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Harrison drives Northants towards rare Old Trafford win

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Bohannon resists in follow-on but Lancashire remain in arrears

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay13-Apr-2025Northamptonshire are closing in on a first Rothesay County Championship victory at Old Trafford since 1999, and only their fourth win at Lancashire’s headquarters, after bowling the hosts out for 228 and then having the home side 126 for two in their second innings after enforcing the follow-on.Liam Guthrie gave Northamptonshire the dream start when he trapped Michael Jones lbw for 0 with an inswinger as Lancashire batted a second time but the visitors’ victory quest was held up by a resolute 120-run partnership between Keaton Jennings, who added 49 runs to go with his first innings 96 and Josh Bohannon who remains unbeaten on 67.Bohannon took 146 balls to reach his half century and batted with great determination while his 7 fours included a lovely, wristy flick of the wrists off Harrison to the midwicket fence, but the bowler changed ends and produced what could be a decisive moment in the match by finding the edge of Jennings’ bat six overs before stumps – his fifth wicket in this match – with Lewis McManus delightedly taking his 100th first-class dismissal.Four first-innings wickets for Harrison and three by Justin Broad led a fine bowling effort by Northamptonshire who took the remaining Lancashire wickets by the seventh over of the afternoon session, backing up the massive 496 accumulated by their batsmen, to put their side in the box seat after three days.It was Raphy Weatherall who struck first after fifty minutes of play when Matty Hurst steered a catch straight to Ricardo Vasconcelos at gully for 16 the over after the wicketkeeper/batter had confidently twice pulled Broad to backward square leg for four.Harrison picked up his first wicket of the day when Luke Wells, on 20, attempted to repeat the sweep shot that had brought him six runs earlier but this time top edging high to midwicket where Broad took a good running catch.
That ended a promising partnership of 46 and began a clatter of the three wickets to fall for 5 runs in 19 balls with first day centurion Saib Zaib to the fore.Jennings had looked imperious in stroking his way steadily to 96 and the fierce drive the Lancashire skipper produced against Harrison looked destined to bring up his century, but instead it nestled in the hand of Zaib at midwicket after the all-rounder flung himself to his right to pull off a stunning catch.Given the almost perfunctory one over of spin before lunch, Zaib then trapped George Balderson lbw for 1 to complete a magical five minutes and leave the spinner with figures for this season of 5-9 from 9.5 overs.
Harrison (4-34) and Broad (3-58) swiftly wrapped up the innings post lunch, Tom Hartley pulling the former to George Bartlett at midwicket for 8 and Tom Bailey finding the same fielder at long leg off Broad for the same score.
Lancashire made a much better fist of things second time around, but Northamptonshire remain firm favourites to clinch a result tomorrow.

Konstas and Green named in Australia's World Test Championship final squad

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Team management will work with any players who opt to return to the IPL and are in the Test squad

Andrew McGlashan13-May-2025The intrigue over who will open for Australia in the World Test Championship final is likely to continue until closer to the Test against South Africa at Lord’s with the decision to be made whether to recall Sam Konstas and if Cameron Green can be fitted back into the team.Meanwhile, the selectors and management will adjust the preparation plans for those players who are part of the WTC squad and opt to return to the IPL which will resume on May 17 with the final now pushed to June 3, just a week before the Test.Related

