Category: Premier League

India extended their dominance on the second day of the Women’s Test against England, taking firm control before the tea interval. The tourists’ batting and bowling combined to leave their hosts in a precarious position, with the match firmly tilted in their favour by the end of the afternoon session. By the close of play, India had stretched their first-innings lead to 187 runs, with England still needing 241 to avoid the follow-on and 320 to force a result.

Morning session: India’s top order lays the platform

The visitors wasted little time after winning the toss and choosing to bat, with openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma forging a 42-run opening stand in 16 overs. The early exchanges saw England’s new-ball bowlers Katherine Brunt and Anya Shrubsole probe for breakthroughs, but disciplined defence and measured strokeplay kept the scoring tame. By the time the first drinks break arrived at 10:45, India had nudged past fifty without loss, a platform built on patience rather than flamboyance. Mandhana, in particular, was watchful against the moving ball, while Verma looked to target the loose deliveries that did arrive.

The middle order then accelerated, though the scoring remained controlled. A brief flurry of boundaries from Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues hinted at the depth of India’s batting unit, but wickets remained scarce. England’s bowlers, despite their efforts, found it difficult to force errors, as the tourists methodically inched towards a competitive total. At lunch, India had reached 112 for 2, with Mandhana unbeaten on 48 and Verma dismissed for 23.

Afternoon session: Pressure mounts as India’s bowlers strike

The post-lunch period saw India’s attack shift the momentum. England, already under pressure from the mounting run rate, struggled to counter the visitors’ varied bowling threats. A key breakthrough came in the 28th over, when Sneh Rana‘s off-spin drew a false stroke from Tammy Beaumont, who was caught at slip by Mandhana for 18. The wicket shifted the balance decisively, as a top-order wicket exposed the hosts’ fragility.

The collapse gathered pace as the session wore on, with England’s lower order failing to resist for long. By tea, the tourists had firmly seized the initiative, their bowlers tightening the screws and leaving England with a steep mountain to climb. The session ended with India firmly in the ascendancy, their dominance underscored by the inability of England’s batters to string together partnerships. At the interval, England were 154 for 5, with Heather Knight (37) and Lauren Winfield-Hill (22) the only batters to pass 20.

Tactical shift: India’s game plan pays dividends

India’s approach this Test has centred on containment and precision, and day two reflected that strategy in action. Their top order absorbed pressure without conceding ground, while their bowlers exploited the conditions to apply relentless pressure. England, meanwhile, found their aggression stifled by the visitors’ disciplined execution. Ravichandran Ashwin‘s off-spin, in particular, was a constant threat, while Jhulan Goswami and Poonam Yadav maintained tight lines and lengths to restrict the scoring.

The tourists’ bowling unit, in particular, showed why they have been such a formidable force in recent years. Variations in pace and the use of short spells kept England’s batters guessing, while the spinners tied down the scoring at one end. India’s fielding, too, was sharp, with a handful of sharp catches and ground-saving stops preventing England from capitalising on loose deliveries. Mandhana‘s direct throw ran out Knight for 37 in the 42nd over, a moment that crystallised the visitors’ control.

With the match finely poised heading into the final day, India’s control at tea sets up a compelling climax. England will need a dramatic turnaround to avoid a hefty defeat, while India’s bowlers will be eyeing the opportunity to close out the game with a statement win. The stage is set for a gripping finish, but for now, the tourists hold all the aces.

England face Norway in a World Cup quarter-final on Saturday night at 10pm, a tie that could redefine their tournament trajectory. With the knockout stage intensity peaking and the Miami heatwave adding an extra layer of physical challenge, this is a match where every tactical nuance and individual duel will be scrutinised. In the latest Make Football Great Again podcast, chief football writer John Cross and host Harry Brent dissect the key talking points ahead of the showdown, from the headline No.9 showdown to the high-stakes selection dilemmas and Thomas Tuchel’s pre-match messaging.

Kane vs Haaland: The No.9 showdown

The collision between Harry Kane and Erling Haaland is the marquee attraction. Kane arrives with 11 goals in his last 12 international appearances, his movement and composure under pressure making him England’s most reliable outlet. Haaland, meanwhile, has already struck five times in this tournament, his ability to pin backlines and exploit half-spaces a constant threat. The podcast examines how Tuchel might deploy England’s front three—whether through a fluid 4-3-3 or a more compact 3-5-2—to stretch Norway’s defensive shape, particularly if Haaland is isolated against a single centre-back. The hosts debate whether Kane’s deeper positioning could drag Norway’s midfield out of position, creating gaps for Phil Foden or Bukayo Saka to exploit in transition.

