Club also fined £5,000 for “below average” pitch preparation during defeat to Sussex in May

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Sep-2025

Hampshire are facing a battle to stay in the top flight in this season’s County Championship, after the club were docked eight points for the preparation of a “below average” pitch for their fixture against Sussex in May.Hampshire, who are currently taking on Sussex in the return game at Hove, have slipped from fifth place to eighth in the first-division standings following Thursday’s ruling from the independent Cricket Discipline Panel (CPD). With a revised tally of 124 points, they are now just six clear of Durham in the relegation zone, with two further rounds of the Championship to come.The contest in question took place at the Utilita Bowl from May 23-25. Sussex won the match by nine wickets, with their spinner Jack Carson claiming second-innings figures of 5 for 26 in ten overs. On June 3, Hampshire were charged with a breach of the Pitch Regulations, following a report from match umpires Rob White and Tom Lungley, match referee Wayne Noon, and an investigation by the Cricket Regulator.Related

Hampshire slip into relegation mix as Sussex escape with draw

Carson spins Sussex to emphatic nine-wicket victory

Wickets tumble at Hove as Abbott, Fuller strengthen Hampshire's hold

Wash-out at Hove leaves Hampshire, Sussex frustrated

In addition to the eight-point penalty, Hampshire have also been fined £5000 for their breach of the pitch regulations. In its full judgment, compiled after a hearing on September 2, the CDC cited consistent unevenness of bounce, and excessive spin from day two onwards.Ben Brown, Hampshire’s captain, stated in his match report that he was “really disappointed” with the surface that had been prepared by head grounds manager, Simon Lee, adding that “batting on it was a lottery”.”We wanted a good batting wicket so that we could optimise batting points, but we also wanted a pitch that would bring our spinner, Liam Dawson, into the game, when foot holes became a factor,” Brown had added in his report.Paul Farbrace, Sussex’s head coach, stated in the CDC report that Hampshire were “entitled” to prepare a pitch where spin was a factor, but in opting to play on a recently reused surface, they got it “horribly wrong”.”It was not in their interest to deliberately plan an uneven pitch,” Farbrace said. “They have excellent fast bowlers, and would have expected to win with their seam attack. This is not an example of a home side deliberately cheating … the pitch was set up for spin, and I saw a cloud of dust when the hover cover went off. But the pitch was too dry, and I note the fact that they decided to re-use a pitch not that long after using it before.”Hampshire enter the final day of their rain-affected fixture at Hove needing nine wickets for victory, while Sussex need 241 further runs – but after the third day was washed out, rain again prevented play before lunch. They face a tricky run-in in the Championship, with an away fixture to Somerset prior to a final home game against Surrey, the reigning champions who may also need to win to secure their fourth title in a row.In addition, Hampshire are competing on three fronts, with the prospect of two white-ball trophies in the coming weeks, following their progression to T20 Finals Day and the Metro Bank One-Day Cup final against Worcestershire. Adi Birrell, their long-standing head coach, is set to depart at the end of the season.Durham, who are likely to emerge with a draw from their ongoing fixture at Essex, face bottom side Worcestershire in their next Championship fixture at Chester-le-Street on Monday, ahead of a final-round trip to Yorkshire.Washington joins for relegation battleWashington Sundar impressed for India in the Test series against England•Getty Images

In a bid to strengthen their hand, Hampshire announced on Thursday morning that they have signed India allrounder Washington Sundar for the games against Somerset and Surrey. Washington, who scored his maiden Test hundred as well as taking seven wickets on India’s tour of England earlier in the summer, has previously appeared in county cricket for Lancashire.The 25-year-old has not played since featuring in India’s dramatic win at The Oval at the start of August, having missed out on selection for the Asia Cup.”We’re delighted to bring Washington to the club for the County Championship,” Giles White, Hampshire’s director of cricket, said. “He had an excellent series against England this summer and he’ll play a key role with two big games coming up against Somerset and Surrey.”

Closing in on his arrival, Kim Hellberg has already reportedly made the decision to overhaul Middlesbrough’s backroom staff and hand interim manager Adi Viveash a new role at the club.

The Swedish manager has already caused plenty of controversy around the Championship after he rejected Swansea City in favour of Boro in a late twist, and is now set to arrive in Teesside with the task of picking up where Rob Edwards left off.

