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Carse and Woakes are set to open the bowling, while Tongue and Bashir have retained their positions

Matt Roller18-Jun-2025It will be Ollie Pope, rather than Jacob Bethell, who bats at No. 3 for England against India in Friday’s first Test at Headingley.Pope, England’s vice-captain, left his position vulnerable after a poor run of form last year. Moreover, Bethell’s sudden emergence in New Zealand prompted serious consideration about the No. 3 spot. But Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum have opted to retain Pope, resisting the temptation to pick England’s most promising young player of his generation.Bethell’s opportunity at No. 3 in New Zealand was the result of two absentees – Jamie Smith (paternity leave) and Jordan Cox (thumb injury) – pressing Pope into action as England’s wicketkeeper. He scored three half-centuries in his first three Tests, including a second-innings 96 in Wellington, while Pope looked more comfortable down at No. 6.But Pope returned to No. 3 against Zimbabwe last month, with Bethell deemed unavailable while at the IPL, and scored 171 to push his case for retention. Rob Key, England’s director of cricket, said on Tuesday that England had “two brilliant options” for one position, and they have chosen Pope.ESPNcricinfo LtdEngland confirmed their team for the first Test on Wednesday, with Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes set to open the bowling after missing last month’s win over Zimbabwe through injuries. Josh Tongue and Shoaib Bashir retain their positions, with Gus Atkinson still recovering from a hamstring injury, while captain Stokes completes the attack.This will be Carse’s first home Test, after he took 27 wickets in five Tests in Pakistan and New Zealand this winter. “Headingley is an unbelievable ground,” he said. “I’ve played a bit of white-ball cricket here over the last couple of years… but to be able to play a home Test against India is going to be pretty exciting and I cannot wait to get going.”Carse has been a change bowler throughout his first-class career but is expected to take the new ball alongside Woakes this week. “There has been a little bit of discussion around that. I’m relishing that opportunity, if that is what it is,” he said. “I opened the bowling during the one-day series [against West Indies] and felt comfortable and confident.”England’s attack has considerably less experience than those India have faced on their recent tours. Mark Wood remains sidelined with a knee injury, while Rishabh Pant said it was “definitely” a bonus not to face the retired James Anderson and Stuart Broad. “It feels so good,” Pant said, with a smile. “But… they have enough ammunition as an England bowling line-up.”England XI: 1 Zak Crawley, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Ollie Pope, 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Ben Stokes (capt), 7 Jamie Smith (wk), 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Brydon Carse, 10 Josh Tongue, 11 Shoaib Bashir.

For all the scrutiny on Newcastle United’s inconsistent attack, their defensive organisation has been the team’s saving grace.

Eddie Howe’s side may not have been firing at the other end, but their solidity at the back has provided a foundation to build from.

Heading into their meeting with Arsenal, Newcastle had conceded the lowest expected goals against (xGA) in the Premier League at just 2.5. Compare that with their efforts in offence and the difference is stark.

Lowest Expected Goals (xG) – 2025/26

Burnley

4.5

Aston Villa

5.0

West Ham

5.0

Newcastle United

5.2

Wolves

5.6

Source: Fotmob

That xGA record slipped slightly after the defeat to Mikel Arteta’s side, but they still sit second in that particular metric – underlining the strength of their structure without the ball.

Across their opening fixtures, the Magpies have conceded only five goals, keeping four clean sheets. Only Liverpool and Arsenal have managed to score against them in the league play.

A big part of that early-season resilience has been the work of Tino Livramento, who added balance with his pace and anticipation on the flank.

His injury against Arsenal, which looked serious, could prove damaging to Howe’s plans.

Yet it also highlighted the broader point: Newcastle are in the process of rejuvenating their defensive line.

The partnership of Dan Burn and Fabian Schär has been a reliable one, but with Champions League football and a congested schedule, rotation is no longer optional.

Howe has made it clear that everyone must be ready to slot in seamlessly and that process is beginning to accelerate as one fantastic servant edges towards the twilight of his career.

How Fabian Schär became Newcastle's defensive heartbeat

When Newcastle signed Schär from Deportivo La Coruña in 2018 for just £3m, few predicted he would go on to become one of the club’s most consistent performers of the modern era.

