Dele Alli has not played for nine months but the former Tottenham star, who remains contracted to Everton, says his career is “not over until I win”.
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Darren Sammy, the Peshawar Zalmi captain, was one of nine overseas players who travelled to Lahore for the PSL final despite the security threat and his reason for doing so was to “bring back the smiles” on the faces of the fans.Pakistan has hosted only one series of international cricket since the 2009 attacks on the Sri Lanka team and even then there had been the issue of a bombing on the edge of the security perimeter. Moreover, leading up to Sunday’s match, there had been worrisome incidents across the country, including one in Lahore’s own Defence Housing Authority. A blast had killed at least 10 people and left a dozen injured.Pakistan did their best to mitigate the situation. The government’s paramilitary force was deployed at Gaddafi stadium and the Rangers only made up one part of at least 10,000 security personal, which also included the Punjab police.Sammy was one of four first-choice overseas players for Peshawar to still make the trip, along with West Indies team-mate Marlon Samuels and England’s Chris Jordan and Dawid Malan.Quetta, however, lost a major part of the reason they made the final in the first place, when Kevin Pietersen, Tymal Mills, Rilee Rossouw, Luke Wright and Nathan McCullum had pulled out of the match. They had to make do with last-minute changes, bringing in Bangladesh’s Anamul Haque, South Africa’s Morne van Wyk, Zimbabwe’s Sean Ervine and West Indies’ Rayad Emrit.The final was played with more than 22,000 people in attendance, who had assembled outside the ground in the afternoon in order to get through three layers of security before reaching their seats. And with Shahid Afridi out injured, Sammy was the one they cheered for the most.”To me it was more than just a game,” he said after Peshawar won the second edition of the PSL. “It started with the draft. Lala [Afridi] made the big announcement that I would be the captain and one of our mottos was to bring back the smiles so I felt tonight I brought a lot of smiles in Lahore and Peshawar. It is an amazing day and this trophy means a lot.”The Federation of International Cricketers’ Association, in January, had warned that safety for the PSL final in Lahore could not be guaranteed and it wasn’t until 24 hours before the match that the foreign players taking part in it were confirmed.”When you have not been in a place you always have your doubts,” Sammy said. “You get different views, different opinions. But I spoke to Javed [Afridi, the Peshawar team owner] and Shahid Afridi and they influenced my decision to come here. All the boys just made the decision that we are part of something that we are coming down here for a good cause. The fans here deserve to see their players playing as they haven’t seen it for quite a while. I am glad I came here.”I have enjoyed playing a cricket match [in Lahore] and I have even enjoyed being with the security guys as I have never seen something like this before so it was a good experience. It is hopefully a step in the right direction, where things could happen. What I can say is that being here felt like playing in St Lucia, playing in India or anywhere else in the world. And like I said at the toss, today I felt cricket was the winner.”The PCB had invited security advisors from the ICC and its member countries to watch the PSL final. Reports suggest they are keen to invite Bangladesh to tour Pakistan sometime in the future.
With the last 16 already behind us, GOAL runs the rule over the remaining eight teams who are competing to become champions of the world
With all the shocks, the twists and turns and the drama the 2023 Women's World Cup has given us so far, it's been increasingly tough to call just who will win this tournament at its end. But one thing is now for certain – after the U.S. women's national team's incredible penalty shootout defeat to Sweden in the last 16, the champions of the last two editions will relinquish their crown.
The USWNT has not been the only scalp either. After New Zealand became the first hosts of a Women's World Cup ever to crash out in the group stages, Canada followed suit as the first reigning Olympic champion ever to do so and then Brazil crashed out in incredible fashion, too. Just when it seemed like that would be it for the chaos, Germany topped it all, failing to make the knockout stages for the first time ever. It might be the biggest shock in Women's World Cup history.
So, as we gear up for the quarter-finals, who is looking likely to be there in Sydney hoping to lift the title on August 20? Let GOAL's Power Rankings take you through all of the nations that remain in contention…
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Chelsea are 'in the race' to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte as Mauricio Pochettino aims to bolster his midfield ranks, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
What's the latest transfer news involving Manuel Ugarte?
According to Football Insider, Chelsea manager Pochettino is said to have had a phone conversation with Ugarte in a bid to try and convince the midfielder to pitch up at Stamford Bridge this summer.