Having reportedly paid £250k to secure his services, Boro will be hoping to see Hellberg get off to the perfect start, but to say he doesn’t have an easy start would be an understatement.

With Viveash set to remain in charge against Oxford United this Saturday, Hellberg’s first game in charge is likely to come against Championship leaders Coventry City. If nothing changes between now and that game, then Middlesbrough will be able to go within a point of the league leaders with victory on their manager’s debut.

It will be interesting to see how the 37-year-old sets his side up for that game. His preferred formation is a 4-2-3-1, which Boro played so often under Edwards and will now look to use to their advantage under a new manager. This should at least help ease any period of adjustment for all involved.

The Swede isn’t wasting any time before implementing other changes, however. Reports are now claiming that he’s already made an immediate staff overhaul involving interim boss Viveash.

Hellberg makes instant Viveash decision at Middlesbrough

According to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, Hellberg has already appointed David Selini as his assistant manager and made the decision to keep Viveash on as a technical coach as part of a staff overhaul. The young coach has instantly got to work to make changes in an attempt to hit the ground running in Riverside.

It’s a new role that Viveash has more than earned. The Boro coach stepped up for the club when Edwards departed, leading them to a 2-1 victory over Birmingham City and there’s no doubt his presence will help to welcome Hellberg to the job.

Meanwhile, Selini is also an interesting appointment. The Hammarby assistant has only worked with Hellberg for over a year, but is now set to join him in the Championship at just 31 years old.

In Hellberg and his assistant, Selini, Boro have placed their trust in a young management team and must now hope that their gamble ends in the pay out of promotion.

Leeds United have their eyes on a “fascinating” Brazilian forward in January after his name came up in “conversations with Red Bull”.

Leeds’ lack of goal threat in the Premier League

The Whites have struggled in front of goal so far in the Premier League, having the joint second-worst attack in the top-flight. Daniel Farke’s side have only scored 10 goals in 11 games, with bottom of the table Wolves the only team to score fewer (7).

The 49ers Enterprises didn’t exactly splash the cash in the final third over the summer either, with strikers Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin both joining on free transfers.

Noah Okafor

AC Milan

£18m

Anton Stach

Hoffenheim

£17.4m

Jaka Bijol

Udinese

£15m

Lucas Perri

Lyon

£13.9m

Sean Longstaff

Newcastle

£12m

Gabriel Gudmundsson

Lille

£10m

James Justin

Leicester City

£10m

Sebastiaan Bornauw

Wolfsburg

£5m

Louis Enahoro-Marcus

Liverpool

Undisclosed

Lukas Nmecha

Wolfsburg

Free

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Everton

Free

Noah Okafor was the most expensive attacking addition from AC Milan, and he has been one of a few bright sparks for Leeds going forward this season.

Centre-back Joe Rodon is Leeds’ joint-top goalscorer so far with two goals, highlighting the fact that the Whites need more firepower in the second half of the season to help their push to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.

Leeds looked at and failed with a deadline day move for Fulham attacker Harry Wilson, and now a new attacking target has emerged.

Leeds keen on signing Jhon Jhon

According to reports from Leeds United News, Leeds are eyeing up a move for Jhon Jhon, a versatile attacker who plays for Red Bull Bragantino in the Brazilian Serie A.

Journalist Graeme Bailey called Jhon a “fascinating player” and said that his name “has come up in conversations with Red Bull”.

“He’s a fascinating player. Very interesting. A bit of an attacking midfielder, can play as a forward. His name has come up in conversations with Red Bull, and he’s within the Red Bull name. He’s a good age, good player. Ticks a lot of boxes.

“Leeds aren’t the only ones looking. He’s come up in conversations, and one I’d not heard before until recently.”

The 23-year-old previously played for Palmeiras, but it is with Red Bull Bragantino where has has gone from strength to strength.

Jhon now holds a career-high €9m Transfermarkt valuation and has scored 15 goals in 69 appearances for his current employers, registering 12 assists.

2025 has also been Jhon’s best ever year in front of goal, and for the right price, he could be an interesting addition for the Whites.

The 49ers will more than likely need more firepower than just Jhon, though, but by the looks of things, his name will be one to watch heading into 2026.

