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With five spinners in their squad, and three likely to start in their XI, slower surfaces could make them extremely hard to beat

Nagraj Gollapudi17-Feb-2025India will play all their Champions Trophy 2025 games in Dubai. The pitches there were used in the ILT20, which ended on February 9, only 11 days before India’s tournament opener. Does that mean that the surfaces will be predominantly slow? And will they wear out as the tournament progresses?Matthew Sandery, the head curator at the Dubai International Stadium, is non-committal about the latter question. But he is confident his team has had enough time since the completion of the ILT20 to prepare the “best surfaces” at the venue where India will play their group matches and – in case they qualify – the knockouts too.”The wickets that we will use for the Champions Trophy will have a minimum of two weeks of recovery from their last game of ILT20,” Sandery tells ESPNcricinfo. “We will aim to provide the best surfaces possible for Dubai and its conditions. I am confident that the pitches will be suitable for ODI requirements as expected around the world.”Related

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India are unlikely to mind if the pitches are on the slower side. They go in as favourites despite the absence of their premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who misses out due to back issues.Their squad includes five spinners, three of whom are fingerspinning allrouners – Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar – who provide batting depth, and two are X-factor wristspinners in Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy. This enviable collection of bowlers can create pressure on most surfaces, but they’re likely to be even harder to negotiate on slow pitches. Going by their recent line-ups, it’s likely that India will begin the tournament with a three-seamer-three-spinner combination.During the ILT20, a total of 15 matches, including the final, were played in Dubai, of which 14 were day-night games. Conditions at the ground offered a fair balance, giving batters and both kinds of bowlers something to work with. Fast bowlers averaged 25.06 at the venue while going at an economy rate of 8.08, while spinners managed corresponding figures of 29.16 and 7.46.1:12

Champions Trophy: Harshit or Arshdeep in India’s XI? Manjrekar takes his pick

Dubai, though, has not hosted ODIs involving the Full Member teams since June 2019. This makes it hard to read into recent 50-overs numbers from the venue. For what it’s worth, if you consider ODIs from 2018, Australia and Pakistan have scored the only two 300-plus totals in 35 matches at the venue, and both came in the same match. Since 2018, the average first-innings total in Dubai in ODIs has been 213, while the average winning total has been 252. Teams batting first have won 14 and lost 19 times, with one tie and one no result also in the mix.Sandery does not foresee dew being a major factor, especially with the difference between day- and night-time temperatures in Dubai expected to be low. “Dew is a funny thing; we have played a very competitive ILT20 Season 3 in the UAE over the last month, and I think it didn’t come into play much at all.”The Champions Trophy is the first marquee men’s event being played in Dubai since the 2021 T20 World Cup, where India failed to make the semi-finals. They have been training since Sunday at the ICC Academy and will kick off their campaign on February 20, against Bangladesh.

The Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago White Sox completed a player-for-player swap in a trade on Friday, as the Brewers acquired outfielder Andrew Vaughn in exchange for pitcher Aaron Civale, who was sent to Chicago. And MLB Network analyst Mark DeRosa believes there is a clear victor and loser among the two players involved in the trade.

"…Number one, if I'm Andrew Vaughn, it's Christmas morning for me," DeRosa said.

DeRosa went on to explain that the underachieving Vaughn, a former third overall pick in the 2019 MLB draft, could possibly reach his full potential getting a fresh start in a different organization. Further helping that potential cause is the fact that Vaughn will now be contributing to a winning team in Milwaukee (37–33) after spending the first five seasons with the White Sox, who set a modern-day record with 121 losses this past season.

"If I'm Andrew Vaughn, I can't get to the airport quick enough," DeRosa quipped.

Civale, on the other hand, was not so lucky. Two days ago, the Brewers made it known that they would like for Civale, who has only ever started in his big league career, to shift to the bullpen. Civale did not want to do so, and, through his agent Jack Toffey, expressed his desire to remain a starter, even if it meant no longer pitching for the Brewers. DeRosa believes the Brewers sent a "message" to the free agent-to-be, trading him to the White Sox, where it may be difficult to acquit himself well for his upcoming free agency.

Former big leaguer Chris Young astutely noted that Civale will certainly get more opportunities to start on Chicago. However, if judging the trade simply by the team success both players are bound to experience in the remainder of the 2025 season, it's difficult to call anyone but Vaughn the winner.

