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      ‘I’ve taken experiences from Marta but I’ve always had the belief to be here’ says England’s Anna Moorhouse

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      ANNA MOORHOUSE is ready to push Mary Earps and Hannah Hampton all the way in the battle to start in goal for England.Like her Orlando Pride team-mate and Brazil legend Marta the uncapped shot-stopper, 29, hopes to leave her mark on the game. Anna Moorhouse hopes to make her first senior appearance for England after helping Orlando Pride become NWSL championsCredit: GettyMoorhouse, who began her senior club career at Everton, received her first Lionesses call-up in JulyCredit: ReutersMoorhouse says her experience with Orlando Pride has helped her come out of her shellCredit: ReutersMoorhouse’s first England call-up came ahead of their July camp and Euros qualifier duels with the Republic of Ireland and SwedenCredit: Getty2024 has been a standout year at club level for Moorhouse.One preceded by seasons battling for game time during stints with Everton, Doncaster Rovers Belles and Arsenal before a two-year spell at West Ham from 2018 to 2020. The Oldham-born player, who once was part of a Doncaster Rovers Belles side relegated from the WSL in 2016, has been “riding the crest of a wave” at Orlando. This month she helped her club make history in the United States’ women’s top-flight with the team winning the National Women’s Soccer League title. Read More Football StoriesA first-half goal netted by Orlando star striker Barbra Banda in a 1-0 defeat of Washington Spirit led to them being crowned NWSL Champions for the first time. And four months ago Moorhouse received her first call-up to the Lionesses squad, 12 years after beginning her senior club career with the Toffees. The Orlando shot-stopper said: “I cried when I got the phone call from Sarina Wiegman. It was a dream come true. “I’ve been called up to a couple of camps and I’m starting to settle down a little bit and become more comfortable. I can let my personality out a little bit more.Most read in Football”I still have a long way to go on that journey. “I want to win an (England) cap. I’m not here just to train and be around the team.”This year Moorhouse etched her name into the NWSL’s history books keeping the most clean sheets in one season with 12 in 29 appearances for her club. She adds: “I’m sure after this week I’ll look back and realise what an incredible achievement I’ve had this season.”I haven’t really looked back and processed it. I’ve been riding the wave of what it is and what it has been”As a team, we didn’t really listen to pressures from outside, from the media, from opposing teams’ fans and stuff like that. “We were just so focused on getting the job done and bringing the trophy home.”Orlando’s triumph saw football icon Marta, 38, lift the NWSL Shield in the 24th year of her professional playing career. Playing football with a forward who has competed in six World Cups has influenced Moorhouse’s own international aspirations.I really want that cap and I want to push Mary Earps and Hannah Hampton to get that.Anna Moorhouse The goalkeeper, who joined the US club from Bordeaux two years ago, adds: “I’ve taken experiences from the way Marta acts around the team, but I’ve always had the belief that I had the ability to be here. “Things didn’t go my way when I was younger but I still made it and everyone’s journey is different. “I’m kind of a shy person which is weird for a goalkeeper. “This year I’ve definitely been able to come out of my shell a little bit at Orlando Pride.”Like Marta, who retired from international football this year after a Paris Olympics silver medal win, Moorhouse hopes to shape the growth of women’s football.She said: “We all want to grow the game and be that role model. It’s definitely something I want to do.”Moorhouse was in goal for West Ham when they competed in an FA Cup final in 2019 where the fell to a 3-0 loss to Man City at Wembley.This Saturday could see her back at Wembley again when the Lionesses host the USA. The friendly duel with Emma Hayes’s side and with Switzerland at Bramall Lane next Tuesday will be England’s final fixtures for this year. Both are being used as preparation for Nations League games in February and the Lionesses’ bid to retain their Euros champions title. Securing a place in Wiegman’s squad for next year’s Euros is a target for Moorhouse.And the 6ft tall shot stopper reckons her height could give her an edge in addition to her skills between the sticks. She adds:  “I really want that cap and I want to push Mary Earps and Hannah Hampton to get that.”Mary and Hannah are really good goalkeepers in their own rights respectively. Moorhouse hopes to give England boss Wiegman food for thought on her goalkeeper optionsCredit: Getty”I think I can add a little bit of something different. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m very tall. I think that’s a big part of my game. I definitely want to be a part of the Euros squad. “Hopefully I can impress Sarina in this camp.” More

