Category Uncategorized

The question of who fills the middle-order position(s) heading into the T20 World Cup remains unanswered

Andrew McGlashan02-Jul-2021The target is 185. Australia are 160 for 4 after 18 overs. Who do you want at No. 6 to finish that chase?As Aaron Finch’s side travels to the West Indies then onto Bangladesh for 10 T20Is the question of who fills the middle-order finisher position(s) heading into the T20 World Cup remains one of the key areas they need to answer.Once again this won’t be a full-strength Australia side with numerous withdrawals over bubble fatigue. The batting has been especially hit without David Warner, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis.However, uncertainty over middle-order batting positions (for the reference of this piece that will cover Nos 5-7) has not just crept up on Australia in recent months. It has been the area of the side that has proved the most difficult to settle upon.Related

• Matthew Wade signs all-format deal with Worcestershire for 2022

• Matthew Wade taking latest selection audition in his stride with 'nothing to lose'

• Australia's T20 shake-up – who has the most to gain?

• Finch refocuses on T20 World Cup build-up

• Opportunity knocks for late T20WC bid amid Australia's absences

Whose turn is it next?
Since the 2016 T20 World Cup, where Australia did not get out of the group stage, they have used 25 players across those three middle-order slots. There will always be an element of batters moving through positions given the various scenarios created in T20 matches, but only Sri Lanka, with 30, have cycled through more options so far between World Cups.Stoinis, Alex Carey – who is no longer a starter in the XI – and Ashton Agar have had the most regular opportunties and while Stoinis’ numbers are decent it would be a leap to say the solution has been found.ESPNcricinfo LtdIt is the strike rate Australia have managed from those positions which highlights the issue. Since the last T20 World Cup the Nos 5-7 have struck at 118.53 putting them between Ireland and Bangladesh at the lower end of the table (with a cut-off of 20 matches). Hong Kong, Zimbabwe, UAE, Oman and PNG are the other teams below them.Another way to look at it is the balls-per-boundaries and per-six from that same group of middle order positions. Again, Australia do not stand up well. They are bottom on balls-per-boundary among the current top 10 teams of the rankings and only Bangladesh have a worse balls-per-six ratio.ESPNcricinfo LtdSquare pegs, round holes?
One of the issues for Australia’s selectors is that they have largely put players out of position for those middle-order roles. Most of them are top four batters in the BBL which is logical for those clubs who want the best out of those players but does not give them a proper chance to adjust to what is a very specialist and skilled role lower down. That was shown by Carey’s difficulties adapting down the order.”If you ask most batters around the world, batting later in the innings or it might not so it is a difficult role mentally to keep backing up.” Carey said from St Lucia. “It’s either hit or bust and we’ve seen around the world the best teams have probably got a hitter at the death. There’s probably only a handful of really good finishers around the world. It’s a specialist position and every team would love to have a powerhouse coming in late but you also rely on your top order to set you up and score the big runs.”It was a subject Dinesh Karthik, the India wicketkeeper-batter, recently discussed in an interview with ESPNcricinfo. He was referencing the India team, but the point he makes is relevant to Australia.Alex Carey has struggled to make an impact lower down the order•AFP via Getty Images”In the T20 format, it is a far more niche slot, something that you need to have done over and over again,” he said. “And that’s why you have the Pollards and the Russells or the Dhonis, who have done this over a period of time, who have helped play so many of these impact innings.”You don’t want to go to a World Cup with people who have batted in the top four consistently and throw them in at five, six, seven and expect them to do well.”The numbers from the last two seasons of the BBL would suggest that Mitchell Marsh is worth considering, with a high overall strike-rate and very strong numbers at the death, although at international level over the last two years he has struck at barely a run-a-ball.ESPNcricinfo LtdMaxwell, as ever, is an interesting debate. Such is the dynamism he brings as a batter in T20 that putting him below No. 4 can feel a waste, but in the last two years of BBL he has a strike-rate of 160 at No. 5.It is also worth remembering that as of last season the BBL had the Power Surge available after the 11th over of an innings that will impact the strike-rates of those involved. Although the Surge was widely accepted as the most successful of the innovations, one of the issues raised was that it is not a condition used at international level.Australia may look to Matthew Wade to bat down the order•Getty ImagesBalance of the side
