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India await in second assignment of women’s summer, but new head coach likes what she’s seen so far

Valkerie Baynes08-Jun-2025England Women can expect a tougher test of their new set-up when India arrive later this month, after West Indies’ tour ended in 3-0 sweeps of both T20I and ODI series.Such results don’t appear to be optimal preparation for the world’s No.2 ODI side to take on third-ranked rivals and World Cup hosts India. However, they provided a confidence boost after the nadir of six months ago, and allowed the hosts to experiment, gleaning some valuable insights in the process.It turns out the solution to their top-order conundrum in the 50-over format had been staring them in the face all along. England’s depth of talent has so often been boasted about as a welcome product of the professionalisation of the domestic women’s game, but by bringing that to the fore rather than leaving it in the background amid a reluctance to tinker, they have strengthened their batting and bowling options.”We are under no illusions that we are going to have tougher times ahead,” Charlotte Edwards, England’s new head coach, said on Saturday. “But equally, what we are seeing already is that appetite for people to want to keep getting better too – they can’t stand still because there’s someone probably in county cricket now scoring runs who’s winning games of cricket.”Reuniting Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont as openers after five years was hugely successful, with both scoring back-to-back centuries in twin partnerships worth more than 200 each across the first two games. So too was the introduction of Linsey Smith and Em Arlott to the ODI bowling ranks.So much so that, in the third and final ODI in Taunton on Saturday, Jones dropped back to the middle order (where she wasn’t required) and Beaumont was rested along with Smith, coincidentally just as it was announced that fellow left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone would take a wellbeing break with a view to feeling ready to take on India.Charlotte Edwards wants to be able to pick from a pool of 25 players for every England match•Getty ImagesArlott, who made her international debut during the T20I leg of the tour and was rested for the second ODI, returned with devastating effect on Saturday, taking two wickets for one run in the space of six balls as West Indies lurched to 3 for 4 inside four overs.Meanwhile, Sarah Glenn made her first appearance of the series in Taunton and took 3 for 21 after a five-hour rain delay to help contain West Indies to 106 for 8 from 21 overs. She was subsequently named player of the match as England cruised to a nine-wicket victory with Nat Sciver-Brunt scoring an unbeaten 57 opening alongside Sophia Dunkley.Emma Lamb, who like Arlott and Smith had been called up after dominating the start of the domestic 50-over competition, scored a quick-fire 55 in the second ODI before making way for Alice Capsey to move up to No. 3 and score 20 not out.Of course England had the luxury to try just about anything against an already under-strength West Indies who travelled without injured big hitters Chinelle Henry and Deandra Dottin and were further depleted when star allrounder and captain Hayley Matthews succumbed to a shoulder problem. Matthews had been player of the T20I series, despite her side failing to win a match but was ruled out of the second and third ODIs after aggravating the injury while fielding in the first in Derby.Related

• Amy Jones: 'Setting the tone is a cool responsibility'

