Women’s football

FRIDA MAANUM helped ten-player Norway thwart England’s hopes of an end-of-year win by clinching a draw with the Euros champions.Just as it looked as if the Lionesses would claim a victory the Arsenal star pounced on a goalkeeping error to nab a 1-1 draw.
Rachel Daly gave England a 1-0 lead in the first half of their friendly against NorwayCredit: Getty
Frida Maanum came off the bench to score for Norway late on in the duel at the Pinatar Arena in SpainCredit: AP
Following a 4-0 hammering of Japan, Sarina Wiegman made a few first eleven changes with Lauren James among her starters alongside debutant Maya Le Tissier.
And Rachel Daly started up top for the Euros winners with England’s number nine spot up for grabs.
The Aston Villa hotshot, who normally plays as a left-back, rewarded her boss by netting her second goal in the second of the Lionesses’ two November internationals.  
On scoring her team’s opener, Daly told ITV Sport: “I’m delighted to be on the score sheet.
“As a forward coming into the game that was my target to score.
“Ultimately we didn’t win which is disappointing but we’re ending the year with a 20-game unbeaten run.
“I love the number nine position, but I love football, I say it to everyone, I am happy to play everywhere.
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“It is special wearing the number nine shirt, it was the number my dad wore when he played so even more special.
“But I’m prepared for both positions always, I can’t just focus on one. It’s nice to have that role.”
Despite the result, England extended their unbeaten run under Wiegman to 26 games on Tuesday night. 
The England chief said: “Did we do enough to win? No, because we didn’t.
“We tried enough – we did a lot to score that second goal, but it didn’t go in.”
“Although I’m a little disappointed with this game, it’s really incredible what has happened since last September
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“We have a lot of players making debuts now. We got a lot of information from these games, to get ready for the World Cup.
On the equaliser, Wiegman added: “It’s disappointing, but these things happen sometimes, and when it happens to the goalkeeper, then it’s a goal.
“As a team, we had to score another goal, and that’s what we tried to do.
The last time the two sides faced off, the Lionesses wiped the floor with their opponents in an 8-0 Euros group stage trouncing at the Amex.
But last night’s match saw their opponents, now under the management of former England boss Hege Riise, put in a more defensively solid shift.
Norway without the services of Ada Hegerberg, Caroline Graham Hansen, and skipper Maren Mjelde tested their rivals in the second minute.
Maya Le Tissier and Katie Robinson made their senior debuts for England during the 1-1 draw with NorwayCredit: Getty
Emilie Haavi forced a decent save from Ellie Roebuck at the near post.
Later Guro Reiten fired wide of the left post after being put through by the Haavi who had put in a good shift on the flank.
The 0-0 scoreline lasted until the 33rd minute with Daly nodding England in front following a probing cross from Chloe Kelly.
And Reiten forced a diving save from Roebuck with her free kick looking destined for the top corner.
Norway looked as if they would be for a far tougher night with Anja Sønstevold given her marching orders for a shirt tug on Nikita Parris.
Norway were reduced to ten players in the 72nd minute when Anja Sønstevold was sent off for a foul on Nikita ParrisCredit: Getty
It was her second foul of the game against the forward. 
But super substitute Maanum came to Riise’s side’s rescue denying Roebuck the chance of a clean sheet following a solid shift in goal.
The midfielder pounced on the goalkeeper’s missed clearance to net an 80th-minute leveller and a hard-fought draw.  More

MAYA LE TISSIER could be in line to make her senior England debut with the Euros champions aiming to beat Norway.Sarina Wiegman could look to shuffle her deck with Ebony Salmon, Lauren James, and Jess Park among the rising stars vying for minutes.
Maya Le Tissier is one of three WSL players who received their first senior Lionesses call-upCredit: Getty
Maya Le Tissier’s versatility has impressed England boss Sarina WiegmanCredit: Reuters
Le Tissier, who sealed a summer switch from Albion to Manchester United, has hit the ground running for the Red Devils.
Her versatile defensive displays have seen her earn praise with the defender netting twice in six WSL games this term.
England chief Wiegman told reporters: “Maya has played well in our possession games. 
“She has played in different positions at centre-back, at right-back, and sometimes defensive midfield. 
“She has a natural leadership in her and is pretty outgoing.
Le Tissier is part of a group of emerging England aces and one of three players under 23 to receive their first senior national call-ups.
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 Wiegman added: The younger players are doing good, I think it is a great opportunity for them,” said Wiegman.
“We saw last Friday that with lots of changes and some younger players in that they were finding their way.
Tuesday night’s friendly will see the Lionesses go up against their former interim boss Hege Riise, who became Norway’s new gaffer in August.
Last summer the head coach, who won Euros and World Cup trophies as a player, led Team GB to the Tokyo Olympics women’s football quarter-finals.
There they fell to a 4-3 loss to Australia.
Norway have won three of their last five games since Riise’s appointment.
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Results include 1-0 and 5-0 World Cup qualifier defeats of Belgium and Albania.
But they fell to a 2-1 friendly loss to France on Friday with West Ham’s Vivianne Asseyi bagging the winner for the Euros 2022 semi-finalists.
And Wiegman, whose Lionesses hammered Norway 8-0 during the contest in July, expects her team will face a defensively cautious side.
The England boss added: “We expected a different Norway (that day). We played really well then and they didn’t have a good day.
“Now they have changed. They’ve changed their coach and they have changed their style of play. 
Jess Park could be in line for another senior England appearance after netting on her debutCredit: Getty
“They’re a little more defensive so we expect a very different game.
“The 8-0 win was nice because that made us qualify for the next round (after the group stage) at the Euros.
“This is a totally different game as they have some other players, different coaches, and another shape.” More

TONI DUGGAN is set to become the first English player in the WSL to take maternity leave following the introduction of new rules this season.Top-tier and Women’s Championship players will receive full salaries for the first 14 weeks of maternity leave.
In September this year, Toni Duggan announced her pregnancyCredit: AP
This is according to new legislation agreed on by the FA and Professional Football Association earlier this year.
After the 14-week period, maternity leave pay for players will then be followed by statutory wages after this period.
In a BBC Sport interview Duggan, who is currently four months pregnant, revealed she had to inform her club coach of her baby news before telling her parents.
The Everton forward, 31, who has enjoyed a trophy-winning career, says it was a relief to eventually be able to share her pregnancy news with her Toffees team-mates.
Duggan told BBC Sport: “It’s not so common in our environment for this to happen so that was quite tough initially.
“I was probably more shocked, and it was more difficult to deal with.
“I had to tell the coach before I told my mum. That was different and new.
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“It was something I wouldn’t have wanted to do, but as a professional footballer, I had to.
“Now I’m starting to feel the baby kick a bit more so that makes it feel more real.”
Duggan, who began her senior playing career at Everton in 2007, has won 10 major trophies during stints with the Toffees, Manchester City, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid.
The WSL ace, who netted 22 times in 76 senior England appearances, has always wanted to become a mother, but wasn’t sure at what stage of her life “that would happen”.
Before the start of this season, it was not compulsory for WSL and Women’s Championship clubs to offer players full paid maternity leave for 14 weeks.
The measure was put in place as part of contract reforms agreed upon by the FA and PFA in February.
Changes also included enhanced injury and sick pay for professional female players.
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In February Chelsea boss Emma Hayes said she hoped to see contract reforms introduced in England replicated in other parts of the world.
And Duggan hopes to see more analysis of how professional female players in other nations are helped when they hope to become parents.
The Walton Hall Park forward added: “Just because it’s not common doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be guidelines and protocols in place.
“I want to know how other countries and players go about it.
“The ones that I do know of are such powerful, strong women and they have come back from it and are doing so well in football.
“That obviously gives me inspiration that I can do it.”
Earlier this year Emma Hayes said changes made to maternity leave pay for WSL and Women’s Championship players were “massively needed”Credit: Getty More

Beth Mead has withdrawn from England’s camp before the team’s final fixture of the year due to family circumstances.The Arsenal star, 27, who played in the Lionesses’ 4-0 defeat of Japan returned home today following the Friday night match in Spain.
The FA says Beth Mead has left England’s camp due to family circumstancesCredit: Getty
Lucy Bronze will return to Barcelona due to a minor injuryCredit: Getty
Mead, who made her 50th international appearance in the game, paid tribute to her team-mates for “another solid performance”.
Lucy Bronze also leaves the squad with the full-back returning to her club Barcelona.
The FA says Bronze’s departure before England’s Tuesday night duel with Norway is a precautionary measure due to a muscle issue.
Head coach Sarina Wiegman confirmed the full-back had sustained the minor injury ahead of her side’s game against Japan at the Pinatar Arena.
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In a statement, the FA said: “Beth Mead has withdrawn from the England squad due to family circumstances.
“Lucy Bronze will also leave the squad and return to her club over the weekend as a precaution due to a minor injury.
Mead’s return home along with the absence of Manchester City ace Lauren Hemp could see Wiegman give more minutes to England forwards Ebony Salmon and Lauren James.
Salmon impressed for the Euros winners registering assists for Ella Toone and debutant Jess Park with Mead teeing up England’s first two goals.
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The Lionesses’ upcoming clash against Norway, which kicks off at 7:00 pm on November 15th will be the first time the sides have faced each other since the Euros.
In July Wiegman’s rampant team brushed their opponents in a blistering 8-0 victory.
And Norway’s group stage exit from the Euros was later followed by head coach Martin Sjogren resigning from his role.
Since the tournament, Norway have won three of the last four games they have played under new boss Hege Riise.
The former interim England chief led Team GB to the quarter-finals of the Tokyo Olympics in Japan last year.
England will play a Norway side managed by their former interim boss Hege Riise (right)Credit: Sportsfile More

