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    Aston Villa Women forced to wear ‘wet-look’ Castore kit for WSL opener vs Man Utd despite major backlash

    ASTON VILLA WOMEN wore the club’s sweat-heavy kit in their Women’s Super League opener.The WSL is back underway today with the Midlands-based side kicking things off against Manchester United.
    Villa players wore the sweat-filled shirt despite complaintsCredit: Getty
    Alisha Lehmann started for VillaCredit: Reuters
    Sarah Mayling was in actionCredit: Reuters
    Villa players have been forced to wear the wet-look kit despite huge backlash with no short-term solution found.
    Both the men’s and women’s teams have complained about the Castore shirt and say it impacts their performances.
    The kit appears to retain sweat and become heavy for players.
    The men’s side wore it as they beat Brighton 6-1 yesterday.
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    It was thought a solution might be found prior to the women’s match today, but it wasn’t.
    Speaking ahead of kick-off, Aston Villa Women’s boss Carla Ward said: “It’s up to the football club’s legal team and Castore to discuss that and deal with that.
    “It’s something I’ve tried to completely ignore as difficult as that is.
    “The football club are in full control of that. They’ve been excellent with us, myself and the players around it.”
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    The kit manufacturers responded to the controversy by stating they intend to “address this issue as quickly as possible to meet the standards we expect”.
    A Castore spokesperson said: “There has been some media speculation about a potential issue in the football kit supplied by Castore to Aston Villa Football Club.
    “We are working closely in collaboration with the club to address this issue as quickly as possible to meet the standards we expect. We would like to thank the club for their patience and support to date.
    “As a proud new British brand, we always hold ourselves to the highest of standards and strive to do everything we can to constantly improve the performance of our products. This means addressing any customer concerns with promptness and humility.”
    There has been reports that Villa could terminate their deal with Castore.
    Broadcaster Jacqui Oatley led criticism of the situation, saying she had hoped a solution would have been found before the WSL began and it’s not something the players should have to worry about.
    England ace Rachel Daly was among those having to wear the kitCredit: Reuters
    Lehmann covered up after the matchCredit: Reuters More

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    Beth Mead ‘chomping at the bit’ to return to action for Arsenal in fitness boost ahead of Liverpool clash

    BETH MEAD is eager to make her long-awaited return to match action after a serious knee injury. Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall revealed the Gunners star could get a run-out when the team play Liverpool today with a 50,000-strong crowd expected at the Emirates.
    Beth Mead and Arsenal summer signing Laia Codina could both be in line to make appearances at the Emirates laterCredit: Getty
    Mead has returned to fitness after being sidelined by an ACL injury she sustained last NovemberCredit: Getty
    Mead  ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament during Arsenal’s 3-2 loss to Manchester United at the stadium in November. 
    The injury saw the WSL star, 28, sidelined for much of this year including missing this year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand
    However the Gunners ace’s return to the pitch looks imminent. 
    Speaking to the club’s web site, she said: “I am chomping at the bit to get on that pitch!

    “I’ve worked hard to get to this point, so I can’t wait for the season to get going.
    “I can’t wait to put that shirt back on and hopefully help Arsenal to an amazing season. 
    “It’s one step at a time with this injury. You get integrated into little different sections of training and now I’m back in completely. 
    “I’m like a kid at Christmas running around and playing again. 
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    “Ultimately getting fit and getting myself in the best shape and sharpness possible is my main aim.”
    Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool comes two days after the Reds officially opened their new training facility at Melwood. 
    Reds defender Gemma Bonner told the club’s website: “Melwood has such an amazing history.
    “I’ve been at the club from quite early on in my first spell and to see the changes and to be finally able to call Melwood home, I still can’t believe I’m saying it because it’s been a long time coming.
    Natasha Flint and her Liverpool team-mates will take on Arsenal at the Emirates this afternoonCredit: Getty
    “We have been wanting a top-class facility for so long and we’ve finally got it. 
    “I think the game has grown so much and for us as a team we want to be successful – it’s part of the Liverpool DNA. 
    “That is winning games, winning trophies and being successful.”
    Arsenal vs Liverpool in the WSL will kick off at 2:00pm and will be broadcast live on FA Player More

