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      Bright criticises VAR absence in Women’s Nations League following England’s loss to the Netherlands

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      MILLIE BRIGHT slammed the absence of VAR absence in the Women’s Nations League after England’s 2-1 loss to the Netherlands following a goal that looked offside. Renate Jansen’s shot saw Sarina Wiegman endure a tough welcome home with the sub’s late strike ruining the visitors’ hopes of a draw. 
      Millie Bright called out the lack of consistency in the use of VAR in women’s international tournament fixturesCredit: Getty
      Lieke Martens gave the hosts a 34th-minute lead despite Danielle van de Donk appearing to be offsideCredit: Getty
      Renate Jansen clinched the win in stoppage time for the Netherlands during their Women’s Nations League duel with EnglandCredit: Getty
      The result saw them move up to second behind Belgium in their Women’s Nations League group with England dropping to thirdCredit: Getty
      But the Netherlands’ first-half opener on Tuesday night left their former head coach fuming.
      Officials failed to spot Danielle van de Donk in what looked an offside position in the build-up to the goal. 
      And there was no video assistant referee (VAR) to aid them during the clash at Stadion Galgenwaard. 
      Defeat in Utrecht for the World Cup finalists put a dent in their bid to seal Team GB qualification for next year’s Olympics

      It also saw them register their third loss this year and their third in 41 games under Wiegman. 
      England skipper Bright said: “It is always frustrating [to not have VAR]. 
      “I think we push the level of the game to be so high and professional, yet we sometimes have VAR, sometimes don’t, sometimes have goal-line technology. There is no consistency. 
      “But, by no means is that an excuse. We put ourselves in that position – not clearing the ball, not getting out of pressure. 
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      “But these are the differences in games as well and it is really unfortunate that these are still huge decisions that are incorrect. 
      “But that’s where we as players have to keep speaking about it, we have to step up, we have to demand better and demand more. 
      “This is international football and we do not have VAR in a competitive international game, which is mind-blowing.”
      The Netherlands’ controversial opener came in the 34th minute with England coming under pressure from the hosts pressing high up the pitch. 
      Bright found herself having to clear a hopeful long ball forward to Lineth Beerensteyn early in the game. 
      And the England captain blocked a shot from Victoria Pelova who was among her side’s most threatening players on the counter. 
      Bright added: “We put ourselves in that position in the first couple of phases where we aren’t clearing the ball, it ricochets off and she (Van de Donk) is clearly offside.
      “But I never want to make excuses in the game. 
      “For both goals we put ourselves in positions to give them the opportunity to put the ball in the back of the net. 
      “So for us it is being a little bit tidier and also being better in the final third. 
      “No excuses off the back of a heavy summer. 
      “Unfortunately that is the schedule we are in and we have to keep moving forward, but we have to find ways to win.”
      Martens gave the hosts a 34th minute-lead after England weathered pressure in the first half hour. 
      Her goal came after Jackie Groenen charged down Georgia Stanway’s attempt to clear with the ball ricocheting off Van de Donk who appeared offside before a shot was slammed home. 
      When asked about officials failing to chalk off Marten’s strike given Van de Donk’s positioning, Wiegman said: “I’m very frustrated that the goal was [given] onside. 
      “First of all I thought our build wasn’t necessary to do it that way but it was so obvious it was offside. 
      “I think the whole stadium thought it was offside so I’m really disappointed about that.
      “When you talk about VAR, of course it would have taken away that goal. 
      “We need consistency in VAR. Either you have VAR or you don’t have VAR.
      “Not have it in one game and then in another game you don’t have VAR.”
      The clash between England and their Dutch opponents was the first time Wiegman had overseen the Lionesses in a match against her compatriots in her homeland.
      The last encounter between two teams Wiegman led to Euros glory  saw her current side thrash her former one 5-1 in a friendly last June. 
      This time round the Netherlands took the fight to England with Martens giving them a first half lead. 
      And the visitors looked to hit back with Lauren Hemp and Lucy Bronze prompting two stunning saves from Daphne van Domselaar with the Aston Villa summer signing shining in goal. 
      This was shortly before Lineth Beerensteyn hit the woodwork close to half time after jetting into the box with Jess Carter hot on her heels. 
      The second spell saw England battle their way back with a Hemp effort cleared off the line before Alessia Russo nabbed a leveller with 26 minutes of normal time remaining.
      But Jansen dealt a blow to Lionesses’ hopes of grabbing a draw pouncing
      The super sub, who came on close to the final whistle, pounced on a misplaced pass from Alex Greenwood to net a stoppage time winner. 
      The loss for the Lionesses saw them drop to third behind the Netherlands in group A1 with Scotland clinching a  1-1 draw with leaders Belgium. 
      England will hope to return to winning ways when they face Belgium home and away in their next two Women’s Nations League fixtures in October. 
      Last night’s result brought an end to a busy period of international fixtures for England the with team returning to action next month.
      The Lionesses have played ten games in three months with little time for a break over the summer due to the World Cup and warm-up games prior to the tournament.
      And Wiegman expressed concern over players being left fatigued due to a busy international fixture schedule. 
      She added: “What we said before on the schedule was that it was very overloaded.
      Sarina Wiegman says the women’s game’s international schedules need to be looked at so players can have more rest timeCredit: PA
      “What all the coaches say here in Europe is that we have to look at that schedule. 
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      “The players need to have some rest, they are not robots.
      “There’s a little lack of rhythm but I don’t think that was the problem of why we didn’t win today but it’s an issue that’s ongoing.” More

