Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenny and Wrexham have been warned they could be making a £2 million transfer mistake, with the wrong striker being targeted.

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• Red Dragons ready to land another frontman
• Expected to splash the cash before winter deadline
• Questions asked of whether they are getting the right Smith

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Dragons are expected to smash their recruitment record before the winter window closes for business. The Welsh outfit have been linked with several forwards, but appear to have settled on Reading frontman Sam Smith.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  He will come with a seven-figure price tag despite having never previously managed more than 15 goals in any given League One campaign. Questions are being asked of whether the 26-year-old is right for an ambitious project at SToK Racecourse.

• Getty
  

  WHAT CARLTON PALMER SAID

  Former EFL player and coach Carlton Palmer has told : "Wrexham are looking at bringing in some extra firepower; I know they have a lot of strikers but they have been struggling to find the back of the net regularly, so they are looking at bringing in the firepower that could fire them to promotion. They have turned their attention to Reading FC striker Sam Smith; he has regularly performed well in League One, but only twice has he ever hit 15 league goals in a season.

  "Wrexham are probably thinking that if he can get them 10 goals between now and the end of the season that would get them up. I don’t think it would be a good signing, I really don’t. He is not prolific in League One – he is not a 20-goal-a-season man – and even when he played in League Two he wasn’t prolific either."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Wrexham were being linked with Sheffield Wednesday star Michael Smith before collective focus switched to a man with the same surname, and Palmer believes a raid on Hillsborough makes more sense. The ex-Owls midfielder added: "Your priority is to get promotion, and if they feel that Sam Smith can fire them the goals to get them promotion, then that is fair enough. I suppose as the window gets later and they haven’t done any business, this is where it ends up, but for me, I don’t think he is any better than what they already have got in the building, you have just got to hope that the one already in the building start firing and get goals. The problem is when you step up divisions, as Wrexham have found and kept the players they have, it is whether they carry through the threat.

  "Sam Smith is under contract for another two years at Reading, so they are going to have to pay good money for him. I know this season he has got 11 goals and two assists, but I am not so sure that he is going to come in and do the business. Jack Marriott scored five in his first 10 games, and is just coming back from a broken leg, Steven Fletcher has six, while Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer and Mo Faal have not found their form.

  "I can see why Wrexham are in the hunt for a striker, but I think they would be better off getting Michael Smith. I know they are trying desperately to get him out of Sheffield Wednesday; he has proven he can score goals at Championship level, he is prolific in League One, and he will get them promoted, so I think he is the one they need to break the bank to get."

MatériaMais Notícias

Principal nome do Flamengo desde 2019, Gabriel Barbosa é constantemente ligado a clubes europeus. A imprensa inglesa colocou o atacante no radar de quatro clubes da Premier League, por exemplo. Em entrevista ao “ge”, nesta sexta, Junior Pedroso, empresário do camisa 9 rubro-negro, confirmou que houve uma sondagem do Newcastle e uma proposta de empréstimo do West Ham – a qual foi recusada imediatamente pela diretoria do Flamengo.

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-Temos um grande parceiro inglês, um agente, que fez uma consulta informal através do Newcastle a respeito do Gabriel. O nosso objetivo e nosso papel é passar as informações e fazer as coisas fluírem. Não passamos ao Flamengo essa possibilidade pois isso não foi formalizada pelo Newcastle, então fica só na especulação. Não é dessa forma que trabalhamos – afirmou, antes de seguir:

– Outro clube que andou com a formalização de uma oferta de empréstimo foi o West Ham. Eu nem conduzi essa oferta ao Gabriel, conduzi diretamente ao Flamengo, que deu uma negativa porque não enxerga como possibilidade alguma de empréstimo, mesmo pagando uma fortuna. A gente também não consideraria um de empréstimo neste momento – afirmou Junior Pedroso.

Após atuar por empréstimo em 2019 e ser decisivo nas conquistas do Carioca, Brasileirão e Libertadores, Gabriel Barbosa foi comprado pelo Flamengo da Inter de Milão, da Itália, e assinou contrato com o clube até dezembro de 2024. Ídolo da Nação, o atacante também tem sido convocado pela Seleção Brasileira.

