All posts by h716a5.icu

With Trent Alexander-Arnold still on course to become a free agent at the end of the season, Liverpool are reportedly plotting a summer swoop to sign a potential replacement worth £25m with his club ready to sell.

Liverpool transfer news

The Reds took one step closer to Premier League glory at the first time of asking under Arne Slot last weekend, as Arsenal slipped up yet again. With just five wins and a draw needed to secure the silverware, Liverpool look more certain than they have done since their dominant 2019/20 campaign to take their seat on the throne of English football and may even receive a guard of honour from Arsenal to rub salt in the Gunners’ wounds.

It’s not all perfect for those at Anfield, however. On the pitch, they have been ruthless. Away from the pitch, however, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have seemingly lacked conviction in contract talks, with Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Alexander-Arnold all set to depart as free agents as things stand this summer.

Slot has a new unsellable star at Liverpool & it's not Van Dijk or Salah

He’s become an unlikely hero for title-chasing Liverpool this season.

ByAngus Sinclair Mar 11, 2025

Their departures at the cost of nothing would quickly cut celebrations short, but they’re exits that the Reds must plan for, especially in the case of Alexander-Arnold amid Real Madrid’s reported interest.

With that said, according to The Boot Room, Liverpool are plotting a summer move to sign Wesley Franca after sending scouts to watch the 21-year-old Flamengo right-back in action.

The talented South American is certainly one to watch, and given that he’s reportedly valued at just £25m, there’s a real possibility that he could become one of the bargains of the summer with Flamengo ready to cash in on their full-back.

Replacing Alexander-Arnold will be no easy task for whoever has the job this summer, however, be it Franca or the likes of Conor Bradley. Yet to reach the peak of his powers at 21 years old, whether Liverpool hand that task to the Brazilian remains to be seen.

"Quick" Franca could be handed impossible task

Truth be told, Liverpool will struggle to find a like-for-like replacement for Alexander-Arnold if he departs this summer. There’s arguably not a right-back in world football who has his passing range. It could even be argued that not many midfielders have such range. So, those at Anfield shouldn’t look to find a like-for-like replacement at all.

Instead, as Slot has done at times this season, Liverpool should adjust their system to remove the reliance on their right-back going forward – returning to a more natural full-back rather than the role Alexander-Arnold has excelled in.

If that proves to be the case, then potential tasks handed to Franca would become that much easier. The 21-year-old would, of course, struggle to replicate the Liverpool academy graduate, but that doesn’t mean he lacks the potential to become a Premier League star.

South American football expert Tim Vickery was full of praise for the right-back when it was Aston Villa who were linked with a move for his signature in January, telling Sky Sports News’ Transfer Talk: “They think two things. First of all, they would like to use him for the Club World Cup because it’s very important to them.

“Secondly, they think they can get more. If the idea is around €20m (£16.7m) at the moment, it could be €30m (£25m) after the Club World Cup. He’s a very attacking full-back, very quick, bullet fast but he’s not the greatest defensive full-back.”

Wolves star Matheus Cunha has reportedly agreed a five-year deal with Manchester United and is set to take Marcus Rashford's shirt number.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Man Utd close in on CunhaSet to sign a five-year deal at Old TraffordWill wear Rashford's No. 10 jerseyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

United have endured a horror season as they finished their first campaign under Ruben Amorim trophyless and all the way down in 15th in the Premier League, level on points with Wolves. Since his appointment at Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag's successor, Amorim has only won 17 out of 48 games, however, the Red Devils are ready to keep backing the Portuguese coach with new signings ahead of next season.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Wolves star Cunha is set to be the first signing of the summer for United. Journalist Ben Jacobs has now reported that Cunha has reached an agreement on a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils set to speak directly to Wolves this week in order to trigger his £62.5 million ($83.4m) release clause.

Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?

Jacobs has also reported that Cunha will wear Rashford's No. 10 jersey next season. The decision has been taken with Rashford expected to seal a permanent move away from the club after an impressive six-month loan spell at Aston Villa.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

WHAT NEXT FOR CUNHA?

