England booked their place in the last 16 of the Under 17 World Cup courtesy of a commanding 2-0 victory over South Korea in Qatar. Reigan Heskey, son of former Liverpool striker Emile, was on the scoresheet with a superb header and an own goal eased the Young Lions into the next round in what was ultimately a comfortable win for Liam Bradley's side.
Three Lions cruise into last-16 as South Korea fade in Qatar
There was a real scare for England inside the opening minute after Manchester City's Dante Headley was bundled off the ball by Kim Ji-sung who thrashed his shot into the roof off the net, but there was huge relief when referee Abdou Abdel Mefire awarded a foul for the push. The Young Lions enjoyed much of the possession in the early stages, but had to wait until the 21st minute to test South Korea keeper Park Do-Hun as Tottenham's Luca Williams-Barnett saw his fierce drive from the edge of the box well saved.
The deadlock was broken in the 28th minute following a bustling run down the right from the England captain Seth Ridgeon, and the Fulham star’s pass was directed into his own net by Jung Hui-seop. And England doubled their lead six minutes later after City’s Heskey headed home from close range after a brilliant searching cross from Aston Villa youngster Bradley Burrowes.
England had chances to extend their lead in the second-half, with Chelsea's Chizaram Ezenwata missing the target from just inside the box and Williams-Barnett saw an audacious effort, from just inside his own half, slide agonisingly wide. The Young Lions will now face either Austria or Tunisia in the next round.
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Williams-Barnett may not have got on the scoresheet, but he was right at the heart of everything England did well. He covered acres of ground, helping in defence when required and offered some excellent touches around the opposition box, too. If anyone deserved to score from their own half it was the Tottenham youngster who's enjoying the opportunities offered to him in his breakthrough season. The Luton-born midfielder made his senior debut in September 2025, becoming the club's youngest player in the Carabao Cup and the 900th player to appear for the club. He signed his first professional contract last month, too.
The big loser
It was a truly calamitous moment for South Korea centre-back Jung who made an absolute mess of trying to block a pass. He only succeeded in getting his feet in a tangle while attempting to clear the danger, stumbled, fell and directed the ball into the back of his own net to give England the lead. You could almost feel sorry for him, it was a shame for a mistake of that magnitude to happen to a young player on such a big stage.
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Everton spent a lot of time spinning their wheels with Farhad Moshiri at the head of the table, but David Moyes is working well within the Friedkin Group’s parameters, and there’s a new sense of belief on the blue half of Merseyside.
There’s no question the Blues have improved since the Scotsman’s exciting return, almost 12 years after closing the door on his dynasty and succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, but more is needed to hit that elusive next level: contending for a seat at the European table.
While there may be an acceptance that the Toffees need external solutions, there’s one player plying their trade elsewhere who’s guaranteed a shot in Moyes’ squad next season, given that they are contracted to the Hill Dickinson Stadium already.
Indeed, Harrison Armstrong’s loan spell with Preston North End is drawing many plaudits, suggesting he is destined for success in the Premier League.
Why Harrison Armstrong is Everton's future
Armstrong, 18, has been at Everton since he was five years old. He is young and raw, but the talent has been clear from the get-go, with Sean Dyche featuring him three times in the league last season.
This season, the athletic, progressive centre-midfielder racked up two assists for Everton as they beat Mansfield Town in the Carabao Cup second round, ahead of his season-long switch to Preston in the Championship.
He’s making good progress in the second tier. The 18-year-old was praised for a statement showing against Sheffield United recently, winning six of eight contested ground duels and completing both of his dribbles.
There was much to like on loan at Derby County last year, but Armstrong has evolved and developed since the summer, and that bodes well for his future in the Premier League.
Preston fans are certain Armstrong “will play for England one day”, and Everton must ensure they keep him on the books and help nurture him to the fore.
And the same must be applied to one of the youngster’s Toffees teammates, a rising star who might even be a bigger talent.
