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Liverpool have received a boost in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham as Jurgen Klopp’s charges reportedly now lead the race for his signature.

What’s the story?

According to the Daily Star, the Reds have moved ahead of fierce rivals Manchester United in the queue to secure Bellingham’s services, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s charges set to prioritise the capture of Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips.

The report states that it would take a club-record fee of £80 million for Liverpool to prize the highly-rated 18-year-old away from the Signal Iduna Park, with him having only joined Dortmund just over a year ago for £25m.

Jurgen Klopp would love him

Liverpool were believed to be in the market for a new central midfielder over the summer after the departure of Gini Wijnladum, with the likes of Saul Niguez and Renato Sanches heavily linked with a move to Anfield.

However, no new arrivals joined the 19-time English champions following the acquisition of Ibrahima Konate, leaving the German tactician somewhat light on numbers in the centre of the pitch.

The decision not to immediately replace Wijnaldum now appears to be even more controversial after teenager Harvey Elliott picked up a dislocated ankle in the opening weeks of the season, leading to speculation over a possible swoop for Bellingham.

And it’s easy to understand why the Liverpool hierarchy have identified the former Birmingham City maestro as their priority transfer target.

Since joining the German giants last summer, Bellingham has scored six goals and provided eight assists in 55 appearances, winning the DFB-Pokal along the way.

His impressive performances at club level have earned him eight international caps, and England boss Gareth Southgate lauded the youngster following his call-up to the senior squad last year.

“Jude is phenomenal. Just in training in the last couple of days, to have a 17-year-old, who wants to compete with senior players, not only has the technique but the competitiveness and maturity… he’s a hugely exciting player,” gushed Southgate.

Therefore, Klopp would surely love the opportunity to work with such a talented player this early on in his career, providing Liverpool with the foundation for a successful side for many years to come.

And, in other news…Bought for £4.4m, now worth £27m: Liverpool sealed masterclass over “sensational” gem 

The plays of the day from the closing stages of the second Test at Lord’s as England wrap up a famous victory

Andrew Miller at Lord's20-Jul-2009Man of the dayAndrew Flintoff’s dodgy knee will force him out of Test cricket at the end of this summer, but on a pulsating final morning at Lord’s, he pressed through the pain barrier, and cranked up his pace, to bring a comprehensive end to Australia’s 75-year unbeaten run at Lord’s. At the same time he ended a hoodoo of his own, by picking up his first five-wicket haul since the Ashes decider at The Oval in 2005, and only his third in 77 Tests. Andrew Strauss could not extract the ball from his mitt until the game was done and dusted, as he became only the sixth cricketer to put his name on both honours boards at Lord’s. Farewells cannot come more fitting.Breakthrough of the dayBrad Haddin had been utterly immoveable during an anxious fourth evening for England, but as so often happens, resuming his innings proved to be a challenge too far. With Flintoff tearing in at full pelt, Haddin could not add to his overnight 80. Four balls was all Flintoff needed – and three would have done had a short-leg been in place – as he found a perfect length on the line of off stump, and Haddin fenced nervily to Paul Collingwood at second slip. But for the overnight break, he might not have been drawn into the stroke, but Flintoff’s fiery accuracy gave him no choice.Rearguard of the dayMitchell Johnson was sledged by Kevin Pietersen as “the big allrounder” before the series, and though his bowling in this match was abject, his defiant final-day counterattack showed a timely glimpse of the talents that took South Africa by storm earlier this year. As wickets were chiselled away at the other end, Johnson kept on timing the ball sweetly and keeping the dream alive, with nine fours in a 75-ball 63. In the end, however, Swann breached his defences with his fourth bowled of the innings. And as Johnson left the field, he couldn’t help feeling that the 200 runs that came directly from his bowling had been the single biggest difference between the sides.Bowling change of the dayThe introduction of Graeme Swann in the 99th over of the innings. A feature of Michael Clarke’s innings had been his decisive footwork against the spinner, whom he had milked for 37 runs from 74 balls on the fourth day. But Swann is a canny operator, and having been pushed into the covers to start his day’s work, his second delivery was tantalisingly floated up with a deceptive change of pace. With extra loop and late dip, he found the same spot but with 4mph taken off the ball. Clarke was drawn forward and ended up yorking himself.No-ball of the dayFlintoff’s first wicket of the innings was marred by the belated realisation that Rudi Koertzen had missed a no-ball, but today some sort of justice was served when Mitchell Johnson survived a stone-dead lbw appeal as a low full-toss thudded into his knee-roll. Johnson had made just 4 at the time, but Koertzen’s eyes were hawkishly pinned to the front crease, and he rightly noticed that Flintoff’s heel was over the line.Drop of the dayIt was a stunning effort, but it simply refused to stick. Johnson was on 36, having just slammed Swann clean through point for four, when he drove on the up through the gap at mid-off. Swann was alert to the stroke and dived full-stretch to his right, and for an agonising instant it seemed as though the chance had stuck. Matt Prior was already rushing up to start the celebrations, but as Swann hit the turf, the ball bobbled out, and the moment was lost.

