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Australia’s captain said her side were challenged by Bangladesh’s bowlers in tough conditions

Andrew McGlashan05-Apr-2024

Alyssa Healy was left delighted with the experience and knowledge her team were able to take away from the tour of Bangladesh with an eye on the T20 World Cup later this year.Australia completed a cleansweep of the visit, their first in bilateral cricket, with a 77-run victory in the final T20I and it was the fourth time their bowling attack kept Bangladesh to under 100. They will return in late September to defend the T20 World Cup title and Healy believed the trip ticked plenty of boxes.Related

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“Everyone in the squad is taking something home that they can work on for when we come back here in September, so it’s been hugely worthwhile for us,” Healy said. “The results went our way but from a big picture perspective, and what we’re building towards in September, October, I think we got everything we possibly could out of this series.”The tour was concluded with two players returning from long-term injuries, Tayla Vlaeminck and Sophie Molineux, taking player of the match and series awards respectively. Vlaeminck took a career-best 3 for 12 while Molineux finished the T20I series with six wickets at 8.33 as the pair all-but assured their places at the World Cup.”It’s obviously great to have someone like Tay back, she’s a real point of different within world cricket, with the sheer pace she bowls with, and Soph Molineux’s consistency is outstanding so they’re both real attributes to our side,” Healy said.Tayla Vlaeminck made a mark on her return to Australia duty•Getty Images

“We’ve had different players of the match and different players of the series across the two series, so that’s been really pleasing as well. Everybody’s standing up and when they need to, and grabbing opportunities which is cool.”Although the margins of victory were convincing in all six matches, Healy felt her team had been put under pressure by the home side. In the first ODI they were 48 for 4 and 146 for 7 before the lower order lifted them to a strong total and in the final T20I had to work hard to post 155 from being 98 for 5.”In particular with the ball they [Bangladesh] challenged our batting line-up,” she said. “They will be a real threat come the World Cup. Home conditions are a real advantage and I think the team will fly under the radar a little bit. They’ll be really dangerous for some of the top sides.”The conditions, especially the heat, also pushed the visitors with Healy prepared for more of the same at the World Cup although did not expect the pitches early in the tournament to offer the extreme turn seen at times in this series. Australia will split their matches between Dhaka and Sylhet which was not part of this tour.”We’ve heard it [the heat] will be even worse come September, October so we’ll have to wait and see what it throws at us there,” Healy said. “Naturally being an ICC event, I think the wickets will start out being really good then probably tire throughout the tournament.”1:59

Nigar credits parents for helping girls follow cricket dreams

Kim Garth, who took five wickets in the two ODIs she played, and legspinner Alana King did not feature in the T20I series as Australia used just 12 players in three games. King has not played a T20I since the last World Cup in South Africa although will likely retain her spot as back-up to Georgia Wareham. The experienced Jess Jonassen was the significant omission for this tour while Darcie Brown was ruled out with a stress fracture of her foot.The central contract list will be announced early next week while the players themselves now have time off following a hectic season which included series against West Indies, India and South Africa alongside the WBBL and, for many, the WPL.They will return to action with a T20I series against New Zealand in September as a lead-in to the World Cup, which will be followed straight after by the WBBL. They then host India in December and travel to New Zealand before Christmas ahead of the multiformat Ashes in January.”We’ve got a great break now. Our group is looking forward to going home and having a little bit of time off and a great opportunity to refresh and actually get ourselves right for the back end of the year, which is a huge summer for us,” Healy said.

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Manchester United have been voted as the "worst run" club in the Premier League by a surveyed group of football fans.

• Fans name Man Utd "worst run" club
• Based on leadership, finances & fan engagement
• Rivals Liverpool top the polls

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Responding to a survey created and commissioned by CLUB game, the new football owner mobile game, 2,000 football fans had their say, with 33 per cent of them voting United as the worst run Premier League side. Everton and Chelsea are joint-second with seven per cent and Arsenal are fourth with six per cent of the vote. This was based on a club's strategy, leadership, finances and fan engagement.

