Thomas Tuchel says it gives off a "bad impression" when England players don't embrace the team's collective spirit after Jude Bellingham seemed to take exception to being substituted against Albania. The Real Madrid star returned to the starting lineup for the Three Lions' 2-0 win but was replaced by Morgan Rogers in the second half as the battle for the No.10 spot intensified.

• Bellingham returns to England starting XI

  After four straight games of Rogers being in the England starting line-up, former Borussia Dortmund star Bellingham got his chance to shine, this time away in Albania. The 22-year-old impressed in the World Cup qualifying victory, even though the ball didn't always bounce his way. The midfielder was, naturally, disappointed to be taken off in the 84th minute, but he still celebrated Harry Kane's goals with the team. However, when one journalist accused Bellingham of not "embracing the collective", Tuchel said he would look into the matter, while stressing the importance of everyone being on the same page.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  'That's a bad impression'

  When asked whether Bellingham is possibly not buying into the collective of the England team, he told reporters: "That is a bad impression. It should be about the collective. What we did in camp is all about the collective. I have to then review it – I was happy about the goal. I had a quick talk with Morgan Rogers and I was sure that everyone celebrated together. I will have a look at it. That is not the image we want to transport. We feel everyone is committed and that everyone accepts tough decisions, be it before the match or in the match."

  The German added about the substitution: "He [Bellingham] has to accept it, he has to accept it. We should not make more out of it than it is. Rogers was not happy when he couldn't start today because he deserves to play, and he wants to play all the time. We gave him a bit of a rest because he came with a lot of minutes playing at club [level] and played for us against Serbia. I also don't want to make more out of it. I stick to my words – behaviour is key. Decisions are made, and you have to accept it as a player."

• Bellingham defended by Ancelotti

  In the build up to these England games, former Madrid boss and current Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti came to the aid of Bellingham when question marks were being asked of his attitude. The former Everton manager said on the Rest is Football podcast that Bellingham was a top player and even likened him to Brazilian great Kaka.

  "I think Jude is a fantastic player. If I have to compare, we were talking about Kaka. He is this kind of player, a really intelligent player, who is physically really strong, fantastic to arrive in the box at the right time," said Ancelotti. "He's doing really well, and maybe he had a problem with his shoulder. He was out for two or three months, now he's back. No question mark. But why do you have to put a question mark on Bellingham?"

  He added, "No, I never had a problem with Jude about his attitude. He is really professional, really serious, works hard in training, like all English players do. And no, no complaints."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  What comes next for Bellingham?

  It remains to be seen if certain sections of the media are making a mountain out of a molehill or if Bellingham will be punished for his alleged actions. England finished their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 100 per cent winning record, and just when they appear to be on a roll, they will break for a while before returning next year. The Three Lions' fixtures ahead of next year's tournament in North America are yet to be confirmed, but it will be interesting to see what role Bellingham will play in Tuchel's plans going forward.

  Incidentally, the ex-Chelsea boss added on the Albania win, "I cannot believe that I see all of them only in March – it is a tough one for me to swallow. I have to say I love to be on the sideline. I love to compete with them. This will be a long, long period now. They did amazing – from all our players full credit to them. We are very proud. We had a lot of changes and sometimes a lot of changes is not fair to the ones that play because then you miss a core of players who are used to playing with each other, but everyone did well. You could see we had a high quality bench to turn things around and influence things, so why not?"

England star’s maiden appearance for RCB earns quiet approval as pragmatism holds sway in selection

Matt Roller02-May-2025A decision that would have provoked outrage a decade ago was met with a shrug of the shoulders on Friday: an England player missing a Test match due to their involvement in the IPL. Jacob Bethell scored half-centuries in each of England’s last three Tests, shortly after his 21st birthday, but did not feature in the squad named to face Zimbabwe on May 22.After crossed wires last year prompted short-notice withdrawals from the play-offs and frustration from franchises, the ECB have honoured a commitment to the BCCI that England players will be fully available. The result is that Bethell will be with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in India as they push for a maiden title, rather than batting at No. 3 at Trent Bridge.England’s decision not to pull Bethell out of the IPL early reflects the realpolitik of world cricket, and the status of a one-off Test against Zimbabwe. To do so would have undermined the ECB’s relationship with the BCCI – at a time when Indian investment in English cricket is being finalised – while unfairly placing him in the eye of a storm. Pragmatism has won the day.Bethell’s absence has also deferred a tricky call for England’s management, which will now wait until their series against India in mid-June. “You want your best players always available, don’t you?” Luke Wright, the national selector, said. “But he’s an outstanding cricketer… He’s ticking along really well [at the IPL] and we’re excited to have him back in the summer.”Wright said that he has been “in close contact” with RCB’s management this season to check on Bethell’s progress, and has received positive reports from head coach Andy Flower and director of cricket Mo Bobat – both of whom used to work at the ECB. “To get that experience to even open the batting with Virat Kohli… what an experience that is,” Wright said.

