Women’s National League

SARINA WIEGMAN has challenged England to show their rivals how much better they have become three months before their Euros title defence. The Lioness chief wants her players to avenge a Nations League away loss they suffered against Belgium almost two years ago. Sarina Wiegman and her England players hope to consign Belgium to back-to-back defeats in the Nations League this yearCredit: GettyThe Lionesses are currently unbeaten in the contest and hope to maintain their winning form in the run-up to this year’s EurosCredit: GettyForwards Michelle Agyemang (right) and Jess Naz joined the camp following Alessia Russo’s and Lauren James’s withdrawals due to injuryCredit: GettyOn Tuesday Wiegman’s players will take on the Red Flames at Den Dreef Stadium in a bid to claim back-to-back wins agains their opponents. They also aim to register a third victory from four Nations League group stage game so far this year.  The last time the reigning Euros champions faced their rivals at the ground in the Belgian city of Leuven was back in October 2023. Wiegman, who had guided England to a World Cup final two months earlier, which her team narrowly lost to Spain, reckons her players were “struggling” with their levels back then. Read More Football StoriesBut since the start of this year the Lionesses have gone unbeaten in the Nations League and aim to remain top of their group. Aside from trouncing Belgium 5-0 in Bristol last Friday, world champions Spain were consigned to a 1-0 defeat at Wembley in February. Of her team’s loss to the Red Flames in 2023, the England boss said: “How I experienced that game is that we didn’t play our best.”It was off the back of the World Cup so we were struggling with our levels a bit. Most read in Football”How I see this game is that we kind of want to get revenge on ourselves. “We really want to show we are better than we were then and we can do a lot better.”Tomorrow’s match could see England starlet Michelle Agyemang named on the bench after helping the young Lionesses qualify for this year’s Women’s Under-19s Euros. The Arsenal striker, on loan at Brighton this term, received her first senior call-up, following an injury to club colleague Alessia Russo.During this international window Agyemang played an influential role in helping England’s Under-19s qualify for the European Championship for their age group.  The Seagulls loan ace helped the young Lionesses top their group by scoring during their 5-1 triumph over Austria in the qualifiers on April 5. At club level she has made 14 top-flight appearances off the bench this season and helping Albion climb to fifth in the WSL.With Russo crocked and Lauren James and Chloe Kelly’s withdrawals due to hamstring and foot concerns, Beth Mead is likely to start again for England against Belgium. The Arsenal forward, who was absent from England’s February camp due to injury, provided an assist during their 5-0 win against Belgium last time out. And Niamh Charles reckons Mead is among England’s most influential figures when it comes to helping younger players such as Agyemang who are rising through the international ranksThe Lioness full-back told reporters: “Beth is good at helping the younger players to come out of their shells.Beth Mead is likely to feature in England’s starting line-up against Belgium in LeuvenCredit: Getty”We’re lucky she’s back and she is one of the senior players.Read More on The Sun”We have a few of them that have been to many, many tournaments.”And I think you can see in the dressing room when we bring the younger ones in, how they help them to feel comfortable.” More

SARINA WIEGMAN hailed Keira Walsh for breaking her England goal duck after the Lionesses thrashed Belgium on Friday night.  The Chelsea ace lashed a shot from distance on her 83rd senior appearance with the visitors falling to a 5-0 defeat in Bristol in the Nations League. Keira Walsh opened her England goals account with a superb strike following a foul on team-mate Jess ParkCredit: PAWalsh’s team-mates Millie Bright and Aggie Beever-Jones also netted with Beever scoring her first senior England goalCredit: GettyAlong with Beth Mead, Lauren James also impressed in England’s attack with both forwards registering assistsCredit: AlamyHer club and country pals Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze and Aggie Beever-Jones were also on target during the convincing victory at Ashton Gate.The win saw the hosts remain top of group three in League A with Spain second following their 3-2 toppling of Portugal.  