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The in-form Josh Inglis steadied Western Australia alongside Cooper Connolly

Tristan Lavalette21-Oct-2024

Josh Inglis continued his strong start to the season•Getty Images

Opener Cameron Bancroft’s bid for a Test recall took a hit after a third consecutive failure to start the Sheffield Shield season. But in-form Josh Inglis and Cooper Connolly rescued Western Australia out of trouble against Tasmania late on day two at the WACA.Replying to Tasmania’s first innings of 277, Bancroft made just 8 before nicking off to seamer Kieran Elliott in the sixth over. WA slumped further when captain Sam Whiteman and Mitchell Marsh fell cheaply.Related

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An aggressive Hilton Cartwright raced to a half-century by tea, but he didn’t re-emerge after the interval as he dashed to be at the birth of his second child. He could still bat on day three, but is believed to require approval from the match umpire and Tasmania to continue his innings.Allrounder Aaron Hardie fell on the first over after tea as Tasmania edged ahead before Inglis turned the match on its head much like he did with a century in the season opener against Queensland.Inglis made it look easy under the shadows as he raced to a half-century off 57 balls. He found good support from Connolly as they combined for an unbroken 119-run partnership to turn the tide as WA set their sights on a handy first innings lead.After Tasmania were bowled out at the stroke of lunch, the spotlight firmly shone on Bancroft at the resumption. With the surface appearing to be flattening and as Perth’s famous sunshine emerged after a rain-interrupted first day, Bancroft eyed a big score to ignite his Test candidacy after making a pair against Queensland.Bancroft was tested immediately by quick Riley Meredith and unable to get off the mark from his first nine deliveries. The pressure was building before he scored his first runs of the Shield season in streaky fashion when he slashed Meredith past third slip.He hit a more controlled boundary through point on the next delivery, but could not kick on after shuffling across his stumps to edge a back of a length delivery from Elliott, who soon had Whiteman caught behind for 13.Marsh entered in strong form after a powerful 94 in the second innings against Queensland. For the second straight match he is playing as a specialist batter at No. 4. Marsh had publicly stated that he would build his loads in this match ahead of next month’s first Test, but his bowling return is being put on hold for now.Marsh started watchfully before hitting a gorgeous straight drive to the boundary off seamer Mitch Owen. But Marsh had a rush of blood on the next delivery as he mistimed a short delivery straight to deep square leg. He immediately started walking off after realising he had thrown away his wicket.Owen had earlier led a recovery for Tasmania after blasting 69 from 60 balls at No. 8. Tasmania were in major trouble at 190 for 8 before Owen combined with Matt Kuhnemann for a ninth wicket partnership of 87.Offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli, fresh off being selected for Australia A, finally ended Owen’s entertaining knock before dismissing Meredith on the next delivery to finish with 4 for 70 from 24.3 overs.Recruit Brody Couch was the pick of the quicks with 3 for 33 off 17 overs in a lively performance where he reached speeds of 143kph.Hardie did not enter the attack in the morning session having bowled six overs on the opening day as he works his way back from a quad injury that ruled him out of the match against Queensland.

Newcastle United will be aiming to bolster their defence this summer, and Marc Geuhi is still earmarked as a target.

The Crystal Palace defender has been on the club’s radar for a while now, and, with his contract set to expire next year, Eddie Howe may look to strike a deal to bring him to the club.

A recent report states that the Toon might be able to strike a deal worth £40m to sign Guehi this summer, given his contract status.

With other interest in him from elsewhere, however, might Howe target an alternative?

Newcastle could target a move for Liverpool defender

While Guehi has been a target for the Magpies for quite some time now, it looks as though he could perhaps miss the boat.

According to The Chronicle, Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah is a player who remains on the club’s radar this summer, as they look to bolster their defensive options.

Although the Anfield side won the Premier League title last term, the Englishman played a bit-part role in the success and could move on to pastures new.

He is also attracting interest from Bayer Leverkusen, with Erik ten Hag looking to launch a bid worth around £40m for the Liverpool starlet this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

While Guehi remains one of the players that Howe is desperate to bring to Newcastle, the window is getting shorter for this move to happen.

Could he perhaps strike a deal to bring Quansah north instead? Only time will tell.

