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    Maya Le Tissier targets England squad spot ahead of Euros after ‘bittersweet’ World Cup experience

    MAYA LE TISSIER has both bittersweet and happy memories of being on standby for Lionesses duty at last year’s World Cup in Australia. Now the WSL’s youngest centurion is determined to nail down an England squad spot at next year’s Euros. Maya Le Tissier hopes to feature for England when they play Germany in a friendly fixture on FridayCredit: GettyThe Lionesses’ duels with Germany and South Africa this month are part of their preparations for next year’s Euros in SwitzerlandCredit: GettyLe Tissier, who is Man United’s captain, has been capped four times to dateCredit: GettyA standout debut season at Manchester United, after a July 2022 move, resulted in Le Tissier joining Aston Villa’s Lucy Staniforth and Man City’s Jess Park on Sarina Wiegman’s standby list. The versatile defender, who joined from Brighton, helped United finish second in the league. While the WSL ace was not part of the 23-strong group that reached the World Cup final won by Spain, she played her part off the pitch helping team-mates prepare for the contest. Le Tissier, who has four caps, recalls: “When Sarina gave me the call to say I was on standby, it didn’t feel like it then but it was still a great achievement. Read More Football Stories”It was definitely difficult to take. It was bittersweet.”I loved Australia and being around the girls. They made it feel like I was part of the team. “I didn’t know what the vibe was going to be like to be there on standby, ready to go if someone got injured. “You don’t want anyone to get injured but you want to be at the World Cup, so it was really difficult. Most read in Football”Helping the girls prepare for a great tournament, I was really happy to play my part. “Hopefully next time I can play an even bigger part.”The next tournament opportunity for Le Tissier could come next July when England battle to retain their Euros crown following their 2022 triumph.Since their historic July 31 win against Germany, who they play on Friday at Wembley, Le Tissier’s career has gone from strength to strength. “I’ve been close but not in there so I would really like to cement my spot. That comes with performancesMaya Le TissierThe talented Guernsey-born defender, who was in the stands at the stadium watching Ella Toone score for the Lionesses that day, is now Man United’s captain. This follows establishing herself as a first-team regular and playing in all of the Red Devils’ top-flight games since joining the club. Le Tissier adds: “When Tooney scored that goal, I was like, ‘she’s going to be my team-mate!’”Toone always comes up in the big moments, you can always trust her. I was watching from the stands. It was really special.”Back in December 2018 Le Tissier made her Women’s Super League debut playing for Brighton against Chelsea. Back then the team were managed by former England boss Hope Powell. Last Saturday Le Tissier made her 100th WSL appearance when Marc Skinner’s United drew 1-1 with the Seagulls at the Amex. A result that left United third in the table before the international break and her old side sat fourth. Le Tissier said: “I actually didn’t even know that until after the game and then I saw a photo of me in a Brighton shirt and me in a United shirt. “I thought ‘that’s so weird that I’ve come back to the Amex and made my 100th appearance. “I feel very grateful to the coaches, to Hope (Powell), to Marc (Skinner). “They put their trust in me even when I was a kid and probably making too many mistakes. “But they trusted me to play in that position and to help the team. “I loved my time at Brighton and I love my time at United, it’s been really good for me so far. “There’s still a lot more I can bring and a lot more games for me to become a better player.”Having become a WSL centurion Le Tissier would love to do the same in an England shirt. The player who made her senior England debut in a friendly draw with Norway two years ago, last featured for the team in a Euros qualifier defeat of the Republic of Ireland in July.She hopes to get the chance to be part of the Lionesses squad battling for Euros glory in Switzerland next summer. Le Tissier adds: “Playing in a major tournament with England – that’s what we all dream of. “I’ve been so close, but still so far away and I definitely need to improve my game. “I will do everything I can this season to put myself there. Le Tissier hopes to experience playing in a major international tournament with some of her England team-mates who also play for Man UnitedCredit: Getty”It would be super special, especially if some of the United girls hopefully have a good season and get picked for England. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve been close but not in there so I would really like to cement my spot. That comes with performances.”I’ve played a lot of games now, so I don’t think there’s even a question about experience. I can definitely bring that.” More