It also saw them fire another warning to their Euros rivals with the European champions hoping to retain their title when this year’s tournament begins in July in Switzerland. Of her first England goal and the team’s performance, Walsh told ITV Sport: “It took a big deflection but a goal is a goal. Read More Football Stories“All the girls are super happy for me which is a really nice feeling. “I finally got one in the end. A few of them like to remind me how long it’s taken me but I’m over the moon and it’s really good to be off the mark.Following her side’s second win in three Nations League outings this year, Wiegman mentioned her hope to see Walsh have more attempts on goal. The England boss added: “I was very happy for her because we want her to shoot more. Most read in Football“She has a very good shot and we want her to get higher up the pitch which she did. “Now we are joking, it’s our own-goal! But it’s her goal so I’m very happy for her.”Wiegman’s side were without the services of Chloe Kelly with the in-form forward joining her national team’s list of crocked stars. On Thursday the England boss revealed Fran Kirby and Kelly would miss last night’s game due to niggles. And less than two hours before kick-off it was announced Kelly would be returning to her Arsenal, where she is loan from Manchester City for treatment on a foot injury  This means Kelly will also miss England’s away duel with Belgium on Tuesday.  And the Gunners are likely to be sweating on her fitness before their mammoth Champions League first-leg semis clash with Lyon on April 27.  With Kelly absent Wiegman turned to fit-again Beth Mead who played in a front three with striker Alessia Russo and Lauren James. England began brightly causing problems with their threat from set-pieces Forward James was among the players who impressed with few of her crosses into the box wreaking havoc. Her fine lofted delivery found Bronze in the box with the right-back, making her 130th appearance,, glancing a 21st-minute header beyond Belgium keeper Nicky Evrard.Belgium were undone again by another dangerous delivery to a Chelsea and England player.This time centre-back Bright was there to bundle the ball home on the stroke of half-time. The visitors shuffled their deck in the second-half in the hope of upping their game in midfield with Feli Delacauw replacing Kassandra Missipo. And the Belgian midfielder had a strike deflected onto the roof of the net in the 66th minute. Sarina Wiegman will targeting another victory when England visit Belgium in Leuven on April 8 for their second Nations League clash with them this monthCredit: ReutersHowever any hope of the visitors trying to get anything from this game were blown away by cameo appearances from two rising Lionesses stars. Read More on The Sun Beever-Jones made it 3-0 with Mead laying the ball for her to tap in her first senior England goal with 23 minutes of normal time remaining. And Jess Park made it 4-0 soon after with a slotted finish before Walsh’s thumped shot from distance rounded off the rout. More

CHLOE KELLY is not thinking “too much” about her club future despite the Arsenal loan star’s contract with Manchester City expiring in June. Instead her focus is on being in the best place “mentally and physically” with the Gunners and Lionesses vying for major honours.Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead could be in line to start for England when they play Belgium in the Nations League on April 4Kelly’s recent form on loan for Arsenal led to her earning an England recall ahead of the team’s clashes with Belgium this monthKelly and England striker Alessia Russo shone for Arsenal against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarters with the Gunners due to take on Lyon in the semi-finalsSince her January return to Arsenal, where she began her pro career at 17, Kelly, 27, has flourished alongside England pals Alessia Russo, Beth Mead and Leah Williamson. High points for the forward include delivering two class assists in a three-goal drubbing of Real Madrid with the team dumped out of the Champions League quarters. Efforts include her pinpoint cross for a shot drilled home by Gunners striker Russo.Like Russo, Mead and Williamson, Kelly is in the running to start against Belgium when England play their third Nations League game on Friday 4 April.Read More Football Stories This is a far cry from the first half of this term with Kelly making one start in six City WSL games and initially being left out of England’s squad in February. Two months after her tumultuous exit on loan from City, came a Lionesses recall for the forward who now plays “with a smile”. The 50-capped Lioness said:  “It’s really important as a human being that you get that smile on your face. “That’s nothing to do with being a footballer, it’s just as a human because that’s important. Most read in Football”I’m definitely smiling more, I feel really good.