25 أغسطس الجاري، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة من المسابقة المحلية.

Australia batter explains how he turned his form around in the tournament

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Oct-20233:11

Pujara: ‘Once Maxwell gets going nobody can stop him’

After a rather sluggish start to the competition, David Warner has hit the levels he was hoping for, scoring back-to-back centuries, which pushed him past one ODI legend – Ricky Ponting – and level with another – Sachin Tendulkar – for World Cup hundreds. Australia rode on his 104 and Glenn Maxwell’s 44-ball 106 to a 309-run victory over Netherlands and firmed up a place in the top four as the race to the semi-final continues.”For me it’s about going over there and doing my best,” Warner told . “It so happens to be in live-play and in tournament-play and that’s what I get up for. We live for those World Cups. They’re every four years and you’ve got to really, really shine on this stage and try and emulate what I do in those bilateral series out here and, yeah, to be in the same category and class with those guys is special.”They’re greats of the game. For us, we grew up watching those guys. In this moment, we’re just staying present. In probably 20 years’ time or 30 years’ time, I might sit down and enjoy that.”Related

• Stir the pot he may, but there's no denying David Warner's an ODI GOAT

• Smith will do 'what's best for the team' – Cummins

• 'I'm very aware of them' – Maxwell knew he had the fastest World Cup hundred

• Betting on batting on the edge – Maxwell defies the laws of physics in Delhi

• Glenn Maxwell smashes the fastest ODI World Cup century

Warner was one of the few Australian players who made an impression in the opening game against India, scoring 41 runs, but his wicket triggered a collapse. He followed that innings up with scores of 13 against South Africa and 11 against Sri Lanka, but hit his stride against Pakistan with 163 and brought up his sixth World Cup century today.Speaking with his former team-mate Shane Watson, with whom he works at Delhi Capitals during the IPL, Warner said the uptick in his form came from “going back to basics”.”We spoke about it during the IPL, Watto – it’s about timing and rhythm and on these wickets you have to be able to allow yourself time to do that,” Warner said. “I think the first game against India in Chennai, always going to be challenging, always is a challenging surface. You need to get yourself in.”And I didn’t feel like I was in great rhythm, and then on to Lucknow [against South Africa] which was a great wicket but the timing wasn’t there and the ball was sort of swinging, so for me it was about going back to basics and being nice and still. Still have my prelim[inary trigger movements] but I can stay still if I wanted to and just switching gears. I know I’ve got the ability to play on these wickets and in these conditions. It’s just about backing yourself and having control and batting those 50 overs.”Almost all of Warner’s best innings are characterised by his rapid running between the wickets and this one was no different, including an occasion where he came down the entire length of the pitch only for his partner, Steven Smith, to send him back.2:21

What has made Zampa so effective?

“You saw quite clearly today I ran a two for my mate and I didn’t get a run for it,” Warner said. “I’ll remember that for a long time. As you know, I’ve said it plenty of times. I pride myself on my fitness. It’s something I really, really think is part of my game.”You see Virat Kohli does it a lot as well. We pride ourselves on that, trying to pinch the odd two, running as hard as you can for your team-mate. You’ve got to have that inside you. It’s an attitude thing and that’s one thing that I love doing.”Australia have bounced back from two straight defeats with three straight wins, a fact that pleased their captain Pat Cummins.”We’re starting to play to our potential and play in the style that we always talk about,” Cummins said. “The openers started really well. Smithy at No. 3. Really good powerplay. That’s how we want to play. Get ahead of the game.”Australia had gone three matches without taking any powerplay wickets, but against Netherlands, they rectified that.”That’s what we’re aiming for,” Cummins said. “I think we’ve bowled quite well in the powerplay without a lot of luck. Good to see the guys do the job and [Adam] Zamps another four-for as well.””We saw that come up at the start of our bowling innings [no powerplay wickets in three games]” Warner added. “And the ball was swinging and the boys hit those lengths and they were able to penetrate through to the keeper and that was something they were talking about in the bowlers meeting, try to hit the gloves hard and hit the wicket hard and they were able to do that tonight and get powerplay wickets and hopefully we can emulate that in the New Zealand game.”

Shifting their focus towards the summer transfer window, Manchester United are now reportedly seriously considering a move worth over £66m to sign a midfield reinforcement.

Man Utd transfer news

More than almost anyone in the Premier League, Manchester United desperately need reinforcements. If the remaining months of Erik ten Hag’s reign began to expose the quality of the current side, then Ruben Amorim’s first few months have revealed all.

The former Sporting CP boss has quickly been forced to realise the reality of the situation he has joined, often left to work with square pegs in round holes. His 3-4-2-1 system simply has not worked with the current squad and, in truth, that should have been a given.

Amorim arrived to use a system that was relying on wing-backs in a squad without natural solutions until Patrick Dorgu joined. He also arrived to use a system which does not use wingers in a squad built around Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho. So, even on paper, United’s struggles should have always seemed likely.

