Liverpool have been left devastated after confirming the sudden death of former women’s team manager Matt Beard at the age of just 47. The news has sent shockwaves through football, with tributes pouring in for a man who transformed the women’s game in England and became the most decorated coach in Liverpool Women’s history.

A career filled with milestones

Beard’s managerial resume is stacked with achievements. Twice named WSL Manager of the Year in 2013 and 2014, he remains the benchmark for success in Liverpool’s women’s history. Only last season, Beard was still at the helm of Liverpool, helping to stabilise the club in the top flight. His most recent post came at Burnley, where he was appointed manager in June 2025 before stepping down just two months later in August.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesShock as Beard’s death rocks football world

The cruel loss was confirmed by his wife, Deb, who wrote an emotional message on social media. “It is with great sadness that our beautiful Matthew Beard has passed away tonight at 7.28pm,” she said. “He is a loving husband, father, son, brother and uncle. He was the most amazing, caring man who was loved by anyone who had the pleasure to meet him. All of our family kindly ask for time to grieve in peace at his loss. We will love you forever, you absolute legend.”

Liverpool leads the tributes

Liverpool Football Club were among the first to issue a statement. His connection with the Reds was unbreakable, having returned for a second spell in charge to guide the club back to the top flight after relegation.

"Liverpool Football Club is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of former LFC Women manager Matt Beard," it read. “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends at this devastating time. Matt was not only an extremely committed and successful manager, he was also a person of real integrity and warmth, who will always be remembered with genuine fondness by everyone he worked with at the club.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyTributes from across the game

The Women’s Super League added its voice, acknowledging Beard’s enormous influence on the sport.

“Everyone at WSL Football extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones of Matt Beard following news of his passing," the statement read. "Matt played an instrumental role in the growth of women’s football and will be missed by everyone associated with the game.”

Messages of condolence are expected to flood in from across the footballing landscape in the coming days. Clubs, players, and fans alike are already sharing their grief online, painting a picture of a man universally respected and admired.

MatériaMais Notícias

A torcida do Corinthians proporcionou um grande espetáculo antes do time entrar em campo para encarar o Atlético-MG, em partida válida pelo jogo de volta das oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil.

continua após a publicidade

+ Roger Guedes se aproxima da ponta: veja os maiores artilheiros do Timão na Neo Química Arena

Cerca de 300 torcedores corintianos organizaram uma festa com fogos e muitos gritos de apoio na recepção do ônibus da delegação corintiana na Neo Química Arena, antes do duelo contra os mineiros.

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe os jogos do Timão

A concentração começou às 19h, na Radial Leste, no portão E1, na saída da estação Arthur Alvim do metrô (linha vermelha). A Fiel torcida entoou o hino do clube, bem como os clássicos gritos de apoio que costumam ser cantados nas arquibancadas.

continua após a publicidade

+ Timão avança na Copa do Brasil? Veja horários e todos os confrontos das oitavas de final

Por volta das 19h50, o ônibus com os jogadores e comissão técnica do Timão chegou na Radial Leste, e a festa se intensificou. A Polícia Militar deixou os torcedores se aproximarem, e o portão da Arena foi tomado por fogos, fumaça e muita festa da torcida. O Timão entra em campo às 21h30 e tenta reverter a vantagem de dois gols construída pelo Galo no Mineirão.

Tudo sobre

Corinthians

Ash Gardner shone with bat, ball and in the field as Australia chased down a modest target to seize the first points of their Ashes battle with England.Alyssa Healy, Australia’s captain, sealed her full comeback from injury with an important 70 runs off 78 balls after Australia had bundled their opponents out for 204 inside 44 overs at North Sydney Oval.Gardner, whose three wickets were pivotal in the downfall of an England batting line-up which was also culpable amid a rash of soft dismissals, saw Australia home by four wickets with her unbeaten 42, having also taken two catches.Related

• Two teams with points to prove provides ingredients for Ashes epic

• Healy cleared to resume keeping but tight schedule could be a challenge

• Knight: 'Scarred' Australia will come out 'really hard'

