Latest news with #substitutes
The Independent
9 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Ben Stokes' handshake row is a distraction – this England decision will decide India series
Even the conversation, Ben Stokes said, was 'ridiculous'. Injury substitutes, he argued, should not be a part of cricket. About 20 minutes earlier, the India coach Gautam Gambhir had provided the opposite answer. 'Imagine if you have to play with 10 men against 11, how unfortunate that would be?' he said after Rishabh Pant broke his foot. 'You stick me in an MRI scan and you'd get someone else in right away,' countered Stokes, with his ample experience of playing through the pain barrier. Pant will not play when these sides, after the briefest of pauses, reconvene at The Oval on Thursday. Stokes, following the furore surrounding his offer to shake hands before Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja reached centuries, is left pondering a different kind of substitutes, whether due to injury or fear of it, ineffectiveness or exhaustion, but at the start, not mid-match. England responded to the draw at Old Trafford by adding Jamie Overton to the squad, just as Stokes had said that they would veer from their usual policy of naming the team two days early. In different ways, there are reasons to wonder if any of their fast bowlers can fulfil the same role in the fifth Test. Stokes will play, almost regardless of medical advice. He didn't bowl on Saturday, was troubled by his bicep on Sunday and yet still produced the day's most menacing spell. Jasprit Bumrah is the world's top-ranked bowler but Stokes is the series' leading wicket-taker. Given the astonishing exploits, and longevity, of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, the threat Jofra Archer and Mark Wood posed at their best and Chris Woakes' record at home, it is a moot point if Stokes has ever been definitively England's best bowler. Now, at 34 and 115 Tests into his career, he is. But that reflects, too, on the rest of the attack. There is a case of changing each of the seamers. All four Tests have gone deep into the fifth day. The compressed nature of this series means these teams have played for 20 days since 20 June, with five more to come. It is a test of powers of resilience, but also strength in depth. Whether or not England have psychological scars from 143 overs in the field at Old Trafford, and only two wickets in the last 142 of them, they could be fatigued. Woakes and Brydon Carse have played all four Tests. Archer has played the last two, after just one first-class game since May 2021. It would seem a risk to then play him in three successive matches. It would also bring the question of whether they come with diminishing returns after five wickets at Lord's and four more expensive ones at Old Trafford. For Woakes, the series has brought 10 wickets at 52; for Carse, nine at 60. The 36-year-old may have bowled better than the figures suggested, particularly in the last two Tests, but not dramatically better. Carse went wicketless at Old Trafford: banging the ball in too short, getting too little movement, his average for the series against left-handers is over 200. Which, unless Usman Khawaja, Travis Head and Alex Carey suddenly and inexplicably start batting right-handed, could be an impediment in the Ashes. So England's chances of recording their most prestigious series win under Stokes' captaincy could come down to a second-string bowling unit. Liam Dawson, the only spinner in the squad, was summoned only because Shoaib Bashir was injured; the 35-year-old was more economical than the off-spinner probably would have been at Old Trafford, but arguably produced fewer potentially wicket-taking deliveries. Dawson's 47-over marathon in India's second innings was Jack Leach-esque: lending control but lacking the magic ball. Overton's last outing was inauspicious, with figures of 14-0-81-0 for Surrey at Scarborough. Gus Atkinson was omitted by his county then, sent to play Second XI cricket, where he took 2-64 and 1-29 against their Somerset counterparts. He has an outstanding Test record but has barely played this summer, though his total of six County Championship wickets is still four more than Overton's tally. Josh Tongue showed he could mop up the tail at Headingley but is short of top-order victims. They could comprise the fast bowlers, unless England press the weary into action again. And if India, who face a decision of their own about Bumrah, who has played the three Tests that was supposed to be his limit for the summer, win at The Oval; when their next matches are against West Indies in October, who they should be able to beat without him. And they, unlike England, definitely do need to take 20 wickets at The Oval. They need to win; though a lesson of the Bazball era is that someone will, with draws so rare. For both teams, there is a legacy at stake. For Shubman Gill and his new-look team, it could be the start of something; for Stokes, India and then an Ashes away provide the chance for a defining achievement. The first could depend on whether it is better to trust a tiring attack that, in two cases, has found wickets elusive or back-ups, in two cases, with little first-class cricket of late. It could be a decision with considerable repercussions. It all gives England bigger problems than a row than Stokes' offer to shake hands earlier than India were willing to. Sundar and Jadeja wanted to reach the centuries their efforts merited, even if it involved doing so against Harry Brook's odd attempts at off-spin. Its significance lay largely in revealing England's frustration at their rearguard action. But they will be rather more frustrated if a series victory slips through their grasp.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Should any of England's Euro 2025 finishers be starters in the final?