He’s destined for greatness. I think England have a genuine superstar in the making and selfishly, as RCB, we’re very happy to have bought him slightly earlier in the cycleMalolan Rangarajan, RCB’s lead spin-bowling coach

Bethell’s first appearance of the season, against Delhi Capitals on Sunday, was as full-on as it gets: walking out to delirious cheers for his opening partner, and facing a new-ball attack of Axar Patel and Mitchell Starc. He slog-swept his sixth ball to deep backward square, but in whipping a six and a four over the leg side of Starc, Bethell gave the IPL a glimpse of his quality.On Test debut in New Zealand, Bethell earned as much praise for his first-innings 10 as for his second-innings half-century: the scorecard alone did not reflect the impression he made while seeing off probing new-ball spells from Matt Henry and Tim Southee. In the same vein, his 12 on Sunday was only a footnote in RCB’s win, but still made an impression on those who saw it.Starc offered a wry smile after both of Bethell’s boundaries. “We were laughing about it at breakfast,” Alyssa Healy, the Australia women’s captain and Starc’s wife, said on the podcast. “Mitch said, ‘I executed! That ball was top of off. That’s exactly what I was told to bowl.’ And he’s gone for six over backward square… This kid is an absolute gun.”Bobat first encountered Bethell as a 14-year-old playing in the prestigious Bunbury Festival; Bobat was working as the ECB’s player identification lead, and Bethell, playing with boys a year older than him, was named player of the week. Six years later, he signed him for INR 2.6 crore (£250,000 approx.) at the IPL’s mega-auction.Bethell impressed in his maiden Test series in New Zealand•AFP/Getty Images”Everyone in England probably knows that he is going to be one of England’s brightest stars over the next five-to-ten years, across formats,” Bobat told ESPNcricinfo in Delhi. “To secure a player at the value we did of that potential in year one of an auction cycle is brilliant. I’ll be amazed if he’s not featuring more regularly [for RCB] over the next few years.”He’s way beyond his years. He’s 21 years old, but you wouldn’t know it: he may as well be 30. He’s very calm, very professional, and incredibly driven. He’s soaking in everything that the IPL – and RCB – is providing him: there’s some big players here that he is watching, observing, and learning from.”Chief among those is Kohli, Bethell’s opening partner on Sunday night. “Virat’s brilliant around our practice environment, brilliant with the younger lads,” Bobat said. “We’ve paired them up batting together [in the nets] at times too. He’s spent a huge amount of time with him.”Related

Buttler, Bethell and Jacks set to miss IPL playoffs

Cook rested by Essex as prospect of England Test debut grows

Cox: 'Dad was in the queue at Heathrow, I told him to turn round'

Switch Hit: Cap'n Brook, Sir Jimmy

Stone ruled out for 14 weeks after undergoing knee surgery

When England toured India earlier this year, Bethell found himself getting stuck against spin. He has worked closely with Flower and Dinesh Karthik, RCB’s batting coach: “He’s working really hard on his game against spin, which for most English players is an important work-on,” Bobat said. “He’s opening up different scoring areas now.”He has been encouraged to develop his own left-arm spin by England, working with Malolan Rangarajan, RCB’s lead spin-bowling coach. “He has been unbelievable with his work,” Rangarajan said. “He’s destined for greatness. I think England have a genuine superstar in the making and selfishly, as RCB, we’re very happy to have bought him slightly earlier in the cycle.”Bethell may find himself running the drinks again when RCB play Chennai Super Kings on Saturday, with Phil Salt set to return from the illness which vacated an overseas spot. He would have played more cricket if he had spent April and May with Warwickshire, but it is abundantly clear that being in India has helped Bethell’s all-round development.”If he was playing in England right now, of course he’d be developing his red-ball game… But what he’s getting out here is a proper feel for the premier white-ball competition in the world,” Bobat said. “I can say this, having been on both sides of the fence: English cricket likes to pit Championship cricket against the IPL. I don’t believe it needs to be an either/or.”

