England - Best Sportsbook Promotions

Bukayo Saka exorcises England penalty demons against Switzerland: ‘I believed in myself’ | Football News

On: July 7, 2024 By: admin

Bukayo Saka said he had belief in himself as he capped a player-of-the-match performance by scoring in England’s Euro 2024 shoot-out win over Switzerland to banish his penalty demons from three years ago.

Not only did Saka equalise for England with a fine individual strike to cancel out Breel Embolo’s opener – to make it 1-1 and take the match to extra-time – he took the third of the five penalties which were all scored by Gareth Southgate’s side to secure a 5-3 win in the shoot-out and a semi-final showdown with Netherlands.

Saka was one of three players who missed from the penalty spot in the Euro 2020 final loss to Italy at Wembley in July 2021 and, as well as Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, who were the other takers who failed from 12 yards, was racially abused online in the aftermath.

Since then the 22-year-old Arsenal forward has morphed into a key player for club and country, scoring 10 of the 11 penalties he has taken for the Gunners following the harrowing experience.

“I think for me it’s something I embrace,” he said about exorcising his demons.

“You can fail once but you have a choice whether you put yourself in that position again or not. I’m a guy who is going to put myself in that position. I believed in myself.

“When I saw the ball hit the net, I was a very happy man.

“I’m not going to be focusing on the past. That’s done. I can only focus on now and taking a penalty.

“Of course I know there’s a lot of nervous people watching, my family included, and in the crowd. But I kept my cool and I scored.”

‘Two more games to change our lives’

While Saka is Arsenal’s regular penalty taker, Southgate now has an embarrassment of riches from the spot as Cole Palmer and Ivan Toney are also the defacto first-choice takers for Chelsea and Brentford respectively and both converted in Dusseldorf.

Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold made it a perfect shoot-out for England, with Jordan Pickford’s save from Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji proving the difference.

“For myself, I believe we have some of the best takers in the Premier League and the world,” added Saka.

“We talked about it before that if it did go to penalties, we would be pretty confident. I’m happy we showed that, we scored five out of five. We’re through to the next round.

“We know there are two more games until we can change our lives and make some history. We’re really focused on that.”

‘Starboy Saka lights a spark’

Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones on Saka’s standout performance against Switzerland:

The Starboy.

Starting as the right-wing back to many raised eyebrows. Saka vindicated Gareth Southgate’s decision to play him down that flank as he tore Michel Aebischer apart one-on-one. His three crosses in the first half, on another day, could have led to three goals. Aebischer was dribbled past five times in the first half, the joint most by a player in a match at Euro 2024.

This was the Saka we see week-in-week-out at Arsenal, epitomised by his super-cool goal and immense penalty in the shoot-out.

This was redemption. A performance for the ages.

Kane praises Saka’s mentality

England captain Harry Kane on Saka’s performance against Switzerland:

“What a performance in the whole game [from Saka].

“Playing in a position he’s played before but not used to playing, he was our real outlet with the ball.

“He caused them problems the whole game and got the goal he fully deserved with a fantastic finish. He got us back in the game when we needed it most. But then without the ball as well, the work he put it, the shift he put in, the blocks and the tackles right up until the 120th minute.

“Then to step up in the shoot-out the way he did. I know the mentality he has and that he would be comfortable in that situation, despite what has happened in the past.

“He prepares really well for moments like that and he executed it perfectly. It was a fantastic night for him and he fully deserves it.”

‘Saka was the best player on the pitch’

Sky Sports News chief news reporter Kaveh Solhekol:

“Saka was absolutely brilliant. He was the best player on the pitch, even before the penalty and the redemption story surrounding his spot-kick.

“During normal time and extra-time he was exceptional.

“He was asked to play as a wing-back on the right. It’s not his favourite position but he didn’t put a foot wrong.

“Going forward, he was direct, his first touch was exceptional and the ball seemed to stick to him. He didn’t really have to do much defending because, for most of the game, he was the one threatening his opposite number. But, when he did have to defend, he did a really good job.

“It was an all-action display from him and it was capped by a goal made by Arsenal as he received the ball from Declan Rice before the midfielder made a good decoy run which just opened up the space for Saka.

“Then there was the penalty shoot-out. When Saka was walking up to take his penalty, I think every England fan inside that stadium and everyone watching at home was just thinking about what happened three years ago when he missed in the Euro 2020 final against Italy and the disgraceful racist abuse that he had to put up with on social media. You were just hoping he scored because we didn’t want to be revisiting what happened. We didn’t want to be talking about that again or have any of those issues again.

“Thankfully, he was just so cool and he was so calm.”

Nev on England’s penalty success: ‘There’s clear plan’

Reflecting on England’s penalty shoot-out – the first time the country has ever converted all five of their kicks – Gary Neville praised the mentality of the players but also the preparation and experience they have in that situation.

“I don’t think the fear ever goes for those players stepping up, but there’s no doubt they’re in a better place than we have been as a country in the past,” he said.

“There is a clear plan of who is going to take them, a clear plan for the ‘keeper in which way he’s going to dive – I know that’s not new but everything is well thought out.

“You need people on the pitch who have been in that position before, who take penalties naturally. That’s what we had – five guys who have been comfortable taking a spot-kick.

“I know there is the added pressure of being in a tournament but if you have that repetitive experience you’ve had before it definitely helps.