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      Netherlands 2-1 England LIVE RESULT – Women’s Nations League: Dutch super-sub Jansen wins it late on against Lionesses

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      NETHERLANDS scored late on against England to hand the Dutch all three points in Group A1.The Lionesses fell behind in the first half after Lieke Martens’ stunning curler beat Mary Earps to make it 1-0.
      Alessia Russo equalised in the 64th minute after slotting the ball into the top-right corner to draw England back level.
      But Renate Jansen’s late winner gave Sarina Wiegman’s former side the spoils on the night.

      Match result: Netherlands 2-1 England
      Netherlands team: Van Domselaar, Dijkstra, Roord, Beerensteyn, Spitse, Van de Donk, Martens, Groenen, Pelova, Janssen, Brugts
      England team: Earps, Bronze, Carter, Zelem, Greenwood, Bright, Daly, Stanway, Russo, Toone, Hemp

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      Follow our live blog below…
      That’s all from Stadion Galgenwaard
      The Lionesses suffered their third defeat under Sarina Wiegman at the hands of her former team, Netherlands.
      However, there is still a long way to go in the Nations League, with four group fixtures still remaining.
      England are back in action next month when they face Belgium twice.
      But before then, players return to league action to kick off the 2022-23 season.
      Thank you for reading, and goodnight!
      ‘It was offside’
      When they scored their first goal, we didn’t do well, we didn’t play well, but it was so obviously offside.
      I never say anything about this, but this was so obvious and it needs to be seen.
      The standards of the game are getting higher and higher so (VAR) will absolutely help.”Sarina Wiegmanspeaking to ITV Sport
      Elsewhere in the Nations League

      Italy 0-1 Sweden
      Germany 4-0 Iceland
      Austria 0-1 France
      Portugal 3-2 Norway
      Wales 1-5 Denmark
      Scotland 1-1 Belgium
      Spain 5-0 Switzerland

      ‘You want to see new players’
      England legend Ian Wright believes Sarina Wiegman should give other players a chance in the upcoming Nations League games.
      Speaking on ITV4, he said: “Yes it is a scenario where England are trying to qualify Team GB for the Olympics, but these are the situations you want to see new players be given their chance.
      “The likes of Esme Morgan at centre half, Maya le Tissier, or perhaps Jess Park. Even Ebony Salmon, can some of these players come on and give the side something else?
      “You want players to be able to come into the squad and experience situations like the first half, where it wasn’t going so well, to see if they have it in them to also work out how to solve issues.”
      Group A1
      As things stand, England have slipped to third in Group A1.
      A disappointing night for the Lionesses.

