Australia hold nerve and find new plans on the fly as England’s campaign ends as it began

Vithushan Ehantharajah29-Sep-2024Well, that’s one way of coming back down to earth. Flawless at Lord’s, floored in Bristol.Just two days after England put together a near-perfect performance with bat and ball to bring them back into the contest, Australia flexed their muscle and nous to take it, eventually, with ease.What experience they used to crush a brilliant start in the first innings was channelled to launch a series-clinching one of their own in the second. If the rain saved anyone this time around, it was England. Australia were breezing this long before the winds picked up to give this summer an appropriately wet finish.There’s a reason Australia are world champions in this format. Adjustments were made on the fly and executed precisely after Phil Salt, then Ben Duckett and Harry Brook had blitzed their way to 202 for 2 with a ball to go in the 25th over.England picked up where they left off from Lord’s against Adam Zampa, targeting the legspinner – his first two overs went for 30 – with Brook nailing him for sixes at will. Nevertheless, pace off was clearly the way to go to starve England’s swing-happy batters of scoring opportunities. Aaron Hardie bowled the 21st over, Mitchell Starc the 45th – and everything in between was made up primarily of wily offies. Hazlewood and Starc ended up bowling just 12 overs between them. Not since Princes William and Harry played Stormtroopers in Star Wars: The Last Jedi has such royalty disappeared into the background.Travis Head’s removal of Duckett, who had assumed the responsibility of giving the innings a late kick, was not just the first of four wickets to the part-timer but also began a boundary drought that lasted 52 deliveries. All in all, “spinners” – and with all due respect, that definition does require inverted commas – sent down 194 deliveries, a new Australian record in ODIs. Some going on an overcast day at the end of September.Did England get ahead of themselves? Well, yes. Both Brook and Duckett fell attempting to land multiple blows – the former after striking Zampa for back-to-back sixes at the start of the over, the latter right after sending Head over the fence down the ground. No surprise that the two grooved on “Test Cricket According to Baz” decided to mark one attacking stroke with another.Jamie Smith was bowled by Glenn Maxwell•PA Photos/Getty ImagesGone are the days of knocking a single after a boundary. But Brook had half the innings to go, and Duckett was the only adult left for the hosts. Not to mention the two are England’s best players of spin, and the form batters, finishing as their team’s top scorers in the series.Responsibility was not shirked, , but it certainly wasn’t seized when the game was there to be taken well out of Australia’s reach. Brendon McCullum has promised to bring the joy back to England’s white-ball teams – and this has been a promising month on that front – but much as has been the case with his Test team, there will no doubt be conversations about adopting a more cut-throat attitude.”We’ve been bowled out again today as we didn’t adapt to the pitch quickly enough,” answered interim head coach Marcus Trescothick when asked about areas of improvement. It was in keeping with the opening two defeats; England were dismissed for 315 at Trent Bridge – having been well set on 213 for 2 – and 202 in Leeds, flunking a chase of 270.”If we look at all the games we’ve lost in the series, there were periods in all those games where we could have made an impact and won the game, and the story of the series could’ve been very different. I just mentioned to the boys in the dressing room about keeping the pressure on, like we’ve done in this game and across the whole series. We should be maintaining it and be smarter for longer… we can elongate that while playing over 50 overs.”This collapse of 8 for 107 in 24.3 overs was felt harshly by a bowling attack still finding its feet. They had had things their way in helpful seam conditions under lights in the fourth ODI, squaring the series by dismantling Australia for 126. But they were left exposed when Bristol’s shorter dimensions were flipped against them.Head and Matt Short were always going to race out of the blocks. But their powerplay carrot was thicker and juicier with England only just crawling beyond the 300 mark, having had 450 in their sights. The impending storm, wending its way up the Bristol Channel all through the afternoon, brought extra urgency.Olly Stone and Matthew Potts found themselves in the crosshairs of an opening stand of 78 from seven overs. Steve Smith and Josh Inglis then cracked on to ensure Australia were 45 ahead of the DLS par at the magic 20-over mark. England had tried to keep that figure at bay, with sub-fielder John Turner coming on at regular intervals to eat up whatever seconds he could. Brook said he was still trying to take wickets, hence Adil Rashid was used even though his two overs would have taken longer had they been bowled by a seamer.A touch of naivety from the stand-in skipper? Ultimately, Australia were just sharper. And perhaps most humbling was they bettered the best of what England produced in this finale. The 11 sixes they struck in the first 25 overs was England’s most since 2006. Australia had nine by the 20th over.Related

• In spite of injuries and illness, inevitably Australia find a way

• Harry Brook proves how much he cares by playing as though he doesn't

• Matthew Potts hits the road in bid to prove his all-format worth

• England channel the spirit of 2019 to give wings to their white-ball revival

• Jofra Archer back on England's fast track as cautious optimism abounds

Even their achievement in coming back from 2-0 down was ultimately trumped by a group of tourists who had been blighted by illness throughout the series and were desperate to get home, but still managed to turn on the style one last time in bleak conditions. “I’d be lying if I say I wouldn’t prefer it to be in July – with a bit of heat,” Mitchell Marsh, their captain, said, and he even had the benefit of wrapping up warm, away from the elements, as Smith took on the captaincy duties in Bristol.These are two teams at different ends of the spectrum on their journey. The theme of Australia’s tour, according to Marsh, was “flexibility”, as evidenced by the way they used their spinners on the field here, including 50-over debutant Cooper Connolly, as well as the fact Head has had two different opening partners in the last three days.Brook, meanwhile, spoke of the importance of players becomingwith the “tempo” of ODI cricket, particularly for a batting group reared on T20. After an impressive series as stand-in skipper, he used his last media appearance in the role – for now – to put these last five matches into context.”They’re the best team in the world,” Brook said of their vaunted opponents. “We’re playing against some of the best bowlers to ever play the game, and some of the best batters to have ever played the game as well. The fight and desire we’ve shown to bring that [series] back has been amazing.”Travis Head was all over England’s lower order•Getty ImagesThe next stage for this team is unknown. The next white-ball series in the Caribbean is sandwiched between the Test tours of Pakistan and New Zealand. As such, Brook, Duckett, Jamie Smith, Potts, Olly Stone and Brydon Carse – who leave for that first three-match series on Tuesday – are unlikely to feature despite occupying key roles this month.Factor in Jos Buttler slotting back in as captain after Brook’s impressive showing, and there is either a hint of awkwardness, or a solution, on the horizon. Similarly, the mooted returns of Joe Root and Ben Stokes ahead of February’s Champions Trophy bring bigger selection matters to decipher.And that is arguably where England wanted to be as night fell on the final day of the 2024 English summer. This month against Australia has not been about immediately righting wrongs, or knocking the world champions off their perch.It was all about discovery after a limited-overs summer that began, in June, with a T20 World Cup that showed England’s most successful limited-overs generation had reached the end of the line. The first batch of the next generation are here and have taken their first steps on a different path, but one they hope leads back to where English white-ball cricket once was.