Why Newcastle must sign Jarell Quansah

There is no doubt that Guehi is heading into the peak years of his career. He will turn 25 next month and helped Palace win the FA Cup just last month.

Quansah, on the other hand, just turned 22 earlier this year and still has plenty of years left before he hits his peak, which is why he could be a dream alternative to the Eagles star.

Metric (per 90)

Guehi

Quansah

Pass success rate

87%

89%

Tackles

1.1

1.5

Total duels won percentage

60%

64%

Possession lost

7.4

8.4

Interceptions

0.7

1.1

Balls recovered

4.8

4.2

As you can see in the table above, the England U21 international has the potential to offer more than Guehi from a defensive perspective, as he won a higher percentage of his duels and averaged more tackles and interceptions per 90 in the Premier League.

Under Jürgen Klopp, the defender made 17 league appearances throughout the 2023/24 campaign. He suitably impressed, finishing the season with an 89% pass success rate while winning 64% of his total duels contested and losing possession just 8.4 times per game.

When compared to his peers in the top flight that season, Quansah also ranked in the top 11% for aerial duels won per 90 (3.4) and in the top 3% for non-penalty goals (0.15) per 90.

It was perhaps no wonder that he was dubbed an “absolute monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig that season for his performances. He hasn’t quite settled into Arne Slot’s side during the Dutchman’s maiden season at Anfield, however.

The defender was restricted to just 25 appearances during 2024/25, with only 13 of those coming in the starting XI.

Does he need a fresh start to fulfil his potential? Newcastle would be the perfect place for him to gain regular gametime.

With Champions League football on the horizon, Quansah could become a regular under Howe at the Magpies as a dream alternative to Guehi this summer.

He could be better than Mbeumo: Newcastle enter race for £38m "future icon"

Newcastle need a new forward this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 14, 2025

Late flurry of wickets boost hosts as Liam Dawson remains unbeaten on 46

ECB Reporters Network29-Aug-2024

Fletcha Middleton works into the leg side•Getty Images

Hampshire’s Fletcha Middleton made his second century of the season but his team could do no better that share the spoils with relegation-threatened Lancashire on the first day of their Vitality County Championship match at Emirates Old Trafford.Middleton made 109 and shared a second-wicket partnership of 151 with Nick Gubbins, only for the home side to take six wickets in the evening session and leave the visitors on 330 for nine at the close.However, having asked Hampshire to bat first and using a Kookaburra ball on a pitch offering them little obvious help, Lancashire’s bowlers will surely be pleased to have fought back against opponents who had been 158 for one in mid-afternoon.Tom Aspinwall was the most successful of the quicker bowlers with three for 96 but leg-spinner Luke Wells matched his contribution with three for 69 from 19 overs.Opener Toby Albert was caught by George Bell off Aspinwall for six in the fourth over of the day but Hampshire’s second-wicket pair dominated the rest of the first session and came into lunch on 80 for one after 30 overs.Middleton and Gubbins continued to milk the Lancashire attack in the afternoon session. Gubbins reached his fifty off 122 balls with seven fours and Middleton the same landmark off 96 but with two fewer boundaries.Indeed, the pair looked set to threaten the second-wicket records for matches between these counties when Gubbins was caught at the wicket off Wells for 75 to end his stand with Middleton on 151.Hampshire skipper James Vince cover-drove his first ball for four but came yards down the wicket to Tom Hartley in the next over and skied a catch to Josh Bohannon at short-extra cover. Vince’s dismissal for five left the visitors on 165 for three and it was left to Middleton and Ben Brown to guide their side to 203 without further loss at tea.Middleton hit two fours in the space of four balls off Aspinwall and then tucked the next delivery from the Lancashire seamer backward of square for a single to reach his century off 173 balls with 13 fours.A quarter of an hour later, though, he inside-edged an attempted drive off Wells into his stumps and that began a poor half-hour for Hampshire, who lost three wickets for 14 runs in nine overs.Lancashire took the new ball as soon as it became available and Aspinwall struck twice in successive overs with it. Having made 40, Brown pulled the 20-year-old straight to Wells at square-leg and Tom Prest lasted just nine balls before he was caught by Venkatesh Iyer at backward point for one.Three overs from the close James Fuller was caught behind off George Balderson for 23 and Kyle Abbott was then leg before wicket for a three-ball duck in the same over. And next over there was even more success for Lancashire when John Turner was leg before to his first ball, thus giving Wells his third wicket of the day. Liam Dawson hit Wells for a six and a four off the last two balls of the day to finish on 46 not out.Lancashire left out Phil Salt, who is nursing a slight back injury, and also Saqib Mahmood and Luke Wood, both of whom are “managing their workloads” after The Hundred and before next week’s T20 quarter-final against Sussex

Fulham have now identified a £5 million manager who is destined for “big things” as a candidate to replace Marco Silva should he leave, according to a recent report.

