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Leah Williamson forced herself to keep smiling while reflecting on a "tough week" that saw her withdraw from the Lionesses squad due to injury.

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Williamson picked up a hamstring injuryMissed out on the WSL clash against Man UtdHad to subsequently withdraw from the England squadGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Williamson's anticipated return to the England national team has been marred by a fitness setback, leading to her withdrawal from the squad. Despite a successful recovery from an ACL injury, the Arsenal defender faced a new hurdle with a hamstring complaint, sidelining her from a crucial match against Manchester United that the Gunners won 3-1.

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Williamson took to Instagram to express her disappointment after missing out on the latest England squad. However, the defender chose to focus on the positives and posted a carousel of pictures where she is seen smiling along with her Arsenal teammates.

WHAT WILLIAMSON SAID

Along with the pictures, Williamson wrote a caption that read: "A tough week doesn’t take away from the smiles that have been had🫶🏼".

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

United's Millie Turner has been called up to the squad to replace Williamson for the two friendly fixtures against Austria and Italy on February 23 and 27 respectively.

Although Turner brings depth to the team, the absence of Williamson leaves a void in defensive leadership. The situation is compounded by the absence of stand-in skipper Millie Bright from Chelsea, who has been dealing with her knee injury since November.

James Taylor came to watch his former team-mates in action on the first day of Nottinghamshire’s Specsavers County Championship match against Yorkshire

George Dobell at Trent Bridge01-May-2016
ScorecardSteven Mullaney’s 78 underpinned Nottinghamshire’s innings, before Yorkshire’s revival•Getty ImagesJames Taylor admitted he is lucky to be alive after returning to Trent Bridge for the first time since being diagnosed with a serious heart condition.Taylor came to watch his former team-mates in action on the first day of their Specsavers County Championship match against Yorkshire, less than three weeks after being diagnosed with the condition ARVC (arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy) that has ended his career as a professional cricketer.After spending two weeks in hospital, Taylor was fitted with an external defibrillator and is expected to undergo heart surgery in the coming weeks.While he described himself as “in hysterics” when informed that he would never be able to play at professional level again, he hopes to remain involved in the game in some other capacity.”I’m lucky to be here, that’s the positive in this situation,” Taylor told Sky Sports. “But at the forefront of my head is that I can’t do what I love to do ever again. When I was told I would never play cricket or exercise again, I was in hysterics. That is sad, but it’s a fact that I know that I’m not physically able to do it.”The condition is made worse by exercise. That’s accelerated through extensive exercise so that suggests I probably shouldn’t be doing it.”But I have a massive passion for cricket and a burning desire to always be involved in cricket and be around it. Obviously I can’t play but in some capacity I’d love to stay in cricket, whatever role that may be.”Taylor said that his pain had been eased somewhat by the support of his family, friends and the wider cricket community.”The reaction and outpouring of emotion towards me as a person has made it so much better,” Taylor said. “It is priceless.”Not only the messages, but all the support from the hospitals and the NHS; let alone my family and my girlfriend. I’m lucky I’ve got good people around me. They have saved my life and kept me going mentally.”Nottinghamshire could have done with a player of Taylor’s quality as they failed to take advantage of an off-colour display by Yorkshire’s seamers on the first day of this match. Having raced to 77 without loss in the first hour – courtesy of a great deal of over-pitched bowling – they declined to 261 all out before bad light curtailed the day by more than 20 overs.That meant that Alex Hales, playing his first game of the season, was unable to grasp the opportunity to cement his England place. Hales and Steven Mullaney timed the ball sweetly in their opening stand, with Hales’ foot movement and judgment outside off stump impressive. Mullaney’s half-century included a series of glorious cover drives and two pulls for six.But when Jack Brooks dismissed Hales with the first delivery of his second spell – reward for a cunningly placed short extra cover and punishment for Hales’ failure to get completely over the ball – it precipitated a change in the balance of power.It was also the start of a much-improved display from Brooks. He was removed from the attack after his first two overs conceded 20 runs and conceded 10 fours in his first seven overs. But he dismissed Hales with the first ball of his second spell and later produced a beauty – pitching on middle and straightening – to punish Michael Lumb for playing slightly across the line. He then bowled Greg Smith off the inside edge and lured Chris Read into a drive with a delivery that left him. He also took a straightforward catch in the deep and ended Stuart Broad’s entertaining counter-attack with an excellent, accurate throw.Adil Rashid – who defeated Samit Patel with one that went straight on and made short work of the tail – was also impressive once again, while Steve Patterson typified a much-improved performance after a modest start. He ended Mullaney’s attractive innings with one that left the batsman off the pitch, though Mullaney may rue pushing at one he could have left.It left Yorkshire coach, Jason Gillespie, feeling upbeat after his team’s revival.”I’m incredibly satisfied with that from where we were after the first hour,” he said. “Andrew Gale said a few things at lunch – not ranting or raving, just quiet authority – and the guys were well aware of where we’d gone wrong. We’d got our lengths wrong and bowled too full. Steve Patterson played a big part in getting things back. He’s a very important performer for us.”Mullaney admitted that Nottimghamshire had contributed to their own downfall. “I thought we started really well,” he said. “But we’ve probably given them six or seven of the wickets. We are disappointed with our batting performance, but it could still be a good score if we bowl well.”In truth, this was a relatively modest display of cricket from two sides containing such good quality players, but Yorkshire will be delighted to have produced such a display and still ended the first day on top.