Leeds United picked up their first win of the Premier League season as they beat Watford 1-0 at Elland Road on Saturday.

Diego Llorente’s first half strike was enough to secure the three points for the Whites as they worked hard to earn a win against the Hornets. The result takes Leeds up to 16th as it stands and three points off the top half of the table in this early stage of the season.

Despite the positives to come from winning the game, one player for Marcelo Bielsa’s team struggled to perform. Summer signing Dan James put in a worryingly ineffective display out wide, which will surely have left his manager feeling let down.

The 23-year-old has now played four Premier League games for Leeds and is yet to record a SofaScore rating of higher than 6.6 for the club. His rating against Watford on Saturday was a measly 6.2 as he failed to show what he can do in general play and in the final third.

In terms of his general play, James was a lightweight. As per SofaScore, he lost six of his 10 duels and made zero tackles in the game. He also gave the ball away 18 times and only completed 64% of his attempted passes, having 35 touches overall throughout the 90 minutes.

This suggests that he was too weak to deal with the strength of the Watford defenders, who eased him out of the way most of the time. Bielsa could be worried by this when Leeds come up against other teams who use their physical attributes to impose themselves on the Whites, as James may not be suited to such opponents based on this performance.

The Wales international did not redeem himself in the final third, either. As per SofaScore, James had a dribble success rate of 0% from four attempts and completed none of his attempted crosses. This led to him providing zero key passes in the match, whilst his only two shots were blocked by Watford defenders before they could reach Ben Foster’s goal.

Bielsa will surely have been feeling let down by James’ overall performance. The winger struggled both in his build-up play and in his execution of skill in key moments, leading to an all-round disappointing performance from the winger. Hopefully he will be able to repay Bielsa’s faith by coming back after the international break and improving the standard of his displays.

In other news: Leeds take major step as Thorp Arch news emerges, fans will be buzzing

West Ham could have to pay more than £22million to sign Club Brugge youngster Charles De Ketelaere, according to journalist Mo Messoudi.

The Lowdown: West Ham linked with De Ketelaere move

The Hammers are reportedly interested in signing the 20-year-old, according to a story earlier this week, with Everton also linked with a move.

De Ketelaere is one of Belgium’s most exciting emerging talents, already scoring four times in the Jupiler Pro League this season, as well as registering two assists.

The Latest: Journalist makes big claim

If West Ham are genuinely keen on making a bid for the Belgian, however, they are expected to have to break the bank to acquire his services.

That’s according to Messoudi, who told Gazet van Antwerpen [via West Ham Zone] that they would have to pay more than the £22million Rennes spent on Jeremy Doku, which is the current outgoing transfer record in Belgium:

“Club Brugge used him smartly last season, and he did not burn out. They allowed him to rest at the right time and put him on the bench. Now, De Ketelaere is reaping the benefits.

“As an attacking all-rounder, he’s even (Club Brugge’s) top scorer.

“For me, De Ketelaere is the most valuable player in Belgium at the moment. I am sure he will break the outgoing transfer record set by Jeremy Doku.”

The Verdict: Worth the money?

De Ketelaere is clearly a special young talent, so West Ham could be wise to take a gamble on him and pay a huge amount of money.

He has already made 85 appearances for Brugge, despite his tender years, with 11 goals and 13 assists in that time proof that his game also contains substance.

De Ketelaere has scored once in two caps for Belgium, too, suggesting a bright international career awaits him, further highlighting why West Ham would be wise to make a move.

