كشفت تقارير صحفية عن موقف نادي مانشستر يونايتد الإنجليزي من إقالة المدير الفني روبن أموريم، في ظل نتائج الفريق السلبية وخاصة بعد هزيمة الديربي أمام مانشستر سيتي.

وحل مانشستر يونايتد ضيفًا على مانشستر سيتي في ملعب “الاتحاد” أمس الأحد ضمن مباريات الجولة الرابعة للدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وتلقى مانشستر يونايتد بقيادة مدربه أموريم، هزيمة من مانشستر سيتي بثلاثة أهداف دون مقابل، سجلها فيل فودين، وإيرلينج هالاند (هدفين).

مانشستر يونايتد سجل أسوأ بداية له في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز منذ موسم 1992-1993، بالحصول على أربع نقاط فقط من مبارياته الأربع الأولى، ويحتل المركز الرابع عشر.

اقرأ أيضًا | جوارديولا بعد الثلاثية أمام مانشستر يونايتد: هل تعلمون لماذا أنا مدرب جيد؟

كما خرج مانشستر يونايتد من كأس كاراباو، بعد خسارته بركلات الترجيح أمام جريمسبي تاون من دوري الدرجة الثانية.

وبحسب ما ذكرت صحيفة “ديلي ميل” البريطانية، لا يزال أموريم يحظى بدعم إدارة مانشستر يونايتد، ويرون أنه قادر على تغيير مسار الفريق.

ويوضح التقرير أنه لا يوجد خطط في الوقت الحالي لإقالة أموريم من منصبه، وترى إدارة مانشستر يونايتد أن هناك تقدم على الرغم من النتائج السلبية.

من جانبه صرح أموريم بعد الخسارة أمام مانشستر سيتي: “لن أغير فلسفتي، إذا أرادوا (مسؤولو يونايتد) تغييرها، فعليهم تغيير المدرب”.

Tanveer Sangha still wants to become a three-format bowler for Australia, as the spinner prepares to play his first Sheffield Shield match in almost two years.Sangha will turn out for New South Wales against Queensland on Monday, marking his first red-ball game for his state since March 2022.In the time since, the legspinner has played two ODIs and seven T20Is for Australia while missing large parts of Shield action while overseas or injured.Related

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Such is Sangha’s predicament, the 22-year-old has now played more white-ball matches for his country than red-ball matches at first-class level. But despite that, Sangha maintains red-ball cricket can still be a priority as he hopes to one day add a Baggy Green to his limited-overs playing caps.”I definitely think all three formats is definitely up for play,” Sangha said. “There’s plenty of time still. Everyone says I’m young. I’m 22. You’re not going to peak until late 20s.”It’s the most difficult skill in cricket. I’m still learning, trying to pull leggies, wrong’uns, toppies, sliders and executing all these different variations. I’m just trying to think long term rather than short. It’s a long career if I do make it and I do get through all of it.”Sangha does not have to look far to see the impact of white-ball cricket on Test hopefuls. Adam Zampa has long stated his desire to earn a Baggy Green, but Sangha’s NSW and Australian white-ball team-mate has played only two Shield games in the past four seasons.Glenn Maxwell is another player virtually devoid of Shield matches in recent seasons, with only one since 2019.”That’s what I’m learning now while I was away,” Sangha said. “What can I still do while on a white-ball tour to make sure I’m maintaining my red ball-skills, shapes and bowling style?”Is there something I can just do once a week? Where in one training session I just focus on something specific to red ball, just so I can maintain it That’s the balance that now I’m trying to learn to be an all-format player.”For now, though, Sangha can also see his red-ball game benefiting his white-ball cricket as he maintains a goal of this year’s T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.”Red ball there’s so much more repetition. There’s so much more trying to get the batter out because they have so much time,” Sangha said. “But in white-ball cricket, they want to come at you. There’s more opportunity to get them out.”In red ball there’s quite a bit of thought and time that goes into trying to plan to get a better out, rather than just trying to be consistent. That’s where the art of spin bowling is. I’ve seen it with Warnie, [Ravichandran] Ashwin and Gaz [Nathan Lyon]. Each season I’m trying to get better and better, and not just be the same bowler in a few years time.”

