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      Brave Lionesses have inspired a new generation… when I captained England we had to pay to play and washed our own kits

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      IT is hard to believe how much the Lionesses have lifted the game of football in this country.When I captained England to victory in an unofficial world cup in Italy in 1985 the Women’s Football Association couldn’t even afford to pay for a replica of the trophy for each of us.
      The Lionesses have lifted the game of football in EnglandCredit: Alamy
      Maya Jama watches the team at Victoria ParkCredit: Getty
      Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hits the bar for the match
      A decade earlier females were still banned from playing the beautiful game on affiliated grounds.
      Today, thanks to our team of heroes, the whole of the nation has got behind these inspirational young women.
      It is their brave performances on the field and dignified spirit off it that has raised the sport so far.
      Not only did manager Sarina Wiegman’s side become European champions last summer, they went onto become the first England women’s team to reach a World Cup final.
      Read More on Lionesses
      At the final whistle the Lionesses slumped to the ground, heads in hands and teary eyed.
      Their sense of devastation is understandable, because they have given so much to reach the pinnacle of the game.
      But they should leave Australia with their heads held high.
      The women got kicked and got back up again, there was no rolling about.
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      Our defender Alex Greenwood took a nasty cut over her eye and played on with her head bandaged.
      It was all genuine effort.
      Our goalkeeper Mary Earps was distraught at the end, but she was a real hero making save after save.
      Stopping that penalty gave us hope right up until the end.
      And the superb goals scored earlier in the tournament will live long in the memory of fans.
      It will inspire a generation of young talent.
      At school I was only able to get a kickabout at lunch time with the boys, because during PE lessons it was hockey or netball for the girls.
      When I started playing the beautiful game as an adult, the Football Association still banned females from competing on affiliated football grounds.
      We could only kick-off in parks or on work’s team pitches.
      It cost me money to represent my country when I was first selected to play for England in 1974.
      We had to wash our kits and pay for our travel to the airport.
      The first official tournament was the UEFA championship from 1982 to 1984, which saw us get to the final against Sweden.
      I felt the taste of defeat then, losing over two legs on penalties.
      But I felt proud picking up my runners-up medals and so should the Lionesses.
      We went one better when we took part in the Mundialito – which translates as ‘little world cup.’
      In 1985 I captained the side that played four times in seven days, going on to beat the hosts Italy in the final 3-1 in a tournament not recognised by FIFA.
      Just to represent your country is such an honour, but to lead England to victory is incredible.
      Rather than the 80,000 capacity stadium in Australia that Sarina’s team played in, it was a small ground without stands on most sides.
      We came home and I disappeared back to my job in the office at Northern Dairies in Hull without any fanfare at all.
      That is what is so wonderful about this World Cup.
      They have rightly been congratulated by the Prime Minister and King Charles and should return to a heroes welcome.
      Spain played really well, pressuring the Lionesses and not giving them any time on the ball.
      They didn’t allow us to get into our usual rhythm and England were unable to reach tip top form.
      There is no doubting the dedication and effort of the Lionesses, though.
      England have not complained about going from the Euros last summer to the World Cup a year later, or about the injuries to key players or jet lag.
      We have got used to winning, with this defeat to Spain being only Sarina’s second ever defeat as manager of England.
      It is going to be tough to get over the hurt of losing a World Cup final, but Sarina and her staff will be able to pick them up.
      Read More on The Sun
      There are lots of young players in this team and they will have another opportunity to lift the World Cup.
      The Lionesses have proved that for the women’s game there are no limits to what they can achieve.
      Proud Lioness fans sport their hats outside the Oz stadiumCredit: EPA
      They think it’s all agony as the final whistle is blown and fans are in tearsCredit: Reuters
      Carol Thomas, centre, is a former England Women’s CaptainCredit: Rex More

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      Our England women have been an inspiration this World Cup – here’s what the brilliant Lionesses must do next

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      DO you like the vibes?” Millie Bright asked on the Lionesses’ Instagram feed.
      Our England women have been an inspiration this World Cup – here’s what the brilliant Lionesses must do nextCredit: Getty
      Our captain was walking onto the training pitch before the final as Heaven Is A Place On Earth played in the background.
      Did we like the vibes?
      Not so sure about the Belinda Carlisle tune, but my word how we’ve loved the vibes.
      Our women have been an inspiration.
      READ MORE ON LIONESSES
      For a long time, blokes like me who were generally positive about women’s football would always qualify our praise by saying something disparaging about the goalkeeping.
      Not anymore.
      It would take a perfect finish to get past Mary Earps, and that’s what Olga Carmona conjured up, burying the ball just inside the far post — about the only place our keeper couldn’t get to it.
      To beat Earps and England only the best would do, and Spain were the best.
      Most read in Football
      Fair play. More

