Women’s Euro 2022

SARINA WIEGMAN insists Leah Williamson is in a good place with the Arsenal star nearing her long-awaited England return.And the Lionesses boss confirmed the centre-back, 27, would captain her side should she feature against Sweden on Friday evening.Leah Williamson returned to full training with her England team-mates ahead of their Euros qualifier match against SwedenCredit: GettyWilliamson’s last appearance for England was in a 2-0 friendly loss to Australia last AprilCredit: PAEverton’s Hanna Bennison is among the WSL stars who could feature for Sweden when they take on the Lionesses at WembleyCredit: AlamyEngland will face the World Cup semi-finalists at Wembley in their Women’s Euros qualifying opener. The clash comes after 43-capped Williamson took part in a full-training session on Thursday after doing an individualised session on Tuesday.Wiegman said: “We needed to manage her a little bit. She had a full training session on Wednesday.”She’s still building but she’s in a good place and ready.”It’s really good that she’s back, first of all for herself, because she’s so excited to come back.”And that means she’s fit so it’s good to have another quality player in the squad.”Williamson, who last played for the Lionesses last April before being sidelined by a serious knee, is among eight England aces who played in the Conti Cup final on Sunday.The match saw Arsenal beat Chelsea 1-0 before ending with an angry exchange between Blues chief Emma Hayes and Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall.Most read in FootballA touchline spat occurred between the rival WSL bosses following a throw-in dispute involving Eidevall and Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert. It was preceded by the Blues wanting to use a multi-ball system despite initially opting for a single ball usage.And it was followed by Hayes shoving the Gunners gaffer shortly after the final whistle. On Wednesday the FA confirmed they will not be taking action against either bosses with Hayes accusing Eidevall of “male aggression”.Wiegman, 54 said: “It (the Conti Cup) was a great final, very competitive, so that emotion goes up.”I haven’t been there in that situation so of course I do not want to comment on that one day before we go into our most important game.On if she has concerns about the touchline behaviour of managers, Wiegman added: “In general – not just in this specific situation but in general – we are an example as coaches for everyone who’s watching, but also in society. “We’re being watched a lot and it’s good to have good behaviours.”But I just don’t want to continue talking about this. We have such an important game.”We are playing Sweden and that’s what I want to focus on, that’s my main job right now.”England will be without the services of goalkeeper Khiara Keating with the Manchester City starlet, 19, withdrawing from the squad due to the knee.Keating’s departure has led to Wiegman calling up Southampton shot stopper Kayla Rendell.The Women’s Championship ace, who was voted Saints player of the season last term, has made four appearances for England’s Under-23s.And in a post shared via social media she described her first senior call-up as a “proud moment” for herself and her family.Following their friendly defeats of Austria and Italy in February, Wiegman wants England to lay down the gauntlet for their rivals in the Women’s Euros qualifiers.A clash with the Republic of Ireland in Dublin next Tuesday will following their duel with Sweden.And Wiegman insists her side have put the disappointing end to last year’s Women’s Nations League fixtures to bed.She said: “We’ve passed by that disappointment now because we went on a camp in February, and we played two games.”The team really showed this is who we are, this is how we want to play and really showed there was so much energy.Southampton goalkeeper Kayla Rendell has been drafted into Wiegman’s England squad following Khiara Keating’s withdrawal due to a knee problemCredit: Getty“But they were friendlies, although we didn’t really approach them as friendlies.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It gave us an opportunity to play many players, to see where we’re at as individuals but also as a team.”But now, it’s for qualifiers. So yes, it’s absolutely an opportunity for us to show again what we can do.” More

