Karim Benzema has fiercely defended actress Lyna Khoudri, his partner, against a far-right activist who criticised her participation in a tribute to the victims of the November 13, 2015 terrorist attack. The Al-Ittihad striker fired back on social media, dismissing the activist as "just an extra in our world" for mistaking the solemn ceremony for a staged performance.

• Benzema defends partner against far-right criticism

  Benzema has publicly confronted a far-right activist who launched an attack on his partner, actress Khoudri, following her involvement in a solemn tribute to the victims of the attacks in France. Khoudri participated in a commemoration on , reading Charlotte Delbo's poem "Prayer to the Living to Forgive Them for Being Alive," marking the 10th anniversary of the tragic events outside the Stade de France.

  Activist Damien Rieu criticised Khoudri due to her previous alleged actions and her connection to Benzema. Rieu posted on social media: "To honour the victims of November 13, they could find no one other than Lyna Khoudri, partner of @Benzema, who liked a post justifying the beheading of Samuel Paty (and who lost her lawsuit against me when I denounced it)."

  Benzema swiftly responded to Rieu on his own account, defending Khoudri and condemning the activist's remarks. "There are those who pay their respects, and those who put themselves on display… You have to be incredibly shallow to mistake a tribute for a staged performance, Damien. You're just an extra in our world," the former French international declared. This strong rebuke highlights Benzema's readiness to protect his partner and address what he perceives as a cynical attempt to politicise a moment of remembrance.

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  The emotional context of the November 13 tribute

  The tribute marked a poignant anniversary for France, recalling the coordinated terrorist attacks that occurred on November 13, 2015. These attacks, which included bombings outside the Stade de France during a France-Germany football match, claimed 130 lives and injured hundreds more. The stadium, where the French national team faced Ukraine on the day of the anniversary, holds particular significance as one of the attack sites.

  Khoudri's participation in the tribute involved reading a powerful poem, a common form of remembrance and a way to honour those lost. Benzema's reaction underscores his belief that such a solemn occasion should be respected and not used as a platform for personal or political attacks. His statement implies a clear distinction between genuine acts of remembrance and what he views as superficial displays of criticism.

• Benzema targeted by Saudi star

  While engaging in this off-field defence, Benzema is also navigating a challenging period in his professional career with Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League. The reigning champions have experienced a difficult start to the season, currently sitting in eighth place after 11 matches, having already suffered three defeats.

  Benzema, 37, who joined Al-Ittihad on a contract until June 30, 2026, has been a central figure for the club, serving as team captain. However, his performances have recently come under scrutiny. Following Al-Ittihad's 1-0 defeat to Al-Ahli in the Western Derby, former Al-Ittihad defender Rashed Al-Raheeb publicly criticised the foreign players, specifically targeting Benzema.

  In an interview with , Al-Raheeb stated: "The Frenchman Karim Benzema, the team captain, was absent from the match and did nothing, as was his compatriot Moussa Diaby, who was not at his usual level. Meanwhile, Al-Ahli’s foreign players shone and dominated for the full 90 minutes." He also questioned coach Sergio Conceicao's decision to keep Benzema on the pitch despite his "modest level." This criticism highlights the pressure on Benzema to deliver consistent performances for his new club.

  Al-Ittihad's current form shows a mixed bag, with a recent 3-0 win against Sharjah followed by a 4-4 draw with Khaleej, and the 1-0 loss to Al-Ahli. Benzema's personal statistics show a career with 345 goals and 84 assists in 635 club appearances, including a highly decorated tenure at Real Madrid where he won numerous titles, including five Champions League crowns and four La Liga titles.

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  Real Madrid legend under scrutiny ahead of key games

  Benzema and Al-Ittihad face a demanding schedule, with an upcoming match against Al-Riyadh on November 21, followed by a Champions League fixture against Al Duhail on November 24. These matches will be crucial for Al-Ittihad to improve their league position and progress in continental competition.

  The latest incident, while unrelated to his on-field performance, further highlights the level of attention and expectation placed upon the veteran striker, both in his professional and personal life, particularly within the context of French public debate and the Saudi Pro League's global ambitions.

