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The Punjab Kings captain did not get strike for the final over and remained not out on 97

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Mar-20252:12

‘Probably Shreyas Iyer’s best IPL innings’

Shashank Singh was only ten-balls old at the crease. At the other end, with one over to go in Punjab Kings’ innings against Gujarat Titans, was his captain Shreyas Iyer on 97. He was the set batter, having hit nine sixes, and he had never scored an IPL hundred.But Shashank said he was told “to hit every ball for a four and a six,” and not to think about giving Shreyas strike. He did just that, scoring five fours to take 23 runs off the final over to lead PBKS to 243 for 5 in their IPL 2025 opener, a total that was only 11 runs too many for GT’s chase.”I didn’t see the scoreboard to be very honest, but after the first ball I hit, I saw the scoreboard and Shreyas was on 97,” Shashank said after the match. “I was going to ask him if I should take a single or something but he only came and told me to not worry about his hundred. It takes a lot of heart and courage to say that because obviously hundreds don’t come easily in T20, especially in IPL. That gave me even more confidence.”Related

Gill lauds Impact Player Vyshak for stifling GT's chase: 'Not easy delivering those yorkers'

Shreyas Iyer's IPL best leads PBKS to winning start

Iyer and Shashank added an unbeaten 81 off just 28 balls to help PBKS score 77 off the last four overs. Iyer, batting at No. 3 for the first time in the IPL since 2022, faced just four balls in the last three overs of the innings. Shashank scored 44 off 16, while Iyer finished unbeaten on 97 off 42.”It’s a team game we all know, but then in those situations, it’s difficult to be that selfless but Shreyas was one,” Shashank, who began his domestic career with Mumbai before moving to Chhattisgarh, said. “I know him for the past 15 years, he is the same. He told me just to be calm, to play cricketing shots that I usually play, to maintain my balance and by God’s grace, I think we had a good finish.”Shashank Singh and Shreyas Iyer added 81 in just 28 balls•IPLGT were faced with pulling off the second-highest chase in the IPL, but Sai Sudharsan kept them on course with 74 off 41 balls. Jos Buttler and Sherfane Rutherford also kept the big hits coming as GT scored 87 runs in the six overs between 9 and 14. The ask of 75 off 36 balls seemed achievable with heavy dew hindering the bowlers, until PBKS’ Impact Player Vijaykumar Vyshak bowled an incredible spell.Vyshak conceded just ten runs in his first two overs, bowling ten dot balls, and PBKS strung together three overs without conceding a boundary. GT couldn’t recover from the slowdown.”Shreyas is someone who works on instincts as a captain. That’s why he’s one of the best captains in in in the world right now,” Shashank said. “Even I feel that that was the right time to get Vyshak and the way he bowled… in the bowling meeting, we usually plan all those things. So this was a planned thing. The way he executed the plan was commendable. Those were the hard overs he bowled because there was some dew.”These are the moments you have to win. Vyshak came and he nailed it. It is very difficult to bowl those yorkers but he did his job to perfection and kudos to him.”

Tom Bischof has arrived at Bayern Munich with ambition and confidence, describing himself as a "mentality monster" ready to challenge established stars. After a strong debut start against Werder Bremen, the 20-year-old midfielder already looks set to carve out a key role under Vincent Kompany. With Bayern dominating in Europe and Harry Kane in record-breaking form, Bischof’s integration could be crucial as the Bavarians visit Cypriot champions Pafos.

Bischof’s arrival – a star in the making

Bischof made the move from Hoffenheim to Bayern Munich this summer, eager to test himself at Germany’s most decorated club. Speaking to Bayern’s magazine, he explained: "I spent a long time considering what the right step would be for me. I didn't just decide because we in my family are fans. I also listened carefully to Vincent Kompany, Max Eberl and Christoph Freund about what they planned for me and what they expected." 

