Arsenal are believed to be in pole position to sign an £83 million striker, even ahead of European champions Real Madrid, as things stand – with manager Mikel Arteta recently finding out the hard way that his side need further options up front.
Arsenal lose Kai Havertz for the rest of the season
Star striker Kai Havertz, in some terrible news for the Gunners, is set to miss the rest of this 2024/2025 campaign after tearing his hamstring on a warm-weather training trip to Dubai.
£50m forward seriously considering exit after Arsenal express real interest
He’s highly versatile.
ByEmilio Galantini Feb 12, 2025
Havertz joins Gabriel Jesus on the treatment table for the remainder of this campaign, with Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka also not expected back until March as Arteta attempts to navigate a selection crisis in attack.
Arsenal’s next five Premier League games
Date
Leicester City (away)
February 15th
West Ham (home)
February 22nd
Nottingham Forest (away)
February 26th
Man United (away)
March 9th
Chelsea (home)
March 16th
The 25-year-old had scored 15 goals and registered a further five assists in all competitions, but Arteta must now find a solution to cope with Havertz’s absence. Raheem Sterling can play as a makeshift striker when required, and the previously out-of-favour Englishman could be about to see a lot more match action.
With Arsenal also seven points behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race, the odds are stacked against Arteta’s side in terms of domestic glory this season, with Emirates Stadium chiefs already having one eye on 2025/2026.
They’ll be eager to ensure that the north Londoners do not find themselves in this precarious position next campaign when it comes to shortages in attack, with RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko firmly on their transfer shortlist.
Arsenal favourites to sign RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko
Sesko rejected a proposal to join Arsenal last summer, instead deciding to sign a contract extension, on the condition of a “gentlemen’s agreement” that he can leave this year or 2026.
Now, German news outlet SportBILD, via Sport Witness, claim Arsenal are the “hottest contender” to sign Sesko this summer – above Real, Bayern Munich and other big-name sides.
Despite reports of a £65 million release clause, the news website reports that this isn’t a fixed clause, and Leipzig will hold out for a bidding war as they seek to raise around £83 million for Sesko’s signature.
Luckily for Arsenal, this is actually a drop from the price tag mentioned recently, with SportBILD denying claims that Leipzig want as much as £109 million.
The 21-year-old has been in red-hot form again this season with 15 goals in all competitions, and he’s been called a “special” player by former Leipzig technical director Christopher Vivell.
Captain Ervine says the team is still positive ahead of the clash against Netherlands, but a lot of things need to go right
Himanshu Agrawal01-Nov-20222:24
Moody: Zimbabwe will look to maintain momentum and popularity
Big pictureIt is not often that Zimbabwe stand a decent chance of qualifying for the semi-final of an ICC tournament. They were one win away from making the final four of the ICC Knockout – later renamed Champions Trophy – in 2000, but fell short against New Zealand; they made the Super Sixes in the 2003 World Cup, but fizzled out in the race to the last four.All these years later, a well-rated Zimbabwe unit led by an allrounder living a dream are two steps away from history. To begin, they will need to beat Netherlands, something they will surely fancy.Although they are still in contention, Zimbabwe need a collective performance to keep themselves afloat before the much-tougher challenge of India comes their way. Wessly Madhevere helped them rack up 79 in nine overs against South Africa but the rest of their batters hardly contributed, before the bowling was clubbed for 51 in three overs; but when they squeezed through a one-run win against Pakistan, it was their bowlers Sikandar Raza, Brad Evans, Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava who helped defend a meagre 130; and come Bangladesh, only Sean Williams made a defining contribution as Zimbabwe fell short by just three runs in pursuit of 151.For Netherlands, four out of their six games so far in this World Cup – including the first round – saw tight finishes. They won two of those four matches, before India and Pakistan brushed them aside. But like their bowlers showed by dismissing four batters and making Pakistan work hard even in their chase of 92, Netherlands aren’t easy to push over.Although they are already out of the tournament after threatening to upset Bangladesh in their first game of the Super 12s, the Dutch have certainly left their mark. After all, Max O’Dowd is the World Cup’s fifth-highest run-scorer and Bas de Leede is its joint second-highest wicket-taker.Zimbabwe and Netherlands don’t meet often – they have played each other only seven times across formats so far – No. 8 will be on the biggest stage and both teams will be relishing it.Sean Williams is one of Zimbabwe’s most experienced players•Getty Images
