Category Uncategorized

Glasgow Rangers are inching ever closer to finally appointing their next head coach after they decided to relieve Russell Martin of his duties before the start of the international break.

The Light Blues made the decision to part ways with the former Scotland international after a poor run of form that saw his side win five out of 17 matches.

Martin’s side, as illustrated in the graphic above, were simply not good enough across his time in charge of the Scottish giants, conceding a whopping 24 goals in 17 matches.

RangersReview reports that Kevin Muscat is close to finalising a deal to join the club from SH Port, and that an announcement could come this weekend.

The English-born tactician is set to see out the last three matches of the Chinese Super League season, with his team sat at the top of the table, before coming in as the long-term replacement for Martin next month.

Youth team coach Steven Smith will be in interim charge for the clash with Dundee United at Ibrox on Saturday, but it remains to be seen who will be in charge after that and before Muscat comes through the door.

What Rangers fans can expect from a Kevin Muscat team

Based on SH Port’s performances this season in the Chinese Super League, Rangers fans can expect a winning culture and entertainment from a Muscat team.

In the Super League, his side are top of the league with 60 points from 27 matches in a 30-game division, and have scored 67 goals in that time, eight more than any other team, per Sofascore.

Interim boss Steven Smith claimed that Rangers need a winner in the dugout in his pre-match media duties on Friday, which suggests that Muscat is the perfect man for the job.

The SH Port manager is on course to win a league title for the third time in his last four seasons as a manager, with his team sat four points clear with three games to go.

2025 (27)

2.22

1st

2024 (30)

2.60

1st

2023 (34)

1.88

2nd

2022 (34)

2.00

1st

2021 (18)

1.83

2nd

As you can see in the table above, Muscat is used to managing teams that are competing for league titles every season, and he has shown that he can coach a side to get over the line and win silverware.

However, supporters who were not too keen on the defensive set-up and record under Martin may not be too pleased to learn that SH Port have conceded 41 goals in 27 league games this season.

Muscat’s strengths are clearly in structuring a team to attack and score goals, rather than defend and cling on to 1-0 or 2-1 leads, and supporters will hope that that approach will be enough to turn the tide in Glasgow.

Whilst he may not officially link up with the team until next month, there are things that Steven Smith, or the next interim, could do to prepare the squad for Muscat.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

For example, the SH Port manager typically deploys right-footed forward Ruofan Liu on the right wing to provide creativity at the top end of the pitch.

The 24-year-old has created nine ‘big chances’ and delivered five assists in 17 league starts in 2025, per Sofascore, and Smith must unleash Oliver Antman against Dundee United to be Muscat’s next Liu in the making.

Why Rangers must unleash Oliver Antman against Dundee United

Mikey Moore has started three of the last five Scottish Premiership matches for the Light Blues on the right wing, including the 1-1 draw with Falkirk last time out.

The 18-year-old attacker, however, has failed to provide much in the way of quality at the top end of the pitch for the Gers, with no goals and one assist in ten appearances, per Transfermarkt.

His only assist for the club to date was a short pass to Nedim Bajrami, who scored a screamer from distance against League One outfit Alloa Athletic, which suggests that he has yet to provide any moments of genuine quality in front of goal.

Antman, on the other hand, is a right-footed right winger who has shown glimpses of the creative quality that he can provide when he is at his best.

The Finland international has delivered three assists in 13 matches for Rangers, per Transfermarkt, since his summer move from Go Ahead Eagles, including one for James Tavernier in the Premiership in the clip below.

Antman, who reporter Chris Jack claimed has “feet like drumsticks”, also showcased his creativity in the Netherlands with Go Ahead Eagles in the 2024/25 campaign.

The 24-year-old wing wizard ended the season with a return of six goals and 15 assists in 32 Eredivisie appearances for the Dutch outfit before his move to Ibrox in the summer transfer window, per Sofascore.

xAG

0.34

Top 3%

xA

0.24

Top 16%

Assists

0.56

Top 1%

Key passes

1.87

Top 21%

Passes into the penalty area

1.42

Top 36%

Crosses into the penalty area

0.37

Top 32%

As you can see in the table above, Antman ranked as one of the most creative attacking midfielders or wingers in the league for Go Ahead Eagles last term.

This shows that he has the potential to be a Liu-type player for Muscat if he can unlock his best form in a Rangers shirt, as he has the creative potential to be a consistent threat as a right-footed right winger in a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 system.

