Danny Welbeck has been backed for a sensational England recall by Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler in a message to Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel. It’s been seven long years since the forward last pulled on an England shirt. However, now, against all odds, the veteran striker could be on the verge of an extraordinary comeback, and the Brighton manager certainly believes that the Englishman deserves a shot at international redemption.

Welbeck shining at Brighton

From bursting onto the scene at Manchester United to enduring injury-ridden years at Arsenal, the forward’s career has often been defined by what might have been. Yet under Hurzeler, he has rediscovered his rhythm. He is in remarkable form for the Seagulls this season, scoring six goals in 10 Premier League appearances. His five-goal haul makes him the highest-scoring English player in the top flight so far, putting him ahead of the likes of Jaiden Anthony (4) and Jarrod Bowen (3). His last international appearance came in the 2018 World Cup third-place play-off against Belgium. But this bright run of form might just reopen doors many believed were closed for good.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALHurzeler's message to Tuchel

Ahead of Brighton’s clash with Leeds United this weekend, Hurzeler sent a heartfelt message to England manager Tuchel.

"I have a big belief that Danny Welbeck is able to play for England," he said. "I asked the question of the squad if they think Danny Welbeck and play for England and they all agreed, so that was the only time we mentioned it. Let's see what happens." 

Hurzeler, still only 32, was careful not to overstep, adding: "But I will try to emphasise that England has a great coach and he will make the right decisions."

Ferdinand joins the chorus: ‘He’s second to Kane!’

Former England and Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has thrown his weight behind Welbeck’s case, insisting that Tuchel should seriously consider the Brighton striker for England’s next squad.

"He’s second to Harry Kane," Ferdinand said. "If you’re talking form right now and the squad was being picked tomorrow, Danny Welbeck has to go, no?"

Ferdinand added that Welbeck’s injury struggles earlier in his career robbed him of the chance to fulfil his immense potential, but that doesn’t change his value now.

"Experience can do different types of things on the pitch for you," he added. "He can run in behind if need be, we saw that at Old Trafford, he can come short and link play as well as anybody outside of Harry Kane. He’s an all-round footballer, if it wasn’t for the injuries he had earlier in his career. I would take him. If he finishes the season in the form he’s in right now, there’s no way you can’t take him because he’s only going there for a month, it ain’t like we’re saying to him he has to play a full season, you’ve got to be ready and that role he can do that, coming in and out, be a support act for someone like Harry Kane."

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Getty Images SportWill Tuchel pay heed to Welbeck In calls?

England’s current No.9 is, of course, the undisputed Kane. Dislodging him from the starting XI is virtually impossible. But the backup spot is up for grabs. In his most recent squad, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins served as Kane’s backup, with Marcus Rashford providing a versatile option who can also play centrally. With England already qualified for next summer’s World Cup, Tuchel will now look to fine-tune his squad ahead of qualifiers against Serbia and Albania next month. It’s a period when the German coach might be tempted to experiment, and Welbeck’s form could make him impossible to ignore. The striker has earned 42 caps and scored 16 goals for England and could potentially add to the numbers if called upon in November. Welbeck further strengthened his case by scoring against Leeds on Saturday in a 3-0 win at home. He has given his all, and now all eyes will be on Tuchel, whether he responds to the calls of Welbeck's inclusion or chooses to look forward and awards another opportunity to Watkins, who has struggled for form this campaign. 

Arsenal took a huge stride towards ending their two-decade wait for a Premier League title, after securing a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace earlier this afternoon.

Eberechi Eze’s goal against his former employers was enough to secure Mikel Arteta’s men all three points in a hard-fought encounter against the Eagles.

Three points alone is a huge deal for the Gunners, but given the slip-ups from their title rivals, the victory has become an even more important one for the club.

Liverpool suffered a 3-2 defeat to Brentford last night, whilst Manchester City fell to a 1-0 loss against Aston Villa this afternoon – resulting in a four-point cushion for Arteta’s side.

However, despite the triumph in North London, numerous players fell way below the high standards they’ve previously set for themselves in England’s top-flight.

Arsenal’s poor performers against Crystal Palace

Despite spending around £65m on the signature of Viktor Gyokeres, the striker has often failed to live up to the expectations of the Arsenal faithful in the last few months.

The Swede may have scored five goals for the Gunners to date, but he’s now without a league goal in any of his last five appearances for Arteta’s men.

