Wyatt and Jones lead the line as England seal 96-run victory in final match of tour
ESPNcricinfo staff28-Mar-2019England women 204 for 2 (Jones 57, Wyatt 51) beat Sri Lanka 108 for 6 (Karunaratne 44) by 96 runsEngland’s women completed their second 3-0 clean sweep on their tour of Sri Lanka, wrapping up the T20I series with their most dominant display yet in a 96-run win in Colombo.Batting first after Sri Lanka won the toss, England’s batsmen made hay throughout their 20 overs, with Danni Wyatt and Amy Jones each making half-centuries at the top of the order before Tammy Beaumont and Nat Sciver cut loose in the closing overs.Wyatt was the first of only two wickets to fall, prised out for 51 from 33 balls after a 96-run opening stand that spanned the first ten overs, before Jones departed 20 runs later for 57 from 38, once again to the toiling Oshadi Ranasinghe, who was one of only two bowlers to concede her runs at less than 11 an over.With the platform set, Sciver and Beaumont climbed onto the offensive, crashing an unbroken stand of 88 in just seven overs. Sciver smashed 10 fours in her 49 not out from 24 balls, while Beaumont scampered between the wickets to keep pace with 42 from 25.In reply, Hansima Karunaratne saved face for Sri Lanka with a hard-fought 44 from 53 balls, but her team-mates struggled to show much resistance.Linsey Smith struck with her first ball to remove Umesha Thimashini, lbw for 1, before Freya Davies had the captain Chamari Atapattu caught behind for 10 with the first ball of her second over.Kate Cross, playing her first match of the T20 leg, chipped in with two wickets, either side of two further breakthroughs from Heather Knight and Laura Marsh.From 82 for 6, Karunaratne at least ensured that Sri Lanka batted out their 20 overs, but the game was long since gone.
Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna has emerged as a surprise candidate to become Manchester United manager if Erik ten Hag leaves at the end of the season.
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Ten Hag's position to be reviewedMcKenna current contract runs until 2027Other Premier League clubs also interestedWHAT HAPPENED?
McKenna's Tractor Boys will play Premier League football for the first time in 22 years in 2024/25 after securing back-to-back automatic promotions. The 38-year-old's success in his first managerial gig has therefore piqued the interest of United but according to The Guardian, there is also strong admiration from other clubs in the top flight – one of them being Brighton.
Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
United's new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe plans to review Ten Hag's position following the conclusion of the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25. McKenna is highly regarded by the Red Devils' hierarchy and initial contact has already been made between the two parties. However, Ipswich are determined to keep hold of the Northern Irishman and given the fact his current deal at Portman Road runs until 2027, a move would likely cost United a serious amount in compensation.
DID YOU KNOW?
McKenna was previously part of United's coaching staff and was one of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's assistants after initially joining from Tottenham as an Under-18s coach. He came through Spurs' youth system as a player but had to retire in 2009 at the age of just 22 due to a serious hip injury, all before he could make a first senior appearance.
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Getty WHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?
United's managerial issues will be put on hold for the next week-and-a-half as Ten Hag tries to navigate a positive end to the campaign. The Dutchman's side take on Newcastle and Brighton in their final league matches before locking horns with City at Wembley next Saturday. Two, or perhaps even three, victories could see Ten Hag remain at Old Trafford, although given the fact Brentford boss Thomas Frank is also reportedly being eyed as a potential replacement, it looks only a matter of time until Ten Hag departs Manchester.
It has been a rough first half of the season for Chelsea this year, as they find themselves down in tenth place in the Premier League, closer to 18th than 1st, and miles away from securing Champions League football.
New boss Mauricio Pochettino oversaw a nervy victory over Luton Town last time out, but poor performances have made his position look increasingly perilous.
The Argentine has seen some promising displays from certain players in his side, but one area of the team that has been consistently underwhelming this year is attack, and one player in particular has been underperforming week in and week out, Nicolas Jackson.
Chelsea now working on deal to sign “elite” £70m player ahead of Arsenal
The Blues could hijack the Gunners’ move…
ByTom Cunningham Jan 4, 2024
Therefore, fans and Pochettino, for that matter, should be thrilled to hear that the latest player touted for a move to Stamford Bridge is Sporting CP's free-scoring Swede, Viktor Gyökeres.
Chelsea transfer news – Viktor Gyökeres
According to a report from TEAMtalk at the end of last month, the Blues have been monitoring Gyökeres for some time, but the Swede's brilliant goal-scoring form this season and their own struggles in front of goal have led them to seriously consider a move for him this winter.
However, any move for the former Coventry City star will likely cost the Pensioners an arm and a leg as Sporting are said to have a €100m release clause in Gyökeres' contract, which comes out to about £86m.