Therefore, Smith can warm him up for the next Gers head coach by playing him from the start against Dundee United this weekend, so that he can start to find his feet and gain confidence in Scottish football.

52 y/o who worked with Postecoglou now set to join Kevin Muscat at Rangers

The Gers have almost solved their manager problem.

ByTom Cunningham Oct 17, 2025

It would not be overdoing it to suggest the wheels have well and truly come off at West Ham United this season.

Well, we say this season, but in reality, things have been going wrong for East Londoners for some time, and Graham Potter has not helped.

The former Chelsea manager led the club to a 14th-place finish in the Premier League last year, but as things stand, he has them in the relegation zone, with one win and three losses this year.

Regardless of what happens this weekend, it’s time for the Hammers to find a new coach, and while Slaven Bilic’s name has been thrown around, there is another out-of-work coach who’d be a far better option.

The coaches linked with West Ham

Given the size of the club, it’s not been a surprise to see a host of pretty good managers linked with West Ham over the last couple of weeks.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

One of those has been Gary O’Neil, who has been out of work since being fired from Wolverhampton Wanderers last season.

Now, there is certainly a line of thinking that suggests hiring a manager who was fired by another relegation candidate is a bad idea, but it’s important to remember he also saved the Old Gold and Bournemouth before that from going down.

So, while he might not be the perfect long-term option, he might be worth bringing in for this season to stabilise the ship – he can’t be worse than Potter.

Another, more exciting name touted for the job has been Nuno Espírito Santo.

The Portuguese boss is another one fired by a Premier League side, but it’s really not the same, as after saving Nottingham Forest from relegation, he then led them back into Europe for the first time in generations.

Lastly, as we’ve already mentioned, Bilic has been touted for a return to the London Stadium.

Now, while there is an undeniable romanticism to that idea, there is another free coach who’d be a way better hire.

The manager West Ham should hire over Bilic

There are quite a number of quality managers out of work at the moment, from Marco Rose to Sean Dyche.

However, the one West Ham should be going all out for, and should stand a chance of getting, is Luciano Spalletti.

The Italian coach is currently out of work after being let go by the national team.

Still, fans shouldn’t be put off by the fact that things didn’t work out there, as even Roberto Mancini failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, despite being European champions at the time.

Moreover, it was his record at club level that even earned him the chance to manage the Azzurri, and it is an impressive one.

For example, he won back-to-back promotions with Empoli, two league titles and two cups with Zenit Saint Petersburg, back-to-back Coppa Italias with AS Roma and the big one, Napoli’s first Serie A title in a generation in 22/23.

Unsurprisingly, then, when we hold up his record to Bilic’s, there is only one winner.

During his last spell in club football, the coaching “phenomenon,” as dubbed by former Roma sporting director Walter, oversaw 96 games, of which he won 62, drew 16 and lost 18, resulting in a points per game average of 2.10.

In contrast, Croat’s last job was with Al-Fateh, where he oversaw 36 games, won 13 of them, drew nine and lost 14, which came out to an average of 1.33 points per game.

Spalletti vs Bilic (last clubs)
Manager	Spalletti	Bilic
Games	96	36
Wins	62	13
Draws	16	9
Losses	18	14
Points per Game	2.10	1.33
All Stats via Sofascore

Ultimately, while Bilic would probably do a better job than Potter, it’s crystal clear that Spalletti would be a far better hire for West Ham.

"Fantastic" manager now tempted to replace Graham Potter at West Ham

Graham Potter could be gone in the next few games.

By
Emilio Galantini

Sep 19, 2025

Still in the market for a centre-back, Newcastle United are already reportedly jostling for position in a race against Liverpool to sign a Premier League rival.

Newcastle set to target defensive additions in January

The summer transfer window may be closed, but that hasn’t stopped Newcastle from turning their focus towards 2026. The Magpies are clearly aiming to be far more prepared than this summer’s window, which saw them scrambling for options right up until the death after missing out on several targets to Premier League rivals.

Giovanni Leoni was one of those targets and it’s no surprise that it was Liverpool at the centre of Newcastle’s frustration. The Magpies even outbid the Reds in pursuit of the Italian defender, but he had his heart set on a summer switch to Anfield in a familiar story for several sides in recent months.

Eddie Howe did at least welcome Malick Thiaw in the summer window, but it could easily be argued that Newcastle still needed added options at the heart of their backline.

