Tag: England

Tottenham’s Djed Spence said the opportunity to make history as the first male player who publicly identifies as a Muslim to represent England was a “blessing” as he prepares for a potential debut.

The 25-year-old defender was one of two new faces included in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.

It is understood Spence could become the first Muslim man to play for England’s senior team.

“I’ve seen that,” the versatile full-back said at England’s training base. “It’s a blessing, it’s amazing. I did see something like that.

“I was surprised, really, first ever. It’s just amazing. I don’t have the words really.”

But the former England Under-21s international said he did not feel under extra pressure, adding: “I just play football with a smile on my face.”

Spence’s faith is a major part of his identity and is something he frequently acknowledges on social media.

“First things first, God is the greatest,” he said. “I pray a lot. I give gratitude to God.

“In the toughest moments of my life, the darkest moments, I’ve always believed that God has always been by my side.

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“When I’m winning, when I’m in a good moment, I promote God as well because he’s always been by my side. It’s a big thing for me, my faith.”

Spence’s rise has been a slow one. After impressing in the Championship for Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest, he moved to Premier League Tottenham in 2022.

But he initially struggled to make an impression under former Tottenham boss Antonio Conte, and spent time on loan at Rennes, Leeds, and Genoa.

The defender only made his full Spurs debut in December, two-and-a-half years after he joined the club in what proved a breakthrough campaign that culminated in Europa League glory.

He came on as a substitute in the Bilbao final, having initially been omitted from Ange Postecoglou’s group-stage squad earlier in the season.

“Without (a strong) mentality, you won’t make it to the top,” said Djed Spence. “I definitely think I have got a strong mentality, especially to fight through challenges.”

“I do have a mental note of people who doubted me, for sure, and it does feel good to prove them wrong,” he added.

Now the full-back hopes to inspire others.

“If I can do it, you can do it,” he said. “Not just Muslim kids, any child of any faith. Put your mind to something and you can do it.”

England face Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday before travelling to play Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday.

Tuchel’s men are top of Group K with three wins from three matches so far.

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South Africa opener Tony de Zorzi has been sidelined from the ongoing ODI series against England after picking up a left hamstring injury during the opening match in Leeds.

The 28-year-old sustained the injury while making a diving stop to deny Jos Buttler a boundary on Tuesday.

Though his effort saved runs, de Zorzi was left in visible discomfort and had to leave the field. Team management later confirmed he would only bat if required.

With South Africa chasing a modest 132-run target, the left-hander was not needed in their seven-wicket win.

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He will now return home for scans to assess the severity of the injury.

Tony de Zorzi had come in place of Matthew Breetzke, who was sidelined with a hamstring issue of his own. However, Breetzke has since recovered and is expected to reclaim his spot.

South Africa have not named a replacement for de Zorzi, with the rest of the squad remaining unchanged.

The Proteas lead the three-match series 1-0 after their dominant display in the first ODI. The second match will be played at Lord’s on Thursday.

South Africa squad for England ODIs

Temba Bavuma (c), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs.

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Australia captain Pat Cummins is in a race against time to be fit ahead of the opening match of the highly anticipated Ashes 2025-26, slated to commence on November 21 at Optus Stadium in Perth.

According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, Cummins underwent scans on Monday morning.

According to the report, Cricket Australia’s (CA) chief medical officer, alongside the team doctor and physio, will take time to discuss the scan results.

Moreover, Pat Cummins’s back trouble could rule him out of all the white-ball fixtures that will be played before the first Ashes Test. The star pacer is also unlikely for the T20 squad against New Zealand.

“Depending on the seriousness of Cummins’ back trouble, he may miss all the white ball games that precede the first Ashes Test in Perth in late November and could also need to avoid playing a Sheffield Shield game for New South Wales,” the report said.

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“As it is, he will be missing from the Twenty20 squad that will be named on Tuesday to tour New Zealand,” it added.

Subsequently, Cummins is likely to be fit for the start of the Ashes, having previously undergone similar scans last summer before the Border-Gavaskar series.

Pat Cummins’ injury concerns arose during the West Indies tour, where he played all three Test matches. Overall, the right-arm pacer has bowled 85 overs across four Tests, including the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa.

After his absence, ace batter Steve Smith could be in line for captaincy due to his vast experience under his belt.

For context, Pat Cummins has a longstanding problem with back injuries during the early stages of his career.

After making his Test debut in 2011, Cummins missed six years of cricket. However, in recent times, the fast bowler has been pivotal in Australia’s success.

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England all-rounder Jamie Overton has chosen to take an indefinite break from red-ball cricket, which means he will not be available for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia later this year.

The 31-year-old Surrey pacer, who featured in the fifth Test against India at The Oval in July, admitted that his body can no longer cope with the demands of all formats.

Overton has battled recurring back stress fractures throughout his career, restricting him to just two Test appearances.

