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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers may face a challenge to keep hold of one of his first-team men in January after it emerged that another club is now keeping a close eye on his situation, according to reports.

Celtic's tale of two contrasting draws in the space of a week

During midweek, Celtic produced an awe-inspiring performance in front of a raucous atmosphere at Parkhead to record a 2-2 draw against La Liga high-flyers Atletico Madrid, with goals from Kyogo Furuhashi and Luis Palma enough to secure a point in the Champions League despite being pegged back twice by strikes from Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata.

Finally getting off the mark in Group E, Celtic boss Rodgers praised his side's efforts as they prolonged their hopes of securing European football after Christmas, saying: "That was a really good performance, but we just couldn't get the win. I don't think you can say they'll fly back to Spain not knowing they've had a tough game. They didn't create so much. Their equaliser was fantastic and shows the quality at this level."

He then added: "Our reaction in the game was superb, having the courage and the bravery to play. We showed we can compete with a top level team. We can create opportunities. We can play the game the way we want to play."

Despite this, Celtic returned to Scottish Premiership action away to Hibernian at Easter Road on Saturday and a sluggish performance against a stubborn opponent could only yield a 0-0 draw in Edinburgh, with tired legs playing their part in a low-key affair.

Nevertheless, Rodgers commended his side for their points total in the first ten matches of the Scottish Premiership campaign and urged them to rediscover their best form against St Mirren at Parkhead on Wednesday, stating: "We've played ten games now. We've had eight wins and two draws and we've been to every ground in the country and did well in the main. The effort and commitment was there; now we need to recover and get ready for Wednesday."

Celtic's next five fixtures – all competitions

Competition

Opponent

Venue

Scottish Premiership

St Mirren (H)

Celtic Park

Scottish Premiership

Ross County (A)

Global Energy Stadium

Champions League

Atletico Madrid (A)

Wanda Metropolitano

Scottish Premiership

Aberdeen (H)

Celtic Park

Scottish Premiership

Motherwell (H)

Celtic Park

Celtic transfer update on Matt O'Riley

According to a transfer update from Football Insider, Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley is on the radar of Brighton & Hove Albion, who have sent scouts to watch the Danish playmaker in action regularly as Roberto De Zerbi assesses his options in the engine room. From their observations, the Premier League high-flyers are believed to be hugely impressed by his exploits and have set their sights on a move.

The Seagulls are among a host of clubs that have watched the 22-year-old in action this term as he continues to go from strength to strength under the tutelage of Rodgers.

Adding goals to his game, O'Riley has gone on to notch six strikes and four assists from 14 appearances across all competitions for Celtic this season (Matt O'Riley stats – Transfermarkt).

Commended for his "wonderful attitude" by Celtic boss Rodgers earlier this year, O'Riley has taken his game to a whole different stratosphere in 2023/24 and, unsurprisingly, clubs from south of the border have started to take notice of his consistent form.

Colin Ingram marshalled a challenging total before Luke Wright preyed upon weak Glamorgan bowling to make Sussex the early leaders in South Group

ECB Reporters Network08-Jul-2018

ScorecardLuke Wright led by example at Sophia Gardens by striking 88 from 53 balls, as Sussex gained their second win from two games and lead the Southern Group after an impressive all-round performance.It was a battle of the captains at Sophia Gardens, with Colin Ingram top scoring with an undefeated 81 from 44 balls to take Glamorgan to a challenging 173 for 4.But Glamorgan were let down by some poor bowling, as Wright and Laurie Evans shared a match winning partnership of 123 in just 12.4 overs. “I thought we had enough, especially on a used pitch, but we came up against two batsmen in good form,” said Ingram.Needing to score at 8.6 runs an over, Wright began with a flurry of boundaries although he lost his opening partner Phil Salt in the fourth over when he attempted to pull a short ball from Michael Hogan, edged to the wicketkeeper.Marsh worry for Glamorgan

Australia batsman Shaun Marsh is having a scan on his shoulder after an injury suffered while fielding.He fell awkwardly while trying to make a boundary save, called for medical attention and left the field immediately.
“Shaun’s a tough guy, so it’s certainly not a bruise the way he walked off holding his shoulder,” Glamorgan’s coach Robert Croft said.”So we’ll have to wait and see, but we hope the scan will be favourable to us.”

