Kategori: Soccers

Manchester United have reached an agreement with Atalanta over Rasmus Hojlund.

The deal in principle is worth an initial £64m with a further £8m in add-ons. Atalanta went into negotiations wanting £77m guaranteed.

As previously reported by Sky Sports News, the forward’s destination of choice has been Old Trafford, so there was no concern over PSG’s interest in the Denmark international.

Personal terms were no issue, with Hojlund agreeing a five-year contract with the option of an additional 12 months.

The Premier League side were handed a boost on Saturday when Atalanta signed Almeria forward El Bilal Toure, while Hojlund was left out of the squad that played Bournemouth in a pre-season friendly.

United’s incoming business is now largely done, and any more arrivals are likely to depend on departures.

There is interest in the likes of Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, Fred and Donny van de Beek.

If there are exits, United are understood to be ready to go into the market to replace them.

Strong interest remains in Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.

‘Man Utd have solved three core squad issues’

Sky Sports News senior reporter Melissa Reddy:

“United are conscious that Hojlund is more potential than the finished article, but believe Erik ten Hag’s coaching could help mould him into an elite player.

“Marcus Rashford may need to play some games as United’s focal point while the 20-year-old adjusts and gains experience. Long-term he is seen as a talent that has the potential to become world class under Ten Hag.

United have now solved the three core squad issues the manager identified: a goalkeeper, forward and dynamic midfielder. This has been done within the budget the club set themselves, which was conditioned by Financial Fair Play regulations.”

Analysis: Hojlund has huge potential

Sky Sports’ football feature writer Adam Bate:

Rasmus Hojlund has captured the imagination after an encouraging season in Serie A and Manchester United are betting on the 20-year-old talent to be the next superstar striker in European football. But how can they get the best from the young Dane?

Sturm Graz’s tactics demanded Hojlund make penetrative runs in behind the opposition defence. “That needs a lot of sprints and a lot of quick decisions from our strikers, and I think those are big strengths of Rasmus,” head coach Christian Ilzer told Sky Sports.

“I think it was key that our philosophy and style fitted his skillset perfectly so he came into a good environment. Ras was a great addition to our team with his abilities. It was his speed, his general physique and his willingness to work hard against the ball.”

Erik ten Hag will welcome a pressing forward with pace but patience will be required. Hojlund has promise but United need to see significant progression to justify this outlay. He made that progress at Sturm Graz and again with Atalanta. This next step is the key one.

Ten Hag: Real Madrid defeat shows why Man Utd need a striker

Ten Hag said United’s inability to take their chances in a 2-0 friendly loss to Real Madrid on Thursday “absolutely” emphasised their need for a new striker.

United had chances of their own but failed to score with any of their 14 attempts – an all too familiar tale given their problems taking opportunities last season.

Asked if the attacking display in Texas emphasised why they were looking to sign a new striker, Ten Hag said: “Absolutely.

“There were two things – the pressing can be better from the start and scoring goals.

“I think we need more players who are capable to be in the one-on-ones and we had the situations of one-on-ones.”

Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports

Who will be on the move this summer when the transfer window opens on June 14 and closes at 11pm on September 1 in England and midnight in Scotland?

Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.

David Beckham says an ownership change is needed at Manchester United and a future role at the club would “mean the world” to him.

The Inter Miami co-owner and Old Trafford legend wants to see an end to the drawn-out takeover process which has been going on since the Glazer family – who indicated they could sell in November – took offers from groups led by Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe to buy United.

When asked in an interview with The Athletic if it was time for the Glazers to leave, he said: “I think so. I think it’s purely because the fans want it.

“Once you lose the fans, especially at a club like Manchester United, it’s hard to get them back.

“Obviously, they (the Glazers) have achieved a lot, and financially, the fact we’re even talking about the numbers of what Manchester United will sell for shows the success they’ve had. But there needs to be change. We’ve all seen that, we all know that.”

Reflecting on the relative struggles his former club have been through in recent years, compared to the success United had during his time in Manchester and in the Sir Alex Ferguson era, Beckham says serious investment is now required to return the team to the very top.

“It hasn’t been the greatest of times for Manchester United, on the field or off the field,” Beckham said. “Seeing [head coach] Erik ten Hag come in is a breath of fresh air. He has had some tough decisions to make but he has done it in the most elegant way and in a way where he has got the fans on his side.

