Amy Jones aced the chase after New Zealand’s batters had a disappointing outing

Valkerie Baynes26-Oct-2025

Amy Jones celebrates her fifty with Heather Knight•ICC/Getty Images

England 172 for 2 (Jones 86*, Beaumont 40) beat New Zealand 168 (Plimmer 43, Smith 3-30, Sciver-Brunt 2-31, Capsey 2-34) by eight wicketsAn injury to key bowler Sophie Ecclestone proved no barrier for England as Amy Jones overhauled a meagre target to send New Zealand out of the World Cup with a heavy defeat.Ecclestone injured her bowling shoulder while fielding and sent down just four deliveries, including a wicket, before England bundled New Zealand out for 168 inside 39 overs in their final group game.Her fellow left-arm spinner, Linsey Smith, overcame a difficult start to capture three wickets while part-time off-spinner Alice Capsey and seamer Nat Sciver-Brunt took two each before Jones’s unbeaten 86 took England home with ease.Related

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The result meant that England secured the No. 2 spot behind Australia, meaning that in the unlikely event of their semi-final against South Africa being washed out in Guwahati on Wednesday and on the subsequent reserve day, they would progress on the basis of holding a superior position on the table.It also ensured there would be no fairytale farewell for New Zealand captain Sophie Devine, who has played her last ODI in a match where New Zealand’s batters collectively failed convert starts and their bowlers struggled to put dents in England’s top-order.On the face of it, England had an easy ride into their semi-final campaign, but Ecclestone’s injury was cause for concern and they had to overcome a wayward start with the ball and in the field while their re-jigged middle-order went untested.The openers Jones and Tammy Beaumont broke the back of the run chase with a 75-run partnership and Jones combined with Heather Knight for an 83-run stand that took England within 11 runs of victory.England’s top four have all scored runs at this tournament, with Knight and Sciver-Brunt posting centuries and Beaumont and Jones reaching fifty before this game. Down the order they brought in the vastly experienced Danni Wyatt-Hodge for her first match of the tournament, replacing Emma Lamb who has struggled at No. 6.Knight’s dismissal, lbw to Devine for 33, prompted England to send Wyatt-Hodge in at No. 4 ahead of Sciver-Brunt to give her some exposure in the middle ahead of the knockout phase, although it was limited as she faced seven deliveries for 2 not out.Sophie Devine waves farewell after her final ODI•ICC/Getty Images

Beaumont raced to 26 off 20 balls, with four of her five boundaries up to that point coming in one Jess Kerr over. Back-to-back fours off Amelia Kerr put Beaumont in touching distance of 40 but, once she arrived there, she was struck on the pad by a Lea Tahuhu nip-backer right in line with middle stump.Knight carved the next ball expertly through backward point for four and, having overturned an lbw dismissal to New Zealand’s bemusement as Melie Kerr’s delivery was shown to be going over the stumps, Knight advanced down the pitch to power a huge six over long on in her next over.All the while, Jones had been steadily creeping towards her half-century with excellent timing and she brought up the milestone with six off Suzie Bates. Jones upped the tempo and helped herself to three fours in a row off Rosemary Mair before eventually bringing up the winning runs with consecutive boundaries off Devine, who left the field through a guard of honour from both teams.Earlier, Ecclestone took a tumble trying to intercept a boundary from Bates off the second ball of the match and jarred her shoulder after running from mid-off to chase Capsey’s misfield at extra cover.Bates only managed to reach 10 before spooning a waist-high full toss from Smith straight to mid-off where Lamb stood as a substitute for Ecclestone.Struggling to grip the new ball, Smith continued to serve up some wayward lengths and, after Bates had failed to capitalise, Kerr did with four boundaries on the trot as she set about rebuilding through a 68-run partnership alongside Georgia Plimmer.Sophie Ecclestone picked a wicket in the four deliveries she bowled before going off with injury•Getty Images

