Stan Collymore has weighed in following the controversial West Midlands Police decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending the Europa League fixture against Aston Villa next month.

Decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from Villa Park causes controversy

The decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from Villa Park has been condemned by leaders of the UK’s two most highly-represented parties in parliament, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer taking to X to criticise the move last week.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch was just as unequivocal, branding the decision a “national disgrace”, while also urging Birmingham authorities to re-assess.

However, given that the Israeli side had another game postponed on Sunday, with their derby against Hapoel Tel Aviv being cancelled before kick-off due to safety concerns, it remains to be seen whether the police are willing to change their minds.

Taking to X after news of the derby being cancelled broke, Collymore shared a shocking statistic, having previously expressed anger about his former club being blamed for a situation beyond their control.

The ex-Villa man said: “Maccabi Tel Aviv have had 2 match postponements in the last 266 days for public disorder. Aston Villa haven’t had 1 in 50,080 days (since 8th September 1888, Football League Matchday 1, the birth of global league football). Home or away. Gaslit.”

Aston Villa now looking to sign £26m assist king, Emery thinks he's perfect

The Villans have joined the race for a new midfielder, with Unai Emery personally a keen admirer.

ByDominic Lund Oct 20, 2025 Villa off to strong start in the Europa League

Unai Emery’s side endured a very poor start to the season, but they have since turned things around, winning their last five matches in all competitions, and they are in a strong position to progress in the Europa League, although it is still early days.

The Villans have won their first two matches in Europe without conceding a goal, defeating Bologna 1-0 at Villa Park, before going on to pick up an impressive 2-0 victory against Feyenoord, with Marco Bizot putting in a top performance.

The police’s decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans will be an unwelcome distraction heading into next month’s encounter in November, but Emery’s side should be able to pick up all three points, with the Israeli champions losing 3-1 at home against Dinamo Zagreb in their last Europa League match.

Tottenham are reportedly ready to pay over £50 million for a striker who manager Thomas Frank has already called “remarkable”, with the Lilywhites currently struggling for creativity in the final third.

Tottenham linked with new centre-forward amid attacking struggles

On paper, Spurs have made a very solid start to the new season under Frank.

Only Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea boast more Premier League goals so far this season, with Frank’s side losing just two of their opening eight top flight matches and by very narrow margins.

Thomas Frank’s managerial record at Tottenham so far

Stats

Matches

12

Wins

6

Draws

3

Losses

3

Points

18

Points per game

1.75

However, there’s been a recurring criticism surrounding Spurs’ most recent encounters, and that is their failure to convince going forward.

Xavi Simons is at the centre of debate following his lack of goal contributions since a £52 million move from RB Leipzig in the summer. His arrival was largely tipped to fill the void left by James Maddison’s long-term injury and the continued absence of fellow creator Dejan Kulusevski, but Simons has just one assist to show for his efforts so far.

Worries also surround the north Londoners’ striker options.

Mathys Tel, despite scoring against Leeds United at Elland Road before the international break, proved largely ineffective in Tottenham’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa last weekend. This came after Tel was given the starting nod again ahead of Richarlison, who’s come under fire from certain sections of the media for a lack of consistency.

Dominic Solanke should return soon after undergoing minor surgery on an ankle problem, but the England international’s struggles with fitness have been pretty consistent since his club-record move from Bournemouth last summer.

Tottenham’s most expensive signings of all time

Rank

Player

Fee

Signed from

Year

1

Dominic Solanke

£65m

Bournemouth

2024

2

Tanguy Ndombele

£62.8m

Lyon

2019

3

Richarlison

£60m

Everton

2022

4

Mohammed Kudus

£55m

West Ham

2025

5

Xavi Simons

£52m

RB Leipzig

2025

Find the rest here…

As a result, Spurs are being linked with new strikers ahead of January, and one of them is former Brentford star Ivan Toney.

The England international, who bagged 20 Premier League goals during his best season at the G-tech under Frank’s tutelage, has been scoring for fun in the Middle East since his £40 million switch to Al-Ahli last year.