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      Spanish FA president slammed for ‘grabbing and kissing’ Women’s World Cup star as she says ‘I did not enjoy that’

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      SPANISH FA chief Luis Rubiales has been slammed for grabbing and kissing star player Jenni Hermoso.Rubiales, 45, was present as Spain beat England 1-0 to lift the Women’s World Cup in Sydney.
      Luis Rubiales grabbed and kissed Jenni Hermoso
      Rubiales, 45, has been criticised for his inappropriate actions
      Hermoso ‘did not enjoy’ Rubiales’ antics
      As stars received their medals, Rubiales was stood near Fifa president Gianni Infantino ready to congratulate Spain stars.
      His behaviour has drawn criticism after he was seen grabbing and kissing Hermoso.
      As per Spanish football reporter Colin Millar, the 33-year-old said after the incident: “Eh… yeah, I did not enjoy that.”
      Rubiales has also drawn ire for backing controversial manager Jorge Vilda.
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      The Spain boss reportedly banned players from locking their hotel rooms before midnight in 2019, as he wanted to carry out room checks.
      He was also accused of forcing players to reveal the contents of their bags at training, while treating players like “children”.
      Fifteen players boycotted the Spain team in protest at Vilda last year.
      Only three returned for this summer’s tournament Down Under.
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      Vilda remains unpopular despite Spain’s tournament win, being awkwardly snubbed by players amid the celebrations.
      He was also booed while receiving his medal.
      The 42-year-old has been continuously backed by Rubiales, despite concerns from players over the culture within the Spain team.
      Rubiales said this week: “What we have endured is a lot.
      “Questions have been asked of Jorge Vilda, who is a hard-working man, a world-class coach, who has turned down other federations that have offered more money and stayed with Spain.
      “We have stuck with those that have always wanted to be here, that have valued the great work that he has done to grow, and we have forgotten the people with resentments.
      “He has continued working and not paid attention to those who wanted to destroy him.”

      Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final
      Hermoso, 33, played a huge role in helping Spain win the World CupCredit: Rex More

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      Earps and James among FIVE England stars to make Sun’s Women’s World Cup team of the tournament despite final heartbreak