The 2025 MLB season has reached its final month and there are still questions that need to be answered, division races to shake out and award races to be decided. Which division leader’s lead is safest? And with a month of games remaining, is the playoff field already set? 

In terms of individual player milestones, will Aaron Judge, who surpassed Yogi Berra on the Yankees’ all-time home run list, one day pass the legendary Babe Ruth as well? And could Justin Verlander, after notching his 265th career win, become just the 25th pitcher to record 300 career victories? 

We’ll answer each of these questions and more in the latest edition of Fact or Fiction. 

The playoff field in MLB is already set

I know I’m being a bit of a party pooper with this answer, but it’s hard to argue with the current playoff landscape in MLB. 

For a brief moment to begin August, the Mets and Yankees, both mired in dreadful slumps, had their fan bases longing for the return of New York football. However, both clubs have emerged from the danger zone and stand on firmer ground as the calendar flips to September. 

As for the other current wild-card holders, it’s difficult to imagine a scenario where the likes of either the Red Sox or Padres, two of baseball’s best teams since the All-Star break, fall out of the playoff race. Likewise for the Cubs, who, even after a middling month of August, still have a firm grasp on the third National League wild card. 

If there’s going to be a shakeup in the postseason landscape, it will happen in the American League, where the Royals, Rangers and even Guardians all could conceivably catch the Mariners for the third wild card. But all three of those clubs have a noticeable Achilles heel—offensive woes for the Royals and Guardians, injuries for the Rangers—that make it tough to envision these teams taking the field come October. 

Of the six division races, one is seemingly decided—the AL Central—and two are trending toward that territory—the NL East and Central. The division-leading Blue Jays, Astros and Dodgers all sport leads of fewer than five games. 

All of this to say, there could be some musical chairs going on in the season’s final month as clubs jockey for positioning. The seeding and playoff bracket could look a bit different come season’s end. But get used to the teams that currently represent the playoff field. 

Of the 12 teams in pole position entering September, 10 of them boast 90 percent or better postseason odds on FanGraphs and nine of them have similar figures in Baseball Reference’s playoff odds. Hopefully, the good folks at FanGraphs and Baseball Reference are wrong and there’s a September surprise or two in store. Just don’t be too crestfallen if that doesn’t happen. 

Verdict: Fact

Aaron Judge will one day top Yankees’ all-time home run list 

The Boston Red Sox and breakout rookie outfielder Roman Anthony are in agreement on an eight-year, $130 million contract extension that includes a club option for the final year of the contract, according to a report from ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Anthony will now be under team control through the 2034 season.

Anthony's new deal will begin in earnest in the 2026 season. There are significant escalators in the deal that could take the maximum value of the contract to $230 million.

The 21-year-old Anthony, who was one of the top prospects in all of baseball, was called up earlier this season and has become an integral part of Boston's summer resurgence as one of the premier contenders in the American League.

In 46 games for the Red Sox, Anthony is slashing .283/.400/.428 with an .828 OPS. He has hit two home runs to go along with 19 RBI in his first season with Boston.

The former second-round pick in the 2022 MLB draft is a breakout star for Boston, and will now be a cornerstone for the franchise for years to come.

كشف محمد رمضان، المدير الرياضي السابق للنادي الأهلي، عن كواليس الأزمة التي نشبت بينه وبين محمود عبد المنعم كهربا خلال بطولة كأس السوبر قبل الماضية في الإمارات، والتي انتهت بقرار ترحيل اللاعب إلى القاهرة قبل تتويج الأهلي باللقب.

وقال رمضان في تصريحاته عبر برنامج “الناظر” على قناة “النهار”: “بعد مباراة سيراميكا كليوباترا، دخل كولر ليتحدث مع اللاعبين ويهنئهم على الأداء في المباراة الأولى وعلى النتيجة، بينما كهربا لم يشارك، فقام كهربا بتجاوز في حق المدير الفني”.

وتابع: “طلبت منه أن يلتزم الصمت، فصدر منه لفظ ما، ليس لفظًا نابياً حتى لا يفهم الناس الأمر بشكل خاطئ، لكنه لفظ لا يجوز أن يصدر أمام اللاعبين، لذلك كان لا بد من اتخاذ موقف”.