Healy had been battling a knee injury since mid-November which ruled her out of her home series against India and forced her to play as a batter only in New Zealand last month while her return to wicketkeeping duties could only be confirmed on the eve of this match.On Sunday, she picked the gaps to perfection as she racked up 11 fours while taking her team within 41 runs of victory.Lauren Bell should have had Garder out for 31 in what would have been an interesting twist with Australia still needing 22 runs but Sophie Ecclestone failed to control her catch as she tumbled at mid-off.Gardner and fellow spinner Alana King then combined to good effect, as they had done with the ball, to see their side over the line before 6236 fans, a record attendance for a women’s international at North Sydney Oval.Lauren Filer overcame her slippery introduction to this ground Thursday’s washed-out warm-up against the Governor General’s XI where she repeatedly lost her footing in delivery to claim two wickets.She set off England’s defence with promise when she removed Phoebe Litchfield with her fifth delivery – the 11th of the innings – an excellent wobble-seam ball that nipped across the left-hander, brushing the outside edge as Amy Jones gathered behind the stumps.Lauren Filer struck early to remove Phoebe Litchfield•Getty Images

Healy overturned an lbw decision off Bell on height and England torched a review for caught behind off Ellyse Perry with replays showing the Filer’s delivery struck the thigh pad with no bat or glove anywhere near. Filer would have had her second had Alice Capsey not dropped a sitter at fine leg off Perry.The Australian duo amped things up in a 19-run over from Filer, Perry’s flick evading Capsey to find the rope at fine leg followed by three fours to Healy, an inside edge just missing leg stump before two more convincing shots through point and cover. But England successfully reviewed to remove Perry, plumb lbw to Bell, and Australia were 43 for 2.Ecclestone entered the attack in the 15th over and she broke a 61-run stand between Healy and Beth Mooney in her next. Having launched Ecclestone for six over deep midwicket, Mooney tried the same next ball but didn’t connect so well as the spinner dragged her length back and found the safe hands of Danni Wyatt-Hodge at stationed just inside the boundary.Wyatt-Hodge executed another calm catch in the deep from Annabel Sutherland’s top-edged pull off Filer but that brought Garder to the crease and she asserted herself with a big six down the ground off Ecclestone.Gardner and Healy put on 40 runs for the fifth wicket before Healy advanced on a fuller ball from offspinner Charlie Dean and was bowled.Maia Bouchier took an excellent diving catch at point to remove Tahlia McGrath before Gardner made the most of her reprieve and King hit the wining runs with a four down the ground.Earlier, Gardner and King shared five wickets between them in the face of a below-par batting performance by England, backed up by two wickets apiece for Sutherland and Kim Garth.Alyssa Healy brought up her half-century in 53 balls•Getty Images

Heather Knight top-scored for England with 39, followed by Wyatt-Hodge with a laboured 38 from 52 balls after their side had made a nervy start.Bouchier chopped the third ball of the match onto her stumps only to be saved when it was discovered that Megan Schutt had overstepped by the barest of margins while Tammy Beaumont wafted dangerously at one outside off stump in the third over.Bouchier broke a run of 16 dot balls between the opening pair when she lofted Garth over midwicket for four but Garth responded by pushing one through from back of a length to draw an outside edge which Healy collected behind the stumps.Knight scored her fourth boundary in 20 balls faced driving Sutherland’s yorker outside off deftly through point and Beaumont broke the shackles of a slow start when she had eight off 22 balls, her lofted drive off Garth finding the boundary. The England pair brought up a 50-run partnership for the second wicket but, two balls later Beaumont chipped Sutherland straight to Garth at mid-on to fall for 13 from 31 balls.That brought Nat Sciver-Brunt to the crease and she slog-swept King for six off the seventh ball she faced. But Gardner claimed the crucial wickets of Knight and Sciver-Brunt in consecutive overs – both holing out to Perry at deep midwicket.Perry couldn’t hold on when she had to come rocketing in from the deep square leg boundary and dive forward just to get hands to Amy Jones’s pull with just one run to her name.Jones launched Sutherland for six over deep midwicket and looked in good touch with back-to-back fours off Garth, who conceded 18 runs all up in the 28th over. But no sooner had Jones raised the fifty stand with Wyatt-Hodge by driving King through mid on and she spooned the very next delivery back to the bowler to fall for a 30-ball 31.Capsey never got going and while Australia had no recourse when King struck Dean, on nought, convincingly on the pad with the DRS down, the system was back up and running and couldn’t save Dean when King hit her directly in front for 1.When Wyatt-Hodge picked out Brown at long leg off Sutherland, it fell to the tailenders to salvage a defendable total. Ecclestone made the most of being put down by Healy when she was yet to score, with two boundaries in her 17-ball 16 and Filer opened her tally with consecutive boundaries off Sutherland.But Ecclestone followed England’s blueprint for easy wickets when she sent a leading edge off Darcie Brown straight to Gardner, who then claimed her 100th ODI wicket when she bowled Bell to end England’s innings.