The midfielder, who was once courted by Bayern at age 15 but felt it was "too early" to make a move, said he is a "mentality monster" and added: "The play around the box, the high pressing, all of that suits me very well."

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport‘Mentality Monster’ – Bischof’s Self-Belief

Bischof immediately impressed with his self-confidence and competitive mindset. "I'm super ambitious, I want to win titles, I want to win every game, absolutely! And that's the identity of FC Bayern," he said. The young midfielder sees himself as a challenger within a star-studded squad, insisting, "You definitely can't hide, that starts in the locker room. In training, you have to have a message behind every pass. As soon as the boys realise you can kick, you'll grow into the team. Fortunately, that's how it was for me. I see myself in the role of challenger at Bayern. To show myself, I always try to give 100 percent." 

Debut impact – first start and assist

Bischof’s first start under Kompany came in Bayern’s 4-0 victory over Werder Bremen. Anchoring the midfield alongside Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich, he quickly demonstrated maturity beyond his years. His standout moment came with a precise assist for Konrad Laimer’s 87th-minute strike, providing Bayern’s fourth goal. The performance silenced any doubts about his ability to step into the team and showcased his readiness to compete for a regular starting role, potentially challenging Goretzka and Aleksandar Pavlovic in the process.

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Getty Images SportChampions League Focus now as Bayern faces Pafos

The Bavarians travel to Cyprus to face Pafos in the Champions League. Bischof could be crucial as the German giants aim to maintain their dominance in Europe. With Harry Kane in sensational form, the midfield’s control will be vital. Bischof’s work rate, vision, and ability to link play may provide the balance needed for Kompany’s side to extend their winning streak and handle a disciplined Pafos team on their home turf.

The Bundesliga champions remain focused on both domestic and European campaigns, with Bayern’s perfect start this season, combined with Bischof’s emergence, ensures depth and versatility in midfield. Upcoming fixtures against Pafos in the Champions League, and crucial league matches, will test the youngster’s integration under pressure. If Bischof continues to deliver consistent performances, he could cement a long-term role in Kompany’s starting XI and become a key figure in Bayern’s pursuit of domestic and European success.

Following what was eventually an impressive summer transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly eyeing a 2026 battle against Real Madrid to sign a Premier League star.

Tottenham's transfer window in review

It was a slow start from those in North London. There was concern that Thomas Frank wouldn’t be backed and then there was concern that Tottenham simply wouldn’t get their targets over the line. In the end, though, they did both.

Xavi Simons, Kevin Danso, Kota Takai, Luka Vuskovic, Joao Palhinha, Randal Kolo Muani, Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel all arrived to commence a new era under Frank and one that has got off to an impressive start.

Late moves for Kolo Muani and Simons particularly stood out. The former rediscovered his best form on loan from Paris Saint-Germain at Juventus last year, but the Italian club’s hesitance to make their deal permanent allowed Spurs to swoop in.

Simons, meanwhile, needs little introduction. The former RB Leipzig star cost Spurs as much as £52m, but is likely to be worth every penny after the North London club hijacked Chelsea’s summer move, even if there have been warnings from some circles about his attitude.

How officials reacted to Levy exit following Tottenham tension with Joe Lewis

It wasn’t rosy behind-the-scenes.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 6, 2025

With a trip to the London Stadium to face West Ham United up next, there’s also another chance for Kudus to prove his worth in an important game. The winger has got off to an electric start under Frank and will no doubt be keen to get one over on his former club after the international break.

Spurs aren’t done there, however. They’re reportedly already preparing to race Real Madrid to sign a defensive star this time next year.

Tottenham racing Real Madrid to sign Marc Guehi

As reported by The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Tottenham are now eyeing a move to sign Marc Guehi ahead of Real Madrid, Liverpool and Barcelona when his contract expires next summer. The Crystal Palace defender came incredibly close to joining Liverpool on deadline day and even underwent a medical before the Eagles pulled the plug in heartbreaking fashion.

