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    England’s Lauren Hemp ready for ‘tough and physical’ Euros qualifier challenge from the Republic of Ireland

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    LAUREN HEMP is relishing a physical test against the Republic of Ireland after England’s tough Euros qualifier draw against Sweden.And the Lioness, 23, wants the European champs to strike fear in their rivals as they chase the first win of their push to play in next year’s contest.Lauren Hemp wants England to seal their first win in the qualifiers for the 2025 Women’s Euros following their 1-1 draw against SwedenCredit: GettyThe Lionesses are currently third in group one of League A after sharing the spoils with Sweden in their first game in the contest’s qualifiersCredit: AlamyThe Republic of Ireland will be England next opponents. The team fell to a narrow 1-0 home loss to FranceCredit: SportsfileHemp came close to scoring in the dying stages of England’s Wembley duel with Sweden.Their qualifier opener ended 1-1 after Fridolina Rolfo levelled in the second half following Alessia Russo’s headed first-half goal.The result leaves Sarina Wiegman’s side third in their group before their Tuesday night clash with the Republic of Ireland. Only the top two teams from the four groups of League A of the Euros qualifiers are guaranteed automatic qualification for the tournament Teams that finish outside those positions will battle for the 2025’s remaining places via play-offs against national teams from Leagues C and B. Ahead of the game at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, 55-capped Hemp said: “We let it slip and we let Sweden score and it’s very annoying.“We had lots of chances that we couldn’t put away and could have been a bit tighter on the ball at times but it’s on to the next (match).“It’s going to be a very physical game (against the Republic of Ireland) but we’re all up for it.Most read in Football“We’ve all played in big games before and I’m excited to go there, I’ve not played there (at the Aviva) before.“It’s going to be a tough game, we know that, but we also know how good we are as a squad and we can take on anyone.”England’s score draw against Sweden included Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben-Moy making her first start under Wiegman in a Euros qualifier.And her club and country team-mate Leah Williamson, who skippered England to Euros glory two years ago, was named on the benchThe 13-capped centre-back, 25 said: “Sarina said, ‘Go out and enjoy it. You’ve earned it’.“That put a smile on my face because delayed gratification brings a lot of joy and I wouldn’t have wanted to get a start without it being justified.Of the 1-1 end to their duel with Sweden, Wubben-Moy added: “We’re quite disappointed in general because this is the first step in our qualification journey.“There’s a lot we can learn from this both personally but also collectively as a team.“We posed Sweden challenges and we’ve got to look at that and take the positives with that too.The Republic of Ireland whose stars include Arsenal’s Katie McCabe, fell to a narrow 1-0 loss to France.“The result leaves them bottom of what has been dubbed a group of death the qualifiers for a place in next year’s Euros in SwitzerlandAnd with England playing in the qualifiers for the first time as contest champions, Hemp hopes opponents will fear the threat posed by her team.The forward added: “We are European champions, and we want to keep that. Herve Renard’s France are currently top of group A1 in the Women’s Euros qualifiers following their win against the Republic of IrelandCredit: AFP”It’s important for us to win as many games as possible and get ourselves back in and amongst it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s good to have teams come up and be like, ‘Oh my God, we’ve got England’, that’s what we want to be.“We want to be a hard-working team, hard to beat. I think it’s great having that.” More

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      ‘People get frustrated when I’m injured. To hear that reaction when I came on was special’, says England ace Kirby