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    Inside the glam lives of England’s Lionesses, from trendy fashion photoshoots to walking red carpets and a dream wedding

    THE success of the women’s game and the Lionesses has allowed these footballers to flourish away from the pitch.Leah Williamson, Mary Earps, Chloe Kelly, Ella Toone, Alessia Russo, and Lauren James have transcended the sport to become iconic pioneers.Lionesses captain Leah Williamson lives a glam lifestyle away from the pitchWilliamson is often joined by England teammates Mary Earps, left, and Chloe Kelly, right at fashion eventsAlessia Russo has also upped the glam stakes in the women’s gameEngland’s women’s winning Euro 2022 and reaching the World Cup 2023 final – catapulted them to fame, while inspiring the legions of young girls around the country wanting to follow in their footsteps.That rise means these girls are getting to live their best lives.From stylish photoshoots with fashion mags to exclusive red carpet invites, it could not get more glam.Leah WilliamsonLeah is one of football’s leading fashionistas.Read more football newsSince her heroics with the Three Lions, she has become a hot commodity reportedly raking in £4million.Her bank balance boosted by deals with Gucci, Nike and Pepsi.While the 27-year-old is also a regular feature on the red carpet, and attended the GQ Men of the Year Awards with pals Alex Scott, Chloe Kelly, and Mary Earps.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMagazines like Vogue, GQ and Elle have featured her in fancy fashion shoots.Most read in FootballWilliamson, who scored an OBE in the 2022 King’s New Year’s Honours list, also features heavily in Arsenal kit and fashion launches.When she’s not playing, she’s likely to be seen letting down her hair at a music festival, enjoying Glastonbury earlier this year.England’s Alessia Russo proves her pinpoint shooting accuracy transcends sports – by hitting a bullseyeLeah Williamson celebrates receiving an OBE in 2022Credit: GettyWilliamson let her hair down in the summer at GlastonburyArsenal star Williamson also made time for a luxurious holiday with her palsChloe KellyEqually, Chloe – who famously scored the winning goal in the Euro 2022 final – also appears on the celebrity party circuit.Last year, she attended the Glamour Women of the Year Awards where she dazzled in a risqué black dress.She posed for pictures with Spice Girl Geri Horner, and was joined by Jess Carter, Bethany England, and Alessia Russo.Before the World Cup, the blonde beauty, 26, stripped down for an artsy black and white for a Calvin Klein photoshoot.Chloe modelled Calvin Kleins’ famous cotton underwear, as well as their essential baggy jeans style.Back in August, she married her boyfriend of five years – Scott Moore – in a glittering ceremony at Merrydale Manor in Cheshire.The event was hosted by British Vogue and was some spectacle.Chloe Kelly regularly shows off her amazing bikini body on social media on luxury breaks awayCredit: instagram @chloekellyCalvin Klein signed Kelly up for a fancy photoshoot before the World CupIn the summer, Man City’s Kelly married longterm partner Scott Moore at a lavish ceremony in CheshireMary EarpsSince moving to PSG, the queen of TikTok is enjoying a new city.Earps still poses hilarious videos online, including getting to grips with driving in Paris as she settles in in the French capital.Shortly before she inked her deal with the club, she enjoyed a day at Silverstone where she was invited by McLaren for the British Grand Prix.The 31-year-old goalie, who wore a dress created by a designer who works with Beyonce and Rita Ora, also made time for a stunning holiday in Ibiza to recharge her batteries.Back in February, the BBC SPOTY winner upped her game – appearing in a gorgeous photoshoot for Women’s Health UK.She also became the new face of Victoria’s Secret – designing a range that includes “ultra-comfy and supportive styles, super soft materials and understated designs” to promote self-love and women empowerment.Last year, Earps was crowned as the BBC Sports Personality of the YearCredit: PAEarps recently became the face of Victoria’s SecretLionesses goalie Earps also glammed up for a photoshoot with Women’s HealthEarps was a guest of McLaren at the Silverstone Grand Prix this yearAlessia RussoRusso, who last month appeared at London Fashion Week, is believed to be the first woman in the WSL to earn more than £1million-per-year.She has done that through sponsorships, including with Adidas, Gucci, PlayStation, Oakley, and Beats by Dre.With celeb fans such as David Beckham — and his daughter Harper — she is already such a national treasure that her boots have been displayed in the Tower of London.She has amassed over 850,000 followers on Instagram, where she gives fans a glimpse into her epic lifestyle.Russo, 25, shares pics of her amazing fashion sense, including glam photoshoots showing off collaborations with Adidas and Gucci, as well as a pair of Paul Smith/Stan Smith trainers she’s seen clutching tightly and smiling.In the summer, she and Ella Toone went partying at the Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel.They also rented a boat for the day and topped up their tans.Last year, Russo appeared at the Fifa Football Awards and dazzled in a David Kona dress, matched with Louboutins and expensive De Beers jewellery. She screams star power.Fashionista Alessia Russo shows off the Adidas x Gucci collaboration in a fancy shootRusso starred at London Fashion Week last month at the JW Anderson showOakley sunglasses are one of many sponsors Russo boastsRusso was a guest at Wimbledon this summer with pal Williamsonread more sport featuresElla TooneRusso’s best mate, Toone – the Man Utd star is equally up for a good laugh.She is the Arsenal forward’s partner in crime, they regularly travel together during preseason break, and have their own podcast.Like her Lionesses teammates, Ella also makes a few quid from paid partnerships on Instagram.Back in June, she shared her skincare routine using Charlotte Tilbury products.Toone, 25, is also in a romance with fellow footballer Joe Bunney, who plays for Stalybridge Celtic.They reportedly met through mutual pals, and were spotted enjoying a romantic break away in Ibiza shortly after she tasted success at Wembley.Back in March, they took some time out to enjoy the five-star Carden Hotel & Spa in Cheshire.Toone posted pics of the pair enjoying the hot tub and keeping warm round a fire pit in their robes.Ella Toone and Russo are best pals and have a podcast togetherToone features in a paid partnership testing Charlotte Tilbury make-upEngland’s Toone is in a romance with fellow footballer Joe BunneyLast summer, Toone and Russo enjoyed Vip treatment at Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach HotelLauren JamesJames, 23, is already one of the hottest commodities in the women’s game.The Chelsea forward has football connections, with her brother Reece captaining the Blues’ men’s team.Independently, she has scored off the pitch – earning sponsors including  Nike, Google Pixel, Optimum Nutrition, Barclays, and Sure.It is believed she has a net worth over £1million, despite her tender years.She has over 870,000 followers on Instagram, where she shares snippets of family life.James is also quite the hipster, mixing streetwear and sporty attire – wearing brands like Justin Bieber’s Drew House, Supreme, and Adidas.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe also teamed up with Spotify, revealing her diverse playlist.In an ad, she revealed: “I could go from Afrobeats to… next one could be a country song.”Lauren James is one of the hottest commodities in football right nowHer brother is Chelsea captain Reece JamesJames boasts her own unique fashion styleLast month, James was seen wearing Justin Bieber’s brand Drew House More

