Anthony Rizzo is returning to where it all started as he caps off his stellar career.

Rizzo, beloved in Chicago, will retire as a Cub and be honored in a ceremony on Saturday at Wrigley Field, ESPN's Jesse Rogers reports. From there he'll become an ambassador for the organization.

The heart and soul of the 2016 World Series champion team that broke free of the most famous curses in sports history, Rizzo is finishing off a 14-year stint in the Major Leagues.

The sweet-swinging lefty made three All-Star teams in a row and finished in the top 10 of National League MVP voting in four consecutive years while playing on Chicago's North Side. He also racked up four Gold Gloves for his work at first base.

All told he collected 303 home runs and posted a .828 OPS over 1,727 games.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Flamengo perdeu para o Palestino na quarta rodada da Libertadores. Com isso, os rubro-negros se revoltaram com o resultado e externaram o sentimento após o apito final. A enquete foi realizada no canal do WhatsApp do Lance! Flamengo.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoWeb critica relação de Tite com jogador do Flamengo: ‘Só coloca quando o calo aperta’Fora de Campo08/05/2024Fora de CampoWeb compara trabalho de Tite com de outros técnicos do Flamengo: ‘Nota zero’Fora de Campo07/05/2024Fora de CampoInternautas perdem a paciência com jogador do Flamengo: ‘Menos um’Fora de Campo07/05/2024

➡️ Siga o Lance! Flamengo no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Rubro-Negro

Os rubro-negros definiram que a derrota do Flamengo na Libertadores foi um “vexame” com 80% dos votos (1 mil votos). Por outro lado, alguns torcedores não concordaram com os mais revoltados, com 20% dos votos (254 votos).

Além das enquetes e muita interação, os rubro-negros podem acompanhar muito conteúdo e informação no canal do Lance! Flamengo no WhatsApp.

Como faço para participar? Clique aqui para entrar no canal Lance! Flamengo no WhatsApp, a casa da Nação.

Tudo sobre

FlamengoFutebol NacionalLibertadoresTite

Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to 10-man Everton in the Premier League on Monday night highlights the job Ruben Amorim still has on his hands at Old Trafford.

Kiernan Drewsbury-Hall’s effort in the first half was enough to secure all three points for David Moyes’ men, which will no doubt leave the Red Devils boss scratching his head.

His men spent 77 minutes with a one-man advantage, but none of his first-team squad could pop up with the goods to extend their unbeaten run in England’s top-flight.

Despite spending £200m on a new attacking trio over the summer, the Red Devils looked largely toothless in front of goal, as seen by their tally of 100% big chances missed.

However, the manager will desperately want added reinforcements in the upcoming January window to aid him in his quest for success during his time at Old Trafford.

United’s hunt for added attacking signings in January

Over the last couple of weeks, Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo has been identified as just one player whom United are targeting for the January transfer window.

The Ghanaian international has been in remarkable form during the early stages of 2025/26, with the winger already netting six goals and three assists in just 11 appearances for the Cherries.

However, Amorim’s men aren’t alone in the pursuit of the 25-year-old, with Arsenal and Liverpool just two other top-flight clubs seeking a £65m move for his signature.

He’s not the only player on the Red Devils’ shortlist, with Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior a player who INEOS are potentially considering a move for in the coming months.

According to The Mirror, the Brazilian international could leave the LaLiga giants in the coming months, with the forward having just 19 months left on his current deal – leading to keen interest from the Red Devils.

It also states his recent bust-up with senior members at the Bernabeu could see them cash in on his services to avoid losing him for nothing in the near future.

How Vinicius Junior compares to Bryan Mbeumo

As part of their £200m spending spree in the summer, United forked out a reported £71m on the services of forward Bryan Mbeumo from fellow Premier League side Brentford.

The Cameroonian generated huge excitement within the Red Devils fanbase after netting 20 times in the league last season, with the 26-year-old already making an excellent start to life at Old Trafford.

He’s already netted five goals in his first 12 league outings for the club, with such a tally currently making him the top goalscorer within Amorim’s squad.

However, his showing against Everton yesterday was one to forget, with the attacker struggling to provide the goods amid the absence of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha.

