Tag Futebol

We assess the chances of the teams in Group Two in our County Championship preview

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Apr-2021GloucestershireRyan Higgins has been a standout performer for Gloucestershire•Getty ImagesLast season: 5th in Central Group
Coach: Ian Harvey
Captain: Chris Dent
Overseas players: Kraigg Brathwaite, Daniel Worrall
Ins: Tom Lace (Middlesex), Jared Warner (Yorkshire)
Outs: Gareth Roderick (Worcestershire), Stuart Whittingham (retired), George Drissell (released)
Gloucestershire are yet to have their “day in the sun” following promotion in 2019, but last summer’s Bob Willis Trophy provided a reminder as to the gap in quality between the divisions. Reinforcements are due in the shape of Kraigg Brathwaite and Daniel Worrall, but they will rely on the same core that has been at the club for a number of years.
Gareth Roderick’s departure to Worcestershire means that James Bracey will probably face the burden of keeping wicket while batting in the top order – most likely at No. 3 – but he has impressed during his time among England’s reserves, and should be up to the challenge. Ryan Higgins has 115 first-class wickets at 21.43 since his move from Middlesex, while averaging 36.82 with the bat: if he can maintain that form against a higher calibre of opposition then he may be touted as an England contender before long. One area of concern will be their record at Bristol: since 2016, they have won four, lost six and drawn 16 at their main home ground. A bit more life in the pitches may serve them well.
One to watch: Tom Lace became the third player in as many years to make the move from Middlesex to Gloucestershire last summer, following in Higgins and George Scott’s footsteps. He made three hundreds while on loan at Derbyshire in 2019, but Middlesex struggled to find room for him in their own middle order. He turns 23 this season, and will hope to reaffirm his status as one of the brightest batting talents on the county circuit after a quiet summer last year. Matt Roller
Bet365: 25-1HampshireIan Holland had a productive Bob Willis Trophy•Getty ImagesLast season: 4th in South Group
Director of cricket: Giles White
Coach: Adrian Birrell
Captain: James Vince
Overseas players: Kyle Abbott, Mohammad Abbas (April-May)
Ins:
Outs: Harry Came, Oli Soames (both released)
Kyle Abbott is back as an overseas player after the end of the Kolpak era and travel restrictions which kept him home in South Africa last year. If he can reprise anything like the form that delivered 72 wickets at 16.19 during the 2019 season, he will form a formidable new-ball attack with Mohammad Abbas. Without Abbott, the seam bowling looked light, with allrounder Ian Holland finishing as Hampshire’s leading BWT wicket-taker.
A rain-affected friendly against Northamptonshire frustrated Hampshire’s pre-season campaign, while injury setbacks for batsman Aneurin Donald and left-arm seamer Keith Barker add to their woes. But, in some good news, spinner Liam Dawson is back from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in August. He took two wickets and scored 48 off 91 balls after being promoted to No. 4 in last week’s friendly against Sussex.
Tom Alsop and Lewis McManus scored well against Sussex, adding to a batting line-up that will expect plenty of captain James Vince, Sam Northeast – now at peace with the notion that his England chance may have gone – Holland and Joe Weatherley. If they can get enough runs on the board, legspinner Mason Crane could be a wildcard matchwinner as the season wears on.
One to watch: Opening batsmen Joe Weatherley was Hampshire’s leading run-scorer in the Bob Willis Trophy with 263 runs at 43.83. At the age of 24 and with just one first-class century to his name since his debut in 2016, he could be ready to take the next step. Valkerie Baynes
Bet365: 11-1LeicestershireColin Ackermann flays through the off side•Getty ImagesRelated