• Jones, Beaumont make back-to-back centuries as England seal 2-0 lead

• Hayley Matthews out of third ODI against England with shoulder injury

• Nat Sciver-Brunt 57* leads England to 3-0 sweep in rain-wrecked final ODI

• Ecclestone to take time away from cricket to prioritise wellbeing

But the fact that the third ODI amounted to batting practice for England’s regular middle-order, who had up to that point been under-used, and that a re-jigged bowling line-up got their job done illustrated that their desired competition for places has arrived – something not present for the failed T20 World Cup and Ashes campaigns.”It is going to be difficult to pick teams moving forward,” Edwards added, “but that’s the place we wanted to be and we don’t want to be picking from 15 or 16 players. We want to be picking from a pool of 25 players, which I genuinely think we are now. We’ve probably got there quicker than I thought we would.”A significant factor has been Edwards’ insistence on England-contracted players playing domestic cricket in the lead-up to the West Indies series.While some will rest ahead of India’s arrival, others were set to leave the ODI squad and rejoin their domestic teams for the Vitality Blast as early as Sunday.”There’s a group of fast bowlers now really vying for a few spots,” Edwards added. “I don’t think we’ve had that, probably in the last five years, in terms of about five or six bowlers who could all open the bowling for England. And a really good group of batters who are really pushing each other to get better and better, which I think is a really healthy place to be in as a team. It makes it harder for us now to select teams, but equally more exciting for us moving forward.”England play five T20Is against India starting at Trent Bridge on June 28, followed by three ODIs. And while Edwards admitted that, with this year’s World Cup in mind, she would have preferred to have played more ODIs, England will host the T20 World Cup in a year’s time.”That’s why we played around with the team a little bit today,” she said. “But equally, we understand that the T20 format is a format that, for next summer is really important as well, so we’ll manage that.Linsey Smith took her chances after a long period out of the selectors’ thoughts•ECB via Getty Images”We absolutely know that, in a couple of weeks’ time at Trent Bridge, that’s going to be tough. They’re one of the best teams in the world, they’ve got some of the best players, so we’re going to have to be right on it when we get to the 28th of June. But we’ve taken a lot of confidence from this and that’s the most important thing. We can only play what’s in front of us and we’ll look to do that again when we play against India.”West Indies failed to qualify for the 50-over World Cup immediately before heading to England. That they couldn’t put up more of a fight in the T20Is, despite knocking England out of that World Cup last October, was unsurprising given their over-reliance on Matthews.There were some small highlights for West Indies, who will return home to host South Africa in the first of three ODIs starting on Wednesday, then three T20Is.At just 20 years of age, Realeanna Grimmond offered cause for optimism with her half-century on ODI debut in the second game in Leicester, as did 21-year-old Jannillea Glasgow with a 24-ball 44. But their development, along with that of teenage quick Jahzara Claxton is a long-term project.Shane Deitz, West Indies head coach, expected to have Henry back to face South Africa and said Matthews’ recovery would be managed through that series, but Dottin remained another month away from full fitness.”We had a chance to bring some players in and that’s what we’re looking for,” Deitz said. “Our season, so to speak, begins in February next year – 2026 is a massive year for us. We’ve got 15 ODIs that obviously go for the next World Cup qualification, a Test match [against Australia] and a World Cup.”What we do over the next eight months off the playing field is going to be the key thing for our performance next year. We’ve got a lot of things we can work on off the field, the team culture and then a lot of fitness and skill work. We’ve got a great opportunity now to play a few games against South Africa and then have a really good off-field programme for seven or eight months, and then come back in 2026 and take on the rest of the world.”

MatériaMais Notícias

A Comissão de Arbitragem da CBF divulgou as análise do VAR em alguns lances que geraram discussão na vitória do Vasco sobre o Grêmio por 2 a 1, em São Januário, pela partida de estreia do Campeonato Brasileiro.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasVascoSalgado rebate Pedrinho sobre cláusula para reaver ações da Vasco SAF: ‘Decidiu romper unilateralmente o contrato’Vasco25/07/2025VascoVasco anuncia melhorias e apresenta ‘novo visual’ do CT Moacyr Barbosa; mais reformas estão previstasVasco25/07/2025Futebol FemininoClube formador de Marta e Angelina, Vasco aposta na base para fortalecer futebol femininoFutebol Feminino25/07/2025

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Aos 42 minutos da primeira etapa, a equipe comandada por Renato Gaúcho reclamou de um toque de mão do lateral Lucas Piton dentro da área. Os vascaínos, por sua vez, pediram a marcação de uma falta em Galdames, também dentro da grande área, cometida pelo zagueiro Rodrigo Ely.

POSSÍVEL PÊNALTI PARA O GRÊMIO

Nos minutos finais do primeiro tempo, o atacante Diego Costa recebeu cruzamento dentro da área, errou o domínio, e a bola bateu no braço do lateral-esquerdo Lucas Piton.

continua após a publicidade

Após rever o lance no VAR, o árbitro Flávio Rodrigues de Souza entendeu que o jogador estava em uma ação natural de disputa e manteve a decisão de não marcar a penalidade.

POSSÍVEL FALTA EM GALDAMES

O lance reclamado pelo Vasco aconteceu aos 4 minutos da segunda etapa. Na ocasião, Galdames reclamou de um contato do zagueiro Rodrigo Ely dentro da área. Em revisão, Daniane Muniz, responsável pelo VAR, inicialmente considerou que houve infração.

continua após a publicidade

– A bola está sob disputa, o zagueiro chuta o pé dele. Para mim, é uma ação imprudente – diz Daiane após revisão da disputa.

Porém, Fabricio Porfírio de Moura, assistente do arbitro de vídeo, discordou da decisão de Muniz, entendendo que a bola ainda estava em disputa.

Depois do contraponto do assistente, Daiane voltou atrás na decisão e seguiu com a marcação de campo, sem indicar a revisão.

⚽ O QUE VEM POR AÍ?

Na quarta-feira (17), o Vasco visita o Red Bull Bragantino, no Estádio Nabizão, às 19h (de Brasília), pela segunda rodada do Brasileirão. No mesmo dia e horário, o Grêmio recebe o Athletico, em sua Arena, pela mesma competição.

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Rumoured Celtic manager target Craig Bellamy has shared praise for one Hoops player who has impressed under Martin O’Neill.

