It might sound hyperbolic, but West Ham United are in something of a crisis at the moment.

They may have earned themselves an impressive win away to Nottingham Forest a few weeks ago, but they’ve lost their other four games by a combined score of 14-3.

The club might put out a press release indicating their support for Graham Potter, but he is overseeing relegation form, and therefore, it feels like a matter of when and not if he is replaced.

West Ham have already been linked with a host of possible alternatives, including Kieran McKenna, although they’re also eyeing up a clear upgrade on him.

Why West Ham might want McKenna

While a host of managers are currently out of work, one name recently linked with West Ham is McKenna.

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He might not be the biggest name, but it’s not hard to see why the Hammer might want to hire the Northern Irishman to take over from Potter.

First and foremost, his record with Ipswich Town is significantly more impressive than the Englishman’s record with the Irons.

Games

179

24

Wins

83

6

Draws

48

5

Losses

48

13

Points per Game

1.66

0.96

For example, the “sensational” 39-year-old, as John Barnes dubbed him, has an impressive record of 83 wins, 48 losses, and 48 draws with the Suffolk side, which comes out to an average of 1.66 points per game.

In contrast, since taking the job in January, the former Chelsea boss has overseen just six wins with the East Londoners, but 13 losses and five draws, which works out to a poor average of just 0.96 points per game.

Another reason McKenna might tempt the East Londoners is the fact that he helped turn the Tractor Boys from a lowly League One side into a Premier League outfit in the space of a few years, without a great deal of investment.

Yet, with all that said, West Ham now appear keen on another top-quality manager, one who would be a better hire than McKenna: Nuno Espírito Santo.

At least that is according to a recent report from Football Insider, which claims the former Nottingham Forest manager is now “high” up on the list of potential Potter replacements.

Moreover, as he’s not currently in a job, the club wouldn’t have to pay a fee to get him.

Why Nuno would be a better an upgrade on McKenna

So, as we’ve outlined above, McKenna would be a good hire for West Ham; he’s shown as much over the last few years.

However, there are a number of reasons why we think Nuno would be an even better option, notably his experience.

The Northern Irishman might have gotten a taste of Premier League football with Ipswich last season, but that’s it; he’s managed just 38 games at the top level, and while his team played some good football at points, they still went down.

Games

184

38

Wins

72

4

Draws

45

10

Losses

67

24

Points per Game

1.42

0.58

In contrast, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager has taken charge of 184 games in the Premier League, of which his teams have won 72, lost 67, drawn 45 and averaged 1.42 points per game.

Another big tick in favour of the “incredible” Portuguese coach, as dubbed by Sky Sports’ Sam Obaseki, is what he managed to achieve at Forest.

When he was appointed manager of the Tricky Trees, they were staring down the barrel of relegation, sitting five points off the drop and with just a single win from their last 13 matches – sound familiar?

He then guided them to safety in his first half-season, before leading them back to European football for the first time in generations last season.

More than that, he turned what was previously an easily beatable team into a solid and incredibly difficult side to break down, so much so that Matz Sels ended up winning the Golden Glove alongside David Raya.

Ultimately, while McKenna may go on to become a hugely successful manager, there would still be an element of risk in hiring him.

West Ham source shares potentially imminent Graham Potter sack timeline

The Englishman may be out of a job soon on one condition.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 18, 2025

However, there would be far less risk in hiring Nuno, as he’s already proven at this level and has shown an ability to turn a relegation-threatened side into one fighting for European places.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em meio ao clima leve após vitória contra o Grêmio, o Santos contou com uma novidade nos treinos desta última quarta-feira (23). O zagueiro Jair, de apenas 18 anos de idade, integrou as atividades do elenco profissional.

O defensor ficou longe dos exercícios com o elenco profissional por um longo período. No ano passado, o atleta participou dos treinamentos durante as gestões de Lisca e Orlando Ribeiro na equipe principal.

+ Já atualizou sua camisa de 2023? Confira os novos uniformes do Peixe!

Entretanto, durante a disputa da Copa São Paulo deste ano, Jair se machucou na partida contra o Santo André. Na ocasião, o zagueiro sofreu uma lesão completa do ligamento cruzado anterior e também lesionou o menisco do joelho direito.

Por conta dos problemas físicos, o jogador passou por uma intervenção cirúrgica. Perto da recuperação completa, o atleta volta aos treinos com os profissionais na mesma semana que Robson Reis, zagueiro afastado por Aguirre, é anunciado no Paços Ferreira.

