Dushmantha Chameera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Niroshan Dickwella and Hazratullah Zazai are the other big names in the squad

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Aug-2022

Rovman Powell, Fabian Allen, Dasun Shanaka and Sikandar Raza are among the 14 overseas players signed by Dubai Capitals, the team owned by the GMR Group in the UAE’s International League T20.Dushmantha Chameera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Niroshan Dickwella, Hazratullah Zazai and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are the other big names, while Scotland’s George Munsey and Netherlands’ Fred Klaassen are the two Associate players. Four domestic (UAE) players will be drafted at a later date.Among the current signees, Powell is the only one who is part of Delhi Capitals, the franchise partly owned by the GMR Group in the IPL.”Being a part of T20 cricket’s most extravagant set-up, the Indian Premier League, for 15 years now – we felt that it was the right time to expand our wings on to the global popularity charts of this format of the sport,” Kiran Kumar Grandhi, the managing director of the GMR group and chairman of Dubai Capitals said.”The International League T20, which is scheduled to be launched in the United Arab Emirates in January 2023, is a perfect stepping-stone for GMR Sports towards building the Capitals universe comprising of a galaxy of cricketing stars from all corners of the world. We are looking forward to making a world-class city like Dubai, our home as Dubai Capitals.”Gulf Giants, MI Emirates and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders are the other teams who have announced their overseas roster for the ILT20. The six-team league has been sanctioned by the Emirates Cricket Board and will take place between January 6 and February 12.Dubai Capitals squad so far: Rovman Powell, Dushmantha Chameera, Hazratullah Zazai, Fabian Allen, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Sikandar Raza, Niroshan Dickwella, Dasun Shanaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dan Lawrence, Blessing Muzarabani, Isuru Udana, George Munsey, Fred Klaassen

Gurbaz and Zazai racked up 83 runs, out of a target of 106, in the powerplay itself

Danyal Rasool27-Aug-20221:31

Jaffer: Farooqi sets up batters by swinging the ball both ways

A thrilling all-round performance saw Afghanistan crush Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the first game of the 2022 Asia Cup. The bowlers set the foundation, reducing Sri Lanka to 5 for 3, with Fazalhaq Farooqi responsible for most of the carnage. Despite a brief resurgence in the middle thanks to a 44-run stand between Danushka Gunathilaka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Afghanistan struck back hard, running through the lower order.Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb ur Rehman and Mohammad Nabi were all among the wickets, and despite late resistance from Chamika Karunaratne, the 105 Sri Lanka managed was woefully inadequate. It took the Afghan openers just 10.1 overs to take it down; Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai racked up 83 runs in the Powerplay itself effectively ending the game as a contest right there.The first three overs
There was chaos and controversy to kick off the Asia Cup, but by the time the fog of the first three overs lifted, Afghanistan had a vice-like grip on the game. Farooqi struck twice in two balls in the first over to remove Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka, but it was Pathum Nissanka’s wicket that raised eyebrows. The umpire deemed the batter to have nicked off to the keeper, only for Sri Lanka to review immediately. In a baffling bit of third umpiring, the on-field umpire was advised to stand by his decision despite UltraEdge showing almost no deviation. It caused consternation among the Sri Lanka camp, but Afghanistan had the rub of the green. Over the next three hours. They made it count.Rajapaksa revival
There was the briefest glimmer of hope for Sri Lanka just after that destructive start that saw them lose three early wickets. It came in the form of a classy little stand between Gunathilaka and Rajapaksa. Rajapaksa lifted Naveen ul Haq over the mid-off boundary for a glorious six to kickstart that passage of play, with his team-mate joining in later in the over. The real carnage took place in the final Powerplay over that saw the pair plunder four boundaries in an over that cost 20 to undo some of the damage that had happened early on. But when Gunathilaka sent a reverse sweep straight down deep cover’s throat, things began to unravel for Sri Lanka once more. Rajapaksa soldiered on briefly, but was ultimately done by some shocking running that saw two wickets fall in that fashion in two balls.Karunaratne’s resistance
It was probably much too late by the 15th over, but Karunaratne wasn’t to know that. Farming the strike adroitly for the final five overs, he almost single-handedly added 30 to the final partnership to ensure Sri Lanka recovered from 75 for 9 to post a three-figure total. It was an engrossing period of play in many ways, with almost every delivery struck to a deep fielder and ending up as a dot ball. There were occasions where the running might have been sharper, but after two run-outs that could only be described as brain freezes, Karunaratne wasn’t taking any chances.Gurbazball?
A low-scoring game in the UAE against Sri Lanka has the potential to become a horrid second-innings scrap, but Gurbaz wasn’t having any of it. In a whirwind of a cameo, he would thump 40 off 18 balls to help Afghanistan rack up 83 in the Powerplay, breaking the back of the chase before Sri Lanka’s spinners could even get into their work. Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana were singled out for punishment, tonked for 16 and 21 respectively in a no-holds barred display of pure power.