England are in a major final again, and once more, their substitutes proved the difference. Against Sweden, it was Michelle Agyemang who equalised and fellow replacement Chloe Kelly who played a key role in both of England's goals. Against Italy, Agyemang was the hero who forced extra time again before Kelly scored the 119th-minute winner — which, incidentally, was from a penalty won by Beth Mead, another substitute. England's strength in depth has been their superpower in Switzerland, allowing them to break down low blocks, stretch tired defences and, ultimately, pull off two great escapes. The question now is whether any of Sarina Wiegman's so-called 'finishers' have earned a start for Sunday's final in Basel against Spain. Here, The Athletic looks at each of their cases for a place. Michelle Agyemang In four senior caps, 19-year-old Agyemang has scored three goals — two of which were late equalisers to make England's progress through the knockout stages possible. That is all without coming on before the 70th minute. Naturally, that begs the question of what she could do in 90 minutes instead of 20. The map below shows how Agyemang has made the most of her minutes, taking up dangerous positions while, against Sweden, helping break down opposition attacks early. Against Spain, those attributes — and particularly her strength in hold-up play, allowing team-mates time to get up the pitch and join a counter-attack — could be a great fit. After seeing her latch on to a long ball and lob Italy goalkeeper Laura Giuliani, only to hit the bar and let out a yell of frustration, the idea of her running in behind to exploit Spain's high line is tantalising. Is the time right for her to take the starting spot up top? That would feel harsh on Arsenal team-mate Alessia Russo, who has only scored once but has led the press brilliantly, run tirelessly and been a creative force too, with three assists. Russo is also adept at hold-up play and exploiting a high line (as shown for England's first goal in the 4-0 win against the Netherlands). Will she start the final? Excellent as Agyemang has been, starting her over Russo would be uncharacteristic for Wiegman. There is no guarantee the teenager can replicate over a full game what she has achieved against low blocks and tired defences. Wiegman will opt for experience, and that is the sensible call — but if England need a hero, it would make sense to give Agyemang more than 20 minutes. Chloe Kelly Kelly is the only one of England's super-subs from Euro 2022 who has kept that role, with Russo and Ella Toone having become starters. Had that apparent standstill been put to her two years ago, she might have been disappointed. Now, though, after the gamble of leaving Manchester City in January in search of more playing time at Arsenal, she will be delighted she has even made it to Switzerland, let alone proven to be so crucial. She has been as important as Agyemang in England's progress. Kelly was instrumental in England's goals against Sweden before hammering home her penalty in the shootout. Against Italy, her dribbling and pace on the right wing were crucial in opening up space in the middle and creating opportunities for herself. She almost scored an iconic winner when she skipped away from four Italian defenders and bent her shot just wide of the top-left corner in extra time. In the furore, it went largely unnoticed that she almost scored directly from a corner. Instead, she would seal victory by turning in her saved penalty. She tracked back tirelessly against Italy, and made a key defensive contribution after substitute Giada Greggi had got the better of Grace Clinton. Again, she finds herself vying for a starting spot in a European final. Will she start the final? Kelly has the best chance of any of the substitutes. Her contributions have been slightly less obvious than Agyemang's, but equally as important, and she has more experience than her Arsenal colleague. A lot will depend on Lauren James' fitness. If the Chelsea forward can bounce back from the ankle injury she suffered on Tuesday, she will be hard to displace. If not, Kelly will be first in line. Aggie Beever-Jones The Chelsea forward had a strong build-up to the Euros, planting herself firmly in Wiegman's thinking with a hat-trick at Wembley against Portugal, but has had limited opportunities in Switzerland. Her standout moment was her first tournament goal, England's sixth of the match against Wales — a well-taken but admittedly poorly defended header. The 21-year-old came on in the 85th minute against Italy and helped stretch their tired defence throughout extra time, coming close to turning home a couple of crosses but she could not find a way past Giuliani. Spain, her speed and dribbling on the counter-attack could be a weapon, and her adaptability to play across the front three helps provide cover. However, she is less physically imposing than Lauren Hemp (left wing) and Russo (striker), and has far less major tournament experience. Will she start the final? Beever-Jones' competitors have the edge over her for a starting spot. She is still best used as a 'finisher', testing tired defenders. Grace Clinton Clinton faces stiff competition for a midfield role from Manchester United team-mate Toone, as well as Georgia Stanway and James. When she has got on to the pitch — which has been for no more than 16 minutes at a time — the 22-year-old has shown relentless energy