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Over the last decade, Leicester City have been through one of the most incredible stories English football has ever seen.

From being promoted to the Premier League ahead of the 2014/15 season and avoiding relegation against all odds, to winning the league title the next season in one of the most unbelievable achievements in the history of top-flight football.

After several experiences in European football, Leicester would even win the FA Cup for the very first time in 2021. This success would, however, mark the beginning of the end for Leicester, who were struggling financially due to the Covid outbreak.

With the number of outgoings heavily outweighing new incomings, it was hardly a surprise to see Leicester struggle in the 2022/23 season, as they were relegated back to the Championship.

While some outgoings, such as Ben Chilwell and Wesley Fofana, brought huge amounts of money into the club, there were others that have since reflected poorly on the club, who never got their chance to impress in the first team.

Who has left Leicester City in recent years?

With the need for a financial boost, the Foxes turned to player sales to help them. After winning the FA Cup, star defender Ben Chilwell was one of the first names to go, with their opponents in the final, Chelsea, paying a sizable £50m fee for the full-back.

Another departure that summer was Demarai Gray, who left for a rather underwhelming £1.7m fee to German side Bayer Leverkusen, before returning to the Premier League a year later to join Everton.

In 2022, the club reluctantly sold promising defender Wesley Fofana, again to Chelsea for an irrefutable £70m, providing the club with important funds.

While a number of big names have left the club in recent years, Leicester have also let go some of their upcoming talents, some of which they may look back on with regret as one of the factors in their relegation was a result of lacking squad depth.

One player who left the Leicester setup and has gone on to achieve better things is Nigerian international defender, Calvin Bassey.

When did Leicester sell Calvin Bassey?

After coming through the ranks at Leicester, playing in both their U18 and U21 sides, Bassey was never given a chance to appear in the first team before his eventual departure.

In June 2020, Scottish side Rangers announced that they had agreed a pre-contract signing for Bassey, who was 20-years-old at the time. The compensation fee paid to Leicester was reported to be just £230k for the young defender.

The Scottish side’s manager at the time Steven Gerrard spoke highly of the Nigerian, saying:

“It’s pleasing to secure the services of another young talent. He’s a strong and dynamic athlete who is very much the modern-day full-back.”

Over the course of his debut season in Scotland, Bassey featured 15 times in all competitions, seven of those appearances coming in the league as Rangers went unbeaten and attained a club-record 102 points to win their first title in ten years.

What was next for Bassey?

After showing promising signs in his brief spells on the pitch over the 2020/21 season, the following season saw Bassey begin to cement his place in the first team for Rangers.

In all competitions, he played 50 times as Rangers won the Scottish Cup and made it to the Europa League final, where they were harshly beaten by Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties.

Bassey’s performances over the season stood out from left-back, and despite the loss in the Europa League final, he was one of the better players on the pitch, receiving praise online.

Football journalist Joshua Bunting took to Twitter to applaud his efforts, as he said: “Bassey has been a monster tonight, outstanding performance.”

In the summer of 2022, many top clubs around the continent were interested in the Rangers full-back, but it was European giants Ajax who landed the signing.

The Dutch outfit spent a club-record £23m on the defender, emphasising their trust in his potential to be a star.

Despite a disastrous debut, which saw him sent off after just 15 minutes of being brought on as a substitute, Bassey played the majority of the season in Amsterdam, under multiple managers. His versatility was important for the club, being able to play across the back line of defence.

Where is Calvin Bassey now?

After one season in Amsterdam, the 23-year-old gem had shown glimpses of the talent seen at Rangers, but new manager Maurice Steijn told Bassey “it would be better to leave Ajax,” as the club needed to raise funds.

Over the past summer window, Bassey made his return to England, three years after he left Leicester City. In July, Fulham agreed a £19m fee to sign the defender, recouping most of the money Ajax spent a year prior and an 8160.87% increase on what Rodgers let him go for three years ago.

Club

Transfer fee

Fulham (2023-)

£19m

Ajax (2022-2023)

£23m

Rangers (2020-2022)

£230k

Leicester (2016-2020)

£0

Total

£42.2m

Following his arrival, Bassey spoke of his delight to be back in his hometown, saying:

"They’re playing in the Premier League, the best league in the world, so I didn’t have to think much about it.