      Millie Bright reacts
      Speaking to ITV4, the England defender said: “It’s hard because there were some really good parts of the game where we really dominated. I thought they were ruthless when they had their opportunities and to be honest we gifted them two goals.
      “When you concede in that manner, that’s the most disappointing thing especially when games like this really matter.
      “There is still a lot to play for. We have to rest, recover, go again and reflect because the games get harder and harder. We have to get better as a team, evolve and develop.
      “Second-half we came out as a different team and put the passes together better. There were really good parts.
      “But as I said, if you give away two goals like that, it makes it really hard. They had less chances but were really, really clinical. We were not ruthless enough in that area.”
      Credit: Getty
      Full Time – Netherlands 2-1 England
      Another uninspiring performance from the Lionesses.
      Sarina Wiegman’s side stepped up in the second half following a formation change, but two defensive mistakes ultimately cost them.
      It could be put down to injuries, absences or even fatigue with the World Cup final just one month ago, but Wiegman will be hoping for an improved display when England return to action next month.
      Full Time – Netherlands 2-1 England
      It’s all over.
      Sarina Wiegman suffers defeat at the hands of her former team.
      Credit: PA
      90+7. Netherlands 2-1 England
      Roord is booked for a challenge on Zelem.
      England have a late free kick as the Lionesses flood the box, but nothing comes of it.
      90+5. Netherlands 2-1 England
      We’re into the final minute of added time.
      England desperately need to create something now.
      90. GOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLL NETHERLANDS!!!!!
      Super-sub Jansen runs straight through the England defence and fires the ball past Earps!
      Terrible defending by the Lionesses…
      Credit: AP
      89. Netherlands 1-1 England
      Chance for England as the ball falls to James on the edge of the box.
      The Chelsea star takes it down before going for goal, but her shot flies over the bar.
      84. Netherlands 1-1 England
      Another double change for Netherlands.
      Groenen is replaced by Egurrola.
      Beerensteyn is replaced by Jansen.
      81. Netherlands 1-1 England
      Another change for England.
      James replaces Russo.
      Hemp moves into the middle while James takes her place on the right.
      79. Netherlands 1-1 England
      Stanway receives the ball in midfield and attempts an audacious strike from distance, but her effort is well off-target.
      77. Netherlands 1-1 England
      Jonker makes two changes for Netherlands.
      Pelova is replaced by Kaptein.
      Brugts is replaced by Wilms.
      73. Netherlands 1-1 England
      The Lionesses break forward in numbers as the ball is sent over to Toone.
      The midfielder goes to square it across the box, but the Dutch defence can clear the danger.
      65. Netherlands 1-1 England
      It’s been coming.
      England have grown into this game massively over the last 15 minutes and they have finally reaped the rewards.
      Kelly brilliantly pokes the ball through to Stanway, who goals for goal, but her shot deflects of Janssen and straight into the path of Russo.
      The striker then shoots while under pressure and slots the ball into the top-right corner!
      Credit: Getty
      64. GOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL ENGLAND!!!!!
      Russo levels the score!
      61. Netherlands 1-0 England
      Van Domselaar AGAIN!
      Hemp makes a run into the box and crosses the ball to Russo, but the Dutch goalkeeper gets across to stop the striker from taking the shot.
      A phenomenal performance so far from Van Domselaar.
      57. Netherlands 1-0 England
      WHAT. A. SAVE!
      Kelly crosses the ball to Hemp at the back post, who goes for goal from just a few yards out, but Van Domselaar somehow gets across to make an outstanding save!
      Credit: AP
      54. Netherlands 1-0 England
      Chance for the Lionesses!
      Russo picks the ball up 25 yards out from goal and tees up a shot, but instead sets it out to Bronze.
      The right-back crosses the ball to Hemp in the box, but the winger’s shot is cleared six yards off the line.
      52. Netherlands 1-0 England
      England are still struggling to take control of this game, particularly in midfield.
      They are yet to have a shot at goal this half.
      46. Netherlands 1-0 England
      Wiegman made a change at the break.
      Kelly is on to replace Daly.
      Carter has now moved onto the left, with England switching to a back four.
      Hemp is on the left wing with Kelly on the right and Russo as a solo striker.
      Kick Off – Netherlands 1-0 England
      We’re back underway!
      Load more entries… More

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      Wiegman eager to see England top group following Women’s Nations League clash with the Netherlands

