It was a typical Bruno Fernandes display on Sunday afternoon, with the Manchester United skipper shaking off a stodgy first-half display to ultimately prove the difference-maker yet again for Ruben Amorim’s side.

In that opening 45 at Selhurst Park, both Fernandes and his ageing midfield partner Casemiro were given the run around by Crystal Palace’s boy wonder, Adam Wharton, with United heading in at the break having once again seen their midfield unit woefully exposed.

Fast forward to just past the hour mark, however, and the visitors had completed a creditable comeback, with the captain first teeing up Joshua Zirkzee – à la Anthony Martial in the March 2020 Manchester Derby – before then reacting swiftly to lay the ball for Mason Mount to dispatch what proved to be the winner.

Now fourth on the all-time list for Premier League assists for the Old Trafford side with 56, ahead of Paul Scholes, the 31-year-old remains United’s beloved maverick.

But for how much longer will he be the main man still?

Latest on Man Utd's search for a midfielder

Having been refreshingly open about his discussions with Saudi side Al Hilal over the summer, Fernandes suggested that no further talks would take place over his future until after next summer’s World Cup, with his existing deal set to expire in 2027.

Amorim has already suggested that the Portuguese playmaker may have to adjust to more “rotation” next season, should the club return to European competition, while reports this season have even suggested that INEOS could look to cash in on the club’s number eight to fund a midfield rebuild.

In any case, depth and competition is certainly needed in the centre of park heading into 2026, with the likes of Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson all deemed to be leading targets.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Equally, however, reports in Spain are even suggesting that United have lodged a bid of around €80m (£70m) for Real Madrid sensation, Federico Valverde, with the Red Devils said to have taken the ‘first step’ toward trying to seal that marquee move.

As to be expected, the LaLiga giants won’t allow their Uruguayan star to depart on the cheap, with the report outlining that Xavi Alonso’s side are likely to demand in excess of €100m (£88m) if they are to even consider sanctioning a sale.

United will then have to up their bid if a deal is to be struck, with Valverde’s existing deal set to run until 2029, although this is certainly a pursuit worth continuing.

How Valverde compares to Bruno Fernandes

If Amorim – and INEOS – is to persist with this much-discussed 3-4-2-1 set-up, then acquiring a figure like Valverde might just be the perfect solution, with the 27-year-old lauded as the “most complete player in football” not too long ago by manager Carlo Ancelotti.

That assessment is certainly warranted considering the versatility that the Montevideo-born talent has showcased in recent times, having frequently flitted between operating in central midfield or at right-back for Los Blancos.

Like Fernandes – who has missed just three games through injury or illness since joining United, as per Transfermarkt – one of Valverde’s key strengths is that he’s “always available”, in the words of Ancelotti, while willing to perform to his best no matter the position he is deployed.

While not a natural creator or playmaker like Fernandes, the one-time Penarol man does still boast four assists in LaLiga this term, only just behind the United skipper’s return of five in the Premier League.

As indicated below, Valverde’s all-round quality can be evidenced in his superior record with regard to pass completion and duels won, in particular, while he is also far less erratic in possession, losing the ball less than half as many times per game as Fernandes.

Valverde (LaLiga) vs Fernandes (PL)
Stat (*per game)	Valverde	Fernandes
Games (starts)	14 (12)	13 (13)
Goals	0	2
Assists	2	5
Big chances missed	1	4
Big chances created	2	3
Pass accuracy*	90%	84%
Total duels won*	58%	50%
Dribbled past*	0.4	1.6
Possession lost*	7.4	15.8
Stats via Sofascore

Equally too, the Madrid man’s physical superiority can be seen in how little he is dribbled past per game in LaLiga, whereas Fernandes – seemingly unsuited to a deep-lying role – is regularly outpaced or outmuscled by his opposite number.

What also sets him apart from Fernandes is his proven, consistent quality at Champions League level, winning the competition on two occasions to date, alongside his three Spanish titles and various other domestic or continental honours.

He may not rank as the outright best midfielder in the world right now, but he seemingly warrants his status as among the top ten – arguably even above Fernandes.

Now approaching almost 350 games for his current side, the 71-cap international is about as proven as they come, while at 27, he would still be an asset for the long-term, were he to arrive in Manchester.