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    Women’s team go invincible and don’t even concede a goal all season – but don’t win the league

    A WOMEN’s team in Sweden have enjoyed an invincible season – but aren’t walking away with the league title.Angelholms FF went through the entire campaign in Division 4 Skane Northwest without conceding a single goal. Angelholms FF didn’t concede a single goal across 18 gamesCredit: Angelholms FFThe team racked up an impressive 15 wins from a possible 18. But despite keeping 18 clean sheets, they were pipped to the title by Ljungbyheds IF. The remarkable final standings see the eventual champions winning the league by a solitary point. Angelholms were undone by three 0-0 draws, including one to Ljungbyheds.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey were also the only team to prevent the eventual champions from finding the net all season.Free-scoring Ljungbyheds netted an eye-watering 121 goals in just 18 games on their way to first place.Proud Angelholms coach Ulf Johansson was happy to reveal the reasons behind their defensive success. Johansson said in June: “[It is achieved] through a high defensive game [and] the right attitude.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”A direct recapture and a good goalkeeper is the melody of being able to keep a clean sheet in so many games.”Reacting to the incredible run, one football fan wrote on X: “I wouldn’t think it possible but here we are. 78 goals scored, 0 conceded, and finishing 2nd with a GD 29 less than 1st.”My cousin is Man Utd FA Cup hero – now he’s helping me through my injury hell so I can shine for women’s teamAnother said: “This is actually insane. Craziest stat I’ve ever seen.”While a third added: “This is truly amazing I doubt we’ll see anything like this.”The last men’s team to go invincible in England were Arsenal during the 2003/04 season.Before that, you had to go all the way back to 1888 and Preston North End to find another English club unbeaten for an entire campaign.In the Women’s Super League, Chelsea were the last team to achieve the feat in 2019/20.READ MORE SUN STORIESAcross Europe’s elite leagues, Bayer Leverkusen in Germany was the most recent team to go invincible.The Bundesliga side won the league without losing a single game last term. More