“There were times when we were playing for England where there were lads stepping up who hadn’t taken a pen for 15 years since they were a kid.”

Saka shows his mettle and quality

Analysis by Sky Sports’ Nick Wright:

England would not be celebrating a place in the last four without Saka. The Arsenal forward, England’s most dangerous player, even playing as a wing-back, scored a stunning equaliser during a player-of-the-match performance in Dusseldorf.

Even more impressive, though, was his willingness to then step up and take one of England’s penalties in the shoot-out, only three years after the miss that proved so costly in the final of Euro 2020. Not only that, he converted it too, demonstrating his quality and mettle to help England get over the line.

Who plays who in the semi-finals?

England reporter notebook: Problems remain but the joy is back for England after shoot-out win over Switzerland | Football News

On: July 7, 2024 By: admin

The joy has returned to this England camp.

It is a joy that has permeated the majority of Gareth Southgate’s century of matches. A joyousness that the England manager has strived so hard to nurture. The joy which was disintegrating towards the end of a turgid last-16 game against Slovakia. It’s back. The joy is back.

The players have talked a good game throughout: “special bunch of lads”, “love spending time together”, “oblivious to the negativity outside”, “belief has never been stronger”. There’s been a consistent, almost monotonous message of positivity and unity exuding from the England squad ever since they first joined up at St George’s Park on May 28, well-nigh six weeks ago.

But until now, you didn’t quite believe it.

On the pitch, there has been obvious malcontent. Spats between John Stones and Kyle Walker. Jordan Pickford ranting regularly at his full-backs. Declan Rice frantically gesticulating towards team-mates. Jude Bellingham throwing his arms up in despair.

But finally, inside the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf, the unbridled joy and unity was there for all to see. The players embraced and danced and sang along with the tens of thousands of England supporters who spilled in a frothing mass of exultation in front of them. They were joined by the manager, 100 games in and still going. Strong-ish.

Southgate had been forced to cower under a shower of plastic cups and abuse that rained down on him from some fans as he left the pitch in Cologne after the dismal 0-0 draw with Slovenia. That was just two weeks ago. Now here he was, orchestrating the crowd, roaring back at them, applauding their loyalty. Boy, how the mood has changed.

Let’s have it right – there are still a host of problems within this England team and the way they are playing. Problems which could be horribly exposed against a strong Netherlands team on Wednesday in Dortmund. But you cannot help feeling that this team now has a special momentum, having reached just about as close to rock bottom as you can get, and escaping. Twice.

Perfect penalties

Penalties do not hold the same fear for this current generation of England players. That is some statement in its own right. England’s horrible history with spot-kicks is written large into the fabric of our national sport. But what we saw in Dusseldorf was very different. In so many ways it was restorative, and it was special.

The captain, Harry Kane, admitted as much when I spoke to him post-match – and he, England’s best penalty taker, was forced to watch along with the rest of us tortured souls from the pitch side.

Cole Palmer – yet to start a game in this or any major tournament – stepped up first. Ice-cold Cole.

Jordan Pickford displayed all the antics he has learned from so many spot-kicks of the past. He told me post-match that the referee had threatened to book him if he didn’t get back on his line quicker. Treading that fine line. His famous water bottle – a miniaturised encyclopaedia of which Swiss players would shoot where – was bang on. It said Manuel Akanji would go to his left. Pickford dived left. England were ahead.

Jude Bellingham did as was expected. Class personified. No drama or surprise there.

And then there was Bukayo Saka. A man who has become the figurehead of resilience and positivity in this England squad. A shining light for our society, in so many ways. He was the best player on the pitch in the quarter-final. He scored the equaliser with a brilliantly cultured curler. And he stood up to be counted – again – on the biggest stage, when his last Euros shoot-out had ended in devastation, and a horrific raft of criminal, racist abuse.

When he scored, with such defiant aplomb, the entire English media pack around me rose as one to herald him. That is not something you see often. It is frowned upon by UEFA. Journalists are supposed to be neutral, professional, reserved. So to see each man and woman in the media tribune roaring their unanimous approval and affection for Saka – it felt like redemption. It felt special.

Ivan Toney told me after the game that he didn’t feel any more nerves than he did when taking a penalty for Brentford. He looked in the goalkeeper’s eyes, waited for Yann Sommer to move, and stroked the ball without even looking at it. Extraordinary.

Then came Trent Alexander-Arnold – the man who had looked broken when I saw him walk towards the England bus after he’d been unceremoniously substituted shortly after half-time against Denmark in Game Two. England’s best ball-striker couldn’t miss, could he? Nope. Game over.

Five perfect penalties. One superb save. England were through.

Tired bodies – but 3-2-4-1 must stay

So what comes next? Well, the toughest thing for England now is recovery. Two successive games of 120 minutes. Two games which have been incredibly draining both physically and emotionally. Pickford told me England had been through the trenches. They need time to rejuvenate. But they don’t have time.

Whereas there was a six-day gap building up to the quarter-final against Switzerland, there is just a three-day gap before Netherlands in the semi-final. Half as much time to recover and prepare.

The good news is, Southgate seems to have struck a new system that allowed his players to perform at a much higher standard. The manager and his assistant Steve Holland deserve huge credit for that. In the space of three days, they ripped up the plan that had personified England’s tactics for the best part of three years, and they started again with a new formation, a new way of playing. Their performance against Switzerland for much of the 90 minutes was their best of the tournament. 3-2-4-1 must stay.

