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“The real red flag is their batting, and the inconsistency that they’ve shown in that five-game period is quite remarkable”

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Apr-202329:47

A deep dive into Delhi Capitals’ woeful season

Tom Moody wants Delhi Capitals to drop Prithvi Shaw, recall Rilee Rossouw, use Mitchell Marsh as an opener, and promote Axar Patel to No. 5 as they attempt to turn their season around.Capitals are in crisis after starting IPL 2023 with five consecutive defeats. They will likely have to win eight of their nine remaining games to have a chance of qualifying for the play-offs, starting with a home fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday night.Moody, a title-winning coach with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016, has over a decade of experience in IPL dressing rooms. In an extended edition of ESPNcricinfo’s T20 Time:Out, he dissected Capitals’ issues and offered a potential solution to their problems with the bat, which have seen them fail to pass 175 so far this season.Related

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“I’ve faced situations where you have your backs up against the wall, and it’s a challenging time for everyone because pressure comes from all angles,” Moody said. “You get external pressure: there’s a lot of noise coming from the media, a lot of noise coming from your fans. And you’ve got your internal pressure, right through from ownership to senior management, baring into that dressing room.”Moody believes that in the five-day gap between games, the franchise would have “gone through every department” of their line-up. “Clearly, the real red flag for Delhi Capitals is their batting and the inconsistency that they’ve shown in that five-game period is quite remarkable: the number of players, and the different positions that players have played in over that period of time,” he said.Capitals have regularly lost early wickets, most recently stumbling to 32 for 4 in the powerplay during their defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday. “Everything is being compounded at the beginning; they’re not crossing the first hurdle,” Moody said.4:27

Moody: ‘It’s got to a point where Shaw’s rope is running out’

Prithvi Shaw out, Mitchell Marsh to openHe believes that, after scoring 34 runs in his five innings of the season, Shaw’s time is up. “Prithvi Shaw is a unique case in that he’s an extraordinary talent and we all know what he’s capable of doing,” Moody said. “He’s done that not only in the IPL but on the international stage as well. With someone like him, you give him a little bit more rope with regards to his opportunity to come good, because you know that when he does, it’s going to be a high impact. But I think it’s got to the point after five games where that rope is running out.”You’ve got to make a tough call on certain players that aren’t showing any light at the end of the tunnel. And on the evidence of what we’ve seen so far with Prithvi Shaw, it may well be that IPL 2023 may not be his year where he has the impact that we all hoped that he was going to have.”It can just be, ‘oh, we’ll give him a couple more games and see what happens’. Those couple of games go, your chances as a franchise have gone. That’s why you’ve got to make that cold, hard decision at that point. This is crunch time.”Moody wants Marsh, who has batted at No. 3 so far this season, to be shifted up to open.”He’s done that before recently and he’s done it successfully. He’s naturally an enforcer so that would complement [David] Warner… it would help him as well,” Moody said. “You’ve got a left-right combination, you’ve got a 6ft4in and a 5ft8in batter, which is difficult to bowl to.”4:30

How should Delhi Capitals structure their top seven after five losses?

Rilee Rossouw in, Axar Patel up at No. 5He would also adjust their overseas combination, playing three overseas batters alongside Anrich Nortje at the expense of Mustafizur Rahman. “I think they’re left with no other choice at the moment,” Moody said. “They’ve been going two and two but I think they have no choice but to go the other way.”At No. 3 and 4, I’d have Rilee Rossouw and Manish Pandey both padded up. I’d always want to keep a left-right combination in the top four: if Marsh gets out, Pandey goes in, and vice versa. That would be my lock for the top four.”As for Axar, Moody would promote him to No. 5.”His batting has really shone over the last 12 months. I’d embrace that and have real clear communication with him that this is his position to nail down… he could have a very good impact there, and it’s always nice to have a left-hander in that middle phase as well, because generally a lot of spin is being bowled.”Capitals have plenty of experience in their management and support staff, with Sourav Ganguly joining as director of cricket this year and working alongside head coach Ricky Ponting, but the franchise face an uphill task to turn things around.”The time we’ve spent dissecting it just shows you how difficult a challenge it is,” Moody said. “What you can be assured of is that Delhi have got an assured leadership group with Ponting and Ganguly, you’ve got experience in [Shane] Watson as a batting coach. They’ve got all the personnel. It’s a case of making sure that they get all those pieces in line to hopefully turning their fortunes around.”

