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      England’s Georgia Stanway undergoes knee surgery ahead of Euros with midfielder expected to be ‘out for months’

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      GEORGIA STANWAY has undergone a knee operation after suffering a serious injury during training with her club Bayern Munich. The England midfielder, who underwent surgery yesterday, ruptured a lateral ligament in her right knee earlier this week.  Georgia Stanway’s last competitive game prior to her lateral knee ligament injury was against Arsenal in the Champions League in DecemberCredit: ReutersBayern Munich expect the midfielder star will be “out of action for several months” for themCredit: AlamyThe German giants expect the player, 26, to be out of action for several months for their team who are battling to win a seventh Women’s Bundesliga title. This means Stanway could miss the rest of this season and face a battle to be fit for this summer’s Euros with England hoping to retain their crown. The Bayern Munich star was part of the Lionesses side, who under boss Sarina Wiegman, became the first England team to win the contest in 2022. This year’s tournament in Switzerland is due to start on July 2 with England’s group stage opener against France taking place in Zurich three days later. Read More Football StoriesShould the 75-capped Stanway return to fitness by then, there is a chance she may have not have played in any competitive matches before the contest’s start. Her last competitive appearance for her club, who are currently second in Germany’s top tier, was on December 18. Back then the midfielder was part of the team that fell to a 3-2 group stage loss to Arsenal in the Champions League. Stanway, who joined Bayern Munich from Man City in May 2022, is a highly-regarded player for club and country. Most read in FootballShe began her senior club career at Blackburn Rovers in 2015 prior to signing for Man City later that year and then joining Bayern seven years after. Stanway, who was born in Cumbria, made an instant impact on her senior Lionesses debut scoring in a 3-0 friendly defeat of Austria in November 2018Five years later, she helped her national team make history by winning the Women’s Euros for the first time. On the way to defeating Germany in the final of the 2022 contest she scored a long-range quarter-final winner against Spain. Stanway’s injury comes a month on from Alex Greenwood damaging her medial collateral ligament whilst on Manchester City dutyCredit: ReutersStanway’s fitness blow comes just over a month after Lioness and Man City defender Alex Greenwood sustained a medial and collateral ligament injury. The Cityzens captain was stretchered off during her side’s 2-0 defeat of St Polten in the Champions League.She is currently working on her way back to fitness at the club after undergoing surgery following her MCL injury.  More

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      England women’s hero Chloe Kelly releases bombshell statement slamming ‘negative behaviour towards her’

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      ENGLAND women’s hero Chloe Kelly has released a bombshell statement slamming her own club’s “negative behaviour towards her.”The Manchester City star has featured just six times in the league this season.Chloe Kelly has released a statement slamming Man City for not letting her leaveCredit: RexThe Euro 2022 winner is wanted by Man Utd ahead of tonight’s deadlineCredit: ReutersKelly, 27, has seen game time dry up despite being an important figure in past campaigns.And she has now declared she is eager to leave City ahead of tonight’s 11pm transfer deadline.The ace netted England’s winning goal in their Euro 2022 final win over Germany.Sarina Wiegman’s team will look to defend their trophy this summer in Switzerland.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Kelly is worried that a lack of minutes at City will seriously hurt her chances of making the squad.It’s reckoned that rivals Manchester United are weighing up a late loan swoop, with Kelly’s City contract not expiring until June.Now, the winger has issued a lengthy statement slamming her club for leaving her on the sidelines all season.Kelly claims that being told “whom I can and can’t join” has affected her “mental wellbeing” in the process.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd she has begged City to let her go so she can “be happy again.”Kelly said: “A message from me. For a long time, I’ve tried to work through professional challenges privately, not commenting publicly, but with my situation increasingly being debated in the public domain, I feel it’s time to be open and transparent, and you heard it from my perspective.Chloe Kelly attends the MTV EMAs 2024″A key lesson I have learned in my life is that, while I can’t control someone’s negative behaviour towards me, I can control how long I am prepared to tolerate it.”From day one, I’ve felt so much love from my team-mates and the fans. With my contract expiring in June, I’ve accepted my future is not at this club beyond then.”With the Euros fast approaching, this summer is a huge one and I want to be in a position to give it my best shot to represent my country. Something which has always filled me with such pride and it is a true honour to do so.”However, to be dictated whom I can and can’t join with only four months left of the football season is having a huge impact on not only my career but my mental wellbeing. The situation has dragged on for too long, it’s disappointing and not right.”I’m at a pivotal point in my life and my career is so important to me, and [it] is very disappointing that the sport we love can make you feel this way, especially after there’s been so much growth in our sport.”This is why I’m posting this, because I want to make you all aware that we as players dedicate our lives to our sport and our clubs but our dreams can be crushed while we live in silence.”I am human and I have and will give everything to the game that I love. Ultimately, I just want to be happy again.” More