Form guideZimbabwe LWWLW (Last five completed matches; most recent first) Netherlands LLLLWIn the spotlightZimbabwe will seek more consistency from their captain Craig Ervine and Sean Williams, two of their most experienced members in the current set-up. They have fallen for a combined seven single-digit scores in 12 innings since landing in Australia, even as Zimbabwe hope they can deliver when it matters most. Both are in the twilight of their careers, and what better opportunity to ensure they walk away with sweet memories?Netherlands’ bowlers have conceded 160-plus only twice across six matches in this competition. The show has been led by Bas de Leede, who has nine wickets at 14.44, while Paul van Meekeren isn’t far behind with seven at 19.42 and an excellent economy of 5.66. De Leede will turn 23 in a few days’ time; van Meekeren will turn 30 next January but Netherlands will hope these two can serve them just the same way for the years to come.Team newsZimbabwe have used 13 players in the Super 12s stage, with tweaks only in their bowling line-up. They wouldn’t want to make too many changes to what looks like a settled unit, with the only decision being whom to leave out in case they decide to recall Luke Jongwe.Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Wessly Madhevere, 2 Craig Ervine (capt), 3 Milton Shumba, 4 Sean Williams, 5 Sikandar Raza, 6 Regis Chakabva (wk), 7 Ryan Burl, 8 Tendai Chatara, 9 Brad Evans, 10 Richard Ngarava, 11 Blessing MuzarabaniPaul van Meekeren has picked up seven wickets at an economy rate of 5.66 at the T20 World Cup•ICC/Getty Images
Netherlands have nothing to lose now, so might give opener Stephan Myburgh another go, considering this could be his farewell tournament. De Leede was substituted against Pakistan after being hit under his eye while batting and might miss out on WednesdayNetherlands (probable): 1 Vikramjit Singh, 2 Max O’Dowd, 3 Stephan Myburgh, 4 Tom Cooper, 5 Colin Ackermann, 6 Scott Edwards (capt, wk), 7 Roelof van der Merwe, 8 Tim Pringle, 9 Logan van Beek, 10 Fred Klaasen, 11 Paul van MeekerenPitch and conditionsIt was cold and windy in the build-up to the game in Adelaide, and it might still be cold on Wednesday with up to 2mm of rain also expected. However, the game is unlikely to be affected.Stats and trivia These two teams met at the highest level for the first time in the 2003 World Cup, where Bas de Leede’s father Tim was a part of the Netherlands’ side that lost to Zimbabwe. Side note: Bas’ cousin Babette also plays for the Netherlands women’s team. Sean Williams was in Zimbabwe’s squad for the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, where they beat Australia, and were eliminated in the group stages only on net run rate. Sikandar Raza’s strike rate of 150.56 is the second-highest for batters with at least 600 runs in T20Is in 2022.Quotes”The real highlight for us would be to make the semis. I think that would really put the icing on the cake. The guys are still very positive that we’ll get there. We’ve just got to come into these last two games with a lot of energy.” “The novelty [of making it to Super 12s] has kind of worn off now after the first three games. We haven’t put in a complete performance in these three games, and so the guys are determined to change that when it comes to these last two matches and walk away with at least one win, but hopefully two wins.”
في أعقاب التتويج التاريخي بلقب دوري أبطال إفريقيا، أصدر نادي بيراميدز بيانًا رسميًا عبّر خلاله عن امتنانه الكبير للقيادة السياسية والدعم المؤسسي الذي حظي به خلال مشواره القاري، موجّهًا شكره لفخامة الرئيس عبد الفتاح السيسي، وعدد من الجهات الداعمة للرياضة المصرية.
بيراميدز تمكن من تحقيق الإنجاز التاريخي بعد تفوقه على صن داونز الجنوب إفريقي بنتيجة 3-2 في مجموع مباراتي الذهاب والإياب، حيث انتهت مباراة الذهاب في جنوب إفريقيا بالتعادل 1-1، قبل أن يفوز السماوي في القاهرة على ملعب الدفاع الجوي 2-1.
وكان فريق بيراميدز قد طلب رسميًا من رابطة الأندية تأجيل مباراته أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا في الجولة الأخيرة من الدوري المصري، والتي كانت مقررة قبل مواجهة صن داونز بثلاثة أيام، وذلك حفاظًا على جاهزية اللاعبين ومنع إرهاقهم.
ولكن الرابطة رفضت التأجيل وأصرت على إقامة المباراة في موعدها، رغم ذلك نجح بيراميدز في الفوز بنتيجة كبيرة 5-1، قبل أن يلتقي صن داونز على ملعب الدفاع الجوي ويتوج باللقب القاري.
طالع أيضًا | “غصب عنكم”.. جدو يوجه رسالة نارية لـ رابطة الأندية بعد تتويج بيراميدز بدوري الأبطال بيان نادي بيراميدز
يتشرف مجلس إدارة نادي بيراميدز بتقديم أسمى آيات الشكر والتقدير والامتنان إلى فخامة السيد الرئيس عبد الفتاح السيسي رئيس جمهورية مصر العربية على تهنئته الغالية بمناسبة تتويج النادي بلقب بطولة دوري أبطال أفريقيا للمرة الأولى في تاريخه.