There’s nothing that those at Selhurst Park will be able to do next summer, however. Guehi will be a free agent with his future in his own hands. And whilst all signs still point towards Anfield, ENIC reportedly love the England international and could at least attempt to pull off a major coup.

Since that failed move, Guehi has been called up for England duty and received more praise from manager Thomas Tuchel, who said: “He is the main driver of Crystal Palace’s success.

“He is the captain and the leader. He played very impressively at the end of last season and at the start of this season. He continued exactly like this in camp, so it was very impressive. He handles it with respect and with grace, and with a brilliant attitude.”

A lot of the DC batters got starts but none of them managed to cross 40, with Axar’s 32-ball 39 the highest of the innings

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Apr-2025After a tough couple of days, the Ahmedabad pitch gave a bit of respite for batters on a hot Saturday afternoon. Karun Nair, KL Rahul, and Delhi Capitals’ (DC) middle-order batters got starts, but none of them crossed 39. Gujarat Titans (GT) used only five bowlers for 19 overs of the innings. Prasidh Krishna, who got hold of the purple cap, pulled the visitors back after a great start with a four-wicket haul.DC leaving out Jake Fraser-McGurk created the new opening combination of Abhisek Porel and Nair. Porel’s boundaries in the first over; a drive on the up over mid-off and a help-along flick behind square, showed that the pitch could be trusted.He fell to a full toss from Arshad Khan and Rahul’s shift in approach kept DC ticking. Rahul cut Siraj and was able to pump him down the ground. His start was ominous but an outswinging yorker from Prasidh trapped him lbw for 28 off 14 balls.Nair, too, got boundaries on both sides of the wicket. He was out in a relatively soft manner, ramping a shortish ball straight to deep third.A pristine cover drive from Stubbs off Prasidh brought up DC’s hundred in the ninth over. But he and Axar Patel were relatively sedate after that during the 53-run stand off 36 balls. They were happy to take Rashid Khan and Ishant Sharma for ones and twos.Rashid bowled quicker and at the stumps in his first two overs. He slowed the pace down in his third as Stubbs took him for six down the ground but then miscued a swipe across the line. Rashid ran back but couldn’t hold onto the catch close to the ring at mid-on. It led to a slog-swept six from Axar next ball.Ishant was struggling in the heat and went off the pitch after two overs. Siraj returned and removed Stubbs, who reverse swept a yorker and the ball lobbed to short third.GT’s death bowlers included a lot of yorker attempts with short balls peppered in between. It nearly worked first ball, but Rashid dropped Axar at the start of the 17th.The DC skipper could not hit a boundary in his last nine balls and was out caught behind. He charged Prasidh and tried to slap a length ball over cover and got an edge. Prasidh was on a hat-trick a ball later, thanks to a brilliant diving catch from Jos Buttler to dismiss Vipraj Nigam.Ashutosh Sharma was the primary boundary hitter in the final overs. He got a six and a four off Arshad early in his innings and hit two sixes off Prasidh later on. R Sai Kishore, whose only over was the final one of the innings, went for just nine, as GT inched past the 200 mark.

Robert Lewandowski’s future at Barcelona has once again come under the spotlight after his agent, Pini Zahavi, refused to rule out a possible departure. With the veteran striker entering the final months of his contract, the club are reportedly assessing long-term replacements. Despite his experience and past success, doubts persist over his role in Hansi Flick’s plans.

Uncertain future for Lewandowski as Barcelona hesitate over new deal

It was recently reported that Barcelona are leaning towards letting the 37-year-old when his contract runs out at the end of the season, with no sign of the club offering him an extension. His agent, however, insists a decision on his future has not yet been made on the fate of the striker, who has scored 105 goals in 156 appearances since joining in 2022. While Lewandowski has been vital to Barca’s recent domestic success, his playing time has been reduced this season, sparking suggestions his importance to the Catalan club is waning. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAgent Pini Zahavi denies decision has been made

Speaking to ,Zahavi refused to commit to any outcome, saying: "Lewandowski's contract with Barcelona expires in the summer of 2026, and no decisions have been made yet. We'll have to wait and see what happens in the coming days." 