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      SARINA WIEGMAN insists there will be no split loyalties when she oversees England in their upcoming clash with the Netherlands.And the head coach admits steering Lionesses against her Dutch compatriots for the first time on home soil will be a strange and nice experience
      Sarina Wiegman is fully focused on steering England to back-to-back wins in the Women’s Nations LeagueCredit: Getty
      The Lionesses’ second clash in the contest will see them take Wiegman’s compatriots in UtrechtCredit: Getty
      Wiegman, 53, has been looking ahead to a Tuesday night clash between her old side and the reigning Euros champs in the Women’s Nations League.
      A win in Utrecht for the World Cup finalists could deal a blow to her compatriots’ hopes of qualifying for the Olympics in Paris next summer. 
      Wiegman, whose England aces are second in Group A behind Belgium,  said: “If we were not playing the Netherlands then of course I (would) want them to do well. 
      “But we are playing against them and we want to win the game. I can turn that off, I have to, it’s my job. 

      “I want the Netherlands to have the best but we want to be first in the league.
      “It’s just very special to be here, to play the opponents and of course we know each other really well. 
      “I know most of the staff, the players and it’s in the Netherlands so lots of people will be in the stands.
      “It’s a little bit strange too. Of course I have some memories here. I’m really looking forward to it.”
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      England’s clash with the Dutch team Wiegman led to Euros glory in 2017 comes two days after their rivals’ 2-1 loss to Belgium in their Women’s Nations League opener
      And the head coach, who confirmed Alessia Russo is available for the game, is wary of taking her opponents for granted. 
      She added: “If you look at their stats against Belgium, they had pretty good stats and I saw how the game developed. 
      “They were a little bit unlucky and Belgium took their chances.
      “You say the last couple of games they lost – I think one of the last was (against) Spain who became world champions.
      “That’s a game that was very close, and they did well in that game too. 
      “Of course, they want to do well because their goal is also still to come first in the group.” 
      England’s clash with their Dutch opponents will8 see Wiegman pits her wits against Netherlands boss Andries Jonker, who managed her during her playing days at Ter Leede. 
      It also comes a day after Wiegman hailed midfielder superstar Megan Rapinoe who played her very last game for the USA on Sunday – a 2-0 win against South Africa.
      The Netherlands are eager to return to winning ways after falling to a slim 2-1 defeat against Belgium last time outCredit: EPA
      Wiegman paid tribute to NWSL heroine Megan Rapinoe following her final game for the USACredit: Getty
      And she believes the Lionesses can take up the mantle of Rapinoe and her US team-mates in helping leading the fight for women’s rights in football. 
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      Wiegman added: “The US are the trailblazers in women’s football, but not only in women’s football but also the position of women in society.
      “Megan  had a big role in that. We see England players having a big role in that too.” More

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      Netherlands vs England: Lionesses eye back-to-back wins in Nations League group – FREE stream, TV, team news

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      ENGLAND will face the Netherlands in their second Women’s Nations League match in Group A1.The Lionesses beat rivals Scotland 2-1 last Friday thanks to goals from Lucy Bronze and Lauren Hemp.
      England beat Scotland in their Nations League group openerCredit: GETTY
      Meanwhile, Netherlands suffered defeat in their Nations League opener after Jassina Blom’s 93rd-minute strike secured all three points for Belgium against the Dutch.
      England have only lost two of their previous 14 matches in all competitions against the Netherlands, with the Lionesses winning 5-1 in their last meeting in 2022.
      Sarina Weigman’s side go into Tuesday night’s clash in outstanding form, losing just one of their last 31 competitive international fixtures under the Dutch manager.
      When is Netherlands vs England?

      Netherlands vs England will take place on Tuesday, September 26.
      Kick off be at 7pm BST.
      The Stadion Galgenwaard will host.

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      What TV channel is Netherlands vs England on and can it be live streamed FREE?

      Netherlands vs England will be broadcast LIVE on ITV4.
      You can live stream all the action for FREE via the ITVX website/app.
      Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action.