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      FRAN KIRBY says England fans’ reaction to her international return from a knee injury is a “special” moment she will not forget.The forward played for the Lionesses on Friday for the first time since last October and her recovery from a “frustrating” knee problem. 
      Fran Kirby’s England comeback coincided with a 1-0 win for Sarina Wiegman’s side against Belgium in the Women’s Nations LeagueCredit: Getty
      Ian Wright is among the pundits who have been eager to see Kirby back in action in an England shirtCredit: PA
      Kirby’s return was was warmly welcomed by her former England and Chelsea team-mate Karen CarneyCredit: Reuters
      Her entry in the 65th minute of England’s 1-0 defeat of Belgium was greeted enthusiastically by a crowd of more than 28,000 at the King Power.
      Many of whom roared whenever the Chelsea ace was within shooting distance during a lively Women’s Nations League encounter. 
      Kirby’s comeback was also hailed by Lioness pal Lucy Bronze, who describes the playmaker as “one of the best players in the world on her day.”
      The forward, whose side play Belgium again on Tuesday said: “The support I’ve had over the last year has been incredible from both sets of fans, national team and from Chelsea. 
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      “I can’t fault anyone for their support for me. 
      “That’s been really pivotal for me coming back because I know people get frustrated when I’m injured and not able to be out there.
      “It’s frustrating for me, so to hear that reaction when I come on is really special and something I won’t forget. 
      “I’ve been working really hard and wanting to get back out there on the pitch as much as possible.”
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      Kirby’s battle back to fitness follows the forward suffering a knee injury in February during the Blues’ 7-0 Conti Cup semis drubbing of West Ham. 
      It led to the 66-capped England star being sidelined for the rest of last season and missing this summer’s World Cup in Australia with the Lionesses beaten by Spain in the final in August. 
      And her return to the international stage followed her long-awaited Chelsea comeback in September.
      The playmaker made a second-half substitute apearance during the Blues dramatic 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
      Kirby added: “At the beginning of my injury it was quite tough because you don’t really know when the end of the injury will be. 
      “I accepted quite early on that I wasn’t going to be part of the World Cup squad, so, not that it made it any easier. 
      “But I was able to support the girls and kind of feel the same emotions that they were going through.
      “Being able to be back with them now just means that all the hard work paid off during the summer.”
      Kirby’s return has coincided with young England starlets Khiara Keating and Grace Clinton getting their first senior call-ups. 
      Man City keeper Keating has shone in goal for her club keeping four clean sheets in five league games whilst Man United midfielder Clinton has impressed on loan for Tottenham. 
      Kirby said: “I feel like I haven’t been away and obviously I know a lot of the girls from playing against them
      “Everyone that’s come in has brought a new fresh face and a new standard.
      “It’s been nice to be in training and get to know them a bit more personally. 
      “I don’t think I need to mould in at all, I’m probably one of the oldest players here now so I think I know what I’m doing.”
      Kirby’s comeback has coincided with England returning to winning ways in the Women’s Nations League after a surprise September loss to Holland. 
      And the team hope to rack up their goal tally against Belgium in the reverse fixture after netting once following seven shots on target. 
      Kirby said: “The most important thing is getting the three points in these types of games, it’s what we set out to do. 
      “Things have been quite similar at club (with Chelsea too).
      Kirby, skipper Millie Bright and their team-mates will face the Belgium away on Tuesday in the reverse Women’s Nations League fixtureCredit: Getty
      “We’ve been creating a lot of chances but not putting the ball in the back of the net
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      “Yes, we want to score more goals, we want to make it more entertaining for everyone coming to watch.
      “But first and foremost (it’s about the) three points.” More

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      Lioness ace Keating happy to be ‘role model’ and aims to be first goalkeeper of colour to play for England Women

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      KHIARA KEATING is eyeing the chance to make history as the first goalkeeper of mixed race heritage to play for a Lionesses senior side. The England starlet hopes to inspire girls from minority ethnic communities dreaming of playing at football’s highest levels. 
      Khiara Keating has kept three clean sheets in four WSL games for Manchester City so far this seasonCredit: Getty
      Keating’s impressive Man City form led to her first senior England call-up ahead of the Lionesses’ matches against BelgiumCredit: Getty
      Keating, who has had a stunning start to this season, was speaking on Wednesday – seven days after getting her first senior international call-up from Sarina Wiegman.  
      The team are set to take on Belgium on Friday night at the King Power in the first game of a Women’s Nations League double header.
      The Manchester City starlet has kept three clean sheets in four WSL games this term
      Keating, said: “Coming from a background of colour, there’s not many of us, I think we’re starting to see a rise.
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      “I’m just happy that I could be an inspiration to anyone out there that’s thinking, ‘maybe I will get judged or maybe it’s not for me’,
      “I feel like I’m just grateful to be in a position where I can be a role model to people.”
      Keating, who has emerged as a first XI regular for Man City this season, has the highest save percentage in the top-flight this term. 
      And the Manchester-born shot stopper, who made her senior club debut last January, says her call-up brought tears to her mothers eyes. 
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      Keating added: “She was super proud when I FaceTimed her after I’d just got off the phone with Sarina. 
      “She was in denial and she was like, ‘Khiara, you’re lying, stop lying’. 
      “She (was joking) wasn’t being serious and then she obviously hit the emotional stage where she started crying. 
      Keating hopes her success for club and country will inspire girls from minority ethnic backgrounds hoping to get into footballCredit: Getty
      “She’s never going to admit it to anyone that she cried but she did. 
      “I think she is just extremely proud as are my brothers who have seen me on the sidelines at their games, to being called up to the (England) seniors.
      “They’re just so so proud.” More

