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      UK to make bid to host 2035 football Women’s World Cup as PM says tournament could be ‘monumental moment’ for country

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      THE UK is set to make a blockbuster bid to host the 2035 football Women’s World Cup.Prime Minister Keir Starmer said holding the biggest tournament in the sport on British soil will be a “monumental moment” for the country.The UK is set to make a blockbuster bid to host the 2035 football Women’s World Cup following on from the Lionesses big win at Euro 2022Credit: GettyEngland’s players receiving the runners up medals at the 2023 Women’s World CupCredit: AFPThe Wembley Arch lit up red and white prior to the Uefa Women’s Nations League match between England and Spain last monthCredit: GettyEngland have an illustrious history with performing well at major football events held at home.The men’s side won the World Cup in 1966 with a thrilling final win in Wembley.Sarina Wiegman’s women’s side took home England’s second ever international trophy and its first ever Euros Championship when they “returned football home” in 2022.The FA has now officially registered their interest in the upcoming 2035 Women’s World Cup with hopes of again lifting a major trophy. read more in women’s footballEngland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are due to collectively submit an expression of interest to FIFA for the right to host the tournament. The FIFA Council has already recommend the 2035 competition has European or African hosts. Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke on the historic bid as he said: “Football is and always will be at the core of our country’s identity.”Whether we watch on TV, play at the weekends like I do, or simply enjoy soaking up the atmosphere in the pub, it brings communities together like little else. Most read in Football”That pride was on full display when England hosted UEFA Women’s EURO 2022. “It not only showed the best of our nation to the world but inspired a generation of girls into the game, all whilst boosting the economy. Devastated Lionesses collapse in tears on the pitch as bid to make Women’s World Cup history falls agonisingly short”The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035 on home turf would be another monumental moment in our sporting history, driving growth and leaving a lasting legacy.”He added that the bid will have his government’s full support. The declaration of interest will need to be submitted to FIFA in the first quarter of 2025 before a decision is made at some point in 2026.If the FA manage to land the lucrative deal then it will be the first ever Women’s World Cup held in Britain.It will also be only the second time a World Cup has been held in the UK since the 1966 men’s tournament.Several stadiums across the British Isles are expected to be used with the final set to be held at Wembley like usual.Mark Bullingham, the CEO of the English FA, said hosting the tournament would be an honour. He continued: “We strongly believe that we could organise a fantastic tournament, building on the success of the UEFA Women’s EURO in 2022 and the subsequent rapid growth of the women’s game in England. “We’re excited about the opportunity to welcome the world, and hosting participating nations and fans in sold-out stadiums. “There is outstanding support for the women’s game in this country and we want to maximise this, not only for women’s and girls’ football here but also for the benefit of the global game.”One of the biggest competitors for the British bid is expected to come from South Africa. READ MORE SUN STORIESSimon Morton, UK Sport’s deputy chief executive, said last year: “The Women’s World Cup is the biggest sporting event that the UK has never hosted and so in that respect, it has a special appeal to us. “There is definitely an aspiration to host it in the 2030s.”England won the 1966 World Cup at Wembley almost 60 years agoCredit: GettyEngland captain Leah Williamson holding up the Euro 2022 trophyCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunSarina Wiegman with the Euro 2022 trophyCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      Unbelievable reverse scorpion kick goal sees ‘Puskas Award wrapped up already’