For the first time, England had width. Kieran Trippier and Saka hugged the touchline. England found it much easier to get out of defence, and the interminable backwards and sideways passing that had punctuated their first four games was much more rarely seen. I still have concerns about the big gaps that the formation creates in the middle of midfield. But Kobbie Mainoo was hugely impressive alongside Declan Rice in plugging those gaps and getting England ticking.

The fact that England were so dominant for three-quarters of the quarter-final, and yet still had no shot on target before Saka’s equaliser, is a major worry. It is inexplicable. On several occasions, Saka got goal-side of Michel Aebischer, only for his cut-back to find no England foot.

Kane still isn’t right, physically, I am sure of it. He would have gobbled up one or two of those crosses if he was. Bellingham and Phil Foden must do much more with their runs into the box. Foden in particular must recapture his goalscoring genius for Manchester City, if he is to help England to a Euros crown.

Nevertheless, he impressed me with his link-up play. I don’t think he has had a bad game for England in the last few matches, and his influence is growing. The understanding and communication between the two ‘number 10s’ worked.

Southgate’s Shaw dilemma

Southgate has a huge call to make about Luke Shaw. The plan was to give him 15 minutes of action as he recovers from a hamstring injury that has starved him of any football since mid-February. He played 45 minutes against Switzerland. How has that affected him physically? Is he stronger or weaker for the experience? Only Southgate and his medics will know. The manager will then have to decide if Shaw can start a high-intensity semi-final, four days after his first game in almost five months. That would be a huge, huge ask.

His left foot on the left flank would be a big plus. Trippier has been hugely impressive in his reliability and his versatility. He has been a stalwart of the Southgate era. But he is a right-back, playing on the left flank. I suspect he might keep his place for the semi-final.

Monday and Tuesday will be big days for England. They are the only training days they have to perfect their tactics for Netherlands. And, knowing Southgate’s schedules, Monday will be an introduction to his and assistant Steve Holland’s thinking, before plans are finalised on Tuesday.

Even for England’s harshest critics – of whom there were many in white shirts that I spoke to in the bars of Dusseldorf leading up to the quarter-final – they surely must be full of admiration for the sheer guts and character that this team has shown. A 96th-minute overhead kick to keep them in the tournament, then a spotless set of spot-kicks in the quarter-final to help them progress.

Out of almost sheer willpower, England have dragged themselves to a major semi-final, having won just one of their five matches in 90 minutes.

That character and never-say-die determination should not be underestimated. It won’t be enough, on its own, to nobble Netherlands. But it’s got them this far, and they are now just one match away from a Euros final in Berlin.

Who plays who in the semi-finals?

Gareth Southgate: Did the England boss get lucky or does he deserve credit for Euro 2024 win over Switzerland? | Football News

On: July 7, 2024 By: admin

England’s prospects looked bleak when Breel Embolo poked in Switzerland’s 75th-minute opening goal in Dusseldorf. Gareth Southgate, overseeing his 100th game in charge of the national side, was staring at the very real possibility of it being his last.

Later, in the warm glow of victory, he would talk up the performance as England’s best of the tournament so far. But at that point, a goal down with 15 minutes to go, his side were yet to even muster a shot on target. Improved, maybe, but with little to show for it.

As in the last-16 against Slovakia, though, when Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick forced extra-time, England only needed one to make the breakthrough, Bukayo Saka the scorer this time as his stunning strike, having cut inside from the right, crashed in off the post.

It felt like he had got Southgate out of jail. This, even more than Bellingham’s goal against Slovakia, came out of nothing; a flash of individual brilliance in another blunt collective display.

But it should be noted, too, that it would not have occurred at all had his manager heeded widespread calls to move Saka to the left rather than persist with him on his preferred side.

So, did Southgate get lucky or does he deserve credit?

Maybe both things are true. Maybe it doesn’t matter anyway. The key point, after all, is that, following a penalty shootout in which the coolness of England’s takers bore stark contrast to the nerves of those watching, they are in the last four, the dream still alive.

Fans are entitled to wonder, though, why, as Switzerland boss Murat Yakin made early changes, Embolo’s opener arriving roughly 10 minutes after the introductions of Steven Zuber and Silvan Widmer, Southgate again delayed, not making his first substitutions until England had fallen behind.

This apparent inertia has become a feature not just of this tournament but Southgate’s tenure as a whole. And yet, as against Slovakia, when he himself admitted Ivan Toney’s displeasure at only being sent on in stoppage time, it all worked out in the end.

Southgate could point to Toney’s role in Harry Kane’s extra-time winner in that game. Against Switzerland, he can point to the fact that, in Cole Palmer, Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold, three of his substitutes, once they finally made it on, scored in the shootout.

Should it be this difficult? Southgate has been at pains to point out that performances and playing style only count for so much at major tournaments. But England, while successful to this point, have made the supposedly easy side of the draw look anything but.

For all their attacking talent, they remain oddly listless in front of goal. England are semi-finalists and yet they rank 12th among the 26 teams at the tournament for shots on target, below four sides who played fewer games. They rank in the same place for expected goals.

The numbers look even less inspiring when taking the two knockout ties in isolation. England have generated chances worth a meagre combined total of 2.18 xG despite twice going to extra-time. Their three goals have come from only five shots on target in 240 minutes of action plus stoppage time.

