Women’s football

RACHEL DALY is ready to help England win from any position on the pitch after propelling them to victory against Italy. The hotshot’s brace denied shared spoils for their rivals in the Arnold Clark Cup with the Lionesses’ sealing a 2-1 win
Rachel Daly netted her first brace in the Arnold Clark Cup on SundayCredit: Alamy
Two headed goals for the England striker helped the Lionesses maintain their unbeaten run in the invitational tournamentCredit: Getty
Katie Robinson and Jess Park also shone for Sarina Wiegman’s side with the team facing Belgium nextCredit: Alamy
Victory saw the hosts stretch their unbeaten run to 28 games under Sarina Wiegman conceding just eight times across those fixtures.
And Daly become the first player to bag a brace at this year’s Arnold Clark Cup with the fixture watched by a record CBS Arena crowd.
On Sunday the versatile Lioness started in a striker role she normally plays in at club level for Aston Villa.
A position that has seen her become the second highest scorer in the WSL this season with 10 goals in 13 top-flight games. 
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Daly, currently the top English scorer in the league this term, said: “I think you guys (the media) care more about where I play than I do. 
“But I’m genuinely happy to play in any role. 
“Obviously playing in the nine is something I do week-in, week-out, so it’s a little bit more natural for me, 
“However, whatever role I’m given, I’ll do it to the best of my ability.”
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Daly’s efforts and those of her team-mates has given boss Sarina Wiegman more food for thought before England’s clash with Belgium on Wednesday. 
The Red Flames notched up their second win in the Arnold Clark Cup beating South Korea 2-1 on Sunday
Last week Wiegman talked of making team changes during the invitational tournament with her players readying themselves for the World Cup. 
She made nine alterations to the side that trounced South Korea 4-0 with Alex Greenwood and Jess Carter retaining their spots in defence.
Up top, alongside Daly, Lauren Hemp and Katie Robinson played on the flanks.
And Lauren James, Alessia Russo and Chloe Kelly started on the bench. 
Of the idea of Daly and Russo starting in attack together, Wiegman said: “We’ve played some scenarios where we put in two centre forwards
“For now, with how we play, we shouldn’t start with two or we wouldn’t at this moment. 
“With the way we play we’re doing really well.”
A 32,128-strong crowd attended England’s second Arnold Clark cup fixture, the largest turnout for a game at the CBS Arena. 
The hosts took the fight to Italy early with Laura Giuliani forced to clear a sloppy first-minute backpass. 
But the visitors forced England stopper Ellie Roebuck into a fifth minute save with Valentina Giacinti’s rifled near post effort. 
From then on England cranked the pressure with Daly, Hemp and Robinson causing problems. 
Daly forced Martina Lenzini into an error in the box before her hefty shout prompted a quality save from Guiliani in the sixth minute. 
Moments later the striker forced another stop from the Italy goalkeeper before Jess Park fired an effort over the bar from distance. 
Greenwood’s intervention denied Valentina Giacinti the chance to open the scoring in the 20th minute with the Italy striker through on goal. 
The deadlock was eventually broken in the 32nd minute with Daly heading in Robinson’s lofted cross. 
But the game was levelled with a controversial equaliser in the 62nd minute with Sofia Cantore header flying over Roebuck at the near post. 
Italy will take on South Korea in their final Arnold Clark Cup game with both teams hoping to bounce back after two lossesCredit: Alamy
There were questions on the ball delivered to Cantore had floated out of play before the Italy player’s header
They were also questions as to whether it had crossed the line with no VAR in place to verify during the game.
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Officials ruled it as a goal with the decision met with some boos from the crowd.
An assist from sub Lauren James saw Daly head home nine minutes later to seal her brace with England unbeaten in the contest.   More

SARINA WIEGMAN reckons having versatile talent in her England squad could be a boost as they target World Cup success. The Lionesses play Italy in the Arnold Clark Cup today with the team aiming to win the contest as part of their preparations 
Sarina Wiegman’s team take on Italy at the CBS Arena in their second Arnold Clark Cup matchCredit: PA
Wiegman reckons players being able to play in different positions could provide more opportunities within the teamCredit: Getty
England’s duel with Italy at the CBS Arena comes three days on from their 4-0 rout of South Korea. 