His remarks have only fuelled speculation about a potential exit, especially amid rumours of interest from Saudi clubs.

Barcelona weigh next steps as striker succession plans begin

The Catalan giants appear to be preparing for life beyond their star striker, with Ferran Torres adapting to a central role under Flick this season. Deco recently stated that Barcelona will not immediately pursue a replacement, yet names like Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez and Etta Eyong continue to surface in reports. 

Zahavi, meanwhile, dismissed speculation linking his client to Saudi Arabia, insisting: "There's nothing official regarding negotiations with Saudi Arabian teams. There are no offers at this time."

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Lewandowski hits back at critics and addresses age debate

Speaking to after Poland's 2-0 win over Lithuania Lewandowski rejected claims that his age has limited his performance and said: "When someone looks for something negative about me, they always say that I'm old, that I can't run, that I don't feel like running, or that I don't work. That's nonsense. Just look at the distance I've covered and how much I've run, so it's not like that. Of course, I'm aware that at my age, playing fewer minutes could benefit me throughout the season."

He added: “I don't want to say I'm a victim of my age, but there are people who know how to take advantage of it, but I feel very good. Obviously, I don't expect to play 90 minutes in every game. I'm still physically fit in training, I'm still excelling. It's not like I disappear in training, so in that sense, I feel like I still have a lot to give."

The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual award in football and numerous legends of the game have picked up the honour since its creation in 1956.

Voted for by an international jury of journalists, Manchester City midfielder Rodri won the award in 2024 after a sensational season at the Etihad. But with the 30 nominees now ranked, here is the final 2025 Ballon d’Or standings.

Ballon d'Or final rankings in pictures Detailed look at the 2025 Ballon d'Or top 20 20 Lautaro Martinez Inter Milan and Argentina

Striker Lautaro Martinez came close to winning the Champions League in 2024/25, with the Inter Milan captain playing a key role in their run to the final, scoring nine goals in 14 European appearances.

In Serie A, the Argentine also hit double figures for goals for the sixth successive season, seeing him finish in 20th place.

19 Joao Neves PSG and Portugal

One of many PSG regulars who finished in the top 30 is midfielder Joao Neves, who is starting to show why the French giants splashed the cash on his services in 2024.

His first full season at the Parc des Princes couldn’t have gone better, playing regularly and lifting all there was to be won in Paris. Neves was called crucial to PSG’s Champions League success due to his “immense physical commitment”.

18 Scott McTominay Napoli and Scotland

After leaving Manchester United for Napoli in 2024, Scott McTominay enjoyed a brilliant first season in Italy, guiding them to a Serie A title.

In fact, the Scottish midfielder was named as the Serie A MVP for 2024/25 as he contributed to 18 goals in 34 league games. Finishing above the likes of Erling Haaland and Virgil van Dijk shows just how far McTominay has come.

17 Robert Lewandowski Barcelona and Poland

At the age of 37, Robert Lewandowski has continued to score goals at the highest level, finding the back of the net on 42 occasions in 2024/25.

The Poland international has had some incredible attacking players around him under Hansi Flick and has won the Copa del Rey, Supercopa de Espana and La Liga. However, Lewandowski missed most of Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final with Inter Milan through injury.

16 Vinicius Jr Real Madrid and Brazil

After finishing second in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings and not turning up to the event, Vinicius Jr was looking to win the prestigious award in 2025.

However, with Real Madrid missing out on the La Liga title and also being knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage, the Ballon d’Or wasn’t going to a Galactico.

Vinicius Jr has still contributed to 39 goals in 52 appearances in all competitions, though, winning the UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup.