but has not been at her best. Mostly employed to refresh England's midfield and rush opponents with box-to-box running, Clinton has helped stop teams from building attacks. At her peak, Clinton balances reading of the game, movement and link-up play with defensive nous; that has not quite happened this tournament. Against Italy, when she came on in the 106th minute for Keira Walsh, she had to help prevent counter-attacks while simultaneously trying to provide a spark from deep. She looked comparatively sluggish when Greggi intercepted Kelly's loose ball and pulled away into England's half. Clinton has massive potential, but we have not quite seen it at this tournament. Will she start the final? England desperately need to exercise some control over the midfield in the final and it does not feel like Clinton has shown more ability to do that than Stanway, Toone or Walsh. She will stay as a substitute. Beth Mead Mead's Euros has not gone how she, or Wiegman, had planned. She started in her favoured right-wing position for England's opening defeat against France, a performance that prompted a rethink about how England could extract the best from James. The Chelsea attacker was moved to the right, with Toone stepping in behind the forward line and Mead dropping to the bench. Wiegman still seems to trust the Arsenal forward — she has featured in every game, and was the first port of call when James was forced off with an ankle injury against Italy. She showed versatility in that semi-final, moving into the No 10 role when Kelly was introduced, and looked dangerous in the box, not least when she won England's penalty. However, that role change arose out of exceptional circumstances as Wiegman was trying to piece together an unusual number of attackers on the pitch, rather than providing any hints at where she could play in the final. Will she start the final? Right now, the options ahead of her appear stronger. James did not have her best half against Italy but, if fit, would still be first in line to start on the right. Even without James, Kelly's excellent substitute performances would put her ahead of Mead in the pecking order. Given Mead's drop-off in minutes, no matter her experience, she is not best placed to start. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. England, Women's Soccer, Women's Euros 2025 The Athletic Media Company
New York Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Should any of England's Euro 2025 finishers be starters in the final?
England are in a major final again, and once more, their substitutes proved the difference. Against Sweden, it was Michelle Agyemang who equalised and fellow replacement Chloe Kelly who played a key role in both of England's goals. Against Italy, Agyemang was the hero who forced extra time again before Kelly scored the 119th-minute winner — which, incidentally, was from a penalty won by Beth Mead, another substitute. Advertisement England's strength in depth has been their superpower in Switzerland, allowing them to break down low blocks, stretch tired defences and, ultimately, pull off two great escapes. The question now is whether any of Sarina Wiegman's so-called 'finishers' have earned a start for Sunday's final in Basel against Spain. Here, The Athletic looks at each of their cases for a place. In four senior caps, 19-year-old Agyemang has scored three goals — two of which were late equalisers to make England's progress through the knockout stages possible. That is all without coming on before the 70th minute. Naturally, that begs the question of what she could do in 90 minutes instead of 20. The map below shows how Agyemang has made the most of her minutes, taking up dangerous positions while, against Sweden, helping break down opposition attacks early. Against Spain, those attributes — and particularly her strength in hold-up play, allowing team-mates time to get up the pitch and join a counter-attack — could be a great fit. After seeing her latch on to a long ball and lob Italy goalkeeper Laura Giuliani, only to hit the bar and let out a yell of frustration, the idea of her running in behind to exploit Spain's high line is tantalising. Is the time right for her to take the starting spot up top? That would feel harsh on Arsenal team-mate Alessia Russo, who has only scored once but has led the press brilliantly, run tirelessly and been a creative force too, with three assists. Russo is also adept at hold-up play and exploiting a high line (as shown for England's first goal in the 4-0 win against the Netherlands). Will she start the final? Excellent as Agyemang has been, starting her over Russo would be uncharacteristic for Wiegman. There is no guarantee the teenager can replicate over a full game what she has achieved against low blocks and tired defences. Wiegman will opt for experience, and that is the sensible call — but if England need a hero, it would make sense to give Agyemang more than 20 minutes. Kelly is the only one of England's super-subs from Euro 2022 who has kept that role, with Russo and Ella Toone having become starters. Had that apparent standstill been put to her two years ago, she might have been disappointed. Now, though, after the gamble of leaving Manchester City in January in search of more playing time at Arsenal, she will be delighted she has even made it to Switzerland, let alone proven to be so crucial. Advertisement She has been as important as Agyemang in England's progress. Kelly was instrumental in England's goals against Sweden before hammering home her penalty in the shootout. Against Italy, her dribbling and pace on the right wing were crucial in opening up space in the middle and creating opportunities for herself. She almost scored an iconic winner when she skipped away from four Italian defenders and bent her shot just wide of the top-left corner in extra time. In the furore, it went largely unnoticed that she almost scored directly from a corner. Instead, she would seal victory by turning in her saved penalty. Who else? 