It was a harum-scarum day: cricket straight from the Brendon McCullum school, as the cliché du jour would have it. After 439 runs and 12 wickets it was a little hard what to make of it all.

Tim Wigmore at Guildford16-Jun-2015
ScorecardGraham Wagg led a superb Glamorgan fightback•Getty ImagesRegardless of any restructuring of the County Championship, Surrey have made their commitment to the Woodbridge Road ground at Guildford palpable. 800 permanent seats were put up in the close-season here and the rather ramshackle old pavilion should be next. Surrey hope renovation will be complete by 2017 when, with The Oval hosting five Champions Trophy games, Guildford could even be awarded two first-class matches.As Zafar Ansari compiled his austere 91 on a rather genteel opening day there was copious time to admire Guildford’s protruding sycamore trees. But Ansari’s dismissal to the seventh ball of the second day, trapped on the crease by Michael Hogan, was the prelude to a harum-scarum day: cricket straight from the Brendon McCullum school, as the cliché du jour would have it. After 439 runs and 12 wickets it was a little hard what to make of it all. There was even time for a six because of overthrows.Those runs were gifted rather generously to Graham Wagg. Still, they were well earned for the entertainment he provided spectators at Surrey’s 77th game here. Entering the crease at 106 for 6, perhaps a little perturbed about his demotion in the batting order to grant greater opportunity to Craig Meschede, Wagg arrived brimming with intent. He smited anything short, drove with purpose through the offside and attacked spin with particular relish, striking two emphatic straight sixes off Ansari. The upshot was a chanceless 99-ball century – though Arun Harinath shelled a very sharp return catch a few balls later – as Wagg resurrected Glamorgan’s innings in partnership with Mark Wallace. The two harried the fielders at every turn in their aggressive running between the wickets in adding 152 in 26.3 overs.”It was fantastic. Mark and I tried to take the initiative to the bowlers,” Wagg said. “The game is moving forward and forward and as players we have to adapt to that.”If McCullum was watching in preparation for New Zealand’s next ODI, he would have been proud at the sight of Wallace, showing no regard for the leg slip poised, reverse-sweeping with impunity. Wallace’s innings would have made for a worthy first century of the season, but he fell eight runs shy after playing around a straight one from Tom Curran.Still, the partnership had transformed the complexion of the match after Glamorgan had been in a fine mess at 30 for 4: a position from which Surrey sensed ending their winless run at Guildford, which now extends to 13 years. Curran and Chris Tremlett both bowled with hostility and vim, extracting good lift from a fine wicket: it still provides full value for shots, but now ensures a more even contest between bat and ball. Both opening bowlers got deliveries to hurry onto the batsmen, with devastating effect: Jacques Rudolph, Glamorgan’s captain and talisman, played on against Curran, while Chris Cooke was bowled as the ball bounced down from his bat, raised to leave Tremlett’s delivery alone.Colin Ingram provided an enterprising riposte, driving with ferocity and pulling a flat six off Curran. It must have been enough to remind Surrey of his 91 at The Oval in a T20 game last month, so it was a matter of considerable relief to the hosts when he edged an outswinger from Aneesh Kapil to Vikram Solanki at slip. Still, Ingram had shown his colleagues the way, and Glamorgan only diverged from it in the final hour of the day, as Wagg and Andrew Salter accumulated 13 runs from 13 overs. If everyone was a bit exhausted, they could be forgiven as much on a day that did not end until 6.45pm.Much earlier in the day, Surrey had already contributed plenty of exhilarating hitting of their own. Curran already looks rather too good a player to come in at No. 9, and he was bumped down a further spot because of Surrey’s use of a nightwatchman. After 60 at Grace Road, his maiden first-class half-century, Curran amassed 45 here, including three consecutive boundaries off David Lloyd: an uppercut through point, a drive through extra-cover and a cut along the ground. With Gary Wilson typically resourceful, Chris Tremlett twice harrumphed Salter’s offspin for a huge straight six. As Surrey passed 400, their only regret was their intent had come a little late, so they were restricted to three batting points.Underpinning this frenetic but hugely enjoyable day was a feeling – in the best sense – of how little it all mattered. What was really important was the news that Moises Henriques was discharged from hospital, after Rory Burns had been the previous day. Curran captured the mood: “It was a horrible incident. To have them both all in one piece is really good news.”

