Fans of both Ted Lasso and Mumford & Sons were taken by surprise as an unexpected collaboration took place on stage during a Kansas City concert.
| Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱 |
Wicketkeeper insists team will continue to ‘inspire and entertain’ despite insipid Ashes showing
ESPNcricinfo staff22-Jan-2025Amy Jones has insisted there’s still a “lot of love” for Alex Hartley within the England Women’s squad, as she sought to play down the row over Hartley’s claims that she has been “given the cold shoulder” by certain players during her duties as an Ashes broadcaster.England go into Thursday’s second T20I in Canberra needing nothing less than a win to maintain their hopes of salvaging a drawn series after four consecutive losses. But their on-field struggles have been overshadowed by the team’s alleged response to Hartley’s criticism of their fitness levels, which began with their T20 World Cup exit in October.Speaking on a BBC podcast on Monday, after Australia’s 57-run win had confirmed that they will maintain their decade-long hold on the Ashes, Hartley claimed that Sophie Ecclestone had refused to do a TV interview with her, and that other members of the squad were no longer talking to her on the boundary edge.”The reason I said that they were not as fit as Australia is because I want them to compete with Australia,” Hartley had added. “I want them to be better than Australia, and I want them to win Ashes and World Cups. I’m giving my opinion, and I’ve been given the cold shoulder from the England team ever since.”Replying to the row, Jones acknowledged that the squad had fallen well short of its own expectations during the Ashes, but denied that the players had taken Hartley’s comments personally.”I don’t think it is the case,” Jones said. “I think we all respect that commentators have their own opinions and it’s Alex’s job to say how she feels. And I think we all respect that. Hartley’s a great personality, and we have a lot of love for her within the group. So, I definitely don’t think that’s the case.”Jones herself has been a qualified success in a misfiring batting line-up, making three 30-plus scores in four innings to date, including an unbeaten 47 in a low-scoring ODI in Melbourne.Related
Hartley: Ecclestone 'refused TV interview' after Ashes loss
Mooney and King help clinical Australia retain Ashes
Mooney: Voll has taken to international cricket 'like a duck to water'
Healy in doubt for rest of Ashes series as she misses first T20I
Australia show off their depth in dominant Sydney display
However, England’s missed opportunities in this series were epitomised by Jones’ glaring lack of game awareness at the culmination of that Melbourne innings, when she failed to run on a free hit that could have kept her on strike going into the penultimate over of the innings. No.11 Lauren Bell was bowled one ball later to condemn England to a 21-run loss.”That one in particular was hard to take, for many reasons,” Jones said. “I felt emotionally drained afterwards [because], with the obvious mistake at the end, you definitely feel responsible for the loss. But the support from all the girls and the staff emphasised that long games don’t often come down to one specific moment, so I guess that definitely helped.”I’ve obviously made contributions along the way, but as a player, you definitely judge yourself on matchwinning contributions. I’ve been lucky to be in a position where I could have really helped influence a few of those games, especially in the ODIs, and I’m disappointed not to be able to get the team over the line. There’s a lot of learnings in there.”Alex Hartley claims she has been given the ‘cold shoulder’ by England players•Getty Images
Even with the series all but lost, Jones says that the squad will be sticking to the same mantras and methods that have been in place since the start of Jon Lewis’ tenure as head coach, in particular their desire to “inspire and entertain” – traits that have arguably been in scarce supply in a dispiriting campaign.”We’re still working hard at training and in team meetings to try and put our best foot forward,” Jones said. “We’ll be very excited to come out play tomorrow, and hopefully get some points on the board.”There was a bit of reconnection after the second ODI about how we want to play, making sure we’re still trying to inspire and entertain,” she added. “That’s worked really well for us in the past, and it’s something that all of us connect to really well.”It brings out more of a fearless playing style, which suits us. I think we’ve lifted a bit away from that, and so reconnecting to that is important for us. We play our best when we take the game on, put their bowlers under pressure with the bat, and have a wicket-taking mindset with the ball. In the field, it’s around energy and enjoyment. When all those things come together, we’re obviously a very good side.”
Crystal Palace have now made an ambitious approach to sign a “rapid” £40m star, who is being targeted by some of the Premier League’s top clubs, according to a report.
