Ireland lost five wickets for 98 in reply to 476 to put Bangladesh in a strong position on the second day of the Dhaka Test. The day started with Mushfiqur Rahim reaching his century in his 100th Test, before the Bangladesh spinners got into their groove.Hasan Murad took two wickets, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam picked up one each so far. Ireland’s debutant Stephen Doheny and Lorcan Tucker were the unbeaten batters, on 2 and 11 respectively.When Ireland bowled earlier in the day, Andy McBrine completed his second six-wicket haul in Tests, both having come at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. Matthew Humphreys and Gavin Hoey took two wickets each, making it the first instance of Ireland’s spinners taking all ten wickets in a Test innings.Mehidy Hasan Miraz celebrates after getting rid of Cade Carmichael•BCB

Paul Stirling’s string of boundaries, including a slog-swept six off Taiju lslam, got Ireland off to a positive start. But he fell lbw to Khaled Ahmed for 27. Captain Andy Balbirnie was next to go, when Murad had him caught at slip for 21. Cade Carmichael became Miraz’s first victim when he fell lbw, camping on his backfoot to play the shot.Murad then bowled the ball of the day, his arm-ball sneaking past Curtis Campher’s defensive push. Taijul Islam then got into the act with Harry Tector’s wicket, as the batter went back to a slightly good length delivery, only to be trapped lbw for 14.Bangladesh’s 476 was built around centuries from Mushfiqur and Litton Das. Mushfiqur became the eleventh batter to score a century in his 100th Test. He completed his 13th century when he took a single off the ninth ball of the second day after being unbeaten on 99 overnight.Mushfiqur though lasted for a short while longer before Humphreys had him caught at second slip for 106. Litton too got to his century later in the first session, taking an adventurous route with a six and a four through the nineties. He added 123 runs for the sixth wicket, making it three century stands in a row.McBrine rounded off the Bangladesh innings after trapping Khaled Ahmed lbw, with 30 minutes remaining in the second session.

Kylian Mbappe is in danger of missing Real Madrid's massive Champions League clash with Manchester City due to an injury to his left leg. The French striker was absent from Los Blancos' open training session the day before the game against Pep Guardiola's side at the Santiago Bernabeu, handing yet another headache to under-pressure Real coach Xabi Alonso.

Mbappe a surprise absentee from training

Alonso made no mention of any injury to Mbappe in his press conference ahead of the City game, but in the training session that followed it, reporters noted that the striker was absent along with midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.

Spanish radio station Cadena Cope reported that Mbappe had suffered an injury in his left leg, making him a serious doubt for the game with City.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesInjury spells more pain for Alonso

Mbappe has been Madrid's standout player this season, with 25 goals across La Liga and the Champions League, plus four assists. He is also on course to break Cristiano Ronaldo's record for the most goals for Real in a calendar year. The Frenchman has been responsible for half of the team's goals in the Spanish top flight and a remarkable 75% of their goals in Europe's top competition, netting a stunning four strikes in his last continental outing against Olympiacos.

Alonso is under huge pressure following Madrid's dismal 2-0 defeat at home to Celta Vigo on Sunday, which also saw Alvaro Carreras and Fran Garcia sent off and key defender Eder Militao hobble off with a muscle injury that is set to keep him out for up to four months. The result left Real trailing Barcelona by four points in the title race, while they have won just two of their last seven games in all competitions.

Mbappe-Haaland showdown at risk

With Mbappe having scored 25 goals for Madrid and Erling Haaland on 20 strikes in 20 games for City, the game was expected to be a showdown between the two most ferocious strikers in Europe, who are also set to face off in the World Cup next year when France take on Norway.

Mbappe ran riot when Madrid met City in last season's competition, scoring a hat-trick in a 3-1 win at the Bernabeu in the second leg of the knockout play-off and also netting in the 3-2 victory in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium. Haaland struck twice in the first leg but missed the second leg due to injury and has failed to score in his previous two visits to the Spanish capital.

"At the end of the day, we must defend as a unit and show serious defensive commitment," said Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. "We're up against a top side with Haaland, and his current form is unbelievable. If we play at our best level, we can win this game. We will talk about the game plan with the coach now. 