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has hailed David de Gea's remarkable comeback at Fiorentina. Reina admitted he did not expect the ex-Manchester United star to return with such confidence and leadership after a full year out of the sport, labelling his compatriot as 'exceptional' and the club's most decisive player last season.

• Reina acknowledges De Gea's return

  Reina has lauded De Gea's successful return to football with Fiorentina, admitting he has been surprised by the "exceptional" form shown by his compatriot. Speaking to , Reina praised the ex-United star's impact since he moved Serie A following a full season out of the game as a free agent.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  What Reina said about De Gea's comeback

  Reina, who was speaking ahead of Fiorentina's match against his former club Como, expressed his admiration for how quickly De Gea has re-established himself as a top-tier goalkeeper. He highlighted the mental fortitude required to perform at such a high level after a significant break.

  "Hats off to him, really," Reina said. "After a year of inactivity, I didn't expect him to return with such confidence, leadership, and self-belief. He was exceptional and brought the team many points. Last season, he was Fiorentina's most decisive player."

• De Gea's impressive Fiorentina stats

  After his contract with United expired in the summer of 2023, De Gea spent the entire 2023-24 campaign without a club before signing for Fiorentina in August 2024. The 34-year-old has quickly become the undisputed number one for La Viola. So far in the 2025-26 season, he has started all three of Fiorentina's Serie A matches, keeping one clean sheet. Across all competitions, he has made five appearances, conceding six goals and recording two shutouts.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  What next for De Gea?

  Having silenced any doubts about his ability to compete at the highest level, De Gea will look to build on his strong start in Florence. The Spaniard is contracted to the club until June 2028, providing him with long-term security. His immediate focus will be on maintaining his form and helping Fiorentina push for European qualification, having already established himself as one of the team's most important players. De Gea will now be seen in action for his club against Como this Sunday in a Serie A fixture.

Anything can happen during a transfer window, and that has proven to be the case after Arsenal swooped in under the noses of rivals Tottenham to sign Eberechi Eze.

It looked as if Eze, who was released by the Gunners as a teenager, would be signing for Spurs from Crystal Palace, with an agreement close to being reached. However, after an injury to Arsenal attacker Kai Havertz, Eze phoned Mikel Arteta before he signed for Tottenham, promoting a move to the Emirates instead.

Over time, we have seen some dramatic twists and turns in the transfer market, with some more high-profile hijacked deals involving the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham.

1 Cristiano Ronaldo Man Utd hijack Man City

In 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo was on the search for a new home after spending three years with Italian giants Juventus.

A return to England was on the cards, and interestingly, a move to Man City was being worked on. However, Sir Alex Ferguson, who worked with Ronaldo at Man Utd, got wind of the deal and immediately phoned the superstar forward, persuading him to return to Old Trafford instead of the Etihad.

2 David Beckham Real Madrid hijack Barcelona

David Beckham eventually left Man Utd in 2003 for Real Madrid, however, at the time, it looked as if the England legend would be joining Barcelona instead of their fierce rivals.