Wright then greeted Graham Wagg by driving him straight for six, followed by a rasping cover drive for four, and when Wagg was taken off after one over, he had conceded 16 runs. The Sussex captain raced to his fifty from only 33 balls, and his team were well placed at the halfway stage on 89 for 1.Wright was well supported by Evans, who also punished some indifferent bowling from Glamorgan, who bowled far too short on a good pitch, and at 109 for 1 at the end of the twelfth over, were coasting to victory.Glamorgan then suffered a setback, when Shaun Marsh, their Australian overseas batsman, dived in an attempt to stop a fierce drive from Wright, but landed on his shoulder, and had to leave the field in some pain.Sussex required 41 from the final 5 overs, but there was no respite for the bowlers as Wright drove Ingram and hooked Wagg for sixes, before holing out on the mid-wicket boundary. Evans settled the issue by striking Hogan for two sixes in the 18th over, and there were eight balls remaining when Tom Bruce struck the winning runs.Glamorgan’s innings was built around a typically aggressive innings from Colin Ingram who struck from balls, and the captain was well supported by David Lloyd, who made 33, including a straight six off Rashid Khan, who again bowled his leg spin economically and picked up two wickets.Glamorgan were 59 for 3 after nine overs, after Shaun Marsh had pulled a long hop from Jofra Archer to deep mid- wicket, Usman Khawaja mishit to deep cover, and Aneurin Donald holed out to Khan at long off.Ingram was then soon into his stride, and played Khan, who was in the same Adelaide Strikers side that won the Big Bash Australia last winter, with respect, as the Afghan spinner ended with the creditable figures of 2 for 27 from his four overs.Ingram accelerated in the final overs. Ollie Robinson and David Wiese were struck for two huge sixes over long on as 53 runs were added in the final five overs.

In quite simple terms, it's strange to think that Nottingham Forest could lose a high-profile transfer target of theirs at one time or another.

Whether that be back in the club's storied Brian Clough era, or in a current frenetic spending climate. In a similar sort of situation to Chelsea, Nottingham Forest's owner Evangelos Marinakis subscribes to the idea of spending power bringing success and so far, Premier League survival under Steve Cooper has proved him right.

How much have Nottingham Forest spent on transfers?

Nottingham Forest brought in a quite ridiculous 21 new players this summer. Spending a total of £105.7 million (€122.05m) in just one window, it pushed their spending combined with last term, up to a whopping £274.7m.

Steve Cooper has certainly had his work cut out gelling a seemingly ever-expanding group. Yet with the side sitting 12th – even getting a 1-0 win on the third day of the season at Stamford Bridge, Forest look to have made progress in convincing fans they're an established first division side once again.

That said, perhaps they could have reached the promised land sooner had they signed Harry Maguire.

Why didn't Nottingham Forest sign Harry Maguire?

As revealed by the Athletic back in 2019 with words from former gaffer and esteemed player, Stuart Pearce – Maguire could've gone to the City Ground as early as 2014. One of two players Pearce was keen on, the other being Che Adams deep in non-league, Maguire was just showing the early signs of a solid player possessing Premier League capabilities

In the article where both Stuart Pearce and Dougie Freedman looked back over a tumultuous time for Forest, the former defender spoke of a disconnect with the chairman. Previously, he had signed both Britt Assombalonga and Michail Antonio. Those two players had moved on for a collective £15m worth of profit. However, when he mentioned his next two targets, the chairman's distrust came back to bite him.