"We have a lot of injured players in defence, but we have a lot of players who can perform at a high level in that position. They're an excellent team, especially on the ball. They like to have the ball, and we'll have to be very compact both when we defend and when we have the ball to create chances."

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AFPGuardiola could seal Alonso's fate

Alonso faced several questions about his uncertain future at Madrid in the press conference and there is speculation that defeat to City and his former coach Guardiola – with whom he spent two years at Bayern Munich – could see him sacked just seven months into succeeding Carlo Ancelotti in the Bernabeu hotseat.

Alonso put on a brave face amid the questioning and insisted he maintains a good relationship with the squad and with the club's hierarchy. "We are all in the same boat," Alonso said. "We have to go through positive and negative times. We need to believe the next game is an opportunity and tomorrow we have a very exciting game for all of us, and we need to keep our eyes open to have that energy so the Bernabeu enjoys what it sees. Communication [with the board] is constant. We are united, we are all together in this and I have a good relationship with them."

Tchouameni also declared that the players backed the coach and said it was up to them to improve their recent run of poor results. He said: "If we don't win games, it's because we have to do things better with and without the ball, with commitment from everyone and play better in defence and attack. We hope to improve and win more games because what's happening now cannot go on."

"We're all together. If we want to win games, we all have to fight, coach and team in the same direction. It's us who are on the pitch, and we have to do things better out there. We have a good opportunity to change the dynamic and pick up more points in the Champions League."

England boss Thomas Tuchel has hinted that the glitz and glamour of the 2026 World Cup ceremony was rather unnecessary. The Three Lions eventually found out that they will face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama at next year's competition in North America. However, those watching the draw had to wait a long time to find out the results, something Tuchel believes they could have "done without".

• 'I don't need it'

  On Friday, the football world discovered who will play who in the group stages of the World Cup, with England facing 2018 finalists Croatia first up in the tournament. For those tuning in, though, it took an eternity for the nations to actually be drawn in Washington D.C. Earlier on in the ceremony, United States President Donald Trump received the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino designating it for a person who has "taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace" and "united people across the world". Trump was given a large gold trophy, a medal, and a certificate, while Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand was also heavily involved in the draw. Going by Tuchel's comments, he didn't appear to be a fan of the whole affair.

  He told : "I do not, not like it but we could have done it like, without all of this. I don't need it. But of course, it's a huge stage and it's big entertainment. I was very well aware that it's not about the deep insight of football today."

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  England face 'difficult' group

  While England are favourites to win their group and progress to the knockout stages of the World Cup, many Three Lions fans have not forgotten Croatia dumping them out of the tournament at the semi-final stage in 2018. And former Chelsea boss Tuchel is certainly wary of their upcoming opponents, even though they beat them in Euro 2020.

  "Difficult group, difficult opener. Difficult group with Croatia and Ghana, two regulars in World Cups and two proud and strong nations. Panama, I don't know much about Panama at the moment but we will find out about it before the tournament starts, of course," he said. "For me, I'm only experienced group football in Champions League formats and the way to approach it was to always give it the biggest respect and to put all the focus into winning the group. It always seems difficult like our group now but we are confident and we will be well prepared when we arrive.

  "Nobody should be underestimated. Of course, Croatia is the standout, they're the highest ranked team from pot two that we got into out group but listen, Ghana is always full of talent and can always surprise and has a big history in World Cup football, and also Panama will try to make the most in their underdog role. No one can be underestimated, everyone deserves the fullest respect and we can show that."

• Tuchel's preference…

  On paper, Croatia is the most difficult side England face in the group stage, with their European rivals six places below the Three Lions in the world rankings in 10th. Incidentally, Panama are down in 30th, and Ghana sit in 72nd. While some nations may want to ease into the competition with an easier match, Tuchel had no preference. 

  He said: "I had no preference because why would I worry? I cannot influence. The legends took the draw and this is what we get and what we have to deal with now. We know now our opponents, we know we will start late in the tournament if players are involved in European finals, hopefully. We didn't desire anything we just handled the situation as it is. You get a little more days before and then you get a condensed schedule later in the tournament. Everything comes with in upside and downside."