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    Manchester United boss Skinner flags fatigue concerns for WSL players amid ‘shovelled in’ international fixtures

    MARC SKINNER fears weary WSL aces could be playing walking football later due to international window fatigueAnd Aston Villa’s clingy shirt issues are set to rumble on with the club expecting a long-term solution from kitmakers Castore rather than an immediate one. 
    Marc Skinner says some players have been left fatigued following busy international match schedulesCredit: Getty
    Skinner’s United aces will take on Aston Villa this afternoon in the first game of the new WSL seasonCredit: Getty
    Alisha Lehmann and Rachel Daly are among the Villa players who were involved in Women’s Nations League fixtures earlier this weekCredit: Getty
    Manchester United chief Skinner will oversee his side in action against the Villans at Villa Park in the first of six WSL curtain-raising fixtures happening today.
    Their game comes just five days after scores of players were away on international duty in the Women’s Nations League. 
    These include four of United’s Lioness stars and six England, Scotland and Holland aces from Villa who took part in games in the contest last Friday and on Tuesday. 
    Fixtures in the contest, which determines which teams will qualify for next year’s Olympics, includes the Lionesses’ 2-1 loss to Holland five days ago. 
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    Skinner said: “You have players who have just come off a World Cup and coming into an important game where there were two qualifying games with difficult opponents. 
    “Yet, we (England) were not at the races and that’s because the girls have to mentally reset as well as physically reset. 
    “I just hope it doesn’t lag into the (start of this) season. 
    “We all want this energetic start, however I might predict in the future and I might get this wrong, but I’d imagine every game this opening weekend will end with walking football at the end.
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    “By the last 20 minutes there will probably be walking football because there will be people that are fatigued. 
    “From my perspective, it’s a crazy way to just shovel (Women’s Nations League) games in.
    “I get the format and I get the intent, but I’m not even sure the international managers were happy with it.
    “Some might have been (whose teams) didn’t compete in the World Cup, but others won’t be. 
    “So from my perspective, I think it’s a strange window and will definitely lead to a lack of cohesion for a lot of teams going into all of their markets, not just England.”
    Villa’s clash with United comes in a week in which their WSL aces flagged concerns about wet look shirts manufactured by sportswear firm Castore. 
    Players have flagged that the fabric retained too much sweat during matches.  
    It’s understood the club, who shared players’ concerns with Castore, are not expecting an immediate solution to the shirt issues
    And Ward explained that the ball is now in the court of the sportswear firm and Villa officials
    Carla Ward says Villa officials have been in constant communication with players in regard to sweat-clogged shirt issuesCredit: Getty
    The Villa Women’s boss said: “As far I’m concerned it’s over to the club and Castore.
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    “My focus has to be this weekend and making sure the players are focused. 
    “One thing I will say is the club have been absolutely superb in these last few days with constant communication of how we can help the players.” More

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    I used to be an Uber driver… now I play for Arsenal and starred at World Cup

