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      Sarina Wiegman hoping for ‘headaches and big decisions’ from return of England stars Hemp, Greenwood and Stanway

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      SARINA WIEGMAN hopes to have an England selection headache from Lauren Hemp, Georgia Stanway and Alex Greenwood returning to fitness.The Lioness boss, 55, reckons Hemp has built enough credit to be in contention despite the forward yet to play a full 90 minutes this year. Georgia Stanway has given England a huge fitness boost two months before the Euros with her recovery from a knee ligament issueCredit: AlamyLauren Hemp has been named in Sarina Wiegman England’s squad for the first time this year following her return to match action for Man City in AprilCredit: GettyHemp’s City team-mate and skipper Alex Greenwood is also back in the Lionesses’ squad ahead of their Nations League games against Spain and PortugalCredit: ReutersThe squad returns of Hemp, 24, Stanway, 26, and Greenwood, 31, comes at a pivotal time with the start of England’s Euros title defence less than two months away. Before then the team will take on Portugal in the Nations League at Wembley on May 30. And they also face a stern test against World Cup holders Spain in Barcelona on June 3. Wiegman’s fit again trio had contended with knee injuries with Hemp and defender Greenwood making their returns to match action for Manchester City earlier this month. Read More Football StoriesBayern Munich midfielder Stanway is the only member of the three yet to return to club duty since recovering from a lateral ligament tear sustained in January. Wiegman said: “Georgia is in training. She still needs to build. “What we know is she can come into camp and continue building with us.”Hopefully towards the Euros she can be healthy and can handle the training loads to recover. Most read in Football”She has to be healthy and recover from training sessions then we can see where she’s at. “She has to be performing at the highest level – at her highest level – to compete for the position just like everyone else.”Hemp’s squad return comes 16 days after her first game for Man City this year. The 61-capped Lioness played in a competitive game for the first time this year on April 27 with a cameo appearance in City’s 1-0 defeat of Leicester. While Hemp did not play a full match  for City in the second half of the season, she could potentially be in line for game time at the World Sevens tournament if selected to play. Man City are one of two WSL sides competing in the seven-a-side contest taking place in Estoril, Portugal from May 21-23. On whether it is a concerned that Hemp has so far not played a 90-minute this year, Wiegman added: “Of course it is.”But we still have two months – almost. We have to keep building on that and manage it well to keep them fit. “We want to keep building and see what she is able to do. “She has to perform at her highest level too, but she has shown so many things before her injury that she has built some credit.”When everyone is fit we have big decisions to make because we have many options up front and within the team in other lines we have options too. “I hope everyone does really well and it’s really nice to have this opportunity to train before the Nations League. “I hope I’ll get a lot of headaches because that means everyone is performing at the highest level and we’ll have decisions to make.”Wiegman, 55, is waiting to see how far Lauren James, 23, can go in her fitness race, before the Euros with the forward battling to recover from injury. I know Lauren is absolutely working really hard to get there. Let’s see how far she gets.Sarina Wiegman on Lauren JamesIn their upcoming clashes with Portugal and Spain the team will be without the services of James who was among England’s standout performers at the 2023 World Cup. The Chelsea star came off during England’s 5-0 Nations League trouncing of Belgium due to a hamstring concern. Wiegman said: “She’s a special player who has moments in the game where she can be decisive. “Let’s see how far she gets and what she can bring us. I know she’s absolutely working really hard to get there.”Wiegman’s latest squad selection has included Arsenal’s Michelle Agyemang, 19, keeping her place and a first senior call-up for Tottenham defender Ella Morris.Agyemang’s return follows her netting a stunning goal on her senior international debut volleying home during the Lionesses’ 3-2 away loss to BelgiumWhile the England boss hopes the striker can become a little bit calmer in duels, she believes Agyemang has much potential. Wiegman said: “Michelle is a very high-potential talent. “She is very powerful and as we have seen, she can score goals. Michelle Agyemang has retained her England spot after impressing on her senior international debut and on loan at Brighton from Arsenal this seasonCredit: Reuters”In duels she needs to calm down a little and we’ve spoken about that already. Read More on The Sun”Hopefully she can manage a bit when we play in the duels. “You don’t want to almost destroy your opponent.”England Women’s Squad GoalkeepersMary Earps (Paris St-Germain), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)DefendersMillie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Ella Morris (Tottenham), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)MidfieldersGrace Clinton (Manchester United), Missy Bo Kearns (Aston Villa), Fran Kirby (Brighton), Jess Park (Manchester City), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)Forwards Michelle Agyemang (Brighton, on loan from Arsenal), Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal, on loan from Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Nikita Parris (Brighton), Alessia Russo (Arsenal) More