Palace’s decision to reject Tottenham Hotspur’s £70m bid for Marc Guehi in the January transfer window ultimately paid dividends, given that the captain went on to play a key role in the FA Cup triumph against Manchester City.
However, the Eagles will always be well aware that a replacement may be needed this summer, given that Guehi’s contract expires next summer, and Premier League rivals Newcastle United are now believed to be close to completing a deal.
In theory, Selhurst Park should be an attractive destination this summer, given that Europa League football should be on offer next season, although it is still up in the air whether Oliver Glasner’s side will even be able to take part in the competition.
Indeed, amid issues around multi-club ownership, UEFA may remove Crystal Palace from the competition, although they are willing to do whatever it takes to participate.
It remains to be seen whether Palace are allowed to take part, but should they embark on a European adventure, they may need to bring in a top-quality replacement for Guehi, and they have now made an approach for Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande.
That is according to a report from The Daily Mail, which states an enquiry has been lodged over the centre-back, who is being targeted as a direct heir to Guehi, and is thought to be valued at £40m.
Diomande could be viewed as an ambitious target, however, considering 2025-26 Champions League participants Chelsea and Newcastle United have also expressed an interest.
Crystal Palace now keen to hijack 21 y/o gem who's the 'next Upamecano'
The Eagles could get one over on their rivals.
By
Tom Cunningham
Jun 7, 2025
Zach Lowy has been left enamoured with the Sporting defender in the past, describing him as “physically imposing” and “rapid”, before going on to claim the 21-year-old “has everything it takes to become one of the best center backs in football.”
As such, if the Eagles were able to win the race for the defender, it would be a real coup, and he could be a fantastic replacement for Guehi, who now appears to be heading to St. James’ Park.
Not only is the Ivorian impressive from a defensive point of view, but he also offers an attacking threat, while regularly displaying his ability in possession of the ball over the past year.
|
Statistic |
Average per 90 |
|
Non-penalty goals |
0.07 (81st percentile) |
|
Passes attempted |
75.76 (96th percentile) |
|
Pass completion % |
93.5% (99th percentile) |
Should Palace manage to win UEFA round and secure their place in the Europa League, a move to Crystal Palace could appeal to Diomande, but they will have to bank on the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle pursuing other targets.
It is a journey into an unknown world for both Australian cricket and Cummins himself, who will have to juggle a number of responsibilities
Andrew McGlashan20-Nov-2021In the middle of last week – a moment that now feels a long time ago – Pat Cummins was asked about the likely need for Australia to rotate their fast bowlers during the Ashes.While in one breath saying he thought it unlikely that all the quicks could play the five Tests, he then added: “I certainly won’t be putting my hand up to be rested unless I’ve got something going wrong.”If what is highly expected to happen in the coming days is confirmed, and Cummins is named as Australia’s next Test captain following the sudden departure of Tim Paine, then it may not even be up for discussion.Related
Lyon endorses Cummins and Smith as 'two best candidates' for captain and vice-captain
Paine scandal fallout: CA left with questions to answer
Cummins won't ask for rest 'unless I've got something going wrong'
Tim Paine's full resignation statement
It is a remarkable part of the Cummins story that he has become Australia’s most durable fast bowler. Since his return to Test cricket in 2017, only Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Nathan Lyon and R Ashwinhave bowled more overs. A major success story for sports science after Cricket Australia saw the talent they had but held him back from Test cricket for six years following his stunning debut – which marked its 10th anniversary just a few days ago. But that durability will now be tested to the full.There is recent evidence that Cummins can withstand the strains of the five Tests which are largely back-to-back from early December to mid-January. He was the only one of Australia’s fast bowlers to play all five Tests in the 2019 Ashes as the team embraced rotation although conditions in England are not as brutal as those that can play out in this country.However, if his elevation is rubberstamped it is a journey into an unknown world, both for Australian cricket and Cummins himself. The previous fast bowler to captain an Australia men’s side in any format was Ray Lindwall who did it for one Test in 1956. Having a wicketkeeper in the role was going against the grain, too, even if not quite so much and it does raise a question about whether an on-field leadership void has opened up in the Australian men’s game.History is not without specialist quicks (the list is widened if allrounders are included) who have held the position over the longer-term – Courtney Walsh, Wasim Akram and Bob Willis among them – but it remains a select group. Bowling fast is the toughest