“I looked back recently at two players I took to the chairman as potential signings during my time at Forest – Che Adams and Harry Maguire,” says Pearce. “One of those has gone for £15 million, and the other £80 million. You look back at things like that with a rueful smile on your face. Because people hadn’t heard of those two at the time, it was decided it was something that they would not finance. (Pearce, 2019)

Hindsight truly spirals the situation into a whole new stratosphere for Nottingham Forest. Especially so, considering the nature of the players they lost out on and just how cheaply they could've got them for. Pearce continued, illustrating some astounding numbers given today's transfer inflation:

“We asked Sheffield United for a price on Maguire and I don’t think the two clubs could come to an agreement. With Adams, you were talking about £20,000 (from Ilkeston). Clubs like Forest should be mopping up young talent like that.”

How much did Manchester United pay for Harry Maguire?

Looking back not only brings up money-related headaches for Forest, there's also personal aspects to ponder too. Of course, after playing for Hull City after a £2.5m move from Sheffield United, Maguire joined Forest's East Midlands rival in Leicester City. In turn by taking on huge development, he gifted the Foxes a giant transfer sum when Manchester United snatched the centre back up for £80m in 2019.

At this point, Forest had already agonisingly watched their rivals win a historic Premier League in 2016, so to see a 'could've been' so to speak, go awry must've been extra painful.

How much is Harry Maguire worth now?

Now, even regarding Maguire's oscillating form and seemingly eternal scapegoat spotlight, he still remains a staunch Gareth Southgate starter.

According to Transfermarkt's June estimations – the 6 foot 4 defender is valued at €20m or around £17.3m.

That is quite a staggering drop-off, but nonetheless, Forest arguably made a mistake by refusing to cough up such a meagre asking price all those years ago. What could have been?

يستعد منتخب مصر الأول لكرة القدم، لخوض مباراة قوية أمام منافسه غينيا بيساو، اليوم الإثنين في تصفيات إفريقيا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026.

ويحل منتخب مصر ضيفًا على غينيا بيساو، في ملعب الأخير “24 سبتمبر”، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الرابعة من عمر منافسات مرحلة المجموعات لتصفيات كأس العالم.

ويقع منتخب مصر في المجموعة الأولى من تصفيات كأس العالم 2026، بجانب منتخبات بوركينا فاسو وغينيا بيساو وسيراليون وإثيوبيا وجيبوتي.

طالع أيضاً.. منتخب مصر يختتم استعداداته لمواجهة غينيا بيساو في تصفيات كأس العالم

وكان منتخب مصر قد نجح في الفوز في مباراة الجولة الثالثة يوم الخميس الماضي، على بوركينا فاسو بهدفين مقابل هدف.

ويعتلي منتخب مصر ترتيب المجموعة الأولى في تصفيات كأس العالم برصيد 9 نقاط من الفوز في الثلاث جولات الأولى من التصفيات. موعد مباراة مصر وغينيا بيساو في تصفيات كأس العالم

من المقرر أن تنطلق المباراة مساء اليوم في تمام الساعة السابعة بتوقيت مصر والسعودية. القنوات الناقلة لمباراة مصر وغينيا بيساو في تصفيات كأس العالم

تنقل مباراة مصر وغينيا بيساو، عبر شبكة قنوات SSC السعودية، بالإضافة إلى قناة أون تايم سبورت 1. معلق مباراة مصر وغينيا بيساو اليوم

يتولى حاتم بطيشة التعليق عبر SSC SPOTRTS، بينما يٌعلق مؤمن حسن على أحداث المباراة عبر قناة أون تايم 1 بالصوتية الأولى، ومحمد سيد عفيفي في الصوتية الثانية.

ويُمكنك متابعة أحداث المباريات لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا.

تحدث سفيان أمرابط، اللاعب المغربي الدولي، عن مستقبله حيث من المفترض أن يعود إلى فيورنتينا من جديد بعد فترة إعارته مع مانشستر يونايتد.

وانضم أمرابط إلى مانشستر يونايتد على سبيل الإعارة من فيورنتينا، الصيف الماضي، حتى نهاية هذا الموسم.