Kent batters add 318 for second wicket to pile on the advantage at Wantage Road

ECB Reporters Network26-Jun-2023Tawanda Muyeye and Daniel-Bell Drummond set batting milestones as Kent dominated on day two of their LV= Insurance County Championship match with hosts Northamptonshire at Wantage Road.Zimbabwean Muyeye cracked a stylish maiden first-class hundred complete with four huge sixes on his way to 179 while the more experienced Bell-Drummond inked in a new career-best of 271 not out, eclipsing his 206 not out against Loughborough University at Canterbury seven years ago. Bell-Drummond’s individual tally set a record for a Kent batsman at Wantage Road, beating Frank Wooley’s 217 back in 1926.The pair added 318 for the second wicket as the visitors piled up 550 for 5 by stumps, a lead of 313.On what was a tough day for a weary-looking Northamptonshire attack, Alex Russell and Ben Sanderson emerged from the onslaught with two wickets apiece.Bell-Drummond set the tone, on-driving the first ball of the day back past the stumps for four, but it wasn’t long before Muyeye took centre-stage.The 22-year-old, who originally arrived on these shores with his mother as an asylum seeker, showed his promise as a schoolboy at Eastbourne where he set records for the number of runs scored (1112) and sixes hit (56) in his first season.Initially with Sussex, he signed for Kent in 2021, scoring 89 against Middlesex at the end of that season as the hosts chased down a target of 375 in the fourth innings.Nevertheless, with England man Zak Crawley at the top of the order, his opportunities have been limited, so this was only his 13th first-class appearance, but there would be nothing unlucky about it.Tawanda Muyeye plays into the off side•Getty ImagesMuyeye picked up where he’d left off on day one, using the long levers of his tall slender frame to showcase an elegant technique mixed with power, dismissing a short one from Sanderson to the mid-wicket boundary before despatching long hops from Jack White and Alex Russell to the square leg fence.A single to deep cover took him beyond that previous career-best against Middlesex and there were no nervous 90s either, a huge six over mid-on taking him to the brink of that maiden hundred which duly came minutes later courtesy of another half-tracker pulled to the fence.Off came the helmet amid a joyous celebration from a talented young player who’d played with the exuberance of someone enjoying a Sunday afternoon game in the park with his mates. He celebrated the milestone with a glorious straight six off White which raised the 200-stand.Bell-Drummond was less exuberant, but continued his rich vein of form in June, a 12th four carrying him to three figures in a wicketless first session for the hosts.The pair forged on after the interval, Muyeye plundering a third six, he’d only hit one in first-class cricket before today. The stand moved beyond 300 and the 2nd wicket record against Northamptonshire of 382 set by Sean Dickson and Joe Denly looked in sight before the youngster mishit Russell into the hands of Sanderson at cover.Such was the charm with which he’d played, that his departure took some of the sunshine out of the cricket, Denly and Jack Leaning falling cheaply either side of the second new ball, the latter to a sharply spinning delivery from Rob Keogh which bowled him through the gate.Bell-Drummond though picked up the mantle, a glorious straight drive taking him past his previous Championship-best of 166. His first Championship double hundred complete with 20 fours came soon after tea, and four through mid-wicket off White enabled him to chalk up the new career-best landmark.Jordan Cox kept him company either side of tea with an ebullient 41 in a stand of 106 before being castled by the persevering Sanderson.Bell-Drummond however batted through to stump and a triple century beckons on day three.

The Daniel Levy era at Tottenham Hotspur has been a total rollercoaster, one that’s not just been encapsulated by years of mediocrity on the pitch, but their dealings off the pitch too.

While their recruitment is getting better, notably preparing for the future by bringing the likes of Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and highly-rated defender Luka Vuskovic to the club, they have still wasted several hundreds of millions on players who simply haven’t cut it.

