The Sun Newspaper

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

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Fortune teller predicts if Lionesses will win the World Cup using asparagus

      by

      A FORTUNE teller who used asparagus to predict the Lionesses will win the World Cup says Sunday’s final will be decided on penalties.Jemima Packington — the world’s only asparamancer — claims she can peer into the future by tossing spears in the air and reading the shapes they make when they land.
      Asparamancer Jemima is certain that the Lionesses will come out as winners on SundayCredit: SWNS
      She correctly predicted Brexit, Queen Elizabeth’s death and Harry and Meghan quitting the Royal Family.
      She forecast England’s glory at the end of last year.
      Jemima, 66, of Bath, said: “The asparagus told me we’re in for a tense final and the game will go to penalties.
      “But the Lionesses will come out as winners. I am sure of that.
      READ MORE WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
      “The asparagus could not reveal the score in normal time.
      “But I know it’s going to be an extremely exciting final.
      “We are in for a treat and I am confident of the girls bringing the trophy home.
      “I will be glued to the TV myself. I have been watching every game and they have done the nation proud.
      Most read in Football
      “They are inspiring the next generation. It’s wonderful to see so many children into it too.
      “It really put women’s sport firmly on the map.” More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      They’re straightforward, lack vanity, refuse to be sex objects & are effortlessly patriotic – why we love the Lionesses

      by

      WATCHING the Lionesses celebrating winning their place in the World Cup Final on Wednesday, I felt a sensation unfamiliar to me.It was like my nose was running — but a bit higher up and bringing with it a feeling of happiness not generally associated with a summer cold.
      The Lionesses refuse to be sex objects and are effortlessly patrioticCredit: Getty
      Could the young Lionesses make the old Wags look any less relevant?Credit: Getty
      I was crying! I never cry. I only ever saw my dad cry once — when Prince, our Alsatian, died.
      Why do the Lionesses make me cry?
      Their confidence, not built on the quicksand of vanity.
      Their refusal to be sex objects and/or victims at a time when the objectification and mental health of young women is at an all-time low.

      Their effortless patriotism when we’ve been told for such a long time that it’s the dirtiest of words.
      Their talent and teamwork at a time when the narcissistic and lonely life of the social influencer is held up as the surest way for ambitious girls to find fame.
      Could the young Lionesses make the old Wags look any less relevant?
      Having dreams, ambitions and passions that money can’t buy — and the self-respect that only paying your own way in life can bring — seems far more enviable than being the kept woman of a man who has to take off his boots in order to count up to 20.
      Most read in Football
      If the Lionesses make Wags look bad, they make the male England players look worse.
      These alleged LGBTQ allies — led by “gay icon” David Beckham — were last seen wafting off to Qatar to give good PR to a country where migrant workers are treated like chattels, women are treated like children and homosexuals are treated like criminals.
      The Lionesses draw in multitudes turned off by the ugliness of the male game, with its inordinate share of spouse beaters, cat kickers and sexual assaulters within its ranks.
      All that hype and money — and they haven’t been able to get into a World Cup final for more than half a century.
      Football touches us because, more than any other sport, we can see the child inside the adult — the lack of accoutrements needed means that the poorest kid can access it.
      When a player scores, they react with the joy of a child, as do their friends to their fleeting triumph.
      It’s hard to see the exuberant kid in the over-paid and self-pitying male footballers — but very easy to see it in the Lionesses with their ponytails and bare-faced beauty.
      Their names — Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Mary Earps — carry echoes of our Dickensian heritage while also sounding like super-heroines from the future.
      They already sound like names on statues, even though they’re so young.
      When the Lionesses speak, they conjure up a sense of community which the money-mad and globalist male game has lost.
      And by community, I don’t just mean the country whose shirts they wear.
      I mean a wider female community stretching back into the past — the “Lost Lionesses” of the 1971 Women’s World Cup — and reaching into the future.
      Last year, when the Lionesses won the Uefa European Championship, I heard pre-teen girls yelling the players’ names, like war-cries while kicking a ball around on the public lawns at the end of my street.
      This year I heard a little girl adorably singing “Three Lions wearing skirts” in the local Pizza Express.
      This goes beyond football — it goes to the very heart of confidence for the next generation of teenage girls.
      I wonder how many “tomboys” will be stopped from taking the sad journey to the surgeon’s scalpel now that the Lionesses have shown us such a bold new way of being feminine?
      So I don’t really mind crying at long last, but I hope it stays limited to sport.
      I don’t want to start imitating a fire hydrant every time I see an injured dog on Instagram or spontaneously sobbing during ghastly “girly chats”.
      But, at 64, I finally understand why we get emotional when our team (and the Lionesses really are the first time I’ve thought of any team as being “mine”) wins — or loses, because either way, I can see myself snivelling lots tomorrow.
      Read More on The Sun
      Not just because of what they represent for women’s football — but for women.
      As the Terminator almost said: “Men — I know now why you cry.” More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Foreign Secretary James Cleverly scrambled to attend Women’s World Cup final after Rishi Sunak slammed for not going