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      Football chiefs target second trophy triumph for Lionesses as part of new women’s game strategy

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      THE FA says a second major trophy win for the Lionesses is one of the top targets of its new women’s and girls’ game strategy. The four-year plan, announced today, comes just over two years on from England’s historic Euros triumph. The FA says helping England win a second major trophy as one of four strategic priorities in its new plans for the women’s gameCredit: ReutersFootball chiefs also hope help Lionesses youth teams succeed in international competition finalsCredit: GettyNext summer Sarina Wiegman’s players, who became the first England side to reach a Women’s World Cup final last year, will begin their quest to be crowned Euros champions once again. The Lionesses are one of nine sides who have automatically qualified for next year’s contest in Switzerland which starts on July 2. As part of its ‘Reaching Higher strategy’ the FA outlined achieving another major tournament triumph as one of four strategic priorities. Football chiefs also hope England can achieve World Cup glory in Brazil in 2027 after falling to a narrow 1-0 final loss to Spain in the last tournament in Australia last summer. Read More Football Stories And senior officials in the governing body insist meticulous preparations are being made to support the endeavours of Wiegman’s side. Kay Cossington, FA Women’s technical director said: “We talk about the top end of this. “We talk about how to look at the next four years for our senior team.”For 2025 with the Euros and for 2027 in preparation for the World Cup, our planning is absolutely meticulous.Most read in Football“It’s about understanding and recognising, for us in tournament football when we’re preparing for European Championships and World Cups, what’s really important. “What are the bits that we’re going to go after, and how do we effectively prepare putting 23 players in a squad in a tournament to perform.”That’s our job as a collective system. “How can we help players and staff to perform under the greatest amounts of pressure?”We have to be really, really clear and super explicit about what we do and what we don’t do, what’s going to make the boat go fast and what’s going to sink the boat, “Also the bits in between are what often cause the most amount of noise, the most amount of stress and sleepless nights.”The release of the FA’s new strategy comes hours ahead of the young Lionesses battling Spain for a place in semi-finals Women’s Under-17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic.The match is due to be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and Fifa+ from 10:45pm this evening. The winners of the clash, which commences at 11:00pm UK time, at the Felix Sanchez Stadium in Santo Domingo, will face North Korea this Sunday. And Cossington says the FA’s aim is to continue developing its “playing, coaching and operating curriculum” to support young players rising through the ranks to be able to perform on the biggest internationals stages. She adds: “Our blueprint for success is what we call a playing, coaching and operating curriculum on how we want to do things across all of our age groups. The FA says it wants to help prepare Lionesses coming through the ranks to be able to perform under pressure in a senior gameCredit: Getty”This is so that systematically, we are developing players’ readiness to be able to cope under the greatest amount of pressure in a senior team game.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Many of the senior Lionesses talk about the importance of tournament finals. “For the next four years for us, it’s important that we regularly get our teams to tournament finals.” More

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      Georgia Stanway wants England to take their game ‘to the next level’ following tough loss to Germany

