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      France 1 England 2: Alessia Russo goal seals vital win as Lionesses keep automatic Euros spot hopes alive

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      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

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      Mary Earps forced to withdraw from England’s squad before return Euros qualifier duel with France

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      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

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      England to face France without Lauren James following the Lioness forward’s foot injury

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      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

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      ‘Playing for England is the dream, but I’ll focus on what I can control’, says Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones

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      AGGIE BEEVER-JONES relished watching Chelsea stars, including England vice captain Millie Bright, training at Cobham during her Blues academy days.Playing in the Lionesses’ senior team is among the ambitions for the uncapped striker following her call-up to Sarina Wiegman’s squad.Aggie Beever-Jones has had positive discussions with England boss Sarina Wiegman in regard to her developmentCredit: GettyBeever-Jones and her team-mates have been training this week ahead of their Women’s Euros qualifier duels with FranceCredit: GettyBeever-Jones club captain Millie Bright is back in England’s camp for the first time since last OctoberCredit: GettyThe Blues starlet, who shone during Chelsea’s charge to a seventh Women’s Super League title, is ready to give if that dream comes true when England take on France this Friday.But she is also content to bide her time and focus on developing and under the guidance of Lionesses boss Sarina WiegmanBeever-Jones, 20, said: “It’s what dreams are made of as young kids, and I’m trying not to get too ahead of myself,”I’m just focusing on what I can control, and training well, and then we’ll see what happens. Read More Football Stories “But it’s definitely the dream, but we’ll just have to wait and see.”Obviously we just want to come away with the win, which is the main thing.”I was very fortunate enough to come through the Chelsea Academy.”I’d always go to Cobham and you’d see the first team training across the pitches and I’ve always thought I want that to be me. Most read in Football”I’d have chats with my Chelsea coaches back in the day who I still see now and it’s kind of full circle to see them.”I always said to them, ‘I want to be that one who takes that step and gets into the first team.” Like her pals Grace Clinton and Khiara Keating, who have made the leap from England Under-23s, Beever-Jones took the WSL by storm last term. The Surrey-born striker netted 11 goals in 17 top-flight games, including 11 appearances as a substitute, helping the Blues march to a fifth successive WSL title. The player’s efforts were rewarded with her being named in Wiegman’s squad before the Lionesses’ back-to-back Euros qualifier clashes with France on Friday and June 4.For Beever-Jones the call-up brought back memories of the ambitions she harboured as a player in the Lionesses youth sides. She adds: “I’ve always loved playing for England throughout the whole academy set-up.”I was originally in the Under-14s and to see the progress the game has made is obviously such a great feeling.“To be a part of that as well is a very good feeling. Playing for England is the dream.”The quality of the team is a joke and every single one of those players are world class players.”For me, I’ve had a few chats with Sarina at previous camps about where she’s seen me, the improvement she’s seen and what she wants me to work on.”And I think it’s just having that good communication and that foundation to build on.”I’ve had a few chats with her. They’ve been positive and we’re just ready to take the next step and hopefully I can help the team.”Aside from shining for her club, the England starlet also impressed for the young Lionesses last season. The team went unbeaten in an eight-game Under 23s European League between last September and this April. Among those Beever-Jones sees as key in helping pave the way for her current success for club and country is Emma Hayes. The striker made her senior Blues debut under the former Chelsea chief, who is now the USA’s women’s boss, during a 4-0 league match win against Aston Villa in January 2021. I owe a lot of my success to Emma (Hayes). I want to be able to show what I can do in high-pressure situations.Aggie Beever-JonesLast term saw Beever-Jones experience the highs and lows of the club’s battle to win a seventh WSL title. The league crown almost slipped from their grasp following a surprise 4-3 loss to Liverpool this month before Chelsea battled to an end-of-season triumph on goal difference.And she credits Hayes with helping to thrive in high pressure situations. The England starlet said: “I owe a lot of my success to Emma (Hayes).”What she’s done for the women’s game speaks for itself. “I remember she once said that for some people the weight of the (Chelsea) badge is too heavy.”I recall listening to that and I thought I want to be able to show what I can do in high-pressure situations.“I credit a lot of my success to the whole of Chelsea and bringing me up from a young kid, helping me develop and get the goals and help the team as best as I can. “For me, I’m always striving for more and the next thing.This Friday Wiegman’s Euros champs take on Les Bleues at St James’s Park before an away clash in Saint Etienne, France next Tuesday.Both teams are chasing automatic qualification for next year’s Euros with France currently top of their group in League A. And the sides that finish in the top two spots following the qualifiers will automatically claim a spot in next year’s tournament in Switzerland.Among the players who could feature against France on Friday is Beever-Jones’s club captain Bright.The Chelsea centre-back has returned to England’s squad for the first time since last October following a lengthy spell out with a knee injury.And Beever Jones sees Bright’s return to international duty as a big boost for England.The team’s match against France could potentially see Bright and Leah Williamson appear together for England for the first time since England’s 6-1 hammering of Belgium last February.Beever-Jones adds: “Millie is someone I’ve always looked up to and she’s such a great person before everything else that comes on the pitch.”And she’s looking after me here (with England) and making sure I’m working hard on the pitch.The Lionesses will be targeting a win against Herve Renard’s France when the teams play each other at St James’s ParkCredit: AFP”Especially with her injury in the past year I think it has been a really tough year for Millie.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Having her back in this squad and at Chelsea, everyone can see how much of a player she is and how she can help the team massively.”She’s just a great team-mate and a great footballer.” More

