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Hosts keep slim Finals Day hopes alive by chasing down target of 104 at Chester-le-Street

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay11-Jul-2025

(File photo) Emily Windsor got Durham over the line•Getty Images

Durham 104 for 5 (Windsor 36*) beat Hampshire 103 for 7 (Southby 25, Turner 3-17) by five wicketsDurham Women gave their slim chances of making the Vitality Blast Finals Day a timely boost with a bonus point win over Hampshire Hawks, with the five-wicket defeat ending the visitors’ own chances of qualifying.It was the host’s bowlers who put them in charge at a sun-kissed Banks Homes Riverside with seamer Phoebe Turner taking three wickets in the 12th over to turn the game Durham’s way before restricting the hosts to just 103 for 7 from their 20 overs.After winning the toss and choosing to bat, the Hawks made a decent start in reaching 30 without the loss of a wicket off four overs, with Australia star Ellyse Perry looking dangerous. But when Perry was caught at cover by Katherine Fraser in Mady Villiers’ first over for 23 off 16 balls it triggered a collapse that saw the Hawks lose five wickets for 28 runs as Durham blew away the southern outfit’s middle order.Turner was executioner in chief, removing skipper Georgia Adams for 4, opener Rhianna Southy for 25 and Naomi Dattani for 1 in a devastating over.Turner was supported by the legspin of Katie Levik who finished with 1 for 11 off her four tight overs and Villiers who took for 2 for 23.Only a seventh-wicket partnership of 35 saved the Hawks’ blushes with Freya Davies’ unbeaten 20 and 12 from Mary Taylor adding some much-needed gloss to a lethargic batting performance.New Zealand legend Suzie Bates got Durham off to a flyer but they were pegged back in the third over when Daisy Gibb had Emma Marlow caught behind without scoring.The battle of the Antipodean stars then proved a relishing prospect with Bates hitting Perry’s first ball for a boundary before the Australian had the last laugh when the batter edged her sixth ball behind to leave Durham 35 for 2 at the end of the powerplay.With Villiers brilliantly caught in the deep by Kemp off a Bex Tyson full toss for 14 the home side’s nerves were kicking in and they only increased when Bess Heath was bowled by Adams for 1 to leave Durham 49 for 4.It was left to skipper Hollie Armitage and Emily Windsor to steady the ship with three consecutive boundaries from Windsor off Adams’ 12th over proving a crucial turning point in the run chase.Armitage fell caught and bowled by Davies for 17 but the 40 run partnership for the fifth wicket meant Durham needed just 15 runs to win with Windsor finishing unbeaten on 36 off 23 balls to seal the win in the 16th over.

Aston Villa had the most difficult situation of any Premier League club going into the transfer window, as they were the side closest to a PSR breach. After losing to Manchester United on the last day of the season and missing out on Champions League football, they didn’t have the financial means to go out and spend as much as they would have liked.

The ramifications of this have been felt in the league this season, as Unai Emery’s side have struggled in their opening games and were the last team to open their scoring account.

For teams with such financial restrictions, the best way to cope is by investing in and developing youth. In recent years, Villa have produced academy products such as Jacob Ramsey and signed the likes of Morgan Rogers.

And Emery is now looking to add to the Villans’ youth system by recruiting from the academy of a club that they have worked with in the past.

New signing marks beginning of relationship with Toure club

Aston Villa have completed a deal with Ivorian side ASEC Mimosas for their youngster, Mohamed Koné.

Koné is described as “a highly-rated midfielder who has attracted plenty of admirers”. Villa had first-hand experience with the youngster prior to finalising the deal, as he “spent a number of weeks at Bodymoor Heath before joining the club officially in the summer”. He has already been playing with the Aston Villa Under-21s in recent weeks, even scoring against Peterborough United.

The ASEC Mimosas academy has yielded success in the past, having developed talents like Yaya and Kolo Touré, along with several other Ivorian stars who have made it to the ‘big five’ European leagues. The Touré brothers are their most notable graduates and are players who have found success at the highest levels of English and European football.

Intriguingly, Aston Villa describe the move as a “symbol of the close relationship between Aston Villa and ASEC” and also reveal that this will be “the start of a productive relationship”, clearly trusting the African side’s capabilities in producing a funnel of talent to supplement their academy and first team with fresh prospects.