🥶 🏴 Chloe Kelly wins it for England in the 119th minute 😤#WEURO2025 — UEFA Women's EURO 2025 (@WEURO2025) July 22, 2025 She tracked back tirelessly against Italy, and made a key defensive contribution after substitute Giada Greggi had got the better of Grace Clinton. Again, she finds herself vying for a starting spot in a European final. Will she start the final? Kelly has the best chance of any of the substitutes. Her contributions have been slightly less obvious than Agyemang's, but equally as important, and she has more experience than her Arsenal colleague. A lot will depend on Lauren James' fitness. If the Chelsea forward can bounce back from the ankle injury she suffered on Tuesday, she will be hard to displace. If not, Kelly will be first in line. The Chelsea forward had a strong build-up to the Euros, planting herself firmly in Wiegman's thinking with a hat-trick at Wembley against Portugal, but has had limited opportunities in Switzerland. Her standout moment was her first tournament goal, England's sixth of the match against Wales — a well-taken but admittedly poorly defended header. The 21-year-old came on in the 85th minute against Italy and helped stretch their tired defence throughout extra time, coming close to turning home a couple of crosses but she could not find a way past Giuliani. Spain, her speed and dribbling on the counter-attack could be a weapon, and her adaptability to play across the front three helps provide cover. However, she is less physically imposing than Lauren Hemp (left wing) and Russo (striker), and has far less major tournament experience. Will she start the final? Beever-Jones' competitors have the edge over her for a starting spot. She is still best used as a 'finisher', testing tired defenders. Clinton faces stiff competition for a midfield role from Manchester United team-mate Toone, as well as Georgia Stanway and James. When she has got on to the pitch — which has been for no more than 16 minutes at a time — the 22-year-old has shown relentless energy but has not been at her best. Mostly employed to refresh England's midfield and rush opponents with box-to-box running, Clinton has helped stop teams from building attacks. Advertisement At her peak, Clinton balances reading of the game, movement and link-up play with defensive nous; that has not quite happened this tournament. Against Italy, when she came on in the 106th minute for Keira Walsh, she had to help prevent counter-attacks while simultaneously trying to provide a spark from deep. She looked comparatively sluggish when Greggi intercepted Kelly's loose ball and pulled away into England's half. Clinton has massive potential, but we have not quite seen it at this tournament. Will she start the final? England desperately need to exercise some control over the midfield in the final and it does not feel like Clinton has shown more ability to do that than Stanway, Toone or Walsh. She will stay as a substitute. Mead's Euros has not gone how she, or Wiegman, had planned. She started in her favoured right-wing position for England's opening defeat against France, a performance that prompted a rethink about how England could extract the best from James. The Chelsea attacker was moved to the right, with Toone stepping in behind the forward line and Mead dropping to the bench. Wiegman still seems to trust the Arsenal forward — she has featured in every game, and was the first port of call when James was forced off with an ankle injury against Italy. She showed versatility in that semi-final, moving into the No 10 role when Kelly was introduced, and looked dangerous in the box, not least when she won England's penalty. However, that role change arose out of exceptional circumstances as Wiegman was trying to piece together an unusual number of attackers on the pitch, rather than providing any hints at where she could play in the final. Will she start the final? Right now, the options ahead of her appear stronger. James did not have her best half against Italy but, if fit, would still be first in line to start on the right. Even without James, Kelly's excellent substitute performances would put her ahead of Mead in the pecking order. Given Mead's drop-off in minutes, no matter her experience, she is not best placed to start. (Top photos: Getty Images)
Daily Mail
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
It's all clicking for Sarina Wiegman's super subs as England's bench becomes their secret weapon, writes TARA ANSON-WALSH, ahead of quarter-final clash with Sweden