“It’s a London club as well, so it’s always a plus to be home.”

With Fulham spending a rather hefty fee on the player, it is clear they also see a future in the player.

Although his spell at Ajax may not have hit the levels expected of him, a move to a strong mid-table side in the Premier League is able to give Bassey the opportunity to prove himself in England’s top-flight after never getting his chance during his time at Leicester.

With his former club now residing in the Championship, perhaps the move to Rangers three years ago was pivotal to Bassey’s development as a player.

The move to Marco Silva’s exciting Fulham side is seemingly a great fit for the 6 foot 1 defender to make the next step in his career and solidify himself as a starting defender for a Premier League side.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is hoping to secure defensive reinforcements before the transfer window closes next week, with Jurrien Timber expected to miss most of the campaign after injuring his ACL.

What's the latest on Eric Garcia to Arsenal?

According to Football Transfers, Arsenal are now working on a deal for Barcelona centre-back Eric Garcia following the news regarding Timber, who was signed this summer for £38m.

It is claimed that Arteta is searching for a mobile and versatile defender who can serve in a multi-functional role, and Garcia could be the man for the job.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

Barcelona are well-covered across the defensive third and are looking to alleviate the weight of their £1bn worth of debt, and Garcia could leave, with Xavi willing to grant a loan departure if his £99k-per-week wages are covered.

How good is Eric Garcia?

Not only could Arteta adequately replace Timber before the end of the month, but he could actually wield his own version of Premier League champions Manchester City's Ruben Dias by completing a swoop for Garcia.

The 6 foot centre-half is already well known to Arteta, who worked with the 23-year-old while serving as understudy to Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium prior to taking the reins at Arsenal.

Garcia only forged 35 displays for himself with the Citizens before joining La Blaugrana on a free transfer in June 2021, and given his ball-playing skills that draw comparisons to Dias', the Gunners' Spanish boss might be wise to push ahead with a swoop for his young compatriot.

As per FBref, Garcia ranks among the top 5% of central defenders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 1% for progressive passes and the top 3% for passes attempted and progressive carries – illustrating his passing proficiency and quality with the ball at his feet.

He is indeed akin to City's Portuguese titan, who ranks among the top 2% of positional peers for pass completion and the top 1% for passes attempted per 90, and given that Arsenal and Manchester City sit second and third in the 2023/24 Premier League ranking for passes completed (behind Chelsea, who have played a game more), he looks a custom-made fit.

Once hailed an "incredible" prospect by Guardiola, Garcia could bring dynamism and composure to bolster the north London side's backline, boasting the level of requisite technical quality to succeed within Arteta's thriving system.

Technical director Edu would do well to orchestrate a deal and secure an instant replacement for the beleaguered Timber, who has already demonstrated his versatility and quality through his ball-playing ability, ranking among the top 2% of pass completion, the top 3% for passes attempted and the top 1% for progressive passes per 90.

Given the aforementioned metrics, it certainly looks like Garcia could replicate the passing of his Dutch peer, but whether he could emulate the robustness that was seen across his first few matches before his injury remains to be seen.

But given the similarities to Dias and the way in which Arsenal play, this could be a move to ensure the Emirates outfit have a sterling opportunity to seek out silverware and continue the ascent to the very top of European football.

A second win for India in Group B has all but ensured their place in the quarter-finals of the Under-19 World Cup

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Jan-20183:43

Can U-19 World Cup success be a springboard to international call-ups?

The giant mismatch ended even before India warmed up in Mount Maunganui. The might of their bowlers proved too hot for Papua New Guinea, who slumped to 64 all out in 21.5 overs, the tournament’s lowest score so far. And then India’s openers Prithvi Shaw and Manjot Kalra raced home in just eight overs. A second consecutive win meant India were all but in the quarter-finals.In conditions that aided swing and bounce, India chose to bowl under overcast skies. While all eyes were on the fast bowling pair of Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi, who had impressed against Australia, a quiet left-arm spinner Anukul Roy came to the fore by picking up his maiden five-for in youth ODIs. Three of his five wickets were bowled, off deliveries that skidded. He took 5 for 14 in 6.5 overs.Mavi and Nagarkoti were lively and beat the bat repeatedly, with PNG’s batsmen forced to hop and jump early on. Simon Atai, the opener, broke free by imperiously pulling Nagarkoti for successive boundaries. They were the only sparks in an otherwise forgettable batting performance.In reply, Shaw came out to blast his second half-century of the tournament, slapping and pulling the length balls to the square boundaries on either side. He finished the game with successive boundaries to remain unbeaten on 57. Kalra had the best seat in the house, watching his captain do all the hitting as India walked off with one of their easier wins.

