List of All Articles with Tag 'al'

A lot of money is going around the NFL right now, with a salary cap of $224.8 million. However, each team's top salaries would surprise you.Salaries are a funny thing in the NFL. Agents put out the press release showcasing the top number. However, those numbers are never what they seem. Lam...

England star Lauren James said her performance in the 6-1 World Cup romp over China was “what dreams are made of” as they advanced to the knockout stage. Playing in the number 10 role, the Chelsea player scored twice and produced three assists, while also having a goal disallowed, as the Lionesses finished top of Group D in style to set up a last-16 tie with Nigeria. James, who also scored against Denmark, has been the standout player for Sarina Wiegman’s side and enjoyed her evening in Adelaide. “Another day, obviously it’s what dreams are made of,” she said on ITV 1. “Happy for the team and everyone is buzzing and looking forward to going into the next round. “I felt free, whether I am on the wing or in the middle, I am just happy to be on the pitch playing and enjoying my football. I am happy I can contribute to goals as well.” On her sublime first-time finish at the far post for her second goal, she added: “I think like the last game, I just thought ‘Why not? Hit it and see what happens’.” She did special things today. Unfortunately one goal was cancelled, but she flows over the pitch Sarina Wiegman on Lauren James And James says more is to come, adding: “For sure, each day, each game I am looking to improve and get better. There are many more years of improvement. I can always get better. “I just need to stay focused and hopefully that can happen.” Following an injury to Keira Walsh, Wiegman used a new formation and was happy it came to fruition as her side hit their straps for the first time in the tournament. “I am very delighted. I said before the game we were going to do things a little bit different than we did before and we did really well. It shows how adaptive this team is and I think they are enjoying themselves,” she said. “I think today it worked really well, players felt comfortable. What we want is the qualities we have now to try and use them a little bit more.” On James, she added: “She feels good, you can tell. She did special things today. Unfortunately one goal was cancelled, but she flows over the pitch.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Willie Peters to spare star Hull KR players against Wigan with cup final in mind The key issues raised by five unforgettable Ashes Tests David Willey eager for World Cup spot but accepts place in England pecking order

One AL East team is eyeing Justin Verlander in a trade with the Mets on MLB trade deadline day. It would make them a World Series force.MLB trade deadline day is here, and the rumors are flying with full force after multiple deals went down on Monday. Before the deadline hits at 6 p.m. today, ex...

The NBA offseason is far from over, but there are still plenty of potential on-court lineups that are tantalizing. Here are five we can't wait to see.While many NBA teams are clearly far from their final product, plenty of teams seem to be content with what they've done — or have...

