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Everton may have picked up their first point of the Premier League season during the weekend draw against Leicester City, but the pressure is certainly building on Sean Dyche.

With it being the final season at Goodison Park, the supporters would have been expecting a chance of reaching the top half of the table, rather than yet another relegation scrap.

While they were better against the Foxes, Dyche must start to pick up wins in the top flight sooner rather than later, no doubt about that.

With a new ownership group on the way in the form of The Friedkin Group (TFG), they may well be considering a potential replacement for the former Burnley manager. Now, it looks as though an Englishman currently out of work seems to be keen on the job…

Former Chelsea boss keen on Everton

According to Football Insider, Graham Potter is reportedly ‘very interested’ in taking the Everton job if it becomes available in the next few weeks.

The 49-year-old has been out of management since being sacked by Chelsea towards the end of the 2022/23 campaign, despite only taking charge of the Blues a few months prior.

It is clear he is waiting for the right opportunity before jumping back into the game, but Everton could be an excellent project for Potter to get stuck into.

Could it finally be time for the former Brighton and Hove Albion boss to return to the dugout?

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Graham Potter’s managerial statistics

David Moyes has been linked with a move to Merseyside, 11 years after he departed the club to take over Manchester United.

While Moyes enjoyed an excellent spell with West Ham United, he is certainly approaching the end of his managerial career, which makes the more attacking-minded Potter a much better appointment.

The Englishman made his name at Swedish side Ostersunds, taking them from the lower leagues into the top flight and Europe, winning the Swedish Cup too.

It was his time at Brighton that Potter established himself as one of the brightest young managers on the continent. He built the foundations for the club to become one of the most difficult to beat teams in the division, leading them to a top-half finish during the 2021/22 campaign.

Potter was hailed by journalist Sam Morton following the sales of Marc Cucurella and Yves Bissouma, saying: “It was a shame to see Cucurella and Bissouma leave Brighton but Graham Potter is the only irreplaceable asset at the club, you feel. The man is a genius.”

Although Roberto De Zerbi took the club into Europe, Potter’s influence at the club allowed the Italian to continue the progress made by the 49-year-old.

Moyes may be the nostalgic choice, returning to a club in which he took from the doldrums to European qualification and an FA Cup final. But given the choice, surely the supporters would rather Potter be the man chosen to replace Dyche.

The next few weeks could be very interesting indeed.

Report: "Amazing" manager could be in the frame to replace Dyche at Everton

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1

By
Henry Jackson

Sep 22, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

O lateral-esquerdo Ramon, do Flamengo, foi indiciado por homicídio culposo por ter atropelado e matado o ciclista Jonatas Davi dos Santos, em acidente no dia 4 de dezembro, na Barra da Tijuca, no Rio de Janeiro. De acordo com informações da 16ª DP, os dois foram imprudentes no episódio: o atleta dirigia entre 20% a 50% acima da velocidade permitida, enquanto a vítima cruzava as faixas com o sinal aberto para os carros, publicou o jornal “Extra”.

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As informações são do documento assinado pelo delegado Leandro Gontijo, titular da 16ª DP, da Barra da Tijuca. Foram analisadas as imagens das câmeras de segurança e os radares eletrônicos do local do acidente, que mostram que o Honda Civic que Ramon dirigia não teria avançado o sinal, mas estava em velocidade considerada de 102 km/h – a velocidade máxima permitida na faixa lateral da Avenida das Américas é de 70 km/h.

“Cabe ressaltar que, conforme o art. 58 do CTB, “nas vias urbanas e nas rurais de pista dupla, a circulação de bicicletas deverá ocorrer, quando não houver ciclovia, ciclofaixa, ou acostamento, ou quando não for possível a utilização destes, nos bordos da pista de rolamento, no mesmo sentido de circulação regulamentado para a via, com preferência sobre os veículos automotores”, e que apesar do local não ser dotado de uma ciclofaixa, o ciclista não poderia ter se afastado dos bordos da pista, iniciando uma manobra que culminou em sua morte”, pondera o delegado, no documento.

