Women’s football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Jill Scott hails ‘full circle moment’ after WSL Hall of Fame induction alongside Ellen White and Anita Asante

      by

      JILL SCOTT has lifted FA Cups, a league title and made history by helping Lionesses win the Women’s Euros for the first time ever.However, the retired Lioness, 36 reveals it was her brief loan stint at Aston Villa that turned her mother into a huge Women’s Super League fan.
      Jill Scott’s induction into the WSL Hall of Fame comes 15 months after she helped England win the Euros last August before hanging up her bootsCredit: Getty
      Scott joins several Women’s Super League trailblazers honoured for their contribution to the game
      Scott’s post-playing career has seen her regular feature as a football pundit on TVCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      The former midfielder, who began her 18-year playing career at Sunderland before spells at Everton, Manchester City and Villa is someone who has become synonymous with the WSL.  
      Before winning the Euros, Scott joined Villa on loan from Man City in January last year.
      And last night saw her, Ellen White and Anita Asante become the league’s latest Barclays WSL Hall of Fame inductees.
      Scott said: “My mum actually loves following Villa, because of my time there.

      “She is a really big fan of Carla and the team.
      “She knows how much I enjoyed my time there so she’s always looking out for their results and, with Jordan Nobbs, and Lucy Staniforth going there as well.
      “The fact that she works her weekend around the game at times is just great, really.
      “Going back however many years, she would not have even known that games were happening, and she wouldn’t have had access to watch them.
      Most read in Football
      “It goes to show that if we keep putting this amazing product out there, there is an audience who wants to follow this ever-growing game.”
      Last August saw Scott, who made 175 WSL appearances, retire after helping Sarina Wiegman’s England become European Champions at Wembley by beating Germany.
      A memorable expletive rant (for which she later apologised) during the final in reaction to a heavy challenge during the Lionesses’ historic win that day may have seen her go viral.
      But for many WSL fans, and in particular Man City supporters, it’s Scott’s performances on the pitch for which she is remembered most for.
      Performances which saw her win four FA Cups, four league cups and a WSL title before joining Kelly Smith, Karen Carney, Eni Aluko, Fara Williams and Rachel Yankey in the Hall of Fame.
      Scott adds: “I hope it represents that for any young girl out there, you might not be the best player on your team, you might not be the most talented; but with hard work and if you want something so badly you have to dedicate every day of your life to it.
      “If I look at my early days of playing with Fara, then when I look at Keira Walsh, Lauren Hemp, Steph Houghton all these players, I think they made me look half decent at times!”
      To date the only football manager included in the Hall of Fame’s inductees is Emma Hayes who has guided Chelsea six WSL title wins.
      The Blues chief will leave her current role at the end of this season after 11 years at the helm amid links with the USA Women’s national team manager’s role.
      Scott said: “Emma has had a fantastic time with Chelsea in terms of where they were to where they are now. 
      “I don’t think it’s been confirmed yet where she’s going next.
      “I know every single player that I’ve talked to who has played for Emma, says that her emotional intelligence and how she gets the best out of the players is just on another level.
      “It’s sad for the WSL that we’re going to be losing one of the best managers – well definitely the most successful -manager to ever manage in it.
      “I’m excited for her next challenge.”
      Scott’s playing days involved being part of the crop of female footballers who featured in the WSL in its debut season.
      Players who contributed to its formation prior the division’s first game played 13 years ago with Arsenal beating Chelsea 1-0 at the home of non-league men’s side Tooting and Mitcham.
      The former Lioness, who is among the WSL’s highest appearance makers, hopes to pass the baton on to the league’s next generation and girls aspiring to build careers in the game.
      Her Hall of Fame induction comes nine months after the opening of a pitch named after her in Jarrow, South Tyneside
      Scott said: “You see the legacy that you do get to leave, the opportunity to open a football pitch which is going to give girls and women’s football the priority to make sure that they have good facilities.
      “The fact that we get that on the back of knowing at the beginning of the WSL that we needed better facilities so that you’re helping that next generation, it’s kind of a full circle moment.”
      Lioness heroines Anita Asante and Ellen White have also been inducted into the WSL’s Hall of Fame
       “For Anita, Ellen and for me to get this recognition, I’m sure the girls are just equally as excited as me.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I hope we showed how much it meant to play for our club, no matter who that was.
      “It kind of shows all that hard work that put in and hopefully, people see that we always tried to represent our clubs in in the best way possible right till the end.” More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Football legend breaks down in tears on pitch as final game ends in heartbreak after horror injury just three minutes in