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      GEORGIA STANWAY insists England need to step up their game following their heaviest loss under Sarina Wiegman.While the midfielder netted twice the Lionesses succumbed to a 4-3  friendly defeat to Germany on Friday, nine months before the 2025 Women’s Euros. Georgia Stanway believes tweaks may be needed for England following ahead of their upcoming friendly game against South AfricaCredit: PAThe Lioness midfielder netted two first-half goals during England’s 4-3 loss to Germany at WembleyCredit: AlamyThree of the goals conceded at Wembley during a tough opening 29 minutes were scored by two of Stanway’s Bayern team-mates – Guilia Gwinn and Klara Buhl.The clash ended with the reigning Euros champs, who face South Africa next, shipping four for the first time under Wiegman. It was also the first time England conceded four times at home since falling to a 6-4 defeat by Germany in Preston in 1997.Stanway, who scored a first-half brace, said: “My initial reaction was we just need to fix this and it doesn’t matter who was to score or what was going to happen.Read More Football Stories”Two Bayern girls had scored so I thought I needed to do something. “I need to fix something. I can’t have them bragging as soon as we get back to campus. “As soon as we got the penalty, we got the ball rolling and we were able to get some more chances. “It was a hectic game. Even coming in at half time with the score, it could have been 4-4.Most read in Football”Every nation is going to get better and better and having won the Euros, we’ve got a massive target on our backs.”England’s next friendly will be a duel with South Africa at Coventry’s CBS Arena on Tuesday evening. Their upcoming opponents suffered a hefty friendly loss on Friday, getting hammered 5-0 by Denmark. Stanway insists England have got things to learn ahead of the game against the 2022 Women’s Afcon champions. And Wiegman’s side will face far sterner tests when take on the USA and Switzerland on November 30 and December 3. The midfielder, who sealed a May 2022 Bayern switch from Man City, added: “We need to take our game to the next level and we can’t rest. “This international camp so far has been intense and the game itself (on Friday) was intense. “It showcases we’re not there yet and we’ve still got nine months (before the next Euros). England’s clash with South Africa on October will be followed by a friendly game against Emma Hayes’s USA stars on November 30Credit: Alamy”The main thing is that we’re trying to do the right things, but it’s not necessarily working.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Maybe it’s the little tweaks that are necessary, but we’ll review it. “We’ll have a few days to prepare for South Africa.” More

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      England 3-4 Germany LIVE RESULT: Lionesses beaten by Germans in frantic seven-goal thriller at Wembley – latest updates

