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The Arsenal ace wasn't on the scoresheet in the 4-0 rout of the Netherlands but she did rack up an impressive hat-trick of assists

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Following England's 4-0 demolition of the Netherlands on Wednesday, many might have expected Lauren James to pick up the Player of the Match accolade. After all, the Chelsea star shone on the right wing, scoring twice to fire the Lionesses to victory in a must-win encounter. Perhaps most terrifying of all for defenders at this European Championship was the fact that when Sarina Wiegman was asked on if this was the best of James, she replied: "You saw good. I think she can do even better."

But although James was excellent, UEFA opted to recognise another top performer in Zurich, in Alessia Russo. While England's No.9 wasn't on the scoresheet, and she really could've been given the headed chances she had in particular, she still managed to rack up no fewer than three assists, with her involvement in the only goal she didn't directly set-up also particularly important. "What a shift she has put in," former Lionesses goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis remarked on the 's coverage of the game. "The yardage she must have covered."

It's been an incredible year for Russo. She's made serious improvements to enjoy her best season to date in front of goal, with that playing a key role in Arsenal's triumphant Champions League campaign and helping her earn a share of the Women's Super League Golden Boot. But Wednesday was a reminder that her all-round qualities play a big part in making her such an excellent centre-forward for club and country.

Getty ImagesLooking beyond goals

Russo's hold-up play, excellent work-rate and key role in the build-up to attacks has long been outstanding. It might have been odd to some when Arsenal approached Manchester United in January 2023 with a world-record bid for a player who was out of contract in just six months' time and had only scored five goals for her club in the first half of the season – but the Gunners not only saw the potential she had to improve in front of goal, they also knew her all-round game would be an asset in their system.

As it transpired, they would get their target at the end of that campaign when she left the Red Devils on a free. Since that move, Russo has had her critics, especially because she hasn't put up the eye-watering numbers that some of her fellow strikers have.

Crucially, though, she has always had a level head about that. If the team is winning and she is contributing to that, even if it's not with the goals she might want to have, that's the main thing.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesHat-trick hero

Wednesday was the most extreme example of how Russo benefits her team without finding the back of the net. Hannah Hampton deserves all the credit in the world for England's opener, which started with her phenomenal pass that simply sliced open the Dutch defence, but there should also be kudos given to Russo, who latched onto it, held the ball up and drew defenders towards her before teeing up James for her superb strike.

For the Lionesses' second, it was Russo who kept James' free-kick delivery alive and dangerous for the Netherlands, nipping in ahead of Jackie Groenen to gain some control of the second ball before Georgia Stanway took over and sweetly struck it towards Daphne van Domselaar's goal.

No one was credited with the assist for the third goal, but it was another superb pass from Hampton and good movement from Russo that kickstarted the move, which culminated in Lauren Hemp's cross eventually being converted by James for her second of the day. England's star striker was then able to complete her hat-trick as a provider just a few minutes later, when Jess Carter this time aimed a ball in behind her way and she held it up long enough for Ella Toone to make a dart in the box, which was picked out by Russo's cutback and converted into the Lionesses' fourth of the day.

Getty Images'Central to England's success'

Speaking on , former Lionesses goalkeeper Karen Bardsley described Russo's performance as "exquisite", noting how she had been "central to a lot of England's success" on the day. "What a team player," Ellen White, the Lionesses' all-time top-scorer, noted while on punditry for the game on television. "She worked her socks off today."

'Central' is perhaps the best way to describe Russo's role in the England attack as she does a lot of the work that can go unnoticed, but that plays an important role in allowing those around her thrive. The little lay-offs, the way her movement distracts defenders and opens up space and her overall involvement in build-up play is vital in this attack – it just doesn't grab headlines like goals.

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Getty ImagesWaiting to break her duck

And Russo could've had a few goals, too. Let's not shy away from that. There were at least three headed chances she could've done better with, serving as a reminder of an area of her game she had a good laugh about back at the 2023 Women's World Cup. "When I was in America, my coach out there told me that I couldn’t head a ball for sh*t," she explained light-heartedly, recalling her days at the University of North Carolina.

