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The France international leads the charts after finalising an €80 million (£68m/$90m) move, but who else ranks near the top?

Getty25. LUCAS ALARIOTransfer fee: €24 million (£20m/$27m) | from River Plate to Bayer Leverkusen | Season 2017/18AdvertisementGetty Images22. ARJEN ROBBEN

Transfer fee: €25 million (£21m/$28m) | from Real Madrid to Bayern Munich | Season 2009/10

Getty22. THIAGO ALCANTARATransfer fee: €25 million (£21m/$28m) | from Barcelona to Bayern Munich | Season 2013/14ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty Images22. ANDRIY YARMOLENKO

Transfer fee: €25 million (£21m/$28m) | from Dynamo Kiev to Borussia Dortmund | Season 2017/18

Whether due to injuries or competition in certain areas, there are some big decisions to be made regarding the European champions' line-up…

England will take on Portugal on Saturday in their 2023 Women’s World Cup send-off friendly, which acts as an alarm for just how close the tournament is now. Twelve months ago, when the Lionesses took on Switzerland in their last match before the 2022 Women’s European Championship, it felt like the starting line-up was quite easy to predict. This time around, things are different.

Some of that is because of injuries to key players, with Beth Mead, Leah Williamson and Fran Kirby all key members of the XI from last summer that will not be heading to Australia. Another reason, though is the emergence of a lot of young talent that has made certain areas of the team more competitive than ever.

Sarina Wiegman has had a few months since the Lionesses’ last games, in April, to think about her line-up for that opening World Cup game versus Haiti, and this weekend’s fixture will be the most telling look yet that those outside of the England camp will get at her plans.

So, what are the big selection dilemmas the coach has had to ponder? GOAL takes a look…

GettyReplacing Leah Williamson

One of the most interesting areas of Wiegman’s XI on Saturday will be in the heart of defence. Not only does she need to replace Leah Williamson, her captain, in there after an ACL injury in April, but also Millie Bright. The Chelsea star is in the World Cup squad but will not be fit for this fixture as she continues to rehab after knee surgery. It means there will be another opportunity handed out to someone at centre-back in Milton Keynes, then.

It’s largely expected that Alex Greenwood will partner with Bright for the World Cup. The duo had an excellent partnership in the build-up to last summer’s Euros until Williamson was moved back from midfield to play alongside Bright as the tournament neared. There’s clear confidence within the camp that the two can pick up that strong link again this summer.

But should Bright, set to skipper England in Australia in Williamson’s absence, not be fit enough to start the World Cup campaign, who would step in for her? It’s not clear what the pecking order looks like beyond Bright and Greenwood, but it’s likely a few hints will be given by Saturday’s team selection.

AdvertisementGettyThe left-back problem

The biggest head-scratcher for Wiegman across her entire tenure as England boss has concerned the left-back spot. There’s a real lack of options in this position in the Lionesses’ player pool.

It looked like she had cracked it in February. Greenwood used to play on the left side of defence in years gone by, and Wiegman started her in the role again for two of England’s Arnold Clark Cup matches. However, the injury to Williamson means the Manchester City defender is now needed centrally instead, reopening the dilemma.

Rachel Daly played at left-back during the Euros campaign, but she has just scored 22 goals in 22 league games for Aston Villa as a striker, earning her more opportunities up top for her country as a result.

Jess Carter, Niamh Charles and Esme Morgan are all versatile players who can assume the role, with Charles operating in it a lot for Chelsea this past season, while Carter was Wiegman’s choice there for both of England’s games in April.

Despite openly talking about how difficult it is to play in the position for England because it's not one she plays often for club, it does look like Carter will be Wiegman’s choice at left-back. Saturday will give the biggest indicator yet of whether that will indeed be the case.

Getty ImagesLauren James' role

One of the most competitive areas of England’s team is out wide. On the right, it feels like Lauren James and Chloe Kelly are competing for a starting berth, with Katie Robinson, the 20-year-old Brighton forward, likely to assume a super-sub role.