The Blues are trying to construct a structured deal that will match his release clause of £52 million and the 22-year-old is reportedly keen to test himself in the Premier League.
As per Record via The Daily Mail, Paris Saint-Germain also want to sign Ugarte and have offered a significantly larger financial package to the Uruguay international as they endeavour to entice the midfielder to Le Parc des Princes.
PSG are believed to be offering Ugarte £2.5 million (€3 million) to join the Ligue 1 giants. The outlet also claims that in Chelsea's bid, youngster David Datro Fofana moving to Sporting Lisbon on loan has also been floated by Blues' chiefs.
It has now been claimed that Chelsea are closing in on signing him, but it remains to be seen as to whether this is correct.
Chelsea are set for something of a midfield revamp in the off-season and Mason Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mateo Kovacic all look to be in negotiations regarding potential moves away from SW6.
Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs thinks that it will be left up to Ugarte over whether he wants to join Chelsea or PSG in the summer.
Jacobs told FFC: "It's quite a fluid situation because it just depends on what the player ultimately wants, assuming both clubs are able to agree a package and a structure with Sporting. There are still some legs on this story, but it is fair to say that both PSG and Chelsea at the time of recording are in the race for Ugarte."
Would Manuel Ugarte be a good addition to Chelsea's midfield?
Ugarte would add some youthful energy and bite to Chelsea's engine room and would be a major asset under Pochettino if the Argentinian is able to convince him to join the Blues.
Across 2022/23, Ugarte has made 47 appearances in all competitions for Sporting Lisbon, registering one assist, as per Transfermarkt.
The 22-year-old is also extremely reliable in possession and has managed to record a pass success rate of 91.8% in the Primeira Liga this season, according to WhoScored.
FBRef also detail that Ugarte ranks well in comparison to his positional peers across Europe's top five divisions in the art of tackling, managing to make an average of 4.63 per 90 minutes across the last 365 days, putting him in the first percentile for this metric.
Chelsea are undergoing something of a transition period at Stamford Bridge and Ugarte may be the ideal candidate to add some stability in midfield as Pochettino looks to build ahead for 2023/24.
Tottenham Hotspur have identified Feyenoord boss Arne Slot as leading candidate to become their new manager, according to a recent report from the Independent.
What's the latest Tottenham manager news?
Tottenham have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Burnley manager Vincent Kompany, as it has recently transpired he wants to stay on with the Clarets for an additional season, making it unlikely he will take another job in the off-season.
A surprise new candidate for the job is South Korea boss Jurgen Klinsmann, who is now being considered by chairman Daniel Levy, while former Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers has also been linked with the role.
At one stage, it was claimed that Mauricio Pochettino was "pushing hard" for a return to N17, however the club's hierarchy is said to have reservations about re-appointing the Argentine, and rivals Chelsea are now in talks.
According to a report from the Independent, Slot is now being viewed as a leading candidate for the Spurs job, as the Feyenoord boss has struck the board as the manager who best fits what they want.
The 44-year-old is viewed as a manager on an upward curve, with experience working with young players, akin to Pochettino when he was first appointed in 2014, which may make him a more attractive option than some big-name managers.
Although the Dutchman is one of the main contenders, Tottenham are also still monitoring Julian Nagelsmann, while Roberto De Zerbi has also been considered, but a deal for the Italian would be difficult to strike.
Should Tottenham appoint Arne Slot?
There are plenty of indications the Bergentheim-born tactician would bring an exciting style of football to Spurs, having been hailed as "ultra-attacking" by Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan.
During his time with Feyenoord, Slot has led the club to the Europa Conference League final, before narrowly coming up short against Roma, while his side are also way out in front at the top of the Eredivisie, having lost just one game all season.
The former AZ Alkmaar boss has never managed outside of the Netherlands, which means it would be a risk to appoint him, however Levy has been unsuccessful when bringing in proven Premier League managers, including Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho.
As such, the Feyenoord boss could end up being a shrewd appointment for Tottenham, and they should continue to monitor his availability between now and the end of the season.
Everton will continue their pursuit of Premier League survival when they head to south London this afternoon for their clash with Crystal Palace, and Sean Dyche will be hoping that his team can revive their form before it's too late.
The Toffees are currently just outside of the relegation zone by the skin of their teeth – matching Nottingham Forest for 27 points – with only goal difference saving them from being in the bottom three, so snatching all three points from Selhurst Park today will be essential in their efforts to retain their top-flight status.
