Women’s football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares190 Views

      in Soccer

      England football ace Millie Bright leaves fiancé & falls for married personal trainer ‘in a big way’

      by

      ENGLAND football ace Millie Bright has left her fiancé and fallen for a married personal trainer. The Lionesses defender, 31, pulled out of Euro 2025 this week — stating she was unable to “give 100 per cent mentally or physically”. England football ace Millie Bright has left her fiancé and fallen for a married personal trainerCredit: PAWe can reveal Millie has split from husband-to-be Levi Crew and grown close to a fitness instructor – who The Sun is not namingCredit: InstagramThe move comes after the Chelsea captain’s shock decision to quit England’s Euro 2025 squadCredit: AlamyWe can reveal she has split from husband-to-be Levi Crew and grown close to a fitness instructor. It is understood he has now left his wife and is living at Chelsea captain Millie’s luxury house. There is no suggestion either of them cheated on their partners. Pals said Millie — who won Euro 2022 and led England to the World Cup final in 2023 — met the trainer last year after starting to work out at a gym in Redhill, Surrey. READ MORE ON MILLIE BRIGHTSources say she later struck up a friendship with the married dad, who we are not identifying. Earlier this year she split from Levi, and the trainer broke up with his wife “out of the blue”. A source told The Sun: “Millie’s shock withdrawal from the England squad ahead of Euro 2025 left fans open-mouthed. “She has always loved playing for her country, and spoke of her pride in doing so.” Most read in FootballThey went on: “She has fallen for this guy in a big way, and that has come with some big sacrifices. “The fall-out has been enormous, but Millie has fallen hook, line and sinker for her ideal man.” England Lionesses announce squad for Euro 2025 after THREE withdrawalsOther sources close to Millie stressed her withdrawal was based purely on her need for an operation to fix a long-term injury. Millie and Levi shared a home in Surrey and their families were close. In December 2023, she announced their engagement on social media, flashing her diamond ring on holiday in Mauritius. She has referred to Levi as her “king” who was with her “through thick and thin”. She even has a tattoo of his eye on her arm which has been shown prominently in official squad photos. But fans noticed she had removed any mention of him from her social media accounts and deleted the engagement post. Millie has undergone minor knee surgery after a stellar season with Chelsea, winning the treble and finishing unbeaten domestically. She said pulling out of the upcoming Euros in Switzerland “was not an easy decision”, adding: “I just don’t feel 100 per cent mentally or physically in a position to go on and compete in a tournament.” Read More on The SunShe aimed to “get myself back in tip-top condition and just happy again, I think, all round, just feeling like myself”. England’s first game is against much-fancied France on July 5. Last night a spokesman for Millie declined to comment. Millie said pulling out of the upcoming Euros in Switzerland ‘was not an easy decision’Credit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares106 Views

      in Soccer

      Women’s Euro 2025 star who turned down Playboy reveals she is constantly flooded with photos of naked men

