Exclusives

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Give Lionesses gongs for their heroics in Women’s World Cup, MPs demand as King Charles urges them to ‘roar to victory’

      by

      SUPER Sarina Wiegman and her roar-some Lionesses should get damehoods for their Women’s World Cup heroics, MPs demanded yesterday.The call came as Bobby Moore’s widow urged the England team to summon the spirit of 1966 and win the ­trophy just like the men did.
      England players celebrate the team’s victory against NigeriaCredit: Getty
      King Charles and Queen Camilla sent the England team a good luck messageCredit: Getty
      Prince William and Princess Charlotte also sent a personal message to the LionessesCredit: Instagram
      As King Charles and Prince William — together with Princess Charlotte — sent the squad best wishes, Stephanie Moore hailed the “once in a lifetime” opportunity in this morning’s final against Spain in Sydney.
      And England captain Millie Bright, 29, preparing for the biggest game of her life, said yesterday playing in the final was a dream come true for the players.
      Chelsea star Millie added: “Everyone knows how big this is.
      “As a group we’d like to say thank you, not only to the fans back home but the fans that are here as well. Stick with us one more game.”
      Read More on Lionesses

      Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final
      An audience of up to 15million back home is expected to watch on the BBC or ITV — with bookies slashing odds that it will be the year’s most viewed sporting event.
      Supporters will also cram into public fan zones across England.
      Ministers had urged councils to relax licensing laws so pubs can open for the 11am kick-off.
      England men’s boss Gareth Southgate, captain Harry Kane and ex-skipper David Beckham sent good luck messages.
      Most read in Football
      And PM Rishi Sunak — set to watch in a pub in his constituency in Richmond, North Yorks — wrote to Dutch coach Sarina and the team praising their “lasting legacy”.
      It came amid a growing clamour for the team and manager to be honoured. Tory MP for Mid-Derbyshire Pauline Latham said: “They should all be honoured — win or lose. They absolutely deserve it.”
      Fellow Tory MP Kevin Foster added: “The Lionesses have inspired the whole nation and done us all proud. Well-earned gongs should be swiftly awarded.”
      And Labour MP Chris Evans said: “Bobby Moore died without a gong because it took them so long to honour the 1966 side. Let’s not make the same mistake.
      “Win or lose, let’s recognise the incredible achievement of the Lionesses getting this far.”
      After manager Wiegman, 53, led England to their Euros triumph at Wembley last year, only selected players got gongs.
      Captain Leah Williamson, 26, who has missed the World Cup through injury, was made an OBE.
      Team-mates Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze and Ellen White were made MBEs.
      Yesterday, Cabinet Office sources said the whole team and manager were likely to be honoured — if they win.
      But another Tory MP Caroline Nokes, chair of the Women and Equalities Committee in Parliament, said: “Win or Lose we should designate the late August bank holiday ‘Lioness Day’.”
      Stephanie, 72, who set up the Bobby Moore fund after his death from bowel cancer, said: “What a wonderful journey the Lionesses have been on, with success at the Euros on home turf and now this once in a lifetime chance to lift the World Cup.”
      She added: “I think they have been a credit to themselves, to football and to the country.”
      The King last night gave the team his support in a social media message. It was timed at 10pm so the Lionesses saw it as they woke up in Sydney.
      In it, Charles said: “Good luck today and may you roar to victory.”
      He signed off the message — alongside an image of a lioness — with his royal cypher, Charles R.
      Charles, 74, and Queen Camilla, 76, were set to watch the game at home on the Balmoral estate.
      FA president William, 41, has faced flak for not attending the final — but is said to have opted not to travel to keep down his carbon footprint.
      Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has been scrambled to represent the Government there amid criticism over the absence of the PM and senior ministers.
      William sent a good luck message to the squad last night, with Princess Charlotte melting hearts as she joined her dad.
      Sitting on a bench together, he placed his arm around his daughter, eight, as he spoke.
      ‘Keep believing’
      The Prince of Wales said: “Lionesses, we want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow. We are sorry we can’t be there in person but we are so proud of everything you have achieved and the millions you have inspired here and around the world. So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.”
      Charlotte, with a football on her lap, added on the social media video: “Good luck Lionesses.”
      One follower on X/Twitter said: “Lovely message of support, and wonderful to see Princess Charlotte.”
      Another added: “What an adorable video. Princess Charlotte is such a beautiful little girl.”
      Southgate’s message said: “You’re doing a brilliant job. I wish you the very best for the final and we hope you can bring that trophy back.”
      And ex-Tottenham striker Kane said: “Hi Lionesses — best of luck for the World Cup final. Amazing journey so far, you should be really proud of yourselves.
      “We’re all behind you, so go and get that World Cup win and bring that trophy home.”
      Ex-England and Man Utd superstar Beckham shared pictures online of the Lionesses as children.
      And he said: “These young footballers never stopped believing and grew up to become our incredible Lionesses. Good luck — whatever happens the whole country is so proud of everything you’ve achieved to get to this historic moment.
      “Keep believing, play with the amazing passion and team spirit you show every time you take to the pitch.”
      An army of 6,000 England fans will roar on the Lionesses in Sydney’s Stadium Australia.
      Some have flown out just for the match. Law boss Harriet Leach, 38, of London said: “I got off the plane on Friday. I came in especially.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It’s a 24-hour flight and it’s expensive — but what the girls are doing on the pitch is absolutely incredible.”
      Additional reporting: Ryan Sabey
      Rishi Sunak is set to watch the match in a pub in his constituency in Richmond, North YorksCredit: Getty
      The PM wrote to Dutch coach Sarina and the team praising their ‘lasting legacy’
      England captain Millie Bright said playing in the final was a ‘dream come true’ for the playersCredit: Getty
      Mel B sent the Lionesses this message: ‘Best of luck to you fabulous women !! I’m behind you all the way! GOAL POWER!’Credit: Getty
      Simon Cowell wrote: ‘Best of luck to the Lionesses in the World Cup Final. You have already made your country proud, now we are all dreaming you bring that Cup home’Credit: Getty
      Amanda Holden said: ‘You’re smashing it Girls! The whole country loves you and is so proud. Good luck and bring it home’Credit: AFP
      King Charles and Queen Camila sent the Lionesses this roarring messageCredit: Instagram’Keep believing’