In terms of injuries, Andros Townsend remains unavailable for selection alongside Seamus Coleman, who is recovering from a thigh injury, while Ruben Vinagre could be set for a much longer spell in recovery due to the potential need for surgery.
However, the Everton boss did offer some positive injury updates during his pre-match press conference on Thursday, confirming that both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Amadou Onana could be in contention to start.
On Calvert-Lewin, Dyche revealed:
"He will certainly be in my thinking, without a doubt. [The behind-closed-doors match on Tuesday] was all about him, really. It was the end of a rehab period so we're very pleased that he came through that and he felt good."
Whilst, the manager claimed Onana will be subject to a late fitness test:
"Ama (Onana) has made a bit more of a recovery. He was training today and we'll see how that reacts tomorrow."
How could Everton line up vs Crystal Palace?
Jordan Pickford (GK), Nathan Patterson (RB), Michael Keane (CB), James Tarkowski (CB), Vitaliy Mykolenko (LB), Idrissa Gana Gueye (CM), Amadou Onana (CM), Alex Iwobi (AM), Demarai Gray (RW), Dwight McNeil (LW), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (ST)
Football FanCast predicts that Dyche could be set to make three changes to the team that lost 3-1 to Fulham at Goodison Park last weekend and deploy a 4-3-2-1 formation to accommodate the return of key players.
The first change we expect to see is in the back four, with Nathan Patterson reprising his role at right-back in Coleman's absence, alongside an otherwise unchanged defensive setup that includes Michael Keane, James Tarkowski and Vitaliy Mykolenko.
£16m Scottish full-back Patterson – dubbed a "diamond" by BBC pundit Danny Murphy – has been rarely seen following a battle with injury problems this season, but he could now finally get his opportunity to impress Dyche with a positive performance against the Eagles this afternoon.
The second change we predict is Onana's return to the starting lineup to add physicality in the centre of the pitch alongside Idrissa Gana Gueye, replacing James Garner.
The third and final change we expect to see is the long-awaited return of Calvert-Lewin in the centre-forward role for the first time since February, with Demarai Gray and Dwight McNeil retaining their roles in the wider positions to feed the 6 foot 3 striker vital opportunities in front of goal.
With that being said, it will be a great opportunity for Everton if Calvert-Lewin can turn his charm on against Crystal Palace once again this afternoon and could put the Toffees in a great position to take all three points away from home.
West Ham United are increasingly likely to lose Gianluca Scamacca this summer, amid growing interest in the striker from several Italian clubs, according to a report.
The Lowdown: Summer rebuild needed?
West Ham may be in need of a significant rebuild in the summer transfer window, given that several key players are now being linked with a move away from the London Stadium.
Declan Rice’s departure has been much-discussed in recent months, with it recently emerging that Arsenal are in pole position to land the midfielder, amid interest from the likes of Chelsea.
The Hammers being able to keep hold of their key players is likely to hinge on whether they are able to retain their Premier League status, with Lucas Paqueta tipped to quit if they go down, despite only joining the club last summer.
There have also been recent reports that the club’s hierarchy are looking for a manager to replace David Moyes, being linked to Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri, as well as Reims’ Will Still in recent days.
The Latest: Scamacca to depart?
As per a report from Football Insider, the Irons are becoming increasingly likely to lose Scamacca in the summer, with several Italian clubs, including Juventus, looking to sign the striker.
Like Paqueta, the Italian is unlikely to stay at the London Stadium if West Ham are relegated, and Juventus are one of the clubs actively monitoring the situation.
However, the Serie A club are currently being investigated for their financial practices over the past few years, which could have a significant impact on their ability to bring in new signings.
The Verdict: Major blow?
There have been some promising signs from the Rome-born marksman this season, scoring a total of eight goals in 27 appearances, which is a decent enough record, however it would not be a major blow if he left the club.
Moyes has clearly been unimpressed by the 24-year-old who Trevor Sinclair called ‘superb’ in recent weeks.
Scamacca’s ‘physical data’ is apparently not up to scratch, according to Moyes, which has led to a period of exclusion from the first team, being benched for the last four Premier League matches.
Sky Sports presenter Joe Thomlinson has compared the forward’s situation to that of Sebastian Haller, who was unable to make an impact at the London Stadium, but has since gone on to be a real success elsewhere, scoring 21 goals in 31 league games for Ajax last season.