Ex-Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood is closing in on a piece of goal history during his debut campaign at Marseille.

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• Permanent transfer completed in summer of 2024
• Goals have flowed in France amid attitude questions
• Chasing down two former Premier League strikers

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 23-year-old has not enjoyed the easiest of seasons at Stade Velodrome. He burst out of the blocks after completing a transfer from Old Trafford in the summer of 2024. Greenwood quickly fired himself into Golden Boot contention with his efforts in Ligue 1.

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  Consistency has, however, proved to be an issue at times. Demanding head coach Roberto Di Zerbi has also asked the odd question of Greenwood’s attitude and commitment, leading to spells on the bench being taken in.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Greenwood is, however, very much back in favour at present. He bagged a brace during his latest appearance in the French top-flight, as Marseille swept their way to a crushing 5-1 victory over Montpellier.

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  TELL ME MORE

  Greenwood now has 18 Ligue 1 goals to his name. Only two players have bettered that return during their first season with Marseille. Chelsea legend Didier Drogba found the target on 19 occasions in 2003-04, while ex-Swansea striker Bafetimbi Gomis hit 20 during a productive loan spell in 2016-17.

Everton have now held agent talks over the signing of an “outstanding” defender who is available for £13m this month, according to a report.

Toffees need younger options at full-back

Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young have had stellar careers, and it is a testament to the latter that he has remained a consistent starter in the Premier League this season. However, it would be fair to say the duo are now in the twilight years of their career, meaning David Moyes is tasked with bringing in younger options at full-back either this month or in the summer, and a number of targets have been identified.

Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters could be available for a cut-price fee of £5m this winter, given that his contract is set to expire at the end of the campaign, and the Toffees are one of the clubs eyeing a move for the Englishman.

Everton are looking at another Premier League player to strengthen on the opposite side, with Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell on their list of targets, having fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge since the arrival of Enzo Maresca in the summer.

Everton make contact over deal for "electric" £10m winger instead of Nuamah

David Moyes is keen to bolster his attacking options this month.

By
Dominic Lund

Jan 23, 2025

A report from CalcioMercato has now revealed another player the Toffees hold some level of interest in, stating they have held talks with the agent of AC Milan right-back Emerson Royal. Emerson is set to exit the San Siro this month, and there are a number of clubs vying for his signature, including Fulham and Galatasaray, however the latter club are currently leading the race for his signature.

There is still time for Everton to swoop in, as the Turkish club are yet to meet Milan’s €15m (£13m) valuation, and there are signs the Brazilian is keen on a move to Goodison Park. Although joining Galatasaray appeals to the 26-year-old to some extent, he would prefer to return to the Premier League, having previously spent time at Tottenham Hotspur.

What Emerson could offer Everton

The former Spurs man has particularly impressed with his tackling over the past year, ranking in the 89th percentile for tackles per 90, when compared to his positional peers, while also placing in the 81st percentile for clearances and 83rd for aerials won.

Ange Postecoglou was full of praise for the right-back prior to his move to Milan, with the Australian indicating he is a great player to have to boost team spirit: “I see it on a daily basis, others don’t, but if you watch Emerson Royal train every day, you’d think he plays every game.