As on the first morning, Essex’s bowlers tore through Worcestershire, finishing the job they had started two days ago

Alan Gardner at Chelmsford25-Sep-2014
ScorecardGraham Napier blew away Worcestershire’s middle order but it won only pride and not promotion•Getty ImagesAs on the first morning, Essex’s bowlers tore through Worcestershire, finishing the job they had started two days ago. Victory had practically been assured after ten wickets fell in the first session of the game – practically assured from the moment the toss was conducted, according to Steve Rhodes – but there was little of the accompanying drama as both sides trudged off the final time this season with a metaphorical pebble in the shoe.For Essex, Hampshire’s imperious dismantling of Glamorgan, which would be confirmed within the following hour, meant that they missed out on promotion once again. It was small consolation for Paul Grayson that his side, who won six of their last seven games, collected the highest number of points (229) by a team finishing third in Division Two.No team has accumulated that many before and not gone up and only once would they have finished outside the top two – in 2003, the days of three up, three down, when Worcestershire and Northamptonshire had 245.75 and 237 respectively but Gloucestershire were still promoted with 190 points in third.Worcestershire, meanwhile, were also left feeling bilked by Hampshire. The two were tied at the top for most of the season but, with four games left, Worcestershire had a 45-point advantage on Hampshire. That lead was steadily eroded and, needing what turned out to be five points from their visit to Chelmsford to pick up the Division Two title, they fell painfully short. The cost is to pockets as well as pride: club and players will share around £50,000 in prize money, half of what the champions receive.Grayson has watched his side miss out altogether for a fifth season running, after they last won promotion in 2009, but took great encouragement from the second half of Essex’s Championship campaign. In all formats, Essex won 22 matches in 2014, behind only Warwickshire, T20 champions and runners-up in 50-over and Championship cricket, who were victorious 24 times.”I’m really pleased with the cricket we’ve played this year, especially in the second half of the Championship,” Grayson said. “Our form in four-day cricket over the last six weeks has been outstanding. I feel for the players, because there’s four or five lads who really deserve to play in Division One.”Essex used 25 players in the Championship this year and the first half of their campaign was undermined by a “horrific” injury list which at one point saw David Masters, Graham Napier, Reece Topley and Tymal Mills all injured at the same time. Essex’s only two defeats came against Hampshire and Worcestershire but they fell off the pace in failing to win for eight games after their opening fixture. “When we put our best 11-12 on the park, we would give any team in the country a good game,” Grayson said.”We were struggling for players, we played a few triallists, played a few academy players, a few club players, couple of lads out of minor counties – but when you miss the quality of that attack, it’s very difficult to get 20 wickets and win games. One more win early season, I think would have given us a great chance of getting promotion. But credit to Hampshire and Worcestershire, and good luck to them, they’ve played some very consistent cricket all year.”I’m disappointed with the fact we didn’t win a one-day trophy this year because we felt we were strong in both formats. We