West Ham United finally said goodbye to homegrown hero Declan Rice during the transfer window, as he joined Arsenal for an incredible £105m fee, a record between two British clubs.

The move was perhaps inevitable, with the midfielder impressing via his performances for the club in the Premier League and in Europe, where he became the first West Ham captain to lift a European trophy since the great Bobby Moore back in 1965, further endearing himself to the supporters.

David Moyes has yet to make a signing this summer, despite having money to spend following the Rice sale.

Could the Scot perhaps avenge his departure by signing a young talent from Arsenal in the coming weeks?

What are the latest West Ham transfer rumours?

According to a prior from talkSPORT, the Irons are interested in making a move for promising striker, Folarin Balogun, this summer as Moyes aims to bolster his attacking options.

Mikel Arteta appears to be keen on letting the 22-year-old depart the Emirates before the transfer window shuts in the next few weeks, valuing the striker at £45m.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

Italian forward Gianluca Scamacca is close to securing an exit from West Ham after just one season in London, with Fabrizio Romano stating Atalanta will be his next destination and this leaves Moyes rather short in the attacking department.

How many goals has Folarin Balogun scored?

The American international has made ten appearances for Arsenal, scoring twice, yet it was his season long loan spell at Stade Reims which brought him widespread acclaim.

The 22-year-old was a sensation in Ligue 1, netting 21 goals across 37 games, finishing the 2022/23 season as the fourth highest scorer in the division, behind just Kylian Mbappe, Alexandre Lacazette and Jonathan David. Not bad company to keep.

Although relatively inexperienced, Balogun ranked first across the Reims squad for goals and assists (23), shots on target per game (1.6) and third for big chances created (eight), showcasing just how important he was to the French side.

Comparing these figures to the West Ham side demonstrates that the Arsenal striker could slot into Moyes’s starting XI with ease. His 23 goals and assists was 12 clear of Jarrod Bowen at the Hammers, while Said Benrahma registered 0.8 shots on target per game and Bowen created nine big chances, indicating just how effective he was compared to the West Ham players last term.

Will Still, the Reims manager, lauded his striker last term, saying: “He's unbelievable, he has real talent but he is also just a top person.” And his recent form even led to a debut for the United States.

He scored on his second appearance for his country, taking his club form that took Ligue 1 by storm onto the international stage, and it’s clear he is ready to make an impression in the Premier League.

His spell in France was a big learning curve and compared to the rest of the West Ham squad, Balogun could provide a key attacking threat, and this could benefit Moyes during 2023/24.

The young menace might not have a long term future under Arteta, but Moyes could give him an ideal platform to shine.

With West Ham having suffered the disastrous blow of losing Rice to the Gunners, the Europa Conference League winners could exact some revenge by poaching Balogun before the September deadline.

Crystal Palace could do with signing another centre-back this summer as questions continue to surround the futures of Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen.

Siamo la Roma reports that Roger Ibanez is being eyed up by Roy Hodgson's side, but they will have to match Roma's high valuation of €35m (£30m) for the two-cap Brazil international.

Who are Crystal Palace trying to buy?

The Eagles have so far brought in only Jefferson Lerma on a free transfer following the midfielder's exit from fellow Premier League side Bournemouth last month.

Wilfried Zaha's future is dominating the headlines at Selhurst Park, with the winger still weighing up whether to sign a new deal, while central-defensive duo Guehi and Andersen have both been linked with moves away.

Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are said to be interested in signing Andersen, while Guehi has been touted as a target for Newcastle and Liverpool.