In recent times, Australia have gone down the route of selecting five specialist bowlers – often including two spinners – which has put Agar at No. 7. When the team clicks, as it did during the 2019-20 home season, the middle order was barely needed – Carey, for example, did not get a bat during the six home games that summer – but Agar’s batting numbers at international level have suggested a lack of power ideally needed.There have been warning signs about the middle order: during the run of success they lost to South Africa in Port Elizabeth when they failed to chase 159 from 98 for 1 in the 13th over and last year contrived to lose against England in Southampton.Finch has indicated they will look to alter things in West Indies, but the other issue which impacts who fills the middle-order positions is what Australia do with their wicketkeeper. Since Carey was ditched at the end of the series against England last year, Matthew Wade has taken the gloves and most of the time opened the batting. However, that has been filling in for the absence of Warner; at the World Cup he will resume his partnership with Finch. Steven Smith then has to slot in at No. 3 followed most probably by Maxwell at No. 4. So, again, Australia look like needing their wicketkeeper to bat in the middle order.ESPNcricinfo LtdIt might be that Wade has to take one of those positions by default; Australia need someone behind the stumps and he is viewed as a versatile and selfless player (as demonstrated by opening the batting in the Tests against India). Though Wade has done it at times during his career, it would be another case of a player out of his natural position: 73 of his 121 T20 innings have been in the top three and he has batted at No. 4 or lower only three times in the last three years – all for Australia. It could be that a few options are cycled through during the matches against West Indies and Bangladesh.One name who isn’t in the squad but has been gaining traction is Josh Inglis of Perth Scorchers. He has had a lot of success at the top of the order, which is where he is currently batting for Leicestershire in the T20 Blast, but significantly has also adjusted to the middle order albeit still no lower than No. 4. He is, however, considered an excellent player of spin.Will Dan Christian be Australia’s unlikely savior?•Getty ImagesHiding in plain sight?Those of you who have reached this far may well be thinking of one name: Dan Christian. In the last few weeks he is suddenly back in the frame having not played for Australian in four years. With the withdrawals from the squad for West Indies and Bangladesh, Christian now has the chance to make a last-ditch bid for the World Cup squad.His credentials have been endorsed by his BBL coach Greg Shipperd who talked of his “fearless” approach. Crucially, too, he is a middle-order batter. And, even if three consecutive scores of 1 in the aborted IPL are perhaps a cautionary note, his recent BBL numbers are even more impressive than the table earlier in this piece which were pulled down by his 2019-20 campaign with the Renegades.”He’s got a unique skill set as a strong finisher through the middle and at the back-end with the bat,” Shipperd said.Even with the significant number of absentees it would be strange to recall a 38-year-old if he wasn’t a serious chance of being involved in the T20 World Cup. Before departing, Finch gave a strong indication Christian was at the forefront of their thoughts amid the rethink of the make-up of the team.”He’s someone who is so dynamic and we saw the impact he had especially towards the business end of the Big Bash last year, he came in and had a high strike-rate from ball one, he’s explosive with the bat, has tricks with the ball, he’s experienced, he doesn’t get fazed and he’s a brilliant fielder,” Finch said. “Dan’s a superb player and an unbelievable competitor.”Is he the man you want walking out with 25 to win in two overs? The next few months will tell us.

Chelsea could be the favourites to sign big-name player next year after laying the groundwork for a 2026 deal, with Enzo Maresca reportedly keen to bolster a key position in the squad.

Chelsea take on Nottingham Forest after return from international break

The Blues’ international stars have returned from international duty to Cobham this week as Maresca prepares his side for a trip up north.

Chelsea take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, and they’re favourites to get one over on under-pressure manager Ange Postecoglou, who could well be sacked by Forest if the home side suffers a poor defeat.

That being said, Maresca is currently contending with a plethora of fitness issues throughout the squad.

Enzo Fernández withdrew from international duty from Argentina due to inflammation in his right knee, with Moises Caicedo, Joao Pedro and Reece James not even travelling to represent their countries after nursing knocks of their own.

The latter three could be fit to play Forest this weekend, but the current state of Fernandez is unknown, while both Tosin Adarabioyo and Andrey Santos haven’t been spotted in training this week despite being tipped by Maresca to return after the international break.