Newcastle United supporters will forever be grateful to the Saudi PIF for transforming their club in recent years, allowing for a generation of supporters to be a part of memories to last a lifetime.

They took over from former owner Mike Ashley, providing huge investment into the playing squad, splashing over £400m since the takeover at the end of 2021.

In the years that followed, the Magpies have since featured in the Champions League, hosting some of Europe’s elite at St James’ Park, including the likes of PSG and AC Milan.

However, they’ve been unable to reach the heights they achieved during that European campaign, struggling in the Premier League of late – the first real challenge of Eddie Howe’s tenure on Tyneside.

His side currently sit ninth in the Premier League, losing the most recent outing against Brighton, despite managing a total of 21 shots at goal on Saturday afternoon.

Their recent lacklustre performances could be down to the poor recruitment during the recent summer window, which failed to go as many would’ve hoped for given the rumours around potential incomings.

Newcastle’s summer transfer window in 2024

After narrowly missing out on all forms of European football last season, the fanbase expected numerous new additions to help bolster Howe’s squad and give them the best possible chance for the current campaign.

However, the window was largely different to many hoped, signing just four players, many of who were way below the quality expected before the transfer window.

John Ruddy arrived on a free transfer from Birmingham City to provide cover in the goalkeeping department, unlikely to ever feature for the first-team.

William Osula joined from recently relegated Sheffield United for a fee in the region of £15m, mainly brought in as a player for the future, unlikely to make an immediate impact ahead of the likes of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson on Tyneside.

Lloyd Kelly was the defensive option brought in by Howe, moving on a free transfer from fellow Premier League side Bournemouth – reuniting the pair after their stint together at the Cherries multiple years ago.

However, for large periods of the window, it looked as though Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi would be the Magpies’ marquee signing for the transfer window, submitting four separate bids for the England international.

After failing to agree a deal with the Eagles, despite have been willing to pay up to £65m, a move never materialised – leading to Howe’s side pulling out of negotiations without securing an alternative during the closing stages of the window.

Undoubtedly, the failure to secure a deal for Guehi was a disappointment to Howe and the fanbase, but the window was made even worse with the departure of one young star.

Yankuba Minteh’s move away from Newcastle

After his sensational loan spell at Feyenoord last season which saw him register 11 goals and five assists, winger Yankuba Minteh was a player that generated huge excitement amongst the fanbase about his potential impact on the club’s first-team.

However, the Gambian would unfortunately never get his opportunity with the Magpies due to issues way beyond his or the manager’s control.

The huge spending since the Saudi PIF takeover meant that the Magpies were dangerously close to breaching the Premier League’s PSR rules, which could’ve led to a ten-point deduction.

The hierarchy could’ve kept hold of Minteh and risked the breach which may have allowed them to finally end their hunt for a new right-sided attacker, but instead, the safe option was the preferred one for the owners.

A frantic period before the June 30th deadline ensued, which led to Minteh eventually completing a £33m move to Brighton, a fantastic deal considering he never kicked a ball for the Magpies’ first team.

However, his talent is evident, as demonstrated already this campaign for the Seagulls, registering two goal contributions in his first five starts on the South Coast – rubbing salt into the wounds of Newcastle supporters as to what they could’ve had.

The young winger wasn’t the only talent who was sacrificed during the recent summer window, with the other deal arguably having a greater impact on the supporters.

The former Newcastle star who’s starred since leaving

Academy star Elliot Anderson was a huge beneficiary of the club’s injury issues last season, featuring 26 times in all competitions – becoming a regular under Howe after his emergence the season prior.

The 21-year-old failed to score but did register two assists, capturing the hearts of many on Tyneside for his quality and versatility, starring in a variety of different roles to fill the gaps left by his injured teammates.

No one could’ve anticipated a potential departure for the youngster over the summer, but given their PSR limitations, a deal for his departure emerged out of nowhere, to the displeasure of many.