That first match in this year’s Arnold Clark Cup, saw central defender Alex Greenwood playing as a full-back. 
Meanwhile skipper Leah Williamson, normally at centre-back, pulled the strings from a deep midfield position.
The move proved beneficial with Greenwood among Wiegman’s standout performers setting up Alessia Russo’s  goal in the 4-0 demolition. 
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Wiegman, 53, said: “You want players to be exceptional in the position they play (in).
“But if they can play in more positions, then we have more opportunities in the team. 
“That helps us whenever we have to change and that we have opportunities to stay really strong with changes either on the pitch or when players are substituted in.”
England’s clash with South Korea saw Rachel Daly feature as a forward when she came on as a 64th-minute substitute for Alessia Russo.
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The Aston Villa striker is currently the highest English goal scorer in the WSL.
So far this term, Daly has netted 10 goals in 13 top-flight games. 
Daly’s attacking switch has seen her England team-mate Greenwood utilised at left-back for the Euros winners. 
And the Manchester City ace, who has 71 international caps, believes her team-mates’ flexibility on the pitch is important.
Of playing at left-back Greenwood told reporters: “It’s a position I’ve played (in) most of my career anyway so it just becomes natural. 
“Obviously it is different to playing (at) centre-back and there are areas of the game that I have to change but it’s fine. 
“I practice it in training and I’ve got good teammates around me to support me to do that.
“For me personally, it’s just about whatever role I’m asked to do, is to do it the best I can.
“Everyone is going to be asked to do different roles at some point and that’s really important for the team.”
Italy, currently ranked the 17th best team in the world, hope to bounce back from a 2-1 loss to Belgium. 
Their squad contains six players from the Juventus team that won last season’s Serie A Women’s title under former Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro. 
Among them is Cristiana Girelli who made her 100th appearance for the team in the game. 
The Juve ace, 32, said: “I would have preferred to celebrate with a win or in any case with a positive result.
“Unfortunately that wasn’t the case but I’m sure we’ll make up for it.”
Cristiana Girelli hopes Italy can bounce back from their loss to Belgium in their first Arnold Clark Cup fixtureCredit: Getty
Wiegman added: “They have good players who are pretty experienced.
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“We know Girelli, their midfielder, is pretty good. We know Boattin likes to attack. 
“We’ll analyse the team, but then bring it back to how we want to play, being aware of their strengths and trying to exploit some of their possible weaknesses.” More

LEAH WILLIAMSON reckons England have a cheat code in Lauren James following her efforts during their 4-0 defeat of South Korea. The forward was among the standout performers in their Arnold Clark Cup match with the team facing Italy at the CBS Arena on Sunday. 
Leah Williamson reckons Lauren James’ performance is a perfect example of England’s hard-working mentality on the pitchCredit: Getty
James netted her first senior international goal for the Euros winners in their 4-0 defeat of South KoreaCredit: Getty
Sarina Wiegman named the Chelsea ace in her starting 11 at Stadium MK on Thursday evening with skipper Williamson playing in a deep midfield role. 
And the England starlet was a menace causing South Korea problems with her smart wing play and drives into the box. 
James’ performance was capped by netting the fourth goal for Wiegman’s side as they got their World Cup warm-up off to a winning start. 
England captain Williamson said: “I think she’s a cheat code.
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“I enjoy being on the same team as her, when we come here. 
“We have a squad that’s obviously got standards and non negotiables.
“Sarina has touched on it before about this real English mentality about how we’ve all been brought up to work hard. 
“She’s trying to bring out the best of us as well and make sure that we bring the best of ourselves in the game – and somebody like Lauren is a perfect example of that. 
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“The girl is incredible, so give her as much support as we can.”
The build-up to James’ 70th-minute finish was preceded by Ella Toone driving from midfield and passing to Lucy Bronze who set up the forward. 
The full-back’s assist was among the high points of a night that saw her celebrated for becoming an England centurion after making 101 appearances.  