“Right now I’m playing plenty of minutes, enjoying my football and I’m really learning under (Arsenal boss) Renee (Slegers). “Now I’m here (with England) I have another opportunity to represent my country which is a huge honour.”There’s definitely more to come from me.”I’m a player who wants to learn and always wants to get better and I’m probably my own worst critic.”There are going to be games where I might not be my best, but it’s really important that I take that step to becoming the best version of myself.”With the July 5th start of England’s bid to retain their European Championship title fast approaching, questions have arisen concerning Kelly’s future beyond her Arsenal loan. However, the forward, who scored the Lionesses’ tournament-winning goal at Wembley three years ago is not looking too far ahead. Kelly adds: “I don’t think about it too much. I take each day as it comes and work hard to put myself in the best possible place for the next day.”That’s really important and I don’t look too far ahead in anything. “I’m just having fun at the minute, enjoying myself and back down in London with my family spending a lot of time with them. “I’m really appreciating the little things in life.”The first of England’s two Nations League duels with Belgium could see Kelly feature alongside Russo and forward Mead this Friday. The reverse fixture will take place in Leuven on Tuesday April 6The trio were last in action together on March 30 against Crystal Palace in the WSL, with Mead netting twice and Russo also scoring in the 4-0 Arsenal victory. Kelly said: “Growing that connection is really important and the connection off the pitch as well as on it.””By pushing myself every day I can learn what Alessia is doing and how I can match that to be at my best to help her score and Beth as well. “She’s a great friend of mine – Beth.England hope to beat Belgium home and away and stay undefeated in the Nations League as they continue preparations for this year’s Euros in SwitzerlandCredit: Getty”When you have that competition it allows you to be at your best every day.Read More on The Sun”And you can push each other in moments as well so that’s really important.”There’s so much we can learn from each other.” More

SARINA WIEGMAN admits deciding who will be England’s first choice goalkeeper for this year’s Euros is a very “tough decision”.  Khiara Keating, 20, is among four stoppers called up ahead of the Lionesses’ Nations League clashes with Belgium next month. Khiara Keating has returned to the England squad for the first time since their Nations League defeat and draw with the Republic of Ireland and SwedenCredit: GettyMaisie Symonds has received her first call-up to the Lionesses senior squad after featuring in England Under-23’s wins against Germany and FranceCredit: AlamySarina Wiegman side will take on Belgium on April 4 at Ashton Gate and in Leuven on April 8Credit: GettyThe Manchester City starlet’s recall announced today, after an eight-month absence, follows her return to top-flight action. And Brighton midfielder Maisie Symonds has received her first senior international call-up.  In February Symonds and Keating starred England’s Under-23’s friendly wins against Germany and France Keating, who is yet to make her senior England debut, pulled off some standout saves during City’s 2-1 loss to Chelsea on March 23. Read More Football StoriesHowever the WSL star, who was named player-of-the-match, has faced a battle for minutes this term with Japan keeper Ayaka Yamashita also starring for City. This season Keating, who won the top tier’s Golden Glove last year, has so far started in seven of her club’s 17 WSL games.England boss Wiegman, 55, said: “She’s a very talented goalkeeper. We saw that again last weekend. “We’re getting closer to the Euros and so looking at this camp now we’re bringing in four goalkeepers.Most read in Football”In the tournament you can only bring three and we just want to have those four in our squad next week.”In addition to Keating, Wiegman has named Mary Earps, 32, and Hannah Hampton, 24, in her 25-strong group, and Orlando Pride’s Anna Moorhouse. Chelsea’s Hampton and Earps, who plays for French side Paris Saint-Germain are both seen as solid number one contenders.In February Earps played in goal during England’s 1-1 away draw with Portugal in the Nations League. Meanwhile Hampton featured in their 1-0 defeat of Spain at Wembley, their first clash with the world champions since their meeting in the World Cup final in Australia in 2023.  