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Hero of England’s 2017 World Cup triumph will continue to play domestically

Valkerie Baynes14-Apr-2022Anya Shrubsole has announced her retirement from international cricket, calling time on her career at the top level after 14 years.Shrubsole, the hero of England’s 2017 World Cup triumph, was awarded an MBE after bowling her side to a famous and dramatic victory with a record 6 for 46 in the final against India at Lord’s. Aged 30, she is a two-time Women’s World Cup champion and two-time Ashes winner.Having started her domestic career for Somerset, she played 173 games for her country across all formats, claiming 227 wickets. She is fourth on the list of England’s ODI wicket-takers, and is England’s current top T20I wicket-taker.She will continue to play domestic cricket in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, Charlotte Edwards Cup and the Hundred.”I feel immensely privileged to have been able to represent my country for the past 14 years,” Shrubsole said. “To have been involved in women’s cricket at a time of such growth has been an honour but it has become clear to me that it is moving forward faster than I can keep up with, so it is time for me to step away.”Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be lucky enough to play for England for so long, I’d have been happy with one game. There have been many ups and downs along the way but it was all worth it to be able to lift the ICC Women’s World Cup at Lord’s in 2017.”There have been so many people who have supported me along the way and I want to thank them all for everything they have done, but most of all I couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of my family. They have been with me every step of the way and I simply couldn’t have done it without them.”Shrubsole captained her country once, and in 2018 became the first woman ever to appear on the front cover of the .After a 2021 home international season curtailed by injury, Shrubsole was part of England’s Ashes campaign in Australia at the start of this year, and her last appearance for England was during the 2022 Women’s World Cup final in New Zealand, when she took 3 for 46 and was the last batter out in a 71-run defeat at the hands of Australia on April 3.Clare Connor, ECB managing director of women’s cricket, described Shrubsole as “the most tremendous servant to English cricket, and to women’s cricket specifically”.”For 14 years she has given everything for the team so it is fitting that her reasons for retiring are so selfless,” Connor added. “In her last game for England – the ICC Women’s World Cup final in Christchurch – Anya was the team’s stand-out performer with the ball, just as she was on that magical day at Lord’s in 2017 when England Women lifted the World Cup.”Her longevity, skill and impact with the new and old ball are testament to her work ethic and commitment over so many years. Aside from her genius with the ball, Anya was the perfect team-mate – selfless, dedicated, thoughtful and kind. She has already dedicated 14 years to England Women’s cricket and I know that she will continue to have a huge impact on the game post-playing.”Anya loves the game as much as anyone I’ve ever met and we look forward to retaining her expertise and passion as she embarks on her next chapter.”

Along with an undisclosed sum, New Zealand will play extra games when the two sides meet in Pakistan next year

ESPNcricinfo staff19-May-2022New Zealand have come to a agreement to compensate Pakistan for pulling out of a bilateral series last year. It involves New Zealand Cricket (NZC) paying an undisclosed amount to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), as well as agreeing to play extra games when the two sides meet in Pakistan next year. New Zealand have also invited Pakistan to take part in a T20 tri-series at home ahead of the World Cup in Australia, which Pakistan have in principle accepted. That series is understood to include Bangladesh as the third team.New Zealand pulled out of their scheduled white-ball tour of Pakistan minutes before the start of the first ODI of the tour, citing a “specific and credible” security threat. The PCB made their displeasure plain over the days that followed, and demanded financial recompense for broadcasting, logistics and security expenses incurred.ESPNcricnfo understands the issue has been resolved although neither board has made any official public pronouncement on the matter.New Zealand’s pull-out citing security reasons last September was viewed as a major setback for Pakistan in their bid to ensure international cricket returns home. It was followed by England pulling out of a short tour the following month, though that decision generated significant blowback, both in Pakistan and beyond. Pakistan has since undone much of the damage those withdrawals caused, hosting West Indies in December, a full Pakistan Super League season as well as a historic all-format tour of Australia.Pakistan are next due to host West Indies for the ODI leg of a bilateral tour that had to be postponed due to a Covid outbreak in the West Indies camp last December.

