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      Alessia Russo says England are focused on playing best football against Spain – not revenge for World Cup ‘hurt’

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      ALESSIA RUSSO is backing England to show Spain why they can be world beaters at Wembley on Wednesday night.Tomorrow’s 8:00pm Nations League clash will be their first meeting since Spain broke Lionesses’ hearts in the 2023 World Cup final.Alessia Russo and Keira Walsh were all smiles in training on Tuesday ahead of their highly anticipated clash with SpainCredit: GettyRusso, who scored in the Lionesses’ 1-1 draw with Portugal, hopes they can register their first win in this year’s Nations League in their second League A group C gameCredit: GettyEngland’s clash with Spain at Wembley will be sternest competitive test since the 2023 World Cup finalCredit: PAEngland have not beaten the best women’s side on the planet since the quarter-finals of their Euro 2022 winning campaign.But the squad that toppled Spain that day will be entirely different to the one that steps out in front of a 55,000-strong crowd at the national stadium.Five players are injured – including joint-Golden Boot winner Beth Mead and match winner Georgia Stanway – while Jill Scott, Ellen White and Rachel Daly have retired.Arsenal striker Russo wants England to move forward with their new generation and avoid focusing on revenge for the World Cup.Read More Football StoriesAmong England’s newer rising stars is Grace Clinton who started against Portugal on February 21 in a League A group C encounter. Tonight could the six-capped Manchester United ace feature in midfield again with Stanway recovering from a collateral knee ligament tear. Russo said: “We have lots of new faces and quality in the squad now.“Revenge reflects on the past a little bit. It hurt and it wasn’t nice to lose out, but we want to be moving forward.Most read in Football“We have a new opportunity and we have all of our fans there.“We have a new team now, lots of different new faces, lots of energy around the place which is nice. We are in a good place and enjoying our football.”A lacklustre 1-1 draw with Portugal last Friday led to criticism of England’s form with just two wins from their last six games.But victory tomorrow for head coach Sarina Wiegman would not be about making critics eat their words.The Lioness boss said: “We’re not playing football to beat the critics. We’re playing football to win games and we can just try to be at our best.“We want to get more consistency to keep it going longer. Then we move forward.“Sometimes things go really well, sometimes things don’t go as well. We try to stay neutral.”Russo, who scored the opener against Portugal, could face Arsenal pals Mariona Caldentey and Laia Codina.The trio all featured in the last World Cup final in Sydney, which Spain won 1-0.She added: “Laia and Mariona are both very funny and great additions (for Arsenal)“I really enjoy speaking to them and talking about (our) different experiences.Tomorrow’s game will see Russo go up against her Arsenal team-mates Mariona Caldentey and Laia CodinaCredit: Alamy“To play alongside them, they bring so much quality.READ MORE SUN STORIES“As opponents, they are top players. The whole Spanish squad is full of talent.“This is a test against some of the best players in the world, but it’s also a chance for us to put on some of our best football.” More

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      Millie Bright says England ‘have a lot of work to do’ before facing Nations League rivals Spain