Latest on Marco Silva's future at Fulham

It has been another impressive campaign for the Cottagers in the Premier League, as they have a really good chance of finishing in the top 10 and potentially even sealing a place in a European competition for next season.

Fulham and Silva could sign £30,000-p/w full-back instead of Walker-Peters

Fulham now have their eye on another defender who could be signed instead of Kyle Walker-Peters.

ByBrett Worthington May 1, 2025

Given how well Fulham have done ever since Silva arrived at Craven Cottage, it may not come as a surprise to supporters to see him linked with a new job. The future of Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou is very much up in the air, as reports have suggested that the Australian could still be sacked even if Spurs win the Europa League. Silva is said to have an £8 million release clause in his Fulham contract that expires in 2026, and is now a frontrunner to replace Postecoglou.

But it is not just Spurs who are chasing Silva; in fact, the reason he could leave Craven Cottage is for a move to Saudi Arabia. It’s been reported that Al Hilal have set their sights on Silva as they look for a new manager before the Club World Cup starts in June, and there are even claims that Silva has agreed to leave Fulham and make the move to the Saudi Pro League.

Fulham eyeing Danny Rohl

The Cottagers are wasting no time in looking at candidates to replace the former Everton manager. According to Sky Sports German reporter Philipp Hinze, Fulham are interested in appointing Danny Rohl as manager should Silva leave Craven Cottage.

Hinze states that it looks likely Rohl will be leaving Sheffield Wednesday after another campaign of the German keeping the Owls in England’s second tier despite financial difficulties.

Rohl does have an exit clause in his contract, and it’s been reported that it is worth £5 million. That figure doesn’t seem to have put off interested parties, as both Fulham and Crystal Palace are keeping an eye on his situation given talk of their managers possibly leaving.

However, they are not the only teams from England interested in the 36-year-old, as Leicester City and Southampton are also admirers of Rohl as they prepare for life back in the Championship. Hinze does also state that there is interest from the Bundesliga in Rohl, but as things stand, interest is ‘hotter’ from England.

Games

89

Won

34

Drawn

19

Lost

36

Points

121

Points per game

1.36

Rohl, who has been dubbed as being destined for “big things” as a manager by Rob Staton, has limited experience in management, as Wednesday was his first managerial role. Should Fulham decide he is the man to replace Silva it would be a gamble, given he has never managed in the Premier League.

Naveen calls it “a surreal experience” as Afghanistan beat Bangladesh in a dramatic finish in Kingstown

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Jun-20244:14

Rashid: It was hard to stay calm at some points

Rashid Khan has described Afghanistan’s qualification for the T20 World Cup semi-final as an “unbelievable feeling” and that it would be a “massive inspiration” for youngsters back home.”I think the semi-final is going to be a massive, massive inspiration for the youngsters back home in Afghanistan,” Rashid said after Afghanistan beat Bangladesh in St Vincent to secure their place in the final four and knock Australia out. “That Afghanistan team got into the semis for the first time. We have done it at Under-19 level, but this level we haven’t done that. Even Super Eight was first time for us and then in semis. It’s unbelievable feeling … We are capable – but as long we keep things very simple, and I think in the whole competition so far, we kept the thing simple. Yes, there were some tough times but we didn’t let ourselves down and we always try to come back stronger.”After Afghanistan posted 115 for 5, Rashid and Naveen-ul-Haq picked up four wickets each to help bundle out Bangladesh for 105, eight short of their DLS-adjusted target of 114 in 19 overs.”It’s something like a dream for us as a team to be in the semi-final,” Rashid said after the match. “It’s all about the way we had started the tournament. The belief came when we beat New Zealand. So it’s unbelievable. I don’t have any words to describe my feelings. Definitely back home everyone is so, so happy for this.Related