  CLUB

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• THE TOP 10 'WORST RUN' PREMIER LEAGUE TEAMS

  Rank	Club	%
  1	Manchester United	33%
  2	Everton	7%
  3	Chelsea	7%
  4	Arsenal	6%
  5	Sunderland	5%
  6	Tottenham Hotspur	5%
  7	Manchester City	4%
  8	Wolves	3%
  9	West Ham United	3%
  10	Burnley	2%

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  INEOS, who completed a minority takeover of United last year, are not that much more popular than the Glazer family. The Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League last season, have carried out wide-scale redundancies and spent a lot of money with little to no success. Protests against the club's owners have not stopped and they are still a long way from being a force in English football again.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Conversely, 25 per cent of the canvassed fans believe Liverpool is the English top-flight's best run club, with Chelsea and Manchester City joint-second with 11 per cent. United and Arsenal came in third with 10 per cent.

  Rank	Club	%
  1	Liverpool	25%
  2	Chelsea	11%
  3	Manchester City	11%
  4	Manchester United	10%
  5	Arsenal	10%
  6	Brighton	6%
  7	Tottenham Hotspur	5%
  8	Newcastle United	3%
  9	Brentford	3%
  10	Aston Villa	2%

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim gave his verdict on the current batch of goalkeepers at Old Trafford amid sustained interest in Argentine star Emiliano Martinez. The Red Devils recently approached Aston Villa with a proposal to secure Martinez on loan, but the inquiry was swiftly turned down by the Midlands outfit.

• United are looking for a new No.1 
• Andre Onana on shaky grounds 
• Amorim addressed Martinez pursuit 

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Andre Onana has made several crucial mistakes since he joined United, which has forced the club hierarchy to dip into the market once again in search of a new No.1. Moreover, the Cameroonian picked up an injury in July, which further led Amorim to knock on Villa's door with the hope of securing Martinez. However, the former Inter shotstopper has been working his way back to fitness, and his presence will be a welcome boost as preparations for the new campaign ramp up.     

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  WHAT AMORIM SAID

  When asked if a new keeper will be added to the roster in the summer, Amorim said: "We are always looking to improve the team. And we have some characteristics that we would like to have. But again, it depends on the market. It depends on the sales. We'll see. But I'm really happy. And I think even when you talk about Andre, you can see the goalkeepers. Even Tom (Heaton) is learner, he's a different goalkeeper. Altay (Bayindir) did really well, and Onana is going to be better like the other guys that are getting better this year."  

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Apart from scouring the market for a keeper, they are also keen to sign a striker. And one key name currently linked with a move to Old Trafford is RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko. The officials are reportedly deep in negotiations and believe they are in a strong position to agree terms for the highly rated striker. The club hope to finalise this signing before offloading members of their so-called “bomb squad”, which includes Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia.   

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  The pressure is on the club’s hierarchy to deliver the players Amorim is seeking before the September 1 deadline. Whether or not they manage to land targets like Sesko or bolster the goalkeeping department further, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining how competitive United will be in the months ahead.  

Manchester United have been urged to sell Alejandro Garnacho as he has no end product and is more focused on his celebrations than scoring.

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• Parker criticises winger's lack of end product
• He claims he cares more about celebrating than scoring
• Argentine urged to stop imitating Cristiano Ronaldo

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ruben Amorim told Garnacho to find a new club after the winger and his brother spoke out against the coach following the Europa League final. And the player has also told United he wants to leave, along with Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia. No concrete offers have arrived for the Argentina international but former United defender Paul Parker has told the club to do what it takes for him to leave.

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• WHAT PARKER SAID

  Parker, speaking exclusively to GOAL via , the home of odds, said: "Sell the boy. He needs to move on, needs to understand what football is about. Not a game of golf, and you need players around you. He needs to look at his game and what he is rather than what he wants to be – he should want to be Garnacho, not the former United winger that plays for Portugal… and have a bit of humanity."

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  Garnacho scored six Premier League goals last season but missed his fair share of chances, most memorably against Tottenham and West Ham. And Parker criticised his shooting and final ball. He said: "I’d say I have better end product than him. He’s more concerned about trying to score and what he’s going to do after to celebrate than actually scoring a goal. His end product is terrible, absolutely terrible."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Garnacho's bicycle kick against Everton in 2023-24 was named Goal of the Season but Parker believes the winger has not kicked on from that moment and he is still not convinced by his talents. He added: "Living off shinning an overhead kick into the top corner against Everton. I wonder what kind of player he is. Not full of tricks, not that quick. I’m trying to figure out what his game is, I really don’t know what his strengths are."