However, Palace are reluctant to sell Guehi and will only do so if a club offers £60m, as per Football Insider.

Should the Eagles fend off all suitors and keep hold of the Englishman, they could potentially partner him with fellow highly-rated defender Ibanez this coming campaign.

Who is Roger Ibanez?

Ibanez has made 30 or more appearances for Roma in each of the past three Serie A campaigns and was described as "untouchable" by head coach Jose Mourinho last season.

The 24-year-old is a defender who also knows how to find the net, highlighted by his three goals last season. Indeed, as per The Analyst, Ibanez ranks in the top 12% of all defenders for goals scored across Europe's top five leagues last season, and in the top 9% for shots taken.

Keeping out the opposition is the number one priority of any centre-back, of course, and Ibanez is more than capable in that side of the game, ranked as he is in the top 5% of defenders for possession won.

Ibanez is also strong in the air, which is an area Guehi perhaps lacks. The latter is in the bottom 45% of defenders for aerial duels won last season, whereas Ibanez is in the top 36%.

Former Fluminense ace Ibanez also ranks higher than Guehi in terms of defensive actions – tackles, fouls and blocks – as he is in the top 62%, compared to the bottom 19% for his possible future team-mate.

That is not to say Guehi is a bad player – his transfer valuation says as much – but more that Ibanez's strengths compensate for the former Chelsea academy player's perceived weaknesses.

The opposite is also true, in fact, as Guehi is more comfortable on the ball – he ranks in the top 23% of defenders for touches of the ball per game, whereas Ibanez is in the top 31%.

It means that Palace would have two capable centre-backs; one who specialises in the aerial side of things, and another who can help begin attacks from deep.

For all the talk of Palace potentially losing Guehi this summer, they could in fact begin the 2023-24 campaign stronger in that department in what would be a huge boost for Hodgson.

Somerset and Middlesex are not the only counties in danger of relegation but their meeting at Taunton next week has the makings of a sudden death affair