      Team news
      Alessia Russo may be involved on Tuesday night after missing the Scotland clash on Friday due to linking up with the team late last week.
      The forward’s return means Sarina Weigman will have an entire squad to pick from for the Netherlands clash.
      England squad: Earps, Hampton, Roebuck, Bronze, Bright, Greenwood, Carter, Charles, Le Tissier, Morgan, Wubben-Moy, Coombs, Nobbs, Park, Staniforth, Stanway, Toone, Zelem, Daly, Hemp, James, Kelly, Russo, Robinson.
      Most read in Football
      Netherlands squad: Van Domselaar, Kop, Weimar, Auee, Baijings, Beernensteyn, Brugts, Casparij, Dijkstra, Van de Donk, Damaris, Groenen, Jansen, Janssen, Kalma, Kaptein, Martens, Olislagers, Pelova, Roord, Snoeijs, Spitse, Wilms.
      What are the odds?
      Match result

      Netherlands – 33/20
      Draw – 11/5
      England – 27/20

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      England 2 Scotland 1: Lionesses win hard-fought Auld Enemy clash to get Women’s Nations League campaign off to a flier

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      ENGLAND proved there was no World Cup hangover with a battling 2-1 defeat of Scotland in the Women’s Nations League. Ex-Sunderland ace Lucy Bronze had the Stadium of Light crowd rocking as the hosts fended off a feisty fightback to win their opening fixture.  
      England clinched three points on their first-ever Nations League appearanceCredit: EPA
      Rachel Daly thought she had opened the scoring, but the goal was disallowed after Kelly was deemed to be in an offside positionCredit: Reuters
      It is a victory that brings England a little closer to getting the results they need for a Team GB football side to qualify for the Paris Olympics. 
      In a match that came a month after the team endured World Cup final heartbreak, the Lionesses returned to winning ways under boss Sarina Wiegman. 
      And the match came a night after many across the women’s game and beyond mourned the death of Sheffield United ace Maddy Cusack. 
      The passing of the highly-rated midfielder on Wednesday, at the age of just 27, prompted heartfelt tributes from across the game including from Beth Mead and Leah Williamson.
      Read More on the Lionesses
      The Lionesses and Scotland wore black armbands and observed a minute’s silence in honour of highly-rated Blades centurion, who played for England at youth level. 
      And they also donned wristband bearing the slogan #SeAcabo in honour of Spain’s Women’s stars’ battle for change after being treated shabbily by their FA.
      Ahead of the game there were concerns that the Lionesses could feel the effects of fixture overload having played two major tournaments back-to-back.
      But any signs of tiredness were initially blown away early in the first-half.
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      Lucy Bronze broke the deadlockCredit: Getty
      Lauren Hemp doubled England’s advantageCredit: Getty
      Kirsty Hanson got one back for Scotland with the last kick of the first halfCredit: Getty
      And they proved the newly-agreed performance bonus with the FA was well-deserved.
      Rachel Daly’s thumping header almost gave the hosts an early opener before the goal was ruled offside. 
      Scotland had some rare chances of their own in the first spell with Caroline Weir testing Mary Earps at close range and Martha Thomas almost meeting Kirsty Hanson’s cross. 
      However the visitors went 1-0 down with Bronze heading home in the 39th minute before Lauren Hemp doubling the advantage moments later. 
      But much to England’s surprise Hanson pulled one slotting beyond Earps. 
      The second spell saw Wiegman’s side come under the cosh with Hanson proving to be a pest in attack before limping off with ankle issue late on. 
      She struck the bar with a volley struck over Earps moments after teeing up Claire Emslie with Alex Greenwood forced to clear the ball out of danger. 
      Weir fired an effort straight at Earps late on with the Lionesses’ Player of the Year stop prompting loud chants of her name by the crowd. 
      And her team held out to claim a narrow win ahead of their second Women’s Nations League Group A duel with Holland on Tuesday.  More

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      England vs Scotland: Lionesses set aside World Cup heartbreak with epic Nations League tie – stream FREE, TV, teams

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      ENGLAND will be determined to push their World Cup final heartbreak aside as they face Scotland in a thrilling Nations League opener TONIGHT!The Lionesses reached their second major final in as many years under head coach Sarina Wiegman.
      England lost the Women’s World Cup final against SpainCredit: Getty
      However, Olga Carmona’s first-half strike ruined the Lionesses’ summer as it was enough to see Spain clinch the World Cup in August.
      Wiegaman’s side must dust themselves down and now re-channel their minds on what they hope to be a successful Nations League journey.
      And England open up their campaign against British rivals Scotland – a fixture that they have dominated over the years.
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      When is England vs Scotland?