اقرأ أيضًا.. تين هاج ردًا على مستقبله: تعرضنا لانتقادات غير عادلة ومانشستر يونايتد مشروعي

وحقق أمرابط بطولة، أمس، بعدما ساهم في فوز مانشستر يونايتد بكأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي على حساب مانشستر سيتي.

وعندما سُئل عن مستقبله، رد أمرابط في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ميرور” الإنجليزية: “هل أعرف بالفعل ما سأفعله العام المقبل؟ لا، سنتحدث”.

وأضاف: “البقاء هو بالتأكيد خيار، أعتقد أنه كان موسمًا صعبًا للغاية، بالنسبة لمانشستر يونايتد، يجب أن يكون الأمر أفضل بكثير، وكذلك بالنسبة لي شخصيًا”.

وواصل: “لم يكن الأمر سهلاً، لقد بقيت دائمًا هادئًا وتدربت بجدية شديدة، وفي النهاية، حصلت مكافأة هذا الصبر، سنتحدث”.

وأردف: “مانشستر يونايتد هو أكبر نادٍ في العالم، فمن الذي لا يريد لعب كرة القدم هنا؟ لكن يجب على جميع الأطراف أن تكون سعيدة مع بعضها البعض، لذلك سنجلس الآن ونرى ما سيحدث”

Manchester United have reportedly reignited their interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, and they appear to have the advantage over one Premier League rival when it comes to a potential transfer.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news?

The Red Devils have been busy so far this summer with big-money moves for Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund. There could be further business before the September 1 deadline, though, however, that may depend on any Old Trafford departures.

A new midfielder could be on the cards should a number of players move on, with Sofyan Amrabat and Amadou Onana two players heavily linked with a move to Erik ten Hag’s side.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

Another player who has been of interest earlier in the year is Gravenberch, and it looks as if United could be back in for the 21-year-old.

According to Foot Mercato, Man United, alongside rivals Liverpool, ‘have reactivated the track leading to the Dutch international’. The report claims that no offer has been made so far, however, Gravenberch, should he leave Munich, would prefer a move to Old Trafford over Anfield.

Who is Ryan Gravenberch?

Gravenberch can play as a central or holding midfielder and is under contract at the Allianz Arena until 2027. The Netherlands U21 international left Ajax for Bayern Munich just last year and has made 33 appearances for the Bundesliga champions.

Prior to that, Gravenberch, on £152,000-a-week, made more than 100 appearances for Ajax so has played plenty of first team football early into his career.

He has also came in for praise from former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann, who suggested last year that Gravenberch was "better than most other footballers", saying:

“He has my complete confidence. He also knows exactly what he needs to fit our style of play perfectly. He has everything a footballer needs. He has a fantastic dribble and can play out under the pressure.

“Ryan is better than most other footballers in Europe his age. You must have patience. This is Bayern Munich. You have to be better than the other players because there is no reason for me not to field the best."

Therefore, should Man United miss out on Amrabat or Onana, then perhaps a move for Gravenberch could be one to watch and a potential shrewd transfer by Old Trafford chiefs.

You’d expect he’ll only get better with age, and he has already worked under Ten Hag in the Netherlands, with all of his Ajax appearances coming under the United manager.

The 6ft 2 midfielder has been compared to Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham over the past 12 months, as per FBref, and statistically, has also impressed.

Compared to midfielders, Gravenberch has ranked in the top 10% for tackles in midfield and attacking zones, shot-creating actions and long pass completion, showing his ability in a number of areas. He also ranks highly for carries into the final third and progressive passes received, so Ten Hag may view the midfielder as an ideal addition to challenge the likes of Casemiro, Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen, making this one to watch.

Majority shareholder Dermot Desmond and the rest of the Celtic board have backed Brendan Rodgers throughout the summer transfer window so far.

Who have Celtic signed?

The Hoops have made five new additions to the first-team squad; including Marco Tilio, Odin Thiago Holm, Hyun-jun Yang, Hyeok-kyu Kwon, and Maik Nawrocki.

These moves may have been funded by the sale of Portuguese dynamo Jota. He moved to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad in a reported £25m deal last month.

