Simon Kerrigan impresses with ball but Northants fall short in fourth-innings chase

David Hopps06-Jul-2021Yorkshire secured their place in Division One in the second phase of the County Championship with a 54-run defeat of Northamptonshire at Northampton. Lancashire will join them if they avoid defeat against Kent at Old Trafford. Next week’s Roses match, though, will be far more than a private feud. It might yet influence the destination of the Championship.As Steve Patterson, Yorkshire’s captain, pointed out: “With the way the points system works – carrying points over from the qualifying teams you’ve played – it’s important we get some kind of positive result against Lancashire if we can. We got beaten quite badly against them at Old Trafford.” Lancashire will lack Saqib Mahmood and Matt Parkinson, both summoned by England in extremis.After his career-best 7 for 43 in the first innings, Dominic Bess was again the fulcrum in Yorkshire’s attack but he had to settle for two wickets second time around as the rewards were shared, Northants falling 54 runs short of a target of 206.Bess again bowled soundly, finding more turn than on the previous day, but just not seeing things run his way. It will not concern him. He cuts a more well-balanced, philosophical figure than the young spinner who was so shaken to be dropped on England’s tour of India. When he returned to England, he bought a Bosnian rescue dog, a constant reminder that life, love – and real suffering – goes well beyond the game in which he makes his living.Gale relieved Brook completes job

Yorkshire’s coach Andrew Gale feared that Harry Brook would be called into England’s emergency one-day squad before he completed the match-defining innings that brought victory against Northants.
“When my phone rang at half six this morning from Mo Bobat [ECB performance director], and he told me the situation, I was pretty convinced he was going to tell me Harry Brook was leaving as well as Dawid Malan.
“He’s had a great few weeks in T20, but that big innings in red ball cricket has been missing even though he’d had five fifties. That match-winning innings was always there.
“There’s no doubt in my mind Harry will go on to play international cricket. He’s a very grounded lad and won’t get ahead of himself. He’s very hungry for runs.”

“At the end of the day, we’re playing sport,” he reflected after his first-innings success. “There is obviously that expectation, we’re playing professional sport, yes, we’re playing for Yorkshire, we’re playing for England, but it’s not as important as we all think it is. I certainly felt that after coming back from India.”What is pressure? Pressure is what you put on yourself. You can do certain things to limit the pressure you are under. Being accountable for my actions, how I hold myself, the consistency of my preparations, being a good person is the bigger picture. It’s one thing to have a good one-off game but I think the consistency of it, being a good person, doing things well, doing things you believe in, is only going to help your consistency on the pitch.”Yorkshire’s batting frailties have not been solved by this victory. Perhaps on this worn surface it was never likely that they would be. Two innings – George Hill’s 71 in the first innings in his first foray at opening the batting, Harry Brook’s 113 in the second – amounted to more than half the runs off the bat and their top six made six scores of 10 or fewer.But there was no doubting their resolve in the second innings after the initial rush of new-ball wickets. Brook received staunch support from every batter in turn, enabling him to preside over affairs at the tempo he pleased. He now averages 41 in the Championship and that has been a major element in their qualification.The match was still delicately poised when Yorkshire resumed at 159 for 6, a lead of 147. Brook was 95 when Patterson became the eighth batter to fall, but he remained reserved, pulling Taylor for a couple to reach 99 before running him to third man later in the over. A late flurry ended when he was caught at deep midwicket, leaving exemplary figures for another spinner, Simon Kerrigan, who wheeled away for 30.2 overs for 5 for 39. It was Brook’s third first-class century and he will make many more.Simon Kerrigan claimed 5 for 39 for Northamptonshire•Getty ImagesNorthants sank to 43 for 5 by the 18th over. For more than two days, batting had felt onerous and another 210 overs had been added to the three T20s that had been staged on a slightly unreliable surface.Bess had two in that rush of wickets. There was more turn to be had, largely out of the footholds, and until he tired a little, he flighted the ball with a sense of wellbeing. Emilio Gay was at full stretch after advancing down the pitch and making room to clear the offside and the result was a good low catch by Sam Northeast at extra cover: on a two-match loan, he would have been relieved to contribute after two batting failures. Rob Keogh was given caught at short leg and hunted out a replay in aggrieved fashion.Patterson relishes low-scoring days like these when there is assistance to be had. He has the attitude of a cost-controlling accountant, resenting any unnecessary expenditure that might undermine the final outcome. Ricardo Vasconcelos, lbw to one that seamed back from around the wicket, was a prize scalp in the seven overs before lunch; Charlie Thurston immediately after lunch when Gary Ballance pulled off a fast catch at short leg.When Duanne Olivier made one bounce to have Saif Zaib caught at second slip, Northants needed to change their approach. Luke Procter had missed his first innings when he was absent from the second day because of a family bereavement. That he would attempt to grind his way forward could be taken as read, but the likes of Tom Taylor, Gareth Berg and Wayne Parnell needed to adopt a more enterprising approach.In the event, only Taylor, a robust hitter of some quality, made an impression. That he would try to break Yorkshire’s seamers was indicated when he lofted Ben Coad down the ground and then switched into T20 mode with a scoop. But he also assaulted Bess with a reverse sweep and sumptuous on-drive. When he fell lbw to Coad, swinging across the line, it was his first ill-judged shot. Berg was out without scoring, striking his fourth ball to short extra; Parnell fell to Jordan Thompson’s direct hit on the stroke of tea.At 103 for 8, a quick kill looked likely, only for a couple of former Lancashire players to do their best to stymie Yorkshire’s celebrations. Procter and Kerrigan put on 49 in relative comfort until Kerrigan gloved a pull against Olivier. Northants, after a worthy first phase, including two cracking see-saw matches against Yorkshire are heading towards Division Two.

