Team GB

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Steph Houghton shares ‘nervous’ first meeting with Pep Guardiola who urge her to become a manager one day

      by

      STEPH HOUGHTON has revealed the first time she met Pep Guardiola he urged her to become a manager in the future.The Manchester City Women skipper bumped into the men’s side boss at the club’s training facility last season.
      Houghton revealed Guardiola sees her as a manager in futureCredit: Getty
      The Spaniard thinks she has great leadership skillsCredit: AP
      It was here where the Spaniard declared his bold vision with Houghton on her leadership skills and how he wants her to use them when she hangs up her boots.
      In a interview with the Daily Mail, Houghton revealed how their encounter went down.
      She said: “He told me to play for as long as I possibly could.
      “He also told me that I had to become a manager because he could see me leading a team.”
      Houghton had gone to the training ground to quickly pick up a tool to speed up her Achilles injury recovery.
      It was a few days after City crushed Tottenham 3-0 in April and the last thing she expected was to see the Spaniard.
      But before she could leave, the 33-year old was summoned by the club’s receptionist who told her the ex-Barcelona boss wanted to see her in his office in 20 minutes.
      She hailed her time with City men’s double-winning boss this season as “amazing.”
      City Women’s skipper couldn’t believe that he wanted to speak with herCredit: AFP

      The Lionesses veteran, who has over a 100 caps, revealed that they spoke about everything from men and women’s football to just life in general.
      Hougton added: “It was the most amazing 40 minutes with him.
      “We spoke about my career, the women’s team, the men’s team, life in general.
      “For him to make the time for me was unbelievable. It was pretty cool.”
      Houghton has been doing her B Licence in management but it has never been her priority.
      She was more leaning towards becoming a strength and conditioning coach as she has a sports science degree.
      But that all changed after her talk with Guardiola, who she says has opened her mind to the possibility of being a boss.
      Houghton continued: “I’m doing my B Licence at the moment but wasn’t too fussed about going into management.
      “I’ve got a sports science degree and have often thought about being a strength and conditioning coach.
      “But then I thought, if Pep can see it then maybe I should!”
      Before Houghton can think about being in the dug-out, she has her focus firmly set on the Tokyo Olympics this summer.
      The defender was picked to represent Team GB by Hege Riise last month in a squad that boast 10 of her City pals.
      Houghton revealed that after experiencing the Olympics at London 2012, she was desperate to give it another shot this time around.
      She said: “I was so desperate to get selected for this one, not just for me but the rest of the team we’re so proud to be able to represent Team GB.
      “With the success of the last Olympics, in terms of women’s football and how it was probably a watershed moment in so many different ways.”
      Man City boss Pep Guardiola pays tribute to Sergio Aguero More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Athletics

      Mo Farah could MISS Tokyo Olympics after Brit hero tastes 10,000m defeat for first time in TEN years

      by

      MO FARAH’S chances of making a fourth Olympics are in major doubt following a first 10,000m defeat for TEN years.The reigning Olympic champion has only three weeks to prove his form for Team GB after failing to secure the qualifying time of 27 minutes 28 seconds.
      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game this summer
      Mo Farah faces a race against time to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics 10,000mCredit: Getty
      Farah says he struggled with a knee injuryCredit: Reuters
      Yorkshireman Marc Scott, 27, was seventh (27:49.83) in the European Cup last night at the University of Birmingham with Farah lagging behind in eighth (27:50.54).
      Age has finally caught up with the 38-year-old, who has until June 27 to find a race globally where he can dip under the necessary standard – if not, then he will stay at home this summer.
      In his first track race since 2017, Farah blamed his slowest time over the distance for seven years on a left ankle injury.
      He said: “I’m obviously disappointed with the result but it is what it is.
      “Without making any excuses, the last ten days haven’t been great since I came back from training but it was important I came to the trials.
      “With 15 laps to go, you know my face, but I was hurting hard. I just had to keep fighting, keep digging.
      “I’ve been carrying a niggle since I got back from training. It is frustrating.
      “It just suddenly came on. I have had some treatment to it and then coming back, it really flared up.
      EURO 2020 BETTING SPECIAL – GET £1 FREE BET FOR EVERY SHOT ON TARGET YOUR GOLDEN BOOT SELECTION HAS
      WIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!
      The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
      And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
      CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
      Dream Team Euros