ويثمن النادي عاليا دعم فخامة الرئيس المتواصل للرياضة المصرية، وحرصه الدائم على النهوض بالقطاع الرياضي وتوفير المناخ المناسب للتميز والنجاح، الأمر الذي كان له بالغ الأثر في تمكين الفرق المصرية من المنافسة القارية وتحقيق الإنجازات باسم الوطن.
Chelsea have endured somewhat of a disappointing run in recent weeks, losing three games in a row across all competitions, subsequently having an impact on their Premier League standing.
However, Enzo Maresca managed to end their poor run of form last night, claiming a 4-0 win over bottom side Southampton at Stamford Bridge, a victory that was just their third league win of 2025.
Such a convincing display will add needed confidence to the first-team squad, also bolstering their chances of claiming a Champions League place by the end of the season.
However, despite the huge scoreline, multiple players struggled to produce one of their best performances, potentially being punished by higher-quality opposition on another day.
One player in particular was wasteful in West London during the triumph, extending his own disappointing run within the final third over the last few weeks.
Cole Palmer’s form for Chelsea in 2025
Cole Palmer has been the leading talisman in front of goal for Chelsea since his move from Manchester City in 2023, as seen by his mammoth tally of goal contributions.
The England international has registered 60 combined goals and assists in his 75 appearances for the Blues, but has struggled to maintain his performance levels over the last couple of weeks.
Cole Palmer for Chelsea
Palmer has failed to register a goal contribution in any of the last six games across all competitions, scoring just twice since the turn of the year, showcasing his decline in form.
His showing against the Saints was a wasteful one, notching seven efforts on goal, including three on target, but was unable to find the back of the net – something which he hasn’t usually struggled with in West London.
Such a spell will come as a surprise to the fanbase given his impact over the last 18 months, with Palmer needing to dig deep between now and the end of May to recapture his impressive form.
However, it has allowed for one player to potentially overtake the Englishman in terms of importance to Maresca, with one player thriving since his return to the side.
The Chelsea player who’s becoming more important than Palmer
During the early stages of the 2024/25 season, midfielder Enzo Fernández struggled to cement his place in Maresca’s starting eleven, with Moises Caicedo and Roméo Lavia ahead of him in the pecking order.
Enzo Fernandez for Chelsea
However, he’s emerged as a key member of the first team squad in recent weeks, repaying the faith shown in him by the Italian – impressing beyond anyone’s imagination.
Since the turn of the year, the Argentine may only have registered a single goal, but he has starred with his underlying stats, with his showing against Southampton up there with one of his best in recent times.
Fernandez started at the base of the side alongside Caicedo, featuring for 89 minutes at the Bridge, arguably one of the best performers within the side last night.
The 24-year-old completed 88% of the passes he attempted, whilst also winning 100% of the duels he entered – offering a real commanding presence in the midfield department.
Enzo Fernández’s stats for Chelsea against Southampton
Statistics
Tally
Minutes played
89
Touches
80
Pass accuracy
58/66 (88%)
Duels won
5/5 (100%)
Chances created
6
Dribbles completed
1/1 (100%)
Recoveries made
7
Stats via SofaScore
Enzo also created six chances, completing 100% of dribbles and making seven recoveries – producing a sensational all-round box-to-box performance for the Blues.
As a result of his display, the former Benfica ace was handed a 9/10 match rating by Football London journalist Bobby Vincent, further demonstrating how impressive he was in the convincing victory.
Palmer has no doubt been crucial to the side over the last couple of months, with the former City star expected to have a drop-off after such a stellar start to life in West London.
However, Fernandez has since stepped up to the plate, producing multiple impressive showings at the heart of the side, taking responsibility with Maresca reaping the rewards as a result of the trust shown in him.
Chelsea's £100m star in the making has very quickly become a liability
He’s been really disappointing recently for Enzo Maresca’s side.