      David Beckham said: “These young footballers never stopped believing and grew up to become our incredible Lionesses… and now they will play in a game that dreams are made of.
      “Good luck to the @lionesses ahead of the World Cup final – whatever happens the whole country is so proud of everything you’ve achieved to get to this historic moment.
      “Keep believing, play with the amazing passion and team spirit you show every time you take to the pitch. More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Domestic abuse campaigner’s fury as footballers and pundits fail to speak out about Mason Greenwood’s return to Man Utd

      by

      A DOMESTIC abuse campaigner has accused footballers and pundits of staying silent in the Mason Greenwood row.Man United could allow the striker, 21, back following its probe into his conduct after charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling coercive behaviour were dropped in February.
      Domestic abuse campaigner David Challen has accused footballers and pundits of staying silent in the Mason Greenwood rowCredit: Reuters
      David Challen’s mum Sally was released from jail after her conviction for murdering her abusive husband was reduced to manslaughterCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      But the prospect of him returning to the squad has sparked fury with some.
      David Challen’s mum Sally was released from jail after her conviction for murdering her abusive husband was reduced to manslaughter.
      He tweeted: “Thus far no big male players/ex-players or pundits have spoken out about Greenwood.
      “All for talking a good game about inclusivity and #HerGameToo but when it comes to speaking out against male violence against women they are nowhere to be seen.”
      READ MORE ON MASON GREENWOOD
      Some female fans protested outside Old Trafford before the team’s first game of the season on Monday.
      Others have written to club chief executive Richard Arnold urging him not to let Greenwood rejoin the squad.
      United has delayed announcing its decision to avoid distracting its players in the Lionesses squad for tomorrow’s women’s World Cup final. More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Teen who raised £26K for NHS during pandemic will wear her ‘lucky shirt’ for Lionesses’ World Cup semi-final clash

      by

      A GIRL who inspired the nation to do 7.1million keepy-uppies will wear her “lucky shirt” tomorrow for the Lionesses’ World Cup semi-final.Imogen Papworth-Heidel was 11 when she raised £26,000 to support NHS key workers during the pandemic, completing over 1.1million kick-ups herself.
      Imogen Papworth-Heidel will wear her ‘lucky shirt’ tomorrow for the Lionesses’ World Cup semi-finalCredit: Louis Wood
      England’s Keira Walsh, 26, yesterday said the team were ‘ready for the fight’Credit: PA
      Lioness Lucy Bronze sent the youngster, now 13, her signed shirt, which Imogen will wear at her home in Suffolk for the game against Australia.
      Imogen’s dad Karl, 53, said: “My daughter will be wearing that when she cheers on the Lionesses on Tuesday.
      “She’s been absolutely glued to every game.
      “Imogen just can’t get enough of it and the footie is really keeping her occupied during the summer holidays.
      read more on Lionesses
      “Lucy Bronze’s shirt normally hangs pride of place on Imogen’s bedroom wall, but she’ll be wearing it when England take on Australia.
      “She’s convinced that her lucky shirt will help them win.
      “She hardly ever takes it off the wall and she’s scared of getting it dirty in case washing it will erase Lucy’s autograph.
      “Lucy’s her absolute hero.”
      Most read in Football
      England’s Keira Walsh, 26, yesterday said the team were “ready for the fight”. More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      England captain Harry Kane’s new baby could be born in Munich – and eligible to play for GERMANY

