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Mitigating circumstances aplenty for England, but formulaic nature of defeat is a concern

Andrew Miller23-Mar-2021The strut of champions is an indefinable attribute for a sporting team. You can project it without actually having a trophy to back up your confidence, as Eoin Morgan’s men managed to such convincing effect in the months leading up to the 2019 World Cup. And you can lose it just as quickly, even while the big prize is still glinting in your cabinet, as Liverpool for example have been demonstrating in this season’s Premier League.So, what should we read into the post-match musings of Morgan and Virat Kohli in Pune, as the captains of England and India put very different spins on their first ODI encounter of the new World Cup cycle?Morgan, in keeping with his very procedural take on England’s white-ball evolution, insisted he was happy once again to write off a pretty thumping defeat as a “learning” experience – even if he did have to rely unusually heavily on management buzzwords at the post-match presentation, as he called on his players to “upskill”, “execute better” and “push the envelope”, among other less-than-rousing exhortations.Kohli, by contrast, was not mincing his words, or his excitement, at getting one over the World Champs in such a surging fashion.”One of our sweetest victories in recent past … I am a really proud man right now,” he gushed, with particular reference to his latest debutants, Krunal Pandya and Prasidh Krishna, who emulated the efforts of Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav and Axar Patel, among others this season, by finding their feet on the big stage at the very first time of asking.Perhaps, like Scotland’s victory at Wembley in 1967, it was a bit too convenient for Kohli to over-state such a performance at precisely the wrong moment in a World Cup cycle. But then again, England as a team and a fan-base lapped up the thrill of watching Morgan’s men go toe to toe with Australia and New Zealand in the summer that followed the 2015 World Cup. You might quibble at the timing but never at the intent, and besides, that projection of attitude didn’t exactly go to waste in the long run.Either way, the excitement, and the energy, was as palpable in India’s moment of victory as it has been absent in England’s somewhat formulaic demises in their past three games – with three failed run-chases across two formats in Ahmedabad and Pune, ostensibly their favourite form of slam-dunking a white-ball contest.Virat Kohli was pumped up by India’s performance against the World Champions•BCCIAnd yes, there are mitigating circumstances (entire bio-bubbles full of them, in fact) as well as some live and kicking evidence of the team’s enduring class and threat – most obviously in another sensational opening partnership from Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy, an alliance that has now racked up more than 2500 runs in 42 innings, at an average in excess of 60 and a run-rate of more than seven an over.But, once that platform had been set, there’s no escaping the fact that England’s performance was defined by the follow-up that they lacked – most notably, the absence of Joe Root at No.3, who would have been able to stroll out to the middle at 135 for 1 in the 15th over, and tiptoe his way to a run-a-ball 30 before anyone had noticed he’d arrived.Instead, there was a short-lived appearance from Ben Stokes in his stead – an experiment that surely had more to do with his lack of traction during the T20I series than any suggestion that this will be his long-term berth in the 50-over format – and a pair of failed auditions for finishing roles from the returning Moeen Ali and the luckless Sam Billings, whose jarred collarbone had distressing echoes of his shoulder dislocation in the final months before the last World Cup.At least they got time in the middle, which is one of the most problematic aspects when it comes to stress-testing middle-order options in the 20-over format. And at least the absence of Jofra Archer at the death ensured that Tom Curran – and, to a less destabilising extent, Mark Wood – were exposed to the realities of death-bowling against India’s IPL-trained lower-order.Related

Tearful Krunal Pandya dedicates ODI debut to late father: 'He must be having a good night up there'

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On show in Pune: England and India's differing methods of ODI batting

But Curran, perhaps more than anyone in this England squad, is a player who leans on a mental projection of confidence as much as the skills that he can bring to an exacting role. He’s had a bruising time of it in recent months – at the IPL as much as with England – and right now, with his faith in his methods eroded, he’s living proof that the strongest teams are only as good as their weakest links.England are very capable of fighting back in this series, of course. But the manner of Tuesday’s defeat was markedly different from the round-for-round haymaking that the two teams indulged in four years ago, when England lost the ODIs 2-1 but not before they had posted scores of 350 for 7, 366 for 8 and 321 for 8 in consecutive innings – each one of them higher than the 318 they were set for victory here.And their deliberate retreat from the psychological high ground brings with it dangers of a different kind. Winning is a habit, as England discovered on their march to the summit in 2015-19, and confidence begets confidence along the way. Losing for the sake of learning, on the other hand, tends to become known simply as losing if you get too used to the feeling.”We actually don’t guard the No.1 status at all,” Morgan said. “Everything is built towards planning on being competitive at a World Cup and trying to improve our skills over that period of time.”The competitive nature in which we operate isn’t always about learning and making mistakes,” he added. “Sometimes people take how much quality you have to produce in an international game for granted. You can’t just have a good plan and win a game, or you can’t just learn along the way and lose a game. It has to work simultaneously.”