      England’s opening Nations League match against Scotland will take place TONIGHT – Friday, September 22.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 7:45pm BST.
      Stadium of Light – the home of Sunderland is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host around 48, 707 fans.
      Goals from Nikita Parris and Ellen White sealed a 2019 World Cup win for the Lionesses when the sides last met.

      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      England vs Scotland will be broadcast LIVE on ITV 1.
      Coverage is scheduled to commence from 7:30pm BST – 15 minutes before kick-off.
      Fans can also stream the match live through ITVX
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute action through our live blog including pre-match and post-match reaction.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      Yes!
      Fans can watch England vs Scotland for FREE in the UK as long as you have a valid TV license.
      Most read in Football
      What is the team news?
      Sarina Wiegman has replaced injured Lotte Wubben-Moy for Lucy Parker.
      The England gaffer has also confirmed that Kiera Walsh (calf) and Bethany England (hip) will miss out too.
      Lotte Wubben-Moy has been ruled out for this encounter with a muscular injuryCredit: Rex
      England full squad
      Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City)
      Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)
      Midfielders: Laura Coombs (Manchester City), Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa), Jess Park (Manchester City), Lucy Staniforth (Aston Villa), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Katie Zelem (Manchester United)
      Forwards: Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Alessia Russo (Arsenal), Katie Robinson (Brighton)
      Elsewhere Scotland superstar Erin Cuthbert has been ruled out with a muscular injury for this huge clash.
      Scotland full squad
      Goalkeepers: Lee Gibson (Glasgow City), Jenna Fife (Rangers), Eartha Cummings (Rosengard)
      Defenders: Nicola Docherty (Rangers), Rachel McLachlan (Rangers), Sophie Howard (Leicester City), Emma Mukandi (London City Lionesses), Rachel Corsie (Aston Villa), Kelly Clark (Celtic)
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      Midfielders: Sam Kerr (Bayern Munich), Caroline Weir (Real Madrid), Jamie-Lee Napier (Bristol City), Emma Watson (Manchester United), Kirsty MacLean (Rangers), Amy Rodgers (Bristol City), Fiona Brown (Rosengard), Lisa Evans (West Ham United), Amy Gallagher (Celtic)
      Forwards: Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa), Martha Thomas (Manchester United), Lauren Davidson (Glasgow City), Christy Grimshaw (AC Milan), Claire Emslie (Gotham City) More

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      Spain’s Women’s World Cup-winning team BOYCOTT Nations League in wake of Luis Rubiales scandal