Celtic linked with shock Bellamy move

The Hoops are yet to appoint Brendan Rodgers’ permanent successor, with O’Neill steadying the ship with wins over Falkirk and Rangers.

The Irishman booked Celtic’s place in the Scottish League Cup final at the weekend and there have been class he could stay on until the end of the current campaign due to his relationship with Dermot Desmond.

Wales boss Bellamy has been one of numerous managers linked with the full-time vacancy, though, with those at Parkhead even weighing up contact at the end of October.

Celtic can make Tierney completely unplayable by hiring 4-2-3-1 manager

Bellamy has even spoken out on the rumours of a move to Glasgow, saying: “It’s not on my radar – and it won’t be on my radar. I can understand the links because I played there, [now] I’m coaching, so I definitely understand the links.

“But to me, I love what I’m doing at this present moment. I have to be honest, I’m completely focused on what’s to come. It looks it’s going to be a play-off in March, we know that and to me, that’s all I’m focused on and I know it’s a little bit cliched, but it’s the honest truth.

“I couldn’t want for anything more than what I have at this present moment and that’s where it lies with me.”

Bellamy shares praise for Celtic teenager Callum Osmand

Bellamy also expressed his disappointment that he could not consider Celtic teenager Callum Osmand for Wales selection after a change in the rules around the eligibility of players from the Channel Islands.

Jersey-born forward Osmand was capped by Wales at Under-16 and Under-17 level when players from the Channel Islands were able to represent any of the four Home Nations.

But a change in the rules means players from the Channel Islands – British Crown Dependencies who are not full FIFA or UEFA members – are now only eligible to play for England, and Osmand’s Wales career is at an end as he has no Welsh heritage.

Osmand made a dramatic impact since Celtic interim managers O’Neill and Shaun Maloney came in.

He made his senior debut in Celtic’s 4-0 win over Falkirk and netted his first goal for the club in Sunday’s 3-1 Hampden victory over Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final. The 19-year-old has even been added to Celtic’s Europa League squad.

Mikel Arteta has built a superteam at Arsenal over the last five years.

While the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba were signed under Unai Emery, and Bukayo Saka made his debut under the former manager, the Gunners’ former captain has signed a host of world-class players since taking the job.

Arguably, the best player to join the North Londoners over the last few years has been Declan Rice, who is now undoubtedly one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, if not the world.

So it’s encouraging that Arteta already looks to have his ideal heir for the Englishman in the squad today.

Rice's development at Arsenal

This season is Rice’s third at Arsenal, and while he’s been a crucial member of the team since his first, his role has changed year-on-year.

For example, he spent most of the 23/24 campaign playing at the base of midfield, as the club’s go-to six, making 31 appearances there, 19 in central midfield and just one at centre-back.

However, towards the end of that first year and most of last season, Arteta decided to move him slightly further up the pitch, into the left-eight.

In all, the Englishman ended up making 37 appearances in the middle of the park and just 15 in defensive midfield, which helped him end the campaign with an impressive tally of nine goals and ten assists, although plenty of the latter came from set-pieces.

Going into this season, most fans and pundits alike expected Arteta to keep playing his £105m further up the pitch, especially as he proved himself to be a brilliant box-crasher last season.

CM

64

12

16

DM

51

5

8

CB

1

0

0

However, while his statistics do show him starting more games in central midfield – eight to five – he is actually now playing that little bit deeper again, often interchanging with the sensationally gifted Martin Zubimendi.

The former West Ham United captain has even said as much, telling reporters after England’s game against Wales earlier this month that the manager has “adjusted my position at Arsenal a bit this year to give me a bit more freedom to drop deeper but to also get in the box when I can.”

You can see evidence of him playing that little bit deeper at times this season in his underlying numbers.

For example, according to FBref, he is completing 7.47 progressive passes and 2.91 progressive carries this year, compared to 6.11 and 2.87 last season.

In all, Rice remains one of Arsenal’s most important players and an archetypal all-action midfielder, so it’s good news that Arteta and Co already have his perfect heir in the squad.

Arsenal's Rice heir

Now, upon first glance, it might not be immediately apparent who the Rice heir in Arsenal’s squad is.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

After all, Christian Nørgaard is 31, and Zubimendi is the same age as the Englishman at 26.

However, instead of being among the club’s current crop of midfielders, the ideal long-term replacement for the former West Ham United captain is down as a defender, and it is, of course, Myles Lewis-Skelly.

The Hale End gem, whose “talent is scary” according to one content creator, might play almost exclusively as a left-back for the first team, but he spent much of his time in the junior game playing in the middle of the park, and the skills he picked up there have shone through for the senior side at times.

