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Virat Kohli has announced he will step down as India’s T20I captain after the conclusion of the upcoming T20 World Cup. He wants to continue as Test and ODI captain, however.Kohli announced his decision on Twitter, saying he made it with his workload in mind as a three-format player, and that he has already spoken about it with BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, secretary Jay Shah, and the selectors. He said he arrived at his decision after “a lot of contemplation and discussions with my close people”, including India head coach Ravi Shastri and the white-ball vice-captain Rohit Sharma, who has already led India in 19 T20Is when Kohli has been rested.Related

• Virat Kohli's biggest gambit yet

• Vikram Rathour reapplies for role as India batting coach

• Dravid formally applies to become India's head coach

• Bhuvneshwar's form a concern? 'Not at all, his experience will be priceless' says Kohli

• Was it Kohli's own decision to give up India's T20I captaincy? Is Dhoni part of a larger plan?

Though the BCCI is yet to name a successor, Rohit is likely to be the frontrunner.”Understanding workload is a very important thing and considering my immense workload over the last 8-9 years playing all 3 formats and captaining regularly for last 5-6 years, I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian team in Test and ODI Cricket,” Kohli said. “I have given everything to the Team during my time as T20 Captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 Team as a batsman moving forward.” The development comes exactly eight days after Kohli sat with the selectors to finalise the India squad for the T20 World Cup, which will be played in the UAE in October-November.”Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time,” Kohli said. “After a lot of contemplation and discussions with my close people, Ravi and also Rohit, who have been an essential part of the leadership group, I’ve decided to step down as the T20 Captain after this T20 World Cup in Dubai in October.”In a BCCI statement, president Ganguly said the decision was made keeping “the future roadmap” in mind.”Virat has been a true asset for Indian Cricket and has led with aplomb,” he said. :He is one of the most successful captains in all the formats. The decision has been made keeping in mind the future roadmap. We thank Virat for his tremendous performance as the T20I Captain. We wish him all the best for the upcoming World Cup and beyond and hope that he continues to score plenty of runs for India.”Shah said he had been in talks with Kohli “for the last six months” over his workload. “I have been in discussions with Virat and the leadership group for the last six months and the decision has been thought through. Virat will continue to contribute as a player and as a senior member of the side in shaping the future course of Indian cricket.”Kohli’s announcement comes close on the heels of MS Dhoni being appointed India’s mentor for the T20 World Cup•Associated Press

Kohli took charge as T20I captain in 2017 after MS Dhoni stepped down. Kohli has so far led India in 45 T20Is, of which India have won 27, lost 14 and tied two. As captain, he has scored 1502 runs at an average of 48.45 and a strike rate of 143.18, with 12 fifties including a best of 94 not out in a successful chase of 208 against West Indies in Hyderabad.Since the start of 2017, Kohli has been the third-highest run-getter in T20Is overall, and the highest among India batters ahead of Rohit, who has scored 1500 runs at an average of 33.33 and a strike rate of 148.95.The timing of the announcement, just over a month before the World Cup begins, as well as the news itself, may have caught many within and outside the India camp by surprise, but Kohli has been mulling over lightening his workload for a while. It’s something India’s selectors and team management have also kept an eye on, resting Kohli whenever possible from T20Is, to the extent that he has only played 45 of India’s 67 matches in the format since taking over as captain.Not having to worry about the T20I captaincy could also help Kohli focus more on his batting, particularly at a time when he’s in the middle of a trough in Test cricket. Since the start of 2020, Kohli has averaged 26.80 over 12 Test matches, and across all formats, he has gone 53 innings without an international hundred.Kohli would have also been aware of the growing pressure on his captaincy from outside, with numerous pundits including the former India opener Gautam Gambhir suggesting that India need to adopt split captaincy.Last year, immediately after Rohit led the Mumbai Indians to their fifth IPL title, Gambhir told ESPNcricinfo that would be Indian cricket’s “loss” and “misfortune” if Rohit did not get the opportunity to take over the white-ball captaincy.Virat Kohli has an opportunity to improve on his impressive record before he steps down from the T20I captaincy•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Gambhir had stressed that Kohli was not a “poor” T20 captain, but contrasted his failure to win an IPL title during his long reign leading the Royal Challengers Bangalore with Rohit’s strong record with Mumbai.”They can also consider split captaincy,” Gambhir said. “No one is poor. Rohit has shown in white-ball cricket how big the difference is between his and Virat’s captaincy. One player had led his team to five titles, the other hasn’t won yet. I’m not saying this because Kohli is a poor captain. But he has received the same platform that Rohit has, so you have to judge both of them on the same parameters. Both have been captains in the IPL for the same length of time. I feel Rohit stands out as a leader.”Kohli’s decision also comes close on the heels of the BCCI deciding to appoint Dhoni as the team’s mentor for the forthcoming T20 World Cup. While Shah did not provide the exact reason why Dhoni was brought on board, ESPNcricinfo understands that the BCCI wanted to ensure two things: that he could help the leadership group in their planning, and more importantly also play a key role in selections for matches. While India have been highly successful in all three formats under Kohli, they are yet to win a global trophy during his reign, which Ganguly has pointed out in the past. The presence of Dhoni would both lighten Kohli’s burden and help Shastri and his coaching staff with planning.