“He’s just outstanding with his attitude and demeanour around the place. There’s no time for anyone to feel down.”

With Coleman approaching the end of his career, there are signs that Emerson could be a suitable long-term replacement at right-back, but the Toffees will have to move quickly, given that Galatasaray are in pole position as things stand.

And just like that, another transfer window has slammed closed. It was a somewhat anti-climatic end to the winter market, but Everton still managed to get a deal done.

Gone are the days of frantic and breathless deadline-day drama. Manchester City were the only team to bring a player into their first-team squad for a transfer fee (Brighton’s new forward, Stefanos Tzimas, not joining until the end of the season).

Everton weren’t able to sign a new centre-forward, but David Moyes will be delighted with the signing of Charly Alcaraz from Flamengo.

Why Everton have signed Charly Alcaraz

Everton still lack a fresh striker to spearhead the new Moyes era. However, Alcaraz’s dynamism and fluidity across a number of midfield positions will serve to thread offensive positions together.

Last summer, Alcaraz joined Flamengo for an €18m (fee £15m) fee. It was the Brasileiro Serie A club’s record signing.

Now, he’s back in the Premier League, arriving at Goodison Park on loan until the end of the season, although a permanent buy option worth £12m will be activated should Alcaraz complete an undisclosed number of top-flight appearances.

Able in the middle of the park and playing off the central striker’s shadow, the 22-year-old brings some flair and excitement, crucially already having played 19 times in the Premier League with Southampton, notching four goals and two assists.

Alcaraz has a budding playmaking skill and will seek to thread balls through to Beto. However, there’s a member of Moyes’ squad who can achieve this to a greater effect.

Frustratingly, he’s yet to grace the field under the Scotsman’s management.

The Everton star who is worth more than Alcaraz

Dwight McNeil has missed Everton’s past nine Premier League matches with a knee injury and is still expected to be sidelined for the foreseeable future.

The attacking midfielder had been applauded by reporter Joe Thomas for his “magic” ability on the ball and will be a central cog in the Moyes machine when he does return, but Alcaraz will be able to operate in his area for now, with Abdoulaye Doucoure struggling to impress in his advanced deployment.

McNeil started the campaign in fine fettle, serving as a creative hub for a Sean Dyche side that was decidedly lacking in inspiration, posting three goals and three assists from eight opening Premier League games.

Matches (starts)

13 (13)

Goals

3

Assists

3

Shots (on target)*

1.8 ( 0.6)

Big chances missed

0

Pass completion

81%

Big chances created

9

Key passes*

2.5

Dribble (success)*

1.5 (56%)

Ball recoveries*

4.8

Tackles + interceptions*

1.2

Duels (won)*

3.5 (40%)

Energetic, potent and invariably creative, McNeil’s absence over the past few months undoubtedly added to the sapped nature of Dyche’s attacking line.

The 25-year-old has gone from strength to strength on Merseyside since leaving relegated Burnley for £20m in July 2022 and he’s sure to be excited about the future now that Moyes is in the dugout.

As per Football Transfers, the ball-playing specialist is worth £24m at present, about double the figure that was agreed for Alcaraz’s prospective permanent signing this summer.

It’s also worth noting that only two months ago, McNeil boasted a market value of £34m, with his fitness purgatory seemingly the cause of the depreciation, for his performances over the opening months of the campaign were worthy of such a figure.

Market Movers

In any case, Everton have hit the jackpot with this one, but with both Alcaraz and McNeil in the mix, there are exciting signs of stepping toward a more modern and expansive tactical style.

Everton's most expensive sales of all time

The Toffees have received some huge fees over the years.

ByCharlie Smith Oct 3, 2025

Como's Cesc Fabregas has spoken glowingly about Pep Guardiola and Patrick Vieira, as the young manager prepares for a battle with his old team-mate.

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Fabregas' Como take on Vieira and GenoaHe and Guardiola are 'role models'Both sides can confirm safety from relegationFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Fabregas' Como host Vieira's Genoa on Sunday afternoon. Both sides currently sit on 39 points in Serie A, and can confirm their status in the top flight with a point. The young manager spoke about the influence of his former team-mate on his career. Vieira was club captain at Arsenal when Fabregas made his first-team debut in 2003.