As imagens também mostraram Ramon saindo do Honda Civic para socorrer Jonatas. O jogador do Flamengo também acionou o Corpo de Bombeiros, e a vítima chegou a ser levada para o Hospital Lourenço Jorge, na Barra da Tijuca, mas não resistiu.

– Realizamos diversas diligências, como a checagem de local, do tempo de semáforo, das imagens das câmeras, além da oitiva de testemunhas, algumas delas inclusive se dispuseram voluntariamente a informar que Ramon prestou auxílio. Concluímos que o condutor da bicicleta também contribuiu para o acidente, pois atravessou com o sinal aberto para veículos, conforme ficou demonstrado com a foto da multa, havendo a imagem do sinal verde. Porém, as investigações comprovaram que Ramon estava em velocidade incompatível com a via – explicou o delegado Leandro Gontijo, ao GLOBO.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been handed some good news this week as an injury update comes out of London Colney, and it is much-needed as the Gunners prepare for a crucial run of games.

Arsenal earn 0-0 draw away to Atalanta in Champions League opener

The Gunners earned a hard-fought 0-0 draw away to Europa League champions Atalanta in their opening Champions League game of the new season on Thursday evening, with goalkeeper David Raya taking many of the plaudits.

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Indeed, it is safe to say Raya was the hero in Bergamo following his sensational double save to deny Mateo Retegui an opening goal for Atalanta. The Spaniard first denied Retegui from the penalty spot, diving expertly to his right before getting straight back up to acrobatically claw the Atalanta forward’s follow-up header off the line.

It was a moment of magnificence, and arguably one of the finest double-saves in recent memory. Due to their recent succession of injuries to key first team players, Arsenal had an array of academy players on the bench last night, so Arteta will be silently thrilled to come away from a difficult ground with a clean sheet and a point.

“I think we started the game really well in the first 20, 25 minutes,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Atalanta.

Atalanta

Statistics

Arsenal

2

Shots on target

2

4

Shots off target

3

51

Possession (%)

49

1

Yellow cards

0

7

Fouls

11

4

Corners

2

“I think we played with the ball in the right areas, with a lot of intention and were effective, but without creating too many clear-cut chances. After that, we lost control of the game because we were very inconsistent with the ball, giving a lot of simple balls away – and against a team that are man-to-man [that] costs you moments to transition because the moment you lose your man, there is a space and you are in equal numbers in the backline or overloaded. Defensively we didn’t suffer – that’s the reality.”

Arsenal take on Premier League title rivals Man City at the Etihad Stadium next in one of their biggest tests of the season, but Arteta looks set to be without a few crucial stars for the trip to Manchester.

Club captain Martin Odegaard will be out for a while after injuring his ankle on international duty with Norway, whereas summer signing Mikel Merino is sidelined after fracturing his shoulder in training.

Arsenal given "massive boost" after Mikel Merino injury update

Merino was expected to be out till late October, following his collision with Gabriel Magalhaes in the Spaniard’s first ever London Colney training session.

However, Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has relayed some positivity out of Arsenal, with Arteta handed a “massive boost” after injury news on Merino, who is progressing well and only a few weeks away.

“Mikel Merino, obviously a disappointment for him picking up that shoulder injury as soon as he’d signed for Arsenal,” said Bridge live on air this week.

“We understand that [he] is actually progressing quite well and a few weeks away now. So that will be a massive boost for Mikel Arteta when he comes back to really bolster that central midfield.”

Arsenal signed Merino in a £32 million deal from Real Sociedad in the summer window, following the 28-year-old’s brilliant 2023/2024 campaign at both club level and internationally.

The former Newcastle United ace scored eight goals and assisted five others in 45 appearances across all competitions for Sociedad last term, and played a key role during Spain’s triumph at the Euros.

Pep Guardiola confirmed that Manchester City will be active in the January transfer window as injuries have wreaked havoc on the squad.