England have only won one of their five games in 90 minutes and even that, the 1-0 victory over Serbia in their opening group fixture, felt like a struggle after a promising start. Most fans would agree it has felt like a struggle watching the subsequent games too.

At times, Southgate has seemingly floundered.

His Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment was abandoned after two games. The chosen replacement, Conor Gallagher, only lasted 45 minutes of the goalless draw against Slovenia.

Some of his consistent calls, such as his continued use of Kieran Trippier on the left and his persistence with an out-of-sorts Kane up front, have invited even more scrutiny.

Ultimately, though, for Southgate, and regardless of what happens next, England’s presence in the last four represents a continuation of a fine record at World Cups and European Championships.

England have never previously reached the quarter-finals of four consecutive major tournaments, as they have under Southgate. This is the third time he has led them to a semi-final. There is frustration that silverware is yet to arrive but his achievements already outstrip those of his more illustrious predecessors.

His in-game decision-making remains an area of concern and it will be more sternly tested by a stronger opponent in the Netherlands. But England’s coolly-dispatched penalties underlined the quality of their preparation and the manner in which their mentality has been overhauled. Another late comeback showed their spirit.

Southgate has issues to address and questions to answer but he is responsible for that preparation. He has fostered that spirit.

This England side are far from perfect. The truth is they have progressed to the last four in spite of their performances rather than because of them. But they are there, with a chance of going further. Southgate will make it to 101 games as a minimum.

England player ratings: The Starboy! Bukayo Saka lights a spark for Gareth Southgate | Football News

On: July 6, 2024 By: admin

England stayed cool from the penalty spot to secure a place in the semi-finals at Euro 2024 – one man, a Starboy, stood head and shoulders above the rest.

England advanced to the semi-finals as Jordan Pickford’s save from Manuel Akanji’s spot-kick proved decisive following a 1-1 draw where Bukayo Saka found his spark.

Here, Sky Sports rates the England players and you too can rate all of them below…

Jordan Pickford – 8

Faultless whenever called upon in an England jersey although Xherdan Shaqiri’s cheeky effort that cannoned off the bar almost gave him his England goalkeeper gaffe moment. Revelled in the theatrics of the penalty shootout, denying Manuel Akanji.

Kyle Walker – 6

Had one of his worst nights for England in the win over Slovakia but looked back to his reliable form in an England shirt. Kept it too safe with his play at times.

Ezri Konsa – 7

Only five caps but has already faced the challenge of Jeremy Doku and Vinicius Jnr in friendlies with England playing out of position at left-back, so this challenge didn’t look to faze him. Headed clear a dangerous cross early on and made another great block from Breel Embolo after 24 minutes. Handled the dangerous striker admirably but was harshly undone for the opening goal.

John Stones – 6

His missed clearance was a big factor in this match as Embolo slipped in to score – maybe harsh as otherwise he played with great assurance but this is the reality of knockout football.

Kieran Trippier – 6

Skinned by Dan Ndoye in a sprint in the first 10 minutes which looked ominous but he never got isolated again. Streetwise performance yet again from a player clearly playing out of position.

Bukayo Saka – 10

The Starboy.

Starting as the right-wing back to many raised eyebrows, Saka vindicated Gareth Southgate’s decision to play him down that flank as he tore Michel Aebischer apart one-on-one. His three crosses in the first half, on another day, could have led to three goals. Aebischer was dribbled past five times in the first half, the joint most by a player in a match at Euro 2024.

This was the Saka we see week-in-week-out at Arsenal, epitomised by his super-cool goal and immense penalty in the shootout.

This was redemption. A performance for the ages.

Declan Rice – 8

The rock of this England team. Showed up early with a great interception to set up a counter and continued to boss the midfield. As with most of his game, his long-range shooting is improving as Yann Sommer denied an expert effort from 30 yards in extra-time. Immense.

Kobbie Mainoo – 7

The second youngest England player at 19 years and 78 days old to start a major tournament quarter-final match and floated around like a devilishly talented operator, especially in the first half. Made a very important and underrated early clearance, played with the required hustle and bustle in midfield up against some senior opponents and broke the lines with some intelligent gliding runs. Faded after the break.

Jude Bellingham – 8

Looked fitter and more powerful than we’ve seen at this tournament – like the Real Madrid version of Bellingham. That was emphasised by a rainbow flick to skip away before an impeccable switch of play in the first half. A couple of balls dropped his way that might’ve had his name on but the Swiss blocked well to deny him.

There was no doubt when he stepped up in the shootout.

Phil Foden – 5

The shackles of playing on the left side of a team playing with no width were released and he looked far more comfortable darting in central areas. Pressed well out of possession. But yet again, failed to truly influence the game in the big moments.

Harry Kane – 5

Sluggish at times with his hold-up play. Seriously caught on his heels from a deadly Saka cross in the first half and just looked a yard off the pace throughout. Departed in extra-time, absolutely legless.

Subs

Cole Palmer (On for Ezri Konsa) – 7

Added energy and extra forward thinking with the ball. Stepped up first in the shootout, setting the tone for perfection.

Eberechi Eze (On for Kobbie Mainoo) – 7

Is having to learn on the job how to play left-wing back. Dragged a good opening wide after gliding into space down the left.

Luke Shaw (On for Kieran Trippier) – 8

The first sighting of him at this tournament. It was a welcome one. Two outstanding clearances in central areas towards the end of the second half, showcasing his ability to play as the third centre-back. Another fine clearance in extra-time.