In an interview with Time Magazine published at the end of July, Erling Haaland claimed that Norway would only have a 0.5 percent chance of winning the 2026 World Cup. He added: “If we would qualify for the World Cup, it would be like another big nation winning it. It would be the biggest party ever. Scenes in Oslo would be incredible.” That party is now underway, with Norway having booked their spot at the tournament for the first time in 28 years after thumping 4-1 wins over Estonia and Italy during the November international break.

The latter of those victories, recorded at a packed-out San Siro, was particularly impressive. Italy deservedly led at the interval through a clever finish from Francesco Pio Esposito, but Norway exploded into life in the second half and put on an attacking football clinic to blow the hosts away, with Antonio Nusa and Jorgen Strand Larsen scoring either side of a Haaland brace.

It must be noted that Italy are no longer the force of old, but steady improvements have been made under new boss Gennaro Gattuso, and five members of their Euro 2020-winning squad –  Gianluigi Donnarumma, Nicolo Barella, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Bastoni and Manuel Locatelli – started the match. Norway are just the second team to ever beat Italy in a competitive away game by three goals or more; Sweden were the last to achieve that feat way back in 1983.

They also exacted revenge over Italy for their round of 16 defeat at the 1998 World Cup finals. Statement results don't come much bigger, and you'd have to imagine that Haaland is now revising his expectations for next summer. 

The Manchester City talisman is leading a golden generation of talent that should fear no one. All the evidence from a stunning qualification campaign points to one undeniable truth: Norway are serious dark horses for World Cup glory, and not just because they can call upon the best striker in the business…

GettyProper firepower

Haaland's presence is main factor, though. Norway won all eight of their games in Group I, scoring 37 goals, and Haaland bagged 16 of them, equalling Robert Lewandowski's single qualifying campaign record. 

The irrepressible City terminator has already notched 32 goals for club and country this season, and his double against Italy brought him up to 55 in just 48 appearances at international level, 22 more than any other Norway player in history. Haaland has found the net in nine consecutive games for his country, and in eight of his last nine Premier League outings for City. Norwegian journalist Lars Sivertsen has described Haaland as the nation's "greatest ever player", ahead of icons like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, John Arne Riise, and Tore Andre Flo, which feels totally justified.

Amazingly, at the age of 25, Haaland has not even entered his prime yet. No other team at the World Cup will boast such a deadly weapon: a quick, strong, deceptively skilful and frighteningly ruthless centre-forward who doesn't seem to feel pressure.

But he will also benefit from a stellar supporting cast. Atletico Madrid's Alexander Sorloth has been the perfect foil for Haaland as an imposing target man, while Wolves marksman Strand Larsen has emerged as the ideal impact substitute. As Italy learned to their peril, Norway have enough firepower to go toe-to-toe with any opponent.

AdvertisementGettyOdegaard to return

Remarkably, Norway managed to seal their spot at the World Cup without their prized playmaker and captain, Martin Odegaard. The Arsenal midfielder missed his country's final three qualifiers due to a knee injury, and Solbakken has confirmed he is still "some distance" from a return to the pitch.

But time is on Odegaard's side, and Norway need him to unlock their full potential. In tighter games, he is the one who can sprinkle the magic required to open things up, as he did when setting up three goals in Norway's 4-2 win away in Israel in March.

Odegaard produced seven assists overall, more than any other player in European qualifying. Like Haaland, he is a world-class operator built for the big stage. The 26-year-old also demonstrated his commitment and leadership credentials by flying out for the latest Norway camp and joining their celebrations instead of focusing only on his recovery at Arsenal's training base.

"He was there before, during and after," Solbakken said after the win over Estonia. "There is always an aura with Martin." Norway team-mate Morten Thorsby added: "Martin is our captain. He gives us security and strength. We wanted him with us. Even though he couldn’t help us on the pitch, he did off the pitch."

Odegaard leads by example in everything he does, and Norway fans will be praying that the former Real Madrid starlet returns to full fitness sooner rather than later, because he is the key to a deep World Cup run.

AFPExciting young guns

With an average age of just 25.8 years, Norway possess one of the most exciting young squads in the international game. Haaland and Odegaard have shared most of the plaudits in recent years, but there is every chance that, by the time the World Cup kicks off, the spotlight will extend to fit in two hugely talented up-and-comers: Nusa and Oscar Bobb.

Nusa, who has been catching the eye in the Bundesliga with his exploits on the left wing for RB Leipzig, has racked up 16 goal involvements in 20 games for Norway since making his debut in 2023. There is still scope for the 20-year-old to improve his decision-making, but he gives defenders nightmares with his explosive turn of pace and magnetic footwork, which have also been vital to Norway's emergence as an effective counter-attacking side.

