Shane Warne believes Australia’s cricketers have been guilty of whingeing too much in recent times, but doubts that following the friendly example set by New Zealand is the way forward for a national team currently subject to a cultural review after the Newlands ball-tampering scandal.Having become the latest big name to sign with paywalled coverage of cricket in Australia, as part of a A$1 billion television deal signed last month, Warne’s many and varied opinions are set to be ever-present on the network. His first observation was that he had sensed an attitude problem in the Australian team before Cape Town.”I’m not sure there were team culture problems…but I have noticed there is a lot of whingeing coming out of the Australian camp in recent times, about the opposition and things like that,” Warne told . “I think that’s un-Australian, I have never really heard any Australian sides do that.”But I think it’s a great opportunity for everyone in world cricket to draw a line in the sand and say ‘how do we want to play the game? What do we stand for? What’s the style of play we want?’ I don’t think we want to play like the Kiwis, which I heard someone say. I mean, c’mon. The Kiwis, no thank you.”But we probably want something in between the Kiwis and Australia at the moment. I want us to play hard but fair, tough, uncompromising cricket, but shake hands and play in the spirit of the game and show good sportsmanship.”Justin Langer, Warne’s former team-mate, was named the national team coach across formats, with Tim Paine named captain. In another interview with Fox Sports, Warne said that he remained sceptical about Paine as a long-term leader on the basis that he does not believe a wicketkeeper should also be saddled with the burden of captaincy.”I’d say it to Gilly face to face, I don’t think keepers make good captains,” Warne said of his fellow Fox Sports commentator, Adam Gilchrist. “I think they make good deputies and are fantastic vice-captains to bounce off to set the standard of fielding.”I don’t think Paine is a long-term option – even though he’s done a great job in the short time he’s been there – but right now we just need to take stock. We have Justin Langer doing all forms, which is great. Eventually, I think that will branch out to a red ball and white ball coach, and we may have different captains in different forms of cricket.”At the moment, it’s about trusting the Australian cricket team again.”Another new signing for Fox Sports is the former England bowler Isa Guha, who alongside Alison Mitchell, Mel Jones and Lisa Sthalekar has helped bring a strong female voice to coverage of the game. Guha told that she was looking forward to carrying on what she started with Triple M on television screens this summer.”We all kind of champion each other because we are getting the opportunities now,” she said. “We love what we do and we hope that people are able to understand that women do know and can talk about cricket. Hopefully there will be more (women) in future who get involved in broadcasting.”

Harry Maguire has demanded Manchester United "find a solution" to Rasmus Hojlund's injury after a 2-1 loss at home to Fulham.

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• Man Utd lose 2-1 to Fulham
• In-form Hojlund out injured
• Maguire urges team to step up

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Cottagers secured only their second victory at Old Trafford since 1963 thanks to goals from Calvin Bassey and a stoppage time winner from Alex Iwobi, who cancelled out Maguire's 89th-minute equaliser. After the match, the England defender said they missed their "focal point" Hojlund in attack but as a team they need to all step up after looking toothless in attack against Fulham on Saturday.

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  WHAT HARRY MAGUIRE SAID

  The 30-year-old said: "We got hit by the injury to Rasmus [Hojlund], who has been big focal point for us but it is up to us to find the solutions and the areas we need to improve on. He has been our focal point, we can play into him, he holds it up, he starts the press really well, not only that but Marcus [Rashford] has been playing really well on the left. It's the story of our season, we've been injury-hit – as other teams have – and we need to find a solution quick."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mere days after new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe set his sights on usurping Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the Premier League, United saw their four-match winning streak ended by a dogged Fulham. While the Red Devils had 57 per cent possession and 21 shots to the visitors' 17, they only scored from one of their nine efforts on target. Without the injured Anthony Martial – who admittedly has failed to fire for a long time at Old Trafford – and Hojlund, who had scored in six straight games before his injury, manager Erik ten Hag will have to find another way to unlock opposition defences.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  United will take a break from Premier League action on Wednesday when they travel to Nottingham Forest in round five of the FA Cup, before facing off against rivals Manchester City in the English top-flight on March 3.

Tottenham Hotspur's start to the season has been nothing short of exceptional, with the doom and gloom that previously surrounded the club having been well and truly expunged by the upbeat and all-action philosophy that Ange Postecoglou has brought.