Ivan Toney (On for Harry Kane) – 7

The no-look penalty was delivered on the international stage.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (On for Phil Foden) – 7

His best moment in an England shirt. A stunning penalty to win a shootout and to send a country potty.

Manager

Gareth Southgate – 8

His 100th match in charge of the England national team – the third manager to reach that milestone. Deserves praise for isolating the Swiss down the England right with the starboy Saka. Was a little reactive rather than proactive with his substitutions but got them right eventually. And to prepare his penalty takers with such confidence and aplomb deserves a huge amount of praise. He is still the one.

England 1 – 1 Switzerland

On: July 6, 2024 By: admin

England advanced to the semi-finals of Euro 2024 with a penalty shootout win over Switzerland as Jordan Pickford’s save from Manuel Akanji’s spot-kick proved decisive following a 1-1 draw.

Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold converted their penalties unerringly with Pickford thwarting Akanji, Switzerland’s first taker, to clinch a 5-3 shootout win and set up a last-four showdown with either Netherlands or Turkey.

England had looked at risk of limping out of the tournament in normal time when Switzerland’s Breel Embolo stole ahead of Kyle Walker to poke in Dan Ndoye’s deflected cross from close range in the 75th minute.

But Saka, England’s most dangerous player in an unfamiliar right wing-back role, found a leveller shortly afterwards when he cut inside and curled an outstanding finish in off the post from outside the box.

Saka’s goal came from England’s first shot on target and they continued to labour in extra-time, surviving heart-in-mouth moments when Xherdan Shaqiri struck the woodwork directly from a corner and Zeki Amdouni had a shot parried.

But none of that mattered as they held their nerve in the shootout to exorcise the demons of their Euro 2020 final defeat on penalties to Italy to go through to the semi-finals.

Stats: Story of the match

Who plays who in the semi-finals?

England vs New Zealand: Sarah Glenn stars as spin proves pivotal in 59-run opening T20I victory | Cricket News

On: July 6, 2024 By: admin

England’s strong spin attack proved pivotal as they cruised to a 59-run victory in the first T20I of the five-match series against New Zealand at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton.

Five wickets fell in the space of 11 balls as spinners Charlie Dean (2-28), Sarah Glenn (3-16) and Sophie Ecclestone (1-27) combined to decimate the New Zealand middle order as they chased down the tough 198 target set by England.

That target was secured by some impressive displays with the bat, especially Danni Wyatt (76) who raced to her total from just 51 deliveries, smashing the boundary for 11 fours and a six to leave New Zealand needing to muster what would have been their biggest run chase ever.

Heading into the clash off the back of a 3-0 whitewash of New Zealand in the ODI Series, Heather Knight’s side are now using these T20I matches as key preparation for the T20 World Cup in October in Bangladesh, the four spinners in the outfit a surprising choice but one that reaped rewards.

Glenn takes three-fer as spin powers England

With England opting for the four spin options of Dean, Glenn, Eccleston and Linsey Smith (1-26), the bowling attack took time to find their feet in the Powerplay before the breakthroughs finally came thick and fast.

It is fair to say that Plimmer (1) was at fault for her own wicket in the second over as she ran herself out for the third time in the multi-format series but then a brilliant delivery from Dean removed Amelia Kerr (18) and started New Zealand’s downfall.

Glenn then made her mark and took a sensational three wickets in the ninth over, dismissing danger woman Suzie Bates (43) then Maddy Green (0) for a golden duck in the space of two balls, finishing off the over by ending New Zealand captain Sophie Devine’s (0) innings.

That left New Zealand floundering on 64-5 but the visitors just continued to crumble as five wickets in total went in the space of 11 balls, Isabella Gaze (0) falling to a stumping from a ripper of a delivery from Eccleston to finish the blitz of wickets.

Jess Kerr (38) and Brooke Halliday (13) attempted to steady the ship for New Zealand but Dean took her chance once again, rattling the stumps to dismiss the latter and leave New Zealand 110-7.

After four dropped catches, Kerr was finally caught on the final ball of the 19th over, allowing Linsey Smith (1-26) to get in on the spin wicket-taking action, Kemp (1-30) making a point for the medium pace bowlers as she removed Tahuhu (17) with the final ball of the game to secure the 59-run win.

Wonderful Wyatt shows skill with the bat

England got off to a brilliant start in the Powerplay despite the gusty conditions, Wyatt and Maia Bouchier (32) combining to put their side on 52-0 after those first six crucial overs, five fours each putting them firmly in the driver’s seat.

The first breakthrough for New Zealand came in the eighth over as Bouchier sent Lea Tahuhu’s (2-33) delivery up and over to the waiting Georgia Plimmer on the rope, putting England on 61-1.

However, the ever-impressive Nat Sciver-Brunt (47) was then at the crease with Wyatt and their partnership increased the pressure further, a six plus two fours in the 11th over setting the pace for them to hit the century mark in 11.2 overs and the 50-partnership in 12.4 overs.

Wyatt then brought up her fifty in the 14th over, seven fours and a six helping her onto her 15th half-century in this format.

Not long after, New Zealand found their breakthrough as Sciver-Brunt sent Eden Carson’s (1-26) delivery to the waiting Amelia Kerr (0-30) to put England on 143-2, Wyatt then finally falling in the 18th over with England on a solid score of 169-3.