Crystal Palace are now exploring a bid to sign an “incredible” defender, but there could be stiff competition from their Premier League rivals, according to a report.

Palace set sights on new centre-back

At the end of the campaign, Marc Guehi will have just one year remaining on his contract, which means it will be Palace’s last chance to cash-in on their captain for a large fee, and a number of clubs remain interested in his signature.

Chelsea chiefs are adamant about signing Guehi, while Liverpool and Newcastle United have also been linked with moves for the defender, which means Oliver Glasner may have to bring in a new centre-back this summer.

Last week, the Eagles made their first move to sign Independiente De Avellaneda’s Kevin Lomonaco, making contact over a deal for the 23-year-old defender, who has been likened to former FC Barcelona centre-back Pique.

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Crystal Palace have now joined the race to sign a player who is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer.

ByBrett Worthington Apr 14, 2025

IF Elfsborg’s Terry Yegbe is also of interest to the south Londoners, and they are believed to be leading the race for the Ghanaian’s signature, despite competition from rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.

Crystal Palace are pursuing some lesser-known centre-backs from across the globe, but there are also signs they could look at bringing in a defender with a plethora of experience at the top level, having now joined the race for Paris Saint-Germain defender Milan Skriniar.

That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Palace are exploring a bid for Skriniar, who is currently on loan at Fenerbahce, where he has caught the eye with some impressive performances this season.

Fenerbahce want to sign the defender permanently, with PSG expected to demand a fee of €20 (£17m), but there could be competition for his signature from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, AFC Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Crystal Palace’s upcoming fixtures

Date

AFC Bournemouth (h)

April 19th

Arsenal (a)

April 23rd

Aston Villa (FA Cup semi-final)

April 26th

Nottingham Forest (h)

May 5th

Tottenham Hotspur (a)

May 10th

"Incredible" Skriniar could be coup for Palace

The 30-year-old has previously proven himself at the top level across spells with PSG and Inter Milan, chalking up 37 appearances in the Champions League, and his performances this season indicate he still has a lot left to give.

Since arriving in Turkey back in January, the Slovakian has made nine Süper Lig appearances, showcasing his attacking threat by scoring two goals and providing one assist.

The former Inter man has been one of Fenerbahce’s most consistent performers since his arrival, averaging a 7.05 WhoScored match rating, and his previous exploits in the Serie A indicate he could have what it takes to succeed in the Premier League.

Lauded as “incredible” by former Inter chairman Steven Zhang, Skriniar could be a real statement signing for Palace this summer, and £17m seems like a very reasonable fee for his services.

Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone spoiled Rishabh Pant’s comeback as Punjab Kings started their IPL 2024 campaign with a four-wicket win at their new home ground in Mullanpur.After being sent in, Delhi Capitals were 137 for 7 in the 18th over when they decided to bring in Abishek Porel as the Impact Player. Porel smashed 32 off just ten balls to lift them to 174 for 9.But that also meant Capitals were going to be a bowler light during the chase. Ishant Sharma’s injury – he hurt his ankle after bowling just two overs – set them back further.Related

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Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow started the Kings’ chase positively but both fell in the fourth over. Kuldeep Yadav then dismissed Prabhsimran Singh and Jitesh Sharma to keep Capitals in the game.But Curran and Livingstone took over after that and added 67 off 42 balls for the fifth wicket. Curran was out in the 19th over, for 63 off 47, but Livingstone stayed till the end and finished the game with a muscular six with four balls to spare.

Warner, Marsh give Capitals a breezy start

With Prithvi Shaw left out, David Warner and Mitchell Marsh opened the innings for Capitals and gave them a fast start. Marsh got going by hitting two fours off the first two balls he faced, from Curran. Warner joined in by carting Arshdeep Singh for a six and a four in the next over.Marsh then hit a six each off Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep. He fell for 20 off 12 when he drove Arshdeep to cover-point where Rahul Chahar took a sharp, overhead catch.Warner kept batting aggressively and even flick-scooped Rabada for a six as Capitals finished the powerplay on 54 for 1. In the seventh over, Shai Hope, on IPL debut, danced down the track and lofted Chahar for a straight six.It was all Capitals at that stage till Harshal Patel came to Kings’ rescue, having Warner caught behind with a slower bouncer.