BETH Mead says comments attributed to her on the subject of diversity in the Lionesses team are not a “true reflection” of her beliefs.The England forward was responding to criticism after being quoted as saying the lack of diversity in the squad “was a coincidence”.
Beth Mead responded to criticism of comments made on the topic of diversity within the Lionesses squadCredit: AP
Mead’s remarks appeared in a Guardian article published before England’s 4-0 trouncing of Japan, their fourth defeat of a World Cup-winning side this year.
Among the Lioness aces who made appearances in the game were three players of mixed-raced heritage: Ebony Salmon, Lauren James and Nikita Parris.
Following the win, Mead, who started for Sarina Wiegman’s side, told Sky Sports: “For me, it was a tough one to take, it was unfair how it was written.
“My values and beliefs are completely different to what was written, and it is not a true reflection of me as a person.
“In terms of diversity in the game, I want to be there front and centre and helping with that.
“I know the FA are doing a lot for that. I said that in the interview, but that didn’t get put through.
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“Unfortunately, it made me look worse in that context, but these things happen in the media these days.
“That’s not a true reflection of me and I hope people understand that and sometimes don’t believe everything you read.”
Mead’s response came hours after Arsenal and Three Lions hero Ian Wright described her comments as ‘disappointing’ and a moment of learning.
Wright, who is an ambassador for the women’s game and admirer of Mead’s talent, insists the lack of diversity is a systemic challenge.
Low numbers of homegrown black, minority ethnic and Asian players at the highest levels of the sport has been an issue in recent years.
In 2020 it was reported that just 10 to 15 per cent of footballers in the Women’s Super League were of black, Asian or minority ethnic heritage.
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Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman is eager to see more black players in her England sides.
And she insists the FA are taking action with the association having established 60 Emerging Talent Centres across the country with the aim of finding a diverse mix of young players.
It is hoped the centres, for girls aged eight to 16, will help increase female player numbers in this age range from 1,722 to more than 4,200 by 2024.
The two-time European Championship-winning head coach said:  “I would love to see more black players in the team.
“With the senior squad I pick the best players, who are the best to perform, but I do think we need to do more and we are doing more.
Sarina Wiegman says she is keen to see more black players in the Lionesses teamCredit: Getty
“The FA is doing more to give access to anyone who wants to play football.
“We know the team has shared a letter for girls in football (demanding) that every girl has access to football.
“That also counts for every boy, whatever skin colour they have, to have access to football, in England. We really have to work on that.” More