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Bryan Woo found out last weekend that he had made the American League All-Star team for the first time in his three years in the big leagues. Moments after getting that news, he called his parents to let them know and their reaction was too good.

The 25-year-old right-hander is 8–4 on the season with a 2.77 ERA. He's a big reason why the Mariners are in second place in the AL West and will be fighting for a possible playoff berth in the second half of the season.

The team recorded Woo's conversation with his parents, which started with him talking to his dad about the family plans for the upcoming All-Star break. He the shared that they need to head to Atlanta, where this year's game will be played.

“Oh my god, Bryan! Holy s—!," his mom yelled upon hearing the news.

This whole video is great:

Safe to say next week is going to be a special one for the Woo family.

After he emerged as an early candidate to take the job, sources have shared Scott Brown’s stance on replacing Brendan Rodgers in the Celtic dugout.

Chris Sutton names "obvious choice" for Celtic

Rodgers shock exit has sparked several rumours as to who could arrive to replace the veteran manager. Many expected the former Leicester City boss to leave at the end of his contract next summer, but the Bhoys have now been left with no choice but to replace him several months early following his resignation.

Already eight points behind unexpected leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership after suffering a 3-1 defeat against Derek McInnes’ side on Sunday, Celtic must get their next permanent appointment right.

On that front, one name that has already been mentioned is Ange Postecoglou. Having initially hired Rodgers to replace the Australian in 2023, Celtic could re-hire Postecoglou to come full-circle in a decision that Chris Sutton would certainly back.

The Celtic legend told Sky Sports: “I think Ange Postecoglou would be a really smart appointment. He was loved the first time round.

“His brand of football went down well in Glasgow. He’s out of work. I think that would be a pretty obvious choice, a good choice and bring a lot of positivity back to Celtic, which they need right now.”

The 60-year-old arguably needs the Bhoys just as much as they need him these days following a disastrous 39-day spell in charge of Nottingham Forest. After being sacked twice by two Premier League clubs in the last year though, it remains to be seen whether he’ll make such a swift return.

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The Bhoys were defeated in Edinburgh today to cap another dismal day at the office.

BySean Markus Clifford Oct 26, 2025

It may be too soon for Postecoglou and the same may be said for ex-player Scott Brown, who also knows Celtic incredibly well.

Celtic job would come too soon for Scott Brown

Among the early candidates for the job has also been Scott Brown. The legendary midfielder has been perfecting his craft as a manager since 2022 and is now in charge of Ayr United. According to PA Media sources, however, the Celtic job would reportedly be coming too soon for Brown.

“The former Celtic captain is seen as a long-term candidate, but is still learning his trade as a manager with Ayr following a spell at Fleetwood. The 40-year-old led Ayr to the William Hill Championship play-offs last season and has them third in the table. Given the instability around the club, squad and league position, the timing does not look ideal for the former Scotland midfielder.”

For any young manager, especially those more inexperienced, the Celtic job would represent an incredible risk. The Bhoys need the stability that O’Neill could first lay the foundations for and an option like Postecoglou could provide. As things stand, they cannot afford to take a gamble on Brown, who should continue to learn his trade at Ayr United.

Chelsea had the chance to build on their impressive win over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night, but as they have done so many times this season, they faltered.

On paper, a game against Qarabağ looked like an easy three points for Enzo Maresca’s side, but in the end, they had to settle for just one.

The draw leaves them 12th in the Champions League, but the worst thing to come out of the match was another injury to Roméo Lavia.

The Belgian has been extremely unlucky during his time at Chelsea, and unless his luck improves, he could eventually be replaced by one of Cobham’s most promising prospects.

Lavia's Chelsea career

Chelsea signed Lavia from Southampton, and from under Liverpool’s nose, in the summer of 2023.

At the time, it seemed like money well spent, as the youngster was one of the most exciting midfielders in the Premier League the previous season and, as journalist Sam Tighe pointed out, “a shining star despite playing in terrible circumstances most of the time.”

Unfortunately, the youngster suffered a muscle tear and then an ankle injury in September 2023 and couldn’t make his competitive debut for the club until the 27th of December.

However, he wouldn’t kick on from there, as, thanks to a hamstring injury, he wouldn’t make another appearance all season.