But Russo has also been unlucky. After all, she did find the back of the net on Wednesday with her head, only for it to be ruled out for an offside in the build-up that involved Leah Williamson, rather than herself. The striker had similar bad fortune in England's opener, too, when her instinctive finish was disallowed as Beth Mead had strayed offside by the finest of margins.

Sarina Wiegman hailed Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton after England survived a thrilling Euro 2025 quarter-final against Sweden, winning on penalties following a dramatic comeback. The Lionesses came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 before edging a chaotic shootout 3-2. Wiegman admitted she thought England were out "three times" during the rollercoaster clash.

England win epic quarter-final vs Sweden on penaltiesBronze scores equaliser & winning penalty as Hampton shinesWiegman braced for elimination three timesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

England trailed Sweden by two goals early on but mounted a stunning late fightback to force penalties. Bronze and Michelle Agyemang scored in quick succession after key second-half substitutions turned the game in the Lionesses' favour. In the shootout, Hampton produced two brilliant saves before the former Barcelona defender netted the winning spot-kick.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT WIEGMAN SAID

Speaking to the media, Wiegman said of Hampton: "Today I thought about three times we were out. She didn't have doubters in our bubble. I think she had a very impressive performance. She had some very good saves in the second halves. She had one penalty on the right side that was an incredible save. Pretty big contribution today."

On Bronze, the Lionesses boss added: "Lucy Bronze is one of a kind and I have never seen anybody like her before in my life. There are so many amazing players but what she does and her mentality – the goal, penalty at the far post. That's what defines her – her resilience and fight. The only way to get her off the pitch is in a wheelchair."

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Wiegman’s tactical changes once again proved decisive as England showed their trademark resilience on the biggest stage. However, some of the blame for Sweden's loss lies on their own shoulders as they had the perfect opportunity to win the tie when they sent up their star goalkeeper, Jennifer Falk, to take the pivotal penalty, which she ultimately missed.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR THE LIONESSES?

England now progress to the Euro 2025 semi-finals, where they will meet Italy. Wiegman will be focused on recovery and preparation after an emotionally and physically draining quarter-final. With momentum behind them, the Lionesses are eyeing another historic run.

Fast bowler insists Test cricket is “still at the hearts of West Indian cricketers”

Andrew McGlashan23-Jan-2024Kemar Roach has encouraged Shamar Joseph to “build his own legacy” after bursting onto the Test scene last week in Adelaide but knows there will be distractions for him along the way.Joseph struck with his first ball in Test cricket when he removed Steven Smith, then finished with 5 for 94 and also showed his prowess with the bat to suggest he won’t be staying at No. 11 for long.His rise to Test cricket has been remarkable on the back of just five first-class games, having grown up in the village of Baracara in Guyana, which could only be reached by boat. He has now shot to global prominence and is being talked about as part of West Indies’ future as they look to rebuild their Test cricket, but Joseph already has an ILT20 deal and more such offers are unlikely to be far away.Related

'I'll take a picture, and post it up' – Shamar Joseph on dream first-ball wicket of Smith

