Women’s football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Eni Aluko joins new US team Angel City owned by sports stars and Hollywood big shots including Eva Longoria

      by

      ENI ALUKO has become the first-ever sporting director of newly-established women’s football side Angel City.Aluko, 34, will join the Los Angeles-based club whose high-profile female owners include Hollywood actress and producer Eva Longoria.
      Eni Aluko will oversee player recruitment and management of coaching staff at Angel CityCredit: PA
      The ex-England striker previously held the sporting director’s role at WSL side Aston Villa who won their battle to avoid relegation from the top-flight.
      But the former Lionesses star, who has 102 international caps, stepped down from her post days after the end of the 2020-21 season.
      Aluko says she is delighted to take on the challenge of helping to develop the US side who will compete in America’s National Women’s Soccer League.
      In a post on Twitter Aluko said: “I’m thrilled to join Angel City, this is an incredible opportunity to help write the club’s first chapter.
      “And to build a team that is people-focused and admired all over the world.
      “I can’t wait to get started and join a fantastic female led ownership group.”
      “The passion and determination from to make an impact both on the field and in the community was a key part of my decision to join Angel City FC.
      “Becoming the club’s first sporting director is a huge privilege.”

      Angel City is reported to have a number of influential and high-profile female financial backers including tennis superstar Serena Williams.
      And A-lister Longoria is one of the many other celebrities who have decided to invest in the team.
      The 46-year-old Desperate Housewives star is joined by fellow actresses Natalie Portman and Jennifer Garner as part-owners.
      And talk show host James Corden is reported to be among the few men with a financial stake in the club.
      As part of her new role Aluko, who has won five FA Cups and three league titles with Birmingham, Charlton and Chelsea, will be responsible for helping to grow the club during its debut NWSL season.
      Her responsibilities will include roster management, player recruitment and overseeing the work of coaching and technical staff. 
      Angel City’s founder, Julie Urhman, believes Aluko’s input will be important to help the club to evolve into to be reckoned in the top-flight women’s football in the USA.
      Urhman said: “I cannot be more thrilled to welcome Eni Aluko to the Angel City FC family as our first Sporting Director.
      “We are all beyond excited to work alongside Eni to build a world-class team we can all get behind. LFG!!!”
      Angel City are part-owned by actress and producer Eva LongoriaCredit: Getty

      Longoria, who has a passionate interest in football, has also purchased a team in Mexico.
      Alongside former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil and model Kate Upton, the Hollywood star recently bought a stake in the Mexican club Necaxa.
      The trio joined a consortium bidding to buy 50 per cent of the three-times Liga MX champions in April.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Longoria has also invested in a Mexican football team with Mesut star OzilCredit: Avalon.red
      Eva Longoria, 45, flaunts fit body during home workout with son Santiago, 2, as she says little boy is her ‘new teacher’ More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea 3 Everton 0: Reiten and Kerr star as Blues reach Women’s FA Cup quarters and keep treble hopes alive

      by

      GURO REITEN helped Chelsea put their defeat in Europe to bed as the Blues beat Everton 3-0 to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.The Norway ace’s thumping opener and a Sam Kerr belter were among the goals that saw the champs avenge their loss to the Toffees in last year’s contest.
      Guro Reiten was on target for Chelsea who knocked Everton out of the Women’s FA CupCredit: Getty
      Sam Kerr got on the scoresheet to help the Blues double their lead in the second halfCredit: Getty
      And the gritty win means the WSL juggernauts’ hopes of notching up a domestic treble are still alive.
      Emma Hayes made five changes to the side that fell to a 4-0 loss to Barcelona in their first-ever Champions League final.
      Erin Cuthbert, Beth England and Reiten were among the players who made the starting line-up for the hosts at Kingsmeadow.
      And the match saw Ingrid Moe Wold pull on the Everton captain’s armband with the Norway international playing her final game before retirement.
      The champs got off to a mildly jittery start with Everton having a couple of early first-half chances.
      One of the first came through Valerie Gauvin latching on to a sixth minute Hayley Raso pass and attempting to flick the ball into Ann-Katrin Berger’s net.
      And the Toffees went close around the 20th minute with Claire Emslie’s half-volley forcing a classy fingertip save from Berger at the far post.
      But it was Chelsea who broke the deadlock a minute before the half-hour mark with Kerr teeing up Reiten.
      And the Norway star buried a fierce bottom corner shot for the champions’ opener.
      Minutes later Sandy MacIver pulled off a fine double-stop to keep the scoreline 1-0.
      The hosts thought they had a second goal with a glancing Beth England header minutes before half-time.
      Beth England netted twice for Chelsea but both her efforts were ruled offsideCredit: Sportimage