“Off the field, as a fan and ex-player, I just want [the takeover] resolved. There has to be a decision. Whoever is running your club, you want them to be passionate, be involved, make the right decisions, bring in the right players and invest in the club.

“Because the club does need investment, whether it’s the training facility, stadium, on the field… these kinds of big things need to be made and changes do need to happen, especially when you see the likes of Man City and what they’re doing.

“It’s not just about what they’re winning. You can see that Man City are building for the future, not just from season to season. They’ve got stability with Pep Guardiola, who I am in awe of.

“We were the top of the tree, we were winning everything, the ones who were successful, the ones where the players wanted to come. Luckily, we still have that Manchester United pull that existed when I went there. We want that back and the sooner a decision can be made, the better.”

Beckham has been celebrating the arrival of Lionel Messi at his MLS club this month and, while his attentions remain very much on Inter Miami, he accepted a role at United in the future would be hard to turn down.

“I have a lot going on here at the moment and my focus has purely been on Miami and everything that goes on in my business,” he said.

“But I haven’t been approached and I suppose any involvement with Manchester United would mean the world to me, going forward. But who knows?

“We’ll see what happens in the next few weeks or months. Hopefully, a decision gets made and if I’m involved in any way… if not, I’ll be a United fan and just do what all the other fans are doing – turn up and watch our team.”

Man Utd’s pre-season fixtures and results

Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports

Who will be on the move this summer when the transfer window opens on June 14 and closes at 11pm on September 1 in England and midnight in Scotland?

Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.

All the top stories and transfer rumours from Saturday’s newspapers…

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Bayern Munich hope to meet with Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy on Monday in their latest bid to sign Harry Kane, which could be boosted by interest from Spurs in the German club’s attacking starlet Mathys Tel.

Nottingham Forest have rejected a club record offer worth up to £40m from Brentford for Brennan Johnson, the Wales international.

THE SUN

Mason Greenwood’s career at Manchester United could be saved after the club’s main sponsor Adidas approved his return.

Moises Caicedo and his representatives will ask Brighton to bring their asking price down from £100m, according to reports.

Newcastle’s Kell Watts insisted on delaying his medical ahead of a second loan spell at Wigan – because he was watching Love Island.

Everton are considering a move for Brazilian winger Tete.

DAILY MAIL

Top European clubs are growing increasingly fearful of losing players to the Saudi Pro League in September when they are powerless to replace them.

Bayern Munich have accepted an offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr for Sadio Mane.

James McAtee believes his time on loan at Sheffield United moulded him into a man but is relishing the opportunity of a lifetime back at Manchester City.

Allan Saint-Maximin’s time at Newcastle United is over after the winger completed a £30m switch to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.

DAILY MIRROR

The families of Lionel Messi and David Beckham dined together at a glitzy restaurant in Miami on Thursday evening.

Manchester City are not preparing to enter the race for PSG’s Kylian Mbappe this summer.

National League champions Wrexham have come under fire after a study revealed the club flew to a number of away games last season.

THE ATHLETIC

David Beckham says Inter Miami have long-standing plans to create a women’s team.

Tyler Adams has a relegation release clause as part of his Leeds United contract.

USMNT midfielder Yunus Musah is close to joining AC Milan from Valencia in a £17m move

THE GUARDIAN

LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall believes Jordan Henderson has an opportunity to “create a new blueprint” for discussion about LGBTQ+ rights after his controversial move to Saudi Arabia.

DAILY EXPRESS

Inter Miami have been forced to reduce ticket prices after the embarrassing sight of empty seats for Lionel Messi’s second game at DRV PNK Stadium.

Arsenal have reportedly rejected Inter Milan’s opening offer of £30m for striker Folarin Balogun immediately and have demanded that the Serie A side up their offer in order to land the American international.

Crystal Palace are prepared to submit a fresh bid for Flamengo’s Matheus Franca as the Eagles ramp up their pursuit of attacking reinforcements following the departure of Wilfried Zaha.

THE SCOTTISH SUN

Karamoko Dembele could be set for a shock return to the UK just 12 months after leaving Celtic, with the 20-year-old linked with a move to the English Championship.

Japanese striker Kyosuke Tagawa has confirmed he is on his way to Hearts

England seamer James Anderson says he has “no interest in retiring” as he prepares to celebrate his 41st birthday on Sunday.