Mbeumo was only able to register a single effort on target whilst also failing to complete any of his three attempted dribbles – further highlighting his lack of impact in the final third.

There’s no doubt he’s been a shrewd addition to date, but ultimately, he hasn’t been able to get near the levels produced by Vinicius during his opening matches in LaLiga.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats this campaign, the Brazilian has massively outperformed Mbeumo – showcasing why he’d be a better addition for the Red Devils.

Vinicius, who’s been dubbed the “best in the world” by Thierry Henry, has racked up more combined goals and assists this season – subsequently handing Amorim a more threatening option in front of goal.

He’s also registered more key passes and more passes into the final third per 90, with such numbers allowing those around him to be on the end of more chances in attacking areas.

How Vinicius & Mbeumo compare in 2025/26
Statistics (per 90)	Vinicius	Mbeumo
Games played	13	12
Goals & assists	9	6
Progressive carries	8.9	2.8
Progressive passes	4.8	2.7
Pass accuracy	80%	73%
Key passes	2.9	1.7
Passes into final third	1.9	1.5
Take-on success	38%	33%
Carries into final third	2.9	1.9
Stats via FBref

The Brazilian’s all-round dominance over Mbeumo is further highlighted in his higher take-on success and greater tally of carries into the final third per 90, which showcases his ability to go alone when needed.

A player of Vini Jr’s quality would cost a small fortune in today’s market, with such a move likely to break the club’s current transfer record of £89m paid for Paul Pogba.

However, it would be a deal worth every penny, with the winger having all of the tools to take the United frontline to the next level for many years to come under Amorim’s guidance.

Not just Zirkzee: Man Utd man who was among the 'world's best' must be axed

Manchester United’s flaws were brutally exposed in Monday’s dismal defeat to Everton.

By
Robbie Walls

Nov 25, 2025

Australian played key role in 2010-11 win in Australia and was also involved in 2023 campaign

Cameron Ponsonby17-Oct-2025

David Saker will work with England’s fast bowlers during the upcoming Ashes•Getty Images

David Saker has been appointed as England’s fast-bowling coach for the upcoming Ashes series, reprising a role he has held regularly over the last 15 years.Saker’s appointment comes with confirmation that Tim Southee, England’s current fast-bowling coach, will leave the squad after the first Test in Perth to play in the ILT20.Saker and Southee will work together for the warm-up fixture against the Lions in Perth as well as the opening Test, before Saker will take on the role himself. It has also been confirmed that Paul Collingwood, who has been absent from the coaching staff across the summer due to personal reasons, will not be part of the touring party. The rest of the support staff remains unchanged.Saker has long been a coach that England have turned to. He was the fast-bowling coach from 2010 to 2015, and played a key role when England last won an away Ashes in 2010-11. More recently, he was brought back into the fold for their T20 World Cup victory in 2022 and for the Ashes and ODI World Cup in 2023.The Australian’s official title will be “Specialist Skills Consultant” but he has been brought in specifically to work with the fast-bowling group and to provide local knowledge of how to succeed Down Under.It continues a theme of English, and world wide, coaching appointments where teams opt to hire on a short term basis to provide specific insight into the conditions they are about to face. England themselves hired Mike Hussey and Kieron Pollard for the recent T20 World Cups in Australia and the Caribbean respectively, while earlier this year South Africa hired Stuart Broad as a consultant for their World Test Championship final at Lord’s.While Saker’s appointment comes at the eleventh hour, it is a continuation of England’s long-term plan to take a “battery” of fast bowlers to Australia in an effort to win only their second away Ashes since 1987.England will take arguably their fastest ever seam attack to Australia, with Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts in the squad. Furthermore, with the England Lions also touring at the same time, they will be able to call upon the likes of Sonny Baker, Josh Hull and Matt Fisher if they so wish.Josh Tongue chats to Saker during the 2023 Ashes•Philip Brown/Getty Images

Speaking in September, managing director Rob Key spoke of his excitement for a bowling group “on the up”, with, subject to any late fitness issues, England taking a full-strength attack.”We’ve worked so hard to get to this point,” Key said. “It is the last little step. So we get this bit right and hopefully we have every option available to us going into that First Test in Perth.”England also confirmed that Gilbert Enoka, the mental skills coach who is most famous for coining the All Blacks famous “no d*ckheads policy”, will work with the squad in the lead up to the first Test.Enoka, who lives in Christchurch, worked with the Test squad for the first time earlier this year, and is currently with the white-ball team as they prepare for their series against New Zealand.Related