Away from the impending thrills of the Hundred, Cumbria’s homespun youngsters take on Lancs

Paul Edwards21-Jul-2021
And so we have returned to Sedbergh. For a few days this week at least, one of cricket’s caravans will rest in the shadow of the Howgill Fells. At distant stadia gaudier pantechnicons will roll up, filled with noise and novelties, but it was easy to forget such things on a summer morning in England’s North Country, when the heat lay like a cloak on one of England’s finest grounds.Today Cumbria hosted Lancashire in what was classed as a warm-up game for the Royal London Cup, which begins here on Friday when Sussex are the visitors. And the irony of ‘warm-up’ games was plain on a day when drinks breaks were frequent, ambitious shorts revealed unfortunate legs and spectators hid like bitterns in the shadiest spots. Yet none of the folk who ringed the ground this morning or sat under the trees on the Loftus Hill side thought they were missing out on anything except sun cream.The last time Lancashire visited this ground, a World Cup was being played and we were looking forward to an Australian summer. As though to mark that moment, James Anderson bowled Cameron Bancroft for 77 in the first innings before injuring his calf in the second and leaving the Durham captain to secure the draw with 92 not out. This occasion was different, more parochial in the very best sense. Most of Cumbria’s players represent clubs within the county boundaries and on Saturday they will compete against each other in league matches. Today, though, the rivalries between Cockermouth and Carlisle, Workington and Furness were forgotten and eleven cricketers came together in a side only three of whose members play for clubs outside the county boundary.That is a matter of compulsion as well as desire. The regulations governing the national counties stipulate that eight of their players must be home-based and have an aggregate age of 200. For these purposes “home-based” can mean birth or the club a player represents or even his progression through a county’s school development programme. But however one cuts it, the onus on a county to develop local talent is clear. Fortunately, as Cumbria’s chairman Neil Atkinson explained, this is a policy the county had been pursuing for a couple of years before official injunctions were issued. With a little luck, therefore, the talent stream that has already produced Ben Stokes and Liam Livingstone will soon be offering more riches to the 18 fully professional counties.”Ben and Liam are obviously two notable players but you’ve also got Jordan and Graham Clark and Liam Trevaskis,” Atkinson pointed out. “So to a certain extent we might be punching above our weight in producing first-class players. And these games are an invaluable opportunity for youngsters who aspire to playing first-class cricket to see the sort of standards involved.”Viewed in that context, a game that might have seemed little more than a one-sided hammering attains a wider significance. Yet the problem for the national counties is that professional batters play with less fear than they did a decade ago and have added new shots to their repertoire. The put-it-on-a-sixpence line-and-length that might once have been enough to avoid dismemberment now only invites a scoop, a ramp or their reversed first cousins. It’s not that national counties cricketers do not know these strokes; some of them have played first-class cricket. But they rarely see them utilised with such freedom against balls that in almost all other games would require respect.So much was very clear in the first half of this game as Lancashire galloped to 383 for 7 in their 50 overs. During this session the sometimes narrow line that divides the pro’s from the rest became a gulf, never more so, perhaps, than when Keaton Jennings and Luke Wells were putting on 157 in 22 overs for Lancashire’s second wicket, with Wells smacking four sixes in one over of Matt Siddall’s off spin. The former Sussex batsman was caught at long off for 86 by Matt Sempill off a Nico Watt leggie in the next over but as if exacting retribution Jennings smacked the successful bowler into St Andrew’s churchyard. The opener then reached his hundred off 102 balls with a cover-driven boundary off Matt Lowden but was bowled next ball. The crowd could barely summon the energy to applaud either event and there was no public address to prompt their appreciation.As seems the norm during such gourmandising, someone has to go without and this afternoon it was Steven Croft, who was caught at the wicket first ball off Sempill. Just as he had done on this ground two years ago when bowled by one that kept low, Croft tossed his bat in the air and it performed a somersault before he caught it again. The fathomless charms of Sedbergh may be lost on him.For the rest of us, they hit the mark as accurately as ever, and Lancashire’s later batters also savoured this true pitch. Dane Vilas, who has hardly been in his best form, made 82 off 46 balls and Rob Jones helped himself to a half-century before we settled down to consider one of those over-limit matches in which the second half bears limited relation to the first.No one should blame Lancashire for this. People may blather on about the Royal London Cup being a development competition and for some counties it probably will be. But the resolve of the Old Trafford coaches was made clear when they took seven of Saturday’s T20 side to Sedbergh and their success in dismissing Cumbria for 174 in 43.3 overs was hardly a surprise. One of the newcomers, Jack Blatherwick took the first two wickets in four overs before being forced from the field with a back injury.Regardless of Blatherwick’s injury, though, Vilas would have thrown the ball around. It was no surprise that eight bowlers were used with both Liam Hurt and Jack Morley getting eight-over spells in advance of the Royal London Cup programme. Luke Wells ended the game when he took his third wicket and Cumbrian supporters had to take what comfort they could from the gritty 35 made by the skipper, Gary Pratt, and the 38 compiled by Michael Slack, who had also picked up a couple of wickets. Pratt’s younger players, on the other hand, have seen what the first-class game is about. It is intriguing to ponder what they now make of it.