The Red Devils and those at the Nou Camp even told the press that an agreement was reached for Beckham, however, Madrid made a late play and managed to lure the midfielder to the Bernabeu.

Games

159

Goals

20

Assists

51

Red cards

5

Trophies

2

3 Eberechi Eze Arsenal hijack Tottenham

In August 2025, Tottenham thought they were about to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace in a big-money deal. However, the boyhood Gunner contacted Mikel Arteta before signing on the dottled line for Spurs, asking if there was any chance of moving back home to the red side of north London.

A few hours later, Arsenal agreed a £67.5m deal with Palace and Eze was officially announced as a Gunner days later.

4 Ronaldinho Barcelona hijack Man Utd

With Barcelona missing out on Beckham, the Catalan giants would get their own back on the Red Devils in the same transfer window.

Man Utd saw Paris Saint-Germain star Ronaldinho as a replacement for Beckham and were working to bring the Brazilian to Old Trafford. That was before Barca came knocking, with Ronaldinho instead moving to the Nou Camp where how would go on to win La Liga and the Champions League.

5 Alfredo Di Stefano Real Madrid hijack Barcelona

One of the earliest major hijacks in the transfer window saw Real Madrid beat Barcelona to iconic striker Alfredo Di Stefano.

In 1953, Barcelona thought they had signed Di Stefano, who would even play in a pre-season game for the Catalan giants. Unfortunately for them, the Spanish Football Association blocked the transfer due to issues over registration rights.

Real Madrid then stepped in which humiliated Barca, with Di Stefano going on to score more than 300 goals, winning eight La Liga titles.

6 Paul Gascoigne Tottenham hijack Man Utd

A story that Paul Gascoigne has told himself plenty of times is his proposed move to Man Utd back in 1988.

At the time, Gazza was the best English prospect around, which led to Sir Alex Ferguson making a move to bring him to Old Trafford. A contract was even agreed for Gascoigne to leave Newcastle for Man Utd, but Tottenham came in at the last minute, offering him and his family a house which appeared to be a deal maker.

7 John Obi Mikel Chelsea hijack Man Utd

A bizarre transfer hijack that lasted a year saw John Obi Mikel join Chelsea instead of Man Utd from Norwegian side Lyn.

In 2005, Man Utd announced a move for Mikel and had him holding a Red Devils shirt at a press conference before Chelsea stepped in saying they had an agreement of their own with the player.

Games

372

Goals

6

Assists

12

Red cards

4

Trophies

11

Chelsea instead ended up reaching a settlement with both Lyn and Man Utd, paying £12m for the Nigerian midfielder, who would go on to win 11 honours at Stamford Bridge across an 11-year spell.

8 Moises Caicedo Chelsea hijack Liverpool

In 2023, Liverpool were on course to sign midfielder Moises Caicedo from Brighton for a record £110m fee.

That was until the player heard of interest from Chelsea, with the Blues stopping a move to Anfield at the last moment by agreeing a £115m deal with the Seagulls. Caicedo also signed an eight-year deal in London.

9 Robinho Man City hijack Chelsea

The first major signing of the Sheikh Mansour era at Man City back in 2008 was a big one, with those at the Etihad hijacking Chelsea’s move for Real Madrid winger Robinho.

A Chelsea deal was so far down the line that the Blues were already selling shirts with Robinho’s name on the back, something which angered Madrid who pulled the plug on a transfer and sold him to City instead.

Things didn’t exactly go to plan for the Brazilian in Manchester, though, and he was sold to AC Milan two years later.

10 Mykhaylo Mudryk Chelsea hijack Arsenal

Chelsea have become famous for hijacking transfers at the last minute, and that is exactly what they did to bring Mykhaylo Mudryk to Stamford Bridge instead of a move to the Emirates with Arsenal.

The Gunners were in talks over a deal for the Shakhtar Donetsk winger for weeks in late 2022 and during the 2023 January transfer window, agreed personal terms with Arsenal. A fee was close to being agreed with Shakhtar, however, Chelsea came out of nowhere and gazumped the Gunners, with an up front payment of £62m.