      £50,000 jackpot
      The best fantasy football game this summer
      Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
      FREE to play

      “To be honest, this is the first bit I have done of track in the last two weeks. It is not ideal.
      “I have no fears you know this is part of the sport.
      “What makes us great is being able to challenge yourself and prove it. So that is what you have got to do as the next stage.
      “I am a four-time Olympic champion but that doesn’t mean nothing. You’ve got to go out there each race and mix it with the best and give yourself a chance.”
      Scot Eilish McColgan won a thrilling women’s race in a time of 31:19.35 and she will be joined on the flight to Tokyo by Jessica Judd, who clocked a personal best of 31:20.96.
      The British hero finished eighth last night with a time of 27:50.54 in BirminghamCredit: PA

      Farah trains with deer in park as he reckons Olympics delay could help gold bid More

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Fran Kirby ready to put Chelsea bond with team-mate Kerr on hold at Tokyo Olympics

      by

      FRAN KIRBY says her bond with Sam Kerr will not stop her gunning for victory if Great Britain and Australia go head-to-head at the Olympics.The Chelsea playmaker made the admission after being selected to represent Team GB at the Tokyo games in July.
      Fran Kirby is ready to put her Blues bond with Sam Kerr to one side at the Tokyo OlympicsCredit: Getty
      Sam Kerr will be leading Australia’s attack at the Tokyo Olympics’ football tournament in JulyCredit: Corbis – Getty
      Kirby, 27, has established a formidable partnership at Chelsea with Matildas skipper Kerr
      The duo netted 37 goals last term helping Chelsea to nab their fourth WSL title.
      And their bond has seen them compared to Manchester United legends Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke, who helped lead the Red Devils to a historic treble in 1999.
      But Kirby says she is prepared to put their special on-pitch bond to one side if it would mean a for Team GB.
      Kirby told FAWSL Full-Time: “I think of course it’s always special to play against people who you play with week in, week out on a scale like that. “
      “For so many of us to be able to go there and represent our countries in the Olympics, I think it’s something that we need to celebrate, obviously, as team-mates and as friends.
      “But I think obviously, when you come into a game situation, I think that kind of just gets thrown out the window.
      “She (Kerr) knows a lot about my play and I know a lot about her play so I think we’ll be able to give a bit of info on each other.”
      “For me, it’s just exciting. I think it’s exciting for all of us to be involved and all of us to just go out there and have fun and be Olympians and be able to be in that environment together.
      Kerr and Kirby netted 37 league goals helping Chelsea win their fourth WSL titleCredit: Getty
      “I think it’s going to be really nice but I think once you get in that moment, you’re just completely focused on your team.
      “And you’re not trying to think about how you can make your friend happy. It’s about how can you win for your team.”
      Kirby is joined by her Blues pals Millie Bright and Wales skipper Sophie Ingle in a Team GB squad that consists of 11 Manchester City players.
      And they will have to be at their best if they come up against team-mate Kerr who scored an incredible 21 goals for Emma Hayes’ side last season.
      The 27-year-old also eyeing success with Australia who have former USA assistant boss Tony Gustavsson in charge for the upcoming tournament.
      And the WSL’s Golden Boot winner reckons her national side can go far with Gustavsson at the helm.
      CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH
      Kirby’s performances for Chelsea earned her a WSL Player of the Year AwardCredit: Getty

      Kerr said: “I think he’s going to fit in well not only with the team off the field, but on the field, I think he’s what we need.”
      Chelsea fans will get to see their stars in action when the tournament begins on July 21.
      Team GB are due to play Chile in their opening Olympic Group E game followed by matches against Japan and Canada in Tokyo’s Sapporo Stadium.
      Hege Riise’s Team GB side will be pushing for a Gold medal win at the Tokyo OlympicsCredit: PA
      Manchester City star Caroline Weir targets Team GB Olympic glory like ‘mentor’ Andy Murray More

