Former Manchester United star Jesse Lingard has sent a defiant message to his critics as he continues his search for a new club.
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Lingard trying to stay fitWithout club since the summerSays he's 'done' with partying & gossipWHAT HAPPENED?
The 31-year-old shared a video from the training ground in which he speaks his mind while going through a routine with a resistance band around his knees. He is still looking for a new club having left Nottingham Forest in the summer at the end of his lucrative one-year contract.
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"'You coming out?' No! 'Do you want a drink?' No!" Lingard says as he begins his rant to the camera.
"'This person was saying this about this person', I don't care bro! I don't want to know. No negativity, positive vibes, aura, energy, high vibrations.
"Parties? Nah bro. Done with that, done with that. Alcohol? No thanks. Training? Yep. Gym? Yep. Family? Yep. Football? Yep.
"It's about mindset. You get your mind right, you get your body right. Spiritually, mentally, physically – I'm a beast bro. Beast!"
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Lingard has always been something of a divisive figure and he has drawn criticism in recent weeks for his social media activity as he continues to work individually in his search for a club. Fellow former Man Utd star Paul Scholes took aim at him in a comment on Instagram, writing: “Are you just gonna f*ck about in the gym or are you gonna actually play football?”
Manchester City wonderkid Claudio Echeverri will be checked by doctors after complaining of strong chest pains on international duty with Argentina.
Echeverri suffered chest pains against ChileWill now undergo medical checksDue to join Man City in January 2025WHAT HAPPENED?
Echeverri is currently with the Argentina squad and played in a 5-0 win over Chile for the Under-23 side in an Olympic Games qualifier. After the victory, the 18-year-old, who has agreed to join Manchester City from River Plate, revealed he suffered chest pains during the match and confirmed he will speak to the medical team and have the issue checked.
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He told : “I had a very strong pain in my chest, I couldn't breathe well and I was very scared. Just in case, I'm going to talk to the doctors to see what it is because something like this had never happened to me and I felt very scared."
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Echeverri received treatment on the pitch for several minutes in the first half of the match and was taken off on a stretcher. However, he did subsequently continue before being replaced in the 64th minute. Argentina's win means the team qualify for the second round with a match to spare as they bid to secure a place at the 2024 Paris Games.
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The issue is clearly a cause for real concern for Echeverri and Argentina, with the youngster set to be checked out before being cleared to return to action. Echeverri is set to spend the rest of the year with River Plate and will then head to Premier League champions City in January 2025.
Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has launched a scathing critique of Real Madrid's hierarchy, accusing Florentino Perez of leaving Xabi Alonso "isolated" at the Bernabeu. The German club's chief claims the culture in the Spanish capital treats managers as a "necessary evil", contrasting it sharply with the support Alonso enjoyed at the BayArena.
Shaky run for Real Madrid
Alonso's tenure at Real Madrid, once viewed as the homecoming of a managerial prodigy, has quickly turned into a trial by fire. Back-to-back home defeats to Celta and Manchester City added fuel to reports that Alonso's future at the club is in doubt heading into the weekend clash against Deportivo Alaves, which they won 2-1. Amidst growing reports that the 44-year-old is facing the sack already, his former boss at Leverkusen has spoken out to defend the coach, pointing the finger squarely at the structural differences between the two clubs. Carro, the CEO of the Bundesliga side, believes that Alonso has been left exposed by a Madrid board that fails to protect its managers in times of crisis.
Alonso departed Leverkusen in the summer to take the reins at the Santiago Bernabeu, tasked with leading a new era for Los Blancos. However, results have been mixed, and the Spanish press has already begun to sharpen its knives. For Carro, who oversaw Alonso’s historic unbeaten domestic double in Germany, the issue lies not with the tactician’s ability, but with the ruthless and often lonely environment fostered by Madrid president Florentino Perez.
AdvertisementAFPCarrow pledges support to Alonso
Speaking to , Carro did not mince his words when comparing the supportive environment of Leverkusen with the cut-throat politics of Madrid.
"We didn't advise him on anything," Carro said when asked if he had spoken to Alonso about his current predicament. "At the time we would have liked him to stay here, but we know he is a coach with enormous talent who, yes, finds himself in a different context in Madrid.
"If the president says that a coach is a necessary evil, if the coach is left alone and it is always he who receives the criticism, well then the situation is very different from the one he experienced in Leverkusen, where we all rowed in the same direction and did not leave the coach politically alone."