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      How WSL rivals have fared in the 2024-25 battle for points and top-flight survival

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      FROM a few surprise managerial departures to Chelsea making Naomi Girma the WSL’s first million dollar signing, this season has been eventful. While the battle for the title and top-flight survival have been settled, today could see champions Chelsea go unbeaten. Sonia Bompastor hopes to guide her side to their 19th win in 22 games thisCredit: GettyThe Blues aim to round off their march to a sixth straight title win by going this termCredit: GettyAhead of the 12:30pm kick-off of the final six games that will wrap up this season, here is a brief look at how teams have fared this term.Chelsea While Champions League glory has eluded them, domestically Chelsea have been almost unstoppable this term. A home win or draw against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge today would see Sonia Bompastor’s side achieve their goal of an invincible run.  The team, who will be given a guard of honour from their visitors, would also become the first to complete 22 games without defeat in the WSL. Read More Football StoriesFor Bompastor the opportunity to create history in her first season at the Blues’ helm would be one of the highlights of her stellar career. Ahead of today’s game the Blues boss said: “It means a lot because probably it will be the only time in my career to be in that situation. “In the women’s or men’s game when the team is able to achieve that, they stay in history as I already said. “I’m thinking about Arsenal, the men’s team, when they have been invincible. People always talk about it.Most read in Football”When you have this opportunity being that close to make history, you just need to make sure you do that because it will stay forever. “I think even for your kids later to have this history to tell to some other people, it would be nice.”While Chelsea could end this term with 60 points than they did last season, not all their displays have been completely flawless. West Ham fought from 2-0 down to claim an away draw the champions with Brighton and Leicester also bagging points.However the champions have been very more tenacious in their capturing of silverware with a league and title double achieved. And they hope to make it a treble when they face Man United in this year’s Women’s FA Cup Renee Slegers’ players will be eager to bounce back from two losses in a row by beating Man UnitedCredit: GettyArsenalFollowing early season wobbles and Jonas Eidevall’s standing down as Gunners boss last October, Arsenal have been mostly impressive under Renee Slegers. With Slegers at the helm the team went on a 13-game unbeaten run earlier this term that was halted by 1-0 loss to Chelsea at the end of January. In the Champions League they have been comeback queens overcoming two and one-goal deficits to knock out Real Madrid and Lyon in the quarters and semi-finals. While Arsenal will battle in the final for the first time in 18 years, the team with the most FA Cup and League Cup wins bowed out of both contests this term. For the first time in three years a Women’s League Cup decider did not feature the Gunners.And surprise losses to Aston Villa and Brighton included them shipping nine goals in their last two WSL games.Against Manchester United at the Emirates today in their final league match this season they will be keen to prove those results  were a blip. Victory today would seal a second spot for Arsenal and their highest finish in the league since the 2021-22 campaign.  A Man United win against Arsenal would see them end their WSL season in second place before their FA Cup final clash with ChelseaCredit: ReutersManchester UnitedFollowing the disappointment of missing out Champions League action this season, Man United have achieved their target of claiming a place in next term’s contest. Defeat of Arsenal at the Emirates today would see the Red Devils end this term second in the top tier for the second time in their history. It would also be a considerable improvement on the fifth place finish that led to Marc Skinner facing criticism from some United supporters. His side have one of the best defensive records in the league this term with Phallon Tullis-Joyce shining in goal. Ahead of United’s Arsenal visit the USA shot stopper has kept 13 clean sheets in 21 top-flight games. Having missed out on a Champions League spot Man City are a targeting an end-of-season hope win before competing in the World Sevens tournament this monthCredit: GettyManchester City Injury struggles derailed Man City’s trophy chase this season with star striker Khadija Shaw among the players currently sidelined.The team pipped to last term’s title on goal difference was among the favourites to push Chelsea all the way. They are currently the only team to have beaten Barcelona in Europe this term. However the high of that 2-0 group stage October win has been followed by some tumultuous moments. These include Chloe Kelly’s loan transfer to Arsenal and the sacking of boss Gareth Taylor Having suffered Champions League and FA Cup heartbreak, the Cityzens are eager to end this term with a home win against Crystal Palace.This month along with Man United they will be competing in the megabucks inaugural seven-a-side tournament World Sevens. Brighton are on course to claim fifth spot which would be their highest finish so far in the WSLCredit: GettyBrightonUNDER Dario Vidosic Brighton look set to achieve their highest ever finish in the league.The head coach, who has previously spoken of his admiration of the playing style of Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona sides, has revamped Brighton.The team’s expansive style has earned them plaudits with Fran Kirby, Nikita Parris, Vicky Losada, Marisa Olislagers among the players who have impressedMichelle Agyemang, on loan from Arsenal and midfielder Maisie Symonds have also shone for the