On the opposite flank, Bobb has not been quite as influential, but he offers something different. The Manchester City ace does most of his best work when coming inside, and is happier to link the play rather than be a difference-maker in the final third. Bobb, 22, is more of a technician than Nusa; he excels at finding space between the lines and picking out incisive passes. 

Nusa gives Norway an X-factor, while Bobb has the footballing IQ to help draw opponents out of position. They could be an effective combination in North America, while former Nordsjælland wonderkid Andreas Schjelderup is another option in advanced areas. Struggles for form at Benfica and off-field controversy have halted the 21-year-old's career trajectory over the last year or so, but he is also a gifted footballer who is versatile enough to play on the wing or as an attacking midfielder.

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AFPBrilliant Berge

Norway's rise can at least partly be attributed to the vast Premier League experience in their dressing room. In addition to Haaland, Odegaard, Strand Larsen and Bobb, Solbakken has also utilised the qualities of Sander Berge (Fulham), Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford) and David Moller Wolfe (Wolves) to take Norway to the next level.

With so many players used to the intensity of life in Europe's most demanding league, Solbakken has genuine strength in depth. There is an unsung hero in that group who deserves far more credit, though.

Berge was arguably Norway's most consistent performer in qualifying. The Fulham midfielder's ability to break up play initially gave them the platform for success, and after Odegaard was ruled out, he also became the man to drive the team forward.

"He's taken a huge step forward at Fulham. We've been able to tailor-make a role for him in the national team that really suits his strengths," Solbakken has told .

Berge has been Norway's chief disruptor and architect in the No.8 slot, setting the tone for the rest of the squad with his work rate. When Berge is playing alongside Odegaard and Bodo/Glimt's Patrick Berg, Norway have the perfect blend of physicality and creativity in the middle of the park. The former Sheffield United and Burnley star is now living up to the promise he showed in his younger years, and Norway are a much braver side in attack and defence because of him.

Are Newcastle United finally clicking into gear this season?

It appears that way, with Eddie Howe’s Magpies now three wins from their last three matches in all competitions, which included an excellent 2-0 EFL Cup win being picked up over Thomas Frank’s challenging Tottenham Hotspur last time out at St James’ Park.

Still, the Toon only have three wins next to their name in the Premier League from their opening nine clashes, meaning more positive results need to be picked up in the bread and butter of the top-flight soon, with away trips to West Ham United and Brentford now on their agenda.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men will, no doubt, be fearful of Newcastle’s attack as they loiter near the bottom of the tough division, with Nick Woltemade helping himself to yet another goal against Spurs to add to his ever-increasing Magpies back catalogue.

Woltemade's unbelievable Newcastle start

Woltemade would ensure his new side would progress through to the quarter finals of the EFL Cup when he headed this effort past a hapless Antonín Kinský.

He hasn’t just reserved his goals this season for when he comes up against stand-in goalkeepers, however, with Woltemade also boasting a mightily impressive four strikes back in league action, which has even led to opposition managers such as the Brighton and Hove Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler hailing him as “special” in what he can uniquely offer the Tyneside giants.

Indeed, it isn’t just a lethal edge that the 6-foot-6 marksman can provide, whether that be when he’s racing through on goal, or being positioned intelligently to head home a cross, with Woltemade also often in the correct spaces to progress his side’s efforts going forward with a killer pass.

He was at the heart of Harvey Barnes’ goal against Benfica in the Champions League, for example, as his ingenious flick then led to the number 11 firing home, after Anthony Gordon had played it into his path.

To put it simply, acquiring the ex-Stuttgart striker for £69m – although looking rather steep at the time – has now gone down as a “first class” signing, as his manager has recently stated.

Howe and Co. could well look to this coming January in trying to win more attacking firepower in a similar vein to their new star-man, as one move is reportedly eyed up…

Newcastle's search for another striker

After all, although William Osula has looked dangerous off the bench for Newcastle in recent matches, there is a lack of depth in the striker spot at St James’ Park – with Yoane Wissa still sidelined.

This might spark the Magpies into attempting to seal Alexander Sorloth’s signature in January, as Ross Wilson plots what his first bit of business at his new club will be as the fresh sporting director.