The BCCI has decided to recommend Mithali Raj and R Ashwin for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, India’s highest sporting honour. The board has also recommended the names of Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah for the Arjuna Award, a government honour to recognise outstanding achievements in national sport.Raj, the 38-year-old India Test and ODI captain, completed 22 years in international cricket last week. She is also the leading run-getter in women’s ODIs with 7170 runs. Under her captaincy, India have reached the final of the 50-over World Cup twice, in 2005 and 2017.Offspinning allrounder Ashwin, who is already an Arjuna awardee like Raj, has been a consistent performer for the men’s Test side. He has taken 413 wickets in 79 Tests, and 150 and 42 wickets in ODIs and T20Is respectively. More recently, he impressed during India’s victorious tour of Australia where he took 12 wickets in three matches, and during the series against England at home where he took 32 wickets and scored a century. He also finished the World Test Championship cycle as the highest wicket-taker with 71 strikes.Opening batter Dhawan has scored 5977 runs in 142 ODIs, and 2315 and 1673 runs in Tests and T20Is respectively. He will be captaining India in the upcoming limited-overs series in Sri Lanka too.Rahul, who has become one of the most important white-ball batters for the team in the last few years, has 2006 runs in Tests and 1509 and 1557 runs in ODIs and T20Is respectively.And Bumrah, who has rapidly risen up the ranks to become one of India’s premier fast bowlers, has 83, 109 and 59 wickets in Tests, ODIs and T20Is respectively in his five-year-long international career so far.