Stuart Broad: 'Worst Australian team since 2010-11'

Pat Cummins might miss the first Test after being abducted by aliens

Cook calls on England to back Pope for Ashes

Mark Wood 'quietly confident' about fitness ahead of Ashes opener

Finisher Banton is back where he started as career comes full-circle

“He’s awesome,” white-ball captain Harry Brook said of Enoka. “He’s been around the Test side a little bit and he’s a great bloke. He brings a lot of knowledge to the mental side of the game which is a vital part of cricket and professional sport. To have him in the ranks, just to be able to pull for a chat for five or 10 minutes is awesome.”Ahead of this three-match T20 and ODI series, Brook also spoke of a desire to change his white-ball approach, saying that he’d been “disappointed” with his recent performances in the shorter formats.”I feel like I’ve been premeditating quite a lot,” Brook said to talkSPORT. “And there’s one goal for me this series is just to try and play on instinct as much as possible.”When I’m at my best, I’m hitting straight and then I’m adapting to line and length.”Brook made just one white-ball half century for England across the summer from 11 innings, although his average remained above 30 and his strike-rate was healthy across both formats.New Zealand cricket announced that Saturday’s opening T20 at Hagley Oval will be a sell-out. It is a coup for the series, given the cold evening weather in October and a clash with a domestic rugby final featuring Canterbury that had threatened to hurt ticket sales.”It’s pretty outstanding,” New Zealand’s captain Mitchell Santner said. “Hopefully we can put on a bit of a show and it’ll be a great contest.”Santner also announced his XI for the match, with himself and Rachin Ravindra returning, while Bevon Jacobs, Zak Foulkes and Devon Conway miss out from the squad of 14.New Zealand XI 1 Tim Seifert (wk), 2 Mark Chapman, 3 Rachin Ravindra, 4 Tim Robinson, 5 Michael Bracewell, 6 Daryl Mitchell, 7 Jimmy Neesham, 8 Mitchell Santner (capt), 9 Matt Henry, 10 Kyle Jamieson, 11 Jacob Duffy

Australia’s new No.3 made a frustrating 26 off 37 as questions on his role remain

Andrew McGlashan04-Jul-2025It just looks like a frustrating score: 26 off 37 balls. Some hard work done, but no big pay day. For Cameron Green on the opening day in Grenada, it must have felt especially so.His career at No. 3 is still in its infancy, but now his five innings read: 4, 0, 3, 15 and 26. He has been backed for the role by captain Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald, although right now there is nowhere else for him to bat. Steven Smith has returned to No. 4 (when not injured) and it doesn’t appear he’ll be moving again. Meanwhile, the success Beau Webster has enjoyed early in his career, which continued at the National Stadium, is making him look like someone with a future at No. 6.It’s possible to make a link between the current progress of Green and Webster. Had Webster not been so impressive early in his career – he now has four half-centuries in nine innings – and if Green returns to bowling in time for the Ashes as it’s hoped will happen, there could have been a world where he nudged out Webster and returned to his initial Test match position at No. 6, at least until No. 4 became available in the longer-term.Related

• 'Today was a nice sign' – Green hoping to trend upwards at No.3

• Half-centuries from Smith and Green give Australia control

• King and Seales do their bit to make West Indies' grand plan work

• Seales' late strikes, King's 75 put Australia under pressure

• Webster and Carey rescue Australia after another top-order slump

Now it’s very hard to see Webster going anywhere after showing his adaptability on a wild pitch against India at the SCG, turners in Galle, the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, and now a Test-and-a-bit in the West Indies.”I’ve played six Tests now in four different countries with three different balls,” Webster said. “To come to countries I’ve never played in and with a ball I’ve never used before, just to be able to try and learn on my feet and try and get some info from some of the other guys, then go about my business my way, that’s probably the one thing I’ve learned.”Hopefully I can capitalise on one of these fifties at some stage, but at the moment I’m happy to contribute and get us to a defendable total.”Green has found it a challenge to secure a settled home in the Test side in the last two years. A few months after a maiden Test century at No. 6 in Ahmedabad, he struggled in the 2023 Ashes and eventually lost his place to Mitchell Marsh. Then, after being recalled against West Indies and New Zealand in early 2024 and making a superb 174 not out in Wellington at No. 4 – when Smith was opening – he was only able to keep that role for four games.