Former director, Keith Edelman, has warned the Gunners of potential problems that they could face over Emirates expansion to an 80,000-seater stadium.

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Arsenal working on Emirates renovationCurrently has a capacity of just over 60,000 Edelman questions the rationale behind expansionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The idea of a stadium renovation has surfaced following discussions with an architect, as the club looks to accommodate growing demand from supporters. Having overseen the development and relocation from Highbury to the Emirates in 2006, Edelman remains familiar with the structural and logistical aspects of the stadium. While acknowledging that the Emirates has aged exceptionally well, he expressed doubts about the viability of increasing capacity by an additional 20,000 seats.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT KEITH EDELMAN SAID

In an interview with , Edelman stated, “When I go there, I look around and it has stood up terribly well over time. There are some things that are ageing and need to be replaced, but the fabric of the building is still amazing. It looks like it could have been built two years ago, not 20. I know everyone wants to go bigger, but when I go to Wembley, I don't enjoy the experience. You're too far away from the pitch.”

Beyond the potential impact on the matchday atmosphere, Edelman pointed out the physical constraints that would make expansion difficult. The Emirates is located in a densely packed area of North London, and the surrounding infrastructure could complicate any redevelopment plans.

He explained, “It's a pretty tight site because it's got the Northern Triangle building at the top, which is where the two railway lines meet, and it's got the North East line on the left side, you're looking northwards, and the Dragon Park side, the other side.

“If they manage to get another 20,000 people in the site, they are going to have to do some piece of infrastructure that makes that happen, which I can't think of at present, not because I'm not clever enough, but I'm sure there'll be some clever architect who'll work out some plan to get it to where it could work. But it's quite difficult to think about how you do it. At the time we were struggling to get our stadium built, and that was a big leap, and we're talking 20 years ago, so 20 years is a pretty good time."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Another factor Edelman highlighted is the uncertainty of long-term demand. While Arsenal have experienced sell-out crowds and increased ticket demand in recent years, he questioned whether this trend would continue indefinitely.

"If you go back 20, 30 years, there were lots of times when football stadiums weren't sold out," he said.

“We may be in a boom period where we're going to see attendance is very high for the 20 years, and Arsenal could fit 80,000 in. I don't know. But there's an economic ratio of price per seat and numbers of people. Because if you can't fill your stadium, then you can't premium price, and you make much more money out of premium price than you do out of adding another 5,000 seats.”

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

While Arsenal fans may be eager to see their club increase stadium capacity, Edelman’s warning highlights the complexity of the situation. The club must weigh infrastructure limitations, fan experience, long-term demand, and financial viability before committing to any large-scale expansion. For now, Arsenal continue to explore their options, but as Edelman suggests, turning the Emirates into an 80,000-seater stadium is far from a straightforward process.

Manchester United are now interested in signing a 24-year-old rival who has managed to impress club scouts, according to reliable journalist Alan Nixon.

Rashford's time at Man Utd coming to an end

There is a good chance that Marcus Rashford is not a Man United player for much longer, having been left out of three match-day squads by Ruben Amorim, with the club making the decision to sanction a loan move in the January transfer window.

Of course, it is always a shame when a homegrown player has to move on, but it could be the best move for all parties, given that he has failed to reach his previous heights this season, scoring just four Premier League goals.

Speaking ahead of the game against AFC Bournemouth, Neville described Rashford’s departure as “inevitable”:

Barcelona are among the interested parties, having reportedly submitted a £35m bid already, and he is believed to be keen on the move, which would initially be a loan before becoming a permanent transfer in the summer.