Now into his sixth season, the 33-year-old has amassed 235 appearances, scoring 21 goals and contributing 10 assists – remarkable numbers for a centre-half and a reminder of his set-piece threat.

What sets Schär apart is his technical ability.

Described as a “true legend of the club” by one Newcastle content creator earlier this year, he is most notably comfortable receiving the ball under pressure. The Swiss defender can step out of the backline, carry into midfield, and fire incisive passes through the lines.

Under Howe, that skill has been essential in moving Newcastle away from being a purely reactive side to one that can build attacks from deep.

Chalkboard

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He also brings invaluable experience. With 86 international caps for Switzerland before his retirement last year, Schär has featured at World Cups and European Championships, developing into a leader by example rather than volume.

Supporters regard him as one of the best value-for-money signings in the club’s history.

Yet even leaders decline. At 33, Schär has become more vulnerable to injuries, missing recent fixtures due to concussion protocols after a heavy knock against Barcelona in the Champions League.

Subtle lapses – slower reactions to second balls, occasional mistimed challenges – have also crept in.

While his passing remains assured, there is a growing sense that Newcastle must prepare for a future where he is no longer the constant at the heart of their back four.

Newcastle's future leader ready to replace Schar

If Schär represents the present, new signing Malick Thiaw may well be the future.

Signed from AC Milan in the summer for £30m, the Germany international arrived with a reputation as one of Europe’s most technically capable young centre-backs.

At 24 years old, he already had 85 senior appearances for Milan and experience in the Champions League – proof that he can handle high-pressure environments.

Thiaw’s qualities are exactly what Howe seeks in a modern defender.

He is calm in possession, able to turn away from pressure, and plays progressive passes that cut through midfield lines.

Malick Thiaw – 2024/25

Matches Played

22

Tackles

24

Blocks

14

Interceptions

15

Aerial Duels Won

49

Source: FBref

His statistical profile backs this up: with a 93.2% pass completion rate, ranking him in the 95th percentile among his positional peers across Europe, he rarely concedes possession cheaply.

He also averages nearly five progressive passes per 90 minutes, placing him in the 85th percentile – evidence of his willingness to play forward rather than sideways.

His performance against Arsenal offered a glimpse of his potential. Thiaw won four of six aerial duels, cleared the ball eight times, and crucially, was not dribbled past once.

In possession, he completed 20 of his 23 passes, showing the kind of poise that makes him such a natural fit for Howe’s tactical approach.

Defensively, he read danger well, stepping out to intercept once and shepherding Arsenal’s attackers away from goal with his positioning.

Stylistically, Thiaw has drawn comparisons with Ibrahima Konaté and Micky van de Ven – defenders who blend physical dominance with technical assurance.

Newcastle fans already see the potential for Thiaw to form a long-term partnership with Sven Botman, one that could anchor the club’s backline for the next five years.

Of course, the summer arrival still needs to adapt fully to the pace and intensity of the Premier League, but the early signs are encouraging.

With Champions League fixtures demanding rotation, Howe may soon face a decision that seemed unthinkable only a year ago.

Phasing out one of the club’s most reliable veterans in favour of a player who looks ready to lead Newcastle’s defence into a new era.

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Posts ByWill Miller Sep 29, 2025

Sunderland have suffered from their fair share of relegation heartbreaks over the years.

Staggeringly, when looking over the all-time records, the Wearside outfit have been relegated from the Premier League down to the EFL an alarming nine times, with the last of those coming about at the end of the gloomy 2016/17 season.

Regis Le Bris will be hoping his name won’t be added to the list of the unfortunate managers who have a relegation blotting their CV, having just experienced the opposite, the unbelievable joy of promotion last campaign.

He has certainly been handed a very impressive squad to try and secure survival with, with a reported £162m forked out on upgrades all over the pitch.

Brobbey vs Xhaka – who is the better signing?

Amazingly, Sunderland were still active all the way up until deadline day, despite the litany of new signings entering the building before the chaos ensued.

