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The former USMNT stars expressed concern over the Fulham defender’s priorities after Robinson opted to miss the CONCACAF Nations League

Howard and Donovan discuss the implications of Robinson's choiceDebate arises over player priorities in club vs. country decisionsDiscussion highlights generational shift in USMNT player mentalityGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED

U.S. Soccer icons Tim Howard and Landon Donovan strongly criticized Antonee Robinson for what they believed to be prioritizing club commitments over the U.S. men's national team – and questioning his decision to skip the CONCACAF Nations League while continuing to play for Fulham.

Robinson opted out of the USMNT squad, citing the need to recover from tendinopathy. However, he was in Fulham’s starting lineup for their 3-0 FA Cup quarterfinal loss to Crystal Palace and played in a Premier League match against Arsenal just days later. Donovan openly expressed his frustration with the decision.

“I’m kind of coming to terms with what has happened here as he (Robinson) ended up starting the next weekend for Fulham. This is about priorities, and I did this in my career for friendly games. So this is about priorities. Antonee Robinson has three competitions that he cared about in the last two or three weeks,” Donovan said on the Unfiltered podcast. “The Premier League, the FA Cup, and the Nations League, right? So these are three important tournaments.

"And his decision was that ‘I’m going to not focus and not put my priority on the national team, and I’m going to put my priority with Fulham for the FA Cup and the rest of the season.’ Now, I understand that – I’ve been in his shoes, I get it – but it’s your national team and your country, and I didn’t like the decision, personally.”

AdvertisementWHAT TIM HOWARD SAID

Tim Howard, Donovan’s co-host, further expanded on the topic, saying “I think what you’re speaking to is kind of what I see as well. He put his story on Instagram and I don’t doubt him. I respect and like and think the world of him but if he had to, whatever issue that he was dealing with, it needed rest and it needed 10-day rest or something and he’s managing that. I think from a US Soccer standpoint, he could have rested it the Premier League weekend before, which would have given him a week.

“He could have played in the U.S. games and then rested it in the FA Cup but he chose to take the rest during the Nations League. But again, I think that is what we’re seeing, that’s his choice and I think on a level of priorities, it’s the Premier League, FA Cup, and men’s national team. I think that probably speaks to a bigger problem at the national team level and it’s what I said was my biggest concern – and I actually said this going into the last World Cup. That this group of players, I wonder how many games between now and the World Cup the best group of players will play together. So that is a problem and it speaks to a bigger issue. “

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Robinson has been one of the standout stars for Fulham this season, playing a key role in Marco Silva’s side as they challenge for a place in Europe for next season. The USMNT star has contributed to 10 assists this season with only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah outdoing in that regard.

Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?

The Cottagers and Antonee Robinson currently sit eighth on the Premier League table and are four points off a place in the top four behind Cheslea with eight games left. Fulham host Liverpool on April 5 and then go on the road to face Bournemouth on April 14 in their nex two league games.

Aston Villa waved goodbye to an excellent 2024 by picking up a 2-2 draw versus Brighton and Hove Albion, which would have been a welcome point to collect back on home soil after losing 3-0 to Newcastle United on the road.

It could well have been all three points if it wasn’t for Tariq Lamptey’s late intervention for the away side, but Unai Emery’s hosts had to make do with just that single point being added next to their Premier League ranking at full-time.

There were a number of players who struggled for the Villans across the full 90 minutes, away from some excellent performers who managed to stop the rot after a humbling defeat at St James’ Park.

Aston Villa's best & worst performers vs Brighton

Although Pau Torres only lasted 20 minutes before having to hobble off the pitch with an injury, he was arguably at fault for Brighton’s opener on the night, after a long ball forward from the Seagulls caught the Villa centre-back napping.

Ezri Konsa also didn’t do enough to thwart the Brighton man running forward before Simon Adingra then curled an effort past Emiliano Martinez for 1-0.

Thankfully for the ropey Villa defence, the likes of Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins shone in the contest to give the hosts a slender 2-1 lead, before Lamptey’s dramatic late equaliser was then smashed home.

Amazingly, Watkins would fluff his lines late on from a corner, as his effort right at the death ended up being blazed wildly over, despite his goal on the night being calmly converted from the penalty spot.

Alongside Watkins and Rogers, he would definitely have been pleased by the showing he got from one of their teammates who hasn’t always been given regular Premier League opportunities this campaign.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast's Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

Leon Bailey's performance in numbers

Having set the top-flight alight last season with a stunning ten goals and nine assists, Leon Bailey has struggled to kick back into this same top form of late.

Indeed, the Jamaican attacker has zero strikes next to his name so far in 2023/24 and only two assists, but he was seriously trying on Monday night to recapture his mojo with a high-octane display.

