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Let us take you back to 2007. Gareth Bale has learned his trade at Southampton and is still effectively a boy. He’s only 17. But here he is, signing for Tottenham Hotspur.

A £10m move at the time didn’t exactly blow Spurs fans away but it was a deal that would change the modern landscape of this football club.

It took a while for that to occur, however. Bale didn’t win any of his first 24 games in Spurs colours. He was a jinx, perhaps even a curse.

However, he managed to turn his career around after a rocky start and is now perhaps only second to Harry Kane in terms of modern icons at White Hart Lane.

When Real Madrid came calling in 2013, lodging an £85m bid, Spurs banked a ridiculous amount of profit but said farewell to one of their greats.

Taking into account the Welshman’s second stint in north London – a loan spell – he featured across 237 games, bagging 71 goals and posting 53 assists.

So, where’s the next Bale coming from? Well, the Lilywhites have a number of top young stars, notably Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Mikey Moore.

Moore is perhaps one of the most exciting.

Mikey Moore's debut campaign in the Spurs first-team

Last summer marked Moore’s emergence in the Spurs first-team. Ange Postecoglou loves him and couldn’t wait to unleash the teenager in the senior game.

He did so for the first time against Manchester City, bringing the 17-year-old from the bench in the last two games of the Premier League campaign.

Moore played a more prominent role during the club’s pre-season preparations, dazzling defenders by scoring against both Hearts and Vissel Kobe while also posting an assist against QPR. It was some start to life as a first-team player.

While the teenager has not been a regular contributor in terms of goals and assists since, failing to find the net in the Premier League but scoring twice in all competitions, he’s still looked incredibly promising.

Injury and illness have stunted Moore’s development across the new year but he’s left not just a lasting impression on fans but also his teammates.

Speaking after their 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar in November, James Maddison remarked: “From minute 45 to 65 I thought we had Neymar on the left wing. He was brilliant. Just demanding the ball and fearless.”

Still only 17 years of age, the future is certainly bright for the England youth international, named among GOAL.com’s top 50 wonderkids around the globe.

Still, one of the players on that list could be an even bigger talent.

Spurs have a bigger talent than Mikey Moore

Featuring on GOAL’s list were five Spurs players, chief among them Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall. Those two are certainly further ahead in their development so it makes sense for them to be included higher up.

However, we want to talk about Luka Vuskovic, the young defender who’s yet to be seen in Spurs colours.

Yang Min-hyeok

#43

Luka Vuskovic

#26

Mikey Moore

#22

Lucas Bergvall

#17

Archie Gray

#13

It was back in September 2023 that Spurs first announced they had agreed a deal to bring a then 16-year-old Vuskovic to the club from Croatian side Hajduk Split.

He won’t officially transfer clubs until the summer of 2025 so we are still waiting for his Spurs debut, but now aged 18, he’s showcasing the immense potential many expect from him.

A centre-back by trade, the teenager is on loan at KVC Westerlo in Belgium’s first tier where he’s not just demonstrated himself to be a capable defender but he also has a habit of finding the back of the net, scoring seven times in 28 appearances.

So, why is there such hype? Well, standing at 6 foot 5, he’s been described as a “freak athlete” by data analyst Ben Mattinson and an “insane talent” by scout Jacek Kulig.

He’s got the imposing frame to terrify defenders, the goalscoring ability to impact things at the opposite end of the pitch and he’s dominating even when he’s not finding the net.

Indeed, according to Sofascore, he’s achieved the highest match rating in a single game among defenders in Europe’s ‘top ten leagues’ in a game where they didn’t find the net or assist a goal.

That was during a 0-0 draw with OH Leuven where the young centre-back completed 91% of his passes, won ten of his 12 aerial duels, completed a key pass and successfully made all seven of his long balls.

This is an elite talent in the making, a comfortable passer, a menacing header of the ball and a goalscorer. What more could you want?

Those in his homeland are already getting excited and who can blame them? Croatian media have been quick to celebrate his performances, crowning Vuskovic as “a talent who is born once in 100 years”.

Perhaps, like Bale, he is blessed with the potential to play for a club like Madrid. Spurs will hope they get a few years of service out of him before anything like that happens.

Ange has found a "mind-blowing" star at Spurs who could be the next Defoe

The talented forward could replicate the Spurs icon.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 21, 2025

After taking one step into the Champions League quarter-finals, Aston Villa now reportedly want to get another one over on Europe’s top sides in the race to sign a defensive target.

