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Who will Colin Bell pick in his final squad? GOAL takes a look…

The South Korean national women's team is set to play in their fourth FIFA Women's World Cup finals in July, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand.

Their best finish was in the 2015 edition when they reached the round of 16 but were beaten 3-0 by France.

They qualified for the 2023 Women's World Cup by virtue of making it to the last four of the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup. In fact, they surpassed the qualification standard and made it to the final of the continental competition but lost 3-2 to China to finish as runners-up.

In 2023, they have not been able to hit the top gear as they have won only two out of five matches. They lost all three matches against England, Belgium and Italy respectively in the Clark Cup before returning to winning ways against Zambia at home in April

They have been drawn in Group H in the Women's World Cup along with South Korea, Colombia, Morocco and Germany.

Who can Ian Bell pick in the World Cup squad? GOAL takes a look…

Getty ImagesGOALKEEPERS

Kim Jung-mi is the number one choice between the sticks for South Korea. She was the preferred shot-stopper during the Clark Cup friendlies in Europe and also had the gloves during one of the friendlies against Zambia.

She has more than 130 caps to her name and there is little doubt that Bell trusts her skills under the bar. Barring any injury concerns she should have the gloves in Australia.

Yoon Young-geul, the 35-year-old keeper of Swedish side BK Hacken is another experienced candidate and is a solid backup keeper. While the third spot can go to Suwon UDC's young keeper Kim Kyeong-hee.

Name Club

Yoon Young-geulIncheon Hyundai SRAKim Jung-miBK HackenKim Kyeong-heeSuwon UDCRyu Ji-sooSeoul WFCAdvertisementGetty ImagesDEFENDERS

Bell sets his defence up according to the strengths of the opposition. While he mostly likes to field a three-woman backline, sometimes he can shift to a more traditional four players in defence.

The three central defenders are most likely to be Kim Hye-ri, Lim Seon-joo, and Hong Hye-ji. The first two are counted among the most experienced candidates in the squad and boast of having more than 100 caps. Meanwhile, 26-year-old Hong is following in the footsteps of his senior colleagues and has established herself as an integral part of Korea's defence.

If one of the three is unavailable or injured, then Shim Seo-yeon or Kim Yun-Ji is called upon to fill in the vacancy.

Whereas, if Bell shifts to a back four, which is rare, then among the three centre-backs two are chosen, while Choo Hyo-Joo and Jang Sel-gi are the two full-backs. And in the other case, Choo & Jang are deployed as the right and left wing-backs.

Name Club

Choo Hyo-jooSuwon UDCHong Hye-jiIncheon Hyundai SRAShim Seo-yeonSuwon UDCKim Hye-yeongGyeongju KHNP WFCKim Yun-jiSuwon UDCLim Seon-jooIncheon Hyundai SRAJang Sel-giIncheon Hyundai SRAKim Hye-riIncheon Hyundai SRAKim Jin-huiGyeongju KHNP WFCLee Soo-inKorea University-SejongJeong Yu-jinChangnyeong WFCLee Young-juMadrid CFFGetty ImagesMIDFIELDERS

Bell usually has three midfielders at the centre of the park to complement his two advanced wing-backs. While two of them are likely to position themselves right before the central defenders to plug in the gaps, one of them will have the license to join the attack.

The manager has plenty of quality at his disposal and he usually likes to shuffle the pack. Cho So-Hyun and Ji So-yun are the two most experienced players with close to 150 caps each and they are the two preferred options at the centre of the park.

They are mostly joined by Son Hwa-yeon of Incheon Hyundai SRA in an advanced role. Whereas, Jang Yu-bin of Seoul WFC is an upcoming talent whom Bell likes to introduce in the latter stages of the game and she will be the one to look out for in Australia.