won 10 matches in our T20 campaign, had a quarter-final here against Warwickshire – but they played better than us. Then we played them in the quarter-final of the 50 overs and they played better than us again. That was the tough one to take, because we felt we would win a one-day trophy this year.”Rhodes can look forward to Division One cricket again after Worcestershire’s fifth promotion since the Championship was split. However, he felt Essex had taken a “big gamble” with the pitch, which was green in the middle and bare at both ends, and said his side’s chances of securing the title had effectively disappeared with the flip of a coin.”We came knowing we needed six points,” he said. “So when we turned up, we were absolutely desperate to win the toss because the wicket it was obvious was going to be darting around all over the place. When we lost that toss, it was a major, major blow to us trying to get any batting points. That first morning, to try and get to 200 and a first batting point, that was a hell of a task.”We were 33-1 outsiders to win promotion at the start of the season, so for us to do that has been excellent. We’ve got a very, very young side and they’ll be better for the experience.”With the script written in this match, Napier burst into the spotlight as Essex came close to wrapping things up inside the first session. Masters nipped one through Tom Fell’s defences to break an 82-run partnership with Moeen Ali, before Napier struck twice in his first over. He bettered that with three more in five balls, denying Moeen a century when he top-edged a pull to midwicket on 98. Napier had taken 5 for 11 in 25 deliveries at that stage but Jack Shantry and Brett D’Oliveira ensured lunch would be taken one last time at the ECG with an enterprising stand.

A round-up of the Momentum Cup One Day matches on February 6, 2015

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Feb-2015Warriors pulled off the highest run-chase in South Africa domestic history, gunning down 354 with 14 deliveries and five wickets remaining against Titans in Centurion. The win meant that Warriors are still in with a shout of making the playoffs, provided they beat Lions with a bonus point on Sunday and hope that Titans lose to Dolphins in Durban [see sidebar].Permutations for the other playoff spots

Cape Cobras have finished first and will host the final.
The race for the other playoff spots will be decided in the next round of matches when Dolphins meet Titans and Warriors clash with Lions.
If Titans beat Dolphins, then Titans will finish second and Dolphins third.
If there is a tie or no result between Dolphins and Titans, then Dolphins will finish second and Titans third.
If Dolphins beat Titans and Warriors fail to win with a bonus point then Dolphins will finish second and Titans third.
If Dolphins beat Titans and Warriors win with a bonus point then Dolphins will finish second. The third place will be decided by net run-rate, as Titans and Warriors will have the same number of points, the same number of wins, the same number of wins against each other and the same number of bonus points.
In the event of third place being decided by net run-rate, Warriors will need a turnaround of approximately 190 runs to go ahead of Titans on net run-rate, e.g. Warriors win by 160 runs and Titans lose by 30 runs or Warriors win by 80 runs and Titans lose by 110 runs. This equates to roughly 35-36 overs, so for example. if Titans lose by one run, Warriors will need to chase a target in 14-15 overs. A more precise estimation will be possible once the first innings are completed tomorrow.