Indeed, the main headline-grabbing signing from the hectic events of deadline day was the £21.6m capture of Brian Brobbey, with the Ajax goal machine suddenly uprooting away from his boyhood club at the final hour to try and be a rip-roaring success in England.

Le Bris and Co will hope the goals start flowing from minute one to justify that lavish price tag, and with Brobbey previously being lauded for his “prolific” nature by scout Jacek Kulig, it should be millions well spent.

After all, the Dutchman can’t have fluked his Ajax senior record of 56 strikes from 163 appearances at the Johan Cruyff Arena. That sort of record is precisely what Sunderland are looking for as they attempt to beat the drop. Goals, after all, are the most important commodity in football.

He could well get the nod over Eliezer Mayenda when Sunderland clash with Crystal Palace up next, but Granit Xhaka stands proud as the most striking deal of the summer window. His experience of Premier League football and his leadership skills make him a player who could drag the Mackems to safety.

Last time out, the Swiss assisted the last-gasp Wilson Isidor winner against Brentford, with the £17m recruit proving his worth in lots more ways than just supplying the Frenchman with that late strike, having also won a whopping ten duels as a battler for the newly promoted side’s cause.

Both signings, when looking back on the season next May, should hopefully be viewed as terrific success stories.

Yet, while both purchases cost Sunderland a pretty penny, there is another standout performer worth even more than the named duo, who was plying his trade for the Black Cats last season in the Championship.

The "incredible" star worth more than Brobbey & Xhaka

Thankfully, there are still some threads of continuity from that whirlwind promotion season in Le Bris’ first team, regardless of the wholesale changes this summer.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

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Both the aforementioned Mayenda and Trai Hume were regular starters for the Frenchman as promotion was eyed up, and both started the clash against Keith Andrews’ Bees.

On top of that, former loan star turned permanent purchase Enzo Le Fee also got the call to play from the get-go against Brentford, which proved to be an inspired choice by the ex-Lorient boss.

Despite it being his first ever taste of the hustle and bustle of the Premier League from the start, the cool and composed left winger tucked away his penalty with some confidence, which then gave the Black Cats the springboard to seal a late win via Isidor’s heroics.

But, going back to Le Fee, Sunderland fans just continue to fall more and more in love with their skilful ace, who managed to also notch up a solitary goal and three assists last season to steer Le Bris and Co up to the promised land.

Le Fee at Sunderland

Stat

Le Fee

Games played

22

Goals scored

2

Assists

3

Big chances created

2

Transfer valuation

£18m

After seriously impressing against Brentford, with Le Fee also winning eight ground duels to battle away valiantly for his team, Football Transfers estimates that his valuation stands at a weighty £18m.

Using the same source, that means the former AS Roma midfielder is actually worth more than both Brobbey and Xhaka, who boast reduced valuations of £17.7m and £15m respectively.

Even more could soon come from the “incredible” ace – as he was also labelled by Kulig – as the season progresses, considering Le Fee has seven goals and 14 assists up his sleeve previously in Ligue 1.

If all three players can perform to the peak of their powers, relegation shouldn’t be a worry on Wearside, as Le Bris tries to ensure a depressing tenth relegation isn’t on the cards.

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Posts ByKelan Sarson Sep 7, 2025

Tottenham's Carabao Cup clash with Doncaster has been thrown into the spotlight after a bizarre twist in the script as academy gem Damola Ajayi is set to line up against his parent club. The 19-year-old attacker, who only burst onto the scene last January with a thunderbolt debut strike against Elfsborg in the Europa League, was sent on loan to Rovers in the summer. Now, in a rare exception to the usual rules, he's been given the green light to feature on Wednesday night against Spurs.

Ajayi chasing big moment

Ajayi had only one senior Spurs outing to his name before being loaned out. And now, head coach Thomas Frank, who took the reins at Tottenham earlier this year, insists he has no problem with him taking to the field in north London. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportFrank remains unfazed

Frank said: "I think it's OK. He's on loan at another club. I know the Premier League have this if you're on loan from a club, you're not allowed to play [rule]. We decided to loan him out because it was good for his development. I've done that a thousand times. Maybe not a thousand times, a lot of times at Brentford, but we haven't been that lucky to face one of our own players. It is what it is. I think it's a great opportunity for him."