      But the Lionesses forward, who netted off the back of a fine floated pass from Kerr, was adjudged to have been offside.
      The second spell saw Chelsea maintain the pressure with Millie Bright rattling the woodwork in the 50th minute with a corker of a strike from more than 30 yards out.
      And MacIver pulled off a fine save moments later.
      This occurred with Kerr going one-on-one with the Toffees stopper who came out swiftly to block the shot at Australia skipper’s feet.
      Everton had a couple of good forays forward with Gabrielle George jetting down the left in the 62nd minute.
      However, there were no Toffees in the box to get on the end of her dangerous whipped in cross.
      The WSL champs countered almost immediately with Kerr dribbling her way to the box and unleashing a hefty right-footed effort saved by MacIver.
      Chelsea will find out who they will face in the FA Cup quarter-finals with the draw taking place on May 28Credit: Reuters
      There were a couple of nervy moments around the 74th minute when Berger saw her clearance in the penalty box blocked by a Toffees shirt and almost land at the foot of an Everton player.  
      But Kerr helped the hosts double their lead with the Blues making a swift counter and the Australia star thumping in a high strike minutes later.
      And they added a third goal with substitute Drew Spence getting her head on the end of Kerr’s lofted pass.
      The goal saw the Blues wrap up a 3-0 result to end their season with a win.
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Drew Spence was on target to help Emma Hayes’ side wrap up a 3-0 winCredit: PA
      Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Ellen White signs new Manchester City contract just days after club lose Mewis, Lavelle and Campbell

      by

      ELLEN WHITE has given Manchester City a boost by signing a new two-year deal with the club following the departures of a trio of senior players.The 32-year-old’s new contract will see her stay with the club until the summer of 2023.
      England striker Ellen White has signed a new deal with WSL title runners-up Manchester CityCredit: PA
      It comes in a week in which the WSL giants bid farewell to USA stars Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle, and Republic of Ireland ace Megan Campbell.
      The Lionesses forward revealed that opting to extend her City career was a straightforward choice.
      The striker, who joined Man City from Birmingham in 2019, says her working relationship with Gareth Taylor also played a part in her decision to stay.
      White said: “I’m delighted to have sorted everything. I’ve really enjoyed the last two seasons.
      “And I’m excited for what the future holds for this team and to be a part of it.
      “We’ve got some really talented players here and I’ve really enjoyed working with Gareth.
      “So I can’t wait to continue that journey for the next couple of years – it was a really easy decision for me.”
      After tasting FA Cup success with the club in 2020, White is desperate to pick up more silverware.
      The England star added: “I really want to help the team to achieve some big things in the coming years.
      Gareth Taylor says he is delighted White has penned a new deal with Manchester CityCredit: PA

      “And that’s a big part of the reason that I’ve committed my future to this club.”
      The ex-Arsenal star had a successful league season which saw her become the WSL’s all-time top scorer with 55 goals.
      White achieved this feat by pipping former record holder Vivianne Miedema by one goal.
      But the Lionesses veteran believes she can still grow as a player and that Man City have the right personnel in their squad to help her do so.
      White added: “I still want to develop. I’m 32, but I still want to learn and get better.
      “I’m surrounded by a great group of players who constantly push each other to improve in a competitive environment.”
      City boss Taylor praised White for being a leader and expressed his delight at her decision to stay at the Academy Stadium.
      Taylor, 48, said: “Ellen has been a top leader for us – she has led the line not only on the pitch but in the dressing room as well.
      “Her work ethic and everything she does is about her profession – she has been a top person to work with as well.
      “Ellen is a real shining light and the perfect example to young players of what it takes to get to the very top of the game.
      “We’re delighted to have her with us and we feel very lucky to be able to have her experience and quality for the next couple of years.”
      City fans will welcome the news of White’s stay after three of the club’s first team members left.
      White netted 10 goals in 22 WSL games this termCredit: PA
      Megan Campbell was the first to announce her departure closely followed by 2019 Women’s World Cup winners Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle.
      Campbell, 27, decided she wanted a new challenge after being side-lined with injury for most of the previous campaign.
      And American duo Mewis and Lavelle declared their plans to return to the United States,
      Mewis, 28, returns to NWSL side North Carolina Courage, while Lavelle joined their rivals OL Reign.
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      After tasting FA Cup success with Man City, White desperate to win more silverware with the clubCredit: PA
      Pep Guardiola and Graham Potter clash after Brighton pull off dramatic win against champions Man City More