A bond that remains unbroken
Despite the tense situation surrounding Alonso’s future, Carro revealed that his personal relationship with the Basque coach remains incredibly strong. The two forged a close bond during Alonso’s three-year stint in Germany, a period that transformed Leverkusen from underachievers to history-makers.
Carro confirmed that he recently visited Alonso in the Spanish capital, emphasising that their connection transcends the professional sphere.
"During the international break I was in Madrid for a weekend, and the coaching staff and the family were at our house twice," Carro revealed. "We have a very good relationship; after all, during those three years we were like a family. I also know that they follow our matches and we follow theirs, we follow each other. We feel a lot of appreciation for each other and maintain very close contact."
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Getty Images SportThe pressure cooker of the Bernabeu
The contrast described by Carro serves as a warning to Madrid fans and pundits calling for Alonso’s head. However, pressure will only continue to build on the coach unless he brings consistency after a stunning start to his tenure. They started the season with 13 wins from their first 14 games under Alonso, including a victory against Barcelona, but a defeat to Liverpool sparked a dismal run that saw them drop four points behind in La Liga and in danger of falling out of the Champions League's top eight.
While Leverkusen soldier on without him, watching their former manager struggle under the weight of the "white house" expectations has evidently struck a nerve with the German club's hierarchy. Whether Perez heeds the subtle warning from his counterpart remains to be seen, but as the sack rumours intensify, the accusation that Alonso has been "left alone" will likely resonate with those who feel the manager is being made a scapegoat for wider structural issues.
The 50-over format has become England’s calling card while New Zealand have a strong record at home but a slow pitch in Hamilton may challenge aggressive batting
Preview by Andrew McGlashan24-Feb-2018Big PictureNeither of these teams hit their straps during the T20 tri-series, clinching a win apiece, with New Zealand edging into the final then underwhelming with the bat. But this series is a meeting between two confident 50-over outfits. England have had a week to dust themselves down from the T20 setbacks – which has included a couple of days off – and readjust their sights back to the format which is becoming their calling card, while New Zealand have eight victories on the bounce this season.Whenever these sides meet the conversation quickly turns to England’s humiliation at the 2015 World Cup – particularly the shredding in Wellington – and the conversation that ensued between Eoin Morgan and Brendon McCullum, which persuaded the England captain there was only one way to go in 50-over cricket. There was no saving that tournament, but since then England have blazed a trail. It’s a narrative that is likely to be revisited over the next couple of weeks.Thoughts are now turning towards the next World Cup, starting in 15 months in England. There is still time for some tinkering if it’s required, but teams will want to start having a firm idea of the 15 they will use at the tournament. Both teams are probably not far from that position already.There is one notable addition to the England squad from last month with the return of Ben Stokes. Away from the debate about whether he should be on the tour or not, who makes way for his return will be one of the intriguing aspects of the series.West Indies and Pakistan were disappointing opposition earlier in New Zealand’s season, while Australia hit a post-Ashes wall (and picked the wrong side) against England last month. This series promises a more compelling tussle.Ben Stokes bowls in the nets•Getty ImagesForm guide(last five completed matches, most recent first) New Zealand WWWWW England WLWWWIn the spotlightApart from Ben Stokes, okay? Jason Roy started the one-day series in Australia with a bang, his 180 in Melbourne setting a new record for England, but since then his top score has been 49 including three single-figure scores in the T20 tri-series. Yes, mixing formats when looking at statistics is not really the done thing, but it’s all a little hit-or-miss for Roy at the moment. He appears safe despite Stokes’ return and the top-order rejig required, but a significant score early in the series wouldn’t go amiss.This is an important series for Tom Latham who has yet to nail down the wicketkeeper-batsman role, a position New Zealand are struggling to fill in both white-ball formats since the retirement of Luke Ronchi. This season his top score is 37 in seven ODI innings – off the back of a very productive series in India – but he has been given the backing of selector Gavin Larsen (his wicketkeeping has been tidy) and this New Zealand set-up likes to give players an extended run. Still, they won’t want uncertainty over a key position leading into the World Cup.Team newsQuick bowler Lockie Ferguson has been released from the squad to play in Saturday’s Ford Trophy final for Auckland. Mitchell Santner (knee) and Todd Astle (side) have carried recent injuries with Astle’s still providing the more pressing concern. If he isn’t fit then Ish Sodhi would slot into the side.New Zealand 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Colin