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    Nick Cushing turns focus on WSL clash after Miedema’s Man City brace ends Chelsea’s unbeaten run

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    NICK CUSHING is ready to turn his attention to Manchester City’s WSL test against Chelsea after his side beat them in Europe last night. Vivianne Miedema’s brace sealed City’s 2-0 Champions League quarters first-leg victory, ending the Blues’ 31-game unbeaten run. Nick Cushing guided Manchester City to a hardfought win at Joie Stadium on their return to Champions League actionCredit: AFPTwo second-half goals for Vivianne Miedema sealed City’s quarter-final first leg victoryCredit: AlamyBrazil forward Kerolin impressed for City on her first European outing since joining the club in JanuaryCredit: AlamyThe Netherlands star’s second-half double enabled the Cityzens to avenge their League Cup final loss to Chelsea before their second-leg clash next Thursday at Stamford Bridge. Before then the rivals meet at the Etihad this Sunday at 2:30pm in the top tier. And Cushing is targeting his first match win in the top tier since his Man City return last week. His side are currently fourth in the WSL and 12 points behind leaders Chelsea after losing four of their 16 games this term. Read More Football StoriesThe interim Cityzens boss, who oversaw his first game at Joie Stadium since 2019, said: We wanted to win, we’ve won with a two-goal lead. “We can put that one away now and focus on the league game, because our league position isn’t where we want it and Sunday’s game becomes crucial. “After that we prepare for the Stamford Bridge (reverse Champions League) game. “We know any game against Chelsea is going to be incredibly difficult. Most read in Football”The confidence and belief comes from knowing that we can play whatever game is in front of us.”While striker Khadija Shaw and forward Aoba Fujino joining Lauren Hemp on the Cityzens’ crocked list, Cushing opted to start Miedema on the bench on Wednesday night. His side had three first-half shots on target including 19-year-old Lily Murphy’s low strike close to half-time which prompted a comfortable save from keeper Hannah Hampton. With visitors Chelsea content to soak up pressure, Cushing shuffled his deck bringing Miedema on in the second half.The WSL record scorer rewarded him with a 60th-minute shot into the roof of the net before a late strike with two minutes of normal time left. After the match Miedema said:  “I’m honestly happy that I could come on and help the team. Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor has backed her Blues to bounce back in their WSL duel with City at the Etihad on March 23Credit: Alamy”This is the standard that we need to set ourselves. It gives us a lot of confidence going into the next two games (against Chelsea).”It’s a really special (win). We’ve had a couple of special Champions League nights here this season. “We had the win over Barcelona as well, but this one feels really really good.” More

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      Arsenal hero Ian Wright blasts muddy pitch where Gunners’ fell to a first-leg Champions League loss to Real Madrid

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      IAN WRIGHT branded Real Madrid’s pitch a “f***ing disgrace” as Arsenal’s Champions League bid got stuck in the mud.The Gunners icon said the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium’s surface was worse than the Pride Park pitch, where Chelsea beat Manchester City in Saturday’s League Cup final. Ian Wright was appalled by the condition at Real Madrid’s home ground where the Spanish club hosted their Champions League duel with ArsenalCredit: SportsfileThe wet conditions on the pitch left players covered in mud during the quarter-final first-leg clashCredit: GettyArsenal hope to overturn a 2-0 deficit when the team’s meet next Wednesday in the second leg at the EmiratesCredit: GettyGoals from Real strikers Linda Caicedo and Athenea del Castillo saw Arsenal fall to a quarter-final first-leg defeat. The drenched pitch at the rain-soaked Alfredo di Stefano Stadium, left the Gunners’ women stars and their opponents splattered in mud with some players slipping due to its conditions. In the second half Madrid midfielder and ex-Chelsea ace Melanie Leupolz went off after hurting her knee she attempted to clear the ball up field. In an Instagram video, Women’s Super League ambassador Wright said: “It’s a f***ing disgrace, the pitches these girls have to play on.” Read More Football Stories Light wind and rain had been forecast in Spain’s capital ahead of yesterday’s game. However conditions were very wet ahead of the 5:45pm kick-off. Arsenal boss Renee Slegers said: “We knew the condition of the pitch. “We had a plan for it but then it’s always hard because over a season and over time you work on things and you have an identity the way you want to do things. Most read in FootballRenee Slegers has backed Arsenal to turn things around in their decisive second-leg quarters clashCredit: Getty“So then reality comes and these conditions come and all of a sudden you need to do things differently so that’s hard.”Arsenal will battle to try and overturn the deficit in next Wednesday’s second leg at the Emirates.Slegers added: “We’re all confident we can do something against them at the Emirates because it’s only half time.” More