Needing more than seven runs an over right from the off, Warriors began the chase on the front foot as their openers JJ Smuts and Michael Price blazed 58 in 5.3 overs. Price added just 11 to that partnership, but Smuts gave his team much-needed impetus by slamming 13 fours and two sixes during a 58-ball 86. Smuts and Ryan Bailey both fell by the 24th over, but Colin Ingram took charge of the chase, stroking his way to 106 – his ninth List-A ton. He was well-supported by Darryl Brown (50) in a 92-run partnership for the fourth wicket, and later by Christiaan Jonker, who smashed 42 off 19 balls to ensure that Warriors broke the record previously held by Titans, who had chased down 336 against Eagles in 2008-09. Titans, however, did not help themselves by conceding 30 extras, including 21 wides.The result overshadowed what was also a stellar batting display from Titans, which included three half-centuries and a hundred. The team, having been inserted, lost Henry Davids early, but Jacques Rudolph (78) and David Wiese (59) gave them a solid platform. Qaasim Adams and Albie Morkel made the most of it, sharing an unbroken 130-run stand for the sixth wicket to propel Titans to 353 for 5. Adams made 102 off 71 balls, with three fours and nine sixes, while Morkel’s 38-ball 56 featured four fours and two sixes.The result also confirmed Cobra’s position at the top of the table, meaning they will host the final next Friday.Vaughn van Jaarsveld’s sixth List-A hundred kept Dolphins on course for securing a home play-off, as they beat Cobras by 25 runs at Newlands. Dolphins, opting to bat, rode on van Jaarsveld’s 105, and his 90-run association for the fifth wicket with Daryn Smit (30) to make 249 for 9. Cobras never really got going in their reply, and found themselves floundering at 19 for 4 inside 11 overs. Dane Vilas (65) and Andrew Puttick (44) briefly stopped the slide by adding 78 for the fifth wicket. Puttick’s dismissal in the 25th over once again opened the door for Dolphins, as Cobras lost four wickets quickly. Rory Kleinveldt (46) and Justin Kemp (31 not out) resisted for 8.2 overs, but Cobras eventually folded for 224 in 46.2 overs. Andile Phehlukwayo was the pick of Dolphins’ bowlers, collecting 3 for 54, while Craig Alexander and Robbie Frylinck chipped in with two scalps each.

A 13-year playoff streak has been met by 13 straight playoff exits and zero MLS Cup appearances.

Any New York Red Bulls fan knows how this goes. And they know the words that come with it.

'That's so Metro'.

Saturday brought the latest moment to encapsulate those three words, as the Red Bulls threw away a lead to fall to FC Cincinnati at home.

It was a match that had it all: a stunning goal, an injury during the ensuing celebration and, ultimately, another Red Bull collapse.

But where did it go wrong for the Red Bulls? Let's take a look:

Getty ImagesOn the day

It seemed to all be going so well for the Red Bulls.

Lewis Morgan had just scored a missile early in the second half, giving the hosts the lead. A big celebration followed, as players mobbed the Scottish star, the team's leading scorer, in corner.

What happened next was a sign of things to come.

Morgan emerged from those celebrations with an injury, calling to the bench to take him out. From there, it was all Cincy. Goals from Luciano Acosta and Brandon Vazquez were just enough to lift the visitors into a date with the Philadelphia Union.

The first goal was entirely preventable, a silly penalty given away by Andres Reyes. The second was just a case of lost individual battles, with both Vazquez and Sergio Santos beating their defenders for pace.

It wasn't a bad performance, but it wasn't a good one and, in the playoffs where margins are slim, the Red Bulls were sent packing.

AdvertisementAndy Marlin / Getty Images SportDefinition of insanity

We all know the saying.

"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."