    • 138 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Pooch-loving Chelsea star England targets Women’s FA Cup knockout of Everton

      by

      BETH ENGLAND reckons Chelsea are ready to right the wrongs of their Champions League heartbreak by dumping Everton out of the Women’s FA Cup.And the Blues goal machine says the WSL champs are up for a fight against the Toffees with the treble still in sight. 
      Beth England is hoping Chelsea will knock Everton out of the Women’s FA CupCredit: Rex
      England is backing a fitness campaign to help overweight dogs get trimmer
      England, who is leading an Olympics-themed campaign to help overweight pooches get fit, was speaking ahead of the Blues’ FA Cup fifth round clash with Everton.
      The Lionesses forward, 26, says her team-mates are looking to end their season on a high, following their ‘heartfelt’ Euros defeat in the Champions League final. 
      And they hope to exact Cup competition revenge on the Toffees who beat them in the quarter-final stages of the contest last term. 
      England said: “Everton have already knocked us out before so we know they are not a team to take lightheartedly.  
      “Secondly they’ve had to miss some extra time of their summer because they’ve had to wait for us to finish Champions League.
      “They’re not going to have wanted to have wasted the last two weeks without coming for a fight. 
      “We’re more than ready for a fight and I’m glad that we’ve got this game because we can try and do the things that we didn’t do in the Barcelona game. 
      “I think for myself and a lot of the girls to end the season on that defeat to Barcelona would have put a real dampener on everything that we’ve achieved.
      “Although we can’t go for the quadruple now, the treble is still on the cards and that’s definitely what we’re aiming for this evening.
      “It’s hard to reflect on what you’ve done because of coming off of such a heartfelt loss, but we’ve achieved unbelievable things this year and I know this is such a special group of players.”
      England and her Chelsea team-mates are eager to win the treble this year after losing the Women’s Champions League finalCredit: Getty

      Chelsea, who sealed a fourth WSL title this term, will be buoyed by the prospect of boss Emma Hayes reportedly gearing up to sign a new contract.
      And England, who has netted 28 goals in 51 Chelsea appearances, believes the Blues will be an even tougher force to be reckoned with next term. 
       The striker, who moved to Chelsea from Doncaster Rovers Belles in 2016 added: “We’re getting stronger every year. And I think that everyone knows that at the minute that we are the team to beat. 
      “But we’ve proven time and time again why we are the best.
      “I hope we continue to be that team that everyone’s chasing because ultimately you want to be in the best environment, you want to be in the best team and that’s what I feel Chelsea is”.  
      England says Chelsea have consistently proved they are the team to beat this seasonCredit: Prime Media
      The Blues’ final match of the season comes during a week in which England is leading a campaign to help overweight and obese dogs to get fit. 
      The WSL ace has teamed up with a pet diet firm to encourage dog owners to get their pooches involved in the Canine Games. 
      The competition – which starts on May 21 – will involve an Olympic-style challenge posted every Friday on social media for four weeks.  
      Through lockdown, we can appreciate there have been a lot of challenges where dogs aren’t getting enough walks or they’re getting overfed, which has led to a lot of obesity.Beth England
      Contests include a 100m Dash-hund with dogs and their owners racing 100m together. 
      The winner will receive a six months’ supply of dog food. 
      Statistics shared by Burns Pet Nutrition revealed 52% of people who took part in a study of 2,000 dog owners believe their furry companions are overweight. 
      They say this is the equivalent of six million of the country’s 12 million dogs.