Kelly was tasked with the latter at the Euros last summer, and she would emerge as the hero in the final, scoring the extra-time winner at Wembley as England defeated Germany to lift the title. A year on, with Mead’s absence factored in, she’s edged more and more towards a starting role. She goes into the World Cup with momentum, too, having ended the season in flying form.

James, meanwhile, started her second season with Chelsea with a bang, hardly putting a foot wrong after spending her first campaign at the club getting on top of niggling injuries. It was form she also took into the international windows, making a strong case to be a starter with her performances in November and February, in particular.

However, her minutes were managed a little more as the season came to its end. Whether for tactical reasons or just to ensure she didn’t pick up any injuries after a much more demanding season, the 21-year-old was on the bench for both legs of Chelsea’s Women’s Champions League semi-final against Barcelona, for example.

While extremely talented, it was a reminder that James is still new to the highest level. She’s still only got 10 caps for her country and only made her debut last September. It will be interesting, then, to see whether she becomes another option off the bench this summer. She’ll certainly be a dangerous one if so.

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GettyWill Alessia Russo keep the No.9 shirt?

Without a doubt the biggest question surrounding Wiegman’s first choice XI regards the centre-forward role. Having been an impact player at the Euros, scoring four goals in six appearances from the bench, Alessia Russo has been the main striker for England since Ellen White’s retirement last summer.

However, that position has been under threat in recent months. While Russo ended the WSL season with 10 goals to her name, Daly scored an incredible 22 in 22 outings, earning herself a shot as the Lionesses’ No.9 in the November and February camps as a result – scoring on both occasions.

There has also been recent competition from Beth England, who scored 12 goals in 12 games after joining Tottenham in January. That form allowed her to sneak into the World Cup squad at the last moment, having not been called up since September.

Can Wiegman possibly overlook Daly in her form? Or will she stick with Russo?

Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that Jude Bellingham is still struggling with a shoulder injury despite a goal-scoring return for Real Madrid.

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Bellingham suffered dislocated shoulderMissed England dutyReturned with goal vs CadizWHAT HAPPENED?

The midfielder sat out consecutive games before the international break and was forced to withdraw from the England squad for their final two Euro 2024 qualifiers after dislocating his shoulder against Rayo Vallecano. However, he started against Cadiz on Sunday and was on the scoresheet once again.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Bellingham wrapped up a 3-0 victory on the road with a fine finish across the goalkeeper in the 74th minute. He was withdrawn shortly afterwards, and his manager Ancelotti has admitted his star man still hasn't fully recovered from his injury.

WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID

Speaking to reporters, the Italian tactician said: "Bellingham is fine. He still has the problem he had but he is fine with the protection."

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Getty/ GOALDID YOU KNOW?

Bellingham's strike made it 14 goals in 15 games in all competitions since his big-money arrival at the Bernabeu, meaning he has surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 13 in the same number of matches.

England legend Jill Scott has got a tattoo immortalising her X-rated outburst during the Lionesses’ victory in the Euro 2022 final.

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Savoured continental glory at WembleyKelly netted extra-time winnerEx-midfielder has lasting mementoWHAT HAPPENED?

The veteran midfielder was introduced in the 89th minute of an epic showdown with arch-rivals Germany that was settled by Chloe Kelly’s iconic strike and celebration in extra-time at Wembley Stadium. Scott played her part it getting Sarina Wiegman’s side over the line, with there no holding back from the 36-year-old.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

At one stage, Scott was caught by a challenge from Sydney Lohmann. She responded to that tackle by launching a foul-mouthed rant in the German’s direction. The England star was caught on camera screaming: “F*ck off, you f*cking pr*ck”.

DID YOU KNOW?

Scott told back in July that she was considering getting a tattoo to honour her now infamous Euros blast, saying: “I am not proud of it, I am really not. It’s not very role model-like. I was just so passionate. I am sorry but it reminds me of the win, so it gives me a little smile!”