Name Club

Bae Ye-binUiduk UniversityChun Ga-ramHwacheon KSPOPark Ye-eunBrighton & Hove AlbionPark Hye-jeongSejong SportstotoJi So-yunSuwon UDCCho So-hyunTottenham HotspurJang ChangIncheon Hyundai SRALee Min-a Incheon Hyundai SRAPark Ye-naMungyeong SangmuKim Seong-miIncheon Hyundai SRAENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty ImagesFORWARDS

Bell is spoilt for choices when it comes to selecting his forwards. Jung Seol-bin might be given the responsibility to lead the lines. The 33-year-old plies her trade with Incheon Hyundai SRA and has 22 international goals in her career.

Meanwhile, Brighton's Lee Geum-min acts as the perfect foil for Jung. The Brighton forward scored five goals in two matches against Zambia in April and will hope to bring her best form in the tournament.

Park Eun-sun is another option and she has the experience to make a difference at the highest stages. On a few occasions, Bell has used Park & Jung as two strikers upfront with Lee operating from a bit deeper position.

Name Club

Son Hwa-yeonIncheon Hyundai SRAChoe Yu-riIncheon Hyundai SRAPark Eun-sunSeoul WFCJang Yu-binSeoul WFCSeo Ji-younGyeongju KHNP WFCJung Seol-binIncheon Hyundai SRALee Eun-youngKorea University-SejongJeon Eun-haSuwon UDCMoon Mi-raIncheon Hyundai SRAHyun Seul-giMungyeong SangmuJeon Yu-gyeongChangnyeong WFCKo Min-jungUiduk UniversityLee Jung-minGyeongju KHNP WFCKang Chae-rimSuwon UDC

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Meet the 22 products that exceeded our expectations this year

2022, a monumental year for football. On top of the beautiful game being bigger than it’s ever been before, our inboxes have been loaded full of top-tier products and drops.

From unmissable collaborations to re-releases of cult favourites, we want to share our insight into the best products the year has seen. We’ve shared a lot along the way, but this is our closing ceremony for the year of 2022. 

To bring the unforgettable year together, GOAL bestows you the best of ball design, kitbag essentials, football books, player collaborations, and so much more, all in one place. 

Introducing, the GOAL 2022 Product Awards.

The 22 Best Products of 2022

Ball of the Year Nike Flight Premier League 2022-23 Ball£100.00 at PRO: Direct Soccer

Honourable Mentions: Nike Flight UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Ball, PUMA Orbita La Liga 2022-23 Ball

With a new season came a new ball, and what a ball it was. Inspired by the very first Premier League ball used back in 1992, the new and improved – technology-wise – Nike Flight came with the very same colours, and bold graphics loved on the original. 

With a rich history and nostalgic design, the Nike Flight Premier League ball topped our vote, with the Nike Flight Women’s Euro 2022 ball not far behind. 

While the official match ball will set you back a fair few pounds, the replica ball comes in for just £20 at PRO: Direct Soccer. 

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Football Shin Guard of the YearX Speedportal League Shin Guards£18.00 at Sports Direct 

Honourable Mentions: G Form Pro-S Vento Shin Guard, PUMA Ultra Flex Sleeve Shin Guards

For weeks it felt like all we were seeing was the Solar Green of the adidas X Speedportal collection wherever we looked. From shin guards to boots, the X Speedportal line took over our screens, and rightly so. 

Synonymous for speed and reaction time, the X range is the top choice for those seeking a shin pad that feels like it's barely there. With a lightweight and perforated cushion design, these shin pads excel when you need to play at your full potential with nothing holding you back. 

Goalkeeper Gloves of the Year PUMA x Liberty London Ultra Grip 1£80.00 at PRO: Direct Soccer 

Honourable Mentions: Reusch Attrakt Gold x Glueprint Ortho-Tec, adidas Predator Edge Training GK Gloves

Worn by the pros in 2022’s summer major tournament – the Women’s Euros – the match-quality PUMA Ultra Grip 1 gloves deliver supreme sensitivity, flexibility, and traction. 

Born to perform right down to the fingertips and paired with Liberty’s beautiful- and iconic – floral artistry, these gloves are a clear winner for 2022. 

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Kitbag Accessory of the Year Therabody Theragun PRO – 5th Gen£550.00 at JD Sports 

Honourable Mentions: adidas Terrex Gore-Tex Infinium Gloves, STATS Sports Apex Athlete Series App

While the Therabody Theragun may not be new news to anyone, 2022 saw the release of the 5th Generation PRO. 