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  What comes next for England?

  England are expected to face Croatia in their World Cup opener in Toronto, Canada, or Dallas, in the United States, on June 17. Before then, the Three Lions will have to confirm some friendly fixtures earlier on in 2026 to get them ready for the showpiece event.

With six days before the MLB trade deadline, the New York Mets have landed on the board by trading for relief pitcher Gregory Soto from the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, SNY's Andy Martinio reported. ESPN's Jeff Passan confirmed the news.

Acquiring a relief pitcher was high on the list for the Mets' needs ahead of the deadline. Since the All-Star break, three of New York's relief pitchers—Max Kranick, Dedniel Nunez and Brandon Waddell—all landed on the injured list. Kranick and Waddell are on the 15-day IL, while Nunez is on the 60-day IL.

In order to hold on to their close NL East lead in the second half of the season, the Mets needed strong relief pitching. The Mets' 59–44 record puts them 0.5 games ahead of the Phillies as of Friday.

Soto has appeared in 45 games so far this season for the Orioles, posting a 3.96 ERA in that span. He's pitched 36.1 innings and struck out 44 batters. He's had 29 hits, 16 earned runs and two home runs hit on him.

Group B team-by-team guide on England, India, Pakistan, West Indies and Ireland

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Feb-2023

EnglandOverviewEngland have a long-awaited second shot at this after their semi-final was washed out in 2020 and India advanced as group winners to the final. They’ll be acutely aware of the need to maintain control of their destiny – a first-up defeat to South Africa ultimately cost them on that occasion. Two easy match-ups, on paper at least, against West Indies and Ireland to begin this edition offer the chance to get on a roll. Captain Heather Knight has returned from the hip injury which kept her out of a disappointing campaign for the Commonwealth Games hosts and exciting young allrounder Alice Capsey has made a timely recovery from a broken collarbone. Gallant runners-up at last year’s ODI World Cup, they’ll likely need to get past India, whom they edged 2-1 at home in September, if they are to have a chance of going one better.SquadHeather Knight (capt), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Freya Davies, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones (wk), Katherine Sciver-Brunt, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Danni WyattPlayer to WatchNat Sciver-Brunt was England’s most influential player throughout 2022, perhaps most memorably with her 148* in the 50-over World Cup final which was one of two defiant centuries she produced against the Australians at the tournament. She has made a seamless return from a three-month mental health break after a season which left her “emotionally fatigued” and recently resumed her vice-captaincy role, suggesting her comeback is complete in ominous signs for the opposition.Predicted finish: Runners-up

India

OverviewThe winds of change are here, having first started blowing in 2017 after their soul-stirring runners-up finish at the 50-over World Cup. Fresh off an inaugural Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup triumph, of which two key members of the current squad – Richa Ghosh and Shafali Verma – were a part, India will look to draw inspiration from that campaign with a team that has several world beaters, and is far different to the nervy group that played the previous final at a heaving MCG. India are coming into the tournament on the back of exhaustive preparation. Having played Australia in an intense five-match series in December, they underwent a skill-based camp prior to their tri-series campaign in South Africa, where they ended runners-up. Gone are the times where India rocked up at a big tournament undercooked. This team means business.Squad:Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Richa Ghosh (wk), Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Devika Vaidya, Radha Yadav, Renuka Thakur, Anjali Sarvani, Pooja Vastrakar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Shikha PandeyPlayer to watchAmong the most elegant players in the world, Smriti Mandhana has over time added an X-factor to her batting with a power game comparable to the best. Her destructive presence married with consistency lends an air of superiority to India’s top order. Mandhana, among the most marketable female athletes in India already as per estimates, is also a key part of the think-tank, with her cricketing smarts likely to be called upon often during the tournament as vice-captain.Predicted finish: Bridesmaids no more, expect India to make a serious pitch to enter the grand finale. There’s class, experience of heartbreak and lessons they can draw upon. They’re acclimatised, having arrived in South Africa three weeks ahead, making them even more dangerous.