He called Bielsa a "genius": Leeds can hire "one of the best coaches ever"

His 5 for 53 and career-best 4 for 58 for Noah Cornwell help Middlesex in enforcing the follow-on

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay26-Sep-2025Gloucestershire 286 (Bracey 60, Gohar 5-53, Cornwell 4-58) and 39 for 1 trail Middlesex 634 for 9 dec by 309 runsBad light held up Middlesex’s victory charge after they forced Gloucestershire to follow-on on the penultimate day of the Rothesay County Championship Division 2 season at Lord’s.Zafar Gohar returned 5 for 53, his best figures in a Middlesex shirt, and there was a career-best 4 for 58 for Noah Cornwell as Gloucestershire were bowled out for 286 despite 60 from skipper James Bracey which took him past 1,000 first-class runs for the season.Forced to follow on 348 behind, the visitors lost Ben Charlesworth in reaching 39 for 1 second time around before the light closed in with 31 overs left un-bowled.Gloucestershire began the day 488 in arrears under leaden grey skies, meaning there was seam movement for opening bowlers Toby Roland-Jones and Ryan Higgins.Bracey made light of the conditions, punishing any erring in line, in contrast to Ollie Price, who was scratchy, taking 45 minutes to add a single to his overnight score of 11. That was as far as he got, Cornwell’s introduction bringing his downfall via an edge to gully.Graeme Van Buuren, who signed a new contract earlier this week to remain at Gloucestershire until 2027 got underway with a cracking cover drive, bettered only by the one which took Bracey to 50, the wicketkeeper-batter raising his seasonal landmark in the process.Van Buuren didn’t stay long though, bowled trying to cut one too close to him which cannoned off the inside edge, while Cornwell’s third wicket came courtesy of a poor umpiring decision, Jack Taylor adjudged caught behind, despite a chasm between bat and ball.Bracey batted untroubled through until lunch but fell soon after the resumption as Gohar, switched to the Nursery End, found a fraction of turn to force a thin edge through to wicketkeeper Joe Cracknell.Ajeet Singh Dale came and went before Marchant de Lange and Matt Taylor entertained with a brisk stand of 44 for the ninth wicket, the former clubbing one from legspinner Luke Hollman over the ropes and twice hitting Gohar back over his head.Gohar gained revenge by having him stumped to complete a five-for, leading to Daz Ahmed, hampered by a side strain while bowling, coming in with a runner to play his maiden first-class innings. Cleary in considerable pain he batted out two overs from Gohar before Matt Taylor hooked Cornwell down the throat of long leg to end the innings.Middlesex enforced the follow-on and soon removed Charlesworth caught behind off Roland-Jones but Joe Phillips and Ollie Price, the latter looking more at ease than he had earlier in the day, batted through until tea without further mishap.Only one further over was possible before the murky light sent the players off, giving Gloucestershire hope of batting out a draw on the final day.

Arsenal have now discovered where they stand in the race to sign Malick Fofana, according to recent reports, and the winger has made his mind up on a move to Barcelona.

Despite how impressive the Gunners have been so far this season, their left-hand side remains their biggest weakness. The form of Martinelli remains inconsistent and he remains sidelined, whilst Leandro Trossard is now 30 years old and not a long-term option. After addressing their striker problem by signing Viktor Gyokeres in the summer, Arsenal must do the same on their left-hand side.

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Arsenal were uncharacteristically ropey against Sunderland on Saturday.

Posts ByMatt Dawson Nov 9, 2025

That said, given that they sit top of the Premier League with an excellent defensive record and set-piece threat, those in North London will be in no urgent rush to panic buy any potential improvements.

Their 2-2 draw against Sunderland on Saturday was the first time that Arsenal have dropped points in the Premier League since September and they’ve not lost a game in all competitions since August. Everything is pointing towards major silverware at long last for Mikel Arteta.

In an ideal world for those at The Emirates, Arsenal will march towards Premier League glory and then find themselves in the perfect opportunity to welcome any other improvements.

Already, the champions-elect have been linked with moves for the likes of Javi Guerra in what would see another La Liga talent arrive and he’s not the only one on their reported shortlist.

Recent reports have also shared Arsenal’s interest in Lyon’s Fofana, who is one of the most-wanted wingers around European football. Those same reports even revealed where the Gunners stand in the race to secure his signature.

Fofana dream revealed as Arsenal find out transfer position

According to Sport in Spain, Arsenal are now the most interested side in signing Fofana alongside Chelsea in a frustrating blow for Barcelona. The Belgium star has made his desire to complete a move to the Premier League no secret, with his agent admitting earlier this year that he dreams of moving to Liverpool.