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    Georgia Stanway opens up on meeting Thomas Tuchel and how tattoo artwork helps her on and off the pitch

    GEORGIA STANWAY claims Thomas Tuchel is “really invested” in the women’s game having crossed paths with him at Bayern Munich. The Lioness star has fond memories of past interactions with the German coach who starts work as the Three Lions’ new boss in January.  Georgia Stanway says Thomas Tuchel showed a strong interest Bayern Munich’s women’s team during his time as head coach of their men’s sideCredit: GettyStanway believes top foreign coaches like Sarina Wiegman and Tuchel having an influence on English football is great for the gameCredit: ReutersTuchel is set to commence his role as the Three Lions new boss in January and is the first coach from Germany to be appointedCredit: ReutersStanway, 25, who is in line to start for England against Germany in a friendly at Wembley on Friday, was sharing her thoughts on Tuchel’s appointment as head coach of the two-time Euros finalists. Last Wednesday the ex-Bayern coach, 51, was confirmed as Gareth Southgate’s successor and is set to take over from interim boss Lee Carsley. His appointment comes five months after he confirmed his departure who he guided to the 2022-23 Bundesliga title.During his time there Stanway, who signed for Bayern’s women’s team in May 2022, recalls Tuchel showing a keen interest in women’s football. Read More Football Stories She said: “I had a few experiences with Tuchel at Bayern and he was really invested and really interested in the women’s game. “He and (his assistant Anthony) Barry wanted to get to know the players. “I’ve spoken with them a few times and they were really invested and really nice people. “They came to a few games and I saw them at a few events. They always had time for us.”Most read in FootballThe hiring of Tuchel as Southgate’s permanent successor sparked huge debate amongst pundits and commentators about coaches from overseas managing England. However Stanway, who moved to Germany following the Lionesses triumph at the 2022 Women’s Euros, has seen her career flourish under managers from different countries. Since winning the Euros with Sarina Wiegman’s England side two years ago, the midfielder has gone on to win two Women’s Bundesliga titles and was a Ballon d’Or nominee last year. When asked about foreign managers influencing English football, she added: “I think it’s great. England Lionesses star Chloe Kelly leaves little to imagination in daring outfit and branded ‘unreal’ at Glamour awards”I’ve got a Norwegian manager at Bayern ( Alexander Straus). “It’s about whoever is best for the job and whoever the people feel is suitable for the players.” On the criticism of the decision to have a foreign coach appointed as Three Lions boss, Stanway added: “Everyone is entitled to their opinions, I guess we have just got to see what happens?”England’s clash with Germany at Wembley comes two years and three months after the two foes went toe-to-toe at the stadium in the last Women’s Euros final.Both sides have qualified for next year’s tournament, which takes place in Switzerland with the Lionesses eyeing an historic back-to-back triumph. Should they seal another contest win Stanway, who is an avid tattoo artist in her spare time, hopes to have her team-mates queuing to have tattoo work done to mark the occasion. Away from the pitch the midfielder has been learning the art of tattooing under the guidance of a friend who owns a tattoo studio in Germany.The 71-capped Lioness said: “I got (a tattoo of) the time the final whistle went at the last Euros final. “But if we win another Euros, I hope I get a queue outside my bedroom door from the girls waiting (to get tattoos done). “When I moved to Germany, I wanted to start something new. “It was a new way for me to fully immerse myself into a new environment and to make friends outside of football. “The tattoo studio has really done that for me. “While I’m tattooing, the feeling is next level. I find it therapeutic, I find it stressful. “It’s fine details and those fine details are always important and they’re also important in football. “While I’m tattooing, nothing else matters. “It’s exactly the same when I’m on the pitch. Nothing else matters apart from focusing on what I’ve got to do.”Stanway and her England team-mates are due to play Germany on Friday in a friendly warm-up game ahead of next year’s EurosCredit: GettyEngland’s game against Germany ahead of their build-up to next year’s Euros in Switzerland, will see Stanway go up against some of her Germany international pals from Bayern. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd she believes the Euros finalists, whose players include Bayern aces Guilia Gwin Klara Buhl and Lea Schuller, will pose a threat. Stanway said: “Everybody poses an unbelievable threat, so I know I’ll be sat in the analysis room and Sarina will be questioning me about each player.” More