In recent years we’re talking about the likes of £60m Richarlison, £25m Yves Bissouma, £25m Emerson Royal and £55m Giovani Lo Celso.

One of the worst, however, was the ill-fated Tanguy Ndombele move.

Why Ndombele's Spurs move was such a disaster

The year was 2019 and the month was July. It was the summer window and Levy knew he needed to spend to take Spurs to the next level.

Spend he did, splashing out a club-record fee at the time of £55m on Ndombele. The Frenchman arrived from Lyon with some suggesting he was the dream replacement for the much-loved Mousa Dembele.

You could see why such a comparison was being made. Ndombele was a powerful carrier, his technical ability was first-class and he could affect games in both boxes.

He moved from Ligue 1 having scored three goals and supplied eight assists in the 2018/19 campaign. The Frenchman – capped seven times – never replicated those numbers in the white of Spurs, however.

In fact, across 91 outings for the club, he only amassed nine assists and netted ten goals. He wasn’t explicitly signed for his ability to contribute in the final third but for the price tag and the hype, you’d expect better.

So, why did it not work out? Well, not only did he suffer from injuries, missing several games through a groin problem, but he didn’t particularly work hard enough. That was the view of many people, chiefly Jose Mourinho.

“We had to start with him as a No 10,” the former Spurs boss explained. “He didn’t have the discipline, the strength or the stamina to be a midfield player.”

2019/20

29

2

4

2020/21

46

6

4

2021/22

16

2

1

One training ground source encapsulated it perfectly. Speaking to the Athletic, they said at the time: “Tanguy is the maverick of the team, he can do stuff that nobody else can do. Incredibly talented, incredible ability, just sometimes you just want to be like, ‘Tanguy you’re so good, just do the basics’.”

Well, after never really making the grade in north London, he finally left England behind in June 2024 when his contract was cancelled.

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Spurs haven’t exactly done great things in the market since then, and that’s typified by Timo Werner’s move.

Spurs' worst signing since Ndombele

While the likes of Richarlison, Lo Celso and Bissouma – all signing since Ndombele – haven’t exactly set the world alight, they have at least made positive contributions.

The Brazilian scored 12 goals in all competitions last term, while Lo Celso had some memorable moments, netting against Manchester City in 2023/24 and playing an important role in the team through the middle stages of Ange Postecoglou’s debut year at the helm.

However, for Werner, he hasn’t had many memorable moments at all. While Ndombele is certainly the worst of the bunch, the German has flopped in a similar way.

Of course, being a loan move, there hasn’t been a whole wad of cash wasted here but if anything has been wasted, it’s time and effort to get a deal over the line.

The former Chelsea attacker initially signed in January of 2024 on loan and did make an impact in the back end of that season, scoring twice and supplying three assists in 13 outings.

As a consequence, his loan move in England was extended over the summer, keeping him at the club until the end of the current campaign. Sadly, it just hasn’t been worthwhile.

The £165k-per-week earner has only scored once all campaign – a goal in the Carabao Cup – and has three assists in the Premier League.

The nadir of his time at the club was definitely against Tamworth in the FA Cup back in January. Spurs nearly lost the game and Werner notably underperformed with podcaster and content creator Will Reyner suggesting “he looks comfortably the worst player on the pitch against a non-league side.” Damning words indeed.

He’s not just frustrated supporters but he’s also annoyed Postecoglou who notably laid into the Germany international back in December after a performance against Rangers, suggesting his performance was “not acceptable”. Tell us how you really feel, Ange.

Also described as a “weird” signing by ESPN pundit Don Hutchinson, is it really a surprise that Spurs are set to pass on their option to buy the 29-year-old at the end of his loan this summer?

It was reported that Levy could exercise a £8.5m buy option but it’s suggested that he will head back to RB Leipzig in the summer.

That is certainly the right decision for a player who has flopped just as hard as Ndombele did in Spurs colours.

