Cost of sacking Ruben Amorim revealed as Man Utd's coaching spend surpasses Virgil van Dijk fee

With Ruben Amorim under increasing pressure at Manchester United, the amount that it would cost INEOS to sack their manager has now been revealed.

Latest on Ruben Amorim's Man Utd future

Victory over Chelsea seemed like a glimmer of hope for many, but the reality is that it just papered over the cracks for Amorim in what has been an historically disastrous tenure. A win over Brentford would have handed the former Sporting Club boss back-to-back wins in the Premier League for the first time in his 11-month spell and it just about sums things up that the Red Devils came away defeated in West London.

Now, it’s all eyes on Old Trafford and Sunderland’s visit. Lose and that may be that for Amorim, who is still refusing to alter the system which has picked up just nine Premier League wins in 33 games.

With pressure increasing, questions have naturally arrived about who could replace Amorim at Old Trafford, with those questions leading to the likes of Gareth Southgate and Oliver Glasner.

Southgate has been out of a job since leaving his England post and has been mentioned among reports as a candidate to replace Amorim if the manager loses his job at Man United.

That said, he’s not the only one on the list. Reports have also mentioned Crystal Palace manager Glasner, who has taken the Eagles into European football and to a stunning 19-game unbeaten run. If the Red Devils want someone who can transform a side in the Premier League, then he is their man.

Just how much it would cost to take the Austrian out of his role at Palace immediately is another question entirely, however, and it would already cost INEOS more than enough to sack Amorim.

How much it would cost Man Utd to sack Amorim

INEOS didn’t just go all in on their manager when it came to summer signings, they also backed the Portuguese coach from the off when negotiating his contract. Now, after a disastrous spell, it would reportedly cost Man Utd £12m to sack Amorim in what should be seen as a nightmare ending for Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

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It also continues a shocking trend for Man United, who would take their termination costs to as high as £81.8m since Sir Alex Ferguson by relieving Amorim of his duties. For context of how incredibly poor that record is, Liverpool paid £75m to sign Virgil van Dijk in 2018, who has since won every trophy on offer at Anfield and been a part of several thrashings over the Red Devils.

Man Utd manager costs

Price

Ferguson’s coaching team

£2.4m

David Moyes

£5.2m

Louis van Gaal

£8.4m

Jose Mourinho

£19.6m

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

£9.1m

Ralf Rangnick

£14.7m

Erik ten Hag

£10.4m

Ruben Amorim*

£12m

Total* if Amorim sacked

£81.8m

When INEOS first hired Amorim, it was their first big call and one that many backed. He was a young, impressive candidate. Now, 11 months on, their first decision is one that looks destined to end in expensive failure.

Australia's batting issues: questions surround Khawaja, Labuschagne, Konstas and Green

Do Australia’s selectors stick to the tried-and-tested players or make some changes ahead of the three Tests in the Caribbean as the Ashes looms on the horizon?

Andrew McGlashan16-Jun-2025

Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne are under the microscope•ICC/Getty Images

Can Khawaja reach Sydney?Going by Andrew McDonald’s comments after the World Test Championship final, Usman Khawaja has his ticket booked for the Ashes. Overall, his numbers from the last two years are very respectable at a time when opening the batting his tough: 1428 runs at 39.66. Among openers, only India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal made more in this WTC cycle.Related

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Introspection beckons as Australia leave Lord's less clear of a path forward

But dig a bit deeper and there is a concerning trend. After an outstanding 2023 Ashes where Khawaja’s average touched 50, there has been a decline. He averaged 22.00 against New Zealand last year and 20.44 against India. There is no shame to being troubled by Jasprit Bumrah – who isn’t? – but there is evidence to suggest it’s not just a Bumrah problem. His twin dismissals to Kagiso Rabada continued that trend, especially from around the wicket where, since the start of 2024, he averages 17.33 compared to 44.40 from over. In the last eight Tests in all conditions, he has averaged just 18.72 against pace bowling at a strike-rate of 45.83. The next worst Australian batter in that period (with a minimum of 12 innings) is Marnus Labuschagne with 22.90.There is, of course, an exception to this lean run – the double century in Sri Lanka where he dominated against spin. That brings us to another part of the debate. McDonald himself said that certain conditions don’t link directly to the Ashes and that may apply in the West Indies. If, and there remains uncertainty over this, the surfaces are slower and lower, perhaps offering some turn, and Khawaja makes runs, they will be important and worthy. But how relevant? On the flip side, if there’s some life for the quicks – in Shamar Joseph, Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales, West Indies have a good pace attack – and Khawaja struggles, where does that leave him?