Gloucs await true test of mettle after promotion that never was

Somerset start on the back foot in bid for elusive glory

Virdi puts attacking spin on return to Surrey

Surrey recruit Sean Abbott for Championship and T20 Blast stint

Last season: 5th, North Group
Coach: Paul Nixon
Captain: Colin Ackermann
Overseas players: Marcus Harris
Ins: Ed Barnes (Yorkshire), Rishi Patel (Essex), Scott Steel (Durham),
Outs: Tom Taylor (Northamtonshire), Paul Horton (retired), Mark Cosgrove (released)
The Foxes were rebranded “the Running Foxes” last season and for the too long the bugles of the Hunt – sounded by the many detractors who question their worth – have been blaring in their ears. Those critics will be given short shrift as long as the hyper-charged Paul Nixon remains as coach. The Running Foxes will certainly have more vigour in the field with senior pros such as Paul Horton and Mark Cosgrove replaced not by old county lags but by ambitious young professionals such as Scott Steel and Rishi Patel, signed from Durham and Essex respectively.
If the defiant opener Hassan Azad can rediscover the form of 2019, when he seemed to be batting for ever, and Australia opener Marcus Harris makes an impact then runs may come. How Leicestershire will bowl the opposition out remains to be seen, however. The loss of Tom Taylor – viewed as England potential by Nixon – to Northants means that beyond the first-class wickets of Chris Wright and Dieter Klein there is not too much left. Leicestershire may need that youthful enthusiasm for some long days in the field. Ed Barnes, a former England U-19 seamer gained from Yorkshire, will hope to alleviate the shortcomings.
One to watch: Rishi Patel’s lack of opportunities at Essex frustrated many seasoned observers who were aware of his prolific 2nd X1 form. After a brief loan spell at Grace Road, Leicestershire have done well to entice this attractive middle-order batsman to accept a three-year deal with the promise of regular cricket. David Hopps
Bet365: 50-1Middlesex Tim Murtagh is still going strong•Getty ImagesLast season: 3rd in South Group
Director of cricket: Angus Fraser
Coach: Stuart Law
Captain: Peter Handscomb
Overseas: Peter Handscomb
Ins:
Outs: Dan Lincoln (released), Miguel Cummins (Kent)
It comes as quite a relief to Stuart Law that Victoria have endured a bit of a stinker in the Sheffield Shield this season. The state’s failure is the county’s gain, with Middlesex’s overseas signing and new captain, Peter Handscomb, “pumped” to get over to England, with the chance to set the early tone for a squad that – much like their rivals south of the Thames – have promised far more than they have delivered in recent seasons.
Since winning the County Championship in 2016, it’s been a tale of barely mitigated failure in red-ball cricket for Middlesex. Relegation in 2017 was followed by two more seasons in the second division, including an abject campaign in 2019 when only Leicestershire won fewer matches than their three out of 14.
They did manage sparky showing in last year’s Bob Willis Trophy, however, finishing behind Essex, the eventual champions, and Kent in the South Group. Their two victories in five attempts included a satisfying 190-run thrashing of Surrey at the Kia Oval.
The cornerstone of any Middlesex challenge will lie in the depth and variety of their seam attack. An enviable blend of youth and experience means that the old guard of Toby Roland-Jones, Steven Finn, James Harris and Tim Murtagh will be kept on their toes by youngsters such as Blake Cullen, Ethan Bamber and Tom Helm – who, at the age of 26 and after a winter on England’s radar, should be all the more driven to succeed this summer.
One to watch: At the age of 33, Toby Roland-Jones’ best years may be behind him, but we won’t know for sure until he’s back on the field in a more permanent capacity. After four injury-ravaged years, he’s reportedly fitter than ever before, and quietly determined to make up for lost time – having been an Ashes shoo-in in 2017-18 until that stress fracture of the back. Andrew Miller
Bet365: 10-1SomersetTom Abell leads his Somerset team in a chilly pre-season against Worcestershire•Getty ImagesLast season: 1st in Central Group, BWT runners-up
Director of cricket Andy Hurry
Coach: Jason Kerr
Captain: Tom Abell
Overseas: Marchant de Lange
Ins:
Outs: Nathan Gilchrist (Kent), Jamie Overton (Surrey), Dom Bess (Yorkshire)
Could this finally be the year? After four second-place finishes in the last five seasons, hopes remain high that 2021 could see Somerset record their maiden Championship title. If that is to be the case, it seems likely conditions will again favour a seam attack – Craig Overton, Josh Davey, Lewis Gregory, Jack Brooks et al – who troubled all opponents last year. Marchant de Lange, signed to replace Jamie Overton, will provide some pace when required.
The batting has an exciting look to it. While Tom Banton, George Bartlett and Tom Lammonby have lots to prove, they are a talented young trio and, alongside the more experienced James Hildreth and Steven Davies, provide an attractive line-up – even if Babar Azam’s Pakistan/PSL commitments may prevent a return. The fact that most of those seamers can bat could prove important, too.
The one area Somerset may be lacking is in their spin bowling. With Dom Bess having moved to Yorkshire and every chance that Jack Leach will be on England duty from June onwards, much may be required of Lewis Goldsworthy, who is 20 and has yet to play a first-class match, and Roelof van der Merwe, who is 36 and has taken 16 first-class wickets in the last three years.
So, can they challenge? We’ll see. But, such are expectations at Taunton these days, anything less than qualification for Division One would probably be considered a disappointment.
One to watch: Tom Lammonby made a remarkable impression last year. He not only become the youngest Somerset player to carry his bat in first-class cricket, but the first England-born player to make three centuries in his first six first-class games since Graeme Lloyd in 1989. Batting in April and May could prove far more challenging but he looks to have the technique and phlegmatic nature to succeed. His left-arm seam bowling looks decent, too. George Dobell
Bet365: 7-1Surrey Rory Burns gets a squirt of hand sanitiser•PA Images via Getty ImagesLast season: 5th in South Group
Director of cricket: Alec Stewart
Coach: Vikram Solanki
Captain: Rory Burns
Overseas: Kemar Roach, Hashim Amla
Ins: Laurie Evans (Sussex), Jamie Overton (Somerset)
Outs: Scott Borthwick (Durham), Morne Morkel (released)
Since romping to the 2018 County Championship with an aplomb that belied the 16-year wait that had preceded it, Surrey’s form has fizzled once more in red-ball cricket. In the BWT, their only victory in six South Group matches came at the final attempt, in their wooden-spoon clash with Sussex.
But when has precedence ever got in the way of Surrey’s pre-season narrative? It would be quite a shock if they aren’t firmly in this year’s shake-up – especially given a Test-quality batting line-up that could feature Rory Burns, Mark Stoneman, Hashim Amla, Ollie Pope and Ben Foakes in the top six, alongside such up-and-coming talents as Jamie Smith and Will Jacks – the latter, aged 22, surely primed for a pivotal season after three years of grounding in the first XI.
On the bowling front, Surrey’s seam attack will be missing the spring-loaded menace of Morne Morkel, but the often-underestimated Kemar Roach is a world-class replacement. The Curran brothers will be away on IPL duty in the first half of the season, but Jordan Clark is an under-valued allrounder who may hope to thrive in their absences.
Surrey’s most eye-catching signing, however, is arguably Jamie Overton, a genuine quick who found his style cramped at Somerset, but who hopes to unleash his full potential. In an Ashes year, he will be extra-incentivised to crank up the pace.
On the spin front, Gareth Batty is now more focused on his coaching duties, but Amar Virdi is itching to prove his progress after a winter in England’s Test bubble, while the slow left-armer Dan Moriarty was one of 2020’s breakout stars, with 17 wickets in two matches including 11 against Sussex.
One to watch: Rory Burns endured a grim winter in England’s bubble, albeit the birth of his first daughter brought some off-field joy. But, having lost his place as first-choice opener, he now has extra incentive to knuckle down for seven first-class games in a row, and reprise that Championship-winning run-glut from 2018 that earned his England spot in the first place. A big response is the only fitting response. AM
Bet365: 10/1