“The way [Konstas and Green] particularly started today, I thought it was exceptional. They put a bit of pressure back on their bowlers and made them change a little bit”Beau Webster

A back injury ruled him out of the 2024-25 season, but Smith was always likely to move away from opening against India, leaving some uncertainty about whether Green would have remained at No. 4.Therefore Green, someone marked out as generational player who would be the fulcrum of Australia’s future batting orders, is at an important juncture of a Test career that now has a not-insignificant sample size of 31 Tests.On Thursday in Grenada, he had a base to work with after Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja had opened with 47. It took Green eight balls to get off the mark. He then was squared up by an excellent delivery from Alzarri Joseph, which took the back hip and momentarily got the West Indians excited.Next ball, Alzarri Joseph strayed and Green clipped him firmly between midwicket and mid-on. In the following over against the quick, Green was beaten by a superb delivery which climbed and moved away.Then it felt like, perhaps, things were about to click. Alzarri Joseph dropped short and Green crunched him through square leg. The next ball was fuller and Green drilled it straight of mid-off; when he’s driving straight it’s often a sign his game is in good order.When Shamar Joseph returned for a spell before lunch, he dropped one short and wide which Green leathered over the covers, not even trying to keep the ball down. This had the feel of a better tempo innings from him.Beau Webster’s form adds to queries on Cameron Green•AFP/Getty Images”The way [Konstas] and Greeny particularly started today I thought it was exceptional,” Webster said. “They put a bit of pressure back on their bowlers and made them change a little bit.”Then came the final over before lunch. Taking a big stride forward to Jayden Seales, Green drove on the up straight to cover where John Campbell spilled a simple chance. It was hands on head from West Indies, and perhaps something a little more emotional from coach Daren Sammy. They had seen the cost of dropped catches in Barbados.For Green, meanwhile, it was a massive reprieve. A chance to regather and reset during the lunch break and make the most of the start he had worked hard for in conditions that, while not as tough as Barbados, were still demanding for the top order. He got himself off strike next ball, but a single to Travis Head meant he was facing the last delivery before lunch.It was a touch fuller from Seales, Green came forward to drive again when it could have been left alone. There was some lovely late shape from Seales, whose strength is getting the ball to swing. Green drove hard and the thick edge flew high to Roston Chase at gully, where he had moved for this match in a switch with Brandon King who shifted to first slip after the catching woes of the first Test. Chase took it safely.Relief for West Indies, frustration for Green. His wait for another breakthrough goes on.

England manager Thomas Tuchel was in attendance at Old Trafford on Monday night for the Premier League meeting between Manchester United and Everton. After the Toffees claimed a first win at the stadium in 12 years, the German was seen in the tunnel speaking with Jack Grealish, setting speculation in motion that an international recall ahead of the World Cup is coming.

Grealish bouncing back with Everton

After losing his way at Manchester City last season, Grealish is having a resurgent year on loan with Everton in 2025-26. He's back to starting pretty much every game – he's only been left out when he was ineligible against his parent club last month – and played 87 minutes of the dogged Old Trafford display, in which the Toffees were at a player disadvantage for most of it after Idrissa Gueye was sent off.

After the final whistle, Everton's social media team captured a moment that saw Tuchel with his arm around Grealish, before the pair engaged in an inaudible friendly discussion. The England manager had also sought out 24-year-old Toffees star James Garner, who has never been capped at senior international level but could potentially play his way into the squad by next summer's World Cup if he continues to perform and impress. Adam Wharton and Kobbie Mainoo showed before Euro 2024 that current form, rather than international experience, is what matters.

AdvertisementWatch the clip

Grealish back on England's radar?

