It would be fair to say that it’s not exactly the best time to be a West Ham United fan at the moment.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have lost their last three games and currently look on track to be relegated from the Premier League.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom as it’s still early in the season and the Hammers do have a number of very talented players in their squad.

Moreover, while they sold one of their star players, Mohammed Kudus, in the summer, the manager has another player who is far better than he’ll ever be, and it could even be said that it was the right decision to sell the Ghanaian.

Why selling Kudus was the right decision

Now, the first thing to say is that on his day, Kudus can be a real game-changer, and during his first campaign for West Ham, he was exactly that.

For example, across 45 appearances for the Irons in 23/24, he racked up an impressive tally of 14 goals and nine assists, which works out to a goal involvement every 1.95 games.

However, as many a West Ham fan will report, the former Ajax star was only a useful player to have when the going was good, as in challenging moments he’d often go missing entirely.

This is exactly what happened in his second season at the club.

For example, in 35 appearances across all competitions last season, the Accra-born international was only able to score five goals and provide four assists.

Appearances

45

35

Goals

14

5

Assists

9

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.51

0.25

That means his average dropped from a goal involvement every 1.95 games to one every 3.88 games, and worse yet, his fifth goal of the season came in the final league game against an already relegated Ipswich Town, when nothing was on the line.

Moreover, his underlying numbers were just as unimpressive, so he wasn’t just getting unlucky.

According to FBref, he only ranked in the top 32% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the league for shot-creating actions, the top 37% for non-penalty expected goals and progressive carries, the top 43% for touches in the opposition’s penalty area and more, all per 90.

In short, while he might have been useful this season, West Ham were probably smart to sell him for £55m, especially as Nuno has another more talented star who will give his all for the badge when things get tough.

The West Ham star miles better than Kudus

Now, West Ham do have a few players who could help them get out of trouble by the end of the season, including Lucas Paqueta, El Hadji Malick Diouf, and Mateus Fernandes.

Chalkboard

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

However, when it comes to the most important star of all, and the one who is still comfortably better than Kudus, it’s obviously Jarrod Bowen.

The modern legend has already cemented his name in club folklore with that Conference League Final-winning goal, but he continues to be the most dangerous attacker in the squad.

For example, since joining the Hammers in January 2020, the former Hull City ace has racked up a sensational tally of 77 goals and 53 assists in 248 games, averaging a goal involvement every 1.90 games.

Moreover, while Kudus was letting the fans down with his performances and output last season, the Englishman was picking up the slack and consistently delivering, scoring 14 goals and providing ten assists in 36 games, which is a goal involvement every 1.5 games.

What about this year, though? How does the Leominster-born star’s output stack up to the Ghanaian international’s?

Well, in 13 appearances for his new side, the former Hammer has scored one goal and provided five assists.

That comes out to a reasonably impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.16 games.

For his efforts, the Irons’ “unplayable” talisman, as dubbed by Thomas Frank, has scored three goals and provided two assists in ten appearances.

Appearances

10

13

Goals

3

1

Assists

2

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.50

0.46

Amazingly, that means that, despite playing for a team threatened with relegation, Bowen has maintained a better average of a goal involvement every other game.

Therefore, while Nuno might have been able to tune out of Kudus at West Ham, he already has a far better player at his disposal, and one that will fight to the end for him and the team.

Nuno must now finally ditch West Ham man who's "national league standard"

Nuno has to make some changes to save West Ham’s Premier League status, and one of them is to drop the poor performer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 28, 2025

England have been told to wrap Harry Kane in “cotton wool” from January in order to avoid any injuries that would deliver a World Cup nightmare. Former Three Lions striker Fraizer Campbell, in an exclusive interview with GOAL, admits that Thomas Tuchel would struggle to mount a serious challenge for global glory if his talismanic captain were to be unavailable.