Manchester United’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Wolverhampton Wanderers (a)

December 26th

Newcastle United (h)

December 30th

Liverpool (a)

January 5th

Southampton (h)

January 16th

Brighton (h)

January 19th

Rashford could well be out the door this January, alongside Altay Bayindir, who will be allowed to leave if a suitable offer is received, meaning Amorim may be tasked with finding a replacement goalkeeper.

Man Utd interested in Leeds' Illan Meslier

According to the reliable Nixon, that replacement could well be Illan Meslier from rivals Leeds United, as the Red Devils have now revived their interest in the goalkeeper.

Amorim is keen to get another goalkeeper through the door to push Andre Onana for a starting spot, and goalkeeper scout Tony Coton is a fan of Meslier, viewing him as one for the future.

Bayindir’s poor performance against Tottenham Hotspur in the 4-3 EFL Cup defeat underlined the need to sign a new goalkeeper, meaning he could be replaced by the Leeds shot-stopper.

Manchester United now want to sign £9k-p/w "technical maestro" for Amorim

He would be a signing for the long term at Old Trafford.

1 ByBen Browning Nov 30, 2024

Although the Frenchman has been the first-choice keeper for United’s rivals this season, starting every game, there are some serious doubts over his ability.

The 24-year-old made a bizarre mistake to cost Leeds two points against Sunderland earlier this season, and he has become known for making some serious howlers:

Earlier in his Leeds career, the 6 foot 5 colossus was even branded as a “liability” by the media, so it is a little strange that he is being linked with a move to Old Trafford.

That said, Meslier is clearly doing something right if he is starting every game for a promotion-chasing Championship side, and he could be a better back-up option than Bayindir.

The Turk was one of the worst players on the pitch in the trip to Spurs, as per SofaScore, so it is probably a wise decision to let him leave, although it will be interesting to see whether there are many suitors, given that his performances have been so poor.

Harry Kane expressed his greatest dream in German as the Bayern Munich striker attended a language lesson.

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Kane takes German lessonReveals his biggest dreamAiming for European gloryFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The England captain has offered a glimpse into how he's been learning German at Bayern Munich as he was asked to match questions to answers and managed it without great difficulty, proudly saying: "That wasn't too bad!"

When the teacher asked Kane to name his biggest dream, the ex-Tottenham star said the Champions League and was asked to say it in German.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Kane moved to Bayern with the aim of winning the first major trophy of his career. While his first season ended trophyless, the German giants are on track to win the Bundesliga and remain in contention to complete Kane's big dream. They will face Inter in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, with the winner going on to meet either Barcelona or Borussia Dortmund.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR KANE?

Before they turn their attention to the Champions League, Kane and his Bayern team-mates will host St Pauli in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

Joseph, Seales picked up three wickets each while debutant Phillip, Mayers returned two each

Associated Press25-Jun-2022Bangladesh showed progress in making 234 against West Indies after being forced to bat first in the second Test at Daren Sammy Stadium on Friday. It was a marked improvement from their 103 all-out in the first innings of the first Test in Antigua, where they lost with almost two days to spare.West Indies’ class was still on show on Friday when they reached stumps at 67 without loss. Openers John Campbell and Kraigg Brathwaite were unruffled in making 32 and 30 respectively.Anderson Phillip, given his Test debut in place of Gudakesh Motie, earned the first wicket with his second delivery when he bowled Mahmudul Hasan Joy for 10.Tamim Iqbal looked like he had his eye in while hitting nine boundaries for 46, but he was rooted to the crease while poking at Alzarri Joseph and was caught in the covers.Related

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Why is Bangladesh's batting on the decline in Tests?

