List of All Articles with Tag 'ball'

Jacob Ramsey will miss the remainder of England Under-21s’ European Championship campaign with an ankle injury. The Aston Villa midfielder, who featured in England’s first four games, was replaced after 67 minutes during their 1-0 victory over Portugal and will sit out Wednesday’s semi-final.Lee Carsley’s side will look to maintain their flawless defensive record when they play Israel for the second time in as many weeks in the last four. Anthony Gordon insisted England’s 2-0 victory over Israel in the group stage is in the past and called for a fresh approach going into the tie.“The group stage games now don’t really matter,” Gordon said. “It doesn’t matter how we played against them or how we beat them. “They played really well against Georgia and won the game ultimately so it’s win or go home and hopefully we can put on another good performance and win the game.” Morgan Gibbs-White reiterated that message by highlighting Israel’s hunger to seek revenge after goals from Gordon and Emile Smith Rowe firmed England’s bid to qualify from Group C. And the Nottingham Forest midfielder, who leads the competition’s assist chart with three, admitted rest and recovery should be at the forefront of England’s thinking.“It’s a completely new game. [Israel] are even more hungry now they are in the semi-final. They are going to want revenge,” Gibbs-White said. “We beat them in the group stage and now they are going to want to beat us, so we have got to make sure we are fully prepared, well rested, fully recovered and hopefully we can go again and get to the final.”

Burnley forward Michael Obafemi will miss the start of the Premier League season with a hamstring injury suffered while on international duty. The 22-year-old tore his hamstring in the Republic of Ireland’s 3-0 win over Gibraltar and will undergo an operation later this week before beginning a rehabilitation process. Obafemi joined the Clarets on loan from Swansea in January, and scored two goals in 14 appearances before making his move permanent earlier this month. The injury will be a blow to Vincent Kompany’s attacking options as Burnley make their return to the Premier League. The Clarets reportedly remain in talks to re-sign Nathan Tella from Southampton after he topped Burnley’s scoring charts with 19 goals last term. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

A Manchester City fans group has accused the Football Association of “doing the bare minimum” in amending the Community Shield kick-off time and called for a further change. The 1894 group urged supporters to boycott the treble winners’ season-opener against Arsenal at Wembley on August 6 after it was originally scheduled for 5.30pm on Sunday, August 6. After this and other complaints, the FA, in conjunction with broadcaster ITV, moved the game to 4pm. This has not gone far enough for some fans and, while they are no longer expecting a “full boycott”, 1894 still feels the kick-off should be brought forward again by another hour. A statement from the group, issued via the Football Supporters’ Association, read: “We repeat our request to the FA and to ITV to help more fans attend the game by bringing the kick-off time to 3pm. “In the eyes of many fans, the very quick decision to move the game from 5.30pm to 4pm and hastily-arranged PR releases from the FA came across as them doing the bare minimum and expecting a round of applause for the decision. “The subsequent statement from the FA said 4pm was agreed after consultation with the police, the local council and the broadcaster (ITV). However, the most important stakeholder was not consulted… the fans!” Travel arrangements for Wembley fixtures have been a recurring source of frustration for north west teams in recent seasons. Late kick-offs leave supporters travelling by rail limited time to get back to stations before the final trains north and there are general concerns about arriving home late at night and the high costs involved. These issues have been exacerbated for some high-profile fixtures by rail strikes and engineering works. The 1894 statement added: “We feel 3pm is a fair request to the authorities to allow more people to travel back at a sensible time. “To expect 30,000 fans to travel back north late on a Sunday evening is unfair. Wembley is a great, iconic venue but there are challenges getting to and from there, so we call on ITV and the FA to help our fans in particular by offering an earlier kick-off which allows families to attend.” The group is still encouraging fans not to attend the game and support local foodbanks instead. It has organised a screening of the match at the Band on the Wall venue in Manchester city centre and proceeds will be donated to such causes. “Fans can make a difference – even if a full boycott is not expected at this stage,” the statement added. “It’s hard to sacrifice watching your own team play. However, some fans are seeing it is an opportunity to make a statement. “It’s not the FA Cup final, it’s not the Champions League final. It is a game in the scheme of things where fans, if they are not valued, can choose to walk away from attending.” The FA has been approached for comment. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Joe Root: England can leave a legacy by taking different approach to Australia Roger Federer welcomed back to Centre Court for first time since his retirement Spurs in talks to sign Wolfsburg centre-back Micky van de Ven

Kentucky star Oscar Tshiebwe didn't hear his name called during the NBA Draft, but has found a home in the NBA.Oscar Tshiebwe wasn't one of the 60 players lucky enough to hear their name called in the 2023 NBA Draft, but the former Kentucky basketball star has made his way into the lea...

