Reading U23 Overview

Former England striker Jermain Defoe has left his post as Woking manager after just four months and six league games in charge. The 43-year-old departed the National League club by mutual consent following a brief stint, describing his first managerial role as an eye-opening experience that ultimately became impossible to continue.

With the new Premier League season now less than a month away from kicking off on August 21, pre-season friendlies are about to get into full swing as the majority of clubs jet off around the globe to ensure the best possible preparation for the 2026-27 campaign. However, due to the World Cup, a number of squads are far from full strength as those who reached the knockout rounds in North America enjoy some belated time off, creating opportunities for others to stake their claim for greater roles over the next 10 months.

Tottenham have left Dejan Kulusevski and Mohammed Kudus out of their pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia, with the pair's recovery from long-term injuries continuing. Kulusevski has not played for the club since the 2024-25 season, while Kudus has been sidelined since January.