Seagulls. Albion have at times been punished playing out from the back, with their heaviest loss this term occurring at Arsenal last November when they were beaten However this week saw Albion get revenge with their 4-2 defeat of the Gunners in their final home game this term. Their first defeat of Arsenal in the WSL has put them on course for their highest finish with the team in fifth spot. Canada forward Olivia Smith has been one of Liverpool’s most impressive players this seasonCredit: GettyLiverpoolMATT BEARD’s March exit from the Reds’ helm came as a surprise to some WSL observers. Before being axed from his job the ex-Liverpool gaffer had expressed concerns in regard to investment and budget for the team. Interim women’s team boss Amber Whiteley has been doing a solid job overseeing the side who hope to end a run of three losses. Highlights this season include their solid 3-1 defeat of Man United at Anfield in March.Gifted Canada forward Olivia Smith was among their best performers in that game scoring twice. Away from WSL action they knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup and gave Chelsea a run for their money in the semi-finals before falling to a narrow 2-1 defeat. Having finished fourth last term, the Reds hope to drop no lower than sixth this season.Rehanne Skinner’s Irons have had some solid results in the second half of the season including a 2-2 draw away at ChelseaCredit: AlamyWest Ham Rehanne Skinner’s Irons have had a stunning turnaround to their season. Their upturn in form has been followed by the experienced head coach signing a one-year contract extension last month. In late March West Ham were in a relegation scrap and second from bottom following a 2-0 home loss to Chelsea. Since then the Irons resurgence has been remarkable with the team sitting seventh and unbeaten in six of their last eight games. The signing of Shekiera Martinez last July from Freiburg has proved to be a masterstroke.The Germany Under-23 striker has scored 10 goals in 11 WSL appearances.  Defeat of Leicester, if Chelsea beat Liverpool, would see the Irons claim sixth spot, their highest league finish in three years.  Everton hope to build on their impressive 2-0 defeat of Liverpool at Anfield by beating Tottenham at home todayCredit: GettyEvertonTHE Toffees have struggled with injuries at times this term with seven players including experienced midfielder Maren Mjelde currently sidelined. Fitness concerns aside Brian Sorensen’s players have impressed in the second half of this season. Standout results include a 2-1 home defeat of Man City last December and a derby triumph over Liverpool at Anfield last Sunday. Twins Karen and Sara Holmgaard have been among their side’s most impressive performers in this campaignHigh points include Sara providing Karen with an assist during Everton’s 2-1 draw with City last month. Aston Villa have scored eight goals in their last two games ahead of their end-of-season clash with BrightonCredit: GettyAston Villa Natalia Arroyo’s side look set for a strong finish after a topsy turvy season which included a managerial sacking.The Villans parted company with head coach Robert de Pauw last December following a  tough run of one win in nine games The team faced a fierce fight for WSL after a run of seven winless games from January 25 to March 23.However the team have been on a roll since then with four straight victories and Arroyo winning April’s WSL manager of the month award. Their dramatic recovery was capped by a 5-2 trouncing of Arsenal last month. With Villa bidding farewell to Rachel Corsie, Jordan Nobbs, Danielle Turner and Maz Pacheco, they will be keen to end this season with a home win against Brighton.Tottenham will be keen to avoid an end-of-season loss away against Everton having been narrowly beaten Chelsea last time outCredit: PATottenham Compared to their achievements last term, including an FA Cup final debut, Tottenham have had it tough at times this season. A difficult run from February 2 this year has left Robert Vilahamn’s side on the verge of going winless in 10 games. These results have also left his side tenth – four places lower than their sixth-place finish last term. Vilahamn will want Spurs to avoid an unwanted milestone when they visit Everton today.They hope to avoid losing on the last day of the season for the first time in their WSL history. Leicester City could end their season in tenth spot if Tottenham are beaten by EvertonCredit: GettyLeicester CityGritty performances against their rivals in the bottom half of the table helped Leicester survive their battle to avoid the dropThe team are currently seven points above relegated Crystal Palace who they drew with last time out. While they struggled earlier this term, going winless in their first six games, they gathered a bit of momentum in the season’s second half. Among their players who have impressed are skipper Janice Cayman and Wales forward Hannah Cain. High points for their team include them claiming a draw last December against eventual champions Chelsea. A result that led to the Foxes ending the champions’ 13-game winning run at that stage of the season. Crystal Palace face a toughduel with Man City in their final game as a WSL side Women’s Championship nextCredit: GettyCrystal Palace While their two opening WSL encounters ended in brutal 4-0 and 7-0 losses (to Tottenham and Chelsea), Palace occasionally showed they could hold their own The now-relegated Eagles, guided to the top tier by Laura Kaminski, were seen as strong favourites for the drop. However a defeat of Leicester last October followed by draws with Liverpool and Everton suggested they could be a threat to rivals in the lower half of the table Read More on The SunThe sacking of head coach Kaminski in late February was followed by the Eagles picking up one win and a draw from their next seven games. Under boss Leif Smerud the team were unable to build on an impressive March defeat of Aston Villa losing their next five matches.  More