Ange has found a "mind-blowing" star at Spurs who could be the next Defoe

The talented forward could replicate the Spurs icon.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 21, 2025

The former USMNT striker has called out the Real Betis midfielder for his inability to replicate his impressive club form for his country

Gomez questions why Cardoso can't replicate club formSays mental blocks appear to prevent Cardoso from playing for USMNTRepeated national team opportunities have yielded disappointing resultsAFPWHAT HAPPENED

Former USMNT forward Herculez Gomez recently expressed frustration over Johnny Cardoso's inconsistent performances between club and country. The American midfielder enjoyed a standout season for La Liga side Real Betis and was expected to be a key figure for the USMNT at the Gold Cup. However, he struggled against Turkey, and Gomez pointed to a possible mental block that's preventing Cardoso from replicating his club form on the international stage.

“But not like this, not like this Cris [Cristina Alexander] and not like spot on,” Gomez said on ESPN's when asked if there’s a pattern of players excelling for their clubs but underperforming for the U.S. “He’s in his own head, and you don’t have other players who are – in their own league right now – one of the best players and constantly being highlighted as one of the best. And you have a team like Atletico, who is known for their defensive posturing, and [Diego] Simeone saying, ‘That’s the guy I want, that’s the key, I want him in the center of the field.’”

He added, “For whatever reason [with the national team], he’s in his own head and he makes things so complicated. He’s a player that’s supposed to be cerebral, he’s a player that’s supposed to link from A to B but when he goes to the USMNT, there seems to be some this sense that he can’t do it, but he’s the only one that believes that. Because he keeps getting opportunities, and he keeps letting himself down."

The 23-year-old American midfielder played a key role for Real Betis, making 46 appearances across all competitions as the La Liga side finished sixth in the league and reached the final of the UEFA Europa Conference League. Gomez added that Cardoso should, theoretically, be able to translate all that skill and talent for the U.S. side and needs to start by playing simple football.

“There’s no reason on earth that good at the La Liga level and can’t do it at the CONCACAF level…I don’t know if I buy this as a USMNT problem, I think this is strictly Johnny Cardoso here," Gomez explained. "He’s just got to play simple, play to his strengths, play to his attributes."

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With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the USMNT desperately needs players who can perform consistently at both club and international levels. Cardoso's inability to translate his La Liga success to the national team represents a concerning pattern that affects the team's midfield stability and overall performance.

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Cardoso will need to address his mental approach to international matches if he hopes to secure a starting position for the 2026 World Cup. The 2025 Gold Cup kicks off on June 15 for the USMNT, but before that, they face Switzerland on June 10 in a friendly game.

While most fans dislike the international break, it was probably a welcome distraction for the Ipswich Town faithful.

Kieran McKenna’s side have played some great football at points this season but have lost their last five games in all competitions and sit in 18th place in the Premier League with just 17 points to their name.

Yet, while it’ll be a Herculean task, there is still a faint chance that the Tractor Boys could overturn the nine-point advantage Wolverhampton Wanderers have over them in 17th.

Premier League

Palace

1-0 (Loss)

Premier League

Forest

4-2 (Loss)

FA Cup

Forest

1-1 (5-4 Loss on Pens)

Premier League

Man Utd

3-2 (Loss)

Premier League

Spurs

4-1 (Loss)

However, to do that, McKenna’s men need to start picking up wins, including tonight away at Bournemouth. To give his side the best chance of doing so, he should unleash Ipswich’s answer to Milos Kerkez.

Ipswich's record vs Bournemouth

Since their first encounter in September 1936, Ipswich have played Bournemouth 39 times in all competitions, winning 14, drawing 13, and losing 12.

However, while their overall record against the Cherries makes for sweet reading, the Tractor Boys have not fared so well in recent encounters.

In fact, four of their last five matches have ended in a draw, with their most recent being an away win for the south coast side earlier this season.

It was a particularly painful result for the hosts. A 21st-minute goal from Conor Chaplain gave them the lead, which they held onto until Enes Unal came off the bench to score an equaliser in the 87th minute and snatch away the chance for a first home win of the season.

Then, as if that wasn’t demoralising enough, another substitute, Dango Ouattara, ended up scoring the winner in the 95th minute.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

So, it would probably be fair to say that the Blues will be out for revenge tonight, and to make sure his side have the best chance of getting it, McKenna should unleash his answer to Kerkez.

