Leeds United have now shown that they have enough quality in the big matches in the Premier League this season to clinch survival.

The 3-1 win over Chelsea saw new recruits Jaka Bijol and Dominic Calvert-Lewin come into their own as the goals were shared out, while the following 3-3 draw against Liverpool – which Daniel Farke coined as another “magic night” at Elland Road – also saw faces such as Anton Stach deliver the goods on the tense occasion.

All of these fresh signings that have contributed to the positive patch of form unfolding will hope they’re viewed in the same glowing light Raphinha is still held in down the line.

The Brazilian winger was key to Leeds beating the drop during the 2021/22 season, when collecting a memorable 11 league strikes.

Of course, while the likes of Stach have stuck out as positive influences ever since moving to England, Leeds’ success rate in the transfer department since Raphinha’s £17m switch has been rather mixed.

Rating Leeds' transfer business since signing Raphinha

While the £17m splashed out on Raphinha’s services ended up looking incredibly shrewd, other bits of business signed off on at Elland Road since this masterstroke purchase have gone down as extortionate wastes of money.

The summer window right after the South American’s departure, before the 2022/23 season kicked off, sticks out as having a lot of misfires, with nearly £70m spent on obtaining Brenden Aaronson, Luis Sinisterra, and Tyler Adams, as Aaronson has the tag next to his name of being the only remaining first-team presence today.

Thankfully, though, Leeds haven’t just been setting cash on fire since Raphinha’s exit, with the reported £10m fee to bring Joe Rodon to West Yorkshire in 2024 still looking to be a fine acquisition, as the Welshman remains an undroppable part of Farke’s starting XI, with two Premier League goals next to his name this season.

Moreover, the £7m dropped to pick up Ethan Ampadu the summer before Rodon made his move permanent is another bargain that’s arguably on the same level as Raphinha’s coup, with the ex-Chelsea man winning a mighty nine duels against his former employers and Arne Slot’s visitors, to firm up his own concrete starting spot.

That said, there’s a deal that eclipses the moves to bring both Ampadu and Rodon to Elland Road.

Underrated Leeds star must now start every game

Although Leeds have splashed the big bucks on the likes of Georginio Rutter in recent years, they have also demonstrated an eagerness to bring in cheap gems who have then exploded into life at Elland Road, as seen in the glittering examples of Rodon, Ampadu, and Raphinha.

Ao Tanaka’s name now has to be added to this ever-growing list, with the modest £2.9m the Premier League newcomers had to part ways with last year to land the Japanese midfielder from Fortuna Düsseldorf, continuing to look like an insane steal, and one of “the best bargains in Leeds history” as per writer Adonis Storr.

Tanaka has become an ice-cold figure Farke can rely on in the big moments, with his ultra-cheap price-tag justified just with his last-minute equaliser against Liverpool last time out, as the Japan international was in the right place at the right time to slam home a 96th-minute leveller.

He was also the hero against Chelsea, who gifted his relegation-threatened side a two-goal cushion, as the German just continues to get more and more out of his “unbelievable” signing, as he referred to the 27-year-old during his team’s promotion-winning exploits.

Tanaka’s Leeds numbers

Stat

Tanaka

Games played

57

Goals scored

7

Assists

2

Promotions won

1x

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Indeed, Tanaka hasn’t just shown up to the party in the Premier League, with five goals and two assists in the hustle and bustle of the Championship, helping steer the Whites to the title in emphatic style.

While Manor Solomon and Joel Piroe would steal many of the plaudits last season, Tanaka would have his own fanbase forming, too, with the “underrated” star – as per journalist Bence Bocsak – now ready to become a regular in the top-flight and start every game.

For just £2.9m, Leeds really have won themselves a once-in-a-lifetime deal, with Tanaka’s heroics continuing on, surely securing survival, as Farke hopes he remains put for the foreseeable future, unlike Raphinha.

Related Forget Tanaka: Leeds hero who had 100% passing now has to start every game

Leeds United’s wild week continued with a last-gasp draw against Liverpool.

Posts ByRobbie Walls Dec 7, 2025

Glasgow Rangers are back in action once again in the Scottish Premiership this evening as they prepare to take on Kilmarnock away from Ibrox.

The Light Blues are looking to finally get back to winning ways after frustrating draws with Falkirk and Dundee United in their last outings in the league under Danny Rohl.