Last season was marginally better, but even then, five injuries limited him to just 22 appearances, four of which came at the Club World Cup.

To nobody’s surprise, this year has not been much better, as the 21-year-old missed the first five league games with a muscle strain and came off the pitch on Wednesday night with another muscle injury.

Across the last two and a half years, Lavia has made just 30 appearances for the Blues, coming to a total of 1341 minutes.

23/24

1

32′

24/25

22

1069′

25/26

7

240′

It would be hard to describe his time at Chelsea as anything other than a failure at the moment, and if he continues to be unreliable over the coming years, he could see himself replaced by an upcoming Cobham gem.

The Cobham gem who could eventually replace Lavia

While the results for the senior side have been frustratingly inconsistent, the good news for Chelsea is that they have several exciting prospects coming through the academy at the moment.

In The Pipeline

The likes of Chizaram Ezenwata, Shim Mheuka and Reggie Walsh could all make as first team regulars in a few years.

However, when it comes to a potential Lavia replacement, it’s hard to look past Reggie Watson.

The hugely exciting talent may still be just 15 years old, but is already making waves in the academy and could become a part of the first team squad a few years from now.

The up-and-coming ace has demonstrated an ability to play in several different positions, from central midfield to centre-back, but, like the Belgian, is primarily a defensive midfielder.

According to one analyst, the “excellent” prospect has several key strengths which could make him an ideal long-term six for Marseca, such as being an “excellent ball retriever,” having “good passing and vision”, and having a knack for “dictating the tempo of the game.”

As if that wasn’t enough, the youngster is also “physically strong” for someone his age, and with all that in mind, it’s easy to see why he’s been described as being “so complete.”

Finally, on top of doing the business for the Blues’ youth sides, the teenager has also won six caps for England’s U16s, in which he’s scored three goals, primarily from defensive midfield.

Ultimately, it will be a few years yet until Watson is playing for the first team, but if Lavia remains injury-prone at that time, the Belgian could find himself replaced by the youngster.

He was as bad as Hato: Maresca must now ruthlessly drop 5/10 Chelsea dud

It was a night to forget for the Chelsea ace, who was as bad as Jorrel Hato.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 6, 2025

Pakistan seamer takes 4 for 36 after Daniel Lategan’s 78 lays foundation

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay31-Aug-2025Worcestershire powered through to the Metro Bank One-Day Cup final with a 131-run (DLS) victory over Somerset at New Road.Put in, the home side totalled a solid 275 for 9 as Daniel Lategan struck his List A-best 78 against a disciplined Somerset attack with Jack Leach’s excellent 10-1-28-2 at its heart. Ben Green took 4 for 52.The target looked around par on a good pitch but Somerset’s top order imploded against Khurram Shahzad (4 for 36). The visitors lurched to 108 for 7 from 23.4 overs before rain arrived with them more than 100 runs behind the DLS score.After the resumption they further crumbled to 141 all out as Worcestershire emphatically secured a place in the final at Trent Bridge on September 20.Somerset chose to bowl but were kept waiting for their first breakthrough as openers Lategan and Brett D’Oliveira (45) added 85 in 15 overs. The bowlers gave little away though and, as risks were taken in search of acceleration, wickets began to fall.D’Oliveira drilled Kasey Aldridge to extra cover. Kashif Ali was caught with the greatest nonchalance by Finley Hill on the midwicket boundary off Green. Jake Libby skied Aldridge to mid off.Nineteen-year-old Lategan posted a polished maiden List A fifty but fell lbw, reverse-sweeping, to Leach as the spinner built pressure which also saw him bowl Rob Jones through a failed sweep. After Ethan Brookes was lbw, sweeping Tom Lammonby, Worcestershire needed some late order contributions. They got them from Henry Cullen (32) and Matthew Waite (24) before Tom Taylor (22 not out) clubbed three sixes to hoist the total to 275.Pakistan international Shahzad then began with two wides, one of which went for four, in his first three balls. From the dubious platform of 0.1-0-6-0, however, he built an opening spell of 7-2-36-4. Lammonby and Lewis Goldsworthy were beaten for pace when trying to pull and sent up catches. Archie Vaughan was brilliantly caught by Ben Allison at mid-wicket. Thomas Rew edged to slip.Worcestershire’s other seamers deepened Somerset’s plight. Waite had Joshua Thomas well caught by Lategan on the long-leg boundary and Allison dismissed Finley Hill, caught at slip, and Green, caught at mid-off.Green fell to the last ball before heavy rain arrived with Somerset in dire straits at 108 for 7. They resumed needing another 165 from 14.2 overs and quickly lost Aldridge, caught behind, and Leach, stumped, off Brookes.Last pair James Rew and Jake Ball needed to find 137 runs from ten overs. They managed five before Rew lifted Brookes to long off to trigger loud and long celebrations from the home fans.

