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Even in the early stages of his career, as he was, ironically enough, scoring his first West Ham United goal against Arsenal, Declan Rice looked destined for the top.

A swift move from centre-back to defensive midfield soon confirmed that future, too, as he took the captain's armband at the London Stadium, before leading the Hammers to Europa Conference League glory, and sealing his exit as a hero.

Now at Arsenal after a reported £105m fee (including add-ons) to sign the midfielder, Rice will look to make winning trophies a crucial habit, rather than an occasional celebratory moment.

Making his Champions League debut in the coming season, and wearing the famous Arsenal colours, Rice is exactly where he once dreamed of being. Or, at least, that's what his social media activity suggests.

Declan Rice proves Arsenal dream with social media activity

If Rice could have time travelled to this very moment of his career, then he'd have gone back to the present and not stepped a single foot out of place, such is the success he has had in the last five years.

Arguably, things couldn't have gone any better for his career, and he knows it, too.

The Arsenal arrival liked an Instagram post, showing a note, which read (via Reddit): "Just remember, 5 years ago, you dreamt about where you are now."

Speaking on joining the club earlier in the summer, Rice told the club website: "I think even growing up, the history of Arsenal – you always hear about the Invincibles, the famous game at Anfield, you see these things all the time. I’ve always known Arsenal as a big club but when I’ve been on holiday and had people coming up to me in London, you don’t realise how big Arsenal is – but now I do.

"Playing against them has always been tough, with the Arsene Wenger way of playing nice football, tiki-taka stuff. Coming to the Emirates has always been really hard. Home games, when I’ve played for West Ham, have always been the games you’ve been up for because it’s been a London rivalry."

How did Declan Rice perform last season?

In an inconsistent season for West Ham, Rice was once again one of the standout players. Securing their Premier League survival, first and foremost, the Hammers then went on to defeat Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final, in one of the best moments in the club's history.

Captaining the club, and lifting European glory, is a dream come true for Rice. Now, though, his focus will be on even bigger honours at Arsenal.

When compared to current Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, Rice looks anything but out of place, too.

According to FBref, the England international had more progressive carries, lost fewer challenges, made more blocks and made more interceptions than Partey last season.

The arrival of Rice certainly gives Mikel Arteta a selection dilemma when it comes to the base of his midfield. Having that competition can only be a good thing, however, especially with the Gunners back in the Champions League, and competing on all fronts once again next season.

South Africa ‘A’ sauntered to their second win in the tri-series, downing Afghanistan ‘A’ by 164 runs in Pretoria

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Jul-2017Reeza Hendricks carried his bat through•Getty ImagesReeza Hendricks smashed an unbeaten 173, his ninth List A century, as South Africa ‘A’ crushed Afghanistan ‘A’ by 164 runs in Pretoria to secure their second win of the tri-series.Hendricks, who carried his bat through the innings, struck 14 fours and five sixes in his 145-ball knock as the hosts posted 336 for 5 after being put in to bat. Afghanistan ‘A’ had as many as six batsman crossing double digits, with the highest being Rahmat Shah’s 55 at No. 3. They were bowled out for 172 in 32.2 overs with Tabraiz Shamsi, the left-arm wristspinner, taking 4 for 19.Afghanistan ‘A’ were up against it right from the outset as Hendricks and Henry Davids put on 79 for the opening wicket in 13 overs to set the platform. Mangaliso Mosehle was out for 17 but each of the other batsmen got among the runs. The middle-order lift was provided by Khaya Zondo, the captain, who made a 55-ball 62 during the course of a 135-run stand with Hendricks. The last 15 overs fetched them 144.Afghanistan ‘A’ were rocked early when Dwaine Pretorius struck in the second over to remove Javed Ahmadi. He made it a double-strike by dismissing Usman Ghani in the sixth over. Rahmat hit five fours and a six to raise a half-century, but was trapped lbw by Shamsi to trigger a middle-order slide.Najibullah Zadran (26), Afsar Zazai (24) and Shafiqullah (16) got off to starts but fell to expose the lower order. The innings was wrapped up when Dane Paterson bowled last man Fareed Ahmad to finish with three wickets.Afghanistan ‘A’ have now lost both their matches in the tri-series. They take on India ‘A’ in their next outing on August 1 at the same venue – the LC de Villiers Oval.