There could be more signings on the way for the Scottish giants, though, after it was confirmed that Carl Starfelt has left the club to join Spanish outfit Celta Vigo on a permanent basis.

It was recently reported that the Bhoys have made an offer within the region of £2.9m for Elfsborg central defender Gustaf Lagerbielke, who could be a replacement for his compatriot.

How good is Gustaf Lagerbielke?

The 23-year-old titan's form in his home country over the last 18 months suggests that he has the potential to be an excellent defender for Rodgers and could be a dream partner for Nawrocki at the back.

Cameron Carter-Vickers is at least two years older than both of them and has been linked with Premier League interest this year, which could make Lagerbielke and Nawrocki the long-term central defensive pairing for the Hoops moving forward.

The £2.9m-rated centre-back, whose passing was hailed as "impressive" by journalist Ryan McGinlay, is a strong enforcer who is able to dominate opposition forwards and produce consistently brilliant performances at the back.

He has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.20 across 15 Allsvenskan appearances in 2023 and caught the eye with 2.2 tackles and interceptions per game and a duel success rate of 62%.

In 2022, the 6 foot 3 titan averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.20 over 20 league outings and he made 3.2 tackles and interceptions per match, whilst the talented gem also came out on top in 64% of his individual battles.

Meanwhile, no current Celtic defender managed a score higher than 7.20 or produced more than 2.1 tackles and interceptions per clash in the Scottish Premiership last term.

These statistics suggest that Lagerbielke has the potential to be an outstanding performer at the back for Rodgers if he is able to translate his form from Sweden over to Scotland this season due to his ability to deliver a high standard of performance week-in-week-out.

He could, therefore, be a dream partner for Nawrocki as the Polish battler would have an excellent centre-back to play alongside, after his own impressive debut for the Hoops.

The 22-year-old ace recorded a Sofascore rating of 7.20 in the 4-2 win over Ross County on the opening day of the season last weekend. As per Sofascore, the former Legia Warsaw star won 100% (2/2) of his ground duels and made three tackles and interceptions combined, whilst the towering colossus also completed 93% of his attempted passes – including ten of his 11 long passes.

Nawrocki, who won 61% of his aerial duels in the Polish top-flight last term, was able to hit the ground running with an excellent performance at the back, on and off the ball, and he could form an exceptional partnership with Lagerbielke if they are able to bring the Swedish brute to Parkhead.

Crystal Palace are keen on Montpellier striker Elye Wahi and he could be a 'great' forward option at Selhurst Park, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Which clubs are keen on Elye Wahi?

According to L'Equipe via Sport Witness, Crystal Palace are believed to have made a 'verbal offer' to try and land Wahi this summer alongside Atletico Madrid.

Chelsea are also keen on the 20-year-old forward and it is said that he is hoping to link up with his new club and start training once he returns from his holiday.

Cited by The Evening Standard, Chelsea have already saw a £24 million bid for Wahi turned down this window and is reportedly keen on a move that would see him pitch up at Strasbourg upon arrival at Stamford Bridge to continue his development at the Blues' satellite club.

Wahi, who has been hailed as a "real beast", isn't yet regarded as ready to lead the line for Chelsea; however, he enjoyed a fantastic campaign last term, notching 19 goals and six assists in 33 appearances across all competitions for Montpellier, as per Transfermarkt.

West Ham United have emerged as another suitor in the race for Wahi and would be willing to launch an attempt to bring him to the London Stadium as a potential replacement for veteran striker Michail Antonio, according to 90min.

Speaking to Football FanCast, transfer insider Jones thinks that although Crystal Palace may find it difficult to sign Wahi this summer, there is no doubt that he would be a 'great' attacking option to have at Selhurst Park.

Jones stated: "It would not be easy for a club like Palace to win the race for Wahi because he’s already got clubs like Chelsea bidding for him but if a situation was to arise where he was attainable then he would be great for them. He has such an eye for goal and also still has the hunger to make the most of every step up he makes in terms of level."

What now for Crystal Palace?