Everton have a bigger talent than Armstrong
This summer, Moyes oversaw sweeping changes as Everton moved house. Among the most high-profile and exciting deals was the £42m signing of Tyler Dibling from Southampton, the teenage talent having broken out on the south coast last term.
The 19-year-old only scored four goals and provided three assists across all competitions last season, but Southampton were in a dire state and he was a shining light throughout, blending pace and power and potency down the flank.
This season, Dibling has featured only four times in the Premier League, hooked at half time during his only start, the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.
It’s been a slow start, but he’s immensely talented and has the potential to outstrip all his teammates in Moyes’ system.
With a natural ease when carrying the ball that will only develop over the coming years, Dibling is also positionally dynamic and has effortless balance.
Output and effectiveness are two facets he needs to keep working on, but there’s no question that Everton have a gem on their hands, potentially an even bigger talent than someone like Armstrong.
Mateus Fernandes
4
3.64
Ryan Manning
1
2.80
Yukinari Sugawara
1
2.46
Kyle Walker-Peters
2
2.30
Tyler Dibling
0
1.46
Despite entering the professional scene for the first time, despite trying to find success as a creator in a, frankly, dismal Saints side, Dibling showcased his quality, backing up the claims of his former youth coach Andy Goldie that he is a “world-class talent”.
Given Everton paid a hefty figure for the teenager’s services, and that he has a full Premier League campaign under his belt, it’s certainly not unjust to suggest that Dibling is a bigger talent than Armstrong, who may be thriving at Deepdale but has even further to climb if he wishes to successfully wedge his way into Moyes’ plans.
In any case, this all serves as an exciting nod toward the future for the Merseysiders.
Everton's £45k-p/w talent is now giving "Pienaar 2.0 vibes" under Moyes
Everton have already hit the jackpot on this talented first-teamer.
The Los Angeles Dodgers captured the 2024 World Series title in five games over the New York Yankees, finishing the series off in New York with a five-run comeback in a 7-6 Game 5 clinching victory.
Dodgers slugger Freddie Freeman earned World Series MVP after hitting home runs in each of the first four games of the Fall Classic. Freeman finished the five-game series batting .300 with four home runs and 12 RBI.
What makes Freeman's climb to the mountaintop in 2024 even more special was the troubling times it took to get here. Just a few short months ago, Freeman's 3-year-old son Maximus endured a very scary and serious health battle. After doctors probed for answers with Maximus's health rapidly declining, it was eventually determined that he was suffering from Guillain-Barré syndrome. He is doing much better now, and Freeman reflected on an up-and-down 2024 on-and-off the field.
"I would say [I've learned] a lot in so many different ways," Freeman said of his trying year. "I wish I'd never have to go through what we did as a family. But ultimately, Maximus is doing really, really well right now. He's a special boy. But it has been a grind for three months, it really has. It's been a lot, and then obviously with the injuries at the end, it makes it all worth it kind of in the end. I mean, I'll never compare Maximus to baseball, I won't. It's just two separate things. But with him doing really well now, it does mean a little bit extra."
Freeman's ending to the season was well deserved given everything he went through this season, which culminated with his second World Series title as a professional and first World Series MVP.
He wasn’t picked for Sri Lanka’s upcoming series against Zimbabwe, but has been named in the 16-member squad for the Asia Cup
ESPNcricinfo staff28-Aug-2025Legspinning allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been picked in Sri Lanka’s 16-member squad for the Asia Cup. He had injured his hamstring during their previous series against Bangladesh and was left out of Sri Lanka’s upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe, but it is hoped he will be fit for the competition in the UAE.Hasaranga replaces Dushan Hemantha from the squad announced for the Zimbabwe series, while uncapped batter Vishen Halambage has been left out in the only other change from that squad.With Hasaranga’s return, it means the squad going to the Asia Cup has four changes from the one that lost to Bangladesh at home, with Avishka Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Jeffrey Vandersay and Eshan Malinga left out. Batters Nuwanidu Fernando and Kamil Mishara come into the squad, along with fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera.Among the other seam options is Chamika Karunaratne, who is making a comeback into the limited-overs teams. Dasun Shanaka has been picked again as a seam-bowling allrounder as well. Angelo Mathews’ absence suggests the selectors are unlikely to look to him for the T20 World Cup next year. He had retired from Tests earlier in the year, but remained available for white-ball cricket.As left-arm spinning allrounder Dunith Wellalage is also in the squad, Sri Lanka have three major spin options, Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana being the others.Sri Lanka will play their first Asia Cup game on September 13 against Bangladesh. They had made the final of the previous Asia Cup, in 2023, and won the 2022 edition.Sri Lanka squad for Asia CupCharith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana
New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Gil has been shut down from throwing for at least six weeks with a high-grade lat strain, manager Aaron Boone told reporters on Monday.