Villa's poor form could be an opportunity for Kone

Normally, a 17-year-old would have a long wait before breaking into the first team. However, Villa’s poor start to the season may make Emery gamble on him. Ramsey left the club in the summer to join Newcastle United, and Rogers’ inability to find form this season has been a major contributing factor to the club languishing in a relegation battle.

This may open the door for Koné or other youngsters to break into the first team if Emery can’t turn things around with the senior pros and his job security comes into question.

Tottenham Hotspur’s spending in the transfer market has certainly had an effect on their success, with such additions helping them claim Europa League glory in 2024/25.

The board have backed numerous managers in their quest for success in recent seasons, with Ange Postecoglou managing to put it all together and end the 17-year trophy drought.

However, such a responsibility now falls to Thomas Frank, but the Dane has matched such expectations, as seen by his early form in charge of the Lilywhites.

His side has only lost one of their first nine games across all competitions in 2025/26, even remaining unbeaten in the UEFA Champions League after their first two encounters.

Despite spending over £100m during his first window in charge, the foundations were already laid before his arrival, with one summer in particular enabling the recent success.

The impact of Spurs’ additions from the summer of 2024

During the summer of 2024, Spurs forked out a fee in the region of £40m to land youngster Archie Gray from Leeds United, with such a deal unexpectedly being a superb deal in the short-term.

At just 19, he has bags of time to reach the next level in his career, but he was catapulted into the limelight last season as a result of the injury crisis in North London.

He made 46 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25, many of which came at centre-back, with the teenager thriving despite operating in an unfamiliar position.

Alongside Gray, the hierarchy even forked out a club-record £65m fee for the signature of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth to try and improve the options within the final third.

The 28-year-old ended his debut year with 16 goals across all competitions, often popping up in key moments – certainly playing a key role in their European triumph.

However, despite the big money being spent by the board, it was one of the cheaper additions from such a period that has arguably made the biggest impact on the side.

The Spurs star whose value has risen 440%

Whilst their lack of success in the Premier League has been non-existent over the last couple of years, it has enabled a memorable experience to be achieved in Europe.

The sheer volume of games across last season gave numerous players to stake their claim for regular starting roles, as seen by the numbers produced by the likes of Gray.

As previously mentioned, the injury setbacks saw square pegs often used in round holes, with the Englishman being trusted to operate within the back four.

However, it allowed Swedish star Lucas Bergvall to take advantage and often appear at the heart of the side, despite only joining as a youth prospect a few months prior.

The board paid just £8.5m for his signature from homeland club Djurgarden, with very few supporters having any idea who he was before his transfer to North London.

It’s safe to say the youngster has already exceeded all expectations over recent times, subsequently racking up 55 appearances across all competitions in the last 12 months.

Frank’s arrival has allowed the midfielder to continue his progression, featuring in every one of the club’s games since the Dane took charge during the off-season.

Bergvall, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, has even had an impressive impact in the final third, scoring two goals – with the latter coming in the triumph over West Ham United.

As a result of his recent form, he’s seen his value soar to unthinkable heights – once again showcasing the excellent work done by the hierarchy in recent times.

Lucas Bergvall – PL stats (2025/26)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

6

Goals & assists

2

Pass accuracy

84%

Dribble success

70%

Tackles won

2.2

Duels won

5.2

Recoveries made

3.9

Shots taken

1.3

Stats via FotMob

He’s now valued at a staggering £46m by FootballTransfers, a figure that has seen a 440% increase on the fee paid for his services just over 12 months ago.

Such a deal is evidence that risks do pay off in the transfer market, with such a deal saving the club millions in their attempts for added glory in the years to come.

Bergvall has been a phenomenal addition to date, with the best still to come for the youngster who has bags of time to build on his remarkable start to life in England.

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One of the recent developments at Aston Villa will have an impact on Unai Emery’s future as manager, it has been revealed.

Emery loses key ally as Monchi departs

Sporting director Monchi is known to have been a key Emery ally, which is why the 57-year-old’s recent departure has set off alarm bells, but the manager has been quick to dispel the rumours that there was a falling out.

The Villa boss said: “He was very good, but after two years he needed to have another chapter in his career. Mutual agreement with the club. I wish him the best with his new chapter.

“We reacted quickly to get one person who I know personally. I have a lot of confidence with Roberto Olabe and he is going to help us.”

