Sri Lanka have become the eighth and final team to qualify automatically for the 2019 World Cup, following West Indies’ seven-wicket defeat against England in the first ODI at Old Trafford.With September 30 set as the cut-off date, West Indies (78 points) now cannot move ahead of Sri Lanka (86 points) in the ICC ODI rankings, irrespective of how their remaining matches against England pan out.They had gone into the five-match series needing to win by either 4-0 or 5-0 to amass enough points to leapfrog Sri Lanka, but their fate was sealed in a 42-over-a-side contest in which a Jonny Bairstow century guided England past their victory target of 205 with more than 19 overs remaining.Sri Lanka, World Champions in 1996, now join Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa as the confirmed participants in the 2019 event, which will be held in England between May 30 and July 15.West Indies, two-times champions in 1975 and 1979, must now compete in a 10-team qualifier in 2018, where they will be joined by the bottom three sides in the ICC team rankings – Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Ireland – as well as the top four sides from the ICC World Cricket League Championship and the top two sides from the ICC World Cricket League Division 2. The top two sides will complete the World Cup line-up.”You always know there’s the potential of that [not qualifying direct], we knew it was going to be a tough ask,” said Toby Radford, West Indies’ batting coach. “But we are very positive as a group and are trying to develop in all formats. If it means the qualifiers next year, it means the qualifiers next year and we’ll build our way back up.”Upul Tharanga, Sri Lanka’s ODI captain, was relieved to have avoided that fate: “It’s no secret that we have been going through a tough time, but I want to say a big, big thank you to our fans who’ve kept faith with us when things looked bleak.”ICC events have always brought out the magic in Sri Lanka cricket, and I look forward to proving that once again.”We have a clear plan toward the World Cup, and we will work hard at achieving each step. As we say in the dressing room, – Little ‘w’s [wins] add up to make the big ‘W’ – so that’s what we’ll be focusing on and I know you will see Sri Lanka’s special brand of cricket out there once again soon.”

Leeds United could be set to finally push out an older figure, ushering in a new age of youth, energy and structure underpinned by Daniel Farke.

Who are Leeds United signing this summer?

Journalist Sander de Vries took to Twitter to offer an update on SC Heerenveen player Milan van Ewijk.

He would write: "SC Heerenveen refused an offer from Coventry City last week. This club has wanted to capture Van Ewijk for some time. Leeds United are now also interested in the 22-year-old right back."

Football Transfers value the relatively unknown commodity at just €5.1m (£4m), but should he take to English football with ease and translate his current form across to the Championship, that is a figure certain to skyrocket.

Who is Milan van Ewijk?

The acquisition of the Dutch defender could spell bad news for Luke Ayling, whose powers have been noticeably waning in recent years as his age has increased.

Now 31 years old, he often plays without the experience that someone of his stature should bring, and naturally, his physical assets have somewhat deserted him too.

Back during their initial stint in the Championship, the Englishman actually starred as part of Marcelo Bielsa's all-action philosophy. Their promotion campaign saw him maintain a 7.26 average rating, as he recorded eight goal contributions, 17 clean sheets, an 80% dribble success and 1.8 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

However, since taking that step up to the Premier League, things have taken a turn for the worse.

In the 2021/22 season, as the Whites narrowly escaped relegation, Ayling was branded an "idiot" by Jamie Carragher for his wild lunge that saw him sent off in a crunch clash with Arsenal. This would compound a term where he averaged a 6.61 Sofascore rating in the league.

Then, in the campaign following, this figure would drop to 6.60, as he was dribbled past 1.5 times per game, kept just two clean sheets, and saw his successful dribbles drop to 43%, via Sofascore. He was the fourth-worst performer of those who started five or more league games.

There is little chance of him recapturing his form of old, even with the step-down their relegation poses. Plus, Farke will likely seek to build his new system on youth and a brighter future, rather than rely upon an ageing dud who has done little to merit a starting spot.

Instead, he would be better served putting his faith in Van Ewijk, as to allow him to acclimatise into English football in preparation for what will hopefully be a swift promotion.

After all, just last term in the Eredivisie saw him maintain a 7.01 average rating, bolstered by his six goals, ten clean sheets, 1.8 tackles and 2.3 clearances per game, via Sofascore. That rating would have made the 22-year-old Leeds' best-performing player last term, with his goal tally even surpassing Patrick Bamford's in the league.

The flyer clearly is in possession of the key assets to thrive as a modern-day full-back, with his presence set to make Ayling obsolete at last. He truly does seem like the "complete full-back" that Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig branded him.