A 98th-minute penalty from Nedim Bajrami salvaged a point against Dundee United, and the Gers head coach may want to make several changes to the team after that disappointing showing, including dropping Bojan Miovski from the side.

Why Bojan Miovski should be dropped

The Macedonia international has been a regular starter in the Premiership, starting nine of his 11 appearances in the league (Sofascore), and led the line on Wednesday night.

Miovski lost three of his five ground duels and four of his five aerial duels, per Sofascore, against Dundee United, whilst he also missed his only ‘big chance’ in front of goal, which sort of sums up his season so far.

The former Aberdeen marksman has lost 69% of his duels and missed five ‘big chances’ to go along with his one goal in his 11 league outings, per Sofascore, which shows that he has struggled physically and in front of goal in a Gers shirt.

These statistics show that the 26-year-old striker has not delivered enough quality on the pitch, in or out of possession, which is why Rohl should drop the forward from the starting line-up for this clash with Kilmarnock this evening, to give Danilo or Youssef Chermiti a chance to lead the line.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Miovski is not the only player who should be dropped from the side that started against Dundee United, though, as Connor Barron should also be ruthlessly ditched.

Why Connor Barron should be dropped

Rohl should drop the Scotland international from the starting line-up because his performances in the last two league games have not been at a high level.

Barron started against Falkirk and Dundee United alongside Nicolas Raskin in the middle of the park, ahead of Mohamed Diomande, but failed to offer enough quality on or off the ball.

As you can see in the table above, the former Aberdeen star lost the majority of his physical duels across both games, including 86% against Dundee United, whilst he did not create any ‘big chances’ for the team.

This shows that Barron has been a lightweight in his duels in recent games, as opposition players have found it too easy to get the better of him, which has made the Rangers midfield too easy to play against.

On top of struggling out of possession, the 23-year-old central midfielder has no goals, no assists, and no ‘big chances’ created in 12 appearances and seven starts in the Premiership this season, per Sofascore.

He does not offer much of a threat at the top end of the pitch and that has played a part in Rangers scoring just one non-penalty goal in 180 minutes against Falkirk and Dundee United.

Rohl has Diomande, who scored in his last league start against Livingston, available for selection and should bring him into the team to replace Barron for this clash with Kilmarnock this evening.

The Ivorian talent, who is off to the African Cup of Nations later this month, produced five goals and nine assists in midfield for the Scottish giants in the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore, which shows that he has the quality to make an impact in the final third when he is at his best.

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It is down to Rohl, though, to unleash him alongside Raskin against Kilmarnock tonight to provide him with another chance to remind the supporters of his quality before his absence due to international duty, because Barron has not done enough in his place.

Chelsea must now be longing for a swift return to Stamford Bridge in Premier League action.

Indeed, the Blues’ push towards the top of the table to challenge Arsenal has stalled after two disappointing performances on the road, with a 3-1 collapse away at Leeds United, followed up by a lacklustre showing on the South Coast to secure a 0-0 draw at AFC Bournemouth.

Not even Cole Palmer’s re-entry into Enzo Maresca’s starting XI could shake Chelsea into life away at the Cherries, as the former Manchester City superstar ended up losing possession a costly 16 times in a drab individual performance.

He was far from being the only underperformer in attack up against Andoni Iraola’s hosts, though, as Chelsea now looks at the January transfer window with hope that they can boost their underwhelming options up top.

Chelsea's attacking woes vs Bournemouth

Liam Delap must have thought that grabbing a much-needed Blues goal against Barcelona at the tail-end of November would kickstart his faltering Stamford Bridge spell.

Unfortunately, though, the former Ipswich Town striker remains without a goal in Premier League action for Maresca’s men, as the £30m summer recruit hobbled off after just 32 minutes to continue on his ongoing Chelsea nightmare.

Neither Marc Guiu nor Joao Pedro could break the deadlock either against a stubborn Cherries defence, with Guiu only managing an unconvincing two shots at the Bournemouth goal from his minimal 25 touches.

Pedro will also have Chelsea punching the panic button at this point, with the bumper £60m signing now goalless across his last four games for Maresca and Co.

It’s not the greatest shock in the world, therefore, to read that the frustrated West Londoners are targeting a move for Borussia Dortmund ace Serhou Guirassy in January, with Sky Sports’ Gary Neville weighing in after the Blues’ disastrous 3-1 loss at Elland Road to say that the attackers Chelsea currently possess are not “of the level” to lift the Premier League title.