For example, against Atlético Madrid, he picked up the ball in the middle of the park, drove past half the side and delivered the ball into Gabriel Martinelli’s feet for the Gunners’ second goal.

That run demonstrated several skills needed to make it as a top-quality central midfielder, such as the physicality to hold off defenders, the close control to get past them, the understanding of space, and, crucially, the weight of the pass at the end.

Moreover, the ability to drive with the ball like he did is one of Rice’s best traits, so while Arteta and the coaching staff will have to work on transitioning the teenager from full-back to midfield over the coming years, they can rest easy knowing he’s already an elite ball player.

There are other reasons why the Islington-born gem could become as sensational an eight in the future, though, such as his mentality.

For example, it’s so easy to forget that he is still so young, as it seemingly does not matter who he is up against, be it Real Madrid or Manchester City, the Hale Ender is, as Rice put it himself, utterly “fearless.”

It’s this willingness to challenge any attacker or try to beat any defender without hesitation that has also led club insider Hand of Arsenal to label the young gem a “future captain,” a title many have also given the former West Ham star.

Ultimately, given Rice’s age, Arsenal do not need to worry about replacing him just yet. Still, when they do eventually have to, they’ve already got the perfect candidate in Lewis-Skelly.

Arteta's £120k-p/w "wild horse" looks like this season's Timber at Arsenal

Just like Timber, the international monster is having an incredible season at Arsenal this year.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 28, 2025

Glasgow Rangers will be looking to get back to winning ways this evening when they travel away from Ibrox to take on Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.

The Light Blues dropped points for the first time under Danny Rohl in the league last weekend with a 0-0 draw against Falkirk, and there will be changes to the starting XI for tonight’s match.

Oliver Antman, as confirmed by the manager in the post above, will be unavailable to retain his place on the wing after suffering a muscle injury in recent days.

As well as the Finland international’s forced absence, Rohl should take attacking midfielder Thelo Aasgaard out of the team after his disappointing display against Falkirk.

Why Danny Rohl should drop Thelo Aasgaard

The Norway international was selected to play in the number ten position for the Light Blues at Ibrox on Sunday, but failed to deliver a quality performance for the side.

Aasgaard had no shots on target, missed one ‘big chance’, made one key pass, and failed to create any ‘big chances’ for his teammates in 68 minutes on the pitch against Falkirk, per Sofascore.

That set of statistics paints a very clear picture. He was ineffective at the top end of the pitch for Rohl, in what was a drab goalless draw, and that has been the theme of his season.

Appearances

11

Starts

8

Goals

1

Key passes per game

0.8

Big chances created

0

Assists

1

Per Sofascore, the Liverpool-born midfielder has produced one goal and one assist in 21 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants, playing 1179 minutes in that time.

His lack of impact on the pitch in the league and across all competitions is why Rohl should drop him from the side tonight to finally unleash the rarely-seen attacking midfielder Lyall Cameron against Dundee United.

Why Lyall Cameron should finally be unleashed

The summer signing from Dundee has only played 18 minutes under the German boss, per Sofascore, and has only played 361 minutes across eight appearances all season.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

He was an unused substitute in the goalless draw with Falkirk at Ibrox, as Rohl opted not to call on him, but he should now be given a chance to show what he can do in Aasgaard’s place as the number ten.

In his pre-match press conference, the Rangers manager said that Cameron has been “patient” and that the youngster needs to be ready to “seize” his chances when it comes, which will hopefully be this evening.

The Light Blues signed the 23-year-old star off the back of his impressive form for Dundee in the Scottish Premiership during the 2024/25 campaign, and that form suggests that he could come in as an even better option than Aasgaard.

Cameron racked up nine goals and five assists in 32 starts for his former club last season, per Sofascore, which shows that he does have the potential to deliver quality on a regular basis at Premiership level.

xG

3.80

Top 7%

Goals

9

Top 4%

Shots on target

20

Top 4%

Chances created

54

Top 4%

xA

4.78

Top 10%

Assists

5

Top 9%

As you can see in the table above, the Scottish ace was one of the top-performing attacking midfielders in the division, with his ability to both score goals and create chances at an impressive rate.

Yet, Cameron has only played 191 minutes across five appearances in the Premiership for Russell Martin, Stevie Smith, and Rohl combined, per Sofascore, which shows that he has not had much of an opportunity to showcase the best version of himself.

Aasgaard, meanwhile, has been given over 1,000 minutes of game time without being able to deliver goals or assists on a consistent basis for the Light Blues in recent months, with as many goals (one) as red cards (one).

Therefore, Cameron should finally be unleashed this evening to see if he can offer more than the Norwegian flop by producing the kind of performances that he showed for Dundee throughout the 2024/25 season.