The Brazilian has not yet said goodbye to Wolves despite having played in their final game of the season against Brentforf. However, it is expected that United will confirm the signing of Cunha at some point in the next week.

Manchester United have now made contact over a summer move for a striker dubbed “aggressive” by Roy Keane, according to a report.

Man Utd's striker pursuit

It has recently been revealed that Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is Man United’s dream target for the summer transfer window, but it could be difficult to get a deal done unless they manage to qualify for the Champions League via a Europa League triumph.

However, United remain undeterred in their pursuit of the Nigerian, recently making a proposal of a Hojlund plus cash deal, which could be tempting to Antonio Conte, who is a big fan of the young Dane.

FC Porto’s Samu Aghehowa has emerged as a potential alternative to Osimhen, should the Red Devils be unable to lure the Galatasaray loanee to Old Trafford, while they have also opened talks over a deal for Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta.

98th percentile for goals: Man Utd keen on £67m top Ballon d'Or contender

The Red Devils are capable of making a tempting offer for an “unbelievable” star, who they have been closely monitoring.

ByDominic Lund Mar 12, 2025

Mateta’s impressive form this season has caught Man United’s eye, but he is not the only Premier League striker on the shortlist, with a report from The Boot Room revealing they are also interested in a move for Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.

The race for Delap is now hotting up, with Liverpool stepping up their interest, while Newcastle United and Chelsea are also keen, and previous reports have revealed a deal could amount to £50m.

The Red Devils appear to have made initial contact over a deal, having asked to be kept informed about the striker’s situation ahead of the summer transfer window.

Delap enjoying breakthrough season at Ipswich Town

The 22-year-old didn’t quite manage to make the grade at Manchester City, being shipped out on loan to Stoke City, Preston North End and Hull City, but he has managed to prove himself as a reliable source of goals for Ipswich this season.

With the Tractor Boys now six points from safety, it is looking increasingly likely they will be relegated from the top flight, but the former Man City man has made sure they haven’t been cut adrift, netting 10 goals in 27 league games.

The forward received high praise from Daniel Sturridge earlier this season, who described him as “very exciting”, before Roy Keane added: “He’s aggressive, I like that.”

After proving himself at Ipswich this season, Delap could now be ready to make the step-up to one of England’s top clubs, and it is clear he could be a real upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

Despite playing for a relegation candidate, the Ipswich talisman has scored double the number of goals of Hojlund and Zirkzee combined in the Premier League, and he could be even more effective in a better side.

Barbados will host CPL games for the first time since 2019

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Apr-2023The 2023 season of the CPL will be played across five countries in the Caribbean from August 16 to September 24.Compared to the five venues that hosted matches last season across four countries – there were two venues in Trinidad & Tobago – this year’s CPL will also have matches played in Barbados; the island wasn’t in the schedule last time.The CPL will start with defending champions Jamaica Tallawahs taking on St Lucia Kings in Saint Lucia before the action moves to St Kitts & Nevis, Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago, before concluding in Guyana. All venues will host six games each. The venues in Trinidad & Tobago are yet to be named, while there will be no games in Jamaica this time too.The Daren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia will kick-off the first leg of matches, from August 16 to 20, with the home side playing four of the six games. Warner Park in St Kitts & Nevis will be the next venue for the games from August 23 to 27, with four matches for the home team – St Kitts & Nevis Patriots – there.Barbados’ Kensington Oval will host the next leg, for the first time since 2019, from August 30 to September 3, with home side Barbados Royals playing four of the matches. The tournament will then move to Trinidad & Tobago for games from September 5 to 10, again with four matches for the home team, Trinbago Knight Riders.Guyana will host the final leg from September 13 to 24, including the playoffs and the final from September 19 to 24.”We are very pleased that the tournament will be staged in five countries in 2023,” Pete Russell, the CPL CEO, said in a statement. “As ever, the CPL is a chance for fans across the region and around the world to enjoy world class cricket. And for the players from the Caribbean it is an opportunity to showcase their skills and further their careers.”For the third consecutive year, the CPL will overlap with the Hundred, the 100-balls-a-side competition in England that runs from August 1 to August 27 this year. At this stage, Sunil Narine is the only West Indian men’s player who will be involved in both competitions; he is expected to play around five games for Oval Invincibles before leaving for the CPL.

