Women’s Euro 2022

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      England 10 Luxembourg 0: Lionesses batter minnows in final World Cup qualifier to end campaign with stunning 100% record

      by

      GEORGIA STANWAY bagged a brace as England put the icing on the cake of a triumphant summer by crushing Luxembourg 10-0.Golden girl Beth Mead added to her World Cup qualifying goal tally as the Lionesses ran riot in their first home game since their historic Euros win at Wembley.
      England’s Georgia Stanway scored twice as they thrashed Luxembourg 10-0Credit: AFP
      Among the players starting for Wiegman, this evening was Keira Walsh, making her 50th senior appearance.
      The midfield maestro is at the centre of one of the biggest transfer stories this summer with the Man City ace thought to be close to joining LaLiga Women’s champs Barcelona.
      And it is reported Walsh could be set to join her England and former City team-mate Lucy Bronze at the club for a world record fee.
      Any sign that transfer rumours off the pitch would be a distraction on them was blown away by the clinical performance of Walsh and her team-mates.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL
      Before the fixture, Sarina Wiegman spoke of wanting the game to be a celebration for fans and players with retired England legend Jill Scott showing the Euros trophy off before kick-off.
      And the Lionesses certainly heeded the call of their Uefa Coach of the Year-winning gaffer as they hemmed a youthful Luxembourg side into their own half.
      It would take a cold heart not to feel some sympathy for their opponents whose starting line-up included two 16 -year-olds and three 18-year-olds including goalkeeper Lucie Schlime.
      And the Luxembourg shot stopper was in for a long night as the hosts laid siege to her goal.
      Most read in Football
      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BETTING OFFER – GET £50 BACK AS CASH
      It took Wiegman’s side just 11 minutes to find the back of the net.
      Georgia Stanway buried England’s opener from the spot after Alessia Russo was felled in the box.
      The striker missed a few chances moments later and saw a close range shot parried wide in the 13th-minute following a pass from Ella Toone.
      But Russo soon atoned for her missed efforts powering a header past Schlime after leaping to meet Leah Williamson’s pinpoint delivery.
      Alex Greenwood clattered the woodwork before Stanway registered her brace combining with Toone and Mead for England’s third.
      And Rachel Daly made it 4-0 after Toone followed up her cheeky nutmeg with a cross nodded home by her team-mate.
      Luxembourg barely had a chance to recover before Mead latched onto a cutback from Daly to bag her 13th goal in 10 games from this World Cup qualifying campaign.
      And Russo came close to heading in her second forcing a Schlime save on the stroke of half-time.
      The second spell saw no let-up as Wiegman made a triple substitution with Millie Bright, Katie Zelem and Beth England entering the fray.
      England tapped in the sixth goal in the 47th minute before Nikita Parris combined with the Chelsea ace and Toone to bury her second goal in two consecutive games.
      Toone notched England’s eighth from the spot before substitute Lauren Hemp made it 9-0 late on.
      And England made it 10-0 with the Euros champs matching the scoreline of their hefty defeat of Luxembourg last September.
      A stern test against the USA at Wembley awaits them in October.  More

    • 175 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Walsh enjoying consistency under Wiegman with midfield ace focused on England amid Barcelona speculation