ESPNcricinfo previews the third T20I between England and South Africa at Cardiff

The Preview by Alan Gardner24-Jun-2017Match FactsJune 25, 2017
Start time 2.30pm local (1330 GMT)Andile Phehlukwayo sealed South Africa’s dramatic win in Taunton to level the series•Getty ImagesBig PictureIf the character and fortitude of the tourists were at all in question after their thumping in the first T20 (not to mention a dismal Champions Trophy), South Africa delivered an emphatic riposte in Taunton. Jason Roy’s dismissal for obstructing the field took the focus but the real story was of a tenacious fightback, inspired by a fired-up Chris Morris, to level the series at 1-1.England had appeared to be cruising to another comprehensive win, with Roy and Jonny Bairstow putting on a century stand for the second wicket – but, from needing 50 off 39 balls, they instead stuttered down a dead end as South Africa silenced a boisterous crowd enjoying their first sight of an England men’s international since 1983.AB de Villiers, South Africa’s stand-in captain, had demanded a response and his bowlers delivered, as Morris, Andile Phehlukwayo and Dane Paterson successfully tied down a succession of new batsmen. Morris spoke afterwards of fronting up to justify wearing the shirt and his impassioned intervention as the match appeared to be slipping away may just have turned South Africa’s tour around.England could take plenty from the debut performance of Tom Curran, Roy’s return to form – his 67 ended a run of 10 international innings without a fifty – and the continued run-harvesting of Bairstow, but Eoin Morgan will have been disappointed to see another clutch moment go the opposition’s way. Liam Livingstone, another debutant, suffered a difficult baptism and he will hope to get a chance to prove his talent in the decider at Cardiff.There may not be much tangible resting on the final match – and England are set to bring in a couple more new faces having previously indicated they will blood all five uncapped players in the squad – but the result may take on greater significance for battles still to come.Form guideEngland LWLLW (completed matches, most recent first)
South Africa WLWLLIn the spotlightThe rapid rise of Tom Curran looks set to continue after his impressive first outing in an England shirt. Already a senior member of the Surrey attack at the age of 22, Curran took to international cricket with aplomb, showing an extra lick of pace and good variety to pick up 3 for 33. On this evidence, certainly in white-ball cricket, there will be plenty more caps to come.David Miller is the second-most experienced member of the South Africa squad in T20 internationals and a player blessed with awesome ball-striking ability. He has had chances to shape both games so far but, apart from one effortless straight six in Southampton, the runs haven’t come. South Africa could do with him firing to improve their chances of an above-par score.Team newsBairstow has left the squad to head off on Yorkshire duty in the round of pink-ball Championship games, which should open up a spot for Dawid Malan to make his international debut. Craig Overton is the other uncapped man, with Chris Jordan perhaps likeliest to make way after an erratic performance, while Sam Billings could also be squeezed out as deputy opener by Alex Hales’ return.England (possible): 1 Jason Roy, 2 Alex Hales, 3 Dawid Malan, 4 Eoin Morgan (capt), 5 Liam Livingstone, 6 Jos Buttler (wk), 7 Liam Dawson, 8 David Willey, 9 Craig Overton, 10 Liam Plunkett, 11 Tom CurranSouth Africa found a better balance to their attack in Taunton, with Morris winning the Man-of-the-Match award. They could be unchanged, but for the temptation to bring back the No. 1-ranked T20 bowler, Imran Tahir.South Africa (possible): 1 JJ Smuts, 2 Reeza Hendricks, 3 AB de Villiers (capt), 4 David Miller, 5 Farhaan Berhardien, 6 Mangaliso Mosehle (wk), 7 Chris Morris, 8 Andile Phehlukwayo, 9 Morne Morkel, 10 Dane Paterson, 11 Tabraiz Shamsi/Imran TahirPitch and conditionsEngland will return to the scene of their Champions Trophy semi-final defeat – hoping for a fresh surface this time. The short, straight boundaries at Cardiff often mitigate against spin, while a cool afternoon, with the chance of some rain early on, may assist the seamers.Stats and trivia England have previously played three T20 internationals at Cardiff, winning all of them. Only eight batsmen have been given out obstructing the field in international cricket – four of them since 2013.Quotes”The last couple of seasons I’ve bowled a lot of overs that may have limited my pace. But I think I may have gathered a yard. I’m getting stronger, I know my action and I’m developing.”
“First and foremost there’s that honour of playing for South Africa and the honour of playing international cricket. Not many people have ever lived the dream that we’re living. But there was a lot for Russell. He’s going through a really tough time … Coach, this one’s for you.”
Chris Morris dedicates South Africa’s Taunton win to absent coach Russell Domingo, who has returned home to be with his unwell mother