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      Newcastle Women to turn professional in third tier after breaking crowd records at St James’ Park

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      NEWCASTLE WOMEN will become the first professional full-time outfit in the women’s game’s third tier next term. The move follows their promotion to the National League after being crowned Premier Division One North champions last season.
      Newcastle say Becky Langley’s players will receive “competitive salaries” from next seasonCredit: Getty
      The team are due to turn professional when they compete in third tier of the women’s game next termCredit: Getty
      According to the club their female players are due to receive “competitive salaries” and access to “professional treatment and injury prevention facilities”.
      It follows a season which saw them break attendance records at matches. 
      Head coach Becky Langley said: “This is a monumental moment for Newcastle United Women and the FA Women’s National League. 
      “We hope to be a leading light in the movement towards professionalism in the women’s game and inspire women and girls who dream of pursuing a career in football. 
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      “We have worked incredibly hard to get here.”
      In April Newcastle set a new crowd record for a women’s fourth tier clash when they thrashed Bradford.
      A total of 24,092 fans filled the stands at St James’ Park with the players hammering their rivals 6-1. 
      Last May they broke the previous record for crowd turnout at a Magpies women’s game when 22,134 fans flocked to the stadium to watch them.
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      Back then the team beat Alnwick Town Ladies 4-0 at the home of their Premier League counterparts
      And club co-owner Amanda Staveley watching was among the spectators watching from the stands. 
      Before then their previous club record crowd number stood at 2,754.
      This was the total number that watched their 1-0 loss to Ipswich Town in the FA Cup last January.
      However next season the team will continue to play home fixtures at Kingston Park. 
      The 10,200-capacity ground is shared with rugby sides Newcastle Falcons and Newcastle Thunder.
      Newcastle broke their attendance record for a women’s club game played at St James’ Park last seasonCredit: Getty
      Dan Ashworth, Newcastle’s sporting director, added: “The success of Newcastle United Women is an integral part of our sporting objectives and we are delighted to support the team’s progress by building a professional model around them.
      “Becky and the players have shown incredible dedication.
      “Turning full-time will enable them to fully concentrate on their careers and the next chapter of Newcastle United Women as fully supported professionals.”  More

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      Newcastle’s Sharna Wilson says her FA Cup screamer left her lost for words after Magpies reach third round

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      SHARNA WILSON admits she was left stunned by the ‘worldy’ wonder goal she netted to help Newcastle keep their Women’s FA Cup hopes alive. The defender scored the winner as the Magpies fought from 1-0 down to seal a 2-1 second round in front of a crowd of 28,565 at St James’ Park.
      Newcastle United have booked their spot in the third of the Women’s FA Cup after dispatching in front of a record crowd at St James’ ParkCredit: Getty
      Sharna Wilkinson was on target with the second of Newcastle thumping finishesCredit: Getty
      Spectator numbers saw the club establish a new record for the largest attendance at a Women’s FA Cup game outside of the contest final. 
      And it also led the Magpies to set a new record for the biggest crowd to ever watch a women’s football game at St James’ Park. 
      Wilson, who was subbed on in the second half, told BBC Radio Newcastle: “Watching from the sidelines, it’s one of those ones that once an (opposing) team scores here the mood goes down.
      “But then you know that everyone in the crowd is just going to lift everyone back up, and especially in our dressing room. 
      “No one is going to give up and everyone has each other’s backs, especially people coming on.
      “And I think everyone of those players who didn’t come on (the pitch) have made an impact. 