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      ENGLAND lost a seven-goal thriller against Germany as they were beaten 4-3 at Wembley. The Lionesses went 3-0 down in 27 minutes but pulled two back before the break, including one from the spot. After half-time, however, Germany restored their two-goal lead before Lucy Bronze pulled one back again a few minutes from time. Kick off time: 7.30pmTV/Stream: ITV 1 / ITVXEngland XI: To follow…Germany XI : To follow…FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…England looking for repeat performanceWhen it comes to the Euros, it brings fond memories for all fans of the Lionesses.Next summer’s tournament will be held in Switzerland, something which will be seen as a positive for England.Sarina Wiegman will be looking to ensure that her squad is in fine form by then to look to get their hands on the trophy once again.Copy linkCopiedLionesses needing to bounce backAs they look to build towards next summer’s Euros, England go into another friendly next Tuesday.They welcome South Africa to the Coventry Building Society Arena.Sarina Wiegman will hoping to see a more rounded performance for her team than against Germany tonight.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGermans offer real firework displayIt is difficult for any side to stamp their authority away from home in internatonal football.Germany proved to be the exception to the rule this evening.Finding themselves 3-0 up after 29 minutes, it all started to look a little to easy for the visitors.The Lionesses fought back but the damage was done and Germany held on for the victory.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedReality check for LionessesThe coach seemed to take a lot from tonight’s defeat against the Germans:We wanted to press high but we lost the ball in too many moments when we should not lose the ball. Unforced errors were too high. There were moments that challenged us tactically. That is why we play these games, we have been challenged. We wanted to see where we are right now.Sarina WiegmanEnglandCopy linkCopiedLionesses pay the penaltyEngland struggled with to control their temperament this evening.Gifting the visitors two goals by giving away blatant penalties.Defensively, the Lionesses struggled to cope with the visitors although they still looked dangerous on the attack.Copy linkCopiedEngland ship most goals under bossSince Sarina Wiegman took over the Lionesses, tonight is the most goals they have conceded.The visitors stunned the home crowd into silence by steaming into a three goal lead at Wembley.Despite the comeback from England, a second half goal from the Germans secured victory.Copy linkCopiedFT: England 3-4 GermanyThe referee brings the game to a close at Wembley.Germany have come out on top in this one.It is a big wake-up call for the Lionesses.Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-4 Germany90+3. Naz does brilliantly to take the ball in her stride and use her pace down the wing.She is brought down and the referee awards a free kick and produces a yellow card.The resulting free kick is cleared and the visitors look to hit England on the counter-attack.Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-4 Germany90. Germany have put down a real marker tonight.Unless England can find at least an equaliser, this defeat will hurt despite it being a friendly.The Lionesses have six added minutes to try and rectify that.Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-4 Germany86. This has been some game for a friendly.It shows just what a terrible tournnament the Nations League is in the men’s format.Germany almost add a fifth as the cross comes in and Cerci almost pokes it past Hampton.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedEngland 3-4 Germany82. England have been offered a lifeline in this game.A seemingly harmless corner comes into the box and Berger comes out to make a regulation catch.She drops the ball and allows Bronze to slot home with a goal from nothing.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Lucy Bronze (England)Copy linkCopiedEngland 2-4 Germany77. Dejection for the English camp. Walsh plays the ball through to Hemp, who slams the ball into the far corner of the goal.As she wheels away to celebrate, the assistant’s flag goes up.VAR confirms that she was offside.Copy linkCopiedEngland 2-4 Germany72. Carnage at Wembley in the penalty area.England struggle to clear their lines and then Wolter kicks the bottom of Russo’s boot without getting any contact on the ball.The referee points to the spot and VAR does not change the decision.Dabritz drills the ball home to make this even more of an uphill challenge for the Lionesses.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Sara Dabritz (Germany)Copy linkCopiedPenalty to GermanyCopy linkCopiedEngland 2-3 Germany68. As both sides ring the changes, England force a corner.The Lionesses need to show their attacking roar a bit more here.Berger comes to punch the corner clear and the visitors manage to clear their lines.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedEngland 2-3 Germany64. It would be quite ironic if this half ends goalless.Germany are starting to turn the screw more and more.This time it is Rauch who drills a shot at goal but Hampton tips it over the bar.Copy linkCopiedEngland 2-3 Germany60. Big chance for Germany to extend their lead.Some brilliant play by Brand on the right, checking inside with the goal at her mercy.Hampton gets down well to save at the near post to deny her.Copy linkCopiedEngland 2-3 Germany56. This is certainly not a game for defensive coaches to brag about.However, it sure is entertaining.It is almost like Man Utd have offered to coach both teams in the preparation for this game.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedEngland 2-3 Germany52. Germany almost doubled their lead.As England struggled to clear their linesm the ball broke to Brand at the back post.She drilled the ball into the back of the net but fortunately for the hosts the assistant immediately raised her flag for offside.Copy linkCopiedEngland 2-3 Germany48. Toone has been replaced by Park at the interval.For the visitors, Rauch has replaced Linder and Cerci comes on for Hoffmann.It has been a cagey start to the second half so far, neither side able to get a grip on the game.Copy linkCopiedKick-off: England 2-3 GermanyWe are back underway at Wembley.It has been a goal-fest so far.England get the second half started.Copy linkCopiedHT: England 2-3 GermanyThe fans will be hoping for more of the same in the second half.Most of Wembley was stunned to see the Lionesses 3-0 down at home but they have clawed their way back into this one.What a second half we have in store from what we have seen so far.Copy linkCopiedHT: England 2-3 GermanyThe referee brings an entertaining half to a close.Germany have a slender lead after making a jaw-dropping start to this game.Both managers will have a lot to say in the interval.Copy linkCopied More

