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Hannon-Dalby takes four wickets to put visitors in command at Taunton

ECB Reporters Network01-Jul-2024Tom Banton and Tom Abell rescued Somerset from potential embarrassment on the second day of the Vitality County Championship Division One match with Warwickshire at Taunton.The pair came together with the home side 57 for three in their first innings, trailing by 355 runs, and produced a patient stand of 139, Banton making 77 and Abell 61 not out before three late wickets saw Somerset stumble to stumps on 208 for six, Oliver Hannon-Dalby claiming four for 45.Earlier, Warwickshire had extended their score from an overnight 373 for eight to 412 all out, Michael Burgess falling for 147. Migael Pretorius added the wicket of Michael Booth to his four first day victims for figures of five for 104 from 27 overs.Only one over was bowled at the start of play before a heavy shower wiped out play for the session to the consternation of more than 700 schoolchildren granted free admission for the day. An early lunch was taken at 12.30pm, with play resuming at 1.10pm.Somerset’s frustrations of the previous evening continued and an edged four by Booth off Pretorius took the visitors to a fourth batting point at 402 for eight, having been 40 for four at one stage.Booth then took two to third man to bring up a half-century stand with Burgess in 74 balls before Pretorius parted them, Booth edging to Abell at first slip to depart for 31.Burgess had faced 208 balls, hitting 17 fours and three sixes when last man out, skying a catch to Jack Leach at mid-on to give Kasey Aldridge his only wicket.Needing 263 to avoid the prospect of being asked to follow on, Somerset minds might have been on cautiously negotiating the new ball. Instead, Andy Umeed smacked the second delivery of the second over back over Hannon-Dalby’s head for six and then fell to the fourth, edging a low catch to Jacob Bethell at fourth slip.Tom Kohler-Cadmore also looked to attack at every opportunity and had moved to 22 off 35 balls when caught behind pushing half forward to a good length ball from Booth. At the other end, Chris Woakes completed a seven-over opening spell costing just 15 runs.When Tom Lammonby, on 23, edged another catch to wicketkeeper Burgess, playing down the wrong line to Ed Barnard, Somerset were 57 for three and under pressure. Banton clubbed Booth over a short extra cover boundary for six as he and Abell saw them to 80 for three at tea.An extended final session of 43 overs began with Banton playing some delightful shots and bringing up the fifty partnership from 88 balls with a sweetly-timed back-foot shot through the covers for four off Hannon-Dalby.Abell was largely content to play a supporting role as the stand blossomed. Banton reached a 77-ball half-century with a single of left-arm spinner Bethell, having hit 5 fours and a six, only looking vulnerable when chasing wide deliveries.The pair settled for accumulating steadily as the ball became softer and Warwickshire’s bowlers shared the frustrations of their Somerset counterparts over a pitch offering negligible seam movement or turn.Abell survived a scare on 43 when a delivery from Barnard appeared to miss his off stump by a coat of varnish, but by then the partnership with Banton had passed the century mark and early worries in the home dressing room had eased.A late cut off Barnard for his third four took Abell to fifty off 110 balls. Bethell produced a tidy ten-over spell for 23 runs on the unhelpful surface, but neither Abell nor Banton looked seriously troubled in the early evening sunshine.That was until Hannon-Dalby found the outside edge of Banton’s bat for the only slip, Rob Yates to pouch a low chance with five overs remaining in the day. The crestfallen Somerset player dragged himself off, having faced 143 balls, knowing a great chance of a third first class century had escaped him.Hannon-Dalby then struck two more quick blows to remove nightwatchmen Josh Davey lbw and Jack Leach caught behind next ball, as Warwickshire ended the day on an unexpected high.

After announcing the arrival of Antonio Cordero, Newcastle United have now reportedly entered talks to sign a long-term target who Eddie Howe loves in a deal worth £30m.

Newcastle announce Cordero arrival

Having spent the last two windows watching other clubs spend big and welcome key additions courtesy of their PSR concerns, Newcastle and PIF wasted no time before getting their business started this time around. Securing the addition of Cordero, the young Spanish winger will arrive at the end of his Malaga contract on July 1.