In other news, a journalist has made a transfer claim regarding one rumoured West Ham target. Find out who it is here.

After Angelo Mathews and Muttiah Muralitharan had combined to devastatingeffect with the bat, Sri Lanka’s pace bowlers scythed through Pakistan’stop order to lead them to a 36-run victory on a blustery day in Dambulla

The Bulletin by Dileep Premachandran30-Jul-2009
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were outThilan Thushara’s three wickets derailed Pakistan’s chase, which left them struggling at 134 for 8 at one stage•Associated PressAfter Angelo Mathews and Muttiah Muralitharan had combined to devastatingeffect with the bat, Sri Lanka’s pace bowlers scythed through Pakistan’stop order to lead them to a 36-run victory on a blustery day in Dambulla.Sri Lanka seemingly had the game in the bag at 134 for 8, but a gritty andstroke-filled 62-run stand between Umar Gul and Mohammad Aamer so nearlyspoilt their day. Pakistan had bossed the opening exchanges after electingto field on a green-tinged pitch, but they never quite recovered from abatting Powerplay in which 54 runs were conceded. With none of thefrontline batsmen able to build on starts, it was left to the tail to tryand pull off a miracle.Sri Lanka had scripted a stirring revival of their own in the morning.After 44 overs, they were an underwhelming 169 for 6. But once NuwanKulasekara fell, having added 42 with Mathews, Murali whirled his bat likea dervish. Gul was top-edged for four and then straight-driven for six inan over that cost 15, and Shahid Afridi then clobbered through the offside for fours before Aamer put the sheen on a superb debut display bybowling him for 32. It had taken just 15 balls though, and by then, on asurface where run-making was not easy, Sri Lanka had enough of a total todefend.Pakistan appeared deflated by that revival, and their batting effort neverleft the ground. Kulasekara started things off, tormenting Shoaib Malikoutside his off stump. The odd ball would move away, while others wouldnip back and force him into the most awkward contortions. The scoreboardwas moving thanks to a couple of lovely drives from Kamran Akmal but therewas an air of inevitability about Malik’s dismissal, bowled playing downthe wrong line to a straighter one.After Lasith Malinga’s slingshot pace and slower balls had failed toprovide a breakthrough, Kumar Sangakkara turned to Thilan Thushara, and hestruck with his very first delivery. Akmal also played down the wrong lineto one that deviated little, and saw his stumps pegged back. When MohammadYousuf then chased a wide one from Kulasekara, Pakistan had slumped to 48for 3.Afridi injected some energy into proceedings, clubbing Malinga overmidwicket for six, but there was nothing distinguished about the lazyslice to Thushara that ended his innings at 27. Once Younis Khan flayedThushara down to Mathews at third man, and Misbah-ul-Haq popped one backto Murali off the leading edge, the cause was hopelessly lost.Fawad Alam and Abdul Razzaq delayed the inevitable while making no dent onthe asking-rate, but it was left to Gul and Mohammad Aamer to send somefrissons of worry through the Lankan camp with some cavalier hitting intheir own Powerplay. Some sloppy bowling from Malinga helped their causeand it was left to Mahela Jayawardene to seal the deal late on with adirect hit from point to run out Aamer. With Malinga yorking Gul nextball, it was all over.It could have been so very different for Pakistan, who had seen Razzaq andAamer bowl really well with the new ball in the morning. The initialbreakthrough was delayed only because of indifferent fielding. Akmal putdown a sharp chance off Sanath Jayasuriya down the leg side, denying Razzaq afairytale return after two years in the wilderness. And Razzaq himselfcould have had Jayasuriya a couple of overs later, but a miscue straightback down the pitch was embarrassingly dropped right in front of thebatsman’s face.At the other end, Upul Tharanga was in poor touch, beaten repeatedlyoutside his off stump with feet scarcely moving. It was Jayasuriya whowent first though, slashing the second ball he faced from Gul down toAamer at third man. Aamer had impressed with the new ball, bowling withpace and beating the bat often. And after Tharanga was put out of hismisery, nicking one behind, it needed a 48-run stand between Sangakkaraand Jayawardene to resurrect the innings.As in the Test series, Sangakkara seldom failed to cash in on the badball, stroking Gul through mid-on and cover, and clipping Younis’part-time medium-pace through midwicket for fours. But just as it seemedthat the time was ripe to accelerate, he was undone by a Saeed Ajmaldelivery that dipped and turned, and the attempt to cut merely looped topoint.Then came an almighty stutter. Chamara Kapugedera edged Afridi behind, andthe onus was on Jayawardene to up the ante. Thilan Samaraweera couldn’t domuch on his return to the side, miscuing a pull to mid-on, and whenJayawardene was caught short going for a non-existent second run byYounis’ flat throw from midwicket, the wheels were off and the axlenearly broken.But Mathews and Kulasekara didn’t panic, scoring in singles and twosbefore the Powerplay was taken. The final flourish did the rest, as thepreviously economical Afridi and Gul were taken apart. Gul tried to returnthe favour when Pakistan took their own Powerplay late in the game, but bythen, it was far too late to be anything more than a consolation.