Anderson, his country’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker with 690 scalps, headed into the fifth and final Ashes Test with just four strikes in the series at an average of 76.75.

Talk before The Kia Oval finale turned to whether the game could be Anderson’s last in an England shirt but he told Sky Sports Cricket on Friday that he is determined to extend his career.

Anderson, who removed Mitchell Marsh in London as Australia were bowled out for 295 in reply to England’s 283, said: “In terms of retirement I have no interest in going anywhere anytime soon.

“If Stokesy [captain Ben Stokes] and Baz [Test coach Brendon McCullum] say, ‘you have not got the wickets we would like’, I am absolutely fine with that but I feel like I have a lot more to give.

“I have tried not to listen to the comments. For me that question has been there for the last six years, even longer. As soon as you get into your 30s as a bowler, it’s, ‘how long has he got left?’

“The last three or four years I feel like I have bowled as well as I ever have. I feel like I have been in so much control, my body is in a good place, my skills are as good as they have ever been.

Anderson: I’d like to decide when I go

“I don’t feel like I’m bowling badly or am losing pace or that I am on the way out. I still feel I can offer a lot to this team.

“I’d like to [decide when I go].”

On his struggles in this Ashes series, Anderson added: “We all know as professional cricketers that you go through lean patches. You just pray it is not in the most high-profile series you can play in!

“I try to look at it objectively. Yes, I have not got the wickets but I am still trying to do the job for the team and help the guy out at the other end.”

Anderson frequently beat the bat on day two of the fifth Test and was rewarded in the afternoon when Marsh chopped on amid an Australia wobble of 5-70 as the tourists slipped from 115-2 to 185-7.

The 40-year-old added: “I was pleased with the way I bowled all day. I felt in good rhythm and that I was getting the ball to carry through – which is unusual!

“I tried to bowl a lot of wobble seam yesterday whereas today I just tried to hit the pitch as hard as I could.

“I got a bit of swing and seam movement now and then but I was just trying to keep it as simple as possible.”

Sky Sports Cricket pundit and former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said: “If you look at Anderson skill-wise and the way he has bowled, I think his control has ben good, his areas have been good.

“There might not have been the movement we expected but I think that has been down to the wickets we have played on. He even called the Edgbaston pitch ‘kryptonite’.”

Watch day three of the fifth Ashes Test live on Sky Sports Cricket on Saturday. Build-up starts at 10.15am with the first ball at 11am. Stream The Ashes and more with NOW.

Lauren James’ stunning goal on her first World Cup start saw England beat Denmark 1-0 to put them on the brink of the last 16, although it appears likely that they will be missing Keira Walsh after the midfielder was stretchered off with a knee injury.

Chelsea’s James was a welcome sight in the starting XI after a lacklustre showing against Haiti in England’s tournament opener. She thundered home from 20 yards (6) and immediately announced herself on the world stage.

But England’s joy did not last long as talismanic midfielder Walsh went down just after the half hour, clutching her knee. She immediately signalled to the bench, and was taken off on a stretcher a few minutes later.

Giving an update after the game, England manager Sarina Wiegman told BBC Sport: “I know nothing about Keira’s injury. It looked serious, if you get stretchered off it looks serious, but I don’t know. She’ll probably go for a scan but I’ve not heard anything.

“I think they did a great job to pick it up [after the injury] but of course it’s not nice to see a player on the pitch where it’s clear she has to be stretchered off.

“In the second half, we really had to fight for the win and that’s what we did.”

Even before Walsh’s injury, the Lionesses were being punished by Denmark for their sloppy errors, and almost conceded a late equaliser.

Denmark had scored late on to beat China in their opening game, and almost netted at a similar time in Sydney. However, Amalie Vangsgaard’s header hit the post and went wide, with Mary Earps needed again to see England to victory.

The Lionesses are now top of Group D with six points – although two unconvincing performances – with Denmark remaining second. England need Haiti to beat China in their group game at 12pm (UK time) or a draw to seal their spot in the last 16.

How England toiled to another World Cup win

It took just six minutes for James to show why so many were clamouring for her to start. She picked up the ball on the left, cutting across the top of the area before unleashing a stunning strike from 20 yards that rifled into the far corner.