Tim Wigmore at Kia Oval22-Sep-20171:53

I was just hoping to pull my weight – Sangakkara

Perhaps it was better this way. Sure, Kumar Sangakkara, in the final ever first-class game at a ground he has made into his private playground, was batting serenely, once again, with victory only 15 runs away. All inside The Oval were united in expecting him to stroke the winning runs.
Then Sangakkara took a couple of steps down the ground, drilled a delivery from Dom Bess back to the bowler, and suddenly was out. The silence that enveloped the ground, and even Somerset’s own players, reflected just how surprising this moment was. Sangakkara paused for a few moments, and then walked back. As he did so, every Somerset player shook his hand to congratulate him for a stupendous career – “You’ve got to appreciate genius when you see it,” explained their captain Tom Abell. Sangakkara took off his helmet to soak in the standing ovation he received from the entire ground. He walked up the stairs to The Oval changing room for the very final time, and that was that.A few minutes later, Ollie Pope, one of Surrey’s many young players to have benefited from the extraordinary privilege of three years with Sangakkara, strode down the wicket to thump a six to tie the scores. Two balls later, he lofted a four through long on and secure Surrey’s win. Sport, like life, can move on very quickly.Not that anyone will be forgetting Sangakkara anytime soon. His seasons at Surrey – not just the runs they have brought, but how he has carried himself – have enriched his legacy in the sport and, for those who stayed behind to take selfies with him or simply to say thanks, will not easily be forgotten.”That was very, very special to me,” Sangakkara said, crediting Surrey with rekindling his passion for the game.”The county professional is a very, very special breed of person and I’ve found a completely new respect not just for county cricket but for the game as a whole. To understand that wherever there is first-class cricket, the pride with which they play this sport, the pride in which the club supports the players and the pride with which the fans come and embrace those players, it’s something that suddenly hit me and it hit me once I retired from international cricket. I regret that but I thank Surrey for allowing me to rediscover that immense love and passion that first-class cricket and cricketers have for this game, and what an amazing breeding ground it is for players.”And what of this extraordinary summer, which has already brought 1407 County Championship runs? “I was just hoping to pull my weight in the dressing room. This has been something very special. I don’t really know how it happened. I’ve changed my batting over the last three seasons – I’ve changed my backlift, I’ve tried various things. Something this season has worked.”Whoever replaces him as Surrey’s overseas player – Mitchell Marsh and Hashim Amla are among the names being considered – will have quite a task. “For sides to evolve and grow, you need new ideas, new perspectives and new players coming in. Surrey has a great opportunity next year to look for somebody who will continue to make Surrey grow and for them to become stronger. And I think I’m not that guy, no matter how many runs I get for them. They need someone new, someone different. They have enough talent in that dressing room to be a real, real force in county cricket.”For all the vim with which Somerset bowled on an excellent cricket wicket – how their spinners would have loved assistance of the sort they seem certain to receive at Taunton next week – Ben Foakes’ swagger in the early evening sunshine ensured that Sangakkara’s farewell to The Oval would be in a victory. It was certainly an overdue one for the club: their last County Championship victory came way back on April 10.If Surrey’s target of 143 to win in 39 overs always seemed meagre, it has still taken all of Somerset’s resolve to get that far. After Abell flashed Rikki Clarke’s outswinger straight to second slip, Somerset showed great stoicism and application to add another 174 for the last five wickets.Once again, Steven Davies underpinned a Somerset recovery with an innings of finesse and fortitude. His move from The Oval to Taunton was expected to bring abundant runs; instead, it brought agonising early season struggles. Yet in recent weeks Davies has produced some of the most fluent batting of his career – and much of it against Surrey. After scoring 142, his maiden Championship century for Somerset, at Taunton against Surrey last month – since followed by another against Lancashire – Davies contributed innings of 86 and 52 here. His second innings featured an enthralling duel with Stuart Meaker, who bowled with great vim and located a yorker to uproot Davies’ stumps, only to be received by a no ball. It took a flighted delivery from Gareth Batty, edged into Clarke’s reassuring hands at slip, for Surrey to finally be rid of their old teammate.Then, they had Peter Trego to contend with. Few have embodied Somerset’s decline better this season: from averaging 44.58 in the nearly glorious 2016, he arrived at the crease with an average of 15.91 in 2017. Trego gave the impression of a man channeling Ferdinand Foch’s line: “My centre is giving way, my right is retreating, situation excellent, I am attacking.” If he could not entirely trust his technique, Trego could trust the eye and power that have earned him cherished status in Taunton; on this evidence, his driving has not lost any power. To his evident consternation, Trego would be bowled by Ryan Patel’s energetic medium pace, playing across the line to a straight delivery, but not before he had made 68. Still, Dom Bess’s driving, so crisp that it hinted he could one day be considered an allrounder, ensured 64 would be added for the final two wickets.That Somerset extended the final day beyond 5 o’clock also owed to a hint of fallibility from Sangakkara. The day after Surrey’s end of season awards had, essentially, been an exercise in handing out more awards to one man than he could carry, Sangakkara dropped Trego at first slip, a relatively straightforward chance. Maybe he was just making it easier for Surrey to cope with life without him.While Sangakkara heads to Old Trafford for his last ever first-class game, Somerset have what Abell called a “cup final” against Middlesex next week, needing to win to preserve their Division One status, a task made harder by the possible absence of Trego, who could only bowl one ball because of an ankle complaint. Their plight is partly a reflection of the underwhelming cricket – especially lax batting – that has marred their Championship season. But it is also a reflection that the quality in Division One may well be greater than ever before – and, the sheer ruthlessness of 25% of teams being relegated each year. As September nears its end, Somerset must summon all their reserves of spirit once again.

Leeds United have seemingly identified the man who could be their first big acquisition under Daniel Farke's new leadership…

Is Glen Kamara leaving Rangers?

Despite reportedly closing in on a swoop for Scottish youngster Lewis Pirie, it is unlikely that the promising 16-year-old will have an immediate impact on the Whites' goal to earn an instant Championship promotion.

However, someone who certainly could is Glen Kamara, who has starred in recent years for Rangers, but could now be set for pastures new.

Transfer insider Dean Jones is the latest to tout his potential exit, as he told GIVEMESPORT:

"Glen Kamara has been a topic of talk for some time, but it does look like he will finally leave. Leeds and Southampton are looking at him, and for clubs like that, in the Championship, he would probably be a great signing. He has offers from abroad too though, so it’ll be interesting to see what he decides to do."