      by

      GERMANY captain Giulia Gwinn has detailed the harassment that she has received from men online.Gwinn, 25, will wear the armband as Germany go for glory at Women’s Euro 2025 next month.Giulia Gwinn is set to star at Euro 2025 for GermanyCredit: GettyGwinn, 25, is one of Bayern Munich’s star playersCredit: GettyThe defender has received plenty of attention onlineCredit: Instagram @giuliagwinnAhead of the tournament, the defender opened up on what she has had to deal with on social media.In her new autobiography, Gwinn revealed: “I constantly receive photos of naked men.”So-called penis pics. This kind of stuff constantly pops up in my Instagram inbox. The photos are always from anonymous accounts.”I delete the photos and messages, and I report the accounts. It’s just plain bad harassment.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHaving suffered with a cruciate ligament injury, Gwinn was offered a lucrative deal to pose for Playboy in 2023.The German star called the offer “very tempting” – but instead decided: “I prefer to present myself as a footballer on the field.”Gwinn has since received further offers from the magazine, but has stuck to her stance.The Bayern Munich star added: “They’re beautiful and aesthetic photos, no doubt.Most read in FootballGwinn has over 600,000 Instagram followersCredit: https://www.instagram.com/giuliagwinn/The Bayern ace has had offers to model for PlayboyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/giuliagwinn/Gwinn is set to captain Germany at the Euros next monthCredit: Getty”But they’re not for me. Posting a bikini photo on my account is fine, but anything else exceeds my personal limits.”Gwinn, who has more than 600,000 Instagram followers, remains on Playboy Germany boss Florian Boitin’s radar.England Lionesses announce squad for Euro 2025 after THREE withdrawalsHe said: “Giulia Gwinn is not only an outstanding athlete, but also a beautiful young woman. So a personality like her is naturally interesting for Playboy.”Gwinn recovered from her nasty knee injury to reclaim her spots with both Bayern and the German national team.She scored twice at last summer’s Olympic Games as Germany won bronze.While she also netted as her side beat England 4-3 at Wembley last October.Germany will begin their Euro 2025 campaign against Poland in St Gallen on July 4.They will then face further group stage tests against Denmark and Sweden.Gwinn and Co get their campaign underway on July 4Credit: GettyGwinn enjoys posting snaps on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/giuliagwinn/The defender’s pictures routinely receive thousands of likesCredit: Instagram @giuliagwinn More

    • 213 Shares107 Views

      in Soccer

      England Lionesses announce squad for Euro 2025 after Sarina Wiegman was rocked by THREE withdrawals days before

      by

      ENGLAND manager Sarina Wiegman has named her 23-player squad for Euro 2025 as the Lionesses prepare to defend their title.Three years on from their first-ever European Championship triumph, the Lionesses head to Switzerland next month as one of the favourites.Sarina Wiegman has named her squad for Euro 2025Credit: GettyThe Lionesses are looking to defend their European titleCredit: GettyBut they will be missing three key players who contributed to that incredible Wembley success.Millie Bright, who captained the squad at the 2023 World Cup, made herself unavailable for selection earlier this week due to burnout.Fran Kirby announced her retirement from international football on Tuesday after learning that she would not be travelling to Switzerland.And goalkeeper Mary Earps hung up her gloves last month in a huge shock to both Wiegman and her team-mates.READ MORE ON THE LIONESSESDespite the absences, England approach the European Championship next month with a strong squad.Leah Williamson will captain the Lionesses for the second time at a major tournament.She will be joined by defenders Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles and Lotte Wubben-Moy.Following the departure of Earps last month, Hannah Hampton will be England’s No1 this summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKhiara Keating and Anna Moorhouse will be on hand in case the Chelsea ace gets injured.Georgia Stanway returned to the England squad last week following a five-month period on the sidelines with a knee injury.England Lionesses star hints at future career change as she shows off talent as a tattoo artist Leah Williamson is set to captain the squad againCredit: GettyShe is among the list of midfielders included, alongside Keira Walsh, Ella Toone, Grace Clinton and Jess Park.And in attack, Wiegman has picked Alessia Russo, Aggie Beever-Jones, Lauren Hemp, Beth Mead, Chloe Kelly and 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang.Despite being sidelined with a hamstring injury, Lauren James has also earned a call-up for the tournament.Out of the 23-player squad, 13 were part of the Lionesses’ Euro 2022-winning squad at Wembley.Meanwhile, seven players will be appearing at their first major tournament.Sophie Baggaley, Laura Blindkilde Brown, Missy Bo Kearns and Lucy Parker are all on the standby list.Discussing her selection, Wiegman said: “I know this is an exciting day, for the players and also for our fans and it underlines that the tournament is coming soon.”Telling the players they have made the squad is always a great moment. They will all give everything to help us make the country proud.”This group is a very well-balanced mix of players with multiple tournaments on their CVs and also those that will make their tournament debuts. I am excited to see what we are capable of this summer.Read More on The Sun”At the same time, I do feel for those that have just missed out. I can only name 23 but there are more players who have been so important to us on our journey to Switzerland. We would not be here without them.”As we look forward, we still have a month to go until we play the first game. After some important rest, we will all be working really hard to make sure we are ready to go on 5 July.”England squad for Euro 2025 in fullGoalkeepers:Hannah HamptonKhiara KeatingAnna MoorhouseDefenders:Lucy BronzeLotte Wubben-MoyJess CarterNiamh CharlesMaya Le TissierEsme MorganAlex GreenwoodLeah WilliamsonMidfielders:Grace ClintonJess ParkElla TooneGeorgia StanwayKeira WalshForwards:Lauren HempBeth MeadLauren JamesChloe KellyAggie Beever-JonesMichelle AgyemangAlessia Russo More