Welcoming Cordero to the club in what could be one of his final acts at the club, departing sporting director Paul Mitchell said: “Antonio is an exciting talent. We’re delighted to bring him to Newcastle United amidst interest in Spain and across Europe.He has lots of potential, and the next phase of his development will be for the club to select a loan move that will challenge him and build on his experiences.”

PIF are not done there though. In search of a winger instead of Bryan Mbeumo, who could soon be on his way to Manchester United, the Magpies have been linked with moves for the likes of Anthony Elanga as well as Brighton forward Joao Pedro.

Elanga is a name that was mentioned last summer before Newcastle were ultimately unable to make their move. One year on, however, they’ve got the necessary breathing room to spend and have reportedly already enquired about a potential deal to sign the Nottingham Forest star.

The Swede isn’t the only target that Newcastle could revisit this summer, either. Making up for last summer’s disappointment, those at St James’ Park are now “in talks” to sign a long-term target who Howe loves, according to reports.

Newcastle "in talks" to sign £30m Trafford

According to Sky Sports, Newcastle are now “in talks” to sign James Trafford from Burnley, who value their shot-stopper at just £30m this summer. The England international is a player that Howe has had ‘long-term admiration and interest in’ and wants Trafford to compete with current No.1 Nick Pope next season.

The latter has struggled on the injury front over the last 12 months and the addition of Trafford could see his place come under threat.

Newcastle’s interest in Trafford is, of course, far from new. The Tyneside club even agreed personal terms with the goalkeeper last summer before failing to negotiate a deal with Burnley.

One year on, whether that agreement remains in place or Newcastle are forced back into negotiations will be interesting to see, especially if Trafford’s stance has changed.

The dream XI Newcastle can build: No Gordon; Joao Pedro & £120m trio sign

Newcastle are looking to make sweeping changes as they step back into the Champions League.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 10, 2025

Dubbed “world-class” by Burnley boss Scott Parker, Trafford has more than earned the interest of a Champions League club and may yet arrive at Newcastle before taking Pope’s starting spot.

With just a couple of games to go in the Premier League this season, Chelsea sit in a superb position to claim a top-five place and secure a Champions League spot.

The Blues are two points clear of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, but could be set for a last-day showdown with the Reds at the City Ground – in what will undoubtedly be a nervy affair.

However, regardless of what happens between now and the end of the campaign, Enzo Maresca deserves tremendous credit for the work he’s done during his first year in charge at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian has achieved a 60% win rate in the role, with the prospect of winning the Europa Conference League firmly within their own grasp ahead of tonight’s semi-final second leg against Djurgarden.

However, given their previous work in the transfer market, it would be no surprise to see them spend big again to take the side to the next level under the manager’s guidance.

The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for new signings this summer

Since Maresca took the reins back in the summer of last year, he’s desperately been in the market for a new talisman to help lead the line and take Chelsea to the next level.

Liam Delap has been one player who’s been on their shortlist over the last couple of weeks, potentially moving to the Blues after his £30m relegation release clause became active.

However, he’s not the only attacking player in their sights, with AC Milan winger Rafael Leao once again emerging on their shortlist, according to one Spanish outlet.

The report claims that the Blues have begun talks with the 25-year-old’s representatives over a move to the club after registering 23 combined goals and assists across all competitions this campaign.

It also states that the Portuguese international is seen as a top-level reinforcement for Maresca, taking the side to the left level as a result – but it’s previously been reported he could cost in the region of €80m (£64m).

Why Chelsea’s £64m target would be a better signing than Gittens

Over the last couple of months, Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move to land Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens this summer, but no deal has yet been agreed with the Bundesliga side.

The 20-year-old has impressed in Germany this campaign, registering 12 goals and three assists to date, with other English sides such as Liverpool and Arsenal also interested in his signature.

The former Manchester City youngster looks almost certain to return to England this summer, but the Blues should look to swerve a deal despite their keen interest.