Despite the loss of their star opener, Freya Kemp (26) and skipper Heather Knight (4) took their chance to add to the tally in the final two overs, helping their side onto a hefty final tally of 197, England’s fifth-highest-ever score in T20Is.

England vs New Zealand IT20 fixtures


Saturday, July 5	First IT20	Southampton (Won by 59 runs)
Tuesday, July 9	Second IT20	Hove
Thursday, July 11	Third IT20	Canterbury
Saturday, July 13	Fourth IT20	The Oval
Wednesdy, July 17	Fifth IT20	Lord’s

What they said: Wyatt: It was a good day | Knight: We showed brilliant intent

Player of the Match, Danni Wyatt:

“Just trying to stay calm and back myself. It’s always a nice wicket here. Today was a nice day, supported well by Bouchier and Sciver-Brunt

“It seemed to just fly with the wind. With T20 you just have to enjoy the good days.

“There’s a pretty big game on now so shall we go?”

England’s captain Heather Knight:

“Great performance apart from the drop catches, great to have so many options.

“First time we’ve tried four spinners and I thought Kemp’s figures didn’t show how she bowls, it’s nice to see her back. She was good at the death and Linsey did a really good job too.

“I think we’ve got loads of options. Left Bell out and she’s done a lot for us in T20 cricket. We just pick based on the conditions.

“I thought we started with brilliant intent, we were really smart with our options.

“The crowd was great, we get good support here.”

What’s next?

England head to The 1st Central County Ground, Hove, on Tuesday as they face New Zealand in the second T20I of the series.

Watch the second T20I between England and New Zealand on Tuesday July 9, live on Sky Sports from 6pm (first ball 6.30pm). Stream the series contract-free with NOW.

Marcus Smith: England fly-half backed by Nick Evans, Will Greenwood after missed goal kicks in New Zealand loss | Rugby Union News

On: July 6, 2024 By: admin

Nick Evans has urged Marcus Smith not to dwell on his three missed kicks at goal in England’s 16-15 defeat to New Zealand in Dunedin.

Smith was handed the No 10 shirt ahead of his namesake Fin Smith after impressing in the 52-17 win over Japan in Tokyo, although an encouraging performance against the All Blacks was tempered by him landing just two of five attempts off the tee at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Former New Zealand fly-half Evans, who now serves as attack coach at Smith’s club Harlequins, knows the 25-year-old will be rightly frustrated by those misses in the one-point defeat, but wants to see him immediately switch focus to the second Test at Eden Park on July 13.

“How will he deal with those missed kicks? I’m sure I’ll get a text, asking me about the game,” Evans told Sky Sports.

“But that’s the sign of a great player, someone who wants to challenge himself and get better. He’s striving for that perfect game.

“He’ll be hurting with that, and it’s important he is, but immediately can you park that? What’s your schedule and kicking routine during the week? Make sure you look at the review and go from there.”

Despite some shakiness with the boot, Smith was solid with the ball in hand, beating five defenders and providing a superb pass for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s 47th-minute try. He also came up with 11 tackles in defence with a 100 per cent success rate.

Former England centre and Sky Sports rugby union expert Will Greenwood was effusive in his praise of how Smith marshalled the team and did not believe his kicking troubles should mar his overall display.

“That confidence maybe of being the No 1 choice at fly-half – he was outstanding against Japan and again today,” Greenwood said.

“People will talk about the missed kicks – that’s a separate part to his game. Like a golfer he can go away and work on his own.

“As a collective, he would have been a joy to play outside as a centre or full-back.”

Evans believes Smith’s ability to not let the missed conversion and two missed penalties throw him off his game is a sign of a cool temperament which is so vital in a fly-half if they are to succeed at the highest level.

He was full of praise for the way England’s pack laid the foundations for him to play off as well, and sees that as something to build on going into the second Test next Saturday, which is live on Sky Sports.

“It shows his temperament,” Evans said. “He missed those kicks, but it didn’t affect his attacking game or in defence, where he put some big shots in.

“The ability for him to play flat probably coincided with New Zealand being a little passive off the line, but that came from the ability of the England forward to pick good seams and tips at the line.

“That created lightning-quick ball which allowed Marcus to play flat.”

Watch the second Test between New Zealand and England at Auckland’s Eden Park on Saturday July 13 live on Sky Sports Action from 7.30am (8.05am kick-off). Also stream contract-free with NOW.

Match Report – New Zealand 16 – 15 England Sky, Sports, Rugby, Union, News, Guinness, Premiership, Magners, League, Heineken, Cup, Six, Nations, Live, Tri Nations, Danny, Cipriani, London, Wasps, Irish, Bath, Bristol, Gloucester, Harlequins, Leicester, Tigers, Newcastle, Northampton, Sale, Sharks, Saracens, Worcester, Club, World, Cup, Munster, Leinster, Ospreys, Cardiff, Perpignan, Dragons, Biarritz, Stade Francais, Ulster, Scarlets, Watch, video, fixtures, results, scores, aviva

On: July 6, 2024 By: admin

Highlights of New Zealand’s thrilling win over England in the opening Test in Dunedin.

Damian McKenzie’s three second-half penalties thwarted England’s hopes of a first win away to New Zealand since 2003 as they went down 16-15 in the opening Test in Dunedin.