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Scott now has her inking, with the initials “FOYFP” etched onto her side. The former Sunderland, Everton, Manchester City and Aston Villa star retired as a European champion and has since moved into punditry, while also becoming ‘Queen of the Jungle’ as the winner of the 2022 series of ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here’.

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Which of the wonderkids featuring in Israel could become big names for African national sides?

Getty ImagesEl Chadaille Bitshiabu

The towering centre-back will be the rock at the heart of the France backline during the U-17 Euros, where he’ll be keen to bring his outstanding form from Paris Saint-Germain’s Youth League campaign to bear in Israel.

He’s already featured for Mauricio Pochettino’s side at senior level, although with his route to more playing time with PSG’s first team arguably blocked, the likes of Bayern Munich, ManchesterCity and RB Leipzig are all understood to be monitoring his services.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesDario Essugo

With experience already of having played with Portugal’s U-19 team, Essugo has the potential to dominate contests at the U-17 Euro.

He’s already become Sporting Lisbon’s youngest ever player—a remarkable achievement at such an institution—and the youngster, who’s also eligible for Angola, should impress with his defensive qualities and work with the ball.

Realmadrid.comElyaz Zidane

Son of French footballing royalty, Zinedine’s son Elyaz certainly has some high standards to live up to, although having progressed through the ranks at Real Madrid, he’s well used to demanding environments.

Eligible for both Algeria and Spain, Zidane jr is turning out for France at the U-17 Euros, and while he’s the youngest of Zidane’s four boys, he may turn out to be the most exciting.

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Antoni Milambo

Feyenoord’s youngest ever first team player, Milambo made his debut for the Dutch giants only four months and nine days after his 16th birthday—testament to his maturity and his raw ability.

Eligible for the Democratic Republic of Congo, but featuring for the Netherlands at the U-17 showpiece, Milambo has the quality to hurt teams between the lines, and there won’t be too many players at the tournament who already have experience of playing in senior level continental club competitions.

The relationship between a manager and his players is often a very complex one

Despite what they might say in the confines of a dressing room, managers will seldom shame their players in the public domain.

Although, that isn't to say that they are totally exempt from criticism in press conferences and interviews, especially when the man in the technical area is at risk of losing his job. The pressure faced by managers can sometimes lead to them airing their dirty laundry in public, but it very rarely ends well as supporters are left to pick sides between players and their boss.

Steven Gerrard made the mistake of replacing fans' favourite Tyrone Mings in the role of captain at Aston Villa whilst simultaneously questioning his mentality. The Villa boss soon restored the England centre-back to his starting XI after his public shaming didn't go down too well with those in the stands.

With that incident fresh in the memory, here are a collection of other scenarios where players have been publicly thrown under the bus by their managers.

GettyDuncan Ferguson & Moise Kean

Duncan Ferguson has taken charge of just five matches in his coaching career, all of which came during two separate stints as caretaker manager at Everton. Although, in that time, he created enough headlines to last a full season.

Perhaps the most iconic memory of his brief managerial career came when he took the Toffees to Old Trafford in December 2019. With Everton 1-0 in front with 20 minutes left, the Scotsman replaced the injured Bernard with highly-rated Moise Kean.

However, the young forward didn't even see out the game as he was brought off for fellow striker Oumar Niasse in the dying minutes. Ferguson tried to play down talk of a fall out following the match but, having ignored Kean after substituting him, it was clear that the caretaker boss was far from impressed.

AdvertisementGettyRoberto Mancini & Carlos Tevez

To say Carlos Tevez was a character during his playing career would be a huge understatement. Before retiring just a couple of months ago, the Argentine was a player capable of single-handedly winning a match whilst equally capable of winding up a whole fan base in the blink of an eye.

His move across Manchester – from United to City in 2009 – understandably raised eyebrows but he didn't let the controversy affect his performances on the pitch. Although, during the 2011-12 season, Tevez and his manager at the time, Roberto Mancini, had an almighty falling out.

