Stuart Broad: 'Worst Australian team since 2010-11'

Stuart Broad has lit the fuse for a fiery summer, declaring Australia’s team is the worst they have rolled out for an Ashes series in 15 years.Almost six weeks out from the first Test in Perth, Broad joined the chorus of English voices talking up the tourists’ chances. In the past fortnight, Zak Crawley has claimed the term Bazball “winds” Australia up, while Joe Root has suggested this is his best chance to win Down Under.Former England captain Michael Atherton has suggested Australia are panicking with Pat Cummins’ injury, and Scott Boland no longer creates fear for the tourists.Related

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  • Boland's MCG heroics more relevant than 2023 Ashes blip

  • Warner backs Konstas for Ashes, prefers Labuschagne at No. 3

But amidst all the bravado coming out of England, Broad’s comments will grab the most attention, given he spent 15 years as Australia’s arch-nemesis before retiring after the 2023 Ashes.In the last 20 years, in home series Australia have swept England 5-0 in 2006-07 and 2013-14, as well as claiming 4-0 victories in 2017-18 and 2021-22.The 2010-11 summer is the only blemish on that home record over the past two decades, beaten 3-1 at a time when the Australian team was in a state of transition.Broad claimed the current Australian squad appeared to be in a similar state, having played in the 2010-11 series as well as England’s three series defeats in Australia since then.”It’s probably the worst Australian team since 2010 when England last won, and it’s the best English team since 2010,” Broad, who is now working as a pundit, said on his BBC Podcast hosted with Jos Buttler.”It’s actually not an opinion, it’s fact. So those things match up to the fact it’s going to be a brilliant Ashes series.”Broad’s comments came in response to David Warner claiming Australia would win 4-0, because they were playing for the Ashes while England are “playing for a moral victory”.Broad pointed to questions over the make up of Australia’s batting line-up. He also pointed to perceived lack of bowling depth, with Cummins having conceded he is unlikely to play in the first Test.Stuart Broad had a legendary Ashes career•Getty Images

“When have we ever, since 2010, been discussing who is going to bat No.1, 2, 3, 6, 8 and who is going to be the spare bowler for Australia,” Broad said. “You’re always go in there going: ‘well,the Aussies, they’re really strong. They’ve just got the same bowlers, the same team’.”But in 2010, when they were trying to replace [Glenn] McGrath, [Shane] Warne, [Matthew] Hayden, [Justin] Langer, they didn’t have a spinner. They changed the seamers all the time, and they had a bit of a mixed match of batters.”So I don’t think anyone could argue that it’s their weakest team since 2010.”Australian players have said England’s team is the best they have sent out in some time, with the high-octane pace duo of Mark Wood and Jofra Archer both fit.Questions do remain over how England will manage that pair, who have spent long stints on the sideline with injuries.Root also arrives as the No.1-ranked batter in the world, but he is yet to score a century or win a Test in Australia across three visits.Harry Brook headlines a list of younger England talents, after scoring 10 hundreds in his first 50 Test innings at a strike-rate of 87.52.

SL pull off a heist after Bangladesh collapse in magnificent fashion

Athapaththu took three wickets and there was one run-out in the 50th over as Bangladesh lost five wickets in their last nine balls

Madushka Balasuriya20-Oct-2025

Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images

A tournament lacking in genuine tight finishes has now produced two in two days, as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka played out a low-scoring thriller in Navi Mumbai. But in truth this game should have never got to that stage, as Bangladesh nursed their chase of 203 only to stumble at the last and fall to a seven-run defeat. The result means, Bangladesh are eliminated from semi-final contention, while Sri Lanka live to fight another day.This was a chase that Sri Lanka were behind for around 48 overs, but in a tantalising final dash they picked up five wickets and gave away two runs off the final nine deliveries, as Bangladesh were unable to close out a game that they had controlled for large parts.

Madara pulled up

Sri Lanka’s Malki Madara has been reprimanded for breaching Level 1 of the ICC’s code of conduct during the match against Bangladesh on Monday. Madara was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the code, which relates to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an international match.”
The incident in question took place in the 11th over of Bangladesh’s innings when Madara, after dismissing Fargana Hoque, celebrated “excessively in close proximity to the batter”.
In addition, one demerit point has been added to Madara’s disciplinary record – it was her first offence in a 24-month period.

