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      Emma Hayes ‘disappointed’ by criticism of Barbra Banda after Zambia star’s BBC Women’s Footballer award win

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      Emma Hayes hit out at “ridiculous” remarks aimed at Barbra Banda following her BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year triumph.The Orlando Pride and Zambia forward has been the target of hostile comments and abuse online following her award win. Banda’s BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award win follows her finishing as the NWSL’s second highest scorer this seasonCredit: APThe Zambia forward’s goals helped Orlando Pride with the NWSL Championship for the first timeCredit: GettyBanda, who captains her national side, helped Orlando win a National Women’s Soccer League title for the first time in their history this year. However the BBC’s decision to award her their Women’s Football of the Year has seen the forward face a torrent of abuse on social media. Criticism of the organisation awarding the prize to Banda follows the player being withdrawn from two Women’s Africa Cup of Nations contests amid claims she failed a gender eligibility test. This includes the tournament hosted in Morocco two years ago which was won by South Africa.Read More Football StoriesHowever her agent Anton Maksimov and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) say she did not take a test. They said her withdrawal was down to the Football Association of Association Zambia.Author JK Rowling and former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies have been among the public figures who criticised Banda’s BBC award win.  However some of the women’s game most powerful organisations and individuals have come to the forward’s defence. Most read in FootballThis includes Hayes, two-time World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe and the NWSL Players’ Association. Hayes said: “It is ridiculous that she has to endure questions like this, she has our support. “She’s someone who’s done a tremendous amount, not just for her club but for her country, and what a brilliant season she’s had. “We should be talking about that, the impact she’s had on the NWSL, and we saw it firsthand in the Olympics (when she played for Zambia).””Quite frankly, I’m disappointed when I hear a lot of these things being said.”Banda, who made her senior international debut in 2016, has made 63 appearances for her countryThis includes featuring in three games at last year’s Women’s World Cup after Fifa deemed her eligible to play. This season Banda scored 13 goals in 22 NWSL games helping Orlando win the divisions title.Banda captained the Zambia team that competed in last year’s Women’s World Cup in Australia and New ZealandCredit: GettyHayes added: “I speak so highly of her because in the women’s game, we talk about all top players that come from more traditional (football) nations. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think it’s great that we see such quality coming out of Africa and for her to make the impact that she has. “I know my assistant coach (Lisa Cole) coached her at Zambia, and talked about what an amazing person she is. She has our full support.” More

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      Sarina Wiegman eager to consign USA to first defeat under Emma Hayes with team unbeaten in 11 games