New Zealand’s coach Mike Hesson and selectors believe the three players had done everything possible in a bid to be fit for selection

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Apr-2017

Fast bowlers Mitchell McClenaghan and Adam Milne, and allrounder Corey Anderson have been recalled to New Zealand’s ODI squad for the 2017 Champions Trophy, after proving their fitness in the ongoing Indian Premier League.Milne has played two matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2017 so far, bowling his full quota of overs with returns of three wickets at an economy rate of 8.75. McClenaghan, who impressed with Mumbai Indians last season, has turned in another good performance, bowling 28 overs and taking 12 wickets at an economy rate of 8.67. Anderson, playing for Delhi Daredevils, has continued to take on bowling responsibilities – he has bowled a total of four overs across two innings so far, continuing his short bowling stints with Northern Districts in Plunket Shield matches this season.New Zealand’s squad comprises five specialist batsmen, four pace bowlers, three seam-bowling allrounders, two spinners and one specialist wicketkeeper in Luke Ronchi, with Tom Latham as a back-up option behind the stumps.New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said the three players returning from injury had done everything possible in a bid to be fit for selection.”It’s been good to see all three back on the park and bowling; together they add a lot of experience to our squad,” Hesson said. “Mitch and Adam have been running in well, and Corey has shown he’ll be capable of providing an option with the ball.”We believe it’s an exciting squad; an experienced squad, and one that has the batting power and the bowling variations to prevail in a potentially high-scoring tournament.”Having four all-rounders (including Mitchell Santner) certainly helps with balance, and the return of Mitch and Adam will offer options with the new ball, through the middle of the innings, and in the death overs.”Mitchell McClenaghan has proved his fitness with steady performances for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2017•BCCI

Beset by injuries, both McClenaghan and Milne have not played international cricket since the World T20 in India last year. Hamstring, side and elbow injuries meant that Milne played only one more match in 2016 – an IPL game for Royal Challengers – after the World T20, before making a return to competitive cricket in the Plunket Shield first-class tournament in March.McClenaghan’s last ODI appearance came against Pakistan in January 2016, before an eye injury ruled him out of the subsequent one-day series against Australia. McClenaghan returned to play in the World T20, and impressed in IPL 2016 with 17 wickets in 14 matches. A pelvis injury, picked up during a county stint, ruled him out of the India tour in October last year, and an ankle niggle kept him out of New Zealand’s international assignments this year.McClenaghan later reacted to the news on Twitter with a Terminator-like response writing “nice to be back”.In Anderson’s case, the New Zealand selectors and Hesson were happy with his return to bowling duties. The recurrence of a back injury during the World T20 had kept Anderson out of tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa last year and he was picked for the ODIs against India as a specialist batsman. He played four of the five matches in India and also bowled four overs in the fifth ODI in Visakhapatnam. However, with the selectors considering him a specialist batsman in view of his long-term injury issues, Anderson missed New Zealand’s subsequent ODI series against Australia, Bangladesh and South Africa. He was considered for T20 internationals, playing the home series against Bangladesh and South Africa.The three players have replaced Dean Brownlie, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry from the squad for the home series against South Africa earlier this year. The only other change was the inclusion of offspinner Jeetan Patel in place of legspinner Ish Sodhi.New Zealand are in Group A of the Champions Trophy and will play their first match, against Australia, on June 2, with matches against England and Bangladesh on June 6 and 9 respectively. Prior to the tournament, they are scheduled to play two warm-up matches – against India on May 28 and Sri Lanka on May 30.New Zealand will play an ODI tri-series in Ireland ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy and Hesson confirmed a small group of players from that squad were likely to remain in England as cover during the tournament.

Chelsea are now ready to secure the services of the Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson this summer with personal terms already agreed.

How much is Nicolas Jackson worth?