His showing against the Eagles was yet another to forget for the 27-year-old, as he only registered 27 touches of the ball in his 90-minute showing – whilst also notching a solitary effort on goal.

Bukayo Saka has been another player who has made himself a fan-favourite at the Emirates, but there’s no denying that his showing against Palace was one below the expectations he’s set for himself.

The England international matched Gyokeres in failing to register a single effort on target, whilst also being unable to register a single chance for any of his teammates.

The 24-year-old also lost possession on 11 separate occasions, producing a somewhat wasteful showing – something which is highly unusual for his usual standards.

The Arsenal star who needs to be dropped after Palace

The three points will undoubtedly be the most pleasing aspect for Arteta, but he will certainly have a few issues to iron out ahead of next weekend’s clash with Burnley.

His men dominated the play in large spells, subsequently having 60% possession, but they were only able to muster three efforts on Dean Henderson’s goal.

Arteta’s side’s total xG of just 1.08 also reflected the lack of threat that the Gunners carried throughout the all-London affair at the Emirates this afternoon.

However, despite the disappointing performances from the aforementioned duo, Leandro Trossard once again failed to repay the manager’s faith in starting the winger.

The Belgian was handed his fifth successive league start this afternoon, but was unable to have the desired impact off the left-hand side of the Gunners’ attack.

He featured for the entirety of the contest, but was unable to hugely threaten the opposition goal – even missing a big chance in front of goal during his performance.

The 30-year-old also only completed one dribble, whilst achieving a tally of just 44 touches – a figure lower than that of goalkeeper David Raya, who achieved a total of 46.

Minutes played

90

Touches

44

Dribbles completed

1

Shots on target

0

Big chances missed

1

Crosses completed

1

Ground duels lost

60%

Possession lost

11x

Trossard’s dismal afternoon was further reflected in his tally of 60% duels lost, often struggling to create any chances against Palace right-back Daniel Munoz.

To top off his afternoon, the wideman was given a measly 5/10 match rating by The Express journalist Tom Parsons – further highlighting how poor he was in North London.

After such a display, Arteta must be left with no choice but to drop the Belgian back down to the substitutes bench, with Gabriel Martinelli deserving of a run off the left-hand side.

It’s a shame to see Trossard struggling to deliver, but given what’s at stake for the club this campaign, the manager has to be brutal if his side are to end their extended wait for a league title.

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This one-time Arsenal prospect has gone on to become a “world-class” striker.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 25, 2025

In need of an attacking boost, Aston Villa are now reportedly preparing a 2026 offer to sign a Champions League winner in a repeat of their previous deal to welcome Marco Asensio last January.

What Aston Villa need in January

The positive for Aston Villa in the summer was the fact they managed to keep hold of Emiliano Martinez amid interest from Manchester United and the goalkeeper’s own desire to depart. But that’s not enough to take away from what was otherwise another disappointing transfer window.

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ByWill Miller Oct 5, 2025

Evann Guessand, Marco Bizot, Victor Lindelof, Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho all arrived in what felt more like a panicked late flurry rather than a well-executed plan. On paper, arrivals such as Elliott, Guessand and Sancho should stand out, but all three are yet to prove their worth to Unai Emery, who may have preferred returns for former loanees Marcus Rashford and Asensio.

As a result of a frustrating summer, those in the Midlands have endured a slow start to the season – especially in attack. So much so that it took Ollie Watkins eight appearances in all competitions to find his first goal of the season, which came against Fulham.

Whilst Emery’s side have shown signs of life in previous weeks, the January plan must still centre around attacking reinforcements. It was the plan last January when Villa welcomed both Rashford and Asensio, who helped them push Paris Saint-Germain all the way in the Champions League, and they must now look for a repeat in 2026.

Just who this season’s versions of Asensio and Rashford will be is the big question. The likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and one other impressive talent have already been linked with winter moves.

Aston Villa preparing Kang-in Lee offer

According to reports in Spain, Aston Villa are now preparing an offer to sign Kang-in Lee from PSG in what would be a repeat of their deal to sign Asensio from the French giants last season. The Villans are seemingly turning towards the European champions to pick up another out-of-favour star who could thrive in the Midlands.

Emery reportedly wants the South Korean and the player himself would be wise to look for a move elsewhere after starting just three of PSG’s last six Ligue 1 games and none of their first two Champions League outings.