قدم أحمد حسن كوكا، لاعب منتخب مصر، الدعم لمواطنه محمد صلاح، جناح فريق ليفربول الإنجليزي، بعد تصريحات الأخير التي أدلى بها بشأن وضعه في الريدز وجلوسه على مقاعد البدلاء 3 مباريات متتالية.

تصريحات محمد صلاح كانت مثل النار في الهشيم، وسيطرت على عناوين الصحف وأصبحت محل نقاش للإعلام، بعدما أعرب عن عدم رضاه عن وضعه الحالي في ليفربول مع استمرار جلوسه على مقاعد البدلاء بقرار المدرب آرني سلوت.

وظهر محمد صلاح وتحدث لوسائل الإعلام بعد مباراة ليفربول وليدز التي انتهت بالتعادل الإيجابي 3-3 في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، أمس السبت (طالع تصريحاته من هنا).

اقرأ أيضًا | براتب 200 مليون يورو.. وجهة جديدة تنتظر محمد صلاح في يناير

وكتب كوكا عبر حسابه الرسمي على منصة “إكس”: “كلاعبي كرة قدم، عندما نجلس على مقاعد البدلاء، نشعر بحزن عميق وإحباط، بل وحتى بقليل من الاكتئاب”.

وأضاف: “لكننا ننتظر تلك اللحظة لنُحدث تأثيرًا، ولنُظهر للمدرب سبب استحقاقنا للبدء، هذا هو الواقع بالنسبة لمعظمنا، لكن محمد صلاح ليس “معظمنا”، مو في فئة مختلفة مثل كريستيانو وميسي”.

وواصل: “لاعبون مثله لا يُجلسون على مقاعد البدلاء، وإذا جلسوا على مقاعد البدلاء لأي سبب من الأسباب، يجب التأكد من أنهم أول من يشارك، 60 دقيقة، 65 دقيقة كحد أقصى، وليس حتى مشاركتهم، هذا ببساطة عدم احترام لكل ما قدمه للنادي”.

وأتم: “مو ليس مجرد زميل في الفريق، إنه أخ وقائد وأسطورة للنادي والمنتخب، يا أخي، كل موقف في الحياة مؤقت، لحظات كهذه تمر، ما يبقى هو عظمتك ورد فعلك”.

As footballers, when we get benched, we feel it deeply sadness, frustration, even a bit of depression,
But we wait for that moment to come on, to make an impact, to show the coach why we deserve to start,That’s the reality for most of us.
But Mo Salah isn’t “most of us.”
Mo is in… pic.twitter.com/ZaBcRoA2Vt

— Ahmed Hassan Kouka (@HassanKouka) December 7, 2025

In the almost six years he’s been in charge, Mikel Arteta has helped to transform Arsenal.

He’s led the North Londoners from mid-table mediocrity to genuine Premier League and Champions League contenders.

The Spaniard’s tactical nous and standard-raising philosophy have undoubtedly played a massive part in this turnaround, but so has the club’s recruitment and promotion of youth players, like Bukayo Saka.

The Hale Ender has gone from promising prospect to the face of Arsenal and undoubtedly their most important attacker, although, based on recent reports, the club are looking to sign someone who is playing better than him at the moment.

Arsenal target superstar star attacker outperforming Saka

Since making his debut for Arsenal in a 2018 Europa League group stage match against Ukrainian side Vorskla Poltava, Saka has gone on an incredible journey with the club.

Transfer Focus

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

Despite being moved around the pitch and then spending plenty of time at left-back in his early career, the Englishman has now become the club’s go-to right-winger and the first name on the teamsheet when fit.