      by

      FOREIGN Secretary James Cleverly has been scrambled to attend the final after criticism Rishi Sunak was not going.The minister will fly to Sydney to watch England take on Spain tomorrow.
      James Cleverly will attend the Women’s World Cup Final tomorrowCredit: PA
      The PM, who has decked out Downing Street in England flags, has resisted calls to go.
      Health minister Neil O’Brien said Mr Sunak would “love to be there” but had diary clashes.
      He added: “Some of those things he can’t always move.”
      FA president Prince William has also faced flak for not attending.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      He is believed to have decided to keep down his carbon footprint.
      Meanwhile, Queen Letizia of Spain is heading there with her 16-year-old daughter.
      LBC broadcaster Nick Ferrari said yesterday: “If it were the blokes, you’d have everybody there.” More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      England’s Lionesses set to become millionaires if they win World Cup on Sunday – here’s how

      by

      ENGLAND’S Lionesses are set to be millionaires if they become World Cup champions.Branding experts believe that health, beauty, well-being and sport firms will be queueing up to offer the players “seven-figure sponsorship contracts”.
      England’s Lionesses are set to be millionaires if they become World Cup champions tomorrowCredit: Getty
      Experts believe that players such as Ella Toone could score seven-figure sponsorship contractsCredit: Getty
      More than seven million UK viewers tuned in to watch Wednesday’s 3-1 semi-final victory over Australia — with that number expected to top 12 million for the final against Spain.
      As Brits plan their match-watch parties, supermarket Aldi expected to sell more than 250,000 cans of beer and one million packets of crisps this weekend — and 45 bottles of Prosecco every minute.
      Each of the squad will take home a £211,000 bonus if they win tomorrow.
      But that could be just the beginning.
      read more on lionesses
      Sponsorship consultant Nigel Currie said: “This is the most ­fantastic opportunity for the Lionesses and the FA.
      “Marketeers are always on the lookout for high-profile athletes and in particular female athletes to endorse their products.
      “Emma Raducanu has done extremely well with commercial contracts on the back of winning the US Open and there’s huge potential for many Lionesses to cash in on winning the World Cup.
      “Doing so would be such a unique achievement that the potential riches are even greater.
      Most read in Football
      “Apart from their existing sponsors, which may well have additional success bonuses built in, several of the high-profile players could expect to be earning seven-figure endorsement and sponsorship contracts on the back of a World Cup success.
      He concluded: “The Lionesses have a great image, are extremely personable and all communicate very well which will make them even more attractive from a marketing point of view.”
      The Sun can reveal that defender Lucy Bronze has tucked away the most cash of all the England squad.
      The Barcelona star, 31, has already amassed £197,832 in her firm LRTB Limited after signing deals with Pepsi and Visa.
      Captain Millie Bright has put away £70,467 in her company called Bright 4 Futures Limited, according to latest accounts.
      Meanwhile, goalkeeper Mary Earps has saved £49,458 in her firm Mary Earps Ltd.
      Goalkeeper Mary Earps has saved £49,458 in her firm Mary Earps LtdCredit: Getty
      The Lionesses were seen returning to the pitch for their penultimate training session, ahead of the finalCredit: PA
      Alex Greenwood has saved £24,510 and Lauren James has put away £14,590.
      Yesterday the Lionesses were seen returning to the pitch for their penultimate training session, ahead of the final.
      Snaps showed the team in action at Central Coast Stadium, near Sydney, as they get ready for the biggest match of their careers.
      Videos shared on the Lionesses’ Instagram page also showed the players on fitness bikes.
      Speaking about how training was going, striker Chloe Kelly, 25, told the latest episode of Lionesses Down Under: “It’s been exciting.
      “We’ve got smiles on our faces and are enjoying ourselves.”
      Last night England’s Dutch boss Sarina Wiegman, 53, said she was feeling “confident” for the final.
      She told Sky News: “First of all, I’m very excited.
      “I have a lot of confidence in our team. I think we’re in a very good place, everyone’s fit.
      “We really want to leave with that World Cup.
      “What we are focusing on is how we want to play.
      “We are going to do anything to be at our best and then hopefully that gives us the success we want.”
      She also committed her future to the Lionesses, saying: “I want to stay with England.”
      In another example of final fever, Thorpe Park in Surrey is to give Sunday’s first 23 visitors “fast track” passes to jump to the front of roller-coaster queues.
      And the Armed Forces sent good luck to the squad ahead of the match.
      Read More on The Sun
      A message from HMS Medway at the Falkland Islands said: “We wish the Lionesses the very best this weekend.
      “Good luck, girls, it’s coming home!”
      Snaps have shown the team in action at Central Coast Stadium, near Sydney, as they get ready for the biggest match of their careersCredit: Getty
      England’s Dutch boss Sarina Wiegman has said she was feeling ‘confident’ for the finalCredit: Getty 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

