England’s Under-19 World Cup record is poor and raising perceptions of English cricket would certainly be timely

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Dec-2017

Harry Brook bats for England Under-19s in South Africa•Getty Images

Harry Brook, the Yorkshire batsman, has been appointed captain of a 15-man England squad for the Under-19s World Cup in New Zealand which starts next month.Brook, who played for Yorkshire six times in his debut season in 2017, carries an onerous responsibility as a World Cup skipper – even allowing for the relative lack of coverage of age group cricket – during a period when England’s behaviour is permanently under scrutiny.England have not won the trophy since 1998 and have failed to reach a final since that solitary success, their best performance being a third-place finish in 2014 under the captaincy of Will Rhodes.Of that 2014 side that lost narrowly to Pakistan in the semi-final, only Ben Duckett has gone on to represent England – and the less said about that at the moment the better.The squad includes four players from Middlesex – Savin Perera, Luke Hollman, Ethan Bamber and wicketkeeper Jack Davies – and three from Somerset – Tom Lammonby, Fin Trenouth and another wicketkeeper, Tom Banton.”The players have shown with their performances in the Tri-Series in South Africa over the last couple of weeks that they can travel with plenty of optimism,” said David Graveney, a member of the Under-19s selection panel with John Abrahams and Jon Lewis, who will be head coach for the World Cup.Lewis will be assisted by Jonathan Trott as batting coach, Neil Killeen as fast bowling coach, and Chris Taylor as fielding coach – his last tournament as the ECB’s fielding lead before joining Surrey.England Under-19s contest the tournament without a full-time coach after Andy Hurry resigned to take the head coach’s role at Somerset. The position will not be filled until after the tournament.Squad: Harry Brook (Yorkshire, captain), Ethan Bamber (Middlesex), Liam Banks (Warwickshire), Tom Banton (Somerset, wk), Jack Davies (Middlesex, wk), Adam Finch (Worcestershire), Luke Hollman (Middlesex), Will Jacks (Surrey), Tom Lammonby (Somerset), Dillon Pennington (Worcestershire), Savin Perera (Middlesex), Prem Sisodiya (Glamorgan), Tom Scriven (Hampshire), Fin Trenouth (Somerset), Roman Walker (Glamorgan).
Warm-up matches: January 9: Ireland (Christchurch); January 11: Sri Lanka (Lincoln).
World Cup group matches: January 15: Namibia (Queenstown); January 18: Bangladesh (Queenstown); January 20: Canada (Queenstown).

Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsNew Zealand hurtled to a profoundly commanding position in the first seven sessions of the Wellington Test, but the opposition began to resist on the third day. West Indies were still a long way back – 172 in arrears with two second-innings wickets already spent. But thanks to Kraigg Brathwaite’s fortitude, a spark from Kieran Powell, and a little flash from Shimron Hetmyer, their hopes of making something out of this match are not yet extinguished. Brathwaite remained at the crease on 79, with Shai Hope for company.But perhaps this was always going to be a batting day – the Basin Reserve pitch tends to flatten dramatically as matches wear on. In the morning, Tom Blundell had progressed from an overnight 57 not out to triple figures, becoming the first wicketkeeper-batsman to make a debut Test century since Matt Prior in 2007.What was remarkable was that he scored 52 of his eventual 107 not out in the company of Trent Boult – the pair putting on an unbeaten stand of 78 for the last wicket. Soon after Blundell reached his century, New Zealand declared on 520 for 9, taking a 386-run advantage into the second innings.Few might have expected West Indies to claim momentum as dramatically as they did after lunch, however. If one aspect of play epitomised the vigour they brought to those sessions, it was their bristling confidence when facing their tormentor from the first dig: Neil Wagner. On day one, Wagner had collected 7 for 39 in 14 overs, as batsmen almost raced each other back to the pavilion.On Sunday, Wagner again deployed his familiar lifters from around the wicket, but suddenly, the West Indies top order was almost disdainful of the tactic, pulling, hacking, and cracking him through the leg side throughout the afternoon and evening sessions. Wagner was left nursing figures of 0 for 89 from 15 overs by stumps, having suffered 14 fours and two sixes. Unable himself to make a breakthrough, Trent Boult was also visibly frustrated by the closing stages of the day.Getty Images