Aguirre’s team will return to action during the September FIFA window, facing Japan on Sept. 6 and South Korea on Sept. 9.

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El Tri claimed their 10th Gold Cup titleAguirre delivers results – but doubts remainMalagón faces heavy criticismFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPWHAT HAPPENED?

Javier Aguirre has revived the Mexican national team, both in spirit and results. Since taking over for a third time in July 2024 – after Mexico’s Nations League loss to the U.S. under Jaime Lozano – Aguirre has made it a priority to restore pride, identity, and unity within. His mission is working: Mexico won their first Nations League earlier this year and just captured its 10th Gold Cup title with a 2-1 win over the United States.

“The players want to be here again. I see pride in representing the country,” Aguirre said post-match. “There used to be complaints about bonuses or travel. Not anymore. The connection with the fans is back.”

While Mexico didn’t show their best football during the tournament, the results speak for themselves. Aguirre’s leadership is evident.

“I’m tired… but tonight, not even God takes this beer from me,” he joked after the final.

With no more official matches before the 2026 World Cup, Mexico will play friendlies against Japan and South Korea in September, then South American opponents in October.

AdvertisementAFPWHAT THE MEXICAN MEDIA SAID

Mexico may have lifted the Gold Cup – and done so undefeated – but that hasn’t silenced its critics back home. In the wake of Sunday’s victory, much of the Mexican media remains unconvinced by El Tri’s performance and wary about what lies ahead.

David Faitelson, a journalist for TUDN, offered a blunt reality check.

"Let’s call it what it is: Mexico beat the U.S. ‘B’ team," he said.

While acknowledging that Mexico played better and earned the title, Faitelson underscored a key point: the United States did not field their strongest squad.Others were even more pointed. Álvaro Morales, an analyst for on ESPN, controversially argued that the result wasn’t enough to secure Javier Aguirre’s place as head coach:

"He beat a team made up of athletes cut from other sports. The U.S. first team didn’t play, and if not for Luis Ángel Malagón’s late save, the game could’ve ended in a draw," he said.

Pepe del Bosque of TNT Sports backed that criticism by listing the U.S. stars who were unavailable for the tournament, placing Mexico’s achievement in a broader context:

"[Cameron] Carter-Vickers of Celtic, [Joe] Scally from Gladbach, [Antonee] Robinson from Fulham, [Sergino Dest] from PSV, [Weston] McKennie from Juventus, [Yunus] Musah from AC Milan, [Christian] Pulisic from AC Milan, [Gio] Reyna from Dortmund, [Tim] Weah from Juventus, Monaco's Folarin Balogun along with Ricardo Pepi of PSV, and others were all missing. Yes, Mexico was better today, but the context matters."

Amid the criticism, some voices called for perspective. ESPN analyst and former executive Francisco Gabriel de Anda offered a more measured take:

"Mexico did its job, but winning the Gold Cup doesn’t guarantee success at a World Cup," he said.

Veteran journalist José Ramón Fernández struck a similar tone, acknowledging the victory but warning that greater challenges lie ahead.

"Aguirre can enjoy the Gold Cup, but now comes the real challenge. The pressure will only increase from here," he said.

AFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite doubts about this generation, Aguirre has made the most of young talents like Alexis Vega, Gilberto Mora, and Marcel Ruiz, who were key players in the Gold Cup. With Edson Álvarez emerging as a strong captain, and a solid core including Johan Vásquez and a resurgent Raúl Jiménez, the team looks ready to face 2026 with renewed hope.

The coaching staff finally looks solid, with Rafael Márquez serving as Aguirre’s assistant. The era of experiments, inexperienced coaches, and foreign managers coming just to cash in seems to be over. The Mexican Football Federation appears to be making the right moves, and the results this summer reflect that.

A strong generation is emerging. While there may not be a Hugo Sánchez, Rafael Márquez, or Andrés Guardado, this is now the team of Johan Vásquez, Edson Álvarez, and Raúl Jiménez. The foundation is there, and for the first time in a while, El Tri feels unified, competitive, and proud to wear the jersey.