      by

      MEGAN RAPINOE suffered a devastating injury during her last-ever football match.The US Women’s national team legend started for OL Reign in the NWSL Championship final on Saturday.
      Megan Rapinoe suffered an Achilles injury during her final matchCredit: Getty
      She suffered the injury just three minutes into the gameCredit: AFP
      Rapinoe received a standing ovation from both sets of fans while walking off the pitchCredit: Getty
      However, just three minutes into the match against Gotham FC she went to ground off the ball with an Achilles issue.
      After receiving treatment from the medical team she limped off the pitch in tears to a standing ovation from both sets of fans.
      Fans took to social media to react to the heartbreaking incident, with one person writing: “Worst way for a legend of the game to go out 😔.”
      Another added: “Regardless of what you think of Rapinoe, it’s a shame to see a player of her stature, talent, and impact lose the chance to play to the final whistle.”
      Read More on Football
      While a third said: “I’m heartbroken to see her go off her final career game with an injury like this. She’s a true legend. Thank you, Pinoe.”
      Gotham went on to win the match 2-1 thanks to goals from Lynn Williams and Esther Gonzalez.
      Discussing her devastating injury at full-time, Rapinoe said: “It felt like just a huge pop. The worst possible outcome.
      “I just thought, ‘Thank God I have like a f***ing deep well of sense of humour’.
      Most read in Football
      “But yeah, I mean, just obviously devastating to go out in the final so early.
      “I wasn’t overly emotional about it. I mean, I just f***ing yeeted my Achilles in the sixth minute in my last game ever, in the literal championship final.”
      Rapinoe is considered one of the USWNT’s greatest-ever players.
      She scored 63 goals in 203 appearances for her national team and won the World Cup twice.
      She also won the Ballon d’Or back in 2019.
      The 38-year-old announced her plans to retire from football before the start of the Women’s World Cup in July.
      She tweeted: “It is with a deep sense of peace & gratitude that I have decided this will be my final season playing this beautiful game.
      “I never could have imagined the ways in which soccer would shape & change my life forever.”
      Rapinoe played for seven different clubs throughout her professional career, including Chicago Red Stars, Seattle Sounders and Olympique Lyonnais. More

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Manchester City boss Taylor hopeful of improved broadcast rights deal for WSL and Women’s Championship