It was a season to forget for the Blues as they were forced to settle for a 12th placed finish in the Premier League as they saw two managers come and go.

Indeed, Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter saw the wrath of the Chelsea owner Todd Boehly who sacked both managers over the course of the 2022/23 campaign.

Looking ahead to the new campaign, former Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino has been handed the reins in west London to try and turn around their fortunes.

One of their biggest issues in the 2022/23 season was their ability to find the back of the net with only five other clubs scoring fewer than their return of 38 goals.

But it seems as if Boehly is looking to provide Pochettino with a player to solve those issues in Jackson.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the Blues are now ready to pay the 21-year-old's £29.8m release clause:

"And now what's going on guys, we can say that Chelsea have, of course, full agreement with the player. He wants impsed to join Chelsea, this something guaranteed and from what I'm told it's going to be a very long contract. So not a regular five-year deal. But more than this, so long, very long term contract is ready.

"But also important to say that, from what I understand, Chelsea are prepared to trigger and activate the release clause of Nicolas Jackson."

How many goals has Nicolas Jackson scored?

The Senegalese striker enjoyed a profitable campaign in La Liga over the course of the 2022/23 term which saw him return 12 goals and four assists in his 26 appearances (via Transfermarkt).

Jackson endured a hip issue during the middle of the campaign which saw the 21-year-old miss a number of games in La Liga.

However, upon his return, the striker showed some stunning form which has earned him the attention of the likes of Chelsea.

Over his final eight games in the Spanish top flight, Jackson provided a stunning return of nine goals and two assists including a goal on the final day against Atletico Madrid.

However, whether he will be able to convert that form into the Premier League is another matter.

Chelsea have been linked with a sensational summer swoop for the mightily impressive Victor Osimhen who has proven himself in Serie A by netting 26 league goals alone (via Transfermarkt).

Considering Chelsea have also allowed Joao Felix to return to Aleti following the conclusion of his loan deal, it will be intriguing to see whether Boehly looks to provide Pochettino with more firepower throughout the summer.

The USMNT striker has opted to stay in Ligue 1, giving him continuity and comfort, but is that a good thing for him ahead of the Copa America?

Folarin Balogun has finally got his move away from Arsenal. It took nearly the whole summer, but we always knew it was a matter of where and when, not if. After his breakout on loan with Reims last season, someone bigger would come knocking, and we have waited until the final days of the window to find out who that someone would be.

In the end, it was Monaco, who have completed a deal to keep the U.S. men's national team star in Ligue 1, the league he dominated last season despite playing for its 11th-best team. In moving to Monaco, he's certainly moved up the ladder, although he hasn't taken the leap into the unknown it felt like he would at different points this summer.

That, of course, comes with positives and negatives. On the plus side, the task in front of Balogun will be a somewhat familiar one, as a bigger Ligue 1 club will now ask him to simply continue his goalscoring form from last season. On the negative side, though, is the thought that Balogun could have potentially found himself at a new challenge in a new league, one he hasn't already lit up for 20-plus goals so early in his career.

Either way, this move kind of feels like the move before the move, a gradual step up the ladder that allows him to make an even bigger one if he proves last season wasn't a one-off. He'll face some new challenges at Monaco as he looks to break into a significantly better team, but Balogun's new situation seems set up for him to show what made him a rising star in his old one.

GettySummer of rumors

Midway through last season, it became clear that Balogun was going to be a wanted man. With 21 top-flight goals to his name before his 22nd birthday, clubs all over the world took notice. His parent club, Arsenal, was among them, as rumors frequently swirled about his future at the club. Could he unseat Eddie Nketiah as the club's homegrown back-up, or would his future lie away from the Emirates?

In the end, the answer was the latter, and Arsenal were paid a pretty penny for it. The Gunners will collect a massive €40 million (£34m/$43m) fee for the young striker, a significant chunk of money for an academy player who made just 10 first-team appearances for the club.

All summer, though, it was unclear which club would win the sweepstakes. Would be Inter or AC Milan? Could it be RB Leipzig? Chelsea, Tottenham and Fulham were among the Premier League teams linked; could the allure of staying in England be too much for other clubs to compete with?

Monaco, though, eventually won out. By signing with Les Rouge et Blanc, Balogun takes a step up the ladder, although it isn't the massive leap many thought he could take.