Aston Villa transfer news

It wasn’t so long ago that goal-line technology was malfunctioning against Sheffield United on Aston Villa’s way to Premier League survival. Now, almost five years on, they’re no longer just surviving in England’s top flight, they’re thriving. Unai Emery has dragged the Midlands club away from the bottom half and into the Champions League, where they have taken Europe by storm.

Having defeated Club Brugge 3-1 to take a comfortable lead into the second leg of their last 16 tie, the Villans’ Champions League dream undoubtedly remains a reality with their sights now potentially set on the last eight.

Away from their European ventures, however, Emery’s squad still needs plenty of work in pursuit of a consistent place inside the Premier League’s top four. Currently sat 10th and five points adrift of the Champions League places, the Villans have already set their sights on one particular reinforcement.

According to Caught Offside, Aston Villa have now joined the race to sign Konstantinos Koulierakis ahead of both Liverpool and Real Madrid in a deal worth up to €50m (£42m).

Aston Villa handed chance to sign "super" £50m+ star considering PL move

He’s outscored Watkins this season…

ByTom Cunningham Mar 5, 2025

The young Wolfsburg centre-back has enjoyed an impressive campaign and could yet emerge to become Emery’s eventual replacement for 31-year-old Tyrone Mings.

With plenty of competition for his signature, European football could prove to be key – making Aston Villa’s current position all the more frustrating as the Premier League season enters its final stretch.

"Complete" Koulierakis is a rising star

At just 21 years old, Koulierakis is undoubtedly one to watch. Helping Wolfsburg into the top seven of the Bundesliga this season – just four points adrift of the top four – it’s no surprise that the defender has reportedly attracted the interest of several top sides.

The only question that could remain this summer is just where Koulierakis will end up and whether it will be those in the Midlands welcoming a new star with open arms. Emery could certainly use with the depth and, as football talent scout Jacek Kulig described the Wolfsburg star, a “complete” defender in Koulierakis.

Aston Villa’s squad depth could prove to be the main factor behind their top four failure this season, but arrivals such as Koulierakis would quickly put an end to those struggles for years to come.

Gus Poyet insists Chelsea have "no more excuses" as they aim to qualify for the Champions League and win the Conference League.

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• Blues aiming to finish in top five
• Must win final two games
• Poyet urges Maresca's side to get over line

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Chelsea face Manchester United on Friday evening and are acutely aware that they must win their final two games of the season if they are to guarantee qualification for the Champions League. They currently sit fifth, the final qualification spot this season, but are level on points with Aston Villa and are only one clear of Nottingham Forest in seventh.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Chelsea also have a Conference League final against Real Betis to prepare for, which comes just three days after their final game of the season against fellow Champions League hopefuls Forest. Nevertheless, Poyet insists standards have slipped at Stamford Bridge – a stadium that has witnessed the Blues lifting the Premier League trophy – and has told manager Enzo Maresca that he has no excuse if the club fail to finish in the top five.

• WHAT GUS POYET SAID

  Poyet told : “Chelsea must qualify for the Champions League next season. It was too early to call in the middle of the season, and then they had a great run of form. People even thought they could challenge for the title. After Enzo Maresca played down their chances, they went on a really bad run.

  “Can they balance their focus between the Premier League and the Europa Conference League? There are no more excuses for Chelsea. The expectation used to be top two, then top three, then top four and now top five! Qualifying for the Champions League would stop the slide.”

• (C)Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Chelsea face United on Friday night. With Aston Villa playing Tottenham Hotspur on the same evening, the Blues will hope their London rivals can do them a favour.

MatériaMais Notícias

da doce： O Atlético-MG segue em busca da contratação de Patrick. O negócio é considerado complicado e chegou a esfriar, já que o São Paulo fez mudanças nas tratativas iniciais, mas as partes prometem nova reunião nesta semana para definir o futuro do jogador. As informações são do “GE” e foram confirmadas pelo LANCE!.

+Vaivém do LANCE!: confira as transferências dos clubes brasileiros no Mercado da Bola

O momento é de muita cautela por parte do Atlético-MG, que não quer sair do planejamento financeiro para realizar a contratação. A oferta inicial do Galo havia sido aceita pelo São Paulo, mas a diretoria do clube paulista optou por fazer mudanças nos trâmites e afastou a equipe mineira. Agora, as partes tentam chegar em um denominador comum.