Sporting CP strikerViktor Gyokeres.
That said, the most significant barrier to Chelsea completing this deal could be the other interested parties, as, according to the report, London rivals Arsenal have maintained their interest in the 25-year-old.
Ultimately, Todd Boehly and co should be pushing ahead with this deal if they want to salvage their season, as the Sporting man is "a lot more refined than Jackson", according to journalist Zach Lowey.
Viktor Gyökeres could replace Nicolas Jackson
A number of things have gone wrong at Chelsea this season, and to lump them all at the feet of Jackson would be unfair, yet absolving the young striker of all blame would also be wrong.
The Senegalese striker arrived at the club from Villarreal in the summer off the back of a hot streak towards the end of last year, and while he looked good during preseason, he has failed to deliver during the season.
The 22-year-old has scored eight goals in 23 appearances across all competitions this campaign, and while that doesn't sound too bad on the surface, three of those goals came against a nine-man Tottenham side, and he really should have scored more in that game.
The inexperienced forward – who scored 12 LaLiga goals last term – often finds himself in the right place at the right time, but unlike his potential replacement, he cannot find the back of the net.
On the other hand, the "one of a kind" Gyökeres, as described by his former manager Mark Robins, can't stop scoring. In all competitions this season, he has found the back of the net 14 times and provided six assists to boot.
Who comes out on top when comparing their underlying numbers, then?
Well, it should be no surprise that the "unplayable" Swede, as described by former teammate Maxime Biamou, comes out leaps and bounds ahead of the Chelsea man. In fact, one of the few areas that Jackson outshines the Sporting star is in non-penalty expected goals and assists, which, if anything, only further proves how profligate he is.
When it comes to goals scored, assists, shots, goal-creating actions and successful take-ons, the former Coventry star has the Chelsea youngster beaten.
Stats per 90
Gyökeres
Jackson
Goals
0.79
0.43
Assists
0.36
0.12
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists
0.54
0.81
Progressive Carries
3.74
2.05
Progressive Passes
1.94
2.17
Goals per Shot on Target
0.53
0.35
Shot-Creating Actions
3.94
2.98
Goal-Creating Actions
0.57
0.37
Successful Take-Ons
2.52
1.55
Aerial Duels Won
1.58
0.93
All Stats via FBref for the 2023/24 Domestic Season
At the end of the day, Jackson could well turn things around and start delivering on his significant potential, but at the moment, that looks like nothing more than a dream, so if Chelsea can sign the 25-year-old "game changer", as described by football analyst Statman Dave, they certainly should.
Asmavia Iqbal and Marina Iqbal part of panel in PCB’s quest to revamp women’s cricket
ESPNcricinfo staff20-Mar-2019A new PCB women’s selection committee chaired by Urooj Mumtaz will also include former players Asmavia Iqbal and Marina Iqbal, the PCB announced.Asmavia was already part of the what is now an all-women committee. Jalaluddin and Akhtar Sarfraz, who were the other two members, have now been replaced by Marina and Mumtaz.The committee’s first task will be the announcement of a side that tours South Africa for the ICC Women’s Championship in May. Wasim Khan thanked the outgoing Jalaluddin and Akhtar Sarfraz for their services, and announced a new vision for women’s cricket going forward.”Women’s cricket will be an important priority moving forward and this has been reflected in the selection of such a relevant and dynamic committee,” he said. “Their appointments will go a long way towards accelerating the progress of our senior women’s team.”The new selection committee comprises players who, until very recently, have been involved in white ball cricket. This syncs very nicely with the PCB’s vision of providing an environment where women’s cricket not only thrives but where we are able to increase our pool of players so that it can sustainably grow and flourish. Attracting women with the relevant skill sets and a passion for the women’s game was critical when forming this new Committee.”Offering merit based opportunities to exceptionally talented women who can help drive and influence the game spells a new and exciting era at the PCB. Urooj is part of the PCB Cricket Committee, so her relevance to the modern game will further benefit the direction we are aiming to take the women and girls’ cricket.”Urooj Mumtaz said: “I would like to thank the PCB for believing in me and my abilities for this new role as the Chair of the women’s selection committee.”As we move into a new era of women’s cricket, we need to have the ability to adapt to the modern day game. Keeping that in mind, we aim to inspire and produce players with the skills and talent to compete consistently at the top international level, and also encourage the younger generation to take up this great game and become the ambassadors of Pakistan. As we move forward, I am confident the performance of the team will also improve steadily.”
Gary Neville has urged Manchester United not to appoint England manager Gareth Southgate as a possible successor to under-fire Erik ten Hag.