The Yankees are still gathering information on the injury for Gil before announcing a definitive timeline of return for their 26-year-old right-hander.
Gil made 29 starts last season for the Yankees, and went 15-7 with a 3.50 ERA and 146 strikeouts in 136.0 innings pitched.
Gil is expected to be a significant part of the New York rotation when he returns in his second full season at the big league level. Gil had previously started six games in the 2021 season, and made one start in '22.
In '23, he was a key starter in New York's run to represent the American League in the World Series.
Pep Guardiola has revealed "the truth" about Arsenal, with the Manchester City boss admitting that the Gunners may become "impossible to catch" in the Premier League title race. The Catalan coach has, however, pointed out that "now the real season starts" as a flurry of international breaks have been completed and full focus becomes locked on the pursuit of precious points.
Arsenal lead the way: Can Man City chase down the Gunners?
City sit second in the table as things stand, four points behind leaders Arsenal through 11 fixtures. That gap is not too big to be bridged at present, but the Gunners have lost just one game so far this season. They also boast the best defensive record in the division, having only been breached on five occasions.
City have found form again, winning their last four games across all competitions – including a 3-0 victory over defending champions Liverpool immediately prior to the November break – and have star striker Erling Haaland in red-hot form.
AdvertisementGettyTitle race: Guardiola sounds Premier League warning
Guardiola does, however, concede that Arsenal are making life difficult for the chasing pack. He said ahead of a testing trip to Newcastle on Saturday for his City side: "The truth is a team as strong as Arsenal I have a feeling they will not drop points, so if they go further ahead it will be impossible to catch. Arsenal are an impeccable team. If they manage to take some distance in points, it will be difficult to catch up. Just like how it went with Liverpool."
The English top-flight crown headed to Anfield last season as Liverpool eased over the line, with there never any threat of an early lead in the standings being surrendered. Guardiola knows what it takes to get over that line, having led City to six titles – including a historic run of four-in-a-row between 2020 and 2024.
He has pointed out that there is still a long way to go in another battle for domestic supremacy, with it always about how you finish. Guardiola added: "We are in November, and in November in this league nothing is final.
"What happens in February or March, be careful. But the season starts now. The first start is when the transfer window is over in the summer. And now again when the international breaks are over.
"Now until March we see each other every three days. Now the real season starts. It is important to be there and to arrive at the end of the season with a chance to fight. Winning (in Newcastle) would be an important step for us."
Red-hot Haaland: Shearer record set to be broken
Guardiola is preparing to unleash Haaland again when heading to St James’ Park, with the prolific Norwegian hitting 32 goals through 20 appearances for club and country this season. He sits on 99 total efforts in the Premier League and is preparing to smash a record held by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer when it comes to reaching a century in the fewest number of games. Haaland is preparing for outing 109, while Shearer took 124 to reach 100 goals.
Guardiola said of his talismanic No.9, who has helped Norway to their first World Cup since 1998: "He’s incredible this season. He’s breaking all the records, personal and individual records, Premier League records, records for Norway. I’m happy for him, his national team.
"I saw that many of the squad for Norway weren’t even born the last time Norway were in the World Cup. As a football player, a world-class player, he deserves to play a World Cup and live the experience. I’m so happy for him."