    ARSENAL winger Caitlin Foord is about to enter her fourth Women’s Super League campaign.But before making it as a full-time professional footballer, she worked part-time as an Uber driver in Wollongong, Australia.
    Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord briefly worked part-time as an Uber driverCredit: Getty
    The winger now stars in the top tier of English football and for the Australia national teamCredit: Getty
    Foord, 28, who had just signed for Sydney FC at the time, initially worked as a physio’s aide.
    However, after picking up an injury during the 2017-18 W-League campaign she decided that a change was needed.
    Foord said: “I did it to keep myself busy at my physio I go to, just helping out. Just to see what it was like.
    “When I was injured, I was bored and I got sick of having the same conversations with people, so I signed up as an Uber driver and drove people around Wollongong.
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    “It lasted 48 hours. I worked a Friday and Saturday night. One person recognised me, a friend of a friend. She said ‘uhh Caitlin what are you doing?'”
    Although her spell as an Uber driver was short-lived, Foord admitted she could see the attraction to driving full-time.
    She added: “It was addictive. There are noises and lights and then when you get someone, you get to meet them.
    “But at the end of I was like, is this really worth it?”
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    The minimum W-League wage was as little as £5,270 back in 2017, according to reports.
    So many footballers had to get second jobs as a result.
    Foord now plays for Arsenal in England’s top tier, the WSL.
    She joined the Gunners from Portland Thorns FC in 2020 and has since been a key member of the first team squad.
    The winger helped Jonas Eidevall’s side to Continental Cup glory last season, starting as Arsenal defeated Chelsea 3-1 in the final.
    Foord also represents the Australia women’s national team and featured at the 2023 Women’s World Cup this summer. More

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    ‘Me and Ange try to do the same stuff with how we play’, says Tottenham Women’s boss Robert Vilahamn

    ROBERT VILAHAMN believes he and Ange Postecoglu have much more in common besides both being in charge of Tottenham teams. The Spurs women’s boss, 40, sees himself and the Australian as being brave about getting their teams to play good football. 
    Robert Vilahamn guided his former side BK Hacken to two Swedish Cup finals prior to be appointed as head coach of Tottenham’s women’s teamCredit: Rex
    The Sweden-born head coach will take of Tottenham for the first time in a WSL game when they play Chelsea on SundayCredit: Getty
    The North London side are keen to achieve a mid-table finish after ending last season in tenth spotCredit: Getty
    Tottenham are yet to beat Chelsea in the WSL with the Blues having won their previous seven WSL duelsCredit: AFP
    Vilahamn’s Australian counterpart has brought the feelgood factor to the club. 
    Postecoglu’s Premier League aces are currently fourth and unbeaten after two draws and four wins.
    And the team’s free-flowing attacking football has left Spurs fans drooling after the turbulent end to Antonio Conte’s two-year reign. 
    Vilhahamn, who was appointed in July after two years at the helm of Swedish side BK Hacken, hopes to cultivate more flair in his side’s style of play
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    His aces will face a stern WSL season-opening test from a team renowned for winning games in style.
    They play title-holders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday with the Blues having won all seven of their previous league clashes . 
    Vilahamn said: “Tottenham want to play a style with the men’s team and the women’s team, academy. 
    “I think me and Ange try to do the same stuff with how to play. 
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    “Not the same formation all the time but trying to be brave enough to play good, offensive football and in the long run, win games. 
    “The men’s team is already winning games. Hopefully we can have a good start, make some good results. 
    “But I also need to have respect against the top teams in the league so in the beginning it might be a mixture of the game model, and how to actually try to win against Chelsea. 
    “But in the long run you’re going to see a Tottenham that dictates games, presses high and wants to lean forward and try to score a lot of goals.
    “We shouldn’t expect Tottenham to win the league this year, but we need to make sure we show the supporters, the board members and everyone that we play better football.”
    Last year Tottenham entered the 2022-23 campaign with the hope of building on their fifth-place finish the season before. 
    While striker Rachel Williams departed for Manchester United, experienced talents including Ellie Brazil and ex-Blues star Drew Spence joined the side last summer
    However they suffered some fitness blows last with Brazil sidelined by an ACL rupture last October and midfielder Ria Percival and forward Kit Graham out with knee injuries. 
    And they found themselves dragged into a relegation battle which they survived but one that led to the club parting company with former gaffer Rehanne Skinner. 
    For Vilahamn the aim this term is a top-six finish for the team who were seen as dark horses for a top four finish two seasons ago
    He adds: “They (the club) don’t want to push me to win the league the first year. 
    “They want to push me to make sure we have this identity and of course they want to be better than last year and hopefully be in the top six of the table. 
    “But the most important thing is to show you guys we play Tottenham football.”
    Spurs’ WSL survival was partly fuelled by the club making the bold move of signing Lionesses star Bethany England from Chelsea for a £250,000 fee in January .  
    The league’s most expensive British player repaid their faith by netting 12 goals in 12  top-flight appearances, helping them avoid relegation by finishing tenth. 
    This summer saw England given the captain’s armband before the start of the new season. 
    However her team will be without her services with the striker currently recovering from hip surgery. 
    Tottenham are set to face Chelsea without the services of Bethany England with the Spurs skipper currently injuredCredit: PA
    Vilahamn added: “When you lose that kind of real superstar as a player you need to find something else – you cannot find a new Beth England. 
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    “We are in a good position but it’s how strong we should be on 1 October against Chelsea .
    “I hope we can make results quickly and if not, I hope we can see the longer perspective as well.” More