Although fans are likely aware that such form will not last forever, there are actually things on the horizon that are set to strengthen the Lilywhites rather than dent their feel-good factor. One of those is the return of Rodrigo Bentancur.

When will Rodrigo Bentancur be fit?

As one of the few stars of last campaign, Bentancur's injury came at a terrible time for Antonio Conte, who was seemingly losing his patience with each passing game week.

So, to see one of his key acquisitions struck down for the foreseeable future must have been supremely frustrating for the 54-year-old, who would be sacked just one month later.

Fast-forward from the innocuous challenge that led to the rupture of his ACL, and the Uruguay international still remains out of action today, but with his return date set at around November.

Should Postecoglou manage to maintain their form until then, welcoming back the former Juventus maestro could provide that extra firepower and energy from the engine room to truly take their season to the next level.

After all, the Australian had noted: "He’s definitely keen. And it’ll be great to get him back because his contribution when he first came to the club was outstanding. In many respects he’ll be like another new signing for us, which is great, but we won’t rush it."

Joining alongside Dejan Kulusevski for just £20m, the 26-year-old only really seemed to hit his stride during the 2022/23 term, with his five goals and two assists proving vital across his 18 Premier League appearances.

Despite missing a huge chunk of the campaign, his tally was only bettered by Harry Kane and Heung-min Son from within the Spurs squad, with Statman Dave highlighting one "monster" of a performance back in September 2022.

As such, his 7.21 average rating made him their second-highest-rated player, further buoyed by his 85% pass accuracy, 0.6 key passes and 2.5 tackles per game, via Sofascore. The hope will be that his return to the side could prove pivotal in maintaining their impressive form, with his relationship with James Maddison sure to be key.

How good is James Maddison?

The former Leicester City star has taken to life in north London with ease after his £40m move, swiftly becoming one of Postecoglou's most important figures.

With two goals and two assists in just four games, he is deservedly their highest-rated player in the league, and as such has earned praise from pundit Joe Cole: "The more I think about it he could be the best signing of the summer. I am so excited for him, especially the way Ange plays."

Given the former Celtic tactician has often operated with two number eights within his system, who help to both spearhead the press and uphold their attack, perhaps Bentancur's return could see him take this spot alongside Maddison as the perfect combination both physically and technically.

Rodri (Manchester City)

8.20

Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

8.10

James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur)

8.07

Heung-min Son (Tottenham Hotspur)

7.95

Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace)

7.85

All stats via Sofascore

After all, clearly his defensive credentials are at the necessary level, and his 6 foot 2 frame helps to make him a unique profile compared to the silky 26-year-old magician.

The only downside would be to push Pape Sarr out of the starting side, who too has enjoyed a fine start to the term.

However, at 20 years old, he still has plenty of growing to do despite having posted a 7.40 average rating in the league, upheld by one goal, one assist, one key pass and 4.3 ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore.

At the very least it will be an enthralling watch to see who comes out on top in the battle for this midfield spot, if the Senegalese star is to maintain his form until Bentancur's return.

Aston Villa are leading the race to sign a new attacking superstar from overseas, and a fresh report has shared details of where the two parties currently stand in negotiations.

What's the latest transfer news at Aston Villa?

Unai Emery had a busy summer transfer window, bringing in a total of five fresh faces, with Moussa Diaby joining permanently from Bayer Leverkusen, Pau Torres from Villarreal, Nicolo Zaniolo and Clement Lenglet both signing on loan and Youri Tielemans on a free transfer from Leicester City.

In terms of outgoings, Cameron Archer, Jaden Philogene-Bidace, Marvelous Nakamba, Keinan Davis, Ashley Young, Wesley, Philippe Coutinho, Morgan Sanson and Viljami Sinisalo all sealed exits on either a temporary or permanent basis, leaving room for the boss to bolster his ranks in January.

One of the players to have been linked with a move a number of times in the past is Sporting CP’s Pedro Goncalves, with the left-winger having previously been the subject of enquiries from the side in the Midlands.

Whilst reports suggested that the top-flight side walked away from a deal for the 25-year-old due to the €80m (£68m) release clause included in his contract, Correio Da Manha have since claimed that the club remain interested in a future swoop for the Portuguese sensation, with further details on the board’s pursuit having now emerged.