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      Quick-witted Roy Keane makes brutal three-word joke about Eni Aluko row that leaves Ian Wright in stitches

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      ROY KEANE’S quick wit left Ian Wright in hysterics as he made a joke about the row with Eni Auko.Wright was the target of comments by the former Lioness over his involvement in women’s football.Roy Keane made a quick-witted joke on the OverlapCredit: YouTubeHe left the whole panel in hystericsCredit: YouTubeThe joke about the row between Eni Aluko and Ian WrightCredit: GettyAluko, 38, made the accusation that Wright was “blocking” the pathway for women in football punditry.She has since apologised for her comments, but Wright refused to accept it in an impassioned Instagram video.Keane has been able to put a smile on Wright’s face with a quick joke about the situation.He made the quip in the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by SkyBet.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLJill Scott was explaining that she does not work too much in the women’s side of the game.To which razor-sharp Keane quipped: “Because of Ian?”The whole panel burst out in laughter, including Wright, who was in stitches.Keane hilariously remained completely composed, almost as if he was expecting Scott to give him more than just “no” in her answer.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLast week, Aluko stepped down from hosting at the Women’s Football Awards following the row.Wright has urged the public to “move on” from the incident.’Were we not good enough-‘ – Man Utd legend Roy Keane takes cheeky dig at David Beckham over 50th birthday snubHe has been supported by the pair’s employer, ITV, as the broadcaster released a strong statement backing the Arsenal legend.Steph Houghton has also shown her support for Wright as she stated his commitment has been “unbelievable.”Keane was on good form during the podcast as he also made a cheeky dig at David Beckham.The former Manchester United star insisted that Beckham “forgot” to invite him to his 50th birthday. More

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      Izzy Goodwin relishing chance to battle London City Lionesses’ new rivals in women’s top-flight