      “I’m just really glad that I came on and we gave it that little bit of an extra push.
      “We’ve been in situations before when we have been like one-nil down, two-nil down and we’ve come back from it. 
      “The game is never lost until the final whistle goes so we just keep pushing and kind of showing character but that’s what’s instilled in us to do.”
      Emily Pierrepont opened the scoring with a thumping effort from just outside the 18-yard box in the 15th minute before Georgie Gibson levelled with her 30-yard strike in the 68th minute. 
      And Wilson sealed the win for her side with a spectacular effort from distance with the ball bouncing off the post into the net. 
      Of her stunning strike, Wilson added: “I took it (the shot) because I could see she (the goalkeeper) was off her line and it went in and so it paid off.
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      “A couple of my coaches were in the crowd, and one of them properly said just shoot and score a worldy and that was pretty good advice”.
      The victory saw Newcastle enter the pot for the contest’s third round fixtures.
      The draw will be conducted live on talkSPORT on Monday (28 November) at 7:00 pm.
      Georgia Gibson equalised for the hosts with her long range effort in the second spellCredit: Getty More

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      Langley reflects on FA Cup memories and shovelling snow before win at Salford as Newcastle Women prepare for Barnsley

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      LAST November Becky Langley cleared snow off a pitch with her players to ensure their second round FA Cup away clash with Salford City went ahead. On Sunday her Newcastle United Women’s side will battle Barnsley for a third round spot in the far different setting of St James’ Park.
      Becky Langley hopes to steer her side to the Women’s FA Cup third round with the draw taking place on December 11Credit: Getty
      Katie Barker was among the scorers when Newcastle United Women beat Alnwick Town at St James’ Park in MayCredit: Getty
      A crowd of more than 25,000 – which would be a record number for a women’s game at the stadium – is expected to turn out to watch the club’s bid to keep their FA Cup dreams alive. 
      Last year a 4-0 drubbing of Salford saw the Magpies book a third round tie with Chorley before progressing to the fourth round where they lost 1-0 to Ipswich Town
      Langley, 27, whose team play in the women’s game’s fourth tier, told NUFC TV: “The FA Cup has always been a competition we’ve had great memories from. 
      “Last season we played at Salford City men’s ground and we were shovelling the snow off the pitch to make sure that the fixture actually went ahead.
      “And a couple of weeks ago we played Hull away with brilliant memories of watching 17-year-old Becky Ferguson score the winning goal in extra time, that got us through to this round.
      “We want to make sure that we get through this round.”
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      The Magpies’ 2:00 pm fixture could see them surpass the previous fan attendance record they set for a Newcastle women’s game in May this year. 
      Back then a crowd of 22,134 turned up to see Langley’s side beat Alnwick Town 4-0 in an FA Women’s National League encounter. 
      The match, which saw Langley become the first boss to oversee a Magpies women’s side at St James’ Park, was attended by club co-owner Amanda Staveley, 49, and Prem team chief Eddie Howe. 
      And among the supporters watching was midfielder Freya Bailes who skippers Durham University’s side and joined the Magpies this July. 
      Of her memories of that day, Bailes said: “When I got off the train at Newcastle I thought there were a lot of people wearing shirts.  
      “The closer I got to the stadium, the more I realised everyone was going. 
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      “I felt a bit emotional just because of playing football for so long so I can’t imagine what the feeling will be like on Sunday when I pull the shirt on. 
      “It will definitely be the highlight of my career so far. 
      “I’ve been in the FA Cup before and played at some big stadiums but I am expecting more fans there on Sunday than ever before.
      “As a childhood fan coming up to St. James’ once or twice a year, as the highlight of our family trip, it’s going to be surreal. 
      “It’s been a moment that I’ve spoken about with Becky for so long, something that really made me want to sign (for the club).”
      Langley’s team, who officially became part of Newcastle in August, are targeting promotion to the third tierCredit: Getty
      The last clash between Newcastle and Barnsley saw the former seal a 1-0 win in the Women’s National League. 
      And Barnsley are currently three points behind their opponents in the fourth tier with a game in hand having played eight matches in the division so far this season. 
      Langley, whose side are battling for promotion, are currently third in Division North of the National Women’s League. 
      This August the team, who had previously been independent and backed by Newcastle United’s Foundation, officially became a part of the club. 
      The move was completed as part of a formal restructuring which includes the establishment of a development squad. 
      And in April Langley spoke of her hope of one day seeing the team compete in the WSL.
      Last season Newcastle reached the fourth round of the Women’s FA Cup’sCredit: Getty
      She told The i : “My ultimate aim is to take Newcastle competing into the WSL.
      “But we can’t buy our way into that league, it has to be done the right way. We need the right staff, the right players.”
      In the past year Newcastle has been the focus of ‘sportswashing’ accusations from human rights bodies including Amnesty following a Saudi Arabian-backed takeover of the club last October. 
      The £305million takeover which involved the Middle Eastern nation’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) led to the PIF owning an 80 per cent in the club. 
      Last month Amnesty was reported to have renewed its accusations. 
      And in August their spokesman Felix Jakens claimed Saudi Arabia’s investment in sport was an “attempt to switch the focus away” from human rights concerns in the country including the rights of women. 
      Last October Staveley, who insists the club aims to be ‘welcoming and inclusive to all’, said Newcastle was ‘wholeheartedly committed to women’s and girls football’ and helping its women’s team to grow.  
      Langley insists backing for her team has made their set-up become more professional. 
      The Magpies boss said: “Last year we were operated in a kind of grassroots style.
      “When the owners came on board they started to professionalise a couple of things but it was doing it with a serious approach so that it felt right. 
      Langley’s team will face Merseyrail and Leeds United in their last two games before the end of this yearCredit: Getty
      “Now we’ve gone into this season with a much more professional feel about everything.
      “We’ve been given extra training sessions, we’ve got extra for facilities provision and we’ve got more professional staff on board to help everything with the girls’ game.
      “And now we’re in a position where we can really kick off this season, push to win the league and push to get through to the next round of the FA Cup.” More

