The fast bowler faced widespread abuse on social media following India’s 10-wicket defeat to Pakistan

Deivarayan Muthu30-Oct-20214:00

Virat Kohli – ‘Our brotherhood and friendship within the team, nothing can be shaken’

India captain Virat Kohli has hit back against the abuse that fast bowler Mohammed Shami faced on social media following India’s 10-wicket defeat to Pakistan in their T20 World Cup opener last Sunday. Shami was India’s most expensive bowler on the night, with figures of 3.5-0-43-0, and his social-media accounts – particularly on Instagram – were subjected to widespread abuse, much of it tinged with Islamophobia.”There’s a good reason why we are playing on the field and not some bunch of spineless people on social media that have no courage to actually speak to any individual in person,” Kohli said in Dubai, a day before India’s next fixture, against New Zealand. “They hide behind their identities and go after people through social media, making fun of people and that has become a source of entertainment in today’s world, which is so unfortunate and sad to see because this is literally the lowest level of human potential that one can operate at, and that’s how I look at these people.Related

Calling it like Kohli: When India needed their captain to stand up, he stood tall

As it happened – India vs Pakistan, Men's T20 World Cup, Super 12s

Babar, Rizwan break Pakistan's World Cup jinx against India

'At the India-Pakistan clash, the behind-closed-doors start of the 2021 season felt miles away'

“To me attacking someone over their religion is the most, I would say, pathetic thing that a human being can do. Everyone has the right to voice their opinion and what they feel about certain situations, but I personally have never ever even thought of discriminating [against] anyone over their religion. That is a very sacred and personal thing to every human being and that should be left there.”Kohli stressed that the entire team has rallied behind Shami, and that the team culture was so strong, these sort of attacks had no chance of having an impact.”People take out their frustrations because they have no understanding of what we do as individuals – they have no understanding of how much effort we put on the field,” Kohli said. “They have no understanding of the fact that someone like Mohammed Shami has won India ‘n’ number of matches in the last few years and he’s been our primary bowler with Jasprit Bumrah when it comes to making an impact in games in Test cricket. I mean, if people can overlook that and his passion for the country, I honestly don’t even want to waste one minute of my life to give any attention to those people. Neither does Shami and neither does anyone else in the team. We stand by him fully. We are backing him 200%, and all those who have attacked him can come with more force if they want to: our brotherhood, our friendship within the team, nothing can be shaken. I can guarantee you that as the captain of the team, that we have built a culture where these things will not even infiltrate into this environment 0.0001%. That is an absolute guarantee from my side.”Kohli said that those who indulged in such attacks lacked courage, and these barbs were coming out from a place of frustration and lack of compassion.Virat Kohli: “We play sport and we understand exactly how sport goes. How people think on the outside has no value whatsoever within our group”•ICC via Getty

“We, as individuals, understand what we want to do on the field and the strength of character and mental toughness that we have and precisely doing what we are doing on the field,” he said. “None of these people are even in the vicinity to even imagine doing something like that. They don’t have the courage or spine to do that. So that is how I see things and this drama created on the outside is purely based on people’s frustrations, their lack of self confidence, their lack of compassion, hence they find it so amusing to go after people.”So, we, as a group, understand how we need to stick together, how we need to back individuals, how we need to focus on our strengths. And whether people on the outside portray it: being that India can’t afford to lose a game… That’s none of our business. We play sport and we understand exactly how sport goes. How people think on the outside has no value whatsoever within our group. We’ve never focussed on it, we will never focus on it going forward either because as I said last time as well, people don’t understand what it takes to do the job on the field at the international level. We’re not going to go around and just announcing to everyone what we do and how we do it. We just carry on doing the business we’re supposed to do, and if the game goes off, you take the learnings from it and move forward.”