One of the quietly revolutionary aspects of Sarina Wiegman 's England tenure has been her treatment of the bench – not as a contingency plan, but as a premeditated second wave. The roots of this emerged during the home Euros of 2022, when there was a clear starting XI with an attack led by Ellen White, Fran Kirby behind her in the No 10 role, and Lauren Hemp and Beth Mead occupying the flanks. And then, on the hour mark, like clockwork, Ella Toone and Alessia Russo would come on. Wiegman's subs during the home tournament were used to great effect, particularly towards the latter stages, with Chloe Kelly 's introduction off the bench in the final against Germany securing the Lionesses' first ever piece of silverware – a moment now etched in footballing legend. As was Russo's memorable cameo off the bench in the semi-final against – fittingly – tomorrow/tonight's opponents, Sweden. Her outrageous backheel goal inspired some fans to sport T-shirts featuring 'The Russo', illustrated like IKEA instructions. All you need is a pair of boots, a football, and a bit of nutmeg, it claims. Today, England players maintain their praise of the Dutch coach for her communication regarding their roles, including continuing to give them clarity over whether they'll start a game or come on as substitutes – or what Wiegman calls her 'finishers'. Wiegman stressed the importance of having adequate strength in depth, adding: 'It's important because you can bring players into the same position that have different attributes. You can change tactics a little bit while still keeping the levels up and trying to harm your opponent. It's key.' And it has clearly worked, with England having scored 48 goals from substitutes in the 67 games under Wiegman's management – an incredible tally, with Russo claiming the largest share of the spoils with seven from the bench. Against Sweden, an incredibly physical, athletic team, Wiegman will need to rely on her 'finishers' to step up when her starting XI – which has remained unchanged for the last two games – begin to tire. The 'finishers' clique have created their own group chat this tournament and have been celebrating each other's achievements on the pitch with a new clicking celebration, the origins of which were revealed by Beth Mead. 'I think we underestimate how hard it can be for the bench sometimes, and players that don't get on the pitch as much,' the right-winger said. 'Before the Wales game, we were all snapping as a little bit of motivation and a little bit of energy, and we actually said if anyone came on and scored, we'd celebrate with each other to show appreciation.' Wiegman has a considerable attacking force in this England squad and keeping everyone happy and match-ready is always a difficult line to tread. And Kelly, who has started from the bench in all three of England's games at this tournament, insisted that despite the negative connotations of a 'clique', this one is not divisive. 'I was actually thinking that earlier – that usually cliques are negative – but it's definitely not one,' Kelly said. 'We support each other very well as a 23-player squad, and it's about what it takes to win a tournament.'
Reuters
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
England's substitutes have become a tight-knit group at Euro 2025, says Kelly
ZURICH, July 16 (Reuters) - Forward Chloe Kelly, who came off the bench to score a 110th-minute winner in the Euro 2022 final, said England's substitutes had become a tight-knit group at this year's tournament with their own WhatsApp group and goal celebration. With the defending champions playing Sweden in the Euro 2025 quarter-finals on Thursday, Kelly, whose shirt-waving celebration was the defining image of the last final, described the camaraderie among England's super subs. Beth Mead and Aggie Beever-Jones scored as substitutes in England's 6-1 thrashing of Wales, and both made a beeline for the bench, snapping their fingers. "A little group of us have a group chat, the finishers as you called it, and the positive 'clicks' we called it on the bench," Kelly said at England's training base in Zurich. "You've probably seen we all click (our fingers), and everyone's like, 'What are they doing?' "We said if one of us comes on and scores, let's do that as our celebration," she added. "We work really hard on the training pitch and in the gym. Probably this sometimes goes unnoticed, but it's about sticking together, being at our best for when called upon, and training hard to get the best out of each other." The image of the 27-year-old Arsenal forward whirling her shirt above her head after her goal at Wembley is among the most renowned in European women's football. Kelly knows that there are football fans with tattoos of that image. The notoriety she has received since then took some adjusting to, she said. "But I'm just me, a girl from West London enjoying football, and that's what I'll continue to be throughout my career," she said. "I just love the game of football, and hopefully we can have many special memories as England together." Kelly still watches the video of that goal, a tap-in from close range, on YouTube. "I think it's just a special memory for me, one that I watch quite often if I ever need a little smile," Kelly said. "It's an incredible memory for me and my family. My mum sends it to me quite often as well. So it's nice to have such a special memory at an incredible stadium like Wembley." There was concern earlier this year that Kelly might not make Sarina Wiegman's Euros squad because she was barely playing at Manchester City. She publicly expressed a desire to move ahead of January's transfer window, and Arsenal signed her first on a loan spell and then a free transfer after her City contract expired.