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      SARINA WIEGMAN will not be letting friendship get in the way of her determination to guide England to victory over Emma Hayes’ USA. The duo go toe-to-toe as coaches for the first time tomorrow when the Lionesses face the United States at Wembley. Sarina Wiegman is aiming to guide the Lionesses to friendly wins against the USA and SwitzerlandCredit: GettyEngland’s clash with the United States women’s team will see Wiegman pitted against USA boss Emma HayesCredit: GettyUSA captain Lindsey Horan says her side enjoy “the pressure moments” when facing teams like EnglandCredit: GettyThe 5:20pm Saturday clash will be Hayes’ first homecoming as USA chief this year. She began her role in June, after ending her reign as Chelsea boss leading the Blues to a seventh WSL title. Tomorrow’s fixture follows Hayes, 48, steering her US stars to a gold medal win at the Paris Olympics in August. And with the team unbeaten in 11 games since Hayes took charge, Wiegman is ready to give her rival her first taste of international defeat. Read More Football Stories The Lioness chief, 55, said: “Emma and I used to collaborate, but now we’re opponents and I’m really looking forward to that.”With friends, you really want to beat them, maybe even more than if they’re not your friends. “We play at Wembley, there’s going to be around 85,000 people there, plus the USA won at the Olympics, so it’s really exciting.”The Lionesses’ clash with the United States will be the first time the teams have faced each other since England’s 2-1 victory two years ago in October. Most read in FootballSince then the Lionesses reached a World Cup final for the first time last summer, falling to a 1-0 loss to Spain. Results for both sides in the last international window have been in contrast. While Hayes’ players saw off Iceland and Argentina with 3-1 and 3-0 wins, Wiegman’s team suffered a 4-3 loss to Germany before defeating South Africa 2-1.And though the USA have been the victors in 12 of their 19 duels with England, full-back Lucy Bronze believes the rivalry between both sides is respectful. The Lioness, who is a Fifa 2024 women’s player of the year nominee, added: “As much as there is a rivalry, there is that level of respect.”You get that when you have a rivalry with two teams that get to the highest level. “As an English team we’ve always understood that the US have had to do so much to get to where they are, “That’s something we really admire in them and something that they’ve inspired us to do as an England team after winning the Euros. “We’re rivals, we’re a community but at the same time we still want to beat each other. “With England and America, it’s always that high level of rivalry but also respect.”With more than 83,000 fans expected at Wembley, Hayes was asked her thoughts on how the women’s game is currently faring here compared to across the pond. However the USA chief believes the sport in both locations should be celebrated equally. The USA chief said: “It’s fair to say that both countries are committed to women’s sport and developing the women’s game. Lucy Bronze is among the five Lionesses who have been shortlisted for this year’s Fifa women’s player of the year awardCredit: Getty”As always, we talk about the things we need to keep doing to improve it, but I think we need to celebrate how far we’ve come. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Having 80,000 paying fans to watch a great match-up is, again, not just a sign of progress, but shows that the Lionesses are sustaining a lot.”It’s about celebrating both countries and celebrating the work that’s being done, as opposed to picking it apart.” More

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      ‘I’ve taken experiences from Marta but I’ve always had the belief to be here’ says England’s Anna Moorhouse

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      ANNA MOORHOUSE is ready to push Mary Earps and Hannah Hampton all the way in the battle to start in goal for England.Like her Orlando Pride team-mate and Brazil legend Marta the uncapped shot-stopper, 29, hopes to leave her mark on the game. Anna Moorhouse hopes to make her first senior appearance for England after helping Orlando Pride become NWSL championsCredit: GettyMoorhouse, who began her senior club career at Everton, received her first Lionesses call-up in JulyCredit: ReutersMoorhouse says her experience with Orlando Pride has helped her come out of her shellCredit: ReutersMoorhouse’s first England call-up came ahead of their July camp and Euros qualifier duels with the Republic of Ireland and SwedenCredit: Getty2024 has been a standout year at club level for Moorhouse.One preceded by seasons battling for game time during stints with Everton, Doncaster Rovers Belles and Arsenal before a two-year spell at West Ham from 2018 to 2020. The Oldham-born player, who once was part of a Doncaster Rovers Belles side relegated from the WSL in 2016, has been “riding the crest of a wave” at Orlando. This month she helped her club make history in the United States’ women’s top-flight with the team winning the National Women’s Soccer League title. Read More Football StoriesA first-half goal netted by Orlando star striker Barbra Banda in a 1-0 defeat of Washington Spirit led to them being crowned NWSL Champions for the first time. And four months ago Moorhouse received her first call-up to the Lionesses squad, 12 years after beginning her senior club career with the Toffees. The Orlando shot-stopper said: “I cried when I got the phone call from Sarina Wiegman. It was a dream come true. “I’ve been called up to a couple of camps and I’m starting to settle down a little bit and become more comfortable. I can let my personality out a little bit more.Most read in Football”I still have a long way to go on that journey. “I want to win an (England) cap. I’m not here just to train and be around the team.”This year Moorhouse etched her name into the NWSL’s history books keeping the most clean sheets in one season with 12 in 29 appearances for her club. She adds: “I’m sure after this week I’ll look back and realise what an incredible achievement I’ve had this season.”I haven’t really looked back and processed it. I’ve been riding the wave of what it is and what it has been”As a team, we didn’t really listen to pressures from outside, from the media, from opposing teams’ fans and stuff like that. “We were just so focused on getting the job done and bringing the trophy home.”Orlando’s triumph saw football icon Marta, 38, lift the NWSL Shield in the 24th year of her professional playing career. Playing football with a forward who has competed in six World Cups has influenced Moorhouse’s own international aspirations.I really want that cap and I want to push Mary Earps and Hannah Hampton to get that.Anna Moorhouse The goalkeeper, who joined the US club from Bordeaux two years ago, adds: “I’ve taken experiences from the way Marta acts around the team, but I’ve always had the belief that I had the ability to be here. “Things didn’t go my way when I was younger but I still made it and everyone’s journey is different. “I’m kind of a shy person which is weird for a goalkeeper. “This year I’ve definitely been able to come out of my shell a little bit at Orlando Pride.”Like Marta, who retired from international football this year after a Paris Olympics silver medal win, Moorhouse hopes to shape the growth of women’s football.She said: “We all want to grow the game and be that role model. It’s definitely something I want to do.”Moorhouse was in goal for West Ham when they competed in an FA Cup final in 2019 where the fell to a 3-0 loss to Man City at Wembley.This Saturday could see her back at Wembley again when the Lionesses host the USA. The friendly duel with Emma Hayes’s side and with Switzerland at Bramall Lane next Tuesday will be England’s final fixtures for this year. Both are being used as preparation for Nations League games in February and the Lionesses’ bid to retain their Euros champions title. Securing a place in Wiegman’s squad for next year’s Euros is a target for Moorhouse.And the 6ft tall shot stopper reckons her height could give her an edge in addition to her skills between the sticks. She adds:  “I really want that cap and I want to push Mary Earps and Hannah Hampton to get that.”Mary and Hannah are really good goalkeepers in their own rights respectively. Moorhouse hopes to give England boss Wiegman food for thought on her goalkeeper optionsCredit: Getty”I think I can add a little bit of something different. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m very tall. I think that’s a big part of my game. I definitely want to be a part of the Euros squad. “Hopefully I can impress Sarina in this camp.” More