Frank vows strong side despite rotation

Frank has made it clear that Tottenham won’t take the contest lightly. The manager confirmed that backup goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky will start, but promised a heavyweight lineup otherwise. Injuries have forced a few changes. Ben Davies and Randal Kolo Muani are sidelined, but there is hope that youngsters Kota Takai and Dominic Solanke will at least make the bench after returning to training.

"Of course I’d like to win. No doubt about that. For me, I think we probably need to take one game at a time," Frank added. "I’m very aware (of the expectation). I think it’s that balance that as I said, I would like us to get there where we can compete in all four tournaments throughout the year. If you want to compete in all four tournaments, you need to be good enough to pick the right team every single time. And I promise you before I pick the team, it looks like an unbelievably good plan. I think we’re also aware that no players can play 60 games x 90 minutes. So, it’s that balance we need to hit throughout the season. Not only because we are facing Doncaster. We need to hit that perfect number of players that rotates and then a strong team. And it will be a strong team.”

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Getty Images SportWolves up after in hectic week

After Wednesday night’s clash with Doncaster, Spurs are back in Premier League action at the weekend, with Wolves arriving in north London on Saturday. Frank will hope his balancing act keeps the squad fresh enough to avoid any slip-ups.

In a significant jolt to India’s plans for the Champions Trophy, Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the tournament. ESPNcricinfo has learned that Bumrah is yet to completely recover from the discomfort in his back, an injury he picked up during the Sydney Test in January that also ruled him out of the England white-ball series.Yashasvi Jaiswal has also been left out of the provisional squad, and Varun Chakravarthy has been named as his replacement.While Bumrah’s latest scans, which he underwent in Bengaluru over the weekend, did not reveal anything severe, he is not entirely ready to return to bowling. There is no confirmation on the timeline of his return. It is likely he will resume running in a couple of weeks and then gradually get back to bowling. His progress will be monitored by the BCCI’s medical team in Bengaluru.This is the second ICC tournament Bumrah will miss because of injury, having sat out the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia owing to a back injury that eventually required surgery.Related

• Jaiswal ruled out of Ranji Trophy semi-final against Vidarbha due to ankle niggle

• In the Gambhir era, it's all about middle-overs mastery for India

• Rohit: Varun 'definitely in contention' for Champions Trophy

• Champions Trophy 2025 FAQs: Who are playing, what are the venues, where to watch and more

Bumrah’s replacement is Harshit Rana, who made his ODI debut during the ongoing England series. The ICC had set February 11 as the deadline for all participating teams to submit their final squads of 15 for the Champions Trophy. Any subsequent changes to the squad will need approval from the tournament’s technical committee.When the BCCI announced the provisional squad for the Champions Trophy and the England series in January, Rana was named as Bumrah’s back-up for the England ODIs. Rana made his ODI debut in the first game of the England series in Nagpur, sharing the new ball with Mohammed Shami. Rana started impressively, but Phil Salt then thrashed him for 26 runs in his third over. But the seamer from Delhi bounced back, picking three wickets to transfer the pressure back on England, which played a key role in India’s win.Eyebrows were raised after the selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, in coordination with the Indian team think-tank comprising head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma, had picked Rana ahead of the other contenders, including Mohammed Siraj, for the England series. Siraj has been India’s third-most senior bowler after Bumrah and Shami and was also part of their dominant run in the 2023 World Cup. However, in January’s media briefing while announcing the provisional squad for the Champions Trophy and the England series, Rohit explained that Siraj’s “effectiveness comes down a little” if he was not “going to take the new ball”.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Rohit had also said that with a question mark over Bumrah’s fitness, the decision makers collectively had confidence in Shami controlling the front-end of the innings and left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh capable of handling the death overs.

Varun replaces Jaiswal in Champions Trophy squad

Varun has been drafted into the squad as Jaiswal, along with Siraj and Shivam Dube, have been moved to the line-up of non-travelling reserves.Last week, Rohit had strongly hinted at Varun’s inclusion in the squad, saying that the spinner “clearly had something different about him”. Varun has taken 31 wickets at 11.25 since his comeback into India’s T20I squad, and on Sunday, he made his ODI debut as well, taking 1 for 54 in Cuttack.