Are Aston Villa signing Pedro Goncalves?

According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (via Sport Witness), Aston Villa are “particularly” the club in pole position to sign Goncalves, despite him receiving other “approaches” from the Premier League.

NSWE, Monchi and Emery are in “ongoing” contact regarding a deal for the attacker.

Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also “attentive” to his situation, though having seen a bid turned down over the summer, the Villa Park outfit appear to be taking a second bite of the cherry.

How many goals has Pedro Goncalves scored?

During his time at Sporting CP, Goncalves has racked up a remarkable 93 contributions (59 goals and 34 assists) in 133 appearances for Ruben Amorim’s side, so should he put pen to paper at Aston Villa in the near future, it would be a massive coup for Emery.

The Jorge Pires client has continued his impressive form this season having so far whipped a total of 24 crosses into the opposition’s box which is more than any of his fellow teammates, alongside having 12 shots himself which is the second-highest tally at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, via FBRef.

The Vidago native, who has been nicknamed the “New Bruno Fernandes” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is also flexible in where he plays having been deployed in six different positions since the start of his career, including three roles in the final third and three in the midfield, so his versatility would be another fantastic attribute for the boss to have at his disposal.

Finally, Goncalves knows what it takes to compete and be successful at the highest level having won four trophies with his current club, not to mention the individual recognition he’s received on the international stage having been named Portugal’s Player of the Season in 2021.

The former Australia vice-captain also said “something has to happen for the worst for people to come out and show a lot of support”

ESPNcricinfo staff05-May-2018Speaking for the first time since his emotional press conference in Sydney more than a month ago, Australia’s former vice-captain David Warner said he has “learned a valuable lesson” after the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March. Warner was banned from playing international and domestic cricket for a year along with Steven Smith, for their respective roles in tampering with the ball during the Cape Town Test.”Sometimes with our society, something has to happen for the worst for people to come out and show a lot of support and I think I’ve learned a valuable lesson in this myself for the support I have been given to be on the front foot to help others,” Warner told on the sidelines of a cricket clinic he attended with children in Darwin.”I think the biggest thing for us has been when you are in a routine you can get caught in a bubble – cricket, hotels, packing your bags, coming home. I’ve missed that part until now where the kids run up to the gate saying, ‘Mummy and daddy are here’, and I am really enjoying and embracing that.”Warner and Smith were later axed from the IPL and had accepted the sanctions handed to them by Cricket Australia. Cameron Bancroft, who was banned for nine months, also chose to not challenge the ban imposed on him.Smith also thanked people publicly for their support on Friday, saying “I now have a lot to do to earn back your trust.”

Tottenham Hotspur and new manager Ange Postecoglou have gone into the international break in excellent form, even despite losing talisman Harry Kane, having won three of their first four games in the Premier League.

They currently sit in second place on 10 points.

Their sensational early-season form has been largely thanks to new signing James Maddison, who joined in the summer from Leicester for £40m.

The English international has already scored two goals and provided two assists this season, and has been nominated for Premier League Player of the Month.

In total, Spurs signed seven new players in the transfer window including Brennan Johnson and Micky van de Ven, as well as making Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski’s loan moves permanent, meaning in total the Lilywhites spent £213m.

Although chairman Daniel Levy has spent heavily this summer it may already be difficult to argue that it wasn’t money well invested.

However, the same can’t be said for last summer's window after they signed Brazilian striker Richarlison from Everton on a five-year contract.

How much did Tottenham pay for Richarlison?

After having a reasonably successful 2021/22 campaign that saw Tottenham finish fourth in the league, under then-manager Antonio Conte, it was confirmed that there had been £100m invested into the club to be spent on transfers.

And after young winger Bryan Gil was sent out on loan Conte and Levy needed attacking reinforcements.

This led to the £60m signing of Richarlison from Everton, who had just come off the back of a successful year with Everton where he almost single-handedly kept the Toffees up.

Why was Richarlison worth this much?

Before signing for Spurs in 2022 the 26-year-old had played for two different Premier League clubs, where he enjoyed successful spells for both.

The Brazilian first came to the Premier League in August 2017, when he signed for Watford from Fluminense, at just 20 years old.