The Scottish outfit are thought to be demanding around £5m for his signature this summer, according to The Herald.

How many goals has Glen Kamara scored?

Having bounced around numerous clubs, his 193 appearances for the Gers suggest the Finland international has at last found some stability in a career that once promised much.

His former boss Steven Gerrard had still outlined a bright future for the 27-year-old during his stint at Ibrox, detailing:

“He’s a terrific footballer in possession, always playing with his head up and looking to connect defence and attack. But what pleased me most is what I spoke about when we signed him in terms of how he’ll be out of possession. Will he hunt the ball back, be aggressive, work hard for the team and be a monster in the middle of the park.

"He showed signs of that against Kilmarnock and potentially he can become a top midfielder."

With an all-action play style that blends a touch of quality with defensive steel, all the attributes are in place for this experienced stalwart to emulate the success Kalvin Phillips enjoyed during his time in Yorkshire.

Although his exit was somewhat unceremonious, fans still remember the powerful performances in the engine room under Marcelo Bielsa that finally propelled them back into the Premier League.

Averaging a 7.28 rating across that 2019/20 league campaign, he would maintain an 82% pass accuracy with 1.4 interceptions, 2.6 tackles and 1.8 key passes per game, via Sofascore.

Whilst it would be near-impossible to replicate these stellar numbers, Kamara did showcase signs during the 2021/22 Scottish Premiership season that suggests he could emulate the 27-year-old treble-winner.

After all, his 7.01 average rating gave way to six goal contributions, a 91% pass accuracy, 1.3 key passes and one tackle per game, via Sofascore.

He could prove to be a dictating presence in a key area for the Whites, seeking that metronome to conduct their return to the top flight.

Even lacking a goalscoring touch, with just nine goals and 11 assists during those games for Rangers, is not enough to downplay his influence.

Although Tyler Adams seemed set to replace that energy in midfield, having maintained 3.7 tackles per game last term in the Premier League, recent links touting his exit suggest they might need someone new to finally fulfil such a role.

In Kamara, who clearly has all the attributes necessary to thrive in the Championship and be a creative threat from deep, Farke could find just that as he looks to find someone to emulate the success of Phillips in the Elland Road engine room next season.

While England are on a seven-match winning streak, India have overcome a mini-slump to topple New Zealand and Australia on their way to the grand finale at Lord’s

The Preview by Shashank Kishore22-Jul-2017Match facts
July 23, 2017
Start time 1030 local (0930 GMT)Big picture
The heroes who were toppled in an ICC final a little over a month ago have turned cheerleaders now, as have possibly a billion others. Every Harmanpreet Kaur six or Mithali Raj record has been acknowledged by a Virat Kohli praise, a Yuvraj Singh retweet, a Virender Sehwag comparison, or a Sachin Tendulkar endorsement. It’s proof of the statement that India women have made in this World Cup.Every move of theirs – be it reading a book, grooving to the DJ beats in the dugout, their vivacious celebration, even Harmanpreet’s fury at her young colleague, has attracted unprecedented attention. The BCCI, which is yet to present central contracts six months after it expired, has announced a cash reward of INR 50 lakh for every member of the squad. Having exceeded expectations, India now have a shot at cricket’s biggest prize for the first time in 12 years, in front of what is expected to be a packed house at Lord’s.Players have been flooded with interview requests, their families are being hounded for air time, and management agencies are looking to lap them up – everyone is looking to extract gold from a market that has, for a long time, been untapped in India. Now, it’s as if they’re all rushing to buy gold during Diwali. The interest is real, something that Raj didn’t see coming. After a storied career that has spanned close to 18 years, she now has an opportunity to bow out with the ultimate crowning glory in possibly her final World Cup game.Just the prospect of India being in the final would’ve elicited a snigger, if not outright ridicule, a month ago. Too conservative, they said. They don’t quite have the power game, a few said, while others felt they needed to be better fielders. While none of that is entirely untrue, India have still managed to ride these odds. Harmanpreet’s fierce ball-striking in her unbeaten 171 in the semi-final, and Veda Krishnamurthy’s late onslaught that converted a middling total into a daunting one in their final league fixture against New Zealand, showed their ability to fight back when cornered.England’s journey to reach this final has been equally notable, given the upheaval they underwent a little over a year ago. Mark Robinson, six months after being named coach, made the huge call to end Charlotte Edwards’ magnificent international career. The captaincy was handed to Heather Knight at a time when the side needed to revive themselves, having struggled to initially adapt to the challenges and expectations of professionalism. Sarah Taylor’s return, after she took time away from the game to deal with anxiety, and her form in front and behind the stumps, has been one of the stories of the tournament.With England having conjured a seven-match winning streak after being toppled by India in the tournament opener, it will be as much a battle of nerves and temperament as skill. Natalie Sciver’s ‘Natmeg’ has become a rage. Taylor’s swagger, audacious scoops and paddles, Tammy Beaumont’s belligerence, and Knight’s consistency spell ominous signs for India. This is a side that has come free of the heavy baggage from the last two ICC events – they lost in the final of the World T20 in 2014 and the semifinal of the next edition, in 2016.What could prove decisive, though, is how quickly both sides adapt at a venue that hasn’t hosted a game yet. India won five games in Derby, which Raj equated to ‘home conditions’. The slope at Lord’s could present an altogether different challenge for their swing bowlers. Their spinners may not get the same purchase. England hold the edge in this aspect, especially given the core of their bowling group can bank on familiarity of conditions. But come the big day, these external factors could count for little. It’s the pressure of the occasion and how calm the players are that could dictate the fate of the contest.Natalie Sciver’s ‘Natmeg’ has become an instant hit•Getty Images