+Diálogo, irritação e Ceni de olho no Galo: entenda os bastidores entre as diretorias de Atlético-MG e São Paulo

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da dobrowin： Vale destacar que o Atlético-MG trabalha com duas ‘cartas na manga’ para tentar fechar a contratação de Patrick. Como o jogador tem contrato com o São Paulo até dezembro de 2023, ele poderia assinar um pré-contrato a partir de julho, mas dependeria de liberação antecipada do Tricolor para entrar em campo pelo Galo neste ano.

+Alvo do Flamengo, Quintero abre o jogo sobre negociação: ‘Espero que dê certo. Estou ansioso’

Patrick também tem vontade de vestir a camisa do Atlético-MG e reeditar a dupla com Edenílson, mas depende das negociações entre cartolas mineiros e paulistas. O meia foi um dos destaques de 2022 no São Paulo, tendo marcado nove gols e distribuído sete assistências em 54 jogos disputados.

Hansi Flick has dismissed the possibility of defender Ronald Araujo leaving Barcelona this summer.

• Flick dismisses Araujo's exit
• Defender to fight for starting spot
• Barca willing to sell one centre-back

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Despite signing a six-year contract extension in January, the centre-back has been linked with a move away following an injury-plagued campaign at the Catalan club. Premier League and Italian sides had been linked to the 26-year-old.

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  Barca are currently facing an overload in defence, with sporting director Deco admitting they want to sell one defender. Due to injury, Araujo and Andreas Christensen spent much of last season on the sidelines, forcing Flick to rely on Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez in the heart of the defence. While Christensen is the one most likely to be sacrificed, reports Araujo could ask to leave should he feel he will not be given a chance.

• WHAT FLICK SAID

  Flick, though, has suggested the Uruguay international will remain, telling reporters: "Ronald? There are always many rumours about Araujo, but I have no news or any sign that he wants to leave. I have a great team, with a lot of quality. We have doubled all positions and in some I even have three players. It's not easy to manage, of course, but I'm happy."

  He added: "I'm surprised this is coming from Ronald. I'm very happy with the team I have."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR ARAUJO?

  While Spanish media have recently claimed Araujo might be sold to Liverpool, the defender himself declared earlier this month that he wants to stay at the Catalan outfit. He is currently part of the squad in South Korea and featured in their first pre-season game against Vissel Kobe last week, albeit from the bench. Barca are set to play their second game tomorrow against Korean top-tier club FC Seoul.

“I tried to have conversations with the selectors, but things [like that are] as a player I cannot control,” he said in an interview with Sky Sports

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jul-2025Ajinkya Rahane, 37, hasn’t played a Test in two years now, but has reiterated his “hunger and passion” for the game and red-ball cricket, even though he has “got no response” from the selectors.”I still want to play Test cricket,” Rahane, currently in London, told Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton in an interview with Sky Sports. “I’m really passionate about playing Test cricket. I’m enjoying my cricket at the moment.”I’m here just for a few days. I carried my trainers and my training clothes so that I can keep myself fit. Our domestic season is starting, so preparations have just begun.”When asked about the challenges of making a comeback, particularly with the team management placing greater emphasis on younger players following the Test retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Rahane said his focus remains on “controllable things.”New captain Shubman Gill has taken over Kohli’s No. 4 spot, with vice-captain Rishabh Pant slotting in at No. 5. Of the old guard, KL Rahul appears to be the only one still firmly in the selectors’ plans. Despite the stiff competition, Rahane remains unfazed, reaffirming his dedication to domestic cricket as he works toward a comeback.Since losing his Test spot, Rahane has led Mumbai in two straight Ranji Trophy seasons, winning their 42nd title in 2023-24, while they finished runners-up in 2024-25. He was also part of Mumbai’s title-winning Syed Mushtaq Ali (T20) squad.Rahane hit 467 runs in 14 innings at an average of 35.92 in the 2024-25 Ranji season, with one fifty and a hundred. He was the highest run-getter for Kolkata Knight Riders during a disappointing IPL 2025, where they finished eighth out of ten teams. Rahane hit 390 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 147.27.”For me, it’s all about focusing on the controllable things,” Rahane said. “Frankly, I tried to have conversations with the selectors, but things [like that are] 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, give my best each and every time. I love playing Test cricket, love playing red-ball, it’s a passion. The love for the game keeps me going.”