Fabian Schar and Dan Burn are now 33 years old, whilst Sven Botman’s injury history is a concern in its own right. The fact is, aside from Thiaw, Newcastle simply do not have a list of centre-back options that will be at the peak of their powers for years to come.

Now that their striker problem has been solved by Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, Newcastle are seemingly ready to turn towards their backline. Reports are even suggesting that they could finally enjoy some revenge on Liverpool when 2026 arrives.

Newcastle targeting Van Hecke hijack

According to TeamTalk, Newcastle are now targeting a move to sign Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2026. Battling against Liverpool, who are scouting the Dutchman as an alternative to Marc Guehi, the Magpies will be hoping to finally get one over on the Premier League champions.

Now would also be the perfect time to do it. Van Hecke is on the rise and one that Newcastle should do everything to sign. At 25 years old, he is excellent in possession and more than holds his own off the ball. With two years left on his current Brighton contract, it’s no surprise that a growing list of clubs are interested.

Newcastle United's most expensive signings of all time

Football FanCast takes a look at the 10 most expensive signings in Newcastle United’s history.

By
Charlie Smith

Sep 5, 2025

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler will be more away than most of just how talented Van Hecke is. He told reporters in May: “I think it’s very important that we recognise he’s a very young player.

“He’s 23 and he plays an unbelievable season. He shows great character. I like his character because he’s very straight. He says his opinion, he always has good intentions.

“Of course, in some ways he needs to develop, but we always give him very honest feedback. And I think he has all the character sides to be one day captain, but that’s the long-term future at the moment.”

USMNT striker Damion Downs has yet to find his footing at Southampton, drawing criticism in the early weeks of his Championship debut.

Damion Downs doesn't particularly enjoy attention. He told GOAL as much earlier this month. With his hood pulled up, Downs spoke softly about what felt like a life-changing summer for club and country.

"I don't like the spotlight so much, you know what I mean?" Downs said from the U.S. men's national team hotel during the most recent international break. "I like my privacy. I don't really mind people not knowing too much about me. At the same time, I'm not that exciting anyway."

So, when Downs seemingly deleted social media earlier this week, it wasn't too out of character. 

It came, unfortunately, as Downs did find himself in that spotlight, and not for the reasons he'd want to be. Just weeks into life as a Southampton player, the striker has already become a lightning rod for abuse and criticism as the 21-year-old has been unable to hit the ground running.

The criticism, for the most part, has been unfair. Very few players adapt to English football instantly, and even fewer do so before turning 22. Downs arrived at Southampton this summer with a reported $9.5 million price tag, which naturally brought high expectations. In the opening weeks of his first Championship season, those expectations haven’t yet been met. Unsurprisingly, social media has had its say, and with Southampton struggling, Downs has found himself singled out.

So what comes next for the young USMNT star? Just seven games into his first season with a new club, it seems that Downs is already at a turning point as the spotlight is fixed on him.

• Getty Images
  

  The season so far

  Downs's big move to Southampton was preceded by plenty of hype. He arrived fresh off a breakout season in the 2. Bundesliga with FC Koln, whom he helped lead to promotion with 10 league goals. Instead of helping lead Koln into Germany's top flight, he made the move to England's second division, taking a risk to join the Saints. 

  The keyword there is . Downs could have easily remained at Koln to play in a bigger league. Instead, he saw Southampton as an opportunity to both develop and, hopefully, get a crack at the Premier League.

  “I think Southampton is a big club that should be in the Premier League, and that’s my goal – to help the team as much as I can to bring the club back to the Premier League," he told the club's official website after signing. "The Premier League is the best league you can possibly play in. Being able to promote the team and the whole club to the Premier League would be a big honour for me.

  “Obviously promotion is the No. 1 [target], and for me personally I just want to score as many goals as possible, help the club and help the team.”

  It started well enough. Downs scored a preseason goal against Espanyol, seemingly impressing USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino, who happened to be in attendance. He assisted a goal in the league opener against Wrexham, too, announcing himself as a difference-maker early on in the Championship season. Now, six games later in all competitions, he remains scoreless as he searches for his first official Saints goal.

  There's a caveat, of course. Downs has played just 151 Championship minutes, making just one start this season. In those games, he has generally struggled on the ball. This week, Southampton boss Will Still, who left Downs out of the squad for two fixtures this week, against Middlesbrough and Sheffield United, called for Downs to be more imposing and to use his 6-4 frame more effectively.

  “We have to encourage him to pick a fight with someone and make it difficult, and then get into the game that way," Still said.