The All Blacks made their early dominance count with unconverted tries from Sevu Reece and Ardie Savea, with England responding through Maro Itoje forcing his way over from close range followed by Marcus Smith converting.

Fly-half Smith, who had missed an earlier penalty, brought England back level at 10-10 at the break with his boot and although he missed another after the restart, his pass led to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso finishing to put Steve Borthwick’s side ahead.

New Zealand: Tries – Sevu Reece, Ardie Savea; Penalties: – Damian McKenzie (2).

England: Tries – Maro Itoje, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso; Conversion – Marcus Smith; Penalty: – Marcus Smith.

McKenzie kicked two penalties to restore New Zealand’s lead, and they survived a late error after the shot clock expired while the No 10 was lining up a kick at goal to snatch a one-point victory.

Story of the game

New Zealand, playing their first game under new head coach Scott Robertson, showed their attacking intent as they probed down England’s wings in the opening minutes, but the strength of the visitors’ set-piece earned them the first penalty of the game.

Yet Smith was unable to knock over what was a relatively kickable attempt from 40 metres out and the early pressure from the hosts eventually told in the 16th minute. Utilising the penalty advantage, New Zealand fly-half McKenzie sent a pinpoint kick to the right wing which was collected by Reece followed by the winger racing away to finish.

New Zealand took an early lead against England through Sevu Reece grabbing Damian McKenzie’s kick to the corner

England’s cause was not helped by losing Joe Marler, replaced by debutant prop Fin Baxter, but they edged in front five minutes later on the back of Itoje’s pick and go from close range for a converted try shortly after Chandler Cunningham-South, born in Sidcup but raised in New Zealand, was denied.

It was not long before the All Blacks were back in front, though, and, with England’s defence at sixes and sevens following miscommunication between Ben Earl and George Furbank, full-back Stephen Perofeta picked the pass which sent rampaging No 8 Savea through for a second try.

But it was all square at the break after New Zealand came unstuck trying to run the ball from inside their own half on the final play, conceding a penalty which this time Smith slotted over to draw the tourists level.

Marcus Smith missed a straightforward kick to give England the lead against New Zealand

A knee injury suffered by TJ Perenara late in the first half forced a switch at scrum-half for the hosts too, with Finlay Christie replacing him, but they were given a let-off in the opening five minutes of the second half when Smith pulled another kickable penalty attempt wide.

The Harlequins No 10 played a key role in England taking the lead in the 47th minute, though, pulling the strings for Feyi-Waboso’s score. Tommy Freeman was initially tackled just short, with England then working the ball from right to left for Smith to pick out the Exeter Chiefs winger with a bullet pass to the wing.

Yet once again, Smith’s kicking let him down as he was unable to convert, and the lead was narrowed to two points in the 54th minute as opposite number McKenzie slotted over from a penalty for his first successful kick at goal in three attempts.

Smith sent Immanuel Feyi-Waboso free to go over in the corner and give England the lead

He landed a second 11 minutes later as England were pinged for a ruck infringement defending their 22, but then gifted the away side a chance with under two minutes to go as he took too long to take a kick at goal from a penalty which would have all but sealed victory.

Despite throwing caution to the wind, England were unable to fashion an opportunity for a score and when the referee blew for a ruck infringement against them with the clock in the red, it allowed the All Blacks to breathe a sigh of relief.

‘England so close to creating history’

Sky Sports rugby union expert and former England international Will Greenwood:

“You could tell it was New Zealand’s first time together. They’ve lost some key players through retirement and playing in Japan. Their lineout wobbles, they had to resort to kicking as they couldn’t get their attacking game going.

“On the flip side of that, I thought England at times were outstanding. Their defence kept them in the game for long periods and then they went after New Zealand in the second half.

“The frustrating thing about sport is you can’t go back and play the last 15 minutes again. The beauty is they get to have another crack at it next week.

“They were so close to creating some history today.”

Ahead of the first summer Test against New Zealand, England faced the iconic Haka!

Former New Zealand international Nick Evans, speaking on Sky Sports:

“Credit to the England defence, Felix [Jones, England defence coach] has done a brilliant job. Their line speed and post-tackle work especially caused New Zealand a lot of problems.

“The All Blacks stayed in the fight in the second half. The lineout capitulated but their scrum was excellent. They didn’t quite get the speed of ball they wanted but they ground out a victory, which is going to be really important leading into Eden Park next week.”

What they said

Jamie George hailed England’s attacking mentality after they came so close to defeating New Zealand in the opening Test.

England captain Jamie George, speaking to Sky Sports:

“I’m incredibly proud of the way we went out and attacked the game. Not a lot of teams come to New Zealand and do that. That shows the huge amount of growth in this team.

“There are definitely some areas [for improvement] – the scrum was one, the breakdown probably another. We’ll do a lot of honest work next week and make sure we go to Eden Park fully prepared.

“We wanted to make people at home very proud. I think we did that with our effort. A game of very fine margins.”

Steve Borthwick described England’s opening Test against New Zealand as a real arm-wrestle in the middle of the field as the visitors fell to a close defeat.

New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson, speaking to Sky Sports:

“We got into a hell of an arm wrestle, which we know Steve Borthwick’s teams are really good at. We didn’t get our kick game right, pushed straight after half-time and the second half was just a grind – and we got there.

“I keep thinking of the things that went wrong when I should think of the things that went right, like the score. It’s their sixth game of the year, it’s our first and we’re in a pretty steep learning curve.”