Jude Bellingham could face a potential ban after being caught making an X-rated gesture during Real Madrid's 2-1 victory over Barcelona in El Clasico. The English midfielder was the match-winner at the Bernabeu, but his celebration has once again sparked controversy after cameras appeared to capture him repeating the same gesture that landed him in trouble at Euro 2024.

Bellingham makes lewd gesture after winning Clasico for Real Madrid

Bellingham played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s 2-1 triumph over Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu, contributing both a goal and an assist in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season in La Liga. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring for Madrid, only for Fermin Lopez to level for Barcelona before Bellingham struck just before half-time to restore Los Blancos’ lead — one that ultimately proved decisive.

However, celebrations took an unexpected turn when the England international was caught on camera making a lewd gesture, pointing toward his crotch while sticking out his tongue in front of supporters. The incident quickly spread across social media, drawing comparisons to the same gesture Bellingham made at Euro 2024 after scoring for England against Slovakia, for which UEFA issued him a £25,000 fine and a suspended one-match ban.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportReal Madrid and Barcelona players clash in heated Clasico

The gesture has once again placed Bellingham in an uncomfortable spotlight, overshadowing an otherwise stellar performance that helped Real Madrid extend their lead at the top of La Liga to five points. The match itself was a heated affair, with tempers flaring late on as Andriy Lunin was sent off in stoppage time amid a scuffle involving multiple players. La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) are expected to review the footage to determine whether Bellingham’s actions warrant disciplinary action, though a decision may depend on how seriously the governing bodies interpret his intent.

If sanctioned, Bellingham could face a fine or even a short suspension, a setback that Real Madrid can ill afford as they prepare for a demanding run of fixtures. Head coach Xabi Alonso, who has praised the midfielder’s resurgence since the international break, will be keen to keep one of his most influential players available. Speaking after the match, Alonso said: “He’s had three very good games. We knew before the last break that he needed time and minutes to get going, and he’s done better than we expected. Jude is all about feeling, communicating, and connecting. That’s why he’s had some very good games.”

Bale got away with a similar gesture in 2019

This is not the first time a Real Madrid player has become embroiled in controversy for a similar act. Back in 2019, Gareth Bale made the infamous “corte de mangas” gesture toward Atletico Madrid fans — a motion considered deeply offensive in Spain — yet he escaped punishment from the authorities. That precedent could provide some comfort to Bellingham, who will hope that the Spanish FA takes a lenient view. The midfielder’s previous incident at Euro 2024, however, may not work in his favour, even though UEFA’s jurisdiction does not extend to La Liga matches.

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick landed himself in hot water last week after being shown a second yellow card for making a gesture during a win over Girona. Flick also picked up a one-match ban and was suspended from the touchline for El Clasico. All eyes will now be trained on whether La Liga manage to clamp down on Bellingham’s X-rated gesture with similar vigour, while a lack of action could very well reiterate a dig made by Lamine Yamal before the Clasico, a sentiment shared heavily by fans of other La Liga teams through the last few seasons.

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AFPCould Bellingham be banned for Valencia clash?

Bellingham will now await any formal word from the league authorities regarding potential punishment, but as of now, no official statement has been released. If history is any indicator, a review process could take several days, with Real Madrid’s legal team likely to argue that the gesture was made in jest or misinterpreted by cameras. Even if he avoids a ban, the incident is likely to be discussed heavily in the Spanish media over the coming days, reigniting debates that have raged in the last few weeks.

In the meantime, the 22-year-old remains focused on maintaining his fine form for Madrid, who are entering a critical phase of the season. After being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s most recent England squad, Bellingham will hope that his club displays — rather than his on-field antics — become the talking point ahead of the Three Lions’ upcoming fixtures against Serbia and Albania.

West Bromwich Albion fans will want to see their team break free of their tag of nearly-men in the Championship promotion race this coming season.

The Baggies have now been outside the luxuries of the Premier League for four seasons on the spin, with Carlos Corberan clinching a playoff spot for the West Midlands side during the 2023/24 season, only for a semi-final exit to crush their promotion dreams.

It will be up to rookie manager Ryan Mason to finally guide West Brom back up to the Premier League, with the powers that be at the Hawthorns going down a brave, new route in offering the inexperienced 33-year-old the reins.