Pant’s first outing after the accident

Warner’s wicket brought Pant to the crease, and the Mullanpur crowd welcomed him with a standing ovation. Playing his first competitive game in 15 months, Pant looked a bit rusty. He was given a life on 4 when Harshal lost the ball in the sun at deep midwicket and ended up gifting a four.As if to rub it in, Pant then drove Harshal for his second boundary. Two balls later, though, Harshal bowled a slower bouncer; Pant failed to spot it and ended up popping it to backward point. His first outing with bat on comeback ended on 18 off 13 balls.3:06

Moody on Porel: That’s how impact subs should be used

The Porel gamble pays off

Harpreet Brar and Chahar dented Capitals further. Brar had Ricky Bhui caught down the leg side, and Tristan Stubbs holed out to long-off while trying an inside-out shot against Chahar.When Axar Patel was run out coming back for a second, Capitals were reduced to 137 for 7 with 2.5 overs to go. But, coming in as the Impact Player, Porel slashed hard at a short and wide delivery from Harshal and picked up a boundary to deep third.After 19 overs, Capitals were 149 for 8. With Harshal bowling the last over, Kings would have expected to restrict Capitals under 160. But that’s when Porel decided to have a say in matters, and smashed three fours and two sixes in a 25-run final over.That lifted Capitals to 174 for 9. At the start of the 20th over, ESPNcricinfo’s Forecaster had Capitals’ chances of winning at 38.9%. Porel singlehandedly lifted that number to 56.7%.

Dhawan, Bairtsow start with a flurry of fours

Just like the Capitals openers, Dhawan and Bairstow also started with positive intent. In the first three overs, they hit a combined six fours and looted 34 runs. However, both fell in the fourth over. Dhawan was bowled as he charged down the ground to Ishant, and Bairstow was run-out at the non-striker’s end when a Prabhsimran drive brushed a diving Ishant’s fingers and crashed into the stumps.But, in the sixth over, Prabhsimran tucked one towards midwicket, from where Ishant charged and fielded the ball. But as he was about to throw, he twisted his right ankle and had to be carried off the field.1:47

Has Harshal become too predictable?

Kuldeep keeps Capitals in the game

In the tenth over, Prabhsimran tried to go big against Kuldeep and holed out to long-on for a 17-ball 26, which included five fours. In the spinner’s next over, Jitesh attempted a reverse sweep, but not only did he miss the ball, he also lost his balance and ended up out of his crease. Pant was alert behind the stumps and broke the wickets.Kuldeep finished with figures of 2 for 21. He could have easily picked up a third, but Tristan Stubbs, running to his right from long-on, put down Curran, who was on 33 at that point.

Curran, Livingstone take over

Kings needed 63 from the last six overs when Curran and Livingstone clubbed Marsh for 18 to calm the nerves.Capitals still had hope when 28 were required from three overs. But with Ishant off the field, Pant had no option but to bowl Marsh again. He conceded another 18 to finish with 52 from his four wicketless overs.In the 19th over, Khaleel dismissed Curran and Shashank Singh off successive deliveries but it was too late by then. Warner dropping Brar on the last ball of the Khaleel over didn’t help either.With just six required from the final over, Sumit Kumar, who was making his IPL debut, had little chance against a set Livingstone. He started with two wides, and after a dot, Livingstone launched him over deep midwicket to seal the win.

da realbet： The summer transfer window is only a couple of months away from officially opening up for business and Chelsea have already begun work on bolstering their squad.

da betobet： It was recently reported that the Blues have made contact with Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen’s representatives ahead of a summer deal for the Spain international.

Chelsea are one of a number of teams interested in signing the 20-year-old enforcer, who reportedly has a release clause worth £50m in his current contract at the Vitality Stadium.

The London giants, however, are now reportedly preparing a bid for another centre-back who would be even better than Huijsen at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea plot bid for Premier League defender

According to the Mirror, Chelsea are prepared to bid for Crystal Palace central defender Marc Guehi in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Blues want to sign the England international and are ‘ready’ to offer £50m and Trevoh Chalobah in exchange for the Eagles colossus.

It reveals that Palace would be willing to take Chalobah, who they had on loan in the first half of the season, as part of a deal for Guehi and that they value their star defender at £70m, making £50m and the current Chelsea centre-back a tempting offer.