Tottenham have entered talks with Wolfsburg over the signing of centre-back Micky van de Ven. Spurs are in the market for new central defenders and Netherlands Under-21 international Van de Ven has been high on their list of potential targets. Talks have now started between Tottenham and Wolfsburg over a deal that could eventually be worth in the region of £30million but no agreement is currently in place, the PA news agency understands. Despite being without a director of football, chief scout Leonardo Gabbanini and chairman Daniel Levy have taken a lead role on transfers, which has seen Spurs be extremely active since Ange Postecoglou was appointed on June 6. Dejan Kulusevski’s loan was made into a permanent deal while moves for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and James Maddison have been completed. Attacker Manor Solomon is set to be Tottenham’s fourth addition of the summer with the ex-Fulham loanee undergoing a medical ahead of a free transfer, having exercised his right to cancel his terms with Shakhtar Donetsk, as per FIFA rules, due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. If a deal can be agreed with Wolfsburg, Van de Ven would become the club’s fifth signing of the Postecoglou era. The 22-year-old started his career with Volendam in his homeland before he moved to Wolfsburg two summers ago. An encouraging 2022-23 season, where Van de Ven featured 36 times for the Bundesliga club, brought him to the attention of several teams across Europe. Last month, the Dutch defender told De Telegraaf: “I have always dreamed of the Premier League because the biggest clubs play there and I also see that competition as the best in the world.” Spurs still hold an interest in Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba and Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, who only has one year left to run on his deal. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Alabama football has dominated the recruiting scene but it's especially impressive the way the Crimson Tide have gotten the most out of the best prospects.As the most successful program of the century bar none, it's no secret that Alabama football is a recruiting powerhouse, particular...

Chelsea have signed England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton on a free transfer from Aston Villa. The 22-year-old, capped twice by her country and named in Sarina Wiegman’s squad for this summer’s World Cup, has signed a three-year deal after her contract with Villa expired. She brings Women’s Super League experience from stints with both Birmingham and Villa, having made 15 appearances while helping the latter to a fifth-placed finish last term. Hampton was part of England’s trophy-winning squad at Euro 2022 and also has honours to her name from the Finalissima earlier this year and 2022’s Arnold Clark Cup. In joining the reigning WSL champions, she now wants to add club silverware to her collection. “I’m very excited,” Hampton said on the Chelsea website. “It’s a massive club, it’s an honour to be a part of this and to be able to wear the club’s badge. I want to keep improving, to help the team however I can and I’d love to win some trophies with the club at the same time.” Hampton began her career with Villarreal in Spain after moving to the country as a youngster, but then returned to England with Stoke before joining hometown club Birmingham, making her senior debut in 2017 and making 50 appearances before switching to rivals Villa in 2021. Chelsea boss Emma Hayes added: “There is no doubt that Hannah is one of the best young goalkeepers in the world. Her performances have been improving year on year, and we have high hopes for her future with us.”

Nina Agdal and Logan Paul are engaged, Anthony Edwards got a huge extension, MLB Home Run Derby contestants revealed and more in the Roundup.

Geoff Shreeves has announced he is leaving Sky Sports after more than 30 years. Shreeves joined the organisation in 1992 and has been ever-present since in his role as touchline reporter, as well as presenting The Debate, Sunday Supplement and The Football Show. In a statement, he said: “There’s an old saying that you always have to know the best time to leave even the greatest party. “And that’s what my 32 years at Sky have been – the most fantastic party I could ever imagined attending. From the first kick of a ball in the live coverage of the Premier League to Manchester City’s title celebrations last season – with plenty in between. “I have been fortunate to work for a ground-breaking company who have helped revolutionise football. But the time is right to move on. “Sky have been incredibly generous in recognition of my service and I can’t speak more highly of so many people I’ve worked with there over three decades. I now have the opportunity for new experiences which I’m looking forward to announcing in the very near future.” Shreeves, who had started his working life as an estate agent, began his career in football at the 1990 World Cup and was touchline reporter the day Sky televised its first Premier League game, Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 win over Liverpool in August 1992. Sky Sports’ director of football Gary Hughes said: “Geoff has been an integral part of the Sky Sports football team and the best tunnel reporter in the business, interviewing the biggest names at the biggest games for over 30 years. “Geoff leaves with our sincere thanks and best wishes for the future. As Sir Alex always said, Well done, Geoff!”