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      England Lionesses star hints at future career change as she shows off talent as a tattoo artist

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      ENGLAND Lioness Georgia Stanway has hinted at a future career change after showing off her talent as a tattoo artist.The attacking midfielder, 25, is one of her country’s top stars.Georgia Stanway could have a future career as a tattoo artistThe England ace is an aspiring inkerCredit: RexShe was overjoyed to deliver her first tattoo to someoneStanway scored twice as England won Euro 2022 and also helped them reached last year’s World Cup final.Having starred for Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City, she now plies her trade for German giants Bayern Munich.Stanway has 14 goals in 51 games since joining them nearly two years ago.However, the fan favourite has indicated she could eventually make a career change.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAppearing on BBC Sport’s Out Of Office, budding tattoo artist Stanway was given the chance to do her first inking on another person.She was all smiles as she drew a broken vase on someone’s leg.And Stanway proved she has the skills to become a tattoo artist when she eventually gives up football.The ace revealed all on Instagram, captioning the snap: “Never have I experienced SO many emotions!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFans were certainly impressed by Stanway’s skills.One said: “So, when are you taking appointments?”Paula Raynor became England’s youngest goal scorer aged 15 in the 1971 Women’s World CupGeorge was praised online for her skillsShe drew a broken vase on the person’s legAnother declared: “If you need to practice I’m here.”One noted: “Is there anything you can’t do? Looks so good.”Another added: “Well done, looks amazing.”Georgia Stanway’s career statsThose numbers in full:

      Blackburn, 2014-2015: 6 games, 7 goals

      Man City, 2015-2022: 172 games, 59 goals

      Bayern Munich, 2022-2024: 61 games, 14 goals

      England, 2018-2024: 63 games, 17 goals

      Trophies: Super League, FA Cup x3, League Cup x3 (Man City); Bundesliga (Bayern Munich); Euro 2022, Finalissima, SheBelieves Cup, Arnold Clark Cup x2 (England) More

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      England Women’s star RETIRES from international football at 32 after 84 caps for the Lionesses