With Smith pulled from the attack and Ecclestone still off the field having her injury assessed, Capsey entered to make a crucial strike as Kerr sought to go big down the ground and picked out Charlie Dean, who then struck with the first ball of the next over, pinning Plimmer on the pad for 43 as England wrested back control.Ecclestone returned briefly to remove Brooke Halliday, caught by Sophia Dunkley at deep midwicket, but then Dunkley bowled the remaining two balls of the over as Ecclestone, feeling more discomfort in her shoulder, left the field for the remainder of the innings.So it fell to Devine to make one last stand with the bat, even more so when Capsey took an excellent diving catch off her own bowling to remove Maddy Green – although she dropped another off Izzy Gaze next ball – but it wasn’t to be. Devine managed 23 off 35 before she strode forward to a Sciver-Brunt off-cutter which kissed the inside edge before landing in the glove of wicketkeeper Jones.Smith returned in the 29th over and, more comfortable with the worn ball, removed Gaze playing around a slow, full delivery that angled in to hit the top of off stump.Sciver-Brunt grabbed her second wicket by pinning Mair lbw and Jess Kerr was run out by a good throw from Dean at extra cover to Jones to put New Zealand on the brink of being bowled out. Dean finished it with a superb catch over her shoulder while running back at mid-off to remove Tahuhu and give Smith her third.

Former Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker has been forced to defend himself from ridicule following the release of a video online that shows him holidaying in Mexico. The clip in question sees the ex-England international walking down the street with a woman, with many – including far-right activist Tommy Robinson – jumping to the wrong conclusion.

What Robinson said on social media

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was among the first to share the video of Lineker on social media. It had been taken by a fellow holidaymaker in Mexico and shows the 65-year-old former Three Lions striker out and about with a female companion who was unidentified at that point.

Robinson, who has been quick to question some of Lineker’s behaviour in the past – especially his views on political matters – reposted the video in question on his accounts and asked: “What are you up to here @GaryLineker?” He was insinuating that Lineker was enjoying the company of somebody who he should not have been.

AdvertisementHow Lineker responded

The passer-by who filmed the original clip posed a similar question to the ex-BBC Sport host before advising him to “enjoy his holiday”. Lineker has been left bemused by the entire saga, which he has been forced to explain.

Responding to Robinson, who he has once again accused of stirring up unnecessary “hatred”, Lineker said: “If you must know, I was going to a chemist with my daughter-in-law, to get some medicine for her unwell husband….my son. Hatred is a dreadful weakness.”

Lineker went on to share a post suggesting that Robinson had “thrown his followers under the bus by inciting them to recirculate libellous claims”.

Lineker has clashed with Robinson supporters

The son that Lineker is referring to is 31-year-old Harry. He got married to partner Bella at a luxurious ceremony in the summer of 2025 that took place on the Mediterranean island of Ibiza. He has seemingly been feeling under the weather while taking in another trip to the sunshine.

His brother, George, also felt the need to respond to Robinson and efforts to spread idle gossip. He said in a social media post of his own, which included a laughing emoji: “It’s his daughter-in-law you f*cking idiot.”

This is not the first time that Lineker has clashed with outspoken Robinson and his supporters. He has previously admitted to being “elbowed in the back” by a “little old lady” who was on her way to one of Yaxley-Lennon’s rallies.

He has also been told, in a face-to-face confrontation, that he “hated Britain” after speaking out on matters that he believes in. Lineker has said of those that he clashes with: “It’s the same lot every time. It’s the same people.”

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Getty Images SportLineker left BBC role in May 2025

Lineker confirmed back in May that he would be leaving his role with the BBC – which included 25 years in the Match of the Day hotseat. He had faced criticism for sharing a social media post that included a rat illustration, which has been used to represent Jewish people in antisemitic propaganda.

Lineker said in a statement: "Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio. I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years. As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for. However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”

Lineker walked away from his presenting post on Match of the Day when the 2024-25 Premier League campaign came to a close. The man who earned 80 caps for England in his playing days, scoring 48 goals, is still a host of ‘The Rest Is Football’ podcast alongside fellow former Three Lions stars Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.

علق أحمد حسن مدير منتخب مصر الثاني، على أزمة تصريحات أحمد عاطف مهاجم الفراعنة، بعد استبعاده من القائمة المشاركة ببطولة كأس العرب لصالح زميله مروان حمدي.

وتنطلق بطولة كأس العرب 2025 في الأول من ديسمبر المقبل وتنتهي في الثامن عشر من نفس الشهر بمشاركة 16 منتخبًا.

