Women’s football

ALEXIA PUTELLAS reportedly hopes to return to the pitch before the end of this term following her knee injury blow in July.  The Barcelona star, 28, was reflecting on her recovery after becoming the first player to retain the Women’s Ballon d’Or.
Alexia Putellas made Women’s Ballon d’Or history by becoming the first player to win the gong for a second straight yearCredit: Getty
Beth Mead’s clinical performances for Arsenal saw her finish in second placeCredit: Getty
Sam Kerr finished in third place after ending last season as the WSL’s Golden Boot winnerCredit: Getty
Arsenal ace Beth Mead, 27, and Chelsea’s Sam Kerr, 29, came in second and third place after impressing for their clubs last term.
Meanwhile, Putellas’ Barcelona team-mate Lucy Bronze finished in tenth spot followed by Vivianne Miedema in eleventh place.   
Putellas wrote her name into the history books following a standout season with her club.
The midfielder notched up 42 goals and 22 assists across all competitions last term with her team winning their seventh top-tier title in Spain.
The Barca captain, who missed this summer’s Euros due to a damaged knee ligament, was the Champions League’s highest scorer last season.

She netted 11 goals in 10 games helping her club reach the contest’s final for a second successive year.
And Putellas admits winning this year’s Ballon d’Or was a “far away” thought in her mind following the injury she sustained before the Euros.
The Barca icon told Spanish news outlet Sport: “I wouldn’t say that it was a surprise to win again.
“But when I got injured the day before playing the European Championship I didn’t think about it, I saw it far away.
“But the criteria has changed and it goes by a season and the decision has been based on that
“I was injured but they (the judging panel) have valued the rest of the season and that makes me happy.”
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On her win, Putellas added: “I’m very happy to be back here.
“A year ago I was able to win this prize and it pushed me to want to get even better.
“Without my team-mates this wouldn’t have been possible.
“I want to thank the technical staff and the coach as well. And to thank everyone involved at the club off the pitch.”
In March and April, Putellas scored in front of record crowds of more than 91,000 fans in Barca’s Champions League quarters and semi-final wins against Real Madrid and Wolfsburg.
In July it was announced the player would be facing a long spell on the sidelines after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury on international duty with Spain.
Putellas netted 42 goals for Barcelona last seasonCredit: Alamy
When asked when she envisages returning to the pitch, Putellas said: “With this injury, it is difficult to determine specific deadlines, but the knee is responding well, I am evolving day by day.
“Before, all I did was think about performance and now about recovering well.
“Everything is going as the doctors think, I hope to play this season, as long as I feel good.” More

GARETH TAYLOR reckons Khadija Bunny Shaw is leaping to the challenge of becoming Manchester City’s main threat up top.The Jamaica striker struck twice as City trounced Leicester in a 4-0 home win with Yui Hasegawa bagging a stunning debut goal.
Shaw headed in City’s opening goal against Leicester at the Academy StadiumCredit: ©MI News & Sport Ltd
Lauren Hemp got on the scoresheet for the hosts who are currently eighth in the top tierCredit: Getty
And Lauren Hemp was also on target netting the hosts’ third as Shaw took her WSL tally to three goals in three games this season.
The striker has started in all of City’s league games following the retirement of club legend Ellen White.
Taylor, whose team visit Tottenham next, said: “Bunny is showing what she’s capable of week-in, week-out. She had a good season last year.
“She had good competition with Ellen and she gave us different options. At the moment she’s our one real standout option (as a striker).
“We’ve got to other players who can potentially play there with the likes of Deyna Castellanos and Mary Fowler.
“It’s a good start for her and a good challenge and one that she’s enjoying.”
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On City claiming their first win this term, Shaw said: “We wanted to show our quality and bounce back from the two defeats (against Aston Villa and Chelsea).
“It’s time we got points on the table, and we wanted to use this game to build momentum going forward.”
The hosts went on the attack quickly with Castellanos close to getting a boot on the end of Hemp’s fifth-minute cross.
Chloe Kelly struck the crossbar with a fierce effort in the 13th minute before Sophie Howard hit the side netting for the Foxes ten minutes later.
City took the lead shortly after with Hemp teeing up Shaw’s leaping header home after a fine run forward from Esme Morgan.
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The Foxes looked to pull one back with Aileen Whelan’s rifled shot blocked moments before Castellanos thumped the crossbar minutes before half-time.
Taylor’s side doubled their lead in the 71st minute through Hemp’s header.
Shaw then made it three pouncing on a rebound after Foxes keeper Kirstie Levell saved Alex Greenwood’s spot-kick.
Hasegawa, making her first City appearance since her summer switch from West Ham, was among the starters who impressed.
Yui Hasegawa scored her debut as Man City sealed a convincing win against the FoxesCredit: Getty
The Japan star scored a stunning debut goal for Taylor’s side rifling home a right-footed shot to seal a 4-0 win.
The Academy Stadium chief added: “Yui brings fluidity to the play, she’s good technically in between the lines and can score goals as she did in this game.
“She is a player we have admired, and I’m pleased we’ve been able to secure her. I think she will do really well at this club.” More