The Red Bulls have been trying to do the same thing over and over stylistically since Thierry Henry left the club and, by and large, the results have been the same.

Yes, the Red Bulls have a 13-year postseason streak, an impressive feat in MLS. And, of course, the Red Bulls can beat anyone on their day in the regular season, which they've been able to do for years thanks to their pressing system.

The problem is that they can't beat several teams in a row in a playoff format with the way this team plays. The evidence is there for all to see: four straight Round One exits and zero MLS Cup final appearances since this all began.

Teams have essentially figured out the Red Bulls' pressing style, and they figured it out years ago. You simply have to play patient, limit mistakes and don't take the risks that would generally fall right into the Red Bulls' trap. In the postseason, the margins are even finer for a team that lives and dies by other teams' mistakes rather than difference-makers of their own.

It's something you see all over the world. Eventually, teams' styles get figured out, and you have to either evolve that style or find a new one.

As MLS has evolved, the Red Bulls simply haven't. Their team hasn't been strong enough, their style hasn't been successful enough and, ultimately, it hasn't worked in the way the club would hope.

GettyMissing stars

In the early years of this iteration of the Red Bills, it all worked, and that's because of the people involved.

They had a Best XI caliber striker in Bradley Wright-Phillips, Homegrown stars like Tyler Adams and Matt Miazga, MLS stars like Dax McCarty, Sacha Kljestan and Luis Robles all being led by Jesse Marsch.

Those days are long gone. Adams is at Leeds, and players of his caliber rarely come along. Wright-Phillips was absolutely lightning in a bottle, a once-in-a-lifetime type of signing that went from nothing to club legend. And there's a reason Marsch is now managing in the Premier League, and that's because he's a hell of a manager.

The Red Bulls have been unable to replicate that success simply because it's impossible to replicate.

They're still relying on the same formula: homegrown, local talent supplemented by the signing of undervalued, high-potential foreign players. It's something other clubs are doing well, such as the Philadelphia Union, but it's also really hard to have everything line up in the right way.

At the end of the day, in this league, you usually go only as far as your DPs can take you. And the Red Bulls' DPs didn't live up to their billing.

Luquinhas started the season on fire with five goals and three assists by mid-July. He provided zero goals and one assist in the 16 games since.

Patryk Klimala contributed to just eight goals in 28 appearances after scoring or assisting on 15 in 29 games last season.

And then there's Dru Yearwood, who hasn't played since September after booting a ball into the stands and injuring a fan.

Contrast that with Cincinnati, who got goals from two of its stars to win the match.

When your stars go missing in big moments, there's only one result. And when you don't splash the cash to bring in the best players possible, you're going to struggle to compete, more likely than not.

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GettyWhat's next?

One big question will hang over this team's offseason: what happens with Aaron Long?

The USMNT center back is a free agent after this season, and there's no guarantee he'll be back. A strong World Cup could ignite European interest, while he'll have no shortage of suitors in MLS should he choose to stay.

He wasn't at his best against Cincy but, make no mistake: Long is important as can be to this Red Bulls team. He is the anchor, the defensive star, and, despite his injury issues, this team is not the same without him.

If he leaves, the Red Bulls are looking at a massive hole in defense. If he stays, that's one less thing to worry about.

Before the season Gerhard Struber complained about the strength of his roster. Those complaints will likely get louder after another first round exit.

The Red Bulls' offseason starts with Long, though, as they'll have to keep hold of their star while bringing in a few new ones to truly reach the level they wish to reach.

Thomas Muller joked that Harry Kane must be running out of room to keep his match balls after scoring another hat-trick for Bayern Munich.

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Kane scored hat-trick in Bayern winHas netted three trebles in GermanyTeam-mate Muller made jokeWHAT HAPPENED?

The English striker fired in three goals as the German giants ran out 4-0 winners against Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.

