Megan Rapinoe says the “expectation is perfection” when it comes to elite women’s sport, with the USWNT set to play in the Paris Games
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Northants favourite played 13 Tests and 25 ODIs between 1979 and 1991
ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jun-2025Wayne Larkins, the former England and Northamptonshire batter, has died after a short illness aged 71.Larkins, popularly known as “Ned”, played 13 Tests and 25 ODIs between 1979 and 1991. His second England appearance was in the 1979 World Cup final – he batted at No. 7 and bowled two overs – but his finest hour came when hitting the winning runs at Sabina Park as England took an unexpected 1-0 lead on the 1989-90 tour of the West Indies.That was Larkins’ seventh Test, coming more than eight years after his sixth. He might have played more in between had he not been banned for three years for involvement on the 1982 rebel tour of South Africa.Renowned for his colourful off-field character as well as his strokeplay, Larkins spent most of his career with Northamptonshire, making more than 700 appearances for the club. He later moved to Durham, before winding down a career that saw him score 40,000 runs and amass 85 hundreds.His wife, Debbie, was quoted on the Northamptonshire website: “Ned loved everyone he met and everyone loved him. People were drawn to his infectious energy. He lit up every room and never wanted the party to finish.”He loved his soul mate of a wife and his precious daughters so much. He will be partying up in the sky, drinking a toast to everyone and to his own life. We are devastated but we’ll never forget his undeniably unique presence and his impact on our lives.”We will carry him in our hearts forever.”
Patrick Boyland has now revealed some interesting Everton news on Asmir Begovic.
In truth, Begovic has barely played since arriving on a free transfer in the summer.
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The former AFC Bournemouth goalkeeper has played just six times in total so far this season, and has not featured since March (Transfermarkt).
Taking to Twitter, The Athletic journalist Boyland has revealed that the Goodison Park faithful have now taken up the option of extending Begovic’s deal for another year:
“Understand Everton have also taken up the option of extending Asmir Begovic’s deal by a further year.”
It is certainly an interesting decision by the Merseyside club to keep hold of Begovic for another year, despite the fact that he has barely featured for them.
At 34 years of age, and earning £43,000-per-week at the Toffees, one could question why they have decided to keep hold of him, especially given the fact that they have Andy Lonergan as another back-up goalkeeper to Jordan Pickford, and Joao Virginia still has to come back from his loan spell at Sporting CP.
However, he has done pretty well when he has come in, with the Blues winning four of the six games that he has featured and keeping two clean sheets (Transfermarkt), and so Frank Lampard and the board have clearly seen enough to keep him for another campaign.
In other news, find out what ‘certain’ EFC claim this injury expert has now dropped here!
The Reds dominated possession in a narrow 1-0 victory in Pittsburgh, with Conor Bradley catching the eye at right-back
The Arne Slot era has begun. And so far, there are definite signs of encouragement. The Dutchman's new-look Liverpool side were sloppy at times but showed enough about them at the start of their U.S. tour to suggest that life after Jurgen Klopp will be rosy.
With a number of big names given time off following the summer tournament madness, Slot supplemented a number of star names – including Mo Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai – with some back-up players, and it showed at times as we didn't quite see the free-flowing Liverpool we've been used to.
Indeed, the contest simmered for most of the first half, a new-look and much-changed Reds struggling to find a rhythm under Slot. Szoboszlai provided the majority of the threat, thriving in the space afforded to him on the right side of the pitch.
He scored the opener and what would turn out to be the winning goal for Liverpool, sprinting behind the backline and taking a delicate Salah pass in his stride before finding the bottom corner with a clever finish. Chances were few and far between otherwise, with the impressive Bradley offering ideas and invention on the right wing. Without a recognised striker in the team, however, the Merseysiders failed to truly capitalise.
After an hour, Slot introduced waves of academy products, giving his bigger names a rest ahead of a fast-approaching season. There is still a lot of work to be done, but the new manager might have something to play with here.
GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from Acrisure Stadium…
Chelsea are under more pressure over Enzo Fernandez, after David Datro Fofana became the latest player to condemn his team-mate on social media.
