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      UK to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as Fifa chief Gianni Infantino confirms just ‘one valid bid’ for tournament

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      THE UK is set to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup.Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland joined forces with the English Football Association earlier this year in a bid for the major tournament.FIFA President Gianni Infantino has revealed that the UK submitted the ‘only valid bid’ for the competitionCredit: GettySpain are the reigning Women’s World Cup champions having won the tournament in 2023Credit: GettyEngland’s Lionesses won the European Championship on home soil in 2022Credit: PAThe deadline for initial submissions came earlier this week on Monday afternoon.And while the UK lodged their interest on time, rival nations did not.Therefore, there is no real competition for the 2035 tournament.FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has described the UK’s interest as the “one valid bid” for the event.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpain, Portugal and Morocco had previously expressed a desire to host on a joint basis, but all three countries withdrew from the running.Speaking at the UEFA Congress on Thursday morning, Infantino said: “I can also confirm that, as part of the bidding process, we received one bid for 2031 and one valid bid for 2035.”The 2031 bid is from the United States of America and potentially some other Concacaf members together.”And the 2035 bid is from Europe, from the home nations.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So the path is there for the Women’s World Cup to be taking place in 2031 and 2035 in some great countries, some great nations, to boost the women’s football movement even more.”The UK will now need to submit a compliant bid by the end of this year in order to guarantee the tournament will be played on British soil.England women’s clash suspended as lights GO OUT at Wembley with pitch plunged into darknessInfantino also revealed that FIFA intend to increase the number of teams competing in the Women’s World Cup from 32 to 48 by 2031.The number of teams was increased from 24 to 32 for the 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand, where England reached the final for the very first time.The Lionesses narrowly missed out on the trophy following a 1-0 defeat to Spain in Sydney.English FA CEO Mark Bullingham said: “We are honoured to be the sole bidder for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035.”Hosting the first FIFA World Cup since 1966 with our home nations partners will be very special.”The hard work starts now, to put together the best possible bid by the end of the year.”UK football chiefs are yet to announce which stadiums would likely be earmarked for the tournament.However, it can almost be guaranteed that Wembley Stadium in London will host the final – as it did for the men’s European Championship in 2021 and the women’s Euros in 2022.Read More on The SunManchester United’s proposed £2billion, 100,00-seater venue could also be used as it is set to be fully completed before the tournament year.In addition, Hampden Park in Glasgow, the home of the Scottish national team, would likely be used as a venue.Man Utd’s proposed new £2bn stadium could be a potential host venueCredit: AFP More

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      Marc Skinner extends reign as Manchester United Women’s boss with aim to consistently challenge for trophies

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      MARC SKINNER says there is “more hard work ahead” for Manchester United with his aim to build a team regularly battling silverware. Earlier today United announced Skinner has extended his reign as boss of their Women’s Super League side. Marc Skinner hopes to guide Man United to more trophy wins after signing a new contract to remain at the helm of their WSL sideCredit: PAThe Red Devils boss’s new deal will run until June 2027 with the option to extend for a further yearCredit: PAMan United have lifted one trophy since Skinner took charge in 2021 with the team’s triumph over in last year’s Women’s FA Cup finalCredit: PAThe Red Devils head coach has signed a new contract that will see him remain in charge of their women’s team until June 2027 with the option of an extension for an extra year.   The previous deal for Skinner, whose team are currently third in the league, was due to expire at the end of this season. His new contract comes 14 months after he guided the side to a Women’s FA Cup win for the first time in their history after a 4-0 trouncing of Tottenham  The Man United manager, who previously managed US club Orlando Pride said: said: “It has been an absolute privilege to serve as head coach for this fantastic football club for the past four years.Read More Football Stories”I am delighted to be extending my time in the role for at least a further two years.”We are building a young, hungry team with the aim of challenging consistently for further trophies. “There is still more hard work ahead, including this season, but the players and staff have already shown their determination to succeed. “I am looking forward to us taking the next steps in our journey together.”Most read in FootballFollowing his appointment in 2021 Skinner guided to a second place finish in the WSL in the 2022-23 season and entering the Champions League the following term.However United did not progress beyond the qualifying stage that season and missed on European competition after finishing fifth. At times within the past four years Skinner has come under pressure from United supporters with some questioning his reign and the club’s achievements. One fan was spotted holding a “Skinner out” sign last November during the team’s 1-0 away loss to league leaders Chelsea in a top-flight encounter. Despite this pressure, Skinner’s side has one of the best defensive records in the WSL this term with goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce keeping 12 clean sheets in 18 games. His side are also third, level on points with second-placed Arsenal and occupying one of the three qualifying spots for next term’s Champions League. And they hope to reach the FA Cup final for a second year in a row with the team battling Man City in the semis on April 13. Skinner’s side will take on Man City in this year’s FA Cup semis with the victor set to face Chelsea or Liverpool in the finalCredit: PAMan United technical director Jason Wilcox, said: “Marc’s record since taking charge speaks for itself, having delivered our first major women’s silverware and firmly established us among the leading teams in the WSL. Read More on The Sun”After a major overhaul last summer, we have an exciting, developing squad ready to compete for further success. “We are convinced that Marc is the right coach to lead thatprocess.” More