India’s squad for the Champions Trophy

Rohit Sharma (capt), Shubman Gill (vice-capt), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy
Non-travelling substitutes: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj, Shivam Dube

Real Madrid legend Raul believes he will return to the club in the future, but doesn't rule out taking on "a challenge that excites" him before then.

Raul talks about his future coaching plansPromises to return to Real MadridDoesn't rule out taking on another opportunityFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Legendary former Madrid striker Raul has promised that he will return to the Santiago Bernabeu one day, hinting that he has set his sights on managing the first team in the future. The iconic ex-No.7 is currently without a job after he left the head coach position at Castilla at the end of the 2024-25 season.

AdvertisementImago ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Raul began working as a coach in Madrid's La Fabrica academy before taking on as the B team's manager in 2019. He spent six seasons with Castilla and came agonisingly close to firing the reserves to a promotion to the second division in the 2022-23 season, losing to Eldense in the play-offs. During his spell as Castilla boss, he also took over the reins of the U-19 team in the UEFA Youth League knockouts in 2020 and led them to the title. Despite proving his managerial mettle time and again, he never came close to earning promotion and becoming the first-team head coach.

WHAT RAUL SAID

Speaking about his future on the podcast, Raul said: "The plan will come on its own. You have to be patient and calm. I have been a coach at Real Madrid Castilla for six years, and I am sure that in the short term some opportunity, some challenge will come that excites me, because I believe that to do things you have to be motivated and you have to feel it."

He also kept doors open to a return to the Chamartin: "I've been at the club where I wanted to be and which is my home, and I know I'll come back again when the time is right, at another time."

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WHAT NEXT FOR RAUL?

Madrid's all-time appearance maker was subject to immense speculation during his time at Castilla, receiving interest from across Europe. He was eyed by Schalke, where he played after leaving Los Blancos as a player. Leeds, too, were reported to have an interest in the Spaniard's services. Most recently, following the sacking of Erik ten Hag, Raul was linked with the Bayer Leverkusen role. However, the ex-Spain international is currently on a sabbatical, although his words indicate that he is ready to take on his next "challenge" if the right opportunity comes his way.

A second-wicket stand of 206 was the bedrock of a comfortable win, with a mid-innings collapse ending New Zealand’s challenge in a rain-shortened chase

Andrew Fidel Fernando13-Nov-2024

Kusal Mendis celebrates his century with Avishka Fernando•AFP/Getty Images

Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando made centuries, and put on 206 together to send Sri Lanka to a commanding score. Then, once rain had reduced New Zealand’s chase to 27 overs, Sri Lanka’s spinners reaped five wickets for 22 runs to derail the visitors after their openers had made a strong start.In the end, New Zealand didn’t get close to the 221 they required off 27 overs. They puttered to 175 for 9, with too little firepower in their lower order to get them up with the required rate, and too much know-how in Sri Lanka’s attack to let them prosper after the collapse.The primary architects of Sri Lanka’s victory, however, were Kusal and Avishka. Their partnership was the highest ever for the second wicket in men’s ODI’s between these sides. Kusal’s 143 off 128 was also his highest individual score. And their propelling Sri Lanka to their eventual 324 for 5, before rain brought a halt to their innings after 49.2 overs, was a huge step towards victory, because although this surface was not especially spin-friendly, no chasing team had made so much as 290 in Dambulla.In the end, a long rain delay meant New Zealand had a curtailed chase. But even their openers, who put 88 off 80 balls, weren’t quite keeping up with the required rate. Will Young made 48 off 46 and Tim Robinson 35 off 36. But they needed big fireworks from the likes of Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman. They never came.Early on, after Pathum Nissanka was dismissed, Kusal and Avishka gained significant momentum through the first powerplay, in which Sri Lanka scored 57 runs. In the fifth over, bowled by Jacob Duffy, Mendis smoked a straight drive, then crashed a short ball in front of midwicket to hit his first two fours of the innings. In the next over, bowled by debutant Nathan Smith, Avishka lifted a ball down the ground, then swivel-pulled another one over the fine leg boundary for six.Kusal Mendis made a career-best 143•AFP/Getty Images