Danny Rohl sends 13-word warning to his Rangers players ahead of the transfer window

The manager has has sent a pretty clear message to his players…

ByBen Goodwin Dec 1, 2025

If Rohl does bring him into the starting XI tonight, the onus will be on the 23-year-old summer signing to make an instant impact to show the manager that he deserves more minutes moving forward this term.

Shami bowled 17 overs for East Zone on the first day of their Duleep Trophy opener against North Zone

Ashish Pant28-Aug-2025Mohammed Shami has, of late, spent more time trying to prove his red-ball fitness than he has playing red-ball cricket.Since the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final, his only first-class game was a Ranji Trophy match for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in November last year. It’s part of the reason he did not make it to India’s Test squad for the tour of England. Nine months on, he’s playing his second red-ball game in the Duleep Trophy season opener for East Zone against North Zone at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence on the outskirts of Bengaluru.Shami, now nearly 35, bowled 17 overs across four spells on the first day of the 2024-25 Duleep Trophy, progressively getting more incisive as the day went on. East Zone had won the toss and opted to bowl under murky skies. He was given the first over, and while he hardly got any movement, his lines were tight. He bowled five overs in his first spell, mostly within himself, and conceded ten runs with two maidens. It was evident that Shami was trying to ease himself back into the red-ball grind, concentrating more on the seam position and his lengths.Related

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Shami bowled his second spell just before the lunch break, a three-over burst pretty similar to his first, where he conceded ten runs. He beat the batters a few times and drew a few false shots, but the Shami sharpness was missing.That changed after the lunch break. Having found rhythm, there was a marked difference in Shami’s run-up and delivery stride. He bowled five overs in his third spell – two of then maidens – and conceded just nine runs. The batters, who were until then playing Shami fairly comfortably, were suddenly getting beaten for pace. There were plenty of plays and misses, inside-edges onto pad, and the occasional false shot. Having found his lengths, Shami’s focus was now on upping his speed.Despite the improvement, Shami did not have a wicket yet. He should have had North Zone’s wicketkeeper-batter Kanhaiya Wadhawan caught down the leg side early in his fourth spell, but Kumar Kushagra dropped a relatively straightforward chance behind the stumps. He eventually found success when he had Sahil Lotra caught behind late in the day. It was a nippy length ball well outside off stump that Lotra chased and edged to the wicketkeeper.Mohammed Shami made his international comeback in January this year•Associated PressShami bowled the second-most overs among the six bowlers East Zone used on the opening day, only behind left-arm spinner Manishi, who bowled 19. He went through the day without any visible hiccups and will hope to put in more miles on day two. In all, Shami conceded 55 runs in 17 overs for one wicket.Shami has struggled with fitness ever since injuring his ankle during the 2023 ODI World Cup. He underwent surgery after playing through pain during India’s run to the final and then missed all of India’s fixtures in 2024 due to his injury, recovery from surgery, and subsequent knee issues.He was part of India’s limited-overs series against England and the Champions Trophy earlier this year, and played nine matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad in a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign. Following that, he was not picked for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar suggesting that Shami’s “workload is not where it needs to be.”There is still a month and a bit to go before India’s next Test series – at home against West Indies – and Shami will, through the course of the Duleep Trophy, aim to put in the work needed to prove to the selectors that he is ready to get back to Test cricket.

Ahead of the January transfer window, Rangers have reportedly opened talks to sign Galymzhan Kenzhebek from Kazakhstan side Yelimay.

Danny Rohl is reportedly keen to mark his own stamp at Ibrox and that could yet see a number of fresh faces arrive. Sporting director Kevin Thelwell already confirmed during the international break that Rangers will be busy in the winter window and there’s no doubt that he’s got plenty of making up to do after a disastrous summer.

The former Everton chief also revealed that there could yet be more additions behind the scenes in Glasgow, saying: “It’s an exciting time because we’re starting to look at the way we’re organised from a sporting perspective and say ‘well, what does great look like?’, where we are against that standard, and who can help us reach that standard.

Rangers star was berated by Clement, now he could become their own McTominay

Glasgow Rangers could unearth their own Scott McTominay in this star who was once criticised by Philippe Clement.

1 ByDan Emery Nov 19, 2025

“We have been talking about making some new appointments and we have made some new appointments. I’m really pleased with the appointment of Jaymes Monte, in particular, a guy from Dundee, previously worked with Hudl, and probably our first ever appointment in that data space.

“He’s going to provide us with a lot of insight in relation to data, not only from a recruitment perspective but also from analysis of opposition, our own game, and then medical, sports science and coaching.”