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      Chloe Kelly insists there is ‘more to come’ from her as England resume Euros title defence preparations

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      CHLOE KELLY is not thinking “too much” about her club future despite the Arsenal loan star’s contract with Manchester City expiring in June. Instead her focus is on being in the best place “mentally and physically” with the Gunners and Lionesses vying for major honours.Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead could be in line to start for England when they play Belgium in the Nations League on April 4Kelly’s recent form on loan for Arsenal led to her earning an England recall ahead of the team’s clashes with Belgium this monthKelly and England striker Alessia Russo shone for Arsenal against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarters with the Gunners due to take on Lyon in the semi-finalsSince her January return to Arsenal, where she began her pro career at 17, Kelly, 27, has flourished alongside England pals Alessia Russo, Beth Mead and Leah Williamson. High points for the forward include delivering two class assists in a three-goal drubbing of Real Madrid with the team dumped out of the Champions League quarters. Efforts include her pinpoint cross for a shot drilled home by Gunners striker Russo.Like Russo, Mead and Williamson, Kelly is in the running to start against Belgium when England play their third Nations League game on Friday 4 April.Read More Football Stories This is a far cry from the first half of this term with Kelly making one start in six City WSL games and initially being left out of England’s squad in February. Two months after her tumultuous exit on loan from City, came a Lionesses recall for the forward who now plays “with a smile”. The 50-capped Lioness said:  “It’s really important as a human being that you get that smile on your face. “That’s nothing to do with being a footballer, it’s just as a human because that’s important. Most read in Football”I’m definitely smiling more, I feel really good.“Right now I’m playing plenty of minutes, enjoying my football and I’m really learning under (Arsenal boss) Renee (Slegers). “Now I’m here (with England) I have another opportunity to represent my country which is a huge honour.”There’s definitely more to come from me.”I’m a player who wants to learn and always wants to get better and I’m probably my own worst critic.”There are going to be games where I might not be my best, but it’s really important that I take that step to becoming the best version of myself.”With the July 5th start of England’s bid to retain their European Championship title fast approaching, questions have arisen concerning Kelly’s future beyond her Arsenal loan. However, the forward, who scored the Lionesses’ tournament-winning goal at Wembley three years ago is not looking too far ahead. Kelly adds: “I don’t think about it too much. I take each day as it comes and work hard to put myself in the best possible place for the next day.”That’s really important and I don’t look too far ahead in anything. “I’m just having fun at the minute, enjoying myself and back down in London with my family spending a lot of time with them. “I’m really appreciating the little things in life.”The first of England’s two Nations League duels with Belgium could see Kelly feature alongside Russo and forward Mead this Friday. The reverse fixture will take place in Leuven on Tuesday April 6The trio were last in action together on March 30 against Crystal Palace in the WSL, with Mead netting twice and Russo also scoring in the 4-0 Arsenal victory. Kelly said: “Growing that connection is really important and the connection off the pitch as well as on it.””By pushing myself every day I can learn what Alessia is doing and how I can match that to be at my best to help her score and Beth as well. “She’s a great friend of mine – Beth.England hope to beat Belgium home and away and stay undefeated in the Nations League as they continue preparations for this year’s Euros in SwitzerlandCredit: Getty”When you have that competition it allows you to be at your best every day.Read More on The Sun”And you can push each other in moments as well so that’s really important.”There’s so much we can learn from each other.” More