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      Chloe Kelly states her future ‘is not at Manchester City’ in exit plea post shared before January transfer deadline

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      CHLOE KELLY admits she does not see herself being a Manchester City player beyond this June.The England ace opened up on “dreams” being “crushed” and concerns for her “mental wellbeing” in a message shared via Instagram. Chloe Kelly’s most recent start for Manchester City was on January 12 in their FA Cup fourth round defeat of IpswichCredit: PAThe England forward has made six WSL appearances this term and believes she will not be at Man City beyond June this yearKelly’s past and present England team-mates Rachel Daly, Millie Bright, Keira Walsh and Gabby George posted sympathetic messages in response to her statementKelly, 27, who is one of the WSL’s most high profile players, has been the subject of speculation concerning her Man City future.This followed England’s tournament-winning goalscorer at the 2022 Euros, falling down the pecking order at the Cityzens. Last term Kelly made 21 top-flight appearances starting in 18 of those games registering five goals and five assists with the team finishing second on goal difference. The forward, who began her senior club career at Arsenal in 2015 before a 2016 Everton switch and a City move in 2020, helped the Cityzens to league and FA Cup wins. Read More Football Stories However this season she has started in just one of the 12 WSL games played by Gareth Taylor’s side.Her most recent start for the team this month was in their FA Cup fourth-round 3-0 defeat of Ipswich on January 12.And Kelly’s current contract with the club she joined in July 2020 expires in June. With this year’s Euros less than six months away, the forward hopes to be in a position to fight for England squad selection.Most read in FootballVia a post published on her social media accounts on Wednesday night, Kelly wrote: “From day one, I’ve felt so much love from my team-mates and the fans. “With my contract expiring in June I’ve accepted that my future is not at this club beyond then. “With the Euros fast approaching, this summer is a huge one and I want to be in a position to give it my best shot to represent my country. “Something which has always filled me with such pride and it is a true honour to do so.”Kelly, who last February was linked with French giants Paris Saint-Germain, is thought to be a January transfer target for Man United.The WSL’s window for January moves closes at 11:00pm on January 30. Earlier this month the Telegraph reported the Red Devils as being interested in a loan move for the forward. City’s neighbours and rivals, who visit Tottenham on Sunday, are currently second in the top tier and seven points off leaders Chelsea. With the Cityzens sat fourth outside the Champions League qualification spots, they may be reluctant to sanction a move to a top three WSL rival this month. Having not started in any of Man City’s WSL games since a 2-0 home win against West Ham in October, Kelly has expressed frustration.  In her Instagram post, she added: “To be dictated (as to) whom I can and can’t join with only four months left of the football season is having a huge impact on not only my career but my mental well being. “The situation has dragged on for far too long, it’s disappointing and not right.”I’m at a pivotal point in my life and my career is so important to me.”It’s very disappointing that the sport that we love can make you feel this way especially after there’s been so much growth in our sport. “This is why I’m posting this because I want to make you all aware that we as players dedicate our lives to our sport and our clubs but our dreams can be crushed whilst we live in silence.”Kelly is keen to cement a place in Sarina Wiegman’s England squad for this year’s Euros in Switzerland after helping the Lionesses win the contest in 2022Credit: PA”Ultimately I just want to be happy again. READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile City have signed Brazil forward Kerolin, they currently have star forward Lauren Hemp sidelined by a knee injury. The team return to WSL action on Sunday when they host third-place Arsenal.  More

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      Chloe Kelly looks stunning in bikini as England Lionesses star enjoys Dubai holiday with new husband