      by

      KEIRA WALSH brushed off talk about her club future as she eyes a landmark 50th England appearance.The Manchester City midfielder, 25, wowed fans as she helped the Lionesses taste Euros glory this summer.
      Keira Walsh is set to receive her 50th England cap with the Lionesses taking on Austria this eveningCredit: Reuters
      Walsh’s performances for Manchester City and England have seen her attract interest from BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Barcelona are understood to have had two bids to bring her to the Nou Camp rejected.
      Walsh’s inch-perfect pass set up Ella Toone’s opener in their historic 2-1 win over Germany in the July 31 Wembley final.
      Her vision and deft passing have seen her become a sought-after player.
      But asked about her future ahead of tonight’s Women’s World Cup qualifier with Luxembourg in Stoke, Walsh said: “I’m here to talk about the game. I’m not here to talk about what’s going on club-wise.”
      Walsh heaped praise on England head coach Sarina Wiegman for bringing out the best in her.
      The holding midfielder, whose family will be in the stands tonight, said: “I’ve found consistency, which I struggled with a little bit before Sarina came in.
      Read More Sports Stories
      “She has given me the confidence to just go out and play my game and it’s all about decisions and what we want to do on the ball.
      “It’s not one way is the right way, it’s kind of what the player sees.
      “I think it’s just about carrying on this consistency now and the form I found at the Euros.
      “A personal goal of mine is to keep bringing that forward in games against the tougher opposition.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Tonight’s duel between Wiegman’s Euros winners and Luxembourg will be the Lionesses’ first game on home soil since their contest triumph at Wembley in July.
      And her players will be looking to run their opponents ragged.
      With World Cup qualification wrapped up, England’s head coach is determined to turn the clash into a celebration in front of a sell-out Bet365 Stadium crowd.
      The Lionesses gaffer is due to be presented with her Uefa Coach of the Year award ahead of the match.
      And retired England icon Jill Scott is set to lead both teams out before kick-off.
      The most recent game between the sides saw the Lionesses trounce Luxembourg 10-0 last September with the team currently 113 places below England in Fifa’s rankings.
      Wiegman, 52, said: “This team is so eager to do well.
      “We want to show that we can do that all time as we did, winning the Euros.
      Read More on The Sun
      “The team just wants to train and do well and do well every day in every moment that we get.
      “I expect again a very energetic team that really wants to share on one score lots of goals, and of course conceding none.”
      Sarina Wiegman’s side will be looking to seal another convincing win against Luxembourg following their 10-0 victory last SeptemberCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Austria 0 England 2: Russo and Parris on target as Lionesses claim World Cup spot after heroic Euros triumph

      by

      ALESSIA RUSSO got the ball rolling as England beat stubborn Austria 2-0 to seal their place in next year’s World Cup. The striker’s opener and a Nikita Parris thumper saw the Lionesses’ red-hot run continue with the team now 21 games unbeaten under Sarina Wiegman.  
      Alessia Russo scored her ninth goal for the Lionesses who needed a draw to qualify for next year’s World CupCredit: Getty
      England aim to seal ten wins in ten World Cup qualifiers when they play LuxembourgCredit: PA
      The result saw the Euros winners bag a ninth victory out of nine World Cup qualifying games notching a whopping 70 goals in the process.
      The match also saw Lauren James make her senior England debut with the Chelsea forward entering the fray late on.
      And Wiegman acknowledged Austria provided her stars with a stern test following their Euros triumph.
      The England head coach said: “I think it was a hard game coming out of the Euros without having much rest, with some players having been in the Champions League.
      Read More Football
      “After all that I’m very proud of the team that we came out of this and won the game. It looked so easy, but I think it was very hard.”
      The duel saw super sub Parris smash the ball home late on.
      On Parris’ efforts, Wiegman added: “We wanted more depth and that’s one of the strengths of her game.
      “She had the runs behind and that’s what she did really well.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “Her finish was great. That was very successful, so we celebrated that together.”
      The Lionesses – playing for their first game since their European Championship triumph – got off to a flyer in the seventh minute at Wiener Neustadt Stadium.
      The team were also in action for the first time since the retirement of their all-time record scorer Ellen White.
      But Russo showed the future looks bright for England in attack bagging her ninth senior international goal.
      Though off balance in the box, the striker fired Wiegman’s aces ahead after getting a boot on the end of a headed ball from Lauren Hemp.
      And England almost doubled their lead moments after their seventh-minute opener with Hemp outpacing Verena Hanshaw to tee up Russo.
      But Austria, who succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against their visitors during the Women’s Euros, showed precisely why they proved tough opponents during the tournament.
      They grew into the game and blazed the ball over the bar around the 12th minute with Julie Hickelsberger firing after the hosts won possession.
      Nikita Parris doubled England’s lead to secure a win against AustriaCredit: Getty
      And the Austrian midfielder looked to cause problems shortly before half time with her cross forcing a solid block from Alex Greenwood.
      The second spell saw Irene Fuhrmann’s Austria side attempt to up the ante.
      Hickelsberger came close to levelling after pinching the ball off keeper Mary Earps.
      And the England number one made a top-drawer save in the 60th minute parrying Laura Feiersinger’s shot away from goal.
      Wiegman rang the changes with Parris and Beth England coming on for Beth Mead and Russo moments later.
      And Parris blasted England two-nil ahead in the 70th minute before coming close to netting a second shortly after.
      The visitors wrapped up the win to cap off one of the most successful summers in the Lionesses’ history.
      They will take on Luxembourg in their final World Cup qualifier before the start of the new WSL season. More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Former England ace Carney to lead women’s football review announced by culture secretary Nadine Dorries