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      Alisha Lehmann opens up on her dating history and relationship with female team-mate before Douglas Luiz

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      ALISHA LEHMANN has opened up about her previous relationship with team-mate Ramona Bachmann.The former West Ham and Aston Villa Women’s star now dates Douglas Luiz, who she met at Villa Park.Alisha Lehmann has opened up on a past relationshipCredit: instagram @alishalehmann7The Juventus star dated team-mate Ramona Bachmann for a yearCredit: InstagramThe pair both play for SwitzerlandLehmann is now in a relationship with Douglas LuizCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann came out as bisexual a few years agoCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7Lehmann has dated men and women in the past, including Switzerland team-mate Bachmann.Their relationship was documented in BBC Three show Britain’s Youngest Football Boss.They first met in 2018 when Lehmann played for West Ham and Bachmann was at Chelsea, and began dating in 2021.Reflecting on the relationship, Lehmann told Marca: “It’s 2025. I think everyone can date whoever they want and be with whoever they want. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s important to open your mind and stop seeing this as a problem and instead see it as progress.”Be who you are and who you want to be. Love is love. It’s simple.”The relationship lasted a year and Lehmann started dating Luiz shortly after the split.The pair played for Villa for several years before the opportunity to both move to Juventus arose last summer.Most read in FootballJuventus reportedly paid £60million for the pair and Lehmann revealed it was a joint decision made by the couple.She said: “I don’t know who convinced whom, it just happened.”Maya Jama and Alisha Lehmann team up to become managers of Baller League team Lehmann has dated Luiz since 2022Credit: Instagram @tezenisofficial More

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      Leah Williamson to use memorable Arsenal defeat of Bayern Munich as fuel for Real Madrid duel

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON hopes Arsenal’s Champions League knockout of Bayern Munich can fuel their battle for a semi-final spot. Her side are 2-0 down after losing their first-leg quarters game away at Real Madrid last Tuesday.Leah Williamson and her Arsenal team-mates aim to overcome Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finalsCredit: PAThe Gunners need to overcome a two-goal deficit in order to reach the contest’s semi-finals this yearCredit: PAThe last time Williamson’s side reached the contest’s last four was back in March 2023. Back then they overturned a 1-0 deficit to beat Bayern 2-1 on aggregate. And the Arsenal centre-back, 27,  hopes they can repeat this feat against Real Madrid in one of their biggest games this season. Williamson said: “The experience of overturning the quarter-final against Bayern Munich – that comes in handy for anybody that played in that game. That was a great memory. Read More Football Stories “Anybody that was involved in that game will take confidence from that knowing that we know how to do it.”Good things happen in football, bad things happen in football. “And when the good things happen you keep them in your pocket and just as much as the bad but you call them when you need them.”Arsenal’s game this evening will take place on pristine turf at the Emirates – a stark contrast to the muddy pitch they played on in Spain last week. Most read in FootballHeavy rain in Madrid left the turf at Alfredo Di Stefano stadium in a shabby state with players on sides getting covered in mud. However Williamson refused to blame the conditions for the Gunners’ first-leg defeat. She adds: “We were frustrated but more so at ourselves than anything else.Rainy weather ruined the condition of the pitch Arsenal and Real played on in Spain in the first leg of their quarters clashCredit: Getty”Whether pitch, weather, whatever it is, the standards of Arsenal are higher than they were last week.”The last time Arsenal won the Champions League was back in 2007 when they became the first English club to do so. Lifelong Gunners supporter Williamson, who dreams of helping them win again, said: “I’m an Arsenal fan and grew up at this club so that’s the dream.” More

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      Sarina Wiegman facing ‘hard decision’ over England goalkeeper choice ahead of push to retain Euros crown