أعلن الجهاز الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، عن قائمة الأبيض التي ستسافر إلى جنوب إفريقيا لخوض مباراة كايزر تشيفز المقبلة في بطولة كأس الكونفيدرالية الإفريقية.

ويحل الزمالك ضيفًا على كايزر تشيفز الجنوب إفريقي في الجولة الثانية لدور المجموعات في الثالثة عصر السبت 29 نوفمبر الجاري باستاد بيتر موكابا بمدينة بولوكواني.

وتغادر بعثة الزمالك من القاهرة في الحادية عشرة مساء اليوم الثلاثاء متجهة إلى جنوب أفريقيا، استعدادًا لخوض مباراة كايزر تشيفز الجنوب أفريقي، في بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية.

طالع.. خاص | لاعب الزمالك يفسخ عقده بعد انتهاء مهلة المستحقات

ويترأس البعثة أحمد خالد حسانين عضو مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك.

جدير بالذكر أن الفلسطيني عدي الدباغ سيلحق بالبعثة غدٍ الأربعاء، في جنوب إفريقيا، بعد عودته من منتخب فلسطين بسبب مشاركته في مباراة ليبيا المؤهلة إلى كأس العرب. قائمة الزمالك لمباراة كايزر تشيفز في الكونفدرالية

حراسة المرمى: محمد عواد – محمد صبحي – محمود الشناوي.

خط الدفاع: عمر جابر – بارون أوشينج – محمود حمدي “الونش” – حسام عبد المجيد – محمد إسماعيل – أحمد فتوح – محمود بنتايج.

خط الوسط: محمد شحاتة – محمود جهاد  – سيف جعفر – ناصر ماهر – عبد الحميد معالي – أحمد شريف – آدم كايد – شيكو بانزا – خوان بيزيرا.

خط الهجوم: عدي الدباغ – سيف الجزيري – عمرو ناصر.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl is currently enjoying his first international break since taking charge of the club, after a busy start to life at Ibrox.

The Light Blues boss was thrown straight in at the deep end with a Europa League clash with Brann days after his arrival, and he has already reached six competitive games in the dugout in all competitions.

Rohl came in after the Gers had only won one of their first eight matches in the Scottish Premiership, under Stevie Smith and Russell Martin, and has won three out of three in the division.

The Scottish giants beat Dundee 3-0 away from home in the last match before the international break, which was their second away win and clean sheet in succession.

Djeidi Gassama scored the third goal of the game for the Gers, as shown in the highlights above, with a terrific finish into the far corner from the edge of the box.

Despite a lot of signs of promise in his first couple of months at the club after a move from Sheffield Wednesday in the summer, that was his first goal in the Premiership for Rangers.

Why Rangers need more from Djeidi Gassama

The Light Blues signed the French forward from the Owls for £2.2m and he made a lightning-fast start to life at Ibrox, with four goals in six matches in the club’s Champions League qualifying campaign.

After that burst of goals in Europe, you could not blame any supporters for getting excited about what the winger could produce on a weekly basis in the Premiership under Martin at the time.

Unfortunately, the former Paris Saint-Germain youngster has been unable to carry that European form into his domestic performances, as evidenced by that strike against Kilmarnock being his first in the league this season.

The 22-year-old winger, who worked with Rohl at Sheffield Wednesday in the 2024/25 campaign, has delivered one goal and one assist in 11 appearances in the Premiership.

25/26 Premiership

Djeidi Gassama (Per 90)

Percentile rank vs wingers

xG

0.16

Bottom 32%

Goals

0.10

Bottom 44%

xA

0.13

Top 45%

Assists

0.10

Top 45%

Chances created

1.02

Bottom 32%

Successful crosses

0.23

Bottom 23%

Successful dribbles

2.04

Top 26%

Touches in the opposition’s box

6.12

Top 14%

Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, Gassama ranks poorly among wingers in the Premiership for scoring goals, creating chances and completing crosses, whilst only ranking just above the average for assisting goals.

However, the Frenchman ranks very highly for dribbles and touches in the opposition’s box. This shows that he is able to get himself into good positions by beating defenders with the ball, but he needs to improve his end product.

This is why Rohl needs to get more out of the Rangers winger, because his return of goals and assists does not back up the good build-up play that he does on the flank.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast’s ‘First Impressions’ series has everything you need.

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Whilst Gassama, 22, clearly has potential and could develop into a top player for Rangers, there is another summer signing who could be unearthed as an even bigger talent, despite being labelled a flop so far.

At the start of this month, Heart and Hand podcast creator David Edgar claimed that Thelo Aasgard has “been rotten” since his move from Luton Town in the summer, but the central midfielder has the potential to be a bigger star than Gassama.

Why Thelo Aasgaard can be a bigger talent than Djeidi Gassama for Rangers

Whilst the French winger is an exciting prospect who could add more goals and assists to his name, the £3.5m Norway international has the potential to be an excellent two-way player in the middle of the park.

Gassama does work hard defensively as a winger, ranking in the top 28% of wingers for tackles made (ten) in the Premiership, per FotMob, but his impact mainly comes from his offensive work.

Aasgaard, however, is an intriguing profile of player because he has clear technical quality and excellent physical attributes, which means that he can impact games in and out of possession.