Ipswich's answer to Kerkez

There are a few dangermen that Ipswich have to be aware of tonight, including the obvious, like Justin Kluivert, Antoine Semenyo, and Evanilson. On top of that, Kerkez is also someone who can’t be allowed to roam freely.

The Hungarian left-back has been one of the most exciting full-backs in the Premier League this season, racking up a tally of two goals and six assists in 29 games, which has been enough to catch the eye of top sides like Liverpool.

However, while the 21-year-old is undoubtedly someone the team will have to monitor at all times, McKenna has his own version of the ace he can unleash in Leif Davis.

The former Leeds United ace might not be getting the same level of attention from other clubs and fans, but over the last few years, he has proven himself to be a sensational attacking full-back.

For example, since moving to Portman Road, the incredible “animal,” as former manager Scott Parker dubbed him, has racked up a brilliant haul of six goals and 38 assists in 118 appearances, which works out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.68 games.

Appearances

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44

28

Goals

3

2

1

Assists

14

21

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.36

0.52

0.14

Moreover, despite playing in a newly promoted team, he’s scored one goal and provided three assists in 28 games this term, which is seriously good going.

Finally, in addition to his output, the £25k-per-week ace has some impressive underlying numbers as well, with FBref placing him in the top 4% of full-backs in the Premier League for key passes, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for crosses, and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Ipswich are undoubtedly going into this game as big underdogs, but with talents like Davis in the side, there is every chance they can snatch all three points and kickstart their great escape.

He cost just £1.5m: Ipswich already have their perfect Delap replacement

Ipswich Town might not need to splash the cash if Liam Delap departs.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 1, 2025

ICC charges Thomas with seven counts for breaches that took place at the Lanka Premier League, the Abu Dhabi T10 and the Caribbean Premier League

ESPNcricinfo staff23-May-2023The ICC has suspended West Indies batter Devon Thomas, slapping seven charges under its anti-corruption code on him including “contriving to fix” matches. Thomas, who was named in the West Indies squad for the forthcoming three-ODI series against the UAE in Sharjah, has 14 days to respond.The charges against 33-year-old Thomas are with regard to his conduct while playing in three franchise-based tournaments: the Lanka Premier League (LPL), the Abu Dhabi T10 and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).In a media statement on Tuesday, the ICC said Thomas had breached the anti-corruption codes at all three tournaments and its anti-corruption unit had been authorised by all three boards in question – Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) – to conduct the investigation on their behalf. In a media statement, CWI said it would fully support the ACU investigation and that it was resolute about “denouncing corruption” in cricket.Related

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The most serious charge against Thomas – of attempting to fix a match – is from the 2021 edition of the LPL when he played for Kandy Warriors. Incidentally, Thomas played just one game in that edition of the LPL.Overall, Thomas faced four charges under the SLC anti-corruption code on his conduct in that tournament. The four charges are of “contriving or being party to an agreement to fix or attempt to fix, contrive or influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or other aspects of matches”, “failing to disclose […] full details of an approach” to the ACU, “failing or refusing, without compelling justification, to cooperate” in an ACU investigation, and “obstructing or delaying” the investigation by “concealing, tampering with or destroying any documentation or other information”.Thomas also faced a single charge under the ECB code for failing to disclose details of an approach made to indulge in corrupt conduct during the 2021 edition of Abu Dhabi T10, when he was a part of the Pune Devils team.The remaining two charges are from the last two editions of the CPL when he played for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots and Barbados Royals, respectively. One of the charges concerns, again, failing to disclose an approach. The second charge is about failing to report the “receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or benefit (a) that he knew or should have known was made in order to procure a breach of the CPL Code, or (b) could have brought the player or the game of cricket into disrepute”.Thomas last played for West Indies in the day-night Adelaide Test against Australia in December 2022, his only appearance in the format. He has also turned out for West Indies in 21 ODIs and 12 T20Is since his international debut in 2009.

Chelsea have reportedly increased their offer for Mike Maignan as the Blues want to sign the AC Milan 'keeper in time for the Club World Cup.