Pat Cummins struck early with the ball before rain curtailed Australia’s final-session push
Firdose Moonda28-Dec-2022
Alex Carey celebrates his maiden Test century•Getty Images
Alex Carey scored his maiden Test hundred as Australia piled on the runs at the MCG then removed South Africa captain Dean Elgar in the second over before rain brought an early end to the third dayAustralia piled on 189 runs in 54 overs on an overcast day with Carey and Cameron Green, who defied a fractured finger, adding 117 for the eighth wicket against an increasingly exhausted attack. South Africa were kept in the field for more than five sessions and bowled 145 overs in total and were unable to bowl Australia out on a surface that remained good for batting.Elgar was unable to take advantage of them as he gloved Pat Cummins down the leg side off the third ball he faced. The edge died on Carey but replays showed he took a clean catch low down to send Elgar back for a duck. It was the second time in the series Elgar had been dismissed in this fashion after also being caught down leg in the first innings in Brisbane.Related
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Australia could have done further damage when Cummins found Theunis de Bruyn’s edge in his next over but it swerved away from David Warner at first slip and he could not hold on. Mitchell Starc, who bowled despite suffering tendon damage his finger in the field on the first day, just missed Sarel Erwee’s edge and had two appeals for lbw against de Bruyn which were missing. Starc was expected to continue bowling despite his wound, which opens up as he bowls and necessitates him to mop up the blood after almost every delivery.Starc was not the only one who battled through pain. Green also had a broken finger after being hit while batting but returned to the crease to score an unbeaten half-century and provide solid defence while Carey counterattacked. The pair ground South Africa’s attack down after a bright start. Despite bowling in 40 degree heat throughout the second day, South Africa came out with good intent and, helped by cooler conditions, struck early. They took three wickets in six balls as Anrich Nortje turned up the heat.The stroke that took Cameron Green to his half-century•Getty Images
After Travis Head reached a 54-ball 50 with a pull off a short ball, Nortje went full and straight and took out his off stump. The dismissal brought Warner, who retired hurt with cramp after reaching 200 on day, back for more. He danced to the crease but was met by a Nortje ball that zoned in on leg stump, beat the flick and bowled him. Warner, having walked back in to a standing ovation, left to another.Cummins found the boundary when he steered a wide Nortje ball through point and then nicked off against Kagiso Rabada. South Africa were convinced of the edge but needed to confirm it on review.South Africa had created an opening but Carey and Green soon closed it with a stand that shut out the attack. Carey was strong on the drive and drilled Lungi Ngidi for three successive fours including the one that brought up his fifty while Green was content with biding his time as he tried to protect his finger from any further blows.Carey brought up the Australian 500 with a top-edge off a hook shot from a Rabada bouncer and his own hundred when he ran three off Jansen. He was the first Australian wicketkeeper to score a century in nine years, since Brad Haddin in 2013. His innings ended when a popped a short delivery from Jansen straight up in the air.By then, Green had faced 164 balls and if there was any pain, he wasn’t showing it. He had also started to play some shots and took on the short ball. He reached fifty off 170 balls with a cut over point. To add insult to injury, Starc also tucked into the bouncer and top-edged Nortje over square leg to six. In the next over, Starc was hit on the helmet and was undergoing his concussions check when Cummins called the batters in.Australia will operate with a four-man attack for the rest of the match, with Green unable to bowl. Head and Marnus Labuschagne are expected to provide back-up if required.
وجه المدير الفني لفريق مانشستر سيتي، بيب جوارديولا، رسالة قوية تحمل في طياتها كلمات حزينة، فيما يخص ما يحدث في قطاع غزة منذ أكتوبر 2023.
ويعاني أهل قطاع غزة من حرب شعواء من جانب الكيان الصهيوني منذ التاريخ المذكور، مما أدى إلى استشهاد الآلاف وإصابة مثلهم، بخلاف تشرد السكان.
من جهة أخرى، تحصل بيب جوارديولا على درجة الدكتوراة الفخرية، من جامعة مانشستر سيتي أمس الإثنين، تقديرًا لمساهماته في المدينة، داخل الملعب وخارج.
وخلال كلمته، قال جوارديولا: “ما نراه في غزة مؤلم للغاية، يؤلمني بشدة ويؤلم جسدي بأكمله، ودعوني أوضح، الأمر لا يتعلق بالأيديولوجيا ولا يتعلق بما إذا كنت على حق أم على خطأ”.
وأضاف: “الأمر يتعلق فقط بحب الحياة ورعاية جارك، ربما يمكننا التفكير أنه ليس من شأننا أن نرى أطفالًا وبنات في الرابعة من العمر يُقتلون بالقنبلة أو يُقتلون في المستشفى لأنه لم يعد مستشفى”.
وواصل: “يمكننا التفكير بتلك الطريقة، هذا ليس من شأننا، ولكن احذروا، الطفل التالي سيكون من شأننا، الأطفال في الرابعة أو الخامسة من العمر سيكونون من شأننا”.
اقرأ أيضًا.. ذا صن: بسبب غزة.. بي بي سي تنتقم من جاري لينكر ومحمد صلاح
وأردف: “آسف، لكنني أشعر بالخوف الشديد عندما أرى أطفالي كلما استيقظت في الصباح منذ أن بدأ الكابوس مع الأطفال في غزة، ربما تبدو هذه الصورة بعيدة كل البعد عن المكان الذي نعيش فيه الآن، وقد تسألون ماذا يمكننا أن نفعل”.