      England enjoys the company of her Golden Retrievers Dilys and Buddy
      Chelsea star England is hoping the canine contest will create a feel-good factor around helping pooches stay fit. 
      The Blues ace is the proud owner of two dogs including an adorable Golden Retriever named Buddy with whom she shares her birthday. 
      England said: “Through lockdown, we can appreciate there have been a lot of challenges where dogs aren’t getting enough walks or they’re getting overfed, which has led to a lot of obesity. 
      “A lot of people can feed their dogs quite terrible things and just give them human foods and stuff which they’re not supposed to
      “The point of this campaign is to create a fun feel factor and to get people to join in activities that could be good for them and their pets. 

      England also feels having Buddy and Dilys in her life has been a boost for her during lockdown. 
      The Chelsea forward added: “Sometimes when you just need to go for a walk and clear your head, your dogs are there and they’re just happy, it gives you a boost. 
      “And I think having that time with them can take you away from all the stresses and things. 
      England is supporting an Olympics-themed Canine Games with a pet nutrition firmCredit: Rex
      “This job of being a footballer isn’t as easy as people think. 
      “There’s a lot of things off the pitch and on the pitch that people don’t see day-to-day, they just see the games.
      “For me having Buddy by my side throughout this last year – especially with how tough it’s been with the pandemic – has been good. He’s been my best friend.”
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      England says having Buddy and Dilys in her life has been boost during lockdownCredit: PA
      Chelsea aces Bright, Cuthbert and Telford reveal their favourite karaoke songs and netflix shows to binge More

    • 188 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Jack Sullivan to leave West Ham Women’s managing director role after four years at helm

      by

      WEST HAM says Jack Sullivan will stand down as their women’s team managing director in June. The news comes eleven days after the side narrowly avoided relegation to the second tier from the WSL. 
      Jack Sullivan (right) , 21, has been working with West Ham Women since the age of 16Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Sullivan will stand down as managing director of West Ham Women in JuneCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Sullivan was appointed as club chief of the Hammers’ women’s side in 2017 by his father David, joint chairman of the Irons. 
      The 21-year-old, who has been working with the team since leaving school at 16, gained fame for his work whilst starring in BBC Three fly-on-the-wall series Britain’s Youngest Football Boss. 
      The show, which explored his running of the club and the day-to-day experiences of West Ham players, attracted more than 1.3 million viewers.
      On the Irons’ web site Sullivan said: “This has been a very tough decision but, after much consideration, I believe it is the right time to move on. 
      “My time working with the women’s team has been a fantastic and hugely rewarding experience.
      “When I look back on where we were four years ago, I am extremely proud of the team and the progress and improvements that we have all made since then. 
      “I feel we have put foundations in place that will give the women’s team a great chance of going on to bigger and better things in the future.
      “I want to thank every single one of the players, coaches, staff, fans and the partners who have been alongside me on this journey. 
      “We have missed the supporters so much this year and we cannot wait to welcome them back to our games on a regular basis – your support makes such a difference to the team.” 
      Sullivan was the star of BBC Three TV series Britain’s Youngest Football BossCredit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures’ Digital Picture

      In 2020 The Sunday Times listed Sullivan as the third richest young person under 30 in the UK. 
      After taking over West Ham Women in 2017, the football chief led the c;in through a successful application for a licence to compete in the WSL in the 2018-19 season.
      The team reached their first ever Women’s FA Cup final in their debut season under former gaffer Matt Beard losing 3-0 to Manchester City. 
      They finished seventh in the table in their inaugural top tier season, one place above former Women’s Super League giants Liverpool. 
      Sullivan oversaw West Ham’s successful application to become a Women’s Super League sideCredit: West Ham United FC – Getty
      But the Irons finished ninth in the women’s top tier this term and three places and three points above the drop zone.
      Club officials say Aidan Boxall, West Ham Women’s general manager will take on the responsibility of the day-to-day management of the WSL’s side set-up 
       And staff will be targeting a higher-placed finish for the team in the WSL next season.
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      West Ham who finished ninth this term will be aiming for higher finish in the league next seasonCredit: Rex
      Rio Ferdinand, Jens Lehmann and Robin van Persie star in BT Sports new women’s football series Ultimate Goal More

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Barcelona star Jenni Hermoso’s stunning TRIPLE nutmeg in crushing 8-0 win over Athletic Bilbao

      by

      JENNI HERMOSO was on fire for Barcelona when she bested three Athletic Bilbao players in a matter of seconds with some dazzling footwork. The striker’s astonishing nutmeg of a trio of her rivals was among the highlights of the LaLiga Women’s champs’ trouncing of Bilbao.