Such an interest in Leao proves the club are evaluating all options to improve their attacking department, needing to make the right call over whom to land to fill the void in the final third.

When comparing the Milan star’s stats with those of Gittens, he’s managed to outperform in numerous key areas, highlighting what a superb addition he would be to Maresca’s side.

Leao, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has registered more combined goals and assists than the Dortmund star’s, whilst also completing more take-ons, showcasing the threat he possesses in attacking areas.

He’s also managed to complete more progressive carries per 90, along with more passes completed into the final third – having the tools to aid other people in improving their own tallies in the final third.

His all-round dominance doesn’t stop there, winning more of the aerial duels he’s entered, potentially offering Maresca an added option in central areas should they fail to land a new striker.

£64m may appear to be another hefty fee to splash out on a new signing, but Leao has proven in Serie A this campaign that he has all of the qualities needed to improve the Blues squad.

As a result of the latest transfer story, the hierarchy should look to forget about any deal to land Gittens in the coming months, subsequently putting all of their focus into a deal for the Milan star.

The perfect Jackson upgrade: Chelsea ready to bid for £76m "complete CF"

Chelsea are looking to add a new striker to their ranks this summer

By
Joe Nuttall

May 7, 2025

One title-winning manager is reportedly in love with the prospect of a potential move to Tottenham Hotspur, something which chairman Daniel Levy realises, as the under-pressure Ange Postecoglou faces a very uncertain future at the club.

Managers linked with potential vacant Tottenham job

Regardless of Spurs’ campaign in the Europa League, it is reliably believed that Levy could still part company with Postecoglou at the end of the season (Matt Law).

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini Apr 24, 2025

Tottenham are just one game away from equalling their highest number of defeats in a single Premier League season, and with a tough trip to Anfield on the horizon, Postecoglou is staring down the barrel of that unwanted record on his resume.

Liverpool could finally be crowned champions by defeating Spurs on Merseyside this weekend, so odds are that Arne Slot’s men will throw the kitchen sink at a vulnerable Lilywhites side who’ve also lost four out of their last five top flight matches.

Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

Postecoglou’s saving grace after a dismal domestic campaign lies in Europe, where the Australian has a chance to make history by guiding Spurs to their first piece of major silverware since their League Cup triumph in 2008, under Juande Ramos.

However, with victory in the competition not even a guarantee that Postecoglou keeps his job for next season, attention is beginning to turn to who could replace the former Celtic boss in N17.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Brentford’s Thomas Frank have all been linked in the last few weeks, while Fabrizio Romano has reported Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi is liked by Tottenham.

The Mail also claimed earlier this week that Burnley boss Scott Parker has some fans inside Spurs as well, but perhaps the most exciting appointment would be a return for ex-fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino.

The Argentine enjoyed a successful spell at the Tottenham helm from 2014-2019, which included an unprecedented run to the Champions League final in 2019, and you can argue the north Londoners haven’t enjoyed consistency akin to Pochettino’s tenure since he departed.

Mauricio Pochettino would "love" to return to Tottenham

Now manager of the USA national team, as they prepare to co-host the 2026 World Cup, journalist Graeme Bailey has reported for The Boot Room that Pochettino hasn’t quite settled into his first international role.

Alternatively, if he were to leave the States, Pochettino would “love” to re-join Tottenham, and Levy is said to be “aware” of this. The 53-year-old would also be Levy’s first choice to replace Postecoglou, given their already-close relationship and communication.

After a string of lacklustre results with the USA, Pochettino is also said to be under pressure, and he is very much in Levy’s thought process as a potential replacement for Postecoglou.

The former Southampton, Chelsea and PSG boss won a Ligue 1 title with the latter, and he appears to currently be one of three trophy-winning managers under consideration by Spurs – the other two being Glasner and Inzaghi.