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      Chelsea 2 Man City 1: Blues win Women’s League Cup and first step of possible quadruple after late own-goal drama

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      MAYRA RAMIREZ gave Chelsea lift off in their quadruple trophy chase with Manchester City consigned to League Cup heartbreak on Saturday.A devastating own-goal for Yui Hasegawa saw City’s fightback crumble with the Blues taking first blood in the two sides first of four showdown clashes. Chelsea beat Man City in the League Cup final in DerbyCredit: GettyChelsea took the first step towards their quadruple dreamCredit: PAMayra Ramirez set Chelsea on their way to winning the League CupCredit: ReutersIt was the Blues first trophy under manager Sonia Bompastor and ends a run of three final defeats on the bounceCredit: PAThe return of Nick Cushing to Man City could not prevent the Blues winning the gameCredit: GettyAfter Chelsea’s win today, the two sides play each other again on Wednesday for the first leg of their Women’s Champions League quarter-final tie before they play in the WSL next weekend and then the second leg of their European clash four days later.Ramirez’s close-range finish, courtesy of Lauren James’ class assist, helped the London giants end a run of three straight League Cup final losses in a row.The clash played in front of a Pride Park crowd of 14,187 – far smaller than the record 21,000-strong crowd at last year’s decider – saw the WSL leaders lift their first trophy under Sonia Bompastor.It also dealt a fresh blow to City’s hopes of winning silverware this season, five days after their shock sacking of Gareth Taylor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea came under significant pressure early on from a Man City side playing in their first final and first game since Taylor’s departure. The Cityzens, who are currently off the pace in this term’s title race were hoping for a new manager bounce following the return of Nick Cushing. The Chester-born head coach was the first and last person to guide the WSL giants to a top-flight title. However, with City currently 12 points off the league leading opponents the chances of winning that prize look very slim. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut one of their best hopes of a trophy this term came today.For periods of the first half they had Chelsea under the cosh, dominating possession. Watch Ireland captain Katie McCabe star in hilarious Adidas ad ahead of new WSL season with ArsenalBut for all their retention of the ball City found themselves behind when Ramirez broke the deadlock early on. A Man City corner swiftly turned into a Chelsea counter with James’ deft through ball finding Ramirez who fired home after keeper Ayaka Yamashita’s initial save. Last ditch defending from the Blues kept City at bay as they cranked up the pressure. This included winger Sandy Baltimore charging the ball down after Khadija Shaw’s attempted first-half shot.And skipper Millie Bright was among the other aces throwing their bodies in the way of shots and crosses, with the defender spotted stuffing tissue up a bloody nose.But City were eventually rewarded for their efforts with Aoba Fujino firing in their leveller in the 64th minute after Shaw distracted Chelsea’s backline. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut in a cruel twist of fate their fight back was thwarted after Hasegawa’s attempted hooked clearance dropped into the net behind keeper Yamashita. The City midfielder and her team-mates will hope for better fortunes when the two sides meet on Wednesday in the Champions League quarters first leg. Millie Bright put in a Player of the Match performance at Pride ParkCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea’s Millie Bright is ready ‘to put body on the line’ in push to win Women’s League Cup 