The pair also put on the second-highest partnership in all men’s T20 cricket: 241

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Jan-2025This morning, Litton Das was left out of Bangladesh’s squad for the Champion’s Trophy 2025. By the evening, he was taking his frustrations – if any – out on Durbar Rajshahi at the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). He slammed his maiden T20 hundred and batted through the innings for Dhaka Capitals, finishing on 125 not out off 55 balls with ten fours and nine sixes and a strike rate of 227.27. At his side for most of this was Tanzid Hasan, who will be going to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. The pair added 241 off 118 – the second-highest stand in all men’s T20 cricket – and Dhaka finished with 254 for 1, which is the highest total in the BPL.Related

Litton Das: 'I was dropped because I wasn't performing'

Litton and Shakib left out of Bangladesh's Champions Trophy squad

Litton got to his hundred off 44 balls, which makes it the second-fastest by a Bangladeshi player in men’s T20s, behind Parvez Hossain’s 42-ball hundred for Fortune Barishal in the Bangabandhu T20 Cup in December 2020. He finished fourth on the list of highest scores at the BPL, behind two efforts from Chris Gayle and one from Tamim Iqbal.Rajshahi had elected to bowl in the game and it seemed like a sound decision when Dhaka got to 22 for 0 after four overs. But then Tanzid took 21 off a Sunzamul Islam over, and Dhaka never looked back. By the end of this over, the fifth, Litton was 10 off 9, but he got going in the next, the last of the Powerplay, hitting SM Meherob for 4, 6, 4 off consecutive deliveries.Litton Das got to his hundred off 44 balls, the second-fastest by a Bangladeshi in men’s T20s•Dhaka CapitalsLitton brought up his fifty in the ninth over, with a six off a no-ball. By the end of ten overs Dhaka were 115 for 0 and they just kept going. Tanzid also brought up his fifty with a six, off Ryan Burl to end the 11th. Litton continued the pair’s pattern of bringing up their landmarks with a boundary, getting to his hundred in the 16th with a four off Shafiul Islam.Tanzid completed the set in the final over, taking four first ball to bring up his hundred, before hitting Shafiul for six more and then holing out for 108 off 64 balls (six fours, eight sixes, strike rate 168.75).By then Dhaka already had the record for highest total in the BPL, and the wicket hardly slowed them down with Sabbir Rahman and Litton hitting one more six apiece to close out the innings on a dazzling 254 for 1.In response, Rajshahi quickly wilted, falling to 34 for 5 before an unbeaten 47 from Ryan Burl held off the inevitable. Eventually, they were bowled out for 105 in the 16th over, falling short of their target by 150 runs.

A “terrific” Premier League player sees Newcastle United as his preferred destination this summer, according to a fresh transfer claim from The Athletic.

Howe discusses Isak's Newcastle future

The future of Alexander Isak has been the summer’s main talking point at St James’ Park, with the Swede pushing for a move to Liverpool ahead of the new season.

Isak has been made to train away from his Newcastle teammates by Eddie Howe, with the manager no doubt not wanting an unhappy player around, and he spoke about the saga over the weekend.

“I think everything is in play. I’ve said many times he is contracted to us. He is our player. The club make the decision on his future. I don’t know what that will be. Of course I have a preferred outcome. I want the best and the strongest squad possible, but I also want players that really want to play for this football club.”

Regardless of what happens with Isak, more signings are needed for Newcastle before the summer transfer window reaches its conclusion, and they have been boosted by the news that one individual would like to play for the club.

Aston Villa star Ramsey keen on Newcastle move

According to a new update from The Athletic, Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey sees Newcastle as his “preferred destination” this summer.

The report states that the Magpies “made an approach for the former England youth international in January 2024”, with Howe described as a “big fan” of his. While West Ham are also keen on signing the 24-year-old valued at £40m, “Newcastle’s project and the chance to work under Howe are thought to carry the greatest appeal” to him.