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      Manchester United’s Gabby George opens up on England call-up joy following the ‘difficult moment’ of her knee injury

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      HAVING space to rant at Manchester United during the toughest days of her knee injury, helped spur Gabby George’s fight back to fitness. Now the defender, 27, is relishing her return to England duty 14 months after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament. Gabby George has joined up with her England team-mates this week for the first time since November 2022The defender’s Lionesses call-up follows her making a return to WSL match action in October following an ACL injuryGeorge, who has two senior England caps, hopes to impress Sarina Wiegman whose team are due to play the USA and SwitzerlandIt was in October last year, a month after sealing a permanent move to United from Everton that George’s season was cut short.Four games into the 2023-24 campaign, the full-back tore her ACL during the club’s 1-1 draw with Leicester in the top-flight. The twice-capped Manchester-born player did not return to WSL action until this September when her side beat West Ham 3-0 at Old Trafford. And the full-back intends to enjoy her football after coming through this “difficult moment”. Read More Football Stories Speaking at England’s base, yesterday she said: “I’d just signed for Manchester United.”I had so many dreams and ambitions that I wanted to achieve, and it was all taken away from me within four games. “The hardest part of an injury is understanding why and you never know why, that’s the toughest part. “It was a difficult moment and I’m happy to have come through it with the help of Manchester United. Most read in Football”On the days that were tough I was able to go into the changing room and if I needed to cry, I could cry, and if I needed to rant, I could rant to them. “They always listened and never made me feel like I was a burden and that was the key thing. “We have a great squad and staff and I was able to speak to all of the staff.”But it’s behind me now and I’m just happy and I’m in a position where I can play again.”George, whose knee injuries kept her out of two FA Cup finals with Everton and United, could be set to feature for England this Saturday. When you’ve been through so much and you get those little wins, it’s a big thing.Gabby GeorgeAlthough her club are fifth in the league, her call-up follows her contribution to United keeping five clean sheets in eight games. The Lionesses take on Emma Hayes’s Olympic gold medal-winning USA stars at Wembley at 5:45pm this Saturday. George’s last call-up for England was before their November 2022 campThe full-back was named on the bench ahead of a 4-0 friendly defeat of Japan and a 1-1 draw with Norway. George, whose cousin is ex-Man United winger Jesse Lingard, adds: “I’ve come back this season and I’ve wanted to enjoy my football. Wherever that takes me, it takes me. “Luckily I was able to get an England call-up but I want to continue enjoying my football because that’s when I play my best.”Of her call-up conversation with Lioness boss Sarina Wiegman, George said: “I was stuttering on the phone and I’m never lost for words! I was buzzing for it. “When you’ve been through so much and you get those little wins, it’s a big thing for you. I’m all about celebrating those wins.”England’s duels with the USA and with Switzerland next Tuesday, will serve as prep for their two upcoming Nations League games.Aside from Portugal, the Lionesses will play World Cup champions Spain next February. It will be the first game between the sides since England’s 1-0 loss to their rivals in last August’s Women’s World Cup final in Australia. And George hopes to make her mark before Wiegman’s squad selection for both fixtures.The USA will take on England for the first time since Emma Hayes took charge of the team this summerShe said: “Sarina knows what she’s doing. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I feel like, us training and being in this environment, we have a chance to showcase ourselves and if we get minutes, we get minutes. “If we don’t, we’re just going to have to keep pushing and working hard.” More