Phil Salt and George Garton gunned down a target of 178 with 16 balls to spare to get Sussex off to a winning start in the Vitality Blast with a five-wicket win at Gloucestershire.3,600 were admitted into Nevil Road, with all tickets sold in advance, but the fans were sent home disappointed by a flat-out chase.Salt, in his first appearance of the season for Sussex, made 77 not out from 49 balls and Garton, who had only made 103 runs in 23 T20s before this, made 46 from only 25 balls as Sussex waltzed home.The chase was initially under pressure as David Payne held Travis Head, for 2, at short-third man before taking Ravi Bopara caught and bowled first ball. Josh Shaw then took out David Wiese’s off stump for only 11 and Delray Rawlings lazily clubbed Graeme van Buuren to long-on to leave Sussex 57 for 4 after the Powerplay.But Sussex kept the pedal down. Salt lifted two sixes over long-on and whipped Matt Taylor behind square for four. He slapped Shaw for two further boundaries and with Garton slog-sweeping two sixes to the short side, the chase was in control at 102 for 4 by halfway and they never relinquished their position.It rendered Gloucestershire’s 177 for 7 well short having been sent in. Glenn Phillips made 42 from 27 balls but he and the rest of the order threatened greater damage before Sussex took regular wickets to keep their hosts in check.Sussex handed a debut to 16-year-old Archie Lenham, who became the second-youngest player in Blast history after Hamidullah Qadri for Derbyshire in 2017, and he enjoyed a fine debut with 1 for 34.A legspinner who plays club cricket for Eastbourne, Lenham was handed the seventh over and bowled with confidence, using his change-ups, bowling quickly and flat with a large leg-side boundary for comfort. He conceded five from his first over and then forced Taylor to hole out to long-on, drawing a heart-warming joyful leap of celebration.A third over saw him heaved twice over deep midwicket by Phillips but was trusted with a final over that conceded only seven.Garton’s career-best effort with the bat followed a fine performance with the ball where he claimed 3 for 19, including just three from two overs in the Powerplay.

Over the last couple of weeks, countless names have been thrown into the mix as Nottingham Forest aim to secure a new striker before Friday’s transfer deadline.

On the face of it, it may seem harsh that the club are looking for new options after Chris Wood registered 14 Premier League goals last campaign, but it’s a signal of ambition from owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Eddie Nketiah appeared the most likely at one stage, but after failing to agree personal terms with the Arsenal ace, a deal fell through, with the Englishman now set for a move to Crystal Palace.

Vitor Roque is another name that has previously been mentioned, but after his loan move to Spanish side Real Betis, the Reds have to continue their hunt with just a couple of days left in the window.

As a result, they may turn to one target who has previously been the subject of interest from Manchester United.

Nottingham Forest's search for a striker

According to Football Insider, Nottingham Forest have now set their sights on Ajax striker Brian Brobbey before Friday’s deadline.

The 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive campaign in Eredivisie during 2023/24, registering 18 goals and eight assists, before receiving a call-up to the Netherlands national side for Euro 2024.

The report states that Forest are desperate to land a new centre-forward before the deadline, with the Ajax man the latest player on the club’s radar after their failure to sign Nketiah last week.

However, Brobbey would be an expensive addition for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, with previous reports claiming that the Dutch side value the youngster at around the £30m mark.

His goalscoring record would make him a phenomenal addition, but also his all-round play is suited to the Reds’ current system, making him a perfect alternative to another current target.

Why Brobbey would be the perfect Gimenez alternative

The saga over a potential move for Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez has been ongoing for numerous days, with various reports claiming different things over a potential move to the City Ground.

Forest have had three separate bids rejected for the Mexican international, but journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed yesterday that the club are still trying to secure a deal for the 23-year-old.

It would be a deal in the region of €33m (£28m) for Gimenez, a respectable fee given his tally of 29 combined goals and assists in the Eredivisie last season.

However, the club still remain in the race for Brobbey, with the Ajax talent potentially being a better option for the Reds than Gimenez.

The “exceptional” Dutchman, as described by scout Antonio Mango, may have registered fewer goal contributions last season, but did manage to achieve a higher shot-on-target rate than the Mexican, making him more efficient with his chances in the final third.

How Brobbey & Gimenez compare in the Eredivisie in 2023/24

Statistics (per 90)

Brobbey

Gimenez

Games played

30

30

Goals + assists

26

29

Progressive carries

2

1.8

Shot-on-target accuracy

48%

47%

Pass accuracy

78%

68%

Shot-creating actions

3.5

2.7

Take-on success

49%

33%

Aerials won

63%

47%

Stats via FBref

He also contributed with more shot-creating actions per 90 whilst winning more aerial duels, providing that target man and aerial threat that Nuno likes in his centre-forwards.

Brobbey also achieved a higher pass accuracy rate, whilst completing more of the take-ons he attempted, demonstrating his quality at the ball at his feet – a crucial attribute to fit into the club’s transition into a more possession-based side.