The 29-year-old has bagged 39 goals in 56 appearances for Al-Ahli, but Toney’s decision to move to Saudi Arabia threatens his place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup plans.

Toney, apart from one nod earlier this year, has largely been excluded from the Three Lions squad, and the prospect of a Premier League return to better his chances of an England re-call may appeal to him.

Tottenham ready to bid £52m for ex-Brentford star Ivan Toney

Some reports suggest that Frank has personally contacted Toney about joining Spurs on loan in January, and now there’s been another update on the club’s interest.

As per Spanish media sources, if a mid-season loan turns out to be impossible, Tottenham are prepared to bid £52 million for Toney and bring him back to the Premier League in 2026, with the north Londoners described as more advanced than Chelsea in a potential move for him.

It is worth noting that West Ham have also been linked with a swoop for Toney as well, so it appears a host of London clubs are weighing up the prospect of his signing.

However, there could be major hurdles to navigate, the main one being his seismic £427,000-per-week pay packet.

Toney would almost certainly need to take a massive wage cut to seal a return to England, but if Spurs’ co-sporting directors Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici find a realistic way to do it, there is little denying that Frank would be thrilled to have the number nine.

Scott McTominay could be on his way back to the Premier League after Newcastle United entered the race to secure his signature alongside a number of rivals.

The Magpies, with their PSR problems behind them, have set their sights on building a side capable of staying inside the Premier League’s top four and that may start with their midfield.

Already, those at St James’ Park have tied Sandro Tonali down to a new deal at the club after holding secret talks with the Italian and now rumours are emerging as to who could join the former AC Milan man.

At 25 years old, Tonali is increasingly likely to play a key role under Eddie Howe for years to come and Newcastle could even decide to build the heart of their side around the midfielder, whilst also pursuing the likes of Elliot Anderson.

The Nottingham Forest star has been linked with a return to Tyneside just over a year since leaving Newcastle for the Midlands in what would be a sensational move.

Howe even went as far as to admit that there’s some regret that Newcastle were left with no choice but to sell Anderson amid PSR problems last year. That alone suggests that he’d be more than happy to welcome the England international back with open arms.

By signing Anderson just after securing Tonali’s future, PIF could also be opening the door for a Ballon d’Or nominee to take his place in Newcastle’s midfield.

Newcastle in pole position to sign Scott McTominay

Newcastle are now in pole position to sign McTominay from Napoli alongside Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, according to TeamTalk. Both sides are reportedly joined by Barcelona in the race to welcome the Scotland international, who is also expected to be offered a new deal in Italy.

When McTominay left Manchester United in 2024, the Red Devils were happy to show him the door. Now, over a year later, he has the world at his feet and was even a 2025 Ballon d’Or nominee. His rise has been sensational, and he could yet make a return to England to end some unfinished business.

Not just Joelinton: Newcastle's "true legend" may now be on borrowed time

Newcastle may well part ways with this Howe mainstay at the end of the campaign.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 29, 2025

To no surprise, Howe also reportedly believes McTominay is the perfect fit for his Newcastle side and views him as someone who would help the Magpies stay in the Champions League.

Described as “special” by former Man United boss Jose Mourinho, the midfielder has finally realised his full potential and now has another big decision to make.

Ross Wilson now wants Newcastle to sign Joelinton heir

Liverpool have seen lots of players leave for huge money in the past, but who are the most expensive departures in their history?

Transfer business was relatively quiet at Anfield in recent windows before owners FSG splashed the cash on the likes of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz in 2025.

Liverpool's most expensive signings of all time

Liverpool have splashed the cash in recent years, but who are their priciest additions?

ByLewis Thompson Sep 5, 2025

In the past, Liverpool have generated huge funds through the exits of certain players. Here are the 20 most expensive sales in Reds history.