Organisation behind the scenes would certainly help Rohl’s side on the pitch, but the German also needs fresh faces. On that front, names such as David Watson are already being mentioned.

The Kilmarnock midfielder is one of the best young talents in Scotland and Rangers have already reportedly opened talks to secure his signature as early as the January transfer window. His arrival could be the start of a winter window to watch from all involved at Ibrox, too.

Rangers open talks to sign Kenzhebek

According to reports in Kazakhstan, as relayed by Glasgow Times, Rangers have now opened talks to sign Kenzhebek from Yelimay in the January transfer window. The 22-year-old winger will be out of contract at the start of January, allowing the Gers to swoop in and potentially land a free deal.

Whilst Kenzhebek has only ever played twice outside of his home country, 12 goals and six assists in 36 league games this season suggests that he’s ready to break away courtesy of a move to Scotland.

Praised for his “quality” ball carrying ability by scout Kai Watson, the prospect of signing Kazakhstan should excite Rangers fans. Whilst he’s not the finished product, the potential is certainly there for all to see.

The fact that the Gers can beat Aberdeen and Celtic to his signature should also give them added incentive to get the deal over the line in January.

Rangers can forget about Souttar and Cornelius by unleashing "left-footed Van Dijk"

David Moyes has been reluctant to rotate at Everton this season. The Merseysiders are 14th in the Premier League after a summer of sweeping change, yet signings such as Tyler Dibling and Merlin Rohl remain on the fringe.

In fairness, Moyes did say at the start of the season that Everton’s deep-rooted issues would take more than one summer to eradicate and remould into something progressive, but some are questioning why more is not being made of the resources at hand.

Everton

14th

19

Man United

8th

20

Tottenham

6th

20

Brentford

12th

21

However, there is one change the Scotsman would love to make that hasn’t been possible. Indeed, Jarrad Branthwaite continues to languish on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury, and his return would do the Toffees the world of good.

Moyes needs Branthwaite back at Everton

Branthwaite is arguably Everton’s best player. Certainly, he would be the most profitable, with Manchester United billed £70m for the potential signing of the England international last year. No move came to fruition.

But he has yet to grace the Hill Dickinson pitch, having sustained an injury in pre-season. Several weeks ago, a complication in the defender’s muscular recovery led to surgery, and now he is set for an extended spell on the sidelines, with some sources suggesting he will not be ready until after the new year.

This is a powerful and front-footed centre-half whose 6 foot 5 presence demands respect. Much has been made of Everton’s struggles in the final third this season, but we must also acknowledge the ramifications of not having your best defender fit for the opening months of the campaign (this was also true for Sean Dyche last year, when the Blues started off on a four-match skid).

Michael Keane has done a fine job in stepping in for the younger man this season, arguably outplaying the vice-captain James Tarkowski beside him, but there’s no question that Branthwaite, described as an “absolute monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, would walk back into the line-up when fit enough to do so.

Everton have made headway this season, but further improvements are needed if Moyes’ side are to break the surface of expectations and find a space among the heavyweights in the Premier League.

Moyes, to be sure, must be more open to unleashing those bit-part members of the squad. Perhaps they could make a marked difference. There’s one youngster who is considered an elite talent, and yet he has not featured this term. Moyes must now unleash him.

Moyes must unleash "generational" youngster

This summer, Everton completed a wave of signings. The most notable addition was Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City, while big buys included Dibling and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry.

But the arrival of Adam Aznou from Bayern Munich, for around £8m, has fallen under the radar. The 19-year-old is an attack-minded left-back, though his versatility permits moonlit roles further up the field and even in an alternative right-back placement.

It is his dribbling that stands out most. Last season, while out on loan in La Liga with Real Valladolid, Aznou averaged two dribbles per game, which stood as the second-highest success rate of any defender in the Spanish top flight (data via BBC).

The Moroccan has even been described as a “generational talent” by the aforementioned Kulig, and it’s curious to note he is alongside Branthwaite in having yet to make his first-team debut for Moyes’ side.

The difference is that he has not been injured, but rather, kept from the action by his manager. Seven times in succession, he has sat on the bench in the Premier League, and seven times in succession, he has remained unused.

There are concerns about the player’s physicality, but there is undoubtedly a reluctance on Moyes’ part to unleash youngsters. Last month, Dibling started against Crystal Palace and ended the 63-year-old’s 185-match streak of not naming a teenager in the starting line-up. Dibling was hooked at half-time.

It has been said that Everton are open to loaning the teenager out this winter, sending him somewhere for a short stay and with the view toward providing him with a suitable environment for growth.

