Ex-Liverpool and Bayern Munich player Markus Babbel criticised Jobe Belligham's father's behaviour after his heated conversation at Borussia Dortmund.
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Some England stars have changed clubs, some are trying to earn a recall from Sarina Wiegman's squad and others are out to force their way into her XI
Less than six weeks after England's incredible triumph at Euro 2025, the majority of Sarina Wiegman's victorious squad will be back in action for the first time since that dramatic win over Spain this weekend, as the 2025-26 edition of the Women's Super League gets underway.
There hasn't been too much transfer activity when it comes to the 23 Lionesses who reigned supreme in Switzerland, though Grace Clinton and Jess Park have been part of one of the most stunning deals of the summer, that which sent Clinton from Manchester United to Manchester City on deadline day, with Park going the opposite way. Many of those on the fringes of Wiegman's squad have been on the move, though, and there have been other transfers that could impact some of England's biggest stars.
It all means there are plenty of Lionesses who have particularly interesting stories to follow in the 2025-26 WSL season. Here, GOAL picks out 10 narratives to follow over the next nine months…
Manchester United icon Patrice Evra has joked that Sir Alex Ferguson would "end up in jail" if he was still in management due to his "evil" antics.
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Ousmane Dembele rebuffed claims that Paris Saint-Germain are a better team without Kylian Mbappe ahead of Champions League final.
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Arsenal have confirmed that they will screen their pre-season friendly with rivals Tottenham in Hong Kong at Emirates Stadium.
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Heat ended their 11-year title drought to earn redemption with an upset victory over Sixers
Tristan Lavalette24-Jan-2024In-form opener Josh Brown provided the spark before fast bowler Spencer Johnson claimed four wickets as Brisbane Heat earned redemption with an upset victory over Sydney Sixers to capture their second BBL title.Defying a 43,153 crowd at the SCG, where Sixers had won 12 of their last 14 matches, Heat ended their 11-year title drought in dominant fashion.Heat made an imposing 166 for 8 with Brown backing up from his record century against Adelaide Strikers in the Challenger by blasting 53 off 38 balls on a tricky surface. He threatened another outrageous knock before falling in veteran spinner Steve O’Keefe’s last over of his professional career.Heat had been unable to defend 175 in last season’s epic final against Perth Scorchers, but their attack was unstoppable with Johnson finishing with 4 for 26 in the best figures recorded in a BBL final. It was sweet redemption for Heat, who all season have been spurred by the heartbreaking loss to Scorchers. They were the form team through the season and finished on top of the ladder before exacting revenge over Sixers, who had easily won the Qualifier on the Gold Coast.It was a bitter disappointment for powerhouse Sixers, who were hoping to provide O’Keefe with a fairy-tale finish. But their hot late-season form came to a screeching halt as they fell well short of winning a fourth title.After four straight victories, Sixers had entered as favourites and they surprisingly elected to bowl given their expertise at defending on the slow and low SCG surface. But batting proved difficult in overcast and humid conditions with Heat restricted to just 16 runs in the powerplay.Seamer Sean Abbott, named in Australia’s white-ball squads against West Indies, produced menacing late swing and nicked off elevated opener Jimmy Peirson in the first over.All eyes were on Brown, who became the talk of the cricket world after his extraordinary 140 off 57 balls against Adelaide Strikers in the Challenger. It was the third-highest score in BBL history marked by a record 12 sixes. But he was forced to be watchful against the seaming new ball and scored just three runs off his first 10 deliveries.Josh Brown made 53 off 38•Cricket Australia/Getty Images