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      Emma Hayes bizarrely holds USA press conference in iconic North London pub

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      EMMA HAYES kicked off her UK homecoming in style – by holding a press conference at an iconic London pub.The former Chelsea boss will take charge of her first match back in England this weekend, six months after leaving the Blues to become head coach of the USA women’s national team.USA coach Emma Hayes behind the barCredit: PAEmma Hayes enjoys a pint of beerCredit: ReutersEmma Hayes held a press conference at the World’s End in CamdenCredit: https://x.com/SandraBrobbey78A ‘Welcome home Emma’ sign was shown above the doorsCredit: https://x.com/SandraBrobbey78The pub was transformed into a makeshift press conference roomCredit: PAHayes discussed her love for CamdenCredit: PAShe is preparing to face England in a highly-anticipated friendly at Wembley Stadium.To mark her return to London, Hayes called a pre-match press conference at one of her favourite pubs – the World’s End in Camden.The WSL icon posed outside the venue for pictures ahead of the conference.She then sat down in front of a huge crowd of journalists to preview Saturday’s match.Read More in FootballPhotographers and videographers were positioned on a raised stage area while reporters sat in the centre of the makeshift conference room.”I think Camden is the greatest place on earth not only for the multicultural diverse place it is, but also for the opportunities it gave me,” she said.Hayes ended her 12-year spell with Chelsea in May to become USWNT head coach.Within three months, she led the team to a gold medal at the Olympics in Paris.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, the Lionesses are continuing their preparations for Euro 2025.Sarina Wiegman has given first-time call-ups to Laura Blindkilde Brown and Ruby Mace for the upcoming friendlies against the USA and Switzerland.English manager Emma Hayes makes Team USA captain cry after leading them to Olympic gold as star says ‘what the hell’Meanwhile, Manchester United full-back Gabby George has been named in the squad for the first time in two years.Lauren Hemp, Ella Toone and Lauren James are all unavailable due to injury. More

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      Bompastor hails Chelsea’s ‘perfect start’ but says team ‘still have a lot of improvement’ to make