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The Spaniard called Vieira and his Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola his role models in football, and said he will always be grateful to the Frenchman. The two played together 38 times in the middle of the park for the Gunners.

WHAT CESC FABREGAS SAID

Fabregas said: "In my first year at Arsenal, I shared the dressing room with Patrick. Alongside Guardiola, he is my role model. He welcomed me as a true captain and helped me develop. I will always be grateful to him. It’s a shame we won’t see each other on the pitch on Sunday but we’ll have other opportunities."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR CESC FABREGAS?

Como are 15 points clear of the drop zone with five games left to play, and confirming their stay in Serie A will be a major achievement for the club in their first season back in the top flight since 2002-03.

Temba Bavuma has spoken of his “disappointment” and having felt “let down” at not being picked in the inaugural SA20 auction earlier this week. Bavuma, the South Africa limited-overs captain, had set his base price at Rand 850,000 (US$48,000 approx.) but did not find any takers each time his name came up – he was part of the auction’s accelerated rounds after going unsold the first time.”I’ll be lying if I said that I didn’t have any feelings of disappointment,” Bavuma said while talking to reporters ahead of South Africa’s departure for a white-ball tour of India.Related

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• SA20 auction: Stubbs the biggest buy, Ferreira creates a stir

“I certainly was expecting to play a role in the tournament. From my side, there are definitely feelings of disappointment and also feelings of almost being let down in a way. I don’t think that comes from any point of entitlement from my side.”Bavuma formally took charge of South Africa’s limited-overs side in March last year and has so far led the country in 13 ODIs and 17 T20Is. He has, however, been out of international action since South Africa’s T20I tour to India in June due to an injured elbow.A rare case of a national white-ball captain not getting picked in his country’s T20 league, Bavuma indicated that he had more to say on the issue but that, for now, he would rather focus on the task ahead: the India tour followed by the T20 World Cup in Australia.”I am cautioning myself to not delve too deep into this whole matter,” Bavuma said. “As much as I’d like to speak more about it, this is probably not the right time. Our focus right now is on India and the World Cup. We are doing what we need to do there.”Mark Boucher, the outgoing South Africa head coach, was coy on Bavuma’s non-selection for the SA20, but insisted that the entire team was firmly behind their captain.”Temba Bavuma is our leader, and I back him 100%,” Boucher said. “Yes, there is a lot of talk on social media about all the stuff, about this and that; I don’t really care. He is our leader, and we back him in this team like you can’t believe.”The guys were there last night, we were having a couple of drinks, and I could just see the energy around him because I understand the situation he is going through. The bottom line is we are on a journey, and we have been on a journey the last two years.”Boucher, who will join Mumbai Indians (whose owners also own a team in the SA20) as head coach after he leaves his current post, also said that while he respected the SA20 league and the selection processes in it, it was necessary to separate the national team from the various T20 leagues.”One thing I can say is that leagues, they come and go, and I am in full understanding and respect of this new league that has come up. I think it is needed. But let’s separate the national team from the league,” he said.”What happens in leagues and auctions, you can’t control that; unfortunately, it is what it is. From a Proteas perspective, we do back him 100% and going into a massive tournament like a [T20] World Cup, he will be a massive part of our team.”While Bavuma agreed with Boucher’s statement about the group being behind him, he also insisted he was not expecting any sort of sympathy nor does he have to prove anything to anyone.”The guys in the team, our friendship, our relationship goes far beyond just being team-mates,” he said. “We are friends off the field. The guys just being there in terms of their presence for me has been enough. I don’t expect words of sympathy or anything like that.”The biggest thing for me is to serve the team as best as I can. I still have the responsibility of being the captain of the team. I would endeavour to do the best as I can, as I believe I have been doing.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O grupo Forte Futebol, que reúne clubes das séries A e B e é contrário à proposta de divisão de receitas da Libra (Liga Brasileira de Clubes) anunciou nesta quarta-feira (8), após reunião na sede da CBF no Rio de Janeiro (RJ), que passará a negociar seus direitos de televisão em bloco a partir de 2025, quando os contratos atuais com a TV Globo se encerram. O grupo ganhou força ainda maior, com a adesão de Internacional e Atlético-MG, que antes estavam neutros nas negociações.