وقال أحمد حسن في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “الكأس” القطرية: “نحن نحرص على لاعبينا، ودائمًا نكون حريصين لأنهم في الأول والآخر أخواتُنا قبل أن يكونوا لاعبين يمثّلون مصر، ونحرص على أن يَخرج اللاعب بصورة جيدة، لكن يمكن أحمد عاطف أنا تفاجأت بصراحة بكمّ التصريحات التي قيلت، ولم يكن لها أي داع إطلاقًا، لأننا كنّا نرغب في أن يستمر معنا، كنّا نرغب في أن يظل موجودًا”.

طالع.. أحمد عاطف لـ “بطولات”: جهاز المنتخب أجرى فحوصات لإثبات إصابتي دون علمي

وتابع: “نحن بالمناسبة لدينا لاعب آخر اسمه إسلام سمير لاعب الاتحاد السكندري، متواجد معنا، وكان موجودًا لأننا كنّا كذلك في المعسكر، ولا قدّر الله لو حدثت إصابات لأي لاعب، كنا سنُجري استبدالًا آخر، لأن في كرة القدم، قد تحدث أي مشكلات؛ قد يُصاب لاعب بمزق، قد يُستبعد لثلاثة أسابيع، وبالتالي لا يكون حاضرًا في البطولة”.

وواصل: “أنا حزين طبعًا، لأنني تحدثت مع أحمد عاطف، وكابتن حلمي طولان قبّل رأسه اليوم صباحًا وقال له (أنت معنا، وأنت مثل أي لاعب، وهذا موقف فقط)”.

وأردف: “كابتن حلمي أبلغه أن مروان حمدي لاعب معنا منذ ثلاثة أشهر في كل المباريات والمناسبات وكل المعسكرات، ومتواجد معنا، ونعتمد عليه، أقصد أننا لم نُقصّر مع أحمد عاطف”.

وأشار: “لكن فوجئنا بسيل من التصريحات بدون إذن، وبدون أن يرجع إلينا، وأنا أرى أنه إن كان أساء، فهو لم يُسِء لمنتخب مصر، بل أساء لنفسه بهذه التصريحات، لأنه كذلك يؤثّر على زملائه وعلى منتخب مصر بشكل عام”.

وزاد: “سأقول إنها قلة خبرة، وسأقول إنه ربما كان حزينًا، وهذا أمر طبيعي بالمناسبة، وقد جلستُ معه، والحضري جلس معه، وكابتن حلمي جلس معه، لأنه واحد من إخواتنا أيضًا، وكان يجب أن نوضّح له الأمور بشكل جيد، وكان من المفترض أن يكون على علم بهذا الكلام قبل أن يغادر مصر، وهذه هي المشكلة هنا”.

وأوضح: “وهذا ما أحزنني أنا شخصيًا، وأحزن كابتن حلمي، لأنه كما تعلم قد يحدث استبدال، فلماذا كل هذا القدر من الإثارة والتي قد تؤثر، حتى على زملائه، وليس علينا نحن؟”.

وأردف: “بعد تصريحات اللاعب الأخيرة، بقاؤه حتى وسط زملائه لن يكون أفضل شيء، لأننا حافظنا عليه، ورغبنا في أن نُخرجه بصورة جيدة، وكان ذلك الأفضل”.

وأتم: “لكن ما حدث قد حدث، ونحن على العكس كنا نتعامل على هذا الأساس، لكن في النهاية، كما قلت كل شخص يتصرف تصرّفًا يتحمّل نتيجته”.

Big picture – India, South Africa on the cusp of history

The two finalists at this World Cup have crossed many barriers in the last decade or so and even over the last month.South Africa pulled themselves together after the embarrassment of 69 all out and 97 all out, while India made it to the knockouts without beating any of the three teams that finished above them on the points table. South Africa unearthed new finishers. India unearthed new heroes. Both teams took on their nemesis in the knockouts, with South Africa breaking the hoodoo England have had over them and India enthralling the home crowd by overpowering the Australians.So now we have the first ODI World Cup final that features neither Australia nor England and the prospect of a brand new world champion.Related

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• Wolvaardt and Kapp sing a song of ice and fire