The final scorecard will read that Chamari Athapaththu picked up figures of 4 for 42, but three of those came in a game-stealing final over, where Bangladesh lost four wickets off the first four deliveries – a run-out in the middle ensuring it wasn’t an Athapaththu hat-trick.Up until then Nigar Sultana had anchored the chase, if not expertly then at least safely. Her 77 off 98 came mostly as part of two major partnerships – the first 82 off 120 with Sharmin Akhter and the second 50 off 58 with Shorna Akter – during which Sri Lanka were like passengers aboard a rudderless ship, just merely on for the ride.To stick with the analogy, this was not a ship moving particularly swiftly. With a pretty chaseable target of 203 on the board, Bangladesh were guilty of being overly cautious – perhaps bearing in mind their poor batting efforts earlier in the tournament – as they inched along.On a pitch, not offering much for the many spinners they picked, Sri Lanka were resigned to simply keeping things tight, unable to really impose themselves on the game with the ball until the dying moments when everything seemed to happen all at once.Hasini Perera scored her first ODI half-century•Getty Images

Earlier however, it was Sri Lanka who had been slowed to a crawl, after a stunning mid-innings collapse had halted them. Hasini Perera struck a maiden international fifty in her 143rd match, a shining light (85 off 99) in and otherwise disjointed batting effort and was one of only three batters – Athapaththu (46) and Nilakshika Silva (37) the other two – to reach double-digits.Both Athapaththu and Hasini brought up milestones – 4000 and 1000 ODI runs, respectively – during their knock as well, while Hasini was eventually named Player of the Match.Shorna once more proved decisive – despite only being introduced at the halfway point of the innings – as she picked up figures of 3 for 27, including the crucial wickets of both Hasini and Nilakshika. The rest of the wickets were spread out, with only Ritu Moni going wicketless.Bangladesh were sloppy in the field, missing several chances, including run-outs and stumpings, but they were also spot on with their reviews. Despite this, Sri Lanka had at several points been on the up – in control, even. There was the 72-run stand between Athapaththu and Hasini after the fall of that first wicket, which had Sri Lanka romping along at nearly run-a-ball.Related

  • What India, NZ and SL must do to reach the semis

  • Heartbreak and euphoria in Diwali night drama

  • Bangladesh, Pakistan, SL fall behind in the power game

  • Scenarios – Four teams fight for one spot

On a wicket with few demons, Athapaththu’s 46 off 43 included six fours and two sixes. For the most part she looked unfazed by what Bangladesh threw at her so when she was trapped lbw by one that snuck past her forward defence, it was against the run of play.After this point Sri Lanka were both unfortunate and architects of their own demise. A fledgling partnership of 15 between Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hasini was brought to an end after the former called for a non-existent second run and found herself a metre short.If that was self-inflicted, the next wicket was pure unadulterated bad luck. Kavisha Dilhari chopped an attempted cut into the ground, as the ball promptly bounced past the stumps, struck keeper Sultana, and bobbled on to the stumps. Bangladesh went about their business after this, the fielders even getting back into their positions, but the third umpire was alert and used the Smart Replay system in effect at this tournament to inform the on-field umpires of a possible stumping.And as it turned out, Dilhari’s back foot had momentarily lifted off the ground as she searched for balance. It was in that moment the bails had lit up – a fitting tribute to the Diwali celebrations around the stadium.As Bangladesh celebrated wildly, Sri Lanka had suddenly stumbled from 72 for 1 to 100 for 4, a worrying blip with them being a batter light after replacing allrounder Piumi Wathsala with seamer Udeshika Prabodani. Thankfully for the Lankans, in Hasini and Nilakshika they had the exact counterattacking pair the occasion called for.Shorna Akter ran through Sri Lanka’s middle order•ICC/Getty Images

Together they strung a 74-run stand off just 75 deliveries. It was a period in which batting seemed the easiest, with both players finding boundaries with regularity. If there was one criticism – and this would be one across Sri Lanka’s innings – it would be their lack of strike rotation.Despite the pair hitting nine boundaries (including three sixes) across their partnership lasting a shade over 12 overs, they were unable to usher in a run rate above six an over. This was a problem that would plague Bangladesh’s innings as well, later on.Perhaps it was their awareness of the lack of batting to follow that kept them in check, but it was unusual to see so many tossed up deliveries of spin dead-batted away. As it transpired, Nilakshika’s innings came to an end prematurely, as she shanked an on-side heave off Shorna to short third.This wicket proved to be a catalyst for Sri Lanka’s most devastating collapse, losing their next three wickets for just eight runs – Shorna getting two of them.From then on, Sri Lanka’s innings slowed to a trickle as they sought to bat time, before eventually being bowled out with eight deliveries remaining. Their final 103 balls saw 28 runs scored and six wickets fall, a feat somehow surpassed by Bangladesh.