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      ENGLAND star Rachel Daly has announced her retirement from international football.Daly, 32, made her final appearance for the Lionesses during Tuesday’s Euro 2025 qualifier against Ireland.Rachel Daly has announced her retirement from international footballCredit: GettyRachel Daly helped England to glory at Euro 2022Credit: GettyShe also played a crucial role in England’s journey to the World Cup finalCredit: ReutersShe was introduced as a substitute to replace Alessia Russo in the 86th minute of the match.Daly announced her decision to step down from the national team with a heartfelt statement on Wednesday morning.It read: “I would love nothing more than to play for England forever, but the time has come for me to hang my boots up on the international stage.”While today is an extremely difficult day for me, it is also one filled with reflection and immense gratitude. Playing for and representing England has been the greatest honour.Read More on Football”During my eight years as a Lioness, I’ve always pursued success and winning football matches, while playing and training with the highest standards of competition, passion and perseverance.”It has been the greatest honour to represent my family, my teammates and the entire country. I have a lot of incredible memories during my time with England that have been pivotal moments.”Winning the Euros and then reaching the World Cup Final changed a lot for me, not only as a footballer but as a person. I’m so fortunate that I’ve been able to share that with so many remarkable people throughout my journey.”I have made special friendships that will last a lifetime. I will be eternally grateful to have been given the opportunity to wear the England badge with immense pride over the past eight years.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I am very fortunate to have played a small part in making history with the Lionesses and I feel now is the right time to pass on that baton to the next generation and be England’s number one fan from the stands!”I am excited to keep working hard at club level to reach new highs and spend some much needed quality time with my loved ones! Thank you.”Devastated Lionesses collapse in tears on the pitch as bid to make Women’s World Cup history falls agonisingly shortRachel Daly’s retirement statement in full

      “I would love nothing more than to play for England forever, but the time has come for me to hang my boots up on the international stage.
      “While today is an extremely difficult day for me, it is also one filled with reflection and immense gratitude. Playing for and representing England has been the greatest honour.
      “During my eight years as a Lioness, I’ve always pursued success and winning football matches, while playing and training with the highest standards of competition, passion and perseverance.
      “It has been the greatest honour to represent my family, my teammates and the entire country. I have a lot of incredible memories during my time with England that have been pivotal moments.
      “Winning the Euros and then reaching the World Cup Final changed a lot for me, not only as a footballer but as a person. I’m so fortunate that I’ve been able to share that with so many remarkable people throughout my journey.
      “I have made special friendships that will last a lifetime. I will be eternally grateful to have been given the opportunity to wear the England badge with immense pride over the past eight years.
      “I am very fortunate to have played a small part in making history with the Lionesses and I feel now is the right time to pass on that baton to the next generation and be England’s number one fan from the stands!
      “I am excited to keep working hard at club level to reach new highs and spend some much needed quality time with my loved ones! Thank you.”

      Daly has earned 84 England caps since her first senior call-up in 2016.She was also a part of the squad that won Euro 2022 at Wembley two years ago.And she remained a crucial member of Sarina Wiegman’s starting line-up throughout last summer’s World Cup, when the Lionesses narrowly missed out on the trophy following a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the final.Discussing Daly’s retirement, England manager Wiegman said: “Rachel has been an incredible part of our story and the history we’ve made together. It has been a privilege to work with her.”I have never worked with a player so versatile, always with a smile on her face, bringing energy and trying to do her best for the team.”Off the pitch she is always up for a joke or a nice conversation. She’ll be missed not just by me but all the other staff members, players and of course the fans.”It is sad that she won’t be with us anymore, but we should celebrate what she has done for the team and now she becomes our No.1 fan. I would love to see her in the stands in future cheering for us and helping us to get some more wins.”Despite retiring from international football, Daly is set to continue with Aston Villa.The striker, who can also play as a full-back, joined the Women’s Super League side from Houston Dash in 2022.She received the WSL Golden Boot at the end of the 2022-23 campaign and was named PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year.However, with Aston Villa struggling in the league, she has struggled to reach the same heights this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESDaly has also played for Leeds United, Lincoln Ladies, Los Angeles Strikers, LA Blues and SoCal FC.And she represented Team GB at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo.Daly’s career honours
      Individual:

      NWSL Second XI (2018, 2021)
      NWSL Challenge Cup MVP (2020)
      NWSL Challenge Cup Best XI (2020)
      NWSL Challenge Cup Golden Boot (2020)
      PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year (2022-23)
      PFA WSL Team of the Year (2022-23)
      WSL Player of the Season (2022-23)
      WSL Golden Boot (2022-23)

      England:

      FIFA Women’s World Cup runner-up (2023)
      UEFA Women’s European Championship winner (2022)
      Women’s Finalissima winner (2023)
      She Believes Cup winner (2019)
      Arnold Clark Cup winner (2022, 2023) More

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      Leah Williamson looking forward to playing for England after ‘emotional’ return to Lionesses squad

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON admits being back in England’s squad has been “emotional” with her return to national action drawing closer. On Tuesday, Williamson is due to make her international comeback when her team play the Republic of Ireland in the Euros qualifiers. Leah Williamson is set to captain England tomorrow in her first appearance for the Lionesses since last AprilCredit: PASarina Wiegman’s side will face the Republic of Ireland in their second game of the qualifiers for the 2025 EurosCredit: PAEileen Gleeson’s Republic of Ireland players are after their first win of the qualifiersCredit: SportsfileThe group stage clash between the Euros champs and Eileen Gleeson’s contest hopefuls will be Williamson’s first game in an England shirt since last April.  It comes almost a year after a knee ligament rupture on Arsenal duty led to the 43-capped Lioness missing last year’s World Cup.  Her last appearance for the Lionesses was on April 11th last year when Sarina Wiegman’s side fell to a 2-0 friendly loss to Australia. Five days before that game, Williamson led the Lionesses to victory against Brazil in the Women’s Finalissima.Read More Football StoriesWhile she was called up before England’s February friendly defeats of Austria and Italy, a hamstring issue forced her to withdraw from the squad. Williamson, who was on the bench for England’s Friday night draw against Sweden, said: “I’m an emotional person and you’ve all seen me cry on many occasions. “But it was emotional for me on Friday because if there’s a team that you want to play for in the world, I think the Lionesses will be up there. “I love playing for England. I don’t think I was a calming presence for anyone during the World Cup, especially. Most read in Football”But I’ve enjoyed watching the girls, I’ve enjoyed being a part of that journey and in a different way. “I’ve got people that play for the team who are very important to me.”But it’s been a difficult journey and I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t the thing that I sort of have my focus on. “This is where I wanted to get back to. I wanted to be good enough to get back into this squad.”Williamson, who made her senior England debut in a World Cup qualifier defeat of Russia in 2018, made history when she captained the side to Euros glory in 2022.Of the difference the centre-back could make to her team, Lionesses boss Wiegman said: “In possession, she’s just very bright. “She finds the right pass, the flexibility with the defence being able to defend the space behind her together with everyone else.”Defending doesn’t just start with one player, it starts with the team.”But that’s what I hope Leah will bring to the team.”England’s duel with their rivals at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium will see both teams chasing their first win in their quest to qualify for the Euros. Only the top two teams from their group are guaranteed automatic qualification with the third and fourth-placed sides entering play-offs. The Republic of Ireland, who competed in a Women’s World Cup for the first time ever last year, are currently bottom of group A3 in League One after their narrow 1-0 loss to France on FridayAnd Williamson expects the Lionesses will come a well-organised side on Tuesday.Of the challenge she expects England to face, Williamson added: “I’m expecting them to be really disciplined in the way that they defend.”We saw their result against France, so I think it’s going to be a test for us to move the ball and move them. “They’ve got key players up top but also a strong defensive line as well. “I know those girls really well so it’s going to it’s going be a good one.”Williamson and Lotte Wubben-Moy will be up against Arsenal team-mate and Republic of Ireland ace Katie McCabeCredit: GettyAmong the Republic of Ireland’s key players is Williamson’s Arsenal team-mate Katie McCabe.The versatile winger, made history last summer when she became the first player to score for her country at a Women’s World Cup during their group stage duel with Canada.On if she has had any contact with her Gunners team-mate before the game, Williamson said: “There’s been no contact. “She would know that there’s no communication this week. That’s not necessary.Of the threat McCabe poses to England, the Lioness captain adds: “Katie is a big personality, someone who is very proud of where she comes from.McCabe was part of the Rep. of Ireland side that lost 1-0 to France in their opening Euros qualifier gameCredit: Sportsfile”She has been authentic with that, with the fans so a lot of people connect to her in that way.READ MORE SUN STORIES”She knows her strengths and she has those strengths that can be game-changing as well.“And she is someone who has raised the profile of the game, her game, and subsequently Arsenal.” More