Rank

Player

Sold to

Year

Fee

Philippe Coutinho

Barcelona

2018

Luis Suarez

Barcelona

2014

Luis Diaz

Bayern Munich

2025

Fernando Torres

Chelsea

2011

Raheem Sterling

Man City

2015

Darwin Nunez

Al-Hilal

2025

Fabinho

Al-Ittihad

2023

Sadio Mane

Bayern Munich

2022

Jarell Quansah

Bayer Leverkusen

2025

Christian Benteke

Crystal Palace

2016

Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid

2009

Fabio Carvalho

Brentford

2024

Mamadou Sakho

Crystal Palace

2017

Ben Gannon-Doak

Bournemouth

2025

Danny Ings

Southampton

2019

Sepp van den Berg

Brentford

2024

Dominic Solanke

Bournemouth

2019

Javier Mascherano

Barcelona

2010

Neco Williams

Nottingham Forest

2022

Andy Carroll

West Ham

2013

10 Christian Benteke Liverpool to Crystal Palace (£32m)

The signing of Christian Benteke in 2015 never quite felt right for Liverpool, during a time when doubts were starting to creep in about Brendan Rodgers as manager.

The Belgian had admittedly caused the Reds plenty of problems in an Aston Villa shirt in the past, but his performances at Anfield were lacking, and he only spent one season at the club.

Granted, Benteke’s overhead kick away to Manchester United was stunning, albeit in a losing cause, but a tally of just 10 goals in 42 appearances outlined his struggles, as he failed to justify his £32m price tag. Like Sakho, he was sold to Crystal Palace, with Liverpool breaking even following his departure.

9 Jarell Quansah Liverpool to Bayer Leverkusen (£35m)

Jarell Quansah was a product of Liverpool’s academy, so his £35m transfer to Bayer Leverkusen in 2025 was seen as pure profit to help with FFP and the club’s summer spending spree.

The centre-back made 58 senior appearances for the Reds prior to his move to the Bundesliga, and there is thought to be a buy back clause included in the deal.

8 Sadio Mane Liverpool to Bayern Munich (£35m)

It’s easy to think about current stars Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Salah as the poster boys of the current era at Liverpool, but Sadio Mane cannot be ignored.

The Senegalese was an unbelievable servant for the Reds during a six-year period between 2016 and 2022, scoring 120 goals in 269 appearances and arguably standing out as his side’s best player in the title-winning 2019/20 season.

Fast, skilful, strong, tenacious and full of end product, Mane was a world-class player at the peak of his powers prior to moving to Bayern Munich for £35m, just when he was showing signs of being on the wane.

7 Fabinho Liverpool to Al-Ittihad (£40m)

Fabinho felt like a huge piece of the jigsaw being filled when he joined Liverpool from Monaco in 2018, and it is no coincidence that the Reds won the Champions League and the Premier League in his first two seasons at the club.

A dominant presence at the heart of the midfield, the Brazilian was one of Europe’s leading No 6s in his prime, combining an elite reading of the game with his underrated quality on the ball.

However, Fabinho’s legs seemed to go in 2022/23, as was the case with Jordan Henderson, and it made sense to sell him to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad for £40m the following summer.

6 Darwin Nunez Liverpool to Al-Hilal (£46.2m)

Darwin Nunez cost Liverpool an initial £64m from Benfica back in 2022, and after failing to hit the heights at Anfield across three seasons, the Reds decided a change was needed.

Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal came calling in 2025, and with the Reds already having Hugo Ekitike through the door at Anfield and soon signing Alexander Isak, cashed in on Nunez for just over £46m.

5 Raheem Sterling Liverpool to Manchester City (£49m)

Raheem Sterling’s meteoric rise at Liverpool was hugely impressive, with the Englishman going from youth team star to key first-team player in no time during the early part of the 2010s.

He was outstanding in the 2013/14 season despite still being a teenager, coming so close to playing a big role in the Reds winning the Premier League, and performed at a level of maturity beyond his years.

However, Sterling burned his bridges with Liverpool fans when he opted to join Manchester City for £49m in 2015, and many appearances at Anfield since have seen him booed relentlessly.

4 Fernando Torres Liverpool to Chelsea (£50m)

When Fernando Torres joined Liverpool from Atletico Madrid in 2007, he felt like one of the most exciting signings in the history of the club.

The Spanish star backed up the hype, becoming one of the world’s best strikers in his first couple of years on Merseyside, giving defenders nightmares – not least Nemanja Vidic. He may not have won a trophy at Liverpool, but 81 goals in 142 games was a stunning return.