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      MILLIE BRIGHT wants England to get to “a place of consistency” following a winless start in their first Nations League outing this year. The Lioness vice-captain, 31, says the team have much to do before their Wembley clash with World Cup winners Spain. Millie Bright hopes England can improve their consistency and get closer to their best performance levelsCredit: GettyThe Lioness centre-back and her team-mates were held to 1-1 draw by Portugal in their first Nations League outing this yearCredit: GettyEngland’s next opponents Spain battled from 2-0 down to secure a 3-2 win in their Nations League clash with BelgiumCredit: GettyFriday night saw the reigning Euros champs held to a draw by plucky Portugal after Kika Nazareth’s curled strike caught the visitors out following Alessia Russo’s opener. The 1-1 result at Portimao Stadium  has led to questions about the Lionesses’ recent mixed form before one of their biggest international tests this year.On Wednesday they face a battle with a side aiming to swipe their Euros crown having  beaten them in the 2023 World Cup final in Sydney, Australia.  Despite their Friday night draw, Bright has backed England to get closer to the “levels they want to be at” before their Euros title defence begins in July. Read More Football StoriesWhen asked if she had any concerns about the team’s form, Bright said: “No, not at all. “Football is a journey and we’ve been in this position before when we’re in a really good place and things are going our way. “But then we go through moments where other teams progress and get better. “We’ve still got a lot of work to do and that’s just part of the game. Most read in Football”There is work to be done but we’re aware of what we need to do. “With each game we just have to make sure we keep closing the gap and get closer and closer to the levels we want to be at. “Putting that work in on the training pitch is the most important thing.”Including their result on Friday England have been winless in three of their last seven Nations League games since September 2023. Two of these results include away losses to the Netherlands and Belgium. In two of their last four friendlies of 2024, they fell to a 4-3 loss to 2022 Euros finalists Germany, whilst also drawing 0-0 with Emma Hayes’ USA stars. England’s score draw with Portugal was the second time since July 2023 that the 22nd best team in the world have shared the spoils with Sarina Wiegman’s side. Bright added: “With the (Fifa) rankings people might look at those and think we should be battering this team but as players we don’t look at it like that. “We’ve seen the results they’ve been getting, their performances and the threats they challenged us with. “We’re just going to focus on working on ourselves. “We have to keep that strong mindset to know that we’ve got to get to where we want to be.”Where England fans hope the Lionesses will be next is on the winning side of their next Nations League encounter.An upcoming clash with Spain will see Wiegman’s players go toe-to-toe with the team that denied them a dream  World Cup win in Australia almost two years ago. On Friday their Spain battled back from 2-0 down against Belgium, to seal a dramatic 3-2 win in group two of League A in the Nations League. However Bright believes there are positives England can build on before facing Spain. The 85-capped Lioness said: “As a group we are trying to get to that place of consistency, but that takes time. Alessia Russo reckons England need to be more rutless with scoring chances in their next Nations League gameCredit: Getty”There are lots of things to work on and when you’re playing a top team that poses threats.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think the biggest thing is just keeping the ball better and the possession all over the pitch.”We need to just stick together as a group, get back on the training pitch and work hard and be ready for a big game on Wednesday.” More

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      Sarina Wiegman eyes Nations League victories for England in their first competitive tests this year ahead of Euros 