Everton’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday emphasised the rekindled spirit with David Moyes at the helm.

Work is still being plied in the hope of finding consistency across the park, but after such a fierce stream of summer departures, the Friedkin Group and Moyes and technical director Angus Kinnear can only be praised for reshaping the squad with talented and committed players.

Everton have 11 points after seven matches, and they are eighth in the standings.

However, there are still improvements to be made. Moyes made the point that multiple windows would be needed to lift the squad to the desired, collective standard, and the issues in the final third so far this season have been an illustration of that.

Everton's striker struggles

Dominic Calvert-Lewin left Everton at the end of his contract in June. He played on Merseyside for nine years and was at times considered among the finest strikers in the country.

But injuries and poor form across his final campaigns at Goodison Park made a renewal for the high-salary star difficult. And anyway, Beto had found form in Moyes’ system, scoring seven goals in the Premier League before the end of the campaign.

Beto has struggled to maintain a purple patch since that burst last spring, and with £27m summer signing Thierno Barry yet to adapt to the English game, the Toffees are being hindered by poor quality in the final third this term.

Even so, Everton have come on leaps and bounds, with the likes of Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye spearheading a sharp upturn in general attacking skill.

If the nines fail to raise their game, there’s little question that a new striker will be on the agenda in 2026. With the club going from strength to strength, a focal talisman of the likes of some of the former heavyweights would be nice.

Take, for example, a new version of the man Wayne Rooney believes is Everton’s best scorer for two decades.

Everton's finest modern striker

In 2020, when Rooney was interviewed by The Times and asked to name his finest Everton XI of players he’s played with, he admitted reluctance not to name Duncan Ferguson as his striker, but Big Dunc had to fall behind another.

Five years is a long time, but it’s hard to stake a compelling argument that any who has played for Everton in the intervening years surpasses Romelu Lukaku.

Speaking to The Times, Rooney waxed lyrical over the Belgian: “Lukaku is the best goalscorer Everton have had in the last 20 years. His link-up play isn’t the best but he just scores and with his power was another like Fellaini who, when he was on it, was almost impossible to play against.

“I know the fans will expect me to choose Duncan, and as good as he was and as much as I loved him as a player, I can’t ignore Lukaku. His goalscoring for Everton was phenomenal.”

The hulking centre-forward has wandered across Europe, playing for a vast range of clubs and winning plenty of silverware. However, there’s a case to be made that he was at his most fearsome when leading the line at Everton.

A knack for scoring goals was built around the usage of his physical attributes, with powerful, sinewy strength coupled with lethal bursts of pace, darting into dangerous positions and brushing aside defenders.

Former Blues boss Roberto Martinez once hailed the 32-year-old’s “elite brain”, proving he was more than just his muscles, and indeed four terms at the club, between 2013 and 2017, saw him hit 20 goals on three occasions, with Martinez also claiming him to be an “iconic figure of Belgian football”.

Given that he was sold to Manchester United for an initial £75m fee at the end of that stint, it’s hard to argue against Farhad Moshiri and the Blues having hit the jackpot. If only they had better applied the recoup and avoided years of struggle.

Ferguson holds a greater legacy, having played 272 games for Everton and having scored 72 goals, but in terms of sheer quality and wow factor when plying their trade in Liverpool, Rooney’s probably fair in his argument that Lukaku takes the cake.

How Moyes must long for such a centre-forward now. It’s easier said than done, but if the Scotsman can land himself a new version of the powerhouse, this Everton project might just become a whole lot more exciting.

Moyes must ditch £56m Everton duo who have been holding Grealish back

Moyes’ Everton have made improvements but there are some stars who need to be dropped.

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 2, 2025

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A decisão da 60ª Taça Paraná, torneio amador entre equipes do Estado, terminou sem campeão e com confusão generalizada neste sábado (13), no Estádio José Carlos de Oliveira Sobrinho, durante o duelo entre Capão Raso e Trieste. Bill, ex-Corinthians e Coritiba, foi parar no hospital.

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+ Melhores momentos: zagueiros decidem, Flamengo vence o Pyramids e enfrenta o PSG na final do Mundial

Após dois empates por 1 a 1, a definição do campeão foi para os pênaltis. Antes da última cobrança do Trieste, que poderia decidir a eliminatória, a confusão começou.

Tiquinho, reserva do Capão, saiu do banco e trombou com Jair, do Trieste, que caminhava para a área. Os jogadores de ambos os clubes trocaram agressões, seguidas pela invasão de torcedores no gramado, o que levou a equipe de arbitragem a suspender o confronto por falta de segurança.