Australia have been here before quite recently with the latter stages of David Warner’s career. Ahead of the 2023 WTC final, Warner announced his preferred retirement path to a Sydney farewell against Pakistan. It ended up playing out that way, but it later emerged there was a point-of-no-return in the Lord’s Test against England where the selectors may have pulled the rip cord had Warner not contributed. As it was, he was the second-leading run-scorer in his final series. The selectors are backing Khawaja to do something similar.Is Konstas the answer to the “musical chairs”?At the other end of the career spectrum to Khawaja is Sam Konstas. Few 19-year-olds with an average of 34.89 from 17 first-class matches and two centuries have commanded as much interest, but that’s what happens when you take down Bumrah on debut. Anyone capable of doing that in front of a packed MCG clearly has talent and is not easily overawed, but suggestions he might be the silver bullet to Australia’s opening merry-go-down may be jumping the gun.There is a feeling Konstas has settled since the hectic period after that debut where he struggled to find a batting tempo, but everyone is still operating off a limited sample size. It would be bizarre if he now didn’t get a chance in the West Indies, and while he may well live up to the hype and provide clarity, there is every chance it is not a seamless road ahead. Then it will be a test of nerve for all involved. With McDonald suggesting that, depending on conditions, Sheffield Shield form could be more relevant than what happens in the West Indies, it may not be until later in the year that this story has a conclusion.Marnus Labuschagne’s run of low scores in Tests continued•Getty Images

Could Labuschagne get lucky… again?When Labuschagne was churning out runs a few years ago, he was often referred to as a “lucky” batter, largely in relation to being given chances that he was able to take advantage of. Now it feels like Labuschagne, who has been ever present since coming in as Smith’s concussion sub at Lord’s in 2019, is on borrowed time. However, in a twist of fate, could another Smith injury give him one final chance to extend his immediate career?Smith’s damaged finger may not rule him out of the entire West Indies tour, but the time-frame is very tight for the opening Test in Barbados. There is still every chance the selectors decide now’s the time to move Labuschagne aside (at least temporarily) but if they are missing 10,000 Test runs they need to fill that gap. Labuschagne does not look like a batter on the brink of ending a rut, but it wouldn’t be the first sliding-doors moment for him.Is there a spot for Inglis?Josh Inglis has barely put a foot wrong for Australia in recent times. He made a century on Test debut against Sri Lanka, playing as a specialist batter, and produced a thrilling 120 off 86 balls against England in the Champions Trophy. Like a lot of Australia’s options somewhere in the middle order is his ideal spot – which is why they are in their current predicament – but as a naturally positive player, he may be worth considering as an option for No. 3 if there is a desire to bring a higher tempo. He has the game to take on fast bowling and is excellent against spin. For the Barbados Test, he could come in for the injured Smith at No. 4, or one spot lower if Travis Head shifts up as a senior player.What is Green’s best position? It was a difficult return to Test cricket for Cameron Green at the WTC final, but things would have to go horribly wrong for him to not be a key figure in the future of the line-up. He faced just five balls, all against the outstanding Rabada, falling to a superb delivery in the first innings and then edging to slip again in the second with hard hands.There is, however, a debate about where ideally Green, who for now is a batter-only, would be best placed in the order even if he’s often put into the can-bat-anywhere category. If Smith misses the first Test, he could slip down to No. 4 but would need to move again when he returns. Unless the selectors decide they don’t need Beau Webster’s bowling – and it would be tough to omit him after he made Australia’s top score in the WTC final – there probably isn’t another slot for now than No. 3.

No Foden or Palmer: AI predicts Tuchel's England squad for 2026 World Cup

It feels like an absolute age since Thomas Tuchel was first announced as the England manager.

Truth be told, it is an age. On October 16th 2024, a year ago now, he was unveiled in front of the press.

England manager Thomas Tuchel watches on.

This has been something entirely different for the German. He’s never managed at international level and since he began the job, he has still only managed eight games. It really is a struggle to gather any momentum or know truly what his Three Lions are capable of until the World Cup kicks off next summer.