Unfortunately, as recently evidenced by his red card against Celtic, the former Luton and Wigan star has had a difficult start to life at Ibrox, and is yet to show the very best of his potential.

Whilst Edgar feels he has been “rotten”, and over 2,000 likes on the post suggest others agree, there have been some encouraging signs from his domestic performances for the Gers.

25/26 Premiership

Djeidi Gassama

Thelo Aasgaard

Appearances

11

9

Goals

1

1

Assists

1

1

Dribbles completed per game

1.8

1.8

Dribble success rate

47%

67%

Ground duel success rate

57%

59%

Aerial duel success rate

36%

42%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Aasgaard has as many goal contributions as Gassama, in fewer games, and has been more efficient with his dribbles, his ground duels, and his aerial duels.

His goal, of course, was also a stunning individual goal against Dundee United in Stevie Smith’s interim game in charge, and it won the Rangers Journal Goal of the Month award.

Like Gassama, if Rohl can help him to add more consistency to his end product in the final third, the Norwegian midfielder could be an exciting talent for the Gers supporters to enjoy, particularly when you consider that he scored four goals in one game against Moldova for his country in September.

On top of his attacking potential, Aasgaard ranks within the top 5% of his positional peers in the Premiership for duel success rate (55%), the top 21% for aerial duels won (eight), and the top 17% for duels won (47), per FotMob, which shows the value that he can offer out of possession.

It is now down to the manager and Aasgaard to work together on the training pitch to unearth his full potential, because he could be a physically and technically dominant star in Scottish football if it all comes together.

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That is why Rohl could unearth a bigger talent than Gassama with the Norway international, because he can be dominant in and out of possession, rather than just on the ball.

And who is the youngest Test centurion?

Steven Lynch13-May-2025Romario Shepherd came in in the 18th over in a recent IPL match and reached 50. Was this a record? asked Dirhan Ahmed from India

Playing for the Royal Challengers against Chennai Super Kings in Bengaluru last week, the Guyanese allrounder Romario Shepherd came to the crease to face the fifth ball of the 18th over – and hurtled to 53 from just 14 balls. Only one quicker half-century has been recorded in the IPL, by Yashasvi Jaiswal in 13 for Rajasthan Royals against the Knight Riders in Kolkata in May 2023.Shepherd broke the IPL record for the latest start to a half-century in an innings, previously 14.3 overs by Naman Dhir (62 not out) for Mumbai Indians against Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium in May 2024. Dhir’s final partner in that innings was… Romario Shepherd. For more details of Shepherd’s onslaught, click here.Shepherd’s late-arrival fifty has been bettered in a T20 international: against Mongolia at the Asian Games in Hangzou in September 2023, Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee came in after a wicket fell to the first ball of the 19th over, but finished with 52 not out from ten balls, eight of which he hit for six.Ishan Kishan took four catches for Sunrisers the other day. Was this a record for the IPL? asked Mahesh Bhasin from India

Sunrisers’ wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan took four catches – three of them off Pat Cummins – in the no-result game against Delhi Capitals in Hyderabad last week. This was the 26th instance of a keeper making four dismissals in an IPL innings – but there’s one case of five, by Kumar Sangakkara for Deccan Chargers against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Hyderabad in April 2011.There are also 12 instances of an outfielder taking four catches in an IPL innings, and two cases of five: by Mohammad Nabi for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Mumbai Indians in Abu Dhabi in October 2021, and Daryl Mitchell for the Super Kings against Sunrisers in Chennai in April 2024.Apparently there’s a great-grandson of a former England captain playing county cricket at the moment. Is it Ben Compton? asked Derek Wilson from England

It’s not Kent’s Ben Compton, as the old England great Denis Compton never captained in a Test. (And Ben is Denis’s grandson, not great-grandson.) The player you’re asking about is actually Harry Came, a batter who made his debut for Hampshire in 2019 (unusually, as a concussion substitute), and moved to Derbyshire two years later. He scored two first-class hundreds in 2023, and has had a useful start to the current season, scoring 83 against Gloucestershire in Derbyshire’s first Championship match, and 73 against Middlesex at the end of April.Came is the great-grandson of the legspinner Walter Robins, who played for Middlesex and captained England in three of his 19 Tests before the Second World War. Robins’ daughter Penelope married Kenneth Came in 1958.Mohammad Ashraful is the youngest Test centurion, scoring his debut hundred at 17 years and 63 days•AFPMushfiqur Rahim was stumped by a substitute in a recent ODI. Has this ever happened before? asked Peter McDonald from England

Mushfiqur Rahim of Bangladesh was stumped by Afghanistan’s Ikram Alikhil – subbing for the injured Rahmanullah Gurbaz – during a one-day international in Sharjah in November 2024. There’s only one previous instance of this in ODIs, and the same Afghanistan double act was involved: Philippe Boissevain of the Netherlands was stumped by Alikhil, subbing for Gurbaz, in Doha in January 2022.There have been no instances of stumped by a substitute in T20Is, but three in Tests: South Africa’s captain Tip Snooke (by Neville Tufnell, on for Herbert Strudwick) against England in Durban in January 1910; Pervez Sajjad (by Bevan Congdon, on for Artie Dick) for Pakistan vs New Zealand in Lahore in April 1965; and Tom Latham (by Srikar Bharat, on for Wriddhiman Saha) for New Zealand vs India in Kanpur in November 2021.Who’s the youngest cricketer to score a hundred in a Test? asked Aahan Bojanui from India