Newcastle could do far worse than landing Sorloth if rumours are to be believed, with Spanish outlet Marca – via Sport Witness – that eyes are very firmly on the Norwegian’s exploits at Atletico Madrid between now and the transfer window swinging open, with scouts from Newcastle previously watching the 29-year-old in action back in September.

The similarities between Woltemade and the Scandinavian are immediately obvious, with Sorloth coming in at a gigantic 6-foot-4 frame himself.

On top of that, despite some wobbles this season under Diego Simeone, he has been a reliable source of goals for most of his stay in Spain to date, leading to the fiery Simeone lauding him as a “phenomenal” finisher.

25/26

9 (3)

2 + 0

24/25

35 (15)

20 + 2

23/24

34 (30)

28 + 6

22/23

34 (28)

12 + 3

21/22

33 (20)

4 + 0

Looking at the table above, it’s clear that Sorloth possesses the same split-second instinct Woltemade possesses when finishing off chances, with this season seeing him bag three goals, despite only averaging 40 minutes of action in La Liga per game.

In total, the 66-time Norway international now has 61 Spanish top-flight strikes next to his name, which far outweighs his German counterpart’s Bundesliga tally of 14 goals.

Away from clearly being potent, Simeone has also noted that Sorloth is “important in every moment and context of the game you can imagine”, with an eye for an assist and carving out an opening also clear, with Howe very much ready to use him as a focal point like Woltemade, knowing he’s a similar team player.

It’s unlikely that he would usurp Woltemade from the get-go, but as another second-in-command option for a potential £27m fee, it feels like a no-brainer to chase after.

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One Newcastle United player is now “keen” to stay at St James’ Park and signing a new contract, according to former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown.

Newcastle line up more new deals after Pope extension

Nick Pope recently triggered a contract extension to stay on Tyneside until 2027, revealing in the pre-Benfica press conference this week it was a clause inserted into his original deal in 2023.

Bruno Guimaraes has also been a fantastic servant for the Magpies, adding so much quality and heart to the midfield ever since he joined the club.

Sorting the Brazilian’s future has to be a key area of focus for Newcastle, and a recent update claimed that they have offered him a new five-year deal, in order to ward off interest from the Saudi Pro League.

Bruno isn’t the only player whose future will be looked at, though, with experienced heads Kieran Trippier and Jamaal Lascelles out of contract at the end of this season.

Now, a key update has emerged regarding a player who is at the opposite end of his career, with Eddie Howe likely to be buoyed by the news.

Newcastle ace "keen" to sign contract extension

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League executive Mick Brown spoke on the chances of Tino Livramento signing a new deal at Newcastle, saying he is “keen” to stay put.

“Livramento has earned all the plaudits he gets. He’s worked very hard to become part of that Newcastle team despite the injuries he’s had, he plays wherever he’s needed and has always done a very good job. He’s done the same for England as well and has improved his reputation considerably.

“A lot of that progress has been made since he joined Newcastle, where he clearly has the trust and a good relationship with the manager. Of course, when a player is performing at that sort of level consistently, it’s going to attract interest from other clubs who might want to bring him in.

“But from what I hear, Livramento is happy at Newcastle, and I’d expect if there was a new contract on the table for him, he would be keen to stay. It’s something that would be the best outcome for all parties if they could get him tied down. Not only do Newcastle get to keep a fantastic player, but he can continue and build on the progress he has made there, playing regularly at the top level.”

Livramento is currently 19th on the Newcastle wage list at just £50,000-a-week, but has to be seen as a big part of the club’s future, with the England international proving to be a great option in both full-back positions.

The 22-year-old should only grow as a footballer as the years pass, potentially even becoming a regular starter for the Three Lions, and Theo Walcott once even claimed that he possessed an “aura”.

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If Bruno’s new contract takes precedence for Newcastle, Livramento isn’t too far behind, as they look to avoid him moving elsewhere, which would be a huge blow at this point in his career.

Do not pinch yourself, Sunderland fans, your beloved team does actually sit in a mind-blowing fourth position in the early Premier League standings right now.

Ever since Regis Le Bris’ transformative appointment last summer, the Black Cats have found themselves slowly but surely rising to absurd new heights, with a dramatic promotion via the playoffs, now being met with an incredible five victories from their opening nine top-flight contests.

The Wearside underdogs even got the better of Chelsea last time out in the Premier League to secure that amazing top-four position, as a last-gasp Chemsidine Talbi effort left Robert Sanchez rooted to his spot.

The Black Cats’ away end was anything but stationary, though, as flailing arms galore were seen at Stamford Bridge, as the hardened travelling masses try to grow used to their side competing with the big boys, and even beating them.