Things started off pretty slowly in all honesty. Tuchel’s England laboured to a 2-0 win over Albania in his first game before beating Latvia 3-0.

His second international break at the beginning of the summer was even worse. They secured just a 1-0 victory over Andorra and then lost 3-1 to Senegal.

Fortunately, things have got better since then, putting five past Serbia in September and demolishing Wales 3-0 inside 20 minutes in October’s break.

Regardless of those results, England were always going to be one of the favourites in America next summer. But, the age-old question, who will be on the plane?

We asked AI to put together what they think Tuchel’s 26-man squad will look like and here was the outcome…

1 The goalkeepers

There are no prizes for guessing who AI reckons will be Tuchel’s no.1 next summer. That honour goes to Jordan Pickford who has cemented himself as one of his country’s finest goalkeepers in recent years.

The Everton man has been to every major tournament (4) since the World Cup in 2018 and according to AI, will be joined by Newcastle duo Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope. Ramsdale hasn’t appeared in any of Tuchel’s squad lists yet so will need to find a way to play some football before the tournament kicks off next summer.

At the moment, he is behind Pope in the pecking order but there’s no doubting that he’s a fine ‘keeper, someone who was seen as the future no.1 when at Arsenal.

Full list of goalkeepers: Pickford, Ramsdale & Pope.

2 The defenders

AI anticipates that Tuchel will take four out-and-out centre-backs to the USA next year with John Stones set to partner Marc Guehi at the back, just as they did during Euro 2024.

While denied his move to Liverpool during the summer, Guehi has begun the season in fine form at Crystal Palace and really does look like England’s standout defender.

AI also thinks that AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori could be on the plane, set to earn his first minutes for his country since 2023. Note there is no place for Dan Burn who has been a regular in Tuchel’s first few England camps.

Levi Colwill is currently out with an ACL problem but is expected to be back for the latter stages of the season, potentially giving him the opportunity to make the squad.

At full-back, England are blessed with options. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tino Livramento and Reece James have been picked on the right-hand side. James offers strong versatility and could be fielded at centre-back if required.

At left-back, there are places on the plane for Manchester City’s Rico Lewis and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly. The England boss recently hinted that Lewis-Skelly would need to start playing more to earn his place in America.

Full list of defenders: Guehi, Stones, Tomori, Colwill, Alexander-Arnold, Livramento, James, Lewis-Skelly, Lewis.

3 The midfielders

To the joy of most supporters around the country, AI thinks that Jordan Henderson will miss out on this occasion. The Brentford midfielder has been recalled to the fray under Tuchel but despite his experience and leadership, could actually miss out.

There is also no place for Elliot Anderson who has impressed so much since earning his first England caps during the September international break. Perhaps he is going to pay the price for Nottingham Forest’s poor run of form.

Regulars such as Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze are included while there is a place for Jude Bellingham who was left out of the camp in October, allegedly due to fitness concerns and a lack of minutes for Real Madrid.

They are joined by some wildcard options in the form of Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher, Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton who gets in ahead of Anderson to fill the no.6 spot.

Kobbie Mainoo also makes the cut. Has Ruben Amorim been sacked? It’s likely if the youngster is playing enough minutes to be in the reckoning. The last name is arguably the biggest surprise of the lot with Everton’s James Garner on the plane. To his credit, he has started the season well under David Moyes, registering a goal and an assist in his first seven outings.

Full list of midfielders: Rice, Bellingham, Gallagher, Mainoo, Eze, Wharton, Jones, Garner.

4 The forwards

To the surprise of nobody, Harry Kane is the first name on the squad list. The England skipper is one of the best in the world after taking his game to a new level in 2025/26, putting his name firmly in the conversation to win the Ballon d’Or. Why? Well, in his first ten games of the ongoing campaign, he had scored a mind-boggling 18 goals.

Kane’s tournament record

Tournament

Games

Goals

Euro 2016

4

0

World Cup 2018

6

6

Euro 2020

7

4

World Cup 2022

5

2

Euro 2024

7

3

Joining him will be Ollie Watkins, who netted against the Welsh in October and Marcus Rashford who has rediscovered himself at Barcelona this season.

Further options include Bukayo Saka, Jarrod Bowen and Anthony Gordon.

Remarkably, there is no place for Chelsea star Cole Palmer. Currently injured at the moment, will he still be feeling the effects of that come next summer? There’s no room for Man City superstar Phil Foden either.