The youngest man to score a Test century is Mohammad Ashraful, in the second innings of his debut for Bangladesh against Sri Lanka in Colombo in September 2001. Going by the date of birth ESPNcricinfo have for him (July 7, 1984), Ashraful would have been 17 years 63 days old at the time – but some sources give the date as September 9, 1984, which would mean he achieved the feat the day before his 17th birthday.Next on the list is Mushtaq Mohammad, who was 17 years 82 days old when he reached his hundred for Pakistan against India in Delhi in February 1961. Sachin Tendulkar of India and Zimbabwe’s Hamilton Masakadza also scored Test centuries before turning 18.For the full list of the youngest Test centurions, click here (note that the ages shown are at the start of the match in question).The youngest to score a century in a women’s Test is Sri Lanka’s Chamani Seneviratna, who was 19 years 156 days old when she scored 105 not out against Pakistan in Colombo in April 1998: this is still Sri Lanka’s one and only official women’s Test match.And there’s an update to last week’s question about Mehidy Hasan Miraz scoring 88 runs and taking five wickets on the same day in a Test:Thanks to his feat against Zimbabwe in Chattogram last month, Mehidy Hasan does hold the men’s record for most runs on a day in a Test on which he also took five wickets – but Chris Gayle ran him close, with 82 and five wickets for West Indies against England at Edgbaston in August 2004.The others to have scored at least 50 runs and taken five or more wickets on the same day are Jimmy Sinclair (6 for 26, then 59 of his eventual 106) for South Africa vs England in Cape Town in April 1899, Dilruwan Perera (five wickets spread over two innings, in between which he scored 64) for Sri Lanka vs Australia in Galle in August 2016, Shakib al Hasan (five wickets and 54) for Bangladesh vs West Indies in Kingston in July 2018, and Wes Hall (50 not out and five wickets to reduce India to 30 for 5) for West Indies in Port-of-Spain in April 1962.Two women also achieved the feat in Tests. England’s Myrtle Maclagan took 7 for 10 and then scored 72 on the first day of the inaugural women’s Test, against Australia in Brisbane in December 1934, while Enid Bakewell took 5 for 56 and then scored 66 not out on the third day of England’s Test against New Zealand in Christchurch in March 1969; she’d scored 114 on the second day.Use our feedback form, or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions02.02GMT, May 7, 2025: This answer said “three” previously. The first instance, featuring John Trumble and Billy Barnes, was added on.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl certainly likes a challenge. To go from the situation at Sheffield Wednesday to taking on a team that had a disastrous spell under Russell Martin takes some guts.

The Light Blues had a dismal start to the season under their former manager, who won one match in the Scottish Premiership, but things are already starting to turn around.

Rangers won five of the 17 matches that Martin was in the dugout for before they decided to part ways with him last month after a 1-1 draw with Falkirk in the Premiership.

Rohl has provided the Gers with an instant lift in the league. He has won all three of his matches in the top-flight, most recently with a 3-0 win over Dundee before the international break.

The former Sheffield Wednesday boss has, though, lost both of his Europa League games in charge, to Brann and Roma, which is a reminder that there is plenty of work that needs to be done.

Too many of the summer signings made by Martin and Kevin Thelwell have either flopped or have been too inconsistent, and there may be some decisions to make in January.

The summer signings who should be let go by Rangers in January

The new owners provided Thelwell with the backing to build a squad with the intention of competing for trophies in the 2025/26 campaign, but it did not go to plan under the previous coaching staff.

As you can see in the graphic above, the likes of Youssef Chermiti, Bojan Miovski, Joe Rothwell, and Mikey Moore came through the door to bolster the club’s options across the pitch.

Rothwell is one player whose future may be in doubt heading into January. At the age of 30, he was surely brought in to make an instant impact, but the central midfielder has only featured in two of Rohl’s six games and failed to make the matchday squad in the last two, per Sofascore.

Emmanuel Fernandez is another summer signing who may be on the move in January, as the young centre-back has only made three appearances in all competitions. A loan move away from Ibrox to play regular game time could be the best decision for his short-term future, if he is not going to get increased game time at Ibrox.

The former Peterborough man may not be the only centre-back who departs Glasgow when the January transfer window opens, though, as the manager should also send Nasser Djiga back to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Nasser Djiga’s last 10 matchday squad appearances for Rangers
Opposition	Minutes
Dundee	8
Roma	90
Celtic	102
Hibernian	90
Kilmarnock	0
Brann	76
Dundee United	0
Falkirk	90
Sturm Graz	0
Livingston	0
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Burkina Faso international has been in and out of the team in recent months, under Martin, Stevie Smith, and Rohl, without being able to nail down a place in the starting XI.

Wolves presumably sent Djiga to Ibrox to play regular football and develop as a player, but he has not done enough with his chances on the pitch to prove that the manager should make him a first-choice option.

Chalkboard

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

The Premier League loanee has failed to convince with his performances for the Light Blues, and Rohl could end his Ibrox career by unleashing James Tavernier in a rarely-seen role on a regular basis.

Why Rangers should part ways with Nasser Djiga in January

The Light Blues should look to cancel Djiga’s loan deal in the January transfer window because he has not been a reliable performer for the Scottish giants so far this season.

Heart & Hand podcast creator David Edgar described him as “rotten” and Four Lads Had A Dream claimed that he “genuinely looks lost” during the loss to Celtic in the semi-final of the League Cup earlier this month.

Back in August, Rangers icon Ally McCoist said that Djiga broke “every rule as a centre-back in the planet” when he failed to usher the ball back to Jack Butland against Club Brugge in a Champions League qualifier, which turned out to be a costly mistake.

This shows that fan media and pundits alike have been left unconvinced by his showings at centre-back on the pitch, whilst his lack of consistent game time suggests that his multiple managers have also been unconvinced.

Whilst the January transfer window could be utilised to sign a new centre-back to replace Djiga, Rohl could end the defender’s Ibrox career by playing Tavernier as a centre-back.

With Max Aarons at the club on loan from Bournemouth, Rangers have another right-back option who can fill in and allow the captain to play as a right-sided centre-back, which would negate any need for Djiga to continue his loan beyond January.

James Tavernier’s positional flexibility at Rangers
Position	Appearances	G + A
Right-back	502	132 + 139
Right midfield	10	2 + 3
Centre-back	7	0 + 2
Defensive midfield	3	0 + 1
Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, Tavernier has rarely played at centre-back for the Gers, with just seven appearances, but he does have some experience in that role.

The English full-back played as a right-sided centre-back in the 3-1 win over Kilmarnock and the 2-0 defeat to Roma, although both of those outings were as part of a back four.