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has stepped down from his TNT Sports punditry role after facing fierce online criticism.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Ferdinand quits TNT Sports punditry roleWill feature one last time in the Champions League finalFaced online criticism over biased commentaryFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Former United and England defender Ferdinand has decided to step away from his position as a pundit and commentator for TNT Sports after 10 years. Ferdinand confirmed on Wednesday that the Champions League final between Inter and Paris Saint-Germain will be his last assignment with the organisation.

AdvertisementWHAT RIO FERDINAND SAID

Ferdinand released an emotional statement on social media to confirm his departure, which read: "After 10 incredible years. I have made the difficult decision to step away from TNT Sports after the Champions League final. Since retiring from football it has been a privilege talking about the game I love for a decade for sports fans watching on BT Sports and TNT Sports. I want to acknowledge the tremendous support from the team behind the scenes, whose hard work often goes unseen, but has been essential to our success. To everyone at TNT Sports, we have a brilliant end to the season to look forward to on Saturday, and for now all focus will be on what I think could go down as one of the great European finals. The network continues to thrive with more rights than ever, and I look forward to following its progress and the exciting future that lies ahead. Lastly, I would like to thank my family and my management company New Era for their ongoing support. They have supported me to travel all over the Europe all over Europe, following the best players and watching the best matches. For a football fan like me, it's been a dream come true. As I turn the page to the next chapter. I carry with me countless memories. I'm excited about what the future holds, spending more time with my family, focusing on Rio Ferdinand Presents and my other business interests. I hope to stay connected with all of you in different capacities. Thank you once again for everything."

Getty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The reported last month that Ofcom had received complaints over TNT Sports' alleged biased commentary during Manchester United's dramatic Europa League quarter-final win over Lyon. Ferdinand and Robbie Savage were on commentary duties and the duo reacted jubilantly to the Premier League side's epic comeback. After Kobbie Mainoo scored the equaliser in extra time, Savage had said on camera, "Go and get the winner!". Ferdinand then added: "‘I believe in miracles. Wow." The duo then went over the top with their celebrations when Harry Maguire scored the winner.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

AFPWHAT NEXT?

Ferdinand will grab the microphone one last time this Saturday in Munich as Ligue 1 champions PSG aim to end their Champions League jinx by beating Inter in the final.

After what has been a disappointing campaign for Tottenham Hotspur this season, there will surely be plenty of transfer business done in the summer.

As things stand, the Lilywhites will not be playing in Europe next season, given they are languishing in 14th in the Premier League, with just 34 points to their name.

In fact, Ange Postecoglou’s side must win the Europa League in order to qualify for European competitions in 2025/26. Winning that particular competition will see them play Champions League football next campaign.

So, there could well be a squad overhaul for Spurs in the summer. Already, they have been linked with one addition in midfield.

Latest on Spurs' midfield search

One of the biggest bargains of the summer could be Angel Gomes. It seems like the England international will not renew his deal at French outfit Lille, and will depart the Ligue 1 club upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the season.

Transfer Focus

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

Well, according to a report from Pete O’Rourke for Football Insider, the Lilywhites ‘are leading the race’ to sign Gomes on a free this summer. This move comes as part of a ‘planning a potential midfield overhaul’ from Postecoglou over the summer.

One of the teams thought to be interested in signing Gomes at one stage was Manchester United, from which Gomes is an academy graduate.

However, the Red Devils are not thought to be in the running, as per the report. Instead, the North Londoners could face competition from clubs across Europe, from the likes of France, Spain and Germany, should they wish to sign Gomes.

Why Gomes could be Spurs' own Rice

Despite being just 24 years of age, Gomes has been in and around professional football since 2017. As a 16-year-old, he made his debut for Man United, the youngest player in 64 years to achieve the feat, beating the record held by the great Duncan Edwards.

After leaving Old Trafford on a free transfer in 2020, the Englishman joined Lille. He became an established member of their first team the year after joining, following a loan at Portuguese side Boavista.