However, it’s not just in the sole striker spot where grumbles are beginning to emerge, with other pitiful performances on the South Coast giving Maresca plenty of food for thought over what his consistent starting lineup should be.

Chelsea duo must never start together again

The former Leicester City boss would lament his side’s indecisive nature in the forward areas at the full-time whistle, with Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho very much not helping proceedings as Chelsea’s main options down either flank.

Between them during the 0-0 stalemate, they only completed one of six dribbles, with plenty more unsatisfactory numbers tallied up by the frustrating pairing come the close of the dull affair.

Minutes played

90

77

Goals scored

0

0

Assists

0

0

Touches

35

55

Shots

2

2

Accurate passes

34/41 (83%)

17/20 (85%)

Key passes

4

1

Accurate crosses

3/6

2/3

Accurate dribbles

0/2

1/4

Possession lost

12x

10x

Duels won

4/7

1/5

Looking at the table above in detail, it really doesn’t make for pretty reading for the number seven and the number 49, with possession given up a high 22 times between them, on top of just one of their combined efforts being hit on target at Dorde Petrovic’s goal.

If Chelsea is to instantly respond to this shambolic performance at the Cherries against Atalanta in the Champions League, Maresca will surely have to ditch this duo, with Estevao hopeful of a starting spot in place of Neto on the right, after scoring a stunning effort last time out in Europe’s premier competition versus Barcelona.

His constant determination to burst forward with pace and terrorise defenders would be a clear departure from the out-of-sorts offerings from both Neto and Garnacho, with five goals and one assist already tallied up in Chelsea blue by the Brazilian, seeing pundit Pat Nevin hail him as an “utterly brilliant” asset to have around.

Neto does have credit in his bank, arguably, considering he bagged his side’s only goal of the game in West Yorkshire, but an injection of freshness could still go down a treat.

This might also result in Jamie Gittens getting the nod to start on the left over Garnacho, after successfully completing all 100% of his dribbles versus Leeds as a rare bright spark.

Whatever lineup does end up taking to the field, Maresca will be hoping for an immediate response.

If he wants more energy and excitement from the get-go mid-week, he needs to ensure both Neto and Garnacho don’t start together again, after they passively went about their business at Bournemouth.

Worse than Enzo: Maresca must drop Chelsea star who lost the ball 17x

This Chelsea ace struggled in the 0-0 draw away to Bournemouth

ByJoe Nuttall Dec 6, 2025

Micah Richards was left blown away by the performance of one Sunderland star in the Tyne-Wear derby victory against Newcastle United this afternoon.

Sunderland win first Premier League game vs Newcastle since 2016

The Black Cats managed to get one over on their biggest rivals in the first Premier League meeting with Newcastle since 2016, courtesy of a bizarre own goal from Nick Woltemade in the second half.

Regis Le Bris’ side have made a dream start to life back in the top flight, but today’s victory is undoubtedly the sweetest yet, moving four points clear of the Magpies after managing to hold out for a well-earned 1-0 win.

A lot of credit has to go to the defence, with the visitors being limited to an xG of just 0.26, never really managing to create any big opportunities throughout the match.

However, Richards was also quick to praise Granit Xhaka after the match, with the former Manchester City man saying: “This man, we talked about him before the game, was brilliant again, absolute warrior in that midfield. What a player he’s been, what a signing. I’m gonna say he’s been the signing of the season so far, that’s how big I’m going.”

“He’s been absolutely immaculate in everything he does, even the way he speaks is just brilliant. Wow.”

Xhaka deserves all the plaudits after another impressive display

The Basel-born midfielder has been absolutely indispensable for Le Bris this season, starting all 15 Premier League games, during which time he’s chipped in with five goal involvements.

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However, the Swiss maestro is perhaps best known for his defensive qualities, which were on show again today, making a number of important contributions.

Granit Xhaka’s key stats vs Newcastle

Number completed

Ground duels (won)

3 (2)

Aerial duels (won)

3 (3)

Clearances

4

Tackles

2

The Black Cats managing to sign the former Bayer Leverkusen man is starting to look like a real coup, with Jamie Carragher describing him as “fantastic” and the “most influential” player for a Premier League team this season.

