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After enduring the summer of all summers at Anfield, Liverpool could still miss out on their top target amid interest from Real Madrid, who beat the Reds to Jude Bellingham back in 2023.

Isak delivers emphatic Liverpool statement

Alexander Isak was made to wait, but eventually he got his move. Arriving on deadline day in a deal worth around £125m, the Swede finally got his wish and will now be looking to go from a player on strike to a player back in action at his very best.

Joining Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo on Arne Slot’s list of attacking options, there’s a strong argument that Liverpool now have the strongest frontline in all of Europe. As such, it came as no surprise that Isak instantly set his sights on creating history in Merseyside.

Without their new star striker, Liverpool have not even got out of first gear but remain the only side in the Premier League with a 100% win record. Slot’s side needed late winners against Bournemouth, Newcastle United and, most recently, Arsenal as their rivals quickly became sick of the sight of the champions before the international break.

Now, those same rivals will be dreading the impact that Isak could make. It must be said, however, that he wasn’t the only top target on deadline day and after Liverpool hesitated, they’ve seemingly allowed Real Madrid to swoop in.

Real Madrid now eyeing Marc Guehi move

As relayed by reports in Spain, Real Madrid have now set their sights on signing Marc Guehi on a free deal when his current contract expires next summer. The defender looked destined for Anfield on deadline day after a deal was agreed and medical completed, before Crystal Palace pulled the plug in ruthless fashion.

Leaving the door for rivals to make their move when his contract expires, Liverpool could suffer an all too familiar hijack at the hands of Real Madrid. Of course, it wasn’t so long ago that the Spanish giants jumped ahead of the Reds to sign Jude Bellingham – who has thrived ever since – and pried Trent Alexander-Arnold away from Anfield this summer.

Isak can do the one thing for Liverpool that Haaland never did at Man City

The Swede could already hand the Reds one key advantage.

ByTom Cunningham Sep 2, 2025

Liverpool should be desperate to avoid a repeat and secure the arrival of Guehi once and for all, either in January or next summer. Described as “calm and composed” by former Manchester City defender Micah Richards, the Crystal Palace defender looks set to have a big decision to make when the time comes.

MatériaMais Notícias

Na tarde deste domingo, o Grêmio recebeu o Fortaleza na Arena e novamente decepcionou o seu torcedor ao empatar em 0 a 0.  O time de Renato Gaúcho até buscou mais o gol na etapa inicial, porém, não conseguiu obter o êxito nas finalizações. 

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Na etapa final, o Fortaleza deu mais trabalho e aproveitou a fase negativa do Tricolor para criar boas oportunidades. No fim, o empate sem gols frustrou o torcedor e elenco gremista, que sonhava em dar mais uma resposta após a goleada sofrida contra o Palmeiras. 

Desde a vitória contra o Cuiabá, o Tricolor disputou mais três confrontos: empatou duas vezes e perdeu uma. 

Com seis rodadas disputadas, o Tricolor se encontra na 11ª colocação, com apenas oito pontos conquistados. 

Sunderland have finally concluded a deal for Granit Xhaka, but they are far from done this summer with notable additions.

Up next, it looks as if Robin Roefs will join the building from NEC Nijmegen as the Black Cats’ brand new goalkeeper for the Premier League, having kept a promising ten clean sheets in Eredivisie action last season.

From that point on, it’s anybody’s guess as to who will be following the Dutchman in through the door, as the rumour mill continues to be active on Wearside.

Sunderland agree deal to sign new striker

Regis Le Bris and Co could well be diving straight back into the options at their disposal at Bayer Leverkusen, with Amine Adli a name that keeps popping up from the German giants.

Reports suggest that the Black Cats, West Ham United, and Wolverhampton Wanderers are all locked into a race to try and snap up the Moroccan winger, who is valued around the £26m price range.

Elsewhere, meanwhile, it was reported by Sky Sports’ Keith Downie that Sunderland had opened talks to snap up Chelsea hotshot Marc Guiu on a loan deal, having approached the 19-year-old who has previously been linked with Leeds United.

Fabrizio Romano has since followed that up by revealing that a deal has been agreed for the youngster, with Guiu set to join on a temporary move, with no option to buy for the Black Cats.

The Spanish teenager is yet to get up and running in the Premier League with the Blues, but it’s clear that he is seen as a gem for the future, with Danny Welbeck once viewed in the same light when he arrived to the Stadium of Light in 2010, only then to get his top-flight career off the ground on Wearside.