Whilst Gimenez undoubtedly remains the club’s top target, with just a couple of days left in the window, they are running out of time to secure a deal for a player who will take the Reds to the next level.

Brobbey has demonstrated in the Netherlands that he has all the tools to thrive in the Premier League, with his bulldozing nature a problem for any defender who tries to stand his way.

£30m could be a good price for the youngster, who’s proven his goalscoring ability, whilst also having the potential to improve further in the East Midlands.

Related Nottingham Forest plotting deadline busting move for "world class" 29 y/o

He could bring a huge amount of quality to the City Ground.

Posts ByHenry Jackson Aug 26, 2024

Manchester United supporters must have been dreaming that they could get one over on their arch-rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield Final after Alejandro Garnacho scored late on to hand his side a narrow 1-0 lead.

Ultimately, Erik Ten Hag's men would come away from this contest at Wembley empty-handed, however, as Pep Guardiola's men lifted the silverware courtesy of a penalty shoot-out triumph to start their own campaign in style.

Garnacho did shine in this curtain raiser affair, despite only being on the pitch for 31 minutes after replacing Amad Diallo, and he could now be joined up top this season to come in the Premier League with a new striker teammate.

Manchester United plotting £50m move

As per a report by the Daily Star, Man United are plotting a £50m move for Brighton and Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson this summer.

The report states that the Red Devils hold a long-standing interest in the 19-year-old hotshot, but are concerned that Chelsea will flex their mega millions yet again and could soon swoop in for Ferguson at their expense.

Having already snapped up Joshua Zirkzee this transfer window so far, purchasing Ferguson for an eye-watering £50m could prove that Man United mean business moving forward this campaign, as Ten Hag aims to bolster his side at the back – with additions such as Matthijs De Light and Noussair Mazraoui imminent – on top of these attacking buys.

What Ferguson can offer Man United

With Rasmus Hojlund also out injured currently, getting in another striker with the new Premier League season kicking off this Friday feels like a smart call to make, with Ferguson and Garnacho potentially even linking up to devastating effect as a raw duo if a move does get off the ground.

Of course, the 19-year-old has gone through the wringer with injury demons of his own, with an ankle injury derailing the back end of his otherwise promising 2023/24 output.

When he wasn't a regular of the Seagulls treatment room, the electric Brighton number 28 managed to fire in six goals from just 15 top-flight starts last campaign, which included a sumptuous strike against Newcastle United (captured above).

Games played

27

Goals scored

6

Assists

0

Expected goals (xG)

4.61 xG

Scoring frequency

231 mins

Shots*

1.2

Big chances missed

4

The 19-year-old does have the potential to become a top performer for a big side such as Man United, with Ferguson even outperforming his xG last season for Brighton as a lethal finisher of chances.

Garnacho also proved himself to be a reliable source of goals for Ten Hag's men from down the wing, despite missing eight Premier League games from the start himself, with seven goals bagged from 33 overall top-flight clashes.

He also has an audacious strike up his sleeve like his new potential partner in attack, with this overhead kick against Everton last campaign a standout moment from a stellar season overall for the South American.

Described as a "superstar" after rising all the way up to the first team ranks for Brighton by football pundit Danny Murphy, the time could be right for Ferguson to now move on up to the level of the Red Devils.

It's clear that Ten Hag is attempting to strengthen his squad with top talents for the future, and in the current Seagulls man, they could gain a prolific striker if he remains injury-free.

He might well slot straight into the XI, therefore, next to another hot talent like Garnacho who could have a terrific season himself after opening his campaign account already on Saturday.

Bid submitted: Man Utd make €50m offer to sign "extraordinary" 27 y/o

His current club have made a decision.

2 ByHenry Jackson Aug 11, 2024

Celtic shot straight to the top of the Scottish Premiership table on the opening weekend with a convincing 4-0 win over Kilmarnock on Sunday.

The Hoops were never in much danger of dropping points in the match as they marched on to the victory in impressive style, despite only one new signing – Kasper Schmeichel – in the starting XI.

Goals from Reo Hatate, Liam Scales, Nicolas Kuhn, and Anthony Ralston secured all three points for the Scottish giants at Parkhead, in an enjoyable afternoon for Brendan Rodgers.

Matt O'Riley popped up with an assist but it still remains to be seen if he will still be a Celtic player when the summer transfer window slams shut.