That period did have a hiccup – Mendis was dropped on 11 by Duffy, who could not hold a sharp return catch. But otherwise Sri Lanka’s progress was smooth. There was not as much turn as expected, and Kusal and Avishka settled into a steady rhythm of accumulation, both batters using the sweep to good effect when the New Zealand bowlers delivered consecutive dot balls.Avishka was also strong over cover, going inside-out repeatedly, while Kusal found runs square of the wicket on the off side. They both milked the bowling of Ish Sodhi and Michael Bracewell, neither of whom were able to build pressure over substantial periods. Kusal got to his fifty off the 64th ball he faced, before Avishka got to his own half-century – his ninth – off his 60th ball.They raised the tempo slighly after getting to those milestones, but largely batted in the same gear. Avishka was dropped on 77 by Sodhi in the outfield, though the fielder only really got fingertips to the chance. Kusal got to his century first, in the 37th over, off 102 balls. Avishka got there in the 38th. For both batters, this was their fourth ODI ton.Avishka was out soon after, caught at mid-off, but the partnership had delivered Sri Lanka to the brink of the death overs. At his fall the total was 223 for 2 in the 39th over.Both Kusal and Charith Asalanka were effective through the last 10, Kusal largely bashing spinners down the ground while Asalanka found runs square of the wicket. The rain returned with Asalanka being caught on the square leg boundary, with four balls remaining. It had rained early in the match too, forcing a roughly 40-minute break in the first over.Charith Asalanka enjoyed a happy outing with bat and ball•AFP/Getty Images

Once their opening pair was separated, New Zealand’s downfall was rapid and decisive. Maheesh Theekshana delivered the first two breakthroughs, having Robinson stumped, then Young bowled, in the same over, the 14th of the innings. Henry Nicholls was then bowled off the inside edge by Asalanka, before Theekshana held on to a screamer off the bat of Chapman at short midwicket, also off the bowling of Asalanka. When Glenn Phillips sliced a Jeffrey Vandersay legbreak to point, New Zealand had lost their top five in the space of 28 balls. It was always going to be almost impossible to recover from there.Of New Zealand’s players, Jacob Duffy came out of this match with perhaps the best performance, having taken 3 for 41 in his 8.2 overs. With the freshly-arrived Adam Milne likely to be fit for the second ODI on Sunday, Duffy has made a strong case that he should be persisted with. Of their three debutants (Nathan Smith, Mitchell Hay, and Robinson), Robinson showed the most promise in this match.

Tom Prest’s century and Kyle Abbott’s wickets has Kent on the verge of relegation from Division One

ECB Reporters Network10-Sep-2024Kent’s Division One status is dangling by a thread after a dismal second day against Hampshire in the Vitality County Championship at Canterbury.The hosts slumped to 64 for 5 for in reply to Hampshire’s first innings total of 403, with Kyle Abbott claiming 3 for 23.What had looked like an even contest at the end of day one tilted drastically in Hampshire’s favour during the morning session. Tom Prest hit a majestic 102, and Brad Wheal chipped in with his highest first-class score of 61 as Hampshire were finally dismissed for 403. Kent could be relegated this week if they lose and results elsewhere go against them. They still trail by 339 at stumps.The visitors began day two on 213 for 7 and looked comfortable for the first hour until Joey Evison came on from the Nackington Road End and removed Abbott for 26, victim of a brilliant slip catch by Jack Leaning.Prest, who only had 15 at the start of play, responded by dumping Matt Parkinson into the Old Dover Road hedges to bring up his fifty and he took 21 from the over.He then reached his 100 from exactly 100 balls by dropping to one knee and smearing Charlie Stobo for six over deep midwicket before he finally fell to the same bowler after a juggling catch from Jas Singh on the deep midwicket boundary.Even the last wicket pair put on 71. Wheal twisted the knife with an aggressive cameo that included a pulled six off Singh, and it was 377 for 9 when rain ushered in the lunch break.Wheal was stuck on 49 for 15 balls before he nudged Parkinson for a single and he then clubbed Stobo for a six over square leg to take Hampshire past 400 before he was bowled playing on to Stobo.Kent’s response was all too predictable. Mohammad Abbas strangled Tawanda Muyeye, who was perhaps unfortunate to be given caught behind for five at the start of Kent’s sixth over.Abbott then took three wickets in five balls. Daniel Bell-Drummond went first in the 11th over, caught for ten by Fletcha Middleton, a ball after he’d been dropped by Prest. Jack Leaning and Joe Denly then both went for second-ball ducks, the former caught by Albert, the latter lbw to a ball that hit him above the knee roll.Joey Evison made 21 before Wheal had him caught behind but the hosts were spared further punishment when play was suspended at 4.34pm due to a combination of bad light and increasingly heavy rain, which persuaded the umpires there was no realistic chance of resuming.