Minutes played

77

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

56

Accurate passes

22/25 (88%)

Key passes

3

Shots on goal

7

Successful dribbles

9/10

Total duels won

13/16

Bailey was constantly on the front foot for the Villans across his 77 minutes on the pitch, with a ludicrous nine successful dribbles tallied up down the right wing, alongside also winning a whopping 13 duels as a nippy livewire.

There would have been some audible groans at his inability to finish off chances on the night, considering he saw six of his efforts on the night amazingly blocked, but Villa stood by Rogers earlier in the season when he was arguably wasteful and are now more than reaping their rewards.

Birmingham Live journalist John Townley praised Bailey’s energetic display after the game, with the Villa number 31 having ‘tried his best’ to get into ‘dangerous’ positions all night which saw a high 8/10 rating come his way.

With Jacob Ramsey now back in contention for more starts after an injury setback, Emery has plenty of options to call upon down the right flank, with Bailey also back on track in a Villa shirt and ready to start more games after a disappointing season to date could have seen his future questioned in January.

Now, he looks to have breathed life back into his stay in the West Midlands, as his side attempt to make 2025 another fantastic year despite some bumpy recent results.

Dream Duran replacement: Aston Villa target the "perfect striker" for £46m

Aston Villa already targeting dream Duran replacement who’s the “perfect striker”

ByConnor Holden Dec 29, 2024

NFL legend Tom Brady warned Birmingham are "not done yet" after securing promotion to the Championship as they aim to beat Wrexham to the title.

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Birmingham beat Peterborough 2-1Ensured a Championship berth for 2025-26Elated Brady fires warning to rivals on InstagramFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Birmingham earned their place back in the Championship after just one season away, sealing promotion with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Peterborough United on Tuesday night. The result, achieved at the Weston Homes Stadium, was powered by goals from Alfie May and Taylor Gardner-Hickman, which mathematically confirmed their return to England’s second tier.

AdvertisementWHAT BRADY SAID

Brady, who holds a minority ownership stake in Birmingham, celebrated the club’s success with a message of intent. Taking to Instagram, the seven-time Super Bowl champion shared his excitement: "Straight back up to the EFL championship, and not done yet."

Moreover, he added a cheeky nod to his American followers, saying, "NFL fans are getting a crash course in the English football pyramid!!!"

@tombrady InstagramTHE BIGGER PICTURE

As things stand, Birmingham lead second-placed Wrexham by 14 points at the top of League One. And while the Red Dragons – co-owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney – are also on the verge of promotion, Birmingham are in a prime position to win the title outright. If they overcome Crawley Town at St Andrew's on April 18, they will be crowned League One champions, adding silverware to what has already been a memorable season.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Beyond simply winning promotion, Birmingham are now closing in on several records in League One history. With just three losses from their league fixtures so far, they have the opportunity to break the record for most wins and most points achieved in a single third-tier campaign.

Currently, Wolverhampton Wanderers hold the points record with 103 from the 2013-14 season. Birmingham are just nine points away from surpassing that tally with six games left to play. In terms of wins, they need four more to exceed the 32 victories Aston Villa managed in the 1971-72 campaign.

Their eye-catching run also puts them in contention to top the all-time points record for a professional league season in England. That benchmark – set by Reading under Steve Coppell with 106 points during the 2005-06 Championship season – could also fall if Birmingham maintain their momentum.

Aston Villa are now ready to sign a “sensational” £42m midfielder on a loan deal, as he has been made available by his current club, according to a report.

Villa still in the race for the Champions League

Villa have failed to hit the heights of last season, but they are still very much in the race for the Champions League, currently sitting just six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea as we enter the second half of the campaign. In order to aid the Villans’ top four push and ongoing Champions League campaign, however, Unai Emery is looking at making a number of additions during the January transfer window.

Borussia Dortmund’s Donyell Malen is one of Emery’s main targets, and it appears as though the forward is keen on the move to Villa Park, having now verbally agreed to join.

Not only is Emery keen on strengthening in attack, but he is also weighing up his options in defence, and the Villans are now lining up a move for Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza, who has a release clause of £16.5m in his contract.

Back in the summer, one of the big disappointments for Villa was the fact they had to sell Douglas Luiz to Juventus, but a new report from The Boot Room has detailed the midfielder could be on his way back to England.

Aston Villa’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Everton (a)

January 15th

Arsenal (a)

January 18th

West Ham United (h)

January 26th

Wolverhampton Wanderers (a)

February 1st

Ipswich Town (h)

February 15th

Villa are now ready to re-sign Luiz on a loan deal, with Juventus willing to sanction the midfielder’s departure this month, as he has failed to impress since completing a move to the Allianz Stadium.