During his time with Watford, the striker played 41 times, scoring five goals and providing five assists.

After only one season with the Hornets, Richarlison joined Everton for £40m, where he would spend the next four years, making 152 appearances, scoring 53 goals and recording 14 assists.

5

5

14

2

15

4

13

3

11

5

3

4

Stats via Transfermarkt

In his final season with Everton Richarlison was his side’s highest-ranking player on Sofascore, with an average rating of 7.02.

He also completed 1.3 dribbles per 90 minutes the second most in the squad, and he created seven big chances across the season, the highest in the squad, proving how pivotal he was to Everton’s survival, as they only escaped relegation by four points.

What is Richarlison worth now?

Since moving to White Hart Lane, a year ago Richarlison has failed to impress anyone, last season he was only able to muster one Premier League goal and four assists, and in all competitions, he managed three goals. Despite playing 35 times.

His most memorable moment from last season came in his side's 4-3 loss away to Liverpool in April.

Coming into the game Richarlison hadn’t registered a Premier League goal, although he had put the ball in the back of the net three times, taking his shirt off to celebrate each time, only for all of them to be hilariously disallowed.

However, after coming on in the 84th minute with his side 3-2 down the striker bagged a 93rd-minute equalizer, inevitably he tore his shirt off in celebration thinking he had rescued a point for his side. Only for Lucas Moura to miss place a pass one minute later, playing Diogo Jota through one one-on-one and allowing him to finish calmly into the goal.

Speaking a couple of weeks after the game, talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino highlighted just how disappointed he was with Richarlison since his transfer.

He said:

"If you said to me, the worst player this season, the worst player for what he's got, Richarlison.

“He's been a joke this year. I don't care if he's been injured or gone away to the World Cup, yesterday he hardly tried a leg, he really looked disinterested.

"I know that obviously Antonio Conte pulled him out about his performances or a bit about he's not played well.

"I can't believe… Richarlison was the player last year that I felt was responsible as anybody for keeping Everton up, his performances at the end of last season.

“He hasn't shown any of that at Spurs.

“He's been hugely disappointing Richarlison."

This judgment on Richarlision’s season is backed up by his Sofascore rating, as the Brazilian only managed an average rating of 6.73 – the 16th highest in the squad – and to make things worse, already this season he is Tottenham’s lowest-ranked player, with an average rating of only 6.45.

This has led to his value dropping by a staggering £27m, with him now being valued at just €38.5m (£33m), this means he has had a 45% decrease in his transfer value since his £60m move.

Also speaking on talkSPORT, pundit and Aston Villa legend Gabby Agbonlahor labelled him as one of the worst signings of the season.

He said:

"You look at Richarlison, how many chances is he going to have? For me he's the flop of the season.

"He's going to cost Spurs £60million, three goals in 33 games in all competitions. A goal every ten games, one goal in 25 Premier League games, one goal since September.

"Substituted again today 59 minutes, you were a better team when he came off, flop of the season."

He also followed up by mocking his infamous celebration, he said: "No pigeon dancing is there this week? All this nonsense."

How much does Richarlison earn?

When Richarlison first moved to Watford he earned £32k-per-week but after his move to Tottenham, he is no on an astonishing £90k-per-week, meaning that last season for every goal the Brazilian scored he was paid £1.6m.

What is next for Richarlison?

So far this season Richarlison has played in all five of Spurs’ fixtures and started in four of them, he even scored his first goal of the season in his side's League Cup defeat against Fulham. This means he is already off to a better start than last season.

The striker must try and push past his terrible performances last season and hopefully, for him, under a new manager and style of play, he can re-find the form he had at Everton.

But so far, the Conte signing has been nothing short of a shocking signing for the club.

England have revealed their new Nike home and away kits to be worn by their national teams from 2024 onwards.

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• Nike drop new England kits
• Retro-inspired white home shirt
• Bold purple away strip

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The home shirt is white, as you might expect, with a subtle collar in dark blue and vertical pattern across it. Drawing inspiration from classic England tracksuits and training gear from down the years, there is detailing on the sleeves and on the trim of the shorts, which will be blue. The socks are white.