Full list of forwards: Kane, Watkins, Rashford, Saka, Gordon, Bowen.

Qual foi o último título do Botafogo?

MatériaMais Notícias

O sonho de desbravar fronteiras move o  Botafogo neste Campeonato Brasileiro. A equipe junta forças para retomar a rota pela esperada conquista nacional.

Antes 2.88, a odd turbinada para o Botafogo vencer o Corinthians está em 3.00! Triplique sua banca com o Fogão!

O Alvinegro viu sua conquista nacional mais recente acontecer em outra divisão. Na temporada de 2021, a abnegada equipe comandada por Enderson Moreira foi campeã da Série B.

+ Gatito pode ser lançado como titular do Botafogo em uma partida do Brasileirão depois de um longo tempo

A equipe contava com o ágil Chay, além do capitão Carli e de nomes como Marco Antônio, Rafael Navarro e Diego Gonçalves. O Glorioso garantiu sua volta à elite do Brasileirão com uma vitória por 2 a 1, graças aos gols de Pedro Castro e Navarro. O título veio com o 1 a 0 sobre o Brasil de Pelotas, no Bento Freitas, em gol de Diego Gonçalves.

O mais recente título na elite do futebol brasileiro aconteceu no ano de 1995. Sob o comando de Paulo Autuori, a equipe capitaneada pelo artilheiro Túlio e por Donizete e com astros como o goleiro Wagner, o zagueiro Wilson Gottardo e o meia Sérgio Manoel foi campeã sobre o Santos. No jogo de ida, no Maracanã, Gottardo e Túlio marcaram para os botafoguenses, enquanto Giovanni fez o gol santista. No Pacaembu, Túlio deixou o Glorioso na frente. Marcelo Passos igualou o marcador e o empate em 1 a 1 definiu a conquista do Brasileirão.

O mais recente título estadual do Botafogo aconteceu em 2018. Após perder por 3 a 2 para o Vasco no jogo de ida da final do Campeonato Carioca, a celebração veio em jogo dramático no Maracanã. Joel Carli garantiu a vitória por 1 a 0 nos últimos minutos e forçou a disputa de pênaltis. Gatito Fernández brilhou ao fazer duas defesas e definir a vitória por 4 a 2 na marca de cal.

O mais recente título continental do Botafogo ocorreu em 1993. A Copa Conmebol tinha formato semelhante ao da Copa Sul-Americana (e é vista como precursora do torneio). O Glorioso despachou Bragantino, Caracas e Atlético-MG até chegar à final. No jogo de ida, a equipe empatou em 1 a 1 com o Peñarol, do Uruguai. Na decisão, no Maracanã, Bengoechea abriu o placar para a equipe uruguaia. Eliel e Sinval viraram a partida e Otero empatou. Nos pênaltis, os botafoguenses comandados por Carlos Alberto Torres venceram por 3 a 1 e deram a volta olímpica no Maraca.

Em competições regionais, o Botafogo foi campeão mais recentemente na edição de 1998. No Torneio Rio-São Paulo (que teve sua última edição em 2002), a equipe comandada por Gilson Nunes levou a melhor sobre o São Paulo. No Morumbi, Zé Carlos, Sérgio Manoel e Jorge Luís fizeram os gols alvinegros, enquanto Dodô e França diminuíram. O título foi confirmado com um empate em 2 a 2. Jefferson pôs o Glorioso na frente, Adriano e Dodô viraram a partida, mas Zé Carlos deu números finais ao jogo.

رجل مباراة مانشستر سيتي وبوروسيا دورتموند في دوري أبطال أوروبا

أعلن الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم “يويفا” عن الفائز بجائزة رجل مباراة مانشستر سيتي وبوروسيا دورتموند في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

واستقبل ملعب “الاتحاد” مباراة الفريقين، حيث حل بوروسيا دورتموند ضيفًا على مانشستر سيتي في إطار مباريات الجولة الرابعة لمرحلة الدوري ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وتمكن مانشستر سيتي من تحقيق الفوز أمام نظيره بوروسيا دورتموند بأربعة أهداف مقابل هدف خلال المواجهة التي جمعت الفريقين مساء الأربعاء.

وحصل فيل فودين على جائزة رجل مباراة مانشستر سيتي وبوروسيا دورتموند، بعد الأداء الذي قدمه خلال المواجهة.