Despite winning the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament award, Luis Ángel Malagón, Club América’s shot-stopper, was one of the most heavily criticized players during the Gold Cup. Heading into the tournament, Malagón was widely considered Mexico’s top goalkeeper and the presumed starter for the 2026 World Cup. However, his shaky performances throughout the competition exposed some weaknesses, sparking debate over whether he should remain No. 1. While many still view him as the leading candidate, the coming months will be crucial in determining if he holds onto the role – or if a new contender steps up to claim the spot.

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AFPDID YOU KNOW?

With the Gold Cup final win, Javier Aguirre reached 50 victories in 79 matches as head coach of Mexico across his three tenures – a remarkable achievement that underscores his experience and impact. The victory also adds to Mexico’s historical record against the United States: has now won 39 of 80 all-time encounters between the two regional rivals.

Harry Kane is in danger of losing his England place for the 2026 World Cup if he doesn't improve his Bayern Munich form, claims Dietmar Hamann.

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• Hamann warns Kane over England place
• Says striker scores too many penalties
• Bayern man remains Three Lions captain

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Former Germany midfielder Hamann has questioned Kane's place in the England team due to his form with Bayern Munich, despite the striker bagging 38 goals in the 2024-25 season so far. The former Tottenham forward finally ended his trophy drought as Bayern regained the Bundesliga title and added to his record-breaking tally of Three Lions goals during the recent international break.

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  Despite being made captain by Gareth Southgate in 2018 – a role he still holds under Thomas Tuchel – Kane's presence in the England team is often called into question by the media before major tournaments. Hamann has added his voice to the discussion, claiming he is concerned by the 31-year-old's form and saying he doesn't score enough from open play.

• WHAT HAMANN SAID

  Hamann told : "Harry Kane has scored a lot of goals for Bayern but a lot of those are penalties, which is a concern. He found it harder from November onwards and I've always said that he is too expensive just to score penalties. He got his goals in the Champions League and missed a big chance against Inter but these things happen.

  "The question is whether he will be leading the line in 12 months time. England will get to the World Cup with or without Kane, but will he be leading the line? The question is a valid one, but he is very close to Thomas Tuchel which may play a part."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Of the 37 goals Kane scored in the Bundesliga and Champions League combined in the 2024-25 season, 13 of them were penalties. Strangely enough, he failed to get on the scoresheet as Bayern smashed Auckland City 10-0 in their opening game at the Club World Cup.

Leeds United are looking to sign a new £8m+ striker who already knows Whites winger Largie Ramazani.

Leeds eye signings as Millwall win takes them back top of Championship

Daniel Farke’s side returned to the summit of the Championship table in midweek after a 2-0 win over Millwall.

A draw at the beginning of the month to West Brom and a defeat to Portsmouth allowed Sheffield United and Burnley to reduce the deficit, however, Leeds took advantage of the Blades and the Clarets dropping points to Bristol City and the Baggies, respectively.

The Whites now sit four points clear of Burnley in third and two ahead of Sheffield United ahead of their trip to Loftus Road to face QPR on Saturday lunchtime.

Talking after the win over Millwall, Farke said: “An excellent win for us tonight and after a pretty busy period, I think also excellent performance.

“I think the key in the first half was to be there with excellent defensive behaviour and also to fight our way to create chances, like for the first goal. It was a great second goal. You also have to say, game after a loss, sometimes you have to shake off a bit the disappointment and also that you feel a bit unsure after a loss to gain the confidence back.

“That was what we did in the first half. In the second half, or at halftime, we spoke also a bit about a few changes in our positioning, in the build-up, in our possession play, to gain more control over the game. And the lads delivered brilliantly because I think the second half was in full control and full dominance over the game.”

"Perfect news" – Farke buzzing as Leeds seal new 3-year contract for gem

His new deal runs until 2028.

By
Charlie Smith

Mar 12, 2025

Should Leeds seal promotion back to the Premier League, the 49ers Enterprises may be busy in the summer transfer window.

There are reports that a verbal agreement has already been reached with Leeds and former midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who is currently on loan at Ipswich Town from Manchester City.

However, a new attacker to potentially replace top earner Patrick Bamford could also be wise, considering the forward has been out for large parts of the campaign through injury once again.

Southampton’s Cameron Archer was the target in January and still looks to be on Leeds’ radar, however, a new name has emerged on the Elland Road wishlist.