The sky is the limit for this Sunderland side, who are firmly in contention to qualify for Europe, but Xhaka is likely to be paramount to their success, and Le Bris will be hoping for a similar display when his side travel to Brighton for their penultimate game in 2025 next weekend.

كشف إريك جارسيا، مدافع نادي برشلونة، عن مركزه المفضل على أرضية الملعب، معلقًا في الوقت ذاته على نتائج ريال مدريد السيئة خلال الفترة من هذا الموسم.

وتراجعت نتائج ريال مدريد بشكل واضح خلال الفترة الأخيرة من هذا الموسم، عقب تولي تشابي ألونسو تدريب الفريق الملكي هذا العام.

ريال مدريد واصل الغرق وتعرض لهزيمة قاسية ضد مانشستر سيتي بهدفين مقابل هدف على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو يوم أمس الأربعاء، وذلك في إطار منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وتوصل برشلونة في المقابل إلى اتفاق مع إريك جارسيا يقضي بتجديد عقد اللاعب الدولي الإسباني مع البلوجرانا حتى نهاية موسم 2031.

وتحدث جارسيا خلال المؤتمر الصحفي الخاص بتجديد عقده، والذي نقلته صحيفة “سبورت”: “وصلت إلى هنا وأنا صغير السن وجميعنا نعرف كيف تسير الأمور، ينتقل المرء من كونه الأفضل إلى الأسوأ”.

وأضاف: ”وصلت في وقت عصيب للنادي، حافظت على هدوئي وعرفتُ نقاط قوتي، ولا أعتقد أنني الأفضل الآن، فالأمر يتعلق بالاستمرارية، عليك أن تبقى هادئًا عندما تسوء الأمور، وأن تركًز على عملك دون ضجة”.

وعن معاناة برشلونة عقب الخسارة ضد ريال مدريد في الكلاسيكو: “بعد الكلاسيكو أو مباراة تشيلسي، بدا الأمر وكأننا أضعنا الموسم لكن هذا لا يعني شيئًا، في كرة القدم، هناك أوقات جيدة وأوقات سيئة، كانت بدايتنا صعبة بسبب كثرة الإصابات ولن أكون سعيدًا أبدًا عندما تسوء الأمور لمنافس”.

وعن مركزه المفضل في الملعب: ”المركز الوحيد الذي لم ألعب فيه هو المهاجم، لطالما كنت مدافعًا مركزيًا لكنني أشعر براحة كبيرة في مركز الظهير، هذا العام ألعب كارتكاز دفاعي وأتأقلم، أحاول تقديم أفضل ما لدي كلما طلب مني المدرب ذلك”.

وأردف جارسيا: ”منذ صغري، كنت أشاهد مباريات برشلونة مع جدي؛ ذهبت إلى الملعب مرات عديدة، عشت حقبة جوارديولا”.

وتابع: ”في أحلامك، تتمنى الوصول إلى هناك وتحقيق نفس الإنجازات، نحن فريق شاب جدًا، لكننا ندرك تمامًا معنى اللعب لبرشلونة، لدينا مستقبل باهر، عندما نلعب في دوري أبطال أوروبا، نواجه خصومًا ذوي خبرة كبيرة، وهو ما ربما افتقدته، لكنني أتوقع مستقبلًا رائعًا للفريق.”

اقرأ أيضًا.. بيكيه يدعم لاعب برشلونة ويؤكد: يجب الاهتمام بالصحة النفسية

واستكمل: ”لم أشك قط في الرحيل وإنما كنت أرغب في التوصل إلى اتفاق للبقاء هنا، كان الموسم الماضي بمثابة تغيير كبير بالنسبة لي، وأنا سعيد للغاية بما أعيشه هذا الموسم”.

وقال: ”لطالما آمنت بقدرتي على اللعب لبرشلونة والآن أستمتع بكوني لاعبًا أساسيًا، ولكن إذا جاء يوم أتوقف فيه عن اللعب، فسأظل أفكر في الأمر؛ لدي ثقة كبيرة بنفسي”.

كما كشف جارسيا عن دور مدرب برشلونة، هانز فليك في مسيرته: ”عندما تكون هناك حاجة ماسة، يسألني فليك إن كنت أستطيع اللعب في ذلك المركز، في جيرونا، بدأت اللعب كظهير، لدي خيارات أكثر للعب، وإمكانيات أكثر وهذا أمر بالغ الأهمية في الفريق”.