By sending back two of the strongest teams in history, both India and South Africa stand of the cusp of history. The winner could reshape the contours of the women’s game in their homeland, if not globally. Both countries are still grappling with deep-rooted issues that hinder women’s access to education, employment and much else. Irrespective of the outcome on Sunday, the occasion has the power to establish players like Nonkululeko Mlaba and Kranti Gaud – who overcame enormous hurdles growing up in under-resourced regions – as household names and encourage young women, and their parents, to make them the next Smriti Mandhana or Marizanne Kapp.South Africa will be tasked with the challenge of not only quieting a 30,000-plus crowd, but also adapting to the conditions in Navi Mumbai, where they have yet to play a game this World Cup. India, on the other hand, will turn up at DY Patil stadium for their fourth game in a row. They won the previous three. South Africa have had more time to recover from their semi-final high. India not quite as much. In a game with this much at stake, even the finest margins matter.The last time a women’s World Cup was staged here, the marquee event was relegated to smaller grounds because men’s domestic cricket was more popular. The prize money was hardly comparable with that in the men’s game, and bringing in crowds was a major task. The Lord’s final in 2017 was the first big break for women’s cricket. MCG took things to a different level in 2020. Navi Mumbai has a lot to live up to and early signs are that it will not disappoint.2:43

WWC final: Who are the players that can change the game?

Form guide

India WWLLL
South Africa WLWWW

In the spotlight – Shafali Verma and Nadine de Klerk

Shafali Verma was plucked out of domestic T20s and put in as India’s opener in the semi-final. She bashed a couple of boundaries but Australia found a way through her soon enough. She will want to do better against South Africa, and previous evidence suggests she could. Shafali smashed a 53 off 46 against them at the 2022 World Cup. In 2024, she also hammered a Test double-century. The conditions are ripe and the time is apt for Shafali to put up a score and put the World Cup snub – she wasn’t picked in the original squad – behind her.Nadine de Klerk took this World Cup by storm with a stunning knock against India – 84 not out off 54 balls – in the league stage and hasn’t looked back. She has struck ten sixes this tournament (joint-highest with Richa Ghosh), dispatched a boundary every 4.8 balls (joint-highest with Alyssa Healy) and boasts the best strike rate, of 136.69. South Africa may want to give her more time in the middle than the six balls she faced in the semi-final. Navi Mumbai offers good batting conditions and she can do a lot of damage.3:12

WWC final – Will India go with Radha Yadav or Sneh Rana?

Team news: Extra bowler for South Africa?

India may have finally found their best XI in the semi-final, with batting depth till No. 8 and six bowling options. Radha Yadav was expensive on Thursday and Sneh Rana might be an option to replace her, except South Africa’s entire batting line-up is right-handed, so holding onto the left-arm spinner might work better than swapping her out for an offspinner.India (possible): 1. Smriti Mandhana, 2 Shafali Verma, 3 Jemimah Rodrigues, 4 Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), 5 Deepti Sharma, 6 Richa Ghosh (wk), 7 Amanjot Kaur, 8 Radha Yadav/Sneh Rana, 9 Kranti Gaud, 10, Shree Charani, 11 Renuka SinghHard-hitting opener Tazmin Brits hurt her shoulder on Wednesday in Guwahati but insisted she would play the final, which leaves South Africa with a combination question. They batted till No. 9 against England, and reducing a batting option – Anneke Bosch or Annerie Dercksen – for a bowler – Masabata Klaas – may not be a bad idea if the pitch is flat.South Africa (possible): 1 Laura Wolvaardt (capt), 2 Tazmin Brits, 3 Anneke Bosch/Masabata Klaas, 4 Sune Luus, 5 Marizanne Kapp, 6 Sinalo Jafta (wk), 7 Annerie Dercksen, 8 Chloe Tryon, 9 Nadine de Klerk, 10 Ayabonga Khaka, 11 Nonkululeko Mlaba

Pitch and conditions: Reserve day available

It’s a bit incomprehensible that it’s still raining in and around Mumbai in November. Unseasonal rains have been experienced over many parts of the country recently and more is expected on Sunday, especially after 5pm.Conditions in Navi Mumbai will likely favour the batters, as they have so far, with dew possibly coming into the picture as well. There is a reserve day in case even a truncated match cannot be completed on Sunday. Play will resume on Monday, instead of starting over from the beginning, if the action spills over.2:27

WWC final – Can India come down from their high in time?