Tarik Skubal Trade Destinations: Top Trade Spots for Tigers Cy Young Award Winner

Tarik Skubal won his second American League Cy Young Award in a row in 2025, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be back with the Tigers in 2026.

The 28-year-old lefty has made it clear he won’t sign an extension and plans to hit free agency after the 2026 season. That means Detroit can either keep him and get involved in a bidding war next winter or trade him now to recoup maximum value. With that in mind, there’s a reason he leads our list of the top 10 trade candidates this offseason.

Skubal was unbelievable in 2024 and was even better in 2025. He went 13–6, with a 2.21 ERA, a 0.89 WHIP, and 241 strikeouts against 33 walks in 195 1/3 innings. That improved on his performance from the season before, when he went 18-4 with a 2.39 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts against 35 walks in 192 innings.

He and Paul Skenes are locked in a back-and-forth battle to be considered the best pitcher in baseball. Skubal is incredible, and any number of teams would give up a ton to get him. Given that he’d be a rental, any franchise making a move to land him wouldn’t have to surrender as much as you’d think to land the ace.

Here’s a look at the top clubs that could make a move to acquire him this winter.

1. New York Mets

Steve Cohen hasn’t spent as much money as he has to miss the postseason. The Mets are going to be all-in in perpetuity until he gets the championship he’s trying to buy. As we enter the offseason, New York’s rotation looks like a tremendous weakness. Nolan McLean looks like a bright spot, Jonah Tong could be as well, while Clay Holmes and David Peterson will factor in as well. But Kodai Senga completely fell apart, and the Mets may not be able to count on him again.

If New York is going to be all-in, the team needs an ace at the front of its rotation. Skubal would be a perfect fit. A package built around Tong and Jett Williams should be enough to get something done.

Skubal is far better than any targets on the free agent market, and the Mets have the money to sign him long-term once he hits free agency.

2. Houston Astros

The Astros missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016, and now they’re losing ace Framber Valdez. After shipping Kyle Tucker to the Cubs for Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski and Cam Smith, now I think they’ll go the other way and add a guy destined for free agency. They need an elite starter at the front of the rotation to pair with Hunter Brown if they’re going to make a run in 2026. Skubal is the best guy available.

Jose Altuve is 35. If Houston wants to make a run at getting him a third World Series title, the franchise needs to move now and make a big deal to secure an ace.

A package built around Brice Matthews or Jacob Melton, hard-throwing righty Miguel Ulloa, and some lower-level prospects seems equitable for one year of Skubal.

3. Boston Red Sox

Garrett Crochet has become a legit No. 1 starter, and Bryan Bello was solid in 2025. After that, the Red Sox don’t have much in their starting rotation. Connelly Early made four starts in 2025 and looked good, but he’s not a solution to the lack of pitching depth the team is dealing with. Boston will be pursuing starters in earnest this offseason.

Boston is lousy with good young position players, but the rotation needs help if the team wants to make a run in 2026. Skubal and Crochet sitting atop the rotation would arguably be the best lefty pitching combination in MLB history. While the Red Sox haven’t spent as much in recent years, they do have the money to re-sign Skubal as a free agent.

A deal starting with Franklin Arias, Payton Tolle or Jhonstynxon Garcia and adding a few lower-tier prospects would work.

4. San Diego Padres

The Padres are all-in every season with A.J. Preller running things. There’s no reason 2026 should be any different. San Diego is set to lose Dylan Cease and Michael King to free agency, and Yu Darvish will miss the entire 2026 season after undergoing elbow surgery. Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts aren’t getting any younger, and Nick Pivetta can’t hold up the team’s pitching staff by himself. The Friars will need to make some big moves this offseason.

Skubal is a huge name, and we all know Preller loves a big name, even as a rental. While San Diego’s farm system has been cleared out multiple times over the past five years, Preller always seems to restock it. He has several gems still around who could entice the Tigers. Kash Mayfield, Kruz Schoolcraft, and Ethan Salas are the team’s top prospects, while 2025 pop-up Miguel Mendez and reliever Bradgley Rodriguez are all but big league ready. There is enough talent to make. a deal work.