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      England’s Lauren Hemp ready for ‘tough and physical’ Euros qualifier challenge from the Republic of Ireland

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      LAUREN HEMP is relishing a physical test against the Republic of Ireland after England’s tough Euros qualifier draw against Sweden.And the Lioness, 23, wants the European champs to strike fear in their rivals as they chase the first win of their push to play in next year’s contest.Lauren Hemp wants England to seal their first win in the qualifiers for the 2025 Women’s Euros following their 1-1 draw against SwedenCredit: GettyThe Lionesses are currently third in group one of League A after sharing the spoils with Sweden in their first game in the contest’s qualifiersCredit: AlamyThe Republic of Ireland will be England next opponents. The team fell to a narrow 1-0 home loss to FranceCredit: SportsfileHemp came close to scoring in the dying stages of England’s Wembley duel with Sweden.Their qualifier opener ended 1-1 after Fridolina Rolfo levelled in the second half following Alessia Russo’s headed first-half goal.The result leaves Sarina Wiegman’s side third in their group before their Tuesday night clash with the Republic of Ireland. Only the top two teams from the four groups of League A of the Euros qualifiers are guaranteed automatic qualification for the tournament Teams that finish outside those positions will battle for the 2025’s remaining places via play-offs against national teams from Leagues C and B. Ahead of the game at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, 55-capped Hemp said: “We let it slip and we let Sweden score and it’s very annoying.“We had lots of chances that we couldn’t put away and could have been a bit tighter on the ball at times but it’s on to the next (match).“It’s going to be a very physical game (against the Republic of Ireland) but we’re all up for it.Most read in Football“We’ve all played in big games before and I’m excited to go there, I’ve not played there (at the Aviva) before.“It’s going to be a tough game, we know that, but we also know how good we are as a squad and we can take on anyone.”England’s score draw against Sweden included Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben-Moy making her first start under Wiegman in a Euros qualifier.And her club and country team-mate Leah Williamson, who skippered England to Euros glory two years ago, was named on the benchThe 13-capped centre-back, 25 said: “Sarina said, ‘Go out and enjoy it. You’ve earned it’.“That put a smile on my face because delayed gratification brings a lot of joy and I wouldn’t have wanted to get a start without it being justified.Of the 1-1 end to their duel with Sweden, Wubben-Moy added: “We’re quite disappointed in general because this is the first step in our qualification journey.“There’s a lot we can learn from this both personally but also collectively as a team.“We posed Sweden challenges and we’ve got to look at that and take the positives with that too.The Republic of Ireland whose stars include Arsenal’s Katie McCabe, fell to a narrow 1-0 loss to France.“The result leaves them bottom of what has been dubbed a group of death the qualifiers for a place in next year’s Euros in SwitzerlandAnd with England playing in the qualifiers for the first time as contest champions, Hemp hopes opponents will fear the threat posed by her team.The forward added: “We are European champions, and we want to keep that. Herve Renard’s France are currently top of group A1 in the Women’s Euros qualifiers following their win against the Republic of IrelandCredit: AFP”It’s important for us to win as many games as possible and get ourselves back in and amongst it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s good to have teams come up and be like, ‘Oh my God, we’ve got England’, that’s what we want to be.“We want to be a hard-working team, hard to beat. I think it’s great having that.” More