واسترسل: “هناك قصة تُذكرني بما يحدث، غابة تحترق، جميع الحيوانات تعيش في حالة رعب وعجز، لكن طائر صغير يطير ذهابًا وإيابًا بشكل مستمر إلى البحر، حاملاً قطرات ماء في منقاره الصغير”.
واستأنف: “يضحك الثعبان ويسأل: لماذا تفعل ذلك يا أخي؟ لن تستطيع إطفاء النار أبدًا، يجيب الطائر: نعم، أعرف ذلك، وهنا يسأل الثعبان من جديد: إذن، لماذا تفعل ذلك مرارًا وتكرارًا؟ ليرد الطائر: أنا فقط أقوم بدوري”.
وأوضح: “الطائر يعلم أنه لا يُطفئ النار، لكنه يرفض ألا يفعل شيئًا، في عالم يخبرنا كثيرًا أننا أصغر من أن نحدث فرقًا، تُذكرني هذه القصة بأن قوة المرء لا تكمن في حجمه، بل في قدرته على الاختيار، في التحدث علنًا، في رفض الصمت، خاصة في وقت الحاجة”.
Vice-líder do Grupo B e quarto colocado na tabela geral do Paranaense Sub-20, o Coritiba chama atenção na competição por sua regularidade. Em sete jogos no torneio, a equipe empatou um, perdeu um e venceu as outras cinco partidas disputadas.
O empate ocorreu contra o Operário em jogo fora de casa onde Alviverde saiu atrás, virou a partida, mas permitiu o empate dos donos da casa, tudo na segunda etapa. Por sua vez, a derrota ocorreu para o líder do Grupo B, o São Joseense. Após uma confusão generalizada com sete expulsões para cada lado, o Coritiba acabou derrotado por 1 a 0.
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>Kaká fala do privilégio em ser campeão do mundo com a Seleção
No próximo final de semana o Coxa, entra em campo contra o Iraty, penúltimo colocado do seu grupo onde, mesmo fora de casa, a equipe espera voltar da partida com três pontos na mala. O técnico Thiago Kosloski falou sobre sua expectativa para a partida:
– Depois do último jogo, os meninos entram ainda mais motivados, buscando repetir a atuação. Sabemos que não tem jogo fácil, e nem partida ganha antes do apito final, mas vamos dar o nosso melhor para conseguir mais uma vitória no campeonato.
A declaração de Thiago ressalta o bom resultado da equipe na partida contra o AA BAtel, no último final de semana, onde o Coritiba venceu por impressionantes 11 a 0 . A linha ofensiva do Verdão, inclusive, é um dos pontos de destaque da equipe.
Com uma média de 3,5 gols por jogo, o clube tem o segundo melhor ataque da competição. Ao todo, são 25 gols marcados em sete jogos, atrás apenas do Londrina, que tem 30 gols marcados, mas com uma partida a mais.
– Atualmente estamos em quarto geral, mas podemos subir na tabela após jogarmos a oitava rodada. Contudo, nosso foco é na classificação dentro de nosso grupo, os três primeiros passam para próxima fase. Somos segundo, e com uma distância confortável para o quarto. São oito pontos, mas não podemos dar bobeira – concluiu Thiago.
Seamer looked reasonably comfortable during a 40-minute running session on the outfield but he did not bowl
Andrew McGlashan06-Dec-2022If history repeats itself and Pat Cummins misses the Adelaide Test, Australia are confident in their fast-bowling depth being able to cover the absence of the captain.Cummins was forced out of the corresponding fixture a year ago after being identified as a close Covid-19 contact on the eve of the Test against England. Australia won that match by 275 runs late on the final day despite having also losing Josh Hazlewood from their first-choice attack. This time, it is a more conventional problem that potentially curtails Cummins’ involvement after picking up a quad injury in Perth although he will be given every chance to prove his fitness.Related
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However, with five Tests in little more than five weeks, and the tour of India to follow in February, any element of doubt over Cummins would be a significant risk with a worsening of the injury opening the prospect of a longer lay-off.The signs, though, were at least hopeful for Cummins on Tuesday as he looked reasonably comfortable during a 40-minute running session on the outfield but he did not bowl, something he will need to do before the team is confirmed on Thursday afternoon if he is to make the XI.If Cummins does miss out, which would mean Steven Smith captaining the Test, it would open the door for Scott Boland to add to his three Ashes appearances from last season where he finished with the astonishing average of 9.55. With Australia playing two series in Asia since, and then Hazlewood returning in Perth last week, Boland has yet to add to his three caps, but there is the belief that he would be well suited to the pink ball in Adelaide.His spectacular Test debut, where he claimed 6 for 7, came on an MCG wicket that Nathan Lyon said closely resembled what is traditionally produced for the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, although there have been examples of batters cashing in, notably David Warner’s triple century against Pakistan in 2019-2020.Pat Cummins picked up a quad injury in Perth•AFP/Getty Images