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Agora, o desfecho da competição será definido por decisão do Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva do Paraná (TJD-PR), que irá analisar e julgar o incidente.

Ex-Corinthians, Bill é levado ao hospital

Após confusão generalizada no gramado, o atacante Bill foi agredido por torcedores e encaminhado desacordado ao Hospital do Trabalhador com o rosto machucado e um braço deslocado. Ele recebeu atendimento médico e foi liberado.

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Com a invasão de torcedores no campo, parte dos jogadores correu às pressas para a área interna do estádio, enquanto outros pularam os muros para escapar. Os que permaneceram no local, como Bill e Jair, ambos do Trieste, acabaram agredidos.

A confusão aumentou após a chegada do policiamento ao local, que precisou usar força para conter o tumulto.

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Disputa por pênaltis

As duas equipes converteram as primeiras cobranças, com Jhow marcando para o Capão Raso e Tilly anotando para o Trieste. Na sequência, Yan Santos acertou a trave, enquanto Baroni desperdiçou ao chutar para fora. Na terceira tentativa do Capão Raso, Léo voltou a errar, e Bill colocou o Trieste em vantagem.

A série prosseguiu com a conversão de Fortuna para o Capão Raso. Em seguida, Cristofer novamente acertou a trave. Na quinta cobrança, Marcelo Andrade recolocou o Capão Raso à frente. O Trieste ainda teria uma última oportunidade para empatar e levar a decisão para as cobranças alternadas; em caso de novo erro, o título ficaria com o Capão Raso.

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CearáCorinthiansCoritibaFutebol Nacional

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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Newcastle United have now held internal talks over signing Atalanta midfielder Ederson, amid concerns over Joelinton, who has suffered a dip in form.

Widespread reports have suggested Joelinton’s chances of going to the World Cup with Brazil have taken a hit, given that he has struggled so far this season, most recently putting in a poor performance in the 3-1 defeat against West Ham United.

Indeed, the Magpies’ poor start to the Premier League season continued at the London Stadium, and the 29-year-old recorded a SofaScore match rating of just 6.1, having failed to record a shot on target throughout the entire match.

It is not the first time the Brazilian has struggled this season either, being described as “tough to watch” as a result of his performance in the 2-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion last month.

Eddie Howe clearly needs to make changes of some description to turn his side’s fortunes around, considering they are now 13th in the Premier League table, and it has now been revealed that a move for a new midfielder is being considered…

Newcastle hold internal talks over deal for Ederson

According to a report from The i, Newcastle have had doubts about Joelinton since the summer, with some key figures suggesting they need to bring in a new midfielder to replace the former Hoffenheim man, given his issues with injuries.

Atalanta midfielder Ederson is one of the players who has been discussed internally in recruitment meetings as a potential replacement for the Brazil international, having originally emerged as a transfer target nearly two years ago.

It may be a little hasty to give up on Joelinton, given that he has impressed at times this season, being singled out for a solid display in the 2-0 victory against Nottingham Forest at the beginning of October.

However, competition for places is healthy, and the Atalanta star could have what it takes to succeed at St. James’ Park, having been described as “world-class” by one former professional.

That said, there are some indications the 26-year-old would not be much of an upgrade on his compatriot, given that the Newcastle midfielder has outperformed him across some key metrics for midfielders over the past year.

Statistic

Ederson

Joelinton

Assists

0.0

0.12

Tackles

1.71

1.82

Interceptions

1.06

1.08

Aerials won

1.51

2.51

As such, Joelinton may be a more well-rounded midfielder than the Campo Grande-born maestro, and Howe is clearly an admirer, previously saying: “Joelinton is like gold dust because wherever you put him, you know he’s going to do a good job.”

That said, if the central midfielder’s performances don’t improve before January, it could be worth bringing in a new midfielder, and Ederson isn’t the only option on the shortlist…

Newcastle readying bid for Eduardo Camavinga Newcastle ready £60m+ bid to sign Camavinga with Real Madrid's position clear

The Magpies are preparing to step things up…

ByTom Cunningham Nov 4, 2025

The Cincinnati Reds will have a new look this year as they're adding a patch to their uniforms honoring one of the franchise's greatest players.

For the 2025 season, Cincinnati will wear a No. 14 patch on the sleeve of their jerseys to honor MLB career hits leader Pete Rose.

What does the 14 patch on Reds uniforms stand for?

The No. 14 patch honors Rose, who died on September 30, 2024. He was one of the greatest players in franchise history and is a member of the team's Hall of Fame.

A 17-time All-Star, Rose spent much of his career in Cincinnati. He played 19 seasons with the Reds across too stints. The first coming from 1963 to '78, the second from 1984 to '86. He helped lead the Reds to back-to-back World Series titles in 1975 and '76, and was named World Series MVP in '75.