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR wants Chelsea to stay focused on reality in their title hunt despite their flawless record so far this term. And the Blues boss thinks there is more room for improvement from her undefeated side who beat Manchester United 1-0.Guro Reiten netted the only goal of the game with a spot-kick for Chelsea in the 17th minuteCredit: ReutersBlues forward Sandi Baltimore was named player of the match after another a solid shift as a full-backCredit: GettyChelsea’s win increased their advantage at the top of the table with Man City trailing them by six pointsCredit: PAGuro Reiten’s sixth top-flight goal this season kept the title chase on target for the league leaders at their Kingsmeadow fortress. Melvine Malard came close to snatching a dramatic late away leveller for Man United with her thunderous shot bouncing off the crossbar. But Chelsea did enough to protect their lead and open a five-point gap on Man City, who are second. And the loss for the Red Devils in the WSL leaves the Blues as the only side unbeaten so far this term after eight top-flight games. Read More Football StoriesBompastor said: “In terms of results it’s a perfect start and a 100 per cent win record. But it’s important to stay in mind with reality. “This is really good in terms of confidence, but the reality is even if we beat Man City, Arsenal and Man United, we haven’t won anything yet. “We need to keep a good balance between having the confidence from getting these good results against the best teams in the league. “But we must also make sure we keep our mentality focused on working hard.Most read in Football”We need to progress and the good point is we are winning games and getting points. “But we still have a lot of improvement, especially when we have possession of the ball, being able to hold the ball more under pressure.”Coming into the game United’s attacking ranks had been dealt a fitness blow with Ella Toone and striker Elisabeth Terland both injured. Starting in their place were veteran forward Rachel Williams and Brazil winger Geyse who was the Red Devils’ most dangerous attacking threat. Man United began brightly with forward Geyse leading the way with some powerful runs and decent crosses into the box. But it was the hosts who would break the deadlock after United keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce brought Mayra Ramirez down in the box. The game’s only goal was scored with Reiten rifling home from the penalty spot in the 17th minute despite Tullis-Joyce guessing the right way. United came close to equalising in the second half with Geyse forcing Hannah Hampton to parry away her shot away from the top corner And Malard struck the woodwork in the 90th minute. Man United were limited to one shot on target with their strongest attacking threat coming from Geyse (pictured) and Melvine MalardCredit: PABut their hosts held out with loss likely to see Marc Skinner’s side now nine points behind the league leaders. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Red Devils boss said: “Chelsea are running away with it. “All we can do is get closer, try and finish as high as we possibly can, and try and finish in those Champions League places.” More

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      ‘My family are a big inspiration – we love to talk about the game’, says Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor

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      THE support of her retired football referee father has been an inspiration for Sonia Bompastor during her rise to the top of the game. The Chelsea chief’s dad was watching from the Stamford Bridge stands, as she guided her side to wins against Manchester City and Celtic.Sonia Bompastor hopes to guide Chelsea to their 12th win in 12 games played in the WSL and Champions LeagueCredit: AlamyA Blues win against Man United at Kingsmeadow would extend the team’s lead to five points at the top of the WSL before the international breakCredit: GettyAhead of their clash with Man United Bompastor’s players booked their place in the Champions League quarter finals by beating Celtic 3-0Credit: GettyBoth matches, played last Sunday and on Wednesday, led the Blues to extend their winning streak to 11 games under their boss.Results that pushed them to the WSL’s summit before a 12 midday clash with Manchester United today, and secured their place in the Champions League knockout stage.Bompastor, 44, said: “I know even when he’s back at home he’s watching the games and I really appreciate talking with him about football.”My family is a big inspiration and they have always been supporting me. We love to talk about the gameRead More Football Stories”My Dad was so happy to come (over here) to watch the Manchester City game, the Celtic game and he sometimes talks about tactics.”He pretends he knows a lot! And I’m like, ‘yes I’m listening’.Bompastor’s father Joaquim, who was born in Portugal, officiated amateur level games in France for more than 30 years before hanging up his whistle.Playing football from the age of six with him and her brother put Bompastor on a path that would later lead her to multiple trophy wins as a player and women’s team head coach at her old club Lyon. Most read in FootballThe former defender, who began her Chelsea managerial role in July, says her father had a knack for honing in on the small details of a game.And a referees’ performance is one aspect he keeps a close eye on.Bompastor, who steered Lyon to seven major trophies including a 2022 Champions League title, added  “We are all passionate (about football).”It’s the common thing we have in our family. That’s what brings us together.”When he comes to a game the first thing he does is watch the referee’s performance.”Today Chelsea play their third home match in eight days when they host Marc Skinner’s Man United at Kingsmeadow.Both sides are the only two teams currently unbeaten in the WSL this term after seven games played with both winning in their last league outings.We’re at the top of the table which is the main goal, but if you think that’s enough at the moment, you will drop some points Sonia Bompastor However three draws from their last four top-flight games has seen United drop six points off the leaders with Skinner coming under pressure from some Red Devils fans.While United will be without Ella Toone and possibly Elisabeth Terland, due to injury, Bompastor is mindful of the other attacking threats Players includes Rachel Williams and ex-Lyon forward Melvine Malard.The Blues chief said: “They have some other good players like Melvine.”I know Melvine and since she joined Manchester United (from Lyon) she’s been on fire (for them).”They also have Rachel Williams who might be starting. “She’s a player we know really well here at Chelsea so we are prepared for that.”She’s good with the ball technically, strong in the air and a really athletic player.”While their opponents are six points off them, Bompastor believes the Red Devils are still a threat in the race for the title.And she has no intention of underestimating her rivals.She adds: “We still have a lot of games to play. Everyone is still in the (title) race.”We’re at the top of the table which is the main goal, but if you think that’s enough at the moment, you will drop some points and won’t be focused.”We need to keep the right mentality, work hard and make sure that in every game we take things game by game.”We want to put all the ingredients together to get a good performance.”Having worked as an academy director for eight years at Lyon from 2013 after retiring as a player, Bompastor is keen to bring more promising young talents rise through the Blues ranks. Chelsea’s win against Celtic included the head coach handing a debut to Lola Brown who came on as a 86th-minute substitute. The 17-year-old, who plays in midfield, is among two teenagers who have featured for Chelsea in the Champions League this season. Wieke Kaptein, 19, who joined the Blues last summer before being loaned back to her old club FC Twente for one season, has made nine appearances in Europe and the WSL this term. Bompastor said: “I know my main job is to make sure we perform, get great results and we win titles. Bompastor is wary of Man United’s attacking threats who include ex-Lyon forward Melvine MalardCredit: PA”But I’m also really focused on developing the players, especially the young ones. READ MORE SUN STORIES”That’s something really important to have in Chelsea’s squad – young players being developed by the coaches and by me. “It’s enjoyable to work with young players when they have the talent.” More