Whilst that may seem like a blow for the likes of Arsenal, it is reportedly the Gunners who are at the front and centre of the race to secure his signature and not the Reds. Potentially with the Premier League title in hand, those in North London stand every chance of swaying Fofana, who has his sights set on English football instead of a move to Barcelona.

Fofana’s agent, Bobo Fofana, said back in March: “The choice of the heart would be Liverpool. He has the potential to become a regular, and above all, we’d like to see him succeed African legends such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Elhadj Diouf.”

A player who’s been described as “explosive” by Como scout Ben Mattinson, Fofana is not a talent that Arsenal will want to miss out on, especially if it is to title rivals Liverpool.

Arteta has Arsenal's best finisher since Van Persie & it's not Gyokeres

Yorkshire captain on fitness and longevity in the professional women’s game

Valkerie Baynes05-May-2025Fitness never fails to land as a touchy topic in sport.Charlotte Edwards doesn’t even like saying it anymore, instead referring to “the F-word” as new head coach of an England Women’s squad who found this side of their game called into question after repeated failures on the big stage.Lauren Winfield-Hill – a veteran of 104 England caps, most recently in 2022, and the picture of a professional athlete still going strong on the domestic circuit at the age of 34 – believes “sometimes you’ve got to be careful with your language of what is fitness in cricket”.”I think the biggest thing is the physicality and the athleticism,” she tells ESPNcricinfo. “Can you hold long spells as a bowler? Can you get up and down for twos as a batter? And how good’s your fielding; are you cutting twos, are you taking catches?”If that falls under the banner of fitness, Winfield-Hill says “yeah, there’s some big improvements to be made” in the England Women’s squad.”I sort of prefer the athleticism and the physicality piece,” she adds. “Sometimes we can get skewed with fitness: ‘Can you run for a long time? Do you look athletic?’ and all this sort of stuff and that’s irrelevant.”At the T20 World Cup in Dubai in October, two straightforward catches went down amid a rash of fielding errors as West Indies raced to a powerplay of 67 without loss in pursuit of 142. A further three catches went down and England found themselves scrambling in the field as their opponents romped to a six-wicket win with two overs to spare, knocking them out of the tournament at the group stage.”The fielding was poor at times, very, very poor, and the movement and the cutting twos and things like that,” Winfield-Hill says. “And that’s not a blanket thing for every single player. There’s some players that can certainly make strides in that area, there’s some players that are great athletes.Winfield-Hill hasn’t given up on her England ambitions but accepts her opportunities may be elsewhere•Getty Images”Across the board, I feel like the physical stuff, it’s almost like your commitment to everyone else. Batting and scoring runs, that piece is quite selfish, you can just look after yourself. Bowling is quite similar. But the fielding is the bit that you do for everyone else. If you are fielding a square leg for Lauren Bell, it’s not really for you, it’s for Lauren Bell. It’s captivating this bit where we’re all in and we’re willing to work really damn hard for each other and go through it a bit, get in there and get some tough sessions in, get down and dirty and show how much you’re willing to commit to each other.”Winfield-Hill points out that a relentless schedule, including ever-expanding franchise leagues which disperse players for extended periods of time, adds to the challenge, but says a willingness to work harder and commit to one another as team-mates is crucial.She is well-qualified to comment, based on her experience, longevity and performance.

The physical stuff, it’s almost like your commitment to everyone else. Batting and scoring runs, that piece is quite selfish. But the fielding is the bit that you do for everyone elseWinfield-Hill on the need for basic standards in the field