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      NOTHING less than two wins is the aim for Sarina Wiegman and England when they face Portugal and Spain in the Women’s Nations League.While the start of their Euros title campaign is five months away, the Lionesses are fully focused on the present. A 0-0 draw in July 2023 was the result of the last clash between Portugal and Sarina Wiegman’s LionessesCredit: GettyEngland will be aiming for an away win against Portugal at Portimao StadiumCredit: GettyThe game could see Nikita Parris play her first game for the Lionesses since November 2022 following her England recallCredit: GettyGroup place finishes at the end of the Nations League will dictate which sides are placed in each league for the European qualifying games for the 2027 World Cup. Teams who finish in first and second place in each League A group stay in the top league for the qualifiers.England boss Wiegman, whose side are in group three of League A, said: “We’re going to approach these games to win this Nations League. “This is also important to get us in the best position for the draw, for the qualification for the World Cup. Read More Football Stories”That’s a little further away, but that’s why these games are very important too.”Speaking to reporters at England’s base in the city of Albufeira in Portugal’s Algarve, full-back Lucy Bronze added: “Everyone’s always going to have one eye on the summer, that’s for sure. “But as Sarina said, We are focused on one game at a time. It is important to us. “I think the Nations League, the setup now, means that every game matters so much.Most read in Football”All the teams around us are getting better. “So it is important that we focus on the here and now.”While the here and now is a clash with Portugal in Portimao tonight followed by a February 26 Wembley duel with Spain, some fans will look at both as a rehearsal for England’s Euros campaign.In 137 days the Lionesses will kickstart their quest to remain European Champions.Their historic triumph in July 2022 was off the back of winning the six games they played at the tournament. Results which included a gritty quarter-final defeat of Spain on their way to beating Germany 2-1 in the final at Wembley. Much has changed on the international stage since then with Spain now a tougher force to be reckoned with, particularly when facing their European rivals. The team, managed by Montserrat Tome, won seven of their eight Women’s Nations League on their way to becoming the contest’s 2024 winners.Their victory last February, following a 2-0 defeat of France in Seville, came six months after beating England in the World Cup final in Australia. In 2024 we gained a lot of experience, whether it was good or bad. We learned a lot from that which is going to give us a bit more of an edge.Along with France, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden, Spain are among the sides likely to be the biggest challengers to the Lionesses for Euros glory. Having lost and drawn two of their last international fixtures, England are eager to get off to a solid start before this summer’s Euros and their next Nations League fixtures in April.While the team beat South Africa and Switzerland in friendlies last October and December they also drew 0-0 with the USA and lost 4-3 to Germany at Wembley. Bronze adds:  “In 2024, maybe some results didn’t go our way. “The most important thing is when we get to the summer, that’s when we want to make sure we’re performing for that tournament (the Euros).”In 2024 we gained a lot of experience, whether it was good or bad.”We learned a lot from that, which is going to give us a bit more of an edge.”Filling void left by midfield mainstay Georgia Stanway Since her breakthrough as the youngest player in England’s 2019 World Cup squad Georgia Stanway has become a lynchpin in the team’s midfield.But the Bayern Munich star is in a race to be fit before the Euros.A collateral ligament tear in Stanway’s right knee means England will be without one of their most influential figures from their 2022 Euros-winning squad for tonight’s game and their clash with Spain. A player who was the last to score for the Lionesses against Spain in a major tournament. Stanway’s absence has left Wiegman needing to look to midfield alternatives for one of her most tenacious all-round players. Bayern expects the midfielder who helped them to two title wins since 2022  her to be out for “several months” following her knee op in January. The 75-capped Lioness played in all six games for England at the 2022 Euros. Her link-up play with Keira Walsh and Wiegman’s forwards has proven effective in some of the Lionesses’ most high stakes encounters in recent years. In Stanway’s absence Grace Clinton will be among their midfield options in an eight role. Last February Clinton shone on her senior international debut, playing in this position during a 7-2 hammering of Austria. A natural is how Wiegman described the midfielder who has impressed with her dribbling ability. It took the United player, who spent last season on loan at Tottenham, just 19 minutes to score after making her first start for Wiegman’s England.  Grace Clinton could play in the number eight role for England with Stanway currently recovering from a knee collateral ligament injuryCredit: GettyOther potential alternatives include skipper Leah Williamson and Leicester ace Ruby Mace. READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland chief Wiegman said: “We have a lot of things in consideration and you’ll see who we’ll pick. “Of course we think about many, many scenarios, what the options are and at the end, we’ll pick one.” More

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      Chloe Kelly recalled to Lionesses after Beth Mead withdraws due to injury before Women’s Nations League games

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      CHLOE KELLY has been recalled for England duty ahead of their Women’s Nations League duels with Portugal and Spain. The winger, who is on loan at Arsenal from Manchester City will replace crocked forward Beth Mead.Chloe Kelly is replacing injured club team-mate Beth Mead in England’s squadCredit: PAThe forward’s return to the Lionesses comes a day after her first WSL appearance for Arsenal since joining them on loan in JanuaryCredit: GettyMead was on the bench during Arsenal’s WSL North London derby defeat of Tottenham on January 16Credit: GettyKelly’s swift return to the Lionesses’ fold comes a day after she made her second debut for the Gunners. Arsenal, who are currently third in the WSL, trounced Tottenham 5-0 in the North London derby on Sunday. So far this term Kelly has made one start in the women’s top-tier in seven top-flight appearances.The lack of game time led to the forward issuing a public statement concerning her wish to be “in a position to give it her best shot” to represent her country. Read More Football Stories The statement was later followed by the 48-capped Lioness sealing a transfer deadline day loan move to the Gunners in January. Kelly was initially left out of Sarina Wiegman’s 24-strong England squad before their matches against Portugal this Friday and Spain on February 26. The WSL player’s return to the Lionesses followed her coming on as a second-half substitute for the Gunners. And she hit the crossbar with a shot during their defeat of Spurs at the Emirates. Most read in FootballAside from Mead, Lotte Wubben-Moy will also be absent from England’s camp this month with the centre-back withdrawing due to injury. Arsenal boss Renee Slegers says the Gunners ace sustained a minor muscle which is due to be scanned today. Villa defender Lucy Parker has been called up for England following a muscle injury sustained by Lotte Wubben-MoyCredit: GettyAston Villa defender Lucy Parker has been named as a replacement for Wubben-Moy in Wiegman’s squad.The group will be heading to Portugal this week ahead of a clash with Francisco Neto’s side at 7:45pm this Friday. They will then face World Cup winners Spain at Wembley at 8:00pm next Wednesday. More