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A notícia foi recebida com frieza por dirigentes de alguns dos 13 clubes integrantes da Libra ouvidos pelo LANCE!. Entre lamentos pelo anúncio ter sido feito sem que eles fossem consultados, há indefinição sobre a chance dos próprios clubes organizarem de vez o Campeonato Brasileiro.

– Há dúvidas sobre o que se pode acontecer a partir de agora. Se o caminho escolhido é por negociarem algo sem nossa presença, teremos que rever conceitos. O objetivo é evitar que haja um novo Clube dos 13 e que essas alianças sirvam apenas para negociações com a televisão. Queremos mais que isso – disse um dos dirigentes ouvidos pela reportagem e, por apontar que não falava em nome da Libra, pediu anonimato.

Outros integrantes, como o presidente do São Paulo, Júlio Casares, tratam com naturalidade a questão e ainda mantém a fé em uma união de todos os clubes.

-Creio que sim (tempo para formação da Liga). Dá tempo. Mas não falo pela liga. Os clubes devem ponderar. Todos – disse Casares ao L!.

+ GALERIA: Veja quais clubes já aderiram à Libra e quem está à espera

Ponderação também é o termo usado pelo Forte Futebol para que haja um consenso. Segundo representantes do grupo, a decisão de adotar uma negociação em bloco pode ser vista sim como uma forma de pressionar a Libra.

-Hoje não existe uma liga para organizar o Campeonato Brasileiro. Por isso fundamos este grupo, para discutir o futebol brasileiro e negociar em conjunto. Não há boa vontade do lado da Libra. Com a Lei do Mandante, ninguém é mais do que ninguém.Nós queremos ser um bloco que pensa no futebol brasileiro de maneira racional, e não radical, pensando principalmente num bom produto, numa grande liga futura. Precisa ter flexibilidade de todos os lados. Se for radical, vai ficar do mesmo jeito – disse o presidente do Atlético-GO,Adson Batista, que esteve presente no encontro desta quarta.

A única sinalização de trégua vinda da Libra ocorreu em maio, quando houve uma sinalização da Codajas Sports Kapital (CSK), empresa com quem o grupo já tem engatilhada junto ao banco BTG o acordo para assumir as rédeas do negócio em 2025,de que as regras na divisão de receitas estabelecida em seu estatuto poderiam ser flexibilizadas diante de certos requisitos que teriam de ser atendidos.

Na tentativa de acerto, a Libra define a manutenção de 40% da receita igualmente entre todos os participantes da competição, 30% de variável por performance e 30% por engajamento, mas só se as receitas se mantiverem até R$ 4 bilhões.

Caso passe desse montante, admite adotar o modelo da inglesa Premier League, exigido pela Forte Futebol: 50% divididos igualmente, 25% por performance e 25% da receita nos critérios de engajamento.

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TABELA
> Confira jogos, classificação e simule resultados do Brasileirão-22
> Confira jogos, classificação e simule resultados da Série B-22
> Conheça o novo aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!

ENTENDA TUDO SOBRE A FORMAÇÃO DA LIGA BRASILEIRA DE CLUBES:

PODER

Quem vai mandar na Libra? Essa é uma pergunta essencial para parte dos 25 integrantes do Futebol Forte. Há consenso entre Athletico, Fortaleza e Fluminense, o trio de ferro do bloco, que paulistas e Flamengo querem enfiar a entidade na marra e que haverá pouco espaço para eles na cadeia de comando, mesmo sob uma hipotética gerência empresarial com profissionais de fora.

Há reclamação por parte dos times da Segundona também. Com o estatuto da Libra como foco. Isso porque o texto prevê que os 20 integrantes da Série B tenham poder de voto de peso um ante o peso dois dados aos da Série A.

