Women’s Euro 2022

SARINA WIEGMAN admits it hurt her “orange heart” to see England knock her Netherlands compatriots out of the Euros.But the Lionesses boss, 54, wished Gareth Southgate and his men the very best before their battle to become Europe’s new football kings.Sarina Wiegman’s players will play the Republic of Ireland at Carrow Road and Sweden in Gothenburg in their Women’s Euros qualifiers this monthCredit: GettyWiegman and her players watched the Three Lions beat the Netherlands in men’s Euros semis to set up a clash with Spain in the finalCredit: GettyThe Lioness boss sayes watching Ollie Watkin’s bag England’s semi-final winning goal hurt her orange heartCredit: GettyWiegman and England Women’s stars gathered around the TV to watch the Three Lions book their place in the men’s final in Berlin, Germany.Their 2-1 semis defeat of her compatriots, with Ollie Watkins netting the winner in Dortmund, set up England’s Sunday night showdown with Spain.The Wednesday night triumph for Southgate’s side’s preceded Wiegman’s players resuming their bid to automatically qualify for next year Women’s Euros.The Dutchwoman, whose team play the Republic of Ireland in a Euros qualifier at Carrow Road on Friday, said: “Of course I wish the very best for Gareth and his team, of course we are colleagues.Most read in Football”But it did hurt a little bit, my orange heart hurt.”Among the Lionesses sat alongside Wiegman watching the men’s heroics was Manchester City’s Lauren Hemp.The in-form 57-capped forward, 23, joked it was odd to watch along with her Netherlands-born national team boss.Hemp, 23, said: “It was a great result. It was weird watching it (with Sarina) I guess but it was a really good game.Most read in Football”England left it to the last minute like they always do which is exciting.”They’ve got their game at the weekend and we’ve got two very important games coming up so it would be nice to share that success and get a couple of wins.”The Lionesses, who won the women’s contest two years ago, hope to become the first England side to win back-to-back European Championships.Seeing the Three Lions reach successive men’s finals has spurred on Hemp’s hope to help her side triumph in the women’s tournament again.She adds: “It’s so nice to see the men doing well and it does make us relive those special moments.”When we won the Euros that was probably the best day of my life and we want to do the same next year. “That starts from the qualifiers now.”Although level on points with second-placed Sweden, England are currently third in their group in League A.Only the top two teams automatically qualify for next year’s Euros.Their last two qualifiers resulted in a loss and a win against group A3 leaders France.For former Norwich youth player Hemp, an England victory at the Canaries’ home ground would be extra special.The in-form foward said: “Of course I’m so excited to be back home.”It’s obviously nice seeing the pitch again and training on it. “I’m really excited for the game and it’s sold out so that’s even better.”Wiegman says her squad is in a good place with all players training ahead of her team’s next two games.Lauren Hemp hopes she and her Lionesses team-mates will have the chance to relive the experience of winning the EurosCredit: GettyThe England chief has no fitness concerns regarding goalkeeper Mary Earps who has recovered following a minor hip injury READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever full-back Niamh Charles is unlikely to be able to play both matches.Wiegman added: “Coming from the place where Niamh comes, we know she can’t play two times for 90 minutes.” More

WOMEN’S Super League clubs’ aggregate revenues rose by 50 per cent with teams generating £48million in the season before last (2022-23). And the collective revenues of top tier sides are expected to rise to £68million next term, according to finance firm Deloitte.WSL saw a growth in matchday attendance in the season following the Lionesses winning the 2022 Women’s EurosCredit: ReutersArsenal are among the clubs who have seen a rise in crowd numbers with the club set to host eight WSL games at the Emirates next seasonCredit: GettyThe company’s Annual Review of Football Finance, published today, says uplifts in commercial and matchday income have contributed to the growth in profits for WSL clubs.In the season that followed England winning the Women’s 2022 Euros, accumulative matchday revenues among WSL sides grew to £7m as they pushed to boost attendance.And last season, for the first time ever, collective attendance at games exceeded the one million mark across the top tier and Women’s Championship.Deloitte’s Sports Business insight lead Jenny Haskel, said: “WSL clubs are home to world-class players whose success on the international stage has drawn new fans to the domestic game.Read More Football Stories “Driving a loyal fanbase, habitual viewing and distinct commercial partnerships was a clear priority for WSL clubs in the 2022/23 season “The soaring revenue growth achieved demonstrates the strides that have been made. “However we’re still in the foothills of growth in the women’s game. “With NewCo set to step into the governance role in place of the FA this year, WSL clubs will be both participants in the competition and shareholders off the pitch. Most read in Football”As NewCo concentrates on growing the popularity, standards, and visibility of the women’s game in England, collaboration with clubs and other stakeholders will be an important element to continuing the efforts to attract the attention of commercial partners, investors, and crucially, fans.”Deloitte’s report outlined commercial earnings as the driver of income growth for clubs, representing 35% of total revenue (£17m) for top tier sides.Manchester United, their neighbours Man City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, all reported commercial revenues of over £1m.The Red Devils’ figure was £5.2m and Man City’s was £3.6m. Meanwhile Liverpool’s and Tottenham’s reported were £3m and Tottenham Hotspur £1.7m. However WSL sides also experienced pre-tax losses between the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons with this figure rising from £14m to £21mThis is despite being alleviated by the inclusion of £17.4m of group income for certain clubs.Deloitte’s review found that while the average revenue for WSL clubs was £4m in the season before last (2022/23), up from £2.7m in the previous year, there remained a disparity across the league.The league’s top four revenue-generating clubs make up 66% of the total profit for the division.Deloitte Sports Business lead partner, Tim Bridge added:  “Many women’s clubs continue to rely on financial contributions from their wider group structure.Deloitte say continued investment is important for sustained growth across women’s footballCredit: Getty”However this is not a new revelation in football where many owners prop up the shortfalls of loss-making clubs.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s important the industry does not hold women’s clubs to a profitability metric that the wider game has yet to consistently achieve.”We’re seeing significant growth across the women’s game and continued investment is key.” More