That it is around their senior opener that West Indies’ resistance built was unsurprising. Brathwaite did as Brathwaite does, leaving judiciously, defending solidly, and awaiting the bad balls to dispatch to the fence. His two early boundaries were the result of wayward leg-side deliveries that he simply nudged fine. He was a little more ambitious in the evening session, even running at Mitchell Santner to launch him over the deep midwicket boundary.His patience and assuredness at the start of the innings allowed Powell to take risks at the other end. It was Powell who began the assault on Wagner by hitting two sixes and a four off consecutive Wagner balls. Having survived a close lbw shout off Boult early in his innings – a not-out decision that would have been overturned had New Zealand reviewed – Powell went on to make 40 off 55 balls before losing concentration and giving Matt Henry a simple return catch.Hetmyer’s 66 was sprightly and attractive, as he and Brathwaite combined for a second-wicket stand worth 94. Having been reprieved via a batting review on seven, Hetmyer took to playing Wagner with particular aplomb, driving and pulling imperiously. He didn’t always keep his shots on the ground, but found empty space whenever he went aerial, once lofting Boult for a straight six with sublime timing. That Boult over, the 42nd of the innings, also featured two Hetmyer fours: down the ground, and over midwicket.Like for Powell, it was a misjudgement of Henry’s pace that brought his wicket, after the tea break. Attempting to turn Henry towards the leg side, Hetmyer succeeded only in sending a leading edge to extra cover.Hope and Brathwaite ensured there were no further wickets before the end of the day by showing a little reticence as stumps drew near, but the bad balls were still punished. All up, day three saw 287 runs scored for the fall of just two wickets. New Zealand will hope to get early breakthroughs on day four, to ensure the match does not progress to a fifth day, but if West Indies bat as they have so far in the innings, victory will have to be hard-won, for New Zealand.

Aston Villa officials have travelled to Istanbul in an attempt to complete a deal to sign Galatasaray midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, and a new report has revealed an update on the Villans' bid for the Italy international.

If Unai Emery welcomed the 24-year-old through the door this summer, he would become the Spaniard's fourth arrival of the transfer window.

What's the latest on Nicolo Zaniolo to Aston Villa?

The Midlands club have sent officials to Istanbul in an attempt to get a deal done to sign Zaniolo this summer, according to Fanatik journalist Yakup Çınar, who reported that the Villans have seen their bid rejected for the midfielder.

It remains to be seen just how much Villa's bid for the Italian was, and how much Galatasaray will demand for their star this summer, but Transfermarkt's current valuation sits at €27m (£23m).

Whilst a deal is yet to be agreed between the two clubs, Emery has commented on Zaniolo, saying, via Fabrizio Romano: “He is one on the list and there are others.

“There could be one or more with the potential to come here. Right now it is not 100 per cent clear who they are."

As the transfer window continues, Zaniolo's future will certainly be one to keep an eye on.

Should Aston Villa sign Nicolo Zaniolo?

After losing Emi Buendia to an ACL injury in pre-season, Villa arguably need a midfielder capable of both creating and scoring goals. And Zaniolo certainly looks like he can tick that box – his output of seven goals and four assists last season is certainly impressive.

Meanwhile, the Italian offers a more complete skillset than Buendia, which could result in Emery changing his system ever so slightly, especially with the former Norwich City man facing an extended spell on the sidelines.

According to FBref, when compared last season, the Galatasaray man made more progressive carries, received more progressive passes, and had the same number of successful take-ons as Buendia, implying he is better carrying the ball but not quite as effective at creating chances.

With similar capabilities, Villa could instantly plug the hole left by Buendia's injury, whilst also forming a deadly partnership between the Argentine and Zaniolo upon his return.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

Zaniolo's talent was clear from the start when at Roma, as he did enough to earn the praise of Italian legend Daniele De Rossi, who told the official club website back in 2019: "It’s another small milestone, perhaps not even a small one, that adds to what he is showing game after game and even training session after training session.

“He has an incredible natural physique for someone who is only 19 and also has great technical quality. In my opinion, as perhaps with everyone now, he is already a very good player – and can become a great one.”

With that said, it is clear that if Villa can complete the signing of the Italian this summer, then they'll have themselves a player ready to take the Premier League by storm.