Of course, Fernandes – as was evident at the weekend – is still a majestic, creative genius, but for this system and for this current iteration of the Premier League, Valverde would surely represent the perfect midfield upgrade.

Anderson upgrade: Man Utd set to bid for "the best English CM since Scholes"

Manchester United look set to make a huge move for a new midfielder in the January transfer window.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Dec 2, 2025

Thomas Frank has done a lot of tinkering since taking the helm at Tottenham Hotspur, and recent form seems to be swinging in the direction of progress, following recent wins over Brentford in the Premier League and Slavia Prague in the Champions League.

It wouldn’t be wasted energy to pause and consider Tottenham’s shift from Ange Postecoglou’s high energy, attacking play toward Frank’s more pragmatic tactical take.

Pragmaticism is not necessarily a bad thing. Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti are two notable modern adherents of the style, after all. But there’s no denying that Frank’s Spurs could do with a bit more flair in the final third, pumping creativity through the forwards while maintaining the stable, structured roots.

(1) Man City

2nd

29.1

(2) Man United

6th

26.8

(3) Arsenal

1st

25.4

(4) Chelsea

5th

24.7

(5) Crystal Palace

4th

24.3

(17) Tottenham

11th

14.8

How to achieve this? Well, ENIC Group seem to think Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo might hold the key.

Why Spurs want to sign Antoine Semenyo

Semenyo has scored six goals and supplied three assists in the Premier League this season. Only three players have notched more goal involvements: Erling Haaland (15), Igor Thiago (11), Bruno Fernandes (10).

The 25-year-old’s £65m release clause becomes active in January, and there’s set to be a swarm of interest in his signature, Tottenham getting ready to launch a bid, joined by Liverpool and Manchester City.

Semenyo has only gone from strength to strength under Andoni Iraola’s wing, now considered one of the best in the Premier League business.

In fact, pundit Chris Waddle believes he is “the best winger in the country”.

Tottenham would strike the golden jackpot by landing his signature, and to help them on the way to making it happen this January, ENIC may want to cash in on some deadwood.

Spurs could fund Semenyo move by selling "liability"

Tottenham have not quite clicked under Frank’s stewardship, but they are getting there, with the likes of Xavi Simons playing themselves into form recently and emphasising the green shoots.

However, not everyone has been a winner since the Danish tactician’s appointment, with Yves Bissouma having been excluded from Frank’s matchday squads all season. The 29-year-old’s last appearance came in May, on the final day of the Premier League season against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Bissouma has not played under Frank, dropped at the early stage of the new manager’s tenure after turning up late several times for training.

Given the recent allegations that the tough-tackling midfielder has been filmed inhaling nitrous oxide, Tottenham have had enough, and want to cut ties after more than three seasons.

However, the Mali international has a clause in his contract which could extend it next year, thus allowing the Lilywhites more bargaining power when offloading him.

Bissouma has long been regarded as one of the most talented midfielders in the Premier League, however this has not been channelled through application with enough regularity.

As per FBref, he ranked among the top 14% of Premier League midfielders for pass completion, the top 13% for tackles won and the top 10% for clearances per 90.

Tottenham are developing, though, and while Frank’s midfield unit have left something to be desired this season, it’s clear that Bissouma is not the progressive solution, branded as “a liability” by football writer Andrew Gaffney, during Postecoglou’s first season in charge.

It may not be a big payment, but Spurs would drain £55k from their weekly wage bill by selling the Malian, who is offering nothing this season. Such funds and space could be redirected toward someone like Semenyo, who would make a difference.

Wanyama & Dembele hybrid: Spurs could see bid accepted for £25m "pitbull"

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ByAngus Sinclair 3 days ago

The wheels are in danger of coming off for Chelsea this season, if they haven’t already.

Enzo Maresca’s side have looked a shadow of the team that demolished Barcelona over the last week or so.

First, they lost to Leeds United, then drew with Bournemouth, and then, to make matters even worse, they threw away a one-nil lead and lost to Atalanta on Tuesday night in the Champions League.

It’s a run of form that should see the board reflect on who is and isn’t good enough to represent Chelsea, and there is one player who has been even worse than the underwhelming Jamie Gittens and therefore shouldn’t play another minute this season.