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    Arsenal vs Liverpool: Gunners look to make perfect start in epic WSL opener – stream FREE, TV channel, team news

    FOOTBALL fans across the world are thrilled to see the WSL finally return – and Arsenal host Liverpool on a frantic first day.The Gunners will be determined to put a stop to Chelsea’s incredible run after seeing the Blues lift the title for a third consecutive year last season.
    Arsenal won the FA WSL CupCredit: Getty
    It also meant that it has been four years since the most decorated women’s team in English secured league success.
    However, Arsenal put a slight blip in Chelsea’s 2022/23 season by coming from behind to win the FA WSL Cup.
    And they’ll be hoping for the same result against a Liverpool side who they have beaten 13 times in a row.
    When is Arsenal vs Liverpool?

    Arsenal’s opening WSL encounter against Liverpool will take place on Sunday, October 1.
    It is scheduled to get underway at 2pm BST.
    Emirates Stadium is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host approximately 60,000 roaring fans.
    Goals from Stina Blackstenius and Caitlin Foord saw the Gunners beat Liverpool 2-0 when the sides last met in March.

    Read more on Arsenal
    What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

    Arsenal vs Liverpool will be broadcast LIVE on The FA Player.
    Fans can stream the action via The FA Player app or the official website.
    Alternatively, follow SunSport’s live blog for the entire game including pre-match and post-match reaction.

    Can I watch it for FREE?
    Yes!
    The FA Player is a free service.
    What is the team news?
    Jonas Eidevall will be forced to start the season without Laura Wienroither, Leah Williamson and Henry Timi Davies who are all nursing ACL injuries.
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    Lotte Wubben-Moy (muscular) and Mika Biereth (knee) are also expected to miss the opener against Liverpool.
    And the Gunners boss has recently been hit with more bad news that Teyah Goldie is out for the entire season with an ACL issue.
    However, Dutch superstar Vivianne Miedema is in line for her first start since December 15, 2022.
    Vivianne Miedema is back in training for the GunnersCredit: Getty
    Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Matt Beard has revealed that captain Niamh Farley (calf) and Mia Enderby (shoulder) will both undergo scans ahead of this epic match.
    The Reds gaffer also confirmed that they are awaiting fitness updates for forwards Leanne Kierman, Shanice van de Sanden and Melissa Lawley. More

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    Bright criticises VAR absence in Women’s Nations League following England’s loss to the Netherlands

    MILLIE BRIGHT slammed the absence of VAR absence in the Women’s Nations League after England’s 2-1 loss to the Netherlands following a goal that looked offside. Renate Jansen’s shot saw Sarina Wiegman endure a tough welcome home with the sub’s late strike ruining the visitors’ hopes of a draw. 
    Millie Bright called out the lack of consistency in the use of VAR in women’s international tournament fixturesCredit: Getty
    Lieke Martens gave the hosts a 34th-minute lead despite Danielle van de Donk appearing to be offsideCredit: Getty
    Renate Jansen clinched the win in stoppage time for the Netherlands during their Women’s Nations League duel with EnglandCredit: Getty
    The result saw them move up to second behind Belgium in their Women’s Nations League group with England dropping to thirdCredit: Getty
    But the Netherlands’ first-half opener on Tuesday night left their former head coach fuming.
    Officials failed to spot Danielle van de Donk in what looked an offside position in the build-up to the goal. 
    And there was no video assistant referee (VAR) to aid them during the clash at Stadion Galgenwaard. 
    Defeat in Utrecht for the World Cup finalists put a dent in their bid to seal Team GB qualification for next year’s Olympics