It has been a “disruptive sort of season”, according to Delhi Capitals’ head coach Ricky Ponting, but it has worked out well for his team in at least a couple of ways: they are up at No. 2 on the table and their captain Rishabh Pant who is getting better with each passing day, and the gap between IPL 2021 Part 1 and Part 2 means Shreyas Iyer, who Ponting feels makes “the make-up of our team look a little bit more complete”, is back from his shoulder injury and ready to do his thing again.”I am absolutely delighted to have Shreyas back into our line-up,” Ponting said in a press interaction on the eve of Capitals’ first match in the UAE leg of the tournament, against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday. “It was devastating for him and the team when he hurt his shoulder just before the start of the IPL earlier in the year. He is a world-class player, and he has been an exceptional player for Delhi Capitals for a long time now. Him slotting back into our line-up, I think it makes the make-up of our team look a little bit more complete.Related

• Shane Bond: Hardik 'close to playing' but Mumbai won't rush his return

• Shreyas Iyer on getting runs – 'Not satisfied, appetite keeps increasing every match'

• IPL 2021 Part 2: What Delhi Capitals need to do differently

• Stoinis: 'I want to be the best finisher in the world'

“The first part of the tournament, as well as we played – we won six of our eight games – our overall balance didn’t quite feel like it was just right. But Shreyas coming back in now, it does give us the opportunity to play the two overseas fast bowlers, which we had [done] successfully in the past.”We know that [Kagiso] Rabada and [Anrich] Nortje are world-class performers, and have done well when they have played together for Delhi Capitals as well. So it does give us that option, but at the end of the day, we still need to pick the best playing XI. We have someone like Avesh Khan, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Amit Mishra as well; any of those guys can slot into our XI, and it ends up being a really well-balanced team.”In Iyer’s absence, either Pant or Steven Smith slotted in at No. 3 after Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw, with Marcus Stoinis and Shimron Hetmyer completing the batting line-up on most occasions. Of the lot, Ponting has high expectations of Stoinis, who has done the job for Capitals in the past too, and gives the XI a lot of depth with his versatility.”He is very highly regarded here at Delhi Capitals, he’s actually had a lot of big impact on a lot of the games he has played for us in the last season and a half, and I think he has the talent and the capabilities to be one of the better allrounders in world cricket, certainly in the white-ball format,” Ponting said. “We use him in any number of different roles. We saw in the IPL final that we played last year, he opened the batting in that one [but scored a first-ball duck], we know that he can open the batting, we know that he can bat at five or six, and finish off games, and we know that he can chip in with the ball and take some handy wickets. And he is very good in the field.”So with Rishabh four, Stoinis five, Hetmyer six, we’ve got lot of finishing power. If the top order can continue to do the job they did in the first part of the tournament, and obviously having Shreyas Iyer back in our group as well, it makes that batting line-up look really strong and really deep.”Ponting: ‘Pant’s level of maturity in the last couple of seasons has gone through the roof’
And then there is Pant. He has 213 runs from eight innings this IPL, the runs coming at 35.50 and a strike rate of 131.48. Since the end of the first leg of this year’s IPL, he has had a mediocre run with the bat, though all of it has been in Test cricket, in the WTC final against New Zealand and then against England.Rishabh Pant took over as Delhi Capitals captain this season after Shreyas Iyer hurt his shoulder•BCCI/IPL

“I think his level of maturity in the last couple of seasons has gone through the roof,” Ponting said of his captain. “When I first came here, Rishabh was just starting to burst on to the scene, if you like, and I made a pretty big call in the Australian summer last year when Rishabh finally made his way back into the Test team, that I felt there and then that we were going to see the unearthing of someone who could be a star Test-match player for India for some time, and what he has done since then, the last 18 months now, in the international stage is nothing short of sensational. And I could see that coming. Because I could see how much his game had developed, I could see how much he had matured, and I could also see how much he wanted to be in every Indian team. Now I think it is going to take a very good player to knock him out of one of those positions in any of those three teams.”When he wasn’t captain [at the Capitals], he was an exceptional vice-captain. He has taken over the reins for this IPL and he has done a terrific job so far, and I have enjoyed every moment of working alongside him, as I have with all the rest of the boys. We are all striving for something special around the Delhi Capitals franchise. We got close last year, making it to the final. But this year we want to go one step further. And obviously Rishabh is going to be a big part of that.”For his part, Pant is aware of what is expected of him, and as far as he is concerned, he can only do it by being himself, and by making himself slightly better as a person.”I just try to keep the environment light,” Pant said. “I am open to anyone in the team. If anyone has any problem, you can come and discuss it with me, or Ricky, for anything at any point of time. We have a good mix of youth and experience in the team, which [will] help us going forward all the time, and we stick to our basics, our processes, and everything will follow.”As a skipper, I have learnt from Ricky that you have to treat everyone equally, whether he be a senior or a junior, even the coaches. If you respect each and every player in the team, it’s going to be a good combination because when you start respecting your players and support staff around you, special things happen. If you respect them, they are going to give everything, whatever they have, for you. As a skipper, that’s the only thing you want. That whatever you want the team to do, they just stand by you each and every time.”