Their feud came to a head when City travelled to Munich to face Bayern in the Champions League. With the German giants 2-0 in front, Mancini looked to his bench to bring Tevez into the action but the striker refused to go onto the pitch, having been frustrated at not being included from the start.

After the game, the usually-calm Italian was livid, he said: "For me it’s a bad situation because it is impossible for a player to refuse to play and help the team. He was disappointed that he didn’t play but we play with 11 players. To do that is just impossible."

Mancini then added: "He is finished for me. If I had my way he’d be out of the club.”

GettyThomas Tuchel & Callum Hudson-Odoi

Callum Hudson-Odoi has found regular game time hard to come by at Chelsea despite signing a bumper contract in September 2019. He has struggled to fit into Thomas Tuchel's sytem and has often been played outside of his regular position in one of the two wing-back roles.

However, in February of last year, the Blues boss brought the winger on at half-time for Tammy Abraham with Chelsea a goal behind against Southampton at St Mary's. Despite the visitors equalising through a Mason Mount penalty, Tuchel had seen enough from Hudson-Odoi and replaced him with 15 minutes left of the match.

He didn't mince his words after the game when asked why he made the harsh decision to re-substitute the young forward. He told : "We brought in Hudson, but with Hudson I was not happy with the energy and the attitude in the counter pressing so we decided to take him off again because we demand a lot, we demand 100% and I had the feeling he is not right in the shape where he can help us."

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GettyJurgen Klopp & Dejan Lovren

Jurgen Klopp is widely considered one of the coaches with the best man management qualities in world football. So for that reason, it was very out-of-character when he singled Dejan Lovren out for criticism following Liverpool's heavy 4-1 defeat against Tottenham at Wembley in October 2017.

It was far from the Croatian's best game in a Reds shirt and he was culpable for both of the home side's opening goals; missing a header for the first and missing the ball in a similar fashion for the second. While public shame is never the correct way to address a poor performance, Liverpool supporters totally resonated with Klopp's post-match comments.

"It was just really bad, bad, bad defending," said the German. "The second [goal], a counter attack, when the ball passes Lovren it is already too late. If I am involved in this situation on the pitch, then Harry cannot get the ball. It wouldn't happen if I was on the pitch, but I am in the middle of the technical area in trainers."

The European champions were 2-0 down within 20 minutes as they were bested by the German side in the penultimate game of the group stage.

Real Madrid's unbeaten start to the season has finally come to an end!

RB Leipzig brought the European champions crashing back down to earth with a well-deserved three points.

Vinicius Junior found the net and Rodrygo fired in a very late penalty, but it was not enough against a German side who were more than up to the challenge.

Josko Gvardiol, Christopher Nkunku and Timo Werner were on target to upset Carlo Ancelotti's team who were just too flat and lacking inspiration for too much of this match.

The Spanish champions remain top of the group, however, with just one game left to play.

With Leipzig now a point behind them, they have a battle on their hands for that coveted first place in Group F.

GettyThe Winners

Vinicius Junior:

He pulled a goal back for his side by getting free in the box and sending a fantastic header into the back of the net. More than that, however, the Brazilian was once again all over the attack, always looking for a way to give his side a chance against the Germans. He set up Rodrygo well at 2-0, but his attacking team-mate couldn't get his shot on target – once again showing that he is the man Madrid can rely on while Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema is out of commission.

Josko Gvardiol:

There has been growing interest from across Europe in the centre-back and he certainly showed why this evening. He got ahead of Antonio Rudiger to pounce on a great chance and nod his side into the lead to show that he can be a danger up front. He also looked strong in defence, though, and was comfortable on the ball.

Christopher Nkunku:

The best player on the pitch. He was such a livewire against a strong Madrid defence. His goal was well taken but he was a big threat throughout this match. It's no surprise to see so many teams willing to pay big money to sign the France attacker as most defences would find it tough to keep him quiet.

AdvertisementGettyThe Losers

Rodrygo:

Try as he might, he just could not get into this game. The forward must be commended for his determination in dropping back to try and get involved but very little worked in his favour until he won the last-minute penalty that was too little, too late.