Grealish hasn't been called up by England in over a year, making the most recent of his 39 caps to date in October 2024, playing the full 90 minutes and scoring in a UEFA Nations League win over Finland. He'd earlier missed Euro 2024 after failing to make the jump from the provisional squad to the final cut, and hasn't been regularly called up since late 2023. The former Aston Villa winger previously appeared in all five of England's games at the 2022 World Cup, and featured in five out of seven at Euro 2020. He's only scored four international goals, but so has Phil Foden – in more games.

It's not particularly clear who else Tuchel would have been there to specifically watch.

Jordan Pickford had a splendid game for Everton, notably denying Joshua Zirkzee a Manchester United equaliser with a world-class save as he flew to his right, but the goalkeeper's place as England starter could hardly be any more nailed on. Despite a middling club career, he's the best goalkeeper England have had in a generation, and perhaps one of the best ever to rival Gordon Banks and Peter Shilton. Tuchel doesn't really need to watch him to know that.

Luke Shaw started for Manchester United, making all his appearances so far this season as a left-sided centre-back. Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount appeared off the bench in red. In the Everton ranks, James Tarkowski and Michael Keane have been out of the England picture for seven and five years respectively, but Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall could be another wildcard Tuchel is interested in.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty Images SportGrealish needs to keep pushing

An England recall in time for the World Cup will only come if Grealish is a better option than the other left wingers at Tuchel's disposal, so he needs to keep doing what he's doing to prove himself, and probably add more measurable goal contributions.

Grealish has five goals and assists to his name in the Premier League since joining Everton, but the sole goal came before the October international break and he hasn't assisted since August. Competition in the England squad primarily lies in Antony Gordon, Marcus Rashford and Eberechi Eze.

There is now a lengthy break until the next international fixtures on the calendar, but plenty of eyes will be on Tuchel's squad list for the March 2026 window – England's opponents are yet to be confirmed but will form the first part of the countdown to the World Cup.

Zimbabwe could score only 242 runs, their fifth-lowest aggregate in men’s Test matches where they have been bowled out twice

Sampath Bandarupalli09-Aug-2025An innings and 359 runs New Zealand’s margin of victory against Zimbabwe in the second Test in Bulawayo is the third-biggest win for any team in Test cricket, and the biggest for New Zealand. England won by innings and 579 runs against Australia in 1938 at The Oval, while Australia beat South Africa by innings and 360 runs in Johannesburg in 2002.New Zealand’s previous biggest innings win was by 301 runs against Zimbabwe in 2012 in Napier, which also happened to be the previous biggest defeat for Zimbabwe.ESPNcricinfo Ltd181.41 Difference between New Zealand’s batting average (192.66) and bowling average (11.25) over the last three days. Only seven teams have won a men’s Test match with a higher difference in the averages of their batters and bowlers.Only once before have New Zealand won a Test match with a difference of 100 between their batting and bowling averages – 110.10 against Sri Lanka in 2023 in Wellington.Related

New Zealand script their biggest win after Foulkes and Co flatten Zimbabwe

242 Zimbabwe’s aggregate runs in Bulawayo is their fifth-lowest in a Test match where they have been bowled out twice. It is also their second-lowest at home, behind the 158 runs they made against New Zealand in Harare in 2005.9 for 75 Zakary Foulkes’ match figures, the best for a bowler on Test debut for New Zealand. Only Will O’Rourke had taken nine wickets on debut for New Zealand previously, 9 for 93 against South Africa in Hamilton in 2024.Zakary Foulkes picked the best-ever figures for a New Zealand bowler on Test debut•Zimbabwe CricketFoulkes’ match average of 8.33 is the second-best for any bowler with four-plus wicket hauls in both innings on Test debut. Clarrie Grimmett averaged 7.45 on his debut against England in Sydney in 1925, where he bagged 11 for 82.3 Instances of three batters recording 150-plus scores in the same Test innings, including Devon Conway (153), Henry Nicholls (150*) and Rachin Ravindra (165*) in Bulawayo.Len Hutton (365), Maurice Leyland (187) and Joe Hardstaff (169*) for England against Australia in 1938 at The Oval were the first such trio, while India’s Sunil Gavaskar (176), Mohammad Azharuddin (199) and Kapil Dev (163) replicated it against Sri Lanka in Kanpur in 1986.5 Instances of fast bowlers taking all 20 wickets in a Test match for New Zealand, away from home. The last of the previous four was against India at Southampton in the World Test Championship final in 2021.601 for 3 New Zealand’s first-innings total was their highest in Test cricket against Zimbabwe, surpassing the 582 for 4 in 2016, also in Bulawayo. New Zealand have topped the 600-mark on 12 occasions so far, and their effort against Zimbabwe was their first since the 612 for 9 against Pakistan in 2022.288.80 Nicholls’ batting average while scoring a hundred in Test cricket. Among batters with at least ten hundreds, only Andy Flower (340) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (319.83) average more than Nicholls while scoring a hundred.