A series of lopsided fortunes is dead in terms of a contest. So what to do the teams play for?

Cricinfo staff06-Aug-2009Match factsFriday August 7, 2009
Start time 14.30 (09.00 GMT)Pakistan’s seniors have flopped in the ODI series•AFPBig PictureA series of lopsided fortunes is dead in terms of a contest. So what to do the teams play for?For Pakistan there is only pride to play for, a position which is becoming all-too-familiar for this team in recent times. In their previous ODI series, against Australia in the UAE, Pakistan managed a face-saving win in the dead match. Given their current predicament and lack of one-day direction, they cannot waste any opportunity to find some form.Just before the start of the ODI series there was talk of ‘undesirable elements’ lurking in the team hotel along with reports of factionalism and rifts in the team. The seniors players have consistently underperformed, adding to the pressure on captain Younis Khan. Mohammad Yousuf and Misbah-ul-Haq were dropped after the first ODI, and Shoaib Malik has been a non-starter with scores of 9, 0 and 12.Each defeat has been followed by talk of the need to ‘execute plans’ and Younis rejecting claims of ‘groupism’. These have almost become buzzwords for a side struggling to win all tour. Instead of offering excuses and denying rumours, what Pakistan need to do is get back to the basics: bowl straight, field sharply and not throw away wickets. At the Premadasa they have to forget what has gone before and start again.On the flip side, Sri Lanka can use the two games – and later the one-off Twenty20 – as a celebration of their most successful home series against Pakistan. Kumar Sangakkara’s appointment as captain worked instant wonders for the team – they won the Tests and now three ODIs on the trot, their first home series wins over Pakistan. The last two games offer the chance to test their bench strength while aiming to avoid complacency as they chase a clean sweep and keep up the momentum ahead of New Zealand’s arrival.Form guide (last five matches, most recent first)Sri Lanka – WWWWL
Pakistan – LLLWLWatch out for…Upul Tharanga: His 96-ball 76 helped Sri Lanka get off to an outstanding start during their chase of what appeared a stiff 289 in the third game. Once dogged by indifferent shot selection and a tendency to throw it away before settling in, Tharanga displayed maturity in the last game and relied purely on timing and placement than power. With Sanath Jayasuriya’s impending retirement Sri Lanka need solidity at the top and this series may prove a welcome return for Tharanga.Kamran Akmal: He’s made 78 in three innings in the series so far, and if his performance does not improve you can be assured Kamran’s choir of detractors will chirp up. He did splendidly with bat and glove during Pakistan’s victorious ICC World Twenty20 campaign and now, with the series lost, Kamran could do with a big innings under his belt.Team newsReports from Colombo say that Umar Gul and Abdul Razzaq will take no further part in the series. Gul is suffering from an ankle injury and Razzaq is down with a calf injury. If they are indeed missing then Pakistan have no option but to recall Yousuf and hand Rao Iftikhar Anjum a game. As for the opening conundrum, Imran Nazir should get a run in the XI. After identical dismissals in consecutive games, steering catches to the slip cordon, Nasir Jamshed has to go.Pakistan: (likely) 1 Kamran Akmal (wk), 2 Imran Nazir, 3 Younis Khan (capt), 4 Mohammad Yousuf, 5 Shoaib Malik, 6 Umar Akmal, 7 Shahid Afridi, 8 Fawad Alam, 9 Naved-ul-Hasan, 10 Mohammad Aamer, 11 Rao Iftikhar Anjum.With the series won, Sri Lanka have the luxury of resting a few players if they choose to. Muttiah Muralitharan may make way for Ajantha Mendis or Malinga Bandara.Sri Lanka: (likely) 1 Upul Tharanga, 2 Mahela Jayawardene, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (capt/wk), 4 Thilan Samaraweera, 5 Chamara Kapugedera, 6 Thilina Kandamby, 7 Angelo Mathews, 8 Thilan Thushara, 9 Nuwan Kulasekara, 10 Dilhara Fernando, 11 Muttiah Muralitharan/Ajantha Mendis.Weather and conditionsThe weather in Colombo at the moment is fairly wet and overcast with only periods of sunshine. Scattered thunderstorms are predicted for Friday and Sri Lanka’s chances of victory are greater in a low-scoring contest – their batsmen are more adept at nudging difficult runs and the conditions could aid their fast bowlers. Friday’s match is the first day-night affair of the series and the side winning the toss should opt to bat and post a competitive total, hoping their bowlers will have use the conditions under floodlights to put the opposition under pressure.Quotes”We are to blame for this situation because we just didn’t play well.”