• Record breaker: Kane a talisman for club & country

  Kane has not steered clear of treatment tables over the course of his career, but has been able to avoid the most serious of setbacks. That has allowed him to become a record-setting performer at domestic and international level.

  He is Tottenham’s all-time leading scorer and holds a similar record with England, having found the target for them on 76 occasions through 110 appearances. He fills the armband for his country and has guided them to back-to–back European Championship finals.

  Heartache has been suffered there, but Kane did break his trophy duck when becoming a Bundesliga title winner with Bayern Munich in 2024-25. At 32 years of age, he now has his sights set on more major honours.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  Injury worry: Could England win World Cup without Kane?

  The expectation is that he will be England’s No.9 at next summer’s World Cup, having shown no sign of slowing down and with few alternative options breathing down his neck. If the Three Lions are to roar in 2026, then Kane will be required to lead from the front.

  Campbell admits as much, with the ex-Spurs forward – speaking via Stake, where you can get Bundesliga odds – telling GOAL when asked if England could prevail without Kane: “It’s a difficult one. You have got [Ollie] Watkins, who is a quality player but he’s not in the same bracket as Harry Kane yet. It would be an issue.

  “We have got a lot of good, technical 10s who could potentially play higher up the pitch like a false nine. [Marcus] Rashford has played No.9 before and he’s doing well this season. It would be a big miss for us, but we would have to cope somehow. Maybe come the start of next year we just wrap him in cotton wool and tell him not to play too much for Bayern!”

• Goal centurion: Can prolific Kane emulate Messi & Ronaldo?

  Kane is being backed to play on for some time yet, with former England striker Emile Heskey telling GOAL when asked if one of the most fearsome frontmen on the planet could emulate Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo by reaching 100 international goals: “Why not? He’s a goalscorer, that’s what he prides his game on – getting goals. A lot of people say he’s got to do this and this, but when your numbers stack up the way that his do, you kind of look past a lot of it.

  “When you look at the way that he plays, and it’s about looking after your body – if he can have the right diet, the right rest, which is a key thing when you look at the amount of games and the intensity of the games, the key thing is can he get enough rest and get recuperated for the next game. He’ll be fine. I played to 38, it wasn’t at that level as I was in the Championship – which is actually quite relentless with Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday-Tuesday – but he’ll cope fine.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  More tournaments: Will Kane play on beyond 2026 World Cup?

  Ex-England captain Stuart Pearce also told GOAL when quizzed on whether Kane has more major tournaments left in him: “He’s got another World Cup in him next summer, then you are looking two years beyond that. He’ll be a 35-year-old.

  “He is incredibly professional. His game is not based on blistering speed. I see no reason at all to bow out. I saw Teddy Sheringham wheeling it out late on in his career. Teddy played with his head and I think Harry Kane does as well. I see no problem going forward. The big question mark will be, who’s coming along to dislodge him? At the moment, I’m not seeing anyone that is consistent enough.”

  Kane is the only recognised striker to have been selected by Thomas Tuchel in the latest England squad. With tickets to the 2026 World Cup already safely secured, the Three Lions are readying themselves for final qualification fixtures against Serbia and Albania.

West Ham United are now plotting a 2026 move to sign Quinten Timber, according to reports, with the Dutchman set to become available as a free agent when next summer arrives.

Those at the London Stadium would have breathed an almighty sigh of relief when Nuno Espirito Santo’s side defeated Newcastle United last week. The Hammers have looked on a one-way course towards the Championship all season, but victory over the Magpies should give Nuno’s tenure lift off at last.

This Saturday’s clash against Burnley is now West Ham’s most important game of the campaign so far. Victory would see them move level on points with the Clarets and potentially just outside the relegation zone on goal difference. Within the space of two weeks, the Hammers’ season could be handed a major lifeline.

Ahead of the relegation six-pointer, Nuno provided early team news and updates on both Niclas Fullkrug and Konstantinos Mavrapanos, who could be making a return sooner rather than later.

