List of All Articles with Tag 'sport'

Cricket ace Moeen Ali has revealed the one-word text he received from Ben Stokes, which was enough to push him out of retirement for the Ashes. Moeen last played a Test for England in 2021, but was called up following Jack Leach's injury. "'Stokesy' messaged me with a question mark, ‘Ashes?'," Moeen told a press conference. "I didn't hear the news of ‘Leachy’ at the time, and I just went 'LOL', thinking he's taking the mick.” Sign up to our new free Indy100 weekly newsletter

Elly De La Cruz turned some heads when he not only homered in his big league debut with the Cincinnati Reds but deposited the pitch nearly 460 feet from home plate

The end of the Premier League season brings about a change of pace and focus, a chance to rest and reflect on other matters...unless you’re a sporting director, of course. Outside of the playing staff it’s very much all systems go straight away, with the summer bringing with it the opening of the transfer window and a chance to upgrade, replace or revamp certain sections of the squad for every club - and this year will be no different. From Chelsea’s mid-season overhaul meaning a surplus of squad players to the usual host of names being out of contract, there will be lots of changes to keep track of across England’s top flight and beyond once the official registration periods begin. As the EFL note, dates for transfer windows have to reflect “alignment with other European Leagues” as well as Fifa’s decree that transfer windows can be open “for a maximum of 112 days in any one season”. And now fans know exactly when they can expect the unveilings to potentially begin at their clubs ahead of the 2023/24 season, with confirmation that the summer transfer window will open in the Premier League on Wednesday 14 June, with the final-day scramble for late additions seeing the window shut on Friday 1 September at 11pm. Among the players rumoured to be on the move within the Premier League are Chelsea duo Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher, Crystal Palace winger Wilf Zaha, Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, and Leicester attacker James Maddison - while the saga of the summer could be around West Ham and England central midfielder Declan Rice. Liverpool have already confirmed the quartet of James Milner, Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are departing, while the future of Man City star Ilkay Gundogan remains uncertain. Brighton will be hoping to hold onto a few of their excellent performers from this season, but Roberto De Zerbi has already acknowledged that Alexis Mac Allister is likely to leave. Newcastle are sure to add more quality to their ranks after making the Champions League, while Manchester United’s spending power could depend in large part on the club takeover and who eventually completes a purchase. Later in the campaign, the winter transfer window will open as usual on Monday 1 January, while that mid-season opportunity for additions will end on Thursday 1 February 2024 at 11pm. Meanwhile, the EFL has also confirmed their opening and closing dates for the 2023/24 summer and winter transfer windows and in both cases they align with those of the Premier League, with the same day and time for closing. Read More Ciaran Clark and Matty Longstaff leaving Newcastle When are the Premier League fixtures released? Jodi Jones relishing chance to take on England after overcoming injury despair

Brighton have announced the signing of James Milner on a free transfer from Premier League rivals Liverpool. The former England international has agreed a one-year contract at the Amex Stadium, with the option for a further 12 months. Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi told his club’s website: “I’m very glad to welcome James to Brighton. “He’s an excellent addition for us and I’m sure he will help to bring us to an even higher level.” Milner, who won 61 international caps between 2009 and 2016, began his career with Leeds and has also played for Newcastle, Aston Villa and Manchester City. The 37-year-old won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup during eight years at Anfield. He will join Brighton following the expiration of his Reds contract on June 30 and add experience to De Zerbi’s squad ahead of the club’s maiden Europa League campaign. Seagulls technical director David Weir said: “His experience speaks for itself with the amount of games he has played and the trophies he has won throughout a decorated career. “These games include European competition, which will be of huge value to us as we embark on our first season in Europe.” Milner is currently third in the list of all-time Premier League appearances with 619, behind Gareth Barry (652) and Ryan Giggs (632). The veteran midfielder, who can also operate at full-back, is Brighton’s second signing of the summer following the club-record arrival of Brazilian forward Joao Pedro from Watford. Read More When does the Premier League transfer window open and close this summer? Bellingham gone but who’s next? Midfield merry-go-round will define summer Liverpool begin midfield overhaul by completing Alexis Mac Allister signing