The Italian club are looking to sell the Brazilian, who they paid £42m for, on a loan-to-buy deal, but it is deemed unlikely that an agreement of that nature will be possible this month.

Romano: Aston Villa in talks with new January target who Unai Emery likes

He came through Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy.

ByBarney Lane Jan 7, 2025 Luiz deal could make sense for all parties

Juventus clearly have no intention of keeping hold of the 26-year-old, and he has already proven himself at Villa Park, so a deal could make sense for all parties. Even though his move to the Serie A has not worked out, the central midfielder received high praise from members of the media during his time in the Midlands.

The Brazil international was rated Villa’s second-best performer in the Premier League last season, averaging a 7.27 match rating as they secured their spot in the Champions League.

As such, if Luiz is able to perform at a similar level for the Villans during the rest of the current campaign, he could be a real boost to their chances of reaching Europe’s elite competition for the second season on the bounce.

James Neesham strikes 91 as Northamptonshire lead Kent by 252 runs with five second-innings wickets in hand

ECB Reporters Network13-Jul-2022Northamptonshire 303 and 284 for 5 (Rickelton101*, Neesham 91) lead Kent 335 (Cox 72, Denly 63, Leaning 63, White 4-62, Sanderson 4-63) by 252 runsA tense final day could be in store in the LV= Insurance County Championship at Canterbury, where Northamptonshire lead Kent by 252, having reached 284 for 5 at stumps, aided by an unbeaten 101 from Ryan Rickelton.On a see-sawing day at the St Lawrence, Kent were all out for 335, adding just 48 to their overnight score for a modest lead of 32. Jack White took 4 for 62 and Ben Sanderson 4 for 63, while Jordan Cox was the top scorer with 72.The hosts then reduced Northamptonshire to 64 for 3, but a stand of 158 between Rickelton and James Neesham batted them out of immediate danger.Neesham’s 91 came from just 100 balls and having started day three as underdogs, Northamptonshire now look a strong bet for at least a draw against their Division One relegation rivals.The hosts had ended day two eyeing a substantial lead after closing on 287 for 5, but Northamptonshire mopped up their final five wickets in little over an hour.Cox was the first man to go, having added just nine to his overnight score of 63 when he left a straight one to White and was bowled.George Linde then edged a Sanderson delivery through the slips for the four that put Kent in the lead but it was his only scoring shot as he nicked the same bowler behind in his next over.Grant Stewart went for a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it 7, hooking Sanderson to White at fine leg and when Sam Billings edged White to Ricardo Vasconcelos at first slip for 44, he repeatedly jabbed his bat into the ground in frustration.Showing little faith in the No. 11 Matt Quinn, Matt Milnes then holed out to Sanderson and was caught by Josh Cobb for 4.Northamptonshire slashed Kent’s lead to five by the lunch interval, but they lost Emilio Gay soon after, when he got a leading edge to Stewart and was caught by Ben Compton.Stewart then snared Vasconcelos, who was the victim of a tumbling catch by Billings for 19 and with Luke Procter suffering from a foot injury, Rob Keogh was the next man in. When he was given out caught behind for 13, trying to hook Daniel Bell-Drummond, Nothamptonshire were in deep trouble but Rickelton and Neesham turned the game with a stand that lasted more than two hours.While Rickelton paced himself, Neesham thrashed his way past 50 before eventually getting caught and bowled by Joe Denly nine runs short of a debut hundred.Josh Cobb then came in for a quickfire innings of 26, which ended when Zak Crawley held a sharp slip catch off Linde, before Rickelton reached three figures just before the close with a straight drive off Stewart for 2 and while all results remain possible, the visitors will be far happier at the end of day three than they were at the start of it.

Dejan Kulusevski has been backed to leave Tottenham at the end of the season amid reports the winger could return to Serie A in the summer.

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Spurs struggling in 14th placeKulusevski linked with Napoli & AC MilanSweden star backed to quit SpursFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The 24-year-old has been a productive figure for Spurs since joining from Juventus in an initial loan deal in the 2022-23 campaign. This season, he has scored seven league goals and set up a further four, but the north London team continue to struggle as they sit 14th in the table after 31 matches.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

It was reported last week that an Italy return could be on the cards for the Sweden international amid interest from AC Milan and Napoli. Spurs would rather keep Kulusevski and would hold out for a fee of around £50 million ($64m), but the club’s former scout, Mick Brown, believes he may want to quit the club this summer.

WHAT BROWN SAID

"Kulusevski is one who could leave this summer. I think a lot of the players are frustrated with the way the season has gone at Tottenham," he said to . "Whenever I’ve seen them play, he has been one of if not their best player, so they’re not going to want to lose him unless a really big offer comes in. I hear a couple of the Italian clubs have been looking at him – AC Milan and Napoli. It’s a league and a country he knows after his time with Juventus, so a return might suit him. I think he’s going to be interested in those moves should the opportunity arise for him. It’s definitely one I think will be feasible even if Tottenham don’t want to let him leave, because he will want to continue playing at the highest level. He’s certainly good enough to do it, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see him go."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR KULUSEVSKI?