Much like Lauren James’ divine second goal, this might be dropping beautifully for England. Certainly, Sarina Wiegman suddenly has clarity in a World Cup characterised by uncertainty and unpredictability. James’ very role illustrates that. The young winger’s influence from that wide role was a driving force in this crushing 6-1 win over China, that confirmed an expected first place. It is a first place, however, that suddenly looks very different. The sight of the semi-finals, at least, is something else that’s so much clearer. It now won’t feature Australia or Canada, and may not have any of France, Brazil or Germany. A thrilling Colombia and dangerous last-16 opponents Nigeria are huge threats, but there is the prospect that such developing teams have had their main highs. Just as importantly, the World Cup’s stand-out performers so far, in Japan, are on the other side of the draw. On that, and the elusive momentum that defines tournaments, England now have none of the sudden doubts that are afflicting other previous favourites in Spain and - above all - USA. This is what was even more encouraging about this display than the scoreline, even if that was a badly-needed big win, amid the context of a very disappointing China. The only potential slip here came for Chloe Kelly’s gift of a fifth goal, although even that was from James’ genius. Part of that, though, was through the commanding competence of Wiegman. She may have found another solution. It shouldn’t be overlooked that the England manager went into this campaign with more issues to solve than all of those sides. They were here missing Keira Walsh, to go with Leah Williamson and Beth Mead. And yet it might have led to a formation that just fits. Having worked on a few different systems in the last few days, Wiegman opted for the 3-5-2 that really stood out for the players. It seemed to address most of their flaws, while adding to their strengths. With a reshaped midfield led by the increasingly important Georgia Stanway - conspicuously taken off at half-time due to her previous yellow card - England were much more difficult to open up. There were none of the sudden breaks that made the previous two 1-0 wins so fraught. It also offered security for England’s attackers to cut loose. Three of the players who needed goals, got goals, in Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp and - eventually, with a driving late strike, Rachel Daly. The Hemp goal may not have had the bombast of either of James’, or even Daly’s, but it was perhaps the most significant so far in that it was not a piece of genius out of nothing. It is a fluid team movement, Millie Bright bursting through, James flicking it on and Hemp taking it on in such a smooth manner to slide it past Zhu Yu in one moment. Wondrous. It was still James that took the stage, though, in a display that represented such an exciting escalation from her match-winning performance against Denmark. It was actually quite satisfying in how you can so clearly see a player getting better with more comfort, now flying on the sort of trajectory that is a tradition for triumphant young players coming into their own in a tournament. She may yet make this World Cup her own. Her three strikes were themselves an escalation in quality, the only pity being the second of those was ruled out. She certainly isn’t afraid to let fly from distance, though, which is another dangerous weapon for England. It offers an out in any situation. But the third goal emphasised she can offer genius from any situation. As inviting as that dropping ball from Jess Carter was for James’ second goal, it still takes a lot to get right. It wasn’t just right, it was perfect. It would have added up to a perfect close to the group for England, especially after how difficult it had been, but for one blemish. Mary Earps has now conceded a goal, albeit from a somewhat debatable penalty decision maximised by Wang Shuang. The irony was of course this was the most secure England have looked. A much sterner threat is to come. England need only look at the fates of Australia and Canada to stave off complacency at the fact they are facing neither. Nigeria beat the former to make the hosts’ group stage much more nervy than it might have been, and ultimately eliminated Canada. They will now more than fancy their chances of eliminating England. It just isn’t the same England as even Monday. That is the rhythm of a tournament. Teams will now start to find their feet, especially after two weeks of competitive football, and the dawning reality of the knock-outs. The mood of the final week could be very different to now. The mood around England is certainly different to a week ago. Read More When do England play next? Women’s World Cup fixtures and route to the final Why was Lauren James goal against China controversially disallowed? Lauren James: England’s mercurial forward who has found goalscoring touch at World Cup Sarina Wiegman’s brave England switch solves key Women’s World Cup problem Millie Bright: England’s captain leading Lionesses into last-16 of Women’s World Cup When do USA women play next? World Cup fixtures and route to the final

With the Lionesses’ Euro 2022-winning captain Leah Williamson forced to miss out on the World Cup through injury, coach Sarina Wiegman has entrusted the responsibility for leading the team to experienced Chelsea centre back Millie Bright. Bright has been passed fit for England’s match against Haiti after recovering from knee surgery and the defender will lead the Lionesses in their Group D opener. Now 29, Bright grew up in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, overcoming infant pneumonia and asthma to enjoy a career as a top level athlete, although her first love was equestrianism, not football. Get all the latest Women’s World Cup odds here Showing early promise when she did take to the field aged nine, she was soon scouted playing for Killamarsh Dynamos by Sheffield United and joined their academy before moving to Doncaster Rovers Belles aged 16 in 2009. Making her debut that same year and scoring on her first start, Bright spent a year on loan at Leeds Ladies before establishing herself at Doncaster, where she played with future Lionesses Mary Earps and Bethany England. In December 2014, she signed for Chelsea and has remained with the West London club ever since, picking up four Barclays Women’s Super League titles, three FA Women’s Cups and reaching the UEFA Champions League Final, scoring 14 times across 218 appearances. For England, she was an essential part of the side that reached the semi-finals of the last FIFA World Cup in France in 2019 and of last summer’s triumphant Euros team. She has represented her country, to date, 66 times and scored five international goals, striking up solid defensive partnerships with Williamson and Houghton during that time and posing a significant aerial threat from set plays. Read More How to watch England vs Haiti: TV channel and start time for Women’s World Cup opener Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today Women’s football world rankings: Who could take No 1 at the World Cup?