In total, the versatile midfielder has played 134 times for the club, scoring ten goals and grabbing 19 assists. That included eight Ligue 1 assists last term, where he excelled in a number-eight role.

He is also capable of playing as a number ten and a number six, offering great versatility for Spurs’ midfield should he make the move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The 24-year-old has already made a great impact for England. Despite not being included by Thomas Tuchel in his first squad during the recent international break, he thrived under interim boss Lee Carsley.

Gomes grabbed a brilliant assist for Jack Grealish against Finland, showing composure under pressure and sliding the Manchester City winger in behind with a lovely reverse pass.

If Spurs sign Gomes, he could become their very own verison of Declan Rice. The Arsenal star was described as “a wonderful midfield player” by Jamie Carragher in February and has certainly made a big impact in his 91 Gunners appearances so far.

Indeed, there are some differences between Rice and Gomes, notably in their physicality. Standing at just 5 foot 6 the Lille star is more lightweight than the 6 foot 2 Arsenal number 41.

However, Gomes makes up for it with his ability on the ball. He is extremely press-resistant and able to evade tackles with relative ease.

Indeed, he can certainly be compared to Rice statistically on FBref, with the pair noted as similar players in Europe’s top five leagues, among their fellow midfielders.

Per 90 minutes, the former Man United star averages 5.98 progressive passes, compared to 6.21 for Rice. He also averages 0.61 successful take-ons, with Rice averaging just 0.42 per game.

Progressive passes

5.98

6.21

Key passes

1.71

1.92

Goal-creating actions

0.37

0.29

Successful take-ons

0.61

0.42

Tackles won

0.73

0.75

As football statistician Statman Dave explained, Gomes is an “unbelievably gifted” player. He has an abundance of technical quality, and whilst he is smaller than some midfielders, he still possesses the ability to break up play, as the stats show.

For a free transfer, this could revolutionise the Spurs midfield and help them climb the Premier League table to compete for European spots again.

Spurs' award-winning CF was ahead of Kane, then Poch sold him for £208k

The promising forward wasn’t able to reach his potential at Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 28, 2025

Bayer Leverkusen aimed a cheeky dig at Liverpool while announcing their first summer signing under Erik ten Hag.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Leverkusen announce their first summer signingBoth Frimpong and their new acquisition are DutchLeverkusen and Liverpool play social media gameFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Bundesliga Bayer Leverkusen have taken a cheeky dig at Premier League defending champions Liverpool by announcing their first summer signing, Mark Flekken.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Three days ago, Liverpool announced Dutch full-back Jeremie Frimpong, who was sold by Leverkusen to the Reds. But in the build-up to that social media post, Pool posted a small video clip of a Dutch flag positioned on a chair. Leverkusen, in return, today announced Flekken through a video, where he was seen entering the screen where the Dutch flag was placed on a chair. He removed the flag and sat on the chair to announce his arrival.

DID YOU KNOW?

Flekken, who maintained eight clean-sheets last season at Brentford, has eight international caps for the Netherlands, having debuted at the age of 28 in March 2022. He has joined the German side for a reported €10 million fee.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

AFPWHAT NEXT?

Flekken signed a three-year contract and will hope to impress in the Bundesliga next season. Leverkusen and Liverpool are currently in talks over a deal that will likely see Florian Wirtz head to Anfield.

Both players have signed three-year deals with their current clubs

AAP09-Jun-2023Reigning BBL player of the tournament Matt Short will remain with Adelaide Strikers for at least the next three summers after signing a long-term contract extension.It comes as Sydney Sixers captain Moises Henriques inks his own three-year deal that will likely see him through to retirement.Short was the first Strikers representative to earn MVP honours for his stellar BBL12 summer, during which he scored more runs than any other player.He notably recorded a new personal best score of 100 not out against Hobart Hurricanes, a century that helped Strikers pull off the highest successful run chase in tournament history (230).Short also found success opening the bowling for the Adelaide side, taking 11 wickets with his offspin.”It feels great to have re-signed,” Short said. “The Strikers showed the faith in me and gave me the opportunities and I am trying to pay them back with my loyalty.”Sixers foundation player Henriques will play into a thirteenth season this summer and will be 39 by the time his new contract expires.The three-time BBL champion is Sixers’ most-capped player and leading run-scorer and this summer will become the first player to captain a BBL side on more than 100 occasions. He has led Sixers 94 times to date.”To be able to play the whole time with one club and stay at the Sixers and have the opportunity to lead throughout that time is pretty special to be honest,” Henriques said.