Indeed, the club hierarchy moved quickly to appoint Roberto Olabe, formerly of Real Sociedad, as Monchi’s successor, with the 57-year-old joining at a difficult time, given that the Villans are currently languishing in the Premier League relegation zone.

After Monchi’s exit, there were some rumours suggesting that Emery could be soon to follow, but journalist Graeme Bailey has recently suggested that Olabe’s appoitment is a clear show of faith in the Spaniard, who could now be in it for the long haul.

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Speaking to TBR Football, Bailey said: “They’re fully committed to Emery. They know they’ve got a world-class manager there.

“And I think the Olabe appointment is a clear sign that they brought him in to help Emery, to be part of the Emery project. It’s a clear sign the Emery project is still green-lit, full steam ahead. If it hadn’t been someone like Olabe, I would have had my doubts.

“But the fact it’s Olabe coming in, I think really underlines the commitment of the owners to Emery, and should give the fans who want Emery to stay some real comfort in that appointment.”

Villa must stick with Emery despite difficult spell

It is fantastic news that Aston Villa plan to stand by their manager, as it would be incredibly rash to dismiss him after going through his first difficult spell since taking over from Steven Gerrard, at which point playing in the Champions League was nothing more than a pipe dream.

Manchester United have reportedly identified Emery as a major target to replace Ruben Amorim, and it is no surprise, given the job he’s done at Villa Park, setting an impressive record last season.

That said, results and performances alike have not been good enough, with Villa recording an xG of just 3.79 across their opening five games, and the 53-year-old needs to put things right sooner rather than later to avoid further scrutiny.

كشف أسامة حسني، مذيع قناة النادي الأهلي، حقيقة تأجيل مباراة الأهلي وإيجل نوار البوروندي بعد هطول أمطار غزيرة على ملعب اللقاء، قبل انطلاق المواجهة.

الأهلي يلاقي إيجل نوار، على ملعب الأخير في بوروندي، ضمن مواجهة الذهاب لدور الـ 32 من منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

طالع | تشكيل الأهلي أمام إيجل نوار في دوري أبطال إفريقيا.. توروب يدفع بـ القوة الضاربة

وشهدت ملعب اللقاء في مدينة بوجمبورا البوروندي، أمطار عزيزة ورياح قوية، قبل انطلاق المباراة.

وقال حسني خلال تصريحات عبر قناة الأهلي بعد التواصل مع مراسل القناة في بوروندي: “المباراة في موعدها ولا يوجد قرار بتأجيلها حتي الآن”.

وتنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 4 عصرًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، تذاع عبر قناة أون سبورت 1.

الأهلي يخوض مباراة إيجل نوار البوروندي، تحت قيادة فنية جديدة، للمدرب الدنماركي ييس توروب، بعد توليه المهة بشكل رسمي خلفًا للإسباني خوسيه ريبيرو، فترة مؤقته لـ عماد النحاس.

ومن المقرر، أن يستضيف النادي الأهلي، نظيره إيجل نوار، في مباراة الإياب لدور الـ 32 من دوري أبطال إفريقيا، يوم السبت المقبل 25 أكتوبر، على ملعب استاد القاهرة.

The summer transfer window has been dominated by Newcastle United’s pursuit of a new number nine.

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The Magpies began the season without a recognised centre-forward, and while their performance away at Aston Villa showed flashes of quality, the lack of a natural striker proved costly in front of goal.

At the heart of the situation is Alexander Isak.

The Swedish international has made it clear that he has no intention of reintegrating with Eddie Howe’s squad. Despite being under contract, Isak is not training with the first-team and reiterated in a social media post that broken promises had left both sides with no option but to seek change.

His stance has left Newcastle in a difficult position: they will not sanction his dream move to Liverpool until a replacement has been secured.

That urgency is compounded by the fact that several of their targets have already slipped away.

Benjamin Šeško joined Manchester United, while Wolves are refusing to entertain offers for Jørgen Strand Larsen.

Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson remains a name of interest, but Aston Villa and Bayern Munich are also interested, further complicating matters.

Newcastle’s recruitment team has been forced to weigh their options carefully.

With four competitions to compete in this season, they cannot afford to gamble on an unproven forward.

Instead, they are searching for a player who can score consistently at Premier League level and immediately shoulder the pressure of leading the line.