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      CHLOE KELLY went from the Wetihad to Sunsetihad – as the Manchester City star swapped wintry England for balmy Dubai.The Lionesses winger treated herself to a luxury holiday, and her fans to some sizzling photos, as she jetted away with new husband Scott Moore.Chloe Kelly’s admirers were thrilled by her yacht snapsCredit: Instagram @ChloekellyThe 48-cap England ace had fans in a spin with her picsCredit: Instagram @ChloekellyKelly’s smile was only beaten by that of hubbie Scott MooreCredit: Instagram @ChloekellyThe Etihad ace is making the most of a month-long break in the Women’s Super League.While her male counterparts at City are struggling for even a top-four finish in the Premier League, Kelly and Co will return to WSL action in second place with a tasty Manchester derby against United on January 19.But that looked the last thing on the 26-year-old’s mind as she relaxed in a bikini for yacht shots.Kelly wed long-time boyfriend Moore, who she met when he was a groundsman at her old club Everton, in the rolling countryside of Merrydale Manor, near Knutsford in Cheshire, in July.READ MORE ON CHLOE KELLYAnd she’s followed that special pre-season occasion with a mid-term jaunt that she also cherished.Kelly posted pics from beneath a golden sky in the UAE with the accompanying words: “SUNKISSED & SUNSETS.”England’s 2022 final matchwinner had already delighted her admirers in recent weeks with glamorous red carpet appearances – at GQ’s Men of the Year awards and an MTV bash.This time she posed in a black bikini underneath an open white blouse.Most read in FootballAdmirers reckon Chloe hit the right note with her MTV outfitCredit: GettyThis choice of fashion equally impressed her followersCredit: GettyAnd her hubbie wore an even bigger smile when they cuddled up in one photo, both in sunglasses.”Goddess,” “Hotness,” “Beautiful you” and “Gorgeous Chloe” were just some of the reactions from her 876,000 Instagram followers.Chloe Kelly shows off her toned abs in very bold outfit as England Lionesses star attends MTV Europe Music AwardsOne fan went with a slightly unsettling message: “Ha! I saw your boat from my bedroom window this morning. Enjoy!”But another enthusiast who also had a close Chloe encounter appeared to be crying with his replying, rather boasting with his posting.He wrote: “I was literally at the same beach as her… Genuine swimming distance” – adding a tearful emoji.Sun you win, sun you lose!Man City ace Kelly is on a break from the Women’s Super LeagueCredit: GettyKelly’s celebration after sinking Germany with an extra-time winner in the Euro 2022 final at Wembley quickly became iconicCredit: PA More

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      Bizarre reason England star was BANNED from coming on to the pitch despite being stripped off and ready for substitution

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      SARINA WIEGMAN has revealed why England were BANNED from bringing on Lucy Bronze in their friendly win over Switzerland.The Lionesses treated fans to a 1-0 victory courtesy of an early Grace Clinton goal to follow up their 0-0 draw with the USA.Bronze was dressed and ready to come on to earn her 128th capBut the Chelsea star was sent back to the bench in the 83rd minuteIt came after a baffling administrative errorBronze was geared up to enter the contest, for what would’ve been her 128th cap, in the final 10 minutes of the contest at Bramall Lane.The Chelsea star, 33, was dressed and ready on the touchline before being asked to return to her seat.Wiegman was instead forced to bring on NJ/NY Gotham defender Jess Carter on Tuesday.It was later revealed that England had failed to include Bronze on their official team list.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWiegman explained: “That was the moment where she was not on the list. There had been a mistake, unfortunately, a human mistake.”We found out there and we still wanted to bring her on the pitch but unfortunately she couldn’t go so that was really frustrating, of course the most for herself but, we couldn’t change it anymore.”According to the International Football Association Board’s (IFAB) laws of the game, “only the players and substitutes named on the team list may take part in the match upon their arrival”.For those who are not named on the team list as a player, substitute or a team official, they are classified as “an outside agent”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWiegman made ten changes from England’s stalemate with the US, managed by Emma Hayes.And Clinton, 21, repaid her faith with her third international goal in five appearances.My cousin is Man Utd FA Cup hero – now he’s helping me through my injury hell so I can shine for women’s teamThe Manchester United star had England in front within ten minutes, firing home from close range.She was on hand to smash home the rebound after Millie Turner headed the ball on to the post from a free-kick.The Lionesses return to action on February 21 when they take on Portugal in their first match of the Women’s Nations League.Grace Clinton scored the only goal of the evening More

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      Wiegman pleased with Clinton and Park ‘difference’ during England defeat of Switzerland but rues team sheet ‘error’