JESS PARK aims to heed Sarina Wiegman’s advice and keep up her “hard work and consistency” on the pitch.And the England forward, 22, hopes to replicate the stunning form that boosted Manchester City’s charge to the top of the Women’s Super League.Jess Park, Lucy Bronze and their England team-mates will face at Sweden at Wembley on April 5 in their first Women’s Euros qualifier game this yearCredit: ReutersPark hopes to maintain consistency in her form with the versatile forward impressing for Man City this seasonCredit: GettyPark and Lauren Hemp are among six Man City aces in Sarina Wiegman”s 23-player squadCredit: GettyThe Lionesses’ Friday night Euros qualifier clash with Sweden at Wembley could see Park in international action. The game comes just under two weeks after her standout shift in the WSL Manchester derby.Park’s two goals and a classy assist for Man City striker Khadija Shaw earned the playmaker plaudits from pundits and match observers.Amongst the Etihad crowd watching the player and City and Man United’s England aces, was Lionesses boss Wiegman.Read More Football StoriesAnd the two-time Euros-winning head coach is encouraging the forward to keep the momentum going.Park, who helped City beat Brighton 4-1 on Saturday with the team going top of the WSL,  said: “Sarina just says keep up with the consistency, keep doing well and keep working hard and good things will come.“I managed to show that in that game in particular.“I’m working hard at club and waiting for the opportunity and when it comes, hopefully taking it.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERPark’s stock has risen considerably since her goal-scoring cameo for England on her senior international debut in November 2022.Following a call-up as a replacement for England heroine Fran Kirby, who was contending with a viral infection at the time, forward made a cameo appearance during a 4-0 trouncing of Japan.Mary Earps, Lauren Hemp and Millie Bright given gongs as sport & music stars celebrated in New Year’s Honours listBack then the Yorkshire-born WSL star, who was on loan at Everton, came on as an 89th minute substitute scoring a minute after her run out.Seven-capped Lioness Park is one of six City stars included in England’s squad for their April Euros qualifier games against Sweden this week and the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday.Lauren Hemp, Alex Greenwood, Chloe Kelly, Khiara Keating and Esme Morgan are the other City aces called up by Wiegman.And the forward feels having club colleagues in the camp could help with the continuity of her performance.She adds: “Me and Alex are quite close at club, so she helps me get involved here. “Hempo and Esme and the City girls really do help me when I’m away here, but all the girls (at international camp) are genuinely lovely.“They try and include me as much as possible. And I think that’s really important from them. And it’s really nice for me as well.“The girls are incredible girls, and they (all) make you feel comfortable as soon as you come into the environment, off pitch (and) on pitch.”Park’s progress this season follows a successful loan spell at Everton last term.It’s a move she credits with helping her become more “confident and capable” to play for City.The forward, who made 17 top-flight Toffees appearances helping Everton finish sixth, has since gone on to play in 14 WSL games for City this season. scoring three times.When asked which aspects of the game have improved the most since her return to City from Everton, Park said: “I think my game awareness off the ball and my confidence on the ball.“Going on loan last season really helped with that and being in and around squad has also helped, but I’d say they’re probably the main things.“It’s feels at the moment I’ve been very patient.“I went out on loan got some experience last year, came back and now finally getting an opportunity to show a bit more about me (as a player).”One player who Park credits as helping to influence her career and growth is former England captain Steph Houghton.Last month the veteran Man City centre-back, who made 121 Lionesses appearances, announced her plans to hang up her boots at the end of this season.With her retirement the Durham-born English football heroine, 35, will end a trophy-laden playing career in which she won 16 domestic trophies including 3 WSL titles and five FA Cups.Park said:  “I remember watching the (London 2012) Olympics and seeing her score a free-kick and I idolised that.“Being able to meet her, play with her and just actually get to know Steph as a person. Park paid tribute to Man City team-mate Steph Houghton with the former England skipper due to retire at the end of this seasonCredit: Getty”She’s an absolutely incredible person. The stuff she does on the pitch is obvious to everyone and it’s incredible.“But with the stuff away from the pitch and how she’s helped me and the advice she’s given me – she’s a top person.” Only the top two teams from England’s Euros qualifiers group will claim automatic qualification for next year Women’s European Championship taking place in Switzerland.The Lionesses, who won the Euros on home soil under Wiegman in 2022, will also France in addition to Sweden and Republic of Ireland in the battle to reach next year’s tournament.And the teams who finish outside the top two places in their group will have to battle it out in play-offs for a place in the contest.Tottenham’s Matilda Vinberg and Everton’s Hanna Bennison are among the WSL stars who could feature for Sweden when they take on England this monthCredit: GettyPark adds: “We all know it’s a difficult group. READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’s a range of teams and we are going to face different challenges with each and every one. “I think, just focusing on us and making sure we’re prepared and we’re ready is very important More