Mandeep Singh has evolved to become an important member of the Kings XI Punjab side, and he hasn’t allowed that success to get into his head

Amol Karhadkar26-Apr-2013Before Mandeep Singh moved to Kings XI Punjab last year, had a consistent IPL, and was adjudged the “rising star” of that season, he wasn’t unaccustomed to success. He was appointed vice-captain for India’s Under-19 World Cup campaign in 2010 and that was followed by an impressive stint in domestic cricket. After the 2012 IPL, he had a productive time for India A in New Zealand and then led Punjab in the Ranji Trophy, all this before he turned 21.Mandeep’s journey from a talented teenager to recognition as a reliable batsman is not unlike that of some others who’ve let success get into their heads. However, Mandeep comes across the same enthusiastic, yet composed, cricketer he was three yearsago. And even after playing a match-winning knock for Kings XI Punjabagainst Pune Warriors last weekend, another feather in his cap, Mandeep hasn’t been lured by distractions off the field.Instead, he has eyes set on repeating the performances from his last two outings – an excellent stand against Warriors followed by a cameo at the top before being run out while chasing a small target against Delhi Daredevils – when the Kings XI face defendingchampions Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens on Friday.While most from his generation – he is 21 – have found difficult to deal with the fame andfortune that follows success in the IPL, how does he manage to keep hisfeet on the ground? “It’s not really difficult,” Mandeep toldESPNcricinfo. “Besides my family and friends, I would give a lot of creditto Gilly (Adam Gilchrist, the Kings XI captain). He keeps on sayingsituations may differ, but your attitude should be the same. That is what Ihave listened to him saying and seen him doing over the last two seasons.And I feel it’s important for me to keep reminding it to myself.”Mandeep emerged as the surprise package of 2012. Not only was he Kings XI’s leading run-getter, he also ended the season as the highest run-getter among those in the league that year who hadn’t played international cricketHe followed that up by scoring 193 for India A in New Zealand and thenled Punjab for most of their Ranji Trophy campaign in HarbhajanSingh’s absence.Even before he was 21, he notched up his maiden double-century infirst-class cricket and led Punjab’s charge in the Ranji Trophy’s leaguestage. The Punjab manager and coach Arun Sharma said Mandeep is a responsible individual, both on and off the field, and that he kept encouraging his team-mates even when Punjab were struggling in the initial phase of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the domestic T20 tournament. They eventually reached the final.Still, Mandeep felt that exceptfor his double-century, against Mumbai at Wankhede Stadium, and a 96against Jharkhand in the Ranji quarter-final, he didn’t fulfil hispotential.”I would say it wasn’t a great season for me as a batsman, but an averageseason. In that regard, it’s imperative for me to beconsistent in the IPL.”Mandeep has no confusion about his role with hisfranchise. With Gilchrist having failed to make any significantcontribution with the bat in their seven games so far, Mandeep has emerged asthe main opener. “Last year, I used to be happy to have given the team a goodstart by making use of the first six overs. That was my role. But now Iconsider myself as one of the main batsmen in the side and that’s why Ihave to consistently keep on getting good starts and then converting itinto a match-winning innings.”If he can translate his words into action, Kings XI may emerge asone of the surprise title contenders as the tournament heads towards the play-offs.