Rahmat Shah picked up the injury in the 15th over, retired hurt, came out to bat again at the fall of the ninth wicket, but couldn’t carry on

Mohammad Isam11-Oct-2025Rahmat Shah, the Afghanistan batter, is “most likely” out of the ongoing ODI series against Bangladesh because of a calf injury, according to team physio Nirmalan Thanabalasingam. Rahmat braved the injury to try to bat after Afghanistan had lost their ninth wicket in Saturday’s second ODI, after having retired hurt earlier, but he could stand at the crease for just one ball.Thanabalasingam ran out to help Rahmat, who by then couldn’t even stand. Later, the paramedics took him out of the ground in a wheelchair.”He unfortunately succumbed to his injury so he is out now,” Thanabalasingam said. “We will do the all the right things in terms of imaging and stuff tomorrow. He is going to be out for some time, I think.”Rahmat initially felt discomfort when he was trying to take a single in the 15th over after having walked out to bat at his usual No. 4. It was an innocuous looking shot, but his turn on the heel might have affected his calf. He was batting on nine at the time, and struggled to walk properly as he went off the field.Afghanistan struggled without Rahmat, who made an invaluable half-century in the first ODI, which made him the first Afghanistan batter to reach 4000 runs in ODIs. Rahmat’s absence meant regular middle-order wickets, with only Ibrahim Zadran holding things together.When Rahmat came out to bat again, it was met with applause from the Afghanistan fans at the venue in Abu Dhabi. It, however, lasted just one ball. Rishad Hossain sent in a googly that Rahmat missed, and the ball hit him in the abdomen. He was down immediately. Mehidy Hasan Miraz helped him get up but he was not able to continue as Afghanistan’s innings ended at 190 in 44.5 overs.

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to receive only a one-match ban for his red card against the Republic of Ireland in Portugal's penultimate World Cup qualifier. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was sent off after elbowing Dara O'Shea off the ball and was set for a three-match ban for 'violent conduct'. However, FIFA's disciplinary committee has decided to let the 40-year-old off easy.

• Ronaldo only gets a one-match ban for O'Shea elbow

  Ronaldo was expected to miss one or two of Portugal's opening clashes in the 2026 World Cup in North America after being shown a red card for violent conduct on O'Shea. However, FIFA's disciplinary committee have ruled that the Portugal captain's actions were only worth a one-game ban, which he has already served after he missed Roberto Martinez's squad for the 9-1 win over Armenia. His punishment, however, also holds a two-game suspended ban, which will be triggered if he is found guilty of a similar offence yet again in the next 365 days.

  Ronaldo was sent off just before the hour mark, after Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg consulted with VAR, having shown the five-time Ballon d'Or winner a yellow card initially. In the review, it seemed clear to the referee that, in a tussle with O'Shea, Ronaldo clearly elbowed O'Shea in the back without any ball involvement around him.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  CR7's first international red card

  The red card against the Republic of Ireland was Ronaldo's first of his international career as the Portugal captain has never been sent off in his 226 appearances with the national team. It has been reported that this disciplinary record may have played a massive part in the FIFA disciplinary committee's decision.

  However, this wasn't the first time Ronaldo and O'Shea clashed as the Portugal captain and the Irishman had previously clashed, with the Al-Nassr star appearing to slap him all the way back in 2021. While O'Shea had hit the deck at that point as well, the referee and VAR had missed the incident, and Ronaldo had gotten away with his assault on the Ireland star; however, the same was not the case this time around.