When Torres controversially joined Chelsea for £50m in January 2011, many supporters were devastated, but the truth is that his very best days were already behind him.

3 Luis Diaz Liverpool to Bayern Munich (£65.5m)

Luis Diaz was brilliant for Liverpool during his three-and-a-half-year stay at Anfield, so it was a slight surprise that he wanted to pursue a move to Bayern Munich in 2025.

The Colombia international, who cost the Reds an initial £37m, won the Premier League before heading to the German giants, with Liverpool making a tidy profit on Diaz in the process.

2 Luis Suarez Liverpool to Barcelona (£75m)

Has there ever been a more talented player in Liverpool’s history than Luis Suarez?

What the Uruguayan achieved in a Reds shirt between 2011 and 2014 was unforgettable, with only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo arguably better than him during that period.

Suarez came painfully close to inspiring Liverpool to title glory in 2013/14, scoring 31 goals in just 33 league appearances, and his £75m exit to Barcelona at the end of that campaign was hard to take.

1 Philippe Coutinho Liverpool to Barcelona (£142m)

In hindsight, the £142m sale of Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool to Barcelona in 2018 is one of the best pieces of business the Reds have ever done.

While there was discontent about him leaving at the time, having grown into his side’s attacking talisman, it allowed Liverpool to use the funds to sign Alisson and Van Dijk, and the rest is history.

The legendary goalkeeper and centre-back completely transformed the Reds as a team under Klopp, turning them into one of the best club sides of their generation. Meanwhile, Coutinho’s career has completely petered out ever since, with injuries and patchy form turning him into a shadow of his former self.

Cristiano Ronaldo has seen a move into management ruled out by Manchester United legend Teddy Sheringham, with it considered to be more likely that the Portuguese GOAT will emulate David Beckham by heading into club ownership. CR7 has admitted that retirement is not too far off for him, at 40 years of age, with speculation raging regarding his next move.

• What will Ronaldo do once retired?

  Ronaldo has committed to a new contract at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr that is intended to take him through to the summer of 2027. He is expected to grace next summer’s World Cup finals, while continuing to chase down 1,000 career goals.

  He concedes that record-shattering boots will be hung up for the final time in the not too distant future, with it impossible for him to go on forever. Having given his all to perfecting the art of football, it would come as a major surprise if CR7 were to sever ties with the game entirely once bringing his playing days to a close.

  Many have billed him as a potential manager of Portugal, given how proud he is to represent his country, but coaching would deliver stress that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner does not need. Instead, he could look to pump some of his vast personal fortune into a new franchise or an established global superpower.

Advertisement

• Getty/GOAL
  

  Next Beckham: Why Ronaldo will avoid coaching

  Sheringham, who formed part of United’s 1999 Treble-winning squad, believes that Ronaldo is more likely to tread the same path as a fellow iconic No.7 than he is to follow the likes of Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick into management.

  Ex-England striker Sheringham told : “I can’t see Cristiano Ronaldo going into management after he retires. He’s far more likely to own a club rather than manage one – like what David Beckham has done at Inter Miami.

  “There are bigger and better things than being a manager for Ronaldo. He’s someone that wants to take on the world; it’s in his nature and he’s shown that on the football pitch for decades. In an ownership position, he’d have complete oversight over a club’s operations and personnel, in comparison to becoming a manager, where he’d be at the mercy of the club board.

  “The world of football club management is completely different to the career of a player, and I can’t see Ronaldo entering that environment as a manager.”

• Return to Man Utd? What the future could hold

  Another former United star, Wes Brown, has previously said that Ronaldo could do anything that he puts his mind to once retired. He said when asked if CR7 will follow the lead of Ryan Reynolds and Tom Brady by becoming an investor: "You never know what Cristiano Ronaldo wants to do, but you can’t doubt him after everything he’s achieved. I think first of all, it depends how he’s doing in Saudi Arabia, because it’s not clear he’ll be stopping any time soon – he’s still banging them in for Al Nassr. But he could definitely move into the boardroom, he’s got the ability to swerve away from coaching and into the executive level, 100 per cent. Why not? If he’s enjoying it, it’ll be perfect for him.”