It would be interesting to see how he fares as a right-sided centre-back in a back four for Rangers under Rohl, as he has won 52% of his aerial duels in the Premiership this season, per Sofascore, which suggests that he could hold his own in aerial battles in the heart of the defence.

Unleashing the captain in that new role in a back four, with John Souttar and Derek Cornelius also available for selection, would allow the manager to ruthlessly ditch Djiga and end his underwhelming loan in January.

Rangers now monitoring boyhood Celtic fan who's withdrawn from Scotland squad

The Gers know all about his quality.

By
Tom Cunningham

Nov 12, 2025

Now, though, it is down to the German head coach to decide whether or not to experiment with this tactical change in order to end Djiga’s time with the Gers.

France boss Didier Deschamps has doubled down on his decision to allow Kylian Mbappe to leave the squad early, saying there was no need to take any “risks” with the forward’s fitness after he fired his country to the 2026 World Cup. The Real Madrid star pulled out of his side’s final World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan on Sunday after sustaining an ankle injury in Thursday’s win over Ukraine.

• Mbappe chalks up 400 goals as France seal World Cup berth

  Mbappe was in fine form as he scored twice against Ukraine to help France book their place at the World Cup. The 26-year-old was joined on the scoresheet by Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise and Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike as Les Bleus secured their spot at the next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States with a game to spare.

  Former Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain attacker Mbappe also chalked up 400 career goals thanks to his brace against Serhiy Rebrov's Ukraine, becoming the youngest player to achieve the milestone. He was in no mood to over celebrate the occasion, however, insisting it is a record “people are not impressed with”.

  “Four hundred goals? It is great, but people are not impressed with it," Mbappe told reporters on Thursday. "When you have one guy with 950 [Ronaldo] and one with 900 [Messi], I need 400 more if I want to be in the conversation that will shock people.

  “Cristiano Ronaldo's 1,000 goals? It's unreal. But we will try the unreal. I have to try: I only have one career!”

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Les Bleus captain leaves camp after sustaining ankle complaint

  But while Mbappe has set his sights on chasing down Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s goal outputs in the long term, the France captain will have to wait to add to his tally in the short term after withdrawing from Sunday’s clash with Azerbaijan after sustaining an ankle complaint against Ukraine.

  Confirming the decision to send Mbappe back to club side Real as a precaution, The French Football Federation (FFF) said in a statement: “French internationals Manu Kone, Eduardo Camavinga, and Kylian Mbappe have been released back to their clubs.

  “The French national team delegation is flying to Baku where they will face Azerbaijan on Sunday at 9:00 PM local time (6:00 PM French time). 

  “Camavinga, Kone, and Mbappe will not be making the trip.

  “Kone received a yellow card against Ukraine and is suspended. Cama was suffering from a muscle strain in his left hamstring.

  “Mbappe is still experiencing inflammation in his right ankle, which requires further examination. He will undergo these tests today in Madrid.”

• AFP
  

  Deschamps defends France's call to release Mbappe early

  However, while the decision to allow Mbappe to withdraw from international duty has raised eyebrows, manager Deschamps has stressed France had nothing to gain from forcing their star man to face Azerbaijan, having already sealed their place at the World Cup.

  Explaining the call to release Mbappe early, Deschamps said in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Azerbaijan game: “He still has inflammation in the ankle. I’ve sent him back to Real Madrid, and their medical staff will decide what they need to do.

  “There was absolutely no risk to take since we're already qualified. It was the same with (Eduardo) Camavinga, who could have been available for tomorrow. I'm not taking risks with anyone.”

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• Real Madrid boosted by Mbappe's return ahead of Elche clash

  Mbappe’s early release is a major boost for Spanish heavyweights Real ahead of the return of La Liga next weekend. Xabi Alonso’s men are looking to stay top of the table when they travel to Elche on Sunday, 23 November. Los Blancos currently lead the way with 31 points after 12 games, three ahead of fierce rivals Barcelona, who sit second.

  Mbappe has been in a rich vein of goalscoring form for Real in 2025-26, netting 18 goals in just 16 games in all competitions. He is the current top scorer in La Liga, with 13 goals, while he has also bagged five times in just four Champions League outings. Only Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen (6) has scored more times than Mbappe in Europe’s premier club competition this season.

Tottenham Hotspur are set for a pretty intriguing transfer window under the new leadership of co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange, with Spurs believed to be in the market for another attacker in January amid serious interest in Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

Thomas Frank has attracted some criticism over the Lilywhites’ general lack of creativity in the final third, despite their respectable start on paper.

While the north Londoners sit fifth in the Premier League table and are well in contention for a Champions League place, they’ve already been booed off on multiple occasions this term thanks to their uninspired forward play.

It’s been exacerbated by tactical stubbornness on Frank’s part too.

Throughout most of 25/26 thus far, the Dane has consistently deployed two defensive-minded midfielders in Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur, which has brought stability but severely limited their attacking impetus and ability to break down organised defences.

They haven’t been helped by the slow form of summer signing Xavi Simons either, who put in a match-winning display against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League last week but has largely underwhelmed.

Spurs also have 11 first-team players sidelined right now, including key creators Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, with Randal Kolo Muani dislocating his jaw against Man United and star winger Mohammed Kudus missing his second-successive game with a knock.

Dejan Kulusevski

Knee

29/11/2025

James Maddison

ACL

01/06/2026

Radu Dragusin

Knee

22/11/2025

Ben Davies

Thigh

23/11/2025

Kota Takai

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Mohammed Kudus

Knock

23/11/2025

Randal Kolo Muani

Jaw

23/11/2025

Yves Bissouma

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Lucas Bergvall

Concussion

23/11/2025

Dominic Solanke

Ankle

23/11/2025

Archie Gray

Calf/Shin/Heel

23/11/2025

via Premier Injuries

Spurs have been linked with both a new centre-forward and winger for the January window, and TEAMtalk have now revealed which is the more likely signing that Paratici will make.

Tottenham sources convinced Spurs will sign attacker amid serious Antoine Semenyo interest

According to their information, Paratici and Lange are leaning towards signing a winger rather than a number nine, but Tottenham sources are “convinced that a new attacker will be through the door in January”.