England continued to see chances fall their way. Chloe Kelly attempted a spectacular overhead kick, but it went wide. James then had two efforts in quick succession, but both attempts went straight at Denmark goalkeeper Lene Christensen.

Denmark should have equalised as sloppiness from England handed them a series of chances. Rikke Madsen lashed an effort across the face of goal before Janni Thomsen lifted an effort over the bar. Pernille Harder also sent a shot straight into Earps’ arms.

England’s game got significantly harder as Walsh was stretchered off after she caught her foot in the turf, jarring her knee and instantly signalling to the bench to be substituted. After a spell with the England medical staff, she was carried off the pitch with Laura Coombs on in her place.

The first half was more subdued afterwards as England saw the game out until half time, but started strongly after the break. However, the cutting edge was lacking once again as promising attacks broke down before any balls could worry the Danish defence.

Denmark could have levelled too after more lax play from the Lionesses but Kathrine Kuhl fired a low shot at Earps. Lucy Bronze then smashed a header over the crossbar from a succession of England corners, before a quiet Alessia Russo hammered an effort into the side of the net.

Earps continued to keep England ahead, making another fine save in the 73rd minute when Katrine Veje attempted a Katie McCabe-esque direct corner, but the goalkeeper palmed the effort away. Denmark hit the post late on as Vangsgaard nipped in between the defender to head the ball goalwards, but could only find the upright.

England clung on until the final whistle to all-but secure their place in the knockout rounds, although questions still remain around their overall performances.

James: World Cup goal a dream come true

England goalscorer Lauren James on BBC Sport:

“It was a dream come true, one I’ve been thinking about, but most importantly we got the win on the day.

“I had a thought [it was going in] but the moment it hit the net, it was a relief.

“I’m calm on and off the pitch and I try to bring that to my game – it helped.”

What’s next?

England’s Group D campaign concludes on August 1 against China in Adelaide, kick-off 12pm, while Denmark meet Haiti at the same time in Perth.

What is the schedule?

The group stage has begun and runs over a two-week period finishing on August 3. Group winners and runners-up progress to the round of 16, which takes place from August 5 to August 8.

The quarter-finals, which will be held in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane and Sydney, are scheduled for August 11 and 12.

The first semi-final will then be played on August 15 in Auckland, with the other semi-final taking place on August 16 at the Accor Stadium in Sydney, which will then host the final on August 20.

A third-place play-off will be played the day before the final on August 19 in Brisbane.

All the top stories and transfer rumours from Friday’s newspapers…

DAILY MIRROR

Arsenal face competition from both Chelsea and Manchester United for £40m-rated playmaker Mohammed Kudus, and are also interested in £45m-rated winger Michael Olise.

Jonny Evans and Joe Hugill will remain in and around the first-team at Manchester United as Erik ten Hag looks to ensure the squad are well stocked.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui had made his frustration felt after he was informed about the club’s financial situation which could limit their ambitions this season.

Ben Foster consoled Nathan Bishop in the Manchester United dressing room after learning how distraught the young goalkeeper was over the challenge Paul Mullin incident.

England will put pressure on the International Cricket Council to allow for greater flexibility in the schedule to prevent Test matches being scuppered by the weather.

Novak Djokovic’s father, Srdjan, has expressed hope that his son will retire from tennis next year.

DAILY MAIL

Mauricio Pochettino has warned Chelsea’s players that he won’t tolerate moaning about lack of game-time and has invited any such trouble-makers to leave the club.

Full-back Reece James has revealed that a host of former players didn’t want to be at Chelsea last season.

Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq has been accused by fans on social media of greying out Jordan Henderson’s rainbow captain’s armband in their announcement video.

Luton have been given special dispensation by the Premier League to begin the season without installing undersoil heating at Kenilworth Road in contravention of the competition’s rulebook.

Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel admits that Bayern Munich are after a new No 9 this summer after twice having bids turned down for Tottenham’s Harry Kane.

A leading Manchester United supporters’ group has expressed concern that the club’s protracted takeover saga could take 18 months, with the much-maligned Glazer family yet to sell despite an array of offers worth billions.

THE GUARDIAN

Birmingham is considering hosting the Commonwealth Games again in 2026 after Victoria in Australia pulled out because of escalating cost.

Formula One drivers including Mercedes driver George Russell have raised safety concerns about this week’s Belgian Grand Prix at Spa – with rain expected all weekend at the treacherous track.