      by

      ENGLAND captain Harry Kane’s new baby could be born in Munich — and­ ­eligible to play for Germany.Bayern’s £104m striker, 30, said his fourth tot is due in two weeks.
      Harry Kane’s new baby could be born in Munich — and­ ­eligible to play for GermanyCredit: Bayern Munich
      Pregnant wife Kate scouted hospitals in a secret visit to the city last monthCredit: Getty
      The England captain revealed Kate, 30, was due to give birth in a couple of weeksCredit: Getty
      The England skipper admitted there was a “lot going on” as he discussed his whirlwind £104million transfer from Tottenham.
      He revealed wife Kate, 30, was due to give birth in a couple of weeks but refused to say where, saying: “We’ll do whatever works best for us as a family.”
      However, sources said Kate scouted homes – and hospitals – in a secret visit to Munich at the end of July, and the baby could be born in the German city.
      He or she would then be eligible to hold dual nationality — and could choose to play for England or their great footballing rivals.
      READ MORE ON HARRY KANE
      A source said: “Kate flew out to Munich to do a recce at the end of last month as the deal got closer.
      “They knew that if it got over the line they’d need to be able to ­relocate very quickly.
      “Kate looked at homes but also visited a couple of private hospitals.
      “It’s unlikely Harry will be able to simply fly back to England for the birth and he won’t want to miss it.
      Most read in Football
      “So Munich is a very real possibility and they have to be prepared for that.”
      Kane has “17.08.2023” stitched into his boots, sparking speculation it was the baby’s due date.
      Kate, seen cradling her bump yesterday, watched her hubby’s debut on Saturday — when he came on as a 64th-minute sub in a 3-0 thumping by RB Leipzig in the German Super Cup.
      Speaking at length for the first time about his move, Kane said yesterday: “Kate was in the stadium to watch my debut, with her family, my mum and dad and brother.
      Kane admitted there was a ‘lot going on’ as he discussed his £104million transfer from TottenhamCredit: Getty
      His baby would be eligible to hold dual nationality if born in MunichCredit: Getty
      “It will be something we’ll all remember for ever.
      “I’ve got another baby due in a couple of weeks and there’s a lot going on but my family are fully behind me.”
      Kane revealed he will be signing up for language lessons, and admitted the only word he had learned so far was “servus” – a term for hello and goodbye.
      He said: “Of course, I’m going to try and learn the language. I want to try and embrace the culture, embrace the country.
      “I’m going to have lessons at least once or twice a week to try and pick that up a bit.
      “We have a lot of English-speaking players and staff as well which helps me, but ­ultimately I want to learn to fit in as much as possible
      “The best way of doing that is understanding the language. It will be tough.
      “It is a tough language to learn but it’s something I want to try to do.
      “I’ve only been here for two days, I’ve had one training ­session and one game, so I’m still getting to know the players.
      “I’ve heard great things about the city and I’m sure I’ll get time to explore it, go out for coffee and dinner and meet some of the fans.”
      Kane said Kate and their three young kids, Ivy, Vivienne and Louis, would fly back to the UK today.
      But they first plan to look at houses in posh Munich suburb Grunewald – known as Little Hollywood.
      He said: “Two days ago I was ­sitting in London not quite knowing how it was going to go.
      “The kids don’t know too much about what’s going on. For them it probably feels like a vacation.
      “I’m sure I’ll have time to explain to them. We need to find houses, find properties. We’re not sure how it’s going to work yet.”
      Kane hopes to lead England to victory in the Euros in Germany next summer, and revealed he had received a congratulatory text from Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.
      He said they will speak “when things have calmed down”.
      Kane is expected to start on ­Friday in Bayern’s first league game of the season against Werder Bremen.
      He is hoping to lead the German giants’ charge for silverware – after his first attempt ended in disappointment at the Allianz Arena.
      Max Eberl, sporting director of Bayern’s conquerors RB Leipzig, said: “It’s almost too much what Harry Kane is being saddled with, almost like a Messiah walking on water.”
      Kane said it was “not time to panic” and he would bring leadership to the squad.
      Read More on The Sun
      According to the Federal Foreign Office, a child born in Germany can gain citizenship even if both parents are English.
      But one of them must have an unlimited residence permit for at least three years. Kane ­qualifies as he has a four-year deal with Bayern.
      The ace has ‘17.08.2023’ stitched into his boots, sparking speculation it was the baby’s due dateCredit: Chris Eades
      Kane is to start on ­Friday in Bayern’s first league game of the season against Werder BremenCredit: Bayern Munich
      Kane hopes to lead England to victory in the Euros in Germany next summer More