    • 250 Shares185 Views

      in Soccer

      The absence of Earps, Kirby and Bright leaves a void – who are the England aces who can fill it?

      by

      IN a month’s time England begin their the defence of their European Championship crown in Switzerland. Build-up to this year’s Euros has not been plain sailing in terms of some results on the pitch and shock announcements off it. England will compete in the Euros without vice captain Millie Bright following her withdrawal from selection before the tournamentCredit: GettyFran Kirby called time on her England playing career after being informed she would not be included in Sarina Wiegman’s squad for this year’s EurosCredit: GettyMary Earps announced her international retirement five weeks before the start of the tournament in SwitzerlandCredit: APToday Sarina Wiegman will name the players included in her 23-strong England group who will battle for Euros glory. Three who will not be on her list are Mary Earps, Fran Kirby and Millie Bright. The trio were among the standout performers during England’s triumphant Euros charge three years ago. Five weeks before the start of this year’s contest Mary Earps announced her retirement from international football. Read More Football Stories Then came Fran Kirby, 31, hanging up her England boots after being informed that she would not be part of the squad for next month’s contest. And yesterday vice captain Bright withdrew herself from selection after bravely explaining her need to do so for her “health and future in the game”.  The Chelsea captain’s announcement followed a season in which she skippered her club to a domestic trophy treble, On the Daly Brightness podcast she hosts with former England ace Rachel Daly, Bright explained her decision was not taken lightly. Most read in FootballYesterday she said: “It was something that I’d spoken about with friends, family, the people around me, and I gave it a lot of thought. “But ultimately, I thought this was the best decision for the team, but also for myself and using this summer to zone into mentally, physically, getting myself back in tip-top condition.””It’s obviously hard, but I’m going to be the girls’ number one supporter and I know they’re going to go on and smash it.”Bright, Earps and Kirby have played a huge part in England’s recent success with all playing in every single game of their last Euros campaign. With all three unavailable for England, here is a look at who will fill the void at this year’s Euros. Hannah Hampton will be England’s first choice goalkeeper at this year’s Euros, her first major international tournamentCredit: GettyGoalkeeper options England’s shot stopper starter question has been answered with Hannah Hampton in place as their No1 for the Euros.The Chelsea player won her battle for a starting spot with Earps after emerging as a first team regular under Wiegman. This year Hampton has started in five of their last six Nations League games following Earps’ last start (final international appearance) on February 21. While England’s away form in the contest has been mixed, including a 2-1 loss to world champions Spain this week, Hampton kept clean sheets on three of those occasions. This includes their 1-0 win against the World Cup winners who are among their main rivals at this year’s Euros. While Hampton is set to be England’s starter in goal, it is not entirely clear who will be the next automatic choice after her.England have options in Anna Moorhouse and Man City’s Khiara Keating although both are yet to make their senior international debuts.  Last October Moorhouse won the National Women’s Soccer League shield with top-flight American club Orlando Pride A month later the former West Ham goalkeeper set a new record for the most clean sheets in a NWSL season with 13 in 26 games. A friendly clash with Jamaica as England’s final game before their Euros opener against France could be an opportunity to see Moorhouse or Keating tested. Anna Moorhouse and Khiara Keating are yet to make their senior international debutsCredit: AlamyPlaymaker and forward options Should Lauren James win her race back to fitness from a hamstring problem, she and Jess Park are likely to be England’s primary attacking midfielders as well as Ella Toone. All three have been deployed in the number 10 role under Wiegman although Toone and James have faced battles with injury in recent months. England also have Beth Mead’s creative capabilities from the wing. This week Wiegman revealed James was progressing well with her recovery from a hamstring issue. It is hoped the forward, who shone for England at the 2023 World Cup, will be fit enough to compete at the Euros. Lauren James hopes to win her race to back to fitness ahead of the Euros with England facing France in their Group D openerCredit: AlamyCentral defenceWith Bright’s withdrawal Alex Greenwood is likely to be deployed alongside Williamson in central defence. The Man City skipper’s vision and versatility have made her one of England’s most dependable figures in their backline.Her set-piece delivery skills will be a useful asset for the team. With 98 caps she is also one of England’s most experienced players on the pitch and a calming presence on the pitch. Read More on The SunAlex Greenwood is likely partner Lioness captain Leah Williamson in the centre of England’s defenceCredit: GettyAside from Greenwood, England also have the option of Jess Carter. The ex-Chelsea defender, who won the Concacaf Champions Cup with Gotham FC , is more than capable of operating centrally or as a full-back. More