Carlo Ancelotti:

He made some questionable choices with his starting XI, lining up with a flat midfield and a lack of attacking inspiration. Ancelotti then waited too long to mix up his midfield, only bringing Eden Hazard on for the last 10 minutes. A match like this will surely have him pushing for new signings in the January window.

Thibaut Courtois:

For the first time this season the Belgian goalkeeper has conceded more than once in a game. Courtois let three goals slip this time around, and while he was not totally to blame for any of them, he will feel he could have done better with Gvardiol's opener and went to the ground too early as Nkunku fired in the second.

GettyReal Madrid Ratings: Defence

Thibaut Courtois (6/10):

The goalkeeper produced some strong saves but he made it easy for Gvardiol to knock in the opener by diverting a save back into the middle of the box. Later in the half, he came too far out, was easily beaten and lucky to see a long-range shot hit the side of the net. There wasn't much he could do about the home team's second goal, though.

Lucas Vazquez (5/10):

Got forward a lot and tried hard to help his team create something from the wing as he took the place of Dani Carvajal, who has underwhelmed so much this season. However, he is clearly not the answer to Madrid's problems on the right. Just not good enough.

Eder Militao (7/10):

Overall he looked good and was once again a wall at the back for Madrid. Saying that, he let Timo Werner go free in the vital moment as the German attacker moved towards the back post and tapped in the goal that made it 3-1.

Antonio Rudiger (6/10):

Quite underwhelming as he did not react to the loose ball that Gvardiol jumped at to open the scoring then failed to stand up to a couple of other Leipzig attacks.

Nacho (5/10):

A third start in the Champions League for Carlo Ancelotti's men this season and while he was not terrible, he did nothing to stand out either before he was replaced by David Alaba with just over 20 minutes left.

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GettyMidfield

Eduardo Camavinga (5/10):

You cannot deny his talent but he looked out of place in this team as he was playing high up the field. Madrid missed a player like Luka Modric as the away side were lacking some forward thinking in midfield.

Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10):

The best of the three midfielders for the visitors, Tchouameni did not shy away from digging in with a few tackles but was perhaps let down by the shape of a midfield that lacked a proper creator.

Toni Kroos (6/10):

A classy and comfortable passer of the ball as always but he did not have much of an influence on the game.

Mary Earps congratulated Manchester United loanee Grace Clinton after the 20-year-old marked her Lionesses debut with a goal.

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Earps sends message to Clinton on debut 20-year-old bags goal in Austria United keeper benched as Hampton given chance GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The goalkeeper had an unusual vantage point for England's 7-2 thrashing of Austria in Andalusia on Friday night with manager Sarina Wiegman opting to give Chelsea's Hannah Hampton some international experience.

But Earps was delighted by what she saw from the sidelines, in particular with Clinton, who earned a call up after some impressive performances on loan at Tottenham Hotspur this term.

AdvertisementWHAT MARY EARPS SAID

"So buzzing for you Grace Clinton. What a debut," posted the England number one.

Instagram @1maryearpsGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

While Earps sat out Friday night's romp in southern Spain, Wiegman made it clear that she will keep the gloves when England return to competitive action.

After a stellar year during which Earps swept up a bewildering number of individual trophies, England's number one has regularly paid tribute to Wiegman, emphasising the role that Dutch manager played in restoring her confidence after being dropped by the previous management team.

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WHAT NEXT FOR MARY EARPS?

The Lionesses face Italy in another friendly on Tuesday in Algeciras. Fans will be keen to see if Wiegman picks another experimental team or goes back to something resembling a full-strength line up.

