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      Keira Walsh thought to be in Barcelona’s plans for next season despite Arsenal interest, according to reports

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      BARCELONA are thought to be keen on retaining Keira Walsh’s services amid reported interest from Arsenal.Walsh, 27, who helped the team win their third Champions League trophy in May, is thought to be a Gunners summer transfer target. Keira Walsh is reportedly attracting interest from ArsenalCredit: GettyThe England midfield star is due to enter the final year of her contract with BarcelonaCredit: AFPLast Friday, the Athletic reported the WSL side are interested in signing the midfielder who joined the Catalan club almost two years ago from Manchester City.Following her September 2022 move the England ace has gradually flourished in Barcelona’s midfield a longside Patri Guijarro and Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati.The player, who spent seven years at Man City, has helped the team win seven major trophies including two top-flight titles.Silverware triumphs for Walsh, who sealed a world transfer recording-breaking £400,000 Barca switch two years ago, include a quadruple during the side’s 2023-24 campaign.Read More Football StoriesLast season the Catalan giants won the Copa de la Reina and the Spanish Women’s Super Cup for the tenth and fourth time.These trophy wins occurred under former boss Jonatan Giraldez who left this month to become head coach of US side Washington Spirit. Since her move to Spain Walsh has started in 32 the team’s 49 top-flight games in the past two seasons.The England ace who, is set to help their Lionesses continue their push for an automatic place at next year’s Euros, has one year left on her current Barcelona contract.Most read in FootballIt is thought Spain’s top-flight champs are likely to after a hefty fee from the Gunners if they continue their chase for the midfielder.And the Athletic claims Arsenal’s interest in the player occurred before playmaker Victoria Pelova suffered a knee ligament injury whilst on international duty with the Netherlands.Spanish outlet Relovo reports discussions between Barcelona and Arsenal over the potential transfer of Walsh are at an advanced stage.However sports newspaper Mundo Deportivo claims sources have informed them the midfielder is part of Barca’s plans for next season.Mariona Caldentey has reportedly agreed to join Arsenal this summerCredit: EPAShould Arsenal succeed in signing Walsh it would see her become the second player from the Catalan side to join the club this summer.According to Sky Sports Mariona Caldentey has reached an agreement to join the Gunners when her Barcelona contract expires at the end of June.Barca’s women’s side are now under new management with Pere Romeu taking over as head coach following Giraldez’s departure. More

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      Arsenal ace Victoria Pelova set for ‘extended period’ out of action following ACL injury

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      ARSENAL have been dealt an injury blow with Victoria Pelova suffering a knee ligament tear on Netherlands duty.Earlier today the club confirmed the Dutch forward, 25, ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a Women’s Euros qualifier.A serious knee injury led to Victoria Pelova coming off in the 12th minute of the Netherlands’ Euros qualifier score draw with FinlandCredit: ReutersArsenal confirmed Pelova has ruptured her anterior cruciate ligamentCredit: GettyPelova went off injured early on in her country’s 1-1 draw with Finland last Tuesday.The Gunners’ playmaker was forced to withdraw in the 12th minute of the clash at Tammelan Stadium after “extending her knee”.Pelova’s ACL rupture has come at a time of Arsenal planning to boost their attacking ranks following the departure of her compatriot Vivianne Miedema.The Netherland’s forward, 27, who is the WSL’s current all-time top scorer, left the club last month ending her seven-year stint.Read More Football StoriesHowever the Gunners, who finished third season and won this year’s Conti Cup, are claimed to have sealed a move for Mariona Caldentey.Sky Sports reports the Spain forward, 28, and three-time Champions League-winning ex-Barcelona ace is expected to join Arsenal next month.Yesterday Gunners’ full-back Laura Wienroither, 25, signed a new contract with the club two months after her return from an ACL rupture.In the past two years the WSL giants have contended with a number of their stars being sidelined for months due to knee ligament damage.  Most read in FootballLeah Williamson, 27, Beth Mead, 29, and Miedema are among those to have returned to action last term after suffering ACL injuries the season before. Mariona Caldentey is expected to join Arsenal next month, according to reportsCredit: EPAPelova, who helped her side win the Conti Cup in March, will undergo surgery “in due course” according to an update on her club’s web site.The Netherlands attacker is set for an extended period on the sidelines. It means she will miss Arsenal Women’s first ever pre-season tour of the United States in August.  More