    It also saw them register their third loss this year and their third in 41 games under Wiegman. 
    England skipper Bright said: “It is always frustrating [to not have VAR]. 
    “I think we push the level of the game to be so high and professional, yet we sometimes have VAR, sometimes don’t, sometimes have goal-line technology. There is no consistency. 
    “But, by no means is that an excuse. We put ourselves in that position – not clearing the ball, not getting out of pressure. 
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    “But these are the differences in games as well and it is really unfortunate that these are still huge decisions that are incorrect. 
    “But that’s where we as players have to keep speaking about it, we have to step up, we have to demand better and demand more. 
    “This is international football and we do not have VAR in a competitive international game, which is mind-blowing.”
    The Netherlands’ controversial opener came in the 34th minute with England coming under pressure from the hosts pressing high up the pitch. 
    Bright found herself having to clear a hopeful long ball forward to Lineth Beerensteyn early in the game. 
    And the England captain blocked a shot from Victoria Pelova who was among her side’s most threatening players on the counter. 
    Bright added: “We put ourselves in that position in the first couple of phases where we aren’t clearing the ball, it ricochets off and she (Van de Donk) is clearly offside.
    “But I never want to make excuses in the game. 
    “For both goals we put ourselves in positions to give them the opportunity to put the ball in the back of the net. 
    “So for us it is being a little bit tidier and also being better in the final third. 
    “No excuses off the back of a heavy summer. 
    “Unfortunately that is the schedule we are in and we have to keep moving forward, but we have to find ways to win.”
    Martens gave the hosts a 34th minute-lead after England weathered pressure in the first half hour. 
    Her goal came after Jackie Groenen charged down Georgia Stanway’s attempt to clear with the ball ricocheting off Van de Donk who appeared offside before a shot was slammed home. 
    When asked about officials failing to chalk off Marten’s strike given Van de Donk’s positioning, Wiegman said: “I’m very frustrated that the goal was [given] onside. 
    “First of all I thought our build wasn’t necessary to do it that way but it was so obvious it was offside. 
    “I think the whole stadium thought it was offside so I’m really disappointed about that.
    “When you talk about VAR, of course it would have taken away that goal. 
    “We need consistency in VAR. Either you have VAR or you don’t have VAR.
    “Not have it in one game and then in another game you don’t have VAR.”
    The clash between England and their Dutch opponents was the first time Wiegman had overseen the Lionesses in a match against her compatriots in her homeland.
    The last encounter between two teams Wiegman led to Euros glory  saw her current side thrash her former one 5-1 in a friendly last June. 
    This time round the Netherlands took the fight to England with Martens giving them a first half lead. 
    And the visitors looked to hit back with Lauren Hemp and Lucy Bronze prompting two stunning saves from Daphne van Domselaar with the Aston Villa summer signing shining in goal. 
    This was shortly before Lineth Beerensteyn hit the woodwork close to half time after jetting into the box with Jess Carter hot on her heels. 
    The second spell saw England battle their way back with a Hemp effort cleared off the line before Alessia Russo nabbed a leveller with 26 minutes of normal time remaining.
    But Jansen dealt a blow to Lionesses’ hopes of grabbing a draw pouncing
    The super sub, who came on close to the final whistle, pounced on a misplaced pass from Alex Greenwood to net a stoppage time winner. 
    The loss for the Lionesses saw them drop to third behind the Netherlands in group A1 with Scotland clinching a  1-1 draw with leaders Belgium. 
    England will hope to return to winning ways when they face Belgium home and away in their next two Women’s Nations League fixtures in October. 
    Last night’s result brought an end to a busy period of international fixtures for England the with team returning to action next month.
    The Lionesses have played ten games in three months with little time for a break over the summer due to the World Cup and warm-up games prior to the tournament.
    And Wiegman expressed concern over players being left fatigued due to a busy international fixture schedule. 
    She added: “What we said before on the schedule was that it was very overloaded.
    Sarina Wiegman says the women’s game’s international schedules need to be looked at so players can have more rest timeCredit: PA
    “What all the coaches say here in Europe is that we have to look at that schedule. 
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    “The players need to have some rest, they are not robots.
    “There’s a little lack of rhythm but I don’t think that was the problem of why we didn’t win today but it’s an issue that’s ongoing.” More