Anderson joined Nottingham Forest in a £35m deal, with goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos moving in the other direction for a reported £20m – banking the Magpies a huge sum in their battle to stay within the PSR limits.

However, whilst it allowed them to comply with the strict terms, it saw them part ways with an academy star who had a huge future at St James’ – but his recent form will make his sale even more difficult to come to terms with.

1) Elliot Anderson

£35m

= Andy Carroll

£35m

2) Yankuba Minteh

£33m

3) Moussa Sissoko

£30m

= Ayoze Perez

£30m

The midfielder has been crucial for Nuno Espírito Santo in recent weeks, earning the club’s Player of the Month award for August and subsequently earning him an England U21 call-up.

Anderson’s call-up has seen him star on the international stage, starting the recent victory against Azerbaijan, scoring his first goal for his country, while claiming the Player of the Match award.

He produced his best display for Forest in the recent 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, with his mazy dribbling catching the eye, especially that of commentator Alan Smith.

During the commentary, the former Arsenal star claimed that he was producing runs “like Lionel Messi”, running rings around one-time Magpies target Guehi at the City Ground.

Given his recent performances for club and country, almost all Newcastle fans will wish the hierarchy took the risk of a point deduction to allow them to keep hold of the aforementioned stars.

Anderson, in particular, has taken his game to the next level, with Howe and the supporters having to sit back and reminisce over what could’ve been for the youngster on Tyneside.

Newcastle ace who left in 2016 now earns a crazy £180k-p/w more than Gordon

One former Newcastle player is earning a fortune in the Middle East…

ByRoss Kilvington Oct 22, 2024

قررت اللجنة الأولمبية المصرية، برئاسة المهندس ياسر إدريس، تكليف خالد فتحي رئيس الاتحاد المصري لكرة اليد، برئاسة لجنة التخطيط الفنية باللجنة الأولمبية.

يأتي هذا في إطار جهود اللجنة لوضع خطط استراتيجية فنية للفترة المقبلة، استعدادًا للمشاركة في البطولات والدورات المؤهلة إلى دورة الألعاب الأولمبية “لوس أنجلوس 2028”.

وتهدف اللجنة من خلال هذه الخطوة إلى تحقيق إنجازات رياضية وميداليات تليق بمكانة مصر على الساحة الأولمبية، وتعزيز فرص الرياضيين المصريين في المنافسات الدولية.

طالع أيضاً.. خاص.. حسام حسن يُبدي غضبه الشديد بسبب حلمي طولان ويشكو لـ اتحاد الكرة

 وكان المهندس ياسر إدريس قد فاز برئاسة اللجنة الأولمبية المصرية للدورة الانتخابية 2024-2028 بالتزكية، وذلك بعد غلق باب الترشح رسميًا وعدم تقدم أي منافس، ليتم حسم المنصب بجانب خمسة مقاعد أخرى بالتزكية أيضًا.

وضمت قائمة الفائزين بالتزكية، المستشار محمد مصطفى النائب الأول للرئيس، الدكتور إسماعيل شاكر نائب الرئيس، اللواء حازم حسني السكرتير العام، الأستاذ محمد مطيع السكرتير العام المساعد، اللواء شريف القماطي أمين صندوق اللجنة الأولمبية المصرية.

فيما تشهد انتخابات اللجنة الأولمبية المصرية، المقرر إقامتها يوم 25 أبريل المقبل، منافسة على مقاعد العضوية، حيث تقدم 10 مرشحين سيتم اختيار 8 من بينهم.

ويتنافس على منصب العضوية كل من الأستاذ محمد عبد المقصود، اللواء أحمد كامل، اللواء أشرف حلمي، اللواء أشرف فرحات، المهندسة آمنة الطرابلسي، اللواء محمد محمود، الكابتن طارق السعيد، الأستاذ أيمن علي، اللواء مجدي اللوزي، الأستاذ خالد ديوان.

Newcastle United have made a decent start to the 2024/25 campaign, but failing to win against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday would mean that Eddie Howe’s side head into the October international break on a three-match winless run.