PAUL GREEN will temporarily fill in with managing Emma Hayes’ Chelsea side as she continues with her recovery from a hysterectomy.The Blues chief, 45, will continue to be involved in the running of her team who take on Everton away on Sunday.
Blues general manager Paul Green says Emma Hayes will “definitely still be involved” in overseeing ChelseaCredit: PA
Hayes will have a direct link to Chelsea’s dugoutCredit: PA
On Thursday Hayes revealed she would be away from the dugout as she recuperates from a hysterectomy operation carried out last week.
Green, who is the Blues’ general manager, will oversee on-field matters with assistant coach Denise Reddy leading the WSL title-holders from the touchline.
Chelsea will play the Toffees at Walton Hall Park before their first Champions League group stage game against Paris Saint-Germain next week.
Green said: “Emma will definitely still be involved. She’ll be at home watching all the training online.
“I’m sure it’ll be difficult for her to watch the games at home.
“It’s business as usual for us. It just means our leader won’t be there, which is a blow but the staff and the players are experienced enough to get through this situation.
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“You know what sort of character she is. She’ll be linked into the bench on the match days as long as she’s well enough to do that.”
Reddy, 52, who was born in New Jersey, in the United States, has been Hayes’ No2 since 2020.
The former Sky Blue FC boss has 15 years’ worth of top-flight coaching experience working in Sweden and Denmark as well as the USA.
Green added: “Denise is very detailed in her coaching, probably second to none in the way that she speaks to players individually and really goes through the individual analysis of players.
“She’ll be there on the touchline with Emma in her ear on the mic.”
This week Blues midfield star Melanie Leupolz revealed she had given birth to her first child after announcing her pregnancy in March.
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The Germany international, who signed for Chelsea in March 2020 after a six-year Bayern Munich spell, helped the club to a quadruple trophy win in the 2020-21 season.
That season Leupolz made 19 top-tier appearances and helped the Blues win the league title, the Conti and FA Cups and a Community Shield.
And the Kingsmeadow star also helped the club to reach the Champions League final for the first time in their history last year.
When asked about the timeframe of Leupolz’s return to action, Green said: “It’s obviously great news that she’s given birth and to add a new member to the Chelsea family. We’re all delighted for her.
“In terms of her return, that’s something the club are in communication with Melanie directly (about).
“We’re supporting her through her maternity leave so there’s no timeline on that at that moment.
Green says there is no timeline for Leupolz’s return to action for Chelsea following the birth of her first childCredit: Getty
“I think you can see from the pictures she put out, she’s in incredible shape and looking to get back as soon as possible.
“But we’ve got to make sure the timing’s right and the timing’s appropriate when she feels ready and physically she’s able to do that.
“So from our side, there’s no pressure; we want her to come back in when she’s ready.” More