Despite managing to secure their first win of the season on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Leeds United, Southampton have still only managed to score six goals in their opening eight league games of the campaign.

With this in mind, it seems as though the club have their eyes on fixing their goalscoring issue with a potential transfer move on the cards for the Saints.

What’s the latest?

It has recently been reported by Sport Mediaset (via Sport Witness) that Southampton are interested in signing KRC Genk striker Paul Onuachu.

The striker joined Genk back in the 2019 summer transfer window from FC Midtjylland.

Previous reports suggest there could be a fierce battle for the forward with Arsenal and Inter Milan also eyeing a move.

Ings replacement?

Since then, the 27-year-old, who is currently valued at £19.8m according to Transfermarkt, has made a total of 83 appearances for the Belgian club, prior to their league match against Sporting Charleroi, in which he has managed to bag an impressive 56 goals and provide seven assists in the process.

That has earned Onuachu the title of “goal king” by John Fashanu, a review that explains why Southampton are attracted to the player.

On the international stage, Onuachu has also managed to score three goals in 15 appearances for Nigerian

So far this season, prior to Genk’s match against Charleroi, Onuachu has managed to score nine goals in nine league games, ultimately earning him an overall match rating of 7.44/10, making him Genk’s highest-rated player according to WhoScored.

Taking into account how the Saints sold striker Danny Ings to fellow Premier League club Aston Villa during the recent summer transfer window after he scored 46 goals for Hasenhuttl’s side in 100 appearances, perhaps signing someone with Onuachu’s goalscoring prowess could be just what Southampton need as a suitable replacement for the Englishman.

In our view, Southampton should definitely try their hardest to sign Onuachu and get him to St. Mary’s either in the upcoming January transfer window or the next summer window. The winter window would be preferable if they can so he can see if he can bring his goalscoring form to the club to keep them away from the relegation zone which would undoubtedly make him a club hero and a great piece of January business.

In other news: Forget Broja: £60k-p/w Southampton beast who made 6 key passes stole the show vs Leeds – opinion

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) are now eyeing a move to make Diego Simeone the next manager of Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Bruce exit confirmed

The St. James’ Park faithful have confirmed in an official statement on Wednesday morning that Steve Bruce has left the club by ‘mutual consent’.

Graeme Jones has now stepped in on an interim basis, and will take charge of the team when they play Crystal Palace away from home in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Following this news, an exciting name has now emerged in the manager hunt.

The Latest: Simeone eyed

As per Spanish outlet AS, Simeone is now being eyed as the potential replacement for Bruce, and Atletico Madrid sporting director Andrea Berta could well follow him to the North East.

The new owners were looking at bringing both me in at the start of 2020, when the initial rumours of the takeover on Tyneside were heating up, and as the deal is now officially completed, PIF are now hoping to re-test the possibility of bringing them both in, and emulating the Atletico model.

The Verdict: Unrealistic

Simeone leaving his beloved Atletico to move to the Magpies just seems too unrealistic at this particular moment in time, given that the Toon still find themselves in a relegation battle.