• Ronaldo's absence raises questions about Portugal squad

  Ronaldo's absence for Portugal's 9-1 win over Armenia raised serious questions from fans over the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's spot in Martinez's World Cup squad as Portugal's attacking play seemed a lot smoother. The same was the case during the 2022 World Cup when Fernando Santos played Ronaldo as more of a substitute through the tournament in Qatar with stars like Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix and Diogo Jota starting instead.

  However, the quarter-final failure against Morocco eventually saw Santos receive the sacking and Martinez being onboarded as the head coach of the Portuguese national team. The former Belgium coach quickly reintegrated the former Real Madrid man into the squad as he led Portugal to their Nations League triumph last year.

  Nonetheless, questions are still being raised as to whether having Ronaldo as the main man in the Portugal squad is the best way forward for the 2026 World Cup as the country look to raise their first-ever trophy on the international stage.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Portugal's World Cup opener to feature Ronaldo

  Despite all the questions regarding Ronaldo's form at the highest level, it is highly unlikely that Martinez will be altering his squad this close to the World Cup. As such, it is almost guaranteed that Ronaldo will be the first name on the teamsheet when Portugal kickoff their 2026 World Cup campaign in North America.

  However, the ill-tempered Ronaldo will have to keep his emotions in check through the tournament, as another sending off or even a violation of FIFA's regulations could see him miss the latter stages of the World Cup.

West Ham are believed to be in the market for three major signings this January, and could now turn back to a familiar face in pursuit of fresh quality.

The Irons are preparing for what could be a vital transfer window in their quest to ensure Premier League survival. Looking to back new boss Nuno Espírito Santo, with West Ham currently sitting in the relegation zone after a torrid start to 2025/2026, David Sullivan and co have identified three key areas to reinforce.

Nuno’s would seriously benefit from signing a striker and a centre-back in January, while they’re also exploring options in midfield to add depth and quality in that area of the squad (Sky Sports).

In attack, West Ham are apparently targeting an athletic, mobile centre-forward who can provide a different profile to their current options. Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney is believed to be a target for Nuno’s side in that regard, while reports suggest that Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan is also on West Ham’s radar.

The same can be said of ex-Tottenham striker Troy Parrott, who’s currently enjoying the season of his life at AZ Alkmaar, having also fired the Republic of Ireland to the World Cup play-offs recently.

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

Parrott’s brace against Portugal, which led Ireland to a 2-0 win over Cristiano Ronaldo’s side, and a hat-trick against Hungary confirmed his country’s place in the draw, with clubs like West Ham apparently taking notice of the 23-year-old’s exceptional form.

The midfield area also requires attention, with West Ham reportedly targeting additions to bolster their options in the number eight role. The club has been linked with moves for the likes of Chelsea starlet Andrey Santos as they look to add technical quality and energy to the middle of the park.

Defensively, West Ham are pursuing reinforcements at centre-back.

They’ve reportedly made a £15.8 million bid to sign Lecce and Portugal Under-21 centre-back Tiago Gabriel already (La Gazzetta dello Sport), though the Italian club has rejected this opening offer and is holding out for around £22 million.

West Ham currently have the second-worst defence in England’s top flight, and despite their glaring need for a forward, Nuno’s backline also demands attention.

West Ham looking to 'reignite' Charlie Cresswell talks

Now, according to ExWHUemployee, they could turn back towards Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell as an option.

The former Leeds United defender was apparently ‘close to signing’ in the summer window, and West Ham are looking to ‘reignite talks’ over signing Cresswell in January as they attempt to shore up their leaky defence.

Cresswell represents the type of defensive reinforcement West Ham desperately need to address their relegation concerns.

The 23-year-old has demonstrated strong leadership capabilities and excels in aerial situations, while also contributing offensively with three goals last season.

Standing over six feet tall, he’s physically imposing and wins his defensive battles, providing the commanding presence that’s been missing from West Ham’s backline. His move to Toulouse has proven highly successful, with the defender establishing himself among France’s top young centre-backs and helping Toulouse to keep 10 clean sheets in 2024/2025.

His quality has translated to international football too, where he earned praise for his leadership during the recent Under-21 European Championships (GiveMeSport). The England youth international played a key role in his country’s successful title defence, showing he can deliver on the big stage.

Cresswell being homegrown and valued at around £18 million in the summer makes this deal all the more appealing to West Ham, especially considering their limited winter budget.