Anamul Haque, who last played a Test eight years ago at the same ground, was developing a good partnership with Najmul Hossain Shanto until they were rapped on the front pads by Phillip and Kyle Mayers respectively, and lost reviews. Anamul made 23 while Shanto scored 26.Captain Shakib Al Hasan soon edged Jayden Seales onto his stumps on 8, and Nurul Hasan was caught behind on 7 after Joseph glanced his glove.Bangladesh were 159-6 at tea with Litton Das settled in, but as soon as he reached his 14th Test fifty, he was dismissed by Joseph on 53.The tourists passed 200 thanks to tailenders Shoriful Islam, who hit five boundaries off Roach for 26, and Ebadot Hossain, who was 21 not out.Seales and Joseph claimed three wickets each with Phillip and Mayers two each.Campbell and Brathwaite showed there were no tricks in the pitch when they scored at more than four an over in 16 overs to reduce the deficit to 167 runs.

Wintry conditions have cast a white blanket across Merseyside, but Liverpool will be determined to be the one issuing out a chilling bite as Arne Slot’s side prepare to host Manchester United in the Premier League.

First-placed Liverpool are five points clear of Arsenal with two games in hand, having been a cut above their rivals in the quest for the title this season. Few – if any – foresaw the events that have unfurled since the summer, but no one can deny the brilliance of this Reds side anymore.

Man United, in contrast, have shuffled down dire straits, sacking Erik ten Hag in November after dismal form that just couldn’t be shaken. Ruben Amorim arrived having dazzled in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon but has failed to get any kind of tune out of the Red Devils so far.

United are 14th in the standings and have lost five of their past six top-flight fixtures, though they claimed an Anfield point in similar conditions last year and that is something to bear in mind for the hosts, who will be brimming with confidence nonetheless.

Liverpool team news

In his pre-match press conference, Slot was delighted to confirm that Liverpool will welcome Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate back to the matchday squad, one month after they picked up issues during the comfortable Champions League victory over Real Madrid.

It’s unlikely that either will start, meaning Jarell Quansah will partner Virgil van Dijk in central defence, with Joe Gomez sidelined for the foreseeable.

Further up the field, Dominik Szoboszlai has served a one-match suspension and will hope to claim Curtis Jones’ starting berth, while Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota will be pushing to start up top. However, they shouldn’t get them with Luis Diaz in such fine fettle at number nine.

He’s not going to be playing on the left, in any case, for Cody Gakpo will reprise his role and potentially be the difference-maker against the club that flirted with his prized signature back in 2022.

Cody Gakpo could terrorise Man Utd

Liverpool signed Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 after his heroics at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, though Man United certainly felt that they were honing in on the Dutchman only days before.

Gakpo arrived at Liverpool during a tumultuous time but showed flashes of quality during that first under Jurgen Klopp, notably bagging twice during the Reds’ 7-0 romping over Ten Hag’s beleaguered unit.

He’s been a different beast within this new Liverpool set-up, however, and might be the secret star as United seek to prevent Mohamed Salah from hitting his stride.

This is easier said than done, with the Egypt star having posted 20 goals and 17 assists across 26 matches for Liverpool this season. He also feasts upon his biggest rivals each term.

Conversely, Gakpo hasn’t scored or assisted in any of his past three fixtures against United, albeit starting each one from the bench.

He’ll have a point to prove and the means to enforce it. Gakpo has been a keen-edged attacking threat in his own right of late, scoring five goals from his past eight starts in the Premier League.

1.

Sadio Mane

17

2.

Roberto Firmino

14

3.

Cody Gakpo

9

4.

Luis Diaz

6

4=

Diogo Jota

6

It’s remarkable that Gakpo ranks third on Salah’s all-time assist list at Liverpool, bespeaking the innate connection the pairing have as they operate on alternate flanks.

Man United won’t know what hit them, and travelling fans might just be left rueing their missed opportunity once again as the Slot machine drives even further forward.

Suarez repeat: La Liga giants want Liverpool star in next Trent disaster

Liverpool are battling to keep some of their prized players at Anfield this year.

ByAngus Sinclair Jan 3, 2025

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola might just be ruing the sale of one of his former players, who has since become Europe's most lethal striker.