SARINA WIEGMAN admitted to being surprised by Arsenal’s May trip to Australia during a “complicated calendar” of football fixtures.The Lionesses chief, 54, believes it could be a “hard one to take” for Gunners’ England aces and other players ahead of Euros qualifiers. Sarina Wiegman questions whether Arsenal’s European internationals will have enough time to be prepare for Euros qualifiers following the Gunners’ trip to AustraliaCredit: GettyArsenal players are scheduled to play an exhibition match against Allstars team in Melbourne on May 24Credit: GettyThe visit for Arsenal, whose stars includes England quartet Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, Leah Williamson and Lotte Wubben-Moy, will entail the WSL side playing an exhibition match in Melbourne.The game for the Gunners, whose squad includes Australia internationals, is scheduled for May 24. It will take place seven days before the Lionesses’ Euros qualifier duel with France at St James’s Park.In February the England Women’s boss highlighted the need for match scheduling to be looked at to ensure players have adequate rest between seasons.Read More Football Stories Of Arsenal’s planned trip Down Under, Wiegman said: “I think for all the players with an already complicated calendar, it’s not good for them to go to the other side of the world very short term, not having time to adapt and play a game against France home and away.”But I would say that’s not only for the England players, that’s for every European player that goes into qualifiers.”That’s the thing that will be hard for them to take and to perform at the highest level.”We had conversations already with Arsenal about the summer and those have been very good conversations.Most read in Football”We’re on the same page and of course, we all think about how to get players fit and fresh to compete, but also give them rest in this complex calendar.”Wiegman was speaking to reporters shortly after naming her squad for the Lionesses first two Euros qualifiers taking place next month.The reigning Euros champs play Sweden at Wembley on Friday 5 April before facing the Republic of Ireland away the following Tuesday.While centre-back Millie Turner retained her spot there was no return to the squad for her fellow Man United defender Maya Le Tissier. Wiegman’s 23-strong group includes Arsenal centre-back Williamson who captained England during their triumphant run in the 2022 Women’s EurosThe Gunners star hopes to make her long-awaited international return after withdrawing from February’s camp due to a hamstring injury.Williamson’s last appearance in an England shirt was back in April last year when Wiegman’s side beat Brazil at Wembley in the inaugural Women’s Finalissima.Of Williamson’s return, the head coach said: “She’s recovered really well, and it didn’t take too long, so that was good and now she’s getting into rhythm.”Of course, she hasn’t played that many games yet, but she’s getting there, and she needs the minutes now.”Squad announcement aside Wiegman shared her views regarding the issues to player-coach relationships within women’s football.Leicester City manager Willie Kirk is currently being investigated by the club amid an allegation of player-coach relationship.Earlier this month managers of Women’s Super League sides were asked about the issue with Aston Villa’s Carla stating such relationships should be a sackable offence.Wiegman was asked if football authorities or NewCo the organisation set to take oversee the WSL, should introduce rules preventing player-coach relationships,Leah Williamson could be set to make her England return when the Lionesses face Sweden at Wembley in AprilCredit: GettyShe said: “I think it’s common sense and we all know if we are in this environment that it’s really inappropriate.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If we all take (on) our responsibility, then things wouldn’t happen. “But when it happens too often, then you need regulations. I will leave that to others.” More

SARINA WIEGMAN is relishing a tough French test with England drawn in a group of death for the Women’s Euros qualifiers.Herve Renard’s France are among their opponents in the battle for automatic qualification along with Sweden and the Republic of Ireland. Sarina Wiegman’s Euros champions have been drawn in a group of death with Sweden and France among their rivals in the qualifiers for next year’s tournamentCredit: GettyThe Lionesses’ push for automatic qualification for next year’s Euros will see them play France for the first time under WiegmanCredit: AFPThe Republic of Ireland have also been drawn in the same group as England, Sweden, and FranceCredit: Sportsfile From their group only the top two sides are guaranteed to automatically reach next year’s tournament in Switzerland.And the defending champions hope to outwit their rivals and secure a spot with the aim of winning back-to-back Euros trophies. The Lionesses chief, 54, said: “France have a very good squad and they showed their qualities by reaching the Nations League final.