Além de Jair como novidade nas atividades, o lateral recém-contratado Júnior Caiçara começou os trabalhos pelo Peixe também nesta quarta-feira.

Pelas categorias de base do Santos, além de destaque nas campanhas do clube na Copinha, conquistou o Paulistão Sub-20 da última temporada diante do Corinthians.

* Gabriel Teles sob supervisão de Vinicius Perazzini

Trist was in charge of the team when they won their first piece of global silverware in 2000

ESPNcricinfo staff30-May-2025The former New Zealand coach David Trist, who helped guide the team to the Champions Trophy in 2000, then called the ICC Knockout, has died aged 77.Trist was a pace bowler for Canterbury during a 14-year playing career then went into coaching with roles with Canterbury, South Africa, Hong Kong and Netherlands before the New Zealand job in 1999 when he replaced Steve Rixon.Though he was only in the position for two years he was able to secure New Zealand’s first piece of global silverware, which has since been added to for the men with the 2021 World Test Championship. In the final in Nairobi they beat India by four wickets with Chris Cairns scoring an unbeaten century.”Cairns was outstanding, and played an innings that he will remember forever, because it was the winning of the game,” Trist told ESPNcricinfo in a 2017 interview. “But the feeling was we could do it, and we had to do it. That was what pervaded the dressing room – although there were moments of concern, quite clearly, with losing wickets early and one or two other batsmen not quite doing what they had done previously.”But Cairns’ innings was one of his greatest, if not his greatest, innings, in so much as it won basically the only thing New Zealand has ever won. He could take the game away from you. He was a big hitter, but he was also technically very sound. He wasn’t unsettled by fast bowling, and against spin he was positive.”I think in the latter stage of that innings, the Indians went from ‘We’ve won this’ to ‘Oh shit!’ And Chris went on, of course, to get a hundred. It was a huge innings, and probably one of the most important innings in terms of New Zealand that we’ve witnessed.”Reflecting on the title, where New Zealand beat Zimbabwe and Pakistan before facing India, Trist added: “I look back on it as pleasing for the players in the first instance, and a special moment for New Zealand. Even though they were only three matches, they were very testing ones: Zimbabwe in Africa, and then us as underdogs beating two of the powerhouses of world cricket on a fair and equal environment – we caused one of the bigger upsets in one-day cricket finals.”After leaving the New Zealand role, Trist became coaching director of Christchurch’s Old Collegians Cricket Club as well as working in India and England.In a statement on social media, New Zealand Cricket said: “NZC is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of former Blackcaps coach David Trist, who died in Christchurch yesterday, aged 77…NZC extends its heartfelt condolences to David’s family and friends.”

Thomas Tuchel delivered a rousing team talk as England booked their place at the 2026 World Cup, saying he accomplished a “childhood dream” following the emphatic 5-0 victory over Latvia. The Three Lions will compete at next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States after powering through their qualifying group with two games to spare.

• Captain Kane scores twice as England seal World Cup spot

  England became the first team from Europe to seal their spot at the World Cup in North America after downing Latvia on Tuesday evening. Two goals from Harry Kane and strikes from Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze helped Tuchel’s men to victory on a dominant night which saw the travelling supporters play their part. The victory in Riga was England’s six win from as many qualifying games under Tuchel, having also defeated Albania, Andorra (twice), and Serbia, alongside an earlier triumph over Latvia in March.

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• Tuchel and Kane deliver rousing team talks following Latvia victory

  And after clinching their World Cup berth, Tuchel was full of praise for his England players, telling a delighted dressing room how competing in the biggest competition in world football was one of his lifelong ambitions.

  In a behind-the-scenes video which has now been shared by England, Tuchel began with exuberant clapping and shouting “really nice” towards his charges, before formally addressing them by saying: “One minute, congratulations, six wins, six clean sheets, eighteen points, we are there in the summer, we are there, brilliant.

  “My childhood dream to go to the World Cup, I could not be more proud than to go with you guys, we will rock this thing in America next year, okay, let’s go!”

  Tuchel was then joined by captain Kane, who urged his team-mates to maintain their focus ahead of England’s remaining two qualifiers against Serbia and Albania in November, stressing the importance of building momentum ahead of the World Cup.