In all, the 24-year-old has made 280 appearances for the Gunners, in which he’s racked up a sensational haul of 76 goals and 73 assists, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.87 games.

However, due in part to his injury, he has performed a little under par this season, and now it looks like the club are looking to sign someone who is outperforming him.

At least, that is according to a recent report from Spain, which claims Arsenal are still very interested in Michael Olise.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Gunners are now preparing an ambitious plan to sign the Bayern Munich star and are willing to break their transfer record to do so, preparing an offer of around €150m, which converts to around £132m.

That’s an outrageous sum of money to spend on a player, but given Olise’s ability and potential, it might just be worth it for Arsenal, especially as he’s outperforming Saka.

How Olise compares to Saka

So, the first thing to say is that it seems highly unlikely that Arsenal would sign Olise to outright replace Saka.

After all, the Hale Ender has become the face of the project and probably the most beloved player of the last 20 years among the fanbase.

Instead, the Frenchman could be looked at as someone to offer competition, or, as has been the case with Noni Madueke, someone who can interchange with the Englishman during games, almost making the idea of a starting position antiquated.

With that said, it’s worth looking at how the pair have stacked up against one another since the Bayern ace’s move to Germany.

Last season, his first in Baveria, saw the 23-year-old rack up a sensational tally of 20 goals and 23 assists in 55 appearances, totalling 3842 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.27 games, or every 89.34 minutes.

In contrast, Saka scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists in 37 appearances, totalling 2619 minutes, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.42 games, or every 100.73 minutes.

Okay, what about this season then?

Well, the former Crystal Palace star has really taken it up a notch, already scoring nine goals and providing ten assists in 20 appearances, totalling 1583 minutes.

That comes out to a staggering average of a goal involvement every 1.05 games, or every 83.31 minutes, and truly justifies analyst Filipe Sousa’s description of him being a “nightmare” for defenders.

For his efforts this season, the Gunners’ talismanic number seven has scored six goals and provided two assists in 17 appearances, totalling 1211 minutes.

That comes out to a somewhat underwhelming – for his lofty standards – of an average of a goal involvement every 2.12 games, or every 151.37 minutes.

Now, it should be said that he suffered another hamstring injury at the start of the campaign and is clearly still not at 100%, but even so, he would likely admit his output has been a little disappointing this season.

Ultimately, while it would cost an egregious sum of money, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Olise, as he could help get the best back out of Saka, and a team with the pair of them in it is a scary team indeed.

The new Rice: Berta enters race to sign £70m midfield "machine" for Arsenal

The international superstar could become Mikel Arteta’s next Declan Rice at Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Dec 3, 2025

The United Kingdom has launched a joint bid to host the 2035 Women's World Cup. England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales are hoping to host the tournament in just under a decade, with the proposal including 22 stadiums. The competition would be the largest single-sport event ever staged in the UK and the first FIFA World Cup hosted on these shores since 1966.

• 'All Together' Women's World Cup vision

  The English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh Football Associations have banded together to put forward this World Cup bid. Of the 22 proposed stadiums, 16 will be in England, three in Wales, two in Scotland, and one in Northern Ireland across 16 host cities. The English FA says the bid is built on the vision of 'All Together' – a rallying cry for women's football and 'sport more broadly to empower worldwide'.

  A joint statement from the CEOs of the FA, Irish FA, Scottish FA, and FA of Wales reads: "Hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup would be a huge privilege for our four home nations. If we are successful, the 2035 tournament will be the biggest single-sport event held on UK soil with 4.5 million tickets available for fans. We are proud of the growth that we’ve driven in recent years across the women’s and girls’ game, but there is still so much more growth to come, and this event will play a key role in helping us deliver that. Working together with FIFA, a Women’s World Cup in the UK has the power to turbo charge the women’s and girls’ game both in the UK and globally. Our bid also demonstrates our commitment to leaving a lasting legacy, in the run up to 2035, and the years afterwards.  Together, we want to welcome the world to the UK to celebrate and enjoy an unforgettable tournament."

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Four nations' three key pillars

  As part of this plan, the four countries are committed to a lasting legacy of women's football. And they want to deliver that through the three pillars of Participation, Leadership, and Commercial Growth. For one, this involves increasing access locally and worldwide, and focusing on underrepresented communities. Secondly, the goal is to empower women in leadership, to double female officials by 2035, and deliver global mentoring and education programmes. Finally, they hope to transfer the sport's commercial potential, attract new fans and partners, and reinvest revenues into grassroots and elite pathways.

  Prime Minister Keir Starmer added: "Our bid to host the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup shows the UK’s passion for football. The Lionesses’ success has inspired girls across our country, and we’ll build on that momentum by welcoming millions of football fans from around the world to a tournament that will benefit communities and businesses in host cities up and down the UK. With significant investment in school sport and grassroots facilities through our Plan for Change, we’re creating opportunities for girls to play for their national team."

• What stadiums will be included?

  While it has not been built yet, Manchester United's proposed new Old Trafford Stadium is one of the 22 venues included in the UK's bid to host the 2035 World Cup. The full list of stadiums are below. Birmingham City's newly proposed ground has also been included. If United's redevelopment plans don't go ahead, Old Trafford will still be considered in its current iteration.