The newest member of the Theragun family comes with an impressive bounty of new features like built-in guided routines and app connectivity, plus, a stronger motor quieter than ever before.

A kitbag essential – loved by the likes of Trent Alerxander-Arnold and Granit Xhaka – for muscle recovery, the Theragun PRO is the ultimate tool to help you find relief after those tough games. 

Juventus are reportedly planning contract reconstruction talks with Paul Pogba, with the France international bracing himself for a pay cut.

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Frenchman returned to Italy in 2022Has struggled with injuryBianconeri looking to revise termsWHAT HAPPENED?

The World Cup-winning midfielder returned to Turin in the summer of 2022 amid much fanfare. He had endured a tough time at Manchester United, on the back of a record-breaking move to Old Trafford in 2016, but was still a hero to many at the Allianz Stadium.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Pogba has found form and fitness hard to come by back in Italy, with a string of injury issues restricting him to just 11 appearances in a little over 12 months. Juve are seeing little return on their investment, with the 30-year-old working on a deal that delivers an €8 million (£7m/$9m) annual salary.

DID YOU KNOW?

reports that Bianconeri director Cristiano Giuntoli will soon meet with Pogba’s agent Rafaela Pimenta to talk terms. It is claimed that the Frenchman will be asked to take a pay cut, or agree to a revised deal that will see his basic wage topped up to €8m-a-year through a series of performance-related bonuses.

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Pogba has started just one game for Juventus since rejoining their ranks, with his efforts at present falling a long way short of what he produced during a previous stint in Italy – with 34 goals recorded and four Serie A titles claimed between 2012 and 2016.

Chris Cooke scored a superb maiden first-class century to keep Kent’s attack at bay and guide Glamorgan to 329 all out on the opening day of the Division Two match at Canterbury.

Press Association31-Aug-2014
ScorecardMitch Claydon finished with 4 for 47 but it became a frustrating day for Kent•Getty ImagesChris Cooke scored a superb maiden first-class century to keep Kent’s attack at bay and guide Glamorgan to 329 all out on the opening day of the Division Two match at Canterbury.Cooke, the 28-year-old South African-born batsman, was last out for 171 after holding Glamorgan’s first innings together against a Kent team still with an outside chance of promotion and aiming to win three of their last four Championship games.It always looked like being Cooke’s day after he was dropped on 2 by Adam Riley at second slip, off Darren Stevens, and overall he batted for 214 balls and struck 18 fours and a six.Riley’s miss was hugely costly for Kent, who would have had their opponents 15 for 4 had Cooke been dismissed. As it was, Cooke and Jim Allenby put on 62 for the fourth wicket to begin Glamorgan’s recovery from 7 for 3.Allenby made 44 from 44 balls, leading a counter-attack with eight fours, but it was not until Dean Cosker joined Cooke in an eighth-wicket partnership of 118 in 32 overs that Glamorgan moved into a position of comfort following their decision to bat first on a good pitch and in warm, sunny conditions.The 36-year-old Cosker’s two-hour 45 from 104 balls was only seven runs short of his career-best, and his determined resistance gave Cooke the opportunity to go past his previous first-class best – 96, also against Kent, in June – as well as hauling Glamorgan up from a distinctly under-par 183 for 7.Mitch Claydon led Kent’s bowling effort with 4 for 47 and it was he who ended Cosker’s resistance in his second over with the second new ball.Claydon also added the tail-end wicket of Michael Hogan, bowled swishing, to those earlier of Jacques Rudolph, caught at first slip for nought during an opening spell of 5-4-1-1, and Allenby, who was caught behind thin-edging an attempted pull.Stevens supported Claydon well, starting with a new ball spell of 10-4-15-1 and having Gareth Rees caught at the wicket for 3 as he tried to force away square on the offside. Later, in the second over after lunch, Stevens saw David Lloyd, on 7, drive him straight to mid-off.It was only right at the end of Glamorgan’s innings, when Stevens was hit for 16 runs in an over by Cooke, that he was collared.Robbie Joseph – making his first Championship appearance since the end of June – removed Will Bragg leg-before after the batsman had struggled through 41 balls, and Matt Hunn won an lbw appeal to send back Graham Wagg for 18 after he had driven offspinner Riley for six and four in the space of three balls.Riley did have the consolation of taking Cooke’s wicket, when he drove high to Hunn at long-off, but only after he had batted for five hours and displayed a range of strokeplay unmatched by any other batsman.Before that, indeed, Riley’s only success on a chastening day for the highly-rated 22-year-old, was when Mark Wallace – having contributed 24 to a sixth-wicket stand of 58 with Cooke – lifted a drive to short extra cover.