Manchester City and Sevilla will meet in the Uefa Super Cup in the annual showpiece starter to the European season. The event has been played annually for more than 50 years, and sees the winners of the Champions League and Europa League meet at a neutral venue. Between 1998 and 2012, the Super Cup was held in Monaco, but for the last decade has visited different European cities, with Real Madrid beating Eintracht Frankfurt in Helsinki last year. While not considered a major trophy, the match nonetheless provides the two competing sides with an ideal chance for some early-season silverware and the chance to build momentum into the more consequential business to come. When is the 2023 Uefa Super Cup? Manchester City take on Sevilla in the annual meeting between the winners of the Champions League and the Europa League on Wednesday 16 August at Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis near Athens in Greece. Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm BST. The match was originally due to be held in Kazan, but the Russian city was stripped of hosting rights in January due to the invasion of Ukraine. After securing their first major European crown, this will mark Manchester City’s first involvement in the fixture, while regular Europa League challengers Sevilla will make a seventh appearance. The Spanish club last won the Super Cup in 2006, recording a surprise 3-0 victory against Barcelona in Monaco. Atletico Madrid were the last Europa League winners to secure Super Cup triumph, beating cross-city rivals Real Madrid in 2018 to win the trophy for a third time. Read More Real Madrid announce transfer of Jude Bellingham from Dortmund for initial £88m Sportswashing is about to change football beyond anything you can imagine Bellingham gone but who’s next? Midfield merry-go-round will define summer

Mark Stone was presented the Stanley Cup by Commissioner Gary Bettman as captain of the Vegas Golden Knights

Euro 2024 qualifiers are well underway and Gareth Southgate has his squad together again for another two this month - and 14 June marked exactly one year before the tournament itself starts. While qualifiers will play a big role in deciding who goes in the Three Lions’ squad - assuming no incredible fall-off and they somehow fail to reach the extended tournament - performances during the new 2023/24 campaign should be the biggest indicator of who goes. With that said, it’s worth looking at who might be in pole position for a place in the final 26 right now and where the movement in a potential England squad could come from, both from those currently out of favour and those who might come from nowhere to seize a role next year. Here are our current selections, ordered by position and then ranking within each group. On the plane... Goalkeepers Jordan Pickford - The undisputed No.1 for Southgate, but with two challengers in the Champions League next term, he’ll need a big season of his own Nick Pope - Was one of the league’s top couple of goalkeepers last year; same again and he’ll be confident of a charge at a major role at a major tournament Aaron Ramsdale - Playing for one of the top teams will help his cause but needs more consistency to seriously trouble for the jersey. An easy pick among the three, though Defenders John Stones - From being a candidate to leave out a few years ago to suddenly being England’s only in-form and must-have centre-back...and he doesn’t even play centre-back for his club anymore Luke Shaw - If he’s fit, he’s in. Shaw has been excellent at times for club and country and there are not too many other left-backs who can match that Kieran Trippier - The right-back debate will no doubt rumble on throughout the course of Euro 2024 qualifying but Trippier looks a lock right now Kyle Walker - As above, the Man City man has proven his worth for England in a variety of tactical setups and is unlikely to be overlooked Midfielders Declan Rice - The definite lock-in to start in midfield, with the minor caveat that a summer transfer obviously has to see him settle well Jude Bellingham - As above, but a bigger talent. He’s also joined a bigger club though. Star at Real Madrid and he’ll be one of the first on the teamsheet for England Mason Mount - Hasn’t had a good year but nor has anybody at Chelsea really. Too good, versatile, consistent and hard-working to not be in Southgate’s plans Forwards Harry Kane - Captain and record goalscorer, he’s obviously starting Marcus Rashford - Won his place back for the national team at the World Cup but must continue to push on and maintain that level for next season too Bukayo Saka - Has nudged ahead as the right-wing starter and rightly so. Immense talent who has it all Jack Grealish - Playing regularly for Man City and winning everything so he’ll be in, though probably with a sub role still Phil Foden - Might be top of the “best of the rest” pile at present but there’s still the sense there’s another level to come from Foden. Perhaps next season we’ll see it more consistently Raheem Sterling - Perhaps in need of a reset and might get it under Mauricio Pochettino. Was a guaranteed starter not long ago so will still be involved Almost there... The players in favour and in the mix right now, but who must maintain fitness, form and consistency to make the eventual cut: Marc Guehi - To be blunt, nobody is absolutely assured of being an England centre-back beyond Stones. Guehi might not be likely to start but a place in the squad could certainly be his if he just...plays, and does it reasonably well for Crystal Palace Harry Maguire - At the other end of the certainty scale, Maguire would be in and starting if he had a club role, but he doesn’t. A transfer this summer has to go well Reece James - Perhaps just about third in the right-back battle at present is the Chelsea man, but he’s had real fitness issues over the last year and missed the World Cup too Trent Alexander-Arnold - The Liverpool man has been in wonderful form for a few months but has a Stones-type role for his club. For England, he still appears to have...not much of anything Ben Chilwell - Will make the squad if he’s fit as second left-back, but hasn’t had an international impact for some time now Jordan Henderson - One of the long-term squad members who might now be forced to look over his shoulder after a desperately poor season. Will be 34 by the time England play either their first or second game at the finals Conor Gallagher - As hit-or-miss as they come right now given his club squad role, uncertainty over even that and his own lack of regular place in the Three Lions’ squad Callum Wilson - Probably just about ahead in the race for the backup to Kane at centre-forward right now, but this specific backup role has been in a constant state of flux for about five years In consideration... Those who have been in recent squads, but either not fully seized their chance yet or need an upturn in consistency, top form or managerial favour to earn a spot in the 26 over another challenger: Sam Johnstone; Lewis Dunk, Tyrone Mings, Ben White; Eberechi Eze, Kalvin Phillips; James Maddison, Ollie Watkins, Jarrod Bowen Work to do... Whether through injury, loss of form or suspension, or simply Southgate preferring others right now, a handful of players have been in and around the squad over the past few years but look somewhat down the order of preference at present: Dean Henderson; Eric Dier, Conor Coady, Fikayo Tomori, Joe Gomez; James Ward-Prowse; Ivan Toney, Tammy Abraham, Jadon Sancho, Dominic Calvert-Lewin Wildcards... And finally, a few players who are either uncapped or have been in the international wilderness for a long spell - but showed good form in 2022/23 and could mount a real charge for a place if they begin 23/24 brightly... Solly March - A potential left-back alternative? The Brighton man delivered work rate and final-third contribution from a range of roles under Roberto De Zerbi Joe Willock - Competition for places will be important but so too could be big displays in the Champions League Sean Longstaff - The same as above, but slightly more combative and defensive-minded Jacob Ramsey - A potential door-unlocker who can play centrally or from the channels and has captained the U21s Harvey Barnes - Get a transfer, fit right in, score goals in Europe, get a shot at a shirt. Job done Dwight McNeil - Might need a few wide attackers to fall off the grid before he’s considered but don’t rule the Everton man out entirely Emile Smith Rowe - Remember him?! Needs a massive season, but certainly has the technical ability Morgan Gibbs-White - The most out-there shout in terms of top-level experience, but he was genuinely excellent for Nottingham Forest last year Read More Jodi Jones relishing chance to take on England after overcoming injury despair Rashford underlines commitment to England after missing recent games Eze in line for long-awaited England debut after setbacks of most brutal timing Eberechi Eze feels injury nightmare gave him platform for England recognition Jude Bellingham uses pain of England’s near misses in bid for Euro 2024 glory Pretty Woman makes Pep Guardiola’s day as Julia Roberts hails Man City champions