As things stand, reports suggest that negotiations are yet to reach a breakthrough, but it's certainly one to keep an eye on.

MatériaMais Notícias

Protagonistas da decisão do Campeonato Carioca deste ano, Fluminense e Flamengo voltam a se encontrar no Maracanã, desta vez pela oitava rodada do Brasileirão.Separadas por apenas três pontos na tabela, com o Tricolor em oitavo e o Rubro-Negro em quinto, as equipes fazem um confronto direto para seguir na parte de cima da competição.

RelacionadasFluminenseMário explica venda de Evanilson e dá prazo para renovação de Dodi e Luccas Claro no FluminenseFluminense08/09/2020FluminenseWellington Silva lamenta saída de Evanilson e cita dificuldade por falta de sequência no FluminenseFluminense08/09/2020FlamengoBruno Henrique treina em campo, mas segue como baixa no Fla-Flu; veja as opções de Dome no FlamengoFlamengo08/09/2020

O time de Odair Hellmann chega em baixa após um empate com o Atlético-GO em casa e uma derrota de virada para o São Paulo no Morumbi. Além disso, o treinador perdeu um de seus jogadores mais importantes, o atacante Evanilson, vendido para o Porto (POR). Portanto, o dilema para escalar o ataque continua forte nas Laranjeiras.

Já o Flamengo completou três vitórias consecutivas e começa a dar mais tranquilidade ao trabalho do treinador Domènec Torrent. A equipe, porém, terá desfalques importantes. Os goleiros Diego Alves e César continuam em tratamento de Covid-19, enquanto Bruno Henrique, Pedro Rocha e João Lucas estão no departamento médico.

FICHA TÉCNICA
FLUMINENSE X FLAMENGO

Estádio: Maracanã, no Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Data e hora: 9 de setembro de 2020, às 21h30
Árbitro: Raphael Claus (Fifa/SP)
Assistentes: Danilo Ricardo Simon Manis (Fifa/SP) e Neuza Ines Back (Fifa/SP)
Árbitro de vídeo: Luiz Flávio de Oliveira (Fifa/SP)
Onde ver: Globo, Premiere e tempo real do LANCE!

FLUMINENSE (Técnico: Odair Hellmann)
Marcos Felipe; Calegari, Nino, Luccas Claro, Egídio; Yuri, Dodi, Nenê; Michel Araújo, Marcos Paulo (Fred) e Wellington Silva.

Desfalques: Frazan, lesionado, Muriel e Fred, dúvidas
Pendurados: Fred, Ganso e Nino
Suspensos: Ninguém

FLAMENGO (Técnico: Domènec Torrent)
Gabriel Batista; Isla, Rodrigo Caio, Léo Pereira e Filipe Luís (Renê); Arão, Gerson, Everton Ribeiro e Arrascaeta; Michael e Gabriel Barbosa.

Desfalques: Diego Alves e César, ambos com Covid-19, e Bruno Henrique, João Lucas e Pedro Rocha, lesionados.
Pendurados: Everton Ribeiro, Diego, Gerson e Gabriel Barbosa.
Suspensos: Ninguém

Palpites: Na redação do LANCE!, 65% apostam na vitória do Flamengo, enquanto 15% acham que o Fluminense sairá vitorioso e 20% acreditam no empate.

Aston Villa defender Pau Torres was slammed by the media for his performance against Liverpool in the Premier League this afternoon.

What was the Liverpool vs Aston Villa score?

Villa suffered their second defeat of the Premier League season this afternoon, and while they faced tough opposition in Liverpool, Unai Emery is still likely to be disappointed with his side's performance.

The Villans succumbed to a 3-0 loss at Anfield, with the hosts breaking the deadlock after just three minutes, through Dominik Szoboszlai, before Matty Cash doubled the Reds' lead by scoring an own-goal less than 20 minutes later.

Mohamed Salah added another in the second half, putting the game beyond doubt, with the visitors never posing much in the way of attacking threat, having recorded an XG of just 0.63 across the entire match.

A number of Aston Villa players were not at the races, including Cash, who scored an own-goal, and Diego Carlos, with the Brazilian receiving a Sofascore match rating of just 6.4.