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      CHELSEA captain Millie Bright has a Blue-print for success in the League Cup final. The Blues’ longest-serving player, 31, knows all about pushing herself to the limit in pursuit of prizes. Millie Bright and her team-mates hope to emerge victorious from their League Cup final clash with Manchester CityCredit: ReutersThe Cityzens are aiming to lift their first trophy this term under interim boss Nick CushingCredit: GettyBlues captain Bright says the adrenalin rush of winning trophies makes her want to do it all over againCredit: GettyShe has plenty of those – with another in her sights as Chelsea face Manchester City today in this year’s Women’s League Cup decider.And she says whoever is willing to put their body on the line will triumph. Bright knows what she is talking about, with 13 trophies in her 12 years at the club, as well as winning the 2022 Euros with England.To date the tenacious player, who joined the Blues from Doncaster Rovers Belles 12 years, ago has won six domestic cup competitions. Read More Football StoriesShe hopes to make it seven when Chelsea battle the Cityzens at 12:15pm at Pride Park, 33 miles away from the Derbyshire town of Chesterfield where she was born. The WSL star said: “Games like these are about who is best prepared, who’s willing to do everything to win and put their body on the line.”A Chelsea-City final is something that everyone always wants to see. “It’s always a great game coming up against them, but ultimately we want to win. Most read in Football”We want to lift that trophy, but we have to put in the work.”Hard graft is what Chelsea will need to produce across 12 days during their next four games. Every time you lift a trophy it gives you that hunger to just do it all over again. You never want to experience any other feeling.Millie Bright Aside from today’s showdown these include two season-defining duels with Man City in the Champions League quarters and a Women’s Super League tussle. Facing a fierce rival four times in a row is something of an oddity for Bright. The Blues captain adds: “I don’t think that has ever happened before. “But our mentality is always to just go game-by-game. Everyone’s just excited for the final.”With the WSL leaders unbeaten this term, and City picking up some mixed results, Bright and team-mates will fancy their chances of ending a recent run of three League Cup final losses. Their last triumph occurred in March 2021 when they trounced Bristol City 6-0 at Vicarage Road. Bright is one of the six players left in her team who were part of that League Cup-winning side then managed by Emma Hayes.The first time she ever triumphed in a cup final was ten years ago against Notts County. A goal scored by former Blue Ji So-Yun sealed Chelsea’s first ever FA Cup triumph. But after 13 trophy wins with the Blues, Bright admits memories of this first are becoming a little blurry. The England ace said: “All those firsts are a bit of a blur now because everything was such a shock and a hit in the face, like a new experience. “I have to think really hard about what they felt like. “But instantly it’s that adrenaline rush of ‘this is amazing, I want to do it all over again’.”And then you actually want to get straight back out on the pitch and compete for the next potential trophy. “Every time you lift a trophy, it gives you that hunger to just do it all over again.”You never want to experience any other feeling.”Today’s game comes nine days after Bright signed a new contract with Chelsea which runs until next summer with the option to extend for a further year. On March 12 her team-mate Erin Cuthbert also penned a new deal with the Blues which expires in the summer of 2027.Both players are thriving in a post-Hayes era with head coach Sonia Bompastor so far steering the team on an unbeaten run across all competitions. Of  Cuthbert’s impact Bright said: “Everyone knows what Erin means to this club and to this team. Her energy is infectious. “She’s a massive part with her mentality, her drive and quality on the ball.“We saw that the other night (against Leicester) she comes on and slots one in the bottom corner nice and composed.”Bright and Cuthbert are among the Blues stalwarts thriving under boss BompastorSo far the France-born former Lyon manager has steered her side on an unbeaten run across all competitions. What Bright values most is her manager’s willingness to allow her players to express themselves. Bright adds:  “Sonia is good at that and tells us to enjoy every single minute that we play because we should. “She really gives us that confidence to express ourselves. “And if we make mistakes then fine. We’ve got each other’s backs, we’ll figure it out and we’ll work together. “Sonia’s really really good at giving that confidence, but if I can help the players in any way,  they know I’ve got an open door policy. “They can come to me for literally anything. You need support on the pitch or a shoulder to cry on – I’ll do it.”On the day Bright signed her new contract her mum Nicola and her dad Steve joined her at Stamford Bridge. She feels her family have played a huge part in the “blood, sweat and tears” of a career that has yielded much success. Bright adds: “Your family and your supporters – they’re the ones that are there every single week, travelling all around the world to support you. Chelsea’s last League Cup triumph was back in 2021 when they beat Bristol CityCredit: Getty”That’s how I’ve always seen it and that’s why I want to do so well and win.  “The blood, sweat and tears you put into it – it’s all for that success and those moments with your loved ones and your team-mates lifting trophies. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I don’t think there’s any other moment that will compare to that.” The Subway Women’s League Cup final can be watched live from 12:15pm today on BBC One. More