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      ‘It was a tough time but I’m ready to move forward’, says England ace Chloe Kelly ahead of second Arsenal debut

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      CHLOE KELLY vows she has moved on from the “dark time” that led her to leaving Manchester City for a temporary Arsenal move. The Gunners loan star hopes the London club, where she began her senior playing career, can keep their “foot on the gas” in the chase for silverware. Chloe Kelly is in line to make her second debut for Arsenal following her January loan move to the clubCredit: GettyThe England forward joined the Gunners on loan from Manchester City and hopes to get more game time after making one top-flight start so far this seasonCredit: GettyKelly and her Arsenal team-mates are due to play Tottenham at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon with a crowd of more than 50,000 expected at the matchCredit: EPAIt was on January 30 this year, the  final day for player transfers between Women’s Super League clubs this winter, that Kelly learned Arsenal wanted to sign her. On that date the forward, 27,  whose team hosts Tottenham tomorrow, spent some time at a driving range with her husband Scott whom she married last August. Arsenal’s WSL rivals Brighton and Manchester United were also battling for her signature before the Gunners’ dramatic late bid.Kelly, who was practicing golf on transfer deadline day, hopes to help the club emerge as big hitters in the battle for trophies in the final stretch of this term. Read More Football Stories Her switch to the north London giants, from fourth-placed City, was revealed by the club three minutes before the 11pm deadline for WSL player moves. It was out of my hands of what was going to be accepted. But it was definitely exciting when Arsenal called.Chloe KellyAnd tomorrow, 17 days on from her sealing a return to the Gunners, the forward could be set to play when the third-placed side host Tottenham at the Emirates. Reflecting on the moment she learned of Arsenal’s interest, Kelly said: “He (my husband) was sat playing FIFA and he said, ‘let’s go and just get out the house’ “So we went to the driving range and Arsenal contacted (my agent) and there were great conversations. Most read in Football”I remember calling my family straight away to tell them.”My brother went upstairs, put his Arsenal shirt on. I felt my family were really excited for the move as well, which put a smile on my face.”Kelly’s move has seen her join some of her England pals who play for Arsenal. Her fellow national team stars at the club are Lioness skipper Leah Williams, defender Lotte Wubben-Moy, forward Beth Mead and striker Alessia Russo.  When asked if any of her Gunners and England pals had spoken to her once they heard of the late bid, Kelly added: “They were all messaging me”They had seen the news that I could be coming and they were like, ‘are you coming?’ “It was quite short one-word answers (in reply) to them like, ‘I don’t know, we’ll see’. “But as soon as I stepped into the changing room, I felt such warmth and the girls have been incredible.”It was out of my hands of what was going to be accepted etc; “But it was definitely excited when Arsenal did call. “That’s somewhere where I grew up playing and where I learned so much in my trade. “I’m really excited to give back to this club because they’ve given me an opportunity to put a smile on my face and also to play the game that we love.”Kelly’s return to the side where she made her breakthrough at a senior level at 17, was preceded by her releasing an explosive and candid public statement. In it the Lioness expressed her desire to “be happy again” and described concerns of her “dreams being crushed” after struggling for game time at City this term.The London-born forward hopes to regain a place in England’s squad ahead this year’s Euros. But the first five months of this term saw her opportunities to start for Gareth Taylor’s City side limited. So far this season, the scorer of England’s’ tournament-winning goal at the 2022 Euros has started in one WSL fixture. This in contrast to her 18 top-flight starts in 21 appearances in the previous campaign. A run that helped the Cityzens take the title race to the wire before they finished second on goal difference. This Sunday, against Tottenham, Kelly could potentially be named in a first XI line-up of a top tier fixture for the first time since October 6.Her last first team outing in the league was during a 2-0 Man City defeat of West Ham. It was a relief that I had spoken in how I needed to speak and whether my move got over the line or not. Chloe KellyOn how this season has at times felt for her due to the lack