Women’s Euro 2022

Subterms

    More stories

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m quietly confident UK and Ireland will host Euro 2028, Rishi Sunak says

      by

      RISHI SUNAK is “quietly confident” UK and Ireland will host the 2028 Euros – saying its time to recreate the joy of 1996.The PM shrugged off concerns over the 2021 Euros final that saw scenes of fan carnage at Wembley, insisting: “We do this stuff better than anybody.”
      Rishi Sunak is ‘confident’ the UK will host Euro 2028Credit: Dan Charity
      Rishi said England fans ‘do it better than anybody’Credit: The Sun
      Sunak told The Sun he has made a ‘personal effort’ to bring the Euros to WembleyCredit: Alamy
      The joint bid is set to be formally given the green light in the coming weeks after Turkey and Italy dropped out of the running in July.
      Sunak said: “I’ve put in a lot of my personal effort and making calls and talking to all the right people.

      “You know, I’m quietly confident but you never know until it’s announced.”
      He added: “I’d love us to host this thing. And that’s why I put a lot of my personal time into trying to get over the line.
      Read More Sport
      “One of the my favourite childhood experiences was Euro96. Like that is like a defining experience.”
      Sixteen at the time when the England last hosted the full tournament, he added: “Somewhere I’ve still got a t shirt probably from that.”
      “These moments can become very special in our history, and I speak as a massive football fan.
      “So if we can pull this thing off, it will be brilliant for the country. I put a lot of effort into it. But let’s see how we get on. We’ll find out soon.”
      Most read in Football
      It comes as the Prime Minister tells The Sun tonight: “I’m slamming the brakes on the war on motorists – it’s as simple as that.” More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionesses are hailed as heroes by fans & royalty after agonising World Cup final defeat to Spain

      by

      THE Lionesses were last night hailed as heroes by royalty who declared them the pride of England despite a shattering World Cup final loss to Spain.FA President Prince William, who watched it at home with his family, spoke for millions when he told Sarina Wiegman’s inspirational side they had “done this nation proud”.
      Downhearted Lionesses in disbelief after losing to Spain in the World Cup FinalCredit: Getty
      Olga Carmona slides a deft shot past Mary Earps to put Spain in the leadCredit: Getty
      A dejected Lucy Bronze is consoled by an opponent after losing the matchCredit: Reuters
      Hero keeper Mary Earps, who pulled off a superb penalty save, was among several players who wept on the pitch after the devastating 1-0 defeat in Sydney.
      Sarina, 53, and her heartbroken squad then had to look on as the delirious Spaniards deservedly collected their winners’ medals at Stadium Australia.
      Olga Carmona’s drilled 29th- minute strike was enough to see off England, whose best chance came when Lauren Hemp struck the bar on the quarter-hour mark.
      It could have been worse for England when Jenni Hermoso stepped up for a spot-kick on 67 minutes — awarded after an agonising VAR intervention for handball.
      Read More on Lionesses
      But Earps, who won the Golden Glove award, saved brilliantly then yelled “f*** off” to the opposition as she rallied her team-mates.
      Despite late pressure, Spain clung on to win the tournament for the first time, breaking the hearts of England who were not expected to get this far.
      William, 41 — criticised for not attending — wrote: “Although it’s the result none of us wanted, Lionesses you have done yourselves and the nation proud. Your spirit and drive have inspired so many people and paved the way for generations to come.
      “Thank you for the footballing memories. Congratulations to Spain. W.”
      Most read in Football
      While Spain’s Queen Letizia, 50, was in the stadium with her daughter Infanta Sofia, 16, King Charles and wife Camilla were pictured attending church at Crathie Kirk, near Balmoral.
      Charles, 74, sent a message to England’s beaten Lionesses later: “While I know how sore it must be, let none of you feel defeated, for to have reached the final at all is an immense tribute to your skill, determination and team spirit in the finest sporting tradition.
      “It will serve as an inspiration for generations to come.”
      PM Rishi Sunak said they “left nothing out there”.
      Labour leader Keir Starmer added: “Heartbreaking. So proud of the England team who inspired the whole country. This is just the beginning.”
      Match of the Day host Gary Linker said he was “gutted” for England but added of Spain: “They were the better team and ­thoroughly deserved their victory.”
      Talk TV host and Sun columnist Piers Morgan agreed, posting on X/Twitter: “Our women can’t bring it home either. Good effort, Lionesses but the better team won. Congrats to Spain.”
      Sarina, who led England to last year’s epic Euros win at Wembley, was typically gracious in defeat.
      She said: “I thought that Spain were a little better than us today and they had a great tournament, so congratulations to them.
      “Of course it feels really bad now — very, very disappointed.”
      The gaffer, who lost to the US in the last World Cup final when manager of her native Holland, added: “When you get to the final you want to win, but in sports you can also lose.
      “I think we can be so proud of ourselves now although it doesn’t feel like it at the moment.”
      Spain’s triumph came amid turbulence behind the scenes of their national team.
      There were boos when manager Jorge Vilda picked up his winner’s medal and held the trophy aloft.
      Some 15 of their top players wrote to the Spanish Football Federation last year asking not to be picked — citing a lack of “professionalism”.
      After the game, the disconsolate Lionesses completed a lap of honour — while stars past and present predicted they would be back.
      Devastated England defender Lucy Bronze, who plays for Barcelona, was consoled by Spaniard Ona Batlle, her club team-mate.
      Other stars were visibly upset, including subbed striker Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood, bandaged after an injury.
      Read More on The Sun
      But captain Millie Bright said: “At first you feel you’ve failed — but this is not it from us, and we will bounce back.”
      I’m A Celebrity winner Jill Scott, 36 — part of the winning Euros side — added: “These Lionesses are going to keep progressing.”
      Heartache for Hemp as she is hugged by sub Esme MorganCredit: Reuters
      A despondent Sarina Wiegman looks on after the matchCredit: Reuters
      Keira Walsh and Alex Greenwood look broken after the defeatCredit: Rex
      Alex Greenwood walks past the elusive trophy with her runner up medalCredit: PA
      The players collect their runner up medals after losing the finalCredit: Getty More