This is a big positive for Newcastle, should their interest in Ramsey be as strong as it was last year, with the Villa ace a hugely talented footballer.

Granted, he arguably hasn’t quite kicked on as much as some predicted, but Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has hailed his ability, having managed him when he was at Villa Park.

“He’s not following in anyone’s footsteps. Jacob Ramsey is Jacob Ramsey. He will be a terrific player. It won’t be long before the whole country is watching him I’m sure. He is right up there, let me tell you.”

He'd replicate Isak: Newcastle make enquiry to sign "complete" £80m striker

With Alexander Isak still hoping to force a move to Liverpool, could Newcastle target a “complete” striker valued at £80m who’d replicate the Swede?

By
Ben Gray

Aug 12, 2025

Ramsey only started half of Villa’s 38 Premier League games last season, and he could feel that a new challenge is needed at this point in his career, seeing Newcastle as the ideal next step.

New Zealand fight back with bat and ball for eight-run win in series opener

Madushka Balasuriya28-Dec-2024

It was a heist for the ages in Mount Maunganui as New Zealand secured an eight-run win in the first T20I, and with it took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. But more importantly it was a lesson in fight from the hosts, one the visitors would do well to take note of.For much of the game it had looked Sri Lanka’s to lose. The first instance was when New Zealand were reeling on 65 for 5 midway through their innings, and the second when Sri Lanka were cruising after a 121-run opening stand needing just 52 off 40 deliveries.On both occasions New Zealand fought back, and hard – initially through a 105-run stand between Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell to post a competitive 172 for 8, and then finally through a late strangle that saw Sri Lanka lose eight wickets for 38 runs after being in total control of proceedings.Jacob Duffy was at the heart of the collapse with a three-wicket 14th over, as he set the wheels in motion for a sterling New Zealand comeback – which also earned him the player of the match award. Sri Lanka though will be at a loss for words in attempting to explain how they let this game slip.A collapse for the agesSri Lanka thought they had done enough – and by all accounts they had. A 121-run opening stand in chase of 173 would in most cases have been more than enough. After all, when Kusal Mendis fell for a brisk 46, Sri Lanka needed only another 52 runs off 40 deliveries with nine wickets in hand.Sure, three balls later that equation changed to 52 needed with seven wickets in hand, after Duffy had made sure Kusal Perera and Kamindu Mendis followed Kusal to the dressing room. But, surely not?Nerves were eased a bit as Charith Asalanka joined Pathum Nissanka in the middle to chip away. But when he fell with 28 still required off 16, more doubts crept in. And then when Matt Henry removed Nissanka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa in the span of a few deliveries, all doubt was removed. Sri Lanka needed 19 off 8, but only Wanindu Hasaranga could be counted on to strike the boundaries needed.Hasaranga being run out without facing a ball in the final over summed up Sri Lanka’s disastrous end to the game.Binura leads Sri Lanka’s early chargeMitchell Santner had been concerned about about a “green tinge” on the surface having been put in to bat, and after the first ten overs his concerns seemed warranted as New Zealand had stumbled to 65 for 5.Pathum Nissanka’s 90 from 60 balls seemed to have put Sri Lanka firmly in control•Getty Images