Ireland

OverviewIreland are making their first appearance at the tournament since 2018. They defeated Pakistan 2-1 in a series in Lahore in November but lost twice in qualifying to Bangladesh. The camp has been hit by illness and injury in South Africa, where they’ve still managed to defeat Bangladesh and push Sri Lanka to the wire in warm-up fixtures. Despite an average squad age of just 24, they have some vastly experienced players and that’s not just among the 30-somethings like Mary Waldron, Eimear Richardson and Laura Delany. The gap to the more established nations remains pretty vast, however, and as qualifiers they’ll likely be delighted with winning a game or two.SquadLaura Delany (capt), Rachel Delaney, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Shauna Kavanagh, Arlene Kelly, Gaby Lewis, Louise Little, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Eimear Richardson, Mary Waldron (wk).Player to watchGaby Lewis epitomises Ireland’s experienced youth. Still only 21, their vice-captain has represented her country for more than eight years. She was Player of the Series against Pakistan, scoring 144 runs at 72.00 with a strike rate of 130.90. The hard-hitting top-order batter has a career-best of 105 not out from 64 T20Is and is unlikely to be unaffected by big-game nerves after a handful of appearances in the Women’s Hundred and the World T20 in 2016 and 2018.Predicted finish: Group Stage

Pakistan

OverviewCricket’s favourite mother-and-baby pair will make a return to the international stage when Bismah Maroof and her daughter Fatima arrive in South Africa with more than just hearts to win. Their major tournament record is poor: they have only won a quarter of the matches they have played at T20 World Cups and never made it out of the group stage, and they come into this edition on the back of some chastening results. Pakistan have only won one of their last five T20I series, but have lost their last two, to Australia and Ireland. They are without seamer Diana Baig but they still have a good mix of talent and experience. Javeria Khan, Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz have almost four decades of international experience combined. Add to that the potential of Fatima Sana and Ayesha Naseem and Pakistan may not be overreaching to hope they have their best World Cup yet. They kick off with a marquee clash against India, which will put them under early pressure, and have other tough opposition to see off after that.SquadBismah Maroof (capt), Aiman Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Sadaf Shamas, Fatima Sana, Javeria Khan, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Tuba HassanPlayer to watchEighteen-year old Ayesha Naseem is among the biggest hitters around and has a power game that could set the tournament alight. In Pakistan’s recent T20 series against Australia, Naseem struck an 83-metre six off Darcie Brown in an innings where she breached the boundary three times. If Pakistan are to get the best out of her, they may want to consider batting her higher than No.7.Predicted finish: Group stage. Pakistan have never advanced to the knockouts and with India and England in their group, it will be tough to change that.Fatima, daughter of Bismah Maroof, sits with her mum’s team-mates•ICC via Getty Images

West Indies

OverviewHow the mighty have fallen. Their T20 World Cup win in 2016 should’ve spurred a revolution for the women’s game in the Caribbean. Instead, it has slipped into an abyss with no signs of healing even though from time to time, they’ve produced players capable of dominating on their day. West Indies haven’t come close to winning the title since that heady evening in Kolkata. Adding to their woes is the fact that one of their best players, Deandra Dottin, isn’t part of the squad anymore having retired after a tiff with the WICB. Trying to emerge from the Taylor-Dottin era was always going to be challenging enough, but they may have not imagined it to have come this quickly. Stafanie Taylor is still part of the group but has struggled with injury. She will need immense support from Hayley Matthews. Batting has been an Achilles heel for a while, and unless things turn around dramatically, they’re unlikely to cause a major shake-up.Player to watchDon’t go by Shabika Gajnabi’s career numbers just yet. Below average as they may be, she’s the kind of player who could deliver big returns if she’s persisted with and given confidence. Someone who can bat in the middle order and deliver two or three overs of seam-ups, Gajnabi will strive for consistency to try and become a regular in the XI.SquadHayley Matthews (captain), Shemaine Campbelle (vice-captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Afy Fletcher, Shabika Gajnabi, Chinelle Henry, Trishan Holder, Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor and Rashada Williams.Predicted finish: They’re in the easier group but that doesn’t necessarily mean a semi-final berth is a done deal. West Indies will do well to remain in contention to take the second spot from the group.