EVENING STANDARD

Tottenham will face no Premier League punishment should Joe Lewis be found guilty after facing insider trading charges in the US.

Luis Suarez’s move to Inter Miami to join former Barcelona team-mates has collapsed after Gremio coach Renato Portaluppi confirmed that he’ll be staying until at least January.

Chelsea face a decision over whether to continue trying to drive down the price for Moises Caicedo to meet Brighton’s demands or include Levi Colwill to tempt the Seagulls into a sale.

Lautaro Martinez said he is ‘disappointed’ by former strike partner Romelu Lukaku.

MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS

Kyle Walker refused to respond to questions from reporters about Bayern Munich amidst speculation that he could move to the Bundesliga champions.

Rasmus Hojlund is said to be ‘flattered’ by interest from Paris Saint-Germain in his services but the striker has his heart set on heading to Manchester United

Manchester City have identified Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise as a possible replacement for Saudi Arabia-bound Riyad Mahrez.

THE SUN

The Women’s World Cup was rocked on Wednesday night after Colombian teen sensation Linda Caicedo collapsed in a training session just months after recovering from cancer.

Ex-Manchester United star Odion Ighalo has slammed Cristiano Ronaldo and said the Al-Nassr striker is “playing for money, not passion”.

DAILY RECORD

Borussia Monchengladbach sporting director Roland Virkus has played down their interest in Fabian Rieder – which could leave an opening for Celtic this summer.

Rangers will demand an allocation of 700 tickets for the derby at Parkhead in December – even though Celtic have rejected the offer of the same amount for the Ibrox clash in September.

Kenneth Vargas’ Hearts transfer fee has been agreed as the Costa Rican’s Tynecastle arrival timeline has been laid out.

2022 was the first season in Lewis Hamilton’s career in which he failed to win a race; the Mercedes driver claimed his first pole since December 2021 at last weekend’s Hungarian GP; It’s a Sprint weekend! Watch Belgian GP Qualifying at 4pm on Friday live on Sky Sports F1

Lewis Hamilton said changes to Mercedes’ 2023 car are helping him rediscover his full “potential” as he addressed whether self-doubt has impacted him amid the team’s recent struggles.

The 2022 season was the first in Hamilton’s career in which he failed to win a race, as Mercedes were caught out by the introduction of new design regulations and left to watch Red Bull and Max Verstappen dominate.

Hamilton was also beaten by his team-mate over the course of a full season for just the third time in his career, while George Russell also claimed Mercedes’ only win of the campaign in his first year with the Silver Arrows.

Despite Mercedes remaining off Red Bull’s stunning pace in 2023, Hamilton has produced a strong run of form, which was capped with a first pole position since December 2021 at last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

Asked whether he had experienced any doubts about being able to recapture his best form during the lean run, Hamilton said: “I think that’s a bit of a personal question and I probably don’t want to go too much into that.

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Lewis Hamilton pips Max Verstappen to claim a record 9th pole position at the Hungaroring

“Last year was difficult with the car we’ve had, and particularly just not finding myself gelling with the car that we had built, and therefore just not being able to live at the potential that I know I’m able to compete at.

“When you’re hindered with the balance, and that’s similar for so many drivers.”

After Mercedes started 2023 in similarly poor form to the preceding campaign, Hamilton publicly criticised his team for failing to heed his guidance on development direction.

Major changes followed as James Allison returned as technical director in place of Mike Elliott, while the team abandoned the zero-sidepod concept they had pursued since the start of 2022.

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Martin Brundle shares his most memorable moments from the Belgian Grand Prix ahead of this weekend’s race at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

There have been positive results for Hamilton following the introduction of major upgrades to the W14, with the Brit finishing in the top four in five of the six Grands Prix since.

“The goal is to steer the direction of the development so that you can eventually show your potential and what you’re capable of,” Hamilton said on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.

“Through really hard work I think we’re starting to get there, and I think you’ve started to see that, particularly from Monaco onwards, I’ve had much more consistent performances, and then the pole position we had in the last race, really felt very reminiscent of the olden days for me.

“So that gives me hope that we are going in the right direction, hopefully the same for our team.”

‘Hungary pole was overwhelming and emotional’

Hamilton says the record-extending 104th pole of his career, which came in dramatic circumstances as he edged Verstappen by three thousandths of a second, was “overwhelming” and “emotional” for him.