San Diego needs to add power and pitching this offseason. Going after Skubal might be a bit crazy, but when has that ever stopped Preller before?

Flamengo, Palmeiras e Messi: veja lista de indicados ao Rei da América 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Com o término da temporada sul-americana, o jornal uruguaio “El País” divulgou a lista com 14 candidatos ao tradicional prêmio Rei da América de 2025. Entre os indicados, aparecem quatro jogadores do Flamengo, três do Palmeiras, e atletas do Lanús, campeão da Sul-Americana. A relação inclui ainda Leandro Paredes, atualmente no Boca Juniors, além dos ícones Lionel Messi, do Inter Miami, e Ángel Di María, do Rosario Central. O vencedor será anunciado em 31 de dezembro.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFutebol InternacionalTropeço do PSG na Champions League indica bom sinal ao Flamengo; entendaFutebol Internacional11/12/2025Futebol InternacionalÔnibus do PSG, possível adversário do Flamengo, é apedrejado após empate na ChampionsFutebol Internacional11/12/2025Fora de CampoÁlbum de figurinha da LaLiga 2025/26 tem brasileiro em destaque e novidadesFora de Campo11/12/2025

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Criado nos anos 1970 pelo jornal venezuelano “El Mundo”, o prêmio inicialmente elegia jogadores sul-americanos que atuavam em qualquer clube do mundo. Em 1986, quando o “El País” assumiu a organização, o formato foi reformulado: desde então, apenas atletas e treinadores em atividade no continente podem concorrer. A escolha é realizada por cerca de 250 jornalistas de diversos países, que votam no melhor jogador e no melhor técnico da temporada.

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Em 2024, o prêmio foi conquistado por Luiz Henrique, do Botafogo, que superou concorrentes como os companheiros Thiago Almada e Jefferson Savarino. Abaixo, segue a lista de indicados à premiação desta temporada e aos vencedores históricos:

Candidatos a Rei da América 2025 👑

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) 🩷
Gustavo Gómez (Palmeiras) 🟢
Vitor Roque (Palmeiras) 🟢
Flaco López (Palmeiras) 🟢
Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Flamengo) 🔴⚫
Agustín Rossi (Flamengo) 🔴⚫
Danilo (Flamengo) 🔴⚫
Bruno Henrique (Flamengo) 🔴⚫
Pedro (Flamengo) 🔴⚫
Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors) 🔵🟡
Ángel Di María (Rosario Central) 🔵🟡
Marcelino Moreno (Lanús) 🔴
Eduardo Salvio (Lanús) 🔴
Carlos Izquierdoz (Lanús) 🔴

continua após a publicidadeReis da América 📜

2024 – Luiz Henrique – Botafogo (BRA)
2023 – Germán Cano – Fluminense (BRA)
2022 – Pedro – Flamengo (BRA)
2021 – Julián Álvarez – River Plate (ARG)
2020 – Marinho – Santos (BRA)
2019 – Gabriel Barbosa – Flamengo (BRA)
2018 – Pity Martínez – River Plate (ARG)
2017 – Luan – Grêmio (BRA)
2016 – Miguel Borja – Atlético Nacional (COL)
2015 – Carlos Sánchez – River Plate (ARG)
2014 – Teófilo Gutiérrez – River Plate (ARG)
2013 – Ronaldinho – Atlético-MG (BRA)
2012 – Neymar – Santos (BRA)
2011 – Neymar – Santos (BRA)
2010 – D’Alessandro – Internacional (BRA)
2009 – Verón – Estudiantes (ARG)
2008 – Verón – Estudiantes (ARG)
2007 – Salvador Cabañas – América do México (MEX)
2006 – Matías Fernández – Colo-Colo (CHI)
2005 – Carlos Tévez – Corinthians (BRA)
2004 – Carlos Tévez – Boca Juniors (ARG)
2003 – Carlos Tévez – Boca Juniors (ARG)
2002 – Cardozo – Toluca (MEX)
2001 – Juan Román Riquelme – Boca Juniors (ARG)
2000 – Romário – Vasco (BRA)
1999 – Javier Saviola – River Plate (ARG)
1998 – Martín Palermo – Boca Juniors (ARG)
1997 – Marcelo Salas – River Plate (ARG)
1996 – Chilavert – Vélez Sársfield (ARG)
1995 – Enzo Francescoli – River Plate (ARG)
1994 – Cafu – São Paulo (BRA)
1993 – Carlos Valderrama – Junior Barranquilla (COL)
1992 – Raí – São Paulo (BRA)
1991 – Oscar Ruggeri – Vélez Sársfield (ARG)
1990 – Raúl Amarilla – Olimpia (PAR)
1989 – Bebeto – Vasco (BRA)
1988 – Ruben Paz – Racing Club (ARG)
1987 – Carlos Valderrama – Deportivo Cali (COL)
1986 – Antonio Alzamendi – River Plate (ARG)
1985 – Romerito – Fluminense (BRA)
1984 – Enzo Francescoli – River Plate (ARG)
1983 – Sócrates – Corinthians (BRA)
1982 – Zico – Flamengo (BRA)
1981 – Zico – Flamengo (BRA)
1980 – Diego Maradona – Argentinos Juniors (ARG)
1979 – Diego Maradona – Argentinos Juniors (ARG)
1978 – Mario Kempes – Valencia (ESP)
1977 – Zico – Flamengo (BRA)
1976 – Elías Figueroa – Internacional (BRA)
1975 – Elías Figueroa – Internacional (BRA)
1974 – Elías Figueroa – Internacional (BRA)
1973 – Pelé – Santos (BRA)
1972 – Teófilo Cubillas – Alianza Lima (PER)
1971 – Tostão – Cruzeiro (BRA)