The inability to generate sufficient funding has cost the Africa Cricket Association (ACA) its memorandum of understanding with the ICC

Firdose Moonda23-Dec-2014The inability to generate sufficient funding has cost the Africa Cricket Association (ACA) its memorandum of understanding with the ICC. Budgetary concerns means the agreement will not be renewed when it expires on December 31, but the ACA has resolved to continue doing development work despite its cash-flow closing up.The end of the MoU means the ICC will take over the activities of the ACA as part of its own development activities. This will include running tournaments which are part of the World Cricket League, as they do in the Americas, East Asia and Pacific, and European offices.It will leave the ACA with very little of its activity duties. The organisation has yet to detail how it will continue to make itself part of the development of the game on the continent, but they insist they will not be dissolved entirely. For the last seven years, the ACA and ICC’s agreement included a shared funding model in which the ACA had to provide 50% the ICC’s monetary contribution to developing the game on the continent. and 40% of the salary of the ACA CEO, who took on the role of an ICC regional development officer.In an ICC report to the development committee obtained by ESPNcricinfo, the ICC claim the ACA only contributes between 10 and 20%. The ACA has existed since 1997 and since then has only staged one money-making event, the Afro-Asia Cup of three ODIs held in South Africa in 2005. The money generated from that tournament was put into development. The competition took place again two years later in India, so the ACA did not profit from it, and has since not happened again. Essentially that made the ACA financially dependent on the ICC.The ICC acknowledged that while the partnership worked “reasonably well,” it mentioned “complicating factors in managing staff,” and that the development philosophies of the ACA and ICC were “different – largely around the targeting of resources.” This has “generated some tension and created a “difficult working environment for this joint role.”A similar breakaway of the ICC from the Asian Cricket Council is also being discussed.

A round-up of all the news coming out of the IPL, on April 13, 2016

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Apr-2016Ashish Nehra will miss Sunrisers Hyderabad’s next two matches, against Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians at home, due to a groin injury. Nehra picked up the knock during Sunrisers’ 45-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore on Tuesday, hobbling off the field after just 2.1 overs in the first innings.”Nehra has hurt his groin. He will be out for a couple of games,” David Warner, Sunrisers’ captain, said after the game. “We have to look back and look at positives and turn it around. We have a good batting track at Hyderabad. We should not lose wickets in clumps.”When you look at the outcome of the game, it really hurts when the bowler goes down. You have to reassess you plans and when two batsmen are going hard here, it’s very difficult to stop them. One bowler going down really hurts and you plans are thrown off the track.”Nehra was one of India’s standout performers at the recently-concluded World T20, picking up five wickets from five matches at an impressive economy-rate of 5.94.’I regret retiring’ – HoggChinaman bowler Brad Hogg has said he regrets having given up international cricket in 2008, just when it looked like he might have a good run in Test cricket given Shane Warne’s first-class career was at an end then. Hogg gave up ODIs and Tests in February 2008 soon after his 37th birthday due to issues on the personal front, before making a T20I comeback in early 2012 at 40.”I do regret retiring back in 2008. I had a Test berth for Australia at that stage but I had some personal issues with family and yes, I retired there,” Hogg was quoted as saying by PTI, on the eve of Kolkata Knight Riders’ game against Mumbai Indians. “I wish I didn’t, because the marriage did not survive. Luckily it did not, because I met a new partner and she’s someone who supports me. There’s talk about me when I’m going to stop and she just says play as long as you possibly can. We’re going to try get there to fifty.”Hogg said he still looks forward to playing every game, and that keeps him going at 45. “I think it’s just having the passion of wanting to play. Everyone knows I retired in 2008, had about two-three years out of the game. To have an opportunity [to do] what you love, I don’t take it for granted. I just love it, I still have the passion of a five-year-old kid, when I first had that dream of playing for Australia. The game has changed, it has evolved. It has given a new lease of life to cricket and it has given a new lease of life to me.”Kings XI co-owner keen to help out drought victims
Ness Wadia, one of the co-owners of Kings XI Punjab, has said he is willing to shift his franchise’s matches out of Maharashtra, given the drought issues in the state. He also said he was willing to help out those affected by the drought, if directed how to.”IPL is about enjoyment and fun. But where’s the fun when there’s death and malnutrition and basic facilities like water are unavailable? The IPL is important in its own way, but the matches can always be shifted,” Wadia told the . “If we’re told in whichever way we can contribute, we’re willing to participate. Whether it’s contributing to the chief minister’s fund or adopting villages in the region or anything else that would help us do something to help.”The case relating to holding IPL games – which require large amounts of water to maintain the grounds, etc – in the drought-hit Indian state is ongoing in the Bombay High Court, with the court yet to make a final ruling.

