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Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson has often divided opinion when it comes to his inclusion in the national side, but he has produced a resounding performance in the most crucial of moments to aid England in the hunt for that coveted trophy that has eluded the nation for so long.

During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Henderson has stepped into the first-team reckoning after missing out on the starting fold in the opening fixture.

Quite simply, his presence in the middle of the park is of paramount importance to England’s endeavours, with his stability and selflessness providing a fortified platform for Jude Bellingham to maraud forward and find openings, while also giving the likes of Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden creative freedom on the wings.

Starting spot earned

As the tournament stretches into the latter stage, the need for composure and experience increases tenfold. Calm, assured heads with galvanising cries uttered across the pitch can be the difference between victory and defeat in the definitive moments.

As the games stretch on, and the ubiquitous figure needed to instigate the forward push, or maintain the ball under relentless pressure, is indeed often the focal point in such instances.

Henderson demonstrated his aptitude in such scenarios, aiding the Three Lions in clutching the match against Senegal and ensuring that the opening goal wouldn’t invite a barrage of pressure from the African opposition.

As per Sofascore, the £140k-per-week Liverpool captain recorded a rating of 7.7 during the round-of-16 outing, scoring the opening goal and continuing to provide the experienced display required to sail to victory.

His successful strike was complemented by an 89% pass accuracy and a 100% duel success rate; his two tackles and one blocked shot completed a robust and complete performance, an embodiment of the role needed from the modern industrious midfielder.

Across the tournament, Henderson, lauded a “terrific leader” by Liverpool teammate Virgil Van Dijk, has completed 86% of his passes and won 77% of his total duels, and his pragmatic approach to his play will be vital among the flair-heavy forward-line England also boasts.

Indeed, against France, in the tantalising quarter-final tie, the 32-year-old “conductor” will need to be on a similar vein of form, should he earn another starting role, and provide a doggedly tenacious display against the reigning world champions, but his blend of experience, melded with the vibrancy of Declan Rice beside him and the genius of Bellingham, could produce scintillating results for the nation.

For a player that has won nearly everything there is to win at club level, captaining such a side to success, was it ever really in question that he could provide the presence required to breed success, as he consistently throughout his time as skipper for the club.

Liverpool could look to hijack Manchester United’s £50million move for PSV star Cody Gakpo, according to pundit Paul Robinson. 

The Lowdown: Goalscoring genius 

Following on from an impressive haul of 25 Eredivisie goal contributions last term in the form of 12 goals and 13 assists, Gakpo has gone one better this time around with nine goals and 12 assists from just 14 league games.

And his incredible league form combined with three goals from four games under the tenure of Louis van Gaal at the Qatar World Cup has only stoked the fires of talks surrounding a possible big move in 2023.

The 23-year-old has been a goalscoring genius so far this season, with his World Cup efforts likely to add to his ever-growing price tag.

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The Latest: Robinson urges Reds to swoop in

Asked by Football Insider whether Liverpool could make a move for Gakpo with assistant coach Pep Ljinders reportedly a big admirer of the player, Robinson said:

“Look, Jurgen Klopp and the recruitment team at Liverpool clearly trust Pep Lijnders judgement because they backed him on the Jota signing.

“Gakpo is a top player. He has proven it at domestic level and now he is proving it on the biggest stage of all, the World Cup. He is certainly a player who would improve the Liverpool squad.

“You can see why Ljinders likes him. The may well trust Lijnders again. Liverpool have a lot of options in forward areas but I wouldn’t rule out them hijacking a move for Gakpo.”

The Verdict: Worth a try

Hijacking a move from your bitter rivals is a feat that will always go down well with the fans, especially for this calibre of player, so to snatch Gakpo from the clutches of Manchester United would serve as a sensational feat from Jurgen Klopp and co. 

Given Klopp’s track record of transforming the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota into goalscoring machines, you get the impression that Gakpo would instantly become an elite-level forward under the German boss’ guidance.

This is worth a try from a Liverpool perspective, despite their already esteemed front-line.

Glasgow Rangers’ recent form has increased the pressure on Giovanni van Bronckhorst, especially with the Ibrox side nine points behind the current league leaders in the race for the Premiership title.