Scamacca may be given a new lease of life next season if Moyes leaves the club, however it is very hard to envisage him going on to reach his potential under a manager that is clearly unimpressed by him, and it may be best for all parties if he moves on.
Previous Glasgow Rangers boss Steven Gerrard will go down in the history books as the man who delivered league title number 55, a full decade after the club’s previous Premiership title triumph in 2011.
Despite his acrimonious exit – departing for Aston Villa during the middle of the season – his tenure is looked back upon fondly by the Ibrox faithful, with the club emerging back onto the European scene.
His record in the transfer market was hit or miss, however. Ryan Kent, Joe Aribo and Ianis Hagi have all proved to be massive hits, yet these moves were offset by the former Liverpool captain signing some rather average players, including Eros Grezda, Jordan Jones and Juninho Bacuna.
One of his worst signings, especially considering the big financial outlay, was that of Cedric Itten, and he just couldn’t get a regular run in the starting XI under Gerrard, costing the club precious funds.
How much did Cedric Itten cost Rangers?
The Swiss striker joined the Light Blues in 2020 for a fee reported to be around £3m, turning out to be one of Gerrard’s more extravagant purchases during his tenure.
He scored 20 goals in 36 appearances for FC St Gallen the season prior to joining Rangers and with Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe the only real out-and-out strikers at the club, it was clear more firepower was required.
Unfortunately, he didn’t repeat those heroics in Scotland, scoring just six times in 37 matches during his debut campaign, with the majority of his appearances coming from the bench to replace crowd favourite Morelos.
Despite securing a league winners medal, Itten joined Bundesliga side Greuther Furth on loan for the 2021/2022 season in a hope that he could boost his confidence with journalist Josh Bunting claiming he had “struggled for game-time at Ibrox” while his spell in Germany yielded just two goals before he was recalled by Giovanni van Bronckhorst in January.
His efforts to prove himself to the Dutchman fell way short, netting twice in eight matches, and he was soon on his way out of Ibrox in a £1.5m deal to join BSC Young Boys.
Overall, the player rinsed the club of around £4.4m in total, a sum that includes his initial transfer fee plus an alarming £1.4m earned in wages across a rather underwhelming 95-week spell in Glasgow.
This money could have been utilised elsewhere, and hopefully, Michael Beale will learn from his predecessor's mistakes in the transfer market.
Manchester United are renowned for their production of young talent, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay and Alejandro Garnacho just a handful of the more recent examples of those who have emerged from the club’s academy ranks to become part of the first-team.
Current manager Erik ten Hag does appear keen to follow in the footsteps of those who have come before him by promoting deserving talent from within, with 17-year-old starlet Kobbie Mainoo having made his top-flight debut off the bench at the weekend.
The Dutchman will have to go some way, though, to replicate the success of legendary former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, with the serial-winning Scotsman having notably brought through the much-celebrated ‘Class of 92’.
Arguably the most successful member of that talented bunch – which includes the likes of Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and David Beckham – was wing wizard Ryan Giggs, with the now-retired Welshman the first of those to make his mark at senior level.
Having been plucked from rivals Manchester City at the age of just 14, the dynamic ace went on to make his professional debut in 1991, eventually playing a key part in ending United’s drought with regard to league titles in the inaugural Premier League campaign in 1992/93.
That triumph was the first of 13 league titles that the 64-cap sensation won during his time at Old Trafford, having gone on to rack up 964 appearances for the club in all competitions, unsurprisingly ensuring that he leads the way in that regard in United’s history.
That remarkable consistency and quality has ensured that Giggs is widely regarded as one of the best wingers to have played the game, with his former boss David Moyes having stated back in 2013: “The Premier League has seen some outstanding players but because of his ability and his longevity Ryan has to be just about the best. “
While it will prove rather impossible for any youngster to be able to emulate such a talent, Ten Hag and co could well have found a suitable heir to the 49-year-old in the form of teenage gem Shea Lacey.
Who could be Man United’s next Giggs?
Much like Giggs – who was able to wreak havoc on the flanks or in a midfield berth – young Lacey also offers the benefit of being able to feature out wide or in a playmaking role, having already been making waves at youth level of late.
While still only 15, the precocious talent has already set tongues wagging with his quality in possession, with talent scout Jacek Kulig lauding him as a player who has a “left foot made of gold” – an assessment which could also have been made of the aforementioned Giggs.
