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Openers rolled for ducks before England battle back on rain-affected day at Chelmsford

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay20-Jul-2025England Under-19 229 for 7 (Ekansh 66*, Rew 59) vs India Under-19 Half-centuries by skipper Thomas Rew and Ekansh Singh spearheaded England’s fightback after slumping to 46 for four on a rain-affected opening day of their second Youth Test against India.Inserted in bowler-friendly conditions at Chelmsford, the home side lost openers Ben Dawkins and Adam Thomas for ducks and struggled until an elongated evening session, when they scurried along to reach 229 for seven.Ben Mayes began England’s recovery before Somerset’s Rew – leading a reshuffled side in place of Hamza Sheikh – struck 59, sharing a sixth-wicket partnership of 90 with Kent all-rounder Singh, who remained unbeaten on 66 at stumps.India seamers Aditya Rawat and RS Ambrish captured two wickets apiece, with another two falling to spinner Naman Pushpak in the final session as the tourists sped up their pedestrian over-rate.With the start delayed by morning rain and a gloomy grey blanket of cloud hovering above the ground, it was little surprise that India opted to give their seamers first crack under the floodlights.That decision was quickly justified, with the first delivery of the match from Rawat pinning Dawkins leg before and Thomas lasting just one additional ball before he fell to Henil Patel in identical fashion.Another ball from Rawat almost cut Aaryan Sawant in half, while Rocky Flintoff edged just wide of the slips on nought, but the pair withstood a testing spell and pierced the off-side field for a couple of boundaries apiece.They advanced England’s total to 18 for two before the rain returned – but, with the players warming up ahead of a post-lunch restart, a further downpour prompted the groundstaff to cover the square again.Play eventually resumed at 3.15pm, with the consistent Rawat getting the ball to swing both ways and he gained some reward by tempting Flintoff into the drive, with Vihaan Malhotra diving low to clasp a fine catch at second slip.Sawant’s gritty knock of 20 was ended by another slip catch for Malhotra, but Mayes took the battle to India’s bowlers, launching his innings with a thunderous square cut for four off Rawat.Pulling and driving with power, Mayes progressed to 31 after tea – only to perish wafting at a loose ball from Ambrish after he and Rew had laid the foundations of an England fightback with their partnership of 34.Despite an uncertain start, when he survived a couple of edges just out of reach of the slips, Rew began to flourish in the wake of Mayes’ departure, cutting Ambrish to the fence to lift his side’s score beyond three figures.The England captain targeted leg-spinner Pushpak, whose first two overs cost him 20, while Singh arrived at the party in style, sweeping Kanishk Chauhan for six and combining power with some wristy strokeplay.Pushpak took his revenge on Rew, returning for a second spell to have him caught at slip off the googly, but Singh progressed to 50 from just 53 balls and, with the help of Ralphie Albert (16) and James Minto (18 not out), kept England in contention for a competitive total.

When it comes to a country's player pool, Sarina Wiegman is certainly one of the more blessed international managers in the women's game right now. The England boss can call upon world-class players across various positions and has incredible depth in her squad, with the names on her bench making for enviable reading for most of her peers. However, that is not to say that the Lionesses do not have gaps in their squad, and even their starting line-up, that they need fresh faces to step up and fill as attention turns towards the 2027 Women's World Cup.

There are several positions where that is particularly obvious. Left-back has been the Lionesses' stand-out issue for a long time, because there is still not a dependable or natural option for the role, and Taylor Hinds' call-up this month is as clear an indication as any that England are trying to address that. Then there are positions like right-back, occupied by a stalwart like Lucy Bronze but with little in the way of back-up behind her. That's a big reason why there is such a debate over Maya Le Tissier's role in the Lionesses team.

It's a similar situation in the deeper midfield roles. While England have plenty in the way of options to be their No.10 – picking from the likes of Ella Toone, Grace Clinton, Jess Park and even Lauren James – it's quite different when it comes to the positions nailed down by Keira Walsh, as the holding midfielder, and Georgia Stanway, in the box-to-box role.