Munro, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Tom Latham (wk), 6 Henry Nicholls, 7 Colin de Grandhomme, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Todd Astle, 10 Tim Southee, 11 Trent BoultBarring a late reaction to his workload, Stokes will return. That means a batsman making way, as England revert to six main bowlers, with Alex Hales seemingly the most vulnerable. Tom Curran and David Willey are likely to contest the final pace-bowling slot with Craig Overton having to wait for his chance.England 1 Jason Roy, 2 Jonny Bairstow, 3 Joe Root, 4 Eoin Morgan (capt), 5 Ben Stokes, 6 Jos Buttler (wk), 7 Moeen Ali, 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Adil Rashid, 10 Tom Curran, 11 Mark WoodPitch and conditionsIt will be a used surface and is expected to get slower as the match progresses. Seddon Park is a venue where spin can come to the fore, although that can be countered by evening dew making the toss a tricky decision. Last year, Martin Guptill plundered 180 off 138 balls to chase down 280 against South Africa with five overs to spare. The forecast for the afternoon and evening is good.Stats and trivia England have won eight of their last nine bilateral ODI series Ross Taylor needs 37 runs to reach 7000 in ODIs; Kane Williamson needs 23 to reach 5000 – if he does it in this match the New Zealand captain will be joint fourth-fastest to 5000 runs equal with Brian Lara England have lost both their ODIs at this venue: a 10-wicket trouncing in 2008 and a much tighter three-wicket loss in 2013.Quotes”They went a long stretch of winning one-day international cricket so they are a strong side particularly at home and we are going to have reproduce similar performances or better than we produced in Australia to win the series.” “I think we park the T20 for now and focus on a lot of the good one-day cricket we’ve been playing. The plans are fairly different so it’s important we go back to that. We know it’s a tough challenge in England.”
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino was delighted with the spirit his side showed in Saturday's draw with Manchester City but rued missed opportunities.
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Pochettino delighted with 'aggressive' first halfRegrets not scoring crucial second goalBlues head to Wembley with renewed optimism WHAT HAPPENED?
The Blues caused the champions all sorts of problems before going ahead just before half-time when Raheem Sterling finished off yet another threatening counter attack. City piled the pressure on during the second half, creating a host of chances but Chelsea had opportunities to double their lead before Rodri rescued a late point for the hosts. After the game, Pochettino reflected on a performance that he believes is another step forward in the development of his team.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT MAURICIO POCHETTINO SAID
"Very pleased," Pochettino told after the match. "I think that is the spirit that we want to show. We are working for that. I think today against the the best team in the world, to show this type of performance, we need to be feel very proud. I congratulated the players at the end of the game because we were so brave.
"First half was really good. I think we were very aggressive with the ball going forward and winning duels. In the second half I think they dominated and they forced us to defend deeper. But I think we sustained the effort and we created chances that we should score and win the game. I am so happy. It is a good draw for us and when you face this type of team I think it is important to be brave and to fight in every single aspect.
"Manchester City have the quality and capacity to create chances and they have amazing players. It is fantastic for us because we are a young team and we need these types of experiences to grow."
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It's less than two weeks since Chelsea's collapse at home to Wolves appeared to put Pochettino on borrowed time. But an FA Cup win at high-flying Aston Villa backed up by two strong league performances has suddenly changed the mood at Stamford Bridge with a young and haphazardly assembled squad finally showing some signs of cohesion. Chelsea fans can now head to Wembley dreaming rather than dreading the Carabao Cup final next Sunday.
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That first silverware of the season is on the line when the Blues make the short trip to Wembley Way next weekend. Pochettino has a free midweek to prepare his side, while injury-hit opponents Liverpool have to inspect their walking wounded as well as attending to league business against Luton Town on Wednesday.
England captain Harry Kane scored twice to carry Bayern Munich to a scrappy win over RB Leipzig and stay in the Bundesliga title race.
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Kane scored before Sesko equalisedEngland captain won it in stoppage timeBayern eight points behind LeverkusenTELL ME MORE
Kane came the closest for the Bavarians in the first half, seeing a free header denied by an acrobatic stop. He didn't miss in the second half, creating space inside the box before lashing a left-footed effort into the bottom corner. But Leipzig battled their way back, Sesko bagging the equaliser with 20 minutes to play. Kane had the last laugh, though, guiding home a fine finish in second half stoppage time.