  The Bayern Munich striker politely asked “Boys, can I add something?” and after his wish was granted by Tuchel, he continued by saying to the dressing room: “Boys, I think it’s easy to underestimate what we have achieved, you know, six wins, no goals (conceded), sometimes the outside noise will make it seem like 'oh, we just turn up in America and it’s easy', but I think the work we’ve done together, the relationships we’re building, it’s what makes a special team. You know, I said in the last camp, I feel like we’re getting a good momentum going forward and now we continue that, we’re qualified but we go full gas in November, everyone back, everyone ready to go and we carry on like we’re doing.”

• Kane joins Ronaldo in elite goalscoring club after Latvia brace

  After helping fire England to the World Cup with his brace against Latvia, Kane joined an elite goalscoring club featuring Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo. The 32-year-old is now the fifth top European scorer in international football, having recorded his 75th and 76th goals for England on his 110th appearance for his country. Kane sits behind Hungary legend Ferenc Puskas (84), Poland striker Robert Lewandowski (86), Belgium forward Romelu Lukaku (89) and Ronaldo, who has a whopping 143 goals for Portugal, on the list.

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  Tuchel takes chants on the chin after criticising England support

  Tuchel, meanwhile, was on the receiving end of pointed chants from the good-humoured England faithful at the Daugava Stadium. After criticising the level of support his players received in the 3-0 friendly win over Wales at Wembley Stadium, chants of “Thomas Tuchel, we’ll sing when we want!” and “Thomas Tuchel, are we loud enough for you?” were aimed towards the German in Latvia.

  However, Tuchel took the response from the England fans on the chin, saying after the game: "I got a bit of stick today, in the first half, pretty much in every song. So fair enough. Well done. I take it and good humour, good sense of humour. They had a reason today from my last comments and I guess that's fair enough. I got a bit of stick and I found it quite creative. It made me smile and this is how it has to be. It's British humour and I surely can take it. No harm done. It's so important. They are here and I said the support in Serbia was brilliant, and we are very sure the support in America will be absolutely brilliant.”

أعلن المدير الفني لفريق ليفربول، آرني سلوت، التشكيل الأساسي لخوض مباراة يوم السبت ضد نظيره أستون فيلا، في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويستضيف ملعب “الأنفيلد” مباراة ليفربول وأستون فيلا، في خضم منافسات الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي، موسم 2025/26.

اقرأ أيضًا | موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة ليفربول وأستون فيلا اليوم في الدوري الإنجليزي.. والمعلق

ويحتل ليفربول المركز العاشر في جدول الدوري الإنجليزي، بشكل مؤقت، برصيد 15 نقطة، بفارق الأهداف عن أستون فيلا صاحب المركز الحادي عشر.

وحسبما نُشر، يتواجد النجم المصري محمد صلاح في التشكيل الأساسي لفريق ليفربول في مباراة اليوم ضد أستون فيلا. تشكيل ليفربول أمام أستون فيلا في الدوري الإنجليزي

حراسة المرمى: مامارداشفيلي.

خط الدفاع: كونور برادلي، إبراهيما كوناتي، فيرجيل فان دايك، آندي روبرتسون.

خط الوسط: جرافنبيرخ، ماك أليستر، سوبوسلاي.

خط الهجوم: محمد صلاح، إيكتيكي، جاكبو.

البدلاء: وودمان، بيتشي، جو جوميز، واتارو إندو، ميلوس كيركيز، فلوريان فيرتز، كييزا، نيوني، ريو نجوموها.

The USWNT, having never conceded in 11 previous all-time matches against Portugal, were stunned by a pair of set pieces in 2-1 loss

There was no masking the frustration. Speaking moments after her team's shocking 2-1 loss to Portugal – a team that have never beaten or even scored a goal in 11 previous all-time matches against the USWNT – manager Emma Hayes was notably irritated. She had reasons to be. The U.S. had lost in her tenure twice before, to high-caliber teams, Brazil and Japan.

They had not, however, lost in the way they did Thursday night.

"Sometimes, as a coach in this position, it feels like whack-a-mole," Hayes told TNT. "I aged 113 years on the touchline. It’s frustrating… What am I telling them for the next game? Let’s get our fundamentals right. We can’t score at the start of the game and be on back foot afterwards… We scored a goal, and we stopped playing. If the Under-23s were watching, we’ve worked on our principles and plays and if they’ve watched that tonight, they’d wonder what ours were?