José Butto suited up in his New York Mets uniform and headed to the bullpen to await his opportunity on Wednesday but before he got the chance, news came down that he had been traded to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for Tyler Rogers. Major League Baseball's trade deadline creates these types of situations from time to time where we're privy to the traded player's real-time reaction. And Butto's was emotional.

Butto could be seen processing the information and being comforted by Mets bullpen coach Jose Rosado.

He then took his leave from the bullpen after saying his goodbyes out there.

Upon entering the dugout Butto was embraced by the other Mets as they learned of the news.

Butto had spent his entire professional career with the Mets and broke through into the big leagues in 2022. This year he has appeared in 34 games with a 3-2 record and 3.64 ERA.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Vasco recebe o Nova Iguaçu no Maracanã, em duelo válido pelo primeiro jogo das semifinais do Campeonato Carioca, no domingo (10). O Gigante da Colina chega com a moral em alta após a classificação à terceira fase da Copa do Brasil e irá contar um grande apoio da massa vascaína que vai lotar o Maracanã, mas ao mesmo tempo ligou alerta para não repetir erros do confronto contra o Água Santa.

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➡️ Tudo sobre o Gigante agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Vasco

No jogo de quinta-feira (7), contra a equipe de Diadema, o Vasco fazia uma de suas melhores atuações em 2024. Até os 30 minutos do primeiro tempo, o clube de São Januário dominava as ações e parecia que teria uma noite tranquila.

Porém, o que aconteceu foi um roteiro digno de cinema, com direito à virada do adversário, empate no apagar das luzes e classificação heróica nos pênaltis.

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A frustração que tomou conta da torcida no momento do gol de Luan Dias se transformou em alívio com a classificação. Apesar disso, o susto acendeu um alerta na torcida vascaína, que espera uma postura diferente diante do Nova Iguaçu. O “Carrossel da Baixada” foi a única equipe a conseguir derrotar o Gigante da Colina neste ano, em jogo que ficou marcado por polêmicas de arbitragem.

O Nova Iguaçu foi a grande surpresa do Carioca, dificultando para os grandes. Além da vitória sobre o Vasco, a equipe conseguiu empates diante de Flamengo e Botafogo.

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Para o jogo deste domingo, Ramón Díaz e seu auxiliar (e filho), Emiliano, têm a missão de colocar um Vasco em campo que jogue com tranquilidade após o susto.

Tudo sobre

Campeonato CariocaNova IguaçuVasco

أعلن الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا” مواعيد مباريات كأس العالم 2026، دور المجموعات، والتي تنطلق في شهر يونيو المقبل.

وأجرى فيفا، قرعة كأس العالم أمس الجمعة، وتستضيف الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، المكسيك، وكندا، منافسات المونديال في نسخته الجديدة بوجود 48 فريقًا للمرة الأولى في تاريخ المسابقة.

ويتواجد منتخب إسبانيا في المجموعة الثامنة، رفقة منتخبات السعودية، كاب فيردي وأوروجواي.

طالع مواعيد مباريات كأس العالم 2026 مواعيد مباريات مجموعة إسبانيا في كأس العالم 2026 

الجولة الأولى

مباراة إسبانيا ضد كاب فيردي

تلعب المباراة يوم 15 يونيو 2026 في تمام الساعة 12 ظهرًا بتوقيت أمريكا (7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر)، في أتلانتا.

مباراة السعودية ضد أوروجواي

تلعب المباراة يوم 15 يونيو 2026 في تمام الساعة 6 مساءً بتوقيت أمريكا (1 صباحًا بتوقيت مصر فجر يوم 16 يونيو)، في ميامي.

الجولة الثانية

مباراة إسبانيا ضد السعودية

يوم 21 يونيو 2026 في تمام الساعة 12 ظهرًا بتوقيت أمريكا (7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر)، في أتلانتا.

مباراة أوروجواي ضد كاب فيردي

يوم 21 يونيو 2026 في تمام الساعة 6 مساءً بتوقيت أمريكا (1 صباحًا بتوقيت مصر فجر يوم 22 يونيو)، في ميامي.