    • 188 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Married footie star Andy Carroll filmed stroking and ‘dirty dancing’ with DJ at house party

      by

      MARRIED football star Andy Carroll was filmed at a house party stroking a DJ called Kitty McPaws.The former England striker went to the bash after running up a £2,000 bar tab at a club.
      Married football star Andy Carroll has been filmed at a house party stroking a DJ called Kitty McPawsCredit: Supplied
      Carroll and Kitty were seen ‘dirty dancing’ as if oblivious to the others in the roomCredit: Supplied
      Carroll is wed to Towie star wife Billi MucklowCredit: Focus Images
      Carroll and Kitty were seen dirty dancing as if oblivious to others in the room.
      One onlooker said ex-­Liverpool, Newcastle and West Ham star Carroll, who was pictured in bed with two women on his stag do, was also ­coming on to other women.
      The female guest added: “He was talking about what he wanted to do with them.
      “It was shocking for someone who is married.”
      READ MORE ON ANDY CARROLL
      His Towie star wife, Billi Mucklow, has since been ­holidaying in Spain with their three children while he begins the new season with League One Reading.
      Meanwhile DJ Kitty, real name Georgia Sims, has been thrilling fans online by posing in figure-hugging latex gear.
      On the night of the party Carroll was with pals at the Aura Bar and Grill in Loughton, Essex, where Kitty was with a DJ pal called Lady Roc.
      A dozen-strong group then went to Lady Roc’s home nearby.
      Most read in Football
      Carroll and Kitty gazed into each other’s eyes as she wrapped her leg around his waist.
      The party guest said: “He caressed her bum. It was very flirty.
      “Someone made a joke that Kitty McPaws was living up to her name because they were pawing each other.
      “Andy was very carefree. He knew others were watching and that at one stage he was filmed with Kitty.”
      Carroll, 34, and Billi, 35, wed in May last year despite the shock picture from his Dubai stag do.
      The two women insisted he had passed out and that “nothing had happened”.
      Earlier tonight, Kitty said: “He was on a night out and I was DJing. We had a quick chat before my set. That was it.”
      Carroll was approached for comment
      Today, he missed a penalty in Reading’s 1-0 defeat at Port Vale.
      One party guest said that it was very flirtyCredit: Supplied
      They said Kitty McPaws was living up to her name, as they were pawing each otherCredit: Supplied
      Carroll’s wife Billi has been holidaying in Spain with their kids while he begins the new season with League One ReadingCredit: Supplied More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      I thought I’d won £200 on bet but I ended up getting into huge trouble with my wife

      by

      A FOOTIE fan who won £200 on a stadium bet accidentally signed up to an adult website while trying to collect his winnings online.Trevor Jones, 51, reckons he was redirected via a “dodgy” QR code to 18+ hook-up platform FlirtyMeetings.com — and left facing a tricky conversation with wife Julia, 49.
      Trevor Jones who won £200 on a stadium bet accidentally signed up to an adult website while trying to collect his winnings online
      Trevor put a £40 accumulator on the club’s opening day Championship clash against Rotherham – but ended up subscribed to an adult dating siteCredit: Getty
      Stoke City supporter Trevor put a £40 accumulator on the club’s opening day Championship clash against Rotherham, and was cock-a-hoop when they won 4-1.
      But he said: “They ran out of cash. I was told to scan the code, which I did the next day.
      “I had to put in my bank details to get my cash. When I did it said ‘Congratulations, you’ve subscribed to flirtymeeting.com.”
      So far he has been debited £2.50 but said his bank told him it had blocked a further £46.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL STORIES
      Trevor, of Whitchurch, Shrops, added: “I had to tell Julia. She rolled her eyes and said it could only happen to me.
      “The bank statements hadn’t come through for her to see, but I did have to say something first.”
      The saucy site promises paid subscribers that they “will meet singles and possibly meet up as early as tonight!”
      The club said on-site betting is provided by a third-party.
      Most read in Football More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      I married childhood sweetheart in Ukraine and bought pals guns to fight the war… now I’m gearing up for Premier League

      by

      BOURNEMOUTH defender Illia Zabarnyi is back for the Premier League season after a summer spent at home in Ukraine.As well as marrying his childhood sweetheart Angelina, the Cherries defender, 20, made sure his soldier friends were protected by buying them guns to take back to the front line.
      Illia Zabarnyi has had a wold summerCredit: Getty
      Zabarnyi got married this summerCredit: Instagram @illiazabarnyi
      He got married to childhood sweetheartCredit: Instagram / @angelinarr_