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مواعيد مباريات مجموعة البرتغال في كأس العالم 2026

أجرى الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم فيفا، قرعة بطولة كأس العالم، والتي سوف تقام العام المقبل في كندا والولايات المتحدة الأمريكية والمكسيك.

وبحضور رئيس الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، دونالد ترامب، أجرى فيفا بقيادة جياني أنفانتينو، مراسم قرعة كأس العالم.

وتم الكشف عن منافسي منتخب البرتغال، والتي وقعت في المجموعة الحادية عشر من كأس العالم، إلى جانب أوزبكستان وكولومبيا، والمتأهل من الملحق بين جامايكا وكاليدونيا والكونغو الديمقراطية.

طالع .. أنشيلوتي يثير الغموض حول استدعاء نيمار لقائمة البرازيل في كأس العالم

ويعتبر منتخب البرتغال من بين أبرز المرشحين للحصول على لقب كأس العالم العام المقبل، وذلك في ظل وجود تشكيلة مدججة بالنجوم وعلى رأسهم كريستيانو رونالدو.

ويمتلك منتخب البرتغال أسماء قوية مثل برونو فيرنانديز، قائد مانشستر يونايتد وفيتينها ونونو مينديز وجواو نيفيز، ثلاثي باريس سان جيرمان. مواعيد مباريات مجموعة البرتغال في كأس العالم 2026

الجولة الأولى:

البرتغال والفائز من ملحق جامايكا وكاليدونيا والكونغو الديموقراطية.. 17 يونيو الساعة 8 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية في ولاية هوستن بالولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.

أوزبكستان وكولومبيا.. 17 يونيو، الساعة 5 فجر يوم 18 بتوقيت مصر والسعودية في ولاية مكسيكو بالمكسيك.

الجولة الثانية:

البرتغال وأوزبكستان.. 23 يونيو الساعة 8 مساءًأ بتوقيت مصر والسعودية في ولاية هوستن.

كولومبيا والفائز من ملحق جامايكا وكاليدونيا والكونغو الديموقراطية.. 23 يونيو، الساعة 5 فجر يوم 24 بتوقيت مصر والسعودية في جوادالاخارا بالمكسيك. 

الجولة الثالثة:

البرتغال وكولومبيا.. 27 يونيو، 2:30 فجر يوم 28 بتوقيت مصر والسعودية في ولاية ميامي بالولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.

أوزبكستان والفائز من ملحق جامايكا وكاليدونيا والكونغو الديموقراطية.. 27 يونيو، 2:30 فجر يوم 28 بتوقيت مصر والسعودية في ولاية أتالانتا بالولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.

Tyler Glasnow Had Cringey Line About Players Joining the Dodgers After W.S. Win

The Dodgers captured their second consecutive World Series title on Saturday night after a thrilling 11-inning Game 7 vs. the Blue Jays.

Los Angeles has grown its roster in the past few years to build the powerful championship team it has become. Two players who are new to the team are starting pitchers Tyler Glasnow (joined in 2024) and Blake Snell (joined in ‘25). Glasnow now has two World Series titles (he didn’t compete in the postseason last year due to injury), while the two-time Cy Young award winning Snell just secured his first one.