Form guideEngland WWWWW (completed matches, most recent first)
India WWLLWIn the spotlight
Smriti Mandhana started the tournament with scores of 90 and 106 not out. She’s endured six straight failures since. Her picking of lengths and shot selection have left her vulnerable, perhaps a sign of her confidence at the moment. India’s batting dynamics are such that she’s unlikely to be left out, which gives her another opportunity to make amends.England coach Mark Robinson believes Fran Wilson’s 75-ball 81, albeit in a defeat against India, triggered a surge. She played that game only because Lauren Winfield was injured. Winfield has since returned to the side, but Wilson has held her own through the sheer weight of her performances, none more significant than her 30 in a tense semi-final win over South Africa. Her career numbers so far don’t reflect her significance in the team, but the final is an opportunity to leave an imprint.Team news
England are likely to remain unchanged.England: 1 Lauren Winfield, 2 Tammy Beaumont, 3 Heather Knight (capt), 4 Sarah Taylor (capt), 5 Natalie Sciver, 6 Fran Wilson, 7 Katherine Brunt, 8 Jenny Gunn, 9 Laura Marsh, 10 Anya Shrubsole, 11 Alex HartleyHarmanpreet Kaur injured her shoulder while batting in the nets and was icing it. However, Raj quashed doubts over her participation and said it was merely a precaution to manage niggles. Poonam Yadav had an off day against Australia. Batsmen had enough time to line themselves up against her loopy legspin. India could consider bringing back Ekta Bisht, who didn’t enjoy a great outing in her previous game, against Australia in the league phase. But she has the experience Raj can bank on.India: 1 Punam Raut, 2 Smriti Mandhana, 3 Mithali Raj (capt), 4 Harmanpreet Kaur, 5 Deepti Sharma, 6 Veda Krishnamurthy, 7 Shikha Pandey, 8 Sushma Verma (wk), 9 Jhulan Goswami, 10 Rajeshwari Gayakwad, 11 Poonam Yadav/Ekta BishtPitch and conditions
It’s set to be the most-watched game in women’s cricket history, with 26,500 fans in attendance, and a few million more expected to tune into their TV sets. The strip is expected to be full of runs. Intermittent showers are on the radar. There’s a reserve day, but it’s unlikely to be needed.Stats and trivia
Mithali Raj is the first captain (men or women) to lead India to an ODI World Cup final twice – 2005 and 2017. Both sides have a 1-1 head-to-head at Lord’s. India beat England by five wickets in the last completed game between the sides in 2012. The ODI in 2014 was abandoned. Nineteen-year old Deepti Sharma is the youngest player to score 200 runs and pick up 10 wickets in a Women’s World Cup. Three England batsmen have scored 350-plus runs in the tournament – Tammy Beaumont (387), Heather Knight (363), and Sarah Taylor (351). India’s only representative in this club is Raj, who is the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament with 392.Quotes
“It seems like it’s going back to 2005, and I am just too happy that the girls have given us an opportunity to be a part of World Cup finals again.”
“The plan was to get to Lord’s and get a chance to sing our song there. Everything we have done since the last 18 months has been towards that and now we’re here.”