In terms of who they could target, Bournemouth’s Semenyo stands out as a very exciting target.

The Cherries star was a revelation under Andoni Iraola last season, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous forwards. The Ghana international finished 24/25 with 11 goals and five assists in 37 top flight appearances, and he’s carried on this electric form into 25/26.

Bournemouth have scored 11 goals this season, with Semenyo involved in nine of them — a staggering 81 per cent of their total output and the highest proportion of any player for any Premier League team (The Analyst).

His form has been relentless, with 10 goals in his last 18 Premier League appearances dating back to April, meaning there’s a 77 per cent chance that if Bournemouth score, Semenyo will be directly involved (The Analyst).

Semenyo is, by some way, Bournemouth’s attacking linchpin — leading to serious interest from N17.

As per TEAMtalk, Tottenham recruitment chiefs are massive fans of Semenyo as they actively look at new wingers, but the south coast side won’t be letting him go on the cheap after just tying down the winger with a new deal.

Bournemouth are apparently set to demand £75 million for the African and are in a great position to do so, meaning Spurs will have to smash their transfer record to make any move happen.

That being said, if the Lewis family want to make a statement of intent after Daniel Levy’s departure, signing Semenyo would definitely be it.

Robinson spoke to GOAL about his USMNT comeback, his life in Cincinnati, and the bigger questions shaping the way he sees the world.

PHILADELPHIA – Miles Robinson spends a lot of time thinking about the future – not just his own, but the big-picture stuff. Smartphones, wealth disparity, happiness, and greed. Topics most footballers never touch in an interview, but Robinson drifts there naturally.

"One thing that I'm passionate about is trying to envision the future and create a better life for people in need," he tells GOAL from the USMNT's hotel in Philadelphia. "I feel like this country is way too rich in general to have so much poverty. I feel like a lot of people stray away from tough conversations and don't want to talk about what's actually important in our society right now.

"Like, for example, I'm at peace, mostly, when I'm off my phone. Sometimes I feel like we're slaves to it, and that's where I feel the future is going. It's just about making sure that all of these massive influences around us are giving us a positive outlook on life, nothing hateful or negative."

"That's just what I'm on right now," he adds with a laugh.

Those are the big-picture questions he lets his mind wander toward. His future, though? He doesn’t spend much time on that anymore. How could he? There was a moment in his life when Robinson thought he had everything mapped out, when his trajectory felt certain. And then, in an instant, it all disappeared. After that kind of shock, looking too far ahead gets harder – even with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.

Robinson, by all accounts, should have been at the 2022 World Cup. Leading up to the tournament, he was one of the U.S. men's national team's go-to center backs, a player whose combination of athleticism and game-reading had made him one of the best in MLS. Then, just six months before the World Cup, his Achilles snapped. With it went his World Cup dream.

Now, six months before another World Cup, Robinson is back in the mix. He's playing regularly for the USMNT and is back to being one of the best in MLS with FC Cincinnati. His future, though? That's for someone else to think about. Robinson can't bear to do that just yet, knowing what happened last time.

"I'm just happy to be here right now," he says. "I'm happy to be healthy right now. I'm not one to really look that far ahead into the future. I think the last World Cup is the reason I can't do that in general. It's all just trying to put my best for forward, but I promise that, in my head, I'm just super motivated."

Getty Images Sport'I wasn't trying to sit back and sulk'

In many ways, Robinson's life changed on May 7, 2022. The change happened out of nowhere. He had 18 USMNT caps over the prior year-and-a-half. He'd also scored three goals, including the dramatic trophy-winner against Mexico in the 2021 Gold Cup final. Robinson wasn't just pushing to be on the World Cup roster; he was making his case to start in the world's biggest tournament.

That was until Atlanta United's clash with the Chicago Fire. Just 14 minutes into the game, Robinson went down, pointing at his left leg. Following the match, then-Atlanta United manager Gonzalo Pineda revealed it was a "bad injury". Shortly after that, the worst was confirmed: Achilles rupture. Surgery incoming.

“We are devastated for Miles,” then-USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter said at the time. “He had established himself as a top performer throughout last year and World Cup Qualifying. We will be thinking of him and wishing him a successful recovery process.”

The USMNT moved on without him, of course, but, as the player going through it, Robinson could do little but relive it. In an instant, his World Cup dreams were gone. They were replaced with a long road back, one that didn't guarantee he'd ever really be back to his old self.

"It was sad," he says now, three years later. "It was a moment where so much was going on in my life. It was a lot to even think of or fathom happening all at once. It was just one of those moments where you go, 'Damn'. I knew it right away. I knew I wouldn't be able to play at the World Cup, and it was just from a normal kind of motion that happens to everyone. 

"Then, you have to just be like 'Okay, there's too much to be grateful for'. I can't complain. In reality, that's what I stand on. Whatever conflicts there are in my life, there's too much for me to be grateful for to let this stop me."

That wasn't just talk, either. Instead of Qatar, Robinson spent the World Cup with friends and family. He was able to watch and enjoy the tournament while occupying some space between fan and teammate.

"Man, I was outside watching that sh*t,"  he says with a smile. "We were partying, watching, cheering on my guys. I really wanted to experience that real-life energy because that's who I am. I wasn't trying to sit back and sulk. You just want them to succeed. You want them to do well. At the end of the day, yeah, you're still a little bit salty that you're not a part of it, but you recognize that they're now the ones putting in the work. You're rehabbing, and they deserve it, too."

It took some time for Robinson to truly return from injury. He's back now, though, and he's once again one of the best in American soccer.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportFinding his way with Cincy

Rehab went well, Robinson said. He was quick to give credit to the team in Atlanta for getting him back onto the field. It wasn't until he left Atlanta, though, that he really felt he'd regained what he lost.

Ahead of the 2024 MLS season, Robinson made the big decision to sign with FC Cincinnati as a free agent. It was, at the time, somewhat controversial. At 26, Robinson was entering his prime and could have gone to Europe. Instead, he chose to continue his career as part of a rising Cincy project. He didn't just choose Cincinnati, though; the club chose him, too. They believed that he'd be able to get back to what he was before the injury.