job in the game, physically at least, and there is the added challenge of a bowler-captain needing both a singular focus and a wider view of the game when they have ball in the hand.For a batter, the traditional custodians of captaincy in the game, all they need to worry about at the crease doing their main job is the next ball and that innings. The other questions don’t go away, but they are more easily parked when the team is at the crease.The other factor for Cummins will be knowing when not to bowl. He was Paine’s go-to man last season against India, particularly by the time the series reached the final Test, but he will need to resist the temptation of feeling he has to be the one to take the ball on all occasions. When Andrew Flintoff was named England captain in 2006 he bowled himself into the ground, peaking at 68 overs during a Test against Sri Lanka in Lord’s after which he was never the same again.Pat Cummins will be the first fast bowler to captain Australia in any format since Ray Lindwall in 1956•Getty ImagesWriting in newspapers, Greg Chappell said that Cummins had some natural advantages that other quick bowlers may not.”The captain traditionally fields close to the wicket to control proceedings,” he said. “Cummins is such a brilliant all-round fielder that he can be close to his bowlers, instead of the outfield pastures usually favoured by fast bowlers. My biggest fear? The workload, which could preclude him playing a full, five-Test series, without a rest. So, it would be interesting to see who is appointed as his deputy. Cummins will also have to learn to use himself judiciously and neither over-bowl nor under-bowl. It is imperative that the seniors in the team advise him, in a timely manner.”That is not say Cummins won’t be able to make a success of it, he is a hugely impressive cricketer with a terrific mind – and, perhaps significantly, a broad range of interests beyond runs and wickets – but there is precious little on-field evidence to go by. His professional captaincy experience is four one-day games for New South Wales last season, a role he was given with the future national leadership in mind although not quite so soon.He was good in those domestic one-day matches but was not overly taxed by too many situations. And, with due respect to the Marsh Cup, the consequences of it not going so well were minimal. That certainly won’t be the case come next month in Brisbane, not to mention the weeks leading up to that first ball which will test his leadership given the situation in which he is set to be appointed.
“My biggest fear? The workload, which could preclude him playing a full, five-Test series, without a rest. So, it would be interesting to see who is appointed as his deputy.”Greg Chappell on Cummins’ challenges
As Chappell pointed out, the identity of the vice-captain is arguably just as intriguing. Steven Smith is a strong candidate although that would put him one injury away from taking the captaincy again and it remains to be seen if, in the current climate, that is something Cricket Australia wants. Beyond that, it becomes a rather thin field, particularly in terms of experience.David Warner is not an option as he remains banned from any leadership position in Australian cricket for life – although there is a push to have that reconsidered – and it feels too early for Marnus Labuschagne. Travis Head is a previous vice-captain but is not assured of his place in the middle. Usman Khawaja has the experience and standing but is fighting for the final batting spot with Head. During the era of dual vice-captains, Josh Hazlewood also had the title. If ultimately it is decided that Paine can’t keep his position in the team and Alex Carey takes the gloves, he would be a candidate even on Test debut. Nathan Lyon, with 100 Tests to his name, would seem worthwhile of consideration.Whoever is the deputy, Cummins faces an even tougher transition into the job than Paine did. When the ball-tampering unfolded at Newlands, there was very little expectation that the final Test in Johannesburg would be anything other than a car crash for Australia and so it played out. By the time their next Test came around, six months later, there had at least been time to take stock even if the fallout would still be felt for a long time. This time there are barely days to pick up the pieces before the series that so often defines Australian cricket.
Already closing in on Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United have now reportedly submitted an opening offer to the representatives of an ex-Manchester City defender who is desperate for a move this summer.
Despite finishing closer to the relegation zone than any European place and compiling their misery by suffering defeat in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United remain an attractive club. Already, their name has carried enough weight to lure Matheus Cunha to the club and it looks as though Mbeumo is set to follow suit.
Recent reports even suggested that those at Old Trafford are ready to offer the Brentford star a stunning contract worth as much as £13m-a-year to complete a move to Manchester United this summer. If there was a collective belief that the Red Devils were entering this summer with financial limits, then that has already been put to bed somewhat.