Funny enough, the two pitchers were teammates on the Rays in 2020 when Tampa Bay faced the Dodgers in the World Series, which Los Angeles ended up winning. They both ended up in Los Angeles and now have World Series rings of their own after failing with Tampa Bay.

While celebrating in the locker room at Rogers Centre on Saturday, Glasnow dropped a hilarious, but somewhat cringey, line about players who have lost to the Dodgers in any previous World Series.

“If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, baby!” Glasnow said, followed by high-fiving Snell.

Both pitchers made relief appearances in Game 7. Glasnow pitched 2.1 innings, throwing two strikeouts and giving up three hits and one run. Snell appeared in the eighth and ninth, striking out two batters and giving up one walk and one hit. The Dodgers went on to win 5-4 in the 11th inning.

Chelsea hold talks with defender’s camp as Moises Caicedo offers thoughts on signing

Chelsea are in conversation with the representatives of a defender as midfielder Moises Caicedo offers his opinion on the potential transfer, according to a new report.

Chelsea play Bournemouth after Leeds United blow

Chelsea travel to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon desperately seeking a response to their shock midweek defeat at Leeds, with Enzo Maresca’s title credentials under scrutiny after a damaging loss that left them nine points adrift of Arsenal.

The Blues suffered a humiliating 3-1 loss at Elland Road on Wednesday, falling two goals behind by halftime before Pedro Neto’s second-half strike proved insufficient.

The defeat represented their second loss to newly-promoted opposition this season, raising fresh doubts about their ability to maintain consistency and challenge Mikel Arteta for the Premier League.

Bournemouth present a challenge despite their own recent struggles.

The Cherries have endured a miserable November without a single victory, collecting just one point from four games while conceding 12 goals.

Tuesday’s narrow 1-0 home defeat to Everton extended their winless streak to five matches and marked their first loss at the Vitality Stadium all campaign.

Andoni Iraola’s side have plummeted from second to 14th during this barren spell, though they remain only five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea with significant room for optimism.

The hosts have collected 14 of their 19 Premier League points on home soil this season, establishing the Vitality as a fortress until Everton’s breakthrough.

Chelsea arrive as clear favourites based on superior stats and historical dominance, having won 15 of 23 meetings between the two clubs.

However, the visitors face selection headaches, with Caicedo still serving his suspension after picking up five yellow cards.

The Ecuadorian’s absence is a significant blow given his pivotal role protecting the defence, and Caicedo’s presence was sorely missed against Leeds.

Fabrizio Romano says 24-year-old has now played his last game for Chelsea

He doesn’t have a future in west London.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 4, 2025

Chelsea boast the division’s best away attacking record with 15 goals in seven games, averaging over two goals per match. Yet, their vulnerability without Caicedo was exposed ruthlessly by Leeds, with the midfield lacking its usual protection.

While the £150,000-per-week star continues to sit out, he’s at least making himself useful in other ways.

Chelsea hold talks with Joel Ordonez as Moises Caicedo offers opinion

That is according to TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey, who report on Chelsea’s serious interest in Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez.

Chelsea have renewed contact with Ordonez’s representatives in recent weeks as they intensify their pursuit of the 21-year-old, with Caicedo also offering behind-the-scenes ‘thoughts’ about his former Independiente del Valle teammate.

The west Londoners are said to have tracked him since before his 2023 move to Belgium, maintaining long-standing interest in the player.

Caicedo and Ordonez developed their friendship during their time together at Independiente’s famed South American academy, and have remained close through international duty.

The Chelsea midfielder now appears to be playing agent, giving his verdict on Ordonez to the club’s hierarchy.

Liverpool represent significant competition for Ordonez’s signature, though.

Arne Slot’s side have monitored him closely over the past year as they desperately seek solutions to their defensive crisis. The Reds initially prioritised Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, but understand he will not depart Selhurst Park during January, forcing them to explore alternative options.

Crucially, both Club Brugge and Ordonez himself are open to a winter transfer, with England emerging as the most likely destination.

Fresh discussions between the player’s camp and Chelsea have taken place recently, building on months of established communication channels, but Man City and Tottenham are also keen.

City and Spurs have shown admiration for Ordonez, closely assessing him in recent weeks as they evaluate their own defensive requirements.

However, Chelsea and Liverpool currently lead the race after laying more groundwork, and perhaps Caicedo’s presence could prove key here in the race for Ordonez’s signature.