وأشار: “الخصم أمر معتاد، وكنت لا أزال جديدًا، وهذه أول عقوبة أتخذها، وعلى أساسها سيُقيّم اللاعبون طريقة عملي، القرار كان قاسيًا، لكنه كان ضروريًا”.

وأضاف: “لم أعد إلى الكابتن محمود الخطيب قبل اتخاذ قراري، فأنا صاحب القرار، وهو لم يراجعني فيه، أبلغت رئيس البعثة بالقرار، وطلبت أن يتم حجز تذكرة سفر له ليعود إلى مصر”.

وأشار رمضان إلى رد فعل اللاعب قائلًا: “كهربا كان مصدومًا من القرار، وعندما عدنا إلى مصر قدّم اعتذارًا، فقلت له: أنت لم تخطئ في حقي، بل أخطأت في حق زملائك وفي حق المدير الفني، أريدك أن تعتذر لهم”.

وأضاف: “واعتذر لهم، وهذا ليس ضعفًا منه، لأن الاعتذار يمنع حدوث فجوة بينه وبين المدير الفني، ويمنع أن يتخذ منه موقفًا، وذهب بالفعل للاعتذار للاعبين وللجهاز الفني”.

وأوضح: “بعد ذلك، قام كولر بإشراكه في المباريات، واحترمت هذا القرار، بل فاجأني أنه دفع به في المباراة التالية مباشرة بعد العقوبة، رغم أنه كان من المفترض أن يبتعد قليلًا كنوع من العقاب، لكنه أشركه في ثاني مباراة”.

وشدد: “وجهة نظري كانت أن اللاعب أخطأ، وكان ينبغي أن يعاقب لفترة أطول ليكون عبرة لبقية اللاعبين، لكنني لم أتدخل في قرارات المدير الفني”.

طالع أيضًا | محمد رمضان يكشف عن علاقته المتوترة بـ كولر والجدال الكبير قبل خروج الأهلي أمام صن داونز

وتطرّق محمد رمضان إلى ملف التجديدات داخل النادي الأهلي، حيث قال: “كنت من أنصار ألا أنتظر اللاعب حتى يدخل عامه الأخير ليجدد عقده، بل من المفترض قبل ذلك بعامين أو ثلاثة أن أقيم اللاعب: كيف هو أداؤه؟ كم يبلغ عمره؟ وكيف يبدو متوسط أعمار الفريق ككل؟ فأنا بالنسبة للاعبين أنظر إلى مجموعة من المعايير مجتمعة”.

واستطرد: “ومن ضمن اللاعبين الذين كنا نجدد لهم محمد الشناوي وياسر إبراهيم، فكنا نجلس لنجري المفاوضات، وهذا حق للاعبين، هناك من يستغرب عندما أقول إنني ألتمس للّاعب العذر، حتى لو كان يحصل على ملايين، فاللاعب تنتهي علاقته بكرة القدم عندما يعتزل”.

وأشار: “اللاعب يكون عادة في أوائل الثلاثينات، فكيف سيكون دخله بعد ذلك؟ الأمر صعب، ثم إن أجيالنا عندما نحسب الأمر، نجد أنه في كل عقد يظهر ألف لاعب، وبعد اعتزالهم، كم لاعبًا يبقى موجودًا على الساحة؟ عدد قليل جدًا لا يُذكر، ولذلك أشعر بتعاطف نسبي مع اللاعبين”.

وأكد: “والمهم أن الشناوي وياسر، بعد المفاوضات، اتفقنا على رقم ووقّعا على الاستمارات، ووقعا على بياض، وعندما رحلتُ، أبلغت الكابتن وليد عندما تولّى منصب مدير الكرة، وأخبرته بأن هؤلاء اللاعبين قد اتفقوا معي على رقم محدد، وذكرتُ له الأرقام، وأنهم وقعوا على بياض، وهذا أمر يُحسب لهم بأمانة”.

وواصل: “أما بالنسبة لمروان عطية، فقد كان متبقّيًا في عقده سنتان أو سنتان ونصف تقريبًا، وكان التجديد معه سهلًا، أنهيت الاتفاق معه، وهو قال: (هل سأحصل على مقدم مبكر؟) فالعقد يتغير من وقت تعديله، ولن يبقى على نفس القيمة، بل أعدّل القيمة وفق مستواه، ولذلك كان الأمر سهلًا”.