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      IZZY GOODWIN says her promotional-winning goal left her buzzing after London City Lionesses clinched a draw with Birmingham and a place in the WSL. The forward’s fiercely struck shot helped her side make the leap into the Women’s Super League for the first time in their history. Skipper Kosovare Asllani and her London City Lionesses team-mates will compete in the WSL for the first time next seasonCredit: GettyIzzy Goodwin netted the second goal that sealed an away draw with Birmingham City and the point required to ensure her team’s promotionCredit: GettyLondon City owner Michele Kang says the team have been structured with the aim of them functioning as a mid-table top-flight sideCredit: GettyLondon City’s promotion win means the WSL will have a women’s team, not affiliated with a men’s club, battling it out for points in the division next season. Their second tier triumph marks a highpoint for a side that has undergone considerable change since being acquired by American businesswoman and sports investor Michelle Kang. Goodwin, who finished this season as the second tier’s highest scorer, told Sky Sports: “I don’t think I’ve ever scored a goal like that in my life. “I put everything into it. I’m absolutely buzzing and happy I could help the team.Read More Football Stories “By the end I was so tired, I’m so happy we could get over the line.”London City winning the Women’s Championship title comes a year after they finished eighth in the second year last term. Since Kang’s December 2023 takeover, with London City becoming the third side purchased through her women’s sports organisation Kynsica, their squad has undergone an overhaul. The club signed 17 players between last summer and the end of this January including Kosovare Asllani and Sofia Jakobsson with the Sweden players joining from AC Milan and San Diego Wave.Most read in FootballKang, who also owns eight-time Champions League winners Lyon and US outfit Washington Spirit, insists rebuilding has been done with the purpose of London City evolving into a mid-tier WSL side. The Kynsica Sports owner told Sky Sports: “We’ve been actually building the team to be a minimum, from day one, mid-tier WSL side. “It remains to be seen, but we’ve seen so many clubs go up (to the WSL) and then come down, so we’ve been, on purpose, building the team to be somewhere in mid-tier, but who knows?”We’re very excited. When I first came here a lot of people were concerned for me that as an independent team. “They asked how could you do this, because you don’t have a men’s team from which you can draw the equity, brand power and the fanbase. “For us, as an independent team to accomplish this in one year, this is proof that with the proper investment and the resources, anything is possible.”Goodwin, who joined the club from Sheffield United last July, added: “We all love Michelle and what she has done for this club.”To play top teams like that week in, week out, is what you dream of. I can’t wait.”London broke the deadlock in the second half at St Andrews with Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah scoring their openerCredit: GettyGoodwin broke the deadlock two minutes into second-half yesterday with a powerful right-footed effort. Read More on The SunChantelle Boye Hlorkah made it 2-0 for the visitors in the 59th minute before Birmingham struck back with goals from Emily van Egmond and Cho So-Hyun. The visitors held on to seal the win that earned them a place in the top tier six years on from them becoming a standalone side after their breakaway from Millwall.  More

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      Merricks vows Birmingham City will give their all in WSL promotion battle with London City Lionesses

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      AMY MERRICKS will urge Birmingham to give it everything in today’s promotion decider with London City Lionesses.And Brum boss Merricks reckons the women’s second tier deserves far more attention than it currently gets.Amy Merricks has guided Birmingham City to 12 wins and four draws in 19 games in the Women’s Championship this seasonCredit: GettyLondon City Lionesses will be out to deny Blues a home win in order to claim the point they need for promotion in the WSLCredit: GettyBirmingham City are expecting approximately a crowd 7,000 for their pivotal clash with London City at St AndrewsCredit: GettyCity must win at St Andrew’s to deny London the Championship title and a place in the WSL for the first time.Blues whose club’s co-owners include NFL legend Tom Brady are bidding to return to the league they helped establish 15 years ago.Ex-Lionesses Under-19 boss Merricks, who took charge of Birmingham City last April, said: “This club was one of the founding members of the WSL and to take it back there would be amazing.”But we have to focus first and foremost on the process to get there. The performance is that process and we’re taking nothing for granted.”Read More Football StoriesToday’s 2:15pm showdown is the first Women’s Championship game to be shown live on Sky Sports.Brum have already sold more than 7,000 tickets but Merrick hopes TV coverage will help attract even more fans to the second tier.She added: “My squad are ready to give everything. I’m really excited and what a great showcase for the Championship.”This is a league that deserves so much more attention. We have so much talent here and we are focused on showcasing the best of ourselves.”Most read in FootballAn away win for London City would see them become the only standalone women’s team competing in the WSL next season. The club, who share their Hayes Lane home ground with League Two men’s side Bromley, have been a force to be reckoned with this term after finishing eighth last term. Since being purchased by USA-born Michelle Kang, the club that was following a May 2019 breakaway from Millwall has undergone an overhaul in recent years. Her December 2023 takeover has been followed by a revamp of London City’s squad. A team whose players include senior internationals such as Sweden veteran Kosovare Asllani, 35, and rising young stars such as defender Teyah Goldie currently on loan from Arsenal. And last June the club appointed France-born Jocelyn Precheur as head coach following his one-season stint as Paris Saint-Germain during which he led the team to a Women’s French Cup win. Among the younger players who have helped London City register 13 victories and three draws from 19 games is England Under-23s player Isobel Goodwin. The forward 22, is set to win the Women’s Championship Golden Boot for this term after scoring 15 goals so far during the campaign. Isobel Goodwin has been in fine form in front of goal for London City Lionesses following her transfer from Sheffield United last SeptemberCredit: GettyGoodwin said:”The Championship is such a big league now and the growth in it each year is getting better and better. Read More on The Sun“Being in the promotion race, it’s just so exciting and this is probably one of the biggest games of my career knowing that we could possibly lift that trophy. “It’s every girl’s dream is to play in the WSL and get promoted. So hopefully we can do that.” More