Leeds United supporters must have anticipated that the opening day fixture versus Portsmouth in the Championship was going to be a stroll in the park after Pascal Struijk tucked away an early penalty at Elland Road.

Instead, as is often the case with the Whites, things became suddenly tense and difficult out of nowhere, as Pompey raced into a 2-1 lead before the half-time break, courtesy of a Callum Lang long-range bullet.

In the end, it fell to Brenden Aaronson to be the hero of the day in West Yorkshire to clinch a last-gasp point, so Daniel Farke's men didn't feel humiliated by their newly promoted opponents, with John Mousinho's men somewhat fortunate to collect a share of the points in the barnstorming 3-3 contest.

Aug 2007

3-0 Loss

Dec 2010

3-3 Draw

Jan 2011

2-2 Draw

Oct 2011

1-0 Win

Feb 2012

0-0 Draw

Pompey only had four shots on target all game, compared to Leeds' superior ten, as Whites shot-stopper Ilian Meslier had an afternoon to forget.

Meslier's game vs Portsmouth in numbers

Meslier has long divided opinion amongst the hardened Elland Road masses, and the Frenchman will continue to be a divisive figure if he regularly puts in performances like the one served up against Portsmouth.

The towering 24-year-old only made one save all afternoon, as Pompey grew in confidence that they could catch the former Lorient 'keeper out from wherever they attempted a shot from.

That was seen in Lang's first of the exhilarating 3-3 draw somehow squirming in from distance after Meslier couldn't deal with a straightforward Elias Sørensen opener that was hit straight at him for the South Coast outfit to equalise.

The 6 foot 6 presence also looked uncomfortable at points with his distribution from the back, not helped by Joe Rodon in front of him also having an off-day with some wayward passing, with just two accurate long balls managed all afternoon, as Leeds had to make do with an unsatisfactory share of the points to start the new second tier season.

However, away from Rodon and Meslier not covering themselves in glory defensively, there was an even more underwhelming performer at the back in the form of Jayden Bogle, who struggled back in the thick of it in the Championship, after a promising set of pre-season performances.

Bogle's game vs Portsmouth in numbers

Bogle will just hope he's getting his dodgy displays out of his system early on this campaign, as the former Sheffield United man struggled to competently complete his defensive duties all match.

The brand-new Whites number two did shine going forward in patches, with two big chances created all of his own working, but the ex-Blades right-back gave away the penalty that nearly allowed Portsmouth to win 3-2, before Aaronson's last-gasp heroics.