Should he grow into his role, Van Ewijk could quickly become a star at Elland Road, with dynamism and athleticism sure to get the fans excited again. Meanwhile, his ageing predecessor would still likely remain as a fine backup asset to have around, given he is one of few who remain at the club from their 2020 promotion.

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.”

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.

Claire Polosak to stand with Paul Wilson in the List A contest between New South Wales and a Cricket Australia XI at Hurstville Oval on Sunday

Daniel Brettig04-Oct-2017Claire Polosak was a Goulburn teenager with a love of cricket when a schoolmate gave her a new idea for getting involved in the game. “A friend came to school with a flyer and she said ‘Dad says you like cricket, you should give this a go’,” Polosak said. “She thrust the flyer into my face and it was a course for umpiring. So I thought ‘oh I’ll give this a go’ and it grew from there.”From that abrupt introduction, her career did indeed grow, to the point that Polosak, 29, will on Sunday become the first woman to officiate as an on-field umpire in an Australian domestic men’s fixture – standing with Paul Wilson in the List A contest between New South Wales and a Cricket Australia XI at Hurstville Oval.In doing so, she will join the likes of Kathy Cross (New Zealand), Jacqueline Williams (West Indies) and Sue Redfern (England) as women to have umpired at the men’s first-class level. Polosak’s progress also follows significant progress for female officiators in other sports. In May, the South Australian Eleni Glouftsis became the first woman to stand as a field umpire in an AFL men’s match.”A little bit nervous, but if you don’t have a little bit of nerves, you don’t care,” Polosak said in Sydney. “So it’s all about getting all the butterflies going in the same direction. Planning on going out there and having my routines, get through the first ball and go through it from there. I love the challenge, watching balls, being out there, the camaraderie between umpires as you’ve come through is really good, it’s a family, the challenge of having to answer decisions is always good.”I never played cricket, but I always followed cricket, and my parents got me into it [umpiring], Dad used to drive me up from Goulburn to do the umpires course here. It took a few times to pass but it was something I was determined to do and I just kept working through the grades in Sydney competition.”I got a phone call from Simon Taufel [to say I would umpire on Sunday]. I followed Simon when I was a lot younger growing up, he was at his peak, so to have the phone call from him was quite special.”Having umpired men’s and women’s matches extensively, Polosak is in a unique position to compare and contrast. She has found that the women’s game can be more difficult to judge as the high standard of fielding often catches out runners between the wickets, while the greater speed of the ball in men’s matches means that nicks off the edge of the bat can be more easily heard. But either way, she is yet to meet an angry fast bowler or irritated captain she has not been able to “deal with”.Equally, Polosak has not yet joined other colleagues in wearing much in the way of protective equipment when standing. “Cricket Australia is very open to if you want to wear a helmet or protective equipment, they’re happy to provide that,” she said. “At the moment I’m fortunate that I haven’t been in that situation. But if you’ve got good positioning and watching the ball, hopefully that reduces your chance of any injury.”Asked whether her pathway had been anymore difficult than for a male equivalent, Polosak paused. “A bit hard to tell, as I’ve come through the grades, I’ve come through at the same speed that players have, so now in first grade in Sydney I’ve seen players I’ve worked with all the way through, so I’m not a novelty anymore,” she said. “The way the appointments work are based on merit, so I can never ask for anything extra.”I’ve probably had to work a little bit harder [than men] but it’s all part of the enjoyment, and being able to do well makes it even better.It just shows there is a pathway now, there are increased opportunities. Cricket Australia and Cricket NSW are really increasing the amount of support available for female umpires, and I think that’s showing in other sports as well.”In addition to her own umpiring, Polosak works in female engagement and umpire education at Cricket NSW, where she is intent on building the number of females coming through the ranks of the game’s arbiters. “We’re looking to improve the numbers,” she said. “There’s now an increased awareness of women’s sport and an increased pathway so it’s really exciting.”As for whether the road, that started with that flyer waved in her face, can lead to standing in a Test match, Polosak said she was not putting any limitations on what could be achieved. “There always is [a dream to umpire a Test match],” she said, “but if you ask players or referees from any sport, you just want to go to the highest possible opportunity that you can.”

Real Betis have confirmed Isco's contract renewal with a rather bizarre video.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Isco extends Betis deal until 2027
• Club announce news with Ali G video
• Former Madrid star impressing in Seville

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  On Thursday, Real Betis confirmed that Spanish midfielder Isco has signed a new contract with the club. The former Real Madrid man penned a deal until 2027, but Betis chose a rather unconventional way of announcing the news. Transfer and new contract announcement videos are all the rage these days, but not many feature Sacha Baron Cohen's famous character, Ali G.