    • 275 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Brave Lionesses have inspired a new generation… when I captained England we had to pay to play and washed our own kits

      by

      IT is hard to believe how much the Lionesses have lifted the game of football in this country.When I captained England to victory in an unofficial world cup in Italy in 1985 the Women’s Football Association couldn’t even afford to pay for a replica of the trophy for each of us.
      The Lionesses have lifted the game of football in EnglandCredit: Alamy
      Maya Jama watches the team at Victoria ParkCredit: Getty
      Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hits the bar for the match
      A decade earlier females were still banned from playing the beautiful game on affiliated grounds.
      Today, thanks to our team of heroes, the whole of the nation has got behind these inspirational young women.
      It is their brave performances on the field and dignified spirit off it that has raised the sport so far.
      Not only did manager Sarina Wiegman’s side become European champions last summer, they went onto become the first England women’s team to reach a World Cup final.
      Read More on Lionesses
      At the final whistle the Lionesses slumped to the ground, heads in hands and teary eyed.
      Their sense of devastation is understandable, because they have given so much to reach the pinnacle of the game.
      But they should leave Australia with their heads held high.
      The women got kicked and got back up again, there was no rolling about.
      Most read in Football
      Our defender Alex Greenwood took a nasty cut over her eye and played on with her head bandaged.
      It was all genuine effort.
      Our goalkeeper Mary Earps was distraught at the end, but she was a real hero making save after save.
      Stopping that penalty gave us hope right up until the end.
      And the superb goals scored earlier in the tournament will live long in the memory of fans.
      It will inspire a generation of young talent.
      At school I was only able to get a kickabout at lunch time with the boys, because during PE lessons it was hockey or netball for the girls.
      When I started playing the beautiful game as an adult, the Football Association still banned females from competing on affiliated football grounds.
      We could only kick-off in parks or on work’s team pitches.
      It cost me money to represent my country when I was first selected to play for England in 1974.
      We had to wash our kits and pay for our travel to the airport.
      The first official tournament was the UEFA championship from 1982 to 1984, which saw us get to the final against Sweden.
      I felt the taste of defeat then, losing over two legs on penalties.
      But I felt proud picking up my runners-up medals and so should the Lionesses.
      We went one better when we took part in the Mundialito – which translates as ‘little world cup.’
      In 1985 I captained the side that played four times in seven days, going on to beat the hosts Italy in the final 3-1 in a tournament not recognised by FIFA.
      Just to represent your country is such an honour, but to lead England to victory is incredible.
      Rather than the 80,000 capacity stadium in Australia that Sarina’s team played in, it was a small ground without stands on most sides.
      We came home and I disappeared back to my job in the office at Northern Dairies in Hull without any fanfare at all.
      That is what is so wonderful about this World Cup.
      They have rightly been congratulated by the Prime Minister and King Charles and should return to a heroes welcome.
      Spain played really well, pressuring the Lionesses and not giving them any time on the ball.
      They didn’t allow us to get into our usual rhythm and England were unable to reach tip top form.
      There is no doubting the dedication and effort of the Lionesses, though.
      England have not complained about going from the Euros last summer to the World Cup a year later, or about the injuries to key players or jet lag.
      We have got used to winning, with this defeat to Spain being only Sarina’s second ever defeat as manager of England.
      It is going to be tough to get over the hurt of losing a World Cup final, but Sarina and her staff will be able to pick them up.
      Read More on The Sun
      There are lots of young players in this team and they will have another opportunity to lift the World Cup.
      The Lionesses have proved that for the women’s game there are no limits to what they can achieve.
      Proud Lioness fans sport their hats outside the Oz stadiumCredit: EPA
      They think it’s all agony as the final whistle is blown and fans are in tearsCredit: Reuters
      Carol Thomas, centre, is a former England Women’s CaptainCredit: Rex More

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      England fans calls to rename street by Wembley Stadium if Lionesses win historic World Cup final