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    Netherlands 2-1 England LIVE RESULT – Women’s Nations League: Dutch super-sub Jansen wins it late on against Lionesses

    NETHERLANDS scored late on against England to hand the Dutch all three points in Group A1.The Lionesses fell behind in the first half after Lieke Martens’ stunning curler beat Mary Earps to make it 1-0.
    Alessia Russo equalised in the 64th minute after slotting the ball into the top-right corner to draw England back level.
    But Renate Jansen’s late winner gave Sarina Wiegman’s former side the spoils on the night.

    Match result: Netherlands 2-1 England
    Netherlands team: Van Domselaar, Dijkstra, Roord, Beerensteyn, Spitse, Van de Donk, Martens, Groenen, Pelova, Janssen, Brugts
    England team: Earps, Bronze, Carter, Zelem, Greenwood, Bright, Daly, Stanway, Russo, Toone, Hemp

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    Follow our live blog below…
    That’s all from Stadion Galgenwaard
    The Lionesses suffered their third defeat under Sarina Wiegman at the hands of her former team, Netherlands.
    However, there is still a long way to go in the Nations League, with four group fixtures still remaining.
    England are back in action next month when they face Belgium twice.
    But before then, players return to league action to kick off the 2022-23 season.
    Thank you for reading, and goodnight!
    ‘It was offside’
    When they scored their first goal, we didn’t do well, we didn’t play well, but it was so obviously offside.
    I never say anything about this, but this was so obvious and it needs to be seen.
    The standards of the game are getting higher and higher so (VAR) will absolutely help.”Sarina Wiegmanspeaking to ITV Sport
    Elsewhere in the Nations League

    Italy 0-1 Sweden
    Germany 4-0 Iceland
    Austria 0-1 France
    Portugal 3-2 Norway
    Wales 1-5 Denmark
    Scotland 1-1 Belgium
    Spain 5-0 Switzerland

    ‘You want to see new players’
    England legend Ian Wright believes Sarina Wiegman should give other players a chance in the upcoming Nations League games.
    Speaking on ITV4, he said: “Yes it is a scenario where England are trying to qualify Team GB for the Olympics, but these are the situations you want to see new players be given their chance.
    “The likes of Esme Morgan at centre half, Maya le Tissier, or perhaps Jess Park. Even Ebony Salmon, can some of these players come on and give the side something else?
    “You want players to be able to come into the squad and experience situations like the first half, where it wasn’t going so well, to see if they have it in them to also work out how to solve issues.”
    Group A1
    As things stand, England have slipped to third in Group A1.
    A disappointing night for the Lionesses.