He might well look to utilise his former Tottenham Hotspur connections when attempting to land gems in the transfer market, with Mikey Moore one North London prodigy that continues to stick out.

Latest on West Brom's pursuit of Moore

It has been a long-standing rumour at the Hawthorns this summer that West Brom are interested in bringing the 17-year-old sensation to the Championship.

After all, the teenage attacker does boast an astounding return of 19 goals from 24 appearances for Spurs’ U19s, on top of also showing off his class in senior action when powering home his first-ever men’s goal for Thomas Frank’s men last season in the Europa League.

But, it could be argued that West Brom are already strong down both the left wing and right wing – where Moore regularly roams – with Tom Fellows, Jed Wallace, and Mikey Johnston all at Mason’s disposal. Between them last season in the second tier, the entertaining trio would tally up a hefty 27 goal contributions.

Moreover, with experience perhaps preferred when looking for fresh recruits down the wing as ex-Derby forward Tom Lawrence continues to be linked, the Baggies might look to other faces in the Spurs academy to bolster their squad, with a loan return for this striker potentially on the menu as a better pick-up than Moore.

How Mason could seal a better signing than Moore

If there was an area on the pitch that fills West Brom with anxiety, it would be up top in the centre-forward position.

West Brom haven’t been blessed with lady luck in this department, considering Josh Maja found himself out of action from January onwards last campaign when picking up an unfortunate injury, away from Daryl Dike also being a regular member of the Hawthorns treatment room.

Josh Maja

26

12

44

Karlan Grant

44

7

4

Devante Cole

16

0

0

Daryl Dike

11

1

133

Therefore, to ensure they don’t leave themselves short on numbers in attack, West Brom could soon welcome back former loan face Will Lankshear to Mason’s camp, with Football London reporting earlier this week that the Baggies want to secure the temporary signature of the 20-year-old once more, alongside other Championship suitors sniffing around.

Lankshear did endure a testing loan stint with the club last season, with zero goals picked up across 11 appearances, but he was shoved into the deep-end arguably, considering he joined the building right in the midst of West Brom’s promotion push falling flat.

He only started four of those league clashes too, and with such a glowing track record in youth circles at Spurs – much like Moore – Mason might well be the perfect manager to get the most out of Lankshear in a senior set-up, having worked with him closely in North London.

Amazingly, the “phenomenal” forward – as he was labelled by journalist John Wenham – has an even sturdier goal tally next to his name for the Spurs U21s than Moore has managed in his age bracket, with a venomous 26 strikes amassed from just 35 contests.

Even if Maja is back to full fitness this coming season, adding in Lankshear wouldn’t hurt, with the 20-year-old hotshot no doubt able to enhance his game bouncing off of such an experienced EFL head.

With their highest average age across the lineup coming in at 28.7 last season, adding in stars of the future, such as the England U20 international, could be a worthwhile move, as Mason attempts to leave his mark on the Baggies to try and push his new employers up the league.

After Nat Phillips: West Brom could sign "sublime" Fellows replacement

If West Bromwich Albion are powerless to Tom Fellows leaving, this sublime star joining the building could be his best possible replacement.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 24, 2025