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Guardiola sold forward in 2022Has been thriving since move to BarcelonaHas found the net once every 81 minutesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Barcelona forward Ferran Torres scored another goal on Wednesday night to help his team book a Clasico clash in the Copa del Rey final after eliminating Atletico Madrid. Indeed, a striking stat has revealed that the Spaniard needs less minutes to find the back of the net than any other player across Europe's top leagues.

AdvertisementAFPWHAT IS THE STAT?

Per Opta, Torres has the lowest minutes-per-goal ratio of all the players in the top five European leagues who have scored at least 10 goals in all competitions this season. Indeed, the 25-year-old has scored 16 times in 35 games while spending just 1,292 minutes on the pitch, equating to a goal every 81 minutes. It's even more eye-catching when one considers the fact that Torres has started just 12 games all season for Barcelona.

DID YOU KNOW?

The in-form striker has caught the attention of Premier League clubs like Arsenal and Aston Villa. While his future remains uncertain, it’s clear that Torres is currently thriving in Catalonia, despite having a rotation role. Indeed, Hansi Flick would have to make the bold call of dropping one of Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, or Raphinha in order to make room for the Spain international in the starting XI.

GOAL ARWHAT NEXT FOR FERRAN TORRES?

The former Valencia and Man City man will be hoping to impress again when Barcelona host an in-form Real Betis side on Saturday, April 5. Flick's troops are currently leading La Liga with a three-point advantage over rivals Real Madrid, but will face a stern test from Manuel Pellegrini's men, who have won six consecutive games since losing 3-2 to Celta Vigo in February.

As Unai Emery and Aston Villa head into an important second half of the season, competing in both the Premier League (currently eighth and four points off of the top four) and the UEFA Champions League (currently fifth in the league standings), the business they manage to do this month could be incredibly important to the success of their season.

The Villans are currently showing interest in multiple deals for the January window, with Borussia Dortmund forward Donyell Malen subject to plenty of interest so far, having two bids already rejected for the 25-year-old Bundesliga forward.

But Aston Villa will be hunting for any new opportunities in the window, in order to strengthen Emery’s squad, hoping to enable an excellent second half of the season, challenging for the top four yet again, and aiming to reach the next stages of the Champions League.

Aston Villa transfer news

According to reports from RMC Sport, Aston Villa are considering a move for out-of-favour Paris Saint-Germain forward, Marco Asensio. The French giants are said to be open to letting the 28-year-old Spaniard leave the club this month, having only played a bit-part role so far this season.

Asensio has made 15 appearances for PSG so far this season, scoring two goals and providing four assists in 748 minutes. Many of these minutes have come in an unfamiliar centre-forward role, playing as more of a false-nine, compared to his more natural attacking midfield/wide roles.

This could present a good opportunity for Aston Villa, reminiscent of Philippe Coutinho back in 2021/22, when they signed him on loan during the January transfer window, before making the move permanent in the 2022 summer transfer window, pouncing on the opportunity to sign a high-level technician.

Aston Villa's next Coutinho

Coutinho joined Villa from Barcelona, costing around £17m after his initial six-month loan deal. In his time for the Villans, Coutinho made 43 appearances, scoring six goals, providing three assists and totalling 2,296 minutes played.

Stats (per 90 mins)

Asensio

Coutinho

Goals

0.24

0.32

Assists

0.48

0.14

xG

0.67

0.32

xAG

0.34

0.15

Progressive Carries

2.53

3.70

Progressive Passes

4.46

6.11

Shots Total

3.49

3.24

Key Passes

1.93

1.25

Shot-Creating Actions

4.34

3.66

When comparing the season Coutinho joined Villa with Asensio’s current numbers at PSG this season, you can see how the Spaniard would offer good attacking quality for Emery’s side. Whilst Coutinho had a better goal-scoring record that term, Asensio has actually generated more xG and xAG (expected goals and expected assisted goals) so far in 2024/25 in comparison.