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      SARINA WIEGMAN admits deciding who will be England’s first choice goalkeeper for this year’s Euros is a very “tough decision”.  Khiara Keating, 20, is among four stoppers called up ahead of the Lionesses’ Nations League clashes with Belgium next month. Khiara Keating has returned to the England squad for the first time since their Nations League defeat and draw with the Republic of Ireland and SwedenCredit: GettyMaisie Symonds has received her first call-up to the Lionesses senior squad after featuring in England Under-23’s wins against Germany and FranceCredit: AlamySarina Wiegman side will take on Belgium on April 4 at Ashton Gate and in Leuven on April 8Credit: GettyThe Manchester City starlet’s recall announced today, after an eight-month absence, follows her return to top-flight action. And Brighton midfielder Maisie Symonds has received her first senior international call-up.  In February Symonds and Keating starred England’s Under-23’s friendly wins against Germany and France Keating, who is yet to make her senior England debut, pulled off some standout saves during City’s 2-1 loss to Chelsea on March 23. Read More Football StoriesHowever the WSL star, who was named player-of-the-match, has faced a battle for minutes this term with Japan keeper Ayaka Yamashita also starring for City. This season Keating, who won the top tier’s Golden Glove last year, has so far started in seven of her club’s 17 WSL games.England boss Wiegman, 55, said: “She’s a very talented goalkeeper. We saw that again last weekend. “We’re getting closer to the Euros and so looking at this camp now we’re bringing in four goalkeepers.Most read in Football”In the tournament you can only bring three and we just want to have those four in our squad next week.”In addition to Keating, Wiegman has named Mary Earps, 32, and Hannah Hampton, 24, in her 25-strong group, and Orlando Pride’s Anna Moorhouse. Chelsea’s Hampton and Earps, who plays for French side Paris Saint-Germain are both seen as solid number one contenders.In February Earps played in goal during England’s 1-1 away draw with Portugal in the Nations League. Meanwhile Hampton featured in their 1-0 defeat of Spain at Wembley, their first clash with the world champions since their meeting in the World Cup final in Australia in 2023.  Wiegman adds: “It’s a very, very hard decision to make, because now we have four very good goalkeepers. “You’re talking about Hannah and Mary who are really competing for the number-one position. They’re both world-class. “They both bring different things, but that makes it really hard.”We haven’t decided. If we make the decision, we’ll first have the conversations with them. Then we move forward.”England’s bid to retain the Euros title which they won in 2022 comes six weeks after the start of a new seven-a-side women’s football competition. The World Seven Series competition, which will commence in Europe, is reportedly set to involve eight teams. Clubs taking part in the contest, which is also due to be held in a different continent later this year, are yet to be named. The winning sides in each competition will be awarded £1.9million in prize money. World Seven Series matches will take place just over a month after England’s double header Nations League duel with Belgium on April 4th and 8th. On July 5 the Lionesses begin their Euros campaign when they take on France in Zurich, Switzerland. On if she has concerns about the contest taking place weeks before the Euros, Wiegman added:  “I think in the longer term, you see the planning a bit, I don’t see how you can get that (to) fit in the schedule. “For some players, I think when they play and there’s collaboration with clubs, we have a very good contact with clubs, they would get some, I would say, meaningful minutes to get prepared for the Euros. “Then in this short term, for some it would not be too bad, but in the longer term I don’t see how we can fit that in the schedule in the calendar.”Wiegman’s latest squad selection includes Beth Mead and Fran Kirby with the duo set for international duty following their returns from injury. Fran Kirby has scored five goals in 12 WSL games for Brighton this seasonCredit: GettyAnd Chloe Kelly has also been named among the six forwards in the group which includes Nikita Parris. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe England chief said: “Fran brings lots of experience and good football vision. “In her position there is a lot of competition but she knows exactly what’s expected at this level.” More

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      Sunderland fan kicked out of women’s derby clash at Newcastle after ‘shameful’ act