Call-ups this month for Lucia Kendall, Missy Bo Kearns and Laura Blindkilde Brown, who combine for just two caps between them, is evidence of Wiegman looking to build the depth behind her trusty first-choice duo, and it is the in-form Blindkilde Brown who feels best-placed to show she can assert herself higher up the midfield pecking order as the Lionesses enter a new tournament cycle.

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  Bubbling under

  Blindkilde Brown is a player well-known to Wiegman and her staff. Even before she earned her first senior England call-up in November of last year, and debuted in the second of the Lionesses' games in that camp, the 22-year-old will have been a name the manager came across plenty in her regular meetings with the staff who oversee the youth national teams. After all, Blindkilde Brown made her senior club debut as a 16-year-old, became a regular in the Women's Super League at Aston Villa and represented England across the underage levels during all that. She's long been a talent that many in the country have been excited about.

  But after bouncing between the senior side and the Under-23s over the course of the past year, Blindkilde Brown has started the new WSL campaign in excellent form for Manchester City, whom she joined in the January transfer window last year, and it is amid that mark she is making on one of the very best sides in the country that she feels primed for a growing role with the senior England team.

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  Patience is a virtue

  It's no great surprise that it has taken a bit of time to get to this point. Joining any club midway through a season is tough enough, but especially when you're a young player trying to take the next step in a big team that has fierce competition for places. City's injury crisis did pave the way for some extra opportunities for Blindkilde Brown last year, though an ankle issue of her own would sideline her for six weeks, and a pretty tricky situation for the team overall, which led to a shock managerial change five days before the League Cup final, didn't help for consistency.

  The start of the 2025-26 season has been extremely straightforward in comparison. Under new head coach Andree Jeglertz, Blindkilde Brown has started all-but two of City's first eight games and she has looked excellent, so much so that she was named the club's Player of the Month for September. Her goal-scoring display against London City Lionesses was a particular highlight, though it is her work away from the final third that has perhaps caught the eye most, especially in relation to England's needs.

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  Showing her versatility

  That's a change for Blindkilde Brown, who has largely been seen as a player for more advanced areas of the pitch in the past. Though capable of operating deeper, she often played behind the striker or even out wide at times, explaining in an interview with GOAL during her Villa days that her aim was to be more of "an impact player" who not only provided assists but scored goals in order to help the team win.

  Now, though, she's thriving in a role that takes her closer to the back line than perhaps ever before, at least at club level. It's something that the 22-year-old was doing under City's previous permanent coach, Gareth Taylor, though on a more varied basis. "I don't really mind which position I play. I like the defensive side of it, but I also do like the attacking side of it," she explained, before adding: "It also does help with opportunities, knowing that I can do both."

  She has the skillset for any role in midfield, too. "I think the biggest thing with her is her quality on the ball," Emma Coates, England's U23s coach, noted. "Wherever that sits tactically, that's a decision for whoever's making the game plan and [taking into accounting] the players available. But I think with Laura, she's such an exciting player on the ball. Some of the tightness, her ability under pressure, is a pleasure to watch, frankly."

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  Exactly what England need

  To see Blindkilde Brown bringing that to the table in a deeper role, on a consistent basis, will have been welcome viewing for Wiegman as she looks to build the depth behind Walsh and Stanway. Since the post-Euro 2022 retirement of Jill Scott, who provided great back-up in deeper areas during Wiegman's first tournament in charge, England have welcomed different options into camps, but none have really stuck and made their mark on the squad as the manager would have liked.

  Jordan Nobbs, Katie Zelem and Laura Coombs went to the last Women's World Cup to beef up the midfield department, but none have had a call-up since 2023, with Wiegman turning her attention elsewhere. Clinton, who deputised in Stanway's box-to-box role during the Bayern Munich star's injury absence earlier this year, is the closest the manager has come to nailing down another option, though Clinton is still arguably better in the No.10 role.

With the January transfer window in mind, Everton have already reportedly launched their first enquiry to sign an Arsenal star for David Moyes.