Speculation over Matt O'Riley's future

Chelsea are the latest team to have been linked with an interest in the Denmark international, who did not go to the European Championship with his country.

Southampton and Atalanta have also been touted with an interest in the former MK Dons central midfielder, with the former said to be plotting a new bid for his services.

Sky Sports reported earlier this summer that the Scottish giants are looking for a club-record transfer fee to sanction his departure, which means more than £25m coming into the club if he leaves.

Whilst, understandably, supporters and Rodgers may be concerned about his potential departure, the clash with Kilmarnock showed that Celtic may already have their new superstar to step into the limelight if O'Riley does move on.

Reo Hatate's outstanding midfield display

Hatate missed 40 matches through injury for club and country last season, which limited his impact on the pitch, but he could be set for a huge campaign for the Hoops if he can stay fit.

The Japan international produced a stunning performance against Kilmarnock in the middle of the park and could emerge from O'Riley's shadow as the new superstar for Rodgers.

He opened the scoring for Celtic in impressive fashion with an incredibly composed first touch and low drive into the bottom left corner in the first half.

Vs Kilmarnock

Matt O'Riley

Reo Hatate

Pass accuracy

82%

86%

Big chances created

1

1

Assists

1

0

Goals

0

1

Duels won

5/11

4/7

Possession lost

19x

16x

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the rest of his display in midfield was also impressive as he won a higher percentage of his duels in comparison to O'Riley and produced two goals and 'big chances' created combined, compared to his fellow midfielder's one.

Hatate, who scored three goals and provided four assists in just 12 league starts last term, could thrive as an attacking force for the Hoops if he is made to be the main man – should the Danish ace move on.

The 26-year-old ace, who was handed an 8/10 rating by Glasgow World's Ben Banks on Sunday, has shown plenty of promise as a midfielder who can score and assist goals, in limited minutes last term and against Kilmarnock on the opening day.

Related Imagine him & Johnston: Celtic hunting deal for "spectacular" star

The Hoops are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the impressive defender.

Posts 2 ByDan Emery Aug 3, 2024

O'Riley being sold to Southampton, Chelsea, or Atalanta could open the door for him to rise up and shine as the team's new superstar, due to his already-impressive attacking qualities and proven quality at Premiership level.

Which U.S. players are under pressure to perform for Mauricio Pochettino against Jamaica? GOAL takes a look

The U.S. men's national team will not have many meaningful games in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup. The pair of upcoming games against Jamaica fit the bill, though. With a spot in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals, and more meaningful games, on the line, the U.S. must survive a two-legged clash with a legitimately good team in Mauricio Pochettino's first real matches in charge.

The first leg comes on Thursday in Jamaica before the two sides head to St. Louis for the second leg next Monday. These will be tightly contested matches, for sure. Jamaica is an extremely talented team, one that, under new coach Steve McClaren, will see this as a perfect opportunity to take a shot at one of CONCACAF's heavy hitters.

For perspective, the USMNT and Jamaica have met 32 times dating back to 1988. While the U.S. holds an advantage of 19-3-10, seven of the last 10 matches have been decided by a goal or less. Since dropping a 2-1 friendly in Washington, D.C. in 2019, the USMNT have a seven-game unbeaten streak vs. Jamaica.

Most recently, the  were challenging the USMNT deep into the semifinals of the 2023-24 Nations League before a brace from Haji Wright powered the U.S. to the tournament final. The U.S. went on to score another Dos a Cero victory over Mexico for its third-straight title.

Pochettino's job, then, is simple: win now, all with an eye toward the 2026 World Cup. These games are key for the USMNT, but the new coach is also still in the introductory phase. There are five players joining camp for the first time under Pochettino, including the likes of Chris Richards and Tim Weah. Weston McKennie is back, too, after leaving USMNT camp early last month. That initial camp was one of highs and lows with a 2-0 win over Panama and a 2-0 loss to Mexico. Most important, it was a chance for Pochettino to meet the group and begin the work.

There's no time for pleasantries this time around. This test will be very real. What to expect from the USMNT? Which players are under pressure to perform and which will provide a lift for Pochettino? GOAL takes a look as the USMNT prepare to take on Jamaica.

