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    England stars Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway set for top honours at 2025 Women’s Football Awards

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    KEIRA WALSH and Georgia Stanway will be honoured at the 2025 Women’s Football Awards.The two Lionesses will receive Special Recognition Awards for their contributions to the sport.Georgia Stanway is set to receive an award at the Women’s Football AwardsCredit: GettyShe will be joined by Chelsea star Keira WalshCredit: GettyThe awards will be granted to the duo not for their contributions in England but internationally as well.Walsh, 28, and Stanway will be handed the awards at a star-studded ceremony on May 1 at the InterContinental London, Park Lane.The ceremony will be hosted by BBC presenter Gabby Logan as well as former Lioness Eni Aluko and retired Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.Carragher helped launch the Women’s Football Awards in 2023 and is excited to present the awards.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway have had outstanding careers so far, marked by incredible success on the pitch.”This year’s awards will rightly celebrate their footballing achievements.”But we’ll also be recognising the brilliant work they do off the field.”Especially their exceptional commitment to improving access to grassroots football for women and girls. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I’m really looking forward to honouring Keira and Georgia, alongside Gabby Logan and Eni Aluko, at the ceremony next week.”Walsh is viewed as a trailblazer in women’s football for her playing career and also for helping develop grassroots girls’ football.Chloe Kelly shows off her toned abs in very bold outfit as England Lionesses star attends MTV Europe Music AwardsJamie Carragher has spoken about the awardsCredit: Abigail ShiiShe played an important role in the founding of the Rochdale Girls Development Centre two years ago.The Chelsea star has also funded kits and equipment for a female talent programme that supported 35 girls.She won a BWSL title in 2016 as well as three Women’s FA Cups, and lifted the Continental League Cup four times at Manchester City.The midfielder joined Barcelona in 2022 before returning to England in January by signing for the Blues.Stanway, 26, has enjoyed success on the pitch with spells at Manchester City and Bayern Munich.She has also scored a vital goal in the Lionesses’ run to winning the Uefa Women’s Euros 2022. More

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      Man Utd enter brand new tournament with huge prize pot just weeks after Lionesses boss voiced burnout fears

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to enter a brand-new seven-a-side women’s football tournament which could see them pocket a huge prize.As announced last month, the inaugural World Sevens Football (W7F) event will take place in Portugal at the end of May – just weeks before the start of Euro 2025.Man Utd Women are set to take part in a new seven-a-side tournament next monthCredit: GettyEngland stars including Ella Toone and Maya Le Tissier could be involved – just weeks before the start of Euro 2025Credit: GettyOrganisers have made a commitment to invest £77million ($100m) across a five-year period, with the winners receiving £1.9m.And the Telegraph report that Man Utd will be one of the eight teams battling it out for the huge prize.Bayern Munich are also expected to be involved.It will be up to each club to decide which players they take to Portugal for the tournament.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt is believed that United will select a strong squad.The winners of W7F will take home more than the Women’s FA Cup top prize (£814,000) and the Women’s Champions League top prize (£950,000) combined.But concerns regarding player welfare have been raised by some managers and WSL stars due to the increasing number of injuries.The likes of Vivianne Miedema, Leah Williamson and Beth Mead have all previously spoken about the need to restructure the schedule in the women’s game.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSarina Wiegman is not convinced the tournament will work in the long termCredit: GettyMeanwhile, England manager Sarina Wiegman believes W7F will not be good for women’s football in the long term.The two-time European champion previously said: “If you look at the short term before these Euros now, we have a very good contact with clubs and [if] they would get some, I would say meaningful minutes to get prepared for the Euros and do what’s right to get [in] the best possible shape for the Euros, then in this short term, for some it would not be too bad.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim issues open invite to Rory McIlroy as Masters champion’s private jet lands in England”But in the longer term I don’t see how we can fit that in the schedule in the calendar.”With Man Utd set to take part, England Lionesses Ella Toone, Grace Clinton, Maya Le Tissier, Millie Turner and Gabby George could all feature.Georgia Stanway will likely miss out for Bayern Munich due to an LCL injury.A second W7F tournament is set to take place between November and December on a different continent – midway through the WSL season.England captain Leah Williamson has previously claimed there needs to be a restructure in the women’s football calendarCredit: Getty More