Truth be told, only one of the Dutchman’s seven summer signings has suitably impressed. Striker Antonio Colak has scored 14 goals in all competitions, however, the burden shouldn’t fall on just one player to be the focal point of the team.

Alfredo Morelos has been in woeful form this campaign, netting just three times. His contract is due to expire at the end of the season and the majority of the Ibrox faithful are now bracing themselves for him to either be sold or leave for free in the summer.

As such, with the January window fast approaching, Van Bronckhorst should be revisiting a move for Sunderland striker Ross Stewart.

The Scot was linked with the Light Blues back in the summer as a replacement for Morelos, however, nothing ever materialised. His contract is also set to expire at the end of the season and this should prompt Van Bronckhorst to revisit a potential move.

Although Gers usually play with just one up front, a duo of Colak and Stewart could be an excellent option ahead of the second half of the season.

The Sunderland hitman has scored 78 goals in his career to date and, despite not being an out-and-out centre forward like Colak, he would be a perfect foil for the Croatian, allowing him to benefit from his hard work and boundless energy.

A change in formation might do the Glasgow side the world of good, and two centre-forwards could certainly cause a host of problems for opposing defences, especially with a duo in the calibre of Stewart and Colak.

Having scored 24 goals in League One last season, with Sunderland gaining promotion through the playoffs, journalist James Copley hailed the player as “unbelievable” during his stunning season.

He might not be the big-name signing the supporters expect, but if the club can secure him either for free at the end of the season, or for a reduced fee in January, it might be shrewd business indeed.

Villarreal attacker Nicolas Jackson could be an ideal addition to Aston Villa’s attack if he joins the Premier League club in January, journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed.

The Lowdown: Jackson linked with Villa

The 21-year-old is an exciting young player who has scored two goals and set up two more in La Liga so far this season, with a bright future seemingly on the cards for him.

New Villa manager Unai Emery knows Jackson inside-out after working with him recently at the Estadio de la Ceramica, and the Senegal forward has been linked with a move to Villa Park.

A January move could potentially be on the cards, and his possible signing has once again been talked up.

The Latest: Journalist talks up possible Jackson signing

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke said that Jackson is someone who could help take Villa up another gear this season and beyond if he comes to the Midlands.

The reporter said of the 21-year-old:

“He’s broken into the Villarreal team on a regular basis this season, and he’s been a real find for them.

“He scored goals, created goals, and he’s someone who could add to that Aston Villa attack because they’ve really struggled to score goals so far this season.

“So, I’m sure it’s an area of the team that Unai Emery will quickly identify to try and improve.”

The Verdict: Ideal January addition

Jackson could be a perfect January addition for Villa, with Emery’s knowledge of the Senegalese gem as a player certainly taking the risk element out of the move.

At 21, he is still very raw, but with Philippe Coutinho and Emiliano Buendia regressing from last season’s levels, and with neither Danny Ings nor Ollie Watkins scoring freely, more attacking depth is required.

Jackson should be viewed as someone who could come in and be an immediate regular for Villa, while also maturing into a genuine stalwart in claret and blue as the years progress.