Getty Images SportThe striker situation

There's no Josh Sargent and no Folarin Balogun, due to injury, which leaves the USMNT shorthanded at striker. Now, the pressure will fall to Ricardo Pepi, who, to be fair, tends to score when he does have that spotlight on him.

Pepi is in fine form. He's scored six goals in 420 Eredivisie minutes, including two goals against PEC Zwolle on Oct. 26 and one more against NAC Breda over the weekend.He also scored in his last USMNT appearance, netting the second goal in the friendly win over Panama in Austin.

Pepi is almost certainly the starter, likely in both games. It's a major opportunity for him to prove himself, particularly with the two other top contenders out of camp due to injury. The USMNT does have firepower behind him, though. Brandon Vazquez is a fantastic supersub option, particularly if the USMNT needs a goal late. The Monterrey striker can provide instant offense.

Could Pochettino throw in a surprise? Someone such Weah in a central role? Perhaps, but Weah will miss the first of the two Jamaica matches on suspension from his red card in this summer's Copa America. In all likelihood, the USMNT's No. 9 duties will fall to Pepi for these two massive games.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesBrenden Aaronson's resurgence

Brenden Aaronson started the season well, winning Leeds' Player of the Month honors in August. Importantly, that level hasn't dipped, which has led to several positive results for club and country.

On the club level, Aaronson has won back the trust of Leeds fans by proving August wasn't a fluke. He already has four Championship goals this season, double the amount he scored in the Bundesliga last season and quadruple what he scored in his first full season with Leeds. The goals are coming in wins, too, helping Leeds push for a run back to the Premier League.

For Aaronson, that brings confidence – and that confidence brings USMNT opportunities. Throughout his time with the U.S., Aaronson has been known for effort and intensity which, despite what detractors may say, is required. The big question now is if he can add a few goals and assists to that hard-working approach. He has in the Championship; if he can with the USMNT, that would be a massive leap forward.

GettyMcKennie's impact on the midfield

It's been too long since we've seen Weston McKennie in a USMNT jersey. He missed September camp and was forced out of October camp. In the time since McKennie last played for the USMNT, the Copa America, he has survived another potential Juventus sale to reclaim his place in the team once again.

Now, he'll be asked to reclaim his place in this team. Pochettino will no doubt have some fun ideas for a midfielder of McKennie's caliber. McKennie, at his best, is a midfield master who impacts the game all over the pitch and can provide a legitimate goalscoring threat, particularly from set pieces.

Pochettino, like any coach, can find a way to use that. What will the midfield look like?

Tyler Adams is still in Bournemouth as he continues to work his way back to full fitness, with Pochettino saying Sunday, "He is an important player for USA, for us, and I consider him, personally, a very important player for the future of this team. But the most important thing now is to see the progression."

So that No. 6 spot is up for grabs. Will Pochettino go with a double-pivot ahead of one attacking midfielder? Will there be one lone six? In either scenario, where does McKennie fit, particularly in this roster as assembled?

McKennie's club form has been good. Now, it's up to Pochettino to find the right way to unleash it.

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GettyWeah is back… almost

McKennie isn't the only Juventus star back in the U.S. squad for the first time since the Copa America. Weah is back, too, although his return is technically on pause.

Weah will miss the first game in Jamaica due to his Copa red card, but he'll be eligible to return for the second game in St. Louis. Weah's return to the team gives Pochettino a weapon he didn't have in October, one that, over the last few years, has been so important to how the USMNT attack has functioned.

Weah's ability to keep defenses honest opens up many doors. The winger is always a threat, which forces defenses to redirect attention or be punished in one of those moments where that threat becomes real. It's a knock-on effect that previous boss Gregg Berhalter spoke about often: Weah's ability to stretch the lines changes how everyone else on the field can operate.

This is Pochettino's team now, though. We've seen how Pochettino uses wingers on the club level, where he's coached many of the best. From proven stars such as Heung-min Son, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi to rising stars such as Cole Palmer, Pochettino has found ways to get production out of wingers of different shapes and sizes.

Weah is next up, even if he'll have to wait one more match before actually taking the field.

As for who starts the first game, Pochettino has options. Alejandro Zendejas impressed against Mexico, making him one of the few that can say that. The other contender is Cade Cowell, who provides an injection of pace that will be lacking with Weah out. Aaronson, too, could start out wide, as he did last camp.