واختتم: “وكان من المفترض أن يتم الأمر ذاته وكنت أخطط لفعله مع إمام عاشور، لكنني رحلت قبل ذلك، ولم أتحدث معه، كان هذا هو هدفي، فهو لاعب صغير السن نسبيًا، وكان متبقّيًا في عقده عامان، والعام الأخير يجعل النادي ضعيفًا أمام اللاعب، وهذا ليس في مصلحة النادي، لم أكن أرغب في الوصول إلى تلك المرحلة، خاصة أنه في ذلك الوقت كان أفضل لاعب في مصر بلا شك”.

Chelsea and Enzo Maresca face their sternest examination yet when Premier League leaders Arsenal visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Maresca’s side enter the London derby riding a wave of confidence following their stunning 3-0 Champions League demolition of Barcelona on Tuesday night.

The emphatic victory showcased Chelsea’s evolution from early-season inconsistency into genuine contenders, with teenage sensation Estevao’s spectacular solo goal providing a potential glimpse of the exciting future being built in west London.

However, Arsenal represent an entirely different proposition.

Mikel Arteta’s men arrive at the Bridge unbeaten in their last seven meetings with Chelsea, not to mention 16 games unbeaten overall since losing to Liverpool in August.

The Blues currently trail Arsenal by six points in the Premier League table, meaning Sunday’s clash carries enormous significance for their title ambitions.

Victory would reduce that deficit to three points and encourage realistic title hopes, while defeat would establish a potentially irrecoverable nine-point gap to the leaders with barely a third of the season completed.

Maresca faces crucial selection decisions, particularly surrounding Cole Palmer’s fitness.

Chelsea have already signed "the next Cristiano Ronaldo" for half of his release clause

He could be their next Estevao-esque talent.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 27, 2025

Chelsea have done well to cope without their superstar player, but reports have suggested that Palmer could be in contention to face Arsenal after breaking his toe recently.

The England international has been out since Chelsea’s defeat to Man United at Old Trafford in September, first being kept out by a niggling groin problem before then suffering that toe injury earlier this month.

It’s been a nightmare start to 25/26 for Palmer personally, with the Englishman desperate to get back on the field.

Enzo Maresca provides Cole Palmer update ahead of Arsenal clash

Now, in some good news for the Blues, Maresca has confirmed that Palmer is ready to start against Arsenal this weekend.

In more good news, Maresca also confirmed that midfielder and summer signing Dario Essugo also took part in a training session this morning.

Palmer’s availability for Sunday’s clash provides Chelsea with their most potent weapon against the Premier League leaders, coming as a big boost for Maresca.

The 23-year-old has been instrumental in Chelsea’s transformation under Maresca, providing the sheer quality that elevates their attacking play.

The former Man City star racked up 18 goals and 14 assists last term, spearheading Chelsea to the Conference League, Club World Cup and a top four Premier League finish.

His composure in decisive moments separates him from Chelsea’s other attacking options, and against high-pressure opponents like Arsenal, Palmer’s calmness on the ball and intelligent decision-making will prove invaluable.

Suddenly, Chelsea’s chances of upsetting Arteta have just increased tenfold.

He doesn’t turn the ball big, doesn’t have mystery deliveries, but whatever little he has is ideal for T20 and he keeps winning big moments

Sidharth Monga04-Jun-20251:27

Moody: Krunal Pandya screams character to me

Don’t look at numbers. Just close your eyes and say if you think Krunal Pandya is among the ten best bowlers in the IPL. You will, of course, say yes on the day that he became the first to win multiple Player-of-the-Match awards in IPL finals, but answer seriously: does he have any business being in the list of top-ten bowlers in the best, most competitive T20 league in the world?Now look at the numbers. He is among the top ten on every major metric in IPL 2025. He is No. 10 on most wickets, No. 7 on economy (among those who have bowled at least 25 overs), and No. 6 on ESPNcricinfo’s list of most impactful bowlers. Add to all that his 73 not out against Delhi Capitals (DC), and you have ESPNcricinfo’s second-most impactful performer of this IPL.This match was the perfect example of why Krunal sneaks into these lists, why he is valued by champion sides – this was his fourth title, after all – despite not looking like he should be. He doesn’t turn the ball big, he doesn’t have the classic action to get him alarming dip or drift, he doesn’t have mystery deliveries. But whatever he has is ideal for T20s: the right pace, the ability to pitch the ball where he wants to, the knowledge of where he should be pitching the ball, and a competitive streak.Related