Binura Fernando, playing his first T20I in nine months, proved the most effective of Sri Lanka’s three seamers despite never clocking more than 130kph. He showed admirable control and found consistent movement in the air despite bowling mostly on a good length or slightly further back; the wickets of Tim Robinson and Rachin Ravindra were just rewards, and he might have had another had Charith Asalanka not spilled Mark Chapman at mid-off.Binura’s opening burst of three overs went for just 12 runs, before a Hasaranga double-strike in the 10th over really rammed home Sri Lanka’s early dominance.Mitchell and Bracewell counter brutallyIf the first half of the innings belonged to Sri Lanka, the second was well and truly New Zealand’s. After a couple of overs treading water, Bracewell signalled his intent to shift gears with a pair of boundaries off Maheesh Theekshana in the 14th, before unloading on an off-colour Matheesha Pathirana an over later – a flicked six into the grass banks and a monster loft over wide long-off the highlights in a 22-run over.Bracewell’s power was on total display from then on as Hasaranga and Binura were also both taken for maximums over the next few overs. And there would be no respite for Sri Lanka at the other end either, as Mitchell struck in lockstep with his partner, the pair even bringing up their respective fifties off consecutive deliveries.In total, 107 runs were struck between overs 10-20, with 85 of those coming off the six-over period from 13-19. Only an excellent final over from Theekshana, where three wickets fell for just three runs ensured New Zealand were kept below 180.Pathirana’s off dayFour overs for 60 runs and a solitary wicket marked a bad day at the office for Pathirana, but it’s the three no-balls (and subsequent free hits) that will no doubt have Sri Lanka’s coaching staff pulling their hair out. That one of those accounted for the wicket of Mitchell, when he was on eight, will be particularly grating.Pathirana also struggled with identifying an effective length, constantly bowling fuller than ideal – surprising considering the success Binura had had by hitting the deck harder, not to mention the success Pathirana himself has had with similar lengths in the past.

Former USMNT midfielder Stu Holden says travel and security are the two major priorities ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The FOX Sports analyst joined former USMNT player Alexi Lalas in consulting with the White House task force for the event, saying, “we want this to be remembered as the best World Cup ever."

Getty Images Entertainment'FIFA takes this with the utmost seriousness'

Holden said that the emphasis for the White House task force is on travel and security, ensuring the millions of expected visitors to the U.S., Canada and Mexico for the event are safe.

"One of the constant big questions around this World Cup – and it’s a very fair one – is security and travel," he told GOAL. "You’re going to have high-profile individuals in sports, entertainment, and politics attending these events. I don’t need to dive too deeply into where we stand geopolitically or how people feel about America to make the point. 

"When you’re talking about mass gatherings of people, there’s always going to be some uneasiness. Knowing I’ll be at these games, I have to put my trust in the organizers to do everything possible from a security standpoint to ensure this event goes off safely."

Holden said that he has confidence that FIFA is also prioritizing security, based on previous World Cups and the venues in the U.S. 

"FIFA takes this with the utmost seriousness," he said. "I’ve been in these stadiums; the security perimeters are extensive, with multiple checkpoints before you even get inside. Still, I think travel could be an issue. Our country has strong infrastructure, but the sheer number of fans will test it. Moving from game to game, with thousands of people flying the morning after matches to follow their teams, is going to be the biggest onslaught of fans this country has ever seen for a single event."

READ MORE:

AdvertisementGetty Images Entertainment'The need to get ahead of this now'

Lalas said he's had extensive conversations with task force executive director Andrew Giuliani, offering guidance. Holden added that he was also part of those conversations following a recent charity match in Washington, D.C.

"Alexi and I even did some lobbying on Capitol Hill a couple of months back, speaking with politicians about the need to get ahead of this now," Holden said. "We stressed the importance of visas and investment in infrastructure, and we emphasized how critical fans are to the tournament. We want as many fans in this country as possible – safely and responsibly, with proper clearance. This is bigger than soccer. It’s about how the U.S. presents itself to the world. We want to be the best host, and we want this to be remembered as the best World Cup ever."

He left the meeting with Giuliani encouraged.

"In speaking with him, I heard about everything he’s dealing with – from the New York/New Jersey transit plans to getting fans in and out of MetLife Stadium," Holden said. "Kansas City, for example, just opened a new airport, and the World Cup will be its biggest test yet. You’re dealing with a range of host cities, each with its own infrastructure challenges, so it’s really a massive jigsaw puzzle. I will say I was encouraged by the sense of urgency. Based on my conversation with him, I came away feeling good about the way he’s approaching these challenges."

AFPRecord number of visitors expected

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stressed that he has worked closely with the White House to ensure that 'the world is welcome at the World Cup.' 

Human Rights Watch has called upon Infantino to reconsider the location of the World Cup if the U.S. can't assure the safety of international visitors – especially considering that fans from 100 countries are expected to attend. 