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      THE Women’s World Cup reached a thrilling climax on Sunday when Spain clinched the title with a 1-0 win over England.The tournament produced some stunning shocks, including the USA and Germany succumbing to surprise exits.
      Spain won the Women’s World CupCredit: PA
      Although Spain were the team to seal the title, a number of players from other nations impressed throughout the month.
      Here is a list of the players who have made SunSport’s team of the tournament as well as rankings of stars who have featured for England.
      Mary Earps (England)
      The England number one’s performances in goal throughout the tournament have been one of the bedrocks for the team’s progress to their first-ever final.
      Earps won the Golden GloveCredit: Getty
      The shot-stopper made a number of stunning saves across the tournament.
      READ MORE ON ENGLAND
      Among her most impressive was an outstretched foot to deny Roseline Eloissant the chance of snatching a point for Haiti in England’s opening game of the tournament.
      She also made an incredible penalty stop to keep the score at 1-0 during the World Cup final.
      In their six games up to the final, the Lionesses conceded just three goals from open play.
      That impressive record saw Earps claim the Golden Glove after the final.
      Most read in Football
      Ona Batlle (Spain) 
      The former Man United full-back’s performances have underlined why Barcelona were eager to sign her this summer.
      She topped the tournament’s charts for passes and crosses into the penalty box and recorded the most tackles of any player in this year’s contest.
      Amanda Ilestedt (Sweden) 
      Arsenal fans will certainly be in for a treat when the Sweden centre-back and Gunners newbie takes to the field for the team next season.
      Ilestedt scored four goals for SwedenCredit: EPA
      Ilestedt’s aerial threat from set-pieces proved to be a huge bonus for Sweden who won a third-place play-off duel with Australia.
      She netted four times for Peter Gerhardsson’s side during an impressive run that saw them knock the USA out in the tournament’s last-16 stage.
      Millie Bright (England) 
      Bright swiftly overcame some early tournament rustiness and established herself among the best centre-backs of this World Cup.
      Her composed displays helped England quell the threats of some of the most dangerous forward amongst England’s rivals.
      Her long ball to Lauren Hemp helped England regain the lead against Australia in the semi-final.
      Olga Carmona (Spain)
      Carmona is the definition of a big game player.
      She scored the winning goal for Spain during their semi-final against Sweden in spectacular fashion.
      And she scored the decisive goal in the World Cup final against England.
      Halimatu Ayinde (Nigeria) 
      Ayinde did a solid job marking Lauren James during Nigeria’s last-16 duel with England which the Super Falcons lost on penalties.
      Ayinde put in an excellent performance against EnglandCredit: Getty
      The Chelsea starlet’s attacking efforts were neutralised at various points of the game due to tight marking by the Rosengard defensive midfielder.
      Keira Walsh (England) 
      Walsh made a fast recovery from a knee injury scare and impressed with her performances against Colombia and Australia in the quarter and semi-finals.
      Her shift in midfield helped give England the edge in possession as they battled their way to a 3-1 victory.
      Aitana Bonmati (Spain) 
      Bonmati is the lynchpin in Spain’s attack, scoring once against Costa Rica and twice against Switzerland in the group stages.
      Bonmati won the Golden BallCredit: Getty
      Her trickery and vision was key to her side’s play on the counter.
      The midfielder picked up the Golden Ball award at the end of the tournament.
      Lauren Hemp (England)  
      Was among the players of the tournament for England with three crucial goals including the finish that saw them take the lead against Australia in the semi-finals.
      Her tenacity and pace on the wing made her a handful for her markers.
      Hemp’s no-look assist for Alessia Russo’s strike against Australia was world-class. 
      Lauren James (England)
      One of England’s most promising young forwards and shone for the Lionesses during the group stage, bagging three goals for Sarina Wiegman’s side.
      Such a shame she missed a few games through suspension.
      Hinata Miyazawa (Japan)
      Miyazawa won the tournament’s Golden Boot with five goals.
      Read More on The Sun
      The midfielder shone for Japan prior to their quarter-final loss to Sweden.
      She also caused mayhem for Spain’s defence in the group stage bagging a brace in her side’s 4-0 thrashing of the World Cup finalists.
      SunSport’s Team of the Tournament More

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      When does the Women’s Super League return and how can I watch it?

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      FOLLOWING England’s performance at the Women’s World Cup the nation officially has football fever.The Lionesses may not have won the FIFA tournament but they have sparked a huge interest in women’s football, leading many fans to question when the Women’s Super League will be back.
      Manager Emma Hayes of Chelsea won the FA Women’s Super League in May 2023 with players Magdalena Eriksson and Millie BrightCredit: Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
      When does the Women’s Super League return?
      The Women’s Super League (WSL), also known as the Barclays Women’s Super League, was established in 2010.
      It is the highest league of women’s football in England.
      The FA has confirmed that the first games of the WSL 2023/24 season will take place on Sunday, October 1.
      The upcoming season is staring later than last year’s due to the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which ended on August 20.
      Read More on Women’s Football
      England made it to the final of the competition but lost to Spain 1-0.
      The matches taking place on October 1 are:

      Arsenal v Liverpool
      Aston Villa v Manchester United
      Bristol City v Leicester City
      Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur 
      Everton v Brighton & Hove Albion
      West Ham United v Manchester City

      The full set of fixtures for the 2023/24 season can be found on The FA Women’s League website.
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      The WSL will pause around a week before Christmas, after the weekend of December 16 and 17.
      Games will then resume in January 2024, with the first matches of the year scheduled for January 21.
      The season will then come to an end on the weekend of May 18 and 19.
      At the end of the 2022/23 season, Chelsea successfully retained their title by defeating Reading.
      The win marked Chelsea’s fourth consecutive – and sixth overall – WSL title.
      Which England Lionesses play in the Women’s Super League?
      A number of players who travelled to Australia and New Zealand as part of Sarina Wiegman’s World Cup squad play for clubs in the WSL.
      Beth Mead, Leah Williamson, Nikita Parris, and Lotte Wubben-Moy play for Arsenal while Hannah Hampton plays for Aston Villa.
      Millie Bright, Jess Carter, Frank Kirby and Bethany England, meanwhile, play for Chelsea.
      Manchester City boasts five Lionesses on its line-up, with Alex Greenwood, Lauren Hemp, Demi Stokes, Chloe Kelly and Ellie Roebuck all on the squad.
      Rivals Manchester United have Mary Earps, Ella Toone and Alessia Russo on their team.
      How to watch the WSL
      Like last season, WSL matches will be available to watch on the BBC, Sky Sports or the Football Association website.
      Read More on The Sun
      Sky Sports will show two games a week, while the BBC will broadcast one match live each week
      Any games not broadcast on TV will be available to watch on the FA Player for free. More