AdvertisementGettyTHE MVP
It hasn't been an easy few weeks for Kane. The English striker was toothless against first Leverkusen, then Lazio, going missing in the Bavarians' biggest games of the season. And although he scored in a losing effort against Bochum last week, he failed to convince. On Saturday, he turned in a far more convincing performance. He was unlucky not to open the scoring after five minutes, and took first his goal well when the moment came. The second was even better – a fine left footed finish. A welcome return to form.
GettyTHE BIG LOSER
It's on nights like these that big players need to show up. And Leipzig's Lois Openda simply didn't. The pacey forward has been excellent in the Bundesliga this season, scoring 16 goals and adding four assists. But he was almost anonymous here. He managed just 27 touches – only four of which came in the Bayern box – and didn't put a shot on goal. In the end, Leipzig were perhaps unlucky that the opposition had a truly elite striker leading their line. But they could have done with a better contribution from their own centre-forward in this one.
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Bayern will face a scrap to stay in the Bundesliga title race – as current leaders Bayer Leverkusen keep winning. Thomas Tuchel's side continue that effort with a clash with Freiburg on Friday, before turning their attention to the second leg of their Champions League last 16 clash with Lazio.
Liverpool have made some pretty historic January signings in recent history, with the likes of Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge, and Virgil van Dijk all completing moves in the winter transfer window, before going onto enjoy great success for the Reds.
Now, Jurgen Klopp has reportedly already turned his attention to January reinforcements, despite the summer transfer window just coming to a close, and his side's solid start to the Premier League campaign.
So far this season, Liverpool have remained unbeaten, only dropping points on the opening day of the season against Chelsea. Following that disappointing draw, the Reds went onto defeat Bournemouth, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa.
Nonetheless, those at Anfield are still looking to strengthen, particularly when it comes to options for the future, having reportedly joined the race for one particular standout player.
What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?
Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.
Throughout the summer, Liverpool's midfield rebuild didn't exactly follow the script, having initially welcomed both Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, before then losing Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
Failed pursuits for Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia left the Reds without a defensive midfielder, but the arrival of Wataru Endo and the late signing of Ryan Gravenberch signalled a sigh of relief around Anfield.
Now, according to Tipsbladet, via Sport Witness, Liverpool are among the clubs to show "strong interest" in Tromso IL youngster Jens Hjerto-Dahl, having watched him play for Norway U18's win over Dennmark U18s.
The teenager has been described by Sport Witness as "one of the Nordics’ most exciting players" in what is high-praise for the youngster. As things stand, Hjerto-Dahl will reportedly sign a contract extension until 2027, when he turns 18 on October 31, potentially making any deal for his signature more difficult to negotiate for the likes of Liverpool.
Who is Jens Hjerto-Dahl?
Liverpool already reduced the age of their midfield in the summer transfer window by swapping Henderson, 33, and Fabinho, 29, for Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, who are yet to even turn 25-years-old. But, that doesn't mean they haven't got an eye on future talent, and their reported interest in Hjerto-Dahl proves that.
The 17-year-old can play in both central midfield and defensive midfield, and has already made 13 appearances for the Tromso first-team this season, scoring three goals and assisting a further two, for five goal involvements in total. For a player who is yet to turn 18, those numbers show someone who may have the world at his feet before too long.
If he does make the move to Liverpool, then Hjerto-Dahl will need plenty of patience, given the competition for places under Klopp. As proved by 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic, however, if a player is talented enough, they will get an opportunity at Liverpool. The Spaniard made four appearances in the Champions League, as well as a further 11 appearances in the Premier League last season, and even managed to get himself a goal along the way.
Hjerto-Dahl may be looking at Bajcetic's path as one he can replicate, if he does get a move to the English giants in January.
With Manchester United currently enduring a dismal start to the season after slipping to a sixth defeat in all competitions against Galatasaray earlier this week, the focus is once again on the club's recruitment following a mixed summer of business.
While £72m man Rasmus Hojlund has begun to fire with three Champions League goals under his belt so far, fellow marquee additions Mason Mount and Andre Onana have failed to convince in recent months, with the latter having been particularly culpable in the defeat on Tuesday night.