Cole Palmer, Dario Essugo, Liam Delap and Levi Colwill are more long-term absentees, with the quartet certain to be unavailable. Sources are optimistic that Delap could return from his Chelsea injury before the end of the year, but Maresca faces a long wait to reintegrate the striker into his first team.

As Chelsea’s boss assesses his injury-ridden squad, BlueCo are making plans to back him with new recruits behind-the-scenes.

Chelsea favourites to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan

The West Londoners tried and failed to sign AC Milan and France number one Mike Maignan in the summer window, but the experienced shot-stopper could move to Stamford Bridge next year instead.

The 30-year-old’s deal expires at the end of this season, potentially making him one of 2026’s most high-profile free agents, and reports suggest that Chelsea are ready to open talks with Maignan over a pre-contract in January.

Speaking to Football Insider, ex-Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who remains well-connected in the game, believes Chelsea are favourites to sign Maignan after laying most of the groundwork in the summer.

Maignan is exactly the calibre of “elite” shot-stopper that could transform Chelsea from top four hopefuls into genuine title contenders, amid concerns surrounding the long-term suitability of Robert Sanchez.

Liverpool’s number one, Alisson, has previously called him one of the best keepers in the world, and Maignan features in our specialised top 15 based on current form, role and reputation across Europe.

His vast experience competing at the highest level for years is what Chelsea sorely lack in their very young squad, with Maresca said to be keen on signing a new keeper to upgrade that area of the squad.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl recently revealed that he needs players who “understand” what it means to play for the Ibrox giants.

With the January transfer window less than a month away, the German manager said that he has learned which of his players are up to the task of playing for the club.

Whilst he said that he knows which players need to improve, the window will provide him with a chance to replace those players instead of trying to help them improve.

Rangers lining up move for new midfielder

Despite sporting director Kevin Thelwell’s departure at the start of last week, there is already work going on in the background to bolster the former Sheffield Wednesday manager’s side.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to GIVEMESPORT, Glasgow Rangers are one of the clubs eyeing up a deal to sign exciting Tromso central midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl in the upcoming January transfer window.

The report claims that the Light Blues have sent scouts to watch the 20-year-old talent in action in recent weeks, as Rohl lines up a move to sign the midfield whiz.

It adds, though, that Premier League side Sunderland are also interested in Hjerto-Dahl, which means that there could be some stiff competition for his signature in January.

GIVEMESPORT also reports that the Norwegian youngster is not expected to cost a fortune, although no exact price tag has been mentioned.

Why Rangers should sign Hjerto-Dahl

Rangers should push to beat Sunderland to a deal for the 20-year-old central midfielder because he could be a Nicolas Raskin repeat for the Scottish Premiership giants.

The Gers signed the Belgian star from Standard Liege in January 2023 for a fairly modest fee of £1.7m, in a move that could be replicated by Hjerto-Dahl, who could sign in January for another modest fee, given that he is not expected to cost a fortune.

On top of the Tromso midfielder potentially joining in a similar transfer deal, the Norwegian gem could also offer similar qualities to Raskin in the middle of the park with his performances.

Hjerto-Dahl, who was described as a “unicorn” by Belgian scout Elijah Michiels, is another central midfielder who can make an impact at both ends of the pitch as a natural number eight.

The Rangers and Sunderland transfer target has been a regular for Tromso in the Eliteserien in the 2025 campaign, starting 28 of his 30 appearances, and has shown some promising signs with his displays.

As you can see in the table above, he has some fairly similar statistics in comparison to Raskin’s full season in the Premiership last term, with his work in and out of possession, which is why he is such an exciting prospect.

Given that Hjerto-Dahl is four years younger than the Belgium international, his statistics in comparison to the Rangers star’s are fairly impressive, as they show that he can impact games as a scorer and a creator of goals, without neglecting the defensive side of the game.

The Norway U21 international could arrive in January and use the first five months to adjust to Scottish football and life in Glasgow, as Raskin did in the second half of the 2022/23 campaign, before being ready to shine in the 2026/27 campaign.

Whilst supporters may not want to hear about long-term signings and preparing for next season, the reality of the situation is that the Gers are already nine points off first place in the league, have not won a game in the Europa League, and are already out of the League Cup.

Worse than Miovski: Ibrox flop just played his worst game for Rangers

This Glasgow Rangers flop played his worst game for the club in the 2-1 defeat to Dundee United on Wednesday.