• Kohli, after all this time, just for this moment

• Flower: 'Tremendous respect' for how Patidar remained calm

• Stats – RCB's 18-year, 6255-day, 286-game wait ends

• Kohli and RCB are finally IPL champions

• Kohli: I've given this team my youth, my prime, my experience

Krunal’s combination of high pace and lengths almost provides him immunity from the shot that spinners hate the most: the sweep. All through this IPL, he has conceded just 65 runs to all the varieties of the sweep shot put together. Nine spinners have gone for more. In the final, they tried sweeping him twice but couldn’t score a run. The option then for the batters is to either get a bad ball or try to manipulate the length by going deep into the crease or skipping down the track.This is where Krunal shows his smarts. When a subdued Prabhsimran Singh finally decided to step out against him, Krunal watched till the end and bowled his slowest delivery till then and also went wide because Prabhsimran looks to make room when he charges a spinner. Bowled at 81.49kph, this also turned the most till then and went out of Prabhsimran’s reach.When Josh Inglis, Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) best batter of the night, charged him, Krunal went the other route: bowling only his second 100kph-plus delivery and looking to cramp Inglis for room because he advances straight down. Both those balls created wickets, but it was as much the work around those deliveries that won Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) their first IPL final.Krunal Pandya has now won four IPL titles•Getty ImagesKrunal bowled unchanged for an analysis of 4-0-17-2 after RCB had been kept to 190, the lowest first-innings score all season in Ahmedabad. In his four overs, Krunal overpitched only once. And that was a yorker. There was nothing in the 2-4m zone that you can hit without stepping out. Only one delivery out of the 20 that he bowled to right-hand batters pitched more than a set of stumps wide.Because Krunal relies on bowling into the pitch and tries to put work on the ball with his hand more than his action, he can tend to err on the shorter side. In T20 cricket, if you must err, it is better you do so on the shorter side. Still, only five balls went shorter than 7m, only one shorter than 8m.The only boundary Krunal conceded was when he pitched shorter than 7m and also went really slow, probably his attempt to turn the ball big gone wrong. His pace ranged from 79.88 to 108.33. Krunal said it takes guts to slow the ball down in T20 even though it did seem to him going slow was the thing to do.Coach Andy Flower said that RCB wanted Krunal precisely for his temperament, his experience of having been part of big matches. He repaid them immediately with his first match in the RCB red. He was only beginning as he meant to end. Now he is one of only eight players to have won four IPL finals. Another top ten you wouldn’t have bet on him making.

West Ham United have now made an enquiry over the signing of Union Saint-Gilloise striker Promise David, amid doubts over Niclas Fullkrug’s future at the London Stadium.

West Ham have been much-improved from an attacking point of view since the beginning of November, scoring eight goals in their last three Premier League games, with Callum Wilson finding the back of the net three times in his last two outings.

Most recently, a first-half brace from the former Newcastle United man put the Hammers in a very strong position to pick up three points at AFC Bournemouth, but the Cherries fought back and Nuno’s side squandered a two-goal lead, which will undoubtedly be frustrating for the manager.

That said, Wilson’s recent form in front of goal is definitely encouraging, especially considering Niclas Fullkrug’s future with the Irons is now in major doubt, as revealed by Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg earlier this month.

West Ham lodge enquiry to sign Promise David

With Wilson’s current deal to expire in the summer, and the Englishman potentially in the latter stages of his career at 33-years-old, West Ham have now made contact over a deal for a new striker, namely Union Saint-Gilloise star David.

That is according to a report from Claret & Hugh, which states enquiries have been made about a deal for the centre-forward, with chief analyst Max Hahn particularly keen on bringing in players from the Belgian Pro League.

The 24-year-old remains under contract at the Belgian club until 2030, which puts them in a strong negotiating position, but there are signs it could be worth the Hammers paying whatever they ask for.

The eight-time Canada international is off to a flying start to the campaign, having already scored eight goals in all competitions, including one on his Champions League debut in the 3-1 victory against PSV Eindhoven back in September.

The Ontario-born centre-forward also caught scout Jacek Kulig’s eye as a result of his form during the 2024-25 campaign, being lauded as “outstanding” in March, before going on to finish the season on 24 goals in all competitions.

With Fullkrug looking to move on, it would make sense to bring in a new striker this January, especially given that there are still likely to be concerns over Wilson’s injury record, having spent long periods on the treatment table during the previous two seasons.

Callum Wilson’s injury record

Games missed

2023-24

28

2024-25

29

It would be a gamble to sign David, with the Canadian yet to prove himself in a major European league, but his goalscoring record in Belgium is certainly encouraging.