Their own Rogers: Teen Man Utd ace can be "pushed closer to the first-team"

Man Utd need to fill the void of Amad Diallo, who is out for the rest of the season.

ByJoe Nuttall Feb 21, 2025

It’s a problem that INEOS must fix when the summer arrives and hand their new manager players who suit his system – perhaps starting with a Premier League midfielder.

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are now seriously considering an €80m (£66.3m) chase to sign Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace. Just back from a hamstring injury, the England international is gradually working his way towards full fitness and his best form, perhaps just in time for the summer transfer window to arrive.

At his best, Wharton helped to transform Oliver Glasner’s side in the second half of last season before seeing injury disrupt his first full campaign at Selhurst Park. Reportedly maintaining his pricey valuation nonetheless, Manchester United will have to raise an impressive sum if they are to sign the midfielder this summer.

"Great" Wharton needs time

Fresh from injury and yet to complete a full season in the Premier League, Wharton should maintain his patience and avoid joining what could quickly turn into a nightmare move at Manchester United.

Several players in the past have instantly regretted completing such moves and given that Palace are currently above the Red Devils in the Premier League, Wharton would need to question whether it’s a risk worth taking this summer.

Praised by Glasner last season, the Austrian told reporters when asked about Wharton: “[As coaching staff] we tell him, or give him, one or two tips and he tries to do it. He has a great quality and he’s fit, which is unusual as he [is] playing almost every single minute of every single game.

“He always shows great performances with his passing, with his solutions and with his hard working in central midfield together with Will Hughes, it’s very important for us. He’s at the beginning of a great career and we will support him as good as possible.”

Another question is whether Manchester United can even afford such a hefty deal. Their financial limitations are no secret and they must sell before they can even think about reaching Wharton’s reported price tag.

Celtic have bolstered their squad with the likes of Benjamin Nygren, Kieran Tierney, and Callum Osmand this summer, but they have yet to add any more players to their midfield ranks.

The Hoops have been linked with an interest in Motherwell central midfielder Lennon Miller, but they may end up missing out on a move for the Scotland international.

Como, who just signed Nicolas Kuhn from Celtic, Ipswich Town, and Southampton are all reportedly keen on the Scottish star, and Celtic were not mentioned in that latest report.

Miller produced two goals and eight assists in 32 matches in the Scottish Premiership last season, which is why he is an attractive target for clubs, but the Hoops are now eyeing up a star who is even better than the teenage gem.

Celtic circling around deal for Serie B star

Whilst a move for the Motherwell talent may not be looking likely, given that they were not mentioned in the latest batch of clubs interested in him, Celtic could still find a new midfield star.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to The Boot Room, the Premiership champions are one of the sides ‘circling’ around a potential deal to sign Salvatore Esposito from Serie B team Spezia this summer.

The report claims that the Hoops have been keeping tabs on the Italy international and are now one of a clutch of clubs looking to snap him up ahead of next season.

It states that the likes of Sunderland, Rangers, Everton, and Fulham are also showing an interest in the £9m-rated star, who may be allowed to leave on loan with an option to make it permanent next summer.

Why Celtic should sign Salvatore Esposito

Brendan Rodgers should work hard to win the race for the Italian star’s signature this summer because he would be an even better signing for the club than Miller for next season.

Both players are central midfielders who can combine impressive contributions at the top end of the pitch with steely defensive work in the middle of the park, which makes them both valuable players to have in a squad.

However, their respective performances in the 2024/25 season suggest that it would be Esposito who would have a bigger impact on the pitch for the Hoops next term.

The Spezia maestro, who was described as a “tenacious” tackler by talent scout Jacek Kulig, was sensational in the Serie B last season with his ability to win duels and tackles, as well as score and create goals.

Appearances

34

32

Goals

7

2

Big chances created

18

12

Assists

9

8

Tackles per game

1.8

1.8

Duels won per game

7.3

5.7

Ground duel success rate

67%

58%

As you can see in the table above, Esposito scored five more goals and created six more chances, despite only playing two more games, in the league, which suggests that he would provide Celtic with a greater threat at the top end of the pitch.

His defensive numbers, in terms of duels won, tackles won, and his success rate in duels, also suggest that the Spezia midfielder would provide more protection in front of the back four than Miller would.

These statistics suggest that Esposito would be even better for Celtic than Miller would be next season, due to his qualities in and out of possession in the middle of the park, which is why he would be an even better signing for the club.

At the age of 24, he may not be a teenager like the Motherwell gem, but the Italian star is still young and has plenty of time left for him to develop and grow with Rodgers at Parkhead.

Celtic could land better winger than Balikwisha in "electric" £3.5m star

Celtic could land an even better signing than Michel-Ange Balikwisha by swooping for this star.

1 ByDan Emery Jul 11, 2025

It is now down to the club to strike a deal with Spezia to bring the Italy international to Glasgow, so that the club can move on from any interest they may still have in Miller.