INEOS may not be done there, either. They will be well aware that two arrivals won’t do the trick for Ruben Amorim’s side. The former Sporting Club boss needs an overhaul, not just Cunha and Mbeumo. The attacking duo represent the perfect start, however.
INEOS readying strategic £25m bid to sign "unique" Ligue 1 ace for Man Utd
He could join Cunha at Old Trafford.
1
By
Tom Cunningham
Jun 6, 2025
With that said, Sir Jim Ratcliffe could yet set his sights on defensive additions now that United’s attack is about to be handed the injection of talent that it so desperately needed. And if that does prove to be the case, then Manchester United may even reportedly seal a deal to sign a former Manchester City star.
According to reports in Spain, Manchester United have now opened talks to sign Aymeric Laporte, making a bid to the defender’s representatives. The centre-back is reportedly desperate to leave Saudi Arabia for European football once again and has been public with his complaints about life at Al-Nassr in the past – sparking exit rumours.
As ever, though, the deal won’t come cheap. Al-Nassr are reportedly keen to recoup the €27m (£23m) that they initially paid out to secure Laporte’s signature in 2023, whilst the defender himself reportedly earns as much as €15m-a-year (£13m-a-year) at the Saudi club.
Whether Manchester United deem that price affordable remains to be seen. However, in terms of quality and experience, Laporte would certainly offer Amorim a much-needed upgrade within his backline. The Spaniard played a huge role in Manchester City’s historic treble in the 2022/23 campaign and could now come back to haunt the Citizens, years after signing for what was then their club record of £57m.
Described as “incredible” by Pep Guardiola in 2022, Laporte could yet return to the Premier League and earn similar praise at the home of his former club’s biggest rivals. The move would be full of controversy, there’s no doubt about that. But it would also hand Manchester United an instant upgrade.
The deal includes the two Tests in Galle and the pair of ODIs which provide preparation for the Champions Trophy
AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff17-Jan-2025The Seven Network has stepped in to secure the rights for Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka, just 12 days before the first Test begins.Australian cricket fans were at risk of being plunged into a television black hole for the two Tests and two ODIs after no network had acquired the rights.But Seven, which broadcasts home Tests, women’s internationals, and the Big Bash League, will take on the entire tour through their free-to-air stations and on the 7plus app. The first Test in Galle, which starts on January 29, runs concurrently with the day-night Women’s Ashes Test at the MCG.Related
Smith's assist in Connolly's selection, ten years on from childhood photo
Extra ODI added to Australia's tour of Sri Lanka
'It doesn't look great': Kuhnemann's Sri Lanka tour in jeopardy after thumb injury
“What this summer has shown us is that Australians absolutely love their cricket, and we cannot wait to deliver even more action as Australia takes on Sri Lanka,” Seven’s head of cricket Joel Starcevic said.Every men’s Test tour has been broadcast back to Australia for the past three decades. The last Test not shown in Australia was during the Pakistan tour in 1994.But this will be the first non-Ashes full overseas men’s Test tour shown on free-to-air TV in Australia since Mark Taylor’s team played in South Africa back in 1997, when Seven also had the rights. In 2023 they broadcast the World Test Championship final between Australia and India at The Oval.Foxtel has had a stranglehold on rights for Australia’s overseas matches since broadcasting tours of India and Pakistan back in 1998. They broadcast Australia’s most recent Test series in Sri Lanka in 2022.However, Foxtel has not regularly broadcast Test series from Sri Lanka not involving Australia, and therefore do not have a long-running agreement with them.Foxtel recently agreed to a sale to British-based sports streaming platform DAZN, but that is still to be finalised over the first six months of 2025.Amazon has won the rights to ICC events in the 2024-2027 cycle, including this year’s WTC final, but the streaming giant’s Australian arm is yet to dip its toe into bilateral series.
Viktor Gyokeres has already been replaced by Sporting, with Conrad Harder to operate as the club's No.9 for the 2025/26 season. After two successful years leading the line in Portugal, Gyokeres is now set for a Premier League challenge and Sporting are prepared for a new era without their talismanic striker.
| Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱 |