Women’s Euro 2022

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I’m playing with a smile on my face. A lot has changed for me since the Euros’, says England striker Rachel Daly

      by

      RACHEL DALY believes she is in the form of her career following a storming first season at Aston Villa before the World Cup. And the WSL’s Golden Boot winner is in “a better place mentally” following her move home after a decade playing in the USA.
      Rachel Daly hopes to replicate the form that won her the WSL’s Golden Boot when England compete in the World CupCredit: Reuters
      Daly has been included as one of seven forwards in Sarina Wiegman’s 23-strong Lionesses squadCredit: Alamy
      Daly netted 22 goals in 22 games for Aston Villa in the WSL last seasonCredit: Getty
      Daly was speaking on the first day of England’s training camp at St George’s Park a month before the start of their push for World Cup glory in Australia.
      The Leeds-born striker, previously deployed as a full-back by England boss Sarina Wiegman, has been on fire in front of goal. 
      Her form for Carla Ward’s Villa saw the team finish fifth in the Women’s Super League  with Daly bagging 22 goals in 22 games.  
      She said: “A lot has changed for me personally since the last tournament (the Euros.)
      Read More Football Stories
      “I’ve moved home and I’ve been away for 10 years so I think mentally I’m in a way better place.
      “I needed to be home and playing in this league (the WSL) was something that I wanted to do and revisit again.”  
      The Lionesses’ will face Haiti in their Group D opener which comes just under a year after Daly’s Villa move following six seasons with Houston Dash. 
      In 2013 she swapped her career in England for a fresh challenge in the United States joining Los Angeles Strikers from Lincoln Ladies.  
      Most read in Football
      She would go on to sign for Houston in 2016 captaining the team to their first trophy win when they lifted the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup.
      Daly’s Villa transfer last August following England’s Euros triumph proved to be a shrewd move for the WSL star
      Last season she scored 30 goals across all competitions last year with Villa achieving their highest ever finish in the top tier.
      Her ruthless form has seen her included as a forward in Wiegman’s squad a year on from playing as a full-back at the Euros.
      She adds: “I think you can all tell that I’m playing with a smile on my face and enjoying my football and long may that continue.
      “It’s been a good year for me, I can put it down to my happiness, the way  Carla (Ward) has given me freedom at the club to play my own sort of game. 
      “The team around me has been brilliant as has Sarina (Wiegman) at international level.
      “I’d probably say it’s the best season I’ve had in my career.
      Alessia Russo and Bethany England will be Daly’s main rivals for a number nine starting spot.
      Like Daly, both have been in fine form at club level with England racking up 12 goals in 12 games for Tottenham.
      Daly insists the competition for the Lionesses number nine spot is healthy between herself, Bethany England and Alessia RussoCredit: Getty
      Daly added: “The good thing is that we all push each other. It’s a completely healthy competition.
      Read More On The Sun
      “There’s no ‘I’m the best’ we’re all great friends. We’re pushing each other, we’ll continue to push each other. 
      “I’ve got their back, they’ve got my back, it’s a really nice place to be.” More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      England name Women’s World Cup squad as several stars left out by Sarina Wiegman including Euro 2022 hero