    • 150 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      How Lionesses celebrated reaching World Cup final after smashing Australia 3-1 revealed

      by

      THE Lionesses celebrated reaching the World Cup final with chips and gravy — and a sing-song.Semi-final goal-scorer Ella Toone, 23, revealed the players tucked into the northern treat after beating Australia’s Matildas 3-1 in Sydney.
      Semi-final hero Ella Toone revealed the players enjoyed a portion of chips and gravy after beating Australia 3-1 in SydneyCredit: Getty
      The Manchester United midfielder told the latest episode of Lionesses Down Under: “We got back quite late. We had some chips and gravy.”
      Asked to describe the bus ride after the match, Toone said: “The vibe was really good — we were all singing.”
      But not everyone was as energetic after a hard fought semi-final.
      Teammate Jess Carter, 25, said: “I just don’t know how everyone had the energy. I had my headphones in.”
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      Toone’s latest strike made her the first England player to score in a quarter-final, semi-final and final of major international tournaments.
      She said: “It’s not a bad stat that, is it.
      “One that will stay with me for life.”
      Wednesday night’s semi-final at Stadium Australia in Sydney was played in front of a sellout 75,784 crowd.
      Most read in Football
      According to Australian football news outlet KEEPUP the match was the most watched TV event in Australian history.
      More than 11million – 42 per cent of the country – reportedly tuned in on Channel 7. More

    • 175 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Teen fan slams Nike for not releasing Lioness goalie Mary Earps’ World Cup shirt

      by

      A TEEN who called on Nike to sell replicas of Lioness goalie Mary Earps’ World Cup shirt has been snubbed.Millie Winslett, 17, of Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, wrote to the sportswear giant before the tournament but has had no reply.
      Nike have snubbed calls from fans to sell replicas of Lioness goalie Mary Earps’ World Cup shirtCredit: Rex
      Millie Winslett, 17, was left gutted when Nike told her they wouldn’t release the England women’s goalkeeper shirtCredit: SWNS
      She said: “They should be embarrassed.”
      The teen had penned a heartfelt note to the company ahead of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand asking if they would consider selling the shirt.
      And in the message, she explained how she was saddened that her little sister couldn’t currently get her hands on the fabled sportswear.
      She said: “While I’m devastated that I can’t currently purchase an England shirt with ‘Earps 1’ on the back, it saddens me further that my 10-year-old-sister Lacey, and every other little girl in the country cannot buy [an Earps shirt].”
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      Now, after the Lionesses secured a place in the World Cup final for the first time, she joined the chorus of calls for Nike to release the goalie shirt.
      And Millie, who watched the Lionesses roar to victory at her home in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, yesterday added she was still waiting for a reply from the company.
      She said: “I’ve had no response yet. I’m not sure if I’ll get one now. I’m hoping that they’ll give me one, but they’re still refusing to comment.
      “[Mary Earps] has kept us in the game, as she has done for so many games, and I just think surely that’s enough of a statement to Nike to start producing the kit.
      Most read in Football
      “I’ve lost a little bit of respect for the company. I’m very into my sport and like the things that they produce, but I do think it’s gone on too long now.
      “There are so many people that have reached out and spoken about it… I think by this point, they should be embarrassed by themselves for not doing it.”
      Millie said she was thrilled that the Lionesses had made it through to the World Cup final after their brilliant victory in the Euros last year.
      And she’s backed the side to ‘do the double’ again, saying they were one of the best Football teams that England had ever produced. More