Why Guiu could be Sunderland's new Welbeck

Heading into his formative stint with the Black Cats, Welbeck only had three senior strikes to shout about, having been previously loaned out to Preston North End in the Championship away from parent side Manchester United.

Guiu can boast double that amount for Enzo Maresca’s men already, but it’s clear that he needs more consistent minutes in the top-flight, away from wreaking havoc in the much-maligned Conference League.

Sunderland could now be willing to give him that opportunity, much like when they extended their hand out to a far more raw Welbeck 15 years ago.

The now well-established 34-year-old would first make a name for himself donning Sunderland red and white, with the ex-Black Cats number 17 even getting in on the goalscoring act during his solitary season with the club, when downing Chelsea 3-0 in a surprise away win.

In total, Welbeck would bag a promising six strikes from 26 games before then going on to become a first-teamer at Old Trafford, with the Premier League veteran now up to 77 goals in the testing division when featuring for the likes of Arsenal, Watford, and Brighton and Hove Albion, away from the Red Devils and the Stadium of Light.

Welbeck’s heroics for Sunderland would help them to secure a comfortable tenth-place finish in the final top-flight standings, with Guiu hopeful he can be that same spark that makes survival a breeze, having already made quite an impression on the Stamford Bridge masses from limited starts.

Indeed, despite making just four starts overall for Maresca’s side, the ex-Barcelona youth product has a blistering six strikes next to his name, leading to Guiu being dubbed a “nightmare” to come up against by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Further showing off his ice-cold finishing ability on the international stage with Spain when powering home 11 goals for the U17s and U19s, on top of even having two senior Barca strikes next to his name, it’s no shock that one of his former youth coaches, Jose Lana, has stated that Guiu can “score goals from nowhere.”

It might be a tall order for Guiu to instantly break into the first-team fold, however.

But when he is unleashed into the action, the 19-year-old will surely be eager to make an impact, knowing full well that an electric loan stint on Wearside could finally kickstart his Premier League journey in style.

Bigger talent than Adingra: Sunderland race to sign "outstanding" £26m star

Sunderland could be about to win themselves a bigger talent than Simon Adingra by signing this £26m ace.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 31, 2025

يواجه أحد لاعبي برشلونة الكثير من الغموض بشأن مستقبله في النادي، إلى جانب موقفه من المشاركة في كأس العالم المقبل 2026 مع منتخب بلاده.

ويبدو أن مستقبل الحارس الألماني مارك أندريه تير شتيجن في نادي برشلونة أصبح أكثر غموضاً من أي وقت مضى، بعد تعرضه لإصابة طويلة.

وقد تراجعت مكانة تير شتيجن في برشلونة، بعد أن عزز البلوجرانا صفوفه بضم تشيزني وخوان جارسيا، ولا يترددون في ألمانيا بتشجيعه على الرحيل إذا أراد الحفاظ على حظوظه في استدعائه لقائمة المانشافت في كأس العالم 2026.

وفي تصريحات نشرتها “سبورت” الإسبانية نقلاً عن صحيفة “بيلد”، وجه بيرند شوستر اللاعب والمدرب السابق نصيحة لشتيجن: “بالنظر إلى قسوة برشلونة مع اللاعبين الذين لم يعودوا بحاجة إليهم، لو كنت مكانه لبحثت عن ناد جديد”.

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وأكد شوستر ثقة هانز فليك في الوافدين الجدد في مركز حراسة المرمى: “من الواضح أن فليك وضع ثقته في الوافد الجديد خوان جارسيا وتشيزني كحارس احتياطي، لن يحصل شتيجن على فرصة أخرى”.

وقد فتح شوستر الباب أمام سيناريو صعب لتير شتيجن: “في رأيي ليس بالضرورة أن يكون ناديه الجديد من الطراز الرفيع، سيكون من الجيد أن يتمتع هذا النادي بالطموح في الدوري الألماني ويلعب بانتظام، لأن هذا ما يحتاجه بشدة وإلا أتصور أن مدرب ألمانيا سيقوم بالاعتماد على مانويل نوير وإعادته لقائمة المنتخب في كأس العالم 2026”.

وكان تير شتيجن قد رسخ مكانته في منتخب ألمانيا كحارس أساسي بعد اعتزال مانويل نوير الجزئي، ولكنه أصبح مهددًا بفقدان مركزه بسبب قلة فرص المشاركة واللعب.

Glasgow Rangers could soon get the chance to bring a Champions League striker to Ibrox, with the forward in question open to the idea of a potential Gers move.