O DINHEIRO

É importante ressaltar que o Brasileirão da Libra entraria em funcionamento’, digamos assim, apenas em 2025, quando vencem os atuais contratos da CBF com patrocinadores e, principalmente, a TV Globo.

Diante disso, a Liga já está acertada com a Codajas Sports Kapital (CSK), que tem o apoio do banco BTG e promete receitas na margem de até R$ 5,1 bilhões com patrocínios e direitos de transmissão.

TV

Nos bastidores, conforme o L! apurou, Amazon e Globo, dobradinha que já atua na Copa do Brasil, por exemplo, estariam de olho na Libra e demonstraram interesse na compra conjunta dos direitos.

Há ainda questões como direitos ao nome do torneio, publicidade estática nos campos de jogo, exploração da marca e TV no exterior, que aumentaria o faturamento. Segundo estudos da Liga, o Brasil tem potencial para pelo menos se igualar à França, o que deixaria o país entre as dez ligas mais valiosas do mundo.

O QUE A LIBRA DEFINIU

Em seu estatuto, a Liga definiu a divisão de 40% da receita igualmente entre todos os participantes da competição, 30% de variável por performance e 30% por engajamento.

Esse último item é definido por critérios como média de público no estádio, base de assinantes de pay-per-view, número de seguidores e engajamento em redes sociais, audiência na televisão aberta e tamanho da torcida.

FUTEBOL FORTE DISCORDA

O grupo inicialmente formado apenas pelos emergentes da Série A aponta os critérios como os principais motivos pelas suas insatisfações. Segundo eles, a própria Libra detalha que a diferença entre o campeão brasileiro e o lanterna da competição, por essa divisão, geraria um abismo de até 6,5 vezes na receita de cada um dos clubes.

O Futebol Forte quer uma cópia da divisão adotada na Premier League, da Inglaterra: 50% divididos igualmente, 25% por performance e 25% da receita nos critérios de engajamento, que poderia ser rediscutida adiante. Segundo eles, isso faria cair a diferença entre primeiro e último para 3,5 vezes, valor considerado mais justo.

SÉRIE B

A divergência atingiu a segunda divisão. Isso porque a Libra definiu em seu estatuto o repasse de 15% das receitas para a competição, podendo chegar a 20% caso os grandes caiam. Mas os clubes querem mais.

A proposta dos integrantes da Série B é de repasse de 25%. A proposta teve o apoio do Futebol Forte, que com isso angariou a adesão de 12 participantes da Segundona.

CONCORDÂNCIA

Nem todos os pontos entre Libra e Futebol Forte são de discórdia. Ambos aprovam, por exemplo, cláusulas de fair play financeiro colocadas no estatuto.

O trecho, inclusive, determinará punição aos clubes que infringirem a regra. É possível que haja perda de pontos, rebaixamento, impedimento de registro de atletas e até sanções financeiras aos que gastarem mais que o permitido pelo regulamento da competição.

QUEM JÁ É INTEGRANTE DA LIBRA

Corinthians
São Paulo
Palmeiras
Santos
Bragantino
Ponte Preta
Flamengo
Vasco
Botafogo
Cruzeiro
Novorizontino
Guarani
Ituano

QUEM INTEGRA O FUTEBOL FORTE

Athletico
América-MG
Atlético-GO
Avaí
Brusque
Ceará
Chapecoense
CSA
CRB
Coritiba
Criciúma
Cuiabá
Fluminense
Fortaleza
Goiás
Juventude
Londrina
Náutico
Operário
Sampaio Corrêa
Sport
Tombense
Vila Nova
Internacional
Atlético-MG

QUEM SÃO OS MODERADORES E AINDA NÃO APOIARAM NENHUM DOS LADOS

Grêmio
Bahia

The reigning European champions are currently without Alex Greenwood, Georgia Stanway and Lauren James, with it unclear when any will return…

Hopeful. That's the word England boss Sarina Wiegman has been using for several months now when asked about the situations of Lauren Hemp, Alex Greenwood and Georgia Stanway. None have kicked a ball in a competitive fashion in 2025, but all three are crucial for a Lionesses side that will be out to defend their European Championship title in little over two months' time. Will they be ready for that tournament? "I hope they’ll be back," Wiegman said earlier this month. "I can’t give any timings. We just have a lot of hopes that they’ll be back and performing and healthy, and be able to train."

