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    My pal Gary Lineker has been brilliant on MOTD – but he wasn’t happy when I told him he’s even more divisive than ME

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    THREE weeks ago, I dined with Gary Lineker at an Italian restaurant in West London, along with England cricket legend Stuart Broad and Sky TV newsman Mark Austin.It went the way all our regular dinners go; a friendly welcome hug to start (Gary’s always bang on time, a legacy from when he’d be fined for every minute he was late for football training), a couple of Negronis to loosen the tonsils, and then, as the fine wine flowed, a series of intense, passionate arguments about everything from the Israel/Hamas and Russia/Ukraine wars to Trump, illegal immigration, and Thomas Tuchel becoming England manager. Piers at dinner with Stuart Broad, Gary Lineker and Mark AustinThe host has now confirmed he will quit Match of the Day at the end of the seasonCredit: AlamyGary’s not always right, says Piers, but ‘we probably agree on more things than we disagree’Gary’s a smart, funny, loyal guy and always excellent company.We probably agree on more things than we disagree, but both enjoy fiery conversational combat, and however contentious things may get, our evenings together always end as this one did, with another hug, and a resolve to do it again soon.One thing’s for sure; although Gary’s not always right and can be amusingly stubborn when he is clearly wrong, he always means what he says, thinks about things surprisingly deeply, and he practices what he preaches, even taking a war-torn refugee into his home.Watch Piers’ explosive interviews on his Uncensored YouTube channel hereREAD MORE FROM PIERSHe’s also been a brilliant Match of the Day host, and live sport presenter.And of course, he was one of England’s best-ever footballers.So, amusing though it is to see how angry some people get about him, and his right to express his opinions – he got particularly incensed over dinner when I said he was now a more divisive public figure than me! – the bottom line is this: he’s a good bloke, with a good heart, and extremely successful at everything he puts his mind to.Which is more, I suspect, than can be said for a lot of his most vociferous critics.Most read in Football More

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      Fans can’t believe who Sir Alex Ferguson sat next to for Man Utd’s cup win after England legend from other sport spotted