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      FANS reckon the 2025 Puskas Award is already decided after a stunning reverse scorpion kick in the Mexican women’s top flight.Lizbeth Ovalle left supporters in awe with her inventive flick as her side Tigres Femenil saw off Liga MX competitors Guadalajara 2-0.Lizbeth Ovalle scored a contender for goal of the year this weekCredit: FOX SPORTS VIVOTeammate Jenni Hermoso whipped in a crossCredit: FOX SPORTS VIVOThe ball seemed slightly out of Ovalle’s reachCredit: FOX SPORTS VIVOThe Mexican winger flung her heel in an ambitious flick to reach the crossCredit: FOX SPORTS VIVOShe made perfect contact with the ball and saw it fly into the top cornerCredit: FOX SPORTS VIVOEven Ovalle seemed to be in disbelief with the finishCredit: FOX SPORTS VIVOOvalle opened the scoring deep into the second half after Spain hero Jenni Hermoso – the star kissed by ex-Spain football chief Luis Rubiales – whipped in a dangerous cross to the front post.The curved delivery looked to be bending out of Ovalle’s reach, but the 25-year-old pulled off a spectacularly imaginative flick to find a way of directing the ball goalward.The winger stuck both legs out and twisted in the air to produce a reverse scorpion kick, seeing the ball make perfect contact with her heel and loop over Guadalajara goalkeeper Blanca Felix.Fans and pundits alike couldn’t believe what they had just witnessed, with many taking to social media to react.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote: “Close the Puskas Award, it’s over”.While another added: “Genuinely might be the best show of technique I’ve seen in a goal”.A third commented: “This is the greatest goal football has ever seen”.And a fourth posted: “Look no further, this goal should win the Puskas award”.Most read in FootballOvalle’s incredible acrobatic effort has been tipped to win the Marta AwardCredit: FOX SPORTS VIVOCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEven the Tigres Femenil official X account took the opportunity to direct a cheeky message to Fifa, posting: “Hey Fifa, we have a nominee for you for the Puskas Award. Correction, Marta Award”. The Puskas Award has long recognised the best goal in men’s football, named after Real Madrid legend Ferenc Puskas, it has been won by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Olivier Giroud.Watch incredible moment Lionel Messi’s son recreates Barcelona and Argentina icon’s goal against Getafe for inter Miami While the newly formed Marta Award focuses on Women’s football instead and was won by its namesake Brazilian icon Marta for the first time last year.You would imagine that Ovalle will be one of the favourites to take home the 2025 Marta Award thanks to her goal.But for now she will have to revel in the three points her side earned instead.The 58-time Mexico international set up her side’s second goal just four minutes later, securing the win and lifting Tigres above Guadalajara.Ovalle has starred for the Mexican national teamCredit: APBrazilian legend Marta is the namesake for Fifa’s new Marta Award, recognising the best goal in women’s footballCredit: ReutersOlivier Giroud scored an acrobatic scorpion kick himself to win the Puskas Award in 2017Credit: PA:Press Association More

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      Concerned WSL fans launch petition opposing plan to scrap relegation from women’s top tier

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      A “concerned” WSL supporters  group has set up a petition opposing “the idea of no relegation” from the Women’s Super League.  Their online plea in response to proposals to put a pause on teams dropping into the second tier, went live on Monday.Clubs are set to be given a chance to vote on proposals to temporarily pause relegation from the WSL the Women’s ChampionshipCredit: AlamyAn petition calling for supporters to have their say on the proposal went live on Monday 3 FebruaryCredit: PAAs of 8:30pm this evening their petition on Change.org had attracted 892 signatures.Later this year WSL and Women’s Championship clubs are set to vote on plans for a temporary halt on sides dropping down into the second tier.  The aim would be to increase the top-flight from 12 to 16 sides. On Sunday The Guardian reported the suggestions were put forward by Women’s Professional League Limited, the football authority in charge of overseeing both divisions. . Read More Football StoriesA vote involving all 23 sides in WSL and the second tier is reportedly set to take place by the end of this term. The WPLL’s proposals would entail relegation from the top-flight being halted from the 2026-27 season and then returning for the 2030-31 campaign.  Promotion of one team per term from the Championship to the league would remain in place.  The motivation behind the proposal is to encourage more investment in top-flight women’s teams in a bid to make the top-flight more competitive. Most read in FootballHowever a group called Concerned WSL fans believe such a move would go against “all English football tradition”. They believe pausing relegation could go “against the interests of those outside the very top of the football chain”. And on its Change.org page, the group says it wants football fans to “voice their opinion”.It also stated: “This petition is for all those against this idea of no relegation and a closed league for any amount of years, in an attempt to be heard before having the rug pulled out from under our feet before we even have a chance.”In the first year of its existence in 2011 the WSL operated as a closed league of eight teams without promotion or relegation. A second tier was established in 2014 and was initially called WSL 2 before being renamed the Women’s Championship. Calls for the WSL’s expansion have been made in the past by some of the game’s most influential figures. These include ex-Chelsea boss Emma Hayes who now manages the United States women’s national team. Plans to expand the WSL from 12 to 16 teams would involve a pause on relegation for four seasonsCredit: AlamyBack in 2023 the then Blues chief stated more teams should be added in order to grow the game.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn October that year, Hayes said: “I think the question we should be asking is, ‘when are we going to make our league a little bit bigger?’ “It’s time to grow. It’s time to go from 12 to 16 or 18 teams.” More