      Jenni Hermoso netted a hat-trick and nutmegged three players in four seconds during Barcelona’s 8-0 defeat of Atletico BilbaoCredit: Getty
      Hermoso, 31, pulled off the stunning four-second feat in the first half of an 8-0 drubbing of their opponents at the Johan Cruyff Stadium.
      Video footage shows the Barca star surrounded by the three players
      The Spain ace then dinks the ball through their legs with ease near the halfway line, with one Bilbao player ending up on the turf in the process.
      And the clip – which went viral on social media – has been liked more than 5,000 times on Twitter. 
      Hermoso, who was part of the Barca side that stunned Chelsea to win their first Women’s Champions League crown, nabbed herself a hat-trick during the game.
      And her team-mate Lieke Martens, who put in an outstanding shift against the Blues in their Euros final, was also on target with a first-half brace. 
      The hefty victory on Barca’s home turf against Athletic Bilbao – who are eighth- wrapped up a sensational four days for Hermoso and her Barca team-mates. 
      Lluis Cortes’ aces have been on a phenomenal run in Spain’s top-flight winning all 27 of the games they have played so far.
      And the team, who play Espanyol next, have scored a whopping 131 goals on their way to their sixth league title. 
      Hermoso and her team-mates have won 27 games in a row in Spain’s top women’s division this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Netherlands star Lieke Martens was also on target against Atletico Bilbao netting a braceCredit: PA

      Hermoso, who has 84 senior Spain international caps, has enjoyed an impressive season with Barcelona. 
      The veteran forward, who has 42 international goals, netted 24 times in 21 top tier appearances this term.
      And the Barca ace racked up six goals in the Champions to finish as the contest’s joint topscorer alongside Chelsea’s Fran Kirby.
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Hermoso and her Barcelona team-mates will play Espanyol next
      Philippe Coutinho shows of his skills in Barcelona training More

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      WSL ace Sigsworth thrilled with Man United birthday treat from skipper Zelem

      by

      JESS SIGSWORTH has been singing the praises of team-mate Katie Zelem after the Man United captain treated her to a birthday night out at Old TraffordSigsworth, who turned 27, was surprised with a trip to the Theatre of Dreams to see the Red Devils’ Prem stars draw with Fulham
      Sigsworth was treated to a trip to Old Trafford for her birthday by Katie ZelemCredit: Getty
      And the clash between Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s aces and the relegated Cottagers was the first fans had been allowed to attend at Old Trafford since 8 March 2020.
      Up to 10,000 Premier League club fanshave been allowed back into the home stadiums of their teams this week.
      And a buoyant Sigsworth took to Instagram to thank Zelem for her gift and to say how “great” it was to be back in United’s famous home surrounded by thousands of fans.
      The Doncaster-born striker wrote: “What a lovely surprise from my bestie today!
      “It was great to be back in the stadium supporting again!”
      To which Zelem warmly replied “You deserved it” with love heart emojis.
      The WSL duo appeared very happy to be watching the game in style as Sigsworth posted snaps from the supporters’ box surrounded by delicious grub.

      But the food could not keep her away from the action with United eager for a strong finish to their 2020-21 campaign.
      A final Prem game of the season against Wolves precedes a Europa League final clash with Villarreal for Solskjaer’s side.
      And Sigsworth shared several snaps from their 1-1 draw with the Cottagers.
      In one clip the former Doncaster Rovers Belle wrote: “Just brilliant.”
      And when hotshot Edison Cavani scored a wonder strike after 15 minutes, Sigsworth beamed: “What a goal!”
      Being in the stands must have felt surreal for the pair who themselves played at the Theatre of Dreams for the first time this term.
      Sigsworth thanked her ‘bestie’ Zelem for the birthday surprise
      Sigsworth was blown away by Edinson Cavani’s wonder-goal against FulhamCredit: AFP
      The duo were in United’s WSL side in their 2-0 defeat of West Ham.
      Sigsworth, who moved to Man United in 2018 from Doncaster Rovers Belles, has been grabbing attention with her attacking displays for the club this term.
      She netted three goals and provided one assist in 14 top tier games this season.