وواصل: ”يقول لي فليك أن أكون على طبيعتي، إنه ودود للغاية ويهتم كثيرًا باللاعبين، يمنحك الكثير من الثقة وحرية اللعب وهذا مهم للجميع”.

وعن أراوخو: ”نفتقده، ليس فقط كلاعب، بل كشخص، إنه محبوب جدًا، ننتظره بفارغ الصبر، فيما يتعلق بالصحة، لكل منا مسؤولياته، نأمل أن يتحلى بالصبر ويعود إلينا، إنه لاعب مهم جدًا بالنسبة لنا، ونفتقده بشدة.

واختتم: “كانت جيرونا تجربة مهمة جدًا بالنسبة لي، ويعود الفضل في ذلك إلى حد كبير للثقة التي منحني إياها ميشيل، في العام الماضي، كانت هناك احتمالات للرحيل، لكن يوم مباراة بنفيكا غير كل شيء، وأوضح فليك رغبته في بقائي ضمن الفريق، لقد كانت محادثة مهمة غيرت مسار الموسم”.

In an early blow for new manager Wilfried Nancy, Liverpool have now reportedly agreed terms to sign a young Celtic defender.

Nancy outlines "proactive" style as Celtic announce manager

Celtic took their time, but the Bhoys finally have their new manager in the form of Nancy. The Frenchman has arrived fresh from MLS side Columbus Crew and will be looking to pick up where interim boss Martin O’Neill left off. The 73-year-old took the Scottish giants from title despair back into the race with Hearts, but now it’s up to Nancy to complete the job.

Speaking to reporters after arriving, the new manager said: “I don’t consider myself as a boss. I am a leader. And for me the definition of a leader is create a good environment to help people express themselves. For me, that is so important. Because of my background, I was able to connect with people.

“My style of play is about the way I live. I like to be proactive in my life, I like to discover things. I also like to try things because the more you try things, the more you learn and the more you’re going to maximise your chance to have success in your life.

“We want to take care of the ball. The ball is the only tool in our life, without talking, that we can connect people. So can we use the ball to create emotions? Can we use the ball to score goals? Can we use the ball to have messages between us? So that’s why I want proactive football.”

Doak 2.0: Celtic lost "superstar" for £225k, now he's worth more than Engels

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Before the new manager’s even had the chance to look at emerging stars, however, he’s set to lose young defender Dara Jakiemi to Premier League giants Liverpool.

Liverpool agree terms to sign Jakiemi

As reported by The Secret Scout, Liverpool have now agreed terms to sign Jakiemi from Celtic. They described the 15-year-old defender as “aggressive” and there’s no doubt that he would have been one to watch in Scotland. Now, however, Nancy will seemingly never get the chance to work with him.

Whilst Jakiemi is one for the future, it still represents a frustrating blow for Celtic and shows where they’re at right now. Having lost the likes of Ben Doak in previous seasons to Liverpool, the last thing the Bhoys would have wanted is a repeat.

Nancy should be keen to turn towards the academy if given the chance, even if he is to lose one of his young defenders in the early stages of his tenure. An emerging star would, of course, save Celtic the desperate need of adding several January additions.

Celtic star with 'high ceiling' could be biggest winner of Nancy's arrival

MatériaMais Notícias

Série B, Série C, Série D e Campeonato Brasileiro Feminino são os principais destaques deste sábado (18) e domingo (19) de futebol. Confira onde assistir ao vivo e o horário dos jogos do final de semana.

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📅 SÁBADO – 18/05/2024

Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro (6ª rodada)
– Amazonas x Paysandu (Band, Canal GOAT, Premiere – 17h30 na Arena da Amazônia)
– Goiás x Botafogo-SP (Premiere, SporTV – 18h30 no Estádio da Serrinha)
– Sport x Avaí (Premiere, SporTV – 21h na Arena Pernambuco)

Série C do Campeonato Brasileiro (5ª rodada)
– CSA x Sampaio Corrêa (DAZN, Nosso Futebol, Nosso Futebol +, TV Zapping – 17h no Estádio Rei Pelé)
– Volta Redonda x Náutico (DAZN, Nosso Futebol + – 17h no Raulino de Oliveira)
– Ferroviária x Confiança (DAZN, Nosso Futebol + – 19h30 na Fonte Luminosa)

continua após a publicidade

Série D do Campeonato Brasileiro (4ª rodada)
– Santa Cruz de Natal x Sousa (Sem informações sobre transmissão – 15h no Barretão)
– Iporá x Capital-TO (Sem informações sobre transmissão – 15h no Estádio Francisco José Ferreira)
– Santo André x Água Santa (Sem informações sobre transmissão – 15h no Brunão)