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON was spotted in the stands for Manchester United’s 5-2 Carabao Cup win over Leicester on Wednesday night.The legendary Red Devils manager, 82, was recently relieved of his £2million-a-year ambassadorial role at the club.Sir Alex Ferguson was in the stands at Old Trafford alongside a familiar faceCredit: RexBut he remains welcome at matches and was on hand to watch the first game since Erik ten Hag was sacked.Fergie will have been proud to see one of his former players, Ruud van Nistelrooy, taking charge of the team on an interim basis.But it was not the Scot’s presence at the match that surprised fans.Instead, it was the company he was keeping as he chatted to an England cricketing legend.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMichael Vaughan was pictured talking to Fergie during Man Utd’s comfortable victory.The skipper for England’s iconic 2005 Ashes triumph was a name many would not have expected to see with Ferguson – especially as he is a proud Sheffield Wednesday fan.And people reacted in their droves on social media.One fan said: “Why is Michael Vaughan sitting next to SAF 😭😭.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSVaughan, centre, kisses the Ashes after England triumphed in the iconic 2005 seriesCredit: AFPAnother added: “Is that Michael Vaughan I see at Old Trafford. 😭”A third replied: “Poor Sir Alex having to watch the game with Michael Vaughan in his ear.”Sir Alex Ferguson phoned and tried to convince me to join Man Utd – but their transfer plan made me say noWhile a fourth responded: “What is Michael Vaughan doing next to Sir Alex?”United’s win came as they closed in on bringing Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim to Old Trafford to replace Ten Hag.Man Utd ratings vs LeicesterMAN UNITED started life after Erik ten Hag with a comfortable win over Leicester in the Carabao Cup.But who shone in the 5-2 victory, and who will be hoping incoming boss Ruben Amorim wasn’t watching?SunSport’s Katherine Walsh gives her ratings…Altay Bayindir – 6Although United dominated, Bayindir looked shaky when Leicester’s chances came.He flapped with a dodgy punch which led to the away side’s 33rd minute goal. And he looked to repeat it with McAteer’s shot just before half-time.But one excellent second half save, pushed on to the crossbar, when Steve Cooper’s side were pressing, boosts his mark up a bit.Victor Lindelof – 6Hasn’t got the partnership with De Ligt established yet as they both failed to deal with crosses too often from centre-back.But wasn’t really troubled consistently in the absence of Jamie Vardy in what was his second start of the season.Matthijs De Ligt – 7A more physical presence at the back than in previous performances but a more potent attack could have caused much more trouble.Kasey McAteer got the better of him a few times and he was subbed in the 71st minute for Jonny Evans.Lisandro Martinez – 6Looked vulnerable at left-back in moments, with Lindelof filling in at centre-back.James Justin often had acres of space in the second half before United made it 5-2.Diogo DalotBack in his beloved right-hand side and told to push into midfield but often left his defensive channel wide open.Passed back all too often and kept Justin onside in the first half. He assisted Garnacho’s opener though after collecting Casemiro’s stunning lofted pass.Played a part in Leicester’s second after the ball bounced off him to drop for Coady in another silly goal to concede for the home side.Casemiro – 9The star of the show. A stunning first-half showing saw Casemiro score a brace after bagging a 30-yard screamer for United’s opening goal inside 15 minutes.He was involved in Garnacho’s goal too. Came up with a number of key defensive headers in the second-half to show class is permanent, although form might be temporary at 32 years old.Manuel Ugarte – 6Conceded early fouls but worked hard. Slowly but surely starting to get to grips with his United team-mates after a shaky start.Bruno Fernandes – 8Restored United’s 3-1 lead with his first finish of the season. Played with a smile on his face, which we often haven’t seen this season.Dummied the ball for Casemiro’s worldie and scored his second of the evening in the 57th minute after rolling it under Danny Ward before tapping it into an empty net.Will be leaned on heavily by Van Nistelrooy to produce the goods following Ten Hag’s departure.Marcus Rashford – 6A quiet evening for Rashford, who needs to kick on after Ten Hag’s exit.The winger lost the ball a lot in the first 30 minutes. Flicks didn’t come off and hauled off again in the 60th minute.Rashford’s only played a full 90 minutes THREE times this season.Alejandro Garnacho – 7A goal and assist for Garnacho, who attended the Ballon d’Or on Monday.The 20-year-old doubled United’s lead inside 27 minutes after a well worked team move and set up Casemiro’s brilliant opener.Looked a constant threat throughout and was taken off 20 minutes from time to be saved for Sunday’s clash against Chelsea.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Worked hard but never looked confident on the ball and struggled to get involved in the seven-goal thriller. Never seemed to be on his toes either.But the only consolation is that he was involved in Casemiro’s second (United’s fourth).Trudged off after 85 minutes looking disgruntled with his tail between his legs.SubsAmad (60′ for Rashford) – 7Instant impact from the bench. The youngster almost scored an overhead kick with his first touch of the evening.Mazraoui (60′ for Martinez) – 6Hojlund (71′ for Garnacho) – 6Jonny Evans (71′ for De Ligt) – 6Ethan Wheatley (85′ for Zirkzee) – N/A More

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      Man Utd owners the Glazers and Chelsea director in race to buy another team in £650million league

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      MANCHESTER UNITED owners the Glazer family and Chelsea chief Jonathan Goldstein are in the race to buy one of The Hundred cricket teams.The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are looking for investors in the league.Bids of over £100m have gone in for London SpiritCredit: GettyThe Glazers are thought to be keen on one of the clubsCredit: GettyJonathan Goldstein, left, appears keen ahead of the second round of biddingCredit: GettyThe Hundred, which is a short-form 100-ball event that started in 2021, has eight clubs that are valued at a combined £650million.With the opening round of bidding slamming shut this week, The Telegraph claim the ECB are “delighted” with the amount of interest.Over 100 offers have supposedly been placed for the eight teams.Capital-based sides London Spirit and Oval Invincibles have attracted proposals worth between £120m and £140m.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDeloitte and The Raine Group are in charge of the bidding war.The latter played a key role in the sale of Chelsea to Todd Boehly in 2022 and in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Man Utd this year.And with the investment bank involved, chiefs from both clubs have come forward for cricket.Goldstein, who is Boehly’s business partner, has reportedly asked for further information on the second round of bidding. Most read in CricketFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd the Glazers, excluding Joel, have also come to the crease in recent weeks.It is not clear which one of the eight teams the family, who are still hated among Man Utd fans for using massive loans to purchase the club for £790m in 2005, want to buy.Awkward moment BBC legend leaves co-star ‘blushing’ after cheeky ill-timed comment live on air in England cricket clash But they could be competing against India’s richest family, the Ambanis, who have an eye on London Spirit.The valuations from the first round of bidding are for 100 per cent of the teams.ECB chiefs will sell their 49 per cent stake in each, with the cash raised set to be pumped back into the cricket.The other 51 per cent will be given to the host counties.They will then have the choice of what to do with their share.Surrey reportedly wantto keep their 51 per cent stake of the Oval Invincibles.But other counties could be open to selling their entire share.The Hundred teamsBirmingham PheonixLondon SpiritManchester Originals Northern Superchargers Oval InvinciblesSouthern BraveTrent RocketsWelsh Fire More