Centre-forwards Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson are both sidelined, so Anthony Gordon will deputise at number nine once again, but a host of other potential absentees – Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar and Nick Pope – have been given the green light.

Victory over AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday evening came with its issues: Newcastle were laborious in their win, dominating on the ball and lashing plenty of wayward shots somewhere near the goal, but it lacked cohesion and fluency, and some changes will be needed – Sean Longstaff, who started in the middle of the park, among them.

Sean Longstaff's performance vs Wimbledon

Newcastle stumbled through the third round of the Carabao Cup, though did claim victory through Schar’s dispatched penalty before the interval.

Bruno Guimaraes, midfield general, was understandably rested, but the subtraction of his vim and vigour in Howe’s engine room was plainly discernible. Longstaff, aged 26, did little to stake his claim for a role of greater significance after sitting on the bench against Fulham in the Premier League before earning only a short cameo during last week’s draw against Manchester City.

As the table will show you below, he was lacking in combativeness, authority and initiative. Busy. Sure. But not at the level that Howe would have hoped for against League Two opponents, who won 52% of the duels in the contest.

Minutes played

90′

Touches

84

Shots (on target)

2 (1)

Accurate passes

61/69 (88%)

Possession lost

12x

Key passes

0

Dribbles (completed)

0 (0)

Tackles + interceptions

0

Ground duels (won)

6 (1)

Fouls

3

Yellow card

1

The Shields Gazette handed Longstaff a 6/10 match rating after the Carabao Cup win, acknowledging some tidy link-up play but writing that he was ‘in and out of the game’. Honestly? That’s a generous rating for a central midfielder who failed to assert his authority – losing 84% of his ground duels – against opponents who ply their trade three divisions below.

Everton will bring a physical and tenacious approach to this evening’s Premier League clash, and Howe need only cast his mind back to last season’s 3-0 defeat in this fixture to remind himself that, yes, this is a dangerous opponent, a redoubtable ground, no matter the league standings.

Longstaff must not be in the starting line-up.

Who should replace Sean Longstaff

Bruno Guimaraes. That’s that.

Just kidding, but it’s true, Guimaraes is bound to return to the starting line-up on Merseyside, with the Brazilian so talented and influential as the Toon’s nucleus, remarkably winning 8.7 duels per game in the Premier League this season, as per Sofascore. It’s no wonder Man City boss Pep Guardiola has lauded him as an “exceptional holding midfielder”.

That’s at a success rate of 60% too. Longstaff might have been defensively porous in midweek, but he’s usually a bit crisper, winning 52% of his top-flight ground duels this term. That’s just 2.4 per game though, which hardly speaks of robustness and high-level athleticism.

Newcastle would inject a healthy load of positivity if they were to win against Everton before signing off for another international sojourn, and Longstaff must be benched to ensure the task is completed, with Guimaraes returning to the midfield and hopefully flanked by Sandro Tonali and one of Joelinton or Joe Willock.

What Man City's scouts now think about Bruno Guimarães after Newcastle draw

Man City have a new name on the list of potential Rodri replacements.

ByBrett Worthington Oct 3, 2024

Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel is being courted by Manchester United and Arsenal with the Premier League duo's former stars likely set to play key role.

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Tel set to leave Bayern MunichMan Utd and Arsenal interestedTel idolises Ronaldo and HenryFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Tel has been looking for an exit from Bayern Munich this winter after having struggled to get playing time in his preferred striker position for the Bavarians. The 19-year-old had been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham in a deal worth €60 million (£50m) but rejected the transfer in search of a loan move to a different club.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Manchester United and Arsenal have now contacted Bayern Munich to inquire about Tel's availability as per Fabrizio Romano. According to the report, Tel's biggest idols are former Red Devils and Gunners legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry.

Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?

Tel is still considering his options at the moment with under 36 hours left until the winter transfer window shuts, however, Romano's report suggests that Tel is still highly likely to leave Bayern Munich before the deadline.