Nottingham Forest will be looking to bolster a number of key positions on the pitch over the summer transfer window after securing another season in the Premier League.

The Garibaldi Reds finished four points clear of the relegation zone following a strong climax to their rollercoaster campaign in the top flight and Steve Cooper will surely be wishing for a more comfortable and less stressful season when Premier League football resumes in August.

In terms of the squad members released, Nottingham Forest have parted company with André Ayew, Cafú, Jack Colback, Jesse Lingard, Jordan Smith and Lyle Taylor upon the expiration of their contracts, and have also let go of six youth players too.

One player who still has one year remaining at the City Ground, but an uncertain future is mainstay Steve Cook, who is one of the few players remaining at the club that was part of the Championship play-off winning first team who secured promotion.

The 32-year-old defender had his game-time limited over the second half of last season due to the arrival of Felipe on Deadline Day in January and now could find himself even further down the pecking order.

Forest were linked with a move for Stuttgart star Konstantinos Mavropanos last week and there is no doubt that the talented centre-back could comfortably compete for a spot in the back-line next season.

According to Greek news outlet Sportime, the Tricky Trees made a €10m (£7m) bid for the player, but Stuttgart are holding out for €15m (£13m) this summer.

Who is Konstantinos Mavropanos?

Mavropanos is no stranger to English football following a four-year stint at Arsenal, but was never given the opportunity to get a fair crack at Premier League football during his time in North London – tallying up just eight appearances in the senior team.

After spending two seasons on loan with Stuttgart, the Greek defender parted ways with Arsenal once and for all last summer when he signed a permanent deal with the Bundesliga club and has thrived ever since.

The right-footed sensation – once hailed "fearless" by Ian Wright – ranks in the top 5% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for shots on goal, shot-creating actions, successful take-ons, touches and interceptions, as well as ranking in the top 10% for progressive carries and aerial duels won over the last 12 months, as per FBref.

In fact, Mavropanos ranked first for interceptions won in the entire Bundesliga last season, second for clearances completed and third for dribblers tackled percentage over the 2022/23, demonstrating his dominance in the German top tier.

When comparing the 25-year-old's output to his positional peer at Nottingham Forest, he has comfortably outperformed Felipe in a number of key attributes including pass completion (83% v 76%), tackles and interceptions won (113 v 81), ball recoveries (183 v 124) and aerial duels won (70.4% v 61.7%).

With that being said, Mavropanos would not only be a worthy successor for Cook but could also be an upgrade on Felipe in the defensive set up next season for Nottingham Forest and for £13m it would be an absolute steal.

ScorecardFile photo – Callum Ferguson scored his 16th first-class hundred•Getty Images

Callum Ferguson led South Australia’s efforts to forge a fourth-innings lead over New South Wales on the penultimate day of the Sheffield Shield match at the SCG.Having been dominated by the Blues for two days, the Redbacks fought back gamely on the third from the moment Daniel Worrall pinned the NSW centurion Ed Cowan lbw without addition in the first over of the morning.From 3 for 332 the hosts subsided to 434 all out, with Worrall and the former NSW wristspinner Adam Zampa sharing eight wickets between them. SA made a disastrous start to their second innings when Pat Cummins had Sam Raphael caught behind and Jake Weatherald was then run out, both with only eight runs on the board.But Ferguson followed up his first innings 75 with another determined innings, and found useful support from the captain Travis Head (55) and then Jake Lehmann (46) to keep the Redbacks in the match, even if the English spinner Mason Crane deceived Ferguson to end his innings in the shadows of stumps.