Chris Gayle’s return and the presence of a number of potential matchwinners in the line-up augment West Indies’ chances in the ODI series

Madhusudhan Ramakrishnan15-Jun-2012England ahead in recent contests
When England and West Indies last played each other, in the group game of the 2011 World Cup, the context was entirely different. While West Indies had managed to keep themselves afloat by beating the three lower-ranked teams in their group after a loss in their opening game to South Africa, England were struggling to stay in the tournament after an indifferent run in the group stage where they beat South Africa but suffered shock losses to Bangladesh and Ireland. In that clash in Chennai, England were on the ropes after Chris Gayle’s stunning start but managed to recover and eke out a close win. However, the joy for both teams was short lived as they crashed out in humiliating fashion in the quarter-finals (both ten-wicket losses). Since then, England have gone on to win three out of four bilateral series (excluding the one-off game against Ireland) with their most recent win coming against Pakistan in the UAE. The situation for West Indies has been the opposite. They lost home series against Pakistan and India (both by a 3-2 margin) and were beaten 4-1 in India. However, in their most recent home series against Australia, West Indies performed well above themselves to secure a 2-2 result.Since 2000, West Indies’ slide in Tests has been alarming. However, in ODIs, they have been a far bigger threat. In 2004, they came back from the brink to win the Champions Trophy final and made the final of the next edition of the tournament in 2006. As is the case for West Indies against most teams, their win-loss record against England is better in home games. Since 2000, their win-loss ratio in home ODIs is 1.20 while the corresponding number in away games is 0.66. They played England twice in neutral venues (both in India) in the Champions Trophy 2006 and the 2011 World Cup and lost on both occasions. West Indies’ steady decline in the last decade becomes even more apparent when one considers that they had a positive win-loss record against most top teams before 2000.

West Indies’ away record a worry
In their last series, West Indies nearly pulled off a stunning upset against Australia. Despite the absence of Gayle and Dwayne Bravo, West Indies pushed Australia in the five-match series and managed to secure a 2-2 result (the remaining game ending in a tie). However, that is as far as West Indies have been able to go. Since 2007, they have managed to win just one bilateral home series against a top team (excluding Bangladesh and Zimbabwe). In two home series against India and Pakistan, the only matches they managed to win were dead-rubber games (after losing the first three matches). Their away record in the same period is hardly inspiring. Of the nine series they have played in away/neutral venues, West Indies have won just one. They can, however, draw some confidence from the fact that their only away series win came against England in 2007 (2-1). The win-loss ratio for West Indies in home and away matches since 2007 is 0.47 and 0.19 respectively.England have traced a very different path in ODIs in the last five years. Despite their lack of success in major tournaments, they have stayed extremely competitive in bilateral series. Their win-loss ratio in home matches (1.25) is much better than their performances in away/neutral games (0.58). In the last two years, England have won home series against Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka by a close margin of 3-2 each time. Two of their worst defeats have come in away series – they lost 6-1 in Australia and 5-0 in India. However, they did manage to salvage their away form by defeating Pakistan 4-0 in the UAE. England’s home series record (Seven wins and three losses) gives them a major advantage over West Indies, who have hardly threatened in away matches.*

Gayle’s comeback a cause for cheer
Given Gayle’s spectacular form in IPL 2012 and his excellent track record in ODIs, West Indies will be more than glad to have him back. Gayle last played in an ODI in the 2011 World Cup and his absence deprived West Indies of powerful starts. He is just one century away from surpassing Brian Lara as the leading century maker for West Indies in ODIs. While his overall stats make for impressive reading, it is his performance in chases that sets him apart. He has scored 10 of his 19 centuries in chases at an average of 41.67 and strike rate of 87.81. He has a high average (51.88) in matches against England in England but a surprisingly low strike rate (70.22). Gayle, who was instrumental in setting up West Indies’ series win in England in 2007, undoubtedly adds to the threat posed by West Indies in the shorter form.