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Getty ImagesMan City fixtures: Next up for Guardiola's side
While Haaland is raring to go, Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is not yet ready to make his latest return from injury – having been sidelined since early October. Guardiola said of the Spain international midfielder: "Rodri is making good steps. It’s almost three weeks since the last step back. He knows that he has to take the real time to recover mentally and especially physically with the problems that he’s had, to be consistent from now until the end."
After facing Newcastle, City will return to the Etihad Stadium for a Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen and a Premier League home date with Leeds.
India cruised to the highest score of the tournament
Andrew Fidel Fernando26-Sep-2025Abhishek Sharma hit 61 off 31, Tilak Varma struck 49 not out off 34, and India cruised to the highest score of the tournament, posting 202 for 5 without ever looking like they were breaking a serious sweat.Sri Lanka too, made no serious errors. In fact they caught well – Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera taking outstanding catches off their own bowling – while the groundfielding was in good shape. None of their bowlers leaked more than 15 runs in an over, and the frontline bowlers all completed their quota.And yet, India kept finding the boundary, first through Abhishek, before Varma and Sanju Samson set themselves up in the middle overs to hit 66 runs off 42 balls together. Wickets fell too, but such are India’s riches, and so in control were they of this innings, that dismissals did not lead to major hits to the scoring rate.Sri Lanka’s bowlers did pose threats. In fact, five bowlers took wickets. But none took more than one, and not a single bowler of the six used went at less than six an over. Whatever Sri Lanka threw at India, the India batters negotiated with measured aggression.
After finishing 17th in the Premier League last season, it was vital that Tottenham Hotspur bounced back and rose up the table in the ongoing campaign.
Thomas Frank was handed the responsibility of leading the charge, after Ange Postecoglou was handed his marching orders despite winning the Europa League.
The Dane was appointed on a three-year deal in North London, but it was crucial that the supporters gave him time to make the changes he desired to the first-team squad.
He’s now 11 games into the 2025/26 campaign, with the Lilywhites currently occupying fifth place going into the third international break of the current season.
However, there are still improvements to be made across the squad, that’s despite Frank massively changing the fortunes of the squad in one area during his opening months at the helm.
Spurs’ biggest improvement since the 2024/25 campaign
During the 2024/25 Premier League campaign under Postecoglou, Spurs certainly had a year to forget, as they finished just one place above the relegation zone.
The Lilywhites conceded a staggering 65 goals in their 38 league outings, an average of 1.7 per 90, subsequently resulting in a total of 22 league defeats.
TottenhamHotspur managerAngePostecoglu applauds fans after the match
Such a tally was the highest of any side who have survived in England’s top-flight, with the club lucky not to have dropped into the Championship under Postecoglou.
However, Frank’s arrival has stemmed the flow of goals at the back, with his men only conceding 10 goals in the first 11 outings – the fourth best record of any side in the division.
They have also kept a total of four clean sheets in the process, with the likes of Micky van de Ven certainly deserving credit for his part in the defensive solidity.
The Dutch international has started every league game to date, registering a total of 1.2 tackles won per 90, along with 1.1 interceptions per 90 – with the latter ranking him in the top 20% of all players in the league.
He’s also thrived in playing out from the back, as seen by his tally of 92% passes completed, arguably being one of the best centre-backs in the division at present.
Van de Ven has been joined at the heart of the backline by Cristian Romero, with the Argentine international striking up an excellent partnership with the Dutchman.
The pair have operated together in eight of the 11 outings – but have only suffered defeat once in that time, with the loss coming against Bournemouth back in August.
The 27-year-old has ranked in the top 4% of all players in England’s top-flight for tackles won, whilst also placing in the top 15% for duels won per 90.
TottenhamHotspur's CristianRomeroreacts
Given their partnership together, they are undoubtedly one of the best duos in Europe’s top-five leagues, with the defensive improvement under Frank certainly down to their performances.