Lewis Gregory gave Somerset a powerful start•Getty Images

Somerset moved into third place in the NatWest T20 Blast South Group with a 14-run victory over Hampshire in front of a 6,000-plus crowd at Taunton.Opener Lewis Gregory led the way after the hosts had won the toss, smacking 43 off 20 balls, with nine fours, in a total of 204 for 9. Jim Allenby contributed 37, while Gareth Berg claimed 3 for 35.In reply, Hampshire were bowled out for 190, Lewis McManus top-scoring with 34. Tim Groenewald was the pick of the home attack with 2 for 28 from his four overs.Somerset made a whirlwind start to their innings thanks to some sweet timing from openers Gregory and Steve Davies and some woeful Hampshire bowling that saw the second over from Kyle Abbott feature two over-stepping no-balls and cost 25.By the end of the fourth over Gregory and Davies had taken the score to 61, the former being dropped on 24 by Berg off Brad Wheal, a tough chance, with the skied ball arriving over his shoulder.It was a relief for Hampshire when James Vince produced a good catch above his head at mid-on to dismiss Davies for 32, made from just 13 balls, Shahid Afridi the successful bowler.Man-of-the-match Gregory holed out to deep midwicket off Berg, having looked in prime form and by the end of the six-over Powerplay Somerset had raced to 83 for 2.Allenby took time to play himself in before producing some cracking shots. Peter Trego fell cheaply, but James Hildreth ensured there was no let-up for the bowlers with a breezy 25 off 18 deliveries.Allenby drove a catch to extra cover off Berg, but Michael Leask hit Wheal for six and two more maximums in the same over by Roelof van der Merwe, including a ramp shot, had Somerset on course for 220.But the 18th over saw van der Merwe run out and Abbott strike twice to dismiss Leask and Groenewald, forcing last pair Craig Overton and Max Waller to exercise caution.Hampshire replied positively despite losing Rilee Rossouw to only the eighth ball of their innings, bowled by Overton, whose opening over still coast 14.Vince cracked 33 off 15 balls, with seven fours, before being bowled by a full ball from Gregory. But George Bailey quickly followed, a victim for Groenewald, who put an early brake on the scoring rate.Carberry was dropped on 2 by Hildreth at short fine-leg off Overton as Hampshire ended the Powerplay on 51 for 3. He and Sean Ervine added 49 in good time before the latter was bowled by van der Merwe for 19 attempting a scoop shot.Carberry had progressed to 30 and was looking dangerous when run out by Groenewald in a mix-up with Lewis McManus over a second run. At 93 for 5 in the 11th over, the visitors were in trouble.McManus lofted successive sixes off van der Merwe in the 13th over, but the next saw Waller beat Afridi’s defensive shot and bowl him for 18.When McManus was caught by Allenby at extra cover off a skier to give Waller his second wicket, Hampshire were left needing 53 off four overs, with only three wickets in hand.Despite the best efforts of Berg (31 off 21 balls), they were always falling short and when he was run out the innings ended with three balls remaining.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has provided his verdict on Tottenham Hotspur’s reported interest in Leicester City ace James Maddison, following the Englishman’s sparkling early-season form.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider suggested that the 25-year-old could well prove to be a potential successor to former Spurs star Christian Eriksen, with the latter man having left north London back in January 2020 to join Inter Milan.

Amid reports that the Foxes playmaker could be a target for the Lilywhites, O’Rourke stated:

“His stats and numbers for Leicester this season have been superb as well. So, I think he could possibly go in and fill those boots of Christian Eriksen that Spurs have lacked since his departure.”

The former Norwich City man faces an uncertain future at the King Power Stadium with his existing deal set to expire in 2024, having also been the subject of interest from Newcastle United over the summer, with the Magpies reportedly seeing a £50m bid rejected.

Eriksen heir

Signing a new creative midfielder had seemingly been on the agenda for Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici over the summer, with there having even been reports that the club were keen on bringing that man Eriksen back to the club on a free transfer.

The 30-year-old genius – who has since joined Manchester United in the recent window – had enjoyed a successful stint in the capital prior to his move to Italy just over two years ago, scoring 69 goals and providing 90 assists in 305 games in all competitions after signing from Ajax in 2013.

The Denmark international had been a key figure for the club during Mauricio Pochettino’s time at the helm, before going on to enjoy success at the San Siro under Conte, helping the serial winning coach to the Serie A title during the 2020/21 campaign.

The 117-cap gem’s time with the former Chelsea boss had seen him operate in a creative role in a 3-5-2 formation, with there no doubt a void in the current Tottenham squad for a playmaking asset to take on that berth – a problem which Maddison could well be a solution to.

The versatile sensation – who can operate on the flanks, in a number ten role or in central midfield – has lit up the Premier League in the early weeks of the season for Brendan Rodgers’ side, scoring five goals and laying on two assists in just eight top-flight games thus far to emerge as something of a “talisman” for the Midlands outfit, as described by journalist Rob Tanner.

Like Eriksen – who has been lauded for “amazing quality” on the ball by Red Devils legend Bryan Robson – Maddison has routinely been praised for his set-piece delivery, having been described as “world-class” in that regard by Three Lions boss, Gareth Southgate.