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Southgate tipped as possible successor to Ten HagNeville advises United against hiring England boss Believes the timing is not right for all parties WHAT HAPPENED?
Ten Hag is under pressure to keep his job at Old Trafford and amid their underwhelming results, Three Lions manager Southgate has been linked with replacing him. However, former Red Devils star Neville said Southgate to United "can't happen".
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT GARY NEVILLE SAID
He said on the Stick to Football podcast: 'I've come to the conclusion that [Gareth] Southgate can't happen. There's no way Manchester United can wait until mid-July, when pre-season's already started. They'd look like they don't know what they're doing. And, there's no way Gareth can announce it before a major tournament. He won't do that."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
United appear to be going backwards under manager Ten Hag, despite them reaching the FA Cup final this season. They are eighth in the Premier League, may fail to qualify for Europe and they could end the campaign trophyless. While Neville is an admirer of Southgate, it appears he wants his old club to look elsewhere should the former Ajax boss get dismissed.
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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
While Southgate is preparing to lead England at this year's Euros in June and July, Ten Hag's United face Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, followed by another home clash against Newcastle United on Wednesday.
The Manchester United faithful will be hopeful that the new year provides an opportunity for change following the 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Erik ten Hag’s side have now lost the same number of games in the Premier League as they did in the whole of last season: nine.
The Red Devils are off the pace in the race for the top four, and therefore recruitment in January is a must.
Man Utd transfers latest – Antonio Silva
According to journalist Rudy Galetti, many top clubs admire Antonio Silva, with Man Utd being one of them.
The defender is contracted to Benfica until 2027, but he has an £87m release clause.
Silva is a key player for the Portuguese side, and due to financial fair play guidelines, a move this January is unlikely.
Antonio Silva’s style of play
It is well known that injuries have disrupted United’s season, with even Ten Hag referring to them as a reason why his side has been so inconsistent, and one of those players who unfortunately cannot provide reliability or availability is Raphael Varane, who has already missed seven games this season.
Benfica defender Antonio Silva.
Therefore, Ten Hag could look to replace the World Cup winner with a talented 20-year-old who has been described as “crazy” by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig. Silva became a vital cog in the Benfica system last season, and over the last 18 months, he has developed into an incredible prospect, someone who more than has the potential to live up to Varane's name in the game.
The table below proves that via statistics from this season’s Primeira Liga, and how they compare to his positional peers.
Pass completion %
92.7%
Top 1%
Pass completion % (long)
74.2%
Top 1%
Tackles won
1.93
Top 1%
Dribblers tackled
1.36
Top 8%
Carries
42.32
Top 19%
Ball recoveries
6.79
Top 6%
As you can see, Silva is extremely confident and comfortable on the ball, and with Ten Hag persisting with playing out from the back, the Portugal international would fit the Dutch manager's system like a glove.
The Red Devils have been wasteful in possession this campaign, therefore, signing a defender who has such high pass completion percentages across a variety of ranges would elevate the side's ability to control periods.
Furthermore, the Benfica Acadamy star’s long passing is particularly impressive, and he could aid United going forward by playing direct diagonal passes to Marcus Rashford, in a similar way to how Virgil Van Dijk starts attacks by finding Mohammed Salah on the right at Liverpool.
Silva can also carry the ball forward, which not only helps United in the buildup phase but can also be useful against a low block.
FC Porto's Danny Namaso in action with Benfica's Antonio Silva
United’s biggest issue this season has been defending transitions and cutbacks, with the majority of their goals coming from that exact scenario. The addition of Silva would decrease this slightly, due to the defender's ability to read the cutbacks if the attack is on the opposite side or quickly get out to the forward on the ball and stop the pass.
Overall, Silva has the potential to become a world-class defender based on all the signs so far, and he fits the correct profile for the right centre-back role at United. Varane unfortunately, with his injuries, does not. The fee is steep, however, which will naturally add even more pressure to perform straight away, and his little experience could cost him if he were to make the switch.