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    ‘It’s nice people are talking about us but we need to improve’, says Brighton’s Guro Bergsvand.

    BRIGHTON being as entertaining as Barcelona would appeal to Albion centre-back Guro Bergsvand.Certain aspects of the Seagulls’ play have prompted comparisons between their approach and the Catalan giants’ playing style.Guro Bergsvand and her team-mates hope seal Brighton’s first win in the WSL against Manchester United since April 2021Credit: AlamyThe Seagulls have registered three wins from their first four WSL games this termCredit: AlamyManchester City boss Gareth Taylor, whose team beat Barcelona in a Champions League clash ten days ago, talked of both sides being similar in “trying to overload the midfield”. While Bergsvand, 30, takes that as a compliment, she thinks there is room for improvement for Dario Vidosic’s side who host Man United at the Amex today. She said: “It’s nice people are talking about us but we need to improve a bit more. “We want to play entertaining football. Read More Football Stories “That’s something that Dario has been saying and we want people to come and watch and enjoy watching us play. “Barcelona play entertaining football and that’s what we want to do”While Brighton lost the services of star striker Elisabeth Terland, who sealed a Red Devils free transfer in July, goals have not been too hard to come by. The permanent additions of trophy-winning forwards Nikita Parris and Fran Kirby and striker Keiko Seike, who won September’s WSL Player of the Month award, have helped boost the team’s attack. Most read in FootballLoan swoops for Arsenal and Barcelona starlets Michelle Agyemang and Bruna Vilamala have also contributed to 12 goals scored in five games in all contests with the team currently fourth. Underpinning recent results is the defensive graft of Bergsvand, her centre-back pal Maria Thorisdottir and full-backs Poppy Pattinson and Jorelyn Carabali. Two clean sheets in four league games and three wins have contributed to their best-ever start to a WSL season at this stage.A stark contrast to the struggles of the past two seasons with Albion at times dragged into scraps for top-flight survival before finishing eleventh and ninth.Bergsvand, who joined last January, from Norwegian side SK Brann, added: “It’s nicer to win than to lose. Hopefully, we’ll keep this going. “I’ve enjoyed the season so far but I know that things can change, that’s why it’s so important to be on top of your game and we want to improve. “This league is so competitive so you need to be on top, if not your rivals are going to beat you.”Bergsvand and Thorisdottir will need to be at the top of their game when they come face-to-face with their Norway pal and former Albion team-mate Terland. The ex-Seagulls striker, who has been likened to Erling Haaland by United boss Marc Skinner, visits her old side for the first time in the league since her Manchester move. And the Red Devils chief has backed Terland to display what he describes as a Terminator-style instinct in front of goal.Skinner said: “If you look at the way the Terminator would see in the movie, and it is like you’re narrowing down the angle. “That’s how I see Lizzie’s brain working because she’s so ruthless in those moments.”Bergsvand adds: “She is a good player, a good finisher and as a friend I want her to do well. “Hopefully she is not scoring his time, let’s just put it like that.Last term Terland finished as the WSL’s joint second-highest scorer with 13 goals in 22 games And last Sunday, she scored her first league goals in a Red Devils shirt netting twice against Tottenham. However, Vidosic, 37, believes his Norwegian defensive duo will be fully prepared for the test.The Brighton boss, who took charge of the Seagulls in July, said: “I think they’ll be very ready for Terland having played together, and knowing each other from being in the (same) national team.  “We have to be aware that she needs just one chance to score.”Brighton are winless in their last six games against Man United with their last victory occurring in April 2021. However, Bergsvand is hopeful she, Thorisdottir and their backline can shut out their visitors today. Elisabeth Terland will face Brighton for the first time in the league since her July move from the Seagulls to Man UnitedCredit: AlamyShe adds: “We’re happy with the three points and the clean sheet (at Crystal Palace last Sunday).READ MORE SUN STORIES“But we want to show at the Amex that we’re better than how we performed last weekend. “It’s going to be a big game, we’re playing a big team and it’s a different opponent. They will give us other challenges.” More