  It is clear, though, that Downs is still in the adjustment phase.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  The realities of a move

  Speaking to GOAL earlier this month, Downs was largely thankful to those who have helped him adjust to life in England. The move from Cologne to Southampton wasn't easy, but his family was helping more than he could explain.

  "It's been very, very busy, but, thankfully, I have a good family around," he said. "They've been taking care of most of the things, so I don't have to take care of it, and I'm thankful for that. They've been helping me as much as possible."

  The move was just one piece of Downs' summer of change. Prior to his Southampton transfer, Downs made his USMNT debut this summer, and he ended up playing a big part in the team's Gold Cup run. His penalty kick sealed a shootout win over Costa Rica in the quarterfinal round, helping the U.S. survive despite the presence of Keylor Navas on the other side.

  In general, it was transition after transition for Downs. From the USMNT, he went straight to Europe for preseason. Just a few weeks into the season, he was back stateside with the U.S. to face South Korea and Japan. It's been a whirlwind, to put it lightly, which could explain some of the early-season difficulties for Southampton's summer signing.

  Still, moves like this carry inherent uncertainty. Staying at Koln would have been the safer path, even with the chance to play in Germany’s top flight. Downs chose instead to challenge himself in England during a World Cup year, with no guarantee of immediate success, even if the long-term rewards could be significant.

• (C)Getty Images
  

  USMNT impact

  Ahead of the season, American soccer's striker race centered around the Championship. It seemed that the top two spots on the depth chart were claimed by Folarin Balogun in France and Ricardo Pepi in the Netherlands. Behind them, though, were a group of Championship strikers that looked set to go goal-for-goal in pursuit of a World Cup spot. Downs, one of the newer members of the race, would be directly compared to Josh Sargent, Haji Wright, and Patrick Agyemang as they fought to be part of next summer's team.

  Sargent, of course, started hot, scoring for fun before slowing down post-international break. Wright has shined for Coventry City, making his claim to be a part of the upcoming camps. Agyemang, meanwhile, started the season injured, but has already set up two goals for Derby County as he hunts down a goal of his own.

  And then there's Downs. He's had chances to score, but so far, that first goal remains elusive. If Downs is to get into the World Cup picture, though, the goals will have to come. Same for Sargent, Wright, and Agyemang, too.

  "Seven or eight months is a pretty long time," Downs said earlier this month when asked about the World Cup, "So I'm not too focused on it. I just want to be here and represent my country when I am here. I'm not one to focus on the future and not be there for the present and what's going on right now. I'm focused on the now because the work that I put in right now is what it will take for me to be there."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Time on his side

  The season is still young, and games come thick and fast in the Championship. The Saints face Agyemang's Derby County on Saturday. Fortunes can change quickly for a striker. Downs, given his pedigree, is a prime candidate for the ketchup theory – once the goals come, they may not stop.

  Southampton, though, will need things to change quickly. Through seven games, , one of the relegated Premier League teams, have claimed just seven points. That leaves them 19th and fighting for survival, even this early in the season.

  Still is keeping the faith, though, particularly in Downs. He believes that the club's big signing has a part to play, as long as everyone shows the patience needed for him to get there.

  “It’s a work in progress," Still said last week. "Not all transfers are going to come in and hit the ground running and click and understand the culture of the league, the opposition, and our team itself. Damion started on Saturday and came on tonight, and played a good chunk of the second half. We just need to keep working with him and helping him."

  Until then, the spotlight will remain on Downs. A goal or two will change the reason for that spotlight as Downs looks to finally make his mark on his new club.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras conta muito com a fase artilheira do atacante Artur para tentar bater o São Paulo no Morumbi neste próximo domingo (11), em jogo válido pela 10ª rodada do Brasileirão 2023.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasSem Gómez, Palmeiras tem dúvidas na zaga titular para clássico diante do São Paulo; veja opçõesPalmeiras10/06/2023PalmeirasPalmeiras ostenta grande invencibilidade nas primeiras rodadas do Brasileirão, mas maior delas é pré-Abel FerreiraPalmeiras10/06/2023PalmeirasPalmeiras ‘alivia’ em treino para atletas mais desgastados e segue preparação para enfrentar o São Paulo; veja provável timePalmeiras09/06/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Artilheiro do Palmeiras desde que reestreou com a camisa alviverde, com sete gols, ninguém balançou mais as redes do que a Cria da Academia nos últimos dois meses.