On Sunday, England were given a real boost in that department when Nick Cushing, Manchester City's interim boss, confirmed that Hemp will be in the squad to face Leicester City in the Women's Super League this coming weekend. The flying winger was the first of that aforementioned trio to undergo knee surgery, back in November. It was expected that she would be back by now, but that she will return before the season is out, and thus hopefully be able to get some minutes under her belt, is a real positive.

However, that her anticipated comeback has coincided with the news of a hamstring injury for Lauren James leaves England almost exactly where they were – with three huge players on the sidelines as the Euros moves closer and closer. Is it time for Wiegman and the Lionesses to be seriously worried?

• Getty Images
  

  Race against time

  As it stands, it's unclear whether Greenwood and Stanway, who had knee surgeries in December and January, respectively, will follow in the footsteps of Hemp and return to action before the season is out. Greenwood's Man City have just three games left in their season, which concludes at home to Crystal Palace on May 10, while Stanway's Bayern Munich will play the final of their four remaining matches the following day. If they're going to make those comebacks, there are not many games left for them to get minutes under their belts in.

  England's next games come in the international break that begins at the end of May, with Portugal visiting Wembley on May 30 before a trip to Barcelona to take on Spain comes on June 3. Given what is at stake in those matches, as the final two fixtures of the Nations League group stage, they will likely be occasions that require full strength XIs and a need to win, rather than opportunities to get players up to speed.

  And then there is just one pre-Euros friendly lined up for the Lionesses, against Jamaica on June 29. Given the number of key players England have that are likely to need minutes in their legs before the tournament begins, it is a bit of a surprise that another official match hasn't been arranged, as those could have been crucial for players like Greenwood, Stanway and James.

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  Curtailing important experiment

  One could argue that Greenwood's absence is the biggest at the moment for England, given she presented a potential solution to the ongoing left-back issue when Wiegman experimented with her and Jess Carter in a fluid, interchangeable left side of defence back in November. At that time, Niamh Charles was sidelined, meaning the Lionesses were without their go-to starter. She is back now, though she is struggling for starts at Chelsea ahead of an in-form Sandy Baltimore.

  Former City head coach Gareth Taylor expected Greenwood to be back after the February international break, at some point in the month of March. Yet, as the final three fixtures of the club's season approach, she is still not in line for an imminent return. Charles' availability softens some of the blow for England here, but there's no doubt Wiegman would like to have been able to experiment more with Greenwood and Carter ahead of the Euros. Charles' struggles in the recent defeat to Belgium certainly served as a reminder of the lack of depth in that position, too.

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  Positives and negatives in midfield

  In midfield, Grace Clinton's impressive performances have helped to limit the negative impact of Stanway's absence, though never entirely. The Bayern Munich star is one of the best box-to-box players in the women's game, and to be without her has been a blow for the German champions, who were handily beaten by Lyon in their Champions League quarter-final last month.

  England will hope they can count on Stanway as their European competition comes around, though her turnaround from surgery in late January is the tightest. Wiegman has started to look at other options in the deeper midfield roles, where the Lionesses are not blessed with as much depth, while injuries to promising youngsters Laura Blindkilde Brown and Ruby Mace have only added salt to England's wounds in this department.

  Fortunately, Clinton has stepped up well, adapting to a slightly different role and delivering some good performances. Still, the Lionesses would certainly like to let the relatively inexperienced 22-year-old go into the Euros without too much pressure on her shoulders in that midfield, while welcoming back a top-quality player, in Stanway, who has played a key part in recent successes.

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  Game-changers absent

  When it comes to James – and Hemp, who still needs to build her fitness back up after five months on the sidelines – a lack of positional depth isn't really a factor. Their absences do hit hard, though, because of their game-changing qualities and remarkable talent. Of course, this also applies to Stanway and Greenwood, but if we're talking about tight games against the best teams in Europe, it's players like James and Hemp that can provide moments that make the difference in a result.

