Women’s football

LOTTE WUBBEN-MOY says she will be supporting the Three Lions’ push to win the World Cup, but will not watch this year’s tournament in Qatar.And the Lionesses centre-back believes sport can be a “strong vehicle” for change on social issues.
Lotte Wubben-Moy will not this year’s World Cup despite supporting England’s quest to win the tournamentCredit: Getty
The England ace’s comments come days after her Arsenal and international team-mate Beth Mead questioned the decision to host the contest in the country due to its anti-homosexuality laws.
The duo are part of the Lionesses squad due to play Japan and Norway this month in the team’s last two international games this year.
When asked for her thoughts on the tournament being held in the Gulf state, Wubben-Moy, 23, said: “It’s tough.
“As an England team, we all have strong values and a lot of those values aren’t reflected, in the way that we see it, in Qatar.
“It’s a tough conversation to have and there’s a lot of dialogue around it.
“I will be supporting the men’s team, but I won’t be watching.
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“It’s hard to talk about but at the end of the day, we’re one team here with England.
“We know that they have an opportunity to play at a World Cup and it’s hard to look beyond that really.”
Last week Fifa wrote a letter to the 32 nations competing in the World Cup urging them to “focus on football.
In it, the football governing body called for the sport not to be drawn “into ideological battles”.
Their letter follows campaigners’ criticisms of the treatment of migrant workers in Qatar and concerns regarding the country’s stance on same-sex relationships.
On the question of whether sport can be a platform for change, Wubben-Moy added: “Sport is a very strong vehicle for change.
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“To underestimate that would be naive.
“I’ve seen a lot of the players have strong viewpoints and I salute them.
“I wish them the best in looking to express that throughout this World Cup.
“A lot of the players might not ever play in a World Cup again, so I can’t comment on them choosing to go because many people would take that same choice.
“But (if) they can use this opportunity to help bring about change, I think that’s important.”
Harry Kane will wear a OneLove captain’s armband against discrimination at the World CupCredit: EPA
Wubben-Moy, who actively champions a variety of equality issues, helped spearhead the Lionesses’ letter calling for equal access to football in PE lessons for girls.
As part of her work with Arsenal in the Community, the defender is collaborating with the club on developing a project which uses football to help girls and young women in areas in London.
The programme aims to use the sport ‘to build their self-confidence and communication skills’. More

IT was in September 2020 that a “heartbroken” Katie Robinson revealed her season had been curtailed by a knee ligament injury.Fast forward to this November and the soaring Seagulls forward has seen her impressive form for Brighton rewarded with her first senior England call-up.
Katie Robinson will join England’s camp this week ahead of the Lionesses’ friendly games against Japan and NorwayCredit: Getty
Robinson’s club, who play West Ham today may not have had the best results in the league by their standards in recent weeks.  
Four defeats in five games – including a hefty 8-0 loss to Tottenham – has seen one of the top tier’s most dogged sides drop to second from bottom.
A start described as challenging by former Albion boss Hope Powell, 56, who stood down from her role this week after five years in charge.
This summer Brighton also saw several experienced first-teamers depart.
This includes seven players from the Seagulls side that ended Chelsea’s 33-game unbeaten run in February 2021.
But Robinson’s energetic attacking displays have been among the bright spots for the Seagulls this term with the player netting once in five WSL appearances.
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Her efforts have seen her make the jump from England’s Under-23s, with the forward named in Sarina Wiegman’s squad before games against Japan and Norway this month.
In September Robinson said: “There’s more of an expectation of the (Under-23s) group with the senior side ahead of us being European Champions.
“When we’re in camps they would remind us of that.
“At the camp (after the Euros) we were regularly reminded about the success of the seniors.
“That’s what everyone has got to be striving for.
“We’ve got to make that gap between the Under-23s (and the senior) as small as possible so that when the transition is made for any player, it’s not too much of a big one.”
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On Robinson’s call-up, interim Albion boss Amy Merricks said: “It’s a real credit to Katie and a real credit to all of the staff that worked with her as well but mainly her.
“She has been very diligent, and very committed to her preparation application, and that needs to continue.
“Katie has lots of potential as a player.
“She needs to keep her head down, keep focused, which I know she will, and really enjoy the opportunity that she has next week.
“She had some real difficulties with her (ACL) injury.