As per BBC Sport, Crystal Palace are set to sign Flamengo wonderkid Matheus Franca for a fee in the region of £26 million and he will help to fill the void left by club legend Wilfried Zaha, who is now plying his trade for Turkish giants Galatasaray.

Franca will join Jefferson Lerma at Selhurst Park as Roy Hodgson's second summer signing. At the same time, youngster Chris Francis has joined the Eagles on a free transfer from Bournemouth and will link up with their elite development squad.

Nevertheless, The Athletic report that Manchester City are keen on Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise and indicate that it may be difficult for Hodgson to keep the France youth international in south London.

Crystal Palace are likely to initiate further incomings over the final month of the window and Leeds United pair Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville are both on their radar to strengthen the flanks, according to Football Insider.

Marc Guehi is a player that Crystal Palace are 'desperate' to keep around for the new campaign, though Chelsea are keen to bring in the England international to provide cover for injured central defender Wesley Fofana at Stamford Bridge.

West Ham United have entered talks with Fulham over a move for central midfielder Joao Palhinha, and they are hoping to prise him away for a fee of around £40m, according to a report from talkSPORT.

What's the latest West Ham transfer news?

West Ham are moving swiftly to ensure they secure a suitable replacement for Declan Rice, with it being reported they have already tabled an offer of €35m (£30m) for Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat, although the Moroccan is keen to stay in Italy.

David Moyes is "pushing' to sign Juventus midfielder Denis Zakaria, and there has now been a bid of €13m (£11.1m) submitted for the 26-year-old, with talks progressing between the two clubs, while Manchester United's Scott McTominay also remains an option.

A bid of around £20m is expected for Southampton's James Ward-Prowse, despite the Saints' desire to hold out for £40m, with the Hammers set to intensify their efforts to sign the England international over the next few days.

Earlier this month, club insider ExWHUemployee detailed that Palhinha is one of Moyes' priority targets for the summer window, and there has now been an update on West Ham's pursuit of the Fulham ace.

According to talkSPORT, the Hammers have now entered talks with the Cottagers over a move for the midfielder, with the hope of concluding a deal for a fee in the region of around £40m – although Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian says Fulham have now rejected a bid of that amount.

It has previously been reported that Fulham could look to hold out for as much as £90m, given that they have no pressing need to sell the Portugal international, as he remains contracted at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2027.

It remains to be seen whether the Irons are able to negotiate a lower fee, but it is clear they hold an active interest in the 28-year-old, and it will be interesting to see how talks develop in the coming days.

How good is Joao Palhinha?

The former Sporting CP man could have a number of offers on the table this summer, with several big Premier League clubs making their interest well-known, including Liverpool, with Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy recently naming him as a target for the Reds.

Tottenham have also been named as potential suitors for the central midfielder, so West Ham may have to fend off fierce competition from elsewhere if they are to win the race for his signature this summer.

Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim has claimed the Portuguese maestro is "very good without the ball and with the ball", while also lauding him as a "special player", and his performances in the Premier League last season were second to none in some areas.

Palhinha made 47 more tackles than any other player in the top flight in the 2022-23 campaign, while he also averaged 1.3 interceptions per game, the fourth-highest figure in his squad.

As such, the Fulham star could be a fantastic replacement for Rice, considering the England international also flourishes defensively, and he could be a real bargain if Irons chiefs can keep the price close to £40m in negotiations.

The hosts have the weight of expectation on them, but also a batting line-up that has been in sensational form

The Preview by Shashank Kishore17-Jul-2017Match facts Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Start time 1030 local (0930 GMT)1:20

Can South Africa’s attack lead the underdogs to the final?