It was only a matter of time before Brown went for broke and just before the powerplay ended he was fortunate when Ben Dwarshuis missed a tough chance diving forward at deep square. Brown made them pay by smashing the first ball after the powerplay for six and he combined well with close mate and skipper Nathan McSweeney, who pounced on uncharacteristically wayward Sixers bowlingBrown took a liking to Hayden Kerr’s modest pace and clubbed him for consecutive sixes before bringing up his half-century with a gorgeous cover drive. Heat moved into a strong position at 90 for 1 before the reliable Dwarshuis had McSweeney hitting to deep fine leg then O’Keefe trapped Brown lbw in a decision overturned on review.O’Keefe received a standing ovation from the Sixers’ crowd after finishing his typically miserly spell as Heat slowed down considerably after Brown’s dismissal.But they reignited with Max Bryant and Matt Renshaw clubbing 31 runs in the power surge across the 17th and 18th overs as Heat finished strongly. Heat’s momentum continued with the ball when spearhead Michael Neser had opener Daniel Hughes caught at slip in the first over.Johnson was expensive before bowling Jack Edwards off the inside edge on the last ball of the powerplay. Sixers slowed to a crawl as Johnson returned in the ninth over to dismiss opener Josh Phillipe as the home team slumped to 56 for 3.Heat remained wary with memories of last year’s final still fresh with Scorchers 54 for 3 before storming home. But Heat were not to be denied with recalled legspinner Mitchell Swepson producing a fizzing legbreak that befuddled Jordan Silk and he was superbly stumped by Peirson.Sixers’ faint hopes rested with skipper Moises Henriques, who tested positive for Covid-19 earlier in the week but played amid protocols. He had produced remarkable clutch batting just eight days ago against Scorchers in Perth, but his dismissal on the third ball of the power surge effectively ended the contest.It wasn’t long before Heat celebrated with gusto to banish the ghosts of Optus Stadium.
The veteran Chivas striker received a financial sanction for comments made on social media
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A look at all-time great batsmen who spent time on Skid Row
Dileep Premachandran07-Sep-2005
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In a sense, Matthew Hayden’s descent from overpowering run-machine to unsure mortal has mirrored Australian cricket’s decline this summer. His travails have dominated every debate about the slippery slide that the Australians have been on since Glenn McGrath turned an ankle before play commenced at Edgbaston, and when you look at the figures, it’s not hard to see why.Before the blip that has now become a deep rut, Hayden was the most intimidating batsman to have faced up to a new ball, muscling his way to 20 centuries and 15 fifties in his first 55 Tests. Since then, a fallow run that dates back to the tour of India last October, he has eked out just 842 runs at 30.07 in 16 Tests, with just five half-centuries.It wouldn’t be strictly accurate to say that he’s been in wretched form either – 20 of the 30 innings have seen him cross 20, but not once has he gone beyond 70. More worryingly for Australia, the aura has slipped, and the Big Bad Wolf who terrified the Little Red Riding Hoods with the new ball has metamorphosed into a careworn and hesitant lamb, easy prey for a relentless English pace attack.Is there a way back for Hayden? We looked at a few examples of all-time great batsmen who spent time on Skid Row. A few of them came back stronger and better, while the others found that there was no rage left to fight the dying light.
The return of the Prince
It’s hard not to feel a sense of wonder when you realise that Brian Lara averaged over 60 until his 33rd Test, despite keeping his faith in a cavalier game that always kept the bowlers interested. Unlike some of his more dour contemporaries, every Lara epic was also an aesthetic masterpiece, but by 1997, both he and West Indian cricket had lurched from near-invincibility to whipping-boy status.In a 15-Test spell that included a humiliating 5-0 whitewash at South African hands, Lara managed just 921 runs at 35.42. Like Hayden, he got starts, passing 20 in 16 of the 27 innings he played. This story, though, had a happy ending, and the renaissance was marked by a sublime 213 against Australia at Sabina Park, an effort surpassed only by the incandescent brilliance of the unbeaten 153 that he conjured up at Bridgetown a week later.The great hustler fades away
Though well into his 30s, Javed Miandad’s hunger for runs, consistency, bloody-mindedness and tactical nous had played an immense role in Pakistan’s World Cup triumph a few months earlier. His pugnacity and skill with the bat had frustrated a generation of English players, and when he started the 1992 tour with a superb unconquered 153 at Edgbaston, many an English supporter would have feared that one of the modern-day masters would exit the stage in a blaze of glory.