Stats and trivia: SA have the edge over India in recent World Cup games

• Nonkululeko Mlaba has kept Smriti Mandhana fairly quiet in ODIs, conceding 67 runs off 81 balls while also dismissing her three times.
• Jemimah Rodrigues facing her Delhi Capitals team-mate Marizane Kapp could be a battle to watch out for. Kapp has dismissed Rodrigues twice, while giving away only 16 runs in 40 balls
• Kapp has also troubled Harmanpreet Kaur, having removed her four times for 67 runs in 80 balls
• Deepti Sharma will be looking to restrain the in-form Laura Wolvaardt, who has a strike rate of only 54.91 (95 runs off 173 balls) in this head-to-head. Deepti has also dismissed Wolvaardt thrice.
• South Africa have beaten India in each of their last three World Cup contests
• India are set to play their third ODI World Cup final, after 2005 and 2017. No team has played three finals and not lifted the trophy
• South Africa have struck 31 sixes this World Cup, the most by any team
• Wolvaardt (470) is 40 runs away from becoming the top-scorer in a single edition of a World Cup. Alyssa Healy holds the record with 509 during the 2022 edition

Thomas Frank said Tottenham are “nothing without our fantastic fans” as he looked to build bridges with supporters after criticising them for booing Guglielmo Vicario in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat against Fulham. Spurs suffered their fourth home loss in all competitions in a game which saw the Italian goalkeeper jeered for his mistake in the build up to the second goal.

• Vicario made costly error as Spurs slipped to another home loss

  Looking to bounce following successive defeats against Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain in the Premier League and Champions League respectively, Tottenham found themselves 2-0 down inside six chaotic minutes against Fulham. 

  After defender Kenny Tete put the visitors in front after four minutes, Marco Silva’s side soon doubled their lead when Spurs shot-stopper Vicario made a costly error in the lead up to Harry Wilson’s long-range strike. 

  Racing off his goal line to thwart Fulham striker Raul Jimenez, Vicario mis-controlled possession with his weaker left foot, before clearing the ball straight to midfielder Josh King, who teed up Wilson for his stunning effort from distance.

  And following his mishap, former Empoli ‘keeper Vicario was met with the full force of the angry Tottenham faithful, who booed him every time he touched the ball in what proved to be another defeat on home soil for Frank’s men.

  In addition to their loss against Fulham, Spurs were also beaten by Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season, while they also drew with Wolves and Manchester United.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Tottenham manager Frank labelled fans' boos as 'unacceptable'

  Coming to the aid of Vicario after the full-time whistle, Tottenham head coach Frank said supporters who jeered the 29-year-old were “not true fans” of the club, labelling the boos as “unacceptable.”

  “I didn't like that our fans booed at him [Vicario] straight after and a few times he touched the ball,” Frank told “They can't be true Tottenham fans because everyone supports each other when you are on the pitch.

  “And we do everything we can to perform. After, fair enough, boo, no problem. But not during. That's unacceptable in my opinion.”

• Dane attempts to soothe relations with 'fantastic' Spurs faithful

  However, Frank has now looked ease tensions by stressing the importance of the fans’ support as Tottenham look to get back on track when they travel to Newcastle in the league on Wednesday.

  In his pre-match press conference, the Dane said: “As I said after the game I completely understand the frustration, if you don't win there will always be a frustration. That is normal, it is part of it.

  “Especially as we haven't won as much as we would have wanted to at home, not only this year but the last long period, maybe years, maybe more.

  “So the frustration grows a little bit more. That's understandable. It is my job to do what I can to make sure we are calm and look at the things in a way where we split things up in terms of performance, what is impacting it, how we try to build the team.

  “We are nothing without the fans. No club is anything without the fans. Tottenham Hotspur is nothing without our fantastic fans, nothing. We need each other.

  “There is nothing we want more than making them happy in every way and my point that during matches that is where we need each other.”

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Vicario refused to criticise Spurs supporters after Fulham match

  Vicario is expected to remain between the sticks as Tottenham look to gain revenge over Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, who defeated Frank’s charges 2-0 in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on 29 October.

  Speaking to after the Fulham game, Vicario was big enough to address the Spurs fanbase after his error, saying: “The second goal was a mistake of mine, I take responsibility for that.

  “The intent was to clear the ball long and I just hit the ball in a bad way. It was an even bigger mountain to climb.”

  And when asked about being booed by his own fans, Vicario added: “I’m a big man, what can I say? We cannot be influenced by the situation in the stands. The fans have the right to do what they think. It's on us to stay more calm, to focus on ourselves. We are lacking in composure and calmness to overturn results. Today is a bad defeat and it's tough to accept.”