"I felt like explosive, even early on," he says, "But for me to really get back into the game and feel like I was competing at an elite level, it was like over a year, maybe even 16 months. It's one thing to be able to play, but a whole other thing to be able to play your best. You have to be very quick, very sharp. It's crazy movements."

He was back to his best this season. Robinson was selected as an MLS All-Star this summer, returning to that game for the first time since his injury.

“He's elite at so many things when it comes to defending, and I think he continues to improve,” FC Cincinnati General Manager Chris Albright said of Robinson in September. “The number of plays that don't happen when Miles is on the field, you never realize. You never realize what doesn't even have to happen, or someone that doesn't have to cover because he can just put out so many fires by himself. There are only so few players in the world that have that elite athleticism and dueling ability, and he's in that category."

Cincinnati, meanwhile, finished second in the Eastern Conference, only one point behind the Supporters' Shield winners in the Philadelphia Union. Robinson then helped lead the Cincy defense to a triumph against the rival Columbus Crew, winning two out of three games to advance to the next round of the postseason.

"I think the mood in the locker room is like, when we play at our best, no one's touching us," he says. "Straight up, when we're at our best, we will win any game. It's about, 'Listen, We've got three games left, let's be at our best every moment of these games, and we can lift a trophy.'"

In between the club's MLS Cup run, though, was a two-game stint with the USMNT as Robinson continues to pursue that World Cup dream.

Getty Images Sport'His philosophy on life is something that I relate to'

Robinson’s defining injury struck roughly six months before the 2022 World Cup. Now, almost exactly six months from the USMNT naming its 2026 roster, he’s back in a familiar place: the pressure rising, the competition relentless, and the center back depth chart as crowded as it’s ever been.

Crystal Palace’s Chris Richards feels like the only true lock right now, and that’s about where the certainty ends. Robinson is part of a crowded group that includes Charlotte FC’s Tim Ream, Toulouse’s Mark McKenzie, and Celtic’s Auston Trusty, all of whom were in camp in November. Youngster Noahkai Banks (FC Augsburg) is clearly in the mix, too, and a veteran like Walker Zimmerman can’t be written off. Factor in the possibility of Joe Scally or Alex Freeman serving as a third center-back, and the picture becomes clear: it’s going to be a fierce fight for places.

Robinson has been in and out of that picture since his recovery. He returned to the USMNT in 2023, earning seven caps. He made three appearances in 2024 but, notably, led the U.S. U-23s into the Olympics as one of three overage players. Now, in 2025, he's been something of a regular under Mauricio Pochettino, starting in January camp, playing in the Gold Cup, and featuring in the fall friendlies to amass eight caps in this crowded center back group.

"I think it's just about understanding the group we have," Robinson said. "A lot of us have known each other for a long time, so it's about competing, yeah, but we're still boys off the field. We all still want what's best for each other.

"Obviously, I'd love to be a part of that group. It's just trying to chip away at the moment. I just try to be the best in training today and then in the games. Hopefully, if I stay healthy, I'll put myself in a good position to be part of that group."

That decision, ultimately, falls to Pochettino. A former center back himself during his own playing career, the Argentine will likely push that competition right on down to the wire. Following a November camp that saw wins over Paraguay and Uruguay, the race for spots at the World Cup is fiercer than ever. Robinson believes that Pochettino wants it that way.

"I think he's good at giving players confidence, which I definitely like and think is very important," he says. "In general, he's very clear with his messages, whether it's tactical or recognizing that we need to be better at this. We need to fight like our lives depend on it. Some of these players who come from other countries, this is their way out; they had nothing. He recognizes, 'Hey, that's not how most of you guys grew up, but we're going to have to beat them with our hearts, our minds, and other ways'. He's super truthful. His philosophy on life is something that I relate to."

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Getty Images SportBeing optimistic about the future

Following FC Cincinnati's playoff win over the Columbus Crew, Robinson was in full-on celebration mode. He celebrated so hard, in fact, that he ended up with a sword in his hand somehow.

"This guy was begging me to take the sword. Alright, man, let me just grab it and do something with it," he reflects. "Maybe I created a new tradition. I don't know, but it was pretty cool!"

With USMNT camp in the rearview, Robinson’s focus shifts to a very different challenge: Inter Miami. Lionel Messi and Co. are next up for FC Cincinnati, and that alone is enough to sharpen the senses. A duel with the GOAT, with a place in the Eastern Conference finals on the line? That’s a real test.

Robinson isn’t looking past it – how could he? Not with that level of talent on the other side, and not with everything he’s already been through.

That doesn’t mean he’s without ambition. He has goals, both for his career and for his life, some short-term, some big-picture. But his future – as it has always been – remains uncertain. Maybe this time, though, it will break his way and he will line up for the World Cup. Maybe this time, that steady optimism he carries will give him what he’s chasing. But he won't let that define him, one way or another. 

"I think only about a few weeks or maybe a few days at a time," he says. "I definitely have bigger goals that I look into or maybe create a vision board or some sh*t like that, but there are definitely short-term goals. Some are based in reality, and some are almost impossible. I just strive for crazy sh*t. If that happens, let's go. If it doesn't, I'll probably still do something pretty cool, right?"

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe will be chewing on his pencil over the November international break as he works toward solutions that are so badly needed.

Fortunes have gone somewhat askew at St. James’ Park this season, with the club’s away form laying waste to Howe’s hopes of progress after a testing summer transfer window.

But it may be that the ramifications of that Alexander Isak-dominated summer are still being felt. However, tactically, things aren’t right, and the wider struggle of the summer market has led to the current issues which must be overcome if the Magpies hope to make it another positive campaign.

Where PIF have gone wrong in the transfer window

Newcastle have fallen by the wayside, but it’s hardly too late for them to pick themselves back up. But there’s no question that PIF have to learn from their recent transfer struggles, with those brilliant windows of Howe’s early reign something of a distant memory.