Minutes played

90

Touches

69

Accurate passes completed

34/43 (79%)

Key passes

2

Big chances created

2

Successful dribbles completed

2/3

Duels won

9/19

Possession lost

15x

Bogle failed to impose himself into the contest as a strong and brave full-back, with only nine duels won from 19 attempted, alongside many lax passes going astray, with possession surrendered 15 times to allow Mousinho's outfit regular ways back into the exciting contest.

Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth dished out a low 4/10 rating to Bogle consequently, stating that he was 'bizarrely' positioned for Portsmouth's first strike amongst other faults in his game.

It will be interesting to see if Farke persists with his new capture here, when the Whites open their EFL Cup campaign versus Middlesbrough this mid-week, or if he chooses to start the likes of Sam Byram or other reserve defenders in his place after the 24-year-old really struggled back in competitive action. Perhaps Byram is the way to go mid-week.

There'll be many twists and turns to come this up-and-down Championship season, but Leeds fans will be worried that a slow start out of the blocks could be costly early on, on the way to promotion attempting to be sealed.

Lost the ball 18x: Farke signing just had one of his worst games for Leeds

Leeds drew 3-3 with Portsmouth on the opening weekend of the new EFL season.

1 ByMatt Dawson Aug 10, 2024

Big picture

After a first Test that had started with a patented Sri Lankan batting collapse that almost anyone who had been watching them play cricket over the past few years could have predicted, here we are somehow entertaining the very real possibility of them securing a first ever Test series win in the Caribbean.Now, of course, for this to actually transpire, it would require Sri Lanka to replicate, and most likely better, their performance from the previous week – certainly no little ask, but one considerably less farfetched than it might have been at the same point last week.Related

• Bonner's maiden Test ton helps West Indies salvage draw

• Pathum Nissanka defies the odds in his biggest test

• The Lahiru Thirimanne everyone had hoped for

• Memories of the past make Sri Lanka's present so much harder to watch

Much of this optimism is down to, as is now almost their trademark, some previously unheralded player from their fractured domestic system beating the odds to spark the team into life.This time it was Pathum Nissanka with a magnificent century on debut. Against South Africa a few years back, while Kusal Perera will always be the highlight, it’s easy to forget the resilience brought to that middle order by debutant Oshada Fernando. And then a couple of years before that, when Sri Lanka famously beat Australia at home, it was none other than the green pairing of Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis who breathed life into the side.But on all those previous occasions, the team failed to build on the exuberance injected by fresh blood. Will Nissanka’s entry into the side be met with similar regression? Well we’ll soon find out.As for the West Indies, after the relative ease with which the visitors had been dispatched in the limited-overs series, the trouble the Sri Lankan batsmen had had in the warm-up game ahead of the first Test, and then that first innings collapse, it might have come as a fair shock when they found themselves having to bat out the last day of the Test just to avoid defeat.But this West Indian side doesn’t cower from adversity all that easily – as underscored so sensationally in Bangladesh earlier this year – and the first Test would have provided them with all the evidence they need to know that they have the tools to hurt this Sri Lanka side.So in many ways, with the match being played at the same venue, this is simply a continuation of proceedings from that first game. And with seemingly not much to separate both sides, once more, victory will depend largely on which side makes the fewer mistakes.

Form guide

Sri Lanka – DLLLLWest Indies – DWWLL

In the spotlight

Pathum Nissanka is not the first – and he certainly won’t be the last – debutant to reignite cricketing interest from an increasingly apathetic Sri Lankan fanbase. But that doesn’t make it any less exciting. Sure, he may not have the flair of a Kusal Mendis, or the explosiveness of an Avishka Fernando, but in a side that has been crying out for a steadying presence, Nissanka’s bloodymindedness and ability to simply occupy the crease – a feat that many around him seemed to struggle with – might as well make him the next coming of Sanath Jayasuriya at this point.But if Nissanka is the proverbial immovable object, then in Kemar Roach the West Indies possess the unstoppable force – well, at least when it comes to cricket played at North Sound in Antigua. With 36 wickets in six matches at an average 15.77, it’s safe to say Roach likes playing here. In the first Test, the Sri Lankan batsmen struggled to get him away; if he gets more support from the sometimes wayward pair of Shannon Gabriel and Alzari Joseph, then it could be another very testing outing for the visitors.