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“I think the only guy who had us in the semi-final was Brian Lara. At the welcome party, I told him, ‘We won’t let you down. We will prove that you are right.'”While Afghanistan needed only a win to qualify for the knockouts, the equation for Bangladesh was much tougher: they needed to chase down the target in 12.1 overs, something Afghanistan took advantage of. With rain in the air, the pendulum swung from one side to another multiple times before Afghanistan sealed the match.Rashid Khan and Jonathan Trott embrace after their semi-final spot was confirmed•ICC/Getty Images

“In our mind, we felt 130-135 was a good total on this wicket but we were 15-20 runs short,” Rashid said. “But a few games we had watched before, 115 was the best total on this wicket. So it was all about the mindset. We knew they would come hard at us to chase it in 12 overs to get into the semi-final and that’s what we could take advantage of.”If we bowled into the stumps, we had the chance of bowling them out. We didn’t need to do anything extra. We were very clear with our planning. Putting in that 100% effort is always in your hands. Rain, drizzle is not in your hand. And we had to push ourselves for people back home, for their happiness, to make the country proud. That was the discussion we had and everyone did a wonderful job.”Rashid also lauded his fast bowlers – Naveen, who was named Player of the Match, and Fazalhaq Farooqi, who is currently the leading wicket-taker in the tournament. On Monday, they combined to reduce Bangladesh to 23 for 3 inside three overs.”That made our job easy,” Rashid said. “In T20s, if you start well, that gives us spinners to attack the batters in the middle overs. That was something we were missing before. But now with the quality of the fast bowlers we have… they are not as fast but they are skilful. I feel if you have skills in T20s, you are more effective and they have given us great starts so far in the competition. They were very clear in their mind and that’s something very pleasing for me.”Naveen, meanwhile, called it “a surreal experience”. Apart from picking up two wickets at the start, he dismissed Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman off successive balls, punctuated by a rain break, to kick off the celebrations.”I think these are the games where you never know what can happen,” he said. “After conceding one boundary, it felt like the game was gone. Suddenly you picked up a wicket and you were back in the game. So the margin of error is very small. But yeah, we had confidence that these wickets are not high-scoring wickets. As long as we didn’t give away easy runs or bowled easy balls, and picked up wickets, we were in the game. Luckily, that happened.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers showed just what they are capable of during their 4-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.

Of course, it was just Spurs, but Vitor Pereira has a talented bunch of players at his disposal and if he could keep them ahead of next season, might a top-half finish be on the cards?

One thing that Pereira will be hoping is Matheus Cunha stays at the Old Gold for their assault up the Premier League table in 2025/26.

Given the interest in him, though, that is looking fairly unlikely.

The latest on Matheus Cunha's future

The Brazilian is enjoying an excellent campaign, summed up with his goal against Spurs on Sunday.

With the Molineux side 3-2 ahead and Spurs pushing for an equaliser in the dying minutes, Cunha netted the clincher that saw the club take home all three points.

In the process of doing so, he ran over to the Wolves crowd and appeared to apologise for his actions over the weekend.

Indeed, the forward landed himself in hot water after an Instagram post, which he later deleted, ended up in him ranting at supporters.

Well, he responded in the best possible way on Sunday by letting his football do the talking. No action will be taken by the club, as confirmed by Pereira post-game at the weekend.

“I didn’t speak to Cunha about the social media post.” the Wolves boss admitted. “I let him do the talking on the pitch. He’s committed, he’s a special player. He needs the energy of love. He went to the pitch not to think of himself, but the team. I understand the fans, but he’s part of our family.”

Chalkboard

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

Overall, Cunha has scored 16 times and grabbed four assists for the club in 2024/25, so without his goal involvements, they would likely be in the relegation places, such is his importance.

When he signed a new deal, a release clause of £62.5m was inserted, and it looks like it could be activated this summer, especially with Manchester United keen on a move for him.

This money could go a long way to securing a replacement; no doubt about that.

But, is there perhaps someone who has become more important than the former Atlético Madrid star?

Wolves star is now more important than Cunha

Should Cunha leave for big money, Jorgen Strand Larsen will be ready to slip into his shoes and take on the mantle of Wolves’ talisman.