      by

      KAREN CARNEY will head a major review on the future of women’s football in England, according to a government announcement. Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries revealed the former Lioness will chair an “in-depth” examination of the women’s domestic game.
      Karen Carney is set to chair a review looking at the future of the women’s domestic gameCredit: Getty
      Broadcast revenue generated by the sport will be among the issues to be covered by the government-backed reviewCredit: Reuters
      It follows some significant changes to the sport over the years, particularly at its highest levels with the professionalisation of the WSL and FA Women’s Championship.
      The review, backed by the Culture, Media and Sports Department, will include an analysis of the sport’s elite and grassroots levels and will be launched by the FA in the coming weeks.
      It comes after England’s historic triumph at the Women’s Euros in July with the team winning their first major contest crown.
      Lionesses’ heroine Carney, 35, a Sky Sports pundit who has 144 international caps said: “Over the last few years, the game has grown significantly and at a rapid pace.
      “Of course, this is an exciting time, but there is an urgent need to ensure there are processes and structures in place that protect the interest of the game and the people working in it.
      Read More Sports Stories
      “I have always said that the sport needs to be built on solid foundations to give it long-lasting success in a sustainable way. 
      “For me, this is a defining period for the sport and this review will be at the heart of that.”
      The DCMS-backed review is set to cover a range of issues.
      These include the game’s infrastructure and audience reach, its financial sustainability and broadcast revenue as well as sponsorship and competition prize money.
      The stark disparity in FA Cup prize cash between men’s and women’s sides has been a concern for fans and club managers over the years.
      Most read in Football
      In March football chiefs announced an increase in Women’s FA Cup prize money with the fund set to rise from £428,915 to £3million from this season.
      The future of the WSL is another topic that has come up for debate in recent months.
      This summer has seen calls for the top tier to become commercially independent with Chelsea chief Emma Hayes calling for the league to be taken out of the FA’s hands.
      The review of the domestic women’s and girls’ game will see industry experts invited to give evidence at meetings to be led by Carney across the country.
      Football experts are due to be called to give evidence as part of the review’s analysis of the girls’ and women’s gameCredit: Getty
      It will culminate with a report on the state of the sport to be published early next year.
      Ms Dorries added: “The Lionesses’ spectacular performance shows how far we have come at the top of the women’s game.
      “While it is right that we celebrate and reflect on that success, we need an equal emphasis on improving participation, employment opportunities, commercial investment and visibility in the media.” More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘We’ve got a target on our backs now we’re European champions’, says England ace Rachel Daly

      by

      RACHEL DALY joked about feeling like a Big Brother contestant when leaving England’s camp for the first time after their Euros win.And the Harrogate-born WSL star reckons the team have a target on their backs after becoming Europe’s top dogs.
      Rachel Daly and her team-mates are targeting World Cup qualifying wins against Austria and LuxembourgCredit: Getty
      The Lionesses need a point against Austria to claim a place in the 2023 World CupCredit: PA
      Daly, who has 57 caps, admits that life has changed greatly for the team, who take on Austria in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday.
      The match is the first Sarina Wiegman’s aces will play since their historic triumph at Wembley on July 31.
      Reflecting on how life has shifted for the Lionesses, Daly, 30, said: “During the Euros, we were in a bubble.
      “I don’t think we were fully aware of how much of an impact we had on the nation.
      “So, coming out, it was a whirlwind. It was almost like you’d been on Big Brother or Love Island.
      “It was unbelievable to see we’d inspired the nation.”
      Read More Sports Stories
      A draw with their Austrian opponents would see England seal qualification for next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
      Daly believes the Lionesses – unbeaten under Wiegman in 20 games – instil fear in their opponents.
      The defender, who sealed a summer switch to Aston Villa from American top-flight side Houston Dash, added: “England are a team that is feared.
      “We are now European champions and that is something you have got to look at with a great deal of respect.
      “The pressure is all on our backs. Football in England is taking off.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “But pressure is a privilege, and we have to see it as that. Right now, we’re focused on qualifying for the World Cup.
      “We’re European champions of course, but our focus is on the World Cup qualification stage. We know what we need to do.”
      England’s duel with Austria will be the first fixture the team will play following the retirements of Ellen White and Jill Scott.
      And while their presence will be missed, Daly acknowledges there is also an opportunity for the squad’s younger players and rising stars to shine.
      Daly joked: “It’s definitely quieter without Jill.
      “They are missed as people and players, but again, it opens up a new opportunity to the youngsters to come through and shine.”
      Ebony Salmon is among the rising stars aiming to make their mark for the LionessesCredit: Getty
      “They’re two massive characters, great football but honestly even better humans.
      “When you are with them every day you’d feel the empowerment, you’d feel the support, and they’re just fantastic people.
      “They deserve the world for what they’ve done for the women’s game in England and not just here but for the women’s game in general.”
      Austria vs England will be aired on ITV on Saturday 3 September. The game kicks off at 4:00 pm More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      England’s heroic Lionesses meet up for international duty for first time since Euro 2022 at St George’s Park