The Spurs player who’s now becoming one of the best in the world
Alongside Van de Ven and Romero, Spurs have had numerous players who have managed to catch the eye and contribute to their impressive start to 2025/26.
Central midfielder Lucas Bergvall has shown qualities way beyond his tender teenage years, even cementing his place at the heart of Frank’s side in recent months.
The Swedish international has featured in nine league outings this season, even registering his first Premier League goal in the 3-0 victory over West Ham United.
He’s ranked in the 97th percentile for successful dribbles to date, whilst also winning 2.8 tackles per 90 – showcasing his ability to operate in a box-to-box role in North London.
However, he’s not the only player to have cemented his place within the starting eleven, with full-back Djed Spence resurrecting his career with the Lilywhites.
He joined the club in a £20m deal from Middlesbrough back in the summer of 2022, but had to massively bide his time in making an impact in the first team.
The 25-year-old endured three unsuccessful loan spells at Leeds United, Rennes and Genoa, with many supporters undoubtedly expecting a cut-price transfer away from North London last summer.
However, the injury crisis within the squad last campaign handed the Englishman a rare opportunity to stake his claim for a regular spot in the first-team ranks.
He racked up a total of 35 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25, even scoring his first Premier League goal against Ipswich Town – ending the year on a total of five goal contributions.
A little over a year on, it’s evident that Spence has taken full advantage of the chance pushed in his direction, with the full-back now one of Frank’s most important players.
He’s featured in all but one league outing in 2025/26, with his underlying stats highlighting how pivotal he’s been to the Lilywhites’ impressive defensive numbers.
Games played
10
Minutes played
761
Pass accuracy
82%
Tackles made
1.5
Duels won
3.8
Aerials won
47%
Recoveries made
3.4
Dribbles completed
1.8
Spence has made an average of 1.5 tackles per 90 this season, whilst also coming out on top of 3.8 duels per 90 – often posing as a real solid defensive full-back.
The 25-year-old has also come out on top in 47% of the aerial battles he’s entered, whilst also making 3.4 recoveries per 90 – with his pace allowing him to get back and prevent the opposition from creating clear-cut opportunities.
In possession, the defender has been just as impressive, subsequently ranking in the top 20% of all defenders for dribbles completed – with one analyst labelling him as one of the “best in the world”.
As a result, he’s now a full England international, with Thomas Tuchel trusting him to be a key member of the squad ahead of the World Cup in the USA next summer.
His rise in North London over the last 12 months has been nothing short of remarkable, with the player deserving huge credit for his ability to get himself off the canvas.
Alongside Van de Ven and Romero, he certainly is part of one of the division’s best back fours, with the fans needing to enjoy every moment the trio spend together in North London.
Forget Simons: Spurs have an academy sensation who could be Dele 2.0
Tottenham Hotspur already have a sensation who could replace Xavi Simons in North London.
There's a time and a place to ask for somebody's phone number—on camera during an MLB broadcast is not one of them.
Atlanta Braves reporter Wiley Ballard is going viral for the wrong reasons after his cringe encounter with two female fans during the Braves' 8–4 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday night. Ballard approached the two women for a live interview in the fifth inning, and things quickly took a turn for the awkward.
During the segment, Ballard joked that he was going to "get to work" and persuade one of the women to become a Braves fan. Braves play-by-play commentator Brandon Gaudin responded that Ballard had four innings left to "get the numbers."
Ballard then pulled out his phone—while on camera and with Gaudin and the rest of the booth still in his ear—and told the woman that the Braves broadcast wanted him to get her digits. She seemed to oblige.
At the end of the interview, Ballard said, "I got the number. We're good," and all the Braves broadcasters had a laugh about it.
Just so awkward.
MLB fans, including some who work in sports media, had a few other adjectives to describe the situation like unprofessional, inappropriate and just downright creepy. It's hard not to ignore the unbalanced power dynamics at play here, with many pointing out the obvious double standard had the genders been reversed. One can only hope Ballard learned his lesson (though it doesn't seem like he did).