Campeonato Brasileiro Feminino (11ª rodada)
– Corinthians x Real Brasília (Canal GOAT, TV Brasil – 11h no Estádio Alfredo Schürig)

📅 DOMINGO – 19/05/2024

Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro (6ª rodada)
– Santos x Brusque (Premiere, SporTV – 11h na Vila Belmiro)
– Mirassol x Ituano (Canal GOAT, Premiere, TV Brasil – 16h no Estádio Municipal de Mirassol)
– Chapecoense x Ponte Preta (Band, Canal GOAT, Premiere – 16h na Arena Condá)

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Série C do Campeonato Brasileiro (5ª rodada)
– Remo x Tombense (DAZN, Nosso Futebol + – 16h30 no Baenão)
– Londrina x São Bernardo (DAZN, Nosso Futebol + – 16h30 no Estádio do Café)
– Ferroviário x ABC (TV Zapping – 19h no Estádio Presidente Vargas)

Série D do Campeonato Brasileiro (4ª rodada)
– Brasiliense x Mixto-MT (Sem informações sobre transmissão – 15h30 no Serejão)
– Tocantinópolis x Altos-PI (Sem informações sobre transmissão – 16h no Ribeirão)
– Cametá x Moto Club (Sem informações sobre transmissão – 16h no Parque do Bacurau)

Campeonato Brasileiro Feminino (11ª rodada)
– Ferroviária x América-MG (Canal GOAT, TV Brasil – 18h30 na Fonte Luminosa)

Tudo sobre

SantosSérie BSérie C

Kian and Michael Blignaut, twins and sons of former Zimbabwe allrounder Andy Blignaut, also feature in the squad

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Dec-2025

Simbarashe Mudzengerere has been named the captain of Zimbabwe’s 15-member squad for the men’s Under-19 World Cup, which takes place from January 15 to February 6.Mudzengerere, a right-hand batter and medium pacer, has captained the Under-19 national side since making his debut for them against Ireland, in Harare, on April 10 this year. He bowled a tidy spell of 1 for 28, before returning to make 37 from the middle order in a successful chase.Their squad also features Kian and Michael Blignaut, who are twins and the sons of former Zimbabwe allrounder Andy Blignaut.The U-19 coach, Elton Chigumbura, said: “We are going in with a winning mindset. This group can compete with, and beat, the best teams. Success will come from executing our processes, staying disciplined and sticking to our roles. If we do that consistently, we give ourselves a real chance to go all the way.”Zimbabwe are co-hosts of the tournament, alongside Namibia. Harare Sports Club and Takashinga Cricket Club in Bulwayo, and the Queens Sports Club in Harare, will be hosting matches played in the country. On the pressures of playing at familiar venues, Chigumbura said: “Playing at home is an advantage – we understand the conditions and we will have great support behind us.”The tournament features four groups, consisting of four teams each, with each side facing the three others as part of their group stage fixtures. Zimbabwe have been placed in Group C: they will be playing Scotland on 15 January, England on 18 January, and Pakistan on 22 January. After a Super Sixes stage, the top four teams then face off in the semi-finals on February 3 and 4, before the winners play in the final at Harare on February 6.Zimbabwe begin their preparation with warm-up matches against United States of America on January 10, followed by New Zealand at Masvingo Sports Club on January 12.Zimbabwe squad for U-19 World CupSimbarashe Mudzengerere (c), Kian Blignaut, Michael Blignaut, Leeroy Chiwaula, Tatenda Chimugoro, Brendon Senzere, Nathaniel Hlabangana, Takudzwa Makoni, Panashe Mazai, Webster Madhidhi, Shelton Mazvitorera, Kupakwashe Muradzi, Brandon Ndiweni, Dhruv Patel, Benny Zuze