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WHAT NEXT FOR THE TWO SIDES?

Manchester United are still considering other options in case the move for Tel flops as they target Aston Villa's Leon Bailey. However, Arsenal are unlikely to go for any other signings if the move for the 19-year-old fails.

Chelsea chiefs are now very keen to sign a rising star, as chairman Todd Boehly is handed the possibility of striking a deal for a potential bargain £25 million price.

Stewart and Winstanley's possible Chelsea signings in 2025

Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley are tasked with overseeing the club’s transfer activity, under the guidance of Boehly and BlueCo, who have the final say on all key decisions at the club.

Maresca says £62m player is a slower learner than his other Chelsea stars

He needs to keep improving.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 25, 2024

New manager Enzo Maresca – barring defeats to English champions Man City and fierce title contenders Liverpool – has guided Chelsea through a very promising start to the new Premier League season.

Over their accompanying six league games, Chelsea boast four wins so far, and they were arguably pretty unlucky not to beat both Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest – drawing 1-1 to each side in thoroughly entertaining clashes where Maresca’s side created plenty of chances.

Newcastle (home)

October 27

Man United (away)

November 3

Arsenal (home)

November 10

Leicester City (home)

November 23

Aston Villa (home)

December 1

Next, Chelsea take on Newcastle United this Sunday, and they’re going into the clash fresh off the back of a 4-1 demolition of Panathinaikos in the Europa Conference League.

In the background, Stewart and Winstanley are divising ways to bolster Maresca’s ranks in 2025, and there a few key items on the transfer agenda. Chelsea are scouting South America for centre-backs, according to journalist Simon Phillps, and the same reliable source claims that a new striker could arrive at Stamford Bridge as early as January – despite Nicolas Jackson’s excellent form.

Chelsea are prepared to make a bid for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo too, according to reports in Spain, as the Uruguay defender’s talks over a new contract remain at a standstill.

Chelsea are very keen on signing Chris Rigg from Sunderland

Now, as per CaughtOffside, it is believed Chelsea’s hierarchy have their eyes on Sunderland attacking midfielder Chris Rigg.

The teenage sensation has helped his side climb the Championship table to first, scoring three goals in 11 second tier outings, and this is believed to be turning heads in both west London and at Old Trafford.

Chelsea are eager to sign Rigg, alongside Man United, while a trio of other Premier League sides in Brighton, Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also in the mix and keeping tabs on his situation.

A price tag as low as £25 million has been mooted for the Englishman, despite Rigg being a “history maker” at the Stadium of Light already.

“He’s a history maker,” said pundit Carlton Palmer to Football League World. “Being the club’s youngest ever outfield player, and I think it was the right decision, whoever is advising him has told him the right thing. It is a great place. They look to blood the young players early, and with Chris’ talent he is going to go for big money later on, but at 17 he’s at a place where he is going to play regular first-team football.

“They will have to know when to take him out and give him a rest, but he is a player of huge talent. When you bring a player up, and you’ve spent all that time bringing him through the youth ranks, and it’s a rarity to get a kid of his ability to come through and play at the age of 15, you don’t want to be losing that type of player.”

Manchester United are among the Premier League teams interested in signing a “monster” defender whose contract talks with his current club are yet to gather pace. The Red Devils ended their five-game winless run over the weekend as they came from behind to beat Brentford 2-1 at Old Trafford, a victory that slightly eases the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.

Related Mourinho relishing chance to get Ten Hag sacked from Man Utd after update

It would be quite the story at Old Trafford.

Posts ByBen Browning Oct 20, 2024 Man Utd transfer news

The stories around Old Trafford in the last week or so have been about the future of Ten Hag, and while they haven’t fully gone away, the Dutchman will hope Saturday’s win is the start of a turnaround in results.

Away from the future of Ten Hag, the Red Devils are continuing to be linked with potential new players for when January comes around. Last week, United were linked with a move for Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane as he continues talks over a new deal with the German side.