Gloucestershire end Somerset’s perfect one-day season record with four-wicket victory
ECB Reporters Network28-Apr-2019Gloucestershire ended Somerset’s 100 per cent Royal London One-Day Cup record with a four-wicket win in a low-scoring contest at Bristol.The visitors posted 242 for 9 from their 50 overs after winning the toss, with Lewis Gregory their only batsman to look comfortable on the slow pitch, making 52 off 33 balls, while Benny Howell claimed 3 for 45 from his ten overs.In reply, Gloucestershire made 246 for 6, winning with four balls to spare. Graeme van Buuren top-scored with 61, while Miles Hammond made 48 and Jack Taylor 43 not out.The result left the hosts with six points from five matches and Somerset eight from the same number of games.The first ten overs of Somerset’s innings brought just 32 runs for the loss of Tom Banton, bowled by a David Payne yorker for 11. It was 38 for 2 when Peter Trego fell lbw attempting to sweep left-arm spinner van Buuren.James Hildreth chipped a catch to mid-wicket off Ryan Higgins with the total on 51 and Azhar Ali had failed to hit a single boundary when bowled trying to cut loose with a reverse sweep off Tom Smith for 43.Somerset managed only two fours off the bat in the first 30 overs, which ended with them 105 for 4. Skipper Tom Abell and George Bartlett added 55 before the latter was run out for 29 by Higgins attempting a second run to deep point.Gregory announced his intentions with a six over long-on off Payne, but Somerset still needed an injection of quick runs when Abell was caught at backward-point off Smith for 42. Gregory hit sixes off successive balls from Higgins, before Roelof van der Merwe was caught at third-man off Howell for 16.Gregory’s impressive contribution was ended by a catch at mid-off, giving Howell his second wicket. Craig Overton was unbeaten on 25.Gloucestershire’s reply was off to a bad start when, in the first over, skipper Chris Dent was run out at the non-striker’s end by bowler Overton, sent back attempting a quick single.Soon Gloucestershire were finding it equally difficult to score quickly as they crawled to 26 for 1 from ten overs. When Gregory struck with successive deliveries in the 14th over, having Gareth Roderick caught behind for 25 and Howell caught at point for a first-ball duck, the outcome was in the balance.After 25 overs, Gloucestershire were 86 for 3. Then James Bracey, on 21, attempted to launch Josh Davey over the leg-side and fell to a well-judged catch by van der Merwe.Miles Hammond played sensibly for his 48 off 83 balls when brilliantly caught by Azhar at mid-wicket off Tim Groenewald and Gloucestershire were in trouble at 114 for 5 in the 31st over.Somerset’s bowlers were backed up by some inspired fielding. With 15 overs to go, Gloucestershire needed a further 115 at seven and half an over. Their hopes rested largely with van Buuren and Taylor, who both hit sixes off Davey to boost the run-rate. Neither looked troubled as van Buuren moved to a fine half-century off 52 balls before miscuing Overton to Azhar at mid-off.The pair had added 83 in 14 overs. Higgins blasted Groenewald over long-on for six as the 46th over went for 17. Another massive six by Higgins off the same bowler two overs later sealed Somerset’s fate, Groenewald losing his line and length to prove expensive.
For the fourth season running, West Ham United are fighting for one of the Premier League's European places. Furthermore, the Hammers are currently still in the Europa League too, looking to win their second-consecutive trophy in Europe.
Nevertheless, if David Moyes is to keep the London outfit inside the top seven and on course for another European upset, the manager must strengthen his squad, particularly the left side of his attack.
West Ham United transfer news – Wilfried Gnonto
According to a report from SportsLens, West Ham have been keeping their eyes on Leeds United attacker Wilfried Gnonto ever since the summer transfer window and could make an approach for the Italy international before the winter market slams shut at the beginning of February.
Leeds forward Wilfried Gnonto.
Several clubs were said to be eyeing up a purchase of the winger in the previous transfer window after Gnonto handed in a transfer request at Elland Road, although no sale ever came to fruition as the Yorkshire club were reportedly holding out for £30m.
Gnonto's career may have stagnated slightly with the Peacocks as the attacker has struggled for game-time this season under head coach Daniel Farke. The Italian has become a mere squad player, playing just 884 minutes which has been spread across 22 appearances. Meanwhile, he has registered just one goal and one assist in all competitions.
As a result, Football Insider recently claimed that Leeds are now finally open to selling Gnonto, a change from their position six months ago, and West Ham could be waiting in the wings to capture his services.
Wilfried Gnonto stats comparison vs Said Benrahma
Compared to the rest of the sides inside the current top ten teams in the Premier League, only Manchester United have scored fewer goals than West Ham this season. The Hammers have bagged 33 goals in 20 league matches, or 1.5 goals per game on average. However, the Europa Conference League champions have conceded 1.36 goals per game on average, meaning their matches can easily go two ways, as per FBref.
Additionally, from West Ham's 33 goals in the Premier League this term, 17 have come from Mohammed Kudus and Jarred Bowen alone, which is over half. On top of that, only six players have scored more than one league goal for Moyes' side in the 2023/24 campaign.
In the team's midfield and forward line, with the exclusion of Bowen and Kudus, the Irons have several players who can get assists and create chances, such as James Ward-Prowse and Lucas Paqueta, but not enough players that can score goals.