Under-used asset should be picked to perform for free-to-air TV outing

Matt Roller24-Jun-2021Whatever Eoin Morgan’s views on fiscal policy, it is safe to assume he places limited faith in the free market.When Moeen Ali’s name was called at February’s IPL auction, it sparked a bidding war between Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings, fetching him a fee of Rs. 7 crore (£690,000 approx.). It proved that while Moeen has been surplus to requirements for England’s T20I side for more than nine months, there is still high demand for his services in the biggest T20 tournament in the world, where competition for one of the limited number of overseas slots is fierce.And Moeen’s performances in the six games he played before the IPL’s curtailment vindicated Chennai’s faith in him. Batting at No. 3, he made 206 runs in six innings with a strike rate of 157.25 – only Prithvi Shaw and AB de Villiers made more runs at a quicker rate. With the ball, he bowled two overs a game on average, taking five wickets and conceding a miserly 6.16 runs an over.In an England shirt, by contrast, Moeen has not been required for nine consecutive T20Is and there is every chance that streak will extend to 10 games in Cardiff on Thursday evening (though Morgan has hinted there will be a handful of changes). He has played in just 12 of England’s last 37 T20Is and while he is certain to be named in the squad for the T20 World Cup this autumn, the fact he went unused during the five-match series in India in March was proof that he has been overtaken by Sam Curran as the luxury pick at No. 7, afforded by Ben Stokes’ presence in the top six. In all formats, Moeen has played only four times for England in nine months.England’s explanation for his ongoing omission is simply that conditions haven’t suited him. Pitches in Cape Town, Paarl and Ahmedabad offered very little turn throughout the winter and Cardiff, the venue for their thumping eight-wicket on Wednesday night, has such short straight boundaries that Morgan has always been reticent to use spinners there, particularly from the River Taff End. In Liam Livingstone – preferred to Moeen at No. 6 in the first T20I – he has a batter who can bowl both offspin and legspin in the same over, versatility which Moeen does not offer.But that rationale demonstrates the disconnect between how Moeen is viewed at club and international level as a T20 player: England see him as a second spinner who adds to their batting depth; Worcestershire, Chennai and Multan Sultans use him as a top-order batter who also offers an extra spin option when required. His offspin has been used increasingly sparingly in T20Is – he bowled a single over in each of his last six appearances and has been relatively expensive – but Morgan still refers to him publicly as their second spinner. For all England’s batting riches, it seems like a waste of his ability with the bat.ESPNcricinfo LtdThe elephant in the room is Dawid Malan’s form, which has dipped sharply since a superb innings of 99 not out against South Africa at the start of December. There is little doubt that Malan – still ranked the world’s No. 1 T20I batter by the ICC – would be a good option at No. 3 in a World Cup in Australia, where hard, bouncy pitches suit his strengths square of the wicket and off the back foot, but with the T20 World Cup due to be played either in India or on used pitches in the UAE, that has limited relevance.Malan struggled in India in March, being dismissed three times in 39 balls against spin, and with his runs drying up in domestic white-ball cricket, he is averaging 24.35 with a strike rate of 111.95 across all T20s since the start of the Big Bash. England’s unparalleled batting depth means that innings of 25 off 20 balls are significantly more damaging than early failures or flashy cameos, and Moeen – a quick starter, and a clean hitter of spin – looks like the ideal candidate to replace him if his lean patch continues.There is no guarantee he would have made a significant score, but it is hard to imagine Moeen nudging his way to 7 off 14 balls as Malan did on Wednesday night while England were cruising to victory. And if Morgan needs reminding about Moeen’s worth in Cardiff, he need only cast his mind back to his only T20I appearance there in 2015, when he hit 72 not out off 46 balls from No. 3 then dismissed Glenn Maxwell with the first ball he bowled.There is a wider context to consider, too. Thursday’s second T20I is one of two England men’s games shown live by the BBC on free-to-air TV in the UK this summer, and through no real fault of their own, the white-ball side has had limited opportunity to connect with the public at large since their World Cup final win.Related

• Eoin Morgan defends rest-and-rotation policy ahead of T20Is against Sri Lanka

• England's bowlers set up big win before Jos Buttler seals 1-0 series lead

• England add element of intrigue to victory with use of Adil Rashid

The first T20I last night was their first game in front of a home crowd since that Lord’s final nearly two years ago, and with the vast majority of their careers stuck behind a paywall, their players will want to serve up a better spectacle than Wednesday night’s; even Jos Buttler and Jason Roy – perhaps the most destructive opening partnership in T20I cricket – could do little to liven things up with such a low target to chase. The fact that tonight’s match falls on the first rest day in the Euro 2020 schedule means the scope to draw in casual viewers is all the greater.There are two moves to make. The first is that if they win the toss, England should bat first regardless of the conditions on what is expected to be a used pitch. Not only would it give their batting line-up valuable experience of setting a total before this autumn’s World Cup, it would ensure there is a chance to show off their wealth of batting options.And the second is to pick Moeen, if not for Malan then for either Curran or Livingstone, whose brief spell on Wednesday proved that Cardiff does not have to be a graveyard for spinners. The demand for him in the IPL suggests he is wasted carrying drinks, and there are fewer better sights in the game than Moeen’s smooth flow while hitting down the ground – it would be a missed opportunity not to open it up to a significantly bigger audience than usual.

The champions of Europe may have already been crowned, although there is an even bigger prize on offer this summer, as 32 teams compete to be named the best club side on the planet.