There is reason to this possible route, but whether it is truly the best course of action for an Everton side in need of more dynamism down the flanks is another question. However, Branthwaite before him went out on loan with PSV Eindhoven and returned to the Premier League a better player for it.

Perhaps Aznou could emulate his fellow defender in this regard, heading out for the second half of the campaign before returning next summer and shining thereafter.

Vitalii Mykolenko is limited in his attacking output, with data platform FBref ranking the Ukrainian among the bottom 9% of full-backs in the Premier League this season for shot-creating actions per 90 (0.86). Likewise, Jake O’Brien has been dependable in his makeshift right-back role, but he is naturally a centre-back and his game reflects this.

The left-footed Branthwaite’s return and the robustness he adds could actually be perfect for Aznou as the Morocco international looks to establish himself on Merseyside. It’s a debate with substance on both sides: Aznou could help Everton with his progressiveness this year, and yet a slow, gradual integration might be better for his long-term development.

Patience was always going to be required for a young and talented full-back whose experience on the major stage is shallow. In this, Moyes’ decision to keep him on the sidelines is understandable.

However, many would not agree. There have been opportunities to unleash Aznou, and instead, he plies his trade under Paul Tait’s wing in the development squad.

There’s a sense that Everton are going to attack the January transfer window and target a new centre-forward and fresh full-backs besides. Might it be that Aznou is the answer to the club’s issues down the wings?

In La Liga last season, he won an average of 2.2 tackles and 5.8 duels per game (as per Sofascore), triumphing in 51% of that latter metric.

Work is needed, of course it is, but surely this wonderful and exciting prospect deserves a chance to shine after Everton won the summer tussle for his signature.

Everton flop "failed a succession of managers", now he's saving Moyes

This Everton veteran is proving to be the unlikely signing of the summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 7, 2025

Newcastle United have purchased some real gems over the last few years when flexing their muscles across various transfer windows.

Just this summer gone, the Magpies splashed out a substantial £69m to land Nick Woltemade, and it’s already looking like it was a necessary splurge to make, with the skilful, yet towering German now up to four Premier League goals, despite the new campaign still very much being in its infancy.

Other, more shrewd purchases in recent memory have also seen Eddie Howe and Co. land both Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn, who remain as mainstays in his XI to his day, despite both being veteran figures at St James’ Park, while a deal to snap up Sandro Tonali for £55m back in 2023 continues to pay off.

The best recent bit of business of them all, however, could be obtaining Bruno Guimaraes, with the much-loved Toon captain even being hailed as “special” by his manager at the weekend, as another clutch moment from the Brazilian in black and white secured a last-ditch 2-1 win over Fulham.

Guimaraes' hero status at Newcastle

Acquired for a cheaper fee than both Woltemade and Tonali at the £40m mark back in 2022, it’s clear, now that Newcastle won themselves an almighty bargain picking up the South American from Lyon when they did.

Indeed, the Rio De Janeiro ace has become a “talisman” for the Magpies – as he was recently labelled by Match of the Day pundit Michael Carrick – with goals and assists aplenty, 52 combined to be exact, always matched by a hunger to battle away and fight for his beloved side, across his 166 appearances and counting on Tyneside.

From his mammoth 11,032 minutes in the Premier League, Guimaraes has won a very high 915 duels.

Yet, that is also coupled with his incisive play in the forward areas, with his 6510 accurate passes across the same span of matches, often resulting in him finding a teammate in the forward areas who can steer the Toon to a win.

The well-respected number 39 – who has also been dubbed a “joy to watch” this season by Toon-based blog Mouth of the Tyne – does also take matters into his own hands in the attacking positions, with a bumper eight goal contributions next to his name this campaign.

All of this overwhelming evidence points in the direction of Guimaraes being an unbelievable, earth-shuddering steal, but there is a new star emerging at St James’ Park now who might well be viewed as Newcastle’s most prized purchase since the 27-year-old’s impactful arrival.

Newcastle have another Bruno bargain

Guimaraes’ longevity in a Magpies shirt should be commended, with his midfield partner in Joelinton, beginning to show signs of decay, while he continues to stand out as a fine wine.

Malick Thiaw will hope he’s viewed as such a revered element of Howe’s team down the line, with the decision to bring in the 6-foot-4 centre-back this summer for just £34m already being viewed as another Guimaraes-style masterstroke.

Games played

6

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches*

48.7

Accurate passes*

33.5 (88%)

Ball recoveries*

4.0

Clearances*

4.0

Total duels won*

5.0

Just ten games have come the Düsseldorf-born warrior’s way on Tyneside to date, and yet, he is already being branded as “absolutely sensational” to watch by Newcastle-based writer Thomas Hammond.