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It never happened. In the 11 Tests that he played subsequently prior to his retirement in 1993-94, Miandad aggregated just 578 runs at 32.11, crossing 50 only four times. He faded away, instead of burning out, despite the fact that the volatile temperament remained to the bitter end.Tubby’s Torment
When Hayden made his debut as a solid strokemaker with a limited repertoire over a decade ago, Mark Taylor was the senior opener, the man who had instigated the annexing of the Ashes in 1989 with a torrent of runs. By 1995, he was also captaining the best team in the world, a side that had finally beaten the West Indies after two decades of trying.Taylor’s personal hell began soon after, and in 13 Tests from December 1995, he scratched out only 562 runs at 25.54. If he hadn’t been such an exceptional leader, the axe would surely have severed neck muscles weakened from rueful shakes of the head after each dismissal. But like Lara’s story, this too was about redemption, and in June 1997, he chiselled out a gritty 129 as Australia saved some face in a nine-wicket loss at Edgbaston. By the time he retired 18 months later, Taylor had also equalled Sir Donald Bradman’s record score by an Australian (334), a mark that stood till Hayden blew past at Perth in 2003-04.The Colonel’s long march into the sunset
In his 16 previous Tests, Dilip Vengsarkar – nicknamed the Colonel supposedly because of the manner in which his strokeplay resembled CK Nayadu’s – had effortlessly plundered 1631 runs, and eight centuries, at a mind-boggling average of 101.94. For an 18-month stretch starting with the tour of England in 1986 – his centuries on difficult pitches at Lord’s and Headingley are compulsory viewing for those seeking guidance on how to cope with seaming conditions – Vengsarkar was among the world’s premier batsmen, equally at ease against pace and spin.He made two centuries against the mighty West Indies in 1987-88, retiring hurt after a tenacious effort at Kolkata. But in the 18 Tests that he was to play thereafter, he aggregated a dismal 612 runs, with only five half-centuries – a wan shadow of the imperious batsman who had conquered all-comers in his mid-80s pomp.The Little Master’s two-year drought
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Sunil Gavaskar’s fallow run didn’t quite reach 10 Tests, but he garnered plenty of headlines along the way, the most prominent being during the Melbourne Test of 1980-81, when his disappointment at the curtailment of a first innings of substance against a Dennis Lillee-inspired Australia nearly led to a shambolic walkout.Since making his debut in the Caribbean in 1970-71, Gavaskar had rarely known failure, piling on the runs in all conditions, against all opposition. By the start of the new decade, he had 23 centuries, but in 17 subsequent innings, he could manage only 445 runs, with the 70 at the MCG being the weightiest contribution. Cheer was restored just before Christmas 1981, when he nurdled 172 against Keith Fletcher’s Englishmen at Bangalore.Pesky primate off his back, the greatest opener of the modern era went on to finish with over 10,000 runs and 34 centuries, a tally matched only by the peerless Sachin Tendulkar.