of match action, Kelly said: “It’s been tough mentally. It’s been draining at times. “But I’m a professional and I know I hold myself to a high level. “However I think as a human, it was a tough time for me and I’m ready to move forward now.”Kelly’s statement was issued with the forward entering the final months of her contract with Man City. Her current deal with her parent club is due to expire in June with the player becoming a free agent then.Of her mindset at certain points this term and how she felt about issuing a public statement, Kelly added: “It was still a dark time for me because I didn’t know how my future looked.”It was a relief that I had spoken in how I needed to speak and whether my move got over the line or not. “I was grateful to be able to share my words.”Despite the fallout that surrounded her loan move away from City, Kelly is grateful for the special moments shared with her team-mates there and the club’s supporters. Since joining the Cityzens in 2020 after four years at Everton, Kelly has lifted an FA Cup and Women’s League Cup. The 48-capped England ace said: “I’m very grateful for the memories I created at the club and the relationships I built with amazing players”I went there for success and won a couple of trophies as well so I’m very grateful for the opportunity to represent the badge.”Sometimes in life you can’t write the future, but you can always make sure that you’re the best person every day”I try to be the best professional and the best person every day for my team-mates and that was really important for me as a human being but as a team-mate too.”Kelly’s recovery from a knee ligament tear sustained in May 2021 was followed by the forward’s inclusion in Sarina Wiegman’s England squad for the Euros a year later. The Lionesses’ historic triumph in the tournament’s final marked an international high point for Kelly. Chloe Kelly hopes to earn a place in Sarina Wiegman’s England squad for this year’s Euros with the Lionesses targeting a second tournament triumphCredit: PAHer memorable close-range finish sealed a 2-1 Wembley victory over Germany in front of a record crowd of 87,192. Earlier this week Wiegman revealed Kelly had been dropped from the national squad ahead of their Women’s Nations League duels with Portugal and Spain this month. However the Lioness boss suggested the door was not closed on the forward potentially returning to the national side. And with another European Championship on the horizon, and England targeting back-to-back contest wins, she intends to give Wiegman a selection headache. The Arsenal ace added “It’s everyone’s dream to play for England but it’s not a given. “I need to work and get back on the pitch and show what I’m capable of before that. “Sarina has been incredible throughout the process. “I’m excited to hopefully be at my best here (Arsenal) to be able to put the shirt on that I enjoy doing so much.”Before her Arsenal return, Kelly’s last goal in a Gunners shirt was netted in June 2017 when she scored against Bristol City. Sunday could see her back in WSL action for the Gunners making her second debut for the club at the Emirates in the North London derby. Renee Slegers’ side are eager to try and gain ground on league leaders Chelsea who have a nine-point advantageKelly added:  “I’m ready for the fight again and to show what I’m capable of. Chloe Kelly’s last appearance for Arsenal against Tottenham was back in March 2017 when the team won an FA Cup fifth round duelCredit: Getty“I’m really looking forward to stepping out and hearing the noise from our fans. “I’ve been involved in being around the squad for the last three games, the last two games at home. READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s been amazing to hear the fans and they really get behind the girls.Arsenal’s game against Tottenham will be broadcast live on BBC Two at 12:30pm on February 16. 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      Sarina Wiegman says ‘less minutes’ at club level is behind decision to drop England ace Chloe Kelly

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      SARINA WIEGMAN hinted the door is still open for Chloe Kelly to win an England squad spot again despite the forward being dropped.  Kelly, 27, was among the high-profile omissions from the group named ahead of their Nations League duels with Portugal and Spain.Chloe Kelly will miss England’s upcoming Nations League games against Portugal and Spain after being dropped from the Lionesses squadEngland boss Sarina Wiegman insists Kelly still has a chance to make the Euros if she gets game time and impresses at Arsenal More

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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