Coutinho offered slightly more in terms of progressive metrics, but Asensio, whilst still ranking well in these metrics, also offers more final third production at this point, with better output, a higher shot volume and more key passes/shot-creating actions per 90.

At just 28 years old, Asensio – who Vicente del Bosque claimed is a “world-class player” – still clearly has the quality to play at the top level and could provide Aston Villa with another versatile attacking option, who has Champions League experience, which could turn out to be invaluable to their campaign.

Another Grealish repeat: UCL giants make contact over £60m Aston Villa star

Paris Saint-Germain make contact with Aston Villa, aiming to sign one of their stars, in what would be Villa’s biggest sale since Jack Grealish.

ByBen Gray Jan 10, 2025

Unbroken 127-run stand puts Surrey’s unbeaten record under threat after Jamie Overton’s injury

ECB Reporters Network27-Jul-2022Warwickshire 253 and 270 for 4 (Hain 87*, Rhodes 72*) lead Surrey 316 (Pope 65) by 207 runsSam Hain’s assured 87 not out and his superb unbroken stand of 127 with Will Rhodes enabled Warwickshire to fight back strongly on day three to reach a second innings 270 for 4 against Surrey at the Kia Oval.Warwickshire captain Rhodes was unbeaten on 72 when bad light ended proceedings seven overs early and, with Alex Davies also contributing a gritty 49, LV= Insurance County Championship leaders Surrey go into the final day 207 runs behind and suddenly with their unbeaten Division One record under possible threat.Surrey were badly handicapped, however, by an injury to England Test fast bowler Jamie Overton, who had to be helped from the field early in the morning session after sending down just five balls. He did not return.Overton hurt his left foot in the delivery stride as he was about to send down the last ball of his first over, with Warwickshire struggling at 32 for 2 after losing both Dom Sibley and nightwatchman Danny Briggs in the fifth and sixth overs of the day.Hain has so far batted for four hours, facing 187 balls and hitting nine fours, and is in sight of a fourth hundred of a prolific season which has now brought him 945 runs at an average of almost 79. He always looked in control, accumulating solidly but, at one stage, cutting Will Jacks’ offspin away for four and then skipping down the pitch to the next ball to loft it straight for another boundary.Rhodes, more aggressive in his approach from the moment he reached the crease, has hit 10 fours from only 105 balls and the fifth wicket pair have taken Warwickshire from being only 80 runs ahead with four wickets down into a position where they might be able to declare and put Surrey under fourth innings pressure.Warwickshire had resumed on 1 without loss in their second innings, an overall deficit of 63, and they looked to be in deep trouble when Sibley was bowled by Kemar Roach for 6, shouldering arms to a ball that swung back into him, and Briggs quickly followed for 1 when he pulled at Jordan Clark and under-edged to keeper Ben Foakes.Chris Benjamin then thick-edged a cut at Clark through Ryan Patel’s upstretched fingers at third slip for four, and batting looked a tricky business in the day’s opening session and under cloudy skies.Six minutes before lunch, indeed, Benjamin’s promising 76-ball 38 was ended by a fine catch by Foakes from an inside edge as he propped defensively forward to one from Jacks that turned sharply.Davies, on 23 at the interval, added 75 with Hain in increasingly confident manner as Surrey clearly missed Overton’s pace in the middle overs of the innings.Jacks, though, produced another excellent piece of bowling to give them a much-needed boost, with an arm ball luring Davies forward and allowing Foakes to pull off a smart stumping as the batter over-balanced as he played and missed. Davies had battled through 137 balls, in more than three hours at the crease.The post-tea session was dominated by Hain and Rhodes, however, as Surrey took the second new ball to no avail at 227 for 4. Warwickshire’s 200-run lead arrived when Hain punched Clark off the back foot to the square cover ropes to underline the transformation in the game’s fortunes.