It’s been quite a breakneck journey for Le Bris and Co. since the ex-Lorient boss was handed the Stadium of Light reins back in the summer of 2024, with the Black Cats very much putting the transfer market to good use in signing some fantastic gems over the last year or so.

Sunderland's best signings since Le Bris joined

There would have been plenty of apprehension in the air when Le Bris was first announced as Sunderland boss, as the then-Championship underachievers gambled on a managerial option that had never taken charge of an EFL game before.

Thankfully, their left-field thinking paid off, with Wilson Isidor undoubtedly sticking out as one of the Frenchman’s finest bits of business since moving to England.

Already, Isidor has shown he can cut it in the Premier League with four top-flight strikes next to his name, with the sweetest effort of them all arguably being this instinctive effort that got the ball rolling for Le Bris’ men in West London.

With 13 Championship goals also under his belt, which ensured the glory of promotion was achieved, he is certainly a firm fan’s favourite now, after also being seen as an out-there purchase when initially joining the ranks on loan from Zenit St. Petersburg.

Isidor’s fellow compatriot in Enzo Le Fee is also in this conversation, with Le Bris flexing his Ligue 1 connections to bring in the ex-Roma midfielder in January, proving to be a crucial moment in their hunt for promotion.

Without Le Fee’s added star quality, the Black Cats might well have come up short in their goal to finally return to the Premier League, with two assists picked up from their three cagey playoff matches, resulting in the number 28 being seen as an ice-cold customer on Wearside in tense moments.

Le Fee entering the building on loan and then staying put permanently arguably paved the way for Sunderland to be very ambitious this summer, with faces such as Omar Alderete leaving the glamour of La Liga behind for a chance at Premier League success with Sunderland, a wild thought when the Black Cats were once marooned in the second tier.

Of all the standout purchases this summer, Granit Xhaka is surely the one that sticks out the most, with the Swiss international a regular once upon a time at Arsenal, before becoming a Bundesliga-winning warrior with Bayer Leverkusen.

It almost felt too good to be true; therefore, when the 33-year-old battler ditched Germany for Sunderland this summer, with there surely being a catch along the way.

Yet, Xhaka has proven to be a fine wine on his return to England, with the £13m summer buy currently ranking fifth in the division for big chances created (four), despite being in the supposed twilight years of his career.

Chipping in with three assists, too, it must still be hard for Sunderland fans to come to terms with the spectacular talents their side can now convince to move to Wearside, with Le Bris commenting after the Chelsea win that his brand-new captain is “setting the standards” for everyone around him.

While Xhaka is rightly stealing the headlines for being a masterstroke of a signing, there is another figure who has slipped under the radar, who could be deemed as an even better signing that Le Bris has pulled off, away from the number 34’s wild return to England.

Sunderland's best signing under Le Bris

If Xhaka were to have an off-day, the Frenchman thankfully has fellow midfield talent Noah Sadiki to call upon, with the summer signing from Belgium yet another face who has been “incredible” this season, as he was recently labelled by journalist James Copley.

In the heart of defence, though, Sunderland are arguably not blessed with the same levels of depth, with an ageing Luke O’Nien perhaps not cut out for the pressures of the Premier League, in reserve.

Thankfully, ever since his £9.5m arrival to the building during the action-packed summer transfer window, Nordi Mukiele has been a trustworthy component of Le Bris’ side in this spot on the pitch, with the assured number 20 already being referred to as a “colossus” by journalist Andy Sixsmith, off the back of him looking near faultless since entering the Black Cats ranks.

While Xhaka has also looked equally imperious and confident, he already knew all the rhymes and rhythms of the unforgiving division, having been put through the wringer at Arsenal.

Mukiele’s PL stats

Stat – per 90 mins*

Mukiele

Games played

7

Goals scored

1

Assists

0

Touches*

65.1

Accurate passes*

32.6 (81%)

Tackles*

3.0

Ball recoveries*

3.7

Clearances*

7.4

Total duels won*

7.3

Clean sheets

3

Stats by Sofascore

Mukiele, on the other hand, only knew Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga before his switch, but has since stepped up to already be seen as an undroppable part of Sunderland’s unfolding success story, as can be seen by looking at his phenomenal Premier League numbers to date.