    • 213 Shares98 Views

      in Soccer

      Millie Bright WITHDRAWS from Euro 2025 squad with emotional statement after England Lionesses rocked by two retirements

      by

      ENGLAND defender Millie Bright has made herself unavailable for Euro 2025.The 31-year-old withdrew from the squad prior to last week’s Nations League clash with Portugal due to burnout.Millie Bright has withdrawn from the England squad prior to Euro 2025Credit: PAThe defender captained England at the 2023 World CupCredit: GettyShe recently opened up about being physically and mentally fatigued after leading Chelsea to a domestic treble.And the defender feels that she will not be ready for the European Championship next month.In an emotional statement published on her social media, Bright wrote: “This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but after careful thought and discussions with my team, I have decided to withdraw from selection for the England squad ahead of Euro 2025.”Football has given me so much, and representing my country has always been my greatest honour. My pride and ego tells me to go but I think the team and the fans deserve more.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Right now I’m not able to give 100% mentally or physically.”As much as I want to be out there running through brick walls for England and fighting alongside my team-mates, stepping back is the right thing for my health, my future in the game and most importantly the team.”It wouldn’t be fair for me to take the place and opportunity away from another player who is ready and able to give everything for the badge and country.”I’ll be supporting the team with everything I’ve got, and hoping this incredible group of players will do the nation proud.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Thank you to my team-mates, coaches, and, most importantly, the fans for your unwavering support, it means the world to me.”Bright’s withdrawal comes just one day after England icon Fran Kirby announced her retirement from international football.Eni Aluko’s former England team-mate Steph Houghton publicly backs Ian Wright in TV pundits’ rowFran Kirby announced her retirement on TuesdayCredit: GettyThe midfielder published a statement on social media just hours after being left out of the England squad for Tuesday’s Nations League match against Spain.She wrote: “After being in the England team since I was 21, it’s time to close that chapter of my life. I didn’t ever want this day to come, but I cannot tell you how proud I am it happened.”Kirby also revealed that she had initially planned to retire after Euro 2025 but instead called it quits this week after being told by Sarina Wiegman that she would not be in the 23-player squad.The Lionesses will also be without Mary Earps for the upcoming international tournament.The goalkeeper announced her international retirement last week.Earps, who was named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023 after winning the World Cup Golden Glove, was expected to battle Hannah Hampton for the No1 spot in Switzerland.Read More on The SunBut her decision to retire just weeks before Euro 2025 left Wiegman “disappointed” after what is said to have been an awkward meeting.The Lionesses kick off their Euro 2025 campaign on July 5 against France.Mary Earps retired from international football last weekCredit: AFP More