Big pictureFour years ago, the possibility of England playing South Africa in a semi-final would’ve been scoffed at. But South Africa are here, and that is thanks to their consistent bowling performances and the format itself – seven straight games for each team to leave an imprint.Dane van Niekerk and her team-mates have played a brand of cricket that has been reminiscent of West Indies in 2013, injecting fresh flavour into the tournament, celebrating every win with gusto. South Africa took the qualifier route to get here and the benefit of having a settled team – they’ve been playing together since February – has been apparent. By the time they landed in England, every player knew exactly what was expected of her.England, meanwhile, are in a cocoon outside of training sessions and media commitments. They have even made efforts to log off social media distractions. Heather Knight and her team have the weight of expectation on them, because they are favourites, a well-earned tag after their six clinical and successive victories since losing the opening game to India.The batsmen have been especially dominant. Concerns over Sarah Taylor’s form, after she took much of 2016 out to deal with anxiety issues, were emphatically brushed aside when these two teams had met in the group stages. The England wicketkeeper struck a regal 147 off 104 balls with no less than 24 fours. Natalie Sciver, amid scoring tons of runs, has also introduced the ‘Natmeg’ – a flick between the legs to yorker-length deliveries. And opener Tammy Beaumont is the tournament’s leading run-getter with 372 of them.But if there’s one attack that’s capable of stopping England’s juggernaut, it’s South Africa’s. In Marizanne Kapp and van Niekerk, they have two bowlers who have combined to take 27 wickets, much more than the cream of England’s attack. On form, this is, therefore, a clash of equals, although the pressure of being hosts could weigh on England’s mind.Form guideEngland WWWWW (completed matches, most recent first)
South AfricaLWWLWIn the spotlightAt her menacing best, Anya Shrubsole can be a threat on any surface. In this tournament, however, wickets have been a struggle for England’s vice-captain. Five in seven games is a reflection of how batsmen have taken note of her threat and negated it by looking to play her out. She will, however, have fond memories of the last semi-final against South Africa, at the World T20 in 2014, when she took 2 for 12 in an incisive opening burst to seal the game.Her contributions haven’t attracted the same attention, but it’s a direct acknowledgement of how tidy Trisha Chetty has been behind the stumps. Against Sri Lanka last week, she rose to the top of the list for most dismissals (134) by a wicketkeeper in Women’s ODIs. With 97 ODIs under her belt, she’d want to get as close to that milestone of 100 right here at the Women’s World Cup.Team newsLauren Winfield’s form at the top is a concern, but, barring injuries, England are unlikely to make too many changes for a knockout game. England: (possible) 1 Lauren Winfield, 2 Tammy Beaumont, 3 Sarah Taylor (wk), 4 Heather Knight (capt), 5 Natalie Sciver, 6 Fran Wilson, 7 Katherine Brunt, 8 Jenny Gunn, 9 Laura Marsh, 10 Anya Shrubsole, 11 Alex HartleySouth Africa are likely to bring back Chloe Tryon, a big-hitter who can also bowl seam up. Her services were missed in the loss to Australia. As such medium-pacer Masabata Klaas could find herself out. South Africa: (possible) 1 Laura Wolvaardt, 2 Lizelle Lee, 3 Trisha Chetty (wk), 4 Mignon du Preez, 5 Marizanne Kapp, 6 Sune Luus, 7 Dane van Niekerk (capt), 8 Chloe Tryon, 9 Shabnim Ismail, 10 Ayabonga Khaka, 11 Moseline DanielsPitch and conditionsThe league game between these two sides in Bristol produced 678 runs. This is a televised game, a semi-final at that, and the ICC, over the years, have focused on making such games more marketable. So expect a good bating surface.Stats and trivia Four England players have scored 250 runs or more in this tournament. It is the most among all teams – Beaumont (372), Heather Knight (333), Sciver (315), Taylor (297). South Africa’s only semi-final appearance came 17 years ago. They lost to Australia by nine wickets then England have won 26 out of the 34 meetings between the two sides.Quotes”I came into the World Cup thinking I had the best opening attack in the world, at the moment I am starting to believe I have the best bowling attack.”
“We prepared a little bit differently, there was a different vibe around the group. A few people did things they wouldn’t usually do on cricket, field, but that’s international cricket. And I think we have learnt a lot from that. We’ve done a lot of work on how we deal with that pressure, we’ve made it normal to feel pressure. And that kind of open honesty helps ”