“I’m really excited to play against France because we haven’t faced them during my time as England head coach, so I’m really looking forward to those two games.“It’s a tough draw but it is a really exciting draw.”Today’s draw included 51 national sides divided into three different leagues – A, B, and C.The outcome of the 2023-24 Women’s Nations League fixtures decided which league Wiegman’s aces would be in with the team among sixteen sides in League A.And they were drawn in the third group of League A.Wiegman added: “Of course, we all went into the draw knowing that Sweden – one of the top countries – would be in Pot 3 because of their Nations League performance in 2023. “With France, Sweden, and the Republic of Ireland in our group, it will be very competitive.”It’s exciting and now we just have to show up and perform.”For the fans and for football, it is really good because it will be so competitive.”Qualifiers for next summer’s Euros will take place between April and July.Read More Football StoriesThey begin two months after England’s first international camp this year with team thrashing Austria 7-2 and Italy 5-1 in friendly fixtures.  Wiegman said: “I was excited to get the team together again in February and we were able to move forward quickly after our disappointment in December.“The team showed who we are and where we want to go.“Everyone wanted to make a good start and show themselves as an individual and as a team ahead of the qualifiers.Most read in Football“The camp gave us confidence that we are in a good place and now we look forward to seeing who we will face in the first two games in April.”England face a stern test from France and Sweden who are among the top five sides in the world. Like Wiegman, Renard, 55, has led two different national teams to major international tournament triumphs.He guided Zambia and the Ivory Coast to glory in the men’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2012 and 2015Under the France-born coach, Les Bleues have won six and drawn one of their last eight international duels since reaching the World Cup quarter-finals last August.Since then, the only defeat for the third best side on the planet has come against World Cup champions Spain in the Women’s Nations League final.Meanwhile Sweden, ranked fifth and one place below England in Fifa’s rankings, have lost three games since finishing third in the Women’s World Cup.And two of those defeats have come against Spain. Qualifiers to determine which 15 teams will join hosts Switzerland in the contest will take place between April and July.Sweden are likely to be formidable opponents for England with several past and present WSL stars having featured for the team in the Women’s Nations LeagueCredit: GettyShould the Lionesses finish third or fourth in their group they still have a chance to make it to the Euros via a play-off route.Sides that end up in third and fourth place in the League A groups automatically enter the play-offs, along the top three teams in each League B group.This means England could finish bottom and still be in with a chance of qualifying. More

ENGLAND defender Lotte Wubben-Moy fulfilled a promise she made to a young fan during Tuesday’s match against Italy.After being named in Sarina Wiegman’s starting line-up for the first time in almost two years, the 25-year-old immediately made her presence known at Estadio Nuevo Mirador.
Lotte Wubben-Moy scored her first England goal on TuesdayCredit: Getty
Her celebration was inspired by young England fan IzzyCredit: Twitter @itvfootball
Just one minute into the match, Wubben-Moy broke the deadlock with a header following Alex Greenwood’s early corner.
She wheeled away in celebration before crossing her arms and dancing – a sight some England fans may have recognised.
That’s because the celebration was inspired by a young Lionesses supporter named Izzy.
At a recent training camp, Izzy spoke to Wubben-Moy about the celebration.
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The defender then made a promise to use it when she scored.
And she stuck to her word during Tuesday’s match.
Discussing Wubben-Moy’s celebration at half-time, ITV presenter Seema Jaswal said: “Her first England goal, what a special moment for her.
“The celebration, you might have noticed, was inspired by this gorgeous girl [Izzy] – how cute is she? Her name is Izzy and she is severely deaf.
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“When she met the Lionesses at a camp, she said to them that she would like to celebrate just like that [with crossed arms] if they were to score.
“Lotte Wubben-Moy stuck to her word and delivered the celebration.”
Mary Earps, Lauren Hemp and Millie Bright given gongs as sport & music stars celebrated in New Year’s Honours list
England manager Wiegman was quick to praise the Arsenal star at full time.
She said: “I think Lotte Wubben-Moy has definitely taken a step forward.
“She’s developing a lot and is playing very well, that’s what we see weekly at Arsenal and that’s what she shows here too.”
England went on to win the match 5-1 thanks to additional goals from Lauren Hemp, Ella Toone and Rachel Daly. More