AdvertisementGettySituation at Monaco

Balogun may have dominated Ligue 1 last season, but he won't just walk into the Monaco XI. The club has a solid group of forwards, headlined by French star Wissam Ben Yedder, the club's talismanic striker.

Ben Yedder, who joined the club in 2019, has 102 goals in 170 games for Monaco, including four in three games to start the Ligue 1 season. It has to be said, though, that the forward is facing potential legal trouble after reportedly being charged with rape, sexual assault and attempted rape. Ben Yedder has denied the allegations and has continued to play.

Aside from Ben Yedder, who is 33, Monaco has young Dutch forward Myron Boadu, who, like Balogun, is just 22. Thus far, he's scored just nine goals in 58 appearances in all competitions, though. You can also add Swiss star Breel Embolo to the mix, but he's set to be out for some time after injuring his ACL in pre-season.

There is competition, for sure, but Monaco didn't spend all of that money on Balogun for no reason. The striker is the club's joint-most expensive signing, after all, alongside James Rodriguez. They didn't sign a bench-warmer, they signed a goalscorer, and that's what they'll expect of him this season.

GettyWhat to expect from Balogun

The most exciting part of this move is that, in theory, it should be seamless. Balogun knows exactly what to expect in Ligue 1 and, having taken a step up in size of club, he'll have better team-mates around him than he ever did at Reims.

He scored one of his goals last season against Monaco, an 87th-minute game-winner back in March, so they'll be plenty familiar with his game. He also scored against fellow powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille last season, as even the heavy-hitters weren't immune to Balogun.

Because of that, the transition will be much easier than if he, say, moved to Milan or Leipzig. He knows the league, the stadiums, the defenders… the only thing left to do is simply prove that he can do what he did last season all over again.

Unfortunately, unlike the Milan clubs or Leipzig, Monaco do not offer the prospect of European soccer. There's no Champions League, no Europa League and no Conference League to look forward to. Balogun's big challenge is to get Monaco back to that level after they stumbled in 2022-23.

Can he be a Golden Boot contender in Ligue 1? Why not? He was one last year and, with players like Takumi Minamino and Aleksandr Golovin feeding him, there's no reason to believe he can't be in the mix again this season.

Those are the expectations he laid out for himself with his form last season and, by returning to Ligue 1, Balogun has acknowledged, whether consciously or subconsciously, that he believes that was only the beginning.

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GettyThe USMNT angle

The USMNT's forwards have been snake bitten for the last several years; that's one of the big reasons there's so much hype around Balogun. For the first time in so, so long, the U.S. seemingly has a forward that is of the level, or perhaps better, than his team-mates in this rising generation.

Too often the U.S. has seen strikers have their confidence sapped by poor transfers. Ricardo Pepi's transfer to Augsburg effectively cost him a World Cup spot and it took a loan spell at Groningen for him to find his touch again. Josh Sargent's move to Werder Bremen was a disaster and his first few years at Norwich City weren't much better, even if he is thriving now. Daryl Dike has been cruelly plagued by the injury bug since moving to England, while Jordan Pefok cooled off a bunch after a hot start at Union Berlin.

Because of that, the USMNT should be just fine with this decision by Balogun. For strikers, the most important factors in any move are playing time and confidence, and Balogun should be able to find plenty at Monaco.

A move to a different league or club would have come with unknowns. How would he adjust, on and off the field? How would he fit in the league stylistically? Could he replicate his 2022-23 season? The move to Monaco, though, should remove those doubts. It's a new club in a familiar setting, and that gives Balogun the chance to keep on rolling.

For the USMNT, that is paramount. They can't afford another striker to be crushed by a crisis of confidence. With the Copa America looming, and Balogun still needing good minutes on the international level to adjust to the program, it's key that he comes into every camp happy, healthy and ready to score goals.

Because of that, it's probably for the best that he didn't take some crazy risk. The U.S. will be just fine seeing Balogun light up the French league for another few years, as long as he's able to carry that sort of form right back with him to the international stage.

The Gunners have missed key players all season but have ended a four-year trophy drought and will reach the UWCL final if they win on Monday

When Arsenal visited two-time European champions Wolfsburg in the first leg of their Women's Champions League semi-final last weekend, they did so without Beth Mead, Vivianne Miedema, Leah Williamson, Kim Little, Caitlin Foord and Lina Hurtig.