Transfer Focus

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

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If a deal can be ironed out for the English ace, Enzo Maresca could have an even better signing than Huijsen on his hands in that area of the pitch.

Why Marc Guehi would be an even better signing than Dean Huijsen

Guehi is a Chelsea academy graduate who already knows the club and has come up through the ranks, with players like Reece James, and that could help him to settle in quicker than the Bournemouth ace.

He is also a homegrown talent who would help towards the quota of English academy stars needed for Premier League and European competitions.

The 24-year-old star’s performances in the Premier League in comparison to Huijsen’s this season also suggest that he could be an even better signing in the immediate future.

Guehi’s out-and-out defending as a centre-back in the top-flight is impressive and could make him an excellent addition to the Chelsea squad, as a proven defender at that level.

24/25 Premier League

Marc Guehi

Dean Huijsen

Appearances

29

25

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.7

3.0

Ball recoveries per game

4.4

3.5

Duels won per game

5.2

4.0

Duel success rate

62%

57%

Error led to goal

0

1

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Palace skipper has outperformed Huijsen in a host of key defensive metrics, without making as many big errors.

This suggests that the former Blues academy graduate could be more effective at preventing opposition teams from creating chances against the team, by making more recoveries and clearances, whilst also winning a higher percentage of his individual duels.

When you couple this with the fact that Guehi, once dubbed “incredible” by reporter Stuart James, could hit the ground running by returning to the club he has already played for, Maresca could be better off signing the Eagles star instead of splashing £50m on the Spanish titan.

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Posts 1 ByConnor Holden Apr 14, 2025

Therefore, this £50m-plus-Chalobah deal for the English titan could be a terrific piece of business by the Blues if they can get a deal over the line in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Somerset returned to the top of the South Group after knocking off their target with 45 balls to spare

ECB Reporters Network11-Jun-2024

Riley Meredith led the rout as Somerset bowled Middlesex out for 78 at Lord’s – their lowest ever score in the history of Vitality Blast cricket.The 27-year-old Tasmanian with six white-ball caps for his country took 4 for 12, while Craig Overton, Josh Davey and the competition’s leading wicket-taker Ben Green took two apiece in the nine-wicket romp.Middlesex only got within two runs of their previous worst score – 80 against Kent at Lord’s three years ago – thanks to as defiant 10th-wicket stand of 28 between Tom Helm and Noah Cornwell, who top scored with 15 apiece.Tom Banton, 49 not out and Tom Kohler-Cadmore 30 not out were both given lives as Somerset sealed a third win of the campaign. Middlesex remain bottom of the South Group.As well as Meredith and Overton bowled up top, Middlesex contributed to this debacle by batting with reckless abandon. Pinch-hitter Martin Andersson crashed two fours through the covers in the opening over after Middlesex were put in, but once he skied Meredith to mid-on in the next, the rot set in.Stephen Eskinazi fell to a cross-batted slog, before Meredith had Holden taken at mid-on to an even worse heave. Overton cranked up the pressure with a maiden to Ryan Higgins, during which the all-rounder failed to lay bat on ball and in the aftermath Joe Cracknell, back in the side for the sick Leus Du Plooy edged Meredith’s best ball of the match through to wicketkeeper Banton.Davies too had perished by the time the opening bowlers took their leave with the Lord’s tenants in tatters at 34 for 6.The competition’s leading wicket-taker Ben Green didn’t enter the fray until the score was 50 for 7 but made an instant impression taking the wickets of Luke Hollman and Blake Cullen with his first two balls.Cornwell saved the hat-trick before celebrating his call-up to the England U19s by clubbing Somerset skipper Lewis Gregory into the Grandstand but that was about the only cause for cheer for the beleaguered hosts.Will Smeed fell for only one caught on the fence off Helm and had Davies clung on to an inside edge from Kohler-Cadmore in the next over bowled by Cullen Middlesex might have made a fist of it, but the chance was grassed.Middlesex’s misery was compounded when Cornwell was forced from the field mid-over with a hand injury caused trying to take a return catch off one smashed back at him by Banton.Thereafter the Somerset duo settled down, both striking sixes into the Grandstand as the Cider-men romped home with 45 balls to spare.

Manchester United are expected to be very busy this summer, not only with arrivals but departures as well, and now another £120,000-a-week star looks to be on the Old Trafford chopping block, according to a recent report.