There’s a sea of change sweeping over the Etihad Stadium this summer. Ilkay Gundogan has departed for Barcelona, while Aymeric Laporte is another set to leave for pastures new. Manchester City have a knack for selling players at the right time, so fans shouldn’t be too concerned at the departure of a clutch midfielder and a centre-back who was previously considered the best at Pep Guardiola’s disposal. Nevertheless, to remain competitive even the best need to evolve and City are no exception. Mateo Kovacic has joined from Chelsea to cover Gundogan’s exit, while the Champions League holders are eyeing up another Croat to bolster at the back. City are closing in on the signing of RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol in a deal that will make the 21-year-old the most expensive defender in history. The vultures have been circling the Red Bull Arena for the versatile defender for the best part of 12 months now, with Tottenham and Chelsea both credited with an interest in the youngster last summer. However, as Gvardiol’s profile rose, so too did RB Leipzig’s asking price with City blowing the pair out of the water in the race to land the Croatia international. It’s the versatility to Gvardiol’s game that would undoubtedly have appealed to Guardiola. In 14 Premier League matches last season, Guardiola used a three-man backline, with the idea being to supplement Erling Haaland with as many attacking players in support as possible, this largely stemming from the 2-1 loss at Manchester United back in January. The Spaniard, therefore, needed flexible performers at the back to operate in a four-man or a three-man defence where required in-game. John Stones is perhaps the best example of this interchangeability, the ‘Barnsley Beckenbauer’ routinely shining at right-back, centre-back or central midfield, more often than not all in the same game. This meant the left-sided centre-back needed to either drift wide or tuck in where required, duties Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji both carried out well. That being said, Gvardiol is arguably a level above the pair, thus explaining City’s interest in the RB Leipzig man. In any Guardiola system, distribution is key. City build attacks from the back with goalkeeper Ederson and the defenders vital at setting the champions on the front foot. Gvardiol fits the bill perfectly having finished the 2022/23 Bundesliga campaign fifth for passes per game (71.3) and with the ninth-best pass success rate (89.3%) to his name. In addition, the ability to pick a pass from distance will help City quickly transition from defence to attack, with the youngster returning a long ball pass success rate of 59.7% last season, that ranking 12th of the 112 Bundesliga players to have attempted 100 or more long balls. For a City side that ranked second for counter-attacking goals (7) behind rivals Manchester United (9) in the Premier League last season, Gvardiol’s ability to go direct where required will aid the former when they seek to break forward at speed, with Haaland, in particular, likely to benefit. This is particularly pertinent in that City ranked second for accurate long balls per 90 (28.4) in England’s top tier last term, so a defender to help place high for this metric will aid the Cityzens should they seek to go direct, as was evidenced during the 4-1 win over Arsenal back in April. In addition to distributing the ball well, Gvardiol is also a composed figure in defence, ensuring that any opponent who does seek to pressure the defender is unlikely to be successful in their quest. Indeed, of the 217 players to attempt 15 or more dribbles, none had a better dribble success rate than Gvardiol (88.9%) in the Bundesliga last season, so he’s calm under pressure and able to bring the ball forward where needed to help work the angles and fully maximise his vision. So, all in all, the perfect defender, right? Well... not quite. For all of Gvardiol’s qualities, opponents have proven to be able to get the better of the incoming centre-back in the air on more than one occasion. In fact, Gvardiol won just 55.8% of the aerial duels he contested in the Bundesliga last season, and teams will feel as though they can exploit this shortcoming as a means to get the better of City next season. That being said, City won the fewest aerial duels per 90 (11.6) in the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, and that hardly impacted their successful title defence, so it’s a weakness to Gvardiol’s game that is unlikely to be routinely capitalised upon, such is City’s dominance. The pros, then, far outweighs the cons and given his tender years, there is plenty more to come from Gvardiol, who should go on to become a mainstay in the City backline. After all, it’s difficult to find a defender better suited to Guardiola’s game plan. Read More Man City assistant Rodolfo Borrell joins MLS side Austin FC as sporting director Ilkay Gundogan, the man who transformed Man City and timed a perfect goodbye Football’s biggest brand? Only one thing can stop the Man City ‘machine’ now Yaya Toure hopes Standard Liege coaching spell leads to Premier League return Jodie Burrage recalls the dark days after landmark victory at Wimbledon Cadan Murley: Studying Erling Haaland can help my England World Cup cause