Defensive selection and red-card flashpoints

England’s defensive setup remains a talking point, with selection dilemmas likely to dominate Friday’s press conference. The podcast explores the balance between experience and aggression, particularly in midfield, where the risk of overcommitting could leave gaps for Norway’s counter-attacks. A red-card flashpoint—whether from a rash challenge or tactical foul—could shift the game’s momentum in an instant. Cross and Brent dissect the importance of disciplined positioning, especially in a high-pressure quarter-final where a single moment of indiscipline could derail England’s progress. Tuchel’s approach to personnel will be scrutinised, particularly if Norway’s physicality forces England into a more reactive shape, with the hosts analysing how the backline might adjust to limit Haaland’s supply routes.

Tuchel’s messages and the Golden Boot race

Thomas Tuchel’s pre-match press conference provided key insights into his tactical mindset. The podcast unpacks his comments on squad rotation, defensive structure, and the need for clinical finishing, with the hosts debating whether England should prioritise possession or directness in the final third. Off the pitch, the Golden Boot race adds another layer of intrigue. With Haaland, Kane, and Kylian Mbappé all still in contention, the hosts analyse who could emerge as the tournament’s top scorer if England progress, and what that might mean for the team’s future attacking plans. The discussion also touches on the psychological impact of the race, with both strikers under immense pressure to deliver in a knockout tie.

Tactical chess: heat, humidity, and high stakes

The Miami heatwave is not just a backdrop—it’s a factor. England’s conditioning and hydration strategies will be tested in the late-evening kick-off, while Norway’s familiarity with warmer climates could give them an edge. Tuchel’s approach to squad rotation and in-game management will be crucial, with the hosts debating whether England should press high to force errors or sit deeper to absorb pressure, particularly if Norway’s defence remains compact. The tactical nuances of this tie could decide who advances to the semi-finals, with the podcast dissecting how England’s midfield trio might adapt to the heat, and whether Norway’s high press could exploit any fatigue in the later stages. The hosts also examine the psychological toll of the conditions, with both teams needing to manage their energy levels in a match where every decision could be magnified.

England’s World Cup journey faces its toughest test yet against Norway. With Kane and Haaland leading the line, defensive discipline under pressure, and Tuchel’s tactical decisions under the microscope, this is a tie that will define the tournament’s next phase. Tune into the Make Football Great Again podcast for the full breakdown before kick-off at 10pm.

Haeran Ryu’s name will now be etched into the 2024 Amundi Evian Championship story after a breathtaking eagle at the sixth hole catapulted her into a share of the lead on Thursday. The South Korean’s 12-foot putt on the par-five left the field stunned and the leaderboard transformed in an instant, with the 25-year-old becoming the first player to reach six-under for the tournament after just six holes.

A moment that redefines the tournament

Ryu arrived at the sixth green with the field still warming up to the day’s conditions. A two-putt birdie had already set the tone, but it was the eagle attempt that turned heads. From 12 feet, she rolled the ball into the cup, silencing the gallery and drawing immediate comparisons to the tournament’s most audacious strikes. The roar that followed was not just applause—it was recognition that a new contender had arrived, with the eagle coming on a hole where the average score had been 4.75 over the first two rounds of the championship.

By the time the round reached its conclusion, Ryu stood at six-under for the tournament, tied with two others at the summit. The sixth hole, often overlooked in previous years, had suddenly become the stage for a defining moment. Rivals now face the unenviable task of chasing a player who has already announced her intentions in no uncertain terms, with the Korean’s approach play on the par-five demonstrating a level of control that had been absent from the leaderboard until Thursday.

Why this eagle matters beyond the leaderboard

Ryu’s surge is more than a single hole’s heroics. It arrives at a pivotal stage of the championship, where momentum can shift as quickly as the Alpine breeze. With the cut still to come and the weather forecast to turn, her performance at the sixth signals a player in control of both her game and the narrative. The sixth hole, a 533-yard par-five, demands precision off the tee and creativity around the green—qualities Ryu displayed with aplomb, hitting 87% of fairways in the opening round and ranking first in greens in regulation among the early starters.

Overnight, the conversation among pundits and players alike will centre on Ryu’s ability to sustain this level. The par-five’s dogleg left layout rewards aggressive play, and her decision to go for the green in two—from 248 yards—left rivals scrambling to match her audacity. Rivals must now decide whether to match her aggression or play for par and hope the lead slips, with the psychological advantage firmly in Ryu’s hands after a performance that has already drawn comparisons to past major winners who announced themselves with early dominance.