However, Torres was the player singled out for criticism by sections of the media, with journalist Sam Tighe saying:

"What kind of mood did Pau Torres wake up in today? He’s doing some wild stuff."

Journalist Michael Akomeah also criticised the centre-back for his performance, saying:

"Someone tell Pau Torres , this is not la liga.., before also adding:

"He stays on the ball for too long".

How much did Aston Villa pay for Pau Torres?

The Spaniard arrived from Emery's former club, Villarreal, back in July, and set Villa back an initial fee of £33m, which was the second-highest fee paid in the club's history at the time, and it is expected to rise further.

The 26-year-old has had a mixed start to life in England, as he has looked impressive on the ball, completing 44 of the 47 passes he attempted against Burnley back in August, meaning he achieved a pass-completion rate of 94%.

Against Hibernian, the former Villarreal man was hailed by ESPN analyst Luis Miguel Echegaray for playing a "ball so magnificent you could marry it" in the build-up to Jhon Duran's goal, but he was not as impressive in possession against Liverpool today.

Across the 90 minutes, the Spain international lost the ball 16 times, the highest amount of any player on the pitch, receiving a Sofascore match rating of just 6.2 for his efforts, which was the joint-lowest alongside Cash.

It is still early days for Torres, and Emery will be hoping today's performance will be a learning curve for his new centre-back, ahead of Villa's next game at home against Crystal Palace after the upcoming international break.

MatériaMais Notícias

O trabalho de Vanderlei Luxemburgo no Palmeiras tem total respaldo da direção do clube, mas já há algum princípio de resistência no elenco campeão paulista. O uso de diversos times em um curto espaço de tempo começou a gerar insegurança em alguns atletas, que temem pelo “cancelamento de meio tempo”.

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Visto com respeito por grande parte do corpo de jogadores, Luxa tem se valido de um método: rodar seus nomes e usar as cinco substituições que lhe cabe em cada jogo. Em absolutamente todos os jogos desde que o futebol retornou após a pausa da COVID-19, o experiente comandante se aproveitou das mudanças possíveis.

A ciranda já é vista com incertezas. Em oportunidades recentes, atletas não concordaram com a saída de jogo e tiveram reações acaloradas e que repercutiram algum tempo mais tarde. E as escolhas nessas mudanças causaram mais uma rusga.

De figuras mais experimentadas até os mais frescos, há uma linha de insatisfação em progresso. O envolvimento público de nomes em possíveis e futuros negócios também corroborou para que a cultura do “cancelamento” se tornasse palavra recorrente nos corredores.

Do lado externo da Academia, o discurso já não é tão assimilado como outrora. Algumas promessas não se cumpriram em campo e a frustração, aliada a uma preocupação com futuro, tomam forma. Não à toa, o mercado de transferências trata o Verdão como potencial vendedor.

O cenário, que era isolado, não é mais da mesma forma. O Palmeiras terá de cuidar de suas arestas que ameaçam crescer desordenadamente.

continua após a publicidade

Brentford vs Bournemouth is one of the newest fixtures in the Premier League – in fact, it's only happened twice. But these two teams actually go back quite a way.

Of course, the vast majority of their meetings have come away from the Premier League. Six different competitions have hosted this one, though, as Brentford and Bournemouth have consistently found ways to come up against one another over the years.

This is actually the most-played fixture in Bournemouth's history, while Brentford have only faced four teams more often than they have the Cherries. We're going all the way back to 1925 for the first meeting, meaning we're coming up on a century of football between the two.

So what does that tell us about the upcoming fixtures? We at Football FanCast have taken a look at what's come before to find out.

Brentford vs Bournemouth: What's the head-to-head record?

In total, there have been 37 meetings between the two (38 if we count a friendly), dating back to 1925. That initial game came in the FA Cup, with Bournemouth winning 2-1 away at Brentford.

Incredibly, they then wouldn't meet again for nearly 40 years. A 1963 League Cup tie went to a replay, leading to two games that again saw Bournemouth come out on top. Their next string of meetings wouldn't happen until the '90s, where they met three times in the FA Cup within six years.

Their first league meeting wasn't until 1999 but Brentford and Bournemouth have since been almost ever-present for one another. They've faced off in all four professional divisions, building up 37 professional contests.