ALESSIA RUSSO reckons the battle to reach the Euros will be harder than ever after England’s first win against France on French soil in 51 years.The striker netted the winner as the Lionesses came away with a 2-1 Euros qualifier victory on Tuesday evening. Alessia Russo caused problems for France’s defence with her first-half header giving England a 2-0 leadCredit: GettyThe Lionesses weathered late pressure from France but held out to seal an important 2-1 victory in their fourth group stage Euros qualifier gameCredit: GettyGeorgia Stanway gave the visitors a 1-0 lead early on with the Lionesses dominating the first half at the Geoffroy Guichard Stadium in Saint-EtienneCredit: GettyDespite their foes’ late fightback the visitors held out to claim an official triumph over Les Bleues on their turf for the first time in 1973.The group stage game in Saint-Etienne resulted in France losing a tournament qualifier fixture for the first time in 17 years.  It also saw Sarina Wiegman’s side boost their chance of reaching next year’s Euros automatically with her third-placed side level on points with Sweden who are second.Only the sides who finish in their group’s top two spots can claim a place in next year’s contest in Switzerland without having to compete in play-offs.Read More Football StoriesFollowing the win, Russo told ITV Sport: “I think we got our standards back to where we wanted them.”There are still parts we will work on for sure. “We know the level is higher than ever and to even qualify for the Euros is going to be harder than ever.”Russo’s first-half goal, her 19th in a senior England game, topped off a storming start for the reigning Euros champs as they ran their hosts ragged early on.Most read in FootballAlong with Beth Mead and Lauren Hemp, with Ella Toone and Georgia Stanway starting well in midfield, Russo helped the Lionesses dominate for the first 45 minutes.When asked if this was her best England performance, the striker added: “I’ll have a look back after.Uefa chief slammed for warning England Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman her trophy is ‘heavy’-“When you’re in the moment you are so focused on the game. I just tried to do what I could.”France are a top side with some of the best centre-backs in the world. “It was nice to get on the scoresheet but we created a lot of better.”England’s gritty performance saw Wiegman rewarded for her decision to stick with the finishing line-up that lost 2-1 to France at St James’s Park last Friday.After Sweden clinched a 1-0 away win against the Republic of Ireland earlier this evening, without injured shot stopper Mary Earps, had it all to do.But after an early Toone effort on her 50th England appearance was easily claimed by France goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, the visitors took control of the first half.Stanway fired them in front with a bullet strike from the edge of the box in the 21st minute after a nifty interchange involving Russo and Lauren Hemp.And Russo piled on the pressure with the hosts left stunned as she headed home for a 2-0 34th-minute lead.France boss Herve Renard made some second-half changes with Delphine Cascarino and Sandie Toletti replacing Amandine Henry and Sakina Karchoui.Late pressure saw them win a spot-kick after Leah Williamson caught Grace Geyoro’s ankle in the penalty.Kadidiatou Diani pulled a goal back for France from the penalty spot late on in the gameCredit: GettyToone and Lucy Bronze were booked seconds later for dissent before Kadidiatou Diani netted in the 72nd minute on her 100th France appearance.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut England held on to claim the win and stay level on points with second-placed Sweden. Wiegman’s side will face the Swedes and the Republic of Ireland in their final two Euros qualifier duels in July. More