Man Utd eyeing new midfield signing

One player who looks set to leave United at the end of the season is Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen. The Dane is out of contract in the summer, and he recently revealed that he hasn’t heard anything from the club over a new deal.

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Man Utd could look to upgrade their midfield

By
Joe Nuttall

Mar 23, 2025

“I haven’t heard anything from the club, and therefore I assume that the collaboration will stop – that’s how I interpret it. I am prepared to find something new. I am fine with that. Where it will be, I haven’t decided yet.”

His departure from Old Trafford means United will likely enter the transfer market for a replacement, and that replacement could be Felix Nmecha. According to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, the Red Devils are keeping a close eye on the Germany international, who is expected to cost around £42 million.

The Premier League side have yet to hold any form of talks with the player or Borussia Dortmund, but that doesn’t mean a move won’t materialise in the coming weeks and months.

Man Utd set to replace £120k-p/w star as INEOS regret signing

Eriksen is not the only player who could leave United, as according to The Sun, Man United’s Andre Onana looks set to leave the club at the end of the season.

The report states that the Cameroon international is set for a move to Saudi Arabia after he recently changed agents. His potential move at the end of the season now means Amorim and United are looking for replacements and have their eyes on Royal Antwerp’s highly-rated stopper Senne Lammens and Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.

Onana, who earns £120,000 a week at Old Trafford, has had a really up-and-down campaign at United this season, producing some excellent moments to help out Amorim’s side, but he has also been his own downfall, making costly mistakes throughout the campaign. So much so that reports from Spain have stated that United “regret” signing Onana and have described his time at the club as a ‘nightmare’.

Former Man Utd defender Paul Parker recently labelled Onana as “useless” and doesn’t understand why United let David de Gea leave.

“The problem is probably that the goalkeeper position won’t be a priority for a new signing, as there are so many other issues in other positions that need strengthening.

“I can’t help but think about why the club let David De Gea go. It was a really disgraceful way they parted with him after he was named Player of the Year three times in a row, and right now, it looks even more ridiculous because his replacement is so useless.”

Rohit Paudel and Shane Snater are among the promising players to watch out for at the World Cup Qualifier