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“The best advice I can give him is to build his own legacy,” Roach said. “Understand what you want from cricket. That’s up to him to determine, if it’s monetary, or if it’s just stats and statistics or whatever. There’s going to be a lot of distractions… he’s a hot commodity right now. So he needs to choose what he really wants and what he thinks is best for his career going forward. So it’s up to him, as a young man, but I definitely give him that advice.”Roach, the senior figure in West Indies’ attack with 80 caps to his name, is happy to take on a mentor role having had similar players to feed off early in his career.”I had that when I started. Jerome Taylor, Daren Powell, Fidel Edwards [were] some guys around to help me when I started my career,” he said. “I took knowledge and learning from it. So obviously for me now, it’s all about passing on the mantle now to the youngsters. He’s got a very good career ahead of him. At this stage, he’s willing to learn. We have a lot of conversations. So, I think once he keeps doing that, not just coming from me but anyone who he thinks can help him in his career, he can take a lot of knowledge on board and become a better cricketer.”Roach himself is towards the latter stages of his career but has put no end point on his Test career. “Day by day,” he said with a smile, “let’s see how it goes.” He made a big impression on his first tour of Australia when he forced Ricky Ponting to retire hurt in Perth but has found the country the toughest place to take wickets with 10 at 77.90 from eight matches.”As a bowler coming to Australia you are bowling against some of the best batters in the world so there is always a good challenge,” he said. “I love a good challenge. I have lived for that my whole career so for me coming here is just about expressing yourself, enjoying and relishing the moment and giving it a good go. Be confident in yourself and your skills and let’s see how the day goes for you.”Kemar Roach has the fifth-most wickets (267) in Tests for West Indies, but averages 77.90 with only ten wickets in Australia•Associated PressRoach only briefly dipped his toe into the franchise world of T20 – his last game in the format was in 2018 – although that did include a stint with Brisbane Heat, who will play the BBL final against Sydney Sixers on Wednesday. The last time Heat won the BBL was in 2012-13, when Roach claimed 3 for 18 against Perth Scorchers at the WACA. “I saw my picture on the wall, so good memories,” he said of his return to the Gabba, the home ground of Heat.Test cricket, where he ranks fifth among West Indies’ all-time wicket-takers, has remained his No. 1 priority and Roach firmly believes that is the case among many young players in the Caribbean.”I love Test cricket,” he said. “Honestly, I love the red-ball format. I’ve played one-dayers and the T20 format as well but I think my heart was always a part of the red ball. I just wanted to be a part of those mega cricketers back in the days. The Joel Garners, the Malcolm Marshalls, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, I just want to be a part of those names.”And I think for me, obviously, I didn’t grow up much in the franchise era. So I had Test cricket at heart, and it has stuck with me throughout. I just think it is different times now. So for me, it’s just about these youngsters, what they want to achieve from it. And they make the right decisions and they go forward [in their] careers.”The franchises are a big distraction,” he added. “But guys still want to relish red-ball cricket. Test cricket is still at the hearts of West Indian cricketers at home. It’s just about us to provide support around it. To keep those guys interested in red-ball cricket. Discussions will be had. I’m not part of it. They take Tests very seriously still. They are very proud to be a part of the red-ball team for the West Indies.”

Australia allrounder suffered back problem in final round of Sheffield Shield

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Mar-2024Somerset have been dealt a blow three weeks before the start of the County Championship with the news that Australia allrounder Will Sutherland has been ruled out of a spell with the club by injury.Sutherland, 24, experienced a back issue while captaining Victoria during the final round of Sheffield Shield games and will not be linking up with Somerset on medical advice. He had been due to play the first block of Championship games in April and May, followed by the Vitality Blast group stage.”Everyone involved really feels for Will as he was relishing the challenge of playing for Somerset this summer, and we wish him a swift recovery,” Somerset director of cricket, Andy Hurry, said. “Obviously, it’s a blow to lose a quality player this close to the start of the season, and our focus now is to secure a suitable replacement.”Sutherland, who made his ODI debut for Australia last month, had signed to play for Essex last summer before being ruled out by a back stress fracture.Somerset will have the services of Matt Renshaw for the start of the season, after he signed for his third stint in Taunton. The Australia opener will be available for the first seven games of the Championship, which begins on April 5.

Forgotten Real Madrid man Reinier Jesus has reportedly reached an agreement to join Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro on a free transfer.

Reinier Jesus set to leave Real MadridContract nearing terminationTransfer back to Brazil beckonsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to ESPN, Reinier will sign a four-and-a-half-year deal at the Brazilian club until 2030, with his Madrid contract set to be terminated imminently. The attacking midfielder joined Los Blancos in 2020 from Flamengo but never made a first-team appearance for the club.

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The former Brazil Under-23 international has had loan spells at Borussia Dortmund, Girona, Frosinone, and Granada in recent seasons but now he is heading back to South America after a fruitless Santiago Bernabeu spell. The report adds that Madrid will include a 50 per cent sell-on clause as they try to make some money from a player who cost them a reported €30 million (£26m) more than five years ago.

DID YOU KNOW?

Reinier was part of the Brazilian Under-23 side that won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which took place a year later due to the coronavirus pandemic, and he got a winners' medal as Dortmund won the DFB-Pokal in 2021.