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      My dad is Premier League cult hero… now I’m making my own way as a presenter – I’ve even interviewed Kane and Bellingham

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      KENZIE BENALI will have had plenty of practice interviewing footballers before quizzing the likes of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham on live TV.That is because the rising reporter is the daughter of Premier League cult hero Francis Benali.Kenzie Benali is the son of Southampton cult hero FrancisCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliShe is forging her own career as a broadcasterCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliBenali interviewed Harry Kane on the Wembley pitchCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliShe worked in the media at the 2022 World Cup in QatarCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliKenzie is set to become a mum in 2024Credit: Instagram @kenziebenaliThe former full-back certainly has legendary status in Southampton after coming through the academy at his hometown club and spending his entire professional career on Saints’ books. Benali Sr racked up more than 350 appearances for Southampton across 16 years from 1988 to 2004, chipping in with just one solitary goal. He did get a runners-up medal from the FA Cup despite not being involved in the 2003 final, then turned out for Eastleigh for a season in 2006-07. After retiring, he set up the True Greats website and co-founded the 73 Management agency company – both alongside former Saints team-mate Matt Le Tissier – and does some after-dinner speeches and punditry work. READ MORE ON SPORTBut it has been his charity efforts that have led to his MBE and Freedom of Southampton.His heroic challenges include a marathon and a 75-mile cycle ride each day for two weeks to visit all 44 Premier League and Championship stadiums in October 2016.Then in 2019, he attempted to complete seven Ironmans in seven days – he completed five and was hospitalised but still raised a staggering £1million. Benali’s son Luke had brief stint at Winchester City in non-league but it is daughter Kenzie who is flying the football flag for the family now.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBorn in May 1995, she is already forging a stellar career in front of the camera as a broadcaster.She presents the Premier League Rising Stars show with Ben Foster and has done various gigs with the likes of The Hundred and England cricket, England rugby, Southampton and Wimbledon, where she interviewed Andy Murray.Playboy model and daughter of LaLiga legend banned from dating footballersBenali Jr has helped cover The HundredCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliKenzie married Northamptonshire cricketer Lewis McManus in 2021Credit: Instagram @kenziebenaliBenali rocked a red suit to cover England rugby – nicknamed the Red RoseCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliShe was clearly delighted to chat with Jude BellinghamCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliHowever, her biggest jobs have been in the Qatar World Cup, FA Cup and for the England football team, chatting on live TV to the likes of Kane, Bellingham, Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones.The popular star even got her football boots on as part of a shoot with Puma in 2022.Away from her job, Kenzie married her Northamptonshire cricketer husband Lewis McManus in November 2021.They are set to welcome her first child, a daughter, in 2024. Glamorous Kenzie is also a huge fan of the theatre and an animal lover and posts plenty of stunning content from her wonderful lifestyle on Instagram – including her highlights at work, family photos, baby bump pics and even horse riding. Alongside dad Franny, she is also an ambassador for the Saints Foundation.The glamorous presenter lives an incredible lifestyleCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliHer knowledge of a wide range of sports has served her wellCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliKenzie interviewed Andy Murray at WimbledonCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliShe regularly posts smiley pics from various sporting venuesCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliKenzie even showed off her baby bump at WembleyCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliHer love for Wimbledon is clear to seeCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliDad Franny received an MBE for his incredible physical challenges for charityCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliShe talked with Kevin De Bruyne after the FA Cup semi-finalCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliKenzie loves horses and likes to go out ridingCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliThe star is also a huge fan of the theatreCredit: Instagram @kenziebenali More

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      Former England cricket star spotted in new job as ARTIST painting Premier League match from sidelines