Peter Della Penna03-Mar-2018Scott McKechnie – Hong KongThe bulk of Hong Kong’s batting success throughout the WCL Championship was down to the form of captain Babar Hayat, vice-captain Anshuman Rath and power-hitter Nizakat Khan. Wicketkeeper and former captain Jamie Atkinson had been a mainstay at the top of the order for nearly half a decade, but work commitments in his job as a PE teacher have curtailed his availability.It has opened a path for Scott McKechnie to emerge as a diamond in the rough in the middle order. The Manchester-born talent bounced around several second XI sides in county cricket before settling in Hong Kong. A heavy scorer on the domestic scene, he made his ODI debut in
Dubai against Papua New Guinea during the final round of the WCL Championship in December. Despite modest scores (29 and 11 not out), he impressed with his bold shot selection, regularly jumping around the crease in the death overs to attempt ramps and scoops. He could play a pivotal role in Zimbabwe – both behind the stumps and in the Hong Kong middle order.Rohit Paudel – NepalThe youngest player in the tournament at 15, the middle-order batsman was an unsung hero at WCL Division Two in Namibia. Lost in the shuffle of Sandeep Lamichhane’s Player-of-the-Tournament performance, Paras Khadka’s vital knock in a brief but nervy chase against UAE and Karan KC’s tail-end heroics in the do-or-die showdown against Canada, Paudel finished as the team’s second leading scorer – behind only Khadka – in his debut tournament with the senior team, ending with 140 runs at an average of 28, not to mention cutting off runs galore in the field and patrolling backward point with vigor.That may not sound like much, but in a notoriously brittle Nepal batting line-up, he provided a bridge in the middle order to stretch out several chases before the tail-enders clinched victory. A 37-run stand for the seventh wicket with Sharad Vesawkar, Nepal’s biggest of the day, kept hope alive for a one-wicket win over Namibia on his senior team debut. Paudel top-scored with 47, adding an 87-run sixth-wicket stand with Aarif Sheikh, in a final-ball win over Kenya. Against Canada he teamed with Sheikh again for another key
partnership – 46 for the sixth-wicket – to keep Nepal’s pulse beating before the epic stand between Karan and
Lamichhane took them home. With vice-captain Gyanendra Malla struggling for form, Paudel’s emergence couldn’t come at a better time.Shane Snater – NetherlandsThe 20-year-old former Zimbabwe junior representative and Harare native is looking to make a splash on return to his homeland this month. In a team with enviable pace bowling depth, Snater has worked his way toward the top of the queue through his performances over the last six months. It began in white-ball cricket against his former countrymen, claiming 3 for 30 in a romp at the Hague, albeit with several first-choice players rested after Zimbabwe had clinched the series two days earlier.He showed more promise at the end of the northern summer with his maiden five-for against Ireland, in just his second Intercontinental
Cup in September. He then backed it up with another five-for against Namibia in Dubai, in the final round of the I-Cup. Most recently, he claimed 4 for 46 in a tournament warm-up against Afghanistan before rain denied Netherlands a chance to chase. Paul van Meekeren was making a strong claim for the title of best pace bowler in Associate cricket at the start of 2017, but Snater’s form at
the start of 2018 may keep him out of the Netherlands XI in Zimbabwe.Peter Della PennaKiplin Doriga – Papua New GuineaDoriga was PNG’s leading scorer at the 2014 Under-19 World Cup in the UAE but it has taken some time for the 22-year old to mature at the senior level. Part of the difficulty in terms of breaking into the line-up was that as a wicketkeeper. He was competing with the experienced former captain Jack Vare for time behind the stumps.However, his batting improved in 2016 to the point where PNG’s coaching staff couldn’t keep him out any longer, selecting him as a
specialist batsman for his ODI debut against Scotland in November 2017, when he was the second-highest scorer for the team with 34 off 64 balls, although in a losing cause. In his fourth ODI against Hong Kong, he produced an unbeaten 89, batting intelligently with Alei Nao in a 69-run ninth-wicket stand before he ran out of partners in a losing effort. Sandwiched around those scores are innings of 0, 1 and 0, marking him out as a boom or bust proposition.Chris Sole – ScotlandScotland’s transformation as a consistent threat to Associate opposition has been propelled mainly by the explosive batting approach at the top of the order from Kyle Coetzer and Matthew Cross. But as Afghanistan have demonstrated, to become a serious challenger to Full Members, an Associate team needs a a pace-bowling spearhead capable of rattling a few cages. Enter the 23-year-old Sole, who never shies away from sending down a bouncer or two. The son of David Sole – the man who captained Scotland’s rugby team to the 1990 Grand Slam – Chris was reared with the
aggression that has been evident since his ODI debut against UAE in 2016.After Coetzer’s century took Scotland to their maiden ODI win over a Full Member against Zimbabwe last summer, Sole nearly inspired
Scotland to a series win the following day with an electric burst of 3 for 36 defending a low total. He may miss the opening match against Afghanistan as he is recovering from a hamstring injury in the lead-up to the tournament, but his value
may be evident later in the tournament when fit.Ahmed Raza – UAEThe past two World Cup qualification cycles for UAE have been dominated by two men respectively – former captain Khurram Khan and middle-order batsman Shaiman Anwar. Current captain Rohan Mustafa has emerged as an all-round force, but most of UAE’s bowlers rarely get the plaudits they deserve. Nobody exemplifies that more than left-arm spinner Ahmed Raza. In a country that is often derided for a failure to produce homegrown talent resulting in an over-reliance on South Asian expats, Raza is one of the rare success stories of a player who
came through UAE’s Under-19 programme, born and bred in Sharjah, to achieve senior team success.A boa constrictor with the ball, and a surprisingly athletic fielder in the circle for a man of his 6’5″ stature, Raza’s unheralded economical spells tighten the noose before others bask in the spoils of wickets. Nowhere was that more evident than in a crucial encounter against Oman at WCL Division Two. Facing elimination on the fourth day of the group stage, his nine-over spell of 2 for 16 built the pressure before the dam burst in a run-out by Mustafa. On the slow wickets in Harare, Raza might find himself amongst the wickets more regularly.