Reflecting on playing on the flank with James, Bronze said: “Everyone knows the quality that LJ’s got. 
“Technically on the ball she’s probably one of the best there is. 
“It’s fun for me to play with her because I know she’s always going to get the ball in the right place. 
“I like linking up with her. It’s crazy that she’s so young now because this is the player that everyone has been talking about for five years now. 
“For the past five years everyone has been waiting for this superstar and it’s exciting to be here now at the start of her England career. 
“I’m sure she’ll score plenty more goals, win plenty more player of the matches and win more games for England in the future.” 
The Lionesses upcoming clash with Italy in Coventry, which kicks-off at 3:15pm on Sunday, could see Wiegman experiment with her line-up.
The England chief said: “I want to try out things. I think this tournament is really a big step in our preparation for the World Cup. 
“We need to see where we are as a team and where individuals are at this moment.
The depth of England’s squad could see Sarina Wiegman make some changes for their game against ItalyCredit: Reuters
“We will figure out more things and do some changes.
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“The squad has lots of depth. We have some centre-backs who can play as full-backs and (in) those positions up front is lots of competition. I can’t complain about the depth of this team.
England vs Italy in the Arnold Clark Cup can be watched live on ITV1 from 3:15pm on Sunday 19 February More

LEAH WILLIAMSON insists the Lionesses will “never shy away from showing their commitment to equality. The England skipper was speaking after praising Czech Republic player Jakub Jankto, 27, who bravely came out this week.
Leah Williamson says England will wear OneLove armbands during the Arnold Clark CupCredit: AP
The Lionesses captain says the Euros winners are squad committed to promoting equality and inclusivityCredit: Getty
The England skipper, 25, who hailed the midfielder’s bravery, says the Euros winners will wear OneLove armbands at the Arnold Clark Cup. 
Designed as a symbol of equality and opposition to discrimination, they have been been worn in the past by Sarina Wiegman’s side. 
And Williamson and her team-mates will pull them on again when they take on the Korea Republic, Italy and Belgium in the Arnold Clark Cup. 
The first of their matches in the four-team tournament takes place on Thursday evening when England face the Korea Republic at the MK Stadium.
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It comes three days after Jankto, currently on loan at Getafe from Sparta Prague, revealed he is gay in a powerful video message shared via Twitter.
Speaking to reporters, the Lionesses captain said: “You’ve just seen another men’s player step out and be as brave as they can be and potentially change their whole life.
“So for us to stand also in solidarity with him is important to us.
“It’s something we’ve always done, it’s something we’ll continue to do.
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“We’re not just impacting football, we’re trying to have a positive impact on society.
“That’s one of the ways we can do that. We’re never shy in saying what we stand for.
“We’re a squad that promotes inclusivity and equality.
“We obviously have a number of people that feel very strongly about it. I think it’s not even a question for us really.” 
Williamson’s comments come two months after the Three Lions were among a host of teams threatened with Fifa sanctions in response to their plans to wear OneLove armbands at the World Cup in Qatar. 
This summer’s Women’s World Cup has come under the spotlight in recent days following Fifa’s decision to award contest sponsorship to Saudi Arabia’s state tourist authority. 
The news was greeted with concern by a number of influential figures within the game including USA forward Alex Morgan.
This is due to Saudi Arabia’s record around the rights of women and individuals within the LGBTQ community. 
When asked if the Lionesses will continue wearing armbands in support of equality during the World Cup, Williamson added: “You hope it’s not a last-minute call once we get there.
“But it’s something we want to do all year round, that we’ve done previously.
“And I think the statement that was made at the Euros last summer with every team participating, that’s incredible. 
“Every picture we have with a trophy lift there’s a rainbow armband in there.
“I think it’s a great stage and a great time to promote those values that we believe in so much, so I hope it’s the same.
“As players, especially in the women’s game, I’ve seen what the American players have said, we’re not shy to stand up for what we believe in
“We make clear statements constantly about the society we want to live in and having a positive impact on the world. 
England are aiming to maintain their unbeaten run in the lead-up the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this summerCredit: Getty
“We’ll always make our opinions heard.