Artur chegou a ter a sua contratação contestada por parte da torcida do Palmeiras e da imprensa, muito pelo valor que o clube teve que fazer para ter o seu retorno, mas com grandes atuações, gols e muita entrega tática, Artur já caiu nas graças da torcida do Verdão que hoje não tem nenhuma dúvida de que ele merece uma vaga como titular do poderoso ataque alviverde.

continua após a publicidade

E se tem um clube grande do estado que Artur gosta de castigar, esse clube é o São Paulo.

Defendendo o Red Bull Bragantino, Artur fez quatro gols em nove partidas diante do Tricolor, e muitos deles golaços, tanto que em 2020, pelo Paulistão, Artur fez uma pintura no Morumbi que o rendeu o prêmio de gol mais bonito do campeonato.

Com a camisa do Palmeiras, Artur disputou apenas dois clássicos, com uma boa apresentação e vitória diante do Corinthians e uma atuação tímida e um empate na Vila, diante do Santos, ambas as partidas já válidas por esse Brasileirão.

continua após a publicidade

Nos nove jogos em que enfrentou o São Paulo com a camisa do seu ex-clube, Artur tem seis vitórias, um empate e duas derrotas. Até hoje, o São Paulo é o time que Artur mais balançou as redes na carreira.

Será que amanhã vai sair o primeiro gol do rei Artur em clássicos com a camisa alviverde?

Duvidar dele contra o São Paulo não é bom.

Shubman Gill, who made his debut in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG four years ago, was left out of this one, paying the price for being unable to make the most of his starts in this Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Gill missed the first Test in Perth with a finger injury. He came back for the next one – the day-night Test – in Adelaide, and though he looked solid in both innings he scored only 31 and 28. He fell for 1 chasing a wide half-volley in his only innings in the Brisbane Test.India decided to go into the MCG Test with their captain Rohit Sharma back as opener. KL Rahul has been their best batter on tour. The skill he has shown in negotiating the new ball meant he had to bat up the order. He’s slated to come in at No. 3. India could have moved Gill down to No. 6 but they decided to pack their XI with allrounders instead.”Well I think a lot of the decisions when they are made, and the process of it being made, the communication is always there, transparency is there,” India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nayar said after the first day’s play in Melbourne. “Rohit will come up in the order and more likely than not he will open the innings for us. So I think that was the thought process and unfortunately for him [Gill], just how things panned out. He had to miss out and sometimes I just feel for a young player in a position like that, a big day, he wants to make his mark, he understands it is a team’s requirement and it is unfortunate. I wouldn’t say that he has been dropped per se, it is just unfortunate that he couldn’t find his place in his team.”Related

• Kohli fined 20% of match fees after heated altercation with Konstas at MCG

• Konstas arrives at the Test arena like a supernova

• Teenager Konstas takes Bumrah for record 18 runs in an over

• India grateful for Bumrah again after lopsided selection

Nayar seemed to suggest the choice was between Gill, their second-highest scorer in the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle, and Washington Sundar, and they preferred having an offspinner bowing at Travis Head and Alex Carey when the ball gets older. There seemed to be no question over Nitish Kumar Reddy’s spot – he only bowled five overs on day one and is set to bat at No. 7.India’s desire for bowlers who can bat could also be because two of their most reliable sources for runs have run dry in this series: Rohit (19 runs at 6.33) and Virat Kohli (126 runs at 31.50) are still searching for their best form.”I always believe that it’s about confidence and a start. Once a player gets a start, their game looks different. So, I think Virat and Rohit are both such players. If they can play 25-30 balls, then you will see the same Virat and Rohit that you see earlier. But, this is a game of confidence. So, no matter how much you practise, no matter how much you talk, in the end, when you get into the match, it’s very important to play 20-25-30 balls.”Things looked precarious for India when 19-year old Australian debutant Sam Konstas took down all of their bowlers and set his team up for a big total. Jasprit Bumrah helped them fight back after tea to end the day with Australia on 311 for 6.”Well, I think a lot of credit to, you know, the way Sam played. I felt, you know, the intent that he showed in the first four sort of put us in the back foot. I felt it took a lot of character for our bowlers to stick in there,” Nayar said. “It wasn’t the best, I mean, the easiest conditions to bowl, we felt the conditions are good to bat on and at times like that, sometimes it’s important to stick to your guns, stick to the plans.”I felt post-lunch, we came back really strong, bowling [four] maidens [back-to-back], you know, putting the pressure on the opposition. I felt at times like that, you are taken by surprise when someone plays a knock like that, but I felt we responded really well and then through the day, sort of kept at it and towards the end, you reap the rewards of everything that you did through the day. So, I felt overall, you look at that day, we were happy with where we ended.”