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      Why rising Lioness star Michelle Agyemang has been tipped for the top by Arsenal and England icon

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      MICHELLE AGYEMANG took just 41 seconds to produce a moment of world-class magic that wowed fans watching England in the Nations League. On a disappointing night with the Lionesses’ 3-2 loss to Belgium on April 8, her stunning strike on her senior debut was a bright spot.Having shone for England’s Under-19s and Under-23s Michelle Agyemang made a stunning bow by scoring less than a minute into her senior international debutCredit: GettyAgyemang and her team-mate Aggie Beever-Jones are regarded as two of the Lionesses’ most promising forwards with both bagging senior debut goals this monthCredit: ReutersThe WSL starlet has made 14 WSL appearances from the bench for Brighton during her loan stint at the club this termCredit: AlamyAn audacious delivery into the box was followed by a swift and superb volleyed finish from Agyemang. With England blighted by injuries to some of their key forwards, the 19-year-old’s emergence is very timely for boss Sarina Wiegman. Her squad have had rotten luck with injuries recently with Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo and Lauren James withdrawing from the team’s April international camp. And Lauren Hemp has been out of action last November following a knee op, although the Manchester City forward is back training on grass at her club. Read More Football Stories With these fitness concerns, Agyemang’s goalscoring cameo in the Nations League could prove significant for the Euros titleholders.  On July 5 the Lionesses will kick-off their bid to remain European champions when they take on France. Wiegman’s side are in a ‘group of death’ which also includes 2017 Euros champions the Netherlands and contest debutants Wales. With the tournament’s start in Switzerland less than three months away, Agyemang has provided Wiegman with a fresh option as either a nine or in a wing position. Most read in FootballAnd with her game-changing capability and threat in front of goal, she has made a case for England squad consideration for the Euros. Among those with high hopes for the future of the striker, currently on loan at Brighton from Arsenal, is Gunners legend Kelly Smith. The England icon, who trains the club’s WSL forwards, has backed Agyemang to make her mark. Last August Smith, who scored 125 goals in 144 Arsenal games, said: “What I like about Michelle’s strengths is her hold-up play is really good.”She’s physical, aggressive and got a fantastic shot on her.”The fans always like to see a home-grown player do really well.”It’s a credit to Arsenal, the academy staff and structure we have to develop these players and bring them through.”Here is a look at Agyemang’s football journey and some of the moments that fuelled her rise. Agyemang, currently on loan at Albion from Arsenal, is regarded as one of the Gunners’ rising stars along with Vivianne Lia (left), Freya Godfrey and Maddie EarlCredit: GettyHale End journey Agyemang standout cameo for the Lionesses will not have come as a surprise to those who monitored her progress at Arsenal’s Hale End Academy. The technically versatile and robust forward, who grew up in Southend, Essex, joined the Gunners’ youth set-up at the age of six. During her earliest years there she would play matches with the boys’ Under-7s side, initially in central defence, before specialising as a forward. While playing for Arsenal’s Academy league side in the 2022-23 season Agyemang netted 19 goals in 11 appearances. And her efforts helped the young Gunners end that season as Academy League champions with a five-point lead over runners-up Chelsea.Senior Arsenal debut and rise through England’s ranksIn November 2022 Agyemang made her senior club debut at 16 coming on in the 77th minute of the team’s 4-0 win away against Leicester City in the WSL. Her first senior goal for the Gunners would follow two months later during a 9-0 FA Cup fourth round demolition of Leeds. Just as she did for England, Agyemang showed her knack for making an almost instant impact straight off the bench. Agyemang scored in England Under-19’s 5-1 win against Austria this month before being called up to Wiegman’s squad following an injury to Alessia RussoCredit: GettyIt took her just four minutes to find the back of the net after coming on as a 76th-minute substitute. In 2023 Agyemang was named in the young Lionesses’ side that competed in the Women’s Under-17 Euros. She netted four times during the contest in May that year with her team reaching the semi-finals before being knocked out by Spain. Ex-Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall suggested the then 17-year-old had the tactical and technical knowhow that “outmatched” other players in her age group. And Agyemang demonstrated this a year later helping England’s youth players reach the semis of the Women’s Under-19 Euros. In May 2023, then Arsenal boss Eidevall said: “Michelle has a tactical and technical level and also a physical level that outmatches players at U17 level. “She can do that at senior level too. What she is doing (at the U17 Euros) is no surprise to me at all.”Bright spark for Brighton Last May Agyemang took a significant step in her club career signing her first professional contract with Arsenal. The striker’s first pro deal followed her building up her game time as a dual-registration player with Watford FC after joining them in August 2023.  The first three months of Agyemang’s Golden Girls stint were hampered by injury with the striker sidelined by a knee problem. However the player would make a goalscoring comeback in December that year netting in a 6-0 FA Cup third round dismissal of Southampton. The fourth round of the contest that season would see Watford take on the Gunners with Agyemang starting against the Gunners. And while the Golden Girls were trounced 5-1 Agyemang made her mark scoring the team’s only goal in that game last January. Former Watford Women’s boss Damon Lathrope, now assistant manager of the club’s men’s side, told Gooner Fanzine: “Michelle is an absolute super talent. “She’s physically on a different planet, to be honest, and she ticks a lot of boxes. “She’s technically very efficient. She’s a very good finisher, really powerful, quick and mobile.”Agyemang impressed for Arsenal during their pre-season tour in the summer of 2024Credit: GettyThis season has seen Agyemang clock up minutes in the Women’s Super League after joining Brighton on a one-term loan. Read More on The SunBut while the Albion loan ace has made 14 top-flight appearances from the bench she is yet to make her first start in the league for the Seagulls.Having impressed Wiegman’s England, it would be a surprise if the forward does not feature in Brighton’s first eleven before the end of this season. More