Even though he sits outside of Luis Enrique’s starting side more often than not, Lee has still earned plenty of praise from the PSG boss, who previously told reporters:

“Kang-In Lee, he’s small but he can play up front, behind, go inside, on the side, defend, score. He’s a complete player. He’s a big signing for the club. When we signed him, we knew his potential. He still needs to improve but he’s working well.”

That versatility to play across the entire frontline would prove particularly key for Villa, who currently lack the squad depth they need to push for a European place once again.

Losing Cole Palmer to injury had the potential to completely derail Chelsea so early into the new Premier League season.

Enzo Maresca’s Blues did lose 3-1 to Brighton and Hove Albion in what was their first game without their star man at the start of September, but since then, the West Londoners have picked up five straight wins in all competitions to flex the quality oozing throughout their squad, even with Palmer missing.

Thankfully for the Italian, many a new star has been unearthed in his absence, with Chelsea youngster Tyrique George – in particular – making his presence known last time out as the Blues humbled Ajax 5-1 on their own patch in the Champions League.

Why George is pushing for a Chelsea start

Rumours had begun to surface recently that one of Chelsea’s own in George was looking for a move away, with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap both ahead of him in the Stamford Bridge pecking order in the striker department.

But, with Pedro suspended and Delap still out injured for the mid-week clash with the Amsterdam giants, the 19-year-old seriously impressed as a second-half substitute in the main striker position, as a first-ever goal on Europe’s grandest stage fell into his lap.

Just a matter of minutes after being introduced into the contest, George would power home this fine effort past a hapless Remko Pasveer, with the night very much belonging to Chelsea’s rising stars, as both Marc Guiu and Jamie Gittens also got in on the act with goals and assists.

This emphatic display mid-week could well mean Maresca is wracked with some selection headaches heading back into Premier League action later today versus Sunderland, with George no doubt pushing for a start ahead of the aforementioned Guiu, even if Pedro is now back, too, from sitting out the clash against Ajax.

George isn’t the only starlet who will be demanding first-team minutes against the Black Cats, however, as this fellow Stamford Bridge prodigy has an even more compelling case to remain in the Italian’s starting XI for the test of Regis Le Bris’ visitors.

Maresca must start teen who's "similar to Cole Palmer"

If Chelsea can keep up this sterling run of form moving forward, Maresca and Co. could well be viewed as outside challengers for the Premier League title, especially when Palmer is also reintroduced into the first team fray.

Until then, however, the Blues do arguably possess another Palmer-like talent in Brazilian superstar Estevao, with Maresca himself even declaring that the 18-year-old is “similar to Cole Palmer” in terms of potentially becoming a future number ten option in time, away from being an out-and-out winger, which is extremely high praise, indeed.

Estevao’s Chelsea numbers so far

Stat

Estevao

Games played

11

Minutes played

443

Goals scored

2

Assists

1

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Such outlandish praise is unlikely to backfire, too, with the South American teenager very much used to such latherings of praise by now, having been branded as “world-class” when still on the books of Palmeiras by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

He has slotted in nicely at Chelsea, too, much like Palmer managed when leaving Manchester City behind, with two goals and one assist already coming his way in England, despite being afforded just 443 minutes of action.

One of those efforts did come about during the rampant display against Ajax, with the breakout number 41 backing up his last-gasp goal against Liverpool by confidently dispatching this spot-kick with ease.

Pedro Neto does have a strong argument to hand to return to the XI against Sunderland on Estevao’s right-hand side, however, with a goal and assist tallied up last time out, enough to push Ange Postecoglou off his precarious Nottingham Forest tight-rope.

Subsequently, this showdown with the Wearside titans could be the perfect opportunity for Maresca to experiment with Estevao as a number ten option, to try to begin his journey to become the next iteration of Palmer, with both Andrey Santos and the aforementioned Guiu failing to do much from this role at the City Ground.

Maresca will, of course, feel more secure with Palmer back in his lineup when he’s finally rid of his injury troubles.

Yet, the future looks extremely bright at Stamford Bridge, away from Palmer, with Estevao leading the way as the brightest light of Chelsea’s next generation.

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini Oct 23, 2025

Tottenham have reportedly entered pole position to sign a “big striker” for manager Thomas Frank in January, coming amid reports that the unfit Dominic Solanke now faces an uncertain future at the club.