"We didn’t look like a team the whole evening, on both sides of the ball. We didn’t press together, we didn’t possess together, it felt like a yard off in our brain. I could see that.”

After netting just 33 seconds into the match on a finish from Rose Lavelle, the USWNT, in Hayes' eyes, switched off. That can happen. The problem was that they never switched back on, giving up two inexcusable set-piece goals to a Portugal team that had, coming into the game, gone winless in their last eight matches.

And while much of the credit goes to Portugal for standing firm against the defending Olympic gold medalists, Hayes and the USWNT – which hadn't played since July, and bore the rust to prove it – are rightly looking in the mirror after something of a wakeup call.

"We can use that as an excuse, but I think that’s a cop out," midfielder Sam Coffey told TNT, referring to the long layoff. "We’re too good for that and ultimately, tonight was just not acceptable. It was not our standard. I think we were really individual. There’s a lot of weight that comes with wearing this jersey, and that’s the way – we take it so seriously. That’s the best responsibility in the world and I don’t think we did a good enough job honoring that tonight.

"With that being said, it's a bump in the road. And I know this team and we have to respond now in the best way possible."

That response will have to come on Sunday, when these same two teams meet again in East Hartford, Connecticut. It's clear that Hayes will expect something much different.

"I am frustrated," the USWNT boss said. "I have to do my job. I’m in this team, too. I am responsible. It’s my job to pick us up and demand the best from us.”

GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from Subaru Park.

• Getty Images
  

  LOSER: Set pieces

  So often, particularly in the modern game, set pieces make all the difference. They create moments of chaos and, ultimately, goals. Teams feast on those dead-ball moments. On Thursday, the USWNT were undone by them.

  Both goals that the U.S. conceded came from set-piece situations, giving Hayes a very easy talking point after her game. Given the USWNT's talent, set pieces will often be the best way for teams to get the upper hand. That proved true in this game as the U.S. were unable to clear their lines twice.

  Now, would having the injured Naomi Girma organizing help in these moments? Surely, but it's not as if the U.S. was lacking experience in this team. That's not to say that Portugal didn't earn it, mind you. They did, to their credit, play with the USWNT, unlike many other teams. The goals weren't good fortune and they weren't just USNWT mistakes; they were deserved.

  That doesn't mean the U.S. doesn't need to clean up those types of moments, and they'll be frustrated to have conceded two very preventable goals.

  "Disappointment is the word," Coffey told TNT after the match. "Conceding on two set pieces? We pride ourselves on defensive set pieces and we did not live up to that standard tonight."

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• Getty Images
  

  WINNER: Portugal

  Portugal didn't arrive at Subaru Park with any sort of good form. They'd won just one of their prior 10 matches, losing to Spain and England by heavy margins this summer. They also had never beaten the USWNT. So, heading into this friendly, they seemed to be set up as a good old-fashioned confidence booster for a young U.S. group still building.

  Apparently no one told Portugal, though, as they came out determined to play with the USWNT. And play they did, maintaining their share of possession while, ultimately, cashing in on the chances that decided the game.

  Credit to head coach Francsco Neto, who had his team ready to play. Were they physical? Yes, and a bit too physical at certain points, to be fair. That didn't matter to Portugal, though, as they set a tone and kept a pace that the USWNT struggled to match. The U.S. had a few moments, sure, but not nearly enough. Some of that is due to sloppiness. Some of that, too, is due to Portugal.

  Good luck to them, though, as they look ahead to Sunday's rematch. It seems unlikely that this Portugal team can get the USWNT twice. But with this win already in their back pocket, they plenty of reason to believe going forward.

• Getty Images
  

  LOSER: Trinity Rodman

  Rodman was, as originally planned, in attendance on Thursday. The problem? She was watching on in street clothes, not causing chaos down the right-hand side.

  Despite her recent knee injury, Rodman was in the building for the match as part of the celebrations for her former teammate Alex Morgan. It was, for sure, bittersweet. On one hand, it was good to see Rodman back after several months away from the team with a back injury. On the other hand, it was a unfortunate that her return didn't allow her to play as Hayes had originally outlined.

  "Obviously not ideal. I wanted to be playing in this camp," Rodman said in pregame, "but, I mean, this is amazing to be able to come to this game, to be able to support the girls. I'm always grateful, and always want to be in it, even when I, like, can't be playing. So, yeah, I'm happy and all smiles for the most part.