The New York Yankees and New York Mets were wrapping up the final game of the Subway Series on Sunday evening. Juan Soto did not get a warm reception from the home fans at Yankee Stadium when he came to the plate for his first at-bat in the top of the first inning.

As Soto strutted up to the plate, a loud cascade of boos echoed across the stadium, as fans wasted no time before starting to jeer their former outfielder. Mets fans in attendance could be seen cheering Soto on, but the noise was drowned out by the overwhelming boos from the majority of people in attendance.

Have a look at Soto walking up to the plate:

Those boos turned to cheers after Max Fried got Soto to fly out to right field in a six-pitch at-bat.

Through the first two games of the series, Soto recorded just one hit in six at-bats. He drew four walks, including three in the series opener on Friday, and struck out once.

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper was placed on the 10-day injured list on Saturday due to right wrist inflammation.

Harper told reporters he has been dealing with the injury for a while and getting hit in the elbow last week didn't help. Harper said he elected to take a stint on the injured list because he was getting to the point where he was feeling pain with every swing.

Harper missed five games last week after being hit with a 95 mile-per-hour fastball in his surgically repaired right elbow. He returned to the lineup on Tuesday and hit a home run in his first at-bat against the Toronto Blue Jays. It was his only hit in 11 at-bats in the series against Toronto.

Celtic are now reportedly plotting a 2026 move to sign a Manchester City ace, who Pep Guardiola called “world-class”.

Celtic targeting Premier League goalkeeper

There’s a lot of work for Wilfried Nancy to do in the transfer window and that work may well include signing a new goalkeeper next summer. As things stand, current No.1 Kasper Schmeichel is set to leave Celtic as a free agent at the end of his contract next summer, handing the Bhoys the task of finding a replacement.

The former Leicester City man has been an excellent servant since replacing Joe Hart in 2024, but looks destined to bow out of Scotland at 39 years old.

Celtic star with 'high ceiling' could be biggest winner of Nancy's arrival

This promising young Celtic talent could be the biggest winner of Wilfried Nancy’s arrival at the club.

ByDan Emery Dec 6, 2025

Celtic may also have no choice but to target attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window, amid reports that Daizen Maeda could leave the club. The Japan international has plenty of admirers in the Premier League and could yet deal the Bhoys an undeniable blow this winter.

Speaking about the January transfer window and potential additions after arriving, new manager Nancy told reporters: “Each organisation, the idea is to improve.

“I’m going to have to assess the team. I know them as a team because I’ve watched many games. Now it’s about knowing them as a person. After that we’ll see what is the best for the team. I like to take my time. I know that I don’t have a lot of time.

“It’s not a secret I want to play in a certain way. Proactivity, try to put [pressure] on the opposition, try to attack the ball as soon as possible and after that also be disgusting to play against when we defend – because we’re going to have moments when we’ve got to suffer.”

With that said, it could be a busy 2026 for those at Celtic Park and one that includes the arrival of Man City’s Stefan Ortega, according to reports.

Celtic plotting Ortega move

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Celtic are now plotting a move to sign Ortega when his current Man City contract expires next summer. The 33-year-old could come straight in for Schmeichel as the Bhoys turn to English football for yet another shot-stopper.

Whilst Ortega has dropped down the pecking order at the Etihad, Guardiola hasn’t held back from praising the experienced goalkeeper in the past – telling reporters just last year: “Ortega is a world-class goalkeeper. An exceptional, exceptional goalkeeper.”

For Celtic, the move makes perfect sense. Their move for Hart worked out for all involved, so too did their move for Schmeichel. Now, it looks like they’re ready to follow the blueprint by signing Ortega.

After reporting the news, O’Rourke told Football Insider: “Ortega would be a good fit, you would think, especially if he does become a free agent in the summer.

“He’s basically just fallen totally out of favour at Man City, with Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford ahead of him, and Marcus Bettinelli has been travelling with the squad.

“If Celtic are looking a new goalkeeper come the summer when Schmeichel’s contract is up, Ortega could be a really good pick up on a free transfer.

Liverpool agree terms to sign "aggressive" Celtic teenager in first Nancy exit

Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhães is nearing a return from injury after the Brazil defender was spotted “flying off the handle” during a friendly football match in South London this week.

Arsenal injury latest

The Gunners centre-back is just one of several injuries for manager Mikel Arteta to contend with heading into the busiest part of the season.