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      England boss Wiegman ready for a ‘physical and powerful test’ from Euros rivals Germany 

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      SARINA WIEGMAN wants England to avoid getting swept up in Euros glory nostalgia, when they face Germany for the first time since the 2022 final. This evening her Lionesses return to Wembley for a friendly against the side they beat to become European Champions. England hope to register a third match win against Germany under head coach Sarina WiegmanCredit: GettyThe Lionesses will play South Africa at the CBS Arena in their second friendly fixture this monthCredit: GettyBoth teams, who have qualified for next Euros and are ranked among the world’s top four sides, have undergone some changes since that 2-1 victory for Wiegman’s players. Aston Villa skipper Rachel Daly called time on her international career in April. The 84-capped Leeds-born striker, 32, who won the WSL’s Golden boot in the 2022-23 season, started in every single game for England at the last Euros. Meanwhile Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, 56, who guided Germany to the final, left her job as head coach by mutual consent last November. Read More Football StoriesHer departure followed their  shock exit from the Women’s World Cup group stage last July.The team will also be without the services of long-serving striker Alexandra Popp for tonight’s game which kicks off at 7:30pm,The prolific forward, who has scored 66 international goals, will play her 145th and final game for her country next month when they face Austria. And while Wiegman sees England’s Euros win against Voss-Tecklenburg’s former side as a moment to cherish, her sole focus is on preparation for next year’s contest. Most read in FootballThe Lionesses chief said: “It was one of the biggest moments of my career and of my life. We will always cherish that.”But moving forward it’s a totally different Germany team and we are a different team because we’ve moved on too. “It’s the start of [going into] the next Euros, next summer.”We always want to go faster but I think the game has increased, the level of the leagues in international football has increased and developed. “That’s what we want so that means we have to develop too.”England’s results have at times been mixed since reaching last year’s World Cup final in August where they were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Spain. Three of the six qualifiers that saw them secure their spot at next year’s Euros resulted in two draws and one defeat in addition to three wins. Wiegman expects to face a powerful and physical test from Germany who are now managed by head coach Christian Wuck. They have won four of their last six competitive games. She adds: “Germany have always been a powerful team, very physical and one that wants to play a possession game, but doesn’t hesitate to play long balls either”They have a new coach now, so they will probably do some other things too and that’s a challenge for us but a nice one.”Tonight’s game could see Wiegman contend with a central defender selection headache. While Leah Williamson missed Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat of West Ham last Sunday with her club wanting to manage her load, the England skipper is in the running to start for the Lionesses. Her fellow centre-backs Millie Bright, Alex Greenwood and Jesse Carter are all in solid form for their clubs Chelsea, Man City and Gotham FC.Wiegman said: “That is absolutely a headache because they’re all really good and really competing for minutes. “But these are absolutely the headaches I want to have and it’s a hard decision to make.”England’s first friendly fixture this season in the run-up to next year’s Euros follows a mixed start to the season for Williamson’s club side who are currently fifth in the WSL. The Gunners are currently on the hunt for a new women’s head coach following Jonas Eidevall resigning earlier this month. His departure followed the team picking up one win from their first four WSL games this term and suffering a 5-2 loss to Bayern Munich in their Champions League group stager opener And former Man City Women’s boss Nick Cushing has reportedly been linked with the vacant role. When ask if her confidence, ahead of England’s upcoming games, had been affected by Arsenal’s recent results, Lionesses skipper Williamson said: “There’s no difference in the confidence levels. “We are all footballers and deal with different scenarios. “Now we are here with England and it has been a consistent environment, at least for the last couple of years, so now we’re back and it’s nice.“It’s been a different start to the season. Leah Williamson insists her is on Euros preparationCredit: Getty“Results tell a story but I think (from) the work that I’ve seen going on, especially from my club and I can only speak for that. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But you can see again that the level of the whole world of football has gone up and everyone is enjoying that challenge.  “It’s a Euros year now. Everyone is focused.” More