Chelsea's poor performers vs Atalanta

Unfortunately for Maresca, although he bears a great deal of responsibility for the loss, more than a handful of Chelsea players were seriously poor against Atalanta on Tuesday night.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Gittens, for example, once again put in a performance that should seriously worry fans as he was utterly ineffective against the 12th-placed Serie A side.

Somehow, the former Borussia Dortmund gem remained on the pitch for the full 94 minutes, despite doing nothing of any note on or off the ball.

For example, he registered a combined expected goal and assists figure of just 0.26, lost seven of his ten duels, failed to take a single shot on target and played just a single key pass.

To say it was an underwhelming showing from the Englishman would be an understatement, and therefore the 5/10 match rating he received from the Standard’s Dom Smith was more than justified.

The journalist gave Benoit Badiashile the same rating, and it’s hard to disagree.

Sure, the French centre-back made a few good interceptions and tackles in the first half, but he was partly responsible for Charles De Ketelaere’s winner, as he kept backing off from the Belgian before he shot.

It was also a really disappointing night for Enzo Fernández.

The World Cup winner has been crucial for the Blues at times this season, and a source of goals from the middle of the park.

However, against the Bergamo outfit, he was hugely frustrating, as while he did get into dangerous positions on more than one occasion, he either fluffed his lines or made the wrong decision.

Minutes

67′

Expected Goals

0.01

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.42

Assists

0

Key Passes

1

Crosses (Accurate)

1 (0)

Passes (Accurate)

24/33 (73%)

Lost Possession

15

Dribbles

0

Duels (Won)

10 (3)

Now, there is an argument that all three of these players should be dropped for this weekend’s game, but there is another player in the squad, someone who’s been worse than Gittens, who should probably never play for the club again.

The Chelsea flop who cannot play another minute for Maresca

While there are a few Chelsea players who need to be sold in the upcoming transfer window, the first one out the door should be Tosin Adarabioyo.

Now, it should be said that he was far from the worst player on the pitch on Tuesday night, but he still managed to disappoint in the 18 minutes he spent on the pitch.

For example, he lost 100% of his ground duels, committed a foul, lost the ball four times and didn’t even make a tackle, despite the hosts pushing more in the closing minutes.

However, the defeat to Atalanta is not the sole reason the 28-year-old should no longer be getting any minutes for the team, as he has cost the side on multiple occasions this season.

The most recent example of this came in the game against Leeds United.

It was at Elland Road that, under very little pressure, he lost the ball in the Blues’ penalty area, which led directly to the hosts scoring, and content creator Tom Overend calling him “utterly embarrassing.”

Moreover, the statistics from his season overall do not make for pleasant reading.

In the four Champions League appearances he’s made this season, the former Fulham star has averaged just one point per game and conceded eight goals.

Games

9

5

1

Starts

5

3

1

Minutes

557′

239′

90′

Goals

0

0

0

Assists

0

0

0

Points per Game

1.78

1.00

3.00

Then, in the Premier League, he has averaged just 1.78 points per game across nine appearances, five of which have been starts.

Finally, FBref have ranked him in just the top 38% of centre-backs in the league for tackles won per 90, but the top 13% for tackles attempted, meaning he simply isn’t winning enough of them.

Ultimately, Gittens has been disappointing this season, but he’s still young and could come good.

However, Tosin is an experienced defender who has directly cost Chelsea points and, given he was signed for free, should be sold as soon as possible.

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كشف كورتيس جونز، لاعب فريق ليفربول، ما قاله النجم المصري محمد صلاح في غرفة الملابس بعد الأزمة التي اندلعت مؤخرًا داخل أروقة النادي الإنجليزي بسبب تصريحاته ضد الإدارة والمدرب آرني سلوت.

وعاد محمد صلاح إلى قائمة ليفربول من جديد، في مباراة الأمس ضد برايتون، في الجولة السادسة عشر من الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث حقق الريدز فوزًا بهدفين دون رد.

وشارك محمد صلاح كبديل حيث نزل في الدقيقة 25 بعد إصابة جو جوميز، ولعب بشكل رائع للغاية وصنع الهدف الثاني، وكان قريبًا من التسجيل.