Unsurprisingly, there will be those questioning the decision to let former number one David De Gea depart on a free transfer over the summer, although the Spaniard was seemingly allowed to leave at the right time, having become "a big problem" for Erik ten Hag last season – as per pundit Jamie Carragher.
There are other figures whom the club have let go in the recent past that were possible errors of judgement, however, with promising playmaker Angel Gomes now flourishing after leaving Old Trafford on a free during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's time at the helm.
The diminutive midfielder – who was part of England's European Championship success at U21 level earlier this year – is now even being considered for a senior call-up by Gareth Southgate, indicating just how far the 23-year-old has come since moving on from Manchester.
Gomes isn't alone in having made Solskjaer look rather silly, however, with former academy colleague, Largie Ramazani, also now flourishing elsewhere following his departure from the Theatre of Dreams back in 2020.
Why did Largie Ramazani leave Man United?
Much like in the case of Gomes, the 5 foot 6 sensation had opted for a fresh start just over three years ago after failing to force his way into the first-team reckoning in Manchester, with the youngster's only senior outing coming in the Europa League dead rubber against Astana back in November 2019.
That late substitute appearance in the 2-1 group stage defeat had come amid Ramazani's sparkling form in the youth set-up for United, notably bagging 12 goals and assists in just 30 games at U18 level, before scoring 11 goals and contributing two assists in only 11 games for the U21's.
Largie Ramazani
The promising Belgian had begun life on the books at Anderlecht before making the move to England in order to join Charlton Athletic, with that followed by his eventual switch to United on a scholarship contract in 2017, at the age of just 16.
Despite his promise in the youth ranks, it looked unlikely that the wideman would ever force his way into Solskjaer's plans, with the player ultimately rejecting the offer of a contract extension in 2020 after demanding a wage that the club are said to have deemed 'excessive' – as per Manchester Evening News.
With the Red Devils not necessarily viewing him as a player with a 'long-term future at the club' – as per MEN – there was seemingly an acceptance to let him depart, as Ramazani went on to join Spanish outfit, Almeria following the expiry of his deal.
How much is Largie Ramazani worth now?
The decision to not give the fleet-footed forward a proper chance to impress in the first team – and the subsequent decision to allow him to move on – appears to be a notable blunder as far as those at Old Trafford are concerned, with the 22-year-old having thrived since his move to Andalusia.
Having departed United for nothing under Solskjaer's watch, the Belgium U21 international is now valued at around €10m (£9m), according to CIES Football Observatory, with that only set to rise even further over the coming months and years.
UD Almeria forward Largie Ramazani.
There was even talk that the young dynamo had caught the attention of a raft of Premier League clubs during the recent summer window, with Everton having been quoted a fee of around €40m (£35m), amid their interest in the former Carrington gem.
That hefty price tag is yet another indication of the potential jewel that Solskjaer let slip from his grasp, with the Norwegian having overlooked a player who is now being described as the "Mini-Vincius" – according to talent scout Jacek Kulig – in relation to Real Madrid's Brazilian star.
How good is Largie Ramazani?
After previously flourishing in Spain's second tier – notably scoring eight league goals during the 2021/22 campaign – the £2.5k-per-week asset has made a smooth transition to life in La Liga since then, scoring three goals and contributing two assists last term.
As for this season, the "explosive" talent – as lauded by Kulig – already boasts four assists from just eight league outings, notably providing all three assists for teammate Luis Suarez – not that one – in the draw with Granada at the weekend.
That haul of four goal contributions is even more than young Alejandro Garnacho has achieved so far this term, with the Argentine international scoring just once and providing no assists in eight games in all competitions.
Unsurprisingly, Ramazani ranks in the top 8% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for assists per 90, as well as in the top 11% for successful take-ons, indicating his elite dribbling prowess and creativity from the flanks.
That is ahead of what the United teenager has recorded of late, with Garnacho ranking in just the top 42% and the top 37% for those same two metrics, respectively, showcasing that there is still room for improvement from this emerging superstar.
Alejandro Garnacho
One further benefit that Ramazani also offers is his defensive work ethic as he ranks in the top 1% for interceptions per 90 – ahead of Garnacho (top 6%) – having been hailed as a "counter-attacking weapon" by Kulig.
With Ten Hag's attacking options currently failing to fire – with the likes of Antony and Jadon Sancho having been sidelined in recent weeks – having a player like Ramazani in the fold could have been hugely beneficial, yet alas, the Belgian gem is now shining elsewhere.