Ella Toone says she feels “ready and prepared” to launch into a World Cup summer with England on Monday, three weeks after the conclusion of the Women’s Super League season. Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman had long planned for a pre-tournament camp to start on June 19, but there was uncertainty when she named her World Cup squad on May 31 as talks continued over the timing of players being released for duty ahead of the showpiece in Australia and New Zealand, which gets under way on July 20. The European Club Association had in April highlighted July 10 as the earliest date for player release under FIFA regulations, and in mid-May the two bodies proposed June 23-29 as a guideline timeframe that they said “(struck) the all-important balance between players having sufficient rest while allowing adequate time to prepare”, with exact dates to be agreed between clubs and national associations. Last week the June 19 start for England’s camp was confirmed by the Football Association, which said it was “grateful for the mutual understanding of the clubs, as we have collectively worked towards a solution with the wellbeing of players at the heart.” Regarding the recent uncertainty, Toone told the PA news agency: “It’s not been ideal, but for us it’s what we can control and that was making sure we had rest and recovery, making sure we were physically and mentally getting ourselves back to where we know we need to be. “Now I’m back on it, working hard and can’t wait to go into camp.” Toone, part of Great Britain’s Tokyo Olympics squad in the summer of 2021 before helping England win the Euros last year, has been a regular starter for her country across 2022-23 and featured in a Manchester United side that achieved WSL and FA Cup best efforts as runners-up in each competition. The 23-year-old Wigan native – speaking at a McDonald’s Fun Football session in Manchester – says it has been a “long season, but one I’ve thoroughly enjoyed” and has declared herself “really happy” with the agreed camp start date, adding: “I’ve had time to switch off and now I feel ready and prepared. “We have a lot of trust in our England staff and they thought the 19th was right for us and so did we as players. “It’s a World Cup, my first World Cup, so I can’t wait to get going.” Toone feels it is important player welfare and scheduling is something that continues to be looked at closely as the women’s game keeps developing, saying: “We’ve seen quite a few injuries in the WSL this season. “We have to make sure we get that rest and recovery right, as teams and as players. The women’s game is growing massively, as a club we are in the Champions League now as well so that’s extra games. It’s definitely something we all need to focus on because injuries are a big part of the game right now.” England captain Leah Williamson and Euro 2022 top-scorer Beth Mead will not be at the World Cup after sustaining ACL injuries, and Fran Kirby is also absent due to a knee problem from a 23-player group scheduled to face Portugal in a warm-up match at Milton Keynes on July 1 before flying to Australia four days later. Toone said: “It is an amazing squad. We know how much talent we have in England now. We’re obviously missing a few big names and people who were massive in the Euros win, but we’ve got to look forward and be confident in the team that’s going.” Fun Football is an initiative to give children aged five to 11 free access to the game, and Toone said: “It’s great for the next generation of young girls. “It’s something we probably missed out on and wish we’d had when we were growing up. It’s an amazing thing that McDonald’s are doing for communities and for young girls and boys to start out on their journey.” :: Ella Toone was speaking at a special McDonald’s Fun Football session to celebrate the opening of sessions in Lionesses’ hometowns during the Women’s World Cup. Toone hopes to encourage the next generation of young girls to get involved. Sign up to your nearest free session at mcdonalds.co.uk/football Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Ciaran Clark and Matty Longstaff leaving Newcastle John Hollins: A Stamford Bridge fixture who turned reading game into an art form Harry Brook is hoping to realise his Ashes dream against Australia