Thomas Frank unimpressed by Dominic Solanke at Tottenham

Spurs’ club-record signing has played just 49 minutes in all competitions so far this campaign, with a niggling ankle problem keeping him out of action since their 2-0 win at Man City in August.

His ankle issue required minor surgery and Frank has confirmed that the England striker could soon return to the field, having made decent progress in his recovery, but we can still only estimate when he will be fit and available for selection once again.

Dejan Kulusevski

Knee

22/11/2025

James Maddison

ACL

01/06/2026

Radu Dragusin

Knee

22/11/2025

Ben Davies

Thigh

23/11/2025

Yves Bissouma

Ankle/Foot

08/11/2025

Cristian Romero

Groin

01/11/2025

Destiny Udogie

Knee

08/11/2025

Dominic Solanke

Ankle

08/11/2025

via Premier Injuries

Fitness issues have been commonplace at Spurs since Solanke made the £65 million move from Bournemouth last year, and he hasn’t had a chance to showcase his worth to Frank just yet.

The 28-year-old finished 24/25 as Tottenham’s second-top goalscorer behind Brennan Johnson with 16 goals in all competitions, but a combination of knee, thigh and ankle problems limited his availability.

Interestingly, according to a report from Football Insider this week, Frank has already seen enough.

It is believed that Frank has been left unimpressed by Solanke and a January exit could be on the cards for him, as Tottenham’s manager decides that he wants a new striker to come in.

In the build up to the next transfer window, reports have suggested that Tottenham could bring Ivan Toney back to the Premier League on loan from Al-Ahli, with Frank’s ex-star at Brentford looking to battle his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.

Some media sources claim that Frank has personally contacted Toney about a temporary move to Spurs, but there are other options.

With his contract expiring in 2026, Spurs have also been touted as suitors for Juventus star Dušan Vlahović.

Tottenham "leading the race" to sign Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović

According to reliable Bundesliga journalist and Bayern Munich expert Christian Falk, there’s been an update, and one which suits the north Londoners down to the ground.

While Bayern were continuously linked, it is actually Tottenham who are “leading the race” to sign Vlahovic, as Falk tells Bayern Insider that Vincent Kompany’s side have now backed off.

The 25-year-old, who reportedly earns a whopping £375,000-per-week in Turin, has managed to score at least 14 goals per season since his magnificent breakout campaign at Fiorentina in 2020/2021.

Vlahovic can be a big-game player as well, with strikes coming in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund and Man City over the last two seasons, as well as in crucial Serie A matches against the likes of Inter Milan.

On a free transfer or for a cut-price in January, Vlahovic could be a real coup, but he’ll almost certainly have to take a massive pay cut.

حقق منتخب انجلترا للناشئين تحت 17 عاما، فوزًا عريضًا على هايتي في كأس العالم للناشئين 2025، بنتيجة 8-1.

والتقى منتخب انجلترا مع نظيره هايتي ضمن منافسات الجولة الثانية من منافسات دور المجموعات ببطولة كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا المقامة في قطر.

ويقع منتخبا إنجلترا وهايتي في المجموعة الخامسة والتي تضم منتخبي مصر وفنزويلا.

طالع.. فيديو | ماركوس مايتان يسجل هدف فنزويلا الأول أمام مصر

وافتتح لوكا بارنيت أهداف إنجلترا في الدقيقة الأولى قبل أن يحرز ريجان هيسكي الهدف الثاني في الدقيقة 14 من ركلة جزاء، وقلص فرانكو سيليستين الفارق في الدقيقة 17.

وسجل ريجي والش الهدف الثالث في الدقيقة 21 من عمر المباراة بينما الهدف الرابع في الدقيقة 55 عن طريق أليخاندرو رودريجيزـ قبل أن يعزز شيزارام إزينواتا بالهدف الخامس في الدقيقة 58.

وسجل لوكا بارنيت الهدف السادس في الدقيقة 64 وأحرز إزينواتا الهدف السابع في الدقيقة 69 قبل أن يسجل نفس اللاعب الهدف الثامن في الدقيقة 80.

ورفع منتخب إنجلترا رصيده إلى 3 نقاط في المركز الثاني بينما تجمد رصيد هايتي عند 0 نقاط في المركز الأخير.