Their margin of victory has heaped pressure on England and given Richie Berrington’s team the chance of a famous progression

Vithushan Ehantharajah09-Jun-2024A lot of things can get sorted over a drink. A business deal, a second date – even an end to dating altogether. Over a couple of chugs of water and isotonic formula, Brandon McMullen and Matthew Cross decided to sort something among themselves. Why not blow this Group B wide open?It was during the drinks break after 10 overs of the chase, with Scotland just 41 away from overhauling Oman’s par score of 150 for 7, that the license for the kill officially came through from captain Richie Berrington. Granted, 60 runs had come from the four overs that followed the powerplay. But for the first time in the innings, the conversation out in the middle turned to the prospect of pumping up that net run rate.”The priority was to win and get the points, but at drinks we said, ‘we should get this done’,” revealed McMullen later. And how.Just 3.1 overs were needed to dust off what remained: 34 of them in boundaries, three of them sixes. McMullen finished on 61 not out, Cross unbeaten on 15. The wicketkeeper-batter even went as far as chastising himself for missing out on a cut shot off Ayaan Khan at the end of a 13th over that had already gone for 20 because it could have finished the job a ball earlier. Scotland even overshot their target by two, finishing on 153 for 3.That’s how serious they were about notching a statement win that now forms the backdrop of the next seven days. The column showing Scotland’s five points to put them top of Group B is now rivalled for relevance by the adjacent one reading “2.164”. Scotland’s NRR is currently 3.964 better than England’s – their likeliest challengers for a Super Eight spot – who can now only equal their points tally.The onus is on Jos Buttler’s men who will have to thrash Oman and Namibia in their next two games. And even that might not be enough. Enter the tantalising prospect of England rooting for Australia to inflict enough damage on Scotland in the final match of Group B to reduce the run-rate figure.The defending champions relying on favours from their enemy. Perhaps nothing sums up just how well Scotland have done in this World Cup more than that sentence right there.Comparisons are flimsy at this juncture, given skewed sample sizes (Scotland’s two-and-a-half matches to England’s one-and-a-half) and differing opponents. But there’s a serenity to Scotland that England are missing and might not find. A control of their own destiny. Heck, even something as simple as comfort. The kind that should come more naturally to three-time World Cup winners across formats than a team who usually arrive at ICC events having to qualify to be let in having already qualified to be let in.The first half of this match was by no means crisp. George Munsey dropped Pratik Athavale over the fence for six to take Oman batter to fifty. Cross missed the chance to stump Ayaan on 14, allowing him to bat through to the end, finishing unbeaten on 41.The chase should not have been as high as it was. And there were portents for awkwardness against a side that had Australia fretting. Scotland responded with 50 for 1 in the first six overs, their most productive powerplay yet. At that stage, Australia had only managed 37 for the loss of Travis Head against a combination of Bilal Khan, Kaleemullah and Mehran Khan.Much like Bridgetown, Antigua’s North Sound had itself a short boundary and an assisting breeze. Before McMullen and Cross utilised it for a quick finish, the early going was made straight and true or with the odd shuffle down the pitch to pierce the infield. Then Munsey dipped into his bag of sweeps once the fielding restrictions had been lifted – notably with back-to-back reverse swept sixes off opposition captain Aqib Ilyas – and the rest piled in.In a tournament that has largely played out on slower, grippier surfaces so far, Scotland’s malleable top six can lay claim to being the most in form, with the receipts to prove it. Munsey and Michael Jones started with an unbroken 90 against England. Berrington and Michael Leask stunned Namibia with an expertly rescued second innings, before McMullen – the team’s first half-centurion on this trip – and Cross did their bits here. All are striking above 130 through attacking whenever possible, buying into a broader team edict of aggression while encouraging batters to find their best ways of achieving that. McMullen’s wristy hockey strikes through a V of mid-on to forward square leg was a shining example of that.This is already shaping up as the best of Scotland’s nine appearances at global ICC events. It will be confirmed outright if they make it through to the next stage. Of course, they do not need to beat Australia on Sunday to do that. Losing in style works just as well. Not that they’re entertaining the latter. Why would they given how things have run for them thus far?”We’re just going to have to be the quickest team to adapt when we get there and assess out the conditions first,” said McMullen, reciting from a well-worn but effective playbook. “And then just go and play our brand of cricket.”It is hard to remember a time when Scotland had such a clear brand of cricket, so instep with modern trends and yet equally adaptable. It will face its strongest test next weekend. That glory sits on either side of the result is more a condition of their excellence than the whims of weather and scheduling. Most of all, it has been earned.