“It was so good the first time we had to do it twice,” cried Chloe Kelly at full-time. Sarina Wiegman’s England Lionesses are Euro 2025 winners. For a successive continental competition, they are European champions.

It’s safe to say the women have put the nation through maximum levels of stress this summer, defeating Sweden on penalties, needing extra time against Italy, scoring in last-gasp fashion and then needing another shoot-out against Spain in the final.

Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey had given the World Cup winners the lead, though another Gunner in Alessia Russo hit back. Nothing could separate the two teams until two women who have already had plenty of clutch moments in this competition stood up to it.

Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly were the heroes in the shootout, with Kelly firing home the winning spot kick.

Cue mass celebrations, handshakes with Prince William and dancing on the podium. After victory in 2022, England had done it again.

Here are the best moments from the final…

3 Russo equalises for England

After Lauren James hobbled off in the first half with injury, it meant that woman of the hour Kelly was introduced on the left wing.

As usual, she made a phenomenal impact, not just scoring the winning penalty but supplying an inch-perfect cross for Russo to head home.

Speaking at full-time, Wiegman was utterly euphoric: “I can’t believe it. The word ‘team’ really describes who we are – a team. We said we can win by any means and that’s what we have shown again today. I am so proud of the team and the staff. It is incredible. I just can’t believe it, but I have a medal around my neck and we have a trophy.

“It has been the most chaotic tournament on the pitch – all the challenges we had on the pitch against our opponents. From the first game it was chaos. Losing your first game and becoming European Champions is incredible. Football is chaos.”

2 Spot-kick drama for England as Kelly wins it from the spot

It was Kelly who was entrusted with the late penalty against Italy in the semi-finals and although it was saved, she latched onto the rebound and found the net.

Up she stepped again for the winning moment in Basel on Sunday and she was never going to miss. Indeed, she didn’t, slamming the ball home.

Speaking after that moment, the Arsenal forward was on cloud nine. Kelly told the BBC: “I’m so proud of this team, so grateful to wear this badge and so proud to be English. I was cool, I was composed, I knew I was going to hit the back of the net. I don’t miss penalties twice.

“It’s unbelievable, it’s not just this team it’s the staff behind us. Twenty-three players and all the staff behind us. Sarina Wiegman has done it again. It’s unbelievable. It’s going to be crazy. I hope the whole of England comes out to support us and show the love to all these girls because they deserve it.”

1 England players party hard into the night

Prince William, snow angels in the confetti, tears of joy, a dancing Kelly, it was all happening in the aftermath of England’s victory.

Hampton commented that “this team is just unbelievable” while captain Leah Williamson barely had the words, summing things up well; “it’s just total disbelief,” she said.

Quite. Two European Championship wins in four years is some going. Long live this Wiegman rein.

Kagiso Rabada has leapfrogged Jasprit Bumrah, R Ashwin and Josh Hazlewood to go top of the ICC men’s Test bowling rankings after his nine-wicket haul in South Africa’s first Test against Bangladesh.Rabada took three wickets in Bangladesh’s first innings, becoming the fastest to 300 Test wickets in the process, and then returned figures of 6 for 46 as South Africa won their first Test in Asia since 2014.Bumrah and Ashwin both had indifferent showings in India’s defeat to New Zealand in Pune, and the two also dropped below Hazlewood to sit third and fourth respectively in the latest rankings.Related

• Changing of the guard: Pune 2024 a window into New Zealand's future

• Cricket and chaos – Bangladesh are used to it, but Shanto wants out

• India need Kohli and Rohit to regain their old aura

• Vote: The biggest Test series upset of the 21st century

Pakistan left-arm spinner Noman Ali also saw a big jump, moving up nine places to go eighth after his nine wickets in Rawalpindi. This is the first time he has entered the top ten of the Test bowlers’ rankings.Meanwhile, Rachin Ravindra and Saud Shakeel entered the top ten of the Test batting charts for the first time. Ravindra, who followed up his century in Bengaluru with a half-century in Pune, moved up eight spots to go tenth, while Shakeel shot up 20 places to reach seventh, following his 134 against England.