In 2024, Newcastle failed to sign a right-sided forward, a glaring gap in the squad. That has now been amended through the £55m addition of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, but Elanga has blanked across 16 matches for the club, and with concerns over his form, questions must be raised over the extensive scouting that led to his signature being obtained.

Interestingly, Nick Woltemade’s fine form at centre-forward has eased the Isak blow, and before the season, that would have been viewed as the biggest issue. Newcastle’s attacking problems stretch more toward the creative side, with Anthony Gordon joining Elanga in having failed to register a goal contribution in the Premier League this season.

For a team whose 97 big chances created were bettered only by Liverpool in 2023/24, this is a real concern. This year, United have only created 14 from 11 matches, placing them 12th for that statistic. Gordon and Elanga must be doing a lot more, with the recruitment having felt they had hit the jackpot when shaping this wide duo.

While Newcastle have added exciting talents to their ranks this summer, Malick Thiaw and Jacob Ramsey among those with plenty of scope for growth, this is frankly an ageing squad and one whose freshen-up needs to go a lot further.

Tactical issues this season have been suggestive of this, and considering the company Newcastle are keeping in regard to the average age of their starting 11, it wouldn’t be unfair to suggest that younger profiles are needed for balance and continuity.

Everton

13th

28.0

Aston Villa

6th

27.9

Newcastle

14th

27.6

Fulham

15th

27.6

Burnley

17th

27.1

The need for depth and quality on the defensive flanks is alarming. Kieran Trippier at right-back is 35 years old and out of contract at the end of the season, and Tino Livramento has been unfit at times and deployed as a makeshift left-back at others.

This is largely because of Lewis Hall’s own unavailability this season. But with the 22-year-old drawing strength and fitness once again, we are turned toward the situation of one of Howe’s mainstays.

The Newcastle star now on borrowed time

Newcastle comprise players of myriads shapes and sizes and skills. Some are renowned as being among the best in the world, but some are of a shrewder nature, like Dan Burn, who returned home from Brighton for around £12m at the start of the manager’s reign and has since become one of his mainstays.

After all, it is only the skipper, Bruno Guimaraes, who has featured more prominently for Howe’s Newcastle than him.

1

Bruno Guimaraes

170

2

Dan Burn

165

3

Fabian Schar

163

4

Jacob Murphy

150

5

Joelinton

145

The 32-year-old has done more than endear himself to the Toon fanbase since arriving, but he’s getting on a bit and has been guilty of some suspect performances at left-back this season.

Naturally a central defender, Burn ranks against Premier League full-backs this term among the bottom 6% for shot-creating actions, the bottom 29% for progressive passes and the bottom 4% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

In the first five matches of the season, he was in the centre. Six appearances since have seen the England international deployed as a left-back, and this is inhibiting Newcastle’s flow and overarching connectivity.

Quite simply, Burn is not a natural left-back, even though he has played ample football in the moonlit role. He is a centre-back. 6 foot 6 and cool and composed.

Hall is far more dynamic and energetic in his role, and this will not only widen and add a dimension to Newcastle’s backline, but it could revive the likes of Gordon up ahead.

The boy from Blyth has been a revelation at Newcastle, and, pound for pound, “one of Newcastle’s best signings” since Howe arrived, as has been said by reporter Andy Sixsmith. A small fee and an immortalising contribution at Wembley last season have made sure of that.

But Howe will be putting a spoke in his own wheel if he continues to persist with Burn on the flank, limiting his side’s progression and mobility and dynamism at the back.

With this in mind, the modern legend might find himself slipping into his obscurity over the coming months, and perhaps that will lead to a departure to make way for this new chapter on Tyneside.

Newcastle must regret signing £100k-per-week flop who's cost £3.2m per game

Newcastle United must already rue signing this expensive flop, who is draining them dry.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 13, 2025

A Manchester City star on £150,000-a-week is in a protective boot and set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

Pep Guardiola celebrates 1,000th game as manager in Man City win over Liverpool

Prior to the international break, Pep Guardiola took charge of his 1,000th game as a manager as his City side defeated Premier League rivals Liverpool 3-0.

Jeremy Doku was the star of the show on the pitch at the Etihad, rounding off his performance with a goal in the second half after first half strikes from Erling Haaland and Nico Gonzalez.

Talking after the win at the Etihad, Guardiola reflected on his managerial career, which began at Barcelona B in 2007.

“I think my period at Barcelona B is the foundation for many things. To realise that I was able to do it and learn a lot.

“I will never forget the guys in that first season. For me, it has been so special to make 1,000 games in front of my family and especially against Liverpool. I have a huge respect for that club.”

Over the last 18 years, Guardiola has won 716 games in charge and looks set to lead City in another title battle with league leaders Arsenal.

Wins

716

Draws

156

Losses

128

Trophies

40

Goals scored

2,445

Goals conceded

813

However, he will have to do that for large parts of the season without one of his trusted midfielders.

Injury update on Man City’s Mateo Kovacic

According to reports relayed by Sport Witness, Mateo Kovacic underwent successful surgery last Friday on ‘calcifications’ that had grown in his heel.

The midfielder, who has made just one Premier League appearance all season following Achilles surgery in the summer, is now set to travel down to London next week to have stitches removed.

Now in a protective boot, a rehabilitation programme usually lasts four months, so Kovacic, on £150,000-a-week, will hopefully return by March as he looks to get minutes before the World Cup with Croatia.

De Zerbi in frame to become Man City manager as Guardiola exit timeline revealed

Pep Guardiola is the longest-serving manager in the Premier League, but his time at the Etihad Stadium could be coming to an end.

ByDominic Lund Nov 12, 2025

Between now and March, Man City currently have 22 games scheduled in all competitions plus the FA Cup third round tie that has yet to be drawn.

Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic is hoping to have Kovacic recovered in time for the World Cup next summer, recently saying: “I hope Kovacic won’t miss the World Cup. He has similar problems to those he had four or five months ago.

”We believe he’ll be with us at the World Cup. I’d like him to be back in March. It must be tough for him. The injury and the surgery are taking a psychological toll on him. I hope Kovacic gets through it all.”

Man City leading race for Rodrygo with Real Madrid future now in major doubt