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      Cheeky moment England star STEALS opposition’s tactics instructions sparking fury with referee forced to step in

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      AGGIE BEEVER-JONES literally took note of Belgium’s attempts to change tack during England’s dramatic Nations League home defeat.The Lioness cheekily swiped a tactical note handed to Belgium’s Amber Tysiak during her side’s 3-2 loss to the Red Flames.Aggie Beever-Jones cheekily swiped a note being handed to a Belgium playerCredit: ITVBeever-Jones and Amber Tysiak’s began tussling for the piece of paperCredit: ITVThat moment of amusing light relief on a tough night for the Euros titleholders was captured on camera by ITV Sport.Tysiak, who also plays for West Ham, was spotted reading from a scrap of paper in the 91st minute of the match in Leuven.The note, which had been passed to Tysiak from the Red Flames’ bench, looked as if it may have contained some tactical guidance for the hosts.At that point the defender and her Belgian team-mates were battling to hang on to their 3-2 lead.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd eagle-eyed Beever-Jones, who noticed Tysiak reading the piece of paper, swiped it from her hands, with the Irons ace quickly snatching it back seconds later. Former Man United goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain, on commentary duty for ITV, spotted the moment as cameras zoomed in.She said: “You see there Aggie Beever-Jones taking the note with the slight tactical change.”England, who had mounted a second-half back at the King Power, after going three goals down in the first, were pressing hard for a late equaliser.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBelgium were pinned back for large spells of the latter stages of the game with Tysiak and her pals coming under the cosh from the Lionesses’ pressSarina Wiegman’s decision to make five second-half substitutions which included young striker Michelle Agyemang coming on for Jess Park, almost paid off.Top 10 highest paid footballersAgyemang, who is just 19, scored a stunning senior international debut goal just 41 seconds after her 80th minute entrance.The young Lioness star, on loan at Brighton from Arsenal this season, netted for England with nine minutes of normal time remaining.Before then her side found themselves 3-0 down within half an hour of kick-off with Belgium’s Tessa Wullaert wreaking havoc down the left.The Red Flames skipper scored twice with the Lionesses stunned early on as Belgium sought to avenge a 5-0 drubbing they suffered on Friday in Bristol.They did so with Wullaert breaking the deadlock with a bottom-corner third-minute strike after jetting past full-back Niamh Charles.And their lead was doubled with Justine Vanhaevermaet heading home 13 minutes later before Wullaert scored again in the 29th minute.Read More on The SunBeth Mead’s first-half penalty conversion made it 3-1 before Agyemang’s late stunning volley took the scoreline to 3-2.But Belgium held on to claim their first win in this year’s Nations League with England dropping down to second in their group after Spain thrashed Portugal 7-1. More

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      Sarina Wiegman says Lionesses want ‘revenge’ for surprise loss to Nations League rivals two years ago 