And funnily enough, they're dead even. Each side has won 14 games, with nine draws. Bournemouth do move onto 15 if you count a 2019 friendly, but we're not going to do that.

Brentford wins

14

Draws

9

Bournemouth wins

14

Brentford vs Bournemouth: What's the record at Brentford?

18 of the 37 meetings have been at Brentford over the years and as with most home records, the Bees boast the superior record there. Quite comfortably, too.

They've won 10 of them, so just over half, while losing only three times. That leaves five draws, of course.

In fact, their home record is strong against Bournemouth in every competition – and there are a lot of them here. Though, given their overall record is dead even, you won't be surprised to hear similar things about the Cherries at home.

Brentford wins

10

Draws

5

Bournemouth wins

3

Brentford vs Bournemouth: What's the record at Bournemouth?

There has been one more game at Bournemouth than at Brentford, with 19 taking place on the south coast. The numbers are still remarkably similar to the Bees' home record, though.

In all, Bournemouth have won 11, so one more home win than Brentford have managed. However, the visitors have also managed one more away win than the Cherries, with four. That leaves four draws, so you're marginally less likely to see a draw when this one takes place at Bournemouth.

Brentford wins

4

Draws

4

Bournemouth wins

11

Brentford vs Bournemouth: What's their league record?

Usually for these, we'd cover the two sides' Premier League record against one another. These two only met in the top flight for the first time last season, though, making it a bit of a stretch to call that a 'record'.

But they have met plenty in league competition, from League Two all the way to the Premier League. All four professional divisions have hosted this fixture, with the majority coming in League One.

They first found themselves in the same league back in 1999/00. They'd spent the next three seasons facing one another in League One, splitting the wins evenly three apiece. After a one-year break in 2002/03, they'd then compete in League One again from 2003 through 2007.

However, both were relegated by 2008 and there would be a pair of games in 2008/09 in League Two. Brentford won both.

The clubs were then back in League One against one another from 2010 through 2013, and were then each in the Championship for the 2014/15 campaign – one that saw the Cherries promoted. Thus their league meetings were on pause until 2020, by which point Bournemouth had been relegated again.

We'd only get a pair of meetings, though, as the Bees would get their turn at promotion to the top flight in 2021. Bournemouth followed soon afterward and now we're back in the modern day – two Premier League sides who just can't seem to avoid one another.

Brentford wins

11

Draws

7

Bournemouth wins

10

Brentford vs Bournemouth: What's their record in the cups?

These two met exclusively in the cups up until 1999. Since then, quite strangely, they've only been drawn with one another once, and that was all the way back in 2002.

But as we mentioned, there was a span of 70+ years where this fixture had only taken place in the cup competitions, primarily the FA Cup. There have been seven total meetings across the FA and League Cups – and it's led to a relatively balanced record (isn't it always?).

Bournemouth won the first-ever fixture, while the second was a draw that led to a replay – which the Cherries also won. The next meeting was also a Bournemouth win and that was back in 1991 – Brentford have won every cup game since.

They'd beat the Cherries in the FA Cup in both 1995 and 1996, then beat them on penalties in a League Cup tie in 2002.

Brentford wins

3

Draws

1

Bournemouth wins

3

Brentford vs Bournemouth: Which team has the most goals?

As you've likely guessed already, things are incredibly close. Though perhaps that genuinely surprising thing here is just how low the goal tally is for each side – they barely average a goal per game each in this one.

Across 37 games, Bournemouth have scored 42 goals. Brentford are right behind them with 41. As you'd expect things are also reflected pretty well when you look at it in home and away terms.

At Bournemouth, the Cherries have 28 goals in 19 games. Brentford have responded with 17. In 18 games at Brentford, the home side have 24 goals – the visitors have just 14.

So this one is particularly low-scoring at Brentford, with the average score at both grounds being 1-0.

Brentford goals

41

Bournemouth goals

42

Brentford vs Bournemouth: How did they do last season?

These are two of the smallest sides in the Premier League but both managed to succeed in their goals last season. In fact, both arguably exceeded them.

Brentford were by far the better of the two, though. They finished 9th overall, just two points away from the European spots. But perhaps that doesn't sell it enough. Brighton, for instance, were heralded for their efforts last season, with several of their stars moving for incredible fees. The Bees finished only three points behind them, however – and just eight behind Liverpool.