15 Viktor Gyokeres Arsenal and Sweden

One of Europe’s best strikers around at this moment in time is Viktor Gyokeres, who has now signed for Arsenal from Sporting CP. After an outstanding first season in Portugal, Gyokeres backed that up in 2024/25 with more than 50 goals in all competitions.

No player has scored more in Europe, and the Sweden international rounded off the campaign by winning both the Liga Portugal and Taca de Portugal and has already opened his account for the Gunners.

14 Desire Doue PSG and France

Desire Doue has proven to be a gem of a signing for PSG and impressed as a starter later in the season, despite sometimes being in the shadows of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele.

However, the 20-year-old starred in big moments, providing two assists in the Coupe de France final while scoring two goals and getting an assist in the Champions League final. Those displays saw him finish 14th, and he looks destined to pick up the Ballon d’Or at some point in his career.

13 Harry Kane Bayern Munich and England

Bayern Munich and England star Harry Kane continued to score goals for fun in Germany and finally won the first major piece of silverware of his career.

The striker lifted the Bundesliga title in 2024/25, scoring 41 goals and providing 14 assists in all competitions during the season.

12 Khvicha Kvaratskhelia PSG and Georgia

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia made the move to Paris Saint-Germain in January and went on to help the French giants win the Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, and the Champions League, scoring in the final against Inter Milan.

The first half of the 2024/25 season saw Kvaratskhelia star for Napoli, who also won Serie A, before his big money move to France, so the Georgia icon’s two league winners medals helped him to a high ranking.

11 Pedri Barcelona and Spain

Running the midfield for Barcelona has been Pedri, who remained injury free under Hansi Flick to help them win the Copa del Rey, Supercopa de Espana and La Liga.

Called “the best midfielder in the world” by Thiago Alcantara recently, Pedri has controlled numerous games and has missed just one in all competitions in 2024/25, contributing to 14 goals along the way. He also helped Spain reach the Nations League final.

Pretorius was the leading run-getter at SA20 2025 with a tally of 397 at a strike rate of 166.80

ESPNcricinfo staff08-May-2025Rajasthan Royals (RR) have signed Lhuan-dre Pretorius as a replacement for Nitish Rana, who has been sidelined from the rest of IPL 2025 with injury. The South African will join RR for INR 30 lakh.In another signing, RR have brought in Nandre Burger for the injured Sandeep Sharma. Burger, who was with RR last season as well, comes in for INR 3.5 crore.* Sandeep had hurt his finger while attempting to stop a shot from Shubman Gill off his own bowling against Gujarat Titans in Jaipur. In ten games this season, Sandeep picked up nine wickets at an economy rate of 9.89.Pretorius, 19, is a powerful left-hand opening batter and wicketkeeper. He is yet to make his international debut but finished as the leading run-scorer at SA20 2025 with 397 runs at a strike rate of 166.80 in 12 matches. His 51-ball 97 for Paarl Royals against Sunrisers Eastern Cape was one of the best knocks of the season. After his stint at the SA20, he was signed up by Hampshire for Vitality Blast for his first county stint.Last year, he was South Africa’s highest run-getter at the 2024 Under-19 World Cup.As far as Rana is concerned, he had two noteworthy performances for RR this season. He scored a 36-ball 81 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Guwahati and 51 off 28 against Delhi Capitals (DC) in Delhi. RR have been knocked out of the tournament along with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and CSK. They have won only three out of 12 matches in 2025 and remain ninth in the ten-team tournament.Their remaining matches are against CSK in Chennai on May 12 and Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Jaipur on May 16.

Newly-appointed West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo’s arrival is set to spark a significant shake-up of the Hammers squad, according to reports in the last few days.

West Ham planning to back new manager Nuno Espírito Santo in January

Vice-chairman Karren Brady was reportedly a key driving force in West Ham’s decision to hire Nuno, who swiftly jumped into Graham Potter’s shoes just hours after the east Londoners announced his departure.