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      SARINA WIEGMAN has challenged England to show their rivals how much better they have become three months before their Euros title defence. The Lioness chief wants her players to avenge a Nations League away loss they suffered against Belgium almost two years ago. Sarina Wiegman and her England players hope to consign Belgium to back-to-back defeats in the Nations League this yearCredit: GettyThe Lionesses are currently unbeaten in the contest and hope to maintain their winning form in the run-up to this year’s EurosCredit: GettyForwards Michelle Agyemang (right) and Jess Naz joined the camp following Alessia Russo’s and Lauren James’s withdrawals due to injuryCredit: GettyOn Tuesday Wiegman’s players will take on the Red Flames at Den Dreef Stadium in a bid to claim back-to-back wins agains their opponents. They also aim to register a third victory from four Nations League group stage game so far this year.  The last time the reigning Euros champions faced their rivals at the ground in the Belgian city of Leuven was back in October 2023. Wiegman, who had guided England to a World Cup final two months earlier, which her team narrowly lost to Spain, reckons her players were “struggling” with their levels back then. Read More Football StoriesBut since the start of this year the Lionesses have gone unbeaten in the Nations League and aim to remain top of their group. Aside from trouncing Belgium 5-0 in Bristol last Friday, world champions Spain were consigned to a 1-0 defeat at Wembley in February. Of her team’s loss to the Red Flames in 2023, the England boss said: “How I experienced that game is that we didn’t play our best.”It was off the back of the World Cup so we were struggling with our levels a bit. Most read in Football”How I see this game is that we kind of want to get revenge on ourselves. “We really want to show we are better than we were then and we can do a lot better.”Tomorrow’s match could see England starlet Michelle Agyemang named on the bench after helping the young Lionesses qualify for this year’s Women’s Under-19s Euros. The Arsenal striker, on loan at Brighton this term, received her first senior call-up, following an injury to club colleague Alessia Russo.During this international window Agyemang played an influential role in helping England’s Under-19s qualify for the European Championship for their age group.  The Seagulls loan ace helped the young Lionesses top their group by scoring during their 5-1 triumph over Austria in the qualifiers on April 5. At club level she has made 14 top-flight appearances off the bench this season and helping Albion climb to fifth in the WSL.With Russo crocked and Lauren James and Chloe Kelly’s withdrawals due to hamstring and foot concerns, Beth Mead is likely to start again for England against Belgium. The Arsenal forward, who was absent from England’s February camp due to injury, provided an assist during their 5-0 win against Belgium last time out. And Niamh Charles reckons Mead is among England’s most influential figures when it comes to helping younger players such as Agyemang who are rising through the international ranksThe Lioness full-back told reporters: “Beth is good at helping the younger players to come out of their shells.Beth Mead is likely to feature in England’s starting line-up against Belgium in LeuvenCredit: Getty”We’re lucky she’s back and she is one of the senior players.Read More on The Sun”We have a few of them that have been to many, many tournaments.”And I think you can see in the dressing room when we bring the younger ones in, how they help them to feel comfortable.” More

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      Sarina Wiegman praises Keira Walsh’s first England goal after wonder strike against Belgium