For two years running, in 2022 and 2023, she was the leading run-scorer in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy with 470 runs at 78.33 and 663 at 51.00. She is a gun fielder and handy wicketkeeper, having assumed the latter role throughout her four seasons in The Hundred to date.Plus, she looks like one of the fittest players in the country. But is it okay to say that?If so, why is it that when professional athletes are paid to engage in physical activity, there is a squeamishness about the word, fitness?Boiled down, a lack of fitness is often seen as a euphemism for being fat because no one calls anyone fat in the media any more, for good reason. It wasn’t so long ago that they did, with devastating consequences.At the premier of his Disney+ documentary last month, Andrew Flintoff spoke of how the media still hadn’t apologised for brutally fat-shaming him 25 years ago. In 2020, he revealed that the criticism had driven him to bulimia.That episode involved a cruel takedown of Flintoff’s physical appearance amid leaked information over his off-field behaviour when what he really needed was help.Winfield-Hill has a four-year deal with Yorkshire but sees no reason to retire when it expires•Royal LondonSo by the time Ollie Robinson was told privately and via the media that he needed to get fitter by Jon Lewis, the then England men’s bowling coach who would go on to become England Women’s head coach, during a dire Ashes campaign in 2021-22, was that a comment on his appearance, conduct or the fact he had broken down a number of times during the tour?When Alex Hartley, the former England spinner turned commentator first criticised the women’s team following their T20 World Cup exit she said: “I’m not going to name names, but if you look at them, you know. You know who’s blowing a gasket and who isn’t. About 80% of the England team are fit and athletic enough, but there are girls in that side who are letting the team down when it comes to fitness.”She then drew comparisons with the 15 or 16 “genuine athletes” in the Australia squad so the issue inevitably blew up again when England lost the Ashes 16-0.What it all comes down to is performance – players being able to execute the skills required to win games.Dane van Niekerk and Lizelle Lee would argue they didn’t get the chance to prove themselves in that respect at the end of their international careers. Van Niekerk never played for South Africa again after failing to run 2km in the prescribed time for selected for the T20 World Cup in 2023 and Lee retired from international cricket amid a dispute over a weigh-in the previous year.Cricket South Africa subsequently relaxed fitness requirements for men and women, allowing for more discretionary selection.For England, an increased focus on performance as a selection tool has begun with Edwards calling on all centrally contracted players to be available for the first seven rounds of the domestic 50-over competition.”I love that domestic cricket has been really valued,” Winfield-Hill says. “For a few years it’s sort of been like, ‘oh, don’t play if you don’t want to’, and volume of runs or wickets within the domestic structure is not really necessarily being considered.”Asking the players to play and to dominate and to perform because it’s an open forum and it’s a bit of a trial for everyone, it’s a great thing. You need players who are currently in possession to be kept on their toes and you’ll see who the best players in the country are. It is the performance world and it should be about who performs. It’s a stats driven game. You’re there to score runs and take wickets, and whoever’s doing that should have a good opportunity of wearing an English shirt… it is the fairest way to do it, and then there’s no questions about selections.”Again, the Australians are held up as an example.England’s players look on as Australia celebrate their Women’s Ashes whitewash•Getty Images”I hate banging on about the Aussies, I think our domestic structure is better,” says Winfield-Hill. “I feel like I’m a good judge because I’ve played in both countries for the last two years. Domestically we play a much larger volume of cricket and the only way you get good at cricket is by playing a lot of cricket.”But one thing they do do is they’re very rigid on their selections and if you absolutely don’t tear up domestic cricket and you’re not a good athlete and you’re not a good team person, you won’t be playing for Australia. It’s not just like, ‘oh, you’ve performed in domestic levels, so we’ll give you a go.’ It’s like, ‘no, you need to knock these people off their perch.’ I’d love to see that in England.”England hopefuls have no shortage of opportunities to show what they can do under the new county-based domestic structure.Edwards has frequented the grounds throughout the opening rounds of the Metro Bank One Day Cup, where Winfield-Hill captains Yorkshire in Tier 2.The Vitality T20 Women’s County Cup also gets underway on Monday, featuring teams from all three tiers of domestic cricket in a knockout competition over the next three weeks.Related

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Winfield-Hill hasn’t retired from international cricket. But while she has agreed a loan deal to play for Tier 1 team Essex in the T20 blast starting later this month, she says that while her best playing years lay ahead, “I just don’t necessarily realistically think that’s in an England shirt”.The move to Essex seems more about testing herself by playing at the highest level possible which, with her 35th birthday approaching in August, should stand as an inspiration for players younger and older.”I’ve obviously got a four-year contract at Yorkshire and I’m like, I don’t have to retire in four years,” she says. “Touch wood, I feel like I’m somebody that physically looks after myself, but I am looking around at Faf du Plessis, Wayne Madsen, they’re in their forties and they’re still great athletes going really well. Why do you have to stop? We put limitations on things just because it’s not been done before and it’s like, well, it can be done and you can play till you’re 40 if you want to play till you’re 40.”The way the game is now, the way women’s sport is now, people can play for a lot longer. The sports medicine is way better in terms of the support that you get, how you can look after yourself and the actual money means that you can keep playing without having to get ‘a real job’.”I’ve always said I am going to play until either my body’s buggered or it’s not fun anymore, whichever comes first. If it’s fun, then you’re obviously performing. If you’re not performing, it’s not fun.”Performances that make cricket fun? Now there’s an F-word the England team might be happy to say in full.