سلطت صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية الضوء على وقائع مباراة الأهلي والجيش الملكي المغربي ببطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وحل الأهلي المصري ضيفًا على الجيش الملكي المغربي أمس الجمعة، في إطار مباريات الجولة الثانية لدور المجموعات بدوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وشهدت المواجهة مشادات قوية بين لاعبي الفريقين، إلى جانب أعمال شغب جماهيري من قبل جماهير الجيش الملكي، أسفرت عن إصابة محمود حسن تريزيجيه، بسبب إلقاء آلة حادة نحو لاعب الأهلي.

واشبتك لاعبو الجيش الملكي معه للحصول عليها قبل أن يراها الحكم، وتدخل وليد صلاح الدين، مدير الكرة بالأهلي، لمنحها لحكم المباراة.

كما ألقت جماهير الجيش الملكي عدد لا يُحصى من الزجاجات الذي غمر أرضية الملعب، خلال المباراة التي انتهت بالتعادل الإيجابي بهدف لمثله.

اقرأ أيضًا | الأهلي يُعلن عن إصابة 5 لاعبين بعد معركة الجيش الملكي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

ورصدت صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية تقريرًا عن تلك الأحداث بعنوان: “مُخزٍ! تريزيجيه يتعرّض لهجوم بسكين أثناء مباراة، والمنافسون يحاولون إخفاء الأمر”.

وافتتحت الصحيفة تقريرها موضحة: “شهدت الجولة الثانية من دوري أبطال أفريقيا، يوم الجمعة، مشهدًا أشبه بفيلم سينمائي، خلال مباراة الأهلي المصري والجيش الملكي الرباطي، في منتصف المباراة، ألقى أحد مشجعي الفريق المغربي سكينًا على تريزيجيه”.

واختتمت: “الأسوأ من ذلك أنه عندما حاول لاعب خط الوسط وزملاؤه إظهار السكين للحكم، حاول خصومهم إيقافهم بأي ثمن، حتى أنك ترى أحدهم – مرتديًا قميص اللاعب البديل – يضع السكين في سرواله، مشهدٌ مُخزٍ للغاية”.

A 19-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly verbally abusing Mason Mount during Manchester United's Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the man in question had attended the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He was removed after he was overheard making the alleged offensive comment by a member of staff.

Police issue statement after making arrest

The staff member reported the incident to the police, resulting in the fan's arrest on suspicion of "intentionally causing harassment, alarm or distress", according to a statement shared by the Metropolitan Police to . The suspect has been bailed pending further enquiries, with the investigation ongoing. 

Mount was not aware of the abuse. The midfielder played 19 minutes of the 2-2 draw, replacing Matheus Cunha. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTottenham vow to take action

In a statement made to , Tottenham said they were supporting the police investigation, and they would take the "strongest possible action" against any supporter found to be using discriminatory language. 

Spurs' statement read: “The club is aware of a supporter being arrested for alleged verbal abuse of an opposition player during Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Manchester United.

“Prior to the game, all ticket holders received guidance regarding discriminatory chanting and, specifically, homophobic chanting.

“We will now support Met Police in their investigation and, once concluded, any supporter found to have used discriminatory language will be a subject to the strongest possible action in accordance with our Sanctions and Banning Policy. We will also ensure they take part in a fan education programme. 

“We work tirelessly with all our supporters’ associations to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans on matchdays, and have a zero tolerance approach to all forms of discrimination.”

Tottenham fined last season for homophobic abuse of Mount

The incident comes a little over a year since Mount faced homophobic chants during the Red Devils' visit to Spurs at the start of last season. 