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Fast bowler wants to set an example to kids from varying backgrounds
Barny Read03-Feb-2021England bowler Chris Jordan says he hopes that by being a positive presence at the highest level the game can serve as inspiration for young people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.Cricket, especially in England, is increasingly under-fire for its lack of diversity, with former England batsman Michael Carberry saying last summer that “cricket is rife with racism” and that “the people running the game don’t care about black people”.Carberry’s comments forced the ECB to admit that “barriers to enjoying our sport exists”, while Azeem Rafiq’s litigation against Yorkshire over claims of discrimination and racial abuse led to the club issuing a statement that lifetime bans for anyone involved in “vile” threats on social media aimed at Rafiq, his family and his legal team.Under-representation is a major aspect of cricket’s issues in dealing with and precenting discrimination, and Jordan wants both his performances and professionalism to be something that leads the way for others to follow.”So many different eyes are on you but the kind of eyes that I’m more concerned about are especially those younger kids from different backgrounds and varying backgrounds that might be looking up to me, who knows, for some inspiration. You try to set an example as much as possible,” Jordan told ESPNcricinfo.”Bearing that in mind, when I do step onto the field and you do find yourself in certain settings, you know that some of your actions and everything that you do, those kids might be looking towards you for that inspiration. So if they see me trying to continue to improve my game and continue to reach new heights and doing all these things and that inspires them then that’s good enough for me.”The England bowler is so often the go-to guy for teammates looking for advice; the man able to not only lead his team but also unite it. Tom Banton this week explained how he would ask Jordan for an introduction to Nicholas Pooran, while Qalandars captain Sohail Akhtar described him as his team’s “leader”.”[He’s an] excellent human being, very supportive character,” said Sohail after Jordan’s 1-11 – including a wicket and just two runs from the ninth over of Bangla Tigers’ chase that came up seven runs short – ensured the Qalandars maintained their perfect T10 League record in Abu Dhabi.Speaking prior to that decisive performance with the ball for Qalandars, Jordan explained that the mentoring role is something he relishes and could be an avenue he explores whenever he hangs up his spikes.”I do enjoy really working with younger players, I do enjoy encouraging them,” Jordan said. “I’m always willing to share, I’m always trying to help just because I’m trying to live good with people in general and any bit of knowledge I can share or impart on anyone then I’m more than willing to do that.”If that allows me to transition into a coaching role or mentorship role eventually then when that time comes, I think that I’ll have enough information to make that decision but I stay in the movement as much as possible. I’m enjoying playing my cricket, I’m enjoying continuing to travel the world and continue to improve my skills as well so I’m putting all my energy into that.”
After his public spat with Atalanta manager Ivan Juric, Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly ready to accelerate their move to sign Ademola Lookman in 2026.
It comes as no surprise that those in North London have identified an attacking target. Thomas Frank’s side have lacked conviction at times this season, with their striker problem recently made worse by Randal Kolo Muani’s injury. Despite initial news indicating that his injury is not serious, reports are now claiming that the Frenchman has suffered a fractured jaw.
The injury comes at a frustrating time for the forward, who is yet to score a goal for Tottenham in a difficult run of form. Even in the middle of that form, however, Frank could do with having Kolo Muani available.
With Dominic Solanke still sidelined, the Dane has just Richarlison and academy graduate Dane Scarlett to call on against Arsenal in his first official North London derby in charge of Tottenham.
It’s an attacking problem that Spurs know they must address and club chiefs have already reportedly set their sights on Rodrygo to do exactly that. The Real Madrid star has an uncertain future in Spain after falling out of favour under Xabi Alonso and Spurs are reportedly willing to spend as much as £70m to secure his signature as a result.
There’s no doubt that the Brazilian would be a statement signing as one of the best wingers in the world, but he may not be the only one that the Lilywhites pursue in 2026.
In an attacking overhaul, those in North London have also set their sights on Lookman and are reportedly ready to step things up in the race for his arrival.
As reported by TuttoJuve, Tottenham are now ready to accelerate their move to sign Lookman in 2026 with the talented forward desperate to move on from the Italian club.
Spurs must sell £22m dud who's one of "the worst players at a big six club"
Tottenham need to make some changes in 2026.
By
Angus Sinclair
Nov 10, 2025
The former Fulham ace was denied a move away in the summer, despite handing in a transfer request, and has since fallen out with manager Juric and removed Atalanta from his Twitter bio. Ever since he was denied a summer switch, an exit has simply looked inevitable.
As the saga continues, it’s Spurs who are attempting to take full advantage to welcome the Nigerian back to the Premier League. Although the Lilywhites won’t be the only club in the race, the fact that Lookman is represented by the same agency as Mohammed Kudus could provide them with an unexpected advantage in any negotiations.
It’s certainly a transfer race that would be worth winning, too. Before their recent disagreement, Juric went as far as to describe Lookman as “spectacular” and there’s little doubt that he’s still Atalanta’s most important player.