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      ‘Vinicius Jr is a player who makes me think, if you work hard, you’re going to get things’, says Man City’s Kerolin

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      BRAZIL star Kerolin Nicoli makes no bones about what fuels her big ambition with Manchester City.Becoming the best player in the world and winning a Ballon d’Or is among her targets. Kerolin believes Manchester City have enough talent within their ranks to overcome Chelsea in this year’s Women’s League Cup finalCredit: AlamyAside from helping her club add to their silverware collection the Brazil forward is eager one day win the Ballon d’OrCredit: GettyCity will take on unbeaten Chelsea four times this month in the hope of becoming the first team to defeat them this seasonCredit: ReutersAnd helping her new club to win their fifth Women’s League Cup is on her immediate to-do list.On March 15 the Paris Olympics silver medallist, 25, could play in her first cup contest final since her January transfer from US side North Carolina Courage. A first trophy win for City in three years is up for grabs when they battle Chelsea at Pride Park , with the gifted forward eager to make her mark.It is one of their strongest hopes of domestic silverware this term with title chances slim due to their foes’ 12-point lead at the WSL’s summit.  Read More Football StoriesThe 45-capped Brazil forward said: “Before I came here, when I was talking with Man City, this was one thing I was really excited [about]. “It’s a challenge but to play against Chelsea at this moment, it’s really good for us. “They are playing well but we know how we can beat them. “We can take advantage of that and try to win the game. Most read in Football”We have enough players to do that. I know we’re going to do something really special on Saturday.”Whilst chatting to reporters in Man City’s football academy Kerolin jokes about swapping North Carolina’s warmer climes for chilly England.Despite the cold weather the move was no-brainer for a driven player determined to reach the top. We can do our best to win and have the final in our handsKerolin NicoliKerolin adds: “When I was looking for the list of the Ballon d’Or (nominees), I was looking at where the players were playing.”Most of them were here or in Spain. So I was like, why not (move to City)?”I want to be at the top of the list. It’s not going to be easy, but dreams are for that, right?”Fulfilling dreams by being special on the pitch is not unusual for Kerolin, who grew up playing football barefoot against men on the streets of Sao Paulo, in southeast Brazil. Six years after a bone infection led to doctors warning her to avoid contact sports, the forward burst onto the scene at 17 with Brazilian side Ponte Preta. Last August she thrilled Brazil fans at the Paris Olympics  nutmegging goalkeeper Cata Coll before scoring in a 4-2 defeat of Spain in the Games’ football semi-finals. The year before she became the first South American to be named the Most Valuable Player in the United States’ women’s top-flightsTomorrow Kerolin could become the first Brazilian to play for Man City in a Women’s League Cup decider. And she has no fear about this prospectThe forward adds: “I don’t feel pressure to be the first one because at some point I think it’s good. “Also sometimes I don’t remember I’m the first Brazilian here.“We can do our best to win and have the final in our hands. My mind is like, ‘I want to make history’. “We want to take Chelsea (off the top). They are at the top, so why not go for them?” The duel between the WSL giants will be the first of four high-stakes battles between the sides this month. It also comes five days after the club sacked Gareth Taylor, 52, with former boss Nick Cushing, 40, replacing him in the interim. Sandwiched between a City-Chelsea Champions League quarters knockout tie is a WSL clash, with all four fixtures to be played in ten days. For a forward who counts compatriot Vinicius Junior, 24, among the players she likes to watch, these games are a chance to show the strength of Brazilian football. Kerolin said: “Football from Brazil, it’s a little different and Brazilian players have a different style of play. “They have something different. I was thinking, ‘Maybe I could bring this to Manchester and be me.”Playing on the streets is what brought some different things, because we were playing with men. Kerolin says her compatriot and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior is one of the players she likes to watchCredit: Getty”You need more power, to be faster, stronger, and that really means a lot to me. READ MORE SUN STORIES”One player now I’m really excited to keep on watching is Vinicius Jr. “He’s one player who makes me think, ‘if you work hard, you’re going to get things back to you’, because that is what he did.” More