  "I've been to one camp this year, so that sucks. Like, I was just bored. But yeah, it's important to support, even when I'm injured and, also, with so much change happening with the national team, I think just to be able to watch and to interact with them as much as I can at this stage is important."

  The USWNT could have used Rodman in the loss. Rodman, surely, would have wanted to help. The U.S. could certainly use her presence on and off the field.

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  WINNER: Alex Morgan

  It's not that anyone needed a reminder of Morgan's impact, but it was nice to get one anyway. The scenes before the opening whistle said it all: fans wearing shirts bearing her name, teammates reunited and smiling in her honor and, perhaps most notably to her, her family in attendance to share this moment.

  Oh, and her own USWNT bobblehead.

  "I just have so many incredible memories with this team. I really grew up with this team," she said pregame. "It’s just really special to run it back one more time."

  Morgan was honored as US Soccer celebrated her list of contributions to both the USWNT and the women's game as a whole. That list, of course, goes on and on: trophies, moments, goals and, most importantly, memories. Morgan created them all and, in truth, a pregame ceremony probably isn't even enough to encapsulate her impact on the game.

  “I grew up watching her. Every young girl growing up and playing is like, ‘I love Alex Morgan.’ I had a poster of her on my wall," Coffey said. "She’s an incredible player and an incredible person. She's done so much for the women's game. She deserves all the flowers in the world, and it's really exciting to be a part of the game that we get to honor her at.

  "She’s like a hero for all of us and is someone that epitomizes what it means to leave something better than you found it.”

  Even the frustration from the result couldn't dampen Hayes' enthusiasm when asked about Morgan.

  "I mean, she's an icon, and she's done it at the highest level, again and again," Hayes said after the game. "And everybody in the locker room respects her achievements for doing it the highest stage. And just to get a number of caps she had – it was well-earned. That's the thing. You know, playing for this team isn't easy. You've got the expectations to win all of the time. And, you know, I think looking at all Alex has done is a real credit to the work she's put in."

  It was nice, then, to see Morgan get her moment.

Lyon winger Malick Fofana faces several months on the sidelines after suffering a serious right ankle sprain during a 2-1 win over Strasbourg. The Belgian winger, who has attracted strong interest from Liverpool and Chelsea, will likely require surgery dealing a major blow to Paulo Fonseca’s side as they push for a top-four Ligue 1 finish.

Fofana stretchered off after horror challenge against Strasbourg

Lyon’s promising winger has been ruled out for several months as he was stretchered off following a heavy challenge from Ismael Doukoure, who was shown a straight red card for the tackle. Fofana was taken to hospital immediately after the match, where scans revealed a serious right ankle sprain with additional ligament damage that will likely require surgery.

The Belgian forward’s injury comes at a terrible time for Lyon, who have been heavily reliant on his pace and creativity following a difficult summer that saw the departures of key attackers Rayan Cherki and Georges Mikautadze. Coach Fonseca has also been dealing with a depleted squad, with winger Ernest Nuamah still sidelined by an ACL injury sustained in April.

Before the injury, Fofana had made 12 Ligue 1 appearances this season, scoring twice and emerging as one of the standout young performers in France. His explosive dribbling, acceleration, and direct play had made him an indispensable part of Lyon’s attack and one of the brightest prospects in European football.

AdvertisementAFPLyon confirm long-term setback

The French club confirmed the news in an official statement, outlining the extent of the injury and the expected recovery period. Lyon said they would do everything possible to support Fofana’s rehabilitation and eventual return to the squad.

"Tests carried out overnight at the hospital, then confirmed today, revealed a serious sprain of the right ankle, accompanied by injuries which will most likely require surgery, which should keep him off the pitch for several months. Olympique Lyonnais will put in place all necessary measures to ensure Malick Fofana receives the best possible medical care and supports his rehabilitation, in order to plan for his return to the squad as quickly as possible."

This injury marks another setback in what has been a turbulent season for Les Gones. Despite their strong domestic and European form sitting fourth in Ligue 1 with 18 points and boasting a perfect Europa League record, losing Fofana until well into 2026 represents a huge blow for Fonseca’s project.

Liverpool & Chelsea keen on Fofana

Even before his injury, the 20-year-old had been at the centre of significant transfer speculation. Both Liverpool and Chelsea have shown strong interest in signing the young Belgian, whose profile fits both clubs’ long-term recruitment strategies.