جاءت مشاركة محمد صلاح بعد أيام من الإثارة شهدها ليفربول، عقب تصريحاته النارية ضد مسؤولي ليفربول والمدرب آرني سلوت بسبب تهميشه مؤخرًا.

اقرأ أيضًا | حصلت على ثمن صمتك.. كاراجر يرد الصاع صاعين لـ فرديناند بسبب محمد صلاح

من جانبه، قال كورتيس جونز، في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ديلي إكسبريس” الإنجليزية: “كلنا نحب مو، أنا أحبه، كان من بين الداعمين لي دائمًا في أصعب أوقاتي مع النادي، كنت أستطيع دائمًا التحدث إليه، والأمر نفسه الآن”.

وأضاف: “مو شخص مستقل، وله آراؤه الخاصة، ولا أعتقد أن نيته كانت التأثير على الفريق أو أي شيء من هذا القبيل، لقد كان مجرد أمر شخصي، وكما يعلم الجميع، الفريق والجماهير والجهاز الفني، كلنا نحب مو، إنه رجل رائع”.

واختتم: “لا أحب حقاً التحدث عن مشاكل الآخرين أو أمورهم وما إلى ذلك، هذا يتعلق بـ مو، ولكن في نهاية المطاف أعتقد أن الشيء المهم الذي أوضحه مو هو أن الأمر ليس ضد الفريق أو أي شيء من هذا القبيل، إنها مجرد مشكلة شخصية، وهذا كل شيء”.

MatériaMais Notícias

O lateral-esquerdo do Red Bull Bragantino, Juninho Capixaba, completou na última partida 300 jogos na carreira entrando em campo mais uma vez vestindo as cores do Massa Bruta. Com passagens por Bahia, Corinthians, Grêmio e Fortaleza, o camisa 29 da equipe paulista se orgulha da marca.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansCorinthians descarta Deyverson e Romarinho e tem prioridade no mercadoCorinthians21/05/2024CruzeiroCássio veste camisa do Cruzeiro e é recebido por multidão em Belo HorizonteCruzeiro21/05/2024VascoVasco anuncia a contratação do técnico Álvaro Pacheco; veja contratoVasco21/05/2024

– Quando você olha pra trás e vê tudo o que trabalhou pra chegar até aqui e enxerga uma marca como essa de 300 jogos na carreira, é algo muito gratificante. Muitas histórias já foram contadas e com certeza muitas mais estão por vir, afirmou o atleta de 26 anos.

Além da marca, Capixaba apresenta novamente bons números na temporada atual, assim como foi nas anteriores. Segundo o SofaScore, é o segundo atleta com mais desarmes e o primeiro em rebatida de bolas entre os jogadores da Série A em competições nacionais e internacionais em 2024.

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Manchester United’s midfield pivot has been something that Ruben Amorim has seemingly found a formula he likes. The Portuguese manager has caused lots of debate with his infamous 3-4-2-1, with the wing-backs being one thing to spark such conversation.

However, the makeup of his pivot has been interesting to see, too. This season, it seems as though the former Sporting boss has landed on captain Bruno Fernandes and the experienced Casemiro as his ideal duo in midfield.

It is a new role for Fernandes, who has played most of his career as a number ten.

As for Casemiro, he has done well this season. Yet, against Crystal Palace at the weekend, he looked exposed at times.

Why Casemiro can struggle in the pivot

Brazil legend Casemiro has certainly adapted well to playing in Amorim’s system.

Not too long ago, he was told to “leave the football before the football leaves you” by Jamie Carragher. Now, he is a regular starter for United at almost 34 years of age.

Indeed, Amorim has put a lot of trust in the former Real Madrid star this season. He’s played in 12 Premier League games, missing one due to a suspension.

Since the middle of September, he’s started every game in the league he’s been available for, and has even scored three times.

However, there are struggles that the United number 18 can experience in midfield.

Physically, Casemiro is a little behind the eight ball at times and can get exposed, often being left in the dust and opposition midfielders coasting past him.