England international emerges on Newcastle's radar

According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Newcastle “really like” Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.

The England international has established himself as one of the division’s most reliable strikers, scoring 16 times in 38 appearances in the Premier League last season.

Villa manager Unai Emery is desperate to keep hold of his talisman, placing a £60m valuation on the 29-year-old, but Newcastle see him as an ideal solution to their striker dilemma.

Watkins is not the only forward on their radar.

Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has pushed for a move, even going as far as to remove references to the Bees from his social media accounts before reluctantly returning to training.

The Congolese forward is fresh off the best season of his career, scoring 19 goals in 35 appearances.

However, Brentford’s asking price of £60m, coupled with the fact that Wissa will turn 29 in September and could miss a portion of the 2026 season due to AFCON, makes him a less attractive prospect for Newcastle.

Strand Larsen, meanwhile, also carries a similar price tag.

Wolves value him at around £60m, which reflects both his strong debut campaign of 14 Premier League goals and his importance following the departure of Matheus Cunha to Manchester United.

But with Wolves unwilling to sell, Newcastle may be forced to move on quickly rather than get caught in another prolonged negotiation.

When set against these options, Watkins’ appeal becomes clear.

He is also homegrown, experienced at international level, and has a track record of maintaining fitness and availability – a crucial factor given how many fixtures Newcastle may play this season.

Why Newcastle should sign Ollie Watkins

The numbers help illustrate why Newcastle rate Watkins so highly compared to Wissa and Strand Larsen.

Each enjoyed a strong 2024/25 campaign, but Watkins edges the contest in the areas that matter most to Eddie Howe’s side.

Premier League 2024/25

Ollie Watkins

Yoane Wissa

Jorgen Strand Larsen

Goals

16

19

14

Assists

8

4

4

Shots

82

90

54

Pass Completion Rate

72.4%

76.5%

64.6%

Shot Creating Actions

53

69

42

Source: FBref

According to FBref, Watkins registered 24 goal involvements across 38 appearances – a marginal advantage over Wissa (23 in 35) but a clear lead over Strand Larsen (18 in 35). This demonstrates his ability to finish chances, something Newcastle lacked in their draw at Villa Park.

Looking deeper, Watkins’ game reflects a balance of off-the-ball movement and link-up play.

His progressive carries per 90 (1.90) are just ahead of Wissa (1.85) and far superior to Strand Larsen (0.59), underlining his ability to drive the ball forward and stretch defences.

While he lags behind Wissa in progressive passing distance (33.7 per 90 compared to 49.9), he makes up for it with a more well-rounded contribution in and around the penalty area.

The statistics also highlight Watkins’ reliability in front of goal.

His shot-on-target percentage (43.9%) is competitive with Wissa (45.6%) and Strand Larsen (61.1%), but what stands out is his volume: Watkins averaged 1.25 shots on target per 90, ahead of Larsen’s 1.15.

Given Newcastle’s need for a striker who will consistently test goalkeepers, Watkins’ steady output is a strong selling point.

There are other factors working in his favour.

Unlike Wissa, Watkins does not face the prospect of missing time due to AFCON commitments, and unlike Strand Larsen, he does not represent a gamble on a player with just one season in English football.

Instead, he offers Newcastle a forward who has proven he can sustain a high level of performance in one of the league’s most tactically demanding systems under Emery.

Of course, Watkins is not flawless.

His take-on success rate (24.4%) lags behind both Wissa (30.6%) and Strand Larsen (40.0%), suggesting he is less effective when asked to beat defenders one-on-one.

But Newcastle’s system under Howe rarely relies on individual dribbling in advanced positions. Instead, it values runs in behind, pressing from the front, and efficient finishing – all of which Watkins excels at.

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Ultimately, the comparison makes the logic behind Newcastle’s interest clear. At £60m, he is an expensive option, yet for a club determined to make a home for themselves in Europe, it may prove the most reliable investment.

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Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed huge success in the transfer window over recent seasons, with their work massively contributing to their Europa League triumph last campaign.

Brennan Johnson scored the winner in the final against Manchester United back in May, topping off what was a fine individual season for the Welsh international.

He netted 18 goals in his 51 appearances for the Lilywhites throughout 2024/25, with his £47.5m transfer from Nottingham Forest now somewhat of a bargain given his success in the side.