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Man City undergoing a slump in formInjuries to key players have been troublesomeGuardiola admits City will look for reinforcementsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

City’s approach to the winter window has historically been conservative, with Aymeric Laporte being the last high-profile January acquisition in 2018. At that time, Guardiola’s side enjoyed a commanding 12-point lead at the league's summit and went on to complete a record-breaking 100-point season. However, the current circumstances are markedly different, with the team facing a rare crisis.

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City’s form has faltered significantly, with only one win in their last 12 matches across all competitions. In the Premier League, they are winless in three consecutive games, a stark contrast to their usual dominance. Ahead of their clash with Everton, Guardiola admitted the necessity of bolstering the squad to turn their fortunes around.

WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

Speaking to Amazon Prime, Guardiola stated: "We have to add players. Definitely. Definitely. We struggle especially in the back and in the middle. I think we have to but I don't know if it's going to happen. The transfer window in winter is not easy."

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Although specific targets remain undisclosed, preparations for potential signings are already underway. City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, is leading discussions with clubs and player representatives, despite his departure next summer. Guardiola and other senior figures are working closely with Begiristain to identify suitable reinforcements. City’s financial stability provides them with the flexibility to invest, as they refrained from heavy spending during the summer transfer window. However, Guardiola emphasised that they are unlikely to spend without purpose. Instead, they will carefully evaluate options that align with their long-term plans.

Scotland have named a 14-man squad for their two-match ODI series away against Netherlands later this month, their first international fixtures since December 2019.There are three changes from the squad that travelled to the UAE for four Cricket World Cup League 2 fixtures, their most recent international engagement: Josh Davey and Michael Jones both miss out to fulfil county commitments with Somerset and Durham respectively, while Stuart Whittingham was forced to retire with a back injury in September.Seamers Gavin Main and Adrian Neill, neither of whom won a central contract last month, are both included, while Michael Leask also returns after missing out on the most recent squad. Tom Sole is the only centrally-contracted player to miss out, and is a non-travelling reserve along with Chris Greaves and Oli Hairs.Scotland returned to training in early April after a period on furlough during the latest Covid lockdown, and head coach Shane Burger said that he had been “impressed by how hard everyone has worked and the energy that we have in the squad at the moment”.”It’s just great to have cricket to look forward to,” Burger said. “After such a long period without any matches, it’s really important for the guys to get out there and play again. They’re absolutely raring to go. It’s the start of an important six months for us and I know we would like to go out and perform to the expectations that we have set ourselves and also play a brand of cricket that will excite our fans.”Netherlands are yet to name a squad, but it is unlikely that players will be withdrawn from county contracts for the series. As a result, there will be significant overlap with the ‘A’ team squad currently playing a three-match series in Ireland.Scotland squad: Richie Berrington, Dylan Budge, Kyle Coetzer (captain), Matthew Cross (wicketkeeper), Alasdair Evans, Michael Leask, Calum Macleod, Gavin Main, George Munsey, Adrian Neill, Safyaan Sharif, Hamza Tahir, Craig Wallace, Mark WattFixtures: 1st ODI – May 19, 2nd ODI – May 21 (both to be played in Rotterdam)

Featuring stars from Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and more, the Club World Cup will impact U.S. soccer landscape

There was bemused bafflement when FIFA president Gianni Infantino stepped onto the stage at the Global Citizen Music Festival in Central Park at the end of September. After all, 60,000 people in a field were waiting to see Post Malone. What was this business-suited global soccer executive doing at a music event that was dedicated to climate change awareness?

Infantino's appearance was brief, and he spent exactly 84 seconds of it – alongside a seemingly confused DJ Khaled – announcing the venues for the 2025 Club World Cup – 11 cities, 12 stadiums, 32 teams, one month of soccer, all in the United States.

It was a strange venue to reveal this thing, among a field full of drunk partygoers in New York City. But maybe that's the point.

Those who already know about soccer, and its impact and zealous following around the world, are going to get all of this information organically. Part of the strategy of this Club World Cup, and the country that hosts it, is about spreading awareness. America is the next frontier, the unsaturated soccer market, in relative terms.