Former Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann believes that Manuel Neuer could come out of retirement and return to the national team if he continues his current form for Bayern Munich. With current first choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen struggling at Barcelona, the national team hero suggested Neuer is the natural choice to fill in should his compatriot fail to find a new club in January.

• Neuer still shining under Kompany

  Germany are facing a goalkeeping crisis ahead of the 2026 World Cup. With Ter Stegen sidelined due to an injury suffered before the 2025-26 season and his replacement, Oliver Baumann, lacking international experience, questions have emerged about who will guard the posts for Die Mannschaft. In this context, speculation has grown around the possible return of Neuer, who retired from international football after Euro 2024. The veteran goalkeeper has experienced a remarkable resurgence under Vincent Kompany at Bayern Munich, playing a key role in their 2024-25 Bundesliga triumph. Kompany’s tactical system and strong man-management have revitalised Neuer, helping him maintain top form even at the age of 40. His leadership, composure, and consistency have impressed Bayern’s hierarchy, who are reportedly in talks to extend his contract. If his form continues, Neuer’s return to the national team could become a real possibility for Germany’s 2026 World Cup campaign.

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• AFP
  

  Will he come out of retirement?

  In an interview with , Hamann expressed his belief that Neuer is likely to feature for Germany at the 2026 World Cup, saying: “I think it's very likely that Manuel Neuer will play in the World Cup.”

  Wishing the veteran goalkeeper good health, Hamann added that if Neuer continues performing at his current level, a national team return would be inevitable. He said: “I hope Manuel Neuer stays healthy. If he continues to perform as he is doing now in April, then it will happen – it has to happen – that he will be asked.”

  However, Hamann acknowledged that recalling Neuer could be tough on Baumann, noting: “If he wants to, that would be tough for Oliver Baumann.”

• Ter Stegen's poor season at barcelona

  Ter Stegen’s situation at Barcelona has taken a dramatic downturn under Hansi Flick, who has demoted the German to third-choice goalkeeper behind Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny this season. Tensions between Ter Stegen and the club began in the summer when Barcelona pursued Garcia without informing him, a move the long-serving keeper viewed as deeply disrespectful after years of loyalty and leadership. Matters worsened when Barcelona needed Ter Stegen to sign off on a medical report declaring a long-term injury so they could register Garcia for the domestic campaign. Initially, the German refused, prompting the club to impose disciplinary measures and strip him of the captaincy. He eventually relented, signing the report to facilitate Garcia’s registration. However, Germany coach Nagelsmann has already made it clear that Ter Stegen will only feature at the 2026 World Cup if he plays regularly, while former Barcelona and Germany star Bernd Schuster has warned that a move away is now essential. With less than a year to go for the 2026 World Cup, time is running out for the Barcelona veteran. Unless he secures regular playing time soon, he risks losing the Germany No. 1 spot he has long pursued but never fully claimed with Neuer around. And now, with the Bayern veteran being urged to return, the pressure on him is only increasing.

  Hamann echoed Schuster’s views, saying that Ter Stegen needs to find a new club, preferably one competing in Europe, if he hopes to regain his place as Germany’s No. 1 goalkeeper. Saying: “Marc-Andre ter Stegen first has to find a new club, ideally one that plays in Europe. As harsh as it may sound, for me the train has left the station.”

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• Getty Images
  

  Nagelsmann's hope

  Nagelsmann will hope that Ter Stegen can secure a move in the winter transfer window to regain his place and stay match-fit ahead of the 2026 World Cup. However, if Ter Stegen is not ready in time, Nagelsmann will count on Neuer to come out of retirement and answer his country’s call once again.

MatériaMais Notícias

As duas primeiras convocações de Fernando Diniz na Seleção Brasileira não apresentaram nomes muito diferentes aos que encerraram o período de Tite, seu antecessor. No entanto, os recentes cortes que o treinador da Amarelinha precisou fazer deram uma cara nova ao grupo.

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Adryelson, zagueiro do Botafogo, foi convocado neste sábado (14) após Nino sofrer uma entorse no joelho esquerdo durante um treinamento. 

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Foi a primeira vez que o atleta do Fogão teve o seu nome lembrado pela seleção nacional, mesmo estando no radar desde a primeira lista fechada por Diniz. Ele se junta ao goleiro Lucas Perri, seu companheiro no Botafogo e que também é estreante na Amarelinha. Perri foi chamado após Bento, do Athletico-PR, sofrer uma lesão na coxa direita. 