However, whilst boss Thomas Frank has already completed multiple shrewd pieces of business by landing Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha and Mathys Tel – the new boss undoubtedly wants further additions to bolster his squad.

Numerous players have been touted with moves to North London throughout the ongoing transfer window, but one saga has been a huge talking point in recent days.

Spurs’ failed saga to land Eberechi Eze this summer

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has been a huge target for Spurs over the last couple of months, with constant talks being held between the two sides over a £60m transfer.

At one stage, it appeared as though a deal would be completed without any fuss, even leading to the player himself being keen on a move to join Frank’s side for the 2025/26 campaign and beyond.

However, after talks which lasted around a fortnight, no deal was completed – subsequently handing North London rivals Arsenal an open-goal opportunity to land the 27-year-old’s signature.

Mikel Arteta’s men gratefully accepted, strolling into negotiations, and reaching a total agreement with the player and the Eagles – leading to a £60m up-front transfer fee being accepted.

It’s been reported by numerous sources that Eze is expected to complete his medical and be announced as an Arsenal player in the coming days – rubbing salt into the wounds of all associated with the Lilywhites.

Other targets will now have to be drawn up to avoid a complete disaster this summer, but the club do already have a hugely talented player on the books – one who’s valued more than Eze at present.

The Spurs player who’s worth more than Eze

As previously mentioned, Spurs have conducted some excellent business over the last few seasons – with not all of the work completed by the hierarchy negative in recent times.

Alongside Johnson, talents such as Pape Sarr have also showcased that they’ve been worthwhile investments, massively exceeding the expectations placed upon him after his move to North London.

The Senegalese star joined the Lilywhites from French side Metz back in the summer of 2022 after spending an additional year on loan at the side he started his professional career with.

However, in the last couple of years, he’s become an influential part of the first-team, racking up over 100 appearances for the Lilywhites – scoring nine times, including in the season opener against Burnley.

He’s not the only first-team member who’s endured somewhat of a rise in recent months, with Archie Gray another player on the books who possesses a whole heap of potential.

Eyebrows were raised last summer when owner Daniel Levy forked out £40m for the 19-year-old’s signature – especially after he had just ended his only previous year as a professional with Leeds United the season prior.

Given his tender age, he found consistent minutes hard to come by, racking up 46 appearances across all competitions – many of which were in unfamiliar roles such as right-back and central defence.

Archie Gray’s stats for Spurs in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

46

Minutes played

3243

Pass accuracy

89%

Dribbles completed

58%

Tackles won

50%

Aerials won

50%

Interceptions made

1.1

Recoveries made

3.6

Stats via FotMob

However, Gray, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by teammate Kevin Danso, was rewarded with a start in his natural central midfield position against Burnley last week, highlighting the trust new boss Frank has in the youngster.

Whilst he’s been limited as to how much he can showcase his talents in recent months, he’s still seen his market value soar since his arrival, now being valued at £61.5m by FootballTransfers.

Such a figure is higher than that of Eze, with the Palace star expected to cost £60m before his subsequent transfer to join Frank’s side fell apart in recent days.

It’s easy for the fanbase to lose faith in the ownership, understandably so, given the recent failure to land new talent and back the new manager.

However, it’s evident that the deals they have completed in recent years have been a success, with faith needed to put in the owner to find another top talent before the window slams shut.

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Aymeric Laporte has lifted the lid on his difficult exit from Al-Nassr, revealing the Saudi club's financial demands almost scuppered his dream return to Athletic Club. The Spain international admitted he felt "in the middle of nowhere" during protracted negotiations but insisted that coming back to Bilbao was always his primary objective.

Laporte blames Al-Nassr for 'complicated' transfer delay

Laporte has revealed the full extent of his transfer saga with Al-Nassr, blaming the Saudi club for delaying his return to Athletic Club. Speaking to the media for the first time since re-joining the Basque side, the defender explained that Al-Nassr's focus on financial gain almost blocked the move, despite him making his intentions clear from the start. "When we started talking with Al-Nassr, I expressed my intention to return to Athletic Club; that was my only objective," Laporte stated, admitting there were moments he doubted the transfer would happen. "I found myself in the middle of nowhere. When you don't want to negotiate, you can't do anything. It's complicated, but by talking things through, we were able to resolve the issue."