      by

      GARETH TAYLOR says the sky is the limit to push for an increased broadcast deal for the Women’s Super League and Championship. The Manchester City boss spoke after the women’s top tier in the USA secured a record TV rights deal worth $240million, 40 times more than the existing one. 
      Gareth Taylor hopes to see an improved broadcast deal for the WSL and Women’s ChampionshipCredit: Getty
      The National Women’s Soccer League’s new broadcast rights deal will see NWSL fixtures in the USA shown on CBS Sports, ESPN, Prime Video and Scripps Sports from 2024Credit: Getty
      That four-year agreement, announced on Thursday, will start in 2024 and is thought to be the largest agreed by a women’s sport league to date.
      National Women’s Soccer League games will be aired on CBS Sports, ESPN, Prime Video and Scripps Sports. 
      WSL and Women’s Championship are also after a higher price for the combined broadcast rights contract, according to Telegraph Sport.  
      The WSL’s existing TV deal with Sky Sports and the BBC, which finishes at the end of this term, is worth around £8m per year. 
      Read More Football Stories
      On his hopes for the WSL’s new deal following the NWSL’s announcement, Taylor said: “It’s (women’s football coverage) has moved on significantly.
      “How much further (can it go), the sky’s the limit, really and also in regard to getting appropriate kick-off times so that supporters are able to watch their clubs men’s and women’s teams. 
      “That’s been really difficult because it’s a really tight calendar and they’re on a tight turnaround. 
      “That being said, I think there’s been significant steps in the three seasons I’ve been here.
      Most read in Football
      “When I look at my first season of 2020-21 and it was a bit of a fake landscape with it being during Covid times. 
      “We probably had two games televised that season which was the FA Cup semi-final and final in an empty Wembley Stadium
      “The following season we saw the introduction of Sky Sports showcasing games alongside the BBC and that’s now even more this season.”
      On the pitch, Taylor aims to guide his side back to winning ways after the 2-1 loss at Arsenal, their first of the season. 
      City host Brighton today, who are yet to beat them, losing eight of their last nine games. And Albion have shipped 39 goals in those nine WSL games. 
      However, Taylor will not underestimate the Seagulls — under new boss Melissa Phillips.
      Brighton drew with Manchester United last time out and have four former City players in their squad — defender Poppy Pattinson, midfielder Vicky Losada and forwards Pauline Bremner and Lee Geum-min. 
      Taylor added: “They took a solid point last week and there could have been more for them as well — and it just shows how dangerous they are. 
      “We wouldn’t underestimate any opposition.
      “With their new coach they’ve been quite active in recruitment in terms of bringing in players who’ve got really good experience in the WSL and international football.”
      Vicky Losada is one of two ex-Man City aces who joined Brighton this summerCredit: Alamy
      Meanwhile, Taylor says he has high hopes for two of City’s young rising stars, forward Jess Park and defender Ruby Mace. 
      Read More on The Sun
      He said: “Jess looks really sharp and lively and a threat. 
      “It’s the same with Ruby. She’s got the capabilities of playing higher up the pitch and the early signs have been impressive.” More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      England Lionesses hero Alessia Russo dazzles on red carpet at star-studded Women of the Year Awards

      by

      ALESSIA RUSSO dazzled on the red carpet as she attended the Harpers Bazaar Women of the Year Awards. The England and Arsenal star joined a whole host of stars at the glitzy event.
      Alessia Russo stunned on the red carpet at the Harpers Bazaar Women of the Year AwardsCredit: Getty
      She wore a classy black dressCredit: Splash
      Russo was given the Sportsperson of the Year AwardCredit: Getty
      She stunned in an elegant black dress with heels as she posed for the cameras on the carpet.
      And Russo wasn’t just there to spectate as she picked up an award for herself on the evening.
      She was honoured with the Sportsperson of the Year for her efforts for club and country in 2023.
      The 24-year-old was part of Sarina Wiegman‘s England squad that narrowly missed out on World Cup success in Australia this summer.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The Lionesses battled their way through to the World Cup final where they eventually suffered the heartbreak of a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Spain.
      While she also made a career defining move at club level this summer when she left Manchester United to join Arsenal Women.
      The Gunners had tried to sign Russo in January, but reportedly saw two world record bids rejected by the Red Devils.
      But Russo still made the leap to the North London club at the end of the season when her contract expired with Man Utd.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Since signing for Arsenal the forward has featured seven times and netted three goals.
      Russo was honoured alongside a whole host of huge names at the Women of the Year awards.
      Empowering stars such as Jenna Ortega, Olivia Colman and Emilia Clarke were all in attendance.
      Russo joined a host of other big names at the awards ceremonyCredit: The Mega Agency
      The superstar striker suffered heartbreak in Australia with the Lionesses this summerCredit: Getty
      Naomi Watts was among those in attendanceCredit: The Mega Agency
      TV and radio host Vick Hope stunned in a black dressCredit: The Mega Agency
      British actress Emily Beecham wore a navy blue gownCredit: The Mega Agency
      Olivia Colman combined her outfit with an overcoatCredit: The Mega Agency
      Sophia di Martino appears in the Marvel UniverseCredit: The Mega Agency
      Emilia Clarke looked radiant in an ivory dressCredit: The Mega Agency More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans in awe at ‘nicely garnished’ festive Turkey and stuffing roll at Barnsley Women as they ask ‘do you deliver?’