Many felt that the Blues had overpaid for the 21-year-old attacker but he stole the show at Stamford Bridge on Sunday

"I'm tired," Mauricio Pochettino said in his post-match press conference. And who could blame him? With Monday's emotionally-draining Tottenham victory still fresh in the memory, the Argentine was subjected to another tortuous 90-plus minutes against Manchester City on Sunday.

However, thanks to Cole Palmer, at least the Blues came away with a 4-4 draw and a point to show for their efforts. The former City man netted from the penalty spot in second-half stoppage time to cap off another crazy game of Premier League football, after Ruben Dias had chopped down Armando Broja in the area.

Before that, this one had pretty much everything. As you might expect in a game with eight goals, Erling Haaland found himself on the scoresheet twice, though not without controversy, and Palmer was not the only ex-City man that proved a point against his former employers.

England boss Gareth Southgate would have watched on with particular interest too, with Raheem Sterling making another strong case for his return to the national team. But, in the end, this one was all about Palmer – a young man proving that not all of Chelsea's summer signings are doomed to failure.

Below, GOAL runs down all the winners and losers from Stamford Bridge…

Getty WINNER: Erling Haaland

Haaland has scored two or more goals on 36 occasions since joining Borussia Dortmund in 2020 – more than any other player across Europe's 'Big Five' leagues. Obviously! The man is a goalscoring machine, operating in a league of his own. It really is as simple as that. Like the Terminator, there is just no stopping him – no matter how little the Norwegian is involved in his team’s build-up play. However, while Haaland is sometimes criticised for his lack of touches, particularly since arriving at Manchester City, he was excellent at Stamford Bridge in every sense.

His hold-up play was fantastic – he was heavily involved in the move that led to City’s fourth goal – and he never gave Thiago Silva & Co. a moment’s piece. On days such as these, he really does look like a cheat code. City didn’t play particularly well at all yet they still managed to claim a point almost exclusively because of the phenomenal No.9.

AdvertisementGetty LOSER: Manchester City's defence

When Pep Guardiola claimed that Manchester City were "in trouble” following an injury to John Stones, many people scoffed. After all, the Catalan is in possession of one of the most expensively assembled squads in football history. The man is renowned for stockpiling £50 million defenders – and only this past summer he signed a centre-back, Josko Gvardiol, for nearly twice that figure.

However, Stones was undeniably conspicuous by his absence at Stamford Bridge, with his defensive excellence and composure on the ball in midfield sorely missed by a team that looked unusually ragged. The aforementioned Gvardiol continues to flatter to deceive but the real story was City being let down by some of their most reliable players, namely Ederson and Ruben Dias.