  • Green has 'all bases covered' amid Australia's WTC final selection debates

  • WTC winners to get USD 3.6 million in prize money

  • Five openers in 12 Tests? Australia's revolving door could continue

  • Hazlewood's successful return likely to leave Boland unlucky for WTC final

  • Marnus Labuschagne confirms Glamorgan stint ahead of WTC final

There were no surprises in Australia’s 15-player squad for the final which will also be the same one which tours West Indies shortly afterwards. Green has been included following his return from injury where he is currently playing for Gloucestershire and left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann taking the final slot to provide direct cover for Nathan Lyon at Lord’s and a likely partner for him in West Indies. Josh Inglis, who made a century on Test debut against Sri Lanka, is another batting option and a reserve wicketkeeper behind Alex Carey.Josh Hazlewood picked up a shoulder problem before the IPL was suspended but it is not currently posing concerns for Australia’s medical staff. Hazlewood, who had an injury-hit home summer against India, was edged out of the 2023 WTC final against India when he couldn’t quite recover from a side strain with selectors taking a cautious approach given the Ashes series which followed.Hazlewood (calf) and captain Pat Cummins (ankle and paternity leave) missed the two-Test series in Sri Lanka earlier this year.The squad can be freely amended for another couple of weeks before technical committee approval would be required for any injury replacements.Brendan Doggett, the South Australia quick who had an outstanding domestic season and is currently playing county cricket for Durham, will be a travelling reserve.It remains to be seen how Cameron Green can be fitted back into the team•Getty Images

Australia’s opening question

Barring any injury concerns emerging in the next few weeks, the biggest question for Australia’s selectors will be who partners Usman Khawaja. Konstas was left out in Sri Lanka following his dramatic debut against India when selectors opted for a conditions-specific approach by using Travis Head at the top of the order.Now they need to decide whether the final is a moment to bring Konstas back or potentially wait for the Tests against West Indies. Part of the jigsaw puzzle is Green’s availability as a batter-only following the back injury which required surgery and ruled him out of the whole of last season. Green made a century on debut for Gloucestershire but has since scored 3, 4, 2 and 8.”I think there’s still a few moving parts in terms of guys [who are] playing and some of the other players,” chair of selectors George Bailey said in Brisbane as players based in Australia attended their first pre-tour camp. “Cameron Green’s returning as well, so where he works up into the line-up. Josh Inglis has performed really well. I think with the squad, Pat and Andrew [McDonald] will have plenty of options as to where they go, but we have been really strong on trying to delineate between the World Test Championship final and then separate out the West Indies.”Should the selectors opt to bring Green back space will need to be found and the option of promoting Marnus Labuschagne to open, which may be a final chance for him to save his Test place, could allow Green to come in at No. 3, although he has only batted that high once in his first-class career. Bailey also said that Inglis was capable of going in at the top. Prior to his back injury, Green had returned at No. 4 during the brief period where Steven Smith opened and made a superb 174 not out in Wellington.Marnus Labuschagne has had a lean run in Test cricket over the last two years•Getty Images

“I think Marnus could open the batting,” Bailey said. “I think we’ve got a number of guys who could open the batting, but that’s not to say they will. I’m not trying to be cryptic about it. We’re [not] sitting on the XI and we know what it is, but we’re not announcing it. I just think there’s quite a bit to work through…the Test is another month away.”One other route that may be considered is whether Green edges out Beau Webster at No. 6 although that would leave the side without an additional bowling option behind the four specialists with Green not due to return with the ball until close to the Ashes later in the year.”I think that will become clearer once we get to the UK and probably get eyes on particularly those fast bowlers that have been playing in India,” Bailey said. “They’re all working pretty hard behind the scenes to make sure they start to ramp up their loads a little bit. But it will be a slightly different preparation, so we’ll get a bit of a chance to see where they’re at.”

IPL impact

Australia’s preparations for the final have been handed a complicating factor with the updated IPL schedule. The players are due to have a pre-tour camp in Scotland from late May before shifting to London ahead of the Test.”We don’t expect any material impact on the preparation for the World Test Championship,” Ben Oliver, the head of national teams, said. “We’ve got players obviously preparing here in Australia, we’ve got players preparing around the world before they then assemble in the UK, but we’ll work through that individually with players over the coming days.It has yet to be confirmed which players will return to India, but Inglis (Punjab Kings) and Mitchell Starc (Delhi Capitals) are with teams who are in contention for the final as is Hazlewood should he be fit and make himself available. Head and Cummins (Sunrises Hyderabad) are not in the mix for the playoffs with their last league game now set for May 26 if they opt to return.”No doubt it was an extreme situation and we feel it’s really appropriate to support their individual experience and their individual decision as they work through that over the coming days,” Oliver said.Australia’s Test series against West Indies starts 10 days after the WTC final with matches in Barbados, Grenada and Jamaica.