An Arsenal fan got an unexpected boost ahead of a job interview after receiving a message from player Vivianne Miedema. Dutch forward Miedema had a few words of encouragement for a nervous supporter after they shared their worries about the upcoming interview as it was on Zoom. A Twitter user by the name of Beth, who makes clear she’s a big fan of Arsenal Women’s FC, was looking for support – but she never would have expected one of her favourite footballers. “I got an interview for my dream job but i dont know if i can do the interview… its via zoom and the only people i can call are my girlfriend, mum and sister,” Beth wrote, without tagging anyone. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter To her amazement, Miedema replied out of the blue to Beth and had some inspiring words. “I’m pretty sure you will be just fine. Relax and just show them your qualities, good luck,” the 26-year-old. Not quite believing her luck, Beth replied: “thank you so much… oh my god I love you.” It’s not every day you get one of your favourite footballers encouraging you, and social media users were full of goodwill messages for her. “The way I checked to see if it's THE Vivianne Miedema,” one said, to which Beth replied: “pls so did i. i was so confused.” Another added: “If the GOAT has faith in you, you can smash it! Goodluck.” Meanwhile, Arsenal Women side narrowly missed out on the Women’s Super League title last season, finishing a point behind Chelsea despite losing just once all season and beating West Ham on the final day. Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