U.S. Soccer has appointed Dan Helfrich, former Chair and CEO of Deloitte Consulting LLP, as its next Chief Operating Officer, effective Jan. 1, 2026. Helfrich will report to CEO and Secretary General JT Batson and oversee the federation’s day-to-day operations. His hiring comes shortly after his retirement from Deloitte in December 2025.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Experienced leader

  In announcing the hire, U.S. Soccer said Helfrich will oversee implementation of the federation’s strategic plan, known as In Service to Soccer, using the sort of operational rigor he applied at Deloitte. Helfrich arrives with nearly three decades of leadership experience guiding large, complex organizations – most recently leading a consulting practice of roughly 85,000 people and $20 billion in revenue – and will bring that scale to the federation’s commercial, competition and development operations.

   “U.S. Soccer has more than doubled in the last few years – and we know there is more work to do to reach our ambitious goals,” Batson said in a press release. “Dan brings a rare combination of deep operational expertise, curiosity, and a lifelong passion for the game. His leadership and commitment to excellence will help us move faster, work smarter, and continue building the foundation for soccer’s next chapter in the U.S.” 

Advertisement

• Helfrich outlines vision for growth

  Following his appointment as U.S. Soccer’s new Chief Operating Officer, Helfrich spoke about embracing the opportunity to help guide the federation during a transformative era for the sport in the United States. Emphasizing his lifelong connection to soccer, Helfrich described the moment as the right time to commit fully to the game’s nationwide development, outlining a mission centered on strengthening all 27 national teams.

   “Soccer has been a defining part of my life for more than 40 years, as a player, fan, broadcaster, volunteer, and parent,” Helfrich said in a press release. “And now is the right time for me to focus my career here during this pivotal time for the sport in our country. I’m inspired by U.S. Soccer’s mission and excited to partner with JT, our staff, and our members to strengthen the game and ensure soccer is accessible to everyone, everywhere, for generations to come.

  “This means delivering results on the field through our 27 national teams while also making sure every player, coach, referee, and fan feels a deep connection to U.S. Soccer and their role in achieving our shared mission.” 

• Deep roots in soccer

  Prior to becoming Deloitte Consulting Chair and CEO, Helfrich held key executive roles, including Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer and leader of Deloitte’s Government and Public Services practice.

  Beyond his corporate career, he actively supports youth development through board and advisory roles with organizations such as Grassroots Soccer, Street Soccer USA, and the Positive Coaching Alliance. He has also captained Georgetown’s men’s soccer team and earned Academic All-American honors. Since 2005, Helfrich has also contributed as a play-by-play broadcaster for Georgetown Soccer, calling over 250 matches.

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• What comes next for Helfrich and U.S. Soccer

  Helfrich will relocate to Atlanta and begin integrating with U.S. Soccer’s executive team in January, charged with converting strategic plans into measurable programs and outcomes. Early priorities are likely to include operational readiness for post-World Cup growth, rolling out Next Gen Committee recommendations where applicable, and strengthening systems that support player pathways and competition delivery.

Albania manager Sylvinho heaped praise on Thomas Tuchel's England as the Three Lions near a perfect World Cup qualifying record. Having already booked their berth in the flagship competition next year, the Three Lions are now aiming to maintain their 100 per cent win record in the qualifying rounds. England will meet Albania in their last group game on Sunday in Tirana.

England's fiery form under Tuchel

Tuchel's journey as England boss has been near perfect as the Three Lions have won eight out of the nine matches they have played thus far, since March 2025. This incredible run of form includes a seven-game winning streak in the World Cup qualifiers and they are now on the verge of ending their qualifying campaign with a 100 per cent win record. They have also scored 20 goals in seven qualifiers and have kept a clean sheet in each of those games. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTuchel's England praised by Albania boss

Albania manager Sylvinho, who has featured for clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City during his playing days, was full of praise for Tuchel's team as he told reporters, "Unfortunately, I have to say they are stronger than six months ago. The numbers are amazing. It's disgusting! What can I say? But we are happy, we are going to face one of the best tomorrow and we are going to try to do our job. My players have confidence and love what they are doing on the pitch. We are going to prepare something, try to score and have a great match. I've heard in my life in 90 minutes of football, anything can happen."