Bournemouth enjoyed their first season after promotion, even if it started incredibly badly. Manager Scott Parker stepped down shortly after a 9-0 defeat at Anfield and people were understandably worried for them. But things turned around and the Cherries didn't spend very long under threat of relegation. In fact, they managed to finish five points clear of the drop despite a very poor run of form to end the season. It wasn't the most comfortable first season back but certainly one to build on.

Brentford vs Bournemouth: How have they started this season?

Brentford have started things reasonably well, with draws against Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace sandwiching a 3-0 win at Fulham. Though, they haven't managed to win one at home yet – this meeting with the Cherries will be a very good opportunity to do just that.

But after three games, they sit ninth, one point behind Manchester United and one above Chelsea. You can't really ask for much more so early in the campaign.

Bournemouth haven't made quite the same start. They're down in 16th and without a win. The silver lining is that of the five teams without a win, they have the most points – one.

Perhaps a greater silver lining, though, is the quality of their three opponents. They started at home to UEFA Conference League winners West Ham, picking up a draw. Then they went to Anfield and were unfortunate not to get at least a point, before losing 2-0 at home to Tottenham. All three are very tough games against sides they won't necessarily expect to finish around this season.

Brentford vs Bournemouth: When is it?

Brentford host Bournemouth on Saturday, September 2nd at 15:00 UK time. It'll be the 38th competitive meeting between the two teams and only their third in the Premier League or top flight.

A win for either side would be a bit of a statement, even if it's not necessarily season-altering. Brentford, for instance, would continue their unbeaten start and almost certainly climb into the European places after four games.

Bournemouth, though, are looking to get off the mark and create an early buffer between themselves and the relegation zone. Given the early-season form of the sides down there, winning at Brentford almost certainly gives them that four-point cushion.

Tottenham Hotspur have commenced the 2023/24 Premier League campaign with promise, having defeated Manchester United after drawing away to Brentford, but are still hoping for one or two more signings before the transfer window closes next week.

A raft of signings have been made already since Ange Postecoglou took the helm in June, but despite the arrivals of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and defenders Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro (the latter's loan move made permanent), the work still feels incomplete.

Indeed, Spurs shipped 63 goals last term – conceding more than all but the three relegated outfits and newly-promoted sides Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest – and as such, one more move to strengthen the backline further would surely be worthwhile.

What's the latest on Tosin Adarabioyo to Tottenham?

That's according to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins, who claims that while Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo wishes to be sold to Monaco this summer, the Cottagers hope for Spurs to launch a bid and offer Eric Dier in return.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Hawkins revealed earlier in the window that Fulham would hope to recuperate around €15m (£13m) for the 25-year-old, who has entered the final year of his £37k-per-week contract at Craven Cottage.

How good is Tosin Adarabioyo?

The Manchester-born defender has been instrumental for Marco Silva's side since signing from Manchester City in 2020, having made 107 appearances, guiding the club up from the Championship and cementing their position as an established top-flight outfit.

His performances over the past several seasons – showings that have left the likes of writer Muhammad Butt hailing him as "magnificent" – are evidence enough that he would improve Tottenham's defence, and he would undoubtedly be an upgrade on the struggling Davinson Sanchez.

Spurs' Colombian centre-half signed from Ajax for £42m in 2017, which was a club record at the time, and arrived with a weight of expectation, with former manager Mauricio Pochettino even proclaiming that he could become one of the world's best defenders.

It's safe to say that he has flattered to deceive, with pundit Jamie O'Hara even branding the 27-year-old "one of Tottenham's worst ever players", having also compounded his situation by recording an average Sofascore rating of just 6.75 last term, very much at the epicentre of the club's defensive woes and keeping only two clean sheets from 18 outings.

Adarabioyo, comparatively, has been thriving; last term the Whalley Range-born titan recorded an average league score of 6.89, completing 82% of his passes and making a staggering 5.5 clearances per game.

In fact, he ranks among the top 1% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for clearances per 90, which underscores his impressive robustness and athleticism, batting away danger and protecting the goalkeeper's net.

A no-nonsense central defender, Adarabioyo would evidently bolster Postecoglou's backline in an instant and would do so for a bargain fee, and with the increments being made for the side's resurgence this term, the Fulham ace would prove to be a major success story if Spurs do ward off the competition to secure his signature.