  Danny Simpson, another of those to have worked with Ronaldo at Old Trafford, has told GOAL of the Portuguese potentially returning to Manchester in a directorial capacity: "I wouldn’t say no. If you look at his mentality, he obviously cares about the club. I think he would say that because he would like to come back again but in another way. I don’t think he liked the way he left so he’d like to come back and make United great again, on some kind of level making decisions.

  “The business side is obviously very different, but he’s also a businessman. You can’t knock that team he’s got around him. I’d love him to because I think he’s got a lot to offer, even on that side of the game going forward. Just his mentality and everything he does, he achieves it. That’s what United need.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  Trophy bids & Cristiano Jr: Ronaldo's immediate goals

  Ronaldo has revealed that he still keeps an eye on how United are faring, having taken in two spells with the Premier League giants, but has more pressing issues to contend with at present. He is chasing down more major silverware with Al-Nassr and has seen it suggested that he will play on for long enough that son Cristiano Junior becomes a club colleague.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Internacional perdeu para o Coritiba por 4 a 3 neste domingo (29), no Beira-Rio, e se complicou na briga por uma vaga na próxima Copa Libertadores. Logo nos primeiros minutos de partida, a equipe mandante perdeu Vitão, que foi expulso após entrada em Maurício Garcez. Com um homem a mais em campo, o Coxa pressionou e abriu o placar com Garcez, aos 27 minutos. O Inter pouco atacava, mas encontrou um pênalti, quando Maurício foi derrubado por Bruno Gomes. Alan Patrick bateu e converteu. Porém, seis minutos depois, Matheus Bianqui voltou a colocar o Coxa na liderança.

RelacionadasTênisCom presença gaúcha, segunda-feira abre a 37ª edição do Seniors Internacional de Tênis de Porto AlegreTênis29/10/2023BrasileirãoCom gol contra bizarro e pênalti no fim, Corinthians e Santos empatam pelo BrasileirãoBrasileirão29/10/2023Fora de CampoGol contra de Jean Lucas em Corinthians x Santos repercute entre jornalistas: ‘Bizarro’Fora de Campo29/10/2023

+ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Na segunda etapa, o Colorado tentou pressionar, mas viu Robson, de pênalti, ampliar o placar. Bruno Henrique contou com falha de Gabriel para diminuir. Novamente de pênalti, Robson anotou seu segundo na partida, e Enner Valencia deu números finais ao duelo.

Com o resultado, o Internacional estacionou na décima primeira posição, com 38 pontos. Por outro lado, o Coritiba permaneceu na décima nona colocação, mas diminuiu a vantagem para o Goiás, que abre o Z4.

CINCO LANCES QUE MARCARAM A PARTIDA

>RUA! Vitão recebeu cartão amarelo por entrada perigosa em Garcez na entrada da área colorada. Após revisão no VAR, o árbitro optou por trocar a cor do cartão e expulsou o zagueiro do Internacional aos oito minutos da primeira etapa.

>DESENCANTOU! Maurício Garcez aproveitou o rebote depois da bola bater na trave e abriu o placar. Esse foi o primeiro gol do camisa 33 com a camisa do Coxa.

>TUDO IGUAL! Maurício foi derrubado por Bruno Gomes dentro da área. Alan Patrick cobrou no canto direito de Gabriel, que acertou o lado, mas não evitou o gol.

>NOS ACRÉSCIMOS! Aos 47 minutos do primeiro tempo, Matheus Bianqui aproveitou cruzamento de Robson Fernandes e mandou para o fundo das redes.

>QUARTO PÊNALTI DA PARTIDA! Enner Valencia desperdiçou a cobrança, mas, no rebote, marcou e deu números finais ao duelo. 4 a 3 para o Coritiba.

COMO FOI O PRIMEIRO TEMPO?