The Chelsea star played her first game in almost three months in one of many positives for Sarina Wiegman's side ahead of their European title defence

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England's European Championship title defence is, finally, right around the corner. There's been a lot of talk and build-up to this point, ever since it became apparent that Sarina Wiegman would not be taking a team to the Olympic Games last summer, really, but now the start of the Lionesses' Euro 2025 campaign is officially the next fixture on their calendar, following a 7-0 thrashing of Jamaica in Sunday's send-off friendly.

A quick glance at that scoreline and it might feel like there is little England can learn from this result against a team ranked some 35 places lower than them, one also without key players such as Manchester City striker Khadija Shaw for the outing. But, actually, this game served as a great testing ground for Wiegman as she looked to finalise her thinking around the starting XI for Saturday's massive group-stage opener with France.

Several spots in that line-up have felt nailed on for months now, such as those for Leah Williamson, Keira Walsh and Alessia Russo in the spine of it, and others have become incredibly clear due to absentees, with Mary Earps' retirement confirming Hannah Hampton's role as first-choice goalkeeper and Millie Bright's decision to withdraw from selection paving the way for Alex Greenwood to partner Williamson in the heart of defence.

Other positions, however, are characterised by incredibly fierce competition. The continued lack of a natural left-back means it is Jess Carter and Niamh Charles vying for the spot that will complete the back four; Ella Toone, Jess Park, Grace Clinton and, potentially, Lauren James are options for Wiegman in the No.10 role; and there is plenty of quality and variety to pick between in the wide areas, too, with James, Beth Mead, Chloe Kelly and Lauren Hemp all selected, and both Park and Aggie Beever-Jones are also players who have operated on the flanks in recent times.

Sunday, then, was the last opportunity for those not sure of their status as starters or subs to really make a case to be the former – and several of them did exactly that, as GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from England's final match before Euro 2025 begins…

Getty ImagesWINNER: Ella Toone

No one stated their case to start more clearly on Sunday than Toone, who scored twice in the first half to set England on their way to a comfortable and convincing win. The Manchester United midfielder came into the game having not netted for her country since February of last year so, given the competition she faces to be in the line-up for this tournament, she couldn't have picked a better time to end that drought.

It wasn't just about Toone's two goals either – both remarkably cool finishes from the edge of the box, one with her right and then one with her left. No, the 25-year-old enjoyed a superb overall performance, with accurate and positive passes, great movement and a strong work ethic off the ball.

"No matter what roles I have in the tournament, I'll make sure I give my best for the team," she told afterwards. But, with this performance only adding to the great form Toone has shown in 2025, it would be a surprise if she isn't in the line-up on Saturday – and if she can bring that goal-scoring threat throughout England's time in Switzerland, the Lionesses' chances of retaining their European title will only increase.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWINNER: Jess Carter

Another player who looks likely to be in England's starting XI on Saturday is Carter, who was given the opportunity from the get-go against Jamaica at the expense of former Chelsea team-mate Charles. Carter was in for the win over Portugal at the end of the May where she impressed, and she picked up where she left off in that game here, with the highlight of Sunday's outing for her certainly the wonderful cross she delivered for Lucy Bronze's first-half header.

Charles got the nod over Carter when England faced Spain in early June, which was a much tougher assignment than those Carter has been given against Portugal and Jamaica. However, Charles' struggles in that game, combined with Carter's start on Sunday, mean it feels likely that it will be the latter in from the off against France.

It's a hard choice for Wiegman. Neither are naturals in the left-back role, despite their efforts and application, and both have had ups and downs in it. Indeed, on Sunday, Carter's lack of pace was a concern more than once, which is a bit of a worry for England given Les Bleues are blessed with speed out wide. Charles isn't especially quick either, though, with it instead looking like the Lionesses' boss is going to bank on the greater defensive nous of a natural centre-back, in Carter.

Getty ImagesLOSER: Chloe Kelly

There are two different perspectives to be taken when it comes to the position Kelly is in as Euro 2025 approaches. On the one hand, she will just be delighted to be involved. Having struggled for much game time at all at Manchester City in the first half of the season, the winger was dropped from the England squad for the first time under Wiegman and her chances of going to Switzerland this summer were in serious doubt. Fortunately, a January loan move to Arsenal brought with it increased minutes and, in turn, made her a secure member of the Lionesses again.