The former was at fault for Nicolas Jackson’s goal, while the latter was atrocious throughout, with his miserable evening capped by a terrible challenge on Armando Broja that allowed Palmer to level the game from the penalty spot. Maybe Guardiola was right. Maybe the treble-winners really are in trouble…

Getty ImagesWINNER: Cole Palmer

Of all the signings Chelsea have made in the Todd Boehly era so far, few have generated as muted a reaction as when Palmer arrived from Manchester City in a £42.5m ($51.9m) deal. Dismissed as an overpay at the time, the silky forward is making his critics eat their words lately – and Sunday was his best display yet.

Palmer clearly wanted to prove a point to his former club. His energy never dipped and he was involved in many of Chelsea’s best moves, linking up sublimely with Reece James down the right-hand side in particular. Midway through the second half, it appeared he’d created his crowning moment, jinking past a host of sky-blue shirts and into the box. However, off balance, he scuffed a tame effort at Ederson.

Thankfully, Dias was on hand to ensure his ex-team-mate went home happy. His foul gifted Chelsea a penalty at the death and despite a lengthy delay, Palmer kept his nerve, stepping up to smash home and earn his side a point. This young team desperately needs leaders – and Palmer can be exactly that. City might have made a massive mistake in not fighting harder to keep him around in the summer.

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GettyLOSER: Levi Colwill

Colwill has not had the best week on a personal level. After putting in one of his shakiest displays in a Chelsea shirt against Tottenham on Monday – which resulted in him being dragged off at half time – he was absent from the squad entirely against City. The talented young defender suffered a minor shoulder injury in the lead up to the game and was not risked this weekend.

Colwill was milling around the press area with fellow absentee Wesley Fofana before the match and seemed in decent-enough spirits – particularly when he got to spend some time with rap superstar and Chelsea fan Jack Harlow. However, the knock comes at a less-than-ideal moment.

He was once again called up by England boss Gareth Southgate for next week’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against North Macedonia and Malta and although there is little to play for – with the Three Lions progression already secured – the warning Southgate issued to clubmate Reece James will be ringing in Colwill’s ears this evening. It’s not long until the action gets going in Germany and every single player will be laser-focussed on impressing Southgate. Colwill seems to have been deprived of that opportunity this month.

Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga suffered a knee injury in France training, as Carlo Ancelotti's injury issues mount.

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Forced off after collision with Ousmane DembeleWill undergo tests, thought not to be seriousMadrid already without Aurelien TchouameniWHAT HAPPENED?

The midfielder was forced off the training pitch after sustaining a knock and will require further tests to determine the extent of the injury. He is expected to receive treatment in the coming days, but the problem isn't thought to be serious, according to .

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Camavinga's knock comes at an inopportune time for Los Blancos. They already find themselves shorthanded in defensive midfield, with Aurelien Tchouameni not expected to return until the new year. There is, however, cover at left-back — Camavinga's other position — with Fran Garcia and Ferland Mendy waiting in the wings.

Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?

Camavinga is the youngest player since 1914 to represent the French national team, after making his debut at 17 years and 303 days, coming on at half-time against Croatia in September 2020. Paris Saint-Germain youngster Warren Zaire-Emery could break that record if he makes an appearance in either of France's Euro 2024 qualifiers this week.

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WHAT NEXT FOR CAMAVINGA?

The Madrid midfielder will undergo tests in the coming days to determine the severity of the injury, as Ancelotti will hope that another key player doesn't face an extended spell out of the side.

Nick Browne made a half-century to go with 103 in the first innings as Essex staved off the threat of defeat after being made to follow on

