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Emma Jones, Alice Davidson-Richards shine with centuries before rain hits

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay10-Sep-2025Surrey 313 for 5 (Jones 141, Davidson-Richards 107) vs Essex match abandonedRain denied Surrey the chance of securing a semi-final spot in the Metro Bank Women’s One-Day Cup, after centuries from Emma Jones and Alice Davidson-Richards had put them in a commanding position over Essex.With Somerset washed out away to Hampshire, a bonus-point victory for Surrey would have been enough to secure fourth place ahead of their final match away to Durham on Saturday.Instead, the rain, which arrived at the innings break and didn’t stop, means the match at Chester-le-Street now turns into an effective quarter-final, with Durham in fifth place and only three points behind Surrey.Surrey had made two changes to their team that lost to Lancashire at the weekend, one of which was Jones coming in at No.3 in place of Alice Capsey.Jones had played just one fifty-over match for Surrey this year, and while showing glimpses with the bat across the T20 season, no-one predicted that her inclusion would bring such dramatic results, as she compiled a chanceless 141 off only 117 balls to record her first century for Surrey.Jones entered this season without a half-century to her name in List A cricket, but has now scored two massive centuries in the format, after making 147 not out off 101 balls earlier this year while on loan at Glamorgan.After rain early in the day, Surrey’s innings had been reduced to 45 overs, although they still managed to finish on 313 for 5 on what was a difficult day in the field for Essex, who with just two wins from 13 matches, remain bottom of the table.”Jonesy was hitting them wonderfully,” said Davidson-Richards, who made 107.”I was just enjoying helping her along and watching her smash fours at the other end. I think sometimes it’s really simple and you just realise how the other person is ticking. It was a really nice partnership.”

Liverpool have now reportedly sent scouts to track RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, who is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after young talents around European football.

The Reds will be relieved to have an international break. It’s been a disastrous month or so for Arne Slot’s side, who have lost five of their last six Premier League games and were just humbled by a superior Manchester City side. In the space of 11 games in a fresh campaign, the champions’ crown hasn’t just slipped, it has crumbled.

After FSG spent over £400m to break Liverpool’s transfer record twice in the summer, Slot simply must turn things around. The Dutchman will be given time to do that – Liverpool have never been a side to make rash decisions – but the pressure is certainly growing on the Dutchman.

The solutions could yet come courtesy of even more spending in the January transfer window. There’s been something missing from the current squad so far this season and as the Premier League becomes more physical, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes could adjust their strategy.

Liverpool’s struggles have already sparked several rumours ahead of the winter window, too. The likes of Antoine Semenyo and Wilfried Singo have been among those mentioned as potential reinforcements, but it remains to be seen whether the Reds splash the cash once again.

Liverpool exploring Jarrod Bowen move as West Ham share sale conditions

The Reds have set their sights on another attacking reinforcement.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 14, 2025

Semenyo would certainly add another attacking spark to a frontline full of talented players who are currently struggling to find form. The addition of someone who needs no introduction to Anfield goals could go a long way towards solving Slot’s problems. Meanwhile, Edwards and Hughes also have one eye on the future and those who will make an impact in years to come.

Liverpool send scouts to track Yan Diomande

As reported by Bild in Germany, Liverpool scouts have now been spotted watching Diomande at RB Leipzig. The 19-year-old winger has impressed in the Bundesliga this season, scoring three goals and assisting another three in 10 league games, and has attracted the interest of PSG as well as those at Anfield as a result.

The teenager is not short on confidence or ambition, having compared himself to Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior when speaking to reporters about his current role models to Transfermarkt.

It’s not just the left-winger, himself, who believes in his ability though. Talent scout Jacek Kulig praised Diomande for the “brilliant” spell of form that he’s enjoyed in recent months to attract the likes of Liverpool and PSG.

FSG enter race to sign "world-class" £79m star for Liverpool

Third-wicket stand of 141 with Haseeb Hameed overhauls Glamorgan with ease

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay17-Aug-2025Nottinghamshire 282 for 3 (Haynes 124, Hameed 58*) beat Glamorgan 278 for 9 (Byrom 62, Root 56) by seven wicketsJack Haynes starred with a century as Notts Outlaws kept their qualification chances at arm’s length with a comfortable run chase against winless defending champions Glamorgan.The 24-year-old Haynes struck a well-timed 124 with some late acceleration to chase the sub-par 278 for 9 set by the hosts.Ben Slater and Haseeb Hameed played supporting roles in the seven-wicket win, the latter combining with Haynes for a 141-run third-wicket stand.Eddie Byrom notched up back-to-back half-centuries with 62 while Billy Root also passed 50 to hold together the Glamorgan innings. One positive for the winless side was 18-year-old Romano Franco picking up a first professional wicket at the third time of asking.After being inserted, Glamorgan got off to a racing start, as has tended to be their way in this competition. Byrom and Asa Tribe’s 71-run opening stand left Notts’ bowling attack – hit by the absence of players in the Hundred – with cause for concern before Tribe’s fun was ended by 18-year-old debutant Byron Hatton-Lowe.Byrom, the steadier of the two openers in terms of strike rate, continued calmly as he watched on for Henry Hurle, playing a first Glamorgan game of 2025, to be dismissed.Kiran Carlson was unable to kick on, as was Will Smale who suffered a ball-watching run out to leave the hosts with just five wickets in hand with more than 20 overs to bat, a theme too common in their campaign.Root held the fort in a knock of few boundaries for 56 before Dan Douthwaite’s blistering cameo added some impetus, the hosts still left short.Zain Ul Hassan was able to contain in a seven-over new-ball spell while Ned Leonard leaked at the other end, Slater enjoying a rather comfortable start.After Ben Martindale was dismissed, a period of experience was due with Slater and Haynes adding 75 before Hameed struck an unbeaten 58 to ice the run chase.Franco impressed in his 10 overs but poor fielding, including a drop by Andy Gorvin with Haynes on 68 proved costly.Tribe followed as the third player in the game to take a first wicket for his club, after Hatton-Lowe and Franco, although the damage was done.