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Team GB keeper Bardsley suffers hamstring injury putting Tokyo Olympics hopes at risk

      by

      KAREN BARDSLEY’S chances of playing at the Olympics appear to have taken a blow after she hurt her hamstring during a National Women’s Soccer League game. The Man City keeper who is on loan at OL Reign suffered the injury during their 1-0 loss to Washington Spirit in the United States. 
      Karen Bardsley sustained a hamstring injury during OL Reign’s 1-0 loss to Washington Spirit in the NWSLCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And it comes just days after the stopper was named in Hege Riise’s Team GB football squad. 
      Bardsley’s hamstring problem will come as a concern to Riise who chose the London 2012 Olympian and Ellie Roebuck as her preferred two goalkeepers in her 18-strong squad. 
      The veteran stopper will have around seven weeks to be fully fit ahead of Great Britain’s first match at the Tokyo Games against Chile on July 21.
      Bardsley, who has 81 England caps, is one of five players in the squad who represented Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics. 
      And the US-born stopper, whose family hail from Stockport, helped the team reach the quarter finals of the 2012 Games where they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Canada. 
      Should Bardsley’s injury affect her fitness, Riise has rising Everton star Sandy MacIver as part of her reserve group. 
      The Toffees keeper is travelling to Tokyo as one of four players serving as back-ups to the squad of 18.
      MacIver, who moved to Everton in 2020 from United States college team Clemson Tigers, made her senior England international debut in March this year. 
      CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH
      Everton’s Sandy MacIver is travelling as Team GB’s reserve keeper for Bardsley and Ellie RoebuckCredit: Getty

      The Everton stopper came on as a second-half substitute during England’s 6-0 trouncing of Northern Ireland. 
      The WSL ace kept six clean sheets in 18 top tier games for Willie Kirk’s Toffees who finished fifth in the league last term. 
      And the Everton boss has tipped MacIver to become one of the world’s best keepers following her string of stunning saves during Everton’s 3-1 loss to Man City in the 2020 Women’s FA Cup final. 
      Manchester City’s Ellie Roebuck is one of two keepers named in Hege Riise’s Team GB squadCredit: Getty
      Manchester City star Caroline Weir targets Team GB Olympic glory like ‘mentor’ Andy Murray More

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Manchester City star Weir targets Team GB Olympic glory like ‘mentor’ Andy Murray

      by

      CAROLINE WEIR recalls being left ‘devastated’ when a late Finland goal ended Scotland’s dreams of reaching the 2022 Women’s Euros.But the Man City winger reckons competing in the Olympics and emulating Andy Murray has helped ease the ‘disappointment’ of that December night. 
      Caroline Weir says Team GB are hoping for a gold medal win at the Tokyo OlympicsCredit: Getty
      Weir says London 2012 gold medallist Andy Murray has been a ‘great mentor’ to herCredit: EPA
      Weir is one of two Scotland stars included in an 18-strong Team GB squad chosen by Hege Riise with the other being Arsenal skipper Kim Little.
      And the in-form playmaker, with a knack for netting wonder goals, is also targeting World Cup qualification with Scotland for the second time in her nation’s history.
      Weir, 25, said: “The fact that I’m going to the Tokyo Olympics this summer probably makes next summer and the fact I’m not going to the Euros, a little bit easier.
      “The disappointment with Scotland was a tough one to take. And it did take a little bit of time to get over it.
      “But at the same time, we have the qualifying campaign for the 2023 World Cup. 
      “It feels like a long way away, but it’s in a few months and we’ll have a Scotland camp in June and our focus will turn to that. 
      “Yes it (not qualifying for the Euros) was disappointing at the time, but I think you’ve got to move on quickly and I think we’ve all done that now.”
      Weir, who moved City in 2018 after a two-year Liverpool spell, has enjoyed a standout season with the Manchester giants including a 2020 FA Cup win. 
      The Dunfermline-born player netted eight times in 20 top-flight games last term as City took Chelsea to the wire before finishing second in the WSL title race. 
      FRENCH OPEN SPECIAL GET NADAL TO WIN THE TOURNAMENT AT 30/1
      Weir wowed WSL fans with her performances for Man City this termCredit: Getty