Today's USMNT rumors include Tyler Adams being linked with Chelsea. Folarin Balogun is reportedly tooexpensive for Inter Milan and the New York Red Bulls have rejected a bid for John Tolkin.USMNT rumors: Tyler Adams for ChelseaTyler Adams is the last USMNT player standing at Leeds United, w...

Rip it up and start again: if Keira Walsh’s injury spelled the end of something at the Women’s World Cup, it only did for England’s starting formation. Against China, Sarina Wiegman made her most dramatic change as Lionesses manager yet, switching to a 3-5-2 system to counter the blow of losing their key midfielder. In doing so, Wiegman unlocked England’s best performance of not just this World Cup, but in months. The Lionesses looked like themselves again, and while England’s 6-1 win against China made sure of their progress to the last-16 as Group D winners, as much focus will be on how Wiegman has recalibrated and recharged her side ahead of the knockout stages. After two 1-0 wins over Haiti and Denmark there was an element of danger coming into the decider, but from the opening moments the tempo and fluidity of England’s performance erased doubts. England have done so while veering drastically from the course they set at the Euros, where Wiegman named the same starting line-up in all six matches. But this is a new tournament and England are facing a very different challenge, which Wiegman has reacted to decisively. Wiegman could have chosen the easy option, to bring in Laura Coombs for Walsh and stick with England’s 4-3-3. Instead, Wiegman’s tweak has sparked England into life. From looking slow and predictable in their opening game, England carried threat from all areas against China: Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly, wing-backs who played as wingers, stretched China out of shape, allowing space for Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp to create havoc down the channels. The back three of Jess Carter, Millie Bright and Alex Greenwood compensated for the loss of Walsh in England’s build-up play, with Georgia Stanway and Katie Zelem, starting for the first time at the World Cup, creating a box midfield in front. It all unlocked room for Lauren James, who didn’t even start England’s opening game but is now so central to everything they do. To almost illustrate that, James was shifted inside to No 10, given the freedom to drift and pick up the ball where she could cause the most danger. James, who is quickly becoming England’s most important player at the World Cup, sparkled again, displaying the confidence of a player who knows she has been given the stage to become one of the stars of the tournament. But to do so, James also needs a structure that suits her, and Wiegman has landed upon a formation and line-up that does that for not just her, but for every other player in the team. Bright looked exposed in a back four when England faced transitions, but had excellent cover when alongside both Carter and Greenwood. Russo has gone from being isolated to having more options around her, and the sheer speed of Hemp is now able to play off her shoulder. Stanway did not have sole responsibility to screen England’s defence, with Zelem providing balance alongside her. Wiegman could not replace Walsh, but they could recreate her control. Even without their metronome, England still dominated the ball, particularly in the first half when the game was live and the Lionesses played at their highest intensity. To add to the possession, England’s shape gave them penetration and pace, with movement and rotation. The 3-5-2 seemed to give every player another option. That isn’t to say this will be England’s plan for the rest of the tournament. From being able to predict Wiegman’s selection last summer, the Lionesses have shown they are prepared to change for their approach with the opposition in mind. China were a side who were always going to sit deep with two blocks of four, so England looked to pull them apart. It could be different against Nigeria in the last-16, given the threat of Asisat Oshoala and wingers like Uchenna Kanu who stay high and wide. But from the blow of losing Walsh, England now have confidence that will elevate any system that Wiegman selects against Nigeria: Russo, Hemp, Daly and Chloe Kelly all scored, further lifting the mood in the camp and adding to several other impressive performances. World Cups and major tournaments are all about the journey - yet, even as the Lionesses comfortably progressed to the knockout stages as group winners, no one expected it to unfold quite like this, or is able to predict what comes next. Read More England vs China LIVE: Women’s World Cup latest score as Lionesses shine in Adelaide When do England play next? Women’s World Cup fixtures and route to the final Why was Lauren James goal against China controversially disallowed?