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      Maya Le Tissier targets England squad spot ahead of Euros after ‘bittersweet’ World Cup experience

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      MAYA LE TISSIER has both bittersweet and happy memories of being on standby for Lionesses duty at last year’s World Cup in Australia. Now the WSL’s youngest centurion is determined to nail down an England squad spot at next year’s Euros. Maya Le Tissier hopes to feature for England when they play Germany in a friendly fixture on FridayCredit: GettyThe Lionesses’ duels with Germany and South Africa this month are part of their preparations for next year’s Euros in SwitzerlandCredit: GettyLe Tissier, who is Man United’s captain, has been capped four times to dateCredit: GettyA standout debut season at Manchester United, after a July 2022 move, resulted in Le Tissier joining Aston Villa’s Lucy Staniforth and Man City’s Jess Park on Sarina Wiegman’s standby list. The versatile defender, who joined from Brighton, helped United finish second in the league. While the WSL ace was not part of the 23-strong group that reached the World Cup final won by Spain, she played her part off the pitch helping team-mates prepare for the contest. Le Tissier, who has four caps, recalls: “When Sarina gave me the call to say I was on standby, it didn’t feel like it then but it was still a great achievement. Read More Football Stories”It was definitely difficult to take. It was bittersweet.”I loved Australia and being around the girls. They made it feel like I was part of the team. “I didn’t know what the vibe was going to be like to be there on standby, ready to go if someone got injured. “You don’t want anyone to get injured but you want to be at the World Cup, so it was really difficult. Most read in Football”Helping the girls prepare for a great tournament, I was really happy to play my part. “Hopefully next time I can play an even bigger part.”The next tournament opportunity for Le Tissier could come next July when England battle to retain their Euros crown following their 2022 triumph.Since their historic July 31 win against Germany, who they play on Friday at Wembley, Le Tissier’s career has gone from strength to strength. “I’ve been close but not in there so I would really like to cement my spot. That comes with performancesMaya Le TissierThe talented Guernsey-born defender, who was in the stands at the stadium watching Ella Toone score for the Lionesses that day, is now Man United’s captain. This follows establishing herself as a first-team regular and playing in all of the Red Devils’ top-flight games since joining the club. Le Tissier adds: “When Tooney scored that goal, I was like, ‘she’s going to be my team-mate!’”Toone always comes up in the big moments, you can always trust her. I was watching from the stands. It was really special.”Back in December 2018 Le Tissier made her Women’s Super League debut playing for Brighton against Chelsea. Back then the team were managed by former England boss Hope Powell. Last Saturday Le Tissier made her 100th WSL appearance when Marc Skinner’s United drew 1-1 with the Seagulls at the Amex. A result that left United third in the table before the international break and her old side sat fourth. Le Tissier said: “I actually didn’t even know that until after the game and then I saw a photo of me in a Brighton shirt and me in a United shirt. “I thought ‘that’s so weird that I’ve come back to the Amex and made my 100th appearance. “I feel very grateful to the coaches, to Hope (Powell), to Marc (Skinner). “They put their trust in me even when I was a kid and probably making too many mistakes. “But they trusted me to play in that position and to help the team. “I loved my time at Brighton and I love my time at United, it’s been really good for me so far. “There’s still a lot more I can bring and a lot more games for me to become a better player.”Having become a WSL centurion Le Tissier would love to do the same in an England shirt. The player who made her senior England debut in a friendly draw with Norway two years ago, last featured for the team in a Euros qualifier defeat of the Republic of Ireland in July.She hopes to get the chance to be part of the Lionesses squad battling for Euros glory in Switzerland next summer. Le Tissier adds: “Playing in a major tournament with England – that’s what we all dream of. “I’ve been so close, but still so far away and I definitely need to improve my game. “I will do everything I can this season to put myself there. Le Tissier hopes to experience playing in a major international tournament with some of her England team-mates who also play for Man UnitedCredit: Getty”It would be super special, especially if some of the United girls hopefully have a good season and get picked for England. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve been close but not in there so I would really like to cement my spot. That comes with performances.”I’ve played a lot of games now, so I don’t think there’s even a question about experience. I can definitely bring that.” More