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      FA bosses MUST apologise for treatment of women forced to compete against biological men & punished if they complained

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      FA chiefs finally red-carded trans players from women’s football yesterday.Biological men will be banned from all levels of the women’s game from June 1. FA bosses are facing demands to apologise for the treatment of women and girls forced to compete against biological menTrans goalie Blair Hamilton, circled, joined a women’s teamTrans Radio UK, made up solely of trans women, played against Dulwich Hamlet WomenCredit: AlamyFA bosses are facing demands to apologise for the treatment of women and girls forced to compete against biological men — and punished if they complained.They finally acted following last month’s Supreme Court ruling that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex.The decision affects around 20 trans footballers registered at grassroots level.Olympic swimming star Sharron Davies, who has led a ten-year fight to stop biological men taking part in women’s sport, told The Sun she was delighted, and disgusted, by the FA’s “too little, too late” move.READ MORE UK NEWSShe said: “I’ve heard all kinds of heartbreaking stories — women saying they just can’t compete with men who’ve ruined the enjoyment of their sport.’Sense has prevailed’“It’s crazy and I’m pleased to see sense has finally prevailed (in football) but I won’t rest until men are barred from all female sport.”Sharron told of her fury that the FA has yet to apologise to an autistic girl, 17, banned six games for asking a “bearded” opponent: “Are you a man?”She denied being transphobic and said she was concerned for her safety. Sharron added: “The FA owes this girl an apology and all the women forced to compete against men.Most read in Football“The FA have misrepresented the Equality Act, which has not actually changed, and have been sanctioning legalised cheating for years in ­pursuit of a woke agenda.”FA rules reviewed on April 1 had allowed the 20 or so trans players to carry on playing if their testosterone levels were below a set level for at least 12 months.But chiefs sparked confusion by saying they could intervene if concerns were raised about safety and fairness.Trans women are NOT women, Supreme Court rules in win for anti-woke campaigners after battle over female-only spacesFiona McAnena, of campaign group Sex Matters, said of yesterday’s new ruling: “This is welcome but long overdue.“The FA has had ample evidence of the harm to women and girls caused by its nonsensical policy of letting men who identify as women play in women’s teams.“The requirement to lower their testosterone tells you that everyone knew they were not women.“Thankfully, the UK Supreme Court has now confirmed this.“Every other sporting body now needs to re-establish a genuine women’s category, and this shameful period in history will finally be brought to an end.”My experience is playing in the men’s game, ten to 15 years ago it wasn’t a safe place to be transgender or non-conforming in any wayNatalie WashingtonTory MP Sir John Hayes added: “This is a victory for common sense. Sporting competition needs to be fair and farce had replaced fairness.”In a 2022 “world first”, Trans Radio UK, a team of solely trans women, played their first game against Dulwich Hamlet Women.Last September Sutton United women’s team postponed their fixture against Ebbsfleet United after a row over the signing of trans goalie Blair Hamilton.In November 2023 trans player Francesca Needham quit Rossington Main Ladies FC in South Yorkshire and claimed she suffered discrimination after opponents refused to play against her.Olympic swimming star Sharron Davies, who has led a ten-year fight to stop biological men taking part in women’s sportCredit: AlamyLast night Natalie Washington, of Football v Transphobia, told how trans players have said they could give up the game from June 1.Natalie said: “Most don’t feel they can play in the men’s game for reasons of safety and comfort.“My experience is playing in the men’s game, ten to 15, years ago it wasn’t a safe place to be transgender or non-conforming in any way.“That’s probably improved slightly but it’s still not a great place to be.”’Biology matters’The FA said: “We understand this will be difficult for people who simply want to play the game they love in the gender by which they identify.“We are contacting the registered transgender players to explain the changes and how they can continue to stay involved in the game.”Asked about an apology to biologically female players, the FA said: “We’ve no further comment.”Read More on The SunDowning Street insisted “biology matters” when it comes to women’s sport and “everyone should be compliant with the law”.Other sports could follow the FA’s lead. The English Cricket Board currently allows for self-identification at all levels. But chiefs could confirm a policy change today.APOLOGY BY POLICEBy Andy RobinsonPOLICE have apologised after investigating a fan who was banned by Newcastle United for expressing gender-critical views.Linzi Smith, 34, was accused of being transphobic by a complainant who claimed trans people would not feel safe sitting near her at St James’ Park.She promotes lesbian, bisexual and women’s rights online.Northumbria Police launched a hate crime probe after being handed a dossier by the club.Linzi was interviewed for two hours under caution in 2023 and eventually faced no further action.The force now says elements of the probe were unacceptable. Linzi said: “I can’t help but feel let down over so many failings.”Newcastle fan Linzi Smith was accused of being transphobicCredit: LInzi Smith More