CARLA WARD believes Rachel Daly’s ruthless scoring form could make her an option in attack for England.And the Aston Villa boss, 38, hopes to extend her managerial tenure beyond next season with her contract set to expire in 2023.
Carla Ward’s side are targeting a fourth win across all competitionsCredit: Getty
Rachel Daly has netted four goals in three matches for VillaCredit: Reuters
Ward’s aces face Paul Konchesky’s West Ham in their first home match after the international break.
The club, who are third, have enjoyed an impressive start to this season
They have claimed three wins in three games in all contests including a surprise defeat of Manchester City.
Their efforts have seen Daly – who bagged four goals in three games across all contests – win September’s Barclays WSL player of the month gong.
On if the Villa ace could be considered as a Lionesses forward option, Ward said: “Rachel is one of the highest scorers in the WSL right now so one hundred per cent she should be.
“She’s a centre forward and she should be absolutely knocking on the door.
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“She is brilliant on and off the pitch and I could not speak higher in terms of what she does for the youngsters.
“They’re all in awe of her because of what she’s achieved. But what she does for them is exceptional.
“She’s taken them all under the wing and will get after them to make sure they don’t have a single minute or second off.
“She sets a standard that is unbelievably high.”
Villa, who finished ninth last term, are currently reaping the rewards of Ward’s business in the summer transfer window.
The signings of Danielle Turner, Daly and Kenza Dali, and loan swoops for Anna Patten and Kirsty Hanson have made a positive difference to the team on the pitch.
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On former Everton skipper Turner’s shifts in defence for Villa, Ward added: “She hasn’t put a foot wrong.
“Danielle has been unbelievable not just on the pitch but with her professionalism off it.
“You can see why she was a captain and leader at Everton.”
Ward, who won the WSL manager of the month prize for September, hopes to extend her reign as club boss.
Danielle Turner has impressed in Villa’s defence since joining the side this summer after ten years at EvertonCredit: Getty
The Villa manager, who has seven months left on her contract, said: “I want to be here for a long, long time.
“It is something that I’m sure will be discussed soon.
“All being well, I would say yes. Hopefully, that’s a conversation (that happens) soon.”
Villa are currently winless against West Ham in four WSL encounters.
The London club have been victorious once against the Villans and sealed draws in three other top-flight duels with their rivals.
In the Hammers, Ward sees a side whose style reflects Konchesky on the pitch during his Irons playing days.
Paul Konchesky’s West Ham aim to pick up a second win in the WSL after their season-opening defeat of EvertonCredit: Reuters
The Bescot Stadium chief sees her team’s opponents as “confident, aggressive and front-footed”.  
West Ham gaffer, Konchesky, 41, said: “We want to build on what we did last year (finish sixth in the league).
“If we get one more point or one step further in cup competition that would be a success for us.” More

UEFA has begun an investigation after Republic of Ireland aces were filmed appearing to sing pro-IRA chants after their World Cup play-off win. A video clip of squad members chanting was shared on social media after their 1-0 defeat of Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.
Uefa is into investigate a chant filmed in the Republic of Ireland’s dressing room following their World Cup qualification winCredit: Sportsfile
Footage showed players seeming to sing “Ooh ah, up the ‘Ra” which is thought to be a pro-IRA song.
Officials from Europe’s top football authority today confirmed that they will be investigating the matter.
In a written statement Uefa said: “In accordance with Article 31(4) of the Uefa disciplinary regulations, a Uefa ethics and disciplinary inspector will investigate potential inappropriate behaviour by players of the Republic of Ireland Women’s team in the aftermath of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers play-off second leg match played against Scotland on October 11, 2022.
“Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”
Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw and the Football Association of Ireland issued apologies on Wednesday following the incident.  
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Pauw said: “We apologise from the bottom of our hearts to anyone who has been offended by the content of the post-match celebrations after we had just qualified for the World Cup.
“We will review this with the players and remind them of their responsibilities in this regard.
“I have spoken with the players, and we are sorry collectively for any hurt caused, there can be no excuse for that.”
In a statement, the FAI said: “The Football Association of Ireland and the Republic of Ireland women’s national team manager Vera Pauw apologise for any offence caused by a song sung by players in the Ireland dressing room after the Fifa Women’s World Cup qualifying playoff win over Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.”
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The Republic of Ireland qualified for the 2023 Women’s World Cup after netting a second-half goal during their clash with Scotland.
Amber Barrett slotted the ball home in the 72nd minute.
Her effort helped her side clinch a spot in the tournament taking place in Australia and New Zealand next summer.
Amber Barrett was on target with a bottom-corner effort to seal World Cup qualification for Vera Pauw’s sideCredit: Reuters More