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      Georgia Stanway opens up on meeting Thomas Tuchel and how tattoo artwork helps her on and off the pitch

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      GEORGIA STANWAY claims Thomas Tuchel is “really invested” in the women’s game having crossed paths with him at Bayern Munich. The Lioness star has fond memories of past interactions with the German coach who starts work as the Three Lions’ new boss in January.  Georgia Stanway says Thomas Tuchel showed a strong interest Bayern Munich’s women’s team during his time as head coach of their men’s sideCredit: GettyStanway believes top foreign coaches like Sarina Wiegman and Tuchel having an influence on English football is great for the gameCredit: ReutersTuchel is set to commence his role as the Three Lions new boss in January and is the first coach from Germany to be appointedCredit: ReutersStanway, 25, who is in line to start for England against Germany in a friendly at Wembley on Friday, was sharing her thoughts on Tuchel’s appointment as head coach of the two-time Euros finalists. Last Wednesday the ex-Bayern coach, 51, was confirmed as Gareth Southgate’s successor and is set to take over from interim boss Lee Carsley. His appointment comes five months after he confirmed his departure who he guided to the 2022-23 Bundesliga title.During his time there Stanway, who signed for Bayern’s women’s team in May 2022, recalls Tuchel showing a keen interest in women’s football. Read More Football Stories She said: “I had a few experiences with Tuchel at Bayern and he was really invested and really interested in the women’s game. “He and (his assistant Anthony) Barry wanted to get to know the players. “I’ve spoken with them a few times and they were really invested and really nice people. “They came to a few games and I saw them at a few events. They always had time for us.”Most read in FootballThe hiring of Tuchel as Southgate’s permanent successor sparked huge debate amongst pundits and commentators about coaches from overseas managing England. However Stanway, who moved to Germany following the Lionesses triumph at the 2022 Women’s Euros, has seen her career flourish under managers from different countries. Since winning the Euros with Sarina Wiegman’s England side two years ago, the midfielder has gone on to win two Women’s Bundesliga titles and was a Ballon d’Or nominee last year. When asked about foreign managers influencing English football, she added: “I think it’s great. England Lionesses star Chloe Kelly leaves little to imagination in daring outfit and branded ‘unreal’ at Glamour awards”I’ve got a Norwegian manager at Bayern ( Alexander Straus). “It’s about whoever is best for the job and whoever the people feel is suitable for the players.” On the criticism of the decision to have a foreign coach appointed as Three Lions boss, Stanway added: “Everyone is entitled to their opinions, I guess we have just got to see what happens?”England’s clash with Germany at Wembley comes two years and three months after the two foes went toe-to-toe at the stadium in the last Women’s Euros final.Both sides have qualified for next year’s tournament, which takes place in Switzerland with the Lionesses eyeing an historic back-to-back triumph. Should they seal another contest win Stanway, who is an avid tattoo artist in her spare time, hopes to have her team-mates queuing to have tattoo work done to mark the occasion. Away from the pitch the midfielder has been learning the art of tattooing under the guidance of a friend who owns a tattoo studio in Germany.The 71-capped Lioness said: “I got (a tattoo of) the time the final whistle went at the last Euros final. “But if we win another Euros, I hope I get a queue outside my bedroom door from the girls waiting (to get tattoos done). “When I moved to Germany, I wanted to start something new. “It was a new way for me to fully immerse myself into a new environment and to make friends outside of football. “The tattoo studio has really done that for me. “While I’m tattooing, the feeling is next level. I find it therapeutic, I find it stressful. “It’s fine details and those fine details are always important and they’re also important in football. “While I’m tattooing, nothing else matters. “It’s exactly the same when I’m on the pitch. Nothing else matters apart from focusing on what I’ve got to do.”Stanway and her England team-mates are due to play Germany on Friday in a friendly warm-up game ahead of next year’s EurosCredit: GettyEngland’s game against Germany ahead of their build-up to next year’s Euros in Switzerland, will see Stanway go up against some of her Germany international pals from Bayern. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd she believes the Euros finalists, whose players include Bayern aces Guilia Gwin Klara Buhl and Lea Schuller, will pose a threat. Stanway said: “Everybody poses an unbelievable threat, so I know I’ll be sat in the analysis room and Sarina will be questioning me about each player.” More