Australia World Test Championship final squad and West Indies Test tour

Pat Cummins (capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster | Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett

Labuschagne faces vital outing in search for form

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

He missed out twice against Northamptonshire ahead of the selectors needing to decide the make-up of Australia’s top three

Andrew McGlashan22-May-2025How important will events in Cardiff over the next four days prove to Australia’s plans for the World Test Championship final? After his twin failures against Northamptonshire, Marnus Labuschagne has one more outing, against Middlesex, to find some form before decision day draws closer for the selectors over the make-up of the batting order.With Cameron Green’s strong showing against Kent, it feels like his recall for the final against South Africa is becoming increasingly assured even though he won’t be able to bowl. Therefore, the last call to make – providing Beau Webster’s overs are wanted and Josh Hazlewood’s shoulder doesn’t become an issue – would appear to be between Labuschagne and Sam Konstas, with Josh Inglis an outside option given chair of selectors George Bailey put his name in the mix. Whoever gets the nod will be Usman Khawaja’s opening partner.Related

  • IPL, county cricket or nets at home: how the Australians have prepared for the WTC final

  • Green has 'all bases covered' amid Australia's WTC final selection debates

  • Konstas and Green named in Australia's World Test Championship final squad

  • Five openers in 12 Tests? Australia's revolving door could continue

  • Green stars again as Gloucestershire end three-year Bristol win drought

It may be that the selectors are not swayed massively by what happens in a pair of County Championship matches but Labuschagne, while being an incumbent Test player with an average of 46.76 and 11 hundreds, is not coming into the debate from a position of strength. His Test figure in this WTC cycle is 28.33 with just one century which came 29 innings ago against England during the 2023 Ashes; his last hundred in all first-class cricket was in June 2024.There was a similarity in his pair of dismissals against Northamptonshire last week: squared up and edging to third slip, firstly against fellow Australian Harry Conway, who has recently lost his state contract, and then to Ben Sanderson in a small chase. There wasn’t much to gain with Glamorgan needing 66 to win, but the chance of red-inker 30 went missing. As the catch was taken, Labuschagne lingered at the crease with the expression of someone pondering his lot.The selectors will deliberate long and hard before moving Labuschagne aside. Even when not at his best, the three half-centuries against India last season all came at crucial stages of the series. Unlike Konstas, Labuschagne also has considerable experience batting in England. But it would continue a strange time at the top of Australia’s order if they opt to effectively manufacture another opener.

“I do think it’s a role that more people could do,” Bailey said when the squad was announced. “I know there is a prevailing thought it is a specialised role. In certain conditions, there’s opportunities at different times that guys could do it.”For Green, meanwhile, another lengthy stay at the crease was a significant box ticked after a long period sidelined following his back surgery last October and there were no signs of the cramp he suffered during his debut century. His last outing will be against Northamptonshire, where Conway will no doubt be keen for another big-name scalp.”Fantastic to see him get some runs, but just also his ability to back up innings to innings and match to match,” Bailey said last week. I think he pulled up pretty sore after his first innings, having not played for a little while.”So he’ll get better and better as he does that. We know he’s a quality player, we know he’s a proven performer also, so whether and how many runs he gets are not necessarily as much of a concern as him getting some match play under his belt.”Those players who have remained in Australia, which include Konstas, have had another training camp in Brisbane this week ahead of flying to the UK. A clip posted on Cricket Australia’s social media during the week showed Konstas facing Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon.Hazlewood has been spending time rehabbing his shoulder ahead of a potential return to the IPL for the playoffs while Starc opted not to head back to the tournament when it resumed.

