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

    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

    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

    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’

    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

    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

    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

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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

    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

    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