Russell Martin’s first game as Rangers manager is just a month away, with a Champions League qualifier scheduled against Panathinaikos.

The Gers will take on the Greek side in a two-legged tie towards the end of July, so new owners the 49ers Enterprises don’t have long to act in the transfer market.

Many will be intrigued to see how Martin sets his Rangers side up as they look to win just their second Scottish Premiership title in 12 years in 2025/26.

£6m star returns to Ibrox: AI predicts who Rangers will sign this summer

It could be a busy few months for the 49ers.

ByCharlie Smith Jun 14, 2025

Grok, X’s AI tool, has already predicted some Rangers signings this summer, and they have now forecasted the starting line-up at Ibrox for 25/26, with a few surprises in store.

AI predicts Rangers’ 2025/26 starting line-up GK: Liam Kelly

Described as a ‘dependable option’, Liam Kelly has been backed to start in goal for Rangers, with Jack Butland’s future seemingly up in the air.

They say ‘Kelly’s experience makes him a solid choice’, despite the 29-year-old only making 13 appearances in all competitions last season.

RB: James Tavernier

Club captain James Tavernier is regularly linked with a Rangers exit but Grok believes he is ‘likely to stay for another season unless a significant offer arrives’.

Games

513

Goals

130

Assists

142

Minutes played

45,296

Trophies won

5

AI adds that Tavernier ‘remains a key figure despite speculation about his exit’ and believes he could add to his 513 Gers appearances.

CB: Aaron Donnelly

Interestingly, Dundee centre-back Aaron Donnelly has been predicted to make the move to Ibrox, despite being a diehard Celtic supporter.

The 22-year-old made the move to Scotland from Nottingham Forest at the beginning of 2025 and actually scored against the Hoops in a 3-3 draw. There haven’t been concrete rumours over a transfer for Donnelly, so this would be a surprise.

CB: Robin Propper

Robin Propper has been heavily linked with a return to the Netherlands with FC Twente, however, a transfer has seemingly stalled, and he has been predicted to start under Martin.

The central defender made 43 appearances in all competitions during his first season at Ibrox and was even named as captain on one occasion.

LB: Ridvan Yilmaz

There has been a lot of talk about the future of Ridvan Yilmaz and a potential Rangers exit, however, the Turkey international is still on the books at Ibrox and has two years remaining on his contract.

Grok says that should he depart, Jefte would come in, but have backed Yilmaz to start for now.

CM: Connor Barron

After making 46 appearances in his first season as a Rangers player, Connor Barron has been backed to keep his place in the side under Martin, despite the arrival of Lyall Cameron.

A defensive midfielder, Barron is described as a ‘long-term asset and a guaranteed starter in the double pivot, aligning with the club’s youth focus’.

CM: Nicolas Raskin

Next to Barron is Nicolas Raskin, who has been linked with a big £25m exit from Rangers this summer.

Clubs linked with signing Nicolas Raskin

Aston Villa

Leeds United

Marseille

It would be a big boost if the Belgium international remained in Glasgow, and his ‘tenacity and work rate make him a mainstay in midfield’ according to Grok.