Shastri: Kohli retired from Tests without regret

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Shastri revealed that he spoke to Kohli ahead of the announcement

ESPNcricinfo staff15-May-20252:54

Pujara: Kohli brought a shift in India’s fitness culture as captain

Ravi Shastri has revealed that he had a personal conversation with Virat Kohli prior to his Test retirement, which convinced Shastri that the time was right for the decision. Shastri was India’s coach for the majority of Kohli’s tenure as captain and said that Kohli has no regrets. Shastri believes Kohli can still make big contributions in ODI’s and in franchise cricket.”I did speak to him about it [his announcement], I think a week before that and his mind was very clear that he’d given us everything,” Shastri said on . “There were no regrets. There were one or two questions I asked, and that’s a personal conversation which, you know, he mentioned very clearly, there were no doubts in his mind, which made me think, ‘Yes, the time is right’. The mind has told his body that it’s time to go.”He doesn’t have regrets. Ideally, everyone might want [him] to carry on. But then, he looks at the bigger picture. He feels he can contribute massive in the one-day game. There’s a lot of franchise cricket left for him in his life. The reason I think he will not have regrets is because he gave his everything.”Related

  • Kohli-mania takes over Chinnaswamy as IPL braces for restart

  • Virat Kohli retires from Test cricket

  • Kohli in Tests: Six double-tons in 18 months, and India's most successful captain

Kohli finished with 30 hundreds in 123 Tests across a 14-year career and was also India’s most successful captain in the format. Shastri said that juggling it all at a high intensity was a tough task across formats and Test cricket had to make way.”Individually, as a bowler, as a batsman, a player does his job, [and] then you sit back, ” Shastri said. “But [with Kohli] when the team goes out, it’s as if he has to take all the wickets, he has to take all the catches, he has to make all the decisions on the field.”That much involvement, I would think there’s going to be a burnout somewhere if he doesn’t take a rest, if he doesn’t compartmentalise how much he wants to play across formats, there is bound to be a burnout. Well, it’s happened now and he’s pulled out of Test cricket. Unfortunate, because I still think he could have played two [more] years, but he’s the boss. If his mind tells him that is enough, it’s enough.”1:10

Uthappa: ‘Winning Tests mattered to Kohli, not personal milestones’

Along with staggering peaks, Kohli has also left a cultural imprint on the format by being expressive on the field. It’s a quality that, according to Shastri, had players and viewers invested in the game.”He’s got accolades around the globe. He has a bigger following than any other cricketer in the last decade,” Shastri said. “Whether it’s Australia, whether it’s South Africa, he just got people to watch the game. There was a love-hate relationship.”They would get angry because he had the ability to get under the skin of the viewer also. In the way he celebrated, his intensity was such that it was like a rash. It spread very quickly, not just within the dressing room, but within living rooms as well for people watching cricket. So he was an infectious personality. That’s something I’ll remember.”

Iceland’s Thunderclap, Seven Nation Army & international football's 10 most famous fan chants & celebrations

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The stage is set for a group of fans to take over as the new favourites after Iceland impressed at Euro 2016, but what examples are there to follow?

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    Thunderclap

    Iceland captured the hearts of fans across the continent when they progressed to the quarter-finals of their first major tournament finals at Euro 2016.

    Iceland drew with Portugal and Hungary and got the better of Austria in the group stage before eliminating England in the last-16 to assert a reputation as the brave warriors of the tournament capable of punching above their weight.

    They were accompanied by a confident and boisterous support who, much like the team, made themselves known despite their miniscule reputation and numbers with the resounding and encapsulating Thunderclap.

    The sight of the players leading the synchronised accelerating claps was inspirational to all watching but the country took it to another level when they gave the team a heroes' welcome with another incredible demonstration in Reykjavik upon their return.

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    Que Viva Espana!

    The trademark chant of La Roja’s devoted followers originated in Belgium, but its jovial, catchy tone and happy, Spanish vibe saw it take hold in its spiritual homeland thanks to famous singer Manolo Escobar.

    It became a bit of an anthem for national team fans, enjoying a huge spell of popularity during Spain’s golden era.

    Their journey to two European Championship and a World Cup success saw Spain and their supporters take centre stage for a good period, and Que Viva Espana was often ringing out.

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    Campioni del… Seven Nation Army?