The West Ham boss also took the time to praise young midfielder Freddie Potts, who has been one of few bright sparks at the club this season, saying: “He played really really good. He had a fantastic match.

“His actions were accurate, and he balanced the team in the middle of the park. He’s played a lot of games on loan, and he is a good option for us. We’re here to help him improve.”

West Ham have a 16-year-old goal crazy star who could be their next Potts

The promising academy star could be another Potts for West Ham United and Nuno.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 6, 2025

The academy graduate looks like the future of West Ham’s midfield and could yet be joined by Dutch talent Timber in 2026.

West Ham plotting move to sign Timber

According to reports in Spain, West Ham are now plotting a move to sign Quinten Timber – the twin brother of Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber – in 2026. The defender’s contract is on course to expire at Feyenoord in the summer, handing the Hammers and others in the Premier League the chance to land a bargain deal should they please.

Meanwhile, if they want to land the Dutchman before the summer, then Feyenoord could reportedly accept a deal worth around just €20m (£17m) in what would be an undeniable bargain.

Described as a “superb signing” by scout Jacek Kulig in 2023, Feyenoord could now lose Timber for free when the summer arrives. West Ham, meanwhile, could land a player who can play defensive midfield, attacking midfield and centre-back.

West Ham flop looks finished after Potts emergence

The West Indies batter has had an extraordinary year in the format, and looks set to go further, faster

Philip Spooner14-Nov-2024Nicholas Pooran arrived at Kensington Oval on Sunday afternoon fully prepped for the second T20I against England, his 100th international in the format. He gave thanks for another day to showcase his flamboyant batting, knowing there was a time when it seemed like he might never play again.”It’s what I love to do. I just love playing cricket, it’s what I wanted to do from a child and I get to live my dream,” he said.”Everyone knows my story: when I had the accident [in 2015], when many people felt I would never play cricket again. At the time I felt playing cricket again was impossible. When I recovered in the hospital the first thing I asked was if I would be able to play cricket again.”Now I’m on both feet and I enjoy everything I do for West Indies cricket and for the fans who come to see me play. I play for them. When the fans are around that is when the magic happens. There was a time during the pandemic when we had no fans [in the stands]… that felt strange. I always give thanks for my blessings. Having represented West Indies in my 100th T20I is a special feeling… I feel like I can play a hundred more.”Hearing the West Indies anthem and seeing the fans celebrating West Indies cricket is what makes me happy. As a little boy growing up, I used to love to see Brian Lara and hearing Ian Bishop’s voice on TV, that’s what I enjoyed as a young fan… so that inspired me.”Related

Pooran: 'One bad season is not going to change the player I am' (2022)

Pooran: 'The complete T20 batsman can bat at 135, 140 and 200 SR'

How Nicholas Pooran came back from the brink (2017)

Off the cricket field, Pooran is soft-spoken, mild-mannered and engaging. On it, he is vocal and demonstrative behind the stumps with the gloves on and sensational in front of the stumps with bat in hand.Ahead of the England series, he had scored 2251 T20 runs at an average of 45 and a strike rate of 161 in 67 innings in 2024 – a record for most T20 runs in a calendar year. His 165 sixes is also 65 more than the next highest batter on the 2024 list.”In the last 14 months I have been playing really well and winning games. Everything is happening nicely. I’m still pretty young and I believe I still have a lot of cricket left in me.”There is a still a lot I want to accomplish, there is still a lot to win. I believe this is the start for me… I will remain humble, and I will remain grounded and be the best version of myself. I want to continue to put smiles on the faces of my fans.”Sunday was a bit of a blip on this otherwise stellar year of performances. As far as landmarks go, this one was not marked by anything memorable or marvellous. There was no signature special edition “Pooran” jersey with “100” emblazoned on his back, and he did not send the colourful crowd into a frenzy with his 14 off 23 balls in an seven-wicket defeat to England, which put West Indies on the back foot, trailing 0-2 in the five-match series.Eight years ago in the UAE, Pooran made a slow start to his career and recorded scores of 5, 4 and 16 against a potent Pakistan attack. He was the rookie in the camp, but he was surrounded by a wealth of experience, including Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Samuel Badree and Sunil Narine — and he learned the ropes quickly.”It was my first match, and I was delighted to get my first cap from the team manager, Joel Garner. Everyone made me feel at home in the West Indies dressing room, and I felt that my journey started.”I wanted to be a household name. I wanted people to want to watch me bat. Whether it’s 7 o’clock in the night or 4 o’clock in the morning. I wanted to put smiles on people’s faces. I want to continue to share the talent I have been blessed with from my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