Leeds United are considering a move for Manchester United's Brandon Williams, as Daniel Farke attempts to bring the club straight back to the Premier League. The 22-year-old full-back has found opportunities limited at Old Trafford, although is enjoying a productive pre-season. Williams did spend the 2021-22 campaign on loan at Norwich City, where Farke briefly worked with him. Leeds would be able to offer regular first-team football in a progressive team. United would prefer all squad exits to be permanent at this point as Erik ten Hag seeks to reshape his squad, and requires fees to fund planned targets. The Dutch coach needs to raise another £50m to fund a move for Fiorentina's Moroccan star Sofyan Amrabat. Williams is one of those available for transfer, so a deal could be done. Much would depend on the player's willingness to drop down a division.

Dan Lanning took a shot at Colorado as the Buffaloes leave the Pac-12 for the Big 12.

The United States survived an almighty scare to advance from the Women’s World Cup group stage - keeping alive hopes of a third successive title. Portugal hit the post late to ensure the United States avoided an early exit at the group stages. The defending champions opened their campaign with a 3-0 victory against Vietnam but were held to a 1-1 draw by the Netherlands, in what was a rematch of their 2019 World Cup final. And the goalless draw against Portugal has prompted widespread criticism back home, including from legendary American player Carli Lloyd. The USA progress as runners-up from Group E, behind the Netherlands, who thrashed Vietnam 7-0. Here’s everything you need to know about the next match for the USA: Who are the United States playing at the World Cup? The defending champion USA were drawn alongside Netherlands, Portugal and Vietnam in Group E. They opened their title defence with a 3-0 win against Vietnam, with Sophia Smith scoring twice, before Lindsey Horan’s second-half equaliser rescued a point against the Netherlands after they trailed at the break. There is still work to do in their final fixture against Portugal, although a win or draw would confirm a spot in the knockout stages. When are the USA’s group matches? (All times ET) 22 July - USA 3-0 Vietnam 27 July - USA 1-1 Netherlands 1 August - USA vs Portugal (3am ET) What is the USA’s potential path to the final? (All times ET) If the USA win Group E 5 August - Winners Group E vs Runners-up Group G (22:00, Sydney) 10 August - Winner Match 49 vs Winner Match 51 (21:00, Wellington) 15 August - Winner QF1 vs Winner QF 2 (04:00, Auckland) 20 August: Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2 (07:00, Sydney) If the USA finish runner-up in Group E 6 August: Winners Group G vs Runners-up Group E (05:00, Melbourne) 11 August: Winner Match 50 vs Winner Match 52 (03:30, Auckland) 15 August: SF1: Winner QF1 vs Winner QF 2 (04:00, Auckland) 20 August: Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2 (07:00, Sydney) Group E standings 1. USA - 4 points (+3 goal difference) 2. Netherlands - 4 points (+1) 3. Portugal - 3 points (+1) 4. Vietnam (E) - 0 points (-5) Results and fixtures USA 3-0 Vietnam Netherlands 1-0 Portugal USA 1-1 Netherlands Portugal 2-0 Vietnam Vietnam vs Netherlands (8am BST) Portugal vs USA (8am BST) How does each team qualify? United States - The USA will qualify for the last-16 as long as they do not lose to Portugal. They will finish top of Group E if Netherlands draw or lose, or if they win by a greater margin than the Dutch. Netherlands - The Netherlands will qualify with a win or draw against Vietnam. The Netherlands could still qualify with a defeat, as long as they had a better goal difference than the USA. Portugal - Portugal will reach the last-16 if they beat the USA but will be out if they lose. If Portugal draw, they would require the Netherlands to lose Vietnam by at least two goals. Vietnam - Cannot qualify for the knockout stages. Read More Women’s football world rankings: Who could take No 1 at the World Cup? Women’s World Cup group tables and standings: How can each team qualify? Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today USA’s narrow escape spells the end of Women’s World Cup dominance Jess Carter: England defender brought back in by Sarina Wiegman for China clash Katie Zelem: Lioness star making her World Cup start vs China

"Euphoria" star Angus Cloud found dead at 25, USWNT struggles to advance at World Cup, all the latest MLB trade deadline rumors and more in the Roundup.