If we really want to increase the number of players available for the national team and get guys into training, we need to do something about the drug problem in this country

Lionel Cann07-Jun-2008If we really want to increase the number of players available for the national team and get guys into training, we need to do something about the drug problem in this country.We’ve heard more talk this week about the number of players not turning out for the national squad and as someone who has been around cricket my whole life I can tell you the biggest problem is marijuana. If we could stop people smoking weed we would have triple the amount of players available.It’s a serious social issue and it’s something we really need to address. If you can’t give up marijuana to play for your country and reach the pinnacle of your sport then you have a serious, serious problem.I know for a fact that there are a lot of players who won’t give up weed to play for their country. It’s crazy. Kids as young as 13 and 14 are getting hooked on it.If we invested money into educating people and stopping the country’s marijuana problem it would do more for sport than anything. We’ve had this problem for years and we have turned a blind eye to it but we can’t turn a blind eye any more because it’s right there in front of us every day.Every football match you go to, every cricket game you go to, you have the scent of marijuana.You can’t hide from it because it’s everywhere you go.The Bermuda Sun

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Voltar para casa e manter o ritmo de jogo. Para os jogadores do Santos há o que comemorar na semana em que enfrenta o Paysandu, na quarta-feira, às 19h30, pela ida das oitavas da Copa do Brasil. O Peixe não jogava em seu estádio desde o dia 29 de março, quando venceu o Novorizontino por 3 a 1.

Depois, foi a Campinas e ao Pacaembu encarar a Ponte Preta e a Bogotá enfrentar o Santa Fe pela Libertadores. Tempo o suficiente para sentir saudades de casa e de um torneio que o Alvinegro gosta de jogar.

-Voltar à Vila é bom, nos sentimos em casa, todo mundo sabe. Esperamos vencer mais uma vez lá.É jogo importante, queremos muito conquistar. Nossa equipe está acostumada à mata-mata. Esperamos chegar à final como em 2015 e quem sabe conquistar o título. Será difícil contra o Paysandu, equipe rápida, que vai buscar o contra-ataque – analisou o zagueiro David Braz.

Se não fosse o duelo contra o Papão, o Santos ficaria até 14 dias sem jogar antes de enfrentar o Santa Fe, no dia 4, no Pacaembu. Neste caso, o calendário ajudou o Alvinegro a manter o ritmo essencial para a Libertadores.

Mais do que o ritmo de jogo, a defesa do Peixe quer manter o ritmo de poucos gols levados: dois nas últimas seis partidas.

-Não podemos que deixar a peteca cair. Temos que seguir trabalhando, nessa humildade, firme e forte. Temos que manter. É difícil, são competições difíceis, então temos que trabalhar forte para continuar ajudando o Santos a não levar gols – finalizou o camisa 14.

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Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek is reportedly ready to snub interest from across the continent and fight for his place at Old Trafford next season.

What’s the story?

According to the Manchester Evening News (MEN), the 24-year-old is set to reject advances from clubs in Italy, Spain and Germany to stay at United this summer.

Sides in Serie A, La Liga and Bundesliga have all made tentative enquiries for Van de Beek in recent weeks, but after arriving on English shores for £35m just one year ago, the Netherlands international is determined to be a success with the Red Devils.

Imagine him and Bruno Fernandes

The creative talent endured a tough first campaign at United and has been linked with a move away during the current transfer window as a result.

However, MEN claim that sources close to the player have said he’s feeling “fit, fresh and ready for the challenge” after missing out on Euro 2020 through a groin injury.

Van de Beek’s extended rest could see him return for the 2021/22 campaign in perfect condition, ready to help Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side continue their progress and finally end their long trophy drought.

Recent reports claim the Norwegian tactician is set to trial a new formation next season, with a more attacking 4-3-3 set to be tested out over the customary 4-2-3-1.

If Solskjaer does make that change, it is likely to mean one of Fred or Scott McTominay dropping to the bench in favour of a more forward-thinking midfielder.

And while Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba may be the obvious choices, Van de Beek has more than enough quality to stake his claim for a regular starting berth.

In a season that can easily reach 60 games, rotation and strength in depth is key for any team to have success, meaning the Dutchman should have ample opportunity to showcase his true ability and potential next term.

The £27m-rated maestro impressed in flashes during his maiden campaign at Old Trafford, drawing praise from former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves following a standout display against Istanbul Basaksehir.