Rangers forwards Dessers and Igamane linked with Ibrox exits

Russell Martin is the man tasked by the 49ers Enterprises with bringing Scottish Premiership glory back to Ibrox, and the Gers are also looking to qualify for the Champions League, starting with next months qualifier against Greek side Panathinaikos.

However, Martin could be without some star attackers for the two-legged European clash at the end of July, with Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane both mooted to leave Glasgow this summer.

Rangers identify £6.5m forward who plays like Immobile to replace Igamane

Rangers’ recruitment team have identified a new striker to replace Hamza Igamane.

By
Brett Worthington

Jun 27, 2025

Dessers could end up moving to Greece with AEK Athens after agreeing a £30,000-a-week contract, however, the two clubs are yet to shake hands on a fee with the Gers rejecting a £4.5m offer.

Meanwhile, Igamane has agreed personal terms with Ligue 1 side Lille over a Rangers exit, and like Dessers, there is still work to be done over reaching an agreement on a fee.

Should both depart, then reinforcements will be required in the final third ahead of the 2025/26 season, and by the looks of things, one man is keen on the idea of joining Lyall Cameron and Max Aarons through the Ibrox door.

Luuk de Jong “open” to Rangers move

According to reports from the Netherlands, relayed by The Daily Record, experienced striker Luuk de Jong would be “open” to a move to Rangers this summer.

The 34-year-old is on course to become a free agent when his PSV Eindhoven contract expires at the end of the month, and there is hesitation over new terms, with Ricardo Pepi set to be first-choice striker next season.

After three years with PSV, De Jong captained the Dutch side throughout the 24/25 season, including in the Champions League.

A Netherlands international, De Jong’s future is up in the air and Rangers are ‘touted as an interested party’, something he could be open to as he reaches the twilight years of his career.

As can be seen, De Jong, who stands at 6 foot 2, has scored goals in the Netherlands, Spain and Germany during his career, so he could be a shrewd addition who would provide plenty of experience for Martin.

Former Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman even labelled De Jong as “more dangerous than Neymar” for his threat in the air, and during his career, the striker has scored 113 headed goals.

“When there’s a cross coming in, Luuk is more dangerous than Neymar. He’s a different kind of forward to what we have, and I think all teams should have one like him.”

Newcastle United are on the hunt for what seems to be their primary target this summer, a new right winger.

The Magpies have a huge season ahead of them, with Champions League football returning to St James’ Park, and are looking for extra depth on the right to go along with Jacob Murphy.

After being rejected by Bryan Mbeumo, the Magpies seemingly switched their attention to Anthony Elanga.

According to David Ornstein, they placed a bid of around £45m, but that was rejected by Nottingham Forest, the Sweden international’s current club.

Whilst there is still a chance they could return with a bid for Elanga, there have been reports about their new targets out wide.

Newcastle's new right-wing targets

It is definitely a blow for the North East giants to perhaps lose out on the signing of Elanga. He was a player they have seemingly targeted for a while, having made a move for him last summer. However, they certainly have other options.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It seems as though Newcastle could move for a new target after they failed to sign Elanga. Keith Downie of Sky Sports reported a few days ago that they are ‘exploring’ a move for other players, including Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi.

If Eddie Howe’s side decide to try and sign the Germany international, he could cost £43m, according to SportBILD a few weeks ago.

The same report also suggests that Juventus, Liverpool and Chelsea are also interested in the winger, although it is not clear if they will challenge the Magpies in their move or Howe gets a clear run at his latest winger target.

How Adeyemi compares to Anthony Elanga

At 23 years of age, Adeyemi has already played a great deal of football at the highest level and has made a great impression. He notably impressed last season for Dortmund despite struggling with an injury, and is now playing in the Club World Cup in the United States.

In 2024/25 so far, including the ongoing competition happening Stateside, he has played 38 times, scoring an impressive 12 goals and grabbing a further nine assists. Given that he has featured for just 2,261 minutes, the equivalent of 25.1 full 90-minute games, contributing to 21 goals in that time is a great effort.

The Magpies will certainly know a bit about the damage Adeyemi can cause. Having played against him twice before in the Champions League, he grabbed an assist against them at Signal Iduna Park. Adeyemi’s quick feet and excellent long pass enabled Julian Brandt to counter-attack Newcastle, which he ended up scoring.

Sweden international Elanga had a fantastic campaign in the Premier League last season too. He played all 38 of Forest’s games, scoring six goals and grabbing 11 assists, including a sublime effort against former side Manchester United.