  The away kit arrives in a bold purple colourway that is likely to divide opinion in a departure from the traditional red or blue. There are seven different colours in the playful graphic side panels, with gold detailing on the Nike 'swoosh' and Three Lions badge.

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• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  England's men will don the strips for the first time in March as they prepare for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium at Wembley, and, of course, these will be their kits at Euro 2024 in Germany in the summer. Meanwhile, the Lionesses will give them their first outing when they begin European Championship qualifying as holders in April when they take on Sweden.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The kits feature Nike's Dri-Fit ADV technology, meaning the fabric is lightweight and breathable with the aim of keeping the players cool and comfortable on the pitch.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

  The men's version of the kits will be on sale in all men's, women's and children's sizes from Thursday, March 21. Fans can register their interest by visiting the England store online, including in the goalkeeper shirt after the furore involving Mary Earps.

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Arsenal have a busy summer transfer window ahead of them as the Gunners and Mikel Arteta look to win the Premier League after three successive second-place finishes.

New sporting director Andrea Berta is the man tasked with leading Arsenal’s transfer business, with midfielder Martin Zubimendi set to be the first through the door at the Emirates.

Signing from Real Sociedad in a transfer worth over £50m, Zubimendi should be followed by some attacking additions ahead of Arsenal’s 2025/26 opener at Old Trafford against Man Utd.

Man Utd vs Arsenal

August 17

Arsenal vs Leeds

August 23

Liverpool vs Arsenal

August 30

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

September 13

Arsenal vs Man City

September 20

AI have actually predicted Arsenal’s 25/26 line-up in a 4-3-3 formation, and if they are correct, the Gunners will have an exciting transfer window.

Berta spends £250m: AI predicts who Arsenal will sign in summer transfer window

It could be an eventful few months at the Emirates.

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 14, 2025 AI predicts Arsenal’s 2025/26 starting line-up 1 GK: David Raya

There may not be much change in defence at the Emirates, with Arsenal having the best defensive record in the Premier League over the past two seasons.

Games

96

Clean sheets

39

Goals conceded

81

David Raya has been a regular during that time and has been backed to keep his spot in the side despite Kepa Arrizabalaga’s likely arrival.

2 RB: Jurrien Timber

Getting the nod at right-back is Jurrien Timber after the Dutchman played all across the backline in 24/25, making 48 appearances in all competitions.

They say Timber’s ‘versatility and recovery from injury make him a strong candidate to start at right-back’ as his ‘attacking flair fits Arteta’s system’.

3 CB: William Saliba

William Saliba has been a rock at the back for the Gunners in recent years, which has resulted in rumours of a move to Real Madrid.

Described as ‘a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defence’, Saliba still has two years left on his Emirates deal and looks set to play a key role once more.

4 CB: Gabriel

No shocks at centre-back from AI, with Gabriel expected to partner Saliba at the back after signing a new four-year deal this summer.

The Brazilian’s new deal reflects his status under Arteta, and his ‘aggressive defending and leadership underline his importance’.

5 LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly

Still just 18 years of age, Myles Lewis-Skelly is already an Arsenal regular at left-back and is also on course to agree a new Gunners contract.

AI have the Englishman ahead of Riccardo Calafiori and think he’ll start ahead of the Italian in 25/26.

6 CM: Martin Zubimendi

After spending more than £50m on new signing Martin Zubimendi, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that AI believe he’ll be straight in Arteta’s starting XI.

Games

236

Goals

10

Assists

9

Yellow cards

47

They say the Spaniard ‘will anchor the midfield, allowing others to push forward’.

7 CM: Declan Rice

With Zubimendi in the No. 6 role, Declan Rice has been backed to ‘thrive as a No. 8’ at the Emirates, occupying a box-to-box role with the new signing in a deeper position.

AI states that Rice’s ‘leadership, stamina, and goal-scoring ability from midfield make him a guaranteed starter’ under Arteta, and it’s hard to argue against that.

8 CM: Martin Odegaard (c)

Completing the midfield is captain Martin Odegaard, who is actually approaching 200 appearances in a Gunners shirt.

Games

30

Goals

3

Assists

8

AI says that despite a dip in form which saw Odegaard score just three Premier League goals in 30 appearances last season, the Norway star’s ‘chance creation and work rate ensure his spot in the side’.