      by

      ENGLAND manager Sarina Wiegman has named her 23-woman squad for this year’s World Cup.Wiegman has made seven changes to last year’s European Championship winning squad.
      Wiegman has named her 23-woman squad for the Women’s World CupCredit: PA
      Daly has been named as an attacker following her prolific season with Aston VillaCredit: Getty
      Man Utd favourites Russo and Toone have been includedCredit: Getty
      The 2023 Women’s World Cup – which will take place in Australia and New Zealand – is set to kick off on July 20.
      England’s first match, against Haiti, is scheduled for July 22.
      The Lionesses are also set to face China and Denmark in the group stages.
      Mary Earps, Hannah Hampton and Ellie Roebuck remain the 53-year-old’s preferred goalkeepers.
      Read More on Women’s Football
      Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Alex Greenwood, Millie Bright and Lotte Wubben-Moy keep their respective places along with midfielders Kiera Walsh, Ella Toone and Georgia Stanway.
      England’s attacking options include; Bethany England, Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo and Rachel Daly – who claimed the WSL Golden Boot award at the weekend.
      Daly, who started all six of England’s Euro 2022 games as a left-back, signed for Aston Villa last summer and enjoyed an impressive 2022-23 campaign in the No.9 role, scoring 22 times and equalling Vivianne Miedema’s record for the most goals scored in a single WSL season.
      Lauren James is set to make her first appearance at a major tournament following her successful season with Chelsea, as is Esme Morgan, Niamh Charles, Katie Zelem, Laura Coombs and Katie Robinson.
      Most read in Football
      Williamson misses out due to an ACL injuryCredit: Reuters
      Mead is also unavailable as she continues to recover from her ACL injuryCredit: Getty
      Jordan Nobbs returns to the squad after missing out on Euro 2022 due to a knee injury.
      England captain Leah Williamson was ruled out of the tournament in April after sustaining a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
      She is set to pass the captain’s armband to vice skipper Bright.
      Beth Mead – Euro 2022 Golden Boot winner and Player of the Tournament – has also missed out on a spot in the squad due to an ACL injury she sustained in November.
      Earlier this month, the 28-year-old revealed that she was hopeful of earning a place in the squad despite missing a large chunk of the season.
      She told Sky Sports: “The injury’s okay, I’m a good five months in and back on the pitch and kicking a ball again, feeling good, ahead of schedule. That’s all I can do that’s in my control right now.
      “I wouldn’t say I’m confident [of going to the World Cup] because it’s out of my control, but I’m working hard to get as close to it as possible – but at the end of the day, it’s probably going to be Sarina’s decision.”
      However, Wiegman believes the tournament comes too soon for the Arsenal star.
      Chelsea midfielder Fran Kirby is also set to miss out on the tournament.
      The 29-year-old was ruled out for a “significant” period earlier this month after it was revealed that she required knee surgery.
      When naming her chosen squad, Wieman said: “I have huge belief in this squad and we’re very fortunate to be selecting a fantastic group of players to travel to Australia.
      “We know we will face tough challenges from strong teams, and we will have to be competitive from the first match on 22 July. We will doeverything to be at our very best again this summer.
      “It is important the players get some well-deserved time to rest and recover over the next few weeks before we start the final preparations to get them ready.
      “We learned a lot of positive lessons about how to get the players fit, fresh and ready from the EURO last summer and we know what we have to do to make sure we hit the ground running in the right way when the tournament starts.”
      Steph Houghton, Maya Le Tissier and Nikita Parris narrowly miss out on a spot in the squad.
      Read More on The Sun
      Le Tissier has been named on the standby list along with Jess Park and goalkeeper Emily Ramsey.
      Wiegman added: “It is always tough to leave some players out of the squad, but they know they could still be needed if we have any issues before we start the tournament. I am very happy that we have such a professional group.” More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Women’s Football Awards gets over 20,000 votes as Lionesses set to join Eni Aluko and Carragher for glitzy ceremony

      by

      OVER 20,000 votes have been cast for the Women’s Football Awards next month.The glittering ceremony takes place in London and will have many of the Lionesses’ Euros winning team up for awards.
      Eni Aluko will host the Women’s Football AwardsCredit: PA
      Jamie Carragher will also co-hostCredit: Getty
      Alessia Russo and Beth Mead have been nominated for accoladesCredit: PA
      Alessia Russo of Manchester United has been nominatedCredit: Getty
      The prestigious awards event, in association with SHEIN and SportsMail, will celebrate the players, people, brands and organisations who are contributing to the growth of the sport. 
      Thousands of people took part in voting on the publicly-nominated shortlist with names including Manchester United’s Mary Earps, Chelsea star Sam Kerr and Arsenal’s Beth Mead and Leah Williams all nominated for accolades. 
      Manchester United’s Alessia Russo, Liverpool’s Missy Bo Kearns and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Poppy Pattinson are nominated alongside international stars such as Caroline Weir, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Vivianne Miedema all on the shortlist.  
      The public voted in their masses across a variety of categories which also includes Journalist or Broadcaster of the Year, Best Club of the Year and women’s football Marketing Campaign of the Year. 
      READ MORE ON THE LIONESSES
      The votes will now be assessed and ratified by a star-studded judging panel including Lionesses Nikita Parris and Jess Carter and sports media personalities such as Hayley McQueen, Sue Smith and Seema Jaswal.
      The judging panel will also select winners of a series of awards for business and brands who have shown an outstanding commitment. 
      Big organisations shortlisted include Adidas, McDonalds, Three Mobile, Pepsi, Arnold Clark and Everton Football Club. 
      The Women’s Football Awards is set to be hosted by former Chelsea and England international Eni Aluko plus Sky Sports presenter Jamie Carragher, who will be joined by leading personalities from the women’s game alongside top celebrities and broadcasters. 
      Most read in Football
      Sky Sports Breakfast presenter Hayley McQueen will also be involved in hosting duties on the night.
      Sponsored by global online fashion, beauty and lifestyle retailer SHEIN, it is the first time all levels of women’s football will be recognised at one flagship event.
      The Women’s Football Awards will pay tribute to grassroots greatness as well as national and international superstars of the women’s game. 
      Other major award categories include Grassroots Initiative of the Year and a Lifetime Achievement Award. 
      Co-host Aluko, who made 102 appearances for the England national team, said: “It is incredible that over 20,000 people have taken part in the public vote.
      “I am so pleased to be involved in this event because these awards are genuinely decided by fans of women’s football. It is the first time it has ever happened in the sport.”
      “This is a brilliant event, highlighting the amazing work of players, brands, organisations and journalists to grow the game we love.
      “I am looking forward to celebrating with the winners on 25 May.” 
      The Women’s Football Awards, backed by SHEIN and Klarna, will take place on 25 May More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Lioness heroine Ellen White celebrates birth of baby girl and shares touching photo of her daughter and husband

      by

      ELLEN WHITE shared a heartwarming message in honour of her baby girl and the hospital where she welcomed her daughter. On Monday night the retired Lioness posted a picture via social media of her husband Callum Convery carrying their newborn child.
      Ellen White celebrated the arrival of a newborn baby with husband Callum ConveryCredit: Getty
      The retired England heroine shared a picture via her social media of her husband carrying their little girlCredit: Twitter: @ellsbells89
      White, 33, called time on her trophy-laden playing career last August after helping England win the Women’s Euros at Wembley in July.
      And in December the Lionesses’ record goal scorer and former Manchester City striker announced she was expecting her first child. 
      On Monday evening White shared a ‘thank you’ message to hospital staff at Tameside and Glossop Integrated NHS Foundation Trust. 
      In a post shared on Twitter and Instagram along with a photo of her husband and daughter, she wrote: “Best Daddy carrying our beautiful baby girl. 
      Read More Football Stories
      “We are so utterly besotted with you and you are so blinking cute.
      “We are extremely grateful to all the professionals @tandgicft for your incredible support & dedication in helping with the safe arrival of our daughter.”
      Dozens of football fans and White’s former club and country team-mates took to Instagram to congratulate the Lionesses legend. 
      In a reply to White’s news, Man City captain Steph Houghton wrote: “So proud of you! So much love coming your way.”
      Most read in Football
      Leicester City forward Aileen Whelan posted: “Congratulations to you both. Best days of your life are on their way.”
      Ellen White made 113 senior appearances for the Lionesses helping the team a first Euros trophy win last yearCredit: PA
      And Lucy Bronze, Hannah Hampton, Fara Williams and Caroline Weir are among the other aces who posted congratulatory messages. 
      During her 17-year senior playing career White made 113 appearances for England.
      The Buckinghamshire-born notched up 52 goals becoming the Lionesses’ all-time top scorer before hanging up her boots. More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      England Lioness Chloe Kelly wows team-mates as she shows off her incredible figure in bikini

      by

      ENGLAND hero Chloe Kelly swapped the football pitch for some well deserved downtime and wowed her team-mates and celebs in the process. Kelly scored the extra-time winner in the Euro 2022 Women’s final to land the Lionesses their first-ever major trophy.
      Chloe Kelly enjoyed some ‘downtime’Credit: https://www.instagram.com/chloekelly/
      She posed while wearing matching white cardigan and bikiniCredit: https://www.instagram.com/chloekelly/
      As she wowed team-mate’s and celeb’s alikeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/chloekelly/
      Kelly memorably celebrated her goal in the Women’s Euros final by taking her shirt off and waving it over her headCredit: PA
      She was back in action during the inaugural Women’s Finalissima against Brazil, netting the winning penalty in the shootout.
      But after the international action finished, Kelly took the chance to relax before heading back to finish the Women’s Super League season with Manchester City.
      Kelly shared some snaps of herself in a white linen cardigan and bikini while wearing some sunglasses by a water feature.
      With 510,000 followers on Instagram, the post soon reached a wide audience, including team-mate’s and celebs.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      England duo Alex Greenwood and Ellie Roebuck were among the first to comment.
      Greenwood said: “Ckk😍🔥”, while Roebuck added: “Ok ok😍.”
      Rachel Day also joined the comments, saying: “Sallllyyy🔥.”
      Man City team-mate Alanna Kennedy said: “BB 🔥.”
      Most read in Football
      Former I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here winner Vicky Pattinson joined in with the praise.
      She commented: “Wow mate 😍.”
      Fans added their own reaction to the mix too.
      One said: “Enjoy Chlo 👏🏾🔥.”
      A second said: “Stunning CK 🤩.”
      A third remarked: “Chloe 😍😍😍🔥.”

      Kelly made headlines with her wild celebration following her winning goal against Germany, swinging her top above her head as she wheeled off in ecstacy.
      Four teams remain in contention to win the WSL this season, though Kelly’s Man City are currently bottom of this pile, sitting three points behind league leaders Manchester United.
      Kelly scored the winning penalty in the recent FinalissimaCredit: Getty
      She will return to action for Man City to try and help them win the WSLCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      I’ll never forget the summer of 1996 – the country buzzed about the Euros and we need that back

      by

      LIKE most Sun readers, I will never forget the summer of 1996. The whole country was buzzing because of the Euros.As a teenager, I soaked up almost every second of the tournament, convinced that it would be England’s moment of glory.
      PM Rishi Sunak is backing a historic joint bid by the UK and Ireland to host the Uefa European Championships in 2028Credit: Dan Charity / The Sun
      England captain Harry Kane is joining with sides to back the bid to hold the prestigious tournament in the UK and IrelandCredit: Getty
      Scotland’s Andy Robertson is also behind the push to secure the tournament on home soilCredit: Rex
      Steven Davis, Northern Ireland captainCredit: Sportsfile
       It gave me a love of the game — its highs and lows — that I still have to this day, especially as a long-suffering Southampton fan.
      As a country, our passion for football is unparalleled. It is known the world over.
      From the Premier League to Sunday league, the game brings us together.
      Our stadia aren’t just ­sporting venues where the best players in the world want to play and fans ­everywhere dream of visiting, they are part of who we are — cultural icons at the heart of our communities, monuments to the game we love.
      READ MORE ON EURO 2028
      Again and again in recent years, those stadia have hosted some of the biggest games in world football.
       We have hosted Champions League finals, Euro 2020 matches — including almost all of England’s epic run  to the final — and the record-breaking 2022 Women’s Euros.
      We have got world-class sporting infrastructure and a  brilliant track record.
      So it would be fantastic to bring a full, international men’s tournament back to these shores.
      Most read in Football
       That’s why today the UK and Ireland are launching a historic joint bid to host the Uefa European Championships in 2028.
      By bringing the whole of the UK together, along with Ireland, we will showcase our shared love of the beautiful game.
      It will be the most ambitious sporting event our islands have jointly staged — five Football Associations with Uefa united in delivering one of the best tournaments Europe has ever seen.
       The captains of each of the host nations — Harry Kane, Séamus Coleman, Steven Davis, Andy Robertson and Aaron Ramsey — may be rivals on the pitch, but they are all on the same side in cheering on this effort.
      Imagine it — the best teams in Europe battling it out at the Etihad in Manchester, Hampden Park in Glasgow, the Principality in Cardiff, Casement Park in Belfast, the Aviva in Dublin, and of course, Wembley Stadium.
      Not to mention Villa Park, St James’ Park, Everton’s new ­Stadium and the Tottenham ­Hotspur Stadium.
      And imagine, just for a second, our boys following in the Lionesses’ footsteps and lifting that trophy five years from now. What a summer that would be.
      All about the future
      This year marks the 160th anniversary of the laws of the game — 160 years since they were first adopted and ­published, here in the UK.
       We are rightly proud of that unique legacy. There is so much to celebrate and savour — from Jackie Milburn to Jack Charlton, from 1966 to Euro ’96.
      Aaron Ramsey is on the same side as his rival in cheering on this effortCredit: Getty
      The Republic of Ireland’s Séamus Coleman is hoping to bring the tournament to the UK and IrelandCredit: Sportsfile
       But this tournament will be all about the future.
       On a rainy day last month we held a kickabout at No 10 with the Lionesses. As Beth Mead, Jill Scott and Ellen White showed a group of excited school kids their skills and rattled some of the historic furnishings, you could see the inspirational impact of their Euro triumph last summer.
      So Euro 2028 is about inspiring even more boys and girls not just to cheer on their team but to lace up their boots and get out there themselves.
      It’s about supporting the game at the local level and lifting up our communities — together the bid partners have already committed more than £500million to improve grassroots football.
      It’s about delivering new investment to upgrade facilities — including the regeneration of Casement Park in Northern Ireland.
       It’s about harnessing the power of the tournament to drive long-term benefits through volunteering, tourism and new business opportunities.
       It’s about pubs, front rooms and fan parks filling up across these islands — friends and family coming together, in victory or defeat.
      We estimate the bid could generate benefits of up to £2.6billion for our nations.
       It’s the ultimate win-win — a festival of football to cheer the nation and benefit us all.
      Read More on The Sun
      Let’s bring people from across Europe and beyond to our host cities, to see the best football on the best stage anyone can offer.
      Let’s create new memories for a new generation. Let’s back our bid. More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Sarina Wiegman’s unbeaten run with Lionesses is over after England’s 2-0 loss against Australia in World Cup warning

      by

      SAM KERR struck as Australia served a World Cup warning consigning England to a disappointing 2-0 defeat.On a drizzly night in Brentford the Chelsea hotshot rained on the Lionesses’ parade to end their 30-game unbeaten run under Sarina Wiegman.
      Sam Kerr opened the scoring for AustraliaCredit: Getty
      Kerr scored in the first half after a defensive error and Charlotte Grant doubled the advantage in the 67th minute to hand Wiegman her first loss as England’s coach.
      England’s unbeaten run of 26 wins and four draws had included winning the European Championship last summer.
      Kerr, the Australian captain, pounced on a weak backpass by defender Leah Williamson and one-on-one with Mary Earps deftly flicked the ball past the goalkeeper’s left shoulder and into the net in the 32nd.
      Williamson was trying to deal with a long ball and after a bounce tried to head it back to Earps.
      Read more on football
      But the England captain left it short and Australia’s all-time leading scorer took advantage for the Matildas.
      Grant got on the end of Kerr’s cross and beat Earps with a header that deflected into the net.
      It was the first match between the teams since a 1-1 draw in a friendly in London in October 2018.
      Australia and New Zealand are co-hosting the World Cup this summer.
      Most read in Football
      England beat Brazil in a 4-2 penalty shootout victory last Thursday in front of 83,132 fans at Wembley Stadium.
      Charlotte Grant smiles at her goalCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Wiegman says England door is not closed to Steph Houghton but World Cup selection chances ‘are not high’