A new update has emerged regarding Vitor Pereira’s potential replacement at Wolves, with the club eyeing a cheap alternative option to him if he is sacked.

The Old Gold have suffered a dire start to the 2025/26 Premier League season, picking up just two points from nine matches and sitting rooted to the bottom of the table. Their only points have been draws away to Tottenham and at home to Brighton.

After a promising period in charge last season, Pereira now finds himself battling to save his job, with the manager having to be dragged away from the supporters after last weekend’s dramatic 3-2 defeat at home to Burnley, and asking for their support after the game.

“We understand the frustration of the people and supporters but what I must say, if we fight united with them, we can win games and compete and achieve our targets – without them, it is impossible. If we win two or three games in a row, things will change.”

Potential replacements for Pereira have already been mentioned, including Brendan Rodgers, who left Celtic earlier this week after a disappointing start to the season, and who may like the idea of a return to the Premier League.

On Saturday afternoon, Wolves make the trip to Fulham, with defeat at Craven Cottage potentially proving to be the final nail in the coffin for the Wanderers boss.

Wolves have cheap managerial plan to replace Pereira

According to Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke, Wolves “would hope to find an out-of-work manager” to replace Pereira in charge, should he be relieved of his duties in the near future.

The Premier League strugglers “will be looking for a cheap option” instead of “poaching a manager from another club”, and Wanderers “would prefer not to pay the compensation fee needed to release a working boss from their current contract”. That’s partly due to Pereira getting a big payout if he is sacked.

There is plenty of sense in this approach by Wolves, rather than bringing in a manager who is already in charge elsewhere, immediately making it a more expensive venture.

Related Wolves targeting Brendan Rodgers amid doubts about Vitor Pereira

The Old Gold have made a very poor start to the season.

Posts 2 ByDominic Lund Oct 29, 2025

Ideally, though, Pereira will turn things around at Molineux, overcoming this dreadful start to mastermind a great recovery as the seasons goes on.

Wolves targeting Brendan Rodgers amid doubts about Vitor Pereira

Sadly, that feels unlikely at the moment, with Wolves’ performances so disappointing on a regular basis, and the fact that a chunk of the fanbase has already turned on him feels like the writing is on the wall.

In Rodgers, Wolves could have a good option to bring in, with the Northern Irishman proving himself in the Premier League in the past, not least coming so close to winning the title with Liverpool back in 2013/14, playing some stunning attacking football along the way.

Dilara Akter, Jannatul Ferdus and Ishma Tanjim have been left out

Mohammad Isam23-Aug-2025Bangladesh have brought two teenagers into their squad for the Women’s World Cup, which the BCB announced on Saturday. They are Nishita Akter, the 17-year-old offspinner, and the 19-year-old batter Sumaiya Akter. Both were part of Bangladesh’s team at the Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia in February.Bangladesh have also picked the 28-year-old keeper-batter Rubya Haider, who has played six T20Is but is yet to make her ODI debut.Between them, these three relative new faces have played three ODIs and seven T20Is, and none of them has played for the senior Bangladesh side in 2025.Related