Match-ups, quick runners and rain create “unique set of circumstances” in T20 Blast fixture

Matt Roller06-Jun-2022Tactical retirements in T20 cricket are like London buses: you wait forever for one, then several arrive in quick succession. A batter had never retired out in the first 19 seasons of English domestic T20 cricket, but Carlos Brathwaite and Samit Patel both did so in the same rain-reduced Vitality Blast fixture between Birmingham Bears and Nottinghamshire on Sunday.When R Ashwin retired himself out playing for Rajasthan Royals against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2022, it quickly became apparent that his decision would be a seismic moment in T20 strategy. Analysts and coaches have long debated the merits and drawbacks of tactical retirements, but a high-profile player making a high-profile call has helped to destigmatise the move.Brathwaite and Patel’s retirements were only the fifth and sixth such dismissals in T20 history, according to ESPNcricinfo’s extensive database, and none of the previous four had happened in the same match. With the game shortened to eight overs a side, wickets were significantly devalued and both teams were willing to adapt accordingly.R Ashwin retired out in the IPL two months ago•BCCIBrathwaite, the Bears’ captain, was working as a pundit on ESPNcricinfo’s T20 Time:Out show when Ashwin opted to retire and declared his support for the move at the time. “How often have we thought, ‘yeah, he’s batted five balls too much, couldn’t get it away, couldn’t get out, and as a result we’ve lost a bit of momentum’?” he said. “I think it was gutsy from Rajasthan. Moving forward, it’s something we’ll probably see a lot more of… it’s something that will become a part of the game.”On Sunday, Brathwaite was 17 not out off 11 balls – and had hit the final ball of the seventh over for six – when he saw that Calvin Harrison, Notts’ legspinner, had been given the eighth and final over of a shortened game. Harrison’s first over, bowled exclusively to Brathwaite, had cost only six runs and he had beaten him outside off stump three times.Brathwaite was clearly aware of his own struggles against legspin: since the start of 2020, he has faced 98 balls from legspinners in T20 cricket, from which he has scored 67 runs and been dismissed eight times. He walked off and called for Sam Hain – who has averaged 57.50 against legspin with a strike rate of 135.29 in the same period – to replace him.”Carlos isn’t a big sweeper and I think he felt that someone else might have attacked it a bit better,” Peter Moores, Notts’ head coach, told ESPNcricinfo. “It’s a pretty selfless decision by a captain because everyone wants to be the man to bang it out the park but he’d faced the over before and found it tough – Calvin bowled a really good over at him – and I think he decided to give someone else a crack at it.”We could have bowled someone else if we wanted to – there’s nothing in place to stop that. It doesn’t happen very often. We know Carlos is a fantastic striker of a cricket ball so it’s quite a big decision but I think most of these decisions people make on instinct, and he clearly felt that he would give somebody else a go.”The final over cost 18 runs, though Hain (batting at No.6) did not face a ball: Chris Benjamin was dismissed off the second ball after hitting the first for four before Alex Davies, in at No. 7, hit a six, two twos and a four to finish on 14 not out off four balls.