“After a great deal of thought, I have decided to take an indefinite break from red-ball cricket,” Overton said in a statement released by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

“First-class cricket laid the foundation for my career and gave me every opportunity I’ve had in the game.

“But with the sport now running across a 12-month calendar, it’s no longer possible for me to fully commit to every format, both physically and mentally.

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“My focus now will be on white-ball cricket, and I’ll continue giving everything to perform at the highest level for as long as I can.”

Jamie Overton made his Test debut against New Zealand in 2022, impressing everyone with a solid score of 97.

However, his second Test appearance came three years later, when he faced India earlier this summer.

A regular feature in county cricket, Overton has 99 first-class appearances to his name but will now shift his attention to England’s white-ball commitments.

He has been named in the squad for the three-match ODI series against South Africa starting Tuesday at Headingley, followed by the T20Is against the Proteas and the ODI tour of Ireland in September.

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The England Women’s selectors have named their 15-member squad to represent the Three Lions at the ICC Women’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

The 13th edition of the marquee event is set to run from 30 September to November 2. It marks the first ICC tournament for both Head Coach Charlotte Edwards and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt.

Among the notable inclusions is former captain Heather Knight, who has been recalled as she continues her comeback from injury.

Sarah Glenn and Danni Wyatt-Hodge return to the ODI squad having missed out against India this summer.

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Glenn is one of four specialist spinners and one of six players embarking on their first ODI World Cup.

Following the squad announcement, head coach Charlotte Edwards shared her thoughts.

“Being selected to play for your country in a World Cup is one of the biggest honours in sport, and I’m delighted for all the players named in the squad,” she remarked.

“Like all global tournaments, it will be a huge challenge, but we want to go as far as we possibly can in India, and I believe that if we play our best cricket, we can compete with anyone,” she concluded.

England Women’s Squad

Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Nat Sciver-Brunt (capt), Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

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LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Wednesday revealed the schedule of their tour to Sri Lanka in 2026, which will serve as preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup later that year.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The England men’s cricket team will play three ODIs on January 22, 24 and 27, followed by three T20Is on January 30, February 1 and February 3.

The venues for the matches will be revealed in due course.

The series will give England vital exposure to subcontinental conditions ahead of the showpiece event.

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England, having previously won the T20 World Cup in 2010 and 2022, will be eyeing their third title in the 2026 edition in India and Sri Lanka.

It’s worth noting that the tour of Sri Lanka will mark England’s first white-ball tour of the island in over seven years.

Their previous visit came in 2018, when they won the ODI series 3-1 and the solitary T20I.

The sides last clashed in the shortest format during the T20 World Cup 2022, where England beat Sri Lanka in the group stage before going on to lift the trophy.

Prior to the Sri Lanka tour, England are scheduled to face South Africa (September 2–14), Ireland (September 17–21) and New Zealand (October 18–November 1) in a string of white-ball series, before a five-Test Ashes battle in Australia from November 21 to January 8.

England Men’s Tour of Sri Lanka

• 1st ODI: January 22, 2026
• 2nd ODI: January 24, 2026
• 3rd ODI: January 27, 2026
• 1st T20I: January 30, 2026
• 2nd T20I: February 1, 2026
• 3rd T20I: February 3, 2026

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Jacob Bethell is set to become the youngest England men’s captain as the Three Lions announces squads for the upcoming white-ball series against South Africa and Ireland, set to commence in September 2025.

England will contest three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) against South Africa. The ODI series begins on Tuesday, 2 September at Headingley.

The three-match T20I series against Ireland will be held at Malahide in Dublin, with the opening game scheduled for Wednesday, September 17.

Jacob Bethell is set to become the youngest England captain after being named as deputy for Harry Brook in the Ireland series.

The 21-year-old will surpass the record held by Monty Bowdow, who was 23 and 144 days when he led England.

Among the notable inclusions is off-pacer Sonny Baker, who has won his maiden call-up to the national side for the ODI series against South Africa.

Meanwhile, Rehan Ahmed is set to return to the ODI fold after having a prolific summer with the bat for his county team.

Following the squad announcement, England men’s selector, Luke Wright, shared his views on Jacob Bethell’s appointment.

“Jacob Bethell has impressed with his leadership qualities ever since he has been with the England squads, and the series against Ireland will provide him with the opportunity to further develop those skills on the international stage,” he said.

Wright further commented on Baker’s inclusion and his impressive tour with England Lions.

“Sonny is a player we have identified for a while and he was impressive during the England Lions tours last winter. He has carried that form into this season in white-ball cricket with Hampshire and Manchester Originals and deservedly gets his opportunity,” he remarked.

England ODI squad to face South Africa

Harry Brook (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith

England T20I squad to face South Africa

Harry Brook (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Luke Wood

England T20I squad for Ireland Series

Jacob Bethell (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jos Buttler, Liam Dawson, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood

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Australia star batter Steve Smith has warned England of a challenging  Ashes series, which is set to begin in November 2025.

The five-Test Ashes series will begin in Perth in late-November, before a day-night match in Brisbane.