Moyes "hugely disappointed" by Wolves defeat

After losing the Merseyside derby against Liverpool last weekend in a performance that arguably warranted more, Everton entered their Carabao Cup clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers in search of victory. Once again, however, that victory did not arrive and it’s now three games without a win in all competitions for the Toffees.

With West Ham United up next, Moyes will play host to his struggling former club in hope of compiling their misery rather than handing them a glimmer of hope.

After a strong start to their season initially, the Toffees have no reason to panic, either. Their transfer business has looked particularly impressive, with Jack Grealish winning the Premier League’s Player of the Month in August and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also impressing.

Those at Hill Dickinson will be looking to continue their trend of impressive arrivals when the January transfer window opens, too. It’s then that they could even reportedly make a move to sign an Arsenal star.

Everton launch first Gabriel Jesus approach

As reported by Caught Offside, Everton have launched their first enquiry to sign Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal. The Brazilian forward is reportedly considering his immediate future in an attempt to work his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup plans.

Currently out with an ACL injury until at least October, Jesus is likely to face a tough task when breaking into Mikel Arteta’s strongest Arsenal side with Viktor Gyokeres starting well and Kai Havertz to return. That does, however, leave the door ajar for Everton or others to make their move when January arrives.

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Reporting the news, Mark Brus told Caught Offside: “Gabriel Jesus is open to leaving in January. He feels he can still get himself onto Carlo Ancelotti’s radar for the 2026 World Cup, but he needs to play.

“He’s tempted by a move back to Brazil, but there’s Premier League interest too – West Ham and Everton have made enquiries. Nothing more than that yet.”

That said, the deal is likely to be a complicated one to pull off in January thanks to the Brazilian’s hefty salary. Jesus reportedly earns around £265,000-a-week at Arsenal, which would instantly make him Everton’s highest earner above Grealish, Jordan Pickford and others.

Villarreal have unveiled plans to fly fans to Miami for their La Liga clash against Barcelona, offering free travel for supporters attending the December 20 fixture. CEO Fernando Roig Negueroles defended the controversial move, insisting the game is “about image and the future, not business,” as UEFA reluctantly approved Spain’s first-ever domestic match staged abroad.

Villarreal confirm Miami clash amid controversy

Villarreal’s CEO has defended the club’s decision to play their La Liga fixture against Barcelona in Miami on December 20. Speaking from Rome during European Club Association meetings, Roig Negueroles emphasised that the move is not motivated by money as he stressed the club won't earn "a single euro" from the game. The decision marks the first time a domestic European league match will be staged in a foreign country, with UEFA granting approval on an exceptional basis despite its longstanding opposition.

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Aware of the logistical challenges, Villarreal have sought to mitigate inconvenience for fans, the chief executive announced that those able to travel will be offered free flights and tickets, while season-ticket holders unable to attend will receive a refund of 25-30 per cent of their season pass. He stressed the move aims to expand Spanish football’s international presence, telling that the initiative will be a "positive" for the nation's game.

CEO responds to criticism and financial concerns

Critics and fans have questioned whether playing abroad undermines competitive integrity or prioritises profit. Roig Negueroles, though, was clear that Villarreal will not receive direct financial compensation for the match, ensuring that any gains benefit fans. 

"I don't think it's a bad thing; I think it's opening up Spanish football to other countries, to other markets, and that's a positive thing," he said. "Villarreal will not receive anything for playing a match in Miami. We prefer that all available money go to season ticket holders. It's about image and future. We have schools in the United States, and we believe that any growth we can make there will benefit Spanish football."

He added: "The competition isn't manipulated when you play at a different stadium. Two years ago, we played seven matches at Levante's stadium and nothing happened."

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GettyUEFA reluctantly approves La Liga abroad

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin admitted the decision to stage matches abroad was “regrettable” but justified it as an exceptional measure under current regulatory gaps. Similar approval was granted to Italy’s Serie A for AC Milan’s fixture in Perth. Ceferin warned the approvals should not set a precedent, maintaining that domestic matches should ideally remain on home soil. FIFA’s ongoing review of international match regulations influenced UEFA’s exceptional consent, illustrating the evolving landscape of European football governance.