While there may well be a scramble for his signature moving forward, the £110k-per-week man would seemingly be an ideal addition for Conte and co, particularly as Spurs look to fill that Eriksen-sized void in the side.

The Mexico national team have concerns over Raul Jimenez’s current fitness, in an update that will no doubt be equally worrying from a Wolves perspective.

The Lowdown: Jimenez injury-prone

Ever since suffering a potentially life-threatening head injury during the 2020/21 season, the 31-year-old hasn’t managed to return the same player.

Other fitness issues have been a key reason for that, with Jimenez finding himself in and out of Wolves’ team and unable to get any rhythm to his game.

The striker has been sidelined for much of this season so far, starting just two games in the Premier League, and he is also absent for Mexico currently.

The Latest: Mexican FA concerned

According to Fox Sports journalist Ruben Rodriguez [via Sport Witness], there are worries that Jimenez could even be a doubt for the upcoming World Cup, outlining his conversation with Mexico manager Gerardo Martino:

“And how do you see the panorama? And he told me by pulling a face: ‘complicated’. It gives you a little overview of how it is; so the issue is complicated.

“Not even Raúl himself knows when he can be one hundred percent, and we have to wait.

“Raul’s best friend is time and the doctor. It doesn’t matter if he’s doing well or not football-wise. The doctor is the one who will tell.

“And I imagine that Raúl himself will have to be very self-critical, very responsible and say: ‘Martino, I’m ready’ or ‘I am not ready’. That’s how clear the panorama is with Raúl Jiménez.”

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The Verdict: Costa needs to shine

At 31, and with so many injuries behind him, it does feel as though we have seen the best of Jimenez, who could now increasingly become a bit-part player at Wolves.

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He has only scored ten league goals in the last two-and-a-bit seasons and it may be that new Wanderers signing Diego Costa takes his place in the team once he himself is fully fit.

The fact that Mexico are so concerned about Jimenez’s fitness over a month from the tournament is going to be immediately worrying for Bruno Lage, who will desperately hope he can have his striker at 100 per cent again at some point in the near future.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been linked with a move for Goncalo Ramos this summer, and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the club’s pursuit of the player.

What’s the latest?

According to journalist Jacque Talbot, Benfica forward Ramos could be the player Bruno Lage turns to next in Wolves’ attempt to strengthen their team ahead of the transfer window closing.

Talbot told GIVEMESPORT:

“They’re looking to get into Europe again next year. To get back in the Europa League, they’re going to start pulling a lot of big names out.

“I think Ramos is next up on the list as well.”

Imagine him & Podence

Bruno Lage’s side are yet to pick up a win in the Premier League after three games with just one goal scored so far, so bringing in a player like Ramos who can inspire more creativity and goal-scoring opportunities in the side could be a major coup for the club.

Ramos has already scored one goal and assisted twice for Benfica this season over two league appearances, and has scored four goals in their Champions League qualification games too, playing in the centre-forward role and finally climbing out of new Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez’s shadow.

Showing glimpses of his potential over 29 league appearances last season, the 21-year-old scored seven times, delivered one assist and created three big chances, while taking 1.9 shots and making 0.8 key passes per game.

That all came after the forward racked up some “outrageous numbers” in the words of football talent scout Jacek Kulig, with the youngster totalling 11 goals and three assists in nine matches at one stage over the 2020/21 campaign for Benfica B.

Lage could even form a fantastic attacking partnership between Ramos and Wolves’ winger Daniel Podence if the club can seal a deal for the player this summer.

The Portuguese pair certainly offer a number of different attributes in the way they affect the game for their respective teams, but combining their talents could be lethal for opponents coming up against them over the season ahead.

In terms of finding the back of the net and creating goalscoring opportunities, Ramos offers much more consistency in those attributes with a better shot on target rate (44.4% v 42.9%) and more goal contributions per 90 minutes (0.45 v 0.39). However, Podence’s creativity could be they key to getting the very best out of the £30m-valued talent at Wolves.