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      SARINA WIEGMAN praised Grace Clinton and Jess Park for making a difference during England’s 1-0 friendly defeat of Switzerland. And the Lionesses boss challenged Clinton to become even more consistent following the victory last night. Grace Clinton netted the Lionesses’ winning goal against Switzerland in the eighth minute of their match at Bramall LaneCredit: GettyJess Park and Aggie Beever-Jones also impressed in attack with Sarina Wiegman making ten changes to the team that drew with the United StatesCredit: AlamyThe Lionesses kept a clean sheet in their final match this year with the team looking ahead to the draw for next year’s EurosCredit: GettyLucy Bronze was unable to come on as a substitute due to an error that resulted in the full-back not being listed as part of England’s squadCredit: GettyAfter being benched for England’s 0-0 draw with the USA at Wembley on Saturday, Clinton delivered a sharp shift in response last night. The Manchester United midfielder broke the deadlock eight minutes into the game for Wiegman’s revamped side. Her first-half strike at Bramall Lane, for a youthful England team was her third goal in five senior international appearances. Wiegman said: “Grace is improving well. She had to do a couple of things too. She had a good game. Read More Football Stories”The next step (for her) is to get into the squad more often and get consistency. “I was really happy with her. You can really see that she’s developing.”But I also thought Jess Park made a difference today.”England found themselves under pressure at times during the second half with Pia Sundhage’s Switzerland applying more pressure in the final third. Most read in FootballAnd despite having just three shots on target, Clinton’s finish was enough to ensure the 2022 Euros champions rounded off this year with a win. And this followed some mixed results during their last camp, which included a 4-3 loss to Germany.  England will now look ahead to discovering who they face in next year’s Women’s Euros, with the draw scheduled next Wednesday. Of the team’s performance, Wiegman added: “We played really well in the first half, we challenged them all the time, played mainly on their half of the pitch, created chances, and scored one goal. “I was really happy with that because what we wanted to do with a very young team, some debuts and some starters for the first time in (a while) who hadn’t played for us. “In the second half our level dropped. We were more sloppy. “We didn’t find the pockets well enough. So that was a little bit harder. “I wanted to see many things. I wanted to try out things, but also manage loads of players, because there is a quick turnaround. “All of these things together make me take the (selection) decisions that I did.”On a night in which the head coach made ten changes to the team that drew with the USA, the only significant error was one concerning their team sheet. During the second-half Lucy Bronze was getting ready to come on for the hosts. But the full-back ended up having to retake her seat on England’s bench due to not being included on the Lionesses’ squad list.Wiegman said: “That was a human error from our side and that’s very frustrating of course, and very disappointing because we wanted to bring her in – mainly for her. “These things happen sometimes.”On Monday, Wiegman declared she would experiment and made ten changes to the team that faced the United States last time out.Senior debuts were handed to Leicester midfielder Ruby Mace and Man City forward Laura Blindkilde-Brown. In a nod to the future eight of Wiegman’s starting line-up was under the age of 25.Blindkilde-Brown and Mace the youngest at 21. Before last night, Wiegman urged Clinton to be switched on international shifts. And she wasted no time in showing her alertness, smashing England’s early opener into the roof of the net. Park dragged a shot wide shortly after the half hour mark before Maya Le Tissier had a tame shot comfortably claimed by Switzerland keeper Elvira Herzog. Alessia Russo almost doubled England’s advantage with a 51st-minute header after replacing Park. Wiegman’s players will find out who they will face in the group stage of next year’s Women’s Euros when the draw takes place on December 10Credit: AlamyAnd England keeper Hannah Hampton made a swift stop to keep out Iman Beney’s strike as the visitors upped their tempo. READ MORE SUN STORIESHer well-timed tipped ball over the bar denied Meriame Terchoun a long-range leveller with England holding firm.And substitute Georgia Stanway struck the post with a shot in injury-time before her team saw out the win.  More

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      England need to be ‘uncomfortable’ to get better, says Lionesses chief Sarina Wiegman ahead of Switzerland clash