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      SARINA WIEGMAN hailed Keira Walsh for breaking her England goal duck after the Lionesses thrashed Belgium on Friday night.  The Chelsea ace lashed a shot from distance on her 83rd senior appearance with the visitors falling to a 5-0 defeat in Bristol in the Nations League. Keira Walsh opened her England goals account with a superb strike following a foul on team-mate Jess ParkCredit: PAWalsh’s team-mates Millie Bright and Aggie Beever-Jones also netted with Beever scoring her first senior England goalCredit: GettyAlong with Beth Mead, Lauren James also impressed in England’s attack with both forwards registering assistsCredit: AlamyHer club and country pals Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze and Aggie Beever-Jones were also on target during the convincing victory at Ashton Gate.The win saw the hosts remain top of group three in League A with Spain second following their 3-2 toppling of Portugal.  It also saw them fire another warning to their Euros rivals with the European champions hoping to retain their title when this year’s tournament begins in July in Switzerland. Of her first England goal and the team’s performance, Walsh told ITV Sport: “It took a big deflection but a goal is a goal. Read More Football Stories“All the girls are super happy for me which is a really nice feeling. “I finally got one in the end. A few of them like to remind me how long it’s taken me but I’m over the moon and it’s really good to be off the mark.Following her side’s second win in three Nations League outings this year, Wiegman mentioned her hope to see Walsh have more attempts on goal. The England boss added: “I was very happy for her because we want her to shoot more. Most read in Football“She has a very good shot and we want her to get higher up the pitch which she did. “Now we are joking, it’s our own-goal! But it’s her goal so I’m very happy for her.”Wiegman’s side were without the services of Chloe Kelly with the in-form forward joining her national team’s list of crocked stars. On Thursday the England boss revealed Fran Kirby and Kelly would miss last night’s game due to niggles. And less than two hours before kick-off it was announced Kelly would be returning to her Arsenal, where she is loan from Manchester City for treatment on a foot injury  This means Kelly will also miss England’s away duel with Belgium on Tuesday.  And the Gunners are likely to be sweating on her fitness before their mammoth Champions League first-leg semis clash with Lyon on April 27.  With Kelly absent Wiegman turned to fit-again Beth Mead who played in a front three with striker Alessia Russo and Lauren James. England began brightly causing problems with their threat from set-pieces Forward James was among the players who impressed with few of her crosses into the box wreaking havoc. Her fine lofted delivery found Bronze in the box with the right-back, making her 130th appearance,, glancing a 21st-minute header beyond Belgium keeper Nicky Evrard.Belgium were undone again by another dangerous delivery to a Chelsea and England player.This time centre-back Bright was there to bundle the ball home on the stroke of half-time. The visitors shuffled their deck in the second-half in the hope of upping their game in midfield with Feli Delacauw replacing Kassandra Missipo. And the Belgian midfielder had a strike deflected onto the roof of the net in the 66th minute. Sarina Wiegman will targeting another victory when England visit Belgium in Leuven on April 8 for their second Nations League clash with them this monthCredit: ReutersHowever any hope of the visitors trying to get anything from this game were blown away by cameo appearances from two rising Lionesses stars. Read More on The Sun Beever-Jones made it 3-0 with Mead laying the ball for her to tap in her first senior England goal with 23 minutes of normal time remaining. And Jess Park made it 4-0 soon after with a slotted finish before Walsh’s thumped shot from distance rounded off the rout. More

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      Chloe Kelly insists there is ‘more to come’ from her as England resume Euros title defence preparations

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      CHLOE KELLY is not thinking “too much” about her club future despite the Arsenal loan star’s contract with Manchester City expiring in June. Instead her focus is on being in the best place “mentally and physically” with the Gunners and Lionesses vying for major honours.Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead could be in line to start for England when they play Belgium in the Nations League on April 4Kelly’s recent form on loan for Arsenal led to her earning an England recall ahead of the team’s clashes with Belgium this monthKelly and England striker Alessia Russo shone for Arsenal against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarters with the Gunners due to take on Lyon in the semi-finalsSince her January return to Arsenal, where she began her pro career at 17, Kelly, 27, has flourished alongside England pals Alessia Russo, Beth Mead and Leah Williamson. High points for the forward include delivering two class assists in a three-goal drubbing of Real Madrid with the team dumped out of the Champions League quarters. Efforts include her pinpoint cross for a shot drilled home by Gunners striker Russo.Like Russo, Mead and Williamson, Kelly is in the running to start against Belgium when England play their third Nations League game on Friday 4 April.Read More Football Stories This is a far cry from the first half of this term with Kelly making one start in six City WSL games and initially being left out of England’s squad in February. Two months after her tumultuous exit on loan from City, came a Lionesses recall for the forward who now plays “with a smile”. The 50-capped Lioness said:  “It’s really important as a human being that you get that smile on your face. “That’s nothing to do with being a footballer, it’s just as a human because that’s important. Most read in Football”I’m definitely smiling more, I feel really good.“Right now I’m playing plenty of minutes, enjoying my football and I’m really learning under (Arsenal boss) Renee (Slegers). “Now I’m here (with England) I have another opportunity to represent my country which is a huge honour.”There’s definitely more to come from me.”I’m a player who wants to learn and always wants to get better and I’m probably my own worst critic.”There are going to be games where I might not be my best, but it’s really important that I take that step to becoming the best version of myself.”With the July 5th start of England’s bid to retain their European Championship title fast approaching, questions have arisen concerning Kelly’s future beyond her Arsenal loan. However, the forward, who scored the Lionesses’ tournament-winning goal at Wembley three years ago is not looking too far ahead. Kelly adds: “I don’t think about it too much. I take each day as it comes and work hard to put myself in the best possible place for the next day.”That’s really important and I don’t look too far ahead in anything. “I’m just having fun at the minute, enjoying myself and back down in London with my family spending a lot of time with them. “I’m really appreciating the little things in life.”The first of England’s two Nations League duels with Belgium could see Kelly feature alongside Russo and forward Mead this Friday. The reverse fixture will take place in Leuven on Tuesday April 6The trio were last in action together on March 30 against Crystal Palace in the WSL, with Mead netting twice and Russo also scoring in the 4-0 Arsenal victory. Kelly said: “Growing that connection is really important and the connection off the pitch as well as on it.””By pushing myself every day I can learn what Alessia is doing and how I can match that to be at my best to help her score and Beth as well. “She’s a great friend of mine – Beth.England hope to beat Belgium home and away and stay undefeated in the Nations League as they continue preparations for this year’s Euros in SwitzerlandCredit: Getty”When you have that competition it allows you to be at your best every day.Read More on The Sun”And you can push each other in moments as well so that’s really important.”There’s so much we can learn from each other.” More