Team news

Sri Lanka may play an extra spinner – Lakshan Sandakan – if they think the track could take decent turn in the second innings. To cover their bases, they may bring seam-bowling allrounder Dasun Shanaka into the side. Dinesh Chandimal, who had only made one fifty in his last three Tests, may make way for Shanaka. Either Vishwa Fernando or Dushmantha Chameera may be displaced by Sandakan.Sri Lanka XI (possible): Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), Lahiru Thirimanne, Oshada Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Dasun Shanaka, Lasith Enbuldeniya, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera, Lakshan SandakanThe West Indies will have been quite happy with their overall performance from the first Test, and so will not want to change up too much. Shannon Gabriel was relatively disappointing but he will likely be backed to put forward an improved showing.West Indies XI (possible): Kraigg Brathwaite (capt), John Campbell, Nkrumah Bonner, Kyle Mayers, Jermaine Blackwood, Jason Holder, Joshua Da Silva, Alzarri Joseph, Rakheem Cornwall, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel

Pitch and conditions

The weather is expected to be clear for the duration of the Test. It is possible that this pitch will turn more than the surface for the first Test, which took very little spin, even on day five.

Stats and trivia

• Sri Lanka have failed to win a Test series in the West Indies in four attempts, though the last two series were drawn.
• Suranga Lakmal needs six more wickets to climb to fourth in the all-time Test wicket-taker list for Sri Lanka.
• Kraigg Brathwaite needs 98 runs to reach 4000 Test runs. He will be the 16th West Indian to reach the milestone.
• Niroshan Dickwella now has scored the most fifties (17) without converting to a century. He has scored 2291 Test runs in the process; the most runs scored without a century is 3154 by Shane Warne.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Coritiba “ganhou” uma dívida através de decisão judicial por conta de ação impetrada pelo meio-campista Matheus Galdezani onde o atleta conseguiu sua rescisão contratual com o clube Coxa Branca.

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>Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS

Isso porque, além da rescisão, Matheus cobra uma dívida equivalente a R$ 2 milhões que seriam justificados por atrasos salariais sobre a parte pertencente ao clube no empréstimo junto ao Bahia, multas proporcionais aos atrasos e também verba referente ao Fundo de Garantia por Tempo de Serviço (FGTS).

Com a publicação da rescisão de vínculo no Boletim Informativo Diário (BID), o jogador de 29 anos de idade fica livre para assinar com qualquer clube já que, na última quarta-feira (20), ele foi dispensado do Bahia.

Entre as passagens diferentes no clube do Alto da Glória marcadas por constantes empréstimos posteriores, Matheus Galdezani acumulou 81 partidas com números tímidos: dois gols e três assistências.

Tottenham chiefs are "determined" to sell striker Richarlison this summer, despite him finishing last season as their second top goalscorer in all competitions, and it is believed one forward in particular is keen on replacing him.

Richarlison linked with Spurs exit amid interest from Saudi Arabia

The former Everton star endured an underwhelming debut campaign at Spurs under former boss Antonio Conte, scoring just once in 27 league appearances, after making the move from Goodison Park in a deal worth £60 million.

Tottenham consider swap move for £162k-a-week forward with Ange "obsessed"

The Australian is desperate for a new attacker.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 1, 2024

Richarlison, in comments to the Brazilian press late last year, opened up about his struggles with mental health issues off the field, which could've been a key reason behind some of his performances, but then backed himself to come back stronger under Ange Postecoglou.

“On the field I’m a happy team player, I try to help as much as possible," said Richarlison on his psychological challenges.

"Sometimes, things don’t go the way we want. I think this part is a bit of the off-field side that ended up getting in my way. Even though you want to do things right, it ends up going wrong. I will continue to focus on the club, the storm has passed.

“I went through a turbulent time in the last five months off the field. Now things are right at home. People who only had an eye on my money walked away from me. Now things will start to flow, I’m sure I’ll get a good run at Tottenham and make things happen again.”

The 27-year-old proved himself correct, as things did start to flow for him in a Lilywhites jersey.

A phenomenal mid-season purple patch saw Richarlison bag nine goals in eight Premier League appearances from mid-December through to early February, finishing 23/24 as Tottenham's second top scorer behind Son Heung-min with 12 goals and four assists in all competitions.