The Spaniard was typically coy this week when asked if any of Declan Rice, William Saliba, Leandro Trossard and Jurrien Timber would be available to face Wolves.

Saliba has been absent for the past four fixtures with an ankle injury, and Arteta said of the France defender: “It was something quite small because it came from an ankle injury that he had, and then he started to modify the way he was running, and he started to overload an area, which is something common.

“But at some point, it became uncomfortable to continue training and playing and we had to stop.

“He hasn’t trained with us yet. We have an extra day. Let’s see if he can be available (to face Wolves) or not.”

Arteta has been missing his first-choice centre-back pairing since Gabriel picked up a thigh injury during the November international break, but onlookers believe the 27 year-old is close to a return after he was filmed in an intense incident in London this week.

A friendly match between supporters of Brazilian side Botafogo was called off after the controversial tackle, and although the £150,000-a-week Arsenal star did not play in the match, a witness told The Sun he looked he “didn’t look injured”.

Arteta typically keeps his cards close to his chest when it comes to injuries, but his number six may well have just raised more questions for his next press conference.

West Bromwich Albion are back in action in the Championship this evening as they prepare to travel to St. Mary’s to take on an in-form Southampton side.

The Saints, now led by Tonda Eckert, have won five of their last six matches in the division, beating Birmingham City 3-1 in their most recent outing.

Ryan Mason will have to make some tweaks to his side after they were beaten 3-1 by QPR at Loftus Road on Saturday, and Josh Maja is one star who could lose his place in the XI.

Why Ryan Mason should drop Josh Maja for West Brom

The Nigeria international was given a starting berth for the trip to West London after he came off the bench to provide an assist in the 3-2 comeback win over Swansea in the previous game.

Unfortunately, though, the former Sunderland centre-forward was unable to build on that assist with another strong performance, as he struggled against QPR.

Maja joined Aune Heggebo to form a front two for the Baggies in London, but was unable to provide much of a threat at the top end of the pitch in a drab loss.

Minutes

64

Shots

1

Touches

20

Possession lost

8x

Key passes

0

Duels won

2/5

As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old attacker offered very little in the final third and was wasteful with his use of the ball, only retaining possession 12 times from his 20 touches.

Chalkboard

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

With this in mind, Mason should ruthlessly ditch the striker from the starting line-up to bring Isaac Price back into the starting line-up as a number ten against Southampton.

Why West Brom should unleash Isaac Price against Southampton

The Northern Ireland international should be brought back into the side for multiple reasons, and not only for the attacking quality that he can provide.

As a natural attacking midfielder, Price replacing Maja could make West Brom more difficult to play through than they were in a 4-4-2 shape against QPR, as the youngster can drop into a midfield three, making it a 4-5-1 out of possession, which Maja would not be comfortable doing.

This is why bringing the former Standard Liege talent into the team could make a lot of sense for tactical reasons, ahead of a clash with an in-form Southampton team that will be expected to be on the front foot.

Of course, Price should also come into the starting XI because he has the potential to offer more quality to the side at the top end of the pitch than Maja does.

The 22-year-old star, who was described as a “breath of fresh air” by Chris Brunt, has been more effective than the Nigerian centre-forward with his play in and out of possession in the Championship so far this season.

Appearances

17

19

xG

1.88

4.65

Goals

1

5

Key passes per game

0.4

1.4

Big chances created

0

3

Assists

1

2

Duel success rate

36%

49%

As you can see in the table above, Price has scored four more goals, outperforming his xG, and created chances for the team on a far more regular basis than Maja.

These statistics suggest that the Northern Irish talent is far more likely to be a difference-maker in the final third against Southampton this evening, which is why he should be given the nod from the start in the hope that he can make an impact at St. Mary’s.

Their respective success rate in duels also further backs up the belief that Price would be the better option out of the two for West Brom’s plan out of possession, as he is better in his physical battles against opposition players.

Given that Southampton have won five of their last six games, the Baggies will need to roll up their sleeves and put in a lot of fight to come away from Hampshire with some points, and Price seems more likely to be effective in that situation.

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This former West Brom talent is now worth more than every player in the current squad combined.

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Therefore, Mason must ruthlessly drop Maja from the starting line-up, after one match, to bring Price back into the side in an attempt to secure a positive result against Southampton this evening.