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O lateral-direito Yan Couto foi outro atleta lembrado para servir à Seleção pela primeira vez na carreira depois de um corte pouco antes deste período de datas Fifa. O jovem, de 22 anos, foi convocado no lugar de Vanderson, do Monaco (FRA), que sofreu uma lesão no joelho. 

Jogador que pertence ao Manchester City (ING), mas que atua emprestado pelo Girona (ESP), Yan entrou no decorrer do jogo contra a Venezuela, na quinta-feira (12), porque Danilo, que foi titular da posição, sofreu um problema muscular e precisou ser substituído. Assim, há chances do novato ser titular no duelo contra o Uruguai, na terça-feira (17), em Montevidéu. 

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O lateral-esquerdo Carlos Augusto também teve a primeira oportunidade com a Amarelinha neste período de jogos. Contratado recentemente pela Inter de Milão (ITA), o ex-atleta do Corinthians chegou até a recusar algumas investidas da seleção italiana pelo sonho de representar o Brasil. Ele foi chamado após Caio Henrique, do Monaco (FRA), sofrer uma grave lesão no joelho esquerdo, tendo que passar por cirurgia.

Assim, se a lista original de Fernando Diniz para os jogos da Seleção Brasileira nestas datas Fifa não contava com atletas estreantes como selecionados, ela termina com quatro atletas tendo a primeira experiência com a Amarelinha.

Gill confirmed Bumrah will play at Lord’s next week as India left out Thakur and Sai Sudharsan

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Jul-2025

Ben Stokes and Shubman Gill at toss at Edgbaston•Getty Images

Ben Stokes has won the toss and opted to bowl first at Edgbaston, as England seek to exploit whatever movement there is on this Edgbaston surface to steal a march on India in the second Test, after taking a 1-0 lead at Headingley.The headline news is that Jasprit Bumrah sits out, ensuring he still has two Tests in the chamber to be used in the final three matches from Lord’s onwards. His resting is one of three changes for India, with Akash Deep, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar drafted into the XI.Those changes give India a decidedly different feel from the one that suffered the defeat at Headingley, with B Sai Sudharsan and Shadrul Thakur dropped. Karun Nair will bat at No.3.Explaining the decision to rest Bumrah, Shubman Gill revealed the India management felt Lord’s will offer Bumrah more than this track.”We did get a good break… but the third match of the series being at Lord’s, there might be a little bit more in the wicket so we thought we’d play him in the third one,” said Gill.While confirming he would have also opted to bowl first, Gill revealed Kuldeep Yadav came close to selection, only for Washington to get the nod because of his superior batting. Boosting the tail after numbers eight to 11 scored nine runs between them across both innings of the first Test was a priority.”We were very tempted to play him (Kuldeep). But looking at the last match, the lower order did not score many runs,” Gill said.All the intrigue over the last 48 hours was very much focussed on India after Stokes named an unchanged XI on Monday. The last time England fielded same XI across the first two Test matches of a home series was in 2017 against South Africa.Victory for the hosts would increase their superiority over India at Edgbaston. They have won seven out of eight meetings here, with one draw.England: 1 Zak Crawley, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Ollie Pope, 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Ben Stokes (capt), 7 Jamie Smith (wk), 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Brydon Carse, 10 Josh Tongue, 11 Shoaib BashirIndia: 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 KL Rahul, 3 Karun Nair, 4 Shubman Gill (capt), 5 Rishabh Pant (wk), 6 Nitish Kumar Reddy, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Washington Sundar, 9 Akash Deep, 10 Mohammed Siraj, 11 Prasidh Krishna

