Football Leaks: Who is behind the whistleblowing platform and where does the information come from? November 8, 2018 Even if you’ve not heard of Football Leaks you will have read some of the stories which originated from the whistleblowing website. That’s because they’ve been nearly unavoidable, intermittently dominating news cycles worldwide for the last three years with subjects which go well beyond football. While things like transfer fees details and third-party ownership may [...]
Ollie Phillips: Chris Ashton is exactly the type of weapon England need to trouble New Zealand November 8, 2018 Chris Ashton’s selection to face New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday is an exciting and bold move by England head coach Eddie Jones. Ashton is a natural-born try-scorer who is dangerous across all areas of the pitch. He has a fantastic record and will certainly cause the All Blacks headaches defensively. Jack Nowell, who he replaces, [...]
New defensive coach John Mitchell is Eddie Jones’ secret weapon as England prepare to face New Zealand November 8, 2018 John Mitchell is the Kiwi in the England camp and could give Eddie Jones’s side the edge this weekend as they look to inflict what would be only New Zealand’s second defeat in the past year. England’s new defensive coach was brought in to the set-up by Jones ahead of the autumn internationals to shore [...]
Unai Emery is as animated as he is meticulous… he takes a different approach to every team-talk he gives November 8, 2018 Arsenal’s appointment of Unai Emery in May was met with uncertainty, but he has quickly shown English football what he is all about by reviving the Gunners’ fortunes. The Spaniard is as animated on the touchline as he is meticulous on the training ground – so it may not be a surprise to learn that [...]
Chris Tremlett: Ben Foakes already undroppable after amazing first two days of England debut against Sri Lanka November 7, 2018 If you had turned on the television to see Ben Foakes bat for the first time against Sri Lanka yesterday you wouldn’t have guessed he was making his Test debut. He came to the crease with England in strife at 103-5 but played with such calmness and authority to guide the tourists away from danger to [...]
Nick Compton interview: Former England batsman on how his passion for photography has helped him move on from cricket November 7, 2018 Retiring from a sport to which you have dedicated most of your adult life isn’t an easy thing to do. For many athletes what comes next is difficult to contemplate and daunting to put into action; the bubble of the changing room is gone and life in the real world begins abruptly. Nick Compton has [...]
Trevor Steven: Wayne Rooney’s England recall for USA game is a mystifying own goal by the Football Association November 6, 2018 Gareth Southgate says he supports plans to bring Wayne Rooney out of international retirement for a farewell England appearance in next week’s friendly against the United States. I don’t believe that for a minute. I would like to know who made the mystifying decision to recall Rooney – which is completely at odds with the [...]
Sri Lanka v England: Rory Burns’ patience a helpful attribute as debut finally nears in first Test November 5, 2018 Many things have been up in the air during the build-up to England’s first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle tomorrow but a debut for Rory Burns is not one of them. With Alastair Cook gone, Jonny Bairstow injured and monsoon season in full effect, England’s preparations on the tour have been far from settled as [...]
Sam Torrance: Justin Rose is a genius, a grandmaster of golf and in the prime of his career November 5, 2018 Justin Rose made a welcome return to the top of the world rankings by defending his Turkish Airlines Open title on Sunday but only after an incredible and fascinating finish to the tournament. Having played magnificent golf all week, Rose gave overnight leader Li Haotong fresh hope by bogeying the 17th and 18th holes – [...]
Chelsea 3-1 Crystal Palace: Alvaro Morata growing out of “fragile” state into a more confident striker November 4, 2018 Normally when a striker spurns a one-on-one chance while clean through in the 93rd minute the reaction would be disappointment. And while that emotion, plus plenty of stronger ones, were present inside Stamford Bridge as Alvaro Morata missed a glorious opportunity against Crystal Palace, the overriding thought was different. With the score at 3-1 and with [...]