However, it has been reported this summer window that Spurs are willing to sell the South American regardless. Technical director Johan Lange, chairman Daniel Levy and the wider recruitment team are fully aware of interest from the Middle East, with clubs in Saudi Arabia keen on signing Richarlison.

Lange is prepared to green-light Richarlison's exit for £60 million, according to some reports, and GiveMeSport have now gone one step further.

Tottenham "determined" to sell Richarlison with Ivan Toney keen to join

According to the news outlet, Tottenham are determined to sell Richarlison in the coming weeks, and it is believed that Brentford striker Ivan Toney likes the idea of joining Spurs as his potential replacement.

Saudi sides are still keeping a watchful eye on Richarlison, while Spurs have "emerged" as Toney's "most likely landing spot". The Bees forward, who is reportedly valued at around £50 million, wants to join a club with regular European football prospects and Tottenham fit the bill.

GMS sources close to the situation claim a move for Toney could go right down to the wire, meaning it may not be completed till nearer the end of the window, so it will be interesting to see how this develops.

Despite the addition of Iliman Ndiaye and the re-signing of winger Jack Harrison, Everton still look to be struggling in the final third.

In the 3-0 opening day defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion at Goodison Park last weekend, Sean Dyche’s side only managed to register nine shots, only putting one on target – whilst failing to create any big chances.

Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin could only manage 20 touches in his 76-minute display, failing to register a single effort on goal – further highlighting the need for added reinforcements.

The Toffees have previously targeted moves for Eddie Nketiah and Armando Broja, but they appear to have missed out on both options, with the pair looking likely to move to Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town, respectively.

As a result, the club will have to target alternative options in attacking areas, including one youngster who’s recently caught the eye.

Latest Everton transfer news

According to GOAL, Everton are one of multiple sides in the race to sign Atletico-MG’s Brazilian forward Alisson Santana this summer.

The 18-year-old, who has a €60m (£51m) release clause in his current deal, could be allowed to leave this summer, with Everton needing to offer €10m (£8.5m) to open negotiations, as Goodison is just one potential destination.

Whilst it’s unknown who else is interested in a move for the youngster, the club may have to act quickly to avoid missing out on a deal for the talent.

In the Brazilian Serie A in 2024, he’s failed to find the back of the net, but often only deployed as a substitute, only making four starts for Atletico.

He could follow in the footsteps of another Brazilian who made a huge impact during his time for the Toffees on Merseyside.

Why Alisson could be Richarlison 2.0 for Everton

Back in the summer of 2018, Everton forked out £40m to sign Brazilian striker Richarlison from Watford – in a move that raised eyebrows of the majority of supporters.

However, the deal proved to be a sensational piece of business, with the now 27-year-old registering 45 goals and 12 assists in his 135 Premier League appearances for the Toffees.

He also made the club a hefty profit when he departed Goodison for Tottenham Hotspur for £60m back in 2022 – helping the club’s finances in the process.

2018/19

35

15

1

2019/20

36

13

3

2020/21

34

7

3

2021/22

30

10

5

Two years on, Dyche and Co have the opportunity to sign another talented Brazilian forward in the form of Alisson, with the winger having all the attributes to thrive in the Premier League should a move come to fruition.

The attacking “difference maker” as described by analyst Ben Mattinson, has averaged three shots per 90, alongside 3.5 shot-creating actions per 90 in 2024, demonstrating his eye for goal in the final third – something which Everton desperately lack.

Games played

10

Shots taken

3

Shot-creating actions

3.5

Progressive carries

4.4

Successful take-ons

2.9

Touches in opposition area

4.2

Alisson has also averaged 4.4 progressive carries and 2.9 successful take-ons with both figures ranking him within the top 1% of all attackers in the Copa Libertadores.

Whilst it may be a risk to fork out a chunk of money on a youngster who’s unproven in Europe, it is an opportunity worth taking, with Nottingham Forest just one side who have enjoyed success with the likes of Danilo and Murillo.

Given Everton’s woeful run in front of goal in recent times, new additions are needed and, as demonstrated by his stats, Alisson has the raw ability that could transform the fortunes of Dyche’s side in attacking areas.