Due to registration restrictions, the Gunners' bench featured only two senior outfield players, sat alongside two goalkeepers and four academy products – the latter group boasting just 61 minutes of senior competitive experience between them.

And, to make the situation even more complicated, Arsenal were 2-0 down inside 24 minutes.

But this is a team that has been defying the odds all season. They spent the first half of the campaign without their first-choice centre-back duo, Williamson and Rafaelle, but still managed to top a Champions League group that contained the eight-time European champions, Lyon.

The Gunners have been without Mead, the 2022 Ballon d'Or runner-up, and Miedema, the Women's Super League's all-time top scorer, since before Christmas. Yet, they would lift their first major trophy in four years in March, beating Chelsea 3-1 in the Continental Cup final despite conceding within the first 98 seconds.

So, when they went 2-0 down in Germany, they didn't fret. Instead, they picked themselves up, dusted themselves off and pulled the game back to secure a 2-2 result.

On Monday, they welcome Wolfsburg to the Emirates Stadium knowing that a win would take them into the Women's Champions League final for the first time since 2007.

With all the setbacks they've had, just how on earth do they keep doing it?

Getty ImagesRebuilding the attack

One of the biggest tasks Arsenal have faced has been rebuilding their attack.

To lose Mead to an ACL injury in November was a huge blow, especially with the England forward at the peak of her powers. But to see Miedema suffer the same fate just a month later? Devastating. The two most crucial pieces to the Gunners' attack were suddenly out for the season.

A frantic January transfer window saw the club fail in a world-record bid to bring in Manchester United striker Alessia Russo on deadline day – a move that was just never going to happen – but they did make an excellent signing in Victoria Pelova.

With injuries to wingers Foord and Hurtig, Pelova has had to become an integral part of a new-look forward line very quickly and has done so extremely well, with her the best player on the pitch in the draw at Wolfsburg.

Katie McCabe, a versatile option who can play at left-back or on either wing, has had to perform a new role, while Stina Blackstenius has carried the brunt of the goal-scoring burden through the middle. The Swede has had her critics, but her movement is excellent and her work rate cannot be faulted. Both of those strengths allowed her to tap in the crucial equaliser last week.

With two teenage talents and NXGN 2022 finalists, Kathrine Kuhl and Gio, also rotating into that front three, it is a much different attack to the one Arsenal started the season with and, at times, that has showed.

But the fact that the Gunners have scored 35 goals in their 16 games since Christmas is a testament to the way the team has adapted to such change.

AdvertisementGettyStepping up at the back

It's not just been the attack that has had to adapt. Arsenal have been hit by injuries to the back line all season long.

Williamson and Rafaelle, the first-choice centre-back pairing at the start of the season, both missed several months each before Christmas. Left-back Steph Catley has been out for a spell recently, too, meaning McCabe has had to switch between attack and defence.

Then, just days before the semi-final first leg in Wolfsburg, Williamson ruptured her ACL. It was an absolute hammer blow for the club, who had announced the end of captain and star midfielder Kim Little's season earlier that week.

These absences have required others to step up. Jen Beattie, for example, started only her fourth game of the season in Germany, but was immense after an early error.

Arsenal have often changed to a three-at-the-back set up, too, to deal with these injuries. It's not been easy to do. After all, it's a very different system to what Jonas Eidevall's team usually plays and it requires each player to assume a different role that they are not used to.

But with injuries forcing the formation to be more common, the players have started to overcome some of the early challenges – and when they've struggled, like in the first half of that first leg with Wolfsburg, they've shown the character to bounce back.

GettyUsing all their experience

The injuries Arsenal have suffered have been to players with massive amounts of experience, too – the players you'd love to be able to look to during a huge game.

Mead won the 2022 Euros at a sold-out Wembley Stadium last summer, as did Williamson. Miedema has also won a home Euros, in 2017, and played in a World Cup final. Rafaelle, meanwhile, captained Brazil to the Copa America title last year.

Having won 21 trophies in four different countries, captain Little epitomises calmness and composure in the biggest moment. Hurtig has played in an Olympic final. Between them, Catley and Foord have come out on top in seven Championship games in Australia.