And that's the broader point. The Club World Cup has, and will continue to have, its critics in some circles. But now the draw is complete. And in the global landscape of soccer, with the interest of the growth of the game – and make no mistake, the financial opportunities that come with that – at the forefront, it is the kind of event that Americans should absolutely care about.

• Getty Images
  

  Accessibility to the game

  First, the diehards. Soccer fans exist everywhere. In America, it seems that they multiply by the day. But the accessibility of the sport remains frighteningly limited. Whether it be the financial constraints on youth soccer, or the literal geographic distance from the highest level of the game, consuming quality soccer isn't easy. MLS, of course, is always improving.

  But NFL, MLB, NHL and the NBA – not to mention the biggest conferences in American college football and basketball – are all the marquee leagues in the global landscape of their respective sports. To find the most watchable professional game, for example, a New York resident simply has to go a Yankees or Knicks game (it's probably best to avoid the Jets and Giants, at the moment.)

  But for soccer, that isn't the case. The Red Bulls may be playing in MLS Cup this weekend, but European leagues simply have better talent and competition (Opta's relative quality index, released in October, had MLS as the 9th best competition in the world.) So, if that same fan, casual or avid, has a similar desire for soccer, it's a much harder assignment. There are flights, hotels and expenses involved. The best level of the game worldwide is thousands of miles away.

  Not for a month in the middle of the summer in 2025, however. The Club World Cup will transplant those players in the United States. Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, Juventus, Bayern Munich, and many, many others will be participating in the Club World Cup. Top level soccer hasn't been this accessible in the U.S. since the 1994 World Cup – and even then interest was relatively limited.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  More than just friendlies

  Live iterations the sport's best have existed in America before, of course. David Beckham's move to MLS in 2007 started a trickle of stars to the States – albeit most past their prime years. European clubs have embarked on preseason tours of the U.S. for almost 20 years, realizing the potential for revenue opportunities and building fan bases in a lucrative market. The last two summers have featured Clasicos played in sold out NFL stadiums. Go to those, and the atmosphere feels as authentic as any European stadium might.

  But the difference is what happens on the pitch. Those games are essentially exhibition matches, and despite the drinking before the first whistle, noise during the game, and mass exodus after, the buzz of competitive sport is missing. Sure, the top players are present – Vinicius Jr lit up MetLife Stadium in 20 scintillating minutes last July – yet there is a sense that the whole thing is about stretching some legs, signing autographs and increasing followers.

  There is nothing wrong with good press and new fans. But if competitive soccer is the goal, then summer friendlies are inherently limited; there's nothing on the line. Now, though, the Club World Cup offers something different. There are incentives, financial and material. A cool trophy will be presented to the winner, while FIFA has promised handsome rewards for doing so. Take the normal revenue of a preseason tour, and all of its trimmings, throw in a trophy that counts, and there's a reason to be fired up.

• Getty Images
  

  Global stars

  Last June, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti alluded to the idea that his team might not play in the Club World Cup. It was quickly rescinded, Ancelotti praising the competition as a good opportunity for world football. It was subsequently reported that clubs would be fined if they refused to feature the biggest names. Now, it may not be the ideal circumstance to bring about extra competition – especially if it comes from a place of the desire to avoid serious punishment.

  But the result remains the same. These will not be friendlies in which the likes of Vinicius, Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe get brief run outs – or so we are told. Rather, from minute one, or at least for significant chunks of the game, the guys that sell the shirts and make end of year awards lists will be expected to play. That can only be considered a good thing – especially for fans of clubs who otherwise wouldn't see their favorites.

  Even MLS fans will have touchpoints here. There is more to this league than just Lionel Messi – though he and Inter Miami will be competing. The Seattle Sounders, for example, have a wonderful following – and could make an impact.

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  Growth and authenticity

  That's the broader fight within American soccer in the States. MLS has existed for less than 30 years. Genuine interest in the game – in the broader sporting consciousness – is an even more recent commodity. Soccer uniquely values the specific culture around it. There is an outwardly European snobbery about this thing, at least outside this country. As a sporting culture, it is very reluctant to change.