Amazingly, despite the ex-Gunners midfielder also holding a fierce reputation for being a “monster”, as he was once labelled by Arsenal-based writer Connor Humm while still at the Emirates, Mukiele has managed to win more duels on average this season with a commanding 7.3 duels conjured up, next to Xhaka’s slightly lesser 6.2.

To further back up the argument that Mukiele is Le Bris’ best bit of business since leaving Lorient behind for Wearside, the 27-year-old has also been vital so far this season with his ability to be adaptable and versatile for his team’s cause, with a goal even coming his way against Wolverhampton Wanderers in mid-October, when drafted out to a right-back spot to fix some injury concerns.

Landing such a committed character for just £9.5m, which is also cheaper than the modest amount forked out to win Xhaka, surely means he is a frontrunner to be seen as Le Bris’ smartest move since becoming Sunderland manager, with Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley even stating last month that he “can’t believe” the Premier League newcomers managed to pick him up.

The concern, too, with their captain is that he is 33 years of age, with more seasons on the agenda where he’s running himself into the ground – past this campaign – perhaps a tall order.

Whereas, Mukiele has time on his side, with a hope that his full-blooded efforts just continue on, as Sunderland strive to remain near the top of the Premier League tree for as long as possible, courtesy of their never-say-die number 20.

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West Indies posted a mammoth 352 for 8 but rain didn’t allow Ireland’s chase to begin

Abhimanyu Bose23-May-2025No result West Indies marched to a mammoth total of 352 for 8 on the back of Keacy Carty’s second ODI century and Matthew Forde’s record-equalling fifty as they looked to level the three-match series against Ireland, but the second ODI was washed out as rain didn’t allow Ireland’s chase to begin.Ireland sent West Indies in under slightly overcast conditions. The West Indies openers, Brandon King and Evin Lewis, got going with boundaries through the off side but Barry McCarthy, who took four wickets in the first game, drew the outside edge from King to give Ireland the first breakthrough.The first bowling change also worked for Ireland as Lewis drove Josh Little straight to cover point in the bowler’s first over.Related

Matthew Forde equals AB de Villiers' record of fastest ODI fifty

Hope and Carty then rebuilt for West Indies, ensuring there wasn’t a repeat of the top-order collapse they suffered in the first ODI, as they rotated strike well with quick singles and doubles amid the odd boundary.Hope looked the more fluent in their 81-run stand off 90 balls as Carty slowly grew into the game. Hope also hit the first six of the game, coming down the track to Andy McBrine. But the West Indies captain nicked off on 49 to give Liam McCarthy his first international wicket.West Indies then picked up the tempo, with Carty doing the heavy lifting and Amir Jangoo happy to keep rotating strike. Carty brought up his half-century off 67 balls in the 27th over and then started to shift gears.Matthew Forde is all smiles after equalling the record for the fastest ODI fifty•Sportsfile/Getty ImagesIn the 29th over, he took on Barry McCarthy for two fours and a six. The six was probably his best shot; he backed away and slapped it over cover.Jangoo was caught at short third off George Dockrell before Carty brought up his century in the 36th over, off 105 balls.But when Carty was caught behind next over trying to cut Liam McCarthy and Roston Chase fell in the 44th with Paul Stirling taking a screamer at short fine leg, West Indies were reduced to 246 for 6 and suddenly were in danger of falling short of 300.Enter Forde. He hit his second ball for a six over cover before hitting four sixes off the next over, bowled by Josh Little – three of them off consecutive deliveries.The next two balls he faced brought ten runs as he scooped Thomas Mayes for four and six. Back-to-back sixes off Liam McCarthy in the next over saw him equal AB de Villiers’ record for the fastest ODI fifty, off just 16 balls before being bowled for a 19-ball 58.Justin Greaves (44* off 36), who scored just seven runs of the 68-run stand with Forde, then accelerated along with Gudakesh Motie (18 off 8) to power West Indies to their second-highest total against Ireland as they plundered 106 runs off the last 42 balls.However, it started to rain during the innings break and didn’t relent, and play was eventually called off at around 5.20pm local time, ensuring Ireland go into the final ODI with an unassailable 1-0 lead.

Germany made it back-to-back World Cup qualifying wins in routine fashion as they battered minnows Luxembourg in Sinsheim on Friday night. Goals from David Raum, Serge Gnabry and a Joshua Kimmich brace capped a dominant performance from Julian Nagelsmann's side as they eased past their visitors, who were reduced to 10 men midway through the first half to compound a miserable evening.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  TELL ME MORE

  Julian Nagelsmann named a strong side for Germany's third 2026 World Cup qualifier with Nick Woltemade, Joshua Kimmich and Florian Wirtz among those to start for Die Mannschaft in order to limit any hopes of a potential upset on home turf. Germany understandably started the Group A clash on the front foot as they looked to wrap up the three points as quickly as possible.