He added: "They are in a completely different level [to us]. Don't make any confusion about us. We are very happy with our team, so we are for the first time going to play the playoffs in March, but it is completely different. Tomorrow is a great game, it's a difficult game as well. Great coach, love him, the way that he plays and also he has some of the best players in the world."

Kane hailed Tuchel as one of the best managers ever

Speaking about the former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager, England captain Harry Kane earlier said: "He's done a really good job. Coming in to being England manager is never easy, especially after Gareth who was one of our most successful managers. He's [Tuchel] tried to stamp his own feel into training, into meetings. He comes with a lot of enthusiasm. Tactically, we are really precise going into every game. 

He's been building different ideas leading up to next summer. From now until then, there will be more he would like to add. Tactically, he has been fantastic. He brings a personality, he brings an aura that represents an England manager. Going into a major tournament that is important as well. Other teams know he is one of the best managers in the world and that brings weight as well."

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Getty Images SportTuchel wants a strong bench in England squad

Speaking on the importance of having a strong bench in the England squad, the German coach said: "We need a good bench, we play in 40 degrees and we will play after a long, long season, we are maybe the nation that suffers the most from international football, from long seasons, from two cups, from cup finals, from semi-finals. 100 per cent we need to be ready to do substitutions until hopefully the late stages of the World Cup. Once we go to a tournament, I think clarity in the role is very important. The better player can also think about it and be honest: 'Can I accept this, is it good for me, can I make the most of this for the team?'"

Manchester United’s hierarchy ensured that Ruben Amorim was well backed in the 2025 summer transfer window. Despite another season filled with inconsistencies under the Portuguese manager, the Red Devils’ owners have backed their manager, highlighted by the amount of money they spent over the summer.

Star forward Bryan Mbeumo has been the biggest success story after his £71m move from Brentford. He was one of three marquee attackers who United signed, along with Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m, and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko for £74m.

Goalkeeper Senne Lammens rounded out a busy summer where Amorim was well and truly backed.

If recent rumours are to be believed, INEOS are willing to give Amorim even more money to spend.

United’s next marquee signing

It is certainly an exciting time to be a United fan with all the incomings. They have been linked with a few big names from within the Premier League, including Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba, in recent days.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Yet, the man who the Red Devils could turn to first in midfield is Real Madrid and France international Aurelien Tchouameni. According to reports in Spain, via Football365, United have ‘put forward an offer’ to sign the former AS Monaco star as soon as January.

This is certainly not a deal that will come cheap for United. The reported bid they have played for the midfielder would see him become Amorim’s most expensive signing, at £79m including add-ons.

However, the report suggests Los Blancos are not open to the move as things stand.

Man Utd's next Casemiro in the making?

At 25 years of age, the 43-cap France international is about to enter the peak years of his career. Since moving to the Bernabeu in 2022 from Monaco, he has become a key player in midfield, helping Madrid win multiple titles, including the Champions League and La Liga.

This season under Madrid’s new head coach, Xabi Alonso, Tchouameni has featured 15 times, in all competitions. Operating at the base of midfield, he’s completed 90 minutes 12 times, racking up 1224 minutes so far.

There are a couple of smaller things in Tchouameni’s game that make him such an appealing addition for Amorim. One of those is his versatility, with the Frenchman able to slot in at centre-back. The other his his knack for goal.

England fans won’t forget this strike in the 2022 World Cup, highlighting how dangerous he can be from range.

If the Red Devils were able to bring the Frenchman to Old Trafford this term, he would, in many ways, be the second coming of Casemiro. United’s number 18 has shone under Amorim this term, playing all ten Premier League games he’s been available for. Indeed, there are a couple of striking similarities between the pair.

Indeed, the fact that Casemiro was also a big money signing from Los Blancos is one of the main ways this deal feels alike. Versatility is also a similarity, with the Brazilian able to operate at centre-back too, as well as his natural role in midfield.

The former Madrid star is also prone to a goal just like Tchouameni, with three to his name already this term.

One of his best strikes in Red came last season in the Carabao Cup, when he hit this long-range screamer against Leicester City.

Tchouameni and Casemiro also share a statistical likeness, as can be seen when looking at their stats this season, as per FBref..