Fulham are one of two sides showing interest in a former Manchester United academy graduate this summer, it has emerged, with Marco Silva seeing him as a perfect fit for the Craven Cottage outfit.

Silva losing key men

After another strong Premier League campaign that saw them clear of relegation trouble, Fulham have once again been stripped of their key men ahead of the new season.

Marco Silva lost Aleksandar Mitrovic last summer, and this time round it has been key duo Tosin Adarabioyo and Joao Palhinha who have headed away from Craven Cottage, with Tosin joining Chelsea on a free transfer and Palhinha completing a long-awaited move to German giants Bayern Munich.

They have also lost a key squad member for nothing in the shape of Bobby De Cordova-Reid, who left as a free agent and has since joined Premier League rivals Leicester City.

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The Jamaican international made 33 Premier League appearances last season, and was able to play on either side of attack or at wing-back when required, making him a costly departure for Silva and co.

So far, they have not stepped into the transfer market to replace any of their departed stars, but that could be set to change very soon.

Fulham eye up Luton man

That comes as reports from France credit Fulham with an interest in Luton Town defender and former Manchester United academy man Teden Mengi, who was a rare bright spark for the Hatters last season.

Joining Luton on a free transfer at the beginning of the campaign, the centre-back appeared 30 times in the Premier League and impressed in the process.

Speaking ahead of a reunion with Manchester United, Luton boss Rob Edwards was quick to talk up his defender, explaining that Mengi had been an excellent signing for the Hatters: "He's been brilliant for us this year.

"For a younger player to step up, come away from home, out of his comfort zone and perform at the highest level as he has is astounding. I'm not surprised with anything he does, but perhaps I was surprised by how quickly he adapted to his surroundings and his team-mates. Hopefully he'll continue that. He has a high ceiling and I know he will be desperate to play this weekend."

Now, French outlet Foot Mercato explain that both Nice and Fulham are keen on signing him this summer, with the former seeing him as a potential replacement for Jean-Clair Todibo, who has been linked with a move to the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Fulham see him as a "perfect successor" to Tosin, and are also keeping tabs on the defender, who is reported to be valued at between 12m and 14m euros (£10-£11.7m).

Tosin vs Mengi 23/24 Premier League

Tosin

Teden Mengi

Appearances

20

30

Goals and assists

2

1

Pass accuracy %

84.5%

77.6%

Tackles and interceptions per 90

2.56

4.05

Clearances per 90

4.44

5.11

Yellow Cards

2

3

That seems a reasonable fee for a young defender with a season of Premier League experience already under his belt, while Luton Town have already signed a ready made replacement in the shape of Arsenal youngster Reuell Walters, which could pave the way for Mengi's departure this summer for a healthy profit.

West Indies are a “very tough proposition” in upcoming series, says former captain

Reuters23-Nov-2020New Zealand’s T20I series against West Indies starting on Friday should be a springboard for the home side to look to improve their results and build a squad for next year’s World Cup, former captain Brendon McCullum said.New Zealand are second in the ICC Test rankings and third in one-day internationals, but struggling at sixth in the T20Is. The team lost their last two series at home and have won just seven of their last 20 matches in the shortest form of the game.McCullum, however, blamed the inconsistent results on the team’s efforts to succeed in the longer formats, using Twenty20 as a chance to develop new players or give veterans a rest.ALSO READ: Bond says resting Boult is important ‘for his own sanity'”T20 hasn’t been the best format for the New Zealand team of late and I know there is a deep desire to improve those results,” McCullum told reporters on a conference call on Monday.”I think with the T20 World Cup not being far away, now is the time to really start to drill down what your best XI will be and then you start to build a squad that will be competitive at the next World Cup. That’s why these games are so vital.”While Kieron Pollard’s side are ranked ninth in T20I cricket, they are the only side to have won the World Cup twice and are the defending champions for next year’s tournament in India.McCullum has an intimate knowledge of the West Indian talent, having guided the Trinbago Knight Riders to the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title this year.”The West Indies are remarkable T20 cricketers,” said McCullum, who will also commentate on the series for new host broadcasters Spark Sports.”They have got immense flair right through their batting and bowling. They’re well led by Kieron Pollard and got a great mix of experience and youth. I think they will be a very tough proposition.”