“On the Saturday night, I think it was overwhelming, it was very emotional. It was an emotional feeling to finally be back there,” he said.

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Watch Lewis Hamilton’s pole lap in full as he makes it a record ninth at the Hungaroring

“I called my dad, had a great conversation with my dad. Then after that, I stayed until late, just preparing for the next day.”

A nightmare start, which saw Hamilton overtaken by Verstappen, along with McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, scuppered his hopes of pulling off an unlikely victory.

Hamilton said: “I was told from the team, ‘look, we’re not fighting for the win here because they’re just too quick, unfortunately.’

“You can’t beat a car that’s over half a second faster per lad in race pace, and from practice that’s how it was.

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Watch the opening seconds of the Hungarian Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton lost the lead to Max Verstappen on the first bend

“So in my mind I was trying to figure out how to pull a rabbit out the hat and prove them wrong, obviously.

“And then sitting on the grid, it felt right, it felt back to where I’d been for a long time in my career, so it felt great to be up there, to be leading the formation lap.

“It didn’t go how I planned, but stuff happens… Live to fight another day.”

Sky Sports F1’s live Belgian GP schedule

Thursday July 27
2pm: Drivers’ Press Conference

Friday July 28
8.55am: Formula 3 Practice
10am: Formula 2 Practice
12pm: Belgian GP Practice One (session starts 12.30pm)
1.55pm: Formula 3 Qualifying
2.50pm: Formula 2 Qualifying
3.35pm: Belgian GP Qualifying build-up
4pm: Belgian GP Qualifying
6pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook

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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments throughout the years at the Belgian Grand Prix

Saturday July 29
8.55am: Formula 3 Sprint Race
10.30am: Belgian GP Sprint Shootout build-up
11am: Belgian GP Sprint Shootout
12.40pm: Formula 2 Sprint Race
2.30pm: Belgian GP Sprint build-up
3.30pm: BELGIAN GP SPRINT
5pm: Ted’s Sprint Notebook

Sunday July 30
7.25am: Formula 3 Feature Race
8.55am: Formula 2 Feature Race
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday – Belgian GP build-up
2pm: THE BELGIAN GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag – Belgian GP reaction
5pm: Ted’s Notebook

Next up is the Belgian GP, the final race before F1’s summer break – watch all sessions of the Sprint weekend live on Sky Sports F1 from July 28-30. Stream the Belgian GP and more with NOW.

England boss Sarina Wiegman said she “wants to make changes” to her line-up to face Denmark after a rusty opening-game win over Haiti at the Women’s World Cup.

Wiegman stuck with the same starting XI for every match of England’s triumphant Euro 2022 campaign. But the retirements of striker Ellen White and midfielder Jill Scott alongside injuries to European champions Beth Mead, Leah Williamson and Fran Kirby have left her current 23-woman squad looking significantly different.

The 53-year-old called for more “ruthlessness” from her side following the nervy 1-0 tournament-opening win over Haiti, decided by Georgia Stanway’s retaken penalty despite several missed chances in open play.

Asked if that demand might also apply to her own team selection, Wiegman said: “That I’m more likely to make changes doesn’t have to do with that.

“I want to make changes. What we do is approach every game, and then when we get ready for that game we see who is fit and available, and then we make decisions to what we need to start with.

“And then we decide whether we are going to start with the same XI or maybe make some changes.”

England’s performance against underdogs Haiti fuelled concerns that the Lionesses looked rusty, particularly in an attack led by Alessia Russo in favour of Women’s Super League Golden Boot winner Rachel Daly.

There was also a World Cup debut for Chelsea forward Lauren James, who some pundits wanted to start but instead replaced Manchester City’s Lauren Hemp on the left wing after 61 minutes.

Like many of her players this week, Wiegman, who has a fully-fit squad to choose from, was eager to point out that this team and tournament are very different from last summer’s home European Championships.

She said: “We shouldn’t compare it all the time. We’re in a new situation now, and we have some changes in team dynamics.

“We have our style of playing, we want to develop our style of play every time and we want to score goals. That’s one of the parts, of course.

“And that’s what we’re working on all the time, every day. What do we have (to do) to create chances and score goals? That’s what we talk about all the time too. At the end, we hope that the ball gets into the back of the net.”