      DREAM TEAM IS LIVE – JOIN NOW TO BATTLE FOR THE £50k TOP PRIZE
      And on the field Zabarnyi scored his first international goal in June during Ukraine’s 3-2 Euro qualifying victory in North Macedonia.
      Zabarnyi’s face is full of pride for the fellow countrymen he has left behind to fight Vladimir Putin’s invading Russian troops — but his eyes reflect the sadness in his heart.
      The £24million signing from Dynamo Kyiv told SunSport: “I have lots of friends and they are soldiers who are defending Ukraine.
      “They are 20 years old like me and they take a gun and go and defend Ukraine. And I give them what they need — I pay for weapons and this is all I can do.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “I give all what they need — it’s so important that every Ukrainian now supports them one hundred per cent.
      “I got married over there and got to see my family and close friends.
      “I went to Ukraine for a week and I didn’t sleep every night because every day they attack.
      “It’s still really bad over there and we need to let people know what’s going on in Ukraine.
      Most read in Football
      Bournemouth star Zabarnyi for £24millionCredit: Getty
      Angelina has 12.5k followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @angelinarr_
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      “Our country is very tired, the people have stayed together and continue our defence and we continue to fight.
      “It’s an emotional moment because we’ve had lots of games and I want to help the team so we can give the country a little smile.
      “For the national team we won two important games and I scored my first goal, which made me very happy.”
      The Cherries signed Zabarnyi in the January window but injuries restricted him to just five appearances.
      But when he played he became an instant hit with the home supporters, who took the young Ukrainian to their hearts.
      Now Saturday’s home clash with West Ham cannot come quickly enough.
      Zabarnyi added: “It’s difficult when I come back to Bournemouth because of what is happening in my country.
      “I’m at the right place at the right time and I love it!
      “Now I want to play and give 100 per cent to Bournemouth. This is a great club and I am happy to be here.
      “I cannot wait for the season to start against West Ham but I want to show how all this is affecting Ukraine.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I am here playing in the Premier League, which is very important to me because people come to watch Ukrainian players.
      “My country is at war and maybe being here people talk about this and maybe that helps, which is important.”
      Zabarnyi paid for his countrymen’s weapons in the Ukraine warCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Major Mason Greenwood update as Man Utd star on verge of completing comeback for club after stepping up training

      by

      MASON Greenwood was on the verge of completing his Man United comeback last night as he stepped up training.The suspended striker, 21, was seen being put through his paces by coaches with talks over his future entering their “final phase”.
      Mason Greenwood is on the verge of completing his Man United comeback
      Greenwood was seen being put through his paces by coaches
      He was pictured with a ball as his dad Andrew, 53, cradled the player’s newborn daughter.
      Greenwood followed drills drawn up for him by United coaches overseeing his progress.
      The £75,000-a-week England ace has not played or trained with teammates since his arrest last January.
      But top-level ­discussions at Old Trafford are close to ­conclusion.
      READ MORE ON MASON Greenwood
      Greenwood has the backing of players and manager Erik ten Hag after charges including attempted rape were dropped.
      A source said: “Mason is working harder than ever on the training pitch.
      “He’s desperate to return to the side as soon as possible and wants to put the last 18 months behind him.
      “Talks about his future are in the final phase and the ­players and the manager are behind him.
      Most read in Football
      “The only thing that remains to be decided is whether he returns to first-team action or goes out on a season-long loan.”
      United bosses are keen to announce a decision ahead of their first Prem game of the season on Monday against Wolves.
      After becoming a dad last month with partner Harriet ­Robson, Greenwood is reluctant to relocate.
      Another source said: “There’s talk of buddying him up with teammates so he has a support network around him.
      “They want to ease him back gently and don’t want him isolated.”
      Fans with shirts bearing his name could swap them for free after his arrest while Nike ended a lucrative deal with him. But the CPS dropped charges in February.
      The young forward was pictured training while his dad cradled his daughter
      Talks over Greenwood’s future are entering their ‘final phase’
      The ace has not played or trained with teammates since last January
      He has the backing of players and manager Erik ten HagCredit: Sportsfile
      The player saw charges including attempted rape dropped. Pictured above with partner Harriet RobsonCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More