  1. Windsor Park (Belfast)
  2. Sports Quarter Stadium (Birmingham)
  3. Villa Park (Birmingham)
  4. American Express Stadium (Brighton & Hove)
  5. Ashton Gate (Bristol)
  6. Cardiff City Stadium (Cardiff)
  7. Principality Stadium (Cardiff)
  8. Easter Road (Edinburgh)
  9. Hampden Park (Glasgow)
  10. Elland Road (Leeds)
  11. Hill Dickinson Stadium (Liverpool)
  12. Chelsea Stadium (London)
  13. Emirates Stadium (London)
  14. Selhurst Park (London)
  15. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London)
  16. Wembley Stadium (London)
  17. Etihad Stadium (Manchester)
  18. St James' Park (Newcastle)
  19. City Ground (Nottingham)
  20. Stadium of Light (Sunderland)
  21. Old Trafford (Trafford)
  22. Stok Cae Ras (Wrexham)

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Any rival bidders?

  According to BBC Sport, the UK's joint bid is currently unopposed. This could be ratified by a vote in a FIFA congress next year. So it may not be long before the four nations find out if their proposal is successful. Incidentally, from 2031, the Women's World Cup will be contested between 48 teams.

England respond to shortcomings by adding seam-bowling allrounder and resting all-formats batter

Matt Roller05-Sep-2025

England have recalled Sam Curran for their T20Is against South Africa and Ireland, while prescribing an extra week’s rest to Ben Duckett after his dramatic loss of form.Curran has not played for England in any format this year – or under Brendon McCullum’s coaching – but has been in excellent domestic form. Across 24 appearances in the T20 Blast and the Hundred this summer, he has scored 603 runs with a strike rate of 154.21 and taken 33 cheap wickets, and has been added to squads for all six of England’s upcoming fixtures.His call-up comes barely 24 hours after South Africa exposed England’s overreliance on the part-time spin of Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks in Thursday’s second ODI at Lord’s. Bethell and Jacks returned combined figures of 1 for 112 in 10 overs, and Curran’s addition to the squad gives England more flexibility around the balance of their team.Duckett, meanwhile, has been handed an additional week off before England’s tours to New Zealand and Australia this winter. He has become an all-format regular in the past 12 months and looked utterly out of sorts during an uncharacteristically scratchy innings of 14 off 33 balls on Thursday.He scored 462 runs in nine innings during England’s drawn Test series against India this summer but has only once passed 20 in his 10 innings since – eight in the Hundred (where his top score for Birmingham Phoenix was 49 not out) and two in this week’s ODIs. Duckett’s absence will likely see Jamie Smith and Phil Salt opening the batting together against South Africa next week, with Jacks or Tom Banton primed to replace Smith in Ireland.Related

England blown to bits-and-pieces as part-timers' bowling strategy backfires

Jordan Cox earns belated call-up for Ireland T20Is

Brook backs butchered Baker after chastising ODI debut

Overton's shock decision sounds alarm bells for England schedule

Sam Curran on England omission: 'I've got to keep banging the door down'

In one final change to their squads, England have also pulled Matthew Potts out of the Ireland T20Is in a move which will allow him to press his case for Ashes selection in the County Championship for Durham. There is a spot available in their squad for Australia after Jamie Overton’s decision to quit red-ball cricket, and Potts is a strong contender.He has slipped down the pecking order across formats and was not even involved in their squads to face India. But Overton’s effective withdrawal from the Ashes – and bolter Sonny Baker’s struggles on ODI debut – could provide a route back, and England believe he will be better served by playing for Durham in the County Championship than running drinks in Dublin.Jordan Cox, Curran’s Oval Invincibles team-mate, was added to the squad to face Ireland earlier this week but is not due to be involved in the South Africa series. Duckett will stay with the ODI squad for Sunday’s dead-rubber in Southampton.Updated England T20I squads:vs South Africa: Harry Brook (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Luke Wood.vs Ireland: Jordan Cox, Sonny Baker and Tom Hartley replace Harry Brook, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse and Jamie Smith; Bethell replaces Brook as captain.

Nikita Parris marked her 200th Women’s Super League appearance in style as she scored in London City Lionesses’ 4-2 victory over Tottenham. The former Manchester United and Manchester City forward found the net in a thrilling derby that lifted the newly promoted side into the top half of the WSL table, further underlining her enduring impact on English women’s football.

• Parris scores on milestone appearance

  London City Lionesses celebrated one of their finest results since joining the top flight, defeating Tottenham Hotspur 4-2 in a lively WSL encounter at the Copper Jax Community Stadium. The Lionesses were relentless in attack and full of confidence throughout the match. Freya Godfrey opened the scoring early in the first half before Cathinka Tandberg equalised for Spurs from the penalty spot.

  Parris restored the hosts’ advantage before the break with a precise finish following a well-timed assist from Godfrey. Tottenham hit back again through Eveliina Summanen after the restart, but a disastrous own goal from Amanda Nilden swung momentum firmly back in London City’s favour. Godfrey then completed her brace late on, sealing an impressive three points that move the Lionesses into the top half of the table.