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      Bethany England and Beth Mead ‘disgusted’ by non-league club’s choice to axe women’s and girls’ teams

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      BETHANY ENGLAND and Beth Mead have slammed a non-league club’s move to scrap their women’s and girls’ football sides. The Yorkshire-born Lionesses and Aston Villa’s Maz Pacheco and Kirsty Hanson criticised Thornaby FC for pulling their support of all six teams.Thornaby FC Women say more than 100 players have been left without teams to play for following their club’s decision to close their women’s and girls teamsBethany says she is saddened by the decision taken by Thornaby FC following a club commitee voteCredit: AlamyBeth Mead says Thornaby FC Women players deserve to be treated betterCredit: GettyYesterday Thornaby FC Women revealed their club’s committee had voted on to axe its “entire female section” on Saturday. Teams include girls sides aged from under-seven up to under-15 with more than 100 girls and women said to have been left without a club to play for.In a comment published via the social media platform X, Thornaby FC Women stated they are “devastated” by the move.Of the North Yorkshire club’s decision, they wrote: “This leaves over 100 girls without a club. Read More Football Stories “We would like to thank all of our coaches, volunteers, players, supporters and sponsors for their dedication over the last 3 years. You are all amazing.”  The move made by the committee has come in for criticism from players, fans and followers of the women’s game who publicly shared their concerns.England, who began her football journey at Barnsley-based grassroots side Junior Tykes FC, stated she was “saddened and disgusted”.In a tweet, the Lioness striker and Tottenham skipper, 30, added: “The fight for women to keep their place at the table is a never ending battle.Most read in Football”This should not be happening, these women and girls deserve better! “My thoughts go out to everyone involved at the club, players, staff and volunteers.”England’s national team-mate Mead, 29, who was born and brought up in North Yorkshire, said she was disgusted by Thornaby FC’s moveIn a post via X, the Arsenal ace and 57-capped Lioness wrote: “Disgusted to see this decision, the women’s game is on the up but we still have committees making these horrible decisions.”It’s not good enough, these young girls deserve better.”Villa forward Hanson, 26, who was born in Halifax, said she is “gutted” for the girls involved with Thornaby FC Women, who can no longer play for their teams.Her Villans team-mate Pacheco, 25, described the club’s committee’s decision as one that had “blown her mind”Thornaby FC first-team manager Abbey Lyle told BBC Sport there had been “had been an outpouring of support for the women and girls following the announcement, with sponsorship and new clubs offered”.In a statement club chairman Garry Morris revealed he voted against the committee’s decision and made his views known to its other membersIn a statement published via the club’s Facebook page, Mr Morris wrote: “The decision to withdraw support for the women’s team is one that I do not agree with. “And along with another member of the committee, voted against it at an emergency meeting.”I have made my feelings known to the board, have asked them to reconsider their decision, and also to consider their positions on the board as patrons and trustees of the football club.Kirsty Hanson believes Thornaby FC’s decision shows that women’s sport and football is “not seen as a priority for some”Credit: Getty”We are empowered by the fans of the club to make the right decisions for the future of the club.READ MORE SUN STORIES”All those who show their unwavering support to both the male and female teams of all age groups deserve better.”I firmly believe this decision does not do that, and will be making this clear to the remaining members of the board.” More

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      Spurs release seven players from their WSL side including their former skipper Shelina Zadorsky