ENGLAND’S unbeaten run remains intact but the Euros champs found themselves held to a goalless draw by a stubborn Czech Republic at the Amex.Lauren James struck the woodwork early on a night that saw Lucy Bronze make her 100th Lionesses appearance.
Bronze received her 100th cap for England at the Amex on Tuesday nightCredit: PA
England – missing Georgia Stanway’s tenacious drives forward and Alessia Russo’s aerial threat – were made to battle hard in their attempts to break their rivals down.
And they failed to score for only the second time in 24 matches under serial-winning boss Sarina Wiegman.
On the International Day of the Girl, Wiegman’s stars looked to provide scores of watching school pupils at Brighton’s ground with a display of girl power on the pitch.
After this summer’s Euros, England’s stars have been pressing political decision-makers to boost girls’ access to football training in the nation’s schools.
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And their recent performances could be seen as a strong case for their call to ensure young females dreaming of becoming the next generation top pros get more chances to play at school.
Fresh off of the back of their battling 2-1 friendly defeat of four-time World Cup winners the USA, Wiegman’s side were aiming to fire another warning to their rivals ahead of next year’s World Cup.
They were looking to do so at a ground with memories of their 8-0 Euros thumping of Norway and their gritty quarter-final knockout of Spain at the Euros.
But Karel Rada’s well-drilled side had other ideas.
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The last clash between England and the Czech Republic ended in a slim 3-2 away victory for the Lionesses back in November 2019.
Before the game, Beth Mead described England’s opponents as a difficult side to play against.
This proved to be the case, with Rada’s team frustrating the Euros winners for large spells with some gritty defending.
James, making her first senior international start, struck the woodwork in the fourth minute shortly after the Czech’s Klara Cahynova blazed a shot over the bar.
James teed up Lauren Hemp in the box in the 23rd minute but her strike lacked power and was easily claimed by keeper Olivie Lukasova.
At the other end, a well-timed block from Alex Greenwood denied Andrea Staskova a clean shot on target just before half-time.
The second half saw Beth Mead enter the fray and the presence of England’s Player of the Year made a difference, giving the host’s attacking play a little more energy.
Mead’s 50th-minute cross found Hemp in the box before the forward headed over.
And the Euros’ top scorer went close to putting the hosts ahead after latching onto Millie Bright’s cross, before England struck the post in the 59th minute.
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Fran Kirby forced an impressive save from Lukasova with the keeper tipping her shot over the bar, before Mead curled an effort wide of the post.
So the clash ended goalless, meaning England extend their unbeaten run to 24 games ahead of November friendlies against Japan and Norway. More

GEMMA GRAINGER insists Wales will not have an underdog mentality when they play Switzerland in one of the biggest games in their history.Grainger’s aces will battle their rivals in a World Cup qualifier play-off with a potential spot in next year’s tournament at stake.
Gemma Grainger and Wales hope to keep their World Cup qualification dreams alive with a win against Switzerland tonightCredit: Reuters
Wales will be aiming to win the game by two goals or more at the Letzigrund stadium in ZurichCredit: Getty
Two or more goals in a victory against the 21st-best side in the world will give Wales a chance of automatically reaching the World Cup for the first time.
If they win tonight by less than two goals, they could enter an inter-confederation play-off in a bid to claim a tournament spot.
Grainger says her side will be taking confidence from having reached the play-off stage for the first time ever and from their 1-0 defeat of Bosnia and Herzegovina last time out.
The Wales head coach, 40, told reporters: “On paper – and I said this after the Bosnia game – we can be called the underdogs.
“I don’t see us necessarily as that, I see us as a team who are going there to compete and win a game.
“Our belief, our mentality, everything that we think about is not necessarily focused on that tag.
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“It’s focused on how we can compete in the game, and hopefully win it.
“With what we’ve done on the pitch, the team is absolutely on track to qualification for a major tournament.
“If we do it this time, brilliant. If not, we’ll do it next time.”
During Wales’s defeat of Bosnia, which was clinched following Jess Fishlock’s stunning volley, Grainger’s players saw FOUR goals ruled out as offside.
Looking back at those decisions, Grainger added: “With VAR there’s going to be some close calls that you are slightly offside for onside either way.
“When you play on the edge, and when you try to make those runs, there’s a lot of movement, there’s a lot of time and involved.
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“I think the most important thing for us is that we’re in those positions and we’re creating those opportunities and chances to score.”
This evening’s duel which kicks off at 6:00 pm at the Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich, could see Chelsea star Sophie Ingle, 31, go up against her old Blues team-mate Ramona Bachmann.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward has netted 56 times in 128 senior international Switzerland appearances.
When asked if Wales had any fear of the threat posed by Bachmann, 31, and her pals, Ingle said: “We’re never scared.
“They’re a great team and we respect the type of team they are.
Tonight’s game could see ex-Chelsea ace Ramona Bachmann go head-to-head with her old Blues team-mate Sophie IngleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“They played in the European Championship in the summer, and I remember watching their games.
“They’re exciting going forward and have very good players on the attack like Ramona who is a great player and picks up a lot of good spaces.
“But we have a lot of strengths within our team and we’re going to focus on ourselves.”
Tonight’s game is one of three World Cup play-off finals taking place this evening.
Ingle insists Wales will have no fear when they take to the pitch against SwitzerlandCredit: Getty
The other two will see Portugal take on Iceland and Pedro Losa’s Scotland side up against the Republic of Ireland at Hampden Park.
The two play-off winners with the highest rankings will automatically qualify for the 2023 World Cup which begins on July 20.
The other match winner will be entered into an inter-confederation play-off which will take place in New Zealand in February next year. More