Chelsea have ended speculation surrounding Sjoeke Nusken’s future by confirming the Germany international has signed a new contract until 2027. The 24-year-old midfielder, who impressed in her debut season with 12 goals in all competitions, has committed her future to the Blues despite previous hints that she could look to explore options elsewhere.

• Nusken signs new extension with Chelsea

  Nusken has penned a new deal with Chelsea that will keep her at Kingsmeadow until the summer of 2027. The German international joined from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023 and played a key role as the Blues lifted the WSL title last season.

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  'Very happy' – Nusken opens up on signing new deal

  "I'm very happy to have another year at Chelsea, to stay another year with my team,” Nusken told Chelsea's club media after signing the new deal. “We have a big year coming up, and hopefully, we can achieve the Champions League title. The team is so nice, and I love being here — that’s why I’ve always wanted to stay and win everything we can.”

  She continued: “The song the fans have for me is very special. Since day one, I’ve felt their support, and I try to give everything back that they give to me. As a team, we want to win the Champions League — that’s my personal goal too because we have such quality and can achieve it if we perform right on the pitch.”

• Nusken hinted at Chelsea exit earlier this year

  Just months ago, Nusken hinted that her Chelsea future was uncertain, admitting “a few doors” were open beyond this season. She had told Wa.de that she wanted to see how things developed before deciding whether to stay longer. Now, after a strong debut campaign and with a = growing bond with the club and fans, she’s put those doubts firmly to rest.

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  Nusken wants to help Chelsea finally win the UWCL

  With her future now secure, Nusken will look to build on her breakout debut season as Chelsea chase silverware on multiple fronts. The Blues’ midfield dynamo will play a central role as they target domestic dominance and the elusive Champions League crown. Her commitment also gives new boss Sonia Bompastor a vital cornerstone for the years ahead.

Ireland needed just 18.3 overs on day five – with threat of rain looming – to close out the game

Ekanth10-Feb-2025

Rain was the biggest threat Ireland faced when they came to the Queens Sports Club on day five. But in 18.3 overs, they wrapped up the one-off Test against Zimbabwe with a 63-run win. They needed to create seven chances for the last three wickets, and in the process completed their first hat-trick of Test wins in their ten-match history. It is the earliest point any team has earned a hat-trick of Test wins, bettering South Africa, who needed 14 matches.Matthew Humphreys converted his overnight four-for into a career-best 6 for 57, with Andy McBrine – his spin-bowling partner – closing out the game by knocking over Richard Ngarava with the new ball.Wessly Madhevere, Zimbabwe’s last ray of hope, battled through 195 balls for his 84. When his outside edge was beaten and stumps rattled by a quicker length ball from Humphreys, he could not drag himself out of the field, covering his face with his bat in despondence as the game was effectively done.The day started 30 minutes earlier than scheduled with 37 overs lost on day four. Humphreys, who had bowled 18 overs to stumps, was handed the ball. He needed three overs to create a chance – when he got Madhevere to nearly chip a drive to cover – and one more ball to trap Newman Nyamhuri plumb in front and complete his five-for.McBrine replaced Mark Adair right after and created two chances in his second over, both of which went down. Lorcan Tucker dropped one that went low off Richard Ngarava’s edge, while McBrine failed to hold onto a low skimmer the next ball. In the next over, Paul Stirling shuffled to the right at first slip when Madhevere’s reverse-sweep went aerial but couldn’t get within reach.Ireland took the new ball in the 81st over and McBrine found extra bounce with it right away. The sun broke out but Zimbabwe’s hopes flickered off in the 84th, when Humphreys got Madhevere, his sixth scalp.Blessing Muzarabani had put on 67 for the last wicket in the first innings with Trevor Gwandu, but to put on 74 with Richard Ngarava was too much of an ask. Ngarava hung around for 39 balls and took a couple of swings. He was beaten in the 86th over and knocked over in the next.McBrine flighted a full ball on middle stump, beat the slog sweep, and set the smiles free in Ireland’s camp. When asked about the hat-trick of wins at the presentation, Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie said, “Just waiting for the DVD to come out! We are desperate to play, we don’t know when our next Test match is.”As per the FTP, they are scheduled to play Afghanistan at home in July.