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      England ratings: Mary Earps provides penalty saving heroics to spare Keira Walsh blushes but it’s not enough

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      ENGLAND have been left heartbroken after losing out on a chance to win a first World Cup since 1966.The Lionesses roared through every stage of the competition, but fell at the final hurdle, losing 1-0 to a confident Spain team.
      England are left heartbroken after they lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup finalCredit: PA
      Mary Earps was a standout player for EnglandCredit: Getty
      Sarina Wiegman was unable to replicate her team’s success in the European ChampionshipsCredit: Getty
      England had a chance to take the lead early in the first half, but were denied by the crossbar from a Lauren Hemp effort.
      Olga Carmona scored the game’s only goal in the 29th minute as she tucked it away into the bottom corner.
      The end result will be tough to take for the ladies who left everything out on the pitch.
      But they can leave Australia with their heads held high after making fans up and down the country proud with their valiant efforts.
      READ MORE ON LIONESSES
      Here SunSport take a look at the each of the Lionesses’ individual performances during their gut-wrenching defeat.
      Mary Earps – 9
      The shot-stopper was England’s hero with a HUGE penalty save from Jennifer Hermoso.
      Not only that, but she also made a crucial save in 17th minute to deny Alba Redondo before making another to stop England from going two behind in the 50th minute.
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      There was nothing she could’ve done about Olga Carmona’s inch-perfect finish and she will be dissapointed her team-mates couldn’t do the business up the other end.
      Most read in Football
      Mary Earps made some stunning saved for the Lionesses, including a penaltyCredit: EPA
      Lucy Bronze – 7
      The experienced full-back left a big gap behind her for Olga’s goal, but improved massively afterwards.
      She is a leader in this England team and her solid performance showed why.
      Jess Carter – 7
      Carter had a tough job covering for Lucy Bronze in the first half, but was able to settle into the game better after Sarina Weigman changed the formation at half-time.
      Millie Bright – 7
      Bright also looked more confident in the second half and was important in stopping Spain from adding to their lead in the frantic 13 minutes of added time.
      Alex Greenwood – 6
      England’s backline was caught out a few times with overlapping runs and there wasn’t much Greenwood could do about the balls across the face of goal.
      Showed her bravery by seeing out the game despite getting a nasty knock to the head.
      Alex Greenwood picked up a head injury in the second halfCredit: Getty
      Rachel Daly – 6
      Caught out a couple times down the flanks when Spain were coming forward, but looked comfortable in one-on-one situations.
      The Aston Villa star was replaced at half time as Weigman looked to try to get back into the game.
      Georgia Stanway – 7
      The Bayern Munich midfielder was important for England in the middle of the park, she helped both break up play and carry the ball forward.
      But despite her best efforts, there was little she could do when Spain were at their free-flowing best.
      Keira Walsh – 5
      Walsh made a silly mistake by moving her arm towards the ball and giving away the penalty that gave Spain the chance to go two up in the final.
      But she was able to breathe a sigh of relief after Mary Earps pulled off a wonderful save to deny Hermoso.
      Ella Toone – 6
      Toone had her blushes spared by the offside flag when she missed a golden opportunity to put the Lionesses level in the first half.
      Alessia Russo – 6
      Wasn’t able to get into the game in the first half with Spain dominating the possession, taken off at half-time.
      Lauren Hemp – 6
      Hemp clattered the crossbar in the 16th minute in what would have been a dream start for the Lionesses.
      England weren’t able to reach their top level going forward and the Man City striker struggled as a result.
      England Substitutes
      Lauren James (for Alessia Russo) – 7
      Read More on The Sun
      Chloe Kelly (for Rachel Daly) – 6
      Bethany England (for Ella Toone) – 6

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      Who is Olga Carmona and what was written on her shirt?