      by

      ENGLAND fans have called for a street by Wembley stadium to be renamed if the Lionesses win the historic World Cup final.Final fever exploded today as the mighty women take on Spain in Australia.
      Fans are calling for a road near Wembley to be renamed if the Lionesses win the World CupCredit: Getty
      The match has kicked off in AustraliaCredit: Reuters
      Fans gathered around the country today ahead of the finalCredit: Getty
      The tense and exciting match comes after England beat hosts Australia 3-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final thanks to goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo.
      And if the Lionesses bag the win and bring it home for England, the country want a road near Wembley to be renamed in their honour.
      It’s new name will be “Lionesses Lane”.
      Twickenham MP Munira Wilson said the tribute would be “small but powerful” for the “most successful English football team”.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Backing calls, she said: “Every visitor to Wembley Stadium should be reminded of the most successful English football team for a generation.
      “Lionesses Lane would be a small but powerful tribute to stand the test of time, and cement their legacy at the home of English football.
      “The local council should seize the moment and make this happen.
      “This team has already inspired young women and girls to take up the sport.
      Most read in Football
      “I hope this year’s Women’s Super League is bigger than ever with more games held at the capital’s main football grounds.
      “We must make the most of this fantastic momentum.”
      Jubilant England fans turned out in force to cheer on the Lionesses ahead of their clash against Spain this morning.
      Thousands of supporters – some holding ‘It’s coming home’ banners – took to the streets around the UK and Australia desperate for England’s first World Cup glory since 1966.
      Young fans in red and white kits waved their England flags as they beamed with pride, covered in face-paint, while other supporters started boozing early.
      Some keen fans were seen fully kitted-out in lion suits in a bid to try and roar the team to victory.
      The Lionesses are unchanged from their semi-final win against Australia with Lauren James returning from suspension to make the bench.
      Pubs up and down the the UK were also packed as supporters cheered the Lionesses on and the lively atmosphere continues to soar today.
      Hundreds of Brits gathering at the Boxpark fan zone in Croydon were spotted slapping on face-paint and dressed head to toe in England flags.
      And members of the 1972 Lionesses team were also pictured at Boxpark Wembley to roar on the women aiming to make history.
      An audience of up to 15 million back home is expected to watch on the BBC or ITV — with bookies slashing odds that it will be the year’s most viewed sporting event.
      Fans will be raising a glass to Sarina Wiegman’s inspiring team, wishing them all the luck as they stand on the cusp of history.
      The Dutch manager has led England Women to today’s World Cup Final a year after seeing her team claim victory at Euro 2022.
      She is also the only manager – male or female – to lead two different teams to a World Cup final, having finished as a runner-up with the Netherlands to the USA in 2019.
      Now, the countdown is officially on, as Stadium Australia is ready for the 11.am kick-off – and the full 23-woman squad are geared up to play the game of their lives.
      There were fears England’s player of the tournament so far, Lauren James, would miss the legendary game after being handed a two game suspension.
      She was sent off deep into the second half of the Lionesses’ clash with Nigeria after she got into a scuffle with Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie, electing to stamp on her while she got off the deck herself.
      James was handed an extended two game ban, missing the quarter-finals and the semi-finals.
      But this means she is now free to play today in the highly-anticipated final against Spain.
      ‘GAME OF OUR LIVES’