Robinson’s performances for the Seagulls and England’s Under-23s have led to her first senior England call-upCredit: Getty
“She still has a long way to go, but it’s good to have a role model within the club and a pathway that is starting to achieve these things.”
On the forward’s reaction to her call-up, Merricks added: “I gave her a call straight after and she was quite in awe at first, but she was very upbeat and excited but also focused on the game this Sunday.”
A Charlton loan spell from January to the end of last season saw Robinson get some minutes after making her senior Albion debut in a clash with Leicester in January.
It was a good opportunity to get some game time. I feel sharp and technically better for itKatie Robinson on her Charlton loan spell
The forward made nine appearances for Karen Hills’ Addicks netting once with the club finishing fifth in the Championship last term.
And last month she scored within five minutes of coming on as a substitute during England’s Under-23’s 1-0 defeat of Belgium. 
Robinson added: “It was a good opportunity to get game time and more real experiences on the pitch, which is helping me now at Brighton.
“I feel sharp and technically better for it, so I’m glad that I did it.”
In recent years under former gaffer Powell, Brighton has nurtured the talents of a number of rising WSL stars including former Seagulls Maya Le Tissier and Ellie Brazil.
Amy Merricks wants Brighton to bounce back from their loss to Tottenham with a solid performance against West HamCredit: Getty
Like Robinson, Le Tissier, who sealed a summer move to Manchester United, received her first senior Lionesses call-up after a storming start to her Red Devils career.
Merricks added: “As a club, we’re really proud of developing individuals to be able to fulfill their potential and be the best they can be.  
“We saw that with Maya (when she was here) and we’ve seen that with Katie and with other individuals within the team as well.
Brighton, who finished seventh in the WSL last term, are eager to return to winning ways after a tough run in their five opening fixtures.
These included losses to Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea who currently occupy the league’s top three spots.
Their last four top-flight duels with West Ham ended as victories for the Irons.
Brighton hope to register their first win since their defeat of Reading in SeptemberCredit: Getty
Merricks hopes her side can return to winning ways ahead of the international break.
The Brighton boss said: “Our players are focused and ready to put on a display that the fans and the club can all be proud of as well as themselves.
“They know that if they put their focus into the game and stick to the principles we want to deliver then there’s no reason why we can’t perform well.” More

JONAS EIDEVALL was surprised Leicester axed boss Lydia Bedford.The Arsenal chief reckons his Gunners will face one of the WSL’s best defensively organised sides despite the Foxes’ six-game winless run.
Arsenal will be going for their sixth straight win in the top tier when they visit LeicesterCredit: Getty
Willie Kirk will take charge of Leicester for the first time when they play Arsenal in the WSLCredit: PA
New manager Willie Kirk, will lead Leicester against the Gunners following his appointment after working as the Foxes women’s football director.
It was in December last year against Arsenal that Bedford oversaw her first game in charge of the WSL strugglers.
While the former England youth coach lost that match, she guided the team to four wins and a draw that saw them remain in the top tier at the expense of Birmingham.
But six losses on the bounce saw the Foxes part company with Bedford on Friday.
Eidevall, 39, said: “I was surprised to see they changed manager.
“From the outside, when you purely look at the results … I think we all know it’s a results-based business.
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“Leicester were one of the better-coached teams in the league.
“They look very well structured. When we look at underlying numbers, it’s one of the best defensive teams in the league.”
Last term, Arsenal trounced the Foxes 4-0 and 5-0.
“Should they win again and Chelsea and Manchester United draw at Leigh Sports Village tonight, the Gunners will go top, two points clear.
The Gunners are resting star forward Vivianne Miedema this afternoon, with Eidevall explaining: “This was the best decision for both the player and the club.
“It’s never easy because all the games we are playing are tough.
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“But we always need to manage individuals in the long term and short term.”
Meanwhile, Alanna Kennedy is itching to return to action for Manchester City with the defender close to being fully fit.
The Australia international is yet to make an appearance for the Citizens as she continues her recovery from a shoulder injury.
And she could face a battle to reclaim her place in City’s back line with the club having conceded just once in their last four games across all competitions.
Kennedy, whose teammates visit Reading today, said: “It’s only a good thing for us to better ourselves with the competition.
Alanna Kennedy is close to returning to full fitness for Manchester CityCredit: PA
“But I can’t wait to be back out there.
“It can be quite isolating at times, so it just makes you want to be at your best again.”
Matt Beard says Shanice van de Sanden is unlikely to make her first start for Liverpool until after their November 20 clash with Brighton.