Chelsea have now reportedly joined the race to sign Crystal Palace star Daniel Munoz, who has already revealed where his “dream” move away lies.

Those at Stamford Bridge aren’t wasting any time before thinking about 2026 reinforcements in an attempt to improve Enzo Maresca’s young side. They were at their ruthless best against Wolverhampton Wanderers, dispatching of the managerless relegation candidates to win 3-0.

Full of praise for his side following a convincing victory, Maresca expressed his delight whilst also admitting that Chelsea could have scored even more goals at Stamford Bridge.

That said, as happy as Maresca was, improvements could still be on the way. BlueCo haven’t exactly been shy when it comes to recruitment in recent years and that looks set to continue in 2026.

After spending big last summer, the Blues are already reportedly eyeing Karl Etta Eyong who has admitted that he dreams of completing a move to Stamford Bridge to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Didier Drogba.

The Levante star has scored six goals in 12 games this season and is now one of the hottest prospects in European football. When next summer arrives, he could yet get the chance to realise his Chelsea dream, whilst another transfer target also potentially gets his move.

Chelsea join Daniel Munoz race as "dream" move shared

According to reports in Spain, Chelsea have now joined the race to sign Munoz from Crystal Palace following an excellent spell at Selhurst Park. Joining the Blues in pursuit of the right-back, however, is Barcelona. The Spanish giants are looking to spoil Chelsea’s plans and help Munoz realise what he previously admitted is a dream move when playing for Belgian side Genk.

Having now ticked off his Premier League dream, it’s difficult to imagine a world in which Munoz turns Barcelona down if they come calling. The good news for Chelsea is that, either way, they’ll be able to bid farewell to playing against such a talented star.

6 passes & 2 duels won: Maresca must drop 5/10 Chelsea star after Wolves

Chelsea breezed to victory over Wolves, although it wasn’t all plain sailing.

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 9, 2025

Praised as “amazing” by Palace boss Oliver Glasner last year, it was only back in August that Munoz was pocketing Chelsea’s Jamie Gittens in a 0-0 draw – limiting the winger to just two touches in the opposition box.

Chelsea star criticised vs Wolves after having fewer touches than Sanchez

After taking time to consider his stinging comments, Wayne Rooney has conceded he was wrong to claim Virgil van Dijk had "downed tools" after signing a new deal at Liverpool. The row had threatened to boil over as the pair clashed live on TV, but the former England and Manchester United star has moved to cool the disagreement and also offered Van Dijk advice on how to get the champions' faltering season back on track.

Rooney and Van Dijk's public spat

Man Utd legend Rooney criticised the Liverpool captain's leadership and form during a difficult run for the Reds, suggesting the Netherlands international’s body language was a "big concern" and that he and Mohamed Salah "haven't really led that team this season" after signing new deals. Van Dijk swiftly hit back, branding the comments "a bit of a lazy criticism". He added "I didn't hear him last year" during Liverpool's march to the title, implying pundits are quick to criticise during downturns in form.

The row escalated when the pair were face-to-face after the Champions League clash between Liverpool and Real Madrid. Van Dijk told Rooney he felt the comments were "over the top" at times, especially the "comment that I signed my new deal and then it was like 'that is it' and I let it slide". Rooney stood by his performance critique on the night, but he has now had a change of heart and further explained his comments, despite the Reds' recent 3-0 defeat by Manchester City.

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'Maybe I was wrong on that'

Rooney, speaking on with Sky Bet, said: "My job now is to give my opinions, and I like to think I'm straight and honest with my opinions and how I feel. The one thing where I maybe went a bit too strong is where I said he’s downed tools since he signed his new contract – that's a big thing to say, and maybe I was wrong on that. But from a performance level, from what we’ve seen from Van Dijk, I don’t think he's been at that level this season, and I said I’m sure as captain he’d be speaking to players, taking them out for food, which he said he has done. Clearly if he's felt he’s done that, if he had to do that, there’s something not right.  

He added: "As champions, you can’t lose four games in a row. If you lose one game, there’s questions, and if you lose four in a row, there’s something not quite right. I think getting involved too much in the outside noise – that’s our job [as pundits], focus on your game. As a younger player, I’d be looking at Van Dijk and how he reacts to this – how is it going to help them? You have to get on with your game and speak internally."

Rooney focuses on leadership

Rooney added: "I’ve had criticism much worse than what I said about Van Dijk – both on and off the pitch. Of course, people talk and you take someone’s opinion a bit more serious than others but go and do your talking on the pitch. That’s all he needs to do. I’ve praised van Dijk, about his performances and how good he’s been but, if you’re the Premier League champions and you’re the captain of Liverpool, and they aren’t performing as well, (you will come in for some criticism). 

 "We used to do it with Cristiano Ronaldo, where Ronaldo wouldn’t defend as much, and we would all work a bit harder. But it’s a tough game and you’re playing against a top team; you scream at your players to get back in and help. That’s what I was saying about leadership – you need to understand what game you’re in and the importance of the game."

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Getty Images SportVan Dijk's World Cup qualification challenge

The Netherlands haven’t secured their spot at the World Cup just yet, despite sitting top of their qualifying group. Van Dijk will lead his country out against Poland and Lithuania in the coming days, where a win will see them book their place at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year.