  There is outward vitriol around sponsorship money, rising ticket prices and corporate investment. In a sense, they're right. Top European clubs are all built from small beginnings and have histories that stretch back more than 100 years. Alienating core fans is bad PR. But it's what the kids call "gatekeeping."

  Soccer simply cannot exist in the same way in every country. America cannot replicate or mimic the European game, including its deep-rooted history. What it needs, more than anything, is time, and its own touchpoints and landmark events to grow. The 1994 World Cup is the perfect example – the real genesis of the sport in the country. The women's team winning the World Cup in 1999 is the second. The arrival of Beckham at MLS's LA Galaxy in 2007 is another. Messi's transfer to Inter Miami last year is another.

  And, of course, the 2026 World Cup will be the biggest – making this Club World Cup the valuable bit in the middle.

  The European eye might see this whole thing as a betrayal of some of the fundamentals of the game. But for the U.S., it could be a valuable, authentic touchpoint – even if it can seem revenue-focused, and runs counter to some of the fundamental principles at play.

Having lost Amadou Onana to Aston Villa earlier this summer, Everton were reportedly positioning themselves to sign a replacement who has starred at the Olympics, before suffering a major blow in their pursuit.

Everton transfer news

To their credit, even without a solution to their ownership troubles, Everton have spent well this summer. The Toffees have welcomed the likes of Iliman Ndiaye, Jesper Lindstrom and, most recently, Jake O'Brien in a move to hand Jarrad Branthwaite an ideal defensive partner for the long-term future. The former Lyon centre-back impressed in Ligue 1, earning a Premier League switch as a result.

The 23-year-old told Everton's official website after putting pen to paper: "I’m buzzing and so happy to have signed for Everton. I've been dreaming of this kind of move in the Premier League, with such a historic club. It's a very exciting move for me.

“Everton is a huge club with a lot of history behind it and there's a big future as well. When the transfer window opened there were other clubs in for me but there was only one club I wanted to go to – it was Everton. They’ve shown the faith in me so now it's my turn to show why on the pitch.”

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The Toffees didn't seem to be done there, either. According to L'Equipe, Everton were positioning themselves to sign Amir Richardson from Stade Reims this summer, having shown interest in the central midfielder earlier in the window.

Standing at 6 foot 5, Everton weren't the only club interested in Richardson, and a fresh report from Fabrizio Romano has now claimed that Serie A giants Fiorentina have won the race for the midfielder's signature in a frustrating blow for the Toffees.

"Complete" Richardson could have replaced Onana

By signing Richardson, Everton wouldn't have just been replacing Onana, but they'd also have received a player who would be more than capable of providing Sean Dyche's side with an attacking boost.

Not just someone who can screen the back four, Richardson is a box-crashing midfielder and a "complete player" as described by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Still just 22 years old, the Morroco international has had quite the summer of football too, helping his nation reach the bronze medal match at the Olympics and scoring in a 3-0 win against Iraq earlier in the tournament, but Everton's search for an Onana replacement goes on.

Newcastle United are now in "touching distance" of completing the signing of an "outstanding" player this summer, in an exciting new transfer update.

Newcastle want new centre-backs

The Magpies will still want to bring in fresh faces to boost their squad between now and the end of this month, with centre-back continuing to be a primary area of focus. Marc Guehi is considered a main option in that position, as he looks to make a big move from Crystal Palace, and an offer has been submitted for the 24-year-old's services.

That being said, the England international isn't the only defender being linked with a switch to Newcastle in the near future, with Toulouse ace Logan Costa considered a cheaper alternative to the Palace man. At 23, he is a year younger and should only improve for the foreseeable future.

Then there's Liverpool's Joe Gomez, who has been backed to seal a move away from Anfield this summer, having found himself down the centre-back pecking order. While that was the case under Jurgen Klopp at the end of his time as manager, it looks as though the 27-year-old will stay put, suggesting that Arne Slot may be planning to give him more minutes in his preferred position.