Player-turned-pundit says comments over fitness caused team to give her ‘cold shoulder’

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Jan-2025Alex Hartley, England’s former World Cup-winning spinner, has claimed that Sophie Ecclestone “refused” to be interviewed by her on TV and that she has been “given the cold shoulder” by England players since criticising their fitness following their T20 World Cup exit in October.Hartley, who has worked extensively as a broadcaster and pundit since retiring from professional cricket, had said that a handful of players were “letting the team down” with their fitness levels after their shock defeat to West Indies in Dubai. Heather Knight and Jon Lewis, England’s captain and coach, both denied that it had contributed to their group-stage elimination.Following England’s 57-run loss in Monday’s first T20I in Sydney, which put Australia 8-0 up in the Ashes and ensured they will retain the trophy, Hartley said she had been frozen out. “Sophie Ecclestone refused to do a TV interview with me today,” she told the BBC’spodcast. “I’ve been hung out to dry by the England team: none of them will talk to me 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, 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.Related

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“Not all of them have given me the cold shoulder. I don’t want to say that they’ve all been the same, because they haven’t. Some of the players have been absolutely outstanding: I’ve spoken to them in the street, at the ground, wherever. But a few individuals – coaches, players – they literally haven’t looked at me.”England’s fielding has been a problem throughout the Ashes. Beth Mooney was dropped early in her match-winning 75 in Sydney on Monday, while a series of errors contributed to England’s three ODI defeats at the start of the tour. It prompted Hartley to reiterate her view that England have struggled to match Australia’s “athleticism” across the series.”I’ve upset them, clearly,” she said. “Jon Lewis has come out and said there isn’t a problem with fitness in his squad, there isn’t a problem with fitness in the England environment. They obviously think I’m completely wrong in my opinion – which is fine, absolutely fine. I’m entitled to my opinions, and they’re entitled to theirs.”It’s my job to say if I see something that needs to be better, and I did, but the way that I’ve been treated since I think is totally unfair. But they will say that my comments were unfair, so if that’s the way our relationship is going to be moving forwards, then so be it… If fitness isn’t a problem, then it’s athleticism from a few, isn’t it?”An England team spokesperson declined to comment when contacted by ESPNcricinfo.

Liverpool will not start record-signing Alexander Isak when they return to Premier League action against Burnley on Sunday, according to Joe Cole.

Cole predicts Isak won't start against BurnleyIsak joined Liverpool in British record transferStriker returned to action for Sweden on MondayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

All eyes will be on Turf Moor this weekend with Isak, 25, in line to make his eagerly-anticipated debut for the Reds. The striker put an end to the summer-long saga surrounding his future as he moved to Anfield from Newcastle United for a British transfer record fee of £125 million (€144.5m/$169m) on deadline day.

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However former Liverpool midfielder Cole is expecting Isak to only emerge from the bench against Burnley, citing the Sweden international's lack of fitness after refusing to feature in Newcastle's opening three Premier League fixtures against Aston Villa, Liverpool and Leeds United.

WHAT COLE SAID

In quotes carried by the London Evening Standard, Cole told Paddy Power: "I don't expect him [Isak] to go into the team straight away.

"I think they've got to be smart with him. And you've got to expect Liverpool to do that with all of their players – they've been blooded in. They are playing well. Ekitike’s scoring goals, there's no need to rush him.

"I think it's a smart thing to do, just to feed him in, let him come off the bench, let all the hoo-ha die down, and just let him figure out how to become a Liverpool player. There's no rush. It's not like they've lost two of the first three and they need him right at it. You know, come on with 20 minutes, half an hour to go, and see how he goes."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Isak earned his first minutes of the 2025-26 season when he came off the bench in Sweden's World Cup qualifier against Kosovo on Monday. The former Real Sociedad forward made an 18-minute cameo as his side slipped to a 2-0 defeat on the road.