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      Goodison Park could host new team after Everton’s move to £760million stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock

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      GOODISON PARK could soon become the home of a new football team.Everton will bid an emotional farewell to its historic and world-famous home at the end of the season.Everton will leave Goodison Park at the end of the seasonCredit: GETTYThe Merseysiders will move to a brand-new stadium at Bramley-Moore DockCredit: EPAGoodison coud soon become the new home of Everton WomenCredit: ALAMYCome the start of the 2025/26 campaign, the Toffees will play their football at the brand-spanking new 52,888-seat stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.The Merseysiders, who, barring a major collapse, will play Prem football next season, spent a whopping £760million building the new ground.Goodison, which has a capacity of 39,500, has been all many Evertonians have known.But it could become the home of the club’s Women’s Team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat’s according to The Athletic, who claim the departure of the men’s side has “opened the possibility ” of the Women’s Super League outfit moving into the stadium full-time.Everton Women’s current home is the 2,200 capacity Walton Hall Park Stadium – which is located FIVE MILES outside the city centre.Goodison, by comparison, is just under three-and-a-half miles away from Liverpool’s city centre.It’s unclear if a move to Goodison will materialise for Everton Women due to the Goodison Legacy Project, which was put to the local government in April 2020.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSEverton have launched the Goodison Legacy ProjectCredit: UKGBCThe proposal included plans to provide affordable and social housing in the form of 10 new development blocks.The Legacy Project also includes the construction of a health centre, residential care and education facilities and new office spaces.Everton boss David Moyes gives his reaction to disallowed penalty against Man Utd The proposed moving of Everton Women to Goodison is said to be a way of “supplementing” the Legacy Project.A decision on the future of the historic ground, however, won’t be made until after the men’s team officially relocates to Bramley-Moore Dock.Everton will be back in action next Saturday, travelling to Molineux to take on Wolves. More

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      England women’s clash suspended as lights GO OUT at Wembley with pitch plunged into darkness

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      ENGLAND’s World Cup final rematch with Spain was halted following a floodlight failure at Wembley. The Home of Football was plunged into darkness during the Lionnesses’ Nations League clash on Wednesday night. England’s clash with Spain was halted as the lights went out at WembleyCredit: PAThe Home of Football’s floodlights failed midway through the second halfCredit: PAFans in the stands attempted to help by using their torch lightsCredit: ReutersJessica Park gave England a deserved lead in front of a packed house in the capital.But shortly after the break, the floodlights abruptly cut out. Play was suspended for several minutes as both teams gathered on the side of the field. Sarina Wiegman used the time to hold an impromptu talk with her team, who had been under pressure since the restart.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe stadium’s advertising hoardings remained on despite the power failure.And the spectators attempted to play their part by waving thousands of phone torches in the darkness.Eventually, Wembley staff managed to get the lights turned back on to cheers from the terraces. One fan laughed on X: “Quick someone stick a quid in the meter.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd another asked: “What would have happened if someone had made a shot at goal just as the lights went out? If the ball goes in but lights are out….what happens?”England were beaten 1-0 in the 2023 World Cup final, with Olga Carmona scoring the only goal of the game. Sarina Wiegman gives ‘most honest answer from manager ever’ in post-match interview after England reach World Cup finalThe Lionesses got their own back on Wednesday, holding on after Park’s scrappy strike to go joint-top of Group 3 alongside Portugal. England are looking forward to the women’s Euros later this summer.The Sun on Sunday recently revealed pubs will be open later in July if England or Wales reach the finals.Weigman’s team are defending their crown in Switzerland after winning the Euros in 2022 with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Germany.Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said: “The Lionesses showed us in 2022 what it means to bring football home.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And now we want to make sure the whole nation can come together again to cheer on our teams. “These plans will help our pubs and bars stay open longer if England or Wales make it to the final stages, allowing friends and families to celebrate together and providing a welcome boost to our hospitality industry.”  More