West Ham send scouts to watch the "best" striker in the Championship West Ham now send scouts to watch the "best" striker in the Championship

The Hammers are hoping to be impressed.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 22, 2025

India have had to battle bad luck, worse timing, and one too many misadventures in what has simply been “that kind of a series”

Sidharth Monga31-Jul-20251:48

What will be a good score for India?

When you start calculating a team’s batting average in the last ten minutes before a scheduled break (12 for 165 at one point at Old Trafford, if it matters), you know it has been “that kind of a series”. And it has been one of those for India. They came to The Oval having lost all the tosses, having lost their best batter of the last five years to a reverse-sweep against a fast bowler, and run-outs, casual shots, and dropped catches having had a bigger say on their fortune than the ability to bowl well or bat well for long hours.India turned up at The Oval, didn’t hedge their bets for once and picked a specialist batter instead of a bowling allrounder. We can debate whether they should have played a specialist bowler instead, but at least there was clarity of thought there. Then they lost perhaps the most influential toss of the series on a green pitch likely to be kept fresh by rain on day one, which is expected to be followed by two clear days.India have been here before. In 2014, they were inserted on a green top at The Oval, were bowled out on day one and then chased leather for 116.3 overs. At Lord’s in 2018, they lost the toss and were devoured by the sweated damp pitch and frequent mini sessions long enough to put them back by one or two wickets each time. The closest parallel was the middle session between two rain breaks when they had just enough time for Shubman Gill to be run out in slow motion, just like Cheteshwar Pujara had been.Related

Atkinson back in whites, but not quite in the frame

India get caught up in the Tongue paradox

Karun Nair fifty resists England on rain-hit day

Stats – Karun Nair ends 3149-day wait; India hit new high at 3393

At that moment, it felt like India had had another Test match turn on a run-out. It was almost like Gill ran to the shot he was looking to play in his mind. There was no cover, push the ball with a slightly open face, and rotate strike. The ball was full enough to do so, but the inswing on it drew the instinctive reaction to play with a straighter face, and Gill just took off. He would have been out even if he had not slipped when turning.The man who has arguably shown the best judgment all series, whose bat has made a distinctly different, sweeter sound all series, made the error that could cost him the series despite all the records.India were 83 for 3 at that point. To make it more a , they had to contend with a bowler who kept spraying the ball but also kept bowling the odd delivery bordering on the unplayable.”I think the bowlers’ landings were quite tricky today as well,” Ryan ten Doeschate, India’s assistant coach, sympathised with Josh Tongue. “I thought all the England bowlers struggled with that, and that’s maybe why we saw some inconsistency. But it actually makes it very challenging when someone bowls like Josh did today, who is a very good bowler, when you don’t know what’s coming down as a batter. And he’s bowled a couple of absolute jaffas in there, and got two big wickets.”1:35

Bangar: Pressure brought the best out of Nair

From 123 for 5, India’s batting depth did its job despite the wicket of Dhruv Jurel trying to cut a ball too close to him. Even at six down, India had Karun Nair and Washington Sundar, who is coming off a match-saving century and is tipped to be India’s No. 1 allrounder whenever Ravindra Jadeja retires. The score was 153 for 6, but India had proper batters playing properly to make use of the now softer ball.By stumps, they had added 51 largely fuss-free runs in 14.3 overs. In getting his first half-century since the triple-hundred nine years ago, Nair neither counterattacked nor went into his shell. He just made full use of every scoring opportunity thrown at him, and kept good balls out. Washington did much of the same in that partnership.It was as though India had absorbed all the hell the cricketing gods could unleash on them. With some help from some loose bowling from England, who were short on experience in the absence of Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer. However, in Test cricket, especially in England, a good score for the given conditions is quite often not a good score for the match.2:59

Bangar: ‘Gill made the wrong call for a quick single’

India were cautiously optimistic with their effort, which still needs making use of the 16 overs with the old ball on the second morning. They wouldn’t want those 16 overs to be totally easy, though, because that would suggest a massive change in conditions for when England come out to bat.”Hopefully it stays the same,” ten Doeschate said at the suggestion that 203 for 6 might be a good score given the conditions don’t change much on day two. “I think if you get the ball in the right area, you never feel like you’re in there.”There’s always a good ball around the corner, and I don’t think it’s going to go absolutely flat, and there’s going to be a massive change in conditions. Hopefully it stays close to what it is.”Ten Doeschate said 203 for 6 was a good reflection of the conditions, but said India hoped to get close to 300. What he didn’t say was that they don’t want to stroll to 300 with some beautiful batting. They want to huff and puff and streak their way to 300. It has been that kind of a series.