Wiegman adds: “It’s a very, very hard decision to make, because now we have four very good goalkeepers. “You’re talking about Hannah and Mary who are really competing for the number-one position. They’re both world-class. “They both bring different things, but that makes it really hard.”We haven’t decided. If we make the decision, we’ll first have the conversations with them. Then we move forward.”England’s bid to retain the Euros title which they won in 2022 comes six weeks after the start of a new seven-a-side women’s football competition. The World Seven Series competition, which will commence in Europe, is reportedly set to involve eight teams. Clubs taking part in the contest, which is also due to be held in a different continent later this year, are yet to be named. The winning sides in each competition will be awarded £1.9million in prize money. World Seven Series matches will take place just over a month after England’s double header Nations League duel with Belgium on April 4th and 8th. On July 5 the Lionesses begin their Euros campaign when they take on France in Zurich, Switzerland. On if she has concerns about the contest taking place weeks before the Euros, Wiegman added:  “I think in the longer term, you see the planning a bit, I don’t see how you can get that (to) fit in the schedule. “For some players, I think when they play and there’s collaboration with clubs, we have a very good contact with clubs, they would get some, I would say, meaningful minutes to get prepared for the Euros. “Then in this short term, for some it would not be too bad, but in the longer term I don’t see how we can fit that in the schedule in the calendar.”Wiegman’s latest squad selection includes Beth Mead and Fran Kirby with the duo set for international duty following their returns from injury. Fran Kirby has scored five goals in 12 WSL games for Brighton this seasonCredit: GettyAnd Chloe Kelly has also been named among the six forwards in the group which includes Nikita Parris. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe England chief said: “Fran brings lots of experience and good football vision. “In her position there is a lot of competition but she knows exactly what’s expected at this level.” More

ALESSIA RUSSO is backing England to show Spain why they can be world beaters at Wembley on Wednesday night.Tomorrow’s 8:00pm Nations League clash will be their first meeting since Spain broke Lionesses’ hearts in the 2023 World Cup final.Alessia Russo and Keira Walsh were all smiles in training on Tuesday ahead of their highly anticipated clash with SpainCredit: GettyRusso, who scored in the Lionesses’ 1-1 draw with Portugal, hopes they can register their first win in this year’s Nations League in their second League A group C gameCredit: GettyEngland’s clash with Spain at Wembley will be sternest competitive test since the 2023 World Cup finalCredit: PAEngland have not beaten the best women’s side on the planet since the quarter-finals of their Euro 2022 winning campaign.But the squad that toppled Spain that day will be entirely different to the one that steps out in front of a 55,000-strong crowd at the national stadium.Five players are injured – including joint-Golden Boot winner Beth Mead and match winner Georgia Stanway – while Jill Scott, Ellen White and Rachel Daly have retired.Arsenal striker Russo wants England to move forward with their new generation and avoid focusing on revenge for the World Cup.Read More Football StoriesAmong England’s newer rising stars is Grace Clinton who started against Portugal on February 21 in a League A group C encounter. Tonight could the six-capped Manchester United ace feature in midfield again with Stanway recovering from a collateral knee ligament tear. Russo said: “We have lots of new faces and quality in the squad now.“Revenge reflects on the past a little bit. It hurt and it wasn’t nice to lose out, but we want to be moving forward.Most read in Football“We have a new opportunity and we have all of our fans there.“We have a new team now, lots of different new faces, lots of energy around the place which is nice. We are in a good place and enjoying our football.”A lacklustre 1-1 draw with Portugal last Friday led to criticism of England’s form with just two wins from their last six games.But victory tomorrow for head coach Sarina Wiegman would not be about making critics eat their words.The Lioness boss said: “We’re not playing football to beat the critics. We’re playing football to win games and we can just try to be at our best.“We want to get more consistency to keep it going longer. Then we move forward.“Sometimes things go really well, sometimes things don’t go as well. We try to stay neutral.”Russo, who scored the opener against Portugal, could face Arsenal pals Mariona Caldentey and Laia Codina.The trio all featured in the last World Cup final in Sydney, which Spain won 1-0.She added: “Laia and Mariona are both very funny and great additions (for Arsenal)“I really enjoy speaking to them and talking about (our) different experiences.Tomorrow’s game will see Russo go up against her Arsenal team-mates Mariona Caldentey and Laia CodinaCredit: Alamy“To play alongside them, they bring so much quality.READ MORE SUN STORIES“As opponents, they are top players. The whole Spanish squad is full of talent.“This is a test against some of the best players in the world, but it’s also a chance for us to put on some of our best football.” More