Potter left Rush Green despite significant support from senior members of the West Ham squad (The Telegraph), and Nuno took West Ham training that same day as the Portuguese quickly got to work ahead of his debut clash in the dugout against Everton.

His first match ended in a 1-1 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Jarrod Bowen’s excellently-taken equaliser cancelling out Michael Keane’s early opener — largely thanks to some impressive work down the left by summer signing El Hadji Malick Diouf.

Michael Keane

8.0

Max Kilman

7.3

Alphonse Areola

7.3

Jarrod Bowen

7.3

James Garner

7.1

via WhoScored

The latter is standing out as a shining light in an otherwise dismal season for West Ham so far, with members of the media already calling Malick Diouf one of the best finds of 2025/2026.

All signs suggest that the Senegal international could be a key player for Nuno, but West Ham are also prepared to bring in new January recruits to support the 51-year-old’s attempts to save the Irons’ season.

West Ham committed to a long-term deal with Nuno by agreeing a three-year contract, even if chairman David Sullivan was initially contemplating a reunion with former manager Slaven Bilic on an interim basis until the end of the season (Pete O’Rourke).

The club must go all in with their new manager, who guided Nottingham Forest back to Europe for the first time since 1995 last season, with West Ham apparently ready to make winter signings in the forward areas to back Nuno.

The ex-Tottenham and Wolves boss will already have a good idea of the players he wants out too.

Nuno caused a stir when he dropped midfielder James Ward-Prowse from the matchday squad against Everton.

The Englishman’s omission was solely Nuno’s tactical decision and not due to injury, with a report now shedding more light on his long-term future at the London Stadium.

James Ward-Prowse resigned to leaving West Ham after Nuno's arrival

According to GiveMeSport and reporter Andrew Dillon, Ward-Prowse is resigned to quitting West Ham in January after Nuno’s arrival, and the former Southampton star has already been told that he has no place in the new boss’ plans.

Nuno’s call to axe Ward-Prowse just two days after his appointment apparently sent “shockwaves” through the squad, but the 30-year-old has accepted his fate with professionalism with no behind-the-scenes bust-ups occurring.

Nuno briefly worked with the 11-cap England international at Forest, who signed on a season-long loan there at the start of 2024/2025, but they cut his temporary spell short midway through the season and sent him back to London.

Taking this into account, Nuno has clearly never fancied Ward-Prowse that much, with the player now poised to leave this winter in pursuit of a new club.

Ward-Prowse was a firm regular under Potter, and his threat from set-piece delivery was viewed as a prime reason why David Moyes brought him to Rush Green for £30 million in August 2023.

He’s just one free-kick goal away from equalling David Beckham’s Premier League record of 18, but that’s now unlikely to happen at West Ham.

Potter was always a fan of Ward-Prowse, even calling him a “quiet leader” in the team, but Nuno views the player very differently.

Wayne Rooney is backing Harry Maguire for a World Cup recall with England after seeing the Manchester United defender come through “bullying” that saw him become a “meme” at one stage. The commanding centre-half has not enjoyed the easiest of times at Old Trafford, but he was given plenty to smile about when netting a dramatic winner against Liverpool last time out.

Stripped of captaincy & benched: Maguire's challenges

Maguire, who became the most expensive defender in world football when joining the Red Devils in 2019, appeared to have little future with United after being stripped of captaincy duties and demoted to the bench. He has, however, played his way back into favour.

The 32-year-old has never been the type to back down from a challenge and has taken on an important role for Ruben Amorim during more struggles for consistency under the Portuguese coach. A position in the Red Devils’ much-maligned back three was found for Maguire for the high-stakes trip to Anfield.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportCrucial contribution in dramatic victory at Anfield

Rooney admits to being concerned about Amorim’s selection for that clash, with the likes of Leny Yoro and Benjamin Sesko being dropped to the bench. He did, however, see Maguire head home an 84th-minute winner on Merseyside.