Full rankings tables

• Click here for the full team rankings

• Click here for the full player rankings

Yashasvi Jaiswal, who dropped behind Harry Brook temporarily, has moved back up to third place, after making 30 and 77 in Pune.Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who made a battling 97 in Bangladesh’s second innings in Mirpur, and claimed two wickets, moved up two slots to go third in the allrounder charts.

Newcastle United are at a bit of a crossroads this summer. The Magpies’ latest transfer target was clear: sign a right winger.

Yet, their reported number one target, Bryan Mbeumo, rejected Eddie Howe’s side, as well as North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, in favour of a move to Manchester United, as per David Ornstein.

The North East giants were forced to move on to their next target, Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga. However, their bid for the Sweden international, worth a reported £45m according to Ornstein, was rejected by the City Ground side, although they could return with a new offer.

So, that leaves Newcastle somewhat in limbo, although they have been linked wth a few more players who could become their new right-winger.

The latest on Newcastle's pursuit for a winger

Finding a new right-sided attacker has certainly been a frustration for the Magpies. They have missed out on two primary targets and must now go back to the drawing board to figure out their next move.

Transfer Focus

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

Well, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has recently broken the news that they are ‘exploring other options’ with regards to wide options. Two of those include PSV Eindhoven starlet Johan Bakayoko and West Ham United attacker Mohammed Kudus.

If the Magpies are to move for Bakayoko this summer, it seems like it could be a bargain move. According to reports, the Eredivisie side could accept as little as £17m for their winger this summer.

He has just one year left on his contract, and a move seems inevitable, which could give Newcastle a perfect opportunity.

How Bakayoko compares to Kudus

At just 22 years of age, Bakayoko has already made a great impression across Europe. He is clearly deemed Premier League quality by some sides, after a move to Brentford fell through a couple of years ago.

Now, two years on from that potential move, he is still making waves in the top flight of the Netherlands. Last season for PSV, the Belgium international played 47 times across all competitions, scoring 12 goals and grabbing three assists.

However, that is not Bakayoko’s best season for PV, whose academy he is a graduate of. His quality was really on show in the 2023/24 campaign. The winger featured in 33 Eredivisie games that season, and scored 12 goals, whilst grabbing nine assists.

Of course, the Magpies might pursue a move for Kudus, but there is no guarantee that they will secure the services of the Ghanaian international. He has been offered to other clubs, including Chelsea, as recently as the 6th of June, according to Sky Sports.

He certainly has a good record in the Premier League for West Ham. The 24-year-old has made 65 appearances in the English top flight, scoring 13 goals and grabbing 12 assists in that time. His best season came in 2023/24, when he contributed eight goals and nine assists.

However, he hasn’t hit the heights for the Hammers that Bakayoko did for PSV a couple of years ago. This certainly suggests that the Belgian could be an excellent alternative to Kudus if the Magpies decide to move for him instead.

The underlying stats on FBref also suggest that it is the case, too. When looking at their numbers from 2023/24, Bakayoko averaged 0.76 goals and assists and 7.11 progressive carries per 90 minutes.

In comparison, Kudus averaged 0.54 goals and assists and 4.32 progressive carries each game.

Goals and assists

0.76

0.54

Key passes

2.45

1.08

Progressive passes

3.50

2.87

Shot-creating actions

5.20

3.75

Progressive carries

7.11

4.32

The stats are there to suggest that, if they bring Bakayoko in this summer, he would be an excellent alternative to Kudus. Not only is he a “clinical” goalscoring winger, as Antonio Mango described him, but he is a fantastic ball carrier too, as the stats show.

For just £17m, this could be one of the bargains of the summer for Newcastle. It hasn’t been an easy summer so far, with the rejections they have faced, but this could be a huge turning point and key addition.

Dream Pedro alternative: Newcastle advancing move for £40m "goal machine"

Newcastle plan to make a series of attacking signings this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 25, 2025

Liverpool kicked off their pre-season with a 3-1 win over Preston North End. The result didn’t matter. This was an occasion for Diogo Jota, with the two clubs coming together to celebrate and commemorate a wonderful man who will forever be woven into Liverpool’s history, forever a part of Anfield.

The football was secondary, but it was a chance for fans to see the fruits of sporting director Richard Hughes’ labours in the transfer market, with wide duo Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong catching the eye.

Kerkez, signed from Bournemouth for £40m, looks an absolute menace, so lively and sharp. Replacing Andy Robertson, 31, should have been a daunting thing, but the Reds have hit the jackpot here.