Signed initially on a loan deal, the Norwegian made the deal permanent at a fee worth around £23m in January as certain conditions were met.

Since scoring against Southampton midway through March, Larsen has now found the back of the net in four consecutive Premier League games.

It’s safe to say he’s in the best form of his career at Molineux.

Metric

Cunha

Larsen

Goals

14

12

Assists

4

2

Key passes per game

1.7

0.6

Big chances created

12

5

Shots per game

3.3

1.6

Touches per game

53.3

23.3

His 12 goals and three assists are just five goal involvements off Cunha’s mark. With more responsibility, he could turn into a vital player for the Old Gold next term. That’s a certainty.

He ranks second in terms of goals scored in the top flight for Wolves (12), while also ranking second for shots on target (1.1) per game and fourth for big chances created (four), behind Cunha in all these metrics.

Journalist Josh Bunting was impressed with his abilities way back at the start of the season, saying: “His movement off the ball really stands out to me, sharp on the ball.”

The previous few months have certainly proved that the club were right to secure his signature permanently, especially for a fee in the region of £23m.

If he begins next season the way he is ending the current one, Larsen will undoubtedly become the club’s most important focal point.

It's not Andre or Gomes: Wolves may have found their next Matheus Nunes

Wolves could have another high profile sale on the cards this summer…

ByRobbie Walls Apr 7, 2025

Manchester United are said to be eyeing another reunion with a player alongside Scott McTominay this summer, a fresh transfer rumour has claimed.

Man Utd keen on McTominay return

A big summer is required at Old Trafford, with Ruben Amorim needing to be backed significantly in the transfer market, bringing in the right players who can suit his style of play in the Premier League.

One of the biggest surprise stories to emerge in recent weeks has been United linked with re-signing Scott McTominay, having been sold to Napoli last season.

The Red Devils wouldn’t be able to snap up the Scotland international on the cheap, however, following an impressive season for Napoli that has arguably seen his stock rise. The 28-year-old has scored nine times in Serie A, proving to be an influential figure for one of the biggest teams in the country.

Away from the McTominay rumour, United are also reportedly in pole position to complete the signing of Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo this summer. Reinforcements are called for in wide areas, especially if Marcus Rashford leaves Old Trafford permanently, and the Cherries ace could be a great addition.

Man Utd eyeing another reunion for Elanga

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are “keeping a close eye” on former winger Anthony Elanga ahead of a potential reunion alongside McTominay this summer. He could be worth as much as £43m, though, having been moved on by the Glazers in 2023.

It is claimed that “several elite clubs” are “keeping close tabs” on the progress of the 22-year-old, who has enjoyed such an impressive season at high-flying Nottingham Forest, including scoring a stunning solo effort against the Red Devils at the City Ground.

Elanga returning to United makes sense in some ways, given the manner of his performances this season, with Nuno Espirito Santo heaping praise on him after his aforementioned goal against them:

“Amazing. With the ball; so imagine (how quick) without the ball! He did it by himself. Credit to him. He has this special ability to drive with pace and still control the ball at such a huge speed. The finishing was great. It was very special. He has this ability of driving. It is the capacity to drive with the ball with pace and still be able to control it. To do that is very difficult and requires a lot of technique.”

At 22, there is still so much time for Elanga to improve as a player, and he has already looked a more polished footballer than when he was at United, bagging 14 goal contributions (six goals and eight assists) in the league.

Appearances

32

Starts

25

Minutes played

2016

Goals

6

Assists

8

Key passes per game

1.2

Shots per game

1.2

Dribbles per game

0.7

That said, some may argue that the Swede is now at his natural level, with the Red Devils instead needing to look at superior wide attackers this summer, in order to take them up a significant gear.

As interest continues to arrive over Eberechi Eze’s signature, Crystal Palace have reportedly turned their attention towards a talented attacking midfielder who could replace their star man.

Man Utd interested in Eze

Among the clubs interested in Eze are Manchester United. The Red Devils are desperate for reinforcements this summer, and as Ruben Amorim searches for the perfect attacking midfielder to slot straight into his 3-4-2-1 system, Eze could be an ideal choice.