      And, Captain Millie Bright, 29, has vowed to fans that England will bring everything they’ve got to lift the World Cup trophy.
      The determined centre-back said: “We know how passionate our nation is back home and how much they want us to win.
      “But for us, there is a process. We have a game plan to execute. We need to play the game of our lives.”
      And, she thanked the record number of fans at home preparing to tune in to watch Sarina Wiegman warriors go toe-to-toe with Spain.
      “Everyone is fit, everyone is available and we’re in a very good place, so we can’t wait,” said Wiegman ahead of the nail-biting final.
      She said previously: “We achieved the final.
      “It’s unbelievable, it feels like we won [the tournament] which we didn’t, we just won this game – in an incredible stadium, an away game, the way we played – it was a hard game, but we found a way to win again.
      “I just said to [assistant manager] Arjan, having the chance as a coach or a player to make it to two finals is really special.
      “I never take anything for granted, but it’s like I’m living in a fairytale or something.”
      ‘SO PROUD’
      The nation is gripped with World Cup fever and everyone is pulling together to cheer on the team and see them claim glory.
      King Charles and Prince William — together with Princess Charlotte — sent the squad best wishes, Stephanie Moore hailed the “once in a lifetime” opportunity.
      The King last night gave the team his support in a social media message. It was timed at 10pm so the Lionesses saw it as they woke up in Sydney.
      In it, Charles said: “Good luck today and may you roar to victory.”
      Everyone is fit, everyone is available and we’re in a very good place, so we can’t wait.”Sarina Wiegman
      He signed off the message — alongside an image of a lioness — with his royal cypher, Charles R.
      Charles, 74, and Queen Camilla, 76, are set to watch the game at home on the Balmoral estate.
      The Prince of Wales and Princess Charlotte said yesterday: “Lionesses we want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow.
      “We’re sorry we can’t be there in person but we’re so proud of everything you’ve achieved and the millions you’ve inspired here and around the world.
      “So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.”
      “Good luck Lionesses,” added Princess Charlotte, holding a football in her show of support for the inspiring team.
      Meanwhile, England men’s boss Gareth Southgate, captain Harry Kane and ex-skipper David Beckham also sent good luck messages.
      And PM Rishi Sunak — set to watch in a pub in his constituency in Richmond, North Yorks — wrote to Dutch coach Sarina and the team praising their “lasting legacy”.
      It comes amid a growing clamour for the team and manager to be honoured. 
      Tory MP for Mid-Derbyshire Pauline Latham said: “They should all be honoured — win or lose. They absolutely deserve it.”
      Good luck today and may you roar to victory”King Charles
      Fellow Tory MP Kevin Foster added: “The Lionesses have inspired the whole nation and done us all proud. Well-earned gongs should be swiftly awarded.”
      Now, Cabinet Office sources say the whole team and manager are likely to be honoured — if they win.
      And Tory MP Caroline Nokes, chair of the Women and Equalities Committee in Parliament, said: “Win or Lose we should designate the late August bank holiday ‘Lioness Day’.”
      England have already beaten Spain once, and we expect them to do the same again.
      SunSport’s prediction sees the Lionesses roar to victory with a 2-1 win as they go head to head with Jorge Vilda Rodríguez’s team.
      Read More on The Sun
      England’s Lauren James, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo are all in contention to win the Golden Boot.
      Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí, Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo are also in the running. More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Sarina Wiegman set for new deal as USA try to poach Lionesses boss… but salary will still be FAR less than Southgate’s