Those numbers are fairly similar to the ones Adeyemi put up in the Bundesliga; he contributed 13 goals and assists in the German top flight, but played just 25 games.

Described as a “counter-attacking weapon” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig and as “unstoppable” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, you can certainly see how that is similar to Elanga by watching how quick he is in the above goal. Adeyemi is not exactly slow, and, as per Speeds Database, has a top speed of 36.30 km/h.

Statistically, via FBref, Adeyemi has numbers which far exceed Elanga. For example, the German international averaged 0.82 goal involvements and 0.69 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes, compared to the Forest star’s 0.61 goals and assists and 0.65 goal-creating actions each game.

Goals and assists

0.82

0.61

Goals per shot on target

0.39

0.25

Progressive carries

4.28

3.67

Take-ons completed

2.52

0.90

Goal-creating actions

0.69

0.65

Tackles and interceptions

1.7

0.90

If this is the type of profile Newcastle want to sign this summer, and they miss out on Elanga, they might end up with the better option in Adeyemi. The Dortmund attacker is quick, dangerous in transition and able to score and assist at a consistent level, more so than Elanga.

For £43m, a fee they’re clearly willing to spend, this seems like a fantastic addition to the Magpies’ squad, and could be a better option than the Forest star.

Advanced talks: Newcastle accelerating move to sign "incredible" £30m ace

The Magpies are closing in on their man…

ByTom Cunningham Jun 25, 2025

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is fresh off the back of another fine season at Selhurst Park, and his stance on leaving this summer has now come to light amid interest from a host of London rivals.

Eze on a Crystal Palace high after FA Cup winner against Man City

Oliver Glasner guided Palace to their first ever major trophy at the end of 2024/2025, with Eze scoring the winning goal as they overcame Premier League heavyweights Man City at Wembley to lift the FA Cup.

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The ex-QPR star etched himself into club folklore with his deft one-touch finish from inside the penalty area, a side-footed volley which will live long in the memory of Palace supporters, and the Eagles are set to compete in Europe next year as a result.

He was a key man for Glasner throughout the last campaign – registering 25 goal contributions across 43 appearances in all competitions (14 goals, 11 assists) – and Eze’s presence undoubtedly played a major role in cementing the Austrian’s status as Palace’s most successful manager in recent memory.

Eagles chairman Steve Parish recently confirmed that Glasner will remain at Selhurst, at least until the end of his contract, which expires in 2026, as club chiefs work to negotiate an extension.

“He (Glasner) will stay here, for some period of time,” Parish told reporters at the FA Cup final (via The Athletic).

“What happens in the future, the summer transfer window, players, is for tomorrow, but he’ll be here next year and we’ll take it from there.

“Of course we want him to stay but things happen in football, clubs evolve and move on and I’d love him to stay but the club has to develop and show the ambition in terms of the things we have to do to move it forward for people to feel part of something. If that all aligns maybe it will.”

As Glasner prepares for his second full season at Palace, there is little doubt that he’d prefer to keep hold of his star players, especially Eze.

However, the England international’s contract does include a £68 million release clause, which allows clubs to bypass negotiations with Palace and head straight to the player himself to discuss personal terms.

Eberechi Eze's stance on Crystal Palace exit amid Arsenal and Tottenham interest

The final decision will rest with Palace’s star player, and the prospect of success at more traditionally-elite English sides is a worrying temptation.

According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal and Tottenham are expressing a serious interest, as are Man United, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Bayern Munich.

However, the outlet shares some good news for Palace, namely Eze’s stance when it comes to drawing the curtain on a glittering career in south London.

It is believed that Eze is reluctant to push for a Palace exit this summer and is currently content right where he is, so the 26-year-old is in no hurry to pack his bags, despite holding ambitions to compete and win more trophies.

It is ultimately the task of Glasner and Parish to convince Eze that they can build upon this year’s FA Cup win and provide the attacking midfielder with a platform to showcase his ability at the highest level, which is easier said than done considering Palace face losing other key players.

Star defender Marc Guehi is attracting interest from Tottenham again heading into the summer window, with his contract expiring in 2026, while mainstay left-back Tyrick Mitchell has attracted interest from Arsenal as his deal expires in 2027.

Manchester United are thought to be eyeing a “fantastic” Premier League player as a replacement for Bruno Fernandes, should the captain leave this summer.

Man Utd desperate to keep hold of Bruno

There hasn’t been much to admire about the Red Devils’ season, with Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at home to West Ham embarrassingly leaving them languishing in 16th place in the Premier League table.

