I know we’re a few weeks into January, so you could argue I’m a little late to the party when it comes to previewing expectations for the next 12 months but here we are!
It was on the flight back from Australia that I started giving some serious thought to this blog. Both in the world of cricket and in the broader sporting landscape, there is so much to look forward to, and I’ve enjoyed penning a couple of predictions for the next 12 months.
January has almost had a sense of familiarity about it… Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler dominating at Alexandra Palace, Forest lose an FA Cup 3rd Round classic on penalties, and Manchester United sack a manager.
I joke on the final one, but having just watched them win the Manchester derby, followed by beating league leaders Arsenal at The Emirates, is it a sign they have the talent to get back to their former heights? Time will tell.
I mention flying back from Australia and am pleased this is a blog previewing rather than looking back on The Ashes series…
There is so much talent in that squad and the format of any ICC tournament always means that momentum can carry you through.
I’d suggest it’s an even more pivotal year for England’s men. It’s no secret that the white-ball team has had a challenging last 18 months and has lost the momentum that was built with Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler respectively at the helm.
There is so much talent in that squad, though, and the format of any ICC tournament always means that momentum can carry you through.
As much as India and Sri Lanka provide some of the most foreign conditions for English cricketers, I think it’s a great chance for Harry Brook to put a line in the sand following the last few months.
New Zealand will be a formidable first opponent post-Ashes when they tour England this summer. It’s always a great series when they are involved, so I’m excited to see what team England go with. I don’t see wholesale changes from The Ashes, but perhaps a slightly different strategic approach to the red-ball format.
England’s men’s Test team then finish the year with one of the great tours, to South Africa. It may be a year away, but those dates are firmly circled in the diary.
An incredible country to tour, and a series that can often bring out great performances from both teams, I’d expect no different this time around against the reigning World Test Champions. We won when we were last there, and I can actually see the same result again this time around. There’s a lot to happen between now and then, though!
If they can have a good six months building up and a few players find form at the right time, there is no reason why they can’t go all the way.
It is England’s women, though, who will have the spotlight on them the most this summer, with the hope they can seize the moment in the same way the Lionesses and Red Roses have done in the last couple of years by winning another home World Cup.
Everything I have seen in terms of the marketing and updates around ticket sales shows it’s going to be an incredible event, building on the success on and off the field in 2017 when they won at Lord’s.
The game has grown so much since then, and in our captain, Nat Sciver-Brunt, we have one of the best in the world. If they can have a good six months building up and a few players find form at the right time, there is no reason why they can’t go all the way.
Charlotte Edwards has won all around the world as a coach, and I think she’s an excellent choice to lead the current group. I’m really looking forward to the tournament and will be backing England from the terraces!
Finally, 2026 is a massive year for British and European golf. I am so excited for The Open at Royal Birkdale.
I wish the diary didn’t clash with the cricket schedule, as I have a feeling Tommy Fleetwood could lift the Claret Jug at the course he used to jump over the fence to play when he was growing up.
He had an incredible finish to last year, and it would be amazing to see that form continue this year. What a story that would be!
The Solheim Cup, too, is a great opportunity for Lottie Woad making her debut. It’s incredible that someone as young as she is, is already one of the strongest players in the European team.
On a slightly less professional note, off the back of playing some incredible courses in Australia, I’ve got that hunger to keep bringing the handicap down where I can. I’m 6.3 now, and if I can sneak below 5 before the end of the year, that would be a big win! Let’s see.
Enjoy whatever you’re playing or supporting this year, and come and say hello if you see me out at the grounds!
The guys at Fitzdares have given me a £500 free bet pot to use on a selection of the major sporting events of my choice.
Having had a solid end to 2025, I’m looking to continue my momentum in 2026! Here’s what I am backing this month…
£100 Nottingham Forest @ 10/11
Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace, 1st Feb
£100 France @ 2/7
France vs Ireland Six Nations, 5th Feb
£50 EW Brooks Koepka (five places) @ 40/1
WM Phoenix Open, 5th – 8th Feb
£100 England @ 4/6
Scotland vs England Six Nations, 14th Feb
£100 Xander Schauffele @ 16/1
Genesis Invitational, 19th – 22nd Feb