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      Manchester City’s Alex Greenwood left ‘shocked’ by Gareth Taylor exit ahead of cup final duel with Chelsea

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      ALEX GREENWOOD admits to being shocked by the sudden sacking of Gareth Taylor as Manchester City women’s boss.  However the City skipper expects her team-mates will come together under interim gaffer Nick Cushing. Man City will take on Chelsea in the Women’s League Cup final in their first game after Gareth Taylor’s departureCredit: AlamyMan City skipper Alex Greenwood said the sacking of Taylor shocked her and insists it was “purely results-based”Credit: GettyMan City’s duel with Chelsea will see the two sides face each other in a League Cup final for the first time since 2022Credit: ReutersTaylor, 52, was axed from his role just five days before City’s League Cup final clash with Chelsea this Saturday. His departure saw him become the fourth manager to have their reign at a WSL team ended this term. The Manchester giants’ decision to end Taylor’s tenure follows the team losing pace in the WSL title hunt. At present Chelsea look to be on course for a eighth top-flight title with their 12-point lead at the summit and the team yet to lose a game. Read More Football StoriesAfter four losses and two draws in 16 league games, City are currently fourth and facing a fight to qualify for Europe next term. With the team facing Chelsea four times this month including in the Champions League, club chiefs decided change was needed. Earlier today when reporters asked for her thoughts on Taylor’s departure, Greenwood said it was “a lot to process” and said it was “purely results-based”. The City captain, who won an FA Cup and League Cup during his four-and-half-year reign, added: “I was shocked by the news, of course. Most read in Football”I wasn’t expecting that news but it’s business and this is football. “The focus quickly shifted to what’s next, what is important to the team and that’s the final on Saturday.””My role as captain is to bring the team together and make sure the focus remains the same, which is on the final on Saturday and the run of games we’ve got coming up.”On whether she has spoken to Taylor since Monday, Greenwood said: “He brought me to this football club, he made me captain”We had some great moments together, so I will speak to Gareth when the time’s right. “But for now, I think, out of respect, I’ll leave him to digest this.”City will play their remaining games under the stewardship of Cushing, who is managing the side for the rest of this season. The head coach, who last November was sacked as New York City FC boss, led the Cityzens to the WSL title in 2016 during his first stint as women’s team boss.This Saturday the team will be without the services of their captain who is working her way back to fitness from a medial collateral injury. Greenwood said: “Nick had a great meeting with the team, a really positive one, about winning and what is achievable, what we need to focus on.”Man City’s first game following Taylor’s departure comes four days after construction got underway on a £10million training complex for their women’s team.  The 17,000 square-foot building, due to open next season, will contain a dressing room, a high-performance gym and a hydrotherapy area to aid players’ recovery from injuries Earlier today Greenwood joined women’s team managing director Charlotte O’Neill and football director Therese Sjogran to break ground on the new development. The City captain added:  “We’ve gone from an amazing facility which has gotten us to this point.Chelsea are currently unbeaten so far this season across all competitionsCredit: Getty”It’s time for us to move on from that now and expand as a team by giving us our own space to work from. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Right from the start we’ve been involved quite a lot so we could discuss what’s going to be in there and what’s necessary.”From what I know the facilities are going to be the best, which is nothing short of what I expect.” More

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      Manchester City sack head coach Gareth Taylor FIVE days before Women’s League Cup final clash with Chelsea

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      MANCHESTER CITY have brought the curtain down on Gareth Taylor’s reign as manager of their Women’s Super League side. Today the club announced their decision to part ways with the head coach, 52, just under a week before their League Cup decider duel with Chelsea. Manchester City have parted ways with Gareth Taylor with their WSL team currently fourth and 12 points behind leaders ChelseaCredit: GettyThe club’s decision to part ways with Taylor, 52, comes a day after the team reached this year’s FA Cup semi-finalsCredit: ReutersFormer City Women’s boss Nick Cushing will take charge of the WSL side on an interim basis for rest of this seasonCredit: GettyFormer City Women’s boss Nick Cushing will return to take charge of the side on a temporary basis. The Chester-born head coach managed City for seven years from 2013 guiding the team to their first and only WSL title triumph to date in 2016. Taylor’s departure comes with the Cityzens currently sitting fourth in the top tier after winning 10 of the 16 league games they have played so far this term. The team are fourth and one point and one place outside of the WSL’s top three spots for Champions League qualification. Read More Football StoriesThis follows them losing four and drawing two of their league games this season. In a statement, Man City’s women’s managing director Charlotte O’Neill said: “Manchester City prides itself on competing at the top of the WSL and on its outstanding record of qualifying for European competition. “Unfortunately, results this season have so far not reached this high standard.”With six games of the WSL campaign remaining, we believe that a change of management will breathe fresh life into our bid to ensure qualification for the 2025/26 UEFA Women’s Champions League.Most read in Football”We would like to place on record our thanks to Gareth for all of his efforts during his many years at City. “Our FA Cup and League Cup triumphs will remain special moments in the history of this football club.”“We wish him all the best for the future.”City’s decision to end Taylor’s reign comes just over 12 months after he signed a three-year deal with the club to remain in charge of their women’s side. During his tenure of almost five years at City’s helm, Taylor guided the team to an FA Cup win after a 3-1 defeat of Everton in May 2020. This was followed by a League Cup triumph in March 2022 when his side beat Emma Hayes’ Chelsea 3-1 at Plough Lane. This season Man City have lost ground in the race for the WSL title with leaders Chelsea 12 points ahead at the summit.  Recent results include a 1-1 draw with ninth-placed West Ham on March 5 with Manuela Pavi netting a stoppage-time equaliser following Khadija Shaw’s 80th-minute goal. Away from the pitch City were at the centre of a dramatic transfer saga this January with Chloe Kelly sealing a loan move to Arsenal. The departure of the forward, who netted England’s tournament-winning goal at the 2022 Euros, followed her struggle for minutes this term. After making six WSL appearances for the team this season, Kelly issued a bombshell exit plea before making her January 30 Arsenal switch. Her current contract with City, whom she joined in July 2020, is set to expire in June. Man City are due to play Chelsea in the Women’s League Cup final at Pride Park on March 15Credit: PASince joining the Gunners the forward netted her first league goal of the season in their 4-3 defeat of West Ham last weekend.  READ MORE SUN STORIESOn Sunday Man City reached the semis of this year’s FA Cup after beating Aston Villa 2-0 in the quarter-final. They will face neighbours Man United in the contest’s semi-finals next month. More

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      Rachel Yankey reflects on Chloe Kelly’s Arsenal return and her visit to Lauren James’ old school

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      RACHEL YANKEY wants Arsenal to remain a happy hunting ground for Chloe Kelly, with the forward back amongst the goals. And the Gunners legend hopes the club can return to trophy glory in Europe. Rachel Yankey hopes Chloe Kelly can continue shining for ArsenalCredit: GettyOn March 7 Yankey and Ian Wright took part in the FA’s and Barclays’ Biggest Ever Football Session event at Lauren James’ old school in TwickenhamAlong with fellow Gunners icon Yankey hopes to encourage more girls to participate in footballYankey, who took part in the FA’s and Barclays’ fourth Biggest Ever Football Session on Friday, was speaking before Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Liverpool. Today the Gunners host the Reds in a quarter-final duel with the Cup remaining one of their strongest chances of silverware this term. The clash comes seven days after Kelly, 27, netted her first league goal this this year during Arsenal’s 4-3 defeat of West Ham .It was also her first since sealing a January loan move from Manchester City in pursuit of more game time and a spot in Sarina Wiegman’s England squad for the Euros.  Read More Football StoriesYankey, 45, has fond memories of Kelly’s early days as a senior Arsenal player. The versatile winger, who won 22 trophies during her 15-year Gunners career, was on the pitch when she made her first Arsenal debut at 17 in 2015. In July that year Kelly scored during a 3-0 League Cup match defeat of Watford. Yankey, who also netted in that game, said: “I remember her as a youngster coming through and the potential that she had. Most read in Football”It was clear to see that she’s talented.”She’s made the move because she wants to get into the England team (for the Euros).”And I hope that she can get into that England team and perform because we all know what a fantastic player she is. “Chloe with a smile on her face playing football is where I see her at the moment. “If she’s happy, then that’s a good thing.”With Kelly cup tied her Gunners pals hope to reach this year’s FA Cup semis ahead of a WSL trip to Everton on March 14. While the forward cannot feature in today’s encounter she can play in the Champions League quarters as well as the Gunners’ last seven WSL fixtures this term. The team are set to face Real Madrid in the contest’s last eight with the first leg away on March 18.And Yankey, who helped Arsenal become the first English club to win the Women’s Champions League in 2007, hopes the team can triumph in Europe again. The former England play, who has 129 caps,  added: “We saw from the Lionesses’ Euros win, if you win a major tournament or if you win a Champions League or the league, success brings you an audience. “For me, historically, Arsenal Football Club is the biggest in women’s football, so they need to win something.”Before today’s match and ahead of International Women’s Day Yankey paid a visit to Lauren James’ old secondary school in Twickenham. Along with fellow Gunners icon Ian Wright, Yankey ran a football session encouraging girls to get involved in the sport.Last year 475,000 girls took part in similar events in 5,000 schools across the country.This year’s session took place a week after the FA’s launch of the Made for this Game campaign which aims to provide more chances for women and girls to participate in football.”If we don’t do projects like this then who knows where the next grassroots ethnic minority player will come from.Rachel Yankey James, who began her senior career at Arsenal in 2017 before joining Manchester United a year later and then switching to Chelsea in 2021, is one of the most high profile players in the WSL. Since her return to London almost four years ago, the forward has won three league title with the Blues and two FA Cups.  In 2023 James was part of an England side that competed in a World Cup final for the first time in the team’s history with the team narrowly beaten 1-0 by Spain. Since that final was played in Sydney Australia she is one of five players from Black and mixed race heritage to have featured for the Lionesses. The other players are Brighton and Tottenham forwards Nikita Parris and Jess Naz and Man United and Gotham defenders Gabby George and Jess Carter. Yankey hopes events like the Biggest Ever Football Session will encourage  more girls from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds getting involved in the sport.  Yankey said: “If we don’t do projects like this then who knows where the next grassroots ethnic minority player will come from.”Sessions like this give girls the opportunity to get involved and that’s why it’s so important.”Aside from playing football Yankey hopes to see more girls get involved in other aspects of the sportCredit: Action Images – ReutersBy 2028 the FA hopes to have 90 per cent of schools providing girls with equal opportunities to play football in curricular and extracurricular set-ups.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd beyond encourage more girls to play the game, Yankey hopes the FA’s efforts can influence them to get involved in the sport in other ways. She adds: “We need to make sure we educate the young girls, their parents, and everybody, that football and sport can be so powerful in helping people in different ways in their life.” More