“I thought Van de Beek was close to perfect. He is so unselfish, he can just fit in and play the right balls everywhere,” said the BT Sports pundit.

With Pogba often used on the left-hand side of the front three at the backend of the recently concluded campaign and Marcus Rashford potentially facing up to three months out through injury, Van de Beek may get an extended run in the starting XI alongside Fernandes in United’s engine room.

Just imagine the damage he could do alongside their Portuguese dynamo in the middle of the park. Both players possess creativity in abundance and they also know how to find the back of the net with great regularity.

It’s an ideal opportunity for the former Ajax man to find his best form in a United shirt and Solskjaer must be brave enough to unleash the technical gem.

And, in other news…Fabrizio Romano drops Man United transfer update that should leave fans concerned 

Ricky Ponting has conceded Australia no longer have the sheer muscle to destroy opposition teams and instead must rely on grinding out their wins. Australia beat West Indies 2-0, but all three Tests went to the fifth day and there were several moments when it seemed that West Indies were building towards a surprise victory.Without the powerful striking of the injured Matthew Hayden and with Brett Lee and Stuart Clark the only consistently reliable bowlers, Australia were forced into a more defensive approach than usual. They set West Indies gradually more challenging fourth-innings chases – 287 in Jamaica, 372 in Antigua and 475 in Barbados – and on each occasion dismissing West Indies proved tougher and more tiring than it might have in the Warne-McGrath era.”We’re probably not demolishing sides like we might have two years ago but we’re grinding teams down and winning Test matches, and we’re doing it well,” Ponting told the . “It’s a different time for the team. You go in the changing room and you look at the team and it is a bit different to four years ago. But we are winning games and that’s something I am really happy about.”The slow and unresponsive pitches in Jamaica and Antigua did not help Australia’s normally attacking brand and Ponting said the subcontinental-style conditions brought the two teams closer together. But for a squad that handed debuts to two players, Brad Haddin and Beau Casson, and had several others still finding their way at Test level, Ponting was pleased with the result.”It [a slow surface] actually goes a little bit against the style of play we’re used to playing,” Ponting said in the . “But we stuck to what we knew was going to work on those sort of conditions. A few times the batting has been a little bit indifferent. A few innings we played really well, but I thought the first innings in Barbados, we played pretty poorly on a wicket we should have been able to play better on.”Ponting was impressed by the improving West Indies, who he believed player better than their No. 8 ranking. He predicted a more successful period for the side in the next few years under the leadership of the captain Chris Gayle and the coach John Dyson.”West Indies are probably a little bit like some other sides around the world, if they just have a couple of injuries they don’t tend to have the depth of maybe Australia or South Africa,” he said. “But if you read through their side you would actually stack their side up against most others and think that they would be competitive in most games they play. I’m sure in the coming year or couple of years that they will win their fair share of Test matches.”

حقق قائد منتخب الأرجنتين، ليونيل ميسي، إنجازين تاريخيين، وذلك بعد الميجا هاتريك التي سجلها في شباك إستونيا في المباراة الودية التي جمعت بينهما، مساء اليوم الأحد.

وتغلب منتخب الأرجنتين، بخمسة أهداف مقابل لا شيء، وتكفل ميسي بالأهداف الخمسة، في المواجهة الودية ضمن استعدادات التانجو لنهائيات كأس العالم 2022.

ميسي سجل ميجا هاتريك، في الدقائق، 8، 45، 47، 71، 76، ليقود الأرجنتين للفوز بخماسية نظيفة. شاهد اهداف الأرجنتين وإستونيا

وذكر حساب “ميستر شيب” للأرقام والإحصائيات أن ميسي وصل للهاتريك الثامن في تاريخ مشاركاته مع الأرجنتين، والميجا هاتريك الأول في تاريخه.

ليونيل ميسي بات كذلك ثالث لاعب أرجنتيني يسجل خماسية في مباراة واحدة والأول منذ 80 عامًا، حيث سبقه من قبل خوان مارفيززي الذي سجل ميجا هاتريك في شباك الأكوادور عام 1941، وبعده بعام في 1942 أحرز الراحل خوسيه مانويل مورينو، ميجا هاتريك في المنتخب ذاته.

اقرأ أيضًا.. مارتينيز: الأرجنتين تقاتل كالأسود من أجل ميسي

ميسي بات رابع اللاعبين في ترتيب الهدافين في تاريخ المنتخبات الوطنية، بـ86 هدفًا، وتخطى المجرى فيرينتس بوشكاش الذي أحرز 84 هدفًا.