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      FA will BAN trans women from women’s football next season after ‘win for common sense’ Supreme Court ruling

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      ENGLAND’S FA will ban transgender women from women’s football clubs next season.Last month, the Supreme Court ruled that trans women are not legally women in a move hailed as a “victory for common sense”.Women celebrate outside the Supreme Court in LondonCampaigners from For Women Scotland (FWS) outside the Supreme CourtCredit: EPANHS trusts will be hit with lawsuits for millions of pounds if they fail to protect single-sex female spaces, a lawyer warnsThe FA – who previously allowed trans women to compete in the women’s league – have now said they’re “changing their policy”.In a statement today, it said: “As the governing body of the national sport, our role is to make football accessible to as many people as possible, operating within the law and international football policy defined by UEFA and FIFA.”Our current policy, which allows transgender women to participate in the women’s game, was based on this principle and supported by expert legal advice.”This is a complex subject, and our position has always been that if there was a material change in law, science, or the operation of the policy in grassroots football then we would review it and change it if necessary.read more football news”The Supreme Court’s ruling on the 16 April means that we will be changing our policy. Transgender women will no longer be able to play in women’s football in England, and this policy will be implemented from 1 June 2025.”We understand that this will be difficult for people who simply want to play the game they love in the gender by which they identify, and we are contacting the registered transgender women currently playing to explain the changes and how they can continue to stay involved in the game.”In April, the Supreme Court confirmed the terms “woman” and “sex” in the 2010 Equality Act “refer to a biological woman and biological sex”.The landmark judgment was hailed as a “victory for common sense” by top politicians and feminist campaigners.Most read in FootballAnd the PM, who has previously said “trans women are women”, finally admitted that a woman is an “adult female” after years of woke dithering.In a statement today, Downing Street added that “biology matters” in women’s sport.Trans women are NOT women, Supreme Court rules in win for anti-woke campaigners after battle over female-only spacesAsked about the FA’s decision, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said on Thursday: “We have been clear that biology matters when it comes to women’s sport and that everyone should be compliant with the law.”We will continue to work to ensure women and girls across the country can enjoy sports, and we will continue to support the bodies to protect the integrity, fairness and safety of the game.”He added: “It’s up to the individual sporting bodies to set their own policies.”It comes after Kemi Badenoch labelled Sir Keir a “weather vane who twists in the wind” as she claimed he “doesn’t have the balls” to express his views on gender.And Harry Potter author Rowling hit out against the PM branding him a “coward”.Last month, Baroness Kishwer Falkner, who chairs the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, suggested that clubs at professional and grassroots level must respect the Supreme Court’s ruling that female-only spaces are protected on the basis of biology.Asked if it was now simple that trans women cannot take part in women’s sport, Baroness Falkner told the BBC: “Yes, it is.”Lord Seb Coe, the president of World Athletics hailed the court for having “produced clarity”.He said: “Most importantly, I think it really does support women, in places for them that really matter.”It is really important that we continue to protect the integrity of women’s competition.”The row over trans women in women’s sports has exploded in recent years, with growing calls to protect fairness for female athletes.Critics say letting biological males compete against women creates an uneven playing field, especially in strength-based sports.KEY POINTS ABOUT RULINGTHE UK’s highest court unanimously ruled the terms “woman” and “sex” as set down in UK law “refer to a biological woman and biological sex”.Judges ruled having aGender Recognition Certificate stating a trans woman is female does not mean that person should be treated as a woman under the UK 2010 Equality Act.This means trans women with a GRC can be excluded from single-sex spaces if “proportionate”.The ruling will apply to spaces such as changing rooms, homeless hostels or domestic violence refuges. NHS guidance on who can be placed on same-sex wards is also now likely to be changed. The current document, set out in 2019, states: “Trans people should be accommodated according to their presentation: the way they dress, and the name and pronouns they currently use.”One option is for transgender people to be placed in rooms on their own. Trans people still retain legal protections and cannot be discriminated against, but they cannot acquire protections reserved for women.In 2022, British Cycling faced fury after allowing trans rider Emily Bridges to race in the women’s category — a move blocked by governing body UCI at the last minute.Swimmer Sharron Davies, who won Olympic silver for Team GB, has been one of the most vocal campaigners against what she calls “female erasure” in sport.She and other female athletes argue their years of hard work have been undermined by rules that favour inclusion over fairness.Several UK sporting bodies, including World Athletics and Swim England, have since tightened rules to reserve elite female competition for biological women only.Supporters of the changes say it’s common sense — and long overdue.Britain’s equality watchdog is rushing to rewrite its rulebook after the court ruling shook up the law on sex and gender.The Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) says it’ll urgently update its guidance — as ministers face mounting pressure to spell out what the verdict means for schools, hospitals and workplaces.Baroness Kishwer Falkner, who chairs the EHRC, said the impact of the ruling “cannot be overstated” and vowed a rapid review of the watchdog’s advice to reflect the fresh legal clarity.The equalities chief pledged to crack down on any organisation ignoring the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling.She said the ruling is “enormously consequential” and offers clarity — meaning trans women, even with a Gender Recognition Certificate, can be excluded from women-only spaces if “proportionate”.On sport, she told Radio 4: “Yes, it is” now simple that trans women can’t compete in female categories.Read More on The SunShe said changing rooms must be based on biological sex, adding: “If a male person is allowed to use a women-only service, it becomes a mixed-sex space.”Baroness Falkner also said the NHS must scrap its 2019 policy on trans patients and follow the ruling, with “no confusion” left about what the law requires.Transgender women will be banned from the next season of women’s football in EnglandCredit: Getty More