Coming up against the Eagles last Sunday, it was an issue in the first half for the 82-cap Brazil international. As Goal journalist Calum Preston Kelly pointed out, he “struggled to prevent Palace dictating play in the first half.”

The energetic duo of Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada found it all too easy and were able to breeze past him countless times, having looked “haunted” up against the Englishman, in particular.

Perhaps this is an issue Amorim would like to nip in the bud before long. It might well make a change of personnel in the pivot to have a true impact.

United’s ready-made Casemiro alternative

There are options if Amorim wants to switch things up in midfield.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Mason Mount briefly played next to Bruno Fernandes away to Fulham at the start of the season, and Manuel Ugarte is another player who could slot into the side.

Yet, the obvious answer is Kobbie Mainoo. Amorim continues to ignore his obvious talent, despite being called a “future £100m+ footballer” by Alex Turk and starting in the final of Euro 2024 just 18 months ago.

It has been a tough campaign for the Stockport-born midfielder. He’s only played nine times in the Premier League, and is yet to start a game.

He’s featured for just 171 minutes, averaging 20 per game that he has played in.

Let’s not forget, though, the skill Mainoo possesses. He is a master in small spaces, able to break the press with his carrying ability and drive forward.

He’s also intelligent off the ball and is a strong dueller. Those were all on show on his Premier League debut against Everton, where he had 61 touches and won five duels.

Touches

61

Pass accuracy

83%

Passes completed

38/46

Ground duels won

3/5

Aerial duels won

2/3

Ball recoveries

3

Dribbles completed

2/3

The skills Mainoo could bring to United’s pivot would surely only benefit Amorim’s side. He is more physically up to speed than Casemiro and is less likely to get outrun.

On top of that, he brings different qualities on the ball which could add a new dynamic to midfield.

Plus, he still has an eye for goal like his fellow midfielder.

Mainoo has seven goals in a United shirt, with the most important one coming in the 2023/24 FA Cup final, which turned out to be the winner against Manchester City.

Mainoo has to get his chance in the United midfield soon enough. Their number 37 simply must be playing football every week, to continue on the path he was on just one year ago.

Don’t forget, he was trusted to start England’s biggest game in years.

With Casemiro’s occasional struggles out of possession, the starlet could be the Red Devils’ answer to their issues in midfield.

Bruno upgrade: Man Utd make £70m bid for "most complete player in football"

Manchester United could acquire a perfect upgrade in the midfield department in 2026…

ByRobbie Walls Dec 3, 2025

The defeat all but ended Sydney Thunder’s qualification hopes

AAP30-Nov-2025

Ellyse Perry stayed unbeaten in the chase•Getty Images

An Ellyse Perry masterclass has catapulted the Sydney Sixers back into the WBBL’s top four, with the allrounder leading her side to a crucial win over the Thunder.Chasing 175 for victory on Sunday, Perry scored an unbeaten 77 to take the Sixers to victory with six wickets and five balls to spare.The result all but ends the Thunder’s finals hopes, after a season where they have won just two of their seven completed games.On a crucial day in the WBBL’s finals race, Adelaide Strikers also kept their finals hopes alive with a last-over victory over the winless Brisbane Heat.The victory left them equal on eight points with the Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers, with all three teams having two games to play. The Sixers are one point ahead in third with a game in hand, with the four sides now seemingly battling for the last two spots in the finals.Seemingly down and out when bowled out for 42 against the second-placed Melbourne Stars 10 days ago, the Sixers have not lost since.After Heather Knight (65) and Anika Learoyd (43) rescued the Thunder from 58 for 4 at the end of the 10th over to post 174 for 6, Perry took charge in front of a crowd of 5024.She hit Sam Bates for two big sixes down the ground, including one that landed next to the famous Fig Tree at one end of North Sydney Oval.The veteran also charged quick Shabnim Ismail and hit her over long-on, with Perry rarely looking troubled in her 44-ball 77.Englishwoman Sophia Dunkley also hit 44 up top for the Sixers, while Alyssa Healy provided a quickfire 33 before perishing late.