“The rule is there and so I think it’s fair to use it. People make comments about this, that and the other but for me, when Carlos walked off, there’s no problem with that at all.”Peter Moores, Nottinghamshire’s coach

In the run chase, Brathwaite conceded only eight runs from the penultimate over to leave Notts needing 15 off the last, an equation which became six to win off the final ball. Craig Miles bowled a high full toss which Patel plinked into the leg side for only a single and the Bears started to celebrate, only to see that it had been given as a no-ball for height.That left three to win off one with Tom Moores back on strike (no-balls are worth two runs in English domestic cricket rather than the usual one) and Patel, at the non-striker’s end, walked off to be replaced by Harrison, a quicker runner. He charged through for one but Moores could only dig Miles’ yorker out to extra cover, sealing a one-run win for the Bears.”Calvin was still in the dressing room because he wasn’t next in and with six off the last ball there was no relevance,” Peter Moores explained, “but with the no-ball, Alex Hales walked outside on the balcony and looked across at me and Dan [Christian, Notts’ captain] and we shouted up and indicated for Calvin.”Samit realised what was going on and we swapped it around. Calvin’s got a few years on Samit and we know that an extra yard is quite a bit when it comes to a run-out. It seemed to make sense at the time. It’s a quirk in the rules but it made sense at the time.”Patel’s retirement was reminiscent of another incident earlier this year which saw Jordan Silk retire hurt in similar circumstances. Silk had been sent out to target a short leg-side boundary in the final stages of Sydney Sixers’ BBL Challenger final game against Adelaide Strikers having earlier pulled a hamstring in the field.Related

Bears seal rain-affected last-ball thriller by one run

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Silk taken out retired hurt with one ball remaining and two runs to win

When he found himself off strike ahead of the final ball with two runs required, he was replaced by a fully-fit batter in Jay Lenton; while Silk was officially retired hurt, due to his injury, the situation was effectively the same as the one at Edgbaston. Incidentally, Christian was in the batting team’s dugout on both occasions.”It’s one of those quirks that really you could only see being used in the shorter formats because otherwise wickets are too valuable,” Moores said. “It’s got to be a unique set of circumstances and a shortened game like that has more chance of throwing it up than a full T20 game. I don’t think we’re going to see lots of it because I don’t think the circumstances are going to happen very often in a way that feels like there’s going to be a competitive advantage.”The rule is there and so I think it’s fair to use it. People make comments about this, that and the other but for me, when Carlos walked off, there’s no problem with that at all. I don’t think it will happen very often. If it’s going to happen, it’ll be in those really short games because otherwise the value of people that are in is too high.”

MLB trades are beginning to pick up as the offseason continues, with the latest significant move coming between the Orioles and the Angels on Tuesday night. Los Angeles is sending outfielder Taylor Ward to Baltimore in return for right handed pitcher Grayson Rodriguez, the Orioles announced.

Ward has spent the entirety of his eight-year career in Los Angeles. The Orioles were searching for a strong hitting outfielder this offseason, and Ward might be their answer to that gap.

Rodriguez didn’t play at all during the 2025 season because of multiple injuries, including undergoing a season-ending elbow debridement surgery. He’s played just two seasons prior to this year, both with the Orioles.

Ward may be a short-term solution for Baltimore as he’s set to become a free agent after the 2026 season, his final year under arbitration. On the other hand, Rodriguez isn’t set to become a free agent until 2029. The Orioles also are keeping their eye out for starting pitchers, so it’s interesting they traded one of theirs away before locking down another. But, Rodriguez’s health for next season is still up in the air as he hasn’t pitched in a game since July 31, 2024.

During the 2025 season, Ward averaged .228/.317/.475 with 132 hits, and recorded career highs with 36 home runs, 103 RBIs and 86 runs scored—an impressive year for the veteran outfielder.

In 20 game starts in 2024 when Rodriguez last competed, the pitcher posted a 3.86 ERA and 130 strikeouts over 116.2 innings pitched.

Bryce Harper was none too pleased after he was rung up on a check swing Friday night against the Detroit Tigers.

The Philadelphia Phillies star thought he was walked when he saw a low payoff pitch from Tigers reliever Will Vest with two runners in scoring position and first base open with two outs. Harper checked his swing, though, and Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler challenged to third-base umpire Vic Carapazza, who ruled Harper went around and was subsequently out on strikes.

Upset at the call, he gestured toward Carapazza and repeated "there's no way," maybe with an added expletive. That ended his night a tad early, take a look:

After the pitch, Harper put his bat down and started to take off his shin guard, preparing to go to first base before he was called out. Whether he went around or not was certainly a close call.