Deb K Das reviews the performance of the USA at the Under-19 World Cup
Deb K Das21-Feb-2006Team USA’s long march to the Under-19 World Cup ended on a clear afternoon in Sri Lanka, almost six months ago to the day when its improbable journey began in Ontario.As it was, only Nepal and USA among the non-Test nations made it to the semi-finals of either of the two championships – the World Cup and the Plate – which are being played in Sri Lanka. For Nepal, this was their third appearance in the U-19 Trophy, and they became the only non-Test nation to make it into the finals of a 2006 U-19 tournament with a nail-biting semi-final Plate win over South Africa. Then they went one better – winning the Plate Championship in another sensational and nail-biting finish over New Zealand.USA can take some solace in knowing they have acquitted themselves with courage and style. In the Plate semis, New Zealand won by applying basic strategy to a USA team which was beginning to recover its bearings as the tournament progressed. In past matches, the USA had often been undone through massive scores by one or two batsmen which put the game out of reach before USA even got a chance to bat. This time, it was New Zealand’s skipper doing the honours with an unbeaten century, taking New Zealand to 290 for 7 in spite of some determined bowling by USA vice-captain Abhemanyu Rajp who restricted the rest of the NZ batting. In reply, although the USA opening pair stirred a few memories of past glory days, the rest of the batting order simply failed to live up to their past accomplishments and were dismissed in under 40 overs for one of USA’s lowest totals of the tournament.Coming after the previous day’s sensational victory over Namibia, where USA had reversed the outcome of their warm-up game in which Namibia had decisively defeated the USA, the semi-final loss was something of a bitter pill for USA to swallow. Perhaps it was asking too much of a first-time team in a World Cup to summon up the adrenalin to win two back-to-back matches against highly competitive teams which were playing with considerable verve. Namibia played as if it had something to prove, and New Zealand was out to salvage its status with its Test-playing peers. Caught in the crossfire of these aspirations, USA’s focus wavered just enough to deny them a double victory. They were, after all, newcomers to such contests of gladiatorial will.Just how far the USA U-19 team have travelled in the past year can be seen by looking back to the uncertain and murky days before the Americas U-19 Tournament in Toronto.Over a year ago, few US cricketers thought that the USA was in any position to come up with 11 youngsters who could play competitive cricket with their peers in the Americas, let alone the rest of the world. USACA had tested the waters, and decided that it was beyond its means to conduct the kind of national program which would produce competitive teams in the youth categories. In fact, in its 40 years of history, its attention had been focused on the cricket-playing immigrants who made up the bulk of its membership.What changed things in 2005 was the unexpected discovery that there were, in fact, enough young cricketers in the USA to make up a four-zone national U-19 tournament, which was inaugurated in 2005. Apparently, dedicated parents had been keeping cricket alive among their children by including them in their leagues, or sending them back “home” to play cricket with their peers – and even though though this represented a very small percentage of the kids who deserted cricket in favour of American sports like baseball and basketball, the sheer size of the USA ensured that the numbers were sufficient to produce quality teams at the U-19 level.The reactions to the discovery were rather mixed. There were those who complained that the USACA was simply ducking the issue – it was relying on this unexpected pool of homegrown talent to drive a program it had paid scant attention to. Still others wondered if these first-generation children of immigrants were being misdirected by their cricket-playing elders – whether they were being isolated from mainstream America by being forced to play cricket, when they might be better off assimilating into American social life. And there were those who considered the entire U-19 USA program a band-aid -that only a comprehensive program aimed at US schools and mainstream youth would really serve the needs of US cricket, and anything less was a futile gesture.What a difference a few months can make. There is no longer any question about the undoubted talent displayed by Team USA. It was the first US team ever to manage a clean 4-0 sweep in an ICC tournament. It was first to qualify for a World Cup tournament. Even in losing, The USA posted better performances than any first-time team in a World Cup. They also made the semi-finals of an ICC tournament (the Plate Championship) in their very first appearance on the international stage. And all this from a team that had been written off as unlikely to amount to much. Those naysayers were silenced, and hopefully will stay that way.It may now be all over bar the shouting, but the important questions now need to be faced. What is to happen to the stellar US Under-19 team, half of whom have probably played in their last youth tournament – is there any plan in the works to ensure this talent does not go to waste? Will the USACA recognize the importance of youth cricket, and out in place the programs it has been paying lip service to, for the past few years? Will Major League Cricket (MLC) step in with its own youth programs, which it says it is ready to implement in 2006? US cricketers are waiting for the next move, which should not be long in coming.