• WI's historic chase ends in heartbreak as Bangladesh seal World Cup spot

The selectors have offloaded Dilara Akter, Jannatul Ferdus and Ishma Tanjim from Bangladesh’s most recent squad, which played in the World Cup Qualifier in April. Bangladesh qualified from that tournament ahead of West Indies by a net-run-rate margin of just 0.013, but they haven’t played any international matches since then.Recently, the squad has played a number of matches against Bangladesh’s Under-15 boys side as preparation for the World Cup.Women’s chief selector Sajjad Ahmed was excited by the addition of the three young players. He said Rubya, who has played six T20Is, will be the squad’s back-up opener and wicketkeeper behind captain Nigar Sultana.”Rubya has earned her place through sheer hard work,” he said. “Her development over the last six months has been outstanding. We see her as a valuable option both as a reserve keeper and a back-up opener.”Nishita is still young, but she bowls with great maturity. She is consistent, calm under pressure and her ability to contain left-handers gave her an edge. We believe this experience will serve her well and add depth to our spin attack.”Sajjad added that Sumaiya’s patience would be an asset to the side, and her fielding a bonus. “Sumaiya has been knocking on the door for some time. She brings the ability to occupy the crease and accelerate when needed. With her skillset and fielding standards, she gives us an all-round option in the top order.”Apart from these three, the squad wears a familiar look with Nahida Akter as vice-captain to Nigar, and the likes of Fargana Hoque, Fahima Khatun and Marufa Akter bringing the experience that Bangladesh hope will cover for their recent lack of match practice.Bangladesh are scheduled to open their World Cup campaign against Pakistan in Colombo on October 2. India are the hosts of the tournament, with Colombo hosting all of Pakistan’s matches.

Bangladesh squad for Women’s World Cup 2025

Nigar Sultana (capt), Nahida Akter, Fargana Hoque, Rubya Haider, Sharmin Akhter, Sobhana Mostary, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Fariha Trisna, Sanjida Akter, Nishita Akter, Sumaiya Akter.
IN: Rubya Haider, Nishita Akter, Sumaiya Akter
OUT: Dilara Akter (wk), Jannatul Ferdus, Ishma Tanjim

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians promoveu uma verdadeira revolução em seu elenco nesta janela de transferências. Após lutar contra o descenso à Série B na última temporada, a diretoria do Timão, encabeçada por Augusto Melo, contratou 11 atletas, de diferentes setores, e conseguiu cumprir uma das principais promessas da nova gestão: reforçar e rejuvenescer o plantel.

continua após a publicidade

➡️ Tudo sobre o Timão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Corinthians

Cinco desses atletas já são titulares da equipe comandada por António Oliveira. Félix Torres, contratado junto ao Santos Laguna (México), forma a dupla de zaga titular ao lado de Gustavo Henrique, que chegou sem custos ao clube do Parque São Jorge após rescindir seu contrato com o Valladolid (Espanha).

Na lateral-esquerda, dois reforços concorrem pela vaga entre os onze iniciais. Hugo, conhecido por suas habilidades defensivas, contou com a lesão de Palacios – em sua partida de estreia com a camisa do Timão – para “vencer” a disputa.

continua após a publicidade

O meio-campo foi completamente reestruturado. Renato Augusto e Giuliano, dispensados pelo Corinthians, deram lugar a Rodrigo Garro e Raniele. A dupla se adaptou instantaneamente e passou a ditar o ritmo da equipe, que pressiona seus rivais com maior eficácia.

O setor ofensivo é o único que não conta com novidades entre os titulares. Em grande fase, Yuri Alberto atua como a referência do time, que conta com o jovem Wesley na ponta esquerda, e Romero na direita.

continua após a publicidade

No entanto, o trio tem a “sombra” de Pedro Raul e Pedro Henrique. O camisa 20, assim como Palacios, teve sua adaptação retardada em razão de uma lesão muscular, mas, diferente do lateral, já retornou aos gramados e foi fundamental na vitória do Timão diante do Santo André. Pedro Henrique, por sua vez, é visto atualmente pela comissão técnica como o reserva imediato para ambas as pontas.