For example, the French star averaged 5.88 progressive passes and 3.3 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes, compared to 4.41 progressive passes and 3.97 tackles and interceptions each game from the Brazil international.

Progressive passes

5.88

4.41

Tackles and interceptions

3.33

3.97

Clearances

1.96

1.76

Progressive carries

1.03

0.15

Ball recoveries

4.23

5.74

It is easy to see how this deal to sign Tchouameni could be the second coming of Casemiro at Old Trafford. They have followed a similar career path and are statistically alike. He could well be the Brazilian’s replacement down the line.

As football analyst Raj Chohan said, Tchouameni is “one of the best defensive midfielders on the planet” and he would certainly add more midfield quality to United.

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One Garnacho-esque new signing could help add firepower to Man United’s attack.

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 19, 2025

His 38-ball-101 put Rajasthan Royals in the driving seat in their chase of 210 against Gujarat Titans

Abhimanyu Bose28-Apr-20255:27

‘Otherworldly’ Suryavanshi wows Bishop, Aaron

Chris Gayle – 30 balls

175* vs Pune Warriors, Bengaluru, 2013
It was the day on which Gayle rewrote T20 record books at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. His unbeaten 175 remains the highest individual score in the format, and his 30-ball century is the fastest in IPL history even after 12 years. After a watchful first over, Gayle took 21 off Ishwar Pandey and 28 off Mitchell Marsh to bring up a 17-ball fifty. Aaron Finch’s 29-run over only added to the charge and Gayle brought up his century in the ninth over. Of his first 103 runs, 98 came in boundaries. He finished unbeaten on 175 and later returned to pick up two wickets, capping off a surreal day.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi – 35 balls
101 vs Gujarat Titans, Jaipur, 2025Walking out to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal in Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) chase of 210, Suryavanshi made history as he hammered a bowling attack comprising Rashid Khan, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna to bring up the second-fastest century in the IPL. By the time Prasidh dislodged him with a yorker, he had hit 11 sixes and seven fours and left RR needing 44 off 49 deliveries. In a phenomenal display of hitting, Suryavanshi took 26 off an Ishant over on the way to a 17-ball half-century, and then hit three sixes and three fours off Karim Janat’s first over in the IPL. He reached his century with a six off Rashid, no less.

Yusuf Pathan – 37 balls

100 vs Mumbai Indians (MI), Brabourne, 2010
Pathan teed off when Rajasthan Royals (RR) needed 143 off 57 balls to chase down MI’s 212. He hit 54 off his next 11 deliveries, including three successive sixes off Ali Murtaza and 24 in the following over from R Sathish. The carnage continued as he brought up what was then the fastest century in the IPL with a towering six. He was run out the very next ball, leaving RR with 40 to get from 17 balls – a bridge too far in the end. However, his captain, Shane Warne, described it as the best innings he had ever seen.

David Miller – 38 balls

101* vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Mohali, 2013Miller’s 38-ball century rescued Kings XI Punjab (now PBKS) from 64 for 4 and powered them in a jaw-dropping chase of 191, with 99 runs coming in the last five overs. It began with a flurry of boundaries off Vinay Kumar before he tore into RP Singh for 26 in a single over. With three runs needed and Miller on 95, he launched a length ball straight over the sightscreen to bring up his century in style. After the match, Miller shared his father’s advice: “If it’s in the V, it’s in the tree. If it’s in the arc, it’s out of the park.”

Travis Head – 39 balls

102 vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2024Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Head had already signaled their intent with a 277-run blitz earlier in the season. In Bengaluru, they went one better. Head had set the tone with a powerplay assault that saw SRH race to 76 for 0, bringing up his fifty along the way. By the time he was dismissed in the 13th over for a 41-ball 102, SRH had rocketed to 165. They eventually finished on 287 – the highest total in IPL history.

Priyansh Arya – 39 balls

103 vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mullanpur, 2025PBKS picked 24-year-old Delhi opener Arya for INR 3.8 crore after a bidding war at the auction and he’s already showing why. After a 23-ball 47 on debut, Arya delivered on his potential against CSK. He began the innings with a first-ball six and didn’t let the fall of wickets at the other end disrupt his intent. He later smacked Matheesha Pathirana for three consecutive sixes and a four to bring up a stunning maiden IPL century in just the 13th over of the innings.Watch – Highlights of Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s record-breaking hundred on JioHotstar (only in India)