Tottenham were fined £75,000 after their fans were found guilty of the offence, as well as further homophobic chanting directed at Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. 

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AFPWill fines and arrests stop abuse?

While it is unclear what the 19-year-old suspect said to Mount, it is clear that homophobic chanting directed at former Chelsea players remains a persistent problem. While on loan at Crystal Palace, ex-Blues left back Ben Chilwell was also targeted by Millwall fans in an FA Cup tie.  

The Red Devils have previously addressed this trend, issuing a statement that outlined their zero-tolerance policy towards "rent boy" chants. The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed in 2022 that the term is considered a homophobic slur. 

The hope is the application of the law and the handing out of fines by the Premier League will result in a reduction of this style of abuse on the terraces going forward. 

Harry Brook has promised that the England team will rally around Sonny Baker ahead of the second ODI at Lord’s on Thursday, after the fast bowler endured a debut to forget in a brutally one-sided series opener against South Africa at Headingley.Baker, 22, was taken for 76 runs in seven wicketless overs – the most-expensive figures ever conceded by an England bowler in his first ODI – while his economy rate of 10.85 was the second-worst by any debutant to have bowled a minimum of six overs in the format.Baker’s day arguably peaked before the toss, when, in the presence of his family members, he was presented his England cap by his new team-mate Jos Buttler – a fellow alumnus of King’s College, Taunton. Thereafter, with England being bowled out for 131 inside 25 overs, he was on a hiding to nothing, starting from his own contribution to that scoreline: a first-ball duck courtesy of Keshav Maharaj.Baker was then thrown the ball for the first over of South Africa’s chase. He had come into the game with apparent form and confidence, courtesy of his explosive displays for Manchester Originals in the Hundred, but his combined figures of 6 for 81 in his previous 67 balls proved to be little preparation for Aiden Markram in a serious hurry. His skiddy pace was crashed for three fours in his first five balls, and 56 in his initial four-over spell, as Markram rushed through to a 23-ball half-century.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

“It’s not probably the ideal start, having to defend 130,” Brook admitted at the post-match presentations, adding that England had “no excuses” after a batting display that “wasn’t good enough”.”Everybody will get behind him,” Brook added. “That’s the nature of this group. We are such a tight-knit group. We’re all good mates. We spend a lot of time away from the game together as well.”He’s had a tough day, but the way that he just kept on cracking on and digging deep, to keep on running in and try and get wickets there for us, even after getting a little bit of tap, was awesome to see. And that’s exactly what we asked of every bowler.”With the game as good as over after South Africa’s 67-run powerplay, Brook admitted that England treated the remainder of the innings as a de facto practice session, and turned back to Baker for a second spell – down the hill from the Kirkstall Lane End – in the 12th over. He initially fared better, conceding just two runs in his fifth over, but Markram and Ryan Rickelton continued to attack him thereafter as their opening stand reached 121 in 18 overs.Related

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“I was just trying to get him a wicket, to be honest,” Brook said. “Obviously we didn’t get off to the greatest of starts with the ball. After the start that they got, I knew that we were never really going to win the game. It was just a matter of trying to get him a pole at that time, and the lads trying to develop and upskill their skills, that they’ve been working on in practice and trying to take them into a game.”The way that they chased that, with Markham coming out and going really ultra-aggressive, was the perfect way to chase a low score, especially in the powerplay, when you’ve only got one or two people out,” he added. “It is tough to defend. So [Baker] might have missed his execution the odd time, but Markram played some extraordinary shots, so hats off to him.”Markram finished with 86 from 55 balls, eventually falling to Adil Rashid with a century just about within his sights.”I definitely didn’t pre-plan anything,” he said of his assault on Baker. “I’ve never faced him before, and there’s some really good talk about him and his abilities. So really I just trying to watch the ball. You want to see the action first, but if you can get a few away early, and you can get ahead of him, then you try and do that. But it won’t always be the case. If he’s got it on a string, he’ll be a really good bowler, for sure.”

Manchester United have won three Premier League matches in succession for the first time in the Ruben Amorim era after their 4-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion last time out.