      by

      BARNSLEY left fans drooling after a special festive item popped up on their food menu.The club’s women’s team cruised to a 3-0 win over Leeds Ladies on Sunday.
      Fans loved Barnsley’s turkey and stuffing roll with gravy and chipsCredit: https://twitter.com/FootyScran
      They now sit top of the Women’s National League Division One North, four points clear of Middlesbrough.
      But while they are impressing on the pitch, some fans have also been excited by the food offerings at the Olympic Legacy Stadium.
      Barnsley now serve a turkey and stuffing roll with gravy and chips for £6.95.
      One supporter shared a picture of the food to popular social media page Footy Scran.
      Read More on Football
      And several fans were quick to comment on it, with one person tweeting: “Some serious northern scran. Love it!”
      Another added: “Yes! Get in the Christmas spirit!”
      A third wrote: “That looks majestic.”
      A fourth fan questioned: “Ay up @BarnsleyFC do you deliver….?”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      While a fifth simply said: “Nicely garnished.”
      Barnsley next face Liverpool Feds at home in the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday. More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Glam footballer and OnlyFans star Madelene Wright stuns in figure-hugging dress leaving fans ‘speechless’

      by

      MADELENE WRIGHT left fans too stunned to speak with her latest social media post.The glamorous footballer took to her Instagram with her latest snap.
      SCROLL DOWN TO SEE MORE OF MADELENE
      Madelene Wright stunned in her latest Instagram snapCredit: instagram @madelene_wright
      Madelene Wright had fans ‘speechless’Credit: instagram @madelene_wright
      The stars for Leyton Orient WomenCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wright
      Wright, who stars for Leyton Orient Women, has 328,000 followers on the platform.
      The 25-year-old was seen wearing a figure-hugging dress.
      She completed the look with some tinted glasses and a black handbag.
      Reacting to the picture, one fan said: “So cute 💗.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      A second said: “That dress is amazing 👏.”
      A third wrote: “Beautiful and Gorgeous.”
      A fourth added: “I’m speechless.”
      British actress Alessia Vernazza said: “Insane beauty.”
      Most read in Football
      Wright wore an angel costume for HalloweenCredit: Instagram
      Wright has 328,000 Instagram followersCredit: X
      She also has an OnlyFans pageCredit: Instagram / madelene_wright
      Wright recently got in the holiday spirit by wearing an angel costume for Halloween.
      The football star won some new fans for the O’s with a stunning goal from range.
      Wright also has an OnlyFans page, where she is no stranger to posting seductive pics.
      Inside Elle’s glamorous life as influencer, boxer and OnlyFans star…
      Wright lives a glamourous lifestyle
      She often wows her fans with raunchy picturesCredit: Instagram
      Madelene has over 300k followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @madelene_wright
      She recently celebrated her 25th birthdayCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wright
      The football also has an OnlyFans accountCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wright
      She claimed to have made over £500,000 from the platformCredit: Instagram @madelene_wright
      The footballer has recently signed for Leyton OrientCredit: Instagram/@madelene_wright
      She has continued her OnlyFansCredit: twitter @MaddieMadelene
      She often dresses in revealing outfitsCredit: Instagram
      Madelene used to play for CharltonCredit: Instagram @Madelene_Wright More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Emma Hayes ‘agrees’ lucrative new role with Chelsea players and staff left ‘stunned’ by shock departure