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'Returning to Athletic was not a question of money'

The Spain international confirmed that Al-Nassr received more lucrative offers from other "important clubs willing to pay large sums," which caused the hesitation from the Saudi Pro League side. However, Laporte was adamant that his heart was set on a return to San Mames and made a significant financial sacrifice to make it happen. "Returning to Athletic was a decision and it wasn't a question of money," he insisted. "For more or less, I was going to come back." Laporte described his return as an emotional experience, saying he got "goosebumps" hearing the club anthem again and rediscovered the "scent of my childhood" at the Lezama training ground.

Laporte declares himself physically fit after FIFA's U-turn secured the move

The defender's return was almost scuppered entirely by an administrative error after the move collapsed following the September 1 deadline. Al-Nassr failed to submit the necessary documentation in time, forcing Athletic to appeal to FIFA. While world football's governing body was initially expected to block the transfer, it granted the club's request, authorising the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to obtain the International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and finally pave the way for Laporte to sign a three-year contract at San Mames.

Despite not having played a competitive match since April, Laporte is confident in his physical condition and is eager to make his second debut for the club. "I feel very good physically," he said. "I've continued training on my own and have gotten in shape as much as I can." 

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Laporte targets Spain recall and World Cup spot

A key motivation behind the move was to boost his chances of returning to the Spanish national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Laporte confirmed he has been in regular contact with La Roja head coach Luis de la Fuente throughout the transfer process. 

"He was informed of everything that's been happening and has always reassured me," Laporte said. "Returning here is also an important decision for me in terms of being fit at the end of the season and being able to play in the World Cup."

Interim head coach says it’s up to the new faces to find the right tempo for 50-over cricket

Cameron Ponsonby01-Nov-2024Interim head coach Marcus Trescothick has defended his young ODI squad after their crushing eight-wicket defeat to the West Indies, saying the result is not reflective of English white-ball cricket.England’s loss to the West Indies was a twelfth ODI defeat in 18 matches since the start of the 2023 World Cup and gave a brutal reality check to a new-look eleven that included four debutants.On a tacky surface, England were bowled out for 209, before putting on an encouraging, but ultimately fruitless display with the ball as Windies opener Evin Lewis let loose for 94 off 69 balls.”I think it’s certainly not where England cricket is at,” Trescothick said after the game. “Because for a long period of time now you’ve not had our main team in white-ball games. You don’t really know where white-ball cricket is.”I think with the system that we’ve had and the volume of cricket that we’ve been trying to play and still look after the players, I think you could put a team together tomorrow for a World Cup, and it would probably look different to what you had this series and some of the series that we played against Australia.”So I don’t think you can judge it to say, look where white-ball cricket is at the moment. It’s been a tough period of time, there’s no doubt about it, but that’s been challenges from numerous different things.”The current series is missing several players due to the tour being sandwiched by England’s Test tours of Pakistan and New Zealand. But the squad picked for the Australia series was close to full strength, with Joe Root and Gus Atkinson rested but other absences such as Jos Buttler and Mark Wood missing through injury. The same could be said of the previous group to tour the Caribbean last year, when the squad picked was meant to signal a new age, while the World Cup squad was certainly first string. All this alongside uncertainty over Ben Stokes’ white-ball future.The nature of the defeat has called into question England’s absolute policy on prioritising youth, with Jordan Cox, in just his fifth List A match, walking out on debut for England at No.3, with the 21-year-old Jacob Bethell at No.4. Of the top six, only Phil Salt and Will Jacks had batted in those positions for England more than once in their careersJohn Turner, Jordan Cox, Dan Mousley and Jamie Overton made their ODI debuts in Antigua•Getty Images”It’s probably a better question for the selectors more than anything else. It’s not my decision who comes in,” Trescothick said.”But I think you can see from the plan of the England team in the last year, probably, and maybe a little bit further back, how much we want to invest in the next generation.”Playing people who have played before would probably be going against the mantra of what we’re trying to do at the moment.”England’s innings saw five of the top six caught in the 30-yard-circle, as the balance between defence and attack eluded them to be bowled out in 45.1 overs.”We’ve got to try and bat 50 overs first and foremost,” said Trescothick. “The real skill in white-ball cricket in particular is the tempo and the balance between aggression and batting for long periods of time.”We will always be a team that is going to try and be aggressive, the pitch made it quite tricky to do that.”This is Trescothick’s last tour at the helm of the white-ball team before Brendon McCullum takes over the job in January. Placed in charge of an exceptionally inexperienced group, one of the biggest challenges, according to Trescothick, has been finding the balance between emphasising the opportunity is a ‘free hit’ to England’s youngsters, while also instilling a win-first mentality.”I am trying to get the priority right at the moment. I want to win every game and we dictate that in the dressing room. But we also want to see a few players in the environment before the structure changes and Brendon takes over. So, why not give them the opportunity to thrive in this environment?”That’s very much how we’re framing it. The opportunities are there for the guys to come in. We’ve seen four debutants in this match, we’ve got a couple other young guys in the squad who may make their debut across the next two weeks. [With the opportunity] you’re going to be further up the ladder than you were six days ago. So go out there and show what you can do.”Trescothick’s own role in the white-ball set up beyond January is undecided.”I don’t know just yet,” he said. “We’ve got a bit of a plan behind the scenes, but nothing has been confirmed as such.”I am not going to say which way it’s all going to sit, because it would probably give it away too much, but obviously Brendon’s going to come in and take control of the full show and then he will dictate what and where we are going to be and how that’s going to look.”