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      FORMER England cricketer Jack Russell MBE was spotted PAINTING next to the pitch at Craven Cottage during Fulham’s Premier League clash with Everton.The the wicket keeper-turned-artist was situated next to the photographers throughout the game.
      Ex-Cricketer Jack Russell painted a picture of Craven Cottage during the game

      Russell became an artist after retiring from cricketCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      He spent the 90 minutes painting a picture of Craven Cottage on a small wooden canvas.
      Fans were in disbelief after spotting the ex-cricketer pitchside, with one person tweeting: “This is peak Fulham stuff right here.”
      Another added: “Every time I fall out of love with this club I fall right back in it.”
      While a third joked: “Stick him up top, can’t do any worse!”
      READ MORE IN CRICKET
      After making his England debut in 1987, Russell played in 94 international matches.
      In 1995 against South Africa he broke the world record for dismissals in a test match.
      He decided to take up art after becoming bored when rain stopped play during cricket matches and has been painting for over 30 years.
      After retiring from cricket in 2004 he became a goalkeeping coach at Forest Green Rovers.
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      He also continued coaching at Gloucestershire and Middlesex.
      Russell now has his own art gallery in Chipping Sodbury and some exhibits in London which showcase his portfolio of work.
      After Tuesday’s match he took to X to share his painting.
      He wrote: “My office tonight courtesy of @FulhamFC magic #football ground.”
      The points were shared at Craven Cottage following a 0-0 draw.
      Russell made 94 international appearances for EnglandCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Sky Sports legend to make shock return to broadcasting as fans say ‘best way to start the year’

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      FANS have been buoyed after broadcasting legend David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd revealed that he is returning to commentary.The former cricketer left Sky Sports two years ago after working for the company between 1999 and 2021.
      David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd is returning to broadcastingCredit: Getty
      Lloyd, 76, is not returning to Sky and will instead be joining talkSPORT for England’s five-Test tour of India.
      The tour is set to start later this month with the opening test taking place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on January 25.
      Reacting to the announcement by talkSPORT, Lloyd posted: “Chuffed is an understatement! So pleased.”
      The news of Lloyd’s return to commentary has pleased fans as they flocked to social media.
      READ MORE SPORT NEWS
      One posted: “Good to have you back… and made for radio.”
      A second commented: “Geet in Bumble! Best pundit going.”
      A third wrote: “Brilliant news Bumble. Your dulcet tones have been greatly missed. I’ll definitely be tuning in!”
      A fourth said: “Fantastic news to have Bumble back on commentary.
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      A fifth declared: “Best way to start the cricketing year.”
      Another added: “Superb news Bumble. I reckon fans will follow you to whoever you’re commentating for. Have a great series.”
      England has a packed fixture list in 2024; after the tour of India, there are series against Pakistan, West Indies and Sri Lanka.
      In September England face Australia in a series of ODIs and T20s. More

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      Lionel Messi is winning Ballon d’Or thanks to flawed voting process that cost Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland top gong