Leeds looking to sign £8m+ striker Ibrahima Kone

According to reports from Africa Foot, Leeds are keen on signing Almeria forward Ibrahima Kone this summer. Compared to Romelu Lukaku due to his power, Kone is currently on loan at Al Okhdood Club in Saudi Arabia but could be sold permanently ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Blackburn and Sheffield United were both keen on Kone last summer, who has a release clause in his Almeria contract set at €10m (£8.4m).

Leeds negotiated with Almeria in 2024 to sign Ramazani following Crysencio Summerville’s exit, and Kone has played alongside the current Whites winger in Spain.

Now it looks as if a reunion could be on the cards in Yorkshire, making a Leeds move for the Mali international one to keep an eye on.

Chelsea have constantly been watching a “generational talent” who plays for a fellow London club, but there may be competition for his signature from their Premier League rivals, according to a report.

Blues eyeing a midfielder

Enzo Maresca’s side have been linked with moves for players in a range of positions ahead of the summer transfer window, but they seem to have particularly stepped up their interest in a central midfielder as of late.

The Blues are reportedly planning to submit a £50m bid for Barcelona’s Gavi, who is now considered one of their key targets, with the Spaniard’s future at the Camp Nou in doubt due to a lack of game time.

Gavi is not the only Barca midfielder who could have the chance to move to Stamford Bridge in the summer, however, as the agents of Frenkie de Jong have offered the Dutchman to the west Londoners, whose potential availability for a relatively low fee could make him an attractive option.

Contact made: Chelsea now make first move to sign £42m "freak technician"

The Blues have stepped up their interest in a defender, who’s also being targeted by Premier League and European rivals.

ByDominic Lund Mar 9, 2025

However, according to a report from The Boot Room, Chelsea may also have an option from much closer to home, with it being revealed they have constantly been watching Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton since his arrival at Selhurst Park.

Palace are determined to keep hold of the midfielder, but doing so could prove to be a difficult task, given that a number of Premier League clubs are interested, with Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa also being named as potential suitors.

The Eagles are said to be willing to offer Wharton a lucrative new contract, in a bid to ward off the interest from elsewhere, but it remains to be seen whether he is willing to commit to fresh terms.

Reports from elsewhere have indicated Palace could hold out for around £66m this summer, so he will certainly not come cheap.

Wharton impressing since injury comeback

The 21-year-old’s fantastic first season at Palace was rounded off with a call-up to England’s Euro 2024 squad, but his development has been hindered somewhat this season, having missed large parts of the campaign due to a groin injury.

Since returning from injury, however, the maestro has picked up from where he left off, most recently putting in a top performance in Palace’s 1-0 victory against Ipswich Town, receiving a 8.1 SofaScore match rating after creating two big chances.

Having also been lauded as a “generational talent” by members of the media, there are plenty of signs the England international could be a fantastic long-term signing for the Blues.

However, Palace should remain in a strong negotiating position for the time being, given that Wharton is contracted until the summer of 2029, meaning there is no pressing need for them to cash-in in the near future.

Jamie Vardy will make his final Leicester City appearance of the season this weekend but the legendary striker has ruled out retirement for now.

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Vardy to leave Leicester CitySet for final game this weekendRules out retirement for nowFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The 38-year-old announced this season would be his final one at Leicester after 13 years there, following their relegation from the Premier League. However, Sunday's clash against fellow relegated side Ipswich Town will be his last, even though they round off the campaign at Bournemouth on May 25.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE EXPLANATION

According to BBC Sport, Vardy will end his Leicester career at the King Power Stadium rather than in the final game of the season at Bournemouth. The club has announced the veteran's 500th appearance for the Foxes will be his last, giving him what he hopes will be a perfect send-off this weekend.

WHAT VARDY SAID

Vardy has been urged to join Championship newboys Wrexham, amid links with Major League Soccer. But the former England international still believes he can deliver in the Premier League and wants to play on for a while yet.

Asked if he had doubts about being able to perform at the highest level, he told Sky Sports: "No, but that's just me. Football is a crazy world. You never know what's going to happen. I'll keep going until my legs tell me I need to stop. My legs are fine. I'm doing a sport that I love, it's what I've done since I was a little kid so long may that continue."

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

Vardy will hope to score his 200th Leicester goal in his final appearance for the Foxes. Then, all eyes will be on who he moves to next as he seeks to extend his career.