Khurram Khan, the UAE captain, has said that poor catching and bowling were why his side lost to Netherlands despite posting what he felt was a reasonable total

Abhishek Purohit in Sylhet17-Mar-2014Khurram Khan, the UAE captain, has said that poor catching and bowling were why his side lost to Netherlands despite posting what he felt was a reasonable total. UAE made 151 after choosing to bat and, although they were in a position at various stages to have made a few more runs, Khurram felt it was their defence of the target that left a lot to be desired.”I do not think it was big match nerves,” Khurram said. “Fielding was a real concern for the last few games. We dropped them in the last game as well. We are giving too many chances in the field, dropped too many and in the end we paid for that.”UAE put down at least four chances and also gave away runs through misfields. The Netherlands openers effectively ran away with the game when they added 69 inside seven overs but Khurram said UAE’s bowlers had also contributed to that by not sticking to disciplined lines and lengths.”There is no doubt about it. They batted really well. But that is what happens in the first six overs if you don’t bowl well, in the good areas. Obviously you are going to go for runs and then we kept giving them chances, we dropped so many catches.”Khurram admitted UAE should have managed a bigger total, given that they were 79 for 2 in the 11th over and 127 for 4 in the 16th. “I said 150 would have been a good target but you have to keep in mind that you have to bowl very well and take your catches. At one stage, we could have got 170-175. We were 25 runs short. That was the difference in the end.”It was Khurram who, along with Swapnil Patil, had rebuilt UAE’s innings from 12 for 2. However, both batsmen were dismissed in the space of four deliveries, bowled by Tom Cooper as they tried late-cutting despite not having much room. Khurram said that as set batsmen, they should have pushed on for longer.”It is the responsibility of the batsman who is there. I gave away my wicket in the same over Swapnil got out and then in the 15th-16th over we lost three wickets in the span of three-four runs. Both Rohan [Mustafa] and Shaiman [Anwar] were playing very well and Amjad Javed is a very good batsman for us. That cost us dearly.”

Wriddhiman Saha has said he rates his innings of 35 in the Adelaide Test two years ago higher than his century in the IPL final

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Jun-2014Wriddhiman Saha has said he rates his innings of 35 in the Adelaide Test two years ago higher than his century in the IPL final. In the final Test of a wretched tour of Australia for India, Saha put on 124 with Virat Kohli and helped him score his maiden Test century. The IPL century, he said, would have “tasted sweeter” had his innings won the final for Kings XI Punjab.”Although the context was completely different, I would rate the innings of 35 in the Adelaide Test and a century stand for the sixth wicket with Virat Kohli closer to my heart,” Saha told . “I am proud of the century in IPL final but that was a Test match. Virat was batting brilliantly and I could support him in his bid for the maiden Test hundred.”Ryan Harris, Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle bowled during that phase. I played 94 balls and it was my second Test match. Till I got out, I wasn’t uncomfortable against pace and swing, which gave me confidence that I can play at the highest level. This IPL century would have tasted sweeter but need to accept that KKR collectively batted better than us. We could never stop them from maintaining that run-rate.”During his innings against Kolkata Knight Riders, Saha was severe on Sunil Narine, scoring 35 off 18 balls against the West Indian offspinner. Saha said he made no attempt to try and read Narine’s variations from his hand.”Since I was playing Narine for the first time, I decided that I won’t try to pick him from his hand,” he said. “Rather, I decided to stay on the backfoot and wait for that extra split second so that ball does what it intends to do. Rocking back helped me execute those slog pulls effectively.”Saha has been MS Dhoni’s long-time understudy in the Test squad, and his form in the IPL – in which he scored 362 runs at a strike rate of over 145 – has now given him a chance in the ODI team, with Dhoni rested for the tour of Bangladesh. Despite earning his place on the back of his batting form, Saha said he remains a wicketkeeper-batsman rather than a batsman-wicketkeeper.”I am a specialist wicketkeeper whose job is to also do well with the bat,” he said. “Keeping was, is and will remain the top-most priority. For example, in this upcoming tour of Bangladesh, I will not bat higher than No. 6 or No. 7. I am practical about the fact. I won’t bat before Ajinkya (Rahane), Cheteshwar (Pujara) or Suresh (Raina). So I would rather see myself as a keeper-batsman than other way round.”