“That is the nature of the game but ultimately those things are hopefully resolved in a positive way by Fifa and Australia and New Zealand.
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“There’s a time and a place for a player to speak out, but it’s not in our hands.
“Hopefully the best decision is made in the best interests of the game.” More

EMILY RAMSEY would love to be part of the England squad Sarina Wiegman selects to compete for this year’s World Cup. But with competition for three goalkeeper spots in the 23-player group being fierce, the newest member of Wiegman’s Lionesses is taking anything for granted. 
Emily Ramsey is hoping to make her mark for England when they compete in the Arnold Clark Cup this monthCredit: Alamy
The Man United stopper, who is on loan at Everton this season, is currently uncappedCredit: Getty
Ahead of the Arnold Clark Cup which starts on Thursday, Ramsey received her first call-up to the senior national squad 
Her call-up follows her standout performances for Everton who are currently sixth in the WSL after six wins and a draw in 12 games. 
In recent seasons Ramsey, who is 22 and was born in Salford, has put in some eye-catching shifts between the sticks on loan at the Toffees 
The shot-stopper, regarded as an up and coming star at her parent club Manchester United, has kept three clean sheets.
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An effort that has seen the uncapped WSL shot stopper make the transition from England’s Under-23s. 
Reflecting the moment she received the news of her call-up, Ramsey said: “I was at home.
“I’d finished training and I was literally sitting on my sofa, and I saw it was Sarina’s number that called me and I was like ‘oh my God’. 
“She said she’d be really glad to have me in on camp, and I was just buzzing.
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“It feels great. I’m really, really enjoying it so far.”
Among Ramsey’s team-mates is England’s number one Mary Earps who was part of the squad that made history last summer becoming the first Lionesses side to win the Euros. 
Since then the Man United star, who has made 29 senior international appearances, went on to become the first shot stopper to keep 50 clean sheets in the WSL. 
It was a feat she achieved during the Red Devils 6-0 defeat of Liverpool in January. 
And Ramsey says she enjoys the dynamic of training alongside her goalkeeper team-mates including Earps.
In January the United number one was named one of three players shortlisted for the 2022 Best Fifa Women’s Goalkeeper Award.
The other two contenders are Chelsea ace Ann-Katrin Berger and Lyon’s Christine Endler. 
Ramsey added: “We have a good dynamic when we’re training together. 
“Mary is definitely someone that I look up to, with where she’s taken herself to in the last couple of years and the success that she’s had, as well as striving to compete with her. 
“We have a competitive environment, which I think is really important. 
“It’s not coming in and – yes, Mary is the number one, she is – but it’s that training, that competitive edge and me competing against her almost.
“It’s a fun environment to be in but, also, it pushes everyone.”
In recent months a few Lionesses Under-23s talents, managed by Mo Marley, have made the move into the senior side. 
In addition to Ramsey they include Man United defender Maya Le Tissier and Brighton forward Katie Robinson.
Both made their senior debuts for England during a 1-1 friendly draw with Norway last November.
And Chelsea forward Lauren James made hers during England’s 2-0 World Cup qualifier win against Austria last September. 
Having a group of players rising through the ranks together from Marley’s group into Wiegman’s is something Ramsey sees as beneficial. 
Ramsey said: “It’s great for all of us to be honest and all of the younger players have each other to look to or get advice from. 
“The first person I texted was Lauren Hemp.
“I’ve been mithering her a little bit before camp asking ‘what should I bring?’.
“But it’s nice when you’ve got that support around you and people that are in the same situation and feeling the same things that you’re feeling.”
On if she has given much thought to the possibility of claiming a World Cup squad spot, Ramsey added: “I think it’s something you’d be silly not to think about – it is there.
“But, for me, my focus all season has just been club and trying to cement myself and play games and play against the best teams in the league. 
“That, to be honest, has been my main focus and it’s obviously those games that have taken me to this point here. 
“Away from camp, I will still continue to focus on that.
Ramsey says her focus is on cementing spot in Everton’s starting 11 with the player impressing for the Toffees this seasonCredit: Getty
“There’s four goalkeepers in this camp and three will be in the squad for the World Cup. 