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      Fans’ concerns will not affect WPLL ‘perspective’ on Women’s Super League relegation options

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      FANS’ opposition to pausing relegation from the women’s top tier is unlikely to shift officials’ “perspective” on possible changes to the division.However, women’s game bosses say supporters will be consulted.The Women’s Professional League Limited (WPLL) are “reviewing various options” in regard to speeding up the growth of the Women’s Super LeagueCredit: GettyAccording to the WPLL fans will be consulted on any changes to the structure and function of the women’s game’s top two divisionsCredit: GettyNikki Doucet, the chief of Women’s Professional League Limited (WPLL), was speaking on Thursday following reports of a temporary scrapping of relegation from the WSL. The idea of a potential four-year suspension of the drop between the top-flight and the second tier, has been met with a backlash from some fans.This includes a group running an online petition opposing the idea, which has attracted more than 1,400 signatures. However Doucet, who is in charge of the WPLL, the independent company running the WSL and Women’s Championship, insists no decisions have been made on changes to the top league’s format. Read More Football StoriesShe told reporters: “We fundamentally believe promotion and relegation is an important differentiator and an important competitive advantage for us, relative to other women’s sport leagues globally.”It adds jeopardy and excitement. It’s something we all love about the game of football and that has never been under question.”It is really important for us to make sure we are considering all the possibilities to accelerate growth and to grow in the right way. “We wouldn’t be doing our job properly if we weren’t considering and reviewing the various options available to us.”Most read in FootballThe idea of (temporarily) scrapping relegation from the WSL has prompted mixed reaction from some of the sport’s influential figures.Former UK sport chair Baroness Sue Campbell reckons it could give the division “its own distinctive personality”. However Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor believes relegation is “good to have” in terms of competition. When asked if fans’ outcry over the possibility of scrapping relegation had affected the WPLL’s perspective, Doucet insists there has been no wavering.She adds: “Our perspective or analysis hasn’t changed. “We have been very thoughtful on the analysis of the different possibilities around us.”We have to look at the range of possibilities that are available to us and the pros and cons of all of those and be really thoughtful”We deeply understand the impact of decisions and the impact of everything done at the top, that it cascades down the pyramid.”One concern for supporters running the petition urging fans to voice their opinions on the WSL’s future was the idea of the top-flight becoming a closed league. However the Football Association, who hold certain powers to prevent such a move, are likely to oppose this. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “We do have certain golden share powers, as we do in the Premier League.“I think over the last few years we’ve been asked a few times whether we would accept a closed league and our response has always been no. “The reason for that is not just a pure moral sporting point of view, we don’t think in the long-term that it’s smart commercially because you end up with a lot of dead rubbers. “However, we think that some of the ideas being put forward at the moment are worth considering on the proviso that there’s still promotion into the league. FA chief Mark Bullingham says the FA would be supportive of WSL changes that lead to improved academies, player pathways and minimum standards for clubsCredit: Getty“I think there’s a difference between not having relegation and allowing the league to grow through promotion with no relegation, versus having a closed league. READ MORE SUN STORIES“If we get presented with a package of changes that’s good for the women’s game overall, then we could potentially be supportive, but we would need to look at that overall package.“I’m talking about academies, minimum standards, player pathways, and within the context of that there’s a change to the number of clubs in the league brought about through having promotion and no relegation.” More