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Chelsea are aggressively pursuing MaignanWant to get the deal wrapped up before CWCHave increased their offer to €21mFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Having identified the need for a stronger presence between the posts, Chelsea are ready to move on from Robert Sanchez, who has struggled to convince since arriving at Stamford Bridge. With manager Enzo Maresca set to lead the team into international competition, the club has shifted its focus to securing Maignan, hoping to finalise the move before the brief transfer window shuts.

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According to reports from , Chelsea initially tabled a €15 million (£12.6m/$17m) proposal with additional bonuses to bring the French goalkeeper to London. However, that offer was swiftly turned down by the Milan hierarchy, who value the 28-year-old at closer to €25m (£21m/$28.5m).

In a fresh development, Chelsea have now returned with a significantly improved offer. After intense negotiations held over the phone on Monday evening, the London club have raised their bid to €21m (£18m/$24m). While still short of Milan's valuation, the revised figure reflects Chelsea’s growing urgency to secure Maignan’s services.

Watch every game of the FIFA Club World Cup live on DAZNStream nowDID YOU KNOW?

Maignan, who has a contract with Milan that runs until the summer of 2026, has reportedly issued a clear ultimatum to the Italian side: either sanction a transfer this summer or risk losing him for nothing next year. The goalkeeper is understood to be reluctant to extend his stay at San Siro and is even ready to force his way through the exit door for a fresh challenge.

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Should the deal be finalised in time, Maignan is expected to immediately slot into the starting lineup, bringing top-tier experience and composure to a position that has long been in flux for the London club. The Blues will be hoping that their improved offer is enough to persuade Milan to part ways with the French shot-stopper.

The Herons will kick off the tournament this Saturday against Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium.

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They share Group A with Al Ahly, Palmeiras, and PortoLuis Suárez spoke to the media ahead of the matchYannick Bright and David Ruiz are likely ruled outWatch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream nowAFPWHAT HAPPENED?

One day before his debut in the Club World Cup with Inter Miami against Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium, Luis Suárez spoke to the media during training session on Friday.

"Expectations are very high because of what a Club World Cup represents, because of the teams that come to compete," said the Uruguayan on Friday, ahead of the MLS side’s debut Saturda. "But for us, it's about staying calm, enjoying it, and making the most of this beautiful opportunity we've been given. It's important for the young players to take advantage of this chance to experience a Club World Cup. A lot of people will be paying attention to what Inter does."

Inter Miami share Group A with the Egyptian team Al Ahly, Palmeiras, and Porto, which makes Saturday’s match crucial for Javier Mascherano’s team in terms of their aspirations in the tournament.

"We’re going to try to do our best with the tools we have and aim for a positive result. Obviously, we know about the restrictions MLS imposes that don’t allow us to compete at the economic level we would like, but we have to go into tomorrow's match and give it our all with the players we have," he said. 'Even if one team is more favored than another, it's still 11 against 11, and that’s where matches are truly decided."

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could be dealing with several absences for their debut in the summer tournament, and they haven’t made any new signings apart from goalkeeper William Yarbrough. Yannick Bright and David Ruiz are almost certainly ruled out for the match against Al Ahly. David Martínez was absent from the first part of training, which could open the door for youngster Tomás Avilés to start. Lionel Messi trained with his teammates without any issues. Jordi Alba, Baltasar Rodríguez, Gonzalo Luján, and Allen Obando were not on the field, so their availability for Saturday’s match remains in doubt.

Getty Images SportWHAT WILLIAM YARBROUGH SAID

Meanwhile, William Yarbrough, who will compete for the starting spot with Óscar Ustari, shared what his days as an Inter Miami player have been like ahead of the Club World Cup debut:

“Everything has been wonderful since Day 1. From the moment you land, the club staff is there making sure you have everything you need. They helped me settle in quickly, so I only had to focus on coming in, training, integrating with the team, and competing," he said.

He added, "You notice it in the facilities, the tools we have to work with – ensuring our nutrition is 100 percent, the physios taking care of our bodies, the ice baths, the excellent training fields. All those little things add up and reflect the great teamwork that starts with the groundskeepers keeping the facilities in top condition, the physios, and the equipment staff. You realize it’s like a family, and that makes it easier and more motivating for us to come to work every day.”