9 RW: Bukayo Saka

Arsenal missed Bukayo Saka’s goals and assists last season, with the winger out for large parts of the season through injury.

Now back fit, though, Saka’s ‘role on the right is undisputed’ and Ethan Nwaneri is named as a promising backup to Arsenal’s No. 7.

10 CF: Benjamin Sesko

A new striker is at the top of Arsenal’s to-do list before September 1, and one attacker who has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates is Benjamin Sesko.

AI says the towering centre-forward will be in the starting line up next season at a cost of £70m. Sesko will ‘offer the physicality and clinical edge Arteta seeks, edging out Viktor Gyokeres as the primary target’.

Raheem Sterling's early career is a story of determination, talent and rapid ascent.

Born on December 8, 1994, in Kingston, Jamaica, Sterling moved to London as a young boy and quickly caught the attention of scouts with his exceptional skills. He joined the youth academy of Queens Park Rangers before being signed by Liverpool's youth team in 2010 at the age of 15.

Sterling made his senior debut for Liverpool in March 2012, becoming the club's second-youngest player to appear in the Premier League. His speed, dribbling ability and versatility as a forward quickly earned him a prominent role in the team. In the 2013/2014 season, Sterling played a pivotal role as Liverpool narrowly missed out on the Premier League title. He scored 10 goals in the league and provided numerous assists, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young talents in English football.

In 2015, Sterling made a high-profile move to Manchester City for a then-British record transfer fee for a teenager. At City, he continued to thrive, winning numerous domestic titles. His performances earned him individual accolades, including the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year in 2019. He would then move to Chelsea in 2022.

During his early career, Raheem Sterling also made his mark on the international stage, representing England in various youth teams before becoming a key player for the senior national team. His early career set the stage for a remarkable journey in football, marked by records, milestones and a reputation as one of England's finest talents.

Raheem Sterling at Liverpool

Raheem Sterling's career at Liverpool was nothing short of remarkable, characterised by his explosive pace, technical prowess and exceptional versatility. The Jamaican-born winger, who moved to London as a young boy, joined Liverpool's youth academy in 2010 at the tender age of 15. It was the beginning of a journey that would see him rise through the ranks and become one of English football's brightest prospects.

Sterling's debut marked the start of a meteoric rise in his career. His electrifying performances on the field quickly caught the attention of fans and pundits alike. His pace and dribbling ability made him a constant threat to opposition defenders, and his football intelligence belied his age.

The 2013/2014 season was a breakthrough year for Sterling. He played a pivotal role in Liverpool's exhilarating Premier League campaign under the management of Brendan Rodgers. The Reds came agonizingly close to winning the title, with Sterling playing an instrumental part. He contributed with 10 goals in all competitions, and his partnership with Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, known as the "SAS," was particularly devastating for opposing teams.

One of the standout moments of Sterling's time at Liverpool came in April 2014 when he scored a crucial goal in a 3-2 victory over Manchester City, a game that had significant implications for the title race. His composure in front of goal belied his young age, and this goal remains etched in the memories of Liverpool fans.

Off the pitch, Sterling's maturity was equally impressive. He handled the pressures of playing for a top club and the scrutiny of the media with composure and professionalism. His commitment to his craft and continuous improvement endeared him to both the coaching staff and supporters.

In recognition of his stellar performances, Raheem Sterling was awarded the Golden Boy Award in 2014, which honours the best young player in Europe. This accolade further solidified his reputation as one of the brightest talents in the game.

However, Sterling's time at Liverpool was not without its challenges. Contract negotiations with the club became a subject of intense speculation, and he eventually moved to Manchester City in a high-profile transfer in the summer of 2015. His departure left a void in the Liverpool squad, and his contributions were sorely missed by the Anfield faithful.

During his time at Liverpool, Sterling made a total of 129 appearances and scored 23 goals for the Reds. While the team fell just short of winning the Premier League title in 2013/2014, his impact on Liverpool's attacking play and his ability to create moments of magic on the pitch left an indelible mark on the club's recent history.

In hindsight, Sterling's time at Liverpool served as a stepping stone to greater success in his career. He continued to evolve as a player at Manchester City, winning numerous domestic titles and establishing himself as one of the top wingers in the world.