Cristiano Ronaldo has all but confirmed the FIFA Club World Cup will take place without him, despite talks over a sensational transfer.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Ronaldo dismisses Club World Cup cameoOffers and proposals were presentedCould now remain with Al-Nassr insteadFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Speaking ahead of Portugal's appearance in the UEFA Nations League final against Spain, Ronaldo was asked to clarify his situation regarding the Club World Cup amid rumours of signing with a new side specifically to play in the newly-expanded tournament. It is, he said, "almost decided" he won't be there, despite offers coming in.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

With an expiring Al-Nassr contract, the possibility of Ronaldo featuring at the Club World Cup – even if just on a month-long contract – gathered pace when FIFA president Gianni Infantino teased it in a recent video with YouTuber and streamer Speed. "Cristiano Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well. There are discussions with some clubs," he said at the time. Al-Hilal, Botafogo and Monterrey were most heavily linked.

The presence of even a 40-year-old Ronaldo would have been a major marketing boost. FIFA had already shoehorned Lionel Messi into the event, somewhat controversially handing the designated 'host' spot to Inter Miami on account of their 2024 Supporters' Shield win. Many felt that place should have gone to overall MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy instead.

Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream nowWHAT CRISTIANO RONALDO SAID

"It's almost decided that I will not take part at the FIFA Club World Cup, despite receiving many invitations and proposals," Ronaldo said on Saturday in a press conference. "There have been talks, contacts…but you have to think about short, medium and long-term."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

When Ronaldo took to social media last month to say "this chapter is over", a split from Al-Nassr after two-and-a-half years looked the likely path. But with no Club World Cup cameo and reports of an agreement over a new contract in place, he looks increasingly likely to stay. Ronaldo has no immediate plans to retire and is still chasing becoming the first player to score 1,000 official senior career goals – he currently has 937, which means 63 to go.

England’s old stage-seizer sparks anarchic scenes on thrilling fourth day at Edgbaston

Vithushan Ehantharajah19-Jun-2023The devil on Joe Root’s shoulder just before 11am. The demon terrorising Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith just before 7pm. A day in the life of Stuart Broad is rich and varied.On Monday, Broad added a new entry to his roller-dex of Ashes moments. A vital top-order dual hit on Labuschagne and Smith in the space of 12 deliveries means we enter the final day of a compelling first Test with victory as likely for England as Australia.Removing the No.1 and No.2-ranked batters in the world is worthy of dedicating a thousand words to Broad, particularly at a time when England were desperate for something to take with them into Tuesday. Most of those words might as well be Broad’s own from back in April, when he claimed he’d invented a mystery outswinger in order to get Labuschagne and Smith uncertain outside off stump … which is exactly what they proved to be when they came into his sights this evening.But we know the 36-year-old Broad does not simply bowl ‘top-of off wobble-seam, top-of-off wobble-seam, surprise outswinger’. He is a rambunctious spirit possessing an inner light that is less soothing and more strobe – and evidently infectious, as Root found out before walking out to play a reverse-ramp to the first ball of the morning, delivered by Australia’s skipper Pat Cummins”I sit next to Rooty in the changing room, and he just went, ‘I fancy a reverse-scoop for six, first ball’,” Broad revealed. “I said, ‘If it’s in your gut, you’ve got to go for it – that’s what we’re about.’ And he goes, ‘I’ll decide when I’m walking out’. Obviously he didn’t change his mind.”Root missed with that initial gambit. But the statement had been made. The dressing-room and crowd were immediately dialled up to 11. For that agenda-setting first half-hour, he remained a batter possessed, going on to successfully scoop Scott Boland for six and four in successive deliveries, until – with the field now dancing to his beat – he reverted briefly to more typical accumulative nudges. But then, on 46, he skipped down the track to Nathan Lyon and was stumped for the first time in his career.Stuart Broad wheels away in delight after dismissing Steve Smith during an inspired spell•AFP/Getty ImagesIt was from that point on England began losing their grip on the game, having had a fist-full of it at 129 for three – a lead of 136 – with Root and Harry Brook at ease and scoring freely. Were it not for important late-order runs, this game might be skewed much further Australia’s way. Broad finished unbeaten on 10 but ensured that 44 more were added during his time at the crease, alongside Ollie Robinson and James Anderson.”Today’s just been one of those days that sums up Ashes cricket really,” Broad said. “You’re getting ahead of the game, then you lose a wicket, you think you’re getting ahead of the game, then you lose a wicket again.”As for those key dismissals, Broad was asked if he has a mental edge over both, particularly after handing Labuschagne a first golden duck of his career in the first innings, as part of a haul of three for 68 that included bagging David Warner for a 15th time. “Be nice, wouldn’t it?” he said with a smile. “I’ve had a lot great battles, and they’ve probably won most of them.” He’s certainly winning this one.Related