      by

      EMMA HAYES has reportedly agreed a lucrative new role away from Chelsea after the club announced she would leave at the end of the season.Hayes has had a superb spell with The Blues winning six Women’s Super League titles, five Women’s FA Cups and two FA Women’s League Cups.
      Emma Hayes has reportedly agreed to take over as the US Women’s national team after it was announced she will be leaving ChelseaCredit: Getty
      And her impressive record seems to have earned her a seat in one of the highest profile roles in women’s football.
      According to the Telegraph, the decorated manager has agreed to become the new head coach of the US Women’s national team.
      The report suggests that the USWNT are also keen on poaching Chelsea’s assistant manager Denise Reddy to follow suit as her number two.
      Chelsea announced today that Hayes would be stepping down as manager at the end of the season in a statement on their club website.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      It read: “Chelsea FC can today confirm that highly decorated Chelsea Women’s manager Emma Hayes OBE will depart the club at the end of the season to pursue a new opportunity outside of the WSL and club football.”
      The news was reportedly broken to the Chelsea squad following their 6-0 win over Aston Villa today.
      And it’s said that players and non-football staff were left shocked by the surprise departure with the 47-year-old held in such high regard around the club.
      Hayes will remain in charge of the London outfit until the 2023/24 season comes to a close in May.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Which will be music to the ears of Blues fans with their side currently sat top of the table and unbeaten in the opening five games of the campaign.
      But may come as a concern to stateside fans as the proposed scheduling would mean the US Women’s team would continue with a temporary boss in place until Hayes was able to take over full time.
      Twila Kilgore was appointed as the interim head coach for the national side in Ausgust and could remain in place until Hayes’ arrival.
      Reports from US football writer Joseph Lowry suggest that Hayes may join the USWNT during international breaks before taking over. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Belgium 3-2 England LIVE RESULT: Wullaert scores brace to seal win over Lionesses as Alex Greenwood suffers head injury

      by

      BELGIUM have beaten England 3-2 on a disappointing night for Sarina Weigman’s side.The Lionesses found themselves behind early doors after a stunning free-kick from Laura De Neve put the hosts ahead.
      Alex Greenwood was stretchered off in the first half after clashing heads with Belgium’s Jassina Blom.
      Sarina Weigman’s side made it 1-1 through Lucy Bronze’s excellent header before Fran Kirby put England in front minutes later.
      Tessa Wullaert scored Belgium’s equaliser for 2-2, then converted a penalty late in the second half to seal a 3-2 win and give the hosts 3 points in Group A1.
      The defeat in Leuven leaves Sarina Wiegman’s side with a small hill to climb, with the team needing a win against Holland at Wembley in December to keep Team GB’s Olympic qualification hopes alive.