الجولة الثالثة

مباراة كاب فيردي ضد السعودية

يوم 26 يونيو 2026، في تمام الساعة الثامنة مساءً بتوقيت أمريكا (3 فجر يوم 27 يونيو بتوقيت مصر) في هيوستن.

مباراة أوروجواي ضد إسبانيا

يوم 26 يونيو 2026، في تمام الساعة الثامنة مساءً بتوقيت أمريكا (3 فجر يوم 27 يونيو بتوقيت مصر) في جوالاداخارا.

MLB's two biggest stars and reigning MVPs, Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, notably did not compete in the Home Run Derby on Monday night. Though Judge and Ohtani finished as MLB's leaders in home runs last season, and rank top-three in long balls so far this season, neither have competed in the Derby in the last few years.

Ohtani, who did compete in the Home Run Derby in 2021, said recently that it would be "pretty difficult" for him to participate because of the current rules, which can be physically demanding due to the amount of swings.

Judge, who won the Derby as a rookie in 2017, was asked why he and several top stars don't compete in the Home Run Derby. Judge initially joked in response, "I already did it, I don't know what else you want from me. I already did it, so I think it's time for somebody else to do their thing and have fun with it."

Judge did go on to say he likes that the current trend allows lesser-known players to have an opportunity to shine on the national stage.

"It's tough to say. I love seeing new faces in the game go out there and do their thing, especially getting to see Oneil Cruz go out there and hit one out of the stadium, I thought that was pretty special for baseball and special for fans," Judge said. "I'm looking forward to stuff like that every year, having someone new go out there and put a show on for the league."

Pirates star Oneil Cruz was the standout example on Monday. Though not an All-Star, he got the chance to compete in the Derby and made a strong impression as he hit a 513-foot home run out of the stadium. Though breakout star and Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh won the Home Run Derby, the competition allows players like Cruz to make greater names for themselves.

It’s been a fairly positive international break for Newcastle United and one player has now been the subject of high praise from former Manchester City star Micah Richards.

Newcastle stars shine on international duty

To no surprise, Nick Woltemade has been the main Newcastle name in the headlines. The German continued his good form from club level by scoring for his nation as they edged past Northern Ireland. It’s now five goals in all competitions for Newcastle’s record signing since arriving at St James’ Park and he looks unlikely to slow down anytime soon.

It’s also been a strong international break for Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian started both games for his nation as they smashed South Korea 5-0 before falling to an unexpected 3-2 defeat against Japan. However, the fact that he kept hold of his starting place as Carlo Ancelotti’s reign commenced, is a positive sign ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

There was one player that certainly didn’t enjoy his time away from Tyneside, though, and that’s Anthony Elanga. The winger has been part of a struggling Sweden side yet to win a game in World Cup qualifying and only saw his nation’s misery continue in defeats against Kosovo and Switzerland.

Newcastle star who's becoming a "fan favourite" could be Howe's new Joelinton

Newcastle have recruited wisely since Eddie Howe arrived four years ago.

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 15, 2025

Given that the former Nottingham Forest winger is also yet to score for Newcastle, the last thing he needed was more frustration with his country. He, as well as Eddie Howe, will be hoping for an upturn in form when the Magpies return to action.

That said, the same doesn’t apply to one of his teammates, who is beginning to rediscover his best form and earn deserved praise as a result.

Micah Richards: Gordon "next level" compared to Rashford

Left in awe of the Newcastle winger after he scored his second goal for England in a 5-0 thrashing of Latvia, Richards claimed that Gordon is the “next level” above Marcus Rashford, who is on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United after putting pen to paper on a £12m-a-year deal.

Heaping praise on Gordon, Richards said: “I think Gordon. I think Gordon. And that’s why I was talking about Rashford, because Rashford’s doing well at Barcelona, as I’ve mentioned, but Gordon, I think he’s took his game to the next level.

“I think he’s always been a confident boy. He’s always been able to go both ways. He’s played a little bit up front in that number nine role.

“He’s definitely best out, out wide, but I think his final ball’s getting a lot better. Don’t forget, when he goes down that side, he’s coming on to his left foot, but some of the balls he put in tonight, they were a lot better than I’ve seen previously. So I think he did well tonight.”