Everton could land a bigger talent than McTominay in move for £13m star

The Toffees are still targeting reinforcements before next Friday’s deadline.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 22, 2024

كشفت قرعة كأس أمم أفريقيا 2025، عن مجموعة المنتخب المغربي الأول لكرة القدم، والذي يستضيف البطولة في نسختها الـ35 تاريخيًا.

ويسعى منتخب المغرب لاستغلال عامل الأرض والجمهور، واستعادة اللقب الغائب منذ عام 1976 في إثيوبيا، عندما فاز أسود أطلس على غينيا في النهائي.

طالع أيضًا | نتائج قرعة كأس أمم إفريقيا 2024

وكان آخر نهائي وصل له المنتخب المغربي، في عام 2004، عندما خسر أمام المستضيف تونس، قبل الخروج من دور المجموعات في النسخة التالية.

وتحت قيادة وليد الركراكي، يريد منتخب المغرب كسر عقدة أمم إفريقيا، رغم التألق في كأس العالم بالنسخة الماضية واحتلال المركز الرابع، كأكبر إنجاز في تاريخ إفريقيا والعرب.

منتخب المغرب في النسخة الماضية خرج من دور الـ16 أمام جنوب إفريقيا، ويسعى لنسيان خيبات الماضي من خلال مجموعة هذه النسخة على ملاعبه. مجموعة المغرب في أمم أفريقيا 2025

المجموعة الأولى

المغرب

مالي

زامبيا

جزر القمر

Manchester United have strengthened across the board this summer, but there's one prominent transfer thread yet to have been conclusively wrapped up.

Manuel Ugarte did not enjoy the most auspicious of debut campaigns, signing for Paris Saint-Germain from Sporting Lisbon in a £51m deal last summer, but the 23-year-old has attracted Old Trafford's attention due to his steely skillset and wide expanse of growth still ahead.

He no doubt has a tough journey ahead, but then Ugarte has all the properties to establish himself as a leading player in the Premier League.

Why Manuel Ugarte could succeed at Man United

As per Fabrizio Romano, United are closing in on signing Ugarte; at this stage, it would be a surprise to all parties if a deal were to fall through.

Transfer talks between the two outfits have been protracted but a resolution is indeed close, with a loan move with an obligation to buy suggested as one possible solution. Ugarte, for his part, is desperate to journey to the Theatre of Dreams.

He's also a high-class distributor, ranking among the top 6% of central midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, as per FBref. Sure, he's not the most expansive with his passing, but a crisp and secure body in the centre is exactly what the Red Devils need.

Manuel Ugarte: Ligue 1 Stats 23/24

Statistics (*per game)

#

Matches (starts)

25 (21)

Goals

0

Assists

2

Touches*

67.6

Pass completion

91%

Key passes*

0.6

Ball recoveries

7.2

Tackles*

3.9

Interceptions*

1.6

Total duels won*

6.4 (53%)

Stats via Sofascore

By adding him to the mix and providing an upgrade on Casemiro, the likes of Kobbie Mainoo could operate with greater freedom, while Bruno Fernandes could be more secure in his all-encompassing creative dominance.

All this, in turn, would spill over to Ten Hag's frontline, where centre-forward Rasmus Hojlund might finally receive the service that his prolific quality deserves.

Despite a testing debut campaign in Greater Manchester, the young Dane has actually seen his market value shoot up after United paid £72m to Atalanta for his signature, and one can only imagine how far he might rise if Ugarte's arrival issues the desired chain reaction.

Rasmus Hojlund's market value in 2024

According to CIES Football Observatory's player valuation model, Hojlund currently boasts a maximum market price of £103m, bearing testament to his prodigious potential and indeed just how well-regarded he is.

This would place him some £52m above Ugarte, who might end up joining on an initial loan but would later cost a €60m (£51m) figure.

Last year, he scored ten goals from 30 matches in the Premier League despite blanking until Boxing Day, also proving to be a shining light from United's bleak Champions League campaign, bagging five goals from six outings.

To back up that point about an absence of service, Man United ranked joint-12th in the Premier League last season for big chances created, alongside Bournemouth, so Hojlund really did struggle to find the kind of support he needed to perform at his apex.

Once predicted to become a "monster" of a striker by Reading head coach Ruben Selles, Hojlund proved that he could score goals despite his young years and lack of playmaking support.