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      SPAIN confirmed they are boycotting their upcoming Nations League matches.The Women’s World Cup winners were due to play their first matches since lifting the trophy on August 20.
      Spain’s Women’s World Cup winners have boycotted their Nations League fixturesCredit: Getty
      Luis Rubiales eventually resigned as Spanish FA president following the controversial kiss
      La Roja were scheduled to face Sweden away on September 22 and Switzerland at home four days later.
      However, in the wake of the backlash of the scandal surrounding former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales, who kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips, and ex-head coach Jorge Vilda, they confirmed they are still refusing to play.
      Montserrat Tome – who played for Barcelona and Spain – was one of Vilda’s assistant managers and has now taken over as the first female head coach of the Spanish women’s national team.
      But just hours before she was due to name her first squad, the team put out their statement following a three-hour meeting in which the stars decided they were not prepared to step back on to the pitch for their country.
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      Their statement outlines a desire for a complete restructuring of the Spanish FA.
      This includes a new general secretary, cabinet, media department and president.
      Their statement also criticised the “extraordinary” Spanish Football Federation assembly that saw Rubiales – who has just been ordered by a court to stay away from Hermoso – receive an ovation when he initially refused to resign.
      It then concluded: “We want to end this statement by expressing that the players of the Spanish team are professional players, and what fills us most with pride is wearing the shirt of our team and always leading our country to the highest positions.
      Most read in Football
      “For this reason, we believe that it is time to fight to show that these situations and practices have no place in our football or in our society, that the current structure needs changes and we do it so that the next generations can have a much more equal football and the height of what we all deserve.”
      Tome’s presentation as boss will now be suspended due to the players’ refusal to report for international duty.
      Of the initial 80 who went on strike, 39 remain unavailable – 21 of the 23 World Cup winners plus 18 more – for selection but 41 changed their stance.
      Spain’s striking players believe the departures of Rubiales and Vilda are not enough to have fixed the situation, and that more needs to be done.
      Of their victorious World Cup-winning squad, only Athenea del Castillo and Claudia Zornoza have not co-signed the statement.
      Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas said earlier this week: “We are asking for changes so no woman, inside or outside of soccer, should ever have to experience again situations of disparagement, disrespect, or abuse.
      “We need consensus, courage and leadership from the institutions, please. This is why we will not stop here.”
      Diario AS report those who refuse to accept a call-up could face shocking fines up to £25,000 and even have their playing licence suspended under Spanish national sports laws.
      KISSGATE SCANDAL
      The boycott comes despite Rubiales’ eventual resignation in his interview with Piers Morgan this week and Vilda’s sacking.
      The disgraced pair were both accused of misogyny even before Rubiales kissed Spanish midfielder Hermoso following the final win over England in Sydney.
      Vilda, who angered the women’s team throughout his eight years in charge, was largely excluded from the celebrations and was removed from his post as pressure mounted on the Spanish FA.
      Shameless Rubiales tried to fight on – boldly declaring “I’m not quitting” – before he relented and announced his resignation having already been suspended by Fifa.
      He is in a Madrid court today amid the criminal complaint launched by Hermoso for the non-consensual kiss – and a judge will decide if the case goes to a trial.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Rubiales – who has refused to apologise to the World Cup star – denies Hermoso’s claim there was no consent and says there was “no sexual content, no aggression” and that it was a “very common kiss between friends”.
      Now the initial court hearing stated Rubiales is not allowed within 200m of Hermoso and is banned from communicating with her by any means.
      Jennifer Hermoso has pressed legal charges against RubialesCredit: Getty
      The team were due to play their first game as world champions next FridayCredit: Alamy
      Jorge Vilda and Rubiales both left their posts after the winCredit: Getty
      Rubiales is in court today and the case could go to trialCredit: AP More

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      in Soccer

      Steve Bruce’s odds slashed as he moves FAVOURITE to become next Ireland manager

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      LEE CARSELY, Neil Lennon and Chris Hughton have all been tipped to become the next Ireland manager.But it’s ex-Newcastle and Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce who has come from nowhere in the betting, to now LEAD the market as favourite with Paddy Power.
      Next Ireland managerPaddy Power odds

      He started the week at 22/1 to replace Stephen Kenny, who remains the manager as things stand despite mounting pressure.
      Those odds were halved on Tuesday following a flurry of bets that followed Ireland’s defeat to Netherlands on Sunday night.
      And those bets have continued to fly in, with Bruce now as short as 2/1 with Paddy Power to take the reins.
      Ireland sit fourth in qualifying and just three points ahead of Gibraltar at the foot of the group and a whole nine points behind Greece in third.
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      Kenny is set to remain in charge for the remainder of the the qualifying campaign though it appears clear his time in charge won’t go beyond that, following their failure to qualify.
      Bruce – who has also managed the likes of Sunderland, Birmingham and Sheffield Wednesday – was most recently in charge of West Brom, where he was sacked after just eight months in charge.
      He hinted at an immediate return to management following his sacking in October last year but has remained without a club since then and retirement rumours swirled.
      But a job in international management could suit the 62-year-old and Ireland appears to be a likely destination.
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      The FA are understood to be ready to rebuff approaches for under-21 Carsely, who is among the favourites to replace Gareth Southgate when he departs.
      He’ remains second favourite at 9/2, with Lennon and Hughton on 9/1 alongside Anthony Barry and Kieran McKenna.
      Roy Keane (10/1) and Sam Allardyce (11/1) are also in contention.
      Rachael Kane of Paddy Power, said “Like a Fergie time winner, the swell in support for Bruce came out of nowhere overnight and has shown no signs of slowing despite him now being backed into favourite.  
      “With the FAI committing to Kenny until November at the earliest, we assumed things would have quietened down, but instead it seems to have triggered something and our customers willing to back Steve Bruce at any price.” 
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