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      Sarina Wiegman facing ‘hard decision’ over England goalkeeper choice ahead of push to retain Euros crown

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      SARINA WIEGMAN admits deciding who will be England’s first choice goalkeeper for this year’s Euros is a very “tough decision”.  Khiara Keating, 20, is among four stoppers called up ahead of the Lionesses’ Nations League clashes with Belgium next month. Khiara Keating has returned to the England squad for the first time since their Nations League defeat and draw with the Republic of Ireland and SwedenCredit: GettyMaisie Symonds has received her first call-up to the Lionesses senior squad after featuring in England Under-23’s wins against Germany and FranceCredit: AlamySarina Wiegman side will take on Belgium on April 4 at Ashton Gate and in Leuven on April 8Credit: GettyThe Manchester City starlet’s recall announced today, after an eight-month absence, follows her return to top-flight action. And Brighton midfielder Maisie Symonds has received her first senior international call-up.  In February Symonds and Keating starred England’s Under-23’s friendly wins against Germany and France Keating, who is yet to make her senior England debut, pulled off some standout saves during City’s 2-1 loss to Chelsea on March 23. Read More Football StoriesHowever the WSL star, who was named player-of-the-match, has faced a battle for minutes this term with Japan keeper Ayaka Yamashita also starring for City. This season Keating, who won the top tier’s Golden Glove last year, has so far started in seven of her club’s 17 WSL games.England boss Wiegman, 55, said: “She’s a very talented goalkeeper. We saw that again last weekend. “We’re getting closer to the Euros and so looking at this camp now we’re bringing in four goalkeepers.Most read in Football”In the tournament you can only bring three and we just want to have those four in our squad next week.”In addition to Keating, Wiegman has named Mary Earps, 32, and Hannah Hampton, 24, in her 25-strong group, and Orlando Pride’s Anna Moorhouse. Chelsea’s Hampton and Earps, who plays for French side Paris Saint-Germain are both seen as solid number one contenders.In February Earps played in goal during England’s 1-1 away draw with Portugal in the Nations League. Meanwhile Hampton featured in their 1-0 defeat of Spain at Wembley, their first clash with the world champions since their meeting in the World Cup final in Australia in 2023.  Wiegman adds: “It’s a very, very hard decision to make, because now we have four very good goalkeepers. “You’re talking about Hannah and Mary who are really competing for the number-one position. They’re both world-class. “They both bring different things, but that makes it really hard.”We haven’t decided. If we make the decision, we’ll first have the conversations with them. Then we move forward.”England’s bid to retain the Euros title which they won in 2022 comes six weeks after the start of a new seven-a-side women’s football competition. The World Seven Series competition, which will commence in Europe, is reportedly set to involve eight teams. Clubs taking part in the contest, which is also due to be held in a different continent later this year, are yet to be named. The winning sides in each competition will be awarded £1.9million in prize money. World Seven Series matches will take place just over a month after England’s double header Nations League duel with Belgium on April 4th and 8th. On July 5 the Lionesses begin their Euros campaign when they take on France in Zurich, Switzerland. On if she has concerns about the contest taking place weeks before the Euros, Wiegman added:  “I think in the longer term, you see the planning a bit, I don’t see how you can get that (to) fit in the schedule. “For some players, I think when they play and there’s collaboration with clubs, we have a very good contact with clubs, they would get some, I would say, meaningful minutes to get prepared for the Euros. “Then in this short term, for some it would not be too bad, but in the longer term I don’t see how we can fit that in the schedule in the calendar.”Wiegman’s latest squad selection includes Beth Mead and Fran Kirby with the duo set for international duty following their returns from injury. Fran Kirby has scored five goals in 12 WSL games for Brighton this seasonCredit: GettyAnd Chloe Kelly has also been named among the six forwards in the group which includes Nikita Parris. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe England chief said: “Fran brings lots of experience and good football vision. “In her position there is a lot of competition but she knows exactly what’s expected at this level.” More