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      A SUNDERLAND fan has been booted out of a local derby – after pretending to wipe his backside with a Newcastle flag.The incident occurred during a Women’s Super League 2 clash on Sunday. A Sunderland fan was filmed wiping his backside with a Newcastle flagCredit: X @Boyle_Thomas08The fan quickly tried to return to his seat after the incidentCredit: XBut he was stopped by police who led him out of the stadiumCredit: XNewcastle welcomed Sunderland for a derby day clash in front of a bumper crowd at St James Park. The players had been met with a wall of noise as fans flocked to pack out the Gallowgate End during international week.But with no segregation in play, one Sunderland fan decided to bizarrely taunt his rivals up close.Viral footage showed the supporter rushing along the outer concourse at St James’.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe fan – decked out in a Black Cats shirt – then grabbed a discarded Toon flag from the floor.He faced the home support and began pretending to wipe his bum. One fan raged in response to the footage: “I’m sure the families & the kids in that area thought he was hilarious.”Another said: “Imagine getting kicked out of an #NUFC women’s game for trying to impress his mam and a load of 6 year old lasses.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd a third added: “That is shameful.”The fan attempted to return to his seat after the incident. Bruno Guimaraes gives emotional reaction to Newcastle Carabao Cup win But he was quickly cornered by a police officer and led out of the ground. A record 38,502 fans watched Newcastle edge a close encounter 1-0.The attendance shattered the previous league best of 15,387, which was set in the reverse fixture between these two sides last October.Shania Hayles came off the bench to net the winner in front of the Gallowgate. Shania Hayles scored a late winner for NewcastleCredit: GettyThe win sends the Toon past Sunderland into sixth place in the WSL2.Hayles said: “I saw an opening and just went for it.”I just did what I do and put it in the net.””It’s the best feeling ever. As a forward you always want to score goals, I’ve always wanted to score here – I think I even dreamed about scoring here so to do it is amazing.READ MORE SUN STORIES”To see the crowd – see everyone – my family was here as well. “So for the girls, for the fans, it was just amazing and I couldn’t wish for anything better.” More

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      Nick Cushing turns focus on WSL clash after Miedema’s Man City brace ends Chelsea’s unbeaten run

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      NICK CUSHING is ready to turn his attention to Manchester City’s WSL test against Chelsea after his side beat them in Europe last night. Vivianne Miedema’s brace sealed City’s 2-0 Champions League quarters first-leg victory, ending the Blues’ 31-game unbeaten run. Nick Cushing guided Manchester City to a hardfought win at Joie Stadium on their return to Champions League actionCredit: AFPTwo second-half goals for Vivianne Miedema sealed City’s quarter-final first leg victoryCredit: AlamyBrazil forward Kerolin impressed for City on her first European outing since joining the club in JanuaryCredit: AlamyThe Netherlands star’s second-half double enabled the Cityzens to avenge their League Cup final loss to Chelsea before their second-leg clash next Thursday at Stamford Bridge. Before then the rivals meet at the Etihad this Sunday at 2:30pm in the top tier. And Cushing is targeting his first match win in the top tier since his Man City return last week. His side are currently fourth in the WSL and 12 points behind leaders Chelsea after losing four of their 16 games this term. Read More Football StoriesThe interim Cityzens boss, who oversaw his first game at Joie Stadium since 2019, said: We wanted to win, we’ve won with a two-goal lead. “We can put that one away now and focus on the league game, because our league position isn’t where we want it and Sunday’s game becomes crucial. “After that we prepare for the Stamford Bridge (reverse Champions League) game. “We know any game against Chelsea is going to be incredibly difficult. Most read in Football”The confidence and belief comes from knowing that we can play whatever game is in front of us.”While striker Khadija Shaw and forward Aoba Fujino joining Lauren Hemp on the Cityzens’ crocked list, Cushing opted to start Miedema on the bench on Wednesday night. His side had three first-half shots on target including 19-year-old Lily Murphy’s low strike close to half-time which prompted a comfortable save from keeper Hannah Hampton. With visitors Chelsea content to soak up pressure, Cushing shuffled his deck bringing Miedema on in the second half.The WSL record scorer rewarded him with a 60th-minute shot into the roof of the net before a late strike with two minutes of normal time left. After the match Miedema said:  “I’m honestly happy that I could come on and help the team. Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor has backed her Blues to bounce back in their WSL duel with City at the Etihad on March 23Credit: Alamy”This is the standard that we need to set ourselves. It gives us a lot of confidence going into the next two games (against Chelsea).”It’s a really special (win). We’ve had a couple of special Champions League nights here this season. “We had the win over Barcelona as well, but this one feels really really good.” More