Yaya Toure is one day targeting a top managerial job in the Premier League after taking the next step in his career by becoming assistant coach at Standard Liege. The 40-year-old, who lit up the top league as a player with Manchester City, has joined Carl Hoefkens’ staff at the Belgian club after a spell coaching Tottenham Under-16s. Toure enjoyed his time at Hotspur Way, admitting he would one day love to return there, but felt the time was right to go and coach first-team football. He is happy to learn from his boss Hoefkens but has desires to become a manager in the future. “One hundred per cent, that is my plan and idea.” he told the PA news agency. “For me I have to go step after step, I am on a learning journey. “I am very open to everything, just carrying on what I am doing. “Why not the Premier League? I don’t know how long it is going to take, maybe sooner or later, for me I am always open for it. “I know it’s going to be a big challenge and coaches’ jobs are becoming tougher and tougher. You see coaches surviving for a maximum four or five months. “That is what it is now, that is the reality. “For me, I am quite patient and I have to take my steps very carefully and in the right manner. That’s why I am going to Belgium because I want to learn from top coaches like Carl, who has huge experience.” Toure, who previously held positions at Ukrainian side Olimpik Donetsk and Russian team Akhmat Grozny, has not ruled out the possibility of one day returning to Spurs. “Tottenham did not stand in my way and they let me go and I think that was brilliant,” he added. “I would love to carry on in Tottenham because my belief and development was to try to work with the grown men. “If the opportunity to go back was there then why not, because what Tottenham did for me was incredible, they allowed me to work there and develop as a coach and for what they did for me I will never be able to thank them enough. “They opened the door for me and allowed me to express myself in the right manner and do the things I wanted to do. “That is a real positive for me. Of course at the end of the day I move on but Tottenham is always going to be a great club and one that will always mean something to me.” Toure will first put his coaching skills to use on the launch of Amazon’s Prime Day, as a Prime customer can buy a private coaching session for them and three friends. He added: “The experience will be unmissable. For me it is very positive and I think this idea with Amazon is great. “It is important we share experiences and talk to them about football and show them inside it and an understanding of it.” ::Yaya Toure will give one lucky Prime customer and their three friends a football training session to learn perfect delivery this Prime Day. Prime Members should check out www.amazon.co.uk/primeexperiences throughout July 11 and 12 to purchase. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Faye White reflects on ‘soul destroying’ lack of media attention after Euro 2009 England forward Beth Mead admits missing World Cup ‘a tough pill to swallow’ Wales coach Warren Gatland calls up Taine Plumtree to World Cup training squad

Former captain Faye White says the lack of media attention after England’s run to the European Championship final in 2009 was “soul destroying”. The 45-year-old, who skippered the Lionesses for their 6-2 defeat to Germany in the final in Helsinki, was present on Monday to unveil a message of support laid out beneath the flight path out of Heathrow Airport for Sarina Wiegman’s side before they fly to Australia for the Women’s World Cup on Wednesday. The message, large enough to be visible to the England party as their plane ascends over west London, reads “Lionesses, you’re our pride,” and is tagged with thousands of smaller messages of support submitted by fans across the country. The move, which has been organised by one of the Football Association’s commercial partners Kind Snacks, marks the strides made in terms of backing for the women’s game, following the lack of media presence at the airport for the team’s return from Finland 14 years ago despite them having become the first England side since 1966 to reach a major tournament final. “We always knew there was a community out there that wanted to support women’s football,” White, who won 90 caps and played at five major tournaments for England, told the PA news agency. “But it wasn’t in the mainstream. In 2009, we came back expecting that there might be a few press at the airport. There was no-one. It was soul destroying really. “What more did we need to do? No other England team had got to a final for decades. We just had, but just because we’re women it didn’t seem to matter. “But I always knew there was a community of people, and of young girls who wanted to play. That’s what drove us on to become better and to push for this. In our time, we were saying ‘this has to change’. Now we’re seeing it. There are millions of girls who want to play this sport and who love it.” The Lionesses are looking to build on their triumphant Euro 2022 campaign last summer by becoming the first England team since 1966 to be crowned world champions, and they kick off their tournament against Haiti on July 22. Wiegman’ side completed their preparations on home soil with a goalless draw against Portugal in Milton Keynes on Saturday, a result the manager described as “disappointing” before insisting the European champions are on track to be ready for their World Cup opener in Brisbane. They are among the favourites to win a first Women’s World Cup title, a tag which would have seemed unlikely during White’s 15-year international career. Prior to reaching the semi-final in 2015, losing agonisingly to a stoppage-time own goal from defender Laura Bassett against Japan, the Lionesses had never made the last four of a World Cup. They repeated the feat four years later, losing out to eventual winners the United States but cementing the team’s reputation as a rising power in the international game. “From my experience, we always overachieved,” said White of her generation. “How we were supported and funded compared to other nations we were competing against; Germany, America, Sweden – their federations had always had a bigger budget, bigger support. “In the last few years, getting to a World Cup semi-final was an achievement, but again an over-achievement. In my time, we always got to the latter stages when we weren’t even expected to get out of the group. “As the game’s grown we’re getting further and further. It just shows what happens when you back it, when you support it – and that’s not just federations but companies, partners like Kind who have put this message on and shown what the England team means to the country and to so many people. “There are thousands of messages on there that show how much other people, normal people with children who love the game, are supporting. “I know what a message like this will mean to the players sitting on that plane. It’s an extra piece of the puzzle, that can bring more out of you, even when you’re trying 100 per cent. That extra bit of fight and resilience.” ::KIND Snacks have created a GIANT message of support for the Lionesses as they head off to Australia for the first game in the tournament. The 100m wide sign was made out of thousands of messages of support from the public, including ex-Lionesses Rachel Yankey and Faye White.