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      Australian radio DJ Marty Sheargold axed after ‘disgusting’ and ‘horrendous’ comments about women’s football

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      A RADIO presenter has been axed after he made shocking comments about women’s football.Aussie DJ Marty Sheargold made several “disgusting” remarks aimed at the women’s national team while interjecting a sports bulletin on his show.A DJ has been axed for ‘disgusting’ remarks aimed at the Australia women’s teamCredit: AFPThe 53-year-old claimed he would “rather hammer a nail through the head of his penis” than watch the team in next year’s Asian Cup.He compared the players to “year 10 girls” with “all the infighting and all the friendship issues”.The comments came during an update on the Matildas at the SheBelieves Cup.Sheargold interrupted, saying: “Oh, she believes in what? It better be men.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe stand-up comic added he was “sorry to undermine the whole sport, but that’s what I think of it.”Referring to the 2023 World Cup held Down Under, he continued: “There’s something wrong with the Matildas. They had that wonderful tournament out here where we all fell in love with them, even though they didn’t make the quarters.”Sheargold later “sincerely apologised” and was set to appear on his show today – only to be taken off air by Triple M.The station said: “It takes its responsibility to listeners, shareholders, and clients seriously and its programming should align with the standards and expectations of its audience.Most read in Football”Right now, it’s clear this is a moment for reflection and review. Triple M, and the wider SCA network, will continue to take all necessary steps to support staff.”Matildas stars Alex Chidiac and Clare Wheeler slammed Sheargold’s comments as “sick”.Mary Earps wins SPOTY as Lioness makes history after England World Cup final run, Hockey ace Rosie Malone said they were “disgusting” and “horrendous”.The Australian FA wrote: “They not only diminish the extraordinary achievements and contributions of our women’s national football team but also fail to recognise the profound impact they have had on Australian sport and society”. More

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      Aitana Bonmati insists Spain players’ equality battle ‘has not been in vain’ following Rubiales case verdict

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      AITANA BONMATI reckons Spain have become even stronger after “suffering” in their equality battle.The La Roja playmaker hailed Sarina Wiegman and England’s stars for sympathising with her team’s ordeal.Aitana Bonmati hopes Spain’s national women’s team will be better respected following sexual assault conviction of ex-Spanish football chief Luis RubialesCredit: ReutersBonmati and her Spain team-mates are set to face England at Wembley in the Women’s Nations LeagueCredit: PABonmati was speaking in support of her national team-mate Jenni Hermoso who filed a criminal complaint against RubialesCredit: ReutersRubiales kissing Hermoso on the mouth after the 2023 World Cup final sparked outrage and protests in SpainCredit: ReutersBonmati, 27, was speaking earlier Tuesday ahead of Spain’s Wembley duel with the Lionesses on Wednesday night. The February 25 clash comes six days after Luis Rubiales, 47, was convicted of sexual assault following a trial at Spain’s High Court. The former Spanish Football Federation boss was  found guilty of kissing Spain striker Jenni Hermoso, 34, on the mouth without her consent. However Rubiales, who was fined 10,800 euros (£8,274), but spared a prison sentence, was acquitted of a separate charge of coercion.Read More Football StoriesThe controversial incident occurred shortly after Hermoso’s side beat England 1-0 in the World Cup final in Sydney, Australia August 2023. A month later Rubiales resigned following Fifa banning him from football  for three years, after initially resisting calls to stand down After the ex-Spanish football chief was acquitted of allegedly attempting to pressure Hermoso into saying the kiss was consensual, the 110-capped striker said she intends to appeal. And she hopes the outcome of the case, which sparked nationwide protests in her country, has set an “important precedent”. Most read in FootballBarcelona star Bonmati said: “Everybody here knows what has happened in the last few months and years. “The sentence is correct, it is a positive thing and the team feels the same. “I was surprised there was no sentence linked to coercion but the trial has served a purpose. “We are all happy. We have been doing well on the pitch and supporting our teammates. “We have battled hard and we know what we have done has not been in vain.”I hope this case makes changes in our country, in our football, to respect us better as footballers. “But it’s also a global case. I don’t want to only speak about footballers as I think this happens in other jobs. “I hope this case helps anyone who is going through these things.”Lucy Bronze and Alessia Russo are among the Lionesses who have spoken out in support of Spain’s stars. Bronze, who joined Chelsea last July, played for two years with Bonmati at Barcelona after joining the club in June 2022. Sarina Wiegman and her England aces have been supportive of Spain’s players’ pushing for federation changes and better working conditions. And two-time Euros-winning boss Wiegman hopes their ordeal leads to changes for the better for their team.  The Lioness gaffer said: “It’s a testament to the players to be so brave to speak out but also to still be performing at the level they are.”It’s really a shame that they’ve had to go through this.”Bonmati added: “I heard Sarina speaking a lot of times and supporting us with our issues.”I appreciate her words and also Lucy Bronze’s and Alessia Russo’s. England boss Sarina Wiegman said Spain players’ were “brave to speak out”Credit: PA”We didn’t feel alone on this issue. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They also feel it’s a global case not only a Spanish case.”They feel our suffering and they support us so I appreciate that a lot.” More