By
Dan Emery

Dec 4, 2025

Instead of chasing short-term results and signings, Rangers need to ensure that they have a long-term strategy in place that will ensure that they are competitive in the long run, which Hjerto-Dahl will, hopefully, be a part of.

When the specter of a potential rainout is hanging over a game that has not yet reached official status is in play, umpires are tasked with juggling two goals. One, continue calling balls and strikes in a fair and reasonable fashion. Two, speed things along so the 4.5- or 5-inning mark can be realized and get things in the books. Laz Diaz was faced with this conundrum as he worked behind the dish of Tuesday's soggy Texas Rangers-Tampa Bay Rays tilt.

And with the Rays leading 1-0 in the bottom of the fourth, he choose the latter initiative with Tampa's Jake Mangum at the plate. A 1-2 breaking ball that was decisively outside was ruled strike three by Diaz, much to everyone's surprise. It was an objectively bad call—but one perhaps made for the greater good.

Mangum was understandably frustrated. Yet the Rays were able to get the Rangers out in the fifth to secure a 1-0 win … had the game been called. Which it wasn't, as the two teams eventually played to a 5-1 Tampa Bay victory over the full scheduled nine innings.

No harm, no foul. Except to Mangum's batting average. On the other hand, Rangers pitcher Tyler Mahle was treated to a bonus strikeout. Everything balances out.

For some visual context of just how bad this call was, consider that it crossed the plate completely in the other batter's box.

Celtic manager target Kieran McKenna is now thought to be keen on leaving Ipswich Town to take over at Parkhead, and he is a frontrunner alongside one other boss.

What McKenna has said about Celtic job

The Ipswich Town boss has been linked with taking over from Brendan Rodgers in Glasgow, with the Hoops taking their time in regards to appointing their next permanent manager.

Martin O’Neill is currently doing a solid job in interim charge, defeating Rangers in the Scottish League Cup semi-final at Hampden Park at the beginning of November.

O’Neill’s first game in caretaker charge was a 4-0 win over Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership, and talking after that, McKenna was quizzed on a potential move to Parkhead. A Hoops supporter growing up, McKenna called Celtic “a really big football club” but was coy on any move north.

“It’s not something that I’ve followed greatly. I used to coach Martin’s nephew, which is my closest link to Martin O’Neill. Rory Fallon, who is a very good footballer and no other big links there. I think he got a good result last night.

“It’s a really big football club growing up. Again, we all have our affinities. I don’t think everyone has to go around and announce what they were. There are clubs that we support and clubs that we follow.

“But yeah, of course, it’s a really big football club. Again, we’re in a really busy, really important stage of the season, going into international next week with three big games.”

Celtic manager twist on Martin O'Neill after Desmond relationship revealed

Now, a new promising development has emerged over McKenna moving to Glasgow.

Kieran McKenna "wants the Celtic job"

Speaking to The Go Radio Football Show, relayed by 67 Hail Hail, journalist Mark Guidi claimed that McKenna “wants the Celtic job” and is a “clear front runner” for the vacancy alongside Bodo/Glimt’s Kjetil Knutsen, 57.

Guidi also hailed the work O’Neill has done so far in his short interim period.

McKenna’s Ipswich side currently sit 10th in the Championship with a game in hand, three points outside the playoffs.

Games

187

Wins

87

Draws

50

Losses

50

Players used

81

Many would have expected the Tractor Boys to make an immediate return to the Premier League under the “sensational” McKenna after splashing the cash, but by the looks of things, a move to Celtic for the manager is a possibility.

“I remain fully committed to giving my best as a player and will continue my journey with MCA to help us win more trophies,” Ajinkya Rahane says

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Aug-2025Ajinkya Rahane has given up the captaincy of the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team ahead of the 2025-26 domestic season, saying he believes “it’s the right time to groom a new leader”. In a communication to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), Rahane, now 37, said he wants to continue as a player for the team.”Captaining and winning championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour,” Rahane wrote in a social media post. “With a new domestic season ahead, I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader. And hence I’ve decided not to continue in the captaincy role. I remain fully committed to giving my best as a player and will continue my journey with MCA to help us win more trophies. Looking forward to the season.”Rahane helped Mumbai break a nine-year drought by leading them to their 42nd Ranji Trophy title in 2023-24. While his red-ball form over the past two years has been patchy (467 runs in 27 innings with just one century), he was more fluent in the shorter formats. At the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in December last year, when he played under Shreyas Iyer, Rahane was the Player of the Tournament for his chart-topping 469 runs in a title-winning season.Related