O Jogo permaneceu equilibrado até os nove minutos, quando Vitão foi expulso por cometer falta em Garcez. Com superioridade numérica, o Coritiba começou a pressionar e abriu o placar com Maurício Garcez. Após sofrer o gol, Coudet acertou o sistema defensivo com a entrada de Igor Gomes e viu a equipe gaúcha equilibrar as ações. De pênalti, Alan Patrick igualou o duelo, porém, seis minutos depois, Matheus Bianqui voltou a colocar o Coxa na liderança.

E A ETAPA FINAL?

O Internacional voltou para a segunda etapa pressionando, mas Robson, de pênalti, ampliou para o Coxa. A equipe gaúcha continuou ditando o ritmo, e Bruno Henrique contou com a falha do goleiro Gabriel para diminuir. Novamente de pênalti, Robson marcou, e Enner Valencia deu números finais à partida.

O QUE VEM POR AÍ

Na próxima rodada, o Internacional enfrenta América-MG na quarta-feira (1º), às 19h (de Brasília), no Beira-Rio. No mesmo dia, o Coritiba encara o Grêmio, às 20h (de Brasília), no Couto Pereira.

FICHA TÉCNICA
INTERNACIONAL 3 x 4 CORITIBA
CAMPEONATO BRASILEIRO – 30ª RODADA

Local: Beira-Rio, em Porto Alegre (RS)
Data e hora: 29/10/2023 (domingo), às 18h30 (de Brasília)
Árbitro: André Luiz Skettino Policarpo Bento (MG)
Assistentes: Guilherme Dias Camilo (MG) e Leonardo Henrique Pereira (MG)
VAR: Jose Claudio Rocha Filho (SP)
Cartões amarelos: Enner Valencia, Aránguiz, Alan Patrick, Mauricio, Jhonny, Pedro Henrique e Keiller, para o Internacional; Matheus Bianqui, Natanael, Marcelino Moreno, Hayner e Reynaldo, para o Coritiba.
Cartão vermelho: Vitão (9’/1ºT), para o Internacional.
Gols: Maurício Garcez (27’/1ºT), Alan Patrick (42’/1ºT), Matheus Binaqui (48’/1ºT), Robson (25’/2ºT), Bruno Henrique (38’/2ºT), Robson (45’/2ºT) e Enner Valencia (57’/2ºT).

INTERNACIONAL (Técnico: Eduardo Coudet)
Rochet; Fabricio Bustos, Vitão, Nicolás Hernández e Dalbert (Dalla Corte/26′-2ºT); Aránguiz (Bruno Henrique/26′-2ºT), Jhonny, Maurício (Pedro Henrique/25′-2ºT) e Carlos de Pena (Igor Gomes/28′-1ºT); Alan Patrick e Enner Valencia.

CORITIBA (Técnico: Thiago Kosloski)
Gabriel; Natanael (Hayner/28′-2ºT), Henrique, Thalisson e Victor Luis (Jamerson Bahia/13′-2ºT); Bruno Gomes, Matheus Bianqui (Fransérgio/1′-2ºT) e Sebastián Gómez; Marcelino Moreno (Gabriel Silva/41′-2ºT), Maurício Garcez (Reynaldo/41′-2ºT) e Robson.