United’s all-time leading goal-scorer said on podcast: “I was worried, to be honest. But you know what? I thought fair play to the manager because I think he got his tactics absolutely spot on. And I think bringing Harry Maguire in, I don’t know whether that was through injury or he had to, and I said a few weeks ago on here he’s such an important player for Manchester United.”

Figure of fun: How Maguire reacted to 'bullying'

Rooney went on to say of the troubles that Maguire has had to work his way through, with the experienced defender becoming a figure of fun at times: “I think with Harry, I would really struggle to have dealt with what he’s been through. You know, he was a meme for years. I think I’ve seen him in parliament, over in Africa somewhere where he’s getting brought up in that and they’re laughing at him. So for him to have dealt with so much of what he’s dealt with, he’s incredibly strong-minded to have gone through that.

“Then, getting the armband taken off him and people laughing at him and you’re like, this guy has been in World Cup teams of the tournament and been incredible for England, been really good for Man Utd and it’s completely unfair, and it was bullying. He was getting bullied from all over the place and for him to have dealt with that and got through it and stuck with it, you’d have to say ‘you know what, that’s a strong human being’. And for him to get through that and his family to get through that and come out the other side and show his ability, quality and strength, I couldn’t be happier for him.”

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Getty England recall & new contract: What does 2026 hold for Maguire?

Rooney is now of the opinion that Maguire should be recalled by England ahead of the 2026 World Cup, having failed to make any of the squads pieced together by Thomas Tuchel so far. Ex-Three Lions skipper Rooney added: “Harry Maguire for me shows why he should be in the World Cup squad and I really mean that I think he’s so important. I heard Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink speaking about him in that England squad and how much of a leader he is and players look up to him and it’s the same at Man Utd.

“He could have completely downed tools and wanted to leave the football club when he had the armband taken off him and that’s not easy for any player. Your self pride takes a massive hit when that happens and he’s having to stick there and support Bruno [Fernandes] as captain and not play every game and come on for the last 10 minutes of games. [Against Liverpool] coming in and playing really well again and showing that leadership and he’s a threat as well, set-pieces are so important.”

Maguire has 64 England caps to his name, having made his senior international debut in 2017. He will be hoping to play his way into Tuchel’s thoughts, while also staking a claim to a contract extension at Old Trafford – with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2026.

Former WBBL title-winning captain moves into high performance role after time as a broadcaster and Queensland Cricket director

Alex Malcolm20-Jun-2025Former Brisbane Heat WBBL title-winning captain Kirby Short has been appointed as Cricket Victoria’s new head of female cricket.Short, 38, captained heat to back-to-back WBBL titles in 2018-19 and 2019-20 and played 67 matches in the WBBL as a spinning allrounder. She also captained Queensland Fire in a lengthy WNCL career. She takes over as Victoria’s new head of female cricket under general manager of high performance Graham Manou after Sharelle McMahon resigned from the job last year to return to netball in a high performance role.Short retired as a player in 2020 but has remained in the sport as a director with Queensland Cricket and a commentator with Fox Sports and Channel Seven. Despite being a Queenslander, Short said she is excited to join Victoria where she has a family connection.”My grandfather, Mick Harvey grew up in Fitzroy and was a proud Victorian, so it seems very fitting that I have the privilege of contributing to the advancement of women’s cricket in this state,” Short said. “Victoria has a rich history in the sport, and I’m eager to take on this new challenge in Melbourne, working with the talented players and dedicated staff to build on that legacy.”Manou was pleased to get a person with such a strong leadership record into the role to oversee the women’s programs within the state.”We’re pleased to welcome Kirby to Cricket Victoria for what is a critical role in our cricket performance program,” Manou said. “Kirby’s leadership qualities, combined with her extensive experience in elite cricket, will be invaluable as we continue to invest in and elevate women’s cricket in our state.”