“That wicket last year was pretty similar to an Adelaide wicket. It’s probably the closest a drop-in MCG wicket has been,” Lyon said. “So I am expecting pretty similar things if Scott gets the opportunity with the pink ball. I don’t think many things will change. His confidence is up and so it should be.”His skill set has always been at the top in my eyes. He hits me in the pad for fun when I play him in state cricket. But what I see in Scott now is his confidence level has gone up a little.”Boland bowled impressively during training on Tuesday evening, giving a number of batters a difficult time, as those who had been used in Perth were carefully managed. Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green both had brief stints with the ball while Hazlewood was restricted to gym work.Lance Morris, the Western Australia quick who can push the speed gun up to 150kph, and Michael Neser did not bowl having had substantial workloads in the last round of Sheffield Shield matches.There is significant excitement around the call-up of Morris, who is rated as the quickest bowler in the domestic game, but it would probably require a second bowler beyond Cummins to miss out for him to earn a debut.However, it is a further sign of the pace-bowling stocks Australia have available with Mark Steketee, who has 25 wickets this season, and Sean Abbott both overlooked. Jhye Richardson, who took a five-wicket haul in last year’s Ashes Test in Adelaide, is currently not in contention having suffered a number of injury niggles this season which have limited him to two Sheffield Shield outings for Western Australia.
England and major tournaments have not always got on, with the World Cup not having come home since 1966 when they lifted it with a win over West Germany thanks to a Geoff Hurst hat-trick – something that, along with the iconic commentary, remains a key part of the fabric of English football.
Since then, the closest they have come to success has been a spot in the semi-finals. Reaching the last four in 1990, they were knocked out by West Germany before losing to Italy in the third-place play-off.
More recently, they suffered the same fate against Croatia in 2018, falling to an extra-time defeat before being beaten by Belgium as they settled for fourth place once again.
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Beyond that, it has been a case of quarter-final heartbreak at best, with the Three Lions failing to make it out of the group stages in 2014 in Brazil during a dreadful campaign, while they failed to qualify in 1994.
As a result, very few English players have happy memories of World Cups, except those who hit the back of the net with any sort of regularity.
So as Thomas Tuchel prepares to lead his new team to the ultimate international glory, we’ve taken a look at the 12 players who have managed more than two goals at World Cup finals in England colours.
All stats correct as of 25th February 2024.
England’s top goalscorers at World Cups
Rank
Player
England caps
England goals
World Cup goals
1
Gary Lineker
80
48
10
2
Harry Kane
103
69
8
3
Sir Geoff Hurst
49
24
5
4
Michael Owen
89
40
4
5
Sir Bobby Charlton
106
49
4
6
Bukayo Saka
43
12
3
7
Marcus Rashford
60
17
3
8
Steven Gerrard
114
21
3
9
David Beckham
115
17
3
10
David Platt
62
27
3
11
Roger Hunt
34
18
3
12
Nat Lofthouse
33
30
3
12 Nat Lofthouse 3 goals
The first of several players on three World Cup goals for the Three Lions, Nat Lofthouse led the line for England in the 1950s with astonishing effect. In just 33 Three Lions caps, he managed to find the net 30 times, giving him one of the best goals-per-game records for his nation.
All three of his World Cup goals came in 1954 in Switzerland. Coming into it off the back of a 17-goal season with Bolton Wanderers, Lofthouse scored twice in a 4-4 draw with Belgium to help England out of the group stages.
He then netted in the next round but it was in vain as the Three Lions crashed out at the hands of Uruguay thanks to a 4-2 defeat in the last eight.
11 Roger Hunt 3 goals
Roger Hunt is the first of those who were a part of the 1966 World Cup-winning squad on this list, but the Liverpool icon is often forgotten among the other greats in English football history.
He appeared just 34 times for England, and was an unused substitute for the entirety of the 1962 tournament, but certainly left his mark four years later.
His World Cup record reads six appearances, three goals and two assists, all without missing a minute of the tournament. He opened his account at Wembley against Mexico in the group stage (with highlights above), before scoring both goals against France in a 2-0 win to ensure that his side topped their group and progressed into the next round.
A Liverpool and England hero overshadowed by the likes of Jimmy Greaves and Sir Geoff Hurst, Hunt’s contribution to England’s success was invaluable.
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ByCharlie Smith Feb 13, 2025 10 David Platt 3 goals
David Platt’s only opportunity to find the net at a World Cup came in 1990 after he was part of the side that notoriously failed to qualify for the 1994 edition, despite Platt himself having scored seven times from midfield in qualifying.