Bangladesh started their Asia Cup campaign with a seven-wicket win
Sreshth Shah11-Sep-20251:38
Should Bangladesh have finished it earlier?
Bangladesh collected the points they came for, but not without a proper workout against Hong Kong in their Asia Cup opening campaign in Abu Dhabi.Litton Das led their chase of 144 with 59 off 39 while Towhid Hridoy contributed with an unbeaten 35 off 36. Boundaries dried up through the middle overs, but Bangladesh found a way to get over the line with 14 balls to spare. Once Hong Kong’s intensity waned, Litton broke free, going from 26 off 24 to his fifty off 33 balls.Hong Kong’s second game in the Asia Cup, though, was far more productive than their first. After being held to 94 for 9 by Afghanistan, they posted a more competitive 143 for 7 thanks to Zeeshan Ali’s 30, Nizakat Khan’s 42, and a brisk 28 from captain Yasim Murtaza. But the 95-run third-wicket stand between Litton and Hridoy ruined Hong Kong’s chances of an upset.Bangladesh’s win was their first T20I victory in Abu Dhabi. Hong Kong remain winless in Asia Cup matches.Litton, Hridoy put on a showBangladesh’s chase began with a glimpse of their new hitting intent. Parvez Hossain Emon raced to 19 off 13 before miscuing a slower delivery from Ayush Shukla to deep midwicket in the third over. Tanzid Hasan then fell in the sixth over, when he edged Ateeq Iqbal with Nizakat completing a sharp catch while running back from mid-off.Hong Kong, guilty of four dropped chances in their opener against Afghanistan, held on to their catches on Thursday. But the damage came elsewhere: the extras conceded – 11 at the time and 17 in all – allowed Bangladesh to motor to 51 for 2 in the powerplay.From there, Litton and Hridoy settled into accumulation. They failed to clear the boundary against spin and medium-pace from overs eight to 12, yet their urgency between the wickets meant the asking rate never touched eight an over. The pair ran 11 twos, while Bangladesh’s total of 16 twos was their second-highest in a T20I.The constant sprinting drained them in the heat, but it also squeezed Hong Kong out of the contest. Litton shifted gears in the 13th over with two fours against Shukla, lifting his strike rate from the low 100s to finish at 151.28. With only two runs needed, he was bowled trying for a big finish, but his job was already done.Tanzim leads the bowling effortTanzim Hasan Sakib set the tone after Bangladesh opted to bowl. Bowling in the early 140kmph range, he first produced a late-swinging delivery that snuck past Babar Hayat’s defensive push and hit the stumps, before dismissing Zeeshan with a rising ball that caught the splice and looped to cover. He finished with 2 for 21 in four overs. Taskin Ahmed, though more expensive, provided timely support by removing Anshy Rath in the powerplay and Aizaz Khan at the death.The spinners had their moments too. Rishad Hossain was initially not allowed to settle with sweeps and reverse-sweeps, but he hit back strongly in his final over – the 19th over of the first innings – by dismissing Nizakat and trapping Kinchit Shah lbw off successive balls.1:36
Jaffer: Bangladesh need to show consistency in selection
HK find stability, but no momentumHong Kong started slowly, with a combination of early wickets and a sluggish start for Zeeshan and Nizakat keeping Bangladesh in control of proceedings. But as the Zeeshan-Nizakat partnership grew, so did their range of strokes, and their 41-run stand for the third wicket ensured their batting didn’t collapse like in their first game.Murtaza looked briefly like the man who could change the momentum as he blazed to a 19-ball 28, but he was run-out after a miscommunication with Nizakat. Since the start of 2023, this was their 47th run-out in T20Is, and after Murtaza’s dismissal, Hong Kong couldn’t bring out too many big hits. Mustafizur Rahman was tough to put away at the death and Rishad’s brave bowling meant there was a carousel of incoming new batters. Still, they scored 54 off the last six overs to post a respectable 143 for 7 which was not good enough on the day.