CONFIRA TODAS AS CONTRATAÇÕES DO CORINTHIANS NESTA JANELA DE TRANSFERÊNCIAS

Cacá – zagueiroFélix Torres – zagueiroGustavo Henrique – zagueiroMatheuzinho – lateral-direitoHugo – lateral-esquerdo Palacios – lateral-esquerdoCoronado – meio-campoGarro – meio-campoRaniele – meio-campoPedro Henrique – atacantePedro Raul – atacante

Tudo sobre

CorinthiansFutebol NacionalMercado

Ten T20I defeats in a row couldn’t sway resilient team from sticking to their guns in emphatic win

Shashank Kishore04-Oct-2024Sophie Devine had to scream her lungs out to get Maddy Green’s attention at long-off. She was unhappy with Green’s positioning and implored her to move a few yards to her right. The move was partly instinctive as much it was down to an understanding of Smriti Mandhana’s strengths, having played with her in the Women’s Premier League.Four balls into Eden Carson’s second over, the ploy was rewarded when Mandhana tempted fate and holed out to long-off. And just like that, Mandhana’s plans of playing a shot she scores a lot of runs off, especially early on against spin, were nipped in the bud.Devine revealed the plan for Mandhana was one among many that New Zealand put together for this World Cup opener, and while the results had been slow to come to fruition over the course of the previous year, what had remained was their steadfast belief in their methods.”Look, to be honest, we’ve been planning for this game for about, I don’t know, probably close to a year,” Devine said. “We’ve been really focused on this one game for a long time now, and the level of detail that we’ve gone into, in terms of match-ups, field settings, obviously it helps having played a little bit in the WPL.”It’s all well and good to have plans. If the bowlers can’t execute it, it doesn’t mean anything. But I thought the bowlers were outstanding. We were really clear around what plans we wanted to use and how we wanted to use them, and for them to execute and to pick up wickets regularly is something that I was really proud of. It’s a pretty cool feeling to have plans executed, and to be rewarded for it.”One of those plans that Devine touched upon, it seemed, was bowling a heavy ball. On a Dubai surface where the dew didn’t come on as anticipated, the ball was gripping more than a hint. And Lea Tahuhu showed the value of hitting hard lengths. The wickets of Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma were reward for that unwavering discipline.Tahuhu’s natural swing, courtesy of her slingy action, tends to take the ball away. While she isn’t the tallest bowler in the game, she has worked previously with Jacob Oram, the former New Zealand allrounder turned bowling coach, on a slower bouncer to complement her hard lengths.Friday’s plan was confirmation of the extent to which the players have bought into the team’s methods, without being swayed by the uncertainty that a series of insipid results, including 10 successive T20I losses, can bring.”I think a word that got used today when we were presenting our jerseys was ‘resilient’ and, when I think of resilient people, I think of Leah,” Devine said. “She’s obviously been in and out of the side, she’s battled through injuries, she’s obviously got a young family now, and [she showed] her ability to just keep bouncing back and then to perform in pressure situations like she did today.Related

• Bates banking on familiarity and 'great mind space' in trans-Tasman clash

• New Zealand shoot India out for 102 amid high drama to script big win

• Harmanpreet & Co left fuming after Amelia Kerr run-out-that-wasn't drama

• Rodrigues on batting at No. 5: 'I'm working on going all out from the first ball'