      Goals include an audacious 18-yard chip in a memorable Manchester derby that went viral on social media.
      Weir, admits to being a fan of the Olympics as a spectator and taking pleasure from watching the Games’ ‘random sports’.
      The forward who began her career at the age of ten at Hibernian, is an admirer of the exploits of past Team GB Olympians.
      These include the dramatic gold-winning performances of Sir Chris Hoy and tennis ace Murray at the London 2012 Games. 
      And the Man City star, who became the first female football player to join Murray’s 77 Sports Management in March 2020, says the three-time grand slam winner has been a reliable source for advice. 
      [embedded content]
      Weir added: “Andy has been a great mentor to me over the last 12 months.
      “Any kind of questions or advice I need from him, whether that’s performance, psychological – whatever it might be – he’s at the end of the phone and he’s been really helpful.
      “And I’m sure I’ll be asking him a little bit about his Olympic experiences going forward, but he’s been great and really positive.”
      Great Britain will take on Canada, Chile and Japan in Group E of the Tokyo Olympics’ women’s football tournament in Japan in July. 
      In addition to Weir and Little, the group includes Chelsea midfielder Sophie Ingle who made history by becoming the first Wales player in a GB women’s football squad. 
      And Weir who is a ‘proud Scot’ is hoping the Scottish public will get behind the team as they bid to make history by winning gold. 
      Weir and her Scotland team-mates are aiming to qualify for the 2023 World CupCredit: The Sun
      Weir said: “It’s kind of sinking in a little bit now as the day goes on, but to put on a Team GB kit is something I never thought would happen or kind of dreamed of.
      “I’ve wanted to play in World Cups and things like that, but you just don’t necessarily think of playing at the Olympics.
      “I remember watching 2012 and I remember watching Kim and the team do so well in London.
      “To be here alongside Kim (Little) is a huge honour. I think that’s what’s great about Team GB and the fact that there are Scots here and Sophie Ingle is in the squad.
      “You also look around and you see those experienced players like Jill Scott, Steph Houghton, Kim, Karen Bardsley and Ellen White who’ve seen it all and went to London 2012.
      Arsenal star Kim Little will represent Team GB for the second time in her career after competing at the London 2012 GamesCredit: Getty
      “But we have such good young players in the squad too that will bring that youth, and excitement.
      “Hopefully that will unite the home nations, and everyone can get behind us because it’s a strong squad.
      “We really want to do a good job and hopefully bring something back.
      “We’ve got to go for gold and of course it’s going to be a tough tournament but the team is talented.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Team GB hope to go beyond the quarter-finals of the Tokyo Olympics football tournament after reaching that stage at London 2012Credit: Alan Walter – The Times
      Caroline Weir and Lauren Hemp among WSL aces included in Hege Riise’s Team GB squad More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City skipper Houghton reveals she was ‘desperate’ to be in Team GB after London 2012 experience

      by

      STEPH HOUGHTON has opened up on her desperation to be part of Team GB women’s football squad after competing in the London 2012 Games. The Manchester City and England skipper says the pride she felt in representing Great Britain is something she is eager to feel again.
      Houghton will represent Team GB for the second time at an Olympics after competing in the London 2012 GamesCredit: Getty
      Houghton is among a group of five WSL veterans who helped Britain reach the quarter-finals of the women’s football tournament at the 2012 Olympics.
      The City star and Olympians Jill Scott, Kim Little, Karen Bardsley and Ellen White hope to win a medal this time around.
      And Houghton, 33, cannot wait to help head coach Hege Riise and Team GB achieve something special at the Tokyo Games in July.
      The City skipper said: “Being part of London 2012 and experiencing what the Olympic Games was like.
      “I was so desperate to get selected for this one, not just for me but the rest of the team we’re so proud to be able to represent Team GB.
      “With the success of the last Olympics, in terms of women’s football and how it was probably a watershed moment in so many different ways.
      “In terms of how many fans came to watch us, the performances that we produced, everybody’s so excited to get to Tokyo to go and do something special.”
      Back in 2012, Houghton and her team began their quest to win an Olympic medal in stunning fashion
      Houghton is one of five 2012 Olympians included in Hege Riise’s Team GB squad of 18Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      They won their opening three group games and thumped Cameroon 3-0 in the last 16.
      But their run was cut short when they lost 2-0 in the quarters to Canada.
      But Houghton believes the Champions League experience gained by the current crop of Team GB’s football stars could help them in their bid to win a medal.
      Houghton added: “If I look back to 2012 I think we performed really well in the group stages.
      “And I look back at the game against Canada in the quarter-final back then and I know that it wasn’t the best version of us as a team.
      “I look at the squad and the individuals that we have and the mix of not just English players but Scottish and Welsh players.
      “I think it’s a squad full of quality people, that individually have played in big games, whether that’s a Champions League final or the highest games at the World Cup for their country.”