The road ahead: pressure and opportunity

For Ryu, the challenge is clear: convert this early advantage into a first major title. The Amundi Evian has a history of springing surprises, and the final two rounds will test her mental fortitude as much as her technique. The field will push hard to erase the deficit, but Ryu’s eagle has already shifted the psychological dynamic, with her nearest rivals—including 2023 runner-up Minjee Lee—starting their rounds knowing they must better her score to have any chance of retaining the lead.

What comes next is a test of composure. Can she replicate the intensity of the sixth green across 18 holes? Will her rivals find a response, or will the tournament tilt further in her favour? One thing is certain: the sixth hole’s legacy this week belongs to Ryu, with her eagle not just co-leading the tournament but redefining what’s possible in the days ahead. As the sun sets on Thursday’s play, the championship enters its most unpredictable phase—and the Korean’s name is now synonymous with it.

Jude Bellingham has spent the World Cup proving why he is now England’s most indispensable player. His performances in Qatar have silenced any lingering doubts about his place in Southgate’s side. The 23-year-old’s return to the team has coincided with England’s best run in a major tournament since Euro 2016. What was once a debate about his inclusion has become a celebration of his influence.

A resurgence built on instinct

Bellingham’s rise from Birmingham City’s youngest-ever debutant to Borussia Dortmund’s teenage sensation was always going to draw attention. But his World Cup form has exceeded even the most optimistic forecasts. Against Panama, he scored twice and set up Harry Kane, a performance that has left fans serenading him in the stands (BBC Sport). His ability to carry the ball under pressure, glide between defensive lines, and arrive late in the box has made him England’s most unpredictable threat. The midfielder’s composure belies his age; he has spent years refining the traits that now define his game.

His path to this point was mapped out early. A Premier League scout’s report from his Birmingham debut in August 2019 noted his “great athleticism, long legs, graceful running and work-rate,” while praising his technical ability to evade pressure. Within a year, he had moved to Dortmund, where he scored on his debut in the German Cup. The Bundesliga quickly learned what England are now discovering: Bellingham’s talent is not a fluke but a foundation.

Why this matters now

England’s World Cup campaign has been defined by moments of individual brilliance, and Bellingham’s contributions have been pivotal. His goals against Panama were not just decisive but emblematic of his growing authority. The contrast with his omission from England’s Euro 2020 squad is stark; back then, his inclusion was questioned. Now, his absence would be unthinkable. Southgate’s faith in him has been vindicated by performances that have silenced critics and energised supporters.

The midfielder’s impact extends beyond the scoresheet. His movement and pressing have given England a new dimension, particularly in transitions. Opponents are forced to account for him at all times, a burden that has disrupted their rhythm. Bellingham’s World Cup body of work has been as mesmerising as any English player’s in recent tournaments, a fact recognised even by those who once doubted his readiness (BBC Sport).

The tactical edge

Bellingham’s role has evolved from box-to-box dynamism to a more refined, positionally flexible presence. He drifts into half-spaces, links play, and arrives late in the penalty area, making him a constant headache for defenders. His ability to combine physicality with technical skill allows England to play through pressure, a luxury they lacked in previous tournaments. Southgate’s system now revolves around Bellingham’s strengths—his capacity to dictate tempo and create chaos in equal measure.

Defensively, his work-rate has been crucial. He harries opponents high up the pitch and recovers possession, a trait that has turned him into a dual threat. The midfielder’s intelligence in pressing traps and his willingness to track back have given England a shield as well as a sword. Opponents, accustomed to England’s cautious approaches, are now forced to adapt to a side that can both defend and attack with equal intensity.

What comes next

Bellingham’s future is the subject of intense speculation, with Real Madrid already linked with a move. But for now, his focus is on England. The quarter-final exit in Qatar was disappointing, yet his performances have redefined his standing in the national team. The debate over his inclusion is over; the question now is how far he can take England in the next cycle. With Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Bellingham’s role will only grow more central.

His journey from Birmingham’s number 22 to England’s talisman is a reminder that talent, when nurtured, can rewrite narratives. The World Cup has been his stage, and he has seized it with both hands. For England, the hope is that this is just the beginning.

Erling Haaland is the kind of footballer who makes the rest of us look slow. Not just in the way he moves across the pitch, but in the way he carries himself—both on it and off it. There is no other player quite like him, and England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway will hinge on how well they manage him.

The man who changes everything

England’s preparation for this match has already shifted. Before facing Norway, Thomas Tuchel’s tactical focus was on maximising Harry Kane’s influence. Now, the priority is stopping Haaland. It’s a reflection of how much he changes the game simply by being on the pitch.