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“It’s a competition, realistically. I would love to be there but nothing can be taken for granted.
“Going away and playing in the WSL is the only thing that’s going to ultimately push everyone to that level.” More

BEING called back into the Lionesses’ fold after almost three years has come as a shock to Laura Coombs. The Manchester City star, 32, thought her moment with England had passed before receiving a call from head coach Sarina Wiegman. 
Laura Coombs is focused on bedding in and getting down to work with her England team-matesCredit: Reuters
The Lionesses are due to compete in the Arnold Clark Cup tournament which starts on Thursday (February 16)Credit: Getty
This Thursday could see the experienced WSL player, whose performances have earned her a new City contract, make her first senior Lionesses appearance since 2015. 
The midfield star is part of Sarina Wiegman’s 26-strong squad for the Arnold Clark Cup with England seeking to win the four-team tournament for the second year in a row. 
The Lionesses will face the Korea Republic at Stadium MK at 7:45 pm on that day.
The match will be the first of their three games in the contest followed by duels with Italy and Belgium. 
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Coombs revealed she was the middle of having an ice bath with her City club team-mate Khadija Shaw when she received the news of her call-up for England duty
And she admits a return to international football was the furthest thought from her mind.
Coombs said: “I was surprised because it’s been so long.
“I haven’t been thinking about the international stage anymore.
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“I was thinking I was going to get a break over the international period.
“I am really happy to be here. It was a shock but now I’m here, I’m ready to get to work. 
“I was surprised because it’s been so long.”
This season Coombs, who joined Man City in 2019 after a two-year Liverpool spell, has been among the standout performers for Gareth Taylor’s Citizens.
The Kent-born footballer, who began her senior career at Arsenal in 2007,  has made 13 top-flight appearances for City so far this term notching up four goals and three assists
 And the club are now 14 games unbeaten at home and third in the league.
The midfielder, who made her international debut in October 2015 as a substitute during the Lionesses’ 2-1 loss to China, currently has two senior caps. 
Her last involvement with the squad came in November 2020 when she was called up to join an international camp during Phil Neville’s reign as head coach.
Coombs added: “At the time Phil was taking a look at me and I didn’t come back.  
“It’s a really weird feeling, getting that call (from Sarina) because I wasn’t expecting it and that was the honest truth.
“Now I’m here, I’m really happy to be here.
“It’s a really positive place coming off the back of the Euros (and the team winning the tournament). 
“It’s an amazing group to be a part of and you just feel lucky when you’re training that the level is so high and you’re tested every day.”
Since her first England appearance almost eight years ago at club level, Coombs has helped Man City win an FA Cup and last season’s Continental Tyres trophy 
And Taylor’s faith in her abilities have seen her start in 12 of the 13 WSL games City have played so far this term
A stark contrast to the midfielder making six top tier starts for the club last season.
Her most recent appearance saw her play a key role in the Citizens’ battling 2-1 defeat of Arsenal in the WSL on Saturday.
A result that saw City avenge their Conti Cup semis lost to the Gunners last Thursday. 
Coombs said: “It feels really comfortable at club. I’m being pushed by the people around me and the manager every day in training. 
“I feel really valued by the team and obviously, you can play and train a lot better when you’re in that headspace.
“When I’m on a good roll, I’ve just been trying to keep that going.”
With the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand commencing little over five months from now, Coombs could see in contention for a spot in Wiegman’s 23-strong squad.
Coombs added: “We’ve only had one training session so far.
“But I am excited to see what Sarina will be like in sessions going forward.
“She seems really approachable and in a manager that’s what you (as a player) want, someone you feel comfortable speaking to.
She has told me the type of player she sees me as so I have got a good idea of how she wants me to play. 
Coombs’ form has seen her make 13 top-flight appearances this season as well as signing a new two-year contract with the club this monthCredit: Getty
“It’s more of a case of just bedding into how the team is and how the team wants me to play.”
When asked what it would mean to her if she were to be included in England’s World Cup squad, Coombs said: “It would be incredible, knowing that my last cap was eight years ago.