    • 200 Shares128 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionesses star Fran Kirby follows Mary Earps in retiring from England just weeks before Euro 2025

      by

      LIONESSES Euros hero Fran Kirby has announced her retirement from international football ahead of this summer’s European Championships. Kirby, 31, has decided to end her international career after being informed that she wouldn’t be part of Sarina Weigman’s squad for the Euros.Fran Kirby has retired from International footballCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunThe European champion – who was a crucial part of the Lionesses Euro 2022 success – announced her decision on Instagram. A statement read: “After being in the England team since I was 21, it’s time to close that chapter of my life. “I didn’t ever want this day to come, but I cannot tell you how proud I am it happened.”It’s been the biggest honour to represent my country, one that I had only dreamt about as a young girl.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’ve played with some incredible players, worked with some incredible managers, played in some amazing tournaments and have some irreplaceable memories.”She added: “Starting in every game and winning the Euros in 2022 was a dream come true, to be a part of change in women’s football was one of the best experiences I could ever have imagined.”Thank you to you all, for embracing me as a young girl from Reading who had a dream. I hope you all know, wearing that badge was the greatest honour.”To every young girl that suffers setbacks, just remember you can. You can.”Most read in FootballKirby made her final England appearance as a substitute in Friday’s Nations League clash with PortugalCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKirby, who plays her club football for Brighton, had been selected for England’s Uefa Nations League matches against Portugal and Spain.However, after finding out she wouldn’t be kept on for the Euros starting next month, Kirby told her England team-mates of the decision after Tuesday’s clash against Spain.Speaking to the BBC following her announcement, Kirby revealed that she was planning on hanging up her boots after the Euros.She said: “It is something I have been thinking about for over a year. I knew this was going to be my last major tournament.”The plan was to retire after the Euros but after speaking to Sarina I’m not going to make the squad.”It was like a dagger to my heart but also a weight off my shoulders all at the same time. It was emotional for both of us but we both respected what each person was saying.”Fran Kirby’s full retirement statementRead Kirby’s announcement in full…After being in the England team since I was 21, it’s time to close that chapter of my life. I didn’t ever want this day to come, but I cannot tell you how proud I am it happened.It’s been the biggest honour to represent my country, one that I had only dreamt about as a young girl.I’ve played with some incredible players, worked with some incredible managers, played in some amazing tournaments and have irreplaceable memories.My journey has been full of ups and downs, setbacks and achievements. Enough has been said and written about those, but regardless of whatever was thrown at me, I want you all to know that every time I put on that England badge I gave it 100%.Every single call-up, I accepted my role and did whatever was needed for the team. I wanted England to win. I’ve always been there to help England win.My mum had a dream of me representing my country and I’m so proud I was able to do that and play in front of you all.I will never, ever forget the noise when my name is read out at a stadium. I was first selected when I was playing in WSL 2, I played a part in the game-changing World Cup, winning bronze in 2015, creating memories of a lifetime.Starting in every game and winning the Euros in 2022 was a dream come true, to be part of change in women’s football was one of the best experiences I could ever have imagined.Thank you to all of you for embracing me as a young girl from Reading who had a dream. I hope you all know that wearing that badge was the greatest honour.To every young girl that suffers setbacks, just remember you can. You can. Forever a Lioness, Fran.While also revealing that the decision has been influenced by her trying to protect her body.She added: “Everyone knows the injuries that I’ve had and I’ve been protecting my body.”This is part of that. But I feel like I’ve got so much to give in football. I’m already looking forward to the domestic season.”Kirby was part of England’s Euro 2022 winning side and leaves the national set up having represented the Lionesses 77 times.The two-time PFA Women’s Footballer of the Year winner isn’t the first England superstar to retire from international duty before next months tournament.EARPS’ SHOCK DECISIONGoalkeeper Mary Earps shocked the nation – and her manager – when she announced her international retirement last week.Earps reportedly decided to leave the national team after being informed she would be playing backup to Chelsea shot-stopper Hannah Hampton going forward.Mary Earps also announced her retirement from international duty last weekCredit: GettyShe said: “I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players.”I’ve spent a long time making this decision and it’s not one I’ve made lightly.”For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive.”Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I’m rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.”Head coach Wiegman was left frustrated at the surprise announcement.She said: “I’m really disappointed and sad that she’s not part of the team because I want her in my team.”That (retirement decision) must have been a really hard decision for her and so it is for us.”There have been a couple of conversations which I don’t want to share publicly because that’s between us and it’s hard for her at the same time.”Earps, who has 53 senior international caps, started in all six games during England’s run to becoming European Champions three years ago.Read More on The SunIn Australia in 2023, she played a significant role in England reaching the Women’s World Cup final for the first time in their history,Her performance in all seven games would see her win the tournament’s Golden Glove before later being voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year.Sarina Wiegman said she was ‘disappointed and sad’ to learn of Earps’ decisionCredit: Alamy More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Lauren Hemp insists England ‘have respect’ for Spain but will be ready for tough pre-Euros test against world champions