وسجل فودين هدفين لصالح مانشستر سيتي في شباك بوروسيا دورتموند، مساهمًا في فوز فريقه برباعية لهدف.

ورفع مانشستر سيتي رصيده إلى 10 نقاط في ترتيب دوري أبطال أوروبا، وتجمد رصيد دورتموند عند 7 نقاط.

What ENIC's £100m cash injection will actually be used for at Tottenham

The Lewis family are attempting to usher in a new era post-Daniel Levy, with Tottenham’s owners confirming a £100 million cash injection into the club via ENIC this week.

Tottenham gifted £100m boost after Lewis family decision

Spurs announced the nine-figure windfall on Thursday morning, and it comes as yet another statement of intent from the Lewis family after forcing Levy’s resignation last month.

Since the long-serving former chair’s departure, the Lilywhites have officially rejected three expressions of takeover interest as well — snubbing Amanda Staveley’s PCP International Finance Limited and a consortium led by Dr Roger Kennedy and Wing-Fai Ng through Firehawk Holdings Limited last month.

They also rejected an approach from American tech entrepreneur and ex-DJ Brooklyn Earick, who has since confirmed that he won’t be making a formal offer for Tottenham’s majority shares via the London Stock Exchange (BBC).

The North Londoners are currently one of world football’s highest revenue generating clubs, and the aforementioned parties undoubtedly saw an opportunity to get involved in a growing project.

World Football’s highest revenue-generating clubs — 2025

Value

Real Madrid

£1.2 billion

Man City

£727 million

PSG

£700 million

Man United

£668 million

Bayern Munich

£664 million

FC Barcelona

£659.5 million

Arsenal

£621.5 million

Liverpool

£620 million

Tottenham Hotspur

£533 million

Chelsea

£474 million

However, the Lewis family have been crystal clear — Tottenham are not for sale, and they’re there to stay.

With CEO Vinai Venkatesham now taking a more prominent role in the day-to-day running of Spurs, the ex-Arsenal chief, technical director Johan Lange and manager Thomas Frank are currently formalising what they’ll need to drive success on the pitch moving forward.

According to reliable journalist Alasdair Gold, their decision to pump £100 million of new capital into the club is just the start of their financial backing, and more money is set to be made available in the near future.

One source close to the Lewis family has also dropped an exciting five-word message after their £100 million investment, stating “this is initial additional funding” — which is a clear signal that Spurs’ majority owners will continue to provide funds after this.

What ENIC's cash injection will actually be used for at Tottenham

Now, a report by Football Insider has shared what this first portion of finances will be used for at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

According to their information, Spurs are set to utilise this £100m bankroll to cover “day-to-day operations” at N17 without the need to borrow further.

Non-executive chairman Peter Charrington, who stepped into his role immediately after Levy’s resignation, and Venkatesham will decide which areas the money will be spent on strengthening.

The prospect of this money being reinvested into transfers and wages is possible, with Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol previously reporting the Lewis family’s plan to inject new capital as far back as last month.

Thus far, ENIC and the Lewis family are making good on their promises right after waving goodbye to Levy, and the club’s first transfer window beyond his exit will be a very intriguing one.

It is believed that Tottenham want a new winger and centre-back in January, with funds now made available to potentially attack the market.

نسخة طبق الأصل.. فودين يسجل هدف مانشستر سيتي الثالث أمام بوروسيا دورتموند

عزز فريق مانشستر سيتي الإنجليزي تقدمه بهدف ثالث في المباراة أمام بوروسيا دورتموند، ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا موسم 2025-2026.

ويحل فريق بوروسيا دورتموند ضيفًا على مانشستر سيتي ضمن مباريات الجولة الرابعة لمرحلة الدوري لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وأحرز فيل فودين ثاني أهدافه خلال المباراة، والهدف الثالث لصالح مانشستر سيتي وقد جاء في الدقيقة 57.

الهدف جاء، نسخة طبق الأصل تقريبًا من هدفه الأول، حيث مرر ريندرز الكرة لفودين، ليسدد الإنجليزي تسديدة رائعة لتستقر في القائم البعيد، وعاد الحكم لتقنية الفار وأكد صحة الهدف.