The Holland star came on as a late sub during the Reds’ 2-1 loss to Man City last time out.
Reds boss Beard, whose aces take on Aston Villa later, said: “It’s going to be probably post-Brighton for Shanice starting games. 
“She has had two full weeks of training now. We’ll have another two weeks in this international break to really get her up to speed.”
Shanice van de Sanden came on as a 76th-minute substitute for Liverpool during their game against Manchester CityCredit: Getty More

MARC SKINNER wants Manchester United to show their title-contending maturity by denting Chelsea’s top spot chase.Last September, Skinner’s aces fell to their biggest-ever defeat in the WSL when they were hammered 6-1 at Leigh Park Village.
Marc Skinner’s Man United side have enjoyed a flawless start in the WSL this season with five wins and five clean sheetsCredit: Getty
The WSL leaders hope to claim their first win in the league against ChelseaCredit: PA
But on Sunday the title-holders face a United outfit yet to concede a goal after five games played with an 8,000-strong crowd expected at their ground.
And Skinner, 39, wants the WSL leaders to show how much they have evolved with his team after their first win in the league against the Blues.
The Red Devils boss said: “Sometimes you have to take those punches to understand and know exactly where you’re at.
“For us, it was a devastating result of course but it was our third game in.
“Chelsea were ruthless on the day which we know they can be. We’re well aware of their goal threat.
“We’re a different team but I want us to show that.
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“It’s all well and good me talking about that here but I want my team to show their maturity and energy in this game.
“We know how difficult a task is, they have some wonderful players and historically they are one of the best teams in the WSL.
“But I think it’s for us to go on and choose how we impose ourselves. We need to be confident, not complacent.”
This summer has seen Man United strengthen their ranks with several new signings.
New additions include Nikita Parris, 28, Maya Le Tissier, 20, Rachel Williams, 34, and Adriana Leon, 30, who netted her first United goal during their demolition of Brighton.
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Of his choice of signings, Skinner added: “It was actually carefully designing what each person might bring for us.
“For example, if we need to go into a physical battle with a team – and Chelsea are a very physical team – we know a Rachel Williams can frighten most people.
“It’s really important we have variance and ability to do that.”
Among the players who have shone for the club this term is former Brighton defender Le Tissier.
Two goals and an assist in five top-tier games have seen the defender earn her first senior England call-up before the Lionesses’ games against Japan and Norway.
Maya Le Tissier has impressed for the Red Devils since her summer switch from BrightonCredit: Getty
Skinner said: “She’s a very talented young player but has stepped above and beyond her years in maturity and she shows that.
“All she’s got to do is enjoy these moments. Go and enjoy the camp, go and step up and show her qualities.”
United’s clash with Chelsea will see Mary Earps, 29, become the first goalkeeper to make her 150th WSL appearance.
The Euros-winning shot-stopper has been in fine form between the sticks for club and country,
And Earps has kept five clean sheets in five WSL exchanges this term.
Skinner said: “I’m a huge admirer of what Mary has done in the last year since I’ve been in charge. 
Mary Earps is set to become the first goalkeeper to make 150 Women’s Super League appearancesCredit: Getty
“With Mary, she gives us so much stability to build on.
“I’m really pleased with the mindset of the goalkeeping people we have here.
Chelsea have been on a seven-game winning streak across all competitions since their loss to Liverpool in September.
Their Leigh Park Village visit could see Barclays Player of the Month nominee Lauren James, 21, start against her former club. 
Blues general manager Paul Green said: “Lauren has had a really good start to the season.
“She’s a quality player and put in some great performances this month.
‘It’s no surprise she got nominated off the back of those two great goals last weekend against Aston Villa, plus another assist.”
Lauren James has notched up two goals and one assist in six WSL appearancesCredit: Getty More

BETH MEAD shared her dismay on the World Cup being held in Qatar following fierce criticism of the country’s anti-homosexuality laws.The Euros Golden Boot winner said it is “disappointing” that the contest which starts later was being hosted in the Gulf state.
Beth Mead says she will not be promoting this year’s men’s World CupCredit: Getty
The Lionesses and Arsenal star was sharing her thoughts on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour 17 days before the start of the World Cup.
Controversy regarding Qatar’s laws against homosexuality has dogged the build-up to this year’s tournament, in which Gareth Taylor’s England side will compete.