The Reds' scouting team, led by sporting director Richard Hughes, have reportedly monitored the youngster for several months as they plan for life beyond Mohamed Salah. Fofana’s versatility, acceleration, and direct attacking instincts make him an ideal fit for Arne Slot’s high-pressing system.

Chelsea, meanwhile, continue to target young, high-ceiling players under their youth-focused recruitment model. The club’s data-driven scouting department view Fofana as a player with immense developmental potential – one who could fit seamlessly into the club’s long-term rebuild.

Fofana is currently under contract with Lyon until 2028, but reports suggest his representatives had already been exploring potential options for a move at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. Despite the injury setback, both Premier League clubs are expected to continue monitoring his recovery and form upon return.

When asked about the reported interest last month, Fofana said: "There was interest from those two clubs [Liverpool and Chelsea], but ultimately nothing concrete. I've considered a transfer, but now I think it's more important that I play a lot, and that has to happen at Lyon. Because I still have some progress to make."

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AFPLyon face difficult months ahead

The Belgian international's absence has forced Fonseca to turn to an internal solution, with Afonso Moreira, the 20-year-old winger recently signed from Sporting CP, stepping into the spotlight. The youngster made an immediate impact – scoring a stunning stoppage-time winner against Strasbourg after coming off the bench in the 68th minute, just four days after netting against Basel in the Europa League. Two goals in 122 minutes have earned him the trust of Fonseca and the Lyon dressing room.

However, replacing Fofana’s influence over several months will remain a major challenge. With both Fofana and Nuamah sidelined long-term, Lyon’s attacking depth will be stretched thin as they navigate crucial fixtures against Real Betis and Paris Saint-Germain. The club’s ability to maintain form through the winter could define their campaign and their hopes of staying within reach of league leaders PSG.

Lancashire post new highest T20 score in record-breaking display at County Ground

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay20-Jun-2025Lancashire Lightning put on a dazzling display of batting to crush Derbyshire Falcons by 80 runs on a record-breaking night in the Vitality Blast North Group game at the Central Co-op County Ground Derby.Luke Wells smashed eight sixes in his 83 off 44 balls and Matty Hurst hammered 50 off 20 balls to equal the fastest T20 fifty for Lancashire set by Jos Buttler in 2016.The Lightning’s 243 for 7 was their highest in T20 cricket and contained 17 sixes, the most by any side in the competition at Derby.Although the Falcons took 42 off the first three overs, they slipped to 74 for 6 and ended on 163 with Caleb Jewell last out for 65 off 43 balls.Wells lit the fuse by striking three sixes in the powerplay and with Keaton Jennings also clearing the ropes, the Lightning moved to 59 without loss from the first six overs.Falcons skipper Samit Patel came in for some harsh treatment in his first over which cost 22 as Wells swept him for six and then drove him for another maximum to reach 50 off 34 balls.Wells smashed Patel for another six before the stand was broken when Ben Aitchison deflected a straight drive into the stumps with Jennings out of his ground.But at the halfway stage, the Lightning were 110 for 1 and more damage was inflicted in the 11th over with both Wells and Hurst clearing the ropes.The mayhem continued with 22 coming from a Pat Brown over before Wells failed to clear long on in the 13th, 153 for 2.But Hurst was striking the ball beautifully, hitting four sixes in his landmark 50, and with Liam Livingstone finding his range, the 200 was passed in the 17th over.The pair plundered 62 from 33 balls before Livingstone was stumped charging Patel and Hurst was caught trying to ramp Aitchison.Chris Green hammered Zak Chappell for six to pass Lancashire’s previous highest T20 score of 231 for 4 against Yorkshire at Old Trafford in 2015 and Jack Blatherwick cleared the ropes one more time before the carnage ended.The batting pyrotechnics continued with four sixes coming in the first three overs of the chase before Aneurin Donald skied Green to deep midwicket.Luke Wood removed Martin Andersson and Wayne Madsen off consecutive balls and Patel skied,Saqib Mahmood to leave the Falcons floundering on 52 for 4 after the powerplay.Wickets continued to tumble as the asking rate soared and although Chappell and Mohammad Ghazanfar delivered entertaining cameos, the game had long ceased to be a contest.

Rangers have had a torrid start to life under Russell Martin as they currently sit one place above the bottom of the table on four points. Their winless run in the Scottish Premiership has given way to many questions about Martin’s decisions and capabilities.