      And the striker has reportedly been linked with a summer move to WSL debutants Leicester City.
      The Athletic claims the former England Under-23 player is in advanced talks with the Foxes.
      And Sigsworth was given a taste of what life could be like with Jonathan Morgan’s outfit after they beat Man United 3-2 in the Women’s FA Cup fifth round.
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Sigsworth and Zelem helped Man United secure a fourth place finish in the WSLCredit: Getty
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reacts to Man Utd’s draw with Fulham and Cavani’s wonder strike More

    • 163 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      FA bosses hope fans smash attendance records at Women’s 2022 Euros in England

      by

      FOOTBALL chiefs want fans to break the European record for the highest crowd numbers at the opening and closing games of a women’s Euros tournament. The targets were revealed as part of FA and UEFA plans to flog more than 700,000 tickets for Women 2022 Euros games taking place in England. 
      Wembley is set to host the final of the 2022 Women’s EurosCredit: Getty
      Football bosses hope to sell more than 700,000 tickets to Women’s 2022 Euros games in EnglandCredit: Reuters
      It is hoped spectators will pack out Old Trafford for the tournament’s opener surpassing a milestone of 41,301 set in 2013. 
      Authorities also aim to smash the European attendance number for a final at the contest’s finale at Wembley. 
      They hope to see spectator numbers for that clash surpass the figure of the 80,203 who watched the USA defeat Japan in the women’s football final of the London 2012 Olympic games. 
      Tickets for next year’s Women’s Euros will be priced from £5 to £50 with over half a million available for £25 or less.
      However, the FA say England group stage matches and quarter-finals and semis fixtures will be priced differently but were tight-lipped as to what the pricing for these games will be. 
      Chris Bryant, the FA’s tournament delivery head said: “This is all about setting out our ticket ambitions for the tournament. 
      “We want to deliver a record breaking showcase that unites football and communities to amplify the women’s game.
      “Our ambition really is centred around for stadia, fantastic atmospheres. And we really need a ticketing strategy that embodies that”
      Fixtures for the Women’s 2022 Euros games are due to take place in 10 venues in nine host cities in England. 
      Games will be held in Brighton, London, Milton Keynes, Rotherham, Sheffield, Southampton, Trafford and Wigan and Leigh.
      Tournament organisers hope the sport’s followers will flock to buy tickets for games involving 16 teams including host nation England.  
       Fans are being invited to pre-register for tickets on Uefa’s web site July 13.
      Northern Ireland are among 16 nations taking part in the tournamentCredit: PA

      Officials say there are plans to use the Euros to create a legacy project to encourage 120,000 girls to take up football in the tournament’s host cities.  
      And the FA hopes the to produce 350 newly-trained coaches and 350 new referees through the scheme.  
      FA women’s football director Baroness Sue Campbell said: “It has been a challenging year in so many ways, with mental and physical wellbeing hugely affected by the Covid pandemic. 
      “The tournament and the city legacy programmes are a real opportunity to positively change the impact restrictions have had on our activity levels and to bring us together through football.
      The FA hopes to encourage more than 80,000 fans to attend the final of the Women’s 2022 EurosCredit: Getty
      “The long-term legacy ambitions will unlock the game for more women and girls across host cities and beyond with equal access for all girls to play football in school and clubs. 
      “Our vision will ensure an inclusive, safe and welcoming environments for every woman and girl to play competitive or recreational grassroots football – irrespective of ability, age or ambition.”
      With Covid having hit fan presence at football stadiums with up to 10,000 currently allowed into grounds, the FA says it will have a contingency plan place if the pandemic causes attendance problems next year. 
      Bryant added: “We’ve already got an ambitious ticketing target and we want to make sure that we give ourselves every opportunity to hit those milestones if we can,
      “We need to be able to work back from the in the event that the pandemic is still around and it does require us to adapt. 
      “We are considering all the contingency plans that are available to us.”
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Tickets for Women’s Euros will be priced from £5 to £50 with up to half a million available for £25 or lessCredit: Alamy Live News
      Lionesses in training More