The 91st season of the Ranji Trophy is unmissable – here's why

Sairaj Patil – the six-hitting, seam-bowling Mumbai man to watch out for

Setbacks in the past, Kushagra hopes to remain 'in the eyes of the selectors'

BCCI introduces 'serious injury replacement substitute' rule

Rahane was most recently in charge of Kolkata Knight Riders at IPL 2025, for whom he was the highest scorer with 390 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 147.27. The team had a mediocre season, though, finishing eighth with just five wins.In July, Rahane said he still possessed the “hunger and passion” for the game and for red-ball cricket, stating he even carried his trainers and cricket gear while on holiday in London to begin preparations for the upcoming domestic season.”I still want to play Test cricket,” Rahane had told Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton in an interview with . “I’m really passionate about playing Test cricket. I’m enjoying my cricket at the moment. For me, it’s all about focusing on the controllable things. Frankly, I tried to have conversations with the selectors, but [there are] things as a player I cannot control. I got no response.”As a player, all I can do is keep playing cricket, keep enjoying the game, and give my best each and every time. I love playing Test cricket, love playing red-ball [cricket], it’s a passion. The love for the game keeps me going.”Mumbai are currently preparing for the upcoming season by playing the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament in Chennai, with a young squad led by 18-year-old Ayush Mhatre. Mumbai allrounder Shardul Thakur, a key member of their 2024-25 Ranji campaign, was named captain of West Zone for the season-opening Duleep Trophy.

Arsenal chief Andrea Berta is continuing his mission to tie down Mikel Arteta’s most crucial stars with brand-new deals, and the Gunners are now prepared to do something they’ve never done in their history.

Arsenal favourites for Premier League title after near-impenetrable start

Right now, Arsenal aren’t just Premier League title contenders — they’re the team to beat.

Arteta’s side sit pretty atop the table, and it’s no surprise given how they’ve combined defensive solidity with set-piece menace to frustrate opponents week after week so far.

Arsenal’s unbeaten run in all competitions since defeat to Liverpool

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Opposition sides have found it near-impossible to carve out clear chances against an Arsenal side who’ve leaked just three goals in all competitions this season, the best record of any team in Europe right now.

Surprise Serie A title contenders Roma have also conceded just three in the league so far, but unlike Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, Arsenal are just as unbreakable in Europe as they are domestically.

Arsenal’s threat from dead balls has also been a nightmare for teams to deal with.

Time and again, they’ve capitalised on corners and free-kicks, with Gabriel already racking up four goal contributions as a direct result from set pieces this term.

The arrival of Gabriel Heinze to Arteta’s coaching staff has been pinpointed as a key reason why Arsenal have built themselves into even more of a rock-solid force at the back, and if they continue in this fashion, a first league title in 22 years looks pretty inevitable.

While their guerrilla tactics from dead balls and long-throws aren’t exactly easy on the eye, with pundit Jamie O’Hara boldly claiming that Arsenal are ‘killing the Premier League’ with this style of play, Arteta won’t be caring in the slightest right now.

Excitement around the Emirates Stadium is brewing, and the future is looking very bright as Berta looks to convince Arsenal’s star men to commit their futures at N5.

The Italian, who led a near-£270 million spend on summer transfers in the last window, has already managed to tie down the likes of Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Gabriel and William Saliba in the last few months alone.

Berta also rewarded the likes of David Raya and Leandro Trossard with pay rises, showcasing a determination to acknowledge certain members of the squad for their fine form, while it is believed that talks have been held over fresh terms with Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber as well.

However, their most vital contract discussions have centered around star winger Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal poised to hand Bukayo Saka record-breaking pay rise

The England international is back to his best and playing week in, week out after hamstring problems, with Saka causing Atlético Madrid nightmares in the Champions League this time last week.

While Saka is yet to register his first assist of the campaign, he’s already netted crucial goals against the likes of West Ham and Olympiacos to put those games beyond doubt, and the 24-year-old is vital to the way Arteta likes to play.

The Hale End academy superstar’s current deal expires in 2027, and it is imperative that Berta seals his extension sooner rather than later.