Vice President JD Vance, who is vice chair for the Task Force, emphasized that fans traveling to the World Cup will have an enjoyable experience, but also issued a cautionary statement to those who want to extend their stay after it.

"Of course, everybody is welcome to come and see this incredible event, I know we'll have visitors from close to 100 countries," he said. "We want them to come, we want them to celebrate, we want them to watch the game, but when the time is up, they'll have to go home, otherwise, they'll have to talk to [Homeland Security] Secretary [Kristi] Noem."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPWorld Cup to boost economy

Preparations for both the 2025 Club World Cup and the World Cup in 2026 continue to be at the forefront for host cities and both local and federal officials. Infantino said the two events would bring nearly $50 billion in economic output to the U.S. and 300,000 jobs. Holden, for his part, is eagerly awaiting the tournament.

"I had been waiting for this moment for eight years," he said. "I can’t wait for this country to be consumed by the World Cup in a way we can’t even imagine. U.S. Soccer knows it will be big, but I think it’ll be bigger. I’ve marked Dec. 5 – the draw – on my calendar. We’ll be there at FOX Sports, and that’s when it will feel real for everyone. Players and administrators can map the path to knockouts, fans can circle games, book hotels, and buy tickets…. In 10 years, I’ve covered huge events – Qatar, Russia, Women’s World Cups in Vancouver and Australia. But this will be on another level."

Nottingham Forest are set to hold talks with the agents of an “amazing” player this week, in order to try and hash out a deal, according to a report.

Forest looking to achieve "big things" next season

Forest continued their preparations for the new Premier League campaign with a 0-0 draw against Fiorentina on Tuesday evening, and Nikola Milenkovic was happy with the team’s performance.

Milenkovic said: “We played against a very good team, from Serie A, and drew so we can continue to bring our condition and be ready for the first game.”

The defender also added that new signings Dan Ndoye and Igor Jesus have the ability to help the Tricky Trees have a successful 2025-26 campaign, saying: “They need also to adapt, it’s a change in the type of game from where they came,”

“I think they’re two very big players who can give us a big hand this season and help us to achieve big things.”

Nuno has strengthened his attack, following the departure of Anthony Elanga, while Jair Cunha has been brought in to bolster the backline, but the manager is yet to make any new additions to his midfield.

However, earlier this week, it was revealed that Nottingham Forest are leading the race for Juventus’ Douglas Luiz, with Edu driving the deal, and there has now been a new update on their pursuit of the midfielder.

According to a report from Italy (via The Daily Mail), Forest are set to hold talks with Luiz’s agents this week, in order to try and hash out a deal.

Nottingham Forest now on verge of signing £10m defender after making offer

The Tricky Trees are close to sealing an agreement for a full-back, a report has revealed.

ByDominic Lund Aug 5, 2025

Nuno’s side have the ‘priority’ in the race for the central midfielder’s signature, despite interest from rival Premier League clubs and a Saudi Pro League side.

The plan is to sign the Juventus maestro on an initial loan deal, which would include an obligation to buy for a fee of around £26m, although previous reports suggest the Italian club are keen to hold out for £35m.

Luiz could be "amazing" signing for Forest

Forest will once again be looking to challenge for a European spot next season, meaning it will be important for Nuno to bring in players with experience of doing exactly that, and the Brazilian was a real difference-maker for Aston Villa in the 2023-24 season.

Roy Keane lauded the former Aston Villa man as “amazing” during that campaign, with the Rio de Janeiro-born maestro collecting 14 goal contributions in the Premier League, while he is also a very impressive dribbler of the ball.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Successful take-ons

1.40 (95th percentile)

Progressive carries

2.15 (86th percentile)

Passes attempted

71.27 (91st percentile)

Shot-creating actions

3.98 (93rd percentile)

Luiz has failed to establish himself as a regular starter for Juventus since moving to Italy, making just 19 Serie A appearances last season, but his previous exploits in England suggest he could be a fantastic signing for Forest.