“I just think that’s a really unique journey.
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“Not many players have that time between call-ups.
“It’s something I thought had passed, so it’d be even more special.” More

MARC SKINNER criticised Eveliina Summanen’s reaction to Ella Toone’s foul after the forward saw red during Tottenham’s loss to Manchester United. Toone was given her marching orders as the Red Devils claimed a title-boosting 2-1 win with Spurs enduring own goal heartbreak.
Ella Toone was sent off in the 80th minute of Man United’s defeat of TottenhamCredit: Getty
The Red Devils forward received a red card after shoving Eveliina Summanen on the shoulderCredit: Getty
United took a 1-0 lead in the second half with Leah Galton netting for the visitorsCredit: Alamy
Bethany England levelled for the hosts before Mollie Bartrip’s own goal restored United’s leadCredit: Getty
Leah Galton gave the visitors a second-half lead before Bethany England replied with an ice cold leveller at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
But disaster struck for the hosts when Molly Bartrip’s mis-kick cancelled out England’s equaliser, with the game becoming fiery in its latter stages.
This included the moment involving Toone and Summanen vying for for the ball.
Following the duo getting tangled, with both on the turf, Toone appeared to shove Summanen on the shoulder with both hands.
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The Spurs player was seen clutching her face moments later. 
Shortly after, referee Amy Fearn showed the Man United ace a red card.
This means she could face a three-match ban which could see her miss the Red Devils’ clash with Chelsea. 
When asked for his thoughts on the incident that preceded the sending off, Skinner said: “Maybe play-acting is a tough word
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“But actually the reality is there’s no need to roll around holding your face.  
“Part of our growth, as fans and players, is you want to see passion for your club.
“Look it’s a foul and it’s probably a yellow card – with the tackle from Tooney – but there’s a tangle of legs and there’s maybe a little bit of frustration. 
“We have to be accountable for our actions of course and we’ll assess that within (the team). We’ll deal with that internally. 
“But you don’t need to roll around holding your face. 
“That’s part of the sport I don’t want to come into our game because it’s a clear push on her shoulder. It’s just not a good sign. 
“There’s no doubt Tooney will bounce back. The thing we all love about Tooney is she is very real. 
“Once we’re all calm, we’ll assess what happens and assess our part and own our part.
“But the reality is we shouldn’t scold someone for showing commitment and passion.”
When asked for her view Skinner added: “It’s the referee’s job to manage those sorts of situations.
“Other than that, there’s nothing from my side to say on it.”
The 2-1 result saw Tottenham fall to a seventh straight loss in the WSL since their 8-0 trouncing of Brighton last October. 
It leaves United top of the table before a March 5 league clash with Leicester after the international break.
Red Devils boss Skinner said: “We just need to keep accruing points
“The reality is we had to win, that’s the pressure we set ourselves.
“We don’t think we’re going to get anything, we have to earn it.
“It’s good being top of the table, but they are are many twists to happen yet.”
United saw a goal disallowed in the 23rd minute with a Galton’s header from Ona Batlle’s ruled as offside. 
And England blazed an effort over the bar minutes later after being put through by Ashleigh Neville. 
Later Mana Iwabuchi looked to be through on goal following a neat Spence and England move before being flagged offside.
Galton broke the deadlock in the second spell, smashing the ball into the net at close range in the 67th minute. 
But the hosts hit back 13 minutes later with England netting her third goal in four appearances for Spurs.
However that leveller was overshadowed when Bartrip fired the ball into her own net with an attempted clearance going awry. 
Rehanne Skinner says Bartrip’s team-mates will rally round her with Spurs aiming to bounce back from their loss in their upcoming gamesCredit: Getty
Spurs are now three points above Leicester – who are bottom – after three wins in 12 WSL games.
A duel with Man City on March 5 awaits them after the international break and their FA Cup clash with Reading on February 26. 
Tottenham chief Rehanne Skinner said: “As a team we have to start get pieces of the jigsaw together properly.
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“We’ve had two great transfers in the window that have helped us to move forward.
“That’s something that as a as a club and as a team we want to keep building on.” More