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      Lucy Bronze wants WSL champions Chelsea ‘to stay unbeaten’ with Blues targeting invincible end to season

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      LUCY BRONZE wants an invincible end to Chelsea’s season after they won a sixth consecutive WSL title following their Champions League exit. The full-back’s towering header sealed a 1-0 defeat of Manchester United with her side celebrating more domestic glory.Chelsea clinched a WSL title win away at Manchester United for the second year in a rowCredit: GettyLucy Bronze’s headed goal sealed the visitors’ victory with the Blues becoming Women’s Super League champions for the eighth timeCredit: GettyTheir sixth consecutive WSL title triumph was also their first under head coach Sonia Bompastor following her appointment last yearCredit: GettyBefore their match kicked off on Wednesday evening second-placed Arsenal were trounced by Aston Villa. Their hefty 5-2 loss at Villa Park meant the Blues required a draw to clinch the title against Man United who have never beaten them in the league. And Bronze’s match-winning moment saw the unbeaten champions maintain their iron grip on the WSL crown following a tense encounter at Leigh Sports Village.The gritty victory sealed the visitors’ domestic trophy double win ahead of their FA Cup final showdown with United on May 18.  Read More Football StoriesChelsea’s eighth top-flight title win led to them becoming champions for the second successive year at the Red Devils home. And it came three days after their bow out of the Champions League following an 8-2 aggregate semi-final loss to Barcelona. It also capped the first top tier triumph of the Sonia Bompastor era, with the champions an cup final win away from a domestic trophy treble.   Bronze said: “We knew that a draw was good enough as well. We wanted to be unbeaten and keep a clean sheet. Most read in Football”But it’s really nice to have scored a goal and got the win as well. “It makes it feel better to celebrate being champions when you win a game. “The fortunate thing for us  this season is we’ve been unbeaten and there were two things to go for. “We knew before the game that Arsenal got beaten so we knew we needed to come in and get from this game. “But we wanted to win and we want to be unbeaten this season, so although we’ve won we’ve got two games left. “We want to win those games and be unbeaten this season.”United went close to scoring in the first half with efforts from Melvine Malard, Grace Clinton and Celin Bizet.Malard nearly gave the hosts a 16th-minute lead with Hannah Hampton parrying her shot away before Naomi Girma’s superb block on Clinton’s follow-up strike. Chelsea and Manchester United will go to battle in the Women’s FA Cup final on May 18Credit: GettyChelsea were forced to make a change later on in the half with Mayra Ramirez going off with a knee issue. And Leah Galton had a shot blocked shortly before Bizet headed wide close to halftime. Read More on The SunThe second half saw Tullis-Joyce pull off a stunning triple save including parrying Aggie Beever-Jones’ 57th-minute shot from distance away from danger. But the USA keeper was unable to stop Bronze’s 74th-minute winner with her flicked header finding the back of the net.  More