      by

      THE FA will vehemently reject any US approach to poach Sarina Wiegman for their vacant women’s team boss role.Dutch coach Wiegman, 53, will lead England into Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain in Sydney after masterminding last summer’s Euros glory at Wembley.

      The FA will turn down any bids for England manager Sarina WiegmanCredit: Getty
      Wiegman has led England to the Women’s World Cup Final against SpainCredit: Rex
      Her current £400,000-a-year contract runs until the summer of 2025.
      And the US are eyeing Wiegman to replace coach Vlatko Andonovski, who quit after the world champs crashed out in the last 16 Down Under.
      Asked if the FA would snub any USA approach for three-time Fifa Best award winner Wiegman, chief executive Mark Bullingham replied: “One hundred per cent. It is not about money.
      “We are very, very happy with her.
      Read More on England
      “We’ve seen lots of rumours, and she is a special talent. She is contracted with England until 2025 and doing a great job.
      “We’re huge supporters of her and we’d like to have with us for a very long time.”
      The FA are ready to discuss a new deal “at an appropriate time” after this tournament, but won’t offer her pay to match Southgate’s £5million-a-year salary.
      Bullingham added: “Over time, there’s where you’ve got to get to.
      Most read in Football
      “If you look at the disparity in the market and the income coming in, that’s why you’ve got a difference.
      “Sarina is, within the market she operates, well paid.
      “The men’s game is a different market.
      “I really want those markets to merge, but we’re not there yet.”
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      Bullingham also refused to rule out the Lionesses coach succeeding Gareth Southgate as the boss of England’s MEN’S team.
      Bullingham insisted: “Do I think Sarina could do any job in football? Yes, I do.
      “I’m really happy with the job she’s doing and I hope she stays doing that job for a long time.
      “If at some point in the future she decides she wants to move into the men’s game, that would be a really interesting discussion but that’s for her, right?”
      Asked if she could be seen as a potential successor to Southgate, Bullingham added: “It’s a bit disrespectful of the Lionesses to project it as a step up.
      “People always say it is, ‘the best man for the job’ or, ‘the best Englishman’.
      Sarina is, within the market she operates, well paid. I really want those markets to merge, but we’re not there yet.FA chief Mark Bullingham
      “Why does it have to be a man? Our answer is always it’s the best person for the job.
      “Football is behind other sports in terms of lack of female coaches at the top level, and that has to change.
      “Sarina is doing a great job. If she decides  in the future to go in a different direction,  she’s perfectly capable.
      “If and when we get a vacancy in either of our senior men’s or women’s manager positions, we would go for the  best person capable of winning matches.”
      Wiegman is the first coach – male or female – to lead two different nations to World Cup finals and will be appearing in her FOURTH successive final.
      Wiegman, though, makes far less than England men’s manager Gareth SouthgateCredit: The Sun
      The FA will discuss a new contract for England manager WiegmanCredit: Getty
      She won the 2017 Euros with her native Netherlands, who she managed in a World Cup final defeat to the USA two years later, before leading England to Euro 2022 triumph.
      The Lionesses are set to resume talks concerning World Cup bonuses after negotiations reached a stalemate.
      England stars are dismayed some of their rivals receive performance-related bonuses whilst they don’t.
      But Bullingham promised: “We’re sorting it after the tournament.”
      The FA are also planning a parade when the Lionesses return, while talks are also ongoing surrounding a Wembley statue.
      Bullingham said: “We have gone through various permissions, the next stage is working on the design.
      Read More on The Sun
      “You can imagine the iconic images that came out of the Euros.
      “There are some brilliant things which could be produced.” More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Football fan zones sell out in MINUTES for England Lionesses’ World Cup Final clash against Spain