Raheem Sterling at Manchester City

Raheem Sterling's career at Manchester City was nothing short of extraordinary, characterised by his growth into one of the world's premier football talents. Sterling joined Manchester City in the summer of 2015 from Liverpool in a high-profile transfer worth around £44m, with £5m of add-ons, that signalled City's ambition and his own desire to compete at the highest level. Over the course of seven seasons, he became an integral part of the team, contributing significantly to their domestic successes.

Upon his arrival at the Etihad Stadium, Sterling quickly adapted to his new surroundings under the management of Manuel Pellegrini. His transition from Liverpool to Manchester City was remarkably smooth, as he showcased his versatility, blistering pace and dribbling skills. Sterling's ability to operate on either flank or as an attacking midfielder made him a valuable asset for the team.

In his debut season with City, Sterling displayed his potential, scoring 11 goals in all competitions and contributing to the club's League Cup triumph. However, it was under the management of Pep Guardiola, who took charge in the 2016/2017 season, that Sterling truly blossomed.

Under Guardiola's guidance, Sterling's game evolved to new heights. He became more tactically astute, developing his off-the-ball movement and decision-making. This transformation resulted in a dramatic increase in his goal-scoring and assist statistics. The 2017/2018 season marked a turning point in Sterling's career, as he netted 23 goals in all competitions, making him City's top scorer that season.

His partnership with fellow attackers like Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne was a key factor in City's Premier League dominance. In the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 seasons, City secured back-to-back Premier League titles with Sterling playing a pivotal role. His combination of speed, skill and intelligence in the final third made him a constant threat to opposition defences, and his performances earned him widespread acclaim

Sterling's contribution to Manchester City's historic 2018/2019 campaign cannot be overstated. The team secured an unprecedented domestic treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup. The winger played a central role, scoring crucial goals and providing vital assists throughout the season. He ended the season with 25 goals in all competitions, firmly establishing himself as one of the Premier League's top talents.

In the 2019/2020 season, Sterling continued his impressive form, helping Manchester City secure another League Cup and finish second in the Premier League. He also played a key role in City's run to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. His consistency and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations made him an invaluable asset for the club. He ended that season with the best goal return of his career to date – 31 goals in 52 appearances in all competitions.

One of the standout moments of Sterling's career at Manchester City came during the 2019 FA Cup final against Watford. He scored a scintillating hat-trick, becoming the first player to achieve this feat in an FA Cup final since 1953, although one of his goals would be later attributed to Gabriel Jesus.

Off the pitch, Sterling's influence extended beyond football. He used his platform to address important social issues, such as racism and inequality in the sport, becoming an advocate for change. His courage in speaking out against discrimination earned him widespread respect and admiration.

After scoring 17 goals in the 2021/2022 season, it was decided by Manchester City that they would finally cash in on Sterling's talents, with Chelsea being his next destination. The winger ended his City career with 131 goals in 339 first-team appearances, putting him in the top ten highest scorers in Manchester City history.

Sterling's Honours at Manchester City

Premier League (4)

2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022

FA Cup (1)

2018/2019

EFL Cup (5)

2015/2016, 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021

FA Community Shield (1)

2019

Raheem Sterling at Chelsea

In July 2022, it was confirmed that Sterling had completed a £50m move to Chelsea, signalling his return to London for the first time since leaving QPR's academy for Liverpool as a young teenager.

His debut season with the Blues, though, was largely disappointing. The winger only managed nine goals in 38 appearances in all competitions, and Chelsea ultimately finished 12th in the Premier League.

Raheem Sterling with England

Raheem Sterling's career with the England national team has been marked by his emergence as one of the squad's most influential and dynamic players. Since making his senior debut in 2012, Sterling has played an essential role in England's international campaigns, showcasing his speed, creativity, and goal-scoring ability on the grandest stages of football.

Sterling's journey with the England national team began when he earned his first senior cap at the age of 17 in a friendly match against Sweden in November 2012.

But one of the most significant milestones in Sterling's international career came during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He became the youngest player to represent England in a World Cup when he featured in the tournament. His performances in Brazil were promising, and it was clear that he had a bright future on the international stage.