England striker Ivan Toney has pointed out the important part he played in Jude Bellingham's last-ditch equaliser against Slovakia at Euro 2024.
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Uncapped Conor Olphert also flies out as net bowler after injury to David Delany
Matt Roller11-Jan-2021Ireland have added Shane Getkate to their squad to play the UAE and Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi after an injury to David Delany, with the uncapped Conor Olphert also flying out as a net bowler.Delany, the fast bowler, was in line to win his first ODI cap at some stage on the tour, but flew home last week after experiencing sudden pain in his left knee – which has previously caused him trouble – in the nets.Josh Little flew out to join the squad following Delany’s injury, having missed the squad’s initial departure following a positive Covid test in December. He is technically available for Tuesday’s second ODI after completing his quarantine period, though is unlikely to be thrown in before completing a training session.Getkate, who last played for Ireland in a T20I against Afghanistan in March 2020, has now been added to provide the squad with an all-round option, though will miss the second and third ODIs against UAE while in quarantine. “I’m really looking forward to getting out there – it certainly makes a nice change from indoor training,” he said.Olphert, a 24-year-old seamer, has only made one appearance at interprovincial level for the North-West Warriors, and has been flown out as a net bowler, with Covid restrictions denying teams the chance to invite local players to training.”To be honest, I’m completely shocked,” he said. “I really appreciate the opportunity to go out to the UAE. It’s not something I’d ever thought I’d get a chance to do, so I’m determined to make the most of the opportunity.”Both Olphert and Getkate tested negative before departure from Ireland and on arrival in the UAE.The second ODI against the UAE was postponed from Sunday to Tuesday after a third UAE player, Alishan Sharafu, tested positive for Covid. It is due to be played on a fresh pitch, but Ireland allrounder Curtis Campher said he expected another slow surface.”I’d expect the same conditions of being slow and tough to score on,” Campher said. “It’ll be about being patient and banging on that hard length and making it tough for batters to score, and if we get a chance to get in their first tomorrow it will be about getting a good total on the board.”Ireland are 1-0 down in the four-match series after maiden centuries from Chundangapoyil Rizwan and Muhammad Usman saw the UAE home in the first ODI. Their three-match World Cup Super League series against Afghanistan starts on January 21, with Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi all leaving the BBL this week in order to feature for the opposition.Ireland ODI squad to play UAE and Afghanistan: Andy Balbirnie (capt), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, Shane Getkate, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, James McCollum, Kevin O’Brien, Neil Rock, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young
Wanindu Hasaranga’s all-round show not enough as Jaffna Stallions suffer first defeat
Andrew Fidel Fernando04-Dec-2020How the match played outThat Jaffna Stallions had hit only 39 for 1 the end of the Powerplay was not unusual – they’ve generally made a habit of going slow at the start, then making up ground rapidly through the remaining overs. But it was the choke-hold that Colombo Kings’ spinners put the Stallions in through the middle overs that went on to define the match.Qais Ahmad made the biggest moves from among the Kings spinners, taking three wickets in his first two overs, giving away only 11. Among his victims was Avishka Fernando, who has hit two 80+ scores in the tournament. At the other end, offspinner Tharindu Kaushal sent down some impressive offspin, taking 1 for 22 in his three overs, and together they had the Stallions reeling at 74 for 5 at the end of the 11th over.When Dushmantha Chameera – who also had an excellent outing taking 2 for 27 – and Andre Russell claimed a wicket in each of the overs that followed, the Stallions slipped to 89 for 7 after 13.They recovered slightly thanks to Wanindu Hasaranga, who struck five consecutive fours off the 18th over bowled by Isuru Udana, on his way to 41 off 23. But even on a slow surface, the Stallions’ 148 for 9 seemed 20 runs light.Dinesh Chandimal led the Kings’ response, facing the first ball of the innings, and playing confidently and securely to ensure he was also around to hit the winning runs, which came with three balls to spare. He had overturned an lbw decision against him while on zero, but otherwise provided no serious chances as he struck his second substantial innings of the tournament, making 68 not out off 51 in the end.There were times when the Kings’ required rate climbed above nine, particularly when the Stallions’ legspinners were in operation, but with so few wickets having fallen, and so much firepower in their middle order, they always seemed capable of recovering. Andre Russell’s 32 off 20 balls ensured the Kings would make it home with comfort.Where the teams standThe Stallions’ first loss does not cost them the top place on the points table, partly because the Kings and Dambulla Viiking have played (and won) one fewer match. The Stallions’ net run rate is also significantly better than those of the remaining teams. The Stallions get a break on Saturday while the other four teams battle it out.