JESS PARK says it was a dream come true to bag her first senior England goal within seconds of her debut for Sarina Wiegman’s side.The forward’s late finish and Rachel Daly’s clinical opener were among the strikes that saw the Euros champs hammer Japan 4-0
Jess Park scored within two minutes of making her first senior appearance for EnglandCredit: Getty
Ebony Salmon impressed providing two assists during the Lionesses’ 4-0 defeat of JapanCredit: Getty
The 21-year-old scored just 79 seconds after coming on as a second-half substitute with Ebony Salmon impressing by winning possession moments before.
The result saw the Euros winners reach a milestone of 125 goals in 25 games under their boss with a duel with Norway up next.
And they laid down a marker for their World Cup rivals eight months before the start of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
Asked to describe how it felt to score seconds after coming on as a substitute, Park said: “I don’t think I can. I’m a bit overwhelmed at the moment.
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“I’ve dreamed of this since I was a little girl and now it’s a dream come true.
“I’m so happy. Sarina said ‘go on, have fun, enjoy it, do your roles’ and Ebony did all the work for me, I just had to slot it in.
“I don’t think there are any words to describe [being part of this Lionesses team].”
England boss Wiegman added: “She had two minutes so you can’t really say how she played. 
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“We saw two things actually. There was a long ball and you saw the strength of Ebony Salmon, her pace and orientation.
“She was behind, and she just wins the ball and Jess Park thought I’ve got to be there and she got the ball in the back of the net.”
The game saw Rachel Daly who plays as a striker for Aston Villa and a full-back for her country net her 10th goal in a Lionesses jersey.
On if she would be tempted to play Daly in front of goal, Wiegman said: “She’s so versatile, she played a really good game from full-back too and she scored from that position.
“She’s an option to try out up front too but we also have to look at which players we have available and what’s best for the team.”
Before kick-off, Wiegman spoke of the disciplined, technical, and tactical skills of Japan who had won seven of their past eight international fixtures.
Her Euros winners tested their opponents early on with Ella Toone forcing a top-corner save from goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita with a fierce first-minute strike.
Futoshi Ikeda’s side began to exert some pressure going forward after England dominated possession early in the first spell.
And Manchester City ace Yui Hasegawa tested Mary Earps from distance forcing a comfortable 19th-minute save from the England shot-stopper.
But the deadlock was broken in the 38th minute with Daly making the most of a Chloe Kelly cross and Mead’s pass to fire the Lionesses 1-0 up.
Kelly doubled the lead early in the second half – arriving in the box to smash home a cross from Mead and bagging her first goal since her Euros tournament winner in July in the process.
Hasegawa sent a dangerous free kick into the box late on with Millie Bright clearing for her team-mates with 15 minutes of normal time remaining.
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England made it 3-0 a minute later with substitute Salmon teeing up Toone to fire home off the post.
And Hasegawa forced a couple of late saves from Earps before Salmon set up Park to wrap up the win shortly before the final whistle.
Sarina Wiegman says Rachel Daly could be an option in attack after her goal against JapanCredit: Getty
Chloe Kelly got on the scoresheet with her first England goal since the Euros 2022 finalCredit: Getty More

SARINA WIEGMAN says more needs to be done to tackle the lack of diversity in women’s football.And the Lionesses boss is eager to see more black players in her England team.
Sarina Wiegman wants to see more black players at the highest levels of the women’s gameCredit: Reuters
Jess Carter was one of three black and mixed-heritage players included in Wiegman’s England squad at this year’s EurosCredit: Reuters
The head coach was speaking before her Euros-winning side’s upcoming friendly games against Japan and Norway.
Wiegman, 53, told Sky Sports: “I would love to see more black players in the team.
“For me, with the senior squad, the process is done already, so I pick the best players and whoever that is, I’ll pick the best players to perform.
“But I do think we need to do more, and the FA is doing more, to give access to everyone that wants to play football.
“The team shared the letter calling for every girl to have access to football.
“That also counts for every boy, every girl, whatever skin colour you have, needs to have access to football, in England, in Europe, in the world.
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“We really have to work on that and the FA is working on that.”
In the summer Wiegman’s 23-strong Euros had three players of black and mixed-race heritage in Nikita Parris, Jess Carter and Demi Stokes.
In contrast, the starting 11 that competed in the 2009 tournament final, led by former England boss Hope Powell, included: Anita Asante, Eniola Aluko and Alex Scott.
And Powell, 55, had Lianne Sanderson and Jessica Clarke as substitutes.
Low numbers of homegrown black, Asian and minority ethnic footballers in the women’s top flight is an ongoing concern.
Regional training centres being located far away from diverse areas with young female players has been identified as an issue.
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This year the FA said it aims to address the challenge of boosting inclusivity and providing “better accessibility”.
In July the association established 60 Girls Emerging Talent Centres for eight to 16-year-olds
They aim to see the numbers of young female players on FA programmes rise from 1,722 to 4,200 by 2024.
Wiegman has backed her players, who are demanding more football training for girls in schools, to press for change.
The England chief added: “We have so many powerful players and personalities in our team, and they’re using their voice to address these things.
“These little girls and boys see them playing football and think, ‘I can achieve that too’. That’s really nice to be part of.”
Wiegman will be without the services of Alex Greenwood and Lucy Bronze for her team’s game against Japan.
England will play Japan and Norway in their final two fixtures this yearCredit: Getty
It is hoped Greenwood will be available for the team’s game against Norway on Tuesday.
And Lucy Bronze will also be absent from tomorrow night’s game against Japan after testing positive for Covid-19.
However, the Barcelona full-back remains in camp and could be back in the squad when she returns a negative Covid test result. More