• Harmanpreet set to end India's No. 3 roulette at T20 World Cup

“As a captain it’s a real privilege to be able to throw her the ball and know that she’s going to fight tooth and nail to do whatever she can for this team. And people like that are so important in a team environment, because that mongrel spirit is infectious and I thought she’s been great today. Long may it continue.”The brightest example of New Zealand’s spirit is Georgia Plimmer who was backed to open despite a horror run of form all through the summer. She made 26 runs in four innings during a winless England tour and had just one not-so-fluent half-century in the final T20I of an otherwise forgettable Australia tour.A T20I strike-rate that had been just a nudge above 84 revealed more than an inkling of struggle in the Powerplay. It may have been prudent for Devine to move up herself, but the New Zealand captain laid out what she termed a succession plan, for when she and Suzie Bates eventually decide to move on.One of those plans was to back Plimmer to find her feet in the pressure of international cricket. And on Friday, she launched a powerplay salvo that rattled India. In the context of her career and the match, Plimmer’s 23-ball 34 up top was worth so much more, even though there were other batters, such as Devine herself, whose unbeaten 36-ball 57 looks the more significant on the scorecard.”The cricket gods decided to be with us today and sometimes that’s all it is, isn’t it?,” Devine asked. “Sometimes you get a lucky bounce, sometimes you get, you know … a catch goes in the gap. I don’t think it’s through lack of effort, it’s not through lack of trying, it’s not through lack of preparation, I think it’s just sometimes the way cricket is.”So, I’m just really proud of this group to keep sticking at it, to keep believing in themselves. Trust me, we’ve been copping stuff from all over the place about the batting order, and I hope today shows exactly why we’ve been sticking with it for the last 12-18 months, because we believe in this batting order.”We believe in the openers, we believe in Melie [Amelia Kerr], and we believe in myself and the rest of the group. So hopefully that’s brought us a little bit of breathing space, but we know that it’s on us now to make sure that we back it up.”In a way, New Zealand played like a team that wasn’t burdened by the same expectations as India. Neither are they bound by history. Devine admits theirs is a transition that has loomed for longer than expected, which they’re trying to address in the best possible way.All told, New Zealand played like a team that would’ve embraced delight and dejection in equal measure, provided they didn’t deviate from plans that had been in the making for a while. And when the spotlight was on them on a grand stage against a more fancied opponent, they conjured magic to sting their opponents like few defeats in recent memory.

Zak Crawley has revealed that he “loved” his role in the timewasting row at Lord’s and sensed “a good chance” to rile India by playing pantomime villain after his 84 laid the foundations for England’s strong response in Manchester.Crawley was told to “grow some f***ing balls” by Shubman Gill, India’s captain, as he successfully ran the clock down on the third evening at Lord’s, and the pair later pointed fingers at one another in a heated exchange. Gill attempted to reignite the tension between the sides by accusing England of breaching “the spirit of the game”, a charge which Crawley shrugged off.”I’ve always enjoyed that part of cricket, to be honest, especially when you’re batting,” he said. “There’s two of you against eleven and they’re desperate to get you out, and they’re chirping you.”Most of the time, I’d probably let it slide, and then other times, I feel like it’s a good chance to put it back on them. I loved that little eight-minute passage. No-one stepped over the line. I thought everyone was in good spirits. It was just competitive cricket, and I really enjoyed it.”Related

• When left is right for Jofra Archer

• 'England openers came out 90 seconds late' – Gill on Lord's sledging

• Pant bats with fractured foot to add crucial runs at Old Trafford

• Pant suffers foot fracture, set to miss remainder of series

Asked whether he had intentionally arrived at the crease late, as Gill suggested, Crawley said: “No, no. Not at all. I sit in my spot [in the dressing room] until the umpires go out. I saw the umpires go, and I walked out. I wasn’t aware that we were 90 seconds late, but fair enough.”Crawley’s 84 on Thursday was his second half-century of the series and came after scores of 19, 0, 18 and 22 in the second and third Tests. He hit 124 against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge in May, but this was his highest score against a World Test Championship opposition since his 189 against Australia two years ago, also at Emirates Old Trafford.”I have high standards for myself, and I work very hard in my game,” he said. “I always want more for myself, and I’ve certainly wanted more for myself than I’ve got in the last year or so. That’s just an internal thing. I don’t feel that pressure from anyone else.”I just feel like I owe it to myself to have a few more good performances. Days like today make the practice and the tougher times worth it a bit more. Obviously, I wanted more runs today, but I feel like I’ve worked hard and earned those runs.”2:17