Jodi Jones was wooed by Malta on Instagram and now he is looking for a picture perfect finish against England. The Bow-born forward is ready for Friday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Gareth Southgate’s side and he has been ready for some time. Three cruciate ligament injuries in just over three years at Coventry put his career on hold and thwarted a move to Leeds. His injury despair also delayed international recognition with Malta, who initially made contact with Jones via social media four years ago. But, having made his debut in last year’s Nations League loss to Estonia before winning promotion to the Football League at Wembley with Notts County this season, Jones is ready to make up for lost time. “I remember getting messages on Instagram. Obviously, I didn’t know if they were genuine but then they started contacting my family regularly,” he tells the PA news agency. “It was the president (Bjorn Vassallo) who reached out to me on there, then he got my number and was calling me a lot. It's got my love for the game back. It's been a great experience, playing international football, even just little things on a shirt like a badge that says Euro qualifiers Jodi Jones “I played against Luke (Gambin, Sutton’s Malta international) and he messaged me on Instagram saying they were asking about me out there. “Then they reached out to me not too long after that with a proper phone call and contacted the club, that’s when I thought, ‘oh, yeah, obviously this is genuine’. “I was injured at the time so I wasn’t really interested, not because I didn’t want to do it, I was interested but I just wanted to focus on getting back fit. As soon as I was and I thought I was back to my best I thought, ‘now’s the perfect time’.” A seventh appearance came in Friday’s 1-0 win in Luxembourg, a victory which may not resonate worldwide but against a team 80 places above them in the FIFA rankings it suggests quick progress in Michele Marcolini’s three games in charge. “It’s got my love for the game back. It’s been a great experience, playing international football, even just little things on a shirt like a badge that says Euro qualifiers,” says Jones. “As a kid when you get a football kit you want it to have everything on. I remember Arsenal kits when I was younger, I wanted the Champions League badge on it, I wanted the Premier League badge. I’m still like a kid when I see things like that. “It’s got my name back out there as well, which I really needed because if you mentioned my name, people say, ‘well, he’s done his ACL three times’. “Now, if you say my name they’ll say, ‘he did his ACL three times, but he’s still playing, he’s just been promoted with Notts County, he’s an international and is playing against England’. So the positives have overtaken now. “I just enjoy the little things, like just being able to play. I know how quickly things can change, especially with what I’ve been through.” The support of his family – and godparents Terry and Geraldine – has been crucial in helping Jones return from despair but it took dad Jay to remind him of how far he has come. “My godparents, they’ve sacrificed a lot for me. From the age of six they’ve taken me to football because my parents were very young when they had me,” said the 25-year-old, who made just two appearances for Coventry between November 2018 and August 2021 because of injury. “Without them I definitely wouldn’t be a footballer. I can’t thank them enough. For my parents and my partner I’d say it’s more they’re just relieved to see me back playing. “My dad said to me the other day, ‘for all you’ve been through you’ve still played at Wembley twice, you’re going to be playing against England, you’ve been promoted two or three times’. “He said for someone to have missed so much you’ve also achieved so much. “Being from England and watching England when I was a kid, playing against them would mean just a little bit more. It’ll just be a massive thing. “I’m just really excited my family can come and watch me play. I want to be able to be a role model to them, just show them to follow your dreams and they can come true.” Jones has Maltese connections on both sides of his family but more on his father’s side with Jay and mum, Frances, flying out. His partner Zoe, children and godparents will be at the Ta’ Qali Stadium for the Group C game. He also remains close with James Maddison, remaining in a WhatsApp group with former Coventry team-mates with the ribbing about trying to keep up with the Leicester star ongoing. Friday will cap his comeback season after Notts County’s dramatic National League play-off promotion. Last month, Jones’ first goal since October 2018 sent the Magpies to Wembley after his last-minute extra-time winner capped a thrilling 3-2 semi-final victory over Boreham Wood before a penalty shoot-out win over Chesterfield in the final. Jones, who made his senior debut at 16 for Dagenham in 2014, scored in the shoot-out and knows how special one more goal on Friday would be. “I’ve pictured it loads of times, whether it’ll happen is another thing,” says Jones, who joined the Magpies permanently this month after leaving Oxford. “I believe in my ability and I know if I get one chance I will take it.”

The summer transfer window is officially open ahead of the 2023-24 Premier League season and there are already plenty of news and rumours ahead of what promises to be a busy few weeks for clubs, players and agents. Having signed Alexis Mac Allister, Liverpool are keen to bring in at least two more top players, with Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram and Inter’s Nicolo Barella top of the shopping list, according to the Mirror. The same paper also reports that Paris Saint-Germain have opened preliminary talks with Tottenham’s Harry Kane. PSG are likely to be the big focus of the window with Kylian Mbappe’s future up in the air. The France forward will be a target for Manchester United, according to the Metro, should Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim buy the club. Meanwhile 90min reports Declan Rice is moving closer to Arsenal, with the Gunners preparing a bid higher than £100m for the Hammers’ captain. Follow all the latest transfer news and rumours below. Read More Football rumours: Man United, Real Madrid and Chelsea fight for Kylian Mbappe Kylian Mbappe breaks silence after speculation over PSG exit

Troy Hawke of 'The Greeter's Guild' has finally reconciled with a very drunk Jack Grealish. If the footballer can remember it, that is. Hawke appeared at Manchester City's open-top bus parade to celebrate their treble, where he welcomed the team as they prepared to wave to fans below. "Don't you start!", Grealish shouted, clutching a beer, looking a little ropey. The pair first interacted during a different video posted by the club, in which Hawke (real name Milo McCabe) confuses Grealish by complimenting his 'symmetrical' face. Hawke quickly saved the interaction, responding: "I know it didn't go well last time, can we try again? You have the face of an angel and the calves of a baby rhinoceros." That'll do it. Click here to sign up for our newsletters