In attack, reinforcements could also be needed, especially if Callum Wilson leaves St James' Park ahead of the new Premier League season, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Boulaye Dia have both emerged as options. The respective Everton and Salernitana stars could both represent younger additions than the current Magpies hero.

Newcastle within touching distance of new signing

According to Football Insider, Newcastle have "agreed personal terms" with Marc Guehi over a summer move to St James', with talks over a marquee signing believed to be at an "advanced" stage.

A report from The Guardian also adds that "although an agreement is still to be reached", and "the move remains in danger of being hijacked", the transfer is in "touching distance" of being completed.

At this point, it would be a huge surprise if the £2.6m-a-year-earning Guehi wasn't a Newcastle player come the end of the transfer window, with so much pointing towards a transfer being sealed.

Should that happen, Eddie Howe would acquire the signature of a top-quality defender with a big future in the game, being hailed as "outstanding" by Micah Richards and "excellent" by Alan Shearer during Euro 2024.

“I thought he was excellent in the first game," the legendary Magpies number nine said. "The second game… yeah, I think he was maybe the best of a bad bunch so yeah, particularly when there was so much talk about Harry Maguire not playing and England struggling in that position, I think he’s done really well, he can be pleased with himself."

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Guehi could become Sven Botman's long-term partner at the heart of Newcastle's defence, once he returns from a knee injury, with neither Jamaal Lascelles nor Fabian Schar representing the future these days, and it could elevate Howe's team to another level.

In just a couple of years, Newcastle United have gone from having an average frontline to being home to multiple of the very best talents in the Premier League.

At the start of the 2020/21 campaign under Steve Bruce, the Magpies had a front three of Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson and Andy Carroll, ending the campaign with a measly 46 goals scored – an average of just 1.2 per game.

However, fast-forward nearly four years, boss Eddie Howe has the likes of Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes at his disposal, with the trio scoring a combined 37 between them last season.

The Magpies ended 2023/24 with a total of 85 Premier League goals, an increase of 39 from a couple of years ago, whilst averaging 2.2 goals per outing, an increase of one per game – demonstrating the added quality on Tyneside.

Despite his side’s impressive form in front of goal, Howe is still targeting more reinforcements in the final third to further bolster their chances of a return to Champions League football.

Newcastle make bid to sign attacking talent

According to QS La Nazione via Viola News, Newcastle have made an offer to sign Fiorentina’s Argentinian forward, Nicolas Gonzalez.

The 26-year-old, who featured at the Copa America during his country's triumph earlier this month, was subject to a £36m bid from Brentford last summer, but it was immediately rejected.

Gonzalez had another tremendous campaign in 2023/24, registering 12 goals and two assists in his 29 league appearances – catching the eye of the Magpies ahead of the upcoming season.

The report goes on to state that the offer presented by Howe’s side is lower than that of Brentford’s a year ago, but should it be rejected, they will return with another offer for the forward.

He would prove to be an expensive addition for Newcastle, but a much cheaper alternative to another player they’ve previously been targeting in recent months.

Why Gonzalez could be Jarrod Bowen 2.0 for Newcastle

During the off-season, Newcastle have been linked with a move to sign West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen after the forward scored 16 Premier League goals in 2023/24.

However, Julen Lopetegui’s side are demanding a £100m transfer fee to part ways with their star talent, in a season where the Hammers will be aiming to qualify for the Europa League once more.

Undoubtedly, the £100m fee for his services is an absurd amount, with Howe’s side exploring other options such as Anthony Elanga and Gonzalez as potential alternatives.

Whilst he would command a significantly lower fee, the Argentinian could prove to be just as an exciting signing, with his playstyle very similar to that of the West Ham attacker – as noted by FBref.

Games played

29

34

Goals + assists

14

22

Progressive passes

4.7

1.6

Shots attempted

3.9

2.5

Pass accuracy

71%

69%

Take-ons completed

1.6

1

Aerials won

3

1

Both are left-footed right-wingers who like to cut inside and either create opportunities or trouble the keeper, but, Gonzalez has produced various statistics that blow Bowen out of the water.