On the night, he was 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a walk. Despite the late ejection, the Phillies were able to come out on top with a 5-4 win after a two-run eighth inning. They scored three runs in the seventh before Harper was tossed.

Thierry Henry says the USMNT benefits when its players test themselves in Europe, but he also cautioned against using national-team selections as the sole measure of Major League Soccer’s growth. The French legend believes overseas experience helps American players – even as MLS continues to play an important role in their development.

Getty Images SportEuropean experience broadens player development

Henry stressed he views international club experience as a positive factor that contributes to both personal growth and team cohesion.

“I don't know if it's a progress or not, about, you know, the MLS or not,” Henry said on . “I've seen American players coming and playing in leagues before. On a personal point of view, and I will go back to that, I think it's always going to be a plus when you go abroad to find out what type of player you are, learn another style of play.

“So that means when you come back, and you play against those guys, or you talk to the guys that never left, you say, ‘Oh, in Italy it is like this,’ or, ‘In England it is like this,’ or, ‘In Spain it is like that.’ And you come back and you learn as a player yourself. So I see it as a positive thing. Wherever you go, you still, you're still French at the end of the day and play, and play your own way." 

AdvertisementHenry believes MLS progress is multifaceted

While Henry acknowledged the value of European experience, he cautioned against reducing MLS’s development to the number of players called into the national team. He noted that MLS is a complex environment with its own challenges and dynamics that deserve deeper evaluation. Still, he made clear he would encourage players to test themselves abroad.

“To go back to the national team, yes, it is very important, I do think for the U.S. to have American players playing abroad so they can bring the experience,” Henry said. 

GettyNational team success depends on development strategies

Henry stressed that the true indicator of progress lies in the national team’s overall performance and development rather than the professional leagues where players compete. 

“Okay, so now let's go back to the national team. If we go back to the national team, I do think that regardless of what it is, don't judge whoever is playing where and being starters or not on what the game is doing there,” Henry explained. “Judge what the national team is doing and how they're going about it. So what are you doing also with grassroots? Are you talking to the MLS? Are you end-to-end with it?

“Are you trying to develop players in the neighborhoods of the country? And yes, it is important to have players in Europe. Yes. But that doesn't mean you're gonna have a better national team.”

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The U.S. just announced a new friendly against Senegal in Charlotte, which will be played on May 31. 

Former England captain is optimistic about prospects but warns against presuming all-out pace is key