      by

      LAUREN HEMP reckons England are ready to go toe-to-toe with Spain after their six-goal Nations League pummelling of Portugal. Following her international comeback yesterday evening the fit-again forward admitted she missed playing in front of Lionesses fans.Lauren Hemp says England are feeling confident ahead of their clash with Spain on June 3Credit: AlamyHemp and her team-mates are second in their Nations League group behind Spain following their rivals’ 5-1 defeat of BelgiumCredit: GettyEngland’s clash with Spain in June will be their last competitive match ahead of the July 2 start of this year’s Women’s EurosCredit: GettyBefore her side’s pivotal pre-Euros duel with Spain the Lioness, 24, made a successful return to England action for the first time since last October. Their 6-0 humbling of Portugal involved four different players scoring for the reigning European champions. They include Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones who registered her first international hat-trickDefeat of their Nations League group A3 rivals would put England in the contest’s finals.Read More Football Stories It would also fire a warning to their foes’ at this year’s Euros, with World Cup winners Spain likely to be one of the biggest threats. Before their Tuesday duel in Barcelona, Hemp said: “The confidence (in the squad) is high. “We’ve got a lot of respect for Spain and we’ve had so many great games against them. “We’re going to make sure we’re ready and rested for that game and we’ll make sure we start that match as we did this one (against Portugal).”Most read in FootballHemp’s England shift at Wembley last night was her first in seven months and follows her recovery from a knee injury. Her last Lioness game before then was a 2-1 friendly defeat of South Africa last October.A match that was followed by Hemp undergoing a knee op a month later that would leave her sidelined until her Man City return in April.In front of a 48,531-strong crowd, it looked as if she had never been away as she, Beever-Jones and Beth Mead terrorised Portugal’s woeful defence. Hemp added: “It’s been a long journey and there have been times when I’ve thought, ‘when am I actually getting back on the pitch’ after having a few setbacks. “But it’s great to be back in an England shirt and doing what I love doing. Hopefully there is still more to come.””It’s been a long seven months but coming back felt great. “The fans are great and they’re always great and I’ve missed that as well with not being in the mix for a little while (due to injury).”Defeat of Spain would see England register their second victory over the World Cup winners in the Nations League this year. The last duel between the sides resulted in 1-0 win for Sarina Wiegman’s players at Wembley in February. On whether victory would serve as a warning to the Lionesses Euros’ rivals, Hemp said: “There’s still a little while to go. “It’s important that we still put in the performances leading up to the Euros. “But at the moment we feel we’re in a great place.”With Beever-Jones notching her first senior England hat-trick and Mead and Chloe Kelly scoring, Sarina Wiegman feels she has a Euros selection headache with her forwards. On June 5 the England boss, 55, will announce who has made it into her 23-player squad for the tournament that starts on July 2 in Switzerland.Wiegman has backed Lauren James to battle her way into contention with the Chelsea forward’s recovery from a hamstring injury progressing. She said: “We have so many options up front in the England squad right now. Sarina Wiegman believes deciding which England forwards to take to this year’s Euros will be a tough decision to makeCredit: Getty”What we also hope for is LJ (Lauren James) coming back too. She’s still in rehab and doing good. Read More on The Sun”I hope every striker will be fit including those who we have now in the squad with LJ added to that. “Then it’s going to be really hard for me to make decisions for the Euros squad.” More