It has forced the Gunners that have remained to draw on every bit of experience they have, and for new leaders to step up. That is where the qualities of someone like McCabe, the captain of Ireland, or midfielder Lia Walti, the Switzerland skipper, have really come in handy.

Eidevall has even said that he has introduced Beattie, 143 times a Scotland international before her retirement in 2022, specifically for her experience at times.

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(C)Getty ImagesPushing to the limit

But one of the most damning things about Arsenal's injury crisis has been a simple lack of numbers.

That hasn't been helped by the inability to register all of their players for the Champions League. Only three new players could be added to the squad ahead of the knockout rounds, meaning teenager Gio and the experienced Jodie Taylor, signed in March until the end of the season, missed out.

It has demanded more and more of players right at the end of an exhausting season, but they haven't shied away from that.

Even in the defeat to Manchester United earlier this month, having lost Williamson to that massive injury only 11 minutes in, the players absolutely ran themselves into the ground to try and get the result.

"They did everything I could ask them to do in a really, really tough game," Eidevall said after that match. "They stuck together, they stayed positive, they tried to find solutions, they tried to express themselves on the ball. They were there for each other.

"I told them after [the win over Manchester City in early April] I was proud of them, maybe today I am even more proud of them, with the attitude they show. I tried to praise them as much as possible because that was how I felt."

If Arsenal fall short in their bid to reach the Champions League final, the WSL title race or the battle for the European spots, it won't be for a lack of effort.

Tottenham Hotspur have made a formal job offer to Leicester City’s former manager Brendan Rodgers, according to reports.

What's the latest manager news at Spurs?

Back in March, Antonio Conte was sent packing by the hierarchy following his public outburst during a post-match press conference and was replaced by his assistant Cristian Stellini until the end of the season, but even his reign was ended prematurely after the 6-1 Premier League defeat to Newcastle United, so Ryan Mason is now in charge as interim boss before being succeeded by a new long-term appointment over the summer.

BBC Sport played down suggestions that Bayern Munich’s former coach Julian Nagelsmann is one of the candidates being considered and Daniel Levy’s latest blow has come in the form of Feyenoord’s Arne Slot who has ruled himself out of the running and reaffirmed his commitment to seeing out the project in the Eredivisie.

The Lilywhites have since been linked with several names, including Celtic’s Ange Postecoglou and Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim, but a surprising contender is Rodgers who has been out of work since April having been sacked by Leicester City, and it would appear that he’s already a preferred choice among the board having reportedly been gifted the opportunity to take to the dugout in the capital.

Is Brendan Rodgers joining Spurs?

According to Football Transfers, Tottenham have "formally offered" Rodgers the chance to become the new permanent manager in N17. The Spurs hierarchy are "trying to keep a low profile" by not announcing that they have taken this big step to "avoid any further embarrassment", should the 50-year-old turn them down.

The Northern Irishman is "not a favourite" of Levy, but the rest of the chiefs are "otherwise all for" bringing him on board. Should their new target reject the proposal, it's stated that Graham Potter and Luis Enrique are the two other names on the "shortlist" of options.

Tottenham could be better off appointing someone who already has Premier League experience and Rodgers has plenty of that having taken charge of 312 matches in total, and having also been hailed a “class” character off the pitch by journalist Josh Bunting, he may well prove to be an ideal candidate for Spurs to take a chance on ahead of the 2023/24 term.

The Carnlough-born coach, whose preferred formation is a 4-2-3-1, has a solid track record of facing Spurs having won eight and drawn one of 17 meetings, so if he is able to get a visiting team performing like that, imagine what kind of magic he could work with the calibre of players like Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min at his disposal.

Rodgers, who knows what it takes to compete and be successful at the highest level having secured nine trophies throughout his managerial career, is also a free agent on the market, so no compensation would need to be paid to acquire his services, therefore making this even more of a strong case to end the club's lengthy search for a new manager.