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      Sarina Wiegman insists Manchester City’s Chloe Kelly has ‘built enough credit’ to keep her Lionesses spot

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      SARINA WIEGMAN says Chloe Kelly’s position in the Lionesses squad was not in doubt with the winger facing a battle to start for Manchester City. Today the forward, 26, was named in Wiegman’s 25-strong group before the team’s friendly duels with Germany and South Africa. Chloe Kelly has been included in Sarina Wiegman’s 25-strong squad for England’s two friendly games in OctoberCredit: ReutersSarina Wiegman says Kelly is in a “hard place” amid fierce competition for minutes in Man City’s attackCredit: GettyBut her club and country goalkeeper team-mate Khiara Keating has been left out following her inclusion in the squad that qualified for next year’s Euros.In July the reigning Euros champions secured automatic qualification for the tournament in Switzerland. They did so via a 2-1 win against the Republic of Ireland and a 0-0 draw with Sweden. Kelly, who scored the winning goal for England in their Euros final defeat of Germany at Wembley two years ago, has faced a fight to start for City this season. Read More Football StoriesThe forward, who reportedly attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain this year, has made one start in her two top-flight appearances this term. City’s summer swoops for Japan ace Aoba Fushino along with the impressive form of Mary Fowler and Jess Park, has cranked up the battle for starting spots in Gareth Taylor’s side. They are top of the WSL and a point ahead of title rivals Chelsea and beat Barcelona 2-0 in the Champions League group stage on October 9.However, Wiegman insists Kelly, who has seven senior caps, has earned enough credit for national selection. Most read in FootballThe England boss, 54, said: “Chloe is in a hard position. There is huge competition going on there at the very highest level. “She’s competing for that too, not getting the minutes that of course she hopes for and we do. “But she built credit for us that she wasn’t in doubt for us to bring her in.”The Lionesses are due to face Germany at Wembley on October 25 for the first time since beating them there in the Women’s Euros finals in 2022. The match will be preceded by a special tribute to former England and Man City skipper Steph Houghton who retired at the end of last season. Wiegman’s side will also take on South Africa at the CBS Arena in Coventry four days later. Both matches will serve as warm-up preparations ahead of their attempt to win a second successive Euros trophy.The England chief added: “We’re really happy that we’ve qualified for the Euros because now we can play four friendlies this Autumn and have very good games. “Facing Germany, the USA, South Africa and Switzerland over two camps – that’s challenging, it’s really good and it will show us where we are. “With bringing in 25 players, we can see a few more players and how they relate to each other in our environment and training sessions. “But we can also try out some more things in the game and see different connections.”Aston Villa defender Lucy Parker has been recalled into England’s squad for the first time this year. However, City starlet Keating, 20, misses out. The shot-stopper, who won last year’s WSL Golden Glove,  is yet to start in the league this term. Wiegman wants Khiara Keating to get sharper and fitterCredit: GettyHer club pal Ayako Yamashita is currently preferred between the sticks having played four league games for City so far this season. READ MORE SUN STORIESWiegman adds: “We all know Khiara is a very talented goalkeeper. We want her to get fitter and sharper. “That’s the message she got and it’s better to do that in her own environment.” More