As well as Sane, the agents of PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani have reached out to United over a potential switch to Old Trafford. The forward looks set to leave the French side in the near future, as he’s struggled to make an impact in the French capital. Meanwhile, United are also looking to balance the books and are happy to part ways with Antony and sell him for just £40 million, perhaps with the view towards one of Sane or Kolo Muani coming in.

The transfer stories at Old Trafford do not stop there, as the Premier League side continue to keep an eye on a player they have had an interest in for a while.

Man Utd watching Ronald Araujo as his contract ends in 2026

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are interested in signing Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo. The Red Devils, alongside Chelsea, are said to be monitoring the Uruguay international as he prepares for talks over a new deal at the Spanish side.

The 25-year-old has been at Barça since 2018, when he joined from Boston River, but he didn’t make his step-up into the first team until around 2020. Since then, Araujo has become a key player for Barça, playing 37 times in all competitions last season.

The defender has yet to play for Barcelona this season, as he continues to recover from an injury, but he is believed to be a firm part of the plans at the Nou Camp still. However, this report states that United and Chelsea are still keeping an eye on Araujo, who has been described in the past by BBC analyst Raj Chohan as an “athletic monster.”

Ronald Araujo’s Barcelona stats

Apps

150

Goals

8

Assists

5

The Red Devils are said to be prepared to make a move for Araujo if talks over a new contract at Barcelona do not progress. Barcelona president Joan Laporta has spoken publicly about trying to keep Araujo, but with his contract expiring in 2026, it means he will enter the final year of his contract next summer if no new deal is agreed, putting United on alert.

Araujo currently earns 134,615 euros a week at Barça, which is roughly £112,174, a figure that he would likely look to increase were he to move to United.

Hoping to continue a solid start to the Premier League campaign, Newcastle United may be forced to face off against an Everton side looking to make it two wins in two games without one of Eddie Howe’s star men.

Newcastle injury news

The Magpies suffered on the injury front last season and felt the impact in full thanks to their poor squad depth. Now, after failing to reinforce Howe’s side in the summer transfer window, they could be set to suffer the same problems. Tuesday night’s nervy 1-0 victory over Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup certainly suggests that this is very much a squad without strength in depth, even if Fabian Schar’s penalty ensured that the job, in the end, was done.

With Everton fresh from their first Premier League victory of the season against Crystal Palace up next, Newcastle’s squad is likely to be tested once again, particularly in the attacking department.

Howe must drop Newcastle star who lost the ball 16x vs Wimbledon

It wasn’t the smoothest of nights for the Magpies…

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 2, 2024

With the October international break coming up, Jon Dahl Tomasson’s decision in charge of Sweden has provided a huge hint over the fitness of Alexander Isak. As relayed by the Shields Gazette, Tomasson has confirmed that Isak will not feature for Sweden in the international break as he continues to recover from a foot injury.

Revealing what is a major blow for Sweden in the Nations League, Tomasson told reporters: “One of the best forwards in the world is missing. He is really disappointed not to be able to contribute and help the team, however, he is not ready to perform due to injury, but I am sure he will come back in November and help us.”

What is a blow for Sweden is also set to be a blow for Newcastle, with Isak now likely to miss his side’s clash against Everton, remaining on the sidelines for the third consecutive game.

Newcastle need "excellent" Isak back fit and firing

It was clear before he was forced to sit out of Manchester City and Wimbledon that Isak was not up to full fitness when Newcastle were brushed aside by Fulham, and that makes his recovery all the more important. An Isak at 50% will do the Magpies no favours, but if all involved simply have some patience when it comes to his return, then Howe will have one of the best strikers in the Premier League at his disposal who managed 25 goals in all competitions last season.

Howe, of course, has been a fan of the Swede since his arrival, having instantly praised his forward when he initially completed a move from Real Sociedad. The Newcastle boss said via BBC Sport: “The players have taken to him. He’s quite quiet and he’s going about his business in a professional way – he’s very focused.

“He’s asking questions about how we want to play and what’s required of him – he’s been excellent. I think that showed in his performance on Wednesday. It was one of really good tactical understanding. In a very short time he delivered what we wanted him to do. He showed his ability and the second goal that wasn’t given especially was incredible.”