The Crystal Palace star has once again been vital for Oliver Glasner’s side, who find themselves in an FA Cup semi-final and pushing for a top-half finish.

Glasner is certainly well aware of Eze’s importance too, albeit in a “strange season”, having told reporters after Crystal Palace thrashed Fulham 3-0 in their FA Cup quarter-final tie: “I think Ebere has had a strange season, he hasn’t had many goals in the Premier League and he has been unlucky, but he keeps going, he’s also struggled with strange injuries.

“The goal against Latvia and his first for England means a lot for him. He always has the confidence, we know he’s an amazing finisher to cut inside on his right foot with an amazing finish. We need this quality, he helped us today massively.”

Mateta swap deal: Crystal Palace could now get chance to sign £70m+ striker

He desperately needs a move.

2 ByTom Cunningham Apr 4, 2025

It’s the type of quality that has attracted those at Old Trafford, who will reportedly have to splash out as much as £60m if they are to lure the England international away from Selhurst Park this summer.

Palace, of course, have eventually managed to cope without Michael Olise following his departure to Bayern Munich last summer. Now, they’ve reportedly set their sights on a player who could replace Eze in the event of his exit this time around.

Crystal Palace racing to sign Sem Steijn

Already preparing for the worst, the Eagles have reportedly set their sights on replacing their star man. According to The Boot Room, Crystal Palace are now battling to sign Sem Steijn from FC Twente this summer, having already sent their scouts to watch the talented attacking midfielder in action in recent months.

The 23-year-old has got better and better in recent seasons, culminating in an incredibly impressive campaign and his best yet in the Netherlands. Scoring 26 goals and assisting a further six goals in all competitions prior to this weekend, it should come as no surprise to see the likes of Jacek Kulig sending praise the Dutchman’s way.

The football talent scout rightfully described Steijn’s season as “amazing” following a campaign which has attracted the interest of Palace, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, among others.

If Eze does depart this summer, the impressive Dutchman should sit top of Crystal Palace’s list of potential replacements.

The allrounder has not recovered from the calf tightness he picked up in the last Sheffield Shield match

Alex Malcolm23-Feb-2024Western Australia have suffered a blow to their hopes of a hat-trick of 50-over domestic titles with Australia allrounder Aaron Hardie has been ruled out of the Marsh Cup final against New South Wales due to his calf injury.Hardie suffered calf tightness during WA’s last Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania. He only bowled four overs in the second innings of the game and did not field for the entirety of day three. Scans did clear him of any major damage but he was withdrawn from Australia’s T20I tour of New Zealand as he was set to fly in on Monday to replace the injured Marcus Stoinis.Related

• Hughes' 119 trumps Rogers' 196 to book NSW home final

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WA were hopeful Hardie might be fit to play in Sunday’s final at Cricket Central in Sydney but he has not been passed fit to travel.WA do welcome back four players into their 13-man squad with Jason Behrendorff returning from Australia duty after missing their Marsh Cup win over Tasmania. Joel Paris has been included having not played a single Marsh Cup game all season and could play alongside Behrendorff as a dual left-arm new ball pairing. Paris has played just six Marsh Cup games in the last five seasons with WA preferring to rest him for Sheffield Shield games given they have Behrendorff and Andrew Tye contracted as white-ball specialists.WA have also named Australia Under-19 World Cup final player of the match Mahli Beardman in the squad for the final. Beardman made his Marsh Cup debut against New South Wales back in November but has not played since. Spin bowling allrounder Cooper Connolly also returns to the squad having not played since the BBL due to a quad strain.WA is playing in their fifth consecutive Marsh Cup final and is aiming to become the first side to win a hat-trick of titles since NSW did it between 2001-2003. WA are also gunning for their fifth title in seven years.NSW have picked a settled squad having won their last four matches in a row including beating WA twice.New South Wales squad: Jackson Bird, Joel Davies, Ollie Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher, Moises Henriques (capt), Daniel Hughes, Blake Macdonald, Jack Nisbet, William Salzmann, Tanveer SanghaWestern Australia squad: Sam Whiteman (capt), Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Mahli Beardman, Jason Behrendorff, Hilton Cartwright, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Gannon, Nick Hobson, Joel Paris, Josh Philippe, D’Arcy Short, Andrew Tye

da roleta： As England kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign with victory over Albania on Friday evening, it was a muted night for those of a Chelsea persuasion, even with former Blues boss Thomas Tuchel now at the helm for the Three Lions.

da blaze casino： With Cole Palmer sidelined with injury, the only two Chelsea representatives in Tuchel’s matchday squad were Levi Colwill and Reece James, albeit with neither man earning a place in the starting lineup at Wembley.