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It is expected that the 6ft 1in player, who made three appearances for Madrid's B team in the 2019-20 season, will be unveiled as an Atletico Mineiro player this week. He could even make his debut against his old club Flamengo on Wednesday, or if not then, away to Vasco da Gama next Sunday.

The 26-year-old fullback played 121 matches with FC Dallas, scoring three goals

Becomes Tigres’ fourth signing this windowDeal reportedly worth around $3 millionAlready training with Guido Pizarro’s squadFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Tigres made it official on Wednesday: Marco Farfán is their newest addition for the Apertura 2025. The 26-year-old left back arrives on a permanent transfer from FC Dallas, with the deal reportedly valued at around $3 million.

Farfán signed a four-year contract with the club and has already joined the squad in Los Angeles, where Tigres await their fate in the 2025 Leagues Cup.

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Born in the U.S. and of Mexican heritage, Farfán played 121 matches for Dallas, contributing three goals and eight assists during his time there. He also had stints with LAFC and made his professional debut with Portland Timbers.

Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?

Internationally, Farfán has just one cap for the U.S. men’s national team – a friendly in 2020 – but his move to Tigres could put him back on the radar for Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, should his performances stand out in Liga MX.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR TIGRES?

Tigres are coming off a 2-1 loss to LAFC in the Leagues Cup, which leaves their spot in the quarterfinals still undecided. Regardless of their international fate, they’ll return to Liga MX action Friday, when they host Puebla at the Estadio Universitario in Matchday 4 of the Apertura.

Hurricanes player, who was found not guilty of rape, will likely return to play for Hobart in the BBL despite not telling the club about the charges.

AAP07-May-2024A player found not guilty of rape will likely return to play for the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL despite not informing the franchise about the criminal proceedings.In March, Nikhil Chaudhary was found not guilty by a jury of raping a 20-year-old woman in a car in Townsville in 2021. Cricket Tasmania says it was not informed of the charge or court action.Chaudhary, who joined the franchise in late 2023, had his deal extended to 2027 in February, the month before the trial.Related

From Punjab to Big Bash, the journey of big-hitting Nikhil Chaudhary

Cricket Tasmania’s high performance general manager Salliann Beams told reporters the organisation was still going through “internal processes” in relation to Chaudhary. She said he would likely play the upcoming season.”[There are] some legalities through that process,” Beams said on Tuesday.”It’s not so much the incident because we know that nothing happened … legally not guilty and everything.”It’s just the disclosure of information. We want to know where we sit on that because we were completely in the dark.”Beams said it was disappointing Chaudhary didn’t inform Cricket Tasmania about the charges or court proceedings.”You have to deal with the organisation’s point of view and the impact that it could potentially have on that,” she said.”Because you don’t really want to associate yourself with … that type of investigation.”But at the same time, you can understand from the players’ point of view is that, you know, they’ve done nothing wrong and it’s a scary place.”[You’re] legally advised not to say anything, so you’re always balancing different sides of the story.”Beams said she was proud of how Cricket Tasmania handled the scenario and made sure every person was managed the best way possible through the process.Chaudhary played nine games last BBL season, averaging 26 with the bat and taking five wickets in a Hurricanes side that missed the finals.

Gianluigi Donnarumma's agent claims the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper wants to play in the Premier League, but has denied talk of a move to Manchester City.

Donnarumma being forced out of PSGItaly international interested in PL moveMan City switch seemingly not on the cardsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Donnarumma's agent, Enzo Raiola, has confirmed that the Italy international is interested in a move to England this summer. The goalkeeper issued a statement earlier this week, confirming that he is set to leave PSG, while hinting that Luis Enrique is to blame for his exile. To that end, the Ligue 1 giants have already signed Lucas Chevalier in a €40 million (£34.5m/$47m) deal to replace him. 

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Donnarumma's agent has now said that the stopper is open to a move to England, because he could become only the second Italian player to win the competition after Mario Balotelli. However, the prospect of moving to Balotelli's former club, Man City, is seen as unlikely, as Pep Guardiola's side have not made contact with Raiola. 

WHAT RAIOLA SAID

Raiola told Calciomercato: "Rumours about Guardiola's interest are (just) rumours that have arrived. The truth is that we never talked to Guardiola. Until recently we thought to stay in Paris, again this year. After the communication of the non-renewal I said: 'Let's stay another year and then go away'. This was also the will of Gigio.