Given his debut by Bobby Robson, Platt scored a last-16 extra-time winner against Belgium before being handed a start in the following game. He repaid that faith by heading in the opening goal as England defeated Cameroon 3-2, and had a goal disallowed in the semi-finals as England were knocked out by West Germany on penalties.
There was time for one more goal for the midfielder, though he may not remember it too fondly as it came in the third-place play-off defeat to Italy days later.
9 David Beckham 3 goals
It is truly shocking that a player of David Beckham’s quality only has three World Cup goals to show for his talent, but his time in major tournaments was forever shrouded in controversy.
The Manchester United and Real Madrid icon was dropped for the first two games of the 1998 World Cup after accusations that he was not concentrating, and after scoring a free-kick in their final group game, he was sent off as England were knocked out by Argentina in the round of 16, with Becks leaving in disgrace.
His revenge came four years later as he scored from the spot to beat Argentina in the group stages, but England again fell flat and were knocked out in the quarter-finals.
He found the net one final time in 2006 against Ecuador, again from a free kick, becoming the first Englishman to score in three separate World Cups, before the Three Lions were eventually knocked out in the quarter-finals once more, this time by Portugal.
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Another of the so-called “golden generation” of English talent, Steven Gerrard’s career is perhaps another that deserved more international success. The heartbeat of Liverpool’s midfield for almost two decades, he missed the 2002 World Cup through injury.
It meant that he had to wait until 2006 for his first World Cup goal, and like London buses, a second soon followed as he netted against Trinidad & Tobago and Sweden to finish as England’s top goalscorer at the tournament, though he was one of three who missed penalties in the shootout against Portugal.
He captained England into the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and found the net in the forgettable 1-1 draw with the United States before his side were thrashed 4-1 by Germany in the first knockout round.
7 Marcus Rashford 3 goals
Though unlikely at present, it is possible that Marcus Rashford adds to his tally of World Cup goals in an England shirt. The 27-year-old was last in the Three Lions squad almost a year ago, and his career has stalled since.
Once England’s youngest-ever debut goalscorer, Rashford was taken to the 2018 World Cup as a 21-year-old but struggled to make a major impression when given the opportunity – though he did net in the shootout win over Colombia.
Four years later, he had a much more central role; he netted from the bench in a 6-2 thrashing of Iran before scoring twice against Wales to help England qualify as Group B winners in Qatar. However, his chances of adding to that in 2026 look remote at the moment.
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ByCharlie Smith Oct 16, 2024 6 Bukayo Saka 3 goals
Though still in the infancy of his England career, Bukayo Saka has already proved himself a big-game player for the Three Lions, and seems to be the undisputed starter on the right-hand side going forward.
The winger has only been to one World Cup so far in his career, having made his international debut just before Euro 2020. However, he left his mark at his maiden World Cup, scoring twice against Iran and once against Senegal to help England into the quarter-finals.
Against France, he was named Player of the Match by outlets on both sides of the channel, but could not prevent his side from falling to a 2-1 defeat and exiting the competition.
Still just 23 years old, he is likely to have at more World Cups left in him, and is likely to shoot up this list in the years to come.
5 Sir Bobby Charlton 4 goals
The Iconic English footballer. Sir Bobby Charlton was the star of the 1960s, winning the Ballon d’Or in 1966 and finishing runner-up in both 1967 and 1968, while his return of 49 goals in 106 outings for England from midfield speaks volumes.
He scored the first of his four World Cup goals in 1962 in a win over Argentina, but had to wait four years to add to that tally. However, as the central force of England’s 1966 World Cup triumph, Charlton scored in the 2-0 group-stage win over Mexico, before scoring two more against Portugal to send England into the final against West Germany.
Charlton continued into the 1970 World Cup, but could not add to his tally and retired on the flight home, at the time leaving as England’s record appearance holder.
4 Michael Owen 4 goals
Michael Owen scores for England against Germany.
A prodigious talent robbed of the latter stages of his career by injuries, Michael Owen was already considered the future of English football as a teenager.
Making his debut at 18, he was taken to the 1998 World Cup and became England’s youngest goalscorer at a World Cup when he netted against Romania, before scoring one of his nation’s all-time great goals in the following game against Argentina, before his side eventually went out on penalties.
Four years later, his impact was a little less impressive, with Owen failing to score in the group stages. However, he netted in their last-16 win over Denmark and scored the opening goal against Brazil, before the Three Lions fell to a 2-1 defeat to exit the competition.
2006 saw Owen rush back to fitness, and he suffered a serious knee injury in his side’s final group game which ruled him out of the remainder of the tournament, while he also picked up a hamstring injury ahead of the 2010 World Cup which curtailed his international career.