Crawley: ‘Owe it to myself to have a few good performances’

Crawley said that he had worked hard on trying to stay “relaxed” at the crease after a series of “half-hearted” dismissals in the series. “Sometimes you’re looking for something a little bit too much… It looks too aggressive, but in my mind, actually, I was like, ‘Too half-hearted.’ I was pleased today that when it was there to hit, I put my hands through it.”He explained that he had taken deep breaths before facing up several times throughout his innings to “take the tension out” of his body, conscious of his poor recent form. “It’s hard: the big crowds, haven’t had loads of runs of late, you get a bit tense. I always play my best when I’m really relaxed,” Crawley said.”There are little things, little triggers that you have in the middle that make you feel relaxed, whether it be walking slower or anything like that… I certainly didn’t do it as well at Edgbaston. I was absolutely knackered when we were batting there, so it was pretty hard to feel sharp. But I did it much better today, and I was happy about that.”Crawley eventually fell to Ravindra Jadeja, well caught by KL Rahul at slip, after adding 166 for the first wicket with Ben Duckett. It was their fifth 100-plus stand as an opening pair and the second of the series, and Crawley said that he was more than happy to let Duckett – who made 94 – be “the leader” of their partnership.”He’s a phenomenal player and he takes a lot of pressure off me,” Crawley said. “He scores at a run-a-ball effortlessly, and it allows you to go about your business. We talk a lot in the middle about how we want to go about it, and obviously our height difference – and being left-right-hand – probably makes it quite hard for the bowlers at times, when we’re both going well at either end.”

Manchester United have improved drastically in the forward areas this season, though they could now be prepared to offer a platform for Real Madrid star Endrick to shine ahead of the World Cup if circumstances align.

Benjamin Sesko has endured a mixed time since joining the Red Devils. Two goals in 11 matches haven’t exactly set the house on fire, though he has been an impressive presence within build-up play under Ruben Amorim.

Nevertheless, his recent performances have not escaped Gary Neville’s attention, who told NBC Sports that the ‘jury is out’ on whether he will be the right fit through the middle long-term.

He said: “I’m no further forward with him. The jury is out. He’s well off it compared to the other summer signings that Man United made up front in Cunha and Mbeumo.

“He looks awkward, he had a couple of really good opportunities in the first half – when balls got played over the top. And his touch wasn’t quite right.”

Quite clearly, Sesko has the potential to come good. Other than him, Joshua Zirkzee has had limited minutes at Manchester United this season, and he is now reportedly in the sights of Everton with the World Cup taking place next summer.

At this point, it is unclear whether he will be allowed to leave in January. If he is permitted to go, the Red Devils will likely target another forward to pick up the shortfall for the second half of the campaign, even temporarily.

As the transfer window draws closer, Manchester United may now have a plan in place to land a world-renowned talent to bolster their attacking options.

Man Utd target Endrick tells agent he wants loan from Real Madrid

According to The Daily Star, Manchester United target Endrick has told his agents that he will seek a loan move in January, with the only way of that being likely to change if his minutes improve at Real Madrid.

The Brazil international has been frozen out by Xabi Alonso and has played in a single match this season. Aston Villa have also come to the table if uncertainty over his future is set to linger.

Endrick since joining Real Madrid

Appearances

38

Goals

7

Assists

1

West Ham United and Juventus have been mentioned in dispatches as alternative suitors, with the 19-year-old fearful that a lack of games may prohibit his chances of going to next year’s World Cup.

In the scenario where any deal is concluded to send Endrick on loan, Real Madrid want his next club to pay his wages in full for the duration of a spell away from the Spanish capital.

Man Utd are also pushing hard to sign an England international

Mid-season always promised to be an important time of year at Old Trafford, and it now remains to be seen whether they can secure the youngster in a deal that would make headlines across the world.