The Lionesses could book their place in the knockout stage on Friday if they see off Denmark and China do not beat Haiti in the late kick-off.

Scoring will certainly remain a concern, as will be shutting down Denmark number nine and captain Pernille Harder, the ex-Chelsea threat who England defender Lucy Bronze called “one of the best players in the world”.

Bronze added: “Not just for Chelsea, but also when she played for Wolfsburg and also for Denmark. She’s a tough player, but equally we’ve got many of those in our England side as well.”

Harder, who will go up against several former Blues team-mates, including England defensive duo Millie Bright and Jess Carter, said: “We need to enjoy it, we need to enjoy that, use the energy, even if they might not all support us, take the whole event and use it as a positive.

“Put in the extra effort in the field, really enjoy the moment, that’s what we must do. It’s great to be in a World Cup, that’s for sure, and it’s really cool to play all these matches. So, you shouldn’t think about the pressure but really just think about how cool it is.”

Denmark boss Lars Sondergaard added: “I started saying we were underdogs, sometimes when you enter a match you are underdogs and you need to perform well against a superpower such as England.

“That’s easier said than done but, as Pernille said, there’s a World Cup every four years, you’re not getting many of these opportunities in your career, right? So it would be a mortal sin not to enjoy it.”

Ben Stokes has insisted he remains retired from one-day international cricket and that he wants to use the time between the end of the Ashes and January’s Test tour of India to sort his chronic knee problem.

England’s 50-over World Cup title defence takes place in India in October and November and they look set to be without Stokes – Player of the Match in the 2019 final against New Zealand – after he quit ODIs last year citing the demands of the international calendar.

England do not have a Test match between this week’s Ashes finale at The Kia Oval and the series opener against India in Hyderabad in the final week of January, with Stokes hoping to use the near six-month break to fix the knee problem that has restricted his ability to bowl of late.

“I am retired,” Stokes told reporters when asked whether he could play at this autumn’s World Cup.

“[My knee] is something I want to get sorted. [Between the Ashes and India] is a good time to have some serious in-depth conversations about what is potentially something I could do where I can bowl without worrying about my knee.

You enjoy the periods of having a break but there is only so much break you can cope with. You really do miss that environment around the other lads. Two or three weeks I will probably get bored!

“Those are conversations we will be able to have during that good time off.

“[Being an all-rounder] is something I have done since I was a kid. Wanting to be involved in the game is something that has got the best out of me.

“It has been frustrating not being able to have the same impact and play the same role I have done for the last 10 years. Hopefully I can get my knee sorted.”

‘England success gives me satisfaction’

England cannot regain the Ashes at The Kia Oval, with their hopes of winning back the urn scuppered by the rain during last week’s fourth Test at Emirates Old Trafford.

However, victory in south London will secure a 2-2 draw and deny Australia a first Test series win in the UK since 2001 when Steve Waugh presided over a 4-1 triumph.

Whatever the result, Test captain Stokes will take pleasure in how his men have enjoyed success “playing with freedom” since he and head coach Brendon McCullum took charge last spring.

Stokes said: “When we selected the first squad for New Zealand [last summer], Brendon and I picked the players we thought would flourish in this environment.

“The squad wasn’t utterly different and being a player in that group for a long time, I was lucky to see the talent these people have.

“It was my job and Baz’s job to let that talent free and not like they are being restricted in any way shape or form. When you do that and are able to see the success the individual has, it gives you satisfaction.

“When guys say they are better than what they thought they were because they were given the freedom to go out there and express themselves, it does make you feel good.”

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‘There is enough motivation for both sides’

On the final Test at The Kia Oval, Stokes added: “Australia want to win this game as much as we do.

“They want to leave England saying they have won the Ashes, not just retained it. We want to win this game to say Australia only retained it. I think there is enough motivation for both sides.

“I left Manchester emotionless. It was a very bizarre feeling.

“The game petered out the way it did because of the weather… and [not being able to do anything] is a very strange place to be in. You could see that from both sides shaking the umpires’ hands.

“Both teams are professional athletes and want to be out there doing what we do. It was a pretty flat feeling but we have got rid of those emotions and are ready to go this week.”

Watch the fifth Ashes Test, from The Kia Oval, live on Sky Sports Cricket from Thursday. Coverage starts at 10am ahead of the first ball at 11am. You can also follow over-by-over commentary and video clips via our blog on skysports.com and the Sky Sports App.