    Azzurri fans made a new unofficial anthem with their persistent chanting of "campioni del mondo" to the catchy tune of the White Stripes' hit Seven Nation Army.

    After the Italians won the 2006 World Cup, the chant was inescapable and became popular with fans across Europe.

    The song’s connection to football originates in Belgium and spread through Italy after a visit from Club Brugge fans, and it proved so inspirational it even turned Francesco Totti into a fan of the White Stripes.

    “I had never heard the song before we stepped on the field in Bruges,” he said after hearing the song burst out from the stands. "Since then, I can't get the 'Po po po po po po po' out of my head. It sounded fantastic and the crowd was immediately totally into it. I quickly went out and bought one of the band's albums.”

    The track's grip on football spread even further, though, enjoying a lengthy spell among stands across Europe. 

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    Will Grigg’s on fire!

    Wigan goal machine Will Grigg did not make an appearance for Northern Ireland at Euro 2016, but he was made a legend of the tournament through the memorable chant that dominated France for the summer.

    Sung to the tune of 1996 hit 'Freed from Desire' by Gala, the chant went viral when the Wigan supporter behind it uploaded his rendition to YouTube.

    With a solid dance beat and lyrics celebrating a tournament underdog, it was the perfect anthem for Northern Ireland fans as they brought a party atmosphere to the competition.

Higuain, Piatek and the best XI of the January transfer window

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Chelsea and AC Milan's newcomers were among the biggest moves seen in a frantic winter transfer period

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    1Krzysztof Piatek | Genoa to AC Milan

    The Rossoneri moved in lightning fashion to replace Higuain, signing up the Poland international from Genoa while Pipita was still taking his Chelsea medical. On first impressions it may well prove that the Italians received the best end of that bargain.

    Piatek picked up right where he left off with Genoa, netting twice against Napoli in the Coppa Italia to make himself an instant fans' favourite. Along with Duvan Zapata he has been the revelation of the Serie A season and has drawn obvious comparisons with compatriot Robert Lewandowski.

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    2Gonzalo Higuain | AC Milan to Chelsea

    The centre-forward spot at Chelsea has proven a poisoned chalice in recent seasons. But experienced goal-getter Higuain has as much chance as anyone of making waves at Stamford Bridge.

    Higuain boasts an enviable scoring record, hitting more than 150 goals in Italy since joining Napoli in 2013. And while he failed to find his best form for AC Milan in the first half of 2018-19, the Argentine is still a fearsome striker who can deliver the goals Chelsea so desperately need.

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    3Lucas Paqueta | Flamengo to AC Milan

    AC Milan finally sealed the signing of young Brazil international Paqueta from Flamengo in January. And while he has played just a handful of matches so far, he is making all the right noises at San Siro.

    Paqueta laid on a goal for Krzysztof Piatek in Tuesday's stunning 2-0 defeat of Napoli in the Coppa Italia. The pair seem to be the breath of fresh air Milan needed to get their season going after such toils in the first half of the campaign.

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    4Cesc Fabregas | Chelsea to Monaco

    Even at the ripe old age of 31, the capture of Cesc on a free transfer represents a cracking piece of business for crisis-ridden Monaco.

    After a four-and-a-half-year spell at Stamford Bridge that included two Premier League titles, the Spain international lost favour with the arrival of Maurizio Sarri. Now he is charged with saving his new club from relegation, with Leonardo Jardim drafted back into coaching service in extraordinary circumstances having been sacked just months earlier.

Messi, Mbappe, Hazard & the European Team of the Season so far

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With another international break upon us, Goal selects the most impressive performers of the 2018-19 European club campaign so far…

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    GK: Tomas Vaclik

    An early contender for signing of the season, Tomas Vaclik joined Sevilla from Basel for just €6.3 million during the summer and has already proven himself a bargain buy.

    The Czech Republic international has made more saves (57) and kept more clean sheets (seven) than any other goalkeeper in Europe's 'Big Five' leagues, with his sensational shot-stopping propelling the Rojiblancos to the top of the Primera Division.