However, it looks like Kelly – whose goal at Wembley delivered the Euro 2022 title – will go to the tournament as a substitute. Despite her impressive form in 2025, the 27-year-old hasn't started for her country since the turn of the year, even though she has often been playing ahead of Mead at Arsenal in that time – and it is her Gunners' team-mate who Wiegman prefers to start on the right at the moment, with Kelly coming off the bench.

That could all change throughout Euro 2025, of course. After all, Kelly is featuring regularly as a sub and her 30-minute appearance on Sunday was bright, with several dangerous crosses put in. But, just as she had to fight to get back into the Lionesses' picture, the Euro 2022 hero is going to have to battle hard to earn that game time in her opportunities from the bench.

Getty ImagesWINNER: Lauren James

There were so many positives for Wiegman and England on Sunday, but perhaps none bigger than the return of James. After sustaining a hamstring injury on Lionesses duty in early April, the Chelsea winger did not play for club or country before the end of the 2024-25 season. It meant that when the England squad for Euro 2025 was announced, there were serious doubts around just how fit the 23-year-old was.

Fortunately, judging by Sunday's 30-minute cameo, she looks extremely ready. James has been praised throughout the last three months for her hard work off the pitch, in her bid to be ready for the summer, and all of that effort culminated in a wonderfully bright return against Jamaica.

Within seconds of stepping onto the turf in Leicester, James so nearly had an assist to her name, but for great goalkeeping by Liya Brooks. There was only so long she could be denied, though, as just a few minutes later, the Chelsea winger curled a lovely cross onto the head of Russo for England's fourth of the day. She could've had more, too, as she was able to create four chances in her short time on the pitch in a performance that will have surely boosted the confidence of every Lionesses fan ahead of this European title defence.

Crystal Palace have now made contact over a move for a versatile defender, who is set to be available on a free transfer in the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Palace may need summer rebuild

Palace’s winless run in the Premier League was extended to four games on Wednesday evening, although a draw against Arsenal is likely to be viewed as a positive point, with Jean-Philippe Mateta’s stunning late equaliser ensuring the spoils were shared at the Emirates Stadium.

By and large, it has been another successful campaign for the Eagles, and there is still an opportunity to make it a particularly memorable one, should they progress to the FA Cup final with a victory over Aston Villa at Wembley this weekend.

However, Oliver Glanser may be tasked with rebuilding his squad somewhat this summer, given that there is interest in Adam Wharton and Mateta, while it will also be the last opportunity to cash-in on Marc Guehi, whose contract expires in 2026.

As such, bringing in a new defender could be of particular importance to Glasner this summer, and a report from Germany has now revealed that Crystal Palace have opened talks over a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Tamiou Kpebane (via The Boot Room).

Palace have made contact over a deal for Kpebane, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer, with his contract set to expire, and he is deemed unlikely to commit to fresh terms with the Bundesliga club.

Crystal Palace eyeing £30m "phenomenon" who's part of "incredible" defence

The Eagles have set their sights on a centre-back, who has been a key part of a fantastic defence this season.

ByDominic Lund Apr 20, 2025

Interestingly, the 18-year-old is able to play in five positions, having been utilised as a left-back, right-back, centre-back, attacking midfielder and right-sided forward at youth level for Frankfurt this season.

As such, the 6 foot 4 colossus could be a versatile option for Glasner, although it is unclear how long it would take for him to push for a first-team spot at Selhurst Park, given that he is yet to make a senior appearance for Frankfurt.

Crystal Palace’s upcoming fixtures

Date

Aston Villa (FA Cup semi-final)

April 26th

Nottingham Forest (h)

May 5th

Tottenham Hotspur (a)

May 11th

Wolverhampton Wanderers (h)

May 18th

Liverpool (a)

May 25th

Kpebane impressing at youth level

The teenager has most commonly been deployed as a full-back this season, but he has been extremely impressive on the front foot for Frankfurt, picking up seven goals and five assists in 21 matches in all competitions.

Those numbers suggest the German youngster could be capable of playing further forward later in his career, particularly considering he picked up two goals and two assists at right-wing in a remarkable performance against FC Nuremberg U19s last month.

Kpebane is showing very promising signs at youth level, so it is definitely worth Palace making a move this summer, with the move very low-risk due to his availability on a free transfer.