      by

      SARINA WIEGMAN and England’s stars were still on a Euro 2022 high as they met up for the World Cup qualifying clashes with Austria and Luxembourg.The Lionesses’ boss and her players were gathering for training for the first time since winning the European Championship in July.
      Sarina Wiegman’s players are looking to extend their unbeaten run under their bossCredit: Getty
      Ella Toone, Alessia Russo and their team-mates face Austria and Luxembourg in their next two World Cup qualifying gamesCredit: Getty
      A point for England against Austria would see them book their place in next year’s World Cup in Australia and New ZealandCredit: Getty
      And they arrived at St George’s Park with some of its windows adorned with stunning black and white photos of their goal celebrations during the tournament.
      Images include Ella Toone’s ecstatic celebration after her iconic chipped opener during the team’s 2-1 defeat of Germany in the final
      This Saturday the Lionesses take on Austria away ahead of a duel with Luxembourg at a sold-out Stoke City Stadium on September 6.
      The Euros title-holders are looking to pick up their second competitive win against their rivals this year when the sides at Wiener Neustadt stadium.
      Read More Sports Stories
      One point from the encounter will be enough for the Lionesses to book a place in the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
      Among the Lionesses making their return for international duty is Arsenal star, Jordan Nobbs.

      The Gunners’ ace, 29, is one of five midfielders named in Wiegman’s 23-strong squad having returned to full fitness following a knee injury.
      And Chelsea’s Lauren James and Houston Dash ace Ebony Salmon are among the forwards included.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Salmon is targeting a second senior England appearance with James after her first cap.
      England are top of their World Cup qualifying group after eight games with a five-point lead over Austria who are currently second.
      The Lionesses are yet to lose a match under Wiegman since she took charge of the side last September
      And they hope to extend their unbeaten run under their head coach to 21 games with a victory against Austria on Friday. More

    • 175 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      England boss Wiegman named Uefa Women’s Coach of the Year following Lionesses’ Euros triumph

      by

      SARINA WIEGMAN has won Uefa’s women’s coach of the year gong after guiding England to their first Euros crown.This evening it was announced the Lionesses’ boss had been chosen ahead of Germany gaffer Martina Voss-Tecklenburg and Lyon chief Sonia Bompastor.
      Sarina Wiegman was named Uefa’s women’s coach of the year after England’s Euros win this summerCredit: Getty
      The Lionesses chief and her players hope to add the 2023 World Cup to their trophy collectionCredit: Getty
      England are yet to lose a match under their Netherlands-born head coach who took charge of the team last September.
      Since then, the Lionesses have gone on a 19-game unbeaten run with the players winning the Euros after beating Germany 2-1 at Wembley last month.
      And their historic triumph comes five years on from Wiegman steering the Netherlands to Euros glory.
      Wiegman, 52, said: “It’s really nice to receive this great award, I’m very honoured and humbled.
      “Thank you for voting and I would like to congratulate Sonia and Martina for their nominations and their great achievement with their teams.
      Read More Sports Stories
      “This award is really for everyone involved with the England team, the FA, the staff and of course, most of all, the players. Thank you very much.
      “Things have been set in place and gone very well since I started with the team in September.
      “We’ve really enjoyed it and we’ve performed at our highest level.
      “Our fans have been very great too, so thank you to all the fans for supporting us so much. Now we are looking forward again.
      “Hopefully, we qualify for the World Cup and then next year we go to the World Cup and try to improve the game, perform ourselves and enjoy the game of course.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Wiegman was named this year’s award winner during the Champions League group stage draw in Turkey this evening.
      And Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti won the Uefa men’s coach of the year prize following his club Champions League trophy triumph last season.
      England’s Euros heroics under Wiegman saw them win their first major tournament in 56 years.
      And the Dutch head coach is set to discuss a new contract with the FA after the team face Austria and Luxembourg in next month’s World Cup qualifiers.
      Earlier this month it was reported football chiefs were keen to extend her current deal which runs until 2025.  
      The Lionesses will play Austria and Luxembourg in two World Cup qualifiers in SeptemberCredit: Reuters
      Wiegman added: “I still have a contract for three years so we don’t have to do it tomorrow, but we will do it in a short while.
      “But first, it’s about the squad and the games and then we’ll have a conversation.
      “I really appreciate they’re reaching out to me and that they are happy with me and with the rest of the staff.” More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea ace Lauren James and Houston Dash star Ebony Salmon called up to Lionesses squad