Widely recognised as one of the elite managers in world football, he has won a total of nine trophies as a manager, including being voted the World’s Best Coach in 2016, and winning the La Liga title ahead of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid last season (Transfermarkt) – Atletico star Rodrigo De Paul claims it is ‘incredible’ to be coached by his compatriot.

Before Liverpool beat Los Rojiblancos 3-2 on Tuesday night, Jurgen Klopp told the media just how much he loved and respected Simeone, claiming that he is ‘doing absolutely everything right’ at Atletico.

Simeone could be a future manager at NUFC, but for now they need to hire someone who would be up for a relegation fight first of all, perhaps with a view to bring the maverick superstar in down the line.

In other news, find out which representatives of this ‘phenomenal’ target were at St. James’ Park here!

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has dropped an exciting claim about Leeds United starlet Cody Drameh amid his performance against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

What’s the story?

Despite Marcelo Bielsa choosing a relatively strong starting line-up for the trip to the Emirates, the Leeds boss did hand a rare opportunity to one of his club’s brightest young prospects, Drameh.

And, during a discussion with fans for The Athletic, Hay delivered his take on the young right-back.

He said: “The point about Drameh was that he could be a natural successor to Ayling, who still has time left but is clearly not in his first flush of youth. Drameh is well thought of and I do feel like he’s got a serious chance here if he’s patient.”

Part of Leeds United’s future

While naturally much of the excitement of Leeds United fans will be surrounding Joe Gelhardt – especially after his superb match-saving cameo against Wolves at the weekend – Drameh is another from the U23s group who could really make a name for himself at Elland Road.

At just 19, the teenager has got plenty of time to grow and develop, and while first-team minutes may be more of a premium now that the Whites find themselves out of one of the cup competitions, he’s got all the makings of being a top star for the future.

As Hay hinted at, Drameh could be the perfect natural successor to Luke Ayling at right-back, with the latter now having turned 30 back in the summer.

Eredivisie scout Xander Wilkinson was quick to rave about his potential and how good he is already, saying: “Defensively so impressive! His mind works quicker than most right-backs I’ve seen in a naturally defensive mindset. Tactically very aware of what is being asked of him, times his engagements well, needs to add a little more unpredictability going forward.”

Whether it’s over the course of this season, or the following one, Leeds fans will be hoping to see a lot more of Drameh, and that is sure to excite them.

Meanwhile, this Leeds star was shocking vs Arsenal…

Brett Lee has set his sights on regaining his Test spot and becoming the first Australian bowler to take 400 wickets in both major forms of the game

Cricinfo staff04-Oct-2009Brett Lee has set his sights on regaining his Test spot and becoming the first Australian bowler to take 400 wickets in both major forms of the game. In his last ten ODIs, Lee has taken 16 wickets to move to 321 overall and he felt the form was good enough to merit a recall to the Test side.Lee was forced to sit out all five Ashes Tests with a side strain but made a comeback on the one-day leg of the England tour, saving his best performance of 5 for 49 in the series-winning match. When Lee takes the field on Monday for the ICC Champions Trophy final it will be his 11th ODI in a month and he felt it was the way forward in accomplishing his goals.”I’d like to be the first Australian ever to take 400 one-day and 400 Test wickets, that to me is a milestone that 10 or 12 years ago I would never even have dreamed about,” he told . “To think that one day you might be a chance – might, I say – because it’s going to take a lot more hard work … it is certainly not off the limits if I play a couple of years of good cricket.”After the performances of Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus during the Ashes, along with the presence of Mitchell Johnson, Lee is facing a challenge to resume his Test career but it is one he relishes. Stuck on 310 Test wickets having missed Australia’s last nine games, Lee said he wanted the ball back. “I see this next little time frame playing as much as I can in order to build up myself and get ready for that first Test,” he said. “I certainly don’t think the door [on a Test recall] is shut.”I think I have got a lot to offer Australian cricket as far as Test bowling goes. I will be definitely be putting both feet forward for that first Test in Brisbane. The passion is still there.”Lee missed the 2007 World Cup through injury, and the next edition is in less than two years. He was firm about not setting a retirement date. “The way I’m feeling now, I’m only 32 years of age and I don’t feel like I’m wearing down. I’m hoping my pace will speak for itself. I train hard, I’m doing everything I can. It might all end tomorrow but I still want to play for a few years yet.”