Gabe Bell, the Tasmanian fast bowler, has signed for Gloucestershire for the first six matches of the 2026 Rothesay County Championship.Bell, 30, has taken 192 wickets across 51 Sheffield Shield appearances, 41 of which came in the 2023-24 season. He is currently ninth on this season’s wicket-taking list with 16 wickets in five matches.Standing at 195cm, Bell bowls with pace and steep bounce, and though he has yet to be capped by Australia, he represented their Under-19s in 2013, taking five wickets in three Youth ODIs at an average of 20.60.His stint with Gloucestershire will include away fixtures against Middlesex at Lord’s and Derbyshire, plus home games against Durham, Lancashire, Kent and Northants, and is set to get underway at the start of their campaign on April 10.”Obviously thrilled to get the opportunity to come over and play some county cricket with Gloucestershire,” Bell said. “I can’t wait to get over to Bristol to meet everyone, and get started in the new year.”Jon Lewis, Gloucestershire’s director of cricket, said: “We are really excited about Gabe joining our championship squad at Gloucestershire. We looked hard at what it takes to win in our own conditions in April and May, and Gabe comes highly recommended from our network of contacts across Australia.”He’s been very successful over recent Sheffield Shield seasons and is exactly the type of bowler we feel will thrive in the early part of the season in England. Gabe has played and performed consistently and has an excellent record in Australia. He’s a hardworking individual, which is exactly what we need at the start of the season.”We’re really excited to welcome Gabe and his family to Bristol in early April.”

Ian Wright and Roy Keane have shared a light-hearted joke at Laura Woods’ expense after learning that their fellow presenter is “fine” following her on-air collapse during ITV’s coverage of England’s friendly date with Ghana. Woods fell ill when looking ahead of the Lionesses’ clash at St Mary’s, with Arsenal legend Wright on hand to prevent her from tumbling to the ground.

• Woods collapsed during coverage of England vs Ghana

  Viewers were quick to air their concern and pass on well wishes after seeing Woods faint while chatting with Wright and Anita Asante as England prepared to face African opposition in Southampton. She was caught while falling forwards, with ITV cutting to an advertising break.

  Wright, who could be heard comforting Woods before the live coverage cut to commercials, admits that he was “worried” at the time. A positive update on Woods’ condition has since been delivered, allowing for some playful banter to take place.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Wright and Keane react to seeing colleague fall ill

  Ex-England striker Wright discussed the incident for the first time when joining former Manchester United stars Keane and Gary Neville on podcast, along with Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher and Lionesses legend Jill Scott.

  Wright said of Woods: “She’s fine. I got a message from her this morning. It was worrying at the time but she’s fine. People have been really nice about it. I’m glad she’s okay.” Scott added: “She said that she thinks she’s got a virus but it must have been horrible for that to happen, on live TV as well.”

  The panel said that Woods “would want” them to make light of the incident. Keane, who is also a regular on ITV Sport, did just that when saying to Wright: “I’m guessing she’s not the first woman to fall into your arms Ian. That’s just your knack. She’s okay and that’s all that matters, that’s the most important thing, obviously. You’ll get a knighthood or an award for that, Wrighty.”

• What 'embarrassed' Woods said about incident

  Woods’ fiance, former Love Island contestant Adam Collard, posted on social media shortly after seeing his partner collapse, assuring viewers that she was “ok” and “with the right people” as she started her recovery.

  Woods went on to tell her followers on Instagram, with Wright, Asante and her colleagues at ITV being thanked for looking after her: “Gosh that was a bit weird. Sorry to worry everyone, I’m ok, the wonderful paramedics at Saints have said it's probably a virus, just need a bit of rest and hydration.

  “I’m really embarrassed that happened on TV, but a big thank you to my colleagues at ITV who have really looked after me tonight. And to Wrighty and Neets for catching me and sorry again.”

  Katie Shanahan stepped in to replace Woods and told viewers: “As you have probably noticed we don’t have the wonderful Laura Woods because she’s just been taken ill but she’s in very good hands so I’m stepping in at late notice. She’s in really good hands and we’re wishing her a speedy recovery. We want to reassure you she is doing okay. We all send her our love.”

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• Getty
  

  Woods engaged to ex-Love Island star & mother to son Leo

  Woods is a regular on ITV when it comes to coverage of England’s Women’s team, having fronted their run to the 2023 World Cup final and triumphant Euro 2025 campaign. She also presents Champions League action on TNT Sports and has previously hosted a radio show on talkSPORT.