      Houghton, who has made 81 Man City appearances since her 2014 switch from Arsenal, led England to the semis of the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.
      And the Olympian, who made four Team GB appearances at the 2012 Games, believes Riise’s squad has the right balance of older and younger players to excel in Tokyo.
      Houghton added: “The talent we have really excites me and I think we’ve got the perfect blend of youth and experience.
      “And for us, our expectation is always to go and win as many games as we possibly can and that doesn’t change whether I’m sitting here wearing a Team GB shirt or an England shirt.”
      Houghton is proud to see the Team GB squad feature rising stars such as Lauren HempCredit: Getty
      Manchester United forward Ella Toone and Chelsea’s Niamh Charles are among the four WSL stars travelling with Team GB as reserves.
      They will be joined by Everton keeper Sandy MacIver and Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben-Moy who are serving as back-ups for Riise’s squad of 18.
      And Houghton says she is curious to see how they will react emotionally to being at the Games in Tokyo.
      If I look back at the last year and what we’ve been all been through as people, not just as footballers, ultimately we’re just so happy to be able to go to an Olympic GamesSteph Houghton
      The Man City captain said: “I’ve actually been speaking to the likes of Ella Toone and Niamh Charles who are going to be with us for the whole tournament.
      “And I’m so excited to see how they’ll react to being in that environment because of the feelings I had as a young player at London 2012.
      “It’s such a surreal feeling to be part of something that we’ve all probably watched since we’ve been kids but we’ve never expected to be a part of.
      “I’m just so excited for them to experience what we did and for the likes of me, Jill Scott, Ellen White, Karen Bardsley and Kim Little, to go and experience that again we feel so fortunate and proud that we can do it.
      “But I think if I look back at the last year and what we’ve been all been through as people, not just as footballers, ultimately we’re just so happy to be able to go to an Olympic Games.
      Houghton is looking forward to seeing the effect the Tokyo Olympics will have on young players including Niamh CharlesCredit: Getty
      “To go and represent Team GB and even though our families and all our fans can’t be there with us I know they’ll be there with us back home.”
      Houghton won plaudits for her Team GB performances at the 2012 Games, becoming her side’s top scorer with three goals in the tournament.
      But the centre-back, who has won three FA Cups and a league title with Man City has not had the best preparation for the tournament due to an Achilles injury.
      However the City skipper, who is “100 per cent fit” is raring to start training.
      Houghton added: “It’s not been ideal preparation, in terms of our players have played a lot of games.
      “And for me to be missing just over a month and a half worth of games is unlike me.
      “But there were lots of conversations behind the scenes in terms of ultimately my aim was to represent Team GB at the Olympics.
      “I just had to listen to the doctors at England and Manchester City and the physios and the coaches.
      Hege Riise’s Great Britain squad features by ten of Houghton’s Man City team-matesCredit: Getty
      “I have also been taking my time a little bit more so that I’m ready to go and yeah I’m 100% fit.
      “I’ve been training over the last few weeks, I feel confident in my body and I just can’t wait to start training with the rest of the girls.”
      Great Britain are due to play Chile in their opening Olympic Group E game followed by clashes Japan and Canada in their Olympic group matches.
      Matches are due to commence on July 21 with their first two fixtures due to take place at the Sapporo Dome.
      Team GB will play their opening game at the Sapporo Dome Stadium where David Beckham netted England’s winner in a 2002 World Cup game against ArgentinaCredit: Reuters
      Caroline Weir and Lauren Hemp among WSL aces included in Hege Riise’s Team GB squad More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Team GB eye men’s football team at Paris 2024 Olympics having not featured since London 2012