Bryan Mbeumo is a player who has dominated the news around Manchester United over the last couple of weeks, with the attacker firmly on the lips of all supporters.

The Brentford star has become one of the Premier League’s leading talismen, after registering 20 goals under Thomas Frank in the capital throughout last season.

As a result of his goalscoring form, the Red Devils have been firmly in the race to land the 25-year-old, even making two separate bids for his signature this window.

The latest offer of around £62.5m, including add-ons, was rejected, with Keith Andrews’ side holding out for £70m to part ways with the Cameroonian during the off-season.

He’s also stated his desire to move to Old Trafford this summer, potentially linking up with a new striker should he make the move to join Ruben Amorim’s side ahead of 2025/26.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Victor Osimhen has once again reemerged on United’s shortlist this summer, with the Nigerian a player who’s been subject to interest after scoring 37 goals on loan at Galatasaray last season.

He’s not the only striker who’s been in their sights, with Sporting CP talisman Viktor Gyokeres still a player they want to sign, despite the Swede stating his desire to join Arsenal.

However, another name has entered the mix over the last couple of days, with Ivan Toney a player on their radar, according to Football Insider’s latest update.

They claim that the English forward appears to be keen on a return to the Premier League, moving back to his homeland after joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli less than 12 months ago.

The report also states that the Red Devils hierarchy have been watching the 29-year-old in recent weeks and that Toney ‘wants’ to join the club after scoring 30 goals in his 44 appearances in the Saudi League.

Why United’s latest target would be the perfect ST for Mbeumo

As previously mentioned, Mbeumo has been a player who has caught the eye of many supporters across the country, with his talents leading to United’s keen interest in his signature.

However, he’s often starred in a right-wing role, a position that he will have to switch from if he moves to Old Trafford, likely operating in a number ten role behind the striker.

It’s a position that he could thrive in under Amorim, especially if the Red Devils can secure a deal for the Cameroonian international along with former teammate Toney.

The 25-year-old previously starred alongside the English striker in London, with the pair operating alongside each other for four seasons, helping the Bees win promotion from the Championship and subsequently securing their top-flight status.

In the 2020/21 campaign, the pair registered 59 combined goals and assists between them, with Toney scoring 31 times and Mbeumo providing 10 assists – with both tallies being the highest at the club.

2023/24

42

13

10

2022/23

71

29

12

2021/22

68

16

12

2020/21

95

38

20

Total:

276

96

54

The pair topped both of the respective categories in three of the four years they spent together at Brentford, with the only exception coming in 2023/24 after the striker was banned for betting offences.

Despite not starring together anymore in the present day, Toney, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist Simon Stone, has still managed to score 30 times in 2024/25, ten more than Mbeumo’s tally.

However, the pair’s respective goalscoring tallies combined from last season are higher than the Red Devils managed as a whole squad, showcasing the added threat the pair would bring to Old Trafford.

With the former Bees striker seemingly wanting to join Amorim’s side this summer, it is a deal worth exploring, with the Englishman having the experience of finding the back of the net in England’s top flight.

If Mbeumo also makes the move, the pair could replicate the form they produced in the capital, potentially playing a massive role together again and helping United push for a place in Europe next season.

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