وكان مانشستر سيتي قد تقدم بهدف أول لفودين في الدقيقة 22، قبل أن يضيف النرويجي إيرلينج هالاند الهدف الثاني للفريق الإنجليزي في الدقيقة 29.

Rafael Ramos perde prestígio com Luxemburgo e vê cria da base 'roubar' vaga na lateral do Corinthians

MatériaMais Notícias

Nem mesmo a lesão de Fagner após a semifinal da Copa do Brasil fez Rafael Ramos retomar prestígio com Vanderlei Luxemburgo. O treinador vem utilizando Bruno Méndez como primeira opção na lateral-direita do Corinthians, e Léo Maná virou o reserva imediato no setor. O garoto foi titular na ala-direita durante a derrota diante do Fortaleza.

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+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

Rafael Ramos não foi relacionado pelo quinto jogo consecutivo na temporada, aparecendo pela última vez no banco de reservas no empate com o Cruzeiro, em 19 de agosto. A última vez que ele entrou em campo foi há dois meses atrás, na classificação diante do Universitario-PER, pela Sul-Americana.

Mesmo com diversos desfalques, Luxemburgo preferiu viajar para Fortaleza com duas opções a menos no banco de reservas, deixando o lateral português fora dos relacionados. O treinador explicou que Rafael Ramos já teve suas chances no Corinthians, e Léo Mana está merecendo mais as convocações para os jogos da equipe.

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– Rafael Ramos está no elenco. Ele teve chance, não teve? Ou não teve? Se ele não vem para cá, aconteceu alguma coisa que o Léo Maná mereceu jogar. Ele teve oportunidade? Se eu não trouxe, é porque alguém passou e mereceu. Na sua empresa, se você for fazer um trabalho e não fizer bem feito, alguém vai fazer no seu lugar. Não tem sacanagem, é o cara mostrar ou não mostrar – explicou Luxemburgo após a derrota contra o Fortaleza.

+ Já pensou em ser um gestor de futebol? Participe da nossa Masterclass com Felipe Ximenes e descubra oportunidades

Rafael Ramos foi contratado pelo Corinthians no primeiro semestre da temporada passada com o intuito de ser reserva imediato de Fagner. Desde que chegou ao CT Joaquim Grava, conviveu com lesões e não teve atuações convincentes. Seu contrato com o Timão vai até junho de 2024.

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Com a iminência do retorno de Fagner ao time titular, o lateral português seguirá encostado sob o comando de Luxemburgo. Em 2023, o defensor de 28 anos disputou sete jogos, sem gols ou assistências na temporada.

How Ben Stokes got his bowling mojo back

From an obsession with fitness to fixing bad habits, Stokes’ return to form with the ball is a boon for England

Vithushan Ehantharajah30-Jun-20252:38

Is Stokes’ bowling workload a worry?

In the lead-up to the first Test against India at Headingley, several adjectives were doing the rounds around the England camp. “Freak” and “beast” were among them, with the odd curse word thrown ahead of them for dramatic effect.It is rare that anything in an England training session elicits such a strong reaction. But two days out from the curtain raiser of this five-match series, Ben Stokes had bowled an 11-over spell.That volume of bowling so close to a Test match is unheard of, just two balls shy of the amount he had bowled against Zimbabwe a month earlier. Those sessions are generally about tapering into the grind of five days. Not for, say, going full tilt, at consistent pace and widening the eyes of those watching on.Related

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Archer return deferred as England name unchanged team for second Test

Bazball essentials: England tick two out of three boxes

Stokes has always set the standard in training. Since the start of the year, following an operation on his second right hamstring tear in six months, he has also set himself new standards. Having put in the work behind the scenes, this was about getting overs back into his legs ahead of his second competitive match of 2025.The fruits of that intense labour were clear for all to see in Leeds. Stokes bowled 20 overs in the first innings, taking 4 for 66 across three spells of six, seven and seven. The 15 in the second innings – 1 for 47 – was split five, six and four.Throughout it all, he was England’s most threatening bowler. Across both sets of quicks, he produced the most swing, averaging 1.453 degrees, ahead of Chris Woakes (1.118), Brydon Carse (1.074), Mohammed Siraj (0.899), Jasprit Bumrah (0.895) and the rest. The average speed clocked in at 83.9mph, with a high of 88.9mph. All without even a hint of discomfort.”He was incredible,” said Chris Woakes, who managed just one wicket in 43 overs last week. “Without him having played a load of cricket leading into the Test match, for him to come in and do what he did and hit his straps at good pace… I thought he was amazing.””On a good pitch, he looked threatening every time he came on – with newer ball or older.”I think what you saw last week was he was incredibly consistent with what he was trying to do. His relentlessness and his energy on the ball was as good as I’ve seen for a long time. So that’s a good sign for us and for him.”Ben Stokes gets stuck into England training at Edgbaston•PA Photos/Getty Images

It was instructive that Woakes, as the leader of the attack, lauded the way Stokes took charge. “We all know what Stokes is capable of, but it’s great to have your leader being able to grab the ball like that and showing you the way sometimes.”This bowling iteration of Stokes has not been around for some time. Indeed, the man himself has sought reminders as to just how effective he was, and could be again.On the eve of the first Test, Stokes revealed he uses the 2020 Cape Town Test as a visual guide to the rhythm he wants to feel again. A late, three-wicket spell on the final day blew away South Africa’s tail to take England to victory. Stokes was flying off the back of a legend-making 2019, at the peak of his powers. That Test he averaged 86.4mph with the ball, with a few deliveries clocking in just over 91mph.None of that has been taken for granted, and the man himself sees no reason why he could not return to those heights. That he has opted out of The Hundred this season is a concession that, aged 34, he will have to park other forms of the game if he is to eke out what is left of himself as a top-tier Test quick.There is an alternate universe where Stokes was not pushed down the all-trades path and became a premier seam-and-swing bowler. Throughout his Durham Academy years, he was often the quickest in a cohort that included Mark Wood. There have even been a few Tests, such as 2017 at Lord’s against South Africa, when Stokes was the quicker of the two.Barring a useful growth spurt gave him that “hard-length trajectory”, Stokes’ craft has been honed through his own graft and experimentation, which has not dimmed.He picks up things quickly, such as the wobble seam that James Anderson taught him last year, even if he does not feel comfortable bringing it out just yet as it still feels weird in the hand. During the previous Test, he served up a couple of dipping slower balls to Rishabh Pant that he had workshopped in advance. The left-hander seemed suitably impressed, particularly with the first, which caught him by surprise, even if he did negotiate them well.A combination of England’s backroom staff have assisted his rebuilding effort: assistant coach Paul Collingwood and lead bowling coach Neil Killeen more involved with the skills, with Pete Sim (physical preperation coach) and Ben Davies (men’s physiotherapist) monitoring the physical side of things. But most of the grind has been lonesome, with Chester-le-Street as his usual base.Allowing that work to be both intense and regular has been the knee surgery Stokes underwent in November 2023. In turn, bad habits have been unpicked.Having played through the pain (unwisely at times), he developed two issues. One was that he could not really work on skills or new tricks because of the need to recover from match to match. The other was developing unwanted kinks due to having to overcompensate for the knee which, while putting strain on other parts of his body, also saw him lose a few strengths.The biggest strength he seems to have reclaimed is his braced front leg. Stokes used to take pride in it, often zooming in on side-shots of his action to show it off to the other quicks.That left leg began bending as the knee deteriorated and became ill-equipped to cope with 10-times Stokes’ bodyweight upon landing. As such, Stokes lost pace, which he tried to make up for with his run-up. Since the start of January 2022, only Kagiso Rabada (113) has bowled more front-foot no-balls than Stokes (82). It’s worth noting Rabada has bowled 184.2 more overs than Stokes during this period.Even pre-existing bad habits began to fester. After spells not bowling, Stokes has a knack of curving his approach to the crease, resulting in a conflict between his upper and lower body.He runs in, moves out towards cover, before jumping in the direction of fine leg. Nothing is aligned and the wrist not quite behind the ball. It usually takes a few sessions to sort that one, but when Stokes was unable to get them in the bank, he just had to deal with it. In turn, he lost the effectiveness of his late inswinger, a vital weapon in his armoury. He ended up developing a less effective one by leaping to the left and cantering his arm to try and bend the ball back in.Ben Stokes claimed 5 for 113 at Headingley•Getty Images

All of these now seem like yesterday’s problems. For the first time in five years, Stokes has started a series on solid foundations.”I can’t remember the last time I was able to work so hard on just technical stuff of bowling in particular,” Stokes said before the series, citing the fact the last few years have been mainly spent on keeping his loads up rather than fine-tuning. “To be able to do some really, really good technical work and getting myself back to sort of where I feel like I was before I had my injuries is really good, because there was naturally quite a few changes that crept into my action.”Alongside a “new” knee and reinforced hamstring has been a hyperdrive with his conditioning. Stokes is never one to do things by halves and this is the latest focus of his addictive personality.When he got into golf, he invested in the best clubs. His gaming obsession led to a set-up to rival those of professional eSport teams. Even cutting down on his alcohol consumption led him to investing in a company that specialises in alcohol-free drinks.Now, fitness is the new obsession. Beyond the tell-tale signs of such a fad – the Whoop watch, monitoring his steps, the Instagram reels of gym sessions replete with unenthusiastic voiceovers – has been a striking streamlining of his physique, reducing the strain on joints and improving suppleness.”You can see the physical state he’s in, he’s in really good condition,” Woakes said. “The injuries that he’s had, he’s probably just doubled down on his fitness to make sure he is in the best shape possible to be able to lead this team at his best.”

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That, ultimately, is what drives Stokes. Not explicitly the desire to be the best bowler he can be, or the fittest he can be, but being the best possible leader for his team.There is plenty at stake in this critical period of his Test captaincy, with the challenge of India and Australia ticked off by next January. Stokes’ availability throughout it all is integral to England’s hopes across both challenges as an allrounder to help balance an XI and provide for a bowling attack that requires his gumption as much as his guidance.Ahead of this week at Edgbaston, it is worth recalling England’s victory over India here back in 2018. Then, Stokes was the quickest bowler in both innings, eventually finishing the match with a spell not unlike his South Africa blitz two years later, taking 3 for 15 in 4.2 overs.That is the next frontier for Stokes, the bowler, to reclaim. Headingley showed the skills and durability remain. Rediscovering the fire and fury of old will take a little longer.

قائمة منتخب البرتغال لمباراتي أيرلندا وأرمينيا في تصفيات كأس العالم.. موقف رونالدو

أعلن المدير الفني لمنتخب البرتغال، روبرتو مارتينيز، القائمة المستدعاة لخوض مباراتين في فترة التوقف الدولي الخاص بشهر نوفمبر الحالي، لعام 2025.

ويستعد منتخب البرتغال لخوض مباراتين في إطار تصفيات قارة أوروبا المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم، 2026، وذلك ضد أيرلندا وأرمينيا.

اقرأ أيضًا.. كريستيانو رونالدو يعلن سبب عدم حضوره جنازة ديوجو جوتا

ولم يتحصل منتخب البرتغال بعد على بطاقة التأهل إلى منافسات كأس العالم، الصيف المقبل، ولكنه بات قاب قوسين أو أدنى من تحقيق ذلك.

وحسبما نُشر، يتواجد النجم كريستيانو رونالدو ضمن قائمة منتخب البرتغال الخاصة بشهر نوفمبر، والتي تم الإعلان عنها مساء الجمعة. قائمة منتخب البرتغال لمباراتي أيرلندا وأرمينيا في تصفيات كأس العالم

حراسة المرمى: ديوجو كوستا (بورتو)، روي سيلفا (سبورتينج)، خوسيه سا (ولفرهامبتون).

خط الدفاع: ديوجو دالوت (مانشستر يونايتد)، نيلسون سيميدو (فناربخشة)، جواو كانسيلو (الهلال)، روبن دياز (مانشستر سيتي)، جونزالو إيناسيو (سبورتينج)، أنطونيو سيلفا (بنفيكا)، ريناتو فيجا (فياريال).

خط الوسط: جواو بالينيا (توتنهام)، روبن نيفيز (الهلال)، جواو نيفيز (باريس سان جيرمان)، ماتيوس نونيز (مانشستر سيتي)، فيتينها (باريس سان جيرمان)، برونو فيرنانديز (مانشستر يونايتد)، بوتي (سبورتينج)، برناردو سيلفا (مانشستر سيتي).

خط الهجوم: جواو فيليكس (النصر)، ترينكاو (سبورتينج)، فرانسيسكو كونسيساو (يوفنتوس)، بيدرو نيتو (تشيلسي)، رافائيل لياو (ميلان)، جونزالو راموس (باريس سان جيرمان)، كريستيانو رونالدو (النصر)، كارلوس فوربس (كلوب بروج).

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