  It was a landmark day for Parris, who not only reached a historic personal milestone but also played a vital role in one of London City’s statement wins of the season. The 31-year-old’s goal — her third since joining the club in July — reaffirmed her value as both a match-winner and a leader for a team still finding its feet in the WSL. For Tottenham, however, the defeat marked another missed opportunity to build momentum after an inconsistent run of form.

Advertisement

• Source: London City Lionesses web
  

  Parris' most recent adventure: London City Lionesses

  Parris’s contribution was emblematic of her career-long ability to influence big matches when it matters most. Having joined London City Lionesses in the summer of 2025 after a successful stint with Brighton, the move was seen as both a coup for the club and a natural progression for one of the WSL’s most decorated players. The Lionesses’ management saw in Parris the perfect combination of experience, professionalism, and attacking flair to guide a young side through their debut top-flight campaign.

  Her 200th league appearance serves as a testament to a career built on consistency and adaptability. From her early days at Everton to her prolific spell at City and later impact at United, Parris has consistently delivered at the highest level. With 71 WSL goals to her name, she remains among the league’s most prolific scorers and continues to set benchmarks for longevity and excellence.

• Parris' WSL Legacy

  Parris’s journey to this milestone encapsulates the evolution of the WSL itself. Since making her debut as a teenager with Everton in 2011, she has been central to the league’s transformation from a semi-professional competition into one of the strongest women’s leagues in the world. Her peak years came with  City, where she won the WSL title in 2016, two FA Cups, and two League Cups — establishing herself as one of the most feared forwards in Europe.

  Her 2018/19 season remains legendary: 19 goals in 19 games, earning her the Football Writers’ Association Women’s Footballer of the Year award and briefly making her the WSL’s all-time leading scorer. After a successful spell at Lyon, where she won the UEFA Women’s Champions League, Parris returned to England, featuring for Arsenal and United before helping Brighton secure a mid-table finish in 2024/25 and then joining newly promoted London City.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Source: London City Lionesses web
  

  London City Lionesses looking to rise up WSL table

  For Parris and London City Lionesses, this victory could mark a turning point in their inaugural WSL campaign. The club’s rise to the top half of the table will boost their confidence levels ahead of a busy winter schedule that includes clashes with Aston Villa and Brighton on the horizon.

  For London City, this win, and Parris’s milestone goal, will be remembered as a defining moment in a season of progress, and could very well help them reignite a fire under the squad to help them progress further up the WSL ladder.

Harry Kane has been billed as the “world’s best No.9”, with former Tottenham team-mate Fraizer Campbell explaining to GOAL during an exclusive interview why the Bayern Munich frontman has cemented a place among the all-time greats. He is considered to be very similar to prolific Pole Robert Lewandowski, while maximising his talent in a Cristiano Ronaldo-esque manner.

• Goals & trophies: Kane's stunning record

  Few could have predicted what the future had in store for Kane when he was loaned out by Spurs to Leyton Orient, Millwall, Leicester and Norwich. Patience was rewarded, though, when making a senior breakthrough in north London.

  Kane went on to become Tottenham’s all-time leading scorer, plundering 280 goals for the Premier League giants before heading to Germany in the summer of 2023. Remarkable individual standards have been maintained there, with the target being found on 107 occasions through 112 appearances.

  A fabled trophy curse has also been lifted at the Allianz Arena, becoming a Bundesliga title winner in 2024-25, with the plan being to collect more major honours with club and country. As England’s leading marksman, it has been suggested that Kane could go on to earn GOAT status with the Three Lions.

Advertisement

• Getty/GOAL
  

  Striking GOATs: Where does Kane sit?

  Campbell believes that Kane is already in elite company, with the 32-year-old arguably moving to the top of a striking generation that includes the likes of Lewandowski, Karim Benzema, Luis Suarez and Sergio Aguero.

  Speaking with GOAL via Casino.org, who get casino bonuses from trusted providers, ex-Spurs forward Campbell said when asked where Kane sits among the greats: “He’s right up there with the best of them. Lewandowski is probably a similar kind of player to him. He’s just as good, if not better than him.

  “It’s credit to him. He’s gone from being on the bench at Leicester in the Championship to being the world’s best No.9. His numbers and goals don’t lie, and you don’t do that by chance – it’s by working hard, dedication and continuing to do what you do best, hitting the back of the net week in, week out. He’s definitely one of the all-time greats, in my opinion.”

• Like Ronaldo: How Kane maximised his talent

  Kane is showing no sign of slowing down at 32 years of age, with it being suggested that he could be another that plays on towards the age of 40. Portuguese icon Ronaldo has already achieved that feat at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

  CR7 has reached the top through hard work and relentless drive, with Kane considered to occupy a similar talent pool after earning hero status despite never being the quickest, biggest or most comfortable on the ball.

  Campbell added when asked if Kane is similar to Ronaldo in that regard: “Yeah. Ten years ago you might have said ‘he’s decent’. He’s not got blistering pace, he’s not got the silky touches and stuff like that but he’s stood the test of time. He knows exactly where the goal is. Technically he’s flawless – left foot, right foot – and he’s continued to produce 20-30 goal seasons for the last 10 years.