Reports suggest that Arsenal are optimistic Saka will pen an extension by Christmas, and according to journalist Wayne Veysey, the club could break a record by doing so.

Writing for Football Insider, Veysey reports that Arsenal could make Saka the club’s first-ever £300,000-per-week player, with talks ongoing over a new deal that will likely make the winger their new highest-paid star above Kai Havertz, who is on £280,000-per-week.

Over a potential five-year contract, Saka is apparently in line to earn over £75 million, which doesn’t even take into account performance-related bonuses or other add-ons.

Negotiations are said to be progressing well, and Saka is likely to sign in the “upcoming period”.

Saudi Arabia's efforts to make waves in the sporting world look set to continue when the wealthy Gulf nation hosts the 2034 World Cup. But a football stadium 350 metres off the ground seems ambitious even for them following the viral emergence of concept designs for a brand new venue dubbed the NEOM Stadium. A list of 15 host stadia complete with concept art was first revealed in the summer of 2024.

• 'Most unique stadium in the world'

  It's certainly out there to want to construct a football stadium in the sky, but fans on social media can't get enough of the idea. The so-called NEOM Stadium could, one of 11 new venues planned for construction over the next eight years to complement four existing stadiums that will be renovated already has a big reputation to live up to.

  Saudi Arabia's bid book submitted to FIFA stated: "Neom Stadium will be the most unique stadium in the world. With a pitch situated more than 350m above ground, stunning vistas and a roof created from the city itself, the stadium will be an experience like no other.

  "Within The Line, mass transport and personal transport will be enabled by a network of tram-like Autonomous Rapid Transit vehicles and Personal Rapid Transit, operating on five primary horizontal transport corridors."

  'The Line', announced in 2021, is a proposed smart city in a single long building measuring 170km by 200 metres and up to 500 metres high, designed to have no cars, streets or carbon emissions, and be big enough to house nine millione people, a quarter of Saudi Arabia's existing population. Although already under construction, full completion of the city itself is not actually expected until 2045, 11 years after the World Cup.

  What isn't clear is if the new concept images doing the rounds are part of any official plans, as the stadium doesn't appear to be incorporated into what 'The Line' would look like.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  350m in the air

  NEOM Stadium proposes to accomodate 46,000 fans from is vantage point 350 metres above the ground. The other proposed venues for the World Cup will be spread across four existing cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar and Abha. But all are set to incorporate unique architecture and themes, including one dazzling with colour, another made up of crystal-like shards and another built specifically from locally-sourced materials.

• Saudi Arabia stood unopposed in bidding process

  Saudi Arabia was confirmed as host nation for the 2034 World Cup during an Extraordinary FIFA Congress on December 11, 2024. Despite FIFA lowering the existing stadium capacity requirements from seven with 40,000+ to just four, there were no other bidders. FIFA's rotation policy, which ensures that World Cup tournaments are spread evenly around the planet, meant that only bids from Asia or Oceania would be accepted anyway. Potential hosts were also given just 25 days to express an intent to host, which only Saudi Arabia did.

  It will be the third World Cup in Asia in the 21st century, following from South Korea and Japan's joint effort in 2002, and Gulf neighbour Qatar in 2022. Saudi Arabia will actually end up being the first single host nation since Qatar by the time 2034 rolls around, due to 2026 being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, and 2030 being the shared responsibility of Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with games also being staged in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay as part of FIFA's World Cup centenary celebrations.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• getty
  

  World Cup plans between now and 2034

  Saudi Arabia still has the best part of a decade to plan and build and/or renovate its venues for the World Cup. But the eyes of the world are unlikely to pay too much attention until much nearer the time. For now, the 2026 World Cup in North America is just over seven month away from its opening match on June 11. As many as 48 countries will compete for the first time following the tournament's expansion, including debutants Jordan, Uzbekistan and Cape Verde, but fans will need to wait another five weeks until December 5 for the group stage to take place and the fixture list be revealed.

  2026 could very likely be the last dance at the World Cup for both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Manchester United recruited a new-look front three for Ruben Amorim over the summer. With Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho both leaving the club, the Red Devils needed depth in forward areas.