"Some Premier League clubs are moving and it’s the league to which Gigio aspires, also from a professional point of view. After being in Italy and PSG, the Premier League could give you that next step forward because you would go to play in the best league in the world. 

"The Premier League step is taken into account because we think that for an important player like Gigio it can be the right place. Also because history says that the only Italian to have won the Premier League is Mario Balotelli. If he could become another Italian to win it, it would be a beautiful thing for us. History says that it is very difficult for Italians to win it." 

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

PSG will go in search of more European glory on Wednesday night when the Champions League holders take on Europa League winners Tottenham in the UEFA Super Cup. Donnarumma won't be involved after being left out of the squad altogether.

Kevin Trapp is set for a shock return to France, with the former Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper agreeing to join Ligue 1 newcomers Paris FC.

Trapp agrees to join Paris FCFormer PSG keeper could sign until 2028Eintracht Frankfurt to receive €1m transfer feeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to , Trapp has informed Eintracht Frankfurt that he would agree to join newly-promoted Ligue 1 side Paris FC. The 35-year-old goalkeeper, who previously played for PSG between 2015 and 2019, is set to sign a contract until 2028. Frankfurt will receive €1 million from the deal, but will only sanction the transfer once they secure a replacement, reports Florian Plettenberg.

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This move would mark Trapp’s second spell in the French capital, albeit with PSG’s city rivals. His time at Les Parisiens saw him lift 11 trophies, including two Ligue 1 titles. Off the pitch, the German goalkeeper already spends considerable time in Paris due to his partner Izabel Goulart living there, making the move a seamless lifestyle fit. When asked by Sport.de about the goalkeeper’s situation, Eintracht sporting director Markus Krosche remained tight-lipped, saying: “I’m not saying anything about it.”

TELL ME MORE…

Paris FC’s Stade Jean-Bouin is located just 500 metres from PSG’s Parc des Princes, meaning Trapp would be returning to familiar surroundings. The Eagles, meanwhile, have identified Werder Bremen’s Michael Zetterer as their main target to replace him, with talks already underway. Zetterer, valued at €4.5m, could be allowed to leave if Bremen put their faith in young talent Mio Backhaus.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR KEVIN TRAPP?

With two weeks left in the transfer window, Frankfurt will push to finalise a deal for Zetterer before allowing Trapp to complete his move. If all goes to plan, the former PSG star could be back in Ligue 1 action with Paris FC as early as September.

The Mexican international will reportedly join the Orlando Pride, the reigning NWSL champion

Six-time Liga MX Femenil championMade 292 appearances with TigresScored 136 goalsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPWHAT HAPPENED?

Mexican international Lizbeth Ovalle is reportedly on the verge of making history with a world-record transfer move to the National Women’s Soccer League. According to ESPN, the Tigres Femenil standout is finalizing a deal with the Orlando Pride worth around $1.5 million – a record fee in the women’s game.

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Ovalle, 25, has spent her entire professional career with Tigres since debuting in 2017. In eight years, she has become one of Liga MX Femenil’s most decorated players, winning nine titles – six league championships and three Campeón de Campeonas – while amassing 136 goals across 292 official matches. She also featured in this year’s Apertura, recording two goals in six appearances before the move.

If confirmed, Ovalle would become the first Mexican player, male or female, to hold the world record for a transfer fee. The current mark belongs to Canada’s Olivia Smith, who joined Arsenal last month for $1.34 million (£1 million).

Previously linked with Barcelona, Ovalle now looks set to continue her career in the United States. Orlando Pride, the defending NWSL champion, is reportedly completing the deal as the team battles near the top of the table with an 8W-4D-4L record.

Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?

On the international stage, Ovalle has earned more than 50 caps for Mexico. She was named to the Best XI at the 2023 Concacaf W Gold Cup and starred in the 2024 edition, scoring a stunning opening goal against the U.S. in a historic 2-0 group stage victory.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ORLANDO PRIDE?While Ovalle’s transfer nears completion, the Florida side will visit Angel City this Thursday in NWSL action.