The signings of Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, and Matheus Cunha have had a positive impact on the team, as all three of them were directly involved in at least one goal against Brighton.

INEOS have seen the impact that signing high-quality, ready-made, players can have on the squad, which may be why they are being linked with a move to sign Adam Wharton.

The latest on Adam Wharton to Manchester United

It was recently reported that the Crystal Palace central midfielder has overtaken Brighton star Carlos Baleba on Manchester United’s shortlist of targets ahead of the January transfer window.

That report claimed that Amorim wants to sign the left-footed English starlet because of his direct style of play and forward passing in the middle of the park, as he looks to bolster his options ahead of the second half of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

However, it has been reported that it could take a fee of up to £100m to convince the Eagles to part ways with Wharton, which would eclipse United’s club-record £89m deal for Paul Pogba.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Instead of splashing out a club-record fee on the Crystal Palace star, though, Manchester United could unearth their own version of Wharton in Kobbie Mainoo by working with him to improve his game.

Why Kobbie Mainoo can be Man Utd's own Adam Wharton

The England international, who was described as “fearless” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has yet to start a Premier League game this season, because Amorim has stated that he is competing with Bruno Fernandes for a starting berth.

However, the Portuguese head coach could solve that problem by coaching Mainoo to excel as the holding midfielder next to the captain, as his own version of Wharton, as the young midfielder has some of the raw materials needed to perform in that position.

The 20-year-old starlet, who Mango also stated had a “meteoric rise” at United, does need to improve his forward passing and creativity in possession, though, as Wharton has the beating of him in those two aspects.

Pass accuracy

74.4%

86.3%

Shot-creating actions

3.80

2.85

Expected Assisted Goals

0.31

0.11

Progressive passes

5.57

3.62

Progressive carries

1.15

1.75

Successful take-ons

0.48

1.10

Tackles made

1.83

2.59

Percentage of dribblers tackled

40.6%

58.1%

As you can see in the table above, Wharton produces more shot-creating actions and progressive passes per 90 than Mainoo, based on their statistics over the past year, which shows that Red Devils youngster what he needs to develop.

The United academy graduate, however, has offered more defensive quality to his side than the Palace man by winning more tackles and winning a far higher percentage of his attempted tackles, which suggests that he does have the physical edge to play that role next to Bruno.

Mainoo’s progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, particularly in comparison to Wharton’s, also suggest that he has the direct play in the middle of the park that Amorim wants to sign the Eagles midfielder for.

The 20-year-old star’s statistics show that he does have some impressive qualities that could make him an excellent fit for the role that the club may be lining Wharton up for, if he can work on his progressive passing and creativity in the final third.

Rather than spending £100m or more on the Palace star, United could look within their own squad to coach Mainoo and help him to become their own £100m-rated midfielder by working on his weaknesses to make him a complete star.

Carragher said Man Utd star was "terrible", now he's Amorim's key player

Manchester United now have a talent who has managed to transform his career at Old Trafford.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 30, 2025

As a dispiriting tour plumbs new depths, lessons need to be learned if England are to move on