  Woltemade thought he'd put Germany ahead early on as Serge Gnabry's effort was turned past Anthony Morris by the Newcastle striker, though the effort was struck off for a handball against the towering forward. Luxembourg's resolve lasted until the 12th minute as David Raum fired a fine free-kick past Morris for his first goal for Germany. And the visitors' evening went from bad to worse in the 20th minute as Dirk Carlson was shown a red for handball in the area.

  Kimmich sent Morris the wrong way to double Germany's advantage from the spot, and from there on out, it was an easy 90 minutes for the home side. While Germany were unable to add to their two-goal advantage before the break, a quickfire double from Gnabry and Kimmich shortly after the restart settled the tie as a contest.

  Nagelsmann's side continued to huff and puff to put up a big score, but in truth, they didn't need to go through the gears to secure all the spoils in an encounter that better resembled a training session for Germany. 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE MVP

  Skipper Kimmich put in a captain's performance as Germany eased to victory in their 2026 World Cup qualifier. The Bayern star kept his composure to double Germany's advantage from the spot before adding his second in the 50th minute. The 30-year-old worked tirelessly down the right to keep play ticking over and was rarely troubled as Luxembourg struggled to gain a foothold in a game against the European heavyweights.

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  THE BIG LOSER

  Luxembourg's hopes of securing a positive result in Germany were effectively extinguished midway through the first half when Dirk Carlson was handed his marching orders. The 27-year-old handled the ball inside the box as Serge Gnabry looked to bring down a Florian Wirtz ball into the box. Referee Nenad Minakovic subsequently awarded Germany a penalty, which was dispatched with ease by Kimmich, and sent Carlson off to make a nigh-on impossible task insurmountable for the Red Lions.

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  MATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE): ⭐⭐⭐

A free agent who has already proven himself in the Premier League earlier in his career could now be willing to make the move to Everton.

Garner reveals Everton's change in mentality

The Blues have won three of their opening three league games this season, with the early signs suggesting that positive times lie ahead under David Moyes.

Midfielder James Garner has impressed in the opening weeks of the campaign, scoring in the 2-0 win at home to Brighton, and he has spoken about a shift in mentality that has taken place at Everton under their manager.

“He said to us on day one that he’s not come here to take over a team that’s fighting against relegation – he said it again on day one of pre-season. He sets high standards and we know where we want to be.

“We’ve got a few more faces in over the summer and with the quality we have in the squad now, we all agree with the manager – if you want to achieve big things, then you’ve got to set your standards and your goals high. I think you can see it in us. There is a mentality shift. We’re playing with more confidence, going into games thinking how we are going to take all three points, it’s not just surviving.

“We’ve done that in these first few games. Obviously, the first game [against Leeds] felt like a blip, I don’t think we played well, but we’ve responded and now the aim is to keep building momentum. We want to keep winning and keep that winning mentality – that was the message in the changing room amongst all of us after the Wolves game.”

While Everton’s improvements this season are clear, it is also important that further quality is added to the squad, and they have now been linked with a move for a free agent.

"Brilliant" free agent could be keen on joining Everton

Speaking to Goodison News, former Toffees scout Bryan King talked up the idea of Everton signing left-back Sergio Reguilon on a free transfer, who could be “willing” to move to Merseyside.

“He’s a free transfer, so it would certainly be an option to look at. They’re a bit stretched across the whole defence at the moment, with Branthwaite’s injury concerns. I would imagine that Reguilon would be more than willing to go and join a club like Everton. It seems like Everton are moving in a forward direction, instead of being in a relegation fight.”

Reguilon could be a shrewd signing for Everton, especially with Vitalii Mykolenko picking up an injury prior to the international break, with the 28-year-old an experienced player.

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The Spaniard actually scored against the Blues for Tottenham in a 5-0 win back in 2021/22, and he has 81 Premier League appearances to his name.

Reguilon was once hailed as “brilliant” by Noel Whelan, and he could bring a good mix of defensive solidity and attacking thrust to Everton’s team, with a return to English football potentially appealing to him as he searches for a new club.

Celtic were knocked out of the Champions League before they could reach the league phase when they lost on penalties to Kairat on Tuesday night.