Yes, amid much excitement and intrigue, the revamped FIFA Club World Cup is now finally on the horizon, with things kicking off on Saturday 14 June, ahead of what will be a month-long feast of football in the United States.

Every English club to play at the Club World Cup

Chelsea and Man City are preparing to head to the United States in the summer.

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By
Brett Worthington

Dec 6, 2024

Among those from across the globe who are bidding to reach the showpiece on 13 July are Premier League giants – and recent Europa Conference League winners – Chelsea, with the Blues set to take on MLS outfit LAFC on Monday (16 June).

The west Londoners have earned their place following their Champions League triumph back in 2021, while for their opponents, the Los Angeles-based hopefuls saw off Club America in a lucrative play-off showdown to secure the final spot in the competition.

• Watch the FIFA Club World Cup live and on-demand here

Ahead of what should be an enthralling opening fixture for two of the four sides in Group D, here’s everything you need to know on how to watch – and who to be looking out for – when Monday rolls around…

Where to watch Chelsea vs LAFC at the Club World Cup

63 games. The world’s best players. All in one place. All without paying a penny. It really doesn’t get much better than that, does it?

Indeed, FIFA revealed back in December 2024 that this bumper Club World Cup edition will be available for free globally, with the world’s current largest sports streaming platform – DAZN – showcasing every game from this footballing extravaganza.

Available worldwide in 14 languages, DAZN really is the go-to place for this summer’s affair, with easy access provided to watch the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland – and many more – strutting their stuff at the highest level.

If you are already a DAZN subscriber, then the Club World Cup action will already become a part of your membership. For those who haven’t yet signed up, all you have to do is use your email address to register a free account on the DAZN website, with no hidden costs or fees added. You will then be able to watch every game on the DAZN app via your TV, computer, phone or even on your games console.

Chelsea vs LAFC (Monday 16 June – Atlanta – 8pm UK time, 3pm local time)

• FIFA Club World Cup

  Current Champions

  Manchester City

  Founded

  2000

  Most Championships

  Real Madrid (5)

• DAZN
  

  Watch all FIFA Club World Cup games free on DAZN. The biggest clubs and the best players in the world compete in the FIFA Club World Cup.

  Watch Every Game Live on DAZN

Chelsea vs LAFC – Who to look out for

Fresh off the back of their recent European success, Enzo Maresca’s youthful side have already bolstered their ranks with a handful of key signings, with Strasbourg’s Mamadou Sarr joining Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap in making the move to Stamford Bridge.

Those two new arrivals will be in line to make their Chelsea debuts against their MLS opponents, while there is further excitement surrounding new man Dario Essugo and the returning Andrey Santos.

Delap, in particular, will strengthen a frontline that already includes the dazzling Cole Palmer, with the Blues talisman seeking to build on his return of 67 goals and assists in just 91 games for the club to date. Behind the Englishman, the South American duo of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo will likely prove crucial to the club’s fortunes once again.

As for the side hoping to throw an early spanner in the works, LAFC boast a handful of familiar faces to Premier League audiences at their core, with the World Cup-winning French duo of Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud operating at either end of the pitch.

This meeting will, of course, be something of a reunion for Giroud, following his prior three-and-a-half-year stay in west London, with the veteran striker memorably scoring six goals en route to Chelsea’s Champions League triumph four years ago.

The 38-year-old – who has scored just five goals during his time in the States – is not manager Steve Cherundolo’s danger man, however, with number 99, Denis Bouanga, having hit 20+ MLS goals in each of his last two seasons, prior to netting eight in 15 league games in 2025. One-time Roma and Marseille starlet, Cengiz Under, will be another for Chelsea to keep tabs on down the right flank.

Who else is in Group D?

Chelsea’s Premier League status will make them overwhelming favourites to progress from Group D, although Brazilian outfit, Flamengo, will provide a stern test, having won the Copa Libertadores back in 2022.

Those two sides go head to head in the second round of games, with that fixture providing the chance for another potential reunion, as former Chelsea man Jorginho bids to make his debut for the Serie A side, amid his recent free transfer exit from Arsenal.

Elsewhere, aside from latecomers LAFC, the final place in Group D has been taken by Tunisian outfit, Esperance de Tunis, with the relative outsiders having earned their place as the highest ranking eligible side in the CAF – African football’s governing body.

With the chance for new rivalries to be made, this quartet is not one to be overlooked…

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