Vithushan Ehantharajah31-Oct-2025Michael Vaughan believes winning the Ashes would vindicate Ben Stokes’ work as Test captain, adding the allrounder may prove to be England’s most valuable bowler on “very English” Australian pitches.With the first Test in Perth just three weeks away, the majority of England’s Test squad are in New Zealand, either involved in the ongoing ODI series or training alongside it. The Ashes group will come together in Western Australia on Monday, where they will be joined by the England Lions who will help them prepare with a three-day game starting on November 13, eight days before the series opener at Optus Stadium.Despite their last Test win on Australia soil coming in January 2011 – confirming a historic 3-1 success – and an aggregate 13-0 scoreline in the three tours since, England are optimistic. Much of that is down to the belief and more confrontational style instilled in the group by Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum.Results have dramatically improved under Stokes. He has personally overseen 22 wins in 36 Tests as full-time skipper, flipping a slump of one win in 17 prior to his appointment. However, England have yet to win a five-match series since he and McCullum took the reins at the start of the 2022 summer, which includes a 2-2 draw in 2023’s home Ashes. They have also failed to make an impression in the World Test Championship, sitting sixth in the current cycle after drawing with India this summer.Speaking at a Viagogo event, Vaughan, who marshalled England’s 2005 Ashes success, ending an 18-year drought, feels the time has come for Stokes to mark his captaincy with some tangible success.”I think they need a trophy,” he said.”I mean, would I take two-all now? Probably, let’s be honest. In the last few series, 2010-11 is the only time that I’ve seen England have success. We won one Test match in 2002-03, we won three Test matches in 2010-11. We haven’t won a Test since. So actually looking at growth in terms of what English cricket is delivering and, crikey, if you could get a two-all series, you’d obviously take that.Michael Vaughan and Chris Woakes speak to the media at a Viagogo event in London•Viagogo”But I think Ben and his mentality, and the way that he plays his cricket, this is his moment. He has to deliver and he has to get that urn in his hand. And it’s not putting him under pressure. They’ll be speaking in this kind of language in the dressing room. They will expect to win this series and now’s the time to deliver.”Vaughan also warned England not to get carried away with the notion that all-out pace is the way to go in Australia.The tourists have spent the last two years cultivating a more rounded seam attack for all conditions, but particularly in Australia with the Kookaburra ball.James Anderson was pushed into retirement last year, ultimately, because they did not believe, at 43, he would be effective on this tour. In turn, there was a focus on raising the average speed of their attack and favouring those with high release points, with the likes of Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue. Diligent work behind the scenes has ensured Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, two of the quickest in the world, have made it to this hallmark series.As such, England believe they possess the fastest attack they have ever taken on an Ashes tour. However, it is worth noting recent Australian pitches have tended to be greener and thus more amenable to the Kookaburra ball.The numbers highlight the shift, with top seven batters averaging 30.22 since the start of the 2021-22 Ashes, compared to 38.14 in the previous 20 Tests. Following the retirement of Chris Woakes and the non-selection of Sam Cook, Vaughan sees Stokes as the only bowler with the wares to excel if conditions turn out to be more sporting than anticipated.”I don’t think it’s all about pace,” said Vaughan. “I’d be very, very wary to just think that because we’ve got Jofra, because we’ve got Mark Wood, Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson that can bowl with a bit of gas, that’s all you need.Related

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“Scott Boland, he averages 12 (12.63) because he hits the top of off stump more often than not, and the ball just wobbles around a bit. This series is the series that I look and think. ‘give me a Chris Woakes or a Sam Cook’ just in case, because we might get conditions that are very, very English and top of off will still be the main threat. And it’s who’s going to consistently hit the top of off stump.”There’s not many quick bowlers that hit the top of off stump. They’re basically there to bowl a bit of pepper and change up the pace of play.”I guess Ben’s the one bowler that you can just go, okay, you go back to top of off. It’s the one concern I have about the England attack that I’m thinking, who’s going to continuously hit the top of off if the ball’s wobbling around? Pace, yes, but it might be a series where the top of off stump is the area to go for.”Though Stokes is working his way back from a shoulder injury in New Zealand, he comes to Australia in perhaps his best bowling form. His 17 wickets at 25.23 in the home season’s Anderson-Tendulkar trophy were his most productive, beating a previous best 15 in 2013-14 Ashes, his first Test series.Despite arriving into the 2025 summer off the back of two right hamstring tears in the space of six months, Stokes was remarkably fit. His speeds were consistently challenging, around the mid-80s, and his skills undimmed. That he had also retained his will for long spells was a nod to his remarkable endurance, but also a familiar cause for concern when he broke down on the final day of the fourth Test against India.Feeling discomfort in his right shoulder, he continued bowling, subsequently ruling himself out of contention for the decider at the Kia Oval. England went on to lose a thriller, allowing India to square the series. It was the fifth Test Stokes had missed in the space of 12 months.Woakes, who dislocated his shoulder on day one of that fifth Test, leading to his international retirement, urged his former teammate to play it sensible to ensure he features throughout the series.”He’s bowling probably the best he’s ever bowled in his career,” said Woakes. “He’s as fit as he’s ever been. But as he’s getting older and you know, he’s a chance of breaking down.”I think at Old Trafford this year, I think he knew was f**ked, basically. ‘I’m broken anyway, I’ll just keep going’. Which isn’t a clever thing to do, but that’s the way Stokes is. He wants to give all to the team, as a leader, he wants to be the guy to do it. We need him to play all five Test matches.”