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      TOTTENHAM could be set for a busy summer transfer window after the departure of seven players from their WSL side today.Shelina Zadorsky, 31, is among those leaving the club before her national side Canada compete at the Paris games in July.Shelina Zadorsky is among seven players leaving Tottenham’s Women’s Super League side this monthCredit: GettyZadorsky’s departure comes two days on from her making her 100th senior international appearance for CanadaCredit: AlamyMidfielder Ramona Petzelberger is also leaving Tottenham this monthCredit: GettyThe Olympic gold medal-winning centre-back’s exit comes two days after her player-of-the-match performance in Canada’s 1-1 draw with Mexico.The fixture was the team’s final friendly home game before the July start of the Paris Olympics.Zadorsky’s departure, after three years and 73 appearances at Spurs, follows her spending the second half of last season on loan at West Ham who finished one place above the drop zone.Other players leaving include Nottinghamshire-born forward Ellie Brazil.Read More Football StoriesThe former Brighton player, 25, who ruptured a knee ligament two months into her Tottenham spell, made nine appearances across two seasons after joining from Albion in July 2022.New Zealand midfielder Ria Percival and Ramona Petzelberger are also among the senior squad members leaving Robert Vilahamn’s team.Percival, who spent the second part of last term on loan at Crystal Palace, spent five years with Tottenham prior to her departure making 70 appearances.Asmita Ale has left Tottenham following a half-season loan spell at Leicester this yearCredit: GettyAnd Petzelberger, who joined from Spurs from Aston Villa in the summer of 2022, played in 17 games during her two years at the club.Most read in FootballOther players who will Tottenham this summer are forward Nikola Karczewska, defender Gracie Pearse and full-back Asmita Ale.Ale, 22, whose exit follows a half-season loan stint at Leicester, was part of the young Lionesses squad who went unbeaten in the European Under-23s League. More

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      England star Jill Scott pays herself £350,000 on the back of Euros and I’m A Celeb success

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      ENGLAND footie hero Jill Scott has paid herself a £350,000 dividend on the back of her Euros and I’m A Celeb success.The hugely popular former Lioness, 37, has enjoyed a bumper financial period, latest accounts show.Former Lionesses ace Jill Scott has paid herself a £350,000 dividend on the back of her Euros and I’m A Celeb successCredit: RexJill helped England triumph at Euro 2022 before retiring.She was crowned jungle queen on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity a few months later.As her earnings rocketed, she treated herself to a six- figure payout in two chunks — her first worth £50,000 before a larger sum of £300,000.Equity in her company — Jill Scott 8 Limited — shot up from £5,213 to £477,479 for the year ending May 31, 2023.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSunderland-born Jill, who won 161 caps for England, is set for further bumper pay days as a football pundit and captain on Sky’s A League of Their Own.She also features on the Stick To Football podcast with Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Ian Wright.And Jill runs a ­successful coffee shop Boxx2Boxx in Manchester, with her ­fiancée Shelly Unitt.In a stellar 18-year career with Everton and Manchester City, she won four FA Cups, four league cups and a WSL title before being inducted into the WSL Hall of Fame.Most read in FootballLast year Jill opened up on her passion for coaching and hailed Pep Guardiola’s emotional intelligence.In April 2023, the retired City and Lionesses ace was set to coach girls and boys coming up through the ranks at Manchester City. Jill Scott stunned as Gary Neville aims brutal dig at old pal Rio Ferdinand More

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      France 1 England 2: Alessia Russo goal seals vital win as Lionesses keep automatic Euros spot hopes alive