Pietersen’s absence could be felt
Although Kevin Pietersen had not been in the greatest form for the last two years, he had reversed the trend in the series against Pakistan by scoring consecutive centuries. Pietersen’s sudden decision to retire from ODIs will have a major impact on England’s batting, considering that his average and strike rate are the highest among England batsmen with 4000-plus runs. England, however, have benefited vastly from Alastair Cook’s renaissance as an ODI batsman. Cook has been remarkable in recent matches scoring over 1000 runs at an average of 53.95 and strike rate of 91.51. While Jonathan Trott provides stability at the top, Eoin Morgan adds value to the middle order by virtue of his aggressive approach.Kieron Pollard, already an integral part of West Indies’ Twenty20 setup, has now established himself as an allrounder in the ODI team. In the fourth ODI against Australia, Pollard proved his worth by scoring a century off 69 balls, the joint second-fastest by a West Indies batsman. Along with Pollard, the presence of powerful hitters like Andre Russell and Darren Sammy makes the West Indies middle order extremely dangerous. Gayle is likely to be partnered at the top of the order by Lendl Simmons, who has made a fairly impressive start to his ODI career (11 fifty-plus scores in 36 matches). Darren Bravo is yet to prove himself in the shorter form but will be buoyed after his century in the tour game against Middlesex.

Experience gives England the edge
While the West Indies’ batting line-up matches up well with England’s, the relative lack of bowling experience could hurt the visitors. Dwayne Bravo’s return adds variety to an attack that will miss the aggression of Kemar Roach. Sunil Narine, who had great success against Australia in the recent ODI series, has picked up 14 wickets in eight matches at an economy rate of 3.79. Narine was not quite at his best on his Test debut, but given his impressive display in IPL 2012, he will be a tough bowler to handle in the shorter form.James Anderson suffered on the flat tracks in the subcontinent during the World Cup but will be far more dangerous in helpful conditions in England. Graeme Swann, who is already England’s most successful spinner in ODIs, has excellent stats in the period (average 24.06 and economy rate 4.30). Steven Finn bowled superbly in the series against Pakistan and finished with a series haul of 13 wickets (from four matches) including two four-wicket hauls. Finn, who has had an excellent start to his ODI career (28 wickets at 23.92), gives England a definite advantage on the bowling front going into the series.

West Ham have made a £21.2m offer for "another level" striker this summer, according to a new update from journalist Florian Plettenberg.

West Ham transfer news

This summer has already been a positive one at the London Stadium, with Julen Lopetegui sealing some important transfer business, including the arrival of Max Kilman from Wolves in a big-money move.

West Ham's business is unlikely to be done, however, and Richard Rios has been linked with a move to east London, as they look to properly fill the void left by Declan Rice after he joined Arsenal last year. The Colombia and Palmeiras ace could arrive in a £17m deal.

West Ham are likely to bring in a new striker this summer, too, with Tammy Abraham one name who has been mentioned as a possible addition before the new Premier League season gets underway. The 26-year-old is currently at Roma, but he only made two starts in Serie A in the whole of last season and could feel that this is the right time to seal a return to England.

Another player who looks all but certain to be joining the Hammers is Leeds United star Crysencio Summerville, with a deal believed to be agreed for the Dutchman, who was voted the Championship's best player last season.

Now, it looks as though another player could be coming in alongside the winger, according to a fresh claim.

West Ham bid for "another level" striker

Taking to X, Sky Sports journalist Plettenberg claimed that West Ham have tabled a £21.2m offer for Niclas Fullkrug, but Borussia Dortmund are holding out for more than that:

One thing working against West Ham signing Fullkrug this summer is the fact that he is now 31 years of age, so he arguably wouldn't be coming in as a long-term investment who could be at the club for many years.

That being said, he is arguably at the peak stage of his career currently, considering the impact he has had in a Dortmund shirt, helping them reach the Champions League final last season and registering 25 goal contributions (15 goals and 10 assists) in 43 appearances in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero has lauded Fullkrug as "another level" striker, which is high praise from such an iconic figure, while a rasping strike for Germany against Scotland at Euro 2024 outlined his ruthlessness in front of goal.

Bid lodged: West Ham keen on Haller 2.0 in £25m “monster”

West Ham still on the hunt for the perfect striker

ByConnor Holden Aug 1, 2024

It does seem as though Dortmund are holding firm and demanding a higher amount, however, and if they continue to refuse to budge, West Ham may be wise to look at a younger, and potentially cheaper, option instead.