  England would still go into this summer's tournament with some top quality wide players even if Hemp and James, whose hamstring injury there is little detail about, weren't available. Chloe Kelly has been superb since her January switch to Arsenal, club-mate Beth Mead has provided some stand-out moments in recent weeks and Aggie Beever-Jones is impressing more and more as a Lioness.

  But most would argue that James and Hemp go into England's strongest XI. Stanway would also fit in there and plenty would assert that Greenwood should, too. That's three or four key starters for the Lionesses that might not be at the top level when the Euros begin.

Chelsea returned to winning ways on Monday night, coming from behind to beat West Ham United 2-1 in a close-fought encounter at Stamford Bridge.

Jarrod Bowen put Graham Potter’s side ahead on his return to West London before goals from Pedro Neto and an own goal from Aaron Wan-Bissaka secured all three points for the Blues.

The victory puts Enzo Maresca’s side back into the Premier League’s top four, edging them closer to a return to Champions League football should they maintain the same position between now and the end of the season.

With just 14 games to go, it looks as though the Italian will have to extract the most out of the current crop of players, especially after the closure of the transfer window after the full-time whistle last night.

It was a busy day behind the scenes in the Bridge, with real hope that the boss has made the right decisions, subsequently improving their chances of securing a top-four spot come the end of May.

Chelsea’s dealings on transfer deadline day

It may have been a busy day at the Bridge yesterday, but most of the action came in the form of departures, with youngster Mathis Amougou the only player entering the door to bolster Maresca’s side.

However, numerous players completed moves away from the club, with Ben Chilwell joining fellow top-flight side Crystal Palace on loan until the end of the campaign – but the deal doesn’t include any option to buy upon its completion.

Carney Chukwuemeka departed on loan to join Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, but unlike a deal for Chilwell, it does include an option to buy should they want to trigger it in the coming months.

João Félix was the third player to leave on a temporary basis, linking up with AC Milan, just six months after returning to the club on a permanent basis, with Conor Gallagher moving in the opposite direction.

However, the lack of investment may be a mistake, especially considering the performance of one player during the victory against their London rivals last night.

The player who proved why Chelsea had to spend in January

Maresca opted to start winger Jadon Sancho off the left wing during the win against the Hammers at Stamford Bridge, but the 24-year-old produced a performance to forget despite claiming all three points.

The Englishman was starting his second consecutive match after being recalled to the starting lineup against Manchester City last weekend but was unable to show why the Italian made the right call in sticking with him.

Sancho only featured for a total of 52 minutes during the victory, an indication of how little impact he made during his time on the pitch at the Bridge.

He was subsequently replaced by Neto, the man who netted the first goal, undoubtedly compounding the Englishman’s misery after failing to impress himself.

The attacker only managed a total of 20 touches, completing just eight passes in the process and losing possession seven times – looking wasteful with the ball at his feet upon the rare occasion it fell his way.

Sancho’s stats for Chelsea against West Ham

Statistics

Tally

Minutes played

52

Touches

20

Passes completed

8/10 (80%)

Possession lost

7x

Crosses completed

0/3 (0%)

Shots taken

2

Shots on target

0

Stats via SofaScore

Sancho also failed to find a teammate with any of his three attempted crosses, only registering two efforts on goal, but failed to direct any of his shots on target – looking as wasteful in front of goal as he did when finding a teammate.

As a result of his showing in the capital last night, he was handed a measly 5/10 match rating by journalist Bobby Vincent – further highlighting how little impact he had during the crucial win.

Given his display, the decision not to go after a new winger in the January window now looks to be a mistake, with the Blues potentially missing out by not strengthening Maresca’s options in that area.

They had been linked Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel but while the former stayed at Old Trafford, the latter headed on loan to Spurs.

If the Italian does want any more new attackers, he will have to wait until the opening of the summer transfer window, with their chances of securing automatic qualification for the Champions League potentially hanging in the balance.

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