Liam Dawson will make a return to Test cricket after eight years in the wilderness as England’s sole change for the fourth Test against India at Emirates Old Trafford.Dawson replaces Shoaib Bashir, who suffered a broken finger on his left hand during the first innings of last week’s Lord’s Test, but returned valiantly to take the final wicket to give England a 2-1 series lead. He has since undergone an operation, with a wire inserted in his left pinkie finger to ensure it heals properly.In Bashir’s absence, Dawson will earn his fourth Test cap, having made his most recent appearance in July 2017 against South Africa. As a left-arm spinner, he has 371 first-class wickets to his name, but has been especially prolific in recent seasons, with 12 of his 15 five-wicket hauls, including three ten-wicket matches, coming since 2021.Since the start of the 2023 season, Dawson has 124 dismissals for Hampshire at 25.64, with last year’s 54 alongside 956 runs at 59.75 earning him the coveted men’s PCA player of the year award. This summer, his 21 wickets at 40.04 – at an economy rate of 2.55 – have been accompanied by 536 runs at 44.66. He has scored nine first-class hundreds in the last five seasons, including three apiece in 2023 and 2024.The news completes an about-turn for Dawson, who looked to have run his race with the national team before earning a recall to the T20I side after a three-year absence earlier this summer. The 35-year-old took 4 for 20 against West Indies in his comeback match, captained by England’s recently appointed limited-overs captain Harry Brook.”He’s a wily, old fox,” Brook said at Emirates Old Trafford on Monday. “He’s very experienced and a very skilful cricketer. He’s played everywhere, played against everyone so hopefully he can have an amazing performance this week.”As we’ve seen over the Test series, the footholes have been for the left-handed batters outside off, so hopefully he can land it in the footholes and create a bit of spice and some opportunities to take wickets.”He’s willing to always fight for the team, he’s very competitive and it’s good to have him here.”England have also decided to play it safe with Gus Atkinson, wary the seamer is still not quite ready for a return to Test cricket. The 27-year-old was added to the squad for the third Test after recovering from a hamstring injury picked up against Zimbabwe in May. However, the management do not want to risk causing him further harm, particularly with a soft outfield following rain over the weekend, with more on Monday.Chris Woakes, the veteran bowling allrounder, had been the likeliest man to make way for Atkinson, but he has recovered well after 39 overs during the Lord’s Test.Though Woakes has struggled so far, with seven wickets at 56.42 and just 60 runs from five innings with the bat, England have stuck with the 36-year old. He boasts an impressive record at this venue, with 35 dismissals at 17.37, as well as 221 runs at 36.83.England XI: 1 Zak Crawley, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Ollie Pope, 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Ben Stokes (capt), 7 Jamie Smith (wk), 8 Liam Dawson, 9 Chris Woakes, 10 Brydon Carse, 11 Jofra Archer

Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips gave it their best shot, but the Washington Freedom batting didn’t have enough firepower to overhaul MI New York’s 180

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Jul-2025It went down to the last over: 12 to get from six balls for either MI New York or Washington Freedom to win their second MLC title. Rushil Ugarkar, a 22-year-old USA medium pacer who has never played international cricket, had the ball. Across him, Glenn Maxwell, to start with, and Glenn Phillips. Two white-ball superstars. But all Ugarkar conceded was six. And he sent back Maxwell with a slower offcutter, allowed Phillips strike for just one ball, and won MINY the title when everything was stacked against him.Till that over started, the momentum was very much with Freedom and it was chiefly down to Phillips. At the end of the 17th over, in which Trent Boult had conceded just seven runs to Phillips and Maxwell, and Phillips was 25 from 27, the asking rate was upwards of 13 an over. But Phillips targeted Tristan Luus and Boult in back-to-back overs. He took Luus for two sixes in the 17-run 18th over, and Boult for one more in the next, which went for 12, making it a potentially gripping last over. But he got to face just one ball from Ugarkar, who bowled a set of six cutters to spark the celebrations in the MINY camp.The result completed a remarkable turnaround for MINY, who qualified for the playoffs as the fourth-placed team on the league table, with three wins from ten games, and have since beaten San Francisco Unicorns (Eliminator), Texas Super Kings (Qualifier 2) and now Freedom in the final.The chase started with Boult picking up two wickets in the first over of the innings to dent Freedom. However, to be fair, despite opener Rachin Ravindra scoring 70 from 41 balls after early jitters and Jack Edwards chipping in with 33 from 22, the Freedom innings didn’t seem to find the next gear they needed till Phillips got going. Maxwell, not for the first time this tournament – he largely struggled apart from when he scored 106* in a win over Texas Super Kings back on June 17 – couldn’t get the scoreboard moving at the rate required. And three MINY bowlers, including Ugarkar, went at eight an over or fewer, with Tajinder Singh’s three overs costing just 18 runs.

Rushil Ugarkar, you are a hero! He held his nerve against some of the world’s best and delivered when it mattered most. A brilliant performance and well-deserved Stake Player of the Match! @StakeIND x @stakenewsindia pic.twitter.com/GKNUZWdO6Z

— Cognizant Major League Cricket (@MLCricket) July 14, 2025