Meg Lanning hit top gear in her 100th WBBL game as Melbourne Stars won a rain-hit clash with Perth in Adelaide by 16 runs.The former Australian captain, dropped on 18, went berserk after a slow start to finish unbeaten on 90 off 55 balls as the Stars reached 173 for 4.A storm hit, reducing Scorchers’ chase to 95 off nine overs in a tweak that could have favoured the chasers. But Stars jumped all over them as they finished 78 for 8.Fresh off a century, Beth Mooney reached 14 off six balls with three boundaries before Kim Garth’s clever slower ball brought her undone.Wickets fell regularly, Annabel Sutherland hitting the top of Sophie Devine’s off stump to further stall momentum. Scorchers kept swinging but were never truly in the hunt, Sophie Day taking 3 for 7 from her only over.Earlier Lanning, coming off a brisk 60 in a rain-spoiled affair earlier this week, made the most of the life given to her when Ebony Hoskin spilled a chance at short third. She cruised to 35 before exploding with three boundaries and a six to go to 50 off 35 balls.The boundaries kept coming – Devine punished in particular – before Lilly Mills pegged Stars back with late wickets that starved Lanning of the strike in the final three overs.”I couldn’t get it off the square in the last two overs, fell off a cliff there,” Lanning, who has retired from international cricket, said. “But I found my rhythm and was nice to be able to go on with it. I’ve got an idea of how much I need to train to be ready and … I’m certainly enjoying myself.”

Former Arsenal and Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole has admitted coaching Harry Kane and Cole Palmer in the England setup gave him imposter syndrome. Cole is now a full-time coach in the England setup and previously served as assistant to Lee Carsley during his interim stint in charge of the Three Lions while also working with the U21s, having previously worked with Birmingham City.

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  Cole was 'anxious' about coaching world class talent

  Cole left his position with Birmingham City last month to focus solely on his role with the England squad having initially joined the national team setup on a part-time basis in 2021. Cole was brought in to support Carsley and was part of the management team that lifted the U21 European Championship in Georgia in 2023.

  However, Cole was briefly promoted to the senior squad prior to Thomas Tuchel's appointment after Gareth Southgate left the England head coach role following their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain last summer. It was with the men's side that Cole worked alongside Carsley to help coach the likes of Kane, Palmer and Bukayo Saka among others.

  During his time with the senior squad, though, Cole has confessed that he questioned whether he was worthy of coaching the world class trio. Indeed, the 44-year-old was aware that many of the players he works with are coached by elite managers that made him anxious about whether he was in a position to tell them how to play.

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• Cole claims 'you can shrink' when coaching elite players

  In an interview with , Cole stated: "Even when you are talking to Under-21s you are still talking to players who are coached by Pep Guardiola, and all these top managers, so you do have to find some confidence and authenticity. You can shrink.

  "There were times I was thinking, ‘I am telling Cole Palmer that’s not good enough but Pep allows him to do it’. It’s that connection and finding that relationship with the players."

  Cole, however, added that his greatest thrill was seeing these talents carrying out his instructions, adding: "They have been coached by top managers. Now I am saying to them, ‘That is not enough, you’ve got to do this’. And they were amazing towards me. They were trying to work me out – do I know what I am talking about?

  "Everything I spoke to them about in the team meetings I saw on the pitch. I’m telling Harry Maguire to do this and I’m telling Harry Kane to do that. To see it (on the pitch) was amazing for my confidence."

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  'I acted like an idiot at times' says Cole

  Cole also added he has matured since his time as a player. The former England international routinely made headlines for his antics off the pitch, admitting that he acted like 'an idiot at times', stating: "I am not saying what I did was right. I acted like an idiot at times but I was a kid.

  "We have all made mistakes and 20 years down the line we are telling our kids, ‘Don’t do that’. It really made me understand life, people, respect, in a different way. I have come out of that bubble. I have just matured. My drive is something different."

  Additionally, Cole claims he now wishes to be remembered better as a coach rather than a player, adding: “I want people now to say, 'Ashley Cole, the coach’. Not, ‘Ashley Cole, the footballer’. It has been quite hard but I think I have done enough on the training pitch.

  "Ashley Cole the player is done. But Ashley Cole the coach, he is doing alright, or whatever it looks like."

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• England learn 2026 World Cup fate

  Cole is expected to be part of the England coaching staff in North America for the World Cup next summer. The Three Lions learned their 2026 fate last week having been drawn in Group L alongside Croatia, Panama and Ghana.

  England kick off their World Cup campaign with a game against Croatia on 17 June, before they take on Ghana on 23 June. Thomas Tuchel's men then round off the group stages against Panama on 27 June.