MILLIE BRIGHT wants England to get to “a place of consistency” following a winless start in their first Nations League outing this year. The Lioness vice-captain, 31, says the team have much to do before their Wembley clash with World Cup winners Spain. Millie Bright hopes England can improve their consistency and get closer to their best performance levelsCredit: GettyThe Lioness centre-back and her team-mates were held to 1-1 draw by Portugal in their first Nations League outing this yearCredit: GettyEngland’s next opponents Spain battled from 2-0 down to secure a 3-2 win in their Nations League clash with BelgiumCredit: GettyFriday night saw the reigning Euros champs held to a draw by plucky Portugal after Kika Nazareth’s curled strike caught the visitors out following Alessia Russo’s opener. The 1-1 result at Portimao Stadium  has led to questions about the Lionesses’ recent mixed form before one of their biggest international tests this year.On Wednesday they face a battle with a side aiming to swipe their Euros crown having  beaten them in the 2023 World Cup final in Sydney, Australia.  Despite their Friday night draw, Bright has backed England to get closer to the “levels they want to be at” before their Euros title defence begins in July. Read More Football StoriesWhen asked if she had any concerns about the team’s form, Bright said: “No, not at all. “Football is a journey and we’ve been in this position before when we’re in a really good place and things are going our way. “But then we go through moments where other teams progress and get better. “We’ve still got a lot of work to do and that’s just part of the game. Most read in Football”There is work to be done but we’re aware of what we need to do. “With each game we just have to make sure we keep closing the gap and get closer and closer to the levels we want to be at. “Putting that work in on the training pitch is the most important thing.”Including their result on Friday England have been winless in three of their last seven Nations League games since September 2023. Two of these results include away losses to the Netherlands and Belgium. In two of their last four friendlies of 2024, they fell to a 4-3 loss to 2022 Euros finalists Germany, whilst also drawing 0-0 with Emma Hayes’ USA stars. England’s score draw with Portugal was the second time since July 2023 that the 22nd best team in the world have shared the spoils with Sarina Wiegman’s side. Bright added: “With the (Fifa) rankings people might look at those and think we should be battering this team but as players we don’t look at it like that. “We’ve seen the results they’ve been getting, their performances and the threats they challenged us with. “We’re just going to focus on working on ourselves. “We have to keep that strong mindset to know that we’ve got to get to where we want to be.”Where England fans hope the Lionesses will be next is on the winning side of their next Nations League encounter.An upcoming clash with Spain will see Wiegman’s players go toe-to-toe with the team that denied them a dream  World Cup win in Australia almost two years ago. On Friday their Spain battled back from 2-0 down against Belgium, to seal a dramatic 3-2 win in group two of League A in the Nations League. However Bright believes there are positives England can build on before facing Spain. The 85-capped Lioness said: “As a group we are trying to get to that place of consistency, but that takes time. Alessia Russo reckons England need to be more rutless with scoring chances in their next Nations League gameCredit: Getty”There are lots of things to work on and when you’re playing a top team that poses threats.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think the biggest thing is just keeping the ball better and the possession all over the pitch.”We need to just stick together as a group, get back on the training pitch and work hard and be ready for a big game on Wednesday.” More

NOTHING less than two wins is the aim for Sarina Wiegman and England when they face Portugal and Spain in the Women’s Nations League.While the start of their Euros title campaign is five months away, the Lionesses are fully focused on the present. A 0-0 draw in July 2023 was the result of the last clash between Portugal and Sarina Wiegman’s LionessesCredit: GettyEngland will be aiming for an away win against Portugal at Portimao StadiumCredit: GettyThe game could see Nikita Parris play her first game for the Lionesses since November 2022 following her England recallCredit: GettyGroup place finishes at the end of the Nations League will dictate which sides are placed in each league for the European qualifying games for the 2027 World Cup. Teams who finish in first and