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      SARINA WIEGMAN warns England stars must get used to feeling uncomfortable with their Euros title defence drawing nearer. Her remarks follow Leah Williamson reflecting on testing moments for the Lionesses in two intense end-of-year camps. Sarina Wiegman expects players to feel uncomfortable as England push to improve ahead of next year’s EurosCredit: ReutersThe Lionesses is planning to field a much changed England side against side Switzerland following a 0-0 friendly draw with the United StatesCredit: AlamyEngland skipper Leah Williamson told Sky Sports England’s most recent camps with games against Germany, South Africa, and the USA have been moulded to test themCredit: AlamyTomorrow the England skipper, 27, and her team-mates host Switzerland in an 8pm Bramall Lane clash in their last friendly before 2025.  The duel with next year’s Euros hosts comes seven months before the 2022 champs begin their quest to win the tournament back-to-back. Before then Wiegman’s side will resume their build-up with Nations League action in February with World Cup winners Spain among their group stage foes. And 51-capped Williamson reckons England’s recent camps have been moulded to test them.  Read More Football StoriesLionesses boss Wiegman, 56, said: “That’s what you need at moments. “At the end, before we go into a tournament, you want clarity and that everyone knows their role, which we know in top sport can also change very quickly. “But now you’re trying out things, you want everyone to compete at the highest level, compete against opponents, but also compete against each other. “That’s what you need to become better and that’s uncomfortable. Most read in Football”It’s also trying out new things and we’re not going to get everything right, but we’re learning and it gives us information.”With Wiegman due to whittle her squad down to 23 for the Euros, Jess Park expects the battle for squad spots to be more intense. The in-form Lioness forward, 23, added: “That’s the best way a team needs to be. “If there is no competition it’s never going to bring out the best in you.”Wiegman is likely to field a much-changed line-up to the team that drew with the USA on Saturday. However the England chief will be without the services of Chloe Kelly and Fran Kirby with injuries forcing the duo to return to their clubs. The Manchester City and Brighton forwards came on as second-half substitutes against the United States. However Kelly sustained concussion during the match while Kirby picked up a calf injury. With Lauren Hemp, Lauren James and Ella Toone also injured, England’s forward ranks are depleted. Among the up and coming stars vying to start is midfielder Grace Clinton who did not feature in the 0-0 draw at Wembley. Along with Jess Naz, Grace Clinton (left) and Ruby Mace (right) are vying for a tarting spot for England against SwitzerlandCredit: ReutersWiegman added: “What we want is consistency and what I talk with Grace about a lot is she needs to stay switched on at all times. READ MORE SUN STORIES”She’s tight on the ball but she also shows she can come into the box. “Defensively her understanding needs to be improved, the consistency and to know what the bigger picture is than only her own task.” More

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      Sarina Wiegman eager to consign USA to first defeat under Emma Hayes with team unbeaten in 11 games

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      SARINA WIEGMAN will not be letting friendship get in the way of her determination to guide England to victory over Emma Hayes’ USA. The duo go toe-to-toe as coaches for the first time tomorrow when the Lionesses face the United States at Wembley. Sarina Wiegman is aiming to guide the Lionesses to friendly wins against the USA and SwitzerlandCredit: GettyEngland’s clash with the United States women’s team will see Wiegman pitted against USA boss Emma HayesCredit: GettyUSA captain Lindsey Horan says her side enjoy “the pressure moments” when facing teams like EnglandCredit: GettyThe 5:20pm Saturday clash will be Hayes’ first homecoming as USA chief this year. She began her role in June, after ending her reign as Chelsea boss leading the Blues to a seventh WSL title. Tomorrow’s fixture follows Hayes, 48, steering her US stars to a gold medal win at the Paris Olympics in August. And with the team unbeaten in 11 games since Hayes took charge, Wiegman is ready to give her rival her first taste of international defeat. Read More Football Stories The Lioness chief, 55, said: “Emma and I used to collaborate, but now we’re opponents and I’m really looking forward to that.”With friends, you really want to beat them, maybe even more than if they’re not your friends. “We play at Wembley, there’s going to be around 85,000 people there, plus the USA won at the Olympics, so it’s really exciting.”The Lionesses’ clash with the United States will be the first time the teams have faced each other since England’s 2-1 victory two years ago in October. Most read in FootballSince then the Lionesses reached a World Cup final for the first time last summer, falling to a 1-0 loss to Spain. Results for both sides in the last international window have been in contrast. While Hayes’ players saw off Iceland and Argentina with 3-1 and 3-0 wins, Wiegman’s team suffered a 4-3 loss to Germany before defeating South Africa 2-1.And though the USA have been the victors in 12 of their 19 duels with England, full-back Lucy Bronze believes the rivalry between both sides is respectful. The Lioness, who is a Fifa 2024 women’s player of the year nominee, added: “As much as there is a rivalry, there is that level of respect.”You get that when you have a rivalry with two teams that get to the highest level. “As an English team we’ve always understood that the US have had to do so much to get to where they are, “That’s something we really admire in them and something that they’ve inspired us to do as an England team after winning the Euros. “We’re rivals, we’re a community but at the same time we still want to beat each other. “With England and America, it’s always that high level of rivalry but also respect.”With more than 83,000 fans expected at Wembley, Hayes was asked her thoughts on how the women’s game is currently faring here compared to across the pond. However the USA chief believes the sport in both locations should be celebrated equally. The USA chief said: “It’s fair to say that both countries are committed to women’s sport and developing the women’s game. Lucy Bronze is among the five Lionesses who have been shortlisted for this year’s Fifa women’s player of the year awardCredit: Getty”As always, we talk about the things we need to keep doing to improve it, but I think we need to celebrate how far we’ve come. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Having 80,000 paying fans to watch a great match-up is, again, not just a sign of progress, but shows that the Lionesses are sustaining a lot.”It’s about celebrating both countries and celebrating the work that’s being done, as opposed to picking it apart.” More