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    RB: Joao Cancelo

    Inter's loss has proven Juventus' considerable gain, with former Valencia right-back Joao Cancelo having slotted seamlessly into his new surroundings in Turin after spending last season on loan at San Siro.

    As well as playing his part in the Old Lady keeping six clean sheets already this season, the Portugal international has been sensational going forward.

    Indeed, only Youcef Atal has completed more dribbles than Cancelo, who Bianconeri boss Massimiliano Allegri insists has everything in his locker to become the best right-back in the world.

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    CB: Virgil van Dijk

    Riyad Mahrez may have let Virgil van Dijk off the hook with his horrific penalty at Anfield on Sunday but that reckless challenge on Leroy Sane aside, the Dutch centre-half has been Liverpool's most reliable performer so far this season.

    The Netherlands international is the primary reason why the undefeated Reds have conceded just three times in the Premier League and it is telling that nobody is querying Jurgen Klopp's decision to pay £75m for the aerially dominant defender anymore.

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    CB: Kalidou Koulibaly

    Napoli may not have made any stellar signings during the summer but they did manage to hold on to Kalidou Koulibaly, the defensive rock on which their 2017-18 Scudetto challenge was founded. 

    However, how much longer they can hold on to a player now repeatedly being linked with Barcelona remains to be seen, with the Senegal international picking up where he left off last season by helping the Partenopei keep five clean sheets in all competitions already this term, including one in the Champions League against Liverpool's much-vaunted forward line.

Five times African sides tore it up in the World Cup group stage

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With the draw to be held on Friday, GOAL remembers previous sides from the continent that performed strongly in the group stages

  • African nations at the World Cup

    Picking out five nations from the continent that flourished at the start of the global showpiece.

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    Algeria (1982)

    While Morocco became the first African side to make it out of a group in 1986, that honour ought to have gone to the Fennecs four years earlier.

    Not only were Algeria the continent’s foremost team to win two group matches, their four points after three games in the first group stage (teams were still awarded two points for a win at the time) was outdone by only three sides—Brazil (six), England (six) and Belgium (five).

    The North Africans finished level with West Germany — whom they stunned 2-1 in their tournament opener — and Austria on four points, but the Austrians advanced with a superior goal difference.

    The final game between Germany and Austria — in which both sides knew the outcome of the African side’s final game (a 3-2 win over Chile) — has been dubbed the “Disgrace of Gijon” due to the perceived relaxed nature of the game after the West Germans scored early, with the 1-0 result enough to take both European nations through.

    Algeria’s tally of four points would have seen them progress from four of the other five groups, further rankling for a side that flourished at the finals in Spain.

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    Cameroon (1990)

    Morocco ended top of their group in ’86 runs Cameroon close, but the Indomitable Lions winning two games sees them pip the Atlas Lions’ feat from Mexico ’86.

    The Central African nation defeated reigning champions Argentina 1-0, despite being reduced to nine men and finished as group winners, with Roger Milla inspiring their 2-1 success over Romania.

    That Cameroon side advanced to the quarter-finals before suffering a painful 3-2 extra-time defeat against England.

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    Nigeria (1994)

    Tournament debutants Nigeria finished top of a group comprising one of the tournament favourites Argentina, Bulgaria and Greece, ending with six points from three games.

    Their 3-0 success over the Bulgarians remains the biggest victory by an African nation to date, with no side from the continent matching the Super Eagles in nearly a generation.

    The then-African champions reached the last 16.

The 21 best kids soccer books for all ages

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All products featured on our site are independently chosen by us. When you purchase something through the links provided, we may earn a commission.

Inspire the next generation of soccer stars

Do you know a child who struggles to get reading and reaches for the TV remote or tablet instead? If they like soccer, you're in luck, as these fantastic books will immerse them in the world of reading.

Reading is so essential; it's where children can learn empathy and about different cultures, where dreams can be lived out between the pages, and where they can learn how the top soccer player's become the best. 

These books have been proven to appeal to even the most reluctant readers and are guaranteed to entertain any girl or boy who's soccer crazy. From galactic soccer matches to inspiring teams, there's sure to be something kids, teens, and grown-ups of all ages will enjoy.