Buttler says England could even shuffle the batting order by promoting Dawid Malan or Moeen Ali

Matt Roller26-Oct-20211:48

Harmison: ‘England should try and bat Moeen higher up’

You’re an international captain walking out to the field hoping to limit the damage against two of the world’s most destructive T20 openers: Jason Roy is on strike, with Jos Buttler at the bowler’s end. Who do you throw the ball to?Increasingly, captains are settling on the same answer: a left-arm spinner. Roy and Buttler have opened together in 12 T20Is in the last 18 months and teams have opened the bowling with slow left-arm spin in seven of those innings, looking to turn the ball away from the outside edge and denying them pace on the ball in the powerplay.That run was extended in England’s opening T20 World Cup fixture against West Indies on Saturday night, with Akeal Hosein taking the new ball and bowling four overs off the reel. On Wednesday they play Bangladesh, who fielded two left-arm spinners in Nasum Ahmed and Shakib Al Hasan in their first Super 12s game against Sri Lanka; given Nasum’s first-over wicket in that game – and Bangladesh’s obsessive focus on match-ups – England have been preparing for another early test.Related

Bangladesh run into confident England in first T20I meeting between sides

Ottis Gibson wants Bangladesh bowlers not to panic

Tymal Mills comes full circle in his remarkable England comeback

“We prepare specifically for the opposition and also for the conditions we face,” Buttler said on Tuesday ahead of England’s optional training session at the ICC Academy in Dubai. “I think spin is obviously going to play a huge part in this tournament, and of course Bangladesh have a couple of left-arm spinners, so we’ve been practising against that lots in the nets and trying to get some plans in place.”I think it’s something we’ll see throughout this tournament, spin playing a prevalent part of the powerplay. Of course the challenge is the ball spinning away from the bat – it’s a good match-up in T20 cricket. Obviously with the new ball, some can skid on with the angle, and potentially there may be a little bit of spin as well.”Both batters have worked hard on their method against left-arm spin – particularly Roy, who displayed his range by thumping Hosein over extra cover for six on Saturday night – and their strike rates facing it in the first six overs are almost identical. Buttler’s is 136.13 (in all T20s since the last World Cup), a shade below Roy’s 136.32; the difference is that Buttler has averaged 54 against it, compared to Roy’s 26.84.”It’s about trying to be really clinical picking length and looking to be positive with that option,” Buttler explained, while leaving open the idea that another batter – potentially Dawid Malan or Moeen Ali – could shuffle up the order if England struggle against left-arm spin early on. “I think one strength of our team is the flexibility of our order,” he said. “If that became the trend, I guess we could try to counter that with a change of order as well.”Bizarrely, Wednesday’s fixture will be the first time England and Bangladesh will meet in T20Is, after 21 ODIs and 10 Test matches between them. Buttler said that England were fully aware of the “spin-heavy” side that they were coming up against but that their main focus was on themselves.”We know the challenges they’ll pose,” he said. “We’ve played against them lots in 50-over cricket and they’re a dangerous side. They’ve got a lot of experience in T20 cricket as well, some very good players, playing quite a specific style which is unique to them. We’re focused obviously on trying to plan for the opposition but at the same time we’re focused on ourselves, trying to get our level of intensity to the place it needs to be.”Generally they are a spin-heavy side and have a lot of fingerspinners with great experience such as Shakib Al Hasan who has played a huge number of T20 games all around the world. Generally their batsmen, as a rule, tend to be very strong square of the wicket, and players such as Shakib, Mushfiqur [Rahim] and Mahmudullah, they’ve been around for a long while.”Mustafizur [Rahman] is a threat with his left-arm bowling and excellent slower balls. They’re a team full of match winners. They’re a strong team and in the last few years, especially at home, they have had a lot of success in T20 cricket. Coming to conditions here, it will be quite familiar to the players in terms of what they face at home, so we are expecting a tough challenge.”