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1 ByLuke Randall Jun 16, 2024 3 Sir Geoff Hurst 5 goals
Responsible for scoring England’s only World Cup-winning goals, Sir Geoff Hurst wasn’t even set to play in the 1966 World Cup, but was thrown into the quarter-final after an injury to Jimmy Greaves and kept his place until the final.
It’s safe to say that it was a sliding-doors moment for both Hurst and the Three Lions, with Hurst having only made his England debut earlier that year.
He scored the only goal of the game against Argentina to help them into the semi-finals, before grabbing a hat-trick in the final (including two in extra-time) to secure the Jules Rimet trophy for England.
He remains the only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final and win the tournament – a record that could still stand for some time to come. A part of the squad four years later, Hurst could only manage one goal as his side were knocked out by West Germany in extra time.
Saiba quais são os jogadores mais importantes que podem se aposentar após a copa do mundo. Conheça alguns dos jogadores que certamente vão marcar sua ultima passagem pela copa do mundo em 2022.
O futebol é um esporte magnifico que reúne pessoas de todas as idades para aproveitar um momento de lazer. A copa do Mundo, um dos eventos esportivos mais importantes do mundo está logo aí, esse ano tendo como sede o Qatar. De quatro em quatro anos todo mundo veste a camisa de sua seleção e deixa de lado a sua rivalidade contra times da sua região só para apoiar a seleção e quem sabe ajudar o time a levar uma taça.
Na Copa do Qatar existem alguns grandes favoritos ao título como Brasil, França, Argentina, Portugal, essas seleções carregam grandes nomes do futebol mundial, além de é claro serem perfeitas para tentar uma fezinha na sportwetten24.
A cada quatro anos um novo ciclo de futebol começa nas seleções, para essas seleções se tornarem favoritas foi necessário muito empenho e trabalho para alcançar essa marca. Junto dessas formações alguns jogadores que marcaram história vestindo a camisa da seleção podem acabar pendurando as chuteiras após a copa, ou simplesmente desaparecendo delas. Conheça alguns dos cinco jogadores que provavelmente terão a copa do Qatar como a última da sua.
Daniel Alves
Um dos melhores jogadores de todos os tempos pode estar com o tempo contado vestindo a camisa amarelinha. Com 39 anos de idade o jogador pode acabar sendo relacionado como um dos 26 selecionados para defender a camisa do Brasil durante a copa, mas dificilmente ele chegará à outra Copa devida sua idade. Em todo seu tempo de carreira o jogador acumulou muitas taças levantando mais de 43 títulos sendo hoje em dia o jogador que mais venceu títulos no mundo.
Cristiano Ronaldo
A seleção de Portugal certamente deve estar aflita ao pensar que provavelmente essa será a última copa do mundo do CR7. Sendo considerado por muitos o melhor jogador do século, Cristiano Ronaldo levantou diversos títulos ao longo da sua carreira sem contar que além de títulos foi considerado diversas vezes como o melhor jogador do mundo. Atualmente o craque tem 37 anos, porém na próxima copa com 41 anos é bem improvável que ele volte a jogar pela seleção.
Robert Lewandowski
O atual melhor do mundo pode estar vestindo a camisa da seleção da Polônia pela última vez em uma Copa no Qatar. Esse grande jogador mostrou ao mundo que para ser o melhor do mundo não é necessário ser o mais habilidoso ou o que fazem jogadas mais bonitas, ao longo da sua carreira Lewandowski levantou diversas taças e se consagrou como um dos grandes centroavantes do mundo. Atualmente ele detém até mesmo o recorde de gols em uma única temporada vestindo a camisa do Bayer de Munique.
Sergio Ramos
Um dos melhores laterais da Europa pode estar vestindo a camisa da seleção pela última vez na Copa do Qatar. Sergio Ramos fez uma longa trajetória de títulos sendo parte importante de grandes times que marcaram a história com títulos importantes. Além de fazer parte do seleto grupo de jogadores que já ganharam uma copa do mundo em atividade o Defensor de 36 anos também faz parte de uma longa história de títulos e até mesmo de modelos de futebol que foram se reinventando e se tornando parâmetro para muitos times atuais.
Lionel Messi
Apesar de que muitos queiram negar que isso possa acontecer o gênio do futebol Lionel Messi pode estar vestindo a camisa da seleção pela última vez em uma copa do mundo. Messi é simplesmente um dos melhores jogadores de todos os tempos sendo considerados por muitos o melhor do mundo em diversos aspectos. Atualmente em baixa o jogador ainda apresenta grandes números, mas que não chegam nem perto do seu auge. Na copa do Qatar o Messi terá 35 anos e na próxima edição de copa do mundo com 39 anos, esperar que ele não esteja entre os selecionados é bem palpável.