India’s batting hero spoke about the challenges she has been through during the World Cup

Sruthi Ravindranath31-Oct-2025

Emotional Jemimah Rodrigues waves at the crowd after her sensational innings•Getty Images

Jemimah Rodrigues revealed the mental battle she faced in the weeks leading up to her match-winning unbeaten 127 against Australia in the World Cup semi-final, describing a period of anxiety that left her feeling “numb” and brought her to tears. Rodrigues broke down during the post-match press conference, saying she hoped sharing her experience could help others facing similar struggles.”I will be very vulnerable here because I know if someone is watching, this might be going through the same thing and that’s my whole purpose of saying it. Nobody likes to talk about their weakness. I was going through a lot of anxiety at the starting of the tournament,” she said, pausing to hold back tears.”It was a lot, you know, before few games also, I used to call my mom and cry the entire time, let it all out. Because when you are going through anxiety, you just feel numb. You don’t know what to do. You are trying to be yourself. And also in this time, my mum, my dad, they supported me a lot. And also there was Arundhati [Reddy], who I think almost every day I have cried in front of her.Related

• Australia feel India's force as Rodrigues brings down the Death Star

• Rodrigues completes her redemption arc as the silence turns to roars

• The greatest chase: how India kept their cool amid the drama

“Later I was joking, saying ‘you don’t come in front of me, I will start crying.’ But she checked on me every single day. There was Smriti [Mandhana], who helped me. She also knew what I was going through. Few of the net sessions, she was just standing there. Even yesterday she came, she just stood there, just because he just knows that her presence is important for me.”There has been Radha [Yadav], who has, always been there, taking care of me. I am so blessed to have friends, I can call family, that I didn’t have to go through it alone. And it’s okay to ask for help.”Rodrigues had entered the semi-final on the back of a 76 not out against New Zealand, but her tournament began with a few low scores, including two ducks. She had also been dropped for the match against England as India opted for an extra bowler, a bold call given Rodrigues’ status as one of India’s top batters. She said it was difficult to stay patient, but she chose to hang in and trust that her moment would come.”My family went through a lot, but everyone stood by me, and believed in me when I didn’t, when I couldn’t,” she said. “And it started with the anxiety thing. Then I was dropped from the team [for the match against England]. That really hit me.”When you are dropped, you have a lot of doubts because I always want to contribute to the team. But that day, I couldn’t do much sitting out. And then, when you come back in, it’s a lot more pressure, than everything that was happening in the past month.’I am very grateful for the people who believed in me when I couldn’t, and were there for me and understood me because I couldn’t do this on my own’•ICC/Getty Images

“But sometimes all you need to do is, just hang in there and, things fall into place. So, I am very grateful for the people who believed in me when I couldn’t, and were there for me and understood me because I couldn’t do this on my own.”During India’s chase of 339, Rodrigues was at the crease for nearly the entirety of the innings after entering at No. 3 in the second over. She remained unbeaten on 127 off 134 balls, guiding India to victory with five wickets in hand and nine balls to spare. Her innings, however, included a reprieve when she was dropped by Alyssa Healy on 82. Asked how she would rate her innings, Rodrigues reflected on her mindset.”I mean, how do I rate this innings? Actually, I have not let it sink in,” she said. “All I would say was I didn’t play for my 100. I didn’t play to prove a point at No. 3. I didn’t play for my 50. I just played to make sure India win. I wanted to see India win at the end and that was my only motivation.”I think when you have that thought process, I think God also favours you. You do it for the team, you don’t do it for yourself. And I think I have always played my cricket that way. I’m short of words actually.”Rodrigues also revealed that during a team discussion on the eve of the match, she had expressed a clear goal for the game.”We were just saying what all we could do better in this World Cup and all I said was that I want to be there till the end and finish the game. Whether we are batting first, I know if I am there, I can make a partnership. And get those 20-30 runs extra because I run well, pick gaps, unusual gaps.”And the second thing was if we are chasing, then I want to make sure I take the team through. And this just feels like a dream actually. It just felt like everything was such a set up. Because the last month wasn’t the easiest, but it just felt like a set up for this moment.”