If they might prefer to listen to books rather than read them, Audible offers a 30-day free trial for new customers, giving access to many of the titles included on this list.

Here are 21 of the best soccer book for kids to read all about the beautiful game.

  • Shop: 21 best soccer books for kids

    Goodnight Soccer by Michael Dahl

    Capstone Young Readers$13.45 at Amazon

    Recommended reading age: 4-7 years

    is a great bedtime read for younger children who love the game. With rhyming text and vibrant art, the book encapsulates everything wonderful about the world of soccer. It will definitely be a success with young ones right before bed.

  • Soccer Activity Book

    Create Space $5.97 at Amazon

    Recommended reading age: 8-12 years

    Created for boys and girls who love soccer, this fantastically-fun soccer activity book will keep any soccer-mad kid busy, happy and entertained for hours with a wide variety of soccer-themed fun. It includes games, word searches, puzzles, doodling pages, and so much more.

  • The Academy by T.Z Layton

    First Touch Books for Young Readers $10.99 at Amazon

    Recommended reading age: 8-13 years

    This fun book tells the story of Leo, who has a pet lizard named Messi and gets a call-up to try out for the London Dragon's youth squad – The Academy. This story will take you on the journey of a young boy's dream to make it as a soccer player.

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  • She Shoots, She Scores! by Catriona Clarke

    Kingfisher$9.99 at Amazon

    Recommended reading age: 8-11 years

    is an excellent collection of facts and statistics about women's soccer, along with pocket profiles of the top players who have graced the game. With a foreword from Manchester City defender Steph Houghton, this is a great introductory book for any youngster to learn more about the women's game.

Ultimate Schalke dream team – Neuer and Ozil in, no room for Raul

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This Schalke all-time XI is a work of art!

One of many iconic clubs in Germany, Schalke 04, or simply Schalke, have been a mainstay in European football ever since its formation in 1904.

As of 2022, Schalke has 160,000 members including fans who became a part of the club, thus making it the second-largest football club in Germany and the fourth-largest club in the world in terms of fan membership.

The seven-time Bundesliga champions have been home to some of the greatest footballers in Germany and the rest of the world.

Here's a look at their best XI in history!

  • getty Images

    GK: Manuel Neuer

    Manuel Neuer graduated from Schalke's youth academy, making his senior debut for the club in 2005 at the age of just 19.

    The German goalkeeper made 156 senior appearances for the club between 2005 and 2011, winning the Germany League Cup in 2005 and the 2010-11 DFB Pokal.

    In 2011, Neuer joined Bayern Munich and since the 2012-13 season, he won every single Bundesliga title until 2021-22. He also won two Champions League crowns among other trophies in his 300+ appearances for the club.

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    RCB: Rafinha

    A skilled defender with lightning speed and a strong shot, Rafinha impressed Schalke with his performances at Brazilian club Coirtiba.

    They brought him to Germany in 2005 and over the course of the next five years, Rafinha made 153 appearances for Schalke.

    The tricky right-back went on to make over 150 appearances for Bayern Munich later in his career, winning a host of trophies.

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    CB: Joel Matip

    Matip began his career at Schalke 04 in 2009 and formed an important part of their team that won the DFB Pokal and DFL Supercup in 2011.

    His debut in Bundesliga is one that Matip will remember forever as he scored in a draw against Bayern Munich and was named Man of the Match.

    It is worth knowing that Matip spent his initial years at Schalke playing as a defensive midfielder before changing to centre-back.

    He made 258 appearances and scored 23 goals for Schalke before moving to Liverpool on a free transfer in 2016.

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    LCB: Benedikt Howedes

    Schalke legend Benedikt Howedes graduated from the club's academy and made his first team debut in 2007.

    He played there for 11 years, making 240 appearances, winning the DFB Pokal in 2010-11 and the DFB Supercup in 2011.

    The centre-back joined Lokomotiv Moscow in 2018 before retiring from club football. He is currently the assistant manager of Germany's national team.

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