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    Renee Slegers insists focus is on West Ham as Arsenal target return to winning ways in WSL

    RENEE SLEGERS describes herself as a coach who prefers to live in the moment. It is an approach she is taking when it comes to being in charge of Arsenal in the interim. Arsenal hope to return to winning ways in the WSL following a loss to ChelseaCredit: GettyTheir trip to West Ham with interim Gunners boss Renee Slegers follows a 4-1 win against Valerenga in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe stand-in Gunners boss insists the permanent job is not on her mind despite guiding the team out of a winless run in the top tier and Europe.Tomorrow Sunday Slegers will be at Arsenal’s helm again overseeing the team for the first time in a Women’s Super League duel.Their trip to West Ham follows the Netherlands-born coach manaing the Gunners in their 4-1 defeat of Valerenga in the Champions League following a loss to Bayern Munich. The match will be their first top-flight game since their former boss Jonas Eidevall resigned on October 15. Read More Football StoriesA draw and a loss from their last two WSL outings saw them drop to sixth and five points off leaders Man City. This weekend they hope to return to winning ways in the top tier ahead of their November 3rd trip to Manchester United after the international break. Slegers said: ”I like to be in the moment in life in general and that’s what’s needed at the moment.“It’s something we talked about with the players as well, can we be as much as possible in the here and now because that’s what we can impact.”Most read in FootballOn whether she knows if she intends to put herself forward for the permanent Arsenal head coach vacancy, Slegers added: “No, that’s not on my mind at all. “It’s a beautiful club and it’s a brilliant squad. We have all the facilities, all the resources, so it’s obviously a very good job to have. “I haven’t had time to reflect on myself that much during these past couple of days.“But I want to believe. I want the best for every individual, to have every individual show their biggest strength and to have the team play really good football. “I don’t think at the moment that’s what I want to deep-dive. At the moment it’s West Ham and to get the three points on Sunday. “I’m happy to be a part of it at this moment in time doing everything I can do to help the team more.”Sunday’s derby will see the Irons and the Gunners battling for maximum points. While West Ham are still chasing their first win in the top tier this term, Arsenal have fared slightly better away from home, narrowly beating Leicester 1-0 in September. The Gunners will be aiming to boost their goal tally having netted just once in their last two WSL games. The last WSL duel between West Ham and Arsenal ended as a 2-1 for Rehanne Skinner’s Irons in FebruaryCredit: GettyAnd Slegers hopes Alessia Russo scoring her first group stage Champions League goal this term will pave the way for more goals for the striker in the WSL this term.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe interim Arsenal chief added: “Alessia is really good at understanding it’s important to get yourself into good positions and then the goals will come and she scored on Wednesday.“That’s the main focus – to keep on getting our forwards in good positions to be able to get the ball into the back of the net.” More

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    Two footie stadiums set to lift booze ban after 39 YEARS with police powerless to intervene despite opposition