What’s next?

England now head to Auckland for the second and final Test of the series against New Zealand at Eden Park on Saturday July 13. That match is live on Sky Sports Action from 7.30am BST (kick-off 8am).

Watch England, Wales and Ireland’s summer rugby union internationals exclusively live on Sky Sports. Stream rugby’s summer internationals in 2024 and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.

International rugby: New Zealand vs England and Australia vs Wales updates and highlights | Rugby Union News

On: July 6, 2024 By: admin

Live

England face New Zealand in first of two Tests, followed by Australia vs Wales; Ireland are up against South Africa later today along with Argentina vs France; watch the summer rugby union internationals in the southern hemisphere live on Sky Sports

England team news: Kieran Trippier and Bukayo Saka in line to start as wing-backs against Switzerland | Football News

On: July 5, 2024 By: admin

England boss Gareth Southgate is expected to switch to a back three for the first time in three years in Saturday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland, with Kieran Trippier in line to start at right wing-back and Bukayo Saka at left wing-back.

Sky Sports News has reported in the last few days that Southgate has been working on a new game plan in training this week to try to kick-start England’s performance levels.

The England manager has tried a host of different players in different roles at their Blankenhain base in recent days, but it now looks like he has settled on Trippier and Saka to give his team some much-needed width.

Southgate spoke glowingly of Trippier in his pre-match news conference, saying he has “done a brilliant, brilliant job for us.”

Trippier played as a right wing-back in the last competitive match when Southgate used this formation – the Euro 2020 final against Italy three years ago – but he has been deputising at left-back in a flat-back four so far in this tournament.

It looks like the 33-year-old’s experience and extra defensive nous has put him ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold in Southgate’s thinking.

On the left, it seems Southgate was determined to get a left-footed option as wing-back, but he is expected to opt for Saka instead of Luke Shaw – who has not played any football since mid-February but was declared fit enough to start by Southgate on Friday.

“Luke Shaw is available, available to start,” Southgate said at his pre-match press conference. “But Kieran has done a brilliant job for the team.

“He obviously doesn’t give us the natural balance of a natural left footer but his leadership, his talking is phenomenal and helps his team-mates to play the game. It’s a dying art – good talkers on the pitch, you can’t have enough of them.

“He has adapted and done a brilliant, brilliant job for us.”

England play Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals in Dusseldorf on Saturday. Gareth Southgate’s side reached the last eight after a dramatic 2-1 win over Slovakia, with Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick equalising in the 94th minute before Harry Kane scored the winner in extra-time.

The Three Lions topped Group C with a win over Serbia and draws with Denmark and Slovenia. However, their performances throughout the tournament have underwhelmed, with Gary Neville saying: “If we don’t raise the performance levels, we’re going out on Saturday.”

If England beat Switzerland, they will play Netherlands or Turkey in the semi-finals in Dortmund on Wednesday; kick off 8pm UK time.

The final is in Berlin on Sunday July 14; kick-off 8pm UK time.

Neville: Southgate must take risks

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville speaking after the win over Slovakia:

“Four times this England team have played in this tournament where they’ve been below par. They will hope this is the catalyst for what would be improved performance levels and a change of direction in performance.

“Winning is everything in tournaments, but performances matter because eventually there’s only so far you can go being the inferior team. Not playing as well and winning will eventually catch you out and I think it will catch England out on Saturday if they keep playing at the same level.

“Let’s be really clear. Three weeks ago, if you had handed this England squad, Gareth Southgate, the players, and us as fans, Switzerland in the quarter-finals, we would have bitten your hand off.

“But Switzerland are playing well, they’re a decent team. They are not to be disrespected and they won’t be by the players, but if we don’t raise the performance levels, we’re going out on Saturday.

“We were fortunate to get past Slovakia and rode our luck in the group where if Denmark scored one more goal, we would have played Germany.

“So we’ve rode our luck twice now, it could be written in the stars that we ride our luck all the way to the final, but my head is telling me we will hit a major obstacle if we carry on and we need to take risks to free ourselves up.

“We looked like England teams of the past where they looked frightened to death.”

Southgate’s praise for Saka…

‘Two more games to change our lives’

‘Starboy Saka lights a spark’

Kane praises Saka’s mentality

‘Saka was the best player on the pitch’

Nev on England’s penalty success: ‘There’s clear plan’

Saka shows his mettle and quality

Who plays who in the semi-finals?

Perfect penalties

Tired bodies – but 3-2-4-1 must stay

Southgate’s Shaw dilemma

Who plays who in the semi-finals?

Jordan Pickford – 8

Kyle Walker – 6

Ezri Konsa – 7

John Stones – 6

Kieran Trippier – 6

Bukayo Saka – 10

Declan Rice – 8

Kobbie Mainoo – 7

Jude Bellingham – 8

Phil Foden – 5

Harry Kane – 5

Subs

Manager

Gareth Southgate – 8

Stats: Story of the match

Who plays who in the semi-finals?

Glenn takes three-fer as spin powers England

Score Summary: England win by 59 runs

Wonderful Wyatt shows skill with the bat

England vs New Zealand IT20 fixtures

What they said: Wyatt: It was a good day | Knight: We showed brilliant intent

What’s next?

Story of the game

‘England so close to creating history’

What they said

What’s next?

Neville: Southgate must take risks