  “Credit to him, he’s earned the right to put himself among the world’s best No.9s currently – and probably one of the best ever English No.9s to do it. It’s great to see that he’s gone on to do so well and continued to score goals. Obviously now he’s in Germany and picked up where he left off in the Premier League. It’s great to see an English lad putting their name out there on the world stage.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty
  

  Another transfer in 2026: What next for Kane?

  While starring for Bayern and England at present, questions are being asked of what the short-term future holds for Kane. It has been revealed that there are exit clauses in his contract that can be triggered in 2026.

  It is claimed that an offer of £57 million ($75m) would be enough to put another transfer in place, with a return to the Premier League being speculated on while also generating talk of potential interest from Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Hearts strengthened their Scottish Premiership title credentials with an emphatic 3-1 victory over champions Celtic on Sunday afternoon. An own goal from defender Dane Murray and strikes from forwards Alexandros Kyziridis and Lawrence Shankland helped Derek McInnes’ side record a statement victory which has sent shockwaves across Scottish football.

Hearts fans in dreamland thanks to goals from Kyziridis and Shankland

After making a flying start to the 2025-26 season, Hearts went into the game against Celtic knowing a win would show they had to be taken seriously in the title race. And after Murray’s own goal was cancelled out by a lovely strike from Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor, Hearts soon raced to victory thanks to second-half efforts from Kyziridis and Shankland, leaving the home supporters dreaming of what might be come the end of the season.

AdvertisementHulton ArchiveFerguson's Aberdeen were the last non-Old Firm club to win the league

While it remains too early to tell if Hearts truly have a strong chance of winning their first league title since 1960, their triumph over Celtic has captured the imagination of neutral football fans right across Scotland. The last team to win the Scottish league title – other than old firm duo Celtic and Rangers – was Aberdeen in 1985. The Dons, then managed by legendary former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, pipped second-placed Celtic to the title by seven points that year, with Rangers finishing fourth and 21 points adrift. Aberdeen’s victory in 1985 was all the more remarkable because it was their second consecutive title under Ferguson, having also won the league in 1984.

Former Man Utd boss guided Aberdeen to unprecedented success

In an eight-year spell in charge, Ferguson led Aberdeen to unprecedented success in what was a golden period in their history. The Pittodrie club won 10 major honours under Ferguson, including another league title in 1980, as well as the 1983 European Cup Winners’ Cup. Aberdeen defeated Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid 2-1 in the final in Sweden, with John Hewitt scoring the winner in extra time. Ferguson’s men later downed then-European champions Hamburg 2-0 to win the Super Cup in 1983.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty Images SportHearts boss McInnes keeping calm in wake of momentous Celtic win

However, while early comparisons are being drawn with Ferguson’s famous Aberdeen side, Hearts manager McInnes is keeping his feet firmly on the ground following the win over Celtic.

Speaking to after the game, McInnes said: "We take the three points and we stick them in the pocket and we're pleased with that. But I think in terms of belief and confidence, I think it does us no harm.

"I don't think it's a statement win. It might be for others on the outside looking in. It might change opinions. It might validate opinions that there's a tightrope.

"I genuinely think that, and I'll stick to it, the fact that once you go round a couple of round of fixtures, I think it's far more sensible to have any real assumption of where teams are going to be.

"But let's not kid ourselves, we're really pleased with what the lads they've given us.

"I thought it was a strong performance we needed to be. I thought it was a polished performance, we needed to have a wee bit of polish on it.

"Technically, we look in a good place, and certainly physically we look in a good place, so long may that continue."

Arda Guler was full of praise for Kylian Mbappe while describing his relationship with the Real Madrid talisman. The duo's chemistry on the pitch has led to comparisons with former Madrid stars Mesut Ozil and Cristiano Ronaldo, with Guler adding that Mbappe and him "understand each other perfectly." Real Madrid have won nine games out of 10 this season, thanks to the brilliance of Guler and Mbappe in attack.

• Real Madrid off to a flier under Xabi Alonso

  The Xabi Alonso era at Real Madrid has been off to a positive start. Hired at the end of last season, Madrid made it to the semi-finals of the Club World Cup in the summer. The 2025-26 season began with six wins from the opening six La Liga games, despite Alonso and his players not having the luxury of a full pre-season. They have won nine games out of 10 across all competitions, the only loss coming at the hands of their neighbouring rivals Atletico Madrid.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Guler handed the keys to Madrid's midfield by Alonso

  Guler has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of Alonso's arrival. The Turkish wonderkid has nailed his place in midfield, where he has played both as a deep-lying playmaker and as an advanced No. 8 operating closer to the opponents' box. He has already racked up three goals and four assists, while also leading several statistical charts in the league. No other player in Spain's top-flight has created more chances than Guler's 22.

• Guler heaps praise on Mbappe amid Ozil-Ronaldo comparisons

  One of the biggest factors behind Los Blancos' impressive start to the season is the connection shared between Mbappe and Guler. The duo have drawn comparisons to the partnership shared by Ozil and Ronaldo between 2010 and 2013, with the ex-German international laying 31 assists for the club's all-time top scorer in 149 games played together.