As it proved, Colwill was an unused substitute for the 2-0 triumph, while James was introduced in stoppage time in place of goalscorer, Myles Lewis-Skelly, with the German coach favouring the veteran Kyle Walker at right-back.

It is still early days, however, with James no doubt hoping to cement a starting berth for himself moving forward, having begun to feature more regularly at club level following an injury-hit last few years at Stamford Bridge.

The 25-year-old – who has made just 14 appearances at club level this season – will be aiming to get back to the levels that he showcased under Tuchel’s watch, having enjoyed an initially meteoric rise from academy prospect to first-team sensation.

Reece James' Chelsea record under Tuchel

Captain of the side that claimed FA Youth Cup glory in 2017/18, having been named Academy Player of the Year that season to boot, the versatile full-back was made to wait until September 2019 to make his Blues debut, after spending the previous campaign on loan at Wigan Athletic.

Under the tutelage of Frank Lampard, the then-youngster would amass 37 first-team appearances in total in 2019/20, alongside the likes of Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount, as the west London side secured Champions League qualification.

That bright start was followed by a real rise amid Tuchel’s appointment in January 2021, with James playing a central role in the side that claimed European glory just a few months later.

Operating in a right wing-back berth, the Englishman flourished in an attacking sense under the former Borussia Dortmund boss, having chalked up seven goals and 12 assists in 74 games during Tuchel’s tenure.

It is no surprise then that even amid his recent injury woes, he has still been recognised as being “as good as any right-back in the world” when at his best, according to pundit Eni Aluko, with the Chelsea skipper still having ample time to return to such lofty heights.

Whatever the case, James still represents a real academy success story of the modern era at the Bridge, having seemingly overtaken one of his positional rivals to soar to the top.

The Chelsea star who was once ahead of Reece James

Mount, Abraham, Colwill, Conor Callagher, Dominic Solanke, Marc Guehi, Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The list goes on.

While not all have made their mark at first-team level for the Blues, the west London side have certainly developed a reputation for producing some of the best young talent about – and deservedly so.

For every Reece James, however, there are those who don’t quite push on in a similar vain, with that perhaps true of another once-promising Cobham gem, in the form of Dujon Sterling.

Chelsea’s FA Youth Cup final XI – 2016/17

Chelsea 5-1 Man City, second leg

GK – Jamie Cumming

CB – Reece James

CB – Marc Guehi

CB – Trevoh Chalobah

RWB – Dujon Sterling

CM – Tariq Uwakwe

CM – Jacob Maddox

LWB – Juan Castillo

RW – Callum Hudson-Odoi

ST – Ike Ugbo

LW – Mason Mount

The current Rangers star – who, like James, is now 25 – was actually promoted into the first-team ranks a long time prior to his former colleague, having been handed a first-team debut by Antonio Conte as early as 2017.

The 6 foot 1 starlet was seemingly deemed a viable option as a wing-back in Conte’s 3-4-3 set-up, with reports also suggesting that he was ‘rated as highly as James’ in the academy system at one stage. Indeed, praise flooded in from academy coach Adi Viveash at the time:

Unfortunately for Sterling, while the current Chelsea captain has gone on to make 172 appearances for the club, the Islington-born defender was unable to build on the two chances he was handed in that 2017/18 campaign.

The former England youth international subsequently spent the next four seasons out on loan at a variety of EFL clubs, including Wigan, before the Todd Boehly regime allowed him to depart on a free transfer, following the expiry of his contract in 2023.

Sterling has since made 67 appearances in Glasgow, while registering four goal involvements, albeit with few of a Chelsea persuasion – including Boehly and co – likely to regret letting him depart on the cheap.

Having at one stage been viewed as ‘one of the best talents’ to come from Cobham, as per journalist Nizaar Kinsella, the £3m-rated ace was ultimately usurped by James in that right-back pecking order.

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Posts ByConnor Holden Mar 22, 2025