Shortly after Dayot Upamecano opened the scoring just four minutes into the clash in Dortmund, Kane doubled their advantage. He added a third after 72 minutes and then rounded off the scoring in stoppage time.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The treble is Kane's second in a row for Bayern, having fired in three when they ran out 8-0 winners against Darmstadt last week, including an effort from his own half.

It is his third hat-trick since joining the German giants and he is the first player to score three in his first ever Klassiker match.

He is also the only Bundesliga player in history to score 15 goals in his first 10 matches.

WHAT THEY SAID

Kane's growing collection of match balls after his latest hat-trick prompted a joke from co-star Muller, who came up to him after the game and said: "Your hotel room gets smaller and smaller now, huh?"

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Kane will hope to continue his goalscoring form on Wednesday when his side face Galatasaray in the Champions League.

The Ballon d’Or winner is back in training, but he is unlikely to form part of Les Bleus’ bid for glory at Qatar 2022.

Karim Benzema has made impressive progress in his recovery from a thigh injury that initially saw him ruled out of France’s bid for more World Cup glory.

The Real Madrid striker was laid low on the eve of the tournament, forcing Les Bleus to accept that the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner would play no part in their quest to claim back-to-back global crowns.

Benzema has, however, returned to light training with Los Blancos, leading to suggestions that he could be welcomed back into Didier Deschamps’ plans as France have – after wins over Australia and Denmark – already booked their place in the last16 of Qatar 2022.

The 34-year-old would certainly add more firepower to their already star-studded ranks, but here are five reasons why he is unlikely to make a stunning return…

Getty1. Deschamps will not risk disrupting the dynamic

Deschamps has said when asked about a possible return for the fearsome No.9: “It’s not something I’m thinking about now. I spoke to Benzema after he left the training camp. I leave it to you if you want to have a debate about it.”

The France boss is understandably keen to avoid any distractions after seeing his side make serene progress through two games at the 2022 World Cup so far – justifying their standing among the pre-tournament favourites.

French squads have not always been the most harmonious at previous events, but the class of 2022 is said to be a happy camp and Deschamps is reluctant to make any big decisions that may disrupt that dynamic.

AdvertisementGetty2. The attack is already up to full speed

While Benzema’s qualities remain unquestionable, France have no need to welcome him back at present.

An attacking unit that compromises of Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele – with Antoine Griezmann occupying a deeper role – has been catching the eye.

Veteran frontman Giroud netted twice in a 4-1 victory over Australia – taking him level with Thierry Henry as his country’s all-time leading goalscorer – while Paris Saint-Saint Germain superstar Mbappe bagged a match-winning brace against Denmark.

Adding Benzema to that pot could confuse matters and leave Deschamps facing a selection headache that he is eager to avoid.

3. Les Bleus succeeded without Benzema in 2018

France can point to the fact that they have already savoured World Cup glory without relying on Benzema to lead their line.

The Real Madrid striker found himself in the international wilderness back in 2018, and Les Bleus coped just fine as they blazed a trail to ultimate glory in Russia.

France’s coaching team will take that success into account when mulling over their options in the present, with others having shown that they are capable of stepping up and filling the void created by absent colleagues.

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(C)Getty Images4. Benzema is not 100% fit

While Benzema has been cleared to make a return to training, he is still a long way short of full match sharpness.

His last outing for Madrid came on November 2 against Celtic in the Champions League, while he has not started a game since lining up against Elche in La Liga on October 19.

He has taken in just 12 appearances in total across the 2022-23 campaign, with a number of fitness issues holding him back, and it is clear that he is not ready to play a prominent role in matches on a stage as big as the World Cup finals.

Giovanni Reyna was left out of the Nottingham Forest squad for their vital Premier League clash against Liverpool on Saturday – GOAL explains why.

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Reyna on loan at Forest from DortmundIs yet to make his first startRuled out of clash against LiverpoolWHAT HAPPENED?