ENGLAND have been dealt an injury blow with Mary Earps withdrawing from their squad before their return Euros qualifier with France.The Lionesses goalkeeper, 31, hobbled off during her team’s 2-1 Friday night loss to Les Bleues.Mary Earps has withdrawn from England’s squad after sustaining a hip injury during England’s narrow loss to France in the Women’s Euros qualifiersCredit: AFPThe Lionesses No1 attempted to carry on playing after receiving treatment at St James’ Park but went off injured in the eighth minuteCredit: ReutersThe FA say Earps’s hip injury is a minor oneCredit: PAOn Sunday, the FA confirmed the England No1 sustained a minor hip injury during the clash at St James’ Park.Her team will be without their first choice goalkeeper when they face France away in Saint-Etienne on Tuesday with both sides battling for an automatic spot at next year’s tournament.The FA say Birmingham City shot stopper Lucy Thomas, who had been on the squad’s standby list, has now joined Sarina Wiegman’s group.Earps, who was making her 50th senior England appearance in the game in Newcastle, appeared to strain her hip whilst making pass to Millie Bright.Read More Football StoriesDespite attempting to soldier on, the Lioness No1 had to come off in the eighth minute and was replaced by Chelsea keeper Hannah Hampton.The Manchester United ace, who played in all six games during England’s 2022 Euros triumph, was spotted on crutches after the final whistle of their narrow loss Friday.The defeat saw her side drop to third spot in their qualifiers group with France currently top and Sweden in second place.Only the top two sides from their group guaranteed automatic qualification for next year’s Euros in Switzerland.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWiegman’s side will hope to beat France when they go to battle with Herve Renard’s side at Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium on Tuesday. And Earps’ Lionesses team-mate Ella Toone has backed the side to bounce back when they face Les Bleues.England Lionesses star hints at future career change as she shows off talent as a tattoo artist Toone, has 49 England caps, said: “We’ve got an experienced bunch of players in that changing room, players who have played in massive games.”I’m sure that we can go out there with the same mindset that we always have, and that’s to win the game.”We’ve got to make sure that we recover really well to go into that game one hundred per cent.”Right now it hurts a little bit but we’ve got a few more days until we go again, which is nice, because we can always rectify what we didn’t do.”Ella Toone believes England can bounce from their loss and beat France on their turf in the Euros qualifiersCredit: Getty More

SARINA WIEGMAN and England have been dealt a fitness blow with Lauren James’s withdrawal from the camp due to a foot problem.The Lioness forward, 22, will miss the team’s double-header Women’s Euros qualifier clash with France tonight and on Tuesday.Lauren James has withdrawn from England’s camp with a foot injury ahead of the team’s Euros qualifier duels with FranceCredit: GettyThe Lioness forward hopes to return to fitness ahead of England’s Women’s Euros qualifier clashes with the Republic of Ireland and Sweden in JulyCredit: GettyTottenham forward Jessica Naz has been included in England’s squad following James’s withdrawalCredit: PAJames, who helped Chelsea win a fifth successive WSL title, had joined her England team-mates for training this week and hoped to get back to fitness. However the 24-capped forward, was unable to overcome her foot injury. England chief Wiegman said: “Lauren James didn’t make it, so she’s not selected. “She already had some foot problems at her club, so she came in and we hoped that we could build, but it’s just too early, so unfortunately she can’t stay with us.READ MORE FOOTBALL STORIES“For Lauren and for the team it’s unfortunate.”James’s withdrawal has led to Tottenham’s Jess Naz, 23, being added to the squad ahead of the Lionesses duel with Les Bleues at St James’s Park tonight.The Spurs forward has been on England’s squad standby list along with Birmingham goalkeeper Lucy Thomas and Liverpool midfielder Missy Bo Kearns.Wiegman added: “Jess Naz will be added to the group. She’s ready and she’s shown good stuff this week in training and with her club.”Most read in FootballFollowing their clash with France tonight and next Tuesday, England take on the Republic of Ireland on July 12 at Carrow Road. The reigning Women’s Euros champions will then play Sweden in Gothenburg four days later.And it is hoped James will return to fitness in time for those fixtures.Wiegman added: “Of course it’s a disappointment. We did everything, she did everything, and it’s just too early now. .”She’s going to get prepared for the July window.”Prior to the Lionesses’ duels’ with France James’ has been backing a campaign to tackle social media abuse directed at female athletes.The Pep Talks drive was launched this month by Women’s Champions League sponsors Visa, The campaign has been looking at how positive messages of support for sportswomen help reduce the impact of online hate.The finance firm says nearly one in ten online comments shared during last year’s Women’s World Cup were found to be hateful.The findings were based on their analysis of posts on the social media platform X published in last July and August. Posts that included mentions women’s national team players in England, France and Spain.James, who in the past has been targeted by online trolls, has shared her thoughts on the issue as part of Visa’s Pep Talks campaign.The Lioness ace says being on the receiving end of hateful messages online can be “mentally draining”.However the forward has vowed not to let trolls affect her performances. The Chelsea star, who has won three WSL title’s with the Blues, said: “Unfortunately, online negativity happens to me quite regularly.“When it does happen, I just try to filter out what I see. James’s team-mates will play France for the first time under Sarina Wiegman when they host Les Bleues at St James’s ParkCredit: PA”There is a lot of negativity in what people post on social, the remarks they make or statements they put out. It can be very hurtful.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But, for me, it’s the messages of positivity online or from the people around me that will always shine through and rise above the hate. “It’s never unnoticed and always appreciated.” More