Sciver wins as stand-in captain as bowlers share New Zealand wickets around

Valkerie Baynes01-Sep-2021A batting showpiece by Tammy Beaumont led England to an emphatic 46-run victory over New Zealand in their opening T20I at Chelmsford.Beaumont scored 97 off 65 balls and, assisted by a neat cameo from Amy Jones, pummelled an apparently undercooked New Zealand into submission as England reached a lofty 184 for 4. The hosts capitalised on some ordinary fielding by New Zealand, who haven’t played for five months and who never really got going in the run-chase as Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone and Sarah Glenn claimed two wickets apiece.With regular captain England Heather Knight ruled out by a hamstring injury she picked up during training on Monday, Emma Lamb made her international debut just four days after being drafted into the England squad when uncapped duo Maia Bouchier and Charlie Dean were ruled out of the first match as possible Covid contacts. Lamb made it to the crease when Beaumont fell on the penultimate delivery but did not face a ball.Tash Farrant, match-sharpened after an excellent Hundred campaign where she was the tournament’s leading wicket-taker and a key member of the winning Oval Invincibles side, struck with her fourth ball – the 10th of the run-chase – to remove Sophie Devine. And when Brunt dismissed Suzie Bates in the next over, the reformation of New Zealand’s powerful top order was short-lived and the target looked close to insurmountable. Amy Satterthwaite did her best to keep New Zealand afloat with a fighting 43 off 31 but when Brunt had her caught by Mady Villiers in the deep, they were six wickets down and still more than 100 runs adrift.Beaumont bosses it
Beaumont looked in fine touch from the start, clipping the second ball she faced through midwicket for four, followed by another through the covers. Danni Wyatt had sealed her place in the side with a match-winning 89 not out at the same ground in England’s previous match – the third T20I against India in mid-July. But, after hitting Leigh Kasperek for three consecutive fours in the third over, Wyatt’s innings ended on 14 when she charged at Kasperek and was stumped by Katey Martin.Nat Sciver, England’s stand-in captain, fell for 14, having struck a glorious six off Hayley Jensen over long-off only to see the same bowler peg back her middle stump. Beaumont carried on though. She unfurled 13 fours in total, all round the ground, bringing up her fifty with a lofted drive through the covers off Kasperek and immediately helping herself to three more through point, backward square and again clearing the covers.Beaumont was let off on 26 when Devine missed a caught-and-bowled chance and again on 64 when she hit a Satterthwaite delivery straight to mid-on where Devine shelled the chance. She brought up England’s 150 with a six off Kasperek that split deep midwicket and long-on. Devine dropped another off Satterthwaite when Sophia Dunkley, on 10, skied the ball to cover but it popped out of Devine’s hands as she went to ground.Devine brought herself back into the attack in the 19th over, only to see Beaumont cart her to the rope twice in a row, over cover and mid-off. Beaumont finally fell in the last over, caught by Brooke Halliday at short third attempting to bring up her hundred with a reverse scoop off Jensen.Jones, Dunkley chime in
Jones set off smartly with five fours in the space of nine deliveries, four of them coming off one Satterthwaite over with the first beating two scrambling fielders as she pierced midwicket and the last through the same region to bring up England’s 100. Her sixth four also came off Satterthwaite, glancing through deep third before she finally fell advancing to the same bowler and was stumped by Martin.On the eve of the match, Dunkley had stated her ambition to break into England’s top four, having spent 18 months on the edges of selection just hoping to get back into the side this time last year. Knight’s absence meant Dunkley, third highest run-scorer in the Women’s Hundred, shuffled up to No.5 and she joined in Beaumont’s clinical display, scoring an unbeaten 23 off 17 balls and hitting the last ball for four.Rusty Kiwis
It was a tough return for Devine, the New Zealand captain back in the side after stepping away for a break in March. Her comeback, along with that of Suzie Bates, playing her first match since last November after undergoing shoulder surgery, meant that New Zealand’s vaunted top three were back together. But when they were both out in single figures within the first three overs, it fell to Satterthwaite to salvage what she could. It was understandable that there would be some, in Devine’s words after the match, “rust” given that New Zealand’s last match was in April. And so there was, in the field and with the bat. Their challenge is to turn a lack of match play around ahead of Saturday’s second T20I at Hove, with one more at Taunton before both sides ramp up their preparations for next year’s 50-over World Cup in New Zealand with five ODIs.Maddy Green combined well at No. 4 with Satterthwaite for a time before falling for 19 to a spectacular catch by Farrant at deep backward square off Ecclestone. It was reminiscent of Farrant’s brilliant effort for the Invincibles in the Hundred eliminator, where she also took four wickets to propel her side into the final.