Sterling's consistent improvement and maturity as a player were evident as he became a regular starter for England under various managers. His versatility allowed him to play in multiple attacking positions, and his partnership with fellow forwards, such as Harry Kane, became a key component of England's attack.

The UEFA European Championship (Euros) has been a significant stage for Sterling. He played a crucial role in England's run to the final of Euro 2020, scoring several crucial goals during the tournament. His performance in the competition earned him widespread praise and established him as one of England's leaders on the pitch.

To date, he has earned over 80 caps and scored 20 goals for the England national team.

Raheem Sterling's Personal Accolades & Records

Raheem Sterling's illustrious career has been studded with numerous personal records and awards, underscoring his status as one of the most accomplished footballers of his generation. Some of his notable achievements include winning the Golden Boy Award in 2014, and recognising him as the best young player in Europe. Sterling's prolific goal-scoring ability, particularly for a winger, has been a standout feature of his career. He has consistently recorded double-digit goal tallies in domestic and international competitions, earning him recognition as one of the Premier League's top scorers.

During his time with Manchester City, Sterling clinched several Premier League Player of the Month awards, reflecting his consistent excellence in the league. His performances played a pivotal role in City's back-to-back Premier League title wins in the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 seasons.

Internationally, Sterling's achievements include representing England in multiple major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship. His standout moments in these competitions have included crucial goals and assists, contributing significantly to England's success.

Sterling's Personal Honours

Liverpool Young Player of the Season (2)

2013/2014, 2014/2015

Golden Boy (1)

2014

UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season (2)

2018/2019, 2019/2020

PFA Premier League Team of the Year (1)

2018/2019

PFA Premier League Young Player of the Year (1)

2018/2019

UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament (1)

2020

West Ham are thought to be interested in signing a versatile new player who David Moyes wanted back in 2018.

West Ham transfer news

The Hammers had a relatively busy summer in the transfer market, bringing in a number of new players and cashing in on Declan Rice, who left for Arsenal in a big-money deal. Since then, Moyes’ side have had an up-and-down start to the Premier League campaign, which has resulted in speculation over the manager’s long-term future.

West Ham United summer signings

Fee

Edson Alvarez (Ajax)

£35.4m

Sean Moore (Cliftonville)

Undisclosed

James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)

£30m

Konstantinos Mavropanos (Stuttgart)

£19m

Mohammed Kudus (Ajax)

£38m

All fees according to Sky Sports

Reports last month suggested Moyes could even be sacked by West Ham, although back-to-back wins prior to the international break alongside dumping Arsenal out of the EFL Cup may have bought him some time. There were even claims of a rumoured bust-up between Moyes and technical director Tim Steidten, however, it looks as if plans ahead of the January transfer window are being put in place.

Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka, AFC Bournemouth forward Dominic Solanke and Genoa star Albert Gudmundsson have all recently been linked with moves to the London Stadium, and another target has now emerged in a player who Moyes and West Ham were looking to sign back in 2018 in what could have been a record deal at the time.

According to a report from Italy, West Ham are one of the sides showing an interest in AS Roma’s Bryan Cristante. The update states that Premier League rivals Tottenham and Aston Villa are also keen and that if any side were to offer around €30m for the player in January, then he could leave the Italian giants, managed by Jose Mourinho.

Bryan Cristante profiled

Cristante is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also play as a centre-back if needed and made the permanent move to AS Roma back in 2019 following a loan spell from Atalanta. Currently valued at €20m by Transfermarkt, the Italian was a member of the EURO 2020 winning squad and is out of contract with his club employers in 2027. (Bryan Cristante profile – Transfermarkt)

On the pitch, the 28-year-old has made 244 appearances for Roma in all competitions, and throughout his career, has featured as a centre-back, defensive midfielder, central midfielder and attacking midfielder. (Bryan Cristante stats – Transfermarkt)

Hailed for an “unbelievable” goal he scored by journalist Josh Bunting, Cristante has also come in for praise from Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti, who said:

“Cristante, for example, is doing it splendidly and has that physicality that can help you unlock a match. He can be very helpful to his teammates in the midfield. Now physicality has become a fundamental aspect of football.”

Therefore, Cristante could offer Moyes’ side a versatile and experienced option for the second half of the season and beyond, if the Scot finally gets his man six years on ahead of Spurs and Villa, making this one to watch.