If they aren't already, United will increasingly grow to regret moving on Ramazani, such is his undoubted talent.
Arsenal could be set to add the crowning jewel to their already stunning transfer window, by bringing in a young superstar to prop up Mikel Arteta's regime…
Who else could Arsenal sign this summer?
The Spaniard has taken great strides with each year he has spent at the helm of the Gunners, yet seeks to make the largest step yet this campaign.
Having pushed Manchester City so close last year, the plan will be to finally end their monopoly over English football with a Premier League title of their own, cementing their manager's legacy as one of the best young coaches in the world.
Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…
To do so, perhaps they could seek to invest even more heavily in him, reigniting their reported interest in Ansu Fati and capping off a fine summer of signings.
However, his £90m price tag could prove a stumbling block especially given the fees already expended on their three other permanent additions. Perhaps some outgoings might have to first be prioritised before their spending can resume.
How good is Ansu Fati?
Of all the deadwood still circulating around the Emirates, few stand out as brazenly as Nicolas Pepe.
Signed for a club-record fee, which has only since been broken this window, the Ivorian winger was expected to transform Unai Emery's reign into a truly outstanding one, with his pace and trickery almost certain to take the Premier League by storm.
However, under the weight of such an enormous price tag, it would have been an impossible task to reach the expectations immediately placed upon him.
He has since made just 112 appearances for the north London side, with the now-Aston Villa boss having since admitted he did not even want the 28-year-old, with the hierarchy opting for him over Wilfried Zaha.
ansu-fati
Such a poor career at the club even led pundit Jermaine Pennant to suggest:
"There have been some awful Arsenal signings down the years but because of the amount, how much he’s played and the performances then you have to say Pepe is one of the worst signings".
Saudi Arabia now seem to be circling around the lucrative dud, finally set to bring an end to this ugly period.
Therefore, should Fati be brought in to replace him, the standards for an alternative would be on the floor, therefore easing expectations for the exciting new forward.
It's mesmerising just how much experience the 20-year-old already boasts for his age, with 111 appearances for Barcelona's first-team, posting an impressive 39 goal contributions.
Despite recent years having been marred by injury, just last term he still recorded seven goals and four assists in LaLiga.
His proficiency is best outlined by FBref, who help to compare him against other wingers across Europe. There, he ranks in the top 1% for total shots, touches in the attacking penalty area and expected non-penalty goals per 90.
He is clearly prolific when fit, and has so much of his glittering career yet to be played. Perhaps he could now make the bold decision to enjoy it in England, helping to usher in an era of dominance for Arteta.
After all, his current boss Xavi had suggested he was a "generational" talent just last year, likely explaining his ludicrous price tag.
Although it would not be hard to replace the 27 goals that Pepe managed during his time at Arsenal, if Fati was the man to finally push him out, fans already would be in awe of the young trickster.
England’s women cricketers have been recognised in the New Year Honours following their World Cup victory at Lord’s this summer.
ESPNcricinfo staff29-Dec-2017England’s women cricketers have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours following their World Cup victory at Lord’s this summer.Heather Knight, the captain, and Mark Robinson, the head coach, have both been awarded OBEs, while Tammy Beaumont, the player of the tournament and Anya Shrubsole, whose six-wicket haul sealed a pulsating final against India, have been awarded MBEs.In addition, Clare Connor, the ECB’s Director of England Women’s Cricket, has been awarded a CBE in recognition of her role in the remarkable growth of women’s cricket in this country. The former England captain, who won the Ashes in 2005, has previously been awarded an MBE and an OBE.”Our sincere congratulations to Heather, Tammy, Anya, Mark and Clare on their inclusion in today’s New Year’s Honours List,” said Colin Graves, the ECB chairman. “It’s fitting recognition for the way in which the team’s magnificent achievements this summer captured the imagination of the sporting public.”Winning the World Cup in front of a capacity crowd at Lord’s was a truly game-changing moment not just for the team, but for the wider women’s game.Clare Connor said: “I am immensely proud of our England players and staff for their incredible hard work, dedication and passion which came together this summer to create something very special.”The memory of Anya Shrubsole claiming the final Indian wicket, arms out-stretched and screaming in celebration to the sky, will stay with us all for a long time. And for that moment to have been seen by a full Lord’s cricket ground and by a television audience of 180 million around the world is testament to the vast progress our sport has made.”