ScorecardAshar Zaidi had a fine night for Essex•Getty Images

Ashar Zaidi starred with both the bat and the ball to boost Essex’s hopes of a quarter-final place – as the visitors edged out Hampshire in a three run thriller.Pakistani Zaidi helped Essex to a healthy 153 for six with a patient 47 before miserly figures of two for 16 halted Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl.Essex are also top of Division Two of the Championship, leading Zaidi to say: “”It is amazing feeling winning four on the bounce and we are taking the momentum into the four day cricket.”Michael Carberry and James Vince, having been set 154 by Essex, took the chase steadily – knowing exactly what they needed and scored on and just above the required run rate.Carberry looked more ready to open himself up, but it was his undoing when he slogged to cow corner, before Tom Alsop was caught and bowl for a duck by Dan Lawrence.Spin slowed dried the runs up with Zaidi impressive, his first over going for just four and his second picking up Liam Dawson – who was driving to extra-cover.But as Zaidi stocked up on dot balls, boundaries flowed off Vince’s bat, on the back of another Test call-up.Vince reached his 19th Blast fifty from 37 balls, but the ball after Sean Ervine teed up to Tom Westley giving Zaidi a deserved second wicket.Shahid Afridi spliced one back to Matthew Quinn and Vince finally departed as he was bowled by Graham Napier.But just as Hampshire looked set for a seventh defeat Lewis McManus provided a fightback with a four and massive maximum in the penultimate over to leave the hosts needing eight from six.Wicket-keeper McManus was caught on the mid-wicket outfield from the second delivery, still seven needed but Ravi Bopara held his nerve – only going for two more runs.Earlier having won the toss, Essex set off at a blistering start reaching 67 by the end of the power play, with every other ball seemingly rushing to the boundary off Jessie Ryder, Kishen Velani and Westley. But for all their heaving they lost Velani in the third over – chipping up to Vince at mid-off.As easy as that catch was for captain Vince, his snaffle to see off Ryder, for 22, was unbelievable – as he gave international teammate Dawson his first of the night by diving full length once the ball had seemingly drifted over him.Dawson, who took three wickets on his England Twenty20 debut on the ground on Tuesday, grabbed the 50th 20-over wicket of his career when the booming Westley picked out Carberry on the point boundary.That quick flurry of wickets and the introduction of spin quelled the run scoring as Zaidi and Ravi Bopara stutter – although the former did smash a six onto the concourse.Zaidi accelerated from that bash, mainly scored on foot, to get within three runs of a third half century in a row but was the victim of a stunning direct hit from boundary rider Carberry and Bopara was caught at deep mid-wicket.Ryan ten Doeschate hammered the final ball to Ervine on the long-on rope to set Hampshire 154 to win – which proved just enough.

Newcastle United hold concrete interest in signing Watford striker Joao Pedro this summer, according to a recent report from Football Insider.

Will Newcastle sign a striker this summer?

Since returning from injury, Alexander Isak has hit a rich vein of form for Newcastle, scoring five goals in his last five Premier League games, though Eddie Howe is still running the rule over new strikers for the summer transfer window.

Marcus Thuram is one target for the Magpies, and they have recently been handed a boost in the race for his signature, as the Borussia Monchengladbach man is said to have rejected a contract offer from Inter Milan.

Goncalo Ramos has also been linked with a move to St James' Park – however, it has now been reported that any potential suitor will now need to fork out €120m (£105m) in order to win the race for the Benfica forward.

There are more affordable options available, however, with Football Insider claiming Newcastle have a concrete interest in signing Watford striker Pedro, who they have tried to sign before.

The Magpies had a £30m offer rejected for the 21-year-old last summer, but they are still said to be keen, and have been closely monitoring him throughout the current campaign.

The starlet is regarded as a top talent, with the versatility required to play in a number of different roles at the top level, and another bid appears to be on the cards this summer.

Would Joao Pedro be a good signing for Newcastle?

After a slow start to life in English football, scoring just three goals in 28 Premier League games during the 2021-22 campaign, the Brazilian is starting to find his feet, albeit in the second tier, emerging as a vital player for Watford.

The marksman is the Hornets' top scorer in all competitions, having scored ten goals so far this season, also weighing in with four assists, which indicates he could be ready to make the step up to the top flight.

Football Scout Jacek Kulig seemingly echoes that view, given that he described the £25k-per-week forward as "one of the Championship's best players" earlier this season, also lauding him as "elegant & skilful".

Over the past year, the attacker ranks in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons per 90, when compared to his positional peers at a similar level, while he also places in the 92nd for aerials won, showcasing his dominance in the air.

It may be difficult for Pedro to immediately break into the Newcastle starting XI given Isak's recent performances; however, he is still very young and could go on to be an important player in a few years' time.