  Mbappe has been on a tear, scoring 14 goals in 10 games. It's no surprise that all of Guler's four assists have come for Mbappe. 

  Speaking to , Guler praised Mbappe. He said: "Some say he drops back too much into midfield, but I think we should let him play wherever he wants. His talent should be given free rein. If he moves into midfield and drops back a little, it’s not for nothing. He has the knowledge to do that, he understands the demands of the game."

  He also explained why they connect so well with each other on the field. “His qualities and mine are in harmony," he said. “We understand each other well, the relationship is smooth. Sometimes we talk before the game and say, ‘Today, we have to do this or that.’ And sometimes, a glance is enough.

  “I like the comparisons between Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil and Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler. They’ve achieved great things, but significant success is always achieved by a team, never just two players."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• AFP
  

  Guler eyes more Champions Leagues with Madrid

  Having nailed his place in the starting XI, Guler has his eyes set on winning more titles with Real Madrid. After playing no part in the club's Champions League glory in 2023-24, and experiencing a horrible 2024-25 season, Guler is determined to help the club return to lifting more silverware. 

  “Winning the Champions League once? What we’ve achieved doesn’t count for me, we have to go for another title," said the 20-year-old.

St James’ Park will soon be packed to the rafters as Newcastle United return to Champions League action.

Eddie Howe’s Magpies competed in Europe’s main competition during the 2023/24 season, and – for the most part – didn’t disgrace themselves on the big stage, despite facing off against AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, and Paris St. Germain.

On home turf, the Toon even amazingly downed the French giants 4-1, with the likes of Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, and many more first-teamers who are still in Howe’s plans to this day lining up for that famous tie.

Bruno Guimaraes also found himself in the middle of the park for Newcastle on that unforgettable night, with Dan Burn shining in the backline, with a hope now that the duo, and others, can star again when Barcelona come to town tomorrow night.

The stars when Newcastle thumped PSG

With Alexander Isak no longer in Howe’s camp, Newcastle need a leader more now than ever, with Guimaraes often leading from the front as a shining example.

After all, away from scoring against Liverpool this season while donning the captain’s armband, the “passionate” South American – as he has been labelled previously by Howe – has also managed to average a sensational 7.5 ball recoveries per league clash, on top of winning 5.5 duels on average, as per Sofascore.

Therefore, with the pressure ramped up tomorrow against Hansi Flick’s visitors, Howe will hope he can rely on his dependable number 39 to shine again as both a skilful but fiery presence centrally.

When casting minds back to that famous night against PSG, Guimaraes was definitely a well-rounded performer with an assist picked up, alongside winning five aerial duels to keep the French titans at bay.

That assist allowed for hometown hero Burn to steal the limelight, with his vital header gifting the Toon a much-needed two-goal cushion.

While Burn will no doubt get the nod to start again versus Barca, he might not be the only valiant defender Howe relies on under the St James’ Park floodlights.

One of his defensive teammates now aims to be as defensively stern as the lofty 33-year-old to guide his side to another momentous scalp.

The "unsung hero" who could be this season's Burn

The Magpies will fancy their chances ahead of this one-off clash with Flick and Co., despite a slow start back in domestic action.

Heading into their showdown with PSG two years back, Newcastle had just about edged past Burnley 2-0 in the bread and butter of the league, with the Toon now diving headfirst back into the Champions League this time around after a similarly cagey 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

While some of the attacking play saw chances be wasted, the defensive showing against the Old Gold will have pleased Howe, with Fabian Schar continuing his rock-solid start to the season by collecting a clean sheet against Vitor Pereira’s men.

Away from just this slim win, the Toon’s “unsung hero” – as he was once labelled by journalist Jordan Cronin – has also helped his side pick up another two shutouts in the league so far by bettering Guimaraes’ duels won count at 5.8 duels won per game, with the Swiss enforcer now tasked with the tough job of trying to nullify Robert Lewandowski.

Games played

19

Wins

5

Draws

5

Losses

9

Goals scored

1

Assists

2

Clean sheets

4

He might well be able to rise to this hard occasion when assessing his previous numbers in the Champions League with both Newcastle and his former employers in FC Basel, with Schar – who was signed in the Mike Ashley era for just £3m – picking up an impressive goal and two assists from his 19 encounters in the hotly contested competition.

One of those efforts even came about during the Magpies’ win over PSG as his stunning long-range effort beat Gianluigi Donnarumma, and with memorable clean sheets also coming his way in the tournament versus Liverpool and Chelsea, he could be the main star for Howe’s men as they try to topple Barca.

Dubbed a “true legend of the club” by one Newcastle content creator earlier this year, it could be that Schar is remembered as the poster boy for another unbelievable night in Europe, in the same way Burn is fondly looked back on to this day for his out-of-the-ordinary showing against PSG.

Burn, signed for just £13m from Brighton, remains such an astute capture for the PIF regime, although it’s hard to look past the £3m spent on Schar as even bigger Magpies bargain.

He earns 2x more than Anderson: PIF must sell "disappointing" Newcastle dud

It may soon be time to cash in on this Newcastle star.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 17, 2025