RM: Nedim Bajrami

Nedim Bajrami was used mainly as an attacking midfielder or on the left during his first season at Rangers, however, he has been predicted to move over to the right in 25/26.

The Albania international is ‘expected to develop further’ and Grok adds Bajrami’s ‘versatility and creativity on the right wing add flair’.

AM: Mohamed Diomande

Another versatile midfielder, Mohamed Diomande played as a defensive, central and attacking midfielder last season.

He has been described as a ‘cornerstone of the midfield’ and is predicted to turn out in a more advanced role under Martin.

LM: Kwame Poku

The second new signing predicted to make the starting XI under Martin is Kwame Poku. Set to leave Peterborough United on a free transfer this summer, Rangers have been backed to win the race for the Ghana international.

A left-footed winger, Grok is predicting Poku to bring ‘pace and directness to the left flank’ at Ibrox.

ST: Hamza Igamane

Finishing off the side is Hamza Igamane, who like Raskin, is also becoming a man in demand. Should he stay, though, could be a guaranteed starter in the final third.

Last season’s Scottish Premiership top scorer, Cyriel Dessers, could leave Rangers this summer, meaning ‘Igamane is poised to lead the line at 22’.

Tottenham Hotspur were beaten on home soil (again) to conclude their 2024/25 campaign, with Brighton & Hove Albion winning 4-1 to consign Ange Postecoglou to a 17th-place Premier League finish in his second season.

His second season will be remembered for something different, of course, for the Australian tactician made good on his brazen claim earlier in the year, ending Spurs’ 17-year trophy drought after beating Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday night in Bilbao.

But the league form simply hasn’t been good enough, and the manager’s future is up in the air. He’s failed to get a tune out of these players, domestically, at least, and while defensively the squad have been shoddy, there’s been a lot to desire up top too.

That’s why Spurs are gearing up to sign a new forward this summer, with Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap at the top of the shopping list.

Spurs chasing new forward

Dominic Solanke scored from the spot on Sunday afternoon to seal his 16th goal of the season across all competitions, having also laid on eight assists for his teammates.

However, injuries have prevented him from quite living up to the initial £55m fee, which could rise to a club-record £65m with add-ons, and he needs more frontal support, especially with Heung-min Son entering the twilight of his Premier League career.

That’s why there may be substance to rumours the Lilywhites are preparing to bid for Delap, with GIVEMESPORT reporting earlier in May that Postecoglou’s side are in the race for the English goalscorer, who was relegated with Ipswich this term but impressed throughout, scoring 12 goals across 37 outings.

If Spurs are to make their move, they may need to part ways with one or two, not least because this squad needs a shake-up.

Richarlison may well be at the top of that list.

Levy must sell Richarlison this summer

If Richarlison leaves this summer, he will do so as a Europa League winner, part of the squad whose names are immortal having triumphed on a stage so many before them failed to reach.

However, the versatile star has fallen by the wayside, all in all, especially when considering he cost Daniel Levy a whopping £60m figure when joining from Everton in 2022.

Having overcome a woeful debut campaign, the 28-year-old has enjoyed more clinical results over the past two terms, but it’s not enough to turn the tide.

24/25

24 (11)

5

2

23/24

31 (21)

12

4

22/23

35 (17)

3

4

And against Brighton this weekend, Richarlison failed to leave a positive mark when called into play, albeit he was likely nursing a hangover with the rest of the squad after the midweek merriment.

The Brazilian forward was introduced with less than an hour still on the clock but was still criticised by football.london’s Alasdair Gold for failing to influence the game, branded with a 4/10 match rating.

As per Sofascore, the £90k-per-week star only completed two passes after replacing Solanke, Tottenham trailing by just one goal. He also failed with his one attempted dribble and lost five of six duels.

As per transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Richarlison is now considering his Tottenham future, with Everton and Flamengo back in his homeland both interested. The robust player wishes to enhance his prospects of playing for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup over the pond.

Tottenham need reform this summer, and Richarlison is a big part of the struggling crew who need to be shipped out, creating space for a new era which could take the success of this season and build something special. Something fit to last.

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The impressive international could be a star for Spurs.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes May 24, 2025