The Hoops needed to win on the night after a 0-0 draw at Parkhead last week, but they were unable to break the deadlock before it went down to penalties.

Adam Idah was one of the players who missed from the spot, alongside Daizen Maeda and Luke McCowan, to continue his disappointing start to the season.

The Ireland international started the first two games of the Scottish Premiership season and failed to register a goal or an assist for the reigning champions.

As you can see in the graphic above, the former Norwich City centre-forward missed three ‘big chances’ in the opening day clash with St Mirren, which shows that his lack of goals has not been through a lack of service.

The penalty miss against Kairat would have done little to help his confidence or the feeling that he may not be ready to be the main man for the Hoops.

Why Adam Idah should not be a starter for Celtic

Looking at Idah’s form in the Premiership last season, Brendan Rodgers may have to utilise him as a substitute option more often than not to get the best out of him.

The 24-year-old centre-forward ended the 2024/25 Premiership campaign with a return of 13 goals in 19 starts, which is a very decent return on face value.

Idah’s underlying statistics in the division, though, show that he was not prolific enough as a starter when Rodgers called upon him as the main number nine for the Scottish giants.

Appearances

19

16

Minutes

1,352

357

Goals

6

7

Minutes per goal

225

51

Assists

0

1

As you can see in the table above, the 6 foot 3 marksman took around 170 more minutes to score a goal in each start in comparison to his strike rate off the bench.

This suggests that he is more effective coming off the bench as a substitute against tired defenders. That may be because he has great physical attributes, as a strong runner and a physical and aerial presence, but he is not always the smoothest player technically.

As a starter, his lack of technical quality can shine through a bit more because he is against fresh defenders who do not allow him to gain an advantage through his physicality.

This is why Rodgers should not use Idah as a starter on a regular basis this season, unless, of course, he turns his form around and proves that he can be a consistent performer from the start.

However, the Ireland international may not get that chance to prove himself for the Scottish giants this season, as the club are looking at bringing another striker in.

Veteran striker is keen on Celtic transfer

According to Football Insider, veteran free agent Jamie Vardy is open to a move to Parkhead to sign for Celtic to bolster their options in the final third.

The 38-year-old centre-forward has been a free agent since he decided to move on from Leicester City at the end of his contract earlier this summer, and this means that the Hoops have a chance to snap him up for nothing.

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Vardy is said to be taking his time before making a decision on his next club, but the report claims that he is open to moving up to Scotland to play for Celtic.

Football Insider adds that he has a number of options to pick from, with plenty of clubs showing interest in him, which means that it will not be an easy deal for the Scottish giants to get over the line.

Knowing that Vardy is open to a move to Glasgow, it is now down to Rodgers and Celtic to convince him to turn down his other offers to make the move to Scotland.

Why this is awful news for Adam Idah

This update will come as awful news for Idah because the arrival of Vardy could mean that the Ireland international does not get the chance to prove himself as a starter.

The former Norwich forward, as aforementioned, has not done enough as a starter for Celtic and needs to deliver consistently as a striker for a prolonged period of time before he can be deemed a reliable first XI player.

Unfortunately, for him, the signing of Vardy could mean that he does not have a chance to put a run of games together as a starter, because the former England international could be the main number nine for Celtic.

The experienced marksman, who has 145 Premier League goals and almost 200 goal contributions under his belt, may be heading towards his 40s, but he is still a lethal centre-forward.

Vardy scored nine goals in 35 games in the Premier League last season, per Sofascore, whilst Idah never scored more than one goal in a top-flight campaign during his time with Norwich City.

The English star also caught the eye as a regular goalscorer when he last played for a team that was in a title race, as he led the line for the Foxes in the Championship in the 2023/24 campaign.

Appearances

35

xG

17.07

Goals

18

Minutes per goal

99

Conversion rate

31%

Assists

2

As you can see in the table above, Vardy was a prolific scorer in the second tier to help his side to the title that season, outperforming his xG and enjoying a 31% conversion rate in front of goal.

The free agent forward was once described as a “proven goalscorer” by former Premier League winger Jermaine Pennant, and his statistics back up that claim.

Vardy has over 100 Premier League goals, scored 18 goals in his last Championship season, and scored nine goals in the top-flight last term despite being in a side that got relegated.

This is why his arrival would be bad news for Idah, who has struggled to score goals as a starter, because the former Leicester star could be that focal point up front for Rodgers, as he was during their time together at the King Power, and leave the Irishman without a chance to prove himself from the start.

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