The table above only backs up all the wild praise the three-time Germany international has been receiving, with the commanding number 12 not looking out of place whatsoever in the Premier League – despite struggling to hold down a first-team spot at AC Milan – as seen in him averaging an unerring 88% pass accuracy, on top of winning five duels on average across his six outings in the tough league so far.

He very much stood out against Fulham too, in much the same way Guimaraes did, with eight duels heroically won, further reinforcing how much of a bargain the Toon have managed to pull off by acquiring Thiaw for a measly £34m.

With two Champions League clean sheets also under his belt, seeing Mouth of Tyne further boldly state that Thiaw can play at the “very top”, it’s clear that one of the centre-back spots in Howe’s XI is now nailed on to be taken up by the new fan favourite.

Already a recipient of his own catchy chant by the Newcastle fans, too, it does remain to be seen what Thiaw’s long-term career looks like in England.

Right now, though, he looks to be treading down the same, success-laden path as Guimaraes in being a staple for many years to come.

Move over Woltemade: Howe has unearthed a new “game-changer” at Newcastle

Newcastle United have unearthed a new game-changer, and it’s not Nick Woltemade.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 26, 2025

Newcastle United were hit with a big blow in the summer transfer window when Alexander Isak opted to pursue a move to Premier League champions Liverpool.

The Magpies raked in a British record fee of £125m for the Sweden international, who scored 52 goals in his last two full seasons at St. James’ Park in all competitions, per Sofascore.

That meant that Eddie Howe and the recruitment team had plenty of work to do in the summer to bring in players to carry a goal threat, and they did a fairly decent job.

Ranking Newcastle's summer signings

The headline signing for the Magpies was, of course, the £69m addition of Nick Woltemade as a replacement for Isak, and he has scored a respectable five goals in ten Premier League games this season.

£55m signing Yoane Wissa from Brentford, though, is yet to feature for the club, due to injury, which makes it hard to judge how good of a signing he will turn out to be.

Whilst Wissa is impossible to rank, Jacob Ramsey ranks at the bottom of the pile of summer signings, right now, having failed to provide a goal or an assist in ten appearances this season for the Magpies.

Ranking Newcastle’s summer signings

Rank

Player

1

Malick Thiaw

2

Nick Woltemade

3

Aaron Ramsdale

4

Anthony Elanga

5

Jacob Ramsey

N/A

Yoane Wissa

As you can see in the table above, Malick Thiaw ranks at the top of the pile after his brace against Everton, as he has provided a solid presence at the back for Newcastle.

The German giant, signed from Milan for £30m, has started nine Premier League games and won a whopping 72% of his duels, per Sofascore, which makes him the most dominant defender in the squad.

Whilst Thiaw has been a brilliant signing for the club, there is a pre-existing member of the squad who may have the potential to be their next Isak-esque superstar.

The Newcastle ace who could be their next superstar

Lewis Miley was given a rare opportunity to impress in the middle of the park against Everton, in what was his third start of the Premier League season, and he showcased his class, winning 100% (3/3) of his physical duels, per Sofascore.

The Newcastle academy graduate also scored the second goal of the match, firing past Jordan Pickford with his weak foot, which came after his brilliant corner was nodded in by Thiaw in the opening minute of the game.

Miley was once hailed as “England’s next superstar” by BBC pundit Pat Nevin. Performances like his one against the Toffees at the weekend only help to back up that claim, as he looks to make his mark at senior level.

The 19-year-old whiz has made 60 first-team appearances for the Magpies to date, per Transfermarkt, but the next step for him is to nail down a place as a regular starter in midfield, which means that he will need to get in over Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, or Joelinton.

That is no easy task, but it is one that he is capable of completing, as his performance against Everton proved, because the youngster has the talent to be impactful at Premier League level, despite his age and inexperience.

As a young midfielder who can score and assist goals, with four goals and six assists at first-team level so far, Miley is an even more exciting talent than Thiaw, who is not as flashy a talent as a centre-back.

The England U21 international has the chance to be a superstar for the Magpies because he is an English and academy-grown prospect who the fans can get behind and champion as ‘one of their own’ from the local area, which adds an extra special dynamic to his potential rise to stardom.

Miley, given that he is not a regular starter yet, still has a long way to go before he is at Isak’s level of stardom at St. James’ Park, but the potential is there for him to eventually hit those heights.

It is now down to the English midfielder, though, to deliver quality performances whenever he is called upon, as he did against Everton, to prove to Howe that he has the consistency required to start week-in-week-out.

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After Miley achieves that, the teenage talent can focus on being a real difference-maker at the top end of the pitch with goals and assists to take him from being a key player to a superstar.