Advertisement

• WATCH THE CLIP

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Isco joined Betis from cross-town rivals Sevilla in the summer on a one-year deal, and has since become a mainstay in Manuel Pellegrini's side. The Ali G video was in keeping with the club's light-hearted approach to social media; earlier on Thursday, they celebrated Spain's equivalent of April Fool's Day by teasing a return of retired club legend Joaquin.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR ISCO AND BETIS?

  With Betis currently seventh in the table, Isco will look to help push them into European contention when they take on Celta Vigo on January 3.

Leeds United could be set to continue their summer of spending, adding to the acquisition of Ethan Ampadu by signing a tireless midfielder to protect him.

Is Glen Kamara leaving Rangers?

With rumours having persisted throughout the window touting Glen Kamara with an Elland Road switch, it truly does seem like there is some credence to these reports.

Especially given the availability and affordability of the Rangers midfield general, who is noted to have just a £5m release clause which could pique the interest of Daniel Farke.

After all, it seems like he is finally gaining some stability within his squad, having ushered out most of those unwilling to partake in their Championship crusade.

With experience battling in Scotland, whilst also honing his technical assets, the 27-year-old ace could provide a calming presence in the engine room for the German manager, who will seek to ensure that the rest of his side subscribe to his all-action high-pressing philosophy, hell-bent on securing an instant promotion.

How good is Glen Kamara?

As a solid stalwart at the base of midfield, willing to sit and dictate play whilst sticking a foot in when needed, it is hard not to draw comparisons with Manchester City's revolutionary stopper Rodri.

The Spaniard moved to England amid Fernandinho's Etihad exit, with many worrying how Pep Guardiola would replace such a legendary figure within the side.

However, it took no time at all for the young Atletico Madrid ace to emerge as an ample successor, having since gone on to play 207 times for the Citizens, seldom overlooked by his Spanish boss despite his tendency to rotate often.

This culminated in last season's treble success, of which the 27-year-old even fired home the winner to claim the club's first-ever Champions League title.

Meanwhile, in the Premier League he would maintain a 7.32 average rating, buoyed by his 91% pass accuracy, 1.9 tackles and 0.9 key passes per game, via Sofascore.

Without his metronomic style in the midfield, the rest of Guardiola's revolutionary system could not function.

Whilst on a far smaller scale, Kamara could act as that same calm dictator in Leeds' midfield, able to retain possession amidst all the chaos. When viewing his 2021/22 campaign, he clearly has the skill set to do so.

As he would record a 7.01 average rating in the Scottish Premiership, his 91% pass accuracy outlines a similar penchant for ball retention. He would add one tackle and 1.3 key passes per game too, with six goal contributions showcasing his ability to also offer an offensive threat, via Sofascore.

Steven Gerrard, during his time in charge at Ibrox, sought to outline the former Dundee United star for praise, promising a great future should he apply himself: "He’s a terrific footballer in possession, always playing with his head up and looking to connect defence and attack.

“But what pleased me most is what I spoke about when we signed him in terms of how he’ll be out of possession. Will he hunt the ball back, be aggressive, work hard for the team and be a monster in the middle of the park?"

It seems he has finally realised that potential, with a move to England sure to test these talents he has honed. When placing his aforementioned figures beside that of Rodri's, it is clear that he at least has the mindset to emulate such a revered figure.

Chelsea's pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo is "still on" despite their second bid being rejected by the Seagulls, claims transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

Is Moises Caicedo joining Chelsea this summer?

It's been a hectic transfer window for Mauricio Pochettino's side so far this summer. From selling a swathe of first-team stars to signing a handful of promising youngsters, Chelsea are certainly making a splash in the market.

However, the name that has seemingly been attached to the club more than any other over the last month or so has been Brighton's Caicedo, as the saga to bring him to Stamford Bridge rumbles on.

The protracted nature of the deal is not from a lack of trying on the west Londoners' part, as according to Sky Sports, they have had two offers rebuffed by the Seagulls, the second being worth an eye-watering £80m.

That said, Roberto De Zerbi's side are under no obligation to sell after the 21-year-old signed a new £60,000-a-week contract in March this year that doesn't expire until summer 2027.

If the Pensioners want to secure the signature of La Joya, then they'll have to stump up the £100m that Brighton want – a fee that reflects the transfer of the positionally similar Declan Rice.

However, in good news for fans of the club, transfers expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that, despite their second offer being rejected, talks remain ongoing with the deal very much "still on."

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:

"From what I am told, and this is my information, is that the negotiations are not stalling now, the negotiations remain ongoing. Of course, with Brighton on their position, they want big money, and with Chelsea on their position, they don't want to overpay, but they are still speaking, they're still talking, and I still expect some contacts in the next days for Moises Caicedo.

"Then, at some point, it's going to be time to decide. For sure, the deal is still on while I'm speaking."

Who else has been linked with a move to Chelsea this summer?

While the Blues certainly seem set on signing Caicedo this summer, they're still looking elsewhere in the market for potential transfers so as not to be left empty-handed should the Ecuadorian remain on the south coast.

One of the names touted as a potential alternative is Southampton's exciting youngster, Romeo Lavia.

According to Football Insider, Chelsea are now 'plotting a full-scale hijack of Liverpool's pursuit' of the 19-year-old following the recent setback regarding Caicedo.

The Merseysiders are currently leading the chase for the Belgian's signature, having seen their opening offer of £34m plus £4m in add-ons rejected as the Saints hold out for a team to match their £50m valuation.

Should a deal for Caicedo not materialise, Pochettino's side could use some of the money put aside for the Ecuardoian and make an offer Southampton feel they cannot refuse.

While he might not be the club's number one choice, the 5 foot 11 "monster" demonstrated his qualities last season, averaging a match rating of 6.56 in an incredibly dysfunctional Saints team and maintaining a passing accuracy of 86.4% to boot, per WhoScored.

Ultimately, Blues fans should rest assured that, at the moment, the deal to sign Caicedo is still on, and even if it collapses, Lavia could be the ideal alternative.

Michael Rippon coupled his three-for with an unbeaten half-century•Peter Della Penna

An unbroken fifth-wicket century stand, set up by fifties from Peter Borren and Michael Rippon, helped Netherlands cruise to a six-wicket victory at Buffalo Park, with seven balls remaining, after Kenya were restricted to 226 for 7 in their 50 overs.While Borren, the Netherlands captain, had gone wicketless in the two economical overs he sent down, his returns with the bat were more impressive as he notched up his 12th List A half-century, clobbering eight fours en route to his 98-ball 86. Batting at No. 4, he took charge of the chase after the top three batsmen fell for scores in the twenties, with only 85 runs on the board. He put on 129 runs with Rippon, who added a 74-ball 56 not out to his bowling figures of 3 for 30.Kenya’s troubles with the bat started early as they lost both their openers within seven overs of their innings for only 18 runs. Batting at No. 3, 22-year old Dhiren Gondaria, who amassed 53 off 60 balls, subsequently led a part of restoration work through an 81-run stand with captain Rakep Patel (29) at a steady rate of 5.40. The latter’s dismissal in the 22nd over, however, led to Kenya losing 3 for 18 in nearly nine overs, all three wickets falling to Rippon. Collins Obuya and Nelson Odhiambo arrested the slump, adding 95 runs for the sixth wicket. Nelson’s 39 abetted Obuya’s 77-ball 72 – peppered with two fours and four sixes – and shepherded Kenya past 200. Kenya were also buoyed by a late surge that saw them amass 51 runs in the last four overs.Rippon’s left arm wristspin was ably complemented by medium-pacer Timm van der Gugten, whose two timely wickets – opener Alex Obanda and Nelson – further dented Kenya’s chances of posting a score in excess of 250.

Pep Guardiola told his Manchester City players to look at the gold badge on their shirts as inspiration while they were losing against Everton

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Guardiola used world champions badge to inspire CityTreble winners were losing at EvertonFoden, Alvarez and Silva scored in comeback winWHAT HAPPENED?

Phil Foden has revealed how the coach urged his players to remind themselves that they were world champions during his half-time team talk after City had fallen a goal down at Everton. City thrashed Fluminense 4-0 in last week's Club World Cup final but were given a rude awakening by the Toffees before eventually showing their class and cruising to a 3-1 win.

AdvertisementWHAT FODEN SAID

"The manager was big on it at half-time to keep believing, we haven't got this badge for no reason so we have to believe in ourselves because we're a top team," Foden told . "I thought we played really well in the first half and it seems to have been the same story as previous games."

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

City overcame Jack Harrison's goal against the run of play and dominated the second half. Foden scored the equaliser with a thumping low strike from the edge of the area before a Julian Alvarez penalty and late Bernardo Silva chip clinched all three points.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

'WE BLEW THEM AWAY'

"In the second half, wow. I think we blew them away with the way they played," Foden added. "I want to praise Everton because I think they've been doing really well recently and are a top side. They make it difficult. I'm really happy with the result. It's a difficult place to come."