Paul Edwards at Old Trafford09-Jul-2015
ScorecardArron Lilley took three second-innings wickets but could not induce another Essex collapse (file photo)•Getty ImagesA match in which the cricketers had frequently triumphed over the conditions ended early in mocking Mancunian sunshine. Bowled out for 203 in their first innings, Essex’s batsmen exhibited rather more backbone when asked to follow-on, although as Paul Horton pointed out in characteristically shrewd fashion, James Foster’s men were essentially being asked to bat out time on what was a second-day wicket.For while this game will be remembered for Steven Croft’s hundred and should be remembered for Toby Lester’s successful debut, it may also be recalled, perhaps with a slight shudder, for the 138.2 overs that were lost to the weather on the first three days.However, the showers should not detract from Nick Browne’s achievement in making 105 and 50 against Lancashire’s skilful bowling attack. Had it not been for Browne’s admirable obduracy and well-honed technique, Essex would have been dismissed for rather fewer than the mediocre 203 they managed in the first innings; had he not then made a half-century in 97 minutes second time around, Croft’s bowlers may have been given the oxygen of early success with no one knowing to what long-shadowed dramas that might have led.Browne was fortunate in that he found at least one other batsmen prepared to tough it out with him in Essex’s first innings, although there was little surprise that his companion in the Old Trafford trenches was that cold-eyed battler James Foster. The pair had added 79 in 29 overs when Foster was pinned on the crease by James Faulkner for a deceptively modest 14 half an hour after the start of Thursday’s play. Had the Essex captain been caught at slip by Croft off Faulkner for only 5 on Wednesday, Essex’s decline might have been yet more rapid.Even as it was, Faulkner bowled Greg Smith for 3, thus completing his personal five-wicket haul, before Lester had Graham Napier caught behind by Davies for 23. That was Lester’s third and last wicket at the end of a week he had expected to be spending with Lancashire’s second team at Headingley.And the cynics who maintain that there is no romance in this game should have seen the left-arm bowler’s wide-eyed wonderment after the match was over as he talked about the moment on Monday morning when he was told by Ashley Giles that he was in Lancashire’s XI to play Essex. Even his team-mates were touched by his delight when he uprooted Jaik Mickleburgh’s middle stump on Wednesday afternoon. “I’d be happy to bowl all day at Old Trafford” he said, when asked how difficult he had found the windy conditions.However, neither Lester nor the offspinner, Arron Lilley, could precipitate the sort of collapse that Lancashire needed in Essex’s second innings. Lilley removed Mickleburgh, caught at short leg by Croft for 37, and Browne, snared one-handed by Ashwell Prince at short cover off the leading edge for 50, in successive overs, but that was the summit of Lancashire’s achievement on this last day.The crowd whiled away the rest of the afternoon enjoying the warm sunshine on their backs as Lilley tried to make further breakthroughs under the gaze of the watching national selector James Whitaker. The spinner managed just one, when Ravi Bopara was neatly caught at short leg by Brown for 22. Matters were then left in the hands of Essex’s fourth-wicket pair, Liam Dawson and Jesse Ryder, who dealt capably with Croft’s attack during the final 18 overs of the game. Ryder’s self-denial was exemplified by his taking 30 balls to score his first run, which may be something of a personal worst. By then, though, nobody minded very much.

Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo will only “finish” his remarkable career when his body begins to give up, says Portugal manager Roberto Martinez.

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All-time great showing no sign of slowing downContinues to star for club and countryWill not hang up his boots any time soonWHAT HAPPENED?

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is still going strong at 38 years of age, with nobody in world football bettering his return of 54 goals for club and country across the calendar year of 2023. The all-time great is showing no sign of slowing down, with the expectation being that he has several years left at the very highest level.

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Ronaldo has suggested in the past that he will play on into his 40s, providing that he steers clear of serious injury, with there no desire on his part to consider retirement. He has worked relentlessly to keep himself in peak physical condition, while demanding nothing but the best from himself and those around him.

WHAT MARTINEZ SAID ABOUT RONALDO

As long he retains that hunger and fitness, Martinez sees no reason why Ronaldo would give any thought to hanging up his boots. Portugal’s head coach has told when asked when the all-time great could call it a day: “Cristiano will finish the day he decides that his body cannot give him what he wants on the pitch. At the moment he still wants to win everything. There are no other 38 year olds that can give you the level that he gives physically in two international games within a space of three days.”

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

Former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus star Ronaldo is working on a contract at Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Nassr through to 2025. He is expected to grace Euro 2024 with his country, while playing on towards the 2026 World Cup, and will continue to enhance international records in the men’s game that have already seen him earn 205 caps and score 128 goals for Portugal.