ميسي الفارق بينه وبين صاحب المرتبة الأولى في هدافي المنتخبات الوطنية، كريستيانو رونالدو، 31 هدفًا، حيث سجل مهاجم مانشستر يونايتد، هدفين مع البرتغال في شباك سويسرا، وبات رصيد الدون من الأهداف 117 هدفًا. ترتيب الهدافين التاريخيين للمنتخبات

كريستيانو رونالدو (البرتغال) – 117 هدفًا.

على دائي (إيران) – 109 هدفًا.

مختار ظاهري (ماليزيا) – 89 هدفًا.

ليونيل ميسي (الأرجنتين) – 86 هدفًا.

فيرينتس بوشكاش (المجر) – 84 هدفًا.

Former Leeds United star David Norris is disappointed that the club missed out on the signing of Rodrigo De Paul in the summer transfer window.

The midfielder was long touted as a target for the Whites, with the club even tabling a bid for the star when he was at Udinese last summer.

The Serie A club rejected that offer and instead sold him to La Liga champions Atletico Madrid this summer.

De Paul moved for a fee of €35m (£29.6m), with Atletico looking to strengthen as they bid to retain the title this term.

The Argentine has been in fine form for Udinese in recent seasons and scored nine goals in 36 games in Serie A last term, while also laying on 11 assists, and he can play in a variety of positions, including attacking midfield, on either wing, or in central midfield.

And Norris has expressed his disappointment that Leeds did not manage to do a deal for the 27-year-old in this transfer window.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “Obviously, it’s not ideal because it sometimes doesn’t look great. I think De Paul would have been a statement signing.”

Newcastle United now face a battle with another club in the Premier League to sign Jens Cajuste before the summer transfer window ends.

The Lowdown: Cajuste interest

The St James’ Park outfit have reportedly shown a concrete interest in signing the 21-year-old and are prepared to make an offer to try and sign the Sweden international.

However, Ligue 1 side Rennes have already made a bid, and Wolves, Leeds United and Crystal Palace are also thought to be interested in his signature.

The Latest: Fee agreed

As per Sportbladet, Brentford have now agreed a fee to sign Cajuste, so the Magpies will now have to act fast if they are serious about signing him.

The defensive midfielder is reportedly ‘about to leave’ FC Midtjylland, but personal terms have not yet been agreed with the Bees.

The Verdict: Sign now!

If the Tyneside club wait any longer, Cajuste is likely to end up at one of their top-flight rivals.

Described as the ‘future of Swedish football’ and an ‘exciting’ prospect by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 21-year-old was hailed as ‘excellent’ following an impressive display against Brondby in a Danish Superliga clash back in April.

Steve Bruce needs to bolster his Newcastle squad ahead of the new 2021/22 season, and signing Cajuste would help to do just that, but only if the Magpies make some late shapes to hijack Brentford’s efforts.

In other news, find out which Champions League winner NUFC have been offered

Jack Rosser, from the Evening Standard, doesn’t think that West Ham’s permanent pursuit of Jesse Lingard is over, but told The Transfer Tavern that his preference is to remain at Manchester United.

David Moyes is desperate to bring the 28-year-old back to the London Stadium this summer after his heroics during his loan spell last season helped the Hammers qualify for the Europa League.

Lingard scored nine times, finishing just one behind joint top scorers Tomas Soucek and Michail Antonio despite playing just 16 matches, and added five assists during his short stay with the club.

However, United have since offered the attacker a bumper new contract at Old Trafford, with his current deal expiring next summer.

After narrowly missing out on the England squad for the Euro’s, Lingard is already back in pre-season training for the Red Devils and featured in their friendly with Derby last weekend.

However, despite everything pointing towards Lingard staying with his boyhood club, Rosser doesn’t think the Hammers chances of re-signing him are 100 percent over.

He told The Transfer Tavern:

“I wouldn’t say it’s completely dead. I’d say there’s still a chance, but now I would maybe be a bit surprised to see him back at West Ham.

“His preference is to stay at Manchester United, Rashford has gone for surgery, they have signed Sancho, but they’re not exactly blessed with players like Lingard.”

Brighton and Hove Albion are set to make a bid for Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard, but not until after the Hoops complete their Champions League second round qualifying tie against Midtjylland on Wednesday night, according to the Daily Mail.

The Lowdown: Celtic gear up for 2021/22

Facing the prospect of major transition at Parkhead, new manager Ange Postecoglou will surely be eager to recruit top talent in tandem with offloading those already at the club who see their future elsewhere.