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      Aitana Bonmati insists Spain players’ equality battle ‘has not been in vain’ following Rubiales case verdict

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      AITANA BONMATI reckons Spain have become even stronger after “suffering” in their equality battle.The La Roja playmaker hailed Sarina Wiegman and England’s stars for sympathising with her team’s ordeal.Aitana Bonmati hopes Spain’s national women’s team will be better respected following sexual assault conviction of ex-Spanish football chief Luis RubialesCredit: ReutersBonmati and her Spain team-mates are set to face England at Wembley in the Women’s Nations LeagueCredit: PABonmati was speaking in support of her national team-mate Jenni Hermoso who filed a criminal complaint against RubialesCredit: ReutersRubiales kissing Hermoso on the mouth after the 2023 World Cup final sparked outrage and protests in SpainCredit: ReutersBonmati, 27, was speaking earlier Tuesday ahead of Spain’s Wembley duel with the Lionesses on Wednesday night. The February 25 clash comes six days after Luis Rubiales, 47, was convicted of sexual assault following a trial at Spain’s High Court. The former Spanish Football Federation boss was  found guilty of kissing Spain striker Jenni Hermoso, 34, on the mouth without her consent. However Rubiales, who was fined 10,800 euros (£8,274), but spared a prison sentence, was acquitted of a separate charge of coercion.Read More Football StoriesThe controversial incident occurred shortly after Hermoso’s side beat England 1-0 in the World Cup final in Sydney, Australia August 2023. A month later Rubiales resigned following Fifa banning him from football  for three years, after initially resisting calls to stand down After the ex-Spanish football chief was acquitted of allegedly attempting to pressure Hermoso into saying the kiss was consensual, the 110-capped striker said she intends to appeal. And she hopes the outcome of the case, which sparked nationwide protests in her country, has set an “important precedent”. Most read in FootballBarcelona star Bonmati said: “Everybody here knows what has happened in the last few months and years. “The sentence is correct, it is a positive thing and the team feels the same. “I was surprised there was no sentence linked to coercion but the trial has served a purpose. “We are all happy. We have been doing well on the pitch and supporting our teammates. “We have battled hard and we know what we have done has not been in vain.”I hope this case makes changes in our country, in our football, to respect us better as footballers. “But it’s also a global case. I don’t want to only speak about footballers as I think this happens in other jobs. “I hope this case helps anyone who is going through these things.”Lucy Bronze and Alessia Russo are among the Lionesses who have spoken out in support of Spain’s stars. Bronze, who joined Chelsea last July, played for two years with Bonmati at Barcelona after joining the club in June 2022. Sarina Wiegman and her England aces have been supportive of Spain’s players’ pushing for federation changes and better working conditions. And two-time Euros-winning boss Wiegman hopes their ordeal leads to changes for the better for their team.  The Lioness gaffer said: “It’s a testament to the players to be so brave to speak out but also to still be performing at the level they are.”It’s really a shame that they’ve had to go through this.”Bonmati added: “I heard Sarina speaking a lot of times and supporting us with our issues.”I appreciate her words and also Lucy Bronze’s and Alessia Russo’s. England boss Sarina Wiegman said Spain players’ were “brave to speak out”Credit: PA”We didn’t feel alone on this issue. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They also feel it’s a global case not only a Spanish case.”They feel our suffering and they support us so I appreciate that a lot.” More