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      ALESSIA RUSSO reckons the battle to reach the Euros will be harder than ever after England’s first win against France on French soil in 51 years.The striker netted the winner as the Lionesses came away with a 2-1 Euros qualifier victory on Tuesday evening. Alessia Russo caused problems for France’s defence with her first-half header giving England a 2-0 leadCredit: GettyThe Lionesses weathered late pressure from France but held out to seal an important 2-1 victory in their fourth group stage Euros qualifier gameCredit: GettyGeorgia Stanway gave the visitors a 1-0 lead early on with the Lionesses dominating the first half at the Geoffroy Guichard Stadium in Saint-EtienneCredit: GettyDespite their foes’ late fightback the visitors held out to claim an official triumph over Les Bleues on their turf for the first time in 1973.The group stage game in Saint-Etienne resulted in France losing a tournament qualifier fixture for the first time in 17 years.  It also saw Sarina Wiegman’s side boost their chance of reaching next year’s Euros automatically with her third-placed side level on points with Sweden who are second.Only the sides who finish in their group’s top two spots can claim a place in next year’s contest in Switzerland without having to compete in play-offs.Read More Football StoriesFollowing the win, Russo told ITV Sport: “I think we got our standards back to where we wanted them.”There are still parts we will work on for sure. “We know the level is higher than ever and to even qualify for the Euros is going to be harder than ever.”Russo’s first-half goal, her 19th in a senior England game, topped off a storming start for the reigning Euros champs as they ran their hosts ragged early on.Most read in FootballAlong with Beth Mead and Lauren Hemp, with Ella Toone and Georgia Stanway starting well in midfield, Russo helped the Lionesses dominate for the first 45 minutes.When asked if this was her best England performance, the striker added: “I’ll have a look back after.Uefa chief slammed for warning England Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman her trophy is ‘heavy’-“When you’re in the moment you are so focused on the game. I just tried to do what I could.”France are a top side with some of the best centre-backs in the world. “It was nice to get on the scoresheet but we created a lot of better.”England’s gritty performance saw Wiegman rewarded for her decision to stick with the finishing line-up that lost 2-1 to France at St James’s Park last Friday.After Sweden clinched a 1-0 away win against the Republic of Ireland earlier this evening, without injured shot stopper Mary Earps, had it all to do.But after an early Toone effort on her 50th England appearance was easily claimed by France goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, the visitors took control of the first half.Stanway fired them in front with a bullet strike from the edge of the box in the 21st minute after a nifty interchange involving Russo and Lauren Hemp.And Russo piled on the pressure with the hosts left stunned as she headed home for a 2-0 34th-minute lead.France boss Herve Renard made some second-half changes with Delphine Cascarino and Sandie Toletti replacing Amandine Henry and Sakina Karchoui.Late pressure saw them win a spot-kick after Leah Williamson caught Grace Geyoro’s ankle in the penalty.Kadidiatou Diani pulled a goal back for France from the penalty spot late on in the gameCredit: GettyToone and Lucy Bronze were booked seconds later for dissent before Kadidiatou Diani netted in the 72nd minute on her 100th France appearance.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut England held on to claim the win and stay level on points with second-placed Sweden. Wiegman’s side will face the Swedes and the Republic of Ireland in their final two Euros qualifier duels in July. More

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      Football in England BANNED for four weeks as little-known rules take effect ahead of Euro 2024

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      A LITTLE-KNOW FA rule has seen football in England BANNED ahead of Euro 2024.The England national team is gearing up for its European Championship campaign in Germany as it looks to go one better than runners-up at Euro 2020.Football games in England are not permitted between June 1 and June 30Credit: GettyFA rules only allow for only a few exceptions including national representative matchesCredit: GettyThat has seen two friendlies – one a 3-0 win against Bosnia & Herzegovina and a second against Iceland – booked before the tournament proper begins on June 14.However, fans wanting to play football of their own will not be able to do so until after June 30, at least in an 11-a-side capacity.This is thanks to an FA rule which stops all competitive 11-a-side matches during the “Close Season” – including grassroots and youth level.Under the rules, no affiliated teams or referees are allowed to participate in games unless they are expressly given permission to do so.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe rules state: “The Close Season shall be defined as the period between June 1 and June 30 inclusive each year…”No matches other than those permitted and played in accordance with paragraph (c) of these rules may be played in the Close Season.”FA “Close SeasonThe close season is between June 1 and June 30 each calendar year.
      11 v 11 games cannot be played in June.
      The following may be played in the Close Season:- Small Sided formats (3 v 3, 4v 4, 5v 5, 6 v 6, 7 v 7, 8 v 8, 9v 9) can be played in June – This includes festivals and single matches
      – Those  matches organised in connection with works’ clubs sports days on private grounds and at fetes and similar sports functions
      – Matches between Army, Navy and Royal Air Force teams and teams of the Auxiliary Forces in Competitions whilst in camp 
      – Matches involving members of scouts, guides and similar organisations in Competitions whilst in camp
      – Matches for national representative teams or clubs played under the auspices of FIFA or UEFA; 
      – Matches between Clubs in the Premier League, the EFL, FAWSL and FAWC for the following season 
      – Single day, weekend and bank holiday competitions and festivals meeting the criteria and receiving sanction; and B8.3.8 Pilot projects granted dispensation by The Association or sanctioning Affiliated Association
      With the exception of charity matches, all competing teams must be affiliated.