Whilst he’s contributed with fewer combined goals and assists, the “excellent” Fiorentina talent, as described by journalist Liam Tharme, has averaged more shots per 90, whilst also completing more successful take-ons.

He’s also dominated in finding teammates in attacking areas, completing over three more progressive passes per 90 and averaging a higher pass completion rate.

Whilst Bowen may be a more proven Premier League forward, Gonzalez has showcased his talents, proving to be a better option in forward areas than the England international, with it no surprise that pundit Don Hutchinson has suggested he can reach "unbelievably high levels".

He would also save the Magpies a huge chunk of money, which could further allow Howe to invest in other areas and potentially prevent the club from a FFP or PSR breach in the near future.

Bigger talent than Gordon: Newcastle could land £30m "monster"

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1 ByEthan Lamb Jul 24, 2024

Batsman stars in new role at No.4 as Eoin Morgan credits England for victory despite ‘average’ day

George Dobell27-Nov-2020Jonny Bairstow insists he doesn’t mind where he bats for England, as long as he has a role in the team.Bairstow hit an unbeaten 86 from 48 balls – his highest score in T20I cricket – to carry England to a narrow victory with four balls of the game remaining in the first match of the series against South Africa in Cape TownBut he did it from No. 4 in the batting line-up having been demoted after England opted for Jos Buttler and Jason Roy as their openers and Dawid Malan as their No. 3. That left Bairstow – who is the only England player in the top 10 of the ODI batting rankings – batting outside the top three for the first time in more than two years and potentially facing a fight for his position with the likes of Joe Root and Sam Billings, neither of whom are in the team at present.Given that this rejig came after he had lost both his place in the Test side and his full central contract, as well as being dropped by Sunrisers Hyderabad for the final rounds of the IPL, Bairstow could have been forgiven for expressing some disappointment. Instead, he said he is determined to use his experiences in a constructive manner.”I think you’ve two choices,” Bairstow, who made his maiden Test century on the same ground in 2016, said. “You can be disgruntled or you can use the experiences you’ve had previously – whether for England or at the IPL – and utilise them in the best way possible. I’m really happy with where my game is at. The calmness and composure was really pleasing. Seeing England over the line is important.”I want to be playing cricket for England. I don’t mind [where I bat]. As long as I’m contributing and putting in match-winning performances, so be it.”I was really pleased with how I played tonight. It’s a different role to what I’ve played previously, so going out and gaining confidence and contributing to winning the match is what it’s all about. I was delighted with the pace in which we structured the innings. To win with three or four balls left… I’m really happy.”ALSO READ: A victory for England, a victory for the IPLHowever, aside from Bairstow and a couple of colleagues – notably Sam Curran – England were not at their best. With 25 deliveries of the match remaining, they still required 55 runs and knew that, with Kagiso Rabada to deliver one of those overs, their chances were diminishing by the moment.But then Beuran Hendricks bowled a horrible over – the 17th of the England innings – which occupied nine balls and cost 28 runs. Without it, England may have struggled to overcome what Eoin Morgan, England’s captain, termed “an above-par score” set by South Africa.Jonny Bairstow sealed victory with a six•Getty ImagesFor while Morgan declared himself “very pleased” with the victory, he was not allowing it to mask a performance he admitted was “pretty average”.”I thought we were pretty average apart from two or three guys,” Morgan told Sky Sports. “And when you win games of cricket like that when you don’t play your best cricket, it is very pleasing.”There are areas with the ball that we missed; we were a tad too full in certain periods of the game. And then with the bat we were three-down early and did not build partnerships. But Jonny has had an unbelievably good day out on a wicket that was two-paced.”When you win games like that and you’ve a lot [of improvement] to make up in all three facets [of the game] you can be pleased. I would imagine the more time we spend together and the more we play, the more we will get used to roles that we play and start to gel like we have in 50-over cricket. It is not doom and gloom but hopefully we will improve and progress in the next couple of games.”