      Match result: Belgium 3-2 England

      PADDY POWER WELCOME OFFER – Get £40 in free bet builder bets
      Follow our Belgium vs England live blog below…
      That’s all from Leuven
      England suffer a shock 3-2 defeat to Belgium, leaving them third in Group A1.
      The Lionesses now face a huge uphill battle to qualify for the Olympics on behalf of Team GB.
      Next up for Sarina Wiegman’s side is a return to Wembley Stadium, where they host Netherlands on December 1.
      But until then, thank you for reading and goodnight!
      Sarina Wiegman reacts
      Speaking to ITV, the England manager said:
      “They scored three goals and we scored two. This was a game I think we should have been tighter on the ball. The tempo wasn’t great.
      “We did create lots of chances, we dominated the game totally. We lost the ball and they were gone on the counter attack. It was us that made it hard.
      “They played top and played very compact. It’s something we have to get out of our game. We have to do better in the final third.
      “We were sloppy on the ball and they were ready for that. They play their long ball and they are gone. We didn’t do it good enough today.”
      Credit: Alamy
      Lucy Bronze reacts
      Speaking to ITV, the England full-back said:
      “We created more chances than the last game but we were sloppier on the ball. Their goals came from our loose passes.
      “Apart from that they didn’t really create anything, particularly in the first half and we had a few chances to put the game to bed if we were a little bit more clinical in front of goal.
      “We were pushing at the end, we were unfortunate to give away a penalty. We just couldn’t get the ball across the line in the last 30 minutes.
      “The other game was almost the opposite. We were so good on the ball, we just didn’t create chances.
      “The whole team needed to step up and obviously there was that big break where Alex had to come off who is probably one of our key players on the ball.
      “One of those things. We have to do a lot better. Similar happened against Holland where we gave it away too sloppily, too easily. It’s something we need to work on collectively and individually, we need to look at ourselves and go again.”
      Credit: PA
      Alex Greenwood update
      Alex Greenwood is conscious, taking and being monitored by England’s medical staff.
      The defender was stretchered off with a serious head injury during the first half.
      Match Stats
      The Lionesses had by far the most chances this evening, but they failed to make the most of them.
      Credit: UEFA
      Full Time – Belgium 3-2 England
      England had never conceded three goals in one game under the management of Sarina Wiegman until today.
      Full Time – Belgium 3-2 England
      England are burned by the Red Flames in Leuven.
      Credit: Alamy
      90+2. Belgium 3-2 England
      England have a free kick on the halfway line.
      Kelly takes it, but the ball curls straight towards Evrard and the goalkeeper claims it without coming under any threat.
      90+1. Belgium 3-2 England
      Three minutes have been added on.
      89. Belgium 3-2 England
      Substitution for Belgium.
      Wullaert is replaced by Janssens.
      88. Belgium 3-2 England
      The Lionesses have completely dominated this game, but they have failed to make the most of their chances.
      Belgium on the other hand have done just that.
      85. GOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL BELGIUM!!!
      Wullaert converts the spot kick!
      84. PENALTY
      Belgium have a penalty!
      Stanway was deemed to handle the ball.
      81. Belgium 2-2 England
      The Lionesses have been all over Belgium in this second half.
      Walsh sends another excellent pass over to Daly in the box, who heads it towards goal, but her effort is saved by Evrard.
      77. Belgium 2-2 England
      England go for goal again as the ball comes out to Bronze on the edge of the box.
      She shoots first time, but Cayman makes the block.
      74. Belgium 2-2 England
      A double change for Belgium now.
      Daniels replaces Blom.
      Delacauw replaces Detruyer.
      68. Belgium 2-2 England
      England make two changes.
      Toone is on to replace Kirby.
      Daly is on to replace Russo.
      65. Belgium 2-2 England
      England look to break forward again as Walsh finds Bronze in the box with a brilliant through ball, but the full-back can just about keep it in before Evrard claims it.
      Credit: EPA
      64. Belgium 2-2 England
      Russo is sent through on goal and attempts to shoot from a tight angle, but her shot hits the side netting.
      61. Belgium 2-2 England
      Earps comes to England’s rescue once again as she makes a brilliant save to deny Wullaert.
      The striker managed to get past both Bright and Carter before getting her shot away.
      59. Belgium 2-2 England
      The Lionesses are desperately trying to chip away at the Belgium defence, but they are struggling to make the most of their chances.
      Just over 30 minutes to play now.
      52. Belgium 2-2 England
      England come close again as Hemp picks up the ball and sets it back to Russo, who sends a perfect pass through to Bronze.
      The full-back heads it to Kirby, who makes a run into the box before shooting, but her effort takes a deflection and is cleared off the line.
      Credit: PA
      47. Belgium 2-2 England
      Chance for England as Kelly sends a free kick into the box.
      Russo looks to get the shot away, but she can’t get enough contact on the ball and it goes out for a corner.
      These set-pieces are proving to be a huge challenge for Belgium.
      46. Belgium 2-2 England
      Missipo is booked by the referee for a reckless challenge on Kirby.
      Luckily, the Chelsea star is able to play on.
      Kick Off – Belgium 2-2 England
      We’re back underway! More