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      Chloe Kelly sends fans wild in daring outfit as she shares behind-the-scenes snaps from GQ Men of the Year

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      ENGLAND star Chloe Kelly sent fans wild as she stunned at GQ’s Men of the Year ceremony.The Lionesses ace hit the red carpet and showed off her incredible figure in a half white and half sparkly outfit.Chloe Kelly stunned in a bold outfit at GQ’s Men of the Year ceremonyCredit: GettyThe Lionesses star dazzled in behind-the-scenes snapsCredit: INSTAGRAMKelly wowed her 877,00 Instagram followersCredit: INSTAGRAMFans labelled her look ‘gorgeous’Credit: INSTAGRAMShe was one of several footballers at the eventCredit: INSTAGRAMKelly’s eye-catching look was accompanied with glittering earrings and stylish high-heeled shoes.The 26-year-old posted several snaps from the event and afterparty on her Instagram.The Manchester City star posed in a car before hopping out to dazzle in the hallways of the luxury event.Fans were left in awe of her, with one saying: “Extremely glamorous.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Oh to look like that in a dress like that. Gorgeous.”A third wrote: “Wow so beautiful.” Women’s Super League star Maz Pacheco commented: “Girl crush.”Kelly was not the only footballer at the event, with England trio Cole Palmer, Kobbie Mainoo and Noni Madueke among those invited.Most read in FootballChelsea star Palmer arrived with stunning new girlfriend Connie Grace.Other celebs like Alex Scott, Leah Williamson, Usain Bolt, Skepta, Jude Law and Nicole Kidman were also present at the 27th annual get-together on Tuesday night.England Lionesses star Chloe Kelly leaves little to imagination in daring outfit and branded ‘unreal’ at Glamour awardsKelly is no stranger to the red carpetCredit: AlamyOff the pitch, she lives a life of luxuryCredit: INSTAGRAMKelly scored the winning goal in the Euro 2022 final for EnglandCredit: instagramThe Man City star has 47 Lionesses capsCredit: instagram @chloekellyShe has scored seven goals for her countryCredit: Reuters More