With only one year left on his deal at Parkhead, the Celts may be forced into selling star striker Edouard following recent developments.

The Latest: Brighton to bid for Edouard after Champions League qualifiers

Brighton are believed to be readying an offer for the Frenchman in the aftermath of Celtic’s midweek European assignment, which if they win will guarantee them some form of continental football until Christmas [Daily Mail].

The 23-year-old is rated at around £20m by the Seagulls, whilst Postecoglou has previously stated his desire to sell players who are not interested in his vision. Crystal Palace are also rumoured to be interested in Edouard as their summer recruitment drive intensifies [Daily Mail].

The Verdict: Selling Edouard makes business sense for the Bhoys

To receive a prospective sum of £20m for the former Paris Saint-Germain striker would be excellent business by the Bhoys. With Edouard having told friends of his desire to leave Glasgow in this transfer window, cutting their losses may be the most agreeable move for both player and club at this moment in time.

The forward was in sparkling form in 2020/21, registering 28 goal contributions in 40 appearances with 22 goals and six assists [Transfermarkt]. Proving a constant menace in attack, Edouard also averaged 3.5 shots per game for the Hoops in the Premiership last term [WhoScored].

Once labelled ‘excellent’ by Celtic captain Callum McGregor [celticfc.com], the Celts should use the fee from the Frenchman’s prospective sale to bring in a replacement who would seem capable of instantly shouldering the goalscoring burden that Edouard would leave behind.

In other news, many Celtic fans react to an astonishing transfer rumour.

Plenty of the pre-Test series hype has focused on South Africa’s potent pace attack led by Dale Steyn, but Michael Vaughan doesn’t feel England’s lack of pace makes them any less threatening. Vaughan, England’s captain, has put faith in the trio of Ryan Sidebottom, James Anderson and Stuart Broad even as he shored up the possibility of his Ashes 2005 pace quartet bowling as a unit again.”We don’t have bowling of 90-95 mph,” Vaughan said ahead of Thursday’s first Test at Lord’s. “But it’s not always about that. We have an attack that relies more on the control side. It has not got the pace it used to have but I think they’ve got a decent amount of skill.”Jimmy Anderson showed against New Zealand at Trent Bridge that if the ball is swinging he has a hell of an amount of skill. Stuart Broad is developing into a fine cricketer – he’s inexperienced but he bowls beyond his years – and Ryan Sidebottom has probably been the find of the last year in Test match cricket.”You add to that Monty Panesar, who can get five- and six-wicket hauls, and the attack looks quietly nice.”England’s last series against South Africa, a 2-1 away win in 2004-05, featured the same attack that would bowl them to a historic Ashes victory the following summer. However, none of Steve Harmison, Matthew Hoggard, Simon Jones or Andrew Flintoff are in the squad for Lord’s.Of the four, Flintoff is the closest to selection for the second Test at Headingley which starts on July 18. A serious knee injury has seen Jones, currently with Worcestershire, spend the last three years on the sidelines but he moved a step closer to a Test return when named in England’s provisional Champions Trophy squad.”I have not seen Simon bowl in a match. I have just seen his figures and when a guy is getting five-fors pretty consistently, and getting them quickly – he’s getting them in seven and eight-over bursts – that is exciting,” Vaughan said. “As captain you want someone who can change the course of a game in a few overs.”If he performs like he did in the 2005 Ashes then we’ve got something special there and it’s absolutely fantastic that both he and Harmison are knocking on the door again.”Harmison continues to be overlooked by England’s selectors after a poor showing in New Zealand earlier this year, but Vaughan noticed a spark during a Championship match-up last week. “Having just played against Harmy, he has definitely got his pace back. He bowled a 12-over spell, which suggested he wanted to get me out, and he did,” he said. “The most important thing is he looked as if he was enjoying his cricket, which was a really positive sign.”I know he doesn’t want to play solely for Durham for the rest of his career, he wants to get back into the England team, and someone with that amount of ability and 90-miles-an-hour gas is going to be knocking on the door consistently.””And we know what Matthew Hoggard offers. Who would have said a year ago we would be even talking about the Ashes ’05 unit potentially bowling together again? It certainly could happen but we ought to talk about the guys in the team at the moment who do a good job.”Vaughan was confident of captaining at Lord’s, having taken an Ostinol injection for his troublesome right knee last Wednesday.