Rose is the Reds' all-time leader in games played (2,722), hits (3,358), singles (2,490), doubles (601), runs scored (1,741), total bases (4,645) and walks (1,210).

Pete Rose career summary

During his 24-year career, Rose set several MLB records as well. He is the league's all-time leader in hits (4,256), games played (3,562), at-bats (14,053), singles (3,215), most times on base (5,929), plate appearances (15,890) and most seasons with 200-plus hits (10). He was a 17-time All-Star, won three World Series and three batting titles, was named NL MVP in 1973, earned two Gold Gloves (1969, '70) and a Silver Slugger in 1981,

Despite his incredible career, Rose is not a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame after accepting a permanent ban from baseball due to a gambling scandal. The sport's hall of fame voted to exclude members on MLB's permanently ineligible list.

Gerardo “Tata” Martino has returned to Atlanta United as manager on a two-year contract, the club announced Thursday. The 62-year-old reunites with the team where he enjoyed his greatest success, winning the 2018 MLS Cup and being named Coach of the Year. Martino aims to restore Atlanta’s status as a contender after inconsistency since his 2018 departure.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  A familiar face returns

  The 62-year-old coach replaces Ronny Deila, whose tenure ended after a 14th-place finish in the Eastern Conference this season with just 28 points – despite having MLS's third-highest payroll at $28.5 million. Martino will also reconnect with one of his former stars in Miguel Almiron, who also rejoined the team last year after a stint with Newcastle United. 

  “I want to thank Arthur and Chris for the opportunity to return to the club and a city where we hold wonderful memories and maintain great relationships,” Martino said in a statement. “This is a different project than my first stint with the club, however, with great ownership and the collaboration of the players, coaching staff and everyone at the club, our objective will always be to form a winning team that makes our fans feel proud and well-represented every time that they go to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.”

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  A proven winner

  Team owner Arthur Blank stressed the move to bring back Martino wasn't about trying to recreate the past and stressed the Argentine manager was hired to build a new foundation with the club. 

  “Tata is an exceptional coach who set the standard for excellence within our club,” Blank said. “This is not about recreating the past, but about building a new foundation.” Martino’s career spans over 25 years and includes 11 trophies with clubs and national teams – from Barcelona and Newell’s Old Boys to Argentina, Paraguay, and Mexico.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Recent success in Miami

  Before returning to Atlanta, Martino managed Inter Miami during the early Lionel Messi era, capturing the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters’ Shield. His deep understanding of MLS and tactical identity made him the top choice for Atlanta’s front office.

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  Rebuilding the five stripes

  During Martino’s first stint, Atlanta compiled a record of 42 wins, 20 losses, and 16 draws, setting club marks for points (124), goals (140), and goal difference (+56). Now, with a Designated Player core of Emmanuel Latte Lath, Alexey Miranchuk, and Miguel Almirón, Martino faces the challenge of reviving the Five Stripes’ competitive edge ahead of 2026.

ترددت أنباء في وقت سابق من هذا الأسبوع أن دايوت أوباميكانو مدافع بايرن ميونخ توصل لاتفاق شفهي مع ريال مدريد بشأن انتقاله في الصيف المقبل.

ويبحث ريال مدريد بشدة عن قلب دفاع جديد، ويفضل أن يكون منخفض التكلفة أو مجاني وأن يقدم حلاً طويل الأمد للنادي.

ويدخل أوباميكانو العام الأخير من عقده، وقد تم الكشف عن عدم وجود اتفاق شفهي له مع ريال مدريد بعد على الرغم من أنه كان هناك تواصل بالفعل.

أقرأ أيضاً.. جوارديولا يدرس التعاقد مع لاعب ريال مدريد.. والأخير يوضح موقفه من بيعه

وبحسب صحفي سكاي ألمانيا فلوريان بليتنبيرج فإن ريال مدريد تلقى انتكاسة بشأن اهتمامه بضم دايوت أوباميكانو حيث يجري محادثات إيجابية مع بايرن ميونخ لتجديد عقده.

ويستهدف ريال مدريد بشكل جدي التعاقد مع أوباميكانو، وسيسعى للتعاقد معه في حالة فشل مفاوضات تمديد عقده مع البافاري، ومع ذلك لا يوجد اتفاق على أي صفقة لريال مدريد أو بايرن ميونخ.

وتسير المحادثات بين أوباميكانو وبايرن ميونخ ومن المتوقع أن يستمر عقده الجديد حتى عام 2030 أو 2031 وقد يتقاضى ما يصل إلى 20 مليون يورو راتب سنوي كجزء من عقده المجدد، ويبقى مارك جويهي وإبراهيما كوناتي خياران أمام العملاق الإسباني أيضاً.