Fernandes has been a shining light for United, however, especially as the campaign has gone on, scoring 19 goals and registering 16 assists in all competitions. He has dragged his side through some games, especially in Europe, with his leadership arguably coming to the fore more impressively than it has in the past.

The Portuguese has worryingly been linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer, however, which would be a massive blow for Ruben Amorim, who lauded him recently, saying: “When we need him, he’s always there. He can change position. He can bring the ball forward. He can score goals. He can make transitions like he showed today.”

Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal have been mentioned as potential suitors for the 30-year-old, but it would surely be a surprise if he was willing to play at such a lower standard at this peak moment in his career. Still, United will know that they need to keep an eye on possible replacements, should the worst-case scenario happen.

Man Utd eyeing move for "fantastic" Premier League ace

According to a report from Spain, Manchester United have identified Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans as an option to come in for Fernandes this summer. The £150,000-a-week Belgian has stood out as one of Villa’s best players this season, helping them reach the Champions League quarter-finals.

He isn’t the only player mentioned in the update, however, with Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes also mentioned as a possible addition for the Red Devils, and an alternative to the Villans ace.

In an ideal world, Fernandes will remain at United for the foreseeable future, ignoring any interest in him, but the Red Devils should still contemplate the signing of Tielemans to make their midfield more formidable.

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The 28-year-old has now proven himself as a top player in the Premier League, making 218 appearances in the competition and also scoring the winning goal for Leicester City in the 2021 FA Cup final against Chelsea, while Unai Emery has lauded his abilities as a footballer.

Tielemans would add box-to-box quality to United’s midfield, having the ability to supply end product and also strong defensive work, having bagged 10 goal contributions in the league this season and also averaged 2.4 tackles per game.

Manchester United are now open to selling a first-team star, in order to fund a move for a “world-class” striker this summer, according to a report.

Man Utd set for summer rebuild

Man United are on course for their lowest-ever finish in the Premier League, currently sitting in 13th place after the 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest last time out, which indicates Ruben Amorim may have to oversee a major rebuild in the summer.

The Red Devils have looked particularly toothless in attack this season, with summer signing Joshua Zirkzee bagging just three goals in the Premier League, while Rasmus Hojlund has also failed to deliver.

As such, a new striker is being pursued, with talks being held over a deal for Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, who was on the scoresheet in his side’s 2-1 victory at AFC Bournemouth this week, while United are also in the race for Hugo Ekitike and Lorenzo Lucca.

Related Man Utd battling to sign "magnificent" 19y/o after scouts sent rave reviews

He’s a future star.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Apr 2, 2025

However, given the scale of the financial issues at Old Trafford, as outlined by Sir Jim Ratcliffe last month, INEOS may have to sell before they can buy, and that could mean cashing in on an academy graduate.

That is according to a report from GiveMeSport, which states Man United are now open to selling Alejandro Garnacho this summer, in order to fund a move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

The Red Devils are expected to step up their interest in Osimhen, and the Nigerian could arrive in a swap deal involving Garnacho, with Napoli interested in signing the winger.

If Amorim’s side fail to qualify for the Champions League, they may be in a difficult financial position, so a big sale could be needed if they are to bring in a top striker.

Amorim defends Garnacho after Forest horror show

It was a difficult night for United at the City Ground, with Garnacho’s performance being described as a horror show, although Amorim was quick to defend the Argentine, saying: “The most important thing for me is when he needs to run back, he’s running back.

“Of course we want a player who gets into one vs one situations. Sometimes he’s trying too much to make a movement but I think he wants to help the team and he’s doing his best.”

In an ideal world, the Red Devils qualify for the Champions League via a Europa League triumph, but that seems unlikely, given the level of their performances this season, so it could make sense to cash-in on Garnacho this summer.

Osimhen is set to be available for £62m, and there is every indication the “world-class” striker could be the antidote to United’s attacking problems, given his goal record on loan at Galatasaray this season.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Turkish Süper Lig

23

20

Europa League

7

6

Turkish Cup

2

2

It would be a shame to see Garnacho exit Old Trafford, given his progression through the youth system, but if the 20-year-old’s departure is the only way to seal a deal for Osimhen, it may be a necessary evil.