second place in each League A group stay in the top league for the qualifiers.England boss Wiegman, whose side are in group three of League A, said: “We’re going to approach these games to win this Nations League. “This is also important to get us in the best position for the draw, for the qualification for the World Cup. Read More Football Stories”That’s a little further away, but that’s why these games are very important too.”Speaking to reporters at England’s base in the city of Albufeira in Portugal’s Algarve, full-back Lucy Bronze added: “Everyone’s always going to have one eye on the summer, that’s for sure. “But as Sarina said, We are focused on one game at a time. It is important to us. “I think the Nations League, the setup now, means that every game matters so much.Most read in Football”All the teams around us are getting better. “So it is important that we focus on the here and now.”While the here and now is a clash with Portugal in Portimao tonight followed by a February 26 Wembley duel with Spain, some fans will look at both as a rehearsal for England’s Euros campaign.In 137 days the Lionesses will kickstart their quest to remain European Champions.Their historic triumph in July 2022 was off the back of winning the six games they played at the tournament. Results which included a gritty quarter-final defeat of Spain on their way to beating Germany 2-1 in the final at Wembley. Much has changed on the international stage since then with Spain now a tougher force to be reckoned with, particularly when facing their European rivals. The team, managed by Montserrat Tome, won seven of their eight Women’s Nations League on their way to becoming the contest’s 2024 winners.Their victory last February, following a 2-0 defeat of France in Seville, came six months after beating England in the World Cup final in Australia. In 2024 we gained a lot of experience, whether it was good or bad. We learned a lot from that which is going to give us a bit more of an edge.Along with France, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden, Spain are among the sides likely to be the biggest challengers to the Lionesses for Euros glory. Having lost and drawn two of their last international fixtures, England are eager to get off to a solid start before this summer’s Euros and their next Nations League fixtures in April.While the team beat South Africa and Switzerland in friendlies last October and December they also drew 0-0 with the USA and lost 4-3 to Germany at Wembley. Bronze adds:  “In 2024, maybe some results didn’t go our way. “The most important thing is when we get to the summer, that’s when we want to make sure we’re performing for that tournament (the Euros).”In 2024 we gained a lot of experience, whether it was good or bad.”We learned a lot from that, which is going to give us a bit more of an edge.”Filling void left by midfield mainstay Georgia Stanway Since her breakthrough as the youngest player in England’s 2019 World Cup squad Georgia Stanway has become a lynchpin in the team’s midfield.But the Bayern Munich star is in a race to be fit before the Euros.A collateral ligament tear in Stanway’s right knee means England will be without one of their most influential figures from their 2022 Euros-winning squad for tonight’s game and their clash with Spain. A player who was the last to score for the Lionesses against Spain in a major tournament. Stanway’s absence has left Wiegman needing to look to midfield alternatives for one of her most tenacious all-round players. Bayern expects the midfielder who helped them to two title wins since 2022  her to be out for “several months” following her knee op in January. The 75-capped Lioness played in all six games for England at the 2022 Euros. Her link-up play with Keira Walsh and Wiegman’s forwards has proven effective in some of the Lionesses’ most high stakes encounters in recent years. In Stanway’s absence Grace Clinton will be among their midfield options in an eight role. Last February Clinton shone on her senior international debut, playing in this position during a 7-2 hammering of Austria. A natural is how Wiegman described the midfielder who has impressed with her dribbling ability. It took the United player, who spent last season on loan at Tottenham, just 19 minutes to score after making her first start for Wiegman’s England.  Grace Clinton could play in the number eight role for England with Stanway currently recovering from a knee collateral ligament injuryCredit: GettyOther potential alternatives include skipper Leah Williamson and Leicester ace Ruby Mace. READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland chief Wiegman said: “We have a lot of things in consideration and you’ll see who we’ll pick. “Of course we think about many, many scenarios, what the options are and at the end, we’ll pick one.” More