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      Alessia Russo says England are focused on playing best football against Spain – not revenge for World Cup ‘hurt’

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      ALESSIA RUSSO is backing England to show Spain why they can be world beaters at Wembley on Wednesday night.Tomorrow’s 8:00pm Nations League clash will be their first meeting since Spain broke Lionesses’ hearts in the 2023 World Cup final.Alessia Russo and Keira Walsh were all smiles in training on Tuesday ahead of their highly anticipated clash with SpainCredit: GettyRusso, who scored in the Lionesses’ 1-1 draw with Portugal, hopes they can register their first win in this year’s Nations League in their second League A group C gameCredit: GettyEngland’s clash with Spain at Wembley will be sternest competitive test since the 2023 World Cup finalCredit: PAEngland have not beaten the best women’s side on the planet since the quarter-finals of their Euro 2022 winning campaign.But the squad that toppled Spain that day will be entirely different to the one that steps out in front of a 55,000-strong crowd at the national stadium.Five players are injured – including joint-Golden Boot winner Beth Mead and match winner Georgia Stanway – while Jill Scott, Ellen White and Rachel Daly have retired.Arsenal striker Russo wants England to move forward with their new generation and avoid focusing on revenge for the World Cup.Read More Football StoriesAmong England’s newer rising stars is Grace Clinton who started against Portugal on February 21 in a League A group C encounter. Tonight could the six-capped Manchester United ace feature in midfield again with Stanway recovering from a collateral knee ligament tear. Russo said: “We have lots of new faces and quality in the squad now.“Revenge reflects on the past a little bit. It hurt and it wasn’t nice to lose out, but we want to be moving forward.Most read in Football“We have a new opportunity and we have all of our fans there.“We have a new team now, lots of different new faces, lots of energy around the place which is nice. We are in a good place and enjoying our football.”A lacklustre 1-1 draw with Portugal last Friday led to criticism of England’s form with just two wins from their last six games.But victory tomorrow for head coach Sarina Wiegman would not be about making critics eat their words.The Lioness boss said: “We’re not playing football to beat the critics. We’re playing football to win games and we can just try to be at our best.“We want to get more consistency to keep it going longer. Then we move forward.“Sometimes things go really well, sometimes things don’t go as well. We try to stay neutral.”Russo, who scored the opener against Portugal, could face Arsenal pals Mariona Caldentey and Laia Codina.The trio all featured in the last World Cup final in Sydney, which Spain won 1-0.She added: “Laia and Mariona are both very funny and great additions (for Arsenal)“I really enjoy speaking to them and talking about (our) different experiences.Tomorrow’s game will see Russo go up against her Arsenal team-mates Mariona Caldentey and Laia CodinaCredit: Alamy“To play alongside them, they bring so much quality.READ MORE SUN STORIES“As opponents, they are top players. The whole Spanish squad is full of talent.“This is a test against some of the best players in the world, but it’s also a chance for us to put on some of our best football.” More