The older James Anderson gets, the louder the question becomes.

Is this it?

It has been asked more frequently of late with England’s record Test wicket-taker turning 41 on Sunday and enduring a lean Ashes. Four wickets in three games at an average of 76.75 and strike-rate of 171.

So, is this really it? Is England’s king of swing about to abdicate? Not if he has any say in the matter.

“There are no thoughts about retirement,” Anderson wrote in his column for The Telegraph ahead of Thursday’s fifth and final Ashes Test at The Kia Oval, live on Sky Sports Cricket.

“If I was bowling horrendously, with my pace down and hobbling around in the field I might be thinking differently. But the hunger is still there. I feel I’m bowling well, that I can still offer something to the team. I keep talking to the coach and captain. They want me around.

“So as long as I am still hungry and want to put in the work then I will keep trying to give my best for the team. That is exactly where I am at the minute.

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“I have certainly not had the returns I would have liked in this series. Everyone goes through a lean patch. It is just one of those things.

“I am desperate to help the team, desperate to win games. Unfortunately for me it was not to be this series. I’ve still got another game to go and I will try and do the best I can.”

‘We should keep hold of Anderson as long as we can’

Anderson is not talking like the Ashes finale will be his England farewell and neither is his captain.

“James Anderson is the greatest fast bowler to play the game and he is still looking as good as he was two years ago,” said Stokes at his Barbie Girl-interrupted press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

Anderson has never been a man for fanfare. You sense that when he does eventually call time he is more likely to do it on a random Tuesday than when the world is watching, so a snap retirement should probably not be completely ruled out.

But Telegraph writer Will Macpherson told Sky Sports over the weekend that he felt Anderson would fancy touring India early next year, while Sky Sports Cricket’s Nasser Hussain urged England not to dispense too readily with a man who has been the leader of the attack for over 15 years.

Former England captain Hussain said: “I think we send some of our cricketers into retirement too soon. Three months ago Anderson was the No 1 bowler in the world and he is unbelievably good. We should keep hold of him as long as we can.”

Anderson is just 11 wickets away from becoming the first seamer to 700 in Test cricket. Only 20 shy of overtaking the late, great Shane Warne’s 708 strikes and moving second on the all-time list, behind Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan (800 Test wickets).

There are plenty of reasons to carry on and a closer look at the numbers, as well as the circumstances, suggests there may not be too many reasons to stop.

‘He has still bowled like Jimmy Anderson’

While wickets have eluded Anderson in this series, he has only gone at 2.69 runs an over, the best return by any bowler on either side.

Anderson said of the drawn fourth Test in Manchester: “There were a couple of times when I bowled a tight five-over spell then Woody [Mark Wood] came on and took a wicket straightaway. It feels like maybe I created the pressure, then Woody came on and let loose.”

Stokes added: “He has not been bowling badly, he has still bowled like Jimmy Anderson, he has just not had the rewards he deserves.

“I am not sure of the wickets to have fallen at the other end while he has been bowling but he ties an end up, even though that is not his main priority, just because he is so relentless with line and length.

“I feel he has been unlucky, the amount of times he has gone past the edge or past fourth stump, bottom edges have gone just past the stumps. I feel frustrated for him.”

Anderson has not appeared to have the movement of recent years this summer but the Ashes pitches have not aided him.

He described the Edgbaston surface for the first Test as “kryptonite” while when the second game at Lord’s became a bouncer-fest – Bodyline 2023 – he was largely a peripheral figure. The pitch with the most life in it came in the third Test at Headingley, a game Anderson was ultimately rested for.

Anderson has been retained for the final Test against Australia. It should be his final Ashes encounter – he will be 43 by the time of the next trip Down Under in 2025/26 – and his last chance to be involved in a winning Ashes Test for the first time since 2015.

Whether it is the final Test of his career remains to be seen.

If it is ‘so long, Jimmy’, then fans should just be thankful they got to witness his slickness for so long. But the way Anderson and his captain are talking, it may not be it after all.

Watch the fifth Ashes Test, from The Kia Oval, live on Sky Sports Cricket from Thursday. Coverage starts at 10am ahead of the first ball at 11am. You can also follow over-by-over commentary and video clips via our blog on skysports.com and the Sky Sports App.