Zafar Gohar takes three wickets against former teammates

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay06-Jul-2025D’Arcy Short raised a thrilling half century as resurgent Gloucestershire beat Middlesex by nine runs at Bristol’s Seat Unique Stadium to extend their winning run in the Vitality Blast to four games and keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages.Making up for lost time following a slightly disappointing start to his Gloucestershire career, the left-hander clubbed a breathtaking 83 from 48 balls, hit 8 fours and five sixes and staged progressive stands of 100 and 52 with Miles Hammond and Cameron Bancroft for the first and second wickets respectively to propel Gloucestershire to 204 for 5 after they had lost the toss.Hammond weighed in with a hard-hitting 48 from 33 balls, with 6 fours and 2 sixes, Bancroft contributed 30 not out from 19 deliveries and Ben Charlesworth smashed a nine-ball 22, while Middlesex spinner Zafar Gohar claimed 3 for 54.Stephen Eskinazi made a game of it, scoring a superb 75 from 41 balls, striking 8 fours and 3 sixes and sharing in a high-octane opening stand of 87 in 7.5 overs with Kane Williamson, who made 34. But Gloucestershire’s bowlers held their nerve, Josh Shaw claiming 3-48, including the crucial wicket of Eskinazi, and David Payne and Graeme van Buuren returning figures of 1-22 and 1-28 respectively as the visitors came up short on 195-7 in an entertaining South Group contest.In destructive mood, Hammond twice drove Tom Helm through the covers for four in the opening over, before hoisting former teammate Ryan Higgins high over long-on and raising an imperious six as Gloucestershire came flying out of the blocks. Josh Little received similar treatment at the hands of Hammond, who drove him straight down the ground, while Short weighed in with five boundaries as the turbo-charged opening partnership advanced the score to 57 at the end of the powerplay.Particularly strong off the back foot, overseas star Short cut and pulled with impunity, matching the more abrasive Hammond blow for blow as the Middlesex bowling struggled to exert even a semblance of control. Hollman conceded 19 runs off the ninth over, Hammond pulling him over deep backward square and Short taking him for a further two sixes to move to within sight of a half century.Having played his part in a superb opening stand of 100 in 10.5 overs, Hammond fell two short of 50 when holing out in the deep off the bowling of former Gloucestershire spinner Gohar to afford Middlesex much-needed respite. But any let-up in Gloucestershire intensity was temporary, Short going to his maiden 50 for the county via 33 balls. Fellow Australian Bancroft came out swinging, issuing a statement of intent when harvesting a brace of fours at the expense of Hollman in a 12th over that yielded 14 runs.Little and Higgins discovered a nagging length to briefly slow the scoring thereafter, but Short redressed the balance by pulling Zafar for back-to-back sixes and then straight-driving the spinner for four as the home side rediscovered their mojo to raise 150 in the 15th. No wonder Middlesex breathed a collective sigh of relief when the Australian hit a ball from Little straight up in the air and was held at extra cover with the score 152.Pushed up the order, Charlesworth ensured there was no let-up for the visitors, smiting Hollman for three successive sixes as the 17th over yielded 20 runs. Helm bowled Charlesworth in the next over in an act of damage limitation, but lusty hitting from Jack Taylor and Ollie Price ensured Gloucestershire equaled their highest T20 total of the season on home soil.Middlesex needed a fast start and their openers obliged. Eskinazi plundered 17 runs off the second over, bowled by Shaw, and Williamson drove Payne for six in the third to give the Middlesex reply early impetus. Returning paceman Ajeet Singh Dale fared little better as the openers adopted a high-risk strategy to race to 50 in 4.1 overs.Williamson and Eskinazi mustered 12 boundaries between them in a powerplay that yielded an impressive 73 runs and served notice to Gloucestershire’s under-pressure bowlers that they had a real fight on their hands.Something special was required to break the partnership and Jack Taylor took a superb diving catch at extra cover to remove Williamson for a 23-ball 34 off the bowling of Singh Dale with the score 87-1 in the 8th over. Matt Taylor removed Max Holden two overs later, but Middlesex were still well-placed on 101-2 at the halfway stage of their innings.Experienced campaigner Eskinazi represented the Londoners’ best hope and he went to 50 from 28 balls, while new batsman Ben Geddes hit the ground running to keep the required rate at around 10 an over. Gloucestershire needed a wicket and Graeme van Buuren had Geddes held at long-on for 13 as Middlesex slipped to 123-3, their hitherto serene progress subsequently held up by three overs without a boundary as the home side fought back.Eskinazi held the key and Gloucestershire supporters celebrated wildly when he was pinned lbw by Shaw in the 15th over, with 61 still needed from 5.2 overs. Gloucestershire’s bowlers largely succeeded in cutting off the supply of boundaries thereafter, and Payne tricked Higgins into hitting his own wicket in the act of reverse sweeping, while Shaw had Leus Du Plooy caught in the deep in the 19th over as the home side finally regained a grip on proceedings.Joe Cracknell and Zafar raised three sixes between them in the final over, but it proved too little too late.