Norway’s World Cup base in North Carolina has provided a glimpse of Haaland’s off-field presence. He’s been spotted kicking a ball back to children playing nearby, often in a World Cup or club shirt, without drawing attention to himself. It’s a small but telling detail—childlike joy off the pitch, shark-like intensity on it. The two scenes sum up Haaland’s World Cup so far: off the pitch, a childlike joy; on it, a shark-like seriousness.

The threat that lurks in stillness

Haaland’s game is built on instinct and calculation. As one Premier League coach puts it, he doesn’t just dribble past defenders or score with flair. His threat comes from appearing to do nothing—until he isn’t. The header against Brazil was a masterclass in this. He was walking, almost idling, before suddenly powering through to score.

His immense size, often the subject of debate in a week dominated by misplaced discussions about “athletes,” is only part of his advantage. It’s his ability to exploit gaps that makes him so dangerous. England’s defence has shown vulnerabilities, and Haaland is the kind of striker who thrives when those gaps appear. Tuchel’s backline have had to cover a lot of ground, and there is no one as good as Haaland at exploiting such openings. It’s his whole game.

England’s dilemma

England entered the tournament ranked fifth in the FIFA world rankings, while Norway sit 12th. Those rankings suggest England are the better team on paper, but Haaland is the focal point of this quarter-final. Tuchel’s backline will have to cover more ground than usual, and even then, they may struggle to contain him. Norway’s approach revolves around him, even if he isn’t always the one in possession.

The challenge for England is clear: adapt their game plan to neutralise Haaland without compromising their own strengths. It’s a test of tactical flexibility, and one that could define their tournament. Ahead of every game so far, Tuchel’s tactical emphasis has been on ensuring Kane can do as much damage as possible. Now, there’s naturally as much focus on preventing Haaland from doing any damage at all.

Haaland isn’t just Norway’s hero—he’s a reminder of how football can be both simple and extraordinary. England may have the pedigree, but stopping him will require more than just tactics. It will demand a level of focus and discipline that few teams have managed this far in the World Cup.

Harry Kane’s rise at this World Cup has been as much about leadership as it is about goals. The Bayern Munich striker has carried England’s attack through the group stage and knockout rounds, delivering six goals and one assist while wearing the captain’s armband. With a quarter-final against Norway on Saturday, Kane’s form places him among the tournament’s leading contenders for the Golden Boot — and his off-field profile has never been more closely scrutinised.

From East London roots to a £110m fortune

Kane’s net worth has ballooned to around £110m, making him the United Kingdom’s 10th-richest sportsperson. The bulk of that growth traces back to his August 2023 move to Bayern Munich, where his four-year contract reportedly guarantees a base salary of roughly £24m per year. Before that, his wages at Tottenham Hotspur had already positioned him among England’s highest-earning footballers.

Beyond wages, Kane’s commercial income has surged. His lifetime global endorsement deal with Skechers followed his split from Nike, while his company HK28 — described as operating across sport, business, entertainment and charity sectors — holds assets valued at £10.2m, according to LinkedIn. He also manages a separate entity dedicated to his image rights, reflecting a diversified approach to wealth management.

A marriage forged in Waltham Forest

Kane’s personal life has remained rooted in the same community where his footballing journey began. He and Kate Goodland met at Larkswood Primary School in east London before attending Chingford Foundation School in Waltham Forest. Their relationship endured long before fame, and Kane has spoken openly about the security it provides.

“If I was single now and meeting people, you’d never know if they were with you for the right reasons,” he told the Evening Standard. “Is it the money? You’d never really know. So I’m lucky that I’ve got a childhood sweetheart.” The couple married in 2019 and now share four children: Ivy Jane, Vivienne, Louis and Henry.

Captaincy and clarity under pressure

Tuchel’s side will need Kane’s composure in the quarter-final against Norway. England’s forward line has relied on his ability to convert chances, and his tally places him among the tournament’s top scorers. The Bayern striker’s presence offers more than goals; it provides a reference point for a young squad navigating high-pressure moments.

Whether through pinpoint finishes or orchestrating attacks, Kane’s influence has been decisive. His partnership with the midfield has allowed England to control tempo, while his movement off the ball stretches defences. Against Norway, that same clarity will be tested against a team built on defensive structure and rapid transitions.

Kane’s World Cup journey reflects a career defined by consistency. From his childhood in east London to the boardrooms of Munich, his path has been marked by calculated decisions — on the pitch and off it. As England push for a semi-final place, his form and focus remain central to their ambitions. Saturday’s match will reveal whether his golden touch extends to another knockout stage.