West Ham United have now reached a verbal agreement over a deal to sign a defender, who is set to be available for around £4m this summer, according to journalist Dominik Schneider.

Hammers set out to strengthen defence

West Ham recently secured the signature of Kyle Walker-Peters on a free transfer, but Graham Potter has no plans to stop there, with the manager also keen to bolster his options in the centre of defence.

Speaking to Football Insider, former scout Mick Brown revealed the desire to sign a new centre-back comes amid major doubts over Nayef Aguerd’s future, with Potter looking to sell the Morocco international this summer.

Brown said: “West Ham are aiming to sign a top-class centre-half. Potter wants reliable options in that position because he isn’t happy with what he’s got. It’s something West Ham have been lacking for a while, and it’s going to be a priority before the season starts because the manager is pushing for it.

“Potter isn’t happy with Mavropanos, he’s far too mistake prone and is liable to cost you a game, and he’s looking to move on Nayef Aguerd as well.”

That said, it may be difficult to compete for the signature of an established top-level centre-back, off the back of the Hammers’ very disappointing 2024-25 campaign, and they now look set to take a gamble on a defender from the Swiss league.

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That is according to Schneider on X, who reveals West Ham have now reached a “verbal agreement” over a deal for Lugano defender Albian Hajdari, and a deal could be on the cheap side.

Hajdari has a €5m (£4.3m) release clause included in his Lugano contract, and while the Hammers are yet to trigger it, the centre-back is “keen to join” this summer, indicating it could be very easy to get a deal over the line.

"Dominant" Hajdari could excel at the London Stadium

While the 22-year-old would not be a big-name signing, there are clear indications that he could be a success at the London Stadium, having performed very well for Lugano over the course of the past year.

The Lugano star’s defensive abilities certainly cannot be called into question, given that he is placed in the top 1% for interceptions per 90, and the top 2% for blocks, when compared to his positional peers.

Not only that, but the one-time Switzerland international has also received high praise from scout Ben Mattinson, who described him as “aerially dominant” and “composed on the ball”, with the latter quality potentially making the Binningen-born defender ideal for Potter.

At just over £4m, Hajdari could be a bargain addition to Potter’s squad, and there are clear signs that he could kick on at the London Stadium.

West Ham United have now submitted an offer for a £34m “revelation”, who is also a target for Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, according to a report.

West Ham set sights on midfielder amid Soucek uncertainty

Tomas Soucek has been a key player for West Ham ever since his arrival, with the midfielder featuring in a minimum of 35 Premier League games in each of the last five seasons, but there has been speculation over his future at the London Stadium for quite some time.

With the Toffees now set to make a bid for the 30-year-old, the Hammers have started running the rule over potential replacements, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Granit Xhaka was recently identified as a target.

The former Arsenal man could be a solid option, given that he has already proven himself in England, but the Switzerland international is not the only ex-Premier League player on the Irons’ shortlist.

According to a report from Gazzetta Dello Sport (via West Ham Zone), West Ham have now tabled an offer for Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, having emerged as one of the clubs most keen on securing his signature, alongside Everton.

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The Italian club had been hoping to receive a fee of £34m for the former Aston Villa man, but given that he has failed to impress since making the move to Italy, they may be forced to cash-in at a lower price.

In order to get a deal over the line, the Hammers may also have to fend off interest from bitter rivals Tottenham, who recently held internal talks about signing Luiz.

Luiz could be "revelation" at West Ham

Any club would find it difficult to replace Declan Rice, although Soucek has stepped up in the England international’s absence, recording the third-highest average rating of any West Ham player in the Premier League last term.

However, with the Czechia international now edging closer to Everton, it could make sense to bring in a new midfielder with similar qualities to Rice, and the Juventus midfielder certainly fits the bill in that regard.

Much like Rice, the 27-year-old is a very well-rounded midfielder, impressing in both an attacking and defensive sense for Villa during the 2023-24 campaign.

Having also been lauded as a “revelation” by Garth Crooks, Luiz could be the perfect signing for West Ham this summer, but the rival interest from Tottenham could pose a major problem.