Kulusevski and Spurs are eager to continue their Europa League campaign and will be in action against Eintracht Frankfurt in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Thursday.

Crystal Palace now want to beat a European giant to sign another Chelsea youngster for Oliver Glasner this month, according to a fresh report.

Crystal Palace want new signings

Oliver Glasner has already revealed that he expects his side to be busy this January as he looks to continue their upward Premier League trajectory in the second half of the season. Currently 15th, the Eagles have pulled well clear of the drop zone thanks to a strong run of results, and are now eyeing up the sides above them, with just three points separating them and 12th placed Tottenham Hotspur.

Leicester City (Away)

West Ham (Away)

Brentford (Home)

Manchester United (Away)

Everton (Home)

They face two relegation candidates and three of the four sides directly above them in their next five Premier League outings, which could see them end that run of games in a much better spot, or sucked back into a relegation battle.

But they are working behind the scenes to land new faces, having already had an offer to sign Liverpool youngster Ben Doak rejected this window.

Crystal Palace fast-tracking deal for "talented" ace; same agent as Guehi

The Eagles are eyeing a swift move…

ByTom Cunningham Jan 9, 2025

“We are working on two transfers, I don’t know how quick we will get them done. It looks okay and then I will talk about the names”, Glasner explained before his side’s FA Cup third round win over Stockport County when quizzed on potential transfers.

“If we can keep the squad together, we’re really pleased with how the players have developed over the last months and also how we created a team spirit again after not an easy start. No one told me he wants to leave. The players want to stay here.”

Now, they have been credited with an interest in another Chelsea player following the success of Trevoh Chalobah’s loan.

Crystal Palace take on Borussia Dortmund for Chelsea midfielder

That comes as a report in Spain [via Sport Witness] claims that Crystal Palace are one of the sides in the running to sign Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka this month.

The Blues midfielder is expected to leave Chelsea before the window shuts, having seen his opportunities this season severely limited. And Borussia Dortmund are one of the sides credited with a strong interest in the England U21 international.

Now, the Eagles are also reportedly keen to sign the out-of-favour midfielder, who was hailed as an “artist” by Chelsea icon Marcel Desailly.

“I like Carney Chukwuemeka because he is like an artist who comes onto the stage. He has got the ball. Now is my moment. Shine. You see the dribbling. He is sure about what he is going to do and he is clinical,” he explained.

Of course, Crystal Palace face a problem over any potential move in that it would have to be a permanent signing as things stand. The Premier League rules state that no club can have two loan players from the same side, while the Eagles have already taken Chalobah on loan.

Chelsea are demanding Chukwuemeka’s £40m release clause for him to leave on a permanent basis, which may prove a major obstacle to his arrival in south London, while his £100,000 a week wages are also likely to be a concern given that club captain Marc Guehi currently takes home just half of that.

That could change if Chelsea were to recall the English defender, a prospect which is yet to be ruled out and led to Chalobah being left out of the win over Stockport due to “contractual issues”, leaving him not cup-tied should the Blues opt to trigger his return. Should that happen, a loan move for Chukwuemeka could be feasible, but would leave a gaping hole in the Palace backline.

Head coach impressed with the team for coming up with a short-ball strategy and sticking with it

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Jul-20225:51

Hardik Pandya: I try to stay one step ahead and outsmart the batter

Rahul Dravid, the India coach, heaped praise on his bowlers for setting up victory over England in the series deciding third ODI in Manchester. India, who bowled England out in each of the matches, restricted them to 259 on a “really good wicket” at Old Trafford and then chased it down with 7.5 overs to spare.”We were fantastic with the ball,” Dravid told the BCCI website. “It was exceptional the way we bowled. That was a really good wicket, and to be able to restrict a team like England to 260 [259], we did fantastically well. We picked up a few wickets upfront, then they built a partnership, but I thought our tactics and strategy was absolutely brilliant.”India made a conscious effort to bowl short or back of a length, extract bounce, and try to bring the bigger leg side boundary into play. Hardik Pandya, who picked up career-best figures of 4 for 24, bowled only one full delivery in his seven overs, as per ESPNcricinfo’s logs. He also bowled 15 short balls and 24 that were either on a length or short of a length.

Super performance in england ..not easy in their country ..2-2 test .win in T20 and one days..well done dravid ,rohit sharma,ravi shastri,virat kohli @bcci ..pant just special..so is pandu ..

— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) July 17, 2022