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      OLGA CARMONA delighted Spanish fans when she scored the opening goal of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final.The player, who is part of Jorge Vilda’s squad at the competition, put her and her fellow players in the lead ahead of rival team England.
      Olga Carmona of Spain scored the opening goal of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 finalCredit: EPA/DEAN LEWINS
      Who is Olga Carmona?
      Olga Carmona is a Spanish professional footballer.
      She was born June 12, 2000 in Seville, Spain.
      Carmona began her football career when she was just six years old, joining youth squad Sevilla Este.
      She later moved to Sevilla FC’s youth team, where she eventually worked her way up to the senior line-up.
      Read More on Women’s World Cup
      In her first professional season, the football player scored five goals in 25 matches.
      Carmona signed for Real Madrid’s newly formed women’s football team in the summer of 2020.
      When did Olga Carmona join the Spanish national team?
      Carmona made her debut for Spain’s women’s senior team in April 2021.
      She had previously played for the country’s under-19 squad, and was part of the team at the 2018 and 2019 European Championships.
      Most read in Football
      Carmona was named as a member of Spain’s team for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, held in Australia and New Zealand.
      The team made it all the way to the final of the tournament, where they took on England.
      Carmona scored in the first 30 minutes of the match, the first goal of the game.
      What is Olga Carmona’s salary?
      Carmona is thought to have an annual salary of around £260,000.
      She has an estimated net worth of around £1million 
      What was written on Olga Carmona’s shirt at the 2023 World Cup Final?
      After scoring in the final of the Women’s World Cup, Carmona revealed a message reading “Merchi” on a shirt underneath her Spain strip.
      Reports have suggested that “Merchi” is in reference to Carmona’s old school, Mercedes College.
      The school has showed its support for the former student throughout the World Cup.
      After the semi-final, the school uploaded a shot of Carmona in action.
      Read More on The Sun
      The picture was captioned: “Go Olga! Our former student makes history with the Spanish women’s football team and scores the goal that gives us the pass to the final.
      “For all Olga, for all Spain!” More

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      Who is footballer Jennifer Hermoso?

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      JENNIFER HERMOSO is one of the most respected and revered strikers in women’s football.The athlete, who is famous for her time playing for Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, is part of Spain’s squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
      Jennifer Hermoso is part of Spain’s squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World CupCredit: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
      Who is Jennifer Hermoso?
      Jennifer Hermoso is a Spanish professional footballer.
      She was born May 9, 1990 in Madrid, Spain.
      Hermoso is the granddaughter of former Atlético Madrid goalkeeper Antonio Hernández.
      She began her football career with Atlético Madrid’s youth squads and eventually joined the senior team.
      Read More on Women’s World Cup
      Hermoso left the club in 2010 and signed with Madrid-based club Rayo Vallecano.
      In 2013 she joined a club outside of Spain for the first time, signing for Swedish side Tyreso FF.
      Hermoso moved to Barcelona at the end of the 2013–14 season, where she stayed until she transferred to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.
      The star made a brief return to Atlético Madrid in 2018 and then made another return, this time to Barcelona, in 2019.
      Most read in Football
      In June 2022, it was confirmed that Hermoso had signed a deal with Liga MX Femenil club CF Pachuca.
      As of August 2023, Hermoso is thought to be the all-time top scorer for both Barcelona and Spain.
      She scored 181 goals in 224 appearances for Barcelona and has scored 42 goals for her country,
      When did Jennifer Hermoso join the Spanish national team?
      Hermoso made her debut for the Spanish national team in 2011, after spending time in the under-19 squad.
      She has since represented her country at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2013, the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
      In September 2022 fifteen of Spain’s players threatened to quit if manager Jorge Vilda was not fired.
      The stars wrote letters to Spain’s football federation, complaining about the coach’s conduct.
      Hermoso was not one of the players named as sending a letter but she did address the incident on social media.
      In a statement posted on Twitter, Hermoso wrote: “I want to publicly express my support for all my colleagues who a few days ago decided to communicate their position.
      “Not only do I understand your reasons, but I have also experienced many of the feelings and concerns you have communicated.”
      She added: “These last few days, without a doubt, have been some of the most difficult that I have lived as a professional footballer and as a member of the Spanish national team.”
      What is Jennifer Hermoso’s salary?
      Hermoso is one of the highest-paid women’s footballers in the world, with a reported salary of around £390,000 per year.
      The star’s net worth is thought to be around £4million.
      Read More on The Sun
      As well her player’s salary, Hermoso earns money through a variety of sponsorships and brand deals.
      She has worked with brands like Coca-Cola in the past. More