Valkerie Baynes25-Jan-2025Amid England’s 2019 Ashes capitulation, Clare Connor, the ECB’s then managing director of women’s cricket, announced a wide-ranging review looking at preparation, selection and player development.The funds poured into the women’s game, and crowed about by the organisation after that 12-4 drubbing at the hands of Australia, have done wonders for the sport, and yet here we are.England are 12-0 down and staring down the very real prospect of losing 16-0 after next week’s Test and failing to register a point for the first time since the Ashes became a multi-format series in 2013.It took a while for things to change after 2019 but they did, for a time. The post-pandemic return series in Australia was beset by quarantine restrictions and bad weather which did little for the touring side’s morale as they again lost 12-4.But in 2023, under new coach Jon Lewis, England fought back from 6-0 down to draw 8-8 at home and Australia retained the Ashes by the barest of means. And that may just be England’s problem now.For all the controversy over England’s perceived fitness levels, much of their downfall appears to be to do with mental matters. There is little evidence that they have eradicated the fielding errors that contributed to their T20 World Cup exit in October, where they fell apart against West Indies in the group stage.Poor shot selection has been a running theme throughout this Ashes for a batting line-up which slumped to England’s second-lowest T20I total when they were bowled out for 90 and Australia romped to a 72-run victory in the third T20I on Saturday.After the result at Adelaide Oval, Lewis also said his bowlers had been “sloppy” in terms of line and length up to that point, when England’s spinners in particular restricted Australia to what he believed was a par score of 162 for 5.But Lewis didn’t believe that England’s ability to push Australia 18 months ago had made them over-confident heading into this series.”I think it may have raised expectation outside of the group,” he said. “I definitely don’t think it gave us too much confidence. It gave us some confidence. We were incredibly aware of how strong Australia are in this part of the world and everywhere else in the world.”They’re a really good cricket team. We knew that when we came in, we knew this was going to be a really hard-fought competition but also a really hard competition for us to come out on top in.”What I would say is I think our performance in England last time probably stimulated the Australians into making some decisions about how they wanted to play and they’ve come out and they’ve showed some changes in how they’ve approached their cricket and they’ve been really impressive. They’ve played better cricket than us and we are in this position for a reason.”Fielding errors persisted in Adelaide, alongside familiar batting errors•Getty ImagesEngland’s mantra under Lewis has been to “inspire and entertain”, so is it not reasonable that the public would expect a lot of their team, who in the aftermath of that 2019 failure have become a better resourced, highly professionalised outfit? Unlike Australia, who have responded to their 2023 wake-up call by coming up with all the answers before England have even thought of the questions, it seems their visitors aren’t learning their lessons.”There isn’t a lot of time between games to go away and think and work and make a change,” Lewis said. “We have pretty honest conversations behind closed doors. The players are really honest with how they’re going.”One of the things that stood out for me across this tour is actually we’ve practised really, really well but we haven’t played very well. So the bit that we’re missing is the bit when we cross the line as to how we go and perform.”We’ve got some really good players and we haven’t been able to transfer that onto the field, which is a great shame. There’s a great opportunity for us to show what a good cricket team we are and we haven’t been able to do that.”Lewis had expressed concern ahead of the tour about the tight schedule, but it is the same for both sides. Not being able to execute in pressure situations has only been an issue for one and all of the above speaks to mental over physical shortcomings.And while you’ll struggle to find a fitter side than Australia, you won’t find one tougher above the shoulders. Yes, they stumbled in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup, and at the last Ashes, and yet here we are. Australia have learned, improved and then pulverised their opposition.”I feel like there’s been moments in those games where if we pushed home our advantage at certain points in the match we could have come away some points in probably the first three or four games,” Lewis said. “In fact the first five games I think we’ve been at times in positions to take some points.”But I feel like in the critical moments in the games the Australians have used their experience and their understanding of the conditions to play in a way that’s been able to get them across the line and you have to take your hat off to them. They understand how to win and we disrupted them a little bit over in England last time out and we came here with confidence that we could do the same here but they haven’t let us do it.”Related

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Australia have done so with captain Alyssa Healy and star allrounder Ash Gardner both out injured for all three T20s, which has only emphasised their depth. Beth Mooney has kept wicket with distinction in Healy’s absence and dominated the batting, her unbeaten 94 on a slow Adelaide Oval wicket the pinnacle.But England aren’t without depth. In Adelaide, they brought Alice Capsey in for Maia Bouchier, moving Sophia Dunkley to the top of the order with Capsey at No.3 as well as adding effectively to the spin-bowling ranks. They had quick Lauren Filer at the ready when Lauren Bell succumbed to a migraine and dropped legspinner Sarah Glenn for left-armer Linsey Smith to maintain their preferred line-up of three frontline spin-bowlers.But again Australia did better with only captain Heather Knight and Danni Wyatt-Hodge reaching double figures as each of the home side’s six bowlers took wickets, led by legspinner Georgia Wareham’s career-best 3 for 11.Lewis’s contention that the 2023 Ashes spurred Australia on to greater heights isn’t in dispute. Mooney said in her post-match press conference that after that tour and their T20 World Cup disappointment, “we probably just had been letting ourselves down a little bit in different areas of the game” and “we wanted to really put a marker out there and keep moving the women’s game forward”.The question now is, can this Ashes spur his side on in the same way?