The Wizard that Was: Chris Woakes bows out as ultimate team man

Double-World Cup winner and Ashes star, but Woakes’ everyman qualities were his defining trait

Matt Roller01-Oct-2025When a sportsman retires, it is only natural to focus on their successes, and in Chris Woakes’ case, there were many. He is a double world champion, playing in both the 2019 (ODI) and 2022 (T20) World Cup finals, won the Compton-Miller medal in one of his five Ashes series, and finished a 62-match Test career with a batting average over 25 and a bowling average below 30.Woakes became a stalwart for England across formats: he spearheaded the one-day attack throughout Eoin Morgan’s white-ball revolution, regularly ran through touring Test teams, and lent balance to every side he played in. His record in England is outstanding: in 39 home Tests, he took 148 wickets at 23.87, outstripping even James Anderson and Stuart Broad.Yet the response to his international retirement on Monday – he will play on in franchise and county cricket – has underscored the sense that Woakes’ lows were an essential part of his story. His everyman quality made him the most relatable England regular of his generation, and was a huge reason why he is so highly regarded by both team-mates and fans.Woakes was a brilliant all-round sportsman, earning his nickname ‘The Wizard’ when cleaning up at a darts tournament on an Under-19s tour. Yet as a cricketer, for all his qualities, his attributes were relatively unremarkable: a swing – and, later, seam – bowler who spent most of his career bowling closer to 80mph than 90mph, and a solid if unspectacular batter.Woakes claimed three wickets as England prevailed in the 2019 World Cup final•IDI via Getty ImagesHe was not blessed with the natural pace of Mark Wood, Broad’s height, or the freakish athleticism of Ben Stokes, but developed himself into one of England’s most loved players through resilience and determination. He is a rare example of a player who undoubtedly fulfilled his potential, turning his early promise into a stellar international career.There were plenty of challenges. The timing of Woakes’ career meant that he was often competing for a single spot in England’s Test team, with Anderson, Broad and Stokes all automatic selections. He suffered various injuries – an occupational hazard – and, perhaps most notably, he struggled away from home, finishing his overseas Test career with a bowling average of 48.93.Related

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He reflected on those challenges in a candid Sky interview on Tuesday. “[Fans] don’t see it all,” Woakes said. “They don’t see the tough days… the hard moments where you are struggling. It happens in sport, where we often put on a brave face but behind the scenes, within the dressing room and within hotels, there are some dark times.”Woakes also recognised the benefits that overcoming adversity had on his career: “It moulds you as a person, moulds your character. It certainly helped me, the fact that I’ve had those setbacks… There’s been highs, there’s been lows, but the lows make sure that, when you do get success and you get those rewards eventually, that means a hell of a lot more.”Inevitably, there has been a great deal of focus on Woakes’ final act as a Test cricketer since his announcement, and his decision to come out to bat with a dislocated shoulder at The Oval – in a valiant, if ultimately vain, attempt to get England over the line against India – deserves immense credit. It is a reflection on his selfless character that he saw it as his only option.Ben Stokes greets Woakes after his valiant effort at The Oval•Getty ImagesBut as the dust settles, it will be his late arrival in the 2023 Ashes that ought to be the abiding memory of Woakes’ England career. He had not played a Test match for 18 months before he was thrown into the series at 2-0 down with three to play; a month later, he was bowling England to a series-levelling victory at The Oval, finishing the series with 19 wickets at 18.15.It was trademark Woakes, a starring role made even sweeter by the adversity that had come before it. He had feared for his career when he returned from a disastrous tour of the Caribbean in early 2022 needing knee surgery, and he was consistently overlooked at Test level when he was fit enough to return.His comeback at Headingley brought six wickets and a priceless 32 not out to see England home; in Manchester, he took a first-innings five-for; at The Oval, he was named player of the match for his seven wickets, four of them on the final day. Even still, he was happy for Broad – who sealed the win in his final act as an England player – to take centre stage.It was telling that Woakes’ announcement provoked such a strong response, and Key summed up his contribution to England dressing rooms past and present by describing him as “a man who helped every team he played in, even before he walked onto the field”. It takes something special for a player to be so highly regarded by both team-mates and supporters – and Woakes was just that.