Frimpong, too, shone, using his blistering speed and underrated intelligence to great effect, winning three of four duels and completing his one attempted dribble, as per Sofascore.

Giorgi Mamardashvili also exuded control between the sticks, but it wasn’t just the new boys who caught the eye, with Cody Gakpo looking good to continue his rise under Arne Slot’s wing.

Cody Gakpo's performance vs Preston

Last season, pundit Peter Crouch noted that Gakpo had “gone up a level” with Slot at the helm, going from strength to strength as he performed in a fixed attacking role off the left flank, as opposed to the shuffle-about role he had for Jurgen Klopp.

Against Preston, Gakpo continued that impressive role, seeing plenty of the ball and converting a well-taken goal that led to an emotional celebration.

The 25-year-old will be desperate to prove to his manager that he deserves another season in a prominent position at Anfield, having scored 18 goals and provided seven assists across 49 matches last year.

However, with Luis Diaz potentially being sold this summer, Bayern Munich reported to have agreed personal terms with the versatile Colombian forward, Slot is within his rights to want more depth out on the wing.

And the man the Dutch coach has in mind might just have the quality to supersede Gakpo.

Liverpool lining up new forward

According to reports from Spain, Liverpool are planning to make an offer for Real Madrid star Rodrygo this summer, potentially using the non-committal Ibrahima Konate as leverage in a potential one-in, one-out deal.

Rodrygo has been considered among the world’s leading forwards for several years, but he’s struggled of late with Real, having been pushed to the backbenches since Xabi Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti.

Another Spanish outlet, AS, have also chimed in, revealing that Rodrygo has a price tag of €100m (£86m). Los Blancos might be willing to sell their long-serving winger, but only on their terms.

Time will tell whether Hughes and Michael Edwards can engineer a deal that checks out for Liverpool. Arsenal are also keen, though, so swiftness is important here.

Why Liverpool want Rodrygo

Rodrygo would be the first to admit that he endured a frustrating 2024/25 campaign, but having chalked up 14 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, it’s clear he’s got a high bar, which leaves even poor seasons above that of many other forwards across Europe.

His former teammate, Luka Modric, actually called him a “world-class superstar” once, and with a longing for a permanent place on the left wing, Rodrygo could find that Liverpool would be the perfect new home for him, should Diaz be sold in the coming weeks.

Given that the Brazil international was fielded out on the right for the majority of the 2024/25 campaign in spite of his preference to play on the opposite flank, maximising his potency, he did well.

Moreover, he’s a big-game star, something Liverpool will need as they challenge for the biggest prizes once more.

Rodrygo’s arrival wouldn’t prove detrimental for Gakpo; Diaz and the Dutchman cohabited in the Reds first team last year.

But there’s a sense that Liverpool would be signing an upgrade on the former PSV Eindhoven talent, one who could dynamise and expand Slot’s vision as the Reds chase down more success.

Matches (starts)

35 (23)

30 (22)

Goals

10

6

Assists

4

5

Touches*

27.7

48.1

Shots (on target)*

1.6 (0.7)

1.8 (0.7)

Big chances missed

6

1

Pass completion

84%

91%

Big chances created

11

5

Key passes*

1.1

1.6

Dribbles*

0.9

1.6

Tackles + interceptions*

1.1

1.1

Duels (won)*

3.1 (51%)

3.8 (53%)

Looking at how Gakpo in the Premier League and Rodrygo in La Liga compared last season, you’d have to say that the wide range of qualities leans toward the Brazilian’s favour, even though he flattered to deceive by his standards.

Moreover, he might have only scored six times, but the 24-year-old also missed only one big chance, underscoring his value as a prolific outlet.

Journalist Sam Tighe once backed this up when calling Rodrygo “terrifyingly good” in front of goal, so deadly when fit and on form.

The fact that Rodrygo managed to score six goals and supply six assists from the left side of Real Madrid’s frontline probably tells you all you need to know, for Ancelotti actually gave him just 12 appearances from that flank.

A duo of Gakpo and Rodrygo contesting for the ascendancy in Slot’s system would only be a good thing. But if Rodrygo is given the grounds to grow his confidence, he might just find himself eclipsing Gakpo, bringing athletic completeness to marry into a natural-born bent for goalscoring which has perhaps yet to even be fully realised on the professional stage.

Slot's next Wirtz: Liverpool in contact to sign "the new Haaland" for £78m

Liverpool are planning to sign a new striker in the summer transfer market.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 14, 2025