      They add that only 9v9 and below matches are allowed in June, including festival and single matches. Among the other allowances to play 11v11 are fixtures organised privately as a clubs sports day, matches played between the Army, Navy, RAF and Auxiliary Forces whilst in camp and for charity events.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThat means Soccer Aid is obviously not under threat.Matches for national representative teams under Fifa or Uefa are permitted too, hence why the Three Lions and Lionesses are able to play international matches this month.Joe Cole and Rio Ferdinand pick their England starting 11 for opening game of EurosGareth Southgate’s squad have their final warm-up match this Friday, before kicking off the tournament on June 16th against Serbia.In that time, Southgate will need to cut his provisional 33-player team down to 26. The likes of Eberechi Eze and Cole Palmer laid down their credentials for a spot on the plane in the 3-0 win in last night’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. More

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      Who is Karen Carney and what position will the England pundit and former Lioness play in Soccer Aid 2024?

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      FORMER Lioness Karen Carney is putting her football boots back on to take part in a huge charity match.Find out more about her career ahead of her taking part in Soccer Aid 2024 alongside a host of former pro-footballers and celebs.Karen Carney is a former England footballer – Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty ImagesWho is Karen Carney? Karen was born August 1st, 1987, to parents Michael and Marie in Solihull, England.She is a sports journalist and former professional footballer.As a child she was often out playing with her friends, leading to her interest in sports.Karen can remember playing football at the age of six but it wasn’t until she was 11 that her Mum saw her play for the first time.Read More on soccer aidBy the time she was 14, she was playing football full time.At the age of 16, she decided to move in order to focus on football. She was named in the 2017 New Year Honours List and received the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to football.She was later inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame in 2021.Most read in FootballIn the autumn of 2022, Karen was announced as the Chair of the Future of Women’s Football Review for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.Her role includes looking into ways that the UK Government can nurture and expand the game.Amazon pundit Karen Carney claims Leeds were only promoted because of Covid When did Karen Carney retire from women’s football?Karen is one of England’s most capped players of all time and achieved success playing for three different clubs.She retired in 2019 after England finished fourth during the Women’s World Cup. Over her career, Karen has earned 144 caps for England and scored 32 times.Karen Carney celebrates scoring the winning goal against Finland during the Women’s UEFA European Championship 2005 – Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty ImagesShe debuted at senior level when she was 14.In 2005, she won the FA’s Young Player of the Year Award a year before she turned 18.In 2005, she made her senior debut for England at 17 when they played against Italy.Only four months later, she secured victory for England against Finland during the opening game for the European Championships.In 2006, Karen was signed to Arsenal.She enjoyed success at Arsenal but later transferred to the Chicago Red Stars before she returned to Birmingham City in 2011.At Wembley that season, Carney put in a “woman of the match” performance against Chelsea that saw her score the winning spot-kick to secure Birmingham’s first FA Women’s Cup triumph.She also represented Team GB at the London 2012 Olympic Games.Karen transferred to Chelsea in 2015 after topping the league’s scoring charts in 2014.She also won more honours with Chelsea including a Spring Series, league title and FA Cup.After retiring, Karen pursued a career in broadcasting.She worked with the BBC and BT, covering all football for their platforms.What position will Karen Carney play in Soccer Aid 2024?Karen Carney will be joining a host of famous names taking part in Soccer Aid 2024.So excited for this one! 🙌 Soccer Aid for UNICEF is back at Stamford Bridge and so am I! 💪 It’s on Sunday 9 June – get your tickets today! 🎟Karen Carneyon InstagramShe’ll be joining the England side, hoping to turn around the side’s fortunes after a disappointing run of results.The World XI side has won the last five years.Soccer Aid line-up 2024Fans can’t wait for soccer aid to kick off on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
      Throughout her professional football career, Karen played as a winger and a midfielder.She’s expected to return to the midfield for the 2024 charity clash.How to watch Soccer Aid 2024Hosts Dermot O’Leary and Alex Scott will be introducing the 2024 match live on ITV1, ITVX and STV.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt takes place on Sunday, June 9th 2024.The build-up to the game starts at 6pm, with the kick-off expected at 7.30pm. More