ألمح المدافع، رفائيل فاران، عن الوجهة المحتملة المقبلة له بعد الرحيل المؤكد عن صفوف مانشستر يونايتد بعد انتهاء الموسم 2023/2024.

وانتهى عقد فاران في الوقت الحالي مع مانشستر يونايتد، بعد 3 سنوات عقب انتقاله من ريال مدريد.

واختتم الفرنسي الدولي السابق مشواره مع مانشستر يونايتد بالفوز ببطولة كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي، على حساب الجار مانشستر سيتي.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ريليفو: لاعب مانشستر يونايتد يعترف لأصدقائه بإمكانية انتقاله إلى الدوري السعودي

وقال فاران في تصريحات لشبكة “بي إن سبورتس” الفرنسية: “لا أعلم أين سأذهب في الميركاتو الصيفي المقبل”.

وتابع: “لدي كل الوقت من أجل التفكير في مستقبلي بعد مانشستر يونايتد، لكن كل الخيارات موجودة ومنها العودة إلى الدوري الفرنسي (كان لاعبًا في لانس)”.

واستمر مدافع مانشستر يونايتد السابق: “عقدي انتهى وأعيش تلك الحالة للمرة الأولى في مسيرتي الكروية، لذلك هناك وقت للتفكير واختيار الوجهة المقبلة”.

وكان فاران قد أعلن اعتزاله اللعب الدولي منذ فترة طويلة وتحديدًا بعد انتهاء بطولة كأس العالم قطر 2022 وخسارة اللقب أمام الأرجنتين.

وبالتالي، لن يشارك المدافع منتخب بلده في كأس أمم أوروبا 2024 والتي ستقام هذا الصيف في ألمانيا.

Joe Root has been withdrawn from England’s T20 squad in Australia and New Zealand next month, as he prepares to enter the IPL auction

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Jan-2018Joe Root has been withdrawn from England’s T20 squad to play in the inaugural tri-series against Australia and New Zealand next month, as he prepares to make his IPL bow after being entered in the auction that takes place in Bangalore on January 27 and 28.Root, who had initially declined the opportunity to sit out the tournament after a draining winter of international cricket, including captaining England to a 4-0 defeat in the Ashes, will instead return home for a break before resuming his place in the squad for the ODI series against New Zealand that gets underway on February 25.Root, who is an automatic pick for England across all three formats, admitted his unease at missing out on international duty, especially given that his stated intention is to make his first foray into the IPL in April and May, at a time when he could instead be taking a break.The financial allure of the IPL is a significant factor in Root’s choice. However, with England fully focussed on the 2019 World Cup, the opportunity for the team’s integral members to broaden their experience by taking part in the world’s foremost T20 league is now considered a vital part of their development, and Root’s decision was made in consultation with the head coach, Trevor Bayliss.”I hate missing games of cricket for England,” Root said. “It is something that doesn’t really sit well with me either. It was a long, hard decision that me and Trevor had to come to.”You look at the amount of cricket that we have got coming up and the opportunity that the IPL brings and you almost have to look at it as more of an investment for my game and for all the England team moving forward.”If being involved in that block of cricket, with everything that tournament brings, is going to add more to my game for the next four or five years then missing a few games here might be worthwhile.”Root has entered the IPL auction at the highest reserve price of £170,000, and could be one of a raft of prominent England players to be picked up by franchises for the first time this year.However, he has never before played in an overseas league, and due to his England commitments, he has featured in just five T20 Blast matches since 2012. Part of his reasoning for wanting to remain a part of the England T20 squad was that he feared the shortest form of the game was evolving without him, but he admitted the monetary side of the IPL is a significant draw too.”Of course, there is a money side to it, there is no point lying about it,” he said. “That is obviously a benefit of playing in the IPL but that is not why I went into the auction. I really believe playing a block of Twenty20 cricket with that scrutiny, being under pressure for long periods of time against the world’s players in that format would be a great opportunity to develop and learn my white-ball game.”With the two major tournaments in white-ball cricket around the corner that is what going there is all about, to gain experience in the short form and work with other players around the world who have had a huge amount of exposure to Twenty20 cricket, and see some different coaches.”