      by

      THREE football fan zones in London sold out in just eight minutes for the Women’s World Cup final.The nation will come to a standstill on Sunday for the Lionesses’ date with destiny against Spain.
      Fans have snapped up thousands of tickets to watch Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final at BoxparkCredit: Alamy
      An Aussie fan from Sydney was outnumberedCredit: Alamy
      Lauren Hemp scored England’s second goal as the Lionesses roared into the finalCredit: Rex
      And 2,500 spaces at Boxpark sites in Shoreditch, Wembley and Croydon were instantly snapped up following England’s thrilling 3-1 semi-final win over hosts Australia.
      Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessio Russo secured a superb win in Sydney, sending the nation into pandemonium.
      Pubs up and down the country were packed as supporters roared the Lionesses to victory.
      The fan zone in Croydon turned into an impromptu dance floor as the Lionesses confirmed their place in the final.
      read more in Football
      The only person who seemed to be sitting down when the final whistle was heard at the South London venue was a lone Australian at the front of the zone.
      Lionesses fans put children on their shoulders, danced on tables and sang football hits following the historic victory.
      And now they are preparing for the biggest match of all.
      England manager Sarina Wiegman led the team to European Championship last year and could now go down in history on Sunday.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      Wiegman told BBC Sport: “We achieved the final!
      “It’s unbelievable, it feels like we won [the tournament] which we didn’t, we just won this game – in an incredible stadium, an away game, the way we played – it was a hard game, but we found a way to win again.
      “Australia have had an incredible tournament, they grew into the tournament.
      “They had some setbacks, they had to win their last group-stage game and then they got better and better.
      “I just said to [assistant manager] Arjan, having the chance as a coach or a player to make it to two finals is really special.
      “I never take anything for granted, but it’s like I’m living in a fairytale or something.”
      Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo knocked the co-hosts out after Sam Kerr levelled in the second half. More

    • 175 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      England women compared to Lionel Messi’s team as fans hail Lionesses for ‘biggest upgrade’

      by

      FANS have hailed Sarina Wiegman as the “biggest upgrade” following her success as Lionesses’ manager.The Dutch coach replaced Phil Neville as the team’s manager and has gone on to win the Women’s Euros and qualify for the final of the Women’s World Cup.
      The Lionesses reached the final of the Woman’s World CupCredit: PA
      They had previously been coached by Phil NevilleCredit: Getty
      But he was replaced by Sarina Wiegman in 2021Credit: Getty
      Neville’s other former team Inter Miami have also gone on to have successCredit: Reuters
      Wiegman’s most recent success saw the Lionesses overcome host nation Australia in the semi-final of the World Cup to set up a tie against Spain in the final on Sunday.
      Neville was replaced by Wiegman, 53, in 2021, leading the Lionesses to become one of the top teams in the world.
      After leaving his role, Neville was hired by MLS outfit Inter Miami but struggled to improve the team.
      He was sacked by the club earlier this year and since his departure, the club has signed Lionel Messi and managed to qualify for the Concacaf Champions Cup thanks to a 4-1 win over Philadelphia Union in the Leagues Cup semi-final.
      READ MORE LIONESSES NEWS
      Miami set a record with the achievement as they have become the first club to qualify for the competition while being bottom of their league, as the top three teams from the Leagues Cup earn a spot in the continental cup.
      And fans have flocked to social media to draw on the comparison between the two team’s successes since Neville’s departures.
      One fan Tweeted: “Phil Neville to Sarina Wiegman is maybe the biggest managerial upgrade any team in the entire history of football has ever made.”
      A second commented: “Lionesses 🤝 Inter Miami. Sack Phil Neville to get good.”
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      A third wrote: “Lionesses continue to show that nothing is impossible when you don’t have Phil Neville in charge.”
      A fourth said: “Phil Neville leaves the Lionesses, and they win the euros and are now in the World Cup final. Neville left Inter Miami, and they sign Lionel Messi and are now qualified for Concacaf. Biggest fraud ever.”
      A fifth added: “Has there been a bigger upgrade in football than Phil Neville to Sarina Wiegman?
      While another joked: “If we’d have given Phil Neville more time, we’d have been able to have a proper lie in on Sunday 🤷🏻‍♂️.”
      Sunday’s final is Wiegman’s second successive World Cup final after she led the Netherlands to a clash with the USA in 2019 – before they suffered a 2-0 defeat.
      Neville, 46, however is back in work and is currently working as an assistant for the Canada men’s national team. More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Rachel Daly wants to park ‘special’ Euros moment to focus on England goal of beating world’s best