Ollie Robinson 'doesn't care' about reaction to Usman Khawaja send-off

Australia breathe fire in the Birmingham rain: 22 balls of drama in the dark

Australia's 'three No. 11s' in spotlight after England target tail

Moeen Ali feels the pain, but should the finger be pointed at England?

Edgbaston Ashes classic brewing as Stuart Broad breaks game open

“One thing we know as a bowling group, you’ve got to try and put them under pressure early,” he added. “They’re the sort of guys, if they get to 30, 40, they don’t give it away cheaply. We know as a group we want to try and make them play as much as we possibly can early. They’ve scored a lot of runs against us as a group, so to see the back of them twice in this Test match without too much damage is awesome.”For Broad to have had the match he has so far is a testament to Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. As much for the rejuvenation in the quick’s career under their tenure as for the decision to select him in this fixture. Smith’s demise – the ball seaming away after angling in to catch an edge through to Jonny Bairstow – was Broad’s 50th wicket under the new regime, taking him to 587 overall.There is one more day for Broad to impose himself on this game, then plenty more beyond that, with four Tests to come. And as much as his own individual plans to the likes of Usman Khawaja and Travis Head will determine who ends up on top, there is a more collective approach to be adopted around striking a balance between attack and defence with unconventional fields, bordering on rascal.”When you’ve got a set target to defend, you’ve got to keep one eye on the boundaries as well,” Broad said. “And actually, on a pitch like this, where it’s quite slow and hard to create a mistake from a batter, you don’t want to leak too many runs easily waiting for that ball to break through. I think we’ll be smart with the fields we use. We need to protect the boundaries in certain players’ strengths. But ultimately our No.1 focus is to take wickets, and how do we do that? From creating pressure.”You’ll probably see more fielders scattered around, almost like in-out fields. You know how Warnie used to bowl?” he added. “He’d have four people around the bat and three people on the boundary. Three an over is not hurting you, then you get the wicket and you can apply some pressure.”Joe Root was egged on by Broad to deploy his ramp shot to the first ball of the day•Getty ImagesCiting Shane Warne felt like a deliberate nod to the 2005 fixture here, which England secured by two runs on a pulsating final day. The similarity between the targets – 282 then, 281 now – and the fact Tuesday is also sold out adds to the sense that this Ashes series will recreate that great spectacle of 2005.”I’m quite conscious I don’t want to build up too much hype of that ’05 Edgbaston because I’m not sure we want that going to two runs tomorrow from our point of view, do we?” Broad said.But a veteran whose success has fundamentally come from his unrivalled feel of the game is all too aware of how the cards are lining up, on the field and off it. Four days in, it’s not hard to imagine that day five will be every bit as gripping as what’s gone before.”It does feel like the same energy as ’05,” Broad said. “And if we have a series like that we’re going to inspire a lot of kids to play the game, aren’t we?”