Khawaja back spasm heralds Australia batting chaos

Marnus Labuschagne forced to open after back spasm forces Usman Khawaja off the field

Alex Malcolm21-Nov-2025

AFP/Getty Images

Usman Khawaja was unable to open for Australia after an ill-timed decision to leave the field to get treatment for back spasms just before England’s first innings collapse on the opening day of in Perth leading to a hasty reshuffle of their top order.After months of debate about Australia’s batting order and the selectors’ decision to reinstate Marnus Labuschagne at No. 3, he was forced to open anyway alongside debutant Jake Weatherald after Khawaja spent the last three overs of England’s innings off the field as they lost 5 for 20 in 23 balls to be bowled out for just 172.”I didn’t know about it until the ninth wicket when he still had 10 minutes or so [to make up],” Mitchell Starc said. “We got caught off guard a little bit with the wickets falling pretty quickly in the back end there. It’s just unfortunate that was the case. He’ll manage that overnight and see how we’re at tomorrow.”Khawaja, 38, had left the field several times in the first three hours of play and exited again with the score at 152 for 5 after 29 overs. Khawaja battled back stiffness through the day and had a back spasm the second time he left the field.Related

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England then collapsed while he was stretching to overcome the spasm and it left stand-in captain Steven Smith calling for Khawaja to come back onto the field. Khawaja eventually did return to the field for the end of the innings but according to ICC rules had not returned for the equal amount of time he had been off and therefore was ineligible to open the batting.”I don’t think we really realised he wasn’t going to come out at the start of the innings. It was probably more unsettling for the Aussies,” Brydon Carse said after play.It is understood Khawaja did not have a prior back injury. However, Khawaja did play 18 holes of golf on Thursday, having missed Australia’s last optional training session, and also played several times earlier in the week. It is not unusual for Khawaja to play golf the day before a Test match. Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc, who took a career-best 7 for 58 on Friday, also played on Thursday along with several members of the coaching staff.It meant Weatherald faced the first over from Jofra Archer, although he may have done so anyway. Weatherald had not faced the first ball of an innings in each of his last 20 first-class innings before his Test debut, during a run of form that saw him earn his first Test cap.He was trapped lbw second ball by a searing full delivery from Archer that knocked him off his feet. His duck mirrored that of Nathan McSweeney’s on Test debut for Australia when opening against India at the same ground 12 months ago in very similar circumstances.Given the wicket fell so soon into the innings, it meant Smith walked out at No. 3 for the first time in a Test since 2017, although he had opened alongside in four Tests in early 2024 before returning to his preferred No. 4.Khawaja made his way to the middle at No. 4 after Labuschagne fell to Archer after tea. Like a few in the top order, he didn’t end up surviving long, gloving a superb delivery from Carse to the keeper for 2, as Australia followed suit in struggling with the bat and ended the day on 123 for 9.

Man Utd now told they can sign "intense" want-away England star for £26m in 2026

Manchester United have now reportedly been offered the chance to sign an England midfielder for just £26m when the January transfer window arrives.

Man Utd seeking midfield reinforcements

In the summer, it was Ruben Amorim’s frontline that took the focus as INEOS welcomed Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko in an impressive window. Now, when 2026 arrives, it looks as though Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to turn his attention towards Man United’s midfield.

Those at Old Trafford were eyeing a move for Carlos Baleba at the end of the summer window, before Brighton & Hove Albion priced them out of a move. Months on, it seems as though the midfielder has fallen down Man United’s shortlist of targets, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson now taking centre-stage.

The 23-year-old is quickly becoming the most sought-after player in the Premier League, but he’s not the only option on United’s list of targets in the middle of the park.

They’ve also reportedly been told that they can now sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid at a bargain price in January. The former Chelsea man could be on his way back to the Premier League as he looks to earn his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Man Utd now offered bargain Conor Gallagher deal

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Man United have now been told that they can sign Gallagher for just €30m (£26m) when 2026 arrives. The England international has become surplus to requirements at Atletico Madrid and he’s now ready to leave the club in pursuit of consistent game time.

Dubbed “intense” by Simeone, Gallagher could provide the legs in United’s midfield that Casemiro is otherwise unable to provide these days. The 25-year-old is a true midfield workhorse, who also has a knack for popping up with goals when needed.

Although United’s big target is Anderson, they’d be doing their top four prospects no harm by welcoming Gallagher in the January transfer window, especially at just £26m.

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The Red Devils could be in a direct fight with their Premier League rivals to land his signature.

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Whether INEOS will be willing to act as early as the winter window remains to be seen, however. They may yet put all of their funds towards winning what is looking likely to be a hectic race for Anderson next summer.

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