    FOOTBALL’S booze ban will be lifted in a trial in the Women’s Championship.Drinking alcohol in sight of the pitch is prohibited in the top five tiers of the men’s game, although allowed lower down the pyramid.Football fans may be able to drink in their seat again in the near futureCredit: GettyTwo FA Women’s Championship teams are set to be part of a trial allowing fans to drink in sight of the pitchCredit: AlamyBut with the law not covering women’s football, a trial allowing drinking inside the stadium “bowl” will take place at two clubs in the second tier during this season.Nikki Doucet, chief executive of Women’s Professional Leagues Limited, told Leaders Week London at the Allianz Stadium that the clubs where the trial will take place had yet to be decided.She said: “ We are testing that actually in a couple of teams in the Championship this season and we’ll see what we learn from it.“Our fan base and the behaviour is different to the men’s game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Ultimately it’s about being able to give our fans choices, while obviously maintaining the safety and what we need to do in terms of being responsible.”The idea of fans being allowed to drink at grounds in League Two and the National League was proposed by former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch in her 2021 “Fan led Review”.While it was backed by fans’ groups and lower division club bosses, the push-back from Police was massive and saw the idea kiboshed.Sun Sport has been told that the Police position has not changed in terms of men’s football although there is no mechanism which would see local Forces able to prevent a women’s game trial.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDrinking in view of the pitch has been banned in the men’s top five divisions since 1985.Fans caught breaching the laws under the 1985 act can be banned from grounds, handed hefty fans and, in extreme circumstances, given three month prison sentences. The current laws around drinking in stadiums doesn’t include women’s footballCredit: AlamyTop 10 highest-paid Premier League stars More

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    Sarina Wiegman insists Manchester City’s Chloe Kelly has ‘built enough credit’ to keep her Lionesses spot

    SARINA WIEGMAN says Chloe Kelly’s position in the Lionesses squad was not in doubt with the winger facing a battle to start for Manchester City. Today the forward, 26, was named in Wiegman’s 25-strong group before the team’s friendly duels with Germany and South Africa. Chloe Kelly has been included in Sarina Wiegman’s 25-strong squad for England’s two friendly games in OctoberCredit: ReutersSarina Wiegman says Kelly is in a “hard place” amid fierce competition for minutes in Man City’s attackCredit: GettyBut her club and country goalkeeper team-mate Khiara Keating has been left out following her inclusion in the squad that qualified for next year’s Euros.In July the reigning Euros champions secured automatic qualification for the tournament in Switzerland. They did so via a 2-1 win against the Republic of Ireland and a 0-0 draw with Sweden. Kelly, who scored the winning goal for England in their Euros final defeat of Germany at Wembley two years ago, has faced a fight to start for City this season. Read More Football StoriesThe forward, who reportedly attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain this year, has made one start in her two top-flight appearances this term. City’s summer swoops for Japan ace Aoba Fushino along with the impressive form of Mary Fowler and Jess Park, has cranked up the battle for starting spots in Gareth Taylor’s side. They are top of the WSL and a point ahead of title rivals Chelsea and beat Barcelona 2-0 in the Champions League group stage on October 9.However, Wiegman insists Kelly, who has seven senior caps, has earned enough credit for national selection. Most read in FootballThe England boss, 54, said: “Chloe is in a hard position. There is huge competition going on there at the very highest level. “She’s competing for that too, not getting the minutes that of course she hopes for and we do. “But she built credit for us that she wasn’t in doubt for us to bring her in.”The Lionesses are due to face Germany at Wembley on October 25 for the first time since beating them there in the Women’s Euros finals in 2022. The match will be preceded by a special tribute to former England and Man City skipper Steph Houghton who retired at the end of last season. Wiegman’s side will also take on South Africa at the CBS Arena in Coventry four days later. Both matches will serve as warm-up preparations ahead of their attempt to win a second successive Euros trophy.The England chief added: “We’re really happy that we’ve qualified for the Euros because now we can play four friendlies this Autumn and have very good games. “Facing Germany, the USA, South Africa and Switzerland over two camps – that’s challenging, it’s really good and it will show us where we are. “With bringing in 25 players, we can see a few more players and how they relate to each other in our environment and training sessions. “But we can also try out some more things in the game and see different connections.”Aston Villa defender Lucy Parker has been recalled into England’s squad for the first time this year. However, City starlet Keating, 20, misses out. The shot-stopper, who won last year’s WSL Golden Glove,  is yet to start in the league this term. Wiegman wants Khiara Keating to get sharper and fitterCredit: GettyHer club pal Ayako Yamashita is currently preferred between the sticks having played four league games for City so far this season. READ MORE SUN STORIESWiegman adds: “We all know Khiara is a very talented goalkeeper. We want her to get fitter and sharper. “That’s the message she got and it’s better to do that in her own environment.” More