The United States international has endured a miserable start to life in the Premier League since joining the relegation-threatened side on loan from Borussia Dortmund in January. He is still waiting on his first start for the club, but wasn't given a run-out when they took on Jurgen Klopp's title contenders.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE EXPLANATION

Reyna was left out of the team because the 21-year-old had sustained a knock, reports. The attacking midfielder was given a brief cameo in their last match but was then deemed unfit to play against the Reds. He is, though, expected back in training next week.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Reyna has made just four appearances for Forest in all competitions since his January move. All four of those have been as a substitute as he racked up 38 minutes in the Premier League and came off the bench late in stoppage time as they lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup.

He is in dire need of a return to first-team action as he looks to get back into contention for a place in the USMNT starting XI ahead of the Copa America this summer.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

Reyna will surely be hoping that Forest's poor recent run of form will eventually lead to him getting a chance from the start. After eventually being beaten 1-0 by Liverpool, Nuno Espirito Santo's side remain just one place above the relegation zone and the USMNT midfielder will undoubtedly believe he can make a positive contribution to try and help carry the club to safety. Indeed, next up for Forest is Brighton away on March 10 but it remains to be seen if Reyna will be involved.

From being homeless, Rajasthan Royals have gone winless in no time. Delhi Daredevils, on the other hand, seem to have started getting it right, with their first-choice eleven finally available for selection

The Preview by Amol Karhadkar02-May-2015Match factsSunday, May 3, 2015
Start time 2000 local (1430 GMT)2:43

O’Brien: RR seem to have lost it after a good start

Big PictureFrom being homeless, Rajasthan Royals have gone winless in no time. Delhi Daredevils, on the other hand, seem to have started getting it right, with their first-choice eleven finally available for selection.After winning their first five matches of the season, Royals have failed to win any of their last five. With two of those games washed out, Royals have seen an addition of two points to their kitty. That has helped them retain their top-two standing. But with just four matches remaining, Royals would know they are running out of time to get back to winning ways.Delhi Daredevils have no such problems. After a slowish start, they have started appearing as a more consistent unit and have moved from the bottom of the pile into the Playoffs cut-off. A win against a higher-ranked team would bolster their chances to make the cut.It is supposed to be a home game for the Royals but the Brabourne Stadium will see its first game of the season. Royals may hold the edge, not just because of a strong presence of Mumbai players in their squad, but also due to the fact that they had a pre-tournament camp at Cricket Club of India. Delhi would also be far from alien to the conditions, with Mumbaikars Zaheer Khan, Shreyas Iyer and Pravin Amre being vital cogs in their set-up.Form guideRajasthan Royals LLLWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Delhi Daredevils WLWLWWatch out for…It took him seven innings to score his first fifty of the season but Sanju Samson would still be cursing himself for having failed to see his team through against Mumbai Indians on Friday night. The wicketkeeper-batsman has been shuffled in the batting order as much as Steven Smith’s horizontal movement at the crease. Samson appeared comfortable at No. 3 and would look to build on his good form.Zaheer Khan was considered to be more of a bowling coach rather than being a player. But the injury-prone bowler made his presence felt in the first game he played for a year by dismissing Virender Sehwag off his second ball. If Zaheer can keep himself fit, Daredevils would have a lethal pace combo in him and an in-form Nathan Coulter-Nile.Stats and trivia Ajinkya Rahane is six runs shy of becoming the 20th batsman to tally 2000 IPL runs. With 1846 of his 1994 IPL runs having been scored for Royals, Rahane sits behind Shane Watson (2197 runs) in leading scorers for Royals in IPL. Amit Mishra needs one wicket to become the first bowler to earn 50 wickets for Delhi Daredevils in IPL. Rajasthan Royals are one win away from joining Chennai Super Kings (75) and Mumbai Indians (60) to join the 60-win club in IPL.Quotes”In our team even if you don’t do well you can see so many people coming to you and talking positive things to you.””We now have to win 4 out of the remaining 6 games. That’s how we are looking at it.”