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      West Bromwich Albion Women change colour of home shorts from white to navy to aid players during their periods

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      WEST BROM WOMEN have opted to change the colour of the shorts they wear with their home shirts to accommodate players’ menstruation cycles.The decision comes months after the Lionesses flagged similar concerns with kit makers Nike in the run-up to their Euros triumph.
      West Bromwich Albion Women will wear navy shorts with their home shirts for the rest of this season and beyond
      The club’s choice for players to don navy shorts instead of white ones, for the rest of this season and beyond, was made after a “full consultation” with the squad.
      It comes in a year which has seen discussions across a number of sports around the challenges for female athletes wearing white outfits during their periods.
      West Brom captain Hannah George, 27, whose team play Brighouse Town this Sunday said: “It’s great that the club are supporting our change to navy shorts. 
      “Representing the club professionally and looking smart in the kit is really important to us.
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      “This change will help us to focus on our performance without added concerns or anxiety.”
      Head Coach, Jenny Sugarman, whose side competes in the third tier, added: “It’s our job as staff to find every percentage point we can to support our players to perform at their best. 
      “I’m proud the club have supported the decision to switch to navy shorts for our female players.
      “It’s another sign of the continued integration of the women’s team across the club and recognition of a progressive and inclusive culture.”
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      The issue of female athletes being obliged to wear white gear during their periods has been an ongoing topic across a variety of sports.
      In July, Arsenal ace Beth Mead said the Lionesses shared their thoughts with Nike regarding the practicality of donning white shorts during their menstrual cycles
      Players had discussed the possibility of a colour change.
      And in June female tennis stars queried the All England Club’s regulation of all-white wear for women competing at Wimbledon during their periods.
      Two-time doubles winner Rennae Stubbs highlighted some of the challenges facing players wearing light-coloured sports gear during these moments.
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      The 2001 and 2004 Wimbledon doubles champion told Telegraph Sport: “At Wimbledon, you’re very cognizant of making sure that everything’s ‘good to go’ the moment you walk on the court – making sure that you have a tampon.
      “A lot of women have pads on top of that or making sure you have an extra-large tampon before you go on court.”
      England Women’s players shared their feedback with Nike in regard to a change to the colour of their shortsCredit: Getty More