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

will open the tournament this Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium, then face Porto on June 19, and close out the group stage against Palmeiras on June 23.

Seamer carries on T20 Finals Day form with eight wickets for the match at Northants

ECB Reporters Network21-Jul-2023Somerset 351 (Dickson 70, Bartlett 55, White 5-77) and 56 for 1 (Lammonby 30*) beat Northamptonshire 180 (Vasconcelos 78, Overton 4-50, Henry 3-36) and 224 (Procter 87*, Henry 5-73) f/o by nine wicketsMatt Henry followed his T20 Finals Day heroics with five wickets to set up a nine-wicket victory for Somerset over Northamptonshire on day three of this LV= Insurance County Championship match at Wantage Road.Henry, player of the match in Saturday’s Vitality Blast triumph, continued to prosper with red ball in hand, finishing with figures of 5 for 73 and eight in the match.Northamptonshire had resumed still 20 behind and six wickets down after following on the previous afternoon. They finished on 224 thanks to skipper Luke Procter’s highest score of the season. But while his battling undefeated 87 off 128 balls with 13 fours ensured Somerset needed to bat again, it was not enough to set the visitors a challenging target.Somerset duly knocked off the 54 runs required inside 11 overs before lunch to continue their winning ways, with Tom Lammonby powering six boundaries in an undefeated innings of 30.Earlier, Procter and Tom Taylor (32) extended their seventh-wicket partnership to 53 before Henry trapped Taylor lbw to claim his fourth wicket of the innings.With Australian overseas batter Sam Whiteman absent following the birth of his daughter last night, Northamptonshire were effectively eight wickets down and only six runs ahead. Procter, the last recognised batter, had already reached his half-century off 94 balls and, joined by Ben Sanderson, decided to take the offensive option against Henry and Craig Overton.He quickly switched from rearguard mode into Bazball territory, hooking and powering balls through midwicket and mid-on. He played an audacious upper cut over the keeper’s head off Overton, as well as playing some perfectly timed late cuts behind square.Sanderson also played some expansive shots before he chipped a Henry delivery back to the bowler, the Kiwi taking a tumbling return catch to claim his fifth wicket.Jack White supported Procter for a while but became Overton’s third wicket when he pushed at a ball on off-stump and Tom Abell pouched the catch at first slip.When Somerset began the chase, Lammonby drove Sanderson’s second delivery down the ground for four, but he was dropped at third slip when he offered a difficult chance later in the over.Sean Dickson drove White firmly through the covers for four but did not add any more to his total thanks to a lazy push outside off to a ball from Sanderson, keeper Lewis McManus taking a tumbling catch.Abell took consecutive boundaries off White before Lammonby sealed the win by smashing Sanderson down the ground for four.

Arsenal and England star striker Alessia Russo has been nominated on the six-person shortlist for the Women's PFA Players' Player of the Year award.

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Russo named on shortlist for awardJoined by Arsenal team-mateWSL champions Chelsea also representedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Russo is shortlisted alongside team-mate Mariona Caldentey after the Gunners won the Women's Champions League in May. WSL champions Chelsea are also represented, while there are two Manchester City players and another from Manchester United.

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Chelsea star Erin Cuthbert is up for the award, alongside Manchester United's Phallon-Tullis Joyce. Mary Fowler and Yui Hasegawa of Manchester City complete the shortlist of six.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Russo scored 12 WSL goals as well as another eight in the Champions League across a stellar individual campaign, while midfielder Caldentey was also crucial in the Gunners' European triumph. Cuthbert starred as Chelsea won the domestic treble and is named alongside United goalkeeper Tullis-Joyce, who made a big impression in her second season since signing from OL Reign. City finished fourth in the WSL but have two representatives, Hasegawa and Fowler, who is also up for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

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The prestigious prize will be awarded during a ceremony at the Manchester Opera House on Tuesday, August 19. On the same night, the PFA will dish out awards to the best players in the Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two, as well as honouring some of the game's most talented youngsters.