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      THEY will hand the Ballon d’Or to the world’s best player in a glittering awards ceremony in Paris on Monday.But Cristiano Ronaldo is unable to attend because he’s busy washing his hair.
      World Cup winner Lionel Messi is set to win his eighth Ballon d’OrCredit: Getty
      Messi now plays for Inter Miami in MLSCredit: AP
      The self-proclaimed GOAT ruled himself out of the running for football’s ultimate individual award when he flounced off to the desert at the start of the year.
      Because it seems that finishing runner-up in the Saudi Pro League is not quite enough to convince his fan boys to keep casting their votes in his favour.
      So now the trophy will be presented to the guy whose current team is next to bottom of the MLS (Eastern Conference).
      And poor old Cristiano will have a face like a slapped arse when arch-nemesis Lionel Messi displays his golden ball for a record eighth time.
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      Not that he has officially been confirmed as King Leo the 8th just yet.
      But let’s not kid ourselves that anyone else is in with a shout after the news of Messi’s impending coronation was leaked this week.
      The deal was sealed the moment he slipped on that negligee to lift the World Cup in Qatar last December.
      And you have to ask what more Erling Haaland could possibly have done to win first prize after the season he had for Manchester City.
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      The Norwegian phenomenon scored an unbelievable 52 goals to help City win a Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup Treble.
      Yes, Messi won the French league with Paris Saint-Germain despite supporters demanding he be sacked for an unauthorised mid-season commercial trip to Saudi.
      But he’s not getting the Ballon d’Or for coming first in a one-horse race.
      He’s getting it on the back of six games for Argentina — presumably they’re not including the defeat by Saudi Arabia in their opening World Cup group match.
      Four of his seven tournament goals were scored from the penalty spot and you could argue that he wasn’t even the best player in Qatar.
      That was Kylian Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in the final and was the tournament’s top scorer, yet is 66-1 to be named World Player of the Year in his home city next week.
      At least Messi’s coronation will be the first time in 15 years that the award hasn’t gone to a player from Real Madrid or Barcelona.
      So maybe we should be grateful for small mercies.
      But it is obvious that the entire voting process is flawed when the judges are so much in thrall to two clubs from the same country.
      The great irony is that it is 63 years since Luis Suarez became the one and only Spanish-born winner of the award.
      No wonder Jude Bellingham was so keen to move to Madrid this year. He knows it’s the only way he will receive the universal recognition his brilliance deserves.
      Only four Englishmen (Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen) have ever won the Ballon d’Or in its 67-year history.
      And the last player to win it while playing for an English club was (surprise, surprise) Ronaldo when he was still at Manchester United back in 2008.
      Maybe Haaland can change all that by scoring 100 goals for City this season and winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup,Carabao Cup, European Super Cup and Club World Cup.
      He’d just better pray that Inter Miami don’t make the MLS play-offs.
      EYES OFF THE BALL
      EMMA RADUCANU claims it is because they can’t cope with her “provoking and challenging” questions that she has got through more coaches than ­National Express.
      It’s nearly two years since she won the US Open against all the odds — and she has hardly won a match since.
      Emma Raducanu claims her ‘provoking’ questions have led to her turnover of coachesCredit: Getty
      She hasn’t played since undergoing wrist and ankle surgery in May and is currently 283rd in the WTA rankings.
      But at least she still has her lucrative commercial contracts with Nike, ­Porsche, Dior, Vodafone, Tiffany and ­Wilson.
      So maybe her next ­“provoking” question will be “why do I need to bother with tennis?”
      CAUGHT OUT
      PATHETIC. There is no other word to describe England’s Cricket World Cup campaign following yesterday’s eight-wicket humiliation by Sri Lanka.
      Jos Buttler and his team of losers have now been hammered in four of their five matches and have still to play India, Australia, Holland and Pakistan.
      England have had a disappointing Cricket World Cup runCredit: Getty
      But, hey, at least we managed to beat the mighty Bangladesh, so it’s not all bad news.
      Captain Buttler will carry the can but he is by no means the only big name who has gone missing during the past three weeks.
      Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes, Sam Curran and Moeen Ali have also failed to live up to their reputations as world-class players.
      Can’t bat, can’t bowl and can’t field, England are a team of complete all-rounders.
      EVER SO UNFAIR
      THE Premier League are demanding a 12-point deduction if Everton are found guilty of breaking Financial Fair Play rules.
      But no word yet on the proposed punishment for Manchester City, charged with 115 offences dating all the way back to 2009.
      Everton could face a points deductionCredit: Getty
      They haven’t even begun disciplinary proceedings against the serial champions because they’re being tied up in knots by City’s army of lawyers.
      And what about Chelsea, who spent more money in the past year than Everton have blown throughout Farhad Moshiri’s disastrous seven-year reign?
      I’m all for punishing clubs who break rules but there seems to be one law for the Big Six and another for the rest.
      ROCKETS BOOSTER
      PETROLHEADS finally had something to get excited about last weekend when Lewis Hamilton gave Max Verstappen his first proper race of the season at the US Grand Prix.
      However, their relief proved to be short-lived when Hamilton was disqualified because the floor of his car was ruled to be ‘too thin’.
      Lewis Hamilton was disqualified from the US GP due to a fault with his carCredit: Reuters
      After watching Red Bull turn the dullest championship in history into a procession, you would have thought the authorities would welcome any kind of challenge to Verstappen’s utter dominance.
      Even if that meant the rest of the field driving rockets.
      WEBB OF INTRIGUE
      WHEN Darren England and his VAR assistant Dan Cook incorrectly ruled out a Liverpool goal at Spurs, they were immediately removed from duty by refs’ chief Howard Webb.
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      But there was no such sanction for Michael Oliver, despite Webb admitting the ref was wrong not to send off Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic against Arsenal.
      So, it seems that some referees are more important than others. More

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      Amazing U13s cricket squad pic includes ex-Chelsea star and two internationals in different sports – can you spot them?