Incoming England boss Thomas Tuchel has reportedly reached out to Manchester United star Marcus Rashford about his plans for him with the Three Lions.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Tuchel England's next manager
• German reaches out to Rashford
• Reveals plans for Man Utd man

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , Tuchel told Rashford that he wants him in his Three Lions squad as long as he keeps his form up. The German is said to be a huge admirer of the 27-year-old and believes a big part of England's failure to win Euro 2024 was not having Rashford as an option.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Tuchel will take up his England manager role in January 2025, with the goal of leading the Three Lions to World Cup glory in 2026. One of his many tasks will be getting the best out of Rashford, so long as the United man delivers on the pitch for the Red Devils. After not being selected for the Euros, Rashford will be determined to right the wrongs of 2024 when 2025 rolls around.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Rashford has scored four goals and bagged three assists in 17 games for United this season, meaning he is half way to the goal contributions tally he chalked up over 43 appearances last term. He may need to do better than that to get into the England squad under Tuchel.

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Before Rashford can think about getting back into the England squad and potentially playing under Tuchel, he will be focused on Sunday's Premier League clash with Leicester City at Old Trafford.

Real Madrid ace Jude Bellingham has been honoured with a bizarre food statue in his hometown of Birmingham, commemorating his England overhead kick.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Bellingham scored against SlovakiaBrilliant overhead kick saved EnglandNationwide poll to find fondest memory of 2024Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Per , a statue of Bellingham has been unveiled in Birmingham, in a shopfront, and it is made entirely out of food. The piece was commissioned by high street chain Pret-A-Manger, after a nationwide poll to find out Britons' fondest memory of 2024. As a result, the statue commemorates the Real Madrid ace's brilliant last-minute bicycle kick against Slovakia to save England from Euro 2024 elimination.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The image of Bellingham in mid-flight is a striking one and is made all the more so by the fact it is made up of items from Pret's Christmas food menu, including mince pies and gingerbread. Bellingham's goal came third in the poll, behind England reaching the final, and Sir David Attenborough celebrating his 70th anniversary as a conservationist.

DID YOU KNOW?

Of course, England were beaten 2-1 by Spain in the final of the European Championships, a result that prompted Gareth Southgate to resign. Next year, Thomas Tuchel will begin his Three Lions reign.

(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Bellingham's Real Madrid face Getafe in La Liga this weekend, looking to bounce back after a 2-0 loss to Liverpool in the Champions League in midweek.

da supremo： Tottenham and technical director Johan Lange by extension are considering the signing of a £30 million ex-player to replace an exit-bound Spurs star.

Spurs seal £65 million deal for Dominic Solanke

da betobet： The big news out of Spurs this week is their completed £65 million deal for Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke, with manager Ange Postecoglou landing his top target for the role.

Related Fabrizio Romano says Tottenham are eyeing £12 million ace alongside Solanke

The Lilywhites are looking to shore up more key positions.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Aug 8, 2024

The Australian, according to reliable journalist David Ornstein, wanted the 26-year-old more than any other striker in the club's price range – coming after he scored 21 goals in all competitions for the Cherries last season.

Spurs moved quickly to negotiate a big-money deal this week, after receiving encouragement that Solanke was very keen on a move to Tottenham this summer.

Tottenham's top goalscorers in all competitions – 2023/2024

Player

Goals scored

Son Heung min

17

Richarlison

12

Dejan Kulusevski

8

Brennan Johnson

5

Cristian Romero

5

James Maddison

4

The Englishman is now all set for a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the Lilywhites paying £57 million up front and £8 million worth of add-ons to reach the total sum of Solanke's £65 million release clause (Fabrizio Romano).