      by

      SARINA WIEGMAN “would never close” the door on the possibility of Steph Houghton being included in her England World Cup squad. However the serial-winning Lionesses boss admits the chances of the Manchester City captain, 34, being chosen “are not that high”. 
      Steph Houghton is aiming stay ready and professional in case of a call-upCredit: Getty
      Sarina Wiegman says she will not shut the door on Houghton but admits her World Cup selection chances ‘are not that high’Credit: Reuters
      England will take on Australia tomorrow night at the Gtech Community Stadium as part of their World Cup preparationsCredit: Alamy
      Wiegman, 53 was speaking after Houghton described contending with being left out of the national squad as “mentally tough”
      The Man City centre-back, who has 121 senior international caps, was was sharing her thoughts in a BBC Radio Five Live interview. 
      The Durham-born WSL star has not played for the Euros champions since 2021 following some spells out with injury. 
      Wiegman, whose side play Australia at Brentford’s home ground on Tuesday night, said: “It’s hard at the moment.
      Read More Football Stories
      “She’s in a hard position because, as I said, I don’t want to take out the players who are in that position, because they’re doing really well, so the chances are not that high.
      “But I will never close the door.
      “When you are in international football and you are England coach, you want everyone to be available too if things happen for some players and the situation changes. 
      “But at this moment, I make other choices.”
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Houghton, who played for the Lionesses in five major tournaments, admits she would have to “re-evaluate” things if a summer call-up does not arise. 
      While the former England captain wants to keep “knocking on that door” she acknowledges her omission will not stop her from wanting the team to succeed at the World Cup this year.
      Wiegman added: “Steph is a very good, very experienced player.
      “I have a lot of respect for what she has done for the women’s game and she has come back in the squad for Man City. 
      “But the players I have now in that position I don’t want to take out because I think they perform really well. That’s the reason why.
      “It is difficult because she has done so much for the game.
      “It’s difficult with everyone because everyone trains so hard and so does she.”
      The Lionesses’ clash with Australia comes five days after their Women’s Finalissima defeat of Brazil via a penalty shootout. 
      The victory saw them go 30 games unbeaten under Wiegman
      Tomorrow’s match could see Sam Kerr in action with the Matildas record goal scorer rested for her team’s 1-0 loss to Scotland on Friday. 
      And Leicester forward Remy Siemsen might feature having received a call-up on Sunday following Emily van Egmond and Holly McNamara’s withdrawal from Australia’s camp. 
      The game could also see Ella Toone, 23,  start alongside her Man United pal and summer transfer target Alessia Russo
      Both featuring against Brazil last Thursday with Toone netting normal time but seeing her spot-kick saved.
      Russo, who has netted 11 goals in 20 senior Lionesses appearances, has reportedly attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest sides including French giants Lyon. 
      The WSL star, whose Red Devils contract is due to expire at the end of this season, has scored eight goals in 15 top tier games this term. 
      On if she hopes to continue playing alongside Russo at club level, Toone added: “We’re joined at the hip and we’re best friends. 
      “We love each other’s company. That will never change no matter where Alessia Russo is. I love playing with her. 
      “Right now we’re at England camp, spending every minute together and playing football together.
      “So now it’s just about enjoying now and whatever happens, happens.”
      England’s clash with the Matildas comes 102 days before their World Cup group stage opener against Haiti in Brisbane, Australia
      Ella Toone hopes fans will flock to stadiums to watch World Cup games in Australia and New Zealand this summerCredit: Reuters
      This summer’s tournament is being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand with England aiming to follow their Euros triumph on home soil with a World Cup win. 

      Toone said:  “For us it was so exciting knowing we were hosting a major tournament in our country. 
      “For the Australians it will be massive. Hopefully we can get loads of fans in the stadiums enjoying the football.” More