      by

      RACHEL DALY is pushing Euros nostalgia to the back of her mind with the Lionesses laser-focused on winning football’s biggest prize. Monday will be a year to the day Daly helped England win the contest at Wembley with a dramatic 2-1 defeat of Germany.
      Rachel Daly has no intention of being distracted by nostalgia around England’s Euros winCredit: Getty
      The Lionesses’ World Cup clash with China in Adelaide will come almost a year on from their Euros win at WembleyCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Daly and her team-mates aim to finish top of Group D following their 1-0 wins against Haiti and DenmarkCredit: Getty
      The Lioness, who started in all six games of that unbeaten run, sees the Women’s World Cup as a “different kettle of fish”. 
      And her team aims to finish top of Group D by beating or drawing with China in Adelaide on Tuesday.
      A first place finish for England would see them seal a last-16 clash with either Nigeria, Australia or Canada. 
      Daly, 31, said: “For me personally, I don’t want to go into a tournament thinking about another one.
      Read More Football Stories
      “It’s a completely different kettle of fish as it’s the world’s biggest stage.
      “It’s a different feel with different (England) players and staff. 
      “It’s great that we won the Euros and it’s something that we do discuss now and again.
      “For me, it was a special moment. But at times like this you have to focus on what’s in front of you and push that aside.”
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      Daly, who made her senior England debut in 2016 scoring in a 7-0 Euros qualifier defeat of Serbia, is regarded as one of the leaders within the  squad. 
      The versatile Leeds-born Lioness joked she’s astounded to now be the third-oldest player following Ellen White’s and Jill Scott’s retirements. 
      The 71-capped England star added: “I’m actually shocked I’m the third oldest. I don’t act that way, I’m sure. 
      “It’s a different role for me, now we’ve lost Jill and Ellen who are older. 
      “But losing two players of their overwhelming experience is tough.
      “Some of the younger players have to step into that role and it’s nice to be able to do that. 
      “I had that when I was younger and so it’s nice to speak to the younger ones.
      “And there are players here who are experiencing their first tournament.
      “They’re over the other side of the world, away from home and not seeing family so much. It’s nice to be able to help them.”
      England’s last duel with China saw them lose 2-1 back in October 2015, five months after beating their opponents by the same scoreline at the Academy Stadium. 
      But much has changed for the Lionesses’ fortunes since then. 
      A top spot finish in Group D for England will see them play either Nigeria or Canada or Australia in the World Cup’s knockout stageCredit: Getty
      They are currently ranked the fourth best side in the world and ten places above their rivals who beat Haiti last Friday. 
      Read More on The Sun
      Daly said: “We know their threats and what they’re capable of. 
      “We should be prepared the best way we can and hopefully get those next three points in the bag.” More