One of the biggest questions that Rangers fans have been asking surrounds the treatment of Nicolas Raskin. Last season, Raskin was one of Rangers’ standout players, contributing five goals and 11 assists from midfield. However, this year his appearances have been few and far between.

In the league, Raskin has only played 197 minutes, the 12th most in the squad, after playing the 5th most league minutes last season. Raskin has featured more prominently in the Scottish League Cup and in their failed push for Champions League qualification, but has been notably absent in the league, where they desperately need points.

With no clear answer from Martin as to why he is handling Raskin in this way, some have taken to speculation as to what may have led to Raskin falling out of favour. However, in a recent interview, Keith Jackson rubbished one of the rumours.

Jackson dispels Raskin leaks rumour

This weekend saw Raskin receive a rare start as he scored the opener in Rangers’ 2-0 win over Hibernian in the cup. Following the game, Keith Jackson spoke to Hotline Live about the Raskin/Martin situation: “And you’ve seen this rumour, and I don’t believe it for a second about Raskin leaking team news to the Brugge manager. That doesn’t fit with what I’m told about Raskin as a person.”

Part of what led to the speculation about Raskin leaking the team news is that, following the 6-0 defeat, he was absent from the entirety of the next two match days. However, with the result leading to Rangers missing out on Champions League qualification, and in turn millions of pounds that could have gone towards improving the team and the squad, it is almost certain his punishment would have been far more severe if the rumour was true.

A more likely reason for Raskin’s absence is a tactical decision from Martin. At points this season, Raskin has had to play out of position as Martin has utilised the Bournemouth loanee Max Aarons centrally. Jackson didn’t mince his words when he expressed his dissatisfaction with this strategy from Martin.

Raskin may be key to Martin's survival

Raskin’s performance after being left out in the cold has demonstrated he’s worthy of coming back into the first team. He’s popped up with two goals and an assist in all competitions this season, and Martin needs to get his team scoring if he wants to remain in the job.

The experimentation with Aarons drifting inside hasn’t been paying off, and adapting his style of play to incorporate the aspects of the team that worked under Philippe Clement and Barry Ferguson may be the only way Martin can turn things around.

أعلن الفرنسي ديديه ديشامب، المدير الفني لمنتخب فرنسا الأول لكرة القدم قائمته لمواجهتي أوكرانيا وأذربيجان ضمن تصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة لبطولة كأس العالم 2026.

ويستعد منتخب فرنسا لمواجهتين ضمن تصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026 وهما أوكرانيا المقرر إقامتها الخميس الموافق 13 نوفمبر، وأذربيجان يوم الأحد الموافق 16 من الشهر ذاته.

ومن المقرر أن تقام بطولة كأس العالم 2026 في ملف ثلاثي مشترك “الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية وكندا والمكسيك”.

ويغيب عن قائمة منتخب فرنسا كل من أوريلين تشواميني لاعب ريال مدريد وديزيري دوي لاعب باريس سان جيرمان، وأدريان رابيو بسبب الإصابة.

اقرأ أيضًا | ريال مدريد يعلن إصابة لاعبه بعد مباراة ليفربول.. ومدة غيابه

واستدعى بدلًا منهم نجولو كانتي، لاعب الاتحاد السعودي وزائر إيمري، لاعب باريس سان جيرمان.

واستدعى ديشامب كلًا من هوجو إيكتيكي نجم ليفربول، وريان شرقي جناح مانشستر سيتي عوضًا عن عثمان ديمبلي، الذي يغيب بسبب الإصابة. قائمة منتخب فرنسا لمباراتي أوكرانيا وأذربيجان في تصفيات كأس العالم

حراسة المرمى: لوكاس شوفالييه، مايك ماينيان، بريس سامبا.

في خط الدفاع: لوكاس دين، مالو جوستو، لوكاس هيرنانديز، تيو هيرنانديز، إبراهيما كوناتي، جول كوندي، ويليام ساليبا، دايوت أوباميكانو.

خط الوسط: إدواردو كامافينجا، نجولو كانتي، مانو كوني، مايكل أوليس، وارن زائير إيمري.

في خط الهجوم: ماجنيس أكليوش، برادلي باركولا، ريان شرقي، هوجو إيكيتيكي، راندال كولو مواني، جان فيليب ماتيتا، كيليان مبابي، كريستوفر نكونكو.