Same-sex relationships remain illegal in the state and homosexuality can be punishable by death.
The decision to host one of the world’s biggest sports events in the country has been met with anger from campaigners within the LGBTQ community.
And Mead, whose partner is Arsenal team-mate Vivianne Miedema, is among a number of high-profile sports figures who have raised concerns about human rights in Qatar.
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The Gunners forward, who helped England win the Euros in July said: “From the minute it was announced, I thought it’s not the best idea.
 “The way they think is the complete opposite of what I believe and respect.
“Although I will be cheering for the boys who are going to play football, I still don’t think it’s the right place, but unfortunately money talks.
“It’s not something that I will be back in our promoting at all but unfortunately, it is going ahead.
“It’s just disappointing I guess in the sense of there’s no respect on a lot of levels even though it’s a game of football.”
In October England skipper Harry Kane revealed he would be wearing a OneLove campaign armband even if it is not ordered by Fifa.
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The armbands are being worn by the Three Lions striker and nine other European country captains who are backing a season-long campaign against discrimination.
Elsewhere 16 players from Australia’s men’s team – including Socceroos captain Mat Ryan -collectively spoke out on Qatar’s human rights in a video released last month.
Among the issues they raised were concerns over issues faced by migrant workers in the country.
On the challenges that have faced workers who helped construct stadiums, Mead added: “The situation with the stadiums being built and the number of people that have passed because of that – it’s not ideal.”
In June, it was reported Qatar’s World Cup bosses said gay fans will not be mistreated when they visit the country.  
However, activist Peter Tatchell, 70, was “arrested and detained on a kerbside” while staging a protest in the country’s capital Doha, although its government denied this occurred.
Harry Kane will wear a OneLove armband during the World CupCredit: EPA More

LEICESTER CITY have dropped the axe on Lydia Bedford’s tenure as manager with the team currently bottom of the WSL.Foxes’ women’s football director Willie Kirk will take charge of the side before a tough home duel with Arsenal following six straight losses.
Leicester have parted company with Lydia Bedford just over a year on from her appointment as manager of their WSL teamCredit: Getty
Willie Kirk will take charge of the Foxes on a permanent basis with the team playing Arsenal at the King Power nextCredit: Reuters
Bedford’s departure comes in a week which has seen Hope Powell step down as Brighton Women’s boss after five years at the helm.
It also comes just over a year on from her appointment after Leicester announced the sacking of former gaffer Jonathan Morgan.
The club also confirmed Bedford’s assistant Nicola Williams will leave her role after just three months following her appointment this August.
Leicester City Chief Executive Susan Whelan said: “We’re extremely grateful to Lydia for everything she has done during her time with Leicester City, guiding our players through a difficult first season in the WSL.
“Her skill as a coach and dedication to improving players were big factors in the retention of our WSL status and will continue to serve her well in a successful career at the top of the women’s game.
“After a difficult start to the season, we now look to move forward with the team led by Willie Kirk, whose experience and knowledge will be of great value for the challenges ahead.”
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Kirk, who managed Everton’s Women’s Super League side from December 2018 to last October, will take on his new role on a permanent basis.
His first game in charge will be a Sunday afternoon clash with Arsenal who set a new WSL record with their 13th successive top-tier match win last time out.  
And he will be supported by first-team coach Steve Kirby and Foxes hero technical coach Emile Heskey.
In the 2020-21 season, Kirk led the Toffees to a fifth-place finish.
The Scotland-born coach also guided the team to the 2020 Women’s FA Cup final where they were beaten 3-1 by Manchester City.
Leicester are chasing their first point and win in the top-flight term with the team currently three points behind Brighton in the league.
Bedford, who previously coached England girls’ youth teams including the Lionesses’ Under-17s, steered Leicester to survival in their first year in the WSL last term.
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The club endured a tough start losing 10 games across all competitions between last September and early December.
This was before Bedford took charge of her first match on December 12 last year which was a WSL duel against the Gunners.
However, the Foxes rallied to pick up four wins and a draw to narrowly avoid the drop finishing two points ahead of rivals Birmingham City.
But the team, who made history by reaching the top flight for the first time last term, have lost all six WSL games played so far this season.
According to the club, the appointment of the Kirk is part of a reorganisation of its women’s first team operation.
Leicester took a first-half lead against Reading during Bedford’s last game in charge before losing 2-1 to the RoyalsCredit: Getty More