One player who could help rectify this issue is Gnonto. It has been reported that Said Benrahma is on his way out of the London Stadium and Gnonto could be the perfect player to replace the Algerian. Benrahma has failed to score a single goal for the Irons in 21 appearances this season and currently boasts worse stats than the man who could take his spot in the team.
Goals
0.1
0
Expected Goals
0.2
0.22
Assists
0.1
0.16
Expected Assists
0.19
0.15
Progressive Carries
6.2
4.76
Progressive Passes
3.54
3.79
Passes To Final 1/3
2.28
1.46
Passes To Penalty Area
1.77
1.36
Stats via FBref
Gnonto is young and will be hungry to prove his talent at a club like West Ham, having been described as a "real diamond" by football scout Jacek Kulig. In 27 appearances last season, the winger bagged five goals in total, showing he has what it takes to play at the top level and a manager like Moyes would potentially bring out the best in him.
As a dynamic asset who can feature on either flank or through the middle, the Leeds starlet could well be the perfect addition to help send Benrahma packing.
Lionesses forward Alessia Russo and USWNT defender Emily Fox are among those in Arsenal's squad for their controversial post-season Australia trip.
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Arsenal announce squad for controversial tripRusso & Fox among senior internationalsFace long journeys back to play for countriesWHAT HAPPENED?
The Gunners will make the long journey Down Under this week for a match with an A-League Women's All-Stars team, which will take place in Melbourne on May 24. It is an occasion which will certainly capitalise on the popularity of the team in Australia, especially as there are three Matildas in the Arsenal squad, but it has not gone down well with others amid the scheduling chaos that is troubling women's football.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Russo and Fox are among seven senior internationals likely to be involved in matches with their countries just a week later, on May 31 or June 1, thus needing to make long journeys back from Australia quite soon after the friendly in Australia to fulfil international duties. Katie McCabe, Victoria Pelova, Kathrine Kuhl, Frida Maanum and Cloe Lacasse are the others who look set to be in that situation.
WHAT WIEGMAN SAID
Arsenal's decision to play this game has frustrated some then, including England head coach Sarina Wiegman who admitted in March that she was "surprised" by the news.
"I think for all the players with the already complicated calendar, it's not good for them to go to the other side of the world, very short term, not having the time to adapt and play a game and come back and go for us in two games against France, home and away," she said. "But I would say that's not only for the English players, that's for every European player that goes into the qualifiers. That's the thing that will be hard for them to take and to perform at the highest level."
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The England duo of Leah Williamson and Beth Mead, No.1 goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger and Sweden striker Stina Blackstenius are among those not to be selected for the squad. Defender Lotte Wubben-Moy is sidelined due to an injury that has ruled her out of the Lionesses' double-header against France.
As such, the rest of the Arsenal squad is made up of young prospects and players who no longer play at international level, such as former Scotland star Kim Little and France goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi, who will temporarily rejoin the Gunners for this trip despite seeing her short-term deal end earlier in the season.
Jose Mourinho has revealed what he told Dortmund coach Edin Terzic after the German side's 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League final.
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Dortmund lose 2-0 to Real MadridMourinho seen hugging defeated coachPortuguese set to join FenerbahceWHAT HAPPENED?
The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid boss was seen in deep embrace and speaking into the ear of Terzic after the final whistle. Terzic, visibly upset at the defeat, listened intently to the words of wisdom from the man who has gone one-better twice with Porto and Inter. Mourinho explained he told the stricken coach that he could be proud of his side's resilient performance in their gut-wrenching loss.
AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIP(C)Getty ImagesWHAT MOURINHO SAID TO TERZIC
Mourinho said: "[Terzic] was saying that 'It was very, very hard' and I was telling him, 'Time is not going to help you, it is going to be hard for the rest of your career, the rest of your life. But, you have to be very proud of the work you did because you did amazing. As a coach you could not do more, the coach cannot score or put the ball in the net. The coach can organise, the coach can give mentality, the coach can give confidence and you did all that.'
"Then, he is not the guy to go into the pitch and to kick the ball into the net which is what he team needed. His approach was amazing, they were brave and made a good difference between pressing high and their low-block. They covered Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo well, never one-against-one. They did everything well, apart from scoring. So, as a coach, he has to be proud, but he is not going to forget."
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Real Madrid won their 15th European Cup after goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr in the second-half took the game away from Terzic's team. Dortmund started the game the stronger and should have led at half-time. Karim Adeyemi fluffed his lines when sent through one-on-one and Niclas Fullkrug was denied by the inside of the post to frustrate The Yellow Wall at Wembley.