      by

      LAUREN JAMES has been named in England’s squad before the Euros winners’ World Cup qualifying duels with Austria and Luxembourg. Ebony Salmon – who has been in clinical form for US club Houston Dash – is also included in the 23-strong group.
      Lauren James has been named in Sarina Wiegman’s England squad ahead of games against Austria and LuxembourgCredit: Getty
      Ebony Salmon has been included in the Lionesses senior squad following her efforts for England’s Under-23sCredit: Getty
      James, 20, – who is the sister of Blues and Three Lions full-back Reece – received her first senior international call-up ahead of an England camp in November 2020.
      The Kingsmeadow starlet netted a classy goal during Chelsea’s pre-season clash with Lyon this month, which the French side eventually won on penalties.
      The forward made five top-flight appearances for the WSL champs last term and is yet to make her senior Lionesses debut.
      England boss Wiegman, 52, said: “We have been following her since I came in and my former colleagues too.
      Read More Sports Stories
      “She didn’t play that much but she did play some. We know she’s a very talented player.
      “She also had a very good prep with Chelsea, playing minutes, and we wanted to give her a chance to show what she can do with the national team.
      Salmon, 21, who skippered England’s Under-23s to a 3-0 victory against the Netherlands in April, has one senior international cap.
      The forward made her debut as a second-half sub in a 6-0 friendly defeat of Northern Ireland last year.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The former Bristol City and Racing Louisville striker has been on fire for Houston Dash, netting eight goals in eight top-flight appearances this year.
      Wiegman added: She had her spot in the Under-23s. She moved to Houston Dash, she did so well there.
      “She’s just a real goalscorer, that’s what she has shown over the summer.
      “We really want to see where she’s at now. She’s done so well so we really want to give her a chance and show where she’s at with our team.”
      Katie Zelem makes her return to the England squad along with Arsenal star Jordan Nobbs who is now fit following a knee injury.
      Manchester City keeper Sandy MacIver also returns with Hannah Hampton absent due to some personal issues.
      But Chloe Kelly and Fran Kirby both miss England’s September clashes with Austria and Luxembourg due to injury.
      Wiegman said: “Chloe’s (injury) is just a small thing but it’s too early to bring her in and let her play.
      Read More on The Sun
      “She needs a little bit more time but it’s not too bad. Fran has a foot injury.
      “I think she’ll be alright but she hasn’t had that much training at all so she needs a little bit more time.”
      Jordan Nobbs will be part of England’s camp after battling her way back to fitnessCredit: GettyEngland Squad for World Cup qualifiers in September

      Goalkeepers:
      Mary Earps (Manchester United), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City), Sandy MacIver (Manchester City)
      Defenders:
      Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal) Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Millie Bright (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City) Demi Stokes (Manchester City).
      Midfielders:
      Ella Toone (Manchester United) Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Jordan Nobbs (Arsenal) Katie Zelem (Manchester United) Keira Walsh (Manchester City).
      Forwards:
      Alessia Russo (Manchester United), Beth England (Chelsea), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Ebony Salmon (Houston Dash), Lauren James (Chelsea), Nikita Parris (Manchester United). More