      by

      TEAM GB are keen on sending a men’s football team to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.Mark England, Chef de Mission of Team GB, has said he would “absolutely love” to take a men’s football team to the Paris Olympics, ending a 12-year absence.
      Daniel Sturridge, 22 at the time, featured for Team GBCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game
      The men’s team has not featured since the London 2012 Olympics, which saw them reach the quarter-finals on home soil.
      Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs captained the team, which included Premier League stars such as Daniel Sturridge, Aaron Ramsey, Ryan Bertrand and Craig Bellamy.
      But the team filled with Premier League stars lost to South Korea in the quarter-finals on penalties.
      Great Britain’s women’s team, however, will compete in this summer’s Tokyo Olympics.
      And England is hopeful that the success of the Women’s team will be a “positive step” for an open discussion on a men’s team in the future.
      He said: “I would absolutely love to take a men’s football team to the Olympic Games.
      “I think the experiences that the women have had through the home country FAs hopefully will be that positive step and impetus for an open dialogue on men’s teams in the future.”
      England went on to praise the strength of women’s football.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      WIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!
      The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
      And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
      CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
      Dream Team Euros

      £50,000 jackpot
      The best fantasy football game this summer
      Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
      FREE to play

      And has admitted that Team GB would be disappointed if they were not able to field a competitive team in the Paris 2024 Olympics, as well as the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
      He said: “Obviously the strength now that we can see in women’s football (means) we’d be very disappointed if, in France in Paris in 2024 and on to Los Angeles in 2028, we weren’t fielding competitive teams across all sports but in particular competitive teams in football as well.
      “We’ve only concentrated on this particular cycle, and then as soon as this one is over, we’ll be getting across the negotiating table to ensure that all of the good work that’s been done for this particular cycle, we can replicate in 2024 and 2028 as well.”
      US tells fans NOT to go to Japan for Olympics as a devastating Covid fourth wave leaves hospitals ‘collapsed’ More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Britain’s Olympic women’s team will go to scene of David Beckham’s World cup resurrection to launch bid for Tokyo glory

      by

      BRITAIN’S Olympic women’s team will go back to the scene of David Beckham’s World Cup resurrection to launch their bid for Tokyo glory.Team GB, coached by Norwegian Hege Riise, were drawn with hosts Japan, Canada and Chile in Group E when the 12-team tournament kicks off on Wednesday, July 21, two days BEFORE the official opening of the Games.
      Team GB have been drawn against Japan, Canada and Chile in Group ECredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Norwegian Hege Riise’s troops will face hosts Japan in their second Group E match
      They will play their opener against Chile, as well as their second match with Japan three days later, at the indoor Sapporo Dome in Sapporo, 500 miles north of Tokyo on the island of Hokkaido.
      That was the scene of England’s grudge group match with Argentina at the 2002 World Cup.
      Sven Goran Eriksson’s side won 1-0, courtesy of a Beckham penalty, after Michael Owen had induced a “foul” by future Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.
      Skipper Beckham, who had been cast in the role of national villain after his red card against Argentina in St Etienne at the 1998 World Cup, slammed home from the spot and celebrated with wild frenzy as he cast aside that cloud from four years earlier.
      Team GB’s clash with Japan takes place at the Sapporo Dome, the site where David Beckham redeemed himself to England fans in the 2002 World CupCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Riise’s side avoided favourites USA but the scale of their task was underlined only last week when England lost 2-0 to Canada – coached by ex-Lionesses’ boss Phil Neville’s No 2 Bev Priestman – in a friendly.
      The final group match with the Canadians will be played in Kashima on July 27.
      But by beating Chile in their opener, GB would take a huge step towards the knock-out stage with two of the three third-placed sides going on to the last eight.
      David Beckham takes up new hobby as he learns how to play paddle tennis More