The 25-year-old created seven big chances and delivered three assists last season, with 1.4 key passes per game. He also ranked in the top 25% of his positional peers in the top five European leagues for progressive carries over the last 12 months.

As a result, the signing of Ramos could be a golden opportunity for Lage to give Podence the perfect partner to work with in order to fashion more chances for Wolves as their expectations for European football could be farfetched if they don’t improve upon their performances already behind them.

Former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor is impressed by Leeds United’s move to sign Juan Mata this summer. 

The lowdown: Orta in talks

The Whites have been extensively linked with a move for the experienced Spaniard recently, with Director of Football Victor Orta even thought to have opened a dialogue with the players’ father about the possible switch.

Still a free agent having left Manchester United last month, Mata is believed to be willing to take a substantial drop in pay in order to secure a move to Elland Road in what is now the twilight of a career that has seen the 34-year-old lift the World Cup, European Championships, UEFA Champions League, Premier League and other major honours across spells with Valencia, Chelsea and in Manchester.

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Ahead of a seemingly imminent arrival in Yorkshire – some reports even claim Orta has won the race already – one pundit has had his say on what Mata can bring to Jesse Marsch’s squad…

The latest: ‘Perfect’

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor – who regularly contributes for talkSPORT – has suggested that the 41-cap Spain superstar would be the ideal addition to the Whites’ ranks.

He said: “They’ve got a lot of young players Leeds, a lot of inexperienced players in the Premier League. So I think he would be perfect. He might not play every game but to have him in there, to help the younger players and the less experienced players to play in the Premier League.

“I think it would be a great signing for Leeds. These rivalries are dying at the moment.”

The verdict: Spot on

Despite only recently cutting ties with arch-rivals Manchester United, Leeds cannot take such matters into account when it comes to suitably strengthening the options at Marsch’s disposal this summer.

Holding a perceived market value of £2.25million (Transfermarkt), signing Mata – who was praised for his ‘impeccable’ timing by journalist Tyrone Marshall following a standout 9.10 Sofascore-rated display against Brighton in October 2020 – for nothing would be a sensational coup for Leeds.

Last season, the cultured Spaniard made 12 appearances across all competitions for Manchester United, taking an astonishing career tally to 592 professional senior outings, 278 of which have come in the Premier League.

As the protracted pursuit of Charles De Ketelaere faces an uncertain conclusion amid strong links to AC Milan, getting Mata through the arrivals door at Thorp Arch would be a welcome boost.

A French journalist has dropped a big Glasgow Rangers transfer claim that will surely have left Giovanni van Bronckhorst buzzing as he looks to improve his squad further.

What’s the news?

Marc Mechenoua has tweeted about the Ibrox side’s interest in Welsh winger Rabbi Matondo, saying: “Rabbi Matondo is close to signing with Glasgow Rangers for a sum close to €2m. In Ligue 1, Lorient and Troyes have made offers for the player.”

This is yet more good news for Rangers as they continue to make some headway into the summer transfer market, and a deal for Matondo would be a shrewd move.

Van Bronckhorst will be buzzing

It’s no secret that the Dutchman has been looking to strengthen the attacking options available to him at Ibrox, with a right-winger being a key priority in this window.

The former Manchester City academy prospect joined Schalke for a €9m fee in 2019 but has struggled to ascertain himself into a key member of the German side during his stay, spending time on loan at Stoke and Cercle Brugge.

His form at the Belgian side last season saw Rangers linked with the winger, and it’s easy to see why. The 21-year-old scored 10 goals in 27 appearances, as well as adding a further two assists – and if there were any weaknesses in the Ibrox side last season, it was a lack of goals from either wing.

Having been linked with Rangers since the end of last season, it appears they have beaten off competition from Celtic, who were also seemingly interested in Matondo.

With Van Bronckhorst trying out numerous players on the right-wing last season to no great success, a player of Matondo’s talent should hopefully be able to slot into the position with ease and hit the ground running.

With the World Cup looming on the horizon for the youngster, regular game time at a club the stature of Rangers will do his international chances no harm at all as he aims to add to his 11 caps for Wales.

AND in other news: David Ornstein drops big transfer update that’ll have Rangers supporters gutted