Now, United are moving up a gear or three, and he could now grow into one of the continent's star strikers.

Related Surprise move: Man Utd target "extraordinary" UCL winner who's like De Ligt

The experienced international could be a clever addition to the team.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 23, 2024

Lucy Bronze could not take to the field as a substitute in the Lionesses' friendly win over Switzerland due to a "human mistake".

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Wiegman wanted Bronze to come on for final 10 minutes
• However, she was told to go back to the dugout
• Jess Carter was instead given a run

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 33-year-old right-back, who was poised to join the action in the final ten minutes at Bramall Lane, had to retreat to the bench despite being fully prepared in her full England kit. With Bronze unable to enter the field, defender Jess Carter was called upon as a substitute instead.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT SARINA WIEGMAN SAID

  England manager Sarina Wiegman later explained that Bronze was excluded because her name was mistakenly omitted from the official team sheet, making her ineligible to participate.

  Speaking to after her team's 1-0 victory, Wiegman stated: "Yes, that was a moment where she was not on the list. So there had been a mistake, unfortunately, a human mistake, and we found out there. We still wanted to bring her on the pitch but unfortunately, she couldn't go (on) so that was really frustrating — of course the most for herself — but we couldn’t change it.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The International Football Association Board's (IFAB) regulations state that only players listed on the official team sheet may participate in the game. Any individual not included is considered an "outside agent," disqualifying them from taking part.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  The friendly against Switzerland saw England field a relatively inexperienced lineup, with Wiegman making wholesale changes to the squad that had drawn 0-0 against the United States Women's National Team just days prior at Wembley. Grace Clinton scored the game's only goal in the first half, securing the Lionesses' victory. The match also marked the senior debuts of Ruby Mace and Laura Blindkilde Brown, as Wiegman used the opportunity to test new players and the squad depth.

Bangladesh paid the price for dropping Karunaratne on 28, before debutant Shoriful Islam got him for 118

Mohammad Isam29-Apr-2021Stumps Centuries from Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne gave Sri Lanka full control of the first day of the second Test in Pallekele, as the home side ended at 291 for 1 at stumps. The pitch offered next to nothing to the Bangladesh bowlers, but the visitors were also guilty of sitting on defensive lengths and spread-out fields from quite early on.It allowed Karunaratne, fresh from his maiden double-century last weekend, and Thirimanne to dominate once they had managed to bat out the first couple of hours cautiously. The pair added 209, Sri Lanka’s first 200-plus opening stand since 2011, and the first in the country in 21 years. The partnership, which is also the pair’s third consecutive century stand, ended when Karunaratne was caught behind off Bangladesh’s debutant Shoriful Islam shortly after tea.Karunaratne made 118 off 190 balls, having struck 15 boundaries. During the course of the innings, he crossed 5,000 Test runs, apart from reaching his 12th Test century, the most by any active Sri Lanka batter. Thirimanne was the more circumspect of the two, as he reached his third Test century – the second this year – having piled up his fifth fifty-plus score in his last six innings.Thirimanne was unbeaten on 131 off 253 balls with 14 fours, alongside Oshada Fernando, who kept things calm after the long opening partnership. Fernando ended on 40 not out off 98 balls.Karunaratne and Thirimanne had begun the day slowly, adding just 66 runs in 27 overs in the first session. They had to ride out initial movement from Taskin Ahmed and Abu Jayed. Ahmed in particular was a real menace in his first two spells. He could have had an early success but Najmul Hossain Shanto dropped Karunaratne on 28 during the first session.Only Taskin and newcomer Shoriful looked penetrative over the length of their spells, but they too seemed to have gradually got tired. Jayed hardly tried anything other than a largely straight line and length, while the spinners Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz bowled too quickly in most of their spells.Karunaratne largely focused on getting his boundaries through the range between wide third man and extra cover. Eleven out of his 15 boundaries came through this region, as he hardly scored through mid-off and mid-on. Thirimanne too got plenty of runs through point and cover, and also played some fascinating straight drives besides a couple through wide mid-on.The home side remains on course to put up a dominating first innings total, perhaps one that would be enough to keep Bangladesh out of contention for the rest of the game.