    Millie Bright reacts
    Speaking to ITV4, the England defender said: “It’s hard because there were some really good parts of the game where we really dominated. I thought they were ruthless when they had their opportunities and to be honest we gifted them two goals.
    “When you concede in that manner, that’s the most disappointing thing especially when games like this really matter.
    “There is still a lot to play for. We have to rest, recover, go again and reflect because the games get harder and harder. We have to get better as a team, evolve and develop.
    “Second-half we came out as a different team and put the passes together better. There were really good parts.
    “But as I said, if you give away two goals like that, it makes it really hard. They had less chances but were really, really clinical. We were not ruthless enough in that area.”
    Credit: Getty
    Full Time – Netherlands 2-1 England
    Another uninspiring performance from the Lionesses.
    Sarina Wiegman’s side stepped up in the second half following a formation change, but two defensive mistakes ultimately cost them.
    It could be put down to injuries, absences or even fatigue with the World Cup final just one month ago, but Wiegman will be hoping for an improved display when England return to action next month.
    Full Time – Netherlands 2-1 England
    It’s all over.
    Sarina Wiegman suffers defeat at the hands of her former team.
    Credit: PA
    90+7. Netherlands 2-1 England
    Roord is booked for a challenge on Zelem.
    England have a late free kick as the Lionesses flood the box, but nothing comes of it.
    90+5. Netherlands 2-1 England
    We’re into the final minute of added time.
    England desperately need to create something now.
    90. GOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLL NETHERLANDS!!!!!
    Super-sub Jansen runs straight through the England defence and fires the ball past Earps!
    Terrible defending by the Lionesses…
    Credit: AP
    89. Netherlands 1-1 England
    Chance for England as the ball falls to James on the edge of the box.
    The Chelsea star takes it down before going for goal, but her shot flies over the bar.
    84. Netherlands 1-1 England
    Another double change for Netherlands.
    Groenen is replaced by Egurrola.
    Beerensteyn is replaced by Jansen.
    81. Netherlands 1-1 England
    Another change for England.
    James replaces Russo.
    Hemp moves into the middle while James takes her place on the right.
    79. Netherlands 1-1 England
    Stanway receives the ball in midfield and attempts an audacious strike from distance, but her effort is well off-target.
    77. Netherlands 1-1 England
    Jonker makes two changes for Netherlands.
    Pelova is replaced by Kaptein.
    Brugts is replaced by Wilms.
    73. Netherlands 1-1 England
    The Lionesses break forward in numbers as the ball is sent over to Toone.
    The midfielder goes to square it across the box, but the Dutch defence can clear the danger.
    65. Netherlands 1-1 England
    It’s been coming.
    England have grown into this game massively over the last 15 minutes and they have finally reaped the rewards.
    Kelly brilliantly pokes the ball through to Stanway, who goals for goal, but her shot deflects of Janssen and straight into the path of Russo.
    The striker then shoots while under pressure and slots the ball into the top-right corner!
    Credit: Getty
    64. GOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL ENGLAND!!!!!
    Russo levels the score!
    61. Netherlands 1-0 England
    Van Domselaar AGAIN!
    Hemp makes a run into the box and crosses the ball to Russo, but the Dutch goalkeeper gets across to stop the striker from taking the shot.
    A phenomenal performance so far from Van Domselaar.
    57. Netherlands 1-0 England
    WHAT. A. SAVE!
    Kelly crosses the ball to Hemp at the back post, who goes for goal from just a few yards out, but Van Domselaar somehow gets across to make an outstanding save!
    Credit: AP
    54. Netherlands 1-0 England
    Chance for the Lionesses!
    Russo picks the ball up 25 yards out from goal and tees up a shot, but instead sets it out to Bronze.
    The right-back crosses the ball to Hemp in the box, but the winger’s shot is cleared six yards off the line.
    52. Netherlands 1-0 England
    England are still struggling to take control of this game, particularly in midfield.
    They are yet to have a shot at goal this half.
    46. Netherlands 1-0 England
    Wiegman made a change at the break.
    Kelly is on to replace Daly.
    Carter has now moved onto the left, with England switching to a back four.
    Hemp is on the left wing with Kelly on the right and Russo as a solo striker.
    Kick Off – Netherlands 1-0 England
    We’re back underway!
    Load more entries… More