To add that strength up top, Sir Jim Ratcliffe spent more than £200m constructing the new forward line. Matheus Cunha joined for £62.5m from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Their new number nine was Benjamin Sesko. He signed late in the window from RB Leipzig, costing United £74m. He scored in back-to-back games heading into the recent international break.

Bryan Mbeumo was the other signing from Brentford, costing £71m including add-ons. It has been a strong start to the campaign for the Cameroonian star, too.

How Mbeumo’s start compares to other Big 6 wingers

Naturally, there was going to be a lot of pressure on United’s new number 19. He had an exceptional season for Bournemouth last season, with 28 goals and assists in 38 Premier League matches.

However, the 26-year-old has started the season well. He’s already scored twice for United and has an assist in eight games.

His first Premier League strike came against Burnley, and he set up Mason Mount against Sunderland.

But, how do those stats stack up to some of the other right-sided attackers in the Big 6? Well, Mohamed Salah’s start to the season has been somewhat underwhelming, although he has two goals and two assists in the Premier League so far. Those are the same numbers Phil Foden has across all competitions.

Arsenal’s main right-sided option, Bukayo Saka, has scored three goals in all competitions, and Tottenham Hotspur’s Mohammed Kudus has set up five goals. As for Chelsea, Estevao has been their chief destroyer on the right, with a goal and assist, including that late winner against Liverpool.

Overall, Mbeumo’s numbers stack up well to some of his rivals. What is scary for their opponents is that United have a homegrown version of the Cameroon star brewing at Carrington.

United’s homegrown Mbeumo

Although Mbeumo is only 26 years of age and not even in his peak years, it is always nice for United fans to know that they have an extremely talented right-sided attacker in their academy.

The Cameroonian international will be perfect for him to learn from.

Indeed, Red Devils fans can surely get excited about 17-year-old winger Bendito Mantato. The England under-18 international has shone for their academy over the past couple of years, so much so that Amorim invited him to join first-team training this week.

The forward is a versatile player who can play on both flanks and even at left-back. However, when operating as a right-winger under Darren Fletcher in the under-18s squad, he’s scored and assisted in just two games.

Indeed, those numbers are impressive, but his overall stats for the under-18s at Carrington show he’s posed a threat to opposition defenders for a few seasons. He’s scored 14 goals and assisted three times in just 23 games in the Under-18s Premier League.

2022/23

4

0

2023/24

7

6 goals & 2 assists

2024/25

11

7 goals

2025/26

1

1 goal & 1 assist

The 17-year-old is a player who possesses a good instinct in the penalty box, a great threat for a winger to have. This strike against Arsenal in the FA Youth Cup last season demonstrates just that.

It is also similar to Mbeumo’s goal against Burnley this season, highlighting the similarities between the pair.

Mantato is certainly an exciting prospect, with Academy Scoop, a Red Devils academy page over on X, calling him “one of the biggest talents at the club.” That is certainly high praise, given the quality in the academy ranks at Carrington.

It will be fascinating to see how Mantato’s development goes and how similar to Mbeumo he is when he does eventually break into first-team football.

Not Sesko: Carrington's "machine" is destined to be Man Utd's next No.9

Manchester United have their next number nine brewing at Old Trafford…

ByRobbie Walls Oct 16, 2025

تعرض أحد لاعبي الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، للإصابة خلال مباراة ديكاداها الجارية الآن في بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية.

ويلتقي الزمالك مع الفريق الصومالي، ضمن منافسات إياب دور الـ32 من بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية على ملعب استاد السلام.

طالع.. تشكيل الزمالك لمواجهة ديكاداها الصومالي في الكونفدرالية.. الجزيري يقود الهجوم

أصيب أحمد شريف لاعب الزمالك قبل نهاية الشوط الأول من عمر المباراة حيث نزل الجهاز الطبي لعلاجه لكنه لم يستكمل اللقاء.

وحل خوان بيزيرا لاعب الزمالك بدلًا من أحمد شريف بعد مغادرة الملعب.

وتشير النتيجة إلى تقدم الزمالك، بهدف نظيف سجله سيف الدين الجزيري، في الدقيقة 39 من عمر اللقاء عن طريق ركلة جزاء.

وكان الزمالك قد حقق الفوز في لقاء الذهاب على ديكاداها الصومالي، بسداسية نظيفة، يوم السبت الماضي، على ملعب القاهرة الدولي. لحظة إصابة أحمد شريف