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      KENT CRICKET have shared a remarkable throwback photo that features two England internationals in cricket and rugby, as well as a former Chelsea star.The 12-year-old pic features the Kent Under-13s team, captained by now-England opening batsman Zak Crawley, 25.
      Kent Cricket Under-13s team in 2011 featured three future professionalsCredit: Twitter @KentCricket
      Nathan Baxter, left, is a goalkeeper and Zak Crawley, is an England batsmanCredit: Twitter @KentCricket
      Ben Earl plays rugby for EnglandCredit: Twitter @KentCricket
      Kent U13s captain Crawley was England’s top scorer at The AshesCredit: Getty
      Ben Earl has 18 caps for England and started in the World Cup win over ArgentinaCredit: Getty
      Nathan Baxter now plays for Bolton after coming through Chelsea’s academyCredit: Getty
      He is instantly recognisable sitting in the front row, sporting his characteristic big grin.
      Crawley scored more runs than any other England player at The Ashes this year and was just 16 short of Aussie Usman Khawaja’s best of 496.
      Two seats down from Crawley in the photo is another player who has gone on to be a professional – but in football rather than cricket.
      Goalkeeper Nathan Baxter now plays for Bolton after coming through Chelsea’s academy system.
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      The 24-year-old had several loan spells at the likes of Hull, Accrington Stanley and Ross County before leaving Blues on a permanent basis in the summer.
      That pair are not the only famous faces in the squad photo – England rugby international Ben Earl also features.
      The Saracens flanker is easy to spot as he beams from ear to ear, mainly thanks to his large frame.
      His physique has helped him become a mainstay in the England team and the 25-year-old now has 18 caps to his name.
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      Earl started in the 27-10 win over Argentina in England’s World Cup opener last Saturday.
      And he is likely to play a part for the Red Roses when they take on Japan on Sunday. More

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      ‘Neville can replace Crawley’ – Fans in awe of Man Utd icon’s cricket skills as he and Carragher face Broad in the nets

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      FANS have been left in awe at Gary Neville’s cricket skills as he and fellow pundit Jamie Carragher were put through their paces by England legend Stuart Broad. The bowler is a huge Nottingham Forest fan and was at the City Ground for their friday night clash against Newcastle.
      Stuart Broad gave the football pundits a lesson on cricketCredit: Sky Sports
      It turned out that former youth cricketer Neville had lost very few of his skillsCredit: Sky Sports
      Given his connections to the Tricky Trees, Sky Sports recruited Broad to get Neville and Carragher out of their comfort zone with some top-level cricket.
      The pair took to the indoor crease with Broad sending down some thunderbolts in their direction.
      Decked out in full cricket gear, both Neville and Carragher initially struggled to get to grips with the challenge, with the former Liverpool defender at one point quipping of his rival: “This is worse than his Valencia moment!”
      But the longer the challenge went on, the clearer it became that there was a quality gap between the pundits.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      And Neville, the former opening batsman for his local cricket club Greenmount, impressed both Broad and Sky Sports viewers.
      One wrote on Twitter: “Think Nev can open in place of [Zak] Crawley.”
      Another viewer went with a similar theme as they said: “Neville can’t be worst then Crawley being honest.”
      While another fan said: “[Neville is] a much better batsman than a manager.”
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      Other tweeters dug out an old newspaper headline from the Bury Times which showed a young Neville alongside Australian opener Matthew Hayden as they clocked up a century apiece for Greenmount.
      The former Manchester United full-back managed to respond impressively to some of Broad’s fierce bowling, smacking the ball back towards the bowler on multiple occasions.
      But Carragher struggle to connect with most of Broad’s balls and even had his wickets taken out on one occasion.
      Broad, 36, declared Neville the winner at the end of the challenge.
      A fun day for England’s cricketer would however finish with a duff note as his beloved Forest side conceded a late penalty to lose against Newcastle.
      Bowler Broad is England’s second highest wicket taker in test cricketCredit: Sky Sports
      Neville was happy with his superior performance compared to CarragherCredit: Sky Sports More