  She got engaged to fitness coach Collard in 2024, after he proposed on a beach in Cornwall, with their first child – a boy named Leo Ernie – being welcomed into the world in January. Woods returned to work in April but will now be taking in another short break as she prioritises her personal health.

  England emerged victorious in their clash with Ghana, as goals from Lucia Kendall and Alessia Russo saw them to a 2-0 win. Sarina Wiegman’s side will not be in action again until March, when they face Ukraine and Iceland in their opening games of 2027 World Cup qualification.

Last of eight deals is concluded as Surrey and Reliance confirm partnership for 2026 onwards

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Dec-2025Oval Invincibles, the most successful franchise in the Hundred, will be rebranded as MI London from 2026 onwards, after Surrey and Reliance Industries Limited concluded their protracted negotiations in the wake of this year’s equity sale.The name change brings the men’s and women’s teams in line with the rest of the Ambani family’s Mumbai Indians stable which, in addition to its flagship team in the IPL, includes MI Cape Town in the SA20, MI Emirates in the ILT20, MI New York in Major League Cricket, and Mumbai Indians women’s team in the WPL.The announcement marks the last of the eight deals that emerged from the ECB’s sale of equity stakes in the Hundred earlier this year, and comes almost five months after the first six of these were tied up. Reliance secured a 49 per cent stake in Oval Invincibles, having valued the franchise at £123 million – the second most expensive behind the Lord’s-based London Spirit, at £295 million.The delay in the announcement reflects a reluctance at Surrey to relinquish a brand identity that had tied the teams to their home ground at the Kia Oval, and which had delivered five titles in as many years of the competition – with the women completing back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022, before the men sealed their third win in as many years this summer, in their victory over Trent Rockets at Lord’s.However, Surrey chairman Oli Slipper acknowledged the strength of the MI brand in confirming the team’s rebranding, with its haul of 13 titles across competitions in the 17 years, including five IPL titles and at least one in every other competition in which it has competed.Akash Ambani, Mumbai Indians co-owner, chats to Jordan Cox after Oval Invincibles’ victory in the Hundred final•Philip Brown/Getty Images”We’re pleased to have reached an agreement with the Reliance team over our partnership in the Hundred franchise team,” Slipper said. “Reliance bring a significant depth of cricket and business expertise and have had great success with their franchise teams in India and around the world – there’s no doubt that they are here to win. They are passionate cricket people and together we will continue the success of our two teams.”We have worked very closely with Reliance over the name of the new team and believe that MI London will give us the best opportunity to build the fanbase at home and across the world. We also believe that the team brand will help to grow the commercial value of our franchise, in turn boosting investment into the long-term sustainable growth of Surrey and of cricket in our community.”Mrs Nita M. Ambani, co-owner of Mumbai Indians, said: “We are delighted to welcome MI London into the #OneFamily and take the MI legacy to new frontiers. London holds a special place in the heart of cricket, and we are honoured to be part of its rich heritage. Together with Surrey, we look forward to nurturing young talent, engaging diverse communities, and uniting fans through their shared love of the game.”Mr Akash Ambani added: “We are happy to welcome MI London into the #OneFamily, marking a new chapter in our journey of uniting cricket fans, nurturing talent, and growing the game across continents. The Invincibles’ winning record and spirit of excellence perfectly embody the MI ethos of passion, resilience, and teamwork. Building on our shared passion for cricket, we look forward to collaborating with our partners at Surrey CCC and building on the legacy of The Hundred’s most successful team.”The eight partnerships combined represent a valuation for the teams of over £975 million, with over £500 million is now set to be invested into English and Welsh cricket. This includes a £50 million commitment to grassroots cricket, with the remainder set to be distributed to professional counties.Vikram Banerjee, Managing Director, The Hundred, said: “It’s an exciting moment to now have all eight deals complete. The world-leading partners we now have on board will help us take The Hundred to the next level and establish it as the unmissable summer event.”We’re already working closely together as we aim to make the 2026 season of The Hundred the best yet. It’s also an important moment for the whole of the game in England and Wales, unlocking significant investment to support the game at every level.”