After Solanke, some outlets have reported that Tottenham are in talks to bring in a new winger and full-back, so this could be a busy final few weeks of the window for Postecoglou, Lange and chairman Daniel Levy.

There is also the matter of Emerson Royal and his move to AC Milan. The Brazilian, after months of talk, will at long last seal a move to the San Siro. According to Romano, he rejected four to five different offers to join Milan, with Spurs now reaching an agreement to sell him for a package worth in excess of £13 million.

"Emerson Royal to AC Milan, here we go! Deal in place for total package in excess of €15m from Spurs," said Romano on X yesterday.

"Agreement with Emerson reached in May as he only wanted Milan despite 4/5 proposals. Travel being planned as Emerson leaves #THFC and joins Milan project."

Tottenham considering Walker-Peters to replace Emerson

Of course, with the 25-year-old now making a move to Serie A, Postecoglou is in need of a different alternative to star right-back Pedro Porro. Emerson also featured at left-back at points last season, so Spurs need to bring in a full-back option who can cover for both Porro and Destiny Udogie.

According to The Boot Room, Southampton star and former player Kyle Walker-Peters remains on their radar. It is believed Tottenham are still considering a move for Walker-Peters, with other reports suggesting the club have a £30 million buy-back clause.

The Englishman, who has been called a "beautiful" footballer by Russell Martin, starred for the Saints on their run to Premier League promotion last season.

West Brom have tabled an offer for an "excellent" £5,400-a-week player and have already received a reply, according to a new transfer update from Sky Sports.

West Brom transfer news

Carlos Corberan's side fell short in their quest to leap from the Championship to the Premier League last season, losing to Southampton in the playoff semi-finals. There is renewed hope that the Baggies will again be one of the promotion front-runners in 2024/25, however, summer transfer business is vital to ensure they have the best possible chance of going up.

Torbjorn Heggem has already arrived at West Brom from Brommapojkarna, along with free signings such as Devante Cole and Ousmane Diakite, while Paddy McNair has joined on loan from San Diego FC. More signings could be needed, though, and other players continue to be linked with summer moves.

Standard Liege and Northern Ireland midfielder Isaac Price is one such figure, with the Baggies attempting to lure him back to English football, having moved to Belgium from Everton in 2023. They have bid for his services, hoping to boost Corberan's depth in the middle of the park in the process.

Meanwhile, young Leicester City striker Tom Cannon has also been backed to secure a summer move to West Brom, with a loan move feeling most likely, should they manage to strike a deal. The 21-year-old was limited to just three starts in the Championship last season and could feel that a move elsewhere is best for his development.

West Brom table bid for "excellent" ace

According to Sky Sports, West Brom have made a move for Barnsley midfielder Callum Styles, tabling a bid, but have seen their offer rejected by the League One side.

The update goes on to claim that the Baggies "remain interested along with others from the Championship and MLS", suggesting that they are far from done with trying to snap up the Hungarian.

Styles is an impressive footballer who surely feels like he should at least be playing Championship football at this stage in his career, considering he is a 23-time capped Hungary international. The midfielder did enjoy a loan period at Sunderland in the second half of last season, but a permanent move to a second-tier club could make sense.

The 24-year-old appeared once for his country at Euro 2024, further showcasing his ability, and former Barnsley manager Neill Collins has lauded him, saying:

"Callum's talent is undoubted and again for me, he has been excellent in pre-season. As long as I have got players like that, I will be delighted. I hope I can just help him continue to improve and become the player he has got the potential to be. He's definitely enjoyable for everyone to watch."

The £5,400-a-week Styles possesses the quality and experience to be a great signing for West Brom, while also remaining relatively young, combining technical ability and defensive nous.

The next Fellows: West Brom lodge new bid for “terrific” ace

West Bromwich Albion look to be shopping for more young gems.

1 ByKelan Sarson Aug 1, 2024

A tally of 22 goal contributions (13 goals and nine assists) in 151 appearances for Barnsley shows that he is capable of chipping in with end product, while an average of 1.8 tackles per game at Sunderland in the league last term highlights his off-the-ball impact.