Despite his youth, the exciting asset has already made six appearances for the club’s U18 side, notably scoring once and laying on two assists in just five appearances in the U18 Premier League this season.
A youngster who has been sparking a “lot of excitement” at the Theatre of Dreams, in the words of Goal’s Tom Maston, Lacey appears set for a bright future in the game, having also been described by Kulig as “one of the most interesting U17s in Europe”.
Also lauded as United’s answer to City star Phil Foden, the emerging superstar only recently set pulses racing among supporters after starring in the Rewe Junior Cup last month, showcasing his eye-catching trickery to produce a remarkable solo goal in the competition.
While there is always concern about hyping up a player who is still likely to be years away from earning a first-team bow, the signs are that the Red Devils do have a potential Giggs-esque diamond on their hands.
The most prolific against the men from the Caribbean, most runs without a duck, and English teenagers
Steven Lynch15-Jan-2008
Jacques Kallis: the sixth batsman to score 2000 runs against West Indies, and with the best average © Getty Images
I saw that Jacques Kallis passed 2000 runs in Tests against West Indies the other day. Has anyone else scored more, against West Indies or anybody? asked Joubert Franck from Cape Town
Jacques Kallis was actually the sixth man to reach the milestone of 2000 runs in Tests against West Indies. He now has 2073 runs against them, just ahead of Allan Border (2052), but still behind Steve Waugh(2192), Graham Gooch(2197), Geoff Boycott (2205)and the clear leader SunilGavaskar, whose 2749 runs included a record 13 centuries against WestIndies. Kallis, though, averages 74.03 against them, the highest of anyonewith more than 2000 runs. The record against a single Test opponent is heldby the one and only DonBradman, with 5028 for Australia against England.Has anyone taken 100 wickets in ODIs against a single opposing team?asked Nishin de Silva from Colombo
No one has yet managed this particular feat. Top of the list, with 92against Sri Lanka, is the leading wicket-taker in all ODIs, Wasim Akram. He’s also insecond place on this particular list, with 89 wickets for Pakistan againstWest Indies. Third is his longtime new-ball partner Waqar Younis, with 84 againstSri Lanka, just ahead of Muttiah Muralitharan, with 81for Sri Lanka against Pakistan.Who took the most wickets in one-day internationals in 2007? askedAhmat Ranawat from Vadodara
The top wicket-taker in ODIs in 2007 was New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori, with 43, just aheadof Zaheer Khan of India, with40. They were both quite a long way short of the alltime record, 69 wicketsby Pakistan’s Saqlain Mushtaq in1997. For a full list of the bowlers with most ODI wickets in a calendaryear, click here.Mike Hussey just passed 2000 Test runs without a duck – is thisunique? asked Dan Martin from Adelaide
Before the Perth Test against India Michael Hussey had scored 2120 Testruns without a duck. He’s just behind the South African AB de Villiers, who has now scored2201 runs without being out for 0 – his 63 duckless innings is the currentrecord (Hussey has 33). Sri Lanka’s Aravinda de Silva holds theoverall record – he had scored 2779 runs before being finally out for a duckin his 75th innings, in his 45th Test, in 1994-95.Have any teenagers ever played Test cricket for England? asked TimMilgate
The youngest man ever to play for England was Yorkshire’s Brian Close, who was 18 years and149 days old when he made his Test debut against New Zealand at Old Trafford in 1949. Two otherteenagers have represented England in Tests: Denis Compton and Ben Hollioake were both19 when they made their debuts in 1937 and 1997 respectively. Compton made acentury against Australia atTrent Bridge in 1938, just 19 days past his 20th birthday, and remainsEngland’s youngest Test century-maker. For a list of the youngest Testplayers from all countries, clickhere.Who made the most runs and took the most wickets in one-dayinternationals in 2007 for a non-Test team? asked Johan van Gerritsfrom Amsterdam
The leading ODI run-scorer from a non-Test country was Ryan Watson of Scotland, who made560 runs, five more than Ireland’s William Porterfield. Top of thewicket tables for the non-Test nations was Kenya’s Peter Ongondo, with 30: anotherKenyan, Steve Tikolo, andHolland’s Ryan ten Doeschatewere equal second, with 23. For a full list of the top ODI runscorers of2007, click here; for the top wicket-takers, click here.