The third Ashes 2025 Test will be played in Adelaide, with the traditional Melbourne and Sydney Tests scheduled for December and January.

In an interview with a British media outlet, Steve Smith commented on the much-anticipated series after England’s home series against India.

“I watched a lot of the series against India and it was one of the best Test series I’ve seen in a long time. The cricket that was played by both teams was outstanding,” he said.

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“England have a good side at the moment. They are obviously playing a really aggressive brand of cricket,” he added.

The 36-year-old stated that Australian  wickets are challenging for batters.

“It’s going to be a big challenge. The wickets in the last three-four years have been really tricky,” Steve Smith said.

The veteran batter expressed confidence in his team’s bowling lineup, saying that experienced bowlers would make things difficult for England in the Ashes 2025

“I’m looking forward to it. I think it’s going to be a great series,” Smith said.

Steve Smith also discussed the recent form of England’s Joe Root and lauded him ahead of the Ashes 2025.

“I think not just in that series (against India) but probably the last two years, he’s been incredible. His ability to make big scores – to go from 50 to 100 – which was one thing he got caught in that spot for a while,” Smith said.

“He [Joe Root] hasn’t scored a hundred in Australia. I think that’s been talked about quite a lot. I’m sure that’s something he wants to tick off his bucket list as well,” he concluded.

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England’s star batter Joe Root has responded to Former Australia opener David Warner ahead of the much-anticipated Ashes 2025-26, which is set to commence in November.

A few weeks ago, David Warner, currently playing in ‘The Hundred’ in England, highlighted flaws in Joe Root’s batting.

“The big anchor there is Rooty, who is yet to score a hundred in Australia. “Hazlewood tends to have his number quite a lot. He will have to take the surfboard off his front leg,” he said.

Joe Root has responded while speaking on a British News outlet, stating that he is unfazed by the remarks.

“Just that. I have no control over how people perceive the game or discuss it in an interview. Nothing new, is it? You know there are going to be storylines and people wanting to hype up a big series,” he said.

Does not really change anything. It is sort of irrelevant to me. What can I do about it? Just make sure it is not a talking point in six months or 100 days’ time,” he added.

He further stated about his calm demeanor and helping his team get a good start.

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“When you get out there, you have to got to try and impact the game and help your team get off to a good star,” Joe Root explained.

Business as usual as far as I am concerned. I guess it is all part of the fun. We will see what happens out there [with Warner at Lord’s during The Hundred, where they are playing for Trent Rockets and London Spirit respectively]. It is not really in my nature to get too verbal,” he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention that Joe Root, now the second-highest scorer in Test cricket, has yet to score a Test century in Australia.

Overall, England batting maestro Root has scored only 892 runs in Australia at a modest average of 35.68, which falls short of his standards.

Notably, since the start of 2022, he has notched up 15 centuries at a stellar average of 64.64.

The Ashes 2025-26 is set to begin in Perth on November 21, followed by a day-night match in Brisbane, the third Test in Adelaide, and the traditional Melbourne and Sydney Tests in December and January.

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England paceman Chris Woakes is considering rehabilitation rather than surgery on his dislocated shoulder in a last-ditch bid to make himself available for the upcoming Ashes tour of Australia.

Woakes bravely came out to bat at number 11 with his arm in a sling on Monday in a desperate attempt to help England secure victory in the fifth and deciding Test against India at the Oval after dislocating his left shoulder while diving in the field on the first day of the match.

But Woakes’ courageous effort was not enough as India won a thrilling match by six runs, without the Warwickshire stalwart facing a ball, to end the series all square at 2-2.

It seemed then that Woakes’ hopes of being involved in England’s quest to regain the Ashes had evaporated.

The 36-year-old has had a scan on his shoulder and, although he is still awaiting the results, he is holding out hope that an eight-week period of rehabilitation could ensure he makes an astonishing recovery to feature in the Ashes, which start on November 21.

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“I’m waiting to see what the extent of the damage is, but I think the options will be to have surgery or to go down a rehab route and try and get it as strong as possible,” Woakes told the BBC on Friday.

“I suppose, naturally, with that, there will be a chance of a recurrence, but I suppose that could be a risk that you’re just willing to take, sort of thing.

“What I’ve heard from physios and specialists is that the rehab of a surgery option would be closer to four months, or three to four months. That’s obviously touching on the Ashes and Australia, so it makes it tricky.

“From a rehab point of view, you can probably get it strong again within eight weeks. So that could be an option, but again, obviously, still waiting to get the full report on it.”

Chris Woakes, a veteran of 62 Tests, is the most experienced member of England’s pace attack following the retirement of Stuart Broad two years ago and the team management’s decision to move on from record wicket-taker James Anderson in 2024.

But even before his injury at the Oval, doubts had been expressed over whether England would select Woakes for the Ashes, given his Test bowling average overseas is an expensive 48.93 compared to 23.87 on home soil.

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