Sam Curran recall on the cards as lack of fourth seamer leaves spinning options exposed in ODIs

Matt Roller05-Sep-2025From the moment that Matthew Breetzke shimmied outside leg and launched Jacob Bethell over extra cover for six, it was clear that England had a major problem at Lord’s. They have persisted with an unbalanced side throughout Harry Brook’s short tenure as ODI captain and this was the day that it truly came back to bite them.England got away with picking only four frontline bowlers in Brook’s first series as captain, but that was against a poor West Indies side who failed to qualify for the last World Cup. South Africa were cold and clinical at Lord’s: Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis seized their chance to take Bethell and Will Jacks down, knowing that Brook was running out of resources.In fact, South Africa might have done England a favour: in taking 112 runs from the 10 overs split by Bethell and Jacks, they proved that their selections were fundamentally flawed. It is not a slight on either individual player to say that they are being asked to do a job they are not cut out for: Jacks’ economy rate across five ODIs this year is 8.80, and Bethell’s is 9.06.”With our batting line-up, this is what we set up for: we want to try and chase them big scores,” Brook told the BBC. “That’s why we set the team up as it is: to get within one blow of that score today was a very good effort.” His logic was circular, ignoring the fact that Bethell and Jacks had conceded so many runs that their combined contribution of 97 off 73 still wasn’t enough.Related

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• Breetzke takes inspiration from Northants to make ODI record

• Breetzke and Stubbs stamp their middle-order authority as SA build to 2027

England clearly like the buffer of a frontline batter at No. 7: “Imagine having us five-down and Will Jacks comes out to bat?” Brook said earlier this summer, and he saw Jacks’ 49 – in a 143-run partnership with Joe Root – in a tight win over West Indies in Cardiff as vindication. The trouble is that the runs he has scored have been outweighed by those he has conceded.It was a calculated takedown from South Africa at Lord’s, recognising that they could afford to play out Adil Rashid (2 for 33) and cash in elsewhere. “He was bowling really well and the conditions suited him,” Breetzke said. “We just had to sort of suck it up and see what we could get from him – and then, from the other guys, look to score a little bit more freely.”Balance has been an issue that has stalked England’s ODI team ever since they lifted the World Cup six years ago. In the 2015-19 cycle, Ben Stokes played in 71 of their 99 ODIs and bowled an average of 5.1 overs per match; in the 2019-23 cycle, he played in 19 out of 51 and bowled 1.4 overs per match. His international white-ball career now appears to be over.With Moeen Ali retired, England’s lack of a genuine allrounder has been costly. At the Champions Trophy, they used a combination of Liam Livingstone and Root as their ‘fifth’ bowler, with combined returns of 3 for 172 from 26.1 overs; now, they are relying on a pair of spinners who are even more raw in Bethell and Jacks. Curiously, Root remains unused under Brook, even after an India Test summer in which he bowled more overs in a home series (57.1) than ever before.After a miserable run in 50-over cricket since the last World Cup – they have won just seven of their 22 ODIs in that time – England’s focus is on the next one. It is abundantly clear that 10 overs of occasional fingerspin is not going to cut it in many conditions, but especially not on early-season pitches in South Africa in October-November 2027.Sam Curran was a central figure in Oval Invincibles’ Hundred title last month•Getty ImagesIf there is a solution – and the nature of international sport is that there may simply not be a satisfactory one – then it must involve a seam-bowling allrounder who can bat in the top seven. England have attempted to mould Jamie Overton into that player this year, but it is obvious that Sam Curran is the best option that they have available to them.Curran’s ongoing absence from England’s teams is not a complete mystery: after his starring role at the 2022 T20 World Cup, he had two quiet years in international cricket in which he struggled to make an impact with the ball. But he has thrived at franchise level this year, particularly with the bat, and deserves another England opportunity in New Zealand next month.The suspicion remains that Brendon McCullum simply does not rate him. Curran has not been selected by England in any format with McCullum as coach, and sought assurances from him earlier this year amid concerns that he does not “fit the mould” of what England are looking for. He was told that his route back in is simple: “It’s just performing, with bat and ball,” Curran said.Balance is not the only reason that England find themselves 2-0 down in this series, leaving them with eight defeats in 11 ODIs this year. Their core of multi-format players look burned out after a gruelling summer – not least Ben Duckett, whose 14 from 33 balls at Lord’s continued a desperate downturn since his stand-out performances in the India Tests. Their highest individual score is 61, and their bowlers have not taken a wicket in the first 10 overs.But it is emblematic of a wider issue, as was Brook’s response, after England’s thrashing at Headingley on Tuesday, that boiled his desired style of play down to: “Go out there and bang it.” England are attempting to replicate the style of Eoin Morgan’s ODI team, but without any substance to back it up.