Zimbabwe may have half-decent batting, but overall they will clearly be outclassed at the highest level. By Martin Williamson
Martin Williamson05-Sep-2007
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Despite Ray Mali’s rather far-fetched claims that Zimbabwe could be the No. 1 ODI side in the world within three years, the reality that all bar the ICC president seem to realise is that the gulf between a young and experienced side and the other Full Member countries remains vast. Despite seemingly creditable performances against South Africa in three ODIs last month, the side is lacking almost any international-class players – with the exception of its prodigal son Tatenda Taibu – and while those thrown in at the deep end are keen, they are woefully inexperienced and, in several cases, technically flawed.At the World Cup last March Zimbabwe were out of their depth, and the draw this time has not done them any favours. They face England, who have five seasons of Twenty20 experience, and Australia, who remain awesome whatever the format. Only a madman would even consider waging a bet on either match producing an upset.Home truths
There was an inaugural Twenty20 tournament in Zimbabwe last season but it took place over three days and attracted almost no domestic coverage. Even the Zimbabwe board only issued basic details, but judging by standards in the Faithwear Cup, the one-day tournament which preceded it, the quality was unlikely to have been much to shout about.Strengths
Their batting and fielding should not embarrass Zimbabwe. On paper they possess a strong top- and middle order, with Taibu, who will need to bat even higher than No. 4 in the shorter format, and Brendan Taylor particularly suited to the demands of Twenty20. Some of the other mainline batsmen will need to contribute more than the 20s or 30s they seem content with now, however.Weaknesses
Inexperience against top-class sides is the biggest issue, with recent drubbings by A teams from India and South Africa fresh in the mind. The tail is long, and there isn’t a bowler who appears likely to be able to contain Australia or England ‘s big hitters. Of the batsmen, Vusi Sibanda, who entered the World Cup with a burgeoning reputation, has repeatedly underperformed since and is in need of runs.
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Zimbabwe have many players who can bowl and are handy with the bat, but quantity is not a suitable replacement for quality |
Players to watch
Tatenda Taibu Back after almost two years of self-imposed exile following a well-publicised spat with the Zimbabwe board, Taibu’s appetite appears undiminished if performances in the A-team series and the ODIs against South Africa are anything to go by. His improvisation and attacking intent – he had a strike-rate of 100 against South Africa last month – put him head and shoulders above his team-mates. He promised so much when he impressed in the Caribbean in 2006, but the captaincy, thrust on him at the age of 21, soon after Taibu quit, has had a detrimental effect on his form and confidence. But Taibu is back and there were signs against South Africa that Utseya might be on the mend. If he is, his nagging offspin is perfectly suited to Twenty20.Dark horse
Sean Williams The former Under-19 captain has been out of the frame of late with a serious back injury, but is fit again after treatment in South Africa. A powerful batsman and useful slow left-armer, he has the ability to be one of the cornerstones of the side for the next decade, although doubts continue as to where his future lies.Ian Chappell’s take
Zimbabwe shouldn’t have been competing at the highest level of international cricket for some years now, and for a number of reasons – all related to the cruel dictatorship of Robert Mugabe.
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Yet again, they will be cannon fodder, this time for the Australian and English line-ups. However the return of the talented and competitive Taibu means that at least their opponents will have to work a bit harder for the inevitable victory. Sibanda, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Hamilton Masakadza and Elton Chigumbura all have talent with the bat, but they are not consistent at this level to be a support to Taibu or a major concern for their strong opposing attacks.Batting first, they are unlikely to set a challenging total and they are likely to be chasing targets that are way beyond their means. Zimbabwe have many players who can bowl and are handy with the bat, but quantity is not a suitable replacement for quality when you’re up against top-class opposition. Utseya, their consistent offspinner and captain, has a formidable task ahead of him, in trying to contain two strong batting line-ups, never mind dismissing them cheaply.Zimbabwe cricket would have been better served if they had built up their playing strength and confidence at a lower level in the last few years. It does talented young cricketers no good to be constantly thrashed by opponents who are well above their class. It’